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Background and Objectives@#Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the origins of myofibroblasts in renal interstitial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) alleviating EMT has been proved, but the concrete mechanism is unclear. To explore the mechanism, serum-free MSCs conditioned medium (SF-MSCs-CM) was used to treat rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) which ameliorated EMT. @*Methods@#and Results: Galectin-3 knockdown (Gal-3 KD) and overexpression (Gal-3 OE) lentiviral vectors were established and transfected into NRK-52E. NRK-52E fibrosis model was induced by TGF-β1 and treated with the SF-MSCs-CM for 24 h after modelling. Fibrosis and autophagy related indexes were detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry. In model group, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), Galectin-3, Snail, Kim-1, and the ratios of P-Akt/Akt, P-GSK3β/GSK3β, P-PI3K/PI3K, P-mTOR/mTOR, TIMP1/MMP9, and LC3B-II/I were obviously increased, and E-Cadherin (E-cad) and P62 decreased significantly compared with control group. SF-MSCs-CM showed an opposite trend after treatment compared with model group. Whether in Gal-3 KD or Gal-3 OE NRK-52E cells, SF-MSCs-CM also showed similar trends. However, the effects of anti-fibrosis and enhanced autophagy in Gal-3 KD cells were more obvious than those in Gal-3 OE cells. @*Conclusions@#SF-MSCs-CM probably alleviated the EMT via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. Meanwhile, Gal-3 KD possibly enhanced autophagy via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/mTOR pathway, which synergistically ameliorated renal fibrosis. Targeting galectin-3 may be a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of serum perfluoroalkyl substances （PFASs） exposure and potential influencing factors among community residents in Songjiang District， Shanghai. MethodsIn August 2021， residents who underwent routine health checkups in a community in Songjiang District， Shanghai were recruited as study subjects. The inclusion criteria were adult residents who had lived in the area for more than 3 years， had no occupational exposure history， no underlying diseases， were not pregnant， and were able to complete the questionnaire independently and sign the informed consent form. A questionnaire survey was conducted and venous blood samples were collected. The concentrations of 15 PFASs in serum were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS）. Ordered multi-class logistic regression， interquartile range （IQR）， and odds ratio （OR） were used to explore the influencing factors and risk magnitude of serum PFASs concentrations. ResultsOf the 15 PFASs， 14 were detected， and the detection rates of 7 PFASs were higher than 50%. The highest detected concentrations among the PFASs were PFOS （perfluorooctane sulfonate）， PFOA （perfluorooctanoic acid）， and PFHxS （perfluorohexane sulfonate）， with median concentrations of 48.61 μg∙L-1， 37.29 μg∙L-1， and 36.51 μg∙L-1， respectively. The strongest correlation was between PFDA and PFUnDA （r=0.93， P<0.05）， followed by PFOS and PFDA （r=0.86， P<0.05）. Age， frequency of plastic product use， time spent indoors per day， personal annual income， tea consumption， and daily water intake were potential factors for exposure to PFASs. Among them， age was positively correlated with PFASs； tea consumption was positively correlated with PFNA and PFOA； PFHpA was negatively correlated with the frequency of plastic product use and personal annual income； and PFOS was negatively correlated with the time spent indoors per day. ConclusionThe exposure to serum PFASs among community residents in Songjiang District was relatively serious， and the main components were traditional PFOA， PFOS， and PFHx. Different sociodemographic characteristics had varying degrees of influence on the concentrations of PFASs in serum. The impact of PFASs exposure on the health of community residents deserves further investigation.
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This paper summarized Professor ZHUANG Lixing's clinical experience in differentiating and treating levodopa-induced dyskinesia （LID） in Parkinson's disease. It is believed that the fundamental pathogenesis of LID lies in the disharmony or malnourishment of tendons and vessels. Based on the clinical manifestations， peak-dose LID is differentiated into two syndromes： syndrome of hyperactive liver yang causing wind and syndrome of deficiency of both liver and kidney. For the syndrome of hyperactive liver yang causing wind， the treatment focuses on calming the liver to stop the wind， and relaxing the tendons to stop tremors. The main prescription used is Zhengan Xifeng Decoction （镇肝熄风汤） with the addition of Shijueming （石决明） and Zhenzhumu （珍珠母）. For the syndrome of deficiency of both liver and kidney， the treatment focuses on nourishing the liver and kidneys， and replenishing yin to stop the wind. The main prescription used is Dabuyin Pills （大补阴丸） with modification. LID in the acoustic phase is differentiated into syndrome of phlegm-damp blocking middle jiao and syndrome of deficiency of both qi and yin. For the syndrome of phlegm-damp blocking middle jiao， the treatment focuses on dissipating phlegm and eliminating dampness， and nurturing tendons and vessels. Wendan Decoction （温胆汤） or Erchen Decoction （二陈汤） with modification is used. For the syndrome of deficiency of both qi and yin， the treatment focuses on replenishing qi and nourishing blood， and nurturing tendons and vessels. The main prescriptions used are Buzhong Yiqi Decoction （补中益气汤） or Bazhen Decoction （八珍汤） or Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散） with modification. Biphasic LID is differentiated as the Shaoyang pivot disadvantageousness， and the treatment focuses on harmonizing Shaoyang and regulating the pivot. The main prescription used is Xiaochaihu Decoction （小柴胡汤） with modification.
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Objective: Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite of intestinal flora and is known to promote the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. However, how TMAO works, including its effect on vascular endothelial cells, is not fully understood. This study aims to explore the biological role of TMAO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Cell pyroptosis and the loss of plasma membrane integrity were induced under TMAO stimulation in HUVECs. The plasma membrane integrity of the cells was measured by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay, and the changes in cell morphology were observed by atomic force microscope. The expression of proteins related to pyroptosis was determined by Western blotting or immunofluorescence. Mitochondrial acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activity in HUVECs was measured by the ALDH2 activity assay kit, and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Results: TMAO induced pyroptotic cell death, manifesting by the presence of propidium iodide-positive cells, the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, the production of N-terminal gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and the formation of plasma membrane pores. Moreover, TMAO induced elevated expression of inflammasome components, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase-1 in cells. TMAO significantly inhibited ALDH2 activity and increased intracellular ROS production. However, the activation of ALDH2 by pharmacological manipulation attenuated TMAO-induced inflammasome activation and GSDMD-N production.Conclusion: TMAO induces pyroptosis of vascular endothelial cells through the ALDH2/ROS/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway, which may be a potential therapeutic target for improving the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of artificial dermis combined with KCI negative pressure suction device in the repair of scalp defect with skull exposure after the operation of scalp malignancy.Methods:From January 2016 to June 2018, 18 patients with scalp defect and skull exposure after scalp malignant tumor surgery were treated with artificial dermis combined with KCI negative pressure suction device.Results:Eighten patients had good wound healing after the first stage of surgery, and no infection occurred. The time for artificial dermis to complete granulation was 10-14 days, with an average of 12.1 days. After the second stage of skin grafting, the skin graft had a survival rate of 100%, with uniform color and good elasticity, without obvious scar hyperplasia or contracture. The postoperative follow-up period was 6 to 2 months, all the patients healed well without tumor recurrence, with good skin elasticity and friction-resistant, and they were satisfied.Conclusions:Artificial dermis combined with KCI negative pressure suction device is an effective and simple method to repair the scalp defect with skull exposure after tumor surgery.
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Objective:To understand the willingness of breast cancer patients to participate in lymphatic reflux training and management after surgery, and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A total of 157 postoperative patients with breast cancer were selected by convenience sampling method. The investigation tools included general information questionnaire and lymphedema health belief questionnaire.Results:64.3% (101/157) of the patients were willing to participate in lymphatic reflux training and management. Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnic group ( OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.68), divorce ( OR=0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.89), benefit cognition ( OR=12.41, 95% CI 4.26-36.19), obstacle cognition ( OR=3.83, 95% CI 1.48-9.91), behavioral clues ( OR=3.72, 95% CI 1.51-9.20) were significant influencing factors of parents' willness of participating in lymphatic reflux training and management( P<0.05). Conclusion:The willingness of patients to participate in lymphatic reflux training and management is at a medium level, which was influenced by ethnic group, marital status, health belief of benefits cognition, obstacle cognition and behavioral clues. Attention should be paid to the implementation during health education for the prevention of lymphedema, and patient′s willness of participating in lymphatic reflux training and management should be improved.
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Objective@#To investigate the lateral canthoplasty and canthopexy with bone drilling to correct lower eyelid malposition and its benefit.@*Methods@#From January 2014 to January 2019, lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique was used to repair 56 patients with lower eyelid malposition in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Changhai Hospital. Forty-four patients with lower eyelid ectopic had multiple previous surgeries, and 12 patients had congenital lower eyelid retraction. For patients without lower palpebral margin extension, lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique was applied. For patients with lower palpebral margin extension, the lateral canthus angle was exposed to shorten the lower eyelid margin. For congenital lower eyelid retraction, the lateral canthus tendon was completely cut off, and then fixed with double armed sutures.@*Results@#Operations were successfully performed on all 56 patients, and the patients were followed up for 1-38 months. Forty-nine patients achieved good eyelid shape and satisfied with the operative effects (87.5%). Malposition was ameliorated in 6 patients (10.7%). One remained uncorrected (1.8%).@*Conclusions@#Lateral canthopexy with bone drilling technique could obtain firm suspension force. For lower eyelid malposition, especially for patients with recurrent malposition or congenital lower eyelid retraction, satisfied function and appearance could be achieved.
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Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ( LBP) on the tumor growth and metastasis in MMTV?PyMT mouse model of breast cancer. Methods The population of MMTV?PyMT trans?genic mice was expanded and identified. 8?week old MMTV?PyMT?positive female mice were randomly divided into LBP group and control group, 8 mice in each group. The mice of LBP group were given LBP treatment (50 mg/kg, i. p. ), and the control group was given normal saline in the same volume, once every 2 days for 4 weeks. The tumor size was measured every two days. The mice were killed at 4 weeks after treatment, the lungs were removed and fixed in Bouin′s solution to observe the number of metastatic nodules, and tumor tissues were used for immunohistochemical examination of tumor cell proliferation and vascular density. Results The tumor formation rate was 100% in the MMTV?PyMT?positive mice. The tumor weight of LBP group was 4?208 ± 0?4463 g, significantly lower than the 6?477g ± 0?3724 g in the control group (P<0?005). The number of pulmonary nodules of the LBP group was 12 ± 1?155, significantly less than that of the control group (20 ± 2?745) (P<0?05). The immunohistochemical examination using Ki67 and CD31 staining showed that tumor cell proliferation and microvessel density of the LBP group were significantly less than the NS group. Conclusions LBP inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis through the inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in MMTV?PyMT mice. These mice can be used as an ideal model for studies on antitu?mor drug development for the treatment of breast cancer lung metastasis.
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Objective To evaluate the correlations between the cerebral hemodynamic changes of severe acute encephalopathy with the clinical features from emergency periods to stable periods and the value of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography( TCD)in cerebral function assess. Methods Thirty patients with acute brain diseases by assisted mechanical ventilator from Jun 2014 to May 2015 in PICU were included and followed up to Nov 2015,then grouped by Glasgow Coma Scale( GCS),MRI,prognosis( mental sequelae after half a year). Each subject was examined through the temporal bone window by TCD at emergency peri-ods and stable periods. The systolic cerebral blood flow velocity( sCBFV),and pulsatility index( PI)of bilat-eral middle cerebral artery( MCA),anterior cerebral artery,posterior cerebral artery were analyzed. Multivari-ant analysis of variance,repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to compare sCBFV and PI of MCA among groups in different clinical periods. The variants included sex,disease diagnosis,prognosis, MRI,GCS,and the first abnormal TCD. The variation within groups was tested via a Hotelling T2 test. All sCBFV and PI of each artery and the D-value of sCBFV between the different periods were compared accord-ing to the prognosis groups. Results (1)Five patients could be lateralized,and their lateralization of MRI focus was consistent with the abnormal sides of sCBFV in the stable periods.(2)The D-value of sCBFV in left MCA between the different periods in the poor prognosis group was significantly higher than that in the good prognosis group[(71. 93 ± 58. 21)cm/s vs.(33. 20 ± 30. 23)cm/s,t = -2. 287,P =0. 033].(3) Multivariant analysis of variance showed that GCS classification and disease diagnosis were significantly cor-related with the cerebral hemodynamic changes respectively(P =0. 042,0. 005,respectively).(4)sCBFV and PI of left MCA reduced significantly in the stable periods than those in the emergency periods( P =0. 002,0. 003,respectivly). Conclusion The cerebral hemodynamic changes by TCD from emergency peri-ods to stable periods are consistent with the clinical status,dynamic evaluation by TCD may facilitate the evaluation of brain dysfunction in the severe acute encephalopathy.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To make a comparatively analysis of the effects of 10% KCl injection into the fatal cardiac area and yolk-sac aspiration on multifetal pregnancy reduction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-three patients with multifetus were selected in the investigation. Eight of the patients accepted 10% KCl injection into the fatal cardiac area, and 15 of them received yolk-sac aspiration. The average number of punctures, average time of reduction operation, failure rate of operation, abortion rate, and infection rate were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average time of reduction operation[(2.8 +/- 0.7) min] of aspiration was significantly lower than that of 10% KCl injection [(5.11 +/- 1.35) min] (P < 0.05). The infection rate of yolk-sac aspiration was 6.7%, lower than that of 10% KCl injection (37.5%) (P > 0.05). Cardic area injection showed a higher infection rate, and no significant difference was observed in the average number of punctures, failure rate of operation and abortion rate(P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although both yolk-sac aspiration and cardiac area injection were safe and reliable methods for multifetal pregnancy reduction, the former is worth recommending for its shorter operation time heeded and lower infection rate, especially for the multifetal patients within 60 gestation days.</p>