3D Collagen Gels:A Promising Platform for Dendritic Cell Culture in Biomaterials Research

The three-dimensional(3D)cell culture system has garnered significant attention in recent years as a means of studying cell behavior and tissue development,as opposed to traditional two-dimensional cultures.These systems can induce specific cell reactions,promote specific tissue functions,and serve as valuable tools for research in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,and drug discovery.This paper discusses current developments in the field of three-dimensional cell culture and the potential applications of 3D type 1 collagen gels to enhance the growth and maturation of dendritic cells.

MACS-W:A modified optical clearing agent for imaging 3D cell cultures

Three-dimensional(3D)cell cultures have contributed to a variety of biological research fields by filling the gap between monolayers and animal models.The modern optical sectioning microscopic methods make it possible to probe the complexity of 3D cell cultures but are limited by the inherent opaqueness.While tissue optical clearing methods have emerged as powerful tools for investigating whole-mount tissues in 3D,they often have limitations,such as being too harsh for fragile 3D cell cultures,requiring complex handling protocols,or inducing tissue deformation with shrinkage or expansion.To address this issue,we proposed a modified optical clearing method for 3D cell cultures,called MACS-W,which is simple,highly efficient,and morphology-preserving.In our evaluation of MACS-W,we found that it exhibits excellent clearing capability in just 10 min,with minimal deformation,and helps drug evaluation on tumor spheroids.In summary,MACS-W is a fast,minimally-deformative and fluorescence compatible clearing method that has the potential to be widely used in the studies of 3D cell cultures.

Anticancer Activity of Rice Callus Suspension Cultures from Aromatic Varieties and Metabolites Regulated in Treated Cancer Cell Lines

Tissue culture techniques were used to produce large amounts of bioactive compounds with medicinal potential, overcoming space and time constraints for cancer prevention. Rice callus suspension cultures(RCSC) and seed extracts prepared from aromatic rice varieties were used to evaluate the cytotoxic impact on human colon and lung cancer cell lines, as well as a normal control cell line, using Taxol as a positive control. RCSC and seed extracts from two Indian aromatic rice varieties were applied at different concentrations to treat the cancer cell lines and normal lung fibroblasts over varying time intervals. Apoptosis was assessed in 1:5 dilutions of the A549 and HT-29 cell lines treated with RCSC for 72 h, using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. RCSC showed a more potent cytotoxic effect than seed extracts with minimal effect on the normal cell line, in contrast to Taxol. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry further confirmed the apoptotic effect of RCSC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling identified metabolites involved in cytotoxicity and highlighted altered pathways. RCSC is proposed as an alternative source for the development of novel anticancer drugs with reduced side effects.

Effects of different concentrations of nicotinamide on hematopoietic stem cells cultured in vitro

BACKGROUND In vitro expansion to increase numbers of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in cord blood could improve clinical efficacy of this vital resource.Nicotinamide(NAM)can promote HSC expansion ex vivo,but its effect on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells(HSPCs,CD34^(+)CD38)and functional subtypes of HSCs-shortterm repopulating HSCs(ST-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+))and long-term repopulating HSCs(LT-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+)CD90^(+))is not yet known.As a sirtuin 1(SIRT1)inhibitor,NAM participates in regulating cell adhesion,polarity,migration,proliferation,and differentiation.However,SIRT1 exhibits dual effects by promoting or inhibiting differentiation in different tissues or cells.We propose that the concentration of NAM may influence proliferation,differentiation,and SIRT1 signaling of HSCs.AIM To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of different concentrations of NAM on HSC proliferation and differentiation.METHODS CD34^(+)cells were purified from umbilical cord blood using MacsCD34 beads,and cultured for 10-12 d in a serum-free medium supplemented with cytokines,with different concentrations of NAM added according to experimental requirements.Flow cytometry was used to detect phenotype,cell cycle distribution,and apoptosis of the cultured cells.Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the transcription levels of target genes encoding stemness-related factors,che mokines,components of hypoxia pathways,and antioxidant enzymes.Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate probes were used to evaluate intracellular production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Determination of the effect of different culture conditions on the balance of cytokine by cytometric bead array.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the proportion and expansion folds of HSPCs(CD34^(+)CD38)incubated with 5 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L NAM were significantly increased(all P<0.05).The ST-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 5 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the control and 10 mmol/L NAM groups(all P<0.001),whereas the LT-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 10 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the other two groups(all P<0.05).When the NAM concentration was>10 mmol/L,cell viability significantly decreased.In addition,compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the proportion of apoptotic cells in the 10 mmol/L NAM group increased and the proportion of cells in S and G2 phase decreased.Compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the HSCs incubated with 10 mmol/L NAM exhibited significantly inhibited SIRT1 expression,increased intracellular ROS content,and downregulated expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes(superoxide dismutase 1,peroxiredoxin 1).CONCLUSION Low concentrations(5 mmol/L)of NAM can better regulate the balance between proliferation and differentiation,thereby promoting expansion of HSCs.These findings allow adjustment of NAM concentrations according to expansion needs.

The anti-neoplastic effects of metformin modulate the acquired phenotype of fbroblast cells in the breast cancer-normal fbroblast co-culture system

Intracellular communications between breast cancer and fibroblast cells were reported to be involved in cancer proliferation,growth,and therapy resitance.The hallmarks of cancer fibroblast interactions,consisting of caveolin 1(Cav1)and mono-carboxylate ransporter 4(MCT4)(metabolic coupling markers),along with IL-6,TGFB,and lactate secretion,are considered robust biomarkers predicting recurrence and metastasis.In order to promote a novel phenotype in normal fibroblasts,we predicted that breast cancer cells could be able to cause loss of Cavl and increase of MCT4,as well as elevate IL 6 and TGF in nearby nomal fibroblasts.We created a co culture model using breast cancer(4T1)and normal fibroblast(NIH3T3)cell lines cultured under specific experimental conditions in order to directly test our theory.Moreover,we show that long-term co-culture of breast cancer cells and normal fibroblasts promotes loss of Cavl and gain of MCT4 in adjacent fibroblasts and increase lactate secretion.These results were validated using the monoculture of each group separately as a control.In this system,we show that me tformin inhibits IL-6 and TGFB secretion and re expresses Cavl in both cells.However,MCT4 and lactate stayed high after treatment with metformin.In conclusion,our work shows that co-culture with breast cancer cells may cause signifcant alterations in the phenotype and secretion of normal fibroblasts.Metformin,however,may change this state and affect fibroblasts'acquired phenotypes.Moreover,mitochondrial inhibition by metformin after 8 days of treatment,signi ficantly hinders tumor growth in mouse model of breast cancer.

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.

An Innovative Design of Incubator Structure for Cell Culture

In view of the problems of the traditional cell incubator,such as the small range of cell culture types,the inability to adjust the internal space of the incubator according to needs,and the inconvenient sampling,this study innovatively designed a cell incubator structure.It proposed a new design concept that can solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.The cell incubator after the new structural modification can adjust the internal space structure of cell culture by setting the bolt-fixed connection between the fixed plate and the vessel divider.It realizes the cultivation of various cells through refrigeration modules and heating modules.Through setting a sampling hole in the glass inner door,it is favorable for operators to take samples,making cell culture more convenient and efficient.

Differences in the primary culture, purification and biological characteristics between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells from rat aorta

Objective： To investigate the differences of primary culture, purification and biological characteristics between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells from rat aorta. Methods： Endothelial cells were obtained using the vascular ring adherence, collagenase digestion method and an improved vascular ring adherence method, while smooth muscle cells were separated from tissue sections of rat aorta. Clones of endothelial cells were selected by limiting dilution assay. Both cell types were identified using specific cell immunofluorescent markers, and phase contrast microscopy was used to observe the morphological disparity between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells at the single cell and colony level. Cell proliferation was determined by the cell counting kit-8. Differences between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were evaluated in trypsin digestion time, attachment time and recovery after cryopreservation. Results： Endothelial cells were obtained by all three methods. The improved vascular ring method provided the most reproducible results. Cells were in good condition, and of high purity. Smooth muscle cells were cultured successfully by the tissue fragment culture method. Clonal expansion of single endothelial cells was attained. The two cell types expressed their respective specific markers, and the rate of proliferation of smooth muscle cells exceeded that of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were more sensitive to trypsin digestion than smooth muscle cells. In addition, they had a shorter adherence time and better recovery following cryopreservation than smooth muscle cells. Conclusion： The improved vascular ring method was optimal for yielding endothelial cells. Limiting dilution is a novel and valid method for purifying primary endothelial cells from rat aorta. Primary rat endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell cultures exhibited different morphological characteristics, proliferation rate, adherence time, susceptibility to trypsin digestion and recovery after cryopreservation. Our research can be a good foundation for further application in the regeneration of blood vessel.

Culture and identification of neonatal rat brain-derived neural stem cells

BACKGROUND Timing of passaging,passage number,passaging approaches and methods for cell identification are critical factors influencing the quality of neural stem cells(NSCs)culture.How to effectively culture and identify NSCs is a continuous interest in NSCs study while these factors are comprehensively considered.AIM To establish a simplified and efficient method for culture and identification of neonatal rat brain-derived NSCs.METHODS First,curved tip operating scissors were used to dissect brain tissues from new born rats(2 to 3 d)and the brain tissues were cut into approximately 1 mm^(3)sections.Filter the single cell suspension through a nylon mesh(200-mesh)and culture the sections in suspensions.Passaging was conducted with TrypLTM Express combined with mechanical tapping and pipetting techniques.Second,identify the 5th generation of passaged NSCs as well as the revived NSCs from cryopreservation.BrdU incorporation method was used to detect self-renew and proliferation capabilities of cells.Different NSCs specific antibodies(anti-nestin,NF200,NSE and GFAP antibodies)were used to identify NSCs specific surface markers and muti-differentiation capabilities by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Brain derived cells from newborn rats(2 to 3 d)proliferate and aggregate into spherical-shaped clusters with sustained continuous and stable passaging.When BrdU was incorporated into the 5th generation of passaged cells,positive BrdU cells and nestin cells were observed by immunofluorescence staining.After induction of dissociation using 5%fetal bovine serum,positive NF200,NSE and GFAP cells were observed by immunofluorescence staining.CONCLUSION This is a simplified and efficient method for neonatal rat brain-derived neural stem cell culture and identification.

Repetitive administration of cultured human CD34+cells improve adenine-induced kidney injury in mice

BACKGROUND There is no established treatment to impede the progression or restore kidney function in human chronic kidney disease(CKD).AIM To examine the efficacy of cultured human CD34+cells with enhanced proliferating potential in kidney injury in mice.METHODS Human umbilical cord blood(UCB)-derived CD34+cells were incubated for one week in vasculogenic conditioning medium.Vasculogenic culture significantly increased the number of CD34+cells and their ability to form endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units.Adenineinduced tubulointerstitial injury of the kidney was induced in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice,and cultured human UCB-CD34+cells were administered at a dose of 1×106/mouse on days 7,14,and 21 after the start of adenine diet.RESULTS Repetitive administration of cultured UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved the time-course of kidney dysfunction in the cell therapy group compared with that in the control group.Both interstitial fibrosis and tubular damage were significantly reduced in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.01).Microvasculature integrity was significantly preserved(P<0.01)and macrophage infiltration into kidney tissue was dramatically decreased in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Early intervention using human cultured CD34+cells significantly improved the progression of tubulointerstitial kidney injury.Repetitive administration of cultured human UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved tubulointerstitial damage in adenine-induced kidney injury in mice via vasculoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Secretion of nerve growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor in co-culture of four cell types in cerebrospinal fluid-containing medium

The present study co-cultured human embryonic olfactory ensheathJng cells, human Schwann cells, human amniotic epithelial cells and human vascular endothelial cells in complete culture medium- containing cerebrospinal fluid. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor secretion in the supernatant of co-cultured cells. Results showed that the number of all cell types reached a peak at 7-10 days, and the expression of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor peaked at 9 days. Levels of secreted nerve growth factor were four-fold higher than brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which was three-fold higher than glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Increasing concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid （10%, 20% and 30%） in the growth medium caused a decrease of neurotrophic factor secretion Results indicated co-culture of human embryonic olfactory ensheathing cells, human Schwann cells human amniotic epithelial cells and human vascular endothelial cells improved the expression of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. The reduction of cerebrospinal fluid extravasation at the transplant site after spinal cord injury is beneficial for the survival and secretion of neurotrophic factors from transplanted cells.

Optimization of Culture Medium and Transfection Method for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Organoids

[Objectives] To optimize the culture medium for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patient-derived organoid and screen suitable cytokines;compare the transfection efficiency of direct transfection and short-term suspension transfection for organoid in matrigel. [Methods] Advanced DMEM/F12 medium, GlutaMax and HEPES buffer, nicotinamide, N-acetylcysteine, B27, A83-01, EGF, Y-27632 and Primocin primary cell antibiotics were prepared. On this basis, fibroblast growth factor 10(FGF10), Neuregulin 1, Noggin and R-spondin-1 were added in turn to prepare the selection medium, and the organoid diameter was used as the evaluation index to evaluate the effect of organoid medium. Using lentivirus, mCherry red fluorescent protein was transfected into HNSCC—PDO in different ways, and the transfection effect was evaluated by the fluorescence intensity of organoid sphere. [Results] Nrg1 Noggin and R-Spondin-1 promoted the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma sphere(P<0.05) while FGF10 did not significantly promote the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma sphere(P>0.05). Compared with direct transfection, short-term suspension transfection had higher transfection efficiency for HNSCC—PDO in matrigel. [Conclusions] R-Spondin-1 Nrg1 and Noggin may be the key cytokines in culture of HNSCC—PDO whereas FGF10 played an insignificant role in this study. Short-term suspension transfection could improve the transfection efficiency of lentivirus to HNSCC—PDO.

Sequential extraction of RNA,DNA and protein from cultured cells of the same group

BACKGROUND Efficient extraction of nucleic acids and proteins(ENAP)from cells is a prerequisite for precise annotation of gene function,and has become laboratory routine for revealing the mysteries of life.However,cell samples are often from different culture dishes,resulting in inevitable experimental errors and sometimes poor repeatability.AIM To explore a method to improve the efficiency of ENAP,minimizing errors in ENAP processes,enhancing the reliability and repeatability of subsequent experimental results.METHODS A protocol for the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cultured HepG2 cells using RNAzol reagent is presented here.The first step involves culturing HepG2 cells to the exponential phase,followed by the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cultured cells in the second step.The yield of nucleic acids and proteins is detected in the third step,and their purity and integrity are verified in the last step.RESULTS The procedure takes as few as 3-4 d from the start to quality verification and is highly efficient.In contrast to the existing kits and reagents,which are primarily based on independent isolation,this RNAzol reagent-based method is characterized by the sequential isolation of RNA,DNA,and proteins from the same cells,and therefore saves time,and has low cost and high efficiency.CONCLUSION The RNA,DNA,and proteins isolated using this method can be used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,polymerase chain reaction,and western blotting,respectively.

Enzymatic Cell Isolation and Explant Cultures of Rat Calvarial Osteoblast Cells

Osteoblast cells were isolated from the calvarial bones of newborn Wistar rats and cultured in vitro via both collagenase digestion method and explant technique, and a comparative study was carried out on the two culture methods. The biologic charwteristics of the osteoblast cells were studied via cell number counting, morphology observation, alkaline phosphatase staining of the cells and alizarine- red staining of the calcified nodules. The results show that osteoblast cells can be cultured in vitro via collagenase digestion method and explant technique, and the obtained cells ure of good biologic characteristics. In comparison with the explant technique, the operative procedure of the enzymatic digestion method is more complicated. The digestion time must be carefully controlled. However, with this method, one can obtain a lager number of cells in a short time. The operative procedure of the explant technique is simpler, but it usually takes longer time to obtain cells of desirable number.

Integration of Excellent Chinese Traditional Culture into the Training and Education of Acupuncture and Massage Professionals

By reflecting on the current situation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,this paper aims to carry out the research on the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage.The specific implementation path includes early investigation and analysis,establishment of research objectives,formulation of teaching strategies,means and methods,empirical research on the process of teaching practice,teaching measurement and evaluation,and so on.Finally,it summarizes the connotation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,in order to provide new ideas and methods for the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage professionals.

Research on the Transmission of Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture in Confucius Classroom at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Under the Background of“the Belt and Road”Cooperation Initiative

“The Belt and Road”cooperation initiative contains Chinese excellent traditional cultural ideas,and is deeply rooted in Chinese excellent traditional culture.The proposal of“the Belt and Road”cooperation initiative is not only the strategic need to implement the“going out”of Chinese culture,but also the need to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among countries along“the Belt and Road”,and more importantly,the practical consideration of building a community of shared future for mankind with cultural identity.Confucius classroom,as one of the important platforms to realize the“going out”of Chinese culture,shows the“image of China”and enhances the“soft power”of Chinese culture,integrates and configures Chinese teaching and Chinese cultural resources through cooperation,and plays an important role in telling Chinese stories,spreading Chinese voice,enhancing cultural mutual trust and people-to-people contacts as well as the awareness of a community of shared future for mankind.Taking the Confucius classroom jointly built by Huanggang Normal University in China and Sabaragamuwa University in Sri Lanka as an example,this paper explores some effective transmission ways for spreading Chinese excellent traditional culture in Sri Lankan Confucius classroom under the background of“the Belt and Road”cooperation initiative,aiming to give full play to the role of Confucius classroom in cultural exchanges and enhance inter-school exchanges and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka in terms of cultural mutual trust and respect.

Pre-degenerated peripheral nerves co-cultured with bone marrow-derived cells: a new technique for harvesting high-purity Schwann cells

Schwann cells play an important role in the peripheral nervous system, especially in nerve repair following injury, so artificial nerve regen- eration requires an effective technique for obtaining purified Schwann cells. In vivo and in vitro pre-degeneration of peripheral nerves have been shown to obtain high-purity Schwann cells. We believed that in vitro pre-degeneration was simple and controllable, and available for the clinic. Thus, we co-cultured the crushed sciatic nerves with bone marrow-derived cells in vitro. Results demonstrated that, 3 hours after injury, a large number of mononuclear cells moved to the crushed nerves and a large number of bone marrow-derived cells infiltrated the nerve segments. These changes promoted the degradation of the nerve segments, and the dedifferentiation and proliferation of Schwann cells. Neural cell adhesion molecule and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression were detected in the crushed nerves. Schwann cell yield was 9.08 ± 2.01 ×104/mg. The purity of primary cultured Schwann cells was 88.4 ± 5.79%. These indicate a successful new method for ob- taining Schwann cells of high purity and yield from adult crushed sciatic nerve using bone marrow-derived cells.

Research on Coupling Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture and Ideological and Political Course to Educate People

As a great country with a long civilization of more than 5,000 years,China has developed both inheritance and innovation during its long history.In the changing times,the Chinese nation,with its indestructible stance,has continuously condensed its fine traditional culture and formed the spirit of our nation through the wash of time.The article discusses the importance of combining the excellent Chinese traditional culture with ideological and political course,the dilemmas faced and the countermeasures to cope with them,in order to promote the inheritance and development of China’s excellent traditional culture and make suggestions for students to better learn and carry forward the excellent traditional culture.

In vitro Culture of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rats and Differentiation into Retinal Neural-like Cells

In order to study the in vitro culture and expansion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats （rMSCs） and the possibility of rMSCs differentiation into retinal neural cells, the bone marrow-derived cells in SD rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. The retinal neural cells in SD rats were cultured and the supernatants were collected to prepare conditioned medium. The cultured rMSCs were induced to differentiate by two steps. Immunofluorescence method and anti-nestin, anti-NeuN, anti-GFAP and anti-Thyl. 1 antibodies were used to identify the cells derived from the rMSCs. The results showed that the in vitro cultured rMSCs grew well and expanded quickly. After induction with two conditioned media, rMSCs was induced to differentiate into neural progenitor cells, then into retinal neural-like cells which were positive for nestin, NeuN, GFAP and Thyl. 1 detected by fluorescence method. The findings suggested that rMSCs could be culture and expanded in vitro, and induced to differentiate into retinal neural-like cells.

Differentiation potential of human adipose tissue derived stem cells into photoreceptors through explants culture and enzyme methods

AIM： To investigate the retinal photoreceptor differentiation potential of human orbital adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSCs） generated by enzyme （EN） and explant （EX） culture methods.METHODS： We investigated potentials of human orbital ADSCs to differentiate into photoreceptors through EN and EX culture methods. EN and EX orbital ADSCs were obtained from the same donor during rehabilitative orbital decompression, and then were subject to a 3-step induction using Noggin, DKK-1, IGF-1 and b-FGF at different time points for 38d. Stem cell, eye-field and photoreceptor-related gene and protein markers were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunofluorescent （IMF） staining.RESULTS： Both EX and EN orbital ADSCs expressed CD133, a marker of cell differentiation. Moreover, PAX6 and rhodopsin, markers of the retinal progenitor cells, were detected from EX and EN orbital ADSCs. In EX orbital ADSCs, PAX6 mRNA was detected on the 17th day and then the rhodopsin mRNA was detected on the 24th day. In contrast, the EN orbital ADSCs expressed PAX6 and rhodopsin mRNA on the 31st day. EX orbital ADSCs expressed rhodopsin protein on the 24th day, while EN orbital ADSCs expressed rhodopsin protein on the 31st day. CONCLUSION： Orbital ADSCs isolated by direct explants culture show earlier and stronger expressions of markers towards eye field and retinal photoreceptor differentiation than those generated by conventional EN method.