Global expression analysis during late stage of embryonic pancreatic development of rats with microarray technique

Objective： To define gene expression profiles during late stage of embryonic pancreatic development of rats and to find out key genes in rat pancreatic functional development. Methods： Pancreata of rats in embryonic day 15.5（E15.5） and 18.5（E18.5） were dissected under microscope respectively. Genechips from Affymetrix company were applied to study gene expression profiles. Some differentially expressed genes were verified by RT-PCR. Results： Comparing E18.5 to E15.5, 8.3% genes were expressed differently 2- fold above, in which, .50.3% were up-regulated, including transcriptions related to metabolic development and various kinds of enzymes and hormones （both endocrine and exocrine） and 49.7% were down-regulated, including transcriptions related to cell differentiation. The percentage of genes having definite function was 63%, and that of expressed sequence tag（EST） was 37%. The result of RT-PCR is accordant to that of genechips. Conclusion： The metabolic function of rat pancreas may be further accomplished during late stage of embryonic day.

Ionic conductive gels based on deep eutectic solvents

Ionic conductive gels are promising soft conductors for stretchable and flexible electronics.Unfortunately,the basic requirements for an ideal ionic conductive gel,including environmental and chemical stability as well as low toxicity and low cost do not usually coincide in one material.Here we report an ionic conductive gel containing deep eutectic solvents(DES),which are specialized ionic liquids composed of propylene glycol(PG,hydrogen bonding donor)and various salts.In experiments,the DES-gel loses about 10%of the original weight in dry air(5–9%relative humidity)for 7 days and its conductivity remains unaltered.Comparing to regular salt-containing hydrogels,it exhibits exceptional resistance to metal corrosion.We demonstrate the advantage of DES-gels as the ionic electrode in a flexible and stretchable electroluminescent device,especially in cold environment(−20°C).Through this study,we discover a new candidate for cheap and safe soft ionic conductors with excellent environmental and chemical stability.

A novel long-term intravenous combined with local treatment with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells for a multidisciplinary rescued uremic calciphylaxis patient and the underlying mechanism

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease characterized histologically by microvessel calcification and microthrombosis,with high mortality and no proven therapy.Here,we reported a severe uremic calciphylaxis patient with progressive skin ischemia,large areas of painful malodorous ulcers,and mummified legs.Because of the worsening symptoms and signs refractory to conventional therapies,treatment with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hAMSCs)was approved.Preclinical release inspections of hAMSCs,efficacy,and safety assessment,including cytokine secretory ability,immunocompetence,tumorigenicity,and genetics analysis in vitro,were introduced.We further performed acute and long-term hAMSC toxicity evaluations in C57BL/6 mice and rats,abnormal immune response tests in C57BL/6 mice,and tumorigenicity tests in neonatal Balbc-nu nude mice.After the preclinical research,the patient was treated with hAMSCs by intravenous and local intramuscular injection and external supernatant application to the ulcers.When followed up to 15 months,the blood-based markers of bone and mineral metabolism improved,with skin soft tissue regeneration and a more favorable profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Skin biopsy after 1-month treatment showed vascular regeneration with mature noncalcified vessels within the dermis,and 20 months later,the re-epithelialization restored the integrity of the damaged site.No infusion or local treatment-related adverse events occurred.Thus,this novel long-term intravenous combined with local treatment with hAMSCs warrants further investigation as a potential regenerative treatment for uremic calciphylaxis due to effects of inhibiting vascular calcification,stimulating angiogenesis and myogenesis,anti-inflammatory and immune modulation,multidifferentiation,re-epithelialization,and restoration of integrity.