[Short-term efficacy of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody in patients with recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps combined with asthma]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (Omalizumab) in the treatment of recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) complicated with asthma. Methods: Patients with recurrent CRSwNP and comorbid asthma in Beijing TongRen Hospital from May to December of 2020 were continuously recruited and received a 4-month therapy of stable background treatment plus Omalizumab. Results of visual analog scales (VAS) of nasal symptoms, sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT 22) and nasal polyp scores were collected at baseline and post-treatment (1, 2, 3 and 4 months after treatment). Blood routine tests, total nasal resistances (TNR), minimum cross-sectional areas (MCA), total nasal cavity volumes (NCV), forced expiratory volumes in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and adverse events were collected at baseline and 4 months after treatment. All results were evaluated for short-term efficacy of Omalizumab. GraphPad Prism 8.2.1 was used for statistic analysis. Results: Ten patients were collected, including 3 males and 7 females, aged (41.13±12.64) years old (x¯±s). Compared to results at baseline, the VAS scores of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, hyposmia and headache after 4 months treatment were significantly decreased (1.80±1.48 vs 6.70±2.83, 2.40±1.27 vs 6.40±3.44, 2.70±2.91 vs 8.20±2.25, 0.60±1.08 vs 3.60±2.72, t value was 5.045, 4.243, 5.312, 3.402, respectively, all P<0.01). The scores of SNOT-22 (25.6±20 vs 61.3±33.32, t=4.127, P=0.002 6), nasal polyp scores (2.20±0.92 vs 4.60±0.84, t=9.000, P<0.01) and the count and percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood were significantly decreased ((94.10±97.78)×10⁹/L vs (360.00±210.80)×10⁹/L, (32.90±27.06)% vs (64.40±20.73)%, t value was 3.678, 2.957, respectively, all P<0.05). NCV (0-5 cm and 0-7 cm) of patients were improved from baseline ((12.62±2.84) cm³ vs (10.40±2.09) cm³, (27.50±14.15) cm³ vs (16.81±6.40) cm³, t value was 2.371, 2.445, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The 4-month treatment of Omalizumab can significantly improve the nasal symptoms and quality of life of patients with recurrent CRSwNP complicated with asthma, shrink nasal polyps size and reduce the number of peripheral blood eosinophils. Omalizumab can be used as an alternative therapy for refractory CRSwNP patients in the future.

[Effects of Astragaloside Ⅳ 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.

MiR-663a, regulated by lncRNA GAS5, contributes to osteosarcoma development through targeting MYL9

Osteosarcoma is characterized by high malignancy and high metastasis rate, resulting in high mortality and disability. MiR-663a has been reported in a variety of tumors to promote tumorigenesis. However, miR-663a has not been reported in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis and experiments including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), luciferase reporter, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry assay were applied to explore the function and mechanism of miR-663a in MG63, U2OS, Saos-2, SF-86, and hFOB1.19 cells. In this study, we found that miR-663a is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. At the same time, we discovered that miR-663a facilitates cell proliferation and migration, whereas suppresses cell apoptosis in osteosarcoma. Through a series of biological experiments, it was found that miR-663a regulates the cellular process in osteosarcoma by modulating the expression of MYL9. In addition, we also found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 serves as a molecular sponge for miR-663a and regulates the progression of osteosarcoma via the ceRNA mechanism. We uncover that miR-663a promotes osteosarcoma development through targeting MYL9, which was regulated by lncRNA GAS5.

[Clinical application of self-made drainage tubes in different layers of soft tissue for negative-pressure wound therapy in 33 patients]

From January 2014 to June 2018, 28 patients with different types of deep soft tissue injury or infection were admitted to the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University; 5 patients were admitted to the Zhengzhou First People's Hospital. There were 24 males and 9 females, aged 18-89 (40±20) years. Disposable suction tubes with holes cut on side walls were used as self-made drainage tubes. The authors placed the self-made drainage tubes on different deep soft tissue layers and wound surfaces after debridement. The effective drainage sections of the wound surface drainage tubes were wrapped with silver ion antimicrobial functional active dressings. Bio-permeable membrane was used to close the operative area. The drainage tubes in the deep layer of wound and wound surface were connected in parallel by a tee and connected to wall-hanging medical negative-pressure suction device to conduct negative-pressure wound treatment at -20.0 to -10.6 kPa. The deep drainage tubes were usually removed or changed 4 or 5 days after surgery.The drainage tubes in the wound surface were synchronously replaced when removing or replacing he drainage tubes in the deep layer of wound. On 4 to 15 days after surgery, the deep drainage tubes were removed. On 8 to 25 days after surgery, the wound surface drainage tubes were removed. Then the treatment was changed to a conventional dressing change until the wounds were completely healed or the wound bed was ready for skin grafts or tissue flaps. The indwelling time of deep drainage tubes in this group of patients was (6.2±2.8) days, and the indwelling time of wound surface drainage tubes was (12.0±3.0) days. The wound healing time was (22±5) days, the hospital stay time was (29±7) days, and wound bacteria were reduced from 6 species and 11 strains before treatment to 3 species and 4 strains after treatment. No adverse events such as wound bleeding, irritative pain, and chronic sinus occurred during treatment. Twenty-three patients were followed up for 13 to 28 months, no treatment-related complications were observed.

The tumor suppressor NOR1 suppresses cell growth, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity in glioma

Oxidored-nitro domain-containing protein 1 (NOR1) is a tumor suppressor downregulated in various human cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lung cancer, and testicular cancer. NOR1 protein is highly expressed in the normal brain; however, its role in brain tumors remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the NOR1 protein level was decreased in glioma tissue samples as compared to its normal counterpart. Exogenously expressed NOR1 protein in glioma U251 cells inhibits tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Re-expression of NOR1 induced cell cycle S to G2 phase arrest and suppressed its tumorigenicity in nude mice. Overexpression of NOR1 in U251 cells also led to a decrease of Ki67 expression in xenografts. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that NOR1 expression altered the expression of genes favored cell proliferation. Among the differentially expressed genes, FOXR2, a member of the FOX gene family, which promotes glioma progression, was decreased in NOR1 expressing cells. The downregulation of FOXR2 by NOR1 was validated in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest for the first time that NOR1 suppresses glioma progression via modulating the FOXR2 expression.

Palmatine alleviates hyperalgesia by inhibiting the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common of the neuropathic pains, and it can seriously influence patients' quality of life. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a type of nociceptive neurotransmitter that is expressed in neurons of the trigeminal ganglion and plays a major part in transmitting pain. The rat model of trigeminal neuralgia was established by causing a chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were randomly divided into a sham control group (sham, n=6), sham-treated with palmatine group (sham+palmatine, n=6), trigeminal nerve model group (TN, n=6), and trigeminal nerve treated with palmatine group (TN+palmatine, n=6). Fifteen days after the operation the mechanical response threshold was decreased in the TN group compared with the sham group. From postoperative day 7 to day 15, the mechanical response threshold in the TN+palmatine group significantly increased compared with the TN group. On postoperative day 15 the results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting showed an obvious increase in expression of CGRP and its receptors, serum concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) in the trigeminal ganglia of the TN group compared with the sham group, but these increases could be down-regulated by treatment with palmatine. Palmatine might therefore have therapeutic potential for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by inhibiting the expression of CGRP and its receptors in trigeminal ganglia, suppressing the serum concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, and decreasing the phosphorylation of PKC in the trigeminal ganglia of affected rats.

A small proton charge radius from an electron-proton scattering experiment

Elastic electron-proton scattering (e-p) and the spectroscopy of hydrogen atoms are the two methods traditionally used to determine the proton charge radius, r_p. In 2010, a new method using muonic hydrogen atoms¹ found a substantial discrepancy compared with previous results², which became known as the 'proton radius puzzle'. Despite experimental and theoretical efforts, the puzzle remains unresolved. In fact, there is a discrepancy between the two most recent spectroscopic measurements conducted on ordinary hydrogen^3,4. Here we report on the proton charge radius experiment at Jefferson Laboratory (PRad), a high-precision e-p experiment that was established after the discrepancy was identified. We used a magnetic-spectrometer-free method along with a windowless hydrogen gas target, which overcame several limitations of previous e-p experiments and enabled measurements at very small forward-scattering angles. Our result, r_p = 0.831 ± 0.007_stat ± 0.012_syst femtometres, is smaller than the most recent high-precision e-p measurement⁵ and 2.7 standard deviations smaller than the average of all e-p experimental results⁶. The smaller r_p we have now measured supports the value found by two previous muonic hydrogen experiments^1,7. In addition, our finding agrees with the revised value (announced in 2019) for the Rydberg constant⁸-one of the most accurately evaluated fundamental constants in physics.

Latrophilin mediates insecticides susceptibility and fecundity through two carboxylesterases, esterase4 and esterase6, in Tribolium castaneum

Latrophilin (LPH) is known as an adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor which involved in multiple physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies showed that lph not only involved the susceptibility to anticholinesterase insecticides but also affected fecundity in Tribolium castaneum. However, its regulatory mechanisms in these biological processes are still not clear. Here, we identified two potential downstream carboxylesterase (cce) genes of Tclph, esterase4 and esterase6, and further characterized their interactions with Tclph. After treatment of T. castaneum larvae with carbofuran or dichlorvos insecticides, the transcript levels of Tcest4 and Tcest6 were significantly induced from 12 to 72 h. RNAi against Tcest4 or Tcest6 led to the higher mortality compared with the controls after the insecticides treatment, suggesting that these two genes play a vital role in detoxification of insecticides in T. castaneum. Furthermore, with insecticides exposure to Tclph knockdown beetles, the expression of Tcest4 was upregulated but Tcest6 was downregulated, indicating that beetles existed a compensatory response against the insecticides. Additionally, RNAi of Tcest6 resulted in 43% reductions in female egg laying and completely inhibited egg hatching, which showed the similar phenotype as that of Tclph knockdown. These results indicated that Tclph affected fecundity by positively regulating Tcest6 expression. Our findings will provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of Tclph involved in physiological functions in T. castaneum.

NAKα2 inhibits fibrosis formation and protects against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by suppressing hypertrophy associated molecules and activating LTCC/NCX signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is considered to be a compensatory process of heart suffering from pathological damages. This study aimed to evaluate effects of Na+/K+ APTaseα2 (NAKα2) on isoprenaline (ISO) induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse atrial cardiomyocytes were cultured and treated with ISO to establish cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model. NAKα2 over-expression and small interfere RNA (siRNA) plasmids were constructed and transfected to cardiomyocytes. Influx Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured using flow cytometry method. Fibrosis formation was examined with Masson staining. Transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to examine apoptosis. Major histocompatibility complex β (β-MHC), atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP) were evaluated with quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blot was used to detect β-MHC, ANP, BNP, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and L-type calcium channel (LTCC).

RESULTS

NAKα2 significantly inhibited NCX and LTCC expression compared to that in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes (p<0.05). NAKα2 significantly suppressed expression of β-MHC, ANP and BNP compared to that in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes (p<0.05). NAKα2 significantly alleviated fibrosis formation and inhibited apoptosis compared to that in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes (p<0.05). NAKα2 reduced intracellular calcineurin and activated phosphorylation of calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) compared to ISO-treated cardiomyocytes (p<0.05). NAKα2 significantly strengthened effects of Klotho on ISO-induced up-regulation of hypertrophy associated molecules (p<0.05) by activating LTCC and NCX. Comparing to ISO-treated cardiomyocytes, NAKα2 combining Klotho treatment exhibited significantly better improvement of Ca2+ influx, alleviation of fibrosis and reduction of apoptosis by triggering LTCC/NCX signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Over-expression of NKAα2 suppressed fibrosis formation and protected against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting hypertrophy associated molecules, alleviating apoptosis and activating LTCC/NCX signaling pathway.

PM2.5 stimulated the release of cytokines from BEAS-2B cells through activation of IKK/NF-κB pathway

Previous studies indicated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) was related to pulmonary inflammatory diseases through activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to trigger cytokine secretions in human lung carcinoma cells. To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying expression of cytokines via activated NF-κB by PM_2.5, human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) were treated with PM_2.5 extracts at different concentrations (6, 13, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg mL^-1) for 6 and 24 h. We found that 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 expression at 24 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Moreover, 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 upregulated phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKK), p65, and IκBα at 6 h, which could be reversed by the IKK inhibitor Bay11-7082 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The p65 subunit of NF-κB was translocated into the nucleus of the cells treated with 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 at 6 and 24 h. Bay11-7082 partly inhibited PM_2.5-induced increases of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. The results indicated that PM_2.5 extract increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BEAS-2B cells through activation of IKK/NF-κB pathway. Our study will contribute to better understanding of the mechanism of PM_2.5-induced pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Correlations between the expression of C-erB-2, CD34 and ER in breast cancer patients and the signs of conventional ultrasonography and ultrasound elastography

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the correlations between the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (C-erB-2), CD34, and estrogen receptor (ER) in breast cancer (BC) patients, and the signs of conventional ultrasonography and ultrasound elastography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data of 88 patients who were pathologically diagnosed as breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. HI VISION Avius color ultrasound device was used to perform ultrasound and related ultrasound parameters were analyzed. Expressions of C-erB-2, CD34, and ER were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

There was a correlation between positive expression of C-erB-2 and the blood supply, lymph node metastasis and microcalcification in patients (p < 0.05). Patients were divided into high expression group and low expression group according to the median expression level of CD34. Expression of CD34 was correlated with the ultrasound sign of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Positive expression of ER was correlated with the morphology, margin, and perimeter of the tumor (p < 0.05). Expression levels of C-erB-2, CD34, and ER were found to be increased in BC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of upregulated expression of C-erB-2, CD34, and ER and signs of ultrasound can improve the diagnosis of BC.

Multilacunarity as a spatial multiscale multi-mass morphometric of change in the meso-architecture of plant parenchyma tissue

The lacunarity index (monolacunarity) averages the behavior of variable size structures in a binary image. The generalized lacunarity concept (multilacunarity) on the basis of generalized distribution moments is an appealing model that can account for differences in the mass content at different scales. The model was tested previously on natural images [J. Vernon-Carter et al., Physica A 388, 4305 (2009)]. Here, the computational aspects of multilacunarity are validated using synthetic binary images that consist of random maps, spatial stochastic patterns, patterns with circular or polygonal elements, and a plane fractal. Furthermore, monolacunarity and detrended fluctuation analysis were employed to quantify the mesostructural changes in the intercellular air spaces of frozen-thawed parenchymatous tissue of pome fruit [N. A. Valous et al., J. Appl. Phys. 115, 064901 (2014)]. Here, the aim is to further examine the coherence of the multilacunarity model for quantifying the mesostructural changes in the intercellular air spaces of parenchymatous tissue of pome and stone fruit, acquired with X-ray microcomputed tomography, after storage and ripening, respectively. The multilacunarity morphometric is a multiscale multi-mass fingerprint of spatial pattern composition, assisting the exploration of the effects of metabolic and physiological activity on the pore space of plant parenchyma tissue.

Tirofiban combined with rt-PA intraarterial thrombolysis improves the recanalization rate of acute middle cerebral artery occlusion in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the curative effect of tirofiban combined with recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) selective intra-arterial thrombolysis on acute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 adult male Japanese white rabbits weighing 2.5-3.0 kg were selected, and the acute cerebral infarction model was established via autologous thromboembolism of middle cerebral artery. Rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: tirofiban group (Ti group, 5 μg/kg, n=15), rt-PA group (rt-PA group, 2 mg/kg, n=15), tirofiban + rt-PA group (Ti + rt-PA group, 3 μg/kg Ti + 1 mg/kg rt-PA, n=15), and control group (Co group, n=15). The vascular recanalization rate of intra-arterial thrombolysis was observed via digital subtraction angiography (DSA), relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) was observed via diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and neurologic impairment was observed via modified Bederson's scoring method. Rabbits were executed after 24 h, then the volume of cerebral infarction was measured via triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, pathological examinations were performed using the optical microscope and electron microscope, and immunohistochemical examination was performed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

RESULTS

In Ti + rt-PA group, the vascular recanalization rate was 91.7%, and there was no significant bleeding in pathological examination. The rADC value, neurologic impairment score and cerebral infarction area in Ti + rt-PA group were superior to those in Co group, Ti group and rt-PA group. Immunohistochemical results of BDNF showed that the expression of BDNF in Ti + rt-PA group was increased compared with those in Co group, Ti group and rt-PA group. In Ti group and rt-PA group, there were neuronal degeneration, moderate organelle swelling, moderate mitochondrial swelling, enlarged volume and decreased number of cristae, and rupture and disappearance of some mitochondrial cristae. In Co group, neuronal karyopyknosis, nuclear chromatolysis and disappearance of cellular structure could be seen. Results of electron microscopy showed that the shape of neuronal nuclei in Ti + rt-PA group was basically normal, and there were mild mitochondrial swelling and enlarged volume of cristae.

CONCLUSIONS

Early application of tirofiban combined with rt-PA in intra-arterial thrombolysis for ultra-early cerebral ischemia can improve the recanalization rate of cerebral artery. The time of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia is short, and the neuronal ischemia-reperfusion injury is mild, whose thrombolysis effect is better than the single application of tirofiban or rt-PA.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for positive lymph nodes of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Can it earn promising benefits at long-term follow-up?

PURPOSE

The value of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with positive lymph nodes after curative resection of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is controversial. This study aims to investigate its long-term benefits in a specific cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts between 1990 and 2003 from patients with positive lymph nodes were retrospectively reviewed. Those subjects were divided into adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery alone groups, with two subgroups defined by radiation dose (cutoff value: 50Gy). Overall survival, disease-free survival and locoregional recurrence-free survival were compared between two groups, with predictive factors of overall survival analysed meanwhile.

RESULTS

In sum, 175 matched patients with 1:2 ratios for group balance were enrolled for final analysis. During the follow-up (median: 37.0 months), 143 (81.7%) deaths were recorded, with 70.6% of deaths from cancer progression. The median overall survival time (19.5, 4 to 172 months) was not significantly different between the two groups (18.9 vs. 20.0 months, P=0.179). However, the disease-free survival time was significantly shorter in the adjuvant radiotherapy group than that in the control group (median, 11.5 vs. 14.9 months; P=0.001), with the locoregional recurrence-free survival time impressively prolonged (median: 18.3 vs. 16.5 months; P=0.022). Age (P=0.030), number (P=0.005) and ratio (P=0.002) of positive lymph nodes were associated with overall survival, but radiation dose was not (P=0.204).

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant radiotherapy with low- or high-dose did not improve survival compared with surgery alone. However, radiotherapy was effective to control locoregional recurrence, and could be applied as salvage therapy when recurrence event occurred.

Scalable and cost-effective Ag nanowires flexible transparent electrodes

Flexible transparent electrodes (TEs) are important for new electronic devices. This paper reports a scalable, cost effective Ag nanowires (AgNWs) TE, which is made of a SnO₂·xH₂O and AgNWs composite layer and a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottom layer by a solution method at room temperature. The AgNWs/SnO₂·xH₂O composite TEs reveal a significant reduction of four orders in magnitude of sheet resistance, from 90 kΩ sq⁻¹ to 12 Ω sq⁻¹, while retaining transmittance of about 92% at 550 nm. This could be owing to the significant reduction of contact resistance for the weld-like junction of bound AgNWs. Compared with others, this method is characterized by filling gaps of the silver nanowire network with SnO₂·xH₂O. In addition, the adhesive forces between the AgNWs and the substrate are improved. This could be attributed to strong adhesion of SnO₂·xH₂O with the substrate. Moreover, this foldable transparent electrode is applicable for any non-planar surfaces and ultimately for future wearable optoelectronic devices.

This paper reports one of a scalable, cost effective Ag nanowires (AgNWs) TE, which reveals a significant reduction of four orders in magnitude of sheet resistance, from 90 kΩ sq⁻1 to 12 Ω sq⁻1, while keep transmittance of about 92% at 550 nm.

The impact of operative time and hypothermia in acute burn surgery

BACKGROUND

Prolonged operative time and intraoperative hypothermia are known to have deleterious effects on surgical outcomes. Although millions of burn injuries undergo operative treatment globally every year, there remains a paucity of evidence to guide perioperative practice in burn surgery. This study evaluated associations between hypothermia and operative time on post-operative complications in acute burn surgery.

METHOD

A historical cohort study from January 1, 2006 to October 31, 2015 was completed at an American Burn Association verified burn centre. 1111 consecutive patients undergoing acute burn surgery were included, and 2171 surgeries were analyzed. Primary outcomes included post-operative complications, defined a priori as either infectious or noninfectious. Statistical analysis was undertaken using a modified Poisson model for relative risk, adjusted for total body surface area, inhalation injury, co-morbidities, substance abuse, and age.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 4.4h (SD 3.7-4.7h; range 0.58-11h), and 18.6% of patients became hypothermic intra-operatively. Operative time was independently associated with the incidence of hypothermia (p<0.05), and both infectious (RR1.5; 1.2-1.9, p<0.0004) and non-infectious complications (RR2.3; 1.3-4.1, p<0.0066). In patients with major burns (TBSA≥20%), hypothermia predisposed to infectious (RR1.3; 1.1-1.5, p<0.0017) and non-infectious complications (RR1.7; 1.2-2.5; p<0.0049). Risk stratification revealed that hypothermic patients with major burns undergoing prolonged surgery had an increased risk of both infectious (RR1.4; 1.1-1.7, p<0.0068) and non-infectious complications (RR1.8; 1.1-3.0, p<0.0132) when compared with those without these risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo prolonged surgeries and become hypothermic are more likely to develop complications. We therefore advocate for diligent adherence to strategies to prevent hypothermia and recommend limiting operative time in clinical circumstances where intraoperative measures are unlikely to adequately prevent hypothermia.

Facilitation of ultrasonic microvesicles on homing and molecular mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in cerebral infarction patients

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral infarction, or ischemia brain stroke, is a common cerebrovascular disease. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are widely used to treating ischemia disease such as cardiac infarction. Ultrasonic microvesicles may help the targeting of exogenous factors via localized energy blast. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of ultrasonic microvesicles on the homing of BMSCs on artery thrombosis and the associated molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat BMSCs were isolated and cultured. Rats were divided into sham, model, BMSCs, and microvesicles groups. Cerebral infarction model was prepared by ligation of cervical artery and middle cerebral artery. 3×106/kg BMSCs were transplanted via tail veins. Microvesicles were used for assisting BMSCs infusion. Sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene expression was measured by Real-time PCR, while 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was employed for describing the area of cerebral infarction. The activity of caspase 3 was assayed by test kit. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA/protein levels, were quantified by Real-time PCR, and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Microvesicle group had significantly elevated SRY expression (p<0.05 compared to BMSCs group). Transplantation of BMSCs remarkably decreased cerebral infarction area, caspase 3 activity or NF-κB expression, and increased VEGF expression (p<0.05 compared to model group). Microvesicle induced BMSCs had more potent effects (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound microvesicle facilitated homing of BMSCs in cerebral infarction, and improved infarction disease via up-regulating VEGF expression, inhibiting NF-κB expression, and modulating apoptosis.