Three-dimensional models:from cell culture to Patient-Derived Organoid and its application to future liposarcoma research

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas,however,its occurrence rate is still rare compared to other cancers.Due to its rarity,in vitro experiments are an essential approach to elucidate liposarcoma pathobiology.Conventional cell culture-based research(2D cell culture)is still playing a pivotal role,while several shortcomings have been recently under discussion.In vivo,mouse models are usually adopted for pre-clinical analyses with expectations to overcome the issues of 2D cell culture.However,they do not fully recapitulate human dedifferentiated liposarcoma(DDLPS)characteristics.Therefore,three-dimensional(3D)culture systems have been the recent research focus in the cell biology field with the expectation to overcome at the same time the disadvantages of 2D cell culture and in vivo animal models and fill in the gap between them.Given the liposarcoma rarity,we believe that 3D cell culture techniques,including 3D cell cultures/co-cultures,and Patient-Derived tumor Organoids(PDOs),represent a promising approach to facilitate liposarcoma investigation and elucidate its molecular mechanisms and effective therapy development.In this review,we first provide a general overview of 3D cell cultures compared to 2D cell cultures.We then focus on one of the recent 3D cell culture applications,Patient-Derived Organoids(PDOs),summarizing and discussing several PDO methodologies.Finally,we discuss the current and future applications of PDOs to sarcoma,particularly in the field of liposarcoma.

Extended protective effects of three dimensional cultured human mesenchymal stromal cells in a neuroinflammation model

BACKGROUND Human mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)possess regenerative potential due to pluripotency and paracrine functions.However,their stemness and immunomod-ulatory capabilities are sub-optimal in conventional two-dimensional(2D)culture.AIM To enhance the efficiency and therapeutic efficacy of MSCs,an in vivo-like 3D culture condition was applied.METHODS MSCs were cultured on polystyrene(2D)or in a gellan gum-based 3D system.In vitro,prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2,indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase,heme oxygenase 1,and prostaglandin E synthase gene expression was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.MSCs were incubated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-treated mouse splenocytes,and prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were measured by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay.In vivo,LPS was injected into the lateral ventricle of mouse brain,and MSCs were administered intravenously the next day.Animals were sacrificed and analyzed on days 2 and 6.RESULTS Gellan gum polymer-based 3D culture significantly increased expression of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 and Nanog homeobox stemness markers in human MSCs compared to 2D culture.This 3D environment also heightened expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and heme-oxygenase 1,enzymes known for immunomodulatory functions,including production of prostaglandins and heme degradation,respectively.MSCs in 3D culture secreted more prostaglandin E2 and effectively suppressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha release from LPS-stimulated splenocytes and surpassed the efficiency of MSCs cultured in 2D.In a murine neuroinflammation model,intravenous injection of 3D-cultured MSCs significantly reduced ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression,mitigating chronic inflammation more effectively than 2D-cultured MSCs.CONCLUSION The microenvironment established in 3D culture serves as an in vivo mimetic,enhancing the immunomodulatory function of MSCs.This suggests that engineered MSCs hold significant promise a potent tool for cell therapy.

Effects of Chlorine-Based Fertilizers on Tomato Growth under Soilless Culture

This study investigated the effects of chlorine-based fertilizers under varying nitrogen solution concentrations in a soilless culture system. The experiment included four nitrogen solution concentration levels, with nitrogen concentrations of 6 mmol/L (C1), 12 mmol/L (C2), 18 mmol/L (C3), and 24 mmol/L (C4). Each nutrient concentration level was further divided into four chloride ion treatments (R1, R2, R3, and R4), where 100%, 60%, 33%, and 0% of the NH4+ and K+ ions were derived from NH4Cl and KCl, respectively. The length, surface area and volume of root were significantly higher by 25.3%~136.9%, 40.1%~173.1%, 27.9%~178.0%, respectively, in the R4 treatment than in the R1 and R2 treatments at flowering stage. The aboveground biomass and yield in the R4 treatment were significantly higher, by approximately 15.6%~43.5% and 16.6%~28.6%, respectively, than in the R1, R2, and R3 treatments at the picking stage. The C3 and C4 treatments significantly decreased biomass and yield by 31.9%~50.2% and 20.7%~50.5%, respectively, compared to the C1 and C2 treatments at the picking stage. Besides, the higher nutrient solution increased the incidence of blossom-end rot. In conclusion, high concentrations of chloride ions in nutrient solutions, especially when the Cl− concentration exceeded 10 mmol/L, have been shown to inhibit tomato growth in soilless culture systems. Therefore, replacing sulfur-based fertilizers by chlorine-based fertilizers is not recommended for tomato production under the studied conditions.

“Culture time”板块教学中跨文化意识培养的策略

在新课程改革的大环境中,文化意识成为英语学科核心素养的重要组成部分。语言是文化的载体,语言与文化是相互依赖、相互影响、相互制约的。学习语言的过程也是学习文化的过程。文章主要结合译林版英语五、六年级教材中的Culture time板块的教学案例,探讨如何在英语课堂教学实践中丰富文化素材、发掘其中的文化元素和领略中西方文化异同,以帮助学生有效学习文化知识,拓宽文化视野,培养文化意识。

Happiness and harmony through health culture diplomacy as integrative maternal-child health nursing

For this editorial,our colleague Dr.Naeema Hasan Al Qasseer,former World Health Organization(WHO)Senior Scientist of Nursing and Midwifery joins me to add her wisdom and experience on the topic of integrative maternal-child health nursing.

Integrating Chinese Culture Into Language Curriculum:Teaching Chinese Culture to International Students in China

This paper explores the integration of Chinese culture into language education for German students at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology(USST).Focusing on USST’s Chinese curriculum and pedagogical strategies,the study emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion,experiential learning,and authentic materials.Drawing on Byram’s Intercultural Communicative Competence(ICC)model,the Cultural Studies Approach,and Task-Based Language Teaching(TBLT),the paper presents a case study on incorporating Chinese calligraphy into regular classes.This hands-on approach not only enriches cultural understanding but also enhances language skills.The findings stress the need for tailored,multifaceted pedagogical approaches to prepare international students for cross-cultural interactions in a globalized context.

On the Dissemination and Acceptance of Dongpo Culture in the UK and the US

This study delves into the intricate dissemination and acceptance of Dongpo Culture,epitomized by Su Shi,in the UK and the US,aiming to bolster the global recognition of Chinese literary and cultural values and advance the national strategy of“Going Out”.Su Shi’s multifaceted contributions—spanning literature,philosophy,calligraphy,and art—serve as a pinnacle of Northern Song Dynasty culture.This research evaluates the varied translations,monographs,biographies,journal articles,and doctoral dissertations about Su Shi in these Western nations,using literature analysis,typical analysis,and comparative methods.The findings reveal a robust interest in Su Shi studies in the US,marked by a proliferation of scholarly works and translations across diverse disciplines,such as literature,art,and aesthetics,establishing the US as a leading center for Dongpo Culture studies.Conversely,the UK,despite its early engagement,shows limited scholarly outputs and significant research papers on the subject.By examining Dongpo Culture’s overseas communication path and influence paradigm,this paper seeks to enhance China’s cultural soft power and self-confidence.It underscores the vital role of international cultural exchange in constructing a positive image of China’s national identity,facilitating its peaceful rise,and providing strategic insights for the global promotion of Chinese culture.

China Unveiled--A journey of discovery through culture, cuisine, celebration, and adventure

China,a land of timeless traditions and breathtaking landscapes,beckoned me to embark on a life-altering journey in December 2022.When I arrived in the vibrant city of Shenzhen to pursue my Ph.D.at Shenzhen University,I never would have guessed that the effort would not only enrich my academic knowledge,but also immerse me in the tapestry of Chinese culture,the tantalizing world of Chinese cuisine,the warmth of Chinese hospitality,the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration,and the enchantment of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Traumatized Interpretations of Female Characters in American Southern Culture in The Glass Menagerie

Tennessee Williams is the most famous Southern playwright in the history of 20th century American literature,and southern identity is a thread that runs throughout Williams’work.The Glass Menagerie is one of his highly representative dramatic works.The play tells the story of how an ordinary family in deep identity crisis escapes the harsh reality and cultural trauma during the Great Depression in the United States.Using trauma theory as a tool,this paper explores the complex relationship between the deep-seated causes of the tragedy of the two female characters in the play and the historical context through the traumatic events experienced by the characters in the play and the different attitudes they show in the face of trauma.Through this,the vulnerability and identity crisis of individuals during the period of social change and cultural breaks are analyzed.The purpose of the paper is to arouse human beings’thoughts on how to cope with cultural integration and foreign cultural invasion,and how to obtain salvation when they are amid an identity crisis.

Coupling coordination analysis of Mazu culture,socio-economy and ecological environment of Meizhou Island

Taking the pilgrimage,tourism and cultural island of Meizhou Island as an example,the evaluation index system of the coupling and coordinated development of“Mazu culture,socio-economy,eco-environment”(MSE)compound system was constructed.The index weights were determined by AHP-entropy method,and the coupling degree,coordinated degree,comprehensive evaluation index and grey correlation degree of MSE system of Mazu Island from 2012 to 2022 were measure.The results showed that:(1)the comprehensive evaluation indexes of the three subsystems was on the rise in general,but the evaluation index of the ecological subsystems increased relatively slowly.(2)The coupling degree was only in the running-in stage in 2012,and the other years were in the coordinated coupling stage.(3)The coupling coordination degree increased from 0.35 in 2012 to 0.82 in 2022,the coupling coordination level was changed from mild imbalance to good coordination.(4)Through the comparison of grey correlation degree,the 24 indexes in the evaluation index system had great influence on the coupling coordination degree of MSE system.The coupling coordination degree was closely related to the development of socio-economy and the spread of Mazu culture.With the rapid development of tourism brought about by the spread of Mazu culture,the pressure on the ecological environment will be increasing.Compared with the rapid growth of tourism and economy,it is equally important to strengthen environmental protection and pay attention to the quality of ecological environment development.

What Happens in Organizations When Enhancing Organizational Culture Toward Being More Conscious?

The purpose of this study is to offer a better comprehension of what happens in organizations when enhancing organizational culture through consciousness by linking the market-oriented ecosystem variables and analyzing their relationship with a conscious organization.Design and methodology:Two questionnaires were used to test the hypotheses,the market-oriented ecosystem 38-item(Yeung&Ulrich,2019),and the conscious organization model 7-item adaptation(Sisoda,2018).Pearson correlations were calculated to measure the strength of the linear relationship among the variables involved in each one of the hypotheses,and coefficient alpha(coefficient𝛼)was used to analyze the reliability,to measure the internal consistency of the scales.Relevant findings:Context,ecosystem organizational structure,governance,and people ecosystem were positively correlated to a conscious organization.The originality of this study is based on use of the interaction among the variables of the market-oriented ecosystem model(continuous changing context,ecosystem organizational structure,governance,and people ecosystem)and a conscious organizational culture.Finally,the practical implications of having high levels of the market-oriented ecosystem variables predict high level of consciousness in organizations.These variables require careful consideration,a proactive planning process to enhance organizational culture through consciousness.

The Application of the Domestication and Foreignization Translation Strategies in the Context of the Dissemination of Chinese Culture:A Case Study of the English Translation of Long

In January 2024,the Chinese Year of the Loong,how to translate the Chinese character Long went viral on the Internet.Taking the English translation of Long as an example,this study tends to make a tentative analysis of the application of translation strategies in the macro context of the dissemination of Chinese culture.Moreover,it probes into the phenomenon of Chinese cultural aphasia by analyzing the domestication and foreignization of Long in three aspects.The three attitudes provided ought to be addressed in the Chinese-English translations.This study emphasizes enhancing translators’cultural awareness and their cultural confidence in the process of translating the source language to the target language.

The Cult of Mazu in Hainan,China and Among Vietnamese Hainanese Diaspora:A Comparative Study of Mazu Culture

The cult of Mazu is a common folk belief in China and Vietnam.Originating from the Song and Yuan Dynasties,particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the cult of Mazu spread to Vietnam through maritime trade and migration from coastal regions of China.After centuries of integration and development,it evolved into its own cultural system of Mazu worship,becoming an important component of Vietnamese folk culture.Hainan,China,as a crucial supply station on the Maritime Silk Road,has close connections with the transmission of Mazu culture to Vietnam.This paper adopts field investigations and literature research methods to explore the Mazu worship and culture in Hainan,China,and the Qiongfu Assembly Halls in Vietnam.

The Interrelationship between Culture and Capital Structure:Evidence from International Retailers

The present study investigates the influence of cultural factors in 2022 on the capital structure of global retailers.There are sixteen retailers from eight countries in the sample.In recent times,numerous academicians have taken an interest in examining the capital structure and business model of retailers,owing to their swift and consistent growth.However,the fact that the majority of research originates from the retailers’host country gives rise to debate regarding the applicability of the capital structure of said retailers to countries with distinct cultural environments.Consequently,academics have begun to investigate whether the capital structure of multinational retailers is impacted by the diversity of national cultures.

Application of Traditional Chinese Culture in Cross-Cultural English Education:A Case Study of the Maritime Silk Road in Guangdong Province

The phenomenon of aphasia in Chinese culture is serious.The existing English teaching materials emphasize too much Western culture education and lack traditional Chinese cultural elements.Therefore,this paper takes the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road as an example to study the specific application of traditional Chinese culture in cross-cultural English education.This paper first summarizes the significance of cross-cultural integration into college English education and then points out the serious phenomenon of Chinese cultural aphasia.Next,the paper focuses on English education,using English textbooks as a starting point to explore and integrate strategies related to excellent traditional Chinese culture from the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road.By integrating traditional Chinese culture into business English classes(with the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road as an example),the study explores the influence of such cultural integration on students’cross-cultural communication skills,cultural identity,and learning effects.The results showed that the P value of the experimental group and the control group was<0.05,that is,cultural integration had a positive effect on improving the effect of cross-cultural English education.The overall scores and cultural confidence of the experimental group are higher than those of the control group,which proves that cross-cultural teaching has a positive effect on the improvement of students’scores.

A Study on the Accessibility and Dissemination of Bilingual Chinese Culture Readers for Chinese Adolescents from the Perspective of English Glocalization

The dissemination of Chinese culture is closely related to the influence of national culture.Chinese culture readers serve as important carriers for cultivating global competence among young people and disseminating Chinese culture.They are also important measures to help different cultures eliminate cultural barriers.However,the current Chinese culture readers are of various kinds,seldom testing the readability and rarely taking consideration of the target readers’accessibility.Therefore,this study explores the factors affecting the readability of different Chinese culture readers from the perspective of English global localization,aiming to explore the ways and methods to enhance the dissemination of Chinese culture.Meanwhile,it conducted a survey on the target readers’competence in language learning and culture awareness.

The Critical Role of Middle Leaders in Schools:Cultivating a Culture of Trust and Supporting Educational Reform

This research delves into the often-underappreciated role of middle leaders in educational organizations,highlighting their significance as the linchpins between senior leadership and classroom teachers.Utilizing qualitative research methods,the study investigates the multifaceted responsibilities,challenges,and contributions of middle leaders in schools.Findings indicate that middle leaders foster a culture of trust within the institution by providing mentorship and guidance to new teachers.They undertake substantial tasks,such as team coordination,grade direction,and student supervision,in addition to their teaching duties.Despite their pivotal role,middle leaders often face mounting pressures and heavy workloads.This research underscores the need to recognize and support middle leaders in educational settings,acknowledging their vital role in fostering cohesion and facilitating the implementation of educational reforms.

Study on Bayu Vernacular Architecture and Culture-Baxian-Old-Courtyard

The vernacular architectural culture of the Bayu region is an important part of traditional Chinese architectural culture,of which the old courtyard in Baxian is a typical representative.The purpose of this paper is to explore the connotation and characteristics of Bayu vernacular architectural culture,and to take the old courtyard in Baxian as a specific research object,to analyze its architectural style,cultural connotation,and its value in contemporary society.The study of the old courtyard in Baxian can not only deepen the understanding of Bayu vernacular architectural culture but also provide a useful reference for the protection and inheritance of vernacular architecture.At the same time,this paper also calls for more people to pay attention to and participate in the protection of vernacular architectural culture,and jointly guard these precious historical and cultural heritages.

An Introduction to the Dissemination of Chinese Culture in English Teaching in Colleges and Universities

Language and culture are closely related,and understanding the cultural knowledge embedded in the process of language learning is an important goal of English teaching in colleges and universities.At present,the dissemination of Chinese culture in English teaching in colleges and universities is lacking,which affects the improvement of students’intercultural communication skills.In order to effectively solve such problems,we need to take effective measures to disseminate Chinese culture by combining teaching content and students’characteristics.This paper summarizes the problems of Chinese culture dissemination in English teaching in colleges and universities,and explores effective countermeasures and teaching considerations,hoping to provide teachers with valuable guidelines.

Targeted Research on the Integration of Ideological and Political Education and Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture in Universities in Henan Province

This study aims to explore the integration of excellent traditional Chinese culture with ideological and political education in universities in Henan Province,focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the local context.Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods,the study analyzes the impact of cultural elements on political ideology and education in the region.The study contributes to a broader discussion of educational reform in China and provides insights for policymakers and educators seeking to develop well-rounded,culturally informed citizens.