Comparison of LeniScar Silicone Stick (AnsCare) With Traditional Silicone Gel (Dermatix Ultra) in Wound Scar Prevention and Removal.

BACKGROUND: As we all know, the numbers of aesthetic surgery are increasing around the world. After the surgery, the scar would be a problematic issue for both the surgeons and the patients. Silicone has proven to be effective for keloids, hypertrophic scars, and prevention of scar formation in many literatures for a long time. In terms of scar prevention, silicone has been used in the form of silicone sheets in early times, which is later improved to be the form of silicone gel with the advantage of easier usage. Although silicone gel has improved greatly in the aspect of appearance and convenience of the silicone sheets, there are still some disadvantages of the gel form. Therefore, the LeniScar silicone stick (AnsCare) is invented. OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to compare the results of scar treatment and prevention of the AnsCare LeniScar Silicone Stick versus the traditional silicone gel (Dermatix Ultra). METHODS: This study was a prospective, nonblinded, randomized clinical study. There were a total of 68 patients from September 2018 to January 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups with AnsCare (n = 43) and Dermatix (n = 25), who both were required to schedule regular outpatient clinic follow-up, and photographs were taken before use, 1, 2, and 3 months later after the usage for the record. The physician assessed the scar condition by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The scores of the VSS were further analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The overall P value of total score of VSS was 0.635, which indicates that there is no significant difference in using AnsCare LeniScar Silicone Stick versus Dermatix Ultra silicone gel in terms of scar prevention and treatment. Individual items of VSS such as pliability, height, vascularity, and pigmentation all show no significant statistical difference in the 2 treatment products, with P = 0.980, 0.778, 0.528, and 0.366, respectively. CONCLUSION: Traditional Dermatix Ultra silicone gel has been effective in the treatment of scar formation. AnsCare LeniScar Silicone Stick is statistically not different from the Dermatix Ultra silicone gel when comparing the treatment results of scar prevention. Furthermore, the AnsCare LeniScar Silicone Stick has the advantages of being time-saving with no need to wait for it to dry and application of precise amount to precise location, preventing waste or overuse.

Integrated Strategy of UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and Molecular Networking for Identification of Diterpenoids from Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. and Prediction of the Anti-Breast-Cancer Mechanism by the Network Pharmacological Method.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used as adjunctive or complementary therapy for breast cancer. Diterpenoids from Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. have been demonstrated to possess anti-breast-cancer activity. This research was aimed to systematically explore the diterpenoids from E. fischeriana and study the multiple mechanisms on breast cancer. The structures of diterpenoids were identified by the integrated strategy of UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and molecular networking. A total of 177 diterpenoids belonging to 13 types were collected. In silico ADME analysis was performed on these compounds. It indicated that 130 of 177 diterpenoids completely adjusted to Lipinski's rule. The targets of compounds were obtained from PharmMapper. The targets of breast cancer were collected from GeneCards. Then, 197 compounds-related targets and 544 breast cancer-related targets were identified. After the intersection process, 58 overlapping targets between compounds-related targets and breast cancer-related targets were acquired. The STRING database was applied to predict the protein-protein interactions. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by using the KOBAS database. It indicated that these predicted pathways were closely related to breast cancer. The treatment effect of E. fischeriana on breast cancer might be performed through signaling pathways, such as IL-17 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The predicted top genes such as EGFR, ESR, MAPK, SRC, CASP3, CDK2, and KDR were involved in cell proliferation, gene transcription, apoptosis, signal transduction, DNA damage and repair, tumor differentiation, metastasis, and cell cycle, which indicated that E. fischeriana might treat breast cancer comprehensively. A compounds-KEGG pathways-related targets network was built by using cytoHubba to analyze the hub compounds and targets. It concluded that E. fischeriana treated breast cancer not only by the main components but also by the microconstituents, which reflected the overall regulatory role of multicomponents treating breast cancer. To estimate the binding affinities, binding sites, and binding postures, molecular docking simulations between 177 diterpenoids and top 19 targets were carried out. The results are basically in line with expectations. In conclusion, these results can serve as references for researchers studying potential targets of diterpenoids from E. fischeriana on breast cancer in the future.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for upper extremity fractures in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound has an excellent diagnostic accuracy for fractures that is reportedly comparable to plain radiographs. We aim to summarize the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for upper extremity fractures in children. METHODS: Databases were searched from inception through November 2019 using pre-defined index terms, including "ultrasound," "fractures of upper extremities" and "children". The study is reported using Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA). Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for fractures was conducted using the random-effects bivariate model. Subgroup analysis of fracture site (elbow vs non-elbow fractures) was also performed. Meta-regression was performed to determine if the site of fracture affected the diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies were identified in the meta-analysis. Ultrasound for fractures of the upper extremities has a sensitivity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97), specificity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.98), positive likelihood ratio: 21.1 (95% CI: 10.8-41.5) and negative likelihood ratio: 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03-0.07), with an area under ROC (AUROC) curve of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99). Subgroup analysis for elbow fracture showed ultrasound has a sensitivity: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86-0.98), specificity: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76-0.94), positive likelihood ratio: 7.3 (95% CI: 3.7-14.4) and negative likelihood ratio: 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.16), with an AUROC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.97). Meta-regression suggested the fracture sites would affect diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (elbow vs non-elbow, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests ultrasound has excellent diagnostic accuracy for non-elbow upper extremity fractures in children, serving as an alternative diagnostic modality to plain radiographs.

Diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin for bacterial pneumonia in children - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The predictive role of procalcitonin for childhood bacterial pneumonia, a leading cause of death, is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin for childhood bacterial pneumonia.Methods: Major bibliographic databases were searched from inception through September 2019 using pre-defined index terms, including 'procalcitonin,' 'pneumonia' and 'children'. The study is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. Meta-analyses of the diagnostic accuracy and odds ratio of procalcitonin for bacterial pneumonia were conducted along with subgroup analyses for different cut-offs of procalcitonin. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 instrument was used to assess the methodologic quality of eligible studies.Results: Twenty-five studies (with 2,864 patients) showed that procalcitonin for bacterial pneumonia had an overall sensitivity of 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.74), specificity of 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.79), positive likelihood ratio of 2.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.8-3.0) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.50 (95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.66), and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics of 0.74 (95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.78). Using a cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml, Procalcitonin had a sensitivity of 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.82), specificity of 0.60 (95% confidence interval: 0.47-0.72), and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics of 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.72). Using a cut-off of 2 ng/ml, procalcitonin had a sensitivity of 0.59 (95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.76), specificity of 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.81), and AUROC curve of 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.75). Elevated procalcitonin was not associated with increased odds of bacterial pneumonia (odds ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.81-1.92, p = .18). Quality assessment found minimal concerns for bias or applicability.Conclusions: Given the moderate diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin for bacterial pneumonia, we recommend that procalcitonin be used in conjunction with other findings for management and disposition of children with pneumonia.

[Pollutant Transport Analysis and Source Apportionment of the Entire Non-point Source Pollution Process in Combined Sewer Systems].

A comprehensive and scientific understanding of non-point source pollutant transport pathways and source apportionment in combined sewer systems is essential for managing and improving the urban water environment. This study analyzed build-up and wash-off processes of pollutants on road surfaces and in sewers within a catchment of combined sewer systems in a typical old district in Zhuhai. Besides, source apportionment of the entire urban non-point source pollution was investigated by using the mass conservation method. The outcomes revealed that the build-up load of road deposited sediments in the study area was (28.81±10.69) g·m-2. The average wash-off load of road deposited sediments during five different rainfall events was (19.27±10.90) g·m-2 and the wash-off percentage was (52.69±13.3)%. The event mean concentrations of suspended solids (SS) in road runoff were 52-109 mg·L-1, and the event mean concentrations of SS in sewer runoff were 68-158 mg·L-1. Source apportionment analysis showed that road runoff, domestic wastewater, and sewer sediments contributed 39%-72%, <20%, and 13%-56% to SS, respectively. The thickness of sewer sediments increased by 1-14 cm during light and moderate rains, and the thickness decreased by 7-17 cm during heavy rains. It was found that rainfall characteristics affected the contribution percentages of pollution sources. The contribution of pollution from road runoff, domestic sewage, and sewer sediments in combined sewer systems were 2%-52%, 9%-65%, and 8%-81%, respectively. The derived outcomes should be useful for developing recommendations to control non-point source pollution in combined sewer systems and improve urban receiving water quality in China.

Accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound and radiology-performed ultrasound for intussusception: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by emergency medicine physicians is as accurate as radiology-performed ultrasound (RADUS). We aim to summarize the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for intussusception and to compare the performance between POCUS and RADUS. METHODS: Databases were searched from inception through February 2018 using pre-defined index terms. Peer-reviewed primary studies that investigated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for intussusception in children were included. The study is reported using Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA). Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for intussusception was conducted using the random-effects bivariate model. Subgroup analysis (POCUS vs RADUS) was also performed. Meta-regression was utilized to determine if the diagnostic accuracy between POCUS and RADUS was significantly different. RESULTS: Thirty studies (n = 5249) were included in the meta-analysis. Ultrasonography for intussusception has a sensitivity: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98), specificity: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99), positive likelihood ratio: 43.8 (95% CI: 18.0-106.7) and negative likelihood ratio: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02-0.04), with an area under ROC (AUROC) curve of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-1.00). Meta-regression suggested no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy for intussusception between POCUS and RADUS (AUROC: 0.95 vs 1.00, p = 0.128). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggested POCUS has a high diagnostic accuracy for intussusception not significantly different from that of RADUS.

Quercetin inhibits NTHi-triggered CXCR4 activation through suppressing IKKα/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in otitis media.

Otitis media is one of the most common bacterial infections in children, contributing to hearing loss. A vital bacterial pathogen leading to otitis media development is the nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Inflammation response is reported as an important characristic for otitis media. Chemokine CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a 352-amino acid seven-span transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor, essential for inflammatory response. However, the possible molecular mechanism indicating the alteration of CXCR4 modulated by NTHi is poorly known. In the present study, NTHi enhanced CXCR4 expression through phosphorylation of IKKα and p38, which relied on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation in vitro as well as in the middle ear of mice in vivo. Previously, quercetin, a natural production mainly isolated from rutin, has shown anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we report that quercetin suppressed NTHi-induced CXCR4 expression levels in vitro and in vivo. Quercetin blocked CXCR4 activation through direct IKKß phosphorylation inhibition, as well as of p38 MAPK restraining. Hence, identification of quercetin may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating otitis media induced by NTHi through inflammation suppression.

Proteomics of methyl jasmonate induced defense response in maize leaves against Asian corn borer.

BACKGROUND: Jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) regulate plant development, resistance to stress, and insect attack by inducing specific gene expression. However, little is known about the mechanism of plant defense against herbivore attack at a protein level. Using a high-resolution 2-D gel, we identified 62 MeJA-responsive proteins and measured protein expression level changes. RESULTS: Among these 62 proteins, 43 proteins levels were increased while 11 proteins were decreased. We also found eight proteins uniquely expressed in response to MeJA treatment. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001793. The proteins identified in this study have important biological functions including photosynthesis and energy related proteins (38.4%), protein folding, degradation and regulated proteins (15.0%), stress and defense regulated proteins (11.7%), and redox-responsive proteins (8.3%). The expression levels of four important genes were determined by qRT-PCR analysis. The expression levels of these proteins did not correlate well with their translation levels. To test the defense functions of the differentially expressed proteins, expression vectors of four protein coding genes were constructed to express in-fusion proteins in E. coli. The expressed proteins were used to feed Ostrinia furnacalis, the Asian corn borer (ACB). Our results demonstrated that the recombinant proteins of pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) and thioredoxin M-type, chloroplastic precursor (TRXM) showed the significant inhibition on the development of larvae and pupae. CONCLUSIONS: We found MeJA could not only induce plant defense mechanisms to insects, it also enhanced toxic protein production that potentially can be used for bio-control of ACB.

Etanercept attenuates collagen-induced arthritis by modulating the association between BAFFR expression and the production of splenic memory B cells.

Anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) drugs are approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many studies have investigated the effect of these drugs on the T cell response; however, some clues have indicated that it may also target B cells. This study was carried out to explore the potential effects and mechanisms of etanercept, a soluble TNF-α receptor, on the function of B cells and their development into memory B cells in type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA). Beginning on day 24 after CII immunisation, the mice were evaluated every 2-3 days to determine two clinical parameters: their arthritis global assessment and swollen joint count (SJC). The serum concentrations of IgG1, IgG2a and anti-CII antibodies and the splenic pathology and proliferation of B cells were measured. The percentage of total memory B cells in the spleen was analysed with flow cytometry. BAFFR was detected by immunohistochemistry. In CIA mice, etanercept markedly suppressed the arthritis global assessment and the SJC, reduced the production of anti-CII, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies, and prevented spleen histopathology to varying degrees; however, it had no obvious effect on splenic B cell proliferation. Etanercept also decreased the percentage of total CD27(+) memory B cells in the spleen. Treatment with etanercept was associated with a further increase in BAFFR expression, a significant reduction in CD27 expression, and a negative correlation between the levels of BAFFR and the percentage of memory B cells. Our findings showed that increased BAFFR expression has a regulatory effect on the activation of B cells and the generation of memory B cells, which may be one of the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of etanercept.

[Development of SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR for the detection of Ebola virus].

In order to establish a rapid and accurate method for the detection of Ebola virus (EBOV), the primers used in SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR were designed based on the EBOV NP gene sequences published in GenBank. The SYBR Green I real-time RT-PCR was established and optimized for the detection of EBOV. The EBOV RNA that was transcribed in vitro was used as a template. The sensitivity of this method was found to reach 1.0 x 10(2) copies/microL and the detection range was 10(2) - 10(10). No cross reaction with RNA samples from Marburg virus, Dengue virus, Xinjiang hemorrhagic fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Influenza virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus E genomic RNA was found. The method would be useful for the detection and monitoring of EBOV in China.

Effect of rhTACI-Ig fusion protein on antigen-specific T cell responses from keyhole limpet haemocyanin challenged mice.

In addition to modulate B cells function, B cell activating factor belonged to TNF family (BAFF) also regulates T cells response via BAFFR and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin-ligand interactor (TACI) expressing on activated T cells. This study explored the effect of a recombinant fusion protein containing the extracellular ligand-binding portion of TACI and the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G (TACI-Ig) on activated T cells that were obtained from antigen-specific T-cell responses mice model induced by keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), the characteristics of KLH-challenged mice were observed simultaneously. KLH immunization leaded to a significant positive relationship between BAFF level in serum and the extent of spleen histopathology. Serum concentration of BAFF, APRIL, IgM and IgG antibodies to KLH, and IL-4 were increased under KLH immunization, but IL-2 synthesis was decreased, resulting in a downregulation of IL-2/IL-4 ratio. Antigen-specific T cells proliferation, IL-5 production, the percentage of Th and activation T cells were significantly upregulated, however, IL-2 secretion and the percentage of naïve T cells were downregulated in vitro. RhBAFF co-stimulation further evoked T cells hyperplasy, IL-4 and IFN-γ expression, the subgroups of Th, early antigen activation and activation T cells were also further increased. On the contrary, naïve T cells were further reduced under rhBAFF stimuli. Administration of rhTACI-Ig significantly inhibited T cells proliferation, cytokines production and T cells differentiation, and the inhibitory effects might be associated with its ability to neutralize both the exogenous and endogenetic BAFF and APRIL.

[Evaluation of the virtual endoscopy on traumatic ossicular chain disruption pre- and post-operation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical use of virtual endoscopy in the traumatic ossicular chain disruption with intact tympanum pre- and post-operation. METHODS: The series consisted of 17 cases with temporal bone fracture and 4 cases with tympanum contusion. All were examinated with a high resolution spiral CT by axial and oblique coronal planes of the temporal bone. Three-dimensional reconstruction was processed using the virtual endoscopy software. Ten cases of traumatic ossicular chain disruption were performed with intact canal wall epitympanum approach Ossicular reposition. Eleven patients with facial paralysis were performed ossiculoplasty and facial nerve decompression. Nine cases re-examinated virtual endoscopy after operation. RESULTS: Seventeen cases with temporal bone fractures and traumatic ossicular chain disruption, including 3 cases with the long process of the incus fracture, 9 cases with incus bone dislocation, and 5 cases with incus shedding. In the 4 cases of tympanum contusion, 2 cases with incus bone dislocation, 2 cases with incus bone shedding. The axial plane of temporal bone CT could only showed the fracture line and the hammer and incus bone irregular shape. Perioperatively virtual endoscopy showed hammer incus joint separation, incus stirrup dislocation and joint deformation. Surgery confirmed that the incus body was torn off below the hammer following bone displacement, soft tissue wrapped articular surface, incus and stapes just connected with soft tissue. During the tympanum contusion operation could see incus bone-shedding was valgus. Three to six months after surgery, re-examinated virtual endoscopy showed incus bone dislocation ossicular chain was restored to normal, temporal bone shedding ossicular chain connecting almost intact Hearing increased significantly to the level of practical hearing. The coincidence of traumatic disruption of the ossicular chain by virtual endoscopy and surgery was 100%. CONCLUSION: Virtual endoscopy was valuable for providing accurate assessment and individual program for treating and following-up the traumatic ossicular chain disruption.

[Application of DNA-related techniques in avian molecular phylogeny].

The DNA techniques most commonly used in avian molecular phylogeny include DNA hybridization, RFLP and DNA sequence analysis, among which DNA sequence analysis is supposed to be the most effective and reliable. DNA hybridization techniques have been widely used in aves, based on which a new avian classification system was born. In avian RFLP analyses, mtDNA are widely used as target sequences. Mitochondrial DNA genes are the most frequently used in avian molecular phylogeny. Although mtDNA phylogenies are likely to be correct in many cases, use of mtDNA sequences can be problematic with such constraints as unilateral inheritance, multiple substitutions, saturations at the third-coded sites, strong bias in base composition and probable nuclear pseudogenes of mtDNA sequences. Although bias are still on the mtDNA sequences, more and more authors turn to nuclear DNA sequences and prefer to a combination of mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences. And single-copy nuclear DNA receives the most favor. scnDNA introns can perform well in recovering relationships among intermediate to even distantly related congeneric species. scnDNA exons can be used in avian higher ranks. With the exception of molecular markers' own problems including variable rates of nucleotide site evolution, gene hybridization, gene horizontal transfer and lineage sorting, avian molecular phylogeny also faces methodological problems, such as molecular markers selection, taxon sampling and data processing. More attention should be paid to the standardization of methods, not to the new molecular markers.