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Aims: Myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) contributes to serious myocardial injury and even death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of MIRI. Here, the detailed molecular mechanism of lncRNA SNHG1 in MIRI was explored., Methods and Results: A cell model of MIRI was established through hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation. Cell viability and pyroptosis were evaluated utilizing MTT, PI staining, and flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 secretion levels were examined by ELISA. The gene and protein expression were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene, RIP and ChIP assays were performed to analyse the molecular interactions. The results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 overexpression alleviated H/R-induced HL-1 cell pyroptosis (all P < 0.05). LncRNA SNHG1 promoted KLF4 expression by sponging miR-137-3p. miR-137-3p silencing alleviated H/R-induced pyroptosis in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05), which was abolished by KLF4 knockdown (all P < 0.05). KLF4 activated the AKT pathway by transcriptionally activating TRPV1 in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05). TRPV1 knockdown reversed the alleviation of SNHG1 upregulation on H/R-induced pyroptosis in HL-1 cells (all P < 0.05)., Conclusions: These results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 assuaged cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI progression by regulating the KLF4/TRPV1/AKT axis through sponging miR-137-3p. Our findings may provide novel therapeutic targets for MIRI., (© 2024 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)

Hydrogen energy from solar water-splitting is known as an ideal method with which to address the energy crisis and global environmental pollution. Herein, the first-principles calculations are carried out to study the photocatalytic water-splitting performance of single-layer GaInSe 3 under biaxial strains from -2% to +2%. Calculations reveal that single-layer GaInSe 3 under various biaxial strains has electronic bandgaps ranging from 1.11 to 1.28 eV under biaxial strain from -2% to +2%, as well as a completely separated valence band maximum and conduction band minimum. Meanwhile, the appropriate band edges for water-splitting and visible optical absorption up to ~3 × 10 5 cm -1 are obtained under biaxial strains from -2% to 0%. More impressively, the solar conversion efficiency of single-layer GaInSe 3 under biaxial strains from -2% to 0% reaches over 30%. The OER of unstrained single-layer GaInSe 3 can proceed without co-catalysts. These demonstrate that single-layer GaInSe 3 is a viable material for solar water-splitting.

Background: Cartilage tissue lacks the ability to heal. Cartilage tissue engineering using cell-free scaffolds has been increasingly used in recent years., Objective: This study describes the use of a type I collagen scaffold combined with WNT5A plasmid to promote chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in a rabbit osteochondral defect model., Methods: Type I collagen was extracted and fabricated into a collagen scaffold. To improve gene transfection efficiency, a cationic chitosan derivative N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) vector was used. A solution of TMC/WNT5A complexes was adsorbed to the collagen scaffold to prepare a WNT5A scaffold. Osteochondral defects were created in the femoral condyles of rabbits. The rabbits were divided into defect, scaffold, and scaffold with WNT5A groups. At 6 and 12 weeks after creation of the osteochondral defects, samples were collected from all groups for macroscopic observation and gene expression analysis., Results: Samples from the defect group exhibited incomplete cartilage repair, while those from the scaffold and scaffold with WNT5A groups exhibited "preliminary cartilage" covering the defect. Cartilage regeneration was superior in the scaffold with WNT5A group compared to the scaffold group. Safranin O staining revealed more proteoglycans in the scaffold and scaffold with WNT5A groups compared to the defect group. The expression levels of aggrecan, collagen type II, and SOX9 genes were significantly higher in the scaffold with WNT5A group compared to the other two groups., Conclusions: Type I collagen scaffold showed effective adsorption and guided the three-dimensional arrangement of stem cells. WNT5A plasmid promoted cartilage repair by stimulating the expression of aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX9 genes and proteins, as well as inhibiting cartilage hypertrophy.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the capacity of the bilayer polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)/TGF-β3/adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) construct used to repair cartilage defects and the role of ADSCs in the repair process in vivo . Materials & methods: Defects were created surgically on the femoropatellar groove of knee joints in 64 rabbits. All the rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: defect group, PLGA group, PLGA/TGF-β3 group and PLGA/TGF-β3/ADSC group. In vivo MRI and Prussian blue staining were applied. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot methods were used to analyze the gene and protein expression. Results & conclusion: The result showed that TGF-β3 could effectively stimulate the expressions of aggrecan, collagen type II and SRY-related HMG box 9 ( SOX9 ). The bilayer PLGA/TGF-β3/ADSC construct showed a promising repair effect.

Background: Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) is an important cancer-associated gene in tumor. PPAR-γ and C/EBPα are both transcriptional regulators involved in tumor development., Objective: We aimed to clarify the function of PPAR-γ, C/EBPα in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship of PPAR-γ, C/EBPα and FOXC1 in HCC., Methods: Western blotting, immunofluorescent staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate protein expression. qRT-PCR was used to assess mRNA expression. Co-IP was performed to detect the protein interaction. And ChIP and fluorescent reporter detection were used to determine the binding between protein and FOXC1 promoter., Results: C/EBPα could bind to FOXC1 promoter and PPAR-γ could strengthen C/EBPα's function. Expressions of C/EBPα and PPAR-γ were both negatively related to FOXC1 in human HCC tissue. Confocal displayed that C/EBPα was co-located with FOXC1 in HepG2 cells. C/EBPα could bind to FOXC1 promoter by ChIP. Luciferase activity detection exhibited that C/EBPα could inhibit FOXC1 promoter activity, especially FOXC1 promoter from -600 to -300 was the critical binding site. Only PPAR-γ could not influence luciferase activity but strengthen inhibited effect of C/EBPα. Further, the Co-IP displayed that PPAR-γ could bind to C/EBPα. When C/EBPα and PPAR-γ were both high expressed, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony information were inhibited enormously. C/EBPα plasmid combined with or without PPAR-γ agonist MDG548 treatment exhibited a strong tumor inhibition and FOXC1 suppression in mice., Conclusion: Our data establish C/EBPα targeting FOXC1 as a potential determinant in the HCC, which supplies a new pathway to treat HCC. However, PPAR-γ has no effect on FOXC1 expression., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor survival rate and is the second most common type of primary cancer of the hepatobiliary system. At present, the molecular mechanisms of IHCC initiation and progression remain unclear. Recent evidence has indicated that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve a crucial role in cancer development; however, the functional role of lncRNAs in IHCC has not been investigated in detail. In the present study, a marked overexpression of lncRNA colon cancer‑associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) was observed in IHCC cell lines and clinical specimens. Statistical analysis of IHCC clinicopathological characteristics and CCAT2 expression data revealed that high CCAT2 expression levels correlated with microvascular invasion, differentiation grade, tumor (T), lymph node (N), metastasis (M) and overall TNM stages of IHCC (P<0.05). Kaplan‑Meier analysis demonstrated that CCAT2 upregulation was associated with poor overall survival and progression‑free survival in IHCC. Furthermore, high CCAT2 expression was identified as an independent risk factor of IHCC poor prognosis in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The role of CCAT2 in promoting IHCC cell proliferation, motility and invasion was further confirmed with in vitro assays. Therefore, CCAT2 may promote IHCC progression and metastasis, and may be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in IHCC.

Microwave assistance has the potential to reduce the energy input required for mechanical rock breaking. This study systematically investigated the changes in electrical properties (specifically resistivity, capacitance, and impedance) of gabbro after microwave heating during the graded loading process, as well as its internal fracture mechanism. The findings indicate that the variations in resistivity, impedance, and capacitance of gabbro can be divided into three stages during the graded loading process: the compaction stage, elastic-steady cracking stage, and nonlinear crack propagation stage. When the strain level exceeds 70%, the resistivity and impedance start to increase, and the capacitance begins to decrease. The study also identifies a significant positive correlation between microwave power and the rate of temperature increase on the rock surface. A critical power threshold of approximately 2 kW is observed, below which achieving rapid temperature rise becomes challenging, but beyond which the temperature escalates swiftly with the energy input. Once the temperature exceeds 350 °C, rupturing mineral inclusions generate numerous microcracks, causing resistivity and impedance to exponentially increase. Furthermore, microwave heating induces a temperature differential exceeding 200 °C between the internal and external regions of the rock. Under the same radiation energy, high-power short-duration radiation is more likely to generate thermally induced cracks within the rock. The rapid expansion and heating of absorbent minerals, as well as the rupture of inclusions, further intensify the propagation of microcracks, greatly reducing the mechanical properties of the rock. This study will provide theoretical guidance for microwave-assisted mechanical rock excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the expression of RKIP, p65 and pERK in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and theIr correlation with invasion and metastasis of HCC., Methods: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of RKIP mRNA. The expression levels of RKIP, p65 and pERK proteins in HCC tumor and peritumoral tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between their expression and clinicopathological parameters., Results: RKIP protein expression level (RKIP/actin) was 0.579 ± 0.380 in HCCs, 1.178 ± 0.659 in peritumoral tissues and 1.115 ± 0.442 in normal liver tissues. The pERK protein level was 1.023 ± 0.478, 0.605 ± 0.367 and 0.461 ± 0.293, p65 protein level was 0.83 ± 0.376, 0.63 ± 0.337 and 0.466 ± 0.345, respectively. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the RKIP positive rates in HCCs, peritumoral tissues and normal liver tissues, were 22.2%, 86.0%, and 93.8%, positive rates of p65 were 73.6%, 56.0% and 37.5%, positive rates of pERK were 65.3%, 38.0% and 31.3%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in RKIP protein expression levels (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in RKIP mRNA expression levels (P > 0.05) among HCC tumors, peritumoral tissues and normal liver tissues. The p65-positive and pERK-positive rates were higher in tumor tissues than that in peritumoral tissues and in normal liver tissues (P < 0.05), but RKIP-positive rates were lower in tumor tissues than that in paritumoral tissues and normal liver tissues (P < 0.05). RKIP protein expression levels were significantly lower in HCCs with intrahepatic or lymphatic metastasis than that in without. The RKIP positive rates in moderately and well differentiated HCCs were significantly higher than that in poorly differentiated HCCs. There was a relationship between RKIP and pERK expressions (P = 0.04), but RKIP expression was not correlated with p65 expression in HCCs (P = 0.143)., Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the down-regulation of RKIP expression may serve as a predictive marker for HCC development, progression and metastasis, which may contribute to the elevated ERK activity. The inhibiting effect of RKIP on invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells may be due to the down-regulation of pERK expression rather than p65 expression.

We have reviewed the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical pancreatic-cancer related in vivo models. The identified circRNAs target chemoresistance mechanisms (n=5), secreted proteins and transmembrane receptors (n=15), transcription factors (n=9), components of the signaling- (n=11), ubiquitination- (n=2), autophagy-system (n=2), and others (n=9). In addition to identifying targets for therapeutic intervention, circRNAs are potential new entities for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Upregulated circRNAs can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR-CAS)-based intervention. The function of downregulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy using plasmids or virus-based vector systems. Target validation experiments and the development of improved delivery systems for corresponding agents were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is caused by reperfusion after ischemic heart disease. LncRNA Snhg1 regulates the progression of various diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the frequent RNA modification and plays a critical role in MIRI. However, it is unclear whether lncRNA Snhg1 regulates MIRI progression and whether the lncRNA Snhg1 was modified by m6A methylation. Methods: Mouse cardiomyocytes HL-1 cells were utilized to construct the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury model. HL-1 cell viability was evaluated utilizing CCK-8 method. Cell apoptosis, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were quantitated utilizing flow cytometry. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to measure the m6A methylation and the interactions between lncRNA Snhg1 and targeted miRNA or target miRNAs and its target gene. The I/R mouse model was constructed with adenovirus expressing lncRNA Snhg1. HE and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate myocardial tissue damage and apoptosis. Results: LncRNA Snhg1 was down-regulated after H/R injury, and overexpressed lncRNA Snhg1 suppressed H/R-stimulated cell apoptosis, mitochondrial ROS level and polarization. Besides, lncRNA Snhg1 could target miR-361-5p, and miR-361-5p targeted OPA1. Overexpressed lncRNA Snhg1 suppressed H/R-stimulated cell apoptosis, mitochondrial ROS level and polarization though the miR-361-5p/OPA1 axis. Furthermore, WTAP induced lncRNA Snhg1 m6A modification in H/R-stimulated HL-1 cells. Moreover, enforced lncRNA Snhg1 repressed I/R-stimulated myocardial tissue damage and apoptosis and regulated the miR-361-5p and OPA1 levels. Conclusion: WTAP-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA Snhg1 regulated MIRI progression through modulating myocardial apoptosis, mitochondrial ROS production, and mitochondrial polarization via miR-361-5p/OPA1 axis, providing the evidence for lncRNA as the prospective target for alleviating MIRI progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C and to determine whether the presence of VEGF-A and VEGF-C was associated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer., Methods: VEGF-A and VEGF-C mRNA transcripts were examined by Northern blot in 6 human pancreatic cancer cell lines and 8 normal pancreatic tissues and 8 pancreatic carcinoma specimens. The expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C proteins was examined by Western blot in the tested cell lines and by immunohistochemical stain in 50 pancreatic carcinoma samples., Results: VEGF-A and VEGF-C mRNA transcripts were present in all the 6 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Immunoblotting revealed the presence of VEGF-A and VEGF-C proteins in all the cell lines. Northern blot analysis of total RNA revealed 3.0-fold and 3.6-fold increase in VEGF-A and VEGF-C mRNA transcript in the cancer samples, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in cancer cells within the tumor mass. Immunohistochemical analysis of 50 pancreatic cancer tissue samples revealed the presence of VEGF-A and VEGF-C immunoreactivity in 50% and 80% of the cancer tissue samples, respectively. The presence of VEGF-A in these cells was associated with larger tumor size and enhanced local spread (c2 = 6.690, P = 0.035<0.05) but was not associated with decreased patient survival. However, the presence of VEGF-C in the cancer cells was associated with increased lymph node metastasis (c2 = 5.710, P = 0.017 < 0.05), but was not associated with decreased patient survival. There was no correlation between the expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in the same cancer cells., Conclusion: VEGF-A and VEGF-C are commonly overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer and may contribute to tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. There is no relationship between the expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, namely VEGF-A) is an angiogenic polypeptide and VEGF-C is a lymphangiogenic polypeptide that has been implicated in cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. Several cytokines and growth factors play an important part in cancer progression. These cytokines and growth factors are the principal mediators of cancer cells--stromal cell interaction, which is critical for invasion of cancer cells to the surrounding tissues and metastatic dissemination to distant organs. In this study, we studied VEGF-A, C expression in cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines and whether the presence of VEGF-A, C in the cell lines is regulated by cytokines interleukin-1alpha(IL-1alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)., Methods: We used Northern blot and Western blot methods to analyze expression of the gene and protein of VEGF-A, C in all 6 tested cell lines (ASPC-1, CAPAN-1, MIA-PaCa-2, PANC-1, COLO-357 and T3M4) respectively. To analyze what is the regulator for this VEGF-A, C expression in pancreatic cancer, we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to analyze VEGF-A, C expression in cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines (CAPAN-1 and COLO-357) under the stimulation with IL-1alpha(10 microg/L) or IL-6 (100 microg/L)., Results: Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of the 4.1 kb VEGF-A mRNA transcript and 2.4-kb VEGF-C mRNA transcript in all 6 tested cell lines. Immunoblotting with highly specific anti-VEGF-A, anti-VEGF-C antibody revealed the presence of a molecular weight of 43-kDa VEGF-A protein and 55-kDa VEGF-C protein in all the cell lines. RT-PCR analysis revealed the levels of the VEGF-A and VEGF-C gene were 1-2 fold and a 1-fold increase in the COLO-357 cell line by stimulation with IL-1alpha, however, no effect was found in the CAPAN-1 cell line. The levels of the VEGF-A and VEGF-C gene were 2-5 fold and a 1-fold increase in the CAPAN-1 cell line by stimulation with IL-6, but no effect was found in the COLO-357 cell line., Conclusion: These findings suggested that the expression of VEGF-A, C and their regulation by IL-1alpha, IL-6 in pancreatic cancer contributes to the lymphatic and distant metastasis and the disease progression.

Liver metastasis is one of the poor prognostic factors for gastric cancer. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met, have been reported to be related to the proliferation of carcinoma cells. We examined c-Met and HGF expression in stage IV gastric cancers (n = 121) and compared the results in groups with liver metastasis (n = 47, LM group) and without liver metastasis (n = 74, no-LM group). The survival rate for the LM group was significantly poorer than for the no-LM group (p < 0.01). We found a high frequency of c-Met expression in the LM group compared with the no-LM group at protein level detected by immunohistochemistry (p = 0.0005) and at mRNA level detected by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (p = 0.0386) in primary gastric tumors. Furthermore, we evaluated HGF expression in both carcinoma cells and stromal cells in gastric cancers. There was no significant difference in the HGF expression between the LM and no-LM groups. The labeling index of proliferating cell nuclear antigen for the carcinomas in the LM group was higher than that in the no-LM group (47.1 +/- 24.5 vs. 26.2 +/- 24.5%, p < 0.0001). Thus, the high frequency of c-Met overexpression in carcinoma cells may be involved in the mechanism of liver metastasis in gastric cancers. Moreover, the evaluation of c-Met expression might be a useful indicator of liver metastasis in patients with gastric cancer., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) first occur as well-differentiated HCCs, from which poorly differentiated HCC cells develop because of dedifferentiation. In this study, we try to clarify the changes of dedifferentiation and cell proliferative activity and their relationship in small HCCs (less than 3.0 cm in diameter) and try to learn the mechanism of these changes by analysing the expressions and genetic changes of proliferation-related genes p53 and beta-catenin. Of 41 surgically resected small HCCs, 11 were identified to have tumor heterogeneity. DNA from the 11 small HCCs, consisting of 29 intratumoral lesions and 11 noncancerous liver tissues adjacent to HCCs, was extracted from paraffin embedded tissue sections. Exons 5-8 of p53 gene and exon 3 of beta-catenin gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by direct sequence. The serial sections were also immunostained by anti-Ki-67, p53 and beta-catenin antibody. Immunohistochemistry showed that the p53 overexpression was significantly related to the proliferative activities as evaluated by Ki-67 immunostaining and to the histological differentiation. The expression of beta-catenin was found to be heterogeneously distributed not only in various histological grades of the same tumor but also in areas of the same histological grade. p53 and beta-catenin gene mutations were detected in 1 tumor respectively, both of which were second primary HCCs and also recurred later. The p53 mutation showed the same mutation pattern in heterogeneous subpopulations. beta-catenin mutation was detected only in the less differentiated lesion but not in the well-differentiated lesion of tumor. In conclusion, our findings suggest that there was histological heterogeneity in small but established HCC, which was accompanied by increased proliferative activity and p53 overexpression. The overexpression of beta-catenin may be related to the proliferative activity and dedifferentiation of HCC., (Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a lymphangiogenic polypeptide that has been implicated in cancer growth. In this study, we characterized VEGF-C expression in cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines and determined whether the presence of VEGF-C in human pancreatic cancers is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics. VEGF-C mRNA transcripts were present in all five tested cell lines (Capan-1, MIA-PaCa-2, PANC-1, COLO-357, and T3M4). Immunoblotting with a highly specific anti-VEGF-C antibody revealed the presence of VEGF-C protein in all the cell lines. Northern blot analysis of total RNA revealed an approximately 2.2-fold increase in VEGF-C mRNA transcript in the cancer samples compared with the normal pancreas. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of VEGF-C and its receptor flt-4 in the cancer cells within the tumor mass. Immunohistochemical analysis of 51 pancreatic cancer tissues revealed the presence of strong VEGF-C immunoreactivity in the cancer cells in 80.4% of the cancer tissues. The presence of VEGF-C in these cells was associated with increased lymphatic vessels invasion and lymph node metastasis, but not with decreased patient survival. These findings indicate that VEGF-C and its receptor are commonly overexpressed in human pancreatic cancers and that this factor may contribute to the lymphangiogenic process and metastasis in this disorder.

Belite sulfoaluminate cement is attracting increasing attention and being considered as a potential alternative to ordinary Portland cement owing to lower preparation temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. However, it still has disadvantages of poor workability and low early strength. This study investigated the effects of compound polycarboxylate superplasticiser (PCE) and early strength agent, calcium nitrite (Ca(NO2)2), on flowability and early strength of belite calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement. Variation patterns of setting time, fluidity, strength and polycarboxylate superplasticiser (PCE) adsorption of the paste were measured; the hydration products and microscopic morphology were also analysed by the heat of hydration, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that calcium nitrite effectively enhanced adsorption of PCE onto the surface of BCSA cement particles, leading to notable improvement in the fluidity of the paste (reaching up to 275 mm). In the initial hydration stage, 0.7% PCE compounded with 1.2% calcium nitrite inhibited the formation of ettringite (AFt), resulting in prolonged setting time. However, it deepened the degree of hydration of BCSA for 3 days and refined the hydration product, AFt crystals. Consequently, the compressive strength was increased to 95.75 MPa and 107.13 MPa for BCSA cement at 3 days and 28 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Laryngeal cartilage defects are a major problem that greatly impacts structural integrity and function. Cartilage repair is also a challenging issue. This study evaluated the efficacy of a collagen scaffold enveloped by amniotic membrane (AM/C) on laryngeal cartilage repair. Study Design: Experimental animal study. Methods: Fourteen Dutch rabbits were enrolled in the study. A 5 mm cartilage defect was created in the right and left thyroid lamina. The animals were divided into two groups randomly. Group 1 collagen scaffolds and group 2 AM/C were applied to the right side defects. Left side defects were not repaired, serving as control. Histologic evaluation was done 45 and 90 days following collagen and AM/C application with criteria of tissue and cell morphology, lacuna formation, vascularization, and inflammation. Results: Significant improvement in cartilage repair was observed in the AM/C side compared to the control side in all histologic criteria after 45 days (p<.05). After 90 days, cartilage repair improved in cell morphology, lacuna formation, and inflammation significantly (p<.05). Conclusion: The combination of amniotic membrane and collagen scaffolds provides a promising treatment modality for improving the repair of laryngeal cartilage defects. Level of Evidence: NA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are the second most common cancers in women aged 20–39. While HPV screening can help with early detection of cervical cancer, many patients are already in the medium to late stages when they are identified. As a result, searching for novel biomarkers to predict CESC prognosis and propose molecular treatment targets is critical. TGFA is a polypeptide growth factor with a high affinity for the epidermal growth factor receptor. Several studies have shown that TGFA can improve cancer growth and progression, but data on its impact on the occurrence and advancement of CESC is limited. In this study, we used clinical data analysis and bioinformatics techniques to explore the relationship between TGFA and CESC. The results showed that TGFA was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. TGFA knockdown can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. In addition, after TGFA knockout, the expression of IL family and MMP family proteins in CESC cell lines was significantly reduced. In conclusion, TGFA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. Therefore, TGFA may become a new target for cervical cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In backfill mining, surrounding rock damaged by impact loading (e.g. blasting) is immersed in backfill water after backfilling, and the instability of the impact-damaged and water-soaked (IDWS) surrounding rock can occur under blasting loads. To study the dynamic mechanical properties and the size effect of rock under such working conditions, triaxial dynamic compression tests were conducted on four groups (four length-to-diameter ratios) of first impact-damaged and then water-soaked sandstone specimens using an improved split Hopkinson pressure bar device. The test results show that, at a similar strain rate (approximately 10 s−1), the peak strength and elastic modulus of IDWS specimens are lower than those of the intact specimens, whereas the peak strain is higher than that of the intact specimens. Both the peak strength and peak strain of the IDWS specimens increase with strain rate, exhibiting a strong strain rate dependency. The peak strength, peak strain, and elastic modulus all display a size effect. This size effect varies over different strain rate ranges. When the strain rate is approximately 10 s−1, the peak strength decreases as the length-to-diameter ratio increases. In contrast, at a strain rate of approximately 30 s−1, the peak strength increases with an increase in the length-to-diameter ratio. There is a linear relationship between the incident energy and absorbed energy of the intact and IDWS specimens. Under the same incident energy, the IDWS specimens show higher absorbed energy than the intact specimens. This relationship is independent of the length-to-diameter ratio of rock specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three Schiff bases; Lhy, Lme, and Lph, as well as their CuLhy, CuLme, and CuLph complexes, were synthesized, and their physicochemical properties were investigated. Vibrational spectra proposed that the hydrazone ligands reacted as neutral tridentate chelator with NNO chelating centers to the Cu(II) ion via azomethine-N, Isatin-carbonyl, and pyridine-N forming the general formulae [Cu(L)2]Cl2 nH2O, where L = neutral tridentate Isatin-hydrazone ligand (L = Lhy, (CuLhy); L = Lme, (CuLme); L = Lph, (CuLph)). TG/DTA analyses have shown that there is at least one water molecule in each of the complexes. The spectrophotometric method was used to calculate the stoichiometry and thermodynamic characteristics of the metal complexes. By using density functional theory (DFT) techniques, the 3D structure of the produced complexes was verified. Based on an investigation of the electronic structural configurations of the complexes, calculations verified the predicted structure and clarified the nature of the chemical reactivity. Cu(II) adsorption from aqueous solutions onto ligands was investigated in a number of different settings. The influence of the initial metal concentration (10–100 ppm), the weight of the hydrazone ligands (0.1–1.0 gm), and the contact period (1–2 h) were all investigated as potential moderators of the uptake behavior. In just three hours, equilibrium had been reached thanks to the speedy adsorption process. An initial pH of ≈ 6–8 with a metal ion concentration of 80 ppm was found to be optimal. Iodine (I2) uptake behavior of hydrazone ligands was also studied using spectroscopy. In the first 8 h, hydrazone ligands exhibited high adsorption efficiency (E, %), which gradually declined until equilibrium was achieved after 25 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the characteristics of rock hardness variation under different temperature paths is of great significance to expand the deep rock-breaking capacity. In this study, high temperature treatments with four temperature paths of slow heating–natural cooling (S–S), fast heating–natural cooling (F–S), slow heating–water cooling (S–F), and fast heating–water cooling (F–F) were conducted on sandstone specimens in the temperature range of 25–900 °C. Leeb hardness and indentation hardness tests were conducted on the rocks after heat treatment, and the influence of temperature paths on rock hardness and its mechanism was studied and discussed. In addition, chromaticity and wave velocity tests were conducted to analyze the correlation between the hardness of thermally-damaged rock and chromaticity and P-wave velocity. The results showed that, with increasing temperature, the Leeb hardness and indentation hardness of sandstone under S–S and F–S paths increased first (25–300 °C), then decreased (300–700 °C) and then increased (700–900 °C), while the Leeb hardness and indentation hardness under S–F and F–F paths decreased gradually. For natural cooling treatment, sandstone hardness under F–S path was slightly higher than that under S–S path before 500 °C, and under S–S path it was higher when the temperature reached 500 °C and hotter. Compared to natural cooling, water cooling resulted in more severe damage to the heat-treated sandstone, manifested in lower hardness values. Combined with scanning electron microscopy, it was found that different degrees of crack propagation caused by thermal stress generated by the temperature gradient in rocks under different temperature paths was the main reason for different degrees of rock damage. There was no significant correlation between rock chromaticity and hardness parameters, while a good linear correlation was shown between P-wave wave velocity and hardness parameters, indicating that the hardness of thermally-damaged rocks can be predicted by P-wave velocity to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of C–S–Hs–PCE and sodium sulfate into Portland cement containing 20 wt% lithium slag (LS) powder was investigated, in order to strengthen early mechanical properties. Hydration properties and microstructure of cement-LS system were analyzed. Results showed that C–S–Hs–PCE was advantageous for modifying fluidity of fresh LS-cement binder, while increased dosage of sodium sulfate decreased dispersibility of fresh paste. C–S–Hs–PCE and sodium sulfate exhibited a synergistic effect on strength enhancement, hydration acceleration as well as setting behavior of LS-cement binder. Sodium sulfate increased alkalinity of interstitial solution and promoted dissolution of LS. Dissolved Al and Si from LS powder reacted with dissolved sulfate ions from sodium sulfate to produce extra hydrates, and C–S–Hs–PCE accelerated pozzolanic reaction and hydration reaction via nucleation effect collaborated with dispersing effect. The accelerated hydration generated more AFt and C–S–H gel in the matrix. Newly formed hydrates promoted exceedingly the appearance of network, leading to a refinement of pore structure as well as enhancement in mechanical strength. Application of LS into cement as a greener binder could be obtained by synergistic adoption of C–S–Hs–PCE and sodium sulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the biological role and mechanism underlying the effects of colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). CCAT2 expression levels in clinical LSCC samples and TU-212 cell line were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. The correlation of CCAT2 expression level with clinical-pathological characteristics of patients and their prognosis was analyzed. The functional role of CCAT2 in human LSCC was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell assay, flow cytometric analysis, and LSCC xenograft experiment in vivo. The expression of potential targeted proteins was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We found that expression of CCAT2 was significantly elevated in LSCC tissues and TU-212 cells (p<0.05). Survival analysis showed that LSCC patients with high expression of CCAT2 had a shorter 5-year overall survival rate than those with low expression (p<0.05). In addition, CCAT2 silencing with short hairpin RNA significantly decreased the proliferative and invasive potential of TU-212 cells (p<0.05) and promoted their apoptosis. In Nude mice, CCAT2 knockdown suppressed the growth of tumor and decreased its volume and weight in comparison with the controls (p<0.05). In TU-212 cells, CCAT2 silencing with short hairpin RNA significantly down-regulated the expression of β-catenin and CDK8 (p<0.05). Thus, knockdown of CCAT2 suppresses proliferation and invasion of the cells and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in LSCC, which indicates novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators in patients with LSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating gene function relies on the efficient manipulation of endogenous gene expression. Currently, a limited number of tools are available to robustly manipulate endogenous gene expression between "on" and "off" states. In this study, we insert a 63 bp coding sequence of T3H38 ribozyme into the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of C. elegans endogenous genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which reduces the endogenous gene expression to a nearly undetectable level and generated loss-of-function phenotypes similar to that of the genetic null animals. To achieve conditional knockout, a cassette of loxP-flanked transcriptional termination signal and ribozyme is inserted into the 3' UTR of endogenous genes, which eliminates gene expression spatially or temporally via the controllable expression of the Cre recombinase. Conditional endogenous gene turn-on can be achieved by either injecting morpholino, which blocks the ribozyme self-cleavage activity or using the Cre recombinase to remove the loxP-flanked ribozyme. Together, our results demonstrate that these ribozyme-based tools can efficiently manipulate endogenous gene expression both in space and time and expand the toolkit for studying the functions of endogenous genes. Manipulation of endogenous genes in space and time in C. elegans is accomplished by inserting a ribozyme sequence into the 3'UTR with CRISPR/Cas9, utilizing self-cleavage of the ribozyme and Cre/loxP system as an "off and "on" switch, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal deformities due to various causes affect the aesthetics and use of the nose, in which case rhinoplasty is necessary. However, the lack of cartilage for grafting has been a major problem and tissue engineering seems to be a promising solution. 3D bioprinting has become one of the most advanced tissue engineering methods. To construct ideal cartilage, bio‐ink, seed cells, growth factors and other methods to promote chondrogenesis should be considered and weighed carefully. With continuous progress in the field, bio‐ink choices are becoming increasingly abundant, from a single hydrogel to a combination of hydrogels with various characteristics, and more 3D bioprinting methods are also emerging. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become one of the most popular seed cells in cartilage 3D bioprinting, owing to their abundance, excellent proliferative potential, minimal morbidity during harvest and lack of ethical considerations limitations. In addition, the co‐culture of ADSCs and chondrocytes is commonly used to achieve better chondrogenesis. To promote chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs and construct ideal highly bionic tissue‐engineered cartilage, researchers have used a variety of methods, including adding appropriate growth factors, applying biomechanical stimuli and reducing oxygen tension. According to the process and sequence of cartilage 3D bioprinting, this review summarizes and discusses the selection of hydrogel and seed cells (centered on ADSCs), the design of printing, and methods for inducing the chondrogenesis of ADSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Liver metastasis (LM) is reported in approximately 40% of patients with advanced/ metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma; mGEA) and is associated with a worse prognosis. This post-hoc analysis from the RAINBOW trial reported the efficacy, safety, and biomarker outcomes of ramucirumab and paclitaxel combination treatment (RAM+PAC) in patients with (LM+) and without (LM−) LM at baseline. Materials and Methods: Patients (n=665) were randomly assigned on a 1:1 basis to receive either RAM+PAC (LM+: 150, LM−: 180) or placebo and paclitaxel (PL+PAC) (LM+: 138, LM−: 197). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated using stratified Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression models. The correlation of dichotomized biomarkers (VEGF-C, D; VEGFR-1,2) with efficacy in the LM+ versus LM− subgroups was analyzed using the Cox regression model with reported interaction P-values. Results: The presence of LM was associated with earlier progression than those without LM, particularly in patients receiving PL+PAC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68). RAM+PAC treatment improved OS and PFS irrespective of LM status but showed greater improvement in LM+ than that in LM− (OS HR, 0.71 [LM+] vs. 0.88 [LM−]; PFS HR, 0.47 [LM+] vs. 0.76 [LM−]). Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between patients with and without LM. No predictive relationship was observed between biomarker levels (VEGF-C, D; VEGFR-1,2) and efficacy outcome (OS, PFS) (all interaction P-values >0.05). Conclusions: RAM provided a significant benefit, irrespective of LM status; however, its effect was numerically stronger in patients with LM. Therefore, RAM+PAC is a clinically meaningful therapeutic option for patients with mGEA and LM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal the shear-seepage coupling characteristics of fractured specimens under cyclic loading and unloading, the specific test device and test method were designed in this study. The cyclic loading and unloading shear-seepage coupling test on the fractured rock mass under different confining pressures and seepage pressures was carried out by processing "double L-shaped" specimens, and the change laws of the shear characteristics and seepage characteristics of fractured specimens with different roughness were experimentally investigated. The results indicated that the peak shear stress, residual shear stress, and shear stiffness of rough fractures all increase with increasing confining pressure, while the change in normal dilatation displacement is the opposite. Under a constant normal stress, the permeability of rough fracture decreases, increase, and then stabilizes with increasing shear displacement. The peak shear stress of the smooth fracture is 3.7 times lower than that of the rough fracture with the same shear displacement, and the smooth sandstone specimens are all in a shear shrinkage state, with the normal shrinkage displacement of less than 1.0 mm. In addition, during unloading, permeability increases to some extent but cannot recover to the original value. The confining pressure causes permanent damage to the permeability of fractured rock mass. The permeability of sandstone specimens changes primarily in the early loading stage and late unloading stage. Based on the test results, the relationship between permeability and confining pressure follows a negative exponential function under cyclic loading and unloading conditions. Highlights: The shear-seepage coupling test device and test method were designed. The effect of seepage pressure on the hydro-mechanical coupling of rough fractures has a threshold value. The permeability of rough fractured specimen changes in the staged manner of "decrease-increase-stability" with increasing shear displacement. The initial stage of loading and the later stage of unloading are the main stages of permeability change of fractured sandstone specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of Biliverdin Reductase A (BLVRA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation, invasion and migration remains unclear. Therefore, this research intends to explore the effect of BLVRA on HCC cells growth and metastasis. BLVRA expression was analyzed in public dataset and examined by using western blot. The malignant function of BLVRA in HCC cell lines and its effect on Wnt/β-catenin pathway were measured. Analysis from GEPIA website showed that BLVRA expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues, and high expression of BLVRA resulted in worse prognosis of HCC patients. Results from western blot showed that BLVRA expression was obviously increased in HCC cell lines. Moreover, HepG2 and Hep3B cells in si-BLVRA-1 or si-BLVRA-2 group displayed an obvious reduction in its proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and migration compared to those in the si-control group. Additionally, si-BLVRA-1 or si-BLVRA-2 transfection significantly reduced the protein levels of Vimentin, Snail1 and Snail2, as well as decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Bax and cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Furthermore, si-BLVRA treatment inhibited the protein levels of c-MYC, β-catenin, and Cyclin D1. After IWP-4 (Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor) treatment, the proliferation ability of HCC cells was significantly reduced. BLVRA expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues and cell lines, and knocked down of BLVRA could suppress the proliferation, invasion and migration in HCC cell lines, as well as induce cell apoptosis. Moreover, si-BLVRA transfection blocked the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The development of effective and practical adsorbents for eliminating pollutants still remains a significant challenge. Herein, we synthesized a novel magnetically separable composite, Co 0.6 Fe 2.4 O 4 /MIL-101-NH 2 , through the in-situ growth of MIL-101-NH 2 on magnetic nanoparticles, designed specifically for the removal of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. MIL-101-NH 2 possessed high BET surface area (240.485 m 2 •g -1 ) and facile magnetic separation function and can be swiftly separated (within 30 s) through an external magnetic field post-adsorption. The investigation systematically explored the influence of crucial parameters, including adsorbent dosage, pH, adsorption duration, temperature, and the presence of interfering ions, on CR adsorption performance. Findings indicate that CR adsorption adheres to the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis reveals the spontaneity, endothermic nature, and orderly progression of the adsorption process. Remarkably, the adsorbent with 0.1 g•L -1 boasts an impressive maximum adsorption capacity of 1756.19 mg•g -1 for CR at 298.15 K, establishing its competitive advantage. The reuse of the adsorbent over 5 cycles remains 78% of the initial adsorption. The CR adsorption mechanisms were elucidated, emphasizing the roles of π-π interactions, electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, and metal coordination. Comparison with other dyes, such as methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), and exploration of adsorption performance in binary dye systems, demonstrates the superior capacity and selectivity of this adsorbent for CR. In conclusion, our magnetically separable metal-organic framework (MOF)based composite presents a versatile and effective solution for CR removal, with promising applications in water treatment and environmental remediation., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Peritoneal dissemination represents a poor prognostic indicator in gastric cancer. Despite a comprehensive molecular characterization of this disease, no peritoneal dissemination-specific signature has been identified, limiting the tailoring of the surgical and oncological treatments. In this review, we outline the available literature focusing on the role of the different molecular pathways involved in the acquisition of peritoneal metastatic dissemination. Summary: According to our results, several molecular determinants are associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis and are involved in several cellular and molecular carcinogenetic processes. However, a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular landscape of gastric carcinosis is still lacking. Key Messages: More efforts should be made toward the integration of molecular and histologic data to perform a risk prediction assessment of peritoneal dissemination based on molecular profiling and histological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiro-OMeTAD, one of the most widely used hole-transport materials (HTMs) in optoelectronic devices, typically requires chemical doping with a lithium compound (LiTFSI) to attain sufficient conductivity and efficient hole extraction. However, the doping step requires an activation process that comprises exposure of the blend films to an ambient atmosphere. Additionally, the lithium dopant induces crystallization, and its hygroscopic nature negatively impacts device performance and lifetime. Here we report a facile approach based on the incorporation of a low-cost alkylthiol additive (1-dodecanethiol, DDT) in the spiro-OMeTAD HTM. We discover that DDT provides a more efficient and controllable doping process with significantly reduced doping duration, enabling the HTM to achieve comparable performance before air activation. The coordination between DDT and LiTFSI increases the concentration of dopants in the HTM bulk, reduces their accumulation at interfaces, and enhances the structural integrity of the HTM under wetting, heat and light stress. We fabricate perovskite solar cells using DDT-treated spiro-OMeTAD as the HTM. Our best devices exhibit a certified power conversion efficiency of 23.1%. Furthermore, the devices can retain 90% of peak performance under continuous illumination for 1,000 h. Our findings represent an important step forward in the production of doped spiro-OMeTAD, as well as its reliable application and future device commercialization. The addition of DDT to the spiro-OMeTAD hole transport material enhances the stability of perovskite solar cells to humidity, heat and illumination stress. Fabricated devices exhibit a champion certified power conversion efficiency of 23.1%. Also, the devices could retain 90% of the initial efficiency after 1,000 h of continuous illumination, 97% under moisture stress for 530 h and 91% under 144 h of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a CuxS/GO composite hole transport layer is prepared on the surface of TiO2/CuInS2 photo-electrodes to modulate the charge transfer efficiency of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. The normalized PL intensity of TiO2/CuInS2 photo-electrodes had been obviously quenched with the as-prepared CuxS/GO composite hole transport layer, which had exhibited excellent charge separation properties of the solar cells. Due to the reduce of charge recombination traps under CuxS/GO composite hole transport layer, the charge transfer efficiency of the solar cells had been effectively improved. As a result, the higher Voc, FF and Jsc value can be obtained for TiO2/CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells with this CuxS/GO composite hole transport layer, which had exhibited the photovoltaic conversion efficiency enhancement from 4.85% to 6.07%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polycarboxylate superplasticizer/calcium silicate hydrate (PCE/C–S–H) nanocomposites have been used as an enhancing agent for the early strength development of cementitious materials by providing nucleation site for cement hydrates. This study aims to investigate the mechanism and the effect of PCE on the microstructure and properties of C–S–H. PCE/C–S–H with varying calcium-to-silicon ratio (C/S) are prepared via the co-precipitation method in PCE solution using methyl ally polyethylene glycol (MAPEG) as macromonomer and characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, TG, DSC, TEM, DLS, zeta potential and TOC. The mortar strength containing PCE/C–S–H with different C/S ratio is investigated at early curing age. The results from XRD show that the basal spacing of C–S–H interlayer is increased, indicating that the PCE can intercalate into the interlayer of C–S–H, which is consistent with the results from TG and DSC. Besides, the synthesized C–S–H can be well protected from carbonation in the presence of PCE. Combining the results of XRD, FTIR and TOC, it can be revealed that PCE only can graft in the vacant sites in silicate chain of C–S–H with C/S ratio of 1.7. Zeta potential results show that PCE can adsorb the surface of C–S–H. The results from mortar compressive strength show that the PCE/C–S–H with low C/S has a more acceleration performance than high C/S for low calcium content of PCE/C–S–H that contains more loose foil-like flasks than higher content of calcium, which can provide more nucleation sites for hydration products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The prognosis of patients with resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is still unsatisfactory, with a high recurrence rate. We aimed to evaluate risks of recurrence changing over time and the survival benefit of resection for recurrent ICC., Methods: This study included patients who underwent hepatectomy for ICC during 1995-2020. Risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing initial resection and overall survival (OS) in patients who developed recurrence after initial resection were analyzed. Conditional cumulative incidence of recurrence was assessed., Results: A total of 169 patients were included in the study and 114 patients (67.5%) developed recurrence. Cumulative analyses showed that the 5-year recurrence rate was 69.3% at the time of initial resection but decreased to 24.8% in patients free from recurrence at 2 years after initial resection and 2.6% in patients free from recurrence at 4 years. Re-resection was carried out in 26 (22.8%) of 114 patients who developed recurrence. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated re-resection (hazard ratio [HR] 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-0.40, p < 0.001), microvascular invasion (MVI) (HR 2.39; 95% CI 1.05-5.40, p = 0.037), and disease-free interval (months) (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-1.00, p = 0.067) were significantly associated with longer OS after recurrence., Conclusions: Although the rate of recurrence remains high, conditional cumulative recurrence rate analysis showed that the rate of recurrence decreased by disease-free interval. Resection of recurrent ICC was associated with improved OS, particularly among patients with longer disease-free interval and absence of MVI after initial hepatectomy., (© 2023 The Authors. Hepatology Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Society of Hepatology.)

MET, the hepatocyte growth factor receptor is amplified in 8% of gastroesophageal (GO) malignancies and associated with poor prognosis. Therapeutic targeting of MET amplification and MET mutations has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with GO cancers (GOC). The efficacy of MET inhibition (METi) in preclinical studies has yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the treatment paradigm for unselected GOC. MET amplification has been proposed as a superior modality for patient selection; however even if confirmed, frequency and duration of response to METi are limited by rapid activation of primary and secondary resistance pathways. These observations illustrate the challenges inherent in the application of precision oncology predicated on the theory of oncogenic addiction. A standardized definition of MET positivity is critical to enhance patient selection. Early successes targeting the METex14 skipping mutation demonstrate the potent therapeutic effects of METi in a clearly molecularly defined cohort. There is robust preclinical rationale and early-phase data supporting exploitation of immune system interaction with MET. Pragmatic investigation of rational therapeutic combinations based on molecular profiling of both primary and metastatic disease sites with sequential circulating tumor DNA analysis can inform successful clinical development of METi agents in GOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen, characteristic in biomimetic composition and hierarchical structure, boasts a huge potential in repairing cartilage defect due to its extraordinary bioactivities and regulated physicochemical properties, such as low immunogenicity, biocompatibility and controllable degradation, which promotes the cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. Therefore, collagen-based biomaterial has been explored as porous scaffolds or functional coatings in cell-free scaffold and tissue engineering strategy for cartilage repairing. Among those forming technologies, freeze-dry is frequently used with special modifications while 3D-printing and electrospinning serve as the structure-controller in a more precise way. Besides, appropriate cross-linking treatment and incorporation with bioactive substance generally help the collagen-based biomaterials to meet the physicochemical requirement in the defect site and strengthen the repairing performance. Furthermore, comprehensive evaluations on the repair effects of biomaterials are sorted out in terms of in vitro, in vivo and clinical assessments, focusing on the morphology observation, characteristic production and critical gene expression. Finally, the challenge of biomaterial-based therapy for cartilage defect repairing was summarized, which is, the adaption to the highly complex structure and functional difference of cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now, luminescence properties of Eu2+-activated Ca-α-Sialon (Ca-α-Sialon:Eu2+) and Ce3+-doped lutetium aluminium garnet (LuAG:Ce3+) have been widely studied in free or encapsulated forms in polymeric matrices individually. On the other hand, quinine sulphate (QS), which has been accepted as a "quantum yield standard" for the fluorescence spectroscopy due to the excellent emission performance, has also been investigated many times, for different purposes. In this work, we studied excitation and emission behaviour of quinine sulphate–phosphor blends consisting of Ca-α-Sialon:Eu2+/QS and LuAG:Ce3+/QS in polymethyl methacrylate matrix for the first time. The Ca-α-Sialon exhibited approximately 44% increase in the emission intensity when encapsulated along with the Quinine sulphate in the solid state. Similarly, the LuAG:Ce3+ exhibited 98% increased brightness when used in QS containing PMMA matrix. Decay time measurements performed in nanosecond and microsecond time scales supported a potential energy transfer from the QS to the phosphors. The promising results obtained in this study may open a cost-effective way to enhance the optical performance of the both phosphors, which are basic materials for the fabrication of LED bulbs, smartphone and televisions screens, monitors, and panels of other electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a facile and effective strategy to prepare three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical flower-like Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (3D-LDH) was developed via a one-step double-drop coprecipitation method using γ-Al2O3 particles as a template. The characterization and experimental results showed that the calcined product, 3D-LDO, features a large specific surface area of 204.2 m2/g, abundant active sites, and excellent adsorption performance for Congo red (CR), methyl orange (MO), and methyl blue (MB). The maximum adsorption capacities of 3D-LDO for CR, MO, and MB were 1428.6, 476.2, and 1666.7 mg/g, respectively; such performance is superior to that of most reported adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism of organic anionic dyes by 3D-LDO was extensively investigated and attributed to surface adsorption, the memory effect of 3D-LDO, and the unique 3D hierarchical flower-like structure of the adsorbent. Recycling performance tests revealed that 3D-LDO has satisfactory reusability for the three organic anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, cancer has become one of the leading causes of mortality. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) is a family of critical sensors of lipids as well as regulators of diverse metabolic pathways. They are also equipped with the capability to promote eNOS activation, regulate immunity and inflammation response. Aside from the established properties, emerging discoveries are also made in PPAR's functions in the cancer field. All considerations are given, there exists great potential in PPAR modulators which may hold in the management of cancers. In particular, PPAR-γ, the most expressed subtype in adipose tissues with two isoforms of different tissue distribution, has been proven to be able to inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell cycle termination and apoptosis of multiple cancer cells, promote intercellular adhesion, and cripple the inflamed state of tumor microenvironment, both on transcriptional and protein level. However, despite the multi-functionalities, the safety of PPAR-γ modulators is still of clinical concern in terms of dosage, drug interactions, cancer types and stages, etc. This review aims to consolidate the functions of PPAR-γ, the current and potential applications of PPAR-γ modulators, and the challenges in applying PPAR-γ modulators to cancer treatment, in both laboratory and clinical settings. We sincerely hope to provide a comprehensive perspective on the prospect of PPAR-γ applicability in the field of cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]