Evaluation of the efficacy of aparatinib and carrilizumab combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the efficacy of aparatinib and carrilizumab combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients with primary HCC admitted to our hospital from March 1, 2019, to March 1, 2022 was chosen and randomized as the control and treatment group. The control group went through TACE treatment, and the treatment group experienced apatinib + karilizumab + TACE treatment. The near and long-term efficacy of the two groups were compared. The total survival time (OS), time to progression (TTP), and hospital costs were compared between the two groups. Fasting venous blood was collected before and one month after treatment in the two groups, and liver and kidney functions were tested using automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ were detected by flow cytometry, and CD4+/CD8+ was calculated. The levels of cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-8 (Caspase-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients' conditions were closely observed and the adverse reaction rates of diarrhea, hand foot syndrome, bone marrow suppression, proteinuria, fever and pain were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The disease control rate (DCR) of short-term treatment in the treatment group was 97.33%, which was much higher than 88.00% in the control group. The survival ratios of the treatment group in September and December were 65.33% and 42.67% respectively, which were also much higher than 48.00% and 20.00% in the control group (p < 0.05). The TTP and OS of patients in the treatment group were significantly longer than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the hospital expenses were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of liver function indicators such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were largely decreased in both groups after treatment, and more significant difference was detected in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Renal function between the two groups had no significant difference after treatment (p > 0.05). After treatment, the levels AFP and VEGF were strongly decreased and the level of Caspase-8 was markedly increased in both groups, and the treatment group had lower levels of AFP and VEGF and higher level of Caspase-8 than the control group (p < 0.05). The CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels in two groups were dramatically elevated after treatment, and the treatment group had much higher CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels than the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of adverse reactions such as diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome, bone marrow suppression, proteinuria, fever, and pain between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of apatinib and carrilizumab with TACE had better near- and long-term efficacy in the treatment of primary HCC by effectively inhibiting tumor vascular regeneration, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, and improving patients' liver function and immune function with higher safety, which could be widely used in clinical practice.

Ivy Sign in Moyamoya Disease: A Comparative Study of the FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensity Sign Against Contrast-Enhanced MRI.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ability of the ivy sign on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging (CEMR) to reflect cerebral perfusion and postoperative revascularization in Moyamoya disease remains largely unknown. We aimed to compare the capabilities of CEMR and FLAIR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CEMR, FLAIR, arterial spin-labeling, and DSA were performed in 44 patients with Moyamoya disease. The ivy sign was scored separately on CEMR and FLAIR using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. The status of leptomeningeal collaterals was scored on DSA. The postoperative Matsushima grade was evaluated at least 3 months after surgical revascularization. RESULTS: Scoring of the ivy sign on CEMR showed excellent interrater reliability, and FLAIR vascular hyperintensity showed moderate interrater reliability. Correlation analyses revealed that DSA scores were more consistent with the CEMR-based ivy sign score (r = 0.25, P = .03) than with FLAIR vascular hyperintensity (r = 0.05, P = .65). The CEMR-based ivy sign score was significantly correlated with CBF in late-Suzuki stage Moyamoya disease (t = -2.64, P = .02). The CEMR-based ivy sign score at baseline was significantly correlated with the postoperative Matsushima grade (r = 0.48, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, CEMR outperformed FLAIR in capturing the ivy sign in Moyamoya disease. In addition, the CEMR-based ivy sign score provided adequate information on hemodynamic status and postoperative neovascularization. The current study suggested that CEMR could be considered as an alternative to FLAIR in future studies investigating leptomeningeal collaterals in Moyamoya disease.

Long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 indicates a poor prognosis and modulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer via upregulating SOX4.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 indicates a poor prognosis and modulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer via upregulating SOX4, by Y. Li, J. Hao, Y.-M. Jiang, Y. Liu, S.-H. Zhang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (10): 4143-4148-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201905_17916-PMID: 31173284" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17916.

The relationship between HSP60 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential correlation between heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to atherosclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 160 atherosclerosis patients treated in our hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were randomly enrolled as case group, and 200 healthy adults receiving physical examination were selected as control group at the same period. Venous blood was drawn from all subjects to extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). TaqMan probe technology was employed to genotype two loci rs2340690 and rs788016 of HSP60 gene in all 260 subjects. The correlations between HSP60 gene polymorphisms and the incidence rate and pathological grade of atherosclerosis were analyzed. RESULTS: There were three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) in HSP60 rs2340690 and three (GG, AG, and AA) in HSP60 rs788016. No significant differences in the frequency of each genotype were found between the two groups (p>0.05). HSP60 rs2340690 and HSP60 rs788016 had no significant associations with the incidence rate of atherosclerosis in the dominant, recessive, and additive genetic models. In the case of pathological grade IV, the proportion of atherosclerosis patients carrying GG genotype of HSP60 rs2340690 was higher than those carrying AA genotype and AG genotype of HSP60 rs2340690 (p<0.05). The probability in atherosclerosis patients carrying rs788016 A was higher than those carrying rs2340690 G (p<0.05). When atherosclerosis patients carried both genotype G of HSP60 rs2340690 and genotype A of HSP60 rs788016, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.721 (p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The HSP60 gene polymorphisms are certainly correlated with the pathological grade and incidence rate of atherosclerosis.

LncRNA MALAT1 affects high glucose-induced endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on the high glucose-induced proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells and its potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into 3 groups, including control group (medium with 5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (HG group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose) and lncRNA MALAT1 knockdown group [HG + MALAT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose]. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to observe the proliferation of HUVECs in each group at different time points. Meanwhile, the wound-healing assay was applied to detect the migratory ability of HUVECs in each group at 0 h and 24 h. The apoptosis rate of each group of cells was measured by means of flow cytometry, and the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) was detected via immunofluorescence at the same time. In addition, the amount of neovascularization in each group of cells was observed through the tube formation assay. Finally, Western blotting was utilized to determine the expression level of proteins in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in each group of cells. RESULTS: Compared with that in the control group, the expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 in the HG group was elevated markedly (p<0.05). The proliferative capacity of HUVECs in the HG group was increased notably after knocking down lncRNA MALAT1 with siRNA (p<0.05). According to wound-healing assay, the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could prominently reverse the declined HUVECs migratory ability induced by high glucose (p<0.05). Flow cytometry results manifested that the apoptosis level of HUVECs in the HG group was increased markedly, but inhibition on lncRNA MALAT1 could lower the apoptosis level evidently (p<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence showed that the expression of Bax in the HG + MALAT1 siRNA group was remarkably lower than that in the HG group (p<0.05). It was revealed in Western blotting that the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could reverse the inhibition of high glucose on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HUVECs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibiting lncRNA MALAT1 can promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and repress endothelial cell apoptosis simultaneously, whose mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Role and mechanism of microRNA-548c-3p/c-Myb in myocardial infarction fibrosis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-548c-3p in myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI), and to explore the possible underlying. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rat model of MI was successfully established in-vivo. MiR-548c-3p was upregulated via lentivirus transfection with miR-548c-3p mimics. Cardiac function of rats was detected via echocardiography. Meanwhile, Sirius red and Masson staining were used to detect the level of fibrosis index in MI model. Subsequently, myocardial fibroblasts were isolated and cultured in vitro. An oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established to mimicking the ischemic condition. Furthermore, the relationship between miR-548c-3p and c-Myb was verified, and the levels of fibrosis-related factors (including α-SMA and COL1A1) were measured. RESULTS: In-vivo experiments showed that miR-548c-3p expression in rats was significantly down-regulated at 2 and 4 weeks after MI. Up-regulation of miR-548c-3p significantly improved cardiac function, reduced myocardial fibrosis and inhibited the protein expression of proto-oncogene c-Myb (c-Myb). In vitro experiments revealed that c-Myb was a target gene of miR-548c-3p. In addition, miR-548c-3p could inhibit the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1 through targeting c-Myb. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-548c-3p could improve myocardial fibrosis by targeting c-Myb.

Long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 indicates a poor prognosis and modulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer via upregulating SOX4.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in tumor progression. Ovarian cancer is a common type of fatal gynecological cancer worldwide. This study aims to investigate how lncRNADSCAM-AS1 functions in the progression of ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DSCAM-AS1 expression of both ovarian cancer cells and 56 paired of tissue samples was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the function of DSCAM-AS1 was identified via transwell assay, wound healing assay, colony formation assay and proliferation assay in vitro. The underlying mechanism was explored through qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. RESULTS: DSCAM-AS1 expression was remarkably upregulated in tumor tissues compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues. Besides, ovarian cancer proliferation, migration and invasion were promoted after overexpression of DSCAM-AS1 in vitro. Moreover, after overexpression of DSCAM-AS1, SOX4 was upregulated at mRNA and protein level in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of SOX4 in tumor tissues was positively correlated with the expression of DSCAM-AS1. CONCLUSIONS: The above results suggested that DSCAM-AS1 can promote cell migration, invasion and proliferation in ovarian cancer by upregulating SOX4, which may offer a new therapeutic intervention for patients with ovarian cancer.

MiR-874-3p is an independent prognostic factor and functions as an anti-oncomir in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting STAT3.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence has suggested that dysregulation of miR-874-3p may be involved in tumor development and progression in various types of cancers. However, its expression and biological function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the roles of miR-874-3p in ESCC tumorigenesis and development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-PCR was used to detect the expression of related mRNAs and miRNA in both ESCC tissues and cells. Then, statistical analysis was performed to determine the associations of miR-874-3p expression with the clinical features and the prognosis of ESCC. Cells proliferation and metastasis were assessed by cell viability assay and transwell assay. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blot were performed to analyze the regulation of putative target of miR-874-3p. RESULTS: We found that the expressions of miR-874-3p in ESCC tissues and cell lines were much lower than that in normal control, respectively. Also, there is a statistically significance between miR-874-3p expression level and lymph nodes metastasis and clinical stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that decreased miR-874-3p expression was associated with poor overall survival of patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the expression of miR-874-3p was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients. After miR-874-3p mimics transfection, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly suppressed in the ESCC cells. Mechanistically, STAT3 was confirmed to be the downstream target of miR-874-3p in ESCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: We indicate that miR-874-3p could be a new therapeutic target and prognostic marker of ESCC.

Impact of anemia on in-hospital complications after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In-hospital complications after stroke represent barriers to optimal recovery and are even potentially life-threatening. Anemia is common in stroke patients and is related to poor outcome after stroke. Less is known, however, of the association of anemia with complications. We aimed to investigate the impact of anemia on a series of in-hospital complications after ischemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients with ischemic stroke within 7 days were included. Anemia on admission and its severity were defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Eight pre-specified complications, such as pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and hemorrhagic transformation, were recorded during hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 2647 patients were included. Anemia was present in 648 patients (24.5%), and 883 patients (33.4%) experienced at least one complication. Patients with anemia were more likely to experience one or more complications, pneumonia, GIB and thromboembolism (all P < 0.001) than patients without anemia. After adjustment for the confounders, patients with anemia had an adjusted odds ratio for at least one complication of 1.539 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.232-1.923], for pneumonia of 1.707 (95% CI, 1.345-2.167), for GIB of 2.245 (95% CI, 1.215-4.148) and for thromboembolism of 3.443 (95% CI, 1.668-7.108). The risk of at least one complication, pneumonia, GIB and thromboembolism increased with anemia severity (all P < 0.05). There was no significant association between anemia and urinary tract infection, hemorrhagic transformation, seizures and brain herniation. CONCLUSION: Anemia is an independent predictor of in-hospital complications following stroke, especially for pneumonia, GIB and thromboembolism. It remains to be studied whether prophylaxis and treatment of anemia would prevent in-hospital complications.

Low expression of miR-597 is correlated with tumor stage and poor outcome in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in the progression of breast cancer (BC). In the present study, we aimed to explore the association between miR-597 expression level and prognosis of BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of miR-597 were measured using quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The association between miR-597 expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. Differences in BC patient survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic value of miR-597 was further verified using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Our data indicated that miR-597 was lowly expressed in BC compared with adjacent non-malignant tissues (p<0.001). Low miR-597 expression was observed to be closely associated with positive lymph node metastasis (p=0.001), higher TNM stage (p = 0.003), and poorer pathological differentiation (p=0.006). Furthermore, patients with lower levels of miR-597 expression had a shorter overall survival time than patients with higher miR-597 expression levels (p=0.009). In addition, multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis confirmed that miR-597 was an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival (p=0.005; HR 2.273; CI 95%, 1.117-4.291). CONCLUSIONS: We showed, for the first time, that decreased miR-597 expression suggested unfavorable prognosis for BC patients.

Effects of methotrexate on the quality of oocyte maturation in vitro.

Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate drug, is widely used for clinical treatment of malignancies and ectopic pregnancy. Many studies have documented that MTX has strong side-effects on rapidly dividing somatic cells. However, its side-effects on female reproductive cells have not been widely reported. Combined with in vitro culture, two-photon fluorescence imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction, this study analyzed the effects of MTX on oocyte maturation time, chromosome arrangement, karyotype, spindle morphology, and the localization of microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Compared with a control group (84%), the rate of germinal vesical breakdown in the MTX group dropped to 73% (P < 0.05). The rate of the first polar body extrusion in the MTX group (53%) was also below the control group (63%; P < 0.05). The rate of abnormal chromosomal arrangement in the MTX group was 60%, but 24% in the control group (P < 0.05). The matured oocyte karyotypes showed 20 univalents in both control and MTX groups, while point-shaped DAPI signals were detected in the MTX group. The rate of abnormal spindle in the MTX group was 49%, but 17% in the control group (P < 0.05). MTOCs in oocytes with normal spindles concentrated at the poles, while MTOCs in oocytes with abnormal spindles were scattered around the poles or in the ooplasm. MTX changes the structures of chromosomes and spindles, potentially by interfering with DNA methylation. The above results indicate a basis for understanding negative effects of MTX on oocyte maturation quality, and provide information for the clinical application of MTX in female patients.

Distinctive effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (Voluven) infusion on pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: It has not been clear that Voluven (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) may be administered in pediatric patients safely. The purpose of this study was to determine if Voluven could be used for blood volume expansion and hypovolemia prevention in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease were recruited in the study. Circulatory and respiratory parameters were determined to monitor the responses to intravenous infusion of Voluven in the patients. RESULTS: Intravenous infusion of Voluven significantly increased levels of colloid osmotic pressure and central venous pressure, but decreased levels of hemoglobin in the patients. Voluven infusion did not significantly affect colloid osmotic pressure, central venous pressure, hemoglobin and heart rate in the preschool children (<6 years old), and similarly, low infusion (100-240 mL per patient) of Voluven did not significantly affect colloid osmotic pressure, central venous pressure, hemoglobin and heart rate in the young child patients. Also, there was the similar response, i.e. increased colloid osmotic pressure, to Voluven infusion in both female child patients and patients with atrial septal defect. CONCLUSIONS: Voluven may be used in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, but not in the preschool child patients. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the intravenous administration of Voluven for blood volume expansion and hypovolemia prevention in female pediatric patients and child patients with atrial septal defect.

MicroRNA15b regulates apoptosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma SCL-1 cell line: a mechanism study.

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor, which is mostly common in skin epidermis or appendages. microRNA has been proved to regulate growth and survival of cells. Our study was focused on the effect of microRNA15b on cell viability and apoptosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma SCL-1 cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MicroRNA15b and control microRNA were synthesized and transfected into SCL-1 cells, respectively. Effects of transfection on SCL-1 cells were evaluated by MTT assays and flow cytometry. Western Blot was performed to examine the expression of survivin. MicroRNA15b-transfected SCL-1 cells were further intervened by siRNA targeting survivin or surviving-overexpressing plasmid. Their apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with control microRNA transfection, microRNA15b transfection significantly reduced cell viability, enhanced apoptosis and decreased protein expression of survivin. Inhibition of survivin expression enhanced microRNA15b-induced apoptosis of SCL-1 cells, while enhancement of survivin expression attenuated the apoptosis-promoting effect of microRNA15b on SCL-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA15b reduced the cell viability and promoted the apoptosis of SCL-1 cells via down-regulating the expression of survivin. MicroRNA15b could be a potential therapeutic target for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

TLR3 preconditioning enhances the therapeutic efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in TNBS-induced colitis via the TLR3-Jagged-1-Notch-1 pathway.

Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) priming may enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) immunosuppressive activity, but this mechanism has not been investigated in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, we assessed the immunosuppressive properties of TLR3-primed MSCs using a trinitrobenzene sulfonate (TNBS)-induced mouse model of colitis. Intraperitoneally injected polyribocytidylic acid (poly (I:C)- (a ligand of TLR3) primed human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) migrated to the inflamed colon and effectively improved clinical and pathological manifestations in colitic mice compared with mice treated with unstimulated hUC-MSCs (UCMs). Poly (I:C)-MSCs decreased a wide range of inflammatory cytokines and increased systemic interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in colonic tissues. Poly (I:C)-MSCs also impaired T-helper type 1/17 (Th1/17) cell expansion and enhanced the suppressive effects of regulatory T cells (Treg) in vitro and in vivo. Poly (I:C)-MSCs suppressed the proliferation of activated mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells via the overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and upregulation of Jagged-1. PGE2 produced by hUC-MSCs in response to poly (I:C) increased the production of IL-10 and promoted the differentiation of Treg, which could be reversed by inhibition of Notch-1. Collectively, preconditioning MSCs with poly (I:C) enhanced the therapeutic effects of hUC-MSCs in TNBS-induced colitis, and TLR3-activated Notch-1 signaling regulated the immune suppression of hUC-MSCs through the production of PGE2.

Physiological Responses of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Under the Stress of Sagittaria sagittifolia Extract.

The algal growth and physiological characters of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were studied under the stress of Sagittaria sagittifolia extract. The results showed that the growth of A. flos-aquae was significantly inhibited by S. sagittifolia extract. The exopolysaccharide (EPS), total soluble protein, intracellular phosphorus (o-PO4-P) contents and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in A. flos-aquae cells increased significantly. These results suggested that A. flos-aquae can adapt to stress by increasing its normal metabolic activity. The algal cellular antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), were triggered to different degrees when exposed to S. sagittifolia extract. The MDA contents and activities of SOD, CAT and POD in algal cells suggested that oxidative damage induced by S. sagittifolia extract via the oxidation of ROS (O2·-) might be an important factor responsible for the inhibition of the growth of A. flos-aquae. In addition, SOD may be an important site for the inhibition of S. sagittifolia extract on A. flos-aquae cells. These results indicate that S. sagittifolia may be a good candidate for controlling A. flos-aquae blooms.

Inhibition of interleukin-6 abolishes the promoting effects of pair housing on post-stroke neurogenesis.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to promote post-stroke angiogenesis and long-term functional recovery; however, whether IL-6 could promote post-stroke neurogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of IL-6 on neurogenesis after ischemic stroke. We also investigated whether pair housing (PH) could improve the experimental stroke outcome through IL-6. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was induced in mice treated with recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) or anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibodies (anti-IL-6 mAbs). Another set of mice were pair-housed (PH; male and ovariectomized female) for 2weeks, subjected to tMCAO and then assigned to a housing condition (isolated or PH). Pair-housed mice were treated with anti-IL-6 mAbs. Behavioral assessments were made 3days before tMCAO and after 28 days of reperfusion. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) isolated from ipsilateral subventricular zone (SVZ) at 14 days post-ischemia were treated with rIL-6 plus soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R). The effects of IL-6 on the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs were examined in vivo and in vitro. The role and mechanism of IL-6 in PH-mediated enhancement of NPC proliferation and functional recovery were investigated in vivo. We found that anti-IL-6 mAbs significantly reduced the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NPCs in the ipsilateral SVZ, as well as functional recovery; whereas rIL-6 conferred the opposite effects. PH significantly promoted NPC proliferation and functional recovery compared with socially isolated cohorts; blockade of IL-6 with anti-IL-6 mAbs prevented this promoting effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-6 is an important mediator of social interaction on neurogenesis and long-term functional recovery after ischemic stroke.

Clinical evaluation of a silver-impregnated foam dressing in paediatric partial-thickness burns.

OBJECTIVE: Mepilex Ag, a silver-impregnated foam dressing, was introduced to our institution in 2007 and our outcomes in the treatment of paediatric burns were observed to improve significantly. In order to confirm these observations, we wanted to evaluate the results of using the silver-impregnated foam dressing in partial-thickness paediatric burns. METHOD: In this retrospective study, the St. Christopher's Hospital burn registry was used to identify subjects, who were otherwise in excellent health at baseline, over an18-month period. Outcomes included length of stay, intravenous narcotic use, and time to healing. No direct comparative studies were performed. This was followed by a non-comparative prospective study involving 22 paediatric patients, aged 1-4 years, with partial-thickness burns. This was a sub-study of a larger randomised controlled trial involving adults with partial-thickness burns, comparing the silver-impregnated foam dressing with Silvadene. RESULTS: In the retrospective part of the study, the silver-impregnated foam dressing was used successfully for the treatment of partial-thickness paediatric burns, with few complications and infections, allowing a shorter hospital stay, fewer dressings, and less pain medication than for historical controls. In the non-comparative prospective study, of 22 paediatric patients 50% healed completely within 1 week of treatment. The mean length of stay was 3.77 days and the mean number of dressings used was 1.64. Although narcotic usage was not assessed, patient surveys showed stinging or burning to be recorded as 'never' in 13 patients, 'rarely' in 8 patients, and 'sometimes' in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: The silver-impregnated foam dressing is effective and safe for use in partial-thickness paediatric burns, eliminating the need for daily dressings. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The study was supported by an educational grant from Mölnlycke Health Care.

Analysis of carcass and meat quality traits and nutritional values of hybrid wild boars under different crossing systems.

The aim of this study was to analyze the results of two crossing systems between wild boars and different domesticated pig breeds. Hybrid wild boars were produced by crossing captured wild boars with Meishan pigs and LY sows according to the traditional production system. The resultant commercial hybrids were black and white in coat color, respectively. Significant differences were found in the carcass and meat quality traits and nutritional values between these two hybrid wild boars. Compared with the white hybrid wild boars, at the age of 300 days, the body weight of black hybrid wild boars was 9.41 kg lower, while percent lean was 2.51% less and percent fat 2.45% higher (P < 0.05). The black hybrid wild boars had higher pH2 (6.17 vs 6.09) and intramuscular fat (3.34 vs 2.52%), lower drip loss (2.21 vs 2.68%) and shear force (44.00 vs 52.23) (P < 0.05), and more unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cross breeding was shown to be an effective method to improve the overall production performance of wild boars, but crossing with different dam line breeds caused different responses. Compared with the white hybrid wild boars, the black hybrid wild boars had worse growth rate and carcass traits, but better meat quality traits and nutritional values.

Comparative studies on growth and physiological responses of unicellular and colonial Microcystis aeruginosa to Acorus calamus.

In order to explore the growth inhibition and physiological responses of unicellular and colonial Microcystis aeruginosa during coexistence with Acorus calamus, algal densities, chlorophyll a contents, exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, catalase (CAT) activities, and peroxidase (POD) activities of the two algae strains were analyzed. Although the unicellular and colonial strains of M. aeruginosa were both inhibited by A. calamus, unicellular algae were more sensitive than the colonial algae. The measurement results for EPS, MDA, CAT, and POD showed that unicellular M. aeruginosa had higher levels of stress related damage than colonial strains when they were exposed to the same density of A. calamus, and the cellular defense system of colonial M. aeruginosa was stronger than that of unicellular M. aeruginosa. Natural blooms of Microcystis are typically composed of colonial forms of M. aeruginosa, therefore future efforts to control such blooms, possibly through the development of new algicides, should focus on the unique characteristics of colonial M. aeruginosa strains.

The role of spironolactone in the metabolism of serum type I collagen in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the possible mechanism of spironolactone in reduction of atrial fibrosis in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 67 patients with atrial fibrillation and 30 matching patients with sinus rhythm were included into this study, in which the former patients were randomly divided into the conventional treatment group (33 cases) and spironolactone (20 mg/d) treatment group (34 cases). They underwent follow-ups for 6 months. The levels of serum aldosterone, PICP (propeptide of type I procollagen) and CITP (carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen) were determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: The concentrations of serum PICP, CITP and aldosterone and left atrial size in the atrial fibrillation group were all higher than the control group (t values were 7.982, 5.950, 9.309, 9.050, respectively, p < 0.01), with a significant statistical difference. The concentrations of serum PICP and aldosterone were both positively corelated to the left atrial size in the atrial fibrillation group (r values were 0.302 and 0.369, respectively). The levels of serum aldosterone and PICP after treatment were both decreased compared to those before treatment in the spironolactone treatment group and conventional treatment group, especially in the spironolactone treatment group. There were statistical differences in the levels of serum aldosterone and PICP after treatment between the two groups (t values were 2.872 and 3.054, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone could reduce the levels of serum aldosterone and PICP in patients with atrial fibrillation, so as to reduce the atrial fibrosis and delay the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation.