Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the body's innate immune system. As the first line of defense against pathogens, they need to be transformed into a mature state under the control of various cell signaling molecules and transcription factors to play cytotoxic and immune regulatory roles. Under the interaction of activated receptors and inhibitory receptors, NK cells are activated to perform a direct cell killing effect by secreting perforin and granzyme, or indirectly eliminate pathogenic microorganisms in the body by secreting various cytokines, such as type I and type II interferons. These functions of NK cells play a very important role in antiviral and anti-autoimmune diseases, especially in anti-tumor.
Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Interferon-gamma ; Apoptosis ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Cytokines

Ascosphaera apis spores containing a dark-colored pigment infect honeybee larvae, resulting in a large-scale collapse of the bee colony due to chalkbrood disease. However, little is known about the pigment or whether it plays a role in bee infection caused by A. apis. In this study, the pigment was isolated by alkali extraction, acid hydrolysis, and repeated precipitation. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis revealed that the pigment had a color value of 273, a maximum absorption peak at 195 nm, and a high alkaline solubility (7.67%) and acid precipitability. Further chemical structure analysis of the pigment, including elemental composition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), proved that it was a eumelanin with a typical indole structure. The molecular formula of melanin is C₁₀H₆O₄N₂, and its molecular weight is 409 Da. Melanin has hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and phenolic groups that can potentially chelate to metal ions. Antioxidant function analyses showed that A. apis melanin had a high scavenging activity against superoxide, hydroxyl, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and a high reducing ability to Fe³⁺. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that A. apis melanin was located on the spore wall. The spore wall localization, antioxidant activity, and metal ion chelating properties of fungal melanin have been suggested to contribute to spore pathogenicity. However, further infection experiments showed that melanin-deficient spores did not reduce the mortality of bee larvae, indicating that melanin does not increase the virulence of A. apis spores. This study is the first report on melanin produced by A. apis, providing an important background reference for further study on its role in A. apis.
Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Larva ; Melanins ; Molecular Structure ; Onygenales

Objective:To explore the experience of the treatment of patella inferior pole fracture with non excitation tension band technique.Methods:From April 2009 to December 2019, 76 patients with inferior patellar fracture were treated with non excitation tension band technique. There were 42 males and 34 females; The age was 35.48 ± 18.12 years (17-66 years), with an average of 35 years. There were 45 cases on the left and 31 cases on the right. Causes of injury: fall injury in 46 cases, bicycle injury in 16 cases and traffic accident injury in 14 cases. The time from injury to operation was 0.25-5 d, with an average of 3.2 d. There were 18 cases of open fractures, 64 cases of articular surface fractures and 52 cases of comminuted fractures. Open fracture patients were debridement first, and all cases were fixed with non excitation tension band technique. The intraoperative fracture reduction, postoperative fracture healing and internal fixation were observed. The knee function was evaluated according to the degree of claudication, the use of supports, the feeling of joint strangulation, joint instability, pain, swelling, stair climbing and squatting.Results:All 76 patients successfully completed the operation and were followed up for 18.24 ± 6.18 months (range 12-24 months). There was no wire fracture during and after operation. All incisions healed in the first stage after operation, and there was no deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs. The X-ray film showed that there was no further fracture and fracture displacement after operation, and there was no Kirschner wire slip before the internal fixation was taken out. Only one case had steel wire relaxation due to buckle (which did not affect fracture healing). All fractures healed well, with an average of 7.5 weeks, and the fracture line basically disappeared. 12 months after operation, according to Lysholm knee score standard, the knee function of patients was evaluated. The score of 76 cases was 95.40±4.60 points (range 82-100 points): excellent in 54 cases, good in 21 cases and fair in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 98.7%. According to the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score standard, the patients were scored for postoperative pain. The score of 76 cases was 0.09±2.05 points (range 0-3 points): 4 cases had mild pain, with an average score of 0.09.Conclusion:The results of the treatment of patellar inferior pole fracture with tension free band technique are satisfactory, the pain caused by tissue irritation by the internal fixation was lower, clinical application can be popularized.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease and a serious threat to human health. COVID-19 can cause multiple organ dysfunction, such as respiratory and circulatory failure, liver and kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and thromboembolism, and even death. The World Health Organization reports that the mortality rate of severe-type COVID-19 is over 50%. Currently, the number of severe cases worldwide has increased rapidly, but the experience in the treatment of infected patients is still limited. Given the lack of specific antiviral drugs, multi-organ function support treatment is important for patients with COVID-19. To improve the cure rate and reduce the mortality of patients with severe- and critical-type COVID-19, this paper summarizes the experience of organ function support in patients with severe- and critical-type COVID-19 in Optical Valley Branch of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. This paper systematically summarizes the procedures of functional support therapies for multiple organs and systems, including respiratory, circulatory, renal, hepatic, and hematological systems, among patients with severe- and critical-type COVID-19. This paper provides a clinical reference and a new strategy for the optimal treatment of COVID-19 worldwide.
Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Betacoronavirus ; Coronavirus Infections ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Humans ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral ; therapy ; Respiration

Objective:To investigate the relationship between satisfaction and quality of life of patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and analyze the influencing factors of satisfaction.Methods:In this study, 157 female breast reconstruction patients who were treated in Hunan Cancer Hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were selected as the object of this study. The BRECON-31 and QLQ-BR23 were used to assess satisfaction and quality of life respectively, and the clinical and demographic data were collected, Pearson correlation test was applied to analyze the correlation between satisfaction and quality of life, univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to investigate the influence factors of satisfaction.Results:A total of 157 patients, whose age was (41.8±8.3) years and median follow-up time was 11 months were included and 147 valid questionnaires were collected. The satisfaction score was 74.44±6.29, which meant patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy had high satisfaction. There was a significant correlation between intimacy and body image ( r=-0.183, P=0.043), sexual function ( r=0.201, P=0.026), sexual interest ( r=0.204, P=0.029), breast symptoms ( r=-0.247, P=0.006) and arm symptoms ( r=-0.246, P=0.006) in patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the patient’s self-awareness was significantly influenced by factors such as body shape ( r=-0.228, P=0.006), sexual function ( r=-0.293, P<0.001), sexual interest ( r=-0.258, P=0.003), breast symptoms ( r=-0.183, P=0.029), hair loss-induced annoyance ( r=-0.187, P=0.027). The result of univariate analysis showed that age ( P=0.047), tumor stage ( P=0.004), reconstruction method ( P<0.001), chemoradiotherapy ( P=0.043) were the influencing factors of total satisfaction score, multiple linear regression result showed that the reconstruction method ( P<0.001) was an independent influence factor of satisfaction score. The total satisfaction score of patients with autologous tissue reconstruction (75.99±5.94) was better than that of patients with autologous tissue combined prosthesis (71.08±4.99) and patients with simple prosthesis implantation (70.81±8.54). Conclusions:Mutual impact was identified for life quality and satisfaction among patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy. In addition, age, tumor stage, reconstruction method and chemoradiotherapy are the influence factor of satisfaction. Among them, the reconstruction method is independent influence factor, and the breast reconstruction with autologous tissue is a better choice.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between satisfaction and quality of life of patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy, and analyze the influencing factors of satisfaction.Methods:In this study, 157 female breast reconstruction patients who were treated in Hunan Cancer Hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were selected as the object of this study. The BRECON-31 and QLQ-BR23 were used to assess satisfaction and quality of life respectively, and the clinical and demographic data were collected, Pearson correlation test was applied to analyze the correlation between satisfaction and quality of life, univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to investigate the influence factors of satisfaction.Results:A total of 157 patients, whose age was (41.8±8.3) years and median follow-up time was 11 months were included and 147 valid questionnaires were collected. The satisfaction score was 74.44±6.29, which meant patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy had high satisfaction. There was a significant correlation between intimacy and body image ( r=-0.183, P=0.043), sexual function ( r=0.201, P=0.026), sexual interest ( r=0.204, P=0.029), breast symptoms ( r=-0.247, P=0.006) and arm symptoms ( r=-0.246, P=0.006) in patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the patient’s self-awareness was significantly influenced by factors such as body shape ( r=-0.228, P=0.006), sexual function ( r=-0.293, P<0.001), sexual interest ( r=-0.258, P=0.003), breast symptoms ( r=-0.183, P=0.029), hair loss-induced annoyance ( r=-0.187, P=0.027). The result of univariate analysis showed that age ( P=0.047), tumor stage ( P=0.004), reconstruction method ( P<0.001), chemoradiotherapy ( P=0.043) were the influencing factors of total satisfaction score, multiple linear regression result showed that the reconstruction method ( P<0.001) was an independent influence factor of satisfaction score. The total satisfaction score of patients with autologous tissue reconstruction (75.99±5.94) was better than that of patients with autologous tissue combined prosthesis (71.08±4.99) and patients with simple prosthesis implantation (70.81±8.54). Conclusions:Mutual impact was identified for life quality and satisfaction among patients with breast reconstruction after mastectomy. In addition, age, tumor stage, reconstruction method and chemoradiotherapy are the influence factor of satisfaction. Among them, the reconstruction method is independent influence factor, and the breast reconstruction with autologous tissue is a better choice.

Objective:To examine the feasibility of small drain in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).Methods:A prospective research was performed in Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery/Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, from October 2018 to March 2019. Totally 103 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, signed the operation agreement of TOETVA, had their surgery completed and followed-up over 6 months, were enrolled in analysis. A central venous catheter was used as a drain tube in all cases (outer diameter 1.7 mm, inner diameter 1.0 mm). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied for assessing pain scores during the first 24 hours after the operation. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used for assessing the scar left by the drainage. The drainage volume (minimum scale:10 ml, approximate read: 1 ml) was recorded every 2 hours during the first postoperative 12 hours, every 4 hours during 12 to 24 hours, every 8 hours during 24 to 48 hours, and once from 48 hours until extubation. The volume of drainage, the cumulative volume and the percentage of cumulative volume accounting for the total volume were calculated. The data of residual volume (subtract the cumulative volume from the total volume) in the postoperative 24, 32 and 40 hours were analyzed, and their upper one-side P 95 was calculated by percentile method. Results:There were 12 males and 91 females. The age was (36.6±9.7) years (range: 18 to 58 years). The intraoperative tube-inserting time was (10.1±2.6) minutes (range: 6 to 18 minutes). The pain score on the first day was 2.7±1.1 (range: 1 to 5). The extubation time was (2.7±0.5) days (range: 2 to 4 days). VSS scores in the postoperative 1 st month and 6 th month were 2.9±1.3 (range: 0 to 7) and 0(2)( M( Q R)), respectively. The size of the scar was 0 (2.5) mm in the postoperative 6 th month. Sixty-four patients had no visible scars. There were 5 patients who had postoperative drain-related complications (1 for air leakage, 1 for tube blockage, 3 for subcutaneous hydrop, 2 for regional infection), who were all cured after proper treatment. The total volume of drainage for 98 patients without postoperative drain-related complications was (80.1±12.2) ml (range: 58 to 131 ml). The cumulative drainage within 8 hours accounted for (53.8±4.2)% (range: 41.0% to 62.9%) of the total drainage. The volume of residual fluids in the postoperative 32 hours was estimated to (5.8±2.7) ml (range: 0 to 12 ml, P 95=10.0 ml). Conclusions:The small drain tubecan be applied in TOETVA, providing a satisfied cosmetic appearance and a reliable drainage. The main exudation period of the wound is within 8 hours after the operation. If a residual volume less than 10 ml is considered to be self-absorbable, the shortest safe extubation point for 95% patients without drain-related complications should be 32 hours after the operation.

Objective:To explore the selection and effects of flap/myocutaneous flap repair methods for the defect after perineum tumor resection.Methods:From January 2011 to February 2017, 31 patients with vulvar tumor who were admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital underwent repair of wound after tumor resection with various flaps/myocutaneous flaps. The patients were composed of 5 males and 26 females, aged 39-76 years, with 27 vulvar cancer and 4 Paget′s disease in primary diseases. The size of defects after vulvar tumor radical resection ranged from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 27.5 cm×24.0 cm. According to the theory of perforasome, the defects were repaired by the external pudendal artery perforator flap, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh flap, internal pudendal artery perforator flap, gracilis myocutaneous flap, and profunda artery perforator flap based on the specific size and location of perineum and groin where the defect was located. According to the blood supply zone of flap, totally 17 local translocation flaps, 18 axial flaps/myocutaneous flaps, and 7 V-Y advancement flaps were resected, with an area of 7.0 cm×4.0 cm to 21.0 cm×13.0 cm. All the flaps/myocutaneous flaps were transferred in pedicled fashion, and the donor sites were closed without tension. The number of flaps/myocutaneous flaps, wound closure, flaps/myocutaneous flaps survival, and follow-up were observed and recorded.Results:Altogether 42 flaps/myocutaneous flaps were harvested in 31 patients. Two flaps/myocutaneous flaps were used in 11 cases for large circular defect repair. All the defects achieved tension-free primary closure. The blood supply of 32 flaps/myocutaneous flaps was good, while insufficient blood supply was noted in the other 10 flaps/myocutaneous flaps. Seventeen flaps/myocutaneous flaps survived smoothly. Wound dehiscence occurred in 5 flaps/myocutaneous flaps 8 to 14 days postoperatively, which was healed with dressing change. Temporary congestion was noted in 7 flaps/myocutaneous flaps 2 to 5 days postoperatively, which recovered without special treatment. Three flaps/myocutaneous flaps had infection 7 to 15 days postoperatively, two of which recovered after dressing change, while the other one had partial necrosis and received debridement and direct closure. Two flaps/myocutaneous flaps were totally necrotic 8 to 15 days postoperatively, which were repaired with pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap after debridement. Seven flaps/myocutaneous flaps had partial necrosis 7 to 20 days postoperatively and were healed after dressing change. Twenty-four patients were followed up for 9-38 months. The color of flaps/myocutaneous flaps was similar to that of the surrounding skin, the shape of vulva was natural, the movement of hip joint was not limited, the function of micturition and defecation was not affected, and tumor recurrence was noted in 3 patients.Conclusions:For the complicated large defect after perineum tumor resection, the flexible application of different forms of flaps/myocutaneous flaps to repair according to different areas regains the appearance and function. However, there are many complications, so it is necessary to further strengthen the postoperative care.

Objective:To examine the feasibility of small drain in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).Methods:A prospective research was performed in Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery/Head and Neck Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, from October 2018 to March 2019. Totally 103 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, signed the operation agreement of TOETVA, had their surgery completed and followed-up over 6 months, were enrolled in analysis. A central venous catheter was used as a drain tube in all cases (outer diameter 1.7 mm, inner diameter 1.0 mm). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied for assessing pain scores during the first 24 hours after the operation. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used for assessing the scar left by the drainage. The drainage volume (minimum scale:10 ml, approximate read: 1 ml) was recorded every 2 hours during the first postoperative 12 hours, every 4 hours during 12 to 24 hours, every 8 hours during 24 to 48 hours, and once from 48 hours until extubation. The volume of drainage, the cumulative volume and the percentage of cumulative volume accounting for the total volume were calculated. The data of residual volume (subtract the cumulative volume from the total volume) in the postoperative 24, 32 and 40 hours were analyzed, and their upper one-side P 95 was calculated by percentile method. Results:There were 12 males and 91 females. The age was (36.6±9.7) years (range: 18 to 58 years). The intraoperative tube-inserting time was (10.1±2.6) minutes (range: 6 to 18 minutes). The pain score on the first day was 2.7±1.1 (range: 1 to 5). The extubation time was (2.7±0.5) days (range: 2 to 4 days). VSS scores in the postoperative 1 st month and 6 th month were 2.9±1.3 (range: 0 to 7) and 0(2)( M( Q R)), respectively. The size of the scar was 0 (2.5) mm in the postoperative 6 th month. Sixty-four patients had no visible scars. There were 5 patients who had postoperative drain-related complications (1 for air leakage, 1 for tube blockage, 3 for subcutaneous hydrop, 2 for regional infection), who were all cured after proper treatment. The total volume of drainage for 98 patients without postoperative drain-related complications was (80.1±12.2) ml (range: 58 to 131 ml). The cumulative drainage within 8 hours accounted for (53.8±4.2)% (range: 41.0% to 62.9%) of the total drainage. The volume of residual fluids in the postoperative 32 hours was estimated to (5.8±2.7) ml (range: 0 to 12 ml, P 95=10.0 ml). Conclusions:The small drain tubecan be applied in TOETVA, providing a satisfied cosmetic appearance and a reliable drainage. The main exudation period of the wound is within 8 hours after the operation. If a residual volume less than 10 ml is considered to be self-absorbable, the shortest safe extubation point for 95% patients without drain-related complications should be 32 hours after the operation.

Objective: To explore the clinical application of the transverse upper gracilis flap (TUG) in breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients. Methods: From March 2010 to September 2016, 15 breast cancer patients received radical or modified radical mastectomy in Hunan Cancer Hospital, 8 cases of breast cancer were in stage Ⅰ and 7 cases was in stage Ⅱ. The age of patients ranged from 37 to 62 years old, (39.5±4.7) years. The TUG flap was used to reconstruct breast at the same time.The donor leg is placed in frog-leg position. Free TUG flap was harvested with gracilis muscular branch of profunda artery as pedicle. To keep tight connection between skin paddle and gracilis muscle, the perforators are not visualized. The flap was transferred to reconstruct breast, and the donor site was directly closed. Results: Mean operative time of unilateral reconstruction was 5 hours and (35± 44) minutes (with the range from 4 hours and 17 minutes to 6 hours and 5 minutes). Mean ischemia time was (52± 9 )minutes (with the range from 40 minutes to 1 hour and 16 minutes). The length of flap was (27.1±0.1) cm. The width of flap was (7.8±0.5) cm. The thickness of flap was (3.4±0.2) cm. The length of pedicle was( 6.8±0.5) cm.The average weight of flap was 350 g (ranged from 285 g to 525 g). All TUG flaps were survived. The shape, texture and elasticity of all reconstructed breasts were satisfactory, and there is no flap contracture deformation happened. Only linear scar left in the donor sites, without sacrifice of the function of thighs. All 15 patients were followed for 9-36 months (16.5 months on average). No local recurrence happened. Conclusion TUG flap can be safely harvested. It is reliable, with good texture. It is an alternative method for breast reconstruction after radical or modified radical mastectomy.