Comparison of the efficacy of seven types of microneedles for treating a rabbit hypertrophic scar model.

Microneedle technology can effectively suppress the formation of hypertrophic scarring in both animals and humans. Our previous research has revealed that this is due to the physical contact inhibition effect by using microneedles made of liquid-crystal polymers as the model device. One important factor we didn't study is the influence of the fabrication materials of microneedles. Therefore, this article examines this key point on a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model. We monitor the thickness of the scars, and the expression of α-SMA and Ki-67 protein, and TGF-ß1 mRNA in a period of 42 days. Among microneedles made of 6 polymeric materials and stainless steel, polymethylmethacrylate microneedles present superiority in all aspects including the reduction of tissue fibrosis, and the expression of α-SMA, Ki-67 protein and TGF-ß1 mRNA. On the other hand, polycarbonates, polyurethane, and polylactic-co-glycolic acid microneedles could suppress three biomarker expressions.

Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Induced by Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia and Hyphae.

Previous research indicated that hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) rather than conidia could successfully build a pulmonary aspergillosis model in immunocompetent mice. In this study, we compared the immune responses induced by hyphae and conidia to explore the possible mechanism of this striking phenomenon. Herein, a novel method was designed and adopted to quantify hyphal fragments. Murine macrophages RAW264.7 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated by A. fumigatus hyphae and conidia in vitro, respectively, and then immunological reactions were measured. Male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with conidia and hyphae through intratracheal inoculation. Dynamic conditions of mice were recorded, and RNA-seq measured corresponding immune responses. The results of the study confirmed that hyphae could induce more intensive inflammation than conidia in vitro and in vivo. However, macrophages revealed a higher production of ROS and M1 polarisation in response to conidia stimuli. Additionally, conidia could promote Th1 cell differentiation, while hyphae could increase the CD4/CD8 ratio. RNA-seq validated the fact that those multiple immunologically relevant pathways were more strongly activated by hyphae than conidia, which also promoted Th2 cell differentiation and suppressed Th1 signalling. Both hyphae and conidia could activate Th17 signalling. In general, conidia and hyphae induced distinctly different host immune responses, and the immune responses induced by conidia played a better protective effect. Therefore, the unique function of hyphae in the spread and infection of Aspergillus should be emphasised, and more research is required to clarify the underlying mechanisms for better understanding and management of aspergillosis.

Recalcitrant Palmar-Plantar Atopic Dermatitis Successfully Treated with Dupilumab: A Case Series.

Background: Palmar-plantar atopic dermatitis is a common and debilitating condition with significant diagnostic and management challenges. Case Presentation: The paper presents the successful treatment of dupilumab in five female patients with recalcitrant palmar-plantar atopic dermatitis. Methods: The Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and the Foot Eczema Severity Index (FECSI), eosinophils and IgE levels were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results: Five recalcitrant palmar-plantar atopic dermatitis patients had substantial responses to dupilumab and the persistent pruritus was soon alleviated during the therapy. By week 16, all patients' palmar-plantar eczema has been almost clear, with significant decrease of HECSI and FECSI. The count of eosinophils and IgE levels returned to normal in all patients. Conclusion: Dupilumab significantly improves disease severity and reduces eosinophils and IgE in refractory palmar-plantar AD patients.

Subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus following cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin: A case report.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the cosmetic intervention related infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing as the informal cosmetic treatments are performed. However, many dermatologists are inexperienced in the diagnosis and management of similar cases. Here we report a case of subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) following cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old woman presented with multiple abscesses and nodules on her forehead and both temporal sites for half a month after cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin. Her lesions did not show any alleviation after 2-wk prescription of antibiotics. Laboratory examinations indicated that she had no sign of immunodeficiency and the whole body of computed tomography did not find any systemic infection or diseases. The pathology of skin tissue showed inflammatory cell infiltration with the negative results of Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Acid-fast staining and the culture yielded no microbiome. Afterwards, the puncture on abscess was performed and M. abscessus was successfully isolated. The pathogen was identified by acid-fast staining and DNA sequencing. The patient was treated with the strategy of clarithromycin, ofloxacin, and amikacin according to the result of drug sensitivity test and got complete remission of the lesions. CONCLUSION: The case presents the whole process of diagnosis and management of NTM infection after cosmetic intervention and highlights the diagnostic thoughts. In a word, the mycobacterium infection should be aware in patients after cosmetic performance.

IL-9 plays a protective role on host defense against the infection of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes neurological disease in immunocompromised patients. Preliminary experiments showed that cryptococcal strains could induce the expression of interleukin-9 (IL-9). The use of a neutralizing antibody against IL-9 decreased the survival rates of mice in a murine model. In this study, we found that in vitro, IL-9 could enhance the phagocytic function of M1 macrophages and promote the killing of extracellular pathogens by had no effect on the killing of invading pathogens. IL-9 could also promote the expression of IL-6 while suppressing the expression of TNF-α in M1 macrophages. In vivo, IL-9 reduced the colony-forming units (CFUs) in the brain and liver, but there were no differences in the lung. Furthermore, the weight of mice in the IL-9 group decreased slower than that of mice in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group after infection. Moreover, IL-9 could enhance the survival rate at 21 days. The results also showed that IL-9 could promote the secretion of IL-17 while blocking the secretion of IL-4. Therefore, we concluded that IL-9 plays a protective role in C. neoformans infection.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of coronavirus disease 2019 in Ningbo residents / 预防医学

Objective@#To understand the levels of knowledge,attitude and practice (KAP) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ningbo residents during the epidemic,so as to provide evidence for further health education and promotion. @*Methods@#Participants,aged 18 years or over and resided in Ningbo from December 1,2019 to February 26,2020,were recruited by snowball sampling method to respond a questionnaire through WeChat, including the status of KAP of COVID-19 and the approaches to acquire the information.@*Results@#Totally 967 questionnaires were collected and 917 of them were valid (94.83%). The awareness rate of COVID-19 was 56.49%, with 96.51%,64.78% and 88.00% for the clinical symptoms,source of infection and transmission route,respectively. Among the participants,163 felt anxious,accounting for 17.78%;101 felt panic,accounting for 11.01%. About 96.40%,11.67% and 95.97% of the participants considered COVID-19 severe,susceptible and controllable. About 99.89% of the participants tried to purchase the protective equipment,99.45% wore masks when they went out,98.91% washed hands after they were back,and 95.53% covered the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Compared to the situation before,668 (72.85%) participants used electronic products (such as cellphone and computer) more,while 481 (52.45%) participants exercised less. About 899 (98.04%),712 (77.64%) and 603 (65.76%) participants obtained the information through cellphone,internet and TV,respectively.@*Conclusions@#Ningbo residents have acquired some knowledgeof COVID-19 through cellphones, internet and television,and can consciously take protective practice. A few residents feel anxious and panic,so further health education and mental health intervention should be strengthened.