Production and characterization of sustainable vermimanure derived from poultry litter and rice straw using tiger worm Eisenia fetida.

Poultry litter (PL) and rice straw (RS), commonly available waste materials, pose severe threat to environment, if not properly managed. As viable waste treatment method, vermi-transformation of PL into enriched vermimanure was done using RS and cow dung (CD) with different feedstocks (FS) combinations like FS0(CD without earthworm), FS1(CD), FS2(1CD: 1RS), FS3(1CD: 1PL) and FS4(1CD: 1RS: 1PL) for 110 days. Increased growth performance (P < 0.05) of Eisenia fetida, macronutrient levels, and a consistently lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) emphasize the importance of RS and PL in the vermimanuring process. Several analytical techniques have revealed the presence of functional groups, nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (PO43-), and potassium ions (K+) as well as the high porosity of the matured vermimanures. Therefore, using earthworms, the feedstock FS4(1CD: 1RS: 1PL) could be successfully biotransformed into sustainable manure lowering the usage of chemical fertilizers and rice straw burning.

Large area multi-filamentary plasma source for large volume plasma device-upgrade.

This paper discusses the salient features and plasma performance of the newly installed Large Area Multi-Filamentary Plasma Source (LAMPS) in large volume plasma device-upgrade. The plasma source is designed to exhibit a plasma electron density of ∼1018 m-3, low electron temperature (∼eV), and a uniform plasma cross section of 2.54 m2. The directly heated LAMPS emits accelerated primary energetic electrons when it is biased with a negative discharge voltage with respect to the anode. The hairpin shaped tungsten (W) filaments, each of diameter 0.5 mm and length 180 mm, are heated to a temperature of 2700 K by feeding ∼19.5A to each filament. The LAMPS consists of 162 numbers of filaments, and it has been successfully operated with a total investment of 50 kW of electrical power. The LAMPS as a laboratory plasma source is characterized by large operational life, ease of handling, better compatibility to high pressure conditions, and advantages over other contemporary plasma sources, viz., oxide coated cathodes, RF based sources, and helicon sources, when producing plasma over large cross sections and fill volumes. Pulsed argon plasma is produced with quiescence (δnene≪1%) using LAMPS for the duration of 50 ms and a reasonably good radial uniformity (Ln = 210 cm) is achieved. Good axial uniformity is also observed over the entire length of the device. Initial measurements on plasma parameters have yielded plasma density of ∼2×1017m-3 with existing set of filaments. A plasma density of ∼1018 m-3 is envisaged for larger thickness of filaments, such as 0.75 and 1.0 mm, with the existing plasma source assembly setup.

Dissecting the transcriptome in cardiovascular disease.

The human transcriptome comprises a complex network of coding and non-coding RNAs implicated in a myriad of biological functions. Non-coding RNAs exhibit highly organized spatial and temporal expression patterns and are emerging as critical regulators of differentiation, homeostasis, and pathological states, including in the cardiovascular system. This review defines the current knowledge gaps, unmet methodological needs, and describes the challenges in dissecting and understanding the role and regulation of the non-coding transcriptome in cardiovascular disease. These challenges include poor annotation of the non-coding genome, determination of the cellular distribution of transcripts, assessment of the role of RNA processing and identification of cell-type specific changes in cardiovascular physiology and disease. We highlight similarities and differences in the hurdles associated with the analysis of the non-coding and protein-coding transcriptomes. In addition, we discuss how the lack of consensus and absence of standardized methods affect reproducibility of data. These shortcomings should be defeated in order to make significant scientific progress and foster the development of clinically applicable non-coding RNA-based therapeutic strategies to lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease.

In vitro release kinetics of graft matrices from Lannea coromandelica (Houtt) gum for treatment of colonic diseases by 5-ASA.

Polyacrylamide graft Jhingan gum (Jh-g-PAMs) was synthesized adopting microwave assisted graft co-polymerization technique. The synthesized graft copolymer was characterized by various analytical techniques such as Elemental analysis, FTIR, TGA, XRD and NMR. Following standard protocol, drug matrix tablets using 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) were prepared and swelling and erosion studies were carried out in different pH dissolution media. The result revealed that maximum swelling and erosion took place in pH 7.4 while the lowest was recorded in pH 1.2. The 'in vitro' drug release studies revealed that grades with higher grafting % exhibited more sustained release. The highest sustained release was observed in Jh-g-PAM 3 (%G 1231) in pH 1.2 while the least was observed in native gum in pH 7.4. Furthermore, the kinetic studies revealed that 'n' values in all dissolution media lies within 0.5-1.0 which suggested non-Fickian diffusion mode of release. From the above results, it can be said that controlled release of 5-ASA using graft material was successful and hence it can be explored for treatment of colon related diseases.

Electro-mechanical probe positioning system for large volume plasma device.

An automated electro-mechanical system for the positioning of plasma diagnostics has been designed and implemented in a Large Volume Plasma Device (LVPD). The system consists of 12 electro-mechanical assemblies, which are orchestrated using the Modbus communication protocol on 4-wire RS485 communications to meet the experimental requirements. Each assembly has a lead screw-based mechanical structure, Wilson feed-through-based vacuum interface, bipolar stepper motor, micro-controller-based stepper drive, and optical encoder for online positioning correction of probes. The novelty of the system lies in the orchestration of multiple drives on a single interface, fabrication and installation of the system for a large experimental device like the LVPD, in-house developed software, and adopted architectural practices. The paper discusses the design, description of hardware and software interfaces, and performance results in LVPD.

Evaluation of Use of Adipose Cells in Various Procedures of Plastic Surgery and its Volumetric Quantification using High Resolution Ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat transfer is based on one of the principles of plastic surgery, replace like with like. It is used in wide variety of aesthetic procedures such as lip, facial augmentation and reconstructive procedures such as involutional disorders, post traumatic defects etc. AIM: This prospective study was on the use of adipose cells in various procedures of plastic surgery, the role of high resolution ultrasound in estimating the volume of the grafted fat, comparison of the results based on the different donor sites of the harvested fat and comparison of the effectiveness of grafted fat in extremities and craniofacial region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study a total of 34 patients underwent fat grafting procedure at various sites of the body from May 2012 till November 2013. After noting the details of the patient, details of the defect, laboratory and radiological investigations, the consent for the fat grafting procedure was taken. Clinical photographs and High Resolution Ultrasound (HRUS) volume estimation was done on a regular basis as per the protocol. RESULTS: Out of 34 patients, 29 patients underwent free fat grafting and five patients underwent derma fat grafting. HRUS at six months revealed a mean 73.5% and 63.5% of the injected fat remained in contour deformity in extremities and craniofacial region respectively. HRUS at one year revealed a mean 57.4% and 41.4% of the injected fat remained in contour deformity in extremities and craniofacial region respectively. CONCLUSION: HRUS is an excellent handy modality for serial volume estimation, cost-effective, non-invasive, multi planar modality, does not require any preparation, and easily done outdoor procedure. Follow up is a practical proposition. Autologous fat grafting is a safe procedure with no significant complications other than fat reabsorption and it can be done under local anaesthesia in contour deformity of smaller areas. Disadvantage of autologous fat grafting is the fat reabsorption needing multiple sittings.

A 5 kA pulsed power supply for inductive and plasma loads in large volume plasma device.

This paper describes 5 kA, 12 ms pulsed power supply for inductive load of Electron Energy Filter (EEF) in large volume plasma device. The power supply is based upon the principle of rapid sourcing of energy from the capacitor bank (2.8 F/200 V) by using a static switch, comprising of ten Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs). A suitable mechanism is developed to ensure equal sharing of current and uniform power distribution during the operation of these IGBTs. Safe commutation of power to the EEF is ensured by the proper optimization of its components and by the introduction of over voltage protection (>6 kV) using an indigenously designed snubber circuit. Various time sequences relevant to different actions of power supply, viz., pulse width control and repetition rate, are realized through optically isolated computer controlled interface.

Soil fungi for mycoremediation of arsenic pollution in agriculture soils.

AIMS: Soil arsenic (As) contamination of food-chains and public health can be mitigated through fungal bioremediation. To enumerate culturable soil fungi, soils were collected from the As-contaminated paddy fields (3-35 mg kg(-1) ) of the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. METHODS AND RESULTS: Total 54 fungal strains were obtained and identified at their molecular level. All strains were tested for As tolerance (from 100 to 10,000 mg l(-1) arsenate). Fifteen fungal strains, tolerant to 10,000 mg l(-1) arsenate, were studied for As removal in-vivo for 21 days by cultivating them individually in potato dextrose broth enriched with 10 mg l(-1) As. The bioaccumulation of As in fungal biomass ranged from 0·023 to 0·259 g kg(-1). The biovolatilized As ranged from 0·23 to 6·4 mg kg(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Higher As bioaccumulation and biovolatilization observed in the seven fungal strains, Aspergillus oryzae FNBR_L35; Fusarium sp. FNBR_B7, FNBR_LK5 and FNBR_B3; Aspergillus nidulans FNBR_LK1; Rhizomucor variabilis sp. FNBR_B9; and Emericella sp. FNBR_BA5. These fungal strains were also tested and found suitable for significant plant growth promotion in the calendula, withania and oat plants in a greenhouse based pot experiment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: These fungal strains can be used for As remediation in As-contaminated agricultural soils.

Dynamic article: composite antropyloric valve and gracilis muscle transposition for total anorectal reconstruction: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Technique and functional outcomes of anorectal reconstruction using an antropyloric graft have been reported previously. This technique had reasonable initial outcomes but lacked voluntary function. OBJECTIVE: We hereby report the initial results of patients who underwent gracilis muscle wrapping around the perineally transposed antropyloric valve in an attempt to improve voluntary fecal control. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution. PATIENTS: Eight adult patients (7 men and 1 woman) with a median age of 38 years (range, 19-51 years) underwent this procedure. Seven patients already had anorectal reconstruction with a transposed antropyloric valve, and 1 patient with severely damaged anal sphincter complex underwent single-stage composite antropylorus transposition with a gracilis muscle wrap. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were anatomical integrity and functional status of the composite graft in the perineum. RESULTS: No operative mortality or serious procedure-related morbidity occurred in any patient. The median postoperative resting pressure was 29 mmHg (range, 22-38 mmHg) and squeeze pressure was 72.5 mmHg (range, 45-267 mmHg). There was a significant improvement in the squeeze pressure following surgery (p = 0.039). Also, the St. Mark's incontinence scores significantly improved in all patients and varied between 7 and 9 (p = 0.003). The ability to defer defecation and the reduced frequency of leakage accidents were the prime reasons for improved postgraciloplasty outcomes in these patients. On personal interviews, all patients who underwent this procedure were satisfied with the results of their surgery. LIMITATIONS: A longer follow-up with a larger sample size is required. Quality-of-life data have not been evaluated in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis muscle wrapping around a perineally transposed antropyloric valve is possible and improves the voluntary control and overall functional outcomes in a select group of patients with end-stage fecal incontinence requiring anal replacement (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A173).

Basonuclin-1 modulates epithelial plasticity and TGF-ß1-induced loss of epithelial cell integrity.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) is a multifunctional cytokine and critically involved in the progression of a variety of cancers. TGF-ß1 signaling can impair tumor development by its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic features. In contrast, it may actively promote tumor progression and cancer cell dissemination by inducing a gradual switch from epithelial towards mesenchymal-like cell features (EMT-like), including decreased intercellular adhesion. Here, we show that expression of the transcription factor Basonuclin-1 (Bnc1) modulates TGF-ß1-induced epithelial dedifferentiation of mammary epithelial cells. RNAi-mediated repression of Bnc1 resulted in enhanced intercellular adhesion and strongly impaired TGF-ß1-dependent sheet disintegration and cell scattering. In contrast, forced expression of Bnc1 modifies plasma membrane/cytoskeletal dynamics and seemingly interferes with the initiation of sustainable cell-cell contacts. Follow-up analyses revealed that Bnc1 affects the expression of numerous TGF-ß1-responsive genes including distinct EMT-related transcription factors, some of which modulate the expression of Bnc1 themselves. These results suggest that Bnc1 is part of a transcription factor network related to epithelial plasticity with reciprocal feedback-loop connections on which Smad-factors integrate TGF-ß1 signaling. Our study demonstrates that Bnc1 regulates epithelial plasticity of mammary epithelial cells and influences outcome of TGF-ß1 signaling.

Performance of large electron energy filter in large volume plasma device.

This paper describes an in-house designed large Electron Energy Filter (EEF) utilized in the Large Volume Plasma Device (LVPD) [S. K. Mattoo, V. P. Anita, L. M. Awasthi, and G. Ravi, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 72, 3864 (2001)] to secure objectives of (a) removing the presence of remnant primary ionizing energetic electrons and the non-thermal electrons, (b) introducing a radial gradient in plasma electron temperature without greatly affecting the radial profile of plasma density, and (c) providing a control on the scale length of gradient in electron temperature. A set of 19 independent coils of EEF make a variable aspect ratio, rectangular solenoid producing a magnetic field (B(x)) of 100 G along its axis and transverse to the ambient axial field (B(z) ~ 6.2 G) of LVPD, when all its coils are used. Outside the EEF, magnetic field reduces rapidly to 1 G at a distance of 20 cm from the center of the solenoid on either side of target and source plasma. The EEF divides LVPD plasma into three distinct regions of source, EEF and target plasma. We report that the target plasma (n(e) ~ 2 × 10(11) cm(-3) and T(e) ~ 2 eV) has no detectable energetic electrons and the radial gradients in its electron temperature can be established with scale length between 50 and 600 cm by controlling EEF magnetic field. Our observations reveal that the role of the EEF magnetic field is manifested by the energy dependence of transverse electron transport and enhanced transport caused by the plasma turbulence in the EEF plasma.

Teaching neuroimages: neurocysticercosis with subretinal cyst.

A 30-year-old woman presented with headache and diminution of vision of 2 weeks' duration. Visual acuity was finger counting at 1 meter in the right eye. Fundus examination showed a subretinal cyst (figure 1A). Neurologic examination was normal. Neuroimaging revealed neurocysticercosis (figure 2A). Ultrasound orbit showed subretinal cysticercosis (figure 2B). The patient was started on steroids and laser photocoagulation was recommended.

Assessment of water quality index of bore well water samples from some selected locations of South Gujarat, India.

The present study calculates the water quality index (WQI) of some selected sites from South Gujarat (India) and assesses the impact of industries, agriculture and human activities. Chemical parameters were monitored for the calculation of WQI of some selected bore well samples. The results revealed that the WQI of the some bore well samples exceeded acceptable levels due to the dumping of wastes from municipal, industrial and domestic sources and agricultural runoff as well. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) was implemented for interpolation of each water quality parameter (pH, EC, alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate and sulphate) for the entire sampled area. The bore water is unsuitable for drinking and if the present state of affairs continues for long, it may soon become an ecologically dead bore.

Revisiting plasma hysteresis with an electronically compensated Langmuir probe.

The measurement of electron temperature in plasma by Langmuir probes, using ramped bias voltage, is seriously affected by the capacitive current of capacitance of the cable between the probe tip and data acquisition system. In earlier works a dummy cable was used to balance the capacitive currents. Under these conditions, the measured capacitive current was kept less than a few mA. Such probes are suitable for measurements in plasma where measured ion saturation current is of the order of hundreds of mA. This paper reports that controlled balancing of capacitive current can be minimized to less than 20 µA, allowing plasma measurements to be done with ion saturation current of the order of hundreds of µA. The electron temperature measurement made by using probe compensation technique becomes independent of sweep frequency. A correction of ≤45% is observed in measured electron temperature values when compared with uncompensated probe. This also enhances accuracy in the measurement of fluctuation in electron temperature as δT(pk-pk) changes by ~30%. The developed technique with swept rate ≤100 kHz is found accurate enough to measure both the electron temperature and its fluctuating counterpart. This shows its usefulness in measuring accurately the temperature fluctuations because of electron temperature gradient in large volume plasma device plasma with frequency ordering ≤50 kHz.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Achyranthes aspera seed on larval rohu Labeo rohita challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Larval rohu Labeo rohita were fed four different diets: three of the diets contained Achyranthes aspera (prickly chaff-flower) seeds at 0.10% (D1), 0.25% (D2), or 0.50% (D3); the fourth diet was a control diet (D4; no A. aspera supplementation). After 70 d, the rohu were injected intraperitoneally with live Aeromonas hydrophila. Mortality of fish was recorded for 7 d. In the D4 group, the first mortality was observed within 12 h of exposure, whereas in the D1-D3 treatment groups, mortality was first observed at 24 h postexposure. In the D4 group, 50% of fish died within 72 h of exposure, whereas in the D3 group, 10-15% mortality occurred between 72 and 84 h. The cumulative mortality rate was 50% for D4, 40% for D1, 35% for D2, and 15% for D3. Total tissue protein level in the larvae was higher for the D2 and D3 groups than for the other groups. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels were significantly lower in D3 larvae than in the other groups, whereas lysozyme and nitric oxide synthase levels were significantly higher in D3 larvae compared with the other groups. Dietary supplementation with A. aspera seeds at the 0.50% level provided protection against oxidative stress, prevented tissue damage, and enhanced disease resistance in rohu larvae.

Membrane-damaging potential of natural L-(-)-usnic acid in Staphylococcus aureus.

The purpose of this investigation was to try to understand the antibacterial mechanism of L-(-)-usnic acid isolated for the first time from fruticose lichen Usnea subfloridana using clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L-(-)-usnic acid against the clinical isolates of MRSA and reference strain S. aureus MTCC-96 (SA-96) was in the range 25-50 µg/ml. Treatment of both reference and clinical strains (MRSA-ST 2071) with four-fold MIC concentrations (100-200 µg/ml) of L-(-)-usnic acid reduced the viability of cells without damaging the cell wall. However, the loss of 260 nm absorbing material and increase in propidium iodide uptake was observed in both of the strains. Similarly, a combined effect of L-(-)-usnic acid (25-50 µg/ml) and 7.5 % NaCl resulted in a reduced number of viable cells within 24 h in comparison to the control. These observations clearly indicate that L-(-)-usnic acid exerts its action by disruption of the bacterial membrane. Further, in vivo efficacy showed that L-(-)-usnic acid significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the microbial load of spleen at doses ranging from 1 to 5 mg/kg. Further, toxicity studies in infected mice at doses 20 times higher than the efficacious dose indicated L-(-)usnic acid to be safe. Paradoxically, L-(-)usnic acid exhibited changes in serum triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and liver organ weight in the healthy mice administered with only 25 mg/kg body weight. The results obtained in this study showed that natural L-(-)-usnic acid exerts its antibacterial activity against MRSA by disruption of the cell membrane. Further, the natural L-(-)-usnic acid was found to be safe up to 100 mg/kg body weight, thereby, making it a probable candidate for treating S. aureus infections.

UV-B induced differential effect on growth and nitrogen metabolism in two cyanobacteria under copper toxicity.

In the present study, impact of low (UV-B(L): 0.1 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) and high (UV-BH: 1.0 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) fluence rates of ultraviolet-B on growth and nitrogen metabolism in two cyanobacteria: Phormidium foveolarum and Nostoc muscorum under copper toxicity (2 and 5 µM) was investigated after 24 and 72 h of experiments. Copper and UV-BH treatment suppressed growth but more in N. muscorum which was accompanied by significant accumulation of Cu. Nitrate and nitrite uptake rates and activities of nitrogen assimilating enzymes i.e. nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) except glutamate dehydrogenase activity (GDH; aminating) were decreased following treatments of Cu and UV-BH, and under combined treatments the effect was greater. On contrary, UV-BL declined Cu toxicity significantly. The study concludes that Cu and UV-BH suppressed the activity of NR, NiR, GS and GOGAT (except GDH) hence decreased growth. However, UV-BL showed cross tolerance in test organisms against Cu toxicity up to certain extent. Phormidium foveolarum is comparatively less sensitive against UV-BH and excess Cu, a situation likely exists in nature, hence it may be used as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Oral ingestion of Capsaicin, the pungent component of chili pepper, enhances a discreet population of macrophages and confers protection from autoimmune diabetes.

Vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) is expressed on immune cells as well as on sensory neurons. Here we report that VR1 can regulate immunological events in the gut in response to its ligand Capsaicin (CP), a nutritional factor, the pungent component of chili peppers. Oral administration of CP attenuates the proliferation and activation of autoreactive T cells in pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs) but not other lymph nodes, and protects mice from development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This is a general phenomenon and not restricted to one particular strain of mice. Engagement of VR1 enhances a discreet population of CD11b(+)/F4/80(+) macrophages in PLN, which express anti-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-10 and PD-L1. This population is essential for CP-mediated attenuation of T-cell proliferation in an IL-10-dependent manner. Lack of VR1 expression fails to inhibit proliferation of autoreactive T cells, which is partially reversed in (VR1(+/+) → VR1(-/-)) bone marrow chimeric mice, implying the role of VR1 in crosstalk between neuronal and immunological responses in vivo. These findings imply that endogenous ligands of VR1 can have profound effect on gut-mediated immune tolerance and autoimmunity by influencing the nutrient-immune interactions.

Impact of mass drug administration on elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Surat city, India.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the major public health problems in some of the endemic districts in India including Surat city of Gujarat province. Historical data reveals that in 1960s, Surat city had infection rate of about 23% and infectivity rate of 1.6%. Since then, Surat city has been reporting the cases of Lymphoedema and hydrocele. Filaria Control Unit was established under National Filaria Control Programme to detect and provide treatment to the cases. Based on the reports of NFCP, Surat City has been considered as LF endemic. During 2004, the country launched campaign of Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with annual single dose of 6 mg/kg body weight of DEC tablets in all LF endemic districts including Surat city. Four rounds of MDA (2004-2007) had shown 41% reduction in mf rate, with drastic reduction in infection rate of 88% and 100% in infectivity rate. Serious adverse effect (SAE) after 4th round of MDA was insignificant (< 0.5%) during 2007. An assessment by surveying 5058 people in different parts of Surat city revealed the drug distribution coverage of more than 95% but actual drug compliance between 70-90%. Analysis of the data revealed that though the overall Microfilaria rate has been reduced due to MDA, higher Microfilaria rate was noticed in North zone of city where the migrant populations influx is higher. The observation and analysis of the data in Surat city towards elimination of Lymphatic filariasis has been discussed in this paper.

The Forkhead factor FoxQ1 influences epithelial differentiation.

The Forkhead family of transcription factors comprises numerous members and is implicated in various cellular functions, including cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and differentiation. In this study, we identified the Forkhead factor FoxQ1 as increased in expression during TGF-ß1 induced changes in epithelial differentiation, suggesting functional roles of FoxQ1 for epithelial plasticity. The repression of FoxQ1 in mammary epithelial cells led to a change in cell morphology characterized by an increase in cell size, pronounced cell-cell contacts, and an increased expression of several junction proteins (e.g., E-cadherin). In addition, FoxQ1 knock-down cells revealed rearrangements in the actin-cytoskeleton and slowed down cell cycle G1-phase progression. Furthermore, repression of FoxQ1 enhanced the migratory capacity of coherent mammary epithelial cells. Gene expression profiling of NM18 cells indicated that FoxQ1 is a relevant downstream mediator of TGF-ß1-induced gene expression changes. This included the differential expression of transcription factors involved in epithelial plasticity, for example, Ets-1, Zeb1, and Zeb2. In summary, this study has elucidated the functional impact of FoxQ1 on epithelial differentiation.