NSDHL contributes to breast cancer stem-like cell maintenance and tumor-initiating capacity through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in MCF-7 tumor spheroid.

Background: NAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like protein (NSDHL), which is involved in breast tumor growth and metastasis, has been implicated in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. However, its role in regulating breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) remains unclear. We have previously reported the clinical significance of NSDHL in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer.

A novel strategy and characteristics of PVA/citric acid cross-linked hydrophilic elastic sponge of cellulose based on medicinal herb residue.

A new ultra-hydrophilic elastic sponge composite has been proposed. Medicinal herbs, commonly used in herbal medicine and subsequently discarded, are rich in natural polymer substances, making them promising candidates for various material industries. TEMPO-oxidized cellulose was extracted from medicinal herb residue, and the physicochemical properties of an ultra-hydrophilic elastic sponge, prepared through a PVA and CA impregnate cross-linking process, were investigated.

Impact of media compositions and culture systems on the immunophenotypes of patient-derived breast cancer cells.

Background: Heterogeneous tumor cells are thought to be a significant factor in the failure of endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers. Culturing patient-derived breast cancer cells (PDBCCs) provides an invaluable tool in pre-clinical and translational research for the heterogeneity of cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different media components and culture methods on the BCSC-associated immunophenotypes and gene expression in ER + PDBCCs.

The effect of Salix alba L. bark extract on dark circles in vitro and in vivo.

Objective: Dark circles in the infraorbital area are a common cosmetic concern among individuals because they exhibit fatigue and are undesirable across all ages. Of the dark circle etiologies, blood stasis by poor-vascular integrity can cause darkening of the lower eyelid skin, which might be alleviated by reduced endothelial permeability. In this study, we investigated the effects of Salix alba bark extract (SABE) on the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) in fibroblasts and vascular integrity protection from inflammatory cytokine.

Effect of Flower Extract on Skin Aging Induced by Glycation.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have recently been increasingly discussed as one factor of skin aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of flower (CFE) extract on glycation in relation to skin aging and skin elasticity. Moreover, we learned the main active constituent of CFE that has effects against glycation.

Melanogenesis-promoting effect of Cirsium japonicum flower extract in vitro and ex vivo.

Objective: In this study, we examined the effect of C. japonicum flower extract (CFE) on melanogenesis and its mechanism in vitro and ex vivo.

Methods: The effect of CFE on melanogenesis was investigated with lightly (HEMn-LP) and moderately (HEMn-MP) pigmented normal human melanocytes, reconstituted three-dimensional skin (3D skin) model and ex vivo human hair follicles.

Application of immunotherapy based on dendritic cells stimulated by tumor cell-derived exosomes in a syngeneic breast tumor mouse model.

We here evaluated the therapeutic effect of tumor cell-derived exosomes (TEXs)-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) in a syngeneic orthotopic breast tumor model. The DC line DC2.4 and breast cancer cell line E0771 originally isolated from C57BL/6 mice were used.

Experience with a Hybrid Procedure Involving Laparoscopic Fundoplication with Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Chronically Ill Children.

Gastrostomy with concurrent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is often performed as a laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) by surgeons. Since 2014, we started performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) as gastrostomy with LNF. This study aims to compare the outcomes of LG and PEG with LNF.

NAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like is involved in breast cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Background: The cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is typically upregulated in breast cancer. The role of NAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL) gene, which is involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, in breast cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to uncover the role of NSDHL in the growth and metastasis of breast cancer.

Skin Barrier Recovery by Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Antagonist Lobaric Acid.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) results from gene and environment interactions that lead to a range of immunological abnormalities and breakdown of the skin barrier. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) belongs to a family of G-protein coupled receptors and is expressed in suprabasal layers of the epidermis. PAR2 is activated by both trypsin and a specific agonist peptide, SLIGKV-NH₂ and is involved in both epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis and epithelial inflammation.