Insights into pathogenesis of five novel GCK mutations identified in Chinese MODY patients.

Objective: Heterozygous inactivating mutations in GCK are associated with defects in pancreatic insulin secretion and/or hepatic glycogen synthesis leading to mild chronic hyperglycaemia of maturity onset diabetes of young type 2 (MODY2). However, the effect of naturally occurring GCK mutations on the pathogenesis for MODY2 hyperglycaemia remains largely unclear, especially in the Asian population. The aim of this study is to explore the potential pathogenicity of novel GCK mutations related to MODY2.

A novel recombinant human Frizzled-7 protein exhibits anti-tumor activity against triple negative breast cancer via abating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most difficult malignancy to treat due to a lack of targeted therapy. Studies have demonstrated that the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was preferentially found in TNBC. Frizzled-7 (Fzd7), one of the Wnt receptors, was significantly up-regulated in TNBC and modulated TNBC tumorigenesis through the Wnt signaling pathway, indicating Fzd7 is a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.

Effect of site of placentation on pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the site of placentation on the pregnancy outcomes of patients with placenta previa.

Methods: This retrospective study included 678 cases of placenta previa. Basic information and pregnancy outcome data were collected.

Versatile synthesis of MnO nanolayers on upconversion nanoparticles and their application in activatable fluorescence and MRI imaging.

We have developed a simple and versatile strategy for growth of MnO on the surfaces of oleic acid-capped hydrophobic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by optimizing the component concentrations in the Lemieux-von Rudloff reagent. The oxidation time was shortened by a factor of two compared to that of the reported method. This oxidation process has no obvious adverse effects on the phases of UCNPs.

Derivation of phenotypically diverse neural culture from hESC by combining adherent and dissociation methods.

Background: Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into distinct neural lineages has been widely studied. However, preparation of mixed yet neurochemically mature populations, for the study of neurological diseases involving mixed cell types has received less attention.

New Method: We combined two commonly used differentiation methods to provide robust and reproducible cultures in which a mixture of primarily GABAergic and Glutamatergic neurons was obtained.

Effects of Levonorgestrel and progesterone on Oviductal physiology in mammals.

Background: Our previous study indicated that emergency contraception, including levonorgestrel and progesterone, could lead to ectopic pregnancy following contraception failure. However, our understanding of the effects of levonorgestrel and progesterone on oviductal physiology is limited.

Methods: The receptivity of the fallopian tubal epithelium after levonorgestrel and progesterone treatment was examined through western blots for receptivity markers and JAr-spheroid-fallopian tubal epithelial cell attachment assays.

Floxuridine Homomeric Oligonucleotides "Hitchhike" with Albumin In Situ for Cancer Chemotherapy.

Automated attachment of chemotherapeutic drugs to oligonucleotides through phosphoramidite chemistry and DNA synthesis has emerged as a powerful technology in constructing structure-defined and payload-tunable oligonucleotide-drug conjugates. In practice, however, in vivo delivery of these oligonucleotides remains a challenge. Inspired by the systemic transport of hydrophobic payloads by serum albumin in nature, we report the development of a lipid-conjugated floxuridine homomeric oligonucleotide (LFU20) that "hitchhikes" with endogenous serum albumin for cancer chemotherapy.

Androgen-induced alterations in endometrial proteins crucial in recurrent miscarriages.

High androgen level impairs endometrial receptivity in women experiences the recurrent miscarriage. The mechanism of androgen actions on endometrium is still uncertain. We hypothesized that androgen has a direct effect on the endometrium in women with recurrent miscarriage.

Dispositional mindfulness mediates the relationships of parental attachment to posttraumatic stress disorder and academic burnout in adolescents following the Yancheng tornado.

: Previous studies have shown that parental attachment is associated with low severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low academic burnout in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. : The present study investigated the ways in which parental attachment is related to PTSD symptoms and academic burnout in Chinese traumatized adolescents by considering the role of dispositional mindfulness. : A total of 443 Chinese adolescents who had experienced a severe tornado one year prior to this study completed measures of parental attachment, dispositional mindfulness, PTSD and academic burnout.

Cirsimaritin inhibits influenza A virus replication by downregulating the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

Background: Artemisia scoparia Waldst and Kit is a famous traditional Chinese medicine widely distributed in Xinjiang, China. Flavonoids extracted from it exhibits inhibitory activities against several influenza virus strains. Despite this fact, the antiviral properties of CST, one of such flavonoids, against the influenza virus has not been reported.

3D Fabrication with Integration Molding of a Graphene Oxide/Polycaprolactone Nanoscaffold for Neurite Regeneration and Angiogenesis.

Treating peripheral nerve injury faces major challenges and may benefit from bioactive scaffolds due to the limited autograft resources. Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a promising nanomaterial with excellent physical and chemical properties. GO has functional groups that confer biocompatibility that is better than that of graphene.

Visible light crosslinkable human hair keratin hydrogels.

Keratins extracted from human hair have emerged as a promising biomaterial for various biomedical applications, partly due to their wide availability, low cost, minimal immune response, and the potential to engineer autologous tissue constructs. However, the fabrication of keratin-based scaffolds typically relies on limited crosslinking mechanisms, such as via physical interactions or disulfide bond formation, which are time-consuming and result in relatively poor mechanical strength and stability. Here, we report the preparation of photocrosslinkable keratin-polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels via the thiol-norbornene "click" reaction, which can be formed within one minute upon irradiation of visible light.

[Survey of periodontal health in medical college students after 3 years of periodontal health maintenance].

Purpose: To observe and evaluate the status of periodontal disease in young people and the effect of intervention to control the development of periodontal diseases.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-three medical college students were randomly divided into group A (receiving interventions) and group B (no interventions). They were followed up for 3 years.

Multiethnic GWAS Reveals Polygenic Architecture of Earlobe Attachment.

The genetic basis of earlobe attachment has been a matter of debate since the early 20 century, such that geneticists argue both for and against polygenic inheritance. Recent genetic studies have identified a few loci associated with the trait, but large-scale analyses are still lacking. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study of lobe attachment in a multiethnic sample of 74,660 individuals from four cohorts (three with the trait scored by an expert rater and one with the trait self-reported).

Serum estradiol levels in controlled ovarian stimulation directly affect the endometrium.

Previous studies have shown that increasing estradiol concentrations had a toxic effect on the embryo and were deleterious to embryo adhesion. In this study, we evaluated the physiological impact of estradiol concentrations on endometrial cells to reveal that serum estradiol levels probably targeted the endometrium in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols. An attachment model of human choriocarcinoma (JAr) cell spheroids to receptive-phase endometrial epithelial cells and Ishikawa cells treated with different estradiol (10 M or 10 M) concentrations was developed.

A Targeted and Stable Polymeric Nanoformulation Enhances Systemic Delivery of mRNA to Tumors.

The high vulnerability of mRNA necessitates the manufacture of delivery vehicles to afford adequate protection in the biological milieu. Here, mRNA was complexed with a mixture of cRGD-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-polylysine (PLys) (thiol) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-PLys(thiol). The ionic complex core consisting of opposite-charged PLys and mRNA was crosslinked though redox-responsive disulfide linkage, thereby avoiding structural disassembly for exposure of mRNA to harsh biological environments.

Interactions of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells with immobilized extracellular matrix proteins.

Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells (hESC-CVPCs) hold great promise for cell-based therapies of heart diseases. However, little is known about their niche microenvironment and in particular the required extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Here we screened combinations of surface-immobilized ECM proteins to identify substrates that support the attachment and survival of hESC-CVPCs.

Umbilical cord blood-derived non-hematopoietic stem cells retrieved and expanded on bone marrow-derived extracellular matrix display pluripotent characteristics.

Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) not only contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), but also non-hematopoietic stem cells (NHSCs) that are able to differentiate into a number of distinct cell types. Based on studies published to date, the frequency of NHSCs in UCB is believed to be very low. However, the isolation of these cells is primarily based on their adhesion to tissue culture plastic surfaces.

Polymeric Nanostructure Compiled with Multifunctional Components To Exert Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Antiangiogenic Gene for Tumor Growth Suppression.

Nucleic acid-based therapy has emerged as a revolutionary methodology for treatment of the diseases related to protein dysfunction; however, lack of systemically applicable synthetic delivery systems limits its current usage in local applications, particularly for DNA-based therapy with regard to the poor bioavailability in the systemic administrations. To overcome this obstacle, we compiled multiple chemistry-based strategies into the manufacture of the gene delivery formulations to pursue improved tolerability of DNA to the enzymatic degradation in the biological milieu and prolonged retention in the systemic circulation. Here, we constructed a distinctive multilayered functional architecture: plasmid DNA (pDNA) was electrostatically complexed with cationic poly(lysine) (polyplex) as the interior pDNA reservoir, which was further cross-linked by redox-responsive disulfide cross-linking to minimize the occurrence of polyplex disassembly through exchange reaction with the biological charged components.

Relationship of membrane properties, spike burst responses, laminar location, and functional class of dorsal horn neurons recorded in vitro.

The input-output and discharge properties of neurons are shaped by both passive and active electrophysiological membrane properties. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings in lamina I-III neurons in an isolated preparation of the whole spinal cord of juvenile rats with attached dorsal roots and dorsal root ganglia were used to further define which of these properties provides the most impactful classification strategy. A total of 95 neurons were recorded in segment L5 and were classified based on the responses to L4 dorsal root stimulation.

Identifying novel genes and chemicals related to nasopharyngeal cancer in a heterogeneous network.

Nasopharyngeal cancer or nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx. The factors that induce nasopharyngeal cancer are still not clear. Additional information about the chemicals or genes related to nasopharyngeal cancer will promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this cancer and the factors that induce it.

An Twist Fatigue Test of Fabric Stent-Grafts Supported by Z-Stents Ringed Stents.

Whereas buckling can cause type III endoleaks, long-term twisting of a stent-graft was investigated here as a mechanism leading to type V endoleak or endotension. Two experimental device designs supported with Z-stents having strut angles of 35° or 45° were compared to a ringed control under accelerated twisting. Damage to each device was assessed and compared after different durations of twisting, with focus on damage that may allow leakage.

Novel anti-infective potential of salvianolic acid B against human serious pathogen Neisseria meningitidis.

Background: Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis cause significant health problems especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Novel anti-infective candidates are needed. In modern anti-adhesion therapy initial attachment of bacteria to host cells is prevented.