An Immunomodulatory Hydrogel by Hyperthermia-Assisted Self-Cascade Glucose Depletion and ROS Scavenging for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Wound Therapeutics

Current therapeutic protocols for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a severe and rapidly growing chronic complication in diabetic patients, remain nonspecific. Hyperglycemia-caused inflammation and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are common obstacles encountered in DFU wound healing, often leading to impaired recovery. These two effects reinforce each other, forming an endless loop. However, adequate and inclusive methods are still lacking to target these two aspects and break the vicious cycle. This study proposes a novel approach for treating DFU wounds, utilizing an immunomodulatory hydrogel to achieve self-cascade glucose depletion and ROS scavenging to regulate the diabetic microenvironment. Specifically, AuPt@melanin-incorporated (GHM3) hydrogel dressing is developed to facilitate efficient hyperthermia-enhanced local glucose depletion and ROS scavenging. Mechanistically, in vitro/vivo experiments and RNA sequencing analysis demonstrate that GHM3 disrupts the ROS-inflammation cascade cycle and downregulates the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, consequently improving the therapeutic outcomes for dorsal skin and DFU wounds in diabetic rats. In conclusion, this proposed approach offers a facile, safe, and highly efficient treatment modality for DFUs.

[The Effect of Ena/VASP Family on the Expression of GPIb-IX Complex in Human Megakaryoblastic Leukemia Dami Cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of Ena/VASP gene family on the expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells.

METHODS

SiRNAs targeting Ena/VASP gene family were designed and synthesized to interfere Enah, EVL and VASP gene expression. When the siRNAs were transfected into Dami cells by using Lipofectamine^TM 2000 for 48 h, the expression of GPIb-IX complex was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We successfully established siVASP , siEVL and si Enah Dami cell lines. And it was found that the expression of GPIb-IX complex had no evident reduction in siEVL or siVASP Dami cells at both mRNA and protein level, while the total protein and membrane protein of GPIb-IX complex were obviously reduced when Enah was knocked down.

CONCLUSION

Enah could affect the expression of GPIb-IX complex in human megakaryoblastic leukemia Dami cells, but the underlying mechanism still needs to be further explored.

[Main Factors Influencing the Platelet Spreading]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the main factors of platelet spreading and provide the foundation for related research.

METHODS

Platelets (2×10⁷/ml) were draw from C57BL/6J mouse and kept at 22 ℃ for 1-2 hours. Platelets (2×10⁷/ml) were were allowed to adhere and spread on the fibrinogen-coated slides, after staining F-actin in platelets, the platelets were observed with the confocal microscopy. The effects of different concentrations of fibrinogen (10 μg/ml, 30 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml) and kinds of agonists ［thrombin(0.01,0.05,0.1 U/ml), ADP（5,10,20 μmol/L）, U46619（0.125,0.25,0.5 μmol/L）］ on platelets were analyzed. The platelet spreading was successful if the spreading rate was higher after treated with agonists.

RESULTS

Compared to the group which coated with 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml fibrinogen, the platelet density is optimal when coated with 30 μg/ml fibrinogen. In addition, under the stimulation of thrombin, ADP and U46619, the spreading rate of platelets showed a certain concentration-dependent increasing.

CONCLUSION

The platelet spreading is easily influenced by various factors, the platelet spreading can be induced successfully at 0.1 U/ml thrombin, 20 μmol/L ADP and 0.5 μmol/L U46619 on the slide coated with 30 μg/ml fibrinogen.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote the metastasis and growth of non-small-cell lung cancer cells through NF-κB/PP2Ac-positive feedback loop

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with its aggressive biological behavior, is one of the most diagnosed cancers. Tumor‐associated inflammatory cells play important roles in the interaction between chronic inflammation and lung cancer, however the mechanisms involved are far from defined. In the present study, by developing an orthotopic NSCLC mouse model based on chronic inflammation, we proved that an inflammatory microenvironment accelerated the growth of orthotopic xenografts in vivo. Tumor‐associated macrophages, the most abundant population of inflammatory cells, were identified. Treatment with macrophage‐conditioned medium (MCM) promoted the growth and migration of NSCLC cells. Using bioinformatics analysis, we identified downregulated PP2Ac expression in NSCLC cells upon treatment with MCM. We further confirmed that this downregulation was executed in an NF‐κB pathway‐dependent manner. As IκB kinase (IKK) has been proved to be a substrate of PP2Ac, inhibition on PP2Ac could result in amplification of NF‐κB pathway signaling. Overexpression of PP2Ac, or the dominant‐negative forms of IKK or IκB, attenuated the acceleration of growth and metastasis by MCM. Using bioinformatics analysis, we further identified that CXCL1 and COL6A1 could be downstream of NF‐κB/PP2Ac pathway. Luciferase assay and ChIP assay further confirmed the location of response elements on the promoter regions of CXCL1 and COL6A1. Elevated CXCL1 facilitated angiogenesis, whereas upregulated COL6A1 promoted proliferation and migration.

Prognostic evaluation of resectable colorectal cancer using platelet-associated indicators

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common malignancy worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive values of platelet-associated indicators, including platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in patients with resectable CRC. The current retrospective study included 153 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with resectable CRC. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of PLT, PCT, MPV or PDW. To evaluate the changes in PLT, PCT, MPV and PDW following resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the concept of post-/pre-treatment PLT, PCT, MPV and PDW ratios was introduced, where <1 indicated decreased PLT, PCT, MPV and PDW values after treatment, and where ≥1 suggested stable or increased values. It was revealed that a low MPV prior to treatment correlated with a higher tumor stage. Surgery significantly decreased MPV, but had no impact on PLT, PCT or PDW. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly decreased PLT and PCT, increased MPV and had no effect on PDW. After the whole course of treatment (surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy), PLT, PCT and PDW were significantly decreased. Kaplan-Meier plots illustrated that patients with a post-/pre-treatment MPV ratio <1 had poorer overall survival (OS), whereas the post-/pre-treatment ratios for PLT, PCT and PDW did not correlate with patient outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that sex, tumor size and the post-/pre-treatment MPV ratio were prognostic factors for OS. Therefore, the present results may suggest MPV as a potential prognostic factor in resectable CRC.

Prognostic Values of Platelet-Associated Indicators in Resectable Lung Cancers

Background:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Platelet-related indictors, including platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width, not only associate with morphology and functions of platelet but also correlate with tumor development and metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the values of platelet-related indictors in the prognosis evaluation of resectable lung cancers.

Methods:

In total, 101 patients with resectable lung cancer were recruited in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median pretreatment values. To evaluate the individual value changes after treatment, we introduced the concept of post-/pretreatment ratio (≤1 indicated value was not increased after treatment, while >1 suggested increased value).

Results:

The high pretreatment platelet count level was correlated with larger tumor size. High pretreatment plateletcrit level was associated with more lymph nodes metastasis. Patients with high pretreatment plateletcrit level had worse overall survival, whereas pretreatment platelet count, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width levels were not correlated with outcomes. Surgery had no impact on the values of platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, or platelet distribution width. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly decreased the values of platelet count and plateletcrit, whereas it had no effect on the values of mean platelet volume or platelet distribution width. Whole course of treatment (surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy) significantly decreased the values of platelet count and platelet distribution width, whereas it had no effect on the values of plateletcrit or mean platelet volume. Post-/pretreatment platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width ratios were not correlated with outcomes. Univariate analyses demonstrated that American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and pretreatment plateletcrit level were significant risk factors for prognosis. Cox regression analysis revealed that no factor independently associated with worse survival.

Conclusion:

Pretreatment plateletcrit level could be a potential prognostic factor in resectable lung cancers.

Values of applying white blood cell counts in the prognostic evaluation of resectable colorectal cancer

The count and classification of white blood cells (WBCs) may be used as prognostic markers in certain types of cancer. The present study investigated the prognostic potential of the counts of WBCs, including lymphocytes (LYs), monocytes (MOs), neutrophils (NEs), eosinophils (EOs) and basophils (BAs), in the prognosis of resectable colorectal cancer. The present study recruited 153 resectable colorectal cancer cases retrospectively, which were pathologically confirmed. All patients were divided into two groups, according to the median value of LY (low LY, ≤1.632x109/l or high LY, >1.632x109/l), MO (low MO, ≤0.330x109/l or high MO, >0.330x109/l), NE (low NE, ≤3.600x109/l or high NE, >3.600x109/l), EO (low EO, ≤0.085x109/l or high EO, >0.085x109/l), BA (low BA, ≤0.010x109/l or high BA, >0.010x109/l), or WBC (low WBC, ≤5.780x109/l or high WBC, >5.780x109/l). To evaluate the alterations in WBC counts following surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy; all samples received oxiplatin and capecitabine (XELOX) for 6‑8 cycles or 5‑fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) for 10‑12 cycles. XELOX included oxaliplatin administered intravenously at a dose of 130 mg/m2 on day 1 and 850‑1,250 mg/m2 capecitabine twice daily for days 1‑14, repeated every 3 weeks. mFOLFOX6 included oxaliplatin administered intravenously at a dose of 85 mg/m2, 400 mg/m2 leucovorin and 400 mg/m2 5‑FU on day 1 followed by 1,200 mg/m2/days continuous infusion for 2 days (in total, 2,400 mg/m2 over 46‑48 h), repeated every 2 weeks. The present study investigated the post/pre‑treatment of LY, MO, NE, EO, BA and WBC ratios (≤1 indicated that LY, MO, NE, EO, BA and WBC counts were not increased following therapy; whereas, >1 suggested increased counts). Kaplan‑Meier curves were constructed to demonstrate overall survival (OS). A multivariate and univariate logistic regression analyses model was employed to identify the independent risk factors. Low pre‑treatment BA counts were associated with larger tumor size (>5 cm); pre‑treatment BA levels were positively associated with OS. Surgery significantly decreased the count of BAs and increased the count of EOs; whereas, no effect was observed on LYs, MOs, NEs or WBCs. Adjuvant chemotherapy markedly decreased the counts of LY, NE and WBC; whereas, no notable effects on MOs, EOs or BAs were observed. Whole course treatment (surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy) significantly decreased the values of LY, NE and WBC; however, increased the value of EO; no effects on the MO or BA counts were observed. An increased post‑/pre‑treatment NE ratio suggested poorer prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that sex, tumor size, pre‑treatment BA count and the post‑/pre‑treatment NE ratio were independent prognostic factors affecting OS. The results of the present study suggested that the pre‑treatment BA count and post‑/pre‑treatment NE ratio may be potential prognostic factors for resectable colorectal cancer.

The values of applying classification and counts of white blood cells to the prognostic evaluation of resectable gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

The classifications and counts of white blood cells (WBCs) have been proved to be able to be used as prognostic markers in cancer cases. The present study investigated the potential values of the classifications and counts of WBC, including lymphocyte (LY), monocyte (MO), neutrophil (NE), eosinophil (EO), and basophil (BA) in the prognosis of resectable gastric cancers (GCs).

METHODS

This retrospective study recruited 104 resectable GC cases which were pathologically confirmed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median pre-treatment values. To evaluate the changes in WBC counts and classification after treatment, we introduced the concept of post/pre-treatment ratios (≤ 1 indicated count was not increased after therapy, while > 1 suggested increased count).

RESULTS

Pre-treatment NE and total WBC counts were negatively correlated with overall survival (OS). Surgery significantly decreased the level of NE count, but increased the level of EO, whereas had no effect on the levels of LY, MO, BAor total WBC. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly decreased the level of BA. Whole course of treatment (surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy) had no significant effect on the counts of LY, MO, NE, EO, BA or total WBC. Post/pre-treatment ratios of LY, MO NE, EO, BA and total WBC levels had no effects on OS. Univariate analysis indicated that AJCC stage (III) and higher level of pre-treatment total WBC count were prognostic factors affecting OS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that AJCC stage (III) and higher level of pre-treatment total WBC count were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-treatment NE count and pre-treatment total WBC count may be potential prognostic factors for the prognostic evaluation of GCs.

Direct precision frequency measurement and correction technology with double ADC

A new method of direct precision frequency measurement is proposed in this paper, which uses the clock cursor effect between the sampling clock signal and input signal and ADC (analog to digital converter) quantization error suppression technique in the background of digital measurement with double ADC. On this basis, a precision frequency corrector is designed. Compared with the traditional frequency synthesizer, this device takes the non-standard frequency signal of the crystal oscillator as the reference to realize the standard frequency signal output through the frequency correction function. Meanwhile, the output signal is obviously narrower in range, from 0.0001 Hz to 0.1 Hz. The frequency corrector can also realize the second stability of less than 3 × 10^-12 and a small frequency correction of 10^-11 orders of magnitude.

Response of cochlear potentials to presumed alterations of ionic conductance: endolymphatic perfusion of barium, valinomycin and nystatin

Two models ('single-pump' and 'two-pump') of transepithelial potassium movement by the marginal cells of the stria vascularis have been proposed in the literature. Their validity was considered by exposing the endolymphatic (luminal) surface to agents (barium, valinomycin and nystatin) which are known to alter specific cellular membrane conductances in other tissues. This was accomplished by the use either of injections or of a relatively satisfactory technique for perfusion of scala media, which is described. Injection of barium caused the endocochlear potential (EP) to increase in normal animals and had no effect on the EP of deaf, Waltzing guinea pigs. Perfusion of the ionophores caused a decline in the EP in both normal and Waltzing guinea pigs. Only the 'two-pump' model (Na/K-ATPase-mediated cation pump on the basolateral membrane and rheogenic K transporter at the luminal membrane) is consistent with the results. The cellular heterogeneity of the cochlear duct, however, introduces a measure of uncertainty into this interpretation.

The pathophysiology of compression injuries of the peripheral facial nerve

The buccolabial branches of guniea pig facial nerves were crushed to produce axonotmesis, Wallerian degeneration, and demyelination. The lesions were followed from 1 to 8 weeks by transmission electron microscopy, electrophysiological tests, and cytochemical staining methods for Na+ channels. The first week demonstrated the classic degenerative neural changes. At 2 weeks the axoplasmic side of the demyelinated axolemma demonstrated diffuse staining for Na+ channels at a distance of 1 micrometer. At 4 weeks multiple condensed areas of dense staining were noted along the demyelinated axolemma. These staining areas resemble in character and length a normal node of Ranvier and denote new Na+ channels. The internodal distance is shorter than for the normal facial nerve. At 6 weeks a thin layer of myelin covered the nerve fibers. At 8 weeks half of the nerves were normal sized and the myelin sheath was normal in width. Following nerve crushing, electrical activity is present for 24-48 hours in the axonotmetic distal stump. Then the axon becomes unresponsive to electrical stimulation. There is gradual resumption of electrical activity between 5 and 14 days. Normal conduction resumes by 8 weeks. This study provides ultrastructural and cytochemical evidence for nerve fiber reorganization, axolemmal plasticity and sodium channel production and redistribution following Wallerian degeneration and demyelination in axonotmesis. Resumption of electrical neural excitability is achieved by an increase in the density of sodium channels and reduction in the internodal distance as a means for impedence matching. Reduction of the cross sectional diameter of the regenerating axon facilitates electrical conduction.

Comparison of the non-adrenergic action of phentolamine with that of vanadate on cochlear function

Two drugs, which upon superficial examination appeared to be acting on common processes, have been found upon closer investigation to act by quite different means. Both act primarily at the organ of Corti, causing a pronounced increase of the endocochlear potential and a depression of the cochlear microphonic (CM). These effects are accompanied by the elimination of a negative component of the EP; however, it was found that these three effects are produced by phentolamine in scala media (or, more slowly, in scala tympani) but by vanadate only in scala tympani. This difference in locus of action isd manifested further by different changes of the summating potential (SP): phentolamine has little effect on the magnitude of SP-, while vanadate leads to an elevated SP-. In spite of this difference in the 'zeroth order harmonic', the second harmonic of the CM is depressed by both agents. It is argued that phentolamine may act either by blocking the acoustically-modulated ion channels in the luminal membranes of the hair cells or by inducing a large, non-selective, paracellular conductance in the organ of Corti. The present results, in conjunction with our previous results (Marcus, D.C., DeMott, J.E., Kobayashi, T., Ge, X.-X. and Thalmann, R. (1981): Hearing Res. 5, 231-243), are further interpreted as suggesting that vanadate may initially act by depolarizing the hair cells.

Development of the hypotympanum in the human fetus and neonate

The human hypotympanum develops over a 10-week period in utero (22-32 weeks) as a triphasic osseous mosaic. The tympanic bone ossifies as a membranous bone (8-36 weeks in utero). The canalicular otic capsule ossifies in cartilage by 26 weeks in utero. A petrosal ledge of bone ossifies as periosteal bone at 24-29 weeks in utero. The fusion of these three bony structures closes the hypotympanum and forms two persistent hypotympanic fissures. The medial hypotympanic fissure forms between the canalicular otic capsule and petrosa at 24 weeks in utero. It transmits the medial hypotympanic artery and vein (from the posterior CNS circulation) and Jacobson's nerve (from the ninth nerve). The lateral hypotympanum fissure forms between the tympanic bone and the petrosa at 29 weeks in utero. It transmits the lateral hypotympanic artery and vein from the external carotid circulation. The two vascular supplies form a rich hypotympanic plexus on the floor of the middle ear. The fibrous annulus and middle layer of the tympanic membrane form an avascular plane.

Specificity of action of vanadate to the organ of corti

Although vanadate strongly inhibits Na/K-ATPase activity of the stria vascularis in vitro, it initially causes no depression of the ouabain-sensitive endocochlear potential (EP) when perfused perilymphatically or via the vasculature. However, when the perilymph of scala tympani is replaced with artificial media containing 0.1 to 1 mM vanadate, there is a large (about 17 mV) increase in the EP of the second cochlear turn. Further experiments showed that the cochlear microphonics declined during the time in which the EP increased, and that the response of these two potentials to vanadate is greater in the second turn than in the first. Injection of 50 n1 of 1 mM vanadate (in artificial endolymph) into the endolymphatic space of the second turn caused no increase in the EP. These results support the notion that the early effects of vanadate are on the contra-luminal membranes of cells of the organ of Corti rather than on the stria vascularis. By superimposing anoxia or furosemide (i.v.) upon vanadate intoxication, we determined that the initial increase of the compound EP due to vanadate alone was due to a reduction in magnitude of the negative component of the EP. It is argued that of the three prevalent theories concerning the generation of the negative EP, the data tend to support the hypothesis that the intracellular potential of the hair cells gives rise to the negative EP.

Labyrinthine segment and geniculate ganglion of facial nerve in fetal and adult human temporal bones

The later stages of development (15-40 weeks in utero) of the geniculate ganglion and labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve in the human fetus demonstrate minimal neuronal growth. The vascular supply is well established. The major changes occur in the perineural ossification pattern. The canal of the labyrinthine facial nerve segment ossifies first via the petrous apex and periotic capsule. The narrowest portion of the canal is at the geniculate ganglion in the earlier stages and at the fundus of the internal auditory canal at term. The geniculate ganglion area ossifies by means of two bony plates. The medial plate is a derivate of the periosteal growth of the petrous apex and the lateral plate is an extension of membranous bone from the squama. The major relationships to the middle ear do not change. The hiatus of the facial canal diminishes in size during gestation, but remains patent at birth.