[Research advances of natural biomaterials in promoting wound repair].

Acute and chronic wounds seriously threaten patients' life health and quality of life, therefore, wound repair has become a hot topic of research for scholars at home and abroad in recent years. With the development of material science and tissue engineering, more and more biomaterials prepared from natural ingredients were used in basic research and clinical treatment of wound repair. Such biomaterials can be used as templates for wound tissue regeneration to induce autologous cell adhesion and migration, and promote the deposition of extracellular matrix, which have broad clinical application prospects. This paper reviews the characteristics and application advance of natural biomaterials which are popular in the field of wound repair, aiming to provide ideas for the research and development of new wound dressing and tissue engineering skin.

[Surgical complications of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the surgical experience of totally implantable venous access port in children with malignant tumors, and to explore the coping methods of surgical complications. METHODS: The clinical data of 165 children with malignant tumors implanted in totally implantable venous access port in Department of Pediatric Surgery, Peking University First Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The operation process, complications and treatment of complications were observed and counted. RESULTS: The children in this group were divided into external ju-gular vein incision group (n=27) and internal jugular vein puncture group (n=138) according to different surgical methods, and the latter was divided into ultrasound guided puncture group (n=95) and blind puncture group (n=43). No puncture complications occurred in the external jugular vein incision group, and the average time for successful catheterization and the number of times for catheter to enter the superior vena cava were more than those in the internal jugular vein puncture group [(9.26±1.85) min vs. (5.76±1.56) min, (1.93±0.87) times vs. 1 time], with statistical significance. The average time of successful catheterization, the success rate of one puncture, the average number of punctures and the incidence of puncture complications in the ultrasound guided right internal jugular vein puncture group were better than those in the blind puncture group [(5.36±1.12) min vs. (6.67±1.99) min, 93.68% (89/95) vs. 74.42% (32/43), (1.06±0.24) times vs. (1.29±0.55) times, 2.11% (2/95) vs. 11.63% (5/43)], with statistically significant differences. The total incidence of complications in this study was 12.12% (20/165). Pneumothorax occurred in 1 case, artery puncture by mistake in 1 case, local hematoma in 5 cases, venous access port related infection in 4 cases (venous access port local infection in 2 cases, catheter related blood flow infection in 2 cases), subcutaneous tissue thinning on the surface of port seat in 2 cases, port seat overturning in 1 case, poor transfusion in 4 cases (catheter discount in 1 case, catheter blockage in 3 cases), and foreign bodies gathered around the subcutaneous pipeline in 2 cases. There were no complications, such as catheter rupture, detachment and catheter clamping syndrome. CONCLUSION: Totally implantable venous access port can provide safe and effective infusion channels for children with malignant tumors. Right external jugular vein incision and ultrasound-guided right internal jugular vein puncture are reliable surgical methods for children's totally implantable venous access port implantation. Surgeons should fully understand the complications of the venous access port, take measures to reduce the occurrence of complications, and properly handle the complications that have occurred.

[Clinical effects of ultra-pulsed fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of mild to moderate microstomia after burns].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of ultra-pulsed fractional carbon dioxide laser (UFCL) in the treatment of mild to moderate microstomia after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 19 patients with mild to moderate microstomia after burns who were admitted to Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022, including 15 males and 4 females aged (35±14) years. Patients had an average course of 71 d of microstomia, with 8 cases of moderate microstomia and 11 cases of mild microstomia. All the patients received UFCL treatment every 2-3 months until the microstomia was corrected or the treatment bottleneck was reached. The times of UFCL treatment for patients and the time interval from the last treatment to the last follow-up were recorded. Before the first treatment and at the last follow-up, the opening degree of mouth (finger measurement method), oral gap width, and the distance between the upper and lower incisors during mouth opening were recorded. Before the first treatment and at the last treatment, the new Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the scar. At the last follow-up, the degree of satisfaction was evaluated by the Likert 5 scale by the patients themselves, and the satisfaction ratio was calculated; the adverse reactions such as pigmentation, blisters, infection, and persistent erythema in the treatment area were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with Mann-Whitney rank sum test or paired sample t test. Results: Patients received UFCL treatment of 3 (2, 6) times. The interval from the last treatment to the last follow-up was 26 months at most and 4 months at least. At the last follow-up, the opening degree of mouth of patients was significantly improved than that before treatment (Z=4.68, P<0.01). At the last follow-up, the oral gap width of patients was (35±6) mm, and the distance between upper and lower incisors during mouth opening was (3.2±0.4) cm, which was significantly improved compared with those before treatment (with t values of 10.73 and 18.97, respectively, P<0.01). The VSS score after the last treatment was 4.1±1.6, which was significantly better than that before treatment (t=22.96, P<0.01). At the last follow-up, the satisfaction ratio of patients with treatment was 18/19, and no pigmentation, blisters, infection, persistent erythema, and other adverse reactions of all patients in the treatment area occurred, however, one of the patients reported that the disease recurred about half a year after treatment. Conclusions: UFCL is an effective method for treating mild to moderate microstomia after burns, with which patients are highly satisfied, and it is worth of further study and promotion.

[Research advances on thymosin ß4 in promoting wound healing].

With the aging of population and the development of social economy, the incidence of chronic wounds is increasing day by day, while the incidence of burns and trauma remains at a high level, making wound repair an increasingly concerned area in clinical practice. Thymosin ß4 is a naturally occurring small molecule protein in vivo, which is widely distributed in a variety of body fluids and cells, especially in platelets. Thymosin ß4 has biological activities of promoting angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-fibrosis, and has many important functions in wound repair. Thymosin ß4 has been observed to promote the healing of various wounds, such as burns, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers. This paper will review the molecular structure, mechanism of wound healing promotion, pharmacokinetics, and clinical application of thymosin ß4, aiming to introduce its potential in wound treatment and the shortcomings of current researches.

[Clinical analysis of 30 cases of basal ganglia germinoma in children].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma and to improve the level of early clinical diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical data of children diagnosed with basal ganglia germinoma admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Ward of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the clinical characteristics of children with basal ganglia germinoma. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included in the study, 28 were male, 2 were female, the mean age at onset was (9.7±2.2) years, the median disease duration was 7 months, 27 had unilateral disease, and 3 had bilateral disease. The clinical manifestations were decreased limb muscle strength, cognitive function disorders, polydipsia, precocious puberty, intracranial hypertension, dysphonia and swallowing dysfunction. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal in the 30 patients, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid tumor marker ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) were normal in 8 patients.The serum ß-HCG was normal in 11 patients but the cerebrospinal fluid ß-HCG was slightly elevated, and the serum and cerebrospinal fluid ß-HCG were slightly elevated in 11 patients. A total of 33 lesions with irregular shapes were found by imaging examination, including 15 (45.5%) patchy lesions, 10 (30.3%) patchy lesions, and 8 (24.2%) round-like high-density lesions. Tumors showed obvious high-density shadows on computed tomography (CT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the tumors showed low or isointensity on T1WI and isointensity on T2WI, accompanied by mild peritumoral edema, hemispheric atrophy, cerebral peduncle atrophy, calcification, cystic degeneration, ventricular dilatation and wallerian degeneration. On contrast-enhanced scans, the tumor showed no enhancement or heterogeneous enhancement. CONCLUSION: The main age of onset of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia in children is about 10 years old, and males are absolutely dominant. The clinical features and imaging manifestations have certain characteristics. With both combined, the early diagnosis of germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia can be improved.

[Effect of straight-line minimally invasive access cavity on the mechanical properties of maxillary first premolars: a finite element analysis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of straight-line minimally invasive access cavity on the mechanical properties of endodontically treated maxillary first premolars using finite element analysis. Methods: Micro-CT data of twenty maxillary first premolars were collected for three-dimensional reconstruction. Three access cavities, including the conventional access cavity (ConvAC), the truss access cavity (TrussAC) and the straight-line minimally invasive access cavity (SMIAC), as well as the root canal treatment procedure, were simulated in all the 20 reconstruction samples of three-dimensional models, respectively. The peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of each model, as well as the stress distribution under vertical and oblique loading circumstances, were subsequently determined by using finite element analysis. Results: In comparison to the stresses of ConvAC [buccal cervical (BC): (188.7±13.4) MPa, palatal cervical (PC): (200.9±25.7) MPa], the stresses of TrussAC [BC: (146.0±12.9) MPa, PC: (167.6±15.9) MPa] (t=9.01, P<0.001; t=4.59, P<0.001) and SMIAC [BC: (142.6±13.7) MPa, PC: (168.1±17.4) MPa] (t=9.64, P<0.001; t=3.76, P=0.004) significantly reduced the peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of the maxillary first premolars after root canal treatment. Under vertical loading conditions, SMIAC also reduced the central tendency of stresses on the occlusal surface, cervical area and root. In the case of oblique loading conditions, similar results were observed. Under both loading conditions, there was no significant difference in the peak von Mises stress on the cervical area of the maxillary first premolar between TrussAC and SMIAC groups. Conclusions: The design of SMIAC could preserve the mechanical properties of the maxillary first premolar following root canal treatment, which might have certain clinical feasibility.

[Status quo regarding the recruit requirements of public health-related employers and training scheme for undergraduates majored in preventive medicine in colleges and universities].

Objective: To investigate public health-related professions' recruit requirements and understand the training scheme for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates in colleges and universities in China. Methods: An online questionnaire was adopted to collect data on the recruit requirements of public health-related professions. Information on the core courses, internship, and practical training for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates was collected through universities' official websites. Results: The employers had a high requirement for education and specific majors. Also, administration professions attached importance to comprehensive quality, while professional positions to professional skills. 47.2% (67/142) employers made Talent Introduction Programs for the next three years. 20.0% (3/15) universities offered all the core courses required by national standards. For internship and practical training, both clinical practice and professional practice's median durations were 16 and 11 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Employers showed significant demand for public health graduates and having a high requirement for personal ability and comprehensive quality. The universities should improve the setting of core courses and strengthen students' practical ability and overall quality.

[A survey on the willingness of college students majoring in public health to work in their majors].

Objective: To understand the basic qualities, practitioners will and related influences, of undergraduate, master, and doctoral students majoring in public health (hereinafter referred to as public health students), and explore the influencing factors of practitioners will. Methods: Through the online questionnaire survey, we collected information on the basic qualities of the public health students, their practitioners will and related influencing factors, and their opinions on the current state of public health in China. χ2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of public health students' willingness to engage in public health related work, and word frequency analysis was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of public health students' views on public health in China. Results: A total of 2 081 pieces of valid information were collected, of which 86.54% (1 801/2 081) of the students in the school chose to engage in public health related work in the future. For public health students, the higher the target after-tax monthly income (OR=0.345, 95%CI: 0.158-0.751), the lower the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future; Very satisfied with school employment guidance work (OR=4.072, 95%CI: 1.234-13.436) compared with very dissatisfied, the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future is higher. Conclusion: The willingness of students in public health related majors to engage in public health related majors in China is mainly affected by three factors: payment levels, employment guidance and professional post recognition. It is recommended to appropriately raise the salaries of public health related positions. Strengthening school employment guidance training and professional identity training is conducive to enhancing the willingness of public health students to engage in relevant work in their profession.

[Characteristics of human papillomavirus infection and abnormal cervical cytology in health check-up females in Shenzhen].

Objective: To describe the characteristics of human papillomavirus infection and thinprep cytologic test (TCT) outcome in health check-up females in Shenzhen. Methods: Use cross-sectional design, collect information from data from health check-up females in Shenzhen and describe characteristics of HPV infections screening and TCT outcomes. Results: We collected the data of 75 754 females, 103 508 females and 69 964 females received HPV detection, TCT and combined detection respectively. HPV standardized infection rate was 19.89% (95%CI: 19.45%-20.33%) and showed a "U-shaped" pattern in age distribution. The most prevalent HPV genotypes were 52, 51, 16, 58 and 53. Infection rate was higher for high-risk HPV than low-risk HPV genotype. Single infection was more common than its multiple infection. In addition, 7.48% (95%CI: 7.22%-7.75%) women were TCT positive, of whom 4.58% (95%CI: 4.40%-4.76%), 2.54% (2.40%-2.69%), 0.27% (95%CI: 0.23%-0.31%) had atypical squamous cells, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, respectively. Overall and subtype HPV infection rates increased with severity of abnormal cervical cytology. The most prevalent HPV genotypes were 52, 58 and 16 in women with abnormal cervical cytology. Conclusions: HPV prevalence remains at a high level in Shenzhen. This study suggests that attention should be paid to HPV screening, especially in young, perimenopausal women and in high risk HPV genotype infection. Timely follow-up and cervical cytology screening are required for women with high-risk HPV infection or persistent infection. Future vaccination strategies should take account of prevalent HPV genotype.

[Vincristine inhibits the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells by regulating the demethylation of RASSF2A].

Objective: To investigate the effect of vincristine on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells by regulating RASSF2A demethylation. Methods: SKOV3 cells were infected with control (LV-NC) and RASSF2A lentivirus (LV-RASSF2A) and treated with or without vincristine. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the activity of ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) treated with different doses of vincristine. Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation of SKOV3 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of SKOV3 cells. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the mRNA expression of RASSF2A in IOSE-29 and SKOV3 cells. Western blot was used to examine the protein expression of RASSF2A in IOSE-29 and SKOV3 cells. Methylation-specific PCR was used to detect methylation and demethylation levels of RASSF2A gene in IOSE-29 and SKOV3 cells. Results: The cell viabilities of SKOV3 cell treated with 6.25 nmol/L, 12.5 nmol/L, 25 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L and 100 nmol/L vincristine were (87.19±4.49)%, (73.67±8.62)%, (66.35±6.04)%, (50.32±6.00)% and (34.92±6.11)%, respectively, lower than (100.46±4.69)% of control group (P<0.05). The half maximal inhibitory concentration of vincristine at 48 hours was 50.02 nmol/L. The proliferation abilities of SKOV3 cells in vincristine 12.5 nmol/L group, 25 nmol/L group and 50 nmol/L group were (41.70±2.21)%, (32.15±1.80)% and (23.00±2.01)%, respectively, significantly lower than (100.78±5.66)% in the control group (all P<0.05). The apoptotic rates of SKOV3 cells in vincristine 12.5 nmol/L group, 25 nmol/L group and 50 nmol/L group were (3.65±0.27)%, (5.21±0.76)% and (10.46±1.00)%, respectively, significantly higher than (2.12±0.23)% in the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the IOSE-29 group (1.00±0.07 and 0.68±0.04), the mRNA expression (0.32±0.04) and protein expression (0.24±0.02) of RASSF2A were down-regulated in SKOV3 cells (P<0.05). Compared with the LV-NC group [(101.60±4.39)%, (100.73±3.29)%, (4.06±0.30)%], over-expression of RASSF2A down-requlated cell viability (68.92±3.94)%, inhibited proliferation (16.38±2.16)%, and promoted apoptosis (8.65±0.56)%, (P<0.05). Conclusion: Vincristine can increase RASSF2A expression and inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation by promoting the demethylation of RASSF2A promoter.

[Employment, turnover intention and the associated factors among public health graduates in China].

Objective: To understand the employment situation of graduates of public health-related majors and explore the associated factors of turnover intention among public health practitioners in China. Methods: In April 2020, the convenient sampling method was used to recruit public health related graduates from 98 universities with public health-related majors from 31 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (only including working or unemployed status, no requirement for graduation years). A total of 1 322 questionnaires were collected, of which 1 165 (88.1%) were valid. Through the network questionnaire survey, the information of public health graduates' work situation, job satisfaction and turnover intention were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the associated factors of turnover intention, and structural equation model was constructed to explore the correlation between turnover intention and job satisfaction. Results: The age of 1 165 graduates was (28.1±4.8) years. Among them, 719 (61.7%) were female and 856 (73.5%) graduates were engaged in public health-related work after graduation. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those over 30 years old, graduates under 30 years old had higher turnover intention (OR=2.531, 95%CI: 1.549-4.155). Compared with those with junior or no title, graduates with senior title had higher turnover intention (OR=2.310, 95%CI: 1.047-5.162). The results of structural equation model analysis showed that the four factors of job satisfaction, 'salary and welfare', 'promotion development', 'work itself', and 'internal and external environment', were negatively correlated with turnover intention. The internal and external environment had the greatest impact on turnover intention (total effect =-0.539). Conclusion: Most graduates of public health-related majors are engaged in public health-related work in China. Age, professional title and job satisfaction are the associated factors of turnover intention.

Bacillus velezensis WLYS23 strain possesses antagonistic activity against hybrid snakehead bacterial pathogens.

AIM: The aims of this study were to screen an antagonistic probiotic for the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in snakehead fish and to evaluate the antimicrobial activities, biosafety and biocontrol effect of the antagonistic strain. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the WLYS23 strain exhibiting the most effective antagonistic properties against several fish pathogens was selected from the intestine of healthy snakehead fish. The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis based on morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis. This strain showed amylase, cellulase, protease and lipase activities according to extracellular enzyme activity assays. Moreover, the cell-free extract of the WLYS23 strain exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with MICs of ≤64 µg ml-1 for most fish pathogens. Additionally, the cell-free extract was heat and pH stable, and resistant to protease, whereas their antimicrobial activities were significantly influenced by metal ions at high concentration. The WLYS23 strain and its cell-free extract were safe for snakehead and zebrafish. The disease resistance of snakehead fish was significantly increased following administration of the WLYS23 strain and its cell-free extract respectively. The complete genome of the WLYS23 strain was sequenced and found to harbour seven gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION: The WLYS23 strain possesses great potential as a biocontrol agent, which can be commercially developed to improve disease control in freshwater aquaculture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Snakehead fish are important commercially farmed fish worldwide. However, the bacterial diseases caused by Aeromonas sp. and Nocardia seriolae in farmed snakehead fish lead to huge economic losses. Safe, economical and efficient probiotics are limited to prevent and control these diseases. Here, we provide a promising biocontrol agent with antagonistic activity against bacterial diseases of snakehead.

MiR-217 inhibits apoptosis of atherosclerotic endothelial cells via the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of miR-217 on the apoptosis of atherosclerotic endothelial cells (AECs) through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to construct an atherosclerotic endothelial cell model, and the expression of miR-217/TLR4/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB in the cells was regulated to explore their effects on the viability, apoptosis, inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)], and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) of the endothelial cells. RESULTS: In AECs, miR-217 expression decreased, and the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway was inhibited. The Dual-Luciferase reporter assay revealed that TLR4 was the target of miR-217, and it was up-regulated in AECs, and the further study revealed that up-regulation of miR-217 protected AECs, increased their activity, reduced their apoptosis, and inhibited inflammatory response and EndMT, while TLR4 acted contrary to miR-217. Besides, it was also found that miR-217 inhibited the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, thus weakening the influence of si-TLR4 on endothelial cells. Furthermore, miR-217 inhibited EndMT by inhibiting TLR4 from activating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In AECs, TLR4 expression increased, and miR-217 and the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway are inhibited. Additionally, miR-217 can increase the viability of AECs through the TLR4/PI3K/Akt/ NF-κB signal transduction pathway, and inhibit their apoptosis, inflammatory response, and EndMT.

Effects of lncRNA MALAT1 and lncRNA NKILA on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of retinoblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression of LncRNA NKILA and MALAT1 in retinoblastoma and its related mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tixty-eight cases of retinoblastoma patients admitted to our hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were collected as a research group, while 70 healthy people who came to our hospital for checkup at the same time were chosen as a control group. Both retinoblastoma and human colorectal mucosa cells were purchased, expression and clinical value of NKILA and MALAT1 in serum of Rb patients were tested, and sh-NKILA, si-NKILA, NC, sh-MALAT1 and si-MALAT1 were transfected into Weri-Rb1 and Y79 cells. qRT-PCR was adopted to detect the NKILA and MALAT1 levels in samples, and WB was adopted to detect the cle-caspase-3, cle-caspase-9, Bax, Cyclin B1, CDC2 and p-CDC2 protein levels in cells. Cell proliferation was conducted via MTT assay, invasion was carried out through transwell assay, and apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry assay. RESULTS: NKILA and MALAT1 were low expressed in retinoblastoma, and AUC of LncRNA NKILA and MALAT1 was over 0.8. LncRNA NKILA and MALAT1 were associated with tumor size, classification and clinical grading in children with retinoblastoma. Over-expression of NKILA and MALAT1 could promote apoptosis, inhibit cell growth and Bcl-2 protein, and promote upregulation of the expression levels of clecaspase-3, clecaspase-9 and Bax. CONCLUSIONS: By regulating MALAT1 and NKILA, we controlled the growth and apoptosis of Rb cells, which was expected to be a potential clinical therapeutic target for Rb.

[Effects of alprostadil in ß-aminopropanitrile induced aortic dissection in a murine model].

Objective: To investigate the protective role of alprostadil on aortic dissection. Methods: 26 C57BL6 male mice were divided into control group (normal drinking water, n=13) and model group (1 g·kg-1·d-1 BAPN via drinking water, n=13). On day 14, mRNA expression of inflammatory-related genes as well as EP receptor families were detected by RT-PCR (n=6 each) and EP4 protein levels were determined by Western blot (n=7 each). Another 88 mice were divided into 3 groups: control group (n=22), model group (n=33) and treatment group (n=33). The mice in model group and treatment group were applied with BAPN (1 g·kg-1·d-1) via drinking water. The mice in treatment group received additional intraperitoneal injection with alprostadil (80 µg·kg-1·d-1) for 28 days. The mice in the control and model group received equal volume intraperitoneal injection with 0.9% saline respectively. The body weight and systolic blood pressure, the mortality and morbidity were monitored from the beginning until the designed end of the study. On day 28, the mice were sacrificed and aorta were fixed, embedded and sliced, followed by staining with HE and Victoria Blue. The distribution of EP4 was determined by immunohistochemistry in control (n=6) and model group (n=6). Furthermore, the concentration of PGE1 were tested among model (n=3) and treatment group (n=4). EP4 protein expression was determined in model group (n=7) and treatment group (n=6). Results: On day 14, mRNA expression level of MCP-1 ((2.74±1.55) vs. (1.00±0.49),<0.05) and MMP2((1.38±0.42) vs. (1.00±0.27), P<0.05) was significantly upregulated in model group compared with control group. Protein expression of EP4 receptor also increased in aorta in model group compared with control group (1.48±0.51 vs. 1.00±0.19, P<0.05). In the dissection area, the EP4 expression was also enriched compared with non-dissection area, particularly in endothelial cells and inflammatory cells on day 28. BAPN applied in drinking water (model and treatment groups) successfully induced the aortic dissection in mice, some mice died of the rupture. The elastic fibers were fractured, and the infiltrated immune cells were visible in dissected tissue. False lumen was formed. There was no dissection and death in the control group. Compared with control group, the morbidity and mortality rates were significantly increased in the model group (60.6%, 20/33, 30.3%, 10/33) and the treatment group (72.7%, 24/33, 24.2%, 8/33). The mortality and morbidity rates were similar between model and treatment groups. There is no difference in terms of SBP among three groups (P>0.05). Further study showed that after alprostadil injection, the blood concentration of PGE1 was increased in treatment group ((0.540±0.041 vs. 0.436±0.012)µmol/L, P<0.05). Besides, the EP4 receptor expression was downregulated in the treatment group compared to model group (0.60±0.30 vs. 1.00±0.20, P<0.05). Conclusion: EP4 expression is upregulated in BAPN induced aortic dissection mouse model. No protective effects are observed post alprostadil treatment in this model probably due to the reduced expression of EP4.

[Therapeutic effect and clinical cost of multi-disciplinary team model of hepatoblastoma in children].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the treatment process, long-term efficacy and clinical economics of children's hepatoblastoma (HB) in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) mode, so as to provide basis for the rational choice of diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: From January 2014 to February 2019, 13 cases of hepatoblastoma in children who completed the whole treatment course in the Pediatric Hematology Tumor Ward of Peking University First Hospital were collected and analyzed, and were followed up until June 30, 2020. There were 9 males and 4 females who were diagnosed and treated according to the MDT process in the hospital. The median age was 16 months (2-54 months), 69.23% (9/13) were under 2 years old. The characteristics, diagnosis and treatment process and treatment effect of the cases were summarized, and the cost of clinical treatment was analyzed. RESULTS: According to the pretreatment extent of disease(PRETEXT), there were 1, 9 and 3 children with stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ. 76.92% (10/13) of the patients had the largest tumor diameter > 10 cm. All the patients received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (8 patients received 4 cycles of chemotherapy, and 6 patients changed the chemotherapy plan), surgical treatment and postoperative chemotherapy, the tumor volume decreased by more than 50% (64%-95%) in 12 cases, except 1 case with no significant increase of alpha fetal protein and multiple lesions.The median length of stay was 87 days (68-214 days), the median cost of stay was 200 000 yuan (115 000-500 000 yuan), the median length of stay was 7 days (5-17 days), the median cost of stay was 20 000 yuan (15 000-60 000 yuan), and the incidence of postoperative complications was 7.69% (1/13). All the patients were followed up for 16-69 months. All the patients survived. CONCLUSION: Under the MDT mode, the treatment is seamless connection, the long-term prognosis of children with HB is good, and the total hospitalization cost and time are within the acceptable range. Standard preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy can significantly reduce the tumor, improve the resection rate, reduce postoperative complications, reduce the total individual expenditure, shorten the total hospital stay, and further improve the long-term disease-free survival rate.

[Tanshinoneâ ¡A attenuates carotid artery atherosclerosis by deactivating mast cells in adventitia].

Objective: To investigate the effects of tanshinone ⅡA on atherosclerosis plaque formation and adventitial mast cells activation in high-fat-diet induced Apo E(-/-) mice model. Methods: Sixteen 8-week-old Apo E(-/-)male mice and eight 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into following group: the control group (C57BL/6 + carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage), the atherogenic group (Apo E(-/-)+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage) and the tanshinoneⅡA intervention group (Apo E(-/-)+30 mg/kg tanshinone ⅡA per gavage). All three groups were fed with high-fat-diet for 26 weeks. Tanshinone ⅡA/carboxymethyl cellulose was applied by the method of gavage administration 6 weeks before execution. After 26 weeks, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) andinterleukin (IL)-6 levels in serum were assessed by ELISA. Carotid artery was removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and sectioned. Percentage of stenosis was evaluated on HE stained sections. Plaque progression was assessed by Movat staining. Toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate mast cells infiltration and activation. Immunochemistry staining was used to assess 5-HT, TNF-α and IL-6 expression. mRNA expression of mast cell marker Fcer1a in adventitial tissue was detected by real time-PCR. Results: After high-fat-diet for 26 weeks, the mice in the atherogenic group showed advanced atherosclerosis, tanshinoneⅡA intervention reduced the percentage of carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation ((58.48±8.07)% vs. (80.31±4.08)%, P<0.05). Compared with the atherogenic group, tanshinone ⅡA intervention group had lower level of TNF-α ((12.39±1.62)pg/ml vs. (17.44±1.42)pg/ml) and IL-6 ((116.24±12.16)pg/ml vs. (166.05±19.09)pg/ml) in serum, lower TNF-α ((20 145±1 556) vs. (25 288±1 671)) and IL-6 ((25 688±1 604) vs. (35 286±4 198)) expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). TanshinoneⅡA intervention also decreased the number of mast cells infiltration and activation, reduced 5-HT expression and mast cell marker Fcer1a mRNA relative expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Tanshinone ⅡA could attenuate induced by high-fat-diet carotid artery atherosclerosis in Apo E(-/-) mice. The protective effect of tanshinoneⅡA is probably mediated through reducing the number and activation percentage of mast cells, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation of carotid artery in adventitia.

Cells´ Flow and Immune Cell Priming under alternating g-forces in Parabolic Flight.

Gravitational stress in general and microgravity (µg) in particular are regarded as major stress factors responsible for immune system dysfunction in space. To assess the effects of alternating µg and hypergravity (hyper-g) on immune cells, the attachment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to adhesion molecules under flow conditions and the antigen-induced immune activation in whole blood were investigated in parabolic flight (PF). In contrast to hyper-g (1.8 g) and control conditions (1 g), flow and rolling speed of PBMCs were moderately accelerated during µg-periods which were accompanied by a clear reduction in rolling rate. Whole blood analyses revealed a "primed" state of monocytes after PF with potentiated antigen-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. At the same time, concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were increased and monocytes displayed a surface molecule pattern that indicated immunosuppression. The results suggest an immunologic counterbalance to avoid disproportionate immune responses. Understanding the interrelation of immune system impairing and enhancing effects under different gravitational conditions may support the design of countermeasures to mitigate immune deficiencies in space.

Au nanorod-coupled microfiber optical humidity sensors.

We demonstrate a high-sensitivity relative humidity (RH) sensor taking advantage of single-band narrow plasmon resonance of a single Au nanorod coupled to a whispering gallery cavity mode of a polyacrylamide microfiber. From the resonance peak shift, the sensor could achieve a sensitivity up to 0.51 nm/% RH with a cavity size of about 2 µm. By coupling multiple Au nanorods along the microfiber axis, we demonstrate a position-dependent microfiber optical humidity sensor with a 1.5-mm spatial resolution, which can be potentially reduced to micrometer level, paving a way toward high-resolution distributed microfiber optical sensors.

Hsa_circ_0005075 predicts a poor prognosis and acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer via activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence has demonstrated vital regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) on tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. Abnormally expressed circRNAs hsa_circ_0005075 (circ_0005075) has been reported in several tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression profiles, prognostic value, and potential function of circ_0005075 in colorectal cancer (CRC) PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of circ_0005075 in both CRC tissues and cell lines. The associations between circ_0005075 expression and clinicopathological features and clinical prognosis were statistically analyzed. The effects of circ_0005075 on CRC cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assays, Flow cytometer, and transwell assays. Western blot was performed to explore whether circ_0005075 modulated the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. RESULTS: We observed that circ_0005075 expression was significantly up-regulated in both CRC tissues and cell lines. Then, clinical assays indicated that high circ_0005075 expression was significantly associated with histology/differentiation, depth of invasion, advanced TNM stage, and shorter overall survival and disease-free survival of CRC patients. Cellular studies indicated that circ_0005075 can enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of CRC cells, thereby promoting tumor progression. Further mechanistic investigation showed that circ_0005075 displayed its tumor-promotive roles through activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our present data revealed circ_0005075 as a potential molecular marker and target for the prognosis and treatment of CRC patients.