Multifunctional DNA micelles: Molecular beacon micelle flares (MBMFs), based on diacyllipid-molecular beacon conjugate (L-MB) self-assembly, have been developed for combined mRNA detection and gene therapy. The advantages of these micelle flares include easy probe synthesis, efficient cellular uptake, enhanced enzymatic stability, high signal-to-background ratio, excellent target selectivity, and superior biocompatibility. In addition, these probes possess a hydrophobic cavity that can be used for additional hydrophobic agents, holding great promise for constructing an all-in-one nucleic acid probe.

In patients undergoing multiple valve replacement and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, administration of nitric oxide decreased the incidence of acute kidney injury, transition to stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and major adverse kidney events at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year. Clinical trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01802619).

BackgroundQualitative and quantitative changes in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been implicated in various cancer types. A 4,977 bp deletion in the major arch of the mitochondrial genome is one of the most common mutations associated with a variety of human diseases and aging.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive study on clinical features and mtDNA of 104 colorectal cancer patients in the Wenzhou area of China. In particular, using a quantitative real time PCR method, we analyzed the 4,977 bp deletion and mtDNA content in tumor tissues and paired non-tumor areas from these patients.ResultsWe found that the 4,977 bp deletion was more likely to be present in patients of younger age (≤65 years, p = 0.027). In patients with the 4,977 bp deletion, the deletion level decreased as the cancer stage advanced (p = 0.031). Moreover, mtDNA copy number in tumor tissues of patients with this deletion increased, both compared with that in adjacent non-tumor tissues and with in tumors of patients without the deletion. Such mtDNA content increase correlated with the levels of the 4,977 bp deletion and with cancer stage (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study indicates that the mtDNA 4,977 bp deletion may play a role in the early stage of colorectal cancer, and it is also implicated in alteration of mtDNA content in cancer cells.