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.

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.

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。

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Inviting the Nigerians to Enjoy the Tea Culture

On June 20,Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon held by China Cultural Centerattracted dozens of students of the Chinese class of the cultural center and their relatives and friends.All of them sat together,sharing tea fragrance and tea culture.The event was held in the form of salon,using the way of sitting on the floor to create a relaxed and warm atmosphere,allowing guests to immerse themselves in the Chinese tea culture.

Application of Harmony and Integrity Culture in Tourism Project Planning—A Case Study of Lumingling Scenic Area

Significance of tourism project planning in the transformation of tourism resources to tourist products was analyzed,it was proposed that culture is the soul of tourism project planning,harmony and integrity culture is the essence of Chinese cultures.Connotations and types of harmony and integrity culture were elaborated,such as harmony and integrity of human and nature,harmony and integrity of the society,harmony and integrity of the ego.On this basis,relationship between harmony and integrity and tourism projects was expounded,harmony and integrity culture was stressed as the source of tourism projects,and tourism projects as optimal carriers of demonstrating and inheriting harmony and integrity culture.Lumingling Scenic Area in south Jingxing County,Shijiazhuang City of Hebei Province was taken for an example to analyze the application of harmony and integrity culture in concrete planning of tourist projects from the perspectives of functional orientation,theme orientation and functional division.

Preparation of lactic acid bacteria compound starter cultures based on pasting properties and its improvement of glutinous rice flour and dough

The effects of 5 lactic acid bacteria(LAB)fermentation on the pasting properties of glutinous rice flour were compared,and suitable fermentation strains were selected based on the changes of viscosity,setback value,and breakdown value to prepare LAB compound starter cultures.The results revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei HSD004 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HSD005 had apparent advantages in increasing the viscosity and reducing the setback and breakdown values of glutinous rice flour.In particular,the compound starter created using the two abovementioned LAB in the ratio of 3:1 had better performance than that using a single LAB in improving the pasting properties and increasing the water and oil absorption capacity of glutinous rice flour.Moreover,the gelatinization enthalpy of the fermented samples increased significantly.For frozen glutinous rice dough stored for 28 days,the viscoelasticity of frozen dough prepared by compound starter was better than that of control dough,and the freezable water content was lower than that of control dough.These results indicate that compound LAB fermentation is a promising technology in the glutinous rice-based food processing industry,which has significance for its application.

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Held in Two Places in the UK

May 21,2024 marks the 5th.International Tea Day.On May 23,the Chinese Embassy in the UK held the 2024 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon.At the event,guests were treated with three Hubei speciality teas,namely Enshi Yulu green tea,Yihong black tea,and Green Brick team,introduced to the history and culture of Chinese tea.

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Held in Panama

On June 12,the Chinese tea tasting activity Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon was successfully held in Panama,which was co-sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Panama,China International Culture Association and the People's Government of Yangzhou.

Chinese Culture,Classical Philosophy,and the Cultivation of Life

This paper explores the intricate relationship between Chinese culture and the nation’s rise,emphasizing the indispensable role of cultural education in fostering a robust national spirit and civilization.Drawing from classical Chinese texts and contemporary philosophical insights,the study examines how cultural virtues and educational practices can lead to societal harmony,national rejuvenation,and global contributions.The analysis highlights the enduring relevance of Confucian principles and their potential to address modern challenges,advocating for a renewed focus on cultural education to achieve a prosperous and peaceful world.Additionally,it underscores the necessity of integrating traditional values with modern educational practices to create a holistic approach that fosters ethical leadership and global cooperation.

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.

Investigation of the Acceptability of Cultured Meat in University Students

Background: Over the past 20 years, cultured meat has drawn a lot of public attention as a potential solution to issues with animal husbandry, including inadequate use of natural sources, improper animal welfare practices, and possible risks to public health and safety. The novel method of producing meat through culture reduces the need for animals to produce muscle fiber, thereby obviating the necessity for animal slaughter. Apart from its ethical advantages, cultured meat presents a possible way to fulfill the expanding need for food among growing populations. The purpose of this research was to find out whether Turkish students would be willing to pay for and accept cultured meat. Technique: Method: 371 university students who willingly consented to fill out a questionnaire and provide demographic data make up the research sample. Questions from previous studies on the acceptability of cultured meat were compiled to create the survey. The research’s data collection took place in March and April of 2022. The research was completed in June 2022 after the data had been processed and analyzed. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were female and had omnivorous eating habits. Based on the results of the Bonferroni correction test, students with a higher intention to purchase and consume cultured meat were those who received economics and business education. Students with two years of university education had a higher overall survey score than those with four years of education (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it is discovered that there is a negative correlation between the participants’ ages and their Factor 2 (using cultured meat as an alternative to industrial meat) and Factor 3 (consuming and purchasing it) section points (r = -109, p = 0.036) (r = -0.121, p = 0.019). In conclusion, university students generally have a negative outlook on health-related issues, such as eating cultured meat as an alternative.

The Philosophy of He(和):Examined from the Perspectives of Technology and Culture

Pre-modern Chinese crafts,such as iron smelting,cookery,medicine,and the production of vehicles,bows,and arrows indicate the traditional Chinese view of technology as being organic,holistic,and comprehensive.This view of technology is guided by the concept of he(和)and employs the means and methods of he,thus achieving the purport of he.In Chinese,the character he(和)possesses positive connotations.It originated from the meaning of"to season;to add flavoring to"(调和)and that of flavors being"perfectly harmonious"(和美).From this sensory experience,he gradually extended to the abstract levels of materiality,humanity,sociality,"order"(wei位),and "power,situation,force"(shi势).Finally,he was elevated to the supreme level of"qi of great harmony"(taihe zhi qi太和之气),which is comparable to the concept of dao(道).The philosophy of he has exerted wide impact on such areas as technology,art,national character,cultural psychology,and behavior patterns,and has become an integral part of China's inherent culture.The paradoxes and deviations of he hold their own profound philosophical implications that merit further exploration.As humanity confronts significant challenges,such as how we can coexist with others,with technology,and with nature,the ancient Eastern wisdom embodied in he continues to possess practical characteristics and value.

Effects of Different Culture Conditions and Growth States on the Structure and Hemostatic Properties of Coscinodiscus sp.

As a renewable marine inorganic material,Coscinodiscus sp.has significant potential in the field of rapid hemostasis.However,the low yield of Coscinodiscus sp.seriously limits the application.In this study,two new culture modes were adopted to increase the production of Coscinodiscus sp.,the effect of changes in culture conditions and growth status on the hemostatic activity of diatoms was detected.To prevent Coscinodiscus sp.from sinking in culture,the suspension culture mode was realized by adding0.5%agar.The semi-continuous high nutrient concentration culture mode increased the cell density of Coscinodiscus sp.to 11000cells mL^(-1)and shorten the culture cycle to 5 d.In terms of coagulation activity,the addition of frustules reduced the in vitro coagulation time by half and the activation time of coagulation by 70%.The hemolysis rate and cytotoxicity of frustules harvested in the two culture modes did not change significantly.The results showed that suspension culture mode and high nutrient concentration culture mode only changed the growth state of Coscinodiscus sp.,while the hemostatic performance remained stable.

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Held in Auckland,New Zealand

On May 18,the 2024 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon,co-sponsored by.China International Culture Association,the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hubei Province and China Cultural Center in Auckland,and organized by Asia New Zealand Foundation,New Zealand Tea Culture Institute and New Zealand Multicultural Exchange and Experience Center,was held at Lake.House Arts Center in Auckland.

Current status and challenges for cell-cultured milk technology: a systematic review

Cellular agriculture is an innovative technology for manufacturing sustainable agricultural products as an alternative to traditional agriculture.While most cellular agriculture is predominantly centered on the production of cultured meat,there is a growing demand for an understanding of the production techniques involved in dairy products within cellular agriculture.This review focuses on the current status of cellular agriculture in the dairy sector and technical challenges for cell-cultured milk production.Cellular agriculture technology in the dairy sector has been classified into fermentation-based and animal cell culture-based cellular agriculture.Currently,various companies synthesize milk components through precision fermentation technology.Nevertheless,several startup companies are pursuing animal cell-based technology,driven by public concerns regarding genetically modified organisms in precision fermentation technology.Hence,this review offers an up-to-date exploration of animal cell-based cellular agriculture to produce milk components,specifically emphasizing the structural,functional,and productive aspects of mammary epithelial cells,providing new information for industry and academia.

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Held at China Cultural Center in Berlin

On April 23,China Cultural Center in Berlin,together with the Bureau of Culture and Tourism of Qingdao City and the People's Government of L aoshan District,Qingdao City,held Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon 2024 Qingdao,presenting the guests with a gathering of men of letter integrating appreciating tea,watching exhibition,enjoying piano music,learning tea art and tasting refreshments.

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.

Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon Held in Toronto

On June 23,hosted by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Toronto and co-organized by the Culture and Arts Center of Guofeng Art Museum,the Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural.Salon was successfully held in Toronto.Through this event,the Chinese and Canadian people have enhanced friendship and deepened mutual understanding in the exchange of tea culture,injecting new vitality into the stability and development of bilateral relations.