Microwave-field sensing via electromagnetically induced absorption of Rb irradiated by three-color infrared lasers

A microwave electric field sensing has been set up based on a three-color electromagnetically induced absorption in rubidium vapor cell via cascading transitions. All transitions are irradiated by infrared lasers: a 780 nm laser servers as probe to monitor the optical transmittancy via transition 5S_1/2→P_3/2;, a 776 nm laser and a 1260 nm laser are used to couple the states 5P_3/2 and 5D_5/2 and states 5D_5/2 and 44F_7/2, respectively. We find that a frequency detuning ∼2π × ( - 40) MHz of the 776 nm dressing beam prefers to a better signal-to-noise ratio for the probe beam. The off-resonance greatly depresses the double resonance pumping effect. A demonstration measurement for the electric field of microwave 1.18988 GHz, corresponding to the coupling resonance between two adjacent Rydberg states 44F_7/2 and 44F_9/2, gives a sensitivity of 55.79(23)nVcm^-1/Hz and a smallest discernible electric field of 78.9(33) nVcm^-1 in time scale of 500 ms.

Relationship between polyamines conjugated to mitochondrion membrane and mitochondrion conformation from developing wheat embryos under drought stress

The mitochondrion conformation and the contents of conjugated polyamines were investigated using the embryos of developing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains of two cultivars differing in drought tolerance as experiment materials. After drought stress treatment for 7 days, the relative water content of embryo and relative increase rate of embryo dry weight of the drought-sensitive Yangmai No. 9 cv. decreased more significantly than those of the drought-tolerant Yumai No. 18 cv. Furthermore, the changes in mitochondrion conformation of Yangmai No. 9 were more marked. Meanwhile, the increases of the contents of conjugated non-covalently spermidine (CNC-Spd) and conjugated covalently putrescine (CC-Put) of Yumai No. 18 were more obvious than those of Yangmai No. 9. Treatment with exogenous Spd not only alleviated the injury of drought stress to Yangmai No. 9, but also enhanced the increase of CNC-Spd content and inhibited the change in the mitochondrion conformation of this cultivar. The treatments of Yumai No. 18 with two inhibitors, methylglyoxyl-bis (guanylhydrazone) and phenanthrolin, significantly inhibited the drought stress-induced increases of CNC-Spd and CC-Put contents of the cultivar, respectively. Meanwhile, the treatments with the two inhibitors aggravated the injury of drought stress to Yumai No. 18 and enhanced the change in the mitochondrion conformation of this cultivar. These results mentioned above suggested that the CNC-Spd and CC-Put in embryo mitochondrion membrane isolated from developing grains could enhance the wheat tolerance to drought stress by maintaining the mitochondrion conformation.

MiR-30a-3p promotes ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats via targeting SFRP1

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of miR-30a-3p on osteoporosis in rats after ovariectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was established to mimic postmenopausal osteoporosis. The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) isolated from female rats were transfected with mimic or inhibitor. Real Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the expressions of miR-30a-3p and osteoporosis-related proteins. The bone mineral density (BMD) was detected via micro-Computed Tomography (CT) and the bone histomorphometry was performed. Luciferase assay was also performed to confirm whether SFRP1 is a target of miR-30a-3p.

RESULTS

According to micro CT, BMD significantly declined in OVX group. MiR-30a-3p and SFRP1 were negatively correlated after ovariectomy. SFRP1 was acknowledged as a target of miR-30a-3p. Besides, the miR-30a-3p inhibitor promoted osteogenic differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-30a-3p inhibitor promotes bone formation through decreasing SFRP1 expression and miR-30a-3p may be a potential novel molecular target in the treatment of osteoporosis.

MiR-203 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting SOCS3

OBJECTIVE

Cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 3 (SOCS3) negatively regulates Janus kinases (JAK) - signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a targeted relationship between miR-203 and SOCS3 mRNA. This study investigated the role of miR-203 in ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ovarian cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were collected to detect the expression of miR-203 and SOCS3. Ovarian cancer HO8910 cells were divided into miR-NC group, miR-203 inhibitor group, and miR-203 mimic group followed by the analysis of the expression of miR-203 and SOCS3 mRNA by quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), protein expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 by Western blot, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and proliferation by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining chronologically.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent tissues, miR-203 expression was significantly increased in tumor tissues and SCOS3 mRNA expression was decreased. Compared with those with lower miR-203 expression, the prognosis of patients with higher expression of miR-203 was significantly worse. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-203 and SOCS3 mRNA. Compared with IOSE80 cells, miR-203 expression in HO8910 and SKOV3 cells was increased, and its expressions of SOCS3 mRNA and protein were decreased. Compared with miR-NC group, the transfection of miR-203 inhibitor significantly increased SOCS3 expression, and decreased the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein. We draw the conclusion that miR-203 increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. However, opposite results were observed after the transfection of miR-203 mimic.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal miR-203 and SOCS3 expression are related to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. MiR-203 affects the proliferation of JAK-STAT pathway and regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting the inhibition of SOCS3 expression.

Long noncoding RNA PCAT-1 promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing KLF6

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumor progression has caught attention in numerous researchers. In our investigation, lncRNA PCAT-1 was studied to identify how it functioned in the progression of ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LncRNA PCAT-1 expression was detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both ovarian cancer cells and tissue samples. Furthermore, to identify the function of PCAT-1 in ovarian cancer, cell proliferation, transwell assay and Matrigel assay were conducted. In addition, by performing qRT-PCR and Western blot assay, the underlying mechanism was explored.

RESULTS

PCAT-1 expression was remarkably higher in ovarian cancer samples when compared with that in corresponding ones. Moreover, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited after PCAT-1 was knocked down in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of KLF6 (Krüppel-like factor 6) was upregulated after PCAT-1 was knocked down. Furthermore, the KLF6 expression level was negatively related to the PCAT-1 expression level in ovarian cancer samples.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that PCAT-1 promotes the progression of ovarian cancer through enhancing cell metastasis and proliferation via suppressing KLF6, which might be a novel therapeutic strategy in ovarian cancer.

MiR-203 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting SOCS3

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "MiR-203 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting SOCS3, by H.-P. Liu, Y. Zhang, Z.-T. Liu, H. Qi, X.-M. Zheng, L.-H. Qi, J.-Y. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (21): 9286-9294-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201911_19421-PMID: 31773696" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19421.

Long noncoding RNA PCAT-1 promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing KLF6

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long noncoding RNA PCAT-1 promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing KLF6, by H.-P. Liu, D. Lv, J.-Y. Wang, Y. Zhang, J.-F. Chang, Z.-T. Liu, N. Tang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (11): 4650-4655-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201906_18044-PMID: 31210290" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18044.

[Clinical value of early bedside ultrasound measurement of quadriceps femoris in diagnosis of ICU-acquired weakness]

Objective: To explore the correlation between quadriceps thickness (thickness of rectus femoris and vastus intermedius), cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris) and the strength score of the Medical Research Council (MRC) in critically ill patients, and to explore the changes in the length of hospital stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and to determine the diagnostic value of muscle changes in the ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). Methods: Patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine from March to October in 2019 who were expected to stay for more than five days were enrolled in this study. The cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris, the thickness of the rectus femoris, the thickness of the vastus intermedius on the first day of the ICU (D(1)), day 3 (D(3)), and day 5 (D(5)), day 7 (D(7)), out of ICU (D(ICU)), and the MRC muscle strength scores on the day of out of ICU prospectively were collected in all the patients, and the correlation and the regularity of quadriceps changes were analyzed. MRC>48 points on the day of dismiss of ICU were used as the standard for the diagnosis of ICU-AW, and the relationship between muscle changes of the quadriceps and ICU-AW was analyzed. The t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 45 patients were included, including 25 males and 20 females, aged (58±10) years. The rectus femoris cross-sectional area, rectus femoris thickness, and vastus intermedius thickness decreased with the length of ICU hospital stay. The cross-sectional area, thickness of the rectus femoris muscle, and the vastus intermedius thickness were positively correlated with the MRC score (r=0.452, 0.411, 0.402, all P<0.05), and the changes were all negatively correlated with the MRC score (r=-0.682, -0.740, -0.734, all P<0.05). On the 3rd day after ICU admission, the best cutoff value of rectus muscle cross-sectional area atrophy rate for discrimination of ICU-AW was 6.0%, with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 77.8%; on the 5th day, the best cutoff value of rectus femoris thickness atrophy rate was 14.5%, with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 66.7%; on the 7th day, the best cutoff value of vastus intermedius thickness atrophy rate was 19.9%, with a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 87.5%. Conclusion: Bedside ultrasound measurement of the quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area and thickness has certain diagnostic value for ICU-AW, and can identify patients with ICU-AW early.

Involvement of putrescine in osmotic stress-induced ABA signaling in leaves of wheat seedlings

To elucidate one mechanism by which putrescine (Put) functions in plant signaling under osmotic stress, Put and ABA contents, and plasma membrane-NADPH oxidase (PM-NOX) activity were detected in wheat seedling leaves. Under osmotic stress, ABA and Put contents, PM-NOX activity, and PM-NOX-dependent O2.^- production all increased. The inhibitor tungstate (T) of ABA bio-synthesis reduced the increases in ABA and Put contents under osmotic stress. The inhibitor D-arginine (D-Arg) of Put bio-synthesis didn't reduce osmotic-induced increase of ABA, but it inhibited the increases of PM-NOX activity and O2 . ^- production, and the inhibitory effects were reversed by exogenous Put. These findings suggested that ABA might regulate Put biosynthesis, and Put might regulate PM-NOX activity. Treatments with three inhibitors imidazole (I), diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and pyridine (P) of PM-NOX reduced significantly not only O2 . ^- production, but also the stress-induced increase of Put content, which indicated that O2 . ^- production might regulate Put biosynthesis. Treatments with EGTA (Ca²⁺ chelator), La³⁺ and verapamil (V) (Ca²⁺ channel blockers) reduced significantly the stress-induced increase of Put content, which suggested that Ca²⁺ might regulate Put biosynthesis. With these findings, it could be concluded that Put was involved in ABA signaling induced by osmotic stress via regulating PM-NOX activity in wheat seedling leaves.

Artificial modulation-free Pound-Drever-Hall method for laser frequency stabilization

We have proposed an artificial modulation-free Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) method for laser frequency stabilization and demonstrated it via two-color polarization spectroscopy of Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonance in a room-temperature rubidium vapor. Due to the unique error signal profile, the conventional PDH method owns a large capture range in laser frequency locking. Here we manually construct a PDH error signal via a linear combination of polarization spectroscopies of the Rydberg EIT resonances without and with a magnetic field applied. The artificial modulation-free PDH error signal owns a subnatural linewidth dispersion curve as well as a large capture range with which we successfully stabilize the laser to an absolute atomic frequency reference in a long running time, immune to environmental fluctuation and even manmade impulse perturbation. This method can provide an absolute frequency reference based on atomic transition while keeping similar locking ability to provide corrections for frequency fluctuations over a broad bandwidth as the conventional PDH.

[Newborn screening program and blood amino acid profiling in early neonates with citrin deficiency]

Objective: To investigate the profiles of blood amino acid and acylcarnitine in early neonates with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and the sensitivity of newborn screening, and to explore potential biochemical metabolic markers for newborn screening program. Methods: Amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles in dried blood spots of newborn screening program were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A total of 158 651 neonates born in Guangzhou from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019 were enrolled in this newborn screening program, and additionally 55 patients with NICCD confirmed by SLC25A13 gene analysis in Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center were included in this study. NICCD screen-positive was defined as the cutoff value of citrulline (Cit) ≥ 30 μmol/L. The values of blood sampling time of the true positive group and those of the false negative group were compared by t-test. The levels of amino acid and acylcarnitine among different groups, including true positive group (Cit≥30 μmol/L), false negative group (Cit 21-<30 μmol/L and Cit<21 μmol/L) and the normal control group, were analyzed by F test, respectively. Results: Among 158 651 neonates, 39 neonates were positive for NICCD screening. Three of them were confirmed NICCD and 4 cases were found to be false negatives. The positive predictive value was 7.7% and the sensitivity was about 43.0%. Among 55 patients with NICCD, 18 cases (18/55, 32.7%) were true positives and 37 cases (37/55, 67.3%) were false negatives based on the cutoff value of citrulline in the dried blood spots for newborn screening. The blood sampling time was significantly different between true positive group and false negative group ((4.28±1.6) vs. (2.98±0.74) d, t=4.06, P<0.01). The increased levels of tyrosine((176.0±98.4) μmol/L), methionine ((37.0±26.9) μmol/L) and phenylalanine ((133.0±80.9)μmol/L) in Cit≥30 μmol/L group (n=18) were significantly different as compared with those in the other three groups, respectively (F=117.0, 58.5, 135.0, P<0.01). The levels of arginine ( (10.0±9.2) , (11.0±9.3) , (9.0±17.8) μmol/L), valine ( (119.0±29.8) , (107.6±14.1) , (102±68) μmol/L) and leucine ( (167.0±37.1) , (161.0±37.7) , (163.5±180.6) μmol/L) were not statistically significant among groups of Cit≥30 μmol/L(n=18), Cit21-<30 μmol/L(n=7) and Cit<21μmol/L(n=30,P>0.05), but they were significantly higher than those of the normal control group ((4±3), (78±21), (114.0±31.5) μmol/L, n=1 000), respectively(F=30.1, 23.0, 29.8, P<0.01). Alanine (Ala) ( (150±50) , (156.0±30.2), (168±105), (152±52) μmol/L) levels showed no significant difference (F=0.86, P>0.05) but the ratios of Ala/Cit (1.52±1.44, 6.82±1.56, 12.06±7.71, 19.42±6.27) decreased significantly among the four groups (F=69.0, P<0.05). The acylcarnitine levels showed no statistically significant results among the different groups (P>0.05). With Cit≥30 μmol/L and Ala/Cit<7.5 as cutoff values, the number of screen-positive cases reduced from 39 to 22 cases with no additional false negative case. With Cit≥21 μmol/L and Ala/Cit<7.5 as cutoff values the number of screen-positive cases increased to 117 cases with 1 additional true positive. Conclusions: The profiles of blood amino acid in early neonates with NICCD present the increased levels of multiple amino acids including citrulline, tyrosine, methionine and phenylalanine, and decreased ratio of Ala/Cit. Taking citrulline and ratio of Ala/Cit as screening markers can improve the positive predictive value appropriately. The limited sensitivity of NICCD newborn screening may be related to early blood sampling time.

Augmented reality for temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis: a cadaver study

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic procedures require the identification of a skin puncture point. The puncture point is conventionally estimated using the surface anatomy of the canthal-tragus line. However, the conventional puncture technique has been reported to fail at the first attempt in 18% of cases. We propose an augmented reality (AR) system-based method to identify the puncture point on the skin. A three-dimensional virtual model was reconstructed from computed tomography images of a cadaver head, and its rendered image was superimposed on the cadaver head before skin puncture. The skin puncture point was marked on the skin under the guidance of the AR system. The TMJ was punctured through the mark and the endoscope was introduced through the puncture point. The outcome of the procedure was classified as successful or unsuccessful based on the visualization of the TMJ. The system was applied on the left and right sides of three cadaver heads. Puncture with the AR method was successful in all six cases. This study presents a system to provide AR visualization during TMJ arthrocentesis to increase the precision of skin puncture. However, a comparative study of the AR method with the conventional method is required to evaluate its advantages.

Symmetry-Breaking Assisted Landau-Zener Transitions in Rydberg Atoms

We report the observation of a controlled Landau-Zener transition (LZT) in Rydberg atoms by breaking the symmetry of the underlying Hamiltonian. For a nonhydrogenic Rydberg atom inside a changing electric (F) field, a LZT occurs between the avoided crossing energy levels of neighboring Rydberg states only for a sufficiently high changing rate. If a transverse magnetic (B) field is applied as we implement, the atomic level symmetry is broken, which causes the Stark manifolds denoted by a different |m| (m is the magnetic quantum number) to interact with each other. The mixed state levels end up pushing the adiabatically repelled target states closer and additionally they serve as stepping stones for the sequential LZTs between the neighboring sublevels. Such a feature significantly decreases the changing rate required for an efficient LZT inside a pure electric field. We report experimental observations that support the above scenario. It opens a versatile approach for engineering a controlled LZT in more general systems.

[Diagnostic value of serum cystatin C for acute kidney injury in patients with liver cirrhosis]

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of serum cystatin C (Cys C) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: Serum Cys C levels in 150 liver cirrhosis patients (88 AKI and 62 non-AKI patients) were measured by the Particle-Enhanced Nephelometric Immuno-Assay. The accuracy of serum Cys C for the diagnosis of AKI in liver cirrhosis was evaluated by the ROC curve. Results: Liver cirrhosis patients with AKI had significantly higher serum Cys C levels [2.37 (1.75-2.83) mg/L] than those without AKI [0.97 (0.85-1.09) g/L] (P <0.001). Serum Cys C level was highest in the acute tubular necrosis group [5.41 (2.77-6.19) mg/L], followed by the hepatorenal syndrome group [2.55 (2.28-3.59) mg/L] and prerenal azotemia group [2.07 (1.70-2.41) mg/L], and the serum Cys C level was significantly different between the three groups (P <0.001). In addition, patients with AKI were further divided into infection group and non-infection group. Serum Cys C level was significantly higher in the infection group than in the non-infection group (P <0.05). The area under the ROC curve of serum Cys C for the diagnosis of AKI in liver cirrhosis was 0.99 (0.98-1.00) at a cut-off value of 1.36 mg/L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum Cys C is a good marker for detecting AKI in liver cirrhosis, and the different levels of increase in Cys C may be useful in differentiating the different types of AKI.

The effects of bortezomib alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis of choriocarcinoma cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of bortezomib alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on proliferation and apoptosis in the human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells were treated with bortezomib, 5-FU or with a combination. Proliferation and apoptosis were measured. NF-iB protein expression was examined using immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Following treatment with ten nM bortezomib, rates of apoptosis were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.05) and NF-kB expression increased. 5-FU at 0.025 μg/ml or 0.25 μg/ml resulted in 60.1 ± 0.4% and 67.0 ± 0.2% growth inhibition, respectively, an increase compared to individual treatment (p < 0.05). Apoptosis in cells treated with bortezomib +5-FU was significantly higher than either treatment alone (p < 0.05). Inhibition of proliferation by the combination treatment was synergistic.

CONCLUSION

Bortezomib alone or in combination with 5-FU inhibited JEG-3 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by increasing NF-kB expression. Combination treatment exerted synergistic effects on growth inhibition.

Analysis of gene expression profiles in healing rat fractures treated with nail and plate fixation

To compare fracture healing therapies, the gene expression profiles of rat fracture samples treated with nail and plate fixation were analyzed at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery. The gene expression profiles GSE1685, which include 19 samples, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. After preprocessing, the gene expression profiles were subjected to time series analysis using the Short Time-series Expression Miner software, and the significantly differentially expressed gene (DEG) sets were selected. Further, the distributions of those DEG sets on the corresponding chromosomes were identified using the functional classification tool. Finally, the DEGs were subjected to function and pathway enrichment analysis. DEG analysis indicated that the number of DEGs (854 genes) from nail fixation was significantly lower than that of DEGs (1029 genes) from plate fixation. The DEGs were mainly enriched in cell proliferation, cellular localization, and response to wounding functions. Several critical DEGs expressed during the fracture healing process were screened, and 2 common pathways were enriched for the DEGs in the nail fixation and plate fixation. These DEGs and pathways may be potential targets or predictive markers during fracture healing.

New insight into power-law behavior of fragment size distributions in the C₆₀ multifragmentation regime

Previous experimental work has shown that a phase transition in C60 multifragmentation induced by nanosecond laser occurs at almost constant temperature covering a wide range of laser fluency. Here the relative yields of ionic fragments (IFs) C(n)(+) (n = 1-20) resulting from the multifragmentation are measured within the phase transition region. By excluding two small IFs and magic IFs due to their abnormal behavior, the data for residual IFs are used to estimate the size distributions of primary intermediate-mass IFs in the multifragmentation regime. The distributions are found to obey power laws n(-τ). Furthermore, the exponent τ values have sensitive dependence on lower laser fluency and converge to a constant of about 2.4 ± 0.2 for larger fluencies. These observations are in good agreement with an explanation based on the Fisher droplet model, offering the tantalizing possibility of a liquid-to-gas phase transition in C60 systems.

Spinal protein kinase Mζ contributes to the maintenance of peripheral inflammation-primed persistent nociceptive sensitization after plantar incision

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is correlated with preoperative pain status and amplification of central sensitization. Protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) is an essential substrate of the late long-term potentiation underlying central sensitization, which is one mechanism of pain memory formation. However, the potential contributions of spinal PKMζ to PPSP, a condition in which preoperative pain is prevalent, are not known.

METHODS

Here, a modified 'hyperalgesia priming' model was established to simulate the clinical situation. This model used intraplantar injections of carrageenan (Car) as priming stimuli to elicit persistent nociceptive sensitization after plantar incision in rats. Upon treatment with PKMζ inhibitor ZIP, Scr-ZIP or protein kinase Cs (PKCs) inhibitor NPC-15437, altered behaviour and spinal PKMζ/PKCs expression were observed.

RESULTS

A long-lasting hypersensitivity induced by Car-priming was identified and precipitated by subsequent plantar incision in this 'two-hit' paradigm. Post-treatment with ZIP, but not Scr-ZIP and NPC-15437, after the resolution of Car-priming selectively relieved hypersensitivity. In contrast, pre-priming NPC-15437 treatment only prevented Car-induced initial transient hyperalgesia. Immunoassays showed a significant decrease in spinal PKMζ expression after plantar incision with post-priming ZIP treatment as compared with Scr-ZIP and NPC-15437, but no notable differences in PKCs expression were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal PKCs solely contribute to the initial induction of persistent pain, whereas PKMζ plays an essential role in spinal plasticity storage. PKMζ is responsible for the maintenance of peripheral inflammation-primed PPSP. Therefore, spinal PKMζ may be a therapeutic target to prevent surgery-induced chronic pain in patients with preoperative pain.

Operation of Lanzhou all permanent electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 2 on 320 kV platform with highly charged ions

The 320 kV platform for multi-discipline research with highly charged ions is a heavy ion beam acceleration instrument developed by Institute of Modern Physics, which is dedicated to basic scientific researches such as plasma, atom, material physics, and astrophysics, etc. The platform has delivered ion beams of 400 species for 36,000 h. The average operation time is around 5000 h/year. With the beams provided by the platform, lots of outstanding progresses were made in various research fields. The ion source of the platform is an all-permanent magnet electron cyclotron resonance ion source, LAPECR2 (Lanzhou All Permanent ECR ion source No. 2). The maximum axial magnetic fields are 1.28 T at injection and 1.07 T at extraction, and the radial magnetic field is up to 1.21 T at the inner wall of the plasma chamber. The ion source is capable to produce low, medium, and high charge state gaseous and metallic ion beams, such as H(+), (40)Ar(8+), (129)Xe(30+), (209)Bi(33+), etc. This paper will present the latest result of LAPECR2 and the routine operation status for the high voltage platform.

Monoclonal antibody-related drugs for cancer therapy

Much progress has been made during the last few decades in the treatment of malignancies. Many types of cancer cells comprising the tumor mass carry molecular markers that are not expressed or are expressed at much lower levels in normal cells. These findings provide new leads to drug design and development of therapeutic strategies involving monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or related antibody drugs to treat malignancies. This article reviews recent advances in this targeting approach with a focus on the evolution and current use of prospective antibody drugs as effective ways to treat cancer. Additionally, the development of prospective antibody-drug conjugates will also be briefly described.

NF-κB-mediated transcriptional upregulation of TNFAIP2 by the Epstein-Barr virus oncoprotein, LMP1, promotes cell motility in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a metastasis-prone epithelial cancer. We previously showed that tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2) is highly expressed in NPC tumor tissues and is correlated with metastasis and poor survival in NPC patients. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the EBV oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), can transcriptionally induce TNFAIP2 expression via NF-κB. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting revealed that LMP1 induces TNFAIP2 expression through its C-terminal-activating region (CTAR2) domain, which is required for transduction of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling. Inhibition of NF-κB activation or depletion of p65 (a component of NF-κB) by RNA interference abolished the LMP1-induced expression of TNFAIP2, whereas ectopic expression of p65 was sufficient to induce TNFAIP2 expression. Luciferase reporter assays showed that LMP1 transcriptionally induces TNFAIP2 expression through a newly identified NF-κB-binding site within the TNFAIP2 promoter (-3,869 to -3,860 bp). Immunohistochemical analysis of NPC biopsy specimens further revealed a significant correlation between the protein levels of TNFAIP2 and activated p65 (R=0.689, P<0.001), indicating that our findings are clinically relevant. Immunofluorescence microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that TNFAIP2 associates with actin and is involved in the formation of actin-based membrane protrusions. Furthermore, transwell migration assays demonstrated that TNFAIP2 contributes to LMP1-induced cell motility. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the regulation of TNFAIP2 and its role in promoting NPC tumor progression.

Genetic variability in copper-transporting P-type adenosine triphosphatase (ATP7B) is associated with Alzheimer's disease in a Chinese population

Previous experiments demonstrated that transgenic mice carrying both amyloid precursor protein and mutant ATP7B transgenes reduce amyloid plaques and diminish plasma Abeta levels. These experiments showed that a structural change of ATP7B may affect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) susceptibility. In this study three missense SNPs in ATP7B gene (rs1801243, rs1801244, and rs1801249) were chosen to test whether they were associated with AD. We tested this hypothesis using a case control design. The experimental data showed that there was a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) for SNP rs1801249 (c.3419 T greater than C, Val1140Ala) in the case group (p = 0.014) but not in the control group and that there was an association between SNP rs1801249 and AD under a recessive model (p = 0.003). The data also showed that the genotype frequency distribution of the ATP7B c.1366 G greater than C polymorphism (rs1801244, Val456Leu) differed significantly between the AD patients and the normal subjects (p = 0.012). In addition, the frequency of the TGC haplotype of SNPs rs1801243, rs1801244, and rs1801249 was significantly higher in the AD patients compared with the normal subjects (p = 8.49×10-7). These observations suggested that genetic variations in the copper transporter gene ATP7B might contribute to AD pathogenesis in the Taiwanese population.

Association analysis of dopaminergic gene variants (Comt, Drd4 And Dat1) with Alzheimer s disease

Defects in dopaminergic transmission play important roles in the disturbance of synaptic plasticity and even in advanced cognitive behavior. However, the relationship between genes involved in the regulation of dopamine levels and predisposition for Alzheimer s disease (AD) remains unclear. The potential association of dopamine-modulating gene polymorphisms with AD was evaluated. We performed a case-control study with 120 patients and 86 healthy controls. Two catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2020917 and rs4646312), two dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) SNPs (rs3758653 and rs916455), and four dopamine transporter (DAT1) SNPs (rs2937639, rs6347, rs12516948 and rs11133762) were investigated. The T allele at the DRD4 SNP (rs3758653) was found to be significantly associated with AD. Our results also showed that haplotype frequencies, observed from the analyzed SNPs, were distributed significantly differently in AD patients vs control subjects. Moreover, a strong association was observed between the A allele at rs6347 of DAT1 and moderate stage of dementia. These observations suggest that genetic variations in the dopamine-modulating genes, COMT, DRD4 and DAT1, may contribute to AD pathogenesis in the Taiwanese population.

Long-term outcomes following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with clinical T2N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The optimal treatment for patients with local esophageal cancer (cT2N0 disease) has not yet been defined. We sought to determine whether neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) can improve prognosis compared with direct esophagectomy in this patient group. Between 1994 and 2005, patients with cT2N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent either neoadjuvant CRT or surgery as first-line treatment were retrospectively reviewed. We collected information on their demographic characteristics, staging modality, clinical and pathological stages, perioperative course, and survival. The study endpoints included tumor recurrence, disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival rate. Of the 71 eligible patients, 14 received an esophagectomy first, whereas the remaining 57 received neoadjuvant CRT first. Despite the high pathological complete response (pCR) rate of 37% after neoadjuvant CRT, routine neoadjuvant CRT did not translate into better survival compared to direct surgery (5-year DSS: 39% vs. 68%, P= 0.17). The dramatic survival difference between pCR and non-pCR patients (5-year DSS: 85% vs. 4%, P < 0.001) accounts for these unsatisfactory results. In our series, the administration of neoadjuvant CRT to patients with clinical stage T2N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma did not significantly improve outcomes compared with direct esophagectomy.

Digestive enzymes along digestive tract of a carnivorous fish Glyptosternum maculatum (Sisoridae, Siluriformes)

This study attempted to determine the presence, distribution and levels of digestive proteases, pepsin, amylase and lipase in the homogenates of digestive tract of a freshwater, cold-adapted, carnivorous teleost of Tibet, Glyptosternum maculatum (n= 10, mean weight: 129.6±28.9 g, mean length: 195.1±16.6 mm, approximately 6 years old), at different temperatures and pH levels. The descending order of protease activity was as follows: stomach (pepsin, 16.16±0.96 U/mg protein), anterior intestine (3.18±0.25 U/mg protein), posterior intestine (1.76±0.21 U/mg protein) and middle intestine (1.52±0.23 U/mg protein). Amylase activity levels in descending order were as follows: anterior intestine (0.0062±0.0007 U/mg protein), stomach (0.0032±0.0009 U/mg protein), middle intestine (0.0023±0.0005 U/mg protein) and posterior intestine (0.0023±0.0004 U/mg protein). The highest lipase activity was found in the anterior intestine (0.83±0.25 U/mg protein), followed by posterior intestine (0.51±0.19 U/mg protein), middle intestine (0.48±0.09 U/mg protein) and stomach (0.39±0.10 U/mg protein). The optimal temperature and pH level for protease were 50°C and 9.0-10.0, respectively, along the intestine. The pepsin optima in the stomach were 30°C and 2.0 respectively. The optimal temperature for amylase was found to be 30°C along the digestive tract and the optimal pH was 7.0 in the intestine and 6.0 in the stomach. The optimal temperature and pH levels of lipase were 30°C, pH 6.0 for the stomach and 40-50°C, pH 8.0 for the intestine, respectively. Hepato-somatic index was 1.35±0.2% and relative intestine length was 0.90±0.19. The weight ratio of the stomach and intestine to body weight was 1.63±0.43% and 1.57±0.24% respectively.

Polymorphisms in the DNA repair gene XRCC1 and associations with systemic lupus erythematosus risk in the Taiwanese Han Chinese population

XRCC1 plays a central role in mammalian DNA repair processes. Two polymorphisms of XRCC1, rs1799782 (Arg > Trp at codon 194) and rs25487 (Arg > Gln at codon 399), are common in the Han Chinese population. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between these two functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Taiwanese Han Chinese population. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) on 172 SLE patients and 160 normal controls. Our data indicate that the frequency of A/G at codon 399 differed between patients and controls (p = 0.01; odds ratio: 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.75), but the allelic frequency analysis did not reveal significant differences. For the SNP at codon 194, there were no differences in either allelic or genotype frequencies between SLE patients and normal subjects. Clinical association studies of SLE symptoms revealed the involvement of the A/G polymorphism at codon 399 in SLE pathogenesis. Our results indicate that a functional SNP at codon 399 of XRCC1 is associated with the development of SLE.

The effects of head flexion on airway seal, quality of ventilation and orogastric tube placement using the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway

This prospective self-controlled study was designed to evaluate the influences of head flexion on airway seal, quality of ventilation, and orogastric tube placement through the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (ProSeal LMA) in 80 anaesthetised, paralysed adult patients. After the ProSeal LMA was inserted and the cuff pressure was set at 5.9 kPa, ventilation quality, airway seal pressure, fibreoptic positions of the cuff and the drainage tube, orogastric tube placement and efficacy of intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) were assessed in two randomly selected positions: neutral and flexed position. When compared to the neutral head position, the head flexed significantly improved the airway seal pressure and the quality of ventilation of the ProSeal LMA (p < 0.05). Fibreoptic scores of the cuff position did not correlate with either the ability to obtain excellent or adequate ventilation through the ProSeal LMA or the ability to generate an airway seal pressure of >or= 2 kPa. Orogastric tube placement via the drainage tube was successful on the first attempt in all patients in the neutral position compared with seven failures following three attempts in the flexed position (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two head positions in the volume of air required to obtain an intracuff pressure of 5.9 kPa, fibreoptic score of the drainage tube position, and expiratory tidal volume and peak inspiratory pressure during IPPV (p > 0.05). In conclusion, head flexion improves airway seal and ventilation quality of the ProSeal LMA. However, placement of an orogastric tube via the drainage tube is impaired in the flexed position compared to the neutral position. Fibreoptic scoring of the ProSeal cuff position is not an accurate test to assess the airway seal and ventilation function.

Salvage surgery after failed chemoradiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

AIMS

To investigate the survival benefit and preoperative risk factors for hospital mortality of salvage surgery in esophageal cancer patients who had locoregional residual/recurrent tumor after definitive chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the esophageal cancer patients who presented at our hospital from 1997 to 2004. Forty-seven patients who had squamous cell cancer and developed locoregional recurrent/persistent disease after primary definitive chemoradiotherapy were elected. Twenty-seven of them received salvage esophagectomy (group 1) and the other 20 underwent non-operative treatment only (group 2). In order to assess the surgery-related mobility and mortality in group 1, 191 patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by operation during the same time period were also enrolled (group 3).

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival of group 1 patients was 25.4%. In contrast, all of the patients in the group 2 died within 16.7 months. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0029). In comparison with group 3, group 1 patients had significantly more surgery-related complications and hospital mortality. In univariate analysis for preoperative risk factors, a low albumin or hemoglobulin level was associated with high hospital mortality in group 1 (p=0.004 and 0.003, respectively). After multivariate analysis, only the low albumin level remained borderline significance. As for disease specific survival after salvage surgery, R0 resection was the only independent prognosticator (p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

Salvage surgery provides survival benefit in esophageal cancer patients with locoregional persistent or recurrent disease after primary definitive chemoradiotherapy. Preoperative albumin and hemoglobulin levels are associated with hospital mortality and may aid in selecting suitable patient for salvage surgery.

Different small-dose sufentanil blunting cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in children: a randomized, double-blind comparison

BACKGROUND

Sufentanil is a potent opioid analgesic frequently used in clinical anaesthesia. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed to assess the efficacy of different small-dose sufentanil attenuating the cardiovascular intubation response in healthy children, aiming at determining the optimal dose of sufentanil for this purpose.

METHODS

A total of 165 children aged 3-9 yr were randomized to one of four groups to receive the following in a double-blind manner: normal saline (Group 1), sufentanil 0.1 microg kg(-1) (Group 2), sufentanil 0.2 microg kg(-1) (Group 3), and sufentanil 0.3 microg kg(-1) (Group 4). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2.5 mg kg(-1) and vecuronium 0.1 mg kg(-1). Non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction of anaesthesia (baseline value), at immediately before intubation (post-induction values), at intubation, and at 1 min intervals for 5 min after intubation. The per cent changes of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HR during the observation were calculated.

RESULTS

Except for Group 4, tracheal intubation caused significant increases in BP and HR in Groups 1, 2, and 3 compared with baseline values. BP and HR at intubation and their maximum values during the observation were significantly different among the four groups. The maximum per cent increases of SBP and HR during the observation were 20 and 28% of baseline values, respectively, in Group 2, 13 and 13% in Group 3, and 0 and 4% in Group 4 compared with 24 and 37% in Group 1. Except for the Group 3 vs Group 4 comparison, the incidences of SBP and HR per cent increases >30% of baseline values were also significantly different among the four groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In combination with propofol for induction of anaesthesia in children, the bolus administration of sufentanil can produce a dose-related attenuation of the cardiovascular intubation response and sufentanil 0.3 microg kg(-1) can completely abolish the cardiovascular intubation response.

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Microsatellite markers for the threatened Bliss Rapids snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) and cross-amplification in its congener, T. insperata

We developed and tested microsatellite markers to investigate population structure of a threatened North American freshwater gastropod, Taylorconcha serpenticola. Of the 21 primer pairs that were evaluated, 11 were readily optimized and scored, providing amplification of 12 loci that were screened for 820 specimens from 29 populations. The number of alleles across 11 of these polymorphic loci ranged from three to 20 and the observed heterozygosity varied from 0.0061 to 0.7561. All loci yielded suitable amplification products in the second species of Taylorconcha (T. insperata) and three proved to be diagnostic for these congeners, demonstrating that these markers are also useful for species identification studies.

Modified neodymium-YAG laser in rigid bronchoscopy

The use of laser bronchoscopy in the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis has been reported in the past. It is generally safe and effective; however, the complications of haemorrhage, airway perforation, or airway fire are relatively frequent among less experienced surgeons. We illustrate a modified technique of laser probe location to simplify the laser ablation procedure.

What we see is not what we get in catamenial haemoptysis

Catamenial haemoptysis is rare entity, a part of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. We present a young woman who was timely diagnosed, successfully treated using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and pathologically confirmed the case. The change in lung parenchyma over time in the computed tomography is highlighted.

Choice of endogenous control for gene expression in nonsmall cell lung cancer

This study attempts to identify a suitable endogenous control gene for real-time RT-PCR in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. Expression of seven common endogenous control genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), v-abl Abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 1, beta-2-microglobulin, hypoxanthin phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1), phosphoglycerate kinase 1, peptidylprolyl isomerase A, and ribosomal protein, large, P0) in 18 heterogenous NSCLC tumour specimens, 10 normal lung tissues and six NSCLC cell lines were analysed by quantitative RT-PCR. The variances and correlation coefficients of cycle threshold (Ct) value of each control gene in three tissue groups and subgroups were compared. The difference and correlation coefficients between the Ct value for each control gene and the mean Ct value of the remaining control genes were calculated. The GAPDH gene transcript showed the least variance and linear regression analysis demonstrated that GAPDH and HPRT had the strongest correlation in pooled tumour and normal lung tissues. Furthermore, GAPDH expression value showed stringent correlation and had the lowest difference with the mean expression value of the remaining endogenous control genes. Among the seven common endogenous control genes, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is the most suitable for quantitative RT-PCR reaction in nonsmall cell lung cancer tissue samples.

Genetic variation in the Desert Springsnail (Tryonia porrecta): implications for reproductive mode and dispersal

Allozymes and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) sequences were analysed to determine whether populations of the western North American gastropod Tryonia porrecta (from California, Nevada, Utah, and northwest Mexico) are strongly differentiated in accordance with traditional interpretation of regional fauna as ancient relicts inhabiting isolated fragments of late Tertiary palaeodrainages. These data were also used to assess whether this species, for which males have not been recorded, is a rare example of a molluscan parthenogen. Both data sets strongly supported monophyly of T. porrecta populations. Five of the nine sampled populations consisted of a single monoallelic allozyme genotype while the others contained two to 10 distinct genotypes. Allozymic data for genetically diverse Utah populations provided evidence of clonal and sexual reproduction. mtCOI haplotypes of T. porrecta formed two subgroups which differed by 1.99-2.60%. The common haplotype was found in seven populations with rare haplotypes observed in single populations. Based on these results and an available mtCOI molecular clock for related hydrobiid snails, T. porrecta is interpreted as a primarily parthenogenetic species that undergoes occasional sexual reproduction and has accumulated substantial diversity following its mid-Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene origin. Our results also suggest that the distribution of present-day populations of these gill-breathing snails did not result from fragmentation of an ancient, well-integrated drainage but instead reflects overland colonization of habitats which only recently became available following desiccation of late Quaternary pluvial lakes.

A novel form of pRb expressed during normal myelopoiesis and in tumour-associated macrophages

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor promotes cell cycle exit, terminal differentiation and survival during normal development and is functionally inactivated in most human cancers. We have identified a novel myeloid-specific form of retinoblastoma protein (pRb), termed deltaRb-p70, that exists in vivo as an N-terminally truncated form of full-length pRb. DeltaRb-p70 appears to be the product of alternative translation and is expressed in primary myeloid cells in fetal liver, bone marrow and spleen. It is also expressed in the human myelomonocytic cell line U937 and is down-regulated as U937s are induced to differentiate. We have also detected deltaRb-p70 expression in primary human breast tumours and we have determined that deltaRb-p70 is specifically expressed in tumour-associated macrophages. These data identify a novel mechanism for regulating pRb expression that is unique to the myeloid system.

Facilitation of alternative one-lung and two-lung ventilation by use of an endotracheal tube exchanger for pediatric empyema during video-assisted thoracoscopy

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as an innovative and popular procedure for the management of postpneumonic empyema in children refractory to medical response. Alternative uses of two- and one-lung ventilations have been required during VATS. This study evaluated the efficacy of alternating one- and two-lung ventilation through intraoperatively through the same single-lumen endobronchial tube using a tube exchanger during a thoracoscopic procedure for pediatric empyema.

METHODS

Between May 1995 and August 2001, 62 consecutive pediatric patients undergoing VATS for evacuation of the loculated empyema cavity were studied. The same single-lumen endobronchial tube was used, with an indwelling endotracheal tube exchanger in place for readjustment of the tube position to provide alternation of one- and two-lung ventilations in a thoracosopic procedure. Duration of operation, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peak airway pressure, an partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) and carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) changes during one- and two-lung ventilations were recorded. The quality of lung deflation and inflation was rated by the surgeon using direct visualization as excellent, fair or poor.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 90 min (range, 50-120 min). No differences were found in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, or PaO(2) during one- and two-lung ventilations. Peak airway pressure and PaCO(2) during two-lung ventilation were significantly higher than during one-lung ventilation. The quality of lung deflation and inflation was judged excellent for all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The VATS procedure can be performed safely and effectively in children using proper anesthetic technique. Retention of a tube exchanger within a single-lumen endobronchial tube an easily provide alternative one- and two-lung ventilations without inducing any significant airway flow obstruction during the operation.

Incidence of incisional recurrence after thoracoscopy

BACKGROUND

Incisional recurrence after thoracoscopic surgery has been reported infrequently. In recent years, several reports of port-site recurrence after laparoscopic oncologic procedures have been published. This study evaluates the incidence of incisional recurrence among patients with intrathoracic malignancy after diagnostic and therapeutic thoracoscopy.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients with intrathoracic malignancies who underwent thoracoscopic procedures between 1992 and 1998 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center were reviewed. Information includes preoperative tumor status, thoracoscopic findings, primary tumor location, tumor pathology, procedures performed, and perioperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1,069 patients with known intrathoracic malignancies underwent thoracoscopy. The mean follow-up time was 17.1 months (range, 1-68 months). Two recurrences at the incision were identified (0.19%). Both patients with incision-site recurrence had advanced intrathoracic disease at the time of thoracoscopy. The one patient had a malignant pleural effusion (T4), and the other had diffuse pleural metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of incisional recurrence after thoracoscopic oncologic surgery is very low. When recurrence occurs at the incision, it is associated most commonly with advanced intrathoracic disease. Additional patients and a longer follow-up evaluation are required, however, to confirm this observation.

Cyclosporine enhances vasorelaxation in coronary but not pulmonary artery after 16-hour preservation with UW solution

Cyclosporine (CsA), a calcineurin inhibitor, has been associated with endothelial dysfunction in transplant patients. Human and in vitro studies suggest that CsA produces endothelial dysfunction by impairing vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation. However, little is know about the CsA effects to modulate the vasorelaxation after prolonged graft preservation. In this study using a protocol designed to eliminate the influences of infusion pressure and shear stress, we evaluated the effect of CsA on vasorelaxation of coronary and pulmonary arteries after 16-hour University of Wisconsin (UW) solution preservation.

Thoracoscopic-assisted management of postpneumonic empyema in children refractory to medical response

BACKGROUND

Empyema frequently complicates the hospitalization of children; and in advanced stages, it often requires surgical intervention. In this study, we investigated the use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the management of postpneumonic empyema in children who have had an unsatisfactory medical response.

METHODS

We did a retrospective review of the medical records of 51 consecutive patients with loculated empyema (mean age, 5 years; range, 2 months to 15 years) hospitalized at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1995 and 2000. All patients underwent debridement of the necrotic lung tissue and evacuation of the loculated empyema cavity using a VATS approach.

RESULTS

The mean operating time for the 51 patients was 90 min (range, 50-210); mean blood loss was 70 cc. Fever subsided within 72 h postoperatively in all patients. On average, chest tubing was removed on the 7th postoperative day (range, 4-18 days). However, in one patient who suffered from a prolonged air leak, the chest tube was not removed until day 18. The mean postoperative stay for all patients was 13.7 days (range, 9-23). No deaths occurred, and all of the children made a good recovery. A follow-up revealed that one of the 51 children patient suffered a left upper lung abscess 7 months after discharge. Left upper lobectomy was performed in this case, and the patient was discharged uneventfully 10 days after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric empyema. Thoracoscopic-assisted surgery facilitates visualization, evacuation, and debridement of the necrotizing lung tissue. Early surgical intervention can avoid lengthy hospitalization and prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy, and it can accelerate clinical recovery.

[Computer-assisted acquisition and analysis of high-resolution spectrum]

Based on the unique characteristic of spectral line center in the whole spectrum and noise threshold, a computer approach and program for the determination of spectral line position and relative intensity automatically are presented in this paper. Exploring this approach and computer program, we pre-analyzed the partially overlapped 16 line TuFIR experiment spectra of CHF3. The results of line positions and intensities for these TuFIR spectra are in excellent agreement with the results by least-square fit with heavily manual inference. The accuracy and efficiency of this method and program will ensure their wide application in complex high-resolution molecular spectrum.