[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of coblation and pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of cervicogenic headache]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of coblation and pulsed radiofrequency on cervicogenic headache (CEH). Methods: A total of 118 patients with CEH who underwent coblation or pulsed radiofrequency in the Department of Pain Management at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from August 2018 to June 2020 was retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the coblation group (n=64) and the pulsed radiofrequency group (n=54) according to different surgical methods. In the coblation group, there were 14 males and 50 females, aged 29-65 (49.8±10.2) years, while in the pulse radiofrequency group, there were 24 males and 30 females, aged 18-65 (41.7±14.8) years. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, postoperative numbness in the affected areas and other complications were recorded and compared between the two groups at preoperative 3 d, and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The VAS score of the coblation group was (7.16±0.91), (3.67±1.13), (1.59±0.91), (1.66±0.84) and (1.56±0.90) before operation, and 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Likewise, the VAS score of the pulsed radiofrequency group was (7.01±0.78), (1.58±0.88), (1.57±0.94), (3.71±1.08) and (6.92±0.83) at the aforementioned time points. There were statistically significant differences of VAS scores between the coblation group and the pulsed radiofrequency group at 3 days, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (all P<0.001). Intra-group comparison revealed that VAS scores in the coblation group were significantly lower than those before surgery at all time points after surgery (all P<0.001), while VAS scores in the pulsed radiofrequency group were significantly decreased at 3 days, 1 month and 3 months after surgery (P<0.001). The incidence of numbness was 72% (46/64), 61% (39/64), 6% (4/64) and 3% (2/62) in the coblation group and 7% (4/54), 7% (4/54), 2% (1/54) and 0 (0/54) in the pulsed radiofrequency group, respectively. At 3 days and 1 month after surgery, the incidence of numbness in the coblation group was higher than those in the pulsed radiofrequency group (both P<0.001). In the coblation group, one patient developed pharyngeal discomfort 3 days after surgery, which disappeared spontaneously 1 week after surgery without special treatment. One patient developed vertigo after getting up in the morning at 3 days postoperatively, and the possibility of transient cerebral ischemia was considered. In the pulsed radiofrequency group, one patient developed nausea and vomiting after operation, but spontaneous remission was observed after one hour without special treatment. Conclusions: Both coblation and pulsed radiofrequency are effective and safe in the treatment of CEH. But the VAS scores at 3 and 6 months after coblation is significantly lower than those of pulsed radiofrequency ablation group, and the efficacy is better in those undergoing coblation.

[Correlation of serum lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

To analyze the correlation between lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).A total of 307 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 232 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 165 healthy subjects from the same geographic region were included. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] were retrieved from their medical records. Crohn disease activity index (CDAI) and Mayo scores were calculated as measurement of disease severity for CD and UC separately. Patients with CD and UC had lower TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels than those in control group (P<0.05). Additionally, CDAI was negatively associated with TC, HDL-C and LDL-C levels (r=-0.218, -0.210, -0.176, P<0.05), while TG level was not associated with CDAI. Mayo scores was not significantly associated with TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Patients with CD had higher Lp(a) levels than those in UC and control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with active CD had higher Lp (a) levels than those with inactive disease (P<0.05).The Lp(a) levels in CD patients were positively associated with CDAI (r=0.151, P<0.05), while Lp(a) level in UC group was nor assocriated with Mayo score. Patients with IBD have dyslipidemia and lipid profile is associated with disease activity in CD patients.

[Macular buckling for highly myopic traction maculopathy]

Objective: To observe the efficacy of macular buckling in the treatment of highly myopic traction maculopathy. Methods: Retrospective case series study. The patients with high myopia who underwent macular buckling at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2014 to June 2019 were enrolled, including 136 males and 212 females. The age was (56.68±11.59) years old. The outcomes measured included retinal reattachment rate, foveoschisis recovery rate, macular hole closure rate, postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), and complications. The measurements were recorded preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years postoperatively. The data was statistically analyzed using paired t test. Results: A total of 378 eyes were included, including 216 eyes with foveoschisis and macular detachment and 162 eyes with macular holes and macular detachment. Among them, 296 eyes underwent macular buckling, and the other 82 eyes underwent macular buckling combined with pars plana vitrectomy. During the follow-up period, 373 eyes (98.68%) achieved retinal reattachment; in patients with foveoschisis, 204 eyes (94.44%) were recovered; in patients with macular holes, 89 eyes (54.09%) achieved closure. All the postoperative results of BCVA were better than the preoperative value (1.459±0.841). BCVA continued to increase from postoperative month 1, remained stable at 1 year, and reached 0.908±0.606 at 3 years (t=6.896, P<0.01). All the postoperative results of AL were shorter than the preoperative value. The AL shortened by (4.423±1.740)mm at one month (t=33.144, P<0.01), increased gradually thereafter, remained stable at 1 year, and shortened by (2.101±1.643) mm at three years (t=6.392, P<0.01). The common complications included transient high intraocular pressure in 98 eyes (25.92%), epiretinal hemorrhage in 67 eyes (17.72%), and vitreous hemorrhage in 9 eyes (2.38%), which all resolved spontaneously within 1 month. In the early postoperative period, all patients had a certain degree of eye movement limitation, and 39 eyes (10.31%) had diplopia which resolved within 6 months without treatment. The strabismus surgery was arranged to treat esotropia in 6 eyes (1.58%). The macular buckle was removed from 1 eye (0.26%) because of the inability to tolerate diplopia. There were 8 eyes (2.11%) requiring a second operation to adjust the position of the buckle. The macular buckle was also removed from 4 eyes (1.05%) due to the implant rejection. Conclusion: Macular buckling can effectively shorten the AL, resolve posterior scleral staphyloma, and improve vision in the treatment of highly myopic traction maculopathy. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 433-439).

[Clinical study on preserving right gastroepiploic vein during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy]

Objective: The operative approach and steps of laparoscopic right hemicolon cancer radical resection have been standardlized and professional consensus has been reached. However, some detailed issues such as the handling of Henle's trunk and whether to preserve the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) still remain controversial. This study investigates the safety, feasibility, short- and long-term outcomes of preserving RGEV during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Clinical data of 92 patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in Taizhou People's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with complete mesocolon resection (CME) and had complete postoperative pathological data and follow-up data. Based on the tumor location, 49 patients preserved RGEV (preservation group) and 43 did not (non-preservation group). Pathological data, postoperative complications, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). No significant differences were found in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, unplanned reoperation, anastomotic leak, number of harvested lymph nodes, number of metastatic lymph node, and time to food intake after surgery between two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with non-preservation group, the preservation group had faster recovery of anal gas passage after operation [(3.1±1.0) days vs. (4.0±1.7) days, t=-2.787, P=0.007], shorter length of hospitalization [(11.5±1.5) days vs. (15.0±7.9) days, t=-2.823, P=0.007], and reduced the hospitalization expenses [(46 000±5000) yuan to (57 000±33 000) yuan, t=-2.076, P=0.044]. No postoperative gastroparesis (PGS) occurred in the preservation group, while 6 cases in the non-preservation group developed gastroparesis during perioperative period (P<0.05). The median time of follow-up time was 31.8 (5.2-43.7) months. The overall survival time of the preservation group and non-preservation group was (35.4±1.8) months and (37.6±1.7) months, respectively without significant difference (P=0.336); the disease-free survival was (32.0±2.2) months and (35.5±2.0) months, respectively without significant difference as well (P=0.201). Conclusions: Dissection of the Henle's truck and preservation of RGEV is safe and feasible during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, which can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative gastroparesis, shorten the recovery time of postoperative intestinal function and hospitalization, and decrease the cost of hospitalization. The efficacy of RGEV preservation is similar to non-preservation of RGEV.

LINC00662 promotes glycolysis and cell survival by regulating miR- 375/HIF-1α axis in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies, with the highest mortality rate in women worldwide. LINC00662, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was shown to play a vital role in many malignancies, while little is known about its role in OC. Firstly, our study determined the expression of LINC00662 in OC tissues and cells. Upregulation or downregulation of LINC00662 were performed in OC cells to explore its effects on cell proliferation and glycolysis of OC. The interaction between LINC00662 and miR-375 was verified using luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results showed that LINC00662 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cells, and patients with increased expression of LINC00662 were associated with shorter overall survival. Furthermore, functional assays proved that LINC00662 was essential for OC cell proliferation and glycolysis. Subsequently, our study further revealed that LINC00662 acted as a competitive RNA and it could modulate the expression of HIF-1α through directly binding with miR- 375. Collectively, upregulation of LINC00662 in ovarian cancer tissues is closely correlated to poor survival. LINC00662 might regulate HIF-1α expression via miR-375. These findings suggested that LINC00662 has the potential to be explored as a diagnostic biomarker for OC.

[Characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in alpha-fetoprotein-negative recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma (rsHCC). Methods: The imaging characteristics of CEUS were retrospectively analyzed in 132 lesions from 116 patients with rsHCC, including 59 lesions from 51 AFP-negative patients and 73 lesions from 65 AFP-positive patients. The hemodynamic parameters such as contrast-enhanced onset time, time-to-peak, isoenhancement start time, low-enhancement start time, and perfusion mode were compared between two groups. Results: The time-to-peak, isoenhancement start time, low-enhancement start time of AFP-negative group were significantly increased than those in AFP-positive group (23.22±5.08)s vs. (20.30±3.41)s, (59.44±39.75)s vs. (40.75±16.16)s, (102.89±44.45)s vs. (87.08±25.27)s (all of P<0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of isoenhancement during the portal and late phases in AFP-negative group was significantly higher than those in AFP-positive group (59.3% vs. 37.0%, 16.9% vs. 4.1%; all of P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the enhancement start time (14.87±6.00)s vs. (14.35±5.30)s (P>0.05) as well as isoenhancement proportion in the arterial phase (94.9% vs. 98.6%, P>0.05). Conclusions: The enhancement pattern of CEUS in AFP-negative rsHCC patients was "fast-in and slow-out" with a diverse and atypical trend. Recognizing its regular features will facilitate the early detection of AFP-negative rsHCC.

[Clinical analysis of 7 cases with anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging features, electroencephalogram (EEG) manifestations, treatment and prognosis of anti-CASPR2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis with the purpose to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods: Seven patients diagnosed with CASPR2 antibody-associated encephalitis in the Fifth and first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected. The clinical manifestations, course of disease, imaging, treatment plan and prognosis of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of the 7 patients, 4 were male and 3 were female. The median age of onset was 34 years old (range, 11-66 years). Seizures (6/7), memory decline(5/7), and neuropsychiatric disorders (4/7) were common clinical manifestations. CASPR2 antibody was detected in the CSF of 3 patients (3/7) and the serum of all patients (7/7). Notable imaging changes were observed in 5 patients (5/7). All patients received immunotherapy and were followed up for 1 month to 2 years. One patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer with a poor prognosis; all the others got a good prognosis. Conclusions: CASPR2 antibody-related encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease. It is considered to present with seizures, memory loss, psychiatric symptoms, dizziness and sleep disorders as the main clinical manifestations. Early identification and treatment of the disease can help the patients achieve a good prognosis.

[Meta-analysis of comparison for efficacies between surgical plus radio(chemo)therapy and non-surgery chemoradiotherapy treatment strategies for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer]

Objective: Meta-analysis was used to compare the long-term efficacy and laryngeal function preservation rate of patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer treated with surgery plus radio(chemo)therapy (SRT) or non-surgery chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: We searched publicly published articles on case-control studies of surgical and non-surgical comprehensive treatment of advanced hypopharyngeal cancer in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, Chinese Journal Full-text Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. The search language was limited to Chinese and English, and the period was from 1990 to 2018. These literatures were rigorously screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data needed for this study were extracted and the Meta analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 13 literatures were included, and the overall quality of the literature was relatively high, and no significant publication bias was suggested. A total of 1 994 subjects, including 720 in the SRT group and 1 274 in the CRT group. The average 3-year overall survival rates were 42.9% in SRT group and 44.8% in CRT group,with no significant difference (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.62-2.06, P=0.68). The average 5-year overall survival rate (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.10-1.84, P<0.01), 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.11-2.55, P=0.01) and 5-year local control rate (OR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.52-3.12, P<0.01) of SRT group were 46.4%, 47.4% and 71.2%, respectively, which were higher than those of non-surgical group (37.9%, 32.0%, and 52.2% respectively). The average laryngeal function preservation rate was 19.8%,being significantly lower than 80.6% of the non-surgical group(OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.01-0.07, P<0.01). Conclusions: SRT has better long-term efficacy, while CRT has better preservation of laryngeal function.

[Improve the effect of nurses on the occupational protection of cytotoxic drugs]

Objective: Evaluation of improving the occupational protective effect of nurses in cytotoxic drugs. Methods: The occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs in Qingdao Central hospital were taken as samples. Compare the occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs before and after improvement. Results: From Sept.2017 to Aug.2018, the number of occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs decreased by 90.38%; Sharp injuries, drug spillovers, distribution errors and excessive air diffusivity were decreased by 70%~100%. Conclusion: Targeted occupational protection can significantly reduce the hazards of cytotoxic drugs and ensure the health of the medicinal staff.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG; ATCC 53013) on growth performance and hepatotoxicity in calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of AFB₁ and the hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in rumen fluid, blood, and excretions. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were blocked for body weight and age and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ only), or (3) treated with 1 × 10¹⁰ cfu of LGG suspension and 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ plus LGG). The calves received LGG suspension in 50 mL of phosphate-buffered saline daily via oral administration for 14 d before and on the day they received a single oral dose of AFB₁. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the study (before LGG administration), at the day of AFB₁ administration, and at the end of the trial. Rumen fluid, blood, urine, and feces samples were collected continuously for 96 h after AFB₁ administration. Average daily gain (ADG) and plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, and concentrations of AFB₁ and AFM₁ in the samples were determined for monitoring excretion pattern and toxicokinetics. The results showed that ADG was lower in AFB₁-treated animals; LGG administration partially mitigated the decrease in ADG (0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 kg of gain/d). The AFB₁ treatment increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Administration of LGG alleviated the AFB₁-induced increase in plasma enzymes activity. The excretion patterns of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were surprisingly regular; toxins were rapidly detected in all samples after a single oral dose of AFB₁, and the peak of toxins concentrations was sequentially reached in rumen fluid, plasma, urine, and feces (except AFM₁ in rumen fluid), followed by an exponential decrease. The excretion curves showed that AFB₁ and AFM₁ concentrations were the highest in feces and urine, respectively. Administration of LGG decreased the concentrations of free AFB₁ and AFM₁ in rumen fluid and reduced the release of toxins into plasma and urine. Toxicokinetic parameters (except for the time of maximum concentration and the terminal half-life) were reduced by LGG administration. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, and excretion of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were rapid in calves fed a single dose of AFB₁. Urine was the main route for the excretion of AFM₁, and the clearance pattern from the peak of concentration was well fitted by exponential decreasing function. Administration of LGG reduced the absorption of AFB₁ in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the excretion via the feces, thus alleviating the hepatotoxic effect of AFB₁.

Delayed total hip arthroplasty after failed treatment of acetabular fractures: an 8- to 17-year follow-up study

Background

Delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a reliable procedure following failed treatment of acetabular fractures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the type of fracture treatment and modern ceramic bearing on the clinical outcomes of delayed THA.

Methods

Between January 1997 and January 2008, 33 patients (33 hips) underwent cementless THA after failed acetabular fractures. Twenty-one were initially treated by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and 12 had non-ORIF. Joint articulation was either conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) or ceramic-on-ceramic (COC). Intraoperative measures and preoperative and follow-up clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes were compared between the ORIF and non-ORIF groups.

Results

Surgery duration, blood loss, and transfusion requirement were greater in the ORIF group than in the non-ORIF group (p < 0.05). Significant improvement in Harris Hip Scores was seen post-surgery in both groups. However, a significant difference in the mean Harris Hip Score was not observed between the two groups (p = 0.57). Six patients in the ORIF group required acetabular reconstructive procedures to address bony defects compared to seven patients in the non-ORIF group (p = 0.09). The rate of anatomical restoration was 58.3% (7/12) in the non-ORIF group and 42.9% (9/21) in the ORIF group (p = 0.12). Radiolucent lines were observed in the MOP group and none in the COC group. Overall survival rate was similar in both groups (p = 0.85): 89.3% in the ORIF group and 87.5% in the non-ORIF group.

Conclusion

Delayed THA with previous acetabular fractures is a challenging procedure. Initial fracture treatment does not influence the outcome of delayed THA, and modern ceramic bearing has promising results in the long-term follow-up.

Synergistic effects of titania nanotubes and silicon to enhance the osteogenic activity

In this study, titania nanotubes (TNTs) incorporating silicon (Si) were formed on Ti disks using anodization and electron beam evaporation (EBE) technology to improve the osteogenic activity. The amount of Si was exquisitely adjusted by controlling the duration of EBE to optimize the biofunctionality. As the Si was incorporated, the samples exhibited hydrophilic surfaces. Long lasting and controllable Si release was observed from the EBE-modified samples without cytotoxicity. Moreover, initial cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated. The results showed a notable enhancement of spreading, osteogenesis and differentiation of cells on silicon-coated TNTs (Si-TNTs). In particular, samples with highest amount of silicon (∼5.93% Si) displayed greatest augmentation of ALP activity, osteogenic-related gene expression and mineralization compared to the others in the present study. It was indicated that the modification with TNTs and appropriated Si content resulted in enhanced osteoblastic spreading, proliferation and differentiation, and therefore has the potential for future applications in the field of orthopedics.

[Percutaneous vertebroplasty and open vertebroplasty for metastatic spinal tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical application and therapeutic effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) and open vertebroplasty for metastatic spinal tumor.

METHODS

The clinical data of 126 patients with metastatic spinal tumor underwent surgery and obtained follow-up from January 2012 to March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. These 126 cases were divided into two groups according to different operative methods. The metastatic tumor of 43 cases encroached vertebral canal oppressing spinal cord and nerve root, they were treated with open operation(open vertebroplasty group);and other 83 cases without obviously spinal cord or nerve root compression, or unfit for open operation, were treated with PVP (percutaneous vertebroplasty group) . VAS score, ECOG and Frankel grade were used to evaluate the pain and neurofunction in two groups.All out-hospital patients were followed up every 3 months for 1 time. X-ray, CT, MRI were examined in follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 112 vertebrae underwent PVP with the median surgical time of 50 min;VAS scores decreased significantly at 2 days after operation, which maintained till 1 month later; ECOG grade at 1 month decreased significantly;44 of 112 vertebrae suffered from asymptomatic bone cement leakage, no complications such as nerve injury or pulmonary embolism was found; the median survival time was 16 months. While for open vertebroplasty group, the median surgical time was 160 min and blood loss was 1 000 ml; postoperative VAS scores and ECOG grade at 1 month decreased significantly. Postoperative Frankel grade of 36 patients got improvement in 41 patients with spinal cord functional disturbance(87.8%); and 29 of 40 patients with incompleteness out of motor function were full recovery(76.3%); 12 cases (27.9%) occurred complications and the median survival time was 11 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The different vertebroplasty treatments can be selected for patients with metastatic spinal tumor, which can relieve the pain, improve the nerve function, reconstruct the spinal stabilization, maintain the local control and raise the life quality.

[Estimating the burden of influenza-associated hospitalization for cases of severe acute respiratory infection, Beijing, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the influenza infection rate among severe acute respiratory infection(SARI) cases and the hospitalization rates of SARI attributable to influenza, based on two sentinel hospital surveillance databases in Beijing, 2015. Methods: Surveillance was conducted at two sentinel hospitals in Beijing in 2015. A total of 1 842 patients who admitted to the sentinel hospitals and met the definition of SARI were enrolled in the study. The respiratory tract specimens of SARI cases were collected, and sent to laboratories within 48 hours for influenza RNA detection. The catchment area of sentinel hospitals was defined by reviewing the home address of inpatients; A total of 1 491 patients were sampled and tested for influenza. The population size of catchment areas was obtained from demographic year book. We investigated the number of pneumonia patients admitted to the sentinel hospitals and other hospitals in catchment areas in 2015, and calculated the proportions of pneumonia patients that were admitted to sentinel hospitals in catchment areas. The catchment population size was calculated using the number of total population of catchment areas multiply by the proportions of pneumonia patients that were admitted at sentinel hospitals. Results: Among 1 491 patients, 13.7% (205 cases) was test positive for influenza viruses, 2 (0.9%) cases positive for influenza A (H1N1), 91 (44.6%) cases influenza A (H3N2), 1 (0.5%) case influenza B/Victoria, 111 (54.0%) cases influenza B/Yamagata. Influenza was associated with an estimated 30 (95%CI:9-51) SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 during 2015. The hospitalization rate was 243 (95%CI: 232-255), 86 (95%CI: 59-112),1(95%CI: 0-5), 8 (95%CI: 0-23) and 92 (95%CI: 16-168) SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 population for<5 years children, 5-14 years children, 15-24 years adult, 25-59 years adult and ≥60 years population, respectively. The hospitalization rate of SARI attributed to influenza A and B was 14 (95%CI:4-17) and 16 (95%CI:0-23) per 100 000 population, respectively. Conclusion: The influenza positive rate among SARI cases was relatively high. The hospitalization burden of SARI attributed to influenza was the greatest in children under 5 year-old.

From single atoms to self-assembled quantum single-atomic nanowires: noble metal atoms on black phosphorene monolayers

Transition metal (TM) nanostructures, such as one dimensional (1D) nanowires with/without substrates, usually possess drastically different properties from their bulk counterparts, due to their distinct stacking and electronic confinement. Correspondingly, it is of great importance to establish the dominant driving force in forming 1D single-metal-atom-wires (SMAWs). Here, with first-principles calculations, taking the black phosphorene (BP) monolayer as a prototype 2D substrate, we investigate the energetic and kinetic properties of all the 5d-TM atoms on the 2D substrate to reveal the mechanism of formation of SMAWs. In contrast to other 5d- and 4d-TMs, noble metal elements Pd and Pt are found to prefer to grow along the trough in an atom-by-atom manner, self-assembling into SMAWs with a significant magic growth behavior. This is due to distinct binding energies and diffusion barriers along the trough, i.e., zig-zag direction, as compared to other directions of the BP. The present findings are valuable in the fabrication and modulation of 1D nanostructures which can be anticipated to possess desirable functionalities for potential applications such as in nanocatalysis, nanosensors, and related areas.

Liver and Muscle Contribute Differently to the Plasma Acylcarnitine Pool During Fasting and Exercise in Humans

BACKGROUND

Plasma acylcarnitine levels are elevated by physiological conditions such as fasting and exercise but also in states of insulin resistance and obesity.

AIM

To elucidate the contribution of liver and skeletal muscle to plasma acylcarnitines in the fasting state and during exercise in humans.

METHODS

In 2 independent studies, young healthy males were fasted overnight and performed an acute bout of exercise to investigate either acylcarnitines in skeletal muscle biopsies and arterial-to-venous plasma differences over the exercising and resting leg (n = 9) or the flux over the hepato-splanchnic bed (n = 10).

RESULTS

In the fasting state, a pronounced release of C2- and C3-carnitines from the hepato-splanchnic bed and an uptake of free carnitine by the legs were detected. Exercise further increased the release of C3-carnitine from the hepato-splanchnic bed and the uptake of free carnitine in the exercising leg. In plasma and in the exercising muscle, exercise induced an increase of most acylcarnitines followed by a rapid decline to preexercise values during recovery. In contrast, free carnitine was decreased in the exercising muscle and quickly restored thereafter. C8-, C10-, C10:1-, C12-, and C12:1-carnitines were released from the exercising leg and simultaneously; C6, C8, C10, C10:1, C14, and C16:1 were taken up by the hepato-splanchnic.

CONCLUSION

These data provide novel insight to the organo-specific release/uptake of acylcarnitines. The liver is a major contributor to systemic short chain acylcarnitines, whereas the muscle tissue releases mostly medium chain acylcarnitines during exercise, indicating that other tissues are contributing to the systemic increase in long chain acylcarnitines.

Substrate co-doping modulates electronic metal-support interactions and significantly enhances single-atom catalysis

Transitional metal nanoparticles or atoms deposited on appropriate substrates can lead to highly economical, efficient, and selective catalysis. One of the greatest challenges is to control the electronic metal-support interactions (EMSI) between the supported metal atoms and the substrate so as to optimize their catalytic performance. Here, from first-principles calculations, we show that an otherwise inactive Pd single adatom on TiO₂(110) can be tuned into a highly effective catalyst, e.g. for O₂ adsorption and CO oxidation, by purposefully selected metal-nonmetal co-dopant pairs in the substrate. Such an effect is proved here to result unambiguously from a significantly enhanced EMSI. A nearly linear correlation is noted between the strength of the EMSI and the activation of the adsorbed O₂ molecule, as well as the energy barrier for CO oxidation. Particularly, the enhanced EMSI shifts the frontier orbital of the deposited Pd atom upward and largely enhances the hybridization and charge transfer between the O₂ molecule and the Pd atom. Upon co-doping, the activation barrier for CO oxidation on the Pd monomer is also reduced to a level comparable to that on the Pd dimer which was experimentally reported to be highly efficient for CO oxidation. The present findings provide new insights into the understanding of the EMSI in heterogeneous catalysis and can open new avenues to design and fabricate cost-effective single-atom-sized and/or nanometer-sized catalysts.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CIPK genes in diploid cottons

Calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) plays a key regulatory role in the growth, development, and stress resistance of plants by combining with phosphatase B subunit-like protein. In the present study, CIPK genes were identified in the whole genomes of diploid cottons and their sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. The results demonstrated that the CIPK gene family was unevenly distributed in two diploid cotton genomes. Forty-one CIPKs were identified in the D genome, mainly located on chromosomes 9 and 10, whereas thirty-nine CIPKs were identified in the A genome, mainly located on chromosomes 8 and 11. Based on the gene structures, CIPKs in cotton could be classified into two types: one that is intron-rich and the other that has few introns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CIPK gene family members in cotton had close evolutionary relationships with those of the dicotyledonous plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and poplar. The analysis of transcriptome sequence data demonstrated that there were differences in gene expression in different tissues, indicating that the expression of the CIPKs in cotton had spatio-temporal specificity. The expression analysis of CIPKs under abiotic stresses (drought, salt, and low temperature) in different tissues at trefoil stage demonstrated that these stresses induced the expression of CIPKs.

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings total hip arthroplasty in young patients

Background

The results of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasty (THA) in younger patients were not univocal. This study aims to evaluate the results of CoC bearing THA in patients younger than 50 years.

Methods

A total of 90 younger patients performed CoC THAs during March 2003 and May 2008 were included in this study. Hip function and activity were evaluated with Harris hip score and University of California Los Angeles activity score. We had discussed survival rates, radiological findings of component loosening or osteolysis, and ceramic-related complications in these patients.

Results

The mean Harris hip score increased from 46.3 ± 12.0 points (range, 28-70 points) before surgery to 92.5 ± 5.6 points (range, 78-100 points) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative University of California Los Angeles activity score was 4.2 ± 1.1 points (range, 2-6 points), which improved to a mean of 7.2 ± 1.3 points (range, 4-10 points). At the time of the last follow-up, there was found to be 1 occurrence of hip dislocation, 1 squeaking, and 2 “sandwich” ceramic liners fractured during normal activity of daily living. No hips showed osteolysis or required revision for aseptic loosening. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with revision due to loosening or osteolysis was 100% and with revision due to ceramic fracture was 97.3% (95% confidence interval, 93.7%-100%) at a mean of 9.4 years.

Conclusions

This study with the use of CoC bearings THAs in younger patients have shown promising results and higher rate of survivorship without evidence of osteolysis.

[Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in three patients and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To deepen the understanding of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS).

METHODS

The clinical data of 3 patients were analyzed and related literature were reviewed.

RESULTS

① Case 1, a 70- year- old male, diagnosed as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and AVWS, was presented with spontaneous epitaxis and bruising. The VWF∶Ag level was 16%. Treatment was initiated with VWF concentrates. Two cycles of chemotherapy with Bortezomib, thalidomide and Dexamethasone were followed. Partial remission was achieved. Half- year' follow- up showed no sign of spontaneous hemorrhage. ② Case 2, a 48- year- old female, diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and AVWS, was presented with repeated epitaxis. The VWF∶Ag level was 7%. Because the bleeding was slight and self-relieved, no specific treatment was addressed. She was followed up for one and a half year. ③ Case 3, a 50- year- old man, diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and AVWS, was referred to our hospital for presentation with significant hematomas. VWF∶ Ag was reduced to 12%. VWF- containing cryoprecipitate, plasma, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab were used to control his bleeding symptom. During the follow-up, spontaneous hemorrhage still occurred occasionally.

CONCLUSIONS

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome presented with heterogeneous symptoms. The level of VWF∶Ag and VWF∶Rco for patients with bleeding disorder should be performed. Abnormal bleeding symptoms in elderly patients without personal or family history of bleeding should prompt consideration of the underlying disorders. Treatment included controlling acute bleeding, curing the underlying diseases and preventing bleeding in high- risk situations. The prognosis of acquired von Willebrand syndrome is mainly related to the underlying diseases.

Relative edge energy in the stability of transition metal nanoclusters of different motifs

When a structure is reduced to a nanometer scale, the proportion of the edge atoms increases significantly, which can play a crucial role in determining both their geometric and electronic properties, as demonstrated by the recently established generalized Wulff construction principle [S. F. Li, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2013, 111, 115501]. Consequently, it is of great interest to clarify quantitatively the role of the edge atoms that dominate the motifs of these nanostructures. In principle, establishing an effective method valid for determining the absolute value of the surface energy and particularly the edge energy for a given nanostructure is expected to resolve such a problem. However, hitherto, it is difficult to obtain the absolute edge energy of transition metal clusters, particularly when their sizes approach the nanometer regime. In this paper, taking Ru nanoclusters as a prototypical example, our first-principles calculations introduce the concept of relative edge energy (REE), reflecting the net edge atom effect over the surface (facet) atom effect, which is fairly powerful to quasi-quantitatively estimate the critical size at which the crossover occurs between different configurations of a given motif, such as from an icosahedron to an fcc nanocrystal. By contrast, the bulk effect should be re-considered to rationalize the power of the REE in predicting the relative stability of larger nanostructures between different motifs, such as fcc-like and hcp-like nanocrystals.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for poor coronary microcirculation reperfusion of patients with stable angina pectoris

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been extensively applied to repair the forward flow of diseased coronary artery and can achieve significant curative results. However, some patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) develop non-perfusion or poor perfusion of cardiac muscle tissue after PCI, which increases the incidence of cardiovascular events and the death rate. PCI can dredge narrowed or infarct-related artery (IRA) and thus induce full reperfusion of ischemic myocardium. It is found in practice that some cases of AMI still have no perfusion or poor perfusion in myocardial tissue even though coronary angiography suggests opened coronary artery after PCI, which increases the incidence of vascular events and mortality. Therefore, to explore the detailed mechanism of PCI in treating coronary microcirculation of patients with stable angina pectoris, we selected 140 patients with stable angina pectoris for PCI, observing the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) of descending branch and changes of myocardial injury markers and left ventricular systolic function, and made a subgroup analysis based on the correlation between clinical indexes, IMR and other variables of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, PCI-related and non-PCI-related myocardial infarction patients. The results suggest that IMR of anterior descending branch after PCI was higher compared to that before PCI, and the difference was significant (P less than 0.05); creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), myohemoglobin and high sensitive troponin T were all increased after PCI, and the difference was also significant (P less than 0.05); brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level became higher after PCI, with significant difference (P less than 0.05); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) declined after PCI, and the difference before and after PCI was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Moreover, subgroup analysis results of the three groups all demonstrated statistically significant differences. PCI can effectively increase microcirculatory resistance of patients with stable angina pectoris, especially those who develop both stable angina pectoris and diabetes. Patients with higher microcirculatory resistance before PCI are more likely to develop PCI-related myocardial infarction after PCI.

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis regulates the phenotype and cytotoxic activity of goat uterine natural killer cells

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has an important role in the promotion of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. However, very little is known about the role of TWEAK in modulating uterine natural killer (uNK) cells' comprehensive functions in ruminants. In the present study, the effects of TWEAK on goat uNK cells were investigated by measuring their cytotoxic function and phenotype as well as cytokine expression in vitro. The results showed that TWEAK protein could be detected in the goat endometrium during estrous cycle and pregnancy. However, a significant increase in ( < 0.05) TWEAK protein levels was observed during very early pregnancy when compared with that during mid pregnancy and later pregnancy as well as during different phases of estrous cycle. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis did not affect proliferation but did decrease ( < 0.05) the cytotoxic activity of uNK cells in vitro. Furthermore, the percentage of CD56/NKp46 uNK cells incubated with TWEAK-containing medium was greater ( < 0.05) compared with those treated with control medium. In addition, uNK cells incubated with TWEAK medium were associated with lesser ( < 0.05) secretion levels and protein expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) compared to those incubated with control medium. However, no differences ( > 0.05) could be observed for the secretion levels and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the uNK cells incubated with TWEAK-containing medium compared with those incubated with control medium. The present preliminary observations indicate that TWEAK has a biological effect on phenotype of uNK cells as well as the secretion and expression of IFN-γ by uNK cells in goats. Moreover, TWEAK decreases the cytotoxicity of goat uNK cells in vitro.

Mid term results of total hip arthroplasty using polyethylene-ceramic composite (Sandwich) liner

BACKGROUND

Ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) couplings are an attractive alternative bearing surfaces that have been reported to eliminate or reduce problems related to polyethylene wear debris. However, the material in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains one of the major concern regarding the risk of fracture. The present study aims at reporting the fracture rate of bearings in a series of COC THAs with the use of a sandwich liner and attempt to detect the relative risk factors, the possible cause and assess the clinical results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 153 patients (163 hips) using the sandwich liner COC THA between 2001 and 2009. Patient assessment was based on demographic factors, including age, weight, gender and body-mass index (BMI). All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically or using computed tomography viz-a-viz dislocation, osteolysis, periprosthetic fracture, infection, loosening and implant fracture.

RESULTS

Three ceramic sandwich liners fracture (1.84%) were observed at an average of 7.3 years' followup. The factors which were found to be non-significant to the ceramic liner fracture, included age (P = 0.205), weight (P = 0.241), gender (P = 0.553), BMI (P = 0.736), inclination (P = 0.199) and anteversion (P = 0.223). The overall survival was 91.4% at 12-year with revision as the endpoint. Other complications included osteolysis in 4 (2.45%), dislocation in one and periprosthetic fracture in one. In no hip aseptic loosening of the implants was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience with the ceramic-polyethylene sandwich liner acetabular component has been disappointing because of the high rate of fracture and osteolyis. We have discontinued the use of this device and recommend the same.

Is tumor length a prognostic indicator for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma? A single larger study among Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE

In esophageal cancer, depth of wall penetration, reflected by T classification, represents the most important prognostic variable. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of tumor length, measured as the longitudinal length, on the outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.

METHODS

The survival data of 362 ESCC patients who underwent surgical resection as the primary treatment between 1999 and 2007 were collected retrospectively. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis was applied to identify the optimal cut-off values.

RESULTS

4.0 cm was identified as the optimal cut-off value within the whole group. Tumor length greater than 4.0 cm was associated with increasing T stage (P=0.001), N stage (P=0.046), and tumor differentiation (P=0.033). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis both found that tumor length greater than 4.0 cm was associated with worse overall survival compared with shorter tumors (P<0.001). It appeared to have a greater impact on N0-N1 (P<0.001, P=0.026, respectively) than N2-N3 and appeared to have a higher impact on the lower-stage patients than the higher-stage patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor length proved to be an independent prognostic parameter for ESCC patients, especially for node-negative and lower-stage patients. More attention should be paid to its role in the management of ESCC.

Effects of single-dose atorvastatin on interleukin-6, interferon gamma, and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion

The mechanisms of statins relieving the no-reflow phenomenon and the effects of single-dose statins on it are not well known. This study sought to investigate the effects of inflammation on the no-reflow phenomenon in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion (AMI/R) and to evaluate the effects of single-dose atorvastatin on inflammation and myocardial no-reflow. Twenty-four New Zealand white male rabbits (5-6 months old) were randomized to three groups of eight: a sham-operated group, an AMI/R group, and an atorvastatin-treated group (10 mg/kg). Animals in the latter two groups were subjected to 4 h of coronary occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in normal and infarcted (reflow and no-reflow) myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemical methods. The area of no-reflow and necrosis was evaluated pathologically. Levels of serum IL-6 were significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (P<0.01). Expression of IFN-γ in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardial tissue was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group. The mean area of no-reflow [47.01% of ligation area (LA)] was significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (85.67% of LA; P<0.01). The necrosis area was also significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group (85.94% of LA) than in the AMI/R group (96.56% of LA; P<0.01). In a secondary analysis, rabbits in the atorvastatin and AMI/R groups were divided into two groups based on necrosis area (90% of LA): a small group (<90% of LA) and a large group (>90% of LA). There was no significant difference in the area of no-reflow between the small (61.40% of LA) and large groups (69.87% of LA; P>0.05). Single-dose atorvastatin protected against inflammation and myocardial no-reflow and reduced infarct size during AMI/R in rabbits. No-reflow was not dependent on the reduction of infarct size.

Common characteristics shared by different differential phase contrast imaging methods

There are many variations of differential phase contrast imaging methods. Although these imaging methods are different in configuration, they are alike in imaging by extracting differential phase information through the evaluation of the refraction angles. In this paper, we investigate common characteristics shared by various different differential phase contrast imaging methods.

Stacking principle and magic sizes of transition metal nanoclusters based on generalized Wulff construction

Nanoclusters with extra stability at certain cluster sizes are known as magic clusters with exotic properties. The classic Wulff construction principle, which stipulates that the preferred structure of a cluster should minimize its total surface energy, is often invoked in determining the cluster magicity, resulting in close-shelled Mackay icosahedronal clusters with odd-numbered magic sizes of 13, 55, 147, etc. Here we use transition metal clusters around size 55 as prototypical examples to demonstrate that, in the nanometer regime, the classic Wulff construction principle needs to be generalized to primarily emphasize the edge atom effect instead of the surface energy. Specifically, our detailed calculations show that nanoclusters with much shorter total edge lengths but substantially enlarged total surface areas are energetically much more stable. As a consequence, a large majority of the nanoclusters within the 3d-, 4d-, and 5d-transition metal series are found to be fcc or hcp crystal fragments with much lower edge energies, and the widely perceived magic size of 55 is shifted to its nearby even numbers.

Stromal-epithelial interactions modulate the effect of ovarian steroids on goat uterine epithelial cell interleukin-18 release

A primary role of epithelial-stromal interactions in mediating steroid hormone action in the uterus has been established. The present study was undertaken to determine the mode of ovarian steroid action in regulating IL-18 release by goat endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in the presence and absence of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Primary and telomerase-immortalized goat EECs grown alone or cocultured with ESCs were treated with two ovarian steroids, 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)). The IL-18 mRNA and protein expression in EECs were studied by reverse transcript (RT) PCR, ELISA, and Western blot assay. The E(2) and/or P(4) treatment of EECs led to a significant increase in both IL-18 mRNA and protein expression either in the primary or in the immortalized EECs compared with that in EECs without the steroid treatment. However, in the presence of ESCs, IL-18 expression by EECs treated with steroids was significantly decreased compared with cells untreated with E(2) and/or P(4). In addition, significantly high abundance of IL-18 mRNA and protein expression by primary and telomerase-immortalized goat EECs was observed in the presence of ESCs compared with those cells without ESCs. These findings suggest that steroids are important for the control of IL-18 expression in goat EECs. Underlying ESCs are needed to mediate the inhibitory effects of steroids on the IL-18 secretory activity of goat EECs in vitro. The IL-18 abundance expressed by goat EECs in vitro are enhanced by underlying ESCs without the treatment of E(2) and/or P(4).

Distribution of PDIA3 transcript and protein in rat testis and sperm cells

Protein disulphide isomerase family A3 (PDIA3) has an activity of thioredoxin, widely expressed in multiple tissues and involved in multiple cellular processes. It was recently found in human and mouse sperm cells and could affect sperm-egg fusion. Therefore, the present investigation aims to identify PDIA3 mRNA and protein in rat testis and sperm cells. Rat PDIA3 cDNA was cloned by RT-PCR. The cRNA riboprobe was transcribed from PDIA3 cDNA and was used to display PDIA3 mRNA location in rat testes by in situ hybridization. PDIA3 protein distribution was also observed in testis and sperm cells by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The rat PDIA3 transcript and protein were localized in the cells from spermatocytes to the spermatozoa phases of rat testes, mostly in the pachytene spermatocytes. PDIA3 protein was also observed on the intact sperm membrane including the tail. The rat PDIA3 gene is transcribed and translated through the whole spermatogenesis process, and the PDIA3 protein is spread all over the sperm cell membrane. The results provide some primary information about PDIA3 in testis and sperm for further study on PDIA3 function in rat spermatogenesis and sperm-egg fusion.

The role of dopamine receptors in ventrolateral orbital cortex-evoked anti-nociception in a rat model of neuropathic pain

The present study examined the role of dopamine and D(1)-and D(2)-like dopamine receptors in ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO)-evoked anti-hypersensitivity in a rat model of neuropathic pain, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. Results showed that microinjection of apomorphine [(R(-)-apomorphine hydrochloride)], a non-selective dopamine receptor agonist, into the VLO attenuated spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was completely blocked by the D(2)-like dopamine receptor antagonist S(-)-raclopride(+)-tartrate salt (1.5 microg), but was enhanced by the D(1)-like dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 (R(+)-SCH-23390 hydrochloride, 5.0 microg). The attenuating effect of apomorphine on mechanical allodynia was mimicked by application of the D(2)-like dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole [((-)-quinpirole hydrochloride, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 microg)]. In addition, microinjection of larger doses (10 and 20 microg) of SCH23390 into the VLO significantly attenuated allodynia. Furthermore, microinjections of GABA(A) receptor antagonists, bicuculline [(+)-bicuculline,(S), 9(R)] and picrotoxin (200 and 300 ng for both drugs), into the VLO attenuated mechanical allodynia. A small dose of bicuculline or picrotoxin (100 ng) resulted in increased quinpirole (0.5 microg)-induced anti-allodynia. In contrast, GABA(A) receptor agonists, muscimol hydrochloride (250 ng) or THIP [(2,5,6,7-retrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridine-3-ol hydrochloride, 1.0 microg)], blocked quinpirole (2.0 microg)-induced attenuation. These results suggest that the dopaminergic system is involved in mediating VLO-induced anti-hypersensitivity, activation of D(2)-like dopamine receptors, and inhibition of D(1)-like receptors resulting in anti-hypersensitivity. In addition, the mechanisms of GABAergic disinhibition might be involved in D(2)-like receptor mediating effects in neuropathic pain.

Observation of two new N* peaks in J/psi-->ppi-n and ppi+n decays

The decay J/psi-->NNpi provides an effective isospin 1/2 filter for the piN system due to isospin conservation. Using 58x10(6) J/psi decays collected with the Beijing Electromagnetic Spectrometer at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider, more than 100 thousand J/psi-->ppi-n+c.c. events are obtained. Besides the two well-known N* peaks at around 1500 MeV/c2 and 1670 MeV/c2, there are two new, clear N* peaks in the ppi invariant mass spectrum around 1360 MeV/c2 and 2030 MeV/c2 with statistical significance of 11sigma and 13sigma, respectively. We identify these as the first direct observation of the N*(1440) peak and a long-sought missing N* peak above 2 GeV/c2 in the piN invariant mass spectrum.

Vascular endothelial growth factor in pleural effusions of different origin

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic relevance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pleural fluid and serum of patients with pleural effusions of different aetiology. VEGF was quantified in the pleural effusion fluid and serum of 96 patients with malignancies (58 lung cancers (CA) and 38 tumours with secondaries to the lung (TM)), 45 with congestive heart failure (CHF), 28 with tuberculosis (TB), 45 with acute infections (INF), and in the serum of 20 healthy controls. VEGF pleural effusion concentrations were significantly different in the main diagnostic groups. VEGF was higher in effusions of patients with malignancies (CA as well as TM) in comparison with INF, TB or CHF. In serum, however, high VEGF concentrations indicated CA, TM or INF, but not TB or CHF. Despite significant differences of VEGF levels in different patient groups, receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed insufficient diagnostic value of VEGF for differential diagnosis of pleural effusions. In conclusion, vascular endothelial growth factor serum concentration is highly suggestive of the presence of lung disease in general, except for tuberculosis. In effusion fluid, the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor clearly indicates inflammatory or malignant origin. However, for diagnostic use, additional parameters besides vascular endothelial growth factor are mandatory.

Observation of a threshold enhancement in the plambda invariant-mass spectrum

An enhancement near the m(p)+M(Lambda) mass threshold is observed in the combined pLambda and pLambda invariant-mass spectrum from J/psi-->pK(-)Lambda;+c.c. decays. It can be fit with an S-wave Breit-Wigner resonance with a mass m=2075+/-12(stat)+/-5(syst) MeV and a width of Gamma=90+/-35(stat)+/-9(syst) MeV; it can also be fit with a P-wave Breit-Wigner resonance. Evidence for a similar enhancement is also observed in psi(')-->pK(-)Lambda;+c.c. decays. The analysis is based on samples of 5.8x10(7)J/psi and 1.4x10(7)psi(') decays accumulated in the BES II detector at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider.

Observation of the decay psi(2S)-->K0SK0L

The decay psi(2S)-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L) is observed using psi(2S) data collected with the Beijing Spectrometer at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider; the branching fraction is determined to be B(psi(2S)-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L))=(5.24+/-0.47+/-0.48)x10(-5). Compared with J/psi-->K(0)(S)K(0)(L), the psi(2S) branching fraction is enhanced relative to the prediction of the perturbative QCD "12%" rule. The result, together with the branching fractions of psi(2S) decays to other pseudoscalar meson pairs (pi(+)pi(-) and K+K-), is used to investigate the relative phase between the three-gluon and the one-photon annihilation amplitudes of psi(2S) decays.

Expression of e-cadherin and β-catenin in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: relationships with prognosis

AIM: To elucidate the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin correlating with its clinical outcome in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), by analyzing their interrelationship with clinicopathological variables and their effects on progress and prognosis.

METHODS: Expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was determined by SP immunohistochemical technique in patients with ESCC consecutively, their correlation with clinical characteristics was evaluated and analyzed by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: The rate of expression of E-cadherin decreased to 66.03% (70/106) in ESCC and the protein level was negative correlated with histologic grade, tumor size, clinical staging, lymph node metastasis and venous invasion. Whereas the expression rate of β-catenin was reduced to 69.8% (74/106) and the level of protein expression correlated only with histologic grade. There obviously existed inverse correlation between level of E-cadherin protein and survival, especially in stage I, IIa, IIb (P = 0.0033), Patients with low-expressing tumors for β-catenin and non-expressing tumors for E-cadherin/β-catenin had lower survival period than those with normal-expressing ones (P = 0.0501 and P = 0.0080, respectively). Patients with diminished expression of E-cadherin as grade II or III had shorter survival period than those with normally expressing and grade I, no significance existed between grade I and grade II or III with respect to different status of E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, Correlation analysis showed level of E-cadherin correlated with that of β-catenin (P = 0.005). Cox proportional hazards model analysis suggested downregulation of E-cadherin was an important factor indicating poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION: As a probable independent prognostic factor, it correlates with overall and disease free survival period, expression of E-cadherin but not β-catenin may predict prognosis in patients with ESCC.

[Development of a gas chromatographic column system for the on-line analysis of trace tetrahydrofuran in hexane]

A gas chromatographic system using home-made 7 microns thick cross-linked dimethylpolysiloxane columns for the on-line analysis of trace tetrahydrofuran in hexane in a rubber production facility was developed. The experimental parameters of the column system, including the temperature, flow rate as well as the back-flushing and heart-cutting program were investigated. The total column-switching program was suggested. The system has been successfully operated for more than one year with good resolution, stability and precision (RSD < 5%) in analyzing trace tetrahydrofuran (0-250 x 10(-6), V/V) for industrial process control in the rubber production facility.

Anesthetic-like interactions of nitric oxide with albumin and hemeproteins. A mechanism for control of protein function

Noncovalent bonding interactions of nitric oxide (NO) with human serum albumin (HSA), human hemoglobin A, bovine myoglobin, and bovine cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) have been explored. The anesthetic nitrous oxide (NNO) occupies multiple sites within each protein, but does not bind to heme iron. Infrared (IR) spectra of NNO molecules sequestered within albumin, with NO present, support the binding of NO and NNO to the same sites with comparable affinities. Perturbations of IR spectra of the Cys(34) thiol of HSA indicate NO, NNO, halothane, and chloroform can induce similar changes in protein structure. Experiments evaluating the relative affinities of binding of NO and carbon monoxide (CO) to iron(II) sites of the hemeproteins led to evidence of NO binding to noniron, nonsulfur sites as well. With HbA, IR spectra of cysteine thiols and/or the iron(II) N-O stretching region denote changes in protein structure due to NO, NNO, or CO occupying noniron sites with an order of decreasing affinities of NO > NNO > CO. Loss of NO from some, not all, noniron sites in hemeproteins is very slow (t(1/2) approximately hours). These findings provide examples in which NO and anesthetics alter the structure and properties of protein similarly, and support the hypothesis that some physiological effects of NO (and possibly CO) result from anesthetic-like noncovalent bonding to sites within protein or other tissue components. Such bonding may be involved in mechanisms for control of oxygen transport, mitochondrial respiration, and activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO.

Expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors by mast cells alone, but not lymphocytes, macrophages or other immune cells in human upper airways

BACKGROUND

Nasal polyposis often coexists with asthma in airway inflammatory conditions characterised by the infiltration of a range of immune cells. A potentially important role for ovarian hormones has been implicated in airway inflammation but the cellular target for such action is not known.

METHODS

Expression of oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) was examined using immunohistochemistry in formalin fixed nasal polyp tissues from 47 subjects. The cells positive for ER or PR were confirmed by spatial location, dual immunolabelling, and histochemical staining.

RESULTS

Consistent with the known features of nasal polyps, CD4+ (T helper/inducer), CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor), CD68+ (macrophages), mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils were all clearly detected by their relevant monoclonal antibodies or appropriate histochemical staining, but only mast cells tested positive for ER/PR labelling with their polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. The frequencies for expression were 61.7% for ER positive and 59.6% for PR positive cells. The expression of ER/PR was independent of patient sex and age but was highly correlated with the numbers of mast cells (r = 0.973, p<0.001 for ER; r = 0.955, p<0.001 for PR). Fewer than 5% of mast cells were found to be negative for ER/PR expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Mast cells alone, but not lymphocytes, macrophages, or other immune cells, express ER/PR in human upper airways. Numerous ER/PR positive mast cells exist in nasal polyps, indicating that this may be a major route for the involvement of sex hormones in airway inflammation when exposed to the higher and varying concentration of oestrogen and progesterone characteristic of females.

[Technique and advance of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography]

Many analytical problems require more resolution than the conventional single column chromatographic technique can provide. In such cases the separation power can be enhanced by using more than one separation technique or mechanism. The sample is then dispersed in different time dimensions. The resolution obtained depends strongly on the difference between these dimensions. The highest resolution is gained when there is no correlation between the separations, the dimensions being orthogonal to each other. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) provides a true orthogonal separation system in which a modulator serially couples two columns containing dissimilar stationary phases. It focuses and subsequently reinjects components eluting from the first column into the second one. The system generates a peak capacity that is approximately equal to the product of the peak capacities of the two individual separation systems. In this paper, technique and instrumental considerations of GC x GC are discussed. The three designs of contemporary GC x GC systems are presented and compared. A number of typical applications on complex samples such as petroleum products and environmental pollutants are also cited. Finally, the future perspectives of GC x GC are simply discussed.

Isolation and characterization of the Candida albicans MOT2 gene

A putative Candida albicans homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MOT2 (modulator of transcription) has been cloned and analyzed. A cDNA fragment corresponding to a portion of S. cerevisiae MOT2 was used to isolate a similar C. albicans gene (CaMOT2). CaMOT2 is comprised of two exons of 50 bp and 1,714 bp, respectively, with a single 82 bp intron located near the 5' end of the gene. The gene encodes a protein (CaMot2p) with an estimated mass of 67 kDa. The 5' region of the gene shows sequence homology with S. cerevisiae MOT2, whereas no significant similarity was observed in the 3' region. Similarly, the N-terminal portion of C. albicans Mot2p exhibits approximately 80% homology with S. cerevisiae Mot2p, while no significant homology to any known protein was observed in the carboxy-terminal half of the C. albicans protein. The N-terminal portion of CaMot2p contains a cysteine-rich domain (amino acids 18-62). The distribution of the cysteine residues identifies CaMot2p as a zinc-finger protein. The data suggest two potential Zn-binding sites, similar to the arrangement found in S. cerevisiae. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the level of CaMOT2 expression between C. albicans grown in vitro and growth during in vivo infection in the rat model of oral candidiasis. The results showed CaMOT2 is down-regulated during growth in the rat oral cavity compared to in vitro culture. Although the function of C. albicans MOT2 has not been determined, comparison to S. cerevisiae MOT2 suggests the gene product may act as a general negative regulator.

[Heart morphologic state in retired fighter pilots]

Objective. To study the heart morphology in the retired fighter pilots, and to provide clinical evidence for protection combined G-loads (+ Gz), heat, noise, hypoxic and vibration stress induced cardiac structural damage. Method. Parameters of heart morphology were studied using Doppler echocardiography in 40 retired fighter pilots with 40 veteran cadres as control. Result. LVDd, LVDs, LADs, LVEDV, LVPWs and LVM in pilot group were somewhat higher than those in control group (NS); while IVSs and LVMI in pilot group were slightly lower than those in control group (NS); LVESV, aortic valve area, internal diameter of the ring and sinus in pilot group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Analysis of the results revealed no pathomorphologic damage of the heart. It suggest that all the variations can be regarded as adaptive changes due to the effects of the combined environmental factors experienced in long time flying.

[Chromosomal mapping of ld gene which causes congenital limb deformity syndrome in KM-ld mouse]

Fourteen biochemical marker loci and 61 SSLP loci in congenic strain C57BL/6.KM-ld were screened to determine the loci linkage to ld gene, an autosomal recessive mutant gene in KM mouse which causes congenital limb deformity in mouse by means of electrophoresis and PCR amplification. The result showed that ld gene linked to D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63. To locate ld gene more accurately on chromosome 2, 86 backcross offsprings (C57BL/6 x KM-ld) F1 x KM-ld were produced for linkage analysis. From the backcross progeny genomic DNAs were amplified for D2Mit13, D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63 loci in vitro. According to phenotypes, the linkage between the four SSLP loci and ld gene was analysed by calculating genetic distance, ld gene was located exactly on Chr. 2, 76cM, with distances of 25.58cM to D2Mit30, D2Mit62 and D2Mit63, of 31.39cM to D2Mit13.

Defective hyphal development and avirulence caused by a deletion of the SSK1 response regulator gene in Candida albicans

In a previous study, we reported the isolation and characterization of the two-component response regulator SSK1 gene of Candida albicans. This gene is a structural but not a functional homolog of the SSK1 and mcs4(+) genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, respectively. In the present study, we have constructed and phenotypically characterized Deltassk1 mutants of C. albicans. The results confirmed our previous observation that CaSSK1, unlike SSK1 or mcs4(+), does not regulate cellular responses to either osmotic or oxidative stress. Instead, Deltassk1 null strains showed severely reduced hyphal formation on serum agar and were totally defective in hyphal development on other solid media, such as medium 199 (pH 7.5) and Spider medium. In contrast, under conditions of low nitrogen availability on solid media, Deltassk1 null strains dramatically hyperinvaded the agar. However, while forming germ tubes and hyphae in liquid media similar to those of the wild type, Deltassk1 null strains flocculated in a manner similar to that of Deltachk1 two-component histidine kinase mutants, which we have previously described. Finally, virulence studies indicated that SSK1 is essential for the pathogenesis of C. albicans, suggesting that the Ssk1p response regulator could be a good target for antifungal therapy.

An in-vitro study on the metabolism of rokitamycin and possible interactions of the drug with rat liver microsomes

This in-vitro study was designed to identify the enzyme(s) involved in the major metabolic pathway of rokitamycin, i.e. the formation of leucomycin A7, and to assess possible interactions of the drug with rat liver microsomes. Formation of leucomycin A7 was NADPH-independent and was not appreciably inhibited by anti-rat NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase serum or cimetidine, a nonspecific inhibitor of cytochrome P-450 isoforms. Eadie-Hofstee plots for the formation of leucomycin A7 were indicative of apparently monophasic behaviour for six rat liver microsomes tested. The mean (+/- s.d.) kinetic parameters, Km, Vmax and Vmax/Km, for the formation of leucomycin A7 from rokitamycin were 47+/-13 microM, 390+/-56 nmol min(-1) (mg protein)(-1) and 8.6+/-1.6 mL min(-1) (mg protein)(-1), respectively. Three esterase inhibitors (100 microM), bis-nitrophenylphosphate, physostigmine and metrifonate inhibited the formation of leucomycin A7 by more than 60%. Metabolism of rokitamycin was inhibited by terfenadine, but not by mequitazine, whereas chlorpheniramine and theophylline activated the formation of leucomycin A7. Rokitamycin, leucomycin A7, leucomycin V, erythromycin and clarithromycin were weak inhibitors of CYP3A-catalysed 3-hydroxylation of quinine with mean IC50 values ranging from 71 to >100 microM. It is concluded that in rat liver microsomes the formation of leucomycin A7 from rokitamycin is catalysed mainly by an esterase (possibly cholinesterase, EC3.1.1.8), but not by cytochrome P-450 enzyme(s). Although in this in-vitro animal study CYP3A activity was barely inhibited by rokitamycin, the possibility cannot be totally discounted in man when rokitamycin is co-administered with drugs metabolized by CYP3A.

Identification and cloning of GCA1, a gene that encodes a cell surface glucoamylase from Candida albicans

Adherence of yeast cells of Candida albicans to human oesophageal cells is greater when cells are grown in 500 mM D-galactose in comparison to D-glucose at the same concentration. Moreover, a 190 kDa mannoprotein (MP190) from a yeast cell wall preparation is highly expressed when cells are grown in the presence of galactose but less so in glucose. We now report on the identification of the MP190 and the isolation of its encoding gene. MP190 was purified, and three internal peptides were isolated and sequenced. Each of the three peptides showed significant homology (65-85%) with a glucoamylase (GAM1) from the yeast, Schwanniomyces occidentalis. In order to isolate the C. albicans homologue of GAM1 (GCA1), we probed a genomic library with a 0.9-kb internal fragment of the S. occidentalis GAM1 and isolated a 2.3-kb clone that corresponded to the 5' region of the gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used to isolate the remainder of the open reading frame. GCA1 encodes a 946 amino acid protein containing three putative hydrophobic, membrane-spanning domains and 15 potential N-glycosylation sites. Both Gca1p and GAM1 are novel to the family of glycosyl hydrolases. Northern analysis indicated that GCA1 is transcribed to a greater extent in galactose than in sucrose or glucose. Also, using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR, we observed expression of GCA1 in a rat model of oral candidiasis, indicating that Gca1p is expressed during disease development.