Improvement of wound healing by regulated oxygen-enriched negative pressure-assisted wound therapy in a rabbit model

BACKGROUND

Development of drug therapies and other techniques for wound care have resulted in significant improvement of the cure rate and shortening of the healing time for wounds. A modified technique of regulated oxygen-enriched negative pressure-assisted wound therapy (RO-NPT) has been reported.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and impact of RO-NPT on wound recovery and inflammation.

METHODS

Infected wounds were established on 40 adult female white rabbits, which were then randomized to one of four groups: O₂ group, regulated negative pressure-assisted wound therapy (RNPT) group, regulated oxygen-enriched negative pressure-assisted wound therapy (RO-NPT) group and healthy control (HC) group. Each day, the O₂ group was treated with a constant oxygen supply (1 L/min) to the wound, while the RNPT group was treated with continuous regulated negative pressure (70 ± 5 mmHg) and the RNPT + O₂ group was treated with both. The HC group was treated with gauze dressing alone, which was changed every day. Leucocyte count, colony count and wound-healing rate were calculated. Levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

RO-RNPT significantly decreased bacterial count and TNF-α level, and increased the wound-healing rate. IL-1β, IL-8 and leucocyte count had a tendency to increase in the early phase of inflammation and a tendency to decrease in the later phase of inflammation in the RO-RNPT group.

CONCLUSIONS

RO-NPT therapy assisted wound recovery and inflammation control compared with the RNPT and oxygen-enriched therapies. RO-NPT therapy also increased levels of IL-1β and IL-8 and attenuated expression of TNF-α in the early phase of inflammation.

Nitrogen-controlled intra- and interspecific competition between Populus purdomii and Salix rehderiana drive primary succession in the Gongga Mountain glacier retreat area

In this study, intra- and interspecific competition were investigated in early successional Salix rehderiana Schneider and later-appearing Populus purdomii Rehder under non-fertilized (control) and nitrogen (N)-fertilized conditions in the Hailuogou glacier retreat area. Our aim was to discover whether N is a key factor in plant-plant competition and whether N drives the primary succession process in a glacier retreat area. We analyzed differences in responses to intra- and interspecific competition and N fertilization between P. purdomii and S. rehderiana, including parameters such as biomass accumulation, nutrient absorption, non-structural carbohydrates, photosynthetic capacity, hydrolysable amino acids and leaf ultrastructure. In the control treatments, S. rehderiana individuals subjected to interspecific competition benefited from the presence of P. purdomii plants, as indicated by higher levels of biomass accumulation, photosynthetic capacity, N absorption, amino acid contents and photosynthetic N-use efficiency. However, in the N-fertilized treatments, P. purdomii individuals exposed to interspecific competition benefited from the presence of S. rehderiana plants, as shown by a higher growth rate, enhanced carbon gain capacity, greater amino acid contents, and elevated water-use efficiency, whereas the growth of S. rehderiana was significantly reduced. Our results demonstrate that N plays a pivotal role in determining the asymmetric competition pattern among Salicaceae species during primary succession. We argue that the interactive effects of plant-plant competition and N availability are key mechanisms that drive primary succession in the Gongga Mountain glacier retreat area.

Progesterone-induced miR-133a inhibits the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells

AIM

This study aimed to understand the role of miR-133a in progesterone actions, explore the regulative mechanism of the progesterone receptor, and investigate the effects of miR-133a on the progesterone-inhibited proliferation of mouse endometrial epithelial cells.

METHODS

The expression of miR-133a induced by progesterone was detected by quantitative real-time PCR both in vivo and in vitro. Ishikawa subcell lines stably transfected with progesterone receptor subtypes were used to determine the receptor mechanism of progesterone inducing miR-133a. Specific miR-133a mimics or inhibitors were transfected into mouse uteri and primary cultured endometrial epithelial cells to overexpress or downregulate the miR-133a. The roles of miR-133a in the cell cycle and proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells were analysed by flow cytometry and Edu incorporation analysis. The protein levels of cyclinD2 in uterine tissue sections and primary cultured endometrial epithelial cells were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Progesterone could induce miR-133a expression in a PRB-dependent manner in endometrial epithelial cells. miR-133a inhibited endometrial epithelial cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle at the G₁ -S transition. Moreover, miR-133a acted as an inhibitor in downregulating cyclinD2 in endometrial epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

We showed for the first time that progesterone-induced miR-133a inhibited the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells by downregulating cyclinD2. Our research indicated an important mechanism for progesterone inhibiting the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells by inducing special miRNAs to inhibit positive regulatory proteins in the cell cycle.

Low voltage driven surface micro-flow by Joule heating

We report a low voltage driven surface microfluidic system simply by Joule heating.

Contrasting responses in the growth and energy utilization properties of sympatric Populus and Salix to different altitudes: implications for sexual dimorphism in Salicaceae

An interesting ecological and evolutionary puzzle arises from the observations of male-biased sex ratios in genus Populus, whereas in the taxonomically related Salix, females are generally more dominant. In the present study, we combined results from a field investigation into the sex ratios of the Salicaceous species along an altitudinal gradient on Gongga Mountain, and a pot experiment by monitoring growth and energy utilization properties to elucidate the mechanisms governing sexual dimorphism. At middle altitudes 2000 and 2300 m, the sex ratios were consistent with a 1:1 equilibrium in sympatric Populus purdomii and Salix magnifica. However, at the lower and higher ends of the altitudinal gradient, skewed sex ratios were observed. For example, the male:female ratios were 1.33 and 2.36 in P. purdomii at 1700 and 2600 m respectively; for S. magnifica the ratio was 0.62 at 2600 m. At 2300 m, the pot-grown seedlings of both species exhibited the highest biomass accumulation and total leaf area, simultaneously with the balanced sex ratios in the field. At 3300 m, the specific leaf area in male P. purdomii was 23.9% higher than that of females, which may be the morphological cause for the observed 19.3% higher nitrogen allocation to Rubisco, and 20.6% lower allocation to cell walls. As such, male P. purdomii showed a 32.9% higher foliar photosynthetic capacity, concomitant with a 12.0% lower construction cost. These properties resulted in higher photosynthetic nitrogen- and energy-use efficiencies, and shorter payback time (24.4 vs 40.1 days), the time span that a leaf must photosynthesize to amortize the carbon investment. Our results thus suggested that male P. purdomii evolved a quicker energy-return strategy. Consequently, these superior energy gain-cost related traits and the higher total leaf area contributed to the higher growth rate and tolerance in stress-prone environments, which might, in part, shed new light on the male-biased sex ratios in Populus. However, no significant sexual difference was observed in S. magnifica for all the above parameters, thereby implying that the female-biased sex ratios in Salix cannot be explained in terms of the energy-use properties studied here.

Ultra-fast preparation of high-performance thermoelectric bulk TiNiSb0.05Sn0.95 by microwave synthesis

The antimony-doped half-Heusler thermoelectric bulk TiNiSb_0.05Sn_0.95 with power factor of 4042 μW m⁻¹ K⁻² was prepared via ultra-fast 4.5 min microwave synthesis, cold-press forming and 20 min microwave pressureless sintering.

The interleukin-33 receptor ST2 is important for the development of peripheral airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a house dust mite mouse model of asthma

BACKGROUND

Several clinical and experimental studies have implicated IL-33 and its receptor ST2 in the development of asthma. However, the effect of IL-33/ST2 signalling on airway responses and inflammation in allergic asthma is not well established.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of IL-33/ST2 signalling in promoting allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, antigen-specific IgE production and mast cell activity in a mouse model of asthma.

METHODS

ST2-deficient (ST2(-/-)) mice and control BALB/c mice were given house dust mite (HDM) extract over a 6-week period. Forty-eight hours after the final HDM administration, lung function and airway inflammation were evaluated. Airway responsiveness was determined in the central airways and peripheral lung. Cellular infiltration and mast cell protease mMCP-1 levels were quantified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Recruitment of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokine profiles were assessed in pulmonary tissue, and HDM-specific IgE was measured in serum.

RESULTS

ST2 deficiency diminished HDM-induced AHR in the peripheral lung, while AHR in the central airways was unaffected. Inflammatory responses to HDM were also reduced in ST2(-/-) mice as reflected by the lower induction of HDM-specific serum IgE, inhibition of HDM-induced eosinophilia and reduced macrophage count in BALF, and a diminished influx of inflammatory cells and reduced goblet cell hyperplasia around the peripheral airways. Furthermore, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, GM-CSF, thymic stromal lymphopoietin and mast cell protease mMCP-1 were reduced in HDM-treated ST2(-/-) mice compared with wild-type controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to promoting Th2 inflammation, we now suggest a role for the IL-33/ST2 pathway for the induction of peripheral inflammation and mucus production that causes AHR in the peripheral lung. This mechanism for inducing AHR at distal parts of the lung may be of specific importance as asthma is considered as a small airway disease.

Ultrasonic guided percutaneous ethanol injection with or without combined radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively included 66 HCC patients who received RFA or RFA plus PEI from February 2011 to January 2014 in Jingmen No. 1 People's Hospital. Moreover, 31 cases received RFA plus PEI as the experiment group and 35 subjects treated with RFA aloe as the control group. The overall survival and treatment related complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

For RFA group, the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rate were 82.0%, 69.3%, and 30.7%, respectively, with the median survival time of 27.1 months. For RFA plus PEI group, the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rate were 97.1%, 73.9%, and 37.5%, respectively, with the median survival time of 33.6 months. The overall survival of the two groups was not statistical different with the hazard ratio of 1.48 (P > 0.05); three cases of treatment associated complications were found in RFA group with 1 abscess, 1 pleural effusion, and 1 portal vein thrombosis. Moreover, 2 cases of complication were recorded in RFA plus PEI group with 1 pleural effusion and 1 portal vein thrombosis. The complicated incidence rate was not statistical different between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination treatment of HCC was safe and had a slightly higher primary effectiveness rate than RFA alone.

[Clinical effects of different modes of ultra pulse carbon dioxide fractional laser used in combination on the treatment of hypertrophic scar on face and neck]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effects of ultra pulse mode of ultra pulse carbon dioxide fractional laser combined with Deep FX mode or Scaar FX mode on the treatment of patients with hypertrophic scars on face and neck.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-eight patients with hypertrophic scars on face and neck who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2012 to January 2015. Firstly, the scar areas were cleaned and given compound lidocaine cream for surface anesthesia. Then the scar areas were treated with ultra pulse mode of ultra pulse carbon dioxide fractional laser, with energy from 150 to 175 mJ, frequency of 40 Hz, hole to hole distance of 4 mm or 5 mm, and the treatment time of each hole of 2 s or 3 s. For mild scar, Deep FX mode was added for treatment with energy from 30 to 50 mJ, frequency of 300 Hz, and density of 5%; for moderate and severe scar, Scaar FX mode was additionally used for therapy, with energy from 80 to 150 mJ, frequency of 300 Hz, and density of 3%. The above-mentioned treatments were performed per three months, totally for 3 times, 10-15 min per treatment. After each treatment, wounds were moisturized and given sun protection. Before the first treatment and 6 months after treatment of 3 times, the curative effect was assessed by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and University of North Carolina Scar Scale. Six months after treatment of 3 times, satisfaction degree of patient and loss of working time were recorded. The adverse effects of whole treatment course were recorded. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTS

(1) Six months after treatment of 3 times, VSS score of patients was (3.1±1.0) points, which was significantly lower than that before the first treatment [(9.4±1.8) points, t=53.096, P<0.05]; University of North Carolina Scar Scale score of patients was (1.6±0.7) points, which was significantly lower than that before the first treatment[(8.0±1.4) points, t=63.730, P<0.05]. (2) Six months after treatment of 3 times, 150 patients were very satisfied with the curative effect, 6 patients were satisfied, and 2 patients were relatively satisfied. The loss of working time of patients was 10-15 (10.5±0.3) d. (3) During the treatment, mild erythema appeared in 5 patients which disappeared without treatment; pigmentation appeared in 6 patients 2 weeks after the first treatment, and pruritus and rash appeared in 2 patients 3 days after the first treatment, which were all improved with pharmaceutical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra pulse mode of ultra pulse carbon dioxide fractional laser combined with Deep FX mode or Scaar FX mode has definitely clinical effect on patients with hypertrophic scars on face and neck with few adverse effects, which is worth to popularize and apply for clinic.

Alternative Growth and Defensive Strategies Reveal Potential and Gender Specific Trade-Offs in Dioecious Plants Salix paraplesia to Nutrient Availability

Population sex ratios of many dioecious plants in nature are biased. This may be attributed to sexually different resource demands and adaptive capacity. In male-biasedPopulus, males often display stronger physiological adaptation than females. Interestingly, Populus and Salix, belonging to Salicaceae, display an opposite biased sex ratio, especially in nutrient-poor environmental conditions. Do female willows have a greater tolerance to nutrient deficiency than males? In this study, we investigated the growth and defensive strategies of Salix paraplesia cuttings, which were grown with high and low soil fertility for about 140 days over one growing season. Results suggest that different strategies for biomass allocation may result in sexually different defense capacities and trade-offs between growth and defense. Females are likely to adopt radical strategies, overdrawing on available resources to satisfy both growth and defense, which seems to be more like a gamble compared with males. It is also suggested that females may have an extra mechanism to compensate for the investment in growth under nutrient-poor conditions. In summary, the results may help focus restoration efforts on sex selection such that a moderate increase in female willow quantity could increase the resistance and resilience of willow populations to early sporadic desertification.

EGFR-targeted mAb therapy modulates autophagy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through NLRX1-TUFM protein complex

EGFR-targeted therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients frequently results in tumor resistance to treatment. Autophagy is an emerging underlying resistance mechanism, however, the molecular autophagy machinery in HNSCC cells and potential biomarkers of patient response to EGFR-targeted therapy remain insufficiently characterized. Here we show that the EGFR blocking with cetuximab leads to varied autophagic responses, which modulate cancer cell susceptibility to EGFR inhibition. Inhibition of autophagy sensitizes HNSCC cells to EGFR blockade. Importantly, we identify a novel signaling hub centering on the NLRX1-TUFM protein complex, promoting autophagic flux. Defects in the expression of either NLRX1 or TUFM result in compromised autophagy when treated with EGFR inhibitors. As a previously undefined autophagy-promoting mechanism, we found that TUFM serves as a novel anchorage site, recruiting Beclin-1 to mitochondria, promoting its polyubiquitination, and interfering with its interaction with Rubicon. This protein complex is also essential for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling induction, possibly as an additional mechanism to promote autophagy. Utilizing tumor specimens from a novel neoadjuvant clinical trial, we show that increased expression of the autophagy adaptor protein, SQSTM1/p62, is associated with poor response to cetuximab therapy. These findings expand our understanding of the components involved in HNSCC autophagy machinery that responds to EGFR inhibitors, and suggest potential combinatorial approaches to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Populus cathayana Females Are More Sensitive and Respond More Sophisticatedly to Iron Deficiency than Males

Previous studies have shown that there are significant sexual differences in the morphological and physiological responses of Populus cathayana Rehder to nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies, but little is known about the sex-specific differences in responses to iron deficiency. In this study, the effects of iron deficiency on the morphology, physiology, and proteome of P. cathayana males and females were investigated. The results showed that iron deficiency (25 days) significantly decreased height growth, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and tissue iron concentration in both sexes. A comparison between the sexes indicated that iron-deficient males had less height inhibition and photosynthesis system II or chloroplast ultrastructural damage than iron-deficient females. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that 144 and 68 proteins were decreased in abundance (e.g., proteins involved in photosynthesis, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and gene expression regulation) and 78 and 39 proteins were increased in abundance (e.g., proteins involved in amino acid metabolism and stress response) according to the criterion of ratio ≥1.5 in females and males, respectively. A comparison between the sexes indicated that iron-deficient females exhibited a greater change in the proteins involved in photosynthesis, carbon and energy metabolism, the redox system, and stress responsive proteins. This study reveals females are more sensitive and have a more sophisticated response to iron deficiency compared with males and provides new insights into differential sexual responses to nutrient deficiency.

Characterizing the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in hilar cholangiocarcinoma using a tissue microarray approach

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is an invasive hepatic malignancy that is difficult to biopsy; therefore, novel markers of HCCA prognosis are needed. Here, the level of canonical Wnt activation in patients with HCCA, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), and congenital choledochal cysts (CCC) was compared to understand the role of Wnt signaling in HCCA. Pathology specimens from HCCA (n=129), IHCC (n=31), and CCC (n=45) patients were used to construct tissue microarrays. Wnt2, Wnt3, β-catenin, TCF4, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Parallel correlation analysis was used to analyze differences in protein levels between the HCCA, IHCC, and CCC groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of successful resection and prognosis in the HCCA group. The protein levels of Wnt2, β-catenin, TCF4, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 were significantly higher in HCCA compared to IHHC or CCC. Wnt signaling activation (Wnt2+, Wnt3+, nuclear β-catenin+, nuclear TCF4+) was significantly greater in HCCA tissues than CCC tissues. Univariable analyses indicated that expression of cyclin D1 as well as Wnt signaling activation, and partial Wnt activation (Wnt2+ or Wnt3+ and nuclear β-catenin+ or nuclear TCF4+) predicted successful resection, but only cyclin D1 expression remained significant in multivariable analyses. Only partial Wnt activation was an independent predictor of survival time. Proteins in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway were present at higher levels in HCCA and correlated with tumor resecility and patient prognosis. These results suggest that Wnt pathway analysis may be a useful marker for clinical outcome in HCCA.