Search

Flexible, pressure-sensitive composites can be prepared through the inclusion of electrically conductive particles as functional fillers into an elastomeric polymer matrix, which have been used for the applications of wearable devices for health monitoring and electronic skins. A key challenge associated with these composites is developing anisotropic pressure sensitivity while retaining their flexibility (or low filler content). Herein, we demonstrate a simple and scalable method for aligning anisotropic nickel-coated carbon fibers (NiCF) along with the thickness direction of a polymer matrix by applying a magnetic field. The aligning mechanisms and kinetics of NiCF in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) precursor are revealed by in situ optical microscopy images while a magnetic field is applied. The aligned nickel-coated carbon fibers in the polymer effectively endow the composite films excellent pressure-sensitive performance. The pressure sensitivity of NiCF/PDMS composite films has been systematically studied and can be used for biological monitoring. We believe that this magnetic field assisted processing strategy provides a promising material solution for manufacturing fiber embedded polymer composites with enhanced pressure sensitivity, which is essential for future wearable health monitoring electronics and electronic skin.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the main kind of thyroid carcinoma, most of which are diagnosed in women. MiR-21 has been reported to be upregulated in multiple cancers to effect tumor growth. However, the role of miR-21 in PTC development remains unclear. In this present study, miR-21 and VHL expressions in PTC tissues and cells were evaluated by RT-qPCR and/or western blot. MTT assay and transwell assay were employed to assess cell proliferative and invasive abilities, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was carried out to identify the target of miR-21and explore its roles in PTC. MiR-21 was upregulated in PTC tissues and cells. Ectopic of miR-21 expression promoted cell proliferative and invasive abilities, while knockdown miR-21 suppressed these in TPC-1 and BCPAP cells. Overexpression of miR-21 predicted poor prognosis in PTC. What is more, luciferase reporter assays showed miR-21 can directly target VHL in PTC cells. Knockdown of miR-21 expression inhibited TPC-1 and BCPAP cell invasion-mediated EMT and proliferation through the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, VHL reverses partial function of miR-21 on PTC cell proliferation and invasion. MiR-21 can inhibit cell proliferation and invasion by regulated VHL in PTC cells. The newly identified miR-21/VHL axis might provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis and therapy of PTC.

As the predominant thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts for 75‑85% of thyroid cancer cases. This research aimed to investigate transcriptomic changes and key genes in PTC. Using RNA‑sequencing technology, the transcriptional profiles of 5 thyroid tumor tissues and 5 adjacent normal tissues were obtained. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by SAMtools software and then annotated by ANNOVAR software. After differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected by edgR software, they were further investigated by enrichment analysis, protein domain analysis, and protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Additionally, the potential gene fusion events were predicted using FusionMap software. A total of 70,172 SNPs and 2,686 DEGs in the tumor tissues, as well as 83,869 SNPs in the normal tissues were identified. In the PPI network, fibronectin 1 (FN1; degree=31) and transforming growth factor β receptor 1 (TGFβR1; degree=22) had higher degrees. A total of 7 PPI pairs containing the non‑synonymous risk SNP loci in the interaction domains were identified. Particularly, the interaction domains involved in the interactions of FN1 and 5 other proteins (such as FN1‑tenascin C, TNC) had non‑synonymous risk SNP loci. Furthermore, 11 and 4 gene fusion events were identified in all of the tumor tissues and normal tissues, respectively. Additionally, the NK2 homeobox 1‑surfactant associated 3 (NKX2‑1‑SFTA3) gene fusion was identified in both tumor and normal tissues. These results indicated that TGFβR1 and the NKX2‑1‑SFTA3 gene fusion may be involved in PTC. Furthermore, FN1 and TNC containing the non‑synonymous risk SNP loci might serve a role in PTC by interacting with each other.

Objectives The study aimed to analyze the developmental mode of auditory at the level of brainstem in preschool autistic children using click-evoked auditory brainstem response (click-ABR). Methods: Twenty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 20 age matched typical development children (TD) were recruited. The detail data recorded from click-ABR were collected at two time periods (T1 and T2). Results There was no significant change in TD group at two time periods. In ASD group, wave V latency was significantly shortened at T2 compared to that recorded at T1. The interpeak latency of I–V was short at T2 versus at T1 in the autistic children. Compared to the TD group, ASD was associated with longer latencies for waves V and longer interpeak latencies of I-III, I–V at T1. In addition, ASD group also indicated longer latencies of wave III and wave V, longer interpeak latencies of I-III and I–V at T2 compared to the TD group. Conclusions ASD group had immature and dysfunction developmental mode in auditory stimuli perception at the level of brainstem. The performance of auditory ability in children with ASD improved gradually with ages. However, there are still differences compared with TD children.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) and IL-17 are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the roles of IL-23 and IL-17 in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR remain unclear. Therefore in this study we aim to investigate the precise roles of IL-23 and IL-17 in a mouse model of OVA-induced AR. We found that during OVA-induced AR, eosinophil and goblet cells in the nose were significantly decreased in IL-23-deficient, but not in IL-17-deficient mice. However, there was no difference in the serum IgE and IgG1 levels between IL-23-deficient or IL-17-deficient and wild-type mice. Moreover, IL-4 levels in lymph node cell culture supernatants were significantly decreased in IL-23-deficient, but not IL-17-deficient, compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, OVA-induced AR developed similarly in wild-type mice transferred with either IL-23-deficient BM cells or wild-type BM cells. These findings suggest that IL-23, but not IL-17 is crucial for the development of OVA-induced AR, and IL-23 neutralization may be a potential approach for treatment of OVA-induced AR in humans.

Objective: In this study, crucial genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with the progression, staging, and prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were identified. Methods: Four PTC datasets, including our own mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-seq) dataset and three public datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas, were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) between PTC tumor tissues and paired normal tissues (control). Gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways associated with these DEGs were identified, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were analyzed. Additionally, an miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed and the functions of DEMs were explored. Finally, miRNAs/mRNAs associated with tumor staging and prognosis were identified. The expression levels of several key genes and miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. Results: Numerous DEGs and DEMs were identified between tumor and control groups in four datasets. The DEGs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion and cancer-related GO terms and pathways. In the constructed PPI network, ITGA2, FN1, ICAM1, TIMP1 and CDH2 were hub proteins. In the miRNA-mRNA negative regulatory networks, miR-204-5p regulated the largest number of target genes, such as TNFRSF12A. miR-146b, miR-204, miR-7-2, and FN1 were associated with tumor stage in PTC, and TNFRSF12A and CLDN1 were related to prognosis. Conclusions: Our results suggested the important roles of ITGA2, FN1, ICAM1, TIMP1 and CDH2 in the progression of PTC. miR-204-5p, miR-7-2, and miR-146b are potential biomarkers for PTC staging and FN1, CLDN1, and TNFRSF12A may serve as markers of prognosis in PTC.

This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effect of cisplatin and photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined in vitro and in vivo.PDT, these days, is a promising modality for the treatment of cancer and infections. In order to optimize the treatment, cisplatin is often combined with other chemotherapeutic agents.Colon cancer cells were incubated with cisplatin (0.1, 1, and 6 μg/ml), followed by photosensitization with Photogem® and irradiation with a 632 nm diode laser at an energy density of 3.2 J/cm(2). An MTT assay was then used to measure cell viability. For in vivo studies, established tumors were treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg) alone or with PDT (5 mg/kg of Photogem®, 600 J/cm(2)). The sizes of the tumors were continuously measured to note the effects.The cell viability of the combined therapy group was 19.88 ± 0.41, corresponding to a 9% increase compared with that of the cisplatin- or PDT-only groups. In vivo, the tumors treated with PDT or combination therapy disappeared completely three days after each treatment, but on the 14th day, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the combination therapy group than in the PDT group.Combination therapy results in an enhanced anticancer effect, presenting the possibility of minimizing the administration dosage of Photogem® and cisplatin.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on common bacteria causing otitis media with effusion (OME). Methods: An in vitro study was carried out using a hematoporphyrin derivative sensitizer (Photogem; Lemonosov Institute of Fine Chemical, Moscow, Russia) and a 632-nm diode laser on Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of colony-forming units of the bacteria was examined, the microscopic structures of the bacteria were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry of the bacteria was performed. An in vivo PDT study was performed using gerbils. S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae were injected into bullae. The Photogem was injected into the bullae 2 days later when OME developed, and transcanal irradiation with the 632-nm diode laser (90 J) was performed. Middle ear and bulla were washed with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and the washed DPBS was cultured. The presence of bacterial colonies was examined. Results: The PDT was effective in killing all three kinds of bacteria. TEM showed damaged bacterial cell membranes and cytoplasmic structures, and the flow cytometry showed a lower number of viable bacteria in the PDT group compared to the control group. PDT was effective in killing S. pneumoniae in 87% of the infected bullae with OME, whereas it was effective in eradicating H. influenzae in 50% of the infected bullae with OME. Conclusions: The results of these studies demonstrated that PDT may be effective to treat otitis media. PDT may have clinical implications in the treatment of otitis media that is resistant to antibiotic therapy. Laryngoscope, 2009

Purpose The study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms of PTC (papillary thyroid carcinoma) progression and provide therapeutic biomarkers. Methods The paired tumor and control tissues were obtained from 5 PTC patients. RNA was extracted and cDNA libraries were constructed. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform using paired-end method. After preprocessing of the RNA-seq data, gene expression value was calculated by RPKM. Then the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with edgeR. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted for the DEGs. Module analysis of the PPI network was also performed. Transcription factors (TFs) of DEGs were predicted. Results A cohort of 496 up-regulated DEGs mainly correlating with the ECM degradation pathways, and 440 down-regulated DEGs predominantly enriching in transmembrane transport process were identified. Hub nodes in the PPI network were RRM2 and a set of collagens (COL1A1, COL3A1 and COL5A1), which were also remarkable in module 3 and module 5, respectively. Genes in module 3 were associated with cell cycle pathways, while in module 5 were related to ECM degradation pathways. PLAU, PSG1 and EGR2 were the crucial TFs with higher transcriptional activity in PTC than in control. Conclusion Several genes including COL1A1, COL3A1, RRM2, PLAU, and EGR2 might be used as biomarkers of PTC therapy. Among them, COL1A1 and COL3A1 might exert their functions via involving in ECM degradation pathway, while RRM2 through cell cycle pathway. PLAU might be an active TF, whereas EGR2 might be a tumor suppressor.

We investigated the influence of obstructive sleep apnea -hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on hypertension and metabolism.There were two groups in this research; they were the research group including 115 patients who were diagnosed with polysomnography and the control group of 122 healthy persons. The blood pressure in the morning, plasmas glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and uric acid (UA) were measured. There were 32 moderate or severe OSAHS patients and 20 healthy persons were selected to be measured the mitochondrial coupling factor 6 (CF6) with radio-immunity method. The results were analyzed with statistic method. The P0.05 means the significant difference.The patients' blood pressure in the morning was significantly higher than the control healthy persons. The plasmas glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and uric acid of the OSAHS patients were all in a higher level than those of the control group healthy persons. There were significant differences between the two groups. The mitochondrial coupling factor 6 (CF6) of moderate OSAHS patients or severe OSAHS patients was more than that of the healthy persons (P0.05).OSAHS is a potential risk factor on the cardiovascular diseases and the metabolism disorders. The mitochondrial coupling factor 6 (CF6) may play an important role in the procedure of X syndrome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on common bacteria causing otitis media with effusion (OME).An in vitro study was carried out using a hematoporphyrin derivative sensitizer (Photogem; Lemonosov Institute of Fine Chemical, Moscow, Russia) and a 632-nm diode laser on Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of colony-forming units of the bacteria was examined, the microscopic structures of the bacteria were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry of the bacteria was performed. An in vivo PDT study was performed using gerbils. S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae were injected into bullae. The Photogem was injected into the bullae 2 days later when OME developed, and transcanal irradiation with the 632-nm diode laser (90 J) was performed. Middle ear and bulla were washed with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and the washed DPBS was cultured. The presence of bacterial colonies was examined.The PDT was effective in killing all three kinds of bacteria. TEM showed damaged bacterial cell membranes and cytoplasmic structures, and the flow cytometry showed a lower number of viable bacteria in the PDT group compared to the control group. PDT was effective in killing S. pneumoniae in 87% of the infected bullae with OME, whereas it was effective in eradicating H. influenzae in 50% of the infected bullae with OME.The results of these studies demonstrated that PDT may be effective to treat otitis media. PDT may have clinical implications in the treatment of otitis media that is resistant to antibiotic therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial effects of PDT on common bacteria causing otitis me dia with effusion (OME). In vitro study was carried out using a hematoporphyrin derivative sensitizer (photogem) and 632 nm diode laser on H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and S. pneumoniae, . One ml of each bacterial suspension was incubated for 3 hours and various concentrations of photogem were administered into the suspension. The suspensions were irradiated with 632 diode laser (15 J/cm 2 ). The presence of colony forming units of the bacteria was examined, microscopic structures of bacteria were examined by TEM, and cytometry of bacter ia was performed. The PDT was effective in killing all 3 kinds of bacteria. TEM showed damaged bacterial cell membrane and cytoplasmic structures and the flow cytometr y showed lower number of viable bacteria in PDT group comparing to the control group. In vivo PDT study was performed using gerbil. S. pneumoniae or H. influenzae was injected into bullae. Photogem was injected into bullae in 2 days by when OME was developed and transcanal irradiation of 632 nm diode laser (90 J) was performed with a fiber perforated through an ear drum into a middle ear cavity and bulla. Four days after PDT, middle ear and bulla were washed with DPBS and the washed DPBS was cultured. The presence of bacterial col onies was examined. PDT was effective in killing S. pneumoniae in 87 % of the infected bullae with OME while it was effective to eradicate H. influenzae in 50 % of the infected bullae with OME. The results of these studies demonstrated that PDT may be effec tive to treat otitis media. It may have clinical implication to treat otitis media that is resistant to antibiotic therapy. Key Words: Otitis Media, Photodynamic Therapy, Photosensitizer, Diode Laser, OME, S. pneumonia, H. in fluenza, M. catarrhalis

To study the clinical characteristics of female patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by epidemiological investigation and polysomnography study,compared with that of male patients.Several indexes and the result of polysomnography study of women and men with OSAHS were compared.The mean age of female patients was 53.4 +/- 15.8 years old, and that of male patients was 41.6 +/- 20.2, the difference was considered significant. The difference of the mean body mass index (BMI) had no significance. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of female patients was 32.8 +/- 12.6, and that of male patients was 49.9 +/- 25.8, P0.05, the difference was considered significant. The mean lower oxygen saturation of female patients was (70.0 +/- 11.1)%, and that of male patients was (71.0 +/- 12.2)%, the difference had no significance.Female patients with SAHS are older than male patients, the mean AHI of female patients is lower than that of male patients, but the mean HI (hypopnea index) of female patients is higher than that of male patients.