Propofol EC50 for inducing loss of consciousness is lower in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle

BACKGROUND

Varying levels of female sex hormones during the menstrual cycle were found to influence the central nervous system. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the median (50%) effective effect-concentration (EC50) of propofol inducing loss of consciousness (LOC) varies between the luteal and the follicular phases of the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (follicular phase) and 20 patients (luteal phase) undergoing gynaecological procedures under general anaesthesia were enrolled on the study. Anaesthesia was conducted with a target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol. The initial target effect-site propofol concentration (Ceprop) was 3.5 µg ml(-1) and was adjusted stepwise by 0.5 µg ml(-1) at 4 min intervals by an up-down sequential method to reach LOC. Anaesthesia was maintained with a propofol TCI guided by the bispectral index. The correlation between female sex hormones and predicted Ceprop at the time of LOC was analysed and emergence time from anaesthesia was recorded.

RESULTS

Propofol EC50 to induce LOC was higher in patients in the follicular phase than those in the luteal phase (4.17 vs 3.58 µg ml(-1), P<0.05). Progesterone correlated significantly with Ceprop at LOC. Emergence time was also longer in the follicular group than in the luteal group (6.5 vs 5.0 min, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

During general anaesthesia, patients in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle had a lower propofol EC50 for LOC and a shorter emergence time compared with those in the follicular phase. Differences in progesterone levels between menstrual phases may contribute to these anaesthetic effects. Registry number of clinical trial ChiCTR-RCH-12002755.

Implementation of high-resolution SNP arrays in the investigation of fetuses with ultrasound malformations: 5 years of clinical experience

Chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) has proven to be a powerful tool in postnatal patients with intellectual disabilities, and it is increasingly used in prenatal diagnosis. However, its diagnostic capabilities in prenatal diagnosis vary, and clinical experiences have failed to establish a consensus regarding CMA indications, the design and resolution of microarrays, and the notification and interpretation of copy number variations (CNVs). We present our 5 years of clinical experience using whole-genome high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to investigate 446 fetuses that had structural malformations detected with ultrasound but for which standard karyotyping analysis showed normal karyotypes. CMA revealed genomic CNVs in 323 (72.4%) cases and clinically significant CNVs in 11.4% of the fetuses (51/446), including 2 cases of uniparental disomy (UPD) as well as 1 case of cryptic mosaic monosomy of chromosome X. Variants of unknown significance (VOUS) existed in 2.0% of the tested fetuses (9/446). Our results demonstrate the value of whole-genome high-resolution SNP arrays in fetuses with congenital malformations and give a higher detection rate of clinically significant genomic imbalance, especially for detecting UPD. Sufficient communication between technicians and genetic counselors, along with parental testing and comparison with data from in-house or international sources, can significantly reduce VOUS.

Demonstration of cascaded optical inverse free-electron laser accelerator

We report on a proof-of-principle demonstration of a two-stage cascaded optical inverse free-electron laser (IFEL) accelerator in which an electron beam is accelerated by a strong laser pulse after being packed into optical microbunches by a weaker initial laser pulse. We show experimentally that injection of precisely prepared optical microbunches into an IFEL allows net acceleration or deceleration of the beam, depending on the relative phase of the two laser pulses. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with simulation. The demonstrated technique holds great promise to significantly improve the beam quality of IFELs and may have a strong impact on emerging laser accelerators driven by high-power optical lasers.

Polarization-insensitive subwavelength grating reflector based on a semiconductor-insulator-metal structure

We present a polarization-insensitive subwavelength grating reflector based on a semiconductor-insulator-metal structure. The polarization-insensitive characteristic originates from the combined effect of the TM-polarized high-reflectivity high-index-contrast subwavelength grating and the TE-polarized metallic (Au) subwavelength grating with the addition of the insulator layer. The overlapped high reflectivity (>99.5%) bandwidth between the transverse electric polarization and the transverse magnetic polarization is 89 nm. This polarization-insensitive subwavelength grating reflector can be used in the applications without a preferred polarization.

Short- and long-term hemodynamic and clinical effects of carotid artery stenting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stenosis of the carotid artery may cause reduced hemodynamic and neural function that may be ameliorated with CAS. The goal of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term hemodynamic and clinical effects after CAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hemodynamic parameters were acquired by PCT within 1 week before CAS and at 1 week and 1 year (10-13 months) after CAS. In ACA territory, MCA territory, PCA territory, basal ganglia, anterior and posterior CWS and IWS, the rCBF, rCBV, and rMTT were determined in 20 patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS. MR and noncontrast CT were performed within 1 week before CAS. Noncontrast CT and carotid arteriography were performed immediately after CAS. Carotid arteriography was performed 1 year after CAS. MRS was performed in 3 measurements. The variance analysis was performed to determine whether there were significant differences among the 3 measurements.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found among rCBV in any territory (P > .05). In the non-PCA territories, rMTT decreased and rCBF increased at 1 week after CAS (P < .01), but there was no significant difference between 1-week and 1-year effects (P > .05). For MR spectroscopy, no significant differences were found between 1 week after CAS and pretreatment (P > .05); the 1-year scores improved significantly (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term hemodynamic and clinical results after treatment validated that CAS is a durable procedure. The 1-week hemodynamic effects can predict long-term effects.

Lateral cavity photonic crystal surface-emitting laser with ultralow threshold

A lateral cavity photonic crystal (PhC) surface-emitting laser is realized on a commercial epitaxial waveguide wafer without a distributed Bragg reflector first. Energy is coupled from the lateral resonance to surface-emitting light through the Γ band edge of the PhC with a square lattice. Electrically driven 1553.8 nm surface-emitting lasing action is observed at room temperature. The threshold current density of 667 A/cm2 is ultralow for the surface-emitting laser.

Ginseng derivative ocotillol enhances neuronal activity through increased glutamate release: a possible mechanism underlying increased spontaneous locomotor activity of mice

Ginsenosides are the main active ingredients in ginseng and have recently been reported to have beneficial effects on the CNS. Ocotillol is a derivate of pseudoginsenoside-F11, which is an ocotillol-type ginsenoside found in American ginseng. We examined the effects of ocotillol (a) on neuronal activity of projection neurons, mitral cells (MC), in a mouse olfactory bulb brain slice preparation using whole-cell patch-clamp recording, and (b) on animal behavior by measuring locomotor activity of mice in vivo. Ocotillol displayed an excitatory effect on spontaneous action potential firing and depolarized the membrane potential of MCs. The effect was concentration-dependent, with an EC(50) of 4 μM. In the presence of blockers of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione [CNQX], 10 μM; D-AP5, 50 μM; gabazine, 5 μM), the excitatory effect of ocotillol on firing was abolished. Further experiments showed that the ocotillol-induced neuronal excitation persisted in the presence of GABA(A) receptor antagonist gabazine but was eliminated by applying AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist CNQX and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-AP5, suggesting that ionotropic glutamate transmission was involved in mediating the effects of ocotillol. Bath application of ocotillol evoked an inward current as well as an increased frequency of spontaneous glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Both the inward current and sEPSCs could be blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists CNQX and D-AP5. These results indicate that the excitatory action of ocotillol on MCs was mediated by enhanced glutamate release. Behavioral experiments demonstrated that ocotillol increased locomotor activities of mice. Our results suggest that ocotillol-evoked neuronal excitability was mediated by increased release of glutamate, which may be responsible for the increased spontaneous locomotor activities in vivo.

Optical properties of the crescent and coherent applications

By out-of-particle surface plasmon (SP) excitation in the near infrared range, the influences of key parameters on the basic optical properties of the Au crescent are qualitatively studied from the mode dispersion. Based on the coherent control of SP wave, a crescent pair sensor with the intensified extracted signal and the controllability of sensing is proposed. In addition, the crescent half replaced by Ag functioning as a position detector is also proposed. The particular phase of the detecting light as a detection parameter is used to improve the accuracy of the position detection.

Real-time imaging and detection of intracranial haemorrhage by electrical impedance tomography in a piglet model

The aim of this study was to use electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to detect and image acute intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in an animal model. Blood was infused into the frontal lobe of the brains of anaesthetized piglets and impedance was measured using 16 electrodes placed in a circle on the scalp. The EIT images were constructed using a filtered back-projection algorithm. The mean of all the pixel intensities within a region of interest--the mean resistivity value (MRV)--was used to evaluate the relative impedance changes in the target region. A symmetrical index (SI), reflecting the relative impedance on both sides of the brain, was also calculated. Changes in MRV and SI were associated with the injection of blood, demonstrating that EIT can successfully detect ICH in this animal model. The unique features of EIT may be beneficial for diagnosing ICH early in patients after cranial surgery, thereby reducing the risk of complications and mortality.

Intrathecal sufentanil decreases the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

The addition of opioid to local anaesthetics has become a well-accepted practice of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. Successful caesarean delivery anaesthesia has been reported with the use of a low dose of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine coadministered with sufentanil. This prospective, double-blinded study determined the median effective dose (ED50) of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine with and without sufentanil for caesarean delivery, to quantify the sparing effect of sufentanil on the ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine.

METHODS

Sixty-four parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery with combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia were randomized into two groups: Group R (ropivacaine) and Group RS (ropivacaine plus sufentanil 5 microg). The initial dose of ropivacaine was 13 mg in Group R and 10 mg in Group RS. The effective dose was defined as a T(6) level attained within 10 min and no supplemental epidural anaesthetic required during surgery. Effective or ineffective responses determined, respectively, a 0.3 mg decrease or increase of the dose of ropivacaine for the next patient using an up-down sequential allocation.

RESULTS

The ED50 of intrathecal ropivacaine was 11.2 mg [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 11.0-11.6] in Group R vs. 8.1 mg (CI 95%: 7.8-8.3) in Group RS. Motor block was markedly more intense in Group R than in Group RS, and the incidence of shivering was lower in Group RS than in Group R. There were no differences in the onset time of sensory block or motor block, in the incidence of hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

Intrathecal sufentanil 5 microg produced a 28% reduction of ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery.

Treadmill running exercise results in the presence of numerous myofibroblasts in mouse patellar tendons

Mechanical loading is known to alter tendon structure, but its cellular mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of mechanical loading on tendon cells in vivo. C57BL/6J female mice were used in a treadmill running study. The treadmill running protocol consisted of treadmill training for 1 week, followed by sustained moderate running at 13 m/min for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 3 weeks. Immunohistochemical staining of tendon sections of mice after treadmill running revealed that numerous cells in the tendon section expressed alpha-SMA, whereas in the tendon sections of control mice, only a few cells exhibited weak alpha-SMA signals. Furthermore, mouse patellar tendon cells (MPTCs) derived from treadmill running mice were generally larger in culture, proliferated faster, expressed a higher level of alpha-SMA, and formed more abundant stress fibers compared to MPTCs from control mice. In addition, MPTCs from treadmill running mice generated larger traction forces (169 +/- 66.1 Pa) than those from control mice (102 +/- 34.2 Pa). Finally, cells from treadmill running mice produced higher levels of total collagen (516.4 +/- 92.7 microg/10,000 cells) than their counterparts (303.9 +/- 34.8 microg/10,000 cells). Thus, mechanical loading via treadmill running increased the presence of myofibroblasts in mouse patellar tendons. As myofibroblasts are activated fibroblasts, their presence in the tendon following treadmill running indicates that they actively repair and remodel tendon tissue under strenuous mechanical loading, leading to known changes in tendon structure.

The effects of swimming exercise on high-fat-diet-induced steatohepatitis

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of swimming exercise on high-fat (HF) diet-induced steatohepatitis.

METHODS

Two groups of rats were fed a HF diet (35%; kcal) for 12 weeks, with one group remained sedentary (HF-Sed) and the other group swam (HF-Tr) during this entire period. A third group was fed a standard diet and remained sedentary for 12 weeks (SD-Sed). Swimming exercise (5 days/week) was initiated at the same time as the HF diet and was progressively increased, until it reached 90 min after 4 weeks.

RESULTS

At the end of the 12-week period, HF-Sed rats exhibited higher body weight (means +/- standard error [SE]: 492+/-40 vs 432+/-21 g; P<0.05), liver weight (16.21+/-2.23 vs 9.92+/-1.14 g; P<0.05), serum alanine aminotransferase (73.62+/-36.11 vs 27.16+/-4.62 U/L; P<0.05), aspartic aminotransferase (AST; 198.87+/-120.16 vs 120.16+/-19.09 U/L; P<0.05), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA; 897.48+/-133.62 vs 437.5 micromol/L; P<0.05), triglyceride (0.92+/-0.1 vs 0.56+/-0.04 mmol/L; P<0.05), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a (21.74+/-2.93 vs 16.57+/-3.53 pg/mL; P < 0.05) as well as liver malondialdehyde (MDA; 5.3+/-1.45 vs 3.48+/-0.94 nmol/mg protein; P<0.05) and NEFA (305.47+/-69.23 vs 204.56+/-64.26 micromol/mg protein; P<0.05) than SD-Sed rats. All HF-Sed rats developed moderate to severe hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis according to liver histological findings. Compared with HF-Sed, HF-Tr rats' hepatopathological manifestations of steatosis and inflammation were much attenuated, and their serum and liver parameters were all lower with the exception of serum AST.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that swimming exercise might reduce the incidence of HF-diet-induced steatohepatitis.

Review article: anatomic double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) consists of 2 bundles: a slightly larger anteromedial bundle and a posterolateral bundle, named according to their relative tibial insertion sites. Both bundles are crucial to knee stability. Although it is more technically demanding, a double bundle ACL reconstruction restores the knee biomechanics better and provides more rotational stability than a single bundle ACL reconstruction. Intermediate and long-term clinical investigation including the measurement of rotational laxity and the evaluation of osteoarthritic change is needed to confirm biomechanical and short-term clinical outcomes.

Smoking and tuberculosis among silicotic patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between smoking and tuberculosis (TB) among high-risk silicotic patients in Hong Kong. A cohort of 435 silicotic patients tuberculin tested from 1995-2002 was prospectively followed-up until the end of 2005. Baseline characteristics were analysed with respect to positive tuberculin reaction (> or =10 mm) at baseline and subsequent development of TB. Smoking, alcohol use and body mass index were independent predictors of positive tuberculin reaction at baseline in multiple logistic regression analysis. Total cigarette pack-yrs did not demonstrate any significant effect. The annual incidences of TB were 1,841, 2,294 and 4,181 per 100,000 for never-, ex- and current smokers, respectively. On Cox proportional hazard analysis, current smokers have a significantly higher risk of TB than other silicotic patients (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.96 (1.14-3.35)) after controlling for age, alcohol use, tuberculin status, treatment for latent TB infection and other relevant background/disease factors. A significant dose-response relationship was also observed with the daily number of cigarettes currently smoked. Smoking cessation may reduce 32.4% (95% CI: 6.5-54.0) of the risk. Smoking increases the risk of both tuberculosis infection and subsequent development of the disease among silicotic patients.

Crystal structure of bis(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N′)silver(I) mononitrate, [Ag(C12H8N2)2][NO3]

C24H16AgN5O3, orthorhombic, Fddd (no. 70), a = 3.668(1) Å, b = 30.046(9) Å, c = 38.88(1) Å, V = 4284.2 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.064, wRref(F2) = 0.198, T = 273 K.

Crystal structure of catena-aquatris(1H-imidazole-N)(μ-sulfato)copper(II), Cu(H2O)(C3H4N2)3(SO4)

C9H14CuN6O5S, monoclinic, P121/n1 (no. 14), a = 11.723(2) Å, b = 8.651(2) Å, c = 13.839(3) Å, β = 91.703(4)°, V = 1402.8 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.046, wRref(F2) = 0.133, T = 296 K.

[Detection of bate 2-microglobulin fibronection and interleukin 2 content in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance of detecting of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG). Fibronection (Fn) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHOD

The levels of serum beta 2-MG and IL-2 in 32 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were determined by radioimmunoassay, radial immunodiffusion and ELISA before and after radiotherapy.

RESULT

The levels of serum beta 2-MG in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were significantly higher than that in controls (P < 0.05); but serum Fn and IL-2 in patients were significantly lower than that in controls (P < 0.05). The level of serum beta 2-MG decreased in patients after radiotherapy, but the serum Fn and IL-2 increased in patients after radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Detection of serum beta 2-MG, Fn and IL-2 was useful in clinical diagnosis and prognosis observation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Sixty years of study on ancient medical history]

The paper includes ten parts, viz. origin of medicine, division of historical periods in Chinese medicine, medical institution, history of preventive medicine, history of medicl disciplines and diseases, history of exchanges among China and foreign countries, history of medical education, history of minority medicine, studies on medical figures, works on Chinese medical history. It summarizes the brilliant achievements in the study of ancient Chinese medical history.

[A retrospective clinical study of 6539 cases of malignant oral-maxillofacial tumors]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to obtain the general information of post-operation malignant oral-maxillofacial tumor patients in forty-seven years.

METHODS

A total of 6539 patients with malignant oral-maxillofacial tumors in the hospital of stomatology, west china university of medical sciences, from 1953 to 2000 were retrospected.

RESULTS

The average age of patients with malignant oral-maxilloficial tumor is 48.7 years old. The ratio of male to female is 2.31:1. The most common original malignant tumors in this oral-maxillofacial region are malignant oral tumors, malignant maxillary tumors, malignant mandibular tumors, and malignant sialoma successively. As to the original tissues of tumors, there were 5869 cases of epithelial tumors, and made up 89.75% of all the investigated patients. Tumors came from lymphatic and hematopoietic systems and mesoderm were much less those came from epithelia. There were 4177 cases of squamous cell carcinomas and the percentage was 63.88%.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of malignant tumors in oral-maxillofacial region tends to increase, and the average age of patients also rose. The ratio of male to female decreases gradually. Epithelial tumors, especially squamous cell carcinomas are very common tumors happening in this region.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation of the knee: multicenter experience and minimum 3-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical outcome and graft survivorship in patients undergoing autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for the repair of chondral defects of the knee.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

19 centers in the United States.

PATIENTS

50 patients (37 males, 13 females). Mean age was 36 years (range: 19-53). Defects were grade III or IV with a mean size of 4.2 cm 2. All patients had a minimum of 36 months postoperative follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinician and patient evaluation based on the modified Cincinnati Knee Rating System. Graft failure was defined as replacement or removal of the graft due to mechanical symptoms or pain.

RESULTS

Clinician and patient evaluation indicated median improvements of 4 and 5 points, respectively, at 36 months following ACI (p < 0.001). Previous treatment with marrow stimulation techniques and size of defect did not impact the results with ACI. The most common adverse events reported were adhesions and arthrofibrosis and hypertrophic changes. Three patients had graft failure and required reimplantation or treatment with alternative cartilage repair techniques. Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom from graft failure was 94% at 36 months postoperatively (95% CI = 88-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results of this study indicate excellent graft survivorship using ACI as well as substantial improvement in functional outcome.

The use of an antifibrosis agent to improve muscle recovery after laceration

Muscle injuries are challenging problems in traumatology and the most frequent injuries in sports medicine. Muscle injuries are capable of healing, although slowly and occasionally with incomplete functional recovery. We observed that lacerated muscle undergoes a rapid process of regeneration, which is hindered by the development of fibrosis. Biologic approaches to enhance muscle regeneration and prevent fibrosis are being investigated to improve muscle healing after injuries. We observed that growth factors can improve muscle regeneration but cannot prevent muscle fibrosis. We investigated the use of an antifibrosis substance, decorin, as an approach to prevent fibrosis and thereby improve muscle healing after injury in murine muscle. We observed that direct injection of human recombinant decorin can efficiently prevent fibrosis and enhance muscle regeneration in the lacerated muscle. More importantly, decorin can improve the recovery of strength in the injured muscle to a level similar to that observed in normal noninjured muscle. These results suggest that injection of decorin improves both the muscle structure and the function of the lacerated muscle to near complete recovery. This study will contribute significantly to the development of strategies to promote efficient muscle healing and complete functional recovery after muscle injuries.

[Expression of VEGF-C and its correlation with cervical lymph nodes metastasis of oral cancers]

OBJECTIVE

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is known to be capable of inducing cell proliferation of lymphatic endothelia and development of lymphatic vessels. Thus, in the current study the expression of VEGF-C was investigated to understand the mechanism of lymphatic metastasis of oral cancer.

METHODS

VEGF-C protein expression in benign and malignant oral lesions was investigated with an immunohistochemical staining assay, followed by light microscopic examination and image analysis.

RESULTS

Immunohistostaining of VEGF-C was observed in normal, benign and malignant epithelia, as well as in some lymphatic vessels. The VEGF-C positive rate was significantly higher in squamous carcinomas than in normal tissues and benign lesions. It was also noted that in squamous carcinomas the expression level of VEGF-C correlated well with pathological grades and stages of lymph node metastasis, but not with clinical grades.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that VEGF-C may promote lymphatic metastasis of oral cancer, and it is possible to be used as a predictor for the lymphatic metastasis and prognosis of oral cancer.

[The function of benzol peroxide in the induction of Syrian golden hamster tongue carcinoma by chemical carcinogen]

OBJECTIVE

To testify the function of promoter(benzol peroxide) in the induced tongue carcinogenesis of Syrian golden hamster as well as the function of carcinogen (DMBA).

METHODS

In this study, group 1: 20% benzoyl peroxide in acetone solution was brushed to the right tongue border of Syrian golden hamster, followed by 0.5% 7, 12-dimethybenzanthrancene(DMBA) in acetone, twice a week, lasting 20 weeks. Group 2: 0.5% 7,12-dimethybenzanthrancene(DMBA) in acetone was painted on the right tongue border of golden Syrian hamster in the manner of group 1. Group 3: 20% benzoyl peroxide in acetone solution was used with mentioned methods.

RESULTS

Group 2: showed 90% (27/30) carcinogenesis-rate in tongue of Syrian golden hamster. While it was 100% (30/30) of induced tongue carcinoma and 3/30 lymph node metastasis was found in group 1. No tongue carcinogenesis was found in group 3. The former two groups had the manifestations of hyperplasia of epithelium cell, carcinoma in situ, invasive and cervical lymph node metastatic carcinoma in the process of experiment, but it was 2 weeks shorter in group 1 than that of group 2. Both groups had the same features under eye and light microscope. The samples were high-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma histologically through HE stain.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that benzoyl peroxide could increase carcinogenesis of golden hamster tongue which induced by DMBA. Consideration of promoting agent should be taken in carcinogenesis as well as carcinogen.

[Treatment of hemangioma in oral and maxillofacial region with pingyangmycin injection]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the indication and result in hemangioma in oral and maxillofacial region with Pingyangmycin injection.

METHODS

1282 patients (554 males and 728 females) with hemangioma in oral and maxillofacial region have been treated in our hospital during the 10-year period from May 1990 to March 1999. The patients range between 0.5-84 years old. Lip, cheek and tongue were usually involved. 1211 patients were treated with injection of Pingyangmycin(about 0.89 mg/ml) and dexamethasone (about 0.55 mg/ml), 1 time/1-2 weeks.

RESULTS

The curative rates of cavernous hemangioma and strawberry hemangioma were 93.87% and 84.90%, but that of plexiform hemangioma was 22.22% and those of portwine stain and central hemangioma of the jaws were 0%, respectively. Serious complications associated with Pingyangmycin injection, such as pulmonary fibrosis were not seen.

CONCLUSION

Injection of Pingyangmycin is selective primary method for cavernous and strawberry hemangioma treatment.

[Autologous chondrocyte transplantation for treatment of cartilage defects of the knee joint. Clinical results]

Cartilage defects in the knee joint are common and have a bad tendency for healing due to the limited regeneration of hyaline cartilage. Surgeons have an ample choice of various operative treatment measures. Especially for the treatment of larger lesions first results of autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) were published in 1994 [3]. Autologous chondrocytes are isolated from an arthoscopically harvested cartilage biopsy, cultured in vitro and implanted in the defect under a periostal flap in a second procedure. In an international multicenter study 1,051 patients treated with ACT between 6/95 and 12/98 were documented with follow-up examinations after 12 months (588 patients), 24 months (220 patients) and 36 months (40 patients). The majority of the defects (61.2%) were localized on the medial femoral condyle, measuring 4.6 cm2 and mostly described as grade III/IV lesions. The clinical evaluation was performed using a modified Cincinnati knee rating system independently for clinician and patient. Evaluations showed an increase from 3.35 to 6.25 after 24 months and from 3.10 to 6.77 in a scale from 1 (bad) to 10 (excellent). ACT favours defects of the femur with an improvement rate of 85%. Adverse events possibly related to ACT were described in 4.8% of the patients. Diagnostic second-look arthroscopies are included in the reoperation rate of 5.1%. The presented data indicate autologous chondrocyte transplantation as an effective and safe option for the treatment of large full thickness cartilage defects in the knee joint.

[Tissue engineering and gene therapy of the musculoskeletal system with muscle cells]

AIM

Muscle-based somatic gene therapy is a novel way to alleviate a biochemical deficiency.

METHOD

Muscle-derived cells are very promising in the field of gene therapy and tissue engineering. First, most muscle tissue is accessible by injection. Second, muscle tissue consists of multinucleated, postmitotic myofibers, which enable a long-term expression of the transduced gene. Third, muscle tissue can be biopsied easily. It is available in abundance and the biopsy does not compromise the health and function of the patient. Finally, muscle tissue is highly vascularized, which makes systemic delivery feasible.

RESULTS

Muscle-derived cells can promote muscle healing and bone healing. Implanted cells maintain a long-term transgene expression of therapeutic proteins. Isolated, muscle-derived stem cells can differentiate in osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION

Based on these characteristics, we present four possible applications: inherited muscular diseases, muscle injury, bone healing, and intraarticular disorders.

[Effect of electric field on optical radiation linewidth of free-carriers in quantum wells]

By using concepts as orbit, momentum and wave packet, the particles which move in a large range of space in solid state are described. According to the uncertainty relations in quantum mechanics, a formula of energy uncertainty of particles is derived. The formula indicates that electric field scatters carriers strongly and makes energy levels broaden largely. Applying the formula to GaAs/GaAlAs quantum wells with P-I-N structure, the calculated optical radiation linewidths are in agreement with measured photoluminescence linewidths.

Differential effects of exogenous interleukin-10 on cardiac allograft survival: inhibition of rejection by recipient pretreatment reflects impaired host accessory cell function

BACKGROUND

There have been conflicting reports of the influence of exogenous mammalian interleukin (IL)-10 on immune reactivity. These findings may reflect the pleiotropic effects of IL-10 on the functions of antigen-presenting cells and immune effector cells. The purpose of this study was to extend observations of the influence of the cytokine on organ allograft survival and to investigate its effects on the function of accessory and immune effector cells in a mouse cardiac transplant model.

METHODS

C3H (H2k) recipients of heterotopic vascularized B10 (H-2b) heart allografts were treated with recombinant (r) mouse IL-10 over a wide range of doses (0.2-200 microg/day), either before the transplant (days -3, -2, -1), peri-operatively (days -1, 0, 1), or after the transplant (days 0-6). Anti-donor cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity of host spleen and graft-infiltrating cells, and circulating complement-dependent cytotoxic antibody titers were determined by isotope release assays. Mixed leukocyte reactions were used to determine the influence of IL-10 on the function of antigen-presenting cells and allogeneic responder T cells.

RESULTS

Recipient pre-transplant administration of IL-10 (days -3, -2, -1) prolonged graft survival at all doses tested. Donor pretreatment with IL-10 (25 microg/day; days -3, -2, -1) was also effective, but less. A pre-transplant or perioperative course of IL-10, however, did not significantly affect the immunosuppressive action of tacrolimus given on days 0-6. If given only after the transplant, IL-10 either had no effect on graft survival or (at high dosage) accelerated rejection and prevented the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporine. Pretransplant treatment of graft recipients with IL-10 reduced splenic anti-donor cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and the incidence of graft-infiltrating CD8+ cells. There was no significant effect on circulating alloantibody titers. MLR assays revealed that preincubation of responder cells, but not stimulator spleen cells with IL-10, inhibited T cell proliferation, whereas addition of IL-10 after the start of culture modestly enhanced proliferation. Preincubation of purified T responders with IL-10 showed no inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

The modest and opposing effects of exogenous IL-10 on organ allograft survival are dependent on timing and dosage. Recipient pretreatment prolongs graft survival. This finding, together with the MLR results, suggest that IL-10 inhibits the function of host immune accessory cells and that the direct pathway of alloantigen presentation may be less susceptible to inhibition by IL-10.

[Diagnosis and treatment of central hemangioma of mandible]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate methods of diagnosis and treatment of hemangiomas of the mandible.

METHODS

Nineteen cases of central hemangioma of the mandible treated in our department from 1971 to 1997 were studied retrospectively. Fourteen patients received surgical treatment in which ten patients had received complete curettage of the lesion and the other four had received part resection of the mandible.

RESULTS

The most common signs and symptoms of this lesion were hypermobility of teeth and episodes of spontaneous hemorrhage from the surrounding gingival sulcus. Selective angiography was significant in the diagnosis of this lesion. Fourteen patients received surgical treatment and thirteen lesions were removed completely, except that one died of massive bleeding at the operation and DIC on the next day.

CONCLUSION

Selective angiography is useful to diagnosis the central hemangioma of mandible, and the complete curettage of the hemangiomas in the body of mandible is the most appropriate operation for children. At the same time, ligature of the inferior alveolar artery can reduce the risk of bleeding during operation.

Trafficking of APC from liver allografts of Flt3L-treated donors: augmentation of potent allostimulatory cells in recipient lymphoid tissue is associated with a switch from tolerance to rejection

Livers transplanted across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers in mice are normally accepted without recipient immune suppression, and induce a state of functional tolerance. However, markedly increasing functional dendritic cells (DC) in the 'passenger leucocyte' population by donor pretreatment with the hematopoietic growth factor Flt3-ligand (Flt3L; 10 microg/day for 10 days) results in acute allograft rejection. In this study, molecular, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analysis of donor cell traffick into recipient lymphoid tissue 24 h after liver transplantation (C57BL/10 [H2b]-->C3H [H2k]) was performed. In addition, the capacity of donor-derived cells in these tissues to stimulate host T cell proliferation was examined. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed increases in donor genomic DNA in both thymi and spleens of mice given livers from Flt3L-treated donors compared to controls. Donor MHC class II+ (IAb+) cells in spleens were strikingly elevated (10-fold) in the former group. Two-colour flow cytometry revealed a similar increase in donor-derived H-2Kb+/I-Ab+ cells, and in the incidence of donor leucocytes expressing CD40, CD80, and CD86. CD11c+ DC comprised approximately 40% of the I-Ab+ cells in spleens of mice given livers from Flt3L-treated donors. These changes were associated with the presence, in spleens, of potent allostimulatory activity for naive recipient strain T cells, that was not observed in normal liver recipients. Elicitation of allograft rejection, associated with enhanced trafficking of stimulatory donor antigen-presenting cells (APC), in particular DC, suggests that normal liver graft survival and tolerance induction may be linked to failure/counter-regulation of APC-driven stimulation of effective anti-donor T cell responses.

Prevention and restoration of second-set liver allograft rejection in presensitized mice: the role of "passenger" leukocytes, donor major histocompatibility complex antigens, and host cytotoxic effector mechanisms

BACKGROUND

The aim was to determine whether sublethal donor total body irradiation (TBI) might be as effective as lethal TBI in preventing mouse second-set liver allograft rejection, and to evaluate the role of passenger leukocytes, donor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and host effector mechanisms in the response to livers from sublethally irradiated donors.

METHODS

B10 (H2b) donors received various doses of TBI at different times before their livers were transplanted orthotopically into normal or donor skin-presensitized C3H (H2k) recipients. The influence of irradiation on graft non-parenchymal cells (NPC) was determined by monoclonal antibody staining, and flow cytometric analysis. Hematopoietic cells within the grafts were reconstituted by intravenous infusion of syngeneic or third-party bone marrow cells. Allograft survival was determined in recipients that received no treatment, or that were given spleen cells from either normal B10 donors, or MHC class I - or class II-deficient mice syngeneic with the donors. Cytotoxic activity of graft-infiltrating cells and host spleen cells, and complement-dependent cytotoxic alloantibody titers were determined by isotype release assays.

RESULTS

The protective effect of donor TBI was observed both at lethal (9.5 Gy) and sublethal doses (5 and 3 Gy; graft median survival time: >100 days). Extended delay in liver transplantation, allowing hematopoietic recovery and graft reconstitution eliminated the effect. Liver NPC were reduced about 80% within 24 hr of 3 Gy TBI, with a selective reduction in the incidence of B cells. The NPC-depleted livers underwent accelerated rejection when donor (but not third-party) spleen cells (5 x 10(7) were administered systemically to the recipient immediately after graft revascularization. Spleen cells from MHC class I-deficient (but not MHC class II-deficient) mice failed to fully restore accelerated rejection of TBI liver grafts. Freshly isolated graft NPC, or spleen cells from TBI liver recipients, harvested 4 days after transplantation, exhibited lower, donor-specific cytotoxic activity than cells from mice given normal livers. Recipients of TBI livers also showed much lower serum complement-dependent cytotoxic alloantibody titers.

CONCLUSIONS

By substantially depleting "passenger leukocytes," sublethal donor TBI undermines anti-donor cell-mediated and humoral immune reactivity and inhibits second-set liver allograft rejection in presensitized recipients. The interval between irradiation and transplantation is important in conferring resistance to rejection. Expression of MHC class I on donor leukocyte infusions is important for overcoming resistance to second-set rejection induced by donor irradiation.