Efficient Cr(VI) remediation by electrospun composite porous nanofibers incorporating biomass with metal oxides and metal-organic framework.

To develop a highly efficient adsorbent to remediate and remove hexavalent chromium ions (Cr(VI)) from polluted water, cellulose acetate (CA) and chitosan (CS), along with metal oxides (titanium dioxide (TiO2) and ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4)), and a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66) were used to fabricate the composite porous nanofiber membranes through electrospinning. The adsorption performance, influencing factors, adsorption kinetics and isotherms of composite nanofiber membranes were comprehensively investigated. The multi-layer membrane with interpenetrating nanofibers and surface functional groups enhanced the natural physical adsorption and provided potential chemical sites. The thermal stability was improved by introducing TiO2 and UiO-66. CA/CS/UiO-66 exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (118.81 mg g-1) and removal rate (60.76%), which were twice higher than those of the control. The correlation coefficients (R2) of all the composite nanofibers regressed by the Langmuir model were significantly higher than those by the Freundlich model. The pseudo-first-order kinetic curve of CA/CS composite nanofibers showed the highest R2 (0.973), demonstrating that the whole adsorption process involved a combination of strong physical adsorption and weak chemical adsorption by the amino groups of CS. However, the R2 values of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model increased after incorporating TiO2, Fe3O4, and UiO-66 into the CA/CS composite nanofiber membranes since an enhanced chemical reaction with Cr (VI) occured during the adsorption.

Electrospun microcrystalline cellulose/chitosan porous composite nanofibrous membranes modified by non-thermal plasma for gaseous formaldehyde adsorption.

To develop a green and facile adsorbent for removing indoor polluted formaldehyde (HCHO) gas, the biomass porous nanofibrous membranes (BPNMs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose/chitosan were fabricated by electrospinning. The enhanced chemical adsorption sites with diverse oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N)-containing functional groups were introduced on the surface of BPNMs by non-thermal plasma modification under carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) atmospheres. The average nanofiber diameters of nanofibrous membranes and their nanomechanical elastic modulus and hardness values decreased from 341 nm to 175-317 nm and from 2.00 GPa and 0.25 GPa to 1.70 GPa and 0.21 GPa, respectively, after plasma activation. The plasma-activated nanofibers showed superior hydrophilicity (WCA = 0°) and higher crystallinity than that of the control. The optimal HCHO adsorption capacity (134.16 mg g-1) of BPNMs was achieved under a N2 atmosphere at a plasma power of 30 W and for 3 min, which was 62.42 % higher compared with the control. Pyrrolic N, pyridinic N, CO and O-C=O were the most significant O and N-containing functional groups for the improved chemical adsorption of the BPNMs. The adsorption mechanism involved a synergistic combination of physical and chemical adsorption. This study provides a novel strategy that combines clean plasma activation with electrospinning to efficiently remove gaseous HCHO.

Construction of long non-coding RNA- and microRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA networks in alcohol-related esophageal cancer.

The current study aimed to explore the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks associated with alcohol-related esophageal cancer (EC). RNA-sequencing and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, DELs), and miRNAs (DEMs) in patients with alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related EC were identified. Prognostic RNAs were identified by performing Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed to build the gene modules. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed based on our in silico analyses using data from miRcode, starBase, and miRTarBase databases. Functional enrichment analysis was performed for the genes in the identified ceRNA networks. A total of 906 DEGs, 40 DELs, and 52 DEMs were identified. There were eight lncRNAs and miRNAs each, including ST7-AS2 and miR-1269, which were significantly associated with the survival rate of patients with EC. Of the seven gene modules, the blue and turquoise modules were closely related to disease progression; the genes in this module were selected to construct the ceRNA networks. SNHG12-miR-1-ST6GAL1, SNHG3-miR-1-ST6GAL1, SPAG5-AS1-miR-133a-ST6GAL1, and SNHG12-hsa-miR-33a-ST6GA interactions, associated with the N-glycan biosynthesis pathway, may have key roles in alcohol-related EC. Thus, the identified biomarkers provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of alcohol-related EC.

POU2F2 promotes the proliferation and motility of lung cancer cells by activating AGO1.

BACKGROUND: To detect and investigate the expression of POU domain class 2 transcription factor 2 (POU2F2) in human lung cancer tissues, its role in lung cancer progression, and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were conducted to assess the expression of POU2F2 in human lung cancer tissues. Immunoblot assays were performed to assess the expression levels of POU2F2 in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell-migration/invasion assays were conducted to detect the effects of POU2F2 and AGO1 on the proliferaion and motility of A549 and H1299 cells in vitro. CHIP and luciferase assays were performed for the mechanism study. A tumor xenotransplantation model was used to detect the effects of POU2F2 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: We found POU2F2 was highly expressed in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines, and associated with the lung cancer patients' prognosis and clinical features. POU2F2 promoted the proliferation, and motility of lung cancer cells via targeting AGO1 in vitro. Additionally, POU2F2 promoted tumor growth of lung cancer cells via AGO1 in vivo. CONCLUSION: We found POU2F2 was highly expressed in lung cancer cells and confirmed the involvement of POU2F2 in lung cancer progression, and thought POU2F2 could act as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.

KRT 15 as a prognostic biomarker is highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma.

Aim: To investigate the expression and prognostic value of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma. Materials & methods: The expression levels of KRT 15 were measured in 128 cases of esophageal carcinoma and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. Results & conclusion: Western blot analysis shown the expression levels of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma were significantly higher compared with those in matched adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). immunohistochemistry result shown the high-expression rate of KRT 15 in esophageal carcinoma were 56.3%, which was significantly higher than those in normal tissues (35.9%; p = 0.002). KRT 15 high-expression correlated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage and prognosis (p < 0.05). These data indicate KRT 15 as a prognostic biomarker is highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma.

aarF domain containing kinase 5 gene promotes invasion and migration of lung cancer cells through ADCK5-SOX9-PTTG1 pathway.

AarF domain containing kinase 5 (ADCK5) is a member of an atypical kinase family and overexpressed in many carcinomas including lung cancer, while the function of this protein has not been elucidated. Here we investigated the mechanism of ADCK5 involved in regulating invasion and migration of lung cancer cells, and showed that ADCK5 might regulate the expression of tumor oncogene human pituitary tumor transforming gene-1 (PTTG1) by phosphorylating transcription factor SOX9, therefore enhancing the migration and invasion capabilities of lung cancer cells. Mutagenesis of potential serine phosphorylation sites on SOX9 indicated that serine 181 might be required to maintain transcription activation of SOX9 as well as increase PTTG1 levels. The serine 181 site of SOX9 is in a motif that is targeted by ADCK5. The ADCK5-SOX9-PTTG1 pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.

LncRNA EGFR-AS1 Upregulates ROCK1 by Sponging miR-145 to Promote Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Invasion and Migration.

Background: EGFR-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in many types of cancers, while its roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are unknown. Results: Their data showed that EGFR-AS1 and ROCK1 were upregulated in ESCC and positively correlated. Survival analysis showed that high EGFR-AS1 and ROCK1 expression levels predicted poor survival. In ESCC cells, EGFR-AS1 overexpression led to upregulated ROCK1, while miR-145 overexpression led to downregulated ROCK1 and reduced effects of EGFR-AS1 overexpression. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-145 may bind EGFR-AS1, while overexpression of EGFR-AS1 and miR-145 did not significantly affect each other. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells, EGFR-AS1 and ROCK1 overexpression mediated the increased rates of ECSS cell invasion and migration. Overexpression of miR-145 played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of EGFR-AS1 overexpression. Conclusion: Therefore, EGFR-AS1 may upregulate ROCK1 by sponging miR-145 to promote ESCC cell invasion and migration.

Current state of esophageal cancer surgery in China: a national database analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present standard of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer is country dependent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the basic aspects of surgical procedures performed for esophageal cancer, and provide information about the present state of esophageal cancer surgery in China. METHODS: Data were obtained from a database administered by the Chinese Ministry for Health. A total of 542 participating hospitals were divided into seven geographic areas, and 10% of hospitals in each area were randomly chosen for inclusion. All patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent esophagectomy in these participating hospitals from January 1 to December 31, 2015, were included in the present study. The clinical characteristics, stage of tumor at diagnosis, operation summary and outcomes, and histological findings of patients were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: The present study included 11,791 patients, and the average number of patients per hospital was 218. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common pathological type, while the mid-esophagus was the most common location. Open procedures were performed in 63.8% of patients, while minimally invasive esophagectomy was performed in 36.2% of patients. Multiple approaches to transthoracic esophagectomy were utilized. Two-field lymphadenectomy was the most frequently performed (64.8%), followed by three-field lymphadenectomy (21.8%). Gastric tubes, thoracic duct ligation and postoperative enteral nutrition were implemented to minimize complications. CONCLUSION: The standard operative procedure and detailed technique for esophageal carcinoma surgery is presently being debated in China. This survey provides some basic information about the present state of esophageal cancer surgery countrywide.

PI3K Overexpression and PIK3CA Mutations Are Associated with Age, Tumor Staging, and Other Clinical Characteristics in Chinese Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PI3K expression and PIK3CA mutations with various clinical features in Chinese patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: The study included 112 patients diagnosed with ESCC from Jan 2013 to Dec 2015. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of PI3K. PIK3CA mutations were determined by sequencing. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 19.0 software. RESULTS: PI3K protein was expressed in 81.3% (91/112) of all ESCC samples, whereas it was found in only 4.9% (5/56) of adjacent normal cells. This rate of expression of PI3K was significantly higher in ESCC tissues (p < 0.001). PI3K protein expression was highly correlated with age, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage (p < 0.05), but not with gender, location, tobacco use, alcohol use, or degree of differentiation. PIK3CA gene mutations were highly correlated with age, tobacco use, and clinical stage (p < 0.05), but not with gender, location, alcohol use, lymph node metastasis, or degree of differentiation. PI3K protein expression was not statistically correlated with PIK3CA gene mutations. CONCLUSION: PI3K overexpression and PIK3CA mutations are associated with age, tumor staging, and other clinical characteristics in Chinese patients with ESCC and thus can be further exploited as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in esophageal cancer.

Sequential treatment strategy for malignant pleural effusion in non-small cell lung cancer with the activated epithelial grow factor receptor mutation.

With the advent of molecularly targeted therapy, it is necessary to reconsider the strategy for malignant pleural effusion in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a two-line sequential treatment strategy in this patient subgroup. First-line treatment was gefitinib (250 mg/day) until disease progression. Second-line treatment was thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis followed by chemotherapy. Primary endpoints were the overall response and progression-free survival rates after first-line treatment, and the overall survival rate after first- and second-line treatment. Secondary endpoints were the success rate of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis and gefitinib toxicity. Among the 76 patients enrolled, 61 (80%) were female and the median age was 62 years. The overall response rate after first-line treatment was 92.1% and median progression-free survival was 15 months. The success rate for thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in 33 patients was 94%. Median follow-up was 35 months. Median overall survival was 39 months. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 86.4% and 46.1%, respectively. The two-line sequential treatment strategy enhanced survival. These preliminary findings provide an insight into novel therapeutic models for malignant pleural effusion in NSCLC harbouring EGFR mutations.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in the Lateral-prone Position: Experience of 226 Cases.

BACKGROUND: An open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a severely invasive procedure. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has emerged as an effective alternative to open techniques. Conventionally, a thoracoscopic procedure is performed either in the left lateral decubitus position or in the prone position. Both positions have their disadvantage during the mobilization of the esophagus. In this study, we applied a novel position: the left lateral-prone position in the throacoscopic phase of MIE; we also describe the details of the technique and its feasibility, and present the initial results of this large-volume series. METHOD: We performed 226 cases of MIEs for esophageal cancer successfully from February 2008 to September 2014. All patients received thoracoscopic mobilization of the esophagus, followed by larparoscopic mobilization of the stomach and cervical anastomosis (McKeown or 3-field lymphadenectomy dissection esophagectomy). The throacoscopic part was performed in the left lateral-prone position. Perioperative data and the surgical outcome were studied retrospectively. RESULT: Of the 226 patients, 131 were men (57.9%) and 95 (42.1%) were women, with a median age of 64.5 years. All procedures were completed by thoracoscopy and laparoscopy, except 3 cases of conversion to open thoracotomy and 2 conversions to open laparotomy. Two-field lymphadenectomy was performed in 89 patients. Three-field lymphadenectomy was performed in 137 patients. Only 6 (2.7%) patients required blood transfusion. Postoperative morbidity was encountered in 78 (34.5%) patients, and anastomotic leak occurred in 9 cases (4.0%). Vocal cord paralysis was found in 11 cases (4.9%). The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 21. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 1.3% (n=3). The mean length of hospital stay was 12.7 days. CONCLUSIONS: MIE in the lateral-prone position is technically less demanding and provides better technical safety, with good oncological effectiveness. This positioning is a feasible and appropriate alternative for minimally invasive surgery of esophageal carcinoma.

[Transaxillary concealing single incision endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis: a novel surgical approach].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cosmetic effect and safety of transaxillary concealing single incision endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). METHODS: Retrospective study was conducted for 326 PH cases undergoing transaxillary concealing single incision endoscopic thoracic bilateral sympathectomy during January 2009 and March 2011. RESULTS: All operations were successfully performed without severe complication and mortality. No conversion into open technique was necessary. The mean unilateral operative duration was 5.8 (5-8) min. It was calculated from the time of skin incision to the application of dressing over wound. The mean follow-up period was 25 (8-38) months. All patients achieved excellent cosmetic effects with undetectable incision. CONCLUSION: Transaxillary concealing single incision endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and effective procedure for treating primary PH. Incision is undetectable with excellent cosmetic effect. It is worthy of wider popularization.

Hypermyelination and overexpression of neuregulin-1 in thoracic sympathetic nerves in patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a condition characterized by high levels of palmar perspiration in excess of physiological need. The etiopathogenesis of PPH is thought to be related to hyperactivity of the sympathetic system, but the exact mechanism is still obscure. The aim of this study was to observe the ultrastructure of the thoracic sympathetic nerves and measure the expression of neuregulin-1 (Nrg-1) in thoracic sympathetic nerve tissue in patients with PPH relative to control subjects. Samples of T3 sympathetic ganglia were obtained from 58 subjects: 30 PPH patients who underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy and 28 control subjects who underwent pleurectomy for chronic empyema. The ultrastructure of the myelin sheath of the sympathetic axons was observed using electron microscopy, and the thickness of the myelin sheath was compared between the two groups. Expression of Nrg-1 mRNA in thoracic sympathetic nerve tissue was evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Subjects in the hyperhidrosis group had a significantly greater average myelin thickness and a significantly lower g-ratio relative to the control group. The hyperhidrosis group had significantly higher relative expression of Nrg-1 mRNA in thoracic sympathetic nerve tissue. Hypermyelination of the thoracic sympathetic axons is probably one pathogenetic mechanism underlying PPH. Nrg-1 is likely to be an important cause of hypermyelination in thoracic sympathetic axons in patients with PPH.