[Analysis of the relationship between embryo quality at different developmental stages and secondary sex ratio of single live births].

Objective: To investigate the effect of embryo quality at different developmental stages on the secondary sex ratio (SSR) of single live birth neonates. Methods: Data for patients with singleton live births after embryo transferred between January 2016 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The effect of embryo quality at different development stages on the SSR of 11 713 singleton live births were investigated. The association of SSR and embryo quality at different development stages was examined in univariate analysis and in a multivariate logistic regression model, after adjustment for confounders, using two models (Ⅰ and Ⅱ). Results: The age of both male and female, body mass index of both male and female, basal follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol, smoking of male, methods of insemination, methods of sperm extraction, types of transfer cycle and the number of embryo transferred were not related with SSR (all P>0.05). After adjustment for confounders, the probability of a male live birth was higher after transfer of good-quality blastula than after transfer of poorer-quality blastula (model Ⅰ: aOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.65-0.82, P<0.001; model Ⅱ: aOR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.65-0.82, P<0.001). The quality of cleavage stage embryo was not associated with SSR (model Ⅰ: aOR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.87-1.13, P=0.937; model Ⅱ: aOR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.87-1.13, P=0.899). Conclusions: The SSR of singleton live births after embryo transfer is not correlated with the quality of cleavage stage embryo, but is correlated with the quality of blastula. Good-quality blastula transfer is more likely to result in a male live birth.

[Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing logistics workers in Guangzhou].

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou, and explore their potential categories and influencing factors, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises. Methods: From April to May 2020, a convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1442 logistics workers in 2 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou as the research objects. The incidence of WMSDs among them was investigated by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the incidence pattern of WMSDs among the subjects was analyzed by the method of potential category analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the disease. Results: The total prevalence of WMSDs was 42.9% (619/1442). The three parts with high prevalence of WMSDs were neck (23.5%, 339/1442), shoulder (21.3%, 307/1442) and lower back (19.1%, 275/1442). 69.0% (427/619) of the patients showed simultaneous disease in two or more sites. The subjects were divided into four latent groups by the analysis of latent categories: the group with multiple body parts (4.51%), the group with very low or no disease (70.39%), the group with shoulder and neck and upper back (11.37%), and the group with limbs and lower back (13.73%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with the "very low or no disease group", the risk factors of multiple body parts of automotive logistics workers suffering from WMSDs mainly included: Working posture uncomfortable (OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.44~6.70, P=0.004), often bend and turn (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.05~5.29, P=0.037), bend your knees homework for a long time (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.17~4.47, P=0.015) ; Working posture uncomfortable (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.51~3.38, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.03~2.74, P=0.036), neck minister time keep the same position (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.22~2.67, P= 0.003) It is a risk factor for shoulder, neck and upper back WMSDs; Risk factors for limb-lower back WMSDs include: Length > 10 years (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.24~3.78, P<0.001), the working position uncomfortable (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.63~3.48, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03~2.68, P=0.039) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among logistics workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises is high, which has obvious characteristics of classification and comorbis, and is closely related to individual characteristics such as sufficient rest time and working posture of workers.

Features and clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) plays an important role in antitumour immunity, largely reflecting the prognosis. However, its clinical implication in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To explore the features of TLS in cSCC and its association with clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: Two independent RNA-seq data of cSCC were used to investigate the tumour immune microenvironment, as well as TLS-related chemokines and cytokines. The density and location of TLSs were assessed in a total of 82 cSCC patients, and the clinicopathologic association was examined. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis showed that a large amount of immune cell infiltration and significant up-regulation of TLS-related chemokines were observed in cSCC. Histologically, TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 72 (87.8%) cases with different levels of density and maturation, among which 14 cases were in low-density group and 58 cases were in high-density group. Clinically, the presence of TLS was prominently associated with better degree of histopathological grades and higher level of sun exposure. Furthermore, the presence of intratumoral TLS was associated with lower lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS: TLS is highly organized in cSCC, and the presence of TLS is a positive prognostic factor for cSCC, which will provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value in cSCC.

Establishment of prediction models for COVID-19 patients in different age groups based on Random Forest algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global pandemic. Age is an independent factor in death from the disease, and predictive models to stratify patients according to their mortality risk are needed. AIM: To compare the laboratory parameters of the younger (≤70) and the elderly (>70) groups, and develop death prediction models for the two groups according to age stratification. DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center observational study. METHODS: This study included 437 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, 2020. Epidemiological information, laboratory data and outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between elderly patients and younger patients. First, recursive feature elimination (RFE) was used to select the optimal subset. Then, two random forest (RF) algorithms models were built to predict the prognoses of COVID-19 patients and identify the optimal diagnostic predictors for patients' clinical prognoses. RESULTS: Comparisons of the laboratory data of the two age groups revealed many different laboratory indicators. RFE was used to select the optimal subset for analysis, from which 11 variables were screened out for the two groups. The RF algorithm were built to predict the prognoses of COVID-19 patients based on the best subset, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) of the two groups is 0.874 (95% CI: 0.833-0.915) and 0.842 (95% CI: 0.765-0.920). CONCLUSION: Two prediction models for COVID-19 were developed in the patients with COVID-19 based on random forest algorithm, which provides a simple tool for the early prediction of COVID-19 mortality.

[Comparison of serum GP73 and p62 measurement to predict short-term prognosis in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure].

Objective: To analyze the clinical value and predictive difference of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) and serum autophagy-related protein p62 levels in the short-term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods: Clinical data of admitted cases to our hospital from October 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Simultaneously, there were 32 cases with HBV-related ACLF in group A, 65 cases with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis in group B and C (Child-Pugh Class A, 34 cases as B group, and Child-Pugh B/C class, 31 cases as group C), and another 30 healthy subjects served as the control group (group D). The serum GP73 and p62 levels of the four selected groups were measured. ACLF group patients were followed up for 3 months to analyze the prognosis of the patients. The serum GP73 and p62 levels of patients who died and survived during hospitalization were compared. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of GP73 and p62 levels in surviving patients. Results: GP73 levels in the four groups A, B, C and D were (284.30 ± 70.55) ng/ml, (125.33 ± 20.57) ng/ml, (159.82 ± 31.20) ng/ml, and (45.46 ± 10.22) ng/ml, respectively. The p62 levels were (1.30 ± 0.35) ng/ml, (2.88 ± 0.58) ng/ml, (2.02 ± 0.545) ng/ml, and (4.68 ± 1.03) ng/ml, respectively. GP73 detection value was significantly higher in group A than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Group D had significantly lower value than the other three groups (P < 0.05), and group C had significantly higher value than group B (P < 0.05). The detection value of p62 in group A was significantly lower than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Group D had significantly higher value than the other three groups (P < 0.05), and group B had slightly higher value than group C, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between GP73 and p62 (r = -0.695, P < 0.001). Survived patients GP73 level in the ACLF group was significantly lower than dead patients [(212.17 ± 22.47) ng/ml and (340.08 ± 32.91) ng/ml, t = 12.493, P < 0.05], and p62 level was significantly higher than dead patients [(1.46 ± 0.28) ng/ml and (1.18 ± 0.35) ng/ml, t = 2.445, P < 0.05]. According to the ROC curve analysis results, the area under the curve (AUC) of GP73 was 0.865, the AUC of p62 was 0.750, and the combined AUC of the both was 0.968. Conclusion: Both GP73 and p62 have a certain predictive value for the short-term prognosis of HBV-related ACLF patients, but the combination of the two indicators has a higher predictive value.

[Evidence-based interventional radiology: past, present and future].

Evidence-based interventional radiology is the result of the evolution and integration of evidence-based medicine and interventional radiology. It adopts the concepts and methods of evidence-based medicine to guide the best clinical practice in interventional radiology. We aim to systematically elaborate on the status quo of Clinical Research, Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis and Clinical Practice Guidelines in interventional radiology, analyze the existing problems, and put forward thoughts and suggestions on promoting the development of evidence-based interventional radiology in the future.

Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces inflammation and apoptosis by SREBP1/TLR4/MYD88.

AIM: Podocytes dysfunction including the cell integrity, apoptosis and inflammation plays crucial role in diabetic nephropathy. Current exploration evaluated the protective role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in high glucose-treated podocytes and the underlying mechanisms. METHOD: MPC5 cell were stimulated by high glucose or treated by EPA of different concentrations. CCK8 assay was utilized to assess MPC5 cell viability, flow cytometry analyzed cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Data showed that EPA prominently alleviated the high glucose-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Besides, the disruption of the podocytes structure certifying by podocin and synaptopodin induced by hyperglycemia was hindered by EPA administration. In addition, overexpression of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) reversed the protective effects of EPA in high glucose-treated podocytes. EPA inhibits the SREBP-1/TLR4/MYD88 signaling in high glucose treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that EPA protects against podocytes dysfunction by regulating SREBP-1 and these findings provide a better understanding for diabetic nephropathy and a novel therapeutic strategy (Fig. 7, Ref. 24).

Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Early Parental Bonding Interact in Shaping Instagram Social Behavior.

Human beings engage in multiple social interactions daily, both in person and online. There are, however, individual differences in the frequency and quality of these interactions. This exploratory study focuses on online interactions and aims to model these differences by looking at potential environmental and genetic factors. The environmental factor is the childhood parental relationship, as reported by the participants in the dimensions of the Parental Bonding Instrument (N = 57, 41 females). At a genetic level, buccal mucosa cell samples were collected to assess participants' genetic susceptibility, and OXTr regions rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs. A-carriers) and rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs. G-carriers) were analyzed. To capture participants' online activity, Instagram was probed. The number of people that the individual follows ("followings"), followers, and posts were used as a proxy for the quantity of interaction, and a Social Desirability Index (SDI) was computed as the ratio of followers to followings. An interaction between OXTr groups and parental bonding scores on the number of followings and posts was hypothesized. A gene-environment interaction for OXTr/rs2254298 on the number of Instagram posts was identified. In line with the hypothesis, participants with a genetic risk factor (A-carriers) and a history of low paternal care showed fewer Instagram posts than those without this risk factor (G/G genotype). Moreover, an interaction effect between maternal overprotection and OXTr/rs2254298 on the Instagram SDI was detected. These findings could represent an indirect pathway through which genes and parental behavior interact to shape social interactions on Instagram.

[Interpretation for the group standards in technical specification for health risk investigation of central air conditioning ventilation system during coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic].

The central air conditioning ventilation system plays an important role in the air circulation of buildings such as centralized isolation medical observation points and general public buildings. In order to meet the requirements of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, Beijing Preventive Medicine Association organized Beijing CDC and other professional institutes to write up the group standard entitled "Technical specification for health risk investigation of central air conditioning ventilation system during the COVID-19 epidemic (T/BPMA 0006-2020)" . According to the particularity of central air conditioning ventilation system risk control during the outbreak of similar respiratory infectious diseases, based on current laws and regulations and the principle of scientific, practical, consistency and normative, 8 key points of risk investigations were summarized, which were the location of fresh air outlet, air conditioning mode, air return mode, air system, air distribution, fresh air volume, exhaust and air conditioner components. The contents, process, method, data analysis and conclusion of the investigation implementation were also defined and unified. It could standardize and guide institutions such as disease control and health supervision to carry out relevant risk managements, and provided solutions and technical supports for such major public health emergencies in city operations.

[The difference of surface electromyography data processing method based on simulated manal-lifting-task].

Objective: To study the differences of different signal processing method of surface electromyography (sEMG) in judging muscle fatigue. Methods: From July to October 2019, based on the model of simulated manual lifting operation, the original sEMG signals from 13 volunteers of brachial radial muscle, brachial two-headed muscle, triangle muscle, left vertical spine muscle, right vertical spine muscle and lateral femoral muscle were collected in the operation activities. Three different electromyography signal processing methods (all signal from motion beginning to the end, peak signal and ehe specified motion signal) were used to analyze the original data in time domain (RMS) and frequency domain (MDF) , the data difference between different electromyography signal processing methods was analyzed by using Wilcoxon rank and sum test and nonlinear curve fitting method. Results: The age of the subjects of the simulated lifting operation was (24.31±2.02) years old, height (173.78±4.84) cm, weight (66.28±5.58) kg, body mass index (BMI) 21.94±1.58. The thickness of triceps skinfold was (14.08±4.86) mm, and the thickness of the skin fold under the scapula was (15.54±3.59) mm. After processing the original signal data by using different sEMG signal interception methods, the normality test, Levene's test, and the Wilcoxon test showed that, except for the MDF index of the brachial two-headed muscle, the differences in the RMS and MDF signals of the other muscles were statistically significant (P<0.016) . The all signal processing method dealed with data distribution dispersion better than other methods, and the rate of change of RMS signal slope was higher than other methods. Non-linear regression results showed that all signal processing method had low volatility in processing data, and the regression equation had a high degree of fit. Conclusion: Different electromyography signal processing methods have differences. The all signal processing method which intercepts from starting point to the end point of action cycle has the least data volatility, and electromyography time domain and frequency domain index with the highest sensitivity of time, which is suitable for the application of surface electromyography to judge muscle fatigue in dynamic and complex operations.

Knockdown of p66ShcA activates Nrf2 pathway to protect cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress and inflammation induced by H2O2.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress and inflammation are the most common causes of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. This article focuses on the effect of p66ShcA on H2O2-induced cardiomyocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The p66ShcA knockdown model of H9c2 cells was constructed by plasmid transfection. After treatment of different groups with H2O2, oxidative stress-related factors and inflammatory factors were detected. RESULTS: The expressions of SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, and GPX3 in H2O2 cells were significantly decreased, IL-1ß and IL-6 expression were significantly increased, while p66ShcA siRNA negative group could promote the expression of SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, and GPX3, inhibit the expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 significantly, and activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Knockdown of p66ShcA can activate Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, which inhibits H2O2-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in H9c2 cells.

Comparative studies of mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses to 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in mice.

The nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs), embedded in the submucosa of murine upper respiratory tract, represents an important site of induction for local mucosal immune responses to airborne pathogens and intranasal vaccines. Here, we systematically investigated the mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses of NALTs in mice infected with A/Beijing/501/2009 (BJ501) and A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) viruses. Compared with PR8 infection, BJ501 induced a more rapid increase of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the nasal lavage fluid and a higher ratio of IgG1/IgG2a, indicating a stronger Th2 response to BJ501 in mucosal immunity. In addition, using virus-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot assay), we observed higher and earlier responses of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine-secreting cells (CSCs) in NALTs of mice intranasally infected with BJ501 virus. In particular, the frequency of BJ501-specific IFN-γ-CSCs significantly correlated with the kinetics of BJ501 virus load in NALTs, suggesting an important role of IFN-γ-CSCs-associated mucosal cellular immune responses in BJ501 virus clearance. Collectively, BJ501 induced a more comprehensive and rapid mucosal immune responses in NALTs of mice, providing further understanding of the immune responses elicited by 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus in upper respiratory tract. Keywords: nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs); influenza virus; mucosal immune response; Th1/Th2 response.

Carbon content-tuned martensite transformation in low-alloy TRIP steels.

Ultrahigh strength and good ductility are obtained for two low-alloy transformation-induced-plasticity steels fabricated by the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) processing, respectively. Compared to 0.19 wt.% C steel in which γ → α'-martensite transformation is the dominant mechanism under deformation, the relatively high C content of austenite in 0.47 wt.% C steel is responsible for the transformation from γ to ε-martensite, suggesting that the transformation is not solely determined by the stacking fault energy. The study shows that during the Q&P process, strong and ductile steels with specific transformation procedures can be obtained by adjusting volume fraction and carbon content of the retained austenite.

[Post-marketing multi-center safety surveillance of inactivated enterovirus A71 vaccine (Vero cell)].

Objective: To evaluate the post-marketing safety profiles of the inactivated enterovirus type 71 (EV-A71) vaccine (Vero cell) after routine inoculation. Methods: Eleven cities of Zhejiang Province, Fengtai district of Beijing, Qinnan district, two counties as Pingle and Pingguo of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Dongtai city of Jiangsu Province were selected as the field sites. A total of 45 239 subjects were enrolled in this study from children who seeked the vaccination of EV-A71 vaccine during the period from July, 2016 to June, 2018. Different sampling method were adopted in different sites. All vaccinated children were invited to participate in the study in Fengtai and Dongtai, however, systematic sampling method were adopted in other sites. Active surveillance was conducted and information about adverse reactions (ARs) occurred in 30 min, 3 d and 30 d following each dose of EV-A71 immunization was collected by field observation, phone-call or face-to-face interview. The incidence of ARs in different types, symptoms and grades were described. Results: In total, there were 45 239 children who received 71 243 doses EV-A71 vaccine. The overall incidence of ARs was 1.079% (769 doses), with the highest incidence of 1.182% (177/14 973) in 5-11 month group and the lowest incidence of 0.849% (18/2 119) in ≥ 36 month group among different age groups. There was a higher incidence in solicited ARs, which was 1.047% (746 doses). The incidences of grade 1 and grade 2 ARs were also higher, which were 0.404% (288 doses) and 0.554% (395 doses), respectively. No grade 4 ARs occurred. The doses of the first and the second vaccination was 40 736 and 30 507, respectively, and the incidences of ARs were 1.281% (522 doses) and 0.810% (247 doses). Also, the incidences of ARs were 0.091% (37 doses) and 0.043% (13 doses) in local, and 1.168% (476 doses) and 0.760% (232 doses) in system. The symptoms of ARs after the two doses of vaccination were basically the same. Redness at the injection site was the most common local ARs after each dose vaccination, with doses of 24 and 11, while fever was the most common systemic ARs, with doses of 362 and 190. Moreover, ARs mainly occurred in 30 min to 3 d after each dose vaccination, with incidence of 1.016% (414 doses) and 0.698% (213 doses) in the first and second dose, respectively. Conclusion: The ARs had a low incidence after vaccination in children and most were mild or moderate. EV-A71 vaccine with good safety is suitable for inoculation in a large scale.

KLF11 promotes gastric cancer invasion and migration by increasing Twist1 expression.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of global cancer-related death. The incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in China are second and third ranked in all forms of malignant tumors. Krüppel-like factor11 (KLF11) is a member of the KLF family, and previous studies have shown it significantly influences epithelial ovarian, pancreatic and liver cancer proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the expression and some biological functions of KLF11 in GC are still unclear. We therefore collected and analyzed the mRNA and protein expressions of KLF11 in 59 paired gastric cancer tissues and matched healthy gastric tissue samples. We then investigated the KLF 11 biological functions and potential mechanisms in BGC823 and HGC27 gastric cancer cell lines. Analysis of KLF11 in gastric cancer specimens confirmed up-regulation compared to adjacent healthy gastric tissues, and similar results were evident in the GC cell lines. Ectopic expression of KLF11 was significantly associated with GC cell invasion and migration. KLF11 functions were most effective in Twist1 expression and knockdown, and also in KLF11 up-regulation which was accompanied by corresponding change in Twist1 expression; but these effects were inhibited when KLF11 was silenced by the small interfering RNA (siRNA). The relative Twist1 promoter region activity increased gradually with increasing KLF11 plasma, and KLF11 therefore has a critical role in regulating gastric cancer migration and invasion by increasing Twist1 expression. Finally, the results of this study should improve understanding of the KLF11 and EMT regulating network and KLF11's use as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

Analysis of characteristics and outcomes by growth hormone treatment duration in adult patients in the Italian cohort of the Hypopituitary Control and Complications Study (HypoCCS).

PURPOSE: To examine differences in effects according to growth hormone (GH) treatment duration in adult GH-deficient patients. METHODS: In the Italian cohort of the observational Hypopituitary Control and Complications Study, GH-treated adults with GH deficiency (GHD) were grouped by duration of treatment; ≤ 2 years (n = 451), > 2 to ≤ 6 years (n = 387) and > 6 years (n = 395). Between-group differences in demographics, medical history, physical characteristics, insulin-like growth factor-I standard deviation score (IGF-I SDS) and lipid profile at baseline, last study visit and changes from baseline to last study visit were assessed overall, for adult- and childhood-onset GHD and by gender using ANOVA for continuous variables and Chi-squared test for categorical variables. RESULTS: At baseline, treatment duration groups did not differ significantly for age, gender, body mass index, GHD onset, IGF-I SDS, lipid profile, and quality of life. Mean initial GH dose did not differ significantly according to treatment duration group in any subgroup, except female patients, with highest mean dose seen in the longest duration group. In the longest duration group for patients overall, adult-onset patients and male patients, there were significant decreases in GH dose from baseline to last visit, and in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations. IGF-I SDS increased, to a greater extent, in the longest duration group for patients overall and female patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that long-term GH treatment is associated with decreasing GH dose, increased IGF-I, decreased LDL-cholesterol and the presence of surrogate markers that help to give confidence in a diagnosis of GHD.

[Analysis of inner or extra-exposure for worker in carbon and coal tar process industries].

Objective: To evaluate the inner or extra-exposure of workers in carbon and coal tar process industries. Methods: In May 2015, 271 exposure and 75 non-exposure workers in two of carbon and coal tar process industries in Shandong province were selected. Coal tar pitch (CTP) was detected according to the methods of GB17054-1997. The 1-OH-Nap、2-OH-Nap、1-OH-Pyr in urine were detected by high performance liquid Chromatography (HPLC) . Results: The concentration of 1-OH-Nap、2-OH-Nap、1-OH-Pyr in urine of exposure group were significant higher than that of control group (P<0.05) , respectively. The urine concentration of 1-OH-Nap、2-OH-Nap、1-OH-Py in contact group tar and asphalt were 12.20, 12.55, 7.08 and 10.62, 8.73, 3.07 µg/gCr, and the concentration of them were 7.25, 8.54, 3.00 µg/gCr in container handle workers. Significant positive correlations were found between high or median CTP exposure and the urine concentration of 1-OH-Nap、2-OH-Nap、1-OH-Pyr in exposure groups (P<0.05) . Conclusions: The inner or extra exposure level is relative and different for different type of work in these carbon and coal tar process industries.

Nanoscale spheroidized cementite induced ultrahigh strength-ductility combination in innovatively processed ultrafine-grained low alloy medium-carbon steel.

We describe here innovative processing of low alloy medium-carbon steel with a duplex microstructure composed of nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) in an ultrafine-grained (UFG) ferritic steel. After multi-pass rolling and intermittent annealing at 550 °C for 300 s, the obtained UFG-1 steel showed an average ferrite grain size of ~430 nm, containing nanoscale spheroidized cementite (Fe3C) particles with an average size of ~70 nm. On annealing at 600 °C for 300 s, the average size of ferritic grains was increased to ~680 nm and the average size of spheroidized Fe3C particles increased to ~90 nm, referred as UFG-2 steel. Tensile tests indicated that UFG-1 steel had high yield strength (σ y) of 1260 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength (σ UTS) of 1400 MPa. These values are higher than that of UFG-2 steel (σ y = 1080 MPa and σ UTS = 1200 MPa), suggesting that the strengthening contribution is a cumulative effect of decrease in ferrite grain size and nanoscale cementite. The incoherent interfaces between nanosized particles and the matrix acted as a strong barrier to dislocation motion. The study underscores that nanosized precipitates not only provide strength but also contribute to ductility, which is very encouraging for improving the ductility of medium-carbon steels.

The clinical value of Vav3 in peripheral blood for predicting lymphatic metastasis of gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of Vav3, a gene involved in signal transduction, promotes invasion and inhibits apoptosis in several cancers. The clinical value of the protein product of this gene, Vav3, in the peripheral blood of gastric cancer patients is unknown. We hypothesised increased serum Vav3 that related to tissue levels and lymph node metastases. In addition, we further explored its clinical value in respect of linked molecules Rac-1, MMP-7 and ICAM-1 Methods: 120 gastric cancer patients who had radical surgery were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expressions of Vav3, Rac-1, MMP-7 and ICAM-1 in gastric cancer mucosa and normal mucosa. ELISA was used to detect these proteins in peripheral blood of gastric cancer patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Vav3, Rac-1 and MMP-7 (P < 0.001), but not ICAM-1 (P = 0.303) were more highly expressed by cancer tissues than normal gastric mucosa. Serum levels of all molecules were higher than those in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Levels of Vav3, Rac-1 and MMP-7 decreased 2 weeks postoperatively (all P < 0.001) but there was no change in ICAM-1 (P = 0.192). Similarly, increased levels of Vav3, Rac-1 and MMP-7 were present in patients with lymphatic metastasis than those without (all P < 0.001) but there was no difference in ICAM-1 levels (P = 0.378). There were positive correlations between Vav3 with Rac-1 and MMP-7 in cancer tissues (P < 0.001), and also between Vav3 and Rac-1 in pre-surgery blood (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Vav3 in peripheral blood may serve as a biomarker for gastric cancer, and to predict the lymphatic metastasis in gastric cancer.