Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was employed to identify the material basis of BQRGF. Mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in biochemical and molecular assays and histopathology, particularly in the medium and high-dose groups. These improvements included a reduction in the level of liver injury and fibrosis-related factors. MSMP levels were elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and this increase was mitigated in HF mice treated with BQRGF. Moreover, primary cells and co-culture studies revealed that BQRGF reduced MSMP expression, decreased the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers, and suppressed critical phosphorylated protein levels in the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated using CCR2/PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors and agonists in MSMP-activated LX2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results suggest that BQRGF combats HF by diminishing MSMP levels and inhibiting MSMP-induced HSC activation through the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Hypoxic Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Direct Schwann Cells Proliferation, Migration, and Paracrine to Accelerate Facial Nerve Regeneration via circRNA_Nkd2/miR-214-3p/MED19 Axis.

Background: Facial nerves have the potential for regeneration following injury, but this process is often challenging and slow. Schwann cells (SCs) are pivotal in this process. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)-derived exosomes promote tissue repair through paracrine action, with hypoxic preconditioning enhancing their effects. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether hypoxia-preconditioned BMSC-derived exosomes (Hypo-Exos) exhibit a greater therapeutic effect on facial nerve repair/regeneration and reveal the mechanism. Methods: CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and ELISA assays were used to evaluate the functions of Hypo-Exos in SCs. Histological analysis and Vibrissae Movements (VMs) recovery were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Hypo-Exos in rat model. circRNA array was used to identify the significantly differentially expressed exosomal circRNAs between normoxia-preconditioned BMSC-derived exosomes (Nor-Exos) and Hypo-Exos. miRDB, TargetScan, double luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and WB were used to predict and identify potential exosomal cirRNA_Nkd2-complementary miRNAs and its target gene. The function of exosomal circRNA_Nkd2 in facial nerve repair/regeneration was evaluated by cell and animal experiments. Results: This study confirmed that Hypo-Exos more effectively promote SCs proliferation, migration, and paracrine function, accelerating facial nerve repair following facial nerve injury (FNI) compared with Nor-Exos. Furthermore, circRNA analysis identified significant enrichment of circRNA_Nkd2 in Hypo-Exos compared with Nor-Exos. Exosomal circRNA_Nkd2 positively regulates mediator complex subunit 19 (MED19) expression by sponging rno-miR-214-3p. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a mechanism by which Hypo-Exos enhanced SCs proliferation, migration, and paracrine function and facial nerve repair and regeneration following FNI through the circRNA_Nkd2/miR-214-3p/Med19 axis. Hypoxic preconditioning is an effective and promising method for optimizing the therapeutic action of BMSC-derived exosomes in FNI.

Reinforced dentin remineralization via a novel dual-affinity peptide.

OBJECTIVES: In light of the constantly flowing saliva, anti-caries remineralization agents are inclined to be taken away. Owing to their limited residence time, the remineralization effect is not as desirable as expected. Hence, our study aimed to synthesize a novel peptide (DGP) with high affinity to both collagen fibrils and hydroxyapatite, and investigated its dentin remineralization efficacy in vitro and anti-caries capability in vivo. METHODS: DGP was synthesized through Fmoc solid-phase reaction. The binding ability and interaction mechanism of DGP to demineralized dentin were investigated. Dentin specimens were demineralized, then treated with DGP and deionized water respectively. The specimens were incubated in artificial saliva and in-vitro remineralization effectiveness was analyzed after 14 days. The rat caries model was established to further scrutinize the in-vivo efficacy of caries prevention. RESULTS: DGP possesses an enhanced adhesion force of 12.29 ± 1.12 nN to demineralized dentin. The favorable adsorption capacity is ascribed to the stable hydrogen bonds between S2P-101 and ASP-100 of DGP and GLY33 and PRO-16 of collagen fibers. Abundant mineral deposits and remarkable tubule occlusion were observed in the DGP group. DGP-treated dentin obtained notable microhardness recovery and higher mineral content after a 14-day remineralization regimen. DGP also demonstrated potent caries prevention in vivo, with substantially fewer carious lesions and significantly lower Keyes scoring. SIGNIFICANCE: DGP proves to possess a high affinity to demineralized dentin regardless of saliva flowing, thus enhancing remineralization potency significantly in vitro and in vivo, potential for dental caries prevention and combatting initial dentin caries clinically.

Facile synthesis of CoOx@C/Ti-Fe2O3 photoanodes for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation.

The development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is hindered by the slow kinetics of four-electron processes for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and severe charge recombination. Amorphous carbon was chosen as a carrier for the active sites due to its exceptional conductivity and strong loading capacity. In addition, this enhanced performance was attributed to the loading of oxides of cobalt. Here, amorphous carbon-covered cobalt oxides chosen as a co-catalyst loaded on α-Fe2O3 (noted as CoOx@C/Ti-Fe2O3) have been synthesized, and they show a high current density (2.86 mA cm-2 under 1.23 V vs. RHE), and a low onset potential (0.611 V vs. RHE). Experimental analysis demonstrates that the charge transfer and separation leading to accelerated OER dynamics and improved PEC performance are enhanced by CoOx@C effectively. This study provides new ideas for designing high-performance photoelectrochemical electrodes based on amorphous carbon co-catalysts.

Branched-chain aminotransferase 1 promotes Schwann cell migration and proliferation to accelerate facial nerve regeneration through the Twist/FoxC1 and Sox2 pathways.

Facial paralysis caused by injury to the facial nerve is common clinical presentation resulting in significant physical and psychological damage. In addition, due to the lack of understanding about the mechanisms of injury and repair and the lack of effective treatment targets, the clinical treatment outcomes for such patients remain poor. Schwann cells (SCs) have a central role in the regeneration of nerve myelin. In a rat model of facial nerves crush injury, we found that branched-chain aminotransferase 1 (BCAT1) was upregulated after injury. Moreover, it had a positive role in nerve repair. Using intervention methods such as gene knockdown, overexpression, and protein-specific inhibitors, combined with detection methods such as CCK8, Transwell, EdU, and flow cytometry, we demonstrated that BCAT1 significantly enhanced the migration and proliferation of SCs. It affected SC cell migration by regulating the Twist/Foxc1 signal axis and promoted cell proliferation by directly regulating the expression of SOX2. Similarly, animal experiments demonstrated that BCAT1 promotes facial nerve repair, improving nerve function and myelin regeneration by activating both the Twist/Foxc1 and SOX2 axes. In sum, BCAT1 promotes SC migration and proliferation, suggesting its potential as a key molecular target for improving the outcome of facial nerve injury repairs.

An engineered dual-functional peptide with high affinity to demineralized dentin enhanced remineralization efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Dental caries continues to be a major global public health problem. Remineralization of demineralized dentin is regarded as one of the hotspots in the current study in the treatment of dental caries. However, traditional remineralization agents, which usually lack the ability to bind to demineralized dentin collagen, are easily removed by the fluids in the oral cavity, thus decreasing the remineralization efficacy. Non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) have significant effects on the biomineralization of dentin due to their dual high binding capacity to the collagen fibers and minerals. But NCPs are hard to extract, store and use directly. Inspired by the biological behavior of NCPs, in this study, we selected two functional sequences of NCPs to develop a novel and engineered dual-functional peptide (which is referred to as CYP) with collagen-binding and mineral-absorbing capability. The binding ability of CYP to collagen fibers and demineralized dentin was investigated, and the results suggested that CYP was endowed with good binding capacity to demineralized dentin, which could resist the washing of the fluid. In addition, we confirmed that CYP exerted formidable remineralization effects in collagen fibers and demineralized dentin following an in vitro remineralization regimen. Furthermore, the dual functions of CYP with good biocompatibility can simultaneously bind collagen and induce nanocrystal precipitation, thereby significantly absorbing calcium and phosphorus ions to form regenerated minerals for reversing the tooth decay process in the rat caries model. Overall, the dual functional peptide CYP fabricated in this study provides an ideal and smart strategy for dentin remineralization and the treatment of caries.

Comprehensive reparative effects of bacteriostatic poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) electrospinning membrane on alveolar bone defects in progressive periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the loss of alveolar bone, among several studies focusing on reconstructing periodontal bone caused by periodontitis, guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a promising approach. In this study a serial clinically applied antibiotics loaded poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLGA/PLCA) fibrous mesh to prevent and reconstruct defective bone in periodontitis were prepared by electrospinning. Incorporation of antibiotics promoted the hydrophilicity but decreased the crystallinity of PLGA/PLCA membranes. Antibiotics could be sustained released from membranes. Metronidazole, minocycline, and doxycycline incorporated membranes could suppress Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) within 21 days in vitro. Metronidazole and minocycline incorporated membranes decreased 41% and 55.5% colony counts in rat gingival crevicular fluid in vivo. Minocycline-loaded membrane could support the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and maintained 79% viability of human ligament fibroblasts cultured on it. And MC3T3-E1 cells could undergo osteoblastic differentiation when cultured with pure PLGA/PLCA membrane and minocycline incorporated membrane. Then in vivo repairable effects of those antibiotics loaded membranes were evaluated in alveolar bone defected P. gingivalis infected model. The application of minocycline loaded membranes, effectively prevented the bone resorption of periodontitis caused by P. gingivalis. After been treated with minocycline incorporated membrane, volume of defected bone of maintained at about 50% level of control rats. 8 weeks post-operation, newly regenerated bone was observed in the operative alveolar bone of the pure PLGA/PLCA membrane, metronidazole and minocycline incorporated PLGA/PLCA membrane treated groups. Minocycline/PLGA/PLCA electrospinning membrane is a promising GBR material that can be applied to guide regeneration of periodontitis-induced alveolar bone damage.

A Case Report of Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Vestibular Schwannoma and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Most cases of hemifacial spasm result from mechanical compression at the root exit zone of the facial nerve by vascular loops, and only a few cases are caused by vestibular schwannoma. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of symptomatic hemifacial spasm induced by a small vestibular schwannoma that was totally resected. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our department with a 14-month history of symptomatic right-sided hemifacial spasm. During the process of microvascular decompression, no definite vessel was found to compress the facial nerve. By further exploration of regions other than root exit zone, a small vestibular schwannoma compressing the internal auditory canal portion of facial nerve from the ventral side was discovered. Resection of the tumor was then conducted. The symptoms of hemifacial spasm disappeared immediately after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We should be aware that magnetic resonance imaging is not always precise and perhaps misses some miniature lesions due to present image technique limitations. A small vestibular schwannoma might be the reason for HFS, although preoperative magnetic resonance tomography angiography showed possible vascular compression at the facial nerve root. More importantly, a full-length exploration of the facial nerve is in urgent need to find potential compression while performing microvascular decompression for HFS patients.

Relationship between serum gonadal hormone levels and synkinesis in postmenopausal women and man with idiopathic facial paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether serum gonadal hormone levels are correlated to the development of facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy in postmenopausal women and man. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with Bell's palsy were enrolled in this study. All patients were instructed in standard treatment strategy by expert staff from their first visit. The degree of synkinesis was evaluated at 12 months after the onset of facial nerve palsy based on the synkinesis scores of Sunnybrook facial grading system. The patients were divided into two groups by gender. RESULTS: Serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in patients with facial synkinesis than in patients without facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy in postmenopausal female. Male patients with facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy had a higher serum estradiol and testosterone levels. Baseline ENoG values (OR=11.144, 95% CI=1.001-124.126, p=0.008) and serum estradiol levels (OR=1.145, 95% CI=1.033-1.270, p=0.010) were the two independent predictors for facial synkinesis in postmenopausal female patients. Meanwhile, baseline ENoG values (OR=5.312, 95% CI=0.626-45.069, p=0.035), HbA1c values (OR=27.470, 95% CI=2.001-43.084, p=0.016), serum E2 levels (OR=1.298, 95% CI=1.092-1.542, p=0.003), and serum testosterone levels (OR=1.892, 95% CI=1.309-2.734, p=0.001) were the independent predictors for facial synkinesis in male patients. CONCLUSION: Serum estradiol levels are associated with the development of facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy in postmenopausal female patients. Serum estradiol and testosterone levels are associated with the development of facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy in male patients. Serum gonadal hormone levels might be acted as potential biomarker for predicting facial synkinesis following Bell's palsy.

Glutamate-Oxaloacetate Transaminase 1 Impairs Glycolysis by Interacting with Pyruvate Carboxylase and Further Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Glioblastoma Cells.

BACKGROUND: Glycolysis is an important metabolic manner in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)'s rapid growth. It has been reported that glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase 1 (GOT1) is low-expressed in GBM and patients with high-expressed GOT1 have better prognosis. However, the effect and mechanism of GOT1 on glycolysis and malignant phenotypes of GBM cells are still unclear. METHODS: The expression differences of GOT1 between GBM parenchyma and adjacent tissues were detected. The prognosis and clinical data with different levels of GOT1 were also analyzed. The glucose consumption, production of lactate and pyruvate were measured after GOT1 was knocked down or overexpressed. The effects of GOT1 on GBM cell's malignant phenotypes were analyzed by Western blot, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry. The relationship between GOT1 and pyruvate carboxylase (PC) was examined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: GOT1 was expressed little in GBM, and patients with highly expressed GOT1 had longer survival periods. Overexpressed GOT1 inhibited the glycolysis and malignant phenotypes of GBM cells. 2-DG treatment could partially reverse the enhancement of malignant phenotypes caused by knockdown of GOT1. The expression of GOT1 was positively correlated with PC. The inhibitory effect of GOT1 on glycolysis could be partially reversed by PC's knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: GOT1 could impair glycolysis by interacting with PC and further inhibit the malignant phenotypes of GBM cells.

Relationship between chronic hyperglycemia and contrast extravasation in revascularization of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: A retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Contrast extravasation is one of the most common perioperative complications in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) patients after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stenting (PTAS). This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the relevant serum biochemical indicators of carbohydrate metabolism and the occurrence of contrast extravasation. METHODS: Patients' demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors and laboratory examination data were collected. Blood routine test, blood biochemical examination and hormone level test within 1 week before surgery were measured in all enrolled subjects. Patients underwent non-contrast CT scans immediately after the endovascular procedure. Follow-up non-contrast CT scans were performed in the next 24 h and repeated as per clinical condition. RESULTS: 104 patients who have undergone effective PTAS were involved in this study. 18 patients have identified as contrast extravasation and there was no obvious abnormality in another 86 cases. There were significant differences in the pre-operative HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and cortisol levels in the subjects regardless of gender between two groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there were statistical differences in E2 and testosterone levels between two groups in both male population (p = 0.035 and p = 0.028, respectively) and female population (p = 0.036 and p = 0.003, respectively). Besides, the AUC value of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and cortisol levels were all over 0.7 (0.858, 0.780 and 0.752, respectively). The highest AUC value of various combinations was obtained from the combination of HbA1c and cortisol level, which was 0.898. CONCLUSIONS: Patient with chronic hyperglycemia is closely related to contrast extravasation after PTAS. Specific mechanisms might be explored and regarded as promising candidates to prevent contrast extravasation.

Cox4i2 Triggers an Increase in Reactive Oxygen Species, Leading to Ferroptosis and Apoptosis in HHV7 Infected Schwann Cells.

Emerging evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve damage. Our previous study indicated that human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7) induces Bell's palsy. However, the specific mechanism underlying the effects of ROS in HHV7 infection-induced facial nerve damage is unknown. In this study, we established a rat FN model by inoculating an HHV7 virus solution. The facial grading score and LuxolFastBlue (LFB) staining were used to assess the success of the model. Using mRNA-sequencing analysis, we found that the expression of Complex IV Subunit 4 Isoform 2 (Cox4i2) increased in infected Schwann cells (SCs). Cox4i2 was suggested to increase COX activity, thereby promoting ROS production. The changes in the endogenous oxidant and antioxidant system were assessed, and the results showed that oxidative stress increased after HHV7 infection in vivo and in vitro. However, we found that oxidative injury was relieved after the transfection of shCox4i2 in HHV7-treated SCs by evaluating cell death, cell proliferation, and the ROS level as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, we hypothesised that Cox4i2 loss would attenuate HHV7-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis, which are closely related to ROS in SCs. Our research illustrated that the knockdown of Cox4i2 suppresses HHV7-induced RSC96 cell ferroptosis as well as apoptosis via the ERK signalling pathway. Overall, several in vitro and in vivo methods were adopted in this study to reveal the new mechanism of ROS-induced and Cox4i2-mediated apoptosis and ferroptosis in HHV7 infected SCs.

Application of two morphologies of Mn2O3 for efficient catalytic ortho-methylation of 4-chlorophenol.

Vapor phase ortho-methylation of 4-chlorophenol with methanol was studied over Mn2O3 catalyst with two kinds of morphologies. Here, Mn2O3 was prepared by a precipitation and hydrothermal method, and showed the morphology of nanoparticles and nanowires, respectively. XRD characterization and BET results showed that, with the increase of calcination temperature, Mn2O3 had a higher crystallinity and a smaller specific surface area. N2 adsorption/desorption and TPD measurements indicated that Mn2O3 nanowires possessed larger external surface areas and more abundant acid and base sites. Simultaneously, in the fixed bed reactor, methanol was used as the methylation reagent for the ortho-methylation reaction of 4-chlorophenol. XRD, XPS, TG-MS and other characterizations made it clear that methanol reduced 4-chlorophenol and its methide, which were the main side-reactions. And Mn3+ was reduced to Mn2+ under the reaction conditions. Changing the carrier gas N2 to a H2/Ar mixture further verified that the hydrogen generated by the decomposition of methanol was not the reason for dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol compounds. Here we summarized the progress of 4-chlorophenol methylation based on the methylation of phenol. Also, we proposed a mechanism of the 4-chlorophenol dechlorination effect which was similar to the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley-type (MPV) reaction. The crystal phase and carbon deposition were investigated in different reaction periods by XRD and TG-DTA. The reaction conditions for the two kinds of morphologies of the Mn2O3 catalyst such as calcination temperature, reaction temperature, phenol-methanol ratio and reaction space velocity were optimized.

Prediction of CTNNB1 Mutation Status in Pediatric Cystic Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma by Using Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestation.

OBJECTIVE: CTNNB1-targeted inhibitor is demonstrated to be an effective neoadjuvant therapy in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) patients and cystic degeneration is a canonical sign of pediatric ACP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the cystic performances and CTNNB1 mutation (CTNNB1 MUT) status so as to analyze the possible diagnostic criteria of CTNNB1 MUT in pediatric cystic ACP (PCACP). METHODS: Patient's population, clinical characteristics, tissue samples and MRI data were collected and summarized in PCACP patients. The results were compared between CTNNB1 MUT and CTNNB1 wild-type (WT) groups according to the Sanger sequencing. MRI features of the cyst were also recorded. The receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the differential diagnostic value. RESULTS: 19 of the 61 patients manifested CTNNB1 MUT PCACP and 42 patients were CTNNB1 WT PCACP. Multiple cysts, irregular shape of cyst, hypo-intense interior signal of cyst on non-contrast T1W1, compression with optic chiasm and pituitary stalk and enhancement signal of cystic wall have been demonstrated in CTNNB1 MUT PCACP patients on MRI. Only the Area under the curve (AUC) values of quantity of cyst, shape of cyst and interior signal of cyst on non-contrast T1W1 were over 0.7. For criteria based on the combination of the 6 characteristic features, the AUC value was 0.928. CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI may provide an effective value in predicting PCACP patients with CTNNB1 MUT and offer potential evidence for preoperative management with molecular targeted agents.

Evaluation of pre-operative neuroimaging characteristics in patients with primary hemifacial spasm as a prognostic factor of microvascular decompression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the possible pathogenesis of primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) according to the performances of preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) sequence and investigate the correlations between the neuroimaging parameters and the prognosis of microvascular decompression (MVD). METHODS: 106 patients with HFS and 121 age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Electronic medical records and neuroimaging data were collected. The facial-nerve angle, cross-sectional area of CPA cistern and length of the cistern segment of the facial nerve were measured on affected side and unaffected as well as healthy individuals. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for assessing the predictive performances. RESULTS: 100 patients achieved complete relief postoperatively. 13 of the 100 complete relief patients developed a relapse in the follow-up. The preoperative facial-pontine angle and cross-sectional area of the CPA cistern on the affected side was significantly smaller than the unaffected side and HC. The facial-pontine angle and the cross-sectional area of the CPA cistern was significantly smaller in recurrent group than the non-recurrent group. The AUC value of both facial-pontine angle and cross-sectional area of the CPA cistern were over 0.7. CONCLUSION: Small facial-nerve angle and cross-sectional area of CPA cistern may be regarded as the possible pathogenesis of primary HFS. The measurement of facial-nerve angle and cross-sectional area of CPA cistern preoperatively might be used to predict the surgical effect of MVD.

Overexpression of Foxc1 regenerates crushed rat facial nerves by promoting Schwann cells migration via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Facial paralysis can result in severe implications for patients. A good prognosis depends on the degree of nerve regeneration. Schwann cells (SCs) play an important role in facial nerve development and regeneration through migration. Forkhead box C1 (Foxc1), a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, is implicated in cell migration. However, the role of Foxc1 in the progression after facial nerve crush remains unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Foxc1 overexpression on SC migration and recovery of facial nerves after crush injury. The rat facial nerve crush injury model was established through the use of unilateral surgery. The results showed that the expression of Foxc1 was increased in the surgery group compared to that of the control group. SCs were isolated from the sciatic nerves and cultured. Foxc1, delivered by an adeno-associated virus in vivo, or adenovirus in vitro, both induced overexpression of Foxc1, and increased the expression of CXCL12 and ß-catenin. After the transfection of Foxc1, the migration of SC was increased both in vitro and in vivo, was reduced by the inhibition of CXCL12 or ß-catenin. The facial nerve function and the nerve axon remyelination of the rats transfected with Foxc1 were significantly improved after nerve crush injury. Overall, the results demonstrated that overexpression of Foxc1 promoted SC migration by regulating CXCL12 via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, thus contributing to improved facial nerve function after crush injury.

Long-term efficacy of superficial temporal artery ligation and auriculotemporal nerve transection for temporal cluster headache in adolescent.

OBJECTIVES: Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder, which has affected up to 0.1% population. Superficial temporal artery ligation combined with auriculotemporal nerve transection (SLAT) is one of the surgical alternatives to treat the drug-resistant temporal cluster headache (TCH). The current work aimed to assess the effect of SLAT on TCH patients based on the very long-term clinical follow-up. METHODS: The current retrospective study had enrolled 20 adolescent TCH patients undergoing SLAT between December 2016 and January 2018. The headache diaries as well as the pain severity questionnaire of the visual analog scale (VAS) had been collected to measure the pain severity before and after surgery. RESULTS: The pain-free rates 3 days, as well as 1, 6, and 12 months, after SLAT surgery were 2.00%, 10.00%, 25.00%, and 70.00%, respectively. The frequency of TCH attack daily was found to be markedly reduced on the whole; besides, the pain degree was also remarkably decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Results in this study indicate that the sustained headache can be relieved after SLAT in adolescent patients with intractable TCH.

Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Microvascular Decompression Outcome for Trigeminal Neuralgia Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common cranial nerve disease. Meanwhile, it is suggested in some studies that orofacial pain can also lead to some psychological diseases. Therefore, the current study was carried out aiming to explore the relationship between depression as well as anxiety and TN; at the same time, the effect on the postoperative outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) would also be explored. METHODS: The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores, as well as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) scores in TN cases were compared with those among patients without TN. Multiple logistic regression models were also used to assess the associations of HDRS and HARS scores with TN. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the MVD outcome in TN patients, and the HDRS and HARS scores were between pain-free patients and those who still suffered from pain. RESULTS: The HDRS and HARS scores in TN patients were evidently increased relative to those observed in normal individuals. HDRS and HARS scores were found to be positively associated with the Visual Analog Scale pain score and onset duration in TN patients. Additionally, remarkably higher HDRS and HARS scores were observed in the persistent pain group than in pain-free group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal that depression and anxiety are closely associated with the incidence of TN, which may also affect the outcome of patients undergoing MVD.

Low Uric Acid Indicates Risk of Incidence of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common cranial nerve disease. Uric acid (URIC), a water-soluble antioxidant discovered in human body, has been recognized in numerous recent studies to exert a crucial part in neuroprotection; however, the influence of URIC on TN remains unclear so far. This study aimed to examine the association of URIC with TN. METHODS: From January 2017 to September 2018, medical records from the newly diagnosed patients with TN at the Xinhua Hospital were retrospectively recruited and analyzed. The serum URIC, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin levels between TN patients and normal subjects were compared through the nonparametric tests. Moreover, the relationship of URIC levels with TN was assessed using the multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Compared with normal subjects (325.7 ±â€Š74.3 µmol/L), URIC contents were remarkably decreased in TN patients (270.2 ±â€Š75.9 µmol/L) (P < 0.05). Besides, URIC was regarded as a protective factor of TN, as verified by multivariate logistic regression models (odds ratio = 0.2, 95% confidence interval = 0.0-0.6; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low URIC content is associated with the risk of incidence of TN, and appropriately increasing the URIC level may prevent TN.

Effect of metal-doped VPO catalysts for the aldol condensation of acetic acid and formaldehyde to acrylic acid.

Mo, W, Cr, La, and Ce additives were introduced into a VPO catalyst, and the resulting catalysts were investigated for the gas-phase aldol condensation reaction of formaldehyde and acetic acid. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, and BET were used to characterize the structure and properties of the catalysts. After the addition of the third component, the crystal structure changed to a certain extent; the surface acidity of the catalyst changed, and the conversion of acetic acid and the selectivity of acrylic acid also showed different degrees of influence. The acidity of the catalyst was the main factor affecting the catalytic performance. When La was added to the catalyst, the selectivity for acrylic acid was the highest, and the stability of the catalyst also improved. It is presumed that B acid is the main active site of this reaction, and a moderate amount of acid is favorable to facilitate the reaction.