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Background: One in four labors are induced. The process of cervical ripening can be lengthy and pre‐labor hospitalization is required. Outpatient cervical ripening can be an attractive alternative. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient cervical ripening with a balloon catheter compared with inpatient balloon catheter or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Search Strategy: The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to October 15, 2022. Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials comparing the outpatient balloon catheter with inpatient balloon catheter or inpatient PGE2 for term cervical ripening. Data Collection and Analysis: Bayesian network meta‐analysis was performed. The primary outcome was the cesarean delivery rate. The secondary outcomes included instrumental delivery, the time from intervention‐to‐birth, oxytocin augmentation, total hospital duration, and maternal/neonatal adverse events. Main Results: Twenty‐nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 6004 participants were identified. No difference in the cesarean delivery rate was revealed among the three interventions. Compared with inpatient balloon catheter, outpatient balloon catheter had shorter total hospital duration (mean difference −8.58, 95% confidence interval −17.02 to −1.10). No differences were revealed in the time from intervention‐to‐birth, instrumental delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, 5‐min Apgar score less than 7, umbilical cord arterial pH less than 7.1, and neonatal intensive care unit admission among the three interventions. Conclusions: Outpatient balloon catheter in low‐risk term pregnancies is an available option that could be considered for cervical ripening. The safety and effectiveness are comparable to inpatient cervical ripening methods. Synopsis: Outpatient balloon catheter had shorter total hospital duration compared with inpatient balloon catheter, and could be considered as an available option for cervical ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: New‐onset diabetes mellitus is a frequent and severe complication arising after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to identify the risk factors for new‐onset diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation (NODALT) and to develop a risk prediction score system for relevant risks. Methods: We collected and analyzed data from all recipients who underwent liver transplantation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. The OR derived from a multiple logistic regression predicting the presence of NODALT was used to calculate the risk prediction score. The performance of the risk prediction score was externally validated in patients who were from the CLTR (China Liver Transplant Registry) database. Results: A total of 468 patients met the outlined criteria and finished the follow‐up. Overall, NODALT was diagnosed in 115 (24.6%) patients. Age, preoperative impaired fasting glucose (IFG), postoperative fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and the length of hospital stay were significantly associated with the presence of NODALT. The risk prediction score includes age, preoperative IFG, postoperative FPG, and the length of hospital stay. The risk prediction score of the area under the receiver operating curve was 0.785 (95% CI: 0.724–0.846) in the experimental population and 0.782 (95% CI: 0.708–0.856) in the validation population. Conclusions: Age at the time of transplantation, preoperative IFG, postoperative FPG, and length of hospital stay were independent predictive factors of NODALT. The use of a simple risk prediction score can identify the patients who have the highest risk of NODALT and interventions may start early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The covalently cross‐linked network gives thermosets superior thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, which, however, squarely makes the large residual stress that is inevitably induced during preparation hardly relieved in the glassy state. In this work, an incredible reduction in residual stress is successfully achieved in bulk thermosets in the glassy state through introducing highly dynamic thiocarbamate bonds by "click" reactions of thiols and isocyanates. Due to the excellent dynamic behaviors of thiocarbamate bonds, local network rearrangement is achieved through thermal stimulation, while the strong 3D cross‐linked network is well maintained. Ultimately, a decrease by 44% in residual stress is detected by simply annealing samples at 30 °C below glass transition temperature (Tg), during which they could well maintain more than 98.4% of the storage modulus. After the annealing, more uniform residual stress distribution is also observed, showing a 32% decline in sample standard deviation. However, the residual stress of epoxy resin, a typical thermoset as a reference, changes little even after annealing at Tg. The results prove it a feasible strategy to reduce residual stress in bulk thermosets in the glassy state by introducing proper dynamic covalent bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a nested semiparametric model to analyze a case‐control study where genuine case status is missing for some individuals. The concept of a noncase is introduced to allow for the imputation of the missing genuine cases. The odds ratio parameter of the genuine cases compared to controls is of interest. The imputation procedure predicts the probability of being a genuine case compared to a noncase semiparametrically in a dimension reduction fashion. This procedure is flexible, and vastly generalizes the existing methods. We establish the root‐n$$ n $$ asymptotic normality of the odds ratio parameter estimator. Our method yields stable odds ratio parameter estimation owing to the application of an efficient semiparametric sufficient dimension reduction estimator. We conduct finite sample numerical simulations to illustrate the performance of our approach, and apply it to a dilated cardiomyopathy study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various malignancies and infects >90% of the global population. EBV latent proteins are expressed in numerous EBV‐associated cancers and contribute to carcinogenesis, making them critical therapeutic targets for these cancers. Thus, this study aims to develop mRNA‐based therapeutic vaccines that express the T‐cell‐epitope‐rich domain of truncated latent proteins of EBV, including truncatedlatent membrane protein 2A (Trunc‐LMP2A), truncated EBV nuclear antigen 1 (Trunc‐EBNA1), and Trunc‐EBNA3A. The vaccines effectively activate both cellular and humoral immunity in mice and show promising results in suppressing tumor progression and improving survival time in tumor‐bearing mice. Furthermore, it is observed that the truncated forms of the antigens, Trunc‐LMP2A, Trunc‐EBNA1, and Trunc‐EBNA3A, are more effective than full‐length antigens in activating antigen‐specific immune responses. In summary, the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of mRNA‐based therapeutic vaccines targeting the T‐cell‐epitope‐rich domain of EBV latent proteins and providing new treatment options for EBV‐associated cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactococcus lactis, a lactic acid bacterium with a typical fermentative metabolism, can also use oxygen as an extracellular electron acceptor. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that L. lactis blocked in NAD+ regeneration can use the alternative electron acceptor ferricyanide to support growth. By electrochemical analysis and characterization of strains carrying mutations in the respiratory chain, we pinpoint the essential role of the NADH dehydrogenase and 2‐amino‐3‐carboxy‐1,4‐naphtoquinone in extracellular electron transfer (EET) and uncover the underlying pathway systematically. Ferricyanide respiration has unexpected effects on L. lactis, e.g., we find that morphology is altered from the normal coccoid to a more rod shaped appearance, and that acid resistance is increased. Using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE), we successfully enhance the capacity for EET. Whole‐genome sequencing reveals the underlying reason for the observed enhanced EET capacity to be a late‐stage blocking of menaquinone biosynthesis. The perspectives of the study are numerous, especially within food fermentation and microbiome engineering, where EET can help relieve oxidative stress, promote growth of oxygen sensitive microorganisms and play critical roles in shaping microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV‐harbored or infected cell‐expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV‐related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground coal gasification without shaft is a technology that uses directional drilling technology to gasify deeply buried coal. The technology first needs to ignite the coal seam during drilling, but as the depth of the coal seam (drilling) increases, it is very difficult to ignite the underground coal seam. In order to ignite the underground coal seam more safely and effectively, the forced oxidation ignition technology has been developed; that is, the coal seam is heated by hot oxygen, and the coal seam is rapidly oxidized and released to ignite the coal seam. Due to the complex confidential environment, it is challenging to ignite underground coal seams. To ignite the underground coal seams more safely and effectively, this paper used a self‐made reactor to simulate the forced convection heating of the bituminous coal under different oxygen flow rates with hot oxygen and used a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer flue gas analyzer to detect the outlet gas, used ATR‐FTIR spectrometer to analyze the solid residues in different areas, and recorded the time and maximum temperature of coal ignition under other processes. The results showed that low‐flow high‐temperature oxygen could quickly burn coal seams. When the oxygen flow rate was 2.5 m3/h, and the coal seam was ignited when heated to 130°C for 170 min. Through GC‐MS analysis of nine flammable components in the tar components under different processes, the content of short‐chain aliphatic hydrocarbons in the tar decreases, and the content of benzene series tends to increase. Through ATR‐FTIR analysis, the solid sample near the gas injection port contained fewer oxygen functional groups; the middle of the furnace body included the most oxygen functional groups; near the gas outlet contained more oxygen functional groups than the raw coal. CO2 would rise to 3% when coal was about to ignite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mounts of researches focused on the link between transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) polymorphisms and preeclampsia (PE) which is a hypertensive multisystemic disorder affecting pregnancy. However, the results were inconsistent. Thus, a meta‐analysis was performed to obtain more conclusive results. Methods: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between six TGF‐β1 polymorphisms (rs1800468, rs1800469, rs1800470, rs1800471, rs4803455, and rs4803457) and PE susceptibility in five genetic models. The subgroup stratified analysis and trial sequential analysis were performed. Results: Fourteen studies were included in this meta‐analysis with 1941 PE patients and 2488 healthy women. There was no statistically significant association between these six TGF‐β1 polymorphisms and PE within five genetic models in the overall population (all p > 0.05). Subgroup stratified analysis revealed there was statistically significant association between TGF‐β1 rs1800469 polymorphism and PE within the allele, recessive, and homozygous model in Asian (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.35; OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06–1.72; OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07–2.05, respectively; all p < 0.05). Trial sequential analysis indicated sufficient proof of such association in the Asian population. Conclusions: TGF‐β1 rs1800469 is a possible risk factor for PE in Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been validated as critical regulators in the development of melanoma. miR‐140 was abnormally downregulated in uveal melanoma samples. However, the expression level and roles of miR‐140‐5p remain unclear in melanoma for now. We speculate that miR‐140‐5p is abnormally expressed and may play an important role in melanoma. The expressions of miR‐140‐5p and SOX4 messenger RNA were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays. Western blot assays were employed to detect the expression levels of SOX4, Ki67, MMP‐2, MMP‐7, p‐β‐catenin, c‐Myc, cyclin D1, p65, and IκBα. Luciferase reporter assays were employed to elucidate the interaction between SOX4 and miR‐140‐5p. MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide) and transwell invasion assays were applied to evaluate capabilities of cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. Xenograft models of melanoma were established to verify the role and molecular basis of miR‐140‐5p. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were employed to measure the Ki67 and SOX4 at the protein level in xenografted melanoma tissues. Herein, these observations showed that, miR‐140‐5p was abnormally downregulated in melanoma tissues and cells, while SOX4 was upregulated. miR‐140‐5p directly targeted SOX4 and inhibited its expression in melanoma cells. miR‐140‐5p overexpression repressed melanoma cell proliferation and invasion and its effects were partially restored SOX4 overexpression. Moreover, miR‐140‐5p hindered melanoma growth in vivo by downregulating SOX4. Mechanistically, miR‐140‐5p suppressed activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin and NF‐κB pathways by targeting SOX4. Our study concluded that miR‐140‐5p hindered cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis by targeting SOX4 via inactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin and NF‐κB signaling pathways in malignant melanoma, which provides an underlying molecular mechanism for the treatment for melanoma with miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis in healthy fetuses. Methods: The fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis were measured in 220 healthy fetuses. The normal ranges of the fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis for each gestational week were established. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the relationship between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis. Results: The mean fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio increased slightly throughout the pregnancy, from 0.33 at 17 weeks' gestation to 0.37 at 37 weeks. No statistically significant correlation was found between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis in healthy fetuses. Conclusions: In healthy fetuses, the thymus occupies an increasingly larger portion of the upper mediastinum when the pregnancy advances. The cardiac axis is not affected by the thymic‐thoracic ratio in healthy fetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 59-year-old male with a history of erythematous plaque on left upper nasal sidewall. He was diagnosed with nasal mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient had radical surgical excision of the nasal sidewall to the base of the skull and received post-operative radiotherapy It features several symptoms of mucoepidermoid carcinoma including mass and facial swelling, breathing difficulty and chronic sinusitis.

Background Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz tumors and spitzoid melanomas ('spitzoid lesions') represent controversial and poorly understood cutaneous melanocytic lesions that are difficult to diagnose histologically. It is unknown how these terms are used by pathologists. Methods We describe use of Spitz-related terminology using data from the Melanoma Pathology (M-Path) study database comprising pathologists' interpretations of biopsy slides, a nation-wide study evaluating practicing US pathologists' (N = 187) diagnoses of melanocytic lesions (8976 independent diagnostic assessments on 240 total test cases, with 1 slide per case). Results Most pathologists (90%) used the Spitz-related terminology. However, significant variation exists in which specific lesions were diagnosed as spitzoid and in the corresponding treatment recommendations. Recommendations ranged from 'no further treatment' to 'wide excision of 10 mm or greater' with no category capturing more than 50% of responses. For spitzoid melanoma diagnoses, 90% of pathologists recommended excision with ≥10 mm margin. Pathologists report less confidence in diagnosing these lesions compared with other melanocytic proliferations and are more likely to request second opinions and additional clinical information (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Spitzoid lesions are often not classified in any standardized way, evoke uncertainty in diagnosis by pathologists, and elicit variability in treatment recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds The diagnosis of melanoma can be challenging, especially in lesions for which the histopathologic criteria bridge two or more taxonomic categories. Newer genomic analytical methods of fluorescence in situ hybridization ( FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization ( CGH) have been introduced as ancillary techniques to differentiate benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations. Methods We evaluated how pathologists perceive and are incorporating these new cytogenetic testing technologies into their practices. We conducted a study of 207 U.S. pathologists who interpret melanocytic lesions in clinical practice in 10 SEER states. Pathologists were surveyed regarding perceptions and utilization of FISH and/or CGH in their clinical practices. Results Results showed that 38% of pathologists use FISH and/or CGH in interpreting melanocytic lesions. Pathologists reporting FISH and/or CGH use were significantly younger (p < 0.05), were fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology (p < 0.001) and were affiliated with an academic institute (p < 0.001). Pathologists reporting that their colleagues consider them an expert in the assessment of melanocytic lesions were more likely to employ FISH and/or CGH in their practices than non-experts. Conclusions Early users of cytogenetic testing technologies in cutaneous pathology are more likely to be younger, affiliated with an academic institution and fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the dynamic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein ( GFAP), a common neural factor, in cornea and stromal cells during herpes simplex virus-1 ( HSV-1) infection. For each anesthetized BALB/c mouse, the cornea in one eye was inoculated with 1 × 105 plaque forming unit (PFU) of HSV-1, while the contralateral cornea was mock-infected as the control. At different timepoints post-infection, corneal lesion examination by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, corneal histology and HSV-1 DNA detection by real-time PCR were performed to estimate the different stage of HSV-1 infection. The expression of GFAP was examined using real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. After infected with HSV-1 for 15 days, the mouse corneas began to become clear, the corneal pathology recovered to normal, and HSV-1 DNA almost could not be detected, indicating that HSV-1 was entering a relative quiescent state from the acute infection. The expression of GFAP in HSV-1-infected corneas was comparatively low on day 3, increased slightly on day 7, and further increased thereafter, higher than that in mock-infected corneas on day 15. GFAP detection on the cellular level also indicated that the expression was downregulated in acute HSV-1 infection. GFAP was found to be downregulated in HSV-1 acute infection in cornea and upregulated in late stage, suggesting that GFAP might play some role during HSV-1 infection in cornea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastomeric electrolyte films consisting of maleic anhydride- g-poly (1, 2-butadiene) (MAPB) grafting polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) as matrix and LiClO4 as alkali salt at the mole ratio of [O]: [Li+] at 6, 8, and 10, respectively are prepared. An equivalent circuit is proposed based on the electronic impedance spectroscopy plots by using the metal/electrolyte film/metal model, the simulant plots are found matched well with the tested plots, and the conductivity variations with salt concentrations and temperatures are calculated accordingly. The film with the mole ratio of [O]: [Li+] at 8:1 exhibits higher conductivity at room temperature, due to its relatively stronger dissociation of oxygen atom to LiClO4 as supported by the FTIR spectroscopy. Their conductivity dependent on temperatures obeys the Arrhenius equation from 303 to 363 K, while it keeps almost unchanged at higher temperatures; these changes are found associate with the strong complexation of oxygen atom with Li+ and the state transference of MAPB elastomer as observed by the DSC analysis. Besides, these films are still thermally stable at around 200°C as observed by the TGA analysis and may be promising solid polymer electrolytes with high stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial biofilm has been shown to play a role in delaying wound healing of chronic wounds, a major medical problem that results in significant health care burden. A reproducible animal model could be very valuable for studying the mechanism and management of chronic wounds. Our previous work showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( PAO1) biofilm challenge on wounds in diabetic (db/db) mice significantly delayed wound healing. In this wound time course study, we further characterize the bacterial burden, delayed wound healing, and certain aspects of the host inflammatory response in the PAO1 biofilm-challenged db/db mouse model. PAO1 biofilms were transferred onto 2-day-old wounds created on the dorsal surface of db/db mice. Control wounds without biofilm challenge healed by 4 weeks, consistent with previous studies; none of the biofilm-challenged wounds healed by 4 weeks. Of the biofilm-challenged wounds, 64% healed by 6 weeks, and all of the biofilm-challenged wounds healed by 8 weeks. During the wound-healing process, P. aeruginosa was gradually cleared from the wounds while the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (part of the normal mouse skin flora) increased. Scabs from all unhealed wounds contained 107 P. aeruginosa, which was 100-fold higher than the counts isolated from wound beds (i.e., 99% of the P. aeruginosa was in the scab). Histology and genetic analysis showed proliferative epidermis, deficient vascularization, and increased inflammatory cytokines. Hypoxia inducible factor expression increased threefold in 4-week wounds. In summary, our study shows that biofilm-challenged wounds typically heal in approximately 6 weeks, at least 2 weeks longer than nonbiofilm-challenged normal wounds. These data suggest that this delayed wound healing model enables the in vivo study of bacterial biofilm responses to host defenses and the effects of biofilms on host wound healing pathways. It may also be used to test antibiofilm strategies for treating chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates mouse cutaneous responses to long-term percutaneously implanted rods surrounded by sphere-templated porous biomaterials engineered to mimic medical devices surrounded by a porous cuff. We hypothesized that keratinocytes would migrate through the pores and stop, permigrate, or marsupialize along the porous/solid interface. Porous/solid-core poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] and silicone rods were implanted in mice for 14 days, and for 1, 3, and 6 months. Implants with surrounding tissue were analyzed (immuno)histochemically by light microscopy. Poly(HEMA)/skin implants yielded better morphologic data than silicone implants. Keratinocytes at the poly(HEMA) interface migrated in two different directions. 'Ventral' keratinocytes contiguous with the dermal-epidermal junction migrated into the outermost pores, forming an integrated collar surrounding the rods. 'Dorsal' keratinocytes appearing to emanate from the differentiated epithelial layer, extended upward along and into the exterior portion of the rod, forming an integrated sheath. Leukocytes persisted in poly(HEMA) and silicone pores for the duration of the study. Vascular and collagen networks within the poly(HEMA) pores matured as a function of time up to 3-months implantation. Nerves were not observed within the pores. Poly(HEMA) underwent morphological changes by 6 months of implantation. Marsupialization, foreign body encapsulation, and infection were not observed in any implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sinus between skin and a percutaneous medical device is often a portal for infection. Epidermal integration into an optimized porous biomaterial could seal this sinus. In this study, we measured epithelial ingrowth into rods of sphere-templated porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) implanted percutaneously in mice. The rods contained spherical 20-, 40-, or 60-μm pores with and without surface modification. Epithelial migration was measured 3, 7, and 14 days post-implantation utilizing immunohistochemistry for pankeratins and image analysis. Our global results showed average keratinocyte migration distances of 81 ± 16.85 μm (SD). Migration was shorter through 20-μm pores (69.32 ± 21.73) compared with 40 and 60 μm (87.04 ± 13.38 μm and 86.63 ± 8.31 μm, respectively). Migration was unaffected by 1,1′ carbonyldiimidazole surface modification without considering factors of pore size and healing duration. Epithelial integration occurred quickly showing an average migration distance of 74.13 ± 12.54 μm after 3 days without significant progression over time. These data show that the epidermis closes the sinus within 3 days, migrates into the biomaterial (an average of 11% of total rod diameter), and stops. This process forms an integrated epithelial collar without evidence of marsupialization or permigration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wounds are a major clinical problem that lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that an important factor in the failure of chronic wounds to heal was the presence of microbial biofilm resistant to antibiotics and protected from host defenses. A major difficulty in studying chronic wounds is the absence of suitable animal models. The goal of this study was to create a reproducible chronic wound model in diabetic mice by the application of bacterial biofilm. Six-millimeter punch biopsy wounds were created on the dorsal surface of diabetic (db/db) mice, subsequently challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) biofilms 2 days postwounding, and covered with semiocclusive dressings for 2 weeks. Most of the control wounds were epithelialized by 28 days postwounding. In contrast, none of biofilm-challenged wounds were closed. Histological analysis showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue necrosis, and epidermal hyperplasia adjacent to challenged wounds-all indicators of an inflammatory nonhealing wound. Quantitative cultures and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the majority of bacteria were in the scab above the wound bed rather than in the wound tissue. The model was reproducible, allowed localized cutaneous wound infections without high mortality, and demonstrated delayed wound healing following a biofilm challenge. This model may provide an approach to study the role of microbial biofilms in chronic wounds as well as the effect of specific biofilm therapy on wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, several modifications of specific surface properties such as topography, structure, chemistry, surface charge, and wettability have been investigated to predictably improve the osseointegration of titanium implants. The aim of the present review was to evaluate, based on the currently available evidence, the impact of hydrophilic surface modifications of titanium for dental implants. A surface treatment was performed to produce hydroxylated/hydrated titanium surfaces with identical microstructure to either acid‐etched, or sand‐blasted, large grit and acid‐etched substrates, but with hydrophilic character. Preliminary in vitro studies have indicated that the specific properties noted for hydrophilic titanium surfaces have a significant influence on cell differentiation and growth factor production. Animal experiments have pointed out that hydrophilic surfaces improve early stages of soft tissue and hard tissue integration of either nonsubmerged or submerged titanium implants. This data was also corroborated by the results from preliminary clinical studies. In conclusion, the present review has pointed to a potential of hydrophilic surface modifications to support tissue integration of titanium dental implants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Studies showing that osteoblasts exhibit a more differentiated phenotype on rough titanium (Ti) surfaces and osteoclast-resorbed bone surfaces used materials characterized by average peak to valley distance ( Ra). Other surface features impacting the cells include distance between peaks, curvature of the valleys, and relative distribution of flat and smooth regions. We used novel Ti surfaces prepared by electrochemical micromachining as models to examine specific contributions of individual design features to osteoblast response. Results show that micron-scale topography modulates cell number, cell morphology and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In the presence of the appropriate microtopography, submicron-scale rugosity modulates differentiation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels. In this study, we examined the role of different types of submicron-scale structures. Material and methods: Thirty micrometer diameter craters on Ti disks were produced by photolithography resulting in an electropolished smooth surface, and arranged so that inside crater area vs. outside flat area was 6 (30/6). Submicron-scale structures were superposed by acid etching and porous anodization. Ra's were 700, 400, 60 nm on acid-etched, porous anodized and smooth 30/6 surfaces, respectively. Results: MG63 osteoblast-like cells were sensitive to submicron-scale architecture. Cell morphology on anodized surfaces was similar to morphology on smooth surfaces, whereas on etched surfaces, cells had a more elongated differentiated shape. Cell number was greatest on smooth surfaces>anodized>etched. Osteocalcin and PGE2 were affected in a reverse manner. Active TGF-β1 was greatest on etched 30/6 surfaces>anodized>smooth; latent TGF-β1 was elevated on all rough surfaces. Conclusions: These results support our previous observations that submicron-scale structures modulate osteoblastic phenotype and show that the physical properties of the submicron-scale structures are important variables in determining osteoblast response to substrate topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell transplantation is efficient method to therapy end-stage liver disease ( ESLD). How to punctually induce stem cell differentiation into hepatocyte is still a challenge. Notch plays important roles in embryonic development and cell differentiation. However, during the differentiation process from fetal liver stem/progenitor cells ( FLSPCs) to mature hepatocytes, the contribution of Notch, especially which Notch receptor is primarily responsible, is unknown. First, specific Notch receptor responsible for FLSPCs differentiation was identified. On both tissue level and cell level, we found that Notch3 was the only receptor greater expressed in liver tissue at embryonic day ( ED) 14 and FLSPCs, compared with the adult liver and BRL cells, respectively. Second, morphological phenotypic and functional aspects were analyzed to evaluate whether Notch inhibition by GSIs (γ-secretase inhibitors, inhibitor of Notch) promotes the differentiation of FLSPCs into hepatocytes. Results showed that N-[ N-(3, 5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester ( DAPT) as GSIs was able to induce FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes. The differentiated FLSPCs showed similar morphology to mature hepatocytes, expressed hepatic markers indicative of a mature developmental stage, and displayed similar functionality to mature hepatocytes. The differentiation efficiency by GSIs was similar to that by hepatocyte growth factor ( HGF) induction. More specifically, as the differentiation of FLSPCs progressed towards hepatocytes, the expression of Notch3 was gradually down-regulated, consistent with the down-regulation of other stem cell markers. These findings imply that Notch3 may not only be a regulator of FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes, but also be a potential marker of FLSPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]