Modeling directed weighted network based on event coincidence analysis and its application on spatial propagation characteristics.

The problem of synchronicity quantification, based on event occurrence time, has become the research focus in different fields. Methods of synchrony measurement provide an effective way to explore spatial propagation characteristics of extreme events. Using the synchrony measurement method of event coincidence analysis, we construct a directed weighted network and innovatively explore the direction of correlations between event sequences. Based on trigger event coincidence, the synchrony of traffic extreme events of base stations is measured. Analyzing topology characteristics of the network, we study the spatial propagation characteristics of traffic extreme events in the communication system, including the propagation area, propagation influence, and spatial aggregation. This study provides a framework of network modeling to quantify the propagation characteristics of extreme events, which is helpful for further research on the prediction of extreme events. In particular, our framework is effective for events that occurred in time aggregation. In addition, from the perspective of a directed network, we analyze differences between the precursor event coincidence and the trigger event coincidence and the impact of event aggregation on the synchrony measurement methods. The precursor event coincidence and the trigger event coincidence are consistent when identifying event synchronization, while there are differences when measuring the event synchronization extent. Our study can provide a reference for the analysis of extreme climatic events such as rainstorms, droughts, and others in the climate field.

Identifying the spatiotemporal organization of high-traffic events in a mobile communication system using event synchronization and complex networks.

In mobile communication systems, congestion is related to high-traffic events (HTEs) that occur in the coverage areas of base stations. Understanding, recognizing, and predicting these HTEs and researching their occurrence rules provides theoretical and decision-making support for preventing system congestion. Communication sectors are regarded as nodes, and if HTEs occur synchronously among sectors, then the corresponding nodes are connected. The total number of synchronous HTEs determines the edge weights. The mobile-communication spatiotemporal data are mapped to a weighted network, with the occurrence locations of HTEs as the basic elements. Network analysis provides a structure for representing the interaction of HTEs. By analyzing the topological features of the event synchronization network, the associations among the occurrence times of HTEs can be mined. We find that the event synchronization network is a small-world network, the cumulative strength distribution is exponential, and the edge weight obeys a power law. Moreover, the node clustering coefficient is negatively correlated with the node degree. A congestion coefficient based on several topological parameters is proposed, and the system congestion is visualized. The congestion coefficient contains information about the synchronous occurrence of HTEs between a sector and its neighbors and information about the synchronous occurrence of HTEs among its neighbors. For the mobile communication system considered in this study, the congestion coefficient of a large number of sectors is small and the risk of system congestion is low.

[FNDC1 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and closely related with poor prognosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of fibronectin type Ⅲ domain containing 1(FNDC1) protein in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognostic significance. METHODS: The expression of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma was predicted by analysis of data from GEO database and GEPIA, and the results were verified by immunohistochemical staining in 92 pairs of clinical specimens of lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues.We further analyzed the correlation of FNDC1 expression with the clinicopathological features of the patients, and evaluated its prognostic value using Cox survival analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of the data form GEO database and GEPIA showed a significantly higher expression level of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma than in matched normal tissues (P < 0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that a high expression of FNDC1 protein was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival time of the patients (P < 0.05).Immunohistochemistry of the clinical specimens also showed a significantly higher protein expression of FNDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than in paired adjacent tissues (P < 0.001).A high expression of FNDC1 protein was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage, T stage and N stage (P < 0.05).Cox univariate and multivariate regression survival analysis indicated that an increased expression of FNDC1 was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FNDC1 protein is highly expressed in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and in closely related with the occurrence, progression and prognosis of the tumor, suggesting the value of FNDC1 protein as a potential biomarker for assessment of the survival and prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

[Analysis of inter-provincial movement and the effect of antiretroviral therapy of HIV/AIDS cases after first follow up in China, 2016-2018].

Objective: To analyze the interprovincial movement of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases after the first follow up in China and understand their movement characteristics and the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after adjustment of ART inclusion criteria. Methods: The data of HIV/AIDS cases, including the effects of ART, were extracted from the information system for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Descriptive analysis and χ2 test was used to explore the characteristics of the movement of HIV/AIDS cases and its relationship with ART effect and viral suppression. Results: In 289 218 HIV/AIDS cases, 22 426 (7.8%) cases experienced inter-provincial movement after the first follow up. Higher prevalence of inter-provincial movement was found in males (8.3%, 18 557/223 713), those with education level of senior high school (9.6%, 4 317/44 877) and college degree and above (9.5%, 4 792/45 858), the unmarried (11.5%, 10 538/91 572), those diagnosed in detention center (16.0%, 1 268/7 927) and those infected by homosexual behavior (11.4%, 9 069/79 735). The rates of ART initiation within 1 year of diagnosis and viral suppression were lower in HIV/AIDS cases with inter-provincial movement (77.1%, 17 296/22 426 and 70.7%, 15 858/22 426) than in those without inter-provincial movement (86.7%, 231 293/266 792 and 78.6%, 209 760/266 792). After the first follow-up, 41.4% (18 887/45 570) of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in non-native provinces experienced inter-provincial movement, of which 92.9% (17 538/18 887) went back to native province. The top five provinces (municipalities) with outflows of HIV/AIDS cases were Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing and Sichuan. The top five provinces with inflows of HIV/AIDS cases were Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Anhui and Hunan. Conclusions: The inter-provincial movement affects ART effect and viral suppression of HIV/AIDS cases. It is necessary to pay more attention to the discovery and management of HIV/AIDS in floating population and eliminate policy barriers to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of ART.

[Prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the scientific basis for the management of sparganosis mansoni. METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, nine counties (cities, districts) were randomly selected from Jiangsu Province as the survey sites, and 100 healthy individuals were randomly selected to perform the serological test of S. mansoni infections and the detection of S. mansoni eggs. The procercoids were detected in the intermediate host Cyclops, and the S. mansoni eggs were identified in the stool samples of the definitive hosts cats and dogs. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. mansoni human infections was 0 (0/900) in the 9 survey sites of Jiangsu Province, and the sero-prevalence of the specific IgG antibody against S. mansoni was 1.22% (11/900). The positive rate of procercoids was 0.33% (3/900) in Cyclops. In addition, the S. mansoni egg-positive rate was 1.48% (2/135) in cats and dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Sparganosis mansoni is prevalent in Jiangsu Province. Health education pertaining to the damages of sparganosis mansoni and the route of S. mansoni infections should be improved.

MiR-224-5p targets EGR2 to promote the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Various microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the role of miR-224-5p in PTC progression remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to illuminate the function of miR-224-5p in PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression of miR-224-5p and EGR2 was examined in PTC by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot analysis was used to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between miR-224-5p and EGR2 was confirmed by Dual-Luciferase assay. RESULTS: Upregulation of miR-224-5p and downregulation of EGR2 expression were detected in PTC tissues and cells. Upregulation of miR-224-5p was found to be associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, it also predicted poor prognosis in PTC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-224-5p promoted cell metastasis and EMT in PTC. In addition, miR-224-5p was detected to directly target EGR2. EGR2 expression was negatively correlated with EGR2 expression in PTC. Of note, overexpression of EGR2 attenuated the carcinogenic effects of miR-224-5p in PTC. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-224-5p promotes cell migration, invasion, and EMT in PTC by targeting EGR2.

[Clinical study of Chinese Medicine fumigation combined with "Zhuyuan Decoction" in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis].

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of "Zhuyuan soup" by combination with fumigation and oral administration on chronic rhinosinusitis（CRS）, further exploring effective Chinese medicine for the disease, and giving full play to the unique advantages of external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. Method:By using randomized and positive drug controlled methods, patients with moderate-to-severe chronic rhinosinusitis were randomly divided into western medicine group and traditional Chinese medicine group, 30 cases in each group. In the western medicine group, the nasal spray hormone Budesonide was used, and the patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group were treated with the traditional Chinese medicine prescription"Zhuyuan soup"by combination with fumigation and oral administration. All of the above patients were followed up for 2 weeks, and 1 course for 1 month. Visual analogue scores were taken at each follow-up, and CT and nasal endoscopy were performed before and after treatment. Result:The total effective of "Zhuyuan soup" group was 67.1%, which was higher than that of western medicine group（59.6%）, but there was no statistically significant difference（P>0.05）. After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the symptom of nasal congestion, dizziness, facial pain or fullness, dysosmia, nasal discharge or postnasal drip, total sensation, total symptom score（P>0.05）. According to the total symptom score, the effect of the two groups of patients was not significantly correlated with the gender, age, course of disease, alcohol and tobacco hobbies, previous medication and surgery（P>0.05）. Based on the results of the study, we found that the Chinese medicine group is superior to the western medicine group in improving the total feeling of the disease, dizziness or headache, facial pain or fullness, and postnasal drip, olfactory disorder. Conclusion:Both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine are effective methods for treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Clinically, individualized comprehensive treatment should be carried out according to the patient's condition. The above methods may be applied alone or in combination with Chinese and Western medicine. Further optimization and improvement of the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in chronic sinusitis can help improve the clinical efficacy and satisfaction of patients, which deserves further study.

TNF-α differently regulates TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To investigate the influence of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α on transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily type 2 (TRPV2) and TRPV4 channels in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), and explore the potential downstream signalling pathway mediating this process. METHODOLOGY: Immunofluorescence staining and ratiometric calcium imaging were used to confirm the expression and activation of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels. Different regulations of 1 and 10 ng mL-1 as well as short- and long-term TNF-α treatments to TRPV2 and TRPV4 response were examined by RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry and ratiometric calcium imaging. Functions of TNF receptor (TNFR)1 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways in this process were also detected by respective inhibitors. Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) was used to examine long-term effect of TNF-α on TRPV2 expression at the subcellular level. Data were analysed statistically with t-test, and one-way analysis of variance was used with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels were activated by respective agonists in HDPCs. Neither TRPV2 nor TRPV4 channels were upregulated by 1 ng mL-1 TNF-α (P > 0.05). TRPV2, but not TRPV4, was upregulated by 10 ng mL-1 TNF-α (P < 0.05). Both short- and long-term treatments with 10 ng mL-1 TNF-α significantly enhanced TRPV2 responses, whereas only short-term treatment of TNF-α increased TRPV4 response (P < 0.05). Moreover, the inhibitors of TNFR and p38 both significantly decreased the TNF-α-induced up-regulation of TRPV channels (P < 0.05). At the subcellular level, prolonged TNF-α treatment significantly increased the functional expression of the TRPV2 channel especially in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS: Low and high concentrations, as well as short- and long-term TNF-α treatments regulated the activity of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels in HDPCs differently, and this effect might be mediated by TNFR1 and p38 MAPK signalling pathways. IEM was used to confirm that prolonged TNF-α treatment significantly increased the functional expression of the TRPV2 channel at a subcellular level.

Combination of the gamma-glutamyltransferase-to-prealbumin ratio and other indicators may be a novel marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing locoregional ablative therapies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the serum γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT)-to-prealbumin ratio (GPR) and whether combining this ratio with other parameters can lead to an improved prognostic value for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with local ablation therapy. METHODS: A total of 235 HCC patients who were treated with combined therapies were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic data and clinicopathological data were collected. A fibrinogen (Fib)-GPR score of 2 was assigned to patients with elevated Fib and GPR values, and a score of 1 or 0 was assigned to patients with one or neither of these two markers, respectively. In addition, an N-score of 2 was assigned to patients with low neutrophil and high GPR values, and a score of 1 or 0 was assigned to patients with one or neither of these two markers, respectively. The optimal cutoff values and prognostic roles of GPR and other markers were identified according to the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's index. RESULTS: Multiple tumors, high levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and Fib, as well as a high GPR, were found to be independent risk factors in recurrent patients, while multiple tumors, a low neutrophil count, and a high GPR were associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC who received combined therapies. Patients with a Fib-GPR score of 2 and N-GPR score of 2 had poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fib-GPR and N-GPR scores may be helpful in predicting both recurrence and the prognosis of HCC patients, thereby assisting in the process to make a true clinical decision and optimize therapeutic options.

[Analysis on late HIV diagnosis among newly reported human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome cases between 2009 and 2017 in medical institutions].

Objective: To analyze the proportion of late HIV diagnosis and the factors associated with late HIV diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases newly reported by medical institutions in China from 2009 to 2017. Methods: Data of adult HIV/AIDS cases newly reported by medical institutions in China from 2009 to 2017 were downloaded from the AIDS prevention and control information system of China's disease prevention and control information system. The basic information, sample source, transmission route, flow of HIV/AIDS patients and the first CD4(+) T lymphocyte count were analyzed in 293 187 cases who had been tested for CD4(+) T lymphocyte count within 91 days of diagnosis. The multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the late HIV diagnosis relevant factors. Results: A total of 293 187 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions were analyzed, and the mean age was (44.7±15.6) years. The proportion of late diagnosis in all cases was 68.4% (200 503 cases). From 2009 to 2017, the proportions of late diagnosis were 71.7% (6 263/8 737), 69.5% (8 283/11 917), 69.2% (13 230/19 116), 67.0% (17 186/25 669), 66.5% (21 833/32 834), 66.4% (26 541/39 944), 67.2% (31 257/46 536), 69.6% (35 920/51 646) and 70.4% (39 990/56 789) respectively. Compare with female cases, the OR (95%CI) of male cases with late diagnosis was 1.18 (1.15-1.20). Compared with the 18 to 29 years old group, the 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years and 60 years old and over groups have higher risk of late diagnosis with OR (95%CI) values about 1.65 (1.61-1.69), 2.13 (2.08-2.19), 2.25 (2.18-2.31) and 2.33 (2.26-2.39) respectively. Compared with the college education level and above group, OR (95% CI) values of junior middle school and below group was 1.11 (1.08-1.14); and OR (95%CI) values of senior high school and equal level education group was 1.08 (1.04-1.11). Compared with the migrant population, the resident population has higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.04-1.08). Compared with other national minorities, Han nationality has higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.30-1.36). Compared with divorce, widowed and other marital status, married spouse have higher risk of late diagnosis (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.06-1.10). Compared with patients receiving other testing services, the OR (95%CI) values of examination before blood transfusion or blood products, pregnancy and childbirth examination, STD clinic and preoperative examination were 1.16 (1.08-1.25), 0.52 (0.50-0.54), 0.63 (0.61-0.64), 0.66 (0.65-0.68) respectively. Conclusion: The proportion of late HIV diagnosis of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in medical institutions in China was relatively high from 2009 to 2017 and the factors associated with late HIV diagnosis included male, Han nationality, old age group, low educational level, married spouse, other testing services and resident population.

[Situation and reasons for missed follow-up services among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases transmitted by homosexual behavior in China, 2008-2015].

Objective: To determine the prevalence and relative factors on those who missed the follow-up service among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases that were infected by homosexual behavior. Methods: Data were extracted from both HIV/AIDS case-reporting and follow-up cards on HIV/AIDS in the Comprehensive Response Information Management System, between December 2008 and December 2015. Data was analyzed, using the generalized estimating equations (GEE) to explore the relative factors of influence. Results: Among the newly reported HIV infection among MSM, the proportion of those who missed the follow-up services was 5.06% (6 037/119 358), and decreased dramatically, from 37.57% (1 261/3 356) to 0.84% (267/31 935) (trend χ(2)=103.43, P<0.01). In MSM population, the younger than 20-year olds (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.11-1.52), 20-year olds (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.36-1.69), 30-year olds (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.12-1.34), 40-year olds (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20) were receiving less follow-up services than those 50-year olds. Those who had received either junior (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.37-1.69) or senior high school education (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.23-1.49) were receiving less follow-up service than those who were more educated. MSM with the following characteristics as unspecified occupation (OR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.49-2.87),unemployed (OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.30-1.83), working in commercial service (OR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.15-1.49) or being student (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.18-1.52) were more difficult to be traced or followed than the cadres. Cases being identified on site (OR=2.99, 95%CI: 2.26-3.95) or under special investigation (OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.29-1.59) had received less follow-up service than those being identified through voluntary counsel testing service. Floating population (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.28-1.66) were getting less follow-up service than local residents. Conclusions: The prevalence of those who had missed the follow-up services in the newly discovered MSM HIV cases declined dramatically. Among the MSM HIV cases, those having the following characteristics as: younger than 50-year old, with less school education, with unspecified occupation or unemployment, working in commercial service, being student, having history of incarceration, recruited from special investigation, and floating population were prone to miss the follow-up program, suggesting that the follow-up service should be targeting on these patients.

[Advances in the research of dermabrasion in burn wounds].

The process of burn wounds healing includes the removal of necrotic tissue, the hyperplasia of granulation tissue and epithelialization. The removal of necrotic tissue is the first step in dealing with burn wounds. Although there are a variety of adjuvant drugs for removing necrotic tissue, surgical debridement is still the main way of debridement of burn wounds. Surgical debridement of burn wounds includes escharectomy, tangential excision and dermabrasion. Escharectomy and tangential excision have been widely used in clinical practice, while dermabrasion has not been known to the majority of burns colleagues. This article summarizes the clinical application and progress of dermabrasion in burn wounds.

[Application of high-frequency ultrasound in dermabrasion of patients with deep partial-thickness burns].

Objective: To investigate the application of high-frequency ultrasound in dermabrasion of patients with deep partial-thickness burns. Methods: Twenty-six patients with deep partial-thickness burns conforming to the study criteria were hospitalized in our unit from March 2015 to March 2016. Patients were all performed with dermabrasion. The structure of skin tissue and blood flow signals of uninjured side and wounds before dermabrasion, and those of wounds immediately post dermabrasion and on post dermabrasion day (PDD) 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 were detected with high-frequency ultrasound, and the percentage of blood flow signals was calculated. According to the results of comparison between percentage of blood flow signals of wounds and that of normal skin before dermabrasion, patients were divided into no significant decrease group (NSD, n=19) and significant decrease group (SD, n=7). Wound healing time of patients in two groups was recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance of repeated measurement, LSD test, t test and Chi-square test. The correlation between the percentage of blood flow signals of wounds before dermabrasion and wound healing time of 26 patients were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: (1) Epidermis of normal skin of patients in two groups before dermabrasion showed continuous smooth linear hyperecho, which was stronger than that of dermis, and boundary of dermis and subcutaneous tissue showed stronger discontinuous linear echo than that of dermis, which gradually transited to subcutaneous tissue. In group NSD, epidermis of wound of patients before dermabrasion showed intermittent rough linear echo, which was weaker than that of normal skin epidermis, and there was no obvious abnormity of boundary between dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Immediately post dermabrasion and on PDD 1, no linear hyperecho of epidermis was observed, showing complete attrition of epidermis, and the echo of dermis and subcutaneous tissue had no obvious change as compared with that before dermabrasion, with flat surface of dermis and partly abraded superficial-dermis but relatively well preserved dermal tissue in whole. The epidermis showed discontinuous linear hyperecho, and epidermis was discontinuously regenerated on PDD 3 and 5. Partial continuous linear hyperecho was detected in the epidermis, showing partial continuous regeneration of epidermis on PDD 7 and 10. The regenerated epidermis was thicker than normal skin epidermis and showed rough linear hyperecho with non-uniform thickness on PDD 14. The regenerated epidermis was thicker than normal skin epidermis and showed rather smooth linear hyperecho with uniform thickness on PDD 21. In group SD, the structure of epidermis and dermis of wound of patients before dermabrasion, immediately post dermabrasion, and on PDD 1 was similar to that in group NSD, but the echo of boundary of dermis and subcutaneous tissue was weakened in different degrees. There was no linear hyperecho of epidermis, showing no epidermis was regenerated on PDD 3 and 5. Intermittent regeneration of epidermis appeared on PDD 7 and 10 with intermittent linear hyperecho. Partial continuous linear hyperecho was detected in the epidermis, showing partial continuous regeneration of epidermis on PDD 14 and 21. (2) The percentages of blood flow signals of wounds of patients in group NSD before dermabrasion, immediately post dermabrasion, and on PDD 1 were (3.1±1.3)%, (6.5±2.0)%, and (5.3±1.9)% respectively, higher than those in group SD [(0.9±1.1)%, (3.5±1.3)%, and (3.6±0.9)% respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. The percentages of blood flow signals of wounds of patients in two groups were similar at the other time points (with P values above 0.05). Compared with the percentage of normal skin in the same group [(3.2±0.7)%], the percentages of blood flow signals of wounds of patients in group NSD were significantly increased immediately post dermabrasion and on PDD 1 (with P values below 0.01) but had no significant change at the other time points (with P values above 0.05). The percentage of blood flow signals of wounds of patients before dermabrasion in group SD was significantly lower than that of normal skin in the same group [(2.8±0.6)%, P<0.01]. The percentage of blood flow signals of wounds of patients in group SD was close to that of normal skin in the same group at each time point post dermabrasion (with P values above 0.05). (3) The wound healing time of patients in group NSD was (16.2±2.5) d, lower than that in group SD [(30.9±2.9) d, t=12.67, P<0.01]. There was obvious negative correlation between the percentage of blood flow signals of wounds before dermabrasion and wound healing time of 26 patients (r=-0.77, P<0.01). Conclusions: High-frequency ultrasound is a good way to observe the imaging features of wounds in patients with deep partial-thickness burns before and after dermabrasion, and it can provide objective imaging evidence for the performance of dermabrasion in patients with deep partial-thickness burns.

Upregulated long non-coding RNA AGAP2-AS1 represses LATS2 and KLF2 expression through interacting with EZH2 and LSD1 in non-small-cell lung cancer cells.

Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are identified as new crucial regulators of diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and cancer cells metastasis. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrant lncRNA expression plays important roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, the expression pattern and biological function of lncRNAs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed comprehensive analysis of lncRNA expression in human NSCLC samples by using microarray data from Gene Expression Omnibus. After validation in a cohort of 80 pairs of NSCLC tissues, we identified a differentially expressed novel oncogenic lncRNA termed as AGAP2-AS1. The AGAP2-AS1 expression level was significantly upregulated in NSCLC tissues and negatively correlated with poor prognostic outcomes in patients. In vitro loss- and gain-of-function assays revealed that AGAP2-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. In vivo assays also confirmed the ability of AGAP2-AS1 to promote tumor growth. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation showed that AGAP2-AS1 could bind with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1A, and recruit them to KLF2 and LATS2 promoter regions to repress their transcription. Taken together, our findings indicate that AGAP2-AS1 may act as an oncogene by repressing tumor-suppressor LATS2 and KLF2 transcription. By clarifying the AGAP2-AS1 mechanisms underlying NSCLC development and progression, these findings might promote the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.

The Effect and Mechanisms of Proliferative Inhibition of Crocin on Human Leukaemia Jurkat Cells.

Targeted therapy is a potentially useful approach for the treatment of T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This study aimed to find a highly effective, low toxic anti-tumour drug and further investigate its mechanisms. Jurkat cells were used as the object and were stimulated by different concentrations of crocin. By cell count, growth curve, MTT method for the detection of cell proliferation, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) method for the apoptosis rates, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for bcl-2 and bax gene expression, the effect and mechanisms of proliferative inhibition of crocin on Jurkat cells were further explored. Crocin promoted Jurkat cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth, in a dose-time-dependent manner. The mechanism might be related to the inhibition of bcl-2 gene expression and the promotion of bax gene expression. These results suggest that crocin can be used as a suitable clinical agent for the treatment of T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Torasemide reduces dilated cardiomyopathy, complication of arrhythmia, and progression to heart failure.

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and types of arrhythmia and their relationship with the severity and prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and to investigate the therapeutic effect of torasemide versus furosemide on CHF and incidence of arrhythmia. DCM patients with NYHA cardiac function II-IV were continuously monitored using a 24-h dynamic electrocardiogram (Holter), and arrhythmia incidence was analyzed by computer automatic analysis combined with manual assessment. In total, 125 participants were evenly divided into two groups: torasemide group which received 10 mg oral torasemide once daily) and regular anti-heart failure treatment (N=65), and furosemide group which received torasemide (20 mg once daily orally) and regular antiheart failure treatment (N=60). Another 60 normal healthy persons served as the normal control group. Incidence and severity of arrhythmia increased when degree of CHF was elevated. Size of left atrium was related to atrial fibrillation and size of left ventricle was related to malignant arrhythmia. At 3 months after treatment, cardiac function in both groups improved and incidence and severity of arrhythmia in both groups were reduced. However, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was higher in the torasemide group than in the furosemide group, while incidence of arrhythmia was lower in the torasemide group. Arrhythmias frequently occurred in patients with DCM and HF. Type of cardiac arrhythmia is closely related to ventricular enlargement and cardiac function grade. Torasemide is better for improving cardiac function to reduce arrhythmia and CHF compared to furosemide.