MUC1 expressing tumor growth was retarded after human mucin 1 (MUC1) plasmid DNA immunization

Introduction: Naked DNA is one of the attractive tools for vaccination studies. We studied naked DNA vaccination against the human tumor antigen, mucin, which is encoded by the MUC1 gene. Methods: We constructed the pcDNA3.0-MUC1 (pcDNA-MUC1) plasmid expressing an underglycosylated MUC1 protein. BALB/c mice were immunized intradermally thrice at 2-weeks intervals with pcDNA-MUC1. Two weeks after the last immunization, tumor challenge experiments were performed using either the CT26 or TA3HA tumor cell lines, both of which transduce human MUC1. Results: Immune cell population monitoring from pcDNA-MUC1-immunized animals indicated that immune cell activation was induced by MUC1-specific immunization. Using intracellular fluorescence activated cell sorting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay, we reported that interferon-γ secreting CD8+ T cells were mainly involved in MUC1-specific immunization. In all mice immunized with MUC1 DNA, tumor growth inhibition was observed, whereas control mice developed tumors (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that intradermal immunization with MUC1 DNA induces MUC1-specific CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors, elicits tumor-specific Th1-type immune response, and inhibits tumor growth

Spontaneous Lead Breakage in Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulation Systems

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has become an established clinical option for treatment of refractory chronic pain. Current hardware and implantation techniques for SCS are already highly developed and continuously improving; however, equipment failures over the course of long-term treatment are still encountered in a relatively high proportion of the cases treated with it. Percutaneous SCS leads seem to be particularly prone to dislocation and insulation failures. We describe our experience of lead breakage in the inserted spinal cord stimulator to a complex regional pain syndrome patient who obtained satisfactory pain relief after the revision of SCS

An integrative approach for exploring the nature of fibroepithelial neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Malignant phyllodes tumour (MPT) is a rare breast malignancy with epithelial and mesenchymal features. Currently, there are no appropriate research models or effective targeted therapeutic approaches for MPT. METHODS: We collected fresh frozen tissues from nine patients with MPT and performed whole-exome and RNA sequencing. Additionally, we established patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from patients with MPT and tested the efficacy of targeting dysregulated pathways in MPT using the PDX model from one MPT. RESULTS: MPT has unique molecular characteristics when compared to breast cancers of epithelial origin and can be classified into two groups. The PDX model derived from one patient with MPT showed that the mouse epithelial component increased during tumour growth. Moreover, targeted inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by imatinib mesylate and PKI-587 showed in vivo tumour suppression effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the molecular profiles of MPT that can lead to molecular classification and potential targeted therapy, and suggested that the MPT PDX model can be a useful tool for studying the pathogenesis of fibroepithelial neoplasms and for preclinical drug screening to find new therapeutic strategies for MPT

Interfacial adhesion energies of Ru-Mn direct plateable diffusion barriers prepared by atomic layer deposition for advanced Cu interconnects

The effects of Mn addition and post-annealing on the interfacial decohesion energies of Ru direct plateable diffusion barrier layer prepared by atomic layer deposited (ALD) for advanced Cu interconnect applications were systematically evaluated using a four-point bending test. The interfacial decohesion energy increased with the addition of Mn to the Ru thin films and further increased after post-annealing at 500 degrees C for 30 min in a hydrogen atmosphere, and the interfacial decohesion energies were 3.63, 6.74, and 20.09 J/m(2) for the as-deposited Cu/Ru/SiO2, as-deposited Cu/Ru-4.2 at.%Mn/SiO2, and annealed Cu/Ru-4.2 at.%Mn/SiO2, respectively. The scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis results clearly indicated that the Mn in the annealed ALD Ru-Mn film diffused toward a Ru/SiO2 interface and Mn silicate was formed at the Ru/SiO2 interface. Additionally, the results of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis clearly showed that MnSiO3 and MnSi were formed at the Ru/SiO2 interface. Consequently, the findings of the XPS and STEM/EDS study revealed that there was an adequate correlation between the interfacial decohesion energy and the MnSi and MnSiO3 bond formed at the Ru-Mn /SiO2 interface. Therefore, a properly annealed ALD Ru-4.2Mn thin film appears to be a hopeful diffusion barrier layer candidate with strong interfacial reliability for advanced Cu interconnects

The Role of Periostin in Capsule Formation on Silicone Implants

Although silicone implants are widely used in breast and other reconstructive surgeries, the limited biocompatibility of these materials leads to severe complications, including capsular contracture. Here, we aimed to clarify the relationship between periostin and the process of capsule formation after in vivo implantation. Seven-week-old wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and periostin-deficient mice were used. Round silicone implants were inserted into a subcutaneous pocket on the dorsum of the mice. After 8 weeks, the fibrous capsule around the implant was harvested and histologically examined to estimate capsular thickness and the number of inflammatory cells. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis (periostin, α-SMA, and collagen type I) and western blotting (CTGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and MPO) were performed for a more detailed analysis of capsule formation. The capsules in periostin-knockout mice (PN-KO) were significantly thinner than those in WT mice. PN-KO mice showed significantly lower numbers of inflammatory cells than WT mice. Fibrous tissue formation markers (α-SMA, periostin, collagen type I, and CTGF) were significantly reduced in PN-KO mice. We also confirmed that inflammatory reaction and angiogenesis indicators (TGF-β, MPO, and VEGF) had lower expression in PN-KO mice. Inhibition of periostin could be important for suppressing capsule formation on silicone implants after in vivo implantation

Layering Charged Polymers Enable Highly Integrated High‐Capacity Battery Anodes

High-capacity anode materials are promising candidates for increasing the energy density of lithium (Li)-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, a rapid capacity fading due to the huge volume changes during charge-discharge cycles limits practical applications. Herein, a layering-charged polymeric binder is introduced that can effectively integrate high-capacity anodes using a strong yet reversible Coulomb interaction and enriched hydrogen bonding. The charged polymeric binder builds a dynamically charge-directed network on the active materials with high versatility and efficiently dissipates the electrode stress with its excellent mechanical properties. In addition, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) moieties of the charged binder offer a fast Li-ion conduction pathway that can form an ultra-thick silicon oxide (SiOx)-based electrode (≈10.2 mAh cm−2) without compromising the reversible specific capacity and promote effective charge interaction as a mechanical modulator. Such an unprecedented charge-directed binder provides insights into the rational design of a binder for high-capacity anodes.11Nsciescopu