Epon Post Embedding Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy.

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a comprehensive microscopy that combines the localization information provided by fluorescence microscopy (FM) and the context of cellular ultrastructure acquired by electron microscopy (EM). CLEM is a trade-off between fluorescence and ultrastructure, and usually, ultrastructure compromises fluorescence. Compared with other hydrophilic embedding resins, such as glycidyl methacrylate, HM20, or K4M, Epon is superior in ultrastructure preservation and sectioning properties. Previously, we had demonstrated that mEosEM can survive osmium tetroxide fixation and Epon embedding. Using mEosEM, we achieved, for the first time, Epon post embedding CLEM, which maintains the fluorescence and the ultrastructure simultaneously. Here, we provide step-by-step details about the EM sample preparation, the FM imaging, the EM imaging, and the image alignment. We also improve the procedures for identifying the same cell imaged by FM imaging during the EM imaging and detail the registration between the FM and EM images. We believe one can easily achieve Epon post embedding correlative light and electron microscopy following this new protocol in traditional EM facilities.

Preparation and antifouling performance of low-pressure carbon nanotube membranes based on polydopamine biomimetic modification.

In order to investigate the antifouling performance of low-pressure carbon nanotube membranes based on polydopamine (PDA) biomimetic modification, layered multi-walled carbon nanotubes PDA membrane (layered MWCNTs-PDA) and PDA blended MWCNTs membrane (blended PDA/MWCNTs) were prepared. The MWCNTs membranes' antifouling performance and recoverability was significantly improved in filtrating BSA, HA and SA after PDA biomimetic modification, and the total fouling and irreversible fouling were all decreased. Compared with the blended PDA/MWCNTs membrane, the layered MWCNTs-PDA membrane had higher antifouling property as it further improved the electronegativity and hydrophilicity of membrane surface. In addition, denser surface pore size of the layered MWCNTs-PDA membrane can effectively reduce the fouling by trapping foulants on its surface. The combination of PDA biomimetic modification with MWCNTs membrane had a superior antifouling performance and rejection performance in processing NOM and artificial wastewater, and the majority of humic-like foulants could be excluded by the layered MWCNTs-PDA membrane. PDA biomimetic modification alleviated the adhesion of FITC-BSA on the MWCNTs membrane. The layered MWCNTs-PDA membrane especially alleviated the attachment of bacteria and processed excellent antimicrobial ability for bacteria.

Preparation of Ultrafiltration Membrane by Polyethylene Glycol Non-Covalent Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Application for HA Removal and Fouling Control.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) non-covalent-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) membrane were prepared by vacuum filtration. The dispersion and stability of MWCNT non-covalent functionalized with PEG were all improved. TEM characterization and XPS quantitative analysis proved that the use of PEG to non-covalent functionalize MWCNT was successful. SEM image analysis confirmed that the pore size of PEG-MWCNT membrane was more concentrated and distributed in a narrower range of diameter. Contact angle measurement demonstrated that PEG non-covalent functionalization greatly enhanced the hydrophilicity of MWCNT membranes. The results of pure water flux showed that the PEG-MWCNT membranes could be categorized into low pressure membrane. PEG-MWCNT membrane had a better effect on the removal of humic acid (HA) and a lower TMP growth rate compared with a commercial 0.01-µm PVDF ultrafiltration membrane. During the filtration of bovine serum albumin (BSA), the antifouling ability of PEG-MWCNT membranes were obviously better than the raw MWCNT membranes. The TMP recovery rate of PEG-MWCNT membrane after cross flushing was 79.4%, while that of raw MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT membrane were only 14.9% and 28.3%, respectively. PEG non-covalent functionalization improved the antifouling ability of the raw MWCNT membranes and reduced the irreversible fouling, which effectively prolonged the service life of MWCNT membrane.

MiR-19a promotes cell proliferation and invasion by targeting RhoB in human glioma cells.

MicroRNA-19a (miR-19a) is upregulated in different types of cancers, including gliomas, but its specific role and function in gliomas have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that miR-19a was significantly upregulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-19a by a miR-19a mimic promoted glioma cell proliferation and invasion. In contrast, miR-19a inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, by a dual-luciferase reporter assay and expression analysis, we determined that Ras homolog family member B was a direct target of miR-19a. Knockdown of Ras homolog family member B could block cell proliferation and invasion induced by the miR-19a mimic. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-19a upregulation is common in gliomas and that suppression of miR-19a expression inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, which indicates that miR-19a may act as an oncogene in gliomas.

[Analysis of sever and rare complications of transsphenoidal surgery for lesions of sella turcica].

OBJECTIVE: To analysis the reason and prevention of sever and rare complications of transsphenoidal surgery for lesions of sella turcica. METHODS: The clinical data of 16 cases who occurred sever and rare complications during transsphenoidal surgery for 200 cases of lesions of sella turcica was analyzed. The reason and prophylaxis of complications was inquired. RESULTS: The sever and rare complications occurred in 16 cases. 4 cases died and 8 cases bleed severly and the version of 2 cases was deteriorated and 2 cases had mental disorder and 2 cases had epilepticism and 1 cases had sever postoperative headache and the brain was damaged in 2 cases among 16 cases. CONCLUSION: Although the transsphenoidal surgery comparing with transcranial surgery has mini-invasive, many complications can occur and can be decreased by selecting surgical accommodation strictly and similarity with anatomy of sella turcica and mastering transsphenoidal surgical technique skilled.