Objective It has been reported that intrinsic apoptosis is associated with the progression of bladder cancer (BC). Recent evidence suggests that polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase 1 (PNPT1) is a pivotal mediator involved in RNA decay and cell apoptosis. However, the regulation and roles of PNPT1 in bladder cancer remain largely unclear. Methods The upstream miRNA regulators were predicted by in silico analysis. The expression levels of PNPT1 were evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), while miR-183-5p levels were evaluated by qPCR in BC cell lines and tissues. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the function of miR-183-5p and PNPT1 in apoptotic RNA decay and the tumorigenic capability of bladder cancer cells. Results PNPT1 expression was decreased in BC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of PNPT1 significantly promoted cisplatin-induced intrinsic apoptosis of BC cells, whereas depletion of PNPT1 potently alleviated these effects. Moreover, oncogenic miR-183-5p directly targeted the 3 ' UTR of PNPT1 and reversed the tumor suppressive role of PNPT1. Intriguingly, miR-183-5p modulated not only PNPT1 but also Bcl2 modifying factor (BMF) to inhibit the mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) in BC cells. Conclusion Our results provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying intrinsic apoptosis in BC, suggesting that the miR-183-5p-PNPT1 regulatory axis regulates the apoptosis of BC cells and might represent a potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of BC.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the work status of clinicians in China and their management strategy alteration for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A nationwide online questionnaire survey was conducted in 42 class-A tertiary hospitals across China. Experienced clinicians of HCC-related specialties responded with their work status and management suggestions for HCC patients during the pandemic. Results: 716 doctors responded effectively with a response rate of 60.1%, and 664 were included in the final analysis. Overall, 51.4% (341/664) of clinicians reported more than a 60% reduction of the regular workload and surgeons declared the highest proportion of workload reduction. 92.5% (614/664) of the respondents have been using online medical consultation to substitute for the "face-to-face" visits. Adaptive adjustment for the treatment strategy for HCC was made, including the recommendations of noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for early and intermediate stage. Targeted therapy has been the mainstay for advanced stage and also as a bridge therapy for resectable HCC. Discussion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, online medical consultation is recommended to avoid social contact. Targeted therapy as a bridge therapy is recommended for resectable HCC considering the possibility of delayed surgery.

Salicylaldehyde Schiff base is a kind of typical photochromism and thermochromism system with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic. In this work, three salicylaldehyde Schiff base derivatives of 1–3 were synthesized, which showed similar emissions but different photochromic/thermochromic properties in solid state. Only compound 1 exhibited reversible photo- and thermo-responsive performances in solid state according to the enol-keto tautomerism upon UV light irradiation and heating. Mechanism study showed that these different photochromic/thermochromic properties were controlled by the π-π stacking structure of adjacent molecules. This work provided a new perspective to understand the photochromic/thermochromic mechanism of salicylaldehyde Schiff base in solid state.

Photoresponsive materials with good luminescence property in solid state have shown promising applications in bio-imaging, photo-patterning, and optical switch related areas. However, most of the reported photoresponsive systems suffered from the drawbacks of either weak luminescence property in solid state or complex synthetic processes. In this work, a novel photoresponsive molecule of 2,3-diphenyl-6,7-dicyanoquinoxaline (PCQ) has been facilely prepared via one-step reaction with commercially available materials. PCQ exhibits typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property due to the mechanism of restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR). As a photoresponsive molecule, PCQ shows remarkable fluorescence changes both in solution and in solid state upon UV light irradiation. Mechanism study reveals that there is an UV light-induced isomerization reaction in PCQ. A good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and UV light power density is achieved, which suggests that PCQ can be served as a sensor for monitoring UV light strength. Furthermore, characters are successfully recorded on PCQ in solid matrix, demonstrating the feasible application of PCQ in photo-patterning. The conspicuous contrast between the states before and after UV light irradiation suggests that PCQ can be potentially used as an anti-counterfeiting material. PCQ enriches the kinds of AIE luminogen (AIEgen) and, more importantly, this work provides a new strategy for constructing multifunctional photoresponsive systems with good luminescence property.

INTRODUCTION:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMWA) as compared with conventional open resection (ORES) for the treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma. METHODS:and analysis: A retrospective chart review was conduct on patients with hepatic hemangioma underwent LMWA or ORES between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS:Of 131 patients, 37 patients underwent ORES and 94 patients underwent LMWA. Blood loss, operative time, postoperative hospital stay, hospital cost (RMB) were significantly different between two groups. Patients after LMWA experienced significantly less pain than those patients undergoing ORES. At a mean follow-up period of 12.8 ± 3.6 months in ORES group and 13.5 ± 2.5 months in LMWA group, no long-term complication was observed. CONCLUSION:Compared with ORES, LMWA is a safe and effective minimally invasive for treating giant hepatic hemangioma.

A novel fluorescent chemosensor (2) for the detection of Al(III) was designed based on the strategy of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), which was synthesized by introducing carboxyl group to tetraphenylethylene structure. 2 can bind with Al(III) to form chelate polymers with AIE characteristic, giving rise to an intense "turn-on" response in aqueous solution at pH 7.0. The binding stoichiometry of 2 toward Al(III) was in 1:1. High sensitivity and selectivity to Al(III) were achieved. A detection limit of 1.96 mu mol L-1 and a linear rang of 0.0-50.0 mu mol L-1 were obtained. Furthermore, 2 was successfully applied in detecting Al(III) in real water samples, which showed satisfactory recovery and accuracy.

Photo-responsive materials with good luminescence performance in solid state have received widespread attention. However, the reported luminescent photo-responsive systems exhibit either only color change or both color and luminescence changes in solid state upon UV light irradiation. Developing photo-responsive materials with only tunable luminescence signals in solid state remains a great challenge for constructing concealed anti-counterfeit materials. In this work, a novel luminescent photo-responsive molecule (TPE-TS) was developed, which exhibited intense fluorescence emission due to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic from its tetraphenylethene moiety. After irradiated by UV light, an isomerization from thio-keto form to thio-enol form took place in the thiosemicarbazide group, accompanied with obvious fluorescence quenching. Interestingly, there was no visible color variation before and after UV light irradiation owing to the small conjugated structure of TPE-TS. Taking this unique photo-responsive property, a concealed anti-counterfeit paper was successfully prepared. Letters could be recorded by UV light on this paper, hided under daylight and only visible again by UV light, demonstrating an excellent concealed performance as an anti-counterfeit material.

Objective To investigate the role and efficacy of splenic pedicle blood flow preparative blocade by tunneling posterior to the tail of pancreas in complex laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods The clinical data of 61 patients with complex splenectomy from June 2016 to May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. During the operation, retropancreatic tunnel was established to preparatively block the splenic pedicle arteriovenous blood flow, and then the splenic pedicle was severed. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate to laparotomy, incidence of complications and postoperative hospital stay were analyzed in this group of patients to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effect of the establishment of retropancreatic tunnel. Results All 61 operations were successfully completed. There was no conversion to laparotomy and no patients need blood transfusion during the operation. The mean operative time was (81. 8 ± 14. 5) min, mean intraoperative blood loss was (68. 6 ± 23. 2) ml, mean postoperative hospital stays was (7. 1 ± 2. 0) days. Conclusion Laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed safely and successfully by pre-blocking the blood flow of splenic artery and vein through retropancreatic tunnel, which is a simple and feasible surgical method.

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that serum soluble B7-H4 (sB7-H4) is a useful tumour marker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. Whether sB7-H4 is expressed in the bile of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and is related to the progression of CC need to be explored. Bile sB7-H4 was obtained through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from 213 patients with biliary strictures and detected was detected by a B7-H4 ELISA kit. Diagnostic value was compared among bile sB7-H4, CA19-9, CA12-5, CEA and ERCP-based cytological/tissue examination. Additionally, the correlations between the bile sB7-H4 concentration and the clinical characteristics of early-stage cholangiocarcinoma (ESCC) were studied. The bile sB7-H4 levels of patients with ESCC were significantly higher than in patients with benign biliary strictures (BBS) (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of CA19-9, CA12-5 and CEA were 0.713, 0.554 and 0.451, respectively, were significantly lower than the ROC curves of bile sB7-H4 (0.837), the sensitivity of ERCP-based cytological/tissue examination was 57.5% and 68.4%, which was lower than that of bile sB7-H4 (81.7%) at cut-off value. A high level of bile sB7-H4 in patients with ESCC was found to be correlated with vascular invasion (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.018), respectively. The overall survival rate (OS) of ESCC patients in the high sB7-H4 group was significantly lower than the OS of patients in the low sB7-H4 group (P=0.009). Bile sB7-H4 could serve as a valuable biomarker for patients with ESCC and high levels of bile sB7-H4 correlate with poor clinical outcomes.

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a mixed tumor containing elements of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Its remarkable histological heterogeneity has been linked to putative hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) origin. However, detailed histological or phenotypic description is rarely documented. In the present study, we reassessed 68 cases previously diagnosed as hepatitis B-related CHCs by immunohistochemistry and double-fluorescence immunostaining, focusing on HPC associated phenotypic observation of intermediate area of the tumor. It was found that tumor cells showed remarkable heterogeneity in intermediate area. Tumor cells with intermediate morphology between hepatocytes and cholangiocytes were oval-shaped and small with scant cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei, arranging in solid nests mostly. By Keratin 7 (K7) staining, it appeared that the nests of tumor cells represented a maturation process from the undifferentiated small cells to mature hepatocytes through the "transitional" cells. Then, these small cells were further confirmed with intermediate phenotype as HPC by exploring immature hepatocellular marker and HPC/biliary markers co-localization. In conclusion, the HPC associated trait in CHC can be interpreted by HPC origin or gain of "stemness" by dedifferentiation. It is still too soon to give a final word that it is innate or acquired signature of HPC associated trait in CHC.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of the gap above the splenic pedicle in laparoscopic splenectomy (LS).Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinical data of 189 patients who underwent LS in the Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology between August 2012 and March 2015 were collected.Among 189 patients receiving splenic pedicle division,42 without the application of the gap above the splenic pedicle were allocated into the group A and 147 with the application of the gap above the splenic pedicle were allocated into the group B.Observation indicators included:(1) operation situations:combined operation,operation time (excluding combined operation time),volume of intraoperative blood loss (excluding blood volume of spleen),cases with conversion to open surgery;(2) postoperative situations:time to initial anal exsufflation,time for fluid diet intake,occurrence of postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay;(3) follow-up.Patients were followed up by telephone interview and outpatient examination up to August 2016.Follow-up included routine blood test,coagulation function,liver function,with or without long-term complications.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as x±s and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test.Comparisons of count data were analyzed by the chi-square test.Results (1) Operation situations:of 189 patients undergoing LS,136 combined with laparoscopic pericardial devascularization,13 combined with laparoscopic cholecys-tectomy,9 combined with laparoscopic radio frequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors and 26 combined with pathological examination using laparoscopic liver tissues sampling.Operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss and cases with conversion to open surgery were (118±31) minutes,(80±38) mL,2 in the group A and (70± 22) minutes,(50± 28) mL,1 in the group B,respectively,with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (t =12.579,-8.516,x2=4.912,P＜0.05).(2) Postoperative situations:time to initial anal exsufflation,time for fluid diet intake,number of patients with postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay were (22± 10)hours,(3.1 ± 1.3) days,8,(9±3)days in the group A and (23±11)hours,(3.8±1.8)days,13,(8±3)days in the group B,respectively.Pancreatic fistula,intra-abdominal hemorrhage,asymptomatic portal vein thrombosis,pulmonary infection and intraperitoneal infection were respectively detected in 2,2,2,1,1 patients in the group A and 1,2,5,2,3 patients in the group B.There was no significant difference in time to initial anal exsufflation,time for fluid diet intake and duration of hospital stay between the 2 groups (t =1.102,0.745,0.583,P＞0.05),and a statistically significant difference in number of patients with postoperative complications between the 2 groups (x2 =7.259,P＜ 0.05).There were statistically significant differences in cases with pancreatic fistula and intra abdominal hemorrhage (x2=16.021,5.812,P＜0.05) and no significant difference in cases with asymptomatic portal vein thrombosis,pulmonary infection and intraperitoneal infection (x2 =1.391,0.396,0.865,P＞0.05).Patients with postoperative complications were cured by symptomatic treatment.(3) Follow-up:156 of 189 patients (33 in the group A and 123 in the group B) were followed up for 1-18 months,with an average time of 12 months.During the follow-up,13 patients had recurrent hematemesis and melena,including 3 in the group A and 10 in the group B.Eight patients stopped bleeding after conservative treatment,3 stopped bleeding after proxial gastrectomy and 2 died of excessive bleeding and organ failure.Conclusion Splenic pedicle division using Endo-GIA through the gap above the splenic pedicle in LS can reduce operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss,rate of conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications.

Objective To investigate the influence of bcl-xL overexpression in donor endothelia on recipient immunoreaction after rat aorta transplantation.Methods Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-marked lentivirus express vector with Tie2 promoter of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-xL was con structed and transfected into donor SD rat by tail vein injection.The isogeneic and allogeneic aorta transplantation was performed between SD and SD rats as well as SD and Wistar rats.Mter one week of trans plantation,the overexpression of bcl-xL gene in transplant aorta was detected by fluorescence microscope and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR).The serum from recipients was collected and transplant aortic endothelial cells,spleen cells as well as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from donor and recipient were separated and cultured.The mixed lymphocyte reaction,CTL activity and complement-dependent antibody-mediated cytotoxicity were then performed to assess the influence of bcl-xL overexpression in donor endothelia on recipient immunoreaction after rat aorta transplantation.Results Bcl-xL gene was significantly overexpressed (8.5 ± 1.1 vs.1.0 ± 0.2,t =17.050,P =0.002) in transplant aorta after transfection of lentivirus express vector with Tie2 promoter.The prolifera tion rate of recipient spleen cells stimulated by allogeneic donor spleen cells was significantly increased in contrast to stimulated by isogeneic donor spleen cells (14.2 ± 1.8 vs.1.0 ±0.1,t =23.599,P =0.001;14.7 ±2.2 vs.0.8 ±0.1,t =25.037,P =0.001).The survival rate of transplant aortic endothelial cells incubated by allogeneic recipient CTL and serum was significantly reduced in contrast to incubated by isogeneic recipient CTL and serum (14.5％ vs.92.7％,/x2 =244.558,P =0.000;8.9％ vs.95.8％,x2 =290.494,P=0.000;15.1％ vs.96.7％,x2=269.251,P=0.000;10.1％ vs.94.7％,x2=286.190,P =0.000).However,there were no significant differences of the proliferation rate (1.0 ±0.1 vs.0.8±0.1,t=2.108,P=0.068;14.2±1.8vs.14.7±2.2,t=-1.012,P=0.341) and survival rate (92.7％ vs.96.7％,x2 =3.078,P=0.079;95.8％ vs.94.7％,x2 =0.497,P=0.481;14.5％vs.8.9％,x2=2.917,P=0.088;15.1％ vs.10.1％,x2=2.286,P=0.131;and 96.6％ vs.97.3％,x2 =0.344,P=0.558;91.5％ vs.92.1％,x2 =0.033,P=0.856;19.8％ vs.15.4％,x2 =0.387,P =0.239;10.2％ vs.13.8％,x2 =1.515,P =0.218) between transfected groups and non transfected groups in both isogeneic and allogeneic transplantation.Conclusion No significant effect of bel-xL overexpression in donor endothelia on recipient immunoreaction after rat aorta transplantation.

BACKGROUND:Chronic pain following mesh-based inguinal hernia repair is frequently reported, and has a significant impact on quality of life. Whether mesh fixation with glue can reduce chronic pain without increasing the recurrence rate is still controversial. OBJECTIVES:To determine whether tissue adhesives can reduce postoperative complications, especially chronic pain, with no increase in recurrence rate, compared with sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. SEARCH METHODS:We searched the following electronic databases with no language restrictions: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; issue 4, 2016) in the Cochrane Library (searched 11 May 2016), MEDLINE Ovid (1986 to 11 May 2016), Embase Ovid (1986 to 11 May 2016), Science Citation Index (Web of Science) (1986 to 11 May 2016), CBM (Chinese Biomedical Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (a full-text database in China), Wanfang databases. We also checked reference lists of identified papers (included studies and relevant reviews). SELECTION CRITERIA:We included all randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing glue versus sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Cluster-RCTs were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:Two review authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias independently. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous outcomes were expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs. MAIN RESULTS:Twelve trials with a total of 1932 participants were included in this review. The overall postoperative chronic pain in the glue group was reduced by 37% (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91; 10 studies, 1418 participants, low-quality evidence) compared with the suture group. However, the results changed when we conducted subgroup analysis with regard to the type of mesh. Subgroup analysis of included studies using lightweight mesh showed the reduction of chronic pain was less profound and insignificant (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.17). Subgroup analysis of included studies using heavyweight mesh resulted in a significant benefit from the fixation with glue (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.82).Hernia recurrence was similar between the two groups (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.63 to 3.28; 12 studies, 1932 participants, low-quality evidence). Fixation with glue was superior to suture regarding duration of the operation (MD -3.13, 95% CI -4.48 to -1.78; 9 studies, 1790 participants, low-quality evidence); haematoma (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.86; 10 studies, 1384 participants, moderate-quality evidence); and recovery time to daily activities (MD -1.26, 95% CI -1.89 to -0.63; 3 studies, 403 participants, low-quality evidence).We also investigated adverse events. There were no significant differences between the two groups. For superficial wound infection pooled analyses showed OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.37 to 4.11; 7 studies, 763 participants (low-quality evidence); for mesh/deep infection OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.83; 8 studies, 1393 participants (low-quality evidence). Furthermore, we investigated seroma (a postoperative swelling caused by fluid) (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.33); and persisting numbness (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14).Finally, six trials involving 1009 participants reported postoperative length of stay, resulting in non-significant difference between the two groups (MD -0.12, 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.10)Due to the lack of data, it was impossible to draw any distinction between synthetic glue and biological glue.Eight out of 12 trials showed high risk of bias in at least one of the investigated domains. Two studies were quasi-randomised controlled trials and the allocation sequence of one trial was not concealed. Nearly half of the included trials either did not provide adequate information or had high risk of bias regarding blinding processes. The risk of bias for incomplete outcome data of all the included studies varied from low to high risk of bias. Two trials did not report on some important outcomes. One study was funded by the manufacturer producing the fibrin sealant. Therefore, according to the 'Summary of findings' tables, the quality of the evidence (GRADE) for the outcomes is moderate to low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:Based on the short-term results, glue may reduce postoperative chronic pain and not simultaneously increase the recurrence rate, compared with sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Glue may therefore be a sensible alternative to suture for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein repair. Larger trials with longer follow-up and high quality are warranted. The difference between synthetic glue and biological glue should also be assessed in the future.

The detection of all glands during total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients is often difficult due to their variability in number and location. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) for intraoperative parathyroid gland (PTG) localization in SHPT patients. Twenty-nine patients with SHPT were divided into two groups with or without intraoperative NIRF imaging. ICG was administered in patients undergoing intraoperative imaging, and the fluorescence of PTGs was assessed. Clinical and histopathologic variables were analyzed to determine factors associated with ICG uptake. Comparisons between NIRF and preoperative imaging, as well as differences between groups with or without NIRF imaging, were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of this technique. Most PTGs could be clearly identified, including one ectopic gland. The sensitivity of NIRF imaging is 91.1% in contrast to 81.82% for ultrasonography (US), 62.34% for 99mTc-MIBI and 85.71% for computed tomography (CT). In addition, intraoperative NIRF imaging can reduce the operation time and improve the complete resection rate compared with the group not using it. Intraoperative NIRF imaging using ICG during TPTX is technically feasible and reliable for assisting surgeons in detecting and confirming PTGs.

Objective To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical effect of laparoscopic hepatectomy.Methods The liver parenchyma dissection can be performed easily and safely by building tunnels aside vital ducts with the advantage of laparoscopy in building tunnels.The clinical data of 52 patients who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy from Sep.2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively.The mean operative time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative hospital stay and complication rate were analyzed.Results All the operations were completed successfully,and there was no perioperative death or conversion to laparotomy.The mean operative time for right hemihepatectomy was 220 ± 45 min,and intraoperative blood loss was 210 ± 92 mL.The mean operative time for hepatic segmentectomy was 100 ± 35 min,and intraoperative blood loss was 300 ± 130 mL.The postoperative hospital stay was 11 ± 2 days.One patient experienced biliary leakage and the complication rate was 1.9％.Conclusions Laparoscopic hepatectomy by building tunnels aside vital ducts can reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding,and it is feasible and safe,which is worth to be spread

Background: Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a type of uncontrolled inflammatory cascade in which neutrophils, an early infiltrating immune cell population, elicit significant tissue damage. However, the precise mechanism for neutrophil recruitment and infiltration remains to be fully characterized.Methods: A hepatic partial I/R model was reproduced in wild-type, CCL2(-/-) and CCR2(-/-) mice. Tissue damage was evaluated by serum enzyme analysis, hematoxylineeosin staining, and cytokine production measurement. Mobilization of neutrophils from the bone marrow and subsequent infiltration into the liver were measured by flow cytometry. C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression on neutrophils and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) chemotaxis were measured using flow cytometry. The cellular source of CCL2 in the liver was determined by deleting specific cell groups and performing intracellular staining.Results: Liver damage was ameliorated, and neutrophil recruitment and accumulation were decreased in both CCL2(-/-) and CCR2(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. Neutrophils displayed upregulated expression of CCR2 during I/R, and these cells were required for CCL2-induced chemotaxis. Depletion of Kupffer cells protected the liver from I/R injury. Furthermore, genetic ablation of CCL2 reduced liver injury, as demonstrated by decreases in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and subsequent reductions in neutrophil recruitment and accumulation.Conclusions: Kupffer cells secrete CCL2 to promote CCR2-expressing neutrophil recruitment from the bone marrow and subsequent infiltration into the liver during I/R. These findings reveal a novel pro-inflammatory role of cell-mediated CCL2-CCR2 interactions during this sterile insult. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Galactosylated chitosan (CTS) has been widely applied in liver tissue engineering as scaffold. However, the influence of degree of substitution (DS) of galactose moieties on cell attachment and mechanical stability is not clear. In this study, we synthesized the lactose-modified chitosan (Lact-CTS) with various DS of galactose moieties by Schiff base reaction and reducing action of NaBH4, characterized by FTIR. The DS of Lact-CTS-1, Lact-CTS-2, and Lact-CTS-3 was 19.66%, 48.62%, and 66.21% through the method of potentiometric titration. The cell attachment of hepatocytes on the CTS and Lact-CTS films was enhanced accompanied with the increase of galactose moieties on CTS chain because of the galactose ligand-receptor recognition; however, the mechanical stability of Lact-CTS-3 was reduced contributing to the extravagant hydrophilicity, which was proved using the sessile drop method. Then, the three-dimensional Lact-CTS scaffolds were fabricated by freezing-drying technique. The SEM images revealed the homogeneous pore bearing the favorable connectivity and the pore sizes of scaffolds with majority of 100 μm; however, the extract solution of Lact-CTS-3 scaffold significantly damaged red blood cells by hemolysis assay, indicating that exorbitant DS of Lact-CTS-3 decreased the mechanical stability and increased the toxicity. To sum up, the Lact-CTS-2 with 48.62% of galactose moieties could facilitate the cell attachment and possess great biocompatibility and mechanical stability, indicating that Lact-CTS-2 was a promising material for liver tissue engineering.

Objective To investigate the operational technique of laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularization (LSPD) and evaluate the clinical efficiency of this method for the treatment of portal hypertension.Methods With the new understanding of anatomical space around the spleen,the cardia and the fundus,two gaps and two tunnels can be created in LSPD.Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of patients who underwent LSPD from Jun 2013 to Mar 2015.The operative time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative hospital stay,conversion rate and postoperative complication rate were measured.Results A total of 189 cases underwent surgery successfully,including 34 cases of splenomegaly and 21 cases of severe esophageal varices.The operative time was (125 ± 52) min,intraoperative blood loss (58 ± 32) ml,postoperative hospital stay (7.5-2.1) d.There were 4 conversion cases in this study.Conclusions The splenic pedicle and stomach pedicle can be safely dissected with the "two gaps and two tunnels" principle,which makes LSPD safe and convenient.

Objective To explore the causes and mechanism of upper gastrointestinal (GI) rebleeding after pericardia devascularization in portal hypertension (PHT) in order to enhance the diagnostic level and therapeutic effects. Methods The clinical data of 43 cases of rebleeding after devascularization for portal hypertension admitted from July 2012 to December 2014 in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,Union Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology were analyzed retrospectively. Results Of the 2 cases by emergent operation,1 case caused by aneurysmal variceal bleeding of gastric fundus was treated by strapping of aneurysmal varicosity;1 case of diffusivity cardia-fudus aneurysmal varicosity who was treated by proximal gastrectomy died on 8th days after surgery. Of 10 cases by selective operation,8 cases caused by recurrence of severe esophageal and gastric varices were treated by second devascularization; 2 cases of fudus aneurysmal varicosity was treated by proximal gastrectomy. A total of 15 cases of localized varicosity were treated by endoscopic therapy. The rest cases were cured by conservative treatments. No rebleeding occurred in the period of 0.5 to 2.5 years of following up in 35 cases. Conclusion For rebleeding after pericardial devascularization,individualized treatment can gain satisfactory effects.