No abstract

The data suggest that chronic airways exposure to IL-25 alone is sufficient to induce allergen- and IgE-independent, asthma-like airways inflammation, remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in mice. Thus, IL-25 is a key molecular target in asthma, irrespective of the coexistence of IgE-dependent mechanisms.

RFA can be accepted as a relatively safe procedure for the treatment of liver tumors. However, attention should be paid to possible complications even though the incidences of these complications are rare. Careful patient selection and the best approach choice (percutaneous, laparoscopy, or laparotomy) will help to minimize the incidence and morbidity rate of complications which occur after RFA.

To enhance cell attachment and promote liver functions of hepatocytes cultured in bioreactors, a chitosan nanofiber scaffold was designed and prepared via electrospinning. Effects of the scaffold on hepatocyte adhesion, viability and function were then investigated. Data showed that hepatocytes on chitosan nanofiber scaffold exhibited better viability and tighter cell-substrate contact than cells on regular chitosan film. In addition, urea synthesis, albumin secretion and cytochrome P450 activity of hepatocytes on chitosan nanofiber scaffold were all 1.5 to 2 folds higher than the controls. Glycogen synthesis was also increased as compared with the controls. These results suggested the potential application of this chitosan nanofiber scaffold as a suitable substratum for hepatocyte culturing in bioreactors.

No abstract