Vacuum-Boosting Precise Synthetic Control of Highly Bright Solid-State Carbon Quantum Dots Enables Efficient Light Emitting Diodes.

Carbon quantum dots (C-dots) have emerged as efficient fluorescent materials for solid-state lighting devices. However, it is still a challenge to obtain highly bright solid-state C-dots because of the aggregation caused quenching. Compared to the encapsulation of as-prepared C-dots in matrices, one-step preparation of C-dots/matrix complex is a good method to obtain highly bright solid-state C-dots, which is still quite limited. Here, an efficient and controllable vacuum-boosting gradient heating approach is demonstrated for in situ synthesis of a stable and efficient C-dots/matrix complex. The addition of boric acid strongly bonded with urea, promoting the selectivity of the reaction between citric acid and urea. Benefiting from the high reaction selectivity and spatial-confinement growth of C-dots in porous matrices, in situ synthesize C-dots bonded can synthesized dominantly with a crosslinked octa-cyclic compound, biuret and cyanuric acid (triuret). The obtained C-dots/matrix complex exhibited bright green emission with a quantum yield as high as 90% and excellent thermal and photo stability. As a proof-of-concept, the as-prepared C-dots are used for the fabrication of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a color rendering index of 84 and luminous efficiency of 88.14 lm W-1, showing great potential for applications in LEDs.

Circ-NUP98 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Development Through Regulating CBX1 by miR-188-3p.

Lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality among malignant tumors, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main type of lung cancer. In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to play an important role in the generation and development of human cancer. However, the specific role and mechanism of circ-NUP98 in LUAD are still unclear and need to be further investigated. Circ-NUP98, microRNA-188-3p (miR-188-3p), and chromobox homolog 1 (CBX1) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell-counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assay were used to observe LUAD cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and cell-cycle progression. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were examined using special assay kits. CyclinD1, Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) protein, and CBX1 protein levels were determined using Western blot. The interaction between miR-188-3p and circ-NUP98 or CBX1 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In vivo efficacy of circ-NUP98 was evaluated in a xenograft tumor model. Besides, the expression of CBX1 and KI67 in the tumors was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. Circ-NUP98 and CBX1 expressions were upregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, and miR-188-3p was decreased. Downregulation of circ-NUP98 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and oxidative stress, and promote apoptosis of LUAD cells. Mechanism experiments showed that circ-NUP98 acted as a sponge for miR-188-3p to increase CBX1 expression. Knockdown of circ-NUP98 could inhibit the growth of LUAD tumors in vivo. Circ-NUP98 might promote the malignant development of LUAD via the miR-188-3p/CBX1 axis, which might provide a potential new marker for early diagnosis of LUAD.

Nomogram including chemotherapy response for prediction of intrahepatic progression-free survival in patients with colorectal liver metastasis through chemotherapy followed by radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is being considered as the favorable treatment option for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) receiving chemotherapy, yet there still exist challenges for recurrence after RFA. The present study aims to establish an effective nomogram to predict intrahepatic progression-free survival (PFS) and select RFA candidates. METHODS: Patients with unresectable CRLM treated with chemotherapy followed by RFA between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled in this study. The nomogram to predict intrahepatic PFS was established based on multivariable Cox regression analysis. The predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed according to the C-index, calibration plots and Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Of a total of 158 patients, the earlier new intrahepatic metastases over local tumor progression were observed in 157 patients during the follow-up, and the mean intrahepatic PFS was 16.9 ± 1.4 months in the present cohort. The optimal cutoff value of tumor size after chemotherapy was identified as 16 mm by X-tile analysis. Based on multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors for intrahepatic PFS included primary positive lymph nodes, multiple metastases, tumor size >16 mm, no primary lesion resection, mutant KRAS and PD response after chemotherapy. The nomogram was established to predict intrahepatic PFS based on all independent factors, which achieved favorable discrimination and calibration. CONCLUSION: This study firstly established the nomogram to predict intrahepatic PFS for unresectable CRLM patients receiving chemotherapy followed by RFA. It can facilitate the selection of RFA candidates, and help both surgeons and patients choose individualized regimens in the treatment decision.

Hsa_circ_0079662 induces the resistance mechanism of the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin through the TNF-α pathway in human colon cancer.

The aim of the study was to research the biological functions of circRNA (hsa_circ_0079662) and its underlying mechanism in colorectal cancer. Drug-resistant cell lines (HT29-LOHP, HCT116-LOHP, HCT8-LOHP) were separately dealt with oxaliplatin concentration gradient (0.1-10 µmol/L). Real-time PCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase assay, miRNA pull-down assay, coimmunoprecipitation and ELASA were performed to explore the mechanism of chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. The results showed that the expression of hsa_circ_0079662 was increased in drug-resistant cell lines by RT-PCR. The expression of HOXA9, TRIP6, Vcam-1, VEGFC, MMP3, MMP9 and MMP14 was higher by Western blotting. Interaction between HOXA9 and TRIP6 in CO-IP detection. Additionally, the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were also found. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0079662, as a ceRNA binding with hsa-mir-324-5p, can regulate target gene HOXA9 and induced the mechanism of chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resistance in CRC through the TNF-α pathway in human colon cancer.

Effect of nanocavities on Ge nanoclustering and out-diffusion in SiO2.

Germanium nanocrystals (Ge-ncs) were synthesized by implantation of Ge+ ions into the fused silica, followed by a thermal annealing at 1000 °C. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was employed to characterize both the morphology of the formed Ge-ncs and the evolution of their depth-distribution as a function of annealing durations. The formation of nanocavities in the vicinity of nanocrystal/SiO2 interface is evidenced, as well as their influence on the release of the compressive stress exerted on Ge-ncs by surrounding SiO2. Some Ge-ncs are found inside nanocavities, and can move into the implanted layer through a nanocavity-assisted diffusion mechanism. This finding sheds light on a new process that can explain the non-uniformity of the Ge-nanocrystal spatial distribution.

[Expression of MICA/B protein in esophageal cancer and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of MICA/B in human esophageal cancer, and to analyze its correlation with clinicopathological features. METHODS: The expression of MICA/B in 40 cases of esophagus carcinoma and corresponding normal esophageal mucosa tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The positive rate of expression of MICA/B protein in the esophageal carcinoma was 75.0% (30/40), and that in the corresponding normal esophageal mucosa was 0 (0/40). Up-regulation of MICA/B expression was found in the esophageal carcinomas. The expression of MICA/B was related with histological grade of the esophageal carcinoma (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: MICA/B protein plays an important role in the esophageal carcinogenesis, and my become a useful molecular marker for the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma.

Ultra-small-sized multi-element metal oxide nanofibers: an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution.

Compared to noble metals, transition metal oxides (TMOs) have positive development prospects in the field of electrocatalysis, and the synergy between the elements in multi-element TMO-based materials can improve their catalytic activity. However, it is still a challenge to synthesize multi-component TMO-based catalysts and deeply understand the effects of components on the catalytic performance of the catalysts. Here, we demonstrate multi-element ultra-small-sized nanofibers for efficient hydrogen production. The ternary NiFeCoO nanofiber-based electrode reached an overpotential of 82 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 with a Tafel slope of 56 mV dec-1 in 1 M KOH, which are close to those of Pt plate (66 mV at 10 mA cm-2; the Tafel slope is 32 mV dec-1). In addition, the current density maintained 97% of its initial value after 10 h operation. We used the ternary NiFeCoO nanofiber-based electrode as an efficient counter electrode in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production to demonstrate the versatility of these nanofibers.

Platinum Cluster/Carbon Quantum Dots Derived Graphene Heterostructured Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient and Durable Solar-Driven Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution.

Large scale solar-driven hydrogen production is a crucial step toward decarbonizing society. However, the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency, long-term stability, and cost-effectiveness in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) still need to be improved. Herein, an efficient approach is demonstrated to produce low-dimensional Pt/graphene-carbon nanofibers (CNFs)-based heterostructures for bias-free, highly efficient, and durable HER. Carbon dots are used as efficient building blocks for the in situ formation of graphene along the CNFs surface. The presence of graphene enhances the electronic conductivity of CNFs to ≈3013.5 S m-1  and simultaneously supports the uniform Pt clusters growth and efficient electron transport during HER. The electrode with a low Pt loading amount (3.4 µg cm-2 ) exhibits a remarkable mass activity of HER in both acidic and alkaline media, which is significantly better than that of commercial Pt/C (31 µg cm-2  of Pt loading). In addition, using a luminescent solar concentrator-coupled solar cell to provide voltage, the bias-free water splitting system exhibits an STH efficiency of 0.22% upon one-sun illumination. These results are promising toward using low-dimensional heterostructured catalysts for future energy storage and conversion applications.

Atomic Identification of Interfaces in Individual Core@shell Quantum Dots.

CdSe@CdS Core@shell quantum dots (QDs) have been widely studied in recent years, due to their architecture which allows to tailor properties by controlling structure and composition. However, since CdSe and CdS have the same crystal structure, same cations, and similar lattice parameters, it is very challenging to image the interface. Herein, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental mapping are combined to characterize the core@shell structure and identify the interface in the CdSe@CdS QDs with different CdS shell thicknesses. By examining changes in lattice spacing in an individual CdSe@CdS quantum dot, the atomic core@shell interface is identified. For thin-shelled QDs, an ideal coherent interface forms between core and shell due to the small lattice mismatch, and the lattice spacing remains unchanged at the core and shell regions. For thick-shelled QDs, the lattice spacing is different at the core and shell regions, while the heterostructured interface is still coherent and cannot be clearly imaged. As the shell thickness further increases, a sharp core@shell interface appears. The results define an approach to characterize the heterostructure of two materials with the same crystalline structure and cations.

LncRNA SNHG6 knockdown inhibits cisplatin resistance and progression of gastric cancer through miR-1297/BCL-2 axis.

Cisplatin (DDP) resistance is a huge obstacle to gastric cancer (GC) treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been manifested to exert pivotal functions in GC development. Herein, we aimed to explore the functional impact of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) on DDP resistance and progression of GC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay or Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of SNHG6, microRNA(miR)-1297, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors and B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in DDP-resistant GC cells. Half inhibition concentration (IC50) to DDP, clonogenicity, apoptosis and invasion were examined via CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay, respectively. Target association between miR-1297 and SNHG6 or BCL-2 was demonstrated via dual-luciferase reporter assay or RIP assay. Xenograft models in nude mice were formed to investigate role of SNHG6 in vivo. We found that SNHG6 and BCL-2 were up-regulated, while miR-1297 expression was declined in GC tissues and DDP-resistant cells. Moreover, depletion of SNHG6 or gain of miR-1297 could repress DDP resistance, proliferation and metastasis of DDP-resistant cells, which was weakened by miR-1297 inhibition or BCL-2 overexpression. Besides, SNHG6 positively regulated BCL-2 expression by sponging miR-1297. Furthermore, SNHG6 knockdown repressed GC tumor growth in vivo. In a word, lncRNA SNHG6 knockdown had inhibitory effects on DDP resistance and progression of GC by sponging miR-1297, highlighting its potential in GC treatment.

OIP5-AS1 modulates epigenetic regulator HDAC7 to enhance non-small cell lung cancer metastasis via miR-140-5p.

Long non-coding RNAs have been reported to be involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. However, whether Opa-interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) serves a role in NSCLC remains unclear. Bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets showed clinical significance and relevance of OIP5-AS1 in NSCLC. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed protein and RNA expression levels of the genes [including OIP5-AS1, microRNA (miR)-140-5p, histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)]. Direct associations between the genes (miR-140-5p and OIP5-AS1, or miR-140-5p and HDAC7) were confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Lymphatic vessel formation and invasion ability were detected using a lymphatic vessel formation assay and Transwell invasion assay. OIP5-AS1 knockdown attenuated lymphatic vessel length and invasion. The role of OIP5-AS1 was reverted by miR-140-5p. HDAC7 and VEGFA are downstream effectors of miR-140-5p-mediated NSCLC metastasis. OIP5-AS1, miR-140-5p, HDAC7 and VEGFA were all dysregulated in human clinical NSCLC tumor tissues. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated a novel mechanism for OIP5-AS1-induced metastatic phenotypes of NSCLC via the miR-140-5p/HDAC7/VEGFA axis.

Synergistic Effect of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Nanotubes in Quantum Dots/TiO2 for Optoelectronic Devices.

Here, a facile approach to enhance the performance of solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is described by means of the synergistic effects of a hybrid network of plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The device based on TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network sensitized with colloidal CdSe/(CdSe x S1- x )5/(CdS)1 core/alloyed shell quantum dots (QDs) yields a saturated photocurrent density of 16.10 ± 0.10 mA cm-2 [at 1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)] under 1 sun illumination (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2), which is ≈26% higher than the control device. The in-depth mechanism behind this significant improvement is revealed through a combined experimental and theoretical analysis for QDs/TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network and demonstrates the multifaceted impact of plasmonic Au NPs and CNTs: i) hot-electron injection from Au NPs into CNTs and TiO2; ii) near-field enhancement of the QDs absorption and carrier generation/separation processes by the plasmonic Au NPs; iii) enhanced photoinjected electron transport due to the highly directional pathways offered by CNTs. These results provide fundamental insights on the properties of QDs/TiO2-Au:CNTs hybrid network, and highlights the possibility to improve the performance of other solar technologies.

High-performance laminated luminescent solar concentrators based on colloidal carbon quantum dots.

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are light-weight, semitransparent and large-area sunlight collectors for solar-to-electricity conversion. To date, carbon quantum dots (C-QDs) have attracted a lot of attention due to their size/shape/composition tunable optical properties, high quantum yield, excellent photostability, lower toxicity and simple synthetic methods using earth-abundant and low-cost precursors. However, due to the overlap between their absorption and emission spectra, it is still challenging to fabricate high-efficiency LSCs based on C-dots. In this work, we used C-QDs to fabricate semi-transparent large-area laminated LSCs (10 × 10 cm2). C-QDs have the absorption spectrum ranging from 300 to 550 nm with a Stokes shift of 0.6 eV. By optimizing the concentration of C-QDs, the laminated LSC exhibits a highest η opt of 1.6%, which is 1.6 times higher than that of a single-layer LSC (100 mW cm-2). In addition, the laminated LSC exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 0.7% under natural sunlight illumination (62 mW cm-2) with excellent photostability. These findings suggest that laminated structured LSCs could be used for efficient solar energy harvesting compared to single layer or tandem structured LSCs based on colloidal C-QDs.

Preparation of wood-like structured copper with superhydrophobic properties.

Here, we report a method to use natural wood lauan as a template to fabricate superhydrophobic biomorphic copper on a carbon substrate (Cu/C). First, a carbon substrate with the microstructure of lauan was obtained by sintering lauan in an oxygen-free environment. A biomorphic Cu/C material was then obtained by immersing this carbon substrate into a Cu(NO3)2 solution and sintering. Finally, the hydrophobicity of the products obtained was investigated. The Cu/C retained the microstructure of the wood well. It exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity after it was modified with fluorine silane. The water contact angle of this modified Cu/C reached 160°.

Digestive tract hemorrhage due to complications with gastrointestinal stromal tumor treated with sunitinib: A case report.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare, and account for 1% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. GISTs are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the clinical and pathological characteristics of these neoplasms are not adequately understood. The best treatment approach for GISTs remains unclear. In the present study, we report a case of a GIST originating from the stomach. A digestive tract hemorrhage occurred as a complication of sunitinib treatment. This is the first report of a digestive tract hemorrhage due to sunitinib treatment.

[Kaempferol-induced apoptosis of human esophageal squamous carcinoma Eca-109 cells and the mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth-inhibiting and pro-apoptotic effect of kaempferol in human esophageal squamous carcinoma Eca-109 cells and explore the mechanism. METHODS: The effect of kaempferol on Eca-109 cell proliferation in vitro was measured by MTT assay. TUNEL staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis following kaempferol treatment. The changes in Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expressions in response to kaempferol treatment were determined by RT-PCR, and the caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were evaluated using colorimetric assay. RESULTS: Kaempferol significantly inhibited Eca-109 cell proliferation (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner and induced obvious cell apoptosis. RT-PCR showed that after kaempferol treatment caused up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl-2 mRNA expression. The colorimetric assay revealed significantly increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities in Eca-109 cells following kaempferol treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Kaempferol can induce apoptosis of Eca-109 cells via a mitochondria-dependent pathway.