Robust evidence reveals the reliable rate of normal/balanced embryos for identifying reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation carriers.

We aimed to evaluate the reliable rate of normal/balanced embryos for reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation carriers and to provide convincing evidence for clinical staff to conduct genetic counselling regarding common structural rearrangements to alleviate patient anxiety. The characteristics of 39,459 embryos that were sourced from unpublished data and literature were analyzed. The samples consisted of 17,536 embryo karyotypes that were not published and 21,923 embryo karyotypes obtained from the literature. Using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases, specific keywords were used to screen the literature for reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation. The ratio of normal/balanced embryos in the overall data was calculated and analyzed, and we grouped the results according to gender to confirm if there were gender differences. We also divided the data into the cleavage stage and blastocyst stage according to the biopsy period to verify if there was a difference in the ratio of normal/balanced embryos. By combining the unpublished data and data derived from the literature, the average rates of normal/balanced embryos for reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation carriers were observed to be 26.96% (7953/29,495) and 41.59% (4144/9964), respectively. Reciprocal translocation and Robertson translocation exhibited higher rates in male carriers than they did in female carriers (49.60% vs. 37.44%; 29.84% vs. 27.67%). Additionally, the data for both translocations exhibited differences in the normal/balanced embryo ratios between the cleavage and blastocyst stages of carriers for both Robertsonian translocation and reciprocal translocation (36.07% vs 43.43%; 24.88% vs 27.67%). The differences between the two location types were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The normal/balanced ratio of embryos in carriers of reciprocal and RobT was higher than the theoretical ratio, and the values ranged from 26.96% to 41.59%. Moreover, the male carriers possessed a higher number of embryos that were normal or balanced. The ratio of normal/balanced embryos in the blastocyst stage was higher than that in the cleavage stage. The results of this study provide a reliable suggestion for future clinic genetic consulting regarding the rate of normal/balanced embryos of reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation carriers.

Comparison of endovascular interventional embolization and microsurgical clipping for ruptured cerebral aneurysms: impact on patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of endovascular interventional embolization and microsurgical clipping in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and investigate their subsequent influence on inflammatory indices, neurological function, prognosis, and recovery. METHODS: The two groups were compared in terms of surgery duration, hospital stay, Hunt-Hess classification, and inflammatory indices before and after the surgery, as well as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Baethel Index (BI), and one-year prognosis of patients affected. RESULTS: The surgery duration and hospital stay of the intervention group were (116.27 ± 12.32) min and (19.82 ± 2.26) d, respectively, and those of the clipping group was (173.87 ± 10.39) min and (24.11 ± 2.33) d, respectively (both p < 0.05). Neither the intervention nor the microscopic approach had a significant impact on the severity of the patients' conditions in terms of Hunt-Hess classification (p > 0.05). In the intervention group, CRP was changed to (5.31 ± 1.22) mg/L and PCT decreased to (1.17 ± 0.39) µg/L after the surgery, while the corresponding values in clipping group were (9.78 ± 2.35) mg/L and (2.75 ± 0.81) µg/L (p > 0.05). After surgery, both groups' NIHSS scores declined dramatically, with the intervention group scoring lower than the microscopy group (6.81 ± 1.22 vs 8.72 ± 1.27) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support the potential advantages of endovascular interventional embolization (coiling) over microsurgical clipping for the management of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. These advantages include shorter surgical duration, reduced hospital stay, lower inflammatory response, improved neurological and functional outcomes, and better long-term prognosis.

Does the environmental inequality matter? A literature review.

The environmental inequality theory reveals that the risk of environmental pollution exposure varies among regions and groups and that particular groups face a higher threat of environmental pollution. In recent years, studies on the environmental inequality issue in developed countries have been increasing, while related literature on developing countries is very scarce. It has been found that some factors, such as race and economic status, have a close relationship with the risk of environmental pollution exposure faced by individuals. For the first time, this paper provides an extensive review of existing theoretical and empirical studies on environmental inequality. We review, in detail, the evolution of the environmental inequality theory, including the definition and measurement of environmental inequality. Further, we provide a systematic refresher on the main performance of environmental inequality, including health, education, labor productivity, and real estate prices. We also identify several causes of environmental inequality, such as ethnic differences, economic status, human capital, and household registration systems. Finally, we discuss prospects for the future research on this issue.

Inhibiting CBX4 efficiently protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells against sorafenib resistance.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the possible role of inhibiting chromobox protein homologue 4 (CBX4) to deregulate of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and to evaluate the contribution of these molecules to sorafenib resistance in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: HCC cell lines and a xenograft mouse model with resistance to sorafenib were employed to analyse the effects of miR424 on CSC characteristics. RNA expression was analysed by RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing in a cohort of HCC cancer patients and sorafenib-resistant (SR) cell lines, respectively, to validate the key microRNAs and targets in the network. RESULTS: MicroRNA and mRNA profiles of SR cell lines identified miR424 and its direct target CBX4 as significantly associated with stem-cell-like properties, poor survival, and clinical characteristics. Functional experiments demonstrated that miR424 suppressed CBX4 and CBX4 induced nuclear translocation of YAP1 protein but was not associated with protein production. When YAP1 and CBX4 were modulated with CA3 and UNC3866, tumorigenicity and stem-like properties were extremely inhibited, thus indicating that these compounds exerted a strong anti-tumour effect in vivo against SR HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that blocking CBX4 expression is critical in response to sorafenib resistance with advanced HCC.

The cysteine protease ATG4B of Trichinella spiralis promotes larval invasion into the intestine of the host.

The cysteine proteases of parasites are vital contributors that induce parasite migration to and invasion of host tissue. In this study, we analysed the cysteine protease ATG4B of Trichinella spiralis (TsATG4B) isolated from the soluble proteins of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) adult worms to ascertain its biochemical properties and functions during invasion into the intestine of the host. The 43 kDa recombinant cysteine protease ATG4B protein (rTsATG4B) consists of a conserved peptidase_C54 domain and was expressed in Escherichia coli. Gelatine zymography showed that rTsATG4B could hydrolyse gelatine and that the hydrolytic activity was prevented by the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 (pH 5.2). Immunofluorescence assays showed that TsATG4B is expressed at different stages and is localized at the cuticles and stichosomes of worms. Far-Western blotting and confocal microscopy revealed that rTsATG4B interacts with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and that it was subcellularly localized to the membrane and cytoplasm in IECs. Real­time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results indicated that the transcription level of the TsATG4B gene was the higher in 6-day-old adult worms (6 days AW) than in any other stage. An in vitro larval invasion assay verified that rTsATG4B promoted larval invasion and that invasion was inhibited when rTsATG4B was pre-incubated with E-64, whereas anti-rTsATG4B serum inhibited larval invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results suggested that the enzymatic activity of TsATG4B significantly influences the hydrolysis process, which is necessary for larval invasion of the host intestinal epithelium.

BMP-2 enhances the migration and proliferation of hypoxia-induced VSMCs via actin cytoskeleton, CD44 and matrix metalloproteinase linkage.

The persistent proliferation of hypoxia-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the arterial wall underlie the development of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism that regulates the behavior of VSMCs, which involve in actin aggregation, and impedes their migration is still elusive. Here, we report that bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) leads to enrichment of CD44 and F-actin stress fiber and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) during hypoxia in vitro and following artificial hypoxia-induced atherosclerosis exacerbation in vivo. To test this hypothesis, fluorescence immunostaining, immune-hybridization and flow cytometry analyses were performed to understand the relationship among BMP-2, CD44 and MMP-2 linkage. The cellular actin cytoskeleton was reduced, and smaller adhesion plaques were formed in hypoxia-induced T/G HA-VSMC cell line, but BMP-2 against disruption of F-actin and increase the motility and migration behaviors of VSMC during hypoxic cultured. Aggregation of F-actin dependents on the interaction between the cell surface integral membrane protein CD44 and Vinculin which enhanced by rBMP-2. This activity of Actin/CD44/ linkage was inhibited by competing with the active site of the CD44 using recombined the hemopexin-like C-terminal domain (PEX) of MMP-2. These results lead to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs were inhibited in response to MMP-2 activity when the cell is in a hypoxic environment. Collectively, our discovery indicates that BMP-2 could enhance migration and proliferation of hypoxia-induced VSMCs via the Actin/CD44/MMP-2 molecular pathway.

PRL-3 promotes telomere deprotection and chromosomal instability.

Phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL-3) promotes cell invasiveness, but its role in genomic integrity remains unknown. We report here that shelterin component RAP1 mediates association between PRL-3 and TRF2. In addition, TRF2 and RAP1 assist recruitment of PRL-3 to telomeric DNA. Silencing of PRL-3 in colon cancer cells does not affect telomere integrity or chromosomal stability, but induces reactive oxygen species-dependent DNA damage response and senescence. However, overexpression of PRL-3 in colon cancer cells and primary fibroblasts promotes structural abnormalities of telomeres, telomere deprotection, DNA damage response, chromosomal instability and senescence. Furthermore, PRL-3 dissociates RAP1 and TRF2 from telomeric DNA in vitro and in cells. PRL-3-promoted telomere deprotection, DNA damage response and senescence are counteracted by disruption of PRL-3-RAP1 complex or expression of ectopic TRF2. Examination of clinical samples showed that PRL-3 status positively correlates with telomere deprotection and senescence. PRL-3 transgenic mice exhibit hallmarks of telomere deprotection and senescence and are susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate-induced colon malignancy. Our results uncover a novel role of PRL-3 in tumor development through its adverse impact on telomere homeostasis.

Marsdenia tenacissima extract induces apoptosis and suppresses autophagy through ERK activation in lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Marsdenia tenacissima is an herb medicine which has been utilized to treat malignant diseases for decades. The M. tenacissima extract (MTE) shows significant anti-proliferation activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the potential anti-proliferation mechanisms of MTE in NSCLC cells in relation to apoptosis as well as autophagy, which are two critical forms to control cancer cell survival and death. METHODS: The proliferation of H1975 and A549 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V and PI staining, Caspase 3 expression and activity. Autophagy flux proteins were detected by Western blot with or without autophagy inducer and inhibitor. Endogenous LC3-II puncta and LysoTracker staining were monitored by confocal microscopy. The formation of autophagic vacuoles was measured by acridine orange staining. ERK is a crucial molecule to interplay with cell autophagy and apoptosis. The role of ERK on cell apoptosis and autophagy influenced by MTE was determined in the presence of MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126. RESULTS: The significant growth inhibition and apoptosis induction were observed in MTE treated NSCLC cells. MTE induced cell apoptosis coexisted with elevated Caspase 3 activity. MTE also impaired autophagic flux by upregulated LC3-II and p62 expression. Autophagy inducer EBSS could not abolish the impaired autophagic flux by MTE, while it was augmented in the presence of autophagy inhibitor Baf A1. The autophagosome-lysosome fusion was blocked by MTE via affecting lysosome function as evidenced by decreased expression of LAMP1 and Cathepsin B. The molecule ERK became hyperactivated after MTE treatment, but the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 abrogated autophagy inhibition and apoptosis induction caused by MTE, suggested that ERK signaling pathways partially contributed to cell death caused by MTE. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that MTE caused apoptosis induction as well as autophagy inhibition in NSCLC cells. The activated ERK is partially associated with NSCLC apoptotic and autophagic cell death in response to MTE treatment. The present findings reveal new mechanisms for the anti-tumor activity of MTE against NSCLC.

Repressor activator protein 1-promoted colorectal cell migration is associated with the regulation of Vimentin.

Repressor activator protein 1 plays important roles in telomere protection, while repressor activator protein 1 binds to extra-telomeric DNA and exerts the function as a transcriptional regulator. Previous study showed that repressor activator protein 1 regulates the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB, and it was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues; however, the clinical significance of repressor activator protein 1 expression in cancer remains to be elucidated. In this study, we discovered that repressor activator protein 1 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. High expression of repressor activator protein 1 was significantly correlated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis. Knockdown of repressor activator protein 1 in colorectal cancer cells did not affect cell proliferation or colony formation, but dramatically decreased cell migration and F-actin-enriched membrane protrusions. Microarray screening revealed that Vimentin was downregulated after repressor activator protein 1 knockdown, which was validated by analysis of a colorectal cancer dataset. Furthermore, knockdown of Vimentin attenuated repressor activator protein 1-enhanced cell migration. Thus, our study suggests that repressor activator protein 1 is a prognostic marker and a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy.

[Establishment of drug resistant cell line of MGC-803 and analysis of differential secretome].

OBJECTIVE: To identify chemoresistance-associated secretory proteins by proteomic approaches, and to provide the basis for selecting suitable chemotherapy in gastric cancer treatment. METHODS: Drug resistant cell lines were established by gradient drug treatment with MGC-803 gastric cancer cells. The secreted proteins of MGC-803 parental and resistant cells were collected from the conditional medium without serum and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE).The proteins were analyzed by PD Quest 7.1.0 software and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm the difference of expression on the mRNA level. RESULTS: The 5-fluorouracil (5FU), paclitaxel (TA) and cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer cell lines with the resistance indexes of 110.6, 70.0 and 13.3 respectively, were established successfully. DDP-resistant cells had strong cross-resistance to 5FU and TA, and the resistance indexes were 23.5 and 114.0. 5FU-resistant cells also had strong cross-resistance to TA with the resistance index 70.0. The 2-DE patterns of protein component spectra from the conditional medium were obtained with 18 proteins whose abundances were increased in all chemoresistance cells for more than 2-fold, 13 of which were identified by mass spectrometry, including protease and proteins involved in signal transduction. Compared with the parental cell MGC-803, SLMAP, TOP3A, DYNC1H1, RHPN1, PUF60 and SIAH1 were significantly up-regulated in three drug resistant cells, IFT172 and FILIP were up-regulated in 5FU-resistant and TA-resistant cells, PLVAP and LMNA were up-regulated in TA- and DDP-resistant cells. Further validation revealed that SIAH1 protein was enriched in cell lysates and the conditional medium from all the drug resistant cells. CONCLUSION: By establishing the 5FU-,TA- and DDP-resistant gastric cancer cell lines and assisted by 2-DE and mass spectrometry, we demonstrated the different secretory protein profiling and found that SIAH1 had significantly increased in both cell lysates and the conditional medium of the drug-resistant cells, which are potential candidates for developing chemoresistance markers in sera from gastric cancer patients.

Robust and Flame-Retardant Zylon Aerogel Fibers for Wearable Thermal Insulation and Sensing in Harsh Environment.

The exceptional lightweight, highly porous, and insulating properties of aerogel fibers make them ideal for thermal insulation. However, current aerogel fibers face limitations due to their low resistance to harsh environments and a lack of intelligent responses. Herein, a universal strategy for creating polymer aerogel fibers using crosslinked nanofiber building blocks is proposed. This approach combines controlled proton absorption gelation spinning with a heat-induced crosslinking process. As a proof-of-concept, Zylon aerogel fibers that exhibited robust thermal stability (up to 650 °C), high flame retardancy (limiting oxygen index of 54.2%), and extreme chemical resistance are designed and synthesized. These fibers possess high porosity (98.6%), high breaking strength (8.6 MPa), and low thermal conductivity (0.036 W m-1 K-1 ). These aerogel fibers can be knotted or woven into textiles, utilized in harsh environments (-196-400 °C), and demonstrate sensitive self-powered sensing capabilities. This method of developing aerogel fibers expands the applications of high-performance polymer fibers and holds great potential for future applications in wearable smart protective fabrics.

Impaired arginine/ornithine metabolism drives severe HFMD by promoting cytokine storm.

Introduction: The Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), caused by enterovirus 71 infection, is a global public health emergency. Severe HFMD poses a significant threat to the life and well-being of children. Numerous studies have indicated that the occurrence of severe HFMD is associated with cytokine storm. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying cytokine storm development remains elusive, and there are currently no safe and effective treatments available for severe HFMD in children. Methods: In this study, we established a mouse model of severe HFMD to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving cytokine storm. We specifically analyzed metabolic disturbances, focusing on arginine/ornithine metabolism, and assessed the potential therapeutic effects of spermine, an ornithine metabolite. Results: Our results identified disturbances in arginine/ornithine metabolism as a pivotal factor driving cytokine storm onset in severe HFMD cases. Additionally, we discovered that spermine effectively mitigated the inflammatory injury phenotype observed in mice with severe HFMD. Discussion: In conclusion, our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying severe HFMD from a metabolic perspective while offering a promising new strategy for its safe and effective treatment.

Digital economy and industrial energy efficiency performance: evidence from the city of the Yangtze River Delta in China.

Industry dominates energy consumption and carbon emissions in China, and industrial energy efficiency is critical for the achievement of energy transformation and carbon emission reduction. With the rapid development of the digital economy, its impact on energy efficiency is gradually emerging, and it is necessary to clarify the influencing mechanism on industrial energy efficiency. Based on the panel data of industrial sectors in 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2019, the main objectives of this study are to more accurately measure the industrial total factor energy efficiency in each city by using the Super-Dynamic-SBM model. It analyses the influence mechanism of the digital economy and other influencing factors on industrial total factor energy efficiency with different methods. The research results indicate that, first, the total factor energy efficiency of the industrial sector in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration generally showed a steady upward trend. Second, the digital economy and environmental regulation play a significant role in promoting total factor energy efficiency. In addition, industrial energy efficiency and the digital economy show an inverted "U" shaped relationship. With the improvement of the digital economy, its marginal contribution to total factor energy efficiency gradually weakens. Finally, technological progress is an important transmission channel for the impact of the digital economy on total factor energy efficiency.

Combination of a bronchogenic cyst in the thoracic spinal canal with chronic myelocytic leukemia.

The presented case report describes an incredibly rare instance of an intramedullary bronchial cyst located in the thoracic spinal canal on the dorsal side of the spinal cord, which was observed in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia. A 29-year-old man presented with back pain for half a month, along with numbness and pain below the chest and ribs for 1 week. Hypersensitivity was present in the inferior plane of the long xiphoid process in the nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed intramedullary cystic lesions in the vertebral body plane of the third to the fourth thoracic vertebra. There was no recurrence during the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. The histopathological findings were consistent with bronchogenic cysts. Cystic lesions were eliminated through the posterior median approach. After the cyst ruptured during surgery, gel liquid was seen, and the majority of the cyst walls were removed. One week after the surgery, the hypersensitivity fully subsided. Six months following surgery, an updated MRI revealed no recurrence. Intramedullary bronchogenic cysts on the dorsal side of the thoracic spine are extremely uncommon. Diagnosis requires histopathological evidence, and it is challenging to diagnose before surgery. Prompt surgical resection is recommended in case of positive diagnosis.

In-Situ Growth of ZnO Whiskers on Ti2ZnC MAX Phases.

ZnO whiskers have many applications, such as in medical and photocatalysis fields. In this study, an unconventional preparation approach is reported, realizing the in-situ growth of ZnO whiskers on Ti2ZnC. The weak bonding between the layer of Ti6C-octahedron and the Zn-atom layers leads to the easy extraction of Zn atoms from Ti2ZnC lattice points, resulting in the formation of ZnO whiskers on the Ti2ZnC surface. This is the first time that ZnO whiskers have been found to grow in-situ on Ti2ZnC substrate. Further, this phenomenon is amplified when the size of the Ti2ZnC grains is mechanically reduced by ball-milling, which bodes a promising route to prepare ZnO in-situ on a large scale. Additionally, this finding can also help us better understand the stability of Ti2ZnC and the whiskering mechanism of MAX phases.

Lithium storage performance and mechanism of nano-sized Ti2InC MAX phase.

Fine powders of MAX phases (a family of layered carbides/nitrides) have been showing great promise in energy storage applications. A feasible method of obtaining nano-sized MAX phase particles is critical to realizing the practical application of the vast MAX phase family in more technologically important fields. Herein, ball milling, a commercial and feasible method, is employed to prepare nano-sized Ti2InC, which delivers a high specific capacity of 590 mA h g-1 after 500 cycles and maintains 574.4 mA h g-1 after 600 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 when used as a lithium storage anode. Compared with other methods (e.g., partial etching), decreasing the size of Ti2InC particles by ball milling can preserve the exfoliated indium (In) atoms, which have great volumetric and gravimetric capacities. In situ XRD analysis indicates that the capacity of the nano-sized Ti2InC primarily comes from the lithiation of elemental In exfoliated from Ti2InC, and in particular, the exfoliated In atoms by ball milling can increase the initial capacity. The lithiation/delithiation cycle can effectively activate and even exfoliate the Ti2InC grains, which accounts for the increasing capacity upon cycling.

Multifunctional MXene/C Aerogels for Enhanced Microwave Absorption and Thermal Insulation.

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene) have emerged as promising candidates for microwave absorption (MA) materials. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as poor impedance matching, high self-stacking tendency, and high density. To tackle these challenges, MXene nanosheets were incorporated into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and subsequently assembled into a three-dimensional (3D) network structure through PAN carbonization, yielding MXene/C aerogels. The 3D network effectively extends the path of microcurrent transmission, leading to enhanced conductive loss of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Moreover, the aerogel's rich pore structure significantly improves the impedance matching while effectively reducing the density of the MXene-based absorbers. EM parameter analysis shows that the MXene/C aerogels exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of - 53.02 dB (f = 4.44 GHz, t = 3.8 mm), and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.3 GHz (t = 2.4 mm, 7.44-12.72 GHz). Radar cross-sectional (RCS) simulations were employed to assess the radar stealth effect of the aerogels, revealing that the maximum RCS reduction value of the perfect electric conductor covered by the MXene/C aerogel reaches 12.02 dB m2. In addition to the MA performance, the MXene/C aerogel also demonstrates good thermal insulation performance, and a 5-mm-thick aerogel can generate a temperature gradient of over 30 °C at 82 °C. This study provides a feasible design approach for creating lightweight, efficient, and multifunctional MXene-based MA materials.

HDGF promotes gefitinib resistance by activating the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways in non-small cell lung cancer.

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) expression is associated with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, whether HDGF affects gefitinib resistance in NSCLC remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of HDGF in gefitinib resistance in NSCLC and to discover the underlying mechanisms. Stable HDGF knockout or overexpression cell lines were generated to perform experiments in vitro and in vivo. HDGF concentrations were determined using an ELISA kit. HDGF overexpression exacerbated the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells, while HDGF knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, PC-9 cells, which were initially gefitinib-sensitive, became resistant to gefitinib treatment after HDGF overexpression, whereas HDGF knockdown enhanced gefitinib sensitivity in H1975 cells, which were initially gefitinib-resistant. Higher levels of HDGF in plasma or tumor tissue also indicated gefitinib resistance. The effects of HDGF on promoting the gefitinib resistance were largely attenuated by MK2206 (Akt inhibitor) or U0126 (ERK inhibitor). Mechanistically, gefitinib treatment provoked HDGF expression and activated the Akt and ERK pathways, which were independent of EGFR phosphorylation. In summary, HDGF contributes to gefitinib resistance by activating the Akt and ERK signaling pathways. The higher HDGF levels may predict poor efficacy for TKI treatment, thus it has the potential to serve as a new target for overcoming tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in combating NSCLC.

Molecular interactions of re-released proteins in electrophoresis of human erythrocytes.

Recently, we found that hemoglobin (Hb) could be re-released from live erythrocytes during electrophoresis release test (ERT). The re-released Hb displays single-band and multiple-band re-release types, but its exact mechanism is not well understood. In this article, the protein components of the single-band re-released Hb were examined. First, the re-released band of erythrocytes and the corresponding band of hemolysate, which was used as control, were cut out from starch-agarose mixed gel. Next, proteins were recovered from the starch-agarose mixed gel by freeze-thaw method. After condensing in a vacuum freeze drier, the samples were loaded onto a 5-12% SDS-PAGE. After electrophoresis, three protein bands (16, 28.9, and 29.3 kDa) emerged from the erythrocytes re-released Hb single-band (R-R), but only one band (29.3 kDa) emerged from the corresponding hemolysate control band (H-R). Finally, these bands were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. The results showed that these proteins were beta-globin (16 kDa), carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1, 28.9 kDa), and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2, 29.3 kDa). Because CA2 exists in both erythrocytes re-released band and hemolysate control band, we conclude that the single-band re-released Hb is mainly composed of HbA and CA1. Studying the possible interaction between HbA and CA1 will help us further understand the in vivo function of Hb.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on TiO2 Anode Thin Film with Three-Dimensional Web-like Structure.

TiO2 films with a three-dimensional web-like porous structure were prepared using the photo polymerization-induced phase separation method integrated with the pulling coating process. By adjusting the ratio of the substance in the precursor sol and the coating times, the relationships between the sol ratio, the coating times, the film structure, and the performance of the DSC were studied. The optimal film structure was found and a detailed description is given. The performance of the DSC was further improved by introducing the barrier layer and the surface-modified layer of the TiO2 coating. This promoted the short-circuit current density and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC, the mechanism of which was also investigated. Ultimately, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC based on the TiO2 anode films with a three-dimensional web-like structure was stabilized at a higher level as a result of the structural improvement.