Trial of Chloroquines in the Treatment of COVID-19 and Its Research Progress in Forensic Toxicology.

ABSTRACT: Chloroquines are the long-established prescription drug, which are often used clinically to treat malaria and connective tissue diseases. Since December 2019, corona virus disease 2019 （COVID-19） outbreaks caused by 2019 novel coronavirus （2019-nCoV） has occurred in China and many countries around the world. Due to the lack of drugs against COVID-19, the disease spreads rapidly and the mortality rate is relatively high. Therefore, specific drugs against 2019-nCoV need to be quickly screened. The antimalarial drug chloroquine phosphate which has already been approved is confirmed to have an anti-2019-nCoV effect and has been included in diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. However, awareness of the risk of chloroquine phosphate causing acute poisoning or even death should be strengthened. The current dosage recommended in clinical treatment is larger than that in previous treatment of malaria and the period of treatment is longer. Many provinces have required close clinical monitoring of adverse reactions. This paper reviews the pharmacological effects, poisoning and toxicological mechanisms, in vivo metabolism and distribution, and forensic issues of chloroquine drugs, in order to provide help to forensic practice and clinical work.

Advances in Neuropathologic Research of Hypoglycemic Brain Damage Caused by Insulin Overdose.

ABSTRACT: The number of death from insulin overdose, including accidental poisoning, suicide and homicide, is increasing these years. The forensic diagnosis of death from insulin overdose is a tough task. Glucose is the main energy source of the brain. Therefore, hypoglycemic brain damage is considered to be the main reason of death from insulin overdose. Recently, research of hypoglycemic brain damage caused by insulin overdose is gradually being paid attention in the field of forensic medicine. This paper summarizes the neuropathologic changes, pathophysiologic process and potential neural molecular markers of hypoglycemic brain damage caused by insulin overdose in terms of forensic neuropathology, providing reference for the research and practice in forensic medicine related fields.

[Diagnostic value of serum alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoprotein variant and abnormal prothrombin in primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of single or combined detection of serum tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), α-fetoprotein (AFP)-L3 and abnormal clotting (PIVKA-II) in the primary hepatic carcinoma. Methods: Serum AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II of 56 cases with primary hepatic carcinoma, 46 cases with cirrhosis, 45 cases with other liver disease and 41 healthy persons (control group) were examined by chemiluminescence method, and the differences in the levels of AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II in each group were compared. Results: Serum level of AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II in patients with primary liver cancer was significantly higher than that of the cirrhosis, other liver disease and control groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for the diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma by AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II were 0.887, 0.846 and 0.885, respectively. The combined use of the three tumor markers for the diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma increased the area under the curve to 0.899. Among the single detection, AFP had the highest sensitivity of 91.07% and PIVKA-II had the highest specificity at 88.63%. In the combined detection, AFP/PIVKA-II combination had the highest sensitivity of 94.64 %, while the AFP + AFP-L3 + PIVKA-II combination had the highest specificity at 98.48%. Conclusion: Combined detection of AFP, AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II could improve the diagnostic specificity and the sensitivity of primary hepatic carcinoma; thereby make up the deficiency of single detection and improve the early diagnosis rate.

[Clinical efficacy of posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage in the treatment of stage â £ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers].

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage in the treatment of stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From March 2021 to March 2022, 15 patients with stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Dezhou Dongcheng Hospital, including 11 males and 4 females, aged 31 to 72 years. The pressure ulcer wound size ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 10.0 cm×6.0 cm, with cavity diameters of 10-14 cm. Five cases were complicated with ischial tuberosity bone infection. After clearing the lesion, the biceps femoris long head muscle flap with an area of 10.0 cm×4.0 cm-18.0 cm×5.0 cm and the semitendinosus muscle flap with an area of 8.0 cm×4.0 cm-15.0 cm×5.0 cm combined with the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap with an area of 6.5 cm×5.5 cm-10.5 cm×6.5 cm was transplanted to repair the pressure ulcer wound. The flap donor area was directly sutured, and the closed lavage with tubes inserted into the wound cavity was performed for 2-3 weeks. The postoperative survival of the muscle flaps and skin flaps, the wound healing of the donor and recipient areas were observed. The recurrence of pressure ulcers, the appearance and texture of flaps, and scar conditions of the donor and recipient areas were followed up. Results: All the muscle flaps and skin flaps in the 15 patients successfully survived after surgery. Two patients experienced incisional dehiscence at one week after surgery due to improper turning over, during which the incision in the recipient area was pressed on, and the wounds healed after dressing changes of 3 to 4 weeks; the wounds in the donor and recipient areas healed well in the other patients. All patients received follow-up after surgery. During the follow-up period of 6 to 12 months, none of the patients experienced pressure ulcer recurrence, and the texture, color, and thickness of the skin flaps closely resembled those of the surrounding skin at the recipient site, with only linear scar left in the donor and recipient areas. Conclusions: When using the posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage to treat stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers, the tissue flap can be used to fully fill in the dead space of the pressure ulcers. After treatment, the wound heals well, the appearance of the donor and recipient areas is better, and the pressure ulcers are less prone to reoccur.

[Research on the framework of biosafety standards for pathogenic microbial laboratories].

Developing and implementing biosafety standards for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is essential to achieving scientific, efficient, and standardized management and operation. This article analyzes the current standardization construction in biosafety in pathogenic microbiology laboratories domestically and internationally. It proposes a framework for the biosafety standard system of pathogenic microbiology laboratories, which mainly includes four parts: basic standards, management standards, technical standards, and industry applications. It provides a reference for the standardization work of pathogenic microbiology laboratories and helps to standardize the biosafety industry in China.

[Clinical application of retrosigmoid approach for BONEBRIDGE implantation after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap].

Objective: To explore the safety and reliability of retrosigmoid approach BONEBRIDGE implantation in patients with auricle reconstruction using skin expansion flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 congenital aural atresia cases (43 ears) who underwent BONEBRIDGE implantation from September 2019 to January 2023 in Beijing Tongren Hospital. 30 males and 13 females were included in this work. The implantation age was 9-36 years old (median age=10 y/o). All cases underwent auricle reconstruction surgery using the posterior ear flap expansion method, with 36 cases using the single expanded postauricular flap method and 7 cases using two-flap method. BONEBRIDGE implant surgery was performed during the third stage of auricle reconstruction or after all stages. The hearing improvements were evaluated by comparing the changes in pure tone hearing threshold and speech recognition rate of patients before and after BONEBRIDGE implantation. Routine follow-up was conducted to observe the hearing results and complications. SPSS 14.0 software was applied for data statistical analysis. Results: All 43 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharge. The average bone conduction hearing threshold after surgery was (8.2±6.6) dBHL, and there was no statistically significant difference compared to the preoperative [(8.1±5.7) dBHL] (P=0.95). After surgery, the threshold of hearing assistance with power on was significantly lower than that without hearing assistance [(32.8±4.6) dBHL vs (60.5±5.5) dBHL], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased to 72%, 84%, and 98% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words, and short sentences in noise environment was significantly increased by 70%, 80%, and 92% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 4 to 47 months (median=24 months), the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfying. One patient had delayed hematoma around coil of the implant. After aspiration and compressed dressing for one week, hematoma was not recurrent. Conclusion: For patients after auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap, the preference of retrosigmoid approach is a good choice in terms of safety and reliability of operation, as well as aesthetic appearance.

Current-pulse-induced enhancement of transient photodetective effect in tilted manganite film.

A current-pulse-induced enhancement effect of transient photovoltage has been discovered in tilted manganite La(2/3)Ca(1/3)MnO(3) film at room temperature. Here, by applying a pulsed current stimulus before pulse laser irradiation, we observed a significant enhancement of more than 50% in photovoltaic sensitivity. The current-pulse-induced photovoltaic enhancement can be tuned not only by the stimulating current value but also by the stimulating time. Such enhancement is time-sensitive and reproducible. This electrically induced effect, observed at room temperature, has both the benefit of a discovery in materials properties and the promise of applications for thin film manganites in photodetectors.

[Preparation and characterization of a recombinant poly-epitopic vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis based on the linker GSGGSG].

OBJECTIVE: To perform prokaryotic expression and preliminary characterization of the recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis. METHODS: The recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against Echinococcus granulosus based on the linker GSGGSG was subjected to structural three-dimensional (3D) modeling using immunoinformatics to analyze the structural changes and evaluate the antigenicity of the vaccine. The pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) recombinant plasmid was generated using double digestion with EcoR I and Sal I, and then transformed into competent cells. Following protein induction with isopropyl-ß-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the prokaryotic expression proteins were characterized using Western blotting, and the antigenicity of the recombinant protein was analyzed using sera from cystic echinococcosis patients and health volunteers. RESULTS: The four EgG1Y162-2 proteins coupled by the 3D structure of the recombinant vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) presented independent and effective expression and good antigenicity. The highest protein expression was detected in the supernatant following induction of the recombinant plasmid pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) by 0.2 mmol/L IPTG at 37 °C for 4 h, and a pure protein component was seen following elution with 60 mmol/L imidazole. Western blotting analysis of the recombinant multiepitope protein HIS-EgG1Y162-2 (4) showed a band at approximately 39 kDa, and this band was recognized by sera from cystic echinococcosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: A recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis has been successfully constructed, which provides a preliminary basis for researches on recombinant multi-epitope vaccine against cystic echinococcosis.

High-sensitivity photovoltaic responses in manganite-based heterojunctions on Si substrates for weak light detection.

We have fabricated and characterized a weak light photodetector in a heterojunction composed of manganite La0.4Ca0.6MnO3 and n-type Si. High-sensitivity photoresponse properties were investigated. The responsivities of open-circuit photovoltage and short-circuit photocurrent reach ∼1000 V/mJ and ∼30 A/mJ, respectively, without any amplification bias under irradiation by 20-ps-wide and 355, 532, and 1064-nm-wavelength laser pulses in nanojoule to microjoule order. The present results demonstrate that the manganite-based heterojunction on Si substrate has potential applications in weak light detection from ultraviolet to near-infrared light.

cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway-mediated effects of melatonin receptor genes on clock gene expression in Bactrian camel ovarian granulosa cells.

The cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway is involved in the regulation of melatonin during important physiological activities in mammals. However, the regulation of circadian clock genes in ovarian granulosa cells remains unclear. Herein, we determined the relationship between melatonin and biological clock genes using cultured Bactrian camel ovarian granulosa cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the cAMP content was reduced when melatonin receptor (MT) genes or cryptochrome (Cry) genes were overexpressed; the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses revealed that the expression levels of all circadian clock genes (GNB2, PKA, CREB, Per1/2/3, and Clock) except Cry1/2 decreased significantly at 24 h. Cellular immunolocalization analysis showed that melatonin receptors were localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm; the CRY protein was mainly localized in the nucleus. Overall, our findings indicated that the rhythmic regulation of ovarian granulosa cells was consistent with the regulatory action of the central circadian clock.

[Effect of γ-secretase inhibitor on middle ear ultrastructures in ovalbumin-mediated otitis media with effusion in rats].

Objective: To study the effect of the inhibitor of Notch signaling pathway-γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT on the ultrastructures of middle ear in the ovalbumin (OVA)-mediated allergic OME in vivo. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, weighing 250-300 g, were completely and randomly divided into three groups (5 rats, 10 ears in each group):(1)Control group(2)OME group(3)OME+DAPT group. Rats in the OME group underwent systemic and local sensitization by intraperitoneal and intratympanic injection of ovalbumin to make the model of OVA-induced OME. Rats in the control group were sensitized with PBS. On the basis of establishing the OME model, OME+DAPT group were intraperitoneal injected with DAPT (10 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days and were administered before intratympanic injection of ovalbumin. After the model was successfully established, endoscopy,H&E staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the histology and mucous-ciliary ultrastructures of the non-ciliated and ciliated mucosa in the middle ear of each group. One-way ANOVA and Tukey methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: H&E staining showed that the three groups had statistically significant differences in submucosal thickness both in non-ciliated and ciliated regions (non-ciliated area:(6.83±1.47)µm, (38.58±9.57)µm, (32.17±11.89)µm, respectively. F=107.9;cilia area:(26.69±3.22)µm, (30.41±6.75)µm, (26.76±4.06)µm, respectively. F=5.62,both P<0.01). The thickness of the submucosa in the non-ciliated area and the cilia area of the OME group were significantly thicker than that of control group (F=42.08 and 4.40,both P<0.05); the thickness of the non-ciliated area and the ciliated area in OME+DAPT group were reduced compared to OME group(F=1.55 and 2.77,both P<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the array of cilia on the middle ear mucosa was disorderly arranged and inversed, this phenomenon was relieved in the OME+DAPT group. The number of goblet cells in the control group, OME group, and OME+DAPT group were 9.87±1.92; 15.67±5.77; 10.33±1.99 respectively and the difference between them was statistically significant (F=11.43, P<0.01). The number of goblet cells in the OME group were significantly higher than those in the control group (F=9.00,P<0.01) and the number of goblet cells in the OME+DAPT group were decreased compared to those of OME group (F=8.41, P<0.01). Conclusions: The study demonstrates the pathological changes of the ultrastructure in middle ear in OVA-induced OME and the effect of the γ-secretase inhibitor on it. In OME group, the cilia are disorderly arranged and inversed, the number of goblet cell is increased and they are swelled which suggest the hypersecretion of the mucus. DAPT can regulate OVA-induced allergic inflammation and relieve pathological changes of ultrastructure in middle ear mucociliary transport system through alleviating submucosal inflammation, reducing the hypersecretion of goblet cell and the morphological damage of cilia through the Notch signaling pathway.

Comparison of Three Frailty Scales for Prediction of Adverse Outcomes among Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the ability of Frailty Phenotype (FP), FRAIL and Frailty Index (FI) to predict adverse outcomes. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: A senior community in Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 188 older adults aged 65 years or older (mean age 84.0 ± 4.4 years, 58.5% female). MEASUREMENTS: Frailty was evaluated by FP, FRAIL and FI. The agreement between scales was assessed by Cohen kappa coefficient. The predictive value of the three scales for adverse outcomes during one-year follow-up period were analyzed using decision curve analysis(DCA) and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Frailty ranged from 25% (FRAIL) to 42.6% (FI). The agreement between scales was moderate to good (Cohen's kappa coefficient 0.44~0.61). DCA showed though the curves of the scales overlapped across all relevant risk thresholds, clinical treating had a higher net benefit than "treat all" and "treat none" when risk of unplanned hospital visits ≥30%, risk of functional decline or falls ≥15%. The three scales had similar predictive value for unplanned hospital visits (area under ROC, AUC 0.63, 0.64 and 0.69). FRAIL and FI had similar predictive value for functional decline (AUC 0.63,0.65). FI had predictive value for falls (AUC 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: All three scales showed clinical utility but FRAIL may be best in practice because it is simple. Multidimensional measures of frailty are better than unidimensional for prediction of adverse outcomes among older adults.

[Evaluation of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in pediatric patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia].

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy and subjective satisfaction of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA). Methods: Ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) diagnosed with UCAA with an average age of 8.3 years old (ranged from 5 to 15) were included in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to August 2019. The free sound field hearing threshold, word recognition score in quiet, speech reception threshold in noise and sound localization ability (results were measured by RMS error) tests were performed in unaided and aided situation, respectively. Subjective satisfaction questionnaires were also distributed to subjects. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results: The average hearing threshold in aided condition was improved by (21.9±4.4) dB (t=15.8，P<0.05). Speech recognition abilities were generally improved both under quiet and noise (P<0.05);however, when the binaural summation, squelch and head shadow effects were analyzed respectively, the binaural squelch effect was not statistically improved (P>0.05), while the other effects were improved in aided condition (P<0.05). In sound localization test, there was no significant difference of the RMS error value between the unaided and aided situation (P>0.05). The subjects got high satisfaction rates in three subjective questionnaires. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing aid can provide significant audiological benefit for children with UCAA as well as raising the quality of their life.

[Bonebridge implantation combined with simultaneous bilateral auricle reconstruction for bilateral congenital aural atresia].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Bonebridge implantations were performed during the second stage of auricle reconstruction. Results: All 36 patients healed well and had no surgical complications when discharged. The preoperative average bone conduction threshold of the patients was(8.5±5.8) dB HL and postoperative bone conduction threshold was (8.4±5.2) dB HL. There was no significant change after the implantation (P=0.724). The preoperative average air conduction threshold of was(64.9±7.4)dB HL and postoperative air conduction threshold was (24.0±5.3) dB HL, which had a significant change after the implantation (P<0.001). The hearing threshold with Bonebridge significantly decreased by 40.9 dB HL compared with the preoperative air conduction threshold(P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllable words, disyllabic words and short sentences in quiet environment increased by 62.5%, 63.5% and 72.2% respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). The speech recognition rate of monosyllabic words, disyllabic words and short sentences in noise environment were significantly increased by 55.9%, 58.9% and 69.9% respectively (P<0.001). After a follow-up of 18.3 months in average, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfied. One patient had implant rupture and healed after revision surgery. Conclusions: With an integrated surgical procedure, patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia can complete bilateral auricle reconstruction and hearing implantation within six months. This integrated surgical procedure is safe and efficient, with a stable hearing improvement and good appearance.

[A preliminary study of the first Chinese-translated Ophthalmology book Treatise on Diseases of the Eye in Modern times].

Treatise on Diseases of the Eye is the first western medical ophthalmology book published in modern times. This book introduced clinical diagnosis technology, some related equipment, specific disease knowledge and treatment methods of western ophthalmology systematically.Not only its content is valuable; the way of expression is easy to understand for its readers. Compilation of this book has a vital role in treating patients and training students, especially for high incidence areas of eye diseases. It opens a door for Chinese to accept and disseminate western ophthalmology knowledge.

[Effects of Astragaloside â £ on exosome secretion and its microRNA-126 expression in human endothelial progenitor cells].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Astragaloside Ⅳ on the secretion of exosomes in human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-126 in exosomes. Methods: The umbilical cord blood from one healthy full-term newborn from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2019 was harvested for isolating mononuclear cells by density gradient centrifugation and cultured for 7 days. Morphological observation was performed during this period. Cells of the third passage were collected for identification by CD31 immunomagnetic bead sorting and double fluorescence staining. According to the random number table, the identified EPCs were divided into Astragaloside Ⅳ group and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group. The cells in Astragaloside Ⅳ group were cultured with Astragaloside Ⅳ in final mass concentration of 100 mg/L for 24 hours, and the cells in PBS group were cultured with the same volume of PBS for 24 hours. After culture, the exosomes from the cell culture supernatant of the two groups were collected, and the expressions of characteristic markers of exosomes CD9, CD63, and CD81 were detected by Western blotting, the morphology of EPC exosomes (EPC-Exos) was observed under transmission electron microscope, and the particle size of EPC-Exos was detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis technique. The concentration of EPC-Exos was determined by dioctyl butyric acid method (the sample number was 3), and the expressions of miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-126-5p related to angiogenesis in EPC-Exos were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (the sample number was 3). Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test. Results: (1) On the 4th day of culture, the cells began to adhere to the wall, and the multi-forms such as circle, fusiform, and strip appeared at the same time. On the 7th day of culture, the edge of the cells was clear and arranged like a paving stone, the central cells were round, and the surrounding cells were fusiform. (2) CD31 immunomagnetic beads sorting method identification showed that the membrane was stained with green fluorescence and the nucleus was stained with blue fluorescence. Double fluorescence staining method showed that the cells were orange-yellow. The cells were identified as EPCs. (3) After 24 hours of culture, the expressions of CD9, CD63, and CD81 in EPC-Exos were all positive, confirming that EPC-Exos were extracted successfully in this experiment. (4) After 24 hours of culture, the EPC-Exos of the two groups showed round membrane vesicles, and there was no significant difference in morphology. (5) After 24 hours of culture, the particle size of 98.7% EPC-Exos in Astragaloside Ⅳ group was 84.7 to 143.1 nm, and that of 98.0% EPC-Exos in PBS group was 88.7 to 123.5 nm. (6) After 24 hours of culture, the mass concentration of EPC-Exos in Astragaloside Ⅳ group was (310±5) µg/mL, which was significantly higher than (257±5) µg/mL in PBS group, t=13.369, P<0.01. (7) After 24 hours of culture, there were more miRNA-126-3p (t=16.062, P<0.01) and miRNA-126-5p (t=3.252, P<0.05) in EPC-Exos of Astragaloside Ⅳ group than in PBS group. Conclusions: Astragaloside Ⅳ can improve the function of human EPC secretory exosomes, and the secreted exosomes are loaded with miRNA-126.

Fibulin-5 protects the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and relieves osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in the elderly and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of Fibulin-5 on articular chondrocytes and its mechanism of action. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Articular cartilage tissues from patients with OA and normal people were selected and tested for differences in Fibulin-5 expression. In addition, human chondrocytes were cultured, and the effects of Fibulin-5 on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of chondrocytes and the level of inflammation were examined by means of cell transfection and cytokine intervention. SKL2001, an agonist of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, was used to validate the mechanism of action of Fibulin-5 to protect chondrocytes. RESULTS: Fibulin-5 was lowly expressed in the cartilage tissue of patients with OA. Overexpression of Fibulin-5 significantly increased the expressions of ECM collagen II and aggrecan in chondrocytes, while decreasing the expressions of MMP-3 and MMP-13. In addition, Fibulin-5 reduced IL-1ß-induced inflammation of chondrocytes, as well as expressions of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Overexpression of Fibulin-5 also reduced the activity of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, and activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway attenuated the protective effects of Fibulin-5 on the ECM of chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Fibulin-5 can protect the ECM of chondrocytes and reduce the inflammatory response of chondrocytes by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

[Congenital microtia with aural atresia or stenosis accompany with first branchial cleft anomaly: report of 5 cases].

Objective: To summarize the experience of the diagnosis, treatment and effects of the cases with coexistence of first branchial cleft anomaly(FBCA) and microtia with congenital aural atresia or stenosis(external auditory canal stenosis, EACS). Method: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of 5 patients with microtia and EACS in Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University from October 2015 to March 2018 were collected, including 3 males and 2 females, aged from 5 to 28 years. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, treatment methods and effects of 5 patients were analyzed. Result: The 5 cases were all coexistence of EACS and FBCA, three of who associated with cholesteatoma of external auditory canal. CT showed external auditory canal stenosis with soft tissue shadow, sometimes gas or bone septum found inside, filling in the external auditory canal, combined with canal bone destruction irregularly. All patients underwent surgical resection of FBCA, 3 patients accompanied by cholesteatoma resection and canalplasty. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 10 to 39 months, and no recurrence of infection was observed. Conclusions: EACS and FBCA both result from maldevelopment of the first branchial cleft. These two malformations, FBCA and EACS with or without cholesteatoma, can occur simultaneously, in which situation CT shows external auditory canal stenosis with soft tissue shadow inside. These patients underwent surgical resection of FBCA combined with cholesteatoma resection with good result.

[Inhibition of CD4(+)T cell infiltration by interleukin-10 competent B cells in periodontitis tissues].

Objective: To study the immune regulation function of high expressing interleukin-10 (IL-10) in B cells on CD4(+)T-cells in periodontitis mouse model. Methods: Twenty-four 7-weeks-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally assigned into 4 groups: the healthy control group (HC group, n=6), the ligation combined Porphyromonasgingivalis (Pg) infection group (P group, n=6), the ligation combined Pg infection with non-stimulated B cell transfer group (P+NSB group, n=6) and the ligation combined Pg infection with stimulated B cell transfer group (P+SB group, n=6). Ligation combined Pg infection of the maxillary second molar was used to induce periodontitis of mice. The exogenous non-stimulated B cells or stimulated B cells were injected into the palate gingivalat the 5th day after ligation, and all mice were sacrificed at the 14th day. HE stain was used to detect the histological of periodontal tissues, toluidine blue stain was used to analysis the alveolar bone loss, immunofluorescence stain was used to detect the expression of CD4(+)T-cell and IL-10, immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and IL-1ß. Results: Results of HE staining showed that more hyperplasia of gingival epithelium and the alveolar bone resorption in P group, P+NSB group and P+SB group compared with HC group. Results of toluidine blue staining showed that the alveolar bone losses in P group [(0.668±0.041) mm(2)], P+NSB group [(0.750±0.039) mm(2)] and P+SB group [(0.517±0.038) mm(2)] were significantly increased compared with that in HC group [(0.336±0.029) mm(2)](F=146.051, P<0.01), and the alveolar bone resorption was significantly increased in P+NSB group compared with that in P group (F=146.051, P<0.01). However, compared with P+NSB group and P group, the alveolar bone loss in P+SB groupwas significantly decreased (F=146.051, P<0.01). Results of immunofluorescence staining showed that CD4(+)T-cells expressed in P group [(287.5±37.9) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(314.6±53.3) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(185.4±42.9) cell/mm(2)] were higher than that in HC group [(12.5±13.7) cell/mm(2))(F=71.284, P<0.01). Compared with P group and P+NSB group, CD4(+)T-cells expression in group P+SB was decreased (F=71.284, P<0.01). IL-10 levels were increased in P group [(111.7±20.4) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(126.7±15.1) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(191.0±22.6) cell/mm(2)] compared with that in HC group [(22.7±4.3) cell/mm(2)] (F=98.516, P<0.01), and the IL-10 expressed in P+SB group was significantly higher than those in P+NSB group and P group. Results of immunohistochemical tests showed that RANKL expressions in gingival tissues among P group [(674.0±71.5) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(831.0±97.5) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(420.1±40.8) cell/mm(2)] were significantly higher than that in HC group [(69.3±29.1) cell/mm(2)] (F=154.886, P<0.01). However, it dramatically decreased in P+SB group compared with those in P group and P+NSB group.The IL-1ßexpression in P group [(447.8±40.8) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(512.5±38.2) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(281.6±32.4) cell/mm(2)] were significantly higher than that in HC group [(50.8±20.9) cell/mm(2)], and it also higher in P+NSB group compared with in P group. However, it decreased in P+SB group compared with those in P group and P+NSB group (F=221.185, P<0.01). Conclusions: High expression IL-10 in B cell smight inhibit alveolar bone loss, RANKL and IL-1ß expressions and CD4(+)T-cell infiltration through IL-10.

[The treatment efficiency of a new ear moding device in the infants with congenital ear abnormalities].

Objective:To observe the nonsurgical treatment effciency of a new ear moding device on congenital auricle deformities in order to promote clinical application. Method:Twenty-nine patients (38 ears) from Beijing Tongren Hospital Outpatient received ear molding treatment using the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System. We keep regular follow-up and close observation during the moding period. The treatment effciency was judged by the otologist, plastic surgeons and parents based on the preprocedure and postprocedure photographs and divided into 3 grades: excellent, good and poor. Result:Twenty-nine patients (38 ears) including prominent ear, 2 ears; cup ear,7 ears; lidding/lop ear deformities, 4 ears; Stahl's ear, 4 ears; helical rim abnormalities, 4 ears; conchal crus ear, 3 ears, mixed ear deformities 4 ears; cryptotia, 5 ears; ear malformation, 5 ears, 2 patients (2 ears) stop moding after 3 days treatment due to the low compliance of the infants, the remaining 36 ears received ear molding all have improved. The success rate of the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System is more than 94% (good to excellent). Conclusion:EarWell Infant Ear Correction System have a significant moding effect and can achieve satisfactory results in early time. EarWell system has a high success rate in the treatment of neonatal auricle deformations and mild auricle malformations, depending on the severity of the deformations and the initiation of treatment time. The sooner the noninvasive moding begins (especially within one week after birth), the better effect and the shorter treatment time the patients will achieve.