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ACS Applied Engineering Materials Dec 2023The design of shielding materials against ionizing radiation while simultaneously displaying enhanced multifunctional characteristics remains challenging. Here, for the...
The design of shielding materials against ionizing radiation while simultaneously displaying enhanced multifunctional characteristics remains challenging. Here, for the first time, we present moldable paraffin-based iron nano- and microcomposites attenuating γ- and X-radiation. The moldability was gained by the warmth-of-hands-driven plasticity, which allowed for obtaining a specific shape of the composites at room temperature. The manufactured composites contained iron particles of various sizes, ranging from 22 nm to 63 μm. The target materials were widely characterized using XRD, NMR, Raman, TGA, SEM, and EDX. In the case of microcomposites, the shielding properties were developed at two concentrations: 10 and 50 wt %. The statistically significant results indicate that the iron particle size has a negligible effect on the shielding properties of the nano- and microcomposites. On the other hand, the higher iron particle contents significantly affected the attenuating ability, which emerged even as superior to the elemental aluminum in the X-ray range: at a 70 kV anode voltage, the half value layer was 6.689, 1.882, and 0.462 cm for aluminum, paraffin + 10 wt % Fe 3.5-6.5 μm, and paraffin + 50 wt % Fe 3.5-6.5 μm microcomposites, respectively. Importantly, the elaborated methodology-in situ cross-verified in the hospital studies recording real-life sampling-opens the pathway to high-performance, eco-friendly, lightweight, and recyclable shields manufactured via fully reproducible and scalable protocols.
PubMed: 38148950
DOI: 10.1021/acsaenm.3c00557 -
Food Science and Biotechnology Nov 2023A time-temperature indicator (TTI) based on acid-base reaction was developed by applying a new pH dye composed of cysteine-loaded chitosan (Cys-CS) microspheres and...
A time-temperature indicator (TTI) based on acid-base reaction was developed by applying a new pH dye composed of cysteine-loaded chitosan (Cys-CS) microspheres and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It was hypothesized that cysteine released by the disintegration of Cys-CS microspheres at a critical pH would cause AgNPs to aggregate, leading to color change. Cys-CS microspheres were produced as water-in-oil (paraffin oil, MCT oil, soybean oil) emulsions according to the KOH addition method. An enzymatic TTI was made using glucose oxidase, glucose, and catalase. Only paraffin oil produced Cys-CS microspheres (average diameter, 335 ± 100 µm), whereas the others did not, probably due to saponification with KOH. FTIR analysis confirmed that cysteine was encapsulated in the microspheres. The microspheres disintegrated at pH 6.18 in a titration test. The TTI pH gradually decreased and showed a sudden color change at pH 6.10, which was similar to the critical pH of microsphere disintegration.
PubMed: 37781051
DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01369-z -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare immortal cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs play a pivotal role in the... (Review)
Review
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare immortal cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs play a pivotal role in the tumor development, progression, relapse, and resistance of anticancer therapy. The technique of choice to detect CSCs in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples is immunohistochemistry (IHC) since it is inexpensive and widespread in most laboratories. The main aims of this chapter are the description of the protocols and the automated immunohistochemical systems used for the identification of CSCs. Furthermore, a focus on the most common troubleshooting in CSC IHC is provided. Finally, an overview of the main markers of cancer stem cells in several cancer types will be provided.
Topics: Humans; Cell Differentiation; Immunohistochemistry; Neoplasms; Neoplastic Stem Cells
PubMed: 38478333
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3730-2_2 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Sep 2023Bone microstructure refers to the arrangement and quality of bone tissue at the microscopic level. Understanding the bone microstructure of the skeleton is crucial for...
Bone microstructure refers to the arrangement and quality of bone tissue at the microscopic level. Understanding the bone microstructure of the skeleton is crucial for gaining insight into the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and improving its treatment. However, handling bone samples can be complex due to their hard and dense properties. Secondly, specialized software makes image processing and analysis difficult. In this protocol, we present a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for trabecular bone microstructure analysis. Detailed steps and precautions are provided. Micro-CT is a non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique that provides high-resolution images of trabecular bone structure. It allows for the objective and quantitative evaluation of bone quality, which is why it is widely regarded as the gold standard method for bone quality assessment. However, histomorphometry remains indispensable as it offers crucial cellular-level parameters, bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D assessments of bone specimens. As for the histologic techniques, we chose to decalcify the bone tissue and then perform traditional paraffin embedding. In summary, combining these two methods can provide more comprehensive and accurate information on bone microstructure.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cancellous Bone; Bone and Bones; Osteoporosis; Disease Models, Animal; Paraffin Embedding
PubMed: 37747181
DOI: 10.3791/65880 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024In situ hybridization (ISH) is an important technique for identifying gene expression at the cellular level in various organs, including brain slices. This approach...
In situ hybridization (ISH) is an important technique for identifying gene expression at the cellular level in various organs, including brain slices. This approach hybridizes nucleic acid probes to cellular mRNA, allowing the detection of transcriptional products. Recent advances have enabled RNA preservation in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, making ISH applicable to brain tumor diagnosis and research. Here, we provide a concise overview of the standard application of chromogenic ISH in neuroscience research and neuropathology practice using FFPE blocks of brain slice sections.
Topics: Humans; Brain; In Situ Hybridization; Brain Neoplasms; Neurosciences; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38630216
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3810-1_2 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023This study aimed to address the issue of high-temperature challenges in asphalt pavement by developing two types of phase change materials (PCMs) for temperature...
This study aimed to address the issue of high-temperature challenges in asphalt pavement by developing two types of phase change materials (PCMs) for temperature control. Encapsulated paraffin wax particles (EPWP) and encapsulated myristic acid particles (EMAP) were synthesized using acid-etched ceramsite (AECS) as the carrier, paraffin wax (PW) or myristic acid (MA) as the core material, and a combination of epoxy resin and cement as the encapsulation material. The investigation encompassed leakage tests on PCMs; rutting plate rolling forming tests; SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TG-DSC microscopic tests; as well as heat storage and release tests and temperature control assessments using a light heating device. The study revealed the following key findings. Both types of PCMs exhibited no PCM leakage even under high temperatures and demonstrated low crushing ratios during rut-forming tests. Microscopic evaluations confirmed the chemical stability and phase compatibility of the constituents within the two types of PCMs. Notably, the phase change enthalpies of EPWP and EMAP were relatively high, measuring 133.31 J/g and 138.52 J/g, respectively. The utilization of AECS as the carrier for PCMs led to a substantial 4.61-fold increase in the adsorption rate. Moreover, the PCMs showcased minimal mass loss at 180 °C, rendering them suitable for asphalt pavement applications. The heat storage and release experiments further underscored the PCMs' capacity to regulate ambient temperatures through heat absorption and release. When subjected to light heating, the maximum temperatures of the two types of phase change Marshall specimens were notably lower by 6.6 °C and 4.8 °C, respectively, compared to standard Marshall specimens. Based on comprehensive testing, EPWP displayed enhanced adaptability and demonstrated substantial potential for practical implementation in asphalt pavements.
PubMed: 37687694
DOI: 10.3390/ma16176002 -
International Journal of Clinical and... 2023As a tumor suppressor gene, zinc finger protein 471 (ZNF471) has an essential role in tumor occurrence and development. Due to promoter hypermethylation, it can be...
BACKGROUND
As a tumor suppressor gene, zinc finger protein 471 (ZNF471) has an essential role in tumor occurrence and development. Due to promoter hypermethylation, it can be underexpressed or silenced in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. In this study, we investigated relationships between clinical characteristics and ZNF471 expression levels in tissues of patients with GC.
METHODS
We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect ZNF471 expression in paraffin tissue specimens, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis to measure expression levels of ZNF471 in fresh tissue specimens. We analyzed relationships between ZNF471 expression levels and characteristics, such as tumor size, gender, age, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis.
RESULTS
Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of ZNF471 protein from paraffin blocks of GC tissues was significantly lower than that of adjacent tissues. Expression levels of ZNF471 mRNA and protein in fresh GC tissues were markedly lower than those in adjacent tissues and in normal gastric mucosal tissues from healthy subjects. ZNF471 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (all <0.05). There were no significant associations with gender, age, distant metastasis, or pathologic type. Expression of ZNF471 mRNA and protein was not significantly different between adjacent tissues of patients with GC and normal gastric mucosal tissue from healthy subjects.
CONCLUSION
ZNF471 functions as a tumor suppressor during the pathogenesis of GC. Thus, it is a promising biomarker for diagnosis and therapy of GC.
PubMed: 37693683
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023The aim of this study was to identify metabolomic signatures associated with the gliomagenesis pathway (-mutant or -wt) and tumor grade of diffuse gliomas (DGs)...
The aim of this study was to identify metabolomic signatures associated with the gliomagenesis pathway (-mutant or -wt) and tumor grade of diffuse gliomas (DGs) according to the 2021 WHO classification on frozen samples and to evaluate the diagnostic performances of these signatures in tumor samples that are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE). An untargeted metabolomic study was performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry on a cohort of 213 DG samples. Logistic regression with LASSO penalization was used on the frozen samples to build classification models in order to identify -mutant vs. -wildtype DG and high-grade vs low-grade DG samples. 2-Hydroxyglutarate (2HG) was a metabolite of interest to predict mutational status and aminoadipic acid (AAA) and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) were significantly associated with grade. The diagnostic performances of the models were 82.6% AUC, 70.6% sensitivity and 80.4% specificity for 2HG to predict status and 84.7% AUC, 78.1% sensitivity and 73.4% specificity for AAA and GAA to predict grade from FFPE samples. Thus, this study showed that AAA and GAA are two novel metabolites of interest in DG and that metabolomic data can be useful in the classification of DG, both in frozen and FFPE samples.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Formaldehyde; Paraffin; Paraffin Embedding; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Glioma; Mutation
PubMed: 38069019
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316697 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Aug 2023When frozen pathological results of suspicious peritoneal nodules found in gastric cancer (GC) patients are negative or indeterminant, whether to perform gastrectomy...
BACKGROUND
When frozen pathological results of suspicious peritoneal nodules found in gastric cancer (GC) patients are negative or indeterminant, whether to perform gastrectomy will always be a dilemma for surgeons. This study aimed to facilitate intraoperative surgical decision-making based on frozen section (FS) results and clinicopathological characteristics.
METHODS
From January 2015 to July 2021, 318 GC patients were enrolled retrospectively. The correlations between frozen and paraffin pathology of peritoneal nodules were examined. Then, predictive factors of positive paraffin section (PS) results were identified, and a nomogram was constructed. The survival significance of gastrectomy was also explored.
RESULTS
Of 70 FS-negative patients, 59 (84.3%) had concordant negative PS results, while the PS results of 11 (15.7%) were positive. Forty-six (93.9%) and 3 (6.1%) of 49 patients with indeterminant FS results had positive and negative PS results, respectively. The PS results of 95 FS-positive patients were all positive. A nomogram for predicting positive PS results was developed based on Lauren type, nodule distribution, and CA125. Gastrectomy for FS-negative patients improved survival compared to no gastrectomy (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.62; P = 0.0012). Survival benefits for gastrectomy vs. no gastrectomy were not demonstrated in patients with indeterminant (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.27-2.01; P = 0.53) and positive (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.43-1.74; P = 0.69) FS results.
CONCLUSIONS
Gastrectomy can be justified for the treatment of operable GC patients with negative frozen pathological results of peritoneal nodules. For patients with positive and indeterminant frozen pathological results, gastrectomy is not recommended unless it is performed as palliative surgery.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Stomach Neoplasms; Paraffin; Nomograms; Frozen Sections
PubMed: 37059962
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-023-05671-3 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Nov 2023Lung cancer is the leading cause of malignant tumor-related morbidity and mortality all over the world, and the complex tumor microenvironment has been considered the...
Lung cancer is the leading cause of malignant tumor-related morbidity and mortality all over the world, and the complex tumor microenvironment has been considered the leading cause of death in lung cancer patients. The complexity of the tumor microenvironment requires effective methods to understand cell-to-cell relationships in tumor tissues. The multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) technique has become a key tool for inferring the relationship between the expression of proteins upstream and downstream of signaling pathways in tumor tissues and developing clinical diagnoses and treatment plans. mIHC is a multi-label immunofluorescence staining method based on Tyramine Signal Amplification (TSA) technology, which can simultaneously detect multiple target molecules on the same tissue section sample to achieve different protein co-expression and co-localization analysis. In this experimental protocol, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of lung squamous carcinoma of clinical origin were subjected to multiplex immunohistochemical staining. By optimizing the experimental protocol, multiplex immunohistochemical staining of labeled target cells and proteins was achieved, solving the problem of autofluorescence and channel crosstalk in lung tissues. In addition, multiplex immunohistochemical staining is widely used in the experimental validation of tumor-related, high-throughput sequencing, including single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and tissue space sequencing, providing intuitive and visual pathology validation results.
Topics: Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lung Neoplasms; Paraffin Embedding; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Staining and Labeling; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38078595
DOI: 10.3791/65850