Bullectomy used to treat a patient with pulmonary vesicles related to COVID-19: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a pandemic for more than one year and estimated to affect the whole world in the near future. CASE SUMMARY: Here we reported that one COVID-19 patient with vesicles was treated by bullectomy. The patient's perioperative laboratory tests were analyzed. The pathological findings of bullectomy were described and compared with those of common bulla cases. CONCLUSION: This patient with vesicles underwent bullectomy and had a poor prognosis. He showed diffuse alveolar damage and extensive necrosis in bullectomy specimen. We hope our report will be of interest for clinicians who will treat COVID-19 patients in the future.

Change on apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondria of the Harderian gland in Cricetulus barabensis during age.

Harderian gland (HG) plays an important role in the physiological adaptation to terrestrial life, however, the mechanisms underlying the changes in the structure and function of the HG during aging remain unclear. This study investigated autophagy and apoptosis in the HG of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) of different ages (sub-adult, adult and aged groups) in both males and females. The results showed that LC3II/LC3I and puncta of LC3 were significantly higher in adult and aged individuals than sub-adults, whereas P62 decreased with age. Bax/bcl2was the highest in sub-adults of male and female individuals. Caspase3 activity was the highest in sub-adults of male and female individuals, and the citrate synthase activity was highest in sub-adults of females. ATP synthase, citrate synthase, dynamin-related protein 1 and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) were the highest in sub-adults of females. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase were the highest in the aged group, and those of gonadotropin-releasing hormone was the highest in the adult group. LC3II/LC3I, P62, Drp1, Fis, and bax/bcl2 were higher in males than that in females. These results suggest that apoptosis mainly affects growth and development in the HG, whereas autophagy affects aging. The difference of the HG weight and mitochondrial function between sexes is mainly related to the apoptosis.

Heat shock protein 20 from Procambarus clarkii is involved in the innate immune responses against microbial infection.

Small heat shock proteins (shsps) are conserved across invertebrate species. They are implicated in the modulation of various biological processes, such as immune responses, abiotic stress tolerance metamorphosis, and embryonic development. Herein, we identified a heat shock protein 20 from the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (named as Pc-Hsp20), and performed in vivo studies to elucidate its physiological functions in the innate immunity. The open reading frame of Pc-Hsp20 was 609 base pair, encoding a protein of 202 amino acid residues with a hsp20/alpha crystallin family domain. Pc-Hsp20 was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues; however, it was highest in the hepatopancreas. The challenge with immune elicitors remarkably enhanced the transcript level of Pc-Hsp20 in the hepatopancreas when compared with the control. Administration of double-stranded RNA could significantly reduce expression of the Pc-Hsp20 mRNAs, and most of the immune-related genes expression enhanced with a variable concentration in the hepatopancreas. Altogether, these results suggest that Pc-Hsp20 may participate in innate immunity against microbial pathogens.

Effects of propofol on colon cancer metastasis through STAT3/HOTAIR axis by activating WIF-1 and suppressing Wnt pathway.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we aim to investigate the potential role of propofol in the tumor progression of colon cancer. METHODS: Human colon cancer cell lines were cultured and exposed with 8 µg/mL propofol. RNA interference was performed to silence the expression of HOTAIR or STAT3 to explore their biological functions in colon cancer. Cell apoptosis and invasion were assessed using flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were subjected to measure the expression patterns of HOTAIR, STAT3, Wnt signaling factors, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers, respectively. Besides, nude mice were transplanted with colon cancer cells for further exploration. Tumor formation, volume, and weight were evaluated to validate the in vitro findings. RESULTS: Propofol treatment promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell invasion in colon cancer cells, while the effects were reversed by HOTAIR overexpression. Additionally, STAT3 positively regulated HOTAIR expression, which was also negatively modulated by propofol. Moreover, STAT3 and HOTAIR were shown to independently regulate colon cancer cell apoptosis and invasion. Furthermore, HOTAIR could stimulate Wnt signaling pathway via inhibiting WIF-1 expression and upregulating ß-catenin expression, which was also demonstrated by in vivo study. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the current study demonstrated that propofol exerts the inhibition on cell invasion and promotion on cell apoptosis through regulating STAT3/HOTAIR by activating WIF-1 and suppressing Wnt pathway, indicating that propofol might serve as a therapeutic role for colon cancer patients in the future.

Propofol facilitates cisplatin sensitivity via lncRNA MALAT1/miR-30e/ATG5 axis through suppressing autophagy in gastric cancer.

AIMS: Recently, chemoresistance has been recognized as an obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to investigate the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of propofol in GC chemoresistance. MAIN METHODS: CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescent staining were performed to assess the IC50 concentration, cell apoptosis and autophagy activity of cisplatin in both GC chemosensitive cells (SGC7901) and chemoresistant cells (SGC7901/CDDP). The expression pattern of MALAT1 in GC cells was detected by qRT-PCR. The shRNAs and overexpressing plasmids were employed for the loss or gain-of-function. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was subjected to verify the binding relationship between MALAT1 and miR-30e. Besides, ATG5 mRNA and protein levels were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, GC xenograft mice model was established to validate the in vitro findings. KEY FINDINGS: Chemoresistant GC cells presented higher IC50 of cisplatin, increased autophagy activity and stronger expression of MALAT1. The application of propofol promoted cell apoptosis and reduced the activity of autophagy through downregulating MALAT1. Silencing of MALAT1 inhibited chemo-induced autophagy, whereas MALAT1 overexpression promoted autophagy in GC cells. Mechanistic researches demonstrated that MALAT1 could bind with miR-30e to regulate ATG5 expression, thus causing the suppression of autophagy. In vivo GC xenograft model treated with both propofol and cisplatin also showed significantly decreased tumor size and weight, which was enhanced by knockdown of MALAT1. SIGNIFICANCE: Altogether, our study revealed a novel mechanism of propofol of lncRNA MALAT1/miR-30e/ATG5 mediated autophagy-related chemoresistance in GC, casting new lights on the understanding of propofol.

[Long-term outcomes of Chiari osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in children].

OBJECTIVE: To explore long-term outcomes of Chiari osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in children with type Catterall III or IV, and to analyze clinical effect of osteotomy angle on clinical and radiographic results. METHODS: From March 2005 to July 2013, 26 children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease with type Catterall III or IV were treated by Chiari osteotomy, including 17 males and 9 females, aged from 4 to 13 years old with an average of (8.9±2.6) years old. Children were divided into low osteotomy angle group and high osteotomy angle group. according to osteotomy angle. There were 10 children in low osteotomy angle group with an osteotomy angle of 10 degrees, including 8 boys and 2 girls, aged from 4 to 13 years old with an average of (9.2±3.3) years old; while there were 16 children in high osteotomy angle group with an osteotomy angle of 15 degress, including 9 boys and 7 girls, aged from 6 to 12 years old with an average of (8.8±2.1) years old. HHS score before operation and at the latest follow-up were recorded to observe clinical results. CE angle of hip joint, acetabular index, Sharp angle, Shenton's line continuity, femoral head coverage, acetabular depth ratio were recorded to compare radiographic results. Stulberg classification was analyzed to compare reshaping ability of femoral head. RESULTS: Twenty-six children were followed up for 4.5 to 12.0 years with an average of (7.9±1.8) years. All incisions were healed at stage I for 10 to 14 days, with an average of(12.3±1.1) days. No inflammation, skin necrosis and injury of vessel and nerve occurred. All osteotomies achieved bone union for 8 to 13 weeks, with an average of(9.8±1.4) weeks. HHS score increased from 75.8±6.5 before operation to 93.5±2.5 at the latest follow-up in low osteotomy angle group(P<0.05), and form 77.6±6.2 to 97.8±1.6 in high osteotomy angle group (P<0.05). HHS score of high osteotomy angle group at the latest follow-up was higher than that of low osteotomy angle group (P<0.05). The acetabular index decreased from (10.1±2.5)° before operation to (4.5±1.3)° at the latest follow-up in low osteotomy angle group (P<0.05), and from (10.7±3.3)° before operation to (2.0±1.1)° in high osteotomy angle group (P<0.05). The acetabular index of high osteotomy angle group at the latest followup was better than low osteotomy angle group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CE angle, Sharp angle, Shenton's continuity, femoral head coverage, acetabular depth ratio between two groups. According to Stulberg classification, the femoral head reshaping ability in high osteotomy angle group was better than that of low osteotomy angle group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chiari osteotomy with 15° for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in children with type Catterall III or IV could effectively decrease index of acetabulum, and helpful for femoral head reshaping ability, then in further improve clinical effects.

Fabrication and Tribological Properties of Copper Matrix Solid Self-Lubricant Composites Reinforced with Ni/NbSe2 Composites.

This paper presents a facile and effective method for preparing Ni/NbSe2 composites in order to improve the wettability of NbSe2 and copper matrix, which is helpful in enhancing the friction-reducing and anti-wear properties of copper-based composites. The powder metallurgy (P/M) technique was used to fabricate copper-based composites with different weight fractions of Ni/NbSe2, and tribological properties of composites were evaluated by using a ball-on-disk friction-and-wear tester. Results indicated that tribological properties of copper-based composites were improved by the addition of Ni/NbSe2. In particular, copper-based composites containing 15 wt.% Ni/NbSe2 showed the lowest friction coefficient (0.16) and wear rate (4.1 × 10-5 mm3·N-1·m-1) among all composites.

Identification and molecular characterization of a novel anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) from red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors are a group of small proteins with broad spectrum antiviral property and antibacterial activity. Herein, we obtained the genomic sequence of the Procambarus clarkii anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (PcALF) gene by using polymerase chain reaction to investigate its expression pattern in various tissues and in the immune tissues (Hepatopancreas) following exposure to pathogens. The deduced protein of PcALF was conserved; it displayed the signal peptides and putative lipo-polysaccharide binding domain, particularly the two conserved cysteine amino acid residues at both ends of the domain. The recombinant protein of PcALF was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and rabbit anti-PcALF polyclonal antibodies were prepared. The qRT-PCR analysis showed unequal distribution of PcALF transcript in the examined tissues, however the transcript level was greatest in hepatopancreas. The challenge with peptidoglycan (PGN), lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) and Poly I:C significantly enhanced expression level of PcALF in hepatopancreas when compared with the PBS control. RNA interference of PcALF affected the mRNA expression levels of immune-related genes. Taken together, our data suggested that PcALF is an inducible protein and could play a key biological role in the innate immune defense of P. clarkii.

[Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Dexamethasone Combined with Bortezomib and Thalidomide for Treating Patients with Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy and safety of dexamethasone of different doses combined with bortezomib and thalidomide for treatment of primary multiple myeloma. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with multiple myeloma from January 2013 to January 2014 were randomly divided into group A (high-dose dexamethasone + bortezomib + thalidomide, 32 cases), group B (low-dose dexamethasone + bortezomib + thalidomide, 32 cases) and group C (placebo + bortezomib + thalidomide, 32 cases). The clinical efficacy and safety of patients was compared among 3 groups. RESULTS: The overall remission rate (ORR) in group A and B was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05), but the ORR was not significant difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). After treatment, the KPS and RNS score in 3 groups were significantly higher and lower than those before treatment, respectively; the KPS score in group A and B was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05), the RNS score in group A and B was significantly lower C (P<0.05). After treatment, the positive expression rates of CD38, CD56 and CD138 as well as small residual lesion (SRL) positive rate in 3 grops were significantly lower than those before treatment, but the positive expression rate of CD19 was significantly higher that before treatment; the positive expression rates of CD38, CD56 and CD138 as well as SRL positive rate in group A and B were significantly lower thant those in group C, while the positive expression rate of CD19 was significantly higher that in group C (P<0.05), but the positive expression rates of CD19, CD38, CD56 and CD138 as well as SRL positive rate were not significantly different between group A and B (P>0.05). The incidence of fatigue, rash, peripheral neuropathy, anlmia, granulocyte deficiance and so on in group B and C was significantly lower than that in group A(P<0.05), but the difference in group B and C was not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic efficacy of different doses of dexamethasone combined with bortezomib and thalidomide for patients with multiple myeloma is similar, can obviously enhance remission rate, prolong the survival time, promote life quality, but the incidence of adverse reactions in low dose dexamethason rigemen is significantly reduced, and the safety is better.

Essential role of the peroxiredoxin 4 in Procambarus clarkii antioxidant defense and immune responses.

Peroxiredoxin (Prx) family members play a key role in host defense against oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses following microbial infection. Here, we cloned and characterized Procambarus clarkii Prx4 (Peroxiredoxin 4) cDNA, a regulator of oxidative stress and its expression analysis upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C) infection. The cDNA fragment of PcPrx4 was 744 bp in length, encoding a putative protein of 248 amino acid residues. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the PcPrx4 was expressed in all the examined tissues, and it was highest in the hepatopancreas followed by the hemocytes and gill. The challenge with LPS and Poly I:C significantly up-regulated the expression of PcPrx4 in hepatopancreas, hemocytes and gill when compared with the control. Recombinant PcPrx4 protein was used to investigate the antioxidant function in vitro by mixed-function oxidase assay. The results demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of DNA damage by rPcPrx4 protein. Altogether, our results imply that PcPrx4 is implicated in defense against microbial pathogens and oxidants in P. clarkii.

Protective effect of Shouwu Yizhi decoction against vascular dementia by promoting angiogenesis.

Shouwu is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with neuroprotective effect. Shouwu Yizhi decoction (SYD) was designed based on TCM theory. However, little is known about the roles of SYD in Vascular dementia (VaD). The present study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of SYD on the vascular cognitive impairment and explore the underlying mechanism by establishing focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model to induce VaD. SYD administration (54 mg·kg-1) for 40 days obviously improved the vascular cognitive impairment in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats as evidenced by the declined neurological deficit score and shortened escape latency via neurological deficit assessment and Morris water maze test. Moreover, SYD decreased neuron damage-induced cell death and ameliorated the ultrastructure of endothelial cells in the MCAO rats, thereby alleviating VaD. Mechanistically, SYD caused increases in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD34 and CD31, compared with the MCAO rats in coronal hippocampus. Simultaneously, the expression level of miR-210 was elevated significantly after SYD administration, compared with the vehicle rats (P < 0.01). The expression of Notch 4 at both mRNA and protein levels was upregulated remarkably along with the notably downregulated DLL4 expression under SYD administration compared with the vehicle rats (P < 0.05). Overall, the above results indicated that SYD promoted angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF-induced miR210 expression to activate Notch pathway, and further alleviated neuron damage and ameliorated the ultrastructure of endothelial cells in the MCAO rats, ultimately enhancing the cognition and memory of MCAO rats. Therefore, our findings preliminarily identified the effect and the mechanism of action for SYD on VaD in rats. SYD could be a potential candidate in treatment of VaD.

Minimally Invasive Cochlear Implantation Assisted by Bi-planar Device: An Exploratory Feasibility Study in vitro.

BACKGROUND: A single drilled tunnel from the lateral mastoid cortex to the cochlea via the facial recess is essential for minimally invasive cochlear implant surgery. This study aimed to explore the safety profile of this kind of new image-guided and bi-planar device-assisted surgery procedure in vitro. METHODS: Image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantations were performed on eight cadaveric temporal bone specimens. The main procedures were: (1) temporal bone specimens were prepared for surgery and fiducial markers were registered. (2) computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for future reference. (3) CT scan images were processed and drill path was planned to minimize cochlear damage. (4) bi-planar device-assisted drilling was performed on the specimens using the registration. (5) surgical safety was evaluated by calculating the deviation between the drill and the planned paths, and by measuring the closest distance between the drilled path and critical anatomic structures. RESULTS: Eight cases were operated successfully to the basal turn of the cochlear with intact facial nerves (FNs). The deviations from target points and entrance points were 0.86 mm (0.68-1.00 mm) and 0.44 mm (0.30-0.96 mm), respectively. The angular error between the planned and the drilled trajectory was 1.74° (1.26-2.41°). The mean distance from the edge of the drilled path to the FN and to the external canal was 0.60 mm (0.35-0.83 mm) and 1.60 mm (1.30-2.05 mm), respectively. In five specimens, the chorda tympani nerves were well preserved. In all cases, no injury happened to auditory ossicles. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study demonstrated the safety of the newly developed image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantation assisted by the bi-planar device and established the operational procedures. Further, more in vitro experiments are needed to improve the system operation and its safety.

Spatial Variations of Soil Microbial Activities in Saline Groundwater-Irrigated Soil Ecosystem.

Spatial variations of soil microbial activities and its relationship with environmental factors are very important for estimating regional soil ecosystem function. Based on field samplings in a typical saline groundwater-irrigated region, spatial variations of soil microbial metabolic activities were investigated. Combined with groundwater quality analysis, the relationship between microbial activities and water salinity was also studied. The results demonstrated that moderate spatial heterogeneity of soil microbial activities presented under the total dissolved solids (TDS) of groundwater ranging from 0.23 to 12.24 g L(-1). Groundwater salinity and microbial activities had almost opposite distribution characteristics: slight saline water was mainly distributed in west Baqu and south Quanshan, while severe saline and briny water were dominant in east Baqu and west Huqu; however, total AWCD was higher in the east-center and southwest of Baqu and east Huqu, while it was lower in east Baqu and northwest Huqu. The results of correlation analyses demonstrated that high-salinity groundwater irrigation had significantly adverse effects on soil microbial activities. Major ions Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cl(-), and SO4(2-) in groundwater decisively influenced the results. Three carbon sources, carbohydrates, amines, and phenols, which had minor utilization rates in all irrigation districts, were extremely significantly affected by high-salinity groundwater irrigation. The results presented here offer an approach for diagnosing regional soil ecosystem function changes under saline water irrigation.

[Effect of RNA binding motif protein 3 overexpression on Caspase 3 expression in swine testiclar cell under cold exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change of apoptosis protein (Caspase 3) expression when RNA binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) overexpression in swine testicle (ST) cell line under cold stress (32℃) condition. METHODS: In present study, RBM3 overexpression lentiviral vector (pLenti6/V5-GW/EmGFP-RBM3) and empty viral vector (pLenti6/V5-GW/EmGFP-DEST) with green fluorescent protein (GFP) that were successfully constructed in our laboratory were transfected into ST cells as overexpression virus group (OEV), empty vector virus (EVV) group and establishment of wildtype cell (WTC) group as the control group. The real-time fluorescence quantitative RCR (qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect expression of RBM3 mRNA and protein in each group, then cells in each group were cultured at 37℃ or 32℃ (2 h, 4 h, 8 h), the changes of Caspase 3 expression in each group were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Relative RBM3 gene and protein expression in OEV group were significantly higher than those in EVV group and WTC group. At the temperature of 37℃ and at 32℃ (2 h, 4 h, 8 h) in cold stress experiment, Caspase 3 expression in OEV group was significantly lower than those in EVV group and WTC group. CONCLUSIONS: RBM3 overexpression in ST cell line exposured to cold can significantly decreased the level of Caspase 3 expression, this study provides an experimental basis of RBM3 resistance against apoptosis of ST cells induced by low temperature.

The long noncoding RNA, EGFR-AS1, a target of GHR, increases the expression of EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma.

LncRNA has provided an important new perspective regarding gene regulation. Both the expression and activation of EGFR have been proven to be under the tight control of the GHR pathway. EGFR-AS1 has been found to inhibit the expression of EGFR. GHR-siRNA and EGFR-AS1-siRNA were transfected into HCC cell lines, and a series of WB, q-PCR, and IF experiments was conducted to evaluate whether EGFR-AS1 participated in the regulation of GHR and EGFR. We found that impeded expression of GHR decreased the expression of EGFR and EGFR-AS1 in vivo and in vitro. Then, it was verified that EGFR and EGFR-AS1 were relatively upregulated in HCC tissue, and they were significantly related to some clinical characteristics and patient prognosis. Furthermore, EGFR-AS1 was determined to promote HCC development by improving the ability of invasion and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro, and it was also found to affect the cell cycle. Our study identified that EGFR-AS1 may promote HCC genesis and development. EGFR-AS1 may act as a prognostic factor in HCC. More importantly, we observed that the inhibition of EGFR-AS1 in HCC cells significantly impeded cell proliferation and invasion in vivo, which might provide a potential possibility for targeted therapy of HCC.

[Cold inducible RNA-binding protein inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis under hypothermia by regulating redox system].

In this study, we intend to confirm our hypothesis that cold inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) can inhibit neuronal apoptosis through suppressing the formation of oxygen free radicals under hypothermia. Primary rat hippocampal neurons were isolated and cultured in vitro, and were divided into five groups: (1) normal control group (37 °C), (2) cells infected by empty viral vector group, (3) CIRP over-expressed group, (4) CIRP knock-down group, and (5) hypothermia control group. Cells in groups 2-5 were cultured under 32 °C, 5% CO2. Apoptosis of hippocampal neurons were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry; Expression of CIRP was determined by Western blot; Redox-related parameters (T-AOC, GSH-Px, SOD, MDA) were detected by ELISA kits. Results showed that CIRP expression levels were significantly increased (P < 0.01) and the apoptotic rates were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in hypothermia control group and CIRP over-expressed group when compared with normal control group. On the other hand, the apoptotic rate was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in CIRP knock-down group compared with that in hypothermia control group. The levels of redox parameters in hypothermia control group and CIRP over-expressed group were significantly changed in comparison with those in normal control group, CIRP knock-down group and empty viral vector infected group, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). These results suggest that up-regulation of CIRP by hypothermia treatment can protect the neuron from apoptosis through suppressing the formation of oxygen free radicals.