http://hdl.handle.net/10453/148698 2026-04-26T14:06:53Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194806 Title: Revealing the influence of solvent polarity and refractive index on whispering gallery mode-based laser sensors. Authors: Li, J; Li, D; Fang, G; Guo, C; Nie, N; Sun, X; Pu, X; Jin, Y; Chen, Y-C; Zhang, Y Abstract: Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) lasers are highly sensitive sensing tools in solution-based environments, but their performance is influenced by multiple factors, leading to complex spectral shifts. In this study, we decode the influence of solvent polarity on the WGM laser sensors, exploring its interaction with solvent refractive index (RI) in optofluidic systems. A binary polarity solvent of ethanol (EtOH) and ethylene glycol (EG) containing rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) is utilized as the lasing gain medium. Experimental results indicate that increasing solvent polarity induces a redshift in the lasing wavelength, while rising RI lowers the quality factor (Q-factor), causing a competing blueshift. These opposing effects collectively impact the overall performance of the sensors. Based on these observations, we propose a predictive framework for optimizing WGM laser sensors across different Q-factor levels, offering valuable insights for sensor design and fabrication. 2025-10-06T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194802 Title: OR32-04 IGSF11 as a Tumour Suppressor and Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Insights from Clinical and Functional Analyses Authors: Hashmi, A; Sidhu, S; Hutvagner, G Abstract: Abstract<p> Disclosure: A. Hashmi: None. S. Sidhu: None. G. Hutvagner: None.</p><p> Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic options. Immunoglobulin Superfamily Member 11 (IGSF11), a cell adhesion molecule and known ligand of VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation), has been associated with tumour progression in various cancers due to its role in inhibiting T-cell activation and promoting immune evasion. Elevated IGSF11 expression is linked to poor prognosis in gliomas, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas. However, its role in ACC remains unexplored, and understanding its function could provide novel insights into ACC pathogenesis and treatment. Methods: Bioinformatic analyses were conducted using GTEx adrenal cortex and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-ACC datasets to assess IGSF11 mRNA expression and its correlation with clinical outcomes. Quantitative RT-qPCR and ELISA assays were performed on H295R ACC cell lines transiently transfected with an IGSF11 expression plasmid. Cell proliferation was assessed using live-cell imaging and WST-8 assays. Additionally, IGSF11 protein levels were measured in tissue homogenates from normal adrenal cortex, adrenal adenoma, and ACC samples. Results: IGSF11 mRNA expression was significantly lower in ACC tissues compared to normal adrenal cortex (p < 0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that reduced IGSF11 expression correlated with poorer patient outcomes, particularly in the aggressive COC3 TCGA-ACC cluster. In H295R cells, IGSF11 overexpression led to a marked increase in mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.0001) and significantly reduced cell proliferation (p < 0.005). ELISA assays confirmed significantly reduced IGSF11 protein levels in ACC tissues compared to benign and normal tissues (p < 0.0001). Comparative prognostic analysis across 32 TCGA cancer types highlighted a unique role for IGSF11 in ACC, with a hazard ratio of 0.22 (p = 0.00034), contrasting with its tumour-promoting role in other cancers. Conclusion: IGSF11 exhibits a tumour-suppressive role in ACC, contrasting its immune-inhibitory, tumour-promoting function in other malignancies. Its downregulation in ACC correlates with poorer survival outcomes, positioning it as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target. Restoring IGSF11 expression may offer new avenues for ACC treatment, emphasizing the need for further investigation into its tissue-specific functions and therapeutic potential.</p><p> Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025</p> 2025-10-22T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194761 Title: A Multifunctional Microneedle Patch Combined with Quercetin Nanoparticles for Local Drug Release Therapy and Wound Healing after Skin Tumor Surgery. Authors: Fang, H; Xu, J; Zhu, J; Ma, H; Feng, Z; Du, J; Cheng, YY; Zhong, Y; Zhi, D; Pan, B; Song, K Abstract: Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is characterized by its highly aggressive and metastatic nature. Postoperative complications following melanoma resection often include elevated tumor recurrence rates, full-thickness skin defects, and bacterial infections. Consequently, preventing tumor recurrence and promoting skin wound healing are crucial considerations after tumor resection. This study developed hyaluronic acid-coated quercetin nanoparticles (HBQ NPs) modified with phenylboric acid, which has good stability under physiological conditions, pH response in acidic environments, and selectivity for A375 cells with CD44 receptor overexpression. A multifunctional microneedle (GHCQ) based on methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was prepared and functionalized by quercetin nanoparticles, endowing it with multiple functions such as antitumor, antioxidation, and antibacterial properties. In vitro release studies showed that GHCQ achieved sustained release of 61.96 ± 1.33% quercetin within 21 days in a pH 5.0 environment, demonstrating its pH-responsive drug delivery ability. In vitro antitumor assays over 14 days demonstrated that GHCQ achieved an 83.27 ± 2.08% inhibition rate against melanoma cells (A375). Additionally, GHCQ exhibited robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, excellent biocompatibility, and significant antimicrobial efficacy. Animal experiments revealed that GHCQ effectively prevented tumor recurrence while promoting angiogenesis, mitigating inflammation, and accelerating cutaneous regeneration during melanoma treatment in mice. Collectively, this multifunctional microneedle system demonstrates substantial potential for localized tumor wound therapy. 2025-09-10T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194760 Title: A Hybrid Hydrogel/Microsphere-Based Coculture System for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance Authors: He, L; Li, L; Zhu, J; Fang, H; Cheng, YY; Xu, J; Zhong, Y; Pan, B; Song, K Abstract: The ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from umbilical cord blood is limited by insufficient cell numbers and the loss of stemness. To address this problem, this study developed a microsphere-based dynamic coculture system. In this system, mononuclear cells or CD34⁺cells were encapsulated within calcium alginate/gelatin hydrogel microbeads, while osteogenically induced MC3T3-E1 cells were immobilized on the surface of poly(lactic acid)/nanohydroxyapatite microspheres to establish a three-dimensional coculture environment. A systematic comparison was carried out among four culture modalities: static monoculture, static coculture, rotary cell culture system, and spinner flask. Results indicated that the rotary-based dynamic coculture system demonstrated superior performance, achieving a 6.56 ± 0.32-fold expansion of mononuclear cells, along with 7.85- and 7.53-fold increases in CD45⁺CD34⁺and CD34⁺CD38^–subpopulations, respectively. This group also had the lowest apoptosis rate (14.67% ± 2.87%) and the highest colony-forming capacity (445 ± 24 colonies). In the CD34⁺cell culture, the rotary group further enhanced the expansion to 11.87 ± 0.74-fold, with a 15.72-fold increase in CD34⁺CD38^–cells and 546 ± 39 colonies formed. Additionally, the secretion levels of ANGPT1 and Opn were significantly upregulated. These findings suggest that the microsphere-based dynamic coculture system offers a robust and scalable platform for the efficient ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and shows great potential for applications in hematopoietic tissue engineering. 2025-11-14T00:00:00Z