Advancing the Frontiers of Neuroelectrodes: A Paradigm Shift towards Enhanced Biocompatibility and Electrochemical Performance.

The aim of this study is the fabrication of unprecedented neuroelectrodes, replete with exceptional biological and electrical attributes. Commencing with the synthesis of polyethylene glycol and polyethyleneimine-modified iron oxide nanoparticles, the grafting of Dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine was embarked upon to generate DMPC-SPION nanoparticles. Subsequently, the deposition of DMPC-SPIONs onto a nickel-chromium alloy electrode facilitated the inception of an innovative neuroelectrode-DMPC-SPION. A meticulous characterization of DMPC-SPIONs ensued, encompassing zeta potential, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Evaluations pertaining to hemolysis and cytotoxicity were conducted to ascertain the biocompatibility and biosafety of DMPC-SPIONs. Ultimately, a comprehensive assessment of the biocompatibility, electrochemical properties, and electrophysiological signal acquisition capabilities of DMPC-SPION neuroelectrodes was undertaken. These findings conclusively affirm the exemplary biocompatibility, electrochemical capabilities, and outstanding capability in recording electrical signals of DMPC-SPION neuroelectrodes, with an astounding 91.4% augmentation in electrode charge and a noteworthy 13% decline in impedance, with peak potentials reaching as high as 171 µV and an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 15.92. Intriguingly, the novel DMPC-SPION neuroelectrodes herald an innovative pathway towards injury repair as well as the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Increasing the Particle Size and Magnetic Property of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles through a Segregated Nucleation and Growth Process.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) with good water dispersibility were prepared by the thermal decomposition of iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) in the high-boiling organic solvent polyethylene glycol (PEG) using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a modifier. The nucleation and growth processes of the crystals were separated during the reaction process by batch additions of the reaction material, which could inhibit the nucleation but maintain the crystal growth, and products with larger particle sizes and high saturation magnetization were obtained. The method of batch addition of the reactant prepared IONs with the largest particle size and the highest saturation magnetization compared with IONs reported using PEG as the reaction solvent. The IONs prepared by this method also retained good water dispersibility. Therefore, these IONs are potentially suitable for the magnetic separation of cells, proteins, or nucleic acids when large magnetic responses are needed.

A 3D-Printed Scaffold for Repairing Bone Defects.

The treatment of bone defects has always posed challenges in the field of orthopedics. Scaffolds, as a vital component of bone tissue engineering, offer significant advantages in the research and treatment of clinical bone defects. This study aims to provide an overview of how 3D printing technology is applied in the production of bone repair scaffolds. Depending on the materials used, the 3D-printed scaffolds can be classified into two types: single-component scaffolds and composite scaffolds. We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of material composition, the characteristics of 3D printing, performance, advantages, disadvantages, and applications for each scaffold type. Furthermore, based on the current research status and progress, we offer suggestions for future research in this area. In conclusion, this review acts as a valuable reference for advancing the research in the field of bone repair scaffolds.

The Protective Effects of Mogroside V Against Neuronal Damages by Attenuating Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Upregulating Sirtuin3.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are thought to play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mogroside V (MV), extracted from Siraitia grosvenorii, exhibits antioxidant-like activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of MV in neuroprotection in PD and to reveal its mechanism of action. To that end, we firstly set up mice models of PD with unilateral striatum injection of 0.25 mg/kg rotenone (Rot) and co-treated with 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg MV by gavage. Results showed that Rot-induced motor impairments and dopaminergic neuronal damage were reversed by treatment of 10 mg/kg MV. Then, we established cellular models of PD using Rot-treated SH-SY5Y cells, which were divided into six groups, including control, Rot, and co-enzyme Q10 (CQ10), as well as MV groups, MV25, MV50, and MV100 treated with 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM MV doses, respectively. Results demonstrated that MV effectively attenuates Rot neurotoxicity through a ROS-related intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. MV reduced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), recovered the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increased the oxygen consumption rate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, treatment with MV led to a reduction in the number of apoptotic cells, as reflected by Annexin-V/propidium iodide co-staining using flow cytometry and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. In addition, the Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) protein level and activity were decreased upon exposure to Rot both in substantia nigra (SN) of mice and SH-SY5Y cells. SIRT3 impairment hyperacetylated a key mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). MV alleviates SIRT3 and SOD2 molecular changes. However, after successfully inhibiting SIRT3 by its specific inhibitor 3-1H-1, 2, 3-triazol-4-yl pyridine (3TYP), MV was not able to reduce ROS levels, reverse abnormal MMP, or decrease apoptotic cells. Motor impairments and dopaminergic neuronal injury in the SN were alleviated with the oral administration of MV in Rot-treated PD mice, indicating a relationship between protection against defective motility and preservation of dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, we conclude that MV can alleviate Rot-induced neurotoxicity in a PD model, and that SIRT3 may be an important regulator in the protection of MV.

Gentiopicroside promotes the osteogenesis of bone mesenchymal stem cells by modulation of ß-catenin-BMP2 signalling pathway.

Osteoporosis is characterized by increased bone fragility, and the drugs used at present to treat osteoporosis can cause adverse reactions. Gentiopicroside (GEN), a class of natural compounds with numerous biological activities such as anti-resorptive properties and protective effects against bone loss. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the effect of GEN on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) osteogenesis for a potential osteoporosis therapy. In vitro, BMSCs were exposed to GEN at different doses for 2 weeks, whereas in vivo, ovariectomized osteoporosis was established in mice and the therapeutic effect of GEN was evaluated for 3 months. Our results in vitro showed that GEN promoted the activity of alkaline phosphatase, increased the calcified nodules in BMSCs and up-regulated the osteogenic factors (Runx2, OSX, OCN, OPN and BMP2). In vivo, GEN promoted the expression of Runx2, OCN and BMP2, increased the level of osteogenic parameters, and accelerated the osteogenesis of BMSCs by activating the BMP pathway and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, effect that was inhibited using the BMP inhibitor Noggin and Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitor DKK1. Silencing the ß-catenin gene and BMP2 gene blocked the osteogenic differentiation induced by GEN in BMSCs. This block was also observed when only ß-catenin was silenced, although the knockout of BMP2 did not affect ß-catenin expression induced by GEN. Therefore, GEN promotes BMSC osteogenesis by regulating ß-catenin-BMP signalling, providing a novel strategy in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Injectable gelatin microspheres loaded with platelet rich plasma improve wound healing by regulating early inflammation.

We investigated the potential of gelatin microspheres (GMs) loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance their wound healing effect. Platelets from the PRP were immobilized onto GMs to form biomimetic bioreactor GM+PRP. The therapeutic effect of this agent was further investigated in vivo on a wound-healing model in rats. Wounds were locally injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), GM, PRP, and GM+PRP. Wound healing rate, vessel density, and inflammation level were measured histologically, by RT-PCR, and by Western blotting at days 3, 7, 14, and 21. Platelets on GM caused a continuous high release in both interleukin-10 and metalloproteinase-3 compared with PRP alone. Both GM+PRP and PRP successfully accelerated the wound healing process, while GM alone did not improve the wound healing process compared with the untreated control. Wounds treated with GM+PRP resulted in shorter healing period and improved dermal structure. GM+PRP improved angiogenesis in the wound by increasing expression of angiogenic factors. GM+PRP prolonged and enhanced the cytokine release profile compared with PRP. By promoting the inflammatory and angiogenic responses, GM+PRP has the potential to improve wound healing. Our findings demonstrate that GMs are an injectable carrier that enhanced the therapeutic effects of PRP.

Neuroprotective effect of magnesium supplementation on cerebral ischemic diseases.

Ischemic encephalopathy is associated with a high mortality and rate of disability. The most common type of ischemic encephalopathy, ischemic stroke, is the second leading cause of death in the world. At present, the main treatment for ischemic stroke is to reopen blocked blood vessels. However, despite revascularization, many patients are not able to achieve good functional results. At the same time, the strict time window (<4.5 h) of thrombolytic therapy limits clinical application. Therefore, it is important to explore effective neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Magnesium is a natural calcium antagonist, which exerts neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms. However, while most basic studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can help treat cerebral ischemia, intravenous magnesium supplementation in large clinical trials has failed to improve prognosis of ischemic patients. Therefore, we review the basic and clinical studies of magnesium supplementation for cerebral ischemia. According to the route of administration, treatment can be divided into intraperitoneal magnesium supplementation, intravenous magnesium supplementation, arterial magnesium supplementation and intracranial magnesium supplementation. We also summarized the potential influencing factors of magnesium ion intervention in cerebral ischemia injury. Finally, in combination with influencing factors derived from basic research, this article proposes three future research directions, including magnesium supplementation into the circulatory system combined with magnesium supplementation in the lateral ventricle, magnesium supplementation in the lateral ventricle combined with hypothermia therapy, and lateral ventricle magnesium supplementation combined with intracarotid magnesium supplementation combined with selective hypothermia.

Transanal and transabdominal combined endoscopic resection of rectal stenosis and anal reconstruction based on transanal endoscopic technique.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a method for the resection of the rectal anastomotic stenosis and anal reconstruction based on the transanal endoscopic technique through a transanal and transabdominal combined endoscopic resection, and to verify its clinical effectiveness. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with anastomotic stenosis were admitted to the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China, from January 2016 to September 2019. Patients were divided into an experimental group (17 patients) and a control group (21 patients) subjected to the removal of the intestinal stenosis followed by anal reconstruction, they underwent transanal and transabdominal endoscopic surgery and traditional transabdominal surgery, respectively. Data on intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative recovery, and prognosis were collected. RESULTS: (1) The median intraoperative blood loss was approximately 100 ml, without conversion to laparotomy during the surgery and intraoperative complications. The safety of the surgical operation was improved. (2) The operation time was shortened compared to previous reports, and the median operative time was 193 min. The average time of transanal endoscopic dissociation to the retroperitoneal fold was 76 min. (3) Laparoscopic assistance was carried out on 14 of the17 patients, and the incision was reduced. (4) The short-term curative effect was quite satisfactory, without permanent stoma. The average time to recover food intake after the surgery was 1.5 days. The average ambulation time was 3 days. Within 30 days after the surgery, one case suffered anastomotic leakage and then underwent refunctioning stoma through a second surgery. One patient suffered from intestinal obstruction, and the condition was improved through a conservative treatment. One case experienced delayed abdominal wound healing. CONCLUSION: The transanal and transabdominal endoscopic resection of the rectal anastomotic stenosis and anal reconstruction reduced the difficulty of the surgery, improved its safety, shortened the operation time, decreased the operative complications, and enabled patients to recover well after surgery.

1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine promotes the adhesion of nanoparticles to bio-membranes and transport in rat brain.

1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) coated on the surface of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) has advantages in neurotherapy and drug delivery. In this study, the surface of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-SPIONs was modified with DMPC, then PVP-SPIONs and DMPC/PVP-SPIONs were co-incubated with rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells to observe the effect of DMPC on the distribution of SPIONs in cells, and further PVP-SPIONs and DMPC/PVP-SPIONs were implanted into the substantia nigra of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by stereotaxic injection, and the brain tissues were removed at both twenty-four hours and seven days after injection. The distribution and transport of nanoparticles in the substantia nigra in vivo were explored in these different time periods. The results show that DMPC/PVP-SPIONs were effectively distributed on the membranes of axons, as well as dendritic and myelin sheaths. The attachment of nanoparticles to bio-membranes in the brain could result from similar phospholipid structures of DMPC and the membranes. In addition, DMPC/PVP-SPIONs were transported in the brain faster than those without DMPC. In vitro experiments found that DMPC/PVP-SPIONs enter cells more easily. These characteristics of iron oxide nanoparticles that are modified by phospholipids lead to potential applications in drug delivery or activating neuron membrane channels.

The immuno-reactivity of polypseudorotaxane functionalized magnetic CDMNP-PEG-CD nanoparticles.

pH-magnetic dual-responsive nanocomposites have been widely used in drug delivery and gene therapy. Recently, a polypseudorotaxane functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) was developed by synthesizing the magnetic nanoparticles with cyclodextrin (CD) molecules (CDMNP) via polyethylene glycol (PEG) (CDMNP-PEG-CD). The purpose of this study was to explore the antigenicity and immunogenicity of the nanoparticles in vivo prior to their further application explorations. Here, nanoparticles were assessed in vivo for retention, bio-distribution and immuno-reactivity. The results showed that, once administered intravenously, CDMNP-PEG-CD induced a temporary blood monocyte response and was cleared effectively from the body through the urine system in mice. The introduction of ß-CD and PEG/ß-CD polypseudorotaxane on SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (SOMNP) limited particle intramuscular dispersion after being injected into mouse gastrocnemius muscle (GN), which led to the prolonged local inflammation and muscle toxicity by CDMNP and CDMNP-PEG-CD. In addition, T cells were found to be more susceptible for ß-CD-modified CDMNP; however, polypseudorotaxane modification partially attenuated ß-CD-induced T cell response in the implanted muscle. Our results suggested that CDMNP-PEG-CD nanoparticles or the decomposition components have potential to prime antigen-presenting cells and to break the muscle autoimmune tolerance.

The AKT inhibitor MK2206 suppresses airway inflammation and the pro­remodeling pathway in a TDI­induced asthma mouse model.

The cellular and molecular mechanisms via which MK2206, an AKT inhibitor, prevents the activation of AKT in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)­induced asthma remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of MK2206 on airway AKT activation, inflammation and remodeling in a TDI­induced mouse model of asthma. A total of 24 BALB/c mice were selected and randomly divided into untreated (AOO), asthma (TDI), MK2206 (TDI + MK2206), and dexamethasone (TDI + DEX) groups. Phosphorylated AKT (p­AKT), total AKT, airway remodeling indices, α­smooth muscle actin (α­SMA) and collagen I levels in pulmonary tissue were measured using western blotting. Airway inflammation factors, including interleukin (IL)­4, ­5, ­6, and ­13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and IgE in serum, were determined using ELISA. Additionally, the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and pulmonary pathology of all groups were evaluated. The results of the present study demonstrated that p­AKT levels in lung protein lysate were upregulated, and neutrophil, eosinophil and lymphocyte counts were increased in the lungs obtained from the asthma group compared with the AOO group. Both MK2206 and DEX treatment in TDI­induced mice resulted not only in the attenuation of AKT phosphorylation, but also reductions in neutrophil, eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in the lungs of mice in the asthma group. Consistently, increases in the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL­4, ­5, ­6 and ­13 analyzed in BALF, and serum IgE in the TDI group were demonstrated to be attenuated in the TDI + MK2206 and TDI + DEX groups. Furthermore, α­SMA and AHR were significantly attenuated in the TDI + MK2206 group compared with the TDI group. These results revealed that MK2206 not only inhibited AKT activation, but also served a role in downregulating airway inflammation and airway remodeling in chemical­induced asthma. Therefore, the findings of the present study may provide important insight into further combination therapy.

Scoparone alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of scoparone (SCO) in hepatic fibrosis. For this, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo rats that were divided into six groups, control, carbon tetrachloride, and colchicine, as well as SCO groups, SCO50, SCO100, and SCO200 treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg SCO doses, respectively. Furthermore, SCO was shown to inhibit Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB; TLR-4/NF-κB) signals by inhibiting TLR-4, which in turn downregulates the expression of MyD88, promotes NF-κB inhibitor-α, NF-κB inhibitor-ß, and NF-κB inhibitor-ε activation, while inhibiting NF-κB inhibitor-ζ. Subsequently, the decrease of phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB levels leads to the downregulation of the downstream inflammatory factors' tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 beta, thus weakening hepatic fibrosis. Notably, the SCO200 treated group presented the most significant improvement. Hence, we conclude that SCO alleviates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting TLR-4/NF-κB signals.

Systemic inflammatory indices predict tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Systemic inflammatory responses are associated with the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. However, the value in predicting tumor responses to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) remains to be elucidated. The current study aimed to investigate the association between systemic inflammatory indices and pathological complete response (pCR). The training and validation cohorts included 225 and 96 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were recorded prior to nCRT and radical surgery. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate the association between systemic inflammatory indices and pCR. Systemic inflammatory indices prior to or following treatment had no significant association with pCR; however, the percentage change in NLR from pre-nCRT to post-nCRT was associated with a poor response, and a percentage change of >21.5% NLR (P=0.006; OR=0.413; 95% CI=0.22-0.773) was a predictor of poor pCR. Therefore, in rectal cancer, the percentage change in NLR from pre- to post-nCRT was found to be a predictor of poor pCR.

Photothermal therapy technology of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. The current treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are ineffective and the bottleneck problem. It is of significance to explore effective new therapeutic strategies to eradicate mCRC. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging technology for tumor therapy, with the potential in the treatment of mCRC. In this review, the current treatment approaches to mCRC including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy interventional therapy, biotherapy, and photothermal therapy are reviewed. In addition, we will focus on the various kinds of nanomaterials used in PTT for the treatment of CRC both in vitro and in vivo models. In conclusion, we will summarize the combined application of PTT with other theranostic methods, and propose future research directions of PTT in the treatment of CRC.

Three-dimensional printing of patient-specific plates for the treatment of acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral plate disruption.

BACKGROUND: Complicated acetabular fractures comprise the most challenging field for orthopedists. The purpose of this study was to develop three-dimensional printed patient-specific (3DPPS) Ti-6Al-4 V plates to treat complicated acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral plate (QLP) disruption and to evaluate their efficacy. METHODS: Fifty patients with acetabular fractures involving QLP disruption were selected between January 2016 and June 2017. Patients were divided into a control group (Group A, 35 patients) and an experimental group (Group B, 15 patients), and were treated by the conventional method of shaping reconstruction plates or with 3DPPS Ti-6AL-4 V plates, respectively. The efficacy of Ti-6AL-4 V plates was evaluated by blood loss, operative time, reduction quality, postoperative residual displacement, and complications. RESULTS: The operative time and blood loss in Group B were reduced compared to Group A, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in reduction quality between the two groups (P > 0.05). Reduction quality in Group B was anatomic in 10 (66.7%), satisfactory in four (26.7%), and poor in one (6.7%). In Group A, they were anatomic in 18 (51.4%), satisfactory in 13 (37.1%), and poor in four (11.4%). Residual displacement in Group B was less than that in Group A, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In Group B, one case exhibited loosening of the pubic screw postoperatively. In Group A, there was one case of wound infection, one of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the ipsilateral lower limb, one case of traumatic arthritis and two obturator nerve injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The 3DPPS Ti-6AL-4 V plate is a feasible, accurate and effective implant for acetabular fracture treatment.

Targeting and imaging colorectal cancer by activatable cell-penetrating peptides.

While it has been a great challenge to determine the positive status of metastasis lesions, intraoperative tumor imaging, which can show tumor localization and facilitate intraoperative staging of nodal metastases, have enabled surgeons to quickly and accurately perform radical resections. However, to date, there is no accurate method for evaluating nodal status intraoperatively. In this study, we synthesized activatable cell-penetrating peptides (ACPPs) that can specifically recognize colorectal cancer and their nodal status. ACPPs were labeled with Cy5 dye at the C-terminal, and named ACPP-Cy5. Laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to measure the change in intracellular fluorescence intensity between cancer cells and normal cells. The results showed while the intracellular Cy5 fluorescent intensity can be visualized in both cancer and normal cells by 8 h after adding ACPP-Cy5, the relative fluorescence intensity of colorectal cancer cells was significantly higher than the normal cells. In addition, IVIS spectrum in vivo imaging system was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of ACPP-Cy5 after tail vein injection of mice with subcutaneous tumor or orthotopic colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. We found in mice with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis the Cy5 fluorescence intensity of cancer was significantly increased compared to the organs including liver, colorectum, lung, spleen, and heart. It is demonstrated here, this ACPPs can target colorectal cancer and liver metastasis, therefore ACPP-Cy5 may be a promising tool used for the diagnoses of colorectal cancer and to assist in tumor localization during surgery.

Bmi deficiency causes oxidative stress and intervertebral disc degeneration which can be alleviated by antioxidant treatment.

The transcriptional repressor Bmi-1 is involved in cell-cycle regulation and cell senescence, the deficiency of which has been shown to cause oxidative stress. This study investigated whether Bmi-1 deficiency plays a role in promoting disc degeneration and the effect of treatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on intervertebral disc degeneration. Bmi-1-/- mice were treated with the antioxidant NAC, supplied in drinking water (Bmi-1-/- +NAC). For in vitro experiments, mouse intervertebral discs were cultured under low oxygen tension and serum-limiting conditions in the presence of tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1ß in order to mimic degenerative insult. Disc metabolism parameters in these in vitro and in vivo studies were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Bmi-1-/- mice showed lower collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan levels and higher collagen Ⅹ levels than wild-type and Bmi-1-/- +NAC mice. Bmi-1-/- mice showed significantly lower superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, SOD-2, glutathione peroxidase (GPX)-1 and GPX-3 levels than their wild-type littermates and Bmi-1-/- + NAC mice. Relative to Bmi-1-/- mice, the control and Bmi-1-/- +NAC mice showed significantly lower p16, p21, and p53 levels. These results demonstrate that Bmi-1 plays an important role in attenuating intervertebral disc degeneration in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

Pure perforator free sensory proximal ulnar artery perforator flap for resurfacing hand defects.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was performed to investigate the distribution of proximal ulnar artery perforating vessels through three-dimensional blood vessel reconstruction and examine the presence and consistency of the perforating vessels intraoperatively. METHODS: For anatomical guidance, three-dimensional blood vessel reconstruction was performed to determine the consistent presence of perforating vessels in the proximal ulnar artery. A free proximal ulnar artery perforator flap was then transferred in 17 patients to resurface skin defects on the hands. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to identify and mark the perforating vessels. Intraoperative evaluation was conducted to check for anastomosis of the perforating vessels at the marked sites and assess the vessel anastomosis conditions. RESULTS: No vascular crisis, flap necrosis, or wound infection occurred after surgery in 15 patients. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6 to 36 months. The appearance of the flap was satisfactory, the texture of the flap was soft, sensation was well restored, and hand function was not limited. The mean two-point discrimination of the flap was 7.6 ± 2.2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Free sensory proximal ulnar artery perforator flap transfer is a safe and reliable surgical technique with respect to restoration of both the appearance and sensory function of the hand.

Polysaccharides from Dicliptera chinensis ameliorate liver disturbance by regulating TLR-4/NF-κB and AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathways.

The purpose of this study was to alleviate liver disturbance by applying polysaccharides from Dicliptera chinensis (DCP) to act on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/ nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/ Nrf2) oxidative stress pathway and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)/ nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway and to establish an in vivo liver disturbance model using male C57BL/6J and TLR-4 knockout (-/- ) mice. For this, we evaluated the expression levels of SREBP-1 and Nrf2 after silencing the expression of AMPK using siRNA technology. Our results show that with regard to the TLR-4/ NF-κB inflammatory pathway, DCP inhibits TLR-4, up-regulates the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), reduces the expression of phospho(p)-NF-κB and leads to the reduction of downstream inflammatory factors, such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response. Regarding the AMPK/ Nrf2 oxidative stress pathway, DCP up-regulates the expression of p-AMPK and Nrf2, in addition to regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and ameliorating liver disturbance symptoms. In summary, our study shows that DCP alleviates liver disturbances by inhibiting mechanisms used during liver inflammation and oxidative stress depression, which provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of liver disturbance.

The Expression of GLAST and GLT1 in a Transient Cerebral Ischemia Mongolian Gerbil Model.

PURPOSE: Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) have an indispensable function in the reuptake of extracellular glutamate. To investigate the relationship and the expression of neuronal and astrocytic markers after brain ischemia, the temporal profile of glial EAATs in both peripheral and core regions of the cortex was examined. METHODS: Transient common carotid artery occlusion was used to induce unilateral transient forebrain ischemia of Mongolian gerbils, and post-ischemic brains (6 h to 2 w) were collected and prepared for immunohistochemical and Western blotting analysis of glutamine synthetase (GS), GLT-1, GLAST, S100ß, and NeuN, and for Alizarin red staining of calcium deposits. RESULTS: The expression of GLAST and GLT-1 were significantly escalated at 6 h both in the core and periphery regions, while reduced from 12 h to 2 w in the core region post-ischemia. GS-positive cells increased at 6 h both in the core and periphery regions, while the density of Alizarin red-positive cells increased and peaked at 12 h in the ischemic cortex. The density of S100ß-positive cells decreased in the ischemic core and increased in the periphery region. Immunofluorescence staining showed that S100ß and TUNEL double-positive cells increased at 12 h in the core region. CONCLUSION: The results of GLT-1 and GLAST expression in the cortex indicate that their up-regulation was time-dependent and occurred in the acute post-ischemia period, whereas their down-regulation was region-dependent and it is involved in the pathological progress of nerve cell and glial cell death, and has a series of cascade reactions.