Characteristics of surrounding rock damage and control technology of a facing-mining excavating roadway in north Shaanxi mining area

In a coal mine in the northern region of Shaanxi Province, China, a facing-mining excavating roadway exists, which is intended to be retained for subsequent working face safety services. This paper investigates the deformation and damage characteristics of the surrounding rock in different stages using FLAC 3D numerical simulation, taking the facing-mining excavating roadway of this coal mine as the research context. At 20 m ahead of the working face, a discontinuous plastic zone appears in the surrounding rock of the roadway, a phenomenon attributed to the varying hardness of the lithologyand termed 'plastic zone jumping.' The numerical simulation results have been were verified using drill hole peeping. Real-time monitoring of the roadway's stability is conducted on-site, showing that the roadway is significantly affected by mining at the 50 m point ahead of the working face. Based on the numerical simulation and on-site monitoring results, the support strength was increased at 50 m from the working face along the roadway, and a new support scheme was adopted. In the lagging section of the roadway, where mining pressure is strongly evident, differentiated reinforcement using anchor rods, anchor ropes, and W steel belts has been employed, resulting in a satisfactory on-site effect.

Evolutionary law and regulatory technology of roof migration on gob-side entry retaining

In order to study the evolutionary law of roof migration on Gob-Side Entry Retaining, this paper takes the gob-side entry retaining in the comprehensive mining face of the Ningtiaota coal mine as the engineering background, and analyzes the evolutionary law of the overlying rock layer on the roof at different locations during the roadway stay and the stress distribution around the roadway through numerical simulation software, which shows that there is a concentration of stress inside the Flexible formwork concrete wall, and therefore the maximum settlement of the roof on the side of Flexible formwork concrete wall is 35.35 mm, due to the existence of "arch-shaped" decompression area from the working face. Therefore, the maximum settlement of the roof slab on the side of flexible formwork concrete wall was 35.35 mm. Due to the existence of "arch-shaped" decompression area on the roof and floor of roadway, the settlement of the roof slab on both sides of the roadway gradually increased when it was from - 20 to 10 m away from the working face, and the central position had the following pattern of firstly decreasing and then gradually increasing, and then exceeding the top of the roadway. After decreasing and then gradually increasing, after 10 m ahead of the working face, the two sides of the roadway roof subsidence law and the central part of the roadway to maintain the same; the use of cutting the top of the flexible mold concrete wall support technology as a means of controlling the top of the roof along the empty roadway subsidence, the analysis shows that the roof after roof cutting of the amount of subsidence have been reduced, the maximum difference in the rate of change of the displacement is 0.011%, and the maximum difference in the amount of subsidence of 4.98 mm; through the field monitoring data analysis of the pressure of mining The peak value of the influence curve of the working face is located at 19 m of the working face, 9 m of the lagging working face and 19 m of the roadway outside the working face are less affected by the additional mining stress field, comparing the fracture brokenness of the roadway roof before and after the roof cutting, the fracture area in the uncut section is much larger than that in the section of the roof cutting.

Research Progress on Computer-Aided Skeleton-Based Individual Identification in Forensic Radiology

Abstract

Individual identification based on imaging data of the skeleton of a corpse is a key technique for forensic identification. To reduce the influence of artificial factors, computer-aided semi-automatic or automatic individual identification has become one of the research directions of skeleton-based individual identification in forensic radiology. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes literatures related to estimation of anthropological information such as, age and sex by computer-aided forensic radiology bone characteristics and individual identification based on bone imaging characteristics, in order to provide reference on skeleton-based individual identification in forensic radiology.

Research Progress on Individual Identification by Frontal Sinus Imaging

Abstract

Frontal sinus imaging is an important research object in forensic individual identification due to the highly specific irregular air cavity shape of frontal sinus, the stability of its shape after maturity, and the wide clinical application of radiology technology. The use of frontal sinus imaging for individual identification has significance in the court. When the application of traditional individual identification methods such as fingerprint identification and DNA analysis are limited or cannot be effectively carried out, or when the corresponding dental records are lacking and in other special cases, individual identification with frontal sinus imaging comparison is an effective alternative. Various types of image data can be used for individual identification with frontal sinus, mainly based on artificial visual comparing. With limitations such as, high professional requirements, low efficiency and small application range, the methods cannot be used in mass disasters. In recent years, some computer image recognition techniques have been used in identification of frontal sinus imagings and can significantly improve the efficiency of recognition. Difficulties such as low manual recognition efficiency may be overcomed. This study summarizes the reports on forensic individual identification using frontal sinus imaging, to review the research progress on individual identification with frontal sinus imaging, to provide a reference for further research on frontal sinus imaging, and to provide ideas for exploration and establishment of a faster, more efficient and more accurate individual identification system.

Adult Age Estimation of CT Image Reconstruction of the Laryngeal Cartilages and Hyoid Bone Based on Data Mining

Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility of the CT image reconstruction of laryngeal cartilage and hyoid bone in adult age estimation using data mining methods. Methods The neck thin slice CT scans of 413 individuals aged 18 to <80 years were collected and divided into test set and train set, randomly. According to grading methods such as TURK et al., all samples were graded comprehensively. The process of thyroid cartilage ossification was divided into 6 stages, the process of cricoid cartilage ossification was divided into 5 stages, and the synosteosis between the greater horn of hyoid and hyoid body was divided into 3 stages. Multiple linear regression model, support vector regression model, and Bayesian ridge regression model were developed for adult age estimation by scikit-learn 0.17 machine learning kit （Python language）. Leave-one-out cross-validation and the test set were used to further evaluate performance of the models. Results All indicators were moderately or poorly associated with age. The model with the highest accuracy in male age estimation was the support vector regression model, with a mean absolute error of 8.67 years, much higher than the other two models. The model with the highest accuracy in female adult age estimation was the support vector regression model, with a mean absolute error of 12.69 years, but its accuracy differences with the other two models had no statistical significance. Conclusion Data mining technology can improve the accuracy of adult age estimation, but the accuracy of adult age estimation based on laryngeal cartilage and hyoid bone is still not satisfactory, so it should be combined with other indicators in practice.

[Expert consensus on the strategy and measures to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis in China]

Since 2015 when the transmission of schistosomiasis was controlled in China, the country has been moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis, with the surveillance-response as the main interventions for schistosomiasis control. During the period of the 13th Five-Year Plan, the transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted in four provinces of Sichuan, Jiangsu, Yunnan and Hubei and the prevalence of schistosomiasis has been at the historically lowest level in China. As a consequence, the goal set in The 13th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China is almost achieved. However, there are multiple challenges during the stage moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China, including the widespread distribution of intermediate host snails and complicated snail habitats, many types of sources of Schistosoma japonicum infections and difficulty in management of bovines and sheep, unmet requirements for the current schistosomiasis control program with the currently available tools, and vulnerable control achievements. During the 14th Five-Year period, it is crucial to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements and gradually solve the above difficulties, and critical to provide the basis for achieving the ultimate goal of elimination of schistosomiasis in China. Based on the past experiences from the national schistosomiasis control program and the challenges for schistosomiasis elimination in China, an expert consensus has been reached pertaining to the objectives, control strategy and measures for The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China, so as to provide insights in to the development of The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China.

[Forensic Individual Identification Based on the New Coding Method of Oral Pano-ramic Tomography]

Abstract

Objective To discuss a new coding method for individual identification based on oral panoramic tomography, analyze the diversity of different coding modules in nonhomologous images and the consistency and the matching rate of the coding indexes of different coding modules in homologous images, and evaluate the application value of the different modules and the new coding method in individual identification. Methods The oral panoramic tomography images of 1 000 patients with permanent teeth were collected retrospectively. Each patient had two images taken at different times （called the Early database and the Late database according to the chronological order）. Each image was coded according to the designed coding method. A computer program was designed to compare the diversity of different modules, and calculate the diversity and consistency of different coding modules as well as the matching rate of the coding indexes. Results The diversity of the 4 modules that reflected teeth characteristics was much higher than that of other modules in the same database. The highest diversity was noticed in the module of right mandibular teeth in samples of both databases. The coding consistencies of the 4 modules were all above 50%. Besides, 90.2% of the matching rates of indexes of homologous images were over 80%. Conclusion The 4 modules have higher application value in individual identification, especially the right mandibular teeth. The coding method has a certain value in forensic individual identification.

[Sex Estimation of Typical Adult Vertebrae Morphology in Central China Based on CT Technique]

Abstract

Objective The morphological data of the second thoracic vertebra and the third lumbar vertebra were measured by computerized tomography （CT）. The sex differences were analyzed and the discrimination equation was obtained. Methods The data of 274 adults （203 cases from experimental group and 69 cases from validation group） from central China were collected. Four linear data （maximum transverse length of vertebral body, maximum longitudinal length of vertebral body, maximum transverse length of vertebral foramen, maximum longitudinal length of vertebral foramen）, one angle data （angle between spinous processes） and two area （vertebral foramen area, total cross-sectional area of vertebral body） data of the second thoracic vertebra and the third lumbar vertebra were collected, respectively. Then three ratios ［maximum transverse length/　maximum longitudinal length of vertebral body, maximum transverse length/ maximum longitudinal length of vertebral foramen, vertebral foramen area/ （total cross-sectional area of vertebral body-vertebral foramen area）］ and one angle （angle between spinous processes） were obtained. The discriminant equation was established for sexual discriminant analysis. Results The morphology of the second thoracic vertebra and the third lumbar vertebra was related with gender. Four single index discriminant formulae and eleven multi-index discriminant formulae were established. The 69 validation group samples were substituted into the formula for testing, and the maximum discriminant accuracy rate of the single-index discriminant formula was 75%. The maximum discriminant accuracy rate of multi-index discriminant formula was 83%. Conclusion It is feasible to conduct individual sex analysis by the morphological indexes of second thoracic vertebra and the third lumbar vertebra. The indexes have important application values in practice.

[Estimation of Sex from Patella Measurements in Sichuan Han Population Based on CT-Three-Dimensional Volume Reconstruction Technique]

Abstract

Objective To estimate sex based on patella measurements of Sichuan Han population by computed tomography three-dimensional volume reconstruction technique, and to explore the application value of patella in sex estimation. Methods CT three-dimensional volume reconstruction images of patella of 250 individuals were collected, the four measurement indicators including patellar length, patellar width, patellar thickness, and patellar volume were measured. The t-test was used to determine measurement indicators with sex differences. Fisher discriminant analysis was used to establish the sex discriminant function and the prediction accuracy was calculated by leave-one-out cross validation. Results The sex differences of the four measurement indicators had a statistical significance （P<0.05）. The accuracy rate of the univariate discriminant function established by the patellar length was the highest （82.0%）. The accuracy rates of the all indicators discriminant function and the stepwise discriminant function were 80.4% and 81.6%, respectively. Conclusion It is feasible and accurate to estimate sex of Sichuan Han population by patella measurements with CT three-dimensional volume reconstruction technique. The method may be used as an alternative for sex estimation of Sichuan Han population when other bones with higher accuracy are not available.

[Research Progress of Adult Age Determination with Imaging Methods]

Abstract

Adult age determination plays an important role in individual identification, criminal investigation and social welfare. The most popular adult age determination indicators are pubic symphysis, iliac auricular surface, costal cartilage, cranial sutures, teeth, laryngeal cartilage, etc. In recent years, with the progress of CT imaging and 3D reconstruction technology, the adult age determination study gradually has transferred from a time-consuming general observation of bones with complex pre-processing in the past to the non-destructive, convenient, time-saving and easy to store image analysis technology. To explore more accurate, rapid and convenient adult age determination methods, multiple imaging methods and artificial intelligence have been applied in adult age determination. This paper reviews the common methods and research progress of adult age determination at home and abroad, infers the development direction of adult age determination, in order to provide reference for the improvement and optimization of forensic adult age determination.

[Analysis of pregnancy outcome of single and double blastocysts in the freeze-thaw cycle]

Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of one and two blastocysts in the freeze-thaw transplantation cycle. Methods: Totally 3 675 cycles of frozen thawed blastocyst transplantation in Reproductive Medical Center of the Second Nanning People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the quantity and quality of transferred blastocysts, all the patient were divided into two groups: (1) one embryo group, including the single excellent group (one high quality blastocyst) and the single non excellent group (one non high quality blastocyst); (2) two embryo groups, including the double excellent group (two high quality blastocysts), the one excellent and one non excellent group (one high quality blastocyst+one non high quality blastocyst), and the two non excellent group (two non high quality blastocysts were transplanted). Then the patients were divided into subgroups according to their ages: less than 35 years old, 35-40 years old and over 40 years old. On this basis, the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate and live birth rate were compared. Results: (1) The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate, preterm birth rate and live birth rate were all significantly increased, while the abortion rate was significantly reduced in the double blastocyst group (all P<0.05). (2) In the group of<35 years old, the rates of multiple birth and preterm birth in the double blastocyst group were significantly higher than those in the single optimal group (P<0.01). (3) In the 35-40 years old group, the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate and live birth rate of the double excellent group were significantly higher than those of the single excellent group (P<0.01); while the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of the one excellent and one non excellent group and the double non excellent group were not significantly different from those of the single excellent group (P>0.05), but the multiple birth rate and preterm birth rate were significantly increased (P<0.01). The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate and multiple birth rate of double non optimal group were significantly higher than those of single non optimal group (P<0.01). (4) In the group>40 years old, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between double non optimal group and single non optimal group (P>0.05). Conclusion: No matter the age of the patients, if the couple have high quality blastocysts, we should give priority to single high quality blastocyst transplantation; even if they have no high quality blastocysts, we should also consider single blastocyst transplantation, in order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy and improve the cumulative live birth rate, so as to improve the pregnancy outcome.

Research Progress on the Forensic Age Estimation in Living Individuals Using MRI

Abstract

One of the major tasks in the forensic field is age estimation in living individuals, especially in adolescents and young adults. The X-ray examination of left hand, panoramic radiograph and CT scan of the sternal end of clavicles are mature means that are widely used. However, the X-ray technique has great radiation on the human body, and imaging radiation for non-diagnosis and treatment purposes does not conform to the current mainstream medical ethics. MRI is nonradioactive tomographic imaging and is one of the research and development directions in forensic age estimation in living individuals now. This paper summarizes the common indicators and analysis methods of MRI in previous research of age estimation, in order to get better understanding of its trends and provide a clue for future relevant studies.

Age Estimation in Han Adults by Thin-Layer CT Scan of Cranial Sutures

Abstract

Objective To explore the value of degree of cranial suture closure in forensic adult age estimation by thin-layer CT scan and establish an adult age estimation model of the Han nationality. Methods Thin-layer CT scan samples of the heads of 220 healthy Sichuan Han adults （110 males, 110 females） aged 20 to 70 were collected, of which 20 samples （10 males, 10 females） were randomly selected as test samples. The sagittal suture, coronal suture （both left and right） and lambdoid suture （both left and right） were respectively and equally divided into 2 segments, and every segment was equally divided into 10 layers and the corresponding multiplanar reformation （MPR） images were selected. The closure of cranial sutures on MPR images was classified into the grades 1-7. The correlations between cranial sutures and age were analyzed to build regression equation for age estimation. Results The degree of closure of sagittal suture, coronal suture （both left and right） and lambdoid suture （both left and right） was positively correlated with age. The coefficient of determination （R²） of regression equation was 0.419 in males, 0.589 in females, and 0.522 in all samples. The results of the verification test showed that the mean absolute error （MAE） was 6.39 years in males, 6.16 years in females, and 6.29 years in all samples. Conclusion There was a higher accuracy in adult age estimation by thin-layer CT scan of cranial sutures. The age of Han nationality adults can be estimated by the degree of cranial sutures closure.

[Review and Prospects of Virtual Anthropology]

no abstract.

Research Progress on Automatic Assessment of Bone Age

Abstract

Bone age is an important indicator of human growth and development, which can objectively reflect the growth level and maturity of individuals. Traditional manual bone age assessment usually compares the X-ray of the left wrist with the reference standard to obtain the corresponding bone age. This method is time-consuming and its results vary with different observers. In recent years, with the continuous development of computer science, bone age assessment has began to change from traditional manual assessment to automatic assessment. Although there has already been numerous researches on automatic bone age assessment, most of them are still in the experimental stage. This paper reviews related research and progress on automatic bone age assessment at home and abroad in recent years, in order to provide reference and research ideas for relevant researchers.

[Advances in the study of abnormal expression of genes related to primary biliary cholangitis]

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, non-suppurative, autoimmune cholestatic group of liver disorder, which more frequently affects middle-aged women and eventually leads to liver failure. Its pathogenesis is not completely clear, yet the study has confirmed that the occurrence and development of PBC is closely associated to the individual's genetic background, with obvious genetic heterogeneity. Currently, PBC has been divided into five types based on their related genes dissimilarities, aside from PBC-1, which is an autosomal dominant inheritance, while the other four types of inheritance are unidentified. The ratio of middle-aged women to male cases with PBC goes overs 9:1, and it mostly occurs in perimenopausal period. It is speculated that the occurrence of PBC may be related to estrogen and estrogen receptors. This article reviews the advances in the study of genetic theory of PBC and the role of estrogen and its receptor in this disease.

Retrospective Analysis on 1 900 Cases of Medical Malpractices

Abstract

Objective To study the change trend, distribution characteristics and causes of medical malpractices in 18 years, through retrospective analysis of 1 900 cases of medical malpractices, in order to provide guidance for the precaution and the treatment of medical malpractices. Methods A thousand and nine hundred medical malpractice cases that were accepted by Hunan Xiangya Judical Identification Center from 2000 to 2017 were collected. Statistical analysis on the caseloads, the clients, the department distributions, the levels of the hospital and the causes of medical malpractices, etc were conducted. Results The number of cases commissioned by third-party accreditation agencies for medical fault identification was on the rise; The clients of medical malpractices changed significantly in 18 years. Most of the medical malpractice cases occurred in secondary and tertiary hospitals, significantly more in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology. The occurrence of medical malpractices was related to the doctor's insufficient prediction of the severity of the disease and the possible complications, and failure to fully inform the relevant duty of care, etc. Conclusion China's medical malpractice solutions and medical fault identification procedures are gradually improving. Strengthening the medical malpractice precaution awareness of medical workers in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology will be conducive to resolution of medical malpractices.

[Analysis of predictors for Frey syndrome after parotidectomy]

Objective:To analysis the data of the patients with parotid tumors, clarify the contributing factors of Frey syndrome, and to evaluate the role of soft tissues membrane SIS in prevention of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. Method:The data of 95 patients who suffered from parotid tumors and underwent parotidectomy were included in this study. The relationship between the patients' age, sex, tumor location ,tumor size, disease pathology, type of resection, SIS application and the incidence of Frey syndrome were statistically analyzed . Result:The incidence of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy for 95 patients was 25.3%. Age, sex, tumor location and size, disease pathology, type of resection did not appear to be associated with development of Frey syndrome（P>0.05）. SIS application was the only statistically significant factor（P<0.01）, and SIS could prevent Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. Conclusion:Frey syndrome is one of the common complicationsafter parotidectomy. Implantation of SIS is an effective method for prevention of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy.

Stature Estimation of Sichuan Han Females Based on X-ray Photography of Total Lower Limbs

OBJECTIVES

To establish a mathematical model of stature estimation for Sichuan Han females on the basis of the relationship between lower limbs and individual height, thus to provide evidence for forensic identification.

METHODS

Samples were collected from 171 Sichuan Han females. Large flat panel multi-function digital photography system was used to take the full-body X-ray films of the lower limbs. Indexes of long bones and stature of the subjects were measured, respectively. A linear regression analysis was carried out on the correlation between them, and a mathematical model of the stature calculation was established. Then the mathematical model was used to calculate the stature of another 29 Sichuan Han females to test its accuracy.

RESULTS

The maximum length of femur （x₁） had the highest correlation with stature. A total of 13 linear regression equations were established （P<0.05）, with the correlation coefficient （R） 0.821-0.897 and the standard error of the estimation （SEE） 2.994-3.812 cm. The backtesting showed that the equation y=41.604+1.205 x₁+1.318 x₆+2.444 x₁₂+1.852 x₁₃-2.388 x₁₄ had the smallest mean absolute deviation （2.485 years old） and the highest accuracy of ±2SEE （92.9%）, and that the equation y=48.783+2.568 x₁ had the highest accuracy of ±1SEE （60.7%）.

CONCLUSIONS

The stature estimation is high by using the long bones of the lower limbs has high accuracy.

[Influence of TNF-α on the immunomodulatory property of laryngeal mucosa mesenchymal stromal cells']

Objective: To investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)on the immunoregulatory capacity of laryngeal mucosal mesenchymal stromal cells (LM-MSCs) and its potential molecular mechanism, and provide a theoretical basis for the study of chronic laryngitis. Methods: LM-MSCs were separated from epiglottal mucosa. The LM-MSCs cells were directly co-cultured with T cells in vitro to detect the immunomodulatory property of LM-MSCs. After long-term stimulation with inflammatory factors TNF-α in vitro, the differences were compared in the immunomodulatory ability of LM-MSCs between normal LM-MSCs and TNF-α stimulated LM-MSCs. The expression of general control non-repressed protein5(GCN5), FAS, FASL in normal LM-MSCs and TNF-α stimulated LM-MSCs was detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time RT-PCR(RT-qPCR). Results: After chronic stimulation of TNF-α, the RNA relative expression of GCN5 was 0.31±0.03 (3 days) and 0.53±0.06 (7 days) compared with control group, showing significant difference (F=13.45, P<0.05). The percentage of LM-MSC-induced T cell apoptosis was 6.27%±0.81% (3 days) and 4.99%±0.52% (7 days) in chronic stimulation group compared with control group 10.02%±1.02%. There is a significant difference among these groups (F=11.13, P<0.05). Moreover, the ability of LM-MSCs to induce T cell apoptosis is regulated by GCN5. Conclusion: With the chronic stimulation of TNF-α, the expression of GCN5 in LM-MSCs is decreased, thus impairing its immunoregulatory capacity.

[An investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers in a province of China and related influencing factors]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers in a province of China and influencing factors for WMSDs, and to provide a practical basis for the prevention and treatment of WMSDs in sonographers. Methods: From November 2016 to February 2017, stratified cluster sampling was used to select 700 sonographers from 50 hospitals in this province. A self-designed questionnaire for WMSDs in sonographers was used to investigate general data and the prevalence of WMSDs, and the influencing factors for the prevalence of WMSDs were analyzed. Results: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among these sonographers was 80.22%, and the prevalence rates of WMSDs in the shoulder, the neck, the waist, the back, the wrist, the elbow, the hip, the knee, and the ankle were 74.55%, 68.87%, 63.44%, 57.26%, 53.16%, 45.22%, 37.88%, 30.44%, and 29.24%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of WMSDs between the sonographers with different ages and working years, and the prevalence rate of WMSDs tended to increase with the increase in age and working years (χ(2)=20.86 and 18.52, P<0.01) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.798) , working years >16 (OR=1.004) , weekly working hours >40 (OR=1.616) , poor physical conditions (OR=1.690) , and high work fatigue (OR=1.302) were risk factors for WMSDs in sonographers. Conclusion: There are high prevalence rates of WMSDs in the shoulder, the neck, the waist, the back, the wrist, and the elbow. Sonographers should strengthen self-protection awareness, and effective preventive measures should be adopted to reduce the prevalence rate of WMSDs.

Bone morphogenetic proteins for articular cartilage regeneration

Degeneration of articular cartilage (AC) tissue is the most common cause of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in bone and cartilage formation. This article reviews the experimental and clinical applications of BMPs in cartilage regeneration. Experimental evidence indicates that BMPs play an important role in protection against cartilage damage caused by inflammation or trauma, by binding to different receptor combinations and, consequently, activating different intracellular signaling pathways. Loss of function of BMP-related receptors contributes to the decreased intrinsic repair capacity of damaged cartilage and, thus, the multifunctional effects of BMPs make them attractive tools for the treatment of cartilage damage in patients with degenerative diseases. However, the development of BMP therapy as a treatment modality for cartilage regeneration has been hampered by certain factors, such as the eligibility of participants in clinical trials, financial support, drug delivery carrier safety, availabilities of effective scaffolds, appropriate selection of optimal dose and timing of administration, and side effects. Further research is needed to overcome these issues for future routine clinical applications. Research and development leading to the successful application of BMPs can initiate a new era in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases like OA.

Preconcentration and Determination of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Water Samples by Bamboo Charcoal-Based Solid-Phase Extraction Prior to Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

In this work, bamboo charcoal was used as solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the enrichment of six perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in environmental water samples before liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The specific porous structure, high specific surface area, high porosity, and stability of bamboo charcoal were characterized. Several experimental parameters which considerably affect extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized in detail. The experimental data exhibited low limits of detection (LODs) (0.01–1.15 ng/L), wide linear range (2–3 orders of magnitude and R ≥ 0.993) within the concentration range of 0.1–1000 ng/L, and good repeatability (2.7–5.0%, n = 5 intraday and 4.8–8.3%, n = 5 interday) and reproducibility (5.3–8.0%, n = 3). Bamboo charcoal was successfully used for the enrichment and determination of PFAAs in real environmental water samples. The bamboo charcoal-based solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis possessed great potential in the determination of trace PFAA levels in environmental water samples.

[Stature Estimation for Sichuan Han Female Based on Whole-spine X-ray Photo- graphy]

OBJECTIVES

To establish regression models of stature estimation for Sichuan Han female by the measurement of total vertebral column length in the frontal and lateral X-ray films of whole-spine.

METHODS

The frontal and lateral X-ray films of whole-spine were collected from 200 Sichuan Han females by large flat-panel multi-functional universal radiography and fluoroscopy system. The data and mean values of frontal and lateral total vertebral column length were measured and calculated in all the samples, respectively. The relationship of combined multi-markers and stature were analysed by linear regression analysis, and the mathematical models of stature estimation were established. The data of 30 new samples were selected and inputted for verifying the accuracy of the mathematical models.

RESULTS

The total vertebral column length showed a good correlation with stature, and the mean values of the frontal and lateral X-ray films of total vertebral column length had the highest correlation coefficients. Three established linear regression equation models were statistically significant （P<0.05）, and the equation established with lateral total vertebral column length showed the highest accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

The stature estimation by the measurement of total vertebral column length has high accuracy.

[Research advances in pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis]

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is liver parenchymal inflammation mediated by the autoimmune response of hepatocytes. Its clinical features include elevation of aminotransferases in serum, presence of various autoantibodies in circulation, hypergammaglobulinemia, and interface hepatitis in liver tissue. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of AIH have not been fully elucidated, a consensus has been reached on the theories of "genetic susceptibility" and "molecular simulation" , and "immunoregulatory disorder" remains a hot research topic for many scholars. This article reviews the research advances in the theories of "genetic susceptibility" , "molecular simulation" , and "immunoregulatory disorder" .

[Role of sleep apnea monitoring management platform in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance and value of the sleep apnea monitoring management platform in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by comparing with the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) card reader mode.Method:A total of 48 severe adult OSAHS patients from Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery-Sleep Medical Center of the Third People's Hospital of Honghe during the period of Nov. 2015 to Aug. 2016 were collected in this prospective study. All of them were diagnosed by PSG and treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. They were randomly divided into group A (n=24) and group B (n=24). Group A and B were treated with the traditional CPAP card reader mode and the sleep apnea monitoring management platform respectively. During the follow-up, the compliance, mean blood oxygen saturation, titration pressure, Epworth sleepiness scale after 1, 3, 6 and 12 month treatment were compared between two groups. Ttest was used to analyze the difference. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05.Result:Statistical analysis showed that there were significant difference in the compliance of using CPAP, mean blood oxygen saturation and Epworth sleepiness scale score between the two groups (P < 0.05), but the titration pressure had no difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared the sleep apnea monitoring management platform with traditional CPAP card reader mode in the treatment of OSAHS patients, the former could solve the problems during the CPAP use in time, improve the compliance of using CPAP, and which could increase the efficacy of CPAP. Thus, the sleep apnea monitoring management platform is of more clinical value and deserve promotion.

[Serum CXCL-10 level in chronic hepatitis C patients with cryoglobulinemia and its influence on antiviral therapy]

Objective: To investigate the serum CXCL-10 level in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with cryoglobulinemia and its influence on the effect of antiviral therapy. Methods: A total of 50 CHC patients were enrolled in the study. Cryoprecipitation was used to determine the nature of cryoglobulins in serum before treatment, and ELISA was used to measure the serum CXCL-10 level. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype was detected, and serum HCV RNA level was measured at baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment, the end of treatment, and 24 weeks after treatment.. Results: Compared with the cryoglobulin-negative patients, the cryoglobulin-positive patients had significantly higher baseline levels of HCV RNA [(6.28±0.79) log10 copies/ml vs (5.48±1.20) log10 copies/ml, P = 0.009] and CXCL-10 (541.67±224.07 pg/ml vs 394.39±179.71 pg/ml, P = 0.015). After the treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2a and ribavirin, the cryoglobulin-positive patients had a significantly lower proportion of individuals who achieved rapid virological response compared with the cryoglobulin-negative patients (33.3% vs 82.6%, P < 0.001). The cryoglobulin-positive patients had a significantly lower rate of sustained virologic response than the cryoglobulin-negative patients (33.3% vs 78.3%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The patients with cryoglobulinemia have higher serum levels of HCV RNA and CXCL-10 and poor outcomes compared with those without cryoglobulinemia.

[Primary hypogammaglobulinemia complicated with liver cirrhosis and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of primary hypogammaglobulinemia complicated with liver cirrhosis in a child.

METHOD

Pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA ) complicated with liver cirrhosis in a child were analyzed in Shanghai Children's Medical Center.Using"primary hypogammaglobulinemia"and"liver cirrhosis"as keywords, literatures were searched from Pubmed and Chinese data of Weipu and Wanfang data from January 1988 to January 2015.

RESULT

The patient was a 12 years old boy with the chief complaint of 3 times hematemesis with diagnosis of XLA in the past 7 years. He received treatment with immunoglobulin (Ig) monthly for 6 years. He had no hepatitis C virus( HCV ) infection and serologic tests for autoantibodies were negative. Anti-HBs, anti-HBe and anti-HBc were positive, which revealed previous hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Gastroscopy suggested esophageal gastric varices. Liver pathology showed liver cell degeneration, necrosis, fiber tissue hyperplasia and pseudolobuli. After hospitalization the boy underwent liver transplantation (LT). He was given tacrolimus (3 mg/d), prednisone (5 mg/d), lamivudine (150 mg/d) and acyclovir (900 mg/d) by oral administration after LT. After 3 months follow-up, the boy was alive and well with stable results of liver function tests. There were no report in Weipu and Wanfang data. A total of 19 cases, including 12 cases of common variable immunodeficiency, 3 cases of XLA, 2 cases of Hyper-IgM syndrome and 2 cases of congenital hypogammaglobulinemia were obtained from Pubmed published between January 1, 1988 and January 1, 2015. Seventeen of the cases had HCV infection. Two cases had autoimmune hepatitis. Of the HCV infected patients, 15 were given intravenous gamma globulin. Seven of the 19 cases survived. Among 5 cases who received liver transplantation, 3 cases died.

CONCLUSION

In addition to HCV infection and autoimmune hepatitis as causes of liver cirrhosis in primary hypogammaglobulinemia, chronic HBV infection is another cause. Intravenous gammaglobulin is an important way of transmitting HCV and HBV infection. The effect of liver transplantation remains to be evaluated via further follow-up and studies.

[Progress on the Rule of Clavicle Epiphyseal Closure Using Multi-Imaging Technology]

People aged 18 years could be punished lightly or diminished criminal responsibility, even be spared the death sentence, which has important meaning in Chinese judicatory adjudication. The epiphysis of long bones from human limbs and the secondary sexual characteristics almost have developed completely before 18 years old. Clavicle epiphysis is one of the articular metaphysis which has a late epiphyseal closure. The recent studies in exploring the rule of clavicle epiphyseal by multi-imaging technology shows that the development of clavicle epiphysis has some value in age estimation of 18 years old. CT, especially thin-section CT, is widely used at present. However, thin-section CT scanning has great net radiation, which is not ethically acceptable if it is not for diagnosis and treatment. MRI is nonradioactive tomographic imaging and easy to evaluate, which is one of the future research directions in forensic age estimation using the medial clavicle. This paper summarizes the progress on the rule of clavicle epiphyseal closure, and analyzes and summarizes the feasibility of rule of clavicle epiphyseal closure applies on age estimation.

First Report of Phoma sp. Causing Twisting and Curling of Crown Leaves of Sugarcane in Mainland of China

Sugarcane is a major sugar and the leading energy crop worldwide and Guangxi is the largest sugarcane production area in China (2011 Sugar Annual China, www.gain.fas.usda.gov). During survey of sugarcane crops in September 2012 and June 2013, ~5 to 10% of sugarcane (cvs. FN-40 and ROC22) planted in Chongzuo and Laibing, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China, had twisted and curling symptoms of crown leaves similar to sugarcane Pokkah boeng disease (caused by Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon). The symptoms started appearing as yellowing on midribs and leaf margins that spread further to the entire leaf, along with twisting and curling of crown leaves. The symptomatic leaf tissues (5 × 5 mm) were surface-sterilized by 0.1% HgCl₂ solution for 30 s, followed by rinsing three times in sterile water, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and then incubated in darkness at 28°C. After 3 days of incubation, the isolated fungal colony appeared as white villous, spherical, radial, and dense colorless mycelium from the top, while it was reddish-brown at the bottom and later became grayish. Chlamydospores were also observed with a diameter of 5 to 10 μm and were dark brown, unicellular, intercalary, and smooth. The binucleate hyphae were colorless and transparent. Pycnidia appeared on the colonies after 20 days, and were dark brown, subglobose, and 150 to 230 μm in diameter, and the conidia were ~3 to 7 × 2.5 to 6 μm, unicellular, colorless, and ovoid to oval. The fungal isolates from the symptomatic leaves were obtained and pathogenicity was evaluated. Conidial suspensions (10⁷ CFU/ml) of the single isolate from FN-40 were micro-injected into 20 sugarcane seedlings of cultivar FN-40. Another 20 seedlings were injected with water without conidia as control. The inoculated plants were grown in a growth chamber at 28°C with a 16-h photoperiod. Twisted and curly symptoms similar to the field appeared on the inoculated leaves at 10 days after inoculation, while the control leaves remained asymptomatic. The fungus was re-isolated and identified. Genomic DNA from the cultured fungal isolate was extracted with a modified Fungal DNA Midi Kit (Omega Bio-Tek, Inc., Norcross, GA), and amplified using fungus-conserved primer sequences (ITS1: 5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3' and ITS4: 5'-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3'). The consensus rDNA-internal transcribed spacer sequence (GenBank Accession No. KC524502) was 100% identical with 97% coverage to the ITS sequence from Phoma sp. 3. TMS-2011 (HQ631000.1) in GenBank (3). The fungus Phoma sp. was identified on the basis of morphological characteristics (2,4) and the ITS sequence of rDNA (1,3). Disease caused by Phoma sp. has been reported earlier on sugarcane from Pakistan, Hawaii, and Taiwan, causing leaf blight and curling (2,4). However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Phoma sp. causing twisting and curling of crown leaves of sugarcane in mainland of China. References: (1) M. M. Aveskamp et al. Stud. Mycol. 65:1, 2010. (2) A. Sanguino and H. Tokeski. ISSCT Proc. 17:1555, 1980. (3) P. Shrestha et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 77:5490, 2011. (4) Z. N. Wang. Rep. Taiwan Sugar Res. Inst. 129:1, 1980.

Electronic states and luminescence in higher fullerene/porous Si nanocrystal composites

Photoluminescence (PL) measurements have been performed on the nanocomposites of higher fullerene-coupled porous silicon (PS) nanocrystals. For the C70PS and C76(78)PS nanocomposites, the PL spectra show a pinning wavelength at approximately 565 nm and for the C84PS and C94PS nanosystems the pinning wavelength is at approximately 590 nm. The PL pinning property is closely related to the sorts of the coupled fullerenes. A band mixing model of direct and indirect gaps in a nanometer environment consisting of nc-Si core, SiO2 surface layer, and coupled fullerene has been proposed for calculation of electronic states. Good agreement is achieved between the experiments and theory.

Molecular genetic analysis for Ax phenotype of the ABO blood group system in Chinese

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the molecular genetic background of the Ax phenotype in the Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ABO genes of eight Ax phenotype samples, four Ax and four AxB, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were cloned, along with those of 10 random A(1) Chinese subjects. We analysed the ABO gene transcript structure and the sequences of two exons and one intron at the ABO locus.

RESULTS

Among the four Ax phenotype samples, we identified one Ax02, two Ax03 and one novel Ax allele with the 543G > T mutation in the A102 background. Two of five family members also carry the allele. Of the four AxB phenotypes, one was designated as cis-AB-1/B101; the other three were shown to carry one B allele and one O with the nt261G deletion. The B alleles of the latter three were identical to B101 except for single point mutation at nt700C > G, nt640A > G and nt641T > C, respectively. The novel B101-like alleles were first associated with A(weak)B phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Two ABO*B(A) alleles and an Ax allele clearly differ from all previously reported ABO alleles, suggesting that the molecular genetic background of Ax is heterogeneous in the Chinese population.

[A study of 44 forensic autopsy cases of adrenal hemorrhage]

44 cases of adrenal hemorrhage (AH) were analyzed. The forensic autopsy showed that AH occurred mainly in male aged from 20 to 40 years old. The traumatic AH was more often seen in young men and the pathologic AH was mostly seen in elderly persons. AH were more likely found in bilateral adrenal corticomedullary junction. The pathological grade of AH was not related to the interval time of survival. The pathologic mechanism of AH was discussed as well.

[Alteration of cocaine, morphine and nicotine levels in serum of opiomaniacs treated by jie du ling]

20 Opiomaniacs were treated by Jie Du Ling consisted of some Chinese herbal medicine. Cocaine, morphine and nicotine levels in serum of 20 cases before and after treatment and 20 subjects for control were measured simultaneously by means of radioimmunoassay. The results showed that cocaine, morphine and nicotine levels in patients serum before treatment were significantly higher than that of control (P < 0.001), while the level of above-mentioned 3 substances in patient's serum after treatment were significantly lower than that of before treatment (P < 0.001). It is proved that Chinese medicinal herbs could significantly reduce the levels of cocaine, morphine and nicotine after treatment in clinical practice. It offered evidence for Chinese herbal medicine in stopping opiomania.

[Sequential trial on analgesic effect of vascular headache by toutong dibi ye]

Toutong Dibi Ye (TTDB) is administered into nose in order to relieve headache according to traditional Chinese medicine. Analgesic effect of vascular-headache by the TTDB and placebo were as follows: Effective rate of TTDB was up to 80%, significantly higher than that of placebo. The probability of conclusion error < or = 0.01.

[Observation on platelet aggregation in retinal vein occlusion]

The authors studied the maximum platelet aggregation curve (PAgT max%) in 25 patients of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) before treatment with TCM and compared with 30 normal adults as controls. The results of PAgT max% induced by 1.0 microgram/ml adrenaline were 67.44 +/- 20.91 in 25 patients of RVO, and 54.30 +/- 12.66 in normal adults, when induced by 0.6 mumol ADP there were 65, 68 +/- 11.25 and 45.37 +/- 14.57 respectively. It showed higher than normal value in 20 out of 25 patients of RVO. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation with the RVO and raising of PAgT max% (P less than 0.01-0.001), but there was no significant difference between male and female groups (P greater than 0.05). After treatment with TCM, 14 out of the 20 abnormal PAgT max% cases were examined, the results of PAgT max% induced by 1.0 microgram/ml adrenaline reduced from 70.50 +/- 7.32 before treatment to 50.93 +/- 19.40 after treatment, and by 0.6 microgram mol ADP reduced from 70.86 +/- 8.85 before treatment to 46.21 +/- 10.88 after treatment. The treatment with TCM seemed to convert the high PAgT max% to normal value and also improved the symptoms and signs.