While CD105(low) cells have previously been shown to possess an enhanced osteogenic potential, we found that CD90(+) cells are more capable of forming bone both in vitro and in vivo. These data therefore suggest that CD90 may be a more effective marker than CD105 to isolate a highly osteogenic subpopulation for bone tissue engineering.

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major obstacle for the effective treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Evidence for the involvement of exosomes as important regulators of cisplatin chemoresistance in OSCC is still poorly understood. Our objective of this study was to explore the roles for exosomes in modulating key cellular pathways mediating response to chemotherapy. We first developed the cisplatin-resistant cell lines (HSC-3-R and SCC-9-R) and found that the conditioned media from cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells enhanced the chemoresistance of parental OSCC cell. The release of exosomes was blocked by inhibitor (GW4869) and exosomes were found to be involved in the chemoresistance of parental OSCC cell transferred from resistant cells. The exosomes derived from resistant cells and parental cells were isolated. Then, the isolated exosomes were characterized and quantified by electron microscopy, qNano analysis, and western blot analysis. Exosomes derived from cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells were found to enhance the chemoresistance of OSCC cell and decrease the DNA damage signaling in response to cisplatin. It was also found that exosomes derived from cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells transferred miR-21 to OSCC parental cells and induced cisplatin resistance by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog and programmed cell death 4. Furthermore, the roles of cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells-derived exosomes in vivo were confirmed by subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. Collectively, the results suggest that exosomes released from cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells transmit miR-21 to induce cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells.

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Staged expander-implant breast reconstruction (EIBR) and microsurgical abdominal flap breast reconstruction (MAFBR) are the most common modes of breast reconstruction (BR) in the United States. Whether the mode of breast reconstruction has an impact on patient quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction remains a question. A retrospective study was conducted identifying a population of 119 patients who underwent unilateral immediate BR. Only patients who were eligible for either EIBR or MAFBR based on preoperative characteristics were included in the study. The following parameters were retrieved: demographics, mode of reconstruction, cancer, recovery, QoL, and patient satisfaction. The latter two parameters were determined using the BREAST-Q BR module questionnaire. Two-way analysis of variance with mode of reconstruction and occurrence of complication as independent variables was used to determine the effect on patient satisfaction and QoL. The association between mode of reconstruction and patient response with each item of the QoL and satisfaction survey domains was analyzed. The overall response rate was 62.2 %. Non-respondents and respondents did not significantly differ in demographics, surgery type, cancer staging, adjuvant therapy, and complication rate. Age and BMI were significantly higher in MAFBR, while level of education was higher in EIBR. MAFBR had higher scores in psychosocial and sexual wellbeing, satisfaction with outcome, breast, information, and plastic surgeon when compared with patients who underwent EIBR. For patients eligible for both MAFBR and EIBR, MAFBR is associated with higher levels of satisfaction and QoL. Comprehensive pre-operative information of pros and cons of both modes of BR is crucial for patients to make a well-informed decision, thus, resulting in higher levels of satisfaction.