Comparing collagenase and silver sulfadiazine in deep second-degree burn treatment.

The indications for collagenase ointment (CO) and its efficacy are not clearly established in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. To evaluate the efficacy of CO versus silver sulfadiazine ointment (SSD) in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. A total of 170 eligible patients with deep second-degree burns, aged 18-65 years, with injuries occurring within 48-96 h, and having a total wound area of less than 30% of the total body surface area were included from 5 centers in China. The primary outcome was the wound healing time, and the secondary outcomes were the clearance time of wound necrotic tissues, wound healing rate, and wound inflammation. The study included 85 patients in SSD group and 84 in CO group in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population. The median time of wound healing was comparable in both groups (10 days vs. 10.5 days P = 0.16). The time for wound necrotic tissue removal was significantly shortened by CO compared with SSD (5 vs. 10 days P < 0.01). Wound inflammation, pain, wound healing rate, and scar were compared with SSD (all P-values > 0.05). No adverse events, such as infection or allergic reactions to the drugs and materials used, were reported. Both CO and SSD could heal the burn wounds at 10 days of treatment. However, CO significantly shortened the time of wound necrotic tissue removal by 5 days. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100046971.

Ovarian cancer-associated immune exhaustion involves SPP1+ T cell and NKT cell, symbolizing more malignant progression.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly heterogeneous and has a poor prognosis. A better understanding of OC biology could provide more effective therapeutic paradigms for different OC subtypes. Methods: To reveal the heterogeneity of T cell-associated subclusters in OC, we performed an in-depth analysis of single-cell transcriptional profiles and clinical information of patients with OC. Then, the above analysis results were verified by qPCR and flow cytometry examine. Results: After screening by threshold, a total of 85,699 cells in 16 ovarian cancer tissue samples were clustered into 25 major cell groups. By performing further clustering of T cell-associated clusters, we annotated a total of 14 T cell subclusters. Then, four distinct single-cell landscapes of exhausted T (Tex) cells were screened, and SPP1 + Tex significantly correlated with NKT cell strength. A large amount of RNA sequencing expression data combining the CIBERSORTx tool were labeled with cell types from our single-cell data. Calculating the relative abundance of cell types revealed that a greater proportion of SPP1 + Tex cells was associated with poor prognosis in a cohort of 371 patients with OC. In addition, we showed that the poor prognosis of patients in the high SPP1 + Tex expression group might be related to the suppression of immune checkpoints. Finally, we verified in vitro that SPP1 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer cells than in normal ovarian cells. By flow cytometry, knockdown of SPP1 in ovarian cancer cells could promote tumorigenic apoptosis. Conclusion: This is the first study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity and clinical significance of Tex cells in OC, which will contribute to the development of more precise and effective therapies.

Suppressed Voltage Deficit and Degradation of Perovskite Solar Cells by Regulating the Mineralization of Lead Iodide.

Both the uncoordinated Pb2+ and excess PbI2 in perovskite film will create defects and perturb carrier collection, thus leading to the open-circuit voltage (VOC ) loss and inducing rapid performance degradation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an additive of 3-aminothiophene-2-carboxamide (3-AzTca) that contains amide and amino and features a large molecular size is introduced to improve the quality of perovskite film. The interplay of size effect and adequate bonding strength between 3-AzTca and uncoordinated Pb2+ regulates the mineralization of PbI2 and generates low-dimensional PbI2 phase, thereby boosting the crystallization of perovskite. The decreased defect states result in suppressed nonradiative recombination and reduced VOC loss. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of modified PSC is improved to 22.79% with a high VOC of 1.22 V. Moreover, the decomposition of PbI2 and perovskite films is also retarded, yielding enhanced device stability. This study provides an effective method to minimize the concentration of uncoordinated Pb2+ and improve the PCE and stability of PSCs.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Is Feasible in Cervical Cancer Laparoscopic Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

METHODS: A total of 100 cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery with SLN biopsy were included. Indocyanine green, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), and a combination of both were used during surgeries. Detection rates, sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV) of SLN biopsy, and related factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall and bilateral SLN detection rates were 92% (92/100) and 74% (74/100), respectively. Combined tracers had higher bilateral SLN detection rates than CNPs alone (p=0.005). Menopause and lymph node metastasis were associated with lower overall and bilateral SLN detection rates (p < 0.05). SLN biopsy sensitivity and NPV for lymph node metastasis in patients with at least one detected SLN were 81.8% (9/11) and 97.3% (72/74), respectively. Among those with bilateral detected SLNs, higher sensitivity and NPV of 87.5% (7/8) and 98.3% (57/58) were observed, respectively. SLN algorithm can ensure that all patients with lymph node metastasis are detected by SLN biopsy. CONCLUSION: SLN biopsy appears to be safe and effective for specific cervical cancer patients with high detection rates and NPV in laparoscopic surgery, especially for those with detected bilateral SLNs and undergoing the SLN algorithm. Selecting suitable patients for SLN mapping has prospects for clinical application.

Recent advances in interface engineering of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells.

All-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become one of the most attractive research fields in recent years due to their excellent thermal stability and light stability as compared with their organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts. However, there is still a long way to go for their commercial application due to their low efficiency and poor stability under humidity conditions. Herein, an overview of the recent progress of all-inorganic PSCs based on interface engineering is provided. The main roles of interface engineering, adjusting energy-level alignment, enhancing charge transport capacity, passivating interface defects, modulating morphology of perovskite films, stabilizing perovskite phase, broadening spectral absorption, eliminating electrical hysteresis and enhancing operational stability, are summarized with examples, which paves the way for highly efficient and stable all-inorganic PSCs. Some of the latest progress in incorporating dopants to charge transport materials and modifying interface properties in all-inorganic PSCs are also covered.

Hierarchically Manipulated Charge Recombination for Mitigating Energy Loss in CsPbI2Br Solar Cells.

All-inorganic perovskite cesium lead iodide/bromide (CsPbI2Br) is considered as a robust absorber for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because of its excellent thermal stability that guarantees its long-term operation stability. Efficient CsPbI2Br PSCs are available when obtaining low energy loss, which needs efficient charge generation, less charge recombination, and balanced charge extraction. However, numerous traps in perovskites hinder the photon-electron conversion process. Herein, hierarchical manipulation of charge recombination is proposed for CsPbI2Br PSCs featuring low energy loss. Nonselective trap reduction and selective halogen vacancy passivation are performed using 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethylamine and phenylbutylammonium iodide for the bottom and top contacts, respectively. Because of all-around suppressed charge recombination, balanced charge extraction and suppressed hysteresis are realized. The champion PSC achieves an open-circuit voltage of 1.30 eV, a fill factor of 80.2%, and a power conversion efficiency of 16.6% that is 28.6% higher than that of the reference device. Moreover, the thermostability of PSCs is simultaneously enhanced because of the limited defect-assisted degradation.

Prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer: a retrospective study from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze factors associated with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and evaluate the prognostic significance of LVSI in Chinese endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) patients. METHODS: Five-hundred eighty-four EEC patients undergoing surgery in our center from 2006 to 2016 were selected for analysis. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine relevant factors of LVSI. To evaluate the prognostic role of LVSI, survival analyses were conducted. In survival analyses, both multivariate Cox regression and propensity score matching were used to control the confounders. RESULTS: The incidence of LVSI was 12.16% (71/584). Diabetes history (p=0.021), lymph node metastasis (p=0.005), deep myometrial invasion (p<0.001) and negative PR expression (p=0.007) were independently associated with LVSI. Both Kaplan-Meier method and univariate Cox regressions showed LVSI negative and positive cases had similar tumor-specific survival (TSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). After adjusting for the influence of adjuvant therapy and other clinicopathological factors with multivariate Cox regressions, LVSI still could not bring additional survival risk to the patients (p=0.280 and p=0.650 for TSS and DFS, respectively). This result was verified by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses after propensity score matching (p=0.234 and p=0.765 for TSS and DFS, respectively). CONCLUSION: LVSI does not significantly compromise the survival outcome of Chinese EEC patients.

HOTAIRM1 suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in ovarian cancer through facilitating ARHGAP24 expression by sponging miR-106a-5p.

AIMS: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignant tumors all over the world. HOX antisense intergenic RNA myeloid 1 (HOTAIRM1) has been reported as an important regulator in multiple tumors. However, the functions of HOTAIRM1 in OC and its possible molecular mechanisms remain unclear. MAIN METHODS: qRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of HOTAIRM1, miR-106a-5p and ARHGAP24 mRNA in OC tissues and cells. The functional effects of HOTAIRM1, miR-106a-5p and ARHGAP24 on OC cells were determined by MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry and Transwell assays. Luciferase reporter, RIP and RNA pull-down assays were used to examine the interaction between miR-106a-5p and HOTAIRM1 or ARHGAP24. Tumor xenografts were constructed in nude mice to confirm the roles of HOTAIRM1 in OC in vivo. KEY FINDINGS: HOTAIRM1 expression was lowered in OC tumor tissues and cells. Decreased HOTAIRM1 expression was associated with advanced FIGO stages and lymphatic metastasis. Up-regulation of HOTAIRM1 suppressed OC cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Also, HOTAIRM1 slowed OC tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, HOTAIRM1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-106a-5p to derepress ARHGAP24 expression. HOTAIRM1-mediated inhibitory effect on OC progression was partly reversed following the restoration of miR-106a-5p expression. Furthermore, ARHGAP24 overexpression repressed OC progression in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our study showed that HOTAIRM1 suppressed OC progression through derepression of ARHGAP24 by sponging miR-106a-5p. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms of HOTAIRM1 in OC and highlights a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OC.

Limb cooling with targeted arterial infusion of cold fluid alleviates scald injury: an experimental rabbit study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the cooling and healing effect of different modalities: Hydrogel dressing(®) was compared with targeted artery injection of low temperature liquid as a coolant following application to a fresh deep partial thickness hot water scald in a rabbit hind limb model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty five rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups. Treatment group received femoral artery injection of low temperature liquid and hydrogel dressing post burn 30 min or 1 hour. Control group were just scalded. Subcutaneous (Tu) and deep mussel temperatures (Tm) were continually monitored in all wounds. After scald the rectal temperature were detected within 6 hours. The wounds were biopsied for histological assessment at 72 h and 3 weeks. RESULTS: Effective cooling of the burn wound and an increased rate of wound healing was achieved by both treatment methods. The final temperature at 1h decreased to the preburn temperature. Compared with hydrogel dressing group (Tm decreased by 1.3 ± 0.4°C), Tm decreased by 2.8 ± 0.3°C in femoral artery injection group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). Artery injection of low temperature liquid and hydrogel dressing almost exert no influence on rabbit core temperature. Clinical and histological assessment at 21 days indicated more rapid healing in both the 30 min hydrogel dressing and artery injection burns compared with the controls and the 60 minutes intervention groups. CONCLUSION: This result indicates artery injection of low temperature liquid earlier to cooling limb is an effective means to reduce residual heat damage tissue without affect core temperature and increase wound healing.

Inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 by cariporide reduces burn-induced intestinal barrier breakdown.

Severe burns initiate an inflammatory cascade within the gut, which leads to intestinal mucosal injury. Although Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 (NHE1) is recognised as a pivotal player in several inflammatory processes, its role in burn-induced intestinal injury is relatively unknown. We hypothesised that NHE1 might be involved in the increased intestinal permeability and barrier breakdown after severe burns. Thus, we here investigate whether the inhibition of NHE1 has a protective effect on burn-induced intestinal injury. Mice were subjected to a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness steam burn. Cariporide was used to assess the function of NHE1 in mice with burn-induced intestinal injury by fluorescence spectrophotometry, Western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that severe burn increased intestinal permeability, associated with the up-regulation of NHE1 and raised inflammatory cytokine levels. Mice treated with the NHE1 inhibitor cariporide had significantly attenuated burn-induced intestinal permeability and a reduced inflammatory response. NHE1 inhibition also reduced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and attenuated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Our study suggests that NHE1 plays an important role in burn-induced intestinal permeability through the regulation of the inflammatory response. Inhibition of NHE1 may be adopted as a potential therapeutic strategy for attenuating intestinal barrier breakdown.

[Effect of intensive insulin treatment on cardiac myocytes of severely scalded rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of intensive insulin treatment on cardiac myocytes of severely scalded rats. METHODS: Eighteen model Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full thickness injury, and they were divided into three groups with 6 rats in each group. The right jugular vein was cannulated for fluid resuscitation and administration of drugs. The rats in burn group were injected with normal saline, the intensive insulin group with injection of insulin to maintain plasma glucose content in normal range, and the sham burn group received physiologic dose of saline without burn injury. Plasma glucose was monitored after burn injury. Rats were sacrificed at 6 hours postburn to examine plasma myocardial enzymes spectrum as well as histological and ultrastructure changes in cardiac tissue. The expression of p-Akt was detected by western blotting. RESULTS: Plasma glucose level was significantly elevated in burn group within postburn 6 hours as compared with the sham burn group, and lowered in intensive insulin group (4.5 approximately 5.2 mmol/L vs. 7.6 approximately 8.4 mmol/L, P<0.05 or P<0.01). And the intensive insulin therapy could effectively inhibit the release of cardiac enzymes [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): (2 369.3+/- 178.9) U/L vs. (2 684.1+/-335.0) U/L, P<0.05; alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (alpha-HBD): (576.7+/-219.2) U/L vs. (1 002.0+/-347.1) U/L, P<0.01; creatine kinase (CK): (1 041.9+/-623.2) U/L vs. (2 447.1+/-1 183.7) U/L, P<0.01]. The expression of p-Akt was significantly strengthened in the intensive insulin group (1.18+/-0.43 vs. 0.24+/-0.11, P<0.01). Light microscopic and electron microscopic examinations showed that intensive insulin therapy could alleviate the injury to myocardial cells and structural changes. CONCLUSION: Intensive insulin treatment possesses protective effect on cardiomyocytes after a severe burn, and it is related to its up-regulation of phosphorylation level of Akt in cardiomyocyte, thus inhibiting the damage to myocytes.

Template-directed one-step synthesis of cyclic trimers by ADMET.

A trifurcated template, containing three secondary dialkylammonium ion recognition sites for encirclement by a dibenzo [24]crown-8-containing acyclic diene, is used to promote acyclic diene metatheses (ADMET) catalyzed by ruthenium-alkylidene complexes, affording a cyclic trimer in 55% yield. Following this one-step, threefold ADMET reaction, the resulting cyclic trimer was isolated by preparative HPLC and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Hydrocarbation chemistry proceeding from nickel carbenes.

Nickel carbene complex 2 [Ni(triphos)C(H)N(H)xylyl]2+(BF4-)2 reacts with alkenes quantitatively and regiospecifically to give the anti-Markovnikov hydrocarbation products. X-ray crystallography shows significant iminium alkyl character of the hydrocarbation products, similar to that observed in parent carbene 2. Mechanistic studies suggest the importance of a "hydride" pathway over "alkene" (metallocycle formation or carbocation) pathways.