ObjectiveTo investigate whether co-activated mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs） exert therapeutic effects against schistosomiasis by modulating macrophage polarization. MethodsTwenty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups： uninfected， infected， MSC-treated， and MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ-treated groups. The Schistosoma japonicum infection model was established via abdominal patch method with cercariae. At week 5 post-infection， praziquantel was administered orally for antiparasitic treatment. At week 6， mice received either MSCs treatments （with or without pre-activation） or no treatment. Body weight changes were monitored weekly. Hepatic pathological alterations were evaluated via HE and Masson staining. RT-qPCR was used to assess α-SMA and collagen （Col-I， Col-Ⅲ） mRNA levels to quantify fibrosis. The mRNA levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases（MMP） were analyzed to explore fibrotic mechanisms. The expressions of i-Nos and Arg-1 in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR， and the ratio of M1 or M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining， aiming to analyze the correlation between MSCs treatment and macrophage polarization. An in vitro co-culture system validated direct MSC-macrophage interactions. ResultsCompared with the infected group， the MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ group exhibited increased body weight gain （P< 0.01）， reduced hepatic granulomatous lesion area （P< 0.001）， and decreased α-SMA， Col-I， and Col-Ⅲ mRNA levels （P< 0.01）. Additionally， the MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ group showed reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression （P< 0.05）， as well as elevated MMP2， Mmp9， and MMP13 levels （P< 0.01）. The MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ group showed higher expression of M2 marker Arg-1 mRNA compared with the infection group （P < 0.001） ， while the expression of M1 marker i-Nos decreased （P< 0.05）. Immunofluorescence confirmed a lower i-Nos+ cell ratio （P< 0.05） and higher F4/80⁺CD206⁺ cell ratio （P< 0.000 1） in the MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ group compared with the infection group. In vitro co-culture experiments further demonstrated that MSC^TLR4+IFN-γ promoted Arg-1 expression， suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine i-Nos and TNF-α levels， consistent with ELISA results. ConclusionsThis study reveals that TLR4 and IFN-γ co-activated MSCs alleviate Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis， potentially through modulating macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. This mechanism may suppress inflammation and enhance extracellular matrix degradation， providing a therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis.

Objective:To evaluate the role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) in sevoflurane-induced necroptosis in hippocampal neurons of rats using the in vitro experiment.Methods:Primary cultured hippocampal neurons from fetal rats of Sprague-Dawley rats were inoculated in culture wells (100 μl/well ) or culture flasks (3 ml/bottle) at a density of 5×10 5 cells/ml at 7 days of culture and divided into 4 groups ( n=19 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group), sevoflurane group (Sev group), sevoflurane+ siRNA-PTPIP51 transfection group (Sev+ siPTPIP51 group), and sevoflurane+ nonsense siRNA transfection group (Sev+ siNC group). The neurons were placed in a culture incubator containing 2% sevoflurane and incubated at 37 ℃ for 5 h in Sev, Sev+ siPTPIP51 and Sev+ siNC groups. Then neurons were collected for determination of the cell survival rate (by MTT method), cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i) and necroptosis rate (by flow cytometry), expression of PTPIP51, receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (p-MLKL) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the partial length, endoplasmic reticulum circumference, and mitochondrial circumference of MAMs (with a transmission electron microscope). Results:Compared with group C, the activity of neurons was significantly decreased, the [Ca 2+ ] i and necroptosis rate were increased, the expression of PTPIP51, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated, and the ratio of partial length of MAMs to endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and partial length of MAMs to mitochondrial perimeter were increased in group Sev ( P<0.05). Compared with group Sev, the activity of neurons was significantly increased, the [Ca 2+ ] i and necroptosis rate were decreased, the expression of PTPIP51, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated, and the ratio of partial length of MAMs to endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and partial length of MAMs to mitochondrial perimeter were decreased in group Sev+ siPTPIP51 ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant changes were found in the above parameters in group Sev+ siNC ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Up-regulation of PTPIP51 expression mediates structural changes in MAMs and is involved in the process of sevoflurane-induced necroptosis in hippocampal neurons of rats.

Humans ; alpha-Synuclein/genetics* ; Parkinson Disease/pathology*

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-P) and conventional paclitaxel combined with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:Forty-nine patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma admitted to the First People's Hospital of Suqian from November 2016 to May 2020 were included. Of the 49 patients, 23 cases were treated with Nab-P combined with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy (NP group), 26 cases were treated with conventional paclitaxel combined with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy (TP group). All patients received 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The curative efficacy was evaluated one month after the end of radiotherapy, and the curative effect and adverse reactions of the two treatment regimens were compared.Results:The objective remission rate in NP group was 78.3% (18/23), and the disease control rate was 100.0% (23/23). The objective response rate in TP group was 61.5% (16/26), and the disease control rate was 92.3% (24/26). The objective response rate and disease control rate in NP group were higher than those in TP group, but the differences were not statistically significant (both P > 0.05). The common adverse reactions were mainly hair loss, loss of appetite, bone marrow suppression, radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonia, malaise and myalgia. The incidence rate of grade 3-4 acute bone marrow suppression in NP group (8.7%, 2/23) was lower than that in TP group (38.5%, 10/26), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.35, P = 0.037). The incidence rate of myalgia in NP group (26.1%, 6/23) was lower than that in TP group (61.5%, 16/26), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.85, P = 0.028). Conclusions:Nab-P combined with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy has good efficacy in the treatment of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions is lower than that of conventional paclitaxel combined with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy, so that the regimen is safe.

【Objective】 To analyze the cure time from diagnosis to cure of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). 【Methods】 Based on the time of admission, diagnosis, and discharge of cured cases announced by the provincial and municipal health committees, the average period from diagnosis to discharge was calculated. And based on the aggregate data including the cumulative number of diagnoses, the number of curedcases and the number of deaths and their proportional relationship, we calculated the cure time. 【Results】 The cure time curve of 580 COVID-19 patients had skewed distribution, with a skewness of 1.09, a mean cure time of (14.6±6.7) days, a median of 13 days, and a 95% confidence interval (6.9, 21.0). The average cure time calculated based on the relationship between the cumulative number of diagnoses, the number of cured cases and the number of deaths was (13.3±3.5)d, with a median of 13.5 d. The average value of the cure time calculated based on the proportion of cured cases to the number of endpoints was (14.2±4.2)d, with the median number of 14.5 d. Based on the calculation of the relationship between the cumulative number of diagnosed cases, the number of cured cases and the number of deaths, the median cure time of cases with COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and the whole country was 15 days, 15.5 days and 15 days, respectively. The mediancure time for COVID-19cases in Wuhan, Hubei, and the whole country was 14 days. 【Conclusion】 The median cure time of COVID-19 is 13-15.5 days. There is some variation at different time of the outbreak, but there is not much difference between different regions.

【Objective】 To investigate the death time of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 【Methods】 The death time was calculated and analyzed using individual data and aggregated data through the daily notification of the epidemic situation and the death cases published on the website of the Heath Commission of China and provinces. 【Results】 In the 153 patients who died of COVID-19, the shortest time from onset to death was 4 days and the longest time was 50 days with the mean±standard deviation of (16.7±9.2) days. The median was 14 days and the 95% confidence interval was 4.6-42.9. The shortest time from admission to death was 1 day and the longest time was 50 days with the mean ± standard deviation of (12.1±7.8) days. The median was 11 days and the 95% confidence interval was 2-32.8. The time curve from diagnosis to death was skewed. The death time from diagnosis to death was 0 to 48 days with the mean ± standard deviation of (11.1±8.9) days. The median was 9 days, the interquartile interval was 10.5 days, and the 95% confidence interval was 0-35.4. It took 3 days from onset to admission and 1 day from admission to diagnosis. Aggregated data showed that the time from diagnosis to death of COVID-19 patients in China, China (except Hubei Province), Hubei Province and Wuhan City was 8, 9, 6 and 6 days, respectively. 【Conclusion】 The time from diagnosis to death of COVID-19 patients varied significantly, with the median time of 6-9 days in different regions.

Objective To design a waterproof protective sleeve to overcome the disadvantages of venous indwelling catheter in inconvenient bathing, easy immersion and pressure injury. Methods From January to March 2016, a total of 200 patients with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) from Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital were selected and randomly divided into control group and observation group, with 100 cases in each group. In the control group, patients' PICC sites were protected by traditional method, while in the observation group, a new type of protective air cushion and special transparent waterproof sleeves were applied to the PICC sites before bath. The incidence of infections and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The incidences of infections and complications of the control group were significantly higher than those of the observation group (χ2=30.61, 31.72; P<0.05). In the observation group, the PICC sites were well protected from external injuries and water immersion. Conclusions The waterproof protective sleeves are cheap and convenient to apply, which can significantly reduce the incidence of complications caused by bathing and ensure the safety of patients' catheters. It is worthy of clinical promotion.

The levels of the products of RNA polymerase Ⅲ-dependent genes(Pol Ⅲ genes),including tRNAs and 5S rRNA,are elevated in transformed and tumor cells,which potentiate tumorigenesis.TFIIB-related factor 1(Brf1)is a key transcription factor and specifically regulates the transcription of Pol Ⅲ genes.In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that a decrease in Brf1 reduces Pol Ⅲ gene transcription and is suf-ficient for inhibiting cell transformation and tumor formation.Emerging evidence indicates that dys-regulation of Brf1 and Pol Ⅲ genes is linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in humans and animals.We have reported that Brf1 is overexpressed in human liver cancer patients and that those with high Brf1 levels have shorter survivals.This review summarizes the effects of dysregu-lation of these genes on HCC and their regulation by signaling pathways and epigenetics.These novel data should help us determine the molecular mechanisms of HCC from a different perspective and guide the development of therapeutic approaches for HCC patients.

Objective To explore the effect of Xiaoyao pill combined with low-dose corticosteroid on serum estrogens levels in the treatment of patients with menopause syndrome and its clinical efficacy.Methods 96 patients with menopause syndrome from April 2013 to February 2015 in department of obstetrics and gynecology of Lishui second people’s hospital were selected and divided into 2 groups according to a random number table, the control group (48 cases) were treated with small dose of hormone therapy, the treatment group (48 cases) were treated with Xiaoyao pill combined with small dose of hormone therapy.The serum estrogens levels, Kupperman score, endometrial thickness and clinical efficacy were compared. Results The total effective rate of control group(79.17%) was lower than that of treatment group(93.75%)(P<0.05).Compared with control group post-treatment, the serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were lower, estradiol (E2) level was higher, the Kupperman score was lower, the endometrial thickness was higher than those of control group, there were significant differences ( P <0.05 ) . Conclusion Xiaoyao pill combined with small dose of hormone could improve serum E2, FSH and LH levels in the treatment of patients with menopause syndrome with high security.

BACKGROUND:Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels from multiple myeloma patients present a variety of abnormalities, it is unclear how these abnormal mesenchymal stem cels influence the chemotactic function of myeloma cel lines.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate thein vitro effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels from normal donors versus multiple myeloma patients on the chemotactic capacity of myeloma cel lines.
METHODS:In vitro cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels derived from either normal donors (N-MSCs group) or newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma patients (MN-MSCs group) were directly co-cultured with U266 cels, in the presence or absence of bortezomib; and then harvested U266 cels were assayed for Transwel migration and mRAN expression of chemotaxis-related genes. U266 Transwel migration to conditioned medium derived from either N-MSCs or MN-MSCs was also tested.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After co-cultured with N-MSCs or MN-MSCs, U266 cels harvested from MN-MSCs group showed increased spontaneous Transwel migration and up-regulated CCR1 mRNA level than those from N-MSCs group (P < 0.05), whatever bortezomib was present or not. However, there was no evident difference between U266 cel Transwel migration to conditioned medium derived from either MM-MSCs group or N-MSCs group. Our study implies that there may be some intrinsic aberrance in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels derived from multiple myeloma patients, which can modulate the chemotactic migration of myeloma cel lines when they directly interact with each other.