Can Optical Surface Imaging Replace Non-coplanar Cone-beam Computed Tomography for Non-coplanar Set-up Verification in Single-isocentre Non-coplanar Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Single and Multiple Brain Metastases?

AIMS

To conduct a direct comparison regarding the non-coplanar positioning accuracy between the optical surface imaging system Catalyst HDTM and non-coplanar cone-beam computed tomography (NC-CBCT) in intracranial single-isocentre non-coplanar stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with between one and five brain metastases who underwent single-isocentre non-coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (NC-VMAT) SRS or HSRT were enrolled in this study. For each non-zero couch angle, both Catalyst HDTM and NC-CBCT were used for set-up verification prior to beam delivery. The set-up error reported by Catalyst HDTM was compared with the set-up error derived from NC-CBCT, which was defined as the gold standard. Additionally, the dose delivery accuracy of each non-coplanar field after using Catalyst HDTM and NC-CBCT for set-up correction was measured with SRS MapCHECKTM.

RESULTS

The median set-up error differences (absolute values) between the two positioning methods were 0.30 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.15°, 0.10° and 0.10° in the vertical, longitudinal, lateral, yaw, pitch and roll directions, respectively. The largest absolute set-up error differences regarding translation and rotation were 1.5 mm and 1.1°, which occurred in the longitudinal and yaw directions, respectively. Only 35.71% of the pairs of measurements were within the tolerance of 0.5 mm and 0.5° simultaneously. In addition, the non-coplanar field with NC-CBCT correction yielded a higher gamma passing rate than that with Catalyst HDTM correction (P < 0.05), especially for evaluation criteria of 1%/1 mm with a median increase of 12.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Catalyst HDTM may not replace NC-CBCT for non-coplanar set-up corrections in single-isocentre NC-VMAT SRS and HSRT for single and multiple brain metastases. The potential role of Catalyst HDTM in intracranial SRS/HSRT needs to be further studied in the future.

[Expression of glycolytic genes in immune cells and changes of related immune cells in experimental autoimmune neuritis]

Objective: To investigate the expression of glycolytic genes in immune cells and the changes of related immune cells in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN), and deepen the understanding of pathogenesis of EAN. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old, 18-20 g) were divided into four groups according to the random number table method: control group (P0_180-199 was replaced by PBS during modeling and mice were sacrificed on the 16th day), EAN mice were sacrificed on the 8th day after the end of modeling (EAN 8 d), EAN mice were sacrificed on the 16th day after the end of modeling (EAN 16 d), and EAN mice received drug intervention and were sacrificed on the 16^th day after the end of modeling (2-DG was intraperitoneally injected since the day of the first immunization, 550 mg/kg; EAN 16 d+2-DG), with 6 rats in each group. The clinical symptoms and clinical scores were observed and recorded daily. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed under chloral hydrate anesthesia, and the serum, spleen, sciatic nerve and other tissues of each group were collected. The degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination of sciatic nerve were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and luxol fast blue (LFB) staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of M1 macrophages, Th17 cells and Tregs cells. The mRNA expression levels of glycolysis-related genes (mTORC1, HIF1α, GLUT1 and LDHA) were detected by RT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the level of pan-lysine lactate in macrophages and sciatic nerve tissue. Results: The expression of glycolysis-related genes (mTORC1, HIF1α, GLUT1 and LDHA) in spleen M1 macrophages and sciatic nerve was significantly up-regulated in EAN 16 d group, compared with control, EAN 8 d and EAN 16 d+2-DG groups (all P<0.05). The relative pan-lysine lactate (pankla) expression level of spleen M1 macrophages (1.25±0.02) and sciatic nerve tissue (1.23±0.26) significantly increased in EAN 16 d group, compared with control, EAN 8 d and EAN 16 d+2-DG groups (M1 macrophages: 0.12±0.10, 1.07±0.12 and 0.42±0.07; sciatic nerve: 0.10±0.12, 0.87±0.20 and 0.36±0.05) (all P<0.05). The expression of glycolytic genes in splenic CD4+T cells showed an increasing trend, but there were no statistically significant differences among the groups, and the expression of glycolytic genes did not decrease significantly after 2-DG treatment (all P>0.05). The proportion of spleen M1 macrophages in the control group, EAN 8 d group, EAN 16 d group and EAN 16 d+2-DG group was 4.28±0.13, 7.54±0.25, 13.16±0.33 and 4.13±0.38 respectively, which was significantly higher in the EAN 16 d group (all P<0.05). The proportion of spleen Th17 cells in the four groups was 3.78±0.03, 8.24±0.55, 12.30±1.34 and 4.83±0.01, respectively, which was significantly higher in the EAN 16 d group (all P<0.05). The proportion of spleen Tregs cells in the four groups was 10.01±1.05, 7.54±0.70, 3.82±0.47 and 8.22±1.21, respectively, which was significantly lower in the EAN 16 d group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of glycolytic genes in splenic macrophages significantly increases during EAN, but not in CD4+T cells. The proportion of M1 macrophages and Th17 cells in spleen gradually increases, while the proportion of Tregs cells gradually decreases.

The emerging role of exosomes in the development of testicular

The mechanisms of testicular development in mammals are complex. Testis is an organ that produces sperm and secretes androgens. It is rich in exosomes and cytokines that mediate signal transduction between tubule germ cells and distal cells, promoting testicular development and spermatogenesis. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that transmit information between cells. By transmitting information, exosomes play an important role in male infertility diseases such as azoospermia, varicocele, and testicular torsion. However, due to the wide range of sources of exosomes, extraction methods are numerous and complex. Therefore, there are many difficulties in studying the mechanisms of exosomal effects on normal development and male infertility. Therefore, in this review, first, we introduce the formation of exosomes and methods for culturing testis and sperm. Then, we introduce the effects of exosomes on different stages of testicular development. Finally, we summarize the prospects and shortcomings of exosomes when used in clinical applications. We lay the theoretical foundation for the mechanism of the influence of exosomes on normal development and male infertility.

[Analysis of clinical features and poor prognostic factors of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, pathogenic bacteria, complications and risk factors of prognosis of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children. Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratorg tests, etiological charateristics and clinical data of 107 patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the drug sensitivity results of Staphylococcus aureus, the group was divided into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) group; according to the presence or absence of complications, the group was divided into the group with and without complications; according to the prognosis of the follow-up children, the group was divided into good prognosis and poor prognosis. The χ² test or Mann-Whitney U test used for comparison between groups, and Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for complications and prognosis. Results: Of the 107 patients, 62 were males and 45 were females. The age of presentation was 5.6 (1.7, 10.0) years, including 5 patients (4.7%) age from >28 days to 3 months, 46 patients (43.0%) age from >3 months to 5 years, 43 patients (40.2%)>5-12 years of age, and 13 patients (12.1%)>12-18 years of age. The first symptoms were acute fever in 35 patients (32.7%), limb pain in 24 patients (22.4%), and fever with limb pain in 23 patients (21.5%). Pathogen culture was positive in 75 patients (70.1%), Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli in 1 case (1.4%) each, and Staphylococcus aureus in 72 cases (96.0%), among them, 47 cases were MSSA, 22 cases were MRSA, and 3 cases had positive reports of Staphylococcus aureus from other hospitals without drug-sensitive tests. The proportion of infected children living in rural areas and receiving surgical treatment was higher in the MRSA group than in the MSSA group (14 cases (63.6%) vs. 18 cases (38.3%) and 21 cases (95.5%) vs. 33 cases (70.2%), χ²=3.87, 4.23, both P<0.05). Sixty-five children had no complications while 42 children (39.3%) suffered from complications. Common complications consisted of 19 cases (17.8%) of sepsis, 17 cases (15.9%) of septic arthritis, and 12 cases (11.2%) of venous thrombosis. The group with complications showed higher mental changes, decreased appetite and (or) weakness, positive pathogenic cultures, and time from admission to surgery than the group without complications (18 cases (42.9%) vs. 9 cases (13.8%), 20 cases (47.6%) vs. 12 cases (18.5%), 34 cases (81.0%) vs. 41 cases (63.1%), 3.5 (2.0, 6.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0, 4.0) d,χ²=11.38, 10.35, 3.89, Z=2.21, all P<0.05). The poor prognosis group had more comorbidities, combined local complications, and positive aureus than the good prognosis group (10/15 vs. 34.9% (30/86), 7/15 vs. 17.4% (15/86), 14/15 vs. 61.6% (53/86), χ²=5.39, 6.40, 4.42, all P<0.05). Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis showed that acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) was both an independent risk factor for complications (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.01-1.02) and an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02). Conclusions: The first symptoms of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis are acute fever, limb pain, and fever with limb pain are most common. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogenic organism. Those with loss of appetite and (or) weakness, mental changes, positive pathogenic cultures, and longer time between admission and surgery are prone to complications. Those with complications, combined local complications, and positive for Staphylococcus aureus had a poor prognosis. Elevated CRP is an independent risk factor not only for complications but for poor prognosis as well.

[Correlation analysis between blood routine-derived inflammatory markers and respiratory function in pneumoconiosis patients]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between blood routine-derived inflammation indicators and respiratory function in patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods: In January 2021, 492 male pneumoconiosis patients hospitalized in Hefei Institute of Occupational Disease Control and Prevention from 2012 to 2020 were randomly selected as the case group, 492 dust exposed non pneumoconiosis workers who underwent occupational health examination at the same time were taken as the control group. The occupational history and clinical examination data of the two groups of subjects were collected, the correlation between blood routine-derived inflammatory indexes and pulmonary function and blood gas analysis was analyzed retrospectively. Results: Compared with the control group, the lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR) in the case group was decreased, and the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in forced vital capacity as a percentage of the predicted value (FVC) , forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percentage of the predicted value (FEV(1)%) , one second rate (FEV(1)/FVC) , partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) , partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) , and pH among pneumoconiosis patients at different stages (P<0.05) . FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC, and PaO(2) decreased with the increase of the stage, the trend test was statistically significant (tau-b=-0.24, -0.34, -0.37, -0.17, P<0.05) , PaCO(2) and pH increased with the increase of the stage, and the trend test was statistically significant (tau-b=0.10, 0.08, P<0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in LYM, LMR, NLR, platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with pneumoconiosis at different stages (P<0.05) , and LYM and LMR decreased with the increase of stage, trend test showed that there was statistically significant (tau-b=-0.11, -0.13, P<0.05) . There were significant differences in FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC, PaO(2), pH, LMR, NLR, PLR among patients with different types of pneumoconiosis (P<0.05) . LMR in pneumoconiosis patients was significantly positively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=0.342, 0.324, 0.203, 0.207, P<0.05) , NLR was significantly negatively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=-0.193, -0.202, -0.164, -0.177, P<0.05) , PLR was significantly negatively correlated with FVC%, FEV(1)%, FEV(1)/FVC and PaO(2) (r(s)=-0.194, -0.193, -0.106, -0.113, P<0.05) . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that LMR in pneumoconiosis patients was positively related with FVC%, FEV(1)% and PaO(2) (P<0.05) . Conclusion: LMR in patients with pneumoconiosis has a certain correlation with lung function and blood gas analysis, LMR is expected to become a sensitive indicator for evaluating pneumoconiosis.

[Analysis of related risk factors in the occurrence of mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome]

Objective: To analyse the clinical characteristics of mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome and to find the risk factors. Methods: A total of 126 patients with mercury-toxic admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected as the research objectives. General data such as age, gender, mercury exposure history of all patients and laboratory data such as urine mercury and urine creatinine were collected. The clinical manifestations and pathological types of patients with mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome were analyzed, and the risk factors of mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome were found by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 24 patients with mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome, 1 was poisoned by respiratory tract, 6 were poisoned by digestive tract, and 17 were poisoned by skin absorption. In addition to the manifestations of kidney injury, some of the patients also showed neurological symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, hand tremor, and limb pain. The main pathological types were membranous nephropathy (9 cases) and micropathological nephropathy (10 cases) . The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the digestive tract and skin absorption pathways of mercury were risk factors for mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome (OR=21.099, 23.840, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The absorption pathway of mercury has an important influence on the pathogenesis of mercury-toxic nephrotic syndrome, especially in patients with mercury poisoning absorbed by the skin and digestive tract, the risk of complicating nephrotic syndrome is higher.

Forensic Analysis of 43 Medical Disputes Caused by Death after Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Objective To explore the causes and characteristics of medical disputes caused by death after cardiac surgery and to analyze the pathological changes after cardiac surgery and the key points of forensic anatomy, thus to provide pathological evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of cardiac surgery and judicial appraisal as well as reference for the prevention of medical disputes in such cases. Methods Forensic pathological cases of medical disputes caused by death after cardiac surgery which were accepted by the Center for Medicolegal Expertise of Sun Yat-Sen University from 2013 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively from aspects such as causes of death, pathological diagnosis, surgery condition, medical misconduct, and so on. Results The causes of death after cardiac surgery of 43 patients were abnormal operation, low cardiac output syndrome, postoperative infection, postoperative thrombosis, and other diseases. Among the 43 cases, there were 18 cases without medical fault while 25 cases had medical fault. Conclusion The medical disputes caused by death after cardiac surgery are closely related to the operative technique and postoperative complications. The causes of medical faults include defects in diagnosis and treatment technique, as well as unfulfillment of duty of care.

Effects of induced stress from the live LaSota Newcastle disease vaccination on the growth performance and immune function in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to assess the growth performance and immunological effects of vaccination-induced stress on broilers. The chickens were administered 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 doses of live LaSota Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine and slaughtered on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st day post vaccination. The results showed that the serum antibody titers after Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination were elevated at day 7 post vaccination, peaked at day 14, then declined by day 21. Interestingly, the antibody titers peaked at 2 doses, and no further dose-dependent titer increases were observed. This study demonstrated that vaccination-induced stress increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol, affected growth performance (average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio), and triggered apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes by downregulating the ratio of Bcl-2 to BAX and upregulating the gene expressions of caspase-3 and -9, which was concordant with the activation of the enzymatic activities of caspase-3 and -9. This study suggests that NDV vaccine doses in broilers must be controlled judiciously because increasing the number of doses resulted in increased lymphocyte apoptosis while the peak of the antibody titer and optimal growth performance were achieved at a low number of doses (2 doses).

[Analysis of differences in epidemiology and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome between rural and urban areas of southern China]

Objective: To explore the differences in epidemiology and clinical features of Guillain- Barré syndrome (GBS) between rural and urban areas of southern China. Methods: The clinical data of 759 hospitalized GBS patients from 31 hospitals of 13 provinces/cities in southern China, between January 1st, 2013 and September 30th, 2016, were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The risk of GBS was higher for males than females in rural and urban areas and the median age was 49 and 48 years, respectively. Seasonal clustering in winter and spring was noted in both rural and urban areas, and the seasonal trend was more markedly in rural areas, but the differences showed no statistical significance. There were 70.37% of patients in rural areas and 73.69% in urban areas who had antecedent respiratory infection. The median time from onset to nadir was 7 days, and Hughes Disability Scale at admission, nadir and discharge were (2.95±1.10 vs 2.84±1.15), (3.25±1.11 vs 3.14±1.21), (2.02±1.24 vs 2.00±1.31) in rural and urban areas respectively. Albuminocytologic dissociation was present in 84.34% of patients in rural areas and 84.62% of cases in urban areas. There were 8.65% and 10.94% of cases in rural and urban areas who required mechanical ventilation during hospitalization, respectively. Demyelinating GBS accounted for 53.29% and 48.77%, respectively, in patients with findings of nerve conduction studies available in rural and urban areas. Conclusions: GBS in rural areas of southern China showed male predominance and a peak of spring and winter occurrence, with respiratory infection as the predominated preceding events and demyelinating GBS being main clinical subtype. Winter and spring showed a higher incidence of GBS in rural and urban areas. There were no significant differences of sex, age, preceding events, season trend, progression of disease, clinical subtypes and cerebrospinal fluid investigations in GBS patients between rural and urban areas.

Strategy of the Causes of Death of Dependents

Abstract

Objective To discuss the methods and strategies to identify the causes of dependents' deaths, as well as provide the experiences that can be used for reference and scientific basis for the forensic identification of the potentially growing deaths of the same kind in the future. Methods The 13 cases concerning death of dependents accepted by Sun Yat-sen University Forensic Center were collected, and the basic information of the dependents were statistically described. The nutritional status, environmental condition and medical care condition were evaluated according to dietary energy, living space, environment and medical treatment condition. Results Among the 13 dependents, there were 11 males and 2 females, with the oldest 74 and the youngest 9 and dwelling time was from 0.4 to 5.6 years. Forensic pathological examination showed that 13 dependents had infectious diseases and 11 were severely dystrophic. There were no fatal mechanical injuries or poisoning in dependents. Molecular pathological screening of 4 cases revealed no pathogenic variants of sudden death susceptible genes. The poor status of the diet, nutrition, living environment and medical care of these dependents were discovered. The direct cause of death of all 13 dependents was identified to be disease. The lack of nutrition, poor living environment and lack of medical care were thought to play a dominant role in causing the deaths of 12 dependants. Conclusion The death identification should follow the judicial procedure. In identification of the causes of death and analysis of the proportion of the affecting factors resulting in death, all factors, including nutrition,environment, medical care, injury and diseases, need to be considered.

FBLN3 inhibited the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer through the AKT/mTOR pathway

Fibulin-3(FBLN3) levels are different in different types of cancers. We found that fibulin-3 was downregulated in colorectal (CRC) cells, particularly in the SW480 cell line. By comparison, transfecting SW480 cells with a lentivirus overexpressing fibulin-3 RNA could inhibit proliferation, induce G1/S arrest, and promote cell apoptosis. Fibulin-3 overexpression further suppressed the invasion and metastasis of CRC. These effects were regulated through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Correlation between Genetic Variants and Polymorphism of Caveolin and Sudden Unexplained Death]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the genetic variation sites of caveolin （CAV） and their correlation with sudden unexplained death （SUD）.

METHODS

The blood samples were collected from SUD group （71 cases）, coronary artery disease （CAD） group （62 cases） and control group （60 cases）, respectively. The genome DNA were extracted and sequencing was performed directly by amplifying gene coding region and exon-intron splicing region of CAV1 and CAV3 using PCR. The type of heritable variation of CVA was confirmed and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 4 variation sites that maybe significative were identified in SUD group, and two were newfound which were CAV1： c.45C>T （T15T） and CAV1：c.512G>A （R171H）, and two were SNP loci which were CAV1：c.246C>T （rs35242077） and CAV3：c.99C>T （rs1008642） and had significant difference （P<0.05） in allele and genotype frequencies between SUD and control groups. Forementioned variation sites were not found in CAD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The variants of CAV1 and CAV3 may be correlated with a part of SUD group.

[Research Progress of the Correlation between Caveolin and Unexpected Sudden Cardiac Death]

Due to the negative autopsy and without cardiac structural abnormalities, unexpected sudden cardiac death （USCD） is always a tough issue for forensic pathological expertise. USCD may be associated with parts of fatal arrhythmic diseases. These arrhythmic diseases may be caused by disorders of cardiac ion channels or channel-related proteins. Caveolin can combine with multiple myocardial ion channel proteins through its scaffolding regions and plays an important role in maintaining the depolarization and repolarization of cardiac action potential. When the structure and function of caveolin are affected by gene mutations or abnormal protein expression, the functions of the regulated ion channels are correspondingly impaired, which leads to the occurrence of multiple channelopathies, arrhythmia or even sudden cardiac death. It is important to study the effects of caveolin on the functions of ion channels for exploring the mechanisms of malignant arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Restoration of erectile function with intracavernous injections of endothelial progenitor cells after bilateral cavernous nerve injury in rats

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived endothelial cells capable of circulating, proliferating, and differentiating into mature endothelial cells. Circulating EPCs can be directly recruited to some extent at sites of injury, and their administration could accelerate repair or endothelialization of the damaged tissue. We investigated the effects of intracavernous injections of EPCs into the corpora cavernosa of rats with erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Overall, 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: sham surgery, vehicle-only, or EPC treatment. Rats in the EPC treatment and vehicle-only groups were subjected to bilateral CN injury before injection of EPCs or vehicle, respectively, into the corpora cavernosa. Four weeks after surgery, erectile function was assessed by measuring maximum intracavernosal pressure (ICP), change in ICP, area under the ICP curve, and ratio of change in ICP and mean arterial pressure (MAP; ΔICP/MAP). Penile tissue was histomorphometrically analyzed for the expression of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), neurofilament-1 (NF-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and smooth muscle cell content. Maximum ICP and all other functional parameters of erectile function were significantly reduced in the vehicle-only group vs. the sham and EPC treatment groups (all p < 0.001). Smooth muscle cell content was decreased in the vehicle-only vs. the sham and EPC treatment groups (both p < 0.01). Expressions of vWF and eNOS in the dorsal artery were significantly higher in the EPC treatment than the vehicle-only group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EPC treatment restored erectile function in a rat model of bilateral CN injury through recruitment of EPCs toward the dorsal artery and preservation of smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum. These findings elucidate the therapeutic potential of EPCs for treating ED in humans.

Benign prostatic enlargement is not associated with diabetes: a population-based study

The association between diabetes and benign prostatic hyperplasia remains inconclusive. In this case-control study, we examined the association of diabetes with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 in Taiwan. In total, 20 152 patients with BPE as cases and 20 152 age-matched patients without BPE were included as controls. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% CI for having been previously diagnosed with diabetes between cases and controls. We found that of the 40 304 sampled patients, 9492 (23.6%) had a history of diabetes before the index date. This mean age for the sampled patients was 65.9 with a standard deviation of 12.0 years. A Chi-squared test revealed that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of prior diabetes between cases and controls (25.3% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.001). The conditional logistic regression found that the OR of prior diabetes for cases was 1.21 (95% CI = 1.15-1.27) compared with controls. However, after adjusting for geographic region, monthly income, urbanization level, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), hyperlipidemia, tobacco use disorder, and obesity, the association between prior diabetes and BPE did not reach a statistically significant level (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.98-1.08). In addition, it was noteworthy that hypertension (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.20-1.31), CHD (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.32-1.48), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.24-1.36) were all significantly associated with BPE. We found that men with a diagnosis of diabetes were not significantly associated with BPE after adjusting for patient's sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the fatty acid desaturase gene family in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Fatty acid desaturases exist in all living organisms and play important roles in many different biologic processes, such as fatty acid metabolism, lipid biosynthetic processes, and pheromone biosynthetic processes. Using the available silkworm genome sequence, we identified 14 candidate fatty acid desaturase genes. Eleven genes contain 3 conserved histidine cluster motifs and 4 transmembrane domains, but their N-terminal residues exhibit obvious diversity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there are 6 groups; Bmdesat1 and Bmdesat5-8 were clustered into group 2, which is involved in Δ11 desaturation activity, and Bmdesat3-4 were grouped in group 1, which is involved in Δ9 desaturation activity. Twelve of the 14 genes have expressed sequence tag evidence. Microarray data and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that Bmdesat3-4 and Bmdesat10 were expressed from the larval to moth stages and in multiple tissues on day 3 of 5th instar larvae. Bmdesat9, Bmdesat11, and Bmdesat14 were expressed during the pupal and late-embryonic stage, suggesting that they may take part in fatty acid metabolism to provide energy. These results provide some insights into the functions of individual fatty acid desaturases in silkworm.

Octanoylated Ghrelin Inhibits the Activation of the Palmitic Acid-Induced TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in THP-1 Macrophages

To investigate the effect of acylated ghrelin on the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by palmitic acid in human monocyte-derived (THP-1) macrophages, THP-1 macrophages were cultured for 12 h by palmitic acid with various concentrations. The THP-1 macrophages was pretreated by acylated ghrelin at different doses for 4 h before cultivated by palmitic acid (200 μmol/L) for 12 h. We observed the level of TLR4, NF-κB p65 phosphorylation in THP-1 macrophages and TNF-α, IL-1β in culture supernatant. TLR4 mRNA was measured by real-time PCR. TLR4 protein and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation was measured by western blotting. The expression of TNF-α and IL-1β was detected by ELISA. Compared to the THP-1 macrophages without palmitic acid, the level of TLR4 mRNA protein and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment by palmitic acid in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05). Compared to the THP-1 macrophages with palmitic acid (200 μmol/L), the level of the pervious substances decreased after preadministration by acylated ghrelin in a dose-dependent fashion. So, we make a conclusion that acylated ghrelin can regulate the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 macrophages which are stimulated by palmitic acid in a dose-dependent fashion.

Genetic polymorphisms of the DNA repair gene MPG may be associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease and can lead to deformities and severe disabilities, due to irreversible damage of tendons, joints, and bones. A previous study indicated that a DNA repair system was involved in the development of RA. In this study, we investigated the association of four N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) gene polymorphisms (rs3176364, rs710079, rs2858056, and rs2541632) with susceptibility to RA in 384 Taiwanese individuals (192 RA patients and 192 control subjects). Our data show a statistically significant difference in genotype frequency distributions at rs710079 and rs2858056 SNPs between RA patients and control groups (P = 0.040 and 0.029, respectively). Our data also indicated that individuals with the GG genotype at rs2858056 SNP may have a higher risk of developing RA. In addition, compared with the haplotype frequencies between case and control groups, individuals with the GCGC haplotype appeared to be at a greater risk of RA progression (P = 0.003, OR = 1.75; 95&percnt; CI = 1.20-1.55). Our results suggest that rs710079 and rs2858056 polymorphisms and the GCGC haplotype in the MPG gene are associated with the risk of RA progression, and thus may be used as molecular markers of RA if they are confirmed by further research.

Investigation of serum protein systems in Chinese pigs

Polymorphisms of transferrin (Tf), pre-albumin (Pa), haemopexin (Hpx), ceruloplasmin (Cp) and amylase (Am) of Duroc pigs and Hunan indigenous pigs were investigated using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies of Durocs determined in 2004 were compared with frequencies presented in the paper by Baker L.N. (1968) Serum protein variation in Duroc and Hampshire pigs. Vox Sanguinis15, 154-8. The number of serum protein alleles decreased over time and allele frequencies aggregated across certain alleles, including TfB, PaA, Hpx3, CpB and AmB. Differences in allele frequencies, average heterozygosities and standard genetic distances between the Duroc pigs and Hunan indigenous pig populations were examined. The relationship between Durocs and Hunan indigenous pigs was found to be more distant than those among the three Hunan indigenous pig populations.

The relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing

PURPOSE

We studied the relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enrolled in our study were 19 potent men undergoing intracavernous pharmacological testing for various reasons. Hemodynamic changes in response to the intracavernous injection of 20 microg. prostaglandin E1 were assessed by color Doppler sonography with simultaneous RigiScan (Dacomed Corp., Minneapolis, Minnesota) monitoring of penile rigidity. The relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance was determined by correlating hemodynamic data with recorded penile rigidity values.

RESULTS

Maximal mean rigidity plus or minus standard deviation of the penile tip and base after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 was 76.8% +/- 8.5% and 97.3% +/- 4.7%, respectively. Penile tip and base rigidity correlated positively with the resistive index (r = 0.69 and 0.75, p <0.0001) and negatively with end diastolic velocity (r = -0.62 and -0.70, respectively, p <0.0001). The formula, rigidity = -128 + 195 x resistive index, was derived to describe the linear regression of penile base rigidity and the resistive index. The formula, rigidity = 59.8 - 3.3 x end diastolic velocity, was derived to describe the linear regression of penile base rigidity and end diastolic velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile rigidity correlated strongly with intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing. The resistive index and end diastolic velocity of the cavernous arteries may each be used to estimate penile rigidity quantitatively.

[The preliminary study on change of serum enzyme level in crush syndrome rat]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of serum creatinine kinase(CK) and its cardiac-specific isoenzyme compound(CK-MB) levels in crush injury rats.

METHODS

Crush injury was produced in SD rats, the serum levels of CK and CK-MB were studied by automated biochemical analyzer.

RESULTS

The levels of plasma CK and CK-MB were much higher in crush injury rats than those of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiomyocyte injury may be induced in the early stage of crush injury rats.

Ruptured cystic teratoma of the testis in a neonate

Neonatal testicular tumors are extremely rare. We report the case of a full-term male newborn with right hemiscrotal swelling found immediately after birth. The right hemiscrotal skin gradually turned dusky dark and then adhered to the hard scrotal contents. Missed right testicular torsion was suspected and emergency exploration was not attempted. Right hemiscrotal swelling became aggravated, so right orchiectomy and left orchidopexy were performed. During surgery, severe inflammation of the right testis and the right hemiscrotum were observed and diffuse hemorrhage with focal hematomas was noted within the removed right testis. Histopathology of the specimen revealed a ruptured mature cystic teratoma of the testis. The alpha-fetoprotein concentration was 729 x 10(4) micrograms/L 10 days after the operation, and dropped to 185 x 10(4), 25 x 10(4), and less than 20 x 10(4) micrograms/L 2, 5, and 8 months later, respectively. Postoperative abdominal and pelvic computerized tomography scans revealed neither lymphadenopathy nor distant metastasis. During a follow-up of 8 months, no evidence of tumor recurrence was found. Although extremely rare, testicular tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of an enlarged hard or firm scrotal mass in the male neonate.

[The changes of tryptase activity in anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of the activity of tryptase of sera, lungs and bronchial tubes in the guinea-pigs which suffered from hetero-serum anaphylactic shock.

METHODS

Sera and tissues were collected from anaphylactic shock guinea-pigs, and the enzyme activity was tested colormetrically using special substrate, BAPNA.

RESULTS

The activity of tryptase of sera, lungs and bronchial tubes increased significantly in Anaphylactic guinea-pigs compared with control group.

CONCLUSION

The changes of tryptase activity are helpful to diagnose anaphylactic shock.

Modified plication of the tunica albuginea in treating congenital penile curvature

OBJECTIVE

To describe a modified plication technique and compare the results with the Nesbit procedure for treating congenital penile curvature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven men with congenital penile curvature were treated by a modified tunica albuginea plication technique. An artificial erection was induced by normal saline injection; in the areas where plication was planned, Buck's fascia was opened longitudinally and dissected a short distance toward the midline to free the neurovascular bundles. Allis clamps were used to grasp the tunica albuginea and "bumps" created. Two interrupted U-shaped sutures using 2/0 polyglactin were placed underneath each Allis clamp to secure the bump. The results were analysed retrospectively and compared with the results of 11 other men treated using the Nesbit procedure.

RESULTS

The mean (range) follow-up was 25 (12-47) months for the Nesbit procedure and 15 (8-26) months for the modified plication procedure. In the Nesbit group, eight patients had satisfactory cosmetic and functional results; three complained of penile shortening and one had erectile dysfunction. In the modified plication group, 10 patients reported satisfactory cosmetic and functional results; one complained of penile shortening, two were concerned about the indurations of the penis but none had erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified plication technique is easier to perform, is more often successful and causes fewer surgical complications than the Nesbit procedure for treating congenital penile curvature.

[Comprehensive assessment of the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis]

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA), scanning electron microscopy, and bone biomechanical test were used to assess comprehensively bone quantity and quality of ovariectomized rats. In OVX rats, not only bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae in vivo and vitro, but also BMD of femora (except for R3 region) and proximal metaphysis(R1 region) in vitro decreased obviously (P < 0.01), whose bone loss rates of L5 and L6 were the highest and achieved 13%; the trabeculae of OVX rats were few, fine, and discontinued and there were lacunae on the surface; in OVX rats, both compressive strength of vertebral bodies and the mechanical properties of femora decreased; the falling degree of the former was greater; the maximal compressive power of lumbar vertebrae decreased with 33.32%. We conclude that after 4-month post-ovariectomy, the bone quantity and quality of six-month-old rats decreased, especially in the area of abundant cancellous bone such as vertebral bodies, distal femora; the assessment of the efficiency of new drugs to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis using rat models should include these drugs' effects to the bone mass, the bone structure, and the bone strength.

Resonance Rayleigh-scattering method for the determination of proteins with some monoazo dyes of chromotropic acid

In a weak acid medium, protein reacts with a monoazo dye of chromotropic acid, such as Chromazol KS (CALKS), Acid Chrome Dark Blue (ACDB), Chrome Blue SE (CBSE), Acid Chrome Blue K (ACBK), Chlorophosphonazo I (CPAI), Arsennazo I (AAI) and Chromotrope 2R (CT2R), to form a combination product. This results in a significant enhancement of the resonance Rayleigh-scattering (RRS) intensity, and the corresponding RRS spectrum appears. The characteristics of the RRS spectra of the combination products and the optimum conditions for the reactions were investigated. The intensity of RRS is directly proportional to the concentration of protein in a certain range. The RRS methods have high sensitivity for the determination of protein, the detection limits for bovine serum albumin (BSA) are 10.0 - 30.2 ng/ml, and the sensitivity order is CALKS > AAI = CPAI > ACBK = CT2R > ACDB > CBSE. The selectivity for CALKS has been examined, and the method was applied to the determination of a microg amount of protein in a synthetic sample with satisfactory results.

Effect of percent free prostate-specific antigen measurement on improving the specificity of serum prostate-specific antigen testing in Taiwanese patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Measurement of percent free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) has been shown to enhance the diagnostic performance of traditional serum PSA determination. We sought to determine whether measurement of percent fPSA could improve the specificity of serum total PSA testing in the detection of prostate cancer in Taiwanese patients with intermediate serum PSA concentrations.

METHODS

The medical records of 211 patients examined from March 1998 through March 2000 were analyzed retrospectively; all had a serum total PSA concentration of between 4.1 and 20.0 ng/mL and negative digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, and had undergone a prostate biopsy. Biopsy results were correlated with the serum total PSA concentration and percent fPSA, which were determined using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Percent fPSA was calculated as the ratio of fPSA to total PSA multiple by 100. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated from different cutoff values of percent fPSA and total PSA.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients (16.1%) had positive biopsy results (prostate cancer). Patients with positive biopsy results had significantly lower percent fPSA values than those with negative results (11.7% vs 16.0%, p < 0.001). Patients with a lower percent fPSA (< 10%) had a higher probability of a positive biopsy result than those with a high percent fPSA (> 20%) (positive biopsy rate, 29% vs 10%, p < 0.05). Using a cutoff value of 25% fPSA or below, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value in differentiating patients with positive biopsy results from those with negative results were 97%, 13%, and 18%, respectively. Consequently, 27 unnecessary biopsies could have been avoided at the cost of missing one cancer. The area under the ROC curve was 0.68 for percent fPSA and 0.63 for total PSA (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For Taiwanese patients with a serum PSA concentration of between 4.1 and 20.0 ng/mL, the incidence of prostate cancer is relatively low; measurement of percent fPSA only weakly enhances the specificity of serum PSA testing in detecting prostate cancer.

Post-traumatic, high-flow priapism treated with selective cavernous artery embolization and intracavernous streptokinase irrigation: a case report

A 54-year-old man developed priapism shortly after a blunt perineal trauma. An arteriocavernous fistula caused the high-flow priapism, and was detected on both color Doppler sonography and selective phaloarteriography. Selective embolization of the left cavernous artery with Gelfoam was performed to seal the fistula, resulting in immediate detumescence. However, the penis remained firm despite returning to almost normal size. No fistula was detected by subsequent color Doppler sonography and phaloarteriography examination. Intracavernous irrigation with 200,000 U streptokinase was applied to treat residual firmness 2 weeks after embolization. Successful sexual intercourse was reported 3 months later. The combination of selective cavernous artery embolization and intracavernous streptokinase irrigation was effective for the treatment of the high-flow priapism in this case.

[Study on the etiology of herpes viral encephalitis in Changsha area]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between herpes viral infection and viral encephalitis.

METHODS

The cerebral spinal fluid(CSF) and sera of the patients with viral encephalitis were detected for herpes virus-specific IgG and IgM with indirect fluorescent antibody assay (IFA).

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three (14.4%) cases of 921 patients with viral encephalitis were diagnosed as herpes simplex viral encephalitis, of which the maximum morbidity is under the age of 10, 9(0.98%) cases as cytomegaloviral encephalitis and 12 (1.3%) cases as varicella-zoster viral encephalitis.

CONCLUSION

Herpes simplex viruses are the common causative agents of viral encephalitis in Changsha area, and IFA is valuable for the diagnosis of herpes viral encephalitis.

Metabolic aspects of urinary bladder filling

Urinary bladder compliance allows the bladder to fill to near capacity without a large increase in intravesical pressure. Bladder compliance is composed of two interrelated factors: passive characteristics of the connective tissue elements of the bladder, and active properties of the smooth muscle elements. The tension generated by the smooth muscle elements can significantly affect bladder compliance. This study utilized an in-vitro whole-bladder model in rabbits to determine the effects of hypoxia, alterations in calcium concentrations, and muscarinic agonists and antagonists on bladder capacity and compliance. The urinary bladder was excised together with a short segment of proximal urethra. A catheter was inserted into the bladder via the dome and the urethra was canulated with a saline-filled tube. The bladder was mounted in an isolated bath containing Tyrode's buffer. The catheter was connected to a pressure transducer to monitor the intravesical pressure and connected to a saline-filled i.v. bag. The weight of the saline bag was continually monitored. The height of the saline bag was set to 80 mmH2O above the baseline intravesical pressure. Bladder filling was started by opening the bladder to the saline reservoir. Intravesical pressure, rate of pressure increase, rate of volume increase, and maximal volume were digitally recorded. The bladder filling was repeated while the whole bladder was subjected to hypoxia, high calcium concentration, the presence of EGTA, carbachol, atropine and tetrodotoxin, respectively. Results are summarized as follows: (a) control bladder filling was biphasic, there was an initial rapid rise in intravesical pressure followed by a slower linear rise to the pre-set pressure; (b) hypoxia significantly decreased the initial rate of the rise in intravesical pressure, increased the rate of bladder filling, and significantly increased final bladder volume; (c) incubation of the bladder in the presence of EGTA also significantly decreased the initial rate of intravesical pressure rise, increased the rate of filling and also significantly increased the final bladder volume; (d) high concentrations of calcium increased the initial rate of rise in intravesical pressure; (e) carbachol significantly increased the rate of intravesical pressure rise, decreased the rate of bladder filling, and significantly decreased final bladder volume; (f) atropine and tetrodotoxin (TTX) had no effects on bladder filling. In summary, alterations in muscle tone had significant effects on bladder capacity and compliance.

An in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic potential of sympatholytic agents on premature ejaculation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of sympatholytic agents on premature ejaculation in an animal model, using monitoring of rat seminal vesicle pressure change in response to electrical stimulation of the lesser splanchnic nerve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats (aged 12-14 weeks) were injected intra-arterially with sympatholytic agents (phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, WB-4101, chloroethylclomidine, yohimbine and RX 821002) at various concentrations 10 min before electrical stimulation of the lesser splanchnic nerve. The change in phasic tension (triangle upmmHg) of the seminal vesicle induced by electrical nerve stimulation before and after the addition of sympatholytic agents was used for statistical analysis. The maximum inhibition and the concentration required to induce 50% inhibition of the maximal contractile response (IC50) were obtained from the concentration-response curves, and used to determine the potency of test agents.

RESULTS

The seminal vesicle contractile response to electrical nerve stimulation was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by all test drugs except RX 821002. The mean (sd) maximal inhibition was 78.4 (9. 3)% by 0.03 mg/kg of phenoxybenzamine, 77.1 (10.1)% by 0.03 mg/kg of WB-4101, 73.4 (6.0)% by 0.1 mg/kg of yohimbine, 67.9 (9.7)% by 0.1 mg/kg of prazosin, 75.5 (7.5)% by 3 mg/kg of chloroethylclomidine and 25.3 (4.8)% by 0.01 mg/kg of RX 821002. The potencies of WB-4101 (IC50 3 microgram/kg) and yohimbine (IC50 0.8 microgram/kg) were similar to that of phenoxybenzamine (IC50 0.5 microgram/kg) and much higher than that of prazosin (IC50 0.03 mg/kg) or chloroethylclomidine (IC50 0.3 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, WB-4101, chloroethylclomidine and yohimbine all inhibit the contractile response of the rat seminal vesicle to electrical nerve stimulation. As phenoxybenzamine is effective in treating premature ejaculation, the comparable in vivo potencies of WB-4101 and yohimbine strongly suggest that they have clinical therapeutic potential.

Correlation of calcium-activated ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation, and the contractile response of rabbit corporal smooth muscle treated with in vitro ischemia

Oxygen and glucose are critical to support the survival and integrity of all smooth muscles. Hypoxia alone has been demonstrated to suppress the contractile response of corporal smooth muscle, and one might expect simultaneous deprivation of oxygen and glucose (in vitro model of ischemia) to exert more serious damage to corporal smooth muscle contraction. The effect of in vitro ischemia on the pharmacological responses of isolated rabbit corporal smooth muscle was correlated with the level of tissue lipid peroxidation. The effects of in vitro ischemia were as follows: (1) In vitro ischemia resulted in an 85% reduction in the contractile response to phenylephrine; (2) more than a 50% reduction in the activity of thapsigargin-sensitive calcium-activated ATPase activity of the microsomes (sarcoplasmic reticulum [SR]); (3) more than a fourfold increase in the tissue concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (level of lipid peroxidation). In conclusion, stimulation of lipid peroxidation in part may be responsible for the decrease in thapsigargin-sensitive calcium-activated ATPase activity of the SR (SERCA), and the correlated decrease in the contractile response to phenylephrine in response to ischemia.

Fertilization capability of frozen epididymal sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Both microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are great advances in assisted reproductive techniques. By using the ICSI technique, frozen sperm from the epididymis can result in successful fertilization. The epididymal sperm retrieved via MESA can be cryopreserved for an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, thus, making repeat surgical retrieval of sperm unnecessary. We report a retrospective analysis of 24 ICSI cycles in 16 patients with obstructive or nonreconstructable azoospermia. Fresh epididymal sperm was used in 13 ICSI cycles and frozen-thawed epididymal sperm was used in the other 11. We compared the fertilization capability of ICSI using frozen-thawed epididymal sperm with fresh epididymal sperm. Eleven patients became pregnant and five of these pregnancies resulted from frozen epididymal sperm. The fertilization rate per oocyte was 58% with fresh sperm, and 66% with frozen-thawed sperm. The rate of clinical pregnancy for one embryo transfer was 46% with fresh sperm, and 45% with frozen-thawed sperm. There were no significant differences between fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa in the fertilization rate of oocytes or the clinical pregnancy rate. Our results suggest that we should cryopreserve supernumerary spermatozoa during a MESA/ICSI procedure in order to avoid repeated scrotal surgery.

Effects of atropine, isoproterenol and propranolol on the rabbit bladder contraction induced by intra-arterial administration of acetylcholine and ATP

INTRODUCTION

In the rabbit, both cholinergic and purinergic nerves mediate bladder contraction. Acetylcholine is the neurohumoral transmitter for the cholinergic nerves, and ATP is the neurohumoral transmitter for purinergic innervation. Beta-adrenergic stimulation mediates relaxation of the bladder. In the current study, we investigated the effects of atropine, isoproterenol and propranolol on the bladder contraction induced by intra-arterial administration of acetylcholine and ATP.

METHODS

Mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. A polyethylene catheter with an outer diameter of 0.043 inches was inserted through the rabbit's right femoral artery until it reached the lower abdominal aorta. An 8 F catheter was inserted through the urethral orifice into the bladder and secured by tying a 2-0 silk ligature around the bladder neck. The catheter was connected to an infusion pump and a pressure transducer by a 3-way valve. After 15 ml. of saline was infused into the bladder, an intra-arterial administration of acetylcholine and ATP was infused and the change of intravesical pressure was quantitated and recorded with a Grass model 7D polygraph. The procedure was repeated after a 5-minute pretreatment with atropine, isoproterenol or propranolol.

RESULTS

The results are summarized as follows: 1) Baseline intravesical pressure was not altered by pretreatment with atropine. Pretreatment with atropine shifted the dose-response curve of acetylcholine to the right and the maximal response was reduced by 9%, 49% and 77% respectively with pretreatment with atropine 10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6) mole/kg. The dose-response curve of ATP was not significantly affected by pretreatment with atropine. 2) Baseline intravesical pressure was lowered by pretreatment with isoproterenol. Pretreatment with isoproterenol shifted both dose-response curves of acetylcholine and ATP rightward. The maximal response of acetylcholine was reduced by 10%, 26% and 37% respectively, and the maximal response of ATP was reduced by 6%, 31% and 43% respectively by pretreatment with isoproterenol 10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6) mole/kg. 3) Baseline intravesical pressure was not changed by pretreatment with propranolol. Both dose-response curves of acetylcholine and ATP were not significantly affected by pretreatment with propranolol.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, pretreatment with atropine inhibited acetylcholine-induced bladder contraction, but had no effect on ATP-induced contraction. Pretreatment with isoproterenol significantly inhibited both contractile stimulation by acetylcholine and ATP. Pretreatment with beta-adrenergic antagonist had no effect on the bladder contraction induced either by acetylcholine or by ATP. Thus, although beta-adrenergic stimulation is capable of significantly inhibiting the contractile responses to both cholinergic and purinergic stimulation, under normal conditions, sympathetic nerves do not modulate either cholinergic or purinergic stimulation.

An ex vivo evaluation of regulatory role of biogenic amines in rat seminal vesicle after pharmacological manipulation

We studied the neural regulation of seminal vesicles (SV) by determining the changes of intraluminal pressure of rat SV in response to an electric stimulation of the lesser splanchnic nerve (LSN). After pharmacological manipulation with neurotoxin, the contents of monoamines and their metabolites in SV were estimated. In rats receiving electric stimulation of the LSN, an increase of intraluminal pressure was obtained with a reduction of the serotonergic turnover rate in SV. An intraperitoneal injection of DSP-4 (100 mg/kg), the noradrenergic neurotoxin, into rats decreased the level of norepinephrine (NE) in SV significantly but did not influence this functional response. Also, the intraluminal pressure was lowered by an intrathecal injection of 6-OHDA (20 microg/rat) to denervate spinal monoaminergic nerves in rats although the contents of monoamines in SV were not changed. This indicates that noradrenergic neurotransmission appears unimportant in this regulation. The lowering of intraluminal pressure in rats by 6-OHDA is mainly related to an attenuation of dopaminergic neuroregulation from the decrease of turnover rate of DA. Otherwise, an intrathecal injection of 5,7-DHT (60 microg/rat) to abolish spinal serotonergic nerves did not influence the level of monoamines in SV but increased the intraluminal pressure indicating an involvement of inhibitory regulation from spinal serotonergic pathway. These results suggest that contraction by electric stimulation of the LSN in Wistar rat SV is mainly regulated by the dopaminergic nervous pathway and an inhibitory regulation of the serotonergic nervous pathway from spinal cord while the noradrenergic nervous system seems unimportant for this regulation.

Effects of hypoxia, calcium, carbachol, atropine and tetrodotoxin on the filling of the in-vitro rabbit whole bladder

PURPOSE

The urinary bladder stores urine at low intravesical pressure and empties the urine efficiently and completely. Bladder compliance is the property that allows the bladder to fill to near capacity without a large increase in intravesical pressure. The current study utilized an in vitro whole bladder model to determine the effects of hypoxia, alterations in extracellular calcium concentration, carbachol and atropine on bladder capacity and compliance.

METHODS

Mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. The urinary bladder was excised from the rabbit together with a short segment of proximal urethra and mounted in a 400 ml. isolated bath containing Tyrode's buffer. Bladder filling was started by opening the bladder to a saline reservoir placed 80 cm. above the bladder. Intravesical pressure, rate of pressure increase, rate of volume increase, and maximal volume were digitally recorded. The bladder filling was repeated while the whole bladder was subjected to hypoxia, high calcium concentration, the presence of EGTA, carbachol, atropine and tetrodotoxin respectively.

RESULTS

Results are summarized as follows: 1) Bladder filling was biphasic. There was an initial rapid rise in intravesical pressure followed by a slower rise. The final bladder volume averaged 46 ml. 2) Hypoxia significantly decreased the initial rate of the rise in intravesical pressure, increased the rate of bladder filling, and increased bladder volume by 43%. 3) Incubation of the bladder in the presence of EGTA also significantly decreased the initial rate of intravesical pressure rise, increased the rate of filling and increased bladder volume by 39%. 4) High concentrations of calcium increased the initial rate of rise in intravesical pressure. 5) Carbachol significantly increased the rate of intravesical pressure rise, decreased the rate of bladder filling, and decreased bladder volume. 6) Atropine and tetrodotoxin (TTX) had no effects on bladder filling.

CONCLUSION

In summary, alterations in muscle tone had significant effects on bladder capacity and compliance.

Effects of hypoxia, calcium, carbachol, atropine and tetrodotoxin on the filling of the in-vitro rabbit whole bladder

PURPOSE

The urinary bladder stores urine at low intravesical pressure and empties the urine efficiently and completely. Bladder compliance is the property that allows the bladder to fill to near capacity without a large increase in intravesical pressure. The current study utilized an in vitro whole bladder model to determine the effects of hypoxia, alterations in extracellular calcium concentration, carbachol and atropine on bladder capacity and compliance.

METHODS

Mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. The urinary bladder was excised from the rabbit together with a short segment of proximal urethra and mounted in a 400 ml. isolated bath containing Tyrode's buffer. Bladder filling was started by opening the bladder to a saline reservoir placed 80 cm. above the bladder. Intravesical pressure, rate of pressure increase, rate of volume increase, and maximal volume were digitally recorded. The bladder filling was repeated while the whole bladder was subjected to hypoxia, high calcium concentration, the presence of EGTA, carbachol, atropine and tetrodotoxin respectively.

RESULTS

Results are summarized as follows: 1) Bladder filling was biphasic. There was an initial rapid rise in intravesical pressure followed by a slower rise. The final bladder volume averaged 46 ml. 2) Hypoxia significantly decreased the initial rate of the rise in intravesical pressure, increased the rate of bladder filling, and increased bladder volume by 43%. 3) Incubation of the bladder in the presence of EGTA also significantly decreased the initial rate of intravesical pressure rise, increased the rate of filling and increased bladder volume by 39%. 4) High concentrations of calcium increased the initial rate of rise in intravesical pressure. 5) Carbachol significantly increased the rate of intravesical pressure rise, decreased the rate of bladder filling, and decreased bladder volume. 6) Atropine and tetrodotoxin (TTX) had no effects on bladder filling.

CONCLUSION

In summary, alterations in muscle tone had significant effects on bladder capacity and compliance.

Effect of repetitive stimulation on the contractile response of rabbit urinary bladder subjected to in vitro hypoxia or in vitro ischemia followed by reoxygenation

PURPOSE

We studied the effects of hypoxia followed by reoxygenation and an in vitro model of ischemia (hypoxia + substrate [glucose] deprivation) followed by reperfusion (reoxygenation + substrate replacement) on the contractile response of rabbit urinary bladder strips to nonrepetitive and repetitive field stimulation (FS), and correlated the results with the rate of lipid peroxidation. We view repetitive FS as a model for hyperreflexia.

METHODS

The effects of repetitive and nonrepetitive FS on the contractile responses of isolated strips of rabbit bladder to FS, carbachol, and KCl were determined in the presence of 3 different incubation media: O2 + glucose (normal physiological medium); N2 + glucose (in vitro hypoxia), and N2 - glucose (in vitro ischemia). Then, all strips were incubated for 1 h in normal physiological medium ('reperfusion') followed by a final stimulation; the resultant contractile responses were correlated with the level of lipid peroxidation as determined by malonedialdehyde (MDA) concentration.

RESULTS

Repetitive stimulation, a model of hyperreflexia, significantly increased the rate of development of contractile dysfunction in bladder tissue strips incubated in all 3 media as compared to nonrepetitive stimulation, which caused no degradation of the contractile response in normal physiological medium. The rate of development of contractile dysfunction was significantly greater in bladder tissue strips incubated in the in vitro ischemia medium (N2 - glucose) than in strips incubated in the hypoxia medium (N2 + glucose); which, in turn, was significantly greater than in those incubated in the normal physiological medium (O2 + glucose). Repetitive stimulation ('hyperreflexia') during all 3 incubation conditions resulted in increased [MDA] after reoxygenation or 'reperfusion'. Incubation in in vitro ischemia buffer (N2 - glucose) followed by 1 h reoxygenation + substrate replacement stimulated lipid peroxidation to a significantly greater extent than did incubation in hypoxia buffer (N2 + glucose) followed by 1 h of reoxygenation; the level of lipid peroxidation, [MDA], paralleled the magnitude of the contractile dysfunctions present. Independent of the incubation medium, the magnitude of FS-induced contractile dysfunction after reoxygenation or 'reperfusion' was significantly greater than the magnitude of dysfunction in response to carbachol or KCl.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that the rate of contractile failure induced by in vitro ischemia is greater than that induced by in vitro hypoxia, and that the contractile response to FS is significantly more sensitive to both hypoxia and in vitro ischemia than is the contractile response to either carbachol or KCl. Repetitive stimulation ('hyperreflexia') increases the rate of contractile failure under all conditions tested, and the magnitude of the contractile failure may be due, in part, to the generation of free radicals and subsequent stimulation of lipid peroxidation upon reoxygenation or 'reperfusion'.

Digital analysis of the pharmacological effects of in vitro ischemia on rabbit corpus cavernosum

PURPOSE

Regulation of corporal smooth muscle tone is essential for the initiation of penile erection. In recent years, in vitro isometric tension studies using isolated corpus cavernosal tissue have been used extensively to investigate the mechanisms regulating corporal smooth muscle tone and tension. In the present study, we utilized digital analysis of contractile data generated from investigation of contractile and relaxation responses of isolated rabbit corpus cavenosum to various forms of stimulation. Digital analysis of the contractile and relaxation data allows quantitation of both maximal and mean rates of tension change, and time elapsed to maximal response. Rates of tension changes may provide additional important information regarding cellular events that mediate corporal tone and tension changes.

METHODS

Sexually mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used. Each corpus cavernosum was dissected sharply from the removed penis, then two longitudinal strips were prepared for isometric tension studies and placed in individual baths. Tension was monitored continually using an 8-channel Grass Polygraph. The Grass PolyVIEW system simultaneously converted analog signals to digital information and stored data using a 486 PC computer. Each corporal strip was prestimulated with 300 mumol/l phenylephrine to produce a maximal contraction, then field stimulation (FS), carbachol and nitroprusside were applied consecutively to determine relaxation effects. This procedure was repeated after strips were deprived of glucose and oxygen (in vitro ischemia) for 1 h. The following parameters were quantitated for all responses: maximal tension change; maximal and mean rates of tension change, and time to maximal response.

RESULTS

Effects of 1-hour in vitro ischemia on rabbit corporal tissue were as follows: (1) an 85% decrease in contractile response to phenylephrine, and (2) a marked increase in rate of contractile response to phenylephrine. Phenylephrine precontracted strips exhibited: (3) no change in relaxant response to FS; (4) increased relaxant responses to carbachol and nitroprusside; (5) no change in rates of relaxation in response to FS; (6) increased rates of relaxation in response to carbachol and nitroprusside, (7) no change in elapsed time to maximal relaxation in response to FS, and (8) decreased elapsed time to maximal relaxation in response to carbachol and nitroprusside.

CONCLUSION

Digital analysis of the data generated facilitates recording, reviewing and analyzing of in vitro isometric tension studies on rabbit corpus cavernosum. Digital analysis allows quantification of additional parameters that have important implications for determination of mechanisms by which specific pathological processes occur.

Physiological effects of macrocycle 1 on the rabbit corpus cavernosum

When the penis is in the flaccid state, the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle is under adrenergic control in order to maintain the sinusoids in a contracted condition (primarily via alpha-adrenergic stimulation). Penile erection is mediated by relaxation of corporal smooth muscle through a variety of direct and indirect mechanisms. Pharmacological agents that either inhibit alpha-adrenergic transmission or facilitate corporal smooth muscle relaxation will be beneficial for penile erection. Preliminary studies on macrocycle 1, a novel bioactive agent, demonstrated that this compound inhibits receptor-stimulated contraction without significantly altering field-stimulated contraction. The current study was designed to determine the physiological effects of macrocycle 1 on the response of the rabbit corpus cavernosum to various forms of stimulation. Sexually mature male New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. The corpus cavernosum was dissected sharply from the removed penis and two longitudinal strips were prepared for isometric tension studies. Each strip was prestimulated with 200 mumol/l phenylephrine to produce a maximal contraction. The influences of macrocycle 1 (15.6, 62.5, 250, 1,000 mumol/l) on both the contractile response to phenylephrine and the relaxant effects of field stimulation, carbachol, ATP and nitroprusside were determined. The results demonstrated that although basal tension was not altered, the contractile response to phenylephrine was decreased by 5, 18, 47 and 57%, respectively, by the different concentrations of macrocycle 1. The degree of relaxation induced by field stimulation of various frequencies was significantly enhanced by macrocycle 1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, the degrees of relaxation induced by bethanechol, ATP and nitroprusside were all significantly enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner. The conclusion from this study is that macrocycle 1 significantly inhibits phenylephrine-stimulated contraction and significantly enhances field-stimulated and pharmacologically induced relaxation. Although the mechanisms of action are not clear, its physiological effects on the rabbit corpus cavernosum implicate a potential for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Structure of the Ras-binding domain of c-Raf-1 as determined by NMR spectroscopy and identification of the region that interacts with Ras

The structure of the Ras-binding domain of human c-Raf-1 (residues 55 to 132) as determined in solution by NMR spectroscopy is presented. It consists of a five-stranded beta-sheet, a twelve residue alpha-helix, and an additional one-turn helix. The fold belongs to a known family whose members include ubiquitin and protein G. The surface of Raf55-132 that interacts with Ras has been identified by resonance perturbation mapping. The binding site is a spatially contiguous patch comprised of the two-N-terminal beta-strands, the loop between them, and the C-terminal end of the alpha-helix. A model of the Raf-Ras complex is presented, which was derived by analogy to the complex between protein G and a Fab fragment of IgG. In the model, edge beta-strands of each protein align in an antiparallel orientation, forming a unified beta-sheet, and side chains from both proteins are able to participate in ionic and hydrophobic interactions at the interface.

An experimental model to evaluate the in vivo response of rat seminal vesicle to electrical stimulation

This investigation demonstrated a good model to record the pressure change of rat seminal vesicle (SV) in response to electrical stimulation (ES) of lesser splanchnic nerve (LSN) in vivo. LSN was easily identified and isolated grossly. Antegrade catheterization via the SV tail to the main lumen was performed similar to the technique of i.v. catheterization, and the pressure recording was quite satisfactory. The vesicle response to ES was frequency-dependent and reproducible. Under the conditions of 10 V and 1 ms, the maximal vesicle pressure was 81.7 +/- 2.8 mmHg with 80 Hz of ES. The inhibitory response of SV to ES by clomipramine was concentration-dependent. Clomipramine (3 mg/kg) could inhibit 53% of control responses (n = 7). This experimental model is relevant to neurophysiologic and neuropharmacologic studies of SV.

Solution structure of the Ras-binding domain of c-Raf-1 and identification of its Ras interaction surface

The structure of the Ras-binding domain of human c-Raf-1 (residues 55-132) has been determined in solution by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Following complete assignment of the backbone and side-chain 1H, 15N, and 13C resonances, the structure was calculated using the program CHARMM. Over 1300 NOE-derived constraints were applied, resulting in a detailed structure. The fold of Raf55-132 consists of a five-stranded beta-sheet, a 12-residue alpha-helix, and an additional one-turn helix. It is similar to those of ubiquitin and the IgG-binding domain of protein G, although the three proteins share very little sequence identity. The surface of Raf55-132 that interacts with Ras has been identified by monitoring perturbation of line widths and chemical shifts of 15N-labeled Raf55-132 resonances during titration with unlabeled Ras-GMPPNP. The Ras-binding site is contained within a spatially contiguous patch comprised of the N-terminal beta-hairpin and the C-terminal end of the alpha-helix.

Direct phasing of one-wavelength anomalous-scattering data of the protein core streptavidin

The direct method [Fan, Hao, Gu, Qian, Zheng & Ke (1990). Acta Cryst. A46, 935-939] was used to break the phase ambiguity intrinsic to one-wavelength anomalous scattering data from a known protein of moderate size, core streptavidin, which was solved originally with three-wavelength anomalous diffraction data [Hendrickson, Pähler, Smith, Satow, Merritt & Phizackerley (1989). Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 86, 2190-2194]. Unlike that in the previous test with a small protein, the Fourier map calculated with the direct-method phases could not clearly reveal the moderate-sized protein structure. However, the phases can be improved step by step using Wang's solvent-flattening method, non-crystallographic symmetry averaging and the skeletonization method. The final electron-density map clearly shows most Calpha positions and some side chains and it is traceable without prior knowledge of the structure. It is concluded that the direct method is capable of breaking the OAS phase ambiguity of a moderate-sized protein at moderate resolution such as 3 A, while the combination of direct methods with macromolecular techniques may produce phases good enough for unknown protein structure to be traced.

Study on lymphocyte activation and proliferation induced by anti-CD3 McAb

T cell activation and proliferation via CD3-TCR complex were investigated by lymphocyte DNA synthesis in vitro. Several interfering factors were also discussed. The result indicated that lymphocyte activation and proliferation are calcium-dependent. A rise of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ quickly following activation with CD3 McAb is mainly due to intracellular mobilization of Ca2+, while lymphocyte proliferation needs both intracellular mobilization of Ca2+ as well as influx of extracellular Ca2+. It was confirmed that CTX sensitive G protein plays a role in regulating T cell proliferation by pretreatment with CTX suppressing lymphocyte H-TdR incorporation obviously. PLC and PKC inhibitor neomycin and P. S. S could also decrease T cell proliferation.

Renal hemodynamics in patients with obstructive uropathy evaluated by duplex Doppler sonography

Duplex Doppler sonography was performed to differentiate varied degrees of obstructive uropathy by demonstrating the intrarenal arterial impedance in terms of pulsatility index and resistive index. We evaluated 56 kidneys in 28 normal subjects and 53 kidneys in 27 patients with unilateral or bilateral obstructive uropathy. The degrees of renal obstruction were determined by clinical criteria, such as excretory urography, antegrade pyelography and/or retrograde ureteral catheterization. There was excellent positive correlation between pulsatility index and resistive index values (correlation coefficient 0.77, p < 0.001). In patients with obstructive uropathy there were significant differences in pulsatility index and resistive index values between the 33 obstructed and 20 nonobstructed kidneys (p < 0.001 for both indexes). Significant differences were also found between the obstructed kidneys and the kidneys of normal subjects (p < 0.001 for both indexes) even after controlling for the age factor (p < 0.001). No difference was found between the nonobstructed kidneys of the patient group and those of normal subjects (p = 0.58 and 0.45 for pulsatility and resistive indexes, respectively). The resistive index values correlated well with the degrees of obstruction (p < 0.001). The mean resistive index values for mildly and significantly obstructed kidneys were 0.64 +/- 0.08 and 0.74 +/- 0.05, respectively. More than 93.3% of the significantly obstructed kidneys had resistive index values greater than or equal to 0.70. The obstruction may be significant and demands surgical intervention when the resistive index reaches that value. In contrast, with resistive index values of less than 0.70 renovascular resistance is minimally altered and obstruction may be mild. The results can be applied clinically to help justify the indications for surgical intervention to relieve symptoms of obstructive uropathy.

Differential effects of deprenyl and MPTP on catecholamines and activity in BALB/c mice

The present study examined the effects of deprenyl (1.5 mg kg-1) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (30 mg kg-1) on dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and motor activity in BALB/c mice. Results indicate that pre-treatment with deprenyl injections protected against MPTP's toxicity on DA, NE and motor function. However, if deprenyl was given 3 or 7 days after the MPTP injection (for 3 days in succession), it could not reverse MPTP's toxicity. However, if deprenyl was given for an extended period of 7 days, it reversed MPTP's toxicity on NE, but not on DA and behaviour. If deprenyl was given soon after MPTP each day for 10 days, it protected against MPTP's toxicity on DA and NE, but not on locomotor activity. These results suggest that only prior and repeated deprenyl injection has a satisfactory protective effect against MPTP's neurotoxicity.