Magnetic-mesoporous Janus nanoparticles.

Novel multifunctional magnetic-mesoporous Janus particles with controlled aspect ratio were developed by a simple one-step synthesis approach. Due to their superior magnetic properties and well-defined pore structures, these particles will be important in drug delivery, molecule targeting, cellular imaging, and as building blocks for the assembly of complex nanostructures.

[Construction and screening of specific short hairpin RNA vector targeting heparanase gene].

Objective: To construct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors of RNA for specific silencing of heparanase (HPA) gene.

Methods: The genomic sequence of HPA gene was retrieved from GenBank and the cDNA encoding shRNA for HPA gene silencing was designed. Five specific interference sequences and a random negative control sequence were inserted into the vector pGPU6/GFP/Neo.

A nanochannel array-based electrochemical device for quantitative label-free DNA analysis.

A strategy for label-free oligonucleotide (DNA) analysis has been proposed by measuring the DNA-morpholino hybridization hindered diffusion flux of probe ions Fe(CN)(6)(3-) through nanochannels of a porous anodic alumina (PAA) membrane. The flux of Fe(CN)(6)(3-) passing through the PAA nanochannels is recorded using an Au film electrochemical detector sputtered at the end of the nanochannels. Hybridization of the end-tethered morpholino in the nanochannel with DNA forms a negatively charged DNA-morpholino complex, which hinders the diffusion of Fe(CN)(6)(3-) through the nanochannels and results in a decreased flux.

Commercially activated carbon as the source for producing multicolor photoluminescent carbon dots by chemical oxidation.

Using commercially activated carbon, we developed a simple and effective direct chemical oxidation route to prepare good biocompatible multicolor photoluminescent carbon dots.

Poly(acrylic acid)-stabilized colloidal gold nanoparticles: synthesis and properties.

Combining the intriguing optical properties of gold nanoparticles with the inherent physical and dynamic properties of polymers can give rise to interesting hybrid nanomaterials. In this study, we report the synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-capped gold nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte-wrapped gold nanoparticles were fully characterized and studied via a combination of techniques, i.

Facile synthesis for colloid silica cross-linked threadlike micelles based on block copolymer self-assembly.

A new class of silica cross-linked threadlike micelles has been successfully synthesized in the form of stable colloidal suspensions by using block copolymer P123 (EO(20)PO(70)EO(20)) as template, tetramethyl orthosilicate as silica source, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as stabilizing agent. The aggregation of threadlike hybrid micelles is suppressed by electrostatic repulsion from the positive -NH(3)(+) on the surfaces of threadlike hybrid micelles in strong acidic media. Compared with P123 micelles, the threadlike hybrid micelles have significantly improved stability against dilution.

Inhibitive effect of celecoxib on the adhesion and invasion of human tongue squamous carcinoma cells to extracellular matrix via down regulation of MMP-2 expression.

The effect of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and its inhibitor on metastasis and invasion of tumor and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinase are getting more and more attention. Down regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression could inhibit the invasion and adhesion ability of cancer cells. Our study observed the inhibitive effect of selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, on adhesion and invasion ability of human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line Tca8113 and its relationship with MMP-2 secretion.

A label-free nanoparticle aggregation assay for protein complex/aggregate detection and study.

The detection, analysis, and understanding of protein complexes/aggregates and their formation process are extremely important for biomolecular research, diagnosis, and biopharmaceutical development. Unfortunately, techniques that can be used conveniently for protein complex/aggregate detection and analysis are very limited. Using gold nanoparticle immunoprobes coupled with dynamic light scattering (DLS), we developed a label-free nanoparticle aggregation immunoassay (NanoDLSay) for protein aggregate detection and study.

The expression and activation of ERK/MAPK pathway in human esophageal cancer cell line EC9706.

While there have been more and more studies concerning mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways, which control many cellular complex programmes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, cell death and embryogenesis. However, few studies are carried out about expression and activation of classical MAPKs, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) in human esophageal cancer cell line. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the expression and activation of ERK1/2 in human esophageal cancer cell line EC9706 and human normal esophageal epithelial cell line Heepic, which is as control.

Terminating effects of organosilane in the formation of silica cross-linked micellar core-shell nanoparticles.

One advanced synthesis strategy for monodisperse silica cross-linked micellar core-shell nanoparticles (SCMCSNs) involves the use of organosilane termination agent R(n)Si(OR')(4 - n). In this study, we investigated the effects of the organosilane termination agent in the formation of SCMCSNs. Experimental data (synthesis results, (29)Si MAS NMR, molecule probe fluorescence spectra, etc.

shRNA interference for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 can inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cell line Eca109.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common digestive tract cancers with 5-year survival rate less than 10% owing to its poor prognosis. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway has been mainly involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In present study, we investigated the role of ERK2 in human esophageal cancer cell line Eca109.

Protein complexes/aggregates as potential cancer biomarkers revealed by a nanoparticle aggregation immunoassay.

Protein-protein interactions and protein complex/aggregate formation play an essential role in almost all biological functions and activities. Through a nanoparticle aggregation immunoassay, we discovered that some proteins are substantially more complexed/aggregated in cancer tissues than normal tissues. This study examined four biomarkers proteins, CA125, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CA19-9 and PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase) in ovarian, colon and prostate tissue lysates.

[Effection of Qing-Xuan tablets on behavior pattern and striatal TNF-alpha of Parkinson model mice].

Objective: To study the effects of Qing-Xuan tablets (QXT) on behavior pattern and striatal TNF-alpha in mice model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: The PD models were established by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP (30 mg/kg). 30 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups: control group, PD model group, QXT high dosage group, QXT middle dosage group, QXT low dosage group and trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride group.

[Effect of pricking blood at Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9) on the intraocular pressure of patients with primary open angle glaucoma].

Objective: To observe the effect of pricking blood at Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9) on the intraocular pressure of patients of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods: Ninty-six cases (166 eyes) were randomly divided into an observation group (44 cases) and a control group (52 cases). The observation group was treated with pricking blood at Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9), and the control group was treated with 0.

[Inhibitory effects of COX-2 inhibitor on migration of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cells].

Objective: To investigate the role of COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib in inhibiting the migration of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cells.

Methods: The effects of celecoxib on Tca8113 cell migration were tested using scrape motility assay, cell-matrix adhesion assay and Boyden chamber motility assay.

Results: Following a 24-hour incubation with 10 and 20 micromol/L celecoxib, the migration of Tca8113 cells was significantly decreased (Plt;0.

Dynamic light scattering as a powerful tool for gold nanoparticle bioconjugation and biomolecular binding studies.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is an analytical tool used routinely for measuring the hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles and colloids in a liquid environment. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are extraordinary light scatterers at or near their surface plasmon resonance wavelength. In this study, we demonstrate that DLS can be used as a very convenient and powerful tool for gold nanoparticle bioconjugation and biomolecular binding studies.

A washing-free and amplification-free one-step homogeneous assay for protein detection using gold nanoparticle probes and dynamic light scattering.

In this study, we developed a one-step, washing-free and amplification-free assay for protein analysis using gold nanoparticle probes (GNPs) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. The target protein concentration was determined by analyzing the level of GNP aggregation caused by antibody-antigen interactions using DLS. Two formats of assays were designed for mouse IgG detection.

[Differential expression of collagen and matrix metalloproteinases between left and right atria in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.].

The present study aimed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of collagen, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the left and right atria in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Forty five patients with valvular heart disease were sampled in this study, including 18 patients with sinus rhythm (SR), 27 patients with CAF. Clinical data of these patients were collected, and the left and right atrial appendages were obtained from these patients during heart valvular replacement surgery.

Claudin-1 protein is a major factor involved in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer.

Background: The molecular and morphological alterations of the tight junctions in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still poorly understood. The possible involvement of claudin-1 (CL-1), one of the major tight junctional proteins (TJPs), was investigated in the tumorigenesis of CRC.

Patients And Methods: Adenocarcinoma tissue and paired normal mucosa specimens were resected from surgical specimens of CRC patients and analyzed to determine whether the expression of CL-1 correlated with the clinicopathological factors and to determine the role of CL-1 in the alteration of tight junctions during tumorigenesis.

X-ray fluorescent CT imaging of cerebral uptake of stable-iodine perfusion agent iodoamphetamine analog IMP in mice.

Using X-ray fluorescent computed tomography (XFCT), the in vivo and ex vivo cerebral distribution of a stable-iodine-labeled cerebral perfusion agent, iodoamphetamine analog (127I-IMP), has been recorded in the brains of mice. In vivo cerebral perfusion in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus was depicted at 0.5 mm in-plane spatial resolution.

Recombinant human monoclonal igA antibody against CEA to recruit neutrophils to CEA-expressing cells.

IgA is able to trigger antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by recruiting neutrophils expressing the Fc receptor for the CHalpha chain. We herein describe the preparation of a human recombinant anti-CEA IgA antibody to kill carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-expressing tumor cells via ADCC by neutrophils. A single chain Fv (scFv) gene was constructed using a cDNA library of a hybridoma clone that produces a human anti-CEA monoclonal IgG4 (C2-45).

Sheet-beam geometry for in vivo fluorescent x-ray computed tomography: proof-of-concept experiment in molecular imaging.

We propose a fluorescent x-ray computed tomography method using an array of detectors with an incident sheet beam, aimed at providing molecular imaging with high sensitivity and good spatial resolution. In this study, we prove the feasibility of this concept and investigate its imaging properties, including spatial and contrast resolutions and quantitativeness, by imaging an acrylic phantom and a normal mouse brain using a preliminary imaging system with monochromatic synchrotron x rays.

Dye-doped silica nanoparticle labels/protein microarray for detection of protein biomarkers.

We report a dye-encapsulated silica nanoparticle as a label, with the advantages of high fluorescence intensity, photostability, and biocompatibility, in conjunction with microarray technology for sensitive immunoassay of a biomarker, interleukin-6 (IL-6), on a microarray format. The tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(ii) chloride hexahydrate (Rubpy) dye was incorporated into silica nanoparticles using a simple one-step microemulsion synthesis. In this synthesis process, Igepal CA520 was used as the surfactant, therefore, no requirement of cosolvent during the synthesis and the particle size was reduced comparing to the commonly used Triton surfactant system.

Enhanced imaging and accelerated photothermalysis of A549 human lung cancer cells by gold nanospheres.

Background & Aims: Gold nanoparticles are excellent photon-thermal energy converters. The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of gold nanoparticles on the photothermalysis of A549 lung tumor cells.

Materials & Methods: A549 lung tumor cells were exposed to goat antihuman immunoglobulin (Ig)G-conjugated gold nanospheres (40 nm) and were then imaged under a dark-field microscope.

Surgery for sinus of valsalva aneurysm: 27-year experience with 100 patients.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare anomaly. This study was designed to assess the long-term outcome of surgical repair of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and factors influencing the prognosis. From August 1980 to August sinus of Valsalva aneurysm repair.