[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia]

Objective: To explore the clinical features, etiological features and prognostic risk factors of long-term glucocorticoid users with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: A retrospective study included 100 long-term glucocorticoid users with CAP (G-CAP group) from 11 hospitals of China between January 2014 and December 2014, while 100 non-immunocompromised patients with community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled as controls (nICH-CAP group). Characteristics including age, gender, underlying diseases, corticosteroids, symptoms, disease severity, imaging manifestations, etiology, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, whether the application of vasoactive drugs, antibiotics application, hospital mortality rate between the two groups were compared, and the prognostic factors of G-CAP were investigated using Logistic regression. Results: The peripheral blood lymphocytes[1.06(0.70, 1.68) vs 1.44 (0.87, 1.98)]in G-CAP group was less than nICH-CAP group (P<0.05). CT with pulmonary interstitial change (28.6% vs 9.9%), the proportion of patients with respiratory failure (25.0% vs 7.0%), mechanical ventilation (9.0% vs 2.0%), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (12.0% vs 2.0%), septic shock (9.0% vs 2.0%), and the hospital mortality rate (13.0% vs 3.0%) in G-CAP group were significantly higher than in nICH-CAP group (all P<0.05). Bacterial infection accounted for the highest proportion of infection (61.3%) in G-CAP group, but also virus infection (19.4%) and mixed infection (16.1%). Pseudomonas accounted for the highest proportion (47.4%) in bacterial infection of G-CAP. Logistic regression analysis showed that peripheral blood lymphocytes (OR=0.004, 95% CI: 0.000-0.234; P<0.05) and respiratory failure (OR=17.766, 95% CI: 4.933-131.0; P<0.05) were independent predictors of death in G-CAP group. Conclusions: The proportion of severe pneumonia and the mortality rate of patients with G-CAP are higher than the patients with nICH-CAP. Lymphopenia and respiratory failure are associated with poor outcome of patients with G-CAP.

[The effect of inadequate Vitamin D on sperm quality]

Objective: To analyze the effect of insufficient intake of vitamin D (VD) on sperm quality and male fertility and to discuss the mechanism of the effect. Methods: VD deficiency mice were fed with VD-deficient diet and light-sheltered. The sperm motility, morphology, ultrastructure, testicular pathology, sex hormones and fertility of normal and VD-deficient mice were analyzed to investigate the effects of VD deficiency on male reproduction. Results: Compared with the normal group, the mice with VD deficiency had lower sperm concentration[(128±53) ×10(6)/ml vs( 58±15) ×10(6)/ml, P<0.05], less sperm in the epididymis, slightly less mature spermatozoa.The serum testosterone[(328±65 )nmol/L vs(255±58 )nmol/L]and estradiol levels[(60±115) pmol/L vs(384±104) pmol/L]were significantly lower (P<0.05), and the FSH[(296±177)ng/L vs(219±105 )ng/L]and LH[(393±129) ng/L vs(364±108) ng/L]levels were significantly higher (P<0.05). The other tests did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: The impact of insufficient intake of VD on sperm quality is not prominent, the specific impact of VD on male reproductive needs to be further studied.

[Primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole plays a pivotal role during chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs during remission induction chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. Methods: Clinical records from newly diagnosed AML patients above 15 years old in one single center from February 2014 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. The incidence of IFI and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs were investigated between control group (not receiving any broad spectrum antifungal prophylaxis) and treatment group (receiving posaconazole as primary prophylaxis). Results: A total of 147 newly diagnosed AML patients were enrolled. Of them, 81 received prophylaxis with posaconazole, and 66 did not receive broad-spectrum antifungal treatment. 7 IFI occurred in posaconazole group, and all were possible cases; 19 IFI occurred in control group (3 proven, 4 probable, 12 possible). The incidence of IFI was significantly lower in treatment group than that in control group (8.6% vs 28.8%, χ(2)=10.138, P=0.001). Usage of intravenous antifungal drugs was significantly decreased in posaconazole group (18.5% vs 50.0%, χ(2)=16.390, P<0.001). Conclusion: Prophylaxis with posaconazole coulf prevent IFI and reduce usage of intravenous antifungal drugs significantly during remission induction chemotherapy in AML patients.

[Meta analysis of surgical treatment for old Monteggia fracture in children]

Objective: To analysis the treatment effect of the ulnar osteotomy and ring-shaped ligament reconstruction for the treatment of old Monteggia fracture in children by using Meta analyze, and the difference of clinical curative effect was compared in order to provide the basis for the selection of clinical treatment options for old Monteggia fractures in children. Methods: We searched databases such as CNKI, Wanfang database, Medline, PubMed, Embase and Science through computer, at the same time, the references of relevant documents were retrieved manually, and the data processing was carried out by the RevMan5.3 statistical software provided by the Cochrane cooperation network by incorporating the exclusion criteria. The results were obtained and analyzed. Results: A total of 17 standard literature, 438 cases, 224 cases of ulnar osteotomy, 214 cases with ring ligament repair and reconstruction were obtained. The operation scheme, which was mainly based on the lengthening of ulna osteotomy, was superior to the reconstruction of ring ligament reconstruction. The complications and second operation rates of the former was less than that of the latter. Conclusion: The surgical methods for the reconstruction of the ulna osteotomy and the ring-shaped ligament have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the operative plan for the old Monteggia fracture should be based on the following factors: the time of the old Monteggia fracture formation, the degree of the ulnar and radial deformity and the familiarity of the operative method.

The roles and mechanisms of G3BP1 in tumour promotion

Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is a SH3 domain-binding protein that is overexpressed in a variety of tumour tissues and cancers, such as head and neck cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. G3BP1 promotes tumour cell proliferation and metastasis and inhibits apoptosis by regulating the Ras, TGF-β/Smad, Src/FAK and p53 signalling pathways. At present, polypeptides targeting G3BP1 have shown anti-tumour activity and G3BP1 also involved in anti-cancer effects of some polyphenolic compounds (resveratrol and EGCG). Therefore G3BP1 may be a potential target for tumour treatment.

[Impact of KIT D816 mutation on salvage therapy in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia with t(8;21) translocation]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of KIT D816 mutation on the salvage therapy in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) translocation. Method: The characteristics of the first relapsed AML with t(8;21) translocation from 10 hospitals were retrospectively collected, complete remission (CR(2)) rate after one course salvage chemotherapy and the relationship between KIT mutation and CR(2) rate was analyzed. Results: 68 cases were enrolled in this study, and 30 cases (44.1%) achieved CR(2). All patients received KIT mutation detection, and KIT D816 mutation was identified in 26 cases. The KIT D816 positive group had significantly lower CR(2) compared with non-KIT D816 group (23.1% vs 57.1%, χ(2)=7.559, P=0.006), and patients with longer CR(1) duration achieved significantly higher CR(2) than those with CR(1) duration less than 12 months (74.1% vs 31.9%, χ(2)=9.192, P=0.002). KIT D816 mutation was tightly related to shorter CR(1) duration. No significant difference of 2 years post relapse survival was observed between KIT D816 mutation and non-KIT D816 mutation group. Conclusion: KIT D816 mutation at diagnosis was an adverse factor on the salvage therapy in relapsed AML with t(8;21) translocation, significantly related to shorter CR1 duration, and can be used for prediction of salvage therapy response. KIT D816 mutation could guide the decision-making of salvage therapy in relapsed AML with t(8;21) translocation.

The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, CI994, Improves Nuclear Reprogramming and In Vitro Developmental Potential of Cloned Pig Embryos

Epigenetic reprogramming and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning efficiency were recently enhanced using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). In this study, we investigated the time effect of CI994, an HDACi, on the blastocyst formation rate, acetylation levels of H3K9 and H4K12, DNA methylation levels of anti-5-methylcytosine (5mC), and some mRNA expression of pluripotency-related genes in pig SCNT embryos. Treatment with 10 μM CI994 for 24 hours significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of SCNT embryos in comparison with the untreated group (p < 0.05). Moreover, average fluorescence intensities of H3K9 and H4K12 in CI994-treated embryos were remarkably increased at the pseudo-pronuclear stage, but not at the blastocyst stage. The intensity of POU5F1 was higher in CI994-treated blastocysts than in control blastocysts, whereas that of 5mC did not differ between the two groups. The percentage of apoptotic cells in blastocysts was significantly higher in the untreated group than in the CI994-treated group. mRNA levels of POU5F1 and SOX2 were significantly increased in the CI994-treated group. These observations suggest that optimum exposure (10 μM for 24 hours) to CI994 after activation elevates the level of histone acetylation and subsequently improves the in vitro development of pig SCNT embryos.

[Pollution Characteristics of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants in a Wastewater Treatment Plant]

Sewage water, the influent of the secondary sedimentation tanks, the final effluent, sludge from biological pools, and dewatered excess sludge samples from eight wastewater treatment plants (WWPTs) in Suzhou, including those from seven A²/O processes and one oxidation ditch process, were collected in 2017 to study the pollution characteristics of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in WWPTs. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) combined with a solid-phase extraction method was used to detect the concentration of 10 organic phosphorus flame retardant (OPFRs). The removal efficiency of OPFRs was compared and final daily emissions were estimated. The results showed seven kinds of OPFRs were detected in the influent, final effluent, and sludge. The total content of OPFRs in the influent ranged from 0.74 to 222.65 μg ·L^-1 (average 65.56 μg ·L^-1), while the content in the final effluent was between 0.46 and 175.41 μg ·L^-1 (average 22.99 μg ·L^-1). The concentration in the effluent of the secondary sedimentation tank was between 0.48 and 178.14 μg ·L^-1 (average 43.14 μg ·L^-1). The daily emission of OPFRs in final effluent was 36.69-2177.12 g ·d^-1. The content in the dewatered excess sludge was between 89.32 and 596.24 μg ·g^-1 dw (average 249.35 μg ·g^-1 dw), the minimum daily emission was 3.57-7.15 kg ·d^-1, and the maximum was 47.70-95.40 kg ·d^-1. The oxidation ditch process has a good removal rate of OPFRs, at 92%, while the A²/O process removal rate covered a large range from 11%-99%. Three chlorinated OPFRs, TCEP, TCPP, and TDCPP, were the main components in the influent and final effluent, mainly because of the large consumption of OPFRs and also because the removal rate by the traditional wastewater treatment technology was low.

[Contamination Characterization and Human Exposure Levels to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Indoor and Outdoor Air in Industrial Park of Suzhou City]

Eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in indoor and outdoor air particles were collected using higher-volume active sampling techniques from different functional areas, including an industrial workplace, office, domestic area, and scenic area in an industrial zone, in Suzhou city, and the samples were analyzed by GC-MS. The total concentration of PBDEs ranged from 9.22-64.15 pg·m^-3 (average 20.93 pg·m^-3), and 1.06-8.44 pg·m^-3(average 5.11 pg·m^-3)in indoor and outdoor air, respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of PBDEs in indoor PM₁₀ was significantly higher than that in the outdoor PM₁₀. The average concentrations of PBDEs in the air of the different sampling areas were in the order:industrial workplace<office<dwelling indoor<outdoor air. Compared with the concentrations of PBDEs in the indoor and outdoor particulate matters from other regions, the concentrations of PBDEs in the indoor and outdoor atmospheric particles from Suzhou were at lower levels. BDE-209 was the most abundant (average 63% of the total PBDEs) in indoor and outdoor air, followed by BDE-99 and BDE-47.The estimated daily intake of PBDEs via inhalation was 3.75, 2.78, and 2.60 pg·(kg·d)^-1 by the workers in the workplace, workers in office, and toddlers, respectively. Results showed that inhalation exposure to PBDEs did not cause potential health risks in the local residents of Suzhou.

[Application of imatinib in BCR- ABL positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in the real world]

目的

探讨真实世界中伊马替尼(IM)联合化疗治疗BCR-ABL阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)的疗效及相关预后因素。

方法

2003年4月至2015年8月收治的209例治疗中包含IM的BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者纳入研究，106例患者接受造血干细胞移植(HSCT)。对患者的疗效和预后影响因素进行分析。

结果

初诊患者诱导完全缓解(CR)率为97.9%。初诊时WBC≥100×10⁹/L是总生存(OS)的不良预后因素(P=0.043)。未接受HSCT、诱导治疗4周内未达CR和治疗过程中未达到分子生物学完全缓解(CMR)是OS(P值分别为<0.001、0.009和<0.001)和无复发生存(RFS)(P值均<0.001)的不良预后因素。接受异基因HSCT和自体HSCT的患者，其OS和RFS的差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05)。首次诱导治疗时联用IM的患者较未联用者显示出更高的5年RFS率(37.0％对24.0%，P= 0.005)。在治疗过程中持续规律服用酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKI，40例患者由于复发、转录本水平下降不理想或出现突变换用其他TKI)的患者生存情况最佳，其次为骨髓抑制期间断停用TKI的患者，不规律服用TKI的患者生存情况最差，三组5年OS率分别为46.0%、28.0%、17.0%(P=0.004)，5年RFS率分别为38.0%、28.0%、17.0%(P<0.001)。

结论

TKI联合化疗获得CMR，序贯以HSCT可改善BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者预后，持续规律地联用TKI有助于BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者疗效的提高。

[Spectrum of somatic mutations and their prognostic significance in adult patients with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the spectrum of gene mutations in adult patients with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and to analyze the influences of different gene mutations on prognosis. Methods: DNA samples from 113 adult B-ALL patients who administered from June 2009 to September 2015 were collected. Target-specific next generation sequencing (NGS) approach was used to analyze the mutations of 112 genes (focused on the specific mutational hotspots) and all putative mutations were compared against multiple databases to calculate the frequency spectrum. The impact of gene mutation on the patients' overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) was analyzed by the putative mutations through Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression methods. Results: Of the 113 patients, 103 (92.0%) harbored at least one mutation and 29 (25.6%) harbored more than 3 genes mutation. The five most frequently mutated genes in B-ALL are SF1, FAT1, MPL, PTPN11 and NRAS. Gene mutations are different between Ph+ B-ALL and Ph- B-ALL patients. Ph- B-ALL patients with JAK-STAT signal pathway related gene mutation, such as JAK1/JAK2 mutation showed a poor prognosis compared to the patients without mutation (OS: P=0.011, 0.001; RFS: P=0.014,<0.001). Patients with PTPN11 mutation showed better survival than those without mutation, but the difference was not statistically significant (P value > 0.05). Besides, in Ph+ B-ALL patients whose epigenetic modifications related signaling pathway genes were affected, they had a worse prognosis (OS: P=0.038; RFS: P=0.047). Conclusion: Gene mutations are common in adult ALL patients, a variety of signaling pathways are involved. The frequency and spectrum are varied in different types of B-ALL. JAK family gene mutation usually indicates poor prognosis. The co-occurrence of somatic mutations in adult B-ALL patients indicate the genetic complex and instability of adult B-ALL patients.

A slow-cycling subpopulation of melanoma cells with highly invasive properties

Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor with different subpopulations showing different proliferation rates. Slow-cycling cells were previously identified in melanoma, but not fully biologically characterized. Using the label-retention method, we identified a subpopulation of slow-cycling cells, defined as label-retaining cells (LRC), with strong invasive properties. We demonstrate through live imaging that LRC are leaving the primary tumor mass at a very early stage and disseminate to peripheral organs. Through global proteome analyses, we identified the secreted protein SerpinE2/protease nexin-1 as causative for the highly invasive potential of LRC in melanomas.

[Characteristics and prognosis in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients with MLL gene rearrangements]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics, and prognosis of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with MLL gene rearrangements. Methods: The medical records of 92 adult AML patients with MLL gene rearrangements from January 2010 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 92 cases (6.5%) with MLL gene rearrangements were identified in 1 417 adult AML (Non-M(3)) patients, the median age of the patients was 35.5 years (15 to 64 years old) with an equal sex ratio, the median WBC were 21.00(0.42-404.76)×10(9)/L, and 78 patients (84.8%) were acute monoblastic leukemia according to FAB classification. Eleven common partner genes were detected in 32 patients, 9 cases (28.1%) were MLL/AF9(+), 5 cases (15.6%) were MLL/AF6(+), 5 cases (15.6%) were MLL/ELL(+), 2 cases (6.3%) were MLL/AF10(+), 1 case (3.1%) was MLL/SETP6(+), and the remaining 10 patients' partner genes weren't identified. Of 92 patients, 83 cases with a median follow-up of 10.3 (0.3-74.0) months were included for the prognosis analysis, the complete remission (CR) rate was 85.5% (71/83), the median overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were 15.4 and 13.1 months, respectively. Two-year OS and RFS were 36.6% and 29.5%, respectively. Of 31 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), two-year OS and RFS for patients received and non-received allo-HSCT were 57.9% and 21.4%, 52.7% and 14.9%, respectively (P<0.001). Among patients with partner genes tested, 9 of 32 cases (28.1%) were MLL/AF9(+), the median follow-up was 6.0(4.1-20.7) months. 3 patients with MLL/AF9 underwent allo-HSCT. 23 cases (71.9%) were non- MLL/AF9(+), the median follow-up was 7.8 (0.3-26.6) months. 14 patients (60.1%) with non-MLL/AF9 underwent allo-HSCT. One-year OS for patients with MLL/AF9 and non-MLL/AF9 were 38.1% and 55.5%, respectively (P=0.688). Multivariate analysis revealed that high WBC (RR=1.825, 95% CI 1.022-3.259, P=0.042), one cycle to achieve CR (RR=0.130, 95% CI 0.063-0.267, P<0.001), post-remission treatment with allo-HSCT (RR=0.169, 95% CI 0.079-0.362, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors affecting OS. Conclusions: AML with MLL gene rearrangements was closely associated with monocytic differentiation, and MLL/AF9 was the most frequent partner gene. Conventional chemotherapy produced a high response rate, but likely to relapse, allo-HSCT may have the potential to further improve the prognosis of this group of patients.

Cotreatment with RepSox and LBH589 improves the in vitro developmental competence of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos

Accumulating evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic reprogramming and low pluripotency of donor nuclei lead to abnormal development of cloned embryos and underlie the inefficiency of mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The present study demonstrates that treatment with the small molecule RepSox alone upregulates the expression of pluripotency-related genes in porcine SCNT embryos. Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate, whereas treatment with RepSox did not. Cotreatment with 12.5 μM RepSox and 50 nM LBH589 (RepSox + LBH589) for 24 h significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate compared with that of untreated embryos (26.9% vs 8.5% respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of pluripotency-related genes octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (NANOG) and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) were found to significantly increased in the RepSox + LBH589 compared with control group at both the 4-cell and blastocyst stages. In particular, the expression of NANOG was 135-fold higher at the blastocyst stage in the RepSox + LBH589 group. Moreover, RepSox + LBH589 improved epigenetic reprogramming. In summary, RepSox + LBH589 increases the expression of developmentally important genes, optimises epigenetic reprogramming and improves the in vitro development of porcine SCNT embryos.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, JNJ-7706621, improves in vitro developmental competence of porcine parthenogenetic activation and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos

In this study we examined the effects of JNJ-7706621, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, on the in vitro growth of pig embryos that had been produced either by parthenogenetic activation (PA) or somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). A significantly higher percentage of PA embryos reached the blastocyst stage by Day 7 after exposure to 10 µM JNJ-7706621 for 4 h compared with embryos exposed to 5 µg mL−1 cytochalasin B for 4 h (P < 0.05). Similarly, the rate of Tyr15 phosphorylation of the complex of cyclin and p34cdc2 (CDK1) was significantly elevated in the JNJ-7706621-treated embryos compared with embryos exposed to cytochalasin B or non-treated controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, Thr161 phosphorylation of CDK1 was significantly lower in the JNJ-7706621-treated group compared with the cytochalasin B-treated as well as the non-treated group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the level of M-phase-promoting factor (MPF) in embryos was significantly lower in the JNJ-7706621-treated group compared with the cytochalasin B-treated and non-treated groups (P < 0.05). In addition, more SCNT embryos reached the blastocyst stage after treatment with JNJ-7706621 than following exposure to cytochalasin B (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results reveal that exposure to 10 µM JNJ-7706621 for 4 h improves early development of PA and SCNT porcine embryos by suppressing the activity of CDK1 and a concomitant reduction in the level of MPF.

[Morphological characteristics and phenotypic analysis of multiple morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella]

Objective: To analyze the sperm morphological characteristics of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), and to analyze their common features and subtypes. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with abnormal morphology of flagella were analyzed by semen analysis. The morphological characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Histological observation of one case of testicular tissue was performed. Results: Of the 28 patients, only 13 patients (46.4%) had motile spermatozoa, 12 of which had a sperm motility rate of <10% and a sperm survival rate of 9.0%-80.0%. Under light and scanning electron microscope, sperm with absent, short, coiled, bent and irregular width flagella or their combinations were observed. Transmission electron microscopy showed structural abnormalities of sperm fibrous sheath, mitochondrial sheath. Loss rate of central microtubule was 41.4%-84.6%. The semen of the 2 patients with the absence or presence of the kinetic protein arm and both the inner and lateral motilin arms missing had no motile spermatozoa. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of flagellar malformations between the two groups of patients (without motile sperm vs with motile spermatozoa). Conclusion: MMAF is a kind of sperm flagella specific abnormalities. Initially diagnosis can be carried out using light microscopy. Clear diagnosis could be conduct using transmission electron microscopy, and the central microtubule loss of the sperm could be seen as the main feature of the flagella abnormalities. Through the morphological analysis and research, MMAF could be precisely classified, which provide a strong basis for the diagnosis.

Distribution and morphology of ghrelin immunostained cells in the adrenal gland of the African ostrich

Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. We investigated the distribution and morphological characteristics of ghrelin-immunopositive (ghrelin-ip) cells in the African ostrich adrenal gland. We found that the adrenal gland of the African ostrich consisted of three parts: capsule, inter-renal tissue and chromaffin cells. The inter-renal tissue and chromaffin cells interdigitated irregularly. The inter-renal tissue consisted of a peripheral zone and a central inner zone. The peripheral zone could be divided into an outer subcapsular zone and an inner zone. The subcapsular zone cells were arranged as a bow, while the inner area cells formed cords that were perpendicular to the capsule. The central inner zone exhibited irregular clumps and the cells were morphologically similar to chromaffin cells. Ghrelin-ip cells were located throughout the adrenal gland except the capsule. The majority of ghrelin-ip cells were found among the chromaffin cells. The number of ghrelin-ip cells in the inter-renal tissue decreased gradually from the central inner zone, to the inner zone to the subcapsular zone. The ghrelin-ip cells were oval or irregular in shape and exhibited cytoplasmic staining. Our findings suggest that ghrelin may play a role in regulating adrenal hormone secretion in the African ostrich.

[Contamination Characteristics and Human Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Road Dust from Suzhou City]

The contamination levels and distribution characteristics of four organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in 25 outdoor dust samples collected in Suzhou were quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The exposure to OPFRs via ingestion and inhalation of dust were also estimated for adults, children, and professional street sweepers. Four types of OPFRs were detected in all dust samples at different levels; the total OPFRs concentrations ranged from non-detected (ND) to 8901.66 ng·g^-1, with a median of 1039.21 ng·g^-1. The concentrations of TCPP, TBEP, TDCPP, and TCEP were in the range of 0-6931.46, 0-2021.15, 0-788.44, and 0-62.16 ng·g^-1, respectively. The daily intake of ∑OPEs under a high dust ingestion scenario was 125.68, 915.78, and 6314.16 pg·kg^-1 for adults, children, and professional street sweepers, respectively. The estimated exposure of children to ∑OPEs was six times higher than that of adults. However, the daily intake of OPFRs via dust inhalation was 3.07E-02, 1.89E-02, and 1.54E-01 pg·kg^-1 for adults, children, and professional street sweepers, respectively. These findings indicated that the occurrence of OPFRs in the dust poses a significant risk to children and professional street sweepers.

[Prognostic significance of flow cytometric minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia during aplasia]

Objective: To investigate the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC) during aplasia on efficacy and prognosis of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (non M(3)) patients. Methods: The MRD data by 8-color MPFC during aplasia (day 14-15 of induction therapy) in 85 de novo AML (non M(3)) patients and the MRD impact on efficacy and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Data of 85 patients, including 42 males (49.4%) and 43 females (50.6%) , were collected, with a median age of 35 (15-54) years. The median MRD by MPFC during aplasia was 0.58% (0-81.11%) , and 70 (82.4%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. The cutoff of MRD by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 2.305% (Se= 0.867, Sp=0.800) . The CR rate after one course was significantly higher in patients with MRD<2.305% [96.6% (56/58) ]than in patients with MRD≥2.305%[51.9% (14/27) ] (χ(2)=22.348, P<0.001) ; no significant difference with respect to relapse-free survival rate (χ(2)=1.08, P=0.299) or overall survival rate (χ(2)=0.42, P=0.516) could be demonstrated for the comparison of the two groups. Multivariates analysis showed MRD divided by 2.305% was the only independent prognostic factor for CR after one course (OR= 21.560, 95% CI 4.129-112.579, P<0.001) . Conclusion: Flow cytometric MRD divided by 2.305% during aplasia could be a predictor of efficacy after first induction therapy in AML patients.

Distribution and developmental changes of ghrelin-immunopositive cells in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus)

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is produced by multiple cell types and affects feeding behavior, metabolic regulation, and energy balance. In the mammalian pancreas, the types of endocrine cells that are immunoreactive to ghrelin vary. However, little was known about its distribution and developmental changes in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus). In the present study, the distribution, morphological characteristics, and developmental changes of ghrelin-immunopositive (ghrelin-ip) cells in the pancreas of African ostrich chicks were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Ghrelin-ip cells were found in both the pancreatic islets and acinar cell regions. The greatest number of ghrelin-ip cells were found in the pancreatic islets, and were primarily observed at the periphery of the islets; some ghrelin-ip cells were also located in the central portion of the pancreatic islets. Interestingly, from postnatal d 1 to d 90, there was a steady decrease in the number of ghrelin-ip cells in the pancreatic islets and acinar cell regions. These results clearly demonstrated that ghrelin-ip cells exist and decreased with age in the African ostrich pancreas from postnatal d 1 to d90. Thus, these findings indicated that ghrelin may be involved in the development of the pancreas in the African ostrich.

WSe2 few layers with enzyme mimic activity for high-sensitive and high-selective visual detection of glucose

As one of the transition metal dichalcogenide materials, WSe₂ in the form of a few layers (nanosheets) have received much attention due to their unique physical, optical and electrical properties. Herein, we demonstrate that WSe₂ nanosheets possess intrinsic enzyme mimic activity. Under acidic conditions, they exhibit pronounced peroxidase-like property. The Michaelis-Menten kinetics indicate that the catalytic activity of WSe₂ nanosheets is comparable to that of horseradish peroxidase. Based on the color reaction, a platform of WSe₂ nanosheets was constructed to detect glucose concentration and it showed high sensitivity and high selectivity, which means that WSe₂ nanosheets with peroxidase-like property can be used to develop a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric method for glucose detection. Moreover, due to the electron-transferring and antioxidant properties of WSe₂ few layers, the peroxidase-like catalysis is proposed. These findings pave the way for further application of WSe₂ nanosheets in nano-biomedicine.