The role of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)signaling pathway in embryonic lung development has been recognized.What's more,it also plays a key role in postnatal development and maintenance of tissue or organ integrity and function.In recent years, studies have found that SHH signaling pathways are involved in the lung repairing process, suggesting that SHH signaling pathways may play a role in pulmonary fibrosis.This paper reviews the effect of the SHH signaling pathway in pulmonary fibrosis.

Different maternal positions and movement are utilized gradually in clinic while today it appears that the majority of women in the world birth in supine position or lithotomy position. To know the current situation and progress of the studies concerning different maternal positions and movement during labour and to explore the current relevant problems in clinic. The search strategy was designed to identify the relevant literature. The search was limited to the last 20 years as current literature was sought. Thirty eight papers were identified as relevant and included in this literature review. The majority studies is concerning about the outcome of mother and fetus. There is no unitized clinical pathway currently, and the objects implemented are limited. There is no study related to the requirement of implementing different maternal positions and movement during labor in clinic and the effect of pelvic floor function after parturition. The positive effect of implementing different maternal positions and movement during labor can be sure for the process of parturition and the outcome of mother and baby. Childbirth in different maternal positions and movement is the trend in the future. Therefore, how to utilize different maternal positions and movement during labor well, it is still a huge challenge for medical staff. And more convincing studies and information are needed as evidence in clinic.

BACKGROUND:Advancement in bioengineering based upon tissue engineering techniques may offer the possibility of repairing degenerative intervertebral disc.
OBJECTIVE:To summarize the research progress in the scaffolds of tissue engineered intervertebral disc.
METHODS:A computer-based retrieval was performed to search manuscripts describing tissue engineered intervertebral disc scaffolds published between January 1st, 1900 and December 31st, 2012 in PubMed database with the key words of“tissue engineering, intervertebral disc, scaffold”in English.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Scaffold is an important part of tissue-engineered research. There are three kinds of materials for intervertebral disc scaffolds:natural biomaterials, synthetic materials, and composite materials. A variety of scaffold materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Up to now, none of these scaffold materials is accepted as the most suitable one. The selection of scaffold materials is stil to be further studied. The study and development of nanoscale biomaterials is an inevitable trend. Otherwise, with the help of bionics, improving scaffolds is also an inexorable trend in progress of simulating human intervertebral disc. Furthermore, injectable scaffold is also an research hot spot, and the selection range of injectable scaffold materials mainly focuses on chitosan, typeⅡcolagen,hyaluronic acid,fibrin,elastin,and alginate.C urrently, studies on chitosan as a scaffold material are relatively more.

Objective To investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the expression of Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the signalling pathways involved in the trophoblast cell line JEG-3. Methods The JEG-3 trophoblast cell line was used in this study. (1) JEG-3 cells were cultured with various concentrations of EGF (0, 1, 10,20 ng/ml) for 24 hours and the expression of MMP-9 was tested by western blotting and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). (2) Western blotting and RT-PCR were also used to investigate the expression of MMP-9 expression after incubation for 0,4,12 and 24 hours with EGF treatment (10 ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells. (3) According to the different added ingredients, JEG-3 cells were divided into some groups: control group (without EGF), EGF group (exposure to l0ng/ml EGF),EGF + inhibitors group (exposure to 10 ng/ml EGF +20 ng/ml SB203580 or exposure to 10 ng/ml EGF + 10ng/ml U0126) inhibitors group (exposure to 20 ng/ml SB203580 or exposure to 10 ng/ml U0126). Western blotting were used to investigate the expression levels of MMP-9, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) ,p38MAPK, phospho-p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) , extracellular -signal regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK (p-ERK) protein in JEG-3 cells after incubation for 24 hours. Results (1) The profiles of MMP-9mRNA were increased by various concentrations of EGF (0, 1 , 10, 20 ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells after 24hculture. The expression of MMP-9 mRNA in JEG-3 cells exposure at 1 ng/ml of EGF (0. 567 ±0. 056) , 10ng/ml of EGF (1. 392 ±0. 133) , 20 ng/ml of EGF (1. 971 ±0. 067) were significantly higher respectively (P <0. 05) , compared with 0 ng/ml of EGF treatment (0. 166 ±0. 015). Similarly, MMP-9 mRNAs were also increased with the increasing incubation time. Compared to EGF (10 ng/ml) stimulation for 0 h (0.253 ±0.044), the MMP-9 mRNA profiles were 0. 470 ±0. 026, 1.061 ±0. 115, 1. 453 ±0. 180 for 4,12 and 24 hours, respectively (P < 0. 05). (2) In accordance to the mRNA profiles, the expression of MMP-9 protein was also increased by different concentrations of EGF (0,1, 10, 20 ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells after 24 h-culture. The abundance of MMP-9 protein in the three groups was 0. 043 ±0. 012, 0. 085 ±0. 008, 0. 142 ±0. 015, with a significantly higher expression, compared with 0 ng/ml of EGF treatment (0. 004 ±0.001, P < 0.05) respectively. Similarly, MMP-9 proteins were also increased with the increasing incubation time. Compared to EGF(10 ng/ml) stimulation for 0 h (0. 030 ±0. 009) , the profiles of MMP-9 protein were 0. 137 ± 0. 010, 0. 240 ± 0. 010, 1.240 ±0.061 for 4, 12 and 24 hours, respectively (P < 0.05). (3) Both p38MAPK and ERK signalling pathways were activated by EGF in JEG-3 cells. The expression of p-p38MAPK was significantly higher (without or with 10 ng/ml EGF, 234. 1 ± 4. 1 vs.260. 9 ± 2. 5 , P < 0. 05) , however, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 markedly suppressed the increase in p-p38MAPK content induced by EGF(227. 9 ±2. 4 vs. 260. 9 ±2. 5, P<0. 05). Similarly, the expression of p-ERK was significantly higher with EGF treatment (812. 2 ±3. 5) vs. without EGF group (453.4±5.8) (P <0. 05) , while the ERK inhibitor U0126 significantly inhibited the increased p-ERK content in response to EGF treatment (71. 0 ± 1. 2 vs. 812. 2 ± 3. 5, P < 0. 05) . (4) The p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduced the expression of EGF-induced MMP-9 (0. 645 ± 0. 270 vs. 1. 476 ± 0. 452, P < 0. 05)and NF-kB (0.530 ± 0.026 vs. 0.959 ± 0. 017, P < 0. 05) . (5) The ERK inhibitor U0126 also significantly reduced the expression of EGF-induced MMP-9 (0. 623 ±0. 030 vs. 2. 112 ±0. 056, P <0. 05)and NF-kB (0. 325 ± 0. 082 vs. 0. 939 ± 0. 153, P < 0. 05). Conclusion EGF induced the expression of MMP-9 in a time and dose-dependant manner in JEG-3 cells. EGF enhanced MMP-9 expression through the activation of p38MAPK and ERK signalling pathways in JEG-3 cells.

BACKGROUND: There are different methods to isolate and culture human nucleus pulposus cells, and the differences in digestive enzymes components and digestion time quite are significant. So how to rapidly and efficiently harvest human nucleus pulposus cells has become a research hotspot. OBJECTIVE: To optimize the digestive enzymes components and digestion methods for the preparation of human nucleus pulposus cells. METHODS: Nucleus pulposus tissue specimens were selected from three adult discs in the Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. The acute traumatic disc tissues that outstanding to the spinal canal were taken under aseptic conditions, and then the peripheral white annulus and jel y-like nucleus pulposus in the center could be seen. According to different mixed enzyme concentration ratio, the samples were divided into two groups. The enzyme Ⅰ group was treated with 0.2% Ⅱ col agenase; and the mixed enzymeⅡ group was digested with 0.25% trypsin for 30 minutes, and then treated with 0.2% Ⅱ col agenase. According to digestion time, each group was divided into three subgroups: 2 hours group, 4 hours group, and overnight group. Final y, suspended cel volume was decided as 2 mL to count cells. Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing fetal bovine serum was used for cel culture in vitro. Trypan blue staining was performed to count total cel number and ratio of living cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect the growth curve of nucleus pulposus cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Based on the two digestion enzyme concentration, the number of digested cells in the enzyme Ⅰ group was larger than that in the enzyme Ⅱ group after digested for 2 and 4 hours, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Overnight, cellsurvival rate was decreased in the enzyme Ⅰ group after digested for 2 and 4 hours when compared with the enzyme Ⅱ group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). After digested for 4 hours, tissue blocks disappeared, and the number of cells reached maximum. The results indicate that enzyme Ⅰgroup composite with Ⅱ col agenase is benefit for the separation of nucleus pulposus cells, and the digestion time is appropriate to 4 hours. This condition has the advantages of simple operation, high efficiency and low cost, and it considered that digestion of nucleus pulposus tissues with 0.2% Ⅱ col agenase for 4 hours is the best condition to obtain nucleus pulposus cells.

Objective To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9),tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and the possible signalling pathways in human amniotic cells WISH.Methods The WISH cell line was cultured.WISH cells were added with TGF-β1 of different concentrations (0,2,10 and 20 ng/ml,respectively) for 24 hours.Then,reverse transcription (RT) PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-9; and the expression of NF-κB was analyzed by western blot.Results (1) The profile of TIMP-1 mRNA (0.413 ±0.036,0.623 ±0.058,1.392 ±0.124,1.387 ±0.102) in WISH cells elevated when the concentration of TGF-β1 increased (0,2,10,20 ng/ml).In accordance with TIMP-1 mRNA,the expression of TIMP-1 also elevated with the increase of TGF-β1 (0.357 ± 0.031,0.596 ± 0.048,1.243 ± 0.097 and 1.359 ± 0.121,respectively).And when 2,10 or 20 ng/ml of TGF-β1 was added,the TIMP-1 mRNA and protein were significantly higher than the TIMP-1 mRNA and protein when no TGF-β1 was added(P ＜ 0.05).(2)In contrast with TIMP-1,MMP-9 mRNA (1.325 ±0.056,0.987 ±0.081,0.610 ±0.034,0.347 ±0.023) in WISH cells decreased when the concentration of TGF-β1 increased (0,2,10,20 ng/ml).The MMP-9 protein (1.119 ±0.064,1.008 ±0.052,0.578 ±0.041,0.401 ±0.015) also decreased with the increase of TGF-β1.And when 2,10 or 20 ng/ml of TGF-β1 was added,the MMP-9 mRNA and protein were significantly lower than the MMP-9 mRNA and protein when no TGF-β1 was added (P ＜ 0.05).(3) The NF-κB protein (1.423 ±0.065,1.116 ± 0.045,0.796 ± 0.041,0.359 ± 0.021) was significandy reduced with the increase of TGF-β1 (0,2,10,20 ng/ml; P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The mRNA and protein expression of TIMP-1 decreased when TGF-β1 was low in WISH cells,whereas those of MMP-9 elevated when TGF-β1 was low.The unbalance of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 was related to the pathology of the premature rupture of membrane.And the NF-κB singalling pathway might be an important mechanism in the regulation of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 system.

Objective:To investigate the role of TcpC, a virulence factor of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), in immune evasion, and analyze its related pathogenic mechanism. Methods:C57BL/6 mice were injected with 10 9 colony-forming unit of wild-type (CFT073 wt) or tcpc gene-knockout (CFT073 Δ tcpc) UPEC CFT073 strains from urethra into bladder to construct a mouse model of pyelonephritis. These mice were sacrificed 5 d after infection and their kidneys were taken to observe the gross pathological changes. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes in kidney tissues and immunohistochemistry was performed to locate TcpC in kidney tissues. The bacterial loads in urine samples of UPEC infected-mice were counted by ten-fold dilution method, and the presence of tcpc gene in the genomic DNA of bacteria from CFT073-infected mouse kidney or urine samples was measured by PCR. The expression of TcpC at mRNA level was detected by qRT-PCR after infecting dendritic cells with CFT073 wt strains. The influences of UPEC infection on the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the secretion of proinflammatory factors by dendritic cells were analyzed by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The viability of UPEC strains in dendritic cells were observed by laser confocal microscope. Results:Compared with the CFT073 Δ tcpc group, the mice in the CFT073 wt group had obvious abscess in the kidneys as well as massive neutrophil infiltration and abundant TcpC in kidney tissues. The bacterial loads in the urine of CFT073 wt-infected mice were significantly higher than those in the urine of CFT073 Δ tcpc mice. PCR results showed that tcpc gene was successfully amplified from mouse kidney and urine samples. Increased expression of TcpC at both mRNA and protein levels was detected in CFT073 wt-infected dendritic cells. CFT073 wt infection inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p50 and the production of proinflammatory factors in dendritic cells. TcpC promoted the survival of CFT073 wt in dendritic cells. Conclusions:TcpC expression increases significantly during CFT073 wt infection or in mice with CFT073 wt-induced pyelonephritis. It promotes the survival of CFT073 wt in dendritic cells by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TcpC is involved in the pathogenesis of UPEC and immune evasion.

The male patient of middle-age was admitted to Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University on September 5, 2020, due to wear and rupture of the left foot hallux for more than 10 days, gradually developed swelling and blackening of the left foot and accompanied by drowsiness for 1day. Results from etiological examination of his wound secretions suggested the mixed infection of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica and Enterococcus faecalis. The disease progressed rapidly and the patient still died of septic shock after anti-infective treatment. The infection of W. chitiniclastica is rare and has a great relationship with poor hygiene and chronic open wounds. It is necessary to use matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry or 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for strain identification. Moreover, it is recommended to use cephalosporins or carbapenems as first-line drugs due to the poor prognosis of patients with bloodstream infections.

Objective:To effectively express the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in Pichia pastoris and to evaluate its immunogenicity. Methods:The gene encoding the RBD protein was synthesized and cloned into the pPICZαA plasmid. After linearization, the plasmid was transferred and integrated into the genome of Pichia pastoris. The expressed RBD protein in culture supernatant was analyzed by Western blot and Biolayer interferometry. After screening, a single clone expressing the RBD protein was selected. The high-level expression of RBD protein was achieved by optimizing the fermentation process, including the salt concentration adjusting of the medium and induction condition optimization (pH, temperature and duration). The immunogenicity of the expressed RBD protein was evaluated in a mouse model. Results:A single clone with a high expression level of RBD protein was obtained and named RBD-X33. The expression level of RBD protein in the fermentation supernatant reached up to 240 mg/L after optimization of the induction condition (HBSM medium, pH=6.5±0.3, 22℃ and 120 h). In the mouse experiment, the recombinant RBD protein was formulated with Alum+ CpG dual adjuvant and injected into mice. The binding IgG antibody levels were up to 2.7×10 6 tested by ELISA and the neutralizing antibody levels were up to 726.8 tested by live virus neutralizing antibody assay (prototype). Conclusions:The RBD protein could be efficiently expressed in Pichia pastoris and induce stronger immune response in animals. This study suggested that the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein expressed in Pichia pastoris could serve as a candidate antigen in the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and their correlation with cognitive scores in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:In this cross-section study, 36 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) admitted to the Department of Vascular Neurology of Beijing Tiantian Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 were selected as the PSCI group. And one to one matching was performed for patients without PSCI (PSNCI group) with an age±1 year and same gender admitted to the hospital during the same period (as control, 36 cases). Basic clinical data of the two groups were collected, the laboratory and imaging examinations were completed. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) were used for cognitive evaluation by neuropsychologists. Hypothesis testing was used to compare the differences in basic data, laboratory tests and lesion sites between the two groups. Multi-factor conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of PSCI, and Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to analyze the correlation between influencing factors of PSCI and the cognitive scores.Results:Compared with those in PSNCI group, the proportion of patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack history, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), apolipoprotein E(ApoE) ε4 carriers and the ratio of temporal lobe and thalamus infarction were higher in PSCI group (41.7% vs 13.9%, 36.1% vs 2.8%, 30.6% vs 5.6%, 22.3% vs 2.8%, 25.0% vs 5.6%), the MMSE and MoCA scores were lower in PSCI group [16.50 (8.25, 19.00) vs 28.00 (27.00, 30.00), 10.00 (4.25, 14.50) vs 27.00 (25.00, 28.00)] (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that HHcy was a positive correlation factor for PSCI ( OR=2.342, 95% CI=1.186-4.622, P=0.014). Spearman correlation analysis showed that MMSE ( r=-0.415) and MoCA ( r=-0.417) scores were negatively correlated with homocysteine (Hcy) (both P<0.05). Conclusion:HHcy is an important factor affecting the occurrence and development of PSCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and Hcy level is negatively correlated with cognitive scores in those patients.