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Sterculia monosperma fruit is the dried and mature seed of Sterculia monosperma, which belongs to genus Sterculia. In China, this plant is a widely distributed arbor with a long planting history in Lingnan area. It is mainly cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan and Taiwan of China; it is also distributed in India, Vietnam and Indonesia, mostly cultivated artificially. S. monosperma fruit has many functions like warming the stomach and killing pests, but its name and characteristics are easily confused with other plants of genus Sterculia. However, the relevant research foundation is relatively weak. Pharmacognostical study can provide reference for its resource development and quality standard formulation. This study identifies the morphological and microscopic characteristics of S. monosperma fruit, as well as the microscopic identification of seed cross-section and powder. The DNA barcode sequences ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK and rbcL of S. monosperma were obtained through bidirectional sequencing, Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) genetic distance was calculated, and the neighbor joining tree was established for clustering analysis. The results were as follows: (1) The morphological characteristics of S. monosperma fruit included dark red fruit shell and reddish brown or dark chestnut surface. It was hard in texture, with two thick yellowish endosperms inside. (2) The micro-morphological characteristics was that the exotesta was reddish brown, extremely thin, and brittle in texture; the mesotesta was black brown, thick, and hard in texture; the endotesta coat was light yellow and soft in texture. (3) The microscopic characteristics included the structure and arrangement of the exotesta stone cell, the grid cell structure of the mesotesta, the bead thickening of the cell wall of the endotesta cells, and the calcium oxalate cluster crystals. (4) Based on the ITS2 sequence, S. monosperma fruit could be effectively distinguished from other plants in genus Sterculia, while the matK sequence could effectively distinguish S. lanceolata from other plants in genus Sterculia. This study obtained the data on the morphological characteristics, micro-morphological characteristics and microscopic characteristics of S. monosperma fruit. Combined with the ITS2 barcode sequence, S. monosperma fruit can be effectively identified, which provides a scientific reference for the development of its germplasm resources and the formulation of relevant quality standards.

Genetic diversity and population demography of Coreius guichenoti from the middle and lower reaches of the Jinsha River were investigated using mitochondrial DNA Cyt b gene and CO I gene sequences. The results showed that 91 haplotypes were identified from 393 individuals based on concatenated sequences, with relatively high haplotype diversity of (0.936±0.006) and low nucleotide diversity of (0.00489±0.00009). Phylogenetic trees and medianjoining Network based on haplotypes indicate that all haplotypes from the middle and lower reaches of the Jinsha River were mixed with each other according to their geographical distribution, but exhibited three distinct haplotype lineages (Clade 1, Clade 2 and Clade 3). Clade 1 diverged at about 3.66 Ma, while Clade 2 and Clade 3 diverged at about 2.93 Ma. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the larger genetic variances were within different geographical locations (96.62%) and between different haplotype lineages (81.29%), while the lesser genetic variance were between different geographical locations (3.38%) and within different haplotype lineages (18.71%). Pairwise comparisons of genetic differentiation index (Fst) among different populations ranged from --0.008 to 0.045. Except for the insignificant Fst value between PS and other locations, significant but low Fst were investigated between other two locations (Fst<0.05, P<0.05). In contrary, significant maximum genetic differentiation level was revealed between three haplotype lineages (Fst>0.25, P<0.001). Neutrality test, mismatch distribution and Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) all revealed that wild populations of C. guichenoti from the middle and lower reaches of the Jinsha River may have experienced the population expansion event. It may happen at 0.0007-0.0004 Ma during the Holocene small glaciers period. It suggests that the uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the evolution of glaciers during Holocene small glaciers period may play important effect on the population demography of C. guichenoti in the Jinsha River. In order to better protect the wild resources of C. guichenoti, it was suggested to pay special attention to the three haplotype lineages of C. guichenoti in the middle and lower reaches of the Jinsha River for guiding its culture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liver transcriptome analysis of parent and offspring of Coreius guichenoti was conducted by Illumina Hiseq™ 2000 sequencing platform. The results showed that 80688 Unigenes were obtained by splicing and de novo assembly. The length of Unigene was mainly 401-600 bp, accounting for 43.56% of the total Unigene. All Unigenes were annotated based on different public databases: Nr, GO, COG, and KEGG. 2701 differentially expressed genes between parents and offspring were found, of which 1240 were upregulated and 1461 were downregulated. The cluster heatmap of differentially expressed genes pattern showed that the expression of different duplicate genes in the same sample was similar. The enrichment of KEGG metabolic pathway of differentially expressed genes were analyzed and 37 significant enrichment metabolic pathways were constricted (P<0.05). The results showed that propionate metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis seemed to be the obvious core metabolic pathways, which were significantly upregulated in offspring C. guichenoti. The results would enrich the genomic data of C. guichenoti, which was the first report to compare the metabolic differences between parents and offspring at the molecular level, and also explained why C. guichenoti offspring were not susceptible to disease in the same circulating water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the second most common primary central nervous system tumors. Although most PAs can be cured by surgical operation, medicine treatment or radiotherapy, some PAs may recur, invade adjacent structures or even metastasize to other organs after traditional treatments, so decreaseing patient overall survival and deteriorate their life quality. In recent years, studies on the immune microenvironment of brain tumors emerged, especially in the field of glioma, providing potential effective treatment targets for immunotherapy and setting the foundation for improving patient survival. However, previous studies have only conducted preliminary analyses on immune cells, immune molecules, and cytokines in the microenvironment of PAs. The research on immunotherapy of PAs with animal model and humans is only at an early phase.

Objective To evaluate the emergence agitation and recovery quality of patients with 3 endocrine types of pituitary tumor after transnasal transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Methods Patients who received pituitary adenoma resection under general anesthesia were enrolled and categorized into three groups: growth hormone group (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone group (ACTH) and non-functional group (control). Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS), the severity of the emergence coughing, headache (by VAS), medical staff satisfaction were recorded in the post-anesthesia care unit. QoR-40 score, headache(by VAS), nausea score (by VRS) and vomiting score, and patient satisfaction were recorded at 24 h postoperatively. Results 163 cases were enrolled in the analysis, including 51 in GH group, 44 in ACTH group and 68 in control group. No significant difference was found regarding the emergence agitation among 3 groups. The ACTH group showed significantly higher nausea VRS score at 24 h after surgery than control group (P＜0.01). The headache VAS score of ACTH group was significantly higher than that in control group (P＜0.001). The incidence of postoperative sore throat in ACTH group was significantly higher than that in control group (P＜0.05). The postoperative QoR-40 score of ACTH group was significantly lower than that of control group (P＜0.01). Conclusions The incidences of postoperative nausea, headache and sore throat are significantly increased and the score of QoR-40 is significantly reduced in patients with ACTH pituitary adenoma.

Acromegaly is associated with systemic complications due to excess serum growth hormone, including cardiovascular diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, bone diseases and respiratory diseases. In addition, abnormalities of haemostatic function in patients with acromegaly have been described by several studies recently, including the alterations in coagulation, anticoagulation, fibrinolytic system and platelet function, presenting a potential of hyper-coagulation. Significantly elevated fibrinogen levels, reduced levels of protein C and protein S, and enhanced platelet activity were observed in patients with acromegaly. Some of these abnormalities are reversible after treatment like surgery or medication.

Immunotherapy induced hypophysitis (IH) has been demonstrated an autoimmune adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment of malignant tumors. The incidence of IH depends on types of immunotherapeutic agents. Patients with IH often present non-specific symptoms, ACTH, TSH and gonadotrophin deficiencies, and radiographic pituitary enlargement. Hormone replacement is recommended to be applied on IH patients. High-dose glucocorticoids but not supported by recent studies. This study systematically reviewed the prevalence, epidemiological characteristics, clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of IH.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic significance of dynamic detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by 8-color flow cytometry., Methods: MRD of 282 AML patients who achieved remission after initial therapy was detected by 8-color flow cytometry. MRD threshold for predicting recurrence was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and time from MRD-positive to clinical recurrence was analyzed. The differences in overall survival (OS) time and relapse-free survival (RFS) time of patients with different MRD-changes were compared, and the related factors of recurrence in patients with MRD-negative were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis., Results: ROC curve determined that the MFC-MRD threshold for predicting the recurrence of AML was 0.105%, and the recurrence rate of MRD-positive patients was significantly higher than that of MRD-negative patients [52.45% (75/143 cases) vs 35.97% (50/139 cases), P=0.005]. The patients in MRD persistent positive group and negative to positive group recurred earlier than those in positive to negative group and negative-positive fluctuation group (P<0.005). Survival analysis showed that OS and RFS time of patients with MRD persistent positive were significantly shorter than those of patients with MRD persistent negative, positive to negative, and negative-positive fluctuation (P<0.005). There was no significant difference in OS and RFS between MRD negative to positive group and MRD persistent positive group (P>0.005), either between MRD persistent negative group and MRD positive to negative group (P>0.005). Among 139 MRD-negative patients, 50 recurred. Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of recurrence increased with the increase of white blood cells level (95%CI: 1.000-1.013, P=0.045). The risk of recurrence in patients without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was 9.694 times higher than that in patients who received HSCT (95%CI: 1.720-54.651, P=0.010), and in the high-risk group was 5.848 times higher than that in the low-risk group (95%CI: 1.418-24.121, P=0.015)., Conclusion: The prognosis of AML patients with different MRD changes is significantly different. No matter MRD-positive or MRD-negative at the initial remission, dynamic detection of MRD after treatment is more helpful to accurately guide treatment.

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of tumor-associated antigen-specific cytotoxic T lympho- cytes (TAA-CTL) in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)., Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC)of patients were collected. Dendritic cells (DC) were loaded with multiple tumor-associated antigens (TAA) (NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A4, WT1, Survivin, PRAME, LMP1 and LMP2A), then co-cultured with PBMNC to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The phenotypes of cell products were detected, and the disease statuse was evaluated in 7 patients during or after infusion. The changes of TAA-CTL amount in the PBMNC of patients were measured by using IFN-γ ELISpot assay., Results: TAA-CTL products were generated comprising CD3 + T cells (mean 82.98%) with a mixture of CD4 + (mean 42.09%) and CD8 + (mean 25.32%) T cells. Among them, 70% expressed effectors memory markers (CD45RO + CD62L - CCR7 - ). Each patient received TAA-CTL infusions for 1-4 times, and none of them showed obvious adverse reactions. The clinical symptoms and laboratory or imaging examination of 5 patients achieved positive effects. After cell therapy, the spot-forming cells (SFC) levels of most patients gradually increased and the peak often appeared about 2-3 weeks after the infusion., Conclusion: TAA-CTLs preliminarily show its safety and efficacy in MM and NHL patients, however, a larger population sample is needed to explore its clinical application value.

Objective: To investigate the killing effect of NK-92MI cells modified by chimeric antigen receptor (CD7-CAR) and specifically targeting CD7 to CD7 + hematological malignant cells., Methods: Three types of hematological malignant tumor cells, including 5 cases of CD7 + acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), 10 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 6 cases of T-cell lymphoma were collected, centrifuged, cultured and used to detect the expression levels of tumor cell surface targets; 7-AAD, CD56-APC, CD3-FITC, IgG Fc-PE flow cytometry were used to detected the transfection efficiency of NK-92MI and CD7-CAR-NK-92MI cells, killing efficiencies of CD7-CAR-NK-92MI cells to CD7 + hematological tumor cells in vitro were determined by flow cytometry using PE Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit. Secretion differences of NK-92MI and CD7-CAR-NK-92MI cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, and granzyme B detection were estimated by using CBA kit., Results: The killing efficiencies of CD7-CAR-modified NK-92MI cells to CD7 + T-ALL, AML, T-cell lymphoma tumor cells were significantly higher than those of NK-92MI cells without genetical modification. The difference showed statistically significant (P＜0.05). The level of IFN-γ and granzyme B were significantly increased among cytokines secreted by CD7-CAR-modified NK-92MI cells as compared with those of NK-92MI cells without genetical modification (P＜0.05) ., Conclusion: CD7-CAR-modified NK-92MI cells have significantly improved killing efficiency against CD7 + T-ALL, AML and T lymphoma cells, and shows specific targeting effects, which provides a clinical basis for the treatment of CD7 + hematological malignancies.

Objective: To investigate the effect of chidamide on the killing activity of NK (Natural killer cell, NK) cells targeting K562 cells and its related mechanism., Methods: K562 cells were pretreated with chidamide at different concentrations and cocultured with NK cells at different effect-target ratios. The killing effect of chidamide on K562 cells by NK cells, the expression of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands and apoptosis rate of K562 cells were detected by flow cytometry., Results: The killing sensitivity of NK cells to K562 cells could be enhanced by chidamide. The expression of ULBP2 on K562 cell surface could be up-regulate, however, the expression of ULBP1 and MICA/MICB showed no statistically difference as compared with control group. Chidamide showed no obvious cytotoxicity to K562 cells., Conclusion: Chidamide can significantly improve killing efficiency of NK cells on K562 cells, which may be related to the up-regulation of ULBP2 expression.

Objective: To investigate short-term and long-term efficacy of PGLA thread-embedding therapy in the treatment of stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome., Methods: A total of 60 patients with stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomly divided into control group and treatment group, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were given acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training, and those in the treatment group were given PGLA thread-embedding therapy combined with rehabilitation training. Conventional acupuncture was performed once a day, and thread-embedding therapy was performed once every 5 days. Both groups were treated for 30 days. Clinical outcome, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, hand edema score, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score were compared within and between groups immediately and at 1 month after treatment., Results: The treatment group had a significantly higher overall response rate than the control group immediately and at 1 month after treatment (93.33%/86.67% vs 73.33%/56.67%, P <0.05). Both groups had significant reductions in VAS score and hand edema score and a significant increase in FMA score immediately and at 1 month after treatment ( P <0.05), and the treatment group had significantly greater improvements than the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: PGLA thread-embedding therapy has a better clinical effect than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of stage Ⅰ post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of lysosomal membrane proteins LAMP1, TPC1 and TPC2 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and clinical indications of AML and to explore the possible role in the genesis and development of AML and clinical significance., Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of LAMP1, TPC1 and TPC2 in AML cell lines (HL-60, NB4) and 57 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (including 44 initially treated patients and 13 relapsed and refractory patients). The relationship of mRNA expression levels with clinical indicators and post-chemotherapy remission was analyzed., Results: Compared with CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), the expression levels of LAMP1 and TPC1 in AML cell lines HL-60 and NB4 significantly increased, while the expression level of TPC2 was not significantly different. The expression levels of LAMP1, TPC1 and TPC2 in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) of AML patients were higher than those in normal human BMMNC (P<0.05), and the expression levels of LAMP1, TPC1 and TPC2 in CD34 + primary AML cells(CD34 + primary cells in the patient's bone marrow >90%) were also high. There was no significant difference in the expression of LAMP1, TPC1 and TPC2 between CD34 + HSC of patients with AML and relapsed/refractory patients (P>0.05). No correlation was found between age, sex and genotype and expression of membrane proteins (P>0.05). The expression levels of LAMP1 and TPC1 positively correlated with the number of white blood cells in peripheral blood of patients (P<0.01). LAMP1 and TPC2 were found to be associated with remission after a course of chemotherapy in newly diagnosed patients. Initially treated patients with high expression of LAMP1 in the bone marrow not easily relieved after one course of chemotherapy. Patients with high expression of TPC2 in the bone marrow more likely to be relieved after one course of chemotherapy., Conclusion: The mRNA of the three membrane proteins are highly expressed in AML patients, and LAMP1 and TPC1 are risk factors for AML disease progression. High expression of TPC2 is beneficial for chemotherapy of patients with newly diagnosed AML.

Objective: To observe the efficacy of Tongdu Tiaoshen (dredging Governor Vessel and regulating mind) needling combined with swallowing training in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) with dysphagia, and to investigate its effect on cerebral blood flow and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)., Methods: A total of 100 IS inpatients with dysphagia were enrolled in the present study, and randomly and equally divided into control group and treatment group by using a random number table. The patients of the control group received routine swallowing training including tongue extending and retracting, cheek-muscle training, breathing exercise, and laryngopharyngeal exercise, beginning from the 2 nd day after hospitalization. The patients of the treatment group received manual acupuncture stimulation of Dazhui (GV14), Fengfu (GV16), Shenting (GV24), Shendao (GV11), Baihui (GV20), Shuigou (GV26), etc., on the basic treatment as those mentioned in the control group. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 times per week and for 4 successive weeks. The swallowing ability was tested by using video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), Kubota water swallowing test, and the standard swallowing function assessment (SSA) scale, separately, and patients' daily life quality was assessed by using swallowing related quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). The cerebral hemodynamics including mean blood flow velocity (Vm), maximum peak flow speed (Vs), and vascular resistance index (RI) of the bilateral cerebral arteries was detected by transcranial color Doppler ultrasound tests, and serum BDNF and NGF contents were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The therapeutic effect of swallowing ability was evaluated after the treatment., Results: After 4 weeks' treatment, the scores of Kubata water swallowing test, SSA, and SWAL-QOL and RI were considerably decreased ( P <0.01), and the VFSS scores, Vs and Vm levels as well as serum BDNF and NGF contents were significantly increased ( P <0.01) in both groups compared with their own pre-treatment. Of the 48 and 49 cases in the control and treatment groups, 4 (8.33%) and 8(16.33%) were cured, 26 (54.17%) and 33 (67.35%) effective, 18 (37.50%) and 8 (16.33%) failed, with the effective rate being 62.50% and 83.67%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group in the effective rate ( P <0.05), and in lowering the scores of Kubota water swallowing test, SWAL-QOL, SSA, RI, and in up-regulating the scores of VFSS, Vs and Vm, and serum BDNF and NGF levels ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: Tongdu Tiaoshen needling combined with swallowing training is effective in improving swallowing ability, promoting cerebral blood flow and in up-regulating serum neurotrophic factor levels in patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke.

Objective: To discuss the hemiarthroplasty for the threatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients., Methods: From August 2013 to January 2017, 66 elderly patients with complicated femoral intertrochanteric fracture were treated including 20 males and 46 females with an average age of 85 years old ranging from 80 to 95. According to improve Evans classification, 33 cases were type III, 24 cases were type IV, 9 cases were type V. History included 31 cases of hypertension, 10 cases of diabetes, 12 cases of severe osteoporosis, 5 cases of atrial fibrillation, 3 cases of pulmonary heart disease, and 1 case of multiple myeloma. Hip hemiarthroplasty was used in 34 cases and internal fixation in 32 cases. The bleeding volume, complications and Harris scores of the two groups were observed and compared., Results: The amount of blood loss during and after operation were(320±20) ml and(200±25) ml in the joint replacement group, and (350±30) ml and(250±30) ml in the internal fixation group, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups( P >0.05). All patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. The Harris score of the joint replacement group was 85.0±6.4, which was higher than that of the internal fixation group (72.0±3.4)( P <0.05). The difference of complications between the two groups was statistically significant ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: The elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures have many basic diseases, and the expected survival time is short. Using artificial bipolar femoral head prosthesis can restore the hip function early and to the maximum degree, make the patients get down in the bed early, effectively reduce the complications caused by internal fixation, improve the patient's quality of life and satisfaction, and early treatment. It is a kind of supplemental treatment, which conforms to the theory of rapid rehabilitation surgery and injury control, but should not expand the indication and strengthen the management of the perioperative period., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© 2018 by the China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Press.)

Objective To explore the influence of the iodine disinfection on nasal bacterial colonization through the transsphenoidal approach. Methods Totally 133 pituitary adenoma patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery in our department from January to August 2017 were enrolled in this study. Before disinfection,pharyngeal swabs of inferior turbinate root secretions were taken for bacterial culture. After iodine disinfection,pharyngeal swabs were taken again at the same site. Changes in the nasal bacterial spectrum before and after disinfection were compared. Patients were followed up for three months after the surgery,during which any intracranial infection/bacteraemia was recorded,and its correlation with nasal bacteria colonization was analyzed. Results Nasal bacterial colonization was detected in 45 (33.8%) of 133 patients before iodine disinfection and in only 6 cases (4.5%) after iodine disinfection (χ 2 =34.5,P=0.000). Thus,iodine disinfection eliminated 86.7%(39/45) of the colonized bacteria. The most common nasal bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus (24.4%,11/45),followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.4%,11/45),and Staphylococcus epidermidis (13.3%,6/45). One patient had high fever and chills 2 days after surgery,but blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid culture showed negative Results . After the administration of third-generation cephalosporins,the symptoms disappeared after two days. Conclusion sThere are colonized bacteria in nasal cavity. Iodine disinfection of nasal cavity can effectively clear most of the nasal bacteria. The possibility of intracranial infection/bacteremia after transsphenoidal approach is low.

Objective: To investigate the effect of microRNA-99a-5p (miR-99a-5p) on differentiation ability of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC)., Methods: BM-MSC was cultured and then transfected with miR-99a-5p mimics or inhibitors. The transfection efficiency was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The effects of miR-99a-5p on the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability of BM-MSC were detected by differentiation experiment., Results: As compared with the negative control group, the expression of miR-99a-5p was significantly up-regulated after transfection with miR-99a-5p mimics(P<0.001), the expression of miR-99a-5p was down-regulated after transfection with miR-99a-5p inhibitor (P<0.001). In osteogenic differentiation experiments, the miR-99a-5p overexpression could promote the osteogenic differentiation, while the downregulation of miR-99a-5p expression inhibited the osteogenic differentiation. The same results were obtained by semi-quantitative detection through spectrophotometry. In the adipogenic differentiation test, transfection of miR-99a-5p mimics or inhibitors had no significant effect on the adipogenic differentiation of BM-MSC., Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-99a-5p can promote the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSC, but no significant effects are observed in the adipogenic differentiation.

In order to investigate the role of otolith carbon (δ 13 C) and oxygen (δ 18 O) stable isotopes in identification of freshwater fish stocks, otolith δ 13 C and δ 18 O of cultured Schizothorax kozlovi at different ages were measured by stable isotope mass spectrometer. The relationships between otolith δ 13 C / δ 18 O and environment were discussed. The results showed that δ 13 C and δ 18 O values of S. kozlovi at age 1 + were not significantly correlated with otolith mass, but both were significantly different between lapillus and asteriscus. The average lapillus δ 13 C and δ 18 O values of S. kozlovi at different ages were (-9.58±0.06)‰ and (-8.33±0.17)‰, respectively. There was no significant difference of lapillus δ 13 C and δ 18 O between the sexes, but with significant difference among diffe-rent ages. The correlation of δ 13 C with δ 18 O was an effective method in identification of different culture stocks of S. kozlovi, which indicated the isotopic signatures of otolith could be used as a method to identify freshwater fish stocks.

Objective: To investigate the possible effect of MicroRNA-214 (miR-214) on migration of umbilical cord blood CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells induced by BM-MSC., Methods: After transfection of the inhibitor or mimic of miR-214, the cultured supernatant of BM-MSC were collected respectively. The expression of miR-214 in BM-MSC was detected by real time quantitative PCR, the effect of supernatant on CD34 + cell migration was evaluated by chemotaxis assays. The levels of chemokine(SDF-1) secreted by BM-MSC in the supernatant were detected by ELISA., Results: The cultured supernatant of BM-MSC could promote the migration of CD34 + cells. Compared with the group without transfection or negative control(NC) group, the transfection with miR-214 mimic could promote the migration of CD34 + cells (P<0.01), while the migration rate in miR-214 inhibitor groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Further study found that the concentration of SDF-1 was not changed notably in all groups (P>0.05), as compared with the control group., Conclusion: miR-214 signalings may indirectly increase the migration of CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by modulating BM-MSC functions, which may not significantly correlate with the chemokine SDF-1 secreted by BM-MSC.

Objectives: To investigate the association of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) burden with the cardiac structural and functional changes in acromegaly patients., Methods: Ninety-nine acromegaly patients were enrolled in this study. According to the normal range of echocardiographic parameters of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the patients were divided into parameter normal group and abnormal group. Correlation analyses were conducted between duration of disease, mean GH, mean IGF-1, GH burden, IGF-1 burden and echocardiography data retrospectively., Results: Forty eight cases (48.5%) was diagnosed as abnormal echocardiography, including enlargement of the cardiac cambers (29.3%), valvular diseases (15.1%), dilation of aortic root (5.1%), functional abnormal of left ventricle (19.2%) and wall motion abnormalities (1.0%). The average GH and IGF-1 burdens in echocardiography abnormal group ( n =48) were higher than those in the normal group ( n =51), without statistical significant except for the left ventricle end-systolic diameter (LVESD) ( P =0.018) in GH burden comparison and E/A ( P =0.011) and left atrium longitudinal dimension (LALD) ( P =0.017) in IGF-1 burden comparison. Abnormal diastolic function group ( n =18) had similar GH burden with the normal group ( n =81) ( P =0.419), but had higher IGF-1 burden than the normal group did ( P =0.018).The GH burden correlated with left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and LVESD, and the IGF-1 burden correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) , LALD, right ventricle longitudinal dimension( RVLD), Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), LVEDD, LVESD, and E/A ratio statistical significantlly ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: There exist associations of GH and IGF-1 burden with echocardiography abnormalities and cardiac complications.

Objective: To explore the effect of MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) on the ability of BM-MSC to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts., Methods: BM-MSC were isolated from the bone marrow of healthy donors. The differentiation of BM-MSC into adipocytes and osteoblasts cells were done in vitro. After transfection with miR-146a inhibitor or mimics, the expression of miR-146a in BM-MSC was detected by real time quantitative PCR. The effect of MicroRNA-146a on the differentiation potential of BM-MSC was evaluated after transfection., Results: BM-MSC possessed the ability to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts cells when cultured in the induction medium. The expression of miR-146a was correspondingly down-regulated and up-regulated in BM-MSC after transfection. Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-146a was down-regulated (P < 0.01) after transfection with miR-146a inhibitor, while after transfection with miR-146a mimics it was significantly up-regulated. This study proved that the transfection with miR-146a inhibitor can inhibit BM-MSC differentiate into adipocytes (P < 0.01), while transfection with miR-146a mimics can promote differentiation of BM-MSC into adipocytes (P < 0.01). No effect of miR-146a inhibitor or miR-146a mimics on osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSC was observed (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: BM-MSC possess the ability to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. The miR-146a can promote BM-MSC to differentiate into adipocytes.

Objective: To analyze inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) in diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's disease with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 79 cases of Cushing's disease with negative MRI in the Department of Neurosurgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2012 to August 2014. Of the 79 patients, 58 underwent IPSS. There were 16 males and 42 females in this study, with age 12 to 65 years old. All 58 patients underwent endocrine assessment before transsphenoidal surgery, and pathology specimens were examined., Results: The IPSS results of all the 58 patients suggested the excessive secretion of ACTH was from pituitary. Of the 58 patients, visible tumor was found in 56 cases during intraoperative exploration (96.6%). In 29 (50%) cases, the side of pituitary where tumor was located predicted by IPSS was the same with intraoperative exploration. Typical tumor was seen in 47 cases during exploration, and the endocrine remission rate was 83.0% after operation. Suspicious tumor was seen in 9 cases, and endocrine response rate was 44.4%. No tumor was found in two cases who had no remission after operation. Pituitary adenoma was confirmed in 41 patients (70.7%) by pathological exam. And anterior or posterior lobe of pituitary was reported in 12 cases, pituitary hyperplasia in 5 cases., Conclusions: IPSS is recommended in Cushing's disease patients with negative MRI, and it is helpful to judge whether the excessive secretion of ACTH is from pituitary, while its value in predicting the lateralization of tumor is low. If IPSS results are positive, transsphenoidal surgery should be performed.

Objective: To compare and analysis blood coagulation index change and influence factors in Cushing's syndrome (CS) and obesity (OB) patients to provide theoretical evidence for improving the prognosis of them., Methods: A total of 250 patients with CS and 164 patients with obesity were collected from October 2012 to August 2015 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Peripheral blood cells, liver and kidney function, blood lipid, 24 h urine free cortisol (24 hUFC) and blood coagulation were tested., Results: The proportion of patients with abnormal blood coagulation indexes were 80% (200/250) and 52% (85/164) respectively in CS and OB patients.Compared with OB patients, coagulation and fibrinolysis values decreased significantly in CS patients. In addition, the shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was more obvious in CS patients, while 24 hUFC, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were higher than OB. In OB patients, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood-glucose (FBG), TC and LDL-C were associated with blood coagulation abnormalities; in patients with CS, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 24 hUFC, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) were associated with blood coagulation abnormalities., Conclusion: Higher coagulation state in CS is likely relevant to higher level of TC, LDL and cortisol hydrocortisone which, in return, have impact on the blood coagulation system, therefore, the risk of thrombosis in CS patients is increased.

Objective: To investigate alternations of heart cavity and great vessel diameters and their risk factors in acromegalic patients., Methods: Ninety-two cases, diagnosed as acromegaly, were selected as research subjects from January 2013 to December 2013 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. There were 37 males and 55 females with an average age of 41.2 years (SD, 12.5 years, range from 19 to 67 years old). Ninety-two sex and age matched healthy individuals were selected as controls. Disease history, echocardiography, endocrine hormone levels were collected to make contractive analysis. We analyzed the related risk factors of great vessel diameters expansion with binary logistic regression analysis and finally obtained the OR (odd ratio) and predictive formula., Results: Left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricle end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left atrium longitudinal dimension (LALD), right ventricle longitudinal dimension (RVLD), aortic root dimension (AORD), ascending aorta (AA), main pulmonary artery (MPA) were higher in patients with acromegaly than in healthy people, P<0.05. The comparison between expanded vessel diameters and normal vessel diameters in acromegalics showed that difference of disease duration was of statistical significance, OR= 1.011. We got the formula: logit (ADE)=-3.420+0.011 × duration of disease., Conclusion: Heart cavity and vessel diameters in acromegalic patients were higher than that in public. Expanding of great vessel diameters mainly depend on duration of disease instead of serum GH and IGF-1 level, and the duration of disease is the risk factor of the expansion of great vessel diameters.

Objective: To analyze the outcome in patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with Cushing's disease (CD) with no visible adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)., Methods: Between 2012 and 2014, 118 patients with CD underwent TSS at PUMCH. We retrospectively analyzed data in 43 patients without visible adenomas on MRI and compared them with 75 patients with MRI-visible microadenomas., Results: Of 75 patients with MRI-visible microadenomas, postoperative remission was achieved in 64 patients (85.3%), and no recurrence or persistent of CD was observed during 2-year follow-up, and pituitary adenoma confirmed by pathology examination in 71 cases.Of 43 patients with negative MRI, postoperative remission was achieved in 32 patients (74.4%), and pituitary adenoma confirmed by pathology examination in 38 cases. No statistic difference was found between MRI-negative group and MRI-visible group after χ2 test (P value>0.05). BIPSS was performed in 32 cases, and 27 cases were positive. Pituitary adenoma was confirmed in 28 cases., Conclusion: There is no difference in remission rate of CD in MRI-visible and MRI-negative group. BIPSS should be performed in normal MRI cases. We recommend transsphenoidal surgery as the first-line treatment for CD. Selective adenomectomy was recommended when an adenoma was found during surgery, and partial or hemihypophysectomy when no adenoma was found.

Objective: To investigate the risk factors contributing to the development of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and sleep hypopnea (SH) in patients with growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA)., Methods: A total of 85 patients with GHPA recruited strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent sleep monitoring overnight. Clinical manifestations, laboratory data and magnet resonance images were collected for analysis of the risk factors of GHPA and SH using binary logistic regression analysis., Results: The prevalence rate of OSAHS was 62.4% (53/85), and that of SH was 75.3% (64/85) in the recruited patients with GHPA. Regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.107) and BMI (OR=1.166) were the risk factors for OSAHS, and BMI (OR=1.334) was the risk factor of SH., Conclusion: Ageing and an increased BMI are independent risk factors for OSAHS and SH in patients with GHPA. Preoperative sleep monitoring should be routinely conducted to ensure early diagnosis of OSAHS and SH, and patients with GHPA should be advised to control their body weight to lower the mortality associated with the respiratory system.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of amplifying the leukemia tumor associated antigens-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (TAA-CTL) ex vivo and to evaluate the cytotoxicity of TAA-CTL., Methods: The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were enriched by density gradient centrifugtion; TAA-CTL were generated by stimulation of PBMNC with peptide-pulsed DC at an effector-to-target ratio of 10:1; immunophenotype of TAA-CTL was analyzed by flow cytometry; cytotoxicity assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of TAA-CTL against peptide-pulsed autologous target cells (PHA-Blasts)., Results: TAA-CTL expanded from volunteer showed a mean expansion of 3.81±1.61, the phenotyping of the TAA-CTL was predominantly CD3+ (97.22±0.71)% with varying content of CD4+ (41.47±27.08)% and CD8+ (56.40±11.15)% T cells, it also contained few nature killer cells (0.50±0.31)% and rare residual B cells (0.14±0.20)%; the subpopulations of TAA-CTL and CTL were not statisticaly significantly different in the proportion (P>0.05); the detection of intracellular cytokines after stimulation with peptide showed that the secretion rates of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CD8+ TAA-CTL were (27.67±2.21)% and (34.2±0.71)%, while the secretion rates were (21.6±2.55)% and (9.97±3.44)% in CD4+ TAA-CTL. Compared with the CD8+ TAA-CTL group, the secretion rates of IFN-γ and TNF-α were (1.36±0.04)% and (5.58±0.03)% in CD8+ CTL, the rates of IFN-γ and TNF-α were (0.91±0.06)% and (1.60±0.07)% in CD4+ CTL. The secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CTL were both significantly lower than those in TAA-CTL (P<0.01); the specific killing efficiency of the TAA-CTL against TAA-pulesd target cells were (77.00±1.00)%, (67.40±3.60)%, (60.55±2.45)% and (26.85±5.25)%, when the effecto-target ratios were 40:1, 20:1, 10:1 and 5:1, and there was negligible lysis of TAA-CTL for PHA-blast (P<0.01)., Conclusion: TAA-CTL can be successfully induced and generated ex vivo from the healthy volunteer peripheral blood, and the TAA-CTL possess a specific killing activity.

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the possible effect of Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) on the migration function of umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells induced by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and to explore the underlying mechanism., Methods: The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on MSC was detected with flow cytometry. After the MSC were pretreated with TLR2 agonist (PAM3CSK4) and/or TLR4 agonist (LPS), the supernatants were collected. The effect of the supernatants on the migration of CD34+ cells was evaluated with chemotaxis assays. Alterations of chemokine (SDF-1) secreted by MSC in the supernatants were assayed by ELISA., Results: The expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were (31.5±4.6)% and (85.6±6.7)% respectively. Compared with the blank group, the migration ability of CD34+ cells increased significantly in control, LPS and/or PAM3CSK4 groups (P<0.01). Further study found that LPS and/or PAM3CSK4 enhanced the chemotactic ability of CD34+ cells (P<0.05), but the concentration of SDF-1 was not changed significantly in all of LPS and/or PAM3CSK4 groups (P>0.05) in comparison with the control group., Conclusion: TLR2 and TLR4 signalings may indirectly increase the migration of CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by modulating BM-MSC functions, which may not significantly correlate with the production of chemokine SDF-1 by MSCs.

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacies and the timing of taking bromocriptine during pregnancy in patients with pituitary prolactinoma., Methods: The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively for 230 women with pituitary prolactinoma at our hospital from January 2001 to May 2014. During January 2001 to December 2007, 120 cases were selected as control group. During January 2008 to May 2014, 110 cases were recruited into treatment group.When found pregnant, the control group immediately withdrew while the treatment group continued the original dose of bromocriptine., Results: The rate of embryo stopping was 16.7% (20/120) in control group. As compared with the rate of natural population, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); the rate was 0.91% (1/110) in treatment group. As compared with natural population, the difference had no significance (P > 0.05).No significant inter-group difference existed in embryonic malformation rate (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Pituitary prolactinoma patients should continue the original dose of bromocriptine for at least 4 months instead of immediate withdrawal during pregnancy. For those with large adenoma, bromocriptine should be taken throughout pregnancy. Blood levels of prolactin, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and visual dysfunction should be monitored every 2 weeks. If the levels of progesterone and HCG are low, they should be timely supplemented.If prolactin rises too rapidly and visual dysfunction worsens, the dose of bromocriptine should be appropriately increased. Taking bromocriptine during pregnancy can significantly reduce the rate of embryo stopping without improving the rate of embryo deformity. Thus use of bromocriptine is both safe and necessary.

Objective: Visual dysfunction is a sever complication of transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary adenoma. In this study, we explored the mechanisms and strategies of prevention and treatment of early acute visual deterioration after transsphenoidal surgery for removal of pituitary adenoma., Methods: Clinical data of 12 patients with transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection of early postoperative acute visual deterioration were analyzed retrospectively. All the cases were come from Peking Union Medical College Hospital during Jan 1991 to May 2014., Results: Among 12 cases, 8 were with intrasellar haematoma, 2 with suprasellar haematoma, 2 with vascular spasm. After all these treatments, good recovery achieved in 10 cases, not so well in 1 with rupture of intracranial aneurysm, and 1 case death with suprasellar haematoma and intracranial infection., Conclusions: Blood circulation variation of the optic nerve and optic chiasma could be caused by long-term compressing with the pituitary adenoma, on this basis, combined with the intrasellar haematoma, direct injury during the operation, and acute ischemia of the optic chiasma and tamping too tight in the sella turcica, etc, resulting in acute visual function disorder after pituitary adenomas transsphenoidal surgery, find the reason and early treatment can be effective to save the patient's visual acuity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of F-18 fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) in diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). A total of 11 secondary HPS patients examined with 18F-FDG-PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic value of F-18 FDG PET/CT for malignancy detection was assessed. The values of maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) in spleen (SUVS(p)) and in bone marrow (SUVBM) were measured to analyze their relationship with various laboratorial parameters and clinical outcome of secondary HPS patients. The results showed that 4 out of the 11 patients had malignancies, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of F-18 FDG PET/CT for malignancy detection were 100%, 66.7% and 75% respectively, the SUV(max) of spleen and bone marrow showed no significant correlation with laboratorial parameters, a maximum SUVS(p) of 3.10 and a maximum SUVBM of 3.47 were the optimal cutoffs for predicting patients' outcome, the increased uptake of F-18 FDG in the BM and spleen were significantly associated with shorter survival time according to univariate analysis. It is concluded that 18F-FDG PET/CT may especially play an important role in diagnosis and predicting outcome of secondary HPS for the small sample size.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of high mobility group box1(HMGB1) and/or stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1) on the migration of cord blood CD34⁺ cells, and to explore whether HMGB1 promotes cord blood CD34⁺ cell migration via SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Cord blood mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll-Paque density centrifugation, CD34⁺ cells were collected by a positive immunoselection procedure (CD34 MicroBeads) according to the manufacturer's instructions, the purity of the isolated CD34⁺ cells was detected by flow cytometry. In vitro chemotaxis assays were performed using Transwell cell chambers to detect cells migration. 1 × 10⁵ cells/well cord blood CD34⁺ cells were added into the upper chambers. Different concentrations of HMGB1 and/or SDF-1 (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 ng/ml) were used to detect the optimal concentrations of HMGB1 and/or SDF-1 for inducing migration of cord blood CD34⁺ cells. Freshly isolated cord blood CD34⁺ cells express CXCR4 (SDF-1 receptor), and HMGB1 receptor TLR-2,TLR-4 and RAGE. To explore which receptors were required for the synergy of HGMB1 and/or SDF-1 on cells migration, the anti-SDF-1, anti-CXCR4 and anti-RAGE antibodies were used to detect the effect of HGMB1 alone or with SDF-1 on cord blood CD34⁺ cells migration. The results showed that the purity of CD34⁺ cells isolated from cord blood mononuclear cells by magnetic cell sorting was 97.40 ± 1.26%, the 25 ng/ml SDF-1 did not induce migration of cord blood CD34⁺ cells, whereas the optimal migration was observed at 100 ng/ml. HMGB1 alone did not induce migration up to 100 ng/ml. The dose test found that the the best synergistic concentrations for cells migration were 100 ng/ml HMGB1 combined with 50 ng/ml SDF-1. The blocking test showed that both the anti-SDF-1 (4 µg/ml) and anti-CXCR4 (5 µg/ml) antibodies could block cell migration induced by HMGB1 or combined with SDF-1, but the cord blood CD34⁺ cells in the presence of anti-RAGE, anti-TLR-2 and anti-TLR-4 antibodies did not modify the response to SDF-1 in the presence of HMGB1. It is concluded that both HMGB1 and SDF-1 can induce cord blood CD34⁺ cells migration, HMGB1 enhances SDF-1-induced migration exclusively via CXCR4 and in a RAGE and TLR receptors-independent manner, the exact mechanism needs to be further explored.