Evaluation of QSAR models for predicting mutagenicity: outcome of the Second Ames/QSAR international challenge project.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models are powerful in silico tools for predicting the mutagenicity of unstable compounds, impurities and metabolites that are difficult to examine using the Ames test. Ideally, Ames/QSAR models for regulatory use should demonstrate high sensitivity, low false-negative rate and wide coverage of chemical space. To promote superior model development, the Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, Japan (DGM/NIHS), conducted the Second Ames/QSAR International Challenge Project (2020-2022) as a successor to the First Project (2014-2017), with 21 teams from 11 countries participating. The DGM/NIHS provided a curated training dataset of approximately 12,000 chemicals and a trial dataset of approximately 1,600 chemicals, and each participating team predicted the Ames mutagenicity of each trial chemical using various Ames/QSAR models. The DGM/NIHS then provided the Ames test results for trial chemicals to assist in model improvement. Although overall model performance on the Second Project was not superior to that on the First, models from the eight teams participating in both projects achieved higher sensitivity than models from teams participating in only the Second Project. Thus, these evaluations have facilitated the development of QSAR models.

Sex Moderates the Association between Frailty and Mild Behavioral Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Frailty has been associated with cognitive markers of dementia but its relationship with behavioral markers of dementia are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between frailty and mild behavioral impairment (MBI), and whether this association is moderated by sex. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: 219 non-dementia participants (cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment) from the Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia (COMPASS-ND) study. MEASUREMENTS: Frailty was measured using the frailty index (FI) with higher scores indicating more health deficits/greater frailty. MBI symptoms were derived from Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire scores using a published algorithm with a cut-off of >0 indicating MBI symptom presence and higher scores indicating greater severity. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions adjusted for age, sex, education, and cognitive diagnosis were used to test the association between FI and MBI symptom presence and severity, respectively, with MBI as the outcome variable. An FI-by-sex interaction term was included to test for sex-dependent effects. RESULTS: The FI mean and SD across the entire cohort was 0.14 ± 0.06 (median = 0.14, IQR = 0.09-0.17, range = 0.02-0.38). Higher FI scores were associated with the presence of MBI symptoms both globally and in the domains of decreased motivation, affective dysregulation, and psychosis. Higher FI scores were also associated with more severe MBI symptoms in a sex-dependent manner: both sexes reported similarly low MBI symptom severity at low (-1 SD) levels of FI but males reported 1.9x higher MBI symptom severity relative to females at high (+1 SD) levels of FI. CONCLUSIONS: The FI is associated with both the presence and severity of MBI, especially for males. This suggests that screening for early dementia risk should incorporate assessments of MBI for patients with frailty, and assessments of frailty for patients with MBI.

[Clinical features and risk factors for early relapse of pediatric ulcerative colitis].

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) and analyze the risk factors of disease relapse. Methods: The clinical data of 79 children with UC diagnosed in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into early relapse group and non-early relapse group according to the clinical relapse within 12 months after diagnosis. T-test, rank sum test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the variables between the 2 groups, including the clinical features, laboratory examination results and treatments. The Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of early relapse. The cumulative relapse rate during follow-up was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among the 79 UC children, 46 were males and 33 were females, and the age of onset was 10.6 (6.4, 12.7) years. The children were mainly characterized by extensive disease (E3) and pancolitis (E4) (51/79, 65%), moderate to severe activity (48/79, 61%) and moderate to severe inflammation of colonic mucosa (71/79, 90%). Thirty-eight (48%) patients had atypical phenotype and 17 (22%) had extraintestinal manifestations. The follow-up period was 43.9 (22.8, 61.3) months, and of the 41 patients rechecked with colonoscopy, 7 (17%) had disease progression. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative relapse rate of the 79 cases at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after diagnosis were 27% (21/79), 47% (37/79), 57% (45/79) and 73% (53/73), respectively. There were 45 children (57%) in early relapse group and 34 (43%) in non-early relapse group. In early relapse group, hemoglobin and mucosal healing rate were both significantly lower (105 (87, 122) vs. 120 (104, 131) g/L, 28% (7/25) vs. 7/9, Z=-2.38, χ²=4.87, both P<0.05). The rate of steroid-dependent, E3 and step-up therapy during the induction period were all significantly higher than those in non-early relapse group (11/19 vs. 1/12, 24% (11/45) vs. 6% (2/34), 29% (13/45) vs. 6% (2/34), χ²=5.67, 4.85, 6.66, all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that extraintestinal manifestations (OR=4.33, 95%CI 1.05-17.83), E3 (OR=8.27, 95%CI 1.47-46.46) and step-up therapy during the induction period (OR=5.58, 95%CI 1.01-30.77) were independent risk factors for early relapse. Conclusions: Pediatric UC is usually extensive and severe, with atypical phenotype, a high rate of relapse and a risk of disease progression. Extraintestinal manifestations, E3 and step-up therapy during the induction period are independent risk factors for early relapse.

Environmentally vulnerable or sensitive groups exhibiting varying concerns toward air pollution can drive government response to improve air quality.

Air pollution seriously threatens human health, and its consequences are particularly prevalent among environmentally vulnerable or sensitive groups. However, whether the concerns among these groups are different and how they affect air pollution governance remain unclear. Here, we extract 3.8 million haze-related posts from China's Sina Weibo and analyze the concerns raised by these groups by constructing an air pollution notability index. The results show that protection is the key theme for women aged 20-35 years, while elderly individuals are easily influenced by haze-related product ads yet lack awareness of scientific-based protection. Concerns shared by young individuals are more effective in pressuring the government in cities that experience higher levels of pollution. Concerns shared by women are more effective in cities that experience lower levels of pollution. This study evidences the influence of the public concerns conveyed via social media on air pollution governance in China.

Insights into tribofilm formation on Ti-6V-4Al in a bioactive environment: Correlation between surface modification and micro-mechanical properties.

Ti-6Al-4V has been used as a surgical implant material for a long time because of its combination of strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. However, there remains much that is not understood about how the surface reacts with the environment under tribocorrosion conditions. In particular, the conditions under which tribofilms form and their role on friction and wear are not clear. To evaluate the complicated nature of the dynamic surface microstructural changes on the wear track, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) have been used to characterise the structure and chemical composition of the tribofilm. Detailed analysis of the formation and structure of the tribofilm and the metal surface deformation behaviour were studied as a function of applied potential and the role of proteins in the lubricant. For the first time, graphitic and onion-like carbon structures from wear debris were found in the testing solution. The presence of carbon nanostructures in the tribocorrosion process and the formation of the tribofilm leads to an improved tribocorrosion behaviour of the system, in particular a reduction in wear and friction. A detailed, quantitative, analysis of surface deformation was undertaken, in particular, the geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density was quantified using precession electron diffraction (PET). A clear correlation between applied potential, tribofilm formation and the surface strain was established. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The formation of tribofilm and microstructure modification of the Ti-6Al-4V surface during tribocorrosion in a physiological environment is not fully understood. In particular, the correlation between microstructural changes and electrochemical conditions is not clear. This study presents a detailed investigation of the structure and chemical composition of tribofilms at the nanoscale during tribocorrosion tests in simulated body fluid and gives a detailed and quantitative description of the evolved surface structure. A clear correlation between applied potential, tribofilm formation and the surface strain was established. Moreover, particular attention is paid to the wear debris particles captured from the lubricating solution, including nanocarbon onion structures. The implications for tribocorrosion of the alloy in its performance as an implant are discussed.

Detecting the footprint of selection on the genomes of Murciano-Granadina goats.

Artificial selection is one of the major forces modifying the genetic composition of livestock populations. Identifying genes under selection could be useful to elucidate their impact on phenotypic variation. We aimed to identify genomic regions targeted by selection for dairy and pigmentation traits in Murciano-Granadina goats. Performance of a selection scan based on the integrated haplotype score test in a population of 1183 Murciano-Granadina goats resulted in the identification of 77 candidate genomic regions/SNPs. The most significant selective sweeps mapped to chromosomes 1 (69.86 Mb), 4 (41.80-49.95 Mb), 11 (65.74 Mb), 12 (31.24 and 52.51 Mb), 17 (34.76-37.67 Mb), 22 (31.75 Mb), and 26 (26.69-31.05 Mb). By using previously generated RNA-Seq data, we built a catalogue of 6414 genes that are differentially expressed across goat lactation (i.e. 78 days post-partum, early lactation; 216 days post-partum, late lactation; 285 days post-partum, dry period). Interestingly, 183 of these genes mapped to selective sweeps and several of them display functions related with lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, insulin signaling, cell proliferation, as well as mammary development and involution. Of particular interest are the CSN3 and CSN1S2 genes, which encode two major milk proteins. Additionally, we found three pigmentation genes (GLI3, MC1R, and MITF) co-localizing with selective sweeps. Performance of a genome-wide association study and Sanger sequencing and TaqMan genotyping experiments revealed that the c.801C>G (p.Cys267Trp) polymorphism in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene is the main determinant of the black (GG or GC genotypes) and brown (CC genotypes) colorations of Murciano-Granadina goats.

[Effect of iron deficiency level on oral iron absorption].

Objective: To study the effect of iron deficiency level for oral iron absorption in iron deficient patients. Methods: 37 non-pregnant female patients who were diagnosed with iron deficiency and 13 healthy females who completed their physical examination at the outpatient department of the Anemia Center of the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020 were included. Hepcidin and C2-C0 of oral iron absorption test were analyzed in different iron deficiency and serum ferritin level. Results: The median of Hepcidin in IDA, ID/IDE and healthy control group were 4.9 (2.17-32.86) , 26.98 (11.02-49.71) and 69.89 (42.23-138.96) µg/L (P<0.001) , respectively. Hepcidin level of IDA group was lower than that of ID/IDE group (adjusted P=0.005) and healthy control (adjusted P<0.001) . Hepcidin level of ID/IDE group had no significant difference compared with healthy control (adjusted P=0.22) . The mean of C2-C0 in IDA, ID/IDE and healthy control group were (35.30±21.68) , (37.90±14.06) and (23.57±10.14) µmol/L (P=0.130) , respectively. Multilinear regression analysis showed C0, SF, sTFR and HGB were independent factors for Hepcidin in iron deficient patients, with an equation of Hepcidin=-31.842-0.642*C0+2.239*SF+1.778*sTFR+0.365*HGB-0.274*RET-HB. We didn't find independent factor of C2-C0. Conclusion: The degree of iron deficiency had an effect on oral iron absorption. Patients of ID/IDE group absorbed iron more slowly than patients of IDA group. Iron deficient patients with normal gastrointestinal function absorbed more iron by oral administration when they were in a more serious iron deficient stage. Hepcidin was a better parameter to distinguish iron absorption level among different iron deficient patients than C2-C0 of oral iron absorption test.

[Expression of iron-regulating erythroid factors in different types of erythropoiesis disorders].

Objective: To investigate the expression of iron-regulating erythroid factors in different types of erythropoiesis disorders. Methods: From January 2016 to November 2019, the plasma concentrations of iron-regulating erythroid factors were measured by ELISA methods in 47 patients with different types of erythropoiesis disorders. The adaptation orientation of iron-regulating erythroid factor expression with bone marrow erythropoiesis activities (represented by bone marrow-nucleated erythrocytes ratio) was analyzed. Results: The median plasma growth differentiation factor (GDF) 15 levels in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) , pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) , autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) , and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were 266.01 ng/L (112.40, 452.37) , 110.63 ng/L (81.41, 220.42) , 52.11 ng/L (32.61, 171.66) , and 276.53 (132.16, 525.70) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in normal patients with 37.45 (19.65, 57.72) ng/L (all P < 0.01) . The plasma TWSG1 expression levels were not significantly different in patients with PV, PRCA, AIHA, and MDS from those of normal patients (P>0.05) . The median plasma GDF11 level in PV was 74.75 (10.95, 121.32) ng/L, which was significantly higher than 36.90 (3.38, 98.34) ng/L in normal control subjects (P<0.01) . However, no statistical differences were observed in the other three subjects (P>0.05) . The median plasma erythroferrone (ERFE) levels in AIHA and PV were 121.76 ng/L (68.12, 343.11) and 129.63 (47.02, 170.03) ng/L, respectively, with the highest level in AIHA in all the studied types of erythropoiesis disorders. The bone marrow-nucleated erythrocytes ratio was significantly and positively correlated with ERFE (r=0.458, P=0.001) but not with GDF15 (r=-0.163, P=0.274) , GDF11 (r=0.120, P=0.421) , and TWSG1 (r=-0.166, P=0.269) . Conclusion: The expression profile of iron-regulating erythroid factors is not exactly the same in different types of erythropoiesis disorders. ERFE demonstrated the highest correlation with erythropoiesis activities.

[Infection rate and clinical characteristics of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in children with inflammatory bowel disease].

Objective: To explore the infection rate and clinical characteristics of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: From July 2015 to October 2016, the fecal samples and clinical data of 30 IBD children admitted to Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, as well as the specimens and data of 30 healthy children were collected in the meantime. The toxin gene of Clostridium difficile was detected and clinical characteristics of children with positive toxin gene were analyzed retrospectively. χ(2) test was used to compare the variables between groups. Results: Among the 30 IBD patients, 15 were in ulcerative colitis (UC) group and 15 in Crohn's disease (CD) group. In the IBD group, 6 (3 in UC and 3 in CD group) had positive result of toxigenic Clostridium difficile (20%), among whom 5 were toxin Clostridium difficile A (tcdA) +toxin Clostridium difficile B (tcdB) -, and 1 was tcdA+tcdB+. In the healthy group, only one had positive result of toxigenic Clostridium difficile (3%), which was tcdA+tcdB-. Binary toxin gene was negative in both groups. The infection rate of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in IBD group was significantly higher than that in healthy control group (χ(2)=4.043, P=0.044). In UC group, no Clostridium difficile toxin gene was detected during the remission period (0/1), one case was positive for toxin gene (1/11) during mild active period, and 2 cases were (2/3) during moderately active period. There were significant differences in the infection rate of toxigenic Clostridium difficile between patients in different active period (χ(2)=4.000, P=0.046). The main manifestations of the 6 cases were diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloody stool, and the relapsed case was characterized by sudden aggravation. TcdA was detected in all toxin gene positive samples, and 1 case combined with tcdB had more serious bloody mucopurulent stool. Five cases had colonoscopy, but there was no obvious characteristics of toxigenic Clostridium difficile colitis such as yellow white plaques or pseudomembranous spot. Three cases had antibiotic exposure history. All 6 cases were sensitive to metronidazole treatment, and stable without relapse during the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: The infection rate of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in children with IBD is higher than that in healthy children. The patients with both tcdA and tcdB could have more serious clinical symptoms, although there may not be specific pathological changes of toxigenic Clostridium difficile colitis. The recognition of toxigenic Clostridium difficile infection in IBD children should be strengthened in clinical work.

Guide to the Forensic Pathology Practice on Death Cases Related to Corona Virus Disease 2019 （COVID-19） （Trial Draft）.

Abstract: Autopsy is of great significance to the elucidation of the pathological changes, pathogeneses and causes of death of corona virus disease 2019 （COVID-19） and can provide theoretical basis for more scientific and accurate prevention and control of the outbreak. Based on related laws and regulations, such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19, and the related guidelines on the prevention and control of the outbreak, combined with the practical work of forensic pathology examination, the Guide to the Forensic Pathology Practice on Death Cases Related to Corona Virus Disease 2019 （COVID-19） （Trial Draft） has been developed. This guide includes information on the background investigation of the cases, autopsy room requirements, personal prevention and protections, external examinations, autopsy, auxiliary examinations, and so on. This guide can be used as a reference by forensic and pathological examination institutions, as well as examination staff.

[Clinical and laboratory analysis of 17 patients with γδT-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia].

Objective: To compare the difference of the clinical and laboratory characteristics between γδ T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (γδT-LGLL) and αß T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (αßT-LGLL) . Methods: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 17 patients with γδT-LGLL and 91 patients with αßT-LGLL in the department of therapeutic center of anemia of enrolled in our hospital from January 2009 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median age of the 17 patients with γδT-LGLL was 54 years (range, 25-73 years) , the most common presenting symptom was anemia. In comparison with αßT-LGLL patients, splenomegaly was common (41% and 44%, respectively) , whereas hepatomegaly (12% and 5%, respectively) and lymphadenopathy (6% and 8%, respectively) were rare. The positive rates of antinuclear antibody (59% and 45%, respectively) were high, whereas the positive rates of rheumatoid factor (6% and 10%, respectively) were rare for both groups. There were no differences on peripheral blood counts between the two groups. However, γδT-LGLL patients were found to be predominantly expressed a CD4(-)/CD8(-) phenotype. Steroid therapy with prednisone was used alone as first-line therapy for 1 patient. Cyclosporin A (CsA) was used alone as first-line therapy for 3 patients. CsA in combination with steroids were administered in 13 patients. After 4 months treatment, 2 patients acquired complete response, 4 patients acquired partial response, the overall response was 35%. Conclusion: γδT-LGLL is a rare mature T-lymphocyte proliferative disease. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were quite similar for γδT-LGLL in compare with αßT-LGLL. γδT-LGLL predominantly expressed a CD4(-)/CD8(-) phenotype. The data presented here indicate the CsA is an effective option for the first-line treatment of γδT-LGLL.

[Research Progress on Estimation of Postmortem Submersion Interval].

ABSTRACT: Postmortem interval （PMI） estimation is one of the most important and difficult academic tasks in forensic sciences. Due to the influence of the corpse itself and the water environment, corpses in water have unique corruption phenomenon and laws. Based on the experience of traditional PMI studies of corpses on land, forensic practitioners across the world have proposed a variety of practical methods for estimating postmortem submersion interval （PMSI）. This paper summarizes the literatures related to PMSI in recent years, and introduces methods to infer PMSI according to the phenomenon of corpses, the development of insects, the succession pattern of aquatic organisms, and the changes of other physical and chemical indexes of corpses, in order to provide some reference for the study of PMSI of corpses in water.

Relationship between Changes of Pericyte Number and Wound Age during Repair of Skeletal Muscle Contusion in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Objective To observe the change pattern of pericyte number at different time periods after mice skeletal muscle contusion and discuss its role in wound age estimation. Methods A mice gastrocnemius muscle contusion model was established. The form and number changes of pericytes at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 28 d post-injury were detected by multiple immunofluorescence staining. Results Compared with the slender shape of pericytes in normal skeletal muscles, pericytes in the contusion area had increased volume, rounder form and a round nuclei. Part of pericytes were found to express satellite cell markers paired-box transcription factor （Pax7） or myoblast determination 1 （MyoD1）. The changes of pericyte number in skeletal muscles after contusion were time-dependant, and showed unimodal distribution with the extension of wound age. In the central contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d post-injury while in the peripheral contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d and 7 d post-injury. Conclusion The number of pericytes in contusion area varies time-dependently after skeletal muscle contusion in mice and might be a reference index for muscle wound age estimation, and is involved in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle injury.

Expression of Nrf2 in Different Cells after Human Cerebral Cortex Contusion.

ABSTRACT: Objective To observe the expression changes of nuclear factor-erythroid derived 2-related factors （Nrf2） in different cells at different time points after human cerebral cortex contusion, and to discuss its application in brain wound age estimation. Methods Thirty-six human brain tissues were selected, of which 6 were for control and 30 were cortical contusion at different time points post-injury, which were divided into 0-1 h, 3-6 h, 1-3 d, 5-7 d, and 10-14 d post-injury groups, with 6 cases in each group. Based on paraffin embedded sections, HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes post-injury, and double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. The number of positive cells was counted and statistical analysis was made. Results The number of neurons decreased 1-3 d post-injury. The expression of Nrf2 cells in neurons increased after injury, and the rate of positive cells peaked at 1-3 d post-injury. Glial cells were activated 1-3 d post-injury, and the activation peaked at 5-7 d post-injury. The cerebromalacia began to form at 10-14 d post-injury. Glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） positive cells in mice increased gradually after injury and peaked at 5-7 d post-injury, while the proportion of Nrf2 in GFAP positive cells was relatively stable. After injury, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （IBA1） positive cells increased and activated gradually. The expression proportion of Nrf2 in IBA1 positive cells increased gradually, reached its peak at 5-7 d post-injury, and then decreased. Conclusion The expression of Nrf2 in different cells involves in the biological function of different cells post-injury, and the dynamic expression of single cells has a time-dependent pattern. This may provide a new reference index for the wound age estimation of brain contusion in human.

Relationship between the Degeneration and Regeneration of Neuromuscular Junction and Wound Age during the Repair of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Contusion.

ABSTRACT: Objective To investigate the morphological changes in the degeneration and regeneration of neuromuscular junctions （NMJ） during the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion and discuss the correlation between the degeneration and regeneration of NMJ and wound age. Methods A total of 50 healthy adult male mice were randomly divided into 10 groups, including 9 experimental groups and 1 control group. Immunofluorescent staining was applied, and neurofilament was marked with neurofilament protein-H （NF-H）, presynaptic membrane was marked with synaptophysin （Syn）, presynaptic membrane was marked with acetylcholine receptor （AChR）. Morphological changes of NMJ regeneration at different time points after mouse skeletal muscle contusion were detected. Results The neurofilament and presynaptic membrane of NMJ at the junction of contusion zones began to degrade after contusion, and completed degradation at about 3 d post-injury. Then they gradually regenerated, roughly completing the regeneration at about 21 d and basically reaching the control group level. The ratio of presynaptic membrane quantity to presynaptic membrane quantity showed a trend of decreasing then rising and finally reaching the control level. Conclusion During the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion, the morphological changes and wound age of the NMJ at the junction of contusion zones have a close correlation, which is expected to be one of the biological indicators for forensic skeletal muscle wound age estimation.

Relationship between Expression Changes of CB2R and Wound Age of Brain Contusion in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Objective To investigate the expression of cannabinoid type 2 receptor （CB2R） at different time points after brain contusion and its relationship with wound age of mice. Methods A mouse brain contusion model was established with PCI3000 Precision Cortical Impactor. Expression changes of CB2R around the injured area were detected with immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting at different time points. Results Immunohistochemical staining results showed that only a few cells in the cerebral cortex of the sham operated group had CB2R positive expression. The ratio of CB2R positive cells gradually increased after injury and reached the peak twice at 12 h and 7 d post-injury, followed by a decrease to the normal level 28 d post-injury. The results of Western blotting were consistent with the immunohistochemical staining results. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that the changes of the ratio of CB2R positive cells in neurons, CB2R positive cells in monocytes and CB2R positive cells in astrocytes to the total cell number showed a single peak pattern, which peaked at 12 h, 1 d and 7 d post-injury, respectively. Conclusion The expression of CB2R after brain contusion in neurons, monocytes and astrocytes in mice suggests that it is likely to be involved in the regulation of the biological functions of those cells. The changes in CB2R are time-dependent, which suggests its potential applicability as a biological indicator for wound age estimation of brain contusion in forensic practice.

Research Progress?on?Age?Determination?of?Venous?Thrombosis in Forensic Medicine.

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary thromboembolism （PTE）, which is caused by detachment of venous thrombosis, is a common cause of sudden death in forensic practice. In the cases which die of PTE after trauma or die of PTE during non-thrombosis disease hospitalization, forensic pathologists are required to analyze the time sequence between trauma or medical practice and venous thrombosis, and then analyze their causal relationship. This review summarizes the history of thrombus age estimation and recent advances in forensic medicine, and then gives a brief outlook for future research to provide reference for forensic identification of PTE and guide follow-up studies.

Genomic analysis of the origins of extant casein variation in goats.

The variation in the casein genes has a major impact on the milk composition of goats. Even though many casein polymorphisms have been identified so far, we do not know yet whether they are evolutionarily ancient (i.e., they existed before domestication) or young (i.e., they emerged after domestication). Herewith, we identified casein polymorphisms in a data set of 106 caprine whole-genome sequences corresponding to bezoars (Capra aegagrus, the ancestor of domestic goats) and 4 domestic goat (Capra hircus) populations from Europe, Africa, the Far East, and the Near East. Domestic and wild goat populations shared a substantial number of casein SNP, from 36.1% (CSN2) to 55.1% (CSN1S2). The comparison of casein variation among bezoars and the 4 domestic goat populations demonstrated that more than 50% of the casein SNP are shared by 2 or more populations, and 18 to 44% are shared by all populations. Moreover, the majority of casein alleles reported in domestic goats also segregate in the bezoar, including several alleles displaying significant associations with milk composition (e.g., the A/B alleles of the CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes, the A allele of the CSN2 gene). We conclude that much of the current diversity of the caprine casein genes comes from ancient standing variation segregating in the ancestor of modern domestic goats.

Statistical Analysis of the Heart and Lung Mass in Forensic Anatomical Cases and Its Forensic Significance.

ABSTRACT: Objective To investigate the differences of heart mass and lung mass in forensic autopsy cases and to explore their application value in forensic identification. Methods The data from 1 614 autopsy cases accepted by center of Medico-legal Investigation of China Medical University between 2007 to 2016 were collected. The correlation of heart and lung mass with age, height, body weight, and body mass index （BMI）, as well as differences in different causes of death were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 6.0 software. Results The heart mass and lung mass of males were higher than those of females （P<0.05）. The heart mass of males and females was positively correlated with age, height, body weight and body mass index （BMI） （P<0.05）. The heart mass of patients dying from sudden cardiac death （SCD） was significantly higher than those dying from other causes of death. The lung mass of patients dying from drowning and delayed treatment was higher than those dying from other causes of death （P<0.05）. Conclusion In forensic practice, measurement of the heart mass and lung mass has certain significance for differential diagnosis and diagnosis of different causes of death.