[Effects of low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum and proximal leg propeller flap in relay repair of electric burn wounds of forefoot]

Objective: To explore the effects of low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum and proximal leg propeller flap in relay repair of electric burn wounds of forefoot. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2019 to January 2022, 12 patients with electric burn wounds of forefoot meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, including 10 males and 2 females, aged 23-65 years. After debridement, the wound with an area of 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm was repaired with the lateral supramalleolar flap carrying part of the periosteum of the distal tibia and fibula with the rotation point moved down to the front of the ankle joint. The area of the cutted flap was 6.5 cm×3.5 cm-15.5 cm×7.5 cm. At the same stage, the donor site wound of lateral supramalleolar flap was repaired with peroneal artery or superficial peroneal artery perforator propeller flap in relay, with the relay flap area of 3.0 cm×1.5 cm-15.0 cm×4.0 cm. After operation, the survival of the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flap, and the wound healing of the relay flap donor site were observed. During follow-up, the shapes of the lateral supramalleolar flap and its donor site were observed. Results: After operation, one patient developed secondary blisters in the superficial skin distal to the lateral supramalleolar flap, which healed after dressing change, and the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flaps survived well in the other patients; the donor site wound of the relay flap healed well. During follow-up of 12-18 months, the lateral supramalleolar flaps were in good shape and not bloated, with only linear scar left in the donor site of the flap. Conclusions: The low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum can repair electric burn wounds of forefoot with advantages including reliable blood supply, low rotation point, and better repair effects. The use of relay flap to repair the donor site of lateral supramalleolar flap can reduce the damage to the appearance and function of the donor site.

A systematic review and net meta-analysis of the effects of different warm-up methods on the acute effects of lower limb explosive strength

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of different warm-up methods on the acute effect of lower limb explosive strength with the help of a reticulated meta-analysis system and to track the optimal method.

METHODS

R software combined with Stata software, version 13.0, was used to analyse the outcome metrics of the 35 included papers. Mean differences (MD) were pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS

1) Static combined with dynamic stretching [MD = 1.80, 95% CI: (0.43, 3.20)] and dynamic stretching [MD = 1.60, 95% CI: (0.67, 2.60)] were significantly better than controls in terms of improving countermovement jump height (cm), and the effect of dynamic stretching was influenced by the duration of stretching (I2 = 80.4%), study population (I2 = 77.2%) and age (I2 = 75.6%) as moderating variables, with the most significant effect size for dynamic stretching time of 7-10min. 2) Only dynamic stretching [MD = -0.08, 95% CI: (-0.15, -0.008)] was significantly better than the control group in terms of improving sprint time (s), while static stretching [MD = 0.07, 95% CI: (0.002, 0.13)] showed a significant, negative effect. 3) No results were available to demonstrate a significant difference between other methods, such as foam axis rolling, and the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review indicate that static stretching reduced explosive performance, while the 2 warm-up methods, namely dynamic stretching and static combined with dynamic stretching, were able to significantly improve explosive performance, with dynamic stretching being the most stable and moderated by multiple variables and dynamic stretching for 7-10min producing the best explosive performance. In the future, high-quality studies should be added based on strict adherence to test specifications.

[Prospective study on application of mind mapping combined with scenario simulation training on the ability training of junior nurses in hospital transfer of patients with critical burns and trauma]

Objective: To explore the application effects of mind mapping combined with scenario simulation training on the ability training of junior nurses in hospital transfer of patients with critical burns and trauma. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From December 2019 to December 2020, 55 female junior nurses from the Institute of Burn Research of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study and divided into routine group (27 nurses, aged (24.0±0.9) years) and combined group (28 nurses, aged (24.2±0.8) years), according to the random number table. The nurses in routine group were trained with hospital transfer of patients with critical burns and trauma by theory combined with operational skill, and the nurses in combined group were trained with hospital transfer of patients with critical burns and trauma by mind mapping combined with scenario simulation training. Before and after the training, the self-made theoretical examination papers and skill assessment items were used for the examination and assessment to nurses, and their scores were calculated and compared. The self-made emergency ability scoring system was used to evaluate the emergency disposal ability of nurses from five dimensions, including team cooperation ability, emergency response ability, operative technique ability, specialized business ability, and nurse-patient communication ability, and their scores were calculated and compared. The non-standard implementation rates of transfer nursing measures, such as incomplete preparation of goods, poor communication effect of patients, inadequate pipeline nursing, unclear handover, and inadequate final treatment, were calculated and compared in the process of transporting highly simulated human (hereinafter referred to as simulated human) by nurses before and after training; and the rate of disease change and successful rate of transport of simulated human were calculated and compared after training. After assessment, self-made satisfaction questionnaire was used to compare nurses' satisfaction with the training mode, content, and effects. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, Pearson chi-square test, or Yates corrected chi-square test. Results: Fifty-five enrolled nurses were fully involved in the training, examination, assessment, and questionnaire filling. Before training, there were no statistically significant differences in theoretical examination and skill assessment scores between the 2 groups (P>0.05); After training, the theoretical examination and skill assessment scores of nurses in combined group were significantly higher than those in routine group (with t values of -3.89 and -4.24, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, there were no statistically significant differences in the scores of each item of emergency disposal ability between the 2 groups (P>0.05); after training, the scores in terms of team cooperation ability, emergency response ability, operative technique ability, specialized business ability, and nurse-patient communication ability of nurses in combined group were significantly higher than those in routine group (with t values of -6.49, -6.44, -2.21, -2.85, and -2.34, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, there were no statistically significant differences in the non-standard implementation rates of transfer nursing measures of nurses between the 2 groups (P>0.05); after training, the non-standard rates of incomplete preparation of goods, unclear handover, and inadequate final treatment of nurses in combined group were significantly lower than those in routine group (with t values of 3.87, 5.89, and 5.28, respectively, P<0.05). After training, the rate of disease change of simulated human of nurses in combined group was 7.14% (2/28), which was significantly lower than 33.33% (9/27) in routine group (χ2=5.89, P<0.05); the successful rate of transport was 96.43% (27/28), which was significantly higher than 74.07% (20/27) in routine group (χ2=3.87, P<0.05). After assessment, the total score of training satisfaction and scores of satisfaction with training mode and training effect of nurses in combined group were significantly higher than those in routine group (with t values of 5.22, 4.67, and 10.71, respectively, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the satisfaction score on training content between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Evidence-based mind mapping combined with scenario simulation training significantly improves the nursing skills and emergency handling capabilities of junior nurses in transferring patients with critical burns and trauma.

[Paying more attention to burn induced coagulopathy]

Burn induced coagulopathy (BIC) is one of the common complications after burn injury. The types and clinical manifestations of BIC vary dramatically, which frequently leads serious consequences. However, at present BIC does not attract enough attention in clinic. In order to prevent and treat BIC more effectively, the authors suggest that it is necessary to strengthen coagulation surveillance, operation management, infection control, rational application of drugs, prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis, relative clinical and basic research, and others.

[Research advances on venous thromboembolism in burn patients]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has become a serious medical problem faced by medical personnel all over the world, due to its high incidence, high fatality, and easily missed and misdiagnosed. Patients with severe burns are at high risk for VTE due to the presence of blood hypercoagulability, central venous catheterization, repeatedly received surgical procedures, and prolonged bed rest. Identifying the risk factors of VTE in burn patients and taking targeted preventive measures are the key to reduce the incidence of VTE. However, there are no risk assessment tools or prevention guidelines for VTE in burn patients at home and abroad, and scholars from various countries are actively exploring the occurrence, influencing factors, and prevention of VTE in burn patients. This paper reviews the research progress of the occurrence situation, related risk factors, risk assessment, and prevention of VTE in burn patients in recent years, and discusses the existing problems and future research directions in this field.

Intestinal toxicity to CTLA-4 blockade driven by IL-6 and myeloid infiltration

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet quality of life and continuation of therapy can be constrained by immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Limited understanding of irAE mechanisms hampers development of approaches to mitigate their damage. To address this, we examined whether mice gained sensitivity to anti-CTLA-4 (αCTLA-4)-mediated toxicity upon disruption of gut homeostatic immunity. We found αCTLA-4 drove increased inflammation and colonic tissue damage in mice with genetic predisposition to intestinal inflammation, acute gastrointestinal infection, transplantation with a dysbiotic fecal microbiome, or dextran sodium sulfate administration. We identified an immune signature of αCTLA-4-mediated irAEs, including colonic neutrophil accumulation and systemic interleukin-6 (IL-6) release. IL-6 blockade combined with antibiotic treatment reduced intestinal damage and improved αCTLA-4 therapeutic efficacy in inflammation-prone mice. Intestinal immune signatures were validated in biopsies from patients with ICB colitis. Our work provides new preclinical models of αCTLA-4 intestinal irAEs, mechanistic insights into irAE development, and potential approaches to enhance ICB efficacy while mitigating irAEs.

[Burn injury should be considered as a chronic disease]

Burn is a special type of trauma, which initiates with skin injury and subsequently causes damages to various systems of the whole body. Burn was regarded as an acute injury in the past, while burn is also considered as a disease now. In recent years, more and more recent evidences have demonstrated that burn injury has a continuous and long-term influence on the life, work, and health status of burn survivors. Therefore, we proposed that burn should be considered as a chronic disease and briefly summarized the long-term effects of burns on mortality, psychology, metabolism, immune system, cardiovascular system, and occurrence of infection and tumor in discharged burn victims. We hope this work can improve the understanding of the long-term effects of burns among medical staff, burn patients and their relatives, and social workers.

Abstract 5545: Intestinal toxicity to CTLA-4 blockade driven by IL-6 and myeloid infiltration

Immunotherapies such as anti-CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have revolutionized cancer treatment, yet quality of life and continuation of therapy can be constrained by off-target tissue damage or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). At present, there is limited understanding of irAE mechanisms, hampering development of approaches to mitigate their damage. We addressed this problem by generating animal models of intestinal irAE. Our results show that disruption of homeostatic immunity by genetic predisposition to intestinal inflammation or acute gastrointestinal infection sensitizes mice to anti-CTLA-4-mediated intestinal toxicity. Inflammation-prone mice treated with anti-CTLA-4 showed neutrophil accumulation, systemic interleukin-6 (IL-6) release, and dysbiosis. Significantly, IL-6 blockade combined with antibiotic treatment improved anti-CTLA-4 therapeutic efficacy and reduced intestinal irAEs. Immune signatures were validated in biopsies from patients who developed colitis during ICB, supporting the utility of our models. This study provides new pre-clinical models, mechanistic insight into irAEs, and potential approaches to enhance ICB efficacy while mitigating irAEs.

Citation Format: Yifan Zhou, Yusra B. Medik, Bhakti Patel, Daniel B. Zamler, Sijie Chen, Thomas Chapman, Sarah Schneider, Rachel L. Babcock, Taylor T. Chrisikos, Laura M. Kahn, Allison M. Dyevoich, Elizabeth M. Park, Alexandria P. Cogdill, Daniel H. Johnson, Sarah B. Johnson, Khalida M. Wani, Debora A. Ledesma, Courtney W. Hudgens, Jingjing Wang, Md Abdul Wadud Khan, Aron Y. Joon, Weiyi Peng, Haiyan S. Li, Reetakshi Arora, Ximing Tang, Maria Gabriela Raso, Xuegong Zhang, Wai Chin Foo, Michael T. Tetzlaff, Gretchen E. Diehl, Karen Clise-Dwyer, Elizabeth M. Whitley, Matthew M. Gubin, James P. Allison, Patrick Hwu, Nadim J. Ajami, Adi Diab, Jennifer A. Wargo, Stephanie S. Watowich. Intestinal toxicity to CTLA-4 blockade driven by IL-6 and myeloid infiltration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5545.

[Effects of P311 on the angiogenesis ability of human microvascular endothelial cell 1 in vitro and its molecular mechanism]

Objective: To explore the effects of P311 on the angiogenesis ability of human microvascular endothelial cell 1 (HMEC-1) in vitro and the potential molecular mechanism. Methods: The experimental research method was used. HMEC-1 was collected and divided into P311 adenovirus group and empty adenovirus group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), which were transfected correspondingly for 48 h. The cell proliferation activity was detected using the cell counting kit 8 on 1, 3, and 5 days of culture. The residual scratch area of cells at post scratch hour 6 and 11 was detected by scratch test, and the percentage of the residual scratch area was calculated. The blood vessel formation of cells at 8 h of culture was observed by angiogenesis experiment in vitro, and the number of nodes and total length of the tubular structure were measured. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphorylated VEGFR2 (p-VEGFR2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in cells were detected by Western blotting. HMEC-1 was collected and divided into P311 adenovirus+small interfering RNA (siRNA) negative control group, empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group, P311 adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group, and empty adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFG2 group, which were treated correspondingly. The protein expressions of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 in cells were detected by Western blotting at 24 h of transfection. The blood vessel formation of cells at 24 h of transfection was observed by angiogenesis experiment in vitro, and the number of nodes and total length of the tubular structure were measured. HMEC-1 was collected and divided into P311 adenovirus+dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group, empty adenovirus+DMSO group, P311 adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group, and empty adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group, which were treated correspondingly. The protein expressions of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 in cells were detected by Western blotting at 2 h of treatment. The blood vessel formation of cells at 2 h of treatment was observed by angiogenesis experiment in vitro, and the number of nodes and total length of the tubular structure were measured. The sample number at each time point in each group was 6. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference test. Results: Compared with that of empty adenovirus group, the proliferation activity of cells in P311 adenovirus group did not show significant difference on 1, 3, and 5 days of culture (with t values of -0.23, -1.30, and -1.52, respectively, P>0.05). The residual scratch area percentages of cells in P311 adenovirus group were significantly reduced at post scratch hour 6 and 11 compared with those of empty adenovirus group (with t values of -2.47 and -2.62, respectively, P<0.05). At 8 h of culture, compared with those of empty adenovirus group, the number of nodes and total length of the tubular structure of cells in P311 adenovirus group were significantly increased (with t values of 4.49 and 4.78, respectively, P<0.01). At 48 h of transfection, compared with those of empty adenovirus group, the protein expressions of VEGFR2 and ERK1/2 of cells in P311 adenovirus group showed no obvious changes (P>0.05), and the protein expressions of p-VEGFR2 and p-ERK1/2 of cells in P311 adenovirus group were significantly increased (with t values of 17.27 and 16.08, P<0.01). At 24 h of transfection, the protein expressions of p-VEGFR2 and p-ERK1/2 of cells in P311 adenovirus+siRNA negative control group were significantly higher than those in empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, and p-ERK1/2 of cells in P311 adenovirus+siRNA negative control group were significantly higher than those in P311 adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of VEGFR2 and p-ERK1/2 of cells in empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group were significantly higher than those in empty adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 24 h of transfection, the number of nodes of the tubular structure in cells of P311 adenovirus+siRNA negative control group was 720±62, which was significantly more than 428±38 in empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group and 364±57 in P311 adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (with P values both <0.01). The total length of the tubular structure of cells in P311 adenovirus+siRNA negative control group was (21 241±1 139) μm, which was significantly longer than (17 005±1 156) μm in empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group and (13 494±2 465) μm in P311 adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (with P values both <0.01). The number of nodes of the tubular structure in cells of empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group was significantly more than 310±75 in empty adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (P<0.01), and the total length of the tubular structure of cells in empty adenovirus+siRNA negative control group was significantly longer than (11 600±2 776) μm in empty adenovirus+siRNA-VEGFR2 group (P<0.01). At 2 h of treatment, the protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of cells in P311 adenovirus+DMSO group was significantly higher than that in empty adenovirus+DMSO group and P311 adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (with P values both <0.01), and the protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of cells in empty adenovirus+DMSO group was significantly higher than that in empty adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (P<0.05). At 2 h of treatment, the number of nodes of the tubular structure in cells of P311 adenovirus+DMSO group was 726±72, which was significantly more than 421±39 in empty adenovirus+DMSO group and 365±41 in P311 adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (with P values both <0.01). The total length of the tubular structure of cells in P311 adenovirus+DMSO group was (20 318±1 433) μm, which was significantly longer than (16 846±1 464) μm in empty adenovirus+DMSO group and (15 114±1 950) μm in P311 adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (with P values both <0.01). The number of nodes of the tubular structure in cells of empty adenovirus+DMSO group was significantly more than 317±67 in empty adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (P<0.01), and the total length of the tubular structure of cells in empty adenovirus+DMSO group was significantly longer than (13 188±2 306) μm in empty adenovirus+ERK1/2 inhibitor group (P<0.01). Conclusions: P311 can enhance the angiogenesis ability of HMEC-1 by activating the VEGFR2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential of YiQi FuMai injection in acute heart failure

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China

Background

 Acute heart failure (AHF) is a significant public health problem related to the high mortality and rehospitalization rate of patients. Although drug development is never interrupted, no single drug has been proven to play a decisive role in improving the survival of AHF patients. In China, multi-component traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used to treat AHF. As a Chinese herbal injection included in medical insurance, Yiqi Fumai Injection can reduce the level of NT-proBNP in AHF patients, improve heart function, and alleviate symptoms and signs related to heart failure. To further evaluate the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Fumai Injection on AHF, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial that intends to recruit 1270 patients is being carried out in China. However, the mechanism of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF has not been clarified. To further explore the underlying mechanism, we used systematic pharmacology methods to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of biologically active compounds.

Methods

 We used the databases of HERB, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and GeneCards to predict the active ingredients and potential targets of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF. STRING was used for PPI network construction and analysis. Cytoscape was used to build a network between Chinese medicine, ingredients and targets. The DAVID, GO, and KEGG databases were used to predict the potential pathways of Yiqi Fumai Injection for the treatment of AHF.

Results

 We obtained 31 active compounds of Yiqi Fumai Injection from HERB and ECTM databases. By overlapping targets between YQFMI and AHF, a total of 240 potential targets for Yiqi Fumai Injection to treat AHF were selected. According to the H-C-T network topology analysis, the core compounds include beta-sitosterol, Uridine, Guanosine, and Stigmasterol. Sixteen protein targets had significantly higher node degrees than the average in the PPI network, including AKT1, JUN, TNF, EDN1, CASP3, ESR1, DLG4, PTGS2, NOS3, IL1B, C3, AR, LEP, CNR1, CHRM2, and DRD2. The PPI results showed that the potential therapeutic targets of YQFMI were densely enriched in pathways related to endothelial function, neuromodulation, and lipid metabolism.The same results were shown in GO and KEGG pathway enrichment.

Conclusion

 Our results indicate that Yiqi Fumai Injection may achieve the goal of improving AHF-related symptoms by regulating the function of vascular endothelium and nerves and the biosynthetic pathway of lipid metabolism. These findings support previous studies and provide a reference for studying the mechanism of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF. Abstract Figure.

[Research advances on the prevention and treatment strategies of burn wound progressive deepening]

The progressive deepening of burn wounds is one of the common clinical problems and difficulties in early burn treatment. At the present, it is believed that local ischemia and hypoxia, persistent inflammation, infection, unbalanced local microenvironment, cell necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy are the main mechanisms of progressive deepening of burn wounds. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have proposed various new strategies for prevention and treatment of progressive deepening of burn wounds, mainly including correct cooling, improving blood perfusion of the wound, early debridement, improving the wound microenvironment, preventing and treating wound infection, reducing wound inflammation, and inhibiting the oxidative stress in the wound. This review focuses on the current progress of prevention and treatment strategies of burn wound progressive deepening, in order to provide references for the treatment of burn wounds.

[Clinical application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of burn patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective analysis and systematic review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the treatment of burn patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: The retrospective observational study and the systematic review were applied. From March 2014 to July 2020, five burn patients with ARDS received ECMO treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University). All the five patients were male, aged from 40 to 62 years. The average total burn surface area was 58.8% total body surface area (TBSA) and four cases had severe inhalation injury. Patient's ECMO starting time, duration and mode, and whether successfully weaned or the cause of death, and others. were recorded. Furthermore, the changes of oxygenation and infection before, during, and after utilizing ECMO were analyzed. PubMed and Web of Science from the establishment of each database to August 2021 were searched using "Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation", "ECMO", "burn", "inhalation" as the search terms and "Title/Abstract" as the field to retrieve the clinical articles that meet the selection criteria . Basic information were extracted from the articles, including sample size, gender, age, total burn area, inhalation injury, the indication of ECMO, the start and lasting time of ECMO, ECMO mode, rate of successful weaning, complications of ECMO, mortality, the combined application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Results: Five patients started venovenous ECMO on an average of 10.2 days after injury and lasted an average of 180.4 hours. Three out of 5 patients were weaned successfully with one patient survived. Four patients died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and septic shock. Compared with those before ECMO treatment, the arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2) of three successfully weaned patients obviously increased during and after ECMO treatment. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) decreased below 50% and PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased above 200 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) during and after ECMO. Furthermore, lactic acid and respiratory rate decreased, basically. Compared with those before ECMO, PaO2 and SaO2 in the other two patients during ECMO, who failed to be weaned, continuously decreased while lactic acid increased. Before and during ECMO, the PaO2/FiO2 ratios of unsuccessfullg weaned cases were less than 200 mmHg, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2) were more than 40 mmHg. Compared with those before ECMO, there were no significant changes in body temperature during and after ECMO, which were less than 38 ℃. Compared with those before ECMO, the leucocyte number (the index without this in unsuccessfully weaned cases was omitted, the same as below) in four patients showed a significant decrease during ECMO, but rose after removal of ECMO. The proportion of neutrophils in three patients were slightly higher during ECMO than before ECMO, and did not change significantly after removal of ECMO. Compared with those before ECMO, platelet counts in three patients were significantly reduced during ECMO, and all five patients during ECMO were below normal levels. Compared with those before ECMO, the procalcitonin levels in four deaths were significantly increased during ECMO. Catheter culture of microorganism was performed in three successfully weaned patients, all of which were negative. A total of 13 literature were included, ranging from 1990 to 2019. The sample size in 6 studies was less than 10, and the sample size in 4 studies was between 10 and 20, and only 2 literatures had a sample size larger than 50. ECMO was applied in 295 burn patients with overall mortality of 48.8% (144/295), including 157 adults and 138 children. The most common indication of ECMO was severe ARDS. Among 157 adult burn patients (95 males and 65 females), 36 cases had inhalation injury. The average burn area was 27%-37%TBSA in 5 reported studies and was more than 50%TBSA in 2 reported studies. The most common mode was venovenous ECMO. ECMO treatment began 26.5 hours to 7.4 days after injury and lasted from 90 hours to 18 days, and the rate of successful weaning ranged from 50% to 100%. The most common complications were bleeding and infection. The mortality was 52.9% (83/157). MODS and sepsis were the leading causes of death. Among 138 pediatric burn patients (77 boys and 61 girls), 29 patients had inhalation injury. The average burn area was 17%-50.2%TBSA in 3 studies. ECMO treatment lasted from 165.2 hours to 324.4 hours. Bleeding was the most common complication. The mortality was 44.2% (61/138). Conclusions: ECMO is an effective strategy for the salvage treatment of burns complicated with ARDS. Furthermore, the prevention and treatment of bleeding, infection and organ dysfunction should be emphasized during the use of ECMO. More importantly, evidence-based guidelines for burns are urgently needed to further improve the clinical effect of ECMO.

Tonic interferon restricts pathogenic IL-17-driven inflammatory disease via balancing the microbiome

Maintenance of immune homeostasis involves a synergistic relationship between the host and the microbiome. Canonical interferon (IFN) signaling controls responses to acute microbial infection, through engagement of the STAT1 transcription factor. However, the contribution of tonic levels of IFN to immune homeostasis in the absence of acute infection remains largely unexplored. We report that STAT1 KO mice spontaneously developed an inflammatory disease marked by myeloid hyperplasia and splenic accumulation of hematopoietic stem cells. Moreover, these animals developed inflammatory bowel disease. Profiling gut bacteria revealed a profound dysbiosis in the absence of tonic IFN signaling, which triggered expansion of T_H17 cells and loss of splenic T_reg cells. Reduction of bacterial load by antibiotic treatment averted the T_H17 bias and blocking IL17 signaling prevented myeloid expansion and splenic stem cell accumulation. Thus, tonic IFNs regulate gut microbial ecology, which is crucial for maintaining physiologic immune homeostasis and preventing inflammation.

Roles for STAT5 in homeostasis and function of CD103+cDC1s in non-lymphoid organs

Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) have critical roles in inducing adaptive immune responses and mediating immune tolerance. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) was found to be crucial for monocyte-derived DC development; however, its role in non-lymphoid tissue CD103+cDC1s remained largely unknown. We evaluated the role of STAT5 by employing myeloid-specific Stat5-deficient mice,LysM-Cre +Stat5f/f and CD11c-Cre+Stat5f/f mice. Both strains show deficiencies in the numbers of CD103+cDC1s and alveolar macrophages (AMs) in lung, suggesting ineffective maintenance of lung homeostasis. Consistent with this concept, CD11c-Cre+Stat5f/f mice show granulocyte and monocyte accumulation in lung, accompanied by a reduction in the number of CD4+T, CD8+T, and B cells. Moreover, CD11c-Cre+Stat5-deficient mice have increased numbers of alveolar histiocytes, which are also enlarged, as well as accumulation of amorphous and eosinophilic material in alveolar spaces, alveolar histiocytosis, and proteinosis. In addition to the lung, liver CD103+cDC1s were also decreased by Stat5 depletion, however colon CD103+cDC1s were not affected. To examine cell-autonomous roles for STAT5, we generated Stat5-deficient CD103+cDC1s using our established bone marrow culture system, and tested in vitro-differentiated CD103+cDC1s for antigen presentation activity. These assays suggest Stat5 deficiency impaired CD103+cDC1s antigen cross-presentation ability. Taken together, our study showed that STAT5 is required for homeostasis and function of CD103+cDC1s in non-lymphoid organs.

[Effect of organophosphate pesticides poisoning on cognitive impairment]

It has been suggested that organophosphate pesticides can cause cognitive impairment, most of which are presented as mild cognitive impairment such as decreased attention or vigilance, reduced information processing speed and memory impairment. An early diagnosis and timely intervention in mild cognitive impairment, which may provide a better prognosis. Mild cognitive impairment in clinical work can be easily ignored for a long time. However, it have a particularly impact on patients' life and work, and even progress to irreversible neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, clinicians should raise the cognition of organophosphate pesticides poisoning in patients with cognitive impairment, especially for patients with mild cognitive impairment, and the significance of early detection and diagnosis of the disease is particularly important.

Remediation of arsenic-contaminated paddy soil by intercropping aquatic vegetables and rice

Soil contamination by arsenic (As) is an important environmental issue globally. Intercropping of hyperaccumulators with main crop is typically applied for remediation of As-contaminated soil. Most hyperaccumulators are wild plants with small biomass and slow growth rates. Thus, remediation is slow. Here, we propose an effective intercropping system for remediation of As-contaminated paddy soil. Four treatments-intercropping with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) (T1), water celery (Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC.) (T2), or Guangdong white arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia L. var) (T3), with rice (Oryza sativa L.) monoculture (control, CK)-were used. Compared with the CK, grain yield per plant of rice under T1 and T2 increased by 58.13% and 10.48%, respectively, but decreased by 46.90% in T3. As concentration, bioaccumulation factor, and translocation factor in brown rice were significantly lower in the intercropping treatments than in CK. As removal by water spinach was 7.04 and 1.47 times that by water celery and arrowhead, respectively. The pH of paddy soil was significantly higher in all treatments than in CK, and iron plaque on rice roots under T1 and T2 decreased significantly but increased significantly under T3 compared with that of CK. Rice intercropped with water spinach had the best remediation effect. Novelty Statement: We believe that the following highlights of this manuscript will make it interesting to general readers of this journal.First, in recent years, many articles about intercropping system for the remediation of soil heavy metal pollution focus on dry land, and few studies have focused on paddy soil. The present study was on arsenic-contaminated paddy soil remediation.Second, water spinach, water celery, and arrowhead have great potential for phytoremediation. Studies have shown that these three aquatic vegetables play a role in the removal of certain pollutants, such as heavy metals. Moreover, when intercropped with rice, they can effectively increase rice yield and reduce rice diseases and insect pests. However, studies on remediation of arsenic-contaminated soil by intercropping aquatic vegetables and rice have not been reported. We propose here a rice-aquatic vegetables (water spinach, water celery and arrowhead) intercropping pattern for remediation of arsenic in soil.Third, according to the arsenic concentration and removal rate, we used a bioaccumulation factor, translocation factor, and arsenic removal per unit area of plants for the quantitative evaluation of the remediation effects of the intercropping systems. We found that the intercropping of rice and water spinach could be used to remediate arsenic-contaminated soil. Moreover, the extraction contents of arsenic using intercropping with water spinach was higher than that achieved in a previous study that applied intercropping with the arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata over the same growth time. This study provides a reference for realizing both remediation and increased production in arsenic-contaminated soil and for promoting sustainable development of agriculture.

Clinicopathologic characteristics, survival, and treatments for gastric adenosquamous carcinoma: a population-based study

Background

Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma (gasc) is a rare entity with distinctive characteristics that are not fully understood. In the present study, we evaluated the characteristics of this rare disease.

Methods

The U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database was searched to determine the clinicopathologic features, prognostic factors, and treatments for 246 patients with gasc and 42,735 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (gac).

Results

Relative to gac, gasc is associated with higher proportions of cardia involvement, high-grade tumours, deep tumour invasion, metastatic lymph nodes, and chemotherapy treatment. In patients who underwent potentially curative surgery (pcs), gasc was associated with a higher proportion of radiotherapy use and poorer overall survival (p < 0.001), although no significant difference (p = 0.802) was observed after propensity score matching (psm). Multivariate analysis after psm revealed that the independent prognostic factors for gasc were TNM stage [hazard ratio (hr): 1.512; p = 0.021] and regional nodes examined (hr: 0.588; p = 0.02). In patients with advanced disease, no significant difference in survival between gasc and gac was observed (p = 0.212), although survival was significantly poorer for gasc after psm (p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis after psm revealed that the independent prognostic factors for gasc were invasion depth (hr: 1.303; p = 0.036) and chemotherapy (hr: 0.444; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Relative to gac, gasc was associated with more aggressive features, although survival outcomes were similar after pcs. Chemotherapy remains a mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced gasc, but its role remains unclear for patients who are undergoing pcs.

[Value of predicting prognosis of patients with heat stroke by three scoring methods]

Objective: To explore the predictive value of different scoring methods for the prognosis of patients with hyperthermia. Methods: In September 2019, the clinical data of 49 patients with heat radiation disease in the second people's Hospital of Hefei were collected retrospectively. According to the prognosis of patients, they were divided into survival group (32 cases) and death group (17 cases) . The rapid emergency medicine score (REMS) , modified early warning score (modified early warning score) were calculated respectively Score (mews) , logistic organ dysfunction system (LODs) and the differences between the two groups were compared. ROC curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of various scores in the prognosis of patients with heat radiation disease. Results: the fatality of heat stroke was 34.69%, there were significant differences of REMS, MEWS and LODS between the two groups (P<0.05) , the area under ROC curve (AUC) of REMS, MEWS and LODS to predicting prognosis of heat stroke was (0.696±0.076, 95%CI: 0.548 to 0.844, P<0.05, 0.692±0.079, 95%CI: 0.536 to 0.848, P<0.05, 0.787±0.063, 95%CI: 0.663 to 0.911, P<0.05) respectively. Conclusion: There are valuable for predicting prognosis of patients with heat stroke by REMS, MEWS and LODS, especially the LODS, the REMS and MEWS are simple and easy.

[Analysis of EGFR mutation and clinical features of lung cancer in Yunnan]

Objective: To analyze the EGFR mutation profile of lung cancer patients in Yunnan, and to provide evidence for clinical personalized treatment. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of 2 967 lung cancer patients undergoing EGFR identification were collected and analyzed from January 2014 to August 2019 in Yunnan Cancer Hospital. Results: The proportion of EGFR mutation in 2 967 patients with lung cancer was 46.2%. Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of EGFR mutation in women was higher than that in men (P<0.001) and displayed a downward trend with age (P=0.03). The mutation rate of ethnic minorities was higher than Han (P=0.012). Mutation rate in patients without smoking history was higher than those with smoking history (P<0.001), and patients without drinking history was higher than patients with drinking history (P<0.001). Mutation rate in patients without family history of lung cancer was higher than those with family history (P=0.008). The mutation rate of adenocarcinoma was higher than other pathological types (P<0.001). The mutation rate was different among stages, and it was higher in early patients than that in advanced patients (P<0.001). The mutation rate of tissue specimens was higher than those of cytology and peripheral blood samples (P<0.001). The mutation rate of Xuanwei area was lower than that in non-Xuanwei area (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (P<0.001), age (P=0.036), smoking history (P<0.001), pathological type (P<0.001), specimen type (P<0.001), and whether or not Xuanwei area (P<0.001) were the independent factors of EGFR mutation.The EGFR mutation was more common in female, non-smokers, adenocarcinoma, non-Xuanwei area, tissue specimen and young lung cancer patients.The mutation types of EGFR in 1 370 cases mainly included 19-Del and L858R. The predominant mutation of EGFR in Xuanwei area was L858R, while in non-Xuanwei area was 19-Del.The mutation rates of G719X, G719X+ L861Q, G719X+ S768I, and S768I in Xuanwei were higher while the mutation rates of 19-Del, L858R, and 20-ins were lower than non-Xuanwei area (P<0.05). The 19-Del mutation rate of ethnic minorities is higher than that of Han (P<0.001). The combined mutation rate of G719X, L861Q in Han was higher than that of ethnic minorities (P=0.005). Conclusions: The EGFR mutation rate in lung cancer patients in Yunnan is similar to Asian and Chinese, and higher in female, non-smokers, adenocarcinomas, young and non-Xuanwei area patients. The most common types of EGFR mutation in Yunnan are 19-Del and L858R. The predominant mutation of EGFR in Xuanwei area is L858R, while in non-Xuanwei area is 19-Del. The mutation rates of G719X, G719X+ L861Q, G719X+ S768I and S768I are higher in Xuanwei patients than those in non-Xuanwei patients. The combined mutation rate of G719X and L861Q in Han nationality is higher than that of ethnic minorities.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and IL21 Cooperate to Reprogram Human Effector CD8+ T Cells to Memory T Cells

Clinical response rates after adoptive cell therapy (ACT) are highly correlated with in vivo persistence of the infused T cells. However, antigen-specific T cells found in tumor sites are often well-differentiated effector cells with limited persistence. Central memory CD8+ T cells, capable of self-renewal, represent desirable ACT products. We report here that exposure to a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and IL21 could reprogram differentiated human CD8+ T cells into central memory-like T cells. Dedifferentiation of CD8+ T cells was initiated by increased H3 acetylation and chromatin accessibility at the CD28 promoter region. This led to IL21-mediated pSTAT3 binding to the CD28 region, and subsequent upregulation of surface CD28 and CD62L (markers of central memory T cells). The reprogrammed cells exhibited enhanced proliferation in response to both IL2 and IL15, and a stable memory-associated transcriptional signature (increased Lef1 and Tcf7). Our findings support the application of IL21 and HDACi for the in vitro generation of highly persistent T-cell populations that can augment the efficacy of adoptively transferred T cells.

CD103+ cDC1 vaccine efficacy in murine breast cancer is inhibited by STAT3

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are a crucial immune population, which includes multiple subtypes that coordinate adaptive immunity and tolerance. Migratory type 1 cDC1s (CD103+ cDC1s in mice) are required to induce CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, yet whether and how tumors regulate CD103+ cDC1 function is largely unknown. Many tumor-associated immunosuppressive cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10, require Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) for intracellular signaling; therefore, we sought to determine whether STAT3 inhibits CD103+ cDC1-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Indeed, we found that in vitro-derived STAT3-deficient (Stat3Δ/Δ) CD103+ cDC1sare resistant to IL-10 – mediated inhibition of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-agonist induced maturation. When used as an anti-tumor vaccine, Stat3Δ/Δ CD103+ cDC1s inhibited breast tumor growth and increased mouse survival to a greater degree than STAT3-sufficient CD103+ cDC1s. Vaccination with Stat3Δ/Δ CD103+ cDC1s increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and IFN-g+ CD4+ T cells in tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes compared to controls. Moreover, IL-10 receptor-deficient CD103+ cDC1s restrained tumor growth as effectively as Stat3Δ/Δ CD103+ cDC1s. Taken together, our results demonstrate STAT3 suppresses CD103+ cDC1 maturation and vaccine efficacy in breast cancer. The data also suggest IL-10 is an important factor in the murine mammary tumor environment mediating immunosuppressive STAT3 signaling in CD103+ cDC1s. Thus, STAT3 inhibition may provide an effective strategy for improving the anti-tumor efficacy of CD103+ cDC1-based vaccines.

Roles for Leukemia-inhibitory factor receptor signaling in intestinal immunity

Intestinal infections trigger immune responses that in some cases become dysregulated and lead to acute or chronic disease; understanding immune regulatory mechanisms in infection will help advance new therapies for intestinal disorders. Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice mimics enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infections in humans. We found that Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine family, is upregulated in colon and serum following C. rodentium infection; however, the source, targets and effects of this cytokine during intestinal disease remain unclear. To investigate the role of LIF during infection, we generated mice with LIF receptor (LIFR) deficiency in endothelial and hematopoietic cells (Tie2cre Lifrf/f) or CD11c+ cells (CD11c cre Lifrf/f). Upon C. rodentium infection, Tie2cre Lifrf/fandCD11c cre Lifrf/f mice had reduced colon length, increased bacterial dissemination to spleen and liver, and greater colon pathology scores relative to infected controls. Comparison of cytokine and chemokine expression in the colon revealed upregulation of various factors in infected LIFR-deficient mice, with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23 significantly increased in CD11c cre Lifrf/f mice. Our preliminary data from LIFR-deficient, bone marrow-derived myeloid cells suggests LIFR signaling inhibits inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. Collectively, our results suggest LIFR signaling in CD11c+ cells inhibits colonic IL-23 production and protects from immune dysregulation during C. rodentium infection. Our current studies are investigating LIF-producing and -responding populations in colon, to elucidate protective immune mechanisms during infection.

Regulation of Id2 gene expression in plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are specialized type I interferon (IFN-I) producing cells that mediate anti-viral responses, anti-tumor immunity, and autoimmunity. When exposed to Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7)- and TLR9-ligands, pDCs mature and produce IFN-Is; pDCs also acquire conventional DC (cDC)-like morphology and features, including the cell surface expression of antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecules, secretion of additional cytokines, and ability to activate adaptive T cell responses. Yet, the transcriptional pathways regulating TLR-induced pDC maturation are poorly characterized. We found the mRNA and protein expression of the inhibitor of DNA binding protein 2 (Id2) was induced in TLR7/9-stimulated pDCs, and Id2 expression correlated with greater cDC-like features. Id2 normally blocks pDC development by antagonizing the pDC-master regulator, E2-2, while E2-2 suppresses Id2 transcription. Thus, we hypothesize TLR-activated signaling pathways in pDCs control the abundance of transcriptional regulators (e.g., E2-2) at the Id2 promoter as well as the promoter chromatin state, leading to induction of Id2 transcription during pDC maturation. Using genetic knockout mouse models, we found Id2 induction was independent of interferon alpha receptor and nuclear factor kappa beta signaling pathways. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays suggested E2-2 abundance at the Id2 promoter decreased following TLR stimulation, while activating histone modifications increased. These data are consistent with transcriptional induction of Id2 upon TLR stimulation. Future work will investigate the effect of additional regulators and TLR-regulated pathways on Id2 induction in TLR7/9-stimulated pDCs.

Vaccine efficacy against primary and metastatic cancer with in vitro-generated CD103+ conventional dendritic cells

Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) possess efficient antigen presentation and cross-presentation activity, yet the efficacy of immunotherapy utilizingthis population is understudied. We used in vitro-generated CD103+cDC1s in vaccination strategies to test their ability to control melanoma and osteosarcoma tumors. In vitro-generated CD103+cDC1s produced cDC1-associated factors such as IL-12p70 and CXCL10, and demonstrated antigen cross-presentation activity upon stimulation with the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). In vitro-generated CD103+cDC1s also migrated to tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) following poly I:C treatment and intratumoral (i.t.) delivery. Vaccination with poly I:C-activated and tumor antigen-loaded CD103+cDC1s enhanced tumor infiltration of tumor antigen-specific and IFN-g+CD8+ T cells, and suppressed melanoma and osteosarcoma growth. CD103+cDC1s showed superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to vaccination with monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs), and led to complete regression of 100% of osteosarcoma tumors in combination with CTLA-4 antibody-mediated checkpoint blockade. In addition, CD103+cDC1s effectively protected mice from pulmonary melanoma and osteosarcoma metastases. Our data indicate an in vitro-generated CD103+cDC1 vaccine elicits systemic and long-lasting tumor-specific T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, which restrains primary and metastatic tumor growth. The CD103+cDC1 vaccine was superior to MoDCs and enhanced response to immune checkpoint blockade. These results indicate the potential for new immunotherapies based on use of cDC1s alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade.

Vaccine efficacy against primary and metastatic cancer with in vitro-generated CD103+ conventional dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) possess efficient antigen presentation and cross-presentation activity, as well as potent T cell priming ability. Tissue-resident cDC1s (CD103+ cDC1s in mice, CD141+ cDC1s in humans) are linked with improved tumor control, yet the efficacy of immunotherapy using this population is understudied.

METHODS

We generated murine CD103+ cDC1s in vitro and examined their expression of cDC1-related factors, antigen cross-presentation activity, and accumulation in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs). The antitumor efficacy of the in vitro-generated CD103+ cDC1s was studied in murine melanoma and osteosarcoma models. We evaluated tumor responses on vaccination with CD103+ cDC1s, compared these to vaccination with monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs), tested CD103+ cDC1 vaccination with checkpoint blockade, and examined the antimetastatic activity of CD103+ cDC1s.

RESULTS

In vitro-generated CD103+ cDC1s produced cDC1-associated factors such as interleukin-12p70 and CXCL10, and demonstrated antigen cross-presentation activity on stimulation with the toll-like receptor 3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). In vitro-generated CD103+ cDC1s also migrated to TdLNs following poly I:C treatment and intratumoral delivery. Vaccination with poly I:C-activated and tumor antigen-loaded CD103+ cDC1s enhanced tumor infiltration of tumor antigen-specific and interferon-γ+ CD8+ T cells, and suppressed melanoma and osteosarcoma growth. CD103+ cDC1s showed superior antitumor efficacy compared with MoDC vaccination, and led to complete regression of 100% of osteosarcoma tumors in combination with CTLA-4 antibody-mediated checkpoint blockade. In vitro-generated CD103+ cDC1s effectively protected mice from pulmonary melanoma and osteosarcoma metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate an in vitro-generated CD103+ cDC1 vaccine elicits systemic and long-lasting tumor-specific T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, which restrains primary and metastatic tumor growth. The CD103+ cDC1 vaccine was superior to MoDCs and enhanced response to immune checkpoint blockade. These results indicate the potential for new immunotherapies based on use of cDC1s alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade.

[Mechanism of transcriptional regulation of Meox1 by transforming growth factor β (1) and its effect on cell migration of adult human dermal fibroblasts]

Objective: To explore the transcriptional regulation mechanism of transforming growth factor β(1) (TGF-β(1)) on Meox1 and its effect on cell migration of adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDF-a). Methods: (1) HDF-a cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium (hereinafter referred to as routinely cultured). The cells were divided into TGF-β(1) stimulation group and blank control group. The cells in TGF-β(1) stimulation group were stimulated with 10 μL TGF-β(1) in the mass concentration of 1 mg/μL, while the cells in blank control group were stimulated with the equal volume of phosphate buffer solution. After 72 hours in culture, partial cells in both groups were collected for transcriptome sequencing. The genes with differential expression ratio greater than or equal to 2 and P<0.01 between the two groups were selected to perform enrichment analysis and analysis of metabolic pathways of the Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia with, and the expression value of Meox1 per million transcripts (TPM) was recorded (n=3). Partial cells from the two groups were used to detect the Meox1 mRNA expression by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (n=3). (2) Cultured HDF-a cells in the logarithmic growth phase (the same growth phase of cells below) were divided into empty plasmid group, Smad2 overexpression (OE) group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmids separately carrying Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 for 6 hours, and then were routinely cultured for 48 hours. The Meox1 mRNA expression in the transfected cells of each group was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR (n=3). (3) HDF-a cells were routinely cultured and grouped the same as in experiment (1). After 72 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the Meox1 promoter in the cells of each group was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) (n=3). (4) HDF-a cells were routinely cultured and divided into negative interference group, small interference RNA (siRNA)-Smad2 group, siRNA-Smad3 group, siRNA-Smad4 group, empty plasmid group, Smad2 OE group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 50 μmol/L random siRNA, siRNA-Smad2, siRNA-Smad3, siRNA-Smad4, 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmids separately carrying Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 for 6 hours and then routinely cultured for 48 hours. The enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the Meox1 promoter in the cells of corresponding group was detected by ChIP-qPCR (n=3). (5) Two batches of HDF-a cells were cultured and divided into negative interference group, siRNA-Meox1 group, empty plasmid group, and Meox1 OE group, which were transfected respectively with 50 μmol/L random siRNA, siRNA-Meox1, 2 μg empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pcDNA3.1 plasmid carrying Meox1 for 6 hours and then routinely cultured for 24 hours. One batch of cells were subjected to scratch test with the scratch width being observed 24 hours after scratching and compared with the initial width for scratch wound healing; the other batch of cells were subjected to Transwell assay, in which the migrated cells were counted after being routinely cultured for 24 hours (n=3). (6) From January 2018 to June 2019, 3 hypertrophic scar patients (2 males and 1 female, aged 35-56 years) were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) 8-12 months after burns. The scar tissue and normal skin tissue along the scar margin resected during surgery were taken, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the distribution of Meox1 protein expression. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and independent sample t test. Results: (1) After 72 hours in culture, a total of 843 genes were obviously differentially expressed between the two groups, being related to tissue repair, cell migration, inflammatory cell chemotaxis induction process and potential signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 17, extracellular matrix receptor. The TPM value of Meox1 in the cells of blank control group was 45.9±1.9, which was significantly lower than 163.1±29.5 of TGF-β(1) stimulation group (t=6.88, P<0.01) with RNA-sequencing. After 72 hours in culture, the Meox1 mRNA expression levels in the cells of blank control group was 1.00±0.21, which was significantly lower than 11.00±3.61 of TGF-β(1) stimulation group (t=4.79, P<0.01). (2) After 48 hours in culture, the Meox1 mRNA expression levels in the cells of Smad2 OE group, Smad3 OE group, and Smad4 OE group were 198.70±11.02, 35.47±4.30, 20.27±2.50, respectively, which were significantly higher than 1.03±0.19 of empty plasmid group (t=31.07, 13.80, 13.12, P<0.01). (3) After 72 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of TGF-β(1) stimulation group was significantly higher than that of blank control group respectively (t=12.99, 41.47, 29.10, P<0.01). (4) After 48 hours in culture, the enrichment of Smad2 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was (0.200 000±0.030 000)%, significantly higher than (0.000 770±0.000 013)% of siRNA-Smad2 group (t=11.67, P<0.01); the enrichment of Smad2 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was (0.200 000±0.040 000)%, significantly lower than (0.700 000±0.090 000)% of Smad2 OE group (t=8.85, P<0.01). The enrichment of Smad3 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was (0.500 0±0.041 3)%, significantly higher than (0.006 0±0.001 3)% of siRNA-Smad3 group (t=17.79, P<0.01); the enrichment of Smad3 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was (0.470 0±0.080 0)%, which was significantly lower than (1.100 0±0.070 0)% of Smad3 OE group (t=9.93, P<0.01). The enrichment of Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of negative interference group was similar to that of siRNA-Smad4 group (t=2.11, P>0.05); the enrichment of Smad4 protein on the promoter of Meox1 in the cells of empty plasmid group was similar to that of Smad4 OE group (t=0.60, P>0.05). (5) Twenty-four hours after scratching, the scratch healing width of cells in siRNA-Meox1 group was narrower than that of negative interference group, while that of Meox1 OE group was wider than that of empty plasmid group. After 24 hours in culture, the number of migration cells in negative interference group was significantly higher than that in siRNA-Meox1 group (t=9.12, P<0.01), and that in empty plasmid group was significantly lower than that in Meox1 OE group (t=8.99, P<0.01). (6) The expression of Meox1 protein in the scar tissue was significantly higher than that in normal skin of patients with hypertrophic scars. Conclusions: TGF-β(1) transcriptionally regulates Meox1 expression via Smad2/3 in HDF-a cells, thus promoting cell migration.

STAT3 Inhibits CD103+ cDC1 Vaccine Efficacy in Murine Breast Cancer

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are a critical immune population, composed of multiple subsets, and responsible for controlling adaptive immunity and tolerance. Although migratory type 1 cDCs (CD103+ cDC1s in mice) are necessary to mount CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, whether and how tumors modulate CD103+ cDC1 function remain understudied. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) mediates the intracellular signaling of tumor-associated immunosuppressive cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10; thus, we hypothesized that STAT3 restrained anti-tumor immune responses elicited by CD103+ cDC1s. Herein, we show that in vitro-derived STAT3-deficient (Stat3∆/∆) CD103+ cDC1s are refractory to the inhibitory effects of IL-10 on Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist-induced maturation responses. In a tumor vaccination approach, we found Stat3∆/∆ CD103+ cDC1s restrained mammary gland tumor growth and increased mouse survival more effectively than STAT3-sufficient CD103+ cDC1s. In addition, vaccination with Stat3∆/∆ CD103+ cDC1s elicited increased amounts of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells in tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes versus phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated animals. Furthermore, IL-10 receptor-deficient CD103+ cDC1s controlled tumor growth to a similar degree as Stat3∆/∆ CD103+ cDC1s. Taken together, our data reveal an inhibitory role for STAT3 in CD103+ cDC1 maturation and regulation of anti-tumor immunity. Our results also suggest IL-10 is a key factor eliciting immunosuppressive STAT3 signaling in CD103+ cDC1s in breast cancer. Thus, inhibition of STAT3 in cDC1s may provide an important strategy to improve their efficacy in tumor vaccination approaches and cDC1-mediated control of anti-tumor immunity.

CXCR5+CD8+ T cells are a distinct functional subset with an antitumor activity

CXCR5 mediates homing of both B and follicular helper T (TFH) cells into follicles of secondary lymphoid organs. We found that CXCR5+CD8+ T cells are present in human tonsils and follicular lymphoma, inhibit TFH-mediated B cell differentiation, and exhibit strong cytotoxic activity. Consistent with these findings, adoptive transfer of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells into an animal model of lymphoma resulted in significantly greater antitumor activity than CXCR5-CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, RNA-Seq-based transcriptional profiling revealed 77 differentially expressed genes unique to CXCR5+CD8+ T cells. Among these, a signature comprised of 33 upregulated genes correlated with improved survival in follicular lymphoma patients. We also showed that CXCR5+CD8+ T cells could be induced and expanded ex vivo using IL-23 plus TGF-β, suggesting a possible strategy to generate these cells for clinical application. In summary, our study identified CXCR5+CD8+ T cells as a distinct T cell subset with ability to suppress TFH-mediated B cell differentiation, exert strong antitumor activity, and confer favorable prognosis in follicular lymphoma patients.

PPARD and Interferon Gamma Promote Transformation of Gastric Progenitor Cells and Tumorigenesis in Mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) regulates cell metabolism, proliferation, and inflammation and has been associated with gastric and other cancers. Villin-positive epithelial cells are a small population of quiescent gastric progenitor cells. We expressed PPARD from a villin promoter to investigate the role of these cells and PPARD in development of gastric cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed gastric tissues from mice that express the Ppard (PPARD1 and PPARD2 mice) from a villin promoter, and mice that did not carry this transgene (controls), by histology and immunohistochemistry. We performed cell lineage-tracing experiments and analyzed the microbiomes, chemokine and cytokine production, and immune cells and transcriptomes of stomachs of these mice. We also performed immunohistochemical analysis of PPARD levels in 2 sets of human gastric tissue microarrays.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight percent of PPARD mice developed spontaneous, invasive gastric adenocarcinomas, with severe chronic inflammation. Levels of PPARD were increased in human gastric cancer tissues, compared with nontumor tissues, and associated with gastric cancer stage and grade. We found an inverse correlation between level of PPARD in tumor tissue and patient survival time. Gastric microbiomes from PPARD and control mice did not differ significantly. Lineage-tracing experiments identified villin-expressing gastric progenitor cells (VGPCs) as the origin of gastric tumors in PPARD mice. In these mice, PPARD up-regulated CCL20 and CXCL1, which increased infiltration of the gastric mucosa by immune cells. Immune cell production of inflammatory cytokines promoted chronic gastric inflammation and expansion and transformation of VGPCs, leading to tumorigenesis. We identified a positive-feedback loop between PPARD and interferon gamma signaling that sustained gastric inflammation to induce VGPC transformation and gastric carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

We found PPARD overexpression in VPGCs to result in inflammation, dysplasia, and tumor formation. PPARD and VGPCs might be therapeutic targets for stomach cancer.

Molecular regulation of dendritic cell development and function in homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the principal antigen-presenting cells of the immune system and play key roles in controlling immune tolerance and activation. As such, DCs are chief mediators of tumor immunity. DCs can regulate tolerogenic immune responses that facilitate unchecked tumor growth. Importantly, however, DCs also mediate immune-stimulatory activity that restrains tumor progression. For instance, emerging evidence indicates the cDC1 subset has important functions in delivering tumor antigens to lymph nodes and inducing antigen-specific lymphocyte responses to tumors. Moreover, DCs control specific therapeutic responses in cancer including those resulting from immune checkpoint blockade. DC generation and function is influenced profoundly by cytokines, as well as their intracellular signaling proteins including STAT transcription factors. Regardless, our understanding of DC regulation in the cytokine-rich tumor microenvironment is still developing and must be better defined to advance cancer treatment. Here, we review literature focused on the molecular control of DCs, with a particular emphasis on cytokine- and STAT-mediated DC regulation. In addition, we highlight recent studies that delineate the importance of DCs in anti-tumor immunity and immune therapy, with the overall goal of improving knowledge of tumor-associated factors and intrinsic DC signaling cascades that influence DC function in cancer.

Preventing abnormal NF-κB activation and autoimmunity by Otub1-mediated p100 stabilization

NF-κB, a family of transcription factors regulating diverse biological processes including immune responses, is activated by canonical and noncanonical pathways based on degradation of IκBα and processing of the IκB-like protein p100, respectively. Although p100 responds to noncanonical NF-κB stimuli for processing, it does not undergo degradation, but rather becomes accumulated, along with canonical NF-κB activation. We show here that the stability of p100 is tightly controlled by a deubiquitinase, Otub1. Otub1 deficiency not only promotes signal-induced p100 processing and noncanonical NF-κB activation but also causes steady-state p100 degradation, leading to aberrant NF-κB activation in the canonical pathway. B-cell-conditional deletion of Otub1 results in B-cell hyperplasia, antibody hyper-production, and lupus-like autoimmunity. Otub1-deficient B cells display aberrantly activated phenotypes and overproduce the cytokine IL-6, contributing to autoimmunity induction. Thus, maintenance of p100 stability by Otub1 serves as an unusual mechanism of NF-κB regulation that prevents autoimmunity.

Observation of Complex Time Structures in the Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present high-statistics, precision measurements of the detailed time and energy dependence of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux and positron flux over 79 Bartels rotations from May 2011 to May 2017 in the energy range from 1 to 50 GeV. For the first time, the charge-sign dependent modulation during solar maximum has been investigated in detail by leptons alone. Based on 23.5×10^{6} events, we report the observation of short-term structures on the timescale of months coincident in both the electron flux and the positron flux. These structures are not visible in the e^{+}/e^{-} flux ratio. The precision measurements across the solar polarity reversal show that the ratio exhibits a smooth transition over 830±30 days from one value to another. The midpoint of the transition shows an energy dependent delay relative to the reversal and changes by 260±30 days from 1 to 6 GeV.

Precision Measurement of Cosmic-Ray Nitrogen and its Primary and Secondary Components with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement of the nitrogen flux with rigidity (momentum per unit charge) from 2.2 GV to 3.3 TV based on 2.2×10^{6} events is presented. The detailed rigidity dependence of the nitrogen flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index rapidly hardens at high rigidities and becomes identical to the spectral indices of primary He, C, and O cosmic rays above ∼700  GV. We observed that the nitrogen flux Φ_{N} can be presented as the sum of its primary component Φ_{N}^{P} and secondary component Φ_{N}^{S}, Φ_{N}=Φ_{N}^{P}+Φ_{N}^{S}, and we found Φ_{N} is well described by the weighted sum of the oxygen flux Φ_{O} (primary cosmic rays) and the boron flux Φ_{B} (secondary cosmic rays), with Φ_{N}^{P}=(0.090±0.002)×Φ_{O} and Φ_{N}^{S}=(0.62±0.02)×Φ_{B} over the entire rigidity range. This corresponds to a change of the contribution of the secondary cosmic ray component in the nitrogen flux from 70% at a few GV to <30% above 1 TV.

Observation of Fine Time Structures in the Cosmic Proton and Helium Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present the precision measurement from May 2011 to May 2017 (79 Bartels rotations) of the proton fluxes at rigidities from 1 to 60 GV and the helium fluxes from 1.9 to 60 GV based on a total of 1×10^{9} events collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station. This measurement is in solar cycle 24, which has the solar maximum in April 2014. We observed that, below 40 GV, the proton flux and the helium flux show nearly identical fine structures in both time and relative amplitude. The amplitudes of the flux structures decrease with increasing rigidity and vanish above 40 GV. The amplitudes of the structures are reduced during the time period, which started one year after solar maximum, when the proton and helium fluxes steadily increase. Above ∼3  GV the p/He flux ratio is time independent. We observed that below ∼3  GV the ratio has a long-term decrease coinciding with the period during which the fluxes start to rise.

Effect of interferon alpha and cyclosporine treatment separately and in combination on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) replication in a human in-vitro and ex-vivo culture model

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has emerged as a coronavirus infection of humans in the past 5 years. Though confined to certain geographical regions of the world, infection has been associated with a case fatality rate of 35%, and this mortality may be higher in ventilated patients. As there are few readily available animal models that accurately mimic human disease, it has been a challenge to ethically determine what optimum treatment strategies can be used for this disease. We used in-vitro and human ex-vivo explant cultures to investigate the effect of two immunomodulatory agents, interferon alpha and cyclosporine, singly and in combination, on MERS-CoV replication. In both culture systems the combined treatment was more effective than either agent used alone in reducing MERS-CoV replication. PCR SuperArray analysis showed that the reduction of virus replication was associated with a greater induction of interferon stimulated genes. As these therapeutic agents are already licensed for clinical use, it may be relevant to investigate their use for therapy of human MERS-CoV infection.

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The effect of interferon-α and/or cyclosporine on MERS-CoV replication was evaluated with a human ex-vivo culture model.

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All treatments were able to reduce MERS-CoV replication.

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The combined treatment was more effective than either agent used alone in reducing MERS-CoV replication.

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The effect of the combined treatment group was associated with a greater induction of interferon stimulated genes.

Genetic rescue of lineage-balanced blood cell production reveals a crucial role for STAT3 antiinflammatory activity in hematopoiesis

Blood cell formation must be appropriately maintained throughout life to provide robust immune function, hemostasis, and oxygen delivery to tissues, and to prevent disorders that result from over- or underproduction of critical lineages. Persistent inflammation deregulates hematopoiesis by damaging hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), leading to elevated myeloid cell output and eventual bone marrow failure. Nonetheless, antiinflammatory mechanisms that protect the hematopoietic system are understudied. The transcriptional regulator STAT3 has myriad roles in HSPC-derived populations and nonhematopoietic tissues, including a potent antiinflammatory function in differentiated myeloid cells. STAT3 antiinflammatory activity is facilitated by STAT3-mediated transcriptional repression of Ube2n, which encodes the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13 involved in proinflammatory signaling. Here we demonstrate a crucial role for STAT3 antiinflammatory activity in preservation of HSPCs and lineage-balanced hematopoiesis. Conditional Stat3 removal from the hematopoietic system led to depletion of the bone marrow lineage- Sca-1+ c-Kit+ CD150+ CD48- HSPC subset (LSK CD150+ CD48- cells), myeloid-skewed hematopoiesis, and accrual of DNA damage in HSPCs. These responses were accompanied by intrinsic transcriptional alterations in HSPCs, including deregulation of inflammatory, survival and developmental pathways. Concomitant Ube2n/Ubc13 deletion from Stat3-deficient hematopoietic cells enabled lineage-balanced hematopoiesis, mitigated depletion of bone marrow LSK CD150+ CD48- cells, alleviated HSPC DNA damage, and corrected a majority of aberrant transcriptional responses. These results indicate an intrinsic protective role for STAT3 in the hematopoietic system, and suggest that this is mediated by STAT3-dependent restraint of excessive proinflammatory signaling via Ubc13 modulation.

Second-harmonic imaging microscopy for identifying colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia

In this study, second-harmonic imaging microscopy was used to monitor precancerous colorectal lesions at different stages. It was found that the morphology of glands and lamina propria in mucosa changes with the progression of colorectal diseases from normal to low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and this microscopy has the ability of direct visualization of these warning symptoms. Furthermore, two morphologic variables were quantified to determine the changes of glands and collagen in lamina propria during the development of colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia. These results suggest that second-harmonic imaging microscopy has the potential in label-freely and effectively distinguishing between normal and precancerous colorectal tissues, and will be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases.

[Interventional effects of BAY11-7082 on lung inflammatory response at the early stage and acute lung injury of rats with severe burns]

Objective: To investigate the interventional effects of BAY11-7082 on lung inflammatory response at the early stage and acute lung injury of rats with severe burns. Methods: (1) Experiment 1. Twelve Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control (C) group and burn (B) group according to the random number table, with 3 rats in group C and 9 rats in group B. Rats in group C did not receive any special treatment. Rats in group B were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness burn on the back. Immediately after injury, rats in group B were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline in the dosage of 50 mL/kg. Abdominal aorta blood and lung tissue samples were collected from three rats in group B at post injury hour (PIH) 12, 24, and 48, respectively. The interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the IL-18 content of serum were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue were determined with real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sample collection and determination in rats of group C were performed as above. (2) Experiment 2. Eighteen SD rats were divided into control (C) group, simple burn (SB) group, and BAY11-7082 intervention (BI) group according to the random number table, with 6 rats in each group. Rats in group C did not receive any special treatment. Rats in groups SB and BI were inflicted with injury as in experiment 1. Immediately after injury, rats in group SB were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline in the dosage of 50 mL/kg, and those in group BI with 8 mg/mL (final mass concentration) BAY11-7082 solution in the dosage of 50 mL/kg. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats with burns were collected at the optimal observation time point concluded from experiment 1. The morphology of lung tissue was observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the pathological damage of lung tissue was graded. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) content of lung tissue and the total protein content of BALF were detected by microplate reader. The protein expressions of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor-3 (NLRP3) and cysteine-aspartic proteases 1 (caspase-1) in lung tissue were determined with Western-blotting. The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in lung tissue were determined with real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Sample collection and determination in rats of group C were performed as above. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD-t test. Results: (1) The IL-1β and IL-18 content of serum in rats of group B at PIH 12, 24, and 48 were significantly higher than those of group C (t=10.55, 22.05, 12.47, 10.60, 15.22, 11.94, P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 in rats of group B at PIH 12, 24, and 48 were significantly higher than those of group C (t=3.62, 7.19, 5.28, 3.20, 12.62, 7.31, P<0.05 or P<0.01). PIH 24 was the optimal observation time point for the following experiment. (2) At PIH 24, compared with those in group SB, the inflammatory cell infiltration and erythrocyte exudates of alveolar in group BI were obviously reduced, and the pulmonary interstitial edema obviously subsided. The pathological damage score of lung tissue in rats of group SB was (9.00±1.00) points, significantly higher than (1.10±0.26) points of group C (t=13.23, P<0.01). The pathological damage score of lung tissue in rats of group BI was (4.93±0.70) points, which was significantly lower than that of group SB (t=5.76, P<0.01) but still significantly higher than that of group C (t=8.84, P<0.01). At PIH 24, the MPO content of lung tissue and the total protein content of BALF in rats of group SB were (1.83±0.15) U/mg and (1.39±0.20) mg/mL, respectively, significantly higher than (0.51±0.10) U/mg and (0.44±0.05) mg/mL of group C (t=12.50, 7.86, P<0.01). The MPO content of lung tissue and the total protein content of BALF in rats of group BI were (0.91±0.12) U/mg and (0.60±0.10) mg/mL, respectively, significantly lower than those of group SB (t=8.36, 6.06, P<0.01). At PIH 24, the protein expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in lung tissue of rats of group SB were 3.10±0.09 and 2.99±0.30, respectively, significantly higher than 1.00 and 1.00 of group C (t=9.06, 11.28, P<0.01). The protein expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in lung tissue of rats of group BI were 1.13±0.08 and 1.81±0.11, respectively, significantly lower than those of group SB (t=7.24, 3.91, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 24, the mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in lung tissue of rats in group SB were 5.0±0.4, 3.32±0.21, 3.54±0.42, and 6.3±1.0, respectively, significantly higher than 1.0, 1.00, 1.00, and 1.0 of group C (t=13.97, 14.14, 11.78, 7.13, P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in lung tissue of rats in group BI were 2.6±0.5, 2.00±0.28, 1.39±0.21, and 2.5±0.5, respectively, significantly lower than those of group SB (t=7.11, 5.80, 9.99, 4.65, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: Applying BAY11-7082 at the early stage of acute lung injury of rats with severe burn can reduce the expression of caspase-1, decrease the levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and decrease the MPO content of lung tissue and the total protein content of BALF through inhibiting NLRP3, thus alleviating the lung inflammatory response and lung injury.

Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report on the observation of new properties of secondary cosmic rays Li, Be, and B measured in the rigidity (momentum per unit charge) range 1.9 GV to 3.3 TV with a total of 5.4×10^{6} nuclei collected by AMS during the first five years of operation aboard the International Space Station. The Li and B fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 7 GV and all three fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 30 GV with the Li/Be flux ratio of 2.0±0.1. The three fluxes deviate from a single power law above 200 GV in an identical way. This behavior of secondary cosmic rays has also been observed in the AMS measurement of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O but the rigidity dependences of primary cosmic rays and of secondary cosmic rays are distinctly different. In particular, above 200 GV, the secondary cosmic rays harden more than the primary cosmic rays.

Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90×10^{6} helium, 8.4×10^{6} carbon, and 7.0×10^{6} oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.

An Uncommon Shoulder Dislocation Presenting to the Emergency Department: Inferior Shoulder Dislocation

Three patients presenting to the emergency department with inferior shoulder dislocation were reviewed with respect to their clinical and radiological features, initial management and final results.

MicroRNA-22 controls interferon alpha production and erythroid maturation in response to infectious stress in mice

MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) is a highly conserved microRNA that can regulate cell proliferation, oncogenesis, and cell maturation, especially during stress. In hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), miR-22 has been reported to be involved in the regulation of key self-renewal factors, including Tet2. Recent work demonstrates that miR-22 also participates in regulation of the interferon (IFN) response, and expression profiling studies suggest that it is variably expressed at different stages in erythroid differentiation. We thus hypothesized that miR-22 regulates maturation of erythroid progenitors during stress hematopoiesis through its interaction with IFN. We compared the blood and bone marrow of wild-type (WT) and miR-22-deficient mice at baseline and upon infectious challenge with systemic lymphochoriomeningitis (LCMV) virus. miR-22-deficient mice maintained platelet counts better than WT mice during infection, but they showed significantly reduced red blood cells and hemoglobin. Analysis of bone marrow progenitors demonstrated better overall survival and improved HSC homeostasis in infected miR-22-null mice compared with WT, which was attributable to a blunted IFN response to LCMV challenge in the miR-22-null mice. We found that miR-22 was expressed exclusively in stage II erythroid precursors and downregulated upon infection in WT mice. Our results indicate that miR-22 promotes the IFN response to viral infection and that it functions at baseline as a brake to slow erythroid differentiation and maintain adequate erythroid potential. Impaired regulation of erythrogenesis in the absence of miR-22 can lead to anemia during infection.

Interleukin-27 augments the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on bladder cancer cells

Both sorafenib and interleukin-27 (IL-27) are antineoplastic drugs. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of these two drugs on bladder cancer cells. HTB-9 and T24 cells were stimulated with IL-27 (50 ng/mL), sorafenib (2 μM) or the synergistic action of these two drugs. The cells without treatment acted as control. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were measured by bromodeoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry and modified Boyden chamber, respectively. Simultaneously, both modified Boyden chamber and scratch assay were used to assess cell migration. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of key kinases in the Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were detected by western blot analysis. Stimulation with IL-27 or sorafenib repressed proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis, and the effects were all enhanced by the combination of these two drugs in HTB-9 cells. The effect of the combined treatment on bladder cancer cells was verified in T24 cells. Additionally, the phosphorylation levels of AKT, mTOR and MAPK as well as the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were all decreased by a single treatment of IL-27 or sorafenib, and further decreased by the combined treatment of these two drugs. The combination of IL-27 and sorafenib inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis of bladder cancer cells compared with mono-drug treatment. Additionally, the AKT/mTOR/MAPK pathway might be implicated in the functional effects by down-regulations of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic applications in inflammatory bowel disease

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are non-hematopoietic stem cells that facilitate tissue regeneration through mechanisms involving self-renewal and differentiation, supporting angiogenesis and tissue cell survival, and limiting inflammation. MSCs were originally identified and expanded in long-term cultures of cells from bone marrow and other organs; and their native identity was recently confined into pericytes and adventitial cells in vascularized tissue. The multipotency, as well as the trophic and immunosuppressive effects, of MSCs have prompted the rapid development of clinical applications for many diseases involving tissue inflammation and immune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. Although standard criteria have been established to define MSCs, their therapeutic efficacy has varied significantly among studies due to their natural heterogenicity. Thus, understanding the biological and immunological features of MSCs is critical to standardize and optimize MSCs-based therapy. In this review, we highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in MSCs-mediated tissue repair and immunosuppression. We also provide an update on the current development of MSCs-based clinical trials, with a detailed discussion of MSC-based cell therapy in inflammatory bowel disease.

The kinase TBK1 functions in dendritic cells to regulate T cell homeostasis, autoimmunity, and antitumor immunity

Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for mediating immune responses but, when deregulated, also contribute to immunological disorders, such as autoimmunity. The molecular mechanism underlying the function of DCs is incompletely understood. In this study, we have identified TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a master innate immune kinase, as an important regulator of DC function. DC-specific deletion of Tbk1 causes T cell activation and autoimmune symptoms and also enhances antitumor immunity in animal models of cancer immunotherapy. The TBK1-deficient DCs have up-regulated expression of co-stimulatory molecules and increased T cell-priming activity. We further demonstrate that TBK1 negatively regulates the induction of a subset of genes by type I interferon receptor (IFNAR). Deletion of IFNAR1 could largely prevent aberrant T cell activation and autoimmunity in DC-conditional Tbk1 knockout mice. These findings identify a DC-specific function of TBK1 in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance.

Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the boron to carbon flux ratio (B/C) is important in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays. The precise measurement of the B/C ratio from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV, based on 2.3 million boron and 8.3 million carbon nuclei collected by AMS during the first 5 years of operation, is presented. The detailed variation with rigidity of the B/C spectral index is reported for the first time. The B/C ratio does not show any significant structures in contrast to many cosmic ray models that require such structures at high rigidities. Remarkably, above 65 GV, the B/C ratio is well described by a single power law R^{Δ} with index Δ=-0.333±0.014(fit)±0.005(syst), in good agreement with the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence which predicts Δ=-1/3 asymptotically.

STAT3 signaling in immunity

The transcriptional regulator STAT3 has key roles in vertebrate development and mature tissue function including control of inflammation and immunity. Mutations in human STAT3 associate with diseases such as immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and cancer. Strikingly, however, either hyperactivation or inactivation of STAT3 results in human disease, indicating tightly regulated STAT3 function is central to health. Here, we attempt to summarize information on the numerous and distinct biological actions of STAT3, and highlight recent discoveries, with a specific focus on STAT3 function in the immune and hematopoietic systems. Our goal is to spur investigation on mechanisms by which aberrant STAT3 function drives human disease and novel approaches that might be used to modulate disease outcome.

Bypassing STAT3-mediated inhibition of the transcriptional regulator ID2 improves the antitumor efficacy of dendritic cells

Despite the potent ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to stimulate lymphocyte responses and host immunity, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-derived DCs (GM-DCs) used as antitumor vaccines have demonstrated relatively modest success in cancer immunotherapy. We found that injecting GM-DCs into melanoma tumors in mice, or culturing GM-DCs with melanoma-secreted cytokines or melanoma-conditioned medium, rapidly suppressed DC-intrinsic expression of the gene encoding inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2), a transcriptional regulator. Melanoma-associated cytokines repressed Id2 transcription in murine DCs through the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Enforced expression of ID2 in GM-DCs (ID2-GM-DCs) suppressed their production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Vaccination with ID2-GM-DCs slowed the progression of melanoma tumors and enhanced animal survival, which was associated with an increased abundance of tumor-infiltrating interferon-γ-positive CD4(+) effector and CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells and a decreased number of tumor-infiltrating regulatory CD4(+) T cells. The efficacy of the ID2-GM-DC vaccine was improved by combinatorial treatment with a blocking antibody to programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), a current immunotherapy that overcomes suppressive immune checkpoint signaling. Collectively, our data reveal a previously unrecognized STAT3-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism in DCs and indicate that DC-intrinsic ID2 promotes tumor immunity by modulating tumor-associated CD4(+) T cell responses. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 or overexpressing ID2 selectively in DCs may improve the efficiency of DC vaccines in cancer therapy.

Antiproton Flux, Antiproton-to-Proton Flux Ratio, and Properties of Elementary Particle Fluxes in Primary Cosmic Rays Measured with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement by AMS of the antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio in primary cosmic rays in the absolute rigidity range from 1 to 450 GV is presented based on 3.49×10^{5} antiproton events and 2.42×10^{9} proton events. The fluxes and flux ratios of charged elementary particles in cosmic rays are also presented. In the absolute rigidity range ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the antiproton p[over ¯], proton p, and positron e^{+} fluxes are found to have nearly identical rigidity dependence and the electron e^{-} flux exhibits a different rigidity dependence. Below 60 GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios each reaches a maximum. From ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios show no rigidity dependence. These are new observations of the properties of elementary particles in the cosmos.

Direct growth of Ge quantum dots on a graphene/SiO2/Si structure using ion beam sputtering deposition

The growth of Ge quantum dots (QDs) using the ion beam sputtering deposition technique has been successfully conducted directly on single-layer graphene supported by SiO2/Si substrate. The results show that the morphology and size of Ge QDs on graphene can be modulated by tuning the Ge coverage. Charge transfer behavior, i.e. doping effect in graphene has been demonstrated at the interface of Ge/graphene. Compared with that of traditional Ge dots grown on Si substrate, the positions of both corresponding photoluminescence (PL) peaks of Ge QDs/graphene hybrid structure undergo a large red-shift, which can probably be attributed to the lack of atomic intermixing and the existence of surface states in this hybrid material. According to first-principles calculations, the Ge growth on the graphene should follow the so-called Volmer-Weber mode instead of the Stranski-Krastanow one which is observed generally in the traditional Ge QDs/Si system. The calculations also suggest that the interaction between Ge and graphene layer can be enhanced with the decrease of the Ge coverage. Our results may supply a prototype for fabricating novel optoelectronic devices based on a QDs/graphene hybrid nanostructure.