Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation via Cytokine Interactions.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are key players in promoting ovarian cancer cell proliferation, orchestrated by the dynamic interplay between cytokines and their interactions with immune cells; however, the intricate crosstalk among BMSCs and cytokines has not yet been elucidated. Here, we aimed to investigate interactions between BMSCs and ovarian cancer cells. We established BMSCs with a characterized morphology, surface marker expression, and tri-lineage differentiation potential. Ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) cultured with conditioned medium from BMSCs showed increased migration, invasion, and colony formation, indicating the role of the tumor microenvironment in influencing cancer cell behavior. BMSCs promoted SKOV3 tumorigenesis in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice, increasing tumor growth. The co-injection of BMSCs increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and GSK-3ß in SKOV3 tumors. Co-culturing SKOV3 cells with BMSCs led to an increase in the expression of cytokines, especially MCP-1 and IL-6. These findings highlight the influence of BMSCs on ovarian cancer cell behavior and the potential involvement of specific cytokines in mediating these effects. Understanding these mechanisms will highlight potential therapeutic avenues that may halt ovarian cancer progression.

Assessment of Fallopian Tube Epithelium Features Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Both Fallopian Tube and Skin Origins.

Fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTECs) play a significant role in the development of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), but their utilization in in vitro experiments presents challenges. To address these limitations, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been employed as a potential solution, driven by the hypothesis that orthologous iPSCs may offer superior differentiation capabilities compared with their non-orthologous counterparts. Our objective was to generate iPSCs from FTECs, referred to as FTEC-iPSCs, and compare their differentiation potential with iPSCs derived from skin keratinocytes (NHEK). By introducing a four-factor Sendai virus transduction system, we successfully derived iPSCs from FTECs. To assess the differentiation capacity of iPSCs, we utilized embryoid body formation, revealing positive immunohistochemical staining for markers representing the three germ layers. In vivo tumorigenesis evaluation further validated the pluripotency of iPSCs, as evidenced by the formation of tumors in immunodeficient mice, with histological analysis confirming the presence of tissues from all three germ layers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis illuminated a sequential shift in gene expression, encompassing pluripotent, mesodermal, and intermediate mesoderm-related genes, during the iPSC differentiation process into FTECs. Notably, the introduction of WNT3A following intermediate mesoderm differentiation steered the cells toward a FTEC phenotype, supported by the expression of FTEC-related markers and the formation of tubule-like structures. In specific culture conditions, the expression of FTEC-related genes was comparable in FTECs derived from FTEC-iPSCs compared with those derived from NHEK-iPSCs. To conclude, our study successfully generated iPSCs from FTECs, demonstrating their capacity for FTEC differentiation. Furthermore, iPSCs originating from orthologous cell sources exhibited comparable differentiation capabilities. These findings hold promise for using iPSCs in modeling and investigating diseases associated with these specific cell types.

Role of LRRN4 in promoting malignant behavior in a p53- and Rb-defective human fallopian tube epithelial cell line.

This study explored the role of leucine-rich repeat neuronal 4 (LRRN4) in ovarian carcinogenesis using the p53- and Rb-defective human fallopian tube epithelial cell line FE25. We evaluated the expression of LRRN4 in FE25 cells with and without LRRN4 knockdown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and studied its effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, chemotherapeutic sensitivity, apoptosis, and xenograft formation. The results showed that FE25 shRNA-LRRN4 cells exhibited more aggressive malignant behaviors than FE25 cells, including faster proliferation and increased cell distribution in the G2/M phase, Akt pathway activation, cell migration, and cell invasion, as well as decreased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. FE25 shRNA-LRRN4 cells exhibited reduced levels of apoptosis and decreased expression of cleaved caspase 3, 7, 8, and 9, indicating reduced apoptotic activity. Additionally, FE25 shRNA-LRRN4 cells showed decreased LRRN4 and CK7 expression and increased WT1 expression, suggesting a potential role for LRRN4 in ovarian carcinogenesis. FE25 shRNA-LRRN4 generated a xenograft in mice with increased levels of WT1 and TP53 expression compared to their levels in cells. Overall, this study suggests that LRRN4 may play a role in ovarian carcinogenesis by promoting aggressive malignant behavior in FE25 cells through the activation of the Akt pathway. These findings provide insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer and may have implications for the development of new therapeutic targets for this disease.

Effects of the Overexpression of Progesterone Receptors on a Precancer p53 and Rb-Defective Human Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cell Line.

This study investigated the effects of progesterone receptors A (PRA) and B (PRB) on proliferation, migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth (AIG), and apoptosis of FE25 cells, a precancer p53- and retinoblastoma-defective human fallopian tube epithelial cell line. We observed that the transfection of PRA (FE25-PRA) or PRB (FE25-PRB) into FE25 cells significantly increased the expression of PRA or PRB at both RNA and protein levels without affecting cell morphology. The FE25-PRA cells exhibited slower proliferation, whereas FE25-PRB showed faster cell proliferation than the control cells. In contrast, the FE25-PRA cells showed the highest migration and invasion abilities, whereas the FE25-PRB cells showed the lowest migration and invasion abilities. After treatment with progesterone, all cell types showed decreased AIG levels, increased apoptotic rates in Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining, and increased levels of apoptotic proteins ascertained based on cleaved caspase-3 levels. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of carboplatin increased in FE25-PRB cells, but that of paclitaxel remained unchanged. Overall, this study suggests that PRA and PRB have distinct roles in regulating the behavior of FE25 cells, and targeting these receptors could be a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer treatment. If PRA or PRB overexpression is observed in high-grade serous carcinoma, progesterone could be considered as an adjuvant therapy for these specific cancer patients. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with household environments among mothers and their preschool-age children.

Phthalates have become a matter of public health concern due to their extensive use worldwide and negative health effects. The evaluation of potential sources of phthalate exposure is crucial to design prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. This study included 528 mother-child pairs in the Taiwan Mother Infant Cohort Study who were followed up at ages 3-6 years between 2016 and 2020. Each mother was interviewed by using a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics and household environment factors, such as the use of plastic food packaging, residential visible mold, insecticide sprays, and electric mosquito repellents. Eleven phthalate metabolites were analyzed in urine samples simultaneously collected from the mother-child pairs. The phthalate metabolite urinary concentrations were higher among the children than among their mothers, except those of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that urine samples collected during the summer showed higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites than those collected during the winter. Family income levels had negative associations with the concentrations of MnBP and metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children. The use of plastic food packaging was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and metabolites of DEHP in mothers. Residential visible mold or mold stains were significantly associated with higher MnBP and DEHP metabolite concentrations in children. The use of insecticide sprays was positively associated with MnBP concentrations in children. Significant associations between household environmental factors and phthalate exposure were mostly found in children, potentially indicating different exposure pathways between mothers and their children. Findings from this study provide additional information for the design of prevention strategies to protect the health of children and women.

Comparison of the Cost and Effect of Combined Conditioned Medium and Conventional Medium for Fallopian Tube Organoid Cultures.

Fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTEC) are thought to be the cell of origin of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. FTEC organoids can be used as research models for the disease. Nevertheless, culturing organoids requires a medium supplemented with several expensive growth factors. We proposed that a combined conditioned medium based on the composition of the fallopian tubes, including epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells could enhance FTEC organoid formation. We derived two primary culture cell lines from the fimbria portion of the fallopian tubes. The organoids were split into conventional or combined medium groups based on what medium they were grown in and compared. The number and size of the organoids were evaluated. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to evaluate gene and protein expression (PAX8, FOXJ1, beta-catenin, and stemness genes). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure Wnt3a and RSPO1 in both mediums. DKK1 and LiCl were added to the mediums to evaluate their influence on beta-catenin signaling. The growth factor in the combined medium was evaluated by the growth factor array. We found that the conventional medium was better for organoids regarding proliferation (number and size). In addition, WNT3A and RSPO1 concentrations were too low in the combined medium and needed to be added making the cost equivalent to the conventional medium. However, the organoid formation rate was 100% in both groups. Furthermore, the combined medium group had higher PAX8 and stemness gene expression (OLFM4, SSEA4, LGR5, B3GALT5) when compared with the conventional medium group. Wnt signaling was evident in the organoids grown in the conventional medium but not in the combined medium. PLGF, IGFBP6, VEGF, bFGF, and SCFR were found to be enriched in the combined medium. In conclusion, the combined medium could successfully culture organoids and enhance PAX8 and stemness gene expression. However, the conventional medium was a better medium for organoid proliferation. The expense of both mediums was comparable. The benefit of using a combined medium requires further exploration.

Associations between residential proximity to agricultural land use as pesticides exposure and birth outcomes.

Pesticides are widely used globally. Due to their widespread use, exposure to pesticides is of concern. In addition to occupational exposure, residential exposure during pesticide application is a concern for those living in or near agricultural areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between residential proximity to agricultural pesticide use and birth outcomes. The association between residential proximity to agricultural land use as pesticide exposure and birth outcomes was explored in a birth cohort including 283 pregnant women from a medical center in Hualien during 2013-2016. In the third trimester, we collected demographic information and the residential addresses of pregnant women via structured questionnaires. After delivery, newborn birth weight, gestational age, and head circumference were collected from medical records. Maternal residential address during pregnancy was collected for geospatial mapping. The percentages of farmland area within circular buffers of different sizes were applied to estimate pesticide exposure. Associations between residential proximity to agricultural land use as pesticide exposure and birth outcomes were analyzed by multiple linear regression analyses. A significantly smaller head circumference was associated with agricultural farmland located within 400 m (ß = - 0.51 [95% CI, - 0.99, - 0.03], P = 0.037) and 500 m (ß = - 0.67 [95% CI, - 1.14, - 0.19], P = 0.006) radii of residences in the tertile 2 group. A significantly smaller head circumference was also associated with dry farming area within 400 m (ß = - 0.70 [95% CI, - 1.17, - 0.24], P = 0.003) and 500 m (ß = - 0.81 [95% CI, - 1.27, - 0.34], P = 0.001) radii of residences in the tertile 2 group. The multivariate linear regression analyses did not show any significant association between residential farmland area and birth weight or gestational age. In conclusion, residential proximity to agricultural land use as pesticide exposure was associated with negative infant birth outcomes, especially a small head circumference. In the future, agricultural land use information could be combined with biological samples to more accurately assess exposure in pregnant women.

Associations between maternal phthalate exposure and neonatal neurobehaviors: The Taiwan maternal and infant cohort study (TMICS).

Previous studies have shown associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and neurobehavioral changes in children. However, few studies have focused on neonatal neurobehavioral development. This study aimed to examine the associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and neonatal neurobehavioral development in the early days of life after birth. This cohort study included 283 mother-infant pairs who participated in the Taiwan Mother Infant Cohort Study during 2012-2015. Each mother was interviewed, and urine samples were collected during the third trimester of pregnancy (weeks 29-40). Eleven common phthalate metabolites in maternal urine were analyzed. The Chinese version of the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Examination was used to evaluate early infant neurobehavioral development within five days of birth. We performed multiple linear regressions to explore the associations between phthalate exposure and neonatal neurobehavioral development. Sex differences in the association between phthalate metabolites and neonatal neurobehaviors were noted. Among girls, tertiles of phthalate metabolite concentrations were associated with worse behavioral responses and tone and motor patterns in the high-molecular-weight phthalate (HMW) and low-molecular-weight phthalate (LMW) groups. Girls in the highest tertile of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) had a negative association with tone and motor patterns. Girls in the highest tertile of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and MiBP showed a negative association with behavioral responses. In contrast, tertiles of phthalate metabolite exposure were associated with improved neurobehaviors in mono-methyl phthalate (MMP) among boys. The highest tertile of MMP was positively associated with behavioral responses, primitive reflexes, and tone and motor patterns. Our findings suggest that maternal phthalate exposure affects neonatal neurobehavioral development in a sex-specific manner. Despite the relatively small sample size, our findings add to the existing research linking maternal phthalate exposure to neonatal neurobehavioral development. Additional research is needed to determine the potential long-term effects of prenatal phthalate exposure on children.

Shikonin impedes type 2 ovarian cancer progression via FasL/caspase-8 and mir-874-3p/XIAP axis and prohibits the properties of stemness.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer in women. Shikonin (SHK), derived from Lithospermum eryothrorhizon, can reduce cancer activity; however, its clinical effect on type 2 ovarian cancer cells remains undetermined. Here, we studied the effects of SHK on type 2 ovarian cancer using the KURAMOCHI, OVSAHO, CP70, and ascites E04 cell lines. The proliferation curve and half-maximal inhibitory concentration of SHK for the cell lines were evaluated using the second-generation tetrazolium dye assay and the cell viability were determined by the annexin V/PI as well as TUNEL assay. The caspase dependent pathway was performed by western blotting assay with pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and SHK induced miR-874-3p expression thus suppressed anti-apoptosis markers XIAP and Bcl-xL. The effect of SHK on type 2 ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion was evaluated using the wound healing and transwell assays. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blot was used to evaluate cancer stem cell (CSC)-related gene/protein (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ALDH1, and C-MYC) expressions, sphere formation assay was executed and a xenograft animal model for in vivo antitumor effects of SHK. Taken together, Shikonin suppressed type 2 ovarian cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities; decreased CSC-related markers expression as well as the sphere colony numbers. It also reduced the tumorigenicity of KURAMOCHI ALDH+ cells and induced anti-tumor effect in a xenograft model. Thus, SHK could contribute a potential therapeutic strategy on type 2 ovarian cancer cells via multiple functions.

Spontaneous Transformation of a p53 and Rb-Defective Human Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cell Line after Long Passage with Features of High-Grade Serous Carcinoma.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers, and 80% are high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSOC). Despite advances in chemotherapy and the development of targeted therapies, the survival rate of HGSOC has only moderately improved. Therefore, a cell model that reflects the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of this disease is urgently needed. We previously developed a human fallopian tube epithelial cell line (FE25) with p53 and Rb deficiencies. After long-term culture in vitro, cells at high-passage numbers showed spontaneous transformation (FE25L). This study aimed to compare FE25 cells cultured in vitro for low (passage 16-31) and high passages (passage 116-139) to determine whether these cells can serve as an ideal cell model of HGSOC. Compared to the cells at low passage, FE25L cells showed increased cell proliferation, clonogenicity, polyploidy, aneuploidy, cell migration, and invasion. They also showed more resistance to chemotherapy and the ability to grow tumors in xenografts. RNA-seq data also showed upregulation of hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the NF-κB pathway in FE25L compared to FE25 cells. qRT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of EMT, cytokines, NF-κB, c-Myc, and the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Cross-platform comparability found that FE25L cells could be grouped with the other most likely HGSOC lines, such as TYKNU and COV362. In conclusion, FE25L cells showed more aggressive malignant behavior than FE25 cells and hence might serve as a more suitable model for HGSOC research.

Is pinworm infection still a public health concern among children in resource-rich regions? Trends in pinworm infection prevalence and associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common intestinal parasitic infection in children. A gradual decrease in the prevalence of pinworm infection has been noted in resource-rich settings, such as Taiwan. However, the influence of sociodemographic factors on the temporal trend in pinworm infection rates in children under the current pinworm infection prevention policy in Taiwan is not well characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of pinworm infection prevalence and the associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we included a total of 56,197 students (aged 6-10 years) in grades 1 and 4 in Hualien in 2009-2018. Children were screened for pinworm infection using adhesive cellophane perianal swabs in the routine student health examination. Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with pinworm infection. Associations between dependent and independent variables were measured by odds ratios. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess whether there were significant trends in different stratifications. Variables with P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 56,197 school-age children from grades 1 and 4 during 2009-2018 were included. Young age and male sex were risk factors for pinworm infection (P < 0.001). A negative correlation between body mass index and enterobiasis was observed, and decreased pinworm infection was noted during the study reference period. Children living in suburban and rural areas had higher odds of having a pinworm infection than those living in urban areas (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infection was observed among children in 2009-2018 (P < 0.001). However, there was no obvious change in the pinworm infection rate in rural areas during this period (P = 0.953), and it was higher than that in urban and suburban areas. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of pinworm infection gradually decreased from 2009 to 2018 among school-age children in Hualien. However, there was no declining trend in pinworm infection in rural areas. Young age, male sex, and rural residence were significantly associated with pinworm infection. Pinworm infection remains a major public health concern among children in rural areas of Hualien.

Chondrogenic Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured with Exosome-Depleted Fetal Bovine Serum in an Osteoarthritis Mouse Model.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the loss of articular cartilage and is also an age-related disease. Recently, stem cell therapy for cartilage repair has emerged. The stem cells need to be cultured with a fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium. The effect of FBS-containing exosomes on the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) is unknown. The morphology, proliferation, surface marker expressions, and trilineage differentiation ability of two groups of HUCMSCs, cultured with conventional (FBS) and exosome-depleted FBS (Exo(-)FBS), were evaluated. In a mouse OA model after two groups of HUCMSCs transplantation, the rotarod activity, histology, and immunohistochemistry (type II collagen, aggrecan, IL-1ß, and MMP13) of the cartilage were evaluated. The Exo(-)FBS-cultured HUCMSCs, like FBS-cultured HUCMSCs, displayed classic MSC characteristics, including spindle-shaped morphology, surface marker expression (positive for CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and HLA-ABC and negative for CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR), and trilineage differentiation (chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis). The Exo(-)FBS-cultured HUCMSCs proliferated significantly slower than those of the FBS-cultured HUCMSCs (p < 0.01). The trilineage gene expression of PPAR-γ, FABP4, APAL, type II collagen, aggrecan, and SOX9 was significantly increased in the Exo(-)FBS-cultured HUCMSCs than in the FBS-cultured HUCMSCs and undifferentiated controls. The Exo(-)FBS- and FBS-cultured HUCMSCs-transplanted mice showed a better rotarod activity than in the control OA mice (n = 3 in each group). A significant histological improvement in hyaline cartilage destruction after the transplantation of both types of FBS-cultured HUCMSCs was noted when compared with the OA knees. The Exo(-)FBS-cultured HUCMSCs-transplanted knees showed a higher International Cartilage Repair Society histological score (p < 0.05), staining intensity of type II collagen (p < 0.01), and aggrecan (p < 0.01) than in the control knees. Moreover, both types of the FBS-cultured HUCMSCs-transplanted knees significantly decreased the expression of MMP13 and IL-1ß compared to that in the OA knees (p < 0.01). The Exo(-)FBS-cultured HUCMSCs harbor chondrogenic potential and attenuated cartilage destruction in a mouse OA model. Our study provides a basis for future clinical trials using Exo(-)FBS-cultured stem cells to treat OA.

The organoid: A research model for ovarian cancer.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous disease with a variety of distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. The currently available and common research models for EOC include tumor cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. However, these models have certain shortcomings: establishing a cell line is time-consuming, loss of genetic traits after long-term culture is a possibility, and investment is required in terms of animal care facilities. Therefore, better research models are required. Organoid technology was originally developed from colorectal cancer. Tumor organoid is a three-dimensional culture system and can help accurately recapture the tumor phenotype from the original tumor. Tumor organoid systems can overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the currently available research models. The organoid model can be used for culturing ovarian cancer subtypes, screening drugs, assessing genomes, and establishing biobanks. However, the currently available organoid models can only culture one type of cells, epithelial cells. Therefore, an organoid-on-a-chip device can be developed in the future to provide a microenvironment for cell-cell, cell-matrix, and cell-media interactions. Thus, organoid models can be used in ovarian cancer research and can generate a simulated in vivo system, enabling studies on the heterogeneity of ovarian cancer.

Endometrial Cancer-Infiltrating Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exhibit Immunosuppressive Effects.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer with high heterogeneity. However, there are limited treatment options for advanced endometrial carcinoma. In recent years, immunotherapy has broadly been used for the treatment of various cancers. However, the efficacy of immunotherapy against endometrial cancer is limited. The tumor microenvironment, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), may contribute to tumor progression through cancer cells themselves and through cells of the immune system. We successfully isolated endometrial cancer-derived MSCs (EmCaMSCs) from patients and found that the population of MSCs in tumor tissues was approximately 1%-5%. The population of MSCs correlated with the stage of the disease. EmCaMSCs expressed MSC markers and exhibited trilineage differentiation ability. The programmed death ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 were highly expressed in EmCaMSCs; their expression could be further enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ. When cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), anti-CD3, and anti-CD28, EmCaMSCs inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs, which were partially rescued by treatment with anti-PD-L1 antibodies. From the profile of conditioned medium of EmCaMSCs, we discovered that interleukin (IL)-8 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 could also rescue the proliferation of PBMCs. Furthermore, EmCaMSCs cocultured with IL-2-induced PBMCs exhibited decreased expression of CD56, CD4, and CD8 and showed decreased cytotoxicity toward K562 cells and endometrial cancer cells. Overall, EmCaMSCs were isolated successfully from endometrial cancer tissues and exhibited immunosuppressive effects and may be targeted for the treatment of endometrial cancer by anti-cytokine and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The percentage of MSCs in tumor stroma might predict the prognosis of endometrial cancer.

The Negative Association between Breastfeeding Duration and Infant Febrile Seizure: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Two to five percent of infants and children experience febrile seizures (FS). Breastfeeding is beneficial to the health of mothers and children. Nevertheless, the benefits of breastfeeding in reducing FS remain unclear; thus, the present study aimed to evaluate this association. The case group was selected from 2010 to 2019, and the selected population was children younger than 5 years (i.e., children born from 2005−2019). The control group was selected from newborn infants at our hospital born between 2005 and 2019. Finally, 55 children with FS and 110 children in the control group were recruited. The results show longer breastfeeding duration is associated with an increased risk of FS (adjusted odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.01−1.11, p = 0.028). When comparing cases of FS with the control group, the percentage of inclusive breastfeeding over 12 months (32.7% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.017) and longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding were higher (10.86 ± 11.82 vs. 5.40 ± 7.17 months, p < 0.001). However, the comparison of the prevalence of FS between the different breastfeeding duration groups did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, our study showed that a longer breastfeeding duration was associated with a higher risk of FS. Future large-scale studies evaluating the association between breastfeeding duration and febrile seizures are needed.

Identification of Coenzyme Q10 and Skeletal Muscle Protein Biomarkers as Potential Factors to Assist in the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia.

The aim of this study was to explore the use of coenzyme Q10 and skeletal muscle protein biomarkers in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Subjects with or without sarcopenia were recruited. The anthropometric, muscle strength and endurance measurements were assessed. Muscle proteins (albumin and creatine kinase), myokines (irisin and myostatin), and the coenzyme Q10 level were measured. Approximately half of the subjects suffered from a low coenzyme Q10 concentration (<0.5 µM). The levels of creatinine kinase and irisin were significantly lower in subjects with sarcopenia (p ≤ 0.05). In receiver operating characteristic analyses, irisin and creatine kinase showed a better prediction capability for sarcopenia (area under the curve, irisin: 0.64 vs. creatinine kinase: 0.61) than other biomarkers. Additionally, a low level of irisin (<118.0 ng/mL, odds ratio, 6.46, p < 0.01), creatine kinase (<69.5 U/L, odds ratio, 3.31, p = 0.04), or coenzyme Q10 (<0.67 µM, odds ratio, 9.79, p < 0.01) may increase the risk for sarcopenia even after adjusting for confounders. Since the levels of coenzyme Q10 and muscle biomarkers, such as irisin and creatine kinase, are associated with sarcopenia, we suggest they could be used as candidate markers to assist in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Induction of Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Into Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Using a Transwell-Based Co-culture System.

There is an increasing interest in generating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from stem cells for treating degenerative eye diseases. However, whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) can differentiate into RPE-like cells in a co-culture system has not been fully understood. In this study, induction of HUCMSC differentiation into RPE-like cells was performed by co-culturing HUCMSCs and a human RPE-like cell line (ARPE19) in a transwell system and then analyzed for biomarkers using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining technique. Moreover, the functional characterization of induced cells was carried out by examining their phagocytic and neurotrophic factor-secreting activities. Our results showed that mRNA expressions of RPE-specific markers-MITF, OTX2, RPE65, PEDF, PME17, and CRALBP-and protein markers-RPE65, CRALBP, and ZO-1-were significantly increased in HUCMSC-derived RPE-like cells. Functional characteristic studies showed that these induced cells were capable of engulfing photoreceptor outer segments and secreting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which are typical functions of RPE-like cells. Overall, the study findings indicate that the morphology and proliferation of HUCMSCs can be maintained in a serum-free medium, and differentiation into RPE-like cells can be induced by simply co-culturing HUCMSCs with ARPE19 cells. Thus, the study provides fundamental information regarding the clinical-scale generation of RPE-like cells from HUCMSCs.

Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Mixed with Hyaluronan Transplantation Decreased Cartilage Destruction in a Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model.

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, causes pain in joints and disability. Due to the absence of ideal effective medication, stem cell transplantation emerges as a new hope for OA therapy. This study is aimed at evaluating the capability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) mixed with hyaluronan (HA) to treat osteoarthritis in a rabbit model. Differentiation capability of HUCMSCs, magnetic resonance image examination, and immunohistochemistry of the cartilage after transplantation of HUCMSCs mixed with HA in a rabbit OA model were explored. HUCMSCs exhibited typical mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) characteristics, including spindle-shaped morphology, surface marker expressions (positive for human leukocyte antigen- (HLA-) ABC, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105; negative for HLA-DR, CD34, and CD45), and trilineage differentiation (chondrogenesis, adipogenesis, and osteogenesis). The gene expression of SOX9, type II collagen, and aggrecan in the HUCMSC-derived chondrocytes mixed with HA was increased after in vitro chondrogenesis compared with HUCMSCs. A gross and histological significant improvement in hyaline cartilage destruction after HUCMSCs mixed with HA was noted in the animal model compared to the OA knees. The International Cartilage Repair Society histological score and Safranin O staining were significantly higher for the treated knees than the control knees (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of MMP13 was significantly decreased in the treated knees than in the OA knees. In conclusion, HUCMSCs mixed with HA in vitro and in vivo might attenuate the cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis. Our study provided evidence for future clinical trials.

The Combination of Clindamycin and Gentamicin Is Adequate for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects 4.4% of women aged 18-44 in the United States, and may cause infertility if it is ineffectively treated. A combination of clindamycin and gentamicin is generally used for the treatment of PID. The benefit of adding metronidazole into the treatment combination still remains unclear, and this study was designed to evaluate its effectiveness. We retrospectively included 107 women who were diagnosed with PID from May 2013 to September 2020 in a single hospital. Based on their used antibiotic regimens, the patients were divided into three groups-those who were treated with clindamycin + gentamicin (group 1, n = 46), those who took regular antibiotics plus metronidazole (group 2, n = 27), and others (group 3, n = 34). Primary outcomes included the rates of taking surgery after failed antibiotics, occurrence/rupture of tubo-ovarian abscesses, and readmission within the following 6 months of first treatment. Secondary outcomes to assess were the length of stay (LOS) and expenditure for PID. There were no significant differences in the surgical rates, readmission rates, LOS and expenditure noted between the three groups. Subgroup analysis showed that visual analogue pain scores being 5 or more would increase the LOS by 3.83 days (p < 0.001), and body temperature > 38.3 °C or more would increase the treatment total expenditure (p < 0.001). Our study results suggest that the combination of clindamycin + gentamicin is a convincible treatment protocol for PID.

The natural compound n-butylidenephthalide kills high-grade serous ovarian cancer stem cells by activating intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) constitutes 80% of ovarian cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for most of the tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. n-Butylidenephthalide (BP) is a potential anti-tumor agent for treating a variety of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BP on CSCs of HGSOC. CSCs were isolated using the CSC marker (ALDH; aldehyde dehydrogenase) from KURAMOCHI and OVSAHO cells (HGSOC cell lines). The cell proliferation, IC50 (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration), cell migration and invasion, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick end labeling) assay, western blot of ovarian CSC were evaluated. The animal xenograft studies were evaluated on an immunodeficient mouse model. The results showed the proliferation of ALDH+ cells was greater than that of ALDH- cells. The dosage of IC50 of BP was higher in ALDH+ cells than in mixed cancer cells (317.2 vs. 206.5 µg/ml) in KURAMOCHI cells, but not in OVSAHO cells (61.1 vs. 48.5 µg/ml). BP could inhibit the migration and invasion of both cancer stem cells. BP treatment could activate apoptosis signaling, as indicated by the TUNEL assay and the increased expression of cleaved caspase-3, -7, and -9 but not cleaved caspase-8. A low dose of BP (20 and 25 µg/mL) treatment could increase the toxicity of taxol and cisplatin. In the animal model, BP (200 mg/kg) treatment also decreased the KURAMOCHI and OVSAHO tumor growth rate and induced tumor apoptosis. In conclusion, BP could kill ALDH+ CSCs of HGSOC in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis. BP may provide a new therapeutic approach for HGSOC.