G1 Samples Research Articles

Successful decellularization of thick-walled tissue: Highlighting pitfalls and the need for a multifactorial approach

Decellularization of thick tissue is challenging and varying. Therefore, we tried to establish a multifactorial approach for reliable aortic wall decellularization. Porcine aortic walls were decellularized according to different procedures. Decellularization was performed for 24 (G1), 48 (G2), and 72 h (G3) with a solution of 0.5% desoxycholate and 0.5% dodecyl sulfate. The procedure was characterized using intermittent washing steps, the inclusion of sonication as well as DNase and α-galactosidase treatment. The decellularization efficiency was measured by the evaluation of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and hematoxylin and eosin staining and quantitative DNA assays. Pentachrome and picrosirius red staining, scanning electron microscopy as well as glycosaminoglycan assays were performed to evaluate the effect of the procedure on the extracellular matrix. 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a large amount of remaining nuclei in all groups. However, consecutive DNase treatment had a significant effect. While the remaining DNA was detected in some samples of G1 and G2, samples of G3 were fully decellularized. Glycosaminoglycan content was significantly reduced to 50% after 24 h (G1) but remained constant for G2 and G3. Picrosirius red staining revealed an intact and stable collagen network without any visible defects. Pentachrome staining substantiated these results. Nonetheless, the fiber network remains intact, which could be confirmed by reflection electron microscopy analysis. In this study, we developed a procedure that grants successful decellularization of porcine aortic wall while maintaining the fibrous microstructure. We highlighted the significant effect of DNase and α-galactosidase treatment. In addition, we could show the need for a multifactorial treatment and comprehensive evaluation protocols for thick tissue decellularization.

Detection of chemical contamination of some herbal slimming available in local markets

Contamination by metals were investigated in this study for herbal slimming which have been widely used in our Iraqi community, Arsenic ( As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Nickle (Ni), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Experiment samples were divided to two groups , first group (G1) included five pocket samples of herbal were collected from pharmacy and moles in Baghdad ,second group (G2) included unpacked five samples of herbal that taken from local markets and spices shops . Results showed that G2 was more contaminated than G1, and there were significant differences (0.05 >p) for contamination by heavy metals between samples of G1 and G2. It has also been conducting an exploratory or a questionnaire study of a sample of people who deal with these herbs and put several questions about the way of taking the herbs, a place to buy these herbs and knowing about the risks of these herbs. Results appeared that 30% of people prefers taking samples from G1 but 70% prefers G2 because they are cheaper and easier to buy , also 40% of people were worry for the risks of these herbs while 60% don’t because of less understanding of their dangers. This study suggest that we must give more interest in dealing with these herbals and take it from specific and trusted places, adding no one should take it without prescription.

Cracked tooth syndrome in irradiated patients with head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of enamel craze lines (ECLs), part of the spectrum of the so-called cracked tooth syndrome, on the surface of teeth irradiated in vivo. Forty teeth extracted from patients with head and neck cancer were paired, matched, and equally divided into 4 groups: noncarious irradiated (G1); noncarious control (G2); radiation-related caries (RRC) (G3), and carious control (G4). Samples were examined for ECL detection with a fiberoptic transillumination device and photographed, and ECL mean size, number, and patterns of topographic distribution in tooth crown were determined. Groups were compared accordingly: G1 versus G2; G3 versus G4. We analyzed 538 ECLs, of which 30.1% were found in noncarious irradiated teeth, 19.3% in noncarious controls, 27.6% in RRC, and 23% in carious controls. Non-carious irradiated teeth presented higher quantities of ECL than non-carious control (P < 0.05). Higher incidences of ECLs were identified in specific enamel topographies of anterior G1 and G3 samples (P <.05). There was no correlation between ECL size/numbers and radiation isodose delivery to teeth. Increased incidence of ECLs may indicate weakened enamel structure in irradiated teeth, and this may play a role in the onset and progression of RRC.

Deformation and fracture behavior of a natural shell ceramic: Coupled effects of shell shape and microstructure

Common seashells possess their most adaptive functions benefiting from the macro-geometry and unique microstructures. The Cymbiola nobilis shell exhibits a logarithmic spiral-like shape and it is hierarchically constructed by the fiber-like crossed-lamellar structure. Three-point bending tests are conducted on three groups of samples taken from different locations (G1 with two macro-layers, G2 with three macro-layers, and G3 containing three macro-layers but with an arch-like curved shape). A novel method was developed to evaluate the bending stress of the curved samples and understand the bending fracture resistance of such curved samples. Due to the presence of a horizontal force that can decrease or shield the bending moment at the bottom center of samples, the arch-like G3 samples demonstrate the highest bending fracture resistance, revealing the significance of the curved shape of shell in the protection against the external attacks. The number of macro-layers and the curved shape of shell play an important role in the mechanical properties of the shell. The orientation of building blocks in a single crossed-lamellar layer is critical to the fracture resistance, and five types of fracture modes based on interfacial debonding, inter- and trans-lamella fracture are identified. The results obtained in this study would help open a new pathway to the development of bio-inspired high-performance structural materials.

Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the elusive, but epidemiologically importantEchinococcus granulosussensu stricto genotype G3

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe parasitic disease caused by the species complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Human infections are most commonly associated with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), comprising genotypes G1 and G3. The objective of the current study was to provide first insight into the genetic diversity and phylogeography of genotype G3. Despite the epidemiological importance of the genotype, it has remained poorly explored due to the ambiguity in the definition of the genotype. However, it was recently demonstrated that long sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) provide a reliable method to discriminate G1 and G3 from each other. Therefore, we sequenced near-complete mtDNA of 39 G3 samples, covering most of the known distribution range and host spectra of the genotype. The phylogenetic network revealed high genetic variation within E. granulosus s.s. G3 and while G3 is significantly less prevalent worldwide than G1, the genetic diversity of both of the genotypes is equally high. We also present the results of the Bayesian phylogeographic analysis, which yielded several well-supported diffusion routes of genotype G3 originating from Turkey and Iran, suggesting the Middle East as the origin of the genotype.

Understanding the relationships between grazing intensity and the distribution of nitrifying communities in grassland soils

Nitrifying microbes are of critical importance in regulating efficient nitrogen (N) cycling, which plays a crucial role in plant productivity and maintaining soil sustainability. Long-term different intensities of grazing can strongly influence the microbial communities, while our understanding of the complex nitrifying community in the grazed grassland soil environment is still limited. To investigate whether and how long-term grazing with different intensities influence soil nitrifying communities, high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR analyses were performed on soil samples from permanent grassland soils under four grazing intensities: 0 (G0), 1.5 (G1), 6 (G2) and 9 (G3) sheepha−1. Results showed that the G3 treatment significantly reduced the soil nutrient content and increased the soil bulk density, changes that are not sustainable in the long run. The G1 treatment, on the other hand, significantly increased the soil nutrient content and would improve soil fertility. Some functional microbes were specifically enriched after long term grazing, like Nitrospirae (phylum) to Nitrospira (class) in the G2 samples and Chromatiales (order) to Nitrosococcus (genus) in the G3 soils. The numerically dominant Nitrosococcus watsonii lineage of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was observed in this grassland soil. The redundancy analysis (RDA) together with the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that grazing intensity was important in mediating the distribution of soil microorganisms and affected nitrifying communities by impacting soil physicochemical characteristics (e.g., bulk density, NH4+-N). These results showed the shifts of nitrifying communities across different grazing intensities, and could aid in the determination of an optimal grazing intensity for these grazed grassland soils.

Novel epigenetic markers for gastric cancer risk stratification in individuals after Helicobacter pylori eradication.

The risk stratification of healthy individuals after Helicobacter pylori eradication is an urgent issue. The assessment of aberrant DNA methylation accumulated in gastric tissues with normal appearance, which can reflect overall epigenomic damage, is a promising strategy. We aimed to establish novel epigenetic cancer risk markers for H. pylori-eradicated individuals. Gastric mucosa was collected from eight healthy volunteers without H. pylori infection (G1), 75 healthy individuals with gastric atrophy (G2), and 94 gastric cancer patients (G3) after H. pylori eradication. Genome-wide analysis was conducted using Infinium 450K and differentially methylated probes were screened using large difference and iEVORA-based methods. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used for validation. Screening, using 8 G1, 12 G2, and 12 G3 samples, isolated 57 candidates unmethylated in G1 and differentially methylated in G3 compared with G2. Validation for nine candidate markers (FLT3, LINC00643, RPRM, JAM2, ELMO1, BHLHE22, RIMS1, GUSBP5, and ZNF3) in 63 G2 and 82 G3 samples showed that all of them had significantly higher methylation levels in G3 than in G2 (P<0.0001). Their methylation levels were highly correlated, which indicated that they reflect overall epigenomic damage. The candidates had sufficient performance (AUC: 0.70-0. 80) and high odds ratios (5.43-23.41), some of which were superior to a previous marker, miR-124a-3. The methylation levels of our novel markers were not associated with gastric atrophy, gender, or age. Novel epigenetic markers for gastric cancer risk optimized for H. pylori-eradicated individuals were established.

Differential Expression of MiR-106b-5p and MiR-200c-3p in Newly Diagnosed Versus Chronic Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients Based on Systematic Analysis

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been described to have important roles in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). To gain additional understanding, we have now further evaluated the involvement of miRNAs in ITP. Methods: Microarray experiments were performed to examine the expression profiles of miRNAs and mRNAs in samples from subjects with newly diagnosed ITP (G1), chronic ITP (G2), and normal controls. The systematic Pipeline of Outlier MicroRNA Analysis framework was applied to identify key miRNAs expressed in the G1 and G2 samples. Quantitative PCR and receiver operator characteristic curves were used to confirm the performance of key miRNAs. Results: Compared with normal controls, 14 miRNAs (12 over-expressed and 2 under-expressed) and 7 over-expressed miRNAs were identified as key in G1 and G2 samples, respectively. miR-106b-5p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-92a-3p exhibited significantly different expression profiles among the groups. In particular, miR-106b-5p and miR-200c-3p were expressed at higher levels in patients with ITP compared to the normal controls. Furthermore, these two miRNAs expressions were even higher in patients with chronic ITP. Conclusion: MiR-106b-5p and miR-200c-3p may represent valuable biomarkers of ITP, although further studies are needed to confirm and assess the value of these potential biomarkers at various stages of ITP.

Decoding fjord water contribution and geochemical processes in the Aysen thermal springs (Southern Patagonia, Chile)

The Aysen region, located in Southern Patagonia, Chile (43°38′S to 49°16′S) has optimum conditions for the formation of geothermal systems: Magmatic processes, abundant rainfall and active faults systems. In fact, several thermal springs emerge in coastal and inland areas of the Aysen region. Thermal springs in the coastal areas are spatially related to the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault System (LOFS), a major strike-slip fault system that runs along the southern segment of the Southern Volcanic Zone, and could be controlling groundwater circulation. Despite the existence of literature regarding the composition of thermal springs, they do not elucidate the origin of thermal waters, the source of their chemical components nor have their hydrogeochemical processes been investigated. This knowledge will provide a useful tool for exploration of geothermal resources in the Aysen region.Sixteen thermal waters, three fjord waters, and three meteoric water samples were collected and analysed for major-minor ions, some trace elements (B, Li) and stable isotopes of δ2H and δ18O. Classic geochemical tools (i.e.: ratio of elements, ion vs chloride content), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Factorial Analysis (FA) suggest there are three water groups (G1, G2 and G3). G1 and G3 are NaCl type coastal thermal springs with electrical conductivity (EC) above 1000μS/cm and mostly neutral pH (6.4 to 8.4). G1 has the highest average concentrations of Cl−, SO42−, Na+, Ca2+ while G3 has the highest values T°, SiO2, HCO3−, Li, B. The G2 samples are from Aysen inland areas, have EC below 1000μS/cm, slightly alkaline pH (7.9 to 9.6) and are Na-Cl-HCO3 type with higher average values of T°, SiO2, HCO3− and Li than G1.Factorial analysis indicates that two factors explain 82.1% of the total dataset variance. Factor 1 is formed by Cl−, SO42−, Na+, Ca2+, Li and B, which we associated with fjord water mixing processes. The factor 2 formed by T°, SiO2, HCO3−, Li and B might be interpreted as: i) silicate weathering from the North Patagonian Batholith and ii) volatile elements transported through high temperature vapours from a volcanic degassing source. These two components which could interact and overlap are address as “magmatic-hydrothermal” in this work. The factorial scores distribution is consistent with the HCA suggesting that fjord water mixing is the dominant geochemical process for G1 samples while G2 samples are influenced by magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The G3 thermal waters show both processes with a greater influence of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The calculated saline factor (3.4% to 42.3%) supports fjord water mixing processes as one of the dominant processes affecting the coastal thermal spring's composition.The stable isotopic data (δ2H and δ18O) fall in the local meteoric water line (LMWL), suggesting current recharge and limited oxygen isotopic exchange during rock-dissolution processes. This could indicate short residence times and/or abundant contribution of actual meteoric water at shallow depths.

HCV avidity as a tool for detection of recent HCV infection: Sensitivity depends on HCV genotype.

Accurate detection of incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is required to target and evaluate public health interventions, but acute infection is largely asymptomatic and difficult to detect using traditional methods. Our aim was to evaluate a previously developed HCV avidity assay to distinguish acute from chronic HCV infection. Plasma samples collected from recent seroconversion subjects in two large Australian cohorts were tested using the avidity assay, and the avidity index (AI) was calculated. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with low/high AI were compared via logistic regression. Sensitivity and specificity of the assay for recent infection and the mean duration of recent infection (MDRI) were estimated stratified by HCV genotype. Avidity was assessed in 567 samples (from 215 participants), including 304 with viraemia (defined as ≥250 IU/mL). An inverse relationship between AI and infection duration was found in viraemic samples only. The adjusted odds of a low AI (<30%) decreased with infection duration (odds ratio [OR] per week of 0.93; 95% CI:0.89-0.97), and were lower for G1 compared with G3 samples (OR = 0.14; 95% CI:0.05-0.39). Defining recent infection as <26 weeks, sensitivity (at AI cut-off of 20%) was estimated at 48% (95% CI:39-56%), 36% (95% CI:20-52%), and 65% (95% CI:54-75%) and MDRI was 116, 83, and 152 days for all genotypes, G1, and G3, respectively. Specificity (≥52 weeks infection duration, all genotypes) was 96% (95% CI:90-98%). HCV avidity testing has utility for detecting recent HCV infection in patients, and for assessing progress in reaching incidence targets for eliminating transmission, but variation in assay performance across genotype should be recognized.

New mitogenome and nuclear evidence on the phylogeny and taxonomy of the highly zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto

Cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.), is a significant global public health concern. Echinococcus granulosus s. l. is currently divided into numerous genotypes (G1–G8 and G10) of which G1–G3 are the most frequently implicated genotypes in human infections. Although it has been suggested that G1–G3 could be regarded as a distinct species E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.), the evidence to support this is inconclusive. Most importantly, data from nuclear DNA that provide means to investigate the exchange of genetic material between G1–G3 is lacking as none of the published nuclear DNA studies have explicitly included G2 or G3. Moreover, the commonly used relatively short mtDNA sequences, including the complete cox1 gene, have not allowed unequivocal differentiation of genotypes G1–G3. Therefore, significantly longer mtDNA sequences are required to distinguish these genotypes with confidence. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the phylogenetic relations and taxonomy of genotypes G1–G3 using sequences of nearly complete mitogenomes (11,443bp) and three nuclear loci (2984bp). A total of 23 G1–G3 samples were analysed, originating from 5 intermediate host species in 10 countries. The mtDNA data demonstrate that genotypes G1 and G3 are distinct mitochondrial genotypes (separated by 37 mutations), whereas G2 is not a separate genotype or even a monophyletic cluster, but belongs to G3. Nuclear data revealed no genetic separation of G1 and G3, suggesting that these genotypes form a single species due to ongoing gene flow. We conclude that: (a) in the taxonomic sense, genotypes G1 and G3 can be treated as a single species E. granulosus s. s.; (b) genotypes G1 and G3 should be regarded as distinct genotypes only in the context of mitochondrial data; (c) we recommend excluding G2 from the genotype list.

Bonding to silicate ceramics: Conventional technique compared with a simplified technique.

BackgroundSilicate ceramic bonding is carried out by acid-etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF) followed by an application of silane. By replacing HF with ammonium polyfluoride, contained in the same flask as the silane, the number of steps in this clinical procedure, can be reduced, while maintaining bond strength values, and reducing toxicity. A shear bond test was performed to compare the conventional and the simplified surface treatment techniques.Material and Methods Twenty ceramic samples were fabricated from IPS emax CAD® ceramic (Ivoclar Vivadent) and divided into two groups (G1 and G2) (n=10). The conventional technique was applied to G1 samples, and the simplified technique to G2 samples. A resin cement cylinder was bonded to each sample. Afterwards, samples underwent shear bond strength testing in a universal test machine.Results G1 obtained 26.53±6.33 MPa and G2 23.52±8.41 MPa, without statistically significant differences between the two groups.Conclusions Monobond Etch&Prime appears to obtain equivalent results in terms of bond strength while simplifying the technique. Further investigation is required to corroborate these preliminary findings. Key words:Shear bond strength, surface treatment, bonding to ceramic, hydrofluoric acid, ammonium polyfluoride.

The effect of green tea on the shear strength of brackets after home whitening treatment

This study, we evaluated the effect of green tea on the shear bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets to human enamel after home whitening treatment. Ninety premolars were selected and divided into six experimental groups: G1, no treatment (positive control); G2, whitening (negative control); G3, no whitening + 10 % sodium ascorbate (SA) gel; G4, no whitening + 10 % green tea (GT) gel; G5, whitening + SA; and G6, whitening + GT. The samples of G2, G5, and G6 were whitened with 10 % carbamide peroxide for 8 h daily, during 14 days at 37 °C. G3, G4, G5, and G6 were treated with the respective antioxidants (GT or SA) for 1 h at 37 °C. After the treatments, the brackets were bonded with Transbond XT. Then, the samples were tested in a universal testing machine and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was examined under 40× magnification. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, Tukey’s and Dunnett’s tests (α = 5 %). The averages (standard deviations) obtained were: G1, 17.6 (4.1); G2, 9.8 (3.6); G3, 18.1 (4.1); G4, 18.2 (4.7); G5, 14.9 (2.5); and G6, 14.8 (5.4). G2 had statistically lower values than the other groups. Concerning the ARI, all groups had a higher number of flaws type score 0 (no material adhered to the tooth). We conclude that the use of GT can be an alternative method to allow bracket bonding immediately after home whitening treatment.

Identifying Differences Between Normal and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma grades for Breast tissues By FT-IR Spectroscopy

Breast cancer is one of the most important malignant forms of cancers and it represents a great threat to life for women. FT- IR spectra ware taken for 98 samples of breast tissues that were previously histopathologically identified by pathologist experienced as: 63 normal (N) samples and 35 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) samples that were classified in different grades 19 G1 samples,7 G2samples and 9 G3 samples in Mid-IR frequency range between 400 cm-1 and 4000 cm-1. Many spectral differences were observed in the frequency regions N-H stretching, Amide bands, C-H vibrations, and 950-1400 cm-1. The aim of this study is analyze different grades of IDC spectroscopically to evaluate the efficiency of FT-IR spectroscopy to differentiate between these grades. The results show considerable decrease in the lipid and carbohydrate content with the carcinoma grades (from G1 to G3), while, protein, collagen and nucleic acid (DNA) reveal slight increase with the carcinoma grade, that will be useful in classifying three different nuclear grades. This study demonstrates that FT-IR spectroscopy is a promising tool for accurate, rapid diagnosis of breast canser.

Molecular profiling of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor transcript variants in endometrial cancer

The human genes coding for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) express multiple receptor splice variants. Some of these receptor variants previously have been shown to exert distinct functions in cancer cells and might therefore differentially affect individual prognosis or therapy response. To examine the role of ERα- and PR-isoforms in endometrial cancer, we compared the expression of 19 ERα transcripts and 15 PR mRNA isoforms in human endometrium and in endometrioid endometrial cancer. Expression of seven ERα splice variants, total PR and of five PR transcript isoforms was found to be significantly decreased in endometrial cancer. In endometrioid G3 tumors, expression of 17 ERα and 10 PR splice variants was reduced when compared to normal tissue. Notably, only 13% of G3 tumors did not express any ERα variant and only in 25% of G3 samples no PR transcripts were expressed. Seven splice variants were preferentially expressed in G1 and G2 tumors. In G1 tumors, a higher number of different ERα and PR splice variants was expressed than in normal endometrium, G2 or G3 tumors. Expression of total PR and of single PR splice variants was found to be positively associated with PTEN. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate to what extent the heterogeneous co-expression profiles we found in endometrial cancer patients differentially affect both individual prognosis and therapy response.

Technique to optimize magnetic response of gelatin coated magnetic nanoparticles.

The paper describes the results of optimization of magnetic response for highly stable bio-functionalize magnetic nanoparticles dispersion. Concentration of gelatin during in situ co-precipitation synthesis was varied from 8, 23 and 48 mg/mL to optimize magnetic properties. This variation results in a change in crystallite size from 10.3 to 7.8 ± 0.1 nm. TEM measurement of G3 sample shows highly crystalline spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 7.2 ± 0.2 nm and diameter distribution (σ) of 0.27. FTIR spectra shows a shift of 22 cm(-1) at C=O stretching with absence of N-H stretching confirming the chemical binding of gelatin on magnetic nanoparticles. The concept of lone pair electron of the amide group explains the mechanism of binding. TGA shows 32.8-25.2% weight loss at 350 °C temperature substantiating decomposition of chemically bind gelatin. The magnetic response shows that for 8 mg/mL concentration of gelatin, the initial susceptibility and saturation magnetization is the maximum. The cytotoxicity of G3 sample was assessed in Normal Rat Kidney Epithelial Cells (NRK Line) by MTT assay. Results show an increase in viability for all concentrations, the indicative probability of a stimulating action of these particles in the nontoxic range. This shows the potential of this technique for biological applications as the coated particles are (i) superparamagnetic (ii) highly stable in physiological media (iii) possibility of attaching other drug with free functional group of gelatin and (iv) non-toxic.

Expression of melatonin receptors genes and genes associated with regulation of their activity in endometrial cancer

The aim of the study was to evaluate transcription activity of melatonin receptors and genes associated with regulation of their activity in endometrial adenocarcinoma to identify probable diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers. The material included endometrial adenocarcinoma tissue samples of histopathological grades G1, G2, G3, and normal endometrium. The molecular analysis was performed on 37 patient samples. Total RNA was extracted and used for the microarray HG-U133A analysis. Among 22 283 ID mRNA, only entities of genes associated with regulation of melatonin receptors activity were selected. qRT-PCR was employed for validation, what allowed to compare melatonin receptor genes activation in endometrial cancer tissues to the normal endometrium. The results of the microarray experiments showed that only 18 ID mRNA were differential in endometrial cancer samples as compared to the control at p-value<0.05 and FC(log2)>1.5. These genes were identified as differentially expressed in grade G2-ASMTL, GNA 11, PER2, PTGDS and in grade G3-GNA12, GNA 11. Silencing of RGS4 encoding RGP4, which regulates signal transmission by G protein, was observed in all cancer groups, independently of the histopathological grade. The profile expression of genes associated with regulation of melatonin receptors activity was different and dependent on the histopathological grade of endometrial cancer and can be an additional diagnostic and prognostic marker Statistically significant was the down-regulation of melatonin biosynthesis genes (ASMTL) and melatonin signal transmitters (GNA 11, GNA 12, RTGS).

Influence of the architecture of dendritic-like polycarbosilanes on the ceramic yield

To investigate the influence of the architecture of preceramic polymers on the ceramic yield, two dendritic-like polycarbosilanes named as K3G3 and G3 were synthesized through different routes. The obvious difference in their molecular structures is related with the distribution of allyl groups. The decomposition and rearrangement reactions of the K3G3 occurred at lower temperatures compared with that of sample G3, due to the fact that the allyl groups in G3 are located in both inner and outer molecular layers while those in K3G3 are located in the outer layers, exclusively. As a result, the residual mass of the K3G3 at 1000 °C (18 wt%) is much lower than that of the G3 sample (35 wt%). The molecular weight of the dendritic-like polymers also has an important effect on their ceramic yield which increases from 34.6 to 67.6% with the increasing molecular weight of Gn (3 ≤ n ≤ 5).

A decade of G3P[8] and G9P[8] rotaviruses in Brazil: Epidemiology and evolutionary analyses

This study aims to estimate the frequency of group A rotaviruses (RVA) infection with genotypes G3P[8] and G9P[8] in children that suffered from diarrheal disease (DD) between 2001 and 2011 in different Brazilian regions. In addition, the genetic diversity of G3P[8] and G9P[8] RVA strains recovered from vaccinated and non-vaccinated children was assessed. Laboratory-based RVA surveillance included 15,115 cases of DD, and RVA was detected by enzyme immune-assay and/or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 3357 (22%) samples. RVA was genotyped by the semi-nested RT-PCR and among RVA-positive samples, 100 (2.9%) were G3 (63 G3P[8], 32 G3P not typed [NT], and 5 G3P[6]) and 378 (16.2%) were G9 (318 G9P[8], 59 G9P[NT], and 1 G9P[6]). From the G3 and G9 positive samples, 16 and 12, respectively, were obtained from children aged 4–48months vaccinated with the monovalent vaccine (Rotarix®, RV1). Phylogenetic analyses of the VP7 and VP8∗ encoding genes were performed for 26 G3P[8] and 48 G9P[8] strains. VP8∗ phylogenetic analysis revealed that all strains analyzed belonged to P[8] lineage III, whereas RV1 belongs to P[8]-I lineage. VP7 analysis revealed that all G3 and G9 strains belonged to G3-lineage III and G9-lineage III. The comparison of the VP7 and VP8∗ antigenic epitopes regions of Brazilian strains with RV1 strain revealed several amino acid changes. However, no particular differences among Brazilian strains detected before and after vaccine introduction were observed, or among strains detected from vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. Complete genome characterization of four G3P[8] and seven G9P[8] strains revealed a typical conserved human Wa-like genomic constellation. Changes in the genetic diversity of G3P[8] and G9P[8] RVA detected from 2001 to 2011 in Brazil seemed not be related to RV1 introduction in Brazil.

Development of TRPN dendrimer-modified disordered mesoporous silica for CO2 capture

A novel series of tri(3-aminopropyl) amine (TRPN) dendrimers were synthesized and impregnated on structurally disordered mesoporous silica (DMS) to generate CO2 adsorbents (TS). The physicochemical and adsorption properties of the adsorbents before and after dendrimer modification were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption (N2-BET) techniques. CO2 adsorption–desorption tests indicated that the sorbent demonstrates high CO2 adsorption capacity (138.1mgg−1 for G1 sample TS-G1-3CN-50 and 91.7mgg−1 for G2 sample TS-G2-6CN-50), and can completely desorb CO2 under vacuum at 60°C. Its CO2 adsorption capacity at 25°C increases with the amine loading, achieving the highest adsorption capacity (140.6mgg−1 for TS-G1-3CN) at 60%. The developed TS materials exhibited excellent cycling stability. After 12 consecutive adsorption–desorption runs, TS-G1-3CN-50 shows an adsorption capacity of 136.0mgg−1, retaining 98.5% of its original value.