[Effect of monoacylglycerol lipase with proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo]

Objective: To investigate the effects of different expression of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo and its mechanism. Methods: Human peripheral blood-derived monocyte was induced to differentiate into M2-type TAMs and was identified by flow cytometry. The co-culture model of TAMs and MHCC97H human liver cancer cells was established, and the expression of MAGL in TAMs cells was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of MAGL in TAMs cells was detected by plasmid transfection. ELISA and qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels and secretion levels of inflammatory factors in TAMs cells. The subcutaneous tumor model of MHCC97H mice was constructed to observe the effect of different expression of MAGL in TAMs cells with the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo. F-test was used for the measurement of homogeneity of variance between two independent samples. A t-test was used for homogeneity of variance, and the corrected t-test was used for non-homogeneity of variance. Results: Human peripheral blood-derived monocytes were successfully induced to differentiate into M2-type TAMs. An in vitro co-culture model was established. qRT-PCR showed that MHCC97H human liver cancer cells significantly down-regulated the expressional level of MAGL in TAMs cells. The constructed subcutaneous tumor model of mice demonstrated that up-regulation up-regulation of MAGL expression in M2-type TAMs inhibited the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo. Furthermore, the mechanistic study illustrated that the high expression of MAGL promoted the transcription and secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in M2-type TAMs cells. Conclusion: The overexpression of MAGL inhibits the proliferation of MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo, and its mechanism may be associated to the release of inflammatory factors that from TAMs cells.

[Clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of superior gluteal artery perforator island flap in repair of sacral pressure ulcer. Methods: From May 2012 to May 2017, 20 patients with sacral pressure ulcers (14 males and 6 females, aged 27 to 67 years) were admitted to our department. According to the consensus staging system of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel in 2016, 6 cases were in 3 stages, 14 cases were in 4 stages, with the area of pressure ulcers ranging from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×8.0 cm. After debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, the superior gluteal artery perforator island flaps were used to repair the pressure wounds, with the area of flaps ranging from 6 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. The survival of flaps after operation, the healing of wounds, and the follow-up of patients were observed. Results: After surgery, flaps of 20 patients survived well without reoperation. The length of hospital stay of patients was 20 to 40 days, with an average of 25 days. Eighteen patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12.2 months. The flaps were in good shape and elastic recovery. There were no complications such as seroma or hematoma in the donor sites. Both the patients and family members expressed satisfaction with the shape and texture of the flap and shape of hip. Conclusions: The superior gluteal artery perforator island flap is reliable in blood supply and easy to rotate. The flap can carry a little muscle to increase the anti-infective ability. Moreover, the donor site can be directly sutured with slight damage. Thus, it is one of the good methods for repairing sacral pressure ulcers.

[Comparison of intraocular pressure reduction in eyes with different intraocular tamponades after pars plana vitrectomy by 20% mannitol]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 20% mannitol in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with different intraocular tamponades after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Sixty-eight patients were administered with 20% mannitol and IOP was noted at regular intervals after simple PPV with ocular hypertension, including 24 males (26 eyes) and 44 females (46 eyes), aged (45.6±19.3) years. These cases were divided into three groups according to different tamponades: silicon-oil tamponade, 23 eyes; gas tamponade, 30 eyes; balanced salt solution (BSS), 19 eyes. The data were analyzed using the t test, variance and q test. Results: There was a significant decrease in IOP in all patients after using 20% mannitol. The IOP in the group of silicon-oil decreased from (33.25±2.56) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (23.21±1.85) mmHg, with a maximum decrease of 30.10%; the reduction in the group of C(3)F(8) was from (33.25±2.84) mmHg to (12.15±1.12) mmHg, with a maximum decrease of 33.44%. The IOP of the two groups dropped to a minimum both at 75 minutes. In the group of BSS, the IOP decreased from (32.95±2.33) mmHg to (17.50±1.35) mmHg, and the maximum extent of the decrease was 45.82% at 45 minutes. The difference in the IOP among the three groups at 20 min, 30 min, 45 min and 60 min was statistically significant (F=34.02, 112.68, 122.07, 34.83, all P=0.00). There were significant differences between the BSS group and the silicone-oil group (q=6.44, 13.04, 15.00, 17.11, all P=0.00), and between the BSS group and the C(3)F(8) group (q=7.68, 12.56, 12.93, 13.61, all P=0.00). Conclusion: In eyes with different intraocular tamponades, 20% mannitol was useful for short-term IOP reduction after vitrectomy, especially in those with BSS within one hour. But after 75 minutes, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:289-293).

[Effects of local transplantation of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on the hyperplastic scar formation in rabbit ears and the mechanism]

Objective: To explore the effects of local transplantation of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on the hyperplastic scar (HS) formation in rabbit ears and the mechanism. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were used to reproduce HSs by making four full-thickness skin defect wounds with a diameter of 1 cm on the ventral surface of left ear of each rabbit. Wound epithelization and local-tissue proliferation were observed, and wound healing (complete epithelization) time and formation time of HS were recorded. The 24 rabbits were divided into SVF group, pure DMEM group, and pure HS group according to the random number table, with 8 rabbits and 32 wounds in each group. On post injury day (PID) 25 (after the complete epithelization of wounds), 0.2 mL of low glucose DMEM medium containing CM-Dil labeled autologous SVF was injected into HSs of rabbits in SVF group, while the same amount of low glucose DMEM medium was injected into HSs of rabbits in pure DMEM group. The frequency of injection was once every 5 days, totally for 3 times. HSs of rabbits in pure HS group did not receive any treatment. On PID 40, HSs of rabbits' ears in each group were harvested, then the histological form was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, the arrangement of collagen in HS was observed by Van Gieson staining, the distribution of CM-Dil-labeled SVF in the HS was observed with fluorescence microscope, and the mRNA expression and the protein expression of transforming growth factor β(1) (TGF-β(1)), Smad3, and Smad7 in HS were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results: (1) Complete epithelization time of wounds of rabbits' ears was (20.0±2.0) d post injury, and HSs were formed on PID 25. On PID 40, HSs of rabbits' ears in pure DMEM group and pure HS group were still in hyperplasia, while those in SVF group became smaller, flat, soft, and light colored. (2) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group and pure HS group, the number of epithelium foot like structures was more and the amount of inflammatory cells was less. The collagen of HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group was arranged more regularly with broader gap between collagens. (3) On PID 40, CM-Dil-labeled SVF could still be observed in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group. (4) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group and pure HS group, the mRNA expressions of TGF-β(1) and Smad3 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression of Smad7 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the mRNA expressions of TGF-β(1), Smad3, and Smad7 in the HSs of rabbits' ears between pure DMEM group and pure HS group (P>0.05). (5) On PID 40, compared with those in pure DMEM group (0.74±0.03, 0.73±0.10, 0.54±0.09) and pure HS group (0.72±0.08, 0.71±0.12, 0.53±0.06), the protein expressions of TGF-β(1) and Smad3 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in SVF group (0.57±0.06, 0.42±0.09) were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while the protein expression of Smad7 (0.71±0.05) was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). The protein expressions of TGF-β(1), Smad3, and Smad7 in the HSs of rabbits' ears in pure DMEM group and pure HS group were close (P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous SVF transplantation can inhibit the formation of HS in the early stage of scar formation of rabbit, the mechanism may be related to the TGF-β(1)/Smad signaling pathway.

[End-stage liver disease and invasive fungal infection]

Patients with end-stage liver disease complicated by invasive fungal infection have poor tolerance, difficulties in pharmacotherapy, and high mortality. Invasive fungal infection in patients with end-stage liver disease should be taken seriously in clinical practice. Pathogen test should be performed as early as possible, and standard antifungal treatment should be started at the right time to improve prognosis.

[Relationship between the choroid plexus cyst and the aneuploidy]

Objective: Using the method of the ultrasound and the noninvasive DNA to find the relationship between the choroid plexus cyst and the aneuploidy, and to provide the meaningful data for prenatal consultant. Methods: A total of 112 cases, that the gestational age were between 13 and 20 weeks, which were diagnosed with choroid plexus cyst in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January. 2016 to July. 2017 were tested by ultrasonography. They all accepted the noninvasive DNA. At the same time, a total of 100 normal fetuses were randomly involved in the control group by the combination of gestational age and the age of the pregnant woman, all of them had taken the non-invasive DNA examination and followed up until the birth. Those fetuses who combined with other malformations were induced labor in the two groups. If the results of noninvasive DNA indicated the high-risk, invasive examination for karyotype analysis were recommended. If the results were aneuploidy, they chose induced labor. The rest cases followed up until the birth. Results: Five cases of the 112 fetuses in the case group were found with obvious malformation (3 of them were found in the early trimester, 2 of them were found in the middle trimester). The numbers of high risk results of noninvasive DNA were 7, and 5 of them underwent the invasive karyotype analysis. When the aneuploidy had diagnosed definitely, induced labor had been taken. One case was found to be the aneuploidy in the control group, and took the induced labor. One case was diagnosed as right side aortic arch by ultrasound in the control group, with a good prognosis. The other cases were followed up until the birth with a good prognosis. Conclusions: (1)In the early trimester, the fetus with choroid plexus cyst has an increasing risk of aneuploidy. (2)When the maximum diameter of choroid plexus cyst is less than 1 cm and the cyst was single, most of them could disappear in the middle trimester, it has no effect on the fetus. (3)Noninvasive DNA test has a high accuracy, which can improve the positive rate of invasive examination.

[Gender difference in clinical manifestations and comorbidities in the patients with spondyloarthritis]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether there was gender difference in clinical manifestations and comorbidities in the patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) in China. Methods: 346 patients fulfilling ASAS criteria for SpA were recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 280 males and 66 females. A comparison was conducted in terms of age at onset, disease course, family history, HLA-B27 positivity, clinical manifestations, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), the bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and AS disease activity score (ASDAS), and comorbidities between male and female patients. Results: Compared with female patients, male patients were younger at disease onset (22±7 vs 27±9, P<0.001),had higher rates of morning stiffness (74.3%), and higher scores of CRP and ASDAS-CRP (P<0.010, P=0.014). However, no significant gender difference was observed in other clinical parameters like clinical manifestations, family history, HLA-B27 positivity, BASDAI, and BASFI and treatment. Male SpA patients had a higher prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (26.2%) than that of female patients (8.3%), and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (30.5% vs 14.3%,P<0.01), especially with a lower lumbar T score. Logistic regression analysis reviewed that limited weight (OR=0.94, P<0.001), high ASDAS-CRP (OR=1.58, P=0.006) and male (OR=8.02, P=0.004) are more inclined to have osteoporosis. Conclusion: Compared with female patients, male patients were younger at disease onset and higher scores of CRP and ASDAS-CRP. No significant gender difference was observed in clinical manifestations, family history, HLA-B27 positivity, BASDAI, and BASFI and treatment. Male SpA patients had a higher prevalence of HBV infection and osteoporosis than female patients. Comorbidities should be paid more attention in the patients with SpA.

[Correlation between fetal intracardiac echogenic foci and chromosome and heart function]

Objective: To study the relationship between the intracardiac echogenic foci and the abnormal chromosome and the changes of Cardiac function. Methods: A total of 2645 cases with the gestational age between 14 to 22 weeks were tested in the department of gynecology and obstetrics of the Second Hospital of Jilin University from Jan.2016 to Dec.2017.Seventy-nine of them existed the intracardiac echogenic foci, and the patient's imaging data in details were recorded.All of them have taken the non-invasive DNA examination.Fetal echocardiography was performed at 22-24 weeks.Karyotype analysis was performed using amniocentesis and umbilical cord blood puncture.Inducing labor was performed for fetuses that has been identified as a haploid or had a severely malformation during pregnancy.The other fetuses were followed up to the birth.Echocardiography was performed on neonates. Results: The detection rate of intracardiac echogenic focus was 3.0% in early pregnancy, 92% in the left ventricle, 4% in the right ventricle, and 4% in double ventricle.There were 5 cases of haploid fetus induced labor, 2 cases of induced labor due to fatal malformation.Fetal echocardiography revealed tricuspid regurgitation in 7 cases.One of them was induced labor in consideration of heart failure. Conclusions: 1.The risk of chromosomal abnormality in the fetus of isolated left intracardiac echogenic focus is lower.Non-invasive DNA examination has a high reliability that could be an important reference before an invasive antenatal diagnosis.2.A higher rate of fetal malformation will be found when the foci located in the right or double ventricle.3.The relationship between fetal intracardiac echogenic foci and fetal cardiac dysfunction needs to be further clarified.

[Relationship between sonographic markers and fetal chromosome abnormality during 16-18 weeks of pregnancy]

Objective: To analysis of fetal ultrasound soft index positive cases during 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, and to explore the relationship with chromosomal abnormalities in order to increase the positive rate of invasive prenatal diagnosis and reduce the rate of missed diagnosis. Methods: A total of 569 cases which were diagnosed with positive soft markers in the department of gynecology and obstetrics of the Second Hospital of Jilin University from Jan.2016 to Jan.2017 were studied by ultrasonography. Twenty-five cases were lost in follow-up and finally 544 cases were included as group A. Those fetuses who combined with other malformations were induced labor. Non-invasive DNA examination was recommended for continued pregnant women, and those pregnant women whose results were high risk underwent the amniotic cavity puncture. When the fetal aneuploidy was confirmed, they chose induced labor. We followed the rest of those patients until postnatal half year. Randomly selected 544 cases during 16-18 weeks of pregnancy without obvious abnormalities into group B, followed up to half a year after birth. Results: In group A, 7 of the 544 cases were combined with other severe malformation in the beginning, among the remaining 537 patients, 273 of them received non-invasive DNA examination. Ten cases were high risk results, all of them underwent the amniotic cavity puncture with the result of chromosome abnormality, and they chose induced labor. Six cases were found other malformation in the second trimester who chose induced labor, and the rest 521 cases followed until the fetuses was born after half year had a favorable prognosis. In group B, 1 cases of severe deformities and 1 cases of haploid fetuses were found in 544 fetuses. The incidence of haploid fetus in group A and group B were 1.8% and 0.2%, respectively, with statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of severe malformation in group A and group B were 2.3% and 0.2%, respectively, with statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: During 16-18 weeks of pregnancy, sonographic markers may indicate an increased risk in fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The risk of serious malformation was increased in the fetuses with ultrasonic soft marker positive, but there was no specificity.

[Advances in the research of animal model of pressure ulcer]

Pressure ulcer is localized damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually over a bony prominence as a result of prolonged pressure, shear force, and friction. The effect of external force on soft tissue is affected by many factors, such as local microenvironment, tissue blood supply, nutritional status, and underlying diseases of patients. Although great efforts have been made by mankind to prevent and treat pressure ulcer in last decades, its prevalence is still high, and the curative effect is still not impressive. The treatment of pressure ulcer is a challenge today, and it is necessary to seek new treatment methods. However, the prerequisite for exploring new treatment methods is to find a proper animal model and further explore new therapies through animal experiments. The pathogenesis of pressure ulcer is complex, and the formation process is affected by a variety of factors. To date, there is no recognized standard animal model. We review the pathogenesis of pressure ulcer and the recently reported animal models of pressure ulcer, so as to provide basic experimental basis for further research on the occurrence, development, and prevention of pressure ulcer.

[Effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in rats with acute hepatic failure]

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on the expression of stromal cell-derived growth factor (SDF-1 α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rats with acute hepatic failure, and to compare the effects of two transplantation pathways. Methods: Eighty-four rats with acute liver failure (ALF) induced by D-galactosamine combined with lipopolysaccharide were randomly divided into control group, tail vein and portal vein transplantation group. The latter two groups were injected allogenic BMSCs into the tail vein and portal vein. Blood samples and liver tissue samples were collected at 24, 72, 120, and 168h after transplantation to detect serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The improvement of liver function before and after BMSCs transplantation was compared. The expression of VEGF and SDF-1a in liver tissue was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Data measurement between two groups was performed by analysis of variance and the correlation analysis was performed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Serum ALT and AST levels in the tail vein and portal vein transplantation group peaked at 24 h after transplantation, which were (134.60 ± 58.08 IU/L), (179.20 ± 86.68 IU/L), and (131.00 ± 54.47 IU/L), (173.50 ± 93.10 IU/L). In addition, 168h after transplantation it decreased to (46.10 ± 8.40 IU/L), (95.67 ± 13.80 IU/L) and (19.30 ± 1.30 IU/L), (54.30 ± 6.00 IU/L). After 120 and 168 hours of BMSCs transplantation, the levels of serum ALT and AST in tail vein and portal vein transplantation group were significantly higher than control group (F ≥ 12.51, P < 0.01). The results of western blot and immunofluorescence showed that the expression levels of SDF-1α and VEGF protein in the two BMSCs transplantation groups increased with the improvement of liver function, and the difference was statistically significant at 120 and 168 hours after transplantation (F ≥ 9.069, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of SDF-1a and VEGF between the tail vein and portal vein transplantation groups (P > 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of SDF-1α and VEGF in liver tissues were positively correlated (r = 0.923, P < 0.05). Conclusion: BMSCs transplantation can promote the secretion of VEGF for recovery of liver function to reduce the degree of inflammation and necrosis in rats with ALF.

Five-channel tunable W-band Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

A 5-channel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Through an I/Q-type double sideband modulator and a frequency multiplier, an array of finely spaced (Δf = 400 MHz) frequencies that span 1.6 GHz has been created. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of 75-97.8 GHz, which covers most of the W band (75-110 GHz). The incident angle can be adjusted from -4° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 4-15 cm^-1 with a wavenumber resolution of Δk/k ≤ 0.35. Ray tracing is used to calculate the scattering location and the scattering wavenumber. This article details the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results from EAST plasmas.

Effect of pressure on the self-hole-doped superconductor RbGd2Fe4As4O2

RbGd₂Fe₄As₄O₂ is a newly discovered self-hole-doped stoichiometric superconductor, which has a hybrid structure with separated double FeAs layers and exhibits a high superconducting transition temperature T _c  =  35 K. Here, we report the effect of pressure (P) on its T _c and normal-state transport properties by measuring the temperature dependence of resistivity ρ(T) under various pressures up to 14 GPa with a cubic anvil cell apparatus. We found that the T _c is suppressed monotonically to ca. 12.5 K upon increasing pressure to 14 GPa with a slope change of T _c(P) at around 4 GPa. In addition, the low-temperature normal-state ρ(T), which is proportional to T ⁿ , also evolves gradually from a non-Fermi-liquid with n  =  1 at ambient pressure to a Fermi liquid with n  =  2 at P  ⩾  4 GPa. Accompanying with the non-Fermi-liquid to Fermi-liquid crossover, the quadratic temperature coefficient of resistivity, which reflects the effective mass of charge carriers, also experiences a significant reduction as commonly observed in the vicinity of a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP). Our results indicate that the stoichiometric RbGd₂Fe₄As₄O₂ at ambient pressure might be located near a QCP such that the enhanced critical spin fluctuations lead to high-T _c superconductivity. The application of pressure should broaden the electronic bandwidth and weaken the spin fluctuations, and then restore a Fermi-liquid ground state with lower T _c.

[The diagnostic value of neuron-specific enolase, central nervous system specific protein and interleukin-6 in sepsis-associated encephalopathy]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of neuron-specific enolase(NSE), central nervous system specific protein(S100β), interleukin-6(IL-6) in sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE). Methods: Clinical data of patients admitted to ICU and diagnosed with sepsis were collected from January 2015 to June 2016 in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. SAE was defined as cerebral dysfunction in the presence of sepsis that also fulfilled the exclusion criteria. The acute physiology and chronic health score (APACHE Ⅱ), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), NSE, S100β, IL-6, ICU stay time and 28-day mortality were compared between the two groups. NSE, S100β and IL-6 were measured on the 1st and 3rd day in ICU to determine the optimal cut-off value of SAE. Results: Among 59 enrolled patients, 36 were assigned to SAE group while 23 were non-SAE group. The SAE group had a significantly higher APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA scores, as well as the length of ICU stay (P<0.01). The levels of NSE, S100β and IL-6 in the two groups both increased on the 1st day, and decreased on the 3rd day. The level of NSE on the 1st day[19.28(13.00, 30.52) μg/L vs 16.61(7.58, 22.01 μg/L)] and the 3rd day[16.03(9.40, 21.29) μg/L vs 11.39(8.49, 15.00) μg/L, P=0.029], IL-6 on the 1st day[676.25(81.34, 5 000.00) mg/L vs [209.10(42.27, 648.20) mg/L, P=0.005] and the 3rd day[157.10(72.85, 687.63) mg/L vs 55.92(31.62, 177.00) mg/L, P=0.026] of SAE group was significantly higher than those of non-SAE group. However S100β between groups on the 1st day [0.33(0.15, 0.54) μg/L vs 0.23(0.16, 0.53) μg/L] and the 3rd day[0.19(0.10, 0.29) μg/L vs 0.10(0.05, 0.17) μg/L] was neither significant (P>0.05). The diagnostic values for SAE of NSE, S100β and IL-6 were 14.36 μg/L, 0.14 μg/L and 91.305 mg/L with sensitivity 61.1%, 61.1%, 72.2% and specificity 73.9%, 69.6%, 69.6%, respectively. The diagnostic AUC of NSE and IL-6 combination was 0.774, 95%CI 0.651-0.896. Conclusion: All sepsis patients have different degrees of brain injury. NSE combined with IL-6 on the 3rd day in ICU demonstrates the diagnostic significance of SAE.

Application of High-throughput Sequencing in Researches of Cadaveric Microorganisms and Postmortem Interval Estimation

Necrobiome is the main factor causing the cadaver decomposition. Studying the microbial succession during decomposition is one of the main tasks of forensic microbiology. The interactive relationships among cadaver, environment and microorganisms are complicated. The microbial succession study relies on macroscopic monitoring of community composition and the diversity change in each decomposition stage. With the maturity and development of high-throughput sequencing （HTS）, the structure and diversity of microbial communities in different environments have been successively revealed. A new breakthrough to explore the cadaveric microorganisms has been opened as well. It has become the research hotspots in forensic microbiology to reveal the microbial succession in the process of cadaver decomposition and to interpret the essence of various decomposition phenomena by using HTS, which can provide a new reference for postmortem interval （PMI） estimation. The present paper reviews studies on PMI estimation by using cadaveric microorganism. Problems and application prospects of forensic microbiology studies are discussed on the basis of the current application of HTS technology in the exploration of microbial succession.

Detection of self-biting behavior of mink by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCAR)

Self-biting disease occurs in most farmed fur animals in the world. The mechanism and rapid detection method of this disease has not been reported. We applied bulked sergeant analysis (BSA) in combination with RAPD method to analyze a molecular genetic marker linked with self-biting trait in mink group. The molecular marker was converted into SCAR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) marker for rapid detection of this disease. A single RAPD marker A10 amplified a specific band of 1000bp in self-biting minks. The sequences of the bands exhibited 73% similarity to the Canis Brucella. SCAR and LAMP marker were designed for the specific fragment of RAPD marker A10 and validated in 30 self-biting minks and 30 healthy minks. c2 test showed difference (p0.05) with SCAR and significant difference (p0.01) with LAMP in the detection rate between the two groups, but LAMP method was more accurate than SCAR method. This indicated that LAMP can be used as a positive marker to detect self-biting disease in minks.

Photocatalytic and adsorption property of ZnS–TiO2/RGO ternary composites for methylene blue degradation

The visible light–driven ZnS–TiO2/RGO nanocomposites, with good visible light–driven photocatalytic activity, utilizing graphene oxide as precursor, were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal thermal method with graphene oxide as precursor. Ti4+ ions were derived from titanium dioxide powder (TiO2, P25) and tetrabutyl titanate. S2− ions and Zn2+ ions were provided by sodium sulfide and zinc acetate, respectively. The photocatalytic and absorbance activity of the nanocomposites was investigated through the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution. The results showed that the ZnS–TiO2/RGO nanocomposite prepared by tetrabutyl titanate exhibited better photocatalytic and adsorbance activity for methylene blue under visible light irradiation and its photocatalytic efficiency reached 90% in 60-min light irradiation, almost 1.5 times that of the synthesized ZnS–TiO2/RGO by P25, which was attributed to a cooperative reaction because of an increase of photo-absorption effect of graphene sheets and photocatalytic effect of ZnS nanoparticles. The adsorbance activity for ZnS–TiO2/RGO–tetrabutyl titanate) reached 48%, which was almost 1.7 times higher than that of ZnS–TiO2/RGO-P25 and almost 3.7 times higher than that of ZnS/RGO.

[Efficacy and prognostic analysis of 98 cases of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with second-line regimens]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognostic factors of second-line regimens for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 98 patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL who were treated with salvage regimens in Rui Jin Hospital from July 2004 to June 2016. Overall response rate (ORR) was evaluated after all treatment finished. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate by Cox proportional hazards models. Results: There were 60 males and 38 females with a median age of 55.5 (15-77) years. 48 (49.0%) patients responded to chemotherapy, and 32 (32.7%) patients achieved complete remission (CR). Factors affecting ORR were progression disease or refractory/relapse status less than 12 months after diagnosis (χ(2)=5.878, P=0.015) , IPI intermediate-high/high risk (χ(2)=5.930, P=0.015) and NCCN-IPI intermediate-high/high risk (χ(2)=4.961, P=0.026). No significance difference was observed in ORR between germinal-center B-cell type (GCB) and non-GCB (χ(2)=0.660, P=0.417). One-year and 2-year OS rates were 51.0% and 31.5%, with median OS at 13.17 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated NCCN-IPI intermediate-high/high risk[HR=2.176 (95%CI 1.338-3.538) , P=0.002] and response to chemotherapy [HR=0.273 (95%CI 0.165-0.452) , P<0.001] were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion: NCCN-IPI is a valid predictor of outcome for patients with relapse/refractory DLBCL. Response to chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor for better survival.

Effect of cysteamine hydrochloride supplementation on the growth performance, enterotoxic status, and glutathione turnover of broilers fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) supplementation on the growth performance, opportunistic bacteria and enterotoxic markers, visceral lesions, glutathione turnover, and inflammatory factors of broilers fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). One-day-old Arbor Acres broilers (n = 480) were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 20 chicks each for a 2 × 2 design with CSH (0 or 200 mg/kg) and AFB1 (0 or 40 μg/kg). The trial lasted for 42 d. Results showed that AFB1 negatively affected (P < 0.05) growth performance, opportunistic bacteria and enterotoxic markers, intestinal lesions, glutathione turnover, and inflammatory factors. The CSH increased (P < 0.05) feed intake and body weight gain. The enterotoxic status was relieved in the CSH treatments by reducing (P < 0.05) the populations of gut Escherichia coli, Gram-negative bacteria, serum diamine oxidase, and intestinal lesions. The CSH also increased (P < 0.05) serum reduced glutathione, glutathione s-transferases, and glutathione reductase, and decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. Significant interactions (P < 0.05) were found on Gram-negative bacteria, diamine oxidase, and glutathione s-transferases. The results suggest that the CSH can improve glutathione turnover and reduce the risk of enterotoxic disease induced by AFB1 in broilers.

[Clinical characteristic and prognostic analyses of 117 cases of head and neck mucosal melanoma]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of mucosal melanoma in the head and neck, including the risk factors affecting distant metastasis, recurrence and survival rate, and to provide the basis for the individualized treatment of mucosal melanoma in the head and neck. Methods: The clinical data of 117 cases of mucosal melanoma in the head and neck treated from January 2004 to June 2016 in Beijing Tongren Hospital were analyzed retrospectively, and the risk factors affecting the prognosis, distant metastasis and local recurrence were analyzed.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival analysis, and Log-Rank test was used for comparison between groups. Results: The follow-up time was 5-139 months, with a median of 32 months, and the median survival time was 34 months.The 3 and 5 year cumulative survival rates were 47.0% and 25.0%, respectively.Local recurrence occurred in 27 patients (23.1%), and distant metastasis in 37 cases (31.6%). After the operation, 50 patients received radiotherapy.Multiple factor Cox regression analysis showed that distant metastasis, AJCC staging, and two operations were risk factors affecting survival (P<0.05), and immunologic/targeted therapy was a protective factor affecting survival prognosis(P=0.008). Postoperative radiotherapy and distant metastasis were important factors affecting recurrence (P<0.05). AJCC staging, pigmentation, and postoperative recurrence were risk factors for distant metastasis (P<0.05). Conclusion: The 3 and 5 year survival rates of primary mucosal melanoma in head and neck are low, and the incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis are high. Surgery is the first choice and the integrity of the initial operation has an important impact on the prognosis of the patients. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended to improve the local control rate, and immunotherapy and targeted therapy should be applied in time to improve survival.

[The clinical significance of CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+) T lymphocytes in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia/Evans syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the significant of peripheral CD(4)(+) CD(69)(+) T lymphocytes in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)/Evans syndrome (ES). Methods: In this study peripheral blood samples from 32 patients with AIHA/ES (15 hemolytic episode patients, 17 remission patients) and 13 healthy controls were collected. Patients with AIHA/ES were recruited in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from October 2015 to May 2016. The percentages of CD(69)(+) T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of CD(69) mRNA in CD(4)(+) T lymphocytes which was sorted from peripheral blood by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) was detected using real-time PCR. Soluable CD(69) was measured by ELISA. Results: In hemolytic episode patients, the ratio of CD(3)(+)CD(69)(+)/CD(3)(+)T lymphocytes [(3.08±1.48)%] was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(1.28±0.83)%, P<0.01] and in remission group[(1.96±1.33)%, P<0.05]. The absolute count of CD(3)(+)CD(69)(+)T lymphocytes in hemolytic episode group [(2.94±1.81)×10(7)/L] was higher than that in healthy controls [(1.48±1.42)×10(7)/L, P<0.05]. The ratio of CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+)/CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)T cells in hemolytic episode group [(2.16±1.56)%] was significantly higher than that in remission group [(1.16±0.62)%, P<0.05] and healthy controls[(0.94±0.78)%, P<0.05]. The quantity of CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+)T lymphocytes in hemolytic episode group[(1.04±0.98)×10(7)/L] was higher than in healthy controls [(0.44±0.38)×10(7)/L, P<0.05]. The ratio of CD(3)(+)CD(8)(+)CD(69)(+)/CD(3)(+)CD(8)(+)T lymphocyte in hemolytic episode group [(4.87±2.56)%] was significantly higher than that in healthy controls[(1.83±1.27)%, P<0.01]. The quantity of CD(3)(+)CD(8)(+)CD(69)(+)T lymphocytes in three groups did not show significant difference. The ratio of CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+)/CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+) T lymphocytes in hemolytic episode group was negatively correlated with hemoglobin (Hb) (P<0.01) , positively correlated with the percentage of reticulocytes (Ret%) (P=0.01) total bilirubin(TBil), indirect bilirubin(IBil) (P<0.01) and not correlated with absolute reticulocytes count, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), complement 3(C3), complement 4 (C4). The ratio of CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+)/CD(3)(+)CD(4)(+)T lymphocytes in remission group was negatively correlated with Hb (P<0.05). In hemolytic episode patients CD(69) mRNA (32.26±35.11) was significantly higher than that in remission group(6.05±5.87) (P<0.05) and healthy controls (1.76±1.85)(P<0.01). CD(69) mRNA in remission group was significantly higher than healthy controls (P<0.05). Serum CD(69) in hemolytic episode patients [(494.21±16.06) ng/L] was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(441.39±104.6) ng/L, P<0.05]. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the proportion of CD(4)(+)CD(69)(+) T lymphocytes increase in AIHA/ES patients, which is correlated with the severity of disease.

A novel, tunable, multimodal microwave system for microwave reflectometry system

Based on a new technique, a tunable, multi-channel system that covers the Q-band (33-55 GHz) is presented in this article. It has a potential use of the Doppler backscattering system diagnostic that can measure the turbulence radial correlation and the perpendicular velocity of turbulence by changing the incident angle. The system consists primarily of a double-sideband (DSB) modulation and a multiplier, which creates four probing frequencies. The probing frequency enables the simultaneous analysis of the density fluctuations and flows at four distinct radial regions in tokamak plasma. The amplitude of the probing frequency can be adjusted by the initial phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) input from the double-sideband, and the typical flatness is less than 10 dB. The system was tested in the lab with a rotating grating, and the results show that the system can operate in the frequency range of 33-55 GHz with a Q-band multitude and that the power of each channel can be adjusted by the phase of the IF input of DSB.