Rational Design of ß-sheet Peptides with Self-Assembly into Nanofibres on Remineralisation of Initial Caries Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the self-assembly and gelation properties of synthetic peptides, and their efficacy on hydroxyapatite (HAP) nucleation and in situ remineralisation of initial caries lesions. METHODS: Mass spectrometry and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) were used to confirm the successful synthesis of peptides. Their self-assembly properties and conformation stability were evaluated using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8; Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan) was used to evaluate their cytotoxicity. The efficacy of the peptides on HAP nucleation and in situ remineralisation of initial caries lesions was explored using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction and transverse microradiography analysis. RESULTS: Two kinds of self-assembly ß-sheet peptides named ID4 and ID8, respectively, were successfully synthesised with purities greater than 95%. Both were stable under neutral physiological conditions and had low cytotoxicity. ID4 and ID8 showed calcium responsive self-assembly properties and could self-assemble into nanofibres. Compared with ID4, ID8 resulted in the rapid formation of hydrogel with a lower concentration of calcium, and self-assembled ID8 hydrogel induced the formation of flower-like HAP and significantly promoted the remineralisation of initial enamel caries. CONCLUSION: ID8 could serve as the template to induce HAP nucleation and promote biomimetic remineralisation of initial caries lesions. These results underpin future research on peptide design, and ID8 may be a promising bioactive component for anti-caries applications.

Upon designing carboxyl methylcellulose and chitosan-derived nanostructured sorbents for efficient removal of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from water.

Considering that the hazardous heavy metal ions like Cd(II) and Cr(VI) are widely present in the environment, nowadays employing easy-to-handle adsorption-oriented processes are feasible choices towards efficient remediation of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from aqueous systems. Herein we developed a novel amino-functionalized bead with cost-effectiveness, high sorption capacity and fast sorption kinetics to remove Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The carboxyl methylcellulose and chitosan-derived nanostructured sorbents synthesis were mainly through chitosan and dopamine self-polymerization, doped in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The pH value, initial concentration and contact time were investigated. Experimental data were commendably described by Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) obtained from the experimental data were 470.0 mg/g and 347.0 mg/g, respectively. The adsorbents were collaboratively characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, XPS, etc., and the adsorbent basically exhibited high complexation ability to Cd(II) and showed strong electrostatic effect with Cr(VI) under acidic conditions. The recycling characteristics suggested that it possesses an outstanding recyclability. The adsorbent may have a potential as high-value biological adsorbent to remove heavy metals and it deserves further research into the practical application.

A Clinical Application Study of Nanostructured Substrates for the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation methods based on nanostructured substrates can be used to isolate tumor cells from peripheral blood. This study aimed to validate the clinical application of our method and determine the appropriate diagnostic critical value. METHODS: AFM was used to detect the surface roughness of nanostructured substrates. Cell lines and blood samples were used to verify CTC isolation methods. The ROC curve and AUC were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTC numbers. RESULTS: First, AFM, cell binding yields, and tumor cell detection rate from blood showed that NS has a potential for cell adsorption. Then, the CTC detection method was verified by using cell lines and blood samples. The number of CTCs in patients with cancers or metastases were significantly greater than those of patients without cancers. Then, the ROC curves and AUC showed that this method had a medium diagnostic value. CONCLUSIONS: Isolating CTCs based on nanostructured substrates was appropriate for the clinical diagnosis of tumors, and samples with more than 1.5 CTCs/1 mL blood could be identified as CTC-positive.

Performance enhanced electromagnetic wave absorber from controllable modification of natural plant fiber.

Short, surface rough carbon rods, which were derived from natural sisal fiber and went through two different modifications, with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance, were studied in this work for the first time. The structure-property relationship was clearly established here. It was shown that these green, cheap and easily obtained carbon rods with mass preparation possibility presented eye-catching absorbing behaviors towards electromagnetic wave. Based on the natural structure of sisal fiber, the minimum reflection loss of KOH activated product reached -51.1 dB and the maximum effective absorbing bandwidth achieved 7.88 GHz. The magnetically modified sample presented -48.6 dB of minimum reflection loss and 4.32 GHz of optimal absorbing bandwidth. Its pioneering application in this field not only opens a new road for this traditional textile sisal fiber but also would possibly make a referable contribution to the design and synthesis of superior carbonaceous electromagnetic wave absorption materials based on bioresource.

Giant primary liposarcoma of the anterior mediastinum: A case report.

RATIONALE: Liposarcoma is a cancerous mesenchymal tumor and the most common soft-tissue sarcoma that starts in the adipose tissue. Liposarcoma is commonly found in lower extremities and retroperitoneum, but rarely occurs in the mediastinum. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 63-year-old male was referred to our clinic with a 6-month history of chronic cough and dyspnea. DIAGNOSE: Chest x-rays demonstrated a large mass occupying the left hemithorax. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mass in the anterior mediastinum, which caused the extrinsic compression of the main and left pulmonary artery and the right shift of mediastinum. Diagnosis of liposarcoma was confirmed by microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry analysis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent a thoracotomy for resection of the mediastinal lesion via left thoracic approach. OUTCOMES: The patient discharged without any complications and has been continuing to follow up in clinic without any complaints. LESSONS: The primary mediastinal liposarcoma is rare, and we recommend that the liposarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a mediastinal mass.

[Association between serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 concentration and the promoter 5A/6A polymorphism in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) concentrations and the promoter 5A/6A polymorphism in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The study enrolled 137 CHD patients and 106 control subjects without CHD. The diagnosis of both groups were confirmed by coronary artery angiography. One hundred and thirty-seven CHD patients were divided into acute myocardial infarction (AMI)group, unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group and stable angina (SA) group according to World Health Organization criteria. Serum concentration of MMP-3 was measured by enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA). MMP-3 promoter gene containing the 5A/6A polymorphism was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were digested by Tth111 I and then were separated by electrophoresis on agarose gel. RESULTS: The distribution of MMP-3 genotype was not significantly different between CHD patients and controls, so was it between AMI patients and controls. Serum MMP-3 level was significantly higher in AMI group than controls, UAP group and SA group (56.815+/-38.932)microg/L, (39.149+/-24.155)microg/L, (41.640+/-29.180)microg/L, (33.336+/-20.755)microg/L; P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum MMP-3 levels were not significantly different among genotypes and among controls, UAP and SA groups. No significantly differences in serum MMP-3 levels were found among patients with different numbers of coronary arteries that were involved in CHD. CONCLUSION: No marked association could be found between 5A/6A polymorphism in MMP-3 gene and risk of CHD and AMI. Higher serum level of MMP-3 is strong associated with AMI, while not with number of coronary arteries that are involved in CHD. These data suggest that MMP-3 is a useful marker for AMI, and it might play an important role in the induction of disruption of atherosclerosis plaque.