[Concordance between three integrated scores based on prostate biopsy and grade-grouping of radical prostatectomy specimen]

Objective: To analyze three different integrated scoring schemes of prostate biopsy and to compare their concordance with the scoring of radical prostatectomy specimens. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 556 patients with radical prostatectomy performed in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China from 2017 to 2020. In these cases, whole organ sections were performed, the pathological data based on biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens were summarized, and 3 integrated scores of prostate biopsy were calculated, namely the global score, the highest score and score of the largest volume. Results: Among the 556 patients, 104 cases (18.7%) were classified as WHO/ISUP grade group 1, 227 cases (40.8%) as grade group 2 (3+4=7); 143 cases (25.7%) as grade group 3 (4+3=7); 44 cases (7.9%) as grade group 4 (4+4=8) and 38 cases (6.8%) as grade group 5. Among the three comprehensive scoring methods for prostate cancer biopsy, the consistency of global score was the highest (62.4%). In the correlation analysis, the correlation between the scores of radical specimens and the global scores was highest (R=0.730, P<0.01), while the correlations of the scores based on radical specimens with highest scores and scores of the largest volume based on biopsy were insignificant (R=0.719, P<0.01; R=0.631, P<0.01, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed tPSA group and the three integrated scores of prostate biopsy were statistically correlated with extraglandular invasion, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion and biochemical recurrence. Elevated global score was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion and biochemical recurrence in patients; increased serum tPSA was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion; increased hjighest score was an independent risk factor for perineural invasion. Conclusions: In this study, among the three different integrated scores, the overall score is most likely corresponded to the radical specimen grade group, but there is difference in various subgroup analyses. Integrated score of prostate biopsy can reflect grade group of radical prostatectomy specimens, thereby providing more clinical information for assisting in optimal patient management and consultation.

[Expression of GPNMB in renal eosinophilic tumors and its value in differential diagnosis]

Objective: To investigate the expression of glycoprotein non metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in renal eosinophilic tumors and to compare the value of GPNMB with CK20, CK7 and CD117 in the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors. Methods: Traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes, including 22 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-ccRCC), 19 cases of renal papillary cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-papRCC), 17 cases of renal chromophobe cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-chRCC), 12 cases of renal oncocytoma (RO) and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics [3 cases of eosinophilic solid cystic renal cell carcinoma (ESC RCC), 3 cases of renal low-grade eosinophil tumor (LOT), 4 cases of fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-dRCC) and 5 cases of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (E-AML)], were collected at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2017 to March 2022. The expression of GPNMB, CK20, CK7 and CD117 was detected by immunohistochemistry and statistically analyzed. Results: GPNMB was expressed in all emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics (ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) and E-AML, while the expression rates in traditional renal eosinophil subtypes e-papRCC, e-chRCC, e-ccRCC and RO were very low or zero (1/19, 1/17, 0/22 and 0/12, respectively); the expression rate of CK7 in LOT (3/3), e-chRCC (15/17), e-ccRCC (4/22), e-papRCC (2/19), ESC RCC (0/3), RO (4/12), E-AML(1/5), and FH-dRCC (2/4) variedly; the expression of CK20 was different in ESC RCC (3/3), LOT(3/3), e-chRCC(1/17), RO(9/12), e-papRCC(4/19), FH-dRCC(1/4), e-ccRCC(0/22) and E-AML(0/5), and so did that of CD117 in e-ccRCC(2/22), e-papRCC(1/19), e-chRCC(16/17), RO(10/12), ESC RCC(0/3), LOT(1/3), E-AML(2/5) and FH-dRCC(1/4). GPNMB had 100% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity in distinguishing E-AML and emerging renal tumor types (such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) from traditional renal tumor types (such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC, RO),respectively. Compared with CK7, CK20 and CD117 antibodies, GPNMB was more effective in the differential diagnosis (P<0.05). Conclusion: As a new renal tumor marker, GPNMB can effectively distinguish E-AML and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC from traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC and RO, which is helpful for the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors.

Causal effects of serum testosterone levels on brain volume: a sex-stratified Mendelian randomization study

PURPOSE

To assess the causal effects of serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels on brain volumetric measurements in women and men.

METHODS

We performed a sex-stratified two-sample Mendelian randomization study using the random-effects inverse variance-weighted method as the primary analysis method. Sex-specific genetic instruments were obtained from a study with up to 194,453 men and 230,454 women. For testosterone, variants with dominant effects on both total and bioavailable testosterone but no aggregate effect on sex hormone-binding globulin were used as the main genetic instruments. Sex-specific summary-level data for magnetic resonance imaging brain volumetric measurements were obtained from a study with 11,624 women and 10,514 men.

RESULTS

Analyses showed per standard deviation (approximately 3.7 nmol/L) higher testosterone levels in men were suggestively associated with larger gray matter volume (beta = 0.208, 95% confidence interval = 0.067 to 0.349, p = 0.004). The association remained in sensitivity analyses and multivariable analyses. Further analyses showed the effect was mainly act on peripheral cortical gray matter, but not on subcortical gray matter. Testosterone in men was not associated with hippocampal volume. Testosterone in women and sex hormone binding globulin in both sexes had no effect on all outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings overall support previous evidence that testosterone might have neuroprotective properties in elderly men. Future larger trials with long duration of intervention are warranted to assess the efficacy of testosterone for elderly men with cognitive impairment, especially in those with hypoandrogenism.

[The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to September 2019 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. All included patients were classified according to TOAST classification of ischemic stroke. Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy among patients with different TOAST classifications. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of cryptogenic stroke. Results: A total of 1 098 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study, including 661 males and 437 females, with a median age [M(Q₁,Q₃)] of 61 (53, 68) years. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke[53.5% (46/86)] was higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis [38.0%(63/166), P=0.018] and small vessel occlusion [19.4%(37/191), P<0.001], but was lower than that of patients in the cardioembolic group [97.3% (72/74), P<0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atrial cardiomyopathy was an associated factor for cryptogenic stroke (OR=2.945, 95%CI: 1.766-4.911, P<0.001). Conclusions: Atrial cardiomyopathy is associated with cryptogenic stroke. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke is higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis and small vessel occlusion, but lower than that in patients with cardiac embolism.

[The correlation between plasma heat shock proteins 90α levels and white matter hyperintensity in patients with cerebral small vessel disease]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between plasma heat shock proteins 90α(Hsp90α) levels and the white matter hyperintensity(WMH) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease(SVD). Methods: Patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to August 2021 and diagnosed with WMH by magnetic resonance examination (MRI) were selected as the case group, matched with physical examination patients who visited the Department of Medical Examination during the same period and showed no WMH on MRI and no history of neurological diseases as the control group, and the level of plasma Hsp90α was quantitatively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare whether there was a difference in plasma Hsp90α levels between the control group and the case group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of WMH in patients with SVD. Results: Of the 183 subjects, the control group (n=73) consisted of 28 males and 45 females, aged (54±10) years, while the case group (n=110) consisted of 71 males and 39 females, aged (64±10) years old. Plasma Hsp90α level was higher in the case group than that of the control group [53.33(35.33, 70.09) ng/ml vs 35.02(18.51, 54.95) ng/ml, P<0.001]. After adjusting for confounding factors by multivariate analysis, the results showed that plasma Hsp90α levels greater than 58.34 ng/ml was associated with WMH (P=0.002, OR=5.931, 95%CI:1.955-17.995). Conclusion: Higher level of plasma Hsp90α is associated with WMH in patients with SVD.

Exosome-mediated transfer of MIF confers temozolomide resistance by regulating TIMP3/PI3K/AKT axis in gliomas

Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is an important cause of clinical treatment failure and poor prognosis in gliomas. Increasing evidence indicates that cancer-derived exosomes contribute to chemoresistance; however, the specific contribution of glioma-derived exosomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of exosomal macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on TMZ resistance in gliomas. We first demonstrated that MIF was upregulated in the exosomes of TMZ-resistant cells, engendering the transfer of TMZ resistance to sensitive cells. Our results indicated that exosomal MIF conferred TMZ resistance to sensitive cells through the enhancement of cell proliferation and the repression of cell apoptosis upon TMZ exposure. MIF knockdown enhanced TMZ sensitivity in resistant glioma cells by upregulating Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 3 (TIMP3) and subsequently suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, exosomal MIF promoted tumor growth and TMZ resistance of glioma cells in vivo, while IOS-1 (MIF inhibitor) promotes glioma TMZ sensitive in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrated that exosome-mediated transfer of MIF enhanced TMZ resistance in glioma through downregulating TIMP3 and further activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, highlighting a prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for TMZ treatment in gliomas.

An 11-lncRNA risk scoring model predicts prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to construct a multi-gene risk scoring model that can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RNA-seq data from 494 LUSC tumor samples and 49 peripheral lung tissue samples were obtained from TCGA_LUSC database. Differential analysis was conducted using edgeR to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between LUSC and normal samples. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen lncRNAs that were significantly correlated with LUSC prognosis. LASSO regression model was built to reduce complexity. The LUSC prognostic model based on lncRNAs was established by multivariate Cox regression analysis, which was evaluated by ROC curves and survival analysis. ROC and Kaplan-Meier survival curves of each lncRNA in the model were plotted and compared.

RESULTS

2085 DElncRNAs were identified. Combined with univariate Cox regression analysis, 342 prognosis-related genes were screened. After LASSO regression analysis, 11 lncRNAs tightly related to LUSC prognosis were identified and a risk scoring model was constructed. ROC curve analysis proved the good performance of the model. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the mortality in high-risk group was significantly higher. The survival analysis results of each lncRNA were also consistent with the prediction in Cox regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that the 11-lncRNA risk scoring model may provide a new insight for predicting prognosis of LUSC patients.

BML-111 inhibits the inflammatory response and apoptosis of renal tissue in rats with hemorrhagic shock by inhibiting the MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

The effect of lipoxin receptor agonist BML-111 on acute kidney injury and AKI in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS) and its mechanism were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model of hemorrhagic shock in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established, and recovered after 30 min of shock. 1 mg/kg BML-111 was intraperitoneally injected at the beginning of resuscitation in group BML-111. The concentration of serum creatinine, serum KIM-1 content, NGAL and inflammatory factors were detected. Renal tissue injury was examined by HE staining; TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of rat kidney cells. Western blot was performed for the detection of the expression level of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), Bax, cytochrome C and caspase-3,9 in rat renal tissue.

RESULTS

HE staining showed pathological changes in groups group comparing to sham group. BML-111 group had a significant decrease in renal tissue injury. The scores of renal injury in each group were in accordance with the histological changes. The expression level of inflammatory factors in HS group was significantly higher than that in sham group (p<0.05). After BML-111 intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors in renal tissue were significantly lower than those in HS group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, NGAL and KIM-1 also showed the same trend. TUNEL staining showed that compared with sham group, the number of apoptotic cells in renal tissue of HS group increased significantly, and the apoptosis rate of renal tissue cells in group BML-111 decreased significantly. Western blot showed that the expression level of JNK, p38MAPK, and apoptosis-related protein in HS group was significantly increased, whereas the expression level of p38MAPK and JNK in group BML-111 was significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

BML-111 can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis of renal tissue by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway in acute renal injury induced by hemorrhagic shock.

[Efficacy of nasal CPAP and aerobic exercise of different intensity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy of nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and aerobic exercise of different intensity in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 112 patients with OSAHS and T2DM, including 53 males and 59 females, with a mean age of (66.9±7.8) years old, from the Fourth Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled prospectively. There were divided into two groups based on whether received nasal CPAP therapy: 50 cases in nasal CPAP+aerobic exercise group and 62 cases in aerobic exercise group. Subsequently, patients in nasal CPAP+aerobic exercise group were randomly divided into two subgroups: moderate and low intensity aerobic exercise (26 and 24 cases respectively). All patients completed nasal CPAP and (or) aerobic exercise of different intensity for 20 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy of polysomnography (PSG) parameters, glycolipid metabolism, 6 minutes walking distance (6 MWD), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were compared between each group before and after treatment. Results: Pre-and post-intervention, PSG parameters, body mass index (BMI) [(26.6±3.7) vs (24.3±2.8) kg/m(2)], RPE [(16.4±1.3) vs (12.2±2.6) score], 6 MWD [(372.6±59.7) vs (441.5±75.6) m] and glucolipid metabolism indexes were improved significantly in nasal CPAP+aerobic exercise group (all P<0.05), such as fasting blood glucose [(7.4±2.4) vs (6.2±1.6) mmol/L], glycosylated hemoglobin [(7.6±1.2)% vs (6.6±0.7)%], fasting insulin [(10.8±4.4) vs (6.9±3.4) μU/L], insulin resistance index [(3.5±1.9) vs (1.9±1.2)], total cholesterol [(4.0±0.9) vs (3.5±0.9) mmol/L], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [(4.2±0.6) vs (3.1±0.8) mmol/L]; BMI, exercise endurance, some glucolipid metabolism indexes and PSG parameters were also improved in aerobic exercise group (P<0.05). After 20 weeks' intervention, it showed statistically significant differences in PSG parameters, glycometabolism, some lipid metabolism indexes and RPE (all P<0.05), and no significantly difference in BMI [(24.3±2.7) vs (24.3±2.8) kg/m(2)] between the two groups. Compared with the low intensity subgroup, there were significant improvement in 2 hours' postprandial insulin, insulin resistance index, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein A, RPE, 6 MWD in moderate subgroup (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nasal CPAP combined with moderate intensity aerobic exercise can effectively improve the glucolipid metabolism, insulin resistance and exercise tolerance in patients with OSAHS and T2DM.

Effects of growth hormone on pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium

PURPOSE

To investigate whether growth hormone (GH) could improve pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium by clinical study and laboratory experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-three patients were randomized to either the GH-received group (40) or the routine exogenous administration of estrogens control group (53) for clinical study. The human endometrial carcinoma cell line RL95-2 was used for testing the role of GH with Western blot and real-time PCR by exposure to various concentrations of GH (0.1 nM,1 nM,10 nM,100 nM).

RESULTS

Patients treated with GH had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater endometrium thickness on day 3 (7.87±0.72 vs 6.34±0.86), higher implantation rates (24.4% vs 10.5%) and greater clinical pregnancy rates (42.5% vs 18.9%) compared with the control group. No adverse events were associated with the use of GH. Administration of GH significantly up-regulated the expression of VEGF, ItgB3 and IGF-I expression in RL95-2 cells at both mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). AG490, an inhibitor of JAK2, nearly completely inhibited the up-regulative effect of GH through the JAK2-STAT5 pathway, and GH-induced effects could be mediated through autocrine IGF-I together with its hepatic counterpart. IGF-I mRNA was detected in the RL95-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

GH may improve pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium who undergo frozen embryo transfer by acting on human endometrial cells to promote proliferation and vascularization and to up-regulate receptivity-related molecular expression.

Correction to: Effects of growth hormone on pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium

Unfortunately, there are errors that occurred in the name and manufacture of the growth hormone (GH) received by the patients in the GH group on page two, Table 1 and figure 1 on page three.

[Predictive value of serum glycosylated hemoglobin for the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To discuss the affect of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level for the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in cohort population. Methods: An epidemiological survey of the relationship between HbA1c and NAFLD conducted in 2012 was based at cohort baseline, and three follow-up sessions conducted in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In total 2 811 subjects were included in the study after exclusion of NAFLD patients at baseline and those who lost their lives due to relocation, and death. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin and other risk factors of NAFLD. Continuous variables were compared using the t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. χ (2)-test was used for the measurement of categorical data. Results: A total of 2 811 subjects with mean age of 59 (58.2±9.8) years old, including 1 664 males and 1 147 females. Age, waist circumference, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, γ-glutamyltransferase and fasting blood glucose level of HbA1c abnormal group were higher than normal group. The incidence of NAFLD in the abnormal HbA1c level group (25.4%) was higher than normal group (14.9 %), and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower than normal group and the differences were statistically significant. During the three follow-up intervals, there were 440 new cases of NAFLD, consisting 285 males and 155 females with cumulative incidence of 15.7% (440/2 811). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with elevated HbA1c had a higher risk of developing NAFLD (HR 1.796; 95% CI 1.335~2.418; P < 0.01), and the increased HbA1c level after adjustment for gender, age, and metabolic syndrome-related factors remained an independent risk factors for NAFLD (HR 1.580; 95.0% CI 1.161-2.152; P < 0.01). Conclusion: An elevated HbA1c levels have a positive predictive value for the onset of NAFLD.

[The correlation between CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning]

Objective: To explore correlation between chest CT score and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning, whether CT score can be applied to assess acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning and provide basis and reference. Methods: The clinic and a series of CT datas of 32 acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning cases were retrospectively analysed and compared, According to GBZ31-2002 (the diagnostic standard of occupational H(2)S acute poisoning) , these patients were divided into 2 grouds including moderate groud and severe groud; The CT score were improved, referenceing the scoring criteria of the chest X-ray; The difference of the CT score and the oxygenation index were analyzed between moderate and severe group in the acute phase and the disperse phase; The correlation between CT score and oxygenation index were analyzed. Results: The CT score in moderate poisoning group were lower than severe group (2.26±1.37 vs 10.44±2.55, 1.34±0.65 vs 4.55±2.45, all P<0.05) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase.The oxygen index of the 19 cases in the acute phase were 307.55±28.29, and the oxygen index of the 8 cases in the dissipation phase was 435.75±37.00; The oxygen index of the 9 cases in the acute phase and the dissipation phase were respectively 193.17±36.41, 347.67±44.49. The oxygen partial pressure and oxygenation index in severe group were significantly lower than those in moderate group (all P<0.01) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase. Pearman correlation analysis showed that the CT score were negatively correlated to the oxygen index in the acute phase and the dissipation phase, respectively (r=-0.97、-0.75, all P<0.01) . Conclusions: The CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index is negatively correlated. The CT score can be used to evaluate the degree of lung injury, and can be used in the evaluation of acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

Development of novel DNA markers for genetic analysis of grey hamsters by cross-species amplification of microsatellites

The grey hamster has been used in biomedical research for decades. However, effective molecular methods for evaluating the genetic structure of this species are lacking, which hinders its wider usage. In this study, we employed cross-amplification of microsatellite loci of species within the same genus by polymerase chain reaction. Loci screened included 107 from the Mongolian gerbil (MG) and 60 from the Chinese hamster (CH); of these, 15 polymorphic loci were identified for the grey hamster. Of the 167 loci screened, 95 (56.9%) with clear bands on agarose gel were initially identified. After sequencing, 74 (77.9%) of these matched the criteria for microsatellite characteristics, including 41 from MG and 33 from CH. Lastly, 15 (20.3%) loci with more than two alleles for each locus were identified through capillary electrophoresis scanning. To justify the applicability of the 15 grey hamster loci, genetic indexes of grey hamsters were evaluated using 46 generations of outbred stock, established 20 years ago, from Xinjiang, China. Mean effective allele numbers and expected heterozygosity of stock were as low as, respectively, 1.2 and 0.14; these were 2.8 and 4.0 times inferior, respectively, to wild grey hamsters. This finding suggests that the genetic structure of the stock-bred population is too weak to resist artificial and natural selection, mutation and genetic drifting. In conclusion, we have developed de novo microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of the grey hamster, providing data and methodology for the enrichment of a genetic library for this species.

Temporal variations of mobile carbohydrates in Abies fargesii at the upper tree limits

Low temperatures are associated high-altitude treelines, but the functional mechanism of treeline formation remains controversial. The relative contributions of carbon limitation (source activity) and growth limitation (sink activity) require more tests across taxa and regions. We examined temporal variations of mobile carbon supply in different tissues of Abies fargesii across treeline ecotones on north- and south-facing slopes of the Qinling Mountains, China. Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in tissues along the altitudinal gradient on both slopes changed significantly in the early and late growing season, but not in the mid-growing season, indicating the season-dependent carbon supply status. Late in the growing season on both slopes, trees at the upper limits had the highest NSC concentrations and total soluble sugars and lowest starch concentrations compared to trees at the lower elevations. NSC concentrations tended to increase in needles and branches throughout the growing season with increasing elevation on both slopes, but declined in roots and stems. NSC concentrations across sampling dates also indicated increases in needles and branches, and decreases in roots and stem with increasing elevation. Overall altitudinal trends of NSC in A. fargesii revealed no depletion of mobile carbon reserves at upper elevation limits, suggesting limitation of sink activity dominates tree life across treeline ecotones in both north- and south-facing slopes. Carbon reserves in storage tissues (especially roots) in the late growing season might also play an important role in winter survival and early growth in spring at upper elevations on both slopes, which define the uppermost limit of A. fargesii.

Low-dose epidural dexmedetomidine improves thoracic epidural anaesthesia for nephrectomy

Thoracic epidural anaesthesia alone is an applied technique of anaesthesia for nephrectomy which has both advantages and limitations. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist which has both central and peripheral analgesic properties. Forty patients undergoing nephrectomy were enrolled in this clinical trial and allocated randomly to two groups, a control group (C group) and a dexmedetomidine group (D group). The C group received epidural 0.75% levobupivacaine 12 ml with 1 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution, while the D group received epidural 0.75% levobupivacaine 12 ml with 1 ml (0.5 µg/kg) of dexmedetomidine. Haemodynamic changes, onset time and duration of sensory and motor block, muscle relaxation score, verbal rating score for pain, sedation score and the total postoperative analgesic consumption were evaluated. Sensory blockade duration was longer in the D group than in the C group (P=0.01). The incidence of motor block and the muscle relaxation score were significantly higher in the D group compared with the C group (P=0.01). Compared with the C group, pain scores were significantly lower in the first four postoperative hours in the D group (two hours rest P=0.038; two hours activity P=0.009; four hours rest P=0.044; four hours activity P=0.003). The total amount of flurbiprofen analgesic was significantly lower in the D group compared with the C group (P=0.03). Epidural dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg appears to intensify thoracic epidural anaesthesia with levobupivacaine.

Influence of aggressive nutritional support on growth and development of very low birth weight infants

AIM

To investigate the influence of the early postnatal aggressive nutritional support on the very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) during hospitalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surviving premature infants without obvious deformity, with gestational age more than 28 weeks and less than 32 weeks, birth weight 1,000 g to 1,500 g, admitted in NICU in Affiliated Children's Hospital of Suzhou University during 12 hours after birth and stay for two weeks or more from January 2008 to December 2011 were selected, including 44 cases (admitted from September 2010 to December 2011) in the observation group and 36 cases in the control group (admitted from January 2008 and September 2010). The infants in the observation group were treated by aggressive nutritional management, while traditional nutritional management for infants in the control group. The variations of nutritional intake, weight gain, jaundice index, blood biochemistry, serum electrolytes indexes, and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the average growth rate and the albumin (ALB) and prealbumin (PA) levels two week after birth and before leaving hospital of the infants in the observation group was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the incidence of the extrauterine growth retardation was significantly decreasing (p < 0.05). However, the days of hyperbilirubinemia, highest value of the serum bilirubin, duration ofjaundice, platelets after intravenous nutrition, liver function, blood lipid levels, blood glucose, blood PH, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and electrolytes of the first day and the seventh day after birth and the in- cidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) between the two group had no difference (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of aggressive nutritional management on the with VLBWI was safe and effective.

Different bladder defects reconstructed with bladder acellular matrix grafts in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential use of the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), two different bladder defects in the rabbit model were reconstructed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups of rabbits underwent partial bladder wall cystectomy (group A, 30-40%; group B, 70-60%) and reconstruction of the defects with an equally sized BAMG. After 4, 12, and 24 weeks, bladder cystographs were performed. Then the rabbits were killed after uneventful postoperative periods, and the grafts were harvested for H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Two rabbits died on the postoperative days 3 and 6 in group A due to urinary peritonitis. At 24 weeks, in group A, the reconstructed bladders reached a mean volume of 94.39±0.54% of the precystectomy bladder capacity. Histologically, complete regeneration of smooth muscle and urothelium tissue was evident. Regenerated SMCs and urothelium stained positive for α-smooth muscle actin and AE1/AE3. In group B, the mean bladder volume was 64.5±3.19% of the precystectomy volume. Histologically, group B was characterized by multilayered urothelium without organized muscle tissue.

CONCLUSION

The BAMG was an effective scaffold for bladder wall regeneration in the rabbit model. However, the use of BAMG reconstruction in larger bladder defects did not induce the same quality and quantity of bladder regeneration as the reconstruction of smaller bladder defects.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Predicting Hand Motor Outcome in Chronic Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have indicated that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) values are related to clinical outcome in stroke patients. This prospective study explored whether DTI values were predictive for hand function outcome in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: The DTI parameters (rλ1, rλ23, fractional anisotropy [rFA] and mean diffusivity [rMD]) were investigated in patients with completely paralysed hands (CPH; n = 10) or partially paralysed hands (PPH; n = 10), by two methods of analysis: segment of the corticospinal tract [sCST] analysis; pure region of interest [ROI] analysis. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the DTI parameters and the following clinical measures: Fugl—Meyer Assessment [FMA]; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between CPH and PPH for rFA and rλ23 (sCST analysis) and for rMD and rλ23 (ROI analysis). The rλ23 (sCST analysis) correlated with the NIHSS; the rMD (sCST analysis) correlated with the FMA (hand). CONCLUSION: The three parameters, rFA, rλ23 and rMD may have predictive value for evaluating hand function outcome in chronic stroke patients.

Interleukin 2 Receptor α Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis studied the association between interleukin 2 receptor a (IL2RA) gene polymorphisms rs2104286 and rs12722489 and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). Case-control genetic association studies published before January 2011 were retrieved from the PubMed and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Library. Eight studies comprising 13 569 patients and 23 435 controls met the selection criteria for meta-analysis of the IL2RA rs2104286 polymorphism. Using a fixed-effects model, the T allele and the TT and TT + TC genotypes of the IL2RA rs2104286 polymorphism were found to be associated with MS. Five studies comprising 5643 patients and 6415 controls met the selection criteria for meta-analysis of the IL2RA rs12722489 polymorphism. Using a fixed-effects model, the C allele and the CC genotype of the IL2RA rs12722489 polymorphism were found to be associated with MS but the CC + CT genotype was not. It was concluded that both of the IL2RA gene polymorphisms, rs2104286 and rs12722489, were associated with increased susceptibility to MS.

Sexual function and health-related quality of life following anterior vaginal wall surgery for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

To assess female sexual function (FSF) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following anterior vaginal wall surgeries for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The retrospective study consisted of 116 patients. Chinese translations of the modified Lemack Questionnaire (not validated) and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 were used to assess FSF and HRQOL, 3 months pre-operatively and 12-24 months (mean 16.8 months) post-operatively. Sixty-one (52.6%, 29 in SUI group and 32 in POP group) of patients were sexually active before and after the operation. Overall, 12 (19.7%, six in SUI group and six in POP group) reported an improvement in overall intercourse satisfaction, 21 (34.4%, 8 in the SUI and 13 in the POP group) were decreased and 28 (45.9%, 15 in SUI group and 13 in POP group) were unchanged. Incidence of coital incontinence decreased significantly in SUI group. Frequency of intercourse decreased, vaginal dryness and pain due to it and asymptomatic vaginal narrowing increased significantly, following the surgery in POP group. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of intercourse in SUI group, patients' perception of intercourse, frequency of orgasm and the importance of sex life in both groups. Partner discomfort remained unchanged. HRQOL improved significantly after the operation in both groups. There was no association between HRQOL and FSF in the post-operative period. In most patients, overall FSF did not impaired. All trans-anterior vaginal wall surgery positively impacted on the patients' HRQOL. A prospective study with validated questionnaire is necessary in future.

Electronic structure of optimally doped pnictide Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2: a comprehensive angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy investigation

The electronic structure of the Fe-based superconductor Ba(0.6)K(0.4)Fe(2)As(2) is studied by means of angle-resolved photoemission. We identify dispersive bands crossing the Fermi level forming hole-like (electron-like) Fermi surfaces (FSs) around Γ (M) with nearly nested FS pockets connected by the antiferromagnetic wavevector. Compared to band structure calculation findings, the overall bandwidth is reduced by a factor of 2 and the low energy dispersions display even stronger mass renormalization. Using an effective tight banding model, we fitted the band structure and the FSs to obtain band parameters reliable for theoretical modeling and calculation of physical quantities.

A precise method for visualizing dispersive features in image plots

In order to improve the advantages and the reliability of the second derivative method in tracking the position of extrema from experimental curves, we develop a novel analysis method based on the mathematical concept of curvature. We derive the formulas for the curvature in one and two dimensions and demonstrate their applicability to simulated and experimental angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data. As compared to the second derivative, our new method improves the localization of the extrema and reduces the peak broadness for a better visualization on intensity image plots.

Association of the glucocerebrosidase N370S allele with Parkinson's disease in two separate Chinese Han populations of mainland China

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mutations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene have been implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, recent screenings for GBA mutations in PD subjects from different ethnic populations have yielded contradictory results.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study to look for a possible association between PD and the GBA N370S allele involving 628 subjects in two separate Chinese Han populations from mainland China. All subjects were successfully genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

A total of six patients with PD and two control subjects carried the N370S allele. Although PD cases (1.8%) had an increased frequency of N370S compared to controls (0.7%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.290). However, when PD cases were stratified by age at onset, a higher frequency of N370S in late-onset PD (LOPD) cases (3.2%) compared to controls was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the N370S allele might be associated with LOPD in Chinese Han population and that this phenomenon should be further examined in a larger study.

Lack of replication of a previously reported association between polymorphism in the 3'UTR of the alpha-synuclein gene and Parkinson's disease in Chinese subjects

Recent studies have implicated polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs356165 is one of polymorphisms located in the 3'UTR and its association with PD has been reported but remains controversial. Herein, we conducted a case-control study to further evaluate the possible association between SNP rs356165 and PD in Chinese. All subjects (330 PD patients and 300 normal controls) were successfully genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. No statistically significant difference in genotype frequency between cases and controls was observed (P=0.863), suggesting no association of SNP rs356165 with PD in our population. Thus, it may be premature to conclude an association between the 3'UTR of the SNCA gene and PD, and this association should be further examined in different ethnic populations.

Observation of Dirac cone electronic dispersion in BaFe2As2

We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of BaFe2As2, which is the parent compound of the so-called 122 phase of the iron-pnictide high-temperature superconductors. We reveal the existence of a Dirac cone in the electronic structure of this material below the spin-density-wave temperature, which is responsible for small spots of high photoemission intensity at the Fermi level. Our analysis suggests that the cone is slightly anisotropic and its apex is located very near the Fermi level, leading to tiny Fermi surface pockets. The bands forming the cone show an anisotropic leading edge gap away from the cone that suggests a nodal spin-density-wave description.

Chronic lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

A 25-year-old male weightlifter felt increasing intractable low back pain during training but denied any acute injury. The physical examination, blood parameters, radiographs and MRI were unremarkable. He had been treated non-operatively by various means, with only temporary relief. The pressures in the lumbar paraspinal compartment were abnormally high and he was treated by surgical decompression. This gave rapid relief, he returned to training, and one year later the pain had not recurred.

Chronic lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

A 25-year-old male weightlifter felt increasing intractable low back pain during training but denied any acute injury. The physical examination, blood parameters, radiographs and MRI were unremarkable. He had been treated non-operatively by various means, with only temporary relief. The pressures in the lumbar paraspinal compartment were abnormally high and he was treated by surgical decompression. This gave rapid relief, he returned to training, and one year later the pain had not recurred.

Observation of a novel orbital selective Mott transition in Ca(1.8)Sr(0.2)RuO(4)

We observed a novel orbital selective Mott transition in Ca(1.8)Sr(0.2)RuO(4) by angle-resolved photoemission. While two sets of dispersing bands and the Fermi surface associated with the doubly degenerate d(yz) and d(zx) orbitals are identified, the Fermi surface associated with the wider d(xy) band is missing as a consequence of selective Mott localization. Our theoretical calculations demonstrate that this orbital selective Mott transition is mainly driven by the combined effects of interorbital carrier transfer, superlattice potential, and orbital degeneracy, whereas the bandwidth difference plays a less important role.

Band structure and fermi surface of an extremely overdoped iron-based superconductor KFe2As2

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on heavily overdoped KFe_{2}As_{2} (transition temperature T_{c} = 3 K). We observed several renormalized bands near the Fermi level with a renormalization factor of 2-4. While the Fermi surface around the Brillouin-zone center is qualitatively similar to that of optimally doped Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} (x = 0.4; T_{c} = 37 K), the Fermi surface topology around the zone corner (M point) is markedly different: the two electron Fermi surface pockets are completely absent due to an excess of hole doping. This result indicates that the electronic states around the M point play an important role in the high-T_{c} superconductivity of Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} and suggests that the interband scattering via the antiferromagnetic wave vector essentially controls the T_{c} value in the overdoped region.

Fermi surface nesting induced strong pairing in iron-based superconductors

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in iron pnictides raised the possibility of an unconventional superconducting mechanism in multiband materials. The observation of Fermi-surface (FS)-dependent nodeless superconducting gaps suggested that inter-FS interactions may play a crucial role in superconducting pairing. In the optimally hole-doped Ba(0.6)K(0.4)Fe(2)As(2), the pairing strength is enhanced simultaneously (2Delta/T(c) approximately 7) on the nearly nested FS pockets, i.e., the inner hole-like (alpha) FS and the 2 hybridized electron-like FSs, whereas the pairing remains weak (2Delta/T(c) approximately 3.6) in the poorly nested outer hole-like (beta) FS. Here, we report that in the electron-doped BaFe(1.85)Co(0.15)As(2), the FS nesting condition switches from the alpha to the beta FS due to the opposite size changes for hole- and electron-like FSs upon electron doping. The strong pairing strength (2Delta/T(c) approximately 6) is also found to switch to the nested beta FS, indicating an intimate connection between FS nesting and superconducting pairing, and strongly supporting the inter-FS pairing mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of the Fe-Based Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 high temperature superconductor: evidence for an orbital selective electron-mode coupling

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the new superconductor Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 in the low energy range. We report the observation of an anomaly around 25 meV in the dispersion of superconducting Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 samples that nearly vanishes above T_{c}. The energy scale of the related mode (13+/-2 meV) and its strong dependence on orbital and temperature indicates that it is unlikely related to phonons. Moreover, the momentum locations of the kink can be connected by the antiferromagnetic wave vector. Our results point towards an unconventional electronic origin of the mode and the superconducting pairing in the Fe-based superconductors, and strongly support the antiphase s-wave pairing symmetry.

Coexistence of competing orders with two energy gaps in real and momentum space in the high temperature superconductor Bi_{2}Sr_{2-x}La_{x}CuO_{6+delta}

Through a combined scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study, we report the observation of two distinct gaps (a small and a large gap) that coexist both in real space and in the antinodal region of momentum space, below the superconducting transition temperature (T_{c}) of Bi_{2}Sr_{2-x}La_{x}CuO_{6+delta}. We show that the small gap is associated with superconductivity. The large-gap persists above T_{c}, and seems linked to observed charge ordering. We find a strong correlation between the large and small gaps suggesting that they are affected by similar physical processes.

Lack of evidence for association of a UCH-L1 S18Y polymorphism with Parkinson's disease in a Han-Chinese population

Mutation in UCH-L1 has been reported as a rare cause of autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD). A S18Y polymorphism in the same gene has been associated with sporadic PD. We investigated the frequency of this polymorphism among the Han-Chinese ethnic population in a case-control study. A total of 600 patients with PD and 334 unrelated healthy controls were genotyped using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. We did not observe any difference in allele or genotype frequencies between the cases and the controls (P>0.05). Our results do not support a role for this variant in sporadic PD.

Competition between antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in the electron-doped cuprates triggered by oxygen reduction

We have performed a systematic angle-resolved photoemission study of as-grown and oxygen-reduced Pr(2-x)CexCuO4 and Pr(1-x)LaCexCuO4 electron-doped cuprates. In contrast with the common belief, neither the band filling nor the band parameters are significantly affected by the oxygen reduction process. Instead, we show that the main electronic role of the reduction process is to remove an anisotropic leading edge gap around the Fermi surface. While the nodal leading edge gap is induced by long-range antiferomagnetic order, the origin of the antinodal one remains unclear.

Urethral cystoscopic realignment and early end-to-end anastomosis develop different influence on erectile function in patients with ruptured bulbous urethra

The objective of this study is to compare the influence on erectile function between urethral cystoscopic realignment and early end-to-end anastomosis treating ruptured bulbous urethra. 58 cases were selected, 32 had urethral cystoscopic realignment (group I) and 26 cases had urethral end-to-end anastomosis (group II). The parameters of P-CDU (Penile Color Duplex Ultrasound), NPT (Nocturnal Penile Tumescence), and IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) were compared between the two groups 6 months after operation. Group I was higher than group II in IIEF (21 vs 14) with significant differences. With P-CDU we observed an improvement in penile vascularization in group I as confirmed by the detection of an increase in peak systolic velocity (PSV) (26 cm/s vs 16 cm/s, p<0.01) and a decrease in end diastolic velocity (EDV) (3 cm/s vs 6 cm/s p<0.05), resulting in an increase in resistive index (RI) (0.85 vs 0.56, p<0.05). The parameters of NPT showed a significant increase compared to group II (p<0.01) in satisfactory erection number (5 vs 1.5), maximum rigidity (80% vs 42%), and total time that the increase in circumference was greater than 30% of baseline during sleep (100 sec vs 30 sec). Urethral cystoscopic realignment treating ruptured bulbous urethra can reduce the incidence of erectile dysfunction [ED]. A long term follow-up should be studied.

Reduced semen quality in chronic prostatitis patients that induce the release of apoptotic protein Omi/HtrA2 from spermatozoa

The relationship between chronic prostatitis and fertility has been disputed for many years. Several groups have shown infection and autoimmune response against prostate antigens could have a deleterious effect on semen quality and fertility. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that Omi/HtrA2-induced apoptosis in chronic prostatitis could be a mechanism underlying the observed clinical benefit. The Omi/HtrA2 serine protease is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein, which can be released from mitochondria into the cytosol after apoptosis stimuli, inducing apoptosis in caspase-dependent and independent manners. Forty-one patients diagnosed as suffering from chronic prostatitis were included. Healthy normal individuals were included as controls. Human spermatozoa in the semen were purified by Percoll-gradient technique to separate the seminal plasma and other round cells. Measurements for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, proinflammatory cytokines, Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels in spermatozoa of chronic protatitis patients, were performed accordingly. Significantly increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected in seminal plasma from these prostatitis patients. Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in prostatitis men than in normal men. This study shows that chronic prostatitis patients present important alterations in their semen quality parameters, Omi/HtrA2 mRNA and protein levels of spermatozoa. We speculate that the inflammatory process involved may affect male fertility by release of proapoptotic protein Omi/HtrA2.

Selective proapoptotic activity of a secreted recombinant antibody/AIF fusion protein in carcinomas overexpressing HER2

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) represents a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway in the cell, and a mitochondrial localization sequence-truncated AIF (AIFDelta1-120) can be relocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and exhibit a constitutive proapoptotic activity. Here, we generated a chimeric immuno-AIF protein, which comprised an HER2 antibody, a Pseudomonas exotoxin translocation domain and AIFDelta1-120. Human Jurkat cells transfected with the immuno-AIF gene could express and secrete the chimeric protein, which selectively recognized HER2-overexpressing tumor cells and was endocytosed. Subsequent cleavage of truncated AIF from immuno-AIF and its release from the internalized vesicles resulted in apoptosis of tumor cells. Intramuscular injection of the immuno-AIF gene caused significant suppression of tumors and substantially prolonged mice survival in an HER2-overexpressing xenograft tumor model. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of the immuno-AIF gene as a novel approach to treating cancers that overexpress HER2.

One-step preparation of MgO hollow spheres and hexagonal cylinders via Zn template

Polycrystalline hollow spheres and single crystalline hexagonal cylinders of MgO have been fabricated by chemical vapor deposition using ZnO and Mg as the starting materials. The Zn produced during the chemical reaction serves as template material, and vaporization of which leads to the formation of the hollow structures. The presence of trace amount of Si in the source material is identified to be critical for the existence of the stable MgO hollow structures, which otherwise would be damaged during the Zn template removal process. The same principle can be readily adopted in many other material systems and result a variety of hollow structures for catalyst, sensor and medical applications.

Antibody response to four secretory proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their complex antigen in TB patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate antibody responses to a panel of four protein antigens secreted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, CFP-21, ESAT-6, MPT-63 and MPT-64, and their complex antigen.

DESIGN

Seventy-eight samples of serum and cerebral spinal fluid were tested by ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum IgM antibody positive rates of protein antigens CFP-21, ESAT-6, MPT-63 and MPT-64 and their multi-antigen complex were respectively 34.6%, 60.3%, 52.6%, 78.2% and 96.2%; IgG antibody positive rates were respectively 46.2%, 64.1%, 93.6%, 57.7% and 84.6%. The specificity of the antibodies to the four proteins secreted from M. tuberculosis and its mixture antigen was 100%; sensitivity to the multi-antigen complex was higher than for the four single antigens. Among the IgM positive rates, the differences between the multi-antigen complex and CFP-21, ESAT-6, MPT-63 and MPT-64 were significant (P < 0.01); among the IgG positive rates, the differences between the multi-antigen complex and CFP-21, ESAT-6 and MPT-64 were significant (P < 0.01). Although the IgG positive rate for MPT-63 was higher than for the multi-antigen complex, the difference was not significantly different (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the multi-antigen complex composed of CFP-21, ESAT-6, MPT-63 and MPT-64 may be useful in the diagnosis of TB.

Fabrication of nanopeas with ZnSe-filled SiO(2) nanotube/nanowire configuration

Composite nanopeas with ZnSe nanodots/rods embedded in an SiO(2) nanowire/tube configuration have been fabricated via a simple thermochemistry method. The nanopeas are uniform with an average outer diameter of approximately 80 nm. The SiO(2) nanowires/tubes are amorphous, whereas the encapsulated ZnSe nanodots/rods are single crystalline. Two key experimental factors are identified for the composite nanopea formation, which enables such methodology to be generally applied to a variety of other material systems.

Lewis base effects in the Baylis-Hillman reaction of imines with cyclohex-2-en-1-one and cyclopent-2-en-1-one

In the Baylis-Hillman reaction of N-benzylidene-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide with cyclohex-2-en-1-one or cyclopent-2-en-1-one, we found that, in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP, the Baylis-Hillman reaction can be greatly accelerated to give the normal Baylis-Hillman adduct 1 or 3 in good or very high yields: moreover, using PBu3 as a Lewis base in the reaction of N-benzylidene-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide with cyclopent-2-en-1-one, the normal Baylis-Hillman adducts 3 could be obtained in very high yields within 5 h, however, using PBu3 or DBU as a Lewis base in the reaction of N-benzylidene-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide with cyclohex-2-en-1-one, beside the normal Baylis-Hillman adduct 1 abnormal Baylis-Hillman adduct 3-aryl-2-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-one 2 was formed at the same time; the substituent's effects were also examined.

Seven new sesquiterpene glycosides from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus

From the water-soluble constituents of the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus, six new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene glycosides, dictamnosides H-M (1-6), and a new trinorguaiane-type sesquiterpene glycoside, dictamnoside N (7), together with four known sesquiterpene glycosides, dictamnosides A (8), B (9), D (10), and G (11), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidence. In vitro tests for immunological activity showed dictamnoside A (8) to possess remarkable activity in stimulating the proliferation of T-cells.

Enhanced continent mechanism of tapered ileum by extramural support from the pouch and abdominal walls: a preliminary report of a clinical study

PURPOSE

We constructed a reliable continent tube that is easy to catheterize and surgically simple.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients with bladder cancer underwent a procedure in which ileal segment was tapered as an efferent tube, of which a part was placed between the back surface of the rectus muscle and the ileal pouch wall. The internal orifice of the tapered ileum was anastomosed to the ileal pouch and its external orifice was anastomosed to the umbilicus. Urodynamic and radiological studies were done postoperatively in 7 cases.

RESULTS

The stoma was easily catheterized with a 16Fr catheter in all cases. One patient died of heart disease 55 days postoperatively, while 6 of the remaining 7 were completely continent day and night. Urodynamic study of the efferent tubes showed that maximum close pressure with the pouch full was significantly higher than with the pouch empty (p <0.001). Retrograde radiography of the efferent tubes demonstrated perfect canalization without stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the continent mechanism of tapered ileum may be greatly enhanced by fixing it between the abdominal and pouch walls. This maneuver also provides easy catheterization and surgical simplicity.

Effects of magnesium lithospermate B on aggregation and 5-HT release in rabbit washed platelets

AIM

To study the effects and mechanism of magnesium lithospermate B(MLB) on rabbit platelet aggregation and 5-HT release.

METHODS

The platelet aggregation was determined by Born's method. Release of serotonin (5-HT) and formation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were measured by fluorophotometry and radioimmunoassay (RIA) respectively. Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in platelets was measured by Fura 2-AM fluorescence technique.

RESULTS

In washed platelets, thrombin (200 U/L) or arachidonic acid (AA) (30 mumol/L)-induced aggregation was inhibited by MLB 50-800 mg/L in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, MLB had more inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation in the absence of extracellular calcium with IC50 of 102 mg/L than in the presence of CaCl2 1 mmol/L with IC50 of 194 mg/L. MLB concentration-dependently decreased the thrombin-activated release of 5-HT, whereas it did not affect the formation of TXA2 in platelets. Furthermore, MLB not only inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i in thrombin stimulated platelets, but decreased the [Ca2+]i in resting platelets.

CONCLUSION

MLB inhibited the aggregation and 5-HT release in rabbit platelets and it is probably by attenuating intracellular calcium concentration.