Simultaneous occurrence of structure-directed and particle-resonance-induced phononic gaps in colloidal films

We report on the observation of two hypersonic phononic gaps of different nature in three-dimensional colloidal films of nanospheres using Brillouin light scattering. One is a Bragg gap occurring at the edge of the first Brillouin zone along a high-symmetry crystal direction. The other is a hybridization gap in crystalline and amorphous films, originating from the interaction of the band of quadrupole particle eigenmodes with the acoustic effective-medium band, and its frequency position compares well with the computed lowest eigenfrequency. Structural disorder eliminates the Bragg gap, while the hybridization gap is robust.

Non-invasive prediction of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C using an ultrasound contrast agent. A pilot study

It has been shown that the severity of hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C can be predicted non-invasively by measuring intrahepatic circulatory time (IHCT) using a microbubble agent with spectral Doppler analysis. The aim of this study was to assess whether this technique is reproducible using a third-generation microbubble agent and contrast harmonic imaging, which are becoming the standard ultrasound techniques in all radiology departments. Twenty-three untreated patients with hepatitis C, who had undergone a recent liver biopsy, were studied prospectively. Based on their histological fibrosis score, patients were divided into four groups (fibrosis levels 1-4). Contrast harmonic imaging was carried out after an intravenous bolus of a microbubble agent (Optison; Amersham Health, Milwaukee, WI, USA). IHCT was calculated by measuring the difference between the hepatic vein and hepatic artery microbubble arrival times. The IHCT was compared with the degree of fibrosis. Significant differences were shown between the groups for IHCT. There were significant differences between fibrosis levels 1 and 3 and between fibrosis levels 1 and 4. This study has shown that calculation of IHCT using a third-generation microbubble agent and contrast harmonic imaging can differentiate mild fibrosis from more severe degrees of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C.

Phonon dispersion and nanomechanical properties of periodic 1D multilayer polymer films

We report on the first systematic study of phonon propagation in nanostructured composite polymer multilayer films as a function of periodicity and composition using Brillouin light scattering and numerical simulations. The high sensitivity of phonon dispersion to structure and composition allows the probing of the mechanical properties down to the single-layer level. We observe a strikingly different dependence of the longitudinal and shear moduli on confinement effects in the polymer nanolayers. In addition, temperature dependent measurements of sound velocities reveal the presence of distinct glass transition temperatures, indicative of phonon localization in films with large layer thicknesses in agreement with theoretical predictions.

Small-for-size syndrome secondary to outflow block of the segments V and VIII anastomoses--successful treatment with trans-splenic artery embolization: a case report

Despite the rapid expansion of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the adult population over the last few years, small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) has emerged as an important clinical problem. We have herein reported a patient who developed clinical evidence of prolonged cholestasis and intractable ascites after a small-for-size right lobe LDLT. The SFSS was attributed to outflow block of segments V and VIII anastomoses with severe portal overperfusion injury. It was successfully treated by reduction of portal pressure and blood flow after trans-splenic arterial ligation. We recommend that trans-splenic artery embolization, a technically simple procedure, be applied to treat portal overperfusion injury in SFSS.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the bladder in children: what can be expected?

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the bladder is an uncommon condition of unknown neoplastic potential. In adults the tumor is seen in association with instrumentation of the lower genitourinary tract, while in children it appears to run an idiopathic course. Its clinical and radiological presentation in children resembles sarcoma. The case of a 10-year-old girl with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is presented, outlining the histological and immunhistochemical features to allow differentiation between sarcomas, the most important differential diagnosis. An outcome meta-analysis of the literature identified 35 cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the bladder of children. Conservative surgery is the strategy of choice. There is no evidence of recurrence or metastasis at a median follow up of 1.5 years.

Impairment of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in CD95(APO-1)-induced human T-cell leukemia cell apoptosis mediated by glutathione depletion and generation of hydrogen peroxide

Human T-cell leukemia is a malignant disease that needs various regimens of cytotoxic chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance. Recently, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapy. However, its exact signaling pathway in human T-cell leukemia cell death has not been well defined. In the current study, we found CD95(APO-1) was able to trigger the internalization of plasma membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in Jurkat cells or primary T cells as a mechanism to suppress its activity. This internalization was closely relevant to intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion in Jurkat cells downstream of Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) and caspase 8. GSH depletion in Fas L-treated Jurkat cells induced the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), which subsequently increased the serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit. Exogenous H(2)O(2) even mimicked the effect of Fas L to upregulate the serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit and suppress Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. Overall, our results indicate that CD95(APO-1) induces the FADD- and caspase 8-dependent internalization of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase through intracellular GSH loss, and the subsequent generation of H(2)O(2)-mediated serine phosphorylation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase alpha1 subunit. Taken together, this study presents a novel regulatory mechanism of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in CD95(APO-1)-mediated human T-leukemia cell apoptosis.

T helper cell population and eosinophilia in nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the immunological pattern of nasal polyposis in patients with and without allergy, the percentages of CD4+ cells expressing intracellular interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 (T helper [T(H)] type 1 and 2 cells) were measured by flow cytometry in samples from patients with nasal polyps.

METHODS

Samples from 32 patients (16 atopic, 16 nonatopic) were studied. The fresh nasal polyp samples were prepared in single cell suspension for flow cytometry. Eosinophils were counted in hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections of all the samples.

RESULTS

T(H)1 cells were predominant in all the nasal polyps, with no significant differences in the mean (+/-SD) percentages of T(H)1 cells between the 2 groups (46.28% +/- 14.95% vs 38.25% +/- 9.16%, P > .05). The mean percentage of T(H)2 cells in the polyps from the atopic patient group was significantly greater than in polyps from nonatopic group (7.34% +/- 2.54% vs 0.63% +/- 0.31%, respectively; P < .01); the eosinophil count was significantly higher in atopic patient polyp samples (54.5 +/- 15.76 eosinophils/HPF) than in nonatopic ones (14.38 +/- 5.6 eosinophils/HPF, P < .01). The mean percentage of T(H)1 cell correlated with eosinophil count in the polyp samples overall (r = 0.80, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

T(H)1 cells were predominant in nasal polyp tissue. Polyps from atopic patients had more T(H)2 cells and eosinophils than nonatopic patients' polyps did. Eosinophil recruitment in nasal polyposis is probably associated with T(H)2 cell infiltration. Nonatopic and atopic patients' polyps have different immunological patterns.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and platinum in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in late relapse (>6 months)

15035

Background: Platinum and doxorubicin have different mechanisms of action, show no cross-resistance, and their toxicities do not overlap. Because pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox was manufactured by TTY Biopharm Company Ltd. in Taiwan) appears to be a promising form of delivering doxorubicin with decrease of some of the most problematic toxicities, a combination with platinum should be assessed. Methods: An open-label, non-comparative, single center phase II clinical trial. Eligible patients must have histologically proven advance ovarian cancer with two-dimensioned measurable disease or evaluable disease (defined as CA-125 ≥ 40 U/ml), who have been treated with one or two previous platinum- and taxane-based regimen. All patients will hospitalize for 24 hours for treatment. The dose of platinum is fixed (cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin at AUC=5) on D1 and the initial dose of pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) is 35 mg/m2 on D2 at a 4-week interval. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled from July 2002 to January 2004 and follow up until June 2004. All eligible patients are assessable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate was 80%. Of the 20 patients eligible for response evaluation, 10 (50%) patients had a complete response, 6 (30%) had partial response, 3 (15%) were with stable disease, and 1 (5%) showed progressive disease. An overall response (OR) was achieved in 80% of patients. In patients achieving an OR based on WHO criteria, median CA125 levels declined from 142 U/ml (range, 13–3670 U/ml) during the baseline to 26.5 U/ml (range, 5–375 U/ml) during the last cycle. Median time to response was 65 days (range, 12–188 days). Median duration of response was 471 days (range 146–1085 days). Furthermore, the median time to progression was 481 days (range, 138–1136 days). The main toxicity was myelosuppression, with grade 3 and 4 neutropenia in 3 patients, anemia in 4 patients, and leukopenia in 2 patients. Conclusions: Based on effectiveness and toxicity advantages, the combination of pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) and platinum should be considered in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in late relapse.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The spectrum of vibration modes in soft opals

Numerous vibrational modes of spherical submicrometer particles in fabricated soft opals are experimentally detected by Brillouin light scattering and theoretically identified by their spherical harmonics by means of single-phonon scattering-cross-section calculations. The particle size polydispersity is reflected in the line shape of the low-frequency modes, whereas lattice vibrations are probably responsible for the observed overdamped transverse mode.

Characterization of alpha-cordierite glass-ceramics from fly ash

Batches of alpha-cordierite glass-ceramics, designated as GC-I and GC-II, containing 68 and 64 wt.% fly ash, respectively, were crystallized in the temperature range of 1125-1320 degrees C. The XRD (X-ray powder diffractometer) of the glass-ceramics show that alpha-cordierite became the dominant phase in GC-I and GC-II at 1200 degrees C. GC-I and GC-II, whose solid parts contain 74 and 78 vol.% alpha-cordierite and whose compressive strengths are 35 and 50 MPa, respectively, have the respective linear thermal expansion coefficients of 1.51x10(-6) and 1.43x10(-6)/ degrees C. The fly ash alpha-cordierite glass-ceramics can be employed as kiln furniture, honeycomb substrates for catalysts, and heat exchangers.

Reaching the nonlinear regime of Raman amplification of ultrashort laser pulses

The intensity of a subpicosecond laser pulse was amplified by a factor of up to 1000 using the Raman backscatter interaction in a 2 mm long gas jet plasma. The process of Raman amplification reached the nonlinear regime, with the intensity of the amplified pulse exceeding that of the pump pulse by more than an order of magnitude. Features unique to the nonlinear regime such as gain saturation, bandwidth broadening, and pulse shortening were observed. Simulation and theory are in qualitative agreement with the measurements.

Esophageal atresia and achalasialike esophageal dysmotility

A 14-year-old boy presented with regurgitation, malnutrition, and chronic lung insufficiency with a history of successful repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in the newborn period. Barium swallow and manometry results showed achalasia. Hellar operation with antireflux procedure resulted in complete symptomatic relief. Histology and immunohistochemistry including PGP9.5, MAP5, cKit, and nNOS of myotomy specimen showed intact innervation. Although esophageal dysmotility after esophageal atresia repair usually is caused by gastroesophageal reflux and incoordination of peristalsis, the possibility of achalasia should also be considered, because a casual relationship between esophageal atresia and achalasia may exist.

[Assessment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk by EB virus antibody profile]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) through EB virus antibody profile by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

METHODS

EBNA 1/IgA, EBNA 1/IgG and zta/IgG by ELISA and VCA/IgA by immmunoenzymatic method were detected in 121 NPC patients and 332 healthy subjects (HS) in the Pearl river estuary.

RESULTS

The sensitivity rates were 85%, 83% and 79% for EBNA 1/IgA, EBNA 1/IgG and zta/IgG, all three of which if combined was the highest 92%. The specificity rates were 86%, 86% and 80% for EBNA 1/IgA, EBNA 1/IgG and zta/IgG, all three of which if combined was also the highest 93%. According to the level of odds ratio, nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk could be divided into 3 groups: low, moderate and high-risk groups. 93% of HS had low risk of NPC with the odds ratio 0.0 to 0.3. 0.4% of HS had high risk of NPC with the odds ratio of 137.9%.

CONCLUSION

ELISA is more objective than the traditional immunoenzymatic method in the detection and diagnosis of NPC. The combination of EBNA 1/IgA, EBNA 1/IgG and zta/IgG is able to evaluate the risk of NPC.

Anomalies associated with oesophageal atresia in Asians and Europeans

Oesophageal atresia (OA) is often associated with anomalies of other systems. The genetic contribution to the formation of the VACTERL association is not clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of associated anomalies in two different racial populations. The associated anomalies in neonates with OA managed in an Asian and a European paediatric surgical centre from 1982 to 1998 were reviewed. Non-Asian and non-European patients were excluded from the respective centres. The incidence of anomalies was compared using Fisher's exact test, taking #E5/E5# below 0.05 as statistically significant. Forty-eight consecutive Asian (25 boys and 23 girls) and 34 consecutive European patients (20 boys and 14 girls) were included in the analysis. The percentage of patients with at least one associated anomaly was 50% and 74% in the Asian and European populations, respectively, which was significantly different (#E5/E5#=0. 04). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of associated cardiovascular (29% vs 39%), anorectal (11% vs 18%), and musculoskeletal (16% vs 22%) anomalies, duodenal atresia (4% vs 3%), or Down's syndrome (3% vs 6%) between the two populations. However, the European patients had a significantly higher incidence of urogenital (UG) anomalies (26% vs 4%, #E5/E5#=0.006), the most common being agenesis (n=4) and dysplasia (n=3) of one or both kidneys. Hereditary factors may influence the incidence of associated anomalies in children with OA, particularly of the UG system. However, environmental factors cannot be excluded.

Solid-cystic papillary tumor of the pancreas in children

Solid-cystic papillary tumor (SCPT) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm in children. The current study attempted to estimate the incidence and possible pathological origin of the tumor. Clinicopathologic features of the children under the age of 16 years with pancreatic tumors managed in a single institution between January 1993 and November 1999 were reviewed. Representative blocks of SCPT specimens were immunostained for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) chromogrannin, synaptophysin, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and gastrin. There were three SCPTs, two pancreatic endocrine tumors, and one acinar cell carcinoma during the study period. The estimated yearly incidence in the referral area of 2 million population is about 0.01 pediatric SCPT per year per 100,000 population. The children underwent surgical removal of the tumors. Postoperatively, they were followed up for 6 months to 4 years and were well. Immunostaining for NSE, chromogranin, synaptophysin, insulin, somatostatin, and gastrin was negative in all cases. SCPT may thus be the most common pancreatic tumor in the Asian pediatric population. The pathological origin of the tumor remains unclear and requires further investigations.

H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula: appearance on three-dimensional computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy

H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare type of fistula without oesophageal atresia. The symptoms are usually present at birth, but the diagnosis is often delayed. Traditionally, contrast oesophagography and/or fiberoptic bronchoscopy are used to confirm the diagnosis. We describe the imaging features of a case of H-type TOF seen on three-dimensional computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy and the usefulness of these techniques in pre-operative evaluation.

A multi-resolution wireless force sensing system based upon a passive SAW device

Referring to the technology of SAW wireless identification systems, a multi-resolution wireless force sensing system, including a passive time-delay SAW device and a specific interrogation unit, is introduced in this paper. Using an IDT, which connects with an antenna, as the force sensing element is a design to transduce the electromagnetic wave into surface acoustic wave and vice versa. Several reflectors are designed to get multi-resolution. Sample/hold devices are used instead of high-speed A/D converter to construct a low-cost interrogation system. Properties of the sensing system are theoretically predicted and experimentally verified.

Twenty-year comparison of tissue and mechanical valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare outcomes with tissue and St Jude Medical mechanical valves over a 20-year period.

METHODS

Valve-related events and overall survival were analyzed in 2533 patients 18 years of age or older undergoing initial aortic, mitral, or combined aortic and mitral (double) valve replacement with a tissue valve (Hancock, Carpentier-Edwards porcine, or Carpentier-Edwards pericardial) or a St Jude Medical mechanical valve. Total follow-up was 13,390 patient-years. There were 666 St Jude Medical aortic valve replacements, 723 tissue aortic valve replacements, 513 St Jude Medical mitral valve replacements, 402 tissue mitral valve replacements, 161 St Jude Medical double valve replacements, and 68 tissue double valve replacements. The mean age was 68 +/- 13.3 years (St Jude Medical valve, 64.5 +/- 12.9; tissue valve, 72.0 +/- 12.6).

RESULTS

There were no overall differences in survival between tissue and mechanical valves. Multivariable analysis indicated that the type of valve did not affect survival. Analysis by age less than 65 years or 65 years or older and presence or absence of coronary disease revealed similar long-term survival in all subgroups. The risk of hemorrhage was lower in patients receiving tissue aortic valve replacements but was not significantly different in patients receiving mitral valve or double valve replacements. Thromboembolism rates were similar for tissue and mechanical valve recipients. However, reoperation rates were significantly higher in patients receiving both aortic and mitral tissue valves. The reoperation hazard increased progressively with time both in patients receiving aortic and in those receiving mitral tissue valves. Overall valve complications were initially higher with mechanical aortic valves but not with mechanical mitral valves. However, valve complication rates later crossed over, with higher rates in tissue valve recipients after 7 years in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement and 10 years in those undergoing aortic valve replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue and mechanical valve recipients have similar survival over 20 years of follow-up. The primary tradeoff is an increased risk of hemorrhage in patients receiving mechanical aortic valve replacements and an increased risk of late reoperation in all patients receiving tissue valve replacements. The risk of tissue valve reoperation increases progressively with time.

E. coli Rep oligomers are required to initiate DNA unwinding in vitro

E. coli Rep protein is a 3' to 5' SF1 superfamily DNA helicase which is monomeric in the absence of DNA, but can dimerize upon binding either single-stranded or duplex DNA. A variety of biochemical studies have led to proposals that Rep dimerization is important for its helicase activity; however, recent structural studies of Bacillus stearothermophilus PcrA have led to suggestions that SF1 helicases, such as E. coli Rep and E. coli UvrD, function as monomeric helicases. We have examined the question of whether Rep oligomerization is important for its DNA helicase activity using pre-steady state stopped-flow and chemical quenched-flow kinetic studies of Rep-catalyzed DNA unwinding. The results from four independent experiments demonstrate that Rep oligomerization is required for initiation of DNA helicase activity in vitro. No DNA unwinding is observed when only a Rep monomer is bound to the DNA substrate, even when fluorescent DNA substrates are used that can detect partial unwinding of the first few base-pairs at the ss-ds-DNA junction. In fact, under these conditions, ATP hydrolysis causes dissociation of the Rep monomer from the DNA, rather than DNA unwinding. These studies demonstrate that wild-type Rep monomers are unable to initiate DNA unwinding in vitro, and that oligomerization is required.

[An experimental study of effects of injection of pingyangmycin on activities of enzyme of endothelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanism of acute trauma of endothelium after injection of Pingyangmycin.

METHODS

A total of 42 adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into experimental groups (24), positive control groups (12) and normal control group (6), and the rats in the experimental or the positive control groups were injected with Pingyangmycin or sodium morrhuate into the mesenteric veins respectively, and then the enzyme activity of hepatic endothelial cells and hepatocytes was examined histochemically 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours after injection.

RESULTS

After injection, the activity of 5'-nucleinase(5'-N) in hepatic endothelial cells and that of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinodehydrogenase (SDH) in hepatocytes decreased gradually, but that injected Pingyangmycin was less than that injected sodium morrhuate.

CONCLUSION

The trauma caused by Pingyangmycin is less than that caused by sodium morrhuate, but the reaction of trauma caused by both is nonspecific.

Radiation-induced progressive decreasing in the expression of reverse transcriptase gene of hEST2 and telomerase activity

OBJECTIVES

In order to identify the relationship between telomerase and the biological effect of radiation injury, and investigate the role of human telomerase catalytic subunit gene (hEST2) reverse transcriptase(RT) segment in the expression of telomerase activity.

METHODS

Tumor HeLa cells, KB cells and A431 cells were employed to measure the change in telomerase activity after 60Co-ray irradiation at RNA level and protein level. Quantitative PCR and Northern blotting were used to determine the expression of hEST2 RT segment that encodes seven motifs of the human telomeres, a PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) was used to assay telomerase activity after exposure to radiation.

RESULTS

Both of telomerase activity and the expression hEST2 RT segment were decreased with increasing dosage of radiation. In addition, testing the expression of motifs domain is similar to the measurement of telomerase activity.

CONCLUSION

The detection of the hEST2 RT segment by Northern blotting and quantitative PCR are new methods for testing telomerase activity. Furthermore, radiation can cause a dose-dependent decrease in telomerase activity. The effect of radiation on telomerase is one possible reason for the death of cancer cells after irradiation.

Enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of cajal, and smooth muscle vacuolization in segmental dilatation of jejunum

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The etiology of congenital segmental dilatation (CSD) of bowel remains elusive. Intestitial cell of Cajal plays a role in the pace making of the intestine. Its abnormality has been documented in a variety of conditions of abnormal intestinal motility. The current study attempts to evaluate the roles of intestitial cells of Cajal, enteric nervous system, and smooth muscle in segmental dilatation of small bowel.

METHODS

Resected specimen from a neonate with segmental dilatation of jejunum was stained with H&E, Alcian blue, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and immunostained with S100, Ret, MAP5, and c-kit antibodies using the standard immunohistochemical process.

RESULTS

The immunostaining of S100, Ret, MAP5 and c-kit of CSD specimen were positive. Localized vacuolization was, however, detected in the circular smooth muscle of the jejunum. The Alcian blue and PAS staining of the vacuolization were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

CSD shows no abnormality in the enteric nervous system and pace makers. Localized vacuolization suggests myopathy to be a contributing factor to the disease. J Pediatr Surg 36:930-935.

Radial artery harvesting for coronary bypass operations: neurologic complications and their potential mechanisms

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the incidence of self-reported neurologic hand complications after radial artery harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

Between February 20, 1996, and December 31, 1999, 615 patients underwent coronary bypass operations with radial arteries. A scripted telephone interview was performed, collecting data on perceived thumb weakness and sensation abnormalities in the distribution of the radial nerve in 560 patients. The average time to follow-up interview was 14.5 +/- 9 months.

RESULTS

Neurologic complications were reported in 30.1%, decreased thumb strength in 5.5%, and any sensation abnormality in 18.1% of patients. There was a high rate of symptom improvement over an average of 8.7 +/- 7.5 months, such that only 12.1% of patients reported symptoms without any improvement. Associations between thumb weakness and sensory abnormalities imply median nerve damage in some patients. There were statistically significant associations between neurologic complications and diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, elevated creatinine levels, smoking, and number and site of radial artery harvest.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall rate of self-reported neurologic complications after radial artery harvest was higher than previously reported. These symptoms may be attributable to radial and median nerve injury caused by trauma and devascularization. These data have important implications not only in attempting to improve harvesting techniques but also in guiding informed consent before coronary artery bypass grafting.

[Treatment of lumbar intervertebral disk prolapse by estradural injection of mailuoning and its influence on dynorphin A in cerebrospinal fluid]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the modulating effects of extradural injection of Mailuoning on analgesic function.

METHODS

Twenty patients of lumbar intervertebral disk prolapse were treated by extradural injection of Mailuoning, the spontaneous release of dynorphin A (Dyn-A) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) before and after treatment were measured and compared with that of the 20 cases in the control group to determine the therapeutic effect of Mailuoning.

RESULTS

After treatment, the concentration of Dyn-A in CSF in the treated group increased remarkably, but displayed no significant difference to normal healthy group (P > 0.05), while that in the control group there was significant difference between them (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Mailuoning has the modulatory effect on analgesia function and lumbar intervertral disk prolapse was treated by means of its Dyn-A elevating action.

Ultrasound assessment of scald scars in Asian children receiving pressure garment therapy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Scar formation after scald injury in children is managed commonly by application of pressure garment. The duration of the treatment depends on clinical assessment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the pressure garment therapy and to correlate the clinical assessment scar thickness with ultrasound measurement.

METHODS

Prospective study of children with hypertrophic scars receiving pressure garment therapy was carried out between 1993 and 1998. The scars were mapped with paper cutting. Representative scar sites were scored clinically according to Vancouver General Hospital Burn Assessment Scale (pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, height, pain, itchiness). Blind to the clinical results, 2 radiologists measured the scar thickness of the same sites with ultrasonography (5 to 10 MHz transducer, General Electric LOGIQ 500). The correlation between the clinical scores and ultrasound measurement of scar thickness were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The median age of 58 children with scald injury (M:F = 36:22) was 2.8 years (0.5 to 15.8 years). The mean percentage of scald was 8.8% (24% had scald area >10%). In addition, there were 5 children with burn from naked flame and 9 children with keloid secondary to surgical incisions. With pressure garment therapy, the scar thickness reached a plateau 1 (1/2) years after the injury and began to decline gradually thereafter. The clinical estimation of scar thickness correlated well with the ultrasound measurement (ANOVA, P =.003, Adjusted R square = 0.99). The accuracy rate of clinical thickness estimation was 67%. Overestimation and underestimation accounted for 15% and 18%, respectively. There also was good correlation between total clinical score and the ultrasound measurement (ANOVA, P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with scald injury, the pressure garment needs to be continued for a minimum of 1 year. Ultrasound measurement correlates well with overall score of the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Assessment Scale but not individual components of the scoring system except wound height.

Hirschsprung's disease: a more generalised neuropathy?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Aberrant neural crest migration is implicated in the pathogenesis of hindgut aganglionosis in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Neural crest progenitors also give rise to a variety of cell types outside the gut, including nerves of the inner ear and peripheral nervous system. This study aims to determine whether such nerves are also affected in HSCR.

METHODS

Pure tone audiometry and oto-acoustic emission tests were performed on 53 patients with Hirschsprung's disease and 28 age-matched controls. Forty-two children with Hirschsprung's disease and 30 age-matched controls also underwent neurologic evaluation, including quantitative peripheral tests of sensory function.

RESULTS

Moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss (1 profound [Waardenburg syndrome] and 3 high frequency) was detected in 4 children (8%) from the Hirschsprung's group. Abnormal (absent or reduced) oto-acoustic emission was detected in 77 of 102 ears (41 of 51 patients) in the HSCR group and 8 out of 48 ears (6 of 24 children) in the control group (75% v 17%; P<.0001). Two HSCR children had marked abnormalities on tests of peripheral nerve function. Significantly higher thresholds for vibration sensation were detected in HSCR versus controls (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Hirschsprung's disease may have a more generalised neuropathy than just that involving the affected bowel.

Glycine preserves function and decreases necrosis in skeletal muscle undergoing ischemia and reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Glycine (GLY) is a neutral amino acid that has been shown to be cytoprotective in the kidneys of dogs and rabbits undergoing ischemia-reperfusion injury. To investigate whether GLY exhibits a protective effect on skeletal muscle subjected to ischemia and reperfusion injury, we used a well-described gracilis muscle model in canines.

METHODS

Twelve adult mongrel dogs were subjected to 6 hours of ischemia in 1 randomly selected side. The dogs were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 (6 animals) underwent 15 minutes of perfusion with 2.2% GLY, and group 2 (6 animals) underwent 15 minutes of perfusion with normal saline solution (NS) only. Both groups had normothermic reperfusion for 1 hour along with the corresponding perfusate. Muscle biopsy specimens were taken, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -70 degrees C. Muscle injury was evaluated at 48 hours by measuring weight gain (edema), maximal contractile force, and percent of muscle necrosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (Pcr) (an energy store for ATP synthesis) levels were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

In group 1, the average weight gain was 57% +/- 11.27% while in group 2 it was 100% +/- 12.48%. Maximal muscle contractile force was 712.5 +/- 68 g for group 1 and 511 +/- 27.91 g for group 2. The amount of muscle necrosis was 30 +/- 3.7% in group 1, as opposed to 63 +/- 10% in group 2. The ATP content was 0.07 +/- 0.03 nmol/mg wet tissue weight (post-ischemia with NS) and 0.21 +/- 0.08 nmol/mg wet tissue weight (post-ischemia with GLY). Pcr content was 0.19 +/- 0.04 mmol/mg wet tissue weight (post-ischemia with NS) and 0.27 +/- 0.04 micromol/mg wet tissue (post-ischemia and infused with GLY) (P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that GLY preserves muscle function, decreases edema and the amount of muscle necrosis and preserves energy stores in this canine model. Because GLY can be safely given systemically in human beings in higher concentrations than that given in our model, as it is given in parenteral nutrition, its mechanism of action should be further investigated for its potential use in the clinical setting of ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the haemocyte profile of the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was investigated for its total haemocyte count (THC) based on season, sex, size and feeding rate. The THC, when the prawns were subjected to injections of foreign materials was also investigated. The prawns displayed the highest and lowest THC in autumn and winter respectively, with no significant difference between male and female, or among animals with a body weight range of 7-115 g. The prawns displayed the lowest THC at D3 stage, and the highest in C stage. The prawns displayed the lowest THC when they were fed at 0.1% feeding rate among feeding rates of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% body weight x day(-1). Prawns injected with carbon powder and Enterococcus showed increased THC during the first 6 h. Prawns injected with saline and carbon powder had the lowest THC after 30 h, and recovered to the normal value after 54 h. Prawns injected with Enterococcus showed the lowest THC after 42 h, and showed delayed recovery.

Single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of K-ras gene mutations by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detector

Mutations of K-ras gene play an important role in neoplastic progression. The capillary electrophoresis-single strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP) technique is available for the detection of gene mutations. Using an automated capillary electrophoresis with short-chain linear polyacrylamide, after denaturation of PCR products, injections were performed at reverse polarity of 5 kV for 15 s and the separations were carried out under a constant voltage of 8 kV. Of 16 specimens of lung cancer tissue, two specimens were found to have abnormal peaks in the electrophoretogram. CE-SSCP is rapid, automated, and has high performance.

Gastric electrical activity normalises in the first decade of life

AIM

Electrogastrography (EGG) is emerging as a non-invasive modality for clinical investigation, especially in children. Yet the results of EGG are influenced by many factors, including age. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between EGG parameters and age.

METHODS

Fasting surface EGG (Digitrapper, Synectics) was recorded on 24 healthy boys. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, taking p < 0.05 as being statistically significant.

RESULTS

The age of the boys studied ranged from 1.0 to 11 years (mean = 6.0 years). The percentage of bradygastria was high, accounting for 34% of the recording. Normal rhythm increased (p = 0.013) and the bradygastria decreased with age (p = 0.026). The dominant frequency instability coefficient also decreased to a certain extent with age (p = 0.065).

CONCLUSION

Compared to the adult population, bradygastria is common in children. The EGG progressively approaches adult pattern as the enteric development matures in the first decade of life. This justifies the conservative approach in managing conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux in young children.

Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of childhood intussusception: technique and demonstration

The authors review the technique of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of childhood intussusception and illustrate, in real-time fashion, the treatment of three cases with this technique. Two cases of successful reduction of ileocolic intussusception are demonstrated. The third case is an example of the complex fronded appearance of ileo-ileocolic intussusception and failed reduction. This technique is recommended as an alternative method for the treatment of childhood intussusception, as it does not involve ionizing radiation and is a simple and safe procedure.