[Preliminary study on the effect of Echinococcus multilocaris on phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism and polarization types in macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis on the phenotypic transformations of glucose metabolism, polarization types and inflammatory responses in macrophages, so as to provide insights into elucidation of echinococcosis pathogenesis.

METHODS

Bone marrow cells were isolated from C57BL/6J mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks, and induced into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with mouse macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which served as controls (BMDMs-M0). BMDMs-M0 induced M2 macrophages by interleukin-4 for 24 hours served as the IL-4 induction group, and BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with 2.4 ng/mL E. multilocularis cystic fluid (CF) served as the BMDM-CF co-culture group, while BMDMs-M0 co-cultured with E. multilocularis protoscolex (PSC) at a ratio of 500:1 served as the BMDM-PSC co-culture group. The types of polarization of BMDMs co-cultured with E. multilocularis CF and PSC were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression of macrophage markers, inflammatory factors, and glucose metabolism-related enzymes was quantified using fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

There were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Arginase-1 (Arg1) (F = 1 457.00, P < 0.000 1), macrophages-derived C-C motif chemokine 22 (Ccl22) (F = 22 203.00, P < 0.000 1), resistin-like α (Retnla) (F = 151.90, P < 0.000 1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (F = 107.80, P < 0.001), hexokinase (HK) (F = 9 389.00, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate kinase (PK) (F = 641.40, P < 0.001), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) (F = 43.97, P < 0.01), glucokinase (GK) (F = 432.50, P < 0.000 1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases1 (PDK1) (F = 737.30, P < 0.000 1), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (F = 3 632.00, P < 0.000 1), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) (F = 532.40, P < 0.000 1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (F = 460.00, P < 0.000 1), citrate synthase (CS) (F = 5 642.00, P < 0.01), glycogen synthase1 (GYS1) (F = 273.30, P < 0.000 1), IL-6 (F = 1 823.00, P < 0.000 1), IL-10 (F = 291.70, P < 0.000 1), IL-1β (F = 986.60, P < 0.000 1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (F = 334.80, P < 0.000 1) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β mRNA expression (F = 163.30, P < 0.001). The proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group [(22.87% ±1.48%) vs. (1.70% ±0.17%); t = 24.61, P < 0.001], and the proportion of M2 macrophages was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages in the BMDM-CF co-culture group [(20.07% ±0.64%) vs. (1.93% ±0.25%); t = 45.73, P < 0.001]. The mRNA expression of M2 macrophages markers Arg1, Ccl22 and Retnla was significantly higher in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01), and no significant difference was seen in the mRNA expression of the M1 macrophage marker iNOS among the three groups (P > 0.05), while qPCR assay quantified higher mRNA expression of key glycolytic enzymes HK, PK and PFK, as well as inflammatory factors IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β in the BMDM-CF and BMDM-PSC co-culture groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.01). Western blotting assay determined higher HK, PK and PFK protein expression in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), and qPCR quantified higher GLUT1, GAPDH and IL-6 mRNA expression in the BMDM-CF co-culture group than in the control group (all P values < 0.05), while higher HK, PK and PFK protein and mRNA expression (all P values < 0.01), as well as lower IL-6 and TNF-α and higher TGF-β mRNA expression (both P values < 0.05) was detected in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group. Glycolytic stress test showed no significant difference in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) of mouse BMDM among the control group, IL-4 induction group and BMDM-PSC co-culture group (F = 124.4, P < 0.05), and a higher ECAR was seen in the BMDM-PSC co-culture group and a lower ECAR was found in the IL-4 induction group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of E. multilocularis CF or PSC mainly causes polarization of BMDM into M2 macrophages, and phenotypic transformation of glucose metabolism into high-energy and high-glycolytic metabolism, and affects inflammatory responses in BMDM.

Disturbed white matter integrity on diffusion tensor imaging in young children with epilepsy

AIM

To evaluate whether abnormalities in white matter (WM) integrity are present in young children with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve children (3-6 years old) with epilepsy and six matched healthy controls were recruited for brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Track-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to analyse and compare DTI indices of mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial and radial diffusivity (AD/RD) between patients and controls, and correlations between clinical variables and DTI parameters were analysed.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients showed increased FA in the left superior corona radiata and increased AD in the bilateral superior corona radiata. In children with generalised epilepsy, FA was increased in the left external capsule, while AD was decreased in the body of the corpus callosum, the left external capsule and the left superior longitudinal fasciculus. In those with focal epilepsy, FA was increased in the genu and body of the corpus callosum, and RD was decreased in the genu of the corpus callosum and left external capsule. Compared with partial epilepsy, generalised epilepsy was associated with increased FA in the right anterior corona radiata and decreased RD in the right anterior corona radiata and the genu and body of the corpus callosum. No significant correlations were observed between clinical variables and DTI parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the microstructure of the white matter is disturbed by epileptic discharges and a compensatory response occurs during early brain development.

Establishing a Chinese older hip fracture registry for older patients: a Delphi study to define the focus and key variables for this registry

A national hip fracture registry does not yet exist in China. This is the first to recommend a core variable set for the establishment of a Chinese national hip fracture registry. Thousands of Chinese hospitals will build on this and improve the quality of management for older hip fracture patients. The rapidly ageing population of China already experiences over half a million hip fractures every year. Many countries have developed national hip fracture registries to improve the quality of hip fracture management, but such a registry does not exist in China. The study is aimed at determining the core variables of a national hip fracture registry for older hip fracture patients in China. A rapid literature review was conducted to develop a preliminary pool of variables from existing global hip fracture registries. Two rounds of an e-Delphi survey were conducted with experts. The e-Delphi survey used a Likert 5-point scale and boundary value analysis to filter the preliminary pool of variables. The list of core variables was finalised following an online consensus meeting with the experts. Thirty-one experts participated. Most of the experts have senior titles and have worked in a corresponding area for more than 15 years. The response rate of the e-Delphi was 100% for both rounds. The preliminary pool of 89 variables was established after reviewing 13 national hip fracture registries. With two rounds of the e-Delphi and the expert consensus meeting, 86 core variables were recommended for inclusion in the registry. This study is the first to recommend a core variable set for the establishment of a Chinese national hip fracture registry. The further development of a registry to routinely collect data from thousands of hospitals will build on this work and improve the quality of management for older hip fracture patients in China.

[Research advances on allergen component-resolved diagnosis in respiratory allergic diseases]

Allergen component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) is an emerging molecular diagnostic technology, which can further clarify the protein profile of allergen components in allergic patients, achieve accurate detection of allergens, and have great significance and value for the precise prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. In this article, the CRD technology and its research progress in respiratory allergic diseases are introduced, and the importance of CRD in the evaluation, prevention and treatment of respiratory allergic diseases are discussed.

Two rare copy number variants involving loss of NPHP1, MALL, and MTLN genes contribute to nephronophthisis-induced nephropathy progression in a family: A case report

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a common pediatric cystic kidney disease, accounting for approximately 10% of end-stage renal failure cases in children. NPHP is primarily diagnosed through the identification of indel mutations and copy number variants (CNVs), and patients carrying NPHP1 mutations usually progress to renal failure at a mean age of 13 years old. However, the association between CNVs containing NPHP1 variations and the progression of NPHP-induced disease remains unclear. Here, we report three NPHP patients in a family. The proband had developed stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 9 years old, and her younger brother and older sister had developed renal failure at 8 and 10 years old, respectively. A genetic diagnosis showed that they carried two rare CNVs, including homozygous loss of NPHP1, MALL, ACTR1AP1, MTLN, and LOC100507334. Heterozygous deletions mainly consisted of non-coding RNA genes on both sides of the CNVs. The proband was in stage 4 of CKD while her brother had progressed to renal failure, probably due to more extensive heterozygous deletion of a 67.115 kbp fragment, which included LIMS3-LOC440895, LOC440895, GPAA1P1, ZBTB45P1, and LINC0112 genes. This report demonstrates that larger CNV deletions, including homozygous NPHP1, MALL, and MTLN mutations and heterozygous deletions, presumably accelerate disease progression. Therefore, early genetic diagnosis plays a crucial role in the intervention and prognosis of these patients.

The health system and health impacts of primary healthcare reform in China: A systematic review

Background

China has undergone a comprehensive primary healthcare(PHC) reform since 2009 aiming to deliver accessible, higher-quality, and equitable healthcare. However, there is limited understanding of the effectiveness of this reform. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on health system and health impacts of this reform.

Methods

We searched 13 international databases and three Chinese databases for quantitative studies assessing the impacts of this reform published between January 2009 and March 2020. We searched for studies in English or Mandarin. Eligible study designs were RCTs, quasi-experimental studies and controlled before-after studies. We included studies that: assessed PHC policies since 2009; had geographical, temporal or population comparators; and assessed any outcome measures of health expenditures, health service utilisation, quality of care or health outcomes. Study quality was assessed using ROBINS-I, and results synthesized narratively. PROSPERO: CRD42021239991.

Results

Of 35,480 titles, 37 studies were included (27 in English and ten in Mandarin). Eight were considered at low risk of bias. The 37 studies covered all major PHC policies since 2009, but mostly focused on the essential medicine (N = 15) and financing (N = 10). The quantity and quality of studies on service delivery policies(e.g., family physician and essential health services), were low(N = 3,with moderate or serious risk of bias). 17 studies found that the PHC reforms promoted primary care utilisation. Its impacts on quality and health improvement appear limited to people with chronic diseases(N = 11). Evidence on primary care costs and OOPs were not clear. Some evidence showed that the reforms were pro-equity with benefits accrued in disadvantaged regions and groups.

Conclusions

Comprehensive PHC reforms can deliver some benefits related to utilisation and health for high-risk and vulnerable populations. Policymakers should continue to prioritize PHC to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Key messages

• The finding suggests that large-scale and comprehensive primary healthcare reforms can deliver benefits related to utilisation and health for high-risk and vulnerable populations.

• Future research should include more robust study designs and seek to better understand the impact of major PHC reforms on quality of care, health outcomes and equity.

Development, Validation, and Utility of Species-Specific Diagnostic Markers for Detection of Peronospora belbahrii

Peronospora belbahrii is an oomycete and the cause of basil downy mildew, one of the most destructive diseases affecting basil production worldwide. Disease management is challenging due to wind-dispersed sporangia and contaminated seed; therefore, identifying P. belbahrii in seed lots before sale or planting or in the field before symptoms develop could allow for timely deployment of disease management strategies. In this study, a draft genome assembly and next-generation sequencing reads for P. belbahrii, as well as publicly available DNA-seq and RNA-seq reads of several other downy mildew pathogens, were incorporated into a bioinformatics pipeline to predict P. belbahrii-specific diagnostic markers. The specificity of each candidate marker was validated against a diverse DNA collection of P. belbahrii, host tissue, and related oomycetes using PCR. Two species-specific markers were identified and used as templates to develop a highly sensitive probe-based real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that could detect P. belbahrii in leaf tissue and seed samples. Both markers were capable of reliably detecting as low as 500 fg/µl of P. belbahrii genomic DNA and as few as 10 sporangia. The qPCR assay was then validated with seed samples collected from a basil cultivar experiment. In total, 48 seed samples were collected and tested; P. belbahrii was detected in samples of all cultivars at estimated concentrations of 600 fg/µl up to 250 pg/µl and at as few as 10 sporangia up to >1,000 sporangia. The markers and assays are valuable for diagnostics and identifying P. belbahrii-contaminated seed lots to mitigate the effects of future basil downy mildew epidemics.

Roles of the protein disulphide isomerases AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 in response to oxidant stress in Apis cerana cerana

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) plays an important role in a variety of physiological processes through its oxidoreductase activity and molecular chaperone activity. In this study, we cloned two PDI family members, AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3, from Apis cerana cerana. AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 had typical sequence features of PDI family members and were constitutively expressed in A. cerana cerana. The expression levels of AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 were generally upregulated after treatment with a variety of environmental stress factors. Inhibition assays showed that E. coli expressing recombinant AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 proteins was more resistant to oxidative stress than control E. coli. In addition, silencing AccPDIA1 or AccPDIA3 in A. cerana cerana resulted in significant changes in the expression levels of several antioxidant-related genes as well as the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and reduced the survival rate of A. cerana cerana under oxidative stress caused by high temperature. In conclusion, our results suggest that AccPDIA1 and AccPDIA3 may play important roles in the antioxidant activities of A. cerana cerana.

A contribution to the knowledge of cave-adapted ground beetles from Guiyang, central Guizhou Province, southwestern China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini)

A new genus and two new species of cavernicolous trechines are reported from central Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Haixiaphaenops gen. nov. is established to place a new species discovered in two limestone caves in northern Qingzhen Shi: H.jinxiaohongae sp. nov. (Dawan Dong cave and Changtu Dong and Dawan Dong caves). This new genus is allied to Zhijinaphaenops Uéno & Ran, 2002. Zhijinaphaenopszhaofeii sp. nov. is described from Zhangkou Dong cave in northern Jiuzhuang Zhen of Xifeng County. In addition, two new localities of the species Zhijinaphaenopsjingliae Deuve & Tian, 2015, and two new localities of SinaphaenopschengguangyuaniMa et al. 2020 are provided. A distribution map for all cavernicolous trechine beetles known in Guiyang is provided.

Delayed Decline of Cognitive Function by Antihypertensive Agents: A Cohort Study Linked with Genotype Data

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension is among factors with the potential for increasing the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly subjects. However, studies investigating the effects of antihypertensives on cognitive function have reported mixed results.

METHODS

We have used the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) to investigate the effect of each class of antihypertensives, both as single and combined, in reducing the rate of conversion from normal to mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

RESULTS

The use of antihypertensive drugs was associated with 21% (Hazard ratio: 0.79, p<01001) delay in the rate of conversion to MCI. This effect was modulated by age, gender, and genotypic APOE4 allele. Among different antihypertensive subclasses, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (24%, HR: 0.76, P=0.004), diuretics (21%, HR: 0.79, P=0.006), and α1-adrenergic blockers (α1-ABs) (23%, HR: 0.77, P=0.034) significantly delayed the rate of MCI conversion. A significant effect was observed with the selective L-type voltage-gated CCBs, dihydropyridines, amlodipine (47%, HR=0.53, P<0.001) and nifedipine (49%, HR=0.51, P=0.012), whereas non-DHPs showed insignificant effect. Loop diuretics, potassium sparing diuretics, and thiazides all significantly reduced the rate of MCI conversion. Combination of α1-AB and diuretics led to synergistic effects; combination of vasodilators plus β-blockers (βBs), and α1-AB plus βBs led to additive effect in delaying the rate of MCI conversion, when compared to a single drug.

CONCLUSION

Our results could have implications for the more effective treatment of hypertensive elderly adults who are likely to be at high risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The choice of combination of antihypertensive therapy should also consider the combination which would lead to an optimum benefit on cognitive function.

[Prospective clinical study on the influence of implant crown and bridge prostheses characteristics on peri-implant disease]

Objective: To investigate the influence of different characteristics of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses on the incidence of peri-implant disease. Methods: Prospective cohort was established for patients who received implant-supported fixed dental prostheses at the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University between June 2014 and September 2015. Several patient-related factors, implant prostheses factors, and oral hygiene maintenance factors were collected. The Log-rank test was used to compare the peri-implant disease rates of various factors, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to conduct multivariate study on single factor significant factors to analyze the impact on the incidence of peri-implant disease. Results: A total of 214 subjects and 351 implants were included in the cohort, the follow-up period was (11.0±3.5) months. Finally, 43.0% (92/214) of patients and 37.3% (131/351) of implants developed peri-implant diseases. The incidence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis was 41.1% (88/214) and 4.2% (9/214) at the subject level,and 34.2% (120/351) and 3.1% (11/351) at the implant level. Among the factors associated with the implant prosthesis, single factor Log-rank analysis showed that prostheses retention methods, proximal contact of the prostheses, occlusion situation were statistical significance (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model showed that screw retention (hazard ratio=2.38, 95%CI: 1.42-3.99), proximal contact loss of the prostheses (hazard ratio=2.36, 95%CI: 1.31-4.27) were independent risk factors for peri-implant disease (P<0.05). Conclusions: Factors such as prostheses retention mode and proximal contact characteristics have important influence on the health status of the implant.

Morphological Adaptation of Cave-Dwelling Ground Beetles in China Revealed by Geometric Morphometry (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini)

Simple Summary

Cavernicolous ground beetles dwelling in China are one of the most diverse and underground-adapted coleopteran group in the world. The tribe Trechini is, among them, the most representative group constituting over 170 known species with a narrow and elongated body and long appendages or a stout body and short appendages. However, very little information about their morphology has been explored. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphological adaptations of this group using geometric morphological methods. The beetles were divided into four different morphological types, including aphaenopsian, semi-aphaenopsian, anophthalmic, and surface-dwelling, and the analysis is based on the morphology of their head, pronotum, and elytra. Our findings indicate that the overall morphological variation of cave trechine beetles has gradually specialized from an anophthalmic to semi-aphaenopsian to aphaenopsian type. Different types have different directions of variation in the head, pronotum, and elytra, but the pronotum is more differentiated and morphologically diverse than the head and elytra.

Abstract

Cave-dwelling ground beetles in China represent the most impressive specific diversity and morphological adaptations of the cavernicolous ground beetles in the world, but they have not been systematically examined in quantitative terms. The present study focuses on the application of geometric morphological methods to address the morphological adaptations of the tribe Trechini, the most representative group in China. We have employed a geometric morphometry analysis of the head, pronotum, and elytra of 53 genera of Trechini, including 132 hypogean and 8 epigean species. Our results showed that the overall morphological variation of cave carabids has gradually specialized from an anophthalmic to semi-aphaenopsian to aphaenopsian type. There were extremely significant differences (p < 0.01) among four different adaptive types including aphaenopsian, semi-aphaenopsian, anophthalmic, and surface-dwelling Trechini when their adaptability to a cave environment was used as the basis for grouping. Furthermore, there were differences in the phenotypic tree of the head, pronotum, and elytra, and an integrated morphology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the analysis of the head, pronotum, and elytra of four different adaptive types of ground beetles in order to clarify the morphological adaptations of cavernicolous carabids to the cave environment.

Two new genera and three new species of cavernicolous trechines from the western Wuling Mountains, China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

Two new genera and three new species of cave-adapted ground beetles belonging to the tribe Trechini are established and described: Wulongiusqilingergen. nov. and sp. nov. from limestone cave Qiankou Dong (Chongqing: Wulong), Qianotrechuscongcongaesp. nov. from cave Shigao Dong (Chongqing: Nanchuan), and Qianlongiuszhouigen. nov. and sp. nov. from cave Qianlong Dong (Guizhou: Songtao). Wulongiusqilingersp. nov. is a small aphaenopsian beetle with a thin and elongated body, while Qianlongiuszhouisp. nov. is a semi-aphaenopsian with a stout body. Both new genera are not closely related to any genus of Trechini occurring in the South China Karst, and so their systematic positions remain unclear.

Acetate promotes lipogenesis in adipocytes but not in hepatocytes of chickens

1.The role of acetate in lipogenesis of chickens remains largely unknown. This trial investigated the effect of sodium acetate (SA) on chicken fat metabolism via in vivo and in vitro experiments.2.The results indicated that supplementation of SA (1.0 g/kg feed) showed marginal to moderate stimulation on the area of the abdominal fat cells and triglyceride (TG) content in liver and adipose tissues. It increased the transcription of some genes involved in fat synthesis and deposition, but did not affect free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) expression in either liver or abdominal fat.3. In cultured hepatocytes treated with 0.01 mM to 5 mM SA, although mRNA levels of ACC1, PPAR, SREBP-1 c, and FFAR2 were upregulated with SA at certain concentrations, TG content and protein expression of lipogenic genes and FFAR2 were not altered at any dosages. In adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes, high concentrations of SA (5 mM) exhibited significant increments in TG content and accumulated fat droplets, associated with stimulated transcription of FAS, LPL, AD, FABP4, and FFAR2, as well as elevated protein expression of FABP4 and FFAR2.4. The results showed that adipocytes were more sensitive to acetate than hepatocytes in chickens. While acetate played a minor role in hepatic fat metabolism, it promoted lipogenesis in adipocytes via FFAR2 with the involvement of FAS, LPL, and FABP4.

Discovery of a new cavernicolous trechine genus and species from a deep pit in Anlong, southwestern Guizhou Province (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

Ckacus youcha n. gen. n. sp. is described and illustrated based on a single male discovered in the deep area of Luoshui Dong, a vertical cave in Anlong Xian, southwestern most of Guizhou Province, Southwest China. This new genus seems related to Bathytrechus Uéno, 2005 from Leye Xian, northwestern most Guangxi by its elongate body which is wholly pubescent, the tridentate right mandible and the well-striated elytra with the 1st interval extremely narrowed at apical 1/3, but differs in several important characters. In addition, three individuals of the species Satotrechus rieae Uéno, 2006 were also collected from -340 m to -450 m in the same cave. This species was formerly only known from four caves in Anlong and Ceheng counties.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit CD8+ T cell immune responses via PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in multiple myeloma

High expression of the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells and tumor stromal cells have been found to play a key role in tumor immune evasion in several human malignancies. However, the expression of PD-L1 on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and whether the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 signal pathway is involved in the BMSCs versus T cell immune response in multiple myeloma (MM) remains poorly defined. In this study, we explored the expression of PD-L1 on BMSCs from newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients and the role of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in BMSC-mediated regulation of CD8⁺ T cells. The data showed that the expression of PD-L1 on BMSCs in NDMM patients was significantly increased compared to that in normal controls (NC) (18·81 ± 1·61 versus 2·78± 0·70%; P < 0·001). Furthermore, the PD-1 expression on CD8⁺ T cells with NDMM patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls (43·22 ± 2·98 versus 20·71 ± 1·08%; P < 0·001). However, there was no significant difference in PD-1 expression of CD4⁺ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells between the NDMM and NC groups. Additionally, the co-culture assays revealed that BMSCs significantly suppressed CD8⁺ T cell function. However, the PD-L1 inhibitor effectively reversed BMSC-mediated suppression in CD8⁺ T cells. We also found that the combination of PD-L1 inhibitor and pomalidomide can further enhance the killing effect of CD8⁺ T cells on MM cells. In summary, our findings demonstrated that BMSCs in patients with MM may induce apoptosis of CD8⁺ T cells through the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and inhibit the release of perforin and granzyme B from CD8⁺ T cells to promote the immune escape of MM.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 regulates Hodgkin's lymphoma cell proliferation and invasion via miR-448 mediated regulation of DCLK1

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether long non-coding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) could regulate Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) cell proliferation and invasion through miR-448, which could target doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) and mediate DCLK1 expression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expressions of NEAT1, miR-448 and DCLK1 were evaluated by qRT-PCR or Western blot assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay were utilized to detect cell proliferation and invasion capability in L428 cells respectively. The target relationship between NEAT1, miR-448 and DCLK1 was confirmed by Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR results showed that NEAT1 expressed higher in HL tissues and cell lines than that in controls. In vitro experiments, NEAT1 downregulation could decrease cell proliferation and invasion capability in L428 cells. NEAT1 directly interacted with miR-448 and negatively regulated it. Moreover, DCLK1 was confirmed as a target of miR-448. DCLK1 expression was increased in L428 cells and positively regulated by NEAT1. NEAT1 overexpression upregulated the protein level of DCLK1 in L428 cells according to Western blot analysis. Additionally, DCLK1 overexpression could reverse the suppression on cell proliferation and invasion capability induced by NEAT1 knockdown or miR-448 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

NEAT1 might be contributed to HL progression by promoting cell proliferation and invasion capability via miR-448 mediated DCLK1 expression.

Effect of miR-26b on gestational diabetes mellitus in rats via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-26b on gestational diabetes mellitus in rats via the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 healthy pregnant female rats were randomly divided into three groups, including group A (normal group), group B (model group), and group C (model + miR-26b group). The differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) among the three groups were analyzed via serum CRP test, morphological observation, quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

The levels of FBG ad CRP were significantly up-regulated in group B when compared with group A (p<0.01). Meanwhile, they increased significantly in group C when compared with group B (p<0.01). Rats in group A exhibited smooth and flat thoracic aortic intimas, as well as neatly arranged smooth muscle cells at the media layer. However, rats in group B showed fractured intimas with enlarged junction gaps, as well as necrotic and detached endothelial cells. Compared with group B, group C exhibited extremely poorly arranged cells at all the layers, rough and rugged intimas, larger areas of necrotic and detached endothelial cells, and markedly worsened lesions. QRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K) was significantly lower in group B than that of group A (p=0.04). Meanwhile, it was markedly lower in group C than that in group B (p=0.04). The expression of p-Akt was remarkably lower in group B than group A (p=0.04), which was also significantly lower in group C than group B (p=0.04). Compared with group A, the expressions of p-PI3K and p-Akt in the thoracic aorta of group B were evidently down-regulated (p<0.01). Furthermore, they decreased markedly in group C when compared with group B (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-26b accelerates the progression of gestational diabetes by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Contribution to the knowledge of subterranean ground beetles from eastern Wuling Mountains, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

Two new genera and three new species of troglobitic trechine beetles are described and illustrated from the eastern part of Wuling Mountains: Xiangxius jiangi n. gen., n. sp. and Guizhaphaenopsodes solidior n. gen., n. sp. from the limestone cave Tangle Dong (Jishou, western Hunan Province); Sinotroglodytes hefengensis n. sp. from the limestone cave Qizimei Dong (Hefeng, southwestern Hubei Province). Xiangxius jiangi is a highly modified cave-adapted beetle with elongate body and appendages, recognized by its peculiar elytral shape and remarkable dorsal and marginal umbilicate pores of elytra. Guizhaphaenopsodes solidior is peculiar for its stout body, robust antennae and pigmented forebody, antennae and legs though it shares several generic important characteristics with the genus Guizhaphaenops Vigna Taglianti, 1997. Sinotroglodytes hefengensis has an elongated and parallel-sided head.

A contribution to the knowledge of cavernicolous ground beetles from Sichuan Province, southwestern China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini, Platynini)

Two new genera and four new species of cave-adapted ground beetles are described from Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Uenoaphaenops gen. nov. is established to place the trechine species Qianotrechus fani Uéno, 2003 occurring in the limestone cave Hua'er Dong, southeastern Sichuan (Luzhou: Gulin). Chu pheggomisetoides gen. nov. & sp. nov., from the limestone cave Hanwang Dong, northeastern Sichuan (Guangyuan: Chaotian), is somewhat like the European cavernicolous trechine genus Pheggomisetes Knirsch, 1923, from Bulgaria and Serbia, in particular in the configurations of head and pronotum. Boreaphaenops liyuani sp. nov., also from Hanwang Dong, is the second representative of the genus and the first record in Sichuan. Agonotrechus sinotroglophilus Deuve, 1999, a troglophile, is reported from Sichuan for the first time. The other two new species belong to the platynine genus Jujiroa Uéno, 1952: J. uenoi sp. nov. from the cave Banche Dong on the northern side of the Dadu River (Leshan: Shawan) and J. wangzheni sp. nov. from the cave Hua'er Dong, which is sympatric with Uenoaphaenops fani (Uéno, 2003) comb. nov. A distribution map for the localities of all abovementioned caves and a key to Jujiroa species known in Sichuan are provided.

New species and new record of cavernicolous ground beetles from Sichuan Province, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pterostichini and Platynini)

Two new species of cave-adapted ground beetles are described and illustrated from Sichuan Province, southwestern China: Jujiroa zhouchaoi sp. nov. from the calcareous conglomerate cave Shenxian Dong in Mt. Zhaogong (Dujiangyan, Chengdu) and Pterostichus (Huaius) hanwang sp. nov. from the limestone cave Hanwang Dong (Chaotian, Guangyuan). A new locality for Jujiroa deliciola Uéno and Kishimoto, 2001 is given. Keys to species of the genus Jujiroa Uéno, 1952 and the subgenus Huaius Tian and Huang, 2019 (in Tian et al. 2019) are also provided.

Two new species of cavernicolous trechines from central Guizhou and northwestern Guangxi, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

Two highly modified new species of cave-adapted trechine beetles are described from Guizhou Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Sinaphaenops (Sinaphaenops) chengguangyuani n. sp. (Guizhou: Longli: cave Shuijing Dong), belonging to the banshanicus species group of the genus Sinaphaenops Uéno Wang, 1991; Giraffaphaenops brevicephalus n. sp. (Guangxi: Leye: cave Dalongguan Dong), being the third species of the genus Giraffaphaenops Deuve, 2002, with a shorter but broader head than its congeners. Keys to identify the species of the banshanicus species group and the genus Giraffaphaenops are provided respectively.

A reference high-pressure CH4 adsorption isotherm for zeolite Y: results of an interlaboratory study

This paper reports the results of an international interlaboratory study led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on the measurement of high-pressure surface excess methane adsorption isotherms on NIST Reference Material RM 8850 (Zeolite Y), at 25 °C up to 7.5 MPa. Twenty laboratories participated in the study and contributed over one-hundred adsorption isotherms of methane on Zeolite Y. From these data, an empirical reference equation was determined, along with a 95% uncertainty interval (Uk=2). By requiring participants to replicate a high-pressure reference isotherm for carbon dioxide adsorption on NIST Reference Material RM 8852 (ZSM-5), this interlaboratory study also demonstrated the usefulness of reference isotherms in evaluating the performance of high-pressure adsorption experiments.

Elevated plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at admission predicts the occurrence of post-stroke fatigue at 6 months after ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common neuropsychiatric affective symptom occurring after stroke. Evidence indicates activated inflammatory pathways are involved in modulating the stroke and fatigue. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is one of the most sensitive indicators of inflammation. Our aim was to estimate the association between plasma hs-CRP and PSF after acute ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

In all, 212 acute ischaemic stroke patients were consecutively recruited within the first 14 days after stroke onset and followed up for 6 months. Plasma hs-CRP levels were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Fatigue severity was assessed using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions. A score ≥ 43 is defined as PSF.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight stroke patients (32.1%) were diagnosed with PSF at 6 months' follow-up. In the patients with PSF, plasma hs-CRP levels were significantly higher compared with those in non-PSF patients (t = -8.524, P ≤ 0.001). In multivariate analyses, plasma levels of hs-CRP were independently associated with PSF at 6 months (odds ratio 3.435, 95% confidence interval 2.222-5.309; P ≤ 0.001) after adjusting other recorded variables. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off value of plasma hs-CRP levels as an indicator for the prediction of PSF was projected to be 0.52 mg/dl, which yielded a sensitivity of 77.9% and a specificity of 74.3%, with the area under the curve 0.794 (95% confidence interval 0.725-0.864; P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma hs-CRP levels at admission were associated with PSF 6 months after stroke, suggesting that these alterations might predict the development of PSF in stroke patients.

Cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary co-management program for the older hip fracture patients in Beijing

The multidisciplinary co-management program for geriatric patients with hip fracture is cost-effective in the Chinese population and it has the potential to be scaled up in China.

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary co-management program for patients with hip fracture in China.

METHODS

Hip fracture patients who were admitted to an orthopedic hospital in Beijing were included in the multidisciplinary co-management program. The cost-effectiveness of intervention was evaluated compared to the conventional management. A Markov microsimulation model was developed to simulate lifetime costs and effectiveness. Costs including intervention, hospitalization, medications, and long-term care costs were expressed using 2019 US dollars and the healthcare perspective was adopted. Effectiveness was evaluated using both 1-year mortality-averted and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Costs and effectiveness were discounted at 5% per annum. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at $26,481 per QALY gained which was three times gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in China. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The lifetime cost for the conventional management (n = 1839) and intervention group (n = 1192) was $11,975 and $13,309 respectively. The lifetime QALYs were 2.38 and 2.45 years and the first-year mortality was 17.8% and 16.1%. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $19,437 per QALY gained or $78,412 per 1-year mortality-averted. Given the Chinese WTP threshold, the intervention had a 78% chance being cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was sensitive to cost of intervention and the proportion of patients who underwent surgery within 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The multidisciplinary co-management program for patients with hip fracture is cost-effective and it has the potential to be scaled up in the Chinese population.

A new anophthalmic trechine genus and two new species from southern Guizhou, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini)

A new genus and two new species of cavernicolous trechine beetles are reported from southern Guizhou Province, Southwest China: Miaotrechus mahua n. gen., n. sp. from the cave Miaoting, Getuhe cave system, Ziyun Miao Buyi Zizhi Xian (Autonomous County), Anshun Shi; M. heweii n. sp. from the cave Jingua Dong, danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao Dong Zizhizhou (Autonomous Prefecture). Miaotrechus might be related to the genus Guizhaphaenops Vigna Taglianti, 1997, but it is an Anophthalmus-like, whereas Guizhaphaenops species are semi-aphaenopsian.

Parenthood and risk of hip fracture: a 10-year follow-up prospective study of middle-aged women and men in China

This prospective study of Chinese adults demonstrated an inverse J-shaped association of number of children with risk of hip fracture in both men and postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older. Women with 2 or 3 children and men with 4 children had the lowest risk of hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Women have higher absolute risks of fracture than men, which is believed to reflect differences in oestrogen exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the associations of number of children with risk of hip fracture between men and women aged over 50 years.

METHODS

The China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) recruited 133,399 women and 110,296 men, aged 50 years or older between 2004 and 2008. During 10-year follow-up, 2068 participants (1394 women and 674 men) suffered a hip fracture. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate sex-specific adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for incident hip fracture.

RESULTS

Over 98% of both subsets of men and women aged 50 or older reported having children. Women who had 2 or 3 children had the lowest risks of hip fracture compared with other groups. Compared with nulliparous women, the adjusted HR for hip fracture were 0.89 (95% CI; 0.72, 1.10) for 1 child, 0.79 (0.70, 0.90) for 2 children, 0.79 (0.72, 0.87) for 3 children, 0.81 (0.72, 0.91) for 4 children, and 0.95 (0.83, 1.10) for those with 5 or more children. The associations of number of children with hip fracture were broadly consistent in men of a similar age.

CONCLUSIONS

The concordant effects of the number of children with risk of hip fracture between men and women suggest that the lower risks in multiparous women are not due to differences in oestrogen exposure or other biological effects, but may reflect residual confounding by socioeconomic or lifestyle factors.

New cavernicolous ground beetles from Anhui Province, China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini, Platynini)

A new genus and three new species of cave-adapted ground beetles are reported from the limestone cave Shenxian Dong in Huangshan Shi, southeastern Anhui Province, China. Shenoblemusgen. nov. is proposed to place the anophthalmic trechine species S.minusculussp. nov. This genus is characterized by the tiny but stout body, sub-moniliform antennae, serrated elytral margins near the base, and a wide distance between the fifth and sixth pores of the marginal umbilicate series on the elytra. In addition, two new species, Wanoblemushuangshanicussp. nov. (an anophthalmic trechine) and Jujiroainexpectatasp. nov. (a microphthalmic platynine), are also described and illustrated from the same cave.

Publisher Correction: Parenthood and risk of hip fracture: a 10-year follow-up prospective study of middle-aged women and men in China

The original version of this article, published on 25 November 2019, unfortunately contained a mistake.

Correlations of the severity of diabetic retinopathy with EPO, Caspase-3 expression and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationships of the severity of diabetic retinopathy with erythropoietin (EPO), Caspase-3 expression, and oxidative stress.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 20 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy hospitalized from January 2017 to January 2018 were enrolled as observation group 1, 20 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were chosen as observation group 2, and 20 patients with idiopathic macular hole were selected as control group. After admission, patients received all necessary examinations and underwent vitrectomy during which vitreous and retinal tissues were taken, and venous blood was collected. Then, the content of EPO, Caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of EPO, Caspase-3, NO, and MDA were measured via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), and the severity of diabetic retinopathy was evaluated by diabetic retinopathy grading score.

RESULTS

Observation group 1 and 2 had significantly decreased the content of EPO (p<0.05) and overtly increased Caspase-3, NO, and MDA content (p<0.05) in comparison with control group. Compared with those in observation group 1, the EPO content was clearly lowered in observation group 2 (p<0.05), and the content of Caspase-3, NO, and MDA was evidently elevated (p<0.05). The diabetic retinopathy grading score was remarkably lower in control group than that in both observation group 1 and observation group 2 (p p<0.05), and it was significantly enhanced in observation group 2 compared with that in observation group 1 (p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the EPO content was negatively correlated with the severity of diabetic retinopathy, while the content of Caspase-3, NO, and MDA was positively related to the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of diabetic retinopathy has a negative association with EPO and positive correlations with Caspase-3, NO, and MDA content.

Contributions to the knowledge of the genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013 from China and Vietnam (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

Cavernicolous trechine beetles of the genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013, known so far only from Vietnam, are reported for the first time from southern China, and new data are also provided regarding this genus from northern Vietnam. Two new Chinese species, T. yinquanicus sp. nov. from cave Yinquan Dong and T. jingxicus sp. nov. from cave Nianluo Dong in Jingxi County, southwesternmost Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are described and illustrated, together with the descriptions of two new Vietnamese species: T. anthonyi sp. nov. from the cave Hang Dõi and T. impunctatus sp. nov. from the cave Hang Rắn in Cao Bằng province. A key to all known species of Tonkinaphaenops is also provided.

Determination of Clopidol Residues in Chicken Tissues by Liquid Chromatography: Collaborative Study

Eighteen laboratories participated in a collaborative study on the determination of clopidol residues in chicken muscle tissues by liquid chromatography. Of these, results from 16 laboratories which rigorously followed the method were subjected to statistical analysis. The method performance was assessed by all participants using 14 samples of chicken muscle fortified at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 mg/kg. In addition, 9 participants each reported results for 6 clopidol-incurred samples in chicken muscle. Test portions were extracted with acetonitrile, and the extracts were purified with alumina and anion exchange resin solid-phase extraction cartridges in sequence. Clopidol was separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and quantified at 270 nm. Average recoveries ranged from 81.8 to 85.4%, reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 11.9 to 22.6%, and repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 9.9 to 15.1%. For clopidol-incurred samples at concentrations of 0.100–0.687 mg/kg, the mean determination value range was 0.099–0.659 mg/kg; RSDR was 12.6–19.8%, RSDr was 3.1–8.5%; and HORRAT values were 0.7–1.1. The accuracy and precision of the method are in conformity with the requirements specified by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. The method was adopted Official First Action in April 2003.

[Preliminary evaluation and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cell transplantation from allogenic diabetic rats in the treatment of diabetic rat wounds]

Objective: To investigate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from allogeneic diabetic rats can promote wound healing in diabetic rats or not and the mechanism. Methods: (1) Fifty-six male Wistar rats aged 12-16 weeks were divided into diabetic group and healthy group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 28 rats in each group. Rats in healthy group were not treated with any treatment. Rats in diabetic group were injected with 10 g/L streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally in one time to establish the diabetic model. Four rats in diabetic group and 4 rats in healthy group were selected according to the random number table, and the adipose tissue in the inguinal region was taken to culture and purify ASCs, so as to obtain healthy rat-derived ASCs (hereinafter referred to as nASCs) and diabetic rat-derived ASCs (hereinafter referred to as dASCs). The third passage of nASCs (n=3) and dASCs (n=3) were taken, and the positive expression rates of cell surface differentiation antigens CD105, CD31, CD34, and CD44 were detected with flow cytometer for defining ASCs purity. (2) The rest 24 rats in healthy group and 24 rats in diabetic group were used to make three round full-thickness skin defect wounds with a diameter of 12 mm on the back of each rat. Immediately after injury, phosphate buffer saline (PBS), nASCs of 2×10(7)/mL, and dASCs of 2×10(7)/mL each in the volume of 0.5 mL were subcutaneously injected into three wounds and their margins of each rat, respectively. On post injury day (PID) 1, 3, 7, and 12, 6 rats in each group were selected according to the random number table to calculate the wound area, and the wound tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe the histological morphology of the wound. (3) Human ASCs (hASCs) were subcultured, and the 4th to 7th passage of cells were used for the subsequent experiments. The hASCs were divided into 7 groups, with 12 samples in each group. Cells in blank control group were cultured with mesenchymal stem cell culture medium, and cells in simple advanced glycation end products (AGEs) group, simple protein group, simple high glucose group, simple high osmotic pressure group, AGEs-high glucose combination group, and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group were cultured with mesenchymal stem cell culture medium containing a final mass concentration of 100 mg/L AGEs, 100 mg/L bovine serum albumin (BSA), 28 mmol/L D-glucose, 28 mmol/L mannitol, 100 mg/L AGEs+ 28 mmol/L D-glucose, 100 mg/L BSA+ 28 mmol/L mannitol, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 at post culture hour (PCH) 2 and on post culture day (PCD) 2, 4 and 6. (4) The hASCs were divided into blank control group, simple AGE group, simple high glucose group, and AGE-high glucose combination group, with 12 samples in each group, which were treated the same as corresponding groups in experiment (3). On PCD 0, 2, 4, and 6, the positive expression rates of cell surface differentiation antigens CD105, CD44, and CD45 were detected by flow cytometer to estimate their homeostasis. (5) The hASCs were divided into AGE-high glucose combination group and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group, with 9 samples in each group, which were treated the same as corresponding groups in experiment (3). On PCD 2, 4, and 6, the expression of intracellular protein was detected by cyanine 3-streptavidin double-antibody sandwich technique. Data were processed with analysis of variance for factorial design, least significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) The positive expression rates of CD44 in nASCs and dASCs were both higher than 96%, the positive expression rates of CD31 and CD34 were low, and the positive expression rates of CD105 were about 40%, which basically met the purity requirements. (2) The areas of wounds treated by three methods in rats of healthy group and diabetic group were similar on PID 1 (P>0.05). In healthy group, compared with (0.682 1±0.078 9), (0.314 3±0.113 7), and (0.064 3±0.002 1) cm(2) of the PBS-treated wounds in rats, the area of nASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3, 7, and 12 [(0.464 1±0.092 6), (0.223 9±0.072 7), and (0.034 3±0.012 5) cm(2), P<0.05], the area of dASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3 and 12 [(0.514 1±0.124 1) and (0.043 7±0.032 8) cm(2), P<0.05] but was not obviously changed on PID 7 [(0.274 2±0.062 5) cm(2), P>0.05]. Compared with those of the dASCs-treated wounds of rats within the same group, the area of the nASCs-treated wounds of rats in healthy group decreased significantly on PID 3 and 7 (P<0.05) but was not obviously changed on PID 12 (P>0.05). In diabetic group, compared with (0.853 5±0.204 8), (0.670 5±0.164 8), and (0.131 4±0.074 4) cm(2) of the PBS-treated wounds in rats, the area of nASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3, 7, and 12 [(0.633 4±0.132 5), (0.331 8±0.023 5), and (0.074 2±0.003 8) cm(2), P<0.05], the area of dASCs-treated wounds in rats decreased significantly on PID 3 [(0.773 6±0.182 2) cm(2), P<0.05] but was not obviously changed on PID 7 and 12 [(0.510 6±0.192 2) and (0.114 4±0.003 1) cm(2), P>0.05]. Compared with the dASCs-treated wounds of rats within the same group, the area of the nASCs-treated wounds of rats in diabetic group was not obviously changed on PID 3 and 7 (P>0.05) but decreased significantly on PID 12 (P<0.05). There was no obvious difference in histological morphology of the wounds treated with three methods in rats of each group on PID 1. On PID 3, a small amount of microvessels were formed in the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in both groups, but microvessel formation was almost undetected in the PBS-treated wounds. On PID 7, more small blood vessels and fibroblasts (Fbs) were observed in the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in both groups, but the small blood vessels and Fbs were slightly less in the PBS-treated wounds. On PID 12, the wounds treated with nASCs and dASCs of rats in the two groups were covered by epithelial tissue, the granulation tissue in the PBS-treated wounds of rats in healthy group was not obvious, and the PBS-treated wounds of rats in diabetic group were not completely epithelialized. (3) Compared with those of blank control group, the cell number of hASCs in simple AGEs group decreased significantly on PCD 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05), which increased significantly on PCD 2 and 4 in simple high glucose group (P<0.05), and that in AGEs-high glucose combination group decreased significantly on PCD 4 and 6 (P<0.05). (4) Compared with that on PCD 4 within the same group, the positive expression rate of CD105 in hASCs decreased significantly in blank control group, simple AGEs group, and AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 6 (P<0.05). The positive expression rate of CD44 was higher than 95%, and that of CD45 was less than 2% in hASCs of each group at each time point. (5) Detection values of 7 proteins were located in the confidence interval. The expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group and protein-high osmotic pressure combination group showed increasing trend with the prolongation of culture time. The expression level of human monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group showed increasing trend with the prolongation of culture time, while the expression level of growth-regulated oncogene (GRO) on PCD 6 was significantly higher than that on PCD 4 within the same group (P<0.05); the expression levels of MCP-1 and GRO in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group showed decreasing trend with the prolongation of culture time. The expression level of follistatin in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group decreased obviously on PCD 4, while that in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group was significantly lower on PCD 6 than that on PCD 4 (P<0.05). The expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group decreased gradually with the prolongation of culture time, while that in hASCs of AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 4 decreased significantly as compared with that on PCD 2 (P<0.05). The expression level of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in hASCs of protein-high osmotic pressure combination group on PCD 6 was significantly higher than that on PCD 4 within the same group (P<0.05) and that of AGEs-high glucose combination group on PCD 6 (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both nASCs and dASCs can promote wound healing in rats with simple defect injury, but dASCs have no significant effect on wound healing in rats with diabetes mellitus, which may be related to the inhibition of ASCs proliferation and the influence of high glucose and AGEs intervention on their homeostasis and secretory function.

Discovery of a cavernicolous trechine species from the Sanwang Dong-Erwang Dong cave system, Wulong, Chongqing, southwestern China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

Qianaphaenops (Sanwangius) rowselli Tian et Chen, n. subgen., n. sp. is described from the Sanwang Dong-Erwang Dong cave system, northeastern Wulong, southern Chongqing, southwestern China. Sanwangius is markedly distinct by several important features from subgenera Qianaphaenops (s. str.) Uéno, 2000 and Tiankengius Tian et Huang, 2018. Larval characteristics of this new species are also provided. This is the first report of a Qianaphaenops species from Chongqing.

[Thoughts and principles of diagnosis and treatment of chronic refractory wounds in China]

The correct thoughts and principles of diagnosis and treatment of chronic refractory wounds need to be formulated. Through the relevant domestic and international consensus and based on clinical experience, the Thoughts and principles of diagnosis and treatment of chronic refractory wounds in China is proposed. It is considered that in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic refractory wounds, in the case of fully understanding the patient's medical history, the following thoughts and principles should be complied in order. (1) Pay attention to the cleanliness of the wound after being cleaned. (2) Reasonably perform debridement to avoid being " excessive" or " not thorough". (3) Reasonably perform examination, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of pathogenic factors. (4) Treat according to etiology. (5) Find comorbidities and prevent adverse outcomes. (6) Select the correct wound treatment method reasonably and timely. When the conservative wound care treatment is considered, pay attention to embodying the concept of etiological treatment, treat the wound according to the principles of safety, phase, selectivity, and effectiveness, and make a reasonable choice of continuing conservative treatment or surgical treatment in time after completing the preparation of the wound bed. When surgical treatment is considered, pay attention to the selection of reasonable surgical method and donor site, pay attention to the healing rate of surgical wound site and the outcome of donor site, and give reasonable protection to the wound site after surgery. (7) Carry out rehabilitation treatment after wound healing and related health education.

Cup-on-cup technique to manage severe protrusio acetabular defects

Previous studies have demonstrated that revision of total hip arthroplasty consumes considerably more resources than the primary procedure. Worse, patients who need revision procedures are more likely to have radiographic evidence of acetabular and femoral bone loss than those undergone primary total hip arthroplasty. Many techniques have been introduced to manage different conditions of acetabular deficiencies. We describe a rare case of a 67-year-old man with severe acetabular bone loss, which was caused by a long-term loose acetabular component and was successfully managed by cup-on-cup technique. We also discuss the similarities and differences between cup-on-cup and cup-in-cup techniques in the management of protrusio acetabular defects, with a case-based approach.

A contribution to Dongodytes (s. str.) Deuve, 1993 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

The hypogean genus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, one of the most cave-adapted genera of ground beetles, is distributed in northern Guangxi, ranging from Mashan through Du’an, Bama, and Fengshan to Tian’e. Review of nominate subgenus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, with new records for D.fowleri Deuve, 1993 and D.grandis Uéno, 1998 are provided. Meanwhile, Dongodytestonywhittenisp. n. is described from a limestone cave in Bama County. This interesting species is dedicated to the late Dr. Tony Whitten, a well-known cave biodiversity conservationist in Asia. A key to all species of Dongodytes (s. str.) is also provided.

Determination of the maximum tolerated dose of intranasal sufentanil and midazolam in Chinese: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD, the dose of causing 10% respiratory depression) of intranasal sufentanil (SUF) and midazolam (MID) for sedation during gastroscopy by continual reassessment method (CRM).

METHODS

Patients (18-65 years old) scheduled for gastroscopy were recruited in this study. Subjects received intranasal SUF and MID for sedation. The dose of MID (5 mg) was fixed, while the dose of SUF was increased progressively (six incremental doses ranging from 0-0.60 μg/kg, n = 3 for each dose). The first cohort received a conservative, predetermined dose of 5 mg MID and 0 μg/kg SUF, subsequent cohorts received doses of SUF that were determined by the responses of all previous patients using Bayesian-based software. The dose allocated to the next cohort is the one with an updated posterior response probability closest to 10%.

RESULTS

Thirty Chinese patients scheduled for gastroscopy were included. Probability of respiratory depression at each dose was as follows: 5 mg MID + 0 μg/kg SUF, 0.4%; 5 mg MID + 0.1 μg/kg SUF, 0.8%; 5 mg MID + 0.2 μg/kg SUF, 1.8%; 5 mg MID + 0.3 μg/kg SUF, 3.7%; 5 mg MID + 0.4 μg/kg SUF, 9.9%; 5 mg MID + 0.5 μg/kg SUF, 17.8%; 5 mg MID + 0.6 μg/kg SUF, 36.0%.

CONCLUSION

The MTD of intranasal MID and SUF for sedation during gastroscopy causing 10% respiratory depression is 5 mg MID + 0.4 μg/kg SUF, based on CRM.

Contribution to the knowledge of the cavernicolous beetle genus Aspidaphaenops Uéno from Guizhou (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

The hypogean ground beetle genus Aspidaphaenops Uéno, 2006 is reviewed. Some new information of A. reflexus Uéno, 2006 is provided, including the male genital characteristics as well as a new locality. Two new species are described and illustrated from southwestern Guizhou Province, southwest China: A. xiongda n. sp. (Guizhou: Anlong: Fengyan Dong), A. dudou n. sp. (Guizhou: Xingyi: Xiaozi Dong). A key to all Aspidaphaenops species is also provided.