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Most of the malignant melanomas are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed, which is often accompanied by the metastasis and spread of other organs.Besides, the prognosis of patients is bleak. The characteristics of the local immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma have important implications for both tumor progression and tumor treatment. In this study, data on patients with metastatic melanoma from the TCGA and GEO datasets were selected for immune, stromal, and estimate scores, and overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. A nine-IRGs prognostic model (ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22) was established by univariate COX regression, LASSO and multivariate COX regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. Immune infiltration was analyzed by using CIBERSORT, Xcell and ssGSEA in high-risk and low-risk groups. The immune infiltration of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. Immune checkpoint analysis revealed that the expression of PDCD1, CTLA4, TIGIT, CD274, HAVR2 and LAG3 were significantly different in groups with different levels of risk scores. WGCNA analysis found that the yellow-green module contained seven genes (ALOX5AP, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22) from the nine-IRG prognostic model, of which the yellow-green module had the highest correlation with risk scores. The results of GO and KEGG suggested that the genes in the yellow-green module were mainly enriched in immune-related biological processes. Finally, we analyzed the prognostic ability and expression characteristics of ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22 in metastatic melanoma. Overall, a prognostic model for metastatic melanoma based on the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment was established, which was helpful for further studies.It could function well in helping people to understand the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma and to find possible therapeutic targets.

This study investigated the effects of blockade of IL-6 on bone loss induced by modeled microgravity (MG). Adult male mice were exposed to hind-limb suspension (HLS) and treated with IL-6-neutralizing antibody (IL-6 nAb) for 4 weeks. HLS in mice led to upregulation of IL-6 expression in both sera and femurs. IL-6 nAb treatment in HLS mice significantly alleviated bone loss, evidenced by increased bone mineral density of whole tibia, trabecular thickness and number, bone volume fraction of proximal tibiae, and ultimate load and stiffness of femoral diaphysis. IL-6 nAb treatment in HLS mice significantly enhanced levels of osteocalcin in sera and reduced levels of deoxypyridinoline. In MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to MG in vitro, IL-6 nAb treatment increased mRNA expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase, mRNA expression of osteopontin and runt-related transcription factor 2, and protein levels of osteoprotegerin and decreased protein levels of receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand. In RAW254.7 cells exposed to MG, IL-6 nAb treatment downregulated mRNA expression of cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and reduced numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. In conclusion, blockade of IL-6 alleviated the bone loss induced by MG.

AimWe retrospectively analyzed the distribution of distant lymph node metastasis and its impact on prognosis in patients with metastatic NPC after treatment.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2016, 219 NPC patients out of 1,601 (182 from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, and 37 from the Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University) developed distant metastasis after primary radiation therapy. Metastatic lesions were divided into groups according to location: bones above the diaphragm (supraphrenic bone, SUP-B); bones below the diaphragm (subphrenic bone, SUB-B); distant lymph nodes above the diaphragm (supraphrenic distant lymph nodes, SUP-DLN); distant lymph nodes below the diaphragm (subphrenic distant lymph nodes, SUB-DLN), liver, lung, and other lesions beyond bone/lung/distant lymph node above the diaphragm (supraphrenic other lesions, SUP-OL); other lesions beyond bone/liver/distant lymph node below the diaphragm (subphrenic other lesions, SUB-OL); the subtotal above the diaphragm (supraphrenic total lesions, SUP-TL); and the subtotal below the diaphragm (subphrenic total lesions, SUB-TL). Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate the probability of patients’ overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied using the Cox proportional hazard model to explore prediction factors of OS.ResultsThe most frequent metastatic locations were bone (45.2%), lung (40.6%), liver (32.0%), and distant lymph nodes (20.1%). The total number of distant lymph node metastasis was 44, of which 22 (10.0%) were above the diaphragm, 18 (8.2%) were below the diaphragm, and 4 (1.8%) were both above and below the diaphragm. Age (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.03, p = 0.012), N stage (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.54, p = 0.019), number of metastatic locations (HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.73, p = 0.003), bone (HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.25, p = 0.002), SUB-B (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.12, p = 0.019), SUB-DLN (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.86, p = 0.038), and SUB-O L(HR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.39, 14.3, p = 0.012) were associated with OS. Multivariate analyses revealed that a higher N stage (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.50, p = 0.048), SUB-DLN (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.90, p = 0.043), and SUB-OL (HR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.14, 12.16, p = 0.029) were associated with worse OS.ConclusionSubphrenic lymph node metastasis predicts poorer prognosis for NPC patients with metachronous metastasis; however, this needs validation by large prospective studies.

Objective This study investigated the relationship between pain location and fracture type in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). Design A prospective observational study. Subject A total of 306 patients with acute OVF were included. Methods The site of pain of each patient was recorded, and the patients were divided into a group with pain at the fracture site (group 1) and a group with pain at a non-fracture site (group 2). Fractures were classified into four types: type I, upper endplate type; type II, central type; type III, lower endplate type; and type IV, burst type. Results There were 146 patients in group 1, of whom 20.55% (30/146) had type I fractures, 33.56% (49/146) had type II fractures, 15.75% (23/146) had type III fractures, and 30.14% (44/146) had type IV fractures. There were 227 patients in group 2, of whom 57.27% (130/227) had type I fractures, 5.29% (12/227) had type II fractures, 35.24% (80/227) had type III fractures, and 2.20% (5/227) had type IV fractures. There was a statistical difference in the fracture type distribution between the two groups (P Conclusions For patients with acute OVF, the site of pain is related to the type of fracture. The pain at the fracture site is more often observed in the central type and burst type of fractures, whereas pain at a non-fracture site is more often observed in the upper and lower endplate types of fractures. Additionally, when OVF is suspected, radiological assessment of the thoracic and lumbar spine is recommended to better detect fractures that could cause pain distal to the site of the fracture.

Summary Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the accumulation of active BCR-ABL protein. Imatinib is the first-line treatment of CML; however, many patients are resistant to this drug. In this study, we aimed to compare the differences in expression patterns and functions of time-series genes in imatinib-resistant CML cells under different drug treatments. GSE24946 was downloaded from the GEO database, which included 17 samples of K562-r cells with (n=12) or without drug administration (n=5). Three drug treatment groups were considered for this study: arsenic trioxide (ATO), AMN107, and ATO+AMN107. Each group had one sample at each time point (3, 12, 24, and 48 h). Time-series genes with a ratio of standard deviation/average (coefficient of variation) >0.15 were screened, and their expression patterns were revealed based on Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM). Then, the functional enrichment analysis of time-series genes in each group was performed using DAVID, and the genes enriched in the top ten functional categories were extracted to detect their expression patterns. Different time-series genes were identified in the three groups, and most of them were enriched in the ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Time-series genes in the three treatment groups had different expression patterns and functions. Time-series genes in the ATO group (e.g. CCNA2 and DAB2) were significantly associated with cell adhesion, those in the AMN107 group were related to cellular carbohydrate metabolic process, while those in the ATO+AMN107 group (e.g. AP2M1) were significantly related to cell proliferation and antigen processing. In imatinib-resistant CML cells, ATO could influence genes related to cell adhesion, AMN107 might affect genes involved in cellular carbohydrate metabolism, and the combination therapy might regulate genes involved in cell proliferation.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare condition in early pregnancy. A 22-year-old Chinese woman at 10 weeks of pregnancy requested induced abortion and was diagnosed as CVST for a severe headache accompanying with nausea and vomiting. The patient was treated successfully with anticoagulation, followed by amniocentesis, and finally succeeded in induction of labor safely. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for this rare condition are discussed in this paper.

To explore the relationship between expression of CD96 and CD123 and prognosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Eight-nine MDS patients(MDS group) and 20 persons without hematologic disease as controls(Control group) were enrolled. The patients were grouped by the risk. All participants received bone marrow biopsy. Mononuclear cells were extracted, CD34The proportion of CD34The differentiation of CD34

To investigate the efficacy and safety of temporary internal distraction corrective surgery for extremely severe scoliosis. Eleven scoliosis patients (3 males and 8 females) with curves ≥130° (mean 148.8°; range 130°–157°) who underwent a two-stage surgery, including a posterior temporary internal distraction correction and definitive posterior spinal correction with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation from 2008 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Minimum follow-up was 2-years (mean 41.8 months; range 27.0–63.0 months). The analysis focused on the impact of temporary internal distraction on curve correction, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), complications and surgical outcomes. Neurosurveillance of sensory (somatosensory-evoked potentials) and motor (motor-evoked potentials) potential was performed in all cases. Posterior instrumentation was used in all patients. After the use of internal distraction, the preoperative major curve (mean 148.8°; range 130°–157°) was corrected to a mean of 79° (range 63°–87°), the T5–T12 kyphosis Cobb angle (mean 79°; range 30°–97°) was corrected to a mean of 59° (range 20°–75°), the coronal imbalance (mean 0.8 cm; range −3.6 to 2.8 cm) was improved to a mean of 0.6 cm (range −1.5 to 2.0 cm), the forced vital capacity percentage (FVC%) was improved from 59.3 ± 11.6 to 68.7 ± 13.7, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) was improved from 61.4 ± 13.6 to 71.3 ± 9.3. The average increase in body height was 6.7 cm, and the dorsum razor was corrected to 3–5 cm. During definitive surgery, the final major curves were corrected to a mean of 55° (range 32°–72°), the T5–T12 kyphosis Cobb was corrected to 35° (range 15°–68°), the coronal imbalance was improved to 0.5 cm (range −1.2 to 1.8 cm), the FVC% was improved to 71.2 ± 8.3, the FEV1% was improved to 76.3 ± 16.7, the increase in body height was 3.1 cm, and the dorsum razor was corrected to 1–3 cm. The mean interval time between the two surgeries was 3.5 months. None of the patients exhibited postoperative neurologic deficits or infections. No instrument complications were found during the final follow-up. Temporary internal distraction in a two-stage corrective surgery provided patients who had extremely severe and rigid scoliosis, an effective and safe solution for scoliosis without significant complications.

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of C1 pedicle screw fixation in patients whose atlas vertebral artery groove (defined as the C1 pedicle) height is less than 4 mm, but with a medullary canal. From January 2010 to January 2013, 7 patients (6 males, 1 female) with atlantoaxial instability whose C1 pedicle height was less than 4.0 mm on one or both sides were treated by C1 pedicle screw fixation at our institution. Thirteen of the 14 C1 pedicles were less than 4.0 mm in height, but all had a medullary canal. Patients were followed up at regular intervals. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to assess if C1 pedicle screw placement was successful. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to postoperative complications, the American Spinal Injury Association grading system, and bone graft status. Thirteen C1 pedicles with a height less than 4.0 mm were inserted by 13 3.5- or 4.0-mm-diameter pedicle screws, and one C1 pedicle whose height was 4.1 mm was inserted by a 4.0-mm-diameter pedicle screw. In addition, 14 pedicle screws were inserted in the axis. The mean follow-up period was 23 (range 8–38) months. No neurologic or vascular complications occurred in any of the seven patients. Postoperative CT three-dimensional reconstruction images showed that all 14 pedicle screws were inserted in the C1 pedicles without destruction of the atlas pedicle cortical bone. All patients demonstrated bony fusion 6 months postoperatively. If there is a medullary canal in the C1 pedicle, a 3.5- or 4.0-mm-diameter pedicle screw can be safely inserted into the atlas and C1 pedicle screw fixation can be performed without any impact on fixation stability and clinical efficacy, even if the C1 pedicle height is less than 4.0 mm.

In the present work, a new dialysis process was proposed to isolate phosvitin from chicken egg yolk, which consists of NaCl precipitation, heat treatment and dialysis. The effects of several key operating parameters on the purity of phosvitin were examined. Under optimized conditions, the phosvitin purity obtained was about 86.3%, with a yield of 87.2%. The resulting phosvitin product had β-sheet of 78.5% at pH 2.0, consistent with the literature value. This shows that the purified phosvitin folded with a reasonable secondary structure.

A series of rare earth perovskite-type oxides La09Sr0.1Co0.9Mn0.1O3La08Sr0.2Co0.8Mn0.2O3and La05Sr0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O3were prepared along the sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy techniques (TEM) and catalytic activity measurement for combustion of CH4. The results indicated that a perfect crystal structure of perovskite was formed and La3+and Co3+ions were partly replaced by Sr2+and Mn3+ions, respectively, and perovskite-type oxides were composed of nanocrystals with particle size of 20~50nm. The catalytic activity for the combustion of CH4 was evaluated and La05Sr0.5Co0.5Mn0.5O3exhibited best performance with the temperature of 50% and 90% conversion efficiency of 723K and 833K.

Finding channel sandbodies is an important task in oil and gas exploration due to the importance of fluvial reservoirs. It is difficult to describe fluvial reservoirs in detail owing to their frequent changes and serious intersections, as well as limitations of S/N ratio and seismic data resolution. Based on the Laohekou 3D data in Shengli Oilfield, we analyze the general characteristics of fluvial reservoirs in this area, from which we find that they are characterized by strong amplitudes on seismic profiles, high continuity on time slices, and low frequency in the frequency domain. In addition, a cluster of strong string-beadlike reflections was found after color processing and detailed interpretation. To understand this observation, we conduct forward modeling to explain the mechanism. This provides a new way to identify ancient channels in similar areas. By using the multi-attribute fusion and RGB display techniques, channel incision is more obvious and the characteristics of the channel structures are manifested much better. Finally, we introduce and apply multi-wavelet detection technology to identify weaker fluvial reservoir signals.

In order to improve the properties of boron-containing phenol-formaldehyde resin (BPFR), the tetrabromo-bisphenol A epoxy resin (TBBPAER) was used to cure BPFR. The curing mechanism, thermal properties and the fire resistance of TBBPAER/BPFR were investigated by fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), torsional braid analysis (TBA) and the oxygen index method. The results show, -OH of -C6H4-CH2OH and -C6H4OH reacts with the epoxy group. With the increase in the amount of BPFR, the thermal properties get better. When the additive amount of TBBPAER is 10 wt%, this material has best thermal stability at high temperature and higher temperature of loss bromine. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is 223.2 °C and the LOI is 68.5.

The polyacrylate emulsion coating modified by nano-silica was prepared by In-situ method. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) was added as the precursor of SiO2 in the late of the emulsion polymerization. The structure and properties of emulsion and latex film were characterized. The results showed that the nano-hybrid silica/polyacrylate emulsion coating with good performance can be prepared by In-situ method. FTIR analysis indicated that the -Si-O-Si- structure has embodied in the coating film. The particle diameter of emulsion is 378nm when nano-SiO2 content is 6% and the dispersing index is 0.164. The mechanical loss peak temperature (Tp) of coating film with 6% nano-SiO2 is 60.6°C which increase 6°C than pure emulsion film. The nano-hybrid emulsion coating has a good performance, such as good acid-alkali resistance and hardness.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the serum level of irisin can be a candidate to predict the spinal metastasis in patients with breast cancer. In a cross-sectional study, 148 patients were recruited. Of those, 53 (35.8%) had spinal metastasis. The baseline characteristics were compared by status of spinal metastasis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether the serum irisin can be a candidate for predicting breast cancer to spinal metastasis. The correlation coefficient analysis was used to confirm the correlation between the serum irisin and lipid metabolic parameters and body mass index (BMI), respectively. The serum irisin was higher in patients without spinal metastasis (7.60 ± 3.80). Multivariable analysis showed that the serum irisin was protective to the presence of spinal metastasis in patients with breast cancer after adjustments of age and BMI (odds ratio, 0.873; 95% confidence interval, 0.764–0.999). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the serum irisin and BMI (r = 0.263). The patients with metabolisc syndrome (MetS) had a higher level in serum irisin. In addition, the higher numbers of MetS components were associated with higher serum irisin. Higher serum irisin can be a protective factor of spinal metastasis in patients with breast cancer. The BMI is positively associated with the serum level of irisin. Furthermore, patients with MetS tended to have a higher level of serum irisin.

The far infrared radiance tourmaline composite materials have been successfully prepared. From the XRD results, the composite materials were composed of tourmaline and transition metal oxides（Fe2O3, MnO2, Co2O3）and cerium oxide. Under SEM, the spherical particles of transition metal oxides were adsorbed by the flake particles of tourmaline. The composite materials show relatively high far infrared radiance than tourmaline and the mineral composite materials with smaller unit cell volume exhibits higher infrared radiance

Decomposition of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in the presence of (10 mass %) magnetite and different mass fractions of anthracite, as a reducer, has been investigated under microwave irradiation in air atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the decomposition residues. Both experiment results and theoretical analysis indicated that the optimum amount of anthracite added to the FGD gypsum (10 mass %) magnetite mixture was 8 mass %. Under optimum conditions, the maximum desulfurization degree after microwave treatment for 60 min at 1000?C was 93.86 %. Due to microwave heating and calcium ferrite formation, the decomposition temperature of FGD gypsum decreased to around 800°C in air atmosphere. Based on the XRD patterns and SEM images, the reaction of CaSO4 with the additives occurred from the centre to the surface where the liquid phase was generated under microwave heating. SEM images also showed a lower amount of the liquid phase in the outermost layer samples, which prevented the formation of a kiln ring under microwave heating.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Batroxobin on blood loss during spinal operations.METHODS: After obtaining approval from the ethics committee at the hospital along with informed written consent, we performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with 100 patients who were randomized equally into 2 groups (Batroxobin and placebo). Patients received either 2 ku IV 15 min before surgery and followed 1 ku IM of Batroxobin following surgery, or an equivalent volume of placebo (normal saline). Cost of Batroxobin treatment is amounted to 84.75 euros. The primary outcomes were intraoperative, 24 h postoperative, and total perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes were hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), the volume of blood/fluid transfusion intraoperatively, and 24 h postoperatively. Safety evaluation parameters were the incidence of venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, active partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, and fibrinogen. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science Version 12.0. The results were presented as mean ± SEM. The Mann-Whitney test and Independent Student t test, when appropriate, were used to compare the 2 groups, and differences were considered significant if the P value was RESULTS: 88 patients were included in the analysis while 12 patients were withdrawn from the study due to extended surgical duration, change of surgical procedure, or after the patients' request. The total perioperative blood loss was approximately 31% lower in patients given Batroxobin versus placebo (700.5 ± 45.81 vs 485.7 ± 30.01 mL, P = 0.001). The Batroxobin group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss (326.1 ± 24.16) compared to the placebo group (556.0 ± 43.58), but there was no difference in the amount of blood/fluid transfused, postoperatively Hb, or RBC between the two groups. After the operation, coagulation parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups at the days 1 or 3 postoperatively. No adverse events related to the use of Batroxobin were recorded. There were no cases of superficial wound infection. None of the subjects died during the study.CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prophylactic use of Batroxobin provided an effective and cheap method for reducing blood loss without coagulopathy during or after operations. The use of Batroxobin for patients undergoing one-level PLIF surgery safely and effectively reduced the total amount of perioperative blood loss.

The study was aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms and identify the potential target genes and key miRNAs for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment by bioinformatics analysis. The microarray data of GSE9476 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 64 samples, including 26 AML and 38 normal samples, were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AML and normal samples. The functional enrichment analysis was performed, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed by Cytoscape software. Besides, the target miRNAs for DEGs were identified. Totally, 323 DEGs were identified, including 87 up-regulated and 236 down-regulated genes. Not only up-regulated genes but also down-regulated genes were related to hematopoietic-related functions. Besides, down-regulated genes were also enriched in primary immunodeficiency pathway. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R), lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), CD79a molecule and immunoglobulin-associated alpha (CD79A) were identified in these functions. TNF and LCK were hub nodes in PPI networks. miR-124 and miR-181 were important miRNAs in this study. The hematopoietic-related functions and primary immunodeficiency pathway may be associated with AML development. Genes, such as TNF, IL7R, LCK and CD79A, may be potential therapeutic target genes for AML, and miR-124 and miR-181 may be key miRNAs in AML development.

To clone the gene encoding adenylate kinase of Thermus thermophilus HB27, an extremely thermophilic bacterium, express the protein in Escherichia coil and study the enzymatic characterization.The DNA fragment encoding adenylate kinase was obtained by PCR from the total DNA of Thermus thermophilus HB27 and cloned into the vector pET-28a. The recombinant plasmid was identified by PCR, restriction endonuclease digestion and sequence analysis. Enzymatic characterization of the expressed protein was carried out using spectrophotometric assays.The gene coding for adenylate kinase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 was cloned and the protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The optimum reactive pH and temperature for the enzyme were 8.5 and 90 degrees celsius;, respectively. The Km of the recombinant adenylate kinase for ADP was 68.6 micromol/L, with an V(max)ADP of 0.294 mmol/(L.min). Under the condition of environmental temperature at 70, 80, 90, or 100 degrees celsius; for 7 h, the recombinant adenylate kinase still retained the enzymatic activity with high thermostability. AP5A, a specific adenylate kinase inhibitor, inhibited the enzymatic activity of the protein by 70% at the concentration of 2.0 mmol/L, with a Ki value of 46.39 micromol/L for ADP.The gene coding for adenylate kinase of Thermus thermophilus HB27 has been successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coil, which provides the basis for potential use of the highly thermostable recombinant HB27 adenylate kinase.