A study on role of vitamin D3 in uterine fibroids

Background: Fibroids are one of the significant non-cancerous growths prevalent in females. Vitamin D is found to have a significant influence in the development of fibroid by suppressing the formation of an impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) due to the abnormal reaction to tissue damage response by regulating it. The study is done to find out the mean vitamin D3 levels among women with fibroids and without fibroids, respectively.Methods: This study was a hospital based analytical study done in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, India for a period of 18 months. Two groups of 60 each, one group with fibroids and the other without fibroids were recruited. Venous blood was drawn from both groups using venipuncture technique and the serum vitamin D3 levels were estimated and compared.Results: The mean vitamin D3 level was 12.98�79 ng/ml for those with fibroids and 44.50�60 ng/ml for normal group. The mean value was significantly lesser among those with fibroids than those normal with p value of less than 0.05. The mean vitamin D3 levels were similar between various sizes of fibroids.Conclusions: In this study, the level of vitamin D3 was significantly lower among those with fibroids than those women who did not had any fibroids which shows that normal vitamin D3 levels might be protective against uterine fibroids and vitamin D deficiency can lead to the development of fibroids.

Haddon’s matrix for spectrum of road-related major injuries in rural adolescents: a case series analysis

Unintentional injuries in children pose public health threat that often leads to serious consequences in the child and the family, especially in case of major injuries. Prevention strategies need to be worked out for all injuries, particularly for major injuries which cause considerable disability and mortality. We present three road-related major injury events which had occurred during the entire period of a larger study, which have been analyzed using the Haddon’s matrix through an epidemiological tetrad model involving host, vector, physical environment and socio-economic environment. Intervention strategies for prevention of similar injuries in future have been outlined at various time points for each case, as well as general measures, in various levels of care. Of the three major road-related injury cases (12 years, female; 17 years, female; and 17 years, male), two were automobile accidents in 17 years old adolescents and one was a case of injury of a 12-year-old girl due to fall on road. Risk factors were present in all three cases related to host, vector, physical environment and socio-economic environment. Strategies for prevention have been outlined at various time points i.e. pre-event, event, post-event at various levels for each case, as well as intervention strategies that can be implemented in general by the individual, family, community including panchayat, and both State and National governments. All major road-related injuries and their complications that occurred in subjects of the present study could have been prevented by taking responsibility at various levels.

Reparação da parede abdominal com membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino - Parte I - Achados clínicos e radiológicos / Abdominal wall repair with acellular bovine pericardial membranes - Part I - Clinical and radiological findings

Introdução: Reduzindo os índices de recidiva de forma impactante, o emprego de biomateriais como "telas de reforço" na reparação de diferentes defeitos da parede abdominal tornou-se rotina quase obrigatória para o sucesso dessas reparações. A partir da década de 1990 houve a introdução de matrizes biológicas acelulares, iniciando-se assim uma nova era na reparação dos defeitos da parede abdominal. O objetivo é avaliar a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelularizado em reparações da parede abdominal. Método: Trinta pacientes foram submetidos a reparação de defeitos da parede abdominal, com biopróteses acelulares de pericárdio bovino, perfazendo um total de 40 implantes anatomicamente individualizados. O seguimento médio foi de 31 meses, sendo os pacientes avaliados clinicamente e radiologicamente. Em três casos foram feitas biópsias das áreas implantadas permitindo análise histológica do material. Resultados: Não se observou recidiva das herniações em nenhum dos casos, tanto clinica como radiologicamente. Também não houve registro de hematomas, infecções ou qualquer fenômeno de natureza reacional local ou sistêmica. Radiologicamente, não foi possível visualizar as matrizes no local de implantação em qualquer dos períodos de pós-operatório analisados. Conclusão: As matrizes mostraram similaridade às demais membranas biológicas descritas na literatura internacional. Representando uma importante atualização e evolução conceitual, as membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino podem ser incorporadas ao arsenal terapêutico nas reparações de parede abdominal.

Introduction: Reducing recurrence rates significantly, the use of biomaterials as "reinforcement meshes" in the repair of different abdominal wall defects has become an almost mandatory routine for the success of these repairs. From the 1990s onwards, acellular biological matrices were introduced, thus beginning a new era in the repair of abdominal wall defects. The objective is to evaluate the functionality of the acellularized bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs. Method: Thirty patients underwent repair of abdominal wall defects using acellular bovine pericardium bioprostheses, making a total of 40 anatomically individualized implants. The average follow-up was 31 months, with patients being evaluated clinically and radiologically. In three cases, biopsies were taken from the implanted areas, allowing histological analysis of the material. Results: No recurrence of herniations was observed in any of the cases, both clinically and radiologically. There were also no records of bruises, infections or any phenomenon of a local or systemic reaction nature. Radiologically, it was not possible to visualize the matrices at the implantation site in any of the postoperative periods analyzed. Conclusion: The matrices showed similarity to other biological membranes described in the international literature. Representing an important update and conceptual evolution, acellular bovine pericardial membranes can be incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal in abdominal wall repairs.

Reparação da parede abdominal com membranas acelulares de pericárdio bovino - Parte II - Análises histológicas e morfométricas / Repair of the abdominal wall with acellular bovine pericardial membranes - Part II - Histological and morphometric analyses

Introdução: Análise histológica é a principal ferramenta de avaliação de biopróteses acelulares, em sua maioria em caráter experimental. O objetivo é analisar histologicamente a matriz acelular de pericárdio bovino em reparações de parede abdominal implantada em humanos. Método: De uma série de 30 reparações com a membrana, 3 pacientes foram submetidas a revisão cirúrgica não relacionada aos implantes, aos 13, 22 e 23 meses de pós-operatório, obtendo-se biópsias das áreas previamente implantadas. Além da avaliação dos aspectos básicos de biocompatibilidade e neoformação tecidual, as lâminas foram digitalizadas e submetidas a análise computadorizada com o software ImageJ para quantificação da cinética de degradação das membranas, associada à análise da dimensão fractal das amostras. Os valores obtidos para porcentagens de membrana residual tiveram suas médias comparadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste T de Student não pareado, também utilizado para os valores da quantificação da dimensão fractal. Resultados: Foi demonstrada a biocompatibilidade do material, com neoformação tecidual, deposição de colágeno e tecido celularizado de aspecto normal, sem reações locais importantes. Fragmentos residuais da membrana foram quantificados em 40%±7% aos 13 meses, em 20%±6% aos 22 meses e em 17%±6% aos 23 meses de pós-operatório, com a análise da dimensão fractal indicando uma progressiva degradação dos implantes, com significância estatística entre 13 meses e as amostras tardias. Conclusão: Os resultados atestaram a funcionalidade do pericárdio bovino acelular sob diferentes níveis de estresse mecânico nas reparações da parede abdominal em humanos.

Introduction: Histological analysis is the main tool for evaluating acellular bioprostheses, mostly on an experimental basis. The objective is to histologically analyze the acellular matrix of bovine pericardium in abdominal wall repairs implanted in humans. Method: From a series of 30 repairs with the membrane, 3 patients underwent surgical revision unrelated to the implants at 13, 22, and 23 months postoperatively, obtaining biopsies of the previously implanted areas. In addition to evaluating the basic aspects of biocompatibility and tissue neoformation, the slides were digitalized and subjected to computerized analysis with the ImageJ software to quantify the kinetics of membrane degradation associated with the analysis of the fractal dimension of the samples. The values obtained for percentages of residual membrane had their means compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the unpaired Student's T test, also used for the fractal dimension quantification values. Results: The biocompatibility of the material was demonstrated, with tissue neoformation, collagen deposition, and cellularized tissue with a normal appearance without important local reactions. Residual fragments of the membrane were quantified at 40%±7% at 13 months, at 20%±6% at 22 months, and at 17%±6% at 23 months postoperatively, with the analysis of the fractal dimension indicating a progressive degradation of implants, with statistical significance between 13 months and late samples. Conclusion: The results confirmed the functionality of the acellular bovine pericardium under different levels of mechanical stress in abdominal wall repairs in humans.

Differential biological activity of two extracts of ripe fruits of Carica candamarcensis Hook on human neutrophils / Actividad biologica diferencial de dos extractos de frutos maduros de Carica candamarcensis Hook en neutrófilos humanos

We evaluated the effect of the total macerate (TM) and seed oil (SO) of mature Carica candamarcensis fruits, on the release of Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and the phosphorylation of MAPK in neutrophils. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts was evaluated by ABTS assay. Neutrophils stimulated with different dilutions of TM or SO were analyzed for cytotoxicity, MMP9 release, and MAPK phosphorylation, using trypan blue exclusion assays, zymography, and immunoblotting, respectively. Both extracts show antioxidant activity, being higher in TM; none presented cytotoxic effect. The 5% and 2.5% dilutions of TM significantly reduced MMP9 release, and all decreased MAPK phosphorylation. SO significantly increased the release o f MMP9 and MAPK phosphorylation, the effect being greater when they were prestimulated with lipopolysaccharide.TM may have anti - inflammatory potential, while SO could have a priming effect that needs to be confirmed

Evaluamos el efecto del macerado total (MT) y aceite de semillas (AV) de frutos maduros de Carica candamarcensis , en la liberación de Matriz metaloproteinasa 9 (MMP9) y la fosfor ilación de MAPK en neutrófilos. La capacidad antioxidante de estos extractos se evaluó por ensayo ABTS. En neutrófilos estimulados con diferentes diluciones de MT o AV se analizó la citotoxicidad, liberación de MMP9 y fosforilación de MAPK, mediante ensayo s de exclusión con azul de tripano, zimografía e inmunotransferencia, respectivamente. Ambos extractos muestran actividad antioxidante, siendo mayor en MT; ninguno presentó efecto citotóxico. Las diluciones 5% y 2,5% de MT redujeron significativamente la l iberación de MMP9, y todas disminuyeron la fosforilación de MAPK. El AV incrementó significativamente la liberación de MMP9 y la fosforilación de MAPK, el efecto fue mayor cuando se preestimularon con lipopolisacárido. El MT puede tener potencial antiinfla matorio, mientras que el AV podría tener un efecto "priming" que necesita ser corroborado.

Epidemiology and matrix metalloproteinases associated with pelvic organ prolapse: narrative review of the literature

Pelvic organ prolapse carries a risk of recurrence and leads to several disorders which bother the patient and alter her quality of life and her self-esteem. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the published literature on the epidemiology and matrix metalloproteinases involved in the development of pelvic organ prolapse. We carried out online searches in electronic databases: Hinari, Google scholar, Pubmed and Embase; and manual searches of the references of each selected article to identify more studies not captured by the online search. Studies on adult women published in English and French over the past 25 years were collected. We excluded animal studies, those published multiple times, duplicates, letters, commentaries, editorial notes, congress report, clinical practice guidelines, case reports, studies of comorbidities (cervical cancer, fistulas, pregnancy), and those evaluating paraclinical examinations and treatment. A total of 153 articles were read and 84 studies were retained, including 33 on the prevalence of genital prolapse, 24 on its epidemiological and physiopathological risk factors, 7 on the recurrence of genital prolapse and its risk factors, 20 on the matrix metalloproteinases associated with pelvic organ prolapse and their regulatory factors. The identification of the epidemiology and matrix metalloproteinases associated with pelvic organ prolapse appears important for improving its treatment through appropriate advice and measures.

Which detergent is most suitable for the generation of an acellular pancreas bioscaffold?

Pancreatic bioengineering is a potential therapeutic alternative for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in which the pancreas is decellularized, generating an acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, which may be reconstituted by recellularization with several cell types to generate a bioartificial pancreas. No consensus for an ideal pancreatic decellularization protocol exists. Therefore, we aimed to determine the best-suited detergent by comparing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium deoxycholate (SDC), and Triton X-100 at different concentrations. Murine (n=12) and human pancreatic tissue from adult brain-dead donors (n=06) was harvested in accordance with Institutional Ethical Committee of the University of São Paulo Medical School (CEP-FMUSP) and decellularized under different detergent conditions. DNA content, histological analysis, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy were assessed. The most adequate condition for pancreatic decellularization was found to be 4% SDC, displaying: a) effective cell removal; b) maintenance of extracellular matrix architecture; c) proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and collagen fibers preservation. This protocol was extrapolated and successfully applied to human pancreas decellularization. The acellular ECM scaffold generated was recelullarized using human pancreatic islets primary clusters. 3D clusters were generated using 0.5×104 cells and then placed on top of acellular pancreatic slices (25 and 50 μm thickness). These clusters tended to connect to the acellular matrix, with visible cells located in the periphery of the clusters interacting with the ECM network of the bioscaffold slices and continued to produce insulin. This study provided evidence on how to improve and accelerate the pancreas decellularization process, while maintaining its architecture and extracellular structure, aiming at pancreatic bioengineering.

Effect of ANKRD49 on migration of human lung adenocarcinoma cells and its mechanism / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To study the effect of ankyrin repeat domain 49(ANKRD49)on the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line NCI-H1299 and its mechanism.Methods NCI-H1299 cells were infected with lentivirus vector carrying ANKRD49 gene and shRNA targeting ANKRD49 to construct the cell models stably overexpressing and knocking down ANKRD49. Meanwhile,the control cell models infected with empty lentivirus vector and lentivirus vector with scramble sequences were constructed respectively. The expression levels of ANKRD49 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. The effect of ANKRD49 on cell migration was measured by scratch test. The mRNA and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2/9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1/2 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. The protein expression levels of p65,p-p65,IκBα and p-IκBα were detected by Western blot.Results The levels of ANKRD49 mRNA and protein in the ANKRD49 overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t = 70. 02 and 45. 68,respectively,each P < 0. 001). Compared with the control group,the migration ability of cells in the ANKRD49 overexpression group significantly increased at 24 h and 48 h(t = 5. 343 and 3. 282,P = 0. 005 9 and 0. 030 4,respectively);The mRNA transcription levels and protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased(t = 9. 304 and 6. 193,P =0. 000 7 and 0. 003 5,respectively),while the mRNA and protein expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 decreased significantly(t = 3. 858 and 3. 517,P = 0. 018 2 and 0. 024 5,respectively),and the values of MMP-2/TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-2 significantly increased(t = 17. 7 and 9. 682,P < 0. 001 and < 0. 01,respectively);The expression of p-p65 and pIκBα significantly increased,the total protein levels of p65 and IκBα showed no obvious change,and the values of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα significantly increased(t = 3. 962 and 5. 370,P = 0. 016 7 and 0. 005 8,respectively). However,knocking down of ANKRD49 presented the opposite results.Conclusion ANKRD49 promotes the migration of NCI-H1299cells by enhan-cing the expression of MMP-2/9,the values of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 via activating NF-κB/p65 signa-ling pathway.

The applications of the plasma matrix in the treatments of dental pulp and periapical diseases / 口腔疾病防治

@#The plasma matrix is a kind of autologous blood conduct. It has been widely used in maxillofacial tissue regeneration, skin cosmetology and some other fields. Recently, to preserve the dental pulp as well as the teeth, pulp regeneration therapy and apical surgery have become increasingly important as well as the applications of bioactive materials. As a kind of autologous bioactive material, the plasma matrix has some natural advantages as it is easy to obtain and malleable. The plasma matrix can be used in the following cases: ①pulp revascularization of young permanent teeth with open apical foramina that cannot stimulate apical bleeding; ② apical barrier surgery with bone defects and large area perforation repair with bone defects or root sidewall repair surgery; ③ apical surgeries of teeth with large area of apical lesions, with or without periodontal diseases. The plasma matrix is a product derived from our blood, and there are no obvious contraindications for its use. Several systematic reviews have shown that the plasma matrix can effectively promote the regenerative repair of dental pulp in patients with periapical diseases. However, the applications of plasma matrix are different because its characteristics are affected by different preparation methods. In addition, there is still a lack of long-term clinical researches on the plasma matrix, and the histological evidences are difficult to obtain, so a large number of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are still needed. This article will describe the applications of different kinds of plasma matrix for dental pulp regeneration and bone tissue regeneration in apical surgeries to provide references for clinicians in indication selection and prognosis evaluation.

Aesthetic effect evaluation of the xenogeneic collagen matrix in keratinized mucosa augmentation around dental implants / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To evaluate the stability and aesthetic effect of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (mucograft) on achieving an adequate keratinized mucosa width (KMW) around implants and to provide a reference basis for the clinical application of xenogeneic collagen matrix materials.@*Methods@#The hospital ethics committee approved the study protocol, and the patients provided informed consent. Twenty patients with a KMW<2 mm at the buccal implant site who were treated in Binzhou Medical University Affiliated Yantai Stomatological Hospital from July 2020 to September 2022 were included, and a total of 36 implants were included. The mean age of the patients was (52.0±10.4) years, of which 18 were females and 2 were males. They were divided into a free gingival graft group (FGG, control group) and a xenogeneic collagen matrix group (test group) according to different graft materials. The incremental effect of the KMW on the buccal side of the implant and the mucosal shrinkage rate was measured at 1 month and 3 months after the operation. The mucosal scar index (MSI) was evaluated after the operation.@*Results@#At 3 months postoperatively, the KMW was (3.67 ± 1.06) mm in the control group and (2.96 ± 0.98) mm in the test group, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 2.076, P<0.05). The KMW shrinkage rate was (33.34 ± 16.30) % in the test group and (22.05 ± 15.47) % in the control group at 1 month postoperatively and (51.95 ± 12.60) % in the test group and (37.44 ± 16.30) % in the control group at 3 months postoperatively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups at the same time points (P<0.05). Three months after surgery, the test group showed significantly better outcomes than the control group in terms of the five scar indicators (scar width, scar convexity, scar color, scar trace, and overall appearance), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Xenogeneic collagen matrix can increase the peri-implant KMW and achieve a more natural and coordinated soft tissue aesthetic effect but with a higher shrinkage rate.

microRNA-26a inhibits extracellular matrix synthesis in high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating ferroptosis / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of microRNA-26a(miR-26a)on the syn-thesis of extracellular matrix(ECM)induced by high glucose(HG)in renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs).Methods A model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)was constructed by inducing RTECs with HG.MiR-26a was overexpressed in HG-induced RTECs,and RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the effects of miR-26a on ECM synthesis and ferroptosis-related markers in HG-treated RTECs.Ferrostatin(Fer-1)was used to inhibit ferroptosis in the DKD model,and its impact on ECM synthesis was evaluated.RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to measure ferroptosis-related markers,and fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the intensity of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Results Compared with the control group,the expression of miR-26a decreased in HG-treated cells,while the expression levels of ECM synthesis-related indexes fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ in-creased.After overexpressing miR-26a,the HG+miR-26a group showed a significant increase in miR-26a expres-sion and a decrease in fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ expression compared to the HG group.In terms of ferroptosis,the protein and mRNA expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 significantly decreased,the expression of TFR-1 and AC-SL4 significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly enhanced in the HG group com-pared with the control group.Inhibition of ferroptosis in the HG+Fer-1 group resulted in significant changes in fer-roptosis and ECM synthesis-related indicators expression levels compared to the HG group.Furthermore,re-expres-sion of miR-26a in the HG+miR-26a led to significant changes in ferroptosis-related indicators expression levels and decreased ROS fluorescence intensity compared to the HG group.Conclusions In HG-induced RTECs,miR-26a inhibits the occurrence of ferroptosis,thus reducing ECM synthesis.

Construction and evaluation of a universal influenza mRNA vaccine / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To construct a universal influenza mRNA vaccine and evaluate its immunogenicity.Methods The antigen sequence of hemagglutinin(HA),nucleoprotein(NP)and matrix protein 2 ectodomain(M2e)in influenza A/California/04/2009 was optimized.HA,NP and 3 tandem M2e(3M2e)were cloned into pcDNA3.1 vector,respectively.Then the mRNAs were synthesized by linearization,in vitro transcription,enzymatic capping and enzymatic tailing,and named as mRNA-HA,mRNA-NP and mRNA-3M2e,respectively.The protein expression of the 3 kinds of mRNAs in 293T cells was detected by immunofluorescence assay.Comb-mRNA vaccine was prepared by enveloped mRNA-HA,mRNA-NP and mRNA-3M2e with lipid nanoparticles,respectively,and the particle size and potential were identified.Twenty-eight 6-week-old female BALB/c mice(18～22 g)were randomly divided into LNP group(n=14)and Comb-mRNA group(n=14).Hemagglutination inhibition(HI)method and microneutralization(MN)test were used to evaluate the serum antibody titer induced by Comb-mRNA vaccines.The mice were infected by 5LD50 wild-type H1 N1 influenza virus to evaluate the protective efficacy.Results The mRNA-HA,mRNA-NP and mRNA-3M2e were successfully constructed,and the 3 mRNAs could be expressed in 293T cells.The average size of mRNA encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles was 119.53±6.5 nm,and the average potential was-8.23±1.3 mV.The geometric mean titer(GMT)of HI and MN in the Comb-mRNA group were 179.6 and 201.6,compared with the LNP group.The ratio of IFN-γ+CD4+/CD8+Tcells was increased.The Comb-mRNA group could provide protection against 5LD50 wild type influenza H1 N1 virus after 2 weeks of booster immunization.Conclusion Comb-mRNA,an influenza vaccine candidate,can induce immune responses and protect mice from influenza virus challenge.

The predictive value of serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 in postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with ureteral calculi / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)in postoperative urinary tract infec-tion(UTI)in patients with ureteral calculi.Methods Among the ureteral calculi patients admitted to the De-partment of Urology in a hospital from October 2021 to October 2022,68 patients with postoperative UTI(UTI group)and 68 patients without UTI(non-UTI group)were selected as the study objects.Serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Spearman method was used to analyze the correlation between serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels and clinical data in UTI group,and the predictive value of serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels in postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve.The influencing factors of postoperative UTI in ureter-al calculi patients were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.Results Compared with non-UTI group,serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels in UTI group were significantly increased,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).Correlation analysis showed that serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels were positively correlated in UTI group(r=0.585,P＜0.001).The combined prediction of the area under the curve(AUC)for postopera-tive UTI in ureteral calculi patients was 0.961(95％CI:0.934-0.988).The sensitivity and specificity were 73.36％and 85.68％,respectively.The AUC predicted by MMP-9 and sTREM-1 was higher than that predic-ted by MMP-9 and STREM-1 alone(Z=25.420,P＜0.001;Z=21.531,P＜0.001).The levels of MMP-9 and sTREM-1 were the influencing factors of postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of MMP-9 and sTREM-1 in postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients are increased,and the detec-tion of both levels has important predictive value for the occurrence of postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients.

Design and implementation of ultrasound therapy device for rabbit urethral scars / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To design a specialized ultrasound therapeutic device for rabbit urethral scars and to verify its applicability and effectiveness.Methods:New Zealand male rabbits were used as the experimental objects, and the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was customized according to the structure and size of the rabbit penises. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument included the ultrasound pulse emission and control system, the final-stage amplifier, and the ultrasound probe. Firstly, the ultrasound probe was designed according to the size and structure of rabbit penises, and the parameters of the ultrasound probe were determined by COMSOL finite element simulation and actual testing of the sound field distribution. Secondly, the driving circuit of the ultrasound probe was designed according to the parameters of the elements. Then the ultrasound pulse emission and control system based on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and the serial screen were designed. Subsequently, the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was subjected to a performance test and a safety test. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument was constructed to include the ultrasound amplifier and the ultrasound probe. Finally, a rabbit urethra reconstruction model was constructed, and eight white rabbits were randomly divided into a model group and an experimental group. The rabbits in the experimental group received the ultrasound therapeutic instrument for treatment of the urethra immediately, with an ultrasound frequency of 2 MHz, a pulse interval of 10 ms, and an output sound intensity of 0.73 W/cm 2. The treatment was performed twice a week (on Tuesday and Thursday), with 10 min of irradiation each time, lasting for four weeks. The rabbits in the model group did not receive any treatment. The area percentage of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) staining-positive areas in rabbit urethral tissues were quantitatively analyzed, and the urethral circumference was calculated using Image J software. Results:Due to the addition of sound-absorbing materials, the sound pressure distribution in the treatment chamber was more uniform, and the average value of the standing wave ratio was 1.11, indicating that the structural design met the design requirements. In the overall performance test, the natural focal position of the three ultrasonic transducers was 10 mm, and the consistency of the sound field distribution meet the experimental requirements. The relationship between the peak sound pressure of each transducer and the power supply voltage was close to linear. The output sound intensity ranged from 0.35 to 0.74 W/cm 2, which met the experimental requirements. With the ultrasound output, the temperature of the test point increased slowly, and this experiment could increase the temperature of the tissue by up to 3.3 ℃, which would not lead to thermal damage to the tissue. Animal experiment results showed that the immunopositive area fraction of TGF-β1 in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(4.21 ± 1.32)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(8.53 ± 3.43)%] ( t = ?4.24, P < 0.001). The immunopositive area fraction of TNF-α in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(5.14 ± 2.72)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(7.23 ± 1.57)%] ( t = ?3.37, P < 0.05). The MMP-2 level in the urethral tissue of rabbits in the experimental group [(10.65 ± 2.24)%] was higher than that of the model group[(6.98 ± 2.74)%] ( t = 2.19, P < 0.05). The urethral circumference [(12 209 ± 2 743) μm] was higher than that of the model group [(10 127 ± 2 237) μm] ( t = 15.46, P < 0.05). Conclusions:An ultrasound therapeutic instrument dedicated to rabbit urethral scars has been successfully designed and can be used for the study of ultrasound treatment of rabbit urethral scars.

Anti-fibrosis Action of Therapy of Tonifying Kidney and Removing Stasis on Moderate-to-Severe Intrauterine Adhesions and Its Influence on Extracellular Matrix Degradation Related Factors in Menstrual Blood / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the anti-fibrosis action of the therapy of tonifying kidney and removing stasis(shortened to Bushen Quyu method)on moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion and its influence on extracellular matrix degradation related factors in menstrual blood.Methods A total of 124 patients with moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome who were to undergo transcervical resection of adhesion(TCRA)were randomly divided into a study group and a control group,with 62 patients in each group.Both groups were given TCRA treatment.After the operation,the control group was treated with Progesterone + Estradiol Valerate Tablets,and the study group was treated with the combination of the Bushen Quyu method by using modified Guishen Decoction based on the treatment of the control group.The treatment covered 3 menstrual cycles.The changes in menstrual status,transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters,scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and scores of uterine adhesion in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the two groups were observed before and after treatment in the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF),and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)as well as the mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory factor 1(TIMP-1),phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase(PI3K)and collagen type I A1 protein(COL1A1).After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were assessed.Results(1)After 3 menstrual cycles of treatment,the total effective rate in the study group was 93.55%(58/62),and that in the control group was 80.65%(50/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the therapeutic effect of the study group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the recovery of menstrual flow,menstrual cycle and menstrual period in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group after treatment(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the transvaginal color Doppler sonography parameters of uterine blood flow index(FI),pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had significantly higher FI,uterine cavity volume,and endometrial thickness and had lower PI and RI than the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the scores of uterine adhesion and the scores of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the above scores in the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the levels of VEGF,TGF-β1,PDGF,and CTGF in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the levels of the above cytokines in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P＜0.01).(6)After treatment,the relative mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood of the two groups were significantly higher and the mRNA expression level of COL1A1 was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05).And the study group had higher mRNA expression levels of MMP-9 and PI3K in the menstrual blood than the control group after treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(7)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 25.81%(16/62)and that in the study group was 16.13%(10/62).The intergroup comparison showed that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The symptoms of adverse reactions in the two groups disappeared after symptomatic treatment,and there were no adverse reactions related to the medication of Chinese medicine during the study.Conclusion The combination of Bushen Quyu formula combined with western medicine is more effective than western medicine alone for the treatment of patients with uterine adhesions after TCRA.The application of Bushen Quyu formula can further promote the recovery of menstruation in the patients,improve the circulation of blood flow in the endometrium,increase the endometrial thickness,regulate the expression of fibrosis factors,up-regulate the mRNA expressions of PI3K and MMP-9,restore the balance of the extracellular matrix(ECM),and prevent the reoccurrence of intrauterine adhesions.And its clinical medication is safe.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Jingangteng Capsules Combined with Guizhi Fuling Capsules in the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Inflammation and Their Effect on Serum Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Levels / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Jingangteng Capsules combined with Guizhi Fuling Capsules(GFC)for the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic inflammation of damp-heat and stasis obstruction type and to observe their effects on serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)and matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)levels.Methods Ninety patients with chronic pelvic inflammation of damp-heat and stasis obstruction type were randomly divided into the combined group and the GFC group,with 45 patients in each group.Patients in the GFC group were treated with Guizhi Fuling Capsules,while patients in the combined group were given Jingangteng Capsules together with GFC.The treatment period lasted for 2 weeks and then one-month follow-up was conducted.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)scores,serum GM-CSF and MMP-2 levels in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.And the clinical efficacy,time for the relief of symptoms,recurrence of disease and occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were compared.Results(1)After 2 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the combined group was 93.33%(42/45),and that of the GFC group was 66.67%(30/45).The intergroup comparison showed that the therapeutic effect of the combined group was significantly superior to that of the GFC group when comparing the two groups(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of lower abdominal pain,lumbosacral pain,leukorrhagia,profuse menstruation,dysmenorrhea,and fatigue in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the reduction of TCM syndrome scores in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the GFC group(P＜0.05).(3)The time for leucorrhea recovering normal and the time for the relief of lower abdominal distension and abdominal pain in the combined group were significantly shorter than those in the GFC group after treatment(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum serological indicators of GM-CSF and MMP-2 levels in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the reduction of serum GM-CSF and MMP-2 levels in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the GFC group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)The recurrence rate and the incidence rate of adverse reactions in the combined group were 11.11%(5/45)and 13.33%(6/45),respectively,and were significantly lower than those in the GFC group[all being 35.56%(16/45)],the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion Jingangteng Capsules combined with Guizhi Fuling Capsules can significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of the patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory of damp-heat and stasis obstruction type,effectively shorten the time for the relief of symptoms,and decrease the serum GM-CSF and MMP-2 levels.

Progress on effect of CypA/CD147 in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular system disease infected by SARS-CoV-2 / 解放军医学杂志

Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic has been effectively controlled,but its related complications still cannot be ignored,especially the cardiovascular circulatory system is the active site of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a type Ⅰ transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in heart,kidney and testis.Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells by binding to the cell surface receptor ACE2.However,there are still many deficiencies in the clinical application of vaccines and drugs developed based on this target.As a molecular chaperone,cyclophilin A(CypA)promotes protein folding and T cell activation.CD147 is one of the most widely studied CypA receptors,and the interaction of CypA/CD147 plays an important role in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.However,there are few reports on the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the cardiovascular system through the CypA/CD147 signaling pathway.Based on this,this article summarizes the previous research evidence and the research basis of the research group,and reviews the structure and function of CypA/CD147,the role of CypA/CD147 in cardiovascular disease,and the cardiovascular disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 targeting CypA/CD147 signal pathway,in order to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 complicated with cardiovascular system diseases.

To evaluate the predictive value of multimodal ultrasound combined with serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the recurrence of breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To explore the predictive value of multimodal ultrasound features combined with serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) detection for tumor recurrence of breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery.Methods:A total of 194 patients with breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from Jan. 2017 to May. 2018 were selected. Routine ultrasound, automated breast volume imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed before surgery. Logistic regression equation was used to analyze the risk factors affecting local tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, and ROC curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of multimodal ultrasound features combined with serum MMP-9 for local tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery.Results:After 5 years of follow-up, 29 out of 194 breast cancer patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery had local recurrence and metastasis. There were no significant differences in tumor diameter, spiculation sign, convergence sign, Alder blood flow grade, enhancement sequence, pattern and enhancement intensity between the two groups ( P>0.05 t=1.48, P=1.451; χ2=0.55, P=0.460; χ2=0.50, P=0.478; χ2=0.60, P=0.439; χ2=0.50, P=0.780; χ2=0.04, P=0.981; χ2=0.13, P=0.716). Logistic regression analysis showed that irregular tumor shape, small calcification,Peripheral radial enhancement, perfusion defect and abnormal elevation of serum MMP-9 were independent risk factors for local recurrence of breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery ( P=0.034, 95%CI=1.177~62.266; P=0.048, 95%CI=1.022~58.397; P=0.045, 95%CI=1.100~56.756; P=0.043, 95%CI=1.079~ 60.937; P=0.044, 95%CI=1.000~1.026). ROC curve showed that the AUC of multimodal ultrasound features combined with serum MMP-9 in predicting local tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery was 0.970, and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.63% and 91.67%, respectively. Conclusions:Multimodal ultrasound features combined with serum MMP-9 detection have high application value in the evaluation of local tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, and provide a new idea for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Construction methods and application of assembloids / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,many studies have confirmed that assembloids can make up for the shortcomings of organoids,which cannot fully reproduce the interaction between cell and cell and between cell and matrix.Since the assembloids construction methods are in the early stage of development,there is no unified standard. OBJECTIVE:To review the current construction methods,applications,advantages,and disadvantages of assembloids,guide the development and improvement of vitro cell models. METHODS:PubMed,CNKI,and WanFang databases were searched with English search terms"assembloids,organoids,tumor microenvironment,organoids AND assemble,organoids AND microenvironment"and Chinese search terms"assembloids,organoids,tumor microenvironment,organoid reorganization,multicellular model".Totally 94 articles were screened out for review after excluding irrelevant articles and deduplication. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)According to the different sources of cells,the construction of assembloids can be divided into three methods:self-assembly,direct-assembly,and mixed-assembly.According to the differences of cell culture methods,it can be divided into suspension culture method,matrix culture method,organ chip culture method,and 3D bio-printing.(2)The process of self-assembly covers early stages of cell and tissue development,so it has broad prospects in the fields of organ development and developmental disorders.The function of differentiated mature cells is relatively perfect,and the assembloids directly assembled by them have more potential in the study of functional disorders and cell-damaging diseases.Self-assembly may be better in organ transplantation,and direct-assembly will be more suitable for the repair of tissue damage.Mixed-assembly combines the advantages of the former two and is mostly used to explore the physiological and pathological mechanisms of cells in the microenvironment,as well as drug screening.(3)Although different assembloids have their own advantages,they all face the problem of imperfect vasculature system,then,each method has its own limitations,for example,the degree of cell differentiation in self-assembly assembloids may still be different from that in vivo,and the fixed cell types in direct-assembly models cannot simulate complex microenvironments in vivo.These are urgent problems to be solved.(4)In the future,with the continuous improvement of assembloids culture technology,scientists can assemble biomimetic organoids with more complex tissues in vitro,providing infinitely realistic models for the study of physiological and pathological processes of human tissue and organ.

The histological and thickness changes of attached gingiva following grafting with different soft tissue substitutes in the labial region of the cuspids in Beagles / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Subepithelial connective tissue grafts are generally considered as the gold standard for soft tissue augmentation.However,it needs a second surgical site,which will prolong the surgical time and increase patients'pain. OBJECTIVE:To compare the histological and thickness changes of attached gingiva following grafting with different soft tissue substitutes in the labial region of the cuspids. METHODS:In three Beagle dogs,attached gingival augmentation was performed with double-layer allogeneic acellular dermal matrix membrane(AADM),bovine-derived acellular dermal matrices(BADM)combined with concentrated growth factor membrane or BADM combined with collagen sponge.Thickness of attached gingiva was measured before augmentation,and 1,2,3,and 4 months after augmentation.Histological analyses were performed after 4 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean values of attached gingival thickness and attached gingival thickness augmentation were higher in the double-layer AADM group than in the other two groups(all P<0.05)from the 1st to 4th month after surgery.At 1 month after surgery,the attached gingival thickness of the three groups increased significantly and then decreased.At 3 months after surgery,the BADM combined with collagen sponge group and the BADM combined with concentrated growth factor membrane group showed no significant difference in the attached gingival thickness of the graft area compared with that before surgery(P>0.05).At 4 months after surgery,the mean value of attached gingival thickness in the double-layer AADM group was still significantly increased compared with that before surgery(P<0.05).The value of attached gingival thickness was highest in the double-layer AADM group,followed by the BADM combined with collagen sponge group,and the lowest in the BADM combined with concentrated growth factor membrane group at 1-4 months after surgery.Histological analyses revealed that AADM was well integrated with the host gingival tissue,and new fibrous connective tissue and fibroblasts grew into the AADM.But the grafts in the other two groups were absorbed and the augmentation area was remodeled into a structure consistent with the surrounding host tissue.To conclude,AADM is superior to BADM combined with concentrated growth factor and BADM combined with collagen sponge with regard to gingival augmentation.