MicroRNA-599 regulates the development of Parkinson's disease through mediating LRRK2 expression

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates whether microRNA-599 can inhibit the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) by regulating the LRRK2 expression. We aim to search for a new therapeutic target for PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mouse model of PD was first established. A relative amount of TH+ neurons in the mouse brain was quantified by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of microRNA-599 and LRRK2 in mouse brain tissues were determined by the quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell model of PD was constructed by MPP+ treatment in SH-SY5Y cells. The expression levels of microRNA-599 and LRRK2 in MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells were examined as well. We verified the binding condition between microRNA-599 and LRRK2 through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The viability and apoptosis in MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing microRNA-599 were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with normal mice, TH+ neurons were fewer in the brain tissue of PD mice. MicroRNA-599 expression was lower, while LRRK2 expression was higher in brain tissues of PD mice relative to controls. Meanwhile, in vitro expression of microRNA-599 was downregulated and LRRK2 expression was upregulated in MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay verified the binding condition between microRNA-599 and LRRK2. The microRNA-599 overexpression downregulated the LRRK2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells, and conversely, the microRNA-599 knockdown upregulated the LRRK2 expression. Of note, the microRNA-599 overexpression protected MPP+-induced viability decrease and apoptosis acceleration in SH-SY5Y cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-599 is lowly expressed in both in vivo and in vitro PD model. MicroRNA-599 inhibits the development of PD through regulating the LRRK2 expression.

[The status and related factors of myopia for children and adolescents aged 5-18 years old in Shaanxi Province in 2018]

In 2018, the myopia detection rate of children and adolescents aged 5-18 years old in Shaanxi Province was 54.9% (11 060/20 144). The myopia detection rate of girls ［58.6%(5 830/9 949)］ was higher than that of boys ［58.6% (3 416/5 830)］ (P<0.001). In children and adolescents, the myopia detection rate increased with the age before their 16 years old, and saw a stable or downward trend after the age of 16. After adjusting the confounding factors, the myopia detection rate of children and adolescents from regions with per capita GDP>100 000 yuan was higherthan that of children and adolescents from regions with per capita GDP<50 000 yuan［OR (95%CI):1.58(1.34-1.87)］.

Hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA is associated with the occurrence of uveitis

Uveitis is a serious intra-ocular inflammatory disease that can lead to visual impairment even blindness worldwide. Notch signaling can regulate the differentiation of naive CD4⁺ T cells, influencing the development of uveitis. DNA methylation is closely related to the autoimmune diseases. In this study, we measured the Notch1 DNA methylation level, determined the Notch1 and related DNA methylases mRNA expression and evaluated the ratio of T helper type 17 regulatory T cell (Th17/T_reg ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients and normal control subjects; we also tested the levels of relevant inflammatory cytokines in serum from the participants. Results indicated that compared with those in normal control individuals, the expression of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) and Notch1 mRNA is elevated in uveitis patients, whereas the methylation level in Notch1 DNA promotor region [-842 ~ -646 base pairs (bp)] is down-regulated, and is unrelated to anatomical location. Moreover, the Th17/T_reg ratio is up-regulated in PBMCs from uveitis patients, accompanied by the elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines [e.g. interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ] in serum from uveitis patients. These findings suggest that the over-expression of TET2 DNA demethylase may lead to hypomethylation of Notch1, activate the Notch1 signaling, induce naive CD4⁺ T cells to differentiate theTh17 subset and thus disturb the balance of the Th17/T_reg ratio in uveitis patients. Overall, hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA is closely associated with the occurrence of uveitis. Our study preliminarily reveals the underlying mechanism for the occurrence of uveitis related to the hypomethylation of Notch1 DNA, providing a novel therapeutic strategy against uveitis in clinical practice.

The value of four imaging modalities to distinguish malignant from benign solitary pulmonary nodules: a study based on 73 cohorts incorporating 7956 individuals

BACKGROUND

Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) frequently bother oncologists. The differentiation of malignant from benign nodules with non-invasive approach remains a tough challenge. This study was designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic computed tomography (CT), dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), and technetium 99 m (^99mTc) depreotide single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for SPNs.

METHODS

Electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant trials. The primary evaluation index of diagnostic accuracy was areas under the summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve. The results were analyzed utilizing Stata 12.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

Seventy-three trials incorporating 7956 individuals were recruited. Sensitivities, specificities, positive likelihood ratios, negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic score, diagnostic odds ratios, and areas under the SROC curve with 95% confidence intervals were, respectively, 0.92 (0.89-0.95), 0.64 (0.54-0.74), 2.60 (1.98-3.42), 0.12 (0.08-0.17), 3.10 (2.62-3.59), 22.24 (13.67-36.17), and 0.91 (0.88-0.93) for CT; 0.92 (0.86-0.95), 0.85 (0.77-0.90), 6.01 (3.90-9.24), 0.10 (0.06-0.17), 4.12 (3.41-4.82), 61.39 (30.41-123.93), and 0.94 (0.92-0.96) for MRI; 0.90 (0.86-0.93), 0.73 (0.65-0.79), 3.28 (2.56-4.20), 0.14 (0.10-0.19), 3.16 (2.69-3.64), 23.68 (14.74-38.05), and 0.90 (0.87-0.92) for ¹⁸F-FDG PET; and 0.93 (0.88-0.96), 0.70 (0.56-0.81), 3.12 (2.03-4.81), 0.10 (0.06-0.17), 3.43 (2.63-4.22), 30.74 (13.84-68.27), and 0.93 (0.91-0.95) for ^99mTc-depreotide SPECT.

CONCLUSION

The dynamic MRI, dynamic CT, ¹⁸F-FDG PET, and ^99mTc-depreotide SPECT were favorable non-invasive approaches to distinguish malignant SPNs from benign. Moreover, from the viewpoint of cost-effectiveness and avoiding radiation, the dynamic MRI was recommendable for SPNs.

NWChem: Past, present, and future

Specialized computational chemistry packages have permanently reshaped the landscape of chemical and materials science by providing tools to support and guide experimental efforts and for the prediction of atomistic and electronic properties. In this regard, electronic structure packages have played a special role by using first-principle-driven methodologies to model complex chemical and materials processes. Over the past few decades, the rapid development of computing technologies and the tremendous increase in computational power have offered a unique chance to study complex transformations using sophisticated and predictive many-body techniques that describe correlated behavior of electrons in molecular and condensed phase systems at different levels of theory. In enabling these simulations, novel parallel algorithms have been able to take advantage of computational resources to address the polynomial scaling of electronic structure methods. In this paper, we briefly review the NWChem computational chemistry suite, including its history, design principles, parallel tools, current capabilities, outreach, and outlook.

[Clinical study of cell sheets containing allogeneic keratinocytes and fibroblasts for the treatment of partial-thickness burn wounds]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cell sheets containing allogeneic keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the treatment of partial-thickness burn wounds. Methods: The cell sheets containing allogeneic keratinocytes and fibroblasts were constructed using polyurethane biofilm as carrier. Then gross observation and histological observation were conducted. From April 2016 to December 2017, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University recruited patients with acute partial-thickness burn wounds that met the inclusion criteria for this prospective and positively self-controlled clinical trial. Recruitment of 40 acute partial-thickness burn wounds were planned with each selected single wound being not smaller than 10 cm×10 cm and not more than 5% total body surface area (TBSA). Each wound was equally divided into two areas, which were recruited into cell sheet group and conventional treatment group according to the random number table. The wounds in cell sheet group were covered by cell sheet and then sterile gauze as secondary dressings. Depending on the wound healing and exudation, the sterile gauze was replaced every 1 to 3 day (s) after the treatment was started, and the cell sheet was replaced every 7 days (namely dressing changing). The wounds in conventional treatment group were covered by sulfadiazine silver cream gauze and then dressed with sterile gauze, with the dressings changed every 2 to 3 days depending on wound exudation. On treatment day 5, 7, 10, and 14, the wound healing rates in the two groups were calculated. The complete wound healing time, the total number of dressing changes, and the status of wound infection during treatment were recorded. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to score the pain at the first dressing change. Scar formation of patients was followed up for 6 to 12 months after injury. Safety indicators including vital signs, laboratory examination indexes, and adverse reactions during treatment were observed. Data were statistically analysed with Wilcoxon rank sum test and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) Each prepared cell sheet had a diameter of about 8 cm and was about 49 cm(2) in size, containing 2 or 3 layers of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. (2) A total of 43 patients were enrolled, of whom 3 patients dropped out of the study. Of the 40 patients who completed the treatment, there were 22 males and 18 females who were aged 1 to 57 year (s), with total burn area of 2% to 26% TBSA. (3) On treatment day 5, 7, 10, and 14, the wound healing rates in cell sheet group were significantly higher than those in conventional treatment group (Z=4.205, 4.258, 3.495, 2.521, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The complete wound healing time in cell sheet group was 7 (6, 8) days, which was significantly shorter than 11 (7, 14) days in conventional treatment group (Z=4.219, P<0.01). The total number of wound dressing changes in cell sheet group was 1 (1, 2) times, which was significantly less than 6 (4, 7) times in conventional treatment group (Z=5.464, P<0.01). (4) The wounds in cell sheet group in 31 patients healed before the first dressing change. The pain score of wounds in the first dressing change in cell sheet group of 9 patients was 1 (0, 1) point, while the pain score of wounds in the first dressing change in conventional treatment group of 40 patients was 2 (1, 3) points. There was no obvious infection in the wounds in both groups of 40 patients before the wound healing. Nine patients completed the follow-up after the trial. In 6 patients, no scar formation was observed in cell sheet group or conventional treatment group. The color of wounds in cell sheet group was consistent with normal skin, and there was only a small amount of pigment deposition in the wounds of conventional treatment group. Three patients developed pigment deposition only in the wounds of cell sheet group but obvious scars in conventional treatment group. (5) The abnormal fluctuations of vital signs including body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and laboratory examination indexes of all patients during treatment were alleviated through the process of burn wound healing. No obvious adverse reactions or abnormalities related to the treatment were observed. Conclusions: The cell sheet containing allogeneic keratinocytes and fibroblasts can reduce the number of dressing changes, accelerate wound epithelialization, shorten wound healing time, reduce pain during dressing change in the treatment of partial-thickness burn wounds, and it may reduce scar hyperplasia after wound healing because of accelerating wound epithelization. Its clinical application is simple, safe, and effective.

Association between a literature-based genetic risk score and bone mineral density of African American women in Women Health Initiative Study

Genetic risk of low BMD in African American women remains unclear. Based on SNPs discovered from a predominantly Caucasian sample, genetic profile was summarized and was found to be significantly associated with BMD variation in African American women.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is largely under-recognized and undertreated in African-American women, the post-fracture morbidity and mortality rates in this racial group is rather high. Since BMD was proved to be highly heritable, based on a comprehensive genome-wide meta-analysis that reported 63 BMD-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we aim to unravel the overall genetic risk for decreased BMD and osteoporosis in African-American women.

METHODS

Genotype data of 842 African American women in a Women's Health Initiative cohort were analyzed. Comprehensive genotype imputation was conducted at the Sanger Imputation Server. Multi-locus genetic risk scores (GRSs) based on 62 BMD-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were calculated. The association between GRS and BMD was assessed by regression analysis. Longitudinal data was further analyzed using a generalized estimating equation, which helps achieve more efficient and unbiased regression parameters by accounting for the within-subject correlation of responses on dependent variables.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, body weight, hormone use, and previous fracture, for every unit increase of GRS.FN and GRS.LS, BMD at hip and lumbar spine decreased 0.124 g/cm² and 0.086 g/cm², respectively. Collectively, the model accounted for 34.95% of the femoral neck BMD variation and 25.79% of lumbar spine BMD variation. Notably, GRS.FN and GRS.LS accounted for 2.03% and 2.39% of the total explained variance, respectively. The proportion of BMD variation can be explained by GRSs increasing as participants aged.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic risk score was significantly associated with lower BMD in the current study, suggesting that SNPs discovered from prior meta-analysis based on primarily Caucasian population can also explain a considerable proportion of BMD variation in African Americans.

An electromagnetic separation system for the enrichment of 39Ar

An isotope enrichment system for ³⁹Ar has been developed at the Institute of Modern Physics, which is designed to increase the abundance of ³⁹Ar in the incident sample gas. With intense Ar⁺ beams produced by a 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source and a high mass resolution spectrometer system, Ar isotopes are evidently separated on the target plane and selectively collected by an Al target. The separated Ar isotopes have been identified on the target plane, which is consistent with the simulations. According to the recent cross-checked results with atom trap trace analysis, a high enrichment factor of ³⁹Ar has been successfully achieved. This paper will present the design and test results of this system.

Ion beam production with an antenna type 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source

A very compact permanent magnet 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source has been designed and developed for various purposes. The microwave power is coupled into the plasma chamber using the coaxial antenna instead of the waveguide, the magnetic field is produced by two NdFeB permanent magnet rings, and the diameter of the source body is only 10 cm. The beam current under different conditions was measured. A maximum of 5.8 mA H⁺/H₂ ⁺/H₃ ⁺ mixed beam could be extracted from a 5.5 mm diameter extraction aperture.

Overview of high intensity ion source development in the past 20 years at IMP

Ion source development over the last 20 years at the IMP is reviewed. For versatile purposes, several types of ion sources have been involved in the research and development work at the IMP, i.e., the highly charged ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) ion source, intense microwave ion source or the 2.45 GHz intense beam ECR ion source, and laser ion source (LIS). In the development of ECR ion sources, SECRAL (Superconducting ECR ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou), Lanzhou ECR ion source, and Lanzhou all permanent magnet ECR ion source series have been made, which can cover the operation microwave frequency range of 10-28 GHz. The LIS with an Nd:YAG laser with a maximum output energy of 8 J in 8 ns pulse duration has been developed for very intense short pulse ion beams from solid materials such as C, Ti, Ni, Ag, and so on. Microwave ion sources have been built to produce intense pulsed or direct current beams from several mA to 100 mA for either high intensity accelerators or applications. This paper will give an overview of the high intensity ion source development at the IMP, especially on the recent progress and new results, such as the status of the fourth generation ECR ion source (first fourth generation ECR ion source), the production of recorded highly charged ion beams with SECRAL sources, key technology research studies, and so on.

Orbital localization error of density functional theory in shear properties of vanadium and niobium

It is believed that the density functional theory (DFT) describes most elements with s, p, and d orbitals very well, except some materials that have strongly localized and correlated valence electrons. In this work, we find that the widely employed exchange-correlation (XC) functionals, including local-density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and meta-GGA, underestimate the shear modulus and phase stability of V and Nb greatly. The advanced hybrid functional that is usually better for correlated systems, on the other hand, completely fails in these two simple metals. This striking failure is revealed due to the orbital localization error in GGA, which is further deteriorated by hybrid functionals. This observation is corroborated by a similar failure of DFT+U and van der Waals functionals when applied to V and Nb. To remedy this problem, a semiempirical approach of DFT+J is proposed, which can delocalize electrons by facilitating the on-site exchange. Furthermore, it is observed that including density derivatives slightly improves the performance of the semilocal functionals, with meta-GGA outperforms GGA, and the latter is better than LDA. This discovery indicates the possibility and necessity to include higher-order density derivatives beyond the Laplacian level for the purpose of removing the orbital localization error (mainly from d orbitals) and delocalization error (mainly from s and p orbitals) completely in V and Nb so that a better description of their electronic structures is achieved. The same strategy can be applied to the other d electron system and f electron system.

Effects of acute heat stress on intestinal microbiota in grow-finishing pigs, and associations with feed intake and serum profile

AIMS

This study was conducted to assess the effects of acute heat stress (HS) on intestinal microbiota, and the associations with the changes in feed intake (FI) and serum profile.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty four individually housed pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace, 30 ± 1 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments (8 pigs/treatment): (i) thermal neutral (TN) conditions (25 ± 1°C), (ii) HS conditions (35 ± 1°C), (iii) pair-feeding (PF) with HS under TN conditions. After 24-h treatment, pigs were monitored to assess FI, and samples of serum and faeces were collected to investigate serum profile, microbial composition and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The results showed that HS decreased (P < 0·05) FI compared with the TN group. Compared with TN group, HS changed the serum profile by affecting biochemical parameters and hormones related with energy metabolism and stress response; immune indicators were also altered in HS group. Most of changes in serum profile were independent of FI reduction. Additionally, HS shifted the diversity and composition of faecal microbial community by increasing (P < 0·05) Proteobacteria and decreasing (P < 0·05) Bacteroidetes. Moreover, HS decreased (P < 0·05) the concentrations of propionate, butyrate, valerate, iso-valerate and total SCFAs in faeces in an FI-independent manner. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation analysis implied that changes of serum profile have potential correlation with alterations of faecal microbiota and their SCFAs metabolites in acute HS-treated grow-finishing pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolism disorders caused by 24-h acute HS associated with changes of faecal microbiota and their SCFAs metabolites in an FI-independent manner in grow-finishing pigs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results give us a new insight of the intestinal damage caused by acute HS and the underlying mechanisms.

Anti-breast cancer activity of resveratrol encapsulated in liposomes

Resveratrol (RES) is a naturally occurring and effective drug for tumor prevention and treatment. However, its low levels of aqueous solubility, stability, and poor bioavailability limit its application, especially when used as a free drug. In this study, RES was loaded into peptide and sucrose liposomes (PSL) to enhance the physico-chemical properties of RES and exploit RES delivery mediated by liposomes to effectively treat breast cancer. RES loaded PSL (the complex: PSL@RES) were stable, had a good RES encapsulation efficiency, and prolonged RES-release in vitro. PSL@RES was exceptionally efficient for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, as the IC₅₀ of PSL@RES in MCF-7 cells was found to be only 20.89 μmol L^-1. The therapeutic efficacy of PSL@RES was evaluated in mice bearing breast cancer. The results showed that PSL@RES at a dosage of 5 mg kg^-1 was more effective than 10 mg kg^-1 free RES, and PSL@RES inhibited tumor growth completely at a dosage of 10 mg kg^-1. PSL@RES induced apoptosis in breast tumor by upregulation of p53 expression. This then downregulated Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax, thereby inducing Caspase-3 activation. More importantly, encapsulation of RES within peptide liposomes greatly reduced the toxicity of free RES to mice. Overall, the simple formulation of liposomal nanocarriers of RES developed in this study produces satisfactory outcomes to encourage further applications of liposomal carriers for the treatment of breast cancer.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of microvascular involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: a longitudinal single-center study in China

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors of microvascular involvement and survival in Chinese patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, we enrolled 112 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and follow-up records were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome were studied. Microvascular involvement was identified in 21 patients (18.75%). Patients with microvascular involvement experienced fewer episodes of arterial or venous thrombosis (28.6% vs. 84.6%) and a higher incidence of thrombocytopenia (85.7% vs. 54.9%), respectively. Low complement and elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels were observed more frequently in the microvascular group compared with the non-microvascular group (complement 38.1% vs. 18.7%; high-sensitivity CRP 71.4% vs. 31.9%, respectively). Anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies were more prevalent in patients with microvascular involvement than in patients without (66.7% vs. 33.0%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio = 4.523, 95% confidence interval 1.139-17.962), elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels (odds ratio = 6.385, 95% confidence interval 1.969-20.704), and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody positivity (odds ratio = 5.042, 95% confidence interval 1.555-16.352) were independent risk factors for microvascular involvement. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival was significantly poorer in patients with microvascular involvement compared with patients without (p = 0.0278).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to arterial and venous thrombosis, antiphospholipid syndrome can affect the microvasculature of select organs. It is thus important for clinicians to be aware that antiphospholipid syndrome-associated microvascular involvement has a unique pathogenesis and can be a life-threatening condition.

[Clinical therapeutic observation on sequential treatment of chronic wounds with repeated recurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa in buttocks]

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of sequential treatment with extensive lesion resection, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid, and tissue transplantation on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in buttocks which recurred after multiple surgeries. Methods: From January 2012 to March 2017, 15 male patients (aged 26-53 years) hospitalized in our burn ward with Hurley's stage Ⅲ HS in the buttocks recurred after 2-5 operations who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the prospective self pre- and post-control study. After extensive resection of the lesion, continuous VSD combined with intermittent irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid was given, with negative pressure of -16.7 kPa and flow rate of pure oxygen of 1.0 L/min. After 7 days of treatment with VSD combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid, the negative pressure device was removed and autologous posterior thigh split-thickness skin grafts and/or local flaps were transplanted to repair the wounds. Six patients were performed with split-thickness skin grafting, 4 patients with local flap transplantation, and 5 patients with split-thickness skin grafting together with local flap transplantation. The donor sites of local flaps were sutured directly or transplanted with autologous posterior thigh split-thickness skin grafts, and the donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts with autologous thin split-thickness scalp. The wound tissue or wound granulation tissue was collected before lesion resection and 7 days after treatment with VSD combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid respectively for bacterial culture and detecting of the content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Survival of skin grafts and flaps after operation was observed, hospitalization time was recorded, and recurrence and complications of HS were followed up. Data were processed with paired sample t test. Results: Bacterial culture result of wound tissue before lesion resection was positive in all patients, mainly Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus mirabilis, and anaerobic bacteria, etc., while that of wound granulation tissue after 7 days of treatment with VSD combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid was negative. The content of TNF-α in wound granulation tissue after 7 days of treatment with VSD combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid was (10.1±2.9) pg/L, significantly lower than (73.6±5.6) pg/L before lesion resection (t=33.47, P<0.01). The skin grafts and/or flaps of 15 patients survived post operation, and the wounds were healed. The patients were hospitalized for 17-31 days. During follow-up of 1 to 5 years, no recurrence of HS occurred in operative site of buttocks of 15 patients, but 1 patient had ulceration of healed perianal incision caused by high anal fistula and was healed after treatment. Conclusions: Sequential treatment with extensive resection, VSD combined with irrigation of oxygen-loaded fluid, and tissue transplantation can thoroughly remove HS lesions in the buttocks and improve the condition of wound bed for skin acceptance after debridement, which is conducive to the cure of HS in the buttocks which has undergone multiple operations but still recurs after operation.

Effect of air pollution on hospital admissions for systemic lupus erythematosus in Bengbu, China: a time series study

Recently, exposure to air pollutants has been associated with the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The current study aims to evaluate the effects of air pollutants on SLE hospital admissions in Bengbu, China. We performed distributed lag non-linear model combined with quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression to assess the impacts of air pollutants on SLE admissions from 2015 to 2017. Subgroup analyses by admission status (first admission or readmission) were also evaluated. A total of 546 hospital admissions during 2015-2017 were included. For single-day lag structures, the risk effects occurred from lag 2 to lag 9 for the 75th percentile particulate matter (PM)_2.5, lag 3 to lag 9 for the 80th percentile PM_2.5. For cumulative lag structures, the risk effects occurred from lag 0-5 to lag 0-14 for both 75th PM_2.5 and 80th PM_2.5, and no significant effect was observed for 90th PM_2.5. In addition, the adverse effects on SLE first admissions occurred from lag 0 to lag 1 for NO₂, lag 1 to lag 2 for SO₂. The maximum effect of PM_2.5 on SLE was 4.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.34-13.59) at lag 0-13 day, the minimum effect value was 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.23) at lag 9 day. These findings demonstrate that high PM_2.5, NO₂ and SO₂ are associated with SLE hospital admissions. In addition, this study further revealed that exposure to high concentration of PM_2.5 increased the risk of SLE relapse, while high levels of NO₂ and SO₂ increased the risk of SLE first admissions.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Jiangshan City from 2008 to 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Jiangshan City from 2008 to 2018, so as to provide evidence for formulating the future control strategy.

METHODS

The data regarding Oncomelania snail survey and control, schistosomiasis examinations and environmental improvements were collected in Jiangshan City from 2008 to 2018. The changes in snail status and morbidity due to Schistosoma japonicum infections were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive schistosomiasis control.

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2018, a total of 61 220 person-times were examined for S. japonicum infections in Jiangshan City, and the overall seroprevalence of S. japonicum infections was 0.56% (343/61 220); however, no egg-positives were detected. Among 4 231 cattle screened for S. japonicum infections using blood tests in Jiangshan City during the period from 2008 to 2018, 12 were sero-positive, with sero-prevalence of 0.28% (12/4 231), and no egg-positives were identified. There were 422 snail habitats identified in Jiangshan City during the study period, covering an area of 46.915 hm², and among the 31 686 snails dissected, no S. japonicum infections were detected. An area of 3 625.492 hm² snail habitats were subjected to repeated snail control and 11 settings were given environmental improvements, covering snail habitats of 17.880 hm² and historical snail habitats of 204.380 hm².

CONCLUSIONS

Following the implementation of environmental improvements-based comprehensive schistosomiasis control, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis is stable in Jiangshan City; however, there is still a risk of snail importation and re-emerging schistosomiasis. Therefore, the monitoring of snails and morbidity due to S. japonicum infections should be intensified in the city.