[Activation of cGAS/STING signaling pathway and its immunological role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

Today, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains the most dominant chronic liver disease. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monosphosphate synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and releases type-I interferon cytokines to trigger immune responses. Exogenous or endogenous DNA acts as a cGAS ligand to activate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which plays a role in hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer and other diseases, and affects liver disease progression and metabolism through mechanisms such as autophagy. This article reviews the activation of cGAS-STING pathway and its molecular immunological role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression.

[Abnormal expression of CD44 aggravates liver disease progression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease accompanied with hepatitis B virus replication].

Objective: To analyze the expression of CD44 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) accompanied with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its clinical significance. Methods: Blood sample of hospitalized patients with NAFLD, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and healthy population (control) was collected. The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. Serum CD44 level and clinopathological characteristics were analyzed quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of CD44(+)T lymphocytes in patients with NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B. NAFLD model was prepared with high-fat diet to verify the abnormal expression of CD44. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, the expression of serum CD44 in the cirrhosis group, chronic hepatitis B group and NAFLD group was increased, and the difference between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). NAFLD patients graded as mild or severe group were equally accompanied by hepatocyte injury, abnormal blood glucose, lipid or CD44. In NAFLD patients accompanied with HBV infection, serum CD44 concentrations were significantly higher in HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA positive group than HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA negative group (P < 0.01). The proportion of CD44(+)T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B group were 78.2% ± 16.3% and 68.5% ± 20.9%, respectively, and both groups (NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B) were significantly higher than the healthy control group (46.5% ± 20.5%) (P < 0.05). The high-fat diet model confirmed that in rat liver tissues the CD44 was overexpressed with fat deposition accompanied with liver cell damage, especially remarkable in liver tissues containing carcinogens. Conclusion: The abnormal expression of CD44 in patients with NAFLD may be related to the malignant transformation of HBV-related liver disease.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Hotspots Related to Marine Oil Spill Accidents in the Environmental Field Based on Web of Science.

ABSTRACT: Objective To conduct bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature in the environmental field published from 1982 to 2018 collected by the Web of Science citation database and further explore the frontier research dynamics and hotspots in the environmental field. Methods The word "oil spill*" was used as the subject term for retrieval. A knowledge map of hotspots in oil spill research was built through software VOSviewer and the clustering relations between them were explored. The frequency and relevance of the keywords in the corresponding literature were obtained by the matrix of keywords built through the Thomson Data Analyzer （TDA） software. Results The four main research hotspots of marine oil spill pollution were oil spill numerical simulation and model prediction, oil spill exposure toxicity and risk assessment, oil spill component and source analysis and oil spill pollution characteristics and treatment. Conclusion The study analyzes the main content of the four research hotspots and the current research progress and provides scientific basis for further understanding of the mechanism of marine oil spill occurrence, migration and transformation, implementation of oil spill treatment and repair as well as more accurate assessment of eco-environment damage.

Giant nonlinear damping in nanoscale ferromagnets.

Magnetic damping is a key metric for emerging technologies based on magnetic nanoparticles, such as spin torque memory and high-resolution biomagnetic imaging. Despite its importance, understanding of magnetic dissipation in nanoscale ferromagnets remains elusive, and the damping is often treated as a phenomenological constant. Here, we report the discovery of a giant frequency-dependent nonlinear damping that strongly alters the response of a nanoscale ferromagnet to spin torque and microwave magnetic field. This damping mechanism originates from three-magnon scattering that is strongly enhanced by geometric confinement of magnons in the nanomagnet. We show that the giant nonlinear damping can invert the effect of spin torque on a nanomagnet, leading to an unexpected current-induced enhancement of damping by an antidamping torque. Our work advances the understanding of magnetic dynamics in nanoscale ferromagnets and spin torque devices.

[Qidong Chronic Hepatitis B Cohort: participants enrollment and comparison of baseline characteristics by gender stratification].

Objective: To establish a study cohort of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Qidong and evaluate its baseline characteristics. Methods: CHB outpatients of the Third People's Hospital of Qidong were invited to participate in baseline survey from January 1, 2016, including questionnaire survey, liver function detection, serum detection of HBV infection and upper abdomen ultrasound detection. Anticipated sample size was at least one thousand. Baseline data were inputted by EpiData 3.1 software and then cleaned and analyzed by SAS 9.3 software. Results: As of 18 July, 2016, a total of 1 006 participants had been enrolled into the current study, including 615 males with an average age of (44.26±9.97) years and 391 females with an average age of (46.66±11.17) years. The difference in family history of liver disease was not significant between males and females (P>0.05), while the differences in other key information, such as age, education level, tobacco consumption, alcohol drinking, tea consumption, and antiviral intervention, were significant between males and females (P<0.05). Among the key clinical parameters, such as ALT, HBeAg, HBsAg, HBV DNA, albumin, and width of splenic vein and portal vein, only the abnormal rates of ALT and total bilirubin levels were higher in males than in females, the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Outpatient department-based CHB cohort was established successfully in Qidong, and sub-cohort could be divided according to the differences on baseline characteristics.

[Sinus pericranii in adults: clinical features and therapeutic management (13 cases report)].

Objective: To study the character of sinus pericranii in the adults and enhance the levels of the diagnosis and treatment of sinus pericranii. Methods: The clinical data of 13 adult patients with sinuses pericranii undergoing surgery in Beijing Hospital from 1992 to 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, including clinical manifestations, imaging data, surgical results. Results: Each of the patients presented with a nonpulsatile and soft tissue mass in their heads.Their ages ranged from 18 to 48 years (mean, 26 years). The diagnosis of the sinus pericranii was made by the clinical manifestations combined with CT and/or MRI examinations.The sinus pericranii did not play the main role in the drainage of the cerebral vein blood.All the patients were cured.The follow up time was from 6 months to 20 years with no sinus pericranii recurrence in all the patients. Conclusions: The analysis of the drainage pattern of sinus pericranii was necessary before surgery in order to get a safe and good operation.The curative effect of the surgery on the sinus pericranii in adult was reliable.

Sequence comparison of phoR, gyrB, groEL, and cheA genes as phylogenetic markers for distinguishing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis and for identifying Bacillus strain B29.

Given the close genetic relationship between Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis, distinguishing the two solely based on their physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequences is difficult. Molecular identification was used to discover suitable genes for distinguishing the two bacteria, and to identify the bio-controlling strain B29, due to molecular identification has been paid more and more attention. The similarity of four genes, cheA, gyrB, groEL and phoR, of the two species was compared by the software BLASTN and MAGA, and phylogenetic tree was constructed. The B29 strain was re-identified by using the screened genes. The similarities of the four genes, gyrB, groEL, cheA and phoR, of the two species were 93-95%, 82-84%, 76-78% and 76-77%, respectively. The homologies of the four genes of the strain B29 and the strains of B. amyloliquefaciens strains were more than 95%. We determined how well the phoR and cheA genes could be used to differentiate B. amyloliquefacien and B. subtilis. The previously isolated biological control strain B29, initially classified as B. subtilis, was re-classified as B. amyloliquefaciens. Our data indicate that other than the phoR gene, the cheA gene might be a useful phylogenetic marker for differentiating B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens.

[Anatomy and management of superior petrosal vein in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of superior petrosal vein (SPV) and its influence on the surgical field in microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and to analyze the effect of the surgical treatment of SPV on the surgical approach, indication and prognosis. Methods: The clinical data of 280 patients with trigeminal neuralgia between Jan. 2013 and Jun. 2016 were collected, including the trunks and the branches of SPV, intraoperative electrocoagulation status, the surgery outcome and complications. Results: The petrosal vein during the operation was fully preserved in 152 cases (54.29%). The SPV were completely sectioned in 25 cases (8.92%), while some branches of SPV were sectioned in 103 cases (36.79%). We found that SPV have 1 to 3 trunks, accounted for 67 cases (23.90%), 168 cases (60%), and 45 cases (16.10%), while the SPV with 1 to 4 branches accounted for 17 cases (6.07%), 112 cases (40%), 136 cases (48.57%), and 15 cases (5.36%). The SPV was identified as offending vessel in 17 cases (6.07%). One patient with cutoff SPV trunk encountered cerebellar infarction and recovered completely at 2 weeks after MVD by using intravenous medication. Conclusions: MVD is the recommended treatment method for PTN, mostly SPV is unnecessary to be sectioned completely and small branches of SPV could be sacrificed. Very few patients may develop cerebellar infarction or hematoma.

Evaluation of Mindray BC-5000 hematology analyzer: a new miniature 5-part WBC differential instrument.

INTRODUCTION: The Mindray BC-5000 automated hematology analyzer is a miniature, automated hematology analyzer, and 5-part leukocyte differential counter for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories. METHODS: Precision, linearity, carryover, and method comparison were carried out. The analyzer was evaluated and compared with the Sysmex XE-2100 hematology analyzer and manual microscopic in the hematology laboratory of a tertiary hospital in Chinese. RESULTS: There were minimal carryover (<0.25%), and excellent linearity for white blood cell, and platelet counts (r > 0.99). Within-run precision was good at all levels for the routine cell blood count parameters (CV < 3.5%). Between-run precision was acceptable at all levels for the analysis parameters (CV < 5%) except for eosinophil and basophil (CV% >10%). BC-5000 displayed very good correlation (r > 0.94) with the XE-2100 for cell blood count and cell differential parameters except for basophil (r = 0.72). The comparison of 258 leukocyte differential count results analyzed in parallel with manual microscopy, BC-5000 analyzer showed perfect specificity (93%) and negative predictive value (90%) on abnormal blood samples. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the overall performance of the BC-5000 is acceptable. The miniature analyzer is suitable for use in small- to medium-size laboratories.

Synthesis of aza bicyclic enones via anionic cyclization: application to the total synthesis of (-)-brunsvigine.

[reaction: see text] A general approach to the synthesis of aza bicyclic enones was developed via a simple two-step annulation involving a Mitsunobu protocol and anionic cyclization. According to this strategy the total synthesis of (-)-brunsvigine was accomplished with 12% overall yield.

[Microsurgical treatment of apical region by combined orbital pterygoid approach].

OBJECTIVE: To study microsurgical treatment of orbital apical region tumor by combined orbital pterygoid approach. METHOD: In 21 cases, manifestations and surgical methods were analyzed retrospectively. The surgical approach and procedure were discussed. RESULTS: All the 21 cases were treated by combined orbital pterygoid approach. The tumors were removed completely in 18 cases, and partially resected in 3. There was no death. CONCLUSIONS: This kind of mass is difficult to explore by either transorbital or transcranial approach because of its position. Combined orbital pterygoid approach provides better access and exploration. Appropriate surgical approach, hemostasis and gentle microsurgical manipulation are the key to reducing postoperative complications.

[Transoral microsurgical treatment of craniocervical malformation].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss transoral microcervical treatment of 16 patients with craniocervical malformation. METHODS: Perioperative treatment including antibiotics, tracheotomy, intravenous nutrition was used in 16 patients. RESULTS: Eight patients had basilar impressions, 3 chronic atlantoaxial dislocation and 2 odontoid fracture, 2 lower clivus chordoma, and 1 granuloma in the ventral part of the medulla oblongata. Three patients received bone graft. Follow-up for 6 - 36 months showed that 14 patients resumed normal life but 1 died. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-craniocervical malformation can be treated by transoral approach microsurgically. Understanding microanatomy of this approach can reduce postoperative morbidity and complications. Perioperative treatment can prevent incision infection. Prevention of intraoperative CSF leakage must be emphasized.Bone graft can make craniocervical spine stable.

Studies on biosensor to determine diacetyl.

We studied the purification of diacetyl reductase, the preparation of a biosensor, and its performance. With diacetyl reductase and reduced coenzyme I (NADH) co-immobilized as working membrane, NAD+/NADH produced in the course of diacetyl reduction was connected with Fe2+/Fe to build a biosensor. The biosensor could be used to determine diacetyl concentration within the range from 0.1 microgram/mL to 0.5 microgram/mL and the response time was less than two minutes, and its performance was stable within 9 days. The experiments showed that typical metal ions and organics in nominal concentration did not affect the performance of the biosensor, meanwhile, the interference of dissolved oxygen on the performance of biosensor and regeneration of coenzyme I (NADH) were solved to some extent.

Cloning and expression of delta-endotoxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis in Escherichia coli.

Fragments (larger than 4 kb) of partially Sau 3AI-digested plasmid DNA from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kenyae 7404 and kurstaki HD-1 were cloned into the BamH I site of pBR322. Four transformants, containing the corresponding delta-endotoxin gene and producing proteins that reacted with antiserum against crystalline protein, were selected on the basis of results from in situ colony hybridization, radioimmunologic screening, and Western blot analysis. Three of those tested, i.e., the lysates of one transformant (TK89) carrying the delta-endotoxin gene of B.t. 7404 and two transformants (TH12 and TH48) carrying the delta-endotoxin gene of HD-1, were toxic for tobacco budworm (Heliothis assulta) and armyworm (Leucania separata Walker) caterpillars. This is the first report on cloning of the delta-endotoxin gene from B.t. subsp. kenyae, which is different in serotype from the well-studied subsp. kurstaki.