[Comparison of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis].

Objective: To compare the screening value of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in tube (QFT-GIT) in the auxiliary diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods: A screening test was performed. Patients who were hospitalized in Guangzhou Chest Hospital and underwent QFT-GIT testing from October to December 2020 were prospectively included as research subjects, QFT-Plus testing was added. And the basic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, imaging examinations and other data of these patients were collected. A total of 207 patients were included and divided into tuberculosis group and non-tuberculosis group according to these data. There were 124 cases in the tuberculosis group (94 confirmed patients and 30 clinically diagnosed patients), including 90 males and 34 females, aged 18-93 years, with a median age of 57 (38, 67) years. The non-tuberculosis group included 83 patients (16 patients with non-tuberculous Mycobacteria and 67 patients with other lung diseases), including 49 males and 34 females, with a median age of 60 (51, 68) years. The confirmed patients were subdivided into three grades of low, medium and high Mycobacteriam tuberculosis (MTB) bacterial load, and three grades of mild, moderate and severe pulmonary tuberculosis. The results of QFT-Plus and QFT-GIT were compared, and the levels of IFN-γ in different antigen tubes were compared. Differences between different groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: The QFT-Plus showed a high degree of agreement with the QFT-GIT (κ=0.786, 95%CI: 0.740-0.832), while the main discordant result was QFT-GIT negative/QFT-Plus positive, accounting for 15/17. The sensitivity of QFT-GIT was 80.7%(95%CI: 0.706-0.880), the specificity was 76.3%(95%CI: 0.649-0.850), the positive predictive value was 79.8%(95%CI: 0.697-0.873), and the negative predictive value was 77.3%(95%CI: 0.659-0.859), repectively. QFT-Plus showed a sensitivity of 84.3%(95%CI: 0.743-0.910), a specificity of 78.8% (95%CI: 0.679-0.868), and a positive predictive value of 80.5%(95%CI: 0.703-0.879), the negative predictive value being 82.9%(95%CI: 0.721-0.902), slightly improved to that of the QFT-GIT. Also, this study found that there were significant differences in IFN-γ values between different MTB load or disease severity (P<0.05). Conclusions: There is a good consistency between the QFT-Plus test and the QFT-GIT test, both of which show good application value in the auxiliary diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Moreover, because of the addition of tuberculosis-specific CD8 cell antigen, the QFT-Plus test has higher sensitivity, lower uncertainty and more application value. This study also found that the bacterial load and disease severity of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis may have a certain correlation with the measured value of IFN-γ.

[A 3D hydrogel loaded with exosomes derived from bone marrow stem cells promotes cartilage repair in rats by modulating immunological microenvironment].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of GelMA hydrogel loaded with bone marrow stem cell-derived exosomes for repairing injured rat knee articular cartilage. METHODS: The supernatant of cultured bone marrow stem cells was subjected to ultracentrifugation separate and extract the exosomes, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis and Western blotting of the surface markers. The changes in rheology and electron microscopic features of GelMA hydrogel were examined after loading the exosomes. We assessed exosome release from the hydrogel was detected by BCA protein detection method, and labeled the exosomes with PKH26 red fluorescent dye to observe their phagocytosis by RAW264.7 cells. The effects of the exosomes alone, unloaded hydrogel, and exosome-loaded hydrogel on the polarization of RAW264.7 cells were detected by q-PCR and immunofluorescence assay. We further tested the effect of the exosome-loaded hydrogel on cartilage repair in a Transwell co-culture cell model of RAW264.7 cells and chondrocytes in a rat model of knee cartilage injury using q-PCR and immunofluorescence assay and HE and Masson staining. RESULTS: GelMA hydrogel loaded with exosomes significantly promoted M2-type polarization of RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.05). In the Transwell co-culture model, the exosome-loaded GelMA hydrogel significantly promoted the repair of injured chondrocytes by regulating RAW264.7 cell transformation from M1 to M2 (P < 0.05). HE and Masson staining showed that the exosome-loaded hydrogel obviously promoted cartilage repair in the rat models damage. CONCLUSION: GelMA hydrogel loaded with bone marrow stem cell-derived exosomes can significantly promote the repair of cartilage damage in rats by improving the immune microenvironment.

[Investigation and analysis of underground noise in Sichuan coal mines].

Objective: To understand the harm degree of underground noise and provide basis for noise control. Methods: In November 2019, 13 typical coal mines in Sichuan Province were selected as the research objects, and a total of 1203 sites and 609 jobs of noise exposure were investigated. Results: The noise intensity P75 >80 dB (A) was measured. The noise intensity of the inspection place of the air compressor is >86 dB (A) , the noise intensity of the inspection place of the gas drainage and the operation place of the main fan is between 80-85 dB (A) . Conclusion: Besides the harm of dust, noise exposure should also be paid attention to, and the measures of sound absorption and sound insulation should be taken or personal protection should be strengthened.

Isochronal superpositioning of the caged dynamics, the α, and the Johari-Goldstein ß relaxations in metallic glasses.

The superposition of the frequency dispersions of the structural α relaxation determined at different combinations of temperature T and pressure P while maintaining its relaxation time τα(T, P) constant (i.e., isochronal superpositioning) has been well established in molecular and polymeric glass-formers. Not known is whether the frequency dispersion or time dependence of the faster processes including the caged molecule dynamics and the Johari-Goldstein (JG) ß relaxation possesses the same property. Experimental investigation of this issue is hindered by the lack of an instrument that can cover all three processes. Herein, we report the results from the study of the problem utilizing molecular dynamics simulations of two different glass-forming metallic alloys. The mean square displacement 〈Δr2t〉, the non-Gaussian parameter α2t, and the self-intermediate scattering function Fsq,t at various combinations of T and P were obtained over broad time range covering the three processes. Isochronal superpositioning of 〈Δr2t〉, α2t, and Fsq,t was observed over the entire time range, verifying that the property holds not only for the α relaxation but also for the caged dynamics and the JG ß relaxation. Moreover, we successfully performed density ρ scaling of the time τα2,maxT,P at the peak of α2t and the diffusion coefficient D(T, P) to show both are functions of ργ/T with the same γ. It follows that the JG ß relaxation time τß(T, P) is also a function of ργ/T since τα2,maxT,P corresponds to τß(T, P).

Cloning of PCS gene (TpPCS1) from Tagetes patula L. and expression analysis under cadmium stress.

Phytochelatins (PCs) constitute an important mechanism for plants to resist heavy metal stress. Widely found in higher plants, they are small heavy metal binding peptides, synthesized through catalysis of phytochelatin synthase (PCS). We speculate that there may be PCS genes in Peacock grass (Tagetes patula L., Asteraceae), which is an important reason for its rich cadmium. In order to obtain the full-length cDNA sequence of the PCS gene from T. patula L. used rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Meanwhile, Relative expression of TpPCS1 under different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) stress was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results found ORF of TpPCS1 genes with a length of 1970 bp, a gene coding area length of 1764 bp, coding for 587 amino acids. Expression of TpPCS1 under Cd stress was tissue specific. TpPCS1 in the root showed higher expression, while expression in the leaf and seed was relatively low. This research demonstrates that expression of TpPCS1 enhanced the enrichment of cadmium in T. patula L. roots and could be used to construct a plant hyperexpression carrier that would provide new avenues for plant restoration technology.

MiRNA-206 suppresses the metastasis of osteosarcoma via targeting Notch3.

To investigate the role of microRNA-206 (miRNA-206) in the malignant progression of osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism, expression pattern of miRNA-206 in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlation between miRNA-206 level and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients was analyzed. Regulatory effects of miRNA-206 on the proliferation and metastasis of U2OS and MG63 cells were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell and wound healing assay. Through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, the target gene of miRNA-206 was verified. A series of rescue experiments were conducted to explore the role of miRNA-206/Notch3 in regulating the malignant progression of osteosarcoma. MiRNA-206 was downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, and its level was correlated to poor prognosis and distant metastasis of osteosarcoma patients. Overexpression of miRNA-206 attenuated the proliferative and metastatic abilities of osteosarcoma cells, and miRNA-206 knockdown obtained the opposite trends. Notch3 was verified to be the target gene of miRNA-206, which was upregulated in osteosarcoma and accelerated osteosarcoma cells to proliferate and metastasize. Finally, rescue experiments showed that Notch3 overexpression partially reversed the regulatory effects of miRNA-206 on cellular behaviors of osteosarcoma cells. MiRNA-206 is downregulated in osteosarcoma. Overexpression of miRNA-206 accelerates osteosarcoma cells to proliferate and metastasize by targeting Notch3, thus accelerating the malignant progression of osteosarcoma.

Caveolin-1 improves lung injury in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease partially through Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Caveolin-1 on lung injury in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity (FEV0.3/ FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were determined. The total white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil ratio (NEUT%), mononuclear macrophage ratio (MNM%), lymphocyte ratio (LY%) and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Both FEV0.3/FVC and PEF significantly declined in the COPD group compared with those in the Control group, while they significantly rose in the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group compared with those in the COPD group. HE staining showed that there were alveolar dilatation and enlargement with obviously increased intercept in the COPD group, while there were basically no changes in the alveoli in the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group. Massive apoptosis of alveolar tissues was observed in COPD group, and there was only a little apoptosis in IWR-1 group and Daidzin group. In COPD group, WBC, NEUT% and protein concentration in BALF were obviously increased, MNM% was obviously decreased, and there was no obvious difference in LY% compared with those in the Control group. In the the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group, WBC, NEUT%, protein concentration, MNM% and LY% in BALF had no obvious differences compared with those in the Control group. In the IWR-1 group and Daidzin group, WBC, NEUT% and protein concentration evidently declined, MNM% evidently rose, and there was no obvious difference in LY% compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1, Wnt-1 and ß-catenin in lung tissues were remarkably higher in the COPD group than those in the Control group. Caveolin-1 was remarkably higher in the IWR-1 group than that in the Control group. And Wnt-1 and ß-catenin were higher in the Daidzin group than those in the Control group. In addition, Wnt-1 and ß-catenin in lung tissues markedly declined in the IWR-1 group compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1, Wnt-1 and ß-catenin in lung tissues also markedly declined in the Daidzin group compared with those in the COPD group. Caveolin-1 can improve lung injury in COPD rats through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Sirt1 suppresses MCP-1 production during the intervertebral disc degeneration by inactivating AP-1 subunits c-Fos/c-Jun.

OBJECTIVE: The anti-inflammatory effect of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been widely confirmed. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) activation is the initiating inflammatory response associated with the IDD. However, whether Sirt1 suppresses MCP-1 in the intervertebral disc is unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The MCP-1 and Sirt1 protein expression in the degenerated and non-degenerated NP tissues were compared by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cell degeneration by IL-1ß and mediated cellular Sirt1 expression through the Sirt1 activator resveratrol (Res) or inhibitor Nicotinamide (Nico). In addition, the inhibitors of MCP-1 and Activator protein 1 (AP-1) were also used in cell culture. The function of NP cells was determined by the type II collagen and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. We assessed the Sirt1 and MCP-1 expression by the Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The AP-1 activity was valued by the phosphorylation of its components c-Fos, and c-Jun. RESULTS: Both in vivo and in vitro experimental results indicated that MCP-1 was upregulated in the degenerated condition, which was opposite to Sirt1 expression. Res suppressed AP-1, the phosphorylation of c-Fos/c-Jun, and the MCP-1 expression. On the contrary, Sirt1 downregulation by Nico aggravated the phosphorylation of c-Fos/c-Jun and MCP-1 expression. However, the MCP-1 suppression did not affect the Sirt1 and AP-1 levels. The destruction of AP-1 activation also inhibited MCP-1 expression but not Sirt1. The upregulation of Sirt1 and suppression of MCP-1 improved the type II collagen expression and cell viability, which was injured by IL-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: Sirt1 suppresses the MCP-1 production in the degenerated NP cells by suppressing the phosphorylation of the AP-1 subunits c-Fos and c-Jun.

An automated smear microscopy system to diagnose tuberculosis in a high-burden setting.

OBJECTIVES: TB-EASM (Howsome, Shanghai, China), an automated system combining smear preparation, staining and microscopy in a single platform, was evaluated for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in a high disease-burden setting. METHODS: Sputum samples from individuals with pulmonary TB were processed in parallel using conventional manual smear microscopy (MS), TB-EASM, liquid culture and GeneXpert. Method sensitivity and specificity were compared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection by mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) and/or GeneXpert MTB/RIF. RESULTS: Of 524 samples, 496 met evaluation criteria for study inclusion. The proportion of M. tuberculosis detected by TB-EASM was 28.2% (150/496), significantly higher than for MS (111/496, 21.2%, p 0.01) and comparable to the rate for MGIT (163/496, 32.9%, p > 0.05). For 190 M. tuberculosis-positive cases identified using MGIT and/or GeneXpert MTB/RIF, the reference standard detection methods, TB-EASM detected 140 positive cases, for an overall sensitivity rate of 73.7% (140/190, 95% CI 67.4-79.9), which was significantly higher than for MS (105/190, 55.3%, 95% CI 48.2-62.3, p < 0.01). Specificities were 96.7% (296/306, 95% CI 94.7-98.7) for TB-EASM and 98.0% (300/306, 95% CI 96.5-99.6) for MS. CONCLUSION: TB-EASM outperformed conventional MS for M. tuberculosis detection in sputum specimens.

Mutational Signatures in Mandibular Ameloblastoma Correlate with Smoking.

Ameloblastoma is a rare tumor of odontogenic epithelium, the low incidence rate of which precludes statistical determination of its molecular characterizations. Despite recent genomic and transcriptomic profiling, the etiology of ameloblastomas remains poorly understood. Risk factors of ameloblastoma development are also largely unknown. Whole exome sequencing was performed on 11 mandibular ameloblastoma samples. We identified 2 convergent mutational signatures in ameloblastoma: 1) a signature found in multiple types of lung cancers with probable etiology of tobacco carcinogens (COSMIC signature 4) and 2) a signature present in gingivobuccal oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlated with tobacco-chewing habits (COSMIC signature 29). These mutational signatures highlight tobacco usage or related mutagens as one possible risk factor of ameloblastoma, since the association of BRAF mutations and smoking was demonstrated in multiple studies. In addition to BRAF hotspot mutations (V600E), we observed clear inter- and intratumor heterogeneities. Interestingly, prior to BRAF mutation, important genes regulating odontogenesis mutated (e.g., corepressor BCOR), possibly playing important roles in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, recurrent mutations in the CDC73 gene, the germline mutations of which predispose patients to the development of jaw tumors, were found in 2 patients, which may lead to recurrence if not targeted by therapeutic drugs. Our unbiased profiling of coding regions of ameloblastoma genomes provides insights to the possible etiology of mandibular ameloblastoma and highlights potential disease risk factors for screening and prevention, especially for Asian patients. Because of the limited sample size and incomplete habitual, dietary, and occupational data, a causal link between tobacco usage and ameloblastoma still requires further investigations.

Distortion of Local Atomic Structures in Amorphous Ge-Sb-Te Phase Change Materials.

The local atomic structures of amorphous Ge-Sb-Te phase-change materials have yet to be clarified and the rapid crystal-amorphous phase change resulting in distinct optical contrast is not well understood. We report the direct observation of local atomic structures in amorphous Ge_{2}Sb_{2}Te_{5} using "local" reverse Monte Carlo modeling dedicated to an angstrom-beam electron diffraction analysis. The results corroborated the existence of local structures with rocksalt crystal-like topology that were greatly distorted compared to the crystal symmetry. This distortion resulted in the breaking of ideal octahedral atomic environments, thereby forming local disordered structures that basically satisfied the overall amorphous structure factor. The crystal-like distorted octahedral structures could be the main building blocks in the formation of the overall amorphous structure of Ge-Sb-Te.

Optimization and characterization of highly nonlinear fiber for broadband optical time lens applications.

We demonstrate simple and intuitive methods, for dispersion optimization and characterization of highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) for use in four-wave-mixing (FWM) based time lens applications. A composite dispersion-flattened HNLF is optimized for high bandwidth time lens processing, by segmentation to mitigate FWM impairments due to dispersion fluctuations. The fiber is used for FWM conversion of 32 WDM-channels with 50 GHz spacing in a time lens, with -4.6 dB total efficiency, and <1 dB per-channel efficiency difference. The novel characterization method is based on two tunable continuous-wave lasers. The method is experimentally verified to predict the spectral output profile of time lenses for broadband multicarrier input, with detailed numerical simulations for support.

Hardening of shear band in metallic glass.

Strain hardening, originating from defects such as the dislocation, avails conventional metals of high engineering reliability in applications. However, the hardenability of metallic glass is a long-standing concern due to the lack of similar defects. In this work, we carefully examine the stress-strain relationship in three bulk monolithic metallic glasses. The results show that hardening is surely available in metallic glasses if the effective load-bearing area is considered instantly. The hardening is proposed to result from the remelting and ensuing solidification of the shear-band material under a hydrostatic pressure imposed by the normal stress during the shear banding event. This applied-pressure quenching densifies the metallic glass by discharging the free volume. On the other hand, as validated by molecular dynamics simulations, the pressure promotes the icosahedral short-range order. The densification and icosahedral clusters both contribute to the increase of the shear strength and therefore the hardening in metallic glasses.

Understanding Atomic-Scale Features of Low Temperature-Relaxation Dynamics in Metallic Glasses.

Being a key feature of a glassy state, low temperature relaxation has important implications on the mechanical behavior of glasses; however, the mechanism of low temperature relaxation is still an open issue, which has been debated for decades. By systematically investigating the influences of cooling rate and pressure on low temperature relaxation in the Zr50Cu50 metallic glasses, it is found that even though pressure does induce pronounced local structural change, the low temperature-relaxation behavior of the metallic glass is affected mainly by cooling rate, not by pressure. According to the atomic displacement and connection mode analysis, we further demonstrate that the low temperature relaxation is dominated by the dispersion degree of fast dynamic atoms rather than the most probable atomic nonaffine displacement. Our finding provides the direct atomic-level evidence that the intrinsic heterogeneity is the key factor that determines the low temperature-relaxation behavior of the metallic glasses.

Initial Atomic Motion Immediately Following Femtosecond-Laser Excitation in Phase-Change Materials.

Despite the fact that phase-change materials are widely used for data storage, no consensus exists on the unique mechanism of their ultrafast phase change and its accompanied large and rapid optical change. By using the pump-probe observation method combining a femtosecond optical laser and an x-ray free-electron laser, we substantiate experimentally that, in both GeTe and Ge_{2}Sb_{2}Te_{5} crystals, rattling motion of mainly Ge atoms takes place with keeping the off-center position just after femtosecond-optical-laser irradiation, which eventually leads to a higher symmetry or disordered state. This very initial rattling motion in the undistorted lattice can be related to instantaneous optical change due to the loss of resonant bonding that characterizes GeTe-based phase change materials. Based on the amorphous structure derived by first-principles molecular dynamics simulation, we infer a plausible ultrafast amorphization mechanism via nonmelting.

Revealing ß-relaxation mechanism based on energy distribution of flow units in metallic glass.

The ß-relaxation, which is the source of the dynamics in glass state and has practical significance to relaxation and mechanical properties of glasses, has been an open question for decades. Here, we propose a flow unit perspective to explain the structural origin and evolution of ß-relaxation based on experimentally obtained energy distribution of flow units using stress relaxation method under isothermal and linear heating modes. Through the molecular dynamics simulations, we creatively design various artificial metallic glass systems and build a direct relation between ß-relaxation behavior and features of flow units. Our results demonstrate that the ß-relaxation in metallic glasses originates from flow units and is modulated by the energy distribution of flow units, and the density and distribution of flow units can effectively regulate the ß-relaxation behavior. The results provide a better understanding of the structural origin of ß-relaxation and also afford a method for designing metallic glasses with obvious ß-relaxation and better mechanical properties.

[Associated factors related to first spermatorrhea and menarche among high and primary school students, in Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status and correlative factors on menarche and first spermatorrhea among children and adolescents, in Chongqing, in order to provide theoretical basis for carrying out sex and health education in this population. METHODS: By random stratified and cluster sampling, 10 498 students (5 372 boys and 5 126 girls), 5 to 18 years old and living in Chongqing urban districts, were enrolled. General situation and physical features of the population were studied. Statistics analysis system included logistic regression methods, t-test and chi-square test. RESULTS: For urban kids, first experience of spermatorrhea was 0.218 years later than those living in the rural areas (Z=-73.287,P<0.001), but median age for girls in urban areas was 0.073 years earlier than in rural areas (Z=-71.589,P<0.001). Except for factor as mother's education level in the family (χ(2)=21.564, P<0.001), other family or environment related factors did not show significant difference between the two groups of boys (P>0.05). However, significant difference appeared in average family income (χ(2)=6.175,P=0.046) between two groups of girls. Data from the logistic analysis showed that BMI, hip circumference, height, weight, number of children in the family, time of sleep and the diet structure were associated with menarche. Correlative factors of boys' first spermatorrhea would include: high-energy snacks, hip circumference, weight, height, school type and mother' s education level (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: First spermatorrhea and menstruation of boys and girls were closely related to environment of the family, diet and the time of sleep.

Invariant natural killer T cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: killer choice for natural suppression.

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-like lipid-reactive T lymphocytes that express an invariant T-cell receptor (TCR). Following engagement of the iTCR, iNKTs rapidly secrete copious amounts of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and promote the functions of several immune cells including NK, T, B and dendritic cells. Accordingly, iNKTs bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses and modulate susceptibility to autoimmunity, infection, allergy and cancer. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the most effective treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies. However, the beneficial graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect mediated by the conventional T cells contained within the allograft is often hampered by the concurrent occurrence of graft versus host disease (GvHD). Thus, developing strategies that can dissociate GvHD from GvL remain clinically challenging. Several preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that iNKTs significantly attenuate GvHD without abrogating the GvL effect. Besides preserving the GvL activity of the donor graft, iNKTs themselves exert antitumor immune responses via direct and indirect mechanisms. Herein, we review the various mechanisms by which iNKTs provide antitumor immunity and discuss their roles in GvHD suppression. We also highlight the opportunities and obstacles in manipulating iNKTs for use in the cellular therapy of hematologic malignancies.

The prognostic value of combination of CD90 and OCT4 for hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.

CD90 has been identified as a candidate marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) for HCC, whereas it also has been considered as a marker for tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). OCT4, as a key transcription factor required to maintain pluripotency of human embryonic stem cell and cancer cells, has been characterized to be involved in malignant transformation and tumorigenesis of various cancers. This study aimed to examine expression patterns of CD90 in HCC and investigate whether combination of both CD90 and OCT4 could provide a more powerful predictor for prognosis of HCC than either one alone.CD90 and OCT4 were examined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between CD90/OCT4 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed. The correlation between CD90/OCT4 expression and overall survival and disease-free survival was determined with Kaplan-Meier analysis.CD90 was found mainly expressed in tumor-associated CAFs and OCT4 was mainly expressed in tumor cells. The expression of CD90 and OCT4 in HCC was significantly higher than in adjacent non-tumor and normal liver tissues. CD90 expression was correlated with pathological grade, satellite lesion, PVTT and recurrence. OCT4 expression was correlated with pathological grade, tumor size and recurrence. Data demonstrated no correlation between CD90 and OCT4. High expression of CD90 or OCT4 predicts a poor prognosis. Furthermore, combination of both CD90 and OCT4 provides a more sensitive predictor for prognosis of HCC than either marker alone.CD90 and OCT4 are both independent and reliable biomarker for predicting prognosis of HCC patients after hepatic resection. Our results indicated the accuracy of prediction can be enhanced by their combination.