Metochalcone induces senescence-associated secretory phenotype via JAK2/STAT3 pathway in breast cancer.

Breast and lung cancers are the leading causes of mortality and most frequently diagnosed cancers in women and men, respectively, worldwide. Although the antitumor activity of chalcones has been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin analog 2', 4', 4-trihydroxychalcone (metochalcone; TEC) against carcinomas remain less well understood. In this study, we found that TEC inhibited cell proliferation of breast cancer BT549 cells and lung cancer A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. TEC induced cell cycle arrest in the S-phase, cell migration inhibition in vitro, and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that TEC modulated the activity of the JAK2/STAT3 and P53 pathways. TEC triggered the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) by repressing the JAK2/STAT3 axis. The mechanism of metochalcone against breast cancer depended on the induction of SASP via deactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, highlighting the potential of chalcone in senescence-inducing therapy against carcinomas.

[Research progress of macrophage polarization in silicosis fibrosis].

Silicosis is a common occupational disease, and its main characteristic pathological features are the formation of silicon nodules and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. In the process of silicosis fibrosis, macrophages can be polarized into M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages play a pro-inflammatory role in the early stage of silicosis and release a variety of inflammatory factors, which is the core of inflammatory response. M2 macrophages promote inflammation resolution and tissue repair in silicosis fibrosis stage by secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines and pro-fibrotic mediators. M1/M2 polarization balance plays an important role in the occurrence and development of silicosis, and the regulation of macrophage polarization direction may play a positive role in the prevention and treatment of silicosis fibrosis. In this review, the role of macrophage polarization in silicosis fibrosis, the related signaling pathways regulating macrophage polarization in silicosis fibrosis, and the potential therapeutic targets based on macrophage polarization in silicosis fibrosis are reviewed, with a view to further strengthening the understanding of the mechanism of macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis and treatment of silicosis fibrosis.

Aberrant Human Epididymal Protein 4 in Heart Failure Patients' Serum and its Association with C-Reactive Protein, Uric Acid and Homocysteine.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to explore the aberrant human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients and its association with C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), and homocysteine (HCY). METHODS: Analysis of serum HE4 and its relevance with associated indexes in 117 CHF patients was implemented. RESULTS: Serum HE4 in CHF patients was linked with the disease's severity and CRP, UA, and HCY. An assessment value was provided for it (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HE4 is aberrant in CHF patients' serum and is associated with the disease's severity and CRP, UA, and HCY's indexes.

Influence of intracranial hemorrhage on clinical outcome in acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion undergoing endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effect of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on the outcome of patients with large-vessel occlusion undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) has mainly focused on the anterior circulation. Knowledge of the relationship between ICH and outcomes in patients with acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) receiving EVT is limited. We aimed to assess whether ICH is a prognostic marker for acute VBAO following EVT. METHODS: Patients who underwent EVT for acute VBAO in the acute posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PERSIST) registry were included. All patients were classified as having no or any-ICH. Any-ICH was subdivided into asymptomatic and symptomatic ICH. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between ICH and functional outcomes in patients with acute VBAO after receiving EVT. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-seven patients, including 107 patients with ICH (19.6%): 38 (7.0%) and 69 (12.6%) with symptomatic and asymptomatic ICH, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, any-ICH was independently associated with reduced chance of favorable outcome (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.72, P=0.003), functional independence (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.52, P<0.001), and excellent outcome (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.75, P=0.008), and increased mortality risk (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.30-3.51, P=0.003). Symptomatic ICH had a similar association. Moreover, asymptomatic ICH was a negative predictor of functional independence (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.88, P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Any- and symptomatic ICH were strongly associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality in patients with acute VBAO who underwent EVT. Asymptomatic ICH was an inverse predictor of functional independence.

[Determination of 22 phospholipids in serum by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

Objective: To establish ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of 22 phospholipids in serum. Methods: In September 2022, Using synthetic non endogenous phospholipids as internal standard, phospholipids in serum were extracted by methanol-dichloromethane (2∶1, V/V) protein precipitation method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH shield RP18 column, and the mobile phase was methanol/water (5∶95, V/V) containing 10 mM ammonium formate and methanol. Detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode with ion mode switching. And the method was applied by analyzing phospholipids in the serum of coal workers' pneumoconiosis patients. Results: The 22 phospholipids showed good linear relationships in their respective concentration ranges and the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.990. The spiked recoveries of the 22 phospholipids were 81.03%-121.63% at the three spiked levels. The intra-assay were less than 14.52%, and the inter-assay were less than 15.00%. Conclusion: The method with the advantages of simplicity, stability and high sensitivity, and it can be used for the analysis of phospholipids in serum.

Assessment of the incremental prognostic value from the modified frailty index-5 in complete traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

Frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5), and older age are associated with increased mortality in the setting of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there is limited evidence demonstrating an incremental prognostic value derived from patient mFI-5. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate in-hospital mortality among adult complete cervical SCI patients at participating centers of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program from 2010 to 2018. Logistic regression was used to model in-hospital mortality, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of regression models with age, mFI-5, or age with mFI-5 was used to compare the prognostic value of each model. 4733 patients were eligible. We found that both age (80 y versus 60 y: OR 3.59 95% CI [2.82 4.56], P < 0.001) and mFI-5 (score ≥ 2 versus < 2: OR 1.53 95% CI [1.19 1.97], P < 0.001) had statistically significant associations with in-hospital mortality. There was no significant difference in the AUROC of a model including age and mFI-5 when compared to a model including age without mFI-5 (95% CI Δ AUROC [- 8.72 × 10-4 0.82], P = 0.199). Both models were superior to a model including mFI-5 without age (95% CI Δ AUROC [0.06 0.09], P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that mFI-5 provides minimal incremental prognostic value over age with respect to in-hospital mortality for patients complete cervical SCI.

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of the association between surgery for odontoid fractures in the elderly and in-hospital outcomes.

Odontoid fractures are increasingly prevalent in older adults and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Optimal management remains controversial. Our study aims to investigate the association between surgical management of odontoid fractures and in-hospital mortality in a multi-center geriatric cohort. We identified patients 65 years or older with C2 odontoid fractures from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and hospital length of stay. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare outcomes between operative and non-operative cohorts. Among the 13,218 eligible patients, 1100 (8.3%) were treated surgically. The risk of in-hospital mortality did not differ between surgical and non-surgical groups, after patient and hospital-level adjustment (OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.55-1.60). The risks of major complications and immobility-related complications were higher in the operative cohort (adjusted OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.53-2.94; and OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.38-3.63, respectively). Patients undergoing surgery had extended in-hospital length of stay compared to the non-operative group (9 days, IQR: 6-12 days vs. 4 days, IQR: 3-7 days). These findings were supported by secondary analyses that considered between-center differences in rates of surgery. Among geriatric patients with odontoid fractures surgical management was associated with similar in-hospital mortality, but higher in-hospital complication rates compared to non-operative management. Surgical management of geriatric patients with odontoid fractures requires careful patient selection and consideration of pre-existing comorbidities.

[The effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on central venous pressure in patients with different chest wall elastic resistance].

Objective: To investigate the role of chest wall elastic resistance in determining the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on central venous pressure (CVP) in patients with mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: In this prospective study, according to the median of ratio of chest wall elastic resistance to respiratory system elastic resistance (Ers), patients were divided into high chest wall elastic resistance group (Ecw/Ers≥0.24) and low chest wall elastic resistance group [elastance of chest wall (Ecw)/Ers<0.24]. PEEP was set at 5, 10, 15 cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa) respectively. Clinical data including CVP, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory mechanics were recorded. Results: Seventy patients receiving MV were included from November 2017 to December 2018. Clinical characteristics including age, BP, HR, baseline PEEP, the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F) and comorbidities were comparable in two groups. However, patients with high Ecw/Ers ratio presented higher body mass index (BMI) than those with low Ecw/Ers ratio[ (25.4±3.2) kg/m2 vs. (23.4±3.2) kg/m2, P=0.011]. As PEEP increased from 5 cmH2O to 10 cmH2O, CVP in high Ecw/Ers group increased significantly compared with that in low Ecw/Ers group [1.75(1.00, 2.13) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133kPa) vs. 1.50(0.50, 2.00)mmHg,P=0.038], which was the same as PEEP increased from 10 cmH2O to 15 cmH2O [2.00(1.50, 3.00)mmHg vs. 1.50(1.00, 2.00)mmHg,P=0.041] or PEEP increased from 5 cmH2O to 15 cmH2O [ 3.75(3.00,4.63)mmHg vs. 3.00(1.63, 4.00)mmHg, P=0.012]. When PEEP increased from 5 cmH2O to 10 cmH2O, 10 cmH2O to 15 cmH2O and 10 cmH2O to 15 cmH2O, there were significant correlations between Ecw/Ers and CVP elevation (r=0.29, P=0.016; r=0.31, P=0.011; r=0.31, P=0.01 respectively). Conclusions: In patients receiving mechanical ventilation, elevation of PEEP leads to a synchronous change of CVP, which is corelated with patients' chest wall elastic resistances.

Effects of zinc application on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of pecan at the seedling stage.

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is sensitive to Zn, which is involved in basic physiological and biochemical processes. To explore the growth and physiology of pecan in response to Zn application, we used 1-year-old annual grafted seedlings (Pawnee) and applied four concentrations of Zn fertilizer (0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.40 g·plant-1 ); a control (CK; no Zn fertilization) was also included. The growth characteristics, anatomical structure of the leaves and photosynthesis were assessed. Compared with the CK, photosynthesis and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters, leaf area and leaf structure significantly increased at Zn concentrations of 0.05 and 0.10 g·plant-1 . In addition, growth of pecan at the seedling stage increased in response to moderate Zn application. In contrast, treatment with 0.20 and 0.40 g·Zn·plant-1 dramatically decreased these physiological indices and inhibited pecan growth. The results show that moderate soil Zn application promotes pecan growth and development by increasing photosynthesis. However excess Zn concentrations were not conducive to seedling growth. The concentration of 0.1 g·Zn·plant-1 was best when considering long-term soil Zn applications, providing a theoretical foundation for microelement management of pecan.

[Comparative study of short-term efficacy,effectiveness and safety at different stages of the laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy learning curve].

Objective: To compare short-term efficacy,effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) learning curve at different stages and at the same time with open pancreaticoduodenectomy(OPD). Methods: Clinical data of 488 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery,Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology from July 2014 to December 2016 were collected. There were 40 cases at the groping stage of LPD surgery(100 cases at the same time of OPD),64 cases at the stable stage (89 cases at the same time of OPD),and 118 cases at the mature stage(77 cases at the same time of OPD).The clinical data of LPD and OPD in the same period were compared and analyzed by χ2 test,t test and U test,respectively. Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative indicators between the two groups at the three stages(all P>0.05). In terms of intraoperative blood volume of the LPD group was significantly lower than that of the OPD group at three stages(M(QR))(111.1(150.0)ml(range:0 to 700 ml) vs. 393.9(400.0)ml(range:0 to 3 000 ml),120.8(115.0)ml(range:0 to 1 000 ml) vs. 442.9(450.0)ml(range:0 to 2 000 ml) and 150.0(200.0)ml(range:10 to 1 500 ml) vs. 364.3(400.0)ml(range:0 to 1 500 ml))(all P<0.05). And in terms of operation time of the LPD group was significantly higher than that of the OPD group at the groping stage((461.1±123.9)min(range:220 to 690 minutes) vs. (385.9±113.9)minutes(range:150 to 655 minutes))(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). The incidence of B+C level pancreatic fistula of the LPD group was higher than that of the OPD group at groping stage(17.5% vs. 3.0%)(P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative rebleeding(27.5%),bile leakage(20.0%) and abdominal infection(20.0%) of the LPD group was higher than those of the OPD group(11.0%(11/100),5.0%(5/100) and 7.0%(7/100)) at groping stage. There were no significant differences between the LPD group and the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(P>0.05). There were no significant differences of incidence gastrointestinal leakage,hepatic failure,renal failure,cardiac failure,pulmonary infection and 30-day death between the LPD group and the OPD group(all P>0.05). The incidence rate of gastroplegia in the LPD group was lower than that in the OPD group at the stable and mature stage(26.5%(17/64) vs. 44.9%(40/89) and 24.5%(29/118) vs. 38.9%(30/77))(all P<0.05),there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at the groping stage(P>0.05). In terms of other incidence of complications,there were no significant differences between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences of positive margin rate of pancreas,bile duct,retroperitoneum,vascular channel,uncinate process and rate of R0 resection between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05). In terms of numbers of lymph nodes,there was no significant difference between the LPD group and the OPD group at three stages(all P>0.05).Postoperative hospital stay of the LPD group was shorter than that of the OPD group at the stable stage((14.8±6.9)days(range:10 to 38 days) vs. (17.0±9.0)days(range:4 to 56 days)) and the mature stage((13.0±7.4)days(range:3 to 57 days) vs. (15.8±6.7)days(range:6 to 69 days)(all P<0.05). Conclusion: with the stable and mature learning curve of LPD surgery,compared with traditional OPD surgery,it has the characteristics of less intraoperative bleeding,shorter postoperative hospitalization,lower incidence of delay gastric empty,safe and effective.

Efficacy of intranasal ketamine for acute pain management in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intranasal (IN) ketamine for pain control with placebo and other analgesics in an emergency setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IN ketamine with placebo or other analgesics up to 1st January 2021. Studies were to be conducted on adults and in an emergency setting. Pain outcomes and adverse events were compared. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included. Three compared IN ketamine with placebo while others with opioids. Comparing IN ketamine with opioids, the pooled analysis demonstrated no significant difference in pain scores between the two groups at 15 minutes but better pain reduction with opioids at 30 minutes. Comparing IN ketamine with placebo, our analysis demonstrated a non-significant difference but a tendency for better pain relief with IN ketamine at 15 minutes and 60 minutes. Pain scores at 30 minutes were, however, significantly lower with IN ketamine as compared to placebo. The need for rescue analgesics was significantly lower with IN ketamine as compared to placebo. There was no significant difference in the incidence of dizziness and nausea/vomiting between IN ketamine and opioids. As compared to placebo, IN ketamine was associated with an increased incidence of dizziness but not nausea/vomiting. Emergence reactions were significantly increased with IN ketamine as compared to opioids and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: There may be a role of IN ketamine for acute pain management in adults in an emergency setting. There is a tendency for better pain control with IN ketamine as compared to control and the possibility of similar efficacy of IN ketamine as compared to opioids. However, the results are not unequivocal and are limited by the low number of studies in literature and limited pain indications studied. Further RCTs are required to strengthen the evidence.

[Feasibility and safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy via the right internal jugular vein approach].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) via the right internal jugular vein approach. Methods: It was a retrospective and descriptive study. A total of 272 patients, who underwent right ventricular EMB from December 2014 to June 2020 in Fuwai Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled. The preliminary diagnosis included suspected myocarditis, myocardiopathy, unexplained heart failure etc after exclusion of coronary heart disease. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, height, weight, NYHA functional class, NT-proBNP, chest radiography, echocardiography, and hemodynamics parameters were collected at baseline. EMB was performed via right internal jugular vein approach under the biplane fluoroscopic guidance. Success rate was calculated in this study. Complications related to operation were recorded according the following definitions. Major complications included death, urgent cardiac surgery, advanced cardiac life support, pericardiocentesis in cardiac tamponade, permanent complete atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacing etc. Minor complications included pericardial effusion without pericardiocentesis, temporary (lasting less than 24 hours) or permanent right bundle-branch block, temporary Mobitz type Ⅱ atrioventricular block (AV block) with AV conduction 2∶1 requiring medical treatment with atropine, or additive temporary pacing, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia with long runs of more than 10 ventricular complexes, and an episode of atrial fibrillation lasting less than 12 hours or cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Other complications included tricuspid anterior chorda rupture and new onset tricuspid regurgitation after EMB. Results: In this study, right ventricular EMB were performed successfully in 270 patients, the total success rate was 99.3% (270/272), and EMB were failed in 2 (0.7%) patients. Age of the enrolled patients was (42.7±16.9) years, and there were 164 (60.3%) males. Major complication including cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis occurred in 2 (0.7%) patients. Minor complications such as small amount pericardial effusion occurred in 18 (6.6%) patients, tricuspid anterior chorda rupture occurred in 1 (0.4%) patient. No patient died, or requiring permanent pacing, or requiring emergency cardiac surgery. The complication rate was 9.3% (13/140), 7.8% (7/90), and 2.4% (1/42) in operators with 1, 2, and 3 years' experience. Conclusions: EMB via the right jugular vein approach under fluoroscopic guidance is a simple, safe and feasible procedure. The complication rates decrease significantly with increasing operator experience.

Development of a Selective Aortic Arch Perfusion System in a Porcine Model of Exsanguination Cardiac Arrest.

Hemorrhage constitutes the majority of potentially preventable deaths from trauma. There is growing interest in endovascular resuscitation techniques such as selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP) for patients in cardiac arrest. This involves active perfusion of the coronary circulation via a thoracic aortic balloon catheter and is approaching clinical application. However, the technique is complex and requires refinement in animal models before human use can be considered. This paper describes a large animal model of exsanguination cardiac arrest treated with a bespoke SAAP system. Swine were anesthetized, instrumented and a splenectomy was performed before a controlled, logarithmic exsanguination was initiated. Animals were heparinized and the shed blood collected in a reservoir. Once cardiac arrest was observed, the blood was pumped through an extra-corporeal circuit into an oxygenator and then delivered through a 10 Fr balloon catheter placed in the thoracic aorta. This resulted in the return of a spontaneous circulation (ROSC) as demonstrated by ECG and aortic root pressure waveform. This model and accompanying SAAP system allow for standardized and reproducible recovery from exsanguination cardiac arrest.

[Serum metabolomics in latent pneumoconiosis tuberculosis patients based on ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry].

Objective: To explore the non-target metabonomics of serum in worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) patients with latent tuberculosis and the biomarkers of latent tuberculosis infection of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In December 2018, 39 CWP inpatients from a hospital in Beijing were taken as subjects. The subjects were screened for latent tuberculosis using the in vitro release test of mycobacterium tuberculosis-interferon (IGRAs) test. According to the screening results, 21 positive patients with latent tuberculosis infection were selected as the latent tuberculosis group of pneumoconiosis. While 18 negative patients with CWP alone were selected as the pneumoconiosis group. Polarity components of metabolites were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF/MS. The data was processed with Progenesis QI software for multidimensional statistical analysis. Identification of structure of differential metabolites were matched through accurate mass and secondary mass spectrum. Searching the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) , differential metabolites were imported into MetaboAnalyst 4.0 to analyze the metabolic pathways. Results: All 42 differential metabolites were screened out. Excepted for exogenous metabolites, 14 endogenous differential metabolites were identified. Compared with the pneumoconiosis group, 6 metabolites including PC [18∶4 (6Z, 9Z, 12Z, 15Z) /P-18∶1 (11Z) ], 3-Oxododecanoyl-CoA in the latent tuberculosis group were up-regulated, while 8 metabolites including the Stearoyl-CoA, (2S) -Pristanoyl-CoA were down-regulated. These results might be related to lipid, fatty acid and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Conclusion: There are significant differences in serum metabonomics between the patients with latent tuberculosis of pneumoconiosis and the patients with ordinary pneumoconiosis, which provide a reference for the study of biomarkers for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection of pneumoconiosis.

A study on the indexing method of the electron backscatter diffraction pattern assisted by the Kikuchi bandwidth.

In this study, a new method is established for indexing electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns assisted by the Kikuchi bandwidth. This method utilises both interplanar angles and interplanar spacings to determine the Miller indices of the Kikuchi bands in EBSD patterns to improve the efficiency and precision of indexing in the EBSD system. Two samples of single-crystal silicon were investigated to validate the method based on (a) the detection of the edges of the EBSD Kikuchi bands and (b) the calculation of the Kikuchi bandwidths. The relationship between the Kikuchi bandwidth and the interplanar spacing at different positions was established, and the interplanar spacing of the corresponding lattice plane of each Kikuchi band was calculated with the use of the Kikuchi bandwidth information. The relative errors between the theoretical and experimental interplanar spacings are small, with an average relative error of 2.6% and a minimum relative error of 1.04%. The results indicated that the Miller index of each Kikuchi band can be determined accurately with this new method. It is demonstrated that use of this new method improves the efficiency and accuracy of the EBSD system. LAY DESCRIPTION: Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a scanning electron microscope-based technique. In our work, a new method is established for indexing EBSD patterns assisted by the Kikuchi bandwidth. This method utilizes both interplanar angles and interplanar spacings to determine the Miller indices of the Kikuchi bands in EBSD patterns to improve the efficiency and precision of indexing in the EBSD system. Two samples of single-crystal silicon were investigated to validate the method based on a) the detection of the edges of the EBSD Kikuchi bands and b) the calculation of the Kikuchi bandwidths. The relationship between the Kikuchi bandwidth and the interplanar spacing at different positions was established, and the interplanar spacing of the corresponding lattice plane of each Kikuchi band was calculated with the use of the Kikuchi bandwidth information. The relative errors between the theoretical and experimental interplanar spacings are small, with an average relative error of 2.6% and a minimum relative error of 1.04%. Compared with the results reported in the literature, the width-assisted Kikuchi pattern indexing method can well distinguish some cases with similar angles, and reduce the possibility of mis-indexing. After the introduction of the width information of the Kikuchi bands, the screening range can be narrowed by determining the crystal plane family, and the efficiency and accuracy of the indexing process can thus be improved. Specifically, for some materials with increased symmetry, such as cubic crystal materials, it is necessary to use the interplanar spacing for indexing when the interplanar angles are not diagnostic. The results indicated that the Miller index of each Kikuchi band can be determined accurately with this new method. It is demonstrated that use of this new method improves the efficiency and accuracy of the EBSD system.

MiR-647 promotes proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-treated vascular smooth muscle cells through regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in various human diseases, including atherosclerosis (AS). MiR-647 expression was highly elevated in AS samples. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the role and mechanism of miR-647 on AS progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) were treated with oxidized modified low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to establish the AS model in vitro. The qRT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression of miR-647 and PTEN mRNA. The levels of PTEN protein, PI3K, AKT, p-PI3K, and p-AKT were measured using Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell assay, respectively. The target of miR-647 was verified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Our data supported that miR-647 was upregulated and PTEN was downregulated in the serum of AS patients and ox-LDL-treated HA-VSMCs. The proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-treated HA-VSMCs were promoted by miR-647 overexpression or PTEN knockdown, while they were suppressed following miR-647 depletion or high PTEN expression. Moreover, PTEN was a direct target of miR-647. PTEN antagonized miR-647-mediated regulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was involved in miR-647/PTEN-mediated regulation in ox-LDL-treated HA-VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-647 promoted the proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-treated HA-VSMCs at least partly by targeting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Targeting miR-647 may be a promising method for AS treatment.

[Rapid determination of 21 elements in urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

Objective: To develop a rapid detection method for 21 elements in urine with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) . Methods: The urine samples were directly diluted 20 times by 1% HNO(3), and detected by ICP-MS, Indium, Yttrium, and Lutecium were used as on-line internal standard. Fe was analyzed by Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC) mode, As, Cr, V and Zn were analyzed by collision cell technology (CCT) mode, and Be, Mn, Ni, Cd, Sn, Bi, Pb, Re, Sb, W, Li, Cu, Se, Sr, Mo were analyzed by standard mode. Dynamic band-pass tuning (DBT) was used to eliminate interference for Fe. Results: All the elements have good linearity in their determination range, with the correlation coefficient r>0.999 5. The limits of detection of the 21 elements were in the range of 0.017-11.14 µg/L. The inter-precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) was less than 9.96%, and the intra-precision was less than 13.90% (except As RSD<18.91%) . The spike recovery of all elements fell within 81.1%-116.4%. Conclusion: The method was proved to be simple, fast, and accurate, and met the needs of testing requirements of large amounts of specimens.

[Outcome of kidney transplantation with graft from intracerebral hemorrhage donors].

Objective: To analyze the data of kidney transplantation with allografts from intracerebral hemorrhage donors of China donation after citizen's death (CDCD) and provide evidence to guide the clinical practice. Methods: The clinical data of CDCD donors (age ≥10 years)and corresponding kidney allograft recipients, which were done by Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University during January 1 2013 to December 31 2017, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: 327 CDCD cases were analyzed, the number and percentage of intracerebral hemorrhage donors were gradually increasing and the percentage reached to 39.5% in 2017. The discarding rateof kidney allografts donated by intracerebral hemorrhage donors was higher than those donated by non-intracerebral hemorrhage donors, but intracerebral hemorrhage donor may not be a risk factor for DGF after the rigorous evaluation of kidney allografts. For 145 primary recipients transplanted in 2016 and had a 22±4 month follow-up, the recipients accepted the kidney from intracerebral hemorrhage donors had a higher level of serum creatinine[(130±60)µmol/L vs (111±38) µmol/L,P<0.05]and a lower eGFR[(61±23) ml·min(-1)·(1.73m(2))(-1) vs (70±23) ml·min(-1)·(1.73m(2))(-1),P<0.05] compared to the recipients accepted the kidney from non-intracerebral hemorrhage donors. Conclusion: The number and percentage of organ donation from intracerebral hemorrhage donor is increasing, but the intracerebral hemorrhage donor may be a risk factor for long-term outcome of kidney transplantation.