Dual-band polarization convertor based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect in all-dielectric metamaterial.

In this study, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect in all-dielectric metamaterial for dual-band linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion is demonstrated numerically and experimentally. The unit cell is composed of three ceramic blocks with different sizes. Due to the anisotropy of metamaterial and polarization dependence of subsequent EIT effects, transmission spectra for x- and y-polarized incident waves are realized to induce LTC polarization conversion. It is numerically demonstrated that a linearly polarized incident wave is transformed to a nearly perfect circularly polarized wave at around 6.24 and 6.38 GHz. The corresponding ellipticity and transmittivity are about 0.96, 0.6 and 0.94, 0.37, respectively. A metamaterial sample is fabricated and its transmission spectra are measured. The measured results are nearly equal to the simulated results. This LTC polarization convertor, with low loss and ultra thinness, may expand the application of EIT metamaterials, and it can be extended to terahertz up to optical bands. Such a design may find potential applications in microwave wave plates and metamaterial antennas, or other electromagnetic control devices.

Huang Qi Tong Bi Decoction Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via HMGB1/TLR/NF-κB Pathway.

The aim of this study was to study the protective effect of Huang Qi Tong Bi Decoction (HQTBT) on the heart of rats. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by coronary artery ligation. Proinflammatory cytokines were decreased by XFZY in coronary artery ligated rats. ST segment was also restored with the treatment of HQTBT. Triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that HQTBT reduced myocardial injury. Besides, the expressions of HMGB1/TLR/NF-κB pathway in rats were significantly decreased by HQTBT. This study shows that HQTBT inhibited inflammatory reaction on myocardial injury in rats.

The high expression of TC1 (C8orf4) was correlated with the expression of ß-catenin and cyclin D1 and the progression of squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue.

Thyroid cancer 1 (TC1, C8orf4) plays important roles in many signaling pathways, such as Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, and is involved in the development of many cancers. The objective of this study was to examine the expression of TC1 and investigate the associations among TC1, ß-catenin, Chibby, cyclin D1, and the clinicopathological factors of oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCCs). The expressions of TC1, ß-catenin, Chibby, and cyclin D1 were examined in 109 cases of OTSCCs using immunohistochemistry. The expression of TC1 was observed in all cases of OTSCCs but was negative or weak in normal squamous epithelial tissues of tongue. The high expression of TC1 was correlated with the advanced TNM stage (P = 0.042), the abnormal expression of ß-catenin (correlation coefficient = 0.314, P = 0.001) and the expression of cyclin D1 (correlation coefficient = 0.274, P = 0.006) in OTSCCs. But we did not find any associations between TC1 and Chibby. The abnormal expression of ß-catenin was correlated with the poor differentiation (P = 0.035), advanced TNM stage (P = 0.048) and the expression of cyclin D1 (correlation coefficient = 0.422, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the high expression of TC1 was common in OTSCCs and correlated with the expression of ß-catenin and cyclin D1 and the progression of OTSCCs. The high expression level of TC1 might promote the progression of OTSCCs by enhancing the activity of Wnt signaling pathway.

[Poly(ß-amino esters)-based barriers for tumor targeted delivery system].

Poly(ß-amino esters) (PBAE) are used for drug carrier and have many advantages, such as pH-sensitivity, low toxicity, structural diversity and the synthetic method of PBAE is easy. Therefore they are possessed broad application prospect in tumor-targeted drugs delivery systems. In this paper, the structural features and target drugs delivery property of PBAE are reviewed. The application forms of PBAE and different anti-cancer drugs loaded in the copolymer for tumor-targeted drugs delivery systems are introduced particularly.

Syntheses, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence of a series of iridium complexes with trifluoromethyl-substituted 2-phenylpyridine as the main ligands and tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate as the ancillary ligand.

Five bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes with tifluoromethyl-substituted 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) at different positions of its phenyl group as the main ligands and tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate (tpip) as the ancillary ligand, 2-6 (1 is a trifluoromethyl-free complex), were prepared, and their X-ray crystallography, photoluminescence, and electrochemistry were investigated. The number and positions of trifluoromethyl groups at the phenyl ring of ppy greatly affected the emission spectra of Ir(3+) complexes, and their corresponding emission peaks at 533, 502, 524, 480, and 542 nm were observed at room temperature, respectively. Constructed with complexes 2-6 as the emitters, respectively, the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with the structure of indium-tin oxide/1,1-bis[4-(di-p-tolylamino)phenyl]cyclohexane (30 nm)/Ir (x wt %):bis[3,5-bis(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl]diphenylsilane (15 nm)/1,3,5-tris(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl (45 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (100 nm) showed good performances. Particularly, device G4 based on 4-trifluoromethyl-substituted complex 4 with x = 8 wt % obtained a maximum luminance of over 39000 cd m(-2) and maximum luminance efficiency (η(L)) and power efficiency (η(p)) of 50.8 cd A(-1) and 29.0 lm W(-1), respectively. The results suggested that all of the complexes 2-6 would have potential applications in OLEDs.

Targeting SHP2 reverses BRAF inhibitor tolerance in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To explore the possibility of a combination of dabrafenib and SHP2 inhibitor in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and to provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Firstly, a drug resistance model was established, and the expression levels of related RTK were detected by qPCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in the control group, single-drug group and two-drug combination group. The gene silencing of SHP2 was achieved by transfection of siRNA and verified by Western blot. CCK8 kit and clone formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation activity. In vivo model of mutant thyroid cancer cells was established by subcutaneous injection of mice and then divided into four groups. Tumor diameter was measured every two days. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of p-ERK, p-AKT and Ki67 in mouse tumors. RESULTS: In this study, dabrafenib-resistant ATC cells were first constructed, and the response of RTKs in drug-resistant cells was upregulated to activate Akt and MER/ERK pathways. The activation of Akt and MEK/ERK pathways in the combination group was significantly inhibited, and the proliferation ability of tumor cells was significantly reduced compared with Dabrafenib, SHP099 group and DMSO group. To verify that SHP099 was not off-target, we also silenced SHP2 expression by transfection with siRNA and obtained the same results. Finally, by building a mouse drug resistance model, we confirmed that dabrafenib and SHP099 can also play a powerful anti-cancer effect in vivo. CONCLUSION: The SHP2 inhibitor SHP099 can effectively reverse the drug resistance of dabrafenib through inhibiting the reactivated RAS signaling pathway in anaplastic thyroid cancer.The combination of dabrafenib with SHP2 inhibitor has shown significant tumor suppressive effects for dabrafenib-resistant cells and it may be a new therapeutic strategy with longer lasting therapeutic benefits.

Transcription expression and clinical significance of dishevelled-3 mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA in pleural effusions from patients with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic utility of Dishevelled-3 (DVL-3) mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA expression in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer. METHODS: DVL-3 mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA levels were assessed by performing RT-PCR on pleural effusion specimens from patients with lung cancer (n = 75) and with lung benign disease (n = 51). RESULTS: The expressions of DVL-3 mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA were significantly higher in malignant than in benign lung disease (P < 0.01) and were obviously higher than cytology in adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01). In single use, DVL-3 mRNA had the highest specificity (94.1%) and PPV (95.7%), whereas δ-catenin mRNA had the highest sensitivity (92.0%) and NPV (88.5%). When combinations of markers were evaluated together, DVL-3 mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA gave a high-diagnostic performance: sensitivity of 100.0%, NPV of 100.0%, and accuracy of 96.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: As molecular markers of detecting pleural micrometastasis, DVL-3 mRNA and δ-catenin mRNA are helpful to diagnose the cancer cells in pleural effusions of patients with lung cancer.

Quantitative analysis of carnosine, anserine, and homocarnosine in skeletal muscle of aquatic species from east China sea.

Histidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) are a family of non-protein, nitrogen-containing compounds with multiple physiological roles and are mainly present in excitable tissues of vertebrates. The distribution of HCDs in various animal species has been the subject of study for nearly 100 years. The aim of this research was to determine the content of the HCDs in the aquatic species collected from the Zhoushan fishing ground of the East China Sea. Using LC-MS/MS technology, the occurrence of carnosine, anserine, and homocarnosine in skeletal muscle of 38 aquatic species (26 teleosts, 6 molluscs, and 6 crustaceans) and chicken breast was investigated. Of the 38 aquatic species examined, 24 species (23 teleosts and 1 mollusc) contained considerable amounts (>5 ng/g wet tissue) of HCDs, and anserine was the major component of HCDs in their skeletal muscles. Only 5 teleosts contained homocarnosine. Most invertebrates, with the exception of the sepia Uroteuthis chinensis, did not contain HCDs. The present findings greatly expand the HCD distribution data and provide insight into understanding the roles of HCDs in different animals and a nutritional assessment for marine aquatic species.

Metal-organic framework IRMOFs coated with a temperature-sensitive gel delivering norcantharidin to treat liver cancer.

BACKGROUND: Norcantharidin (NCTD) is suitable for the treatment of primary liver cancer, especially early and middle primary liver cancer. This compound can reduce tumors and improve immune function. However, the side effects of NCTD have limited its application. There is a marked need to reduce the side effects and increase the efficacy of NCTD. AIM: To develop a nanomaterial carrier, NCTD-loaded metal-organic framework IRMOF-3 coated with a temperature-sensitive gel (NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel), aiming to improve the anticancer activity of NCTD and reduce the drug dose. METHODS: NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel was obtained by a coordination reaction. The apparent characteristics and in vitro release of NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel were investigated. Cell cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry, and apoptosis experiments in mouse hepatoma (Hepa1-6) cells were used to determine the anti-liver cancer activity of NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel in in vitro models. RESULTS: The particle size of NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel was 50-100 nm, and the particle size distribution was uniform. The release curve showed that NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel had an obvious sustained-release effect. The cytotoxicity assays showed that the free drug NCTD and NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel treatments markedly inhibited Hepa1-6 cell proliferation, and the inhibition rate increased with increasing drug concentration. By flow cytometry, NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel was observed to block the Hepa1-6 cell cycle in the S and G2/M phases, and the thermosensitive gel nanoparticles may inhibit cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis experiments showed that NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel induced the apoptosis of Hepa1-6 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that the NCTD-IRMOF-3-Gel may be beneficial for liver cancer disease treatment.

Shenkang VII Recipe Attenuates Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-induced Renal Fibrosis via TGF-ß/Smad, NF-κB and SHH Signaling Pathway.

This study aimed to explore the protective effects of the traditional Chinese Medicine formula Shenkang VII recipe (SK-7) on renal fibrosis and the mechanisms. Renal fibrosis was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. The rats were then divided into 5 groups: control group (Sham operation), UUO model group, UUO model plus low to high doses of SK-7 (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg/day, for 14 days) groups. The animals were sacrificed on the 7th or 14th day. Kidney tissues were collected for histopathological examinations (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of collagen type III (Col III), fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). The TGF-ß1/Smad, NF-kB and Sonic hedgehog signaling proteins were detected by Western blotting. Our results showed that SK-7 prevented UUO-induced renal injury and accumulation of collagen fibrils. Renal fibrosis biomarkers Col III, FN, α-SMA and TIMP2 were increased in the rats after UUO and decreased by SK-7, while MMP2 was upregulated after treatment. SK-7 also suppressed the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and MCP-1 in UUO rats. In addition, SK-7 inhibited activation of the TGF-ß/Smad, NF-κB and sonic hedgehog signaling (SHH) pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that SK-7 may regulate the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix, reduce inflammation and suppress the proliferation of fibroblasts, by blocking the TGF-ß1/Smad, NF-κB and SHH signaling pathways to exert its anti-renal fibrosis effect in UUO rats.

Mangiferin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via MAPK/Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB In Vitro and In Vivo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of mangiferin (MAF) in vitro and in vivo. Oxidative stress and inflammatory injury were detected in coronary artery ligation in rats and also in hypoxia-reoxygenation- (H/R-) induced H9c2 cells. MAF inhibited myocardial oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines in rats with coronary artery occlusion. The ST segment of MAF treatment groups also resumed. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and pathological analysis showed that MAF could significantly reduce myocardial injury. In vitro data showed that MAF could improve hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) induced H9c2 cell activity. In addition, MAF could significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory pathway protein expression in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. This study has clarified the protective effects of MAF on myocardial injury and also confirmed that oxidative stress and inflammation were involved in the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) model.

Ameliorative Effect of Dangguibuxue Decoction against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Heart Injury in Mice.

Dangguibuxue decoction (DBD), a kind of Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat blood deficiency disease in China. In this experiment, we studied the effects of the Dangguibuxue decoction (DBD) on the myocardial injury induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum were detected by commercial kits. Total white blood cell (WBCs), platelets, and cytokines pathological changes of heart tissue were also examined. In addition, the protein levels of the NF-кB pathway were detected to reveal its mechanism. The results showed that DBD significantly decreased the levels of ALT, AST, CK, and LDH and increased WBCs in CTX-induced mice. In addition, DBD significantly alleviated pathological changes of heart tissue. DBD significantly reduced the protein expressions of NF-кB signaling pathway. In summary, DBD can be considered an effective drug to alleviate CTX-induced heart damage in mice.

Diagnostic Utility of HPV16 E6 mRNA or E7 mRNA Quantitative Expression for Cervical Cells of Patients with Dysplasia and Carcinoma.

Current human papillomavirus (HPV)16 DNA testing has high sensitivity but low specificity, while mRNA testing (qualitative) improves the specificity. However, both techniques are not able to discriminate between transient and persistent infections. To overcome the disadvantages, we quantitatively detected E6 and E7 mRNAs by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in cervical brushing cells from 87 HPV16+ and 31 HPV16- patients. Our results showed that the expression levels of E6 mRNA or E7 mRNA were significantly increased in HPV16-positive cases than that in the negative cases. Furthermore, in HPV16+ cases, the expression levels of E6 mRNA were significantly increased in invasive cancer compared with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL; p < 0.01), and HSIL compared with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL; p < 0.01). There were no significant changes between LSIL and benign lesions. The expression levels of E7 mRNA presented no significant difference among the above-mentioned four groups. To test whether qRT-PCR can discriminate between transient and persistent infections, 57 HPV16+ patients were followed up for 1 year, and our results demonstrated that the expression levels of both E6 mRNA and E7 mRNA in the persistent infection group were significantly increased relative to the transient infection group ( p < 0.01 or 0.05). Thus, a quantitative detection of the expression levels of E6 mRNA in cervical brushing cells may not only be used as an ancillary tool to cytological diagnosis of cervical neoplasia, but may also help to determine the severity of the lesions and the triage of transient infection.

Single Ethanol Withdrawal Regulates Extrasynaptic δ-GABAA Receptors Via PKCδ Activation.

Alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) is one of the most widely abused drugs with profound effects on brain function and behavior. GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are one of the major targets for EtOH in the brain. Temporary plastic changes in GABAARs after withdrawal from a single EtOH exposure occur both in vivo and in vitro, which may be the basis for chronic EtOH addiction, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Extrasynaptic δ-GABAAR endocytosis is implicated in EtOH-induced GABAAR plasticity, but the mechanisms by which the relative abundance and localization of specific GABAARs are altered by EtOH exposure and withdrawal remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying rapid regulation of extrasynaptic δ-GABAAR by a single EtOH withdrawal in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Thirty-minutes EtOH (60 mM) exposure increased extrasynaptic tonic current (Itonic) amplitude without affecting synaptic GABAAR function in neurons. In contrast, at 30 min after withdrawal, Itonic amplitude and responsiveness to acute EtOH were both reduced. Similar results occurred in neurons with okadaic acid (OA) or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) exposure. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition prevented the reduction of Itonic amplitude and the tolerance to acute EtOH, as well as the reduction of GABAAR-δ subunit abundance induced by a single EtOH withdrawal. Moreover, EtOH withdrawal selectively increased PKCδ level, whereas PKCδ inhibition specifically rescued the EtOH-induced alterations in GABAAR-δ subunit level and δ-GABAAR function. Together, we provided strong evidence for the important roles of PKCδ in the rapid regulation of extrasynaptic δ-GABAAR induced by a single EtOH withdrawal.

Comparative Analysis for Diagnostic Yield of Small Cell Lung Cancer by Cytology and Histology During the Same Bronchoscopic Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Biopsy, brushing, and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) are the most common methods used for the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer during the same diagnostic bronchoscopic procedure. However, it is not clear which method provides better results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 140 patients who had undergone video bronchoscopy for diagnostic purposes. Bronchial brushings were obtained from all subjects. Biopsy specimens were also obtained from all subjects, except for 6 cases that could not be sampled; the TBNA method was used for some special lesions. The results were analyzed separately by histology and cytology. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of cytology was significantly greater than that of histology (P < .01) and that of conventional smear preparations in cytology was obviously greater than that of hematoxylin and eosin stains in histology (P < .01). The false-negative results were significantly lower with cytology than with histology (P < .01). Also, the cases of sampling site restriction with cytology were distinctly less than those with histology (P < .05). Stretch deformation of the tissue structure and cell morphology was the main reason for the false-negative results in the histologic diagnosis. The use of TBNA resolved all 4 cases of hilar adenopathy and 2 cases of lesions outside the bronchus. Multiple brushings of the tissue adjacent to cancer tissue and liquid-based preparations of cancerous necrotic tissue can significantly reduce the false-negative results from biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield of cytologic examination of brushings and TBNA for small cell lung cancer was superior to that of histologic examination of hematoxylin and eosin stains and immunohistochemistry.

[Investigation on spectroscopic properties of Yb3+ -doped laser glasses].

Yb3+ -doped borosilicate glasses were prepared at high tempreture. The absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were measured at room temperature. The integrated absorption cross section, stimulated emission cross section and fluorescent time were calculated. The results showed that the main peak wavelength was 975.15 nm in absorption spectra with one subpeak near 937.17 nm; emission peak was at 977.15 nm in fluorescence spectra with one subpeak near 997.42 nm; with increasing the sample thickness from 0.5 to 5 mm, luminescence intensity became greater, and the peak shifted to longer wavelength from 995.79 to 999.02 nm. The effective line width of fluorescence increased from 34.64 to 54.50 nm; Fluorescence lifetime decreased from 1.04 to 1.00 ms.

[The preparation and spectroscopic characteristics of ytterbium silicate glasses].

Yb3+-doped silicate glasses were prepared at high temperature, which had a small non-linear refractive index coefficient n2 (1.62), lower transformation temperature and lower softening temperature (540 degrees C and 585 degrees C, respectively). The absorption spectrum from 850 to 1100 nm showed that the main peak was at 975 nm with two subpeaks near 908 nm and 944 nm, respectively. Emission peak was at 1,010 nm in the fluorescence spectrum with a 65.5 nm fluorescence half-line width. The integrated absorption cross section, stimulated emission cross section and fluorescence time were caculated to be 3.44 X 10(4) pm2, 0.71 pm2 and 1.05 ms, respectively, which satisfy the requirements of laser glasses.

Paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome associated with bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumor in youth: A case report and review of the literature.

Paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome (CushingPS) caused by bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. The present study reports the case of an 18-year-old male patient presenting with rapid weight gain, polyuria, polydipsia and progressive muscle weakness. Chemical and imaging findings suggested ectopic secretion of adrenocorticotropin. Whole-body 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG-PET/CT) positron-emission tomography revealed an increased uptake of 18FDG-PET/CT in the right middle lung mass and lobar lymph node. Postoperative pathology confirmed the presence of a typical carcinoid, as well as a lobar lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent a right middle lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node resection, which resulted in symptom clearance, followed by rapid weight loss. No CushingPS or tumor recurrence was observed at the 3-month postoperative follow-up.

Hemolymphangioma of the spleen: A report of a rare case.

Hemolymphangioma is a malformation of both lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. Splenic hemolymphangioma is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of 62-year-old woman with ambiguous upper quadrant abdominal pain for two months who was found to have an occupying lesion in the spleen on computed tomography. She was eventually diagnosed with hemolymphangioma of the spleen. The patient underwent total splenectomy. Neither symptoms nor recurrence was found during the one-year follow-up period.

Simultaneous Occurrence of a Rare Pancreatic Lymphoepithelial Cyst and Duodenal Mesenteric Castleman's Disease: a Case Report.

Pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst is a rare pancreatic lesion of undetermined pathogenesis, which is a true pancreatic cyst. Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, and a mesenteric location is unusual. The simultaneous occurrence of the two diseases are rarer than metachronous ones and has not been reported to date. We present a case report of a patient with simultaneous occurrence of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst and duodenal mesenteric Castleman's disease.