Microarray screening of differentially expressed genes in DCX transfected U87 cells before and after irradiation

Radiation therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of neurogliocytoma and it is known that doublecortin (DCX)-transfected U87 cells can inhibit tumor cell growth. Microarray analysis to screen for differentially expressed genes in DCX-transfected U87 cells before and after radiation uncovered DCX-related genes, the functions of DCX, and downstream genes in radiation therapy of neurogliocytoma. Stably transfected U87 cells were constructed (DCX-U87) and the differentially expressed genes were screened by microarray analysis to compare U87 cells with DCX-U87 cells in both non-irradiated and irradiated conditions. Cells were irradiated using 60Co γ-ray at a dose rate of 1.0 Gy/min. Mean values were subject to paired comparison analysis and genes with a p-value of less than 0.05 were analyzed. Differentially expressed genes can correlate with radiation sensitivity and DCX transfection. DCX and SPN proteins in DCX-U87 cells were detected by two groups of 0 and 10 Gy, but not the U87 cells, and their expression levels were higher in the 10 Gy group than in the 0 Gy group. The differential gene expression in DCX-U87 cells before and after radiation is helpful for future investigations into the mechanisms of radiation therapy in neurogliocytoma cells.

Application of microdosimetry on biological physics for ionizing radiation

Stochastic characterization of radiation interaction is of importance to cell damage. Microdosimetry is to investi- gate the random structures of particle tracks in order to understand the dose-effect in cellular scales. In the review, we introduced the basic concepts of microdosimetry as well as the experimental methods （TEPC） and Monte Carlo simula- tions. Three basic biophysical models are interpreted and compared, including the target model, linear-quadratic model, and microdosimetric-kinetic model. The bottlenecks in the current microdosimetry research are also discussed, which need the interdisciplinary contributions from biology, physics, mathematics, computer science and electric engineering.

Role of non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: The bane of the microworld

Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatic cancer has been greatly advanced. However, the molecular events involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic cancer remain inscrutable. None of the present medical technologies have been proven to be effective in significantly improving early detection or reducing the mortality/morbidity of this disease. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular basis of pancreatic cancer is required for the identification of more effective diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), generally including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have recently been found to be deregulated in many human cancers, which provides new opportunities for identifying both functional drivers and specific biomarkers of pancreatic cancer. In this article, we review the existing literature in the field documenting the significance of aberrantly expressed and functional ncRNAs in human pancreatic cancer, and discuss how oncogenic ncRNAs may be involved in the genetic and epigenetic networks regulating functional pathways that are deregulated in this malignancy, particularly of the ncRNAs’ role in drug resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition biological phenotype, with the aim of analyzing the feasibility of clinical application of ncRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

High stearic acid diet modulates gut microbiota and aggravates acute graft-versus-host disease

Dear Editor,Acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)is the leading cause of transplantation-related mortality,and limits therapeutic benefits of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation(allo-BMT).New insight is needed into the development of aGVHD.Most nutritional metabolites contribute to host health and immune homeostasis.

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for image quality in the detection of solitary pulmonary nodules on high resolution paper prints versus dry laser film

Along with the development of digital X-ray imaging technology, a new, economical and practicalpaper-based output system gradually emerged. To reduce cost, more and more radiologic institutions began to change from film copies to lower-priced paper prints for documenting radiologic findings.Therefore, laser paper printers are frequently used as an alternative to duplicating film though the use of printed images is not yet widespread. The aim of this study was to compare the practical value of high-resolution paper printer with dry film copies for detecting small solitary pulmonary nodules （SPNs）.