Effect of SOX9 on Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through WNTβ/Catenin Pathway

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can be differentiated into different types of cells. SOX9 involves in the development and progression of various diseases. Our study aims to assess SOX9's effect on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and its related regulatory mechanisms. Rat BMSCs were isolated and randomly divided into control group, SOX9 group and SOX9 siRNA group, which was transfected with pcDNA-SOX9 plasmid or SOX9 siRNA respectively followed by analysis of SOX9 expression by Real time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase3 and ALP activity, GSK-3β expression and Wntβ/Catenin Signaling pathway protein expression by Western blot, and expression of osteogenic genes Runx2 and BMP-2 by Real time PCR. Transfection of pcDNA-SOX9 plasmid into BMSCs significantly inhibited cell proliferation, promoted Caspase3 activity, decreased ALP activity and downregulated Runx2 and BMP-2, increased GSK-3β expression and decreased Wntβ/Catenin expression protein expression (P< 0.05). SOX9 siRNA transfection significantly promoted cell proliferation, inhibited Caspase3 activity, increased ALP activity and upregulated Runx2 and BMP-2, downregulated GSK-3β and increased Wntβ/Catenin expression. SOX9 regulates BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation through Wntβ/Catenin signaling pathway.

[Correlation study of IL-18 expression in HBsAg positive parturients in intrauterine transmission of HBV]

Objective: To investigate the expression of IL-18 in peripheral blood of HBsAg positive parturients in intrauterine transmission of HBV. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 282 HBsAg positive parturients and 43 health parturients (control group) in Northwest Women and Children Hospital of Shaanxi Province. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect five serological makers of hepatitis B, real time PCR was used to detect HBV DNA, and flow liquid chip method was used to detect IL-18 levels in peripheral blood of parturients and newborns. Results: The incidence of dominant HBV infection (DBI), occult HBV infection (OBI) and intrauterine transmission of HBV were 8.42% (24/285), 40.00% (114/285) and 48.42% (138/285), respectively. The level of IL-18 in peripheral blood of HBsAg-negative parturients were significantly lower than those of HBsAg-positive parturients (P=0.001), non-HBV intrauterine transmission (NBIT) group (P=0.001) and OBI group (P<0.001). The level of IL-18 in HBeAg negative group was significantly lower than that in HBeAg positive group (P=0.023). When HBV DNA load was ≥10(3) copies/ml, the level of IL-18 was significantly higher than that in HBsAg-negative group (P<0.01). With the increase of HBV DNA load in maternal blood, the level of IL-18 increased (P=0.024). When HBV DNA load was 10(3)-10(6) copies/ml, the level of IL-18 in DBI group was significantly lower than that in NBIT group (P=0.022), and increased with the increase of HBV DNA load in maternal blood (P=0.016). With the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV, the level of IL-18 in non-hepatitis B vaccine group decreased significantly (P=0.044). The level of IL-18 in non-hepatitis B vaccine group and immunoglobulin injection group was significantly higher than that in NBIT group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the linear relationship between maternal HBeAg status and maternal IL-18 levels had statistical significance (P=0.01). Conclusions: IL-18 is a higher level balance regulator of Th1/Th2 immune network. Monitoring the level of IL-18 in HBsAg-positive parturients can be used not only for predicting the probability of DBI and OBI, but also as an intervention mean, especially for those who are HBeAg-positive and had HBV DNA load ≥10(3) copies/ml, to improve maternal cellular immune function, which is conducive to interrupting intrauterine transmission and providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of HBV intrauterine transmission.

[Effect of IFN-γ and IL-12 expressions on intrauterine transmission in HBsAg-positive parturientsin late pregnancy]

Objective: To investigate the influence of IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in prenatal peripheral blood of HBsAg-positive parturients on intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 282 HBsAg positive parturients and 43 health parturients (control group) in Northwest Women and Children Hospital of Shaanxi Province. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect five serological makers of hepatitis B in peripheral blood of parturients. HBV DNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Detection of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 levels were conducted with liquid chip-based flow cytometry method. The serum levels of five serological markers of hepatitis B and HBV DNA in 285 newborns were detected within 24 hours after birth. Results: The incidence of intrauterine dominant infection (DBI), occult infection (OBI) and intrauterine transmission of HBV in HBsAg positive parturients were 7.37% (21/285), 40.70% (116/285) and 48.07% (137/285), respectively. The level of IFN-γ in peripheral blood of HBsAg-negative parturients was significantly lower than those of HBsAg-positive parturients (t=-2.55, P=0.011), NBIT group (t=-2.54, P=0.012) and OBI group (t=-2.33, P=0.021). In HBV DNA load of 10(3)-10(6) copies/ml group, the levels of IFN-γ in the DBI group were significantly lower than those in OBI group and NBIT group (P<0.01). The level of IFN-γ in maternal peripheral blood decreased significantly with the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV (χ(2)=6.40, P=0.041). In the antiviral treatment group, the level of IL-12 in maternal peripheral blood decreased significantly with the increased severity of intrauterine transmission of HBV (χ(2)=8.90, P=0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant linear relationship between maternal IFN-γ level and maternal age, placenta previa and hepatitis B vaccine injection (P<0.05). The linear relationship between the level of maternal IL-12 and the mode of rupture and hepatitis B vaccine injection had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: HBV can stimulate the expression of IFN-γ and inhibit the secretion of IL-12 in pregnant and lying-in women, but the expression of IFN-γ in HBsAg-positive parturients showed intra-group differentiation, and the maternal level of IFN-γ will decrease in HBeAg-positive and high-HBV DNA loadstatus. Increasing the levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 in HBsAg-positive parturients is beneficial to block intrauterine transmission of HBV, especially DBI.

[Analysis and comparison of the clinical features and prognosis between extra - gastrointestinal stromal tumors and duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors]

Objective: To investigate the differences of clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis between patients with extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST) and duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (DGIST). Methods: A retrospective case - control study was performed. Case inclusion criteria: (1) tumor confirmed by histology and pathology; (2) primary tumor locating in the extra - gastrointestinal tract or duodenum; (3) without other synchronous tumors; (4) complete clinical and pathological data. Clinical data of 20 EGIST patients and 32 DGIST patients from March 2011 to September 2016 at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The observational parameters included clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis conditions. Continuous data of abnormal distribution were expressed as median (range) and compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Survival curves were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log-rank test. Results: Of the 20 EGIST patients, 8 were males and 12 were females with age of 61.0 (30.0 to 86.0) years and of the 32 DGIST patients, 12 were males and 20 were females with age of 55.5 (27.0 to 70.0) years. Compared with DGIST patients, EGIST patients were older (U=188.000, P=0.012], had larger tumor size [10.0 (3.0 to 29.0) cm vs. 4.0 (1.5 to 10.0) cm, U=98.500, P<0.001] and higher ratio of high risk classification [85.0% (17/20) vs. 12.5% (4/32), χ(2)=26.870, P<0.001]. Among the 20 EGIST patients, 5 were diagnosed with distal metastasis and received imatinib (400 mg/d), and the other 15 patients underwent radical resection who were included in survival analysis. All the 32 DGIST patients underwent radical resection. The median follow-up of whole group was 43 (14 to 76) months. The 3-year recurrence/metastasis-free survival rate of 15 cases undergoing radical resection in the EGIST group was 85.6%, which was lower than that of the DGIST group (88.6%), and the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.745). There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival rate between the EGIST group (92.9%) and the DGIST group (100%) (P=0.271). Conclusions: As compared to DGIST, EGIST mostly occurs in those with older age, larger tumor size and higher risk grade. The prognosis of EGIST patients after radical resection is similar to that of DGIST patients.

[Predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with poorly differentiated early gastric cancer]

Objective: This study aimed to identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastasis in patients with the poorly differentiated early gastric cancer (EGC) to assess the feasibility of using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods: The records of patients with poorly differentiated early gastric cancer undergoing gastric radical resection between January 2012 and December 2016 were reviewed in Ruijin hospital. Those with distant metastasis, two or more malignant tumors, remnant gastric cancer, neo adjuvant therapy, previous history of gastric surgery or clear history of perigastric lymphadenectomy, and mixed tumors were excluded. Age, sex, presence of ulcerous lesion, tumor size, tumor location, depth of invasion, type of differentiation, lymphatic vessel invasion, vascular invasion, nerve invasion and HER2 expression were collected. Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors of perigastric lymph node metastasis.According to the Guidelines for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer (2018 edition) of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), the expanded indications of ESD for EGC are as follows: (1)no ulcerative lesions, the maximum diameter of lesions >2 cm of differentiated intramucosal cancer; (2)ulcerative lesions, the maximum diameter of lesions ≤3 cm of differentiated intramucosal cancer; (3)no ulcerative lesions, undifferentiated intramucosal carcinoma with diameter ≤2 cm. The relationship between clinicopathological factors and lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Results: A total of 517 patients, aged 21-83 (57.1±11.7), including 307 males and 210 females, were enrolled in the study. Among them, 114 (22.0%) patients had lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that ulcerative lesion (P=0.042), tumor diameter (P=0.048), depth of invasion (P<0.001), location of tumors (P<0.001), lymphatic vessel invasion (P=0.009), vascular invasion (P<0.001) and nerve invasion (P=0.028) were related to lymph node metastasis after radical resection of poorly differentiated early adenocarcinoma. Age, sex, type of differentiation and HER2 expression were not significantly correlated to lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size (OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.03-2.52, P=0.037), depth of invasion (OR=2.77, 95% CI:1.66-4.63, P<0.001), lymphatic duct invasion (OR=14.74, 95% CI:1.58-137.36, P=0.018) were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in poorly differentiated EGC, and ulcerative lesion was not a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (OR=0.82, 95% CI:0.56-1.18,P=0.285). A total of 119 patients with poorly differentiated EGC fully complied with the relative indications of ESD recommended by the Japanese Statute and the criteria for radical resection after ESD. Among them, 14 (11.8%) still had perigastric lymph node metastasis, while the gender, tumor diameter, location, differentiation and HER2 expression were not associated with lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). Conclusion: For patients with poorly differentiated EGC, the application of ESD should be carefully weighed with precise assessment of tumor diameter, depth of invasion, and lymphatic duct invasion.

The potential of cadmium ion-immobilized Rhizobium pusense KG2 to prevent soybean root from absorbing cadmium in cadmium-contaminated soil

AIMS

Because the effect of Cd2+ -immobilized microbe on Cd uptake of plants in Cd-contaminated soil remains underexplored, this study focuses on the effect of Cd2+ -immobilized rhizobia on Cd uptake of soybean.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Strain KG2 from soybean nodule was identified as Rhizobium pusense KG2 by phylogenetic analysis. Rhizobium pusense KG2 showed the 120 mg l-1 of minimal lethal concentration for Cd2+ . In 50 and 100 mg l-1 of Cd2+ liquid, approximately 2 × 1010 cells removed 56·71 and 22·11% of Cd2+ , respectively. In pot soil containing 50 and 100 mg kg-1 of Cd2+ , strain KG2 caused a 45·9 and 35·3% decrease in soybean root Cd content, respectively. Meanwhile, KG2 improved the root and shoot length, nitrogen content and biomass of soybean plants and superoxide dismutase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cd2+ -immobilized rhizobia could inhibit soybean plants to absorb Cd2+ from soil, promote plant growth and improve plant's tolerance against Cd. This study is the first time to report that R. pusense is an effective nodulating rhizobium of legume.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Some Cd2+ -immobilized microbe lowering Cd uptake of plant and promoting plant growth should be considered as an effective strategy for producing safety crops in the Cd-contaminated agricultural soil.

Accelerating single molecule localization microscopy through parallel processing on a high-performance computing cluster

Super‐resolved microscopy techniques have revolutionized the ability to study biological structures below the diffraction limit. Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) techniques are widely used because they are relatively straightforward to implement and can be realized at relatively low cost, e.g. compared to laser scanning microscopy techniques. However, while the data analysis can be readily undertaken using open source or other software tools, large SMLM data volumes and the complexity of the algorithms used often lead to long image data processing times that can hinder the iterative optimization of experiments. There is increasing interest in high throughput SMLM, but its further development and application is inhibited by the data processing challenges. We present here a widely applicable approach to accelerating SMLM data processing via a parallelized implementation of ThunderSTORM on a high‐performance computing (HPC) cluster and quantify the speed advantage for a four‐node cluster (with 24 cores and 128 GB RAM per node) compared to a high specification (28 cores, 128 GB RAM, SSD‐enabled) desktop workstation. This data processing speed can be readily scaled by accessing more HPC resources. Our approach is not specific to ThunderSTORM and can be adapted for a wide range of SMLM software.

Lay Description

Optical microscopy is now able to provide images with a resolution far beyond the diffraction limit thanks to relatively new super‐resolved microscopy (SRM) techniques, which have revolutionized the ability to study biological structures. One approach to SRM is to randomly switch on and off the emission of fluorescent molecules in an otherwise conventional fluorescence microscope. If only a sparse subset of the fluorescent molecules labelling a sample can be switched on at a time, then each emitter will be, on average, spaced further apart than the diffraction‐limited resolution of the conventional microscope and the separate bright spots in the image corresponding to each emitter can be localised to high precision by finding the centre of each feature using a computer program. Thus, a precise map of the emitter positions can be recorded by sequentially mapping the localisation of different subsets of emitters as they are switched on and others switched off.

Typically, this approach, described as single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM), results in large image data sets that can take many minutes to hours to process, depending on the size of the field of view and whether the SMLM analysis employs a computationally‐intensive iterative algorithm. Such a slow workflow makes it difficult to optimise experiments and to analyse large numbers of samples. Faster SMLM experiments would be generally useful and automated high throughput SMLM studies of arrays of samples, such as cells, could be applied to drug discovery and other applications. However, the time required to process the resulting data would be prohibitive on a normal computer.

To address this, we have developed a method to run standard SMLM data analysis software tools in parallel on a high‐performance computing cluster (HPC). This can be used to accelerate the analysis of individual SMLM experiments or it can be scaled to analyse high throughput SMLM data by extending it to run on an arbitrary number of HPC processors in parallel. In this paper we outline the design of our parallelised SMLM software for HPC and quantify the speed advantage when implementing it on four HPC nodes compared to a powerful desktop computer.

[Clinical observation of apatinib mesylate for the treatment of multi-drug resistant advanced breast cancer]

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy and adverse outcomes of apatinib mesylate for the treatment of multi-drug resistant advanced breast cancer. Methods: A total of 24 patients with multi-drug-resistant advanced breast cancer who underwent apatinib mesylate treatment were retrospectively analyzed at the Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Breast Cancer of Henan Cancer Hospital. Patients were reviewed every 4 weeks after initial treatment and then every 8 weeks after stable disease. Objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) , toxicity and adverse outcomes of apatinib mesylate treatment were evaluated by imaging examinations. Results: Totally, 24 patients received apatinib mesylate at a dose of 500 mg QD. Out of the 24 patients treated, complete remission (CR) occurred in none of the patients, partial remission (PR) in 10 cases, stable disease (SD) in 10 cases, progressive disease (PD) in 4 cases, and drug with drawal in 2 cases due to adverse outcomes. Treatment with apatinib mesylate resulted in an ORR of 41.7% (10/24), disease control rate (DCR) of 83.3%, PFS of 4.7 months, and OS of 8.0 months. Adverse outcomes included proteinuria, high blood pressure, fatigue, hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR), hyperbilirubinemia, leukopenia, hair/skin pigmentation decreased. Most of the adverse events were tolerable and can be controlled after symptomatic management. Conclusions: Single-agent apatinib mesylate demonstrated the good short-term efficacy for multi-drug resistant advanced breast cancer in patients who previously underwent multiple line treatment failures. Adverse effects were controllable after symptomatic management. Treatment with apatinib mesylate maybe a viable option when other treatment modalities failed.

[Clinical effects of a combination treatment with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser on hypertrophic scar pruritus]

Objective: To observe the effects of a combination treatment with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser on hypertrophic scar pruritus in clinic. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 90 patients with hypertrophic scars conforming to the inclusion criteria who were hospitalized in our ward from March to December 2017 were divided into combination treatment group and control group according to the random number table, with 45 patients in each group. For scar pruritus, patients in control group were treated twice by narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light with a one-month interval, while patients in combination treatment group were firstly treated by narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light combined with fractional carbon dioxide laser once, and with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light once one month later. Before and 3 months after treatment, scar pruritus was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire, and the improvement of scar was assessed by photography. Three months after treatment, the treatment satisfaction of scar pruritus was self-rated by patients. Meanwhile, adverse effects were recorded during the procedures and follow-up periods. Data were processed with Chi-square test, paired t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in scar pruritus degree evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale and score distribution of scar pruritus location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of the Four-item Itch Questionnaire between patients of two groups (Z=-1.08, -0.91, -0.03, -0.69, -1.49, P>0.05). Three months after treatment, there was reducing degree of scar pruritus of patients evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale in control group or combination treatment group compared with before treatment within the same group (Z=-1.98, -4.65, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the latter was more obvious than the former (Z=-2.14, P<0.05). There were reducing scores of scar pruritus extent and frequency of patients in control group, along with location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of patients in combination treatment group compared with those before treatment within the same group (Z=-2.33, -2.34, -3.53, -4.96, -3.32, -4.84, P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, scores of scar pruritus location and sleep effect of patients in control group were similar to those before treatment within the same group (Z=-0.58, -1.34, P>0.05). The scores of scar pruritus location, extent, frequency, and sleep effect of patients were obviously lower in combination treatment group compared with control group (Z=-2.09, -2.69, -1.99, -2.23, P<0.05 or P<0.01). It was much better of scar improvement of patients in combination treatment group compared with control group (Z=-4.00, P<0.01). The percentages of treatment satisfaction of scar pruritus of patients with 0, 1%-25%, 26%-50%, 51%-75%, 76%-100% were 0, 2.2% (1/45), 17.8% (8/45), 48.9% (22/45), and 31.1% (14/45) respectively in combination treatment group, which were obviously better than 0, 11.1% (5/45), 53.3% (24/45), 28.9% (13/45), and 6.7% (3/45) in control group (Z=-4.42, P<0.01). During the treatment and follow-up periods, the adverse effect ratio of patients in control group was 6.7% (3/45), similar to 2.2% (1/45) of combination treatment group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The combination of narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light and fractional carbon dioxide laser can greatly reduce pruritus, improve effect of scar treatment, and bring higher patient satisfaction compared with narrow-spectrum intense pulsed light alone in treating hypertrophic scar pruritus. Clinical trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-ONH-17012350.

A note on cloning and analysis of the osteopontin gene with egg quality traits in two Chinese domestic ducks

1. Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated acidic glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in eggshell formation. In this study, an 893-bp cDNA sequence of the OPN gene, which encodes 180 amino acids, was obtained. 2. Polymorphisms of the OPN gene were analysed with DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism methods in two Chinese domestic laying ducks (Jingding n = 100, Youxian n = 478, respectively). 3. One polymorphism was identified in exon 7 (NM_ 004676534.1:c.267T>C) of the OPN gene, with three genotypes: TT (both T allels weren't mutated (wild type)), TC (one T allel was mutated to C (heterozygote genotype)) and CC. (both T allels were mutated to C (homozygote 20 genotype)) Association analysis with egg quality traits in the two Chinese domestic laying ducks showed that the ducks with the CC genotype had significantly greater eggshell strength and eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). Hence, the exon 7 267T>C polymorphism of the OPN gene is a potentially valuable genetic marker for laying duck breeding programmes.

Tailoring nanostructure and bioactivity of 3D-printable hydrogels with self-assemble peptides amphiphile (PA) for promoting bile duct formation

3D-printing has expanded our ability to produce reproducible and more complex scaffold architectures for tissue engineering applications. In order to enhance the biological response within these 3D-printed scaffolds incorporating nanostructural features and/or specific biological signaling may be an effective means to optimize tissue regeneration. Peptides amphiphiles (PAs) are a versatile supramolecular biomaterial with tailorable nanostructural and biochemical features. PAs are widely used in tissue engineering applications such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and bone regeneration. Thus, the addition of PAs is a potential solution that can greatly expand the utility of 3D bioprinting hydrogels in the field of regenerative medicine. In this paper, we firstly developed a 3D-printable thiolated-gelatin bioink supplemented with PAs to tailor the bioactivity and nanostructure which allows for the incorporation of cells. The bioink can be printed at 4 °C and stabilized to last a long time (>1 month) in culture at 37 °C by via a dual secondary crosslinking strategy using calcium ions and homobifunctional maleiminde-poly (ethylene glycol). Rheological properties of inks were characterized and were suitable for printing multi-layered structures. We additionally demonstrated enhanced functionality of ink formulations by utilizing a laminin-mimetic IKVAV-based PA system within a 3D-printable ink containing cholangiocytes. Viability and functional staining showed that the IKVAV PA nanofibers stimulated cholangioctyes to form functional tubular structures, which was not observed in other ink formulations.

[The value of brachial artery peak velocity variation during the Valsalva maneuver to predict fluid responsiveness]

Objective: To evaluate whether brachial artery peak velocity variation(ΔVp) during a Valsalva maneuver(VM) could predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients. Methods: Ninety-six patients required radial artery catheter for elective surgery of Ningbo Yinzhou People's Hospital from December 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled. The brachial artery Doppler signal was recorded to measure the ΔVp while the VM was performed.Then doing the volume expansion (VE) , the cardiac output variation (ΔCO) before and after VE were measured.Pearson correlational analyses were conducted between ΔVp and ΔCO. Also the sensitivity and specificity of ΔVp were determined in predicting fluid responsiveness by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Patients were classified as group responders (n=24) and group non-responders (n=72). Responder was defined as cardiac output increased≥15% after VE.The ΔVp correlated well with ΔCO (r=0.792, P<0.01). The area under ROC curve was 0.903, with the ΔVp cut-off of 33%, the sensitivity of 87% and the specificity of 82%(P<0.01). Conclusion: Brachial artery peak velocity variation during a valsalva maneuver is a feasible method for predicting fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients.

[Determination of Hair Shafts by InnoTyper® 21 Kit]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the application value of InnoTyper® 21 kit in forensic practice.

METHODS

Samples of hair shafts and saliva were collected from 8 unrelated individuals. Template DNA was extracted by AutoMate Express™ forensic DNA automatic extraction system. DNA was amplified by InnoTyper® 21 kit and AmpFℓSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus kit, respectively, and then the results were compared.

RESULTS

After the amplification by InnoTyper® 21 kit, complete specific genotyping could be detected from the saliva samples, and the peak value of genotyping profiles of hair shafts without sheath cells was 57-1 219 RFU. Allelic gene deletion could be found sometimes. When amplified by AmpFℓSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus kit, complete specific genotyping could be detected from the saliva samples, and the specific fragment was not detected in hair shafts without sheath cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The InnoTyper® 21 kit has certain application value in the cases of hair shafts without sheath cells.

Ultrafast consolidation of bulk nanocrystalline titanium alloy through ultrasonic vibration

Nanocrystalline (NC) materials have fascinating physical and chemical properties, thereby they exhibit great prospects in academic and industrial fields. Highly efficient approaches for fabricating bulk NC materials have been pursued extensively over past decades. However, the instability of nanograin, which is sensitive to processing parameters (such as temperature and time), is always a challenging issue to be solved and remains to date. Herein, we report an ultrafast nanostructuring strategy, namely ultrasonic vibration consolidation (UVC). The strategy utilizes internal friction heat, generated from mutually rubbing between Ti-based metallic glass powders, to heat the glassy alloy rapidly through its supercooled liquid regime, and accelerated viscous flow bonds the powders together. Consequently, bulk NC-Ti alloy with grain size ranging from 10 to 70 nm and nearly full density is consolidated in 2 seconds. The novel consolidation approach proposed here offers a general and highly efficient pathway for manufacturing bulk nanomaterials.