A novel energy efficient path for nitrogen fixation using a non-thermal arc.

Plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation is a promising sustainable and clean alternative to the classical Haber-Bosch process. However, the high energy consumption and low production rate of plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation limit its application. This study shows that the non-thermal (non-equilibrium) enhancement of the arc plasma significantly reduces the energy consumption of nitrogen fixation.

SLAMF7 and TREM1 Mediate Immunogenic Cell Death in Colorectal Cancer Cells: Focus on Microsatellite Stability.

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to identify the association between SLAMF7 and TREM1 and anti-PD-1 drugs, and to determine whether they are molecular targets or predictors of responses to immunotherapy through induction of immunogenic cell death.

Materials And Methods: CRC cell lines over-expressing SLAMF7 and TREM1 were used to examine immunogenic and biological traits (e.g.

Clinically Applicable Serum Biomarkers Among 14 Candidates Associated With Recurrence of Stage II and III Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aim: We evaluated the predictive value of candidate serum biomarkers for recurrence in stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) after curative surgery.

Patients And Methods: A total of 33 and 120 patients with CRC with or without recurrence at 5 years after curative surgery were included in the training set and the validation set, respectively. Possible serum biomarkers were examined for associations with CRC recurrence using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

Analysis of genomic pathogenesis according to the revised Bethesda guidelines and additional criteria.

Purpose: As few genotype-phenotype correlations are available for nonsyndromic hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), we implemented genomic analysis on the basis of the revised Bethesda guideline (RBG) and extended (12 items) to verify possible subtypes.

Methods: Patients with sporadic CRC (n = 249) were enrolled, stratified according to the revised Bethesda guidelines (RBG+ and RBG- groups) plus additional criteria. Exome/transcriptome analyses (n = 98) and cell-based functional assays were conducted.

A prognostic index based on an eleven gene signature to predict systemic recurrences in colorectal cancer.

Approximately half of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience disease recurrence and metastasis, and these individuals frequently fail to respond to treatment due to their clinical and biological diversity. Here, we aimed to identify a prognostic signature consisting of a small gene group for precisely predicting CRC heterogeneity. We performed transcriptomic profiling using RNA-seq data generated from the primary tissue samples of 130 CRC patients.

Biological Characteristics and Clinical Significance of ITGB1 and RHOC in Patients With Recurrent Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Its poor prognosis can be ascribed primarily to high recurrence rates. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for management of CRC.

Clinical assessment and identification of immuno-oncology markers concerning the 19-gene based risk classifier in stage IV colorectal cancer.

Background: Genomic profiling of tumors has contributed to the understanding of colorectal cancer (CRC), facilitating diagnosis, prognosis and selection of treatments, including targeted regimens. A report suggested that a 19-gene-based risk classifier (TCA19) was a prognostic tool for patients with stage III CRC. The survival outcomes in patients with stage IV CRC are still poor and appropriate selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is challenging.

Opposite functions of GSN and OAS2 on colorectal cancer metastasis, mediating perineural and lymphovascular invasion, respectively.

The present study aimed to identify molecules associated with lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and perineural invasion (PNI) and to examine their biological behavior in colorectal cancer (CRC). LVI- and PNI-associated molecules were identified and verified using sequential processes including (1) identification of 117 recurrence-associated genes differentially expressed on RNA-seq analysis using primary cancer tissues from 130 CRC patients with and without systemic recurrence; (2) analysis of molecules associated with LVI and PNI; (3) assessment of biological properties by measuring proliferation, anoikis, invasion/migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy flux; and (4) verification of disease-free survival using public datasets. Gelsolin (GSN) and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS2) were associated with PNI and LVI, respectively.

Up-regulation of UVRAG by HDAC1 Inhibition Attenuates 5FU-induced Cell Death in HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells.

The ultraviolent irradiation resistance-associated gene (UVRAG), a component of the Beclin 1/autophagy-related 6 complex, regulates the autophagy initiation step and functions in the DNA-damage response. UVRAG is frequently mutated in various cancer types, and mutations of UVRAG increase sensitivity to chemotherapy by impairing DNA-damage repair. In this study, we addressed the epigenetic regulation of UVRAG in colorectal cancer cells.

PSMB8 as a Candidate Marker of Responsiveness to Preoperative Radiation Therapy in Rectal Cancer Patients.

Purpose: The ability to predict individual responsiveness to cancer therapy is urgently needed. This is particularly true for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) because a large proportion are resistant to preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT). In this study, we sought to identify markers that could predict response by comparing the gene expression profiles of the tumors of patients who received preoperative CRT.

Development and Applicability of Integrative Tumor Response Assays for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Aim: The present study investigated how well the results of integrative tumor-response assay (ITRA) compared to those of clinical response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients And Methods: A total of 129 patients with metastatic CRC were prospectively enrolled. ITRA consisted of two sequential histoculture drug-response assays (HDRAs).

The prognostic significance and treatment modality for elevated pre- and postoperative serum CEA in colorectal cancer patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum CEA (s-CEA) changes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with sustained elevated postoperative s-CEA levels.

Methods: Between January 1999 and December 2008, 9,380 CRC patients underwent surgery. Curative resection was performed in 1,242 CRC patients with high preoperative s-CEA levels (>6 ng/mL).

Feasibility of novel PPP1R15A and proposed ANXA11 single nucleotide polymorphisms as predictive markers for bevacizumab regimen in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Bevacizumab improves survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) under chemotherapy, but few predictive markers have been identified.

Methods: To investigate chemosensitive single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of mCRC, we performed exome sequencing and RNA sequencing in 19 patients. A clinical association analysis was performed with the other 116 patients who had received chemotherapy to bevacizumab regimens.

Complex Behavior of ALDH1A1 and IGFBP1 in Liver Metastasis from a Colorectal Cancer.

Using our data set (GSE50760) previously established by RNA sequencing, the present study aimed to identify upregulated genes associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis (CLM) and verify their biological behavior. The potential roles of candidate genes in tumors were assessed using cell proliferation and invasion assays. Tissue samples were collected from 18 CRC patients with synchronous CLM and two CRC cell lines (SW480 and SW620) were used for transfection and cloning.

ZKSCAN3 Facilitates Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Associated with CEA-expressing Tumor.

Aim: Zinc finger with KRAB and SCAN domain 3 (ZKSCAN3) is overexpressed in invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and regulates the expression of several genes favoring tumor progression, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and integrin β4. We evaluated the association of ZKSCAN3 and colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CLM) to determine whether it is related to invasive signaling pathways.

Materials And Methods: The ratios of expression by primary tumor to normal tissue and metastatic tumor to normal tissue were compared between ZKSCAN3-overexpressing and underexpressing primary tumor groups.

Genome-wide mutation profiles of colorectal tumors and associated liver metastases at the exome and transcriptome levels.

To characterize the mutation profiles of colorectal cancer (CRC) primary tumors (PTs) and liver metastases (CLMs), we performed both whole-exome and RNA sequencing. Ten significantly mutated genes, including BMI1, CARD11, and NRG1, were found in 34 CRCs with CLMs. We defined three mutation classes (Class 1 to 3) based on the absence or presence of mutations during liver metastasis.

Epigenetic regulation of KLHL34 predictive of pathologic response to preoperative chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer patients.

Purpose: Prediction of individual responsiveness to preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is urgently needed in patients with poorly responsive locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Methods And Materials: Candidate methylation genes associated with radiosensitivity were identified using a 3-step process. In the first step, genome-wide screening of methylation genes was performed in correlation with histopathologic tumor regression grade in 45 patients with LARC.

A nineteen gene-based risk score classifier predicts prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients frequently experience disease recurrence and distant metastasis. This study aimed to identify prognostic indicators, including individual responses to chemotherapy, in CRC patients. RNA-seq data was generated using 54 samples (normal colon, primary CRC, and liver metastases) from 18 CRC patients and genes associated with CRC aggressiveness were identified.

Pyrolysis and gasification-melting of automobile shredder residue.

Automobile shredder residue (ASR) from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in Korea has commonly been disposed of in landfills. Due to the growing number of scrapped cars and the decreasing availability of landfill space, effective technology for reducing ASR is needed. However ASR is a complex mixture, and finding an appropriate treatment is not easy on account of the harmful compounds in ASR.

Poorly differentiated colorectal cancers: correlation of microsatellite instability with clinicopathologic features and survival.

Objectives: To evaluate the association of microsatellite instability (MSI) with clinicopathologic features and oncologic outcomes in patients with poorly differentiated colorectal cancer (PD).

Methods: Study patients were divided into well-differentiated colorectal cancer (WD) and PD, which were compared according to histologic differentiation and MSI status.

Results: Among 1,941 patients, PD was more frequent among microsatellite-unstable tumors (23.

Novel single-nucleotide polymorphism markers predictive of pathologic response to preoperative chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer patients.

Purpose: Studies aimed at predicting individual responsiveness to preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) are urgently needed, especially considering the risks associated with poorly responsive patients.

Methods And Materials: A 3-step strategy for the determination of CRT sensitivity is proposed based on (1) the screening of a human genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array in correlation with histopathologic tumor regression grade (TRG); (2) clinical association analysis of 113 patients treated with preoperative CRT; and (3) a cell-based functional assay for biological validation.

Results: Genome-wide screening identified 9 SNPs associated with preoperative CRT responses.

Applicability of histoculture drug response assays in colorectal cancer chemotherapy.

Aim: The present study, using the histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) compared chemosensitivity with the clinical response of a treatment regime in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients And Methods: A total of 324 patients with primary CRC were prospectively enrolled. HDRAs were performed using seven combinations of anticancer drugs, including 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin (FL), FL with oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), irinotecan (FOLFIRI), and their combinations with bevacizumab and cetuximab.

Characterization of biological responses of colorectal cancer cells to anticancer regimens.

Purpose: Identification of subgroups of patients who differ in their response to treatment could help to establish which of the best available chemotherapeutic options are best, based on biological activity. In metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), novel molecular-targeted agents that act on pathways that regulate cell growth, the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion are being developed. Here, we employed an in vitro chemosensitivity assay to evaluate the biological efficacy of conventional monotherapies and combination chemotherapy with targeted drugs.

Genome-wide identification of chemosensitive single nucleotide polymorphism markers in gastric cancer.

A chemosensitive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery schema is presented that utilizes (i) genome-wide SNP screening, with a human SNP array and an in vitro chemosensitivity assay, in 93 patients with gastric cancer (GC), and (ii) biological utility assessment using cell viability assays of transfected GC cells. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that most of the MKN1 and SNU638 clones transfected with the G allele of Deoxyribonuclease II beta (DNASE2B) rs3738573 were more sensitive to docetaxel than those with the C allele (p≤0.001-0.