DDB2 and MDM2 genes are promising markers for radiation diagnosis and estimation of radiation dose independent of trauma and burns.

In the field of biodosimetry, the current accepted method for evaluating radiation dose fails to meet the need of rapid, large-scale screening, and most RNA marker-related studies of biodosimetry are concentrating on a single type of ray, while some other potential factors, such as trauma and burns, have not been covered. Microarray datasets that contain the data of human peripheral blood samples exposed to X-ray, neutron, and γ-ray radiation were obtained from the GEO database. Totally, 33 multi-type ray co-induced genes were obtained at first from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key genes identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and these genes were mainly enriched in DNA damage, cellular apoptosis, and p53 signaling pathway. Following transcriptome sequencing of blood samples from 11 healthy volunteers, 13 patients with severe burns, and 37 patients with severe trauma, 6635 trauma-related DEGs and 7703 burn-related DEGs were obtained. Through the exclusion method, a total of 12 radiation-specific genes independent of trauma and burns were identified. ROC curve analysis revealed that the DDB2 gene performed the best in diagnosis of all three types of ray radiation, while correlation analysis showed that the MDM2 gene was the best in assessment of radiation dose. The results of multiple-linear regression analysis indicated that such analysis could improve the accuracy in assessment of radiation dose. Moreover, the DDB2 and MDM2 genes remained effective in radiation diagnosis and assessment of radiation dose in an external dataset. In general, the study brings new insights into radiation biodosimetry.

Molecular Hydrogen Reduces Electromagnetic Pulse-Induced Male Rat Reproductive System Damage in a Rodent Model.

Infertility has got to be a broadly concerned social issue these days, in which the malefactor cannot be overlooked. Numerous studies have shown that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) radiation may have seriously damaging effects on reproductive health, through nonthermal effects and oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen, a selective hydroxyl radical scavenger, explains the protective effects against many diseases closely associated with oxidative damage, such as ionizing radiation (IR). We sought to characterize the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen on the male reproductive system in a rodent EMP exposure model. The 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to EMP (peak intensity 1000 kV/m, pulse edge 20 ns, pulse width 200 ns, 1 Hz, and 200 pulses), with or without hydrogen-rich water. The pathological structure of the testis, the rate of apoptosis of the testis, the serum testosterone level, the sperm parameters, and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes of the testis were measured. Then, transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses were applied to uncover the underlying mechanism. Exposure to EMP increased testicular apoptosis rate and apoptosis protein level, decreased sperm viability and motility, decreased serum testosterone levels, and diminished testicular antioxidant capacity. Molecular hydrogen-alleviated damage decreased the testicular apoptosis rate and apoptosis protein level, increased sperm motility, increased serum testosterone levels, and improved antioxidative capacity. Omics results showed that molecular hydrogen has a strong influence on metabolic pathways, and EMP affects mainly oxidative phosphorylation, TNF signaling pathways, and cytokine-receptor interactions. The mechanism of molecular hydrogen's effect may be related to the reversal of some metabolite levels. These observations warrant molecular hydrogen as an innovative approach for potential protection against EMP.

Effects of different concentrations of intraluminal sodium chloride solution on intracavitary ECG used for arm infusion port implantation.

At present, there are few clinical studies on the application of high-concentration sodium chloride solutions in intracavitary ECG-guided catheter tip localization during the arm infusion port implantation. This study observed the effects of sodium chloride solutions with different concentrations on intracavitary ECG-guided arm infusion port implantation in the patients with cancer. The 657 patients receiving arm infusion port implantation in our hospital between January 2020 and August 2021 were randomly divided into 0.9% sodium chloride solution conduction group (group A), 5.45% sodium chloride solution conduction group (group B) and 10% sodium chloride solution conduction group (group C). The derived rate of stable intracavitary ECG, the occurrence rate of characteristic P wave, the time used for catheter tip localization and the optimal position rate of catheter tip were compared between the three groups. The derived rate of stable intracavitary ECG was significantly higher in the group B (97.78%) and group C (98.63%) than in the group A (93.90%) (all P < 0.05). The occurrence rate of characteristic P wave was also significantly higher in the group B (96.89%) and group C (97.72%) than in the group A (88.73%) (all P < 0.001). The time used for catheter tip localization was significantly shorter in the group B [(49.73 ± 8.15) s] and group C [(48.27 ± 8.61) s] than in the group A [(69.37 ± 19.99) s] (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the optimal position rate of catheter tip among the three groups (P > 0.05). The 5.45% and 10% sodium chloride solutions are significantly superior comparing with 0.9% sodium chloride solution in the derived rate of stable intracavitary ECG, occurrence rate of characteristic P wave and time used for catheter tip localization, but there were no significant differences between 5.45 and 10% sodium chloride solutions. Moreover, the 5.45% sodium chloride solution is closer to physiological state comparing with 10% sodium chloride solution, so the 5.45% sodium chloride solution may be recommended for the intracavitary ECG-guided arm infusion port implantation.

First case report of complete paternal isodisomy of chromosome 10 harbouring a novel variant in COL17A1 that causes junctional epidermolysis bullosa intermediate.

BACKGROUND: Uniparental disomy (UPD) is a condition in which both chromosomes are inherited from the same parent, except for imprinting disorders. Uniparental isodisomy (UPiD) may result in a homozygous variant contributing to an autosomal recessive disorder in the offspring of a heterozygous carrier. Junctional epidermolysis bullosa intermediate (JEB intermediate) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease that is associated with a series of gene variants, including those of COL17A1. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the first case of complete paternal UPiD of chromosome 10 harbouring a novel homozygous variant in COL17A1: c.1880(exon23)delG (p.G627Afs*56). This variant led to the clinical phenotype of junctional epidermolysis bullosa intermediate in a 5-year-old child. Trio-whole exome sequencing (Trio-WES) and in silico data analysis were used for variant identification, Sanger sequencing was performed for variant validation, and pathological examination was performed as the gold standard for phenotype confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of WES as a first-tier test for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa, especially for paediatric patients. Moreover, UPD events should be detected and analysed routinely through WES data in the future.

Association Between Cholecystectomy and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Although several epidemiological studies have attempted to evaluate the relationship between cholecystectomy and gastric cancer risk, the findings have been controversial. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis following the reporting guidelines to comprehensively analyze and quantify the evidence of the aforementioned association. METHODS: Studies were identified by searching the Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Web of Science from inception to November 30, 2020, with only studies published in English being considered. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by random-effects models. RESULTS: Eight studies (five cohort studies and three case-control studies) with a total of 26,063 gastric cancer patients and 848,081 participants were included. The summarized RR of the relationship between cholecystectomy and gastric cancer risk was 1.11 (95%CI: 1.03-1.20), with low heterogeneity (P = 0.117, I 2 = 37.8%). These positive findings were consistent in most subgroup analyses like region in Asia, number of cases ≥200, cohort study design, sex in male, low risk of bias, exposure collection by database, and adjustments made for age, gender, calendar year. Of note, we also observed positive association between cholecystectomy and non-cardia of gastric cancer risk (RR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.33). No publication bias was present. CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned evidence suggested that a history of cholecystectomy was associated with a slightly elevated risk of gastric cancer. Results of most subgroup analyses also supported the main findings. More prospective studies are warranted to further validate these findings.

[Dexmedetomidine alleviates LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury via up-regulation of LC3-II expression in mice].

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal) and the underlying mechanism. Male BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS/D-Gal to induce acute liver injury model, and pretreated with DEX or in combination with the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) 30 min before injection. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver tissue were determined with the corresponding kits. Serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined by ELISA. The protein expression levels of LC3-II and P62 in liver tissue were determined by Western blot. Liver histopathological changes were detected by HE staining. The results showed that, compared with control group, LPS/D-Gal enhanced ALT and AST activity, increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels, as well as MPO activity, up-regulated LC3-II and P62 protein expression levels, and significantly induced pathological damage in liver tissue. DEX reversed the above changes in the LPS/D-Gal group, whereas these protective effects of DEX were blocked by 3-MA. The above results suggest that DEX alleviates LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury, which may be associated with the up-regulation of LC3-II protein expression and the activation of autophagy.

[Inhibition effect of active fraction from clove on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to induce apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT116 cells].

To screen the sensitive cell lines of active fraction from clove(AFC) on human colon cancer cells, investigate the effects of AFC on the cells proliferation and apoptosis as well as PI3 K/Akt/mTOR(phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling pathways involved, and reveal the mechanism of AFC for inducing apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of AFC. AFC-induced apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. HCT116 cells were treated with AFC with or without pretreatment with insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ), and then the protein expression levels of caspase-3, caspase-9, poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP), PI3 K, p-PI3 K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR and p-mTOR in PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western blot. RESULTS:: showed that the most obvious inhibitory effect of AFC was on human colon cancer HCT116 cells, and the optimal AFC treatment time was 48 hours. After AFC treatment, typical apoptotic features such as nuclear chromatin concentration, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies appeared in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining showed that as compared with the control group, 50 and 100 µg·mL~(-1) AFC groups increased the apoptosis rate of HCT116 cells significantly(P<0.001); AFC activated caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP in a concentration-dependent manner. The protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3/procaspase-3, cleaved PARP/PARP and caspase-9/ß-actin after treatment of AFC(100 µg·mL~(-1)) were significantly different from those in the control group(P<0.001). The relative protein expression of p-PI3 K, p-Akt and p-mTOR decreased in a concentration dependent manner, while Akt and mTOR showed no significant differences among groups. The ratios of p-PI3 K/PI3 K, p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in the AFC groups(50 and 100 µg·mL~(-1)) were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.01). Its combination with IGF-Ⅰ weakened the effect of AFC in inhibiting PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in the AFC+IGF-Ⅰ group were significantly enhanced as compared with the AFC group(P<0.05). Apoptosis-related protein expression levels(cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) in HCT116 cells treated with AFC+IGF-Ⅰ were also down regulated. As compared with the AFC group, the ratios of cleaved caspase-3/procaspase-3 and cleaved PARP/PARP in the AFC+IGF-Ⅰ group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). In summary, AFC activated caspase-mediated cascades and induced HCT116 cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which may be associated with the inhibition of the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Procyanidin B2 inhibits lipopolysaccharide­induced apoptosis by suppressing the Bcl­2/Bax and NF­κB signalling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) serve a critical role in maintaining normal vascular function. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is released from pathogenic bacteria in the blood, induces HUVEC apoptosis and injury to cause vascular dysfunction and infectious vascular diseases. Procyanidin B2 (PB2) possesses numerous functions, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti­inflammatory and antiapoptosis effects, but the molecular mechanism is not completely understood. The present study investigated the effects of PB2 on LPS­induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HUVECs, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The effects of PB2 on LPS­mediated alterations to cytotoxicity, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis were assessed by performing Cell Counting Kit­8, JC­1 fluorescence, Hoechst 33258 staining assays, respectively. IL­1ß, IL­6 and TNF­α mRNA expression and protein levels were measured by performing reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and ELISAs, respectively. Bcl­2, Bax, cleaved caspase­3, cleaved caspase­7, cleaved caspase­9, phosphorylated (p)­IκB­α, p­IκB­ß, p­NF­κB­p65 and total NF­κB p65 protein expression levels were determined via western blotting. NF­κB p65 nuclear translocation was assessed via immunofluorescence. PB2 pretreatment markedly attenuated LPS­induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HUVECs. PB2 also significantly downregulated the expression levels of IL­1ß, IL­6, TNF­α, Bax, cleaved caspase­3, cleaved caspase­7, cleaved caspase­9 and p­NF­κB­p65, but upregulated the expression levels of Bcl­2, p­IκB­α and p­IκB­ß in LPS­induced HUVECs. Moreover, PB2 markedly inhibited LPS­induced NF­κB p65 nuclear translocation in HUVECs. The results suggested that the potential molecular mechanism underlying PB2 was associated with the Bax/Bcl­2 and NF­κB signalling pathways. Therefore, PB2 may serve as a useful therapeutic for infectious vascular diseases.

LncZEB1-AS1 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma bone metastasis via regulation of the miR-302b-EGFR-PI3K-AKT axis.

In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), disease progression and associated bone metastasis (BM) can markedly reduce quality of life. While the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 antisense 1 (ZEB1-AS1) has been shown to function as a key regulator of oncogenic processes in HCC and other tumor types, whether it plays a role in controlling HCC BM remains to be established. In the current study, we detected the significant upregulation of lncZEB1-AS1 in HCC tissues, and we found this expression to be associated with BM progression. When we knocked down this lncRNA in HCC cells, we found that this significantly reduced their migratory, invasive, and metastatic activity both in vitro and in vivo. At a mechanistic level, we found that lncZEB1-AS1 was able to target miR-302b and to thereby increase PI3K-AKT pathway activation and EGFR expression, resulting in the enhanced expression of downstream matrix metalloproteinase genes in HCC cells. In summary, our results provide novel evidence that lncZEB1-AS1 can promote HCC BM through a mechanism dependent upon the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling, thus highlighting a potentially novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of such metastatic progression in HCC patients.

[Spatio-temporal niche of dominant shrimp species in the Zhongjieshan Islands Marine Protected Area, China]. / 中街山列岛海洋保护区虾类优势种时空生态位.

To understand the characteristics and living conditions of shrimp population in the Zhongjieshan Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA), according to the trawl survey data of the area in January, April, July and October 2018, we analyzed the spatio-temporal niche of dominant shrimp species based on the indices of relative importance, Shannon index, Pianka formula and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed that 16 shrimp species from 10 families and 13 genera were collected and identified. Palaemon gravier, Solenocera crassicorni, Alpheus distinguendus, Parapenaeopsis hardwickii and Alpheus japonicus were dominant species, belonging to four fami-lies and four genera. The temporal niche breadth of the dominant species varied greatly, while their spatial niche breadth was stable. The temporal niche breadth was significantly correlated with temperature suitability. The spatio-temporal niche breadth value of A. japonicus, the small shrimps, was highest. The temporal niche overlap value between P. hardwickii and S. crassicornis was the largest, indicating that the time synchronization was high and the seasonal competition was severe. There was a significant spatial niche overlap in all dominant species, indicating that the dominant species of shrimp had the same spatial homology, with strong regional competition. The spatio-temporal niche overlap value between P. hardwickii and P. gravieri was the largest, indicating that they had high similarities in physical and biological environment selecting, spawning and migratory habits, and fierce inter-specific competition. Our results could provide reference for the application of spatio-temporal niche of marine organisms.

Enhanced DNA Sensing and Chiroptical Performance by Restriction of Double-Bond Rotation of AIE cis-Tetraphenylethylene Macrocycle Diammoniums.

The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) mechanism of restriction of double-bond rotation (RDBR) was utilized to design an excellent solid emitter and sensor for the first time. Thus, cis-tetraphenylethylene (TPE) macrocycle diammoniums were synthesized and bound to a DNA chain by its two ammonium arms. The formed TPE dicycle at the cis position restricted the rotation of the double bond in both the ground and excited states, resulting in AIE enhancement, chiroptical performance enhancement, and sensing enhancement.

Successful treatment of a case with NUT midline carcinoma in the larynx and review of the literature.

In this report, we gave the first case of successful treatment for laryngeal NMC, which is exceedingly rare with dismal prognosis. intensity-modulated radiation therapy accompanied by traditional Chinese medicine was administrated for the young woman, instead of radical resection, and she got continuous remission for more than 2 years, with no recurrence detected.

Selective catalytic degradation of a lignin model compound into phenol over transition metal sulfates.

Transition metal salts were employed as the catalysts to improve the selective degradation of the α-O-4 lignin model compound (benzyl phenyl ether (BPE)) in the solvothermal system. The results concluded that most of the transition metal salts could enhance BPE degradation. Among which, NiSO4·6H2O exhibited the highest performance on BPE degradation (90.8%) for 5 h and phenol selectivity (53%) for 4 h at 200 °C. In addition, the GC-MS analysis indicated that the intermediates during BPE degradation included a series of aromatic compounds, such as phenol, benzyl methyl ether and benzyl alcohol. Furthermore, the mechanisms for BPE degradation and phenol selectivity in the NiSO4·6H2O system involved the synergetic effects between the acid catalysis and coordination catalysis, which caused the effective and selective cleavage of the C-O bonds.

Downregulation of miR-196-5p Induced by Hypoxia Drives Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hypoxic tumor microenvironment can drive enhance tumor malignancy and recurrence. The microRNA (miRNA) miR-196-5p has been shown to modulate the progression of several cancer types, but its roles in HCC remain uncertain. In the present report we observed significant miR-196-5p downregulation in HCC tissues and cells, and we found that the expression of this miRNA significantly impaired the proliferation and metastatic potential of HCC in vitro and in vivo. We identified high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a miR-196-5p target gene that was associated with the ability of miR-196-5p to modulate the progression of HCC. Expression of miR-196-5p and HMGA2 were correlated with the clinical characteristics and poor outcomes in patients with HCC. Finally, we found that hypoxic conditions were linked with reduced miR-196-5p expression in the context of HCC. Together these results highlight the role for miR-196-5p as an inhibitor of the proliferation and metastasis of HCC via the targeting of HMGA2, with this novel hypoxia/miR-196-5p/HMGA2 pathway serving as a potential target for future therapeutic intervention.

Key Points of Preliminary Treatment for Patients with Extremity Trauma Based on Analysis of Amputation Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Severe trauma can lead to amputation of limbs. There is no golden standard or comprehensive evaluation indicator for amputation. It is difficult for the primary rescue organization to focus on the most essential indicators and to determine whether to perform amputation or take proper operation. PROBLEM: For medical staff in first-line medical teams for disaster relief or in a common primary hospital, what indicators should they focus on to keep the patient's limbs when they receive wounded patients with severe trauma? METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed based on the patients with severe trauma from January 2013 through December 2018 in the emergency department of Southwest Hospital (Shapingba District, Chongqing, China), a Level I trauma center. A total of 165 cases were divided into amputation group (n = 79) and non-amputation control group (n = 86), which had severe skin and muscle injury but without amputation. The causes of trauma and the special cases were analyzed. Binary logistic regression models were used to find the essential indicators for amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular injury with delayed treatment was the most decisive indicator leading to amputation, and time phase was also important for limb salvage. Preliminary treatment of disaster victims and patients with severe trauma should focus on neurovascular status and timely delivery.

Allergic reactions to antivenom in a patient bitten twice by the same snake within a month: A rare case report and literature review.

Antivenom is the most effective method currently available for the treatment of poisonous snake bite. Allergic reactions to antivenom have been reported in the past. Here we shared a case of allergic reactions to antivenom in an old male patient who was bitten twice by the same snake (probably same one) at the same biting site within a month whereas the patient did not show any allergic disorder in the first bitten. Envenomations twice in a short period time by the same kind of snake are very rare. Physician should be alert to the occurrence of allergic reactions in treating this type of patients with antivenom. The skin allergy test has a certain value in predicting the allergic response before the second use of antivenom. Desensitization may reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, but this is insufficient. Rather than non-IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity, patients receiving the second treatment of antivenom may develop IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity. Once happened, the antivenom treatment should be stopped promptly and anti-allergy treatment should be given immediately.

Effect of Ca2+ to Sphingomyelin Investigated by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy.

The interactions between Ca2+ ions and sphingomyelin play crucial roles in a wide range of cellular activities. However, little is known about the molecular details of the interactions at interfaces. In this work, we investigated the interactions between Ca2+ ions and egg sphingomyelin (ESM) Langmuir monolayers at the air/water interface by subwavenumber high-resolution broadband sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (HR-BB-SFG-VS). We show that Ca2+ ions can induce ordering of the acyl chains in the ESM monolayer. An analysis of the one alkyl-chain-deuterated ESM revealed that the Ca2+ ions do not affect the N-linked saturated fatty acid chain, although they make the sphingosine backbone become ordered. Further analysis of the SFG-VS spectra shows that the interactions between ESM and Ca2+ ions make the orientation of the methyl group at the end of sphingosine backbone change from pointing downward to pointing upward. Moreover, a large blue shift of the phosphate group at the CaCl2 solution interface indicates, to our knowledge, new cation binding modes. Such binding causes the phosphate moiety to dehydrate, resulting in the conformation change of the phosphate moiety. Based on these results, we propose the molecular mechanism that Ca2+ ions can bind to the phosphate group and subsequently destroy the intramolecular hydrogen bond between the 3-hydroxyl group and the phosphate oxygen, which results in an ordering change of the sphingosine backbone. These findings illustrate the potential application of HR-BB-SFG-VS to investigate lipid-cation interactions and the calcium channel modulated by lipid domain formation through slight structural changes in the membrane lipid. It will also shed light on the interactions of complex molecules at surfaces and interfaces.

Evolution of Nanoflowers and Nanospheres of Zinc Bisporphyrinate Tweezers at the Air/Water Interface.

Although the sophisticated Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) techniques facilitate the fabrication of uniform ultrathin monolayer and films, they are also revealed as powerful tools for the bottom-up construction of the nanostructures through the air/water interface. In this paper, unique nanoflowers or nanospheres were constructed based on the synthesized m-phthalic diamide-linked zinc bisporphyrinate tweezers using the Langmuir and LB techniques. It was found that the two tweezer-type zinc bisporphyrinates could form stable two-dimensional spreading films at the air/water interface, which could be subsequently transferred onto solid substrates using the vertical lifting method. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that at the initial spreading stage, the compound formed flat disklike domains and then hierarchically evolved into nanoflowers or nanospheres upon compressing the floating film. Such nanostructures have not been reported before and cannot be fabricated using the other self-assembly methods.