Uptake patterns for nitrogen and sulfur source by aquatic plants and various nitrogen acquisition strategies: Affected by mining activities.

Understanding the nitrogen and sulfur uptake strategies of mine plants, including sources and preferences for nitrogen forms (ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) vs nitrate nitrogen (NO3-)), is critical to improving understanding of the role of plants in participating in the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and sulfur in mining areas. In this study, the stable N and S isotopic compositions of two species of aquatic plants (calamus and reed) in Linhuan mining area were analyzed to determine their absorption strategies for different nitrogen and sulfur sources. The results showed that river water was the largest source of nitrogen and sulfur, contributing 54.6% and 53.9% respectively. NO3- is the main form of nitrogen uptake by reed and calamus, followed by NH4+. In order to adapt to the change of nitrogen form in the environment, reed and calamus tend to absorb and utilize NO3- to maintain their absorption of nitrogen. Mine effluents from mining activities provide at least 12.9% and 16.8% sulfate to reed and calamus respectively, and the effect of mine effluents on reed and calamus sulfur has been underestimated. This study reveals the key factors controlling plant isotope composition, and the use of nitrogen and sulfur isotope composition of aquatic plants can help quantify the level of influence of mining activities, and understand the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen and sulfur in mining areas.

Drugs targeting TGF-ß/Notch interaction attenuate hypertrophic scar formation by optic atrophy 1-mediated mitochondrial fusion.

Hypertrophic scar (HS) formation is a cutaneous fibroproliferative disease that occurs after skin injuries and results in severe functional and esthetic disability. To date, few drugs have shown satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of HS formation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß)/Notch interaction via small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) could facilitate HS formation; therefore, targeting TGF-ß/ Notch interaction via Smad3 is a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate HS formation. In addition, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1)-mediated mitochondrial fusion contributes to fibroblast proliferation, and TGF-ß/Smad3 axis and the Notch1 pathway facilitate OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether drugs targeting TGF-ß/Notch interaction via Smad3 suppressed fibroblast proliferation to attenuate HS formation through OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. We found that the TGF-ß pathway, Notch pathway, and TGF-ß/Notch interaction via Smad3 were inhibited by pirfenidone, the gamma- secretase inhibitor DAPT, and SIS3 in human keloid fibroblasts (HKF) and an HS rat model, respectively. Protein interaction was detected by co-immunoprecipitation, and mitochondrial morphology was determined by electron microscopy. Our results indicated that pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 suppressed the proliferation of HKFs and attenuated HS formation in the HS rat model by inhibiting TGF-ß/Notch interaction via Smad3. Moreover, pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 hindered OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion through inhibiting TGF-ß/Notch interaction, thereby suppressing the proliferation of HS fibroblasts and HS formation. In summary, these findings investigating the effects of drugs targeting TGF-ß/Notch interaction on HS formation might lead to novel drugs for the treatment of HS formation.

Quantitative identification of nitrate and sulfate sources of a multiple land-use area impacted by mine drainage.

The rapid increase in urbanization and intensive coal mining activities have accelerated the deterioration of surface water quality. Environmental problems caused by the accumulation of nitrate and sulfate from natural, urban, and agricultural sources have attracted extensive attention. Information on nitrate and sulfate sources and their transformations is crucial for understanding the nitrogen and sulfur cycles in surface water. In this study, we monitored nitrate and sulfate in three representative rivers in mining cities in northern China. The main pollution sources and biogeochemical processes were identified by using stable isotopes (δD, δ18OH2O, δ15N, δ18ONO3, δ34S and δ18OSO4) and hydrochemistry. The contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources was quantitatively estimated based on a Bayesian mixed model. The results indicated a large variation in sulfate and nitrate sources between the different rivers. Nitrate in the Tuohe River mainly derived from manure/sewage (57.9%) and soil N (26.9%), while sulfate mainly derived from manure/sewage (41.7%) and evaporite dissolution (26.8%). For the Suihe River, nitrate was primarily sourced from chemical fertilizer (37.9%) and soil nitrogen (34.8%), while sulfate was mainly sourced from manure/sewage (33.1%) and chemical fertilizer (21.4%). For the Huihe River, nitrate mainly derived from mine drainage (56.6%) and manure/sewage (30.6%), while sulfate predominantly originated from mine drainage (58.3%) and evaporite dissolution (12.9%). Microbial nitrification was the major pathway for the migration and transformation of nitrate in the surface water. However, denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) did not play a significant role as aerobic conditions prevailed. In this study, we elucidated the sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrate and sulfate. Additionally, we provided a reference for formulating a comprehensive strategy for effective management and remediation of surface water contaminated with nitrate and sulfate in mining cities.

Zinc in soil reflecting the intensive coal mining activities: Evidence from stable zinc isotopes analysis.

In the mining area affected by coal mining activities for a long time, heavy metal Zn pollution poses a serious threat to soil quality and human health, and direct evidence showing the relationship between Zn accumulation mechanism in soils and mining activities is lacking. In this study, the Zn content and isotopes composition (δ66Zn) from soil and environmental samples around mining area were determined and analyzed to clarify the Zn characteristics in soil. Moreover, the distribution and source of Zn content in soil of mining area were analyzed by mathematical statistics, correlation analysis and isotope mass mixing model. The results showed that: (1) the Zn content in soil ranged from 95 to 327 mg·kg-1 (mean: 233 mg·kg-1), exceeding the control point and the soil background value of Anhui Province; (2) the results of Zn isotope analysis showed that Zn in soil mainly derived from the wind dispersion input of fine particles in gangue and fly ash, followed by the natural weathering of parent material; (3) isotopic mass mixing model can be used to distinguish the contribution of anthropogenic and natural Zn sources. Mining input was the main contribution source of Zn in soil (mean: 67%), followed by natural background (mean: 33%). The employment of Zn isotopes can effectively evaluate the impact of anthropogenic and natural long-term processes on Zn in the soil of the mining area, and provide important information for the formulation of soil metal pollution control measures.

Sources and mixing of sulfate contamination in the water environment of a typical coal mining city, China: evidence from stable isotope characteristics.

To explore the sources and distribution characteristics of SO42- in the surface waters of the Linhuan mining area in Huaibei, river and surface water samples in subsidence and mine drainage locations in the study area were collected at different times. The conventional hydrochemical indexes and the eigenvalues of sulfur and oxygen isotopes were tested and analyzed. The results suggested the following: (1) The SO42- content showed seasonal changes: low-flow seasons > mid-flow seasons > high-flow seasons. (2) Based on δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 isotope analyses, the main source of SO42- was the dissolution of evaporite salt rocks in the stratum of the upstream area. The SO42- in the subsidence area was mainly from the river water supply, mine drainage and coal gangue leaching. The high concentration of SO42- in the mine drainage was mainly from the dissolution of evaporative salt rocks. (3) The calculation results of the ternary mixing model showed that the SO42- in the subsidence area water was affected by mine drainage and gangue leaching to different degrees. The results showed that the sulfate contribution proportion of the river water source to the subsidence area water was 35.8-65.9%; the sulfate contribution proportion of the mine drainage source to the subsidence area water was 2.0-26.6%; and the sulfate contribution proportion of the gangue leaching end source ranged from 16.3% to 56.9%. Coal mining activities had an important impact on the sulfate in the subsidence area water.

Using δ34S-SO4 and δ18O-SO4 to trace the sources of sulfate in different types of surface water from the Linhuan coal-mining subsidence area of Huaibei, China.

Many studies have been carried out on the water environment in coal-mining subsidence area, which have mainly focused on the two aspects of nitrogen and phosphorus as well as heavy metal pollution in water. However, little attention has been paid to the problem of sulfate pollution. The surrounding conditions of subsidence area in Linhuan are complex, and there are a large number of coal gangue accumulation and coal mining activities. The sulfate pollution in water body is serious, while the specific sulfate source remains unclear. In the present study, the mining subsidence area in Linhuan, Huaibei was selected as the main study area, and 21 water samples were systematically collected from river water, subsidence area water and mine drainage. The conventional hydrochemical indexes were analyzed, and sulfur and oxygen isotopes were used to trace sources of sulfate in river water and subsidence area water. Our results showed that the total dissolved solid content was high in surface water, the hydrochemical type of Huihe River water was mainly Na+-Ca2+-HCO3-, and the hydrochemical type of subsidence area water was mainly Na+-Cl--SO42-. Before flowing through the mining area, sulfate in the main stream of Huihe River was mainly derived from two aspects: the dissolution of evaporative salt rocks in the upper reaches. The sulfate in the Baohe River tributaries was mainly derived from the combined effects of atmospheric precipitation. The two rivers converged and were discharged into the subsidence area, causing serious sulfate pollution and affecting the water quality in the subsidence area. The δ34SSO4 value and SO42- content showed a good correlation in river water, subsidence area water and mine drainage, indicating that the SO42- content in the subsidence area was mainly affected by double-ended sources. Besides the impact of the Huihe River, the discharge of local mining waste water was also an important sulfate source, reflecting the effect of coal-mining activities on the water environment.

Extraction of vegetation disturbance range using aboveground biomass estimated from Sentinel-2 imagery in coal mining areas with high groundwater table.

Coal mining in regions characterized by high groundwater table markedly predisposes to surface subsidence and water accumulation, thereby engendering substantial harm to surface vegetation, soil, and hydrological resources. Developing effective methods to extract surface disturbance information aids in quantitatively assessing the comprehensive impacts of coal mining on land, ecology, and society. Due to the shortcomings of traditional indicators in reflecting mining disturbance, vegetation aboveground biomass (AGB) is introduced as the primary indicator for extracting the mining disturbance range. Taking the Huaibei Coal Base as an example, Sentinel-2 MSI imagery is firstly used to calculate spectral factors and vegetation indices. Multiple machine learning algorithms are coupled to perform remote sensing estimation and spatial inversion of vegetation AGB based on measured samples of vegetation AGB. Secondly, an Orientation Distance-AGB (OD-AGB) curve is constructed outward from the center of subsidence water areas (SWA), with the Boltzmann function used for curve fitting. According to the location of the inflection point of the curve, the boundary points of vegetation disturbance are identified, and then the disturbance range is divided. The results show that (1) the TV-SVM model, utilizing total variables and support vector machine, achieves the highest estimation accuracy, with σMAE and σRMSE values of 208.47 g/m2 and 290.19 g/m2, respectively, for the validation set. (2) Thirty-six effective disturbance areas, totaling 29.89 km2, are identified; the Boltzmann function provides a good fit for the OD-AGB curve, with an R2 exceeding 0.8 for typical disturbance areas. (3) Analysis of general statistical laws indicates that disturbance distance conforms to the general characteristics of normal distribution, exhibiting boundedness and directional heterogeneity. The research is expected to provide scientific guidance for hierarchical zoning management, land reclamation, and ecological restoration in coal mining areas with high groundwater table.

Application of cicatricial contracture release principles in muscular torticollis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical approaches for muscular torticollis are not effective enough to completely release the contracture and prevent further development of craniofacial asymmetry. Cosmetically unacceptable scars on the neck and compulsory functional exercises after surgery were also common problems. We applied the therapeutic principle of scar contracture to the surgical treatment of muscular torticollis. Surgical incision determination and the postoperative protocol were considerably improved. Satisfactory results were obtained. METHOD: According to the therapeutic principle of scar contracture, complete release of the contracted muscles and peripheral streak fascia and release or partial resection of peripheral normal tissues such as the scalenus anterior, anterior trapezius border, platysma, and partial carotid sheath are required to release all the affected contracted and tightened tissues. We chose to incise underneath the affected side of the clavicular border. We obtained a tension-free closure of the incision through an advanced skin flap of the inferior incision sutured on the clavicular fascia. Maximum head and neck stretch to the unaffected side of the shoulder when the patient lied down gave the affected side lateral decubitus position after surgery. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were obtained and no complications were identified for all of the 104 patients. The development of craniofacial asymmetry and progressive deformities was prevented. The incision scar appeared linear in the pit above or below the clavicle border and was relatively inconspicuous. CONCLUSION: The application of the therapeutic principle of scar contracture to the surgical treatment of muscular torticollis was successful.

Copper isotope ratios allowed for quantifying the contribution of coal mining and combustion to total soil copper concentrations in China.

The most prominent source of Cu contamination in soils is metal mining and processing, partly since the Middle Age. However, coal mining and combustion can also cause (some) Cu contamination. We studied the distribution of Cu concentrations and isotope ratios in soils of the Huaibei coal mining area. The contribution of the coal mining and combustion to total Cu concentrations in soil was determined with a two-end-member mixing model based on the distinct δ65Cu values of the Cu emitted from coal mining and combustion and in native soil. The mean Cu concentration of 75 mg kg-1 exceeded the local soil background value (round to 22.13 mg kg-1). The similar δ65Cu value of grass near the coal mining and combustion operation as in gangue and flying ash indicated a superficial Cu contamination. Mining input was the dominant source of Cu in the contaminated soils, contributing up to 95% and on average 72% of the total Cu in the topsoils. The mining-derived Cu was leached to a depth of 65 cm, where still 29% of the Cu could be attributed to the mining emissions. Grasses showed lower δ65Cu values than the topsoils, because of the preferential uptake of light Cu isotopes. However, the Δ65Cugrass-soil was lower in the contaminated than the uncontaminated area because of superficial adsorption of isotopically heavy Cu from the mining emissions. Overall, in this study the distinct δ65Cu values of the mining-derived Cu emissions and the native soil allowed for the quantification of the mining-derived Cu and had already reached the subsoil and contaminated the grass by superficial adsorption in only 60 years of mining operation.

Identification of nitrate sources and transformations in basin using dual isotopes and hydrochemistry combined with a Bayesian mixing model: Application in a typical mining city.

The external nitrogen load input caused by human activities exacerbates the eutrophication process of aquatic ecosystems in mining areas, causing water quality problems. However, knowledge of the sources and environmental behavior of nitrate in the surface water of mining areas is still very limited. This study investigated the nitrate content and spatiotemporal variation characteristics of surface water in the Linhuan mining area, identified the sources and transformation processes of nitrate using isotopes and hydrochemistry, and evaluated the contribution rates of different potential nitrate sources based on a Bayesian mixing model. The nitrogen pollution in the surface water in the mining area seriously exceeded class Ⅴ of the Environmental Quality Standard of Surface Water of China (GB3838-2002). The NO3- content ranged from 0.87 to 3.41 mg/L, showing obvious seasonal and spatial differences. Isotope and NO3-/Cl- analysis indicated that nitrate in the subsidence area water (SAW) was mainly derived from chemical fertilizer (NF) and soil organic nitrogen (NS), while nitrate in the mainstream of the Huihe River water (HRW) was mainly derived from manure/sewage (MS). The nitrate in the tributary of the Baohe River water (BRW) was mainly derived from soil NS, and nitrification was a nitrogen conversion pathway in the soil. The results of the Bayesian mixing model showed that the main sources of nitrate in the BRW, HRW and SAW were NF (34.5%), MS (68.8%) and NF (40.8%) in the wet season, and NS (33.4%), MS (70.9%) and NF (58.1%) in the dry season, respectively. The results of this study provide a new integrated method for the identification of nitrate pollution sources in mining areas, and this method can be used to improve the biogeochemical information of nitrogen in the aquatic ecosystems of mining areas and help formulate relevant measures to reduce water nitrogen pollution.

Mast cell chymase promotes hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis by activating TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathway.

The present study assessed the existence of mast cell chymase in hypertrophic scars and determined whether chymase promotes fibrosis via the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1/Smads signaling pathway. Five patients with hypertrophic scars and another five patients subjected to repair and reconstruction of other tissue defects were included in the present study. To detect the existence of mast cells and mast cell chymase in hypertrophic scars, immunohistochemistry was employed. To test the effect of chymase on TGF-ß1, angiotensin, and type I and III collagen mRNA expression in isolated hypertrophic scar fibroblasts in vitro, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR was performed. To investigate how chymase affects TGF-ß1, phosphorylated (P)-Smad2/3 as well as Smad4 and Smad7 protein expression, western blot analysis was used. Mast cell chymase was identified to promote the mRNA expression of TGF-ß1, angiotensin, and type I and III collagen in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with 60 ng/ml mast cell chymase for 12 h led to the upregulation of TGF-ß1, P-Smad2/3, Smad4 and Smad7 in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. The present study demonstrated that mast cells and chymase are present in hypertrophic scars, and chymase promotes hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis by activating the TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathway.

High concentrations of mast cell chymase facilitate the transduction of the transforming growth factor-ß1/Smads signaling pathway in skin fibroblasts.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of mast cell chymase on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1/Smad signaling pathway in skin fibroblasts. Cultured skin fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of chymase for different time periods. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess the rate of cell proliferation. In addition, protein expression in the fibroblasts was measured using western blot analysis. Chymase was shown to enhance the proliferation of skin fibroblasts following incubation for 48, 72 and 96 h (P<0.01). Furthermore, high concentrations of mast cell chymase were shown to enhance the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-ß1 after long-term (≥6 h) incubation. In addition, high concentrations of mast cell chymase increased P-Smad2/3 and Smad2/3 protein expression. By contrast, low concentrations of mast cell chymase increased Smad7 protein expression. Therefore, the results demonstrated that high concentrations of mast cell chymase facilitated the transduction of the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway in skin fibroblasts.

Expression and activity levels of chymase in mast cells of burn wound tissues increase during the healing process in a hamster model.

The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the expression levels and activity of mast cell chymase in the process of burn wound healing in a hamster model of deep second-degree burn. The hamster model was established by exposing a ~3 cm diameter area of bare skin to hot water (75°C) for 0, 6, 8, 10 or 12 sec. Tissue specimens were collected 24 h after burning and histological analysis revealed that hot water contact for 12 sec was required to produce a deep second-degree burn. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and a radioimmunoassay were used to the determine changes in chymase mRNA expression levels and activity. The mRNA expression levels and activity of chymase were increased in the burn wound tissues when compared with the normal skin. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in mast cell chymase activity amongst the various post-burn stages. Chymase mRNA expression levels peaked at day 1 post-burn, subsequently decreasing at days 3 and 7 post-burn and finally increasing again at day 14 post-burn. In summary, a hamster model of deep second-degree burn can be created by bringing the skin into contact with water at 75°C for 12 sec. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels and activity of chymase in the burn wound tissues increased when compared with those in normal skin tissues.

The application of reverse tubular medial upper arm flap in the reconstruction of ripped facial defects.

Reverse medial upper arm flap is usually utilized in the reconstruction of defects in soft tissues of head and facial skin and is with good clinical efficacy. However, it has not been used in the reconstruction of ripped defects. In this study, we used the reverse tubular medial upper arm flap to repair the ripped facial defects. The reverse tubular skin flap from the medial upper arm was longitudinally cut into two parts. One part was used for the reconstruction of ripped facial defects. The other part was used as inner lining to repair the defects of mucosa. Using this method, 3 patients with ripped facial defects were successfully repaired. Thus the reverse tubular medial upper arm flap was successfully used in the reconstruction of ripped facial defects with little surgical trauma, simple manipulation of the operation, increased success rate of the operation and reduced incidence of complications.

Mast cell chymase in keloid induces profibrotic response via transforming growth factor-ß1/Smad activation in keloid fibroblasts.

This study was to examine whether mast cell chymase exists in human keloids and exerts its profibrotic effect via transforming growth factor-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. The number of mast cells and the expression levels of chymase in keloids and normal skin were examined by immunohistochemistry assays. The mRNA expression and activity changes of chymase in keloids and normal skin were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and radioimmunoassay. After keloid fibroblasts were treated with different concentrations of chymase (0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 ng/mL) for various time periods, the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, mRNA and protein expression of TGF-ß1, and the protein expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3, Smad2/3 and Smad7 were investigated using MTT assay, ELISA and Western blotting. Mast cells and chymase exist in keloid. Gene expression and activity of mast cell chymase in keloid are significantly higher than those in normal skin. Chymase promotes keloid fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis by activating TGF-ß1. The activation of Smad protein signaling pathway by chymase is related to the elevated P-Smad protein expression in keloid fibroblasts. Our data demonstrated that mast cell chymase plays an important role in keloid formation through TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway.

Upregulation of proinflammatory genes in skin lesions may be the cause of keloid formation (Review).

It was previously demonstrated that the main cause behind keloid formation may be keloid fibroblast abnormalities, which are closely associated with the microenvironment of the keloid lesion. The post-traumatic and chronic inflammation of the keloid lesion area suggest that inflammatory mediators play an important role in the keloid microenvironment and are crucial for keloid fibroblast abnormalities. In this study, we hypothesized that the mechanism underlying keloid formation may involve the continuous upregulation of proinflammatory gene expression in keloid lesions. This hypothesis may explain the inflammatory response, invasive growth and recurrence following resection of keloids, as well as the selective localization of keloids in specific parts of a patient's body and the differences in localization among different patients.

Involvement of mast cell chymase in burn wound healing in hamsters.

Mast cells play a significant role in the late stage of wound healing following burn injuries. In the present study, the possible role of mast cell chymase in burn wound healing was examined using a mast cell membrane stabilizer, ketotifen, in hamsters. A total of 28 hamsters were randomly divided into two groups (n=14), termed as the control and ketotifen groups. A deep partial-thickness burn injury was made on the back skin of the hamsters. The control group was orally administered physiological saline (1 ml) and the ketotifen group was orally administered ketotifen (4 mg/kg) once daily, two days prior to and two days subsequent to the burn. The results showed that concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II), TGF-ß1, collagens I and III and interleukin (IL)-1ß were significantly decreased in the ketotifen group compared with those in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in fibroblast apoptosis between the two groups. The release of mast cell chymase was inhibited by the mast cell membrane stabilizer ketotifen. Taken together, these results suggest that mast cell chymase may participate in the process of burn wound healing. Chymase may therefore be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of burn wounds.

[Nutrient spatiotemporal distribution and eutrophication process in subsidence waters of Huainan and Huaibei mining areas, China].

A total of eight mining subsidence waters, including five sites in Huainan "Panxie" Mining Areas (PXS-1, PXS-2, PXS-3, PXS-4, and PXS-5) and three sites in Huaibei "Zhu-Yang huang" Mining Areas (HBDH, HBZH, HBNH), were selected to study the nutrient temporal and spatial distribution and trophic states. Among the sites, three sites (PXS-1, PXS-3, and HBDH) showed higher nutrient level and could be classified into moderate eutrophication, whereas the other five were in moderate nutrient level and mild eutrophication. Overall, the nutrient level of Huainan mining subsidence waters was higher than that of Huaibei mining subsidence waters. All the test samples in the two mining areas had a higher ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P), being 25-117 in Huainan and 17-157 in Huaibei, and with a seasonal variety, the lowest in growth season. The dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in total phosphorous (TP) occupied a small percentage, being averagely 15.4% and 18.4% in Huainan and Huaibei mining areas, respectively. Nitrate was the main specie of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), with the ratio of nitrate to DIN being 74% and 89% in Huainan and Huaibei mining areas, respectively. Relative to the waters age, human activities could be one of the main factors responsible for the high nutrient level and the faster eutrophication process of these waters.

Mast cell chymase promotes cell proliferation and expression of certain cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.

Wound healing is a complex process, with various intracellular molecules and cytokines involved. Chymase is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease originally found to be a mast cell protease. In this study, to further investigate the role of chymase in the process of wound healing, the effects of chymase on cell proliferation and cytokine activation in human skin fibroblasts were determined. To determine cell proliferation, MTT assay was employed. The cells were harvested and total proteins were extracted and detected by western blotting. It was found that in vitro cell treatments with chymase led to dose-dependent increases of skin fibroblast proliferation. Moreover, the treatment of cells with chymase for 6 h induced dose-dependent increases in the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and interleukin (IL)-1ß, although higher doses (120 ng/ml for TGF-ß1; 60 and 120 ng/ml for IL-1ß) did not facilitate the detected cytokine expression. In addition, treatment for longer periods of time (12 or 24 h) did not increase TGF-ß1 or IL-1ß expression. The results from our study will strongly facilitate the understanding of the roles of chymase in the process of wound healing.

Contribution of skin trauma to infantile skin hemangioma.

Infantile skin hemangiomas (ISHs), the most common tumor of infancy, is a kind of benign vascular tumors that are characterized by their dramatic growth after birth, by diffusing proliferation of immature endothelial cells, followed by a spontaneous involution phase. Existing therapeutic approaches have limited success and significant adverse effects of some treatment modalities due to the limitation of their use. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of ISH will enables the development of better therapeutic strategies. The mechanisms for the development of ISHs are not completely understood and their pathogenesis is just now being elucidated. We hypothesize that skin trauma-induced hypoxia triggers neovascularization, which encompasses both angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, leading to the formation of ISHs. Assuming the hypothesis correct, the paper is aimed at come up with a prophylaxis and therapy that prevent infants from both intrauterine and extrauterine trauma, and inhibit excessive neovascularization by some medicine to prevent the ISHs formation.