[Characteristics of Microplastic Pollution in Sediment of Silty Coast in Culture Bay].

Microplastic pollution is a central issue of great concern in the current environmental field. Microplastic pollution in marine environmental media is widely reported, but the characteristics of microplastic pollution in deep sediments are rarely reported. Based on this, three sampling points were set up on the muddy coast near the Haizhou Bay, a typical aquaculture sea area, to analyze the characteristics of microplastic pollution in sediment column samples. The study showed that the abundance of microplastics in the sediments of the study area was(0.12 ± 0.07)n·g-1, which was at the medium pollution level. The total amount of microplastics in the sediment column was 3.43-6.00 times the abundance of microplastics in the surface sediment (5 cm). The abundance of microplastics in the sediment column samples showed regional differences. There was no significant difference in the abundance of microplastics in the sediment at different depths, but the index decreased with the increase in depth. The relationship between sediment moisture content, depth, and microplastics indicated that the abundance of microplastics in sediment was related to the physical properties of the sediment. Transparent and black microplastics accounted for the highest proportion in each station. Fiber was the most common form of microplastics in the sediment, and microplastics with small particle size accounted for the majority. The density of microplastics did not prevent its appearance in the sediment. The pollution characteristics of microplastics varied greatly in different depths of sediments.

The Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus Inputs to the Lateral Hypothalamus Trigger Nocifensive Behaviors.

The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) is known to play a key role in relaying noxious information from the spinal cord to the brain. Different LPBN efferent mediate different aspects of the nocifensive response. However, the function of the LPBN â†’ lateral hypothalamus (LH) circuit in response to noxious stimuli has remained unknown. Here, we show that LPBN â†’ LH circuit is activated by noxious stimuli. Interestingly, either activation or inhibition of this circuit induced analgesia. Optogenetic activation of LPBN afferents in the LH elicited spontaneous jumping and induced place aversion. Optogenetic inhibition inhibited jumping behavior to noxious heat. Ablation of LH glutamatergic neurons could abolish light-evoked analgesia and jumping behavior. Our study revealed a role for the LPBN â†’ LH pathway in nocifensive behaviors.

Exosomes from circ-Astn1-modified adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance wound healing through miR-138-5p/SIRT1/FOXO1 axis regulation.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing impairment is a dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia and its effect on endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is increasing evidence showing that exosomes (Exos) derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) exhibit the potential to improve endothelial cell function along with wound healing. However, the potential therapeutic mechanism by which ADSC Exos contribute to wound healing in diabetic mice remains unclear. AIM: To reveal the potential therapeutic mechanism of ADSC Exos in wound healing in diabetic mice. METHODS: Exos from ADSCs and fibroblasts were used for high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). ADSC-Exo-mediated healing of full-thickness skin wounds in a diabetic mouse model was investigated. We employed EPCs to investigate the therapeutic function of Exos in cell damage and dysfunction caused by high glucose (HG). We utilized a luciferase reporter (LR) assay to analyze interactions among circular RNA astrotactin 1 (circ-Astn1), sirtuin (SIRT) and miR-138-5p. A diabetic mouse model was used to verify the therapeutic effect of circ-Astn1 on Exo-mediated wound healing. RESULTS: High-throughput RNA-Seq analysis showed that circ-Astn1 expression was increased in ADSC Exos compared with Exos from fibroblasts. Exos containing high concentrations of circ-Astn1 had enhanced therapeutic effects in restoring EPC function under HG conditions by promoting SIRT1 expression. Circ-Astn1 expression enhanced SIRT1 expression through miR-138-5p adsorption, which was validated by the LR assay along with bioinformatics analyses. Exos containing high concentrations of circ-Astn1 had better therapeutic effects on wound healing in vivo compared to wild-type ADSC Exos. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical investigations suggested that circ-Astn1 enhanced angiopoiesis through Exo treatment of wounded skin as well as by suppressing apoptosis through promotion of SIRT1 and decreased forkhead box O1 expression. CONCLUSION: Circ-Astn1 promotes the therapeutic effect of ADSC-Exos and thus improves wound healing in diabetes via miR-138-5p absorption and SIRT1 upregulation. Based on our data, we advocate targeting the circ-Astn1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 axis as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Secondary Rhinaria Contribute to Major Sexual Dimorphism of Antennae in the Aphid Semiaphis heraclei (Takahashi).

Sexual generation is an important generation in the life cycle of host-alternating aphids, and its population size determines the intensity of the peak in the next spring. Although male trapping techniques based on olfactory stimuli have been successfully established in the field, the biological basis of olfactory perception in males is unclear. In this study, we compared the morphology of antennae and the types, sizes, numbers, and distribution of sensilla between males and sexual females in the host-alternating aphid Semiaphis heraclei (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We found that flagellum length differentiation contributed to the majority of the sexual dimorphism of antennae. Most sensillum types or subtypes, including trichoid sensilla subtype I, campaniform sensilla, and primary rhinaria subtypes I and II, were enlarged in males. In addition, males bore more trichoid sensilla subtype I than sexual females. In particular, secondary rhinaria were present in males only and could not be detected in sexual females. These results revealed the structural basis of male olfactory perception. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism underlying chemical communication between sexual aphids and could thus be useful for pest control.

Glutamate-aspartate transporter 1 attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced injury by promoting glutamate metabolism in primary cortical neurons.

Ischemic stroke is a common cerebral disease. However, the treatment for the disease is limited. Daurian ground squirrel (GS; Spermophilus dauricus), a hibernating mammalian species, is highly tolerant to ischemia. In the present study, GS neurons in a non-hibernating state were found to be more resistant to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an ischemic model in vitro. We leveraged the differences in the endurance capacity of GS and rats to investigate the mechanisms of resistance to ischemia in GS neurons. We first identified glutamate-aspartate transporter 1 (GLAST) as a cytoprotective factor that contributed to tolerance against OGD injury of GS neurons. The expression of GLAST in GS neurons was much higher than that in rat neurons. Overexpression of GLAST rescued viability in rat neurons, and GS neurons exhibited decreased viability following GLAST knockdown under OGD conditions. Mechanistically, more glutamate was transported into neurons after GLAST overexpression and served as substrates for ATP production. Furthermore, eukaryotic transcription initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 was downregulated by GLAST to rescue neuronal viability. Our findings not only revealed an important molecular mechanism underlying the survival of hibernating mammals but also suggested that neuronal GLAST may be a potential target for ischemic stroke therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment on keloid tumor immune gene expression.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been demonstrated to influence the keloid recurrence rate after surgery and to relieve keloid symptoms and other pathological processes in keloids. To explore the mechanism of the effect of HBOT on keloids, tumor immune gene expression and immune cell infiltration were studied in this work. METHODS: From February 2021 to April 2021, HBOT was carried out on keloid patients four times before surgery. Keloid tissue samples were collected and divided into an HBOT group (keloid with HBOT before surgery [HK] group, n = 6) and a non-HBOT group (K group, n = 6). Tumor gene expression was analyzed with an Oncomine Immune Response Research Assay kit. Data were mined with R package. The differentially expressed genes between the groups were compared. Hub genes between the groups were determined and verified with Quantitative Real-time PCR. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed based on CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm analysis of gene expression and verified with immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: Inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in the HK group. There were 178 upregulated genes and 217 downregulated genes. Ten hub genes were identified, including Integrin Subunit Alpha M (ITGAM), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-2, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type C (PTPRC), CD86, transforming growth factor (TGF), CD80, CTLA4, and IL-10. CD80, ITGAM, IL-4, and PTPRC with significantly downregulated expression were identified. IL-10 and IL-2 were upregulated in the HK group but without a significant difference. Infiltration differences of CD8 lymphocyte T cells, CD4 lymphocyte T-activated memory cells, and dendritic resting cells were identified with gene CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm analysis. Infiltration levels of CD4 lymphocyte T cell in the HK group were significantly higher than those of the K group in IHC verification. CONCLUSION: HBOT affected tumor gene expression and immune cell infiltration in keloids. CD4 lymphocyte T cell, especially activated memory CD4+T, might be the key regulatory immune cell, and its related gene expression needs further study.

[Indicator Function of Ragworm (Nereididae) on Sediment Microplastic in Haizhou Bay Intertidal Zone].

Sediment samples were collected from nine sites of three sections, in the intertidal zone of Haizhou bay in July 2018. The abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the sediments (and ragworms within the sediments) were then determined to identify the source of microplastics in ragworms, and to explore the effects of ragworms on microplastics in sediment. The average abundance of microplastics in tidal flat sediments was (0.49±0.17) n·g-1, which was at a high level in domestic offshore environmental studies. Among all the microplastics detected, the most common form and color were fiber and black-gray, respectively, and the materials were mainly polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), and polystyrene (PS). The detection rate of microplastics in ragworm was 77.78%-86.67%, with an average abundance of (6.68±2.21) n·ind-1; the abundance was significantly correlated with individual mass (r=0.42, P=0.002). The microplastic abundance was significantly higher in ragworms with individual mass over 1.5 g than in those with a mass of<0.5 g or 0.5-1 g (F3=141.029, P=0.000). In ragworms, microplastics were dominated by small black or blue fibers, and the main materials were PE and PET. By analyzing the various characteristics of microplastics with a particle size of 0-3 mm, it was found that the abundance of microplastics in sediments was strongly correlated with that in ragworms (r=0.79,P=0.01); the main form (r=0.90, P=0.035) and the material composition (r=0.73, P=0.024) also showed significant correlation between sediments and ragworms. This indicates that ragworms ingest microplastics in the sedimentary environment and exchange the microplastics with the sediments. Therefore, ragworms can be used as an indicator species of microplastic pollution in sediments.

A parasternal intercostal perforator flap for esthetic reconstruction after complete chest keloid resection: A retrospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the outcome of 35 patients with chest keloids who were treated with intercostal perforator flap surgery plus local radiotherapy at our hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with chest keloid who under surgical resection at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China between March 2014 and July 2017. We retrieved patient demographic data, donor site position, the perforator pedicle, flap size, angle of flap rotation, complications, and recurrences from the medical records. All patients underwent perforator flap surgery for complete keloid resection followed by radiation at postoperative day 1 and 8 for a total dose 16-18 Gy. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the retrospective analysis. Their mean age was 45.3 years (range 24-67 years). The mean keloid area was 5-7 cm × 6-10 cm. Surgeries were successful in all cases. There were no perioperative complications. Good outcome with no apparent scar growth was achieved in 88.6% of the cases, and 11.4% of the cases achieved satisfactory outcome with partial scar growth in the incision, but no keloid was observed. Twenty-four months after surgery, none of the resected keloids recurred and none of the donor sites developed new keloids. CONCLUSION: Intercostal perforator flap surgery is an effective and safe approach for repair of wound formed as a result of excision of relatively large chest keloids which cannot be directly appositioned.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the effect of keloid surgery and radiotherapy by reducing the recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVE: Keloids are exuberant cutaneous scars that form due to abnormal growth of fibrous tissue following an injury. The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to reduce the keloid recurrence rate after surgical excision and radiotherapy. METHODS: (1) A total of 240 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the HBOT group (O group) received HBOT after surgical excision and radiotherapy. Patients in the other group were treated with only surgical excision and radiotherapy (K group). (2) Scar tissue from recurrent patients was collected after a second operation. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe keloid morphology. Certain inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 (IL-6), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) were measured using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: (1) The recurrence rate of the O group (5.97%) was significantly lower than that of the K group (14.15%), P<0.05. Moreover, patients in the O group reported greater satisfaction than those in the K group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with the recurrent scar tissue of the K group, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors were lower in the recurrent scar tissue of the O group. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive HBOT effectively reduces the keloid recurrence rate after surgical excision and radiotherapy by improving the oxygen level of the tissue and alleviating the inflammatory process.

Resection and repair of large abdominal wall lesions in gynecologic patients.

BACKGROUND: The techniques of resection and repair of large lesions in the abdominal wall are very challenging in the area of gynecology. We explored the techniques of resection and plastic surgical repair of large abdominal wall lesions in gynecologic patients. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with large lesions in the abdominal wall underwent resection by the gynecologists and repair through abdominal plasty and V-Y plasty with or without fascia patch grafting by the gynecologists or plastic surgeons from March 2003 to October 2010. RESULTS: All patients had a history of cesarean section. One patient had an infected sinus tract after cesarean section, one patient had an inflammatory nodule, and the others had lesions of endometriosis, including one cancer. The average largest lesion diameter was (4.79 ± 4.18) cm according to the ultrasonography results. The lesions of all patients were completely resected with pretty abdominal contour. A polypropylene biological mesh was added to the fascia in 20 patients. One patient underwent groin flap repair, and one underwent V-Y advanced skin flap repair on the left of the incision to relieve the suture tension. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-department cooperation involving the gynecology and plastic surgery departments, and even the general surgery department, is essential for patients with large lesions in the abdominal wall. This cooperative effort enabled surgeons to completely resect large lesions. Abdominal wall plastic surgical repair can ameliorate large wounds of the abdominal wall.

Site-specific pathology in breast reduction mammoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of site-specific pathology in breast reduction mammoplasty. METHODS: Totally 127 patients who underwent breast reduction mammoplasty from June 2007 to June 2010 were included. Pathologic specimens were sent for frozen pathology according to the clock-wise method. Patients with confirmed cancer were arranged for conservative breast surgery. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients, 53 patients (41.7%) had gland hyperplasia; 7 had fibroadenoma (5.5%); 1 (0.79%) had ductal carcinoma in situ, who underwent breast conserving surgery, following by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, no relapse was noted during the three-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Clock-wise method is useful to locate the tumor and ensure the patients to receive skin-spared breast resection even cancer is detected.

Mini-abdominoplasty combined with mesh used for abdominal wall endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Wide excision is considered the treatment of endometriosis. It is difficult to surgeon for reconstruction of a large full-thickness defect through the abdominal-wall. We introduce a method of mini-abdominoplasty combined with mesh that can be used for reconstruction of a large full-thickness defect through the abdominal-wall after wide excision of abdominal wall endometriosis. METHODS: This retrospective study includes a series of patients who underwent wide excision of abdominal wall endometriosis and reconstruction of a large full-thickness defect through the abdominal-wall over a 5-year period. Information obtained from chart reviews includes age, size of lesion and defect, complications and revisions. RESULTS: The method was used for 8 patients including 2 patients with recurrence. The mean size of the masses was (3.5 ± 2.0) cm. The mean size of the fascia defects was 7.1 cm × 8.6 cm. The mean length of follow-up was (24 ± 12) months. There was no recurrence, no hernia, and no other complications. The technique generated only a horizontal scar. The scar and contour of the lower abdomen provided a more pleasant appearance than the traditional procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-abdominoplasty combined with mesh is a useful and acceptable reconstruction method for large full-thickness defects through the abdominal wall after endometriosis resection. It is feasible for wide excision with 1 cm normal tissues around the margin. It provides an aesthetically pleasing result.

[Application of melanocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineered skin construction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the method of constructing tissue-engineered skin using melanocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vivo. METHODS: Melanocytes were isolated from human foreskin. BMSCs were isolated from human bone marrow. Both of them were co-cultured at a ratio of 1:10, and then were implanted into the collagen membrane to construct the tissue-engineered skin, which was applied for wound repair in nude mice. The effectiveness of wound repair and the distribution of melanocytes were evaluated by morphological observation, in vivo 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride (DAPI) fluorescent staining tracing, HE staining, S-100 immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The wounds were satisfactorily repaired among the nude mice. The melanocytes were distributed in the skin with normal structure, as confirmed by DAPI fluorescent staining tracing, HE staining, S-100 immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Melanocytes and BMSCs, after proper in vitro culture at an appropriate ratio, can construct the tissue-engineered skin with I type collagen membrane.

[Application of abdominoplasty and polypropylene to repair the abdominal defect].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a operation method of repairing the abdominal defect with abdominoplasty and polypropylene. METHODS: 27 patients were treated with abdominoplasty and polypropylene. RESULTS: Follow up 3 - 20 months, the focus in inferior abdominal wall were removed thoroughly. The incision is cure with A level. No weakness, bulk, hernia and complication occur in the abdominal wall. CONCLUSIONS: The method of repairing the abdominal defect with abdominoplasty and polypropylene is a good method. It is a simple method. Its' result is relied.

[Analysis of Millard II technique for correcting secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the Millard II technique for correcting secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip. METHODS: The Millard II technique was used to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip in 42 patients from March of 2003 to September of 2004. Dissection was made between the alar cartilage and skin, and the alar cartilage was suspended. RESULTS: The postoperative follow-ups with 3 approximately 6 months revealed good results of the symmetrical nostrils and philtrums, prolonged columella nasi, good-shaped cupid's bow, and invisible scar. CONCLUSIONS: The Millard II technique could be an ideal method to correct secondary deformities of unilateral cleft lip. Releasing and suspending alar cartilage spontaneously at the same time can correct nasal deformity adequately.

[Preventive effect of chitosan on capsular contracture after implantation of silicone gel-filled mammary implants in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the preventive effect of chitosan on capsular contracture after implantation of silicone gel-filled mammary implants in rats. METHODS: 18 SD female rats were divided into three groups randomly. Small silicone gel-filled mammary implants were implanted under each side of latissimus dorsi muscle. Chitosan was injected into left cavities as experimental sides, and nothing was injected into right cavities as control sides. 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperation, specimens were dissected and observed using light microscope, and area density of collagen both type I and type III were also detected. RESULTS: Fibrous capsules around implants consist of two layers: dense layer and loose layer. 4 weeks postoperation, total thickness of the experimental sides was less than that of the control sides (P < 0.01). Area density of collagen either type I or type III of the experimental sides was lower than that of the control sides (P < 0.01). Both 8 and 12 weeks postoperation, total thickness of the experimental sides was less than that of the control sides (P < 0.05). Area density of collagen type I of the experimental sides was lower than that of the control sides (P < 0.05). Area density of collagen type III was of no statistical difference between the experimental sides and the control sides (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan can remarkably prevent capsule contracture during the early period after implantation of silicone gel-filled mammary implants.

[Repairment of the large wound of endometriosis in the abdominal wall].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the plastic surgical repairment of the large wound of endometriosis in the abdominal wall. METHOD: Since March 2003 to December 2004, 6 patients were treated with abdominoplasty and V-Y plasty for the wounds of the endometriosis in the abdominal wall. RESULTS: The endometriotic foci were removed thoroughly with pretty abdominal contour. No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Abdominoplasty and V-Y plasty are good methods to repair the wounds of the endometriosis in the abdominal wall.