Search

High-spin states in 86Sr have been investigated by using in-beam γ ray spectroscopy with the 82Se(9Be, 5n)86Sr reaction at a beam energy of 53 MeV. A new dipole sequence has been observed and the mixed configurations of unpaired valence nucleons and before the alignment and the configuration after the alignment are assigned respectively. Shell-model and self-consistent titled axis cranking relativistic mean-field model calculations are performed to interpret the rotational structure and the characteristic features of magnetic rotation have been presented for the sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in the treatment of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and evaluated the factors influencing its efficacy and side effects. Methods: A total of 198 patients with adult ITP who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy of each starting dose of eltrombopag was evaluated, and adverse events were analyzed. The factors influencing efficacy were investigated, including sex, age, adult ITP type, platelet antibodies, and combined drug treatments. Results: Of the 198 patients, 70 males and 128 females with a median age of 45 years (18-88 years) were included; 130 (65.7%) had newly diagnosed adult ITP, 25 (12.6%) had persistent adult ITP, and 43 (21.7%) had chronic adult ITP. The bleeding event scores at baseline were assessed; 84.3% had scores of<4 and 15.7% had scores of ≥4. The eltrombopag response rate (initial response) at 6 weeks was 78.8% (complete response [CR]: 49.0%; CR1: 14.6%; CR2: 15.2%). The median response time to eltrombopag was 7 (7, 14) days. The initial response rates to 25, 50, and 75 mg eltrombopag were 74.1%, 85.9%, and 60.0%, respectively ( P =0.031). The initial response rate to the 50 mg dose was significantly higher than that of the 25-mg and 75-mg doses. Two patients received 100 mg as the starting dose, and their initial response was 0. Regarding dose adjustment, 70.7% of the patients remained on the starting dose, 8.6% underwent dose adjustment to 50 mg, and 6.1% underwent dose adjustment to 75 mg. Another two patients underwent dose adjustment to 100 mg. After dose adjustment, the persistent response rates were 83.6%, 85.3%, and 85.7% for the 25-, 50-, and 75-mg doses, respectively, with no significant difference. After dose adjustment, the sustained efficacy rate for the 100-mg dose (4 patients) was 100.0%. After 6 weeks of treatment with eltrombopag, the overall bleeding score of patients with ITP decreased. The number of patients with a score of ≥4 decreased to 0, the number of patients with a score of<4 decreased, and there was no significant change in the number of patients with a score of 1-2. The most common adverse event associated with eltrombopag was impaired liver function (7.7%). No thrombosis events or other adverse events were observed. ITP type and number of megakaryocytes significantly affected the initial response to eltrombopag. The initial response rates to eltrombopag for newly diagnosed adult ITP, persistent adult ITP, and chronic adult ITP were 85.3%, 56.0%, and 76.2%, respectively ( P =0.003). For megakaryocytes, the initial response rates were 61.8%, 87.1%, and 84.3% ( P =0.009) for the decreased, normal, and increased megakaryocyte groups, respectively. Conclusion: Eltrombopag, as a second-line or higher treatment for adult ITP, has a rapid onset of action and good safety. The initial response rate is significantly higher with a dose of 50 mg than with a dose of 25 mg. Patients with newly diagnosed ITP and those with normal or increased megakaryocyte numbers have a higher initial response rate to eltrombopag.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ferric derisomaltose injection versus iron sucrose injection in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) . Methods: A total of 120 patients with iron deficiency anemia admitted from June 2021 to March 2023 were given intravenous iron supplementation with ferric derisomaltose to assess the efficacy and safety of hemoglobin (HGB) elevation before and after treatment. Simultaneously, the clinical effects of iron supplementation with iron sucrose were compared to those of inpatient patients during the same period. Results: Baseline values were comparable in both groups. Within 12 weeks of treatment, the elevated HGB level in the ferric derisomaltose group was higher than that of the iron sucrose group, with a statistical difference at all time points, and the proportion of HGB increased over 20 g/L in the patients treated for 4 weeks was higher (98.7%, 75.9% ). During the treatment with ferric derisomaltose and iron sucrose, the proportion of mild adverse reactions in the ferric derisomaltose group was slightly lower than that of the iron sucrose group, and neither group experienced any serious adverse reactions. The patients responded well to the infusion treatment, with no reports of pain or pigmentation at the injection site. Conclusion: The treatment of IDA patients with ferric derisomaltose has a satisfactory curative effect, with the advantages of rapidity, accuracy, and safety. Therefore, it is worthy of widespread clinical use.

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are a class of polyphenols that are composed of flavanate monomers and their polymers, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with very few side effects. This article reviews the mechanism by which PCs differentially regulate microbiota, reshape microflora diversity and play a role in suppressing inflammation, providing a reference for the basic research of PCs in improving female vaginal health, and is expected to provide a new idea and breakthrough for the combined use of PCs with other antibacterial drugs in the treatment of vaginitis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of MUC4 gene mutations in thrombotic events in patients with classic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and gene sequencing results of 45 patients with classic PNH admitted to the Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, from June 2018 to February 2022. MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH were summarized, and the risk factors for thrombotic events in these patients were analyzed. Additionally, the effects of MUC4 gene mutations on the cumulative incidence and survival of thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH were determined. Results: The detection rate of MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH who experienced thrombotic events (thrombotic group) was 68.8% (11/16), which was significantly higher than that in the non-thrombotic group [10.3% (3/29) ] ( P <0.001). All mutations occurred in exon 2. MUC4 mutation ( OR =20.815, P =0.010) was identified as an independent risk factor for thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH. The cumulative incidence of thrombotic events was 78.6% (11/14) in the MUC4 gene mutation group (mutation group) and 16.1% (5/31) in the non-mutation group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( P <0.001). Survival analysis showed a lower overall survival (OS) rate in the thrombotic group compared with that in the non-thrombotic group [ (34.4±25.2) % vs . (62.7±19.3) % ] ( P =0.045). The OS rate of patients was (41.7±29.9) % in the mutation group and (59.1±18.3) % in the non-mutation group ( P =0.487) . Conclusion: MUC4 gene mutations are associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic events in classic PNH patients, highlighting their role as independent risk factors for thrombosis in this population. These mutations can be considered a novel predictive factor that aids in evaluating the risk of thrombosis in patients with classic PNH.

Objective: To examine the clinical effect of auxiliary liver transplantation with ultra-small volume graft in the treatment of portal hypertension. Methods: Twelve cases of portal hypertension treated by auxiliary liver transplantation with small volume graft at Liver Transplantation Center,Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University between December 2014 and March 2022 were studied retrospectively. There were 8 males and 4 females,aged 14 to 66 years. Model for end-stage liver disease scores were 1 to 15 points and Child scores were 6 to 11 points. The grafts was derived from living donors in 9 cases,from split cadaveric donors in 2 cases,from whole cadaveric liver of child in 1 case. The graft recipient body weight ratios of 3 cadaveric donor livers were 0.79% to 0.90%, and of 9 living donor livers were 0.31% to 0.55%.In these cases, ultra-small volume grafts were implanted. The survivals of patient and graft, complications, portal vein blood flow of residual liver and graft, abdominal drainage and biochemical indexes of liver function were observed. Results: All the grafts and patients survived. Complications included outflow tract torsion in 2 cases, acute rejection in 1 case, bile leakage in 1 case, and thyroid cancer at the later stage of follow-up in 1 case, all of which were cured. The torsion of outflow tract was attributed to the change of anastomotic angle after the growth of donor liver. After the improvement of anastomotic method, the complication did not recur in the later stage. There was no complication of portal hypertension. The measurement of ultrasonic portal vein blood flow velocity showed that the blood flow of residual liver decreased significantly in the early stage after operation, and maintained a very low blood flow velocity or occlusion in the long term after operation, and the blood flow of transplanted liver was stable. Conclusions: Auxiliary liver transplantation can implant ultra-small donor liver through compensation of residual liver. This method may promote the development of living donor left lobe donation and split liver transplantation. However, the auxiliary liver transplantation is complex, and it is difficult to control the complications. Therefore, this method is currently limited to centers that are skilled in living related liver transplantation and that have complete ability to monitor and deal with complications.

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of peripheral blood metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test for patients with hematological diseases accompanied by fever. Methods: The blood mNGS results and clinical data of inpatients with hematological diseases accompanied by fever treated in the Hematology Department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in March 2020 to June 2021were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 90 patients with 98 cases of specimens were included. The pathogen distribution characteristics and mNGS test performance were analyzed. Results: The positive rate of peripheral blood mNGS was significantly higher than that of traditional examination (68.37% vs 37.76%, P <0.001) and blood culture (68.37% vs 9.18%, P <0.001) . Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections accounted for 38.81%, 14.93%, and 2.99% in patients with single-pathogen infections, respectively. Polymicrobial infections accounted for 43.28%, in which viral and bacterial coinfections were the most common type (25.37%) . There were 55 virus-positive cases (82.09%) , 30 bacteria-positive cases (44.78%) , and 14 fungus-positive cases (20.90%) . The clinical approval rate of peripheral blood mNGS was 64.63% (63/98) . The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of peripheral blood mNGS were 75.68%, 36.07%, 41.79%, and 70.97%, respectively, and the overall consistency rate with traditional examination was 51.02%. Of the 22 pulmonary infection cases with no detectable pathogens by conventional tests, the pathogens were identified by peripheral blood mNGS in 14 cases, 10 of which were clinically approved. Conclusion: The positive rate of peripheral blood mNGS was significantly higher than that of blood culture and traditional laboratory examination. Peripheral blood mNGS had a high clinical recognition rate, sensitivity, and NPV in the detection of pathogens in patients with hematological diseases accompanied by fever.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of Kruppel like factors 11 (KLF11) on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in osteoarthritis (OA) and its mechanism., Patients and Methods: Human articular cartilage tissue was used to study the correlation between KLF11 and OA. Furthermore, human chondrocytes were used to explore the effects of KLF11 on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ERS in chondrocytes by overexpressing KLF11 and using the OA inducer IL-1β. The p38MAPK signaling pathway agonist P79350 was used to study the effect of KLF11 on the p38 MAPK signaling pathway., Results: Articular cartilage tissue in OA patients and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes expressed higher KLF11. Overexpression of KLF11 significantly reduced oxidative stress levels, apoptosis levels, and activity of ERS-related pathways in chondrocytes. Moreover, P79350 attenuated the protective effect of KLF11 on chondrocytes by activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway., Conclusions: KLF11 protects against OA by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ERS in chondrocytes by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Objective: This study aims to explore whether the inhibitory role of metformin could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory response in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its underlying mechanism., Materials and Methods: VSMCs were extracted from aorta of Sprague Dawley rats. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was performed to detect VSMCs viability after treatment with different concentrations of metformin. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in VSMCs were detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and qRT-PCR (quantitative Real time-polymerase chain reaction). Protein and mRNA levels of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) in VSMCs were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively. Finally, VSMCs were treated with the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 and inflammatory indicators in cells were detected., Results: No significant difference in VSMCs viability was found after 0-2 mM metformin treatment or 500 μg/L LPS induction for 24 h. After 500 μg/L LPS induction in VSMCs for 24 h, levels of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 were remarkably elevated. Both mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 in VSMCs were upregulated after 500 μg/L LPS induction for 24 h, which were remarkably reversed by the treatment of different concentrations of metformin. Knockdown of TLR4 remarkably inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response in VSMCs, manifesting as decreased levels of MCP1, TNF-α and IL-6, which were further downregulated after combination treatment of TLR4 knockdown and 20 mM metformin. Furthermore, both mRNA and protein levels of PPAR-γ in VSMCs were downregulated after 500 μg/L LPS induction for 24 h, which were remarkably reversed by the treatment of different concentrations of metformin. GW9662 treatment resulted in elevated expressions of MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6, which were reversed by metformin treatment., Conclusions: Metformin can effectively inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in LPS-induced VSMCs. The anti-inflammatory effects of metformin inhibit the inflammatory response through downregulating rely on the downregulation of TLR4 expression and upregulation ofng PPAR-γ activity.

Acceptor-sensitised 3-cube fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging (also termed as E-FRET imaging) is a popular fluorescence intensity-based FRET quantification method. Here, an automated E-FRET microscope with user-friendly interfaces was set up for dynamical online quantitative live-cell FRET imaging. This microscope reduces the time of a quantitative E-FRET imaging from 12 to 3 s. After locating cells, calibration of the microscope and E-FRET imaging of the cells can be performed automatically by clicking 'Capture' button on interfaces. E-FRET imaging was performed on the microscope for living cells expressing different FRET tandem constructs. Dynamical E-FRET imaging on the microscope for live cells coexpressing CFP-Bax and YFP-Bax treated by staurosporine (STS) revealed three Bax redistribution stages: Bax translocation from cytosol to mitochondria within 10 min, membrane insertion with conformational change on mitochondrial membrane within about 30 min, and subsequent oligomerisation within about 10 min. Because of excellent user-friendly interface and stability, the automated E-FRET microscope is a convenient tool for quantitative FRET imaging of living cell. LAY DESCRIPTION: Acceptor-sensitised 3-cube fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging (also termed as E-FRET) is a popular fluorescence intensity-based FRET quantification methods. E-FRET measurements are currently performed manually, and a complete FRET measurement takes about 12 s. E-FRET measurement necessitates not only a skilled operator and specialised equipment but also expertise in the interpretation of FRET signals, a considerable challenge in the application of FRET technology in living cells. Furthermore, manual E-FRET microscope is hard to perform dynamical quantitative FRET measurement, the ever-increasing applications in mapping the biochemical signal transduction within cells. Here, an automated E-FRET microscope with user-friendly interfaces was set up for dynamical online quantitative live-cell FRET imaging. This microscope reduces the time of a quantitative E-FRET imaging from 12 to 3 s. After locating cells, calibration of the microscope and E-FRET imaging of the cells can be performed automatically by clicking 'Capture' button on interfaces. Because of excellent user-friendly interface and stability, the automated E-FRET microscope is a convenient tool for quantitative FRET imaging of living cell., (© 2019 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2019 Royal Microscopical Society.)

Background: The use of pediatric donor liver for pediatric liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial and few studies have focused on pediatric deceased donors. To address this issue, we decided to perform a retrospective research, trying to compare the clinical effects between deceased donor LTs (DDLTs) and living donor LTs (LDLTs)., Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric LTs using grafts from deceased donors and living donors from June 2013 to August 2016 was performed. The children were divided into a DDLT group and a LDLT group based on their donor styles. The incidence of early vascular complications (VC), biliary complications, and graft and patient survival rates were observed between the 2 groups., Results: There were 217 cases of pediatric LTs performed in our hospital from June 2013 to August 2016 (83 DDLTs and 134 LDLTs). The 1-year cumulative survival rates of grafts and recipients were 89.16% and 91.57% in DDLTs, and 95.47% and 95.52% in LDLTs, respectively (P > .05). The incidence of early VC was lower in LDLTs than that in DDLTs (3.7% vs 19.3%, P < .001). The incidence of HAT in children aged less than 1 year was significantly higher in the DDLT group (P < .001) and can be up to 31.82%. The incidence of biliary complications was similar in the 2 groups (8.4% vs 13.5%, P = .285)., Conclusions: Pediatric DDLTs have similar graft and patient survival rates with LDLT. The incidence of early VC was higher in DDLTs, and children aged less than 1 year are at a higher risk of developing HAT., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To establish an apicoectomy guide template design and manufacturing method, based on multi-source data fusion, computer aided design (CAD) and fused deposition modeling (FDM). The feasibility of the guide template was preliminary evaluated by the in vitro model experiment., Methods: An extracted upper anterior tooth, after root canal treatment, was optical scanned, after which the extracted upper anterior tooth was poured in an apicoectomy plaster model. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning of the apicoectomy plaster model was performed, after which optical scanning of the plaster model for apical resection surgery was carried out. All of the relevant CBCT and optical scanning data of the extracted upper anterior tooth and the apicoectomy plaster model were introduced into the Geomagic Studio 2012 software. The multi-source data fusion technology was used to virtually simulate the three-dimensional positional relationship of the extracted tooth, the dentition, the alveolar bone and the gingival, based on which, the three-dimensional design of the apicoectomy guide template was completed in the Geomagic Studio 2012 software. With the technology of fused deposition modeling, the apical resection surgical guide template was three-dimensionally printed with the material of polylactic acid (PLA). Under the guidance of the surgical guide template, the root apical resection was performed on the plaster model. After the apicoectomy, the extracted upper anterior tooth was taken off from the apicoectomy plaster model and then was given the optical scanning. The apical resection length and angle were calculated by the function of distance measurement and angle measurement, and the results were compared with the preset values., Results: The length of the apical resection was 2.88 mm along the direction of the long axis of the tooth, which was 0.12 mm lower than the preset 3 mm. The included angle between the apical resection plane and the long axis of the tooth was 77.9°, 12.1° lower than the preset 90°., Conclusion: This study successfully established a digital design and production method of apicoectomy guide template by combing the multi-source data fusion, CAD and FDM technology. The design route and the production method are feasible. The study will provide a technology and methodology reference for the development of domestic special software for the digital design of apicoectomy guide template.

Objective: To explore the distribution and intensity of kitchen waste treatment plant, providing scientific basis for occupational diseases prevention and treatment in that industry. Methods: 30 operating personnel in a kitchen waste disposal enterprise were selected as the research group and 16 non-operating personnel as the control group. The epidemiological survey was carried out in June 2015 and July 2016, and the results of occupational hazards and occupational health monitoring during 2015 to 2017 were analyzed. Results: The results of various occupational hazards factors during 2015 to 2017 were all in accordance with the occupational health limit, but the results of occupational health examination were abnormal. The occupational correlation could not be ruled out by the abnormality of electrical audiometry, electrocardiogram and Department of Dermatology examination. Conclusion: Workers in kitchen waste treatment plant are likely to suffer low-intensity, continuous health damage. There is occupational health risk in that industry. The accumulation of basic information and the improvement of relevant standards and methods are needed for further study.

Quantum yield ratio (Q A /Q D ) and absorption ratio (K A /K D ) in all excitation wavelengths used between acceptor and donor are indispensable to quantitative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement based on linearly unmixing excitation-emission spectra (ExEm-spFRET). We here describe an approach to simultaneously measure Q A /Q D and K A /K D values by linearly unmixing the excitation-emission spectra of at least two different donor-acceptor tandem constructs with unknown FRET efficiency. To measure the Q A /Q D and K A /K D values of Venus (V) to Cerulean (C), we used a wide-field fluorescence microscope to image living HepG2 cells separately expressing each of four different C-V tandem constructs at different emission wavelengths with 435 nm and 470 nm excitation respectively to obtain the corresponding excitation-emission spectrum (S DA ). Every S DA was linearly unmixed into the contributions (weights) of three excitation-emission spectra of donor (W D ) and acceptor (W A ) as well as donor-acceptor sensitisation (W S ). Plot of W S /W D versus W A /W D for the four C-V plasmids from at least 40 cells indicated a linear relationship with 1.865 of absolute intercept (Q A /Q D ) and 0.273 of the reciprocal of slope (K A /K D ), which was validated by quantitative FRET measurements adopting 1.865 of Q A /Q D and 0.273 of K A /K D for C32V, C5V, CVC and VCV constructs respectively in living HepG2 cells., (© 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.)

Purpose: To explore the effects and mechanisms of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antibody on insulin resistance (IR) in rats with sepsis-induced stress hyperglycemia., Methods: The sepsis-induced stress hyperglycemic rat model was constructed by cecal ligation and puncture combined with the intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. The rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control (NC) group, surgical rats (Cntl) group, high-dose anti-TNF-α antibody therapy (TNF, 6 mg/kg) group, low-dose anti-TNF-α antibody therapy (Tnf, 3 mg/kg) group, insulin therapy (INS) group, and INS + Tnf group. The blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were detected, followed by analysis of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Finally, the expression levels of phospho-Akt (p-Akt), Akt, p-mTOR, mTOR, nuclear factor-κB (NFκB), I kappa beta kinase (IKKβ), and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-3) were detected by western blotting., Results: There was no significant difference in blood glucose concentrations among these groups, while the serum insulin concentration in TNF and Tnf groups was lower than that in the Cntl group at postoperative 6 h (P < 0.05). IPGTT analysis revealed that blood glucose level was lower in the TNF group than that in the Cntl group (P < 0.05). The glucose infusion rate in the Cntl group was lower than that in the Tnf and TNF groups (P < 0.05). The p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR ratio, and expression levels of NFκB, IKKβ and SOCS-3 were lower in the drug intervention than that in the Cntl group (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Anti-TNF-α antibody could reduce IR by inhibiting AKt/mTOR signaling pathway and the expression levels of NFκB, IKKβ, and SOCS-3 in rats with sepsis-induced stress hyperglycemia.

Background: Preserving the donor's gallbladder during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a better method for liver transplantation surgery, but not enough is known about gallbladder complications after the operation., Methods: We retrospectively investigated postsurgical donor gallbladder complications in clinical LDLT with gallbladder preservation. The feasibility of retaining the gallbladder during liver graft procurement is discussed. Ninety-one donors with retained gallbladder after LDLT with the hepatic left lateral sectionectomy (from June 2013 to October 2015) were retrospectively analyzed. Donors were followed for 12.6 to 40.7 months after surgery (median 26.1 months). Sonography was used to evaluate gallbladder characteristics before and after surgery., Results: Gallbladder function had recovered to almost normal 1 month after transplantation. Four donors (4.40%) experienced gallbladder enlargement that resolved after 3 days. Thickening of the gallbladder wall in 31 donors (34.07%) was restored within 2 to 75 days. Biliary sludge appeared in 9 donors (9.89%); 6 of them recovered within 3 to 34 days. Three (3.30%) and 1 donor (1.10%) suffered gallstone and gallbladder polyps, respectively, which persisted until the last follow-up., Conclusion: The rate of postoperative complications of the gallbladder in donors was relative low. Preserving the gallbladder in liver transplantation donors during liver graft procurement is feasible and safe., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore characteristic and function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) -induced macrophages in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to couple with its progression. Methods: A total of 24 MDS patients (11 low-risk patients and 13 high-risk group patients) referred to Department of Hematology of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and normal controls were enrolled from September 2014 to December 2015. PBMNC was stimulated with GM-CSF to transform to macrophages. The morphology of macrophages was observed by microscope. The quantity of macrophages, CD206 and SIRPα on surface of macrophages were detected by flow cytometry. The phagocytic function of macrophages was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Results: The morphology of macrophages from MDS patients was abnormal. The percentage of transformed macrophages was (5.17±3.47) % in patients with MDS, which was lower than that in controls significantly[ (66.18±13.43) %, t =3.529, P =0.001]. The expression of CD206 on macrophages from MDS patients was significantly lower than that of controls[ (9.73±2.59) % vs (51.15±10.82) %, t =4.551, P <0.001]. The SIRPα level of macrophages from MDS patients was significantly lower than that of controls [ (0.51±0.09) % vs (0.77±0.06) %, t =2.102, P =0.043]. The phagocytic index and the percentage of phagocytic of macrophages from MDS patients were significantly lower than those of macrophages from normal controls[0.45±0.08 vs 0.92±0.07, t =-6.253, P =0.008; (23.69±3.22) % vs (42.75±2.13) %, t =-6.982, P =0.006 respectively]by flow cytometry. The phagocytic index of MDS patients was significantly lower than that of controls (0.24±0.04 vs 0.48±0.96, t =3.464, P =0.001) by fluorescence microscopy. Conclusion: The quantity, recognization receptors and phagocytosis of PBMNC-induced macrophages decreased in MDS patients.

Objective: To investigate the change of autophagy level of bone marrow nucleated red blood cell (RBC) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) . Methods: Fifty-four MDS patients and thirty-three controls were enrolled in this study. The mitophagy were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) . The level of autophagy-associated protein LC3B in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC was measured by flow cytometry. The expressions of ULK1 and mTOR mRNA in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC were measured by real-time PCR. The expression of the mitochondrial outer membrane protein TOM20 in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC was detected by Western blot. Results: Autophagosomes or autolysosomes were scarcely observed by TEM in MDS patients. The expression of LC3B in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC in high-risk MDS patients (0.22±0.12) was significantly lower than that in normal controls (0.43±0.22, P <0.001) , and lower than that in low-risk MDS patients (0.40±0.16, P =0.001) . The expression of AMPK [0.26 (0.60) ] in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC in high-risk MDS patients was significantly lower than that in controls [1.00 (2.07) , P <0.017) . The expression of ULK1 mRNA in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC in high-risk MDS patients [0.27 (3.31) ] was significantly lower than that in controls [1.07 (4.41) , P <0.017]. The level of mTOR mRNA in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC in high-risk MDS patients [1.82 (3.74) ] was significantly higher than that in controls [1.26 (1.38) , P <0.017]. The level of LC3B in GlycoA(+) nucleated RBC was negatively correlated with the HGB ( r =0.529, P =0.009) in high-risk MDS patients. The expression of mitochondrial outer membrane protein TOM20 in high-risk MDS patients was 9.42±4.42. Conclusion: Autophagy is impaired in nucleated RBC of MDS patients.

Objective: To investigate the levels of NK cells and their relevant cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ) in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) . Methods: All samples were obtained from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 20 healthy volunteers. The levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in blood serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . The percentage of CD3(-) CD56(+) NK cell, CD3(-) CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell, CD3(-) CD56(dim) CD16(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocyte were detected by flow cytometry. The NK cells were isolated by immunomagnetic microbeads. The mRNA expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IFN-γ in NK cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Correlation between the above measured results was analyzed. Results: ① The blood serum level of IFN-γ in newly diagnosed ITP patients [ (653.0±221.6) ng/L] was higher than that in remission ITP patients [ (484.4±219.5) ng/L] and healthy control [ (390.9±253.5) ng/L] ( P =0.022, P =0.001) . The blood serum level of IL-10 in newly diagnosed ITP patients was lower than that in healthy control [ (52.09±26.66) ng/L vs (79.44±38.43) ng/L, P =0.007]. ②The percentage of NK cell in newly diagnosed and remission ITP patients [ (9.53±3.93) %, (9.03±3.78) %] were significantly lower than that in healthy control [ (13.72±7.42) %] ( P =0.013, P =0.007) . The ratio of CD3(-) CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients was higher than that in healthy control [ (6.85±4.43) % vs (4.05±2.81) %, P =0.032]. The ratio of CD3(-)CD56(dim) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients was lower than that in healthy control [ (93.14±4.43) % vs (95.94±2.81) %, P =0.032]. ③ There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of IFN-γ in NK cells of ITP patients and healthy control (all P >0.05) . The mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients were significantly higher than that in healthy control (1.82±1.32 vs 1.02±1.03, P =0.023; 2.80±2.31 vs 1.46±1.37, P =0.028) . The ratio of CD3(-)CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells was positively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β in NK cells ( r =0.424, P =0.001; r =0.432, P <0.001) . Conclusion: NK cells may compensate for the deficiency of the number by enhancing the secretion of negative regulation cytokines, acting as "protective" roles in the disease.

Objective: To investigate natural killer (NK) cell quantities and function in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) . Methods: A total of 66 ITP patients (34 newly diagnosed and 32 in complete remission) were collected from September 2015 to May 2016 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. The percentages of NK cells and their subsets in peripheral blood, the expression of activating receptor (NKp44), inhibitory receptor (NKG2A) and CD16, perforin and granzyme β were detected by flow cytometry. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' immune status and platelet level were evaluated. Results: (1)The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells in newly diagnosed patients (10.99%±4.89%)and patients in complete remission (9.73%±6.75%) were significantly lower than that in healthy controls (14.67%±7.24%)( P =0.023, 0.003). The percentage of NK cells Bright subset was significantly lower in the newly diagnosed patients(0.48%±0.23%)and those in complete remission (0.41%±0.33%) than in healthy controls(0.64%±0.32%)( P =0.037, 0.002); the percentage of Dim subset was also significantly lower in the newly diagnosed (10.16%±5.02%) and patients in complete remission (8.07%±5.74%) than in healthy controls(14.16%±7.19%) ( P =0.009, 0.007). (2)The proportion of Bright subset in total NK cells in new diagnosed ITP patients (6.48%±4.33%) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (4.21%±2.70%)( P =0.020); the proportion of Dim NK cells subset in new diagnosed ITP patients (93.51%±4.33%) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls(95.79%±2.70%) ( P =0.020). (3)The expression of activating receptor NKp44 in new diagnosed ITP patients was significantly lower than that in complete remission group and healthy controls[0.28%(0.95%)vs 0.61%(2.05%), 0.92%(0.90%); P =0.047, 0.048]; the expression of inhibitory receptor NKG2A in new diagnosed ITP patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls(42.34%±23.86% vs 29.25%±12.83%, P =0.009). The proportion of CD16 was significantly lower in the newly diagnosed patients than in healthy controls(93.51%±4.33%95.79%±2.70%, P =0.020). (4)The expression of perforin in the newly diagnosed ITP patients was significantly lower than that in healthy controls [87.52%(25.29%)vs 91.55%(8.29%), P =0.025]; the expression of granzyme β in ITP patients and controls showed no statistically significant difference. (5)The level of NK cells in ITP patients was negatively correlated with CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells ( r =-0.387, P =0.012) and CD5(+) CD19(+) B cells in peripheral blood ( r =-0.273, P =0.028), positively correlated with the ratio of CD3(+) CD4(+) /CD3(+) CD8(+) ( r =0.358, P =0.028) and peripheral platelet count ( r =0.314, P =0.011). Conclusion: Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function, insufficient suppression of autoreactive T and B cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of ITP.

Objective: To investigate the change of NIX level of bone marrow nucleated red blood cells in anemia patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), to explore the significance of NIX-mediated mitochondrial autophagy in the pathogenesis of MDS anemia. Methods: A total of 54 patients with MDS diagnosed in the Department of Hematology of General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University from July 2015 to July 2016 were enrolled into the MDS group, 33 cases of immune thrombocytopenia or idiopathic leukopenia as controls.The level of NIX, the number of mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells were measured by flow cytometry; the level of NIX mRNA was measured by PCR. Results: (1) The expression of NIX in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells in high-risk MDS patients (0.61±0.24) was significantly lower than that in controls (0.79±0.16, P =0.027), and lower than that in low-risk MDS patients (0.81±0.15, P =0.011), while there was no significant difference between the controls and low-risk MDS patients. The expression of NIX mRNA in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells in high-risk MDS group (0.36±0.09) was lower than that in the controls (1.44±0.41, P =0.027) and that in the low-risk group (1.02±0.22, P =0.012); there was no significant difference between the controls and the low-risk group. (2) The number of mitochondria in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells in high-risk MDS patients (937.17±707.85) was significantly higher than that in the controls (513.49±372.33, P =0.019) and that in low-risk MDS patients (461.74±438.02, P =0.008); while there was no significant difference between low-risk MDS patients and the controls. (3) The level of mitochondrial membrane potential in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells in high-risk MDS patients (0.33±0.18) was significantly lower than that in the controls (0.61±0.32, P =0.001) and that in low-risk MDS patients (0.61±0.34, P =0.001); with no significant difference between low-risk MDS patients and the controls. (4)The level of ROS in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells in high-risk MDS patients (438.65±322.83) was significantly higher than that in the controls (242.77±136.87, P =0.006), and higher than that in low-risk MDS patients (197.40±95.07, P =0.001); no significantly different between low-risk MDS patients and the controls. (5) The number of mitochondria in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cell was positively correlated with the percentage of ring sideroblast ( r =0.457, P =0.028) in the MDS patients.(6) The number of mitochondria in GlycoA(+) nucleated red blood cells was negatively correlated with the concentration of hemoglobin ( r =-0.521, P =0.009) in high-risk MDS patients, but not correlated with the concentration of hemoglobin in low-risk MDS patients. Conclusion: NIX level is reduced in nucleated red blood cells of high-risk MDS patients, which leads to impaired mitochondrial autophagy, increased damaged mitochondria and apoptosis of nucleated red blood cells, thus related with anemia.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to analyze the potential correlation between post-liver transplantation survival interval and CD4 + T-cell intracellular ATP (iATP) levels, and to describe the distribution of CD4 + T-cell iATP levels in liver transplant recipients., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data of 273 patients who underwent liver transplantation from July 2010 to October 2012 in our center and achieved long-term stable survival. CD4 + T-cell iATP level was detected using Cylex ImmuKnow assay. Post-liver transplantation survival was analyzed., Results: CD4 + T-cell iATP level significantly differed among patients with different post-liver transplantation survival intervals. The peak CD4 + T-cell iATP levels typically occurred within the first 3 postoperative months., Conclusions: Post-liver transplantation survival interval is correlated with CD4 + T-cell iATP levels., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Two brown-like adipocytes, including classical brown adipocytes from brown adipose tissues and beige cells from white adipose tissues, regulate thermogenesis. The developmental and functional induction of brown-like cells provides a defense against obesity and associated metabolic diseases. Our previous study suggests dietary luteolin can improve diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Here we further elucidated the action of the natural flavonoid on energy expenditure and adaptive thermogenesis., Methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD supplemented with 0.01% luteolin. After 12 weeks, their energy expenditure were detected using a combined indirect calorimetry system. Moreover, thermogenic program and associated molecular regulators were assessed in adipose tissues. In another independent study, even-aged mice were fed LFD and luteolin-containing LFD for 12 weeks, and their energy expenditure and thermogenic program were also investigated. Finally, differentiated primary brown and subcutaneous adipocytes were used to identify the critical participation of AMPK/PGC1α signaling in luteolin-regulated browning and thermogenesis., Results: In mice fed either HFD or LFD, dietary luteolin supplement increased oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and respiratory exchange ratio. The enhancement in energy expenditure was accompanied by the upregulation of thermogenic genes in brown and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Meanwhile, several important AMPK/PGC1α signaling molecules were activated by dietary luteolin in the tissues. Further, luteolin treatment directly elevated thermogenic gene expressions and activated AMPK/PGC1α signaling in differentiated primary brown and subcutaneous adipocytes, whereas AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the efficiencies., Conclusions: Dietary luteolin activated browning and thermogenesis through an AMPK/PGC1α pathway-mediated mechanism.

Objectives: Obesity has become a global epidemic and threat to public health. A good understanding of the causes can help attenuate the risk and spread. Environmental pollutants may have contributed to the rising global obesity rates. Some research reported associations between chemical pollutants and obesity, but findings are mixed. This study systematically examined associations between chemical pollutants and obesity in human subjects., Methods: Systematic review of relevant studies published between 1 January 1995 and 1 June 2016 by searching PubMed and MEDLINE®., Results: Thirty-five cross-sectional (n = 17) and cohort studies (n = 18) were identified that reported on associations between pollutants and obesity measures. Of them, 16 studies (45.71%) reported a positive association; none reported a sole inverse association; three (8.57%) reported a null association only; six (17.14%) reported both a positive and null association; seven (20.00%) reported a positive and inverse association; and three studies (8.57%) reported all associations (positive, inverse and null). Most studies examined the association between multiple different pollutants, different levels of concentration and in subsamples, which results in mixed results. Thirty-three studies reported at least one positive association between obesity and chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, biphenyl A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and more. Certain chemicals, such as biphenyl A, were more likely to have high ORs ranging from 1.0 to 3.0, whereas highly chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls were more likely to have negative ORs. Effects of chemicals on the endocrine system and obesity might vary by substance, exposure level, measure of adiposity and subject characteristics (e.g. sex and age)., Conclusions: Accumulated evidences show positive associations between pollutants and obesity in humans. Future large, long-term, follow-up studies are needed to assess impact of chemical pollutants on obesity risk and related mechanisms., (© 2016 World Obesity Federation.)

Background: Auxiliary liver transplantation is accepted as an effective manner to expand the liver donor pool. A difficult surgical technical challenge of the procedure is hepatic vein reconstruction of the graft., Methods: To resolve this problem, complex techniques are used to perform an innovative outflow tract reconstruction in the world's first cross-auxiliary double-domino donor liver transplantation with two whole liver grafts. The inferior vena cava-sparing hepatectomy technique was applied at harvest in the two domino liver donors. For each donor, the three major hepatic veins (right, middle, and left) were joined together to create one single orifice, but there was no sufficient tissue to perform a direct anastomosis., Results: The hepatic vein was reconstructed with the use of a longitudinally opened iliac vein graft from a cadaveric donor to prolong the outflow tract for the piggyback suturing., Conclusions: This new technique might provide an innovative surgical approach for reconstructing the complex outflow tract of domino transplantation., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although silver is widely added to various chronic wounds to kill higher concentrations (10 7 -10 8 CFU mL -1 ) of bacteria, overdose of silver remains a major cause of diverse side effects, such as cytotoxicity and tissue and organ damage. Here we showed that reducing the dose level of silver, additionally conferring electron transfer potential, could simultaneously achieve good biocompatibility and strong bactericidal ability without introducing extra chemical residuals for chronic wound treatment. A systematic investigation demonstrated that 1 ppm trivalent silver ions performed rapid (5 min) and effective antibacterial activities against pathogens while not significantly affecting cell viability which were equivalent to 20 ppm monovalent silver ions with cytotoxicity, and accelerated the healing process and improved the tissue quality of burn wounds. The killing effect is independent of material and is mainly controlled by the electron transfer potentials of trivalent silver ions, which disrupts the electron transport of bacteria membrane respiration and leads to the death of bacteria. Together, such trivalent silver opens up new possibilities for dispelling the concern of silver usage in biosafety and provides an avenue for designing antibiotics or other biomedical applications.