Objective To construct a novel bioartificial liver (BAL) system and evaluate its functions in vitro. Methods Chinese experimental minipig hepatocytes were isolated by in situ recirculating collagenase perfusion method and 1.0?10~(10) hepatocytes were cultured in serum-free medium with restriction of(attachment), and using spinner method to form hepatocyte(spheroids).cted by inoculating the hepatocyte(spheroids) into cell circuit of a hollow fiber bioreactor from BIOLIV A3A. Observing the number and viability of the(hepatocytes), the changes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBI), albumin (ALB) in(circulating) hepatocyte suspension and(RPMI1640) medium; in addition, lidocaine metabolism test was(determined),(during) 6h circulation of the system. (Results) There were no significant differences in number and viability of the hepatocytes before and after 6h(circulation). The BAL system has relatively strong albumin synthesis and lidocaine(metabolism) functions. (Conclusions) The BAL system that we developed had ability to support liver functions and could be used in the treatment of liver failure, or to provide temporary liver support for candidates of liver(transplantation).

Background and objective Despite undergoing curative resection, the 5-year survival rate for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is less than 25%. hTere is a need for biomarkers for prediction of survival and guiding individual therapy. MiR-155 is one of most commonly upregulated miRNAs in malignancies, and regulates multiple pro-oncogenic pathways. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of miR-155 in resected stage III NSCLC patients. Methods Tumor formalin-ifxed, paraffn-embedded (FFPE) from 162 resected stage III NSCLC patients were collected. Total RNA including miRNA was extracted, and qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of miR-155. Results Spearman rank correlation test showed a positive correlation between miR-155 expression and nodal status (r=0.169, P=0.032). MiR-155 expression had a signiifcant prognostic impact in the total cohort (P<0.001), in squamous cell carcinomas (P=0.002) and in adenocarcinomas (P=0.003). In N0-1 subgroup, miR-155 expression did not have a signiifcant prognostic on overall survival in univariate analysis (P=0.319). In N2 subgroup, miR-155 had a negative prognostic effect on OS in univariate analysis (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-155 expression was unfavorable prognostic factors of OS (RR=2.311, 95%CI:1.479-3.611, P<0.001). Conclusion High expression of miR-155 represents a valuable marker of poor clinical outcomes in patients with stage III NSCLC.

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the performance of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abbreviated protocol (AP) in diagnosing breast neoplasms.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the data of 86 patients who had undergone breast MRI examinations and compared the images using an AP and full diagnostic protocol (FDP). The AP consisted of axial T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and four-phase dynamic enhancement sequences. The FDP consisted of sagittal T2WI, axial T2WI, T1-weighted imaging, DWI, and seven-phase dynamic enhancement sequences. All the images were analyzed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The consistencies between the different protocols were then calculated. With the pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the diagnostic capabilities of the two protocols were compared.Result:Two radiologists analyzed the AP and FDP images. The consistencies in the BI-RADS between the different protocols were 0.856 and 0.900, and those in time-signal intensity curves (TICs) were 0.822 and 0.922. Within the same protocol, the consistencies in the BI-RADS between different radiologists were 0.744 and 0.822, and those in TICs were 0.889 and 0.878. No significant differences were found ( P>0.05). In terms of diagnosing malignant neoplasms using the BI-RADS, the sensitivities of the AP and FDP were 89.8% (95 %CI: 0.785-0.958) and 91.5% (95 %CI: 0.806-0.968), respectively; their specificities were 71.0% (95 %CI: 0.518-0.851) and 77.4% (95 %CI: 0.585-0.897), respectively; and the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.804 (95 %CI: 0.698-0.910) and 0.845 (95 %CI: 0.748-0.941), respectively. Diagnosing malignant neoplasms using TICs, the sensitivities of the AP and FDP were 86.4% (95 %CI: 0.745-0.936) and 89.8% (95 %CI: 0.785-0.958), respectively; their specificities were 61.3% (95 %CI: 0.423-0.776) and 67.7% (95 %CI: 0.485-0.827), respectively, and the AUCs were 0.739 (95 %CI: 0.623-0.855) and 0.788 (95 %CI: 0.679-0.897), respectively. There was no significant difference between the AP and FDP ( P>0.05). The MRI acquisition times of the AP and FDP were 11.97±0.94 min and 21.25±1.12 min, respectively, with a significant difference ( P<0.001). The average reading time was reduced by 13.5% using the AP compared with that using the FDP. Conclusion:Compared with the FDP, the AP reduced the acquisition time and maintained the diagnostic accuracy, which can be used as an improved pattern for MRI screening in high-risk populations of breast neoplasms.

Mitochondria play a key role in various cell processes including ATP production, Ca homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis. The selective removal of impaired mitochondria by autophagosome is known as mitophagy. Cerebral ischemia is a common form of stroke caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that mitophagy plays important roles in the pathophysiological process of cerebral ischemia. This review focuses on the relationship between ischemic brain injury and mitophagy. Based on the latest research, it describes how the signaling pathways of mitophagy appear to be involved in cerebral ischemia.
Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Mitochondrial Degradation ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Stroke ; metabolism ; pathology