Preparation and properties of silica/hydroxyapatite whiskers porous ceramics scaffold / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the preparation and properties of the novel silica (SiO 2)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) whiskers porous ceramics scaffold.@*METHODS@#The HAP whiskers were modified by the SiO 2 microspheres using the Stöber method. Three types of SiO 2/HAP whiskers were fabricated under different factors (for the No.1 samples, the content of tetraethoxysilane, stirring time, calcination temperature, and soaking time were 10 mL, 12 hours, 560℃, and 0.5 hours, respectively; and in the No.2 samples, those were 15 mL, 24 hours, 650℃, and 2 hours, respectively; while those in the No.3 samples were 20 mL, 48 hours, 750℃, and 4 hours, respectively). The phase and morphology of the self-made HAP whisker and 3 types of SiO 2/HAP whiskers were detected by the X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Taken the self-made HAP whisker and 3 types of SiO 2/HAP whiskers as raw materials, various porous ceramic materials were prepared using the mechanical foaming method combined with extrusion molding method, and the low-temperature heat treatment. The pore structure of porous ceramics was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Its porosity and pore size distribution were measured. And further the axial compressive strength was measured, and the biodegradability was detected by simulated body fluid. Cell counting kit 8 method was used to conduct cytotoxicity experiments on the extract of porous ceramics.@*RESULTS@#The SiO 2 microspheres modified HAP whiskers and its porous ceramic materials were prepared successfully, respectively. In the SiO 2/HAP whiskers, the amorphous SiO 2 microspheres with a diameter of 200 nm, uniform distribution and good adhesion were attached to the surface of the whiskers, and the number of microspheres was controllable. The apparent porosity of the porous ceramic scaffold was about 78%, and its pore structure was composed of neatly arranged longitudinal through-holes and a large number of micro/nano through-holes. Compared with HAP whisker porous ceramic, the axial compressive strength of the SiO 2/HAP whisker porous ceramics could reach 1.0 MPa, which increased the strength by nearly 4 times. Among them, the axial compressive strength of the No.2 SiO 2/HAP whisker porous ceramic was the highest. The SiO 2 microspheres attached to the surface of the whiskers could provide sites for the deposition of apatite. With the content of SiO 2 microspheres increased, the deposition rate of apatite accelerated. The cytotoxicity level of the prepared porous ceramics ranged from 0 to 1, without cytotoxicity.@*CONCLUSION@#SiO 2/HAP whisker porous ceramics have good biological activity, high porosity, three-dimensional complex pore structure, good axial compressive strength, and no cytotoxicity, which make it a promising scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

Serology assays used in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis of assay features, testing algorithms, and performance

BackgroundMany serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Differences in the detection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 serological assays limited the comparability of seroprevalence estimates for populations being tested. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of serological assays used in SARS-CoV-2 population seroprevalence surveys, searching for published articles, preprints, institutional sources, and grey literature between January 1, 2020, and November 19, 2021. We described features of all identified assays and mapped performance metrics by the manufacturers, third-party head-to-head, and independent group evaluations. We compared the reported assay performance by evaluation source with a mixed-effect beta regression model. A simulation was run to quantify how biased assay performance affects population seroprevalence estimates with test adjustment. ResultsAmong 1807 included serosurveys, 192 distinctive commercial assays and 380 self-developed assays were identified. According to manufacturers, 28.6% of all commercial assays met WHO criteria for emergency use (sensitivity [Sn.] >= 90.0%, specificity [Sp.] >= 97.0%). However, manufacturers overstated the absolute values of Sn. of commercial assays by 1.0% [0.1, 1.4%] and 3.3% [2.7, 3.4%], and Sp. by 0.9% [0.9, 0.9%] and 0.2% [-0.1, 0.4%] compared to third-party and independent evaluations, respectively. Reported performance data was not sufficient to support a similar analysis for self-developed assays. Simulations indicate that inaccurate Sn. and Sp. can bias seroprevalence estimates adjusted for assay performance; the error level changes with the background seroprevalence. ConclusionsThe Sn. and Sp. of the serological assay are not fixed properties, but varying features depending on the testing population. To achieve precise population estimates and to ensure the comparability of seroprevalence, serosurveys should select assays with high performance validated not only by their manufacturers and adjust seroprevalence estimates based on assured performance data. More investigation should be directed to consolidating the performance of self-developed assays.

Crosstalk between CYP2E1 and PPARα substrates and agonists modulate adipose browning and obesity

Although the functions of metabolic enzymes and nuclear receptors in controlling physiological homeostasis have been established, their crosstalk in modulating metabolic disease has not been explored. Genetic ablation of the xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2E1 in mice markedly induced adipose browning and increased energy expenditure to improve obesity. CYP2E1 deficiency activated the expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) target genes, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, that upon release from the liver, enhanced adipose browning and energy expenditure to decrease obesity. Nineteen metabolites were increased in Cyp2e1-null mice as revealed by global untargeted metabolomics, among which four compounds, lysophosphatidylcholine and three polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to be directly metabolized by CYP2E1 and to serve as PPARα agonists, thus explaining how CYP2E1 deficiency causes hepatic PPARα activation through increasing cellular levels of endogenous PPARα agonists. Translationally, a CYP2E1 inhibitor was found to activate the PPARα-FGF21-beige adipose axis and decrease obesity in wild-type mice, but not in liver-specific Ppara-null mice. The present results establish a metabolic crosstalk between PPARα and CYP2E1 that supports the potential for a novel anti-obesity strategy of activating adipose tissue browning by targeting the CYP2E1 to modulate endogenous metabolites beyond its canonical role in xenobiotic-metabolism.

Cardiac rehabilitation for patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valve lesion requiring surgery or transcatheter intervention in modern era. Its prevalence is rising rapidly as a consequence of the aging population. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as a therapy option for older high-risk symptomatic severe AS patients has emerged and is currently extending its indications towards surgery intermediate- and low-risk subjects. Considering the common characteristics of frailty and high comorbidity among AS patients, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been proven to improve not only survival but also quality of life in previous reports. CR as a classⅠ recommendation in guidelines for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease has been widely used in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to sort out the current CR programs for TAVR patients in global medical management, and explore the CR optimization program fit for China medical model in post COVID-19 pandemic era.

Global epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of standardized population-based seroprevalence studies, Jan 2020-Oct 2021

BackgroundOur understanding of the global scale of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains incomplete: routine surveillance data underestimates infection and cannot infer on population immunity, there is a predominance of asymptomatic infections, and uneven access to diagnostics. We meta-analyzed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies, standardized to those described in WHOs Unity protocol for general population seroepidemiological studies, two years into the pandemic, to estimate the extent of population infection and remaining susceptibility. Methods and FindingsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, preprints, and grey literature for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence published between 2020-01-01 and 2022-05-20. The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO, (CRD42020183634). We included general population cross-sectional and cohort studies meeting an assay quality threshold (90% sensitivity, 97% specificity; exceptions for humanitarian settings). We excluded studies with an unclear or closed population sample frame. Eligible studies - those aligned with the WHO Unity protocol - were extracted and critically appraised in duplicate, with Risk of Bias evaluated using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. We meta-analyzed seroprevalence by country and month, pooling to estimate regional and global seroprevalence over time; compared seroprevalence from infection to confirmed cases to estimate under-ascertainment; meta-analyzed differences in seroprevalence between demographic subgroups such as age and sex; and identified national factors associated with seroprevalence using meta-regression. The main limitations of our methodology include that some estimates were driven by certain countries or populations being over-represented. We identified 513 full texts reporting 965 distinct seroprevalence studies (41% LMIC) sampling 5,346,069 participants between January 2020 and April 2022, including 459 low/moderate risk of bias studies with national/sub-national scope in further analysis. By September 2021, global SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from infection or vaccination was 59.2%, 95% CI [56.1-62.2%]. Overall seroprevalence rose steeply in 2021 due to infection in some regions (e.g., 26.6% [24.6-28.8] to 86.7% [84.6-88.5%] in Africa in December 2021) and vaccination and infection in others (e.g., 9.6% [8.3-11.0%] to 95.9% [92.6-97.8%] in Europe high-income countries in December 2021). After the emergence of Omicron, infection-induced seroprevalence rose to 47.9% [41.0-54.9%] in EUR HIC and 33.7% [31.6-36.0%] in AMR HIC in March 2022. In 2021 Quarter Three (July to September), median seroprevalence to cumulative incidence ratios ranged from around 2:1 in the Americas and Europe HICs to over 100:1 in Africa (LMICs). Children 0-9 years and adults 60+ were at lower risk of seropositivity than adults 20-29 (p<0.0001 and p=0.005, respectively). In a multivariable model using pre-vaccination data, stringent public health and social measures were associated with lower seroprevalence (p=0.02). ConclusionsIn this study, we observed that global seroprevalence has risen considerably over time and with regional variation, however around 40 % of the global population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our estimates of infections based on seroprevalence far exceed reported COVID-19 cases. Quality and standardized seroprevalence studies are essential to inform COVID-19 response, particularly in resource-limited regions.

SeroTracker-ROB: reproducible decision rules for risk of bias assessment of seroprevalence studies

BackgroundRisk of bias (RoB) assessments are a core element of evidence synthesis but can be time consuming and subjective. We aimed to develop a decision rule-based algorithm for RoB assessment of seroprevalence studies. MethodsWe developed the SeroTracker-RoB algorithm. The algorithm derives seven objective and two subjective critical appraisal items from the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence studies and implements decision rules that determine study risk of bias based on the items. Decision rules were validated using the SeroTracker seroprevalence study database, which included non-algorithmic RoB judgements from two reviewers. We quantified efficiency as the mean difference in time for the algorithmic and non-algorithmic assessments of 80 randomly selected articles, coverage as the proportion of studies where the decision rules yielded an assessment, and reliability using intraclass correlations comparing algorithmic and non-algorithmic assessments for 2,070 articles. ResultsA set of decision rules with 61 branches was developed using responses to the nine critical appraisal items. The algorithmic approach was faster than non-algorithmic assessment (mean reduction 2.32 minutes [SD 1.09] per article), classified 100% (n=2,070) of studies, and had good reliability compared to non-algorithmic assessment (ICC 0.77, 95% CI 0.74-0.80). We built the SeroTracker-RoB Excel Tool which embeds this algorithm for use by other researchers. ConclusionsThe SeroTracker-RoB decision-rule based algorithm was faster than non-algorithmic assessment with complete coverage and good reliability. This algorithm enabled rapid, transparent, and reproducible RoB evaluations of seroprevalence studies and may support evidence synthesis efforts during future disease outbreaks. This decision rule-based approach could be applied to other types of prevalence studies.

Glutaraldehyde cross-linked CDA/HBP-NH2 nanofiber membrane for adsorption of heavy metal ions in wastewater.

A new type of nanofiber membrane was prepared by mixed electrospinning of cellulose diacetate and amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-NH2), and glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinking was used to improve its water resistance and shape retention. pH, adsorption time, and initial solution concentration on Cu(ii) and Cr(vi) ions were studied. Results showed that the prepared GA-CDA/HBP-NH2 nanofiber had good spinning uniformity, hydrophilicity, and adsorption effect on Cu(ii) and Cr(vi) ions compared with the pure CDA nanofiber. The maximum adsorption capacity of GA-CDA/HBP-NH2 for Cu(ii) and Cr(vi) was 50.2 and 176.6 mg g-1, respectively.

Global seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMany studies report the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. We aimed to synthesize seroprevalence data to better estimate the level and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection, identify high-risk groups, and inform public health decision making. MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched publication databases, preprint servers, and grey literature sources for seroepidemiological study reports, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. We included studies that reported a sample size, study date, location, and seroprevalence estimate. We corrected estimates for imperfect test accuracy with Bayesian measurement error models, conducted meta-analysis to identify demographic differences in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and meta-regression to identify study-level factors associated with seroprevalence. We compared region-specific seroprevalence data to confirmed cumulative incidence. PROSPERO: CRD42020183634. ResultsWe identified 968 seroprevalence studies including 9.3 million participants in 74 countries. There were 472 studies (49%) at low or moderate risk of bias. Seroprevalence was low in the general population (median 4.5%, IQR 2.4-8.4%); however, it varied widely in specific populations from low (0.6% perinatal) to high (59% persons in assisted living and long-term care facilities). Median seroprevalence also varied by Global Burden of Disease region, from 0.6 % in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania to 19.5% in Sub-Saharan Africa (p<0.001). National studies had lower seroprevalence estimates than regional and local studies (p<0.001). Compared to Caucasian persons, Black persons (prevalence ratio [RR] 3.37, 95% CI 2.64-4.29), Asian persons (RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.96-3.11), Indigenous persons (RR 5.47, 95% CI 1.01-32.6), and multi-racial persons (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.60-2.24) were more likely to be seropositive. Seroprevalence was higher among people ages 18-64 compared to 65 and over (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.45). Health care workers in contact with infected persons had a 2.10 times (95% CI 1.28-3.44) higher risk compared to health care workers without known contact. There was no difference in seroprevalence between sex groups. Seroprevalence estimates from national studies were a median 18.1 times (IQR 5.9-38.7) higher than the corresponding SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence, but there was large variation between Global Burden of Disease regions from 6.7 in South Asia to 602.5 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Notable methodological limitations of serosurveys included absent reporting of test information, no statistical correction for demographics or test sensitivity and specificity, use of non-probability sampling and use of non-representative sample frames. DiscussionMost of the population remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Public health measures must be improved to protect disproportionately affected groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, until vaccine-derived herd immunity is achieved. Improvements in serosurvey design and reporting are needed for ongoing monitoring of infection prevalence and the pandemic response. FundingPublic Health Agency of Canada through the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force.

Lessons from a rapid systematic review of early SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys

BackgroundAs the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing global interest in the role of serological testing for population monitoring and to inform public policy. However, limitations in serological study designs and test standards raise concerns about the validity of seroprevalence estimates and their utility in decision-making. There is now a critical window of opportunity to learn from early SARS-CoV-2 serology studies. We aimed to synthesize the results of SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance projects from around the world and provide recommendations to improve the coordination, strategy, and methodology of future serosurveillance efforts. MethodsThis was a rapid systematic review of cross-sectional and cohort studies reporting seroprevalence outcomes for SARS-CoV 2. We included completed, ongoing, and proposed serosurveys. The search included electronic databases (PubMed, MedRXIV, BioRXIV, and WHO ICTPR); five medical journals (NEJM, BMJ, JAMA, The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine); reports by governments, NGOs, and health systems; and media reports (Google News) from December 1, 2019 to May 1, 2020. We extracted data on study characteristics and critically appraised prevalence estimates using Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. ResultsSeventy records met inclusion criteria, describing 73 studies. Of these, 23 reported prevalence estimates: eight preprints, 14 news articles, and one government report. These studies had a total sample size of 35,784 and reported 42 prevalence estimates. Seroprevalence estimates ranged from 0.4% to 59.3%. No estimates were found to have a low risk of bias (43% high risk, 21% moderate risk, 36% unclear). Fifty records reported characteristics of ongoing or proposed serosurveys. Overall, twenty countries have completed, ongoing, or proposed serosurveys. DiscussionStudy design, quality, and prevalence estimates of early SARS-CoV2 serosurveys are heterogeneous, suggesting that the urgency to examine seroprevalence may have compromised methodological rigour. Based on the limitations of included studies, future serosurvey investigators and stakeholders should ensure that: i) serological tests used undergo high-quality independent evaluations that include cross-reactivity; ii) all reports of serosurvey results, including media, describe the test used, sample size, and sampling method; and iii) initiatives are coordinated to prevent test fatigue, minimize redundant efforts, and encourage better study methodology. OtherPROSPERO: CRD42020183634. No third-party funding.

APPL2 Negatively Regulates Olfactory Functions by Switching Fate Commitments of Neural Stem Cells in Adult Olfactory Bulb via Interaction with Notch1 Signaling / 神经科学通报·英文版

Adult olfactory neurogenesis plays critical roles in maintaining olfactory functions. Newly-generated neurons in the subventricular zone migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) and determine olfactory discrimination, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of olfactory neurogenesis remain unclear. Our previous study indicated the potential of APPL2 (adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 2) as a modulating factor for neurogenesis in the adult olfactory system. In the present study, we report how APPL2 affects neurogenesis in the OB and thereby mediates olfactory discrimination by using both in vitro neural stem cells (NSCs) and an in vivo animal model-APPL2 transgenic (Tg) mice. In the in vitro study, we found that APPL2 overexpression resulted in NSCs switching from neuronal differentiation to gliogenesis while APPL2 knockdown promoted neurogenesis. In the in vivo study, APPL2 Tg mice had a higher population of glial cells and dampened neuronal production in the olfactory system, including the corpus callosum, OB, and rostral migratory stream. Adult APPL2 Tg mice displayed impaired performance in olfactory discrimination tests compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, we found that an interaction of APPL2 with Notch1 contributed to the roles of APPL2 in modulating the neurogenic lineage-switching and olfactory behaviors. In conclusion, APPL2 controls olfactory discrimination by switching the fate choice of NSCs via interaction with Notch1 signaling.

APPL2 Negatively Regulates Olfactory Functions by Switching Fate Commitments of Neural Stem Cells in Adult Olfactory Bulb via Interaction with Notch1 Signaling / 神经科学通报·英文版

Adult olfactory neurogenesis plays critical roles in maintaining olfactory functions. Newly-generated neurons in the subventricular zone migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) and determine olfactory discrimination, but the mechanisms underlying the regulation of olfactory neurogenesis remain unclear. Our previous study indicated the potential of APPL2 (adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 2) as a modulating factor for neurogenesis in the adult olfactory system. In the present study, we report how APPL2 affects neurogenesis in the OB and thereby mediates olfactory discrimination by using both in vitro neural stem cells (NSCs) and an in vivo animal model-APPL2 transgenic (Tg) mice. In the in vitro study, we found that APPL2 overexpression resulted in NSCs switching from neuronal differentiation to gliogenesis while APPL2 knockdown promoted neurogenesis. In the in vivo study, APPL2 Tg mice had a higher population of glial cells and dampened neuronal production in the olfactory system, including the corpus callosum, OB, and rostral migratory stream. Adult APPL2 Tg mice displayed impaired performance in olfactory discrimination tests compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, we found that an interaction of APPL2 with Notch1 contributed to the roles of APPL2 in modulating the neurogenic lineage-switching and olfactory behaviors. In conclusion, APPL2 controls olfactory discrimination by switching the fate choice of NSCs via interaction with Notch1 signaling.

Herbal drug discovery for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Few medications are available for meeting the increasing disease burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Traditional herbal medicines (THM) have been used for centuries to treat indigenous people with various symptoms but without clarified modern-defined disease types and mechanisms. In modern times, NAFLD was defined as a common chronic disease leading to more studies to understand NAFLD/NASH pathology and progression. THM have garnered increased attention for providing therapeutic candidates for treating NAFLD. In this review, a new model called "multiple organs-multiple hits" is proposed to explain mechanisms of NASH progression. Against this proposed model, the effects and mechanisms of the frequently-studied THM-yielded single anti-NAFLD drug candidates and multiple herb medicines are reviewed, among which silymarin and berberine are already under U.S. FDA-sanctioned phase 4 clinical studies. Furthermore, experimental designs for anti-NAFLD drug discovery from THM in treating NAFLD are discussed. The opportunities and challenges of reverse pharmacology and reverse pharmacokinetic concepts-guided strategies for THM modernization and its global recognition to treat NAFLD are highlighted. Increasing mechanistic evidence is being generated to support the beneficial role of THM in treating NAFLD and anti-NAFLD drug discovery.

Microneedle-mediated intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of sensitive skin: a split-face study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of microneedle-mediated intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of sensitive skin.@*Methods@#A total of 53 female patients aged 21-54 years and diagnosed with sensitive skin were enrolled from Department of Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University from January to June in 2018, and were divided into 3 groups by using a random number generator and a residue-based method: high-pressure jet injection group (n = 23) receiving high-pressure jet injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side) and high-pressure jet injection with 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the left side of the face (control side) once every 2 weeks, microneedle injection group (n = 15) receiving microneedle-mediated injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side) and microneedle-mediated injection with 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the left side of the face (control side) once every 4 weeks, combination group (n = 15) receiving microneedle-mediated injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side) and high-pressure jet injection with hyaluronic acid on the left side of the face (control side) once every 4 weeks. All the patients in the above 3 groups received 4 consecutive sessions of treatment. Before the initial treatment and 2 weeks after the final treatment, erythema and skin pore scores were determined on the right and left sides of the face by using VISIA facial imaging system, lactic acid stinging test was performed, and skin sensitivity including severity of itching, dryness, erythema and scaling was evaluated. Two weeks after the final treatment, the overall improvement was evaluated with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) by clinicians and patients. Adverse reactions were recorded during and after treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out by using paired t test, Wilcoxon sign rank sum test and chi-square test.@*Results@#Two weeks after the final treatment, the improvement of skin pore score in the treatment side was superior to that in the control side in the high-pressure jet injection group (t = 2.19, P = 0.03) , while no significant difference in the improvement of erythema score was observed between the treatment side and control side (t = 1.10, P = 0.27) ; in the microneedle injection group, the improvement of erythema and skin pore scores was greater in the treatment side than in the control side (t = 2.47, 3.02, both P = 0.01) ; in the combination group, the VISIA erythema score in the treatment and control sides was 0.59 ± 0.25 and 0.85 ± 0.31 respectively, the improvement of erythema score in the treatment side was superior to that in the control side (t = 5.02, P < 0.01) , while there was no significant difference in the improvement of skin pore score between the treatment side and control side (P > 0.05) . Two weeks after the final treatment, the severity of itching, dryness and scaling was significantly improved in both the treatment and control sides in the 3 groups compared with those before the initial treatment (P < 0.05) , while the severity of erythema was significantly improved only in the treatment side in the microneedle injection group and combination group when compared with that before the initial treatment (Z = -2.236, -2.887, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Moreover, both the microneedle injection group and combination group showed significantly decreased severity of erythema in the treatment side compared with that in the control side two weeks after the final treatment (Z = -2.646, -2.887, respectively, both P < 0.05) . Two weeks after the final treatment, the positive rate of the lactic acid stinging test significantly decreased in the treatment side compared with that before the initial treatment in the microneedle injection group (χ2 = 4.821, P = 0.028) , but showed no significant changes in the other groups (all P > 0.05) . No severe adverse reactions were observed during or after the treatment.@*Conclusion@#Microneedle intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid can effectively and safely improve erythema, skin pore and sensitive symptoms in patients with sensitive skin.

Microneedle-mediated intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of sensitive skin: a split-face study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of microneedle-mediated intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of sensitive skin.Methods A total of 53 female patients aged 21-54 years and diagnosed with sensitive skin were enrolled from Department of Cosmetic Dermatology,Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University from January to June in 2018,and were divided into 3 groups by using a random number generator and a residue-based method:high-pressure jet injection group (n =23) receiving high-pressure jet injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side) and high-pressure jet injection with 0.9％ sodium chloride solution on the left side of the face (control side) once every 2 weeks,microneedle injection group (n =15) receiving microneedle-mediated injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side)and microneedle-mediated injection with 0.9％ sodium chloride solution on the left side of the face (control side) once every 4 weeks,combination group (n =15) receiving microneedle-mediated injection with hyaluronic acid on the right side of the face (treatment side) and high-pressure jet injection with hyaluronic acid on the left side of the face (control side) once every 4 weeks.All the patients in the above 3 groups received 4 consecutive sessions of treatment.Before the initial treatment and 2 weeks after the final treatment,erythema and skin pore scores were determined on the right and left sides of the face by using VISIA facial imaging system,lactic acid stinging test was performed,and skin sensitivity including severity of itching,dryness,erythema and scaling was evaluated.Two weeks after the final treatment,the overall improvement was evaluated with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS)by clinicians and patients.Adverse reactions were recorded during and after treatment.Statistical analysis was carried out by using paired t test,Wilcoxon sign rank sum test and chi-square test.Results Two weeks after the final treatment,the improvement of skin pore score in the treatment side was superior to that in the control side in the high-pressure jet injection group (t =2.19,P =0.03),while no significant difference in the improvement of erythema score was observed between the treatment side and control side (t =1.10,P =0.27);in the microneedle injection group,the improvement of erythema and skin pore scores was greater in the treatment side than in the control side (t =2.47,3.02,both P =0.01);in the combination group,the VISIA erythema score in the treatment and control sides was 0.59 ± 0.25 and 0.85 ± 0.31 respectively,the improvement of erythema score in the treatment side was superior to that in the control side (t =5.02,P ＜ 0.01),while there was no significant difference in the improvement of skin pore score between the treatment side and control side (P ＞ 0.05).Two weeks after the final treatment,the severity of itching,dryness and scaling was significantly improved in both the treatment and control sides in the 3 groups compared with those before the initial treatment (P ＜ 0.05),while the severity of erythema was significantly improved only in the treatment side in the microneedle injection group and combination group when compared with that before the initial treatment (Z =-2.236,-2.887,respectively,both P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,both the microneedle injection group and combination group showed significantly decreased severity of erythema in the treatment side compared with that in the control side two weeks after the final treatment (Z =-2.646,-2.887,respectively,both P ＜ 0.05).Two weeks after the final treatment,the positive rate of the lactic acid stinging test significantly decreased in the treatment side compared with that before the initial treatment in the microneedle injection group (x2 =4.821,P =0.028),but showed no significant changes in the other groups (all P ＞ 0.05).No severe adverse reactions were observed during or after the treatment.Conclusion Microneedle intradermal injection with hyaluronic acid can effectively and safely improve erythema,skin pore and sensitive symptoms in patients with sensitive skin.

Genotyping of the offsprings of Leprdb/ +mice by TaqMan probe fluorescence quantitative PCR / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish an efficient method of genotyping for Leprdb/ +mouse offsprings by TaqMan probe quantitative fluorescence PCR. Methods Genome DNA was extracted from tails of 228 Leprdb/ +mouse offsprings. PCR primers and TaqMan probes were designed according to the mutation sites of Lepr gene(rs1801133). Real time PCR assay was applied and SNP loci were typed with SDS software. The genotyping of 2-month old Leprdb/dbmice was validated by the phenotype and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test was performed. Results 228 samples were detected by the established TaqMan fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. 64 mice were of GG genotype, with a genotype frequency of 0.1929. 123 mice were of GT genotype, with a genotype frequency of 0.5395. 41 mice were of TT genotype, with a genotype frequency of 0.2807. Compared with the phenotype typing,the sensitivity of the TaqMan fluorescence quantitative PCR was 97.56% and the specificity was 99.47%. Conclusions TaqMan probe quantitative fluorescence PCR assay is a simple and efficient method,and can be used to detect the genotype of Leprdb/ +mouse offsprings.

Effect of leptin on expression of lipoic acid synthase in the liver and kidney of Leprdb/dbmice / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To study the expression of lipoic acid synthase(LIAS)in the liver and kidney of Leprdb/db mice with deficient leptin receptor. Methods Eight 10-week old male Leprdb/ +mice and Leprdb/dbmice were included in this study. The body weight of rats in the two groups was measured. Fasting blood glucose(FPG)was measured with blood glucose test strips for all mice after fasting for 8 hours. Blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta and the animals were sacrificed. The liver and kidney were weighed. The right lobe of liver and the left kidney samples were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for pathological examination. Serum samples were separated and the sereum contents of CHO, TG,HDL and LDL were detected. The mitochondria of liver and kidney tissues were extracted with a mitochondrial isolation kit, and the protein was extracted. The expression of LIAS protein was detected by western blot. Results Histopathological observation showed that the liver and kidney tissues of Leprdb/ +mice have intact and clear structure. But the liver tissue of Leprdb/dbmice showed fatty degeneration, the kidney tissue showed glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening, mesangial area widened, including mesangial cells and mesangial matrix increased. The GLU,CHO,TG,LDL and AST of Leprdb/dbmice were significantly increased compared with those of Leprdb/ +mice(P<0.05). Compared with Leprdb/ +mice,the LIAS protein expression was significantly increased in the liver and kidney mitochondria of Leprdb/dbmice(P<0.05). Conclusions There is impaired glucose and lipid metabolism in the Leprdb/dbmice which has defect leptin receptor,and the expression of LIAS protein in liver and kidney of the Leprdb/dbmice is higher than that of Leprdb/ +mice.

Clinical Significance of Expression of CBX3 in Colorectal Cancer and its Possible Mechanism / 胃肠病学

Background:CBX3 is a member of heterochromatin protein family. Recent studies indicated that CBX3 was closely related to lung cancer,osteosarcoma,gastric cancer. Aims:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of CBX3 in colorectal cancer,and explore the potential mechanism. Methods:Thirty colorectal cancer patients from June 2011 to June 2012 at Shanghai Renji Hospital were enrolled. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to determine mRNA and protein expressions of CBX3 in colorectal cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues, respectively. Human colorectal cancer cell line RKO was transfected with overexpressed plasmid or siRNA of CBX3. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay,Western blotting was implemented to determine the protein expressions of CBX3 and p53. Results:The mRNA and protein expressions of CBX3 were significantly increased in colorectal cancer tissues than in corresponding paracancerous tissues. Increased protein expression of CBX3 was closely correlated with tumor size (P ＝ 0. 025 ),lymph node metastasis (P ＝ 0. 013 )and TNM staging (P ＝ 0. 020 ). After intervention with overexpressed plasmid of CBX3,the mRNA and protein expressions of CBX3 were efficiently upregulated in RKO cells, cell proliferation and protein expression of p53 were significantly increased. Meanwhile,the mRNA and protein expressions of CBX3 were efficiently downregulated in RKO cells after knockdown of CBX3,resulting in significantly decreased cell proliferation and protein expression of p53. Conclusions:CBX3 may promote the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells via influencing the expression of p53,thus promoting the progression of colorectal cancer. This indicates that CBX3 has the potential to be a new target for diagnosis and therapy of colorectal cancer.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at the Beginning and Ending Points of Bicipital Muscle on the Superficial Electromyography of the Spastic Limb in Hemiplegia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at the beginning and ending points of bicipital muscle on the superficial electromyography (sEMG) of the spastic limb in hemiplegia.Method Forty patients with spastic hemiplegia after cerebral stroke were divided by the random number table into a group of electroacupuncture at the beginning and ending points (group A) and a group of electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscles (group B). The former selected Ashi points at the beginning and ending points of bicipital muscle, while the latter selected points at the antagonistic muscles [Tianjing (TE10), Qinglingyuan (TE11), etc.], to receive perpendicular puncturing. The needles were retained for 30 min, and the sEMG of bicipital muscles in resting state was detected after the removal of the needles. The spastic bicipital muscle was examined by sEMG prior to the acupuncture treatment, and respectively after 2-week and 4-week acupuncture treatment, and the detected parameters included root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (IEMG).ResultThe EMG and IEMG declined gradually in the two groups after the acupuncture treatment; the intra-group comparisons of the RMS and IEMG values at three time points, e.g. prior to acupuncture treatment, after 2-week acupuncture treatment and after 4-weekacupuncture treatment, showed that the values changed significantly compared to those at the previous time point (P0.05). The RMS and IEMG values presented same changing tendencies after 4-week acupuncture treatment in the two groups.ConclusionAcupuncture at the beginning and ending points and at the points on antagonistic muscles both can decrease the resting-state muscle tension in hemiplegia patients; sEMG is of certain significance in evaluating the treatment of hemiplegia.

The nursing soft skills constitute elements of higher vocational nursing students: a qualitative study / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the nursing soft skills constitute elements of higher vocational nursing students and give some suggestions for their education. Methods A qualitative study was used. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 15 participants including higher vocational nursing educators, nursing managers and clinical nursing teachers. The results were finally coded, described, classified and analyzed. Results The nursing soft skills of higher vocational nursing students are composed of three main dimensions comprising personal attributes, interpersonal skills and conceptual/thinking skills, among which personal attributes include personality and self-management; interpersonal skills include interpersonal communication and teamwork skills; conceptual/thinking skills include problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Conclusions Personal attributes are the decisive elements for higher vocational nursing students' competencies. Interpersonal skills are the core competency for nursing works. Conceptual/thinking skills ensure higher vocational nursing students to acquire sustained development. A systematic nursing soft skills training model should be constructed.

Role of enolase 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and possible mechanism / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the role of enolase 1 (ENO1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and possible mechanism.@*Methods@#Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of ENO1 in HCC tissue, adjacent tissue, hepatoma cells, and normal hepatocytes. The siRNA interference technique was used for ENO1 knockout in HepG2 cells, and then CCK-8, colony formation assay, and transwell assay were used to measure the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of HepG2 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of proteins and genes involved in the activation of the Notch signaling pathway. The two-independent-samples t test and a one-way analysis of variance were used for comparison.@*Results@#HCC tissue and HepG2 cells had significantly higher expression of ENO1 than adjacent tissue and normal hepatocytes (P < 0.05). There were significant reductions in the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of HepG2 cells after siRNA interference (P < 0.05). There were also significant reductions in the expression of N1ICD, snail, slug, HEY1, HES1, and HES5 (P < 0.05).@*Conclusion@#ENO1 may promote the development of HCC, possibly by participating in the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway.