[Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Affects the Function of Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Cells].

Objective To investigate the impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) infection on the function of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells,and explore the mechanism of this bacterium in exacerbating lung inflammation in mice. Methods Two hours after human lung microvascular endothelial cell(HULEC-5a) were infected with the PA strain PAO1,the mRNA levels of autophagy-related gene 5(ATG5),6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3(PFKFB3),and calcium adhesion protein 5(CDH5) were determined by reverse transcription real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).The protein levels of ATG5,PFKFB3,and vascular endothelial calcium adhesion protein(VE-cadherin) were detected by immunofluorescence.After the expression of ATG5 and PFKFB3 was respectively knocked down by small interfering RNA(siRNA),RT-qPCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of ATG5,PFKFB3,and CDH5,and immunofluorescence to detect the protein levels of PFKFB3 and VE-cadherin.In addition,the lactate assay kit was used to determine the level of lactate in the cells.After mice were infected with PAO1,lung inflammation was assessed through histopathological section staining.Confocal microscopy was employed to capture and analyze fluorescence-labeled PFKFB3 and VE-cadherin in endothelial cells. Results Compared with the control group,the HULEC-5a cells infected with PAO1 showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PFKFB3(all P<0.05),down-regulated mRNA level of CDH5(P=0.023),disrupted continuity and down-regulated protein level of VE-cadherin(P<0.001),and elevated lactate level(P=0.017).Compared with PAO1-infected HULEC-5a cells,knocking down PFKFB3 led to the up-regulated mRNA level of CDH5(P=0.043),lowered lactate level(P=0.047),and restored continuity of VE-cadherin;knocking down ATG5 led to up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PFKFB3(P=0.013 and P=0.003),elevated lactate level(P=0.015),and down-regulated mRNA level of CDH5(P=0.020) and protein level of VE-cadherin(P=0.001).The HE staining results showed obvious red blood cell leakage,inflammatory cell infiltration,alveolar septal widening,and partial detachment of vascular endothelial cells in the alveoli of PA-infected mice.Immunofluorescence staining showed up-regulated expression of PFKFB3 and decreased fluorescence signal of VE-cadherin in endothelial cells of infected mice compared with normal mice. Conclusion PA may regulate the PFKFB3 pathway via AGT5 to disrupt the function of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells,thereby exacerbating the inflammation in the lungs of mice.

Osthole, an ingredient from Cnidium monnieri, reduces the pyroptosis and apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells.

Osthole is the prominent active ingredient isolated from Cnidium. The role of osthole in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was investigated herein. Bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to generate injury models. The concentration of CSE had an inverse correlation with cell viability. Osthole suppressed inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis in 16HBE cells, along with a decrease in RIPK2 level. RIPK2 overexpression reversed the effects of osthole on the abovementioned aspects. This study found that the osthole could reduce RIPK2 level, inhibit pyroptosis, and alleviate the damage in 16HBE cells under CSE stimulation.

Molecule characterization of chemosensory and metabolism-related genes in the proboscis of Athetis lepigone.

Introduction: The moth species Athetis lepigone (Möschler) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which has recently been identified as a pest of summer maize (Zea mays L.) in China, has demonstrated a rapid proliferation with in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain region since its initial discovery in Hebei Province in 2005. It has become a prevalent pest of corn crops, and its ability to adapt quickly to its surroundings is currently being investigated. One of the key characteristics of its siphoning mouthparts is not only the feeding apparatus itself but also the chemosensory organs that enable the detection of chemical signals from the surrounding environment. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the genes responsible for chemosensory and metabolic mechanisms in the proboscises of male and female A. lepigone adults. Methods: In this study, we utilized transcriptome analysis to identify a total of fifty chemosensory genes from six distinct families, including 19 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 22 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), one co-receptor (Orco), six odorant receptors (ORs), four ionotropic receptors (IRs), and two sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) in the proboscis. Notably, seven OBPs, two CSPs, and one OR were discovered for the first time. Additionally, fourteen genes related to metabolism, including cytochrome P450 (CYPs) and carboxylesterases (CXEs), were also identified. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis was conducted on the relative transcript levels of eight related genes. The expression of 21 annotated chemosensory and metabolic genes was compared between A. lepigone adults and larvae using qRT-PCR, revealing tissue specificity. The majority of genes exhibited predominant expression in the antennae and proboscis during the adult stage, while showing slight expression in the combination of sixth-instar larval head oral appendages (maxilla, labium, and antenna) and pheromone gland-ovipositors of female adults. Results/discussion: Our study points to a new pest control strategies that these newly discovered genes have the potential to serve as targets for enhancing future pest control, including mating disruption and the use of food attractants. And it would be advantageous to ascertain the distribution of chemosensory gene expression and gain insights into the functionalities of these genes, thereby establishing a novel theoretical framework for the advancement of eco-friendly pesticides and efficient pest management strategies in the future.

The Impact of Active Screening and Management on COVID-19 in Plateau Region of Sichuan, China.

Background: In December 2019, the cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread throughout the country. The disease was later designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). Few studies have assessed the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and control strategies used to mitigate disease spread in high-altitude plateau regions of China. Study Objective: To assess the impact of real-world strategies to control COVID-19 spread in remote plateau regions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to assess the epidemiology of COVID-19 and strategies used to control disease spread in the high-altitude plateau of Sichuan, China from 24 January 2020 to 19 March 2020. Results: COVID-19 spread and outbreaks in Sichuan were attributed to mass gatherings. A total of 70 patients and 20 asymptomatic individuals were found in the hypoxic plateau region of Sichuan. Twelve patients were admitted after the onset of symptoms, while 58 patients and 20 asymptomatic individuals were found by active screening. The symptomatic patients included those with uncomplicated illness (16/70, 22.9%), mild pneumonia (44/70, 62.9%), and severe pneumonia (10/70, 14.3%). Most patients in the study area showed relatively mild and atypical symptoms such as low or no fever and dyspnea. The incidence of severe pneumonia, fever, dyspnea, and interstitial abnormalities identified by chest CT were all significantly lower in screened patients than those admitted after symptom onset (P < 0.05). Severe pneumonia was noted in patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes etc. as compared to less severe pneumonia in healthy subjects (P <0.05). No patients died and all were eventually discharged. Conclusion: Mass gatherings increased risk of spread of SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19. Active screening and early management have collectively contributed to reduced incidence of severe pneumonia and satisfactory prognoses of infections with COVID-19 in this hypoxic plateau region.

Evaluated expression of CELSR3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with perineural invasion and poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate CELSR3 expression and explore its potential mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: CELSR3 mRNA expression was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. CELSR3 protein expression in 135 surgical oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens was observed by immunohistochemical staining. Staining results were used to investigate the association between CELSR3 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis. Bioinformatics analyses were used to explore the potential mechanism of CELSR3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: CELSR3 mRNA expression was upregulated in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the TCGA head and neck squamous cell carcinoma data set. Increased CELSR3 protein expression was associated with perineural invasion and poor clinical outcomes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that CELSR3 is involvement in axonogenesis, neuron migration, and cell-cell adhesion, all of which are involved in the process of perineural invasion. CONCLUSION: CELSR3 may play a pro-oncogenic role in oral squamous cell carcinoma and can predict perineural invasion and poor survival. CELSR3 may be involved in oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by modulating perineural invasion.

Exosomal microRNA-15a from ACHN cells aggravates clear cell renal cell carcinoma via the BTG2/PI3K/AKT axis.

Accumulating studies have indicated that exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) can mediate clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at the early stage, but the mechanisms remain to be specified. Here, we investigated the mechanism of exosomal miR-15a in ccRCC. After successful isolation of exosomes from RCC cells, we found that miR-15a was upregulated in ccRCC cells. Moreover, upregulation of miR-15a by pre-miR-15a promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ccRCC cells. A luciferase assay revealed that B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) was a target gene of miR-15a and negatively correlated with miR-15a expression. BTG2 was poorly expressed in ccRCC, which reduced the proliferation of ccRCC cells. In addition, overexpression of BTG2 could reverse the promotive effects of miR-15a on ccRCC. Furthermore, BTG2 reduced PI3K/AKT pathway activity. Our results collectively indicated that exosomal miR-15a from RCC cells accelerated cell viability by downregulating BTG2 and promoting the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We demonstrated a novel mechanism by which exosomal miR-15a exerted pro-proliferatory effects on ccRCC, highlighting the potential of exosomal miR-15a as a target for ccRCC prognosis.

[Explore antioxidant quality markers of Hippophae tibetana based on "dry-method + wet-method" technology].

The cross combination of dry-method(network pharmacology analysis) and wet-method(high-resolution mass spectro-metry with antioxidation experiment) was used to predict antioxidant quality markers(Q-markers) of Hippophae tibetana. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) was developed to rapidly separate and identify the chemical constituents in H. tibetana. Then in DPPH free radicals and superoxide anion scavenging experiment, the antioxidant activity of the four different polar parts with extracts of petroleumether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water was evaluated. Network pharmacology method was used for functional enrichment and pathway analysis to screen antioxidant-related components and preliminarily explain the mechanism of action. On this basis, multi-source information was integrated to predict the antioxidant Q-markers. The results showed that 51 components in H. tibetana were identified, including 18 flavonoids, 14 terpenoids, 6 alkaloids, 4 coumarins and phenylpropanoids, 3 volatile components and 2 polyphenols. The antioxidant capacity of different fractions: ethyl acetate > n-butanol > water > petroleum ether. The medicine mainly acted on PI3 K-Akt and FoxO signaling pathways to perform antioxidant effects through flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol. According to the results of dry-method and wet-method, quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol, the representatives of poly-hydroxy flavone, may be the antioxidant Q-markers of H. tibetana. In this study, with the antioxidant Q-markers of H. tibetana as an example, an investigation model of predicting Q-marker was discussed based on the ternary system of composition, function and informatics, providing a scientific basis for the establishment of quality evaluation standards for H. tibetana.

The Anatomy of the Temporal and Zygomatic Branches of the Facial Nerve: Application to Crow's Feet Wrinkles.

BACKGROUND: Advances in the understanding of wrinkling crow's feet while improving the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection has pointed to drug dispersion in the lateral orbital wrinkles as a cause of adverse events of botulinum toxin type A injection. The purpose of this study is to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi muscles. METHODS: Anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed in 31 cadavers, 13 females and 18 males, with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years, which of all had been embalmed by 10% formalin solution. The facial nerve was identified within subcutaneous tissue close periorbital region and both traced proximal and distal. Its temporal branch, zygomatic branch, facial and muscular entrance were located and accurately measured relative to established surface landmarks. RESULTS: Dissection of the facial nerve revealed 2 to 6 entrances of the temporal branch into the orbicularis oculi and 1 to 5 entrances of the zygomatic branch into the orbicularis oculi. Concerning the measurements of neural entering points, distance and angle from orbicularis oculi muscle to lateral ocular angle, a distribution map of its muscular entrance and their patterns of distribution were constructed. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, there were 3 points determined as the muscular entrance points to established surface landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: An anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, the surface landmarks of 3 points were established as the muscular entrance of the facial nerve (MEF).

Differences in the therapeutic effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation on uterine fibroids with different shear wave velocity (SWV): a study of histopathological characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To explore correlations between the therapeutic effect of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and histopathological characteristics of uterine fibroids with different Shear Wave Velocity (SWV) values. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 36 women (43 fibroids) who had undergone high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uterine fibroids ablation between January 2019 and January 2020. Preoperative fibroids tissue sections were obtained for histopathological examination. The pathological sections were stained with Masson-trichrome, and were observed and imaged under a Low-power microscope (4 × 10), while the smooth muscle cell (SMC) and collagen fiber content were semi-quantitatively measured. Preoperative fibroid SWV was measured using the Virtual Touch tissue quantification (VTQ) technique. Within one month after HIFU ablation, all patients had undergone a pelvic cavity MRI examination, which measured the size, volume, and non-perfused volume (NPV) of the fibroids. The formula: the ablation rate = NPV/target fibroid volume × 100% was used to calculate the ablation rate of the uterine fibroids. Correlation analysis of SWV values, HIFU ablation rate, along with the smooth muscle cell (SMC) and collagen fiber content, were conducted using the Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: The collagen fiber and SMC content of the preoperative fibroids were 32.09 ± 15.90%/view and 37.61 ± 15.32%/view, respectively. Preoperative fibroid SWV value was 3.56 ± 0.71 m/s. Preoperative fibroid SWV was negatively correlated with SMC content (r = -0.445, p = 0.003), but positively correlated with collagen fiber content (r = 0.454, p = 0.002). The ablation rate was negatively correlated with collagen fiber content (r = -0.377, p = 0.013), but positively correlated with SMC content (r = 0.402, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Differences in histopathological characteristics may be important factors that induce differences in the therapeutic effects of HIFU ablation on uterine fibroids with different SWV values.

sPLA2-IB Level Correlates with Hyperlipidemia and the Prognosis of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy.

Recent studies suggested that serum secretory phospholipase A2 group IB (sPLA2-IB) was increased in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). However, the interference of high lipemia on the sPLA2-IB levels was not taken into account in these studies. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between sPLA2-IB and lipemia, and the clinical merit of sPLA2-IB in the prediction of prognosis of IMN patients. A total of 64 IMN patients, 39 immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients and 64 healthy controls were included in the study. The levels of serum sPLA2-IB, lipemia and proteinuria were measured. Fifty IMN patients were followed up for 6 months. Pathologic stages were made for all IgAN and IMN patients. The results showed that the levels of serum sPLA2-IB, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher, and the levels of albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly lower in IMN patients than in healthy controls and IgAN patients. Serum sPLA2-IB levels were also found to be higher in IgAN patients than in heathy controls, but the association of serum sPLA2-IB levels with proteinuria, cholesterol and albumin was only shown in IMN patients. Antibody against M-type receptor for secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2R1) was positive in 81.3% IMN patients. Glomerular sPLA2-IB deposition, podocyte fused processes, and density deposition on thickened basement membrane were seen in IMN patients, but not in IgAN patients. IMN patients with lower sPLA2-IB and proteinuria levels were found to have better outcome after the 6-month follow-up. In IMN patients, sPLA2-IB levels were significantly increased in both serum and renal tissue. In conclusion, serum sPLA2-IB was closely correlated with proteinuria, albumin and cholesterol, and IMN patients with lower sPLA2-IB levels were more likely to achieve a better outcome.

Gnaq Protects PC12 Cells from Oxidative Damage by Activation of Nrf2 and Inhibition of NF-kB.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously produced as byproducts of aerobic metabolism. Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the occurrence of several neurodegenerative diseases as well as aging because of the accumulation of ROS. Gnaq is a member of G protein α subunits. It has been reported that the expression level of Gnaq in the mouse forebrain cortex was significantly decreased with age in our previous study; therefore, we supposed that Gnaq contributes to attenuate the OS. In this study, we generated a Gnaq-overexpression cell using gene recombinant technique and lentivirus transfection technique in a neuron-like PC12 cell, and investigated whether Gnaq had antioxidant effects in PC12 cells treated with H2O2. The viability of cells, concentration of ROS, Nrf2 nuclear translocation, expression of antioxidant enzymes, activation of NF-κB and apoptosis were compared between Gnaq-PC12 cells and Vector-PC12 cells. Results showed that, compared with Vector-PC12 cells, the antioxidative ability of Gnaq-PC12 cells was significantly improved, while the ROS level in Gnaq-PC12 cells was significantly decreased. Nrf2 nuclear translocation was up-regulated and NF-κB nuclear translocation was down-regulated in Gnaq-PC12 cells after H2O2 treatment. The results suggest that Gnaq plays a crucial role in neuroprotection in PC12 cells. A possible mechanism for this would be that the overexpressed Gnaq enhances the antioxidative effect mediated by Nrf2 signal pathway and inhibits the cellular damaging effect through NF-κB signal pathway.

Effect of positional isomers on the photochromic behaviors of bipyridyltriazolium chloroantimonate hybrids.

Two chloroantimonate hybrids with isomeric bipyridyltriazoliums and similar packing patterns, {[2-bpt]2[(SbCl5)Cl2]}n (1) and {[4-bpt]2[(SbCl5)Cl2]}n (2) (2-bpt2+ = protonated 3,5-bis(pyridine-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, 4-bpt2+ = protonated 3,5-bis(pyridine-4-yl)-1,2,4-triazole), have been designed and synthesized. Distinct intermolecular electronic interactions and photochromic behaviors are attributed to the remarkable modulation of positional isomeric effect on the electron deficiency of the acceptors and donor-acceptor matching relationship. 1 is the first reported photochromic chloroantimonate hybrid.

A Three-Dimensional M3 AB-Type Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Antiperovskite Ferroelectric: [C3 H7 FN]3 [SnCl6 ]Cl.

Since the first perovskite CaTiO3 was discovered in 1839, the development of perovskite has a history of 180 years. The emergence of solar cells (CH3 NH3 )PbI3 has set off the trend of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) materials. Since then, various HOIPs have sprung up and been widely used in various material devices. Among them, HOIP ferroelectrics have gained widespread attention. However, antiperovskite, as a twin brother of perovskite, has been neglected although it has similar structure with perovskite. Here, we successfully found that [C3 H7 FN]3 [SnCl6 ]Cl has a three-dimensional (3D) antiperovskite structure with the formula M3 AB. Importantly, the compound exhibits obvious ferroelectric properties with an Aizu notation of 622F6 at 391 K. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first 3D hybrid organic-inorganic antiperovskite ferroelectric, which will greatly promote the development of antiperovskite families with more superior physical properties.

Design and synthesis of a vanadate-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for sequential recognition of Cu2+ ions and biothiols.

A novel YVO4:Eu3+@CDs core-shell nanomaterial with two main emission peaks at 405 and 617 nm was synthesized through a simple mixing method, in which the carbon quantum dots (CDs) self-assembled with the YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticle, due to the high affinity of oxygen-containing groups such as -COOH or -OH of CDs to the metal ions on the surface of YVO4:Eu3+. The red fluorescence of YVO4:Eu3+@CDs located at 617 nm can be quenched by Cu2+ ions efficiently, while the blue emission remains invariable; based on this, we construct a ratio fluorescent probe YVO4:Eu3+@CDs for Cu2+ ion detection, in which the blue emission of CDs is selected as the reference signal, and the red emission of YVO4:Eu3+ acts as an output signal. Furthermore, the addition of biothiol recovers the quenched red fluorescence quickly, which can be completed in 18 minutes. Thus, YVO4:Eu3+@CDs can also be used as a 'turn on' ratio fluorescent probe for biothiol rapid detection. Taking l-cysteine (l-Cys) as the model, the fluorescence intensity of the 617 nm peak increases with increasing Cys, and the ratio of F617/F405 is linear to the concentration of Cys in the range of 0.1 µM to 10 µM with a detection limit of 41 nM. Compared with these single wavelength emission biothiol fluorescent probes, an obvious change in the fluorescence color from blue to pink can be conveniently observed by the naked eye under a UV lamp. Meanwhile, this ratiometric probe has also been demonstrated to be used for the visual identification of biothiols in real blood serum samples.

Brain Organization of Apolygus lucorum: A Hemipteran Species With Prominent Antennal Lobes.

The anatomical organization of distinct regions in the insect brain often reflects their functions. In the present study, the brain structure of Apolygus lucorum was examined by using immunolabeling and three-dimensional reconstruction. The results revealed the location and volume of prominent neuropils, such as the antennal lobes (AL), optic lobes (OL), anterior optic tubercles (AOTU), central body (CB), lateral accessory lobes (LAL), mushroom lobes, and distinct tritocerebral neuropils. As expected, this brain is similar to that of other insects. One exception, however, is that the antennal lobes were found to be the most prominent neuropils. Their size relative to the entire brain is the largest among all insect species studied so far. In contrast, the calyx, a region getting direct input from the antennal lobe, has a smaller size relative to the brain than that of other species. These findings may suggest that olfaction plays an essential role for A. lucorum.

X-ray and UV Dual Photochromism, Thermochromism, Electrochromism, and Amine-Selective Chemochromism in an Anderson-like Zn7 Cluster-Based 7-Fold Interpenetrated Framework.

Smart materials are highly desirable over the recent decade due to the growing demand of complicated nature. Stable stimuli-responsive smart materials exhibit widespread potential for applications in smart windows, sensors, separators, chemical valves, and release platforms but are rare. Despite being good candidates, viologen-based multifunctional smart materials are still a challenging task for chemists. To obtain such materials, the judicious strategy is to introduce polynuclear metal-carboxylate clusters as electron donors into a stable framework to increase chromic sensitivity. Toward this endeavor, we have synthesized a novel viologen-based polymer with a unique Anderson-like metal-carboxylate cluster, [Zn7(bpybc)3(o-BDC)6]·2NO3·6H2O (bpybc = 1,1'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium, o-BDC = o-benzenedicarboylic acid) (1), which is a particular 7-fold interpenetrated framework with a 3D pcu network in which bpybc ligand as the linker and Zn7O30C12 as the second building unit (Zn7 SBU) were used as 6-connected nodes. More importantly, it shows excellent chromic behavior in response to multiple external stimuli especially soft X-ray and UV dual light, temperature, electricity, and organic amines, which stand out in the viologen-based polymers. Interestingly, the coloration process of 1 from "core" to "edge" is observed upon heating at the appropriate temperature, which has not yet been found in other reported thermochromic materials. Of particular interest for 1 is the couple of quaternary stimuli-sensitive abilities because it simultaneously meets the following conditions: (i) the capability of withstanding high light, higher temperature, extreme pH, and other harsh conditions; and (ii) the high sensitivity to external stimuli keeping away from photodegradation, thermal relaxation, side reactions, and so on. To be noted, 1 has high thermal stability and chemical stability, which are excellent advantages as smart materials. To further develop possible practical utilization, 1 has been doped into the polymer matrixes to construct a hybrid film, which not only keeps the response to external stimuli but also significantly improves the repeatability of the photochromic process, indicating that a new smart device with multi-stimuli-responsive functions will emerge successively in the future.

An anterior neurovascular interval approach to coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus: a prospective clinical study with short- to mid-term follow-up.

OBJECT: To explore the treatment effect of the anterior medial neurovascular interval approach to coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. METHODS: This prospective study included two female patients who were 30-64 years old, with a mean age of 47 years. Fractures were caused by falling from a bicycle. The time between the injury and operation was 1-2 days, with a mean time interval of 1.5 days. Two patients with coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using anterior neurovascular interval approach. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative and postoperative neurological and vascular complications or infections, and the fracture was united. At 12 months after the surgery, the patient returned to work without pain, and with a normal range of motion for elbow and forearm rotation. The X-rays revealed excellent fracture union, no signs of heterotopic ossification, and no traumatic arthritis. According to Mayo's evaluation standards for elbow function, a score of 100 is excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the anterior neurovascular interval approach of the elbow in the treatment of shear fracture of the articular surface of the distal humerus, particularly the trochlea of the humerus, can reduce the stripping of the soft tissue.

An anterior neurovascular interval approach to coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus: a prospective clinical study with short- to mid-term follow-up

SUMMARY OBJECT: To explore the treatment effect of the anterior medial neurovascular interval approach to coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus. METHODS: This prospective study included two female patients who were 30-64 years old, with a mean age of 47 years. Fractures were caused by falling from a bicycle. The time between the injury and operation was 1-2 days, with a mean time interval of 1.5 days. Two patients with coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using anterior neurovascular interval approach. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative and postoperative neurological and vascular complications or infections, and the fracture was united. At 12 months after the surgery, the patient returned to work without pain, and with a normal range of motion for elbow and forearm rotation. The X-rays revealed excellent fracture union, no signs of heterotopic ossification, and no traumatic arthritis. According to Mayo's evaluation standards for elbow function, a score of 100 is excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the anterior neurovascular interval approach of the elbow in the treatment of shear fracture of the articular surface of the distal humerus, particularly the trochlea of the humerus, can reduce the stripping of the soft tissue.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito do tratamento com uma abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular médio para fraturas de cisalhamento coronal da porção distal do úmero. METODOLOGIA: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu duas pacientes do sexo feminino de 30-64 anos de idade, com idade média de 47 anos. As fraturas foram causadas por quedas de bicicleta. O tempo entre a lesão e a operação foi de 1-2 dias, com um intervalo de tempo médio de 1,5 dias. Duas pacientes com cisalhamento coronal da porção distal do úmero foram tratadas com redução aberta e fixação interna utilizando a abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular. RESULTADOS: Não houve complicações neurológicas e vasculares intra e pós-operatórias, nem complicações ou infecções, e a fratura foi unida. Após 12 meses da cirurgia, as pacientes retornaram ao trabalho sem dor e com uma amplitude normal de movimento de rotação do antebraço e cotovelo. Os raios-X revelaram excelente união das fraturas, sem sinais de ossificação heterotópica e sem artrite traumática. De acordo com as diretrizes da clínica Mayo para avaliação da função do cotovelo, uma pontuação de 100 é considerada excelente. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação da abordagem anterior do intervalo neurovascular do cotovelo no tratamento de uma fratura de cisalhamento da superfície articular da porção distal do úmero, especificamente da tróclea do úmero, pode reduzir o desgaste do tecido mole.

Inhibition of autophagy enhances adenosine­induced apoptosis in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.

In cancer research, autophagy acts as a double­edged sword: it increases cell viability or induces cell apoptosis depending upon the cell context and functional status. Recent studies have shown that adenosine (Ado) has cytotoxic effects in many tumors. However, the role of autophagy in Ado­induced apoptosis is still poorly understood. In the present study, Ado­induced apoptotic death and autophagy in hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells was investigated and the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis was identified. In the present study, it was demonstrated that Ado inhibited HepG2 cell growth in a time­ and concentration­dependent manner and activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as indicated by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, the increased mRNA and protein levels of GRP78/BiP, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, cleaved caspase­3, cytochrome c and the loss of mitochon-drial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Ado also induced autophagic flux, revealed by the increased expression of the autophagy marker microtubule­associated protein 1 light chain 3­II (LC3­II), Beclin­1, autophagosomes, and the degradation of p62, as revealed by western blot analysis and macrophage­derived chemokine (MDC) staining. Blocking autophagy using LY294002 notably entrenched Ado­induced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis, as demonstrated with the increased expression of cytochrome c and p62, and the decreased expression of LC3­II. Conversely, the autophagy inducer rapamycin alleviated Ado­induced apoptosis and markedly increased the ΔΨm. Moreover, knockdown of AMPK with si­AMPK partially abolished Ado­induced ULK1 activation and mTOR inhibition, and thus reinforced CHOP expression and Ado­induced apoptosis. These results indicated that Ado­induced ER stress resulted in apoptosis and autophagy concurrently. The AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway played a protective role in the apoptotic procession. Inhibition of autophagy may effectively enhance the anticancer effect of Ado in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.