[Assessment of computed tomographic angiographysinus development combined with occipitalbone marks for the location of transverse sigmoid sinus junction]

Objective: To introduce and evaluate a technique to precisely localize the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (TSSJ) in retrosigmoid craniotomy. Methods: This was a single-center prospective randomized controlled study. Sixty-three patients, 29 male and 34 female, who would undergo retrosigmoid craniotomy admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical Universityfrom March to October 2019 were enrolled in the study and were divided into trial group and control group according to the computer-generated random numbers. Preoperative venous computed tomographic angiography (CTA) combined with 3-dimensional computed tomography computed tomography (3D CT) was randomly given to the patients(n=32). Asterion was used for identification of the TSSJ in the controls (n=31). The main outcome measures as postoperative complications and relevant intraoperative indicators were compared. Results: Incision length, craniotomy time, bone window sizein trial group were shorter or smaller than those of the controls, as(6.8±0.5) cm vs (8.0±1.5) cm, (37±8) min vs (45±15) min, (8.7±1.2) cm(2) vs (10.2±2.4) cm(2) respectively, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). No statistical significance was found in bleeding amount, incidence of sinus injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. While incidence of neck pain was lower in case group (15.63% vs 38.71%; P=0.04) and the remission time of incisional pain in case group was shorter [(6±1) d vs (9±2) d; P=0.01]. Conclusion: While the technique is used, the center of the keyhole should be located at transitional place of the lateral part of the occipitomastoid suture, the retromastoid ridge and the superior nuchal line. Compared with the traditional craniotomy method marked by asterion, it has great advantages in reducing incidence of postoperative complications, craniotomy time, and the remission time of incisional pain.

ZnO Nanoparticles Induced Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma through Mitochondrial Dysfunction and p70S6K Signaling Pathway

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are increasingly used in sunscreens, food additives, pigments, rubber manufacture, and electronic materials. Several studies have shown that ZnO-NPs inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis by the production of oxidative stress in a variety of human cancer cells. However, the anti-cancer property and molecular mechanism of ZnO-NPs in human gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) are not fully understood. In this study, we found that ZnO-NPs induced growth inhibition of GSCC (Ca9-22 and OECM-1 cells), but no damage in human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells). ZnO-NPs caused apoptotic cell death of GSCC in a concentration-dependent manner by the quantitative assessment of oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle progression revealed that sub-G1 phase accumulation was dramatically induced by ZnO-NPs. In addition, ZnO-NPs increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species and specifically superoxide levels, and also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. ZnO-NPs further activated apoptotic cell death via the caspase cascades. Importantly, anti-oxidant and caspase inhibitor clearly prevented ZnO-NP-induced cell death, indicating the fact that superoxide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the ZnO-NP-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in human GSCC. Moreover, ZnO-NPs significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K kinase). In a corollary in vivo study, our results demonstrated that ZnO-NPs possessed an anti-cancer effect in a zebrafish xenograft model. Collectively, these results suggest that ZnO-NPs induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial oxidative damage and p70S6K signaling pathway in human GSCC. The present study may provide an experimental basis for ZnO-NPs to be considered as a promising novel anti-tumor agent for the treatment of gingival cancer.

Regression Algorithm of Bone Age Estimation of Knee-joint Based on Principal Component Analysis and Support Vector Machine

Abstract

Objective To establish a regression algorithm model that applies to bone age estimation of Xinjiang Uygur adolescents with machine learning methods such as histogram of oriented gradient （HOG）, local binary patterns （LBP）, support vector machine （SVM）, principal component analysis （PCA）. Methods DR images of knee-joints from 275 male and 225 female subjects aged 12.0-<19.0 years old were collected, PCA method was used to reduce the dimensionality of the HOG and LBP features, and support vector regression （SVR） was used to establish a knee-joint bone age estimation algorithm model. Stratified random sampling method was used to select 215 male samples, 180 female samples for the model training set. K-fold cross validation method was used to optimize parameters of the model. The remaining samples as the independent test set was used to compare the sample's true age and model estimated age, and had an accuracy rate in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 years, respectively. Then the mean absolute error （MAE） and root mean square error （RMSE） were calculated. Results The accuracy rate of male in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 year was 80.67%, 89.33%, respectively. The MAE and RMSE were 0.486 and 0.606 years, respectively. The accuracy rate of female in the statistical error range of ±0.8 and ±1.0 years was 80.19%, 90.45%, respectively. The MAE and RMSE were 0.485 and 0.590 years, respectively. Conclusion Establishment of prediction model for bone age estimation by feature dimension reduction of HOG and LBP in DR images of knee-joint based on PCA and SVM has relatively high accuracy.

Senescence Induces Dysfunctions in Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Osteoblasts by Interfering Translational Machinery and Bioenergetic Homeostasis

Age-related bone diseases are partly caused by impaired bone integrity, which are closely related to osteoblasts’ activity and angiogenesis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are the initiators of angiogenesis and found to have senescent-induced dysfunctions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of senescence in EPCs on osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Human primary EPCs and a murine osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1) are utilized in this study. The senescence of EPCs are induced by serial passages. When co-cultured with senescent EPCs, the osteoblasts demonstrate weakened alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineral deposition. On the other hand, osteoblast-induced migration decreases in senescent EPCs. As for the intracellular alterations of senescent EPCs, the activation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, MnSOD and catalase are diminished. In contrast, the level of reactive oxygen species are significantly higher in senescent EPCs. Furthermore, senescent EPCs has decreased level intracellular ATP level and coupling efficiency for oxidative phosphorylation while the non-mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis are elevated. The senescence of EPCs impairs the functions of both osteoblasts and EPCs, suggesting EPCs’ role in the pathophysiology of age-related bone diseases. Targeting the alterations found in this study could be potential treatments.

CCL5 and CCR5 interaction promotes cell motility in human osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma is characterized by a high malignant and metastatic potential. CCL5 (previously called RANTES) was originally recognized as a product of activated T cells, and plays a crucial role in the migration and metastasis of human cancer cells. It has been reported that the effect of CCL5 is mediated via CCR receptors. However, the effect of CCL5 on migration activity and integrin expression in human osteosarcoma cells is mostly unknown.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we found that CCL5 increased the migration and expression of αvβ3 integrin in human osteosarcoma cells. Stimulation of cells with CCL5 increased CCR5 but not CCR1 and CCR3 expression. CCR5 mAb, inhibitor, and siRNA reduced the CCL5-enhanced the migration and integrin up-regulation of osteosarcoma cells. Activations of MEK, ERK, and NF-κB pathways after CCL5 treatment were demonstrated, and CCL5-induced expression of integrin and migration activity was inhibited by the specific inhibitor and mutant of MEK, ERK, and NF-κB cascades. In addition, over-expression of CCL5 shRNA inhibited the migratory ability and integrin expression in osteosarcoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

CCL5 and CCR5 interaction acts through MEK, ERK, which in turn activates NF-κB, resulting in the activations of αvβ3 integrin and contributing the migration of human osteosarcoma cells.

Correlation between stress and carrier nonradiative recombination for silicon nanocrystals in an oxide matrix

Silicon nanocrystals embedded in an oxide matrix formed in a multilayer architecture were deposited by the magnetron sputtering method. By means of Raman spectroscopy we have found that compressive stress is exerted on the silicon nanocrystal core. The stress varies as a function of silicon concentration (O/Si ratio) in the silicon-rich oxide (SRO) layers, which can be attributed to the changing nanocrystal environment. By conducting the time-resolved spectroscopy experiment, we demonstrate that, depending on the nanocrystal surroundings, a different amount of nonradiative recombination sites participates in the excited carrier relaxation process, leading to changes of the relative quantum yield of photoluminescence.

Quantitative evaluation of boron-induced disorder in multilayers containing silicon nanocrystals in an oxide matrix designed for photovoltaic applications

The effect of doping by boron on optical properties of multilayers containing Si-NCs were studied by means of photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, photoluminescence excitation (PLE), transmission and reflection measurements. It was found that PL decay is strongly non-single exponential and can be described by means of Laplace transform of log-normal decay rates distribution. It was also proposed that changes observed in the distribution central moments reflect the disorder induced by boron-doping.

Effects of Si-rich oxide layer stoichiometry on the structural and optical properties of Si QD/SiO2 multilayer films

The effects of the stoichiometry of the Si-rich oxide (SRO) layer, O/Si ratio, on the structural and optical properties of SRO/SiO2 multilayer films were investigated in this work. SRO/SiO2 multilayer films with different O/Si ratios were grown by a co-sputtering technique, and Si quantum dots (QDs) were formed with post-deposition annealing. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and glancing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD), it was found that the Si QD size decreases with increases in O/Si ratio. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum varies with the O/Si ratio in band position, shape and intensity. In addition, it was observed that the absorption edge blue-shifts with increases in the O/Si ratio. The change in the absorption edge is consistent with strengthening quantum confinement effects in Si QDs, as indicated by TEM and GIXRD. The optical properties were also investigated by 2D photoluminescence excitation (2D-PLE) and lifetime measurements. The origin of emission and absorption is discussed based on the absorption, PL, 2D-PLE and decay time measurements.

Effects of boron doping on the structural and optical properties of silicon nanocrystals in a silicon dioxide matrix

Doping of Si nanocrystals is an important topic in the emerging field of Si nanocrystals based all-Si tandem solar cells. Boron-doped Si nanocrystals embedded in a silicon dioxide matrix were realized by a co-sputtering process, followed by high temperature annealing. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy B 1s signal attributable to Si-B (187 eV) and/or B-B (188 eV) indicates that the boron may exist inside Si nanocrystals. A higher probability of effective boron doping was suggested for Si-rich oxide films with a low oxygen content, Then, structural and optical properties were characterized with a focus on the effects of the boron content on Si quantum dots. The results show that as the boron content increases, the nanocrystal size is slightly reduced and the Si crystallization is suppressed. The photoluminescence intensity of the films is decreased as the boron content increases. This is due to boron-induced defects and/or Auger processes induced by effective doping. These results can provide optimal conditions for future Si quantum dot based solar cells.

Study on the treatment of Acid Red 4 wastewaters by a laminar-falling-film-slurry-type VUV photolytic process

The purpose of this study is to develop the design equation of a laminar-falling-film-slurry-type (LFFS) photoreactor for the treatment of organic wastewaters (Acid Red 4) by 185 nm vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) related processes. The LFFS photoreactor is one of the most efficient reactor configurations for conducting heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions, particularly for wastewater treatment. The decomposition of Acid Red 4 dye wastewaters by VUV-based photo-oxidation process was studied under various UV light intensities, dosages of H2O2 and TiO2. By the treatment of the LFFS-VUV only process, it was found that the decomposition rates of the dye in aqueous solutions increased with the increasing of VUV light intensity, dosage of TiO2, dosage of H2O2. The apparent potential of OH. generation from the photolysis of used oxidants (i.e. OH. sources, H2O, H2O2, TiO2) to decompose the targeted dye wastewater was investigated and compared.

The effect of pH on the decomposition of hydrophenols in aqueous solutions by ultraviolet direct photolysis and the ultraviolet-hydrogen peroxide process

The decomposition of catechol (o-hydrophenol) and resorcinol (m-hydrophenol) in aqueous solution by 254-nm UV direct photolysis and the UV-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) process under various solution pH values was studied. The light absorbance and photolytic properties of catechol and resorcinol were found to be highly dependent on solution pH and can be adequately described with a three-species distribution model. For the UV-H2O2 process, the individual contribution to the decomposition of pollutants by direct photolysis and indirect hydroxyl radical destruction was differentiated by studying the linear addition of UV light absorbance of various reactant species. The contribution to the decomposition of the two hydrophenols by hydroxyl radical destruction was more than 95% in acidic and neural solutions for treatment with the UV-H2O2 process.

Development of photoreactor design equation for the treatment of dye wastewater by UV/H(2)O(2) process

The treatment of Direct Yellow 86 dye wastewater by the UV/H(2)O(2) process in continuous annular photoreactors was studied under various UV light intensities, influx concentrations of dye, dosages of H(2)O(2) and dimensions of photoreactor. A photoreactor design equation combined the UV light distribution profile in the reactor and the empirical rate expressions for the decomposition of dye and H(2)O(2) was used to predict the destruction of dye within photoreactors of different geometries at various operating conditions. Experimentally observed removal of the dye pollutant in the plug flow annular reactor agreed well with the theoretical solutions modeled by the developed photoreactor design equation.

Decomposition of gas-phase trichloroethene by the UV/TiO2 process in the presence of ozone

The decomposition of gas-phase trichloroethene (TCE) in air streams by direct photolysis, the UV/TiO2 and UV/O3 processes was studied. The experiments were carried out under various UV light intensities and wavelengths, ozone dosages, and initial concentrations of TCE to investigate and compare the removal efficiency of the pollutant. For UV/TiO2 process, the individual contribution to the decomposition of TCE by direct photolysis and hydroxyl radicals destruction was differentiated to discuss the quantum efficiency with 254 and 365 nm UV lamps. The removal of gaseous TCE was found to reduce by UV/TiO2 process in the presence of ozone possibly because of the ozone molecules could scavenge hydroxyl radicals produced from the excitation of TiO2 by UV radiation to inhibit the decomposition of TCE. A photoreactor design equation for the decomposition of gaseous TCE by the UV/TiO2 process in air streams was developed by combining the continuity equation of the pollutant and the surface catalysis reaction rate expression. By the proposed design scheme, the temporal distribution of TCE at various operation conditions by the UV/TiO2 process can be well modeled.

[Study on effect of jinshui liujun jian oral liquid on serum superoxide dismutase activity and malonyldialdehyde content in mice with chronic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Jinshui Liujun Jian Oral Liquid (JLJOL) on serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content in mice with chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

JLJOL was given to the chronic bronchitis mice model (induced by smoking) through gastrogavage, and then SOD activity and MDA content were tested.

RESULTS

SOD activity in model mice after JLJOL treatment was 0.67 +/- 0.15 NU/L, which was significantly higher than that in the untreated model (0.39 +/- 0.13 NU/L, P < 0.01). But the MDA content in treated mice was significantly lower than that in untreated one (9.26 +/- 2.90 nmol/L vs 16.07 +/- 5.62 nmol/L, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

JLJOL could scavenge the injury of free radical on organism.

Nonoperative treatment versus posterior fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures without neurologic deficit

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective clinical trial was conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of nonoperative treatment versus short-segment posterior fixation using pedicle screws.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A previous study showed that nonoperative treatment with early mobilization produced good results, even when the posterior column was involved.

METHODS

This study involved 80 patients. Inclusion criteria required the following: neurologically intact patient, single-level closed burst fracture involving T11-L2, no fracture dislocations or pedicle fractures, age of 18 to 65 years (nonpathologic adult), and no other major organ system or musculoskeletal injuries. Patients in the nonoperative group (n = 47) were allowed activity to the point of pain tolerance beginning on the day of injury using a hyperextension brace. Patients in the operative group (n = 33) underwent three-level, (one above, one at fracture level, and one below) fixation using VSP or TSRH instrumentation. The follow-up period was 2 years.

RESULTS

The surgical group had less pain up to 3 months and a better Greenough Low Back Outcome Score up to 6 months, but the outcome was similar afterward. No neurologic deficit in any patient. In the nonoperative group, the kyphosis angle worsened by 4 degrees, and the retropulsion decreased from 34% to 15%. In the operative group, there was one case of superficial infection and two cases of broken screws. The kyphosis angle was improved initially by 17 degrees, but this was gradually lost. Hospital charges were four times higher in the operative group.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-segment posterior fixation provides partial kyphosis correction and earlier pain relief, but the functional outcome at 2 years is similar. Early activity to the point of pain tolerance can be safely allowed.

Reaction behaviors of decomposition of monocrotophos in aqueous solution by UV and UV/O processes

The decomposition of monocrotophos (cis-3-dimethoxyphosphinyloxy-N-methyl-crotonamide) in aqueous solution by UV and UV/O(3) processes was studied. The experiments were carried out under various solution pH values to investigate the decomposition efficiencies of the reactant and organic intermediates in order to determine the completeness of decomposition. The photolytic decomposition rate of monocrotophos was increased with increasing solution pH because the solution pH affects the distribution and light absorbance of monocrotophos species. The combination of O(3) with UV light apparently promoted the decomposition and mineralization of monocrotophos in aqueous solution. For the UV/O(3) process, the breakage of the >C=C< bond of monocrotophos by ozone molecules was found to occur first, followed by mineralization by hydroxyl radicals to generate CO(3)(2-), PO4(3-), and NO(3)(-) anions in sequence. The quasi-global kinetics based on a simplified consecutive-parallel reaction scheme was developed to describe the temporal behavior of monocrotophos decomposition in aqueous solution by the UV/O(3) process.

Plate fixation of fresh displaced midshaft clavicle fractures

From 1992-1994, we operated on 251 fresh completely displaced mid-third clavicle fractures in adults; 232 were followed up. The fractures were plated with a Mizuho C-type plate or an AO/ASIF 3.5 mm reconstruction plate. Comminuted fragments were reduced and wired (133 cases). There were 150 men and 82 women; the median age was 37.3 years (range 18-79). The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (range 3.0-5.9). The mean time to radiographic union was 10 weeks. Seven patients (3%) developed nonunion. Healing with angulation occurred in 14 patients. Deep infection developed in one patient, and superficial infection in four cases; 21 patients reported soreness with changes in the weather and activity; 28 patients had residual skin numbness caudal to the incision. No patient had shoulder droop, and none had impairment of range of motion or shoulder strength. None developed new or late neurovascular impairment; 171 patients eventually had the hardware removed at an average 401 days post operatively. Overall, 94% were satisfied with the procedure. For completely displaced clavicle fractures in adults, plating is a reliable procedure.

Nonsurgical treatment of three-column thoracolumbar junction burst fractures without neurologic deficit

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of the outcome of neurologically intact patients with three column thoracolumbar junction burst fractures that were treated nonsurgically.

OBJECTIVE

To further define the parameters for nonsurgical management of thoracolumbar junction burst fractures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Many texts list involvement of the posterior column as an indication for surgery and state that casting or bracing is mandatory. This has not been the authors' experience.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with nonpathologic, single-level burst fractures of T11, T12, L1, or L2, and with posterior element fractures were studied retrospectively. The selection criteria required that the patient be neurologically intact, that the pedicles and facet joints not be fractured or dislocated, and that the angle of kyphosis be less than 35 degrees. The extent of retropulsion, loss of vertebral height, and presence of lamina or process fractures were not criteria. No attempt was made to reduce the fracture. Patients were allowed immediate ambulation as tolerated. Jewett braces were used in nine patients, but no bracing was used in the remainder.

RESULTS

There were 22 males, 16 females. Median age 37 years (range, 16-65). Fracture involved both endplates in 16 patients (12 crush-cleavage type), the superior end-plate in 21, and the inferior endplate in 1. The hospital stay was from 2 to 18 days (median, 8 days). Follow-up averaged 4.1 years (range, 2.1-6.3). All patients remained neurologically intact. Eight patients had no pain, 24 had minimal pain, 4 had moderate pain, and 2 had moderate to severe pain. Twenty-nine of 38 patients (76%) were able to work at the same level. The initial kyphosis angle averaged 20 degrees (range 10-35 degrees). At follow-up it averaged 24 degrees (range 12-38 degrees). The maximum increase was 6 degrees. Some degree of retropulsed fragment resorption was noted in 35 cases. Complications were limited to transient urinary retention. There were no thromboembolisms, decubitus ulcers, or pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

Despite the use of less restrictive criteria, no brace, and early activity as tolerated, the results are similar to those obtained with more restrictive protocols. The presence of vertical lamina fracture, spinous process fracture, and transverse process fracture are not contra--indications. Activity restriction and bracing may be important for pain control but probably does not change the long-term result.

[Separation of pharmaceutical enantiomers on column and thin-layer plate of cellulose triacetate]

Microcrystalline cellulose triacetate (CTA) was prepared by heterogeneous acetylation of microcrystalline cellulose and used as liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phase and chiral thin layer plate to separate pharmaceutical enantiomers. The racemic Troegor's base, mathaqualone, chlormezanone and chloroquine were separated on the CTA chiral column and on the CTA chiral plate. 95% ethanol and the mixtures of 95% ethanol and water with different ratio and different pH values were used as mobile phase. The influences of eluent composition, pH and temperature on the chiral separation were discussed. The experimental results indicate that the CTA chiral plate was more sensitive to eluent composition and pH than chiral column possibly because the chiral adsorbent was not swollen on the plate.

[Clinical and experimental study on jinshui liujun decoction in treating chronic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of Jinshui Liujun decoction (JSL) in treating chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

The effect of JSL on expelling the phlegm and strengthening the body resistance were observed.

RESULTS

JSL was proved to be efficacious in improving immune function of the body and pulmonary ventilatory function (P < 0.01). JSL could not only increase the secretion of rats' trachea mucosa and dilute sputum, but also increase the motion speed of the pigeons' trachea cilia, thus facilitate the removal of sputum. Compared with the normal saline control group, both animal experiments displayed significant statistical difference (P < 0.01), but without significant difference when compared the JSL group with the positive drug Juhong Tanke Ye control group.

CONCLUSION

JSL has the effect of resolving phlegm as well as improving human immunological and pulmonary ventilatory functions.

MR evaluation of tuberculous spondylitis

A total of 29 proven tuberculous spondylitis patients underwent MR studies. Gd-DTPA enhancement was performed in 10 patients. Contiguous 2 vertebral involvement, subligamental spread of paraspinal abscesses and cord indentation were observed in 93% of the cases. Destruction of the vertebral body occurred in 76%. Intermediate or low T1 signal intensity and high T2 signal intensity were observed by MR. A combination of these characteristic findings strongly suggests the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis. Gd-DTPA administration did not facilitate diagnosis. MR examination should be considered as the main imaging modality for patients with suspected tuberculous spondylitis.

Fibular nonunion after fixation of the tibia in lower leg fractures

In 335 extraarticular tibial-fibular fractures treated by open reduction of the tibia, nonunion of the fibula was noted in 15 cases (4.5%). Four of these cases were symptomatic, but resection of the hypertrophic nonunion provided relief of pain. Fixation of the fibula is not necessary in primary treatment of extraarticular lower leg fractures.

Effects of rat bile infusion on renal function in rats

The influence of rat bile infusion on renal function in rats and the possible role of bile-induced hemolysis in these effects were examined. The hemolytic action of rat bile and some bile salts were determined in vitro. After the i.v. infusion of rat bile (70 mg freeze-dried powder/2.55 ml) into pentobarbitone-anesthetized rats, the urine, sodium and potassium excretion rates were reduced more than half, which was due to the decrease of glomerular filtration rate and increase of tubular water and sodium reabsorption. A fall in blood pressure, a rise in hematocrit, and hemolysis were also found. Infusion of hemolysed (30 microliters RBC) solution produced by distilled water and then made isotonic caused a short-duration increase in renal excretion and glomerular filtration rate, and the blood pressure was unchanged. Infusion of a rat bile-hemolysed solution after removal of bile acids with cholestyramine increased renal excretions at first with reduction thereafter. Infusion of the rat bile-hemolysed solution treated with barium sulfate produced a renal response very similar to rat bile alone. It is proposed that two factors are involved in the renal response after bile infusion, namely bile acid-induced hemolysis producing diuresis with natriuresis, and bile acid-induced antidiuresis and antinatriuresis, possibly due to a direct renal effect.

Gluteus maximus contracture

Abduction contracture of the hip (frog-leg deformity) is caused by contracture of the gluteus maximus muscle. A simple operation consisting of complete detachment of involved fibrous portions of the gluteus maximus from the greater trochanter to the ischial tuberosity is sufficient to release the contracture and enable the patient to squat without abducting the hips. Possible sciatic nerve injury is avoided by a periosteal elevator inserted between the muscle and the greater trochanter before division of the muscle. All patients showed marked improvement, and complications were virtually nonexistent. The etiology is probably associated with injections, but keloidal collagen disease may be important. A small incision is desirable because skin keloid formation invariably occurred in 200 cases followed for one to eight years.

Post-poliomyelitis paralytic scoliosis. A review of curve patterns and results of surgical treatments in 118 consecutive patients

Curve patterns and surgical treatment in 118 consecutive patients with post-poliomyelitic paralytic scoliosis are reviewed. The typical curve pattern was double structural curves, usually including the lumbar spine. Modifying the incision and altering the sequence of instrumentation facilitated both the exposure and instrumentation of the fourth and fifth lumbar bodies. Anterior fusion and Dwyer's instrumentation yield most of the correction of pelvic obliquity and significant correction of both the upper and lower curves. Two weeks of halofemoral traction did not achieve significant curve correction. It is suggested that staged anterior and posterior procedures result in structural correction of pelvic obliquity and paralytic scoliosis in severe deformities equal to the degree of correction obtained using posterior fusion and instrumentation alone in less severe cases.

Purification and characterization of an acid protease from Monascus kaoliang

An acid protease from Monascus kaoliang was purified by consecutive applications of fractional acetone precipitation, batchwise CM-cellulose method and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The preparation was homogeneous on disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 4.5 and 7.5. The yield was about 30% with overall increase in specific activity of about 6-fold. The molecular weight as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis was about 34,000. The enzyme was a glycoprotease as indicated by specific carbohydrate staining on gels. It possessed the nature of an acid protease with a pH optimum at 3.0 toward heat-denatured casein and was stable over the range of pH 3.0 to 6.0. Reducing agents and thiol poisons had no effect on this enzyme, suggesting that free sulfhydryl groups were not required for enzyme activity. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate did not inactivate this protease, indicating the probable absence of serine residue in the active site. The enzyme was inactivated by reaction with the carboxy-group specific reagent, 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy) propane (EPNP). Pepstatin, a specific inhibitor for pepsin, was shown to inhibit this enzyme strongly. However, biacetyl (2,3-butadione) had little effect on this protease, although it inactivated pepsin to an 85% activity loss. Also, p-bromophenacyl bromide, another specific inhibitor of pepsin, failed to inactivate this acid protease.

Abduction contracture of the hip in children

Nine cases of abduction contracture of the hip in children from contracture of the gluteus maximus muscle are reported. Division of the aponeurosis glutens maximus over the greater trochanter always permitted full adduction.