[Anatomical and histological investigation of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus]

Objective: To document the anatomical structure of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus between the levator ani slings bilaterally. Methods: Three male hemipelvises were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. (1) The anatomical assessment was performed in three ways; namely, by abdominal followed by perineal dissection, by examining serial cross-sections, and by examining median sagittal sections. (2) The series was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to enable identification of nerves, vessels, and smooth and striated muscles. Results: (1) It was found that the rectourethralis muscle is closest to the deep transverse perineal muscle where the longitudinal muscle of the rectum extends into the posteroinferior area of the membranous urethra. The communicating branches of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) were identified at the posterior edge of the rectourethralis muscle on both sides. The rectum was found to be fixed to the membranous urethra through the rectourethral muscle, contributing to the anorectal angle of the anterior rectal wall. (2) Serial cross-sections from the anal to the oral side were examined. At the level of the external anal sphincter, the longitudinal muscle of the rectum was found to extend caudally and divide into two muscle bundles on the oral side of the external anal sphincter. One of these muscle bundles angled dorsally and caudally, forming the conjoined longitudinal muscle, which was found to insert into the intersphincteric space (between the internal and external anal sphincters). The other muscle bundle angled ventrally and caudally, filling the gap between the external anal sphincter and the bulbocavernosus muscle, forming the perineal body. At the level of the superficial transverse perineal muscle, this small muscle bundle headed laterally and intertwined with the longitudinal muscle in the region of the perineal body. At the level of the rectourethralis and deep transverse perineal muscle, the external urethral sphincter was found to occupy an almost completely circular space along the membranous part of the urethra. The dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter was found to be thin at the point of attachment of the rectourethralis muscle, the ventral part of the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. We identified a venous plexus from the NVB located close to the oral and ventral side of the deep transverse perineal muscle. Many vascular branches from the NVB were found to be penetrating the longitudinal muscle and the ventral part of rectourethralis muscle at the level of the apex of the prostate. The rectourethral muscle was wrapped ventrally around the membranous urethra and apex of the prostate. The boundary between the longitudinal muscle and prostate gradually became more distinct, being located at the anterior end of the transabdominal dissection plane. (3) Histological examination showed that the dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter (striated muscle) is thin adjacent to the striated muscle fibers from the deep transverse perineal muscle and the NVB dorsally and close by. The rectourethral muscle was found to fill the space created by the internal anal sphincter, deep transverse perineal muscle, and both levator ani muscles. Many tortuous vessels and tiny nerve fibers from the NVB were identified penetrating the muscle fibers of the deep transverse perineal and rectourethral muscles. The structure of the superficial transverse perineal muscle was typical of striated muscle. These findings were reconstructed three-dimensionally. Conclusions: In intersphincteric resection or abdominoperineal resection for very low rectal cancer, the anterior dissection plane behind Denonvilliers' fascia disappears at the level of the apex of the prostate. The prostate and both NVBs should be used as landmarks during transanal dissection of the non-surgical plane. The rectourethralis muscle should be divided near the rectum side unless tumor involvement is suspected. The superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as their supplied vessels and nerve fibers from the NVB. In addition, the cutting direction should be adjusted according to the anorectal angle to minimize urethral injury.

[PI-RADS score of prostate multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging predicts pathological features of prostate cancer: An imaging to whole-mount pathology matching study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of the prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score of prostate multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in predicting the pathological features of PCa based on matching images and whole-mount pathology images.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 318 cases of PCa treated by radical prostatectomy in our hospital from August 2016 to December 2018, with preoperative mpMRI images and complete whole-mount pathological sections. We obtained PI-RADS scores on the mpMRI lesions corresponding to the cancer lesions, evaluated the Gleason scores, pT stages, pN stages and cribriform structure, and compared them between different groups using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. We evaluated the efficiency of the PI-RADS score in distinguishing different pathological features by ROC curve analysis, and obtained the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The 318 patients averaged 69 years of age, with a median preoperative PSA level of 11.0 μg/L and a median tumor diameter of 1.8 cm. The PI-RADS score was significantly correlated with the Gleason score, pT stage, pN stage and cribriform structure (all P < 0.01), with AUCs of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.704－0.843) for distinguishing Gleason scores (3+3 vs >3+3), 0.748 (95% CI: 0.694－0.803) for distinguishing pT stages (T2 vs >T2), 0.700 (95% CI: 0.598－0.802) for distinguishing pN stages (N0 vs N1), and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.786－0.876) for distinguishing the cribriform structure (negative vs positive).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative PI-RADS score of mpMRI in PCa patients is significantly correlated with postoperative pathological features, and therefore can be used for risk stratification of the malignancy.

[Different treatment regimens for primary central nervous system lymphoma:based on SEER database]

Objectives: To explore the prognostic factors of primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) and to analyze the efficacy of different treatment methods. Methods: Clinical data of 4 812 patients with PCNSL in SEER database from January 1975 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them, 2 831 were male and 1 981 were female, the ratio of male to female was 1.4∶1.0.There were 2 236 cases(46.47%) under 60 years old, 1 718 cases(35.70%) aged 60 to 74 years old, and 858 cases(17.83%) aged 75 years old or above. Two thousand four hundred and seventeen cases(50.23%) had supratentorial tumors, 299 cases (6.21%) had infratentorial tumors, and 554 cases(11.51%) had multiple brain tumors, 1 542 cases (32.04%) were other or unspecified location.Three thousand five hundred and thirteen cases(73.00%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 234 cases(4.86%) had non DLBCL, 1 065 cases (22.13%) had other or unspecified types of tumor.The treatment included 2 011 cases (41.77%) of biopsy, 61 cases (1.27%) of subtotal resection(STR), 54 cases (1.12%) of gross total resection(GTR), 2 384 cases (49.54%) of biopsy and chemotherapy, 159 cases (3.30%) of STR and chemotherapy, 144 cases (3.00%) of GTR and chemotherapy.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of the patients.Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model were used to analyze the prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival.Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results: Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor site, pathological subtype, surgery, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were the independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of PCNSL patients.The results of Fine-Gray test and competitive risk model analyses showed that age, race, marital status, tumor location, pathological subtype, surgical method, chemotherapy, combined with other malignant tumors, and HIV infection were independent prognostic factors affecting cancer-specific survival, while gender and radiotherapy had no significant correlation with cancer-specific survival.Compared with biopsy, PCNSL patients may benefit from surgical resection (STR:HR=0.805, 95%CI:0.656‒0.989, P=0.04; GTR:HR=0.521, 95%CI:0.414‒0.656, P<0.01).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the median survival time of biopsy+chemotherapy group was 28 months (95%CI:24.497‒31.503), 2 months (95%CI:1.756‒2.244) in the biopsy group, 2 months (95%CI:1.410-2.590) in the STR group, 19 months (95%CI:0‒39.311) in the biopsy+chemotherapy group, 67 months (95%CI:46.187-87.813) in the STR+chemotherapy group, 84 months (95%CI:57.448‒110.552) in the GTR+chemotherapy group.The median survival time of patients with different treatment methods was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: Surgical resection may improve the prognosis of some PCNSL patients.Patients who have access to receive GTR or STR combined with chemotherapy may have prolonged Cancer-specific survival.

Comparison of clinical diagnostic value of spiral CT with different dose in patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical diagnostic value of spiral CT scan with different dose in patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 163 cases of patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer who came to People's Hospital of Rizhao for treatment from June 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 78 cases of patients who received low-dose CT scanning were the low-dose group, another 84 cases of patients who received routine dose CT scanning were the routine dose group. Multislice helical CT (MSCT) scanning was performed in both groups, with tube voltage of 120 kV. Tube current was 25 m A in the low-dose group and 250 m A in the routine dose group. In addition, a total of 80 patients with lobar pneumonia were added as the control group of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Pathological diagnosis was taken as the gold standard to compare the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the two groups.

RESULTS

The image quality, nodules and signs of the two groups were compared, and the results of radiation dose of the two groups were compared. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the low-dose group were 82.05%, 87.50% and 84.81%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the routine dose group were 85.71%, 86.25% and 85.97%, respectively. The diagnostic value of the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the radiation dose in the low-dose group was significantly lower than that in the routine group.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose MSCT scanning can meet the clinical requirements for imaging diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer, and can reduce the radiation dose of patients.

miR-92a-3p promotes the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells by targeting KLF2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC), and miR-92a-3p has been proved to act as an oncogene in multiple malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which miR-92a-3p contributes to GC remain unclear. The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by GEO dataset, and the association of miR-92a-3p expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with GC was analyzed by TCGA dataset. The target genes of miR-92a-3p were identified by bioinformatic analysis, and their interaction was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. MTT, EdU and Transwell assays were conducted to determine the role of miR-92a-3p in GC cells. As a result, it was found that the expression levels of miR-92a-3p were increased in GC tissues and were associated with tumor size, lymph node infiltration and distant metastasis, acting as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival in patients with GC. Restored expression of miR-92a-3p facilitated cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell invasion, but its inhibitor reversed these effects. KLF2 was further identified as a direct target of miR-92a-3p, indicating a negative correlation with miR-92a-3p expression and harboring a favorable prognosis in GC. In addition, KLF2 repressed cell proliferation and invasion and attenuated the tumor-promoting effects of miR-92a-3p in GC cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that miR-92a-3p promoted the proliferation and invasion of GC cells by targeting KLF2.

[The value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET-CT) in evaluating the stability of atherosclerotic plaques]

Objective: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) has been used to quantify inflammatory response in the body. The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of using this method to evaluate the stability of atherosclerotic plaques and the efficacy of atorvastatin in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Twenty New Zealand male white rabbits were included and divided into the atorvastatin intervention group and the control group, with 10 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in both groups were fed with a high fat diet for 20 weeks, and treated with thoracoabdominal aortic balloon-pulling to establish atherosclerosis model at the end of the 2nd week. Rabbits in atorvastatin intervention group was given atorvastatin intragastrically once a day. At the 8th week, thoracoabdominal aortic ultrasound was used to detect plaques in all rabbits. Blood was drawn at the 3rd and the 20th week, respectively, to measure blood lipids, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). At the end of experiment, survival animals were scanned by (18)F-FDG PET-CT, and the average and maximum standard uptake values (SUVmean, SUVmax) of aortic segments were measured. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and aortic specimens of rabbits were taken and examined by immunohistochemistry. The pathological indexes were measured and compared. Results: At the end of experiment, the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hs-CRP [ (4.58±0.51) ng/ml vs.(5.87±0.66) ng/ml, P<0.01], MMP-9[ (43.93±2.16) ng/ml vs. (50.77±2.32) ng/ml, P<0.01], SUVmean (0.59±0.15 vs. 0.68±0.20, P<0.05) , SUVmax (0.68±0.20 vs. 0.81±0.27, P<0.05) , plaque area [ (0.36±0.24) mm(2) vs. (0.50±0.34) mm(2), P<0.05) ] and density of macrophage[ (4.34±1.54) % vs. (5.65±1.89) %, P<0.01] in the atorvastatin intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In contrast, fiber cap thickness of the plaque[ (4.12±0.66) μm vs. (2.96±0.37) μm, P<0.01] in the atorvastatin intervention group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. The arterial plaque areas were positively correlated with SUVmean (r=0.27, P<0.05) and SUVmax (r=0.43, P<0.01) . Fiber cap thickness was negatively correlated with SUVmean (r=-0.38, P<0.05) and SUVmax (r=-0.47, P<0.01) . The density of macrophage were positively correlated with SUVmean (r=0.52, P<0.01) and SUVmax (r=0.51, P<0.01) . Conclusion: (18)F-FDG PET/CT can be used to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin by the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.

Comparison of gemcitabine and anthracycline antibiotics in prevention of superficial bladder cancer recurrence

Background

Because of the failure, shortage and related toxicities of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the other intravesical chemotherapy drugs are also widely used in clinical application. Gemcitabine and anthracycline antibiotics (epirubicin and pirarubicin) are widely used as first-line or salvage therapy, but which drug is better is less discussed.

Methods

A total of 124 primary NMIBC patients administered intravesical therapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) at Nanjing Drum Tower hospital from January 1996 to July 2018. After TURBT, all patients accepted standard intravesical chemotherapy. Recurrence was defined as the occurrence of a new tumor in the bladder. Progression was defined as confirmed tumor invading muscular layer. Treatment failure was defined as need for radical cystectomy (RC), systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Results

Of the 124 patients who underwent intravesical chemotherapy, 84 patients were given gemcitabine, 40 patients were given epirubicin or pirarubicin, with mean follow-up times (mean ± SD) of (34.8 ± 17.9) and (35.9 ± 22.1) months respectively. The clinical and pathological features of patients show no difference between two groups. Recurrence rate of patients given gemcitabine was 8.33% (7 out of 84), the recurrence rate was 45% (18 out of 40) for epirubicin or pirarubicin (P < 0.0001). The progression rates of gemcitabine, anthracycline antibiotics groups were 2.38% (2 out of 84) and 20% (8 out of 40), respectively (P < 0.001). The rate of treatment failure is 8.33% (7 out of 84) and 25% (10 out of 40), respectively (P = 0.012). Gemcitabine intravesical chemotherapy group was significantly related to a lower rate of recurrence (HR = 0.165, 95% CI 0.069–0.397, P = 0.000), progression (HR = 0.160, 95% CI 0.032–0.799, P = 0.026) and treatment failure (HR = 0.260, 95% CI 0.078–0.867, P = 0.028).

Conclusion

In conclusion, gemcitabine intravesical chemotherapy group was significantly related to a lower rate of recurrence, progression and treatment failure. Gemcitabine could be considered as a choice for these patients who are not suitable for BCG.

[Combination of serum PSA assay, multi-parametric MRI and targeted prostate biopsy for prostate cancer screening in Nanjing]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the exact prevalence of PCa among males in Nanjing and search for a mode of PCa screening suitable for the specific conditions.

METHODS

From January to December 2018, we collected serum samples and clinical information from 6 903 men aged ≥50 years taking physical examination in 16 community health service centers in Nanjing. We proposed multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) for those with serum PSA ≥4 μg/L, transperineal systematic biopsy and MRI/ultrasound fusion targeted prostate biopsy for those who scored ≥3 points on the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System Version 2 (PI-RADS v2), transperineal systematic biopsy only for those with a PI-RADS v2 score of <3 and serum PSA ≥10 μg/L, and follow-up examinations every 6 months for those with a PI-RADS v2 score of <3 and serum PSA <4 μg/L.

RESULTS

Among the 6 903 male subjects, 835 (12.1%) were found with serum PSA≥4 μg/L; 229 (77.4%) of the 296 men that received mpMRI scored ≥3 points on PI-RADS v2; and 79 (53.4%) of the 148 males that underwent prostate biopsy were diagnosed with PCa, with a total detection rate of 1.14% in all the subjects. Of the 77 patients with complete pathological data, 73 (94.8%) were found with clinically significant PCa, 30 (39.0%) with localized, 41 (53.2%) with locally advanced and 6 (7.8%) with metastatic malignancy, 6 (7.8%) in stage Ⅰ, 21 (27.3%) in stage Ⅱ, 34 (44.2%) in stage Ⅲ and 16 (20.8%) in stage Ⅳ. There were 47 (66.2%) high-risk, 18 (25.4%) moderate-risk and 6 (8.5%) low-risk cases among those with localized or locally advanced PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PCa in Nanjing deserves considerable attention, and PCa screening is highly necessary in the high-risk population, for which the combination of serum PSA assay, mpMRI and targeted prostate biopsy may be an ideal method.

Gold Nanoparticle Couples with Entropy-Driven Toehold-Mediated DNA Strand Displacement Reaction on Magnetic Beads: Toward Ultrasensitive Energy-Transfer-Based Photoelectrochemical Detection of miRNA-141 in Real Blood Sample

Highly stable circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are currently recognized as a novel potential biomarker for clinical cancer diagnosis in the early stage. However, limited by its low concentration, high sequence similarity, as well as the numerous interferences in body fluids, detection of miRNA in whole blood with sufficient selectivity and sensitivity is still challenging. Herein, we reported the integration of entropy-driven toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement (ETSD) reaction with magnetic beads (MB) toward the energy-transfer-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection of the prostate carcinoma (PCa) biomarker miRNA-141 in a real blood sample. In this protocol, the ETSD reaction was divided into two steps, and cooperated with magnetic separation, target extraction and amplification could be realized in a single test and ultrasensitive detection of miRNA-141 could be achieved in undiluted whole blood sample. This work proposed a new solution for sensitive biomolecular detection in a complex biological milieu and exhibited great promise for future clinical cancer diagnosis.

Efficient Capture and High Activity Release of Circulating Tumor Cells by Using TiO2 Nanorod Arrays Coated with Soluble MnO2 Nanoparticles

Effective capture and release of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with high viability is still a challenge in medical research. We design a novel approach with efficient yield and high cell activity for the capture and release of CTCs. Our platform is based on TiO₂ nanorod arrays coated with transparent MnO₂ nanoparticles. We use hydrothermal synthesis to prepare TiO₂ nanorod arrays, the MnO₂ nanoparticles are fabricated through in situ self-assembly on the substrate to form a monolayer and etched by oxalic acid with low concentration at room temperature. Up to 92.9% of target cells are isolated from the samples using our capture system and the captured cells can be released from the platform, the saturated release efficiency is 89.9%. Employing lower than 2 × 10^-3 M concentration of oxalic acid to dissolve MnO₂, the viability of MCF-7 cancer cells exceed 90%. Such a combination of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional platforms provides a new approach isolate CTCs from patient blood samples.

Expression and Histopathological Significance of Disabled-2 in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma

The current pathological diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is challenging because no histological markers of aldosterone production are available in routine practice. A previous study demonstrated that Disabled-2 (DAB2) is a specific marker of the zona glomerulosa (ZG) in rodents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the significance of immunohistochemical staining to detect DAB2 in the adrenal tissue of patients with APA. We investigated the expression of DAB2 in 36 adrenal glands with APA, 23 adrenal glands with cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), and 33 adrenal glands with non-functioning adenoma (NFA). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-DAB2 antibodies on paraffin-embedded sections. We analysed the expression of DAB2 semi-quantitatively by scoring staining intensity, and assessed the correlation of this information with the clinical findings. DAB2 mRNA expression in adenoma tissues was evaluated by RT-PCR. DAB2 was highly expressed in the ZG in normal human adrenal glands. DAB2 expression was heterogeneous in APA, with spotted, strong staining noted in most samples (25 of 36 APA). CPA and NFA also exhibited extensive low or moderate DAB2 expression. DAB2 mRNA was significantly increased and positively correlated with CYP11B2 in APA (p<0.05). In APA, the DAB2 score adjusted for tumour volume was positively correlated with plasma aldosterone (p<0.05). Patients with low or moderate DAB2 staining more frequently exhibited high blood pressure and were diagnosed at a younger age compared with patients with high DAB2 staining. The present study clearly demonstrates that DAB2 is a specific marker of the ZG in normal human adrenal glands but that DAB2 immunostaining is not sufficiently powerful for histopathological diagnosis of APA. DAB2 might be involved in excessive aldosterone biosynthesis and correlate with specific clinical characteristics of APA patients.

Effect of photoperiod on serum hormone concentrations during the annual reproductive cycle in geese

The poor egg-laying rate of geese hinders the development of the goose industry; therefore, the reproductive performance of geese is an important area of investigation. To evaluate the relationship between photoperiod, reproductive hormones, and reproductive activity during the egg-laying cycle in geese under natural conditions, we collected blood samples from Sichuan white geese and Xupu geese to quantify changes in prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). We also calculated the rate of egg laying for the two populations during the egg-laying cycle. We show that the egg-laying rate and the serum concentration of some hormones (PRL, E2, VIP, FSH, GnIH, and LH) differed significantly between the two populations during the pre-laying, laying, and ceased-laying periods. Serum LH concentrations may be associated with maturation of the ovary and oviducts, whereas FSH, PRL, and GnIH play important roles in egg laying. These results provide a useful resource for future studies examining the laying rate in geese.

Effects of feeding conditions on gene expression in chicken breast muscle

Chicken meat quality is becoming increasingly important among breeders and consumers. To understand the effect of feeding conditions on chicken meat quality, we investigated the profiles of genes expressed in chicken breast muscle. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 336, 321, and 387 differentially expressed genes among Chengkou, Daninghe, and Qingjiaoma chickens under scatter- and captivity-feeding conditions. Twenty-two genes differentially expressed between different feeding conditions were shown to be common among the three breeds. Seven of these genes were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR, which confirmed the findings of RNA sequencing and suggested that the results were viable. The differentially expressed genes showed enrichment for a series of significant pathways, including energy metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, and the immune system. These results provide a solid foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying chicken meat quality.

[Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for early-stage prostate cancer (with video)]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 10 cases of early-stage prostate cancer treated by RS-RARP with the Da Vinci Robot Surgical System from September to October 2016.

RESULTS

All the operations were successfully completed without positive surgical margins. The operation time was 170－250 min (［196±25］ min), the intraoperative blood loss was 150－500 ml (［260±128］ ml), the postoperative hospital stay was 6－7 days, and the catheterization time was 14 days. Urinary continence occurred after catheter removal in 1 patient and was recovered 1 month later.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP is a safe, effective and reliable method for the treatment of prostate cancer and conducive to the early recovery of urinary continence.

[Influence of covering of auto-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel in combination with xenogenic acellular dermal matrix on healing of full-thickness skin defect wound in pig]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of covering of auto-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel in combination with xenogenic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on healing of full-thickness skin defect wound in pig.

METHODS

Totally four 10 cm×10 cm full-thickness skin defect wounds were reproduced symmetrically on both sides of spine on the back of each one of the six Chinese experimental minipigs. After autologous microskin grafting, the 4 wounds in each pig were divided into 4 groups according to the random number table, with 6 wounds in each group. Wounds in allogenic skin group (AS) were covered by full-thickness skin from one (not the recipient) of the 6 pigs; wounds in xenogenic skin group (XS) were covered by full-thickness skin of sheep; wounds in xenogenic ADM group (XA) were covered by ADM of sheep; wounds in combination group (C) were covered by ADM of sheep combined with auto-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel. The wounds were bound up with pressure, and the dressing was changed once every 7 days. On post surgery day (PSD) 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 when changing dressing, the condition of wounds and the exfoliation of the covering on microskin were observed, and the complete exfoliation time of the covering was recorded. On PSD 28, 35, and 42, the wound healing rate was calculated. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and SNK test.

RESULTS

(1) On PSD 7, no fluid appeared under the covering of wounds in groups AS and C, while plenty of fluid appeared under the covering of wounds in groups XS and XA. From PSD 14 to 35, most of the full-thickness skin of pig in group AS did not exfoliate. All the full-thickness skin of sheep in group XS exfoliated, leaving a lot of crusts on the surface of the wounds on PSD 14. Most of the ADM of sheep in group XA separated from the wound with the crusts turning dry and exfoliating on PSD 14. All the ADM of sheep exfoliated with most of the wounds healed in group C on PSD 35. On PSD 42, all the full-thickness skin of pig in group AS exfoliated, leaving most of the wounds unhealed; all the crusts exfoliated and the majority of wounds were healed in group XS and XA group; all the wounds in group C were healed. (2) Compared with that in group C[(32.7±3.3) d], the complete exfoliation time of the covering was obviously shorter in group XS[(15.2±4.8) d]and group XA[(22.2±6.3) d], with P values below 0.05, while the complete exfoliation time of the covering in group AS[(44.8±2.7) d]was obviously longer (P<0.05). (3) On PSD 28, 35, and 42, the wound healing rates in groups XS and XA[(21.2±2.6)%, (51.4±2.4)%, (89.6±2.8)%, and (23.7±3.4)%, (53.6±6.3)%, (91.3±4.9)%, respectively]were obviously lower than those in group C[(35.1±3.4)%, (62.1±6.7)%, (98.8±1.0)%, respectively, with P values below 0.05]. On PSD 42, the wound healing rate in group AS[(44.0±3.8)%]was significantly lower than the rates in the other 3 groups (with P values below 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Auto-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate gel combined with ADM of sheep used as covering of microskin grafts on full-thickness wound in pig can lengthen the persistence time of ADM of sheep on the wound, as well as promote wound healing.

Genetic variability of XRCC1 influences the treatment outcome of gastric cancer

We aimed to investigate the role of XRCC1 codon 194 (Arg>Trp), 280 (Arg>His), and 399 (Arg>Gln) polymorphisms in response to chemotherapy and the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. A total of 172 patients were recruited for our study between January 2010 and March 2012. Genotyping of the three XRCC1 codons was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. By logistic regression analysis, we found that the Trp/Trp genotype of XRCC1 194 (Arg>Trp) showed a stronger association with complete or partial response to chemotherapy compared to the Arg/Arg genotype, and the adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) was 0.17 (0.05-0.58). Moreover, the Trp/Trp genotype was associated with a higher risk of death than that with the Arg/Arg genotype based on multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and the adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) was 4.08 (1.20-14.19). In conclusion, we found that the XRCC1 194 (Arg>Trp) polymorphism was correlated with a better response to chemotherapy and a low risk of death in patients with gastric cancer.

Feeding conditions and breed affect the level of DNA methylation of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 gene in chicken breast muscle

To investigate the effects of feed condition and breed on the level of DNA methylation for the uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) gene, which is an important candidate gene for regulating intramuscular fat (IMF) content in chicken breast muscle, breast muscle of Daninghe (DNH) and Qingjiaoma (QJM) chickens under scatter-feed and captivity-feed conditions was analyzed. Using RNA sequencing, 47 and 113 candidate genes were determined to be related to feed conditions and breed, respectively, and 7 differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, including UCP3. The mRNA levels of UCP3 were significantly different between the 2 feed conditions. The DNA region from bp +1700 to +2459 of the UCP3 gene was studied using the bisulfite sequencing method and contained 46 methylation sites and 3 CpG islands. The results showed that the methylation level of this UCP3 region was lower in DNH chickens (0.77% to 0.88%, P = 0.012) and QJM chickens (0.88% to 0.91%, P = 0.20) under scatter-feed conditions than under captivity-feed conditions. The mean methylation level of UCP3 in DNH chickens was lower than that in QJM chickens under scatter-feed conditions (DNH to QJM, 0.77% to 0.88%, P = 0.007), which suggests that breed affects the mean methylation level of UCP3 under scatter-feed conditions. In summary, our findings suggest that feed condition and breed affect the methylation of UCP3 in chicken breast muscle.

Differential gene expression in pre-laying and laying period ovaries of Sichuan White geese (Anser cygnoides)

Geese are an economically important poultry species worldwide. Their superior meat production performance and meat qual-ity make them a popular food. However, they are not bred worldwide because their poor laying capacity increases farming costs. To gain a global view of the genes that are differentially expressed between pre-laying (P) and laying (L) periods and to develop a database for further studies, we performed large-scale transcriptome sequencing of ovarian tissue collected from Anser cygnoides. In total, 30,151,422 raw reads, with an average length of 151 bp and a total length of 4,552,864,722 bp, were obtained. After primers and adaptors were removed, 19,167,132 clean reads, with an average length of 134.5 bp and a total length of 2,577,297,281 bp, were obtained, among which 1,268,906,694 bp and 1,308,390,587 bp were from L and P ovarian tissue, respectively. The 16,605 assembled sequences were further functionally annotated by comparing their sequences to different protein and functional domain databases and assigning gene ontology (GO) terms. Of these, 511 as-sembled sequences were considered differentially expressed based on the 2-fold method, among which 396 were assigned at least one GO term. Digital expression analysis using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes annotation identified 121 genes that were differ-entially expressed in the P vs L periods. Five of these are of special interest for further investigation of their roles in determining high re-productive performance. This study provides valuable information and sequence resources for uncovering genes determining high egg-laying performance and for future functional genomics analysis of geese.

Polymorphisms in microRNA target sites influence susceptibility to schizophrenia by altering the binding of miRNAs to their targets

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of genes may affect miRNA binding to messenger RNA and contribute to the risk of disease. Whether the SNPs that modify miRNA binding in the 3' UTR are involved in schizophrenia-related genes remains unclear. We selected 803 SNPs from the 3' UTRs of 425 candidate genes for schizophrenia. The potential target SNPs were recognized by Gibbs free energy of miRNA binding. Some SNPs were associated in the literature with schizophrenia or other related neurological diseases. A case-control study of nine SNPs not previously reported as significant in any disease was carried out in a Chinese-Han cohort. We found that rs3219151 (C>T, GABRA6) showed significant decreased risk for schizophrenia (OR=0.8121, p=0.008, p(adjust)=0.03). Further, two putative target SNPs, rs165599 (COMT) and rs10759 (RGS4) reported in several references previously, were selected for analysis by luciferase assay to determine their modification to miRNA binding. We found that miR-124 showed significantly repressed 3' UTR binding to RGS4 mRNA from the rs10759-C allele (p<0.05). Our results suggest that rs3219151 of GABRA6 was associated significantly to decrease the risk of schizophrenia, rs10759 (RGS4) was possible to increase the risk of schizophrenia by miRNA altering the binding of miRNAs to their targets influencing susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Generation of Janus alginate hydrogel particles with magnetic anisotropy for cell encapsulation

A microfluidic approach for fabrication of Janus hydrogel particles with magnetic anisotropy is demonstrated. Using this technique, cells and magnetic beads (MBs) can be separately embedded in one hydrogel particle to maintain optical performance, and reduce the contact between cells and magnetic beads (nano- or submicron-particles). Alginate cell capsules prepared by this method can be easily controlled and manipulated by external magnetic fields and require no specific surface modification. Bio-degradability and super-paramagnetic properties of these hydrogel particles were also demonstrated experimentally.

A two-method meta-analysis of Neuregulin 1(NRG1) association and heterogeneity in schizophrenia

NRG1 is one of the most researched genes associated with schizophrenia. Although three meta-analyses in this area have been published, the results have been inconclusive and even conflicting. Family based studies can be problematical due to the difficulty of synthesizing them with case-control studies. Heterogeneity is another persistently difficult problem which tends to be side-stepped in genetic studies. To deal with these points, we performed a meta-analysis of 26 published case-control and family-based association studies up to September 2008 covering 8049 cases, 8869 controls and 1515 families. The matrix of coancestry coefficient was also calculated using population genetics. Across these studies, the conclusions are as follows: Firstly, only SNP8NRG221132, 420M9-1395(0) and 478B14-848(0) showed significant association in the relatively small sample size. Secondly, we applied both Kazeem's and Lohmueller's methods for synthesizing family and case control studies and there was no statistically significant difference between the results from the two methods, suggesting that either method can be used. In addition, the association analysis of case-control studies was statistically consistent with that of family studies. Finally, the matrix of coancestry coefficient suggested obvious population stratification. The study reveals that one SNP of the NRG1 gene does not contribute significantly to schizophrenia and that population stratification is evident. In future genetic association analysis on complex psychic diseases, haplotype blocks and population structure should be given greater consideration.

Induction treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis with leflunomide combined with prednisone: a prospective multi-centre observational study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide in the treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis, a prospective multi-centre observational study was conducted. Patients with biopsy proven proliferative lupus nephritis were assigned to receive either leflunomide or cyclophosphamide with concomitant prednisone. Leflunomide was given orally with a loading dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 3 days followed by 30 mg/day. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was administered monthly at a dose of 0.5 g/m2 of body-surface area. A total of 110 patients were enrolled, 70 in the leflunomide group and 40 in the cyclophosphamide group. The complete remission rate in the leflunomide group was 21% and partial remission rate 52%, as compared with 18% and 55%, respectively, in the cyclophosphamide group. Renal parameters and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index improved significantly and similarly in both groups. Serum creatinine decreased or stabilized in both treatment groups. No significant difference was noted with respect to clinical outcome between groups. Repeat biopsy also showed a significant reduction of active lesions in kidney pathology after 6 months of leflunomide treatment. Major adverse events, similar in both treatment groups, included infection, alopecia and hypertension. Leflunomide, compared with cyclophosphamide, in combination with prednisone was effective in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis and was generally well-tolerated.

Neointimal coverage of bare-metal and sirolimus-eluting stents evaluated with optical coherence tomography

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the neointimal coverage of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and bare-metal stent (BMS) visualised in vivo by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

OCT images were obtained in 26 coronary vessels of 24 patients at 5-93 months after SES or BMS deployment. The short-term BMS group (BMS1) consisted of eight BMS in seven patients at 5-10 months of follow-up, the long-term BMS group (BMS2) consisted of six BMS in six patients at 23-93 months of follow-up, and the SES group (SES) consisted of 13 SES in 10 patients at 6-12 months of follow-up. The strut apposition, strut coverage and mean maximal and minimal neointimal thicknesses (NIT) for both BMS groups and SES were compared.

RESULTS

OCT images were acquired successfully. Significant differences between completely apposed and malapposed stent struts (p<0.0001) and between covered and uncovered stent struts (p<0.0001) were found among the three groups. The mean maximal and minimal NIT in the SES group were all significantly less than those of the BMS1 or BMS2 group, the minimal NIT in the BMS1 group was significantly less than that of the BMS2 but the mean maximal NIT was no significant difference between the BMS1 and BMS2 groups. In an open bifurcation artery, 19 struts visualised by OCT had no discernible coverage or were surrounded by either thrombus or a thick tissue layer.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT imaging can clearly visualise stent apposition and neointimal coverage of stent struts. Incomplete strut apposition and lack of strut coverage occurred with a significantly higher frequency in SES than in BMS. These findings may explain the occurrence of late thrombosis in SES. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the optical analogue to ultrasound, measuring the back-reflection of infrared light instead of sound waves. The greatest advantage of OCT is its high resolution, which exceeds that of any currently available in vivo imaging technology. The resolution of catheter-based systems is in the range of 10-20 microm. Furthermore, resolutions as high as 4 microm have been achieved ex vivo with more sophisticated techniques that may be applicable to future catheter-based approaches. The main components of various atheromatous plaques can be identified in OCT images, and have been validated in a histology-controlled study. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of OCT imaging in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to use OCT to analyse the neointimal coverage of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), compared with that of bare-metal stents (BMS).

The role of pro-inflammatory factors in mediating the effects on the fetus of prenatal undernutrition: implications for schizophrenia

Exposure to prenatal undernutrition or malnutrition increases the risk of schizophrenia, although little is known about the mechanism. Pro-inflammatory factors are critical in brain development, and are believed to play an important role in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with prenatal exposure to infection, including schizophrenia. However it is not known whether pro-inflammatory factors also mediate the effects on the fetus of prenatal malnutrition or undernutrition. In this study, we established a new prenatal undernourished rat model induced by maternal exposure to a diet restricted to 50% of the low (6%) protein diet (RLP50). We observed the disappearance of maternal nest-building behavior in the RLP50 dams, increased levels of TNFA and IL6 in the placentas (P<0.001; P=0.879, respectively) and fetal livers (P<0.001; P<0.05, respectively), and a decrease in the fetal brains (P<0.05; P<0.01, respectively). Our results are similar to previous studies of maternal infection, which implies that a common pathway mediated by pro-inflammatory factors may contribute to the brain development, consequently increasing the risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric diseases programmed by varied maternal adversities. We also provide a new prenatal undernourished model for researching prenatal problems, which differs from previous malnourished model in terms of the maternal behavior of dams and of observed pro-inflammatory factor levels in fetal tissues.

A study on the disk-shaped piezoelectric transformer with multiple outputs

In this study, a modified disk-shaped multiple-output piezoelectric transformer operated at the fundamental radial vibration mode has been presented. A derived equivalent circuit for the multioutput piezoelectric transformer was used to analyze the performance. Two piezoelectric transformers, a symmetrically electroded piezoelectric transformer with dual outputs and an asymmetrically electroded piezoelectric transformer with triple outputs, were fabricated with lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics. The characteristics of the two piezoelectric transformers were investigated experimentally. The piezoelectric transformer with multiple outputs has potential to be used in power supply units and other electronic circuits.

A lead-free piezoelectric transformer in radial vibration modes

In this study, a disk-shaped piezoelectric transformer was fabricated using lead-free (K,Na)NbO(3)-based ceramics with high mechanical quality factor. The transformer can operate in the fundamental or the third radial vibration mode. The transformer is poled along the thickness direction. The top surface is covered by ring/dot silver electrodes separated by an annular gap which serve as the input and output parts of the transformer, respectively. The bottom surface, fully covered with a silver electrode, is grounded as a common electrode. The dimensions of the top ring/dot electrodes are designed such that the third radial vibration mode can be strongly excited. The electrical properties of the transformer with diameter of 34.2 mm and thickness of 1.9 mm were measured. For a temperature rise of 35 degrees C, the transformer has a maximum output power of 12 W. With the matching load, its maximum efficiency is >95%, and maximum voltage gains are 6.5 and 3.9 for the fundamental and the third radial vibration modes, respectively. It has potential to be used in power supply units and other electronic circuits.

Lead-free multilayer piezoelectric transformer

In this article, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer based on lead-free Mn-doped 0.94(Bi(12)Na(12))TiO(3)-0.06BaTiO(3) ceramics is presented. This piezoelectric transformer, with a multilayered construction in the thickness direction, is 8.3 mm long, 8.3 mm wide, and 2.3 mm thick. It operates in the second thickness extensional vibration mode. For a temperature rise of 20 degrees C, the transformer has an output power of >0.3 W. With a matching load resistance of 10 Omega, its maximum efficiency approaches 81.5%, and the maximum voltage gain is 0.14. It has potential to be used in low voltage power supply units such as low power adapter and other electronic circuits.

Family-based association study of Epsin 4 and Schizophrenia

Recently, Pimm et al. identified Epsin 4 on chromosome 5q33 as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in the British population, based on linkage and association evidence. In Pimm's case-control study, both the single polymorphisms and the individual haplotypes at the 5' end of the gene showed genetic association with schizophrenia. Here, we report the first study evaluating the relevance of Epsin 4 and schizophrenia outside the British population. Markers showing positive results in the original work as well as two additional polymorphisms were genotyped in 308 Han Chinese family trios. Transmission disequilibrium analysis was used to test for association of single-locus markers and multi-locus haplotypes with schizophrenia. Although no individual marker was significant at the P=0.05 level, the haplotypes detected in our samples, different from those previously reported, showed strong evidence of association (most significant global P=0.0021). Our results indicate the presence of a locus near the 5' end of Epsin 4 conferring susceptibility to the disease and provide further support for Epsin 4 as an important potential contributor to genetic risk in schizophrenia.

Possible association of the MAG locus with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han cohort of family trios

Neurotransmitter-based hypotheses have so far led to only moderate success in predicting new pathogenetic findings in etiology of schizophrenia. On the other hand, the more recent oligodendroglia hypotheses of this disorder have been supported by an increasing body of evidence. For example, the expression level of the myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) gene has been shown to be significantly lower in schizophrenia patient groups compared to control groups. Such an effect might be a result of genetic variations of the MAG gene. In order to test this hypothesis, we genotyped four markers within the MAG locus in 413 trios sample of the Han Chinese using allele-specific PCR. None of the four markers revealed noticeable allelic significance. However, the four-marker and two-marker haplotypes covering components rs720309 and rs720308 were observed to be significantly associated with schizophrenia (P < 0.0001) in this study. In addition, we identified one common risk haplotype TA (rs720309-rs720308, present in 78.5% of the general population) that showed increased evidence of overtransmission from parents to affected offspring (P = 0.0001). The results demonstrated MAG might play a role in genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. Furthermore, our finding of a possible association between the MAG locus and schizophrenia is in agreement with the hypotheses of oligodendrltic and myelination dysfunction.

Ultrasonic transducers using electron-irradiated vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymers

Single-element, planar transducers have been fabricated using electron-irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) 80/20 mol% copolymers with different electron dosage. Electrical field-induced strain response of copolymer film with 100 Mrad dosage has been studied at 5 kHz and the electrostrictive coefficient was calculated. The transmitting response of the air-backing and epoxy-backing transducers was evaluated with the application of high DC bias voltages. Clear ultrasonic amplitudes and high frequency spectrum (>20 MHz) were observed when driven from a standard ultrasonic voltage source through a decoupling circuit. It has also showed that larger generation of ultrasonic waves will be induced under high DC bias field, which is due to the increase of induced d(33) piezoelectric coefficient. Two different polar bias voltages, positive and negative, were applied to the transducers and inverse waveforms were received, which was coincident with the theoretical analysis of the strain response of electrostrictive film.

[Pupillary responses evoked by spatial patterns]

Human pupillary responses evoked by visual spatial patterns were investigated. Experimental data revealed that: (1) pupillary constriction can be induced not only by increment of luminance but also by change of gratings or checkerboards without change of space-averaged luminance; (2) constriction amplitude increases with increasing difference of spatial frequency; (3) pupillary response can be evoked by changing from uniform brightness to checkerboard patterns or from checkerboard to darkness, without any increment of the local luminance. These results indicate that the human pupillary response system is not merely controlled by luminous flux but also receives and processes visual pattern information.

[Experimental studies on transmission of EHF in rodents]

Studies on the possible routes of transmission of epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF) were conducted in experimental animals. Results showed five-ID50/ml of EHF virus (EHFV) suspension could infect rats through their damaged skin. Both gamasid mites and mower's mites collected from epidemic areas could naturally infect and transmit EHFV by biting and stinging, or transmit transovarially. EHFV excreted from the experimentally infected animals could be transmitted to normal ones by aerosol. Experimental rats could be infected with EHFV via damaged mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The above results suggested the main route of transmission of EHFV was via damaged skin. Mite-borne transmission played an important role in perpetuating natural foci of EHF in rats. Respiratory transmission of EHFV via aerosol also was a possible route of transmission under specific conditions. In general, EHFV could hardly be transmitted via digestive tract. All those mentioned above provided an important scientific basis for prevention of EHF.

[Effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Tripterygium hypoglancum on natural killer cell activity of peripheral blood mononuclear in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Natural killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was measured using enzyme-release assay. The SLE patients had significantly decreased NK activity in comparing with normal controls. The levels of NK activity correlated with disease activity. Pre-incubation of PBMC separately with Astragalus membranaceus and Tripterygium hypoglaucum or with their mixture considerably stimulated NK cytotoxicity both in SLE patients and healthy donors. The extent of enhancement was dose-dependent and relevant to pre-incubation periods. The release of a soluble natural killer cytotoxic factor (NKCF) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was tested by cytotoxicity assay induced in K562 cells. Natural killer cytotoxic factor release was significantly lower in SLE patients than in controls. The levels of natural killer cytotoxic factor were correlated well with NK activities, but correlated negatively with clinical activity. Pre-incubated supernatants from peripheral blood mononuclear cells with above-mentioned agents caused much higher percentage of lysis on K562 targets than that of without pre-incubation.

Association between allotypes of complement components C2, BF, C4 of HLA class III and cerebral stroke

Allotypes of C2, BF and C4 in 58 patients with cerebral stroke (CS) and 110 normal control individuals in Guangzhou district were determined. The results show that there is a significant association between BF*F and CS.

Investigation of allotypes of HLA class III (C2, BF and C4) in patients with schizophrenia

The allotypes of HLA Class III (C2, BF and C4) in 60 patients with schizophrenia were investigated. Significantly higher frequencies of BF*F, BF*SO7 and C4A*4 in patients were found as compared with those of the normal controls. The relative risks (RR) of the three allotypes to schizophrenia were 1.81, 7.79 and 4.18 and the etiologic fraction (EF) were 0.086, 0.060 and 0.042, respectively. There were no significant changes of C2 allotypes.

[Sampling process in pupillary response to double pulse light stimuli]

Sampling data behavior of the pupillary control system was explored with experiments of pupillary responses to light stimuli in open loop condition (Maxwellian View). When double-pulse low intensity light stimuli with the separation longer than 0.6 seconds were applied, the pupillary responses normally resulted in a double transient contractions. When the separation between the two pulses was shorter than 0.6 s, a single transient contraction similar to those obtained for single pulse stimuli was found. The same results were obtained from different runs of experiments either in the same subject or from five different subjects. It means that a minimum period about 0.6 s is always required for the pupillary response to the second pulse light stimulus following the first response. It the reveals that dynamic behavior of the pupillary system is a discrete sampling control process. Furthermore, the pupillary responses were transient (AC) with low intensity of pulse stimuli, and were sustained (DC) with high intensity. Therefore the pupillary system control can be interpreted in terms of a dual mode control mechanism: the transient (AC) part exhibits a discrete sampling behavior, while the sustained (DC) part shows continuous feedback control.

[Antisenility effect of ginseng-rhizome saponin]

Ginseng-Rhizome is the Rhizome of Panax ginseng and popularly named "Shenlu". The treatment group treated with the sugar-coated tablets of Ginseng-Rhizome saponin (GRS) orally for two months, one tablet (50 mg per tablet), three times a day. Through the clinical observations of 358 cases of middle and old age persons (age from 50 to 85 years old). The results showed that GRS possessed antisenility effect and marked effect on relieving the symptoms of aging, adjusting organic metabolism and improving physiological function, etc., such as promoting memory, raising the amount of white cells and improving organic immunity function. GRS both improved the function of hypophysisgonad axis and the function of adrenal cortex. It had marked efficacy in the treatment of coronary heart disease with angina pectoris and had better effect on treating concomitant atrial and ventricular prematures. The control group (123 cases, age from 50 to 85 years old) was given sugar-coated tablets of placebo (starch) for two months and then compared themselves with before. There were both no difference in clinical symptoms and experimental tests. After two years experimental researches and clinical observations, it showed that GRS tablet and Shenlu tablet both have no side effect of vomiting and also no toxic effect when they were taken for a long-term.

Genetic polymorphisms of HLA class III and GLO1 in Chinese Yao nationality

Yao is one of the minority nationalities located mainly in the South of China (Guang Xi province). The purpose of this study was to examine HLA class III and GLO1 in Yao nationality to identify the difference between Yao and Han. Han is the major nationality in China. Yao has the lowest C2*C frequency (0.9336) in the world. Before this study the lowest C2*C frequency known was that of the Japanese (0.9386). Gene frequencies in Yao are the following: C2*C = 0.9336, C2*B = 0.0664; BF*S = 0.9071, BF*F = 0.0929; C4A*4 = 0.0253, C4A*3 = 0.6061, C4A*2 = 0.2121, C4A*1 = 0.0152, C4A*Q0 = 0.1414; C4B*3 = 0.0051, C4B*2 = 0.0657, C4B*1 = 0.7071, C4B*92 = 0.0455, C4B*95 = 0.0253, C4B*96 = 0.0253, C4B*12 = 0.0051, C4B*Q0 = 0.1212; GLO1*1 = 0.1161, GLO1*2 = 0.8839. We have compared these data with those reported for Han.

Genetic polymorphism of MHC class III and GLO in Chinese Yao nationality

Yao nationality is one of the minority nationalities living mainly in South China (Guangxi Province). The purpose of this study was to provide data of MHC class III and GLO in Chinese Yao nationality and the different genetic background of Yao and Han nationality, the latter representing the major nationality in China. The genetic polymorphism of MHC class III and GLO in Chinese Yao nationality was determined. Previously the Japanese were considered to have the lowest C2*C frequencies (0.9386), but now we ascertained that the Yao have the lowest C2*C frequencies (0.9336). The data concerning gene frequencies of Yao are presented. They were also compared with the available data of Han.