Black Arsenic-Phosphorus Nanosheets for Highly Responsive Photodetection and Dual-Wavelength Ultrafast Pulse Generation at Telecommunication Bands.

Black arsenic-phosphorus (b-AsP), an alloy containing black phosphorus and arsenic in the form of b-AsxP1-x, has a broadly tunable band gap changing with the chemical ratios of As and P. Although mid-infrared photodetectors and mode-locked or Q-switched pulse lasers based on b-AsP (mostly b-As0.83P0.17) are investigated, the potential of this family of materials for near-infrared photonic and optoelectronic applications at telecommunication bands is not fully explored. Here, we have verified a multifunctional fiber device based on b-As0.4P0.6 nanosheets for highly responsive photodetection and dual-wavelength ultrafast pulse generation at around 1550 nm. The fiber laser with a saturable absorber (SA) based on b-As0.4P0.6 nanosheets can output dual-wavelength mode-locking pulses with a larger bandwidth and spectral separation than those based on other two-dimensional (2D) materials. Remarkably, it is found that the b-As0.4P0.6-based photodetector can achieve a high responsivity of 10,200 A/W at 1550 nm and a peak responsivity of 2.29 × 105 A/W at 980 nm. Our work suggests that b-As0.4P0.6 shows great potential in ultrafast photonics, dual-comb spectroscopy, and infrared signal detection.

Sn-doped BiOI assisted the excellent photocatalytic performance of multi-shelled ZnO microspheres under simulated sunlight.

To deal with the environmental pollution and energy crises, it is indispensable to find green and efficient means to overcome these challenges. Herein, the Sn-doped BiOI modified multi-shelled ZnO heterojunction composite with a high performance are designed and prepared. The results prove the formation of heterojunction structure in the composites and the morphology is shown as the multi-shelled microsphere. The performances of the composites are evaluated by different kinds of antibiotic degradation and H2-evolution under simulation sunlight irradiation. The measurements present that the Sn-BiOI/ZnO (SBZs) could completely remove ciprofloxacin (CIP) within 100 min, which is 4.18 times that of ZnO in kinetics. Typically, the degradation rate of CIP for SBZ6 is over 99.9%, which is more than 25% higher than that of pure ZnO microspheres. In addition, the rate of H2 production could reach 3.08 mmol g-1∙ h-1, which is 1.79 times of the pure ZnO microspheres. The boosted performance of the composites may originate from the enhanced electronic transmission efficiency and improved separation and recombination efficiency of electrons/holes. The charge transfer mode in the SBZs heterojunction composites is proposed and verified as the Z-scheme by the active species experimental and the possible electron transfer path analysis. Therefore, Sn-doped BiOI is introduced into multi-shelled ZnO microsphere to form contact heterojunction interfacial, which greatly improves the photocatalytic performances of the SBZs. Furthermore, this work supplies a strategy for designing and preparing highly active ZnO-based heterojunction composites, which could effectively address the challenges of environmental remediation and clean energy production.

Two-Dimensional Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ Nanosheets for Ultrafast Photonics and Optoelectronics.

Two-dimensional (2D) Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (BSCCO) is a emerming class of 2D materials with high-temperature superconductivity for which their electronic transport properties have been intensively studied. However, the optical properties, especially nonlinear optical response and the photonic and optoelectronic applications of normal state 2D Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi-2212), have been largely unexplored. Here, the linear and nonlinear optical properties of mechanically exfoliated Bi-2212 thin flakes are systematically investigated. 2D Bi-2212 shows a profound plasmon absorption in near-infrared wavelength range with ultrafast carrier dynamics as well as tunable nonlinear absorption depending on the thickness. We demonstrated that 2D Bi-2212 can be applied not only as an effective mode-locker for ultrashort pulse generation but also as an active medium for infrared light detection due to its plasmon absorption. Our results may trigger follow up studies on the optical properties of 2D BSCCO and demonstrate potential opportunities for photonic and optoelectronic applications.

Advanced sensitivity amplification strategies for voltammetric immunosensors of tumor marker: State of the art.

Immunosensors are molecular recognition-based solid-state biosensing devices, in which the immunochemical reactions are coupled with transducers. As biologic or biochemical substances produced by tumor cells, tumor marker plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer because its concentration is related to tumor size, clinical stage, and predicting prognosis. Voltammetric immunosensors based on the electrochemical analysis technique provide a sensitive electroanalytical approach for quantitatively detecting tumor markers by measuring the current as a function of the potential. To satisfy the need for accurate monitoring of tumor markers in low-concentration and their slight changes in concentration, the primary aim of developing a novel voltammetric immunosensor is to improve its sensitivity and limit of detection. Compared with traditional immunoassay, the advanced sensitivity-amplified immunosensors have applied appropriate amplification strategies to convert the bio-signal of antigen-antibody recognition events to the high electrochemical signal of redox species. Building on the significant concepts, sensitivity and limit of detection, we describe how the performance of voltammetric immunosensors can be improved by various sensitivity amplification mechanisms: (1) construction of labels with a high loading of signal species; (2) introduction of interfacial reaction initiated by functionalized nanomaterials; (3) building a synergistic connection between labels and substrate. The review ends with a summary of the shortage of current sensitivity amplified immunosensors and the perspective of enhancement strategies for more simple, efficient, and reliable voltammetric immunosensors.

Corrigendum to "Synthesis, Morphology, and Hydrogen Absorption Properties of TiVMn and TiCrMn Nanoalloys with a FCC Structure".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/5906473.].

Efficacy Evaluation and Tracking of Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and dynamically monitor engrafted BMSCs in vivo for the early prediction of their therapeutic effects in a rat model. METHODS: A rat model of RIRI was prepared by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min. One week after renal artery clamping, 2 × 106 superparamagnetic iron oxide- (SPIO-) labeled BMSCs were injected into the renal artery. Next, MR imaging of the kidneys was performed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after cell transplantation. On day 21, after transplantation, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assessed, and HE staining and TUNEL assay were also performed. RESULTS: The body weight growth rates in the SPIO-BMSC group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05), and the Scr and BUN levels were also significantly lower than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed that the degree of degeneration and vacuole-like changes in the renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly better than that observed in the PBS group. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly lower than that in the PBS group. The T2 value of the renal lesion was the highest on day 1 after cell transplantation, and it gradually decreased with time in both the PBS and SPIO-BMSC groups but was always the lowest in the SPIO-BMSC group. CONCLUSION: SPIO-labeled BMSC transplantation can significantly promote the recovery of RIRI and noninvasive dynamic monitoring of engrafted cells and can also be performed simultaneously with MRI in vivo for the early prediction of therapeutic effects.

Ti-V-C-Based Alloy with a FCC Lattice Structure for Hydrogen Storage.

Here we report a Ti50V50-10 wt.% C alloy with a unique lattice and microstructure for hydrogen storage development. Different from a traditionally synthesized Ti50V50 alloy prepared by a melting method and having a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure, this Ti50V50-C alloy synthesized by a mechanical alloying method is with a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure (space group: Fm-3m No. 225). The crystalline size is 60 nm. This alloy may directly absorb hydrogen near room temperature without any activation process. Mechanisms of the good kinetics from lattice and microstructure aspects were discussed. Findings reported here may indicate a new possibility in the development of future hydrogen storage materials.

A dual-mode nanoparticle based on natural biomaterials for photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging of bone mesenchymal stem cells in vivo.

Stem cell imaging in vivo is critical to elucidate the homing, distribution, survival, and repair mechanisms and to evaluate the therapeutic effects of engrafted stem cells. Unfortunately, unimodal imaging of stem cells does not simultaneously satisfy all current requirements owing to their intrinsic limitations. Obviously, bimodal or multimodal imaging of stem cells is a promising strategy for circumventing this issue. This study aimed to design and synthesize a novel dual-modal polyethylene glycol-modified magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3+-PEG-MNP) based on natural biomaterials including melanin and Fe ions for photoacoustic (PA) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of stem cells in vivo. The Fe3+-PEG-MNPs were characterized and their PA/MR imaging capability and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) labeled with Fe3+-PEG-MNPs were subjected to PA and MR imaging in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, Fe3+-PEG-MNPs displayed many superior properties, including ultra-small particle size, higher stability, water solubility, easy labeling of cells, lower cytotoxicity, high biosafety, excellent capability of PA/MR imaging, high sensitivity and long-term monitoring in vitro and in vivo. In particular, PA and MR signals of labeled BM-MSCs were maintained for at least 35 and 28 d, respectively, in vivo. Therefore, Fe3+-PEG-MNPs are ideal dual-modal PA/MR nanoparticles for non-invasive and effective monitoring of engrafted stem cells in vivo.

Advanced SEM and TEM Techniques Applied in Mg-Based Hydrogen Storage Research.

Mg-based materials are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for hydrogen storage. In order to clarify the relationship between the structures and properties as well as to understand the reaction and formation mechanisms, it is beneficial to obtain useful information about the size, morphology, and microstructure of the studied materials. Herein, the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques for the representation of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials is described. The basic principles of SEM and TEM are presented and the characterizations of the size, morphology observation, phase and composition determination, and formation and reaction mechanisms clarification of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials are discussed. The applications of advanced SEM and TEM play significant roles in the research and development of the next-generation hydrogen storage materials.

Synthesis, Morphology, and Hydrogen Absorption Properties of TiVMn and TiCrMn Nanoalloys with a FCC Structure.

TiVMn and TiCrMn alloys are promising hydrogen storage materials for onboard application due to their high hydrogen absorption content. However, the traditional synthesis method of melting and continuous necessary heat treatment and activation process are energy- and time-consuming. There is rarely any report on kinetics improvement and nanoprocessing in TiVMn- and TiCrMn-based alloys. Here, through ball milling with carbon black as additive, we synthesized face-centered cubic (FCC) structure TiVMn- and TiCrMn-based nanoalloys with mean particle sizes of around a few to tens of µm and with the crystallite size just 10 to 13 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements under hydrogen atmosphere of the two obtained TiVMn and TiCrMn nanoalloys show much enhancement on the hydrogen absorption performance. The mechanism of the property improvement and the difference in the two samples were discussed from microstructure and morphology aspects. The study here demonstrates a new potential methodology for development of next-generation hydrogen absorption materials.

A promising magnetic resonance stem cell tracer based on natural biomaterials in a biological system: manganese(II) chelated to melanin nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Melanin and manganese are both indispensable natural substances that play crucial roles in the human body. Melanin has been used as a multimodality imaging nanoplatform for biology science research because of its natural binding ability with metal ions (eg, 64Cu2+, Fe3+, and Gd3+). Because of its effects on T1 signal enhancement, Mn-based nanoparticles have been used in magnetic resonance (MR) quantitative cell tracking in vivo. Stem cell tracking in vivo is an essential technology used to characterize engrafted stem cells, including cellular viability, biodistribution, differentiation capacity, and long-term fate. METHODS: In the present study, manganese(II) ions chelated to melanin nanoparticles [MNP-Mn(II)] were synthesized. The characteristics, stem cell labeling efficiency, and cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles were evaluated. MR imaging of the labeled stem cells in vivo and in vitro were also further performed. In T1 relaxivity (r1), MNP-Mn(II) were significantly more abundant than Omniscan. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) can be labeled easily by coincubating with MNP-Mn(II), suggesting that MNP-Mn(II) had high biocompatibility. RESULTS: Cell Counting Kit-8 assays revealed that MNP-Mn(II) had almost no cytotoxicity when used to label BMSCs, even with a very high concentration (1,600 µg/mL). BMSCs labeled with MNP-Mn(II) could generate a hyperintense T1 signal both in vitro and in vivo, and the hyperintense T1 signal in vivo persisted for at least 28 days. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results showed that MNP-Mn(II) possessed many excellent properties for potential quantitative stem cell tracking in vivo.

Preservation of conductive propagation after surgical repair of cardiac defects with a bio-engineered conductive patch.

BACKGROUND: Both stable and biodegradable biomaterials have been used to surgically repair congenital cardiac defects. However, neither type of biomaterial can conduct electrical activity. We evaluated the conductivity and efficacy of a newly synthesized conductive polypyrrole-chitosan (Ppy+Chi) gelfoam patch to support cardiomyocyte (CM) viability and function in vitro and to surgically repair a cardiac defect in vivo. METHODS: Ppy+Chi was incorporated into gelfoam (Gel) to form a 3-dimensional conductive patch. In vitro, patch characteristics were evaluated and biocompatibility and bioconductivity were investigated by culturing neonatal rat CMs on the patches. In vivo, a full-thickness right ventricular outflow tract defect was created in rats and the patches were implanted. Four weeks after patch repair, cardiac electrical activation and conduction velocity were evaluated using an optical mapping system. RESULTS: In vitro, the Ppy+Chi+Gel patch had a higher mean breaking stress than the Gel or Chi+Gel patches, and the highest conductivity. None of the patches altered cell growth. The Ca2+ transient velocity of CMs cultured on the Ppy+Chi+Gel patch was 2.5-fold higher than that of CMs cultured on the Gel or Chi+Gel patches. In vivo, optical mapping at 4 weeks post-implantation demonstrated that Ppy+Chi+Gel patch-implanted hearts had faster conduction velocities, as measured on the epicardial surface. Continuous electrocardiographic telemetry did not reveal any pathologic arrhythmias after patch implantation. Ex-vivo patch conductivity testing also revealed that the Ppy+Chi+Gel patch was more conductive than the Gel and Chi+Gel patches. CONCLUSIONS: The Ppy+Chi+Gel patch was biocompatible, safe and conductive, making it an attractive candidate for a new biomaterial platform for cardiac surgical repair to preserve synchronous ventricular contraction.

Effective tracking of bone mesenchymal stem cells in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging using melanin-based gadolinium3+ nanoparticles.

Tracking transplanted stem cells is necessary to clarify cellular properties and improve transplantation success. In this study, we designed and synthesized melanin-based gadolinium3+ (Gd3+ )-chelate nanoparticles (MNP-Gd3+ ) of ∼7 nm for stem cell tracking in vivo. MNP-Gd3+ possesses many beneficial properties, such as its high stability and sensitivity, shorter T1 relaxation time, higher cell labeling efficiency, and lower cytotoxicity compared with commercial imaging agents. We found that the T1 relaxivity (r1 ) of MNP-Gd3+ was significantly higher than that of Gd-DTPA; the nanoparticles were taken up by bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) via endocytosis and were broadly distributed in the cytoplasm. Based on an in vitro MTT assay, no cytotoxicity of labeled stem cells was observed for MNP-Gd3+ concentrations of less than 800 µg/mL. Furthermore, we tracked MNP-Gd3+ -labeled BMSCs in vivo using 3.0T MRI equipment. After intramuscular injection, MNP-Gd3+ -labeled BMSCs were detected, even after four weeks, by 3T MRI. We concluded that MNP-Gd3+ nanoparticles at appropriate concentrations can be used to effectively monitor and track BMSCs in vivo. MNP-Gd3+ nanoparticles have potential as a new positive MRI contrast agent in clinical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 131-137, 2017.

Effects of Magnetically Guided, SPIO-Labeled, and Neurotrophin-3 Gene-Modified Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

Despite advances in our understanding of spinal cord injury (SCI) mechanisms, there are still no effective treatment approaches to restore functionality. Although many studies have demonstrated that transplanting NT3 gene-transfected bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is an effective approach to treat SCI, the approach is often low efficient in the delivery of engrafted BMSCs to the site of injury. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of magnetic targeting of NT3 gene-transfected BMSCs via lumbar puncture in a rat model of SCI. With the aid of a magnetic targeting cells delivery system, we can not only deliver the engrafted BMSCs to the site of injury more efficiently, but also perform cells imaging in vivo using MR. In addition, we also found that this composite strategy could significantly improve functional recovery and nerve regeneration compared to transplanting NT3 gene-transfected BMSCs without magnetic targeting system. Our results suggest that this composite strategy could be promising for clinical applications.

[Current status and progress of medical imaging in diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors].

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are derived from non-directed differentiation of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tissue, which lack of typical clinical symptoms, and many asymptomatic GISTs are often found on physical examination. The tumor is primarily through implantation metastasis and blood metastasis. Currently, conventional medical imaging methods, such as X-ray barium meal, US, CT, MRI, PET/CT and ES, are still the main means of diagnosis of GISTs. Early diagnosis and early treatment are key factors of the prognosis in GISTs. Therefore, we need to be proficient in various medical imaging methods, then apply them to the diagnosis of GISTs, and to provide comprehensive and valuable information for clinical practice. Through retrieving and consulting literature of medical imaging associated with GISTs, this paper reviews the current status and progress of medical imaging in diagnosis of GISTs.

Visual bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the repair of spinal cord injury.

An important factor in improving functional recovery from spinal cord injury using stem cells is maximizing the number of transplanted cells at the lesion site. Here, we established a contusion model of spinal cord injury by dropping a weight onto the spinal cord at T7-8. Superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into the injured spinal cord via the subarachnoid space. An outer magnetic field was used to successfully guide the labeled cells to the lesion site. Prussian blue staining showed that more bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells reached the lesion site in these rats than in those without magnetic guidance or superparamagnetic iron oxide labeling, and immunofluorescence revealed a greater number of complete axons at the lesion site. Moreover, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale scores were the highest in rats with superparamagnetic labeling and magnetic guidance. Our data confirm that superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles effectively label bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and impart sufficient magnetism to respond to the external magnetic field guides. More importantly, superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be dynamically and non-invasively tracked in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging. Superparamagnetic iron oxide labeling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells coupled with magnetic guidance offers a promising avenue for the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury.

Efficient In vitro labeling rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with SPIO and differentiating into neural-like cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into neural cells to treat nervous system diseases. Magnetic resonance is an ideal means for cell tracking through labeling cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO). However, no studies have described the neural differentiation ability of SPIO-labeled MSCs, which is the foundation for cell therapy and cell tracking in vivo. Our results showed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) labeled in vitro with SPIO can be induced into neural-like cells without affecting the viability and labeling efficiency. The cellular uptake of SPIO was maintained after labeled BM-MSCs differentiated into neural-like cells, which were the basis for transplanted cells that can be dynamically and non-invasively tracked in vivo by MRI. Moreover, the SPIO-labeled induced neural-like cells showed neural cell morphology and expressed related markers such as NSE, MAP-2. Furthermore, whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that these neural-like cells exhibited electrophysiological properties of neurons. More importantly, there was no significant difference in the cellular viability and [Ca(2+)]i between the induced labeled and unlabeled neural-like cells. In this study, we show for the first time that SPIO-labeled MSCs retained their differentiation capacity and could differentiate into neural-like cells with high cell viability and a good cellular state in vitro.

High expression of transform growth factor beta 1 in gastric cancer confers worse outcome: results of a cohort study on 184 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transform growth factors beta (TGFbeta) plays different roles at different stages of tumor development. TGFbeta1 is one isoform of TGFbeta, with complex secretion mechanism and bidirectional functions. This study was to investigate TGFbeta1 expression and its clinical significance in different clinicopathological subgroups of gastric cancer (GC) patients. METHODOLOGY: Tumor and peritumoral tissues from 184 GC patients were constructed into three tumor tissue microarrays. The expression of TGFbeta1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry methods. RESULTS: TGFbeta1 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of GC cells. Low TGFbeta1 expression was observed in 82 (44.6%) tumor and 28 (68.3%) peritumoral tissues, and high expression was observed in 102 (55.4%) tumor and 13 (31.7%) peritumoral tissues. TGFbeta1 expression was significantly higher in tumor than peritumoral tissues (chi2 = 7.554, P = 0.006). The high expression of TGFbeta1 was related to worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.040). TGFbeta1 expression was higher in the old and intestinal type GC than in the young (P = 0.017) and in diffuse type GC (P = 0.015), respectively. Patients with high TGFbeta1 expression had a worse survival in young people, female, diffuse type GC, poor differentiation, and lymph nodes metastasis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that age, pathological grading, serosal invasion and TGFbeta1 expression were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: High TGFbeta1 expression may indicate poor prognosis of GC patients and warrant more active treatment against TGFbeta1.

Long term follow up and retrospective study on 533 gastric cancer cases.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in China and the outcome of GC patients is poor. The aim of the research is to study the prognostic factors of gastric cancer patients who had curative intent or palliative resection, completed clinical database and follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 533 GC patients from three tertiary referral teaching hospitals from January 2004 to December 2010 who had curative intent or palliative resection, complete clinical database and follow-up information. The GC-specific overall survival (OS) status was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate analysis was conducted to identify possible factors for survival. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model and a forward regression procedure was conducted to define independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: By the last follow-up, the median follow-up time of 533 GC patients was 38.6 mo (range 6.9-100.9 mo), and the median GC-specific OS was 25.3 mo (95% CI: 23.1-27.4 mo). The estimated 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year GC-specific OS rates were 78.4%, 61.4%, 53.3% and 48.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors: hospital, age, gender, cancer site, surgery type, resection type, other organ resection, HIPEC, LN status, tumor invasion, distant metastases, TNM stage, postoperative SAE, systemic chemotherapy and IP chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis, seven factors were identified as independent prognostic factors for long term survival, including resection type, HIPEC, LN status, tumor invasion, distant metastases, postoperative SAE and systemic chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Resection type, HIPEC, postoperative SAE and systemic chemotherapy are four independent prognostic factors that could be intervened for GC patients for improving survival.

Transplantation of neurotrophin-3-expressing bone mesenchymal stem cells improves recovery in a rat model of spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of transplanting neutrophin-3 (NT-3)-expressing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the control, BMSC, and NT-3-BMSC groups. BMSCs were infected with NT-3-DsRed or DsRed lentivirus and injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture (LP) 7 days after SCI in the NT-3-BMSC and BMSC groups, respectively. The hind-limb motor function of all rats was recorded using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after transplantation. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence labelling, and western blotting were performed at the final time point. RESULTS: Expressions of NT-3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins increased significantly in the NT-3-BMSC group, and hind-limb locomotor functions improved significantly in the NT-3-BMSC group compared with the other two groups. The cystic cavity area was smallest in the NT-3-BMSC group. In the NT-3-BMSC group, neurofilament 200 (NF200) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression levels around the lesions were significantly increased and decreased, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that transplantation of NT-3 gene-modified BMSCs via LP can strengthen the therapeutic benefits of BMSC transplantation. We observed that these modified cells increased locomotor function recovery, promoted nerve regeneration, and improved the injured spinal cord microenvironment, suggesting that it could be a promising treatment for SCI.