[Some thoughts on the research of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes and wound microenvironment]

Since researchers have found that the conditioned medium and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) had the biological effects equivalent to those of MSCs, MSC exosomes (MSC-Exos), the representative product of MSCs' paracrine effect, have become the research focus of the "cell-free" therapy of MSCs. However, most researchers currently use conventional culture condition to culture MSCs and then isolate exosomes for the treatment of wound or other diseases. Theoretically, the paracrine effect of MSCs is directly associated with the pathological condition of the wound (disease) microenvironment or in vitro culture condition, and their paracrine components and biological effects may be altered with the changes of the wound (disease) microenvironment or in vitro culture condition. Thus, the feasibility of using traditional culture condition to culture MSCs for exosome extraction for the treatment of different diseases without considering the actual situation of the disease to be treated needs further discussion. Therefore, the author suggests that the research of MSC-Exos should consider the microenvironment of the wound (disease) to be treated. as much as possible, otherwise the extracted MSC-Exos may not be "accurate" or may not really achieve the treatment effect of MSCs. In this article, we summarized some thoughts of the author and problems related to the researches about MSC-Exos and wound microenvironment, and hoped to discuss with researchers.

[Plasmids carried by carbapenems-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in burn patients and its correlation with strain transmission]

Objective: To explore the carrier status of carbapenems-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) plasmids in burn patients and analyze the correlation of these plasmids with the transmission of CRKP. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. A total of 26 CRKP strains, which were isolated from the clinic-related samples of 22 burn patients (with 20 males and 2 females, aged (42±16) years) admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) from January to December 2017, were collected and individually numbered. The plasmids of the strains were extracted by alkali lysis. After determination of the plasmid concentration by a nucleic acid concentration detector, the agarose gel electrophoresis was used to visualize the bands, and rough plasmids typing was performed. The plasmid of the smallest numbered CRKP in each plasmid type was transformed into competent Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain Top10 (hereinafter referred to as TOP10 strain). The growth of each transformed strains and a Top10 strain cultivated in ampicillin containing Luria-Bertani (LB) agar medium overnight was observed, and the proportion of successful transformation was calculated. The plasmids from the smallest numbered plasmid carrying CRKP strain of successfully transformed Top10 strains (hereinafter referred to as the smallest successfully transformed strain) and correspondingly numbered CRKP were extracted, and then, the agarose gel electrophoresis was used to visualize the bands. Aforementioned successfully transformed strains and a TOP10 strain were used for the antimicrobial susceptibility testing with 17 antibiotics commonly used in clinic. The plasmid from the smallest successfully transformed strain was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technology. Bioinformatics analyses such as protein-coding gene prediction and protein sequence alignment were performed successively. The sequence was subsequently named pKP03-NDM1 according to the carrying of drug resistance gene. According to the whole genome sequence of the plasmid carried by the smallest successfully transformed strain, the polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and gene sequencing were used to detect the New Delhi metallo-beta lactamase-1 (blaNDM-1) of plasmids in the remaining 25 strains of CRKP. The ST typing in multilocus sequence typing of 26 strains of CRKP was analyzed based on the literature. Results: Plasmids were successfully extracted from 26 CRKP, with mass concentrations ranging from 19.3 to 189.8 ng/μL. Each of the 26 CRKP carrying plasmids showed at least one band longer than 2 500 bp in the agarose gel electrophoresis, which were roughly divided into 6 patterns of A, B, C, D, E, and F. After overnight cultivation, no growth of strains was observed in LB agar medium containing ampicillin inoculated with the TOP10 strain or TOP10 strains transformed by the plasmid of CRKP patterning A, B, D, or E. In contrast, TOP10 strains transformed by the pattern C plasmid from NO.3 CRKP and the pattern F plasmid from NO.15 CRKP resulted in numerous colony growths, and those transformed strains were named as TOP10-pKP03 and TOP10-pKP15, respectively. The proportion of successful transformation was 1/3. The plasmid carried by TOP10-pKP03 showed a single band in the agarose gel electrophoresis, which was the same size as the largest band of the plasmid from NO.3 CRKP. The TOP10 strain was sensitive to the 17 antibiotics commonly used in clinic. TOP10-pKP03 and TOP10-pKP15 were resistant to penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems but remained sensitive to monocyclic β-lactam, aminoglycosides, quinolones and tigecycline. The full length of the plasmid carried by TOP10-pKP03 was 41 190 bp. In addition to blaNDM-1, this plasmid carried bleMBL, T4SS, bleomycin resistance gene, conjugation transfer elements, and relaxase, etc. The plasmid showed 99% nucleotide identity similarity and the same length to the plasmid pJN24NDM1 extracted from an E. coli isolate JN24. Totally 16 (61.5%) CRKP were confirmed to carrying blaNDM-1 gene, among the ST typing of the 16 strains, 11 strains were ST11, while ST215, ST260, ST395, ST2230, and new ST had 1 strain each. Among the ST typing of 10 blaNDM-1-negative CRKP, 8 strains were ST11, while ST395 and ST2230 had 1 strain each. Conclusions: A blaNDM-1 gene carrying plasmid pKP03-NDM1 was extracted and sequenced from CRKP isolated from burn patients, with a high plasmid carrying rate. Meanwhile, this plasmid may mediate inter-CRKP and CRKP-E. coli horizontal transfer of blaNDM-1, leading to transmission of antimicrobial resistance.

[Clinical application effects of two longitudes three transverses method in perforator location of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap and deep wound repair]

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of two longitudes three transverses method in the location of the perforator of thoracodorsal artery perforator and deep wound repair. Methods: The retrospectively observational study was conducted. From December 2018 to June 2020, 17 patients with deep wounds who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study, including 7 males and 10 females, aged 12 to 72 years. The wound areas of patients after debridement were 7 cm×3 cm to 11 cm×7 cm. Two longitudinal lines were located through the midpoint of the armpit, the posterior superior iliac spine, and the protruding point of the sacroiliac joint, and three transverse lines were located 5, 10, and 15 cm below the midpoint of the armpit between the two longitudinal lines, i.e. two longitudes three transverses method, resulting in two trapezoidal areas. And then the thoracodorsal artery perforators in two trapezoidal areas were explored by the portable Doppler blood flow detector. On this account, a single or lobulated free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap or flap that carrying partial latissimus dorsi muscle, with an area of 7 cm×4 cm to 12 cm×8 cm was designed and harvested to repair the wound. The donor sites were all closed by suturing directly. The number and location of thoracodorsal artery perforators, and the distance from the position where the first perforator (the perforator closest to the axillary apex) exits the muscle to the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi in preoperative localization and intraoperative exploration, the diameter of thoracodorsal artery perforator measured during operation, and the flap types were recorded. The survivals of flaps and appearances of donor sites were followed up. Results: The number and location of thoracodorsal artery perforators located before operation in each patient were consistent with the results of intraoperative exploration. A total of 42 perforators were found in two trapezoidal areas, with 2 or 3 perforators each patient. The perforators were all located in two trapezoid areas, and a stable perforator (the first perforator) was located and detected in the first trapezoidal area. There were averagely 1.47 perforators in the second trapezoidal area. The position where the first perforator exits the muscle was 2.1-3.1 cm away from the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi. The diameters of thoracodorsal artery perforators were 0.4-0.6 mm. In this group, 12 cases were repaired with single thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, 3 cases with lobulated thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, and 2 cases with thoracodorsal artery perforator flap carrying partial latissimus dorsi muscle. The patients were followed up for 6 to 16 months. All the 17 flaps survived with good elasticity, blood circulation, and soft texture. Only linear scar was left in the donor area. Conclusions: The two longitudes three transverses method is helpful to locate the perforator of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The method is simple and reliable. The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap designed and harvested based on this method has good clinical effects in repairing deep wound, with minimal donor site damage.

Refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a prospective multicenter registry

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): the National Key Research and Development Program of China

Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life-threatening disease with a poor prognosis if left untreated. Pulmonary endarterectomy is the standard treatment for CTEPH, but around 40% of CTEPH patients are non-eligible for surgery.

Purpose To investigate the efficacy and safety of refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for inoperable CTEPH in a prospective multicenter registry from China.

Methods We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study using the data from National Rare Disease Registry System of China. Total 140 consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH who completed BPA between Jan 2016 and Dec 2020 were enrolled. The key efficacy outcomes were changes from baseline to re-evaluation in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and six-minute walking distance. The safety outcomes were procedure-related complications. The survival outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results Among the 140 patients who completed BPA, the mean age at diagnosis was 58 ± 14 years and 60.0% were female. At re-evaluation, the least-squares mean change from baseline was -18.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], -19.9 to -16.6, P < 0.001) in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, -5.3 Wood U (95% CI, -5.9 to -4.6, P < 0.001) in pulmonary vascular resistance, and 87 meters (95% CI, 74 to 101, P < 0.001) in six-minute walking distance. BPA procedure-related complications occurred in 109 of 650 BPA sessions (16.8%), but severe complications requiring noninvasive positive pressure ventilation only occurred in 4 (0.6%) BPA sessions. During a mean follow-up time of 32 ± 14 months, 4 patients died, including 2 peri-procedural deaths, contributing to the survival rates of 97.8% (95% CI, 93.4 to 99.3) at 1 year and 96.9% (95% CI, 91.9 to 98.8) at 3 and 5 years.

Conclusion Refined BPA appears to be an effective therapeutic option for inoperable CTEPH patients with acceptable safety profiles. Abstract Figure. Images of BPA Efficacy in a Patient  Abstract Figure. Efficacy outcomes of BPA

A study of microRNA-223 in evaluating platelet reactivity in patients with acute ischemic stroke

To investigate the relationship between plasma microRNA-223 expression and platelet reactivity in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to evaluate its predictive value in clopidogrel resistance or high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). A total of 120 patients with acute ischemic stroke were screened in this study, and 60 patients were included in the acute ischemic stroke group according to the inclusion criteria and platelet reactivity after clopidogrel treatment. control group was 60 non-ischemic stroke patients hospitalized. The levels of phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation (ADP-PAg) in platelets were detected by flow cytometry. The expression level of plasma microRNA-223 was detected before and after clopidogrel treatment using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PcR). The AIS group was then divided into the clopidogrel non-HTPR and the clopidogrel HTPR groups based on the relative inhibition rate. We found that: 1) the VASP platelet reactivity index (PRI) was positively correlated with ADP-PAg; 2) before administration, the plasma microRNA-223 expression level and VASP-PRI were higher in the AIS group than in the control group; 3) after administration, the expression level of microRNA-223 was negatively correlated with VASP-PRI; 4) before and after treatment, the plasma microRNA-223 expression level in the clopidogrel HTPR group was lower than in the non-AIS patients; 5) before treatment, there was an interaction between the expression level of microRNA-223 in the plasma and the cYP2c19 loss-of-function (LOF) allele. The study showed that decreased plasma microRNA-223 expression levels in AIS patients indicate an increased risk of clopidogrel HTPR. carrying cYP2c19 LOF alleles may result in the microRNA-223 expression being more distinct. The combined detection of plasma microRNA-223 and cYP2c19 gene polymorphisms may be effective in predicting the occurrence of clopidogrel HTPR in patients with AIS.

[Research advances on the roles of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars]

Skin is an important defense barrier of human body and one of the most vulnerable organs. Wounds are the result of damage to the integrity of skin. Chronic wounds and hypertrophic scar formation are the results of abnormal wound healing, and are also the clinical problems those need to be resolved urgently in the field of wound repair. In recent years, researchers have found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote wound healing, improve wound healing quality, and reduce scar formation. The therapeutic effect of MSCs may be derived from the exosomes derived from them. This paper reviews the research advances of exosomes derived from MSCs in wound healing and prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars in recent years and looks up to the prospect for the clinical application.

[Fetal cardiac intervention and perioperative management of fetus with hypoplastic right heart syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the experience of perioperative management strategy of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV) for hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Methods: In the retrospective study of perioperative data, 13 fetuses of HRHS were treated with FPV in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital from July 2018 to June 2019. Results: (1) The evaluation indexes of the right ventricle in 13 fetuses before FPV: the mean ratio of tricuspid/mitral annulus, right/left ventricular length, pulmonary/aortic annulus, and tricuspid inflow time/cardiac cycle were 0.81±0.04, 0.56±0.14, 0.69±0.06, and 0.35±0.03, respectively. (2) All pregnant mothers underwent general anesthesia. The basic fetal heart rate was (156±12) beats per minutes before FPV, and 9 fetuses showed bradycardia during the operation, and recovered to normal after drug resuscitation. On the first day after FPV, two cases had bradycardia and pregnancy was terminated. The fluctuation of systolic blood pressure of pregnant mother was less than 20%, and there was no significant difference between preoperative and intraoperative pulse pressure [(36.0±5.6) vs (35.8±6.9) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); t=8.102, P=0.951]. (3) All cases of HRHS fetus successfully underwent FPV. The average gestational age was (27.3±0.8) weeks. The average operation time was (23.2±1.0) minutes. The ratio of tricuspid to mitral annulus (t=-2.513, P=0.022) and the ratio of right to left ventricular length (t=-3.373, P=0.003) were significantly improved at 6 weeks postoperatively. Ten fetuses were delivered, and there was no death after early intervention. (4) Of 13 pregnant women, 3 cases were nausea and vomiting on the day of FPV operation, the treatment of the symptoms was improved by tropisetron; one case had tolerable abdominal pain and improved without special treatment. Pregnant women had no major complications such as cardiac failure, abortion and death. (5) Chromosome karyotype analysis and microarray analysis of amniotic fluid was retained during the operation. No typical chromosome abnormality or other abnormal genetic diagnosis was found. Conclusions: FPV colud be used as an effective intervention measure to promote the development of right ventricle in HRHS fetuses. The scientific management of multidisciplinary professional technical team in perioperative period is particularly important to ensure the success of FPV and the safety of pregnant women and fetuses.

Intrinsical localization of both topological (anti-kink) envelope and gray (black) gap solitons of the condensed bosons in deep optical lattices

By developing quasi-discrete multiple-scale method combined with tight-binding approximation, a novel quadratic Riccati differential equation is first derived for the soliton dynamics of the condensed bosons trapped in the optical lattices. For a lack of exact solutions, the trial solutions of the Riccati equation have been analytically explored for the condensed bosons with various scattering length a_s. When the lattice depth is rather shallow, the results of sub-fundamental gap solitons are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observation. For the deeper lattice potentials, we predict that in the case of a_s>0, some novel intrinsically localized modes of symmetrical envelope, topological (kink) envelope, and anti-kink envelope solitons can be observed within the bandgap in the system, of which the amplitude increases with the increasing lattice spacing and (or) depth. In the case of a_s<0, the bandgap brings out intrinsically localized gray or black soliton. This well provides experimental protocols to realize transformation between the gray and black solitons by reducing light intensity of the laser beams forming optical lattice.

[Research on feasibility of in vitro inflammatory wound microenvironment simulated by using inflammatory wound tissue homogenate of mice]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of in vitro inflammatory wound microenvironment simulated by using inflammatory wound tissue homogenate of mice. Methods: (1) Ten eight-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were collected and full-thickness skin tissue with diameter of 1.0 cm on both sides of the midline of the back was taken with a perforator to make the normal skin tissue homogenate supernatant. At 48 h after the full-thickness skin defect wound was established, the wound tissue within 2 mm from the wound edge was taken to make inflammatory wound tissue homogenate supernatant. Two kinds of tissue homogenate supernatant were taken to adjust the total protein concentration to 1 mg/mL, and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) content was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The number of sample was 6. (2) The primary passage of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) were collected and cultured to the 3rd passage with the normal exosomes being extracted from the hUCMSCs after cultured for 48 h. Another batch of hUCMSCs in the 3rd passage was collected and stimulated with inflammatory wound tissue homogenate supernatant of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL total protein and normal skin tissue homogenate supernatant of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL total protein, respectively. After cultured for 48 h, the exosomes stimulated with normal protein of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL and exosomes stimulated with inflammatory protein of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL were extracted. Normal exosomes, exosomes stimulated with 30 μg/mL normal protein, and exosomes stimulated with 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein were collected, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, the particle size was detected by nanoparticle tracking analyzer, and the expressions of CD9 and CD63 were detected by Western blotting. (3) Twenty one-day-old C57BL/6 mice were taken to isolate the primary passage of fibroblasts (Fbs) and the 3rd passage of Fbs, whose morphology was observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope. The Fbs of 3rd passage were collected to observe the expression of vimentin by cell crawling method combined with immunofluorescence method at culture hour (CH) 2. (4) The Fbs of 3rd passage were divided into control group, normal exosome group, 30, 50, 100 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group, and 30, 50, 100 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group according to the random number table, with 4 wells in each group. Cells in control group received no treatment, and cells in the other 7 groups were respectively added with normal exosomes, exosomes stimulated with normal protein of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL, and exosomes stimulated with inflammatory protein of 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL prepared in experiment (2). The final mass concentration of exosomes was adjusted to 10 μg/mL. The cell viability was detected by cell count kit 8 at CH 48. (5) Two batches of Fbs in the 3rd passage were divided and treated as those in experiment (4), with 4 wells in each group, and the final mass concentration of exosomes was adjusted to 1 and 10 μg/mL, respectively. The cell mobility was detected by cell scratch test at CH 6, 12, and 24. (6) Two batches of the Fbs of 3rd passage were collected, divided, and treated as those in experiment (4) except with no control group, with 3 wells in each group, and the final mass concentration of exosomes was respectively adjusted to 1 and 10 μg/mL. The mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor β(1) (TGF-β(1)), TGF-β(3), and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at CH 48. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni method. Results: (1) The content of TNF-α in inflammatory wound tissue homogenate supernatant of mice was (116±3) pg/mL, significantly higher than (97±5) pg/mL in normal skin tissue homogenate supernatant at post injury hour 48 (t=3.306, P<0.05). (2) Normal exosomes, exosomes stimulated with 30 μg/mL normal protein, and exosomes stimulated with 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein of hUCMSCs showed the typical saucer-like shape. The particle sizes of the three exosomes of hUCMSCs were 30-150 nm, which were all within the normal particle size range of exosome. Three exosomes of hUCMSCs positively expressed CD9 and CD63. (3) The primary passage of cells were clearly defined and showed protruding spindle shape, irregular polygon shape, or slender strip shape. The morphology of the 3rd and the primary passage of cells is similar. At CH 2, vimentin in cells was positively expressed, and the cells were identified as Fbs. (4) At CH 48, the cell viability was (137.4±2.8)% in 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group, obviously higher than 100%, (107.5±2.4)%, (113.3±3.2)%, (104.0±2.0)%, and (101.9±1.5)% in control group, normal exosome group, 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome groups, respectively (P<0.01), and cell viability in 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group was obviously higher than that in control group, normal exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome groups [(103.4±2.2)% and (102.5±1.4)%], respectively (P<0.01). (5) At CH 6, 12, and 24, the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group was significantly higher than that in control group, normal exosome group, 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome groups, respectively, when the final mass concentrations of exosome was 1 μg/mL (P<0.05) . At CH 12, the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group was obviously higher than that in control group, normal exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome groups, respectively, when the final mass concentration of exosome was 1 μg/mL (P<0.05). At CH 6, the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group was significantly higher than that in control group and normal exosome group (P<0.05), and the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group was significantly higher than that in 50 and 100 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome groups, respectively, when the final mass concentration of exosome was 10 μg/mL (P<0.05). At CH 12 and 24, the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group was significantly higher than that in control group, normal exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome groups (P<0.05), and the mobility rate of cells in 30 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group was significantly higher than that in control group, normal exosome group, and 50 and 100 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome groups, respectively, when the final mass concentration of exosome was 10 μg/mL (P<0.05). (6) There were no statistically significant differences in mRNA expression levels of TGF-β(1), TGF-β(3), and α-SMA of cells among the 7 groups at CH 48 when the final mass concentration of exosome was 1 μg/mL (F=1.123, 1.537, 1.653, P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in mRNA expression levels of TGF-β(1) and α-SMA of cells among the 7 groups at CH 48 when the final mass concentration of exosome was 10 μg/mL (F=1.487, 1.308, P>0.05), and mRNA expression level of TGF-β(3) of cells in 50 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome group at CH 48 was significantly higher than that in normal exosome group, 50 μg/mL normal protein stimulating exosome group, and 30 and 100 μg/mL inflammatory protein stimulating exosome groups when the final mass concentration of exosome was 10 μg/mL (P<0.05). Conclusions: The pretreatment with inflammatory wound tissue homogenate supernatant of mice has no significant effect on the total protein of hUCMSCs exosomes. The hUCMSCs exosomes stimulated by low concentration inflammatory wound tissue homogenate supernatant can significantly promote the proliferation and migration ability of Fbs. The content of inflammatory mediators in the wound tissue homogenate supernatant during the inflammatory phase is extremely low, which may be the reason that the anti-inflammation and tissue repair paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem cell cannot be effectively started.

[Research progress on surface treatment technology of zirconia implant]

Zirconia material has a color closer to human natural teeth, and has excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, therefore it is expected to become an ideal material for dental implants. In order to improve the osteogenic properties of zirconia implants, a variety of surface treatment techniques emerge in two categories: non-coating method and coating method. Different surface treatment technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, the recent progress of zirconia surface treatment technology is reviewed.

[Pepsin and bile acids detection in saliva for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To identify the value of the detection of pepsin and bile acids in saliva for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 104 GERD patients and 43 healthy people in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were recruited. The 104 patients of GERD group were divided into four sub-groups, including esophageal symptoms GERD group, extraesophageal symptoms GERD group, anxiety or depression group, non-anxiety and non-depression group. Saliva was collected on waking in morning and 2 h after finishing lunch. The concentration of the total pepsin(TPP) and total bile acids(TBA) from saliva was detected by ELISA method. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the saliva pepsin and bile acids detection. Results: The concentration of TPP in morning waking samples and postprandial samples in the GERD group was 27.1(9.7,50.3) μg/L and 32.4(14.0,58.7) μg/L, the concentration of TBA in postprandial samples was (18.4±2.3)μmol/L, and these levels were significantly higher than that of the control group [7.0(5.1, 9.1) μg/L, 7.4(5.2, 9.4) μg/L, (12.6±5.0)μmol/L](P<0.01). The concentration of TBA in morning waking samples had no significant difference between these two groups(P>0.05). The concentration of TPP and TBA had no significant difference among the four GERD sub-groups(P>0.05).Pepsin in postprandial saliva samples had moderate diagnostic value for GERD, when the saliva pepsin concentration in postprandial samples was higher than 41.33 μg/L, it had a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 73.3%. The bile acids in saliva had no significant diagnostic value for GERD. Conclusions: Pepsin detection in saliva has a high level of sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing GERD. However, bile acids in saliva has no significant diagnostic value for GERD.

[Advances in the research of effects of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction on wound healing and scar formation]

Wound healing is a dynamic process which involves interaction of various types of cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix. Among them, epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells are the key components which involve in wound healing and scar formation. Related scholars had done a great number of studies about the functions of epithelial cells and fibroblasts(Fbs) in wound healing and scar formation. The results showed that under the stimulation of complex microenvironment, epithelial cells would lose their epithelial characteristics and acquire the typical characteristics and migration ability of mesenchymal cells. At the same time, with the complex changes of cell structure and cell behavior, they would participate in the process of tissue wound repair, including normal or fibrotic repair, by covering the wound with migration. Fbs are the key cells for the wound fibrotic repair, and play important roles in the process of wound healing, including excessive wound healing or delayed wound healing. In the recent years, the researchers realized that the cross-talk between epithelial cells and Fbs in wound healing, which is referred to as epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, significantly changes the biological behaviors of these two cell types, which affects the dermal remodeling and re-epithelialization quality of wound. Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction plays an important role in skin morphogenesis during embryonic development and maintaining the structural integrity of adult skin. In the process of re-epithelialization, Fbs could promote the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, meanwhile keratinocytes would receive the signals from Fbs to reconstruct functional epithelium, which has become a hot topic in the field of wound healing at present. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the role of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction in wound healing and scar formation at home and abroad in recent years is presented for the reference of relevant scholars.

[Influence of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells on macrophage phenotypes and inflammatory factors in full-thickness skin wounds of mice]

Objective: To explore the influence of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) on the in vivo and in vitro regulation of macrophage phenotypes and inflammatory factors associated with wound healing of full-thickness skin wounds in mice. Methods: Fresh amniotic membrane discarded from full-term delivery by 5 healthy pregnant women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University was used for the isolation and culture of hAMSCs by enzyme digestion method. The third passage of cells was used for identification of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. The fourth passage of cells was used for identification of hAMSCs surface markers. Ten C57BL/6 mice (all male, aged 6 to 8 weeks, the same gender and age below) were selected for extracting mouse peritoneal macrophages by intraperitoneal lavage, and M1-type macrophages were induced by Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) medium containing interferon-γ. The M1-type macrophages were divided into hAMSCs+ macrophage group and macrophage alone group. Then 1×10(4) hAMSCs/per well of fourth passage were added to macrophage in hAMSCs+ macrophage group and cultured in 2 mL DMEM medium for routine culture. In macrophage alone group, each well was only added with 2 mL DMEM medium for routine culture. On day 1 and 7 in culture, the content of interleukin-12 (IL-12), arginase 1, and IL-10 in the cell culture supernatant of the 2 groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with sample number of 6/per group. (2) Full-thickness skin wound model was reproduced in the back of 56 C57BL/6 mice, which were divided into hAMSCs group and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group using the random number table, with 28 mice in each group. Mice in hAMSCs group were subcutaneously injected with 100 μL of cell suspension containing 1×10(7) hAMSCs per mL in PBS suspension along the wound edge. While mice in PBS group were only subcutaneously injected with 100 μL PBS along the wound edge. On post injection day (PID) 1, 3, 7, and 14, 7 mice in the two groups were sacrificed respectively. Histopathological observation was performed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of macrophage surface markers [CD68 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) double positive cells and CD68 and arginase 1 double positive] in the wounds were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expressions of IL-10, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-2 in the wounds were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) On day 1 in culture, the content of IL-12 and arginase 1 in the cell culture supernatant of the two groups were similar (t=0.448, 0.536, P>0.05), and the content of IL-10 in the cell culture supernatant of hAMSCs+ macrophage group was significantly lower than that in macrophage alone group (t=14.722, P<0.01). On day 7 in culture, the content of IL-12 in the cell culture supernatant of hAMSCs+ macrophage group was significantly lower than that in macrophage alone group (t=13.226, P<0.01), and the content of arginase 1 and IL-10 was significantly higher than that in macrophage alone group (t=30.172, 31.406, P<0.01). (2) On PID 1, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration were observed in the skin wounds of both groups. On PID 3, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the skin wounds increased in both groups, and the inflammatory cells infiltration in hAMSCs group was less than that in the PBS group. On PID 7, the inflammatory cells infiltration in the wounds decreased in both groups, and the inflammatory cells infiltration in hAMSCs group was less than that in the PBS group. On PID 14, no obvious inflammatory cells infiltration was observed in the wounds in the two groups. (3) On PID 1 and 14, the percentages of CD68 and iNOS double positive cells and CD68 and arginase 1 double positive cells in the wounds were similar in the two groups (t(1 d)=0.134, 0.693, t(14 d)=1.146, 2.585, P>0.05). On PID 3 and 7, the percentages of CD68 and iNOS double positive cells in the wounds in hAMSCs group were significantly lower than those of PBS group (t=6.396, 4.787, P<0.01), while the percentages of CD68 and arginase 1 double positive cells were significantly higher than those of PBS group (t=3.928, 4.473, P<0.01). (4) On PID 1, the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in the wounds of mice in the two groups were similar (t=2.005, P>0.05). On PID 3, 7, and 14, the mRNA expressions of IL-10 in the wounds of mice in hAMSCs group were significantly higher than those of PBS group (t=7.758, 124.355, 80.823, P<0.01). On PID 1, 3, 7, and 14, the mRNA expressions of MIP-1α and MIP-2 in the wounds of mice in hAMSCs group (0.341±0.212, 0.648±0.004, 0.611±0.106, 0.763±0.049, 1.377±0.099, 1.841±0.042, 1.181±0.035, 0.553±0.028) were significantly lower than those of PBS group (3.853±0.035, 6.914±0.163, 3.648±0.113, 2.250±0.046, 11.119±0.495, 8.634±0.092, 5.722±0.021, 4.862±0.036, t=43.198, 101.904, 51.845, 58.231, 51.074, 177.501, 291.752, 251.614, P<0.01). Conclusions: hAMSCs demonstrates biological effects of promoting the transformation of M1-type macrophages into M2-type macrophages in full-thickness skin wounds of mice. They can up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic factor IL-10, and down-regulate the expression of important inflammation mediated factors MIP-1α and MIP-2.

LncRNA H19 regulates the expression of its target gene HOXA10 in endometrial carcinoma through competing with miR-612

OBJECTIVE

The role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 in endometrial carcinoma was studied, and its mechanism was also explored.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lncRNA H19, miR-612, and HOXA10 in endometrial carcinoma, and the relationship between lncRNA H19 and survival time was analyzed. The high expression or knockdown of lncRNA H19 in endometrial cancer cells was completed by cell transfection experiments. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect changes in the viability of endometrial cancer cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify that miR-612 could bind to lncRNA H19 or HOXA10. QRT-PCR and Western Blot assays were used to detect changes in the expression of HOXA10 in endometrial cancer cells before and after overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA H19.

RESULTS

The expression of lncRNA H19 and HOXA10 was high in endometrial carcinoma and miR-612 was lowly expressed. The survival curve suggested that lncRNA H19 was negatively correlated with patient survival. The mRNA expression of lncRNA H19 in endometrial cancer cells, including HEC1-A, HEC1-B, AN3CA, and Ishikawa, was detected by qRT-PCR. It was found that the expression of lncRNA H19 was highest in AN3CA and lowest in Ishikawa. The cell transfection experiments allowed Ishikawa cells to overexpress lncRNA H19 and AN3CA cells to reduce lncRNA H19 expression. After overexpression of lncRNA H19, the viability of Ishikawa cells as well as the mRNA and protein levels of HOXA10 increased. However, after knocking down lncRNA H19, the viability of AN3CA cells along with the mRNA and protein levels of HOXA10 decreased. The dual luciferase reporter assay results suggested that miR-612 could bind to lncRNA H19 and HOXA10.

CONCLUSIONS

The high expression of lncRNA H19 in endometrial carcinoma may regulate the expression level of its target gene HOXA10 by targeting miR-612, thus promoting cell proliferation to play a role in the development of endometrial carcinoma.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of rabies immunization strategy based on dynamic-decision tree model]

Objective: To evaluate the cost-utility of different immunization strategies for rabies in China, and to provide a reference for determining the optimal immunization strategy. Methods: The system dynamics model was used to simulate the epidemic of canine rabies and a decision tree model was conducted to analysis different immune strategies. Relevant probabilities were obtained through literature search and on-site investigation. Sensitivity analysis was used to explore the important influenced factors. Results: At baseline, from a social perspective, 70% vaccination of dogs was the optimal strategy compared to current vaccination strategy (43% vaccination in dogs, human category-Ⅱ exposure vaccination/category-Ⅲ exposure vaccination combined with RIG). The total cost was 14 084 354 CNY, and the total utility value was 22 078 616.23 QALYs, and the incremental cost-utility ratio was-62 148 147 CNY/QALY; if human vaccination was considered, 55% vaccination of dogs combined with strategy one was the optimal strategy, its incremental cost-utility ratio was-444 620 557 CNY/QALY. The probability that an injured dog carries rabies virus was the most sensitive parameter. When it was greater than 0.005 03, strategy four was the optimal strategy. When it was less than 82/100 000, strategy one was the optimal strategy; when it was between 82/100 000 and 120/100 000, strategy two was the optimal strategy; when it was between 120/100 000 and 503/100 000, strategy two was the optimal strategy. Conclusion: It was conducive to increase the vaccination coverage of canine for the prevention and control of rabies.

[Analysis of early renal damage markers under different renal ultrasonic manifestations in gout patients]

Objective: To observe the relationship between early renal damage markers and renal ultrasonic manifestations in gout patients, and whether early renal damage is reversible after uric acid-reducing treatment. Methods: The gout patients from the Department of Rheumatology of Beijing Haidian Hospital and Peking University People's Hospital between July 2016 and December 2017 were recruited in this study. According to the results of renal ultrasonography, the patients were divided into the following three groups. Group A was normal. Group B was punctate crystallization. Group C was renal calculi. Each group included 30 patients. The patients in group B and group C who could insist on regular uric acid-reducing treatment for one year were selected. The levels of urinary RBP, β(2)-MG and NAG were measured in different groups and one year before and after uric acid-reducing treatment. Results: The urinary concentration of β(2)-MG in group A, group B and group C were (128.59±107.32), (316.08±207.41) and (311.25±162.85)mg/L, respectively. There were significant differences among the three groups (P<0.001). The urinary concentration of NAG were (13.41±5.12)U/L,(17.88±6.19)U/L and (18.48±9.84)U/L, respectively. There were differences among the three groups (P<0.01).There was no significant difference in urinary RBP concentration among the three groups (P=0.188). After one year of uric acid-reducing treatment, the levels of urinary RBP, β(2)-MG and NAG were lower than that before treatment. There were significant differences before and after treatment in each group (P<0.05). Compared with group C, the levels of urinary β(2)-MG and NAG were decreased in group B after uric acid-reducing treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Renal ultrasonography is helpful for the diagnosis of early renal damage in gout patients. Early renal damage markers in gout patients decreased after uric acid-reducing treatment, suggesting that early renal damage can be reversible if early diagnosis and timely treatment can be made in gout patients.

[Clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer. Methods: From May 2012 to May 2017, 20 patients with sacral pressure ulcers (14 males and 6 females, aged 27 to 67 years) were admitted to our department. According to the consensus staging system of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel in 2016, 6 cases were in 3 stages, 14 cases were in 4 stages, with the area of pressure ulcers ranging from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×8.0 cm. After debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, the superior gluteal artery perforator island flaps were used to repair the pressure wounds, with the area of flaps ranging from 6 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The survival of flaps after operation, the healing of wounds, and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: After surgery, flaps of 20 patients survived well without reoperation. The length of hospital stay of patients was 20 to 40 days, with an average of 25 days. Eighteen patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12.2 months. The flaps were in good shape and elastic recovery. There were no complications such as seroma or hematoma in the donor sites. Both the patients and family members expressed satisfaction with the shape and texture of the flap and shape of hip. Conclusions: The superior gluteal artery perforator island flap is reliable in blood supply and easy to rotate. The flap can carry a little muscle to increase the anti-infective ability. Moreover, the donor site can be directly sutured with slight damage. Thus, it is one of the good methods for repairing sacral pressure ulcers.

[Effect of perforator flap of the proper digital artery of the ulnar or radial side of finger in the treatment of webbed scar contracture of the same finger in child]

Objective: To explore the effect of the perforator flap of the proper digital artery on the ulnar or radial side of the finger in the treatment of webbed scar contracture of the same finger in child. Methods: From January 2012 to January 2016, 26 children who were treated with dressing change after burn of finger and then had webbed scar contracture along with growth and development were hospitalized in our unit, involving a total of 50 fingers. There were 14 males and 12 females among the children aged from 2 to 14 years. After the scar was dissected and released, the wound area ranged from 1.6 cm×1.0 cm to 5.0 cm×2.6 cm. The perforator flap of the proper digital artery of the ulnar or radial side of the same finger was used to repair the wound. The flap area ranged from 1.8 cm×1.0 cm to 4.6 cm×1.8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The residual wounds in donor and recipient sites were repaired by full-thickness skin graft collected from inguinal area/adjacent area or adjacent perforator flap. The postoperative development and function of the fingers were followed up and observed. The range of motion of the fingers was evaluated according to the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society's upper limb functional evaluation trial standard, the Kantor Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating Scale was used to score the scar of finger, and the latest data were recorded. Results: The flaps and skin grafts survived successfully after operation. The patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. The perforator flaps of the proper digital artery on the ulnar or radial side of the finger survived well at the latest follow-up, with good color and texture and a two-point discrimination distance of 9 to 12 mm. There was no contracture of the fingers, a little pigmentation in the skin graft area, no flexion deformity of the fingers, no lateral bending of the fingers to the flap-harvesting side, and no scar contracture at the webs of the fingers. Compared with that of healthy side, the development of finger was not obviously abnormal. The range of motion of the fingers was excellent in 38 fingers and good in 12 fingers, and the scar score of the fingers was 2-3 points in 31 fingers, 4-7 points in 15 fingers, and 8-10 points in 4 fingers. Conclusions: The efficacy of perforator flap of the proper digital artery of the ulnar or radial side of finger in the treatment of the webbed scar contracture of the same finger in child is reliable, with high postoperative survival rate of the flap, better color and texture, and fewer complications, which can avoid the risk of re-contracture of the finger in a short period after operation, and does not affect the growth and development of the finger.

[The value of the planned neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for the non-radical resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: The role of planned neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in the non-radical resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was unclear. The study aimed to evaluate their therapeutic effect and analyze the prognostic factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received neoadjuvant radio therapy (33 patients) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (119 patients) from January 2004 to December 2016 in our single-institution database.The survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic factors were analyzed by using Log rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The median follow-up was 29.8 months. One hundred and one patients survived more than 3 years. The rates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years were 63.9% and 55.6%, respectively.The rates of complete, partial and minimal pathological response of the primary tumor were 50.3%, 38.4%, 11.3%, the corresponding 3-year OS were 75.5%, 57.4%, 27.3% (P<0.001) and 3-year DFS were 72.0%, 44.7%, 17.6% (P<0.001), respectively.The postoperative lymph node metastasis rate was 27.0%. The 3-year OS and DFS of the lymph node positive group was 45.6% and 32.8%, significantly lower than 70.8% and 63.7% of the negative group (both P<0.001). The 3-year OS and DFS of pathologic stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, ⅢA, ⅢB and Ⅵ A were 76.2%, 57.4%, 64.7%, 35.0%, 33.3% (P<0.001) and 70.1%, 49.3%, 41.2%, 22.1%, 33.3% (P<0.001), respectively.The operation-related mortality was 3.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that chest pain, postoperative respiratory failure, pathological differentiation, more than 15 lymph node dissection and ypTNM stage were the independent prognostic factors of OS (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions: The planned neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for the non-radical resection of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma could result in favorable survival. The chest pain, postoperative respiratory failure, pathological differentiation, the number of lymph node resection and ypTNM stage are the independent prognostic factors of the prognosis of these patients.

[Effects of local transplantation of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on the hyperplastic scar formation in rabbit ears and the mechanism]

Objective: To explore the effects of local transplantation of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on the hyperplastic scar (HS) formation in rabbit ears and the mechanism. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were used to reproduce HSs by making four full-thickness skin defect wounds with a diameter of 1 cm on the ventral surface of left ear of each rabbit. Wound epithelization and local-tissue proliferation were observed, and wound healing (complete epithelization) time and formation time of HS were recorded. The 24 rabbits were divided into SVF group, pure DMEM group, and pure HS group according to the random number table, with 8 rabbits and 32 wounds in each group. On post injury day (PID) 25 (after the complete epithelization of wounds), 0.2 mL of low glucose DMEM medium containing CM-Dil labeled autologous SVF was injected into HSs of rabbits in SVF group, while the same amount of low glucose DMEM medium was injected into HSs of rabbits in pure DMEM group. The frequency of injection was once every 5 days, totally for 3 times. HSs of rabbits in pure HS group did not receive any treatment. On PID 40, HSs of rabbits' ears in each group were harvested, then the histological form was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, the arrangement of collagen in HS was observed by Van Gieson staining, the distribution of CM-Dil-labeled SVF in the HS was observed with fluorescence microscope, and the mRNA expression and the protein expression of transforming growth factor β(1) (TGF-β(1)), Smad3, and Smad7 in HS were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: (1) Complete epithelization time of wounds of rabbits' ears was (20.0±2.0) d post injury, and HSs were formed on PID 25. On PID 40, HSs of rabbits' ears in pure DMEM group and pure HS group were still in hyperplasia, while those in SVF group became smaller, flat, soft, and light colored. (2) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group and pure HS group, the number of epithelium foot like structures was more and the amount of inflammatory cells was less. The collagen of HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group was arranged more regularly with broader gap between collagens. (3) On PID 40, CM-Dil-labeled SVF could still be observed in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group. (4) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group and pure HS group, the mRNA expressions of TGF-β(1) and Smad3 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression of Smad7 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the mRNA expressions of TGF-β(1), Smad3, and Smad7 in the HSs of rabbits' ears between pure DMEM group and pure HS group (P>0.05). (5) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group (0.74±0.03, 0.73±0.10, 0.54±0.09) and pure HS group (0.72±0.08, 0.71±0.12, 0.53±0.06), the protein expressions of TGF-β(1) and Smad3 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group (0.57±0.06, 0.42±0.09) were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while the protein expression of Smad7 (0.71±0.05) was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). The protein expressions of TGF-β(1), Smad3, and Smad7 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in pure DMEM group and pure HS group were close (P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous SVF transplantation can inhibit the formation of HS in the early stage of scar formation of rabbit, the mechanism may be related to the TGF-β(1)/Smad signaling pathway.

[Effects of combined transplantation of rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts on nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism]

Objective: To explore the effects of combined transplantation of the rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts (Fbs) on the nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism. Methods: (1) Fbs were isolated from the trunk of 2 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats embryos of 14-16 days' pregnancy and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The protein expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 were observed by immunohistochemical method. The mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n=3). (2) Schwann cells were isolated from the bilateral sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of 45 SD rats born for 1-3 days and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The rate of S100 positive cells was detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, with sample numbers of 9 and 3 respectively. (3) In Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) high glucose medium, 1 mL Fbs and 1 mL Schwann cells both in the concentration of 1×10(5) cells/mL were co-cultured as Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group, and 2 mL Schwann cells in the concentration of 1×10(5) cells/mL were cultured alone as Schwann cells alone culture group, with 5 wells in each group. The clusters of Schwann cells in the two groups were observed and counted under inverted phase contrast microscope at post culture hour (PCH) 6 and 24 respectively. The clusters of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were observed by immunofluorescence method at PCH 24 too. The protein expressions of EphB2, Sox2, and N-cadherin in Schwann cells of two groups at PCH 24 were detected by Western blotting (n=20). (4) Totally 100 8-week-old male SD rats were selected, and an in situ replanted peritoneal denervated perforator flap was made in each rat. According to the random number table, the rats were divided into simple flap group, Fbs alone transplantation group, Schwann cells alone transplantation group, Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group, with 25 rats in each group. Flaps of rats in Fbs alone transplantation group and Schwann cells alone transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fb and 0.4 mL Schwann cells respectively (2×10(6) cells each). Flaps of rats in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fbs and Schwann cells mixed cells (totally 2×10(6) cells, cell number ratio: 1∶1), and flaps of rats of simple flap group were injected with the same volume of DMEM high glucose medium. On post injection day (PID) 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14, 5 rats in each group were selected respectively according to the random number table. The flap tissue was collected, and the number, diameter, and arrangement of regenerated nerves were observed by immunofluorescence method. Data were processed with completely random designed t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) The third passage of cells isolated and cultured from the rat embryo trunks were uniform in size and shape, long spindle-shaped, with a large proportion of nuclei. Strong positive expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 protein in cells were observed, and the mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was 0.004 1±0.000 8. The cells were identified as Fbs. (2) After 5 days of culture, the primary cells isolated from the sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of neonatal rats were elongated in cell bodies and grew in nest, fence, or vortex-like shape. The third passage of cells were detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, and the corresponding S100 positive cell rates were (95.9±1.0)% and (95.8±1.1)% respectively. The cells were identified as Schwann cells. (3) At PCH 6 and 24, the cluster numbers of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were significantly higher than those of Schwann cells alone culture group (t=6.500, 10.614, P<0.01). At PCH 24, the Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group aggregated into clusters, Fbs dispersed around the Schwann cell clusters, and the protein expressions of EphB2, N-cadherin, and Sox2 in Schwann cells were significantly higher than those in Schwann cells alone culture group (t=2.975, 19.717, 11.159, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) On PID 2, a small number of scattered, disordered, short, and thin nerve fibers were observed in the flap tissue of rats in the four groups. From PID 5 to 14, the number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group increased gradually, and the nerve fibers were with long diameter and arranged orderly. The number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells alone transplantation group increased, but the nerve fibers were with short diameter and arranged disorderly, and the number was smaller than that of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group. In simple flap group and Fbs alone transplantation group, the nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats gradually degenerated with gradually decreased number or even disappeared. Conclusions: The combined transplantation of Fbs and Schwann cells in rats can regulate Schwann cells migration and clustering by activating Ephrin/Eph-Sox2-N-cadherin signaling pathway, thus promoting the orderly nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats.

[Advances in the research of animal model of pressure ulcer]

Pressure ulcer is localized damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually over a bony prominence as a result of prolonged pressure, shear force, and friction. The effect of external force on soft tissue is affected by many factors, such as local microenvironment, tissue blood supply, nutritional status, and underlying diseases of patients. Although great efforts have been made by mankind to prevent and treat pressure ulcer in last decades, its prevalence is still high, and the curative effect is still not impressive. The treatment of pressure ulcer is a challenge today, and it is necessary to seek new treatment methods. However, the prerequisite for exploring new treatment methods is to find a proper animal model and further explore new therapies through animal experiments. The pathogenesis of pressure ulcer is complex, and the formation process is affected by a variety of factors. To date, there is no recognized standard animal model. We review the pathogenesis of pressure ulcer and the recently reported animal models of pressure ulcer, so as to provide basic experimental basis for further research on the occurrence, development, and prevention of pressure ulcer.

[The pathological characteristics and outcomes of 40 surgically treated stage M1b non-small cell lung cancer patients]

Objective: Clinical evidences of surgically treated stage M1b non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were limited. This study aimed to summarize the clinical data of these patients to explore the prognostic factors of this population. Methods: From January 1999 to December 2012, the clinical data of 40 stage M1b NSCLC patients, including 24 males and 16 females, who underwent surgery were collected by Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Kaplan-Meier method, log rank test and Cox risk regression model were used to analyze the prognose of these patients and their influence factors. Results: A total of 40 patients were available for survival analysis. The Survival rates of the whole population at 1, 3 and 5 years were 70.0%, 40.0% and 22.5%, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was 31.5 months. The outcomes of 23 patients underwent primary tumor resection and local treatment of metastatic site (MST: 41.5 months) were significantly better than those of 13 patients with only primary tumor resection (MST: 15.5 months) and 4 patients with thoracic exploration (MST: 14.5 months) (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that patients without pleural effusion, brain metastasis, chemotherapy and targeted therapy had a statistically better survival (P<0.05). Conclusions: The overall survivals of surgically treated stage M1b NSCLC patients appear encouraging, and some selected patients may even achieve a long-time survival. Multimodality treatment including surgical lung resection and radical treatment of metastasis should be considered for these patients.

[Review of development of Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College]

In the 60th anniversary of Chinese burn medicine, I am honored to review the development of Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College. The Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical college was relocated to Zunyi in 1969 to support the development of southwestern China and renamed Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College. Only a few medical workers stayed in Zunyi when the State Council decided to reestablish Dalian Medical University in 1978. In the last 30 years, our department made great progress in the field of burns treatment with Chinese and Western medicine and complex wounds repair with flap, especially with perforator flap. We also took the lead to achieve the integrated treatment model, including peripheral vascular intervention, autogenous adipose cells/adipose-derived stem cells transplantation, platelet-rich plasma/platelet-rich fibrin, flap grafting, vacuum sealing drainage, Ilizarov technology, and functional active dressing for the treatment of chronic and ischemic wounds. Our department has become one of the national key clinical subject with certain influence from low ebb.

Demonstration of a Functionally Active tPA-Like Plasminogen Activator in Human Platelets

The mechanism of platelet-enhanced fibrinolysis is unclear. We therefore investigated the fibrinolytic activity of human platelets and demonstrated that they contain a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)- like plasminogen activator, abbreviated as tPA-like-PA. This activator was detected by ELISA in platelet incubation medium and in platelet Triton extracts. Plasminogen activation assays showed that this tPA- like-PA could induce plasminogen activation to form plasmin. Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-tPA antibody demonstrated a major 64-kD protein band, compared to a 70-kD band for standard single chain tPA, plus a minor 118-kD band corresponding to a complex of tPA-like-PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Western blots of Triton extracts incubated with anti-PAI-1 antibody produced an approximately similar high-molecular-weight (118 kD) protein band. Fibrin zymographic analysis of affinity-purified tPA-like- PA demonstrated a major and a minor fibrin lysis zone, which approximately corresponded to the tPA-like-PA and its complex with PAI-1 observed by Western blots. Immunogold labelling and electron microscopy demonstrated that platelet activator, either as the free form or co-localized with PAI-1, was present in granules and in channels of the open canalicular system. We conclude that platelets contain a functionally active tPA-like-PA, whose low fibrinolytic activity might be due to its readily forming a complex with PAI-1. This functionally active tPA-like-PA might contribute to the enhanced fibrinolytic activity of platelets observed in platelet-rich thrombi.

Prediction of pathologic responders to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective study

This study aims to investigate the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in ESCC patients receiving neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and the efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant CCRT. Twenty-eight locally advanced ESCC patients treated with neoadjuvant CCRT followed by radical resection were prospectively enrolled. DW-MRI was recommended to be performed within 2 weeks before and 4-6 weeks after neoadjuvant CCRT. The calculated ADCs pre- (ADC1) and post- (ADC2) neoadjuvant CCRT, the definite (ΔADC) and percentage changes (ΔADC%) were analyzed for the efficacy of predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant CCRT. Twenty patients had been identified as responders (tumor regression grade 1-2). Among them, ADC2 (3.02 ± 0.84 vs. 2.12 ± 0.44 × 10-3 mm2/s, P = 0.001) and ΔADC (1.22 ± 0.78 vs 0.64 ± 0.26 × 10-3 mm2/s, P = 0.007) were significantly higher than those of nonresponders (tumor regression grade: 3-5). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that ADC2 exhibited an overall accuracy of in 71.4% in predicting pathologic response, with a sensitivity of 60.0%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 50.0%, when 3.04 × 10-3 mm2/s was used as the cutoff value. ADC value could be useful in predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant CCRT in ESCC patients. High postneoadjuvant CCRT ADC is a predictive indicator for good response.

Genome-wide analysis of salinity-stress induced DNA methylation alterations in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) using the Me-DIP sequencing technology

Cytosine DNA methylation is a significant form of DNA modification closely associated with gene expression in eukaryotes, fungi, animals, and plants. Although the reference genomes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) have been publically available, the salinity-stress-induced DNA methylome alterations in cotton are not well understood. Here, we constructed a map of genome-wide DNA methylation characteristics of cotton leaves under salt stress using the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing method. The results showed that the methylation reads on chromosome 9 were most comparable with those on the other chromosomes, but the greatest changes occurred on chromosome 8 under salt stress. The DNA methylation pattern analysis indicated that a relatively higher methylation density was found in the upstream2k and downstream2k elements of the CDS region and CG-islands. Almost 94% of the reads belonged to LTR-gspsy and LTR-copia, and the number of methylation reads in LTR-gypsy was four times greater than that in LTR-copia in both control and stressed samples. The analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) showed that the gene elements upstream2k, intron, and downstream2k were hypomethylated, but the CDS regions were hypermethylated. The GO (Gene Ontology) analysis suggested that the methylated genes were most enriched in cellular processes, metabolic processes, cell parts and catalytic activities, which might be closely correlated with response to NaCl stress. In this study, we completed a genomic DNA methylation profile and conducted a DMR analysis under salt stress, which provided valuable information for the better understanding of epigenetics in response to salt stress in cotton.

[Analysis of the risk factors for postoperative cervical anastomotic leakage after McKeown's esophagectomy]

Objective: To analyze risk factors of anastomotic leakage after McKeown'sesophagectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 635 esophageal cancer patients, who underwent McKeown's esophagectomy at Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2012 to December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors of cervical anastomotic leakage were identified through analysis of medical history, surgical procedure, tumor characteristics and vascular calcification. Results: Among all the 635 patients, anastomotic leakage occurred in 111 (17.5%)patients. Univariate analysis showed that the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk class, prior thoracic surgery, upper digestive tract ulcer, COPD, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, renal insufficiency, FEV1% predicted, DLCO% predicted, duration of surgery and calcification of descending aorta, celiac trunk and left postceliac arteries were associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of cervical anastomotic leakage (P<0.05 for all). Logistic regression analysis showed that ASA risk class, peripheral vascular disease, renal insufficiency and calcification of descending aorta and celiac trunk were independent risk factors of cervical anastomotic leakage after McKeown's esophagectomy (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions: ASA risk class, peripheral vascular disease, renal insufficiency, calcification of descending aorta and celiac trunk are independent risk factors of cervical esophageal anastomotic leakage after McKeown's esophagectomy.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT2 promotes the breast cancer growth and metastasis by regulating TGF-β signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) CCAT2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, we reported that long noncoding RNA CCAT2 (LncRNA CCAT2) could regulate TGF-β signaling pathway in breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The relative mRNA expression level of CCAT2 in adjacent non-cancerous and breast cancer tissues without or with metastasis were analyzed by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The mRNA expression levels of CCAT2 in breast cancer cell lines were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells were detected after infected with si-NC or si-CCAT2. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate in breast cancer cells after infected with si-NC or si-CCAT2. The relative protein expression level of TGF-β, Smad2 and α-SMA in breast cancer cells after infected with si-NC or si-CCAT2 were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

The relative mRNA expression level of CCAT2 in breast cancer tissues was significantly increased compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The expression level of CCAT2 in breast cancer without metastasis was decreased compared with breast cancer metastasis. Meanwhile, down-regulation of CCAT2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of CCAT2 caused breast cancer cells cycle arrested in G0/G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Down-regulation of CCAT2 significantly down-regulated the protein expression levels of TGF-β, Smad2 and α-SMA in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CCAT2 was highly expressed in breast cancer. Down-regulation of CCAT2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration and promoted cell apoptosis in breast cancer cells by regulating TGF-β signaling pathway.

[A Fisher discriminant model to predict the outcome of postoperative blood pressure in primary aldosteronism]

Objective: To establish a Fisher discriminant model in order to predict the outcome of postoperative blood pressure for primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods: A total of 83 cases from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled and divided into two groups: cure group and not cure group according to postoperative blood pressure. Fisher stepwise discriminant analysis was used to establish a discriminant model, and compared with aldosteronoma resolution score (ARS) and nomogram model by receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Hypertension was cured in 52 cases, and 31 cases remained uncured. Patients in uncured group were older, and had bigger body mass index (BMI), longer duration of hypertension, higher serum triglyceride (TG), more types of antihypertensive drug, higher incidence of diabetes, smoking and alcohol intake, less typical nodules on computed tomography imaging, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The discriminant model based on BMI, types of antihypertensive drugs, typical nodules on CT, eGFR and TG was established and the cut-off value was 0.195 9, with a sensitivity of 86.5% and a specificity of 83.9%. The area under the curve was 0.857 (95% CI: 0.764-0.951), which was higher than that of ARS (0.733, 95% CI: 0.619-0.847) and the nomogram model (0.735, 95% CI: 0.619-0.851). Conclusion: The Fisher discriminant model had a high value to predict the outcome of postoperative blood pressure in PA.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CIPK genes in diploid cottons

Calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) plays a key regulatory role in the growth, development, and stress resistance of plants by combining with phosphatase B subunit-like protein. In the present study, CIPK genes were identified in the whole genomes of diploid cottons and their sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. The results demonstrated that the CIPK gene family was unevenly distributed in two diploid cotton genomes. Forty-one CIPKs were identified in the D genome, mainly located on chromosomes 9 and 10, whereas thirty-nine CIPKs were identified in the A genome, mainly located on chromosomes 8 and 11. Based on the gene structures, CIPKs in cotton could be classified into two types: one that is intron-rich and the other that has few introns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CIPK gene family members in cotton had close evolutionary relationships with those of the dicotyledonous plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and poplar. The analysis of transcriptome sequence data demonstrated that there were differences in gene expression in different tissues, indicating that the expression of the CIPKs in cotton had spatio-temporal specificity. The expression analysis of CIPKs under abiotic stresses (drought, salt, and low temperature) in different tissues at trefoil stage demonstrated that these stresses induced the expression of CIPKs.

[Expression analysis of a transformer gene in Daphnia pulex after RNAi]

In order to explore the importance of the transformer (tra) gene in reproductive mode switching in Daphnia pulex, we studied the effect of silencing of this gene using RNA interference (RNAi). We obtained Dptra dsRNA by constructing and using a dsRNA expression vector and transcription method in vitro. D. pulex individuals in different reproductive modes were treated by soaking in a solution of Dptra dsRNA. We then assayed the expression of the endogenous Dptra mRNA after RNAi treatment using RT-PCR and obtained the suppression ratio. Expression of the tra gene in the RNAi groups was down-regulated compared with the controls after 16 h (p < 0.05). We also analyzed the effect of RNAi on the expression of the TRA protein using Western blot, which showed that the expression level of the TRA protein was reduced after RNAi treatment. Our experimental results showed that soaking of D. pulex adults in tra-specific dsRNA transcribed in vitro can specifically reduce the level of tra mRNA and also reduce the expression of the TRA protein, demonstrating effective in vivo silencing of the tra gene.

Long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 is a prognostic factor for poor overall survival and has an oncogenic role in glioma

OBJECTIVE

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as biomarkers and as important regulators of the biological processes and tumorigenesis in cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 in glioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of SPRY4-IT1 was examined by the quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in glioma tissues and control tissues and its association with overall survival of patients was analyzed by statistical analysis. Survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to analyze the differences between clinicopathological characteristics and survival in glioma patients.

RESULTS

The expression level of SPRY4-IT1 was significantly higher in glioma in comparison to normal matched tissue (p < 0.01). Furthermore, lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 was associated significantly with WHO grade (p = 0.009) and tumor size (p = 0.003). A significant difference was found that glioma patients with high SPRY4-IT1 expression level had distinctly shorter OS than patients with low SPRY4-IT1 expression level. Furthermore, Multivariate analysis indicated SPRY4-IT1 as an independent prognostic indicator for glioma patients (p = 0.003), CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 may be a potential prognostic bio¬marker of glioma.

[Survival after surgical treatment of bilateral synchronous multiple primary non-small cell lung cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and identify the prognostic indicators associated with survival.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2014, clinicopathological data of 96 patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLC, who met the modified Martini-Melamed criteria and underwent radical surgical resection, were retrospectively reviewed. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the clinical parameters associated with survival were analyzed using a log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the risk factors for this cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 96 patients, two patients who died of severe postoperative complications were excluded, and 94 patients were analyzed. Of the 94 cases, a two-stage operation was performed in 93 patients, while a single-stage bilateral surgery was performed in only one patient using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). 79 patients had 2 tumors and the other 15 patients had 3 or more tumors. There were 82 patients with synchronous tumors located in different lobes and 12 patients had at least two tumors located in the same lobe. Seventy-six patients were found to have multiple lung adenocarcinoma and 12 patients had multiple squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). Five patients had adenocarcinoma and SCC, and one patient had adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma simultaneously. Univariate analysis showed that the large maximum tumor diameter, highest pT stage and lymph node involvement were associated with an unfavorable DFS (P<0.01 for all), while female gender, small maximum tumor diameter, early highest pT stage and pN0 were associated with a better overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that highest pT stage and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Patients with a lower highest pT stage and negative lymph node metastasis had longer DFS and OS (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis for patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLCs should be made very carefully. Two stage surgical treatment is safe, reasonable and effective for patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLCs in a relatively early stage. The highest pT stage and pN status are important predictors for long-term survival. Adequate pulmonary tissue resection with complete resection of multiple nodules and systematic lymphadenectomy are suggested.

Molecular characterization of the gene checkpoint homolog 1 in Daphnia carinata during different reproductive phases

Full-length cDNA of the gene checkpoint homolog 1 (Chk1) was cloned from Daphnia carinata and designated DcarChk1. DcarChk1 cDNA was 1817 bp in length and encoded a 497-amino acid polypeptide. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that DcarChk1 was most closely related to Chk1 of Daphnia pulex, followed by homologous genes of insects. Expression of DcarChk1 was higher in adult Daphnia than in larvae, and significantly higher in males than females, as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization techniques, DcarChk1 in parthenogenetic females was found to be expressed mainly on the head surface, capillus, and carapace valve edge. In contrast, in sexual females, DcarChk1 was expressed mainly in the joint of the second antenna, and in the thoracic limbs and capillus. These results suggest that DcarChk1 plays a significant role in both the growth and development, as well as in regulating reproductive plasticity, in D. carinata.

Association between the interleukin-6-174 G/C polymorphism and risk of ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis

Numerous studies have evaluated the association between the -174 G/C polymorphism in the interleukin-6 (IL6) gene and ischemic stroke risk. However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association of the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism with ischemic stroke. Published literatures from PubMed and Embase databases were retrieved. Pooled ORs with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. A total of seven case-control studies containing 2025 patients and 2174 controls were enrolled into this meta-analysis. In combined analysis, the results showed no significant association between the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk in the overall population (GG vs CC: OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 0.50-3.01; TT vs TC: OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.81-1.15; dominant: OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.70-1.38; or recessive: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 0.57-2.70) models. In the subgroup analysis by race, no significant associations between the -174 G/C polymorphism in the IL6 gene and ischemic stroke risk were found in Caucasians or Asians. No publication bias was found in the present study (all P > 0.05). Overall, the meta-analysis results suggested that the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism was not associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in the different stages of rat thromboangiitis obliterans

We investigated the expression and effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in rat thromboangiitis obliterans (TO). Rats were divided into sham and model groups. The model group was further divided into groups based on observation duration. Lauric acid was injected below an artery clamp to simulate TO in the model group; saline was used in the sham group. Clamps were removed 15 min after injection in both groups, and physiological changes were observed at different times (gross observation and hematoxylin and eosin staining). The animals were killed at various times following the operation and serum and muscle tissues were sampled. For the sham group: the endometrium was relatively intact; medial membrane and epineurium lesions were absent; and blood vessels and surrounding tissues had no inflammatory cell infiltration. For the model group: all subgroups displayed inflammation; large numbers of inflammatory cells were gathered; muscle tissue lost its normal texture and structure; and the internal elastic membrane was integrated. Compared with the preoperative status, HIF-1α expression increased significantly in all subgroups (P < 0.05); there was no change in the sham group. HIF-1α expression in each subgroup was different (F = 14.267, P < 0.05). Femoral artery injection of lauric acid can be used as a rat TO model owing to its simple application and success rate. HIF-1α expression increased in the early stage of TO and gradually decreased with the extension of ischemia time; it may play a leading role in TO development and can be used for diagnosis and cure evaluation.

Inhibition of nerve growth factor/tyrosine kinase receptor A signaling ameliorates airway remodeling in chronic allergic airway inflammation

OBJECTIVE

The molecular mechanism leading to airway remodeling in patients with allergic asthma is not fully understood. We determined the role of nerve growth factor/tyrosine kinase receptor A signaling in airway remodeling in chronic allergic airway inflammation, and proved that inhibited nerve growth factor (NGF) production ameliorates airway remodeling during chronic allergic airway inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six- to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were used in this study. Mice were randomized into four groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) control group (n = 10); chronic asthmatic group (n = 12); anti-NGF group (n=12); and anti-TrkA group (n=12). First, to determine the impact of NGF on airway remodeling, antibody-blocking experiments were performed in a chronic allergic murine model characterized by matrix deposition in the subepithelial. Secondly, the number of eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils and the total number of cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was counted. Thirdly, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and NGF protein expression was measured by western blot.

RESULTS

It was shown that the number of eosinophils and the total inflammatory cells, NGF and GAP43 protein expression in BALF were markedly higher in asthma group, compared to the other groups. And given anti-NGF or anti-TrkA antibody treatment can reduced GAP43 expression and collagen deposition in the airway.

CONCLUSIONS

NGF triggers wound healing process and airway remodeling by inducing GAP43 production dependent on TrkA in a mouse model of chronic experimental asthma. Controlling epithelial NGF production might be an efficient therapeutic target to prevent allergic asthma.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a Doublesex gene from Daphnia carinata (Crustacea: Cladocera) during different reproductive stages

To better understand the reproductive transformation mechanism of Daphnia carinata, a Doublesex (Dsx) gene was cloned based on rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), and was designated DapcaDsx2. Next, we compared similarities and assumed homology based on deduced amino acid sequences. It showed 97.52, 87.94, and 85.11% identity to orthologous genes in D. magna, D. pulex, and D. galeata respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DapcaDsx2 clustered in the same class, and was evolutionarily more distant to sequences from other species. qRT-PCR showed that DapcaDsx2 was most abundantly expressed during sexual reproduction (P < 0.05). Using digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes, we studied DapcaDsx2 expression in parthenogenetic and sexual females by whole-mount in situ hybridization. The results revealed that DapcaDsx2 was mainly expressed in the second antennae and several sites of the ventral carapace, whereas higher expression levels were found in sexual than in parthenogenetic females. This suggests that the DapcaDsx2 gene is involved in switching modes of reproduction and in sexual differentiation.

Diffusion-weighted imaging to differentiate metastatic from non-metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted MRI for differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Untreated patients with NPC (n = 145) were scanned with both morphological MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). RLNs (n = 335) were classified as metastatic on the basis of response to therapy as assessed on follow-up MRI. Morphological (short- and long-axial diameters) and functional [mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and minimum ADC values] parameters of the RLNs were derived from DWI and compared between metastatic and non-metastatic groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve were used to evaluate the effectiveness of individual criteria and to generate threshold values to diagnose RLN metastases.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between metastatic and non-metastatic RLNs were found for all four parameters derived from DWI (p < 0.001). At threshold values, accuracies of the ADC-based criteria (0.938 and 0.965 for mean and minimum ADC values, respectively) were greater than that of size-based criteria (0.838 and 0.809 for short- and long-axial diameters). The minimum ADC value at the threshold of 0.89 × 10(-3) mm(2) s(-1) was the most effective of all parameters in differentiating metastatic from non-metastatic RLNs with the sensitivity of 95.7%, specificity of 95.1% and accuracy of 96.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

DWI is feasible for differentiating metastatic RLNs from non-metastatic nodes in patients with NPC with high accuracy, and the minimum ADC derived from DWI could serve as a standard clinical marker for disease status.

Development and validation of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening questionnaire in China

OBJECTIVE

To develop a brief, reliable screening questionnaire for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for use in primary care settings.

METHODS

We developed a COPD Screening Questionnaire (COPD-SQ) using data collected from 19,800 subjects aged ≥40 years obtained from an epidemiological study of COPD in China in 2002 (Phase I). A stepwise logistic regression method was adopted for item reduction and scoring. We then assessed the COPD-SQ through a cross-sectional study (Phase II) among 3231 subjects aged ≥40 years.

RESULTS

The final COPD-SQ consisted of seven items: age, smoking pack-years, body mass index, cough, dyspnoea, family history of respiratory diseases and exposure to biomass smoke from cooking. Using the questionnaire to screen for COPD in Phase II, we obtained high classification accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.812 (95%CI 0.786-0.838). The sensitivity, specificity and correct classification rates for COPD diagnosis were respectively 60.6%, 85.2% and 82.7% at a cut-off score of 16.

CONCLUSIONS

The COPD-SQ can be used in first-level screening for COPD.

Effect of intermittent hypoxia on rat INS-1 cells and the protective effect of melatonin

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to observe the influence of intermittent hypoxia on rat INS-1 cells and the protective effect of melatonin (MT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intermittent hypoxia condition was induced in rat INS-1 cells. The supernatants were used to detect oxidative stress indicators, and the cells were used to detect JNK1 mRNA and JNK1/2 protein. After different dose-dependent interventions of MT, the cells were harvested to observe corresponding oxidative stress indicators and JNK1/2 protein change.

RESULTS

With prolonged exposure time, malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in cultured supernatants whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased. Cells with intermittent hypoxia showed significantly increased JNK1 mRNA expression, whereas phosphorylated JNK1 was highly expressed on the third day. With increased MT dose, MDA in cultured supernatants decreased whereas SOD activity increased. In the group dosed with 100 µM MT, phosphorylated JNK1 protein expression significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent hypoxia can cause oxidative damage to INS-1 cells possibly by increasing the JNK1 transcription level and protein activation. A high dose of MT (100 µM) can protect INS-1 cells from oxidative damage induced by intermittent hypoxia.

Spin-dependent energy bands and spin polarization in two-dimensional spin-orbit lateral superlattices

In this work, we theoretically investigate the spin-split energy bands of electrons and spin-polarized transport in two-dimensional (2D) spin-orbit lateral superlattices (SOLSLs), where the square rods with Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) are distributed periodically by applying gate voltages on the semiconductor. Within the Landauer framework of ballistic transport, the energy bands, the electrical conductance, the spin polarization and the spin-dependent electronic charge distributions have been calculated. It is found that the energy minibands are formed and the energy levels are split up by the Rashba SOC. As a result, the spin-polarized conductance is obtained even in the absence of external magnetic fields and magnetic materials. Meanwhile, the spin polarization can approach high values in the SOLSLs by manipulating the strength of SOC. Furthermore, the spin-dependent electronic charge distributions have been obtained, which present a clear picture of spin-polarized conductance. Our investigations have the potential applications in spin-based quantum devices and semiconductor spintronics.

Effects of perilla extract on productive performance, serum values and hepatic expression of lipid-related genes in Shaoxing ducks

1. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of perilla extract, a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, on lipid metabolism and expression of lipid-related genes in livers of Shaoxing ducks. 2. Two hundred and forty 28-week-old laying ducks received a commercial diet with perilla extract added at 0 (control) or 200 mg/kg of feed. 3. Ducks fed on a diet with perilla extract had increased laying rates compared with control ducks. 4. Serum concentrations of triglycerides were reduced by perilla extract, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total serum cholesterol increased. 5. The expression of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, acetyl CoA carboxylase, stearoyl CoA desaturase, fatty acid synthase, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein very low density lipoprotein, were decreased in the perilla group. 6. The mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase was enhanced following treatment with perilla extract, and a similar tendency was observed in the expression of liver fatty acid-binding protein. 7. The results show that a diet with 200 mg/kg perilla extract regulated fat metabolism of Shaoxing ducks by improving egg laying, altering serum lipid profiles, stimulating lipid catabolic gene expression and inhibiting lipogenic gene expression in the liver.

Separation of speech from interfering sounds based on oscillatory correlation

A multistage neural model is proposed for an auditory scene analysis task--segregating speech from interfering sound sources. The core of the model is a two-layer oscillator network that performs stream segregation on the basis of oscillatory correlation. In the oscillatory correlation framework, a stream is represented by a population of synchronized relaxation oscillators, each of which corresponds to an auditory feature, and different streams are represented by desynchronized oscillator populations. Lateral connections between oscillators encode harmonicity, and proximity in frequency and time. Prior to the oscillator network are a model of the auditory periphery and a stage in which mid-level auditory representations are formed. The model has been systematically evaluated using a corpus of voiced speech mixed with interfering sounds, and produces improvements in terms of signal-to-noise ratio for every mixture. The performance of our model is compared with other studies on computational auditory scene analysis. A number of issues including biological plausibility and real-time implementation are also discussed.

“Hydrophobic” Surfactant Apoproteins and Augmentation of Phospholipid Recycling

A 10,000-11,000 molecular weight apoprotein was isolated from an ethanol-ether extract of rat lung surfactant and purified by silicic acid chromatography. The protein (Apo Et) significantly augmented the uptake of phospholipids in liposomal form by cultured rat granular pneumocytes by a time-dependent process that varied with protein concentration and liposome composition. The protein had no effect on cell viability and showed no phospholipase activity. The mechanism for this augmented phospholipid uptake is not known but could be due to an alteration of physical form of the phospholipids by the protein or to a receptor-mediated uptake of phospholipids. This protein may prove to be a physiologically important regulator of the recycling of lung surfactant phospholipids.

Localized gap-soliton trains of Bose-Einstein condensates in an optical lattice

We develop a systematic analytical approach to study the linear and nonlinear solitary excitations of quasi-one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates trapped in an optical lattice. For the linear case, the Bloch wave in the nth energy band is a linear superposition of Mathieu's functions ce_{n-1} and se_{n} ; and the Bloch wave in the nth band gap is a linear superposition of ce_{n} and se_{n} . For the nonlinear case, only solitons inside the band gaps are likely to be generated and there are two types of solitons-fundamental solitons (which is a localized and stable state) and subfundamental solitons (which is a localized but unstable state). In addition, we find that the pinning position and the amplitude of the fundamental soliton in the lattice can be controlled by adjusting both the lattice depth and spacing. Our numerical results on fundamental solitons are in quantitative agreement with those of the experimental observation [B. Eiermann, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 230401 (2004)]. Furthermore, we predict that a localized gap-soliton train consisting of several fundamental solitons can be realized by increasing the length of the condensate in currently experimental conditions.

A transitory activation of protein kinase-A induces a sustained tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple sites in N2a cells-imply a new mechanism in Alzheimer pathology

Overactivation of protein kinase in the end stage of Alzheimer's disease brain has not been established. The purpose of the present study was to explore the possible mechanism for protein kinases in leading to Alzheimer-like tau hyperphosphorylation. We found that incubation of N2a/tau441 with forskolin, a specific activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), induced an increased phosphorylation level of tau at both PKA and non-PKA sites in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the hyperphosphorylation of tau was positively correlated with the elevation of PKA activity. When the cells were transitorily incubated with forskolin, a temporary activation of PKA with a sustained and almost equally graded tau hyperphosphorylation at some non-PKA sites was observed. In either case, the activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was not changed. It is suggested that only transitory activation of PKA in early stage of Alzheimer disease may result in a sustained tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple sites, implying a new mechanism to Alzheimer-like tau hyperphosphorylation.