[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with cerebral venous thrombosis in 14 children]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and management of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) complicated with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Methods: The clinical data of 14 ALL children complicated with CVT who were admitted to Department of Pediatrics of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and underwent chemotherapy from January 2011 to October 2019 were collected retrospectively. The clinical manifestations, coagulation function, imaging findings, treatment plan and prognosis of patients were analyzed. Results: CVT was diagnosed in 14 (2.8%, 14/505) cases, with a median age of 10 (3-14) years at onset, 11 cases occurred in the stage of induction remission, and the acute onsets were mainly characterized by convulsions (9 cases), consciousness disorders (6 cases) and headache (4 cases). Coagulation function test showed that, before the CVT, antithrombin Ⅲ activity was lower than 60% in 8 cases, D-dimer elevated on the day of onset in 8 cases. Arteriovenous angiography showed filling defects in single (9 cases) or multiple (5 cases) venous sinuses. The most common site of venous sinus enlargement was superior sagittal sinus (10 cases). Secondary cerebral hemorrhage was found in 5 cases. Anticoagulation therapy included combination of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin in 9 cases, sequential application of LMWH and warfarin in 2 cases, and LMWH alone in 3 cases. Patients accepted further asparaginase and no CVT recurrence or progression was found. Conclusions: The secondary coagulation dysfunction during induction remission chemotherapy is the major risk factor for CVT in ALL, which needs active monitoring and early prevention. Arteriovenous angiography can diagnose accurately, and the prognosis of anticoagulant therapy with LMWH and warfarin is optimistic.

[Statistical parametric mapping analysis of 18F-FDG PET in Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of cerebral metabolism associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) Parkinson's disease (PD), cognitive normal PD and normal control to find a PET biomarker for the diagnose and estimate of PD-MCI. Methods: Forty-seven patients diagnosed with PD (included 15 with mild cognitive impairment) and 20 control subjects were enrolled. All the subjects were evaluated with FDG-PET and clinical scale. The statistical parametric mapping (SPM) were analyzed to determine metabolic patterns that may be useful in differentiating between the three groups. Results: SPM analysis showed that significant hypometabolism were observed in both side of front lobe, parietal lobe, left temporal lobe and left occipital lobe; in the contrast, the relative hypermetabolism had been observed in the cerebellum, vermis, hippocampus and supplement motor area (SMA) in patients with PD-MCI. PD without MCI showed hypometabolism in both side of front lob, caudate and putamen. PD-MCI showed that the significant hypermetabolism were in the insular and cerebellum while hypometabolism were in the both side of occipital compared to PD without MCI. Conclusion: A voxel-by-voxel based SPM method i. e. SPM8 analysis by PET scan is an effective way to analysis the FDG uptake pattern of PD patients. The hypermetabolism in the insula and cerebellum and hypometabolism in the both side of occipital may be a biomarker for make a diagnosis of PD-MCI.

[A comparison of dosimetric variance for external-beam partial breast irradiation using three-dimensional and four-dimensional computed tomography]

Objective: To investigate the potential dosimetric benefits of four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) compared to three-dimensional CT (3DCT) in the planning of radiotherapy for external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI). Methods: Three-DCT and 4DCT scan sets were acquired for 20 patients who underwent EB-PBI. For each patient a conventional 3D conformal plan (3D-CRT) was generated based on end-inhalation phase (EI). The treatment plan based on the 4DCT EI phase images was copied and applied to the end-exhalation phase (EE) and 3DCT images (defined as EB-PBI(EI), EB-PBI(EE), EB-PBI(3D), respectively). Results: The median volumes of the tumour bed based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 20.99 cm(3,) 19.28 cm(3,) and 18.78 cm(3,) respectively. The tumour bed volume based on 3DCT was significantly greater than that of EI and EE volumes (P<0.05). The planning target volumes (PTV) coverage of EB-PBI(3D), EB-PBI(EI) and EB-PBI(EE) were 96.85%, 97.51%, 97.03%, respectively. The planning target volume (PTV) coverage of EB-PBI(3D) was significantly less than that of EB-PBI(EI) and EB-PBI(EE) (P<0.05). The median homogeneity indexs (HI) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 0.13, 0.13, 0.13, respectively. The median conformal indexs (CI) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 0.68, 0.69, 0.68, respectively. The median mean doses (D(mean)) based on 3DCT, EI and EE were 36.20 Gy, 36.20 Gy, 36.22 Gy, respectively. However there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index, conformity index and the mean dose of PTV between the three treatment plans (P>0.05). The EB-PBI(3D) plan resulted in the largest organs at risk dose (P<0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant benefit when using 4DCT to plan 3D-CRT for EB-PBI with regard to reduced non-target organ exposure, and might result in poor dose coverage when the PTV is determined using 3DCT.

Relative contributions of testosterone deficiency and metabolism syndrome at the risk of reduced quality of life: A cross-sectional study among Chinese mid-aged and elderly men

Testosterone deficiency and metabolism syndrome (MetS) are universal among ageing males, and they have been suggested responsible for poorer quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate the relative contributions of reproductive hormones and components of MetS at the risk of reduced QoL among Chinese mid-aged and elderly men. A cross-sectional study recruited 2,364 males aged 40-79 years, and 2,165 was included for analysis eventually. The Chinese version of ageing male symptoms scale, 36-item Short Form and Beck Depression Inventory were applied to assess QoL. Bivariate correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relative contributions of reproductive hormones and components of MetS at the risk of reduced QoL. Testosterone deficiency and MetS contributed to poorer QoL, of which higher fasting blood glucose made the primary contribution, lower total testosterone mainly contributed to poorer physical functioning.

The silkworm GSTe4 is sensitive to phoxim and protects HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are a family of super enzymes with multiple functions that play a major role in the detoxification of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. In our previous study, we have predicted 23 putative cytosolic GSTs in the silkworm genome using bioinformatic methods. In this study, we cloned and studied the insect-specific epsilon-class GST gene GSTe4 from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The recombinant BmGSTe4 (Bac-BmGSTe4) was overexpressed in SF-9 cell lines, and it was found to have effective GST activity. We also found that the expression of BmGSTe4 was especially down-regulated after the silkworms were fumigated with or ingested phoxim. Moreover, BmGSTe4 protected HEK293 cells against UV-induced cell apoptosis. These results demonstrated that BmGSTe4 has GST activity, is sensitive to phoxim, and plays a role in inhibition of UV-induced cell apoptosis.

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg mimicking lower limb cellulitis

Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) of the leg is an unusual form of amicrobial pustulosis, which typically affects elderly patients with chronic venous insufficiency. We report a patient who presented with painful erythema, crusted erosions and pustules on her right lower leg. Histology showed a dermal infiltration made up predominantly of neutrophils. Bacteria were isolated from the lesions. The condition was initially diagnosed as cellulitis, but antibiotic treatment was unsuccessful. After the correct diagnosis was made, complete resolution was obtained with betamethasone 0.05%.

Development and clinical validation of an unobtrusive ambulatory knee function monitoring system with inertial 9DoF sensors

Patients suffering from end-stage knee osteoarthritis are often treated with total knee arthroplasty, improving their functional mobility. A number of patients, however, report continued difficulty with stair ascent and descent or sportive activity after surgery and are not completely satisfied with the outcome. State-of-the-art analyses to evaluate the outcome and mobility after knee replacement are conducted under supervised settings in specialized gait labs and thus can only reflect a short period of time. A number of external factors may lead to artificial gait patterns in patients. Moreover, clinically relevant situations are difficult to simulate in a stationary gait lab. In contrast to this, inertial sensors may be used additionally for unobtrusive gait monitoring. However, recent notable approaches found in literature concerning knee function analysis have so far not been applied in a clinical context and have therefore not yet been validated in a clinical setting. The aim of this paper is to present a system for unsupervised long-term monitoring of human gait with a focus on knee joint function, which is applicable in patients' everyday lives and to report on the validation of this system gathered during walking with reference to state-of-the-art gait lab data using a vision system (VICON Motion System). The system KINEMATICWEAR - developed in close collaboration of computer scientists and physicians performing knee arthroplasty - consists of two sensor nodes with combined tri-axial accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer to be worn under normal trousers. Reliability of the system is shown in the results. An overall correlation of 0.99 (with an overall RMSE of 2.72) compared to the state-of-the-art reference system indicates a sound quality and a high degree of correspondence. KINEMATICWEAR enables ambulatory, unconstrained measurements of knee function outside a supervised lab inspection.

Conflict detection during plan integration for multi-agent systems

This paper describes techniques developed for conflict detection during plan integration. Agents' intensions are represented with intended goal structure (IGS) and the E-PERT diagrams. Conflicts are classified as goal, plan, and belief conflicts. Before integrating individual plans and detecting plan conflicts, agents first detect and eliminate their goal conflicts by exchanging their IGS. Plan integration is done through merging individual E-PERT diagrams. Project estimation and review technique (PERT) diagrams have been used extensively in the systems analysis area since the 1980s to provide a global consistent view of parallel activities within a project. We extended the PERT diagrams for use in the plan integration activity within multi-agent systems (MAS). The E-PERT diagram contributes to maintain traceable temporal relations among agents' local scheduled actions. Combined with pattern matching, plan conflicts due to resource sharing, or conflicting conditions (i.e., postconditions of one action disabling preconditions of another action) can be detected. The conflict detection techniques are implemented in a sensible agent testbed to promote deployment and performance analysis.

Mining Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Body Surface Scanning Data for Hypertension Detection

Hypertension is a major disease, being one of the top ten causes of death in Taiwan. The exploration of three-dimensional (3-D) anthropometry scanning data along with other existing subject medical profiles using data mining techniques becomes an important research issue for medical decision support. This research attempts to construct a prediction model for hypertension using anthropometric body surface scanning data. This research adopts classification trees to reveal the relationship between a subject's 3-D scanning data and hypertension disease using the hybrid of the association rule algorithm (ARA) and genetic algorithms (GAs) approach. The ARA is adopted to obtain useful clues based on which the GA is able to proceed its searching tasks in a more efficient way. The proposed approach was experimented and compared with a regular genetic algorithm in predicting a subject's hypertension disease. Better computational efficiency and more accurate prediction results from the proposed approach are demonstrated.

Association of hematological factors with components of the metabolic syndrome in older and younger adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study retrospectively examined the characteristics of metabolic syndrome in an aged population and assessed the risk factors for these subjects.

METHODS

A total of 1332 aged subjects (> or =65 years; mean age 71.0+/-5.0 years) were enrolled from 6903 subjects recruited from the Department of Health Management at Chang Gung Medical Center. Of these 6903 subjects, 1665 (814 females and 851 males) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Whole body three-dimensional (3- D) laser scanning was employed for anthropometric measurements. Furthermore, health index (HI) was derived by the following equation: HI = (body weight x 2 x waist area) / [body height2 x (breast area + hip area)].

RESULTS

Among the 6903 subjects, no significant difference in gender was noted between groups with and without metabolic syndrome (p=0.142). For subjects >64 years, the incidence of metabolic syndrome in females is higher than in males. Subjects are categorized into four groups based on age and whether they had metabolic syndrome. Group A (4402 cases) consists of subjects <65 years old without metabolic syndrome. Group B (836 cases) comprises subjects >64 years old and without metabolic syndrome. Group C (1169 cases) contains subjects <65 years old with metabolic syndrome and group D (496 cases) is composed of subjects >64 years old with metabolic syndrome. Of the aged 1332 subjects, 595 were females (mean age, 70.6+/-4.6 years) and 737 were males (mean age, 71.3+/-5.3years), 37.2% (496/1332) had metabolic syndrome, 19.9% had DM and 21.8% had hypertension. These subjects had decreased BMI with age. Additionally, WHR peaked at an age range of 75-79 years. Of the aged subjects, also overweight, 42.8% and 33.6% were diagnosed with hypertension and DM, respectively; both ratios higher than those for non-overweight subjects (25.3% and 26.2%, respectively). Of the four groups in this study, the ratios for DM, hypertension, and WHR, HI, and LDL levels progressively increased through groups A to D. WBC count differs statistically significantly between these groups. Statistical analysis of WBC count, RBC and hemoglobin (Hb) with different parameters demonstrates significant elevation of WBC counts with the components of metabolic syndrome in aged subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

WBC count, RBC count and Hb are associated with metabolic syndrome components in younger and old adults of both genders. The incidence of metabolic syndrome marker increased after menopause onset in the female population in this study.

Diagnosis and treatment of caecal volvulus

Caecal volvulus is an infrequently encountered clinical condition and an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Patients with this condition may present with highly variable clinical presentations ranging from intermittent, self limiting abdominal pain to acute abdominal pain associated with intestinal strangulation and sepsis. Lack of familiarity with this condition is a factor contributing to diagnostic and treatment delays. The objective of this review is to promote clinicians' awareness of this disease through patient case illustration, discussion of disease pathogenesis, clinical features, and management strategies.

Correlation of the dysmetabolic risk factors with different anthropometric measurements

Metabolic syndrome is a common disorder in Taiwan. For this study 431 subjects were randomly selected from visitors to the Department of Health Management. Blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid, uric acid levels and anthropometric measurements with immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and leptin levels were all correlated. We randomly selected 431 subjects who visited the Department of Health Management. Whole body three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanner scans were employed for the anthropometric measurements. The metabolic index (MI) was designed using anthropometric parameters. Of the 431 subjects, 50% had displayed a body mass index (BMI) equal to or exceeding 25 kg/m2. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis revealed that MI constituted another index for correlating metabolic parameters by comparing MI with BMI and waist circumference to hip circumference ratio (WHR). Most data related to metabolic syndrome showed statistically significant differences between high and low IRI groups, comprising uric acid, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, LDL, Chol/HDL ratio, and LDL/HDL ratio. Both IRI and leptin revealed statistical association with BMI, WHR, waist cross section area to hip cross section area ratio (WHAR), and MI in the study. Hypercholesterolemia appeared in 14.6% of the subjects. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (> or = 130 mg/dL) affected 36.9% of the subjects. In conclusion, MI calculated from 3-D body scanner correlated with many important metabolic risk factors and associated with clinical disorders like DM, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia and hypertension.

Application of three-dimensional body scanner: observation of prevalence of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This retrospective cross-sectional study correlates blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid and uric acid levels with anthropometric measurements.

METHODS

A total of 3975 visitors to the Department of Health Management were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. Whole body three-dimensional (3-D) laser scans were used to obtain anthropometric measurements. A health index (HI) was also designed based on anthropometric parameters. Subjects were defined as having metabolic syndrome when three of the following criteria were met: obesity (BMI of at least 30 kg/m(2); or a WHR of over 0.9 for males and 0.85 for females); triglyceride of at least 150 mg/dl; high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol below 35 mg/dl for males and 39 mg/dl for females; fasting sugar levels of at least 110 mg/dl and hypertension.

RESULTS

Of 3975 subjects, 341 (8.6%) met the criteria for diabetes mellitus (DM); of these, 32.8% were diagnosed with hypertension. This proportion exceeded 18% of the subjects had normal glucose levels. Of the 3975 subjects, 658 (16.6%) met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Proportionally, more male subjects than female subjects were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (18.5% vs 14.7%). Of these, central obesity, elevated triglyceride and low HDL-cholesterol were the main factors in men, while fasting glucose, hypertension and central obesity were the main factors in women. This investigation found that larger proportions of subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (41.1%) and DM (64.2%) than of subjects with normal glucose subjects, suffered from metabolic syndrome (9.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

3-D body scanning is useful in correlating pertinent factors with metabolic syndrome, these factors include central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia and hypertension.

Comparison of three-dimensional anthropometric body surface scanning to waist-hip ratio and body mass index in correlation with metabolic risk factors

In this study, we used a three-dimensional (3D) body scanner to evaluate subjects with central obesity. These measurements were correlated with blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid, and uric acid levels. We randomly selected 1,204 subjects who visited the Department of Health Management at Chang Gung Medical Center in Linkou. The health index (HI) was calculated as HI = (body weight x 2 x waist profile area)/[body height(2) x (breast profile area + hip profile area)]. Among the 1,204 subjects, body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 kg/m(2) was found in 8.3% of the subjects. Pearson correlation coefficient studies revealed that HI was a better index for correlating metabolic parameters than BMI and waist-to-hips girth ratio. Of the 1,204 subjects, 9.5% (114) had diabetes mellitus, according to American Diabetes Association criteria. The percentages of men and women with total cholesterol greater than or equal to 245 mg/dL were almost the same (11.0% vs. 11.1%). Elevated low-density lipoprotein (> or =130 mg/dL) was found in 36.9% (444) of subjects. In conclusion, HI as determined by 3D scanning, is another method to predict these metabolic abnormalities. Further prospective long-term follow-up study is needed to determine the relationships of 3D body scanning data and HI to blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid, and uric acid levels.

Implementation of whole body scanner for determining somatotype index at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

BACKGROUND

Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) using 1-dimensional circumference data have been proven to be highly related to blood pressure and total cholesterol; these 2 indices have been widely used as health indicators in preventive diagnosis and health examination. Sophisticated software, which allows calculation of the triangular mesh related to the body surface in 3D space, is capable of computing the circumference, width, sectional surface, volume, and surface area of the body.

METHODS

Chang Gung Whole Body Scanner (CGWBS) was used to capture 3D whole body surface images. In this study, the human body was divided into 10 segments consisting of the head, breast, wrist, hip, upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, calf, and foot. Five independent assessments were made on a total of 32 anthropometric sites, including 12 circumferences, 3 widths, 3 profile areas, 7 surface areas, and 7 volumes. In this study, the somatotype index (SI) was computed through anthropometric data after 1,323 subjects were investigated. Correlation analysis was used to describe the relationship between BMI, WHR, SI, and anthropometric data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to examine differences between examination variables across sex and SI groups.

RESULTS

This study found 4 somatotypes from anthropometric data. SI determined by CGWBS has better correlation with anthropometry than WHR or BMI. Of the 644 male subjects, 155 were in the ectomorph group, 232 in the semi-mesomorph group, 136 in the full-mesomorph group, and 121 in the endomorph group. Of the 679 female subjects, 160 were in the ectomorph group, 235 in the semi-mesomorph group, 168 in the full-mesomorph group, and 116 in the endomorph group.

CONCLUSION

The results show that SI has great potential to perform precise somatotype classification.

Patient evaluation and management with selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the utility of triage guidelines for patients with cholelithiasis and suspected choledocholithiasis, incorporating selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

ERCP is the most frequently used modality for the diagnosis and resolution of choledocholithiasis before LC. MRC has recently emerged as an accurate, noninvasive modality for the detection of choledocholithiasis. However, useful strategies for implementing this diagnostic modality for patient evaluation before LC have not been investigated.

METHODS

During a 16-month period, the authors prospectively evaluated all patients before LC using triage guidelines incorporating patient information obtained from clinical evaluation, serum chemistry analysis, and abdominal ultrasonography. Patients were then assigned to one of four groups based on the level of suspicion for choledocholithiasis (group I, extremely high; group 2, high; group 3, moderate; group 4, low). Group 1 patients underwent ERCP and clearance of common bile duct stones; group 2 patients underwent MRC; group 3 patients underwent LC with intraoperative cholangiography; and group 4 patients underwent LC without intraoperative cholangiography.

RESULTS

Choledocholithiasis was detected in 43 of 440 patients (9.8%). The occurrence of choledocholithiasis among patients in the four groups were 92.6% (25/27), 32.4% (12/37), 3.8% (2/52), and 0.9% (3/324) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P <.001). MRC was used for 8.4% (37/440) of patients. Patient triage resulted in the identification of common bile duct stones during preoperative ERCP in 92.3% (36/39) of the patients. Unsuspected common bile duct stones occurred in six patients (1.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of choledocholithiasis can be accurately assessed based on information obtained during the initial noninvasive evaluation. Stratification of risks for choledocholithiasis facilitates patient management with the most appropriate diagnostic studies and interventions, thereby improving patient care and resource utilization.

[Research on the transformation of ginsenoside Rg1 by intestinal flora]

OBJECTIVE

The decomposition of Ginsenoside Rg1(Rg1) by intestinal bacteria in rats or human was investigated both in vitro and in vivo.

METHOD

The decompositions were investigated by means of thin-layer chromatography and Electron spurt ion mass.

RESULT

It was found that Rg1 was converted into two metabolites [Rh1 and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol(20S-Ppt)] by human intestinal bacteria in vitro, while three compounds [Rh1, F1, and 20(S)-Ppt] were detected in rat intestinal bacteria metabolism in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The decomposition and/or metabolism of Rg1 in rat and human digestive tract was confirmed. The mode of metabolism in rat is Rg1-->Rh1(F1)-->Ppt, while in human it is Rg1-->Rh1-->Ppt.

Pathogenesis and presentation of common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are generally classified as primary or secondary stones based on the locations of origin. The vast majority of the stones found in the biliary tree are secondary stones. The current review discusses the pathogenesis and presentations of primary and secondary biliary stones. Based on discussion of disease pathogenesis and presentation, recommendations for the evaluation and management of common and uncommon disease processes associated with choledocholithiasis are proposed.

Inflammatory pseudotumor presenting as a cystic tumor of the pancreas

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the pancreas occurs rarely. Eighteen cases have been described in the English literature. In all previous patients IPT of the pancreas presented as solid pancreatic mass. We are reporting a case of IPT presenting as a cystic mass of the pancreas, which has not been described previously. A review of IPT of the pancreas and a discussion regarding the management of pancreatic cystic neoplasm is provided.

Metabolism of ginsenoside Rg1 by intestinal bacteria. II. Immunological activity of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rh1

AIM

To compare the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 and its metabolite Rh1 on proinflammatory cytokines and their mRNA expression by THP-1 cells.

METHODS

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with Rg1 and Rh1 at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/L, and the cell proliferation was measured 24 h after incubation. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect the production of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF alpha, IL-1 alpha, and IL-8. TNF alpha mRNA level was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after administration of Rg1 and Rh1.

RESULTS

Rg1 and Rh1 (at concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/L) had no effect on PBMC proliferation. Rh1 1 mg/L could upregulate the productions of TNF (and IL-8 induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 10 mg/L plus phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) 200 nmol/L, however, Rg1 showed an inhibitory effect on TNF alpha production induced by LPS 100 mg/L. Rg1 1 mg/L and Rh1 100 mg/L enhanced the production of IL-1 alpha level in THP-1 cells in the presence of LPS 10 mg/L. RT-PCR revealed that Rh1 stimulated TNF alpha mRNA expression in suitable stimulatory conditions.

CONCLUSION

Rg1 and Rh1 have different effects on the production of cytokines produced THP-1 cells stimulated by LPS and PMA.

The pan-neural bHLH proteins DEADPAN and ASENSE regulate mitotic activity and cdk inhibitor dacapo expression in the Drosophila larval optic lobes

Developmental regulators and cell cycle regulators have to interface in order to ensure appropriate cell proliferation during organogenesis. Our analysis of the roles of the pan-neural genes deadpan and asense defines critical roles for these genes in regulation of mitotic activities in the larval optic lobes. Loss of deadpan results in reduced cell proliferation, while ectopic deadpan expression causes over-proliferation. In contrast, loss of asense results in increased proliferation, while ectopic asense expression causes reduced proliferation. Consistent with these observations endogenous Deadpan is expressed in mitotic areas of the optic lobes, and endogenous Asense is expressed in cells that will become quiescent. Altered Deadpan or Asense expression results in altered expression of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor gene dacapo. Thus, regulation of mitotic activity during optic lobe development may, at least in part, involve deadpan and asense mediated regulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor gene dacapo. genesis 26:77-85, 2000.

The efficacy of magnetic resonance cholangiography for the evaluation of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the most commonly utilized tool for the identification of common bile duct stones (CBDS) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) for patient evaluation before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently undefined.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of MRC for the identification of CBDS among patients with high risk for choledocholithiasis. Patient selection was based on clinical, sonographic, and laboratory criteria. Standard cholangiograms were obtained when possible for verification of MRC results.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients underwent evaluation with preoperative MRC. CBDS was visualized in 30% of patients. MRC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 85%, 90%, 77%, 94%, and 89%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MRC is useful for the evaluation of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Advantages of MRC include its noninvasive nature, ease of application, and accuracy in identifying and estimating the size of CBDS. Application of MRC in this setting reduces the need for diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Future investigations should be directed at the development of cost-effective utilization strategies for MRC application.

Association of Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins is stimulated by DNA damage

The protein kinase Chk1 is required for cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. We have found that the 14-3-3 proteins Rad24 and Rad25 physically interact with Chk1 in fission yeast. Association of Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins is stimulated in response to DNA damage. DNA damage results in phosphorylation of Chk1 and the 14-3-3 proteins bind preferentially to the phosphorylated form. Genetic analysis has independently implicated both Rad24 and Rad25 in the DNA-damage checkpoint pathway. We suggest that DNA damage-dependent association of phosphorylated Chk1 with 14-3-3 proteins mediates an important step along the DNA-damage checkpoint pathway, perhaps by directing Chk1 to a particular substrate or to a particular location within the cell. An additional role for 14-3-3 proteins in the DNA-damage checkpoint has been suggested based on the observation that human Chk1 can phosphorylate Cdc25C in vitro creating a 14-3-3 binding site. Our results suggest that in fission yeast the interaction between the 14-3-3 proteins and Cdc25 does not require Chk1 function and is unaffected by DNA damage, in sharp contrast to the interaction between the 14-3-3 proteins and Chk1.

Induction of glutathione depletion, p53 protein accumulation and cellular transformation by tetrachlorohydroquinone, a toxic metabolite of pentachlorophenol

Glutathione (GSH) conjugate formation with tetrachlorohydroquione (TCHQ) and the GSH content in vivo were measured by capillary zone electrophoresis. A more than 60% depletion of GSH content was found in liver tissue of mice treated with TCHQ. In addition, p53 protein accumulation and DNA fragmentation was induced by TCHQ. A two-stage model of chemical transformation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts was used to elucidate the transformation activity of TCHQ in vitro, and a 33% foci formation efficiency was found at the concentration of 5 microM. GSH depletion caused by TCHQ could abolish the protective ability of the cell against reactive oxygen species provided by GSH. When DNA was damaged, p53 protein accumulated in the nucleus and, in the case of severe damage, initiated apoptosis. TCHQ's ability to cause GSH depletion and DNA damage may play a role in the cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of its metabolic precursor, PCP.

Neonatal jaundice and molecular mutations in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient newborn infants

Molecular mutations of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene and clinical manifestations of neonatal jaundice in 112 male and 50 female Chinese neonates with G6PD deficiency were studied. In the 112 males, the nucleotide (nt) 1376 (G-->T) mutation was the dominant type (50.0%), followed by nt 1388 (G-->A) (16.1%), nt 493 (A-->G) (8.0%), nt 1024 (C-->T) (6.2%), nt 95 (A-->G) (5.4%), nt 392 (G-->T) (1.8%), nt 487 (G-->A) (1.8%), nt 871 (G-->A) (0.9%), and nt 1360 (C-->T) (0.9%). The nt 871 variant has not been reported in Taiwan before. The occurrence rates for nt 1376, nt 1388, nt 493, nt 95, and nt 1024 mutations in the 50 females were 44.0%, 18.0%, 12.0%, 6.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The type of G6PD mutation in 10 male and 7 female neonates has not been identified yet. Although G6PD deficient neonates had higher frequency of phototherapy than G6PD normal neonates in both sexes, a significant difference in the prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia (peak bilirubin > or = 15.0 mg/dl) between G6PD deficient and normal neonates was found only in males. Further analysis showed that duration of phototherapy was longer in G6PD deficient male neonates than in the control group, while the outcome of phototherapy was better in subjects with non-nt 1376 mutations than subjects with the nt 1376 mutation. Most (78.3%) of the 23 G6PD deficient neonates who subsequently suffered from neonatal hyperbilirubinemia carried the nt 1376 mutation. The results of this study indicate that the nucleotide substitution at 1376 is the most common and important mutation for G6PD deficiency in Chinese neonates in Taiwan.

Transformation of Solanum brevidens using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Leaf pieces of in vitro-cultured plantlets of the wild potato species Solanum brevidens Phil. were cocultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that contained nptII and uidA genes on the disarmed plasmid pBI121. Independent transgenic shoots were regenerated from solidified and liquid medium that contained 50 mg l(-1) kanamycin. Two Agrobacterium strains were investigated for transformation efficiency. GV2260, which contained p35SGUSINT, resulted in a 11% transformation frequency, compared with 1% using LBA4404. Transformation rates were 7% in liquid culture and 3% on solidified medium. All kanamycinresistant, putatively transformed plantlets were confirmed positive by histochemical GUS assays. GUS activity in 22 independently transformed plants was quantified by fluorometric assay. Southern analysis of randomly selected transgenic plants showed that each transgenic plant contained at least one copy of the uidA gene.

[Pathological study on thoracic carcinoids accompanied with Cushing's syndrome]

Eight patients with carcinoid tumors (5 from the lungs and 3 from the thymus) associated with Cushing's syndrome were studied. Among them, 5 were male and 3 female with a mean age of 32.5 years. Histologically, all were typical carcinoids. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were strongly positive of NSE, chromogranin A and ACTH in all 8 cases. Some tumors also positive for S-100, calcitonin, HCG alpha and HCG beta. Various amounts of neurosecretory granules were found in the tumors by electron microscopy and ACTH positive dots were also noticed in some of the neurosecretory granules in the tumor cells by immunoelectron microscopical colloidal gold labelling technique. By in situ hybridization technique, overexpression of chromogranin A mRNA was detected in all of the tumors reported.

Giant intracranial aneurysms with skull base erosion and extracranial masses: CT and MR findings

OBJECTIVE

To present the CT and MR findings of three patients with giant intracranial aneurysms (GIAs), each of which eroded the skull base and had an extracranial mass component. A literature review of GIAs was also performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the past year the imaging studies of three patients with these unusual GIAs were collected at our institutions. All three patients had had CT, and one patient had had MR on a 1.5 T GE unit.

RESULTS

One patient had a 5 cm GIA in the left petrocavernous region, filling the middle cranial fossa and extending into the left sphenoid sinus and the left posterior ethmoid complex. The aneurysm had heterogeneous high attenuation and extensive rim calcification. The second patient had a 5 cm GIA that filled most of the left middle cranial fossa, eroding the floor and lateral wall and extending into the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space. The aneurysm was partially thrombosed and had minimal rim calcification. The third patient had a 4 cm left cavernous GIA that eroded the floor of the middle cranial fossa and extended into the subjacent parapharyngeal space. The lesion was partially thrombosed and had an enhancing lumen. The rim had low signal intensity on MR. None of these patients had a history of trauma.

CONCLUSION

Giant intracranial aneurysms can cause significant skull base erosion and extend into the paranasal sinuses, parapharyngeal space, and infratemporal fossa. The CT and MR findings can lead to an accurate diagnosis.

[Gene diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma]

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to analyze c-Ki-ras codon 12 mutation in 27 fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of the pancreas and its adjacent organs for the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. C-Ki-ras codon 12 mutation was present in 14 out of 15 cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the positive rate was 93.33% (14/15); whereas no mutation was detected in those obtained from 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cyst, gallbladder carcinoma, carcinoma of ampulla of Vater and gastric lymphoma. The results of this study verifies the PCR-RFLP technique as a practical, sensitive, rapid and reliable method for the detection of c-Ki-ras codon 12 mutation in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Expression of EGF, TGF-alpha, EGFR and c-erbB2 genes and their gene products in human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines

The expression of mRNA for epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), EGF receptor (EGFR) and c-erbB-2 genes and the immunoreactivity to these gene products were examined in 3 newly established human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and their corresponding in vivo tumor lines using the Northern blot technique and the immunohistochemical method. All 3 cell lines expressed TGF-alpha, EGFR and 2 of the 3 lines expressed EGF and c-erbB-2 mRNAs. The immunohistochemical study showed immunoreactivity to EGF, TGF-alpha and EGFR in all these 3 cell lines and their corresponding in vivo tumor lines. These results indicate that the autocrine loop of EGF and/or TGF-alpha/EGFR in pancreatic carcinoma cells may be one of the important reasons for the uncontrolled growth of the pancreatic carcinoma. The c-erbB-2 overexpression in some of the cell lines may also contribute to the carcinogenesis or progression of this cancer.

[The effects of epidermal growth factor and its antibody on the growth of xenografts in athymic nude mice]

Soybean trypsin inhibitor was added to the primary cell culture for establishing a novel moderately differentiated human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, PC-7. The PC-7 cell line was confirmed to be a malignant human pancreatic adenocarcinoma by morphological and biological studies. Chromosomal analysis and DNA content of PC-7 determined by flow cytometry showed a hypodiploid karyotypic pattern. Cultured PC-7 cells were inoculated into the back of athymic nude mice to create a transplanted tumor model. The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and anti-EGF antiserum on PC-7 transplanted tumor were observed by injecting EGF or anti-EGF at the periphery of the solid tumors. In comparing to the control group, the tumor weights of the EGF group and the anti-EGF group were 138% and 67% respectively. Histological and electron microscopic studies higher mitotic rate in the EGF group and a lower rate in the anti-EGF group compared to the control. The results indicate that EGF stimulated and anti-EGF partially inhibited the growth of transplanted PC-7 solid tumors in athymic nude mice.

[Tay-Sachs disease: a report of 2 autopsy cases]

Tay-sachs disease (GM gangliosidosis), which is transmitted as autosomal recessive trait, is rare in China. Two cases of Tay-Sachs disease were diagnosed and treated in PUMC hospital during the past 7 years. The clinical features, blood hexosaminidase A level and autopsy findings are presented.

Receptor alterations in subcortical structures after bilateral middle cerebral artery infarction of the cerebral cortex

Ischemic damage to the prefrontal, motor, and somatosensory cortex induces alterations in the receptor systems of the caudate putamen and some subcortical brain regions. These alterations may represent an attempt of various neuronal systems to compensate for the reduction in innervation caused by the cortical infarction. Assessment of the receptor changes induced by cortical infarction define neuropharmacologic correlates of cortical damage, indicate possible neurotransmitters associated with neuroanatomically defined subcortical pathways, and suggest possible pharmacologic interventions to counteract the consequences of stroke. Bilateral cortical infarction, induced by ligation of both middle cerebral arteries and temporary occlusion of both common carotid arteries, was investigated in the rat. The infarction resulted in dramatic alterations in subcortical receptor populations as determined by autoradiography. Sodium-dependent, high-affinity, choline-uptake (SDHACU) sites and D1-dopamine receptors in the caudate putamen were unaffected by the infarction, whereas muscarinic and glutamate receptors were increased and D2 receptors were decreased in this structure. A reduction in SDHACU sites caused by the lesion was found in regions including the medial septum, vertical nucleus of the diagonal band, thalamus, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, and basolateral amygdala. M1 receptors were increased in the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei whereas non-M1 receptors were increased in the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei, but were diminished in the medial septum, vertical nucleus of the diagonal band, thalamus, and nucleus basalis magnocellularis. No significant alterations in muscarinic binding were observed in the various laminae of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus.

[Serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium]

From 1982 to 1992, 9 cases of clinical stage I serous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium were diagnosed and treated surgically in PUMC Hospital. Of these 9 patients, myometrial invasion occurred in 8 patients, lymphatic invasion in the myometrium was demonstrated in 7 patients and 6 patients were found to have extrauterine spread. The tumors studied in this paper confirmed the aggressive behavior of this particular histologic type of endometrial carcinoma. The pathological characteristics and differential diagnosis are presented.

Effects of fish oil supplementation on acute ischemic brain injury in the rat

We studied the effects of long-term fish oil (FO) dietary supplementation on brain edema, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration, and infarct size in a rat stroke model. Rats were given regular rat chow with or without FO supplement (20% of total calories) for 7 weeks. Body weight did not differ between the two groups. In the FO group, an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid and a decrease in arachidonic acid content in hepatic phospholipids were significant in the phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine but not in the phosphoinositol fraction. Platelet activity reflected by serum thromboxane B2 levels was reduced in the FO group. Postischemic brain edema and PMN infiltration were not different between the two groups. The infarct volume was significantly greater in the FO group (controls: 96 +/- 7 mm3, n = 49; FO group: 124 +/- 6 mm3, n = 53; p = 0.0036). The greater ischemic brain injury in the FO-supplemented animals is probably related to the intraischemic hyperglycemia, which was worse in the FO group than in the control group (controls: 265 +/- 19 mg/dl, n = 14; FO group: 340 +/- 18 mg/dl, n = 16; p = 0.0079).

Thoracic ectopic ACTH-producing tumors with Cushing's syndrome

During a 5-year period (1986 to 1990), 7 patients with thoracic ectopic ACTH-producing tumors (4 pulmonary and 3 thymic) associated with Cushing's syndrome were diagnosed and treated in PUMC Hospital, Beijing. Among the 7 patients, 4 were male and 3 were female, with a mean age of 35.7 years. The duration of Cushing's syndrome before operation ranged from 6 months to 72 months. Histologically all tumors were typical carcinoids. Various amounts of neurosecretory granules were found in the tumor cells of all tumors by electron microscopy. Immunohistochemically all tumors were strongly positive for chromogranin A and NSE. The immunopositivity for ACTH was variable in different tumors. Some tumors were also positive for S-100, calcitonin, HCG alpha and HCG beta. By in situ hybridization technique, overexpression of chromogranin A mRNA was detected in all tumors.

Comparison of parenteral nutrition supplemented with L-glutamine or glutamine dipeptides

Although glutamine is an important fuel used by the intestinal mucosa and other visceral organs, it is not present in any commercially available parenteral amino acid solution. To compare the effects of L-glutamine with glutamine dipeptides, we studied the effects of each in 8 dogs and 60 Wistar rats. In the dog study, three amino acid solutions were compared: standard commercial amino acid solution (control), alanine-glutamine dipeptide-enriched solution (glutamine 3.4%), and glycine-glutamine dipeptide-enriched solution (glutamine 3.6%). Arterial and venous samples were collected to compare the effects of the three solutions on skeletal muscle amino acid exchange. In the rat study, two studies were undertaken: group 1 rats underwent only central venous catheterization; group 2 rats underwent central venous catheterization and a 50% intestinal resection. Within each group, three different solutions were infused: standard amino acid solution (control), glutamine-enriched (1.5% glutamine) solution, or glutamine dipeptide-enriched (1% glutamine) solution. After 7 days of parenteral nutrition, samples of gut, blood, and muscle were collected for determination of mucosal thickness, villus area, serum amino acid profile, liver and renal function tests, and muscle composition. When glutamine or glutamine-dipeptide solutions were administered, the dogs showed increasing serum glutamine concentrations and enhanced glutamine uptake across the hind leg muscle. Similarly, both groups of rats demonstrated significant differences in serum glutamine levels, nitrogen balance, intestinal mucosa thickness, and villus area. We conclude that both glutamine and glutamine-dipeptide infusions increase serum glutamine concentrations and result in regional tissue effects. Both exerted similar metabolic effects with no apparent complications.