Fe-doping induced surface Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle and activated redox-inert TiO2 for enhanced Hg(II) electrochemical sensing: An efficient strategy to strengthen the redox activity.

Recently, Fe-based metal oxide with a variable-valence ability (i.e., the Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle) can participate in the redox of target heavy metal ions (HMIs) and enhance the electrochemical signal, which have attracted significant attention. However, it has not yet been proved whether iron-based metal oxides with variable-valence ability can activate the variable valence behavior of inert metal oxides (i.e., TiO2) and enable them to participate in the redox of target HMIs. Herein, we develop an efficient Fe-doped strategy to activate TiO2 nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of Hg(II). TiO2 nanoparticles with the 5% Fe-doped content (FT5) possess the best detection sensitivity of 400.63 µA µM-1 cm-2 for Hg(II), which is dramatically higher than that of pure TiO2. The synergistic effects of enhanced adsorption by OVs and promoted redox activity by surface Fe2+/Fe3+ and Ti3+/Ti4+ cycle help FT5 to obtain an excellent electrochemical detection performance of Hg(II). In detail, Fe doping tune the concentration of oxygen vacancies (OVs) in TiO2 nanoparticles, which contributes to improving the adsorption ability of Hg(II). The exposed OVs on the surface of Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles form numerous hydroxyl groups (-OH) in water, and the hydroxyl groups can bond with Hg(II), tremendously accelerating the capture of Hg(II). Upon successfully obtaining OVs, the Ti3+ species are created in TiO2, achieving the activation of TiO2. Moreover, it is found that large amount surface Fe2+/Fe3+ and Ti3+/Ti4+ cycle on FT5 can accelerated the redox of Hg(II) and then favor to electrochemical detection performance. This study emphasizes that doping transition metal elements with variable valence states can control OVs concentration and successfully activate inert metal oxides.

Cobalt encapsulated in bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes for highly sensitive electroanalysis of Pb(II): enhancement based on adsorption and catalysis.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are recognized as desirable candidates to fabricate electrochemical sensing interfaces owing to their high surface area and excellent electron conductivity. However, the poor catalytic properties of CNTs significantly hinder their further application in electrochemical detection. Herein, for the first time we combined defective CNTs with catalytically active cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) to give cobalt encapsulated in a bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotube nanocomposite (Co/N-CNTs). The novel constructed Co/N-CNTs are used as a modifier on a bare glass carbon electrode for the electrochemical detection of Pb(ii). As a result, the positive effect of adsorption and catalysis on Co/N-CNT shows a significant improvement in the electroanalytical performance towards Pb(ii) with a sensitivity of 69.74 µA µM-1 and a limit of detection of 0.039 µM. Moreover, the stability and practical applications of Co/N-CNTs towards Pb(ii) in real water samples obtained from a mining subsidence area were also considered. This method shows great promise, achieving an outstanding electroanalysis efficiency with noble-metal-free nanocomposite sensors based on the combination of carbon and transition metals.

An ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensor of Ni/Fe-LDH toward nitrobenzene with the assistance of surface functionalization engineering.

Hypersensitive detection of organic pollutions with high toxicity in drinking water always keeps its challenge in electroanalysis due to their low concentration and electrochemical redox inert. In this work, a novel nanomaterial modified electrode for the sensitive detection of nitrobenzene (NB) is presented, based on environmental friendly and cost-effective Ni/Fe layered double hydroxides functionalized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (Ni/Fe(SDS)-LDH). Such 2D layered composites were prepared and used to improve the sensitivity for NB detection, due to its good catalytic activity for NB reduction. Besides, the proposed electrode shows a remarkably promoted sensitivity to NB compared to Ni/Fe-LDHs modified one. It is because that the surface modifier SDS can provide more adsorption sites to significantly improve the adsorption of NB, which has been confirmed by the adsorption experiment and the characterization of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). As a result, an impressive sensing behaviour is achieved at the proposed Ni/Fe(SDS)-LDHs modified electrode with a sensitivity of 15.79 µA µM-1 cm-2. This work provides a promising way to build more advanced nanomaterials to electrochemical detection of organic pollution based on energetically synergizing of adsorption by surface functionalization engineering.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection vs Esophagectomy for T1 Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Real-World Cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophagectomy is the standard treatment for early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EESCC), but patients who undergo this procedure have high morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a less-invasive procedure for treatment of EESCC, but is considered risky because this tumor frequently metastasizes to the lymph nodes. We aimed to directly compare outcomes of patients with EESCC treated with ESD vs esophagectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with T1a-m2/m3, or T1b EESCCs who underwent ESD (n = 322) or esophagectomy (n = 274) from October 1, 2011 through September 31, 2016 at Zhongshan Hospital in Shanghai, China. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at the end of follow up (minimum of 6 months). Secondary outcomes included operation time, hospital stay, cost, perioperative mortalities/severe non-fatal adverse events, requirement for adjuvant therapies, and disease-specific mortality and cancer recurrence or metastasis at the end of the follow up period. RESULTS: Patients who underwent ESD were older (mean 63.5 years vs 62.3 years for patients receiving esophagectomy; P = .006) and a greater proportion was male (80.1% vs 70.4%; P = .006) and had a T1a tumor (74.5% vs 27%; P = .001). A lower proportion of patients who underwent ESD had perioperative mortality (0.3% vs 1.5% of patients receiving esophagectomy; P = .186) and non-fatal severe adverse events (15.2% vs 27.7%; P = .001)-specifically lower proportions of esophageal fistula (0.3% of patients receiving ESD vs 16.4% for patients receiving esophagectomy; P = .001) and pulmonary complications (0.3% vs 3.6%; P = .004). After a median follow-up time of 21 months (range, 6-73 months), there were no significant differences between treatments in all-cause mortality (7.4% for ESD vs 10.9%; P = .209) or rate of cancer recurrence or metastasis (9.1% for ESD vs 8.9%; P = .948). Disease-specific mortality was lower among patients who received ESD (3.4%) vs patients who patients who received esophagectomy (7.4%) (P = .049). In Cox regression analysis, depth of tumor invasion was the only factor associated with all-cause mortality (T1a-m3 or deeper vs T1a-m2: hazard ration, 3.54; P = .04). CONCLUSION: In a retrospective study of patients with T1am2/m3 or T1b EESCCs treated with ESD (n = 322) or esophagectomy (n = 274), we found lower proportions of patients receiving ESD to have perioperative adverse events or disease specific mortality after a median follow up time of 21 months. We found no difference in overall survival or cancer recurrence or metastasis in patients with T1a or T1b ESCCs treated with ESD vs esophagectomy.

The Unique Spatial-Temporal Treatment Failure Patterns of Adjuvant Gefitinib Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ADJUVANT Trial (CTONG 1104).

INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant gefitinib therapy prolonged disease-free survival in patients with resected early-stage EGFR-mutation positive NSCLC in the ADJUVANT study (CTONG 1104). However, treatment failure patterns after gefitinib therapy are less well characterized. METHODS: Overall, 222 stage N1-N2, EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients received gefitinib or vinorelbine plus cisplatin (VP) treatment. Tumor recurrences or metastases occurring during follow-up were defined as treatment failure; sites and data of first treatment failure were recorded. A post hoc analysis of treatment failure patterns which was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and hazard rate curves in modified intention-to-treat patients was conducted. RESULTS: There were 114 recurrences and 10 deaths before recurrence across 124 progression events. Spatial distribution analysis showed that the first metastasis site was most frequently the central nervous system in the gefitinib group (29 of 106 [27.4%]), extracranial metastases were most frequent in the VP group (32 of 87 [36.8%]). Temporal distribution analysis showed lower tumor recurrence with gefitinib than with VP 0 to 21 months post-surgery. However, recurrence with gefitinib showed a constant rate of increase 12 months post-surgery. The first peak of extracranial metastasis appeared during 9 to 15 months with VP and 24 to 30 months with gefitinib. The highest peak for central nervous system metastases post-surgery occurred after 12 to 18 months with VP and 24 to 36 months with gefitinib. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant gefitinib showed advantages over VP chemotherapy in treatment failure patterns especially in extracranial metastasis. Adjuvant tyrosine kinas inhibitors may be considered as a treatment option in resected stage N1-N2 EGFR-mutant NSCLC but longer duration should be explored.

A mutational profile in multiple thymic squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Multiple thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a rare thymic epithelial tumor with a dismal prognosis. Mutational profiles of multiple TSCC may expand our understanding of tumorigenesis and treatment options for these tumors. METHODS: We sequenced the whole exomes of 3 TSCC nodules from a multiple TSCC patient and a paired peripheral blood sample and identified single-nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions, and also performed gene ontological and pathway analyses. RESULTS: The 3 TSCC nodules were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the results showed that these 3 nodules were highly similar with respect to histology. We identified 116, 94 and 98 non-synonymous somatic mutations in the 3 TSCC nodules, and 34 mutations, including mutations in TP53 and ARID1A, among others, were present in all 3 TSCC nodules. We then performed immunohistochemistry to assess two selected genes, TP53 and ARID1A, and found that the 3 TSCC nodules expressed similar levels of TP53 and ARID1A. Further gene ontological analysis and pathway analysis revealed that the 3 TSCC nodules also had similar significantly enriched pathways based on the identified genetic alterations. These results demonstrated that the 3 multiple TSCC nodules were spatially independent of each other but were highly similar with respect to histological sources and genetic characteristics, suggesting that 2 TSCC nodules were likely metastases of the third nodule. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TSCC cells can be transferred to other sites inside the thymus and that total thymectomy is a good treatment option for thymic epithelial tumors.

Overexpression of the Wild Soybean R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor GsMYB15 Enhances Resistance to Salt Stress and Helicoverpa Armigera in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

Plant R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been suggested to play crucial roles in the response to diverse abiotic and biotic stress factors but there is little molecular evidence of this role in soybean plants. In this work, we identified and functionally characterized an R2R3-MYB TF, namely, GsMYB15, from the wild soybean ED059. Protein and promoter sequence analysis indicated that GsMYB15 is a typical R2R3-MYB TF and contains multiple stress-related cis-elements in the promoter region. GsMYB15 is located in the nucleus and exhibits transcriptional activation activity. QPCR assays suggested that the expression of GsMYB15 could be induced by NaCl, insect attacks and defense-related hormones (MeJA and SA). Furthermore, GsMYB15 exhibited highest expression in pods compared to other tissues. Functional analysis of GsMYB15 demonstrated that overexpression of GsMYB15 could increase salt tolerance and enhance the resistance to H. armigera larvae in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Moreover, overexpression of GsMYB15 also affected the expression levels of salt stress- and defense-related genes in the transgenic plants. Feeding with transgenic Arabidopsis plant leaves could significantly suppress the expression levels of immunity-related genes in H. armigera larvae. Overexpression of GsMYB15 also increased mesophyll cell levels in transgenic plants. Taken together, these results provide evidence that GsMYB15 is a positive regulator of salt stress tolerance and insect resistance in transformed Arabidopsis plants.

Fluoride adsorption on manganese carbonate: Ion-exchange based on the surface carbonate-like groups and hydroxyl groups.

Manganese carbonate (MnCO3) nanowires and microcubes were controlled synthesized by a simple ethylene glycol (EG) mediated solution method. The volume ratios of EG and water has a decisive impact on the morphology of MnCO3 products. With a decreased water volume, MnCO3 products were transformed from microcubes to nanowires. The obtained MnCO3 nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm. The adsorption properties of the MnCO3 products towards fluoride were investigated. The adsorption capacities of the nanowires were higher than that of the microtubes. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity was 46.80mgg-1 at pH 7.0. The adsorption capacity was 11.58mgg-1 when the equilibrium fluoride concentration was just below the WHO guideline of 1.5mgL-1. The kinetic data were well fitted to pseudo-second-order model. The fluoride removal was attributed to the ion-exchange based on the surface hydroxyl groups and carbonate-like groups, which was revealed by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Endoscopic naso-leakage drainage: a safe and effective method for the management of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage (IAL) remains a major complication of esophagectomy. Main non-surgical options of management include chest drainage and endoscope interventions. This study is aim to present our experience and assess the efficacy of endoscopic naso-leakage drainage (ENLD) in patients with IAL. METHODS: From June 2011 to January 2017, 67 patients who developed IAL after esophagectomy and managed by non-surgical approaches were analyzed retrospectively. IAL was confirmed by clinical presentations combined with the evidence of CT scan, radiography and endoscopy. Thirty-eight patients were treated by conventional chest drainage (CD group) and 29 patients underwent ENLD with or without chest drainage (ENLD group), while other treatments including enteral nutrition and antibiotics had no difference between the two groups. In ENLD group, a 12 Fr naso-leakage tube was placed through the leakage to the bottom of vomica under ultra-slim electronic gastroscope. The naso-leakage tube was then connected to a gastrointestinal decompression device for drainage and was also used for rinse. When the vomica diminished and the drainage was also clean, the naso-leakage tube could be pulled back gradually. Finally, healing of the leakage was confirmed endoscopically. Clinical records of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: In ENLD group, naso-leakage tubes were successfully placed under endoscope in all 29 patients without any procedure-related complications. In CD group, the mortality is 7.9% (three patients) and five patients (13.2%) developed to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to insufficient drainage. While in ENLD group, there was only one patient (3.4%) developed to SIRS and no death was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant. When compared with the CD group, the ENLD group had a shorter healing course (44.2±18.3 vs. 60.5±27.7 days, P=0.008), duration of antibiotics usage (16.4±7.8 vs. 11.8±3.8 days, P<0.001) and duration of fever (4.3±2.2 vs. 9.5±8.6 days, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: To our initial experience, ENLD is an ideal option with safety and efficacy in management of IAL after esophagectomy.

Fluoride adsorption onto amorphous aluminum hydroxide: Roles of the surface acetate anions.

Amorphous aluminum hydroxide with hydroxyl groups, acetate anions and chlorine anions enriched surface was synthesized, and was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. Batch experiments were performed to study the influence of various experimental parameters such as contact time, initial fluoride concentration, temperature, pH value and the presence of competing anions on the adsorption of fluoride on amorphous aluminum hydroxide. The kinetic data was well fitted to pseudo-second-order model. The fluoride adsorption on the amorphous aluminum hydroxide can be well described by the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 63.94mgg(-1) at pH 7.0. Thermodynamic parameters including the Gibbs free energy, standard enthalpy and standard entropy were calculated, and the results suggested that the adsorption of fluoride on the amorphous aluminum hydroxide was a feasible, spontaneous and exothermic process. The adsorption mechanism was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The results suggested that the surface acetate anions and surface chlorine anions played important roles in the fluoride removal process.

AKAP95 promotes cell cycle progression via interactions with cyclin E and low molecular weight cyclin E.

AKAP95 in lung cancer tissues showed higher expression than in paracancerous tissues. AKAP95 can bind with cyclin D and cyclin E during G1/S cell cycle transition, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To identify the mechanism of AKAP95 in cell cycle progression, we performed AKAP95 transfection and silencing in A549 cells, examined AKAP95, cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 expression, and the interactions of AKAP95 with cyclins E1 and E2. Results showed that over-expression of AKAP95 promoted cell growth and AKAP95 bound cyclin E1 and E2, low molecular weight cyclin E1 (LWM-E1) and LWM-E2. Additionally AKAP95 bound cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 in the nucleus during G1/S transition, bound LMW-E1 during G1, S and G2/M, and bound cyclin E2 mainly on the nuclear membrane during interphase. Cyclin E2 and LMW-E2 were also detected. AKAP95 over-expression increased cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 expression but decreased cyclin E2 levels. Unlike cyclin E1 and LMW-E2 that were nuclear located during the G1, S and G1/S phases, cyclin E2 and LMW-E1 were expressed in all cell cycle phases, with cyclin E2 present in the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane, with traces in the nucleus. LMW-E1 was present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. The 20 kDa form of LMW-E1 showed only cytoplasmic expression, while the 40 kDa form was nuclear expressed. The expression of AKAP95, cyclin E1, LMW-E1 and -E2, might be regulated by cAMP. We conclude that AKAP95 might promote cell cycle progression by interacting with cyclin E1 and LMW-E2. LMW-E2, but not cyclin E2, might be involved in G1/S transition. The binding of AKAP95 and LMW-E1 was found throughout cell cycle.

Dynamic and distinct histone modifications of osteogenic genes during osteogenic differentiation.

Many skeletal diseases have common pathological phenotype of defective osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), in which histone modifications play an important role. However, few studies have examined the dynamics of distinct histone modifications during osteogenesis. In this study, we examined the dynamics of H3K9/K14 and H4K12 acetylation; H3K4 mono-, di- and tri-methylation; H3K9 di-methylation and H3K27 tri-methylation in osteogenic genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix (Osx), alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, during C3H10T1/2 osteogenesis. H3 and H4 acetylation and H3K4 di-methylation were elevated, and H3K9 di-methylation and H3K27 tri-methylation were reduced in osteogenic genes during C3H10T1/2 osteogenesis. C3H10T1/2 osteogenesis could be modulated by altering the patterns of H3 and H4 acetylation and H3K27 tri-methylation. In a glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis mouse model, we observed the attenuation of osteogenic potential of osteoporotic BMSCs in parallel with H3 and H4 hypo-acetylation and H3K27 hyper-tri-methylation in Runx2 and Osx genes. When H3 and H4 acetylation was elevated, and H3K27 tri-methylation was reduced, the attenuated osteogenic potential of osteoporotic BMSCs was rescued effectively. These observations provide a deeper insight into the mechanisms of osteogenic differentiation and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and can be used to design new drugs and develop new therapeutic methods to treat skeletal diseases.

A study of shear strength properties of municipal solid waste in Chongqing landfill, China.

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of biodegradation on the shear strength of municipal solid waste (MSW), leachate, and biogas production. The direct shear (DS) test shows that the shear strength of waste in the initial stages is mainly depended on its composition and inter-structure. After the waste has been in a landfill for 30 days, the waste's increased biodegradation exhibited a great influence on the waste's shear strength. The increase of moisture content in the waste mass might cause a decrease of its shear strength. Tri-axial tests under consolidation-drained (CD) condition show that the shear strength of the cohesion and friction angle for degraded samples increased when the defined axial strain increased from 5 to 20 %. The cohesion varied from 35.90 to 66.42 kPa and the drained friction angle ranged between 29° and 38°. The measurements of shear strength properties are utilized to assess the slope stability of landfills.

Facile synthesis of porous single crystalline ZnO nanoplates and their application in photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of phenol.

Porous single crystalline ZnO nanoplates were successfully synthesized through a facile and cost-effective hydrothermal process at low temperature condition, followed by annealing of the zinc carbonate hydroxide hydrate precursors. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements. The porous single crystalline ZnO nanoplates are with 12nm thickness and pore ranging from 10nm to several tens of nanometers. The porous structure of the ZnO nanoplates caused large amount of surface defects which worked as photogenerated holes' shallow trappers and largely restrained the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, resulting in a significantly high photocatalytic activity and durability toward the photoreduction of Cr(VI) under UV irradiation. Moreover, a synergistic effect, that is, increased photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of phenol, can be observed. Furthermore, the synergistic photocatalytic mechanism has also been discussed. Those results present an enlightenment to employ porous single crystalline nanomaterials to remove Cr(VI) and organic pollutants simultaneously.

[Relationship between AKAP95, cyclin E1, cyclin D1, and clinicopathological parameters in lung cancer tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between expression of A-kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) and protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissue. METHODS: Fifty-one cases of lung cancer were included in the study. The protein expression of AKAP95, cyclin E1, and cyclin D1 were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The protein expression of cyclin E1 in lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (positive rate: 75.56%vs 20%, P < 0.01); its expression showed no relationship with histopathological type, lymph node metastasis, and cellular differentiation (P > 0.05). The protein expression of cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissues was higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (positive rate: 69.39% vs 14.29%); its expression showed a significant relationship with histopathological type (P < 0.05). The expression of AKAP95 was correlated with the protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissues (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 are highly expressed in lung cancer tissue, suggesting that they play an important role in the development and progression of lung cancer. The protein expression of cyclin E1 has no relationship with cellular differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and histopathological type of lung cancer, and the protein expression of cyclin D1 has a significant relationship with histopathological type. The expression of AKAP95 is correlated with the protein expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 in lung cancer tissue.

PPARγ forms a bridge between DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the C/EBPα gene promoter to regulate the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells.

The balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells is impaired in many human diseases. Knowledge of how to fine-tune this balance is of medical importance. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) has been shown to regulate the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of C3H10T1/2 cells, with epigenetic modifications of the C/EBPα promoter playing an important role. The present study aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) binds the -1286 bp/-1065 bp region of the C/EBPα promoter to activate C/EBPα expression during osteogenesis and adipogenesis of C3H10T1/2 cells. DNA hypermethylation in the -1286 bp/-1065 bp region, observed at the terminal stage of osteogenesis, prevented PPARγ binding, and then histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) occupied this region to reduce the level of histone acetylation. We regulated the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of mouse bone marrow stromal cells through modulation of DNA methylation and histone acetylation status. In addition, in bone marrow stromal cells from the glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) mouse, hypomethylation of CpG sites, higher binding of PPARγ, acetylated histones 3 and 4, and reduced binding of HDAC1 in the -1286 bp/-1065 bp region of C/EBPα promoter were observed, compared with normal mice. This study provides a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis regulated by C/EBPα in synergy with PPARγ, and suggests a molecular model for how DNA methylation and histone acetylation are linked by PPARγ to regulate differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.

[Expression of A-kinase anchor protein 95, cyclin E2, and connexin 43 in lung cancer tissue, clinical significance of their expression, and their expression correlation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of A-kinase anchor protein 95 (AKAP95), cyclin E(2), and connexin 43 (Cx43) in lung cancer tissue, the clinical significance of their expression, and the expression correlation among the three proteins. METHODS: Fifty-one samples of lung cancer tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry to measure the expression of AKAP95, cyclin E2, and Cx43. RESULTS: The positive rate of AKAP95 expression in lung cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissue (82.35% vs 33.33%, P < 0.05); AKAP95 expression was associated with the cell differentiation and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). The positive rate of cyclin E(2) expression in lung cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissue (43.14% vs 13.33%, P < 0.05); cyclin E(2) expression was associated with the lymph node metastasis and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). The positive rate of Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue was lower than that in paracancerous tissue (60.78% vs 80.00%); Cx43 expression was associated with the cell differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and histopathological type of lung cancer (P < 0.05). There was correlation between each two of AKAP95 expression, cyclin E(2) expression, and Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue. CONCLUSION: High expression of AKAP95 and cyclin E(2) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. AKAP95 expression is associated with the cell differentiation and histopathological type of lung cancer, and cyclin E2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis and histopathological type. There is correlation between each two of AKAP95 expression, cyclin E(2) expression, and Cx43 expression in lung cancer tissue.

Three-dimensional hierarchical flower-like Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides: highly efficient adsorbents for As(V) and Cr(VI) removal.

3D hierarchical flower-like Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides (Mg-Al-LDHs) were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method in a mixed solution of ethylene glycol (EG) and water. The formation mechanism of the flower-like Mg-Al-LDHs was proposed. After calcination, the flower-like morphology could be completely preserved. With relatively high specific surface areas, Mg-Al-LDHs and calcined Mg-Al-LDHs with 3D hierarchical nanostructures were tested for their application in water purification. When tested as adsorbents in As(V) and Cr(VI) removal, the as-prepared calcined Mg-Al-LDHs showed excellent performance, and the adsorption capacities of calcined Mg-Al-LDHs for As(V) and Cr(VI) were better than those of Mg-Al-LDHs. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics and mechanisms for As(V) and Cr(VI) onto calcined Mg-Al-LDHs were also investigated. The high uptake capability of the as-prepared novel 3D hierarchical calcined Mg-Al-LDHs make it a potentially attractive adsorbent in water purification. Also, this facile strategy may be extended to synthesize other LDHs with 3D hierarchical nanostructures, which may find many other applications due to their novel structural features.

High adsorptive γ-AlOOH(boehmite)@SiO2/Fe3O4 porous magnetic microspheres for detection of toxic metal ions in drinking water.

γ-AlOOH(boehmite)@SiO(2)/Fe(3)O(4) porous magnetic microspheres with high adsorption capacity toward heavy metal ions were found to be useful for the simultaneous and selective electrochemical detection of five metal ions, such as ultratrace zinc(II), cadmium(II), lead(II), copper(II), and mercury(II), in drinking water.