Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization and surface morphology.

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on the yields of phenolics and flavonoids extracted from the black mulberry fruit. This study selected the molar ratios of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors HBD at 1:2 from previous studies.

Reconstruction of Full Thickness Defects on the Scalp With Artificial Dermal Regeneration Template: Analysis of Long-Term Results in 68 Cases.

Background: Artificial skin substitute templates have been shown to be a reliable solution for the reconstruction of large scalp defects with exposed skull bone, but there is a lack of long-term data.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the long-term outcome of the procedure in a large cohort of 68 cases.

Materials And Methods: In total, 58 patients with 68 full thickness scalp defects with exposed skull bone, were included.

Melanoma-Derived iPCCs Show Differential Tumorigenicity and Therapy Response.

A point mutation in the BRAF gene, leading to a constitutively active form of the protein, is present in 45%-60% of patients and acts as a key driver in melanoma. Shortly after therapy induction, resistance to MAPK pathway-specific inhibitors develops, indicating that pathway inhibition is circumvented by epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we mimicked epigenetic modifications in melanoma cells by reprogramming them into metastable induced pluripotent cancer cells (iPCCs) with the ability to terminally differentiate into non-tumorigenic lineages.

TGF-β induces SOX2 expression in a time-dependent manner in human melanoma cells.

The sry-related high-mobility box (SOX)-2 protein has recently been proven to play a significant role in progression, metastasis, and clinical prognosis spanning several cancer types. Research on the role of SOX2 in melanoma is limited and currently little is known about the mechanistic function of this gene in this context. Here, we observed high expression of SOX2 in both human melanoma cell lines and primary melanomas in contrast to melanocytic nevi.

Directed Dedifferentiation Using Partial Reprogramming Induces Invasive Phenotype in Melanoma Cells.

The combination of cancer-focused studies and research related to nuclear reprogramming has gained increasing importance since both processes-reprogramming towards pluripotency and malignant transformation-share essential features. Studies have revealed that incomplete reprogramming of somatic cells leads to malignant transformation indicating that epigenetic regulation associated with iPSC generation can drive cancer development [J Mol Cell Biol 2011;341-350; Cell 2012;151:1617-1632; Cell 2014;156:663-677]. However, so far it is unclear whether incomplete reprogramming also affects cancer cells and their function.

NF1 loss induces senescence during human melanocyte differentiation in an iPSC-based model.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a frequent genetic disease leading to the development of Schwann cell-derived neurofibromas or melanocytic lesions called café-au-lait macules (CALMs). The molecular mechanisms involved in CALMs formation remain largely unknown. In this report, we show for the first time pathophysiological mechanisms of abnormal melanocyte differentiation in a human NF1(+/-) -induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model.

New therapeutic options for advanced non-resectable malignant melanoma.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor which is inclined to metastasize promptly into the lymphatic system and other organs such as lung, liver, brain or bone. Therefore early diagnosis remains crucial for improving clinical outcome for melanoma patients. Current chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy regimes have shown little clinical benefit with no improvement in overall survival.

SOX2 and cancer: current research and its implications in the clinic.

SOX2 is a gene that encodes for a transcription factor belonging to the SOX gene family and contains a high-mobility group (HMG) domain, which permits highly specific DNA binding. Consequently, SOX2 functions as an activator or suppressor of gene transcription. SOX2 has been described as an essential embryonic stem cell gene and moreover, a necessary factor for induced cellular reprogramming.

From skin to other cell types of the body.

Regenerative medicine allows for the customization of tissues and organs which may bring hope to patients with incurable diseases and severe injuries. Therefore, reliable and safe methods for the generation of specific cell types must be established. Recently, different strategies have emerged to convert somatic cells into differentiated cells of interest.

Delayed closure of complex defects with serial tightening of loop sutures - clinical outcome in 64 consecutive patients.

Background: Direct wound closure, flaps or grafts are considered to be gold standards for the reconstruction of defects. However, these techniques may not be applicable in all cases, especially for the challenging closure of large defects.

Objective: We developed a technique to close large defects, of varying size and shape, using serial tightening loop sutures.

A dominant negative zebrafish Ahr2 partially protects developing zebrafish from dioxin toxicity.

The toxicity by 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is thought to be caused by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). However, our understanding of how AHR activation by TCDD leads to toxic effects is poor. Ideally we would like to manipulate AHR activity in specific tissues and at specific times.