Objective To investigate the structure of deoxyhypusine synthase(DHS)in Saccharomyces cerevisiae(Dys1)and unravel the molecular mechanism of hypusine lysine modification,providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of highly proliferative diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)replication.Meth-ods Using the E.coli BL21 expression system,an in vitro expression vector was constructed and used to express the protein of Dys1.Dys1 protein samples were purified using methods such as affinity chromatography and molecu-lar sieving to achieve protein purification and isolation.The crystals of Dys1 were obtained using the crystallized so-lution containing 6％Polyethylene Glycol(PEG)8000,0.1 mol/L N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-ethane-sulphoni-cacid(Hepes)pH 6.5,and 8％ethylene glycol.The crystal structure of Dys1 was resolved at a resolution of 2.8 ? using X-ray crystallography.The structural analysis was performed with CCP4i and Coot software.Results The overall structure of Dys1 was a tetramer,each monomer containing a catalytic site and a cofactor NAD+binding site.The core region of the monomer adopted a Rossmann fold.The amino acid residues involved in the substrate binding sites were highly conserved among eukaryotes.Conclusion The crystal structure of Dys1 is being resolved for the first time.It reveals the binding mode of the cofactor NAD+to the enzyme and confirms that the enzyme functions as a tetramer,with the N-terminus serving as an essential modulator for its catalytic activity.

Objective: To investigate the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) in vestigial like family member 4(VGLL4) gene and Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection. Methods: The blood samples of 450 normal physical examiners were collected , and the samples were divided into H. pylori negative group( n =220) and H. pylori positive group(n = 230) using enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) . SNP rs1803489 ,rs7617620 , and rs13078528 in VGLL4 gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) Ⅳrestriction fragment length polymorphism ( RFLP) technology. Results: SNP rs1803489 , rs7617620 , and rs13078528 in VGLL4 gene were not associated with H. pylori infection in the Han population in Baotou , Inner Mongolia. Conclusion SNP rs1803489 , rs7617620 , and rs13078528 in VGLL4 gene may not play a major role in H. pylori infection in Baotou Han population.

Objective:To explore the effects of low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum and proximal leg propeller flap in relay repair of electric burn wounds of forefoot.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2019 to January 2022, 12 patients with electric burn wounds of forefoot meeting the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, including 10 males and 2 females, aged 23-65 years. After debridement, the wound with an area of 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm was repaired with the lateral supramalleolar flap carrying part of the periosteum of the distal tibia and fibula with the rotation point moved down to the front of the ankle joint. The area of the cutted flap was 6.5 cm×3.5 cm-15.5 cm×7.5 cm. At the same stage, the donor site wound of lateral supramalleolar flap was repaired with peroneal artery or superficial peroneal artery perforator propeller flap in relay, with the relay flap area of 3.0 cm×1.5 cm-15.0 cm×4.0 cm. After operation, the survival of the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flap, and the wound healing of the relay flap donor site were observed. During follow-up, the shapes of the lateral supramalleolar flap and its donor site were observed.Results:After operation, one patient developed secondary blisters in the superficial skin distal to the lateral supramalleolar flap, which healed after dressing change, and the lateral supramalleolar flap and relay flaps survived well in the other patients; the donor site wound of the relay flap healed well. During follow-up of 12-18 months, the lateral supramalleolar flaps were in good shape and not bloated, with only linear scar left in the donor site of the flap.Conclusions:The low position lateral supramalleolar flap carrying periosteum can repair electric burn wounds of forefoot with advantages including reliable blood supply, low rotation point, and better repair effects. The use of relay flap to repair the donor site of lateral supramalleolar flap can reduce the damage to the appearance and function of the donor site.

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein for reconstructing severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture.Methods:The retrospective observational study method was used. From August 2019 to March 2023, 11 patients with severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture after severe facial burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to General Hospital of TISCO (the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University). All patients were male and aged 23 to 56 years, with an average age of 31.3 years. After the perioral scar was removed and released, the wound area was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 10.5 cm×2.0 cm. The free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein was used to repair the wound, and the flap incision area was 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 11.0 cm×2.5 cm. Among them, 6 patients required repair of wounds after resecting scar around ipsilateral upper and lower lips, and the lobular treatment of the flap was conducted. The wound in the flap donor area was directly sutured. After surgery, the survival of the flap and the occurrence of vascular crisis were observed. During follow-up after surgery, the appearance, texture, and color of the flap, the appearance of the flap donor area, and improvements of crooked mouth, drooling, limited mouth opening, and lip valgus in patients were observed.Results:All the flaps in patients completely survived after surgery, with no occurrence of vascular crisis. During follow-up of 6 to 36 months after surgery, the flap was not significantly bloated, was soft in texture, and had a similar color to that of the normal facial skin. Only linear scars were left in the flap donor area, and crooked mouth, drooling, limited mouth opening, and lip valgus in patients were significantly improved.Conclusions:The free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein can reconstruct severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture, with low incidence of postoperative flap vascular crisis, and the lobular treatment of flaps can repair wounds around unilateral upper and lower lips at the same time. After surgery, the appearance and function of the perioral area are significantly improved. The flap is a good choice for repairing small area of severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture.

Objective:To evaluate the biomechanical stability of our slot-designed compression bolt (SCB) combined with bilateral locking compression plates (LCPs) in the treatment of intra-articular distal femur fracture.Methods:In 24 adult male knee specimens treated with formalin, the femoral bony part was preserved to establish standard models of intra-articular distal femur fracture (AO type 33-C1). According to the random number table, the fracture models were divided into 2 equal groups: an experimental group ( n=12) subjected to fixation with one SCB combined with bilateral LCPs with 10 locking screws and a control group ( n=12) subjected to fixation with bilateral LCPs with 12 locking screws. In each model, a vertical ballast test was conducted to record the maximum axial displacement of the system and a horizontal torsion test to calculate the torsional stiffness of the system. When the loading pressure was 0-1,000 N in the biomechanical machine, structural abnormalities were observed in the 2 groups of models and the system maximum axial displacement and system torsional stiffness were compared between the 2 groups. Results:When the vertical ballast pressure was 400 N, 600 N, 800 N and 1,000 N, the maximum axial displacement of the system was, respectively, (0.14±0.01) mm, (0.25±0.01) mm, (0.41±0.02) mm and (0.63 ± 0.02) mm in the experimental group, and (0.15 ± 0.01) mm, (0.26 ± 0.01) mm, (0.46 ± 0.03) mm, and (0.67 ± 0.04) mm in the control group. Compared with the control group, the average maximum axial displacement in the experimental group decreased significantly under the axial pressure of 600-1,000 N ( P<0.05). When the horizontal torsion reached 5°, the torsional stiffness was, respectively, (2.00±0.12) Nm/° and (2.02±0.07) Nm/° in the experimental group and the control group, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of intra-articular distal femur fracture, compared with simple bilateral LCPs, our SCB combined with bilateral LCPs demonstrate similar torsional stability but better axial biomechanical stability. As our SCB has advantages of bilateral compression and minimal invasion in operation, it may be a new option for the reduction and compression treatment of intra-articular fractures.

Background Heavy metal pollution in cultivated land will affect crop yield and quality, as well as groundwater quality, ecological security, and human health. Objective To analyze the pollution status of heavy metal elements such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in cultivated soils of the Donghe River Basin in Chenzhou City, and to evaluate the environmental quality of local cultivated soil. Methods A total of 16 samples of cultivated soil from the Donghe River Basin in Chenzhou City were collected, and the contents of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in the samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index method (the evaluation indicators included both Nemerow comprehensive pollution index and single pollution index), the geological accumulation index method, and the potential ecological risk index method were used to evaluate the soil environmental quality. Results The average levels of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in the soil samples in the study area were 58.25, 49.50, 273.88, 137.76, 2.92, and 672.29 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. The average values of Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were all exceeded the background values of soil elements in Hunan Province. The single pollution indices of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in soil were 4.40, 9.74, 5.85, and 1.15 respectively. The contamination of As and Pb reached 93.75% and 81.25% respectively. The geological accumulation indices of soil As, Cd, Pb, and Zn were 2.11, 3.71, 2.97, and 0.58, respectively, which showed heavy Cd pollution, moderate As and Pb pollution, and slight Zn pollution. The potential ecological hazard indices of soil Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd were 1.63, 9.07, 2.90, 87.75, 113.18, and 695.76. 81.Twenty five percent of Cd samples showed heavy pollution and above, and 62.50% of Pb samples had moderate pollution and above. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index was 7.72, which belonged to heavy pollution; and the comprehensive potential ecological risk index was 910.29, which belonged to high ecological risk. Conclusion There are certain differences in the results of different evaluation methods. The cultivated soils of the Donghe River Basin in Chenzhou City, is seriously polluted by heavy metals, and Cd, As, and Pb are the main polluting elements.

Objective: To investigate the associations of the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) rs1803489, rs7617620 and rs13078528 in vestigial like family member 4(VGLL4) gene with the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer. Methods: The case-control study design was used. 450 cases with non-cardia gastric cancer confirmed by pathology and 450 normal controls were collected in the Han population in Baotou; SNP rs1803489, rs7617620, and rs13078528 inVGLL4were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) technology. Results: VGLL4gene SNP rs1803489 was associated with the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer in the Han population in Baotou. Compared with the carriers of GG genotype, the carriers of AG genotype had a higher risk of non-cardia gastric cancer(OR=1.511, 95%CI=1.095-2.085,P<0.05). SNP rs7617620 and rs13078528 were not associated with non-cardia gastric cancer(P>0.05). Conclusion SNP rs1803489 inVGLL4may have an effect on the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer in the Han population in Baotou. SNP rs7617620 and rs13078528 may not play a major role in the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and long-term efficacy of Shunwei Jiangni Fang in treating the liver- spleen- stomach disharmony and cold- dampness- heat recurrent reflux esophagitis. Methods: A total of 100 recurrent RE patients were divided into treatment group and control group by the random and control principle, with 50 cases in each group. Patients of 2 groups were treated with Shunwei Jiangni Fang and pantoprazole sodium entericcoated capsules respectively for 8 weeks. By comparing TCM syndrome scores and esophagus 24 h- pH parameters improvement, the clinical efficacy and safety of Shunwei Jiangni Fang in treating the liver-spleen-stomach disharmony and cold-dampness-heat recurrent reflux esophagitis, and perform statistics on the recurrence 6 months after treatment ending were evaluated. Results: ① For the patients with TCM syndromes in the treatment group, 4 cases were recovered, 17 cases were improved, 22 cases were effective, and the total effective rate was 86％; for the patients with TCM syndromes in the control group, 2 cases were recovered, 8 cases were improved, 14 cases were effective, and total effective rate was 48％. Difference of total effective rate for 2 groups was significant (P ＜ 0.05). The heartburn, belching, dry mouth, bitter taste, tiredness, distended abdomen and sticky stool in treatment group were more improved than those of control group (P ＜ 0.05); ② In the control group, the patient's 24 h-pH parameters could be improved, especially, the 24h gastric reflux times and times of reflux ＞ 5min could be reduced more than the control group, and difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05). ③ The treatment group was able to improve the patients' esophageal mucosal inflammation, with no statistically significant difference from the control group (P ＞ 0.05). ④ At 6 months after treatment, the recurrence rate of treatment group and control group was 6.0％ and 28％ respectively, and difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions: Shunwei Jiangni Fang can treat the liver-spleen-stomach disharmony and cold-dampness-heat recurrent reflux esophagitis, with apparently efficacy. It can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, reduce the reflux occurrence times, reduce esophageal mucosal inflammation, lower the recurrence rate, prevent apparent adverse reactions, thus, it shall be widely promoted.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of modified skin soft tissue expansion in repair of devastating wound on the head due to electrical burn in the early stage.

METHODSTwenty-one patients with partial scalp soft tissue defect accompanying skull exposure and necrosis in different degree due to high-voltage electrical burn were hospitalized from April 2009 to October 2014, with wound area ranging from 7 cm × 5 cm to 15 cm × 13 cm. The wounds were debrided as early as possible, and necrotic skulls were kept in situ and covered with porcine ADM and silver-containing dressing. Bacterial culture of exudate from the residual soft tissue was carried out 3 days after hospitalization. Pertinent antibiotics were applied topically to control infection, and autologous split-thickness skin grafts were transplanted. Two to three weeks after injury when the skin grafts survived, modified skin soft tissue expansion was carried out. The crossbow-form incision was made on the normal scalp 2 cm away from the edge of transplanted skin; a capsule cavity was formed by ladder-like dissection. An expander was inserted with the injection port laying outside. The expander was stretched by inflation and deflation. The incisions were sutured layer by layer. The time of continuing negative pressure drainage in the interval of expansion was extended. Volume of water reaching 2 to 3 times of the capacity of expander was injected for excessive expanding. The expanded skin flap was rotated to repair the wound after expansion was ended.

RESULTSWithin 1 week after debridement, 4 kinds of bacteria were detected in the bacterial culture of wound exudate, including 4 cases of Staphylococcus aureus, 5 cases of Staphylococcus epidermidis, 5 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 3 cases of Acinetobacter baumannii. A total of 26 expanders were imbedded. No infection or incision dehiscence in the expanding area or cracking and leakage of expander was observed during expanding period. Two to three months after injury, expanded skin flap transplantation was completed, and the wound was repaired. Raw wounds were seen in 4 expanded skin flaps after transfer, and they healed after dressing change. Punctiform ulceration at the seams of 2 flaps was observed one month after the operation, which healed after removing few pieces of sequestra by themselves. The other expanded skin flaps survived well. During the postoperative follow-up for 3 to 12 months, satisfactory appearance and hair growth was observed in the operation area.

CONCLUSIONSRepair of the devastating wound on the head due to electrical burn with modified skin soft tissue expansion could achieve the result of early wound covering and cosmetic repair without alopecia in one time.

Animals ; Bandages ; Burns, Electric ; surgery ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; surgery ; Debridement ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Necrosis ; Postoperative Complications ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; Skull ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Surgical Flaps ; Swine ; Tissue Expansion ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of lattice ultra pulse carbon dioxide laser combined with traditional Chinese medicine ( Fuchunsan ) on the treatment of postburn hyperplastic scar.

METHODSSixty-three patients with hyperplastic scar after burn injury hospitalized from February 2012 to June 2014 in our department were treated with lattice ultra pulse carbon dioxide laser combined with traditional Chinese medicine (Fuchunsan). Patients were divided into early stage group (E, n = 35), middle stage group (M, n = 25), and late stage group ( L, n = 3) according to the formation time of scar, which was respectively 3 weeks to 3 months, longer than 3 months and less than or equal to 6 months, and 3 to 15 years in groups E, M, and L. The number of times of laser treatment of patients in each group was recorded. The degree of scar pain in patients of the three groups was assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) before treatment and after treatment for 1, 2, and 3 times. The scar condition of patients in groups E and M was assessed by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before treatment and after treatment for 1, 3, and 5 times. Patients in group L did not receive VSS assessment but were evaluated by clinical observation only. Photos of scar in treating area were taken before treatment and after treatment for 3 and 5 times to evaluate the clinical effect. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTSPatients in groups E and M were treated with laser for (4.8 ± 1.1) and (7.7 ± 2.1) times respectively. In group L, the treatment was stopped in 2 patients after laser treatment for 5 times, and 1 patient received laser treatment for 12 times. The degree of pain in patients of groups E and M was alleviated significantly after treatment for one time, and the number of patients scoring 1-4 point(s) in NRS increased from 5 cases to 38 cases. After treatment for 2 and 3 times, the increase in the number of patients scoring 1-4 point (s) in NRS was on a small scale. Before treatment and after treatment for 1 time, VSS scores of patients in groups E and M were similar (with values respectively 0.641 and 0. 082, P values above 0. 05). After treatment for 3 and 5 times, VSS scores of patients in group E were respectively (9.2 ± 0.8) and (7.0 ± 1.1) points, which were significantly lower than those in group M [ (9.7 ± 1.0) and (8.2 ± 1.0) points, with values respectively -1.993 and -4.433 , P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. After treatment for 3 times, the rate of improvement in appearance was respectively 88.6% (31/35) and 72.0% (18/25) in groups E and M, and it was respectively 100.0% (35/35) and 96.0% (24/25) after treatment for 5 times. No significant effect in appearance was found in the 3 patients in group L.

CONCLUSIONSEarly application of lattice ultra pulse carbon dioxide laser combined with traditional Chinese medicine (Fuchunsan) for the treatment of postburn hyperplastic scar is effective.

Burns ; Cicatrix ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Lasers, Gas ; therapeutic use ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Postoperative Care ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Treatment Outcome