Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction Promotes Reendothelialization of Damaged Blood Vessels via VEGF Signaling Pathway Activation by miRNA-126.

The occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) poses a significant challenge for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thus, the promotion of vascular reendothelialization is essential to inhibit endothelial proliferation. In this study, we clarified the mechanism by which Detoxification and Activating Blood Circulation Decoction (DABCD) promotes vascular reendothelialization to avoid ISR by miRNA-126-mediated modulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. A rat model of post-PCI restenosis was established by balloon injury. The injured aortic segment was collected 14 and 28 d after model establishment. Our findings indicate that on the 14th and 28th days following balloon injury, DABCD reduced intimal hyperplasia and inflammation and promoted vascular reendothelialization. Additionally, DABCD markedly increased nitric oxide (NO) expression and significantly decreased ET-1 production in rat serum. DABCD also increased the mRNA level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the protein expression of VEGF, p-Akt, and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in vascular tissue. Unexpectedly, the expression of miR-126a-5p mRNA was significantly lower in the aortic tissue of balloon-injured rats than in the aortic tissue of control rats, and higher miR-126a-5p levels were observed in the DABCD groups. The results of this study indicated that the vascular reendothelialization effect of DABCD on arterial intimal injury is associated with the inhibition of neointimal formation and the enhancement of vascular endothelial activity. More specifically, the effects of DABCD were mediated, at least in part, through miR-126-mediated VEGF signaling pathway activation.

How are countries responding differently to COVID-19: a systematic review of guidelines on isolation measures.

Introduction: Isolation strategies have been implemented in numerous countries worldwide during the ongoing community transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, various countries and organizations have implemented their isolation measures at varying intensities, even during the same period. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the key information contained in currently available guidelines regarding the isolation of the general population, aiming to better identify the heterogeneity of the current isolation strategies. Methods: We conducted searches in four evidence-based medicine (EBM) databases and five guideline websites to identify guidelines, guidance, protocols, and policy documents published by authoritative advisory bodies or healthcare organizations, which provided information on the implementation of isolation for general populations with COVID-19. One author extracted data using a standardized data extraction checklist, and a second author double-checked all extractions for completeness and correctness. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion. The information extracted from the included articles was summarized both narratively and using tables. Results: We included 15 articles that provided information on isolation measures recommended by nine different countries and organizations. The included articles consistently recommended isolating individuals with a positive COVID-19 test, regardless of the presence of symptoms. However, there were variations in the duration of isolation, and substantial differences also existed in the criteria for ending the isolation of COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Different countries and organizations have substantial differences in their isolation policies. This reminds us that scientifically sound guidelines on isolation that balance the risk of prematurely ending isolation with the burden of prolonged isolation are a crucial topic of discussion when faced with a pandemic.

Application of telemedicine in the COVID-19 epidemic: An analysis of Gansu Province in China.

This paper analyzes the application of various telemedicine services in Gansu Province, China during the COVID-19 epidemic, and summarizes the experiences with these services. In addition, the satisfaction levels of patients and doctors with the application of telemedicine in COVID-19 were investigated, the deficiencies of telemedicine in Gansu were determined, and recommendations for modification were proposed. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has broken out in China, and Gansu Province in Northwest of China has not been spared. To date, there are 91 local COVID-19 cases and 42 imported cases. 109 hospitals were selected as designated hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak, and most of them were secondary hospitals. However, it was unsatisfactory that the ability of medical services is relatively low in most of secondary hospitals and primary hospitals. Therefore, we helped the secondary hospitals cope with COVID-19 by means of remote consultation, long-distance education, telemedicine question and answer (Q&A). Our practical experience shows that telemedicine can be widely used during the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in developing countries and areas with lagging medical standards.

COPB2 gene silencing inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant human tumors. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In recent years, tumor gene therapy has emerged as a promising new approach for colorectal cancer therapy. Herein, we identify and analyze the role of COPB2 (coatomer protein complex, subunit beta 2) in proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells. METHODS: To investigate the role of COPB2 in the proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells, a shCOPB2 vector and a shCtrl vector were constructed for transfection into RKO and HCT116 cells. Cells proliferation was subsequently measured via cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and Celigo cell counting assay. Apoptosis was measured via flow cytometry. The activity level of Caspase 3/7 was measured. Finally, the level of several JNK/c-Jun apoptosis pathway-related proteins were measured to characterize the mechanism of apoptosis. RESULTS: Our results showed that the proliferation rate was decreased and the apoptosis rate was increased in shCOPB2-treated RKO and HCT116 cells compared to those in controls. After the silencing of COPB2, JNK/c-Jun signal pathway activation was increased, the expression levels of apoptosis pathway-related proteins, such as Bad, p53 and Caspase 3, were also increased. CONCLUSION: COPB2 gene silencing can inhibit RKO and HCT116 cells proliferation and induce apoptosis via the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Revealed a Novel Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutation in ILDR1 Gene Causes Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Chinese Family.

Hereditary hearing impairment is one of the major and common birth defects in Chinese population. Non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL) is the most common types of hereditary hearing impairment. Genotypically and phenotypically NSHL is extremely heterogenous and follow either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive or X-linked mode of inheritance. Presently, 127 genes have been identified to be associated with both syndromic and (NSHL). Here, we studied a Chinese family with moderate and profound hearing impairment. The proband is a 30-year old Chinese man. The proband was born with normal hearing and at the age of 5-years, the proband was first noticed with hearing impairment. Gradually and progressively the proband was presented with loss of hearing in his both right and left ears at the age of 30 years. The clinical symptoms, age of onset or progression to loss of hearing was similar in both the proband and his younger brother. The proband's parents are phenotypically normal and non-consanguineous. Clinical diagnosis of the proband and his younger brother has been done by classical pure tone audiogram (PTA). Computed Tomography (CT) found no abnormality in bilateral external ear, middle ear and inner ear. Targeted next generation sequencing was performed with a panel of 127 genes reported to be associated with hereditary hearing impairment. A novel homozygous single nucleotide deletion (c.427delT) in exon 4 of ILDR1 gene has been identified in proband and in his younger brother. Sanger sequencing confirmed that proband's father and mother are carrying this mutation in a heterozygous manner. This mutation has not been identified in 100 normal healthy control individuals. This mutation (c.427delT) causes frameshift (p.Tyr143Ilefs∗19) which leads to the formation of a truncated ILDR1 protein of 162 amino acids instead of the wild type ILDR1 protein of 546 amino acids. ILDR1 associated hereditary hearing impairment is very rare and this is the first report of identifying a loss-of-function mutation in ILDR1 gene associated with hereditary hearing impairment in Chinese population. Our present study also emphasized the significance of rapid, accurate and cost-effective screening for the patient with hereditary hearing impairment by targeted next generation sequencing.