Photo-Patternable, High-Speed Electrospun Ultrafine Fibers Fabricated by Intrinsically Negative Photosensitive Polyimide.

This work describes polyimide (PI) ultrafine fibrous membranes (UFMs) with aligned fibrous structures, fabricated via the high-speed electrospinning procedure. Organo-soluble intrinsically photosensitive PI is utilized as the fiber-forming agent. The effects of different rotating speeds on the fiber morphology and properties are studied. The aligned UFMs possess hydrophobicity, favorable optical properties, and improved deformation durability. The extension strength of the UFMs reinforces obviously with the increased rotating speed and reaches the maximum of 9.18 MPa at 2500 rpm. In addition, due to the photo-cross-link nature of the PI resin, the UFMs present lithography capability, which can obtain micro-sized patterns on aluminum substrates, and even part of the fibrous structure was retained after development. This work shows promise in manufacturing fiber-based photolithographic hierarchical structures on flexible substrates, which exhibit potential in achieving multiple functions on fiber-based electronic devices.

[Effect of Combined Intervention of Electroacupuncture and Astragaloside IV on Myocardial Hypertrophy and TGF-ß 1/Smad Signaling in Rats with Myocardial Fibrosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of combined intervention of electroacupuncture (EA) and astragaloside IV(ASIV) on cardiac hypertrophy and transforming growth factor ß 1 (TGF-ß 1)/Smad signaling in isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy rats, so as to investigate its underlying mechanisms in improving myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: A total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control, model (ISO), Propranolol (PRO)，ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups (n＝10 in each group). The myocardial fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of ISO (10 mg·kg－1·d－1), once daily for 30 days. Rats of the control group were given normal saline (i.p.), those of the PRO group given with PRO (40 mg·kg－1·d－1, gavage), and those of the ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups were treated by gavage of ASIV (40 mg·kg－1·d－1), once daily for 30 days. EA (20 Hz, 6 V) was applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) for 10 min, once every day for 30 d. The heart mass index (HMI, whole heart weight/body weight) and left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI, weight of the LV/body weight) were calculated to assess the state of cardiac hypertrophy. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of procollagen I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP，a marker of extracellular matrix remodeling) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP, a metabolite of type I collagen) in serum, and Western blot was used to test protein contents of TGF- ß 1, Smad 2 / 3, Smad 4, Smad 7 in the left ventricle tissue of the heart. RESULTS: After modeling, the HMI and LVMI, serum PICP and ICTP contents and the expression levels of myocardial TGF-ß 1, Smad 2/3 and Smad 4 proteins were significantly increased in the model (ISO) group (P<0.05), suggesting a deposition of collagen and cardiac hypertrophy, and were considerably decreased in PRO, ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups after the intervention (P<0.05). The expression level of myocardial Smad 7 protein was significantly lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05), and significantly up-regulated in PRO, ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups (P<0.05). Sirius Red staining of the left ventricular myocardium showed a dense deposition of collagen and a severer myocardial fibrosis in the model group, and a relatively lighter fibrosis in the PRO, ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups. The therapeutic effects of EA＋ASIV were comparable to those of PRO, and were significantly superior to those of ASIV in down-regulating HMI, serum ICTP, and myocardial Smad 2/3 and Smad 4 expression and up-regulating Smad 7 protein (P<0.05). There were no significant differences among the PRO, ASIV and EA＋ASIV groups in LVMI, PICP and TGF-ß 1 levels, and between the PRO and EA＋ ASIV groups in HMI, ICTP, Smad 2/3, Smad 4 and Smad 7 levels (P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA stimulation of PC 6 combined with ASIV can relieve cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in rats, which may be associated with its effects in regulating myocardial TGF-ß 1/Smad signaling pathway.

Is Acupuncture Effective for Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of acupuncture for hypertension. METHOD: Seven electronic databases were searched on April 13, 2014 to include eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed. Subgroup analyses and meta- analysis were performed. RESULTS: 23 RCTs involving 1788 patients were included. Most trials had an unclear risk of bias regarding allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. Compared with sham acupuncture plus medication, a meta-analysis of 2 trials revealed that acupuncture as an adjunct to medication was more effective on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure change magnitude (n=170, SBP: mean difference (MD)= -7.47,95% confidence intervals (CI):-10.43 to -4.51,I2 =0%; DBP: -4.22,-6.26 to -2.18, 0%).A subgroup analysis of 4 trials also showed acupuncture combined with medication was superior to medication on efficacy rate (n=230, odds ratio (OR)=4.19, 95%CI: 1.65 to 10.67, I2 =0%). By contrast, compared with medication, acupuncture alone showed no significant effect on SBP /DBP after intervention and efficacy rate in the subgroup analysis. (7 trials with 510 patients, SBP: MD=-0.56, 95%CI:-3.02 to 1.89,I2 =60%; DBP: -1.01,-2.26 to 0.24, 23%; efficacy rate: 10 trials with 963 patients, OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.85, I2 =54%).Adverse events were inadequately reported in most RCTs. CONCLUSION: Our review provided evidence of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to medication for treating hypertension, while the evidence for acupuncture alone lowing BP is insufficient. The safety of acupuncture is uncertain due to the inadequate reporting of it. However, the current evidence might not be sufficiently robust against methodological flaws and significant heterogeneity of the included RCTs. Larger high-quality trials are required.

Strategy to introduce an hydroxyapatite-keratin nanocomposite into a fibrous membrane for bone tissue engineering.

An hydroxyapatite (HA)-keratin nanocomposite was introduced into an electrospun poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibrous membrane with good electrospinnability. Biological in vitro cell culture demonstrated that the incorporation of HA-keratin into PLLA fibers led to significant bone formation compared to that of the pure electrospun PLLA membrane.

Expression of caspase-8, receptor interacting protein and nuclear factor-kappaBp65 in oral lichen planus / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expressions of caspase-8, receptor interacting protein (RIP) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaBp65 in oral lichen planus (OLP) and their relationship with cell apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical technique with SP method was used to detect the expressions of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 in 30 OLP cases and 15 normal oral mucosa specimens. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nucleotide shift enzyme (TdT) mediated d-UTP end labeling (TUNEL) was used for detecting the cell apoptotic index (AI) in 15 OLP cases and 5 nomal oral mucosa specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the AI of epithelial cells (6.76 +/- 2.32) increased and the AI of lymphocytes (1.75 +/- 0.74)decreased in OLP (P < 0.01). The positive rate of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 of epithelial cells were 97% (29/30), 87% (26/30) and 93% (28/30) respectively, significantly higher in OLP than in normal control (P < 0.05). The positive rate of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 of lymphocytes were 100% (30/30, 90% (27/30) and 80% (24/30) respectively, significantly higher in OLP than in normal control (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was also observed between NF-kappaBp65 expression of lymphocytes and AI of epithelial cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Accelerated apoptosis of the keratinocytes and inhibition of lymphocyte apoptosis may coexist and contribute to the formation and progression of OLP. The over expression of caspase-8, RIP and NF-kappaBp65 in OLP may play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP.</p>

Expressions of receptor-interacting protein and caspase-8 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral precancerous lesions / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expressions of receptor-interacting protein (RIP) and caspase-8 and investigate their roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral precancerous lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SABC immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expressions of RIP and caspase-8 in 22 specimens of OSCC, 14 specimens of oral lichen planus (OLP), 14 specimens of oral leukoplakia (OLK) and 10 specimens of normal oral mucosa (NOM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of weak or negative expression of RIP in normal mucosa was 50% (5/10). The rates of weak and positive expression of RIP in OLP, OLK and OSCC were 75% (36/50), and the rate of positive and strong expression of RIP was 63.7% (14/22) in OSCC, significantly higher that in the others groups (P<0.05). The rates of weak, positive and strong positive expression of caspase-8 in NOM, OLP, OLK and OSCC were 80% (8/10), 100% (14/14), 85.7% (12/14), and 100% (22/22), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both RIP and caspase-8 may play important roles in the occurrence and progression of OSCC and oral precancerous lesions.</p>

Expressions of NF--kappaBp65, TRAF2, cyclinD1 and their association with cell apoptosis in oral lichen planus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the expression and distribution of NF-kappaBp65, TRAF2, and cyclinD1 and their association with cell apoptosis in oral lichen planus (OLP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty OLP patients were divided into erosion-atrophy group (n=30) and non-erosion group (n=30) according to their clinical features. Immunohistochemistry with SP method was used to detect the expressions of NF-kappaBp65, TRAF2, cyclinD1 in the 60 OLP and 40 normal oral mucosa (control) specimens. TUNEL assay of randomly selected specimens from 10 normal and 15 OLP cases was performed to detect the cell apoptotic index (AI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, OLP group showed significantly increased AI of the epithelial cells (67.32-/+18.99) and decreased AI of the lymphocytes (34.12-/+9.89) (P<0.05). In the OLP group, the positivity rates for NF-kappaBp65, TRAF2, and cyclin D1 in the epithelial cells (85.00%, 76.67% and 71.67%, respectively) and in the lymphocytes (91.67%, 86.67% and 70.00%, respectively) were all significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). NF-kappaBp65 expression was significantly increased in the lamina propria in the non-erosion OLP group as compared to the erosion-atrophy group. A positive correlation was noted between lymphocyte NF-kappaBp65 expression and AI of the epithelial cells, but an inverse correlation found between lymphocyte NF-kappaBp65 expression and the AI of the lymphocytes. Lymphocyte TRAF2 and cyclin D1expressions were also inversely correlated to lymphocyte AI. There was a positive correlation between TRAF2 and cyclin D1 expressions and the expression NF-kappaBp65 in the epithelial cells and lymphocytes in OLP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Accelerated apoptosis of the keratinocytes and inhibition of lymphocyte apoptosis may coexist to contribute to the formation and progression of OLP. NF-kappaBp65 expression, particularly its abnormal nuclear expression, may play a partial role in the pathogenesis of OLP.</p>

Expression of tumor suppressor gene PTEN, PIP3 and cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and their correlations / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of PTEN, PIP3 and cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions and analyze their correlation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry SP method was used to detect the expression of PTEN, PIP3 and cyclin D1 in 63 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, 29 cases of simple hyperplasia, 33 cases of dysplasia, and 25 cases of normal oral mucosa.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The negative or low expression of PTEN in oral squamous cell carcinoma was 25%, which was remarkably lower than that in other groups. The positive expression of PIP3 in simple hyperplasia, dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma was 66%, 64%, and 76% respectively, which were much higher than those in normal oral mucosa. The positive expression of cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma was 49%, which was significantly higher than that in other groups. The negative correlation between PTEN with PIP3, cyclin D1 and the positive correlation between PIP3 and cyclin D1 were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PTEN may play a role in the oncogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and PTEN may down-regulate the expression of PIP3, and then down-regulate the expression of cyclin D1, which leads to the suppression of cell growth.</p>

Expression and cloning of mCD99L2 gene from mouse B lymphoma cell line A20 and construction of its eukaryotic expression vector / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect and clone mCD99L2 gene from mouse B lymphoma cell line A20 and construct its eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-mCD99L2.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of mCD99L2 mRNA in A20 cell line was detected by in situ hybridization. The total RNA of A20 cells was extracted to obtain the full-length cDNA of the coding region of mCD99L2 gene by RT-PCR, the product of which was ligated into pMD18-T vector and the DNA sequence of the insert was detected. The coding regions of mCD99L2 gene was amplified from pMD-mCD99L2 by PCR using primers containing EcoR I and Xho I sites and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1/MycHis(+).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In situ hybridization identified positive expression of mCD99L2 gene in the A20 cell line. The full-length cDNA of mCD99L2 coding region of A20 cell line was obtained by RT-PCR, which yielded a product of 712 bp as expected, and the DNA sequence was completely homologus to the mCD99L2 cDNA reported in GenBank. Restriction endonuclease digestion and DNA sequencing indicated that the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)- mCD99L2 had been constructed successfully.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>mCD99L2 cDNA has been cloned from mouse B lymphoma cell line A20 and its eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)- mCD99L2 successfully constructed, which facilitates further functional study of mCD99L2 gene in mouse B lymphoma cell line A20.</p>