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The cell migration capability of A549 and SK-MES-1 cells was determined using a cell scratch test. (C) Representative images and (D) statistical analysis are presented. [Corrigedum] miR-185 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion through targeting of SOX9 and regulation of Wnt signaling A549 and SK-MES-1 cells were transfected with miR-185 mimics or miR-185 inhibitor to achieve ectopic miR-185 expression or miR-185 inhibition. [Extracted from the article]

SRY-box 9 (SOX9) is an important transcription factor required for development, which has additionally been reported to be an independent prognostic indicator for the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accumulating evidence has indicated that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) may contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. SOX9 may be regulated by a number of miRNAs in different types of cancer, including in NSCLC. The present study sought to identify novel candidate miRNAs associated with SOX9 in NSCLC using online tools, and investigated the detailed functions of miR-185, which suppressed SOX9 mRNA expression most strongly out of the candidate miRNAs. It was observed that ectopic miR-185 expression significantly suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Using luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assays, SOX9 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-185. In addition, the downstream Wnt signaling-associated factors β-catenin and c-Myc proto-oncogene protein (Myc) were demonstrated to be inhibited by miR-185 overexpression. SOX9, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues, and was inversely correlated with miR-185 expression. The results of the present study demonstrated that rescuing miR-185 expression in NSCLC, thereby inhibiting SOX9 expression and the downstream Wnt signaling, and leading to the suppression of NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Between January 2008 and March 2013, 56 patients (36 male, 20 female; mean age 25.6 years, age range 16-39 years) underwent single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Nineteen patients (33.9 %) had moderate palmar hyperhidrosis that could thoroughly wet a handkerchief, and 37 (66.1 %) had severe palmar hyperhidrosis with sweat dripping from the palm. Eight patients (14.3 %) had a positive family history, 34 (60.7 %) had plantar hyperhidrosis, 22 (39.3 %) had axillary hyperhidrosis, and 20 (35.7 %) had both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis. In addition, 21 patients (37.5 %) had palmar pompholyx, five (8.9 %) had keratolysis exfoliativa, 10 (17.9 %) had chilblains, and nine (16.1 %) had palmar rhagades. A single 10-mm skin incision was made in the third intercostal space at the anterior axillary line, posterior to the pectoralis muscle. A 5-mm microthoracoscope and a 3-mm microelectrocautery hook were inserted through a single port into the thoracic cavity. The third and fourth ribs were identified, and the sympathetic chain was cut using the microelectrocautery hook. The bypassing nerve fibers, such as the Kuntz nerve fiber bundle, were ablated for 2-3 cm along the surface of the rib. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. All 56 procedures were completed using single-port microthoracoscopy. No postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, wound infection, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner's syndrome were observed. Bilateral procedures were completed in 20-56 min (mean 30 min). The palmar temperature increased by 2.2 ± 0.3 °C after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was 1-4 days (mean 2.5 days). Mild compensatory sweating of the back and thigh occurred in five patients (8.9 %) at 2-3 days after surgery and disappeared at 7-15 days. The patients were followed up for 28.5 months (range 1-62 months). Hyperhidrosis resolved in both hands after surgery, and the previously wet, cold hands became dry and warm. The efficacy rate was 100 %. Plantar hyperhidrosis was also significantly reduced in 33 of the 34 patients with this condition (remission rate 97.1 %), and axillary hyperhidrosis was significantly reduced in 19 of 22 patients (remission rate 86.4 %). Eighteen of the 20 patients (90.0 %) with both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis experienced significant alleviation of their symptoms. Single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy is a safe, convenient, and effective method of treating palmar hyperhidrosis. This procedure can accurately locate the sympathetic chain with a small incision, minimal invasiveness, and good cosmetic results. The procedure is suitable for extensive clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To prepare an NCECS/nHA composite for tissue-engineered trachea and investigate its biomechanical and biocompatibile properties. Biomechanical tests were performed on dry and wet NCECS/nHA composite specimens prepared in vitro. The cell adhesion rate on each composite surface after 2, 6, and 12 hours of culture was calculated, and cell proliferation activity was measured using an MTT assay. NCECS/nHA composites exhibited satisfactory tensile strength and Young's modulus values. The adhesion rate of rabbit tracheal chondrocytes on NCECS/nHA surfaces reached 88.4% after 12 hours of culture. NCECS/nHA composites are promising scaffold materials for tissue-engineered trachea owing to satisfactory biocompatible and biomechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is closely correlated to an unfavorable prognosis in various human cancers. However, the clinical significance of the expression of MDR-related proteins p-glycoprotein (PGP), glutathione-s-transferases (GST-π), topoisomerase-II (Topo-II) and lung resistance protein (LRP) in primary gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (PGCA) remains unclear. In this present study, the total of the four kinds of MDR-related proteins mentioned above were detected by using immunohistochemistry, and their clinical significance in chemoresistance were also investigated. Methods: This retrospective study included 69 resected specimens from patients with PGCA. The expression of PGP, GST-π, Topo-II and LRP in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections was determined by a labelled streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical technique, and the results were analyzed in correlation with clinicopathological data. None of these patients received chemotherapy prior to surgery. Results: The positive rates of expression of PGP, GST-π, Topo-II and LRP in malignant tissues (49.2%, 75.4%, 68.1% and 58%, respectively) were all higher than that of the normal tissues(0, 30%, 20% and 0, respectively, P < 0.01). PGP expression in tumors that had metastasized was significantly more frequent than in tumors that had not metastasized (67.5% vs 24.1%, P < 0.01). The expression of PGP was closely related with clinicopathologic staging (staging 1/2 vs 3/4, 28.6% vs 58.3%, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was shown between PGP and increasing differentiated degree (40%, 42.4% and 61.5%, P > 0.05). GST-π expression status progressively increased with increasing differentiated degree (40%, 75.8% and 88.5%, P < 0.05) and clinicopathologic stage (staging 1/2 vs 3/4, 57.1% vs 83.3%, P < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation was also observed between GST-π and lymphatic metastasis (with vs. without metastasis, 87.5% vs 58.6%, P < 0.05). The expression of Topo-II was associated with increasing differentiated degree (33.3%, 69.7 and 80.7%, P < 0.01). No significant differences with Topo-II expression were found in relation to the clinicopathologic stage (staging 1/2 vs 3/4, 57.1% vs 72.9%, P > 0.05) and lymphatic metastasis (with vs. without metastasis, 65.0% vs 72.4%, P > 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference with the expression of LRP was found in relation to the clinicopathologic stage (staging 1/2 vs 3/4, 38% vs 66.6%, P < 0.05), and lymphatic metastasis (with vs without metastasis, 70.0% vs 41.4%, P < 0.05). Comparing the well, moderately and poorly differentiated cohort, a non-statistical increasing trend towards LRP expression status was noted (50.0%, 54.5% and 65.3%, respectively, P > 0.05). Besides, the co-expression of all four tested MDR-related proteins also existed. The positive rates of co-expression of PGP and GST-π, PGP and Topo-II, PGP and LRP, GST-π and Topo-II, LRP and GST-π, LRP and Topo-II, PGP, GST-π, Topo-II and LRP in malignant cells were 23.2%, 15.9%, 11.6%, 13.0, 26.1, 7.24, 5.8, respectively. Conclusions: MDR-related proteins PGP, GST-π, Topo-II α and LRP are involved in multiple mechanisms of drug resistance in PGCA. Combined determination of PGP, GST-π, Topo-II and LRP may be prospectively valuable for optimizing the chemotherapy regimes, developing high quality anti-cancer drugs, and further predicting the outcomes of those patients with PGCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Core 1β1,3-galactosyltransferase 1 (C1GALT1) exhibits elevated expression in multiple cancers. The present study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of C1GALT1 aberrant expression and its impact on radiosensitivity in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: The C1GALT1 expression and its clinical relevance were investigated through public databases and LUAD tissue microarray analyses. A549 and H1299 cells with either C1GALT1 knockdown or overexpression were further assessed through colony formation, gamma-H2A histone family member X immunofluorescence, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, and flow cytometry assays. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore single cell sequencing data, revealing the influence of C1GALT1 on cancer-associated cellular states. Vimentin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin protein levels were measured through western blotting. Results: The expression of C1GALT1 was significantly higher in LUAD tissues than in adjacent non-tumor tissues both at mRNA and protein level. High expression of C1GALT1 was correlated with lymph node metastasis, advanced T stage, and poor survival, and was an independent risk factor for overall survival. Radiation notably upregulated C1GALT1 expression in A549 and H1299 cells, while radiosensitivity was increased following C1GALT1 knockdown and decreased following overexpression. Experiment results showed that overexpression of C1GALT1 conferred radioresistance, promoting DNA repair, cell proliferation, and G2/M phase arrest, while inhibiting apoptosis and decreasing E-cadherin expression, alongside upregulating vimentin and N-cadherin in A549 and H1299 cells. Conversely, C1GALT1 knockdown had opposing effects. Conclusion: Elevated C1GALT1 expression in LUAD is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and contributes to increased radioresistance potentially by affecting DNA repair, cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early reports have demonstrated the feasibility of oxidized dextran/gelatin (OD/GEL) hydrogel for tissue engineering applications and the printability of OD/GEL hydrogel for 3D printing scaffolds, but adequate insight into fabricated OD/GEL scaffolds is lacking. In the present study, we prepared (cellulose nanocrystal) CNC/OD/GEL hydrogels and fabricated CNC/OD/GEL scaffolds by 3D printing. The properties of CNC/OD/GEL hydrogels were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The process of 3D printing of hydrogels was optimized, and the influence of the OD and CNC contents on the printability of CNC/OD/GEL hydrogels was investigated by studying the width of the printed filaments. The uniaxial compression test was performed to study the effects of the OD and CNC contents on the breaking strength and elastic modulus of CNC/OD/GEL scaffolds. In addition, the uniaxial compression test was also performed to determine the optimum mass ratio and crosslinking time of OD and GEL. The effects of the CNC content on scaffold shrinkage, scaffold swelling and scaffold porosity were further studied. The biocompatibility of a CNC0.4OD2G2 scaffold was also investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Hoechst 33342/PI double-staining assays. Collectively, the results confirmed the good potential of the CNC/OD/GEL hydrogels as 3D bioink for application in tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formation of functional and perfusable vascular network is critical to ensure the long‐term survival and functionality of the engineered tissue tracheae after transplantation. However, the greatest challenge in tracheal‐replacement therapy is the promotion of tissue regeneration by rapid graft vascularization. Traditional prevascularization methods for tracheal grafts typically utilize omentum or muscle flap wrapping, which requires a second operation; vascularized segment tracheal orthotopic transplantation in one step remains difficult. This study proposes a method to construct a tissue‐engineered tracheal graft, which directly forms the microvascular network after orthotopic transplantation in vivo. The focus of this study was the preparation of a hybrid tracheal graft that is non‐immunogenic, has good biomechanical properties, supports cell proliferation, and quickly vascularizes. The results showed that vacuum‐assisted decellularized trachea‐polycaprolactone hybrid scaffold could match most of the above requirements as closely as possible. Furthermore, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were extracted and used as vascularized seed cells and seeded on the surfaces of hybrid grafts before and during the tracheal orthotopic transplantation. The results showed that the microvascularized tracheal grafts formed maintained the survival of the recipient, showing a satisfactory therapeutic outcome. This is the first study to utilize EPCs for microvascular construction of long‐segment trachea in one‐step; the approach represents a promising method for microvascular tracheal reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the extreme rarity of primary intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs), their clinical course, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are poorly understood. The present study therefore assessed the diagnosis and management of primary intrapulmonary SFTs and systematically reviewed previously reported cases in the literature. A total of 5 patients who underwent resection for primary intrapulmonary SFTs were enrolled in the present study and their clinical course, tumour characteristics, management and survival were assessed in this retrospective study. Relevant studies regarding primary intrapulmonary SFTs were searched using PubMed and tumour characteristics, clinicopathologic features, therapeutic strategy and survival outcomes were reviewed. Of the 5 cases, all were males, with a mean age of 57.6 years (range, 37‑68 years). All patients were asymptomatic and were identified incidentally on routine computed tomography examination. A total of 3 patients underwent thoracotomy and 2 patients underwent video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery. All tumours were completely resected. Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in 1 patient and he received surgical intervention for haemostasis. The average hospital stay was 15 (4‑22) days, and no mortality occurred. The mean length of the postoperative follow‑up was 37.6 (1‑67) months. One patient was lost to follow‑up, and 4 patients were asymptomatic. A total of 19 studies were identified from database searches. They included a total of 45 patients: Twenty-three males and 22 females (mean age, 59.4 years; range, 7‑81 years). A total of 12 patients were asymptomatic, and pain and coughing were the major symptoms. Five, one, two, four, and 17 tumours occurred in the right upper lobe, right middle lobe, right lower lobe, left upper lobe and left lower lobe, respectively. A total of 39 patients underwent surgery, 1 patient underwent radiotherapy, and 1 patient underwent radiofrequency ablation. A total of 22 patients were followed up and the mean length of the postoperative follow‑up was 48 (1‑168) months. One patient was diagnosed with chest wall metastases, and 5 patients succumbed to mortality. To conclude, primary intrapulmonary SFTs are extremely rare and typically identified incidentally. The present findings indicated that the left lower lobe was the most common site location and complete surgical resection is a safe and effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To explore the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology combined with 3D printing in the treatment of pectus excavatum (PE). METHODS: The clinical data of 10 patients with PE in our department from June 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent thin-layer computed tomography examination before the operation, and then 3D reconstruction was performed with Mimics 20.0 software. The radian and curvature of the pectus bar were designed according to the reconstructed images. Afterward, the images were imported into the light-curing 3D printer in STL format for slice printing. Hence that the personalized operation scheme, including the size of the pectus bar and the surgical approach, can be made according to the 3D printed model. The thoracoscopic-assisted Nuss operation was completed by bilateral incisions. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization were counted and analyzed. The satisfaction of the surgery was evaluated according to the Haller index and the most posterior sternal compression sternovertebral distance. RESULTS: The surgeries were successfully completed in 10 patients without a transfer to open procedure. The average operation time was (56 ± 8.76) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (23.5 ± 11.07) mL, and the postoperative hospitalization was (7.2 ± 0.92) d. There were no serious complications or death during the perioperative period. Compared with the data before the operation, the most posterior sternal compression sternovertebral distance was larger, and the Haller index was lower, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3D reconstruction technology combined with 3D printing, which can be used before operation, contributes to the operator performing thoracoscopic-assisted Nuss operation safely and effectively, which has productive clinical application value for the treatment of pectus excavatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty tracheas were harvested from donor New Zealand rabbits. Thirty of the tracheas were randomly divided into four treatment groups corresponding to 4, 5, 6, or 7% NaClO and one untreated group (n = 6 each group). Scanning electron microscopy distinctly revealed the cilium of epithelial cells in the fresh trachea. The internal surface of the trachea was rough in the 4% treatment group and smooth in the 5% treatment group, whereas the matrix was fractured in the 6% treatment group and highly fractured in the 7% treatment group. We observed that the number of nuclei in the cells of the 4, 5, 6, and 7% treatment groups decreased compared to the cells of the untreated group ( p < 0.05). Although there was a significant decrease in maximum tensile strength, tensile strain at fracture and the elastic modulus ( p < 0.05) with increasing concentrations of NaClO, the content of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) did not significantly decline ( p > 0.05) in the 5% treatment group. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that the fiber component and basement membrane of the matrix in the 5% treatment group were retained after optimal decellularization. Despite the preserved cartilage, in vitro immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the matrix did not show the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. The remaining ten donor tracheas, which were divided into a positive control group and an optimal decellularized group, were used for allogeneic transplantation. Blood samples were taken regularly, and histologic examinations were performed at 30 days postimplantation, which showed no significant immune rejection. In conclusion, we surveyed the structural integrity through morphological observation and compared the biomechanical and immunogenic changes in the tracheal matrix under the different treatments. The optimal decellularized tracheal matrix with preserved cartilage, which was acquired via 5% NaClO4 treatment, exhibited structural integrity, antigen cell removal and immune privilege and would be suitable for use as a tissue-engineered trachea for in vivo transplantation in rabbit models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have great potential in tissue engineering and clinical therapy, and various methods for isolation and cultivation of BMSCs have been reported. However, the best techniques are still uncertain. Therefore, we sought the most suitable among the four most common methods for BMSC separation from rabbits. BMSCs were obtained from untreated whole bone marrow (BM) adherent cultures, 3 volumes of red blood cells (RBC) lysed with ammonium chloride, 6 volumes of RBC lysed with ammonium chloride, and Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Then, isolated BMSCs were evaluated with respect to primary cell yield, number of CFU-F colonies, proliferative capacity, cell phenotype, and chondrogenic differentiation potential. Our data show that BMSCs were successfully isolated by all four methods, and each method was similar with regard to cell morphology, phenotype, and differentiation potential. However, BMSCs from untreated whole BM adherent cultures had greater primary cell yields, larger colonies, and the shortest primary culture time (P<0.05). Moreover, the 4th generation of cultured cells had the strongest proliferative activity, the fastest growth rate and the most numerous cells compared with other cell passage generations (P<0.05). In conclusion, untreated whole BM adherent cultures are best for rabbit BMSC isolation and the 4th generation of cells has the strongest proliferation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudobulb of Cremastra appendiculata (Orchidaceae) is a traditionally used medicine in China for treatment of certain cancers. The polysaccharides from this medicinal plant are poorly understood. Therefore, we focused on the isolation and fine structure characterization of C. appendiculata polysaccharides. After isolation by DE-52 and Superdex 200 gel chromatography, the purified polysaccharide (named as CAP) with Mw 557.5 kDa was obtained with a narrow and symmetric peak presented in the HPGPC. The monosaccharide composition results showed in HPAEC that CAP was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and mannose at a molar ratio roughly 0.34:0.66. The methylation results indicated that CAP was a 1,4-β-mannose and 1,4-β-glucose linear linkage. The further NMR studies suggested a 0.208 acetylation substitution of CAP and a hexasaccharide repeating unit composed of 1,4-β-mannose and1, 4-β-glucose in the CAP structure. The chemical structure of CAP was confirmed further by the specific glucanase and mannanase hydrolysis results. • A polysaccharide (CAP) was isolated from Pseudobulb of Cremastra appendiculata. • The average molecular weight of the CAP is about 557.5 kDa. • Structure of CAP was deduced by methylation, NMR and enzymatic hydrolysis results. • CAP is a linear mannoglucan with 1,4-β-mannose and 1,4-β-glucose interlace linked. • CAP with 0.208 of DA showed certain bioactivities on RAW 264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SS) is clinically used as Chinese medicine for hepatitis related diseases treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the chemical structures of polysaccharides from this plant. A neutral polysaccharide (SSWP) was isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and Superdex-75 column. The obtained SSWP was a homogenous one with a molecular weight of 21.5 kDa according to the high-performance gel permeation chromatography. The major monosaccharide composition of SSWP was arabinose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 2.4:1:1.8. The methylation analysis showed that SSWP consists mainly of Ara f -(1→, →5)-Ara f -(1→, →3,5)-Ara f -(1→, →4)-Gal p -(1→, →4)-Glc p -(1→. The NMR result and enzymatic digestion data comprehensively indicated that SSWP was a novel arabinogalactoglucan-type structure. The anticancer assay in vitro exhibited that SSWP could effectively inhibit 48.9% of Huh-7 cells growth at 50 μg/mL and arrest cells at S-phase, and induce tumor cells apoptosis. Together, polysaccharide from S. sarmentosum Bunge could be a potential natural antitumor agent. [Display omitted] • Neutral polysaccharide (SSWP) was isolated from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge. • Monosaccharide composition and NMR results show SSWP was an arabinogalactoglucan. • SSWP was composed of T-Ara f , 1,3,5-Ara f , 1-5-Ara f , 1,4-Gal p and 1,4-Glc p. • The purified polysaccharide showed anti-hepatoma activities in vitro. • SSWP could arrest cell cycle at S-phase and induce apoptosis of Huh-7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the CNC/GEL (cellulose nanocrystals/gelatin) composite hydrogel has been used as a biomaterial for 3D printing of tissue engineering scaffolds. Rheological properties of hydrogel have been regarded as one of the most important factors affecting printing quality, especially the viscosity recover time. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the rheology property of the CNC/GEL hydrogel in the process of 3D printing. In this study, the CNC was isolated from Humulus japonicus, and a CNC/GEL hydrogel system was prepared. The rheological properties of CNC/GEL hydrogel were evaluated using a rotary rheometer. The viscosity recovery time of the CNC/GEL hydrogel was measured using a special method. The optimal ratio of hydrogel was obtained by rheology experiment and mechanical test. The flow field distribution of the hydrogel in the flow passage of 3D printer was analyzed using fluent simulation. The rheological parameters of a hydrogel can be adjusted by changing the printing conditions. Thus, the effect of printing conditions on the formation of CNC/GEL filaments was also investigated. Finally, the biocompatibility of the printed CNC/GEL scaffold after crosslinking treatment was verified using CCK-8 and Hoechst 33342/PI double-staining assays. The present study shows a new approach for the analysis of rheological properties of CNC/GEL and also provides some suggestions for 3D printing of CNC/GEL scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue scaffolds need to have anisotropic mechanical properties and a porous structure to meet the needs of different tissues and organs. This report presents results of a study on an especially-designed 3D printing method with oxidized nanocellulose and gelatin, analyzes the servo principle of pneumatic condensing extrusion 3D printer, and proposes a hexagonal algorithm. For the purpose of this study, a printing process file was written by G code, physical and mechanical performance of the 3D scaffolds was evaluated with Solidworks simulation, the porous structure and pressure-pull performance of the printed 3D scaffolds was observed by SEM, and experiments were conducted to measure their bio-compatibility. The study draws the conclusion that scaffolds thus printed have a highly porous structure and anisotropic mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the procedures of genipin-linked scaffold for in situ tracheal reconstruction in a rabbit model, and to demonstrate whether stem cells can be further differentiated in the bioreactor in vivo. It will further provide an experimental and theoretical foundation for clinical application. Previously, in vitro evaluation proved the detergent–enzymatic method effectively removed stromal epithelial cells, and the number of nuclei was reduced significantly (p < 0.05). The content of type II collagen was not statistically reduced (p > 0.05). Plasmids with green fluorescence protein were transfected into 293T cells, and these cells subsequently synthesized lentivirus with green fluorescence protein that could infect other cells. After in vivo experiments, macroscopic specimen observation and hematoxylin and eosin staining comparison showed that the genipin cross-linked decellularized scaffold had low immunological rejection. Blood routine proved the progenitor cells (such as mononuclear cells) can be mobilized from the bone marrow by the growth factors, to allow their circulation into the peripheral blood. The immunohistochemistry of Type II collagen after surgery showed the expression level of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantated group was statistically higher than the autologous transplantated group (p < 0.05). The fluorescences of Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) were traced after the specimens harvested. It successfully demonstrated that the procedures combining stem cells with the genipin cross-linked decellularized scaffold could apply to in situ airway construction. Compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, BMNCs can also be used to achieve chondrocyte differentiation; this procedure will avoid in vitro cell culture, shortening the time and economic costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reported a simple one-step synthesis of highly-branched gold nanostructures (HGNs) in high yields. The reduction of HAuCl4 was accomplished by dopamine hydrochloride in the reaction system. By varying the amount of dopamine hydrochloride, HAuCl4 and the reaction temperature, we managed to tune the size of the HGNs from 200 to 600 nm. Systematic analysis revealed that the optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities of the HGNs were highly dependent on their morphology and size. In terms of their SERS activities, it was found that the HGNs synthesized at 60 °C with 2.0 mL dopamine hydrochloride (53 mM), 0.4 mL HAuCl4 (50 mM) exhibited the largest SERS enhancement. When the HGNs were assembled onto the silicon wafers, outstanding SERS efficiency was obtained with a detection limit of 5×10-10 M of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and the analytical enhancement factor (AEF) was calculated to be 7×107. Besides, the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized substrates with the HGNs displayed remarkable signal reproducibility with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.57%. All these results demonstrated that the SERS-active substrates held great promise to be applied in trace-level molecule detection in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, used to fabricate modular and patient-specific scaffolds with high structural complexity and design flexibility, has drawn wide attentions in the tissue engineering area. However, one of the key problems hindering the application and development of 3D printing in TE area is the poor mechanical property of bio-inks. In this work, we aimed to design a high-strength hydrogel system based on dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystals (DAC) and gelatin (GEL) as a new bio-ink for 3D printing of scaffolds. The DAC were prepared and used as a natural crosslinker to interact with the GEL through a Schiff base reaction. The mechanical test results indicated that the breaking strength of the optimal 4:8-DAC/GEL sample was almost 41.3-fold greater than that of the GEL hydrogel. According to the rheological test results, the 4:8-DAC/GEL sample incubated for 3 h was proposed as a bio-ink for 3D printing. Then, the printing conditions, including the printing pressure and nozzle speed, as well as additional crosslinking conditions for a freshly printed scaffold, i.e., the crosslinking time and temperature, were optimized. Crosslinked scaffolds with adjustable porosity and good fidelity were successfully obtained. The biocompatibility of 4:8-DAC/GEL was also investigated by CCK-8 and Hoechst 33342/PI double-staining assays. Collectively, these results confirm the good potential of the 4:8-DAC/GEL hydrogel as a 3D bio-ink for application in tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For tissue engineering applications tissue scaffolds need to have a porous structure to meet the needs of cell proliferation/differentiation, vascularisation and sufficient mechanical strength for the specific tissue. Here we report the results of a study of the 3D printing process for composite materials based on oxidized nanocellulose and gelatin, that was optimised through measuring rheological properties of different batches of materials after different crosslinking times, simulation of the pneumatic extrusion process and 3D scaffolds fabrication with Solidworks Flow Simulation, observation of its porous structure by SEM, measurement of pressure-pull performance, and experiments aimed at finding out the vitro cytotoxicity and cell morphology. The materials printed are highly porous scaffolds with good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For many years, lung cancer has been the most common and deadly cancer worldwide. Early diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in particular is very difficult because the symptoms are often ignored. The five‐year survival rate is very low despite great improvements to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify prognostic biomarkers and target molecules for the clinical diagnosis and individualized treatment of NSCLC. Methods: We performed quantitative real‐time PCR to determine the expression levels of the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) linc01433 in NSCLC and normal matched lung tissue. Subsequently, we established cell lines with overexpression or knockdown of linc01433 to evaluate the effects on proliferation and metastasis in vitro. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition was examined using Western blot. Results: Linc01433 was significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to normal lung tissues. In addition, linc01433 levels were associated with smoking history. Linc01433 overexpression in lung cancer cells increased proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, as well as epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Conclusions: Linc01433 is a cancer‐related lncRNA that may have an oncogene‐like effect in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a Chinese version of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS-CHN) instrument and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: To deal with cross-cultural adaptation problems, after translation of the NVS into Chinese, the Delphi method was used for experts and cognitive testing was used for participants. A cross-sectional study including 351 participants was conducted to assess the validity of the NVS-CHN. Internal reliability, criterion validity, and known-groups validity were investigated. The NVS-CHN was further validated against a suitable standard, the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (CCHLQ). Results: The validity of the NVS-CHN was established by conducting a Delphi survey (three rounds) and cognitive testing (three rounds). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.71, indicating that internal consistency was acceptable. A Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.68 between the NVS-CHN and CCHLQ revealed excellent criterion validity. Differences in NVS-CHN scores by education level confirmed known-groups validity. A receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.81, indicating that the NVS-CHN was an accurate health literacy assessment tool. A score ≥ 4 out of 6 best identified participants with adequate health literacy. Conclusions: The NVS-CHN has excellent psychometrical reliability and validity, which make it a suitable tool to evaluate health literacy in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as regulators of gene expression during the biological processes of cells as well as biomarkers of many diseases. Development of rapid and sensitive miRNA profiling methods is crucial for evaluating the pattern of miRNA expression related to normal and diseased states. This work presents a novel hollow Au nanoflowers (HAuNFs) substrate for rapid detection and identification of miRNAs by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. We synthesized the HAuNFs by a seed-mediated growth approach. Then, HAuNFs substrates were fabricated by depositing HAuNFs onto the surfaces of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane- (APTES-) functionalized ITO glass. The result demonstrated that HAuNFs substrates had very good reproducibility, homogeneous SERS activity, and high SERS effect. The substrates enabled us to successfully obtain the SERS spectra of miR-10a-5p, miR-125a-5p, and miR-196a-5p. The difference spectra among the three kinds of miRNAs were studied to better interpret the spectral differences and identify miRNA expression patterns with high accuracy. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the SERS spectra was used to distinguish among the three kinds of miRNAs. Considering its time efficiency, being label-free, and its sensitivity, the SERS based on HAuNFs substrates is very promising for miRNA research and plays an important role in early disease detection and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature requirement A3 (HtrA3) belongs to the HtrA family, and its role in inflammation and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury remains unknown. Herein, the study aimed to explore the role of HtrA3 in inflammatory cytokine secretion and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. H9C2 cells were treated with H/R to mimic myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in vitro. Results showed that HtrA3 expression was significantly downregulated and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was regulated in response to H/R. HtrA3 overexpression decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, whereas HtrA3 knockdown led to increase levels of inflammatory cytokines. And H/R-induced inflammation in H9C2 cells was inhibited by the regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrate that HtrA3 alleviates H/R-induced inflammatory responses in H9C2 cardiomyoblasts, possibly by suppressing the pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering technology provides effective alternative treatments for tracheal reconstruction. The formation of a functional microvascular network is essential to support cell metabolism and ensure the long-term survival of grafts. However, given the lack of an identifiable vascular pedicle of the trachea that could be anastomosed to the blood vessels directly in the recipient's neck, successful tracheal transplantation faces significant challenges in rebuilding the adequate blood supply of the graft. Herein, we describe a one-step method to construct microvascularization of tissue-engineered trachea in orthotopic transplantation. Forty rabbit tracheae were decellularized using a vacuum-assisted decellularization (VAD) method. Histological appearance and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis demonstrated efficient removal of cellular components and nuclear material from natural tissue, which was also confirmed by 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI) staining and DNA quantitative analysis, thus significantly reducing the antigenicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunofluorescence (IF) analysis, GAG and collagen quantitative analysis showed that the hierarchical structures, composition and integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were protected. IF analysis also demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) was preserved during the decellularization process, and also exerted biocompatibility and proangiogenic properties by the chick chorioallantoic membrane(CAM) assay. Xenotransplantation assays indicated that the VAD tracheal matrix would no longer induced inflammatory reactions implanted in the body for 4 weeks after treated by VAD more than 16 h. Furthermore, we seeded the matrix with bone marrow-derived endothelial cells (BMECs) in vitro and performed in vivo tracheal patch repair assays to prove the biocompatibility and neovascularization of VAD-treated tracheal matrix, and the formation of a vascular network around the patch promoted the crawling of surrounding ciliated epithelial cells to the surface of the graft. We conclude that this natural VAD tracheal matrix is non-immunogenic and no inflammatory reactions in vivo transplantation. Seeding with BMECs on the grafts and then performing orthotopic transplantation can effectively promote the microvascularization and accelerate the native epithelium cells crawling to the lumen of the tracheal graft. • VAD can quickly prepare tracheal grafts that with non-immunogenic and vascularization properties. • Inducing BMCs differentiation into ECs showed a tube-like structure growth and highly expressed the ECs markers. • VAD tracheal grafts seeded with BMECs enabled quick remodeling and vascularization. • Fast vascularization of BMECs seeded VAD tracheal constructs promoted luminal epithelialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomal nanotechnology has a great potential to overcome the current major problems of chemotherapy. However, the lack of penetrability and targetability retards the successful delivery of liposomal carriers. Previously, we showed that BR2 peptide modification endowed cantharidin-loaded liposomes with intracellular penetration that enhanced the drug cytotoxic effects. Here, we aimed to improve the targeting delivery of drugs into cancer cells via highly expressed carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) receptors by modifying our previous catharidin-loaded BR2-liposomes with anti-CA IX antibody. A higher cellular uptake of dual-functional liposomes (DF-Lp) than other treatments was observed. Induction of CA IX over-expressing resulted in a higher cellular binding of DF-Lp; subsequently, blocking with excess antibodies resulted in a decreased cancer-cell association, indicating a specific targeting property of our liposomes towards CA IX expressed cells. After 3h tracking, most of the liposomes were located around the nucleus which confirmed the involvement of targeting intracellular delivery. Cantharidin loaded DF-Lp exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro and was most effective in controlling tumor growth in vivo in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model compared to other groups. Collectively, our results presented the advantage of the BR2 peptide and CA IX antibody combination to elevate the therapeutic potential of cantharidin loaded DF-liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]