Reagentless electrochemiluminescent detection of protein biomarker using graphene-based magnetic nanoprobes and poly-L-lysine as co-reactant.

This work described the construction of a reagentless and ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor using poly-L-lysine as a co-reactant with Ru(bpy)3(2+) for signal amplification and magnetic Fe3O4 loaded graphene nanosheet as nanoprobes, which can achieve an impressive detection limit of 0.03 pg/mL human total 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), a kind of diagnostic markers of thyroid disease. The bionanoprobes were prepared based on the coimmobilization of Ru(bpy)3(2+) and T3 detection antibody on the Fe3O4 loaded graphene nanosheet and the sensing interface was achieved by assembling T3 capture antibody on the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded electro-deposited L-lysine film modified bare glass carbon electrode (GCE).

Depolymerization of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber, Pearsonothuria graeffei, via 60Co irradiation.

A method for depolymerization of a novel fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from Pearsonothuria graeffei (fCS-Pg) using (60)Co irradiation in water solution was developed in the current study. Fragments with varying molecular weights were obtained by (60)Co irradiation at different dosages and sample concentrations. The chemical compositions and structures of these fragments were further investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).

Protective effect of oleanolic acid against beta cell dysfunction and mitochondrial apoptosis: crucial role of ERK-NRF2 signaling pathway.

Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetes. Our previous results have shown that oleanolic acid (OA) has anti-diabetic potential. However, there is little literature reporting the effect of OA on beta cell dysfunction.

[Simultaneous determination of eight derivatives of propranolol in cornea perfusate in vitro by high performance liquid chromatography].

A high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight derivatives of propranolol. Cassette dosing method was used in the epithelium side of cornea in vitro to get the effect of penetrant, and the perfusate was collected in the side of endothelium. The protein in the sample was precipitated and discarded by high speed centrifugation before injection.

[Spectrum analysis and measurment research on visual density of the national standard densitometer].

Visual density is an important index for the estimation of photographic film and visual photo. The development of biomedical image and macromolecule image needs high measurement uncertainty of visual density in spectrum characteristic. The ISO standard of visual density measurement conditions was modified in 2001.

Inhibitory effect of oleanolic acid on hepatocellular carcinoma via ERK-p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis.

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dramatically increasing and is the third cause of cancer death worldwide. One key approach to control HCC is chemoprevention by naturally occurring agents. This study aims at investigating the antitumor effect of oleanolic acid (OA) and the molecular mechanisms.

Amperometric immunosensor for simultaneous detection of three analytes in one interface using dual functionalized graphene sheets integrated with redox-probes as tracer matrixes.

A novel immunoassay protocol for simultaneous electrochemical determination of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic (CEA) and streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) was designed. As standard sandwich-type immunoassay format, three primary antibodies (Ab1), anti-CEA and anti-AFP and anti-SS2, were immobilized via protein A (PA) adsorbed by Nafion modified electrodes, and functionalized graphene sheets (GS), containing abundant gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carboxyl group, were used to immobilize secondary antibody@redox-probe so as to act as tracer. Concentration of each analyte was quantitatively related to the reduction peak current of corresponding redox-probe in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) scan.

Antioxidant and anti-tumor activity of a polysaccharide from freshwater clam, Corbicula fluminea.

The fresh water clam Corbicula fluminea is currently one of the most economically important aquatic species in China because of its nutritional value and pharmacological activity. In order to explore the potential of C. fluminea as a natural resource of bioactive compounds, a papain-released polysaccharide designated CFPS-2 was isolated.

GeneSearch™ BLN Assay could replace frozen section and touch imprint cytology for intra-operative assessment of breast sentinel lymph nodes.

Background: Breast cancer sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has become a common procedure. The GeneSearch™ Breast Lymph Node Assay is a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for detecting nodal metastases larger than 0.2 mm.

Association between the ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes risk: a meta-analysis.

Aims: Data on the association between the ghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism and type 2 diabetes are conflicting. A meta-analysis was performed on this topic.

Methods: We searched for case-control studies using electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) and reference lists of studies.

Sulfation pattern of the fucose branch is important for the anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities of fucosylated chondroitin sulfates.

Background: The aim is to compare the structures, anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities of two fucosylated chondroitin sulfates isolated from sea cucumbers Isostichopus badionotus (fCS-Ib) and Pearsonothuria graeffei (fCS-Pg), which were known to have different sulfation patterns on the fucose branches.

Methods: The structures of fCSs were identified using 2D NMR. Anticoagulant activities were measured by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), and inhibition of factors IIa, Xa and XIIa was assessed in vitro.

[Effect of alendronate on expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand in mouse osteoblasts].

Objective: To investigate the effect of alendronate on the expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in mouse osteoblasts.

Methods: Mouse calvarial osteoblasts cultured in vitro were identified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and immunofluorescence assay of OPG and RANKL expressions. The second passage of the osteoblasts were treated with different concentrations of alendronate (10(-4) to 10(-7) mol/L) for 48 h, and the changes in OPG and RANKL mRNA and protein expressions were examined using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

A novel amperometric immunosensor constructed with gold-platinum nanoparticles and horseradish peroxidase nanoparticles as well as nickel hexacyanoferrates nanoparticles.

In this study, three nano-materials comprising gold-platinum nanoparticles (Au-PtNPs), horseradish peroxidase nanoparticles (HRPNPs) and nickel hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles (NiHCFNPs) were used to construct a signal-off immunosensor. Au-PtNPs and NiHCFNPs were assembled on a glass carbon electrode (GCE) by electrodeposition and gold-cyanide bond formation, respectively; anti-fetoproteins (anti-AFP) were immobilized on the Au-PtNPs. HRPNPs were employed to block the possible remaining active sites and avoid nonspecific adsorption.

Association of maternal education with the neuroblastoma susceptibility in children: a meta-analysis.

Maternal education might be an important factor for the neuroblastoma risk in children, but it was conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between maternal education and neuroblastoma susceptibility and to explore whether maternal education was an important indicator to be associated with the neuroblastoma risk in children. The association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, and Cochrane Library as of June 1, 2012, and eligible investigations were synthesized using meta-analysis method.

Comparative analysis of the distribution of segmented filamentous bacteria in humans, mice and chickens.

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are indigenous gut commensal bacteria. They are commonly detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Despite the significant role they have in the modulation of the development of host immune systems, little information exists regarding the presence of SFB in humans.

UPR-induced resistance to etoposide is downstream of PERK and independent of changes in topoisomerase IIα levels.

Background: The unfolded protein response (UPR) is regulated by three ER-localized, transmembrane signal transducers that control distinct aspects of the UPR. We previously reported that both increased resistance to etoposide and a reduction in Topoisomerase IIα protein levels were a direct response of UPR activation, and the latter occurred independent of changes in Topo IIα mRNA levels. We have now examined the contribution of each of the three up-stream transducers of the UPR, as well as some of their downstream targets in affecting decreased expression of Topo IIα protein and increased drug resistance.

Salidroside improves behavioral and histological outcomes and reduces apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling after experimental traumatic brain injury.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces a complex sequence of apopototic cascades that contribute to secondary tissue damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of salidroside, a phenolic glycoside with potent anti-apoptotic properties, on behavioral and histological outcomes, brain edema, and apoptosis following experimental TBI and the possible involvement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway.

Methodology/principal Findings: Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact injury received intraperitoneal salidroside (20, or 50 mg/kg) or vehicle injection 10 min after injury.

Deficiency of interleukin-15 enhances susceptibility to acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.

Hepatocytes have a direct necrotic role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI), prolonged secondary inflammatory response through innate immune cells and cytokines also significantly contributes to APAP hepatotoxicity. Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a multifunction cytokine, regulates the adaptive immune system and influences development and function of innate immune cells. To better understand the role of IL-15 in liver injury, we treated wild-type (WT) and IL-15-knockout (Il15⁻/⁻) mice with a hepatotoxic dose of APAP to induce AILI and evaluated animal survival, liver damage, APAP metabolism in livers and the inflammatory response.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical strategy for trace detection of APE-1 via triple signal amplification strategy.

A novel ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay for the determination of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE-1) using a three-step signal amplification process was reported in this work. The first-step signal amplification process was based on the labeled biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (bio-AP) on the nickel hexacyanoferrates nanoparticle-decorated Au nanochains (Ni-AuNCs) toward the biocatalysis of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-P) to in-situ produce ascorbic acid (AA). Then the signal was further amplified by electrochemical oxidation of the in-situ-produced AA because of the catalysis of Ni-AuNCs.

Tau expression correlated with breast cancer sensitivity to taxanes-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between tau expression in primary breast cancer and sensitivity to taxanes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. We used immunohistochemistry to examine tau expression in breast cancer biopsies from 113 primary breast cancer patients and evaluated the correlation between tau expression and taxane sensitivity. Twenty-eight (24.

Accuracy and axilla sparing potentials of sentinel lymph node biopsy with methylene blue alone performed before versus after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: a single institution experience.

Introduction: The timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting is still controversial. We retrospectively analyzed a Chinese patient cohort with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to evaluate the accuracy and axilla sparing potentials of different SLNB timings with methylene blue alone for lymphatic mapping.

Materials And Methods: Patients with NAC and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and either pre- or post-NAC SLNB were eligible.

Comparative study of one-step nucleic acid amplification assay, frozen section, and touch imprint cytology for intraoperative assessment of breast sentinel lymph node in Chinese patients.

Unlabelled: Conventional procedures for the intraoperative assessment of breast cancer sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are frozen section (FS) and touch imprint cytology (TIC). The one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay is a novel molecular technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal approach by comparing OSNA assay, FS, and TIC.

Amplified electrochemiluminescent immunosensing using apoferritin-templated poly(ethylenimine) nanoparticles as co-reactant.

A novel sandwich-type electrochemiluminescent immunoassay utilizing apoferritin-templated poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) nanoparticles as labels based on the in situ release of the co-reactant of PEI was developed for sensitive detection of HCG with a low detection limit of 0.17 μIU mL(-1).

[Microstructure and histochemical localization of flavonoids in leaves and stem in Sarcandra glabra].

Microscopic and histochemical methods were used to investigate flavonoids localization in the leaf and the stem of the Sarcandra glabra. The results indicated that flavonoids distributed mainly in epidermis, collenchyma, vascular bundles, secretory cells and palisade tissue of leaf. In the stem, they distributed mainly in epidermis, collenchyma, phloem and secretory cells.

Pre-treatment hormonal receptor status and Ki67 index predict pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant trastuzumab/taxanes but not disease-free survival in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Trastuzumab-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieves a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of about 40 % in HER2-positive breast cancers, and pCR predicts better survival. A cohort of 102 consecutive Chinese HER2-positive stage II/III patients with neoadjuvant trastuzumab/taxanes were retrospectively analyzed, to evaluate the role of hormonal receptor (HR) status and Ki67 index, along with other parameters, in pCR and survival prediction. pCR rate of the cohort was 44.