Yue Pu

Genetic polymorphisms of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, CYP1A1 and microsomal epoxide hydrolase and lung cancer risk in Nanjing, China.

Genetic variations in metabolic activation or detoxification enzymes have been thought to contribute to individual differences in lung cancer susceptibility. Genetic polymorphisms of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (HYL1) have been associated with increased lung cancer risk in Asian populations. In the present study, the possibility of an association of NQO1, CYP1A1 and HYL1 genetic polymorphisms with lung cancer was examined among residents in Nanjing, China. A total of 84 lung cancer patients and 84 control subjects were matched by age, gender, occupation and smoking status. No significant association was observed for these genetic polymorphisms with the overall incidence of lung cancer. When the groups were stratified according to smoking status, we found that smokers carrying the HYL1*2 allele had a higher relative risk for lung cancer Odds ratio ((OR), 5.66; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.71-18.68). The association was also found with squamous cell carcinoma (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.00-10.38). Our results suggest that HYL1*2 polymorphism might be a risk factor for smoking-associated lung cancer in China.

Isolation and Characterization of an Algicidal Bacterium Indigenous to Lake Taihu with a Red Pigment able to Lyse Microcystis aeruginosa

OBJECTIVEnTo isolate and characterize indigenous algicidal bacteria and their algae-lysing compounds active against Microcystis aeruginosa, strains TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905.nnnMETHODSnThe bacteria were identified using the Biolog automated microbial identification system and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The algae-lysing compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Algae-lysing activity was observed using microscopy.nnnRESULTSnThe algae-lysing bacterium LTH-2 isolated from Lake Taihu was identified as Serratia marcescens. Strain LTH-2 secreted a red pigment identified as prodigiosin (C20H25N3O), which showed strong lytic activity with algal strains M. aeruginosa TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905 in a concentration-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of prodigiosin with the algal strains was 4.8 (± 0.4)× 10⁻² μg/mL, 8.9 (± 1.1)× 10⁻² μg/mL, and 1.7 (± 0.1)× 10⁻¹ μg/mL in 24 h, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe bacterium LTH-2 and its pigment had strong Microcystis-lysing activity probably related to damage of cell membranes. The bacterium LTH-2 and its red pigment are potentially useful for regulating blooms of harmful M. aeruginosa.

XPS and biocompatibility studies of titania film on anodized NiTi shape memory alloy

A dense titania film is fabricated inxa0situ on NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) by anodic oxidation in a Na2SO4 electrolyte. The microstructure of the titania film and its influence on the biocompatibility of NiTi SMA are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), hemolysis analysis, and platelet adhesion test. The results indicate that the titania film has a Ni-free zone near the surface and can effectively block the release of harmful Ni ions from the NiTi substrate in simulated body fluids. Moreover, the wettability, hemolysis resistance, and thromboresistance of the NiTi sample are improved by this anodic oxidation method.

Cytocompatibility and haemocompatibility of Zr, ZrC and ZrCN films

Abstract The cytocompatibility and haemocompatibility of three zirconium based films, i.e. Zr, ZrC and ZrCN, deposited on NiTi shape memory alloy by magnetron sputtering are investigated and compared to those of electropolished NiTi shape memory alloy. The Zr(C,N) series films have deteriorated wettability but have positive effects on the blood compatibility and cytocompatibility of NiTi. Better haemolysis resistance and thromboresistant properties are observed. There are more living cells on the Zr(C,N) series films, and the cells show a higher relative growth rate value than those on the electropolished NiTi. The Zr(C,N) series films act as barrier layers and promote the proliferation of fibroblasts by blocking the leaching of toxic nickel ions from NiTi.

Microstructural characteristics and biocompatibility of a Type-B carbonated hydroxyapatite coating deposited on NiTi shape memory alloy

Microstructural characteristics and biocompatibility of a Type-B carbonated hydroxyapatite (HA) coating prepared on NiTi SMA by biomimetic deposition were characterized using XRD, SEM, XPS, FTIR and in vitro studies including hemolysis test, MTT cytotoxicity test and fibroblasts cytocompatibility test. It is found CO(3)(2-) groups were present as substitution of PO(4)(3-) anions in HA crystal lattice due to Type-B carbonate. The growth of Type-B carbonated HA coating in SBF containing HCO(3)(-) ions is stable during all periods of biomimetic deposition. The carbonated HA coating has better blood compatibility than the chemically-polished NiTi SMA. There was a good cell adhesion to this HA coating surface and cell proliferation in the vicinity of the coating was better than that for the chemically-polished NiTi SMA. Thus biomimetic deposition of this carbonated HA coating is a promising way to improve the biocompatibility of NiTi SMA for implant applications.

Integrated analysis of competing endogenous RNA network revealing lncRNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers in human lung squamous cell carcinoma

Accumulating evidence shows the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks for predicting survival in tumor patients. However, prognostic biomarkers for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are still lacking. The objective of this study is to identify a lncRNA signature for evaluation of overall survival (OS) in 474 LUSC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A total of 474 RNA sequencing profiles in LUSC patients with clinical data were obtained, providing a large sample of RNA sequencing data, and 83 LUSC-specific lncRNAs, 26 miRNAs, and 85 mRNAs were identified to construct the ceRNA network (fold change>2, P<0.05). Among these above 83 LUSC-specific lncRNAs, 22 were assessed as closely related to OS in LUSC patients using a univariate Cox proportional regression model. Meanwhile, two (FMO6P and PRR26) of the above 22 OS-related lncRNAs were identified using a multivariate Cox regression model to construct a risk score as an independent indicator of the prognostic value of the lncRNA signature in LUSC patients. LUSC patients with low-risk scores were more positively correlated with OS (P<0.001). The present study provides a deeper understanding of the lncRNA-related ceRNA network in LUSC and suggests that the two-lncRNA signature could serve as an independent biomarker for prognosis of LUSC.

Microstructure and properties of ZrTiC(N) composite films on NiTi alloy

Abstract The microstructure, blood biocompatibility and corrosion resistances, and mechanical properties of multinary ZrTiCN and ZrTiC composite films are investigated and compared to those of ZrCN film, ZrC film and NiTi shape memory alloy. The quaternary ZrTiCN and ternary ZrTiC composite films with ZrC and TiC as the predominant phases have a poor crystallinity but a higher adhesion strength with the NiTi substrate than both ZrCN and ZrC films due to the increased deposition temperature and the presence of TiC/TiN phases. Both coatings can improve the surface mechanical properties of biomedical NiTi shape memory alloy while simultaneously offering distinct advantages such as improved blood biocompatibility and corrosion resistances.

Combined Effects between Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Cigarette Smoke on Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

To evaluate the combined cytotoxicity effects between functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-PC) and cigarette smoke solution (CSS), 16-HBE cells was used as the target cells and exposed to various concentrations of MWCNTs-PC and CSS combined together. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, DNA damage were detected by Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, single cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE) and micronuclear assay, respectively. The dose-dependent cytotoxic and genetic effects of CSS were found in our study. However, compared to the control group, the MWCNTs-PC exposed groups showed no significant difference in all concentration, with or without CSS exposure. It suggests that the MWCNTs-PC did not influence cellular toxicity or DNA damage of CSS on 16-HBE cells. No combined cytotoxic effects between NWCNTs-PC and CSS were found in this study.

Neurotoxicity Evaluation of Chlorpyrifos Exposure with Caenorhabditis elegans

Chlorpyrifos, a broad spectrum orgnaophosphorus insecticide, is extensively used in agricultural and household insect control, but the potential health effects associated human exposure to low levels is unclear, which has been subject of increasing concern in the last years. However, few studies about chlorpyrifos toxicity have been conducted in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, which can complement both in vitro and in vivo mammalian models in toxicology. In the present study, Caenorhabditis elegans was chosen to evaluate the neurotoxicity of chlopyrifos with 0.003, 0.03, 0.3, and 3 mg/L after 4h exposure by analyzing basic movements, feeding ability and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. Results indicated that forward turn frequency and acetylcholinesterase activity were reduced significantly compared with control at the highest concentration group, while feeding ability showed to decrease significantly at the lowest concentration group. The impact of feeding ability seems more sensitive than other targets. Moreover, we assessed the postexposure recovery of basic movements after the 4h exposure of Chlorpyrifos. Forward turn frequence of worms exposed to the highest concentration exposure failed to recovery, so that this suggested chlorpyrifos may have the long term health effect at high concentration exposure. Results also demonstrated that Caenorhabditis elegans could be a good model for chlorpyrifos-induced toxic effects research.

Comprehensive analysis of a novel lncRNA profile reveals potential prognostic biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main subtype of malignant kidney cancer. Long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) serves a key role in predicting survival in patients with cancer. The present study aimed to develop an lncRNA‑related signature of prognostic values for patients with ccRCC. RNA sequencing data of 454xa0patients were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). To identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs, the patients from four groups classified by tumor stages were compared. The association between survival outcome and lncRNA expression profile was assessed by the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Survival was analyzed using the log‑rank test, and functions of target lncRNAs were investigated through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Finally, 19xa0lncRNAs were identified as significantly associated with overall survival (OS) time. These lncRNAs were gathered as a signal prognostic signature, which may be a potential biomarker for the prognosis of ccRCC. The risk score was built to evaluate the predictive value of the lncRNA signature. There was a significant positive correlation between ccRCC patients with the low‑risk score and OS time (P<0.001). Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to verify the result in 17xa0pairs of ccRCC and adjacent non‑tumor tissues. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these lncRNAs were associated with several molecular pathways of the tumor. The RT‑qPCR validation was consistent with the TCGA bioinformatics results. In conclusion, a tumor‑specific lncRNA signature of 19xa0lncRNAs was identified and the joint prognostic power was evaluated in the present study, and this signature was determined to be a potential biomarker for the prognosis of ccRCC.