[Clinical study on the efficacy and safety of glaucoma drainage implants in the treatment of different types of glaucoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of glaucoma drainage implants(XEN-45 Gel Stent) for glaucoma treatment. Methods: A prospective study was conducted to continuously collect the clinical data of patients who were diagnosed with glaucoma and underwent XEN-45 Gel Stent implantation in the Ophthalmology Department of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2022 to August 2023. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, and success rate of the patients were analyzed before and after surgery at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. The differences in intraocular pressure and number of glaucoma medications among primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and different implantation methods of XEN-45 Gel Stent among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were compared. The intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed, and the risk factors for needling and surgical complete success were analyzed. Results: A total of 48 eyes from 48 patients were included in this study, comprising 27 males and 21 females, with a mean age of (54.4±18.0) years and the disease duration was 36.0(7.3, 81.0) months.There were 28 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 4 cases of primary angle closure glaucoma, and 16 cases of secondary glaucoma.The follow-up period was 8.0 (3.0, 12.0) months. At 12 months after surgery, the intraocular pressure decreased from 20.5 (17.0, 26.0) mmHg to (13.5±3.3) mmHg (P<0.05), and the number of glaucoma medications decreased from 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) to 0.0 (0.0, 0.0) (P<0.05). The complete success rate and qualified success rate were 73.9% (17/23) and 91.3% (21/23), respectively. The most common postoperative complications were shallow anterior chamber in 6 cases (12.5%), hypotony in 3 cases (6.3%), and blocked stent in 3 cases (6.3%). The most common postoperative treatment was needling in 27 cases (56.3%). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure among different types of glaucoma. In the comparison of postoperative effects of different surgical implantation methods for primary open-angle glaucoma, there were no statistically significant differences in intraocular pressure and the number of glaucoma medications at other follow-up time points except 1 month after surgery (P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis did not find any risk factors associated with needling and surgical complete success. Conclusions: XEN-45 Gel Stent implantation is an effective and safe surgical option for different types of glaucoma patients in China, which can significantly reduce intraocular pressure and the use of glaucoma medications and has a high success rate. However, some patients may need needling or other treatments after surgery.

A strategy for the preparation of super-hydrophilic molybdenum disulfide composites applied to remove uranium from wastewater

Due to the radioactivity of uranium, the discharged nuclear wastewater not only causes certain damage to the ecology, but also causes certain harm to human life and health. Adsorption is considered to be one of the most effective ways to remove uranium. In this paper, a kind of MoS2 adsorbent was prepared by the solid phase synthesis method and functionalized with NiCo-LDH. The raw materials of MoS2 are cheap and easy to obtain, and the preparation conditions are simple, and large quantities can be obtained without limitations. MoS2 functionalized with NiCo-LDH provides more adsorption sites for the adsorbent and at the same time improves the hydrophilicity of the adsorbent, so that the active sites can fully combine with uranyl ions. The maximum adsorption capacity of the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model is 492.83 mg g-1. The selective adsorption capacity of uranium can reach 76.12% in the multi-ion coexistence system. By analyzing the adsorption mechanism with FT-IR and XRD, it is believed that on the one hand, UO22+ forms a covalent bond with Mo in MoS2 and coordinates with S on the surface of MoS2. On the other hand, UO22+ enters the NiCo-LDH layer for ion exchange with NO3- and coordinates with -OH on the surface of NiCo-LDH. The successful preparation of the MoS2/NiCo-LDH composite provides a certain application prospect for the uranium adsorption field.

[The analysis of unconventional lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 329 patients with TSCC who underwent en bloc resection of primary tumor and neck dissection in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2010 to March 2018 were included. There were 283 males and 46 females, aged from 26 to 80 years. All patients underwent the modified neck dissection. The main difference between the modified neck dissection and the traditional neck dissection lay in the managements of unconventional lymph nodes. The lymphatic adipose tissues adjacent to the superior thyroid artery, the base of facial artery and the branches of external carotid artery were thoroughly dissected. The primary tumor as well as lingual artery, tissues along the lingual artery and lymph nodes in the mouth floor were resected. χ2 test was used for comparison of count data, and linear regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Cervical lymph node metastases were found in 136 patients (41.3%). Among 142 patients (T1-2cN0) with supraomohyoid neck dissection, 22 patients had pathologically occult lymph node metastases (15.5%), with a 5-year overall survival rate of 90.2%, which was similar to the 5-year overall survival rate of 92.1% in 120 patients without lymph node metastasis (χ2=0.156, P=0.693). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that T stage, clinical stage and unconventional lymph node metastasis were important factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue cancer patients (P<0.05). Unconventional lymph node metastases occurred in 30 patients (9.1%), including the metastases of lymph nodes in the floor of mouth (3.0%), the lingual artery (2.4%), the base of the external maxillary artery (2.1%), the superior thyroid artery (0.9%), and the external carotid artery (0.6%). There were significant differences in the unconventional lymph node metastasis rates between patients with negative and positive conventional lymph node metastases [4.9%(10/203) vs. 15.9%(20/126), χ2=11.242, P=0.001] and also between patients with depth of invasion ≤5 mm, 5 mm 10 mm [3.1%(2/64) vs. 5.7%(6/106) vs. 13.8%(22/159), χ2=7.907, P=0.005]. Conclusion: Supraomohyoid neck dissection can achieve reliable control efficacy in patients with cN0 tongue cancer. All patients with lymph node dissection should undergo unconventional lymph node dissection. Unconventional lymph node dissection is strongly recommended for patients with conventional lymph node metastasis.

[Study on sIgE distribution characteristics and the sensitization pattern of allergen in 1 161 patients with allergic diseases of respiratory tract in northwest China]

Objective: To explore the allergen map of patients with allergic diseases in northwest China, to investigate the distribution characteristics of serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in different ages, genders, diseases and the sensitization patterns of allergens. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, a total of 1 161 patients with confirmed respiratory allergic diseases were selected retrospectively from outpatient or inpatient department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University and Tumor Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 2019 to October 2022. HAIKE ALLEOS 2000 fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method was used to quantify their serum for 12 inhaled allergen-specific IgE. Chi square test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparison between count data groups (Bonferroni correction was used for further pairwise comparison in multiple groups, two-sided P<0.05/3=0.017 considered that the difference was statistically significant). Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation of continuous numerical variables. Results: The positive detection rate of sIgE in 1 161 patients was 66.8%(776/1 161). The three highest positive rate of inhaled allergen were mugwort(599/1 161, 51.6%), French chrysanthemum(565/1 161, 48.7%) and dandelion(412/1 161, 35.5%). In different age groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was 7-18 age group(379/513, 73.9%) while the lowest positive rate was 4-6 age group(222/370, 60.0%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=21.177, P<0.001). The sensitization peak of mugwort, French chrysanthemum, plantain, timothy, birch, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farinae, cat epithelium, dog epithelium and German cockroach appeared in 7-18 age group. In different disease groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was allergic rhinitis with asthma group (500/717, 69.7%) while the lowest positive rate was asthma group (76/144, 52.8%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=15.563, P<0.001). In different gender groups, the positive rate of sIgE in male (503/711, 70.7%) was higher than in female (273/450, 60.7%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=12.630, P<0.001). The multiple-sensitization rate was 86.9%(674/776) and the double-sensitization rate was 16.8%(130/776) in sIgE positive patients. Pearson correlation results showed that there was an extremely strong correlation between dandelion and French chrysanthemum(r=0.93,P<0.001). There was a strong correlation between mugwort and French chrysanthemum(r=0.64,P<0.001). In the co-sensitization analysis, the number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion, plantain and timothy accounted for 25.2%(170/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum and dandelion accounted for 58.3%(393/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion and plantain accounted for 35.6%(240/674) of the total number of multiple sensitization. Conclusion: Mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion are the major inhaled allergens in northwest China. The positive rate of sIgE was different in different ages, diseases and genders. The multiple-sensitization rate of allergen was high and there was a certain positive correlation between pollen allergen-specific IgE pairwise, suggesting that there may exist co-sensitization or cross-reactions among allergens.

Optimization of total tongue functional reconstruction with the sushi roll technique and its application in pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps

A protuberant shape and sufficient volume are the most important parameters for total tongue reconstruction. The conventional pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap undergoes collapse due to atrophy of the denervated muscle. In a new technique, this flap was rolled up like sushi to reshape the neotongue. This study explored the feasibility and effect of the 'sushi roll' technique for precise total functional reconstruction of the tongue using a PMMC flap. Thirty patients scheduled for total glossectomy and PMMC flap reconstruction were recruited. The sushi roll technique was performed in 15 patients and the conventional repair in 15 patients. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. The flap survived in all 30 patients. The sushi roll group showed superior results to the conventional group in terms of time to oral alimentation (P = 0.012) and decannulation (P = 0.041), as well as swallowing function (P = 0.032), speech intelligibility (P < 0.001), shape (P < 0.001), and quality of life score (P < 0.001) at 12 months. The innovative sushi roll technique uses a folding method that utilizes the length rather than the thickness and width of the flap to maintain the volume and protuberance of the neotongue, which results in acceptable function and improved quality of life.

[Application of anterolateral thigh flap preforming tongue in patients with total glossectomy]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of anterolateral thigh flap preforming tongue in patients with total glossectomy. Methods: A total of 27 patients with tongue cancer who underwent total glossectomy, neck lymph node dissection and anterolateral thigh flap transfer were collected from January 2019 to April 2021 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Second Xiangya Hospital. All patients were males, the age ranged from 35-73 years. The patients were divided into experimental (14 cases) and control (13 cases) groups, based on whether the tongue was reconstructed. The clinical parameters of two groups were analyzed by independent sample t test or Fisher exact probability method. Results: The success rate of free flap was 100%, of the patients, 2 patients had cervical hematoma and 1 patient had wound infection postoperatively. There was no difference in speech (6.69±3.42 vs. 5.50±3.01, t=0.96, P=0.346) or swallowing (χ²=0.46, P=0.793) function between two groups at 1 month after surgery. However, the speech (24.94±7.43 vs. 18.44±6.30, t=2.48, P=0.020) and swallowing (χ²=6.97, P=0.008) functions in experimental group were significantly better than those in control group. No case was lost to follow-up. All patients were extubated after operation, with average time of 7.2 days in the experimental group and 7.7 days in the control group. The overall survival rate was 71.4% in the experimental group and 61.5% in the control group. Conclusion: The use of anterolateral thigh flap preforming tongue can improve the speech and swallowing functions in patients with total glossectomy and offer a novel method for tongue construction.

microRNA-145-5p attenuates acute lung injury via targeting ETS2

The protective effect of microRNA (miR)-145-5p in acute lung injury (ALI) has been discovered previously. Thus, in this study, we attempted to further investigate the mechanism of miR-145-5p in ALI through the downstream E26 transformation-specific proto-oncogene 2 (ETS2)/transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI rat model was established. The expression of miR-145-5p in ALI rat lung tissues was up-regulated. Afterward, pathological damage in the lung tissue, the wet/dry (W/D) ratio, apoptosis, and serum inflammatory factor contents were observed. miR-145-5p, ETS2, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 levels were measured in rats. miR-145-5p expression was down-regulated, ETS2 expression was up-regulated, and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway was activated in LPS-exposed rats. Overexpression of miR-145-5p inactivated the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and attenuated ALI, as reflected by relieved pathological damage, a decreased W/D ratio, reduced apoptosis, and suppressed inflammatory response. In contrast, loss of miR-145-5p or elevated ETS2 levels worsened ALI and activated the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Moreover, elevation of ETS2 diminished miR-145-5p-mediated protection against ALI. Evidently, miR-145-5p negatively regulates ETS2 expression and inactivates the TGF-β1/Smad pathway to ameliorate ALI in rats.

[Research Progress on Metabolite Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoid New Psychoactive Substances]

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids are currently a class of new psychoactive substances with the largest variety and most abused. Metabolite identification research can provide basic data for monitoring synthetic cannabinoids abuse, which is the current research hotspot. The main trend of structural modification of synthetic cannabinoid is to replace the fluorine atom on pentyl indole or indazole cyclopentyl with hydrogen atom, which greatly improves the biological activity of the compound. The main metabolic reactions include hydroxylation, fluoropentyl oxidative, ester hydrolyze, amide hydrolysis. Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry has become the preferred choice for the structural identification of metabolites. This review mainly summarizes research on metabolism software prediction and human hepatocyte model, human liver microsomes model, rat in vivo model, zebrafish model and fungus C. elegans model in metabolite identification based on the structure and classification of synthetic cannabinoids.

[Ultrasound biomicroscopic differences between fellow eyes of acute angle-closure glaucoma and chronic angle-closure glaucoma]

Objective: To compare the structural differences of the anterior segment between fellow eyes of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) and the eyes of chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) with milder glaucomatous damage. Methods: In this case-control study, patients with AACG (41 eyes) and CACG (46 eyes) without prior treatment in the glaucoma clinic of Peking University People's Hospital from September 2016 to October 2018 were enrolled. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed under dark condition. Parameters were measured on images including lens vault (LV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), iris thickness (IT750 and IT2000), angle-opening distance (AOD500 and AOD750), and trabecular iris angle (TIA500 and TIA750). The independent t-test was used to compare the continuous variables of the fellow eyes of AACG patients and the eyes of CACG patients with milder glaucomatous damage. After adjusting for age and gender, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the most important parameters that may distinguish AACG from CACG. Results: The mean age of AACG patients was (65±10) years old and the age of CACG patients was (67±12) years old (P>0.05). The ACD [(1.79±0.25) mm vs. (1.99±0.34) mm], IT750 [(0.39±0.07) mm vs. (0.43±0.05) mm], AOD500 [(0.12±0.06) mm vs. (0.15±0.07) mm], TIA500 (10.91°±5.23° vs. 13.93°±6.33°), and TIA750 (9.33°±5.02° vs. 13.93°±6.82°) were less and the LV [(0.99±0.44) mm vs. (0.72±0.30) mm] was greater in the fellow eyes of AACG as compared to the eyes of CACG with milder glaucomatous damage (all P<0.05). In the forward multivariate logistic regression analysis, every 1-degree decrease in TIA750 (odds ratio=0.872, 95%CI: 0.794 to 0.958, P<0.01) and every 1-mm increase in LV (odds ratio=14.138, 95%CI: 2.348 to 85.130, P<0.01) were significantly associated with AACG. Conclusions: Compared with the eyes of CACG with milder glaucomatous damage, fellow eyes of AACG have thinner peripheral iris thickness, narrower angle width, shallower ACD, and greater LV. LV and TIA750 may play important roles in distinguishing eyes predisposed to AACG or CACG. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 672-678).

Geolocation Inference of Forensic Individual Origin by Soil Metagenomic Analysis

Abstract

Objective To preliminarily discuss the feasibility of geolocation inference of forensic individual origin by soil metagenomic analysis. Methods The 33 soil samples from Heilongjiang, Qinghai and Tibet were collected, total bacterial DNA in the samples were extracted, and universal primers were used to amplify the V3 and V4 hypervariable region of bacterial 16S rDNA. The region was sequenced by high-throughput sequencing （HTS） with the MiSeq sequencer. Bioinformatics analysis such as species composition and sample comparison was performed on sequencing data. The richness index and diversity index were calculated based on operational taxonomic unit （OTU） results. Results A total of 2 720 149 sequences were generated by sequencing. Those sequences were clustered into 114 848 OTUs. The Chao1 indexes of soil microorganisms in Heilongjiang, Qinghai, and Tibet were 797.45, 745.11 and 535.98, respectively, and Shannon indexes were 6.46, 6.36 and 6.25, respectively. The number of bacterial species and the community diversity in the soil from high to low were Heilongjiang > Qinghai > Tibet. The composition of soil bacteria in three provinces at various classification levels were obtained, the dominant genuses in Heilongjiang were Chthoniobacteraceae DA101 and an unannotated genus of Thermogemmatisporaceae; the dominant genuses in Qinghai were an unannotated genus of Cytophagaceae and an unannotated genus of Nocardioidaceae; the dominant genuses in Tibet were an unannotated genus of Comamonadaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae Luteolibacter. The results of principal co-ordinates analysis demonstrated that, according to the weighted UniFrac analysis, the three principle components represented 56.36% of the total variable, and according to the unweighted UniFrac analysis, the three principle components represented 34.81% of the total variable. The samples from the same province could be clustered together, and the species and content of soil microorganisms from different provinces were significantly different. Conclusion Based on the metagenomic analysis method, soil samples from different regions can be effectively distinguished, which has potential application value in geolocation inference of forensic individual origin in the future.

Electrochemical preparation and properties of a Mg-Li-Y alloy via co-reduction of Mg(ii) and Y(iii) in chloride melts

Mg-Li based alloys have been widely used in various fields. However, the widespread use of Mg-Li based alloys were restricted by their poor properties. The addition of rare earth element in Mg-Li can significantly improve the properties of alloys. In the present work, different electrochemical methods were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of Y(iii) on the W electrode in LiCl-KCl melts and LiCl-KCl-MgCl2 melts. In LiCl-KCl melts, typical cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemical mechanism and thermodynamic parameters for the reduction of Y(iii) to metallic Y. In LiCl-KCl-MgCl2 melts, the formation mechanism of Mg-Y intermetallic compounds was investigated, and the results showed that only one kind of Mg-Y intermetallic compound was formed under our experimental conditions. Mg-Li-Y alloys were prepared via galvanostatic electrolysis, and XRD and SEM equipped with EDS analysis were used to analyze the samples. Because of the restrictions of EDS analysis, ICP-AES was used to analyze the Li content in Mg-Li-Y alloys. The microhardness and Young's modulus of the Mg-Li-Y alloys were then evaluated.

[Free anterolateral thigh flap with superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels for reconstruction of defect after maxillectomy in malignant tumor]

Objective: To study the effects of superficial temporal artery and vein as recipient vessels for the free anterolateral thigh flap on the appearance and functions after maxillectomy. Methods: Clinical data of 21 patients with malignant maxillary tumors in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2014 to November 2019, who were treated by free anterolateral thigh flap with temporal superficial vessels as the recipient vessels were analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 males and 3 females, with the age ranging from 29 to 73 years old, including 19 cases of squamous carcinoma, 1 case of adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 case of osteosarcoma. Of those 7 patients underwent primary surgery, 14 patients received resurgery, and 6 patients had a history of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Among 14 patients with resurgery, 13 had recurrent ipsilateral second site tumor and 1 had recurrent tumor, and all of them received the maxillectomy and reconstructive surgery with the free anterolateral thigh flap. Patients were evaluated with water swallow test and speech intelligibility score in 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Water swallow test results before and after operation were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The mean speech intelligibility scores before and after operation were compared by the paired t test. Results: Patients were followed up for 10-60 months. All free flaps survived after operation. No diplopia occurred. Breathing, swallowing and speaking functions were normal. No movement disorders caused by the donor of thigh flap. Water swallow test showed no phenomenon of water flowing into the nasal cavity or oral and nasal leakage with level Ⅰ for 4 cases, level Ⅱ for 13 cases, level Ⅲ for 3 cases and level Ⅳ for 1 case. The mean speech intelligibility scores before surgery and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery were 4.31±0.13, 1.46±0.21, 2.15±0.45 and 2.87±0.76 respectively. There was statistically significant difference in the mean speech intelligibility scores between 1 and 6 months after surgery (F=78.456, P<0.05). Conclusion: It is safe and reliable to use the superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels for free anterolateral thigh flap in the reconstruction of defect after maxillectomy in malignant tumors, with good outcomes of functions and a satisfactory restoration of outward appearance.

miR-143-3p inhibits proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating its target gene FGF1

PURPOSE

To explore FGF1 and miR-143-3p expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its related mechanisms.

METHODS

Eighty-two HCC patients treated at our hospital from January 2018 to January 2019 were enrolled as Group A, while further 80 healthy people undergoing physical examinations during the same time period were enrolled as Group B. HCC cells and normal human liver cells were purchased, with HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-FGF1, si-FGF1, NC, miR-143-3p-inhibitor and miR-143-3p-mimics. FGF1 and miR-143-3p expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, Slug, E-cadherin and γ-catenin was detected by Western Blotting (WB). Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Cell invasion was detected by Transwell. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS

FGF1 was highly expressed but miR-143-3p was poorly expressed in HCC cells. Areas under the curves (AUCs) of the two indicators were > 0.8. The indicators were correlated with the age, gender, tumor invasion, degree of differentiation, tumor location and TNM staging of the patients. Silencing FGF1 and overexpressing miR-143-3p could promote cell apoptosis, inhibit cell growth, cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail and Slug, and increase the expression of E-cadherin and γ-catenin. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay (DLRGA) confirmed that FGF1 and miR-143-3p had a targeted relationship. The rescue experiment showed that the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells in the miR-143-3p-mimics+pcDNA3.1-FGF1 and miR-143-3p-inhibitor+Si-FGF1 groups were not different from those in the miR-NC group.

CONCLUSION

Inhibiting FGF1 can upregulate miR-143-3p-mediated Hedgehog signaling pathway, and affect cells' EMT, proliferation and invasion, so FGF1 is expected to become a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Advancements in Single-cell Sequencing and the Prospect of Its Forensic Application

Abstract

Single-cell sequencing is a technique that analyzes DNA and RNA sequences on the cellular level with next generation sequencing. The ultra high resolution of single-cell sequencing provides new perspectives and opens new frontiers for our understanding of many areas of life sciences, including forensic genome. This paper summarizes the recent advancements in single-cell sequencing and the prospect of its forensic application.

[A novel VSX1 gene mutation identified in a sporadic keratoconus patient from China]

Objective: To investigate the possibility of the visual system homeobox 1 (VSX1) gene as a candidate susceptibility gene for Chinese patients with sporadic keratoconus, and to identify sequence variants of the VSX1 gene in such patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the leukocytes in the peripheral venous blood of 50 patients with sporadic keratoconus and 50 control subjects without this ocular disorder. Five exons and the intron-exon splicing of the VSX1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were directly sequenced and compared to the GeneBank database to find mutations. Bioinformatics analysis was done to predict the influence of these mutations on proteins. Results: One novel missense heterozygous mutation (p.R131P) was found in exon 1 of the VSX1 gene in one keratoconus patient. Another heterozygous mutation (p.G160V) in exon 2 was found in two keratoconus patients. These mutations were not detected in the control subjects. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the p.R131P mutation may not cause a pathogenic change, but the p.G160V mutation might be functionally deleterious. In intron 3 of the VSX1 gene, the nucleotide substitution of g.8326G>A was detected to be heterozygous in 3 cases of sporadic keratoconus and 4 cases of control and homozygous in 2 cases of sporadic keratoconus and 1 case of control. The variation of g.8326G>A belonged to a single polymorphism change of the VSX1 gene. Conclusions: The p.R131P detected in this study is a novel mutation of the VSX1 gene. Sequence variants of the VSX1 gene were identified for the first time in Chinese patients with sporadic keratoconus, but their precise role in disease causation requires further investigations. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 212-217).

[A promoter polymorphism of CD55 effect on the risk of esophageal cancer]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variation of CD55 promoter and the risk of esophageal cancer. Methods: A total of 700 esophageal cancer patients recruited between April 2008 and December 2012 at Tangshan Grongren Hospital and Tangshan Renmin Hospital, and 700 frequency matched controls were randomly selected from a pool of cancer free subjects recruited from a nutritional survey. Genotypes of CD55 rs2564978 polymorphism among all subjects were conducted by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The OR and 95%CI were calculated by non-conditional Logistic regression to evaluate the association of CD55 rs2564978T/C polymorphism with the risk of esophageal cancer. Results: The average age of cases and control was (60.04±9.19) and (59.21±9.98) years old. Compared with CD55 rs2564978 TT carriers, the individuals with CC genotype had a significantly higher risk of esophageal cancer (OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.42-2.66) . When stratified by sex, this genetic variation affected the risk of esophageal cancer among both males (OR=1.92, 95%CI:1.37-2.70) and females (OR=2.34, 95%CI:1.04-5.27). When stratified by age, the CD55 rs2564978 CC was associated with the susceptibility of developing esophageal cancer among younger individuals (OR=1.79, 95%CI:1.19-2.68) and older people (OR=2.32, 95%CI:1.41-3.83).When stratified by drinking status, CC genotype carriers increase the risk of esophageal cancer when drinking (OR=1.93, 95%CI:1.03-3.63) or not drinking (OR=1.95, 95%CI:1.36-2.80). When stratified by smoking status, CC genotype was associated with the risk of esophageal cancer among non-smokers (OR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.13-2.83), light smokers (less than 30 packs/year, OR=1.86, 95%CI:1.31-2.64) and heavy smokers (more than 30 packs/year, OR=2.67, 95%CI:1.28-5.57). Gene-environmental interaction analysis showed that CD55 rs2564978T/C polymorphism interacted with smoking status to increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Conclusion: CD55 rs2564978 polymorphism effects on the risk of esophageal cancer.

[Effects of ubiquitin-specific proteases 2-69 on proliferation of breast cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of ubiquitin-specific proteases 2-69(USP2-69) in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast. Methods: Twenty-four cases of human breast tissue with invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed at Huanshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2013 to 2015 were collected, and the expression of USP2-69 mRNA and protein was detected by molecular hybridization, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. USP2-69 was over-expressed in cultured human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by USP2-69 plasmid transfection. The cellular proliferative activity was investigated in vitro. Results: The USP2-69 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in breast invasive ductal carcinoma, compared to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01). Ki-67 protein expression was also increased in cases with high USP2-69 protein level. Western blot showed significantly higher USP2-69 protein level in cancer tissue compared to the adjacent normal tissue. In the cultured tumor cells, there was increased S phase fraction, cellular proliferation rate, flat positive clones, cyclin D1 expression and decreased p27 expression in USP2-69-transfected MCF-7 cells. Conclusions: USP2-69 is over-expressed in breast invasive ductal carcinoma, and is closely related to proliferation promoting effects. The data provide an important experimental basis for further study on the molecular mechanism of breast cancer cell proliferation.

[Application of superselective lingual artery embolization in treatment of severe hemorrhange in patients with carcinoma of tongue]

To explore the clinical value of superselective lingual artery embolization in treating the severe hemorrhage in patients with advanced carcinoma of tongue. Four patients with advanced tongue cancer hemorrhage from March 2014 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study. T3N2M0 (2 cases) and T4N1M0 (2 cases) were diagnosed preoperatively. Two cases of advanced tongue carcinoma tumors had severe bleeding and the other 2 cases of hemorrhage were after radiotherapy. All cases including 3 squamous cell carcinoma and 1 adenocarcinoma were firstly demonstrated by arterigraphy under seldinger technique with digtial subtraction angiogarphy to ensure the rupture site and then all cases were followed by superselective artery embolization. The efficacy and complications of interventional embolizationg were observed. There was no serious complication of central nervous system injury such as hemorrhage and hemiplegia during follow-up. Superselective lingual artery embolization can accurately locate the responsibility of blood vessels, and the injury is small, significant effect, fewer complications.

[Identification of New Designer Benzodiazepine Diclazepam in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault]

OBJECTIVES

To identify the new designer drugs which are totally unknown and not in the routine testing list by the technologies such as high-resolution mass spectrometry in drug facilitated sexual assault, in order to solve the problem in actual cases.

METHODS

The milky fluid from an actual case was extracted and analyzed using LC-QE, ¹H-NMR and GC-MS, respectively. The accurate masses and cluster ions isotope patterns of unknown compound were obtained by LC-QE. The molecular formula was confirmed as C₁₆H₁₂C₂N₂O based on the protons number of ¹H-NMR. The isomers diclazepam and 4-chlorodiazepam were separated and detected with GC-MS.

RESULTS

The new designer benzodiazepine as diclazepam in the milky fluid was identified. The results provided direct evidence for the investigation and qualitative analysis of such cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined application of various methods, including LC-QE, ¹H-NMR and GC-MS, can be used to detect unknown new psychoactive substances.

The association of fruit and vegetable consumption with changes in weight and body mass index in Chinese adults: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Findings regarding the benefits of fruit and vegetables (FV) on weight control are inconsistent and little is known among Chinese populations. Therefore, we examined the relationship between change in FV consumption, weight, and change in body mass index (BMI) among Chinese adults, participants of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Two waves of CHNS conducted in 2006 and 2011 were used. Continuous FV consumption increase was considered as the exposure and changes in weight and BMI as outcomes. Change in FV consumption was categorized into quintiles. Analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression models, after controlling for potential confounders such as energy intake, physical activity, and smoking, were used to describe the relationship between change in FV consumption and change in weight and BMI.

RESULTS

A total of 4357 participants aged 18-65 years were included in this study. The respective weight and BMI gains in male individuals were 1.81 kg and 0.73 kg/m² in the fifth quintile of FV change relative to individuals in the first quintile (3.67 kg for weight gain and 1.48 kg/m² for BMI gain). An increase in FV consumption by 100 g was associated with a 211 g weight loss (B = -2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.34, -0.89, P < 0.001) and a decrease in BMI by 0.94 kg/m² (B = -0.94; 95% CI, -1.36, -0.46, P < 0.001) in men; and a 140 g weight loss (B = -0.14; 95% CI, -0.97, 0.69, P = 0.74) and a decrease in BMI by 0.29 kg/m² BMI (B = -0.29; 95% CI, -0.63, 0.06, P = 0.11) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase in FV consumption was associated with statistically significant weight loss and decrease in BMI among Chinese men, and, although suggested, weight loss among women was not significant. Considering the protective effect of FV on human health, increasing FV consumption in the Chinese population is recommended.

[Application of Metagenomics in Forensic Identification]

With the development of molecular biology and genomics, metagenomics is playing a more important role in forensic science and forensic identification. In recent years, as a branch discipline studying the composition profile and diversity of microbe flora as well as studying the interaction within microbe and with environment, the application of metagenomics has gradually risen and brought new opportunities for forensic identification-related area. In this review, strategy of metagenomics and its application in forensic identification including individual identification, origin determination of biological stain in crime scene and drug abuse detection are summarized. This article aims to elucidate the role and application value of metagenomics in forensic science.

[Genes Expression in the Early Stage of Acute Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats]

OBJECTIVES

To study the differential genes expression in the early stage of acute renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and explore potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The ischemia-reperfusion model was made via clamping renal artery of rat. The microarray detection and bioinformatics analyzing of the genes expression were performed. Differentially expressed genes were screened and related cellular activities and signaling pathways were analyzed in early stage of acute kidney injury. Meanwhile, molecules closely relative to acute kidney injury were explored by establishing a biological network of the differentially expressed genes, and the results were verified by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 151 genes showed differential expression in this study, including 132 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated genes. Cell proliferation, cytokines mediated signaling transduction and immune responses were greatly enriched by GO and KEGG analysis. The results of real-time PCR showed that compared with control groups, three selected genes （ANXA1, PHLDA1 and KLF6） which related to the acute kidney injury had an obvious differential expression in the early stage of disease. The multiple of increase was essentially the same as the multiple detected by microarray.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows differential gene expression profile, related biological processes and signaling pathways involved in the early stage of acute kidney injury. ANXA1, PHLDA1 and KLF6 may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury.

[Identification of Methamphetamine Abuse and Selegiline Use： Chiral Analysis of Methamphetamine and Amphetamine in Urine]

OBJECTIVES

To study the content variation of selegiline and its metabolites in urine, and based on actual cases, to explore the feasibility for the identification of methamphetamine abuse and selegiline use by chiral analysis.

METHODS

The urine samples were tested by chiral separation and LC-MS/MS method using CHIROBIOTIC™ V2 chiral liquid chromatography column. The chiral analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine were performed on the urine samples from volunteers of selegiline use and drug addicts whom suspected taking selegiline.

RESULTS

After 5 mg oral administration, the positive test time of selegiline in urine was less than 7 h. The mass concentrations of R（-）-methamphetamine and R（-）-amphetamine in urine peaked at 7 h which were 0.86 μg/mL and 0.18 μg/mL and couldn't be detected after 80 h and 168 h, respectively. The sources of methamphetamine and amphetamine in the urine from the drug addicts whom suspected taking selegiline were analysed successfully by present method.

CONCLUSIONS

The chiral analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine, and the determination of selegiline's metabolites can be used to distinguish methamphetamine abuse from selegiline use.

Differential gene expression in the peripheral blood of Chinese Sanhe cattle exposed to severe cold stress

Livestock is an important food resource for the inhabitants of cold regions, such as northern Asia and alpine regions, where agriculture is limited. In these regions, cold stress largely affects livestock production, thereby reducing the productivity and survival of animals. Despite the importance of breeding cold-tolerant animals, few studies have investigated the effects of cold stress on cattle. Furthermore, whether severe cold stress alters gene expression or affects molecular genetic mechanisms remains unknown. Thus, we investigated gene expression changes in the peripheral blood samples of the Chinese Sanhe cattle exposed to severe cold. A total of 193 genes were found to exhibit significant alteration in expression (P < 0.05; fold change > 1.3), with 107 genes showing upregulation and 86 showing downregulation after cold exposure. The differences in the expression of 10 selected genes were further validated by real-time qRT-PCR. Further analyses showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly associated with important biological pathways and gene networks, such as lipid metabolism and cell death and survival, which are potentially associated with severe cold-stress resistance. Identification and description of these cold stress-induced DEGs might lead to the discovery of novel blood biomarkers that could be used to assess cold-stress resistance in cattle. To our knowledge, this is the first genomic evidence of differences in the transcript expression pattern in cattle exposed to severe cold stress. Our findings provide insights on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying cold-stress response in cattle.

[A case report of tracheotomy complicated by hemorrhage after radical operation of tongue]

A 55-year old middle-aged male presented swelling lymph nodes in neck and mass in left tongue for three mouths. Physical examination shows a size 5 cm×5 cm mass in tongue and went over the midline. The mandibular lymph nodes were touched with moderate tenderness and little mobility in bilateral. The laboratory results, function of the kidney and heart liver, nasopharyngeal fiber area were basically normal. The result of CT and MRI shows the mass reached the lingual muscle layer and several suspected metastatic lymph nodes in neck. Pathological examination shows much atypical squamous cell reached muscle layer, diagnosed as highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. We determined to treat the patient with removal of primary lesion and bilateral neck dissection. We performed tracheotomy after the operation. During the surgeon's blunt dissection of the trachea surrounding tissue, the hemorrhage occurred. After staunching the blood, we transferred sternocleidomastoid muscle flap to fill the soft gas space and finished the surgery.

Association between the ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphism and the risk of glioma: a meta-analysis

Several studies have focused on the association between the ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphism and glioma risk, but the results were inconclusive. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the role of ERCC2 rs13181 on the risk of glioma. We searched and collated the relevant studies in both Chinese and English through the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases published through June 1, 2014. A total of 11 studies for ERCC2 rs13181 were selected; these included 3456 glioma cases and 4957 controls. Using fixed-effects model analysis, we found that no significant difference could be identified between the ERCC2 rs13181 polymorphism and the risk of glioma. Subgroup analysis showed that the ERCC2 rs13181 GT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of glioma in the Chinese population [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-1.85; and OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.02-2.22, respectively], but no significant increased risk of glioma was detected with these genotypes in the Caucasian populations. No publication bias was identified in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis strongly suggested that ERCC2 rs13181 was associated with a higher susceptibility to glioma in the Chinese population.

Broad temperature plateau for thermoelectric figure of merit ZT>2 in phase-separated PbTe0.7S0.3

Thermoelectrics interconvert heat to electricity and are of great interest in waste heat recovery, solid-state cooling and so on. The efficiency of thermoelectric materials depends directly on the average ZT (dimensionless figure of merit) over a certain temperature range, which historically has been challenging to increase. Here we report that 2.5% K-doped PbTe0.7S0.3 achieves a ZT of >2 for a very wide temperature range from 673 to 923 K and has a record high average ZT of 1.56 (corresponding to a theoretical energy conversion efficiency of ~20.7% at the temperature gradient from 300 to 900 K). The PbTe0.7S0.3 composition shows spinodal decomposition with large PbTe-rich and PbS-rich regions where each region exhibits dissimilar types of nanostructures. Such high average ZT is obtained by synergistically optimized electrical- and thermal-transport properties via carrier concentration tuning, band structure engineering and hierarchical architecturing, and highlights a realistic prospect of wide applications of thermoelectrics.

Somatostatin receptor-mediated suppression of gabaergic synaptic transmission in cultured rat retinal amacrine cells

Somatostatin (SRIF) modulates neurotransmitter release by activating the specific receptors (sst1-sst5). Our previous study showed that sst5 receptors are expressed in rat retinal GABAergic amacrine cells. Here, we investigated modulation of GABA release by SRIF in cultured amacrine cells, using patch-clamp techniques. The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in the amacrine cells was significantly reduced by SRIF, which was partially reversed by BIM 23056, an sst5 receptor antagonist, and was further rescued by addition of CYN-154806, an sst2 receptor antagonist. Both nimodipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, and ω-conotoxin GVIA, an N-type Ca2+ channel blocker, suppressed the sIPSC frequency, and in the presence of nimodipine and ω-conotoxin GVIA, SRIF failed to further suppress the sIPSC frequency. Extracellular application of forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, increased the sIPSC frequency, while the membrane permeable protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp-cAMP reduced it, and in the presence of Rp-cAMP, SRIF did not change sIPSCs. However, SRIF persisted to suppress the sIPSCs in the presence of KT5823, a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor. Moreover, pre-incubation with Bis IV, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or pre-application of xestospongin C, an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) inhibitor, SRIF still suppressed the sIPSC frequency. All these results suggest that SRIF suppresses GABA release from the amacrine cells by inhibiting presynaptic Ca2+ channels, in part through activating sst5/sst2 receptors, a process that is mediated by the intracellular cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.

[Establishment of the detection method for two causative genes of cattle arachnomelia syndrome]

Arachnomelia syndrome (AS) is a recessive inherited disease in cattle. Although the arachnomelia phenotypes are virtually identical in Brown Swiss and Simmental cattle, the causative mutation are different, which are a 1 bp insertion c.363-364insG in the sulfite oxidase (SUOX) gene and a 2 bp deletion c.1224_1225delCA in the molybdenum cofactor syn-thesis step 1 (MOCS1) gene, respectively. In the current study, combining fluorescence PCR with capillary electrophoresis technology, an automatic fluorescence method was established, which could detect the two causative loci rapidly and cor-rectly with a single reaction. Samples from 51 Simmental bulls, 80 cows mated artificially using semen of Simmental bulls and their resulted 106 progeny, together with 55 Xinjiang Brown were collected and used for validation of the newly de-signed methods. Our results have laid a foundation for screening AS disease causing mutations in Chinese cattle.

[Testicular tumor in Mongolian men (report of 35 cases)]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of testicular tumor in Mongolian men.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 35 cases of testicular tumors in Mongolian men from seven medical centers dated from 1990 to 2004 was performed.

RESULTS

The usual presentation of a testicular tumor was a nodular or painless swelling of one gonad. The mean delay in diagnosis was 40.03 +/- 53.45 weeks. For 16 patients, delay in diagnosis was more than or equal to six months. The histologic composition of this series was 21 (60%) seminoma, 10 (28.6%) nonseminoma, 2 (5.7%) lymphoma, 1 (2.35%) fibroneuroma and 1 (2.35%) leiomyoma. Regarding stage, 22, 2, and 5 of 29 germ cell tumors were seen initially as stage I, II, and III, respectively. Combined therapy, including radical orchiectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were taken. 29 cases have been followed for 2 months to 10 years, 4 out of them died of distant metastasis, one died of other disease, one lives with tumor, the others live without relapse and metastasis. Three and 5-year survival rates for Mongolian patients with seminoma and nonseminoma were 95.0%, 95.0%, 57.1% and 42.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this article, the rate of seminoma to germ cell tumors is higher than that of general population. There is an increased mean delay in diagnosis for Mongolian patients. Three and 5-year survival rates for nonseminoma are lower than that for seminoma. Better public awareness regarding testicular tumor in this population, advances in diagnosis and therapy will help to improve therapeutic effectiveness and prognosis.

Mutational analysis of the estrogen receptor-alpha gene in familial ovarian cancer

AIM

The genetic region of 6q25 containing the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) gene is lost in a significant number of ovarian tumors. The aim of this study was to identify how inherited variation in the ER-alpha gene contributes to susceptibility to familial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

DNA obtained from 18 cases of familial ovarian cancer without mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, 20 cases with BRCA1 mutation, 20 cases of sporadic ovarian cancer, and 19 controls were screened for mutations in the coding region of the ER-alpha gene using direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Two germline missense variants at codons 307 [GCC(Ala)-->TCC(Ser)] and 347 [ACC(Thr)-->TCC(Ser)] were detected in two unrelated cases with BRCA1 mutation, but not in all other cases tested. Three polymorphisms in codon 10 [TCT-->TCC(Ser)], codon 325 [CCC-->CCG(Pro)], and codon 594 [ACA-->ACG(Thr)] were identified in this series, and a higher frequency of the allele TCC at codon 10 and a lower frequency of the allele CCG at codon 325 were observed in familial cases without BRCA1 mutation, compared with those in familial cases with BRCA1 mutation, in both the sporadic cases and in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not detect pathogenic mutations of the ER-alpha gene in ovarian cancer cases without BRCA1 mutation. However, association analyses of two polymorphisms suggest that the ER-alpha gene or a gene located close to the ER-alpha locus might be related to susceptibility of familial ovarian cancer without BRCA1 mutation.

Culture of retinal pigment epithelium from evisceration specimens

Human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell cultures are usually obtained from donor eyes; isolation and culture of RPE cells obtained by evisceration has not been reported previously. The present study attempted to isolate and cultivate RPE cells from evisceration specimens obtained from two cases with severe ocular trauma. Two different isolation methods, explantation and enzymatic dissociation, were used. In Case 1, RPE cells grew from the explants, but were contaminated with other cells such as fibroblasts and melanocytes, and no pure RPE cultures were obtained by explantation. In Case 2, RPE cells were separated from choroids using 0.25% trypsin before plating for culture, which effectively eliminated contaminating cells. A pure RPE culture was obtained and cultured with F12 medium supplemented with 30% fetal bovine serum. With this enzymatic dissociation method, cultured RPE cells grew to confluence in primary culture and could be maintained in culture for five passages. Cultured RPE cells were identified by the presence of cytokeratin expression, as shown by immunocytochemical staining. These isolation and culture methods provide alternative sources for human RPE cells and could be useful in studies of the cell biology and pathophysiology of human RPE cells.

Continuous intravenous infusion of CGS 26303, an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor, prevents and reverses cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Endothelin-1, the most potent vasoconstrictor peptide of the endothelin family, is synthesized initially as a large prepropeptide that requires multiple steps of post-translational processing for activation. The final step of this processing involves the proteolytic cleavage of a relatively inactive precursor, big endothelin-1, by the metalloprotease endothelin-converting enzyme. Previous findings have demonstrated that intravenous bolus injections of an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor (CGS 26303) administered twice daily can prevent and reverse arterial narrowing in a rabbit model of SAH. However, attenuation of vasospastic response was incomplete and required relatively high doses to be effective in reversing vasospasm. Therefore, the present study evaluated an alternative protocol for administration of CGS 26303 to optimize the antispastic influence of this compound.

METHODS

Continuous intravenous infusion of CGS 26303 at doses of 2.4, 8.0, or 24.0 mg/kg/d was initiated either 1 hour (prevention paradigm) or 24 hours (reversal paradigm) after experimental SAH in New Zealand White rabbits. All animals were killed by perfusion-fixation 48 hours after SAH. Basilar arteries were then removed and sectioned, and their cross-sectional areas were measured by use of computer-assisted video microscopy.

RESULTS

Continuous intravenous infusion of CGS 26303 attenuated SAH-induced cerebral vasospasm in a dose-dependent manner in both the prevention and the reversal groups. These effects achieved statistical significance at all doses as compared with the SAH-only or SAH-plus-vehicle groups. Furthermore, the attenuation of vasospasm after continuous infusion of CGS 26303 was more efficacious than that obtained with bolus injections.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide further support for the use of endothelin-converting enzyme inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for reduction of cerebral vasospasm, and they also support the effectiveness of this strategy even when initiated after arterial narrowing has been established. The findings also indicate that continuous intravenous infusion of CGS 26303 is a more effective approach for attenuation of vasospasm than bolus intravenous administration.

Positive signaling through CD72 induces mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and synergizes with B cell receptor signals to induce X-linked immunodeficiency B cell proliferation

CD72 is a 45-kDa B cell transmembrane glycoprotein that has been shown to be important for B cell activation. However, whether CD72 ligation induces B cell activation by delivering positive signals or sequestering negative signals away from B cell receptor (BCR) signals remains unclear. Here, by comparing the late signaling events associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, we identified many similarities and some differences between CD72 and BCR signaling. Thus, CD72 and BCR activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Both CD72- and BCR-mediated ERK and JNK activation required protein kinase C activity, which was equally important for CD72- and BCR-induced B cell proliferation. However, CD72 induced stronger JNK activation compared with BCR. Surprisingly, the JNK activation induced by both BCR and CD72 is Btk independent. Although both CD72 and BCR induced Btk-dependent ERK activation, CD72-mediated proliferation is more resistant to blocking of ERK activity than that of BCR, as shown by the proliferation response of B cells treated with PD98059 and dibutyryl cAMP, agents that inhibit ERK activity. Most importantly, CD72 signaling compensated for defective BCR signaling in X-linked immunodeficiency B cells and partially restored the proliferation response of X-linked immunodeficiency B cells to anti-IgM ligation. These results suggest that CD72 signals B cells by inducing BCR-independent positive signaling pathways.

A dual function ofphyllopodinDrosophilaexternal sensory organ development: cell fate specification of sensory organ precursor and its progeny

During Drosophila external sensory organ development, one sensory organ precursor (SOP) arises from a proneural cluster, and undergoes asymmetrical cell divisions to produce an external sensory (es) organ made up of different types of daughter cells. We show that phyllopod (phyl), previously identified to be essential for R7 photoreceptor differentiation, is required in two stages of es organ development: the formation of SOP cells and cell fate specification of SOP progeny. Loss-of-function mutations in phyl result in failure of SOP formation, which leads to missing bristles in adult flies. At a later stage of es organ development, phyl mutations cause the first cell division of the SOP lineage to generate two identical daughters, leading to the fate transformation of neurons and sheath cells to hair cells and socket cells. Conversely, misexpression of phyl promotes ectopic SOP formation, and causes opposite fate transformation in SOP daughter cells. Thus, phyl functions as a genetic switch in specifying the fate of the SOP cells and their progeny. We further show that seven in absentia (sina), another gene required for R7 cell fate differentiation, is also involved in es organ development. Genetic interactions among phyl, sina and tramtrack (ttk) suggest that phyl and sina function in bristle development by antagonizing ttk activity, and ttk acts downstream of phyl. It has been shown previously that Notch (N) mutations induce formation of supernumerary SOP cells, and transformation from hair and socket cells to neurons. We further demonstrate that phyl acts epistatically to N. phyl is expressed specifically in SOP cells and other neural precursors, and its mRNA level is negatively regulated by N signaling. Thus, these analyses demonstrate that phyl acts downstream of N signaling in controlling cell fates in es organ development.

Synthesis of novel acetal thia-cage compounds

The synthesis of novel acetal thia-cage compounds has been accomplished by the direct substitution for the oxygen atom by the sulfur atom in the reaction of the acetal groups of oxa-cages with Lawesson reagent (LR). Reaction of the tetraoxa-cage compound 2 with LR in dichloromethane at 25 degrees C sequentially gave the monothia-, dithia-, trithia-, and tetrathia-cage compounds 3, 6, 7, and 9. The reaction mechanism for the conversion from oxa-cages into thia-cages was proposed. The diacetal trioxa-cages 18-20 and 24-26 were also transformed into the thia-cages 21-23 and 27-29, respectively. Reaction of the trioxa-cages 34 and 35 with LR under the same reaction conditions gave the thia-cages 36 and 37 with the carbonyl group intact. Treatment of the pentaoxa[5]peristylane 40 with LR in chloroform under supersonic shaking at refluxing temperature gave the monothia[5]peristylane 41 and the dithia[5]peristylane 42. Attempts to synthesize the thia[5]peristylanes from the tetraoxa-cage 51 and the transformation from the parent (unsubstituted) pentaoxa[5]peristylane 46 to the thia-cages have been made. Reaction of the pentaoxa[5]-peristylane 40 with P(2)S(5) in refluxing toluene gave 41, 42, and a rearrangement product 47. The synthesis of new heterocyclic cage compounds 59 and 60, which contain oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms in the same molecule, was also accomplished.

[Separation of catechins and caffeine in tea polyphenol by isocratic elution high performance liquid chromatography]

The catechins, particularly in green tea, have been found to possess anti-mutagenic and anti-tumorigenic properties. As each catechin possesses distinct properties, a simple and rapid method that could be used for analysis of individual catechins in a complex mixture would be necessary. A relatively simple and rapid method for simultaneous separation of five catechins and caffeine in tea polyphenol by isocratic elution high performance liquid chromatography has been developed. The analysis could be finished within 30 min. They were measured using Resolve C18 column (at 43 degrees C) and UV detector (at 280 nm), water-85% phosphoric acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile-dimethyl formamide(DMF) (859:1:120:20, V/V) as mobile phase. There was a good linear relationship between the content of component and its peak area for catechins and caffeine, with the correlation coefficients of 0.9992-0.9999. The average recoveries (n = 5) were 83.33%-104.42%, and the relative standard deviations (n = 6) were 0.74%-1.43%. The effect of concentration of DMF in mobile phase was studied.

[Relationship between vertical root fracture and the habits of chewing betel nut]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article was to study the causes of vertical root fractures.

METHODS

Age and gender, personal history of the sickness and clinical features of vertical root fracture in 27 patients were studied.

RESULTS

Vertical root fracture tended to occur in patients with a higher mean age (54 years) and were more frequent in male (70%) than in female. Mesial or mesial-buccal roots of the first molars (78%) were the predilection site of vertical root fracture. All of the patients had chewed betel nut for 10 to 25 years. The occlusal surfaces were abrasive.

CONCLUSION

Vertical root fracture is associated with an excessive, repetitive, and heavy masticatory stress applied to a tooth.

[Evaluation of clinical therapeutic efficacy by injecting adriamycin to the nerve in primary trigeminal neuralgia]

Sixty-eight cases suffering from primary trigeminal neuralgia were performed by injecting adriamycin to the nerve. The results show that the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia completely disappeared in all the cases during two weeks after the operation in which 63.2% in 24 hours, 28.9% in one week and 7.9% in two weeks. the recurrence rate in three years was 10.3% and in three to five years was 15.4%. This technique has the features of low recurrence rate, steady therapeutic effect, safety and microtrauma.

Acute leukemia presenting as diabetes insipidus and bilateral exudative retinal detachment--a case report

To report an unusual case of leukemia presenting as both bilateral exudative retinal detachment (ERD) and central diabetes insipidus (DI), we evaluate the clinical hematological records including bone marrow aspirations and CSF tapping, both osmolarity and electrolytes concentration of the serum and urine, brain MRI, fundus photographs and fluorescein angiographs in this 25-year-old female patient. Examinations of peripheral blood and bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML-M0). Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed bilateral ERD, dense choroidal leukemia cell infiltration with overlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and focal areas of choroidal infarction. Changes in both osmolarity and electrolytes concentration of the serum and urine from vasopressin test supported the diagnosis of central DI. Central DI and ERD may be presenting signs of acute leukemia and both may represent CNS involvement. In our case, dense choroidal leukemic cell infiltration results in devitalization of RPE and choroidal infarction. Leukemic disruption of hypothalamic pituitary area may lead to complete or partial deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Rapid improvement in visual acuity and partial symptom relief of DI may ensue from appropriate chemotherapy and nasal DDAVP (1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) supply.