Characterizing genomic alterations in cancer by complementary functional associations.

Systematic efforts to sequence the cancer genome have identified large numbers of mutations and copy number alterations in human cancers. However, elucidating the functional consequences of these variants, and their interactions to drive or maintain oncogenic states, remains a challenge in cancer research. We developed REVEALER, a computational method that identifies combinations of mutually exclusive genomic alterations correlated with functional phenotypes, such as the activation or gene dependency of oncogenic pathways or sensitivity to a drug treatment. We used REVEALER to uncover complementary genomic alterations associated with the transcriptional activation of β-catenin and NRF2, MEK-inhibitor sensitivity, and KRAS dependency. REVEALER successfully identified both known and new associations, demonstrating the power of combining functional profiles with extensive characterization of genomic alterations in cancer genomes

A combination of three surface modifiers for the optimal generation and application of natural hybrid nanopigments in a biodegradable resin

Our purpose was to improve the thermal, mechanical and optimal properties of an epoxy bioresin using optimum hybrid natural pigments previously synthesised in our lab. Next, we searched for the best combinations of factors in the synthesis of natural hybrid nanopigments and then incorporated them into the bioresin. We combined three structural modifiers in the nanopigment synthesis, surfactant, coupling agent (silane) and a mordant salt (alum), selected to replicate mordant textile dyeing with natural dyes. We used Taguchi s design L8 to seek final performance optimisation. We selected three natural dyes, chlorophyll, beta-carotene and beetroot extract, and used two laminar nanoclay types, montmorillonite and hydrotalcite. The thermal, mechanical and colorimetric characterisation of the composite obtained by mixing natural hybrid nanopigments (bionanocomposite) was made. The natural dye interactions with both nanoclays improved the thermal stabilities, colour performance and UV VIS light exposure stability of natural dyes and bioresins. The best bionanocomposite materials were found in an acidic pH [3, 4] environment and by modifying nanoclays with mordant and surfactant during the nanopigment synthesis processWe thank the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for funding Projects DPI2011-30090-C02-02 and DPI2015-68514-R.Micó Vicent, B.; Jordán Núñez, J.; Martinez Verdu, FM.; Balart Gimeno, RA. (2017). A combination of three surface modifiers for the optimal generation and application of natural hybrid nanopigments in a biodegradable resin. Journal of Materials Science. 52(2):889-898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-0384-8S889898522Majdzadeh-Ardakani K, Nazari B (2010) Improving the mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch/poly(vinyl alcohol)/clay nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 70(10):1557–1563. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2010.05.022Najafi N, Heuzey MC, Carreau PJ (2012) Polylactide (PLA)-clay nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding in the presence of a chain extender. Compos Sci Technol 72(5):608–615. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2012.01.005Acharya H, Srivastava SK, Bhowmick AK (2007) Synthesis of partially exfoliated EPDM/LDH nanocomposites by solution intercalation: structural characterization and properties. Compos Sci Technol 67(13):2807–2816. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2007.01.030Marras SI, Zuburtikudis I, Panayiotou C (2007) Nanostructure vs. microstructure: morphological and thermomechanical characterization of poly(L-lactic acid)/layered silicate hybrids. Eur Polymer J 43(6):2191–2206. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2007.03.013Leszczyńska A, Njuguna J, Pielichowski K, Banerjee JR (2007) Polymer/montmorillonite nanocomposites with improved thermal properties: Part I. Factors influencing thermal stability and mechanisms of thermal stability improvement. Thermochim Acta 453(2):75–96. doi: 10.1016/j.tca.2006.11.002Park HM, Lee WK, Park CY, Cho WJ, Ha CS (2003) Environmentally friendly polymer hybrids Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch/clay nanocomposites. J Mater Sci 38(5):909–915. doi: 10.1023/a:1022308705231Porter D, Metcalfe E, Thomas MJK (2000) Nanocomposite fire retardants—a review. Fire Mater 24(1):45–52. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1018(200001/02)24:13.0.co;2-sRay SS, Okamoto M (2003) Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites: a review from preparation to processing. Prog Polym Sci 28(11):1539–1641. doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2003.08.002Gao D, Li R, Lv B, Ma J, Tian F, Zhang J (2015) Flammability, thermal and physical-mechanical properties of cationic polymer/montmorillonite composite on cotton fabric. Compos B Eng 77:329–337. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.03.061LeBaron PC, Wang Z, Pinnavaia TJ (1999) Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites: an overview. Appl Clay Sci 15(1–2):11–29. doi: 10.1016/s0169-1317(99)00017-4Karuntarut Sermsantiwanita SP (2012) Preparation of bio-based nanocomposite emulsions: effect of clay type. Prog Org Coat 74:660–666Pascual J, Fages E, Fenollar O, Garcia D, Balart R (2009) Influence of the compatibilizer/nanoclay ratio on final properties of polypropylene matrix modified with montmorillonite-based organoclay. Polym Bull 62(3):367–380. doi: 10.1007/s00289-008-0018-7Beltrán MI, Benavente V, Marchante V, Marcilla A (2013) The influence of surfactant loading level in a montmorillonite on the thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of EVA nanocomposites. Appl Clay Sci 83–84:153–161. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2013.08.028Bitinis N, Verdejo R, Maya EM, Espuche E, Cassagnau P, Lopez-Manchado MA (2012) Physicochemical properties of organoclay filled polylactic acid/natural rubber blend bionanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 72(2):305–313. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.11.018Sanchez-Garcia MD, Lopez-Rubio A, Lagaron JM (2010) Natural micro and nanobiocomposites with enhanced barrier properties and novel functionalities for food biopackaging applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 21(11):528–536. doi: 10.1016/j.tifs.2010.07.008Huskić M, Žigon M, Ivanković M (2013) Comparison of the properties of clay polymer nanocomposites prepared by montmorillonite modified by silane and by quaternary ammonium salts. Appl Clay Sci 85:109–115. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2013.09.004Osman MA, Rupp JEP, Suter UW (2005) Effect of non-ionic surfactants on the exfoliation and properties of polyethylene-layered silicate nanocomposites. 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Recent advances and perspectives on starch nanocomposites for packaging applications

Starch nanocomposites are popular and abundant materials in packaging sectors. The aim of this work is to review some of the most popular starch nanocomposite systems that have been used nowadays. Due to a wide range of applicable reinforcements, nanocomposite systems are investigated based on nanofiller type such as nanoclays, polysaccharides and carbonaceous nanofillers. Furthermore, the structures of starch and material preparation methods for their nanocomposites are also mentioned in this review. It is clearly presented that mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of plasticised starch can be improved with well-dispersed nanofillers in starch nanocomposites

The endothelial glycocalyx: composition, functions, and visualization

This review aims at presenting state-of-the-art knowledge on the composition and functions of the endothelial glycocalyx. The endothelial glycocalyx is a network of membrane-bound proteoglycans and glycoproteins, covering the endothelium luminally. Both endothelium- and plasma-derived soluble molecules integrate into this mesh. Over the past decade, insight has been gained into the role of the glycocalyx in vascular physiology and pathology, including mechanotransduction, hemostasis, signaling, and blood cell–vessel wall interactions. The contribution of the glycocalyx to diabetes, ischemia/reperfusion, and atherosclerosis is also reviewed. Experimental data from the micro- and macrocirculation alludes at a vasculoprotective role for the glycocalyx. Assessing this possible role of the endothelial glycocalyx requires reliable visualization of this delicate layer, which is a great challenge. An overview is given of the various ways in which the endothelial glycocalyx has been visualized up to now, including first data from two-photon microscopic imaging