[Expression of PTPRZ1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma originated from oral submucous fibrosis and its clinical significance].

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to detect the expression of PTPRZ1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) originated from oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), and discuss its role in the development and progression of OSCC originating from OSF as well as its clinical significance. METHODS: Immunohistochemisty (IHC) and Western blot (WB) for the expression and distribution of PTPRZ1 were carried out in 36 cases of OSF transforming into OSCC, 23 cases of OSCC and 21 cases of healthy controls. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: IHC results demonstrated that the expression of PTPRZ1 in OSCC originated from the OSF was strongly positive and the rate of positive expression was 72.22%; expression of PTPRZ1 in OSCC was weakly positive, the positive rate was 43.47%; and the expression of PTPRZ1 in healthy controls was negative. The rate of PTPRZ1 positive expression was significantly higher in OSCC originated from OSF and OSCC with non-OSF than that of the healthy controls (P<0.01). The positive expression rate of OSCC originated from OSF was significantly higher than that of OSCC with non-OSF (P<0.05).WB results showed the expression of PTPRZ1 was weak in the healthy controls and in OSCC with non-OSF, but strong in OSCC originated from OSF. Correlation analysis between PTPRZ1 and clinical data showed PTPRZ1 was correlated with recurrence and metastasis positively (rk=0.642, P<0.05; rk=0.656, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differential expression of PTPRZ1 in OSCC originating from OSF and OSCC with non-OSF was significant. PTPRZ1, which plays an important role in the processes of development, invasion and metastasis of OSCC originated from OSF, can be used as a molecular marker for early diagnosis and targeted gene for treatment of OSCC originating from OSF.

Constructing two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays on layered materials inspired by atomic epitaxial growth.

Constructing nanoparticles into well-defined structures at mesoscale and larger to create novel functional materials remains a challenge. Inspired by atomic epitaxial growth, we propose an "epitaxial assembly" method to form two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays (2D NAs) directly onto desired materials. As an illustration, we employ a series of surfactant-capped nanoparticles as the "artificial atoms" and layered hybrid perovskite (LHP) materials as the substrates and obtain 2D NAs in a large area with few defects. This method is universal for nanoparticles with different shapes, sizes, and compositions and for LHP substrates with different metallic cores. Raman spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction data support our hypothesis of epitaxial assembly. The novel method offers new insights into the controllable assembly of complex functional materials and may push the development of materials science at the mesoscale.

[Evaluation of psychological fear in children undergoing head-up tilt test].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different tilt angles of head-up tilt test (HUTT) and different responses to HUTT on the psychological fear in children undergoing the test. METHODS: HUTT was performed on children with unexplained syncope or pre-syncope (107 cases: 52 males and 55 females), aged 5.5-17.8 years (mean 12.0±2.8 years). All subjects were randomly assigned to undergo HUTT at an angle of 60°, 70° or 80°; the negative cases underwent sublingual nitroglycerin-provocation HUTT at the same tilt angle. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale was used for self-assessment of psychological fear in subjects during HUTT at the end point of the test. RESULTS: The positive rate, hemodynamic changes and distribution of response types showed no significant differences between children at tilt angles of 60°, 70° and 80° (P>0.05). The greater the tilt angle, the higher the degree of psychological fear in children undergoing the test, but there were no significant differences between them (P>0.05). The degree of psychological fear in children who showed a positive response to HUTT (n=76) was significantly higher than that in children who showed a negative response (n=31) (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HUTT can cause psychological fear in children undergoing the test, and the degree of psychological fear increases in children tested at tilt angles from 60° to 80°, but the differences have no statistical significance. A positive response to HUTT can significantly increase the psychological fear in children.

Optimized metal-organic-framework nanospheres for drug delivery: evaluation of small-molecule encapsulation.

We have developed a general synthetic route to encapsulate small molecules in monodisperse zeolitic imid-azolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanospheres for drug delivery. Electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis show that the small-molecule-encapsulated ZIF-8 nanospheres are uniform 70 nm particles with single-crystalline structure. Several small molecules, including fluorescein and the anticancer drug camptothecin, were encapsulated inside of the ZIF-8 framework. Evaluation of fluorescein-encapsulated ZIF-8 nanospheres in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line demonstrated cell internalization and minimal cytotoxicity. The 70 nm particle size facilitates cellular uptake, and the pH-responsive dissociation of the ZIF-8 framework likely results in endosomal release of the small-molecule cargo, thereby rendering the ZIF-8 scaffold an ideal drug delivery vehicle. To confirm this, we demonstrate that camptothecin encapsulated ZIF-8 particles show enhanced cell death, indicative of internalization and intracellular release of the drug. To demonstrate the versatility of this ZIF-8 system, iron oxide nanoparticles were also encapsulated into the ZIF-8 nanospheres, thereby endowing magnetic features to these nanospheres.

Median cleft of the upper lip associated with a mass: a rare case.

Median cleft lip is a midline vertical cleft through the upper lip. This is a very rare anomaly described in the literature. Median cleft lip is caused by the failure of fusion of the medial nasal prominences. In this case report, a 4-month-old boy with a median cleft associated with a mass of the upper lip is presented. The patient has no other anomalies of the nose or alveolus. The patient has normotelorism. A Z-plasty technique was used on the skin of the base of the columella. A vertical excision of the cleft with muscle approximation was performed on the white roll and the wet-dry border of either side of the defect of the upper lip. Postoperatively, the patient had a satisfactory result. The incisive scars were not visible. Cupid's bow was appropriately aligned, and the height of the upper lip was equal on both sides.

What molecular assembly can learn from catalytic chemistry.

One important objective of molecular assembly research is to create highly complex functional chemical systems capable of responding, adapting, and evolving. Compared with living systems, the synthetic systems are still rather primitive and are far from realizing those features. Nature is by far the most important source of inspiration for designing and creating such systems. In this critical review, we summarize an alternative approach, inspired by catalysis, to examine and describe some molecular assembly processes. A new term, "catassembly," is suggested to refer to the increase in the rate and control of a molecular assembly process. This term combines the words "catalysis" and "assembly," and identifiably retains the Greek root "cat-" of catalysis. The corresponding verb is "catassemble" and the noun is "catassembler", referring to the "helper" species. Catassembly in molecular assembly is a concept that is analogous to catalysis in chemical synthesis. After using several examples to illustrate the characteristics of catassembly, we discuss future methodological and theoretical developments. We also emphasize the significance of the synergy between chemical synthesis and molecular assembly, especially for hierarchical assembly systems. Because most efforts in the field of molecular assembly have been devoted to the design and synthesis of molecular building blocks, we wish to stress the apparently missing yet critical link to complex chemical systems, i.e., the design and utilization of molecular catassemblers to facilitate the formation of functional molecular assemblies from building blocks with high efficiency and selectivity. This rational control and accelerated method will promote the systems chemistry approach, and may expand the spectrum of molecular assembly from basic science to applications.

Graphene-supported platinum nanoparticles prepared by a self-regulated reduction method.

Graphene-supported Pt nanoparticles were prepared by a self-regulated reduction method without using any extra reductive agent. Unassisted reduction of Pt ions by the oxygen-containing functional groups on graphene was demonstrated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a (200) peak of face-centered cubic Pt crystals and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) further confirmed the presence of Pt. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) depicted good dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles on graphene. The particle sizes estimated by TEM and XRD ranged from 2 to 6 nm. In comparison, the Pt nanoparticles reduced using ethylene glycol as an extra reducing agent exhibited larger sizes, a wider spread of size distribution, and less uniform dispersion on graphene. The electrocatalytic activity of Pt on graphene was verified by cyclic voltammetry. In addition, Raman scattering spectroscopy showed an increase in D- to G-peak ratio and an effect of surface-enhanced Raman scattering for the graphene decorated with Pt nanoparticles.

Supersaturation-dependent surface structure evolution: from ionic, molecular to metallic micro/nanocrystals.

Deduced from thermodynamics and the Thomson-Gibbs equation that the surface energy of crystal face is in proportion to the supersaturation of crystal growth units during the crystal growth, we propose that the exposed crystal faces can be simply tuned by controlling the supersaturation, and higher supersaturation will result in the formation of crystallites with higher surface-energy faces. We have successfully applied it for the growth of ionic (NaCl), molecular (TBPe), and metallic (Au, Pd) micro/nanocrystals with high-surface-energy faces. The above proposed strategy can be rationally designed to synthesize micro/nanocrystals with specific crystal faces and functionality toward specific applications.

Uniform gold spherical particles for single-particle surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) benefits from the enhanced electromagnetic field of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of metallic (especially coinage metals) nanoparticles or nanostructures. The detection sensitivity and reproducibility of SERS measurement appear to be the two critical issues in SERS. To solve the problem associated with traditional nanoparticle aggregates and SERS substrates, we propose in this work single particle SERS. We prepared uniform gold microspheres with controllable size and surface roughness using an etching-assisted seed-mediated method. Single particle dark-field spectroscopy and SERS measurements show that particles with a larger roughness give a stronger SERS signal, but still retain a good reproducibility. This study points to the promising future of the practical application of the single particle SERS technique for trace analysis.

Preventive administration of juanbi capsules for knee osteoarthritis: effects on serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and cartilage repair.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of action of Juanbi Capsules, a Chinese medicine for invigorating the kidney and replenishing qi, in preventing osteoarthritis of the knee in rabbits. METHODS: Seventy-two 4-month-old, Japanese long-eared white rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: control (group A), model (group B), Chinese drug; high-dose (group C), Chinese drug; mid-dose (group D), Chinese drug; low-dose (group E), and drug control (group F). With the exception of the rabbits in group A, each rabbit was subjected to plaster cast fixation for 6 weeks to induce osteoarthritis. In addition, rabbits were administrated with an intragastric injection of the Chinese drug (groups C, D and E) or an aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule (group F) for 4 weeks. Blood was drawn from the central ear artery for serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations, and the knee joint cartilage was harvested for gross observation and light microscopy. RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations between group B and groups C, D and E (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups D and F. Histological results showed various changes in tissue staining with treatment, with osteophyte and bone cyst formation, and superficial erosion in the articular surface of the cartilage; in some cases, the defect reached the mid-layer of the cartilage, and these changes were lower than those in the model group. CONCLUSION: Juanbi Capsules assist in preventing osteoarthritis in the rabbit, possibly by decreasing serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new 5-fluorouracil-substituted ampelopsin derivatives.

This study reports two novel 5-fluorouracil-substituted ampelopsin derivatives. The structures of two new derivatives were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR and MS. Their anticancer activities in vitro against two cancer cell lines, K562 and K562/ADR, were investigated using the MTT assay, and the results showed that the two new compounds were more effective than reference drugs such as ampelopsin and verapamil.

Effects of preventive administration of juanbi capsules on TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents of joint fluid in the rabbit with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the mechanism of the Chinese herbs with functions of reinforcing kidney and supplementing qi for preventing knee osteoarthritis of the rabbit. METHODS: Totally 72 healthy Japan long-ear white rabbits, aged 4 months, were randomly divided into 6 groups, blank group (A), model group (B), high dose Chinese herb group (C), middle dose Chinese herb group (D), small dose Chinese herb group (E), aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule control group (F), 12 rabbits in each group. All the rabbits in the groups, except the group A, were fixed with plaster cast for six weeks to establish rabbit knee osteoarthritis. At the same time of modeling, the different doses of Juanbi Capsules and aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule were administrated intragastrically in the group C, D, E, F, respectively, for 4 weeks, for preventive treatment. In the group B, the rabbit was administrated intragastrically with equal volume of normal saline to the medication groups, twice each day, in the morning and the evening, and in the group A, nothing was administrated. After modeling for 6 weeks, the joint fluid was taken and TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents were detected with ELISA method, and the articular cartilage was taken for macroscopic and microscopic examinations. RESULTS: In all the preventive treatment groups, the articular cartilage color changed to varying degrees with formation of osteophyte and bone cyst, superficial erosion on the chondral articular surface, and the cartilage defect reached to the mid layer in a part of specimens with cartilage exfoliation, but which in the extent were significantly lower than those in the model group. There were significant differences between the group A and B in TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents in the joint fluid (P < 0.05), indicating that the modeling is successful; and there were significant differences as group B compared with the group C,D, E, F, showing that TNF-alpha , IL-1 and IL-6 contents are decreased in all the medication groups; and significant differences between group C, D, E suggests that the increase of Chinese herb doses strengthened the effect of reducing TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents in joint fluid. CONCLUSION: The Juanbi Capsule prevents osteoarthritis possibly through decreasing serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 contents.

Facet-selective epitaxial growth of heterogeneous nanostructures of semiconductor and metal: ZnO nanorods on Ag nanocrystals.

We demonstrate a new approach for synthesizing Ag-ZnO heterogeneous nanostructures in which single-crystalline ZnO nanorods were selectively grown on {111} rather than {100} facets of single-crystalline Ag truncated nanocubes. We have identified the fine structure of the Ag-ZnO heterostructures and proposed a mechanism indicating that structure match plays a critically important role in this type of facet-selective growth. These heterogeneous nanostructures are of special interest and have potential applications in electrical contacts, functional devices, biological sensors, and catalysis.

Epitaxial growth of heterogeneous metal nanocrystals: from gold nano-octahedra to palladium and silver nanocubes.

With octahedral Au nanocrystals as seeds, highly monodisperse Au@Pd and Au@Ag core-shell nanocubes were synthesized by a two-step seed-mediated method in aqueous solution. Accordingly, we have preliminarily proposed a general rule that the atomic radius, bond dissociation energy, and electronegativity of the core and shell metals play key roles in determining the conformal epitaxial layered growth mode.

[Study on preparation of ampelopsin liposomes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the formulation and preparation of ampelopsin liposomes and evaluate their quality. METHOD: The liposomes were prepared by a film-ultrasonic dispersion technique. Served as quota with the entrapment ratio and appearance and diameter of the liposomes, the optimal formulation and preparation were selected by means of an uniform design test. The appearance of liposomes was observed by micrography. The diameter and electric charge of surface were determined by granularity mensuration instrument. The entrapment ratio and the leakage rate of ampelopsin liposome were determined by means of dialyze. The content of ampelopsin was determined by UV. RESULT: The result of electron micrography and the size distribution showed that the liposomes were similar to spherical small unilamellar vesicles. The mean diameter was (258.2 +/- 51.2) nm and the electric charge of surface is 19.0 mV. The entrapment ratio of ampelopsin liposomes was 62. 3% and the lecithoid oxidative rate was 0.83% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: The selected formulation and preparation of ampelopsin liposomes is efficient and practicable.

Identification and characterization of a novel spermatogenesis related gene LM23 in rat testis.

The aim of this study is to screen the novel gene related to the spermatogenesis. A novel rat testis-specific gene LM23 was identified and characterized by differential display PCR with total RNA from rat type A spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, and round spermatids. LM23 cDNA consists of 1896 base pairs (bp) with a complete open reading frame of 936 bp, and encodes a putative protein including 312 amino acids, which shares no significant homology with any known gene. The sequence of LM23 was submitted to GenBank and the Accession No. was AF492385. Multitissue Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis showed LM23 was specific expression in testis, while its expression was not detected in other tissues. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of LM23 was highest in spermatocytes and very low in spermatogonia. In situ hybridization revealed strong cytoplasmic positive signal in spermatocytes and weak signal in spermatids and spermatogonia. These results indicated LM23 possessed the testis-specific and stage-specific expression characteristics, and possibly involved in rat spermatogenesis.

[Meiosis related gene expression in rat spermatogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To find the expression of specific genes related to the meiosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis in the rat testis. METHODS: Segments of seminiferous tubules were obtained from the adult male SD rats, at stages XIII - I of meiosis, and the interstitial cells of the same testis were isolated under the stereomicroscope. The total RNAs of stages XIII - I segments and the testicular interstitial cells were extracted respectively, and mRNA differential display RT-PCR (DDRT-PCR) was conducted. The obtained cDNA fractions were purified and recovered, the reverse dot blot hybridization, sub-clones and screens of blue/white dots performed, and the results of sub-clones were identified by restriction endonuclease EcoR I digestion. RESULTS: Sixteen differential cDNA fractions were obtained through primary DDRT-PCR, 7 from stages XIII - I segments and 9 from the testicular interstitial cells. Another 11 were selected for further screening by reverse dot blot hybridization, their size ranging from 200 to 500 bp, of which 6 were from the stages XIII - I segments of seminiferous tubules and the other 5 from the rat testicular interstitial cells. All of the 11 cDNA fractions were sub-cloned and screened by blue/white dots. CONCLUSION: Specifically expressed differential cDNA fractions can be obtained and primarily identified from testicular interstitial cells and the seminiferous tubules, which, as the sequence tags of the testicular meiotic expression, deserve further investigation.

[Optimizing the extracting technique of ampelopsin from Ampelopsis cantoniensis Planch by a uniform design method].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the preparation of ampelopsin from Ampelopsis Cantoniensis Planch. METHODS: The extraction and purification process was studied by the uniform design with the extract of ampelopsin content and purity as markers. The facters which influence the extraction and the purification of ampelopsin content were studied by uniform design. RESULTS: The optimum extraction and purification process: the concentration for alcohol was 90%, and refluxing quartic, 1.5 h each time; extraction by petroleum ether quintic, the mount of active carbon was 1 g/100 g of the medicine material, and recrystaling thrice. CONCLUSION: This extraction process has higher yield of ampelopsin and is available for production.

[The chemotaxis effect of ampelopsin on the immunocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemotaxis effect of ampelopsin with different concentration on monocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes. METHODS: Chemokinesis and chemotaxis tests were proceed in agarose gel comparing with chemokine IL-8 or MCP-1. RESULTS: At 25.6 microg/ml or 51.2 microg/ml, ampelopsin could strongly enhance the migration of neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. The chemotaxis effect induced by 25.6 microg/ml of ampelopsin had no significant differences with that induced by 150 ng/ml of IL-8 or 50 ng/ml of MCP-1 (P > 0.05). At a concentration of 12.8 microg/ml, the chemokime effect of ampelopsin was more potent than that of 150 ng/ml of IL-8 or 100 ng/ml of MCP-1 (P < 0.05). Ampelopsin exerted a synergistic action with IL-8 or MCP-1 on its chemotaxis effect to neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. CONCLUSION: Ampelopsin can strongly enhance the chemokinesis and chemotaxis effects of neutrophilic granulocytes and moncytes and exert a synergistic action with IL-8 or MCP-1 on its chemotaxis effect to neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes.

[Inhibitory effects of ampelopsin on angiogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of ampelopsin on angiogenesis. METHODS: The anti-angiogenic effect was evaluated by MTT assay for proliferation of endothelial cells. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic-fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel-7402 cells were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the expression of VEGF and bFGF. The VEGF and bFGF in the cancer cells were examined by flow cytometry. The inhibitory effect of ampelopsin on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel-7402 in nude mice was studied. RESULTS: Ampelopsin was shown to inhibit the proliferation of primary cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells in a concentration dependent manner in range of 6.4 - 51.2 microg/ml. The IC50 (50% inhibition concentration) value was 22.0 +/- 4.0 microg/ml. ELISA assay was shown that treatment with 12.8 microl/m1, 25.6 microl/ml and 38.4 microg/ml of ampelopsin resulted in an inhibition of VEGF production released by Bel-7402, and the inbibtitory rate was 14.2%, 40.0% and 49.6%, respectively. After exposure to 12.8 microg/ml of ampelopsin, a decrease in the expression and activity of VEGF and bFGF was observed by immunohistochemical staining. The concentration of VEGF and bFGF secretion by Bel-7402 cells were lower following ampelopsin treatment as shown by flow cytometry. Treatment with 25.6 microg/mL and 38.4 microg/ml of ampelopsin, the inbibitory rates were 32.2% and 57.4% for VEGF, and 54.9% and 62.6% for bFGF, respectively. The inhibitory rate of ampelopsin to the growth of the transplant tumor in nude mice were 24.3%, 41.4% and 45.75 respectively at the dose of 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Ampelopsin is a potent inhibitor of VEGF and bFGF expression and production in human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel-7402 cell, and may be a promising angiogenesis inhibitor.