[Analysis of related factors influencing the detection rate of mosaic embryo and the pregnancy outcomes with mosaic embryo transfers]

Objective: To explore the related factors influencing the detection rate of mosaic embryo and the pregnancy outcomes of mosaic embryo transfer in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) based on next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of patients in 745 PGT-A cycles from January 2019 to May 2023 at Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, including 2 850 blastocysts. The biopsy cells were tested using NGS technology, and the embryos were divided into three groups based on the test results, namely euploid embryos, aneuploid embryos and mosaic embryos. The influence of population characteristics and laboratory-related parameters on the detection rate of mosaic embryo were analyzed, and the pregnancy outcomes of 98 mosaic embryo transfer cycles and 486 euploid embryo transfer cycles were compared during the same period, including clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Results: Among the embryos tested (n=2 850), the number and proportion of euploid embryos, aneuploid embryos and mosaic embryos were 1 489 (52.2%, 1 489/2 850), 917 (32.2%, 917/2 850) and 444 (15.6%, 444/2 850), respectively. Among mosaic embryos, 245 (55.2%, 245/444) were segmental mosaic embryos, 118 (26.6%, 118/444) were whole-chromosome mosaic embryos, and 81 (18.2%, 81/444) were complex mosaic embryos. NGS technology was performed in 4 genetic testing institutions and the detection rate of mosaic embryo fluctuated from 13.5% to 27.0%. The distributions of female age, level of anti-Müllerian hormone, PGT-A indications, ovulation-inducing treatments, gonadotropin (Gn) dosage, Gn days, inner cell mass grade, trophectoderm cell grade, genetic testing institutions and developmental stage of blastocyst were significantly different among the three groups (all P<0.05). Multi-factor analysis showed that the trophectoderm cell grade and genetic testing institutions were significantly related to the detection rate of mosaic embryo; compared with the trophectoderm cell graded as A, the detection rate of mosaic embryo was significantly increased in the trophectoderm cell graded as B-(OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.04-2.44, P=0.033); compared with genetic testing institution a, the detection rate of mosaic embryo was significantly higher (OR=2.89, 95%CI: 2.10-3.98, P<0.001) in the testing institution c. The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer were significantly lower than those of euploid embryos transfer (clinical pregnancy rate: 51.0% vs 65.2%, P=0.008; live birth rate: 39.4% vs 53.2%, P=0.017). After adjustment for age, PGT-A indications, trophectoderm cell grade and days of embryo culture in vitro, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer were significantly lower than those of euploid embryos transfer (clinical pregnancy rate: OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.32-0.83, P=0.007; live birth rate: OR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.31-0.83, P=0.007). Conclusions: The trophectoderm cell grade and genetic testing institutions are related to the detection rate of mosaic embryo. Compared with euploid embryos transfer, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with mosaic embryos transfer are significantly reduced. For infertile couple without euploid embryos, transplantable mosaic embryos could be recommended according to the mosaic ratio and mosaic type in genetic counseling to obtain the optimal pregnancy outcome.

Tension regulates the cartilage phenotypic expression of endplate chondrocytes through the α-catenin/actin skeleton/Hippo pathway

The study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of intracellular tension signaling in endplate chondrocytes and its impact on extracellular matrix synthesis. Human endplate chondrocytes were subjected to tension load using Flexcell FX-5000™, and changes in phenotype, morphology, and the expression of Hippo signaling pathway and α-Catenin were assessed through various techniques. Through the overexpression of YAP and inhibition of α-Catenin, the study clarified the intracellular tension signaling pathway and its regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis in endplate cartilage. In vitro-cultured human endplate chondrocytes significantly suppressed phenotype-related genes and proteins, accompanied by distinct changes in cytoskeleton morphology. Tension activation resulted in the substantial activation of the Hippo pathway, increased phosphorylation of YAP, and reduced nuclear translocation of YAP. YAP overexpression alleviated the inhibitory effect of tension on extracellular matrix synthesis in endplate chondrocytes. Tension also upregulated the expression of α-Catenin in endplate chondrocytes, which was attenuated by inhibiting α-Catenin expression, thereby reducing the impact of tension on cytoskeletal morphology and YAP nuclear translocation. Taken together, the α-Catenin/actin skeleton/Hippo-coupled network is a crucial signaling pathway for tension signaling in endplate chondrocytes, providing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of endplate cartilage degeneration.

Individual perceptions of community efficacy for non-communicable disease management in twelve communities in China: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

OBJECTIVES

This objective of this study was to use empirical data to assess cross-sectional variation singular and changes over time in community efficacy for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) management (COEN) and to examine individual factors associated with changes in COEN.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a longitudinal observational study.

METHODS

Participants with hypertension and diabetes were randomly selected from 12 communities from three cities in eastern China, and a baseline survey and a 1-year follow-up were conducted. The COEN scale has five dimensions: community physical environment (CPE), behavioral risk factors (BRF), mental health and social relationships (MHSR), community health management (CHM), and community organisations and activities (COA). Mixed-effects models were used to investigate the change in COEN over time and the association between individual factors and changes in COEN.

RESULTS

COEN scores showed significant variation singular among the 12 communities (P < 0.001) at the baseline. In the mixed-effects model, CPE (β coefficient: 1.62, P < 0.001), BRF (0.90, P < 0.001), MHSR (0.86, P < 0.001), CHM (0.46, P < 0.001), and total scores (β = 3.57, P < 0.001) increased significantly over time. The changes in COEN were associated with individual characteristics (e.g., older, men, more educated).

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-sectional variations and changes over time in COEN demonstrated the utility of a sensitive instrument. Factors such as age, gender, marriage, education level, and employment may affect the financial and social resources assignment for NCD management. Our findings suggest that further high-quality studies are needed to better evaluate the effect of community empowerment on the prevention and control of NCDs.

A dual-functional strontium-decorated titanium implants that guides the immune response for osseointegration of osteoporotic rats

Due to the dynamic imbalance between osteogenesis and osteoclasis and the abnormal inflammatory microenvironment in situ, osteoporosis hampers the early osseointegration between implants and bones. To improve osseointegration with the osteoporosis, we first coated the titanium implants (Ti) with polydopamine (PDA) coating (Ti-PDA), followed by modification with strontium (Sr) to prepare the Ti-PDA-Sr implants. An osteoporotic rat model with femoral bone defect was verified to estimate the osseointegration of the implants. The Ti-PDA-Sr implants exhibited good biocompatibility with continuous release of Sr ions for up to 21 days. Ti-PDA-Sr implants promoted the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the polarization of BMMs to M2 phenotype compared to that of Ti and Ti-PDA implants, revealing the double-regulated effects in bone induction and immune regulation. According to the Micro-CT and histopathology results, Ti-PDA-Sr implants exhibited the most stable osseointegration between bone tissues and implants. According to the immunohistochemistry results, the Ti-PDA-Sr implants differentiated the BMMs to M2 phenotype, alleviating the abnormal inflammation in osteoporosis and preventing the consistent bone destruction between the implants and bone tissues. This study provides a practical and effective strategy in preparing bi-functional implants that can promote osseointegration with osteoporosis.

Clinical significance of redundant nerve roots in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with percutaneous internal fixation

BACKGROUND

While there have been previous studies on the surgical efficacy of patients with redundant nerve roots (RNRs), a persistent issue is that some patients continue to experience redundancy even after surgery. Furthermore, the clinical significance of RNRs remains unclear. Notably, there is a lack of research regarding RNRs within the context of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous internal fixation. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between RNRs and clinical outcomes following OLIF combined with percutaneous internal fixation.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who underwent single-segment OLIF combined with percutaneous internal fixation were categorized into three groups. Group 1 comprised patients with positive RNRs both before and after the operation. Group 2 included patients with positive RNRs preoperatively but negative RNRs postoperatively. Group 3 consisted of patients with consistently negative RNRs before and after the operation. Comprehensive patient data were collected, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and any recorded complications. Radiographic parameters, both pre- and post-operative, were assessed, encompassing the number of stenosis segments, disc height (DH), lumbar lordotic angle, dural sac cross-sectional area, and the placement of the fusion cage. Furthermore, the Visual Analogue Scale was applied to gauge back and leg pain, while the Oswestry Disability Index was employed to appraise daily living activities. A comparative analysis was carried out among the three patient groups.

RESULTS

In this study, all 87 LSS patients successfully underwent surgery. Among them, 35 patients (40.2%) showed preoperative MRI assessment indicating positive RNRs. In the postoperative MRI assessment, 14 of these patients maintained positive RNRs status, and they were grouped into Group 1. The remaining 21 patients saw a transition to negative RNRs status and were included in Group 2. Among the 52 patients who had preoperative MRI assessments showing negative RNRs, their postoperative RNRs status remained negative, forming Group 3. All patients received follow-up, which ranged from 8 to 18 months, and no complications occurred during this period. In this study, the postoperative efficacy and parameters such as DH and Dural Sac CSA significantly improved compared to preoperative values for all 87 patients. Patients with preoperative RNRs had more stenosis segments, smaller dural sac CSA, and more severe symptoms. In all three groups, postoperative efficacy scores significantly improved compared to preoperative scores. Group 2 patients had their fusion cages placed more in the middle, while Group 1 patients had their fusion cages more anteriorly located. Group 2 patients exhibited greater recovery in dural sac CSA postoperatively compared to Group 1 patients. Additionally, Group 2 patients had better ODI efficacy scores compared to Group 1 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of the presence or absence of RNRs, patients experienced improvement after undergoing OLIF combined with percutaneous internal fixation. Preoperative RNRs appear to be linked to multi-segmental lumbar spinal stenosis, a reduction in dural sac CSA, and symptom severity. Patients with negative postoperative RNRs demonstrated better treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the placement of the fusion cage appears to have a significant impact on postoperative efficacy and RNRs outcomes.

Corrigendum: Coating of manganese functional polyetheretherketone implants for osseous interface integration

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1182187.].

A dual-functional PEEK implant coating for anti-bacterial and accelerated osseointegration

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely applied in biomedical engineering. However, the unsatisfactory bioactivity essentially limits the clinical application of PEEK. In this study, a simply immersing method was proposed to fabricate a dual-functional PEEK with antibacterial properties and enhanced bone integration. Firstly, the surface of PEEK was modified with a polydopamine (PDA) coating by incubating at dopamine solution. Afterward, the PEEK-PDA was modified with manganese (Mn) and silver (Ag) ions by the soaking method to fabricate the PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag. The physicochemical capabilities of PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag were further explored in the ions release, wettability, morphology, and element distributions. PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag obviously accelerated the adhesion and distribution of MC3T3-E1 cells, indicating favorable biosafety in vitro. Meanwhile, the osteogenic properties of PEEK-PDA-Mn and PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag were proved by the increased expression of osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and mineralization in vitro. Additionally, the wide antibacterial capabilities of PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag were proved in both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro. Furthermore, the PEEK-PDA-Mn/Ag was antibacterial with capability in enhancing osseointegration in vivo. Overall, the simply immersing method can modify the surface of PEEK, giving the bioactivity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial ability to the composited PEEK, which could be applied as an orthopedic implant in clinical.

Coating of manganese functional polyetheretherketone implants for osseous interface integration

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been used extensively in biomedical engineering and it is highly desirable for PEEK implant to possess the ability to promote cell growth and significant osteogenic properties and consequently stimulate bone regeneration. In this study, a manganese modified PEEK implant (PEEK-PDA-Mn) was fabricated via polydopamine chemical treatment. The results showed that manganese was successfully immobilized on PEEK surface, and the surface roughness and hydrophilicity significantly improved after surface modification. Cell experiments in vitro demonstrated that the PEEK-PDA-Mn possesses superior cytocompatibility in cell adhesion and spread. Moreover, the osteogenic properties of PEEK-PDA-Mn were proved by the increased expression of osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and mineralization in vitro. Further rat femoral condyle defect model was utilized to assess bone formation ability of different PEEK implants in vivo. The results revealed that the PEEK-PDA-Mn group promoted bone tissue regeneration in defect area. Taken together, the simple immersing method can modify the surface of PEEK, giving outstanding biocompatibility and enhanced bone tissue regeneration ability to the modified PEEK, which could be applied as an orthopedic implant in clinical.

The health system and health impacts of primary healthcare reform in China: A systematic review

Background

China has undergone a comprehensive primary healthcare(PHC) reform since 2009 aiming to deliver accessible, higher-quality, and equitable healthcare. However, there is limited understanding of the effectiveness of this reform. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on health system and health impacts of this reform.

Methods

We searched 13 international databases and three Chinese databases for quantitative studies assessing the impacts of this reform published between January 2009 and March 2020. We searched for studies in English or Mandarin. Eligible study designs were RCTs, quasi-experimental studies and controlled before-after studies. We included studies that: assessed PHC policies since 2009; had geographical, temporal or population comparators; and assessed any outcome measures of health expenditures, health service utilisation, quality of care or health outcomes. Study quality was assessed using ROBINS-I, and results synthesized narratively. PROSPERO: CRD42021239991.

Results

Of 35,480 titles, 37 studies were included (27 in English and ten in Mandarin). Eight were considered at low risk of bias. The 37 studies covered all major PHC policies since 2009, but mostly focused on the essential medicine (N = 15) and financing (N = 10). The quantity and quality of studies on service delivery policies(e.g., family physician and essential health services), were low(N = 3,with moderate or serious risk of bias). 17 studies found that the PHC reforms promoted primary care utilisation. Its impacts on quality and health improvement appear limited to people with chronic diseases(N = 11). Evidence on primary care costs and OOPs were not clear. Some evidence showed that the reforms were pro-equity with benefits accrued in disadvantaged regions and groups.

Conclusions

Comprehensive PHC reforms can deliver some benefits related to utilisation and health for high-risk and vulnerable populations. Policymakers should continue to prioritize PHC to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Key messages

• The finding suggests that large-scale and comprehensive primary healthcare reforms can deliver benefits related to utilisation and health for high-risk and vulnerable populations.

• Future research should include more robust study designs and seek to better understand the impact of major PHC reforms on quality of care, health outcomes and equity.

[Clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2021, 13 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, including 12 males and 1 female, aged 26 to 53 years. Before operation, the perforating point of the superficial peroneal artery perforator was located by color Doppler ultrasound on the calf on the same side of the affected hallux and marked on the body surface. The operation was performed under spinal anesthesia combined with continuous epidural anesthesia. The area of skin and soft tissue defect after debridement was 4.5 cm×2.5 cm to 12.0 cm×3.0 cm. According to the size and shape of the wound, the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap was designed with the line between the fibular head and the lateral malleolus tip parallel shifting 2 cm to the tibial side as the flap axis line, and the perforating point of the perforator near the midpoint of the axis line as the center. The cut area of the flap was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm to 13.0 cm×4.0 cm, and part of the deep fascia was cut when the pedicle was freed. The donor site wound was sutured directly. During the operation, the number and type of the perforator and the cutting time of the flap were recorded, and the length of the perforator pedicle and diameter of the perforator were measured. The survival of the flap, the healing time and the healing condition of the donor and recipient areas were recorded after operation. The color, texture, elasticity of the flap, standing and walking functions of patients, the recovery of the donor area, and the patients' satisfaction with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas were recorded during the follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated by the British Medical Association sensory function evaluation standard, the function of the affected limb was evaluated by the American Society of Foot and Ankle Surgery scoring system, and the excellent and good rate of the function of the affected limb was calculated. Results: A total of 13 perforators of the superficial peroneal artery were detected during the operation, all of which were septocutaneous perforators, and the perforator diameter was 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The vascular pedicle length was 2 to 5 cm. Flap cutting time was 11 to 26 minutes. The flaps of 13 patients all survived completely. The wounds at the donor and recipient sites healed well 9 to 18 days after operation. During follow-up of 6 to 14 months, the flaps had good color, texture, and elasticity; 11 patients had no obvious bloated appearance, and the other 2 patients underwent flap thinning and plastic surgery in the second stage because of their bloated appearance; all the patients returned to normal walking and standing functions. There was only one linear scar left in the donor site, with no obvious scar hyperplasia or hyperpigmentation. All the patients were satisfied with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated as grade S3 in 2 cases, grade S2 in 9 cases, and grade S1 in 2 cases; the function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in 7 cases and good in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusions: The free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has relatively constant vascular anatomy, which is thin and wear-resistant, with less damage to the donor site after flap excision, and can preserve the shape and function of the hallux to the greatest extent. It is an effective method for repairing skin and soft tissue defect of the hallux.

DNA methyltransferase 3 beta mediates the methylation of the microRNA-34a promoter and enhances chondrocyte viability in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by destruction of articular cartilage with an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In the current study, we explored the role of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and the behind epigenetic mechanism in the degradation of ECM in OA. Using miRNA-based microarray analysis, we found that miR-34a was overexpressed in cartilage tissues of OA patients relative to patients with acute traumatic amputations. Moreover, its expression was positively correlated with the ECM degradation and inflammation. Mechanistically, miR-34a targeted MCL1, and possible target genes of miR-34a were enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, DNMT3B inhibited miR-34a by promoting miR-34a methylation. Functional experiments using CCK-8, flow cytometry, Safranin O staining, RT-qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, and HE staining revealed that miR-34a inhibitor suppressed ECM degradation and inflammatory response of chondrocytes and cartilage tissues. By contrast, downregulation of DNMT3B and MCL1 reversed the repressive effects of miR-34a inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our findings establish that silencing of miR-34a by DNMT3B could effectively reduce chondrocyte ECM degradation and inflammatory response in mice by targeting MCL1 and mediating the downstream PI3K/AKT pathway. This present study revealed that miR-34a knockdown might develop a novel intervention for OA treatment.

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs11643718 in SLC12A3 is associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To examine the association between 24 literature-based single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-four candidate diabetic kidney disease-susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 208 participants with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease and 200 participants with type 2 diabetes without diabetic kidney disease (case and control groups, respectively), together with 206 healthy participants using MassARRAY. Rs11643718 in the SLC12A3 gene was associated with diabetic kidney disease in the recessive model after adjusting for confounding factors, such as age and gender (adjusted odds ratio 2.056, 95% CI 1.120-3.776; P = 0.020). Meta-analyses further confirmed the association (P = 0.002). In addition, participants with the GG genotype had worse renal function and more albuminuria than those with the AA+AG genotype (P < 0.05). Renal section immunohistochemistry was conducted in participants with type 2 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease and AA+AG or GG genotypes and in participants with glomerular minor lesions. Together with data from the Nephroseq database, it was shown that the abundance of SLC12A3 was reduced in patients with the GG genotype, while elevated expression of SLC12A3 was associated with better renal function. In addition, rs10951509 and rs1345365 in ELMO1, which were determined to be in high linkage disequilibrium by SHEsis software, were also associated with diabetic kidney disease (adjusted P = 0.010 and 0.015, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The G allele and GG genotype of SLC12A3 rs11643718 are associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes.

Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with Hashimoto's disease combined with thyroid cancer before and after surgery and their relationship with prognosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate expressions and clinical significance of IL-17 and TNF-α after surgery in patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD) combined with thyroid cancer (TC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2010 to October 2012, 38 patients with HD combined with TC admitted to the oncology department of Tongji Hospital were selected as an experimental group, including three males and 35 females, aged 24-78 years. Forty adults undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients in the experimental group were given total endoscopic TC resection. Real-time fluorescence quantification (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of serum IL-17 and TNF-α before and 14 days after surgery. Patients with HD combined with TC were divided into high and low expression groups according to the median values of preoperative IL-17 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA. The relationship between IL-17, TNF-α, and prognosis of patients was analyzed through K-M survival curve.

RESULTS

The concentrations of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum were also higher than those in control group 14 days after surgery (p < 0.05). qRT-PCT showed that the relative expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum 14 days after surgery were higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). According to the relative expression median of mRNA in IL-17 and TNF-α before surgery, they were divided into high and low expression groups. It was found that the survival rate of high expression groups of IL-17 and TNF-α was lower than that of low expression groups (IL-17, p = 0.028; TNF-α, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The protein and mRNA of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum of HD patients with TC are higher than those of healthy control group. Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α can be reduced by surgical resection of focal tissue. IL-17 and TNF-α may be used as potential prognostic indicators of HD patients with TC.

[Multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds]

Objective: To explore the effects of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus for repair of multiple hand wounds. Methods: From November 2017 to December 2018, eight cases with eighteen hand wounds were hospitalized in our unit. Among them, wounds were distributed in the forefinger and middle finger in four cases, wounds were distributed in the middle finger and ring finger in two cases, wounds were distributed in the forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger in one case, and wounds were distributed in the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger in one case. The area of skin defect ranged from 1.5 cm×0.8 cm to 4.0 cm×3.0 cm. There were 4 males and 4 females, aged 34-62 years. Wounds of six cases were repaired by two free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus, and those of two cases were repaired by three free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from homolateral crus. Superficial peroneal artery and its accompanying vein of flap were anastomosed by end to end with digital artery and palmar or dorsal subcutaneous vein of recipient site during the operation. The area of flap ranged from 2.5 cm×1.2 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm. No nerve was harvested during the operation, and donor site was sutured directly. The survival of the flaps and the healing of donor sites were recorded. During follow-up, the recovery of donor and recipient sites was observed. Results: All flaps survived well, donor site healed well. No vascular crisis occurred. Follow-up for 4 to 12 months showed that the appearance of flap was satisfactory with good color, texture, elasticity, and function. Protective sensation of recipient site was recovered. Five months after operation, flap of finger pulp in one case was swollen slightly with two-points discrimination of 10 mm, which received the thinning surgery. Obvious scar formation was not observed in donor site of crus. The appearance of the donor site was good without functional damage. Conclusions: The application of multiple free homologous superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps of crus to repair the multiple hand wounds has advantages of easy acquisition, easy operation, little effect on donor sites, and satisfactory clinical effects.

Administration of activated lymphocyte-derived DNA accelerates and aggravates lupus nephritis in B6/lpr mice: a new approach to modify a lupus murine model

B6/lpr mouse strain is a well-known systemic lupus erythematosus murine model characterized by uncontrolled lymphoproliferation and autoantibody production. However, it displays a delayed and mild development of lupus nephritis (LN), which is not conducive to the research of the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of this condition. Our previous study demonstrated that activated lymphocyte-derived DNA (ALD-DNA) could induce high urine protein levels and severe glomerulonephritis (GN) in BALB/c mice. In the present study, we tried to remedy delayed urine protein production and mild GN in B6/lpr mice via ALD-DNA immunization. We found that urine protein levels were enhanced significantly in B6/lpr mice 4 weeks after ALD-DNA immunization compared with those in unactivated lymphocyte-derived (UnALD)-DNA- and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated controls. Moreover, more serious GN and glomerular immune complex were observed in ALD-DNA-immunized B6/lpr mice. We further explored the mechanism, and found that ALD-DNA immunization promoted T helper type 17 (Th17) cell enrichment remarkably, which enhanced the proportion of autoantibody-secreting plasma cells and promoted the production of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, leading to accelerated and aggravated LN. Our data demonstrated that ALD-DNA immunization could remedy delayed urine protein production and mild GN in B6/lpr mouse, which makes it more suitable for studies on the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategies against LN.

Sculpting nanoparticle dynamics for single-bacteria-level screening and direct binding-efficiency measurement

Particle trapping and binding in optical potential wells provide a versatile platform for various biomedical applications. However, implementation systems to study multi-particle contact interactions in an optical lattice remain rare. By configuring an optofluidic lattice, we demonstrate the precise control of particle interactions and functions such as controlling aggregation and multi-hopping. The mean residence time of a single particle is found considerably reduced from 7 s, as predicted by Kramer’s theory, to 0.6 s, owing to the mechanical interactions among aggregated particles. The optofluidic lattice also enables single-bacteria-level screening of biological binding agents such as antibodies through particle-enabled bacteria hopping. The binding efficiency of antibodies could be determined directly, selectively, quantitatively and efficiently. This work enriches the fundamental mechanisms of particle kinetics and offers new possibilities for probing and utilising unprecedented biomolecule interactions at single-bacteria level.

Optical trapping is a versatile tool for biomedical applications. Here, the authors use an optofluidic lattice to achieve controllable multi-particle hopping and demonstrate single-bacteria-level screening and measurement of binding efficiency of biological binding agents through particle-enabled bacteria hopping.

Identification of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars

The 2003 Beagle 2 Mars lander has been identified in Isidis Planitia at 90.43° E, 11.53° N, close to the predicted target of 90.50° E, 11.53° N. Beagle 2 was an exobiology lander designed to look for isotopic and compositional signs of life on Mars, as part of the European Space Agency Mars Express (MEX) mission. The 2004 recalculation of the original landing ellipse from a 3-sigma major axis from 174 km to 57 km, and the acquisition of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery at 30 cm per pixel across the target region, led to the initial identification of the lander in 2014. Following this, more HiRISE images, giving a total of 15, including red and blue-green colours, were obtained over the area of interest and searched, which allowed sub-pixel imaging using super high-resolution techniques. The size (approx. 1.5 m), distinctive multilobed shape, high reflectivity relative to the local terrain, specular reflections, and location close to the centre of the planned landing ellipse led to the identification of the Beagle 2 lander. The shape of the imaged lander, although to some extent masked by the specular reflections in the various images, is consistent with deployment of the lander lid and then some or all solar panels. Failure to fully deploy the panels-which may have been caused by damage during landing-would have prohibited communication between the lander and MEX and commencement of science operations. This implies that the main part of the entry, descent and landing sequence, the ejection from MEX, atmospheric entry and parachute deployment, and landing worked as planned with perhaps only the final full panel deployment failing.

The Prognostic Significance of Soluble Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression in Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The differential expression of soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) has been found in some cancers; however, the correlation between sPD-L1 expression and prognosis value in tumour is still unclear. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to assess the prognostic value of sPD-L1 in patients with cancer. Eligible studies were searched for in the databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Wiley Online Library database. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated to assess the prognostic significance of sPD-L1 in human cancer. Eight studies and 1102 patients with cancer were included in the final analysis, and the combined analysis indicated that a higher level of sPD-L1 was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.21-1.99). Furthermore, statistical significance was also observed in subgroup analysis stratified by the cancer type (haematological neoplasms or non-haematological neoplasms), sample size (more or less than 100), cut-off value of sPD-L1 (more or less than 6.51 ng/ml) and ethnicity (Asian or European). The meta-analysis indicates that circulating sPD-L1 changes may serve as a useful biomarker for cancer prognosis, and higher level of sPD-L1 may also be associated with poor outcomes in patients with cancer.

High-resolution and multi-range particle separation by microscopic vibration in an optofluidic chip

An optofluidic chip is demonstrated in experiments for high-resolution and multi-range particle separation through the optically-induced microscopic vibration effect, where nanoparticles are trapped in loosely overdamped optical potential wells created with combined optical and fluidic constraints. It is the first demonstration of separating single nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 60 to 100 nm with a resolution of 10 nm. Nanoparticles vibrate with an amplitude of 3-7 μm in the loosely overdamped potential wells in the microchannel. The proposed optofluidic device is capable of high-resolution particle separation at both nanoscale and microscale without reconfiguring the device. The separation of bacteria from other larger cells is accomplished using the same chip and operation conditions. The unique trapping mechanism and the superb performance in high-resolution and multi-range particle separation of the proposed optofluidic chip promise great potential for a diverse range of biomedical applications.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of key genes involved in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and identification of a flavonol synthase from Artemisia annua L

The regulatory mechanism of flavonoids, which synergise anti-malarial and anti-cancer compounds in Artemisia annua, is still unclear. In this study, an anthocyanidin-accumulating mutant callus was induced from A. annua and comparative transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and mutant calli performed, based on the next-generation Illumina/Solexa sequencing platform and de novo assembly. A total of 82,393 unigenes were obtained and 34,764 unigenes were annotated in the public database. Among these, 87 unigenes were assigned to 14 structural genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and 37 unigenes were assigned to 17 structural genes related to metabolism of flavonoids. More than 30 unigenes were assigned to regulatory genes, including R2R3-MYB, bHLH and WD40, which might regulate flavonoid biosynthesis. A further 29 unigenes encoding flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes or transcription factors were up-regulated in the mutant, while 19 unigenes were down-regulated, compared with the wild type. Expression levels of nine genes involved in the flavonoid pathway were compared using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and results were consistent with comparative transcriptomic analysis. Finally, a putative flavonol synthase gene (AaFLS1) was identified from enzyme assay in vitro and in vivo through heterogeneous expression, and confirmed comparative transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and mutant callus. The present work has provided important target genes for the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in A. annua.

[Study of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR expression in middle ear cholesteatoma]

Objective:To discuss the different expression of some long-chain noncoding RNA between middle ear cholesteatoma epithelial tissue and normal external ear canal skin.Method:Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of 6 kinds of lncRNA: HOTAIR, ANCR, TINCR, PRINS, BANCR, PICSAR in 25 cases of cholesteatoma epithelial tissues and 15 cases of normal external auditory canal skin tissue samples, respectively. And compared the expression level of lncRNA in patients with different degree of bone destruction.Result:Expression level of HOTAIR was significantly increased in cholesteatoma epithelial tissues compared with the normal external auditory canal skin tissues,and the difference is statistically significant (P< 0.01). While there was no statistically significant difference expression of the rest of the five kinds of lncRNA between middle ear cholesteatoma epithelial tissues and normal external ear canal skin (P> 0.05). And there was no statistically significant difference expression of HOTAIR in patients with different degree of bone destruction (P> 0.05).Conclusion:Expression level of HOTAIR was up-regulated in middle ear cholesteatoma epithelial tissue compared with the normal external auditory canal skin tissues, and the expression level of HOTAIR has no obvious correlation with degree of bone destruction in patients with cholesteatoma.

Post-directed-self-assembly membrane fabrication for in situ analysis of block copolymer structures

Full characterization of the three-dimensional structures resulting from the directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCP) remains a difficult challenge. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) tomography and resonant soft x-ray scattering have emerged as powerful and complementary methods for through-film characterization; both techniques require samples to be prepared on specialized membrane substrates. Here we report a generalizable process to implement BCP DSA with density multiplication on silicon nitride membranes. A key feature of the process developed here is that it does not introduce any artefacts or damage to the polymer assemblies as DSA is performed prior to back-etched membrane formation. Because most research and applications of BCP lithography are based on silicon substrates, process variations introduced by implementing DSA on a silicon nitride/silicon stack versus silicon were identified and mitigated. Using full-wafers, membranes were fabricated with different sizes and layouts to enable both TEM and x-ray characterization. Finally, both techniques were used to characterize structures resulting from the DSA of lamella-forming BCP with density multiplication.

[The progress of stem cells in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction]

Olfactory dysfunction is one of the common diseases in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Although the olfactory nerve has ability to regenerate in human central nervous system, if the damage involves nerve, only a few patients can restore the olfactory function. At present, there is no satisfactory treatment for sensorineural olfactory dysfunction. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new and effective method for treating sensorineural olfactory dysfunction. The progress of stem cells in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction is reviewed in this article.

Abstract P3-03-03: A mouse model of sporadic breast tumor with a conditional P53 mutation

Missense mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53 are present in more than 50% of human tumors. In particular, the arginine-to-histidine mutation at codon 175 (p53R175H) has been found in more than 4% of human breast cancers. p53 mutations fall into two general categories: germline mutations that are associated with hereditary tumors, and somatic mutations that cause sporadic tumors. Mouse models for cancers induced by p53 germline mutations have been established and characterized. However, hitherto there are no accurate animal models for sporadic tumors induced by p53 somatic missense mutations, although this mechanism of inactivating p53 occurs in a large fraction of human cancers.

We have generated a mouse allele, p53WM, that carries coding sequences for both wild type (WT) and R172H mutant p53 (corresponding to R175H in humans) at the p53 endogenous locus. The coding sequence for WT p53 is flanked by loxP sites and therefore can be deleted by Cre recombinase. In the absence of Cre, following radiation, the p53WM/+ mice have the similar ability as the p53 WT mice to activate p53, as demonstrated by transcriptional activation of p53 targets and induction of apoptosis. In addition, like WT mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), the p53WM/+ MEFs also underwent cell cycle arrest following radiation. After crossing p53WM/+ mice with Zp3-Cre mice which express the Cre recombinase in oocytes, the coding sequence for WT p53 was removed, and the mutant p53R172H allele was regenerated as determined by sequencing, western blot analysis and real time reverse transcription PCR.

To investigate whether a somatic p53R172H mutation in mammary epithelium can induce breast tumors, adenoviruses expressing Cre (Ad-Cre) were injected into the mammary duct of p53WM/+ mice. Limiting the adenovirus dose allowed us to induce the p53R172H mutation in 1 of 20, 100 or 1000 cells, generating a mutant p53 surrounded by normal cells which more accurately mimics the clinical situation of sporadic tumors. Meanwhile, p53WM/+; K14-Cre and p53WM/+; WAP-Cre mice have been generated, in which p53R172H mutation are induced through Cre transgene specifically in the mammary epithelial cells. Lastly, to examine how somatic p53 mutation cooperates with an oncogene in mammary tumor induction, MMTV-neu; p53WM/+ mice were also subjected to the mammary intraductal Ad-Cre injection. We are currently monitoring mice and will further investigate the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis by studying the loss of heterozygosity, and the co-evolution of tumor epithelial cells and their microenvironment. This mouse model is more likely to share the underlying molecular pathology with human sporadic tumors. Therefore, it will be more predictive of human responses to drugs, and thus a more valuable tool in preclinical testing.

Citation Format: Zhang Y, Xiong S, Pant V, El-Naggar A, Lozano G. A mouse model of sporadic breast tumor with a conditional P53 mutation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-03.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate opposes HBV-induced incomplete autophagy by enhancing lysosomal acidification, which is unfavorable for HBV replication

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, exhibits diverse beneficial properties, including antiviral activity. Autophagy is a cellular process that is involved in the degradation of long-lived proteins and damaged organelles. Recent evidence indicates that modulation of autophagy is a potential therapeutic strategy for various viral diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EGCG on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and the possible involvement of autophagy in this process. Our results showed that HBV induced autophagosome formation, which was required for replication of itself. However, although EGCG efficiently inhibited HBV replication, it enhanced, but not inhibited, autophagosome formation in hepatoma cells. Further study showed that HBV induced an incomplete autophagy, while EGCG, similar to starvation, was able to induce a complete autophagic process, which appeared to be unfavorable for HBV replication. Furthermore, it was found that HBV induced an incomplete autophagy by impairing lysosomal acidification, while it lost this ability in the presence of EGCG. Taken together, these data demonstrated that EGCG treatment opposed HBV-induced incomplete autophagy via enhancing lysosomal acidification, which was unfavorable for HBV replication.

Water's tensile strength measured using an optofluidic chip

In this paper, for the first time, the tensile strength of water is directly measured using an optofluidic chip based on the displacement of air-water interface deformation with homogeneous nucleation. When water in a microchannel is stretched dynamically via laser-induced shock reflection at the air-water interface, the shock pressures are determined by measuring the displacements of the deformed interface. Observation of the vapor bubbles is used as a probe to identify the cavitation threshold with a critical distance, and the tensile strength of water at 20 °C is measured to be -33.3 ± 2.8 MPa. This method can be extended to investigate the tensile strength of other soft materials such as glycerol, which is measured to be -59.8 ± 10.7 MPa at 20 °C.

MDM4/HIPK2/p53 cytoplasmic assembly uncovers coordinated repression of molecules with anti-apoptotic activity during early DNA damage response

The p53 inhibitor, MDM4 (MDMX) is a cytoplasmic protein with p53-activating function under DNA damage conditions. Particularly, MDM4 promotes phosphorylation of p53 at Ser46, a modification that precedes different p53 activities. We investigated the mechanism by which MDM4 promotes this p53 modification and its consequences in untransformed mammary epithelial cells and tissues. In response to severe DNA damage, MDM4 stimulates p53Ser46^P by binding and stabilizing serine–threonine kinase HIPK2. Under these conditions, the p53-inhibitory complex, MDM4/MDM2, dissociates and this allows MDM4 to promote p53/HIPK2 functional interaction. Comparative proteomic analysis of DNA damage-treated cells versus -untreated cells evidenced a diffuse downregulation of proteins with anti-apoptotic activity, some of which were targets of p53Ser46^P/HIPK2 repressive activity. Importantly, MDM4 depletion abolishes the downregulation of these proteins indicating the requirement of MDM4 to promote p53-mediated transcriptional repression. Consistently, MDM4-mediated HIPK2/p53 activation precedes HIPK2/p53 nuclear translocation and activity. Noteworthy, repression of these proteins was evident also in mammary glands of mice subjected to γ-irradiation and was significantly enhanced in transgenic mice overexpressing MDM4. This study evidences the flexibility of MDM2/MDM4 heterodimer, which allows the development of a positive activity of cytoplasmic MDM4 towards p53-mediated transcriptional function. Noteworthy, this activity uncovers coordinated repression of molecules with shared anti-apoptotic function which precedes active cell apoptosis and that are frequently overexpressed and/or markers of tumour phenotype in human cancer.

Droplet generation via a single bubble transformation in a nanofluidic channel

Here we report the first demonstration on droplet generation from the transformation of a single bubble in a nanofluidic channel by a laser-induced jet. A viscous two-dimensional Rayleigh-Plesset-type model is derived to describe the bubble dynamics in the nanofluidic channel, which accounts for the effect of shear stresses from the channel wall. The droplet generation (number and volume) is investigated experimentally by controlling the jet velocity via laser energy and distance. This study expands the understanding of jetting in the nanofluidic channel and demonstrates a novel method for femtoliter-volume single or multiple droplet formation. It is envisioned that this work will open new doors in on-demand generation of nanodroplets.

[Expression and significance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro natural degenerationmodel of endplate chondrocytes in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression and significance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the natural degeneration of endplate chondrocytes in rats.

METHODS

Endplate chondrocytes extracted from lumbar vertebrae were divided into control (P2 cell), naturally passaged (P5 cell) and wnt signaling pathway inhibition groups. The morphology of endplate chondrocytes was observed by inverted microscope. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and toluidine blue stains were used to identify their phenotypes. Type II collagen marker, SOX-9 and aggrecan genes were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to verify the degeneration model. Based on this model, the changes of β-catenin were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Laser confocal microscopy was used to detect the expression and localization of β-catenin within endplate chondrocytes.

RESULTS

With natural passaging, endplate cartilage cells appeared spindle-shaped and gradually lost chondrocytic phenotypes. The levels of type II collagen (P5/P2 = 0.11, P = 0.003 9), SOX-9 (P5/P2 = 0.58, P = 0.016 8) and aggrecan (P5/P2 = 0.32, P = 0.004 6) significantly reduced; β-catenin (P5/P2 = 1.62, P = 0.008 2) significantly increased. β-catenin was down-regulated (XAV-939/P5 = 0.23, P = 0.001 7) in inhibition group. And type II collagen (XAV-939/P5 = 2.60, P = 0.018 0), SOX-9 (XAV-939/P5 = 1.47, P = 0.038 2) and aggrecan (XAV-939/P5 = 2.56, P = 0.004 1) significantly increased. β-catenin had a higher expression and obviously entered into nuclear transcription in P5 generation and decreased in inhibition group.

CONCLUSION

β-catenin plays an important role in the in vitro degeneration of endplate chondrocytes. There are great potentials for protecting endplate cartilage degeneration by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Altered intrinsic regional activity and corresponding brain pathways reflect the symptom severity of functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows central abnormalities in functional dyspepsia (FD) patients, but whether the symptom severity is directly reflected in altered brain patterns remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore how FD affected the resting functional brain patterns for different degrees of symptom severity.

METHODS

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in 40 FD patients and 20 healthy controls. The resting-state brain changes in regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed correlation analysis were investigated in patients relative to controls. To what degree the brain changes reflected the severity of the disease was assessed by a pattern classification technique.

KEY RESULTS

Altered ReHo values (p < 0.05, FDR corrected) were discovered in multiple brain areas in FD patients, and only the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and thalamus exhibited significant correlation with the severity of dyspepsia symptoms. Compared with controls, the neural signal changes of the thalamus were not found in the less severe FD patient group but in the relatively more severe group, while the ACC showed aberrations in both groups. Seed-based correlation analysis revealed ACC- and thalamus-related functional connectivity differences between FD patients and controls at a voxel-wise level, and the altered thalamic circuits provided the best performance in distinguishing FD patients with different levels of symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results indicated that the functional abnormalities of the ACC and thalamus may occur at different clinical courses in FD. This may help us better understand the progression of FD.

The evidence and the possible significance of autophagy in degeneration model of human cervical end-plate cartilage

The aim of this study was to observe autophagy in chondrocytes from degenerative human cervical vertebral end-plates and to investigate the significance of variations in autophagy in the degeneration of cervical vertebral end-plate chondrocytes. Cartilage end-plates were obtained from 48 inpatients admitted to hospital between February 2011 and August 2012. The patients were divided into the control group (n=17) with cervical vertebral fracture or dislocation and the cervical spondylosis group (n=31) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. End-plate chondrocytes were isolated via enzyme digestion and then cultured in vitro. The cells were stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). A laser scanning confocal microscope and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) were used to reveal autophagy in the end-plate chondrocytes. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of type II collagen and aggrecan. Western blotting was conducted to detect LC3 proteins. The chondrocytes isolated from the degenerative human cervical end-plates were cultured successfully in vitro. The morphology of the cells from the cervical spondylosis group tended to exhibit changes in spindle morphology compared with the control group. Autophagic bodies were stained with MDC. LC3 proteins were visible in the intracellular and perinuclear regions under the laser scanning confocal microscope. The mRNA expression levels (relative to those of β-actin) of aggrecan (0.715±0.194) and type II collagen (0.628±0.254) in the cervical spondylosis group were markedly decreased compared with those in the control group (0.913±0.254 and 0.845±0.186, respectively; both P<0.05). The LC3-II/LC3-I ratio was observed to be significantly reduced in the cervical spondylosis group by Western blot analysis. Autophagy has an important role in human cervical disc degeneration. The regulation of autophagy may prevent disc degeneration in cartilage end-plate cells.

PA28gamma emerges as a novel functional target of tumour suppressor microRNA-7 in non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA-7 (miR-7) has been reported to be a tumour suppressor gene. However, whether it has a role in the growth of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and what is its target involved in the tumour growth is still under investigation.

METHODS

NSCLC tissue sample, NSCLC cell lines and tissue microarray were investigated in this study. Total RNA, miRNA and protein were used for RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed in tissues microarray. Cell culture and intervention experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics prediction, western blot and luciferase assay were identified the target of miR-7.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that the expression of miR-7 was significantly downregulated not only in NSCLC cell lines, but also in human NSCLC tissues compared with the matched adjacent tissues. Restoration of its expression through miR-7 mimics in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell-cycle progression in vitro. More importantly, the tumorigenicity in nude mice was reduced after administration of miR-7 in vivo. In advance, through bioinformatic analysis, luciferase assay and western blot, we identified a novel target of miR-7, PA28gamma (a proteasome activator) to be enrolled in the regulation with tumour. PA28gamma mRNA and protein levels are markedly upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tumour samples, exhibiting a strong inverse relation with that of miR-7. In addition, knockdown of PA28gamma induced similar effects as overexpression of miR-7 in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, miR-7 overexpression or silencing of PA28gamma reduced the cyclinD1 expression at mRNA and protein level in NSCLC cell lines.

CONCLUSION

All these findings strongly imply that the overexpression of PA28gamma resulted from miR-7 downexpression in NSCLC has an important role in promoting cancer cell progress and consequently results in NSCLC growth. Thus, strategies targeting PA28gamma and/or miR-7 may become promising molecular therapies in NSCLC treatment.

Monitoring wound healing of elastic cartilage using multiphoton microscopy

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the ability of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) for monitoring wound healing of elastic cartilage.

METHOD

In a rabbit ear model, four cartilage specimen groups at 1-day, 1-, 4-, 20-week healing time points as well as a normal elastic cartilage were examined with MPM without using labeling agents. MPM images at wound margins were obtained from specimens at different healing stages, compared with the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained images. Image analysis was performed to characterize the collagen morphology for quantifying the wound healing progression of elastic cartilage.

RESULTS

MPM provided high-resolution images of elastic cartilage at varying depths. Comparisons of the images of specimens at different healing stages show obvious cell growth and matrix deposition. The results are consistent with the histological results. Moreover, quantitative analysis results show significant alteration in the collagen cavity size or collagen orientation index during wound healing of elastic cartilage, indicating the possibility to act as indicators for monitoring wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that MPM has the ability to monitor the wound healing progression of elastic cartilage, based on the visualization of cell growth and proliferation and quantitative characterization of collagen morphology during wound healing.