Pyrimethamine upregulates BNIP3 to interfere SNARE-mediated autophagosome-lysosomal fusion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumor types and remains a major clinical challenge. Increasing evidence has revealed that mitophagy inhibitors can enhance the effect of chemotherapy on HCC. However, few mitophagy inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in humans. Pyrimethamine (Pyr) is used to treat infections caused by protozoan parasites. Recent studies have reported that Pyr may be beneficial in the treatment of various tumors. However, its mechanism of action is still not clearly defined. Here, we found that blocking mitophagy sensitized cells to Pyr-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, Pyr potently induced the accumulation of autophagosomes by inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion in human HCC cells. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that Pyr blocked autophagosome-lysosome fusion by upregulating BNIP3 to inhibit synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP29)-vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8) interaction. Moreover, Pyr acted synergistically with sorafenib (Sora) to induce apoptosis and inhibit HCC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Pyr enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to Sora, a common chemotherapeutic, by inhibiting mitophagy. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of Pyr and imply that Pyr could potentially be further developed as a novel mitophagy inhibitor. Notably, Pyr and Sora combination therapy could be a promising treatment for malignant HCC.

An open access dataset for strong-motion data(PGA,PGV,and Site V_(S30))of 2023 M6.2 Jishishan,Gansu,China earthquake

1.Introduction On December 18,2023,a M6.2 earthquake struck central China with epicenter at Jishishan,Gansu(35.70°N,102.79°E).In the USGS Latest Earthquake platform,the event was identified as M_(W)5.9,35.743°N,102.827°E,labeled 37 km WNW of Linxia Chengguanzhen,China.This study presents an open-access dataset comprising PGA and PGV records of the main-shock from 202accelerometers and 539 Micro-Electro-Mechanical System(MEMS)sensors within two arcdegrees of the epicenter.

Effects of Functional Organic Materials on Fresh Weight,Quality,Single-melon Weight and SPAD Value of Watermelon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore a functional organic material formula suitable for watermelon cultivation with high quality,high yield and high efficiency.[Methods]Four treatments were set in the experiment,namely four functional organic materials,garlic straw treatment(T_(1)),onion straw treatment(T_(2)),garlic straw+sheep manure treatment(T_(3))and onion straw+chicken manure treatment(T_(4)),to investigate the effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon.[Results]The effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were quite different.The fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were higher in treatment T_(3)applying garlic straw and sheep manure and treatment T_(4)applying onion straw and chicken manure than in treatment T_(1)applying garlic straw and treatment T_(2)applying onion straw.Specifically,the fresh weight of whole plant was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 12.83%and 5.94%respectively compared with treatment T_(1);the weight of single melon was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 42.45%and 31.77%respectively compared with treatment T_(2);and the SPAD values of treatments T_(3)and T_(4)were significantly higher than those of treatments T_(1)and T_(2),and the value of treatment T_(3)was the largest.[Conclusions]This study provides theoretical support for the popularization and application of fertilization techniques combining organic fertilizers and reduced chemical fertilizers for watermelon.

Effects of Functional Organic Materials on Morphological Indexes,Quality and Yield of Watermelon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore suitable organic compound application models for watermelon growth.[Methods]With watermelon hybrid material"M22×P18"as the test material,the effects of four functional organic materials,namely garlic straw treatment(T_(1)),onion straw treatment(T_(2)),garlic straw+sheep manure treatment(T_(3))and onion straw+chicken manure treatment(T_(4)),on the morphological indexes,yield and quality of watermelon were investigated.[Results]Different functional organic materials had different effects on morphological indexes,yield and quality of watermelon.The morphological indexes,nutritional quality indexes and yield of watermelon treated with garlic straw and sheep manure compound(T_(3))and onion straw and chicken manure compound(T_(4))were significantly higher than those treated simply with garlic straw(T_(1))and onion straw(T_(2)),and T_(3)performed relatively better.Compared with treatment T_(2),T_(3)showed a stem diameter,vine length and leaf number increasing by 43.05%,46.69%and 40.77%respectively,central sugar and side sugar contents increasing by 11.72%and 21.90%respectively,and a yield increasing by 42.91%,with significant differences from T_(2).[Conclusions]This study provides technical support for high-quality and high-yielding cultivation of watermelon.

miR-182-5p在膀胱癌中的表达及其机制

目的:探究miR-182-5p及FOXO3在膀胱癌中的表达意义及其参与膀胱癌可能的机制。方法:收集2017年6月至2019年6月64例于郑州人民医院行手术切除膀胱癌患者的组织标本和临床资料,采用RT-qPCR检测膀胱癌组织及膀胱癌细胞中的miR-182-5p和FOXO3表达,按照其表达水平分为miR-182-5p高表达组和miR-182-5p低表达组、FOXO3高表达组和FOXO3低表达组,采用Western blot实验检测FOXO3蛋白的表达。采用Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析miR-182-5p和FOXO3与膀胱癌患者预后的相关性。采用双荧光素酶报告实验分析miR-182-5p与FOXO3的靶向关系,并采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-q PCR)和Western blot检测转染miR-182-5p抑制剂对FOXO3表达的影响;分别采用CCK-8、Transwell实验和流式细胞术检测转染miR-182-5p抑制剂对T24细胞增殖、侵袭和凋亡的影响。结果:miR-182-5p在膀胱癌组织中的表达量为2.27±0.66,显著高于癌旁组织的1.04±0.36,两者比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.001),与肿瘤大小、TNM分期、淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05);FOXO3在膀胱癌组织中低表达,与肿瘤大小、分化程度、TNM分期及淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05);miR-182-5p高表达组、FOXO3低表达组的患者的生存率显著低于miR-182-5p低表达组、FOXO3高表达组(P=0.038,P=0.004)。T24细胞中miR-182-5p高表达(P<0.05)。抑制miR-182-5p上调FOXO3表达,抑制miR-182-5p表达能抑制T24细胞的增殖和侵袭,促进细胞凋亡(P<0.05)。结论:miR-182-5p在膀胱癌组织中高表达,而FOXO3低表达。miR-182-5p促进膀胱癌细胞的增殖和侵袭,抑制其凋亡,可能与负调控FOXO3有关。

单核细胞趋化蛋白1在前列腺癌进展中的调节作用

目的探讨单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)在前列腺癌进展中的作用。方法采用免疫组织化学(简称免疫组化)检测MCP-1和血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体(AT1R)在前列腺癌细胞系LNCa P,C4-2和C4-2AT6中的表达。ELISA检测AngⅡ和CV11974(AT1R阻断剂)对前列腺癌细胞系中MCP-1生成的影响。在C4-2AT6细胞中,ELISA检测AngⅡ和LY294002(PI3K抑制剂)对MCP-1生成的影响,Western blot检测AngⅡ和CV11974对Akt蛋白磷酸化水平(p-Akt)的影响,免疫组化检测TCV116(AT1R阻断剂)对C4-2AT6细胞中MCP-1和F4/80+表达的影响。免疫组化检测前列腺癌患者组织中MCP-1和CD68的表达。结果 MCP-1和AT1R在前列腺癌细胞系LNCaP,C4-2和C4-2AT6中均表达,且在C4-2AT6中表达最高。在C4-2和C4-2AT6细胞中,AngⅡ能够增加MCP-1生成(P <0.05),而CV11974则能够逆转AngⅡ介导的MCP-1生成增加(P <0.05)。在C4-2AT6细胞中,LY294002逆转了AngⅡ介导的MCP-1生成增加(P <0.05),CV11974能够逆转AngⅡ介导的p-Akt增加。TCV116可降低C4-2AT6细胞中MCP-1和F4/80+的表达(P <0.05)。前列腺癌患者组织中MCP-1和CD68的表达与前列腺癌的恶性程度有关,格里森分数越高,MCP-1和CD68的表达越高。结论 MCP-1可通过AT1R-PI3K/Akt信号通路在前列腺癌恶性进展中发挥重要作用。

六针缝合法在腹腔镜下插入式输尿管膀胱再植术中的应用

目的探讨六针缝合法腹腔镜下插入式输尿管膀胱再植术的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2012年3月-2015年9月16例腹腔镜下6(4+2)针缝合法插入式输尿管膀胱再植术的手术视频、临床资料。统计分析手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、引流管拔除时间、术后住院时间以及术后输尿管反流、狭窄等并发症发生率。结果 16例手术顺利完成,无中转开放病例。手术时间60~125 min,平均85 min。术中出血量20~50 ml,平均32 ml。术后引流量60~400 ml,平均106 ml。引流管拔除时间3~6 d,平均4.2 d。术后住院时间7~10 d,平均8.5 d。16例均获随访,随访时间6~18个月,平均12个月。无吻合口狭窄病例,1例有轻度反流,随访18个月未见加重。结论六针缝合法腹腔镜下插入式输尿管膀胱再植术安全、有效。手术时间明显缩短、没有增加吻合口狭窄及输尿管反流等并发症的发生率,有可能降低吻合口狭窄的发生率。

硫化氢对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤的保护效果研究

目的探讨硫化氢(H_2S)干预处理对大脑中动脉栓塞局灶性脑缺血性再灌注损伤(CIRI)模型大鼠脑及神经功能的保护作用及其机制。方法选取48只成年雄性SD大鼠,采用随机数字表法分为假手术组、模型组和实验组,每组16只(复制模型过程中如死亡则补足),假手术组和实验组采用线栓法结扎大鼠左侧大脑中动脉复制模型,实验组于栓线后10 min腹腔注射25μmol/kg硫氢化钠NaHS生理盐水,假手术组和模型组仅给予等体积生理盐水。结果实验组大鼠的死亡率为23.81%,低于模型组的44.83%,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);3组大鼠的脑梗死体积百分比比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。模型组和实验组大鼠的脑梗死体积百分比高于假手术组;实验组的脑梗死体积百分比低于模型组;3组大鼠的海马CA1区的PI3K、p-Akt、Caspase蛋白水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),模型组大鼠海马CA1区的p-Akt、Caspase蛋白高于假手术组,实验组大鼠海马CA1区的Caspase蛋白低于于模型组,实验组大鼠海马CA1区的PI3K、p-Akt蛋白高于假手术组和模型组。结论 H_2S干预处理对大脑中动脉栓塞局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤模型大鼠有脑脊神经缺损功能保护作用,其作用机制可能与激活PI3K、p-Akt通路,抑制凋亡相关蛋白Caspase有关。

High-Inclination Coring of Chang-63 of the Yanchang Formation in Huaqing Oilfield, Ordos Basin: Implications for Ancient Flow Direction and Fracture Orientation

A promising method is to use coring of high-inclination well to find ancient flow direction and orient tiny natural fractures in massive sandstone of sandy debris flow. Determination of ancient flow direction can reduce the number of exploration wells, and orientation of natural fractures is of guiding significance to the deployment of water injection development well pattern. In Block X of Huaqing Oilfield, Ordos Basin, the cores of Chang 63 section were obtained from Well Y through 16 coring operations, with a total length of 105 m. Cores is oriented through drilling parameters, the number of cores, the angle between the core edge and horizontal bedding, the coincidence degree of core profile and directional flame structure. Therefore, the micro-fractures on the core are directional. The ancient flow directions of sandy debris flow were restored by load casting, groove casting, groove casting and imbricate structure. Our results show that the ancient flow directions of sandy debris flows were southwest, southeast, northwest, and west from bottom to top. The front of the Wuqi Delta is the main source of blocky sandstone with the best oil-bearing property. Affected by the topography of the lake bottom, the sandy debris flow turned locally in the northeast direction, and the sandy debris flow from this direction was formed. The NEE-SWW-trending fractures formed in the Yanshanian period are most developed in the Huaqing area, which should be considered in deploying the flooding well network. The north-south micro-fractures formed in the Himalayan period can improve the physical properties of tight sandstone, which is of great significance for tight sandstone reservoirs.

Biodegradable, Super-Strong, and Conductive Cellulose Macrofibers for Fabric-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Electronic fibers used to fabricate wearable triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG) for harvesting human mechanical energy have been extensively explored. However, little attention is paid to their mutual advantages of environmental friendliness, mechanical properties, and stability. Here, we report a super-strong, biodegradable, and washable cellulose-based conductive macrofibers, which is prepared by wet-stretching and wet-twisting bacterial cellulose hydrogel incorporated with carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole. The cellulose-based conductive macrofibers possess high tensile strength of 449 MPa(able to lift 2 kg weights), good electrical conductivity(~ 5.32 S cm^(-1)), and excellent stability(Tensile strength and conductivity only decrease by 6.7% and 8.1% after immersing in water for 1 day). The degradation experiment demonstrates macrofibers can be degraded within 108 h in the cellulase solution. The designed fabric-based TENG from the cellulose-base conductive macrofibers shows a maximum open-circuit voltage of 170 V, short-circuit current of 0.8 μA, and output power at 352 μW, which is capable of powering the commercial electronics by charging the capacitors. More importantly, the fabric-based TENGs can be attached to the human body and work as self-powered sensors to effectively monitor human motions. This study suggests the potential of biodegradable, super-strong, and washable conductive cellulose-based fiber for designing eco-friendly fabric-based TENG for energy harvesting and biomechanical monitoring.

Development and in vitro study of a bi-specific magnetic resonance imaging molecular probe for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)ranks second in terms of cancer mortality worldwide.Molecular magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)targeting HCC biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)or glypican-3(GPC3)offers new strategies to enhance specificity and help early diagnosis of HCC.However,the existing iron oxide nanoparticle-based MR molecular probes singly target AFP or GPC3,which may hinder their efficiency to detect heterogeneous micro malignant HCC tumors<1 cm(MHCC).We hypothesized that the strategy of double antibody-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles which simultaneously target AFP and GPC3 antigens may potentially be used to overcome the tumor heterogeneity and enhance the detection rate for MRI-based MHCC diagnosis.AIM To synthesize an AFP/GPC3 double antibody-labeled iron oxide MRI molecular probe and to assess its impact on MRI specificity and sensitivity at the cellular level.METHODS A double antigen-targeted MRI probe for MHCC anti-AFP-USPIO-anti-GPC3(UAG)was developed by simultaneously conjugating AFP andGPC3 antibodies to a 5 nm ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle(USPIO).At the same time,the singly labeled probes of anti-AFP-USPIO(UA)and anti-GPC3-USPIO(UG)and non-targeted USPIO(U)were also prepared for comparison.The physical characterization including morphology(transmission electron microscopy),hydrodynamic size,and zeta potential(dynamic light scattering)was conducted for each of the probes.The antigen targeting and MRI ability for these four kinds of USPIO probes were studied in the GPC3-expressing murine hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6/GPC3.First,AFP and GPC3 antigen expression in Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells was confirmed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.Then,the cellular uptake of USPIO probes was investigated by Prussian blue staining assay and in vitro MRI(T2-weighted and T2-map)with a 3.0 Tesla clinical MR scanner.RESULTS Our data showed that the double antibody-conjugated probe UAG had the best specificity in targeting Hepa1-6/GPC3 cells expressing AFP and GPC3 antigens compared with single antibody-conjugated and unconjugated USPIO probes.The iron Prussian blue staining and quantitative T2-map MRI analysis showed that,compared with UA,UG,and U,the uptake of double antigen-targeted UAG probe demonstrated a 23.3%(vs UA),15.4%(vs UG),and 57.3%(vs U)increased Prussian stained cell percentage and a 14.93%(vs UA),9.38%(vs UG),and 15.3%(vs U)reduction of T2 relaxation time,respectively.Such bi-specific probe might have the potential to overcome tumor heterogeneity.Meanwhile,the coupling of two antibodies did not influence the magnetic performance of USPIO,and the relatively small hydrodynamic size(59.60±1.87 nm)of double antibodyconjugated USPIO probe makes it a viable candidate for use in MHCC MRI in vivo,as they are slowly phagocytosed by macrophages.CONCLUSION The bi-specific probe presents enhanced targeting efficiency and MRI sensitivity to HCC cells than singly-or non-targeted USPIO,paving the way for in vivo translation to further evaluate its clinical potential.

Detection of hepatitis C virus core antigen for early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection in plasma donor in China

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of a new hepatitis C virus （HCV） core antigen assay developed in China. METHODS： After the determination of HCV infection, 49 serial samples were selected from II regular plasma donors in 5 different plasma stations. To compare the performance of HCV core antigen detection and HCV PCR, these samples were genotyped, and each specimen was analyzed by ELISA for the detection of HCV core antigen and by qualitative HCV PCR. RESULTS： Among all of the sequential samples, the original 23 specimens were HCV RNA-negative, and 36 samples were HCV RNA-positive. Twenty-seven samples （75%） were HCV core antigen-positive from these HCV RNA-positive specimens. Conversely, 27 samples （93.2%） were found HCV RNA-positive in HCV core antigen- positive samples. Intervals between HCV RNA and HCV core antigen-positive, as well as between HCV core antigen-positive and HCV antibody-positive were 36.0 and 32.8 d, respectively. CONCLUSION： This HCV core antigen assay, developed in China, is able to detect much of anti-HCV-negative, HCV RNA-positive preseroconversion window period （PWP） plasma donations.

Nutritional factors and gastric cancer in Zhoushan Islands, China

AIM: To investigate the association between nutrient intakes and high incidence rate of gastric cancer among residents in Zhoushan Islands.METHODS: A frequency-matched design of case-control study was used during the survey on dietary factors and gastric cancer in Zhoushan Islands, China. A total of 103 cases of gastric cancer diagnosed in 2001 were included in the study and 133 controls were randomly selected from the residents in Zhoushan Islands. A food frequency questionnaire was specifically designed for the Chinese dietary pattern to collect information on dietary intake. A computerized database of the dietary and other relative information of each participant was completed. Total calories and 15 nutrients were calculated according to the food composition table and their adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by gender using unconditional logistic regression models.RESULTS: High intakes of protein, saturated fat, and cholesterol were observed with the increased risk of gastric cancer particularly among males (ORQ4 vsQ1 were 10.3, 3.24, 2.76 respectively). While carbohydrate was a significant high-risk nutrient (ORQ4 vsQ1 = 14.8; Pfor linear trend = 0.024) among females. Regardless of their gender, the cases reported significantly higher daily intake of sodium mainly from salts. As to the nutrients of vitamins A and C, an inversed association with the risk of GC was found. Baseline characteristics of participants were briefly described.CONCLUSION: The findings from this study confirm the role of diet-related exposure in the etiology of gastric cancer from the point of view of epidemiology. An increased risk of gastric cancer is associated with high intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium,while consumption of polyunsaturated fat, vitamin A and ascorbic acid may have a protective effect against gastric cancer.

Endothelial PDGF-BB/PDGFR-βsignaling promotes osteoarthritis by enhancing angiogenesis-dependent abnormal subchondral bone formation

The mechanisms that coordinate the shift from joint homeostasis to osteoarthritis(OA)remain unknown.No pharmacological intervention can currently prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.Accumulating evidence has shown that subchondral bone deterioration is a primary trigger for overlying cartilage degeneration.We previously found that H-type vessels modulate aberrant subchondral bone formation during the pathogenesis of OA.However,the mechanism responsible for the elevation of H-type vessels in OA is still unclear.Here,we found that PDGFR-βexpression,predominantly in the CD31^(hi)Emcn^(hi) endothelium,was substantially elevated in subchondral bones from OA patients and rodent OA models.A mouse model of OA with deletion of PDGFR-βin endothelial cells(ECs)exhibited fewer H-type vessels,ameliorated subchondral bone deterioration and alleviated overlying cartilage degeneration.Endothelial PDGFR-βpromotes angiogenesis through the formation of the PDGFR-β/talin1/FAK complex.Notably,endothelium-specific inhibition of PDGFR-βby local injection of AAV9 in subchondral bone effectively attenuated the pathogenesis of OA compared with that of the vehicle-treated controls.Based on the results from this study,targeting PDGFR-βis a novel and promising approach for the prevention or early treatment of OA.

B-scan ultrasound and cytology of the vitreous in primary central nervous system lymphoma with vitreoretinal involvement

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of B-scan ultrasound and explore the cytological characteristics of patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma(VRL) and primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL).METHODS: The clinical data and pathologic specimens from patients with VRL diagnosed at the North Huashan Hospital from 2016 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were diagnosed by slit lamp ophthalmoscopy, B-scan ultrasound, cytology of the vitreous, which was obtained by vitrectomy, and cytokine measurements of interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-6.RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes(19.4%) out of 134 eyes of 67 patients(47 men and 20 women) with PCNSL were diagnosed with VRL by B-scan ultrasound, and 14 eyes(10.4%) were diagnosed by slit lamp ophthalmoscopy. Twenty-four eyes(17.9%) of 17 patients were confirmed as having VRL with cytology. No difference in the association between intracranial lesion location and ocular involvement was found. VRL patients had higher levels of vitreous IL-10 and IL-10/IL-6 when compared with macular hole cases, but the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: A total of 25.4% of the PCNSL patients had VRL, B-scan ultrasound examination had characteristic features and is recommended over slit lamp ophthalmoscopy for the screening diagnosis of PCNSL with intraocular involvement. Moreover, the cytological and immunohistochemical analyses performed after 25-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy were accurate diagnostic techniques.

The investigation of NTO/HMX-based plastic-bonded explosives and its safety performance

3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one(NTO)is the main component of insensitive munitions(IM)formulation because of its outstanding insensitive properties.In this paper,a series of NTO/HMX-based compositeexplosives were prepared and characterized.The study focuses on the effect of NTO on the perfommance of the formulations,especially the safety performance.The results revealed that the mechanical sensi-tivity of fomulations was associated with NTO content,as well as the thermal conductivity,specific heat capacity and Arrhenius parameters.Then,the high amount of NTO using in formulation was proved to be helpful for NTO/HMX-based formulation to exhibit good thermal safety.Besides,by accelerating rate calorimeter(ARC)and a modified cook-off equipment,the pressure and pressure rise rate were proved as the important indicator for judging the thermal safety performance in confined spaces.Finally,the numerical simulation was used as a credible method for predicting the respond temperature of cook-off experiment.

Prognostic value of CD4^+CD25^+ Tregs as a valuable biomarker for patients with sepsis in ICU

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common complication ofinfections, burns, traumas, surgeries, poisonings, and post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The present study aimed to investigate prognostic value of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells(Treg) in peripheral blood of patients with sepsis.METHODS: Periphery blood from 28 patients diagnosed with sepsis was collected on day 1 and 7 after hospitalization in the ICU of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between December 2013 to April 2014. The blood was used for analyses of Treg ratio using flow cytometry and for analyses of blood routine test, C-reactive protein(CRP), bilirubin, procalcitonin(PCT), and coagulation. APACHE II and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA) scores were also investigated. The results were compared between two outcome groups of survival or death to evaluate prognostic value for sepsis.RESULTS: The patients had an average age of 60.36±15.03 years, APACHE II score 16.68±7.00, and SOFA score 7.18±3.78. Among the 28 patients, 12 had severe trauma(42.9%), 10 had septic shock(35.7%), and 9(32.2%) died. The median ratio of Tregs was 2.10%(0.80%, 3.10%) in the survival group vs. 1.80%(1.15%, 3.65%) in the death group(Z=–0.148, P=0.883) on day 1; however it was signifi cantly changed to 0.90%(0.30%, 2.80%) vs. 5.70%(2.60%, 8.30%)(Z=–2.905, P=0.004).CONCLUSION: With better prospects for clinical application, dynamic monitoring of Tregs ratio in peripheral blood has potential value in predicting prognosis of sepsis.

A maturity model for blockchain adoption

Background:The rapid development of the blockchain technology and its various applications has rendered it important to understand the guidelines for adopting it.Methods:The comparative analysis method is used to analyze different dimensions of the maturity model,which is mainly based on the commonly used capability maturity model.Results:The blockchain maturity model and its adoption process have been discussed and presented.Conclusions:This study serves as a guide to institutions to make blockchain adoption decisions more systematically.

Thermal hazard assessment of TKX-50-based melt-cast explosive

In the present study, thermal hazards of TNT and DNAN used as the molten binder in TKX-50-based meltcast explosives were comparatively studied through accelerating rate calorimeter(ARC) and Cook-off experiments. Two kinds of ARC operation modes were performed to investigate the thermal safety performance under adiabatic conditions(HWS mode) and constant heating(CHR mode). The obtained results demonstrated that at both heating modes, DNAN/TKX-50 outperformed TNT/TKX-50 from the thermal safety point of view. However, the sensitivity to heat of the samples was reverse because of the different heating modes. In addition, the results of thermal hazard assessment obtained from the cookoff experiment complied with ARC analysis which indicated the molten binder TNT replaced by DNAN would reduce the hazard of the TKX-50 melt cast explosive. Furthermore, the results of cook-off experiments also showed that DNAN/TKX-50 outperformed TNT/TKX-50 from the aspect of thermal stability, which was consistent with the result of CHR mode because of the similar heating process.

A male-ABCD algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction in HBs Ag carriers

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development among hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) carriers shows gender disparity, influenced by underlying liver diseases that display variations in laboratory tests. We aimed to construct a risk-stratified HCC prediction model for HBs Ag-positive male adults.Methods: HBs Ag-positive males of 35-69 years old(N=6,153) were included from a multi-center populationbased liver cancer screening study. Randomly, three centers were set as training, the other three centers as validation. Within 2 years since initiation, we administrated at least two rounds of HCC screening using Bultrasonography and α-fetoprotein(AFP). We used logistic regression models to determine potential risk factors,built and examined the operating characteristics of a point-based algorithm for HCC risk prediction.Results: With 2 years of follow-up, 302 HCC cases were diagnosed. A male-ABCD algorithm was constructed including participant's age, blood levels of GGT(γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase), counts of platelets, white cells,concentration of DCP(des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin) and AFP, with scores ranging from 0 to 18.3. The area under receiver operating characteristic was 0.91(0.90-0.93), larger than existing models. At 1.5 points of risk score,26.10% of the participants in training cohort and 14.94% in validation cohort were recognized at low risk, with sensitivity of identifying HCC remained 100%. At 2.5 points, 46.51% of the participants in training cohort and 33.68% in validation cohort were recognized at low risk with 99.06% and 97.78% of sensitivity, respectively. At 4.5 points, only 20.86% of participants in training cohort and 23.73% in validation cohort were recognized at high risk,with positive prediction value of 22.85% and 12.35%, respectively.Conclusions: Male-ABCD algorithm identified individual's risk for HCC occurrence within short term for their HCC precision surveillance.