More and more studies have shown that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has become the regulatory factor of inflammatory response and protective immunity, and the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes are closely related to the anti-tumor immunity effect. Depending on the cell type and stimuli, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can induce immune cells to become polarized, hyperactive, or pyroptotic, releasing interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which leads to cascade immune or inflammatory responses, and its role in tumor immunity has received extensive attention. Here, we review the mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome enhancing CD8⁺ T cells-mediated anti-tumor immunity by inducing the pyroptosis of tumor cell, the pyroptosis or hyperactive state of dendritic cells (DCs), and the pyroptosis or polarization of the macrophages. Different anti-tumor immune roles of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in tumor cells and immune cells provide new directions for future research and may influence the development of next-generation immunotherapy.

Objective To probe the clinic significance ofintraopcrative ultrasonography in brain tumor resection. Methods The intraoperative ultrasonography, adopted in the brain tumor resection of 29 cases, assisted the brain mantle operative approach and the rumor resection monitoring through acquiring the tumors' position, the hemisphere, the internal structure and the adjoining with blood vessels.After the operation, ultrasonography was performed again to observe the tumor surviving. Results The tumor detection rate with intraoperative ultrasound in 29 cases was 100% and best approach was chosen to accurately locate the tumor according to the tumors' position and the hemisphere. Meningiomas got abundant blood supply and were often closely correlated to the sinuses, therefore, preoperative detections of the blood supply and the possible erosion of the sinus wall of meningiomas was performed to provide basis for rapid repair and to shorten the operation time. Repeated detection on the surgery hemisphere and residue detection were performed to help maximize the glioma resection, particularly the functional glioma resection. Conclusion Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound can accurately locate tumor tissue, suggesting the best surgical approach; intraoperative ultrasonography, assisting in the resection of brain tumors, can improve the operation safty and decrease the happening of trauma.

Objective To investigate the operation process of the technology, safety and operability of total laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer by natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE). Methods 40 patients with colorectal cancer who met the inclusion criteria of NOSE method from April 2015 to June 2017 were randomly divided into control group (traditional laparoscope) and experimental group (NOSE group), 20 cases in each. The intraoperative and postoperative quality of life between the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results All the patients completed the target operation, and no other operative methods were transferred. No complications occurred in either group. There were statistically difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups of patients in the two indicators (time and blood loss), there was no statistically significant difference in hospital time (P > 0.05), there was statistically difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups of quality of life score (SF-36 scale) in somatic function, role function, pain, cognitive and overall health status of five dimensions, the NOSE group was superior to the traditional laparoscopic group. Conclusion There are advantages in totally laparoscopic colorectal cancer treated with whole NOSE method. The overall health is good, few restrictions on daily work and life, quicker recovery of physical function and role function. Therefore, the application can be promoted if the condition is allowed.

OBJECTIVETo observe early rehabilitation of two different acupuncture programs for hemiplegia due to stroke.

METHODSSeventy cases of early hemiplegia due to stroke were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group were treated by acupuncture at acupoints of both the healthy and affected sides, twice each day, respectively, and the control group by acupuncture at the affected side, once daily. Their therapeutic effects were evaluated by the brief Fugl-Meyer movement scale and the modified Barthel indexes.

RESULTSThe patients with over grade IV for FMA accounted for 68.6% and the good rate for ADL was 74.3% in the treatment group, and 31.4% and 42.8% in the control group, respectively, the therapeutic effect of the treatment group being better than that of the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe acupuncture program in which acupoints at both the healthy and affected sides are applied alternately is more beneficial to recovery of motor function and activity daily living (ADL) of the patient with hemiplegia due to stroke.

Activities of Daily Living ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Hemiplegia ; therapy ; Humans ; Stroke ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Suyu capsule on behavior, injury of hippocampal neurons and Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic in the depression model mice.

METHODSixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, the control group, the model group and three Suyu capsule groups (the doses were 22.8, 11.4, 5.7 g x kg(-1) respectively). The model was established by separation and chronic unpredictable mild stimulation. The increased weight and crossing score, rearing score were measured by open-field and sweet water consumption of mice. Cone cell and configuration of neuron in CA1, CA3 region of hippocampus were observed by Nissl. The concentration of hippocampal synaptic Ca2+ ion was detected by fluorimetry.

RESULTComparing with the mice of control, the increased weight was slowered ( P < 0.01), the scores of rearing and crossing were decreased (P < 0.01), sweet water consumption were decreased too (P < 0.01), numbers of cone cell in CA3 region of hippocampus were decreased obviously (P < 0.01), and Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic was increased obviously. Comparing with the mice of model, Suyu capsule (22.8 g kg(-1)) could increase the increased weight on the 14th and 21 st day obviously (P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase the scores of crossing obviously (P < 0.05), Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4 g x kg(-1)) could increase the scores of rearing obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase sweet water consumption obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05; Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase numbers of cone cell in CA3 region of hippocampus obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) decreased Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic with dose-effect relationship (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSuyu capsule can improve all the symptoms of the depression model mice and protect injury of hippocampal neurons in the depression model mice. The possible mechanism of action is to restrict Ca2+ ion overfreight.

Animals ; Antidepressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Capsules ; Depression ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Synapses ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the long-term facial nerve function of patients following microsurgical removal of large and huge acoustic neuroma, and to identify the factors that influence these outcomes.

METHODSA retrospective review was performed which included 176 consecutive patients with a large acoustic neuroma (≥ 30 mm) underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy for tumor resection between January 2002 to November 2009. House-Brackmann (HB) Scale was used preoperatively and in a long-term follow-up after surgery. Test for linear trend was applied for statistic analysis.

RESULTSComplete resection was achieved in 168 (95.5%) of these 176 patients with a mortality of 1.7%. Anatomic preservation of the facial nerve was attained in 96.0% of the patients. In the series of 96 patients who had at least 1-year follow-up (mean 3.0 years) the facial nerve function preservation (HB grade 1 - 2) was totally attained in 79 patients (82.3%), and 40 of 55 patients (72.7%) who presented huge tumors (diameter > 40 mm) among the 96 patients had facial nerve function preserved. Analysis showed that facial nerve function correlated linearly with tumor sizes (χ(2) = 14.114, ν = 1, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSComplete removal of large and giant acoustic neuroma may be obtained via retrosigmoid approach with facial nerve preservation. Excellent long-term facial function can be expected in the majority of patients who undergo microsurgical removal of vestibular schwannoma via the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Tumor size is a significant prognostic parameter for facial nerve function following vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Facial Nerve ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Microsurgery ; Middle Aged ; Neuroma, Acoustic ; surgery ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective?To investigate the feasibility, safety, operating essentials and the short-term therapeutic effect of total laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer by Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSES).?Methods?The clinical data of 50 patients underwent total laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer by NOSES from January 2016 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.?Results?All of the 50 patients with colorectal cancer successfully received total laparoscopic resection by NOSES. None of the patients had serious postoperative complications and death related to the operation. The average operating time was (140.0 ± 29.0) minutes. The blood loss was (70.0 ± 23.4) ml. The number of lymph nodes harvested were (14.0 ± 2.3). There was no bacteria infection in abdominopelvic cavity post-operation and no recurrence occurred until the end of postoperative follow- up. Postoperative time of bed rest was (2.0 ± 0.5) days. The time of the first anal exhaust was (2.0 ± 0.5) days. The postoperative hospitalization stay was (8.5 ± 3.0) days. There was none case of lung infection while one case of anastomotic leakage. No cancer cells remained in resection margin. No local recurrence and metastasis was found in all patients after follow-up for 3 to 24 months.?Conclusion?Total laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer by NOSES is safe and feasible, and has the advantage of minimally invasive, less pain, rapid rehabilitation, good cosmetic effect and less postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVETo explore the underlying mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfer induced cardiac function improvement in failing hearts.

METHODSCongestive heart failure (CHF) was induced in rats by cauterization of the heart wall. MSCs were cultured from autologous bone marrow and injected into the border zone and the remote myocardium 5 days after cauterization.

RESULTSTen weeks later, cardiomyocyte nucleus mitotic index, capillary density and expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased in the border zone and significantly reduced in the remote myocardium in CHF rats (all P<0.05 vs. sham). Besides cardiac function improvement and left ventricular remodeling attenuation evidenced by hemodynamic and echocardiographic examinations, expressions of IGF-1, HGF and VEGF in the remote myocardium and in the border zone were also significantly upregulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01 vs. CHF), and cardiomyocyte nucleus mitotic index as well as capillary density were significantly increased in CHF rats with MSCs (P<0.05 or P<0.01 vs. CHF). Moreover, collagen area was significantly reduced and myocardial area was significantly increased in the border zone in these rats too.

CONCLUSIONAutologous MSC implantation upregulated expressions of growth factors enhanced cardioangiogenesis which might be the underlying mechanisms for improved cardiac function and attenuated left ventricular remodeling induced by MSCs transplantation in failing rat myocardium.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Heart Failure ; metabolism ; therapy ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; metabolism ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Ventricular Remodeling

BACKGROUNDMicroRNA-206 (miR-206) and connexin 43 (Cx43) are related with the distant metastasis of breast cancer. It remains unclear whether the regulatory effect of miR-206 on Cx43 is involved in metastasis of breast cancer.

METHODSUsing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, the expressions of miR-206 and Cx43 were determined in breast cancer tissues, hepatic and pulmonary metastasis (PM), and cell lines (MCF-10A, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231). MCF-7/MDA-M-231 cells were transfected with lentivirus-shRNA vectors to enhance/inhibit miR-206, and then Cx43 expression was observed. Cell counting kit-8 assay and Transwell method were used to detect their changes in proliferation, migration, and invasion activity. The mutant plasmids of Cx43-3' untranslated region (3'UTR) at position 478-484 and position 1609-1615 were constructed. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to observe the effects of miR-206 on luciferase expression of different mutant plasmids and to confirm the potential binding sites of Cx43.

RESULTSCx43 protein expression in hepatic and PM was significantly higher than that in the primary tumor, while no significant difference was showed in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. MiR-206 mRNA expression in hepatic and PM was significantly lower than that in the primary tumor. Cx43 mRNA and protein levels, as well as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, were all significantly improved in MDA-MB-231 cells after reducing miR-206 expression but decreased in MCF-7 cells after elevating miR-206 expression, which demonstrated a significantly negative correlation between miR-206 and Cx43 expression (P = 0.03). MiR-206 can drastically decrease Cx43 expression of MCF-7 cells but exerts no effects on Cx43 expression in 293 cells transfected with the Cx43 coding region but the lack of Cx43-3'UTR, suggesting that Cx43-3'UTR may be the key in Cx43 regulated by miR-206. Luciferase expression showed that the inhibition efficiency was reduced by 46.80% in position 478-484 mutant, 16.72% in position 1609-1615 mutant; the inhibition was totally disappeared in double mutant (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONSMiR-206 can regulate the expression of Cx43, the cytobiological activity, and the metastasis of breast cancer through binding to the two binding sites in Cx43-3'UTR: position 478-484 and position 1609-1615.

Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Connexin 43 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; physiology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis

To explore the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies in HIV-1 CRF07_BC infections among intravenous drug users (IDU), the gp120 fragments of HIV-1 env gene were amplified from plasma samples collected from 6 CRF07_BC infected persons using single genome amplification and sequencing (SGA/ SGS) method, and 11 to 28 sequences were obtained from these samples, respectively, A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to describe the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies. The Simplot, segments' phylogenetic trees and diversity plots based on average pairwise distance (APD) were used to identify the recombination events between quasispecies. The SGA sequences derived from single specimen formed a large monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and showed the complex topologic structures of viral quasispecies. Of the 6 CRF07_BC infected patients, only one possessed the high genetic homogeneity, whereas the other five individuals showed high heterogeneity, with two to four subclusters inside the monophyletic cluster for each specimen. In addition, the recombinant events were identified among viral quasispecies from 3 cases. The results show SGA technique and phylogenetic analyses are useful tool to investigate the intrahost CRF07_BC gp120 complex quasispecies variation and high genetic diversity.
Adult ; Drug Users ; Female ; HIV Infections ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; virology ; Young Adult