[Expression characteristics and prognosis significance of miRNA-181a in acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype]

目的

探讨核型正常急性髓系白血病（CN-AML）患者微RNA（miRNA）-181a的表达水平及其与预后的关系。

方法

采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测120例初诊原发CN-AML患者骨髓单个核细胞miRNA-181a的表达水平，PCR后采用直接测序方法检测IDH1、IDH2、NPM1、FLT3-ITD、DNMT3A和CEBPα突变。分析miRNA-181a表达与基因突变、其他临床指标和预后的关系。

结果

miRNA-181a高表达组和低表达组患者中位总生存（OS）时间分别为25.0和15.0个月（P<0.05）；中位无复发生存（RFS）时间分别为21.4和11.2个月（P<0.001）。miRNA-181a高表达组患者HGB水平、完全缓解率、NPM1野生型比例均较低表达组高，差异有统计学意义（P值均<0.05）；用Cox回归模型多因素分析显示，miRNA-181a高表达是影响CN-AML患者预后的独立因素（HR=2.219，95%CI 1.601~2.432，P=0.018）。

结论

miRNA-181a高表达是独立于临床指标和高频基因突变的预后良好的标志物，miRNA-181a表达水平可作为CN-AML预后的重要指标。

Optically efficient InAsSb nanowires for silicon-based mid-wavelength infrared optoelectronics

InAsSb nanowires (NWs) with a high Sb content have potential in the fabrication of advanced silicon-based optoelectronics such as infrared photondetectors/emitters and highly sensitive phototransistors, as well as in the generation of renewable electricity. However, producing optically efficient InAsSb NWs with a high Sb content remains a challenge, and optical emission is limited to 4.0 μm due to the quality of the nanowires. Here, we report, for the first time, the success of high-quality and optically efficient InAsSb NWs enabling silicon-based optoelectronics operating in entirely mid-wavelength infrared. Pure zinc-blende InAsSb NWs were realized with efficient photoluminescence emission. We obtained room-temperature photoluminescence emission in InAs NWs and successfully extended the emission wavelength in InAsSb NWs to 5.1 μm. The realization of this optically efficient InAsSb NW material paves the way to realizing next-generation devices, combining advances in III-V semiconductors and silicon.

Quality of Radiation Therapy Referral and Utilisation Post-prostatectomy: A Population-based Study of Time Trends

AIMS

Adjuvant radiotherapy post-prostatectomy has been shown to benefit patients with adverse pathology. It remains unclear whether salvage radiotherapy confers equivalent outcomes. Practice guidelines recommend referral to radiation oncology within 6 months after prostatectomy to discuss adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy. The study objectives were to assess, at a population level: (i) post-prostatectomy referral patterns for radiotherapy; (ii) adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy utilisation; and (iii) time trends in relation to clinical trials and guidelines. These findings provide indications of access to quality care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Electronic radiotherapy consultation and treatment records were linked to the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry. The population included prostate cancer cases treated with prostatectomy in Ontario between 2003 and 2012. Radiotherapy referral and treatment rates over time were analysed using the chi-squared trend test.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 30 447 prostate cancer patients received prostatectomy. The proportion seen by radiation oncology within 6 months after prostatectomy doubled from 10.7% in 2003-2004 to 21.7% in 2011-2012 (P < 0.0001 for trend), with the largest annual percentage difference in 2009-2011 (3.4%). Among 4641 patients seen within 6 months, adjuvant radiotherapy rates remained at 51.0% ± 3.0%. Contemporaneous with radiation oncology referral trends, overall adjuvant radiotherapy use increased from 6.2% in 2003-2004 to 11.0% in 2011-2012 (P < 0.001), while salvage radiotherapy remained at 8.4% ± 0.4%. Consequently, the total proportion receiving radiotherapy within 24 months increased from 14.1% in 2003-2004 to 17.7% in 2009-2010 (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an increase in access to early radiation oncology referral post-prostatectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in Ontario between 2003 and 2012, following guideline publication.

Cut-and-paste-based cloning strategy for large gene site-directed mutagenesis

Site-directed mutagenesis is an essential technique for investigating the mechanisms of gene regulation on a molecular level, as well as for exploring post-translational modifications and functional structure at the protein level. Polymerase chain reaction combining in vitro synthesis of oligonucleotide primers allows for site-directed mutation to be performed with ease. However, site-directed mutagenesis is difficult when larger plasmids are involved. Here, we present a novel method for generating large gene site-directed mutagenesis products based on a cut-and-paste-based cloning strategy. This method uses 4 primers, incorporating relevant mutations and restriction enzyme site sequences, to generate 2 DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction. The fragments are then ligated into TA cloning vectors. Large genes containing mutations of interest were obtained by cutting and then pasting, and then inserting one fragment into another T-vector. We demonstrated the practicality of this method by creating a G59S mutation within the p150(Glued)-encoding gene.

Helicobacter pylori eradication with a 7-day low-dose triple therapy in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

The optimal therapeutic regimen for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has not been established in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a 7-day omeprazole-based triple therapy with low doses of amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC) for eradication of H. pylori infection in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis.

METHODS

Thirty-three hemodialysis patients and 55 patients with normal renal function underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For eradication of H. pylori infection, a 7-day triple therapy with low-dose OAC (omeprazole 40 mg daily, amoxicillin 500 mg daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg daily) regimen was used. Four weeks after the completion of the OAC regimen, the success of the H. pylori eradication therapy was determined by histological examination and rapid urease test.

RESULTS

The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 36.4% in hemodialysis patients and 65.5% in non-uremic patients (p = 0.0150). The mean duration of hemodialysis in H. pylori-positive and -negative patients was 56.8 ± 26.9 versus 66.4 ± 26.1 months, respectively (p = 0.3196). Eradication was successful in 83.4% of hemodialysis patients and 81.0% of non-uremic patients (p = 1.000). All patients completed the eradication therapy without any serious adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

A 7-day triple therapy with a low-dose OAC regimen was effective and safe for eradication of H. pylori infection in hemodialysis patients.

G protein beta3 subunit, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms in Koreans with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

The association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on Rome III criteria and G protein beta3 subunit (GNB3), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene polymorphisms is uncertain.

METHODS

Case and control subjects were recruited from Korean visitors to the Health Promotion Center and Digestive Disease Center for gastrointestinal endoscopy. G protein beta3 subunit, IL-10, and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-based method. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was used to assess gene-gene interactions.

KEY RESULTS

Genotype and allele frequencies of GNB3 showed marginal significance between the healthy controls and IBS patients (chi(2) = 5.92, P = 0.052; chi(2) = 3.76, P = 0.053). G protein beta3 subunit T allele was more strongly correlated with IBS with constipation (12 of constipation-dominant type and 31 of mixed type) than with 51 diarrhea-dominant type and 88 normal subjects (chi(2) = 13.91, P = 0.008). Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis revealed that there were no significant interactions of GNB3, IL-10, and TNF-alpha gene variants with susceptibility to IBS (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The results suggest that GNB3 825T allele might be associated with IBS with constipation in Koreans.

Does a small biopsied gastric specimen limit the usage of two directional transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is difficult to approach certain gastric regions due to the limited bending ability of transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (TN-EGD). We analyzed the TN-EGD biopsied specimens according to where they were obtained inside the stomach.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty-nine gastric biopsy specimens were obtained during diagnostic TN-EGD. The gastric biopsied specimens were quantified according to their diameter and depth in micrometers, and depth in layers (superficial mucosa, deep mucosa, muscularis mucosa and submucosa). The quality was measured by the degrees of anatomical orientation (good, intermediate and poor), presence of crush artifact (none to minimal, mild and moderate) and overall diagnostic adequacy (adequate, suboptimal and inadequate).

RESULTS

Poor orientation, presence of crush and overall diagnostic inadequacy were present in 33 (11.4%), 26 (9.0%) and 37 (12.8%) of the 289 specimens, respectively. Deep mucosa was present in 211 specimens (73.0%), while muscularis mucosa was present in only 75 specimens (26.0%). Specimens taken from the posterior aspect of the cardia exhibited the shallowest depth (P = 0.011), poorest orientation (P < 0.001) and poorest diagnostic adequacy (P < 0.001). Fluoroscopic findings demonstrated that the posterior aspect of the cardia was difficult to approach closely and perpendicularly because of the anatomical configuration of the stomach in nature.

CONCLUSION

TN-EGD biopsied specimens obtained from the posterior aspect of the cardia exhibit limitations in both quality and quantity. When performing a biopsy using two directional TN-EGD, special attention should be paid to gastric lesions located on the posterior aspect of the cardia.

Importance of the surrounding colonic mucosa in distinguishing between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps during acetic acid chromoendoscopy

AIM: To examine the characteristics of colonic polyps, where it is difficult to distinguish adenomatous polyps from hyperplastic polyps, with the aid of acetic acid chromoendoscopy.

METHODS: Acetic acid spray was applied to colonic polyps smaller than 10 mm before complete excision. Endoscopic images were taken before and 15-30 s after the acetic acid spray. Both pre- and post-sprayed images were shown to 16 examiners, who were asked to interpret the lesions as either hyperplastic or adenomatous polyps. Regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were most likely related to diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS: In 50 cases tested by the 16 examiners, the overall accuracy was 62.4% (499/800). Regression analysis demonstrated that surrounding colonic mucosa was the only factor that was significantly related to accuracy in discriminating adenomatous from hyperplastic polyps (P < 0.001). Accuracy was higher for polyps with linear surrounding colonic mucosa than for those with nodular surrounding colonic mucosa (P < 0.001), but was not related to the shape, location, or size of the polyp.

CONCLUSION: The accuracy of predicting histology is significantly related to the pattern of colonic mucosa surrounding the polyp. Making a histological diagnosis of colon polyps merely by acetic acid spray is helpful for colon polyps with linear, regularly patterned surrounding colonic mucosa, and less so for those with nodular, irregularly patterned surrounding colonic mucosa.

Epidermal growth factor increases insulin secretion and lowers blood glucose in diabetic mice

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is synthesized in the pancreas and diabetic animals have low levels of EGF. However, the role of EGF in regulating the major function of the pancreas, insulin secretion, has not been studied. Here, we show that EGF rapidly increased insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic islets, as well as in a pancreatic β-cell line. These events were dependent on a Ca²⁺ influx and phospholipase D (PLD) activity, particularly PLD2, as determined using pharmacological blockers and molecular manipulations such as over-expression and siRNA of PLD isozymes. In addition, EGF also increased plasma insulin levels and mediated glucose lowering in normal and diabetic mice. Here, for the first time, we provide evidence that EGF is a novel secretagogue that regulates plasma glucose levels and a candidate for the development of therapeutics for diabetes.

Removal of Cr from tannery sludge by indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

The aim of the present study was to examine Cr removal from tannery sludge by bioleaching method using indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria with special emphasis on the influence of bioleaching process on sludge settleability. Chemical leaching with sulfuric acid was designed as the control. The results showed that the inoculation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and the addition of elemental sulfur were effective in removing Cr from tannery sludge. After 144 hours of bioleaching, 98% of Cr could be leached. Although it took only 8 hours to reduce the sludge pH from 7.8 to about 2.0 by chemical leaching as compared to 144 hours for bioleaching treatment, chemical leaching removed only 91% of the total Cr. Regardless of bioleaching and chemical leaching treatments, sludge settleability improved considerably with a decrease in sludge pH. Bioleaching treatment performed better than chemical leaching in terms of the percentage of settled sludge and the effluent suspended solids (ESS) content in sludge supernatant. Nevertheless, further work should be carried out to investigate the precise mechanisms leading to such enhanced sludge settleability during sludge bioleaching process.

Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women regardless of the menstrual phase: a Rome II-based survey

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are more common in women in relation to the fluctuations of female sex hormones. We tried to know the gender-related differences in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal symptoms according to the menstrual phase. A total of 253 women before menopause and 252 men below age 50 were examined by a gastroenterologist after completing the questionnaire. Blood tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging studies were done, if needed. Women were subclassified into three groups according to their menstruation period; menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase. Finally, 179 men and 193 women were analyzed. Irritable bowel syndrome was more frequently noticed in women than in men (p=0.01). The diarrhea-dominant type was more common in men, while constipation-dominant or alternating types were more common in women (p<0.001). Of 193 women, there was no significant difference in their gastrointestinal symptoms according to their menstrual phase. Regardless of the menstrual phase, gastrointestinal symptoms are more frequent in women. Physicians should consider different symptomatic manifestations between men and women should be considered when evaluating functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Sonic hedgehog expression in gastric cancer and gastric adenoma

Hedgehog protein is essential to gastrointestinal tract development, and disruption of the hedgehog signaling pathway is associated with gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. Here, we analyzed the degree of hedgehog expression in gastric cancer and precancerous tissue. From August 2005 to May 2006, 52 gastric cancers and 16 gastric adenomas were obtained from surgically or endoscopically resected specimens. Immunohistochemical staining using sonic hedgehog (Shh) antibody was performed in cancerous and noncancerous tissue portions. Hedgehog expression was assessed based on the summed scores of the intensity and proportion of Shh staining. According to Lauren's classification, Shh expression was stronger in the intestinal type than in the diffuse type (p<0.001). Although Shh expression was not related to the location, size, metastatic status, or mucin phenotype of the gastric cancer, the expression was stronger in the tubular type of gastric cancer than in the mucinous and signet-ring cell types (p=0.001). Shh expression was stronger in gastric adenoma than in the diffuse-type gastric cancer (p<0.001), but revealed no difference with that of the intestinal-type gastric cancer (p=0.30). Shh expression was strongest in all types of intestinal metaplasia of noncancerous tissues. Shh expression is related to the intestinal type of gastric cancer. The stronger Shh expression in intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenoma indicates that hedgehog protein is involved at an early phase of gastric carcinogenesis.

Decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection: a 9-year observational study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Detailed information is still lacking on the trends of changes in Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of the study was to investigate how the prevalence of H. pylori infection varied with gender and age during the past 9 years.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 8646 subjects who submitted to a rapid urease test were included. The prevalence of H. pylori infection according to age and gender was analyzed.

RESULTS

H. pylori infection was noted in 3747 cases (43.3%) of all cases. The infection rate was 50.0% in 1997, but declined gradually down to 40.6% in 2005 (P < 0.001). The rate of H. pylori infection reached a peak at the age of 30-39 years and decreased thereafter in men while it reached a peak at the age of 40-49 years in women (P < 0.001). The prevalence was higher in men than in women before the age 50 years (P < 0.001) while there was no difference after the age 50 years (P = 0.28) in any of the years studied.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection has gradually decreased over the past decade, and there is a gender-related difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection manifesting as a lower rate of infection in young women and an earlier plateau of infection rate in men.

Plasma adiponectin and insulin resistance in Korean type 2 diabetes mellitus

Insulin resistance, which implies impairment of insulin signaling in the target tissues, is a common cause of type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue plays an important role in insulin resistance through the dysregulated production and secretion of adipose-derived proteins, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, resistin, angiotensinogen, and adiponectin. Adiponectin was estimated to be a protective adipocytokine against atherosclerosis, and also to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, the relationship between fasting plasma adiponectin concentration and adiposity, body composition, insulin sensitivity (ITT, HOMAIR, QUICK), lipid profile, fasting insulin concentration were examined in Korean type 2 diabetes. The difference in the adiponectin concentrations was also examined in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, with adjustment for gender, age and body mass index. 102 type 2 diabetics and 50 controls were examined. After a 12-h overnight fast, all subjects underwent a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test. Baseline blood samples were drawn for the determinations of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, adiponectin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol. The body composition was estimated using a bioelectric impedance analyzer (Inbody 2.0). The insulin sensitivity was estimated using the insulin tolerance test (ITT), HOMAIR and QUICK methods. In the diabetic group, the fasting adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in men than in women. They were negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.453), hip circumference (r=-0.341), fasting glucose concentrations (r=-0.277) and HOMAIR (r= -0.233). In addition, they were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=0.321) and HDL-cholesterol (r= 0.291). The systolic blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol were found to be independent variables, from a multiple logistic regression analysis, which influenced the adiponectin concentration. Compared with the non-diabetic group, the adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the diabetic group, with the exception of obese males. In conclusion, the plasma adiponectin concentrations were closely related to the insulin resistance parameters in Korean type 2 diabetic patients.

Agranulocytosis induced by vancomycin in an ESRD patient on CAPD

Agranulocytosis is a rare adverse effect associated with prolonged vancomycin therapy, and is potentially serious, especially in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We describe a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patient that developed vancomycin-induced agranulocytosis during treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated external cuff infection and pneumonia. The agranulocytosis was rapidly resolved by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy and by the discontinuation of vancomycin.

Uptake and excretion of sodium taurocholate by the isolated perfused neonatal sheep liver

We present a model for perfusion of the isolated perfused neonatal sheep liver which allows examination of drug disposition by the intact organ. We studied the disposition of sodium taurocholate (TC) in seven neonatal lambs (ages 2-11 days) and compared the results with earlier data from the perfused fetal sheep liver (Ring, J. A. et al. Biochem. Pharmacol. 1994, 48, 667-674). Measurements of perfusion pressure, oxygen consumption, lactate:pyruvate ratio, bile flow, and liver histology indicated that the preparation was both viable and stable over a 2 h period. [14C]-labeled TC was added to the reservoir by constant infusion (30 micromol/h) and the ductus venosus shunt quantitated by injection of [153Gd]-labeled microspheres. Shunt-corrected hepatic extraction ratio of TC was 0. 56 +/- 0.14 (fetal 0.23 +/- 0.16, p < 0.005) and clearance of TC was 0.92 +/- 0.35 mL/min/g liver (fetal 0.44 +/- 0.23 mL/min/g, p < 0. 01). We conclude that the isolated perfused neonatal sheep liver is a useful experimental model which will facilitate the study of the developmental physiology and pharmacology of the liver. There is considerable maturation of the biliary excretion of TC between the late fetal and early neonatal periods in the lamb.

The regio- and stereo-selectivity of C19 and C21 hydroxysteroid glucuronidation by UGT2B7 and UGT2B11

The capacity of two human hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms, UGT2B7 and UGT2B11, to metabolize more than 50 hydroxylated androgens and pregnanes was investigated. All mono- and dihydroxylated androgens with a hydroxyl function in the 3 alpha, 6 alpha, and 17 beta positions were glucuronidated by UGT2B7, but highest activity was generally observed for steroids containing a 3 alpha-hydroxy substituent. UGT2B7 did not glucuronidate 2 alpha-, 2 beta-, 3 beta-, 6 beta-, 7 alpha-, 11 alpha-, and 11 beta-monohydroxylated androgens, although the presence of hydroxyl groups at certain of these positions did not abolish the ability of UGT2B7 to metabolize diols which also possessed a 3 alpha- or 17 beta-hydroxyl group. 3 alpha-Hydroxypregnanes were also glucuronidated by UGT2B7. Activity was not detected for 6 alpha-, 6 beta-, 11 beta-, 12 alpha-, 16 alpha-, 17 alpha-, 20 alpha-, or 21-monohydroxylated pregnanes. Although 11 alpha-hydroxylated androgens were not glucuronidated by UGT2B7, this enzyme exhibited high activity toward the 11 alpha-hydroxylated derivatives of 5 beta-prenanedione and progesterone. UGT2B11 similarly glucuronidated 3 alpha-hydroxyandrogens and -pregnanes, but rates of metabolism were low compared to UGT2B7. With the exception of androsterone and its 5 beta-isomer, ring A/B stereochemistry appeared not to influence rates of hydroxysteroid glucuronidation by UGT2B7 and UGT2B11. Overall, the data indicate a high degree of stereo- and regioselectivity in the glucuronidation of hydroxyandrogens and -pregnanes by UGT2B7 and UGT2B11 and further suggest that UGT2B7 may contribute to the glucuronidation of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroids in humans.

The glucuronidation of hydroxylated metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene and 2-acetylaminofluorene by cDNA-expressed human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

The capacity of four cDNA-expressed human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), UGT1*6, UGT2B7, UGT2B10 and UGT2B11, to glucuronidate hydroxylated metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) has been investigated. UGT1*6 and UGT2B7 glucuronidated a range of B[a]P and AAF metabolites with a degree of regiospecificity, although UGTs 2B10 and 2B11 were inactive towards all compounds screened. UGT2B7 glucuronidated the B[a]P trans 4,5- and 7,8-dihydrodiols and the 1-,2-,4-,5-,6-,8-,9- and 10-monophenols. In contrast, UGT1*6 lacked activity towards the dihydrodiols and metabolized a more limited range of monophenols, namely 4-,5-,8- and 12-hydroxyB[a]P. Both UGT2B7 and UGT1*6 glucuronidated N, 1-,3- and 8-hydroxyAAF, but 5-hydroxyAAF was metabolised only by UGT1*6. Neither enzyme glucuronidated 3-,7- and 11-hydroxyB[a]P and 7- and 9-hydroxyAAF, although these compounds were all metabolised by human liver microsomal UGTs. The results suggest that the relative content of UGT isoforms in a cell or tissue will be important for determining the extent to which a particular carcinogen/mutagen is deactivated.

cDNA cloning and expression of two new members of the human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B subfamily

Two new UDP-glucuronosyltransferase cDNAs, designated UGT2B10 and UGT2B11, encoding 528 amino acid proteins were isolated from a human liver cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequences of UGTs 2B10 and 2B11 share > 76% sequence similarity with other known human liver UGT2B subfamily isoforms and < 48% sequence similarity with UGT1 family proteins. COS-7 cells transfected with UGT 2B10 and 2B11 synthesized proteins with respective molecular masses of 49kDa and 51kDa. UGT2B11 expressed in COS-7 cells glucuronidated a number of polyhydroxylated estrogens (estriol, 4-hydroxyestrone and 2-hydroxyestriol) and xenobiotics (4-methylumbelliferone, 1-naphthol, 4-nitrophenol, 2-aminophenol, 4-hydroxybiphenyl and menthol). Despite the screening of more than forty potential substrates, glucuronidation activity was not observed for expressed UGT2B10.

[The relationship between reading rehabilitation and visual functions in low vision]

Reading rehabilitation was done for 51 low vision patients who underwent tests of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and the visual field. The results showed that the recognized frequency of CSF was related to the reading capability. The CSF was useful in predicting the reading prognosis, and visual field impairment significantly affected the reading ability. The relationship between the reading rehabilitation and the visual functions was discussed.

The contrast sensitivity function in low vision

The contrast sensitivity of 51 low vision patients (95 eyes) showed a substantial decrease in all spatial frequencies. The peak contrast sensitivity was shifted to 1 C/D from the normal 3-4 C/D. The high-frequency cut off is correlated to the visual acuity positively. Of the 33 patients, the preferred eye was the eye with better peak sensitivity in 28 patients (84%), while the preferred eye was the eye with better visual acuity in 22 patients (66%). It seems that the peak sensitivity is more important than visual acuity in determining eye preference. It provides a useful information for the clinician to determine which eye to train with low vision aids. Forty patients among 46 patients (87%) with RFN (Recognized Frequency Number) > or = 3 are able to read No.5 reading card, while 5 patients among 5 patients with RFN < 3 are not able to read No.5 reading card. The contributions of CSF to the low vision are evaluated.