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BACKGROUND: Respiratory mucosa defects result in airway obstruction and infection, requiring subsequent functional recovery of the respiratory epithelium. Because site-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) facilitates restoration of organ function by promoting cellular migration and engraftment, previous studies considered decellularized trachea an ideal ECM; however, incomplete cell removal from cartilage and mucosal-architecture destruction are frequently reported. Here, we developed a decellularization protocol and applied it to the respiratory mucosa of separated porcine tracheas. METHODS: The trachea was divided into groups according to decellularization protocol: native mucosa, freezing–thawing (FT), FT followed by the use of Perasafe-based chemical agents before mucosal separation (wFTP), after mucosal separation (mFTP), and followed by DNase decellularization (mFTD). Decellularization efficacy was evaluated by DNA quantification and hematoxylin and eosin staining, and ECM content of the scaffold was evaluated by histologic analysis and glycosaminoglycan and collagen assays. Biocompatibility was assessed by cell-viability assay and in vivo transplantation. RESULTS: The mFTP mucosa showed low antigenicity and maintained the ECM to form a proper microstructure. Additionally, tonsil-derived stem cells remained viable when cultured with or seeded onto mFTP mucosa, and the in vivo host response showed a constructive pattern following implantation of the mFTP scaffolds. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that xenogenic acellular respiratory mucosa matrix displayed suitable biocompatibility as a scaffold material for respiratory mucosa engineering.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into endoderm lineages, especially parathyroid-hormone (PTH)-releasing cells. We have previously reported that tonsil-derived MSC (T-MSC) can differentiate into PTH-releasing cells (T-MSC-PTHCs), which restored the parathyroid functions in parathyroidectomy (PTX) rats. In this study, we demonstrate quality optimization by standardizing the differentiation rate for a better clinical application of T-MSC-PTHCs to overcome donor-dependent variation of T-MSCs. Quantitation results of PTH mRNA copy number in the differentiated cells and the PTH concentration in the conditioned medium confirmed that the differentiation efficiency largely varied depending on the cells from each donor. In addition, the differentiation rate of the cells from all the donors greatly improved when differentiation was started at a high cell density (100% confluence). The large-scale expression profiling of T-MSC-PTHCs by RNA sequencing indicated that those genes involved in exiting the differentiation and the cell cycle were the major pathways for the differentiation of T-MSC-PTHCs. Furthermore, the implantation of the T-MSC-PTHCs, which were differentiated at a high cell density embedded in hyaluronic acid, resulted in a higher serum PTH in the PTX model. This standardized efficiency of differentiation into PTHC was achieved by initiating differentiation at a high cell density. Our findings provide a potential solution to overcome the limitations due to donor-dependent variation by establishing a standardized differentiation protocol for the clinical application of T-MSC therapy in treating hypoparathyroidism.

Glucosinolates are well known functional food components that were discovered in Cruciferae and have been the object of study from diverse disciplinary perspectives, including metabolism, quantitative analysis, and breeding. However, the effects of the growth environment and post-harvest processes on glucosinolate production in Chinese cabbage are not well studied. Hence, this study aimed to identify the major factors that affect glucosinolate accumulation in Chinese cabbage during growth, and to optimize growth conditions in order to maximize glucosinolate content. Therefore, we measured glucosinolate content in cabbage grown in five environmental conditions that altered electrical conductivity, pH, cultivation time, temperature, and relative humidity. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the variables primarily affecting growth, followed by response surface methodology (RSM) to determine optimal growth conditions that maximize glucosinolate content in Chinese cabbage. Results from PCA indicated that cultivation time, temperature, and relative humidity were the principal components that explained 85.8% of the total variance, suggesting these are the most significant environmental factors that affect glucosinolate accumulation. Moreover, RSM indicated that the total model for evaluating glucosinolate content was significant (R2 = 0.934) and showed that the optimal temperature and relative humidity for maximizing glucosinolate content are 28 °C, and 66%, respectively. This study provided practical information of optimal condition for producing functional Chinese cabbage intensifying glucosinolate.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell engineering is appealing consideration for regenerating damaged endothelial cells (ECs) because stem cells can differentiate into EC-like cells. In this study, we demonstrate that tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) can differentiate into EC-like cells under optimal physiochemical microenvironments. METHODS: TMSCs were preconditioned with Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) or EC growth medium (EGM) for 4 days and then replating them on Matrigel to observe the formation of a capillary-like network under light microscope. Microarray, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were used to evaluate the expression of gene and protein of EC-related markers. RESULTS: Preconditioning TMSCs in EGM for 4 days and then replating them on Matrigel induced the formation of a capillary-like network in 3 h, but TMSCs preconditioned with DMEM did not form such a network. Genome analyses confirmed that EGM preconditioning significantly affected the expression of genes related to angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis and development, and vascular development. Western blot analyses revealed that EGM preconditioning with gelatin coating induced the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a mature EC-specific marker, as well as phosphorylated Akt at serine 473, a signaling molecule related to eNOS activation. Gelatin-coating during EGM preconditioning further enhanced the stability of the capillary-like network, and also resulted in the network more closely resembled to those observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that under specific conditions, i.e., EGM preconditioning with gelatin coating for 4 days followed by Matrigel, TMSCs could be a source of generating endothelial cells for treating vascular dysfunction.

Aims Far-infrared (FIR) irradiation inhibits adipogenic differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) by activating Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), but it stimulates osteogenic differentiation in a PP2B-independent pathway. We investigated the potential involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels, a well-known Ca2+-permeable channel, in the effects of FIR irradiation on adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation of TMSCs. Methods TMSCs, in the absence or presence of activators or inhibitors, were exposed to FIR irradiation followed by adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation, which was assessed using Oil red O or Alizarin red S staining, respectively. RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to determine gene and protein expression of calcium channels and adipocyte-specific markers. Results Treatment with the calcium ionophore ionomycin simulated the inhibitory effect of FIR irradiation on adipogenic differentiation but had no effect on osteogenic differentiation, indicating the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ in adipogenic differentiation. Inhibition of pan-TRP channels using ruthenium red reversed the FIR irradiation-induced inhibition of adipogenic differentiation. Among the TRP channels tested, inhibition of the TRPV2 channel by tranilast or siRNA against TRPV2 attenuated the inhibitory effect of FIR irradiation on adipogenic differentiation, accompanied by a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ levels. By contrast, activation of the TRPV2 channel by probenecid simulated FIR irradiation-induced inhibition of adipogenic differentiation. Expectedly, the stimulatory effect of FIR irradiation on osteogenic differentiation was independent of the TRPV2 channel. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that the TRPV2 channel is a sensor/receptor for the inhibited adipogenic differentiation of TMSCs associated with FIR irradiation.

Objective In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of a tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cell (TMSC)-transplanted polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate prosthesis (specifically designed for easier fixing and grafting with a single scaffold) on rabbit mandible osteogenesis. Methods The mandibles of 18 rabbits were exposed, and 10 × 8-mm bone defects were made. Two rabbits did not receive implants; four were reconstructed with the scaffold control (SC) (SC group); four were reconstructed with scaffolds soaked in peripheral blood (PB) (PB group); four were reconstructed with TMSC-transplanted scaffolds (TMSC group); and four were reconstructed with differentiated osteocyte-transplanted scaffolds (DOC) (DOC group). Each rabbit was sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery, and the area of new bone formation was investigated by mechanical testing, histology, and micro-computed tomography. Results More extended and denser new bone masses were observed in the TMSC and DOC groups, although fibrosis and vascular formation levels were similar in all groups, suggesting that the dual-structured scaffold alone provides a good environment for bone attachment and regeneration. The bone volumes of representative scaffolds from the SC, PB, TMSC, and DOC groups were 43.12, 48.35, 53.10, and 57.44% of the total volumes, respectively. Conclusion The design of the scaffold resulted in effective osteogenesis, and TMSCs showed osteogenic potency, indicating that their combination could enable effective bone regeneration. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:358-366, 2020.

Hypoparathyroidism is a deficiency of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body. We previously reported the possibility of treating it using tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) differentiated into PTH-releasing cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using autologous plasma gel as scaffold material in treatment of hypoparathyroidism with TMSC. We obtained plasma by venous sampling of autologous blood and centrifuged and fabricated the plasma gel using a sinusoidal pattern heating machine. After we created the hypoparathyroidism animal model, we administered undifferentiated TMSCs and TMSCs differentiated into parathyroid cells at each rat dorsum by intramuscular injection with and without the plasma gel. In the plasma gel groups, intact PTH was detected from on day 21 after TMSC injection; we did not detect intact PTH in the groups that were only transplanted with TMSCs during the entire experimental period. Serum calcium was higher and phosphorous was lower in the TMSC with plasma gel groups than in the groups with TMSCs alone. We detected PTH and chromogranin A in the TMSC-plasma gel-transplanted areas on immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence stain. Plasma gel can be considered as a cell-delivery scaffold for treating hypoparathyroidism with tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Background/aims Far-infrared (FIR) irradiation has been reported to exhibit various biological effects including improvement of cardiovascular function. However, its effect on the differentiation of stem cells has not been studied. Using tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSC), we examined whether and how FIR irradiation affects adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation. Methods TMSC were exposed to FIR irradiation (3-25 μm wavelength) for various times (0, 30, or 60 min), and then adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation was induced for 14 days with its respective commercially available differentiation medium. At the end of the differentiation, the cells were stained using Oil red O or Alizarin red S solution, and the expression of differentiation-specific proteins was analyzed by western blotting. Results FIR irradiation did not alter cell viability or the expression of MSC-specific surface antigens (CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, and CD105) in TMSC. However, FIR irradiation significantly inhibited adipogenic differentiation of TMSC, as evidenced by decreased Oil red O staining as well as protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and fatty acid binding protein 4. In contrast, FIR irradiation induced osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased Alizarin red S staining as well as protein expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with heat alone did not inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of TMSC, suggesting that the inhibitory effect on adipogenic differentiation was not due to heat induced by FIR irradiation. However, heat alone did stimulate osteogenic differentiation, but to a lesser extent than FIR irradiation. Furthermore, FIR irradiation increased intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and the activity of protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) in TMSC. Treatment with cyclosporin A, a specific PP2B inhibitor, reversed the inhibitory effect of FIR irradiation on adipogenic differentiation of TMSC, but had no effect on osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that FIR irradiation inhibits adipogenic differentiation but enhances osteogenic differentiation of TMSC; the inhibitory effect on adipogenic differentiation is non-thermal and mediated at least in part by activation of Ca²⁺-dependent PP2B.

Highly uniform Bi2Te3 nanotubes with various morphologies are synthesized via a solution process using Te nanowires as a sacrificial template. The morphology of Bi2Te3 nanotubes can be controlled by varying the solvent system. The reaction between Bi and Te in triethylene glycol (TEG) produces Bi2Te3 nanotubes with plate-like surface morphology, whereas rough surface morphology of the Bi2Te3 nanotubes is obtained by the reaction in ethylene glycol (EG). The crystal structures and morphologies of nanotubes are investigated X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of solvent on the evolution of morphology of the Bi2Te3 nanotubes is investigated. The effect of surface morphology on the thermoelectric properties is discussed.

Three new canthinone type alkaloids, canthin-6-one-1-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), canthin-6-one-1-O-[6-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and canthin-6-one-1-O-[2-β-D-apiofuranosyl-6-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated from the stem barks of Ailanthus altissima together with four quassinoids (4-7), seven phenylpropanoids (8-14) and a lignan of previously known structure (15). The inflammatory activities of the 15 isolates were screened on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), a proinflammatory mediator, in RAW 264.7 cells.

Tussilagone, extracted from Tussilago farfara is an oriental medicine used for asthma and bronchitis. We investigated its mechanism of action, its inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in macrophages, and its impact on viability in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced mouse model of sepsis. Tussilagone suppressed the expression of the inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and the inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Tussilagone also reduced the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) involved in the activation of various inflammatory mediators in activated macrophages. Moreover, tussilagone administration (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) produced decreased mortality and lung injury in CLP-activated septic mice. Augmented expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and TNF-α in pulmonary alveolar macrophages of septic mice were attenuated by tussilagone administration. Tussilagone also suppressed the induction of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, TNF-α and HMGB1 in the serum of the septic mice. Overall, tussilagone exhibited protective effects against inflammation and polymicrobial sepsis by suppressing inflammatory mediators possibly via the inhibition of NF-κB activation and the MAP kinase pathway. These results suggest the possible use of tussilagone for developing novel therapeutic modalities for sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.

We examined the challenge of preparing CO2-selective bifunctional three-dimensional Cu-metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) for use in mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) fabricated on an asymmetric polymer support. Two different gas-selective micro-sized frameworks, [{Cu2(Glu)2(µ-bpa)}·(CH3CN)]n (Cu-MOF1) and [{Cu2(Glu)2(µ-bpp)}·(C3H6O)]n (Cu-MOF2) (Glu=glutarate, bpa=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, bpp=1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), were synthesised and dispersed in polyoxazoline (POZ), as a matrix for the fabrication of the MMMs. SEM imaging indicated relatively good adhesion between the Cu-MOFs and POZ, without any surface treatment. The ideal selectivity of CO2/N2 was enhanced significantly in the Cu-MOF/POZ MMM, compared to that in a pristine POZ asymmetric membrane. Improvement in the CO2/N2 selectivity of the membranes was achieved via both high adsorption selectivity of CO2 over N2 by the Cu-MOFs, and the difference in pore sizes. The fabrication methods that use gas-selective MOFs may create new opportunities for gas-selective MOF/polymer combinations for MMMs with useful properties for large volume separations.

Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from bone marrow and adipose tissues are known to be subjected to in vitro culture-related alterations in their stem cell properties, such data have not been reported in human tonsil-derived MSC (T-MSC). Here, we investigated the culture-related changes of phenotypes, the senescence, and the differentiation potential of T-MSC. T-MSC were serially passaged by a standard protocol, and their characteristics were assessed, including MSC-specific surface antigen profiles, the senescence, and the differentiation potentials into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes. Up to at least passage 15, we found no alterations in either MSC-specific surface marker, CD14, CD34, CD45, CD73 and CD90, or the mRNA expression of embryonic stem cell gene markers, Nanog, Oct4-A and Sox-2. However, the expression of CD146, recently identified another MSC marker, dramatically decreased with increasing passages from ∼ 23% at passage 3 to ∼ 1% at passage 15. The average doubling time increased significantly from ∼ 38 h at passage 10 to ∼ 46 h at passage 15. From passage 10, the cell size increased slightly and SA-β-gal staining was evident. Both Alizarin Red S staining and osteocalcin expression showed that the osteogenic differentiation potential increased up to passage 10 and decreased thereafter. However, the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential decreased passage-dependently from the start, as evidenced by staining of Oil Red O and Alcian Blue, respectively. Consistent with a passage-dependent osteogenic differentiation, the expression of CCN1, an angiogenic protein known to be related to both senescence and osteogenesis, also increased up to passage 10. Furthermore, ectopic expression of small interfering RNA against CCN1 at passage 10 significantly reversed Alizarin Red S staining and osteocalcin expression. Altogether, our study demonstrates the characterization of long-term in vitro cultured T-MSC and that CCN1 may be involved in mediating a passage-dependent increase in osteogenic potential of T-MSC.

N-doped ZnO–SBA-15 materials (denoted as n N– x ZnO–SBA-15, where n is number of urea treatments and x is the weight ratio of ZnO/(ZnO+SBA-15)) were successfully synthesized by a two-step procedure. First, x ZnO–SBA-15 was prepared by impregnating SBA-15 with Zn(NO 3 ) 2 , followed by calcinating at 550 °C. In the second step, x ZnO–SBA-15 was modified n times by doping nitrogen with the assistance of urea. The resulting n N– x ZnO–SBA-15 materials prepared with various numbers of urea treatments were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, EDS, N 2 adsorption/desorption at 77 K, diffuse reflectance UV–vis, and XPS. The results show that the n N– x ZnO–SBA-15 maintains its ordered hexagonal mesostructure and exhibits light absorbance in the visible region. The n N– x ZnO–SBA-15 samples were investigated with the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light, and exhibited significant photocatalytic activity. The kinetics of the reaction obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.

Poly(methacrylic acid)-functionalized SBA-15 silicas (denoted as P-x-PMA/SBA-15 where x is molar ratio of TSPM/(TEOS+TSPM) in percentage in the initial mixture) were synthesized by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane and varying contents of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate in acidic medium with the block copolymer Pluronic 123 as a structure directing agent and then polymerization by methacrylic acid in the presence of ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The functionalized materials were characterized by PXRD, TEM, SEM, IR, and adsorption-desorption at 77 K. The investigation of phenol adsorption in aqueous solution on the materials showed that the poly(methacrylic acid)-functionalized mesoporous silicas possess strong adsorption ability for phenol with interaction of various kinds of hydrogen bonds. The adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir isotherms and the maximum adsorption capacity of the three functionalized materials P-5-PMA/SBA-15, P-10-PMA/SBA-15, and P-15-PMA/SBA-15 to be 129.37 mg/g, 187.97 mg/g, and 78.43 mg/g, respectively, were obtained. The effect of the pH on phenol adsorption was studied.

Semiconducting SnO2 nanowires deposited with Pd and Sn nanoparticles on their surface are shown to be a highly sensitive hydrogen sensor with fast response time at room temperature. Compared with the SnO2 nanowire deposited with Pd or Sn nanoparticles alone, the Pd/Sn-deposited SnO2 nanowire exhibits a significant improvement in the sensitivity and reversibility of sensing hydrogen gas in the air at room temperature. Our investigation indicates that two factors are responsible for the synergistic effect of Pd/Sn codeposition on SnO2 nanowires. One is that in the presence of Pd the oxidation of Sn nanoparticles on the surface of the SnO2 nanowire is incomplete leading only to suboxides SnOx (1 ≤ x < 2), and the other is that the surface of the Pd/Sn-deposited SnO2 nanowire is almost perfectly hydrophobic.

The use of five flexible α,ω-alkane (or alkene)-dicarboxylates (succinate (2), fumarate (3), adipate (5), and muconate (6)) produced three-dimensional (3-D) ZnII frameworks with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane pillars, whereas glutarate gave a two-dimensional (2-D) ZnII compound (4). Structures 2 and 5 are 4-fold interpenetrated networks, and 3 and 6 are 5-fold interpenetrated networks. Both 5 and 6 displayed good CO2 sorption capabilities at 196 K, as evidenced by S-shape adsorption isotherms. Both compounds also exhibited selective CO2 sorption over N2 at low temperature, while 5 containing an adipate ligand showed higher CO2 uptake at 273 and 298 K than 6 with a more rigid muconate ligand. The isosteric heats of CO2 adsorption for 5 and 6 were 23.1 kJ mol–1 and 30.7 kJ mol–1, respectively. A photoluminescence study showed the emissions of 2, 4, and 5 to be blue-shifted relative to both the free acids and ligand, while 3 had ligand-based luminescence properties. The thermal stabilities of these complexes were ...

Natural Medicine Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 210-340, KoreaReceived April 22, 2013, Accepted April 30, 2013Key Words : Cyperus rotundus, Cyperaceae, Sesquiterpene, Nitric oxide, InflammationThe rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) havebeen used in traditional Chinese medicine as an estrogenicand anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of women'sdiseases and also used for treatment of stomach ache, boweldisorders, and menstrual disorders.

Four three-dimensional ZnII frameworks containing malonates and various bipyridyl pillars (4,4′-bipyridine (1), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (2), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (3) and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (4)) have been prepared, and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. In all four frameworks, malonate ligands bridge three Zn ions to form two-dimensional layers, and these layers are connected by bipyridyl pillars to form three-dimensional frameworks with the general formula [{Zn(H2O)(μ-malonate)}2(μ-bipyridyl)] and which also contain water or acetonitrile solvates. Reactivity studies of compounds 1–4 showed that they catalyzed a heterogeneous transesterification reaction of phenyl acetate and could be reused without any significant loss of activity through five runs. Emissions were observed at 347–365 nm (λex = 313 nm) for 2 and 363 nm (λex = 328 nm) for 3, while compounds 1 and 4 showed no luminescence properties. The thermal stabilities of these complexes were also examined.

A ready-made, acellular patch-type prosthesis is desirable in repairing partial tracheal defects in the clinical setting. However, many of these prostheses may not show proper biological integration and biomechanical function when they are transplanted. In this study, we developed a novel 3D printed polyurethane (PU) tracheal scaffold with micro-scale architecture to allow host tissue infiltration and adequate biomechanical properties to withstand physiological tracheal condition. A half-pipe shaped PU scaffold (1.8 cm of height, 0.18 cm thickness, and 2 cm of diameter) was fabricated by 3D printing of PU 200 μm PU beam. The 3D printed tracheal scaffolds consisted of a porous inner microstructure with 200 × 200 × 200 μm3 sized pores and a non-porous outer layer. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were 3.21 ± 1.02 MPa of ultimate tensile strength, 2.81 ± 0.58 MPa of Young's modulus, and 725% ± 41% of elongation at break. To examine the function of the 3D printed tracheal scaffolds in vivo, the scaffolds were implanted into 1.0 × 0.7 cm2 sized anterior tracheal defect of rabbits. After implantation, bronchoscopic examinations revealed that the implanted tracheal scaffolds were patent for a 16 week-period. Histologic findings showed that re-epithelialization after 4 weeks of implantation and ciliated respiratory epithelium with ciliary beating after 8 weeks of implantation were observed at the lumen of the implanted tracheal scaffolds. The ingrowth of the connective tissue into the scaffolds was observed at 4 weeks after implantation. The biomechanical properties of the implanted tracheal scaffolds were continually maintained for 16 week-period. The results demonstrated that 3D printed tracheal scaffold could provide an alternative solution as a therapeutic treatment for partial tracheal defects.

Ideal hypoparathyroidism animal models are a prerequisite to developing new treatment modalities for this disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a model whereby rats were parathyroidectomized (PTX) using a fluorescent-identification method and the ideal calcium content of the diet was determined. Thirty male rats were divided into surgical sham (SHAM, n = 5) and PTX plus 0, 0.5, and 2% calcium diet groups (PTX-FC (n = 5), PTX-NC (n = 10), and PTX-HC (n = 10), respectively). Serum parathyroid hormone levels decreased to non-detectable levels in all PTX groups. All animals in the PTX-FC group died within 4 days after the operation. All animals survived when supplied calcium in the diet. However, serum calcium levels were higher in the PTX-HC than the SHAM group. The PTX-NC group demonstrated the most representative modeling of primary hypothyroidism. Serum calcium levels decreased and phosphorus levels increased, and bone volume was increased. All animals survived without further treatment and did not show nephrotoxicity including calcium deposits. These findings demonstrate that PTX animal models produced by using the fluorescent-identification method, and fed a 0.5% calcium diet, are appropriate for hypoparathyroidism treatment studies.

A new mesostructured Prussian blue analogue was obtained through a noncovalent templating by cetylpyridinium bromide in formamide in the presence of Co2+ linking ions. This phase possesses a hexagonally ordered mesostructure with a framework based on the [Fe(CN)6]3− anions linked by Co2+ ions which was noncovalently templated with cetylpyridinium cations.

Three new MnII-benzoates coordination polymers containing various bipyridyl ligands (3,3′-dipicoylamine (3), 3-methylisoquinoline (4), and 4,4′-dithiopyridine (5)) and a [Mn6(O2CPh)10(μ4-OH)2(CH3OH)3(H2O)]·1.5(C4H4N2) cluster (1) have prepared and their structures were determined. The bipyridyl ligands can act as bridging ligands to produce 1-D or 2-D polymeric compounds. The pyrazine produced a Mn6 cluster molecule, and 3-methylisoquinoline did a benzoate-bridged 1-D MnII compound. The Mn6 cluster (1) and 1-D MnII compounds (3) and (4) show antiferromagnetic property. The compounds 1, 3, and 4 have catalyzed efficiently the transesterification of a variety of esters, while 5 has displayed a very slow conversion. The thermal stabilities of these complexes were also examined.

Anion effects on structures of complexes containing 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bpy) ligands have been studied, and compared with -(2,2'-bpy) complexes. For each anion, different structures have been obtained in both -(2,2'-bpy) and -(2,2'-bpy). Polymeric structures of -2,2'-bpy complexes can be produced by hydrogen bonding interactions as shown in -2,2'-bpy complexes. In addition, the bigger size of a ion gives higher coordination numbers forming variety of structures, and it makes that chlorides can act as bridging ligands to form a one-dimensional structure. The compound catalyzed efficiently the transesterification of a variety of esters with methanol, while the rest of the compounds have displayed very slow conversions. In addition, the emission bands of complexes , , , and are blue-shifted compared to the corresponding ligand 2,2'-bpy, whereas and showed the similar emission observed for the ligand.

Four Cd II -( e , a-cis -1,2-chdc) complexes, [Cd(H 2 O)(1,2-chdc)(2,2′-bpy)] 1 , [Cd(1,2-chdc)(bpe)] n 2 , [Cd 2 (1,2-chdc)(4,4′-bpy) 2 ] n 3A , and [Cd(H 2 O)(1,2-chdc)(4,4′-bpy) 2 ] n ·3 n (H 2 O) 3B (1,2-chdc = 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate), with different assistant ligands (2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bpy), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe), and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy)) have been synthesized and their structures were determined. Depending on the assistant ligands, the structures and dimensionalities of Cd II -( e , a-cis -1,2-chdc) complexes have been varied. Two carboxylates in e , a-cis -1,2-chdc coordinate to Cd II ions in chelating (η 1 :η 1 ), bridging (η 1 :η 1 :μ 2 ), and chelating/bridging (η 2 :η 1 :μ 2 ) modes. Photoluminescence study of the compounds 1 and 2 showed that emission spectrum of compound 1 was observed at 348 nm, while relatively weak luminescence was displayed at 516 nm for 2 . The thermal stabilities of these complexes were also examined.

Fifteen compounds, including three new canthin-6-one-glycosides (I), are isolated and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells at non-toxic concentrations.

A new terthiophene, 3′-hydroxy-2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene-3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and a new oleanane-type saponin, echinocystic acid-3-O-(6-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata L. Moreover, five thiophenes (2–6), seven triterpenoids (8–14), two coumestans (15 and 16), and four flavonoids (17–20) having previously known chemical structures were isolated during the same course of this study. All the isolates 1–20 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) using MTT assays.

Eclipta prostrate L. (syn. E. alba Hassk), commonly known as False Daisy, has been used in traditional medicine in Asia to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer. Although an anti-tumor effect has been suggested for E. prostrata, the exact anti-tumor effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify compounds with anti-cancer activity from E. prostrata and to investigate their mechanism of action.To assess cell viability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, we performed MTT assays and FACS analysis using Annexin and PI staining. We also investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and caspase activation using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis, respectively. Cytosolic translocation of cytochrome c was measured using an ELISA kit. Antioxidants, MAPK signaling inhibitors, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, and siRNA were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of the compound.We isolated five terthiophenes from the n-hexane fraction of E. prostrata; of these, α-terthienylmethanol possessed potent cytotoxic activity against human endometrial cancer cells (Hec1A and Ishikawa) (IC501μM). The growth inhibitory effect of α-terthienylmethanol was mediated by the induction of apoptosis, as shown by the accumulation of sub-G1 and apoptotic cells. In addition, α-terthienylmethanol triggered caspase activation and cytochrome c release into the cytosol in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, α-terthienylmethanol increased the intracellular level of ROS and decreased that of GSH, and the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine and catalase significantly attenuated α-terthienylmethanol-induced apoptosis. We further demonstrated that inhibition of the NADPH oxidase attenuated α-terthienylmethanol-induced cell death and ROS accumulation in endometrial cancer cells.Overall, these results suggest that α-terthienylmethanol, a naturally occurring terthiophene isolated from E. prostrata, induces apoptosis in human endometrial cancer cells by ROS production, partially via NADPH oxidase.

Two new (I) and seven known sesquiterpenes are isolated and evaluated for their title activity.

Lamellar phases of the general formula [CnH(2n+1)N(CH3)3]VO3 (n = 14, 16, 18) have been prepared by an ion-exchange/precipitation reaction of alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants and NaVO3 in an aqueous medium at room temperature. The phases were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The data support a proposed crystal structure model in which single arrays of the one-dimensional chains of oligomers {(VO3)n}(n-) that may be generated from the starting material NaVO3 fragmented by the hydration during the dissolution into water and the surfactants layers alternate. The alkyl chains of the surfactants in these materials are arranged as monolayers or deeply penetrate into the interlayer region with a tilt angle of 37 degrees. The phenol adsorption in aqueous solution on a representative lamellar phase was investigated. The data being fitted to Langmuir Isotherms and a maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir equation to be 178.6 mg of phenol/g for [C16H33N(CH3)3]VO3 have been obtained. The effect of pH on the adsorption and desorption of phenol has also been studied. Acetone solution of 20% is the best eluent for desorption of phenol from the loaded adsorbent with a desorption efficiency of 90.8%.

Thermoelectric material bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) nanowires were synthesized by pulsed-potential deposition using Bi(NO 3 ) 3 ·5H 2 O and TeO 2 in 1.0 M HNO 3 in porous anodic alumina (PAA) template. Nanowires with various surface morphologies were obtained by changing the potential between −0.2 and −0.6 V vs. SCE (sat. KCl). The more negative pulse potentials than the reduction potential observed from cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were used for nanowires growth, delay potential was used in no current region between reduction and oxidation potentials of the compound. To obtain dense, highly oriented single-crystalline nanowires, the control of the growth rate is critical. Surface roughness and crystallinity of nanowires were affected by the pulsed-potential, and the pulsed-time. The microstructures and morphologies of nanowires were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, FE-SEM, and HR-TEM. Thermoelectric properties of both smooth and rough surfaced nanowires are under investigation.

A simple method for the preparation of hollow rock-salt TiO1−xNx nanoparticles and their visible-light photocatalytic activities are presented. By thermal annealing of TiO2 nanoparticles under NH3/N2 gas flow at 800 °C, a rock-salt TiO phase was achieved far below its transition temperature to a monoclinic TiO phase (1250 °C). The composition of the nanoparticles was revealed to be Ti0.7(O0.67N0.33)1 by detailed structural and compositional characterizations, and their structural stability was critically determined by the formation of vacancies and the incorporation of N. The hollow rock-salt TiO1−xNx nanoparticles presented efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity, and their origins were discussed.