Relationship between Changes of Pericyte Number and Wound Age during Repair of Skeletal Muscle Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To observe the change pattern of pericyte number at different time periods after mice skeletal muscle contusion and discuss its role in wound age estimation. Methods A mice gastrocnemius muscle contusion model was established. The form and number changes of pericytes at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 28 d post-injury were detected by multiple immunofluorescence staining. Results Compared with the slender shape of pericytes in normal skeletal muscles, pericytes in the contusion area had increased volume, rounder form and a round nuclei. Part of pericytes were found to express satellite cell markers paired-box transcription factor （Pax7） or myoblast determination 1 （MyoD1）. The changes of pericyte number in skeletal muscles after contusion were time-dependant, and showed unimodal distribution with the extension of wound age. In the central contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d post-injury while in the peripheral contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d and 7 d post-injury. Conclusion The number of pericytes in contusion area varies time-dependently after skeletal muscle contusion in mice and might be a reference index for muscle wound age estimation, and is involved in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle injury.

Relationship between Expression Changes of CB2R and Wound Age of Brain Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of cannabinoid type 2 receptor （CB2R） at different time points after brain contusion and its relationship with wound age of mice. Methods A mouse brain contusion model was established with PCI3000 Precision Cortical Impactor. Expression changes of CB2R around the injured area were detected with immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting at different time points. Results Immunohistochemical staining results showed that only a few cells in the cerebral cortex of the sham operated group had CB2R positive expression. The ratio of CB2R positive cells gradually increased after injury and reached the peak twice at 12 h and 7 d post-injury, followed by a decrease to the normal level 28 d post-injury. The results of Western blotting were consistent with the immunohistochemical staining results. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that the changes of the ratio of CB2R positive cells in neurons, CB2R positive cells in monocytes and CB2R positive cells in astrocytes to the total cell number showed a single peak pattern, which peaked at 12 h, 1 d and 7 d post-injury, respectively. Conclusion The expression of CB2R after brain contusion in neurons, monocytes and astrocytes in mice suggests that it is likely to be involved in the regulation of the biological functions of those cells. The changes in CB2R are time-dependent, which suggests its potential applicability as a biological indicator for wound age estimation of brain contusion in forensic practice.

Research Progress?on?Age?Determination?of?Venous?Thrombosis in Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Pulmonary thromboembolism （PTE）, which is caused by detachment of venous thrombosis, is a common cause of sudden death in forensic practice. In the cases which die of PTE after trauma or die of PTE during non-thrombosis disease hospitalization, forensic pathologists are required to analyze the time sequence between trauma or medical practice and venous thrombosis, and then analyze their causal relationship. This review summarizes the history of thrombus age estimation and recent advances in forensic medicine, and then gives a brief outlook for future research to provide reference for forensic identification of PTE and guide follow-up studies.

Simplified LC-MS/MS method for quantification of IG-105, a novel tubulin ligand, and its application to the pharmacokinetic study in rats at the anticancer effective dose

IG-105, N-(2, 6-dimethoxypyridine-3-yl)-9-methylcarbazole-3-sulfonamide, a novel carbazole sulfonamide, shows a potent anticancer activity in a variety of human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, a rapid and convenient liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and applied to the pharmacokinetic study of IG-105 in rats. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C₁₈ column using an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (56:44:0.2, v/v/v). The ion transitions of IG-105 and combretastatin A4 (internal standard) in selected reaction monitoring mode were m/z 398→154 and m/z 317→286, respectively. The assay exhibited good linearity over the range of 2-512 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precisions were within 8.2 %, and the accuracies ranged from -6.0 to 3.7 %. The extraction recoveries were higher than 90 %, and the matrix effects were negligible. All quality control samples were stable at different storage conditions. The validated LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study of IG-105 in rats after a single oral dose of 100, 250, or 1000 mg/kg which showed tumor growth inhibition activity. The absorption of IG-105 was proved to be rapid but saturated to a certain extent into the blood circulation, from where it was distributed and eliminated gradually.

Beclin 1, LC3, and p62 expression in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Paraquat (PQ) is a highly toxic herbicide to humans. Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most typical features of PQ poisoning, which develops from several days to weeks after ingestion. However, the mechanism of fibrosis is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine expressions of autophagy-related markers Beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and p62 in PQ-poisoned lungs and to explore the role of autophagy in pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ. We detected markers of lung fibrosis and expressions of autophagy-related protein in the specimens from eight fatal cases of PQ poisoning by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry. Based on the staining results of lung fibrosis, these cases were divided into two groups, fibrosis and non-fibrosis groups. The correlation between autophagy protein expressions and pulmonary fibrosis was examined. The results demonstrated that the autophagy-related proteins were significantly expressed in fibrosis group compared with the non-fibrosis group. There was a significantly positive correlation between these protein expressions and severity of lung fibrosis. In conclusion, autophagy dysfunction may be involved in lung fibrogenesis caused by PQ poisoning. This may be a promising clue for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying PQ-induced lung fibrosis and provide evidence for treating fibrosis by regulating the level of autophagy.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model

Objectives

Previously, we reported the improved transfection efficiency of a plasmid DNA-chitosan (pDNA-CS) complex using a phosphorylatable nuclear localization signal-linked nucleic kinase substrate short peptide (pNNS) conjugated to chitosan (pNNS-CS). This study investigated the effects of pNNS-CS-mediated miR-140 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) gene transfection both in rabbit chondrocytes and a cartilage defect model.

Methods

The pBudCE4.1-miR-140, pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra, and negative control pBudCE4.1 plasmids were constructed and combined with pNNS-CS to form pDNA/pNNS-CS complexes. These complexes were transfected into chondrocytes or injected into the knee joint cavity.

Results

High IL-1Ra and miR-140 expression levels were detected both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, compared with the pBudCE4.1 group, the transgenic group presented with significantly increased chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, as well as increased collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) levels. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was reduced, as were a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 levels. In vivo, the exogenous genes reduced the synovial fluid GAG and NO concentrations and the ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 levels in cartilage. In contrast, COL2A1, ACAN, and TIMP-1 levels were increased, and the cartilage Mankin score was decreased in the transgenic group compared with the pBudCE4.1 group. Double gene combination produced greater efficacies than each single gene, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

This study suggests that pNNS-CS is a good candidate for treating cartilage defects via gene therapy, and that IL-1Ra in combination with miR-140 produces promising biological effects on cartilage defects.

Cite this article: R. Zhao, S. Wang, L. Jia, Q. Li, J. Qiao, X. Peng. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1Ra) and miR-140 overexpression via pNNS-conjugated chitosan-mediated gene transfer enhances the repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in a rabbit model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:165–178. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.83.BJR-2018-0222.R1.

[Meta-analysis on influence of psychological nursing on quality of life of AIDS patients]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of psychological nursing intervention on the quality of life of AIDS patients. Methods: The experimental studies about the influence of psychological nursing intervention on the quality of life of AIDS patients were systematically retrieved in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM), China journal full text database (CNKI), Wanfang database and VIP Chinese science and technology periodical database (VIP). The SF-36 scale scores in 8 dimensions were combined with Review Manager 5.3, the weighted mean difference and 95% CI of the value of the combined effects were calculated. Results: In addition to the dimension of physiological function, the differences in weighted mean of the remaining seven dimensions of SF-36 scales were significant, among which the average score of physiological function increased to 6.48, but the average score of emotional function increased up to 19.90. It can be considered that in addition to the dimension of physiological function, the score of the other dimensions were improved after the psychological nursing intervention. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the differences in weighted means of the eight dimensions of SF-36 scale were significant, indicating that the quality of life of the observation group was higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: Psychological nursing intervention can improve the quality of life of AIDS patients, and it is suggested to use it in clinical practice.

[A meta-analysis of the test results of five indicators for hepatitis B virus of college freshmen in current mainland China]

Objective: Using Meta analysis to evaluate the test results of five indicators and main infection patterns for hepatitis B virus (HBV) of college freshmen in mainland China. Methods: In this paper, "college students", "college freshmen", "hepatitis b virus" and "HBV" were used to search systematically for cross-sectional data of the results of five indicators for HBV of entrants from 2006-2015 through CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP as well as Pubmed and Web of Science. Then Combie's standard for cross-sectional study was used to assess the qualities of the articles included, and Stata 14.0 software and Meta analysis method (including performing heterogeneity test, calculating combined detection rates and carrying out sensitivity analysis and publication bias test) were used to analyze and evaluate the epidemiological significance of the results above. Results: Sixteen studies containing 82 144 cases were included. The result of heterogeneity test showed that there was significant heterogeneity (P<0.001), hence random effects model was adopted. The Meta analysis resulted in total positive rate for surface antigen (HBsAg) of 7.0% (95%CI: 6.0%-8.0%), surface antibody positive rate (HBsAb) of 46.0% (95%CI: 42.0%-49.0%), and positive rate for HBsAg, core antibody (HBcAb) combined with E antigen (HBeAg) or E antibody (HBeAb) of 3.0% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%) and 3.0% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%), respectively; whereas the negative rate of all indicators was 41.0% (95%CI: 35.0%-46.0%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were highly heterogeneous (P<0.001), while the result of Egger's regression indicated that there were publication bias of all indicators (P<0.05), except for HBsAb (P=0.436). Conclusion: The positive rates of HBsAg and HBsAb of college students are lower than those of general population, while the positive rates of HBsAg, HBcAb combined with HBeAg or HBeAb and the all-negative rate of HBV count for a considerable proportion among entrants.

[Preliminary application of endonasopharyngeal ultrasound-guided transnasopharyngeal needle aspiration in the diagnosis of submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and clinical value of endonasopharyngeal ultrasound-guided transnasopharyngeal needle aspiration (ENUS-TNNA) in the diagnosis of submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 9 patients from Sichuan Cancer Hospital with submucosal nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing ENUS-TNNA between December 2013 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The feasibility and safety were analyed. All 9 patients were all males with a mean age of (49.2±10.9) years. Results: Needle puncture biopsies were successfully performed in all cases, and sufficient tissue sample for histopathological examination was obtained from each of the 9 patients. No major bleeding or persistent bleeding occurred during and after puncture procedures. There were 5 patients with undifferentiated nonkeratinizing carcinoma and 4 patients poorly differentiated carcinoma. Conclusion: ENUS-TNNA is a safe, feasible and effective technique to provide a diagnosis of submucosal growth type of nasopharyngeal neoplasms, which has some clinical value.

[Retrospect on 60 years' history and prospect of Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University]

The Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University is the leading team in Shandong province. It is integrated with clinical treatment, scientific research, teaching, personnel training, and medical service for social crisis, which undertakes the tasks of giving lessons and offering chances for noviciate and internship of burns and plastic surgery in College of Medicine of Shandong University. It is not only the training unit affiliated to College of Medicine of Shandong University for master students and doctoral students major in burns and plastic surgery, but also the national training base for specialists of burns and plastic surgery. It is the national key clinical subject of burn surgery. Over the past 60 years, with the concerted efforts of several generations, it has made significant contributions to the development and innovation of burns and plastic surgery in Shandong province and the whole China.

[Analysis on reproductive health service, demographics and characteristics of internal migrant population in three municipalities of China]

Objective: To investigate the utilization of reproductive health services and relating factors among internal migrant population in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. Methods: A multi-stage cluster sampling method was adopted in this cross-sectional study, conducted in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing from August 2014 to August 2015. Standard methods on statistics and nonlinear canonical correlation were applied. Results: Out of the 6 545 internal migrant persons, 41.76% ever used the reproductive health services in the past year. Results from the nonlinear canonical correlation analysis revealed that the utilization of reproductive health services was correlated with the demographic features (=0.28, P<0.000 1) and characteristics of the population mobility (=0.21, P<0.000 1), respectively. For the above said demographic features, canonical variable L(1) which represented the demographic features was mainly determined by area, occupation and education attainment. Canonical variable M(1) that reflected the utilization of reproductive health services, was mainly determined by factors as free contraceptives, education on contraception/reproductive health, and pregnancy diagnosis/antenatal care. As for the characteristics of the population mobility, canonical variable U(1), which represented population mobility characteristics, was mainly determined by factors as purpose of migration, current pattern of residence and the length of annual stay in the area. Again, the canonical variable V(1), reflecting the use of reproductive health services was mainly determined by factors as free contraceptives, check-up on reproductive tract infection, education on contraception/reproductive health, and pregnancy diagnosis/antenatal care. Conclusions: The utilization of reproductive health services was low among the internal migrant population under study. Responsible departments for health and family planning in those cities should make internal migrants attach importance to reproductive health.

Effects of chronic dexamethasone exposure on bile acid metabolism and cecal epithelia function in goats

Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized in the liver via the oxidation of cholesterol and further metabolized by microbiota in the gut, where they simultaneously impact gut function. In the present study, 10 goats were randomly divided into 2 groups; 1 group was injected with dexamethasone (Dex; 0.2 mg/kg), and the other group was injected with saline as the control (Con) for 21 d. Expression levels of key genes and proteins in the liver and gut mucosa were analyzed and compared to investigate the impact of chronic stress on BA metabolism and related functions in ruminants. The results revealed that Dex decreased plasma total BAs (TBAs) concentration (P < 0.05) but increased TBA concentration in the cecal digesta (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol in the liver decreased moderately in response to Dex. The protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 and cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1, 2 enzymes that control BA synthesis in the liver, remained unchanged by Dex administration (P > 0.05). The expression of several genes in the cecal mucosa encoding epithelial tight junction proteins, including occludin (P < 0.05), tight junction protein 1 (P < 0.01), and claudin 1 (P < 0.05), increased significantly in response to Dex, and expression of defensin beta 1, which can strengthen the innate immune system, was also upregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, BAs increased the expression of the Solute Carrier family 9 member A 2 (P < 0.01) that encodes a sodium hydrogen exchanger. These results suggest that the Dex-induced disruption of BA homeostasis might be mediated through a liver-independent pathway in goats, and the Dex-induced accumulation of TBAs in the cecal digesta may improve volatile fatty acid transportation and mucosal defense.

[Effect of autologous blood transfusion device on preventing blood loss in primary total knee arthroplasty using comprehensive hemostatic methods]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the conventional application of using comprehensive hemostatic methods during the perioperative period, and the effect of autologous blood transfusion (ABT) device compared with non-negative pressure drainage on preventing blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A total of 131 patients (131 knees) with severe knee osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral primary TKA by the same surgeon in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2014 to June 2015 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into ABT group (64 patients) and control group (67 patients). ABT devices were used for drainage and blood transfusion in the ABT group while the control group used the non-negative pressure drainage only. The results of the drainage fluid volume, the decrease of hemoglobin, the total blood loss, the hidden blood loss and blood transfusion after TKA were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The drainage fluid volume in ABT group was significantly higher than that in control group [515 mL (80-1 610 mL) vs. 260 mL (40-670 mL), P<0.001]. The autologous blood transfusion in ABT group was 245 mL (60-1 070 mL). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the value of hemoglobin decrease 1 day after surgery (P=0.340) and 3 days after surgery (P=0.524). There were no significant differences in the total blood loss (P=0.101) and the hidden blood loss (P=0.062) between the two groups either. There were 9 patients in the 131 patients who received allogeneic blood transfusion, of whom 5 in the ABT group (5/64, the blood transfusion rate was 7.8%) and 4 in the control group (4/67, the blood transfusion rate was 6.0%), and no significant differences in the blood transfusion rate between the two groups (P=0.943).

CONCLUSION

With the conventional application of using comprehensive hemostatic methods during perioperative period, the ABT device did not show the effective result of controlling postoperative blood loss and failed to reduce the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion in patients with unilateral primary TKA. However, the ABT device could increase the drainage fluid volume and improve the patient's hospitalization expenses. Therefore, there is no need for routine application of ABT device in unilateral primary TKA.