FOXM1 promotes neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor progression in a NUF2-dependent manner.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas characterized by poor prognosis and low drug response rates. Traditional chemo/radiotherapies show only mild benefits for patients with MPNSTs, and no targeted therapy is available in the clinic. A better understanding of the molecular background of MPNSTs is critical for the development of effective targeted therapies.

RRM2 as a novel prognostic and therapeutic target of NF1-associated MPNST.

Background: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that typically develop in the setting of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and cause significant morbidity. Conventional therapies are often ineffective for MPNSTs. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) is involved in DNA synthesis and repair, and is overexpressed in multiple cancers.

M6A-Related Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals a New Prognostic Risk Signature in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most deadly skin cancer worldwide. Despite advances in the treatments of CMM, its incidence and mortality rates are still increasing. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of RNA modification and has attracted increasing interest in cancer initiation and progression.

Quality of Life in Chinese Patients With Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevi.

Background: Large congenital melanocytic nevus (LCMN) is a rare skin disease that deeply affects an individual's appearance, may influence patients' self-evaluation and social relationships, and further affects their quality of life (QoL). The Skindex-29 and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) are valid instruments used to evaluate QoL specifically. It is necessary to assess the QoL of patients with LCMN and summarize potentially impactful factors to help people understand LCMN patients and assist doctors in offering professional advice.

Establishment and characterization of an immortalized human giant congenital melanocytic nevi cell line.

Treatments for giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are extremely limited. Thus, there is an urgent need for development of relevant targeted therapies. However, current lack of preclinical cell models restricts progress in GCMN research.

Spatiotemporal expression of NRAS and occurrence of giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

The mechanism underlying giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) formation is not fully understood. According to recent research, NRAS gene mutation is the main driving factor in GCMN. Melanocytic precursor cells proliferate during the embryonic stage after acquiring NRAS mutations.

A large-scale collection of giant congenital melanocytic nevi: Clinical and histopathological characteristics.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) place a heavy psychological burden on patients due to their poor cosmetic appearance. The histopathological characteristics of GCMN have remained largely elusive. The present study investigated the histopathological characteristics of GCMN in association with their clinical appearance.

Adipose-derived stem cells embedded in platelet-rich plasma scaffolds improve the texture of skin grafts in a rat full-thickness wound model.

Skin grafts are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Increasing the early vascularization of skin grafts is a key factor in improving skin grafting. In this study, we use platelet-rich plasma gel as an adipose-derived stem cell scaffold to assist the growth of rat skin grafts.

Novel triple-reassortant influenza viruses in pigs, Guangxi, China.

Considered a "mixing vessel" for influenza viruses, pigs can give rise to new influenza virus reassortants that can threaten humans. During our surveillance of pigs in Guangxi, China from 2013 to 2015, we isolated 11 H1N1 and three H3N2 influenza A viruses of swine origin (IAVs-S). Out of the 14, we detected ten novel triple-reassortant viruses, which contained surface genes (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) from Eurasian avian-like (EA) H1N1 or seasonal human-like H3N2, matrix (M) genes from H1N1/2009 pandemic or EA H1N1, nonstructural (NS) genes from classical swine, and the remaining genes from H1N1/2009 pandemic.

Therapeutic effects of targeting RAS-ERK signaling in giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

Most giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) exhibit an activating mutation in NRAS. Constitutive activation of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway induces proliferation in nevus cells and plays a pivotal role in melanoma development. In this study, we studied the efficacy of RAS-ERK pathway targeted therapy in GCMN.

Activation of TRPV4 Increases Neovascularization of Rat Prefabricated Flaps.

Background:  Inadequate neovascularization is a major risk factor that can lead to subsequent necrosis of prefabricated flaps. Recent evidence indicates that transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 (TRPV4) activates growth and remodeling of collateral arteries in ischemia tissues by responding to elevated fluid shear stress (FSS). Therefore, we evaluated whether TRPV4 could increase neovascularization in prefabricated flaps in a rat model.

A series of rat segmental forelimb ectopic implantation models.

Temporary ectopic implantation has been performed in clinical practice to salvage devascularized amputated tissues for delayed replantation purpose. In this study, we established a series of segmental forelimb ectopic implantation models in rats, including forelimb, forearm, forepaw, digit, and double forelimbs, to mimic the clinical context. Time of amputated limbs harvesting in donors and ectopic implantation process in recipients were recorded.

Effect of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway on hypoxia-induced proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation has been demonstrated to be an effective way of augmenting angiogenesis of ischemic tissue. The low oxygen conditions in ischemic tissue directly affect the biological behavior of engrafted cells. However, to date, the mechanism through which hypoxia regulates self-renewal, differentiation and paracrine function of BM-MSCs remains unclear.

Identification of Key Modules and Hub Genes of Keloids with Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis.

Background: Keloid scarring impairs patients' quality of life, and although many therapeutic strategies have been developed, most remain unsatisfactory because of limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying keloid development.

Methods: A microarray gene expression data set from keloid tissue was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts and keratinocytes underwent functional annotation and pathway analysis.

Growth Differentiation Factor-9 Promotes Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration in Keloids through the Smad2/3 Pathway.

Background: Keloids are fibroproliferative scars that develop as a result of a dysregulated wound healing process; however, the molecular mechanisms of keloid pathogenesis remain unclear. Keloids are characterized by the ability to spread beyond the original boundary of the wound, and they represent a significant clinical challenge. Previous work from our group suggested that growth differentiation factor (GDF)-9 plays a role in the invasive behavior of keloids.

An Anatomical Murine Model of Heterotopic Periorbital Subunit Transplantation.

Background: Conventional reconstructive methods fail to achieve satisfactory results in total eyelid defect cases. Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation might provide both good appearance and function for these patients. The structure of the eyelid is exceptional because it simultaneously consists of skin, connective tissue, the striated muscle, fiber structure, aponeuroses, and mucosa.

Differences in reproductive toxicology between alopecia drugs: an analysis on adverse events among female and male cases.

Alopecia is a dermatological condition with limited therapeutic options. Only two drugs, finasteride and minoxidil, are approved by FDA for alopecia treatment. However, little is known about the differences in adverse effects between these two drugs.

An algorithm for using expanded cervical flaps to resurface facial defects based on five different methods.

Background: For patients with healthy skin in the cervical region, the expanded cervical flap method is highly recommended for resurfacing facial skin defects. Many methods exist that use an expanded cervical flap. However, a gold standard for selecting the appropriate method for each patient is lacking.

Rat model of heterotopic toe allotransplantation.

Background: Finger allotransplantation is a promising treatment for severe finger destruction. However, more research is required to decrease the risks of this procedure to a level at which the clinical use of this non-life-saving procedure is justified. A proper animal model is essential for the required experiments.

Emergence of human-like H3N2 influenza viruses in pet dogs in Guangxi, China.

Background: After the 1968 H3N2 pandemic emerged in humans, H3N2 influenza viruses continuously circulated and evolved in nature. An H3N2 variant was circulating in humans in the 1990s and subsequently introduced into the pig population in the 2000s. This virus gradually became the main subtype of swine influenza virus worldwide.

Tanshinon IIA injection accelerates tissue expansion by reducing the formation of the fibrous capsule.

The tissue expansion technique has been applied to obtain new skin tissue to repair large defects in clinical practice. The implantation of tissue expander could initiate a host response to foreign body (FBR), which leads to fibrotic encapsulation around the expander and prolongs the period of tissue expansion. Tanshinon IIA (Tan IIA) has been shown to have anti-inflammation and immunoregulation effect.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate prolongs the survival of skin allografts by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and T cell proliferation.

Acute rejection is a major problem for allograft transplantation in the clinic. Classic immunosuppressive drug therapy is accompanied by a variety of side effects. Therefore, safe and effective immunosuppressive drugs remain in demand.

Foreign body response induced by tissue expander implantation.

The foreign body response (FBR) is described as the host's response to implanted biomaterials, which involves a complex cascade of immune modulators. The dynamic changes of immune cells, inflammatory cytokines and the formation of a fibrous capsule remain to be elucidated. In the present study, a model of subcutaneous implantation of a tissue expander was used.