Whole-genome sequencing of liver cancers identifies etiological influences on mutation patterns and recurrent mutations in chromatin regulators

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. We sequenced and analyzed the whole genomes of 27 HCCs, 25 of which were associated with hepatitis B or C virus infections, including two sets of multicentric tumors. Although no common somatic mutations were identified in the multicentric tumor pairs, their whole-genome substitution patterns were similar, suggesting that these tumors developed from independent mutations, although their shared etiological backgrounds may have strongly influenced their somatic mutation patterns. Statistical and functional analyses yielded a list of recurrently mutated genes. Multiple chromatin regulators, including ARID1A, ARID1B, ARID2, MLL and MLL3, were mutated in ～50% of the tumors. Hepatitis B virus genome integration in the TERT locus was frequently observed in a high clonal proportion. Our whole-genome sequencing analysis of HCCs identified the influence of etiological background on somatic mutation patterns and subsequent carcinogenesis, as well as recurrent mutations in chromatin regulators in HCCs.     

Using human pluripotent stem cells to untangle neurodegenerative disease mechanisms

Human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic (hES) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS), retain the ability to self-renew indefinitely, while maintaining the capacity to differentiate into all cell types of the nervous system. While human pluripotent cell-based therapies are unlikely to arise soon, these cells can currently be used as an inexhaustible source of committed neurons to perform high-throughput screening and safety testing of new candidate drugs. Here, we describe critically the available methods and molecular factors that are used to direct the differentiation of hES or hiPS into specific neurons. In addition, we discuss how the availability of patient-specific hiPS offers a unique opportunity to model inheritable neurodegenerative diseases and untangle their pathological mechanisms, or to validate drugs that would prevent the onset or the progression of these neurological disorders.     

Surface PEGylation of hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles via aminated intermediate

A hybrid of organic/inorganic system, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol), was synthesized in the presence of coupling agent and aminated ends. Doxorubicin (DOX) was used as a model drug to evaluate the effect of PEGylation on the loading capacity and release pattern of the system. Characterization with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) confirmed the PEG conjugation, as well as the amorphous mesoporous nature of the synthesized particles. Due to the capping effect of PEG molecules over the pores in the silica structure, the synthesized system was able to retain higher amount of cargo and establish a controlled manner when releasing.     

Dopamine neurons derived from embryonic stem cells function in an animal model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a widespread condition caused by the loss of midbrain neurons that synthesize the neurotransmitter dopamine. Cells derived from the fetal midbrain can modify the course of the disease, but they are an inadequate source of dopamine-synthesizing neurons because their ability to generate these neurons is unstable. In contrast, embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferate extensively and can generate dopamine neurons. If ES cells are to become the basis for cell therapies, we must develop methods of enriching for the cell of interest and demonstrate that these cells show functions that will assist in treating the disease. Here we show that a highly enriched population of midbrain neural stem cells can be derived from mouse ES cells. The dopamine neurons generated by these stem cells show electrophysiological and behavioural properties expected of neurons from the midbrain. Our results encourage the use of ES cells in cell-replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease.     

偶联剂对HDPE基竹塑复合材料性能的影响

以高密度聚乙烯(HDPE)、竹粉(BF)为原料,马来酸酐接枝聚丙烯(MAH-g-PP)作为偶联剂,通过混炼、平板热压成型制备竹粉/HDPE复合材料,研究了马来酸酐接枝聚丙烯添加量(0、2%、5%、8%)对竹粉/HDPE复合材料吸湿性、吸水性、弯曲强度、拉伸强度以及抗冲击强度等性能的影响。结果表明:MAH-g-PP能显著改善竹粉/HDPE复合材料的吸湿、吸水性能,明显提高复合材料的力学性能; 当MAH-g-PP添加量为5%时,复合材料的吸湿、吸水率最低,静曲强度与弹性模量分别提高68%和30.4%,拉伸强度与抗冲击强度分别增长53.7%和75%; 而当MAH-g-PP添加量为8%时,复合材料的力学性能在一定程度上有所降低。红外光谱(FTIR)分析显示,添加MAH-g-PP后竹粉的游离羟基与马来酸酐之间发生了酯化反应。     

Practical Contributions of the Systems-Based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory to Knowledge and Stakeholder Management

This paper reports on a case study on improving the quality of life for women smallholder farmers in Vietnam, using the systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab) approach. The study aims to provide evidence of practical contributions of the ELLab to project stakeholder and knowledge management through the case study. A transformative learning framework was developed to provide initial reflections on the planning phase of the project. Practical contributions of the ELLab process to stakeholder identification and management, and knowledge creation during project planning and implementation are discussed. Strong evidence was found of transformations in awareness and perspectives amongst project actors that subsequently led to systemic and executable action plans. This clearly proved the value of the ELLab approach in informal transformative learning.