OncomiRdbB: a comprehensive database of microRNAs and their targets in breast cancer

Background: Given the estimate that 30% of our genes are controlled by microRNAs, it is essential that we understand the precise relationship between microRNAs and their targets. OncomiRs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been frequently shown to be deregulated in cancer. However, although several oncomiRs have been identified and characterized, there is as yet no comprehensive compilation of this data which has rendered it underutilized by cancer biologists. There is therefore an unmet need in generating bioinformatic platforms to speed the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Description: We describe here OncomiRdbB, a comprehensive database of oncomiRs mined from different existing databases for mouse and humans along with novel oncomiRs that we have validated in human breast cancer samples. The database also lists their respective predicted targets, identified using miRanda, along with their IDs, sequences, chromosome location and detailed description. This database facilitates querying by search strings including microRNA name, sequence, accession number, target genes and organisms. The microRNA networks and their hubs with respective targets at 3'UTR, 5'UTR and exons of different pathway genes were also deciphered using the 'R' algorithm. Conclusion: OncomiRdbB is a comprehensive and integrated database of oncomiRs and their targets in breast cancer with multiple query options which will help enhance both understanding of the biology of breast cancer and the development of new and innovative microRNA based diagnostic tools and targets of therapeutic significance

Epitaxial SiC formation induced by medium energy ions on Si(1 1 1) at room temperature

In the search for silicon technology compatible substrate for III-nitride epitaxy, we present a proof-of-concept for forming epitaxial SiC layer on Si(1 1 1). A C/Si interface formed by ion sputtering is exposed to 100–1500 eV Ar+ ions, inducing a chemical reaction to form SiC, as observed by core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Angle dependent XPS studies shows forward scattering feature that manifest the epitaxial SiC layer formation, while the valence band depicts the metal to insulator phase change

Evolution of kinetically controlled In-induced surface structure on Si(557) surfacee

This paper introduces issue of kinetically controlled and temperature driven superstructural phase transition of Indium (In) on atomically clean high index Si(5 5 7)-7 x 1 surface. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis reveals that at room-temperature (RT) with a controlled incident flux of 0.002 ML/s; In over layers evolve through the Frank-van der Merwe growth mode and yield a (1 x 1) diffraction pattern for coverage >= 1 ML For substrate temperature 500 degrees C island growth is observed. On annealing the In/Si(5 5 7) interface in the temperature range 250-340 degrees C, clusters to two dimensional (2D) layer transformation on top of a stable monolayer is predominated. In-situ RT and HT adsorption and thermal desorption phenomena revealed the formation of coverage and temperature dependent thermally stable In induced superstructural phases such as (4 x 1) at 0.5 ML (520 C), (root 3 x root 3-R30 degrees) at 0.3 ML (560 C) and (7 x 7) at 0.1 ML (580 C). These indium induced superstructures could be utilized as potential substrate for the growth of various exotic 1D/2D structures

Role of Organ Preservation in Locally Advanced Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma

Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is relatively rare and has the worst prognosis of all head and neck cancers. Initially, surgery followed by postoperative radiation was the standard of care for locally advanced disease. In the recent years, various organ sparing approaches have evolved. There are mainly two schools of thought regarding larynx preservation in hypopharyngeal cancers which include either induction chemotherapy followed by response assessment for radical radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation. An ongoing trial is comparing the effectiveness between these two established approaches. The role of anti-EGFR therapy and immunotherapy is still being evaluated. Despite all the advancements in treatment, hypopharyngeal cancers are still associated with poor treatment outcomes