[Emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disease-related ulcers]

The global prevalence and incidence of autoimmune diseases are increasing year by year, and the autoimmune diseases have become a major threat to public health. In the progression of the diseases, persistent and complex abnormal immune responses often lead to long-term unhealed skin ulcers, which not only affect the life quality of patients, but also lead to the aggravation of primary diseases. Therefore, doctors in burn surgery and other wound repair surgeries should pay attention to the understanding of autoimmune diseases. In the treatment of autoimmune disease-related ulcers, it is recommended to formulate a unified treatment plan according to the law of occurrence and development of the diseases, and multidisciplinary cooperation is needed to accelerate wound healing and improve the quality of wound healing.

Site-directed mutation of β-galactosidase from Streptococcus thermophilus for galactooligosaccharide-enriched yogurt making

β-Galactosidase is one of the most important enzymes used in dairy processing. It converts lactose into glucose and galactose, and also catalyzes galactose to form galactooligosaccharides (GOS), so-called prebiotics. However, most of the β-galactosidases from the starter cultures have low transgalactosylation activities, the process that results in galactose accumulation in yogurt. Here, a site-directed mutation strategy was attempted, to genetically modify β-galactosidase from Streptococcus thermophilus. Out of 28 Strep. thermophilus strains, a β-galactosidase gene named bgaQ, encoded for high β-galactosidase hydrolysis activity (BgaQ), was cloned from the strain Strep. thermophilus SDMCC050237. It was 3,081 bp in size, with 1,027 deduced amino acid residuals, which belonged to the GH2 family. After replacing the Tyr⁸⁰¹ and Pro⁸⁰² around the active sites of BgaQ with His⁸⁰¹ and Gly⁸⁰², the GOS synthesis of the generated mutant protein BgaQ-8012 increased from 20.5% to 26.7% at 5% lactose, and no hydrolysis activity altered obviously. Subsequently, the purified BgaQ or BgaQ-8012 was added to sterilized milk inoculated with 2 starters from Strep. thermophilus SDMCC050237 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ATCC11842. The GOS yields with added BgaQ or BgaQ-8012 rose to 5.8 and 8.3 g/L, respectively, compared with a yield of 3.7 g/L without enzymes added. Meanwhile, the addition of the BgaQ or BgaQ-8012 reduced the lactose content by 49.3% and 54.4% in the fermented yogurt and shortened the curd time. Therefore, this study provided a site-directed mutation strategy for improvement of the transgalactosylation activity of β-galactosidase from Strep. thermophilus for GOS-enriched yogurt making.

Horizontal Rafting Plate for Treatment of the Tibial Plateau Fracture

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the value of a horizontal rafting plate in treating tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

The data of 24 patients in whom a horizontal rafting plate was used to treat a tibial plateau fracture between October 2014 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 8 females, aged 21–63 years old, with an average of 40 ± 14.68 years. The fractures included 13 in the left knee and 11 in the right knee. The places where the horizontal rafting plate were used included the anterior margin of tibia, anterolateral tibia, and posterolateral tibia. All cases were followed up for 12–24 months, with an average follow‐up of 17.5 ± 5.0 months. At the last follow‐up, the Rasmussen radiological criteria were used to evaluate the effect of fracture reduction and fixation. The knee joint function was evaluated using the Rasmussen functional score. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and three‐dimensional reconstruction were performed preoperatively and postoperatively, with the quality of reduction of the fractured articular surface clarified by the final follow‐up. The flexion and extension abilities of the knee joint were also measured in the postoperative follow‐up.

Results

Preoperative CT scanning showed that the gap of the tibial plateau was 8.00 ± 1.40 (5–24) mm. The heights of the fracture of the articular surface at all three sites during the final follow‐ups were significantly different from the height before the surgery (P < 0.05). The vertical distance between the articular line and the highest point of the articular surface after reduction was 0.17 ± 0.05 mm. Anatomic reductions were obtained in 24 patients. The Rasmussen functional score after surgeries was 27.25 ± 0.94 points. Bony union was achieved in all the patients. According to the Rasmussen radiological criteria, the scores during the last follow‐up were as follows: the total score was 13–18 points, with an average of 16.00 ± 1.72 points; the scores were excellent in 17 cases and good in seven cases. Therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. No infection or fracture nonunion was found.

Conclusion

Using a horizontal plate can be an effective method for treating special types of fractures of the tibial plateau, including the anterior margin and anterolateral and posterolateral tibial plateau, with satisfactory treatment efficacy.

Surgical Strategy for Anterior Tibial Plateau Fractures in Hyperextension Knee Injuries

Objective

The aim of the present study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and clinical results for anterior tibial plateau fractures caused by hyperextension injuries.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 26 cases of anterior tibial plateau fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from January 2016 to December 2019, including 16 men and 10 women, aged 26–68 years old, with an average age of 47 ± 12.5 years. According to the three‐column theory classification, there were 16 cases of single‐column fractures (9 cases of anteromedial fractures and 7 cases of anterolateral fractures), 3 cases of two‐column fractures (anteromedial + anterolateral fractures), and 7 cases of three‐column fractures. Options for the surgical approach included anteromedial, anterolateral, modified anterior median, and anterolateral + posteromedial incision. The implants included a T‐shaped plate, an L‐shaped plate, a horizontal plate, and a TomoFix plate. The surgical approach and fixation method were selected based on the characteristics of the anterior tibial fracture. The Rasmussen radiological criteria were used to evaluate the effects of fracture reduction and fixation. The knee joint function was evaluated using the knee function evaluation criteria of the Hospital for Special Surgery. Medial and lateral stress tests, the Lachman test, and the pivot shift test were used to evaluate the stability of the knee joint. The range of knee motion was recorded.

Results

All cases were followed up for 12–24 months, with an average follow up of 15.7 months. The operation time was (148 ± 42) min; the intraoperative blood loss was (150 ± 50) mL. A total of 22 cases were anatomically reduced and 4 cases were well‐reduced, and the compression reduction rate was 100%. According to the Rasmussen radiology scoring, 17 cases were excellent and 9 cases were good. The excellent and good rate was 100%. The fracture healing time was 3.3 months. There is no difference in fracture healing time for different fracture types. Both the Lachman and pivot shift test findings were normal in 24 patients and nearly normal in 2 patients. The posterior drawer test was normal in 25 patients and close to normal in 1 patient. The varus stress test was normal in 24 patients and nearly normal in 2 patients, while the valgus stress test was normal in 23 patients, nearly normal in 2 patients, and abnormal in 1 patient. The range of motion (ROM) was 100°–137°, with an average of 125° ± 11.7°. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score at the last follow up was 79–98 points, with an average of 87.54 ± 8.36 points; the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 5 cases. Therefore, 100% of results were excellent or good. Two cases had superficial wound infections after the operation. The recovery of 2 patients with common peroneal nerve injury was poor.

Conclusion

The appropriate surgical approach and fixation method were performed according to the different positions of the anterior tibial fracture and satisfactory results were obtained after surgery.

Histone methyltransferase DOT1L coordinates AR and MYC stability in prostate cancer

The histone methyltransferase DOT1L methylates lysine 79 (K79) on histone H3 and is involved in Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) fusion leukemogenesis; however, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) is undefined. Here we show that DOT1L is overexpressed in PCa and is associated with poor outcome. Genetic and chemical inhibition of DOT1L selectively impaired the viability of androgen receptor (AR)-positive PCa cells and organoids, including castration-resistant and enzalutamide-resistant cells. The sensitivity of AR-positive cells is due to a distal K79 methylation-marked enhancer in the MYC gene bound by AR and DOT1L not present in AR-negative cells. DOT1L inhibition leads to reduced MYC expression and upregulation of MYC-regulated E3 ubiquitin ligases HECTD4 and MYCBP2, which promote AR and MYC degradation. This leads to further repression of MYC in a negative feed forward manner. Thus DOT1L selectively regulates the tumorigenicity of AR-positive prostate cancer cells and is a promising therapeutic target for PCa.

Histone methyltransferase, DOTL1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of MLL-rearranged leukemia, however, not much is known of its role in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, the authors report that DOTL1 inhibition suppresses both androgen receptor and MYC pathways in a negative feed forward manner to reduce growth of AR-positive PCa.

Population dynamics of Echinops gmelinii Turcz. at different successional stages of biological soil crusts in a temperate desert in China

The effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on vascular plant growth can be positive, neutral or negative, and little information is available on the impacts of different BSC successional stages on vascular plant population dynamics. We analysed seedling emergence, survival, plant growth and reproduction in response to different BSC successional stages (i.e. habitats: bare soil, cyanobacteria, lichen and moss crusts) in natural populations of Echinops gmelinii Turcz. in the Tengger Desert of northwest China. The winter annual E. gmelinii is a dominant pioneer herb after sand stabilisation. During the early stages of BSC succession, the studied populations of E. gmelinii were characterised by high density, plant growth and fecundity. As the BSC succession proceeded beyond moss crusts, the fecundity decreased sharply, which limited seedling recruitment. Differences in seedling survival among the successional stages were not evident, indicating that BSC have little effect on survival in arid desert regions. Moreover, E. gmelinii biomass allocation exhibited low plasticity, and only reproductive allocation was sensitive to the various habitats. Our results further suggest that the negative effects of BSC succession on population dynamics are primarily driven by increasing topsoil water-holding capacity and decreasing rain water infiltration into deeper soil. We conclude that BSC succession drives population dynamics of E. gmelinii, primarily via its effect on soil moisture. The primary cause for E. gmelinii population decline during the moss-dominated stage of BSC succession is decreased fecundity of individual plants, with declining seed mass possibly reducing the success of seedling establishment.

[Female reproductive system dysplasia: a clinical study of 924 cases]

Objective: To explore the relationship between different types of female reproductive system dysplasia and age of visit, clinical manifestations, common types of combined malformations and endometriosis. Methods: The patient's medical records in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2002 to June 2016 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 924 cases of genital tract dysplasia, uterine dysplasia (65.3%, 824/1 261) was the most common, followed by vaginal dysplasia (28.3%, 357/1 261), hymen atresia and urogenital fistula (3.7%, 47/1 261), and cervical dysplasia (2.6%, 33/1 261). (1) The youngest age was in patients with hymen atresia and urogenital fistula, with a median of 14.5 years old, while the older age were in patients with uterine, vaginal and cervical dysplasia, with median age of 25.0, 24.0 and 23.0 years old, respectively. (2) The clinical manifestations were lack of specificity, mainly abnormal findings of physical examination or accessory examination, primary amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, infertility, adverse pregnancy history. (3) About other systemic malformations, urological malformations were the most common (4.8%, 44/924), followed by spinal malformations (0.5%, 5/924), inguinal hernia (0.4%, 4/924), heart malformations (0.2%, 2/924), cleft lip and palate (0.2%, 2/924). Oblique vaginal septal syndrome and MRKH syndrome were the most likely to be associated with other system malformations. (4) About combination with endometriosis, there was no significant difference between obstructive genital tract malformations (2.3%, 9/385) and non obstructive genital tract malformations (1.7%, 9/539; P=0.469). Conclusions: Female reproductive system dysplasia is the most common in uterine dysplasia, followed by vaginal dysplasia, hymen atresia and urogenital fistula, and cervical dysplasia. The age of visit is generally older, often found by abnormal findings of physical examination or accessory examination, primary amenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, infertility, adverse pregnancy history;and could be combined with a variety of other system malformations, most seen by urinary system malformations,there is also the risk of endometriosis.

[Study on the super-antigen genes of group A Streptococcus pyogenes strains isolated from patients with scarlet fever and pharyngeal infection, in Beijing, 2015-2017]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of super-antigen (SAg) of group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), isolated from patients with scarlet fever or pharyngeal infections in Beijing between 2015-2017. Methods: Throat swab specimens from patients with scarlet fever or pharyngeal infections were collected and tested for GAS. Eleven currently known SAg genes including SpeA, speC, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, smeZ and ssa were tested by real-time PCR while M protein genes (emm genes) were amplified and sequenced by PCR. Results: A total of 377 GAS were isolated from 6 801 throat swab specimens, with the positive rate as 5.5%. There were obvious changes noticed among speC, speG, speH and speK in three years. A total of 45 SAg genes profiles were observed, according to the SAgs inclusion. There were significant differences appeared in the frequencies among two of the highest SAg genes profiles between emm1 and emm12 strains (χ(2)=38.196, P<0.001; χ(2)=72.310, P<0.001). There also appeared significant differences in the frequencies of speA, speH, speI and speJ between emm1 and emm12 strains (χ(2)=146.154, P<0.001; χ(2)=52.31, P<0.001; χ(2)=58.43, P<0.001; χ(2)=144.70, P<0.001). Conclusions: Obvious changes were noticed among SAg genes including speC, speG, speH and speK from patients with scarlet fever or pharyngeal infections in Beijing between 2015-2017. SAg genes including speA, speH, speI and speJ appeared to be associated with the emm 1 and emm 12 strains. More kinds of SAg genes profiles were isolated form GAS but with no significant differences seen in the main SAg genes profiles, during the epidemic period.

[Effect of Ca-bentonite on Cu and Zn Forms in Compost and Soil, and Their Absorption by Chinese Cabbage]

Aerobic composting was conducted to evaluate the effects of the different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) of Ca-bentonite (CB) on the speciation of Cu and Zn during pig manure composting, while pot experiment was performed to investigate the role of CB-added compost on the bio-availability of Cu and Zn to Chinese cabbage and its biomass. The results showed that the exchangeable fractions of Cu and Zn decreased, while their oxidized and residual fractions gradually increased during composting; CB addition reduced the distribution ratios of bio-available Cu and Zn in mature compost by approximately 19.84%-48.90% and 4.94%-16.39%, compared to those in the 0% CB-added treatment, and the best result was found in the 10% CB-added treatment.. Meanwhile, the pot experiment confirmed that the addition of compost considerably increased soil organic matter (OM) and electrical conductivity (EC) but decreased soil pH value. On the contrary, the application of CB effectively decreased EC and increased soil pH but inhibited OM mineralization in soil as compared to non-amended treatment. While addition of compost significantly increased plant dry biomass as compared to that with soil alone, maximum biomass was obtained[(6.51±0.34) g·pot^-1] in 10% CB-added compost. After the application of CB-added compost, the contents of the bio-available factions of Cu in the harvested soil increased, while the contents of the exchangeable fractions of Zn decreased by 38.91%, 43.69%, 46.02%, 45.12%, and 54.65%, respectively. The absorption of Cu and Zn by Chinese cabbage was considerably reduced after the application of compost, while the uptake of Zn in the plant declined as the CB rates increased, and the absorption of Cu increased. The study indicated that 10% CB addition could significantly reduce the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in compost, and also showed a continuous effect on restricting the bioavailability of Zn after land utilization. Meanwhile CB amendment enhanced Chinese cabbage biomass and reduced the uptake of Zn.

[Effects of Bentonite Amendment on Detoxification, Heavy Metal Passivation and Estrone Elimination of Sewage Sludge Compost]

Sewage sludge was amended with calcium-based bentonite with addition of no more than 10% in dry weight during the 52-day aerobic composting process, the variations of temperature, pH, organic carbon, EC, total nitrogen, nitrate(NH₄⁺-N) and ammonium(NO₃^--N) were investigated, as well as the compost detoxification(germination test), heavy metals(Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) passivation and estrone(E1) elimination. The results showed that the amendment facilitated the thermophilic phase, promoted the compost heat inactivation and brought the organic carbon mineral up to more than 15.27% -19.71%. During the composting, the compost pH increased at the beginning and then gradually decreased before reaching values of 6.76-7.05, while the amendments alleviated the dramatic pH value fluctuation. The bentonite amendment reduced the salinity of the compost with final product EC remarkably lower than 1132 μS·cm^-1 of the control treatment, and the effect was enhanced with the increase of addition amount. The total nitrogen content increased with time, and there was a remarkable ammonia loss in the beginning stage for the control treatment, while the bentonite addition could facilitate the total nitrogen content increase by reducing the ammonia loss. With the composting variation, the contents of NH₄⁺-N increased and then decreased while the NO₃^--N content increased gradually. The bentonite addition had a slight inhibitory effect on the plant germination but did not influence the compost maturity and detoxification; meanwhile, the amendment improved the heavy metal passivation and reduced the E1 content, especially from 90.48 to 28.27 μg·kg^-1 with 5% treatment during the composting. The study indicated that bentonite addition of lower than 5% was acceptable for the sludge compost amendment, which had great potential in sludge hygienization, detoxification, heavy metal passivation and E1 elimination.

FOXA1 inhibits prostate cancer neuroendocrine differentiation

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) has increasingly become a clinical challenge. The mechanisms by which neuroendocrine (NE) cells arises from prostate adenocarcinoma cells are poorly understood. FOXA1 is a transcription factor of the forkhead family that is required for prostate epithelial differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that FOXA1 loss drives NE differentiation, demarcated by phenotypical changes and NEPC marker expressions. Mechanistically, this is mediated by FOXA1 binding to the promoter of interleukin 8 (IL-8), a chemokine previously shown elevated in NEPC, to directly inhibit its expression. Further, IL-8 upregulation activates the MAPK/ERK pathway, leading to ERK phosphorylation and enolase 2 (ENO2) expression. IL-8 knockdown or ERK inhibition, on the other hand, abolished FOXA1 loss-induced NE differentiation. Analysis of xenograft mouse models confirmed FOXA1 loss in NEPC tumors relative to its adenocarcinoma counterparts. Importantly, FOXA1 is downregulated in human NEPC tumors compared to primary and castration-resistant prostate cancers, and its expression is negatively correlated with that of ENO2. These findings indicate that FOXA1 transcriptionally suppresses IL-8, the expression of which would otherwise stimulate the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote NE differentiation of prostate cancer cells. Our data strongly suggest that FOXA1 loss may play a significant role in enabling prostate cancer progression to NEPC, whereas IL-8 and MAPK/ERK pathways may be promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

PKK deficiency in B cells prevents lupus development in Sle lupus mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that can result in damage to multiple organs. It is well documented that B cells play a critical role in the development of the disease. We previously showed that protein kinase C associated kinase (PKK) is required for B1 cell development as well as for the survival of recirculating mature B cells and B-lymphoma cells. Here, we investigated the role of PKK in lupus development in a lupus mouse model. We demonstrate that the conditional deletion of PKK in B cells prevents lupus development in Sle1Sle3 mice. The loss of PKK in Sle mice resulted in the amelioration of multiple classical lupus-associated phenotypes and histologic features of lupus nephritis, including marked reduction in the levels of serum autoantibodies, proteinuria, spleen size, peritoneal B-1 cell population and the number of activated CD4 T cells. In addition, the abundance of autoreactive plasma cells normally seen in Sle lupus mice was also significantly decreased in the PKK-deficient Sle mice. Sle B cells deficient in PKK display defective proliferation responses to BCR and LPS stimulation. Consistently, B cell receptor-mediated NF-κB activation, which is required for the survival of activated B cells, was impaired in the PKK-deficient B cells. Taken together, our work uncovers a critical role of PKK in lupus development and suggests that targeting the PKK-mediated pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for lupus treatment.

[The expression of MiR-148a in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its effect on tumor cell biology functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is a common malignant tumor, in recent years,most of studies have found that micro RNA played an important role in the development of NPC.This study was to explore the expression level of MiR-148a and its effect on the biological functions of NPC cells.Method:The expression of MiR-148a in NPC cell line CNE2 was detected by Real-time PCR method.MTT,clone formation assay and flow cytometry were applied to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. We predicted that EGFR was the downstream target genes of MiR-148a through the analysis of bioinformatics software. Then the expression change of EGFR was measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot.Result:Comparing with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissue cells,MiR-148a expression level was significantly reduced in NPC cell line CNE2.MTT,clone formation assay and flow cytometry test show that overexpression of MiR-148a can inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis.Real-time PCR and Western blot test show that MiR 148a can reduce the expression of EGFR.Conclusion:MiR-148a can affect the proliferation and apoptosis of NPC cell,and it is likely to be involved in the development and progression of NPC.

[The clinical application of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction]

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Method:Twenty-five patients who were diagnosed as ETD and reserved BET surgery were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Result:After 1-year's follow-up, among 25 ETD patients, the total cure rate was 55.9% and the effective rate was 85.3%. The cure rate and effective rate was 52.9% and 76.5% in the delayed opening of the ET group; 58.8% and 94.1% in the unopened group, which was higher than the other one. Conclusion:BET surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of BET patients.

FOXA1 acts upstream of GATA2 and AR in hormonal regulation of gene expression

Hormonal regulation of gene expression by androgen receptor (AR) is tightly controlled by many transcriptional cofactors, including pioneer factors FOXA1 and GATA2, which, however, exhibit distinct expression patterns and functional roles in prostate cancer. Here, we examined how FOXA1, GATA2, and AR crosstalk and regulate hormone-dependent gene expression in prostate cancer cells. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that FOXA1 reprograms both AR and GATA2 cistrome by preferably recruiting them to FKHD-containing genomic sites. By contrast, GATA2 is unable to shift AR or FOXA1 to GATA motifs. Rather, GATA2 co-occupancy enhances AR and FOXA1 binding to nearby ARE and FKHD sites, respectively. Similarly, AR increases, but not re-programs, GATA2 and FOXA1 cistromes. Concordantly, GATA2 and AR strongly enhance the transcriptional program of each other, whereas FOXA1 regulates GATA2- and AR-mediated gene expression in a context-dependent manner due to its reprogramming effects. Taken together, our data delineated for the first time the distinct mechanisms by which GATA2 and FOXA1 regulate AR cistrome and suggest that FOXA1 acts upstream of GATA2 and AR in determining hormone-dependent gene expression in prostate cancer.

Genetic diversity and the conservation priority of Glycine soja populations from Northern China

Knowledge of the spatial patterns of genetic variation in wild populations has significant implications for in situ conservation and the determination of conservation order. To study the levels of genetic diversity, spatial genetic structures, and genetic distances in Glycine soja, 11 natural populations in northern China were analyzed by estimating genetic coefficients using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) fingerprints via mixed sampling strategies. Sixteen ISSR primers generated 98 reproducible polymorphic amplification banding patterns of 172 scored, accounting for 56.98% of the polymorphisms among the populations. The dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance showed that distinct genetic differentiation occurred in G. soja. The Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean cluster analysis indicated two broad groups, and one contained all of the populations except three from Chengde, which formed the smaller second group. The spatial genetic structure evident in the wild soybean populations may be attributed to restricted seed dispersal and the dominant breeding system of this species. The detection of genetic structures in wild soybean populations could be a significant index for the effective conservation of many wild populations, and it could be exploited by soybean breeding programs to increase production.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in congenital and acquired temporal bone defects-a long-term follow-up

Twelve patients presenting with tegmen defects and requiring surgical repair were retrospectively reviewed from 1982 to 1993. One half of the patients presented with a cerebrospinal fluid leak at some time in the course of their illness. Nine cases were considered to be acquired, secondary to previous mastoid surgery or trauma. All 9 had encephalocoeles. Three spontaneous leaks were considered congenital; 2 of these patients had encephalocoeles. This report represents a long-term follow-up of these cases, with an average follow-up of 7,6 years. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging technology, as well as contrast studies, have tremendously aided in diagnosis and planning of surgical repair. Nine repairs were done through a dual transmastoid and middle fossa approach, with the other 3 done via a transmastoid approach only. We favored temporalis muscle flaps and temporalis fascia over synthetic materials for defect repairs. The long-term results and complications are discussed.

Preliminary experience with indications for liver transplantation for hepatolithiasis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the indications for liver transplantation among patients with hepatolithiasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 1,431 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2000 to December 2006 were retrospectively collected for analysis. Surgical procedures included T-tube insertion combined with intraoperative cholangioscopic removal of intrahepatic stones, hepatectomy, cholangiojejunostomy, and liver transplantation.

RESULTS

Nine hundred sixty-one patients who had a stone located in the left or right intrahepatic duct underwent hepatectomy or T-tube insertion combined with intraoperative cholangioscopic removal of intrahepatic stones. The rate of residual stones was 7.5%. Four hundred seventy patients who had a stone located in the bilateral intrahepatic ducts underwent surgical procedures other than liver transplantation; the rate of residual stones was 21.7%. Only 15 patients with hepatolithiasis underwent liver transplantation; they all survived. According to the degree of biliary cirrhosis, recipients were divided into 2 groups: a group with biliary decompensated cirrhosis (n = 7), or group with compensated cirrhosis or no cirrhosis (n = 8). There were significant differences in operative times, transfusion volumes, and blood losses between the 2 groups (P < .05). In the first group, 6 of 7 patients experienced surgical complications, and in the second, 8 recipients recovered smoothly with no complications. Health status, disability, and psychological wellness of all recipients (n = 15) were significantly improved at 1 year after transplantation compared with pretransplantation (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation is a possible method to address hepatolithiasis and secondary decompensated biliary cirrhosis or difficult to remove, diffusely distributed intrahepatic duct stones unavailable by hepatectomy, cholangiojejunostomy, and choledochoscopy.

Estimation of standard liver volume for liver transplantation in the Chinese population

INTRODUCTION

The accurate assessment of standard liver volume (SLV) is necessary for the safety of both the donor and the recipient in living donor liver transplantation. However, the accuracy of SLV formulas relates to cohorts or races. This study examined the accuracy of a simple linear formula versus previous formulas of SLV for Chinese adults.

METHODS

Among 112 patients with normal liver, we created a new formula for SLV with stepwise regression analysis using the following variables: age, gender, body weight, body height, body mass index, and body surface area. The agreement between the actual liver volume (LV) and calculated LV using various formulas was prospectively evaluated among 63 living donors by paired-sample student's t-test and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A new formula was developed SLV (mL) = 949.7 x BSA (m(2)) - 48.3 x age - 247.4 where age was counted as 1 for those <40, 2 if 41-60, and 3 if >60 years old. The calculated LV using our formula showed no significant difference from the actual LV using the paired-samples student's t-test (P = .653). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient showed substantial agreement between estimated LV using our formula and actual LV. Furthermore, this study also observed an almost perfect agreement between our formula and the Yoshizumi et al formula.

CONCLUSION

Our formula, which accurately estimated LV among Chinese adults, may be applicable to adults of other ethnicitis.

Phase transition between nanostructures of titanate and titanium dioxides via simple wet-chemical reactions

Titanate nanofibers of various sizes and layered structure were prepared from inorganic titanium compounds by hydrothermal reactions. These fibers are different from "refractory" mineral substances because of their dimension, morphology, and significant large ratio of surface to volume, and, surprisingly, they are highly reactive. We found, for the first time, that phase transitions from the titanate nanostructures to TiO(2) polymorphs take place readily in simple wet-chemical processes at temperatures close to ambient temperature. In acidic aqueous dispersions, the fibers transform to anatase and rutile nanoparticles, respectively, but via different mechanisms. The titanate fibers prepared at lower hydrothermal temperatures transform to TiO(2) polymorphs at correspondingly lower temperatures because they are thinner, possess a larger surface area and more defects, and possess a less rigid crystal structure, resulting in lower stability. The transformations are reversible: in this case, the obtained TiO(2) nanocrystals reacted with concentrate NaOH solution, yielding hollow titanate nanotubes. Consequently, there are reversible transformation pathways for transitions between the titanates and the titanium dioxide polymorphs, via wet-chemical reactions at moderate temperatures. The significance of these findings arises because such transitions can be engineered to produce numerous delicate nanostructures under moderate conditions. To demonstrate the commercial application potential of these processes, we also report titanate and TiO(2) nanostructures synthesized directly from rutile minerals and industrial-grade rutiles by a new scheme of hydrometallurgical reactions.

Phase transition between nanostructures of titanate and titanium dioxides via simple wet-chemical reactions

Titanate nanofibers of various sizes and layered structure were prepared from inorganic titanium compounds by hydrothermal reactions. These fibers are different from "refractory" mineral substances because of their dimension, morphology, and significant large ratio of surface to volume, and, surprisingly, they are highly reactive. We found, for the first time, that phase transitions from the titanate nanostructures to TiO(2) polymorphs take place readily in simple wet-chemical processes at temperatures close to ambient temperature. In acidic aqueous dispersions, the fibers transform to anatase and rutile nanoparticles, respectively, but via different mechanisms. The titanate fibers prepared at lower hydrothermal temperatures transform to TiO(2) polymorphs at correspondingly lower temperatures because they are thinner, possess a larger surface area and more defects, and possess a less rigid crystal structure, resulting in lower stability. The transformations are reversible: in this case, the obtained TiO(2) nanocrystals reacted with concentrate NaOH solution, yielding hollow titanate nanotubes. Consequently, there are reversible transformation pathways for transitions between the titanates and the titanium dioxide polymorphs, via wet-chemical reactions at moderate temperatures. The significance of these findings arises because such transitions can be engineered to produce numerous delicate nanostructures under moderate conditions. To demonstrate the commercial application potential of these processes, we also report titanate and TiO(2) nanostructures synthesized directly from rutile minerals and industrial-grade rutiles by a new scheme of hydrometallurgical reactions.

[Study on chemical constituents of the essential oil from Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Maxim by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry]

The essential oil in Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Maxim was extracted by steam distillation and the distilled liquid was collected by passing through chloroform. The aqueous phase was extracted with chloroform sufficiently. The chloroform solution containing the constituents of essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Seventeen peaks were separated by gas chromatography, and 16 of them were identified by MS with "Nist98.L" Mass Spectral Data Registry. The structures of the constituents were further verified by manual analysis. The identified constituents accounted for 97% of the peak areas of the essential oils on total ion chromatogram. The major chemical constituents of them are C9, C10 alcohols and alkenes.

Cladonia furcata polysaccharide induced apoptosis in human leukemia K562 cells

AIM

To study whether Cladonia furcata polysaccharide (CFP-1) might induce apoptosis in human leukemia K562 cells.

METHODS

Inhibition of proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Morphological assessment of apoptosis was performed with fluorescence microscope and electron microscope. DNA fragmentation was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. The amount of apoptosis cells was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CFP-1 (50 - 800 mg/L) inhibited K562 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. After incubation of K562 cells with CFP-1 300 mg/L for 5 d, morphological changes of typical apoptosis were observed and agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA revealed "ladder" pattern.

CONCLUSION

CFP-1 induced apoptosis in human leukemia K562 cells.

[Study on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography separation condition and determination method of organic acids]

The pH values of the mobile phase which affect the chromatographic behavior of organic acids in RP-HPLC have been studied. It was considered that the problem of organic acids on an RP-HPLC column was dissociation. The equation for finding the optimum pH of mobile phase was pHlimit of colunm < or = pH < or = pKa -2. In addition the effects of contents of methanol and acetonitrile in mobile phase were studied. By using the formula the mobile phases used for the analysis of organic monobasic acids--formic, acetic, propionic and butyric acid and of organic dibasic acids--propane diacid, butane diacid, pentane diacid and hexane diacid were proposed. For the analysis of the monobasic acids, the wavelength of UV-detector was set at 210 nm and the mobile phase was a mixture of phosphate buffer solution(15 mmol/L, pH 2.1)-methanol(85:15, V/V) and at a rate of 1.5 mL/min and the column was Diamond C18, 150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.. The average coefficient of correlation was 0.9997 and RSD was less than 0.90%. The mobile phase for organic dibasic acids was a mixture of phosphate buffer solution (20 mmol/L, pH 2.1)-methanol(75:25, V/V). The other conditions were the same as for organic monobasic acids. The average coefficient of correlation was 0.9998 and RSD was less than 0.70%.

[Determination of bentazon and 2,4-D butyl in mixture formulation by HPLC]

Bentazon and 2,4-D butyl(the active ingredients of Cao Di) were determined by reversed phase HPLC aimultancously using methanol/acetonitrile/citrate buffer(pH 3.1) as a mobile phase on Shim-pack clc-CN column. Results showed that the linear correlation and recovery of 2,4-D butyl were 1.000 and (100.2 +/- 0.8)% respectively, and those of bentazon were 1.000 and (98.6 +/- 0.9)% respectively. The coefficients of variation for bentazon and 2,4-D butyl were all was 0.37%.

Olfactory secretion and sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase: regulation by corticosteroids

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cellular distribution and relative intensity of the immunoreactivity associated with the expression of sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) in cells of the olfactory mucosa. Second, changes in the activity of this enzyme in the olfactory mucosa are correlated with changes in the circulating corticosteroid aldosterone.

METHODS

Combination of immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques were employed to examine the olfactory Na, K-ATPase.

RESULTS

Within the olfactory epithelium, the Na, K-ATPase immunoreactivity was greatest at the supranuclear region of sustentacular cells and/or dendrites of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Cell bodies of ORNs demonstrated moderate immunoreactivity, whereas the duct cells of Bowman's gland exhibited moderate to intense immunoreactivity. Acinar cells of the Bowman's gland were the most intensely stained components of the lamina propria, exhibiting strong immunoreactivity at the basolateral plasma membrane domains of the acinar cells and less within the cytoplasm. Binding of ouabain, a specific inhibitor of Na, K-ATPase, was significantly elevated for aldosterone-injected versus sham-injected controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that olfactory Na, K-ATPase is regulated by the systemic corticosteroid aldosterone. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that corticosteroids regulate olfactory secretion.

Position-dependent variegation of a CD4 minigene with targeted expression to mature CD4+ T cells

The CD4 gene follows a complex and highly regulated pattern of expression throughout T cell development. This expression is governed by different regulatory elements that have been partly identified, including a promoter, a proximal enhancer, and a silencer. Here we show that a CD4 minigene comprising a combination of these elements is specifically expressed in mature CD4+ T cells of transgenic mice, but not in CD4+CD8+ double positive thymocytes. The proportion of transgene-expressing CD4+ T cells was constant within a given transgenic line, but varied greatly from one line to another. We demonstrate that this pattern of expression is due to integration of the transgene within or in the vicinity of centromeric heterochromatin. This position-effect variegation demonstrated with a short CD4 transgene has not been observed with larger ones containing additional regulatory sequences, suggesting that the CD4 gene contains a locus control region. Such position-dependent effects must be taken into consideration when developing transgenic models or gene transfer vectors because they can result in the absence of transgene expression in a subpopulation of target cells. Finally, the combination of the CD4 gene silencer, proximal enhancer, and promoter provides an interesting tool to selectively express genes of interest in mature CD4+ T cells of transgenic mice and for the development of gene therapy vectors.

Position-dependent variegation of a CD4 minigene with targeted expression to mature CD4+ T cells

The CD4 gene follows a complex and highly regulated pattern of expression throughout T cell development. This expression is governed by different regulatory elements that have been partly identified, including a promoter, a proximal enhancer, and a silencer. Here we show that a CD4 minigene comprising a combination of these elements is specifically expressed in mature CD4+ T cells of transgenic mice, but not in CD4+CD8+ double positive thymocytes. The proportion of transgene-expressing CD4+ T cells was constant within a given transgenic line, but varied greatly from one line to another. We demonstrate that this pattern of expression is due to integration of the transgene within or in the vicinity of centromeric heterochromatin. This position-effect variegation demonstrated with a short CD4 transgene has not been observed with larger ones containing additional regulatory sequences, suggesting that the CD4 gene contains a locus control region. Such position-dependent effects must be taken into consideration when developing transgenic models or gene transfer vectors because they can result in the absence of transgene expression in a subpopulation of target cells. Finally, the combination of the CD4 gene silencer, proximal enhancer, and promoter provides an interesting tool to selectively express genes of interest in mature CD4+ T cells of transgenic mice and for the development of gene therapy vectors.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm

Hemifacial spasm (HFS), a condition characterized by involuntary unilateral facial spasms, is a disabling disorder resulting in functional compromise, patient frustration, cosmetic deformity, and social embarrassment. Compression of the seventh nerve at the root entry zone via vascular loop is presently the most widely accepted causative theory. Although less common, there are other entities that can result in HFS. Basic evaluation, including a thorough history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. The relation of vascular loop syndrome to HFS is well enough established that radiologic documentation of a vascular loop is probably not necessary in every case. Here we present 12 cases of HFS, 6 without VLS. The etiology and evaluation of HFS are reviewed.

Patients with Meniére's disease possess IgE reacting with herpes family viruses

OBJECTIVE

To determine if patients with Meniere's disease possess serum IgE specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, HSV type 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and/or cytomegalovirus.

DESIGN

A modified radioallergosorbent test method was employed wherein each serum sample was processed with recombinant protein A to remove competing non-IgE antibodies, and HSV-1, HSV-2, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr viral proteins were used as potential antigens.

PATIENTS

Ten patients with long-standing active Meniere's disease were tested. Ten age- and gender-matched patients with allergic rhinitis but without Meniere's disease served as control subjects.

RESULTS

IgE specific for HSV-1, HSV-2, Epstein-Barr virus, and/or cytomegalovirus was found in the serum sample of nine of 10 patients with Meniere's disease but only in four of 10 control serum samples. Of the positive subjects tested, seven patients with Meniere's disease were positive for IgE for at least three viruses compared with only two control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Most patients with Meniere's disease possess virus-specific IgE in their serum samples; (2) four viruses of the herpes family are capable of inducing such IgE-mediated sensitization; and (3) latent virus-specific, IgE-mediated inflammation may be an important factor in the initiation and/or sustenance of Meniere's disease.

Local therapy of corneal allograft rejection with cyclosporine

PURPOSE

We evaluated the therapeutic effect of 0.5% topical cyclosporine on human corneal allograft rejection.

METHODS

Sixteen patients (16 eyes) with corneal allograft rejection, refractory to the conventional treatments, were recruited and treated with 0.5% cyclosporine eyedrops in this study.

RESULTS

Of 16 eyes with corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty treated with 0.5% cyclosporine eyedrops, nine eyes were completely cured, six eyes improved markedly, and treatment was ineffective in one eye. A follow-up of 12 to 24 months (three eyes for 12 months, five eyes for 18 months, and eight eyes for 24 months) disclosed that rejection recurred in three of the nine cured eyes--two eyes after suspension of cyclosporine and one eye after removal of the sutures. The recurrence of rejection resolved by resumption of the cyclosporine eyedrops.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that treatment of corneal graft rejection with 0.5% topical cyclosporine yielded good results in eyes with satisfactory preoperative corneal transplantation beds and beneficial effects in eyes with poor preoperative corneal transplantation beds.

[An etiopathological study of Mooren's ulcer]

With the indirect immuno fluorescence technique (IFT), the authors examined sera from 16 patients with Mooren's ulcer for the presence of antibodies against normal rabbit and human corneal epithelial cells, and determined the percentages of peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets in the patients and 20 controls. The results indicated that (1) antibodies against rabbit corneal epithelial cells were positive in 75% of the patients, and antibodies against human corneal epithelial cells were positive in 37.5%, whereas both antibodies were negative in the controls, and (2) the percentage of OKT8+ in patients was significantly lower, and the OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio significantly higher than in the controls. The authors concluded that regulatory imbalance existed in the immune system of the patients, and Mooren's ulcer was an autoimmunologic eye disease.

Immunological analysis and treatment of Mooren's ulcer with cyclosporin A applied topically

Mooren's ulcer is a chronic, painful rodent nonpurulent corneal ulcer. In order to discern the possible role that immunological processes (antibody and cell-mediated) play in the development of a Mooren's ulcer, we evaluated sera from patients (n = 16) for the presence of circulating antibodies against normal rabbit and human corneal epithelium using an indirect immunofluorescent technique (IFT) and determined the T-lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8, CD11) in the peripheral blood. This condition was treated with an immunophilin, cyclosporin A (CsA) (0.5% solution), applied topically. Antibodies against rabbit corneal epithelium were detected in 12 of 16 patients (75%), while only six of 16 (37.5%) patients had antibodies against human corneal epithelium. The percentage of CD8 (suppressor T cells) T lymphocytes was significantly lower in patients with Mooren's ulcer than in the controls (p < 0.01). Mooren's ulcer was effectively treated with 0.5% CsA in 11 of 18 (61.1%) affected eyes (n = 14 patients), as determined by long-term (24-31 months) follow-up. We noted particularly that regulatory imbalance existed in the immune systems of the patients. We also think that the limbus and conjunctival lymphoid tissue adjacent to the limbus might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The detection of serum antibodies against corneal epithelium and determination of T-lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood may provide a referential basis for the clinical diagnosis of Mooren's ulcer. Effective treatment with 0.5% topical CsA is primarily through the depression of ocular immunoreactions, although systemic action is not completely ruled out.

Etiopathological investigation of Mooren's ulcer

Using the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFT), the authors examined the sera of 16 patients with Mooren's ulcer for the presence of antibodies against normal rabbit and human corneal epithelial cells, and determined the percentages of T-lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of the patients and controls. The results indicate that (1) serum antibodies against rabbit corneal epithelial cells were positive in 75% of the patients, serum antibodies against human corneal epithelial cells were positive in 37.5%, whereas in 20 normal controls the above serum antibody against both were negative; (2) the percentage of OKT8+ in patients was significantly lower and the OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio significantly higher than those in the controls (P < 0.01). The etiopathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer is discussed and the authors especially point out that regulatory imbalances exist in the patient's immune systems and Mooren's ulcer is an autoimmunological eye disease.

Treatment of severe Mooren's ulcer with cyclosporin A eyedrops

Sixteen patients (21 eyes) with severe, progressive Mooren's ulcer, unresponsive to medical or surgical therapy, were treated with 0.5% cyclosporin A (CsA) eyedrops. Only 18 eyes were included in this study. Fifteen eyes showed marked effects within the first 12 days. Eleven eyes completely healed, on the average, in 1.3 months without side-effects. Follow-up for 24-31 months showed no recurrence. The whole-blood level of CsA determined randomly by high-pressure liquid chromatography in 7 patients was 28.95 micrograms/L on the average. It is concluded that autoimmunological mechanism plays an important part in pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer, and the efficacy of topical CsA is attributable to its effect of local depression of ocular immunopathological reactions.

[Treatment of severe Mooren's ulcer with cyclosporin A eyedrops]

16 patients (21 eyes) with severe progressive Mooren's ulcer unresponsive to medical or surgical therapy were treated with 0.5% cyclosporin A (CsA) eyedrops. 15 eyes showed remarkable amelioration within 12 days, and 11 eyes completely healed without side effects in an average 1.3 months. The total effective rate was 83.3%, with no recurrence in a follow-up of 12-19 months. Whole-blood levels of CsA were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography to average 28.95 ng/ml in 7 random patients. Autoimmunity was believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Mooren's ulcer, and the efficacy of topical CsA was attributable to the local depression of ocular immunopathological reactions.

[Interposition arthroplasty with pedicled island fascia flap. Experimental study and clinical application]

Interposition arthroplasty of knee joint, using island fascia flap, was performed on 90 rabbits. The fascia flap was vessel pedicled in 54 rabbits and not vessel pedicled in 36 for control. Results of the vessel pedicled island fascia flaps showed that clinically, the range of joint motion was 142.5 degrees on the average. Histologically, the transplanted fascia showed good vascularity and elasticity. There were no signs of adhesion or degeneration. Analogous cartilage appeared in 12 to 15 months. In the control group, the average joint motion was 83.61 degrees and the transplanted fascia showed degeneration of varying degree in each cases. On the basis of these experimental findings, we performed interposition arthroplasty with vessel-pedicled island fascia flap on 20 patients suffering from different joint diseases. The joints were 14 hips, 3 knees, and 3 elbows. Follow-up for 9 to 48 months after arthroplasty revealed clear-up of previous troubles with satisfactory function.

Neural infiltration of glomus temporale tumors

Biologic behavior of glomus temporale tumors in relation to cranial nerve infiltration remains unclear. An analysis of cranial nerve involvement in relation to tumor staging was undertaken in a series of 102 glomus temporale tumors. Frequent neural infiltration was noted to occur in large glomus tumors, and a grading system of infiltration with both pathologic and surgical relevance introduced.

Clinical phenomenology of mental disorders caused by Qigong exercise

One hundred and nine patients with mental disorders caused by Qigong psychophysical exercise deviation are studied. These patients were divided into schizophrenic type (47 cases) and neurotic type (62 cases) and were analyzed by standard psychiatric rating scales and improved Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI). The results show that patients with Qigong deviation presented abnormalities in perception, thinking, and behavior of varying degree. The clinical characteristics could not be classified into extent psychiatric disease units. Most of these patients manifested specific physical symptoms of Qigong deviation. The authors suggest that this kind of mild, benign mental disorder associated with the unique culture of our country be studied to contribute to the study of the classification of mental disorders. Qigong triggered disorders usually normalized during short term follow-up.

Relationship between acupuncture-induced immunity and the regulation of central neurotransmitters in the rabbit: VI. The influence of NDR stimulation on acupuncture regulation of immune function in rabbit

T-lymphocyte transformation ability decreased and the function of the B-lymphocyte and mononuclear leucocyte/macrophage system increased when the activity of central serotonergic neurons was enhanced by the stimulation of nucleus dorsal raphe (NDR). These changes induced by NDR stimulation were not effected by electroacupuncture (EA) when EA was performed on the background of NDR stimulation. By comparing these results with the previous resultant that immunoreactions were affected by locus coeruleus (LC) stimulation and LC stimulation plus EA, some regularity had been discovered. So, a hypothesis was put forward by us that the catecholaminergic system plays a main role in EA regulation of cellular immunity while the serotonergic system plays such a role in EA regulation of humoral immunity.

Relationship between acupuncture-induced immunity and the regulation of central neurotransmitter system in rabbits--II. Effect of the endogenous opioid peptides on the regulation of acupuncture-induced immune reaction

By injecting Naloxone, the T-lymphocyte transformation was reduced markedly. When the Naloxone plus electro-acupuncture were used together, it was not reduced but was still lower than it was when only electro-acupuncture was used. This explained why Naloxone could reverse the function by which electro-acupuncture promoted the T-lymphocyte transformation, and the endogenous opioid in the brain promoted the immune reaction. Through promoting the release of the endogenous opioid in the brain, electro-acupuncture raised the T-lymphocyte transformation function. Using electro-acupuncture when naloxone antagonized morphine, the T-lymphocyte transformation function was still promoted markedly. The mechanism could be that electro-acupuncture excited the function of the endogenous opioid system in the brain. In acupuncture immune reaction, the relationship between the endogenous opioid and catecholaminergic systems was explored.

Relationship between acupuncture-induced immunity and the regulation of central neurotransmitters in the rabbit: I. Effect of central catecholaminergic neurons in regulating acupuncture-induced immune function

The central catecholaminergic neurons play an important role in the promotion of the T-lymphocyte transformation and the regulation of the positive rate of acid a-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) activity with acupuncture. The mechanism by which acupuncture promotes the T-lymphocyte transformation function may be principally by promoting the anabolism of the T-lymphocyte and speeding up the anabolism of the DNA. Judging from the fact that acupuncture increases the positive rate of ANAE, it can be assumed that the quantity of T-lymphocyte was increased markedly. It remains to be clarified what links exist through which the central catecholaminergic neurons can influence the acupuncture induced immunity, and what the effect of other transmitter neurons of the central nervous system are on acupuncture induced immunity.