Safflower Yellow Inhibits Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating Immunological Tolerance via FAK Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anti-tumor effect of safflower yellow (SY) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying potential mechanism.

METHODS

An in vitro model was established by mixing Luc-Hepa1-6 cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells, followed by adding programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody (Anti-mPD-1) with or without SY. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and the level of inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), chemokine ligand (CCL5), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) were measured by Western blot. An in situ animal model was established in mice followed by treatment with anti-mPD-1 with or without SY. Bioluminescence imaging was monitored with an AniView 100 imaging system. To establish the FAK-overexpressed Luc-Hepa1-6 cells, cells were transfected with adenovirus containing pcDNA3.1-FAK for 48 h.

RESULTS

The fluorescence intensity, apoptotic rate, release of inflammatory cytokines, and CCL5/CXCL10 secretion were dramatically facilitated by anti-mPD-1 (P<0.01), accompanied by an inactivation of PD-1/PD-L1 axis, which were extremely further enhanced by SY (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Increased fluorescence intensity, elevated percentage of CD3+CD8+ T cells, facilitated release of inflammatory cytokines, inactivated PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and increased CCL5/CXCL10 secretion were observed in Anti-mPD-1 treated mice (P<0.01), which were markedly enhanced by SY (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, the enhanced effects of SY on inhibiting tumor cell growth, facilitating apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine releasing, suppressing the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and inducing the CCL5/CXCL10 secretion in Anti-mPD-1 treated mixture of Luc-Hepa1-6 cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells were abolished by FAK overexpression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

SY inhibited the progression of HCC by mediating immunological tolerance through inhibiting FAK.

[Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population]

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

[Concordant systemic and local eosinophilia relates to poorer disease control in patients with nasal polyps]

Objective: To explore whether blood and polyp tissue eosinophil numbers are independent risk factors for poor disease control in patients with nasal polyp. Methods: By using the electronic medical records database and manual evaluation, 183 nasal polyp patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery at least one year prior to the study with complete data of tissue specimens, baseline blood routine test, nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography, were identified and recruited to assess disease control based on the criteria of a European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012 (EPOS 2012). Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the association between blood and tissue eosinophil numbers and risk of poor disease control by adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. Results: We broke down the cohort into 4 groups according to blood (0.3×10⁹/L) and tissue (10%) eosinophils. The patients without eosinophilic inflammation represented the largest group (41.5%). The group with concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia represented the second largest (31.2%), and the patients with isolated tissue (15.3%) or blood (12.0%) eosinophilia were relatively rare. Multiple logistic regression models found blood eosinophil count and tissue eosinophil percentage were independently associated with increased risk for poor disease control after adjustments for covariates related to poor treatment outcome. Furthermore, subjects with concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia had a higher risk for poor disease control than those with isolated blood or tissue eosinophilia. Conclusion: Concordant blood and tissue eosinophilia relates to a higher likelihood of poor disease control than isolated blood or tissue eosinophilia after adjustment of potential confounders in nasal polyp patients.

Prognostic Value and Significant Pathway Exploration Associated with TOP2A Involved in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background

Topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOP2A) has been identified as a hub gene that played an important role in the initiation and progression of thyroid carcinoma (THCA). However, the exact function of TOP2A in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remained elusive. The current study aimed to evaluate the TOP2A expression, prognosis significance and key signaling pathways involved in PTC.

Methods

We firstly evaluated the expression of TOP2A in PTC via UALCAN, cBioportal, HPA and LinkdedOmics databases. Genetic alteration of TOP2A in PTC was then explored in cBioportal. Prognostic impacts of TOP2A expression on disease-free survival (DFS) of PTC patients were subsequently evaluated using Kaplan–Meier plotter and Gepia databases. Taking gender, age, cancer stage, T, N and M stages into consideration, we compared survival difference between TOP2A high and low expression groups. KEGG pathway analysis in WebGestalt and GSEA analysis were further performed to reveal the potential TOP2A-associated signaling pathways involved in PTC. Finally, the upstream microRNAs of TOP2A were assessed using DIANA, TargetScan, miRDB and miRWALK database, followed by mechanism exploration of upstream microRNAs.

Results

1) The mRNA and protein of TOP2A were highly expressed in PTC tissue compared with normal thyroid tissue. TOP2A expression was associated with patient’s age, N stage and cancer stage (all P<0.05). TOP2A protein was mainly localized to nucleoplasm. 2) Most of samples occurred the missense substitution, and mutation site was located at K1199E. Nucleotide mutations were mainly presented as G>A (35.29%). 3) TOP2A high expression significantly influenced the DFS of PTC patients (P=0.015). Restricted survival analysis showed that TOP2A high expression caused poorer DFS of female patients (P=0.003) and those with age <60 years old (P=0.002), early clinical stage (P=0.012), N0 stage (P=0.002) or M0 stage (P=0.040). 4) Pathway analysis suggested that TOP2A positively participated in the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis and p53 signaling pathways (all P<0.05) involved in thyroid cancer.

Conclusion

The expression of TOP2A was higher in PTC tissue, which resulted in a worse DFS of patients with PTC. TOP2A might act as an effective therapeutic target for PTC treatment.

A Hemodynamic Mechanism Correlating with the Initiation of MCA Bifurcation Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous studies have reported that MCA bifurcation aneurysms usually emerge on inclined bifurcations; however, the reason is unclear. We designed this study to explore hemodynamic mechanisms that correlate with the initiation of MCA bifurcation aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients with unilateral MCA bifurcation aneurysms and 54 control patients were enrolled in this study after propensity score matching, and their clinical and CTA data were collected. We extracted the morphologic features of aneurysmal MCA bifurcations to build a simplified MCA bifurcation model and performed a computational fluid dynamics analysis.

RESULTS

The presence of MCA aneurysms correlated with smaller parent-daughter angles of MCA bifurcations (P < .001). Aneurysmal MCA bifurcations usually presented with inclined shapes. The computational fluid dynamics analysis demonstrated that when arterial bifurcations became inclined, the high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions shifted from the apexes of the arterial bifurcations to the inclined daughter arteries, while the initial sites of MCA bifurcation aneurysms often overlapped with the shifted high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the initiation of MCA bifurcation aneurysms may correlate with shifts of high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions that occur on inclined MCA bifurcations.

[Investigation of temporal and spatial characteristics of allergic rhinitis epidemics by Baidu Index in China]

Objective: To explore the temporal and spatial characteristics of search volume (SV) of allergic rhinitis (AR) and related search terms on Baidu Index, as well as the correlation between SV from Baidu Index and epidemiology of AR. Methods: SV of AR and related search terms in mainland area of China from January 2012 to December 2016 were extracted from Baidu Index. Firstly, we investigated the temporal and spatial characteristics of SV of AR and related search terms ("pollen allergy" and" dust mite allergy", etc.), and explored the correlation between SV of AR and SV of related search terms. Secondly, the SV of specific search terms in Beijing and Guangzhou were compared with the actual pollen count in Beijing from April to September in 2016 and the monthly outpatient volume of AR patients in the Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2014 to 2016 respectively to analyze the consistency between SV from Baidu Index and the real-world data. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between different search terms according to the normality and homogeneity of variance of the data. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: SV of AR showed repetitively seasonal pattern, with the first peak in May and the second peak from August to September. SV of AR in northeast China, north China and northwest China were correlated with both SV of "pollen allergy" and "dust mite allergy" (r value was 0.533, 0.638, 0.609, 0.791, 0.517, 0.682, respectively, all P<0.05). In east China, central China, south China and southwest China, SV of AR showed significant correlation only with SV of "dust mite allergy" (r value was 0.897, 0.884, 0.799, 0.937, respectively, all P<0.05), but not with SV of "pollen allergy" (r value was 0.110, 0.171, 0.020, 0.265, respectively, all P>0.05). The correlation between pollen count and the SV of AR on the day and SV of "pollen allergy" on the next day was the highest (r value was 0.692 and 0.713, respectively, all P<0.05). The SV of AR was correlated with the monthly outpatient volume of AR patients one month and two months later (r value was 0.523 and 0.503, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The SV of AR and related search terms show different trends in different times and regions which are consistent with the AR epidemiological survey, and significantly correlate with pollen count and AR outpatient volume.

[Research on feasibility and effectiveness of the bone-implant contact evaluation in dogs by micro-CT]

Objective: To discuss the feasibility and effectiveness of using micro-CT in bone-implant contact (BIC) evaluation in dogs, and to provide reference for clinical and scientific research. Methods: Bilateral mandibular second premolar and first molar of six male Beagle dogs were extracted. After 3 months' healing, eight implants were placed in bilateral mandible of each dog, four on each side. Dogs were sacrificed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after implant placement, two on each time point. Samples were scanned with micro-CT and digitally reconstructed. Bone-implant interface was analyzed at different analysis regions (25, 50 and 100 μm from implants' surface), different detection range models were obtained (each time point consists 48 models), and BIC was evaluated, and the results were counted as micro-CT(25), micro-CT(50), and micro-CT(100) groups. Then undecalcified slides were made (three slides for each sample) and stained with toluidine blue for observation and analysis of BIC using an optical microscope, and the results were counted as optical microscope groups. The advantages and disadvantages, evaluation efficiency and BIC of different methods were analyzed. Results: To evaluate BIC of single sample, it took about 90 minutes by micro-CT, which was much lower than the time of 14 days by optical microscope. The success rates of modeling of micro-CT(25), micro-CT(50), and micro-CT(100) groups all were 100.0% (48/48), and total success rate of micro-CT group was 100.0% (144/144). For optical microscope groups, the success rates of making slides 2, 4, 8 weeks were 89.6% (43/48), 93.8% (45/48) and 93.8% (45/48), respectively, and total success rates of optical microscope group was 92.4% (133/144). At 2, 4,8 weeks after implantation, BIC in micro-CT(25) group was significantly smaller than that in optical microscope group at the same time point (P<0.05). However, at 2, 4,8 weeks after implantation, BIC of the micro-CT(50) and micro-CT(100) groups showed no significant difference with optical microscope groups at the same time point (P>0.05). A significant correlation (P<0.001, each) was seen between slides and micro-CT (25, 50, 100 μm groups) concerning BIC (r=0.680, r=0.892, r=0.713), and error bias was -19.4%, -0.9%, 3.0%, respectively. The probability within the 95% limits of agreement were 97.9%. Conclusions: Micro-CT is a faster, simpler and more efficient way to analyze BIC at the implant-bone interface than optical microscope observation. BIC analysis by selecting 50 μm from implants' surface as analysis region using micro-CT is in consistent with that using the optical microscope.

[Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of silent sinus syndrome]

Objective: To explore the clinical features, diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategy of silent sinus syndrome (SSS). Methods: A retrospective study was made on eight SSS patients treated during 2013-2016 in Longgang ENT Hospital and Otorhinolaryngology Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of SUN Yat-sen University. The following clinical data, including demographic data, symptoms, history of trauma and surgery, signs, imaging examination, endoscopic surgery and postoperative outcomes, were analyzed to summarize the diagnosis and treatment experiences. Results: Eight SSS patients showed the following clinical features: the proportions of both sexes and sinus sides were 4 to 4; seven cases (7/8) were adult, with an average of (48.1±11.8)y; seven cases (7/8) had long history of trauma or surgery, with an average of (17.9±10.5)y; seven cases (7/8) cannot recall the exact course of SSS; six cases (6/8) had no nasal symptoms; eight cases (8/8) had unilateral ocular discomforts; eight cases (8/8) had signs of unilateral enophthalmos (2-5 mm), accompanied with hypoglobus; and by CT and MRI scanning, eight cases (8/8) showed the unilateral maxillary sinus outlet obstruction, sinus full opacification, sinus wall bony rarefaction, sinus wall contraction, sinus volume loss, and the ipsilateral orbital floor bowing descent and orbital volume increase. After treated by endoscopic sinus surgery and followed-up for one year, four cases were cured, and the other four improved; no intra- or post-operative complications occurred; and no individual need a two-stage orbital plastic reconstruction. Conclusions: SSS often develops in the unilateral maxillary sinus of adult patient with long history of trauma or surgery, but the nasal symptoms and signs are silent. Diagnostic for SSS depends on characteristic ocular sign and sinus CT imaging. Endoscopic sinus surgery helps to improve ocular and nasal signs and promote orbital self-reconstruction.

[The whole genome-wide screening of the longevity-related gene of Uyghur population in Hotan, Xinjiang]

Objective: To discuss the whole genome-wide screening of the longevity-related gene of Uyghur population in Hotan, Xinjiang. Methods: The whole gene scanning using genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on the pooling DNA and the SNP-Map strategy in the longevity group (≥90 years old) and control group (persons who died before 70 years old) was carried out. Then, through detecting varieties of SNP locus, the frequencies of genotype and allele were calculated by sequencing and PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Results: There was no significant difference of rs6450874, rs6800573 and rs6741735 genotypes and alleles frequency distributions between the two groups, however, there were statistical differences of rs1718307, rs4449651, rs11217987 and rs2907092 genotypes and alleles frequency distributions between the two groups. The TT genotype of rs11217987 (OR=1.462, P=0.034) and the GG genotype of rs2907092 (OR=3.000, P=0.018) were positively correlated to the longevity. And the T allele of rs11217987 (OR=1.382, 95%CI: 1.075-1.776) and the G allele of rs2907092 (OR=1.672, 95%CI: 1.267-2.205) had strong potential function to prolong life. The TT genotype of rs4449651 (OR=6.892, P=0.009) and rs1718307 (OR=4.036, P<0.001) were positively correlated to the longevity. Moreover, the T allele of both SNPs (OR=1.793, 95%CI: 1.298-2.477; OR=1.830, 95%CI: 1.391-2.407) had strong potential function to prolong life. Conclusions: The GWAS test can effectively and extensively analyze human longevity-related genes. And rs1718307, rs4449651, rs11217987 and rs2907092 are related to the longevity of Uyghur population in Hotan, Xinjiang.

[Endoscopic salvage treatment for optic neuropathy caused by sinonasal fibro-osseous lesions]

Objective: To summarize the surgical techniques, benefits and limitations of transnasal endoscopic resection and optic nerve decompression for patients with optic neuropathy caused by fibro-osseous lesions. Methods: Eight patients with optic neuropathy caused by fibro-osseous lesions who accepted endoscopic surgery of either resection of the lesion or decompression of optic nerve in Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and followed until April, 2017. Analyses were performed on the pathology type, disease extent and disease duration, especially on the visual acuity and visual field changes before and after surgery. Results: Eight patients (5 male and 3 female) were included in this study, with a median age of 12 years old (8-19 years old). The median disease duration was 12 months (1-72 months). The visual acuity (VA) of five patients (40 cm/FC, 0.2, 0.1, 0.2, 10 cm/FC, respectively) improved after surgery (0.1, 0.3, 1.2, 0.1, 0.6, respectively), and one patient had no change of VA after the surgery. Two patients (0.02, hand movement, before surgery) became deprived of light perception (VA=0) immediately after surgery. One patient complicated with intra orbital hemorrhage because of anterior artery injury. No complications of cerebral spinal fluid leak, intra-ocular muscle injury, intra-cranial hemorrhage or brain tissue injury occurred. Conclusion: For the treatment of optic neuropathy caused by fibro-osseous lesions, transnasal endoscopic surgery might have a good outcome.

Control of the metal-insulator transition in VO₂ epitaxial film by modifying carrier density

External controlling the phase transition behavior of vanadium dioxide is important to realize its practical applications as energy-efficient electronic devices. Because of its relatively high phase transition temperature of 68 °C, the central challenge for VO2-based electronics, lies in finding an energy efficient way, to modulate the phase transition in a reversible and reproducible manner. In this work, we report an experimental realization of p-n heterojunctions by growing VO2 film on p-type GaN substrate. By adding the bias voltage on the p-n junction, the metal-insulator transition behavior of VO2 film can be changed continuously. It is demonstrated that the phase transition of VO2 film is closely associated with the carrier distribution within the space charge region, which can be directly controlled by the bias voltage. Our findings offer novel opportunities for modulating the phase transition of VO2 film in a reversible way as well as extending the concept of electric-field modulation on other phase transition materials.

Significance of SODD expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its influence on chemotherapy

This study explored the clinical significance of silencer of death domain (SODD) expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its influence on chemotherapy as well as the effect of SODD expression on apoptosis of leukemic cells. The expression of SODD proteins in different ALL groups was determined by immunocytochemistry. The SODD RNAi-interfering plasmid was constructed and transferred to Jurkat cells, and the effects of SODD expression on cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed using the MTT and FCM methods. The expressions of SODD, Phospho-NF-κB-P65, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 were detected by Western blot analysis. The expression of SODD proteins was significantly higher in the ALL groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). The positive expression rate of SODD was significantly higher in refractory/relapsed and clinical high-risk groups than in standard-risk, initial treatment, and complete remission groups (P < 0.05). Microtubule-targeting drugs such as vincristine and taxol can notably down-regulate SODD expression during apoptosis, whereas DNR, and Ara-c cannot. The sensitivity of Jurkat cells to chemotherapeutic drugs increased with down-regulated SODD expression induced by SODD-interfering plasmid transfection. The sensitivity of the cells transfected with SODD-cloning genes decreased. SODD expression was high in the ALL children. These findings indicated that SODD over-expression might be correlated with the clinical classification, curative effect, and prognosis of ALL cells. Microtubule-targeting drugs can specifically down-regulate SODD expression in leukemic cells, thereby increasing the sensitivity of leukemic cells to SODD-targeting chemotherapeutics. In contrast, increased SODD expression tends to reduce sensitivity.

Elaidic acid enhanced the simultaneous neurotoxicity attributable to the cerebral pathological lesion resulted from oxidative damages induced by acrylamide and benzo(a)pyrene

Acrylamide (ACR), benzopyrene [B(a)P] and trans-fatty acids (TFA) could be found to co-exist in many foods processed by high temperature. Our study investigated the effects of elaidic acid (ELA), a predominant TFA, on neuropathology induced by simultaneous exposure of ACR and B(a)P to mice. Results showed ELA enhanced the decrease of weight gains induced by simultaneous exposure of ACR and B(a)P (AB). Moreover, ELA enhanced ACR-induced increase of gait abnormality, B(a)P-induced damage to learning and memory, and AB-induced both of the damage above. Meanwhile, ELA enhanced B(a)Pinduced axonal degeneration in hippocamp, ACR- and AB-induced up-regulating of abnormal cerebellar Purkinje cells. ELA enhanced ACR-induced up-regulating of MDA in cerebrum and 8-OHdG in cerebrum and cerebellum; ELA enhanced B(a)P-induced up-regulating of MDA in cerebrum, PCO in cerebellum and 8-OHdG in cerebrum and cerebellum. Meanwhile, the enhancing role of ELA, on ACR-induced reduction of SOD activity in cerebrum and cerebellum, on B(a)P-induced reduction of GPx activity in cerebrum were found. Results suggested that ELA play a enhancing role on ACR-induced and B(a)P-induced oxidative damage, which attributable to the cerebral pathological lesion, and subsequent effect on gait abnormality and deficit on learning and memory in mice.

3 T MR cholangiopancreatography appearances of biliary ascariasis

AIM

To evaluate the 3 T MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) appearances of biliary ascariasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients with a MRCP diagnosis of biliary ascariasis were reviewed. All patients had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical confirmation of the disease.

RESULTS

On thin-slab MRCP imaging, Ascaris worms are clearly demarcated within the biliary tree. All the identified worms demonstrated a characteristic three-parallel-lines appearance. The middle high-signal intensity line is sandwiched between two low-signal intensity lines and they are in turn surrounded by high signal bile. On thick-slab MRCP the worms also show the three-line sign but with less clarity. However, thick-slab MRCP has the advantage of providing three-dimensional ERCP-like images of the pancreaticobiliary system.

CONCLUSION

The "three-line" sign appears to be a characteristic sign of biliary ascariasis on 3 T MRCP.

Association of TIM4 promoter polymorphism -1419G>A with childhood asthma in a Chinese Han population

TIM4, which is expressed on dendritic cells and macrophages, plays an important role in the proliferation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. Asthma, as a complex genetic disease, is thought to arise from the development of a Th2-lymphocyte-predominant immune response. To evaluate the effects of the promoter polymorphisms (-1419G>A and -1609G>A) in TIM4 on asthma susceptibility, case-control and family-based association studies were conducted by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our results showed that TIM4 -1419G>A polymorphism was associated with asthma susceptibility in our study population (chi(2)= 9.88, P < 0.001, OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.37-2.64). The -1419A/A and -1419A/G genotypes were observed more common in asthmatic group (6.3%, 41.8%) than in control group (1.7%, 29.3%). No significant difference was found in genotype and allele frequencies of TIM4 -1619G>A polymorphism between asthmatic and control groups. No association between the two SNPs and total serum IgE levels, lung function was observed. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that TIM4 -1419G>A polymorphism might be the genetic factor for the risk of childhood asthma in Chinese Han population.

The grafting and release behavior of doxorubincin from Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) core-shell structure nanoparticles via an acid cleaving amide bond: the potential for magnetic targeting drug delivery

Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) core-shell structure nanoparticles were first prepared and characterized by TEM, FTIR, XPS and XRD. Subsequently the widely used anticancer agent doxorubincin (DOX) was successfully grafted to the surface of the core-shell nanoparticles via an amide bond with the aid of a spacer arm we synthesized. The spacer arm met two needs: one end can couple to the core-shell nanoparticles' surface while the other end was the active -COOH group, which can react with the -NH(2) group of DOX molecules. The synthesized spacer arm and the conjugation of the drug with nanoparticles through amidation were confirmed by FTIR. The DOX-loading efficiency determined by UV-vis spectrometer was 86.5%. Drug release experiments displayed a pH-dependent behavior that DOX was cleaved from the nanoparticles easily under low pH conditions in the presence of protease and that most of the conjugated doxorubincin were released within the first 12 h. The prepared DOX-grafted Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) core-shell structure nanoparticles showed a superparamagnetic property with a saturation magnetization value of 49.3 emu g(-1), indicating a great potential application in the treatment of cancer using magnetic targeting drug-delivery technology.

Chondrogenic potential of human synovial mesenchymal stem cells in alginate

OBJECTIVE

In a recent study, we demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the synovial membranes of bovine shoulder joints could differentiate into chondrocytes when cultured in alginate. The purpose of the present study was to establish the conditions under which synovial MSCs derived from aging human donors can be induced to undergo chondrogenic differentiation using the same alginate system.

METHODS

MSCs were obtained by digesting the knee-joint synovial membranes of osteoarthritic human donors (aged 59-76 years), and expanded in monolayer cultures. The cells were then seeded at a numerical density of 4x10(6)/ml within discs of 2% alginate, which were cultured in serum-containing or serum-free medium (the latter being supplemented with 1% insulin, transferrin, selenium (ITS). The chondrogenic differentiation capacity of the cells was tested by exposing them to the morphogens transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and BMP-7, as well as to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. The relative mRNA levels of collagen types I and II, of aggrecan and of Sox9 were determined quantitatively by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The extracellular deposition of proteoglycans was evaluated histologically after staining with Toluidine Blue, and that of type-II collagen by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

BMP-2 induced the chondrogenic differentiation of human synovial MSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The response elicited by BMP-7 was comparable. Both of these agents were more potent than TGF-beta1. A higher level of BMP-2-induced chondrogenic differentiation was achieved in the absence than in the presence of serum. In the presence of dexamethasone, the BMP-2-induced expression of mRNAs for aggrecan and type-II collagen was suppressed; the weaker TGF-beta1-induced expression of these chondrogenic markers was not obviously affected.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that synovial MSCs derived from the knee joints of aging human donors possess chondrogenic potential. Under serum-free culturing conditions and in the absence of dexamethasone, BMP-2 and BMP-7 were the most potent inducers of this transformation process.

Systems biology of the 2-cell mouse embryo

The transcriptome of the 2-cell mouse embryo was analyzed to provide insight into the molecular networks at play during nuclear reprogramming and embryonic genome activation. Analysis of ESTs from a 2-cell cDNA library identified nearly 4,000 genes, over half of which have not been previously studied. Transcripts of mobile elements, especially those of LTR retrotransposons, are abundantly represented in 2-cell embryos, suggesting their possible role in introducing genomic variation, and epigenetic restructuring of the embryonic genome. Analysis of Gene Ontology of the 2-cell-stage expressed genes outlines the major biological processes that guide the oocyte-to-embryo transition. These results provide a foundation for understanding molecular control at the onset of mammalian development.

A cGMP-gated channel subunit in Limulus photoreceptors

The phototransduction cascade in invertebrate photoreceptors has not been fully elucidated. It has been proposed that in Limulus ventral photoreceptor cGMP is the intracellular second messenger that directly controls the gating of the light-dependent channels (Johnson et al., 1986: Bacigalupo et al., 1991). Recently, a putative cGMP-gated channel cDNA, Lcng1, has been cloned from Limulus and shown to be expressed in the brain and the ventral eye (Chen et al., 1999). In this study, we sought to more specifically localize the LCNG1 transcript and protein. In situ hybridization was used to determine whether the gene is expressed in glia or photoreceptor cells in the ventral eye. The results clearly demonstrated that Lcngl mRNA is transcribed in the ventral photoreceptors. On Western blots probed with a polyclonal antibody raised against the C-terminus of LCNGI, a 100-kDa band and an 80-kDa band was labeled in the membrane protein preparations from brain and ventral eye, respectively. The labeling of these bands was blocked by preabsorption of the antibody with the antigen, indicating the labeling specificity. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were applied to investigate the subcellular localization of this antigen. Immunolabeling was highly localized in the transducing lobes of ventral eye photoreceptors and lateral eye photoreceptors. In both cases, the labeling was associated with membrane regions specialized for phototransduction, but the exact pattern appeared to be somewhat different in the two eyes. Preabsorption of the antiserum with antigen abolished the labeling, confirming specificity. The results lend support to the hypothesis that a cGMP-gated channel is directly involved in the phototransduction process.

[Study of the fluid-percussion graded model of experimental brain injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the histopathological aspects of the fluid-percussion graded model of experimental brain injury in rats and the relationship between the fluid-percussion graded model and the clinical grades of brain injury.

METHODS

The graded model of rats was set up by using the device of the improved fluid-percussion model, then we observed the changes of brain tissue of rats.

RESULTS

The fluid-percussion graded model of experimental brain injury could be pathologically graded.

CONCLUSION

The pathological grade of the fluid-percussion graded model can be used to evaluate the degree of brain injury in clinic and in experiments.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with mediastinal and pericardial invasion: report of two cases

Mediastinal invasion with pericardial involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rarely described. We report two patients with hepatitis-C-related HCC, who, after several courses of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), developed mediastinal and pericardial neoplastic growth. Both patients presented with clinical manifestations of exertional dyspnea, chest pain and orthopnea. The diagnosis of HCC with pericardial involvement, through direct invasion of the anterior mediastinum, was established by computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These patients' symptoms were relieved after they received radiotherapy with a total dosage of 3,000 and 4,000 cGy over a three-week and four-week period, respectively. We suggest that direct mediastinal invasion with pericardial involvement should be considered when evaluating patients with advanced HCC who developed precordial distress following palliative TACE. Early recognition of this unusual complication is important in the management of HCC.

Laparoscopic unroofing of hepatic cysts with intraperitoneal drainage: a report of three cases

Hepatic cysts are not uncommon and are usually asymptomatic, while large cysts sometimes show clinical manifestations. The management of large symptomatic hepatic cysts includes both percutaneous aspiration and surgical intervention. Aspiration has a high recurrence rate and is not a curative treatment. Recently, laparoscopic unroofing or "fenestration" in selected patients with hepatic cysts has gained popularity, for it shortens hospital stay, involves minimal invasiveness and does not result in a high recurrence rate. We report three cases of symptomatic hepatic cysts successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery.

[Repair of huge skin defect on leg and foot with multiple pedicled blocking randomized fasciocutaneous flap]

OBJECTIVE

In order to increase the survival area of pedicled fasciocutaneous flap, a multiple pedicled blocking randomized fasciocutaneous flap was designed.

METHODS

From January 1991 to September 1998, this technique was used to repair 33 cases, including 27 males and 6 females and the ages ranged from 6 to 58 years. All of the patients were suffered from traffic accidents. In these cases, 22 cases had skin defects of legs and feet with bone, nerve and tendon exposed, 5 cases had osteomyelitis as well as internal fixaters exposed and the other 6 had deformity from scar. The size of the flap was 25.0 cm x 13.0 cm x 2.4 cm at its maximum and 6.0 cm x 3.5 cm x 1.5 cm at its minimum. Based on the traditional blocking flap, according to the severity of the wound and conditions of the neighboring tissues, a flap having 2 to 4 orthogonal pedicles with a width of 1.5 to 3.0 cm was designed. The medical-graded stainless steel sheet was implanted below the deep fascia, and after blocking for 3 to 6 days, the side pedicles were divided. 6 to 14 days later, one of the two remaining pedicles was divided and was transferred to repair the defect.

RESULTS

31 cases were followed up for 6 months to 5 years without any trouble of the joints. The flap had a good external appearance and was high pressure-resistant.

CONCLUSION

The multiple pedicled blocking randomized fasciocutaneous flap increased the size of the flap and the length to width ratio. It had the following advantages: manage at will, high resistance to infection and a large survival area of flap.

Molecular cloning of a putative cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel cDNA from Limulus polyphemus

Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels have been proposed to mediate the electrical response to light in the ventral photoreceptor cells of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. However, a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel has not been identified from Limulus. We have cloned a putative full-length cyclic nucleotide-gated channel cDNA by screening cDNA libraries constructed from Limulus brain using a probe developed from Limulus ventral eye nerves. The putative full-length cDNA was derived from two overlapping partial cDNA clones. The open reading frame encodes 905 amino acids; the sequence shows 44% identity to that of the alpha subunit of the bovine rod cyclic GMP-gated channel over the region containing the transmembrane domains and the cyclic nucleotide binding domain. This Limulus channel has a novel C-terminal region of approximately 200 amino acids, containing three putative Src homology domain 3 binding motifs and a putative coiled-coil domain. The possibility that this cloned channel is the same as that detected previously in excised patches from the photoreceptive membrane of Limulus ventral photoreceptors is discussed in terms of its sequence and its expression in the ventral eye nerves.

Sonographic characteristics of the cavum velum interpositum

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Differential considerations for pineal region CSF collections include both true cysts and normal cystlike anatomic variations. Our purpose was to determine the sonographic characteristics of pineal region fluid spaces that reflect the presence of a normal persistent cavum velum interpositum (CVI).

METHODS

Eighteen neonates and infants who had sonographic findings of "cysts" in the pineal region were examined prospectively with conventional sonography and color Doppler sonography to evaluate the shape of the fluid collection and its anatomic relationship with the color-coded internal cerebral veins. Subsequent MR images were obtained in eight of these infants to determine the exact nature of the cystlike collections.

RESULTS

The cystlike spaces in the pineal region were of an inverted helmet shape in 14 subjects and roundish in four. All were situated inferior or slightly anteroinferior to the splenium of the corpus callosum and 2.5 to 4 mm away from the quadrigeminal plate. The internal cerebral veins were either inferior (n = 12) or inferolateral (n = 6) to the cystlike spaces at sonography. Subsequent MR studies confirmed eight of these cystlike spaces to be the posterior portion of the CVI.

CONCLUSION

The CVI may appear as a cyst in the pineal region on neonatal sonograms. Usually, it has a characteristic inverted helmet shape and is situated beneath the fornices and above the internal cerebral veins.

Neuroimaging findings in late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis

Late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis is an extremely rare metabolic disorder with clinical features of seizure and progressive motor and mental retardation without facial dysmorphism or visceral organomegaly. We report the CT and MR imaging findings in one infant, which included abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, white matter, and deep nuclei.

Imaging of huge lingual thyroid gland with goitre

We present the CT and MRI findings in a 75-year-old woman with a huge pathologically proven lingual thyroid which underwent goitrous degeneration. CT and MRI showed a midline, tongue-based, exophytic mass with areas of necrosis and heterogeneous contrast enhancement, as seen in large goitres in the normal thyroid gland.

Septic metastatic endophthalmitis from Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess: CT and MR imaging characteristics--report of three cases

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed in three diabetic patients with endophthalmitis and liver abscess secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Ocular abnormalities included early uveoscleral thickening, fulminant exudative vitreous humor, and late phthisis bulbi. Characteristic imaging findings of endophthalmitis in diabetic patients with liver abscess should raise a high index of suspicion for K pneumoniae infection.

Giant arachnoid granulation mimicking dural sinus thrombosis in a boy with headache: MRI

We report MRI and angiographic findings of an unusual giant arachnoid granulation in the left sigmoid sinus in a boy with headache. Its signal intensity was lower than that of cerebral cortex on T1-weighted images and higher on T2 weighting, mimicking dural sinus thrombosis.

Domain-switched mouse IgM/IgG2b hybrids indicate individual roles for C mu 2, C mu 3, and C mu 4 domains in the regulation of the interaction of IgM with complement C1q

Although polymeric IgM and monomeric IgG are potent activators of the classical complement pathway, previous studies have indicated that monomeric IgM is inactive. To understand this and to examine the roles of the individual mu domains in complement activation, we created a set of IgM/IgG2b mouse chimeric Abs in which homologous domains of both Abs have been interchanged, either singly or together with adjacent domains. The monomer subunits (H2L2) of the resulting chimeras were analyzed for their capacities to bind C1q and to initiate complement-mediated lysis (CML) of haptenated erythrocytes. When C gamma 2 was flanked by C mu 4, the inherent C1q-binding activity of the C gamma 2 domain was lost. This demonstrates that C mu 4 can suppress the C1q-binding activity of the adjacent C gamma 2 domain, and suggests that C mu 4 may exert a similar effect on the C mu 3 domain in the IgM monomer subunit. When C mu 3 was located in an IgG2b background and potentially freed from the constraints imposed by the IgM background, the monomer was not able to bind C1q or initiate CML. This suggests that these activities are not expressed inherently in the C mu 3 domain. The transplantation of C mu 3 together with C mu 4 into the IgG background permitted polymer formation. This polymer was able to bind C1q, although neither the monomer nor the polymer forms were active in CML; conversely, all IgM polymers with a transplanted C gamma 2 domain were active in both C1q binding and CML, and demonstrated apparent Kd values similar to that of wild-type IgM.

Domain-switched mouse IgM/IgG2b hybrids indicate individual roles for C mu 2, C mu 3, and C mu 4 domains in the regulation of the interaction of IgM with complement C1q

Although polymeric IgM and monomeric IgG are potent activators of the classical complement pathway, previous studies have indicated that monomeric IgM is inactive. To understand this and to examine the roles of the individual mu domains in complement activation, we created a set of IgM/IgG2b mouse chimeric Abs in which homologous domains of both Abs have been interchanged, either singly or together with adjacent domains. The monomer subunits (H2L2) of the resulting chimeras were analyzed for their capacities to bind C1q and to initiate complement-mediated lysis (CML) of haptenated erythrocytes. When C gamma 2 was flanked by C mu 4, the inherent C1q-binding activity of the C gamma 2 domain was lost. This demonstrates that C mu 4 can suppress the C1q-binding activity of the adjacent C gamma 2 domain, and suggests that C mu 4 may exert a similar effect on the C mu 3 domain in the IgM monomer subunit. When C mu 3 was located in an IgG2b background and potentially freed from the constraints imposed by the IgM background, the monomer was not able to bind C1q or initiate CML. This suggests that these activities are not expressed inherently in the C mu 3 domain. The transplantation of C mu 3 together with C mu 4 into the IgG background permitted polymer formation. This polymer was able to bind C1q, although neither the monomer nor the polymer forms were active in CML; conversely, all IgM polymers with a transplanted C gamma 2 domain were active in both C1q binding and CML, and demonstrated apparent Kd values similar to that of wild-type IgM.

Factors affecting delection of bleeding lesions in the stomach by initial emergency endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Accurate endoscopic diagnosis of acute gastric bleeding can be problematic and missing diagnoses are not uncommon. However, the causes of diagnostic difficulty and the most common locations of bleeding resulting in missed diagnosis are not well known.

METHODS

To determine the causative factors of incomplete study, we analyzed the medical records and performed follow-up on 64 patients for whom initial emergency endoscopy had failed to identify the sites of acute gastric bleeding. The bleeding sites were confirmed by the findings of subsequent endoscopic examination or operation in these cases.

RESULTS

Excessive blood covering the examination field was the most frequent cause of incomplete endoscopic study (60/64). Underlying gastric lesions which were later identified as sources of gastric bleeding included: 30 gastric ulcers, 9 gastric varices, 6 acute gastric mucosal lesions, 3 Dieulafoy's lesions, 3 portal hypertensive gastropathies, 2 gastric tumors, 1 Mallory-Weiss tear and 2 unidentified bleeding sites. Eight patients refused further evaluation. The locations of the bleeding sites included: 1 esophagocardiac junction, 8 cardia, 5 fundus, 21 body, 9 antrum, 7 stoma, 3 diffuse pattern. The 42-day mortality rate of these patients was 20%. Of these patients, decompensated liver cirrhosis (8/13) and hepatic failure (7/13) were the most common underlying diseases.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate preparation was the most frequently procedural problem associated with missed diagnosis. Lesions located in the body of the stomach were most likely to go undiagnosed. Gastric ulcers were the most common type of unidentified bleeding ulcer site. Hepatic failure was the most common cause of death. The high mortality rate of these patients appeared to be related to underlying diseases rather than to the nature of the lesions responsible for gastric bleeding.

[The sesquiterpenoids from Celastrus flagellaris]

A new sesquiterpenoid (1) named as celastrine B along with seven known compounds 1 alpha, 6 beta, 13-triacetoxy-9 beta-benzoyloxy-beta-dihydroagarofuran(2), triptogelin G-1(3), 1 alpha, 6 beta-diacetoxy-9 beta-benzoyloxy-beta-dihydroagarofuran (4), triptogelin F-2 (5), 1 alpha, 2 alpha-diacetoxy-9 beta-cinnamoyloxy-beta-dihydroagarofuran (6), celaforlin B-3 (7), 1 alpha, 6 beta-diacetoxy-8 alpha-cinnamoyloxy-9 alpha-benzoyloxy-beta-dihydroagarofuran(8) were isolated for the first time from the seed oil of Celastrus flagellaris Rupr. and their structures elucidated by UV, IR, MS and 1HNMR, 13CNMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, 13C-1H COSY, NOESY and HMBC.

Rapid spongiform degeneration of the cerebrum and cerebellum in Creutzfeldt-Jakob encephalitis: serial MR findings

We report the cerebral MR imaging findings in a patient with pathologically proved Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in whom predominant gray and white matter degeneration was seen within 1 year of symptom onset. The initial MR signal abnormalities in the basal ganglia were subtle. A follow-up MR examination revealed diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy and demyelination.

Optic atrophy and cerebral infarcts caused by methanol intoxication: MRI

We present the MRI findings of cerebral and optic pathway damage in the acute and subacute stages of methanol intoxication. In the acute stage, CT and MRI showed bilateral haemorrhagic necrosis of the corpus striatum and infarcts in the anterior and middle cerebral arterial territories. MRI in the subacute stage demonstrated atrophy of the optic chiasm and prechiasmatic optic nerves in addition to the cerebral infarcts. The patient survived, with total blindness.

Pericerebral fluid collection: differentiation of enlarged subarachnoid spaces from subdural collections with color Doppler US

PURPOSE

To determine if the cerebral cortical vain sign seen on magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used with color Doppler ultrasound (US) to differentiate enlarged subarachnoid space from subdural collection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen infants with pericerebral fluid collection were prospectively examined with color Doppler US and MR imaging. Patients were classified into two groups: group A, with positive cortical vein sign (visualization of color-coded cortical veins that cross fluid collections at cerebral convexities); and group B, without the sign.

RESULTS

Positive cortical vein sign was seen at US in 12 patients (group A): nine with benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces, two with brain atrophy, and one with meningococcal meningitis. The veins were displaced and embedded within the echogenic pia-arachnoid that surrounds the brain or were trapped in the subarachnoid spaces between the neo-membrane and cortical surface (group B, negative cortical vein sign) in four patients with meningitis, two victims of child abuse, and one patient with leukemia. Findings from subsequent MR imaging confirmed the color Doppler US findings.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler US depiction of the cortical vain sign appears to be as effective as MR imaging in differentiating enlargement of the subarachnoid fluid space from subdural effusion.

Hypoxic-ischaemic injury of the spinal cord in systemic shock: MRI

The imaging characteristics of concurrent spinal cord injury in children with hypoxic-ischaemic injury of the brain have not been described. We present the MRI findings of hypoxic-ischaemic injury of the brain and spinal cord following hypovolaemic shock in a 2-year-old girl.

Cerebral MR manifestations of Pompe disease in an infant

We present the cerebral MR findings of a 5-month-old girl with biopsy-proved Pompe disease and discuss the imaging characteristics with known central nervous system disease.

Complete cricotracheal separation and third cervical spinal cord transection following blunt neck trauma: a case report of one survivor

We report the case of a patient who sustained a scissors-type blunt neck trauma and survived the following injuries: comminuted cricoid fracture, complete cricotracheal separation, interruption of the recurrent laryngeal nerves bilaterally, multiple cervical vertebral fractures, and a third cervical cord transection. He was rendered apneic instantly at the accident site and was immediately resuscitated by coworkers by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Attempts at endotracheal intubation to establish an initial airway caused acute airway occlusion and an emergency tracheostomy was then successfully performed. He was treated by immediate stabilization of the cervical spine, emergency neck exploration, and early primary repair of the airway injury. Any patient with cervical airway injury should be assumed to have cervical spine injury and should have neck immobilization from the beginning of resuscitation.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Computed tomographic imaging of four cases

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurs with great frequency in Asia. It is an infiltrative tumor that often produces no symptoms early in its course. However, the proximity of the nasopharynx to the nasal cavity, eustachian tubes, masticatory muscles, and cranial nerves can allow extension of the lesion into these structures, resulting in numerous maxillofacial abnormalities. Computed tomography is effective in imaging the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the nasopharynx as well as the subsequent spread of the neoplasm to adjacent areas. Four cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are presented in which computed tomography provides an accurate assessment of the extent of the tumor and allows correlation with clinical manifestations.

[RNA-RNA in situ hybridization for the study of expression of the GST-P, c-myc and H-ras-1 genes in a malignant liver cell line, HL-178]

RNA-RNA in situ hybridization was applied in order to analyze the expression of GST-P, c-myc and H-ras-1 genes in a human malignant liver cell line, HL-178. The results showed presence of high expression of both GST-P and c-myc. Some parameters of in situ hybridization technique involved in this experiment were discussed.

Calcium current and tension generation in immature mammalian myocardium: effects of diltiazem

Single sucrose gap and isolated myocyte voltage-clamp techniques were used to study the effects of diltiazem on calcium current (ICa) and tension generation in isolated ventricular myocytes and right ventricular papillary muscles from neonatal New Zealand White rabbits. Diltiazem was shown to significantly shorten the duration of isolated myocyte action potentials with no effect on overshoot potential or resting membrane potential. Diltiazem blocked but did not completely abolish ICa in these neonatal cells. Addition of diltiazem to the solution bathing papillary muscles resulted in a similar reduction in action potential duration accompanied by a reduction in twitch tension. When the duration of depolarization was controlled employing the single sucrose gap voltage clamp, the decrease in tension development caused by diltiazem was abolished despite a significant decrease in twitch tension in the same muscles. In another series of experiments it was demonstrated that the magnitude of developed tension in neonatal papillary muscles is dependent upon the duration of depolarization. Taken together, the results of this investigation suggest that in neonatal myocardium when ICa is blocked by diltiazem, the resulting reduction in developed tension is caused in part by reduction of action potential duration. The calcium carried into the neonatal heart cell by ICa does not appear to be the only source of extracellular Ca2+ for excitation-contraction coupling. Finally, the action potential appears to act as a gate for calcium movement into the neonatal heart cell.

Traumatic superior vena cava injury--a case report

A case of gunshot wound of the superior vena cava, with successful operative repair, is reported. Various operative techniques for controlling hemorrhage and repairing these injuries are discussed.

Measurement of basilar artery diameter in dogs: CT evaluation correlated with arteriography

In this study we have used a computed tomographic (CT) method using profile analysis to measure the diameter of the basilar artery. In a search for a noninvasive and repeatable method to substitute for the traditional arteriography in the evaluation of the degree of cerebral vasospasm, we employed both CT and arteriography to measure the diameter of the basilar artery in eight adult mongrel dogs weighing between 7 and 12 kg. In three of these animals, assessments were made before and after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induced by injecting autologous arterial blood into the cistern magna. It was found that the basilar artery diameter as evaluated by CT was 47% larger than that measured by arteriography. However, there was a very good correlation (n = 63, r = 0.75, p less than 0.001) between the two methods. This paper presents a new model for the measurement of the basilar artery diameter, one which may also provide a safer method for the evaluation of vasospasm in humans.