Modeling the Pulse Signal by Wave-Shape Function and Analyzing by Synchrosqueezing Transform.

We apply the recently developed adaptive non-harmonic model based on the wave-shape function, as well as the time-frequency analysis tool called synchrosqueezing transform (SST) to model and analyze oscillatory physiological signals. To demonstrate how the model and algorithm work, we apply them to study the pulse wave signal. By extracting features called the spectral pulse signature, and based on functional regression, we characterize the hemodynamics from the radial pulse wave signals recorded by the sphygmomanometer. Analysis results suggest the potential of the proposed signal processing approach to extract health-related hemodynamics features.

Anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects of pearl extract gel on UVB irradiation HaCaT cells.

Caused by acute radiation skin reaction and injury, receiving radiotherapy treatment process is often performed side-effects on cancer patients. The clinical manifestations of skin irritation, itching, peeling, pigmentation, ulcer bleeding and other symptoms, in addition to causing patient discomfort and affecting quality of life, may increase the risk of local or systemic infection, and lead to interruption of radiation therapy. At present, for acute radiation dermatitis, there is no uniform treatment, and the various methods are evaluated variously. In this study, the authors focus on broken pearls using room temperature super extraction system, the water extraction process of wet-grinding method, nano-scale pearl, along with a large number of high purity natural amino acid extracts in the water. The room-temperature super-extraction system (RTSES) can be extracted from a relatively high-volume of pearl extract. We use pearl extract as the main component of experimental material, and the blending of pearl extract and poly (γ-glutamic acid) is used to form biodegradable composite hydrogels. This study aims to evaluate the use of RTSES to extract the major active components of pearl and enhance their anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis effects. The possible effect of pearl extract on inducing apoptosis in human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) under the exposure of low dose UVB has been investigated. Various concentrations of pearl extracts have been used to study the effect of low dosage UVB on HaCaT cells. The results show that pearl extract has no toxic effect on HaCaT cells. Combining the pearl extract and poly (γ-glutamic acid) hydrogels with UVB irradiation would decrease the inflammation and apoptosis of HaCaT cells. The commercial pearl extract has the potential to inhibit radiation dermatitis occurring within keratinocyte cells.

Osteogenic activity of nanonized pearl powder/poly (lactide-co-glycolide) composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Numerous materials have been proposed for bone tissue engineering. In this study, a newly designed hybrid composite scaffold composed of poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and a naturally bioceramic hybrid material, nanonized pearl powder, were prepared and the biological activities and physical properties of the scaffold for bone tissue engineering were evaluated. It is a composite consisting calcium carbonate crystal in an aragonite structure, embedded in an organic matrix. Peral contains one or more signal molecules capable of stimulating bone formation. The nanonized pearl powder is considered as a promising osteoinductive biomaterial. This biomaterial is biocompatible and shows osteogenic activity. In this study, the designed biohybrid of nanonized pearl powder/poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (NPP/PLGA) biocomposite scaffolds would employ biodegradable material as MC3T3-E1 cells seeded scaffolds. Therefore, the biocomposite scaffolds would be used to culture with MC3T3-E1 cells under spinner bioreactor in vitro. Furthermore, it also detailed how these tissues were characterized, qualitatively and quantitatively, with scanning electron microscopy and biochemical testing. The identity and the mode of action of these molecules on the osteoblast differentiation were analyzed. This study indicates that the efficiency of nanonized pearl powders in bone cell differentiation are certainly different from that of proteins. Further sudy will look forward to manufacturing the promising new generation bone substitute, three dimensional biocomposite scaffolds to replace the implant and autogeneous bone graft, which combines basic research and clinical application.

Indigo naturalis upregulates claudin-1 expression in human keratinocytes and psoriatic lesions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indigo naturalis is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various dermatoses. Our previous clinical studies showed that indigo naturalis is an effective treatment for psoriasis. Herein, the capabilities of indigo naturalis extract and its derivatives to increase claudin-1 expression and tight junction (TJ) function in human keratinocytes and psoriatic lesions were further studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Claudin-1 expression in psoriatic plaques with or without indigo naturalis treatment was analyzed by immunohistochemical methods. In primary human keratinocytes, the expression of claudin-1 was analyzed by fluorescent immunostaining, a real-time RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. The effect of indigo naturalis on TJs was evaluated by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular tracer flux. RESULTS: The indigo naturalis extract upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of claudin-1 and function of TJs in primary human keratinocytes in concentration-dependent manners. Its main components, indirubin, indigo, and tryptanthrin, exerted synergistic effects on upregulating TJ functions in primary human keratinocytes. In addition, indigo naturalis increased the activity of protein kinase C (PKC), and a known potent PKC inhibitor, Ro318220, attenuated the indigo naturalis-induced claudin-1 expression. Significantly, restoration of claudin-1 was observed in healed psoriatic lesions after indigo naturalis treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Indigo naturalis upregulates claudin-1 expression and restores TJ function in keratinocytes. Our data also suggest that indirubin, indigo, and tryptanthrin have a synergistic effect on TJ function.

Development and evaluation of lipid nanoparticles for camptothecin delivery: a comparison of solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid emulsion.

AIM: Camptothecin is an anticancer drug that acts against a broad spectrum of tumors. The clinical application of camptothecin is limited by its insolubility, instability, and toxicity problems. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize lipid nanoparticles with different lipid cores which can circumvent these problems. METHODS: Lipid nanoparticles made of Precirol (solid lipid nanoparticles; SLN-P), Compritol (SLN-C), Precirol+squalene (nanostructured lipid carriers; NLC), and squalene (a lipid emulsion; LE) as the lipid core material were prepared. These systems were assessed and compared by evaluating the mean diameter, surface charge, molecular environment, camptothecin release, and cell viability against a melanoma. The safety and storage stability of these systems were also preliminarily examined. RESULTS: The particle size ranged from 190 to 310 nm, with the NLC and LE showing the smallest and largest sizes, respectively. The in vitro drug release occurred in a sustained manner in decreasing order as follows: LE> NLC> SLN-P> SLN-C. It was found that varying the type of inner phase had profound effects on cell viability. The SLN-P generally showed higher cytotoxicity than the free control. The treatment of melanomas with the camptothecin-loaded SLN-C and NLC yielded cytotoxicity comparable to that of the free form. The percentage of erythrocyte hemolysis by all nanoparticles was < or =5%, suggesting a good tolerance to lipid nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: The results collectively suggest that the SLN-P may have the potential to serve as a delivery system for parenteral camptothecin administration because of the sustained drug release, strong cytotoxicity, limited hemolysis, and good storage stability.