[Application of transvaginal morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire in laparoscopic myomectomy]

To investigate the effect and clinical value of morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation through posterior vaginal fornix in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After the uterine fibroids were removed, the fibroids were placed into the extraction bag, tightening the mouth of the bag with a traction wire to make it airtight. After the uterine incisions were sutured, the extraction bag was taken out through the posterior fornix of the vagina, and the fibroids were broken up with a scalpel in the bag and taken out. The fibroids were successfully removed from the 42 patients through the posterior fornix of the vagina. There were no fibroids fragments found in the peritoneal cavity and vagina. There were no malignant cells or spindle cells found in the peritoneal lavage cytology before and after the operation. After filling the extraction bags with water, there was no leakage. There were 39 cases of uterine leiomyoma, 2 cases of cell-rich uterine leiomyoma, and 1 case of smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential in postoperative pathological diagnosis. Forty-two cases were followed up for 6 to 30 months. The posterior vaginal fornix incision healed well and there was no recurrence or metastasis. Morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and feasible method for fibroids removal, which may help to reduce the dissemination of iatrogenic tumors.

[Application of morcellation through small umbilical incision in laparoscopic myomectomy]

To investigate the effect of morcellation through small umbilical incision in laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 67 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from February 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Fibroids were loaded into disposable laparoscopic collection bags and then retrieved through small umbilical incision. The operation of all 67 patients were successfully completed. There were no leakage of collection bags or fibroids fragments found in the peritoneal cavity and the puncture holes. There were no spindle cells or malignant cells found in the peritoneal lavage cytology before and after operation. There were 64 cases of uterine leiomyoma, 2 cases of cellular leiomyoma, and 1 case of leiomyoma with cystic degeneration in postoperative pathological diagnosis. The weight of fibroid was 110-420 (227±106) g; the operation time was 58-274 (107±45) min; the time for retrieving specimen was 8-27 (18.4±10.6) min; the time for suturing umbilical incision was 4-11 (7.8±4.6) min; the score of pain numeric rating scale (NRS) at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after operation was 4-6 (4.5±1.2) points, 2-4 (2.7±1.1) points, and 1-2 (1.6±0.4) points, respectively; the Hollander wound evaluation score was 3-5 (4.6±0.5) points. The umbilical incisions looked and healed well after operation. Morcellation through small umbilical incision in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and practical method of specimen removal, which may help to reduce the dissemination of iatrogenic tumors.

Identification of miRNAs, mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs associated with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after interferon treatment

To study the molecular mechanism of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular markers that can predict the therapeutic effect, differentially expressed (DE)-miRNAs, -mRNAs, -lncRNAs, and -circRNAs were screened between 12 samples collected from 4 patients who had not received treatment (control), 4 patients who had received recombinant human interferon a-2b treatment (case1), and 4 patients who had relapsed after receiving recombinant human interferon a-2b treatment (case2). Enrichment analyses were performed to determine the principal functions of the DE-RNAs. We also constructed protein-protein interactions (PPI) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. In addition, a series-cluster analysis was performed to analyze changes in gene expression across different groups of HCC. Furthermore, the expression of the genes were verified in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A total of 36 union DE-miRNAs, 175 union DE-mRNAs, 65 union DE-lncRNAs, and 52 union DE-circRNAs were obtained between the control vs case1, and case2 vs case1 groups. DE-mRNAs were mainly involved in the mitochondrial inner membrane. DE-circRNAs were mainly enriched in the Golgi apparatus. ceRNA network contained 68 DE-mRNAs, 26 DE-miRNAs, 45 DE-lncRNAs, and 23 DE-circRNAs. A total of 24 DE-miRNAs, 175 DE-mRNAs, 65 DE-lncRNAs, and 52 DE-circRNAs were classified into eight profiles, respectively. A total of 26 genes showed a significant correlation with prognosis of HCC (p < 0.05). Some genes may be used to predict the efficacy of IFN-α in the treatment of HCC. The results may lay a foundation for investigating the different sensitivities of IFN-α in the treatment of HCC.

IFN-γ inhibits ovarian cancer progression via SOCS1/JAK/STAT signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignancy, and IFN-γ, a multifunctional cytokine, is unveiled to impede the multiplication and enhance apoptosis in diverse tumor cells in previous research. Nonetheless, its function and mechanism in OC are blurred.

METHODS

OC cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3 were dealt with different concentrations (0-40 ng/ml) of IFN-γ. CCK-8 experiment was utilized to examine cell multiplication; Flow cytometry was executed to detect apoptosis and cell cycle; Wound healing assay was utilized to detect cell migration; and Transwell experiment was implemented to examine cell invasion. qRT-PCR analysis was applied to detect STAT5, STAT3, JAK2 and JAK3 mRNA expression in OC cell lines. Western blot experiment was applied to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of SOCS1, STAT5 and STAT3.

RESULTS

IFN-γ suppressed OC cell multiplication in a concentration-dependent manner. Relative to the control group, IFN-γ restrained OC cell migration, invasion, enhanced apoptosis and prevented cell transformation from G0/G1 to S phase. Further analysis revealed that IFN-γ up-modulated SOCS1 expression and impeded STAT5 and STAT3 protein phosphorylation levels, and knockdown of SOCS1 partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of IFN-γ on STAT5 and STAT3 protein phosphorylation levels.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ represses OC progression by facilitating SOCS1 to suppress STAT3 and STAT5 protein phosphorylation.

[Implications of EET in renal ischemia/reperfusion by regulating NLRP3 expression and pyroptosis]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods: Thirty 10-week male C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: sham goup, I/R group, I/R with EET group, I/R with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor (TAK242) group, I/R with EET and TAK242 group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) as well as renal pathological changes were observed 24 h after reperfusion. The protein expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) were evaluated using Western blot. Results: Severe renal tubular epithelial cell injury and decreased renal function [BUN:(10.37±0.53) vs (6.70±0.82)mmol/L, t=9.17, P<0.001; Scr: (83.67±3.88) vs (32.50±3.51)μmol/L, t=23.96, P<0.001] occurred in I/R group. Compared to the sham group, the relative expression of NLRP3 (1.54±0.10 vs 0.71±0.05, t=13.14, P<0.001), caspase-1 (2.35±0.05 vs 0.62±0.02, t=73.77, P<0.001), IL-1β (3.11±0.11 vs 1.26±0.05, t=35.97, P<0.001), TLR4 (1.58±0.03 vs 0.39±0.01, t=86.00, P<0.001), MyD88 (0.94±0.02 vs 0.26±0.01, t=72.61, P<0.001) were significantly increased. Mice pretreated with EET analog featured lower kidney damage and diminished levels of above proteins than I/R group (all P<0.001). Besides, the co-administration of TAK242 and EET analog could even markedly reduced the expression levels of each proteins than those in I/R group and I/R with EET group (all P<0.001). Conclusion: EET exerts a protective effect on attenuating renal I/R injury possibly through inhibiting TLR4 pathway to regulate the activation of NLRP3-induced pyroptosis.

[Effect of monoacylglycerol lipase with proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo]

Objective: To investigate the effects of different expression of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo and its mechanism. Methods: Human peripheral blood-derived monocyte was induced to differentiate into M2-type TAMs and was identified by flow cytometry. The co-culture model of TAMs and MHCC97H human liver cancer cells was established, and the expression of MAGL in TAMs cells was detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of MAGL in TAMs cells was detected by plasmid transfection. ELISA and qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels and secretion levels of inflammatory factors in TAMs cells. The subcutaneous tumor model of MHCC97H mice was constructed to observe the effect of different expression of MAGL in TAMs cells with the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo. F-test was used for the measurement of homogeneity of variance between two independent samples. A t-test was used for homogeneity of variance, and the corrected t-test was used for non-homogeneity of variance. Results: Human peripheral blood-derived monocytes were successfully induced to differentiate into M2-type TAMs. An in vitro co-culture model was established. qRT-PCR showed that MHCC97H human liver cancer cells significantly down-regulated the expressional level of MAGL in TAMs cells. The constructed subcutaneous tumor model of mice demonstrated that up-regulation up-regulation of MAGL expression in M2-type TAMs inhibited the proliferation of MHCC97H human liver cancer cells in vivo. Furthermore, the mechanistic study illustrated that the high expression of MAGL promoted the transcription and secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in M2-type TAMs cells. Conclusion: The overexpression of MAGL inhibits the proliferation of MHCC97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo, and its mechanism may be associated to the release of inflammatory factors that from TAMs cells.

[Clinical research of features of magnetic resonance imaging of high-voltage electrical burns in limbs at early stage]

Objective: To analyze the features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with high-voltage electrical burns in limbs at early stage. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with high-voltage electrical burns, conforming to the study criteria, were hospitalized in our unit from March 2013 to August 2016. T(1) weighted imaging (T(1)WI), T(2)WI, fat-suppression T(2)WI plain scan, and fat-suppression T(1)WI enhanced scan of MRI were performed in 78 limbs, including 56 upper limbs and 22 lower limbs at post injury hour 72. The MRI signal characteristics of electrical burns in skin and subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, tendon, joint ligament, and skeleton of limbs were analyzed. " Sandwich-like" necrosis and injury in skeletal muscle, injuries of tendon, joint ligament, and skeleton were observed. MRI signal characteristics of amputated upper limbs and salvaged limbs were also analyzed. All patients underwent surgery within 24 h after MRI examination, and the muscle vitality was judged during operation. Muscle tissue without reaction to electrical stimulation which was completely necrotic as shown by MRI, muscle tissue with weak reaction to electrical stimulation which was injured with blood supply as shown by MRI, and muscle tissue with edema as shown by MRI were collected, and then the pathological characteristics of muscle tissue were observed with HE staining. Results: (1) The defect area of patients at entrance of current was bigger than that at exit. The skin and subcutaneous tissue extensively unevenly thickened. T(2)WI manifested hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested uneven enhancement. Zonal effusion was seen in the region of serious subcutaneous edema. (2) For complete necrosis of skeletal muscle, T(2)WI manifested hypointense, isointensity, or slight hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity, slight hyperintensity, or mixed signal of isointensity and slight hyperintensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested most no enhancement area with clear boundary. The MRI signals of injured skeletal muscle could be divided into two types. Type Ⅰ signal was for partial necrotic muscle adjacent to the completely necrotic zone. T(2)WI manifested uneven hyperintensity or slight hyperintensity, with unclear boundary. T(1)WI manifested isointensity or slight hyperintensity. Fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested significant banding or laciness enhancement. Type Ⅱ signal was for deep muscle tissue far from the complete necrotic zone. T(2)WI manifested hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity or main isointensity mixed with hyperintensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested uneven moderate or slight enhancement. Normal muscle signal, type Ⅰ signal, and type Ⅱ signal were all mixed with necrotic signal, showing " sandwich-like" change. For skeletal muscle edema, T(2)WI manifested slight hyperintensity and unclear boundary, and T(1)WI manifested hypointense, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested no obvious enhancement. (3) For complete necrosis of tendon, T(2)WI manifested isointensity or slight hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested no enhancement. For tendon injury, T(2)WI manifested isointensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity or hypointense, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested slight enhancement. (4) Severe injury of wrist joint were manifested as complete necrosis of soft tissue around joint. T(2)WI manifested slight hyperintensity or isointensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested no enhancement or slightly uneven enhancement. For completely destroyed wrist joints, the structures were not clear from outside to inside. T(2)WI manifested slight hyperintensity or isointensity, and T(1)WI manifested hypointense or isointensity, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested no enhancement. For elbow injury, T(2)WI manifested hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested isointensity or hypointense, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested uneven enhancement. For knee injury, T(2)WI manifested hyperintensity, and T(1)WI manifested hypointense, while fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested slight enhancement. (5) For bone edema, T(2)WI manifested isointensity, while fat-suppression T(2)WI manifested slight hyperintensity. T(1)WI manifested isointensity, and fat-suppression enhanced T(1)WI manifested patchy enhancement. (6) MRI of amputated upper limbs showed necrosis signals, type Ⅰ signals, type Ⅱ signals, and mixed signals of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ in skeletal muscle. The necrosis signal and type Ⅰ signal area of the distal end were more than 50% greater than those of the lesion. The scope of the ecological tissue was large and the boundary was not clear. There were diffuse injuries in both anterior and posterior muscles, and the ulnar and radial artery pulsation disappeared in the upper limbs. The MRI of salvaged limbs were type Ⅰ signal, type Ⅱ signal, mixed signals of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ, and local necrosis signals of skeletal muscle. The type Ⅰ signal was the main type, and the distal end showed type Ⅱ signal. (7) For completely necrotic skeletal muscle as shown by MRI, surgical exploration showed loss of muscle viability, and pathological examination showed complete necrosis of striated muscle tissue. For injury area of skeletal muscle as shown by MRI, surgical exploration showed interecological muscle with activity worse than mormal muscle, and pathological examination showed normal muscle cells and muscle fiber mixed with necrotic striated muscle cells having karyopyknosis, with different degree of injury. For edema area of skeletal muscle as shown by MRI, surgical exploration showed swelling skeletal muscle and normal muscle vitality, and pathological examination showed striated muscle interstitial edema with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration. The manifestions of MRI were consistent with the results of surgical exploration and pathological examination. Conclusions: Skeletal muscle complete necrosis, injury, and edema could be preferably differentiated by MRI, and the definite scope and depth of electrical injury, the injury of skin, tendon, joint ligament, and bone could also be displayed well on MRI. It can provide objective imaging basis for the diagnosis of high-voltage electrical burns in limbs at early stage, the establishment of clinical operation plan, and the judgment of intraoperative tissue vitality.

[Evolutionary characteristics and positive selection site of hepatitis C virus isolated in intravenous drug users in Pudong new district, Shanghai]

Objective: To understand the genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) circulating in intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Pudong new district, Shanghai, and explore the population growth and selection pressure of the HCV strains isolated. Methods: A total of 200 serum specimens sampled from IDUs in local methadone maintenance treatment clinic in Pudong were used for amplification of a HCV NS5B 377-nt partial sequence. Mean evolutionary rate and effective number of infections were estimated based on the 377-nt partial sequences of the HCV strains isolated from IDUs and isolated contemporarily from local voluntary blood donors, men who have sex with men and reported hepatitis C cases by using BEAST software. Selection pressure sites were identified with online Datamonkey software for subsequent comparison with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug binding sites. Results: A total of 39 (19.5%) serum specimens were positive for HCV RNA. The genotypes were determined based on the HCV NS5B 377-nt partial sequences as follows: subtype 3a (n=14), 3b (n=13), 1b (n=7), 6a (n=4) and 6n (n=1). The partial sequences of the HCV strains isolated in IDUs shared high homology with the sequences of the HCV strains isolated in other populations. The Bayesian Skyline Plot indicated that the estimated infections with HCV subtype 1b increased exponentially during the 1990s, whereas that of subtypes 3a and 3b increased slowly since the mid-1990s. In the NS5B 377-nt partial sequences of the HCV strains isolated in IDUs, there were two positive selection sites and seventy-eight negative selection sites recognized. The mutation rate was as low as 2.2% in the 377-nt partial sequences corresponding to the known seven DAA drug binding sites. Conclusions: HCV subtype 3a and 3b were the predominant genotypes in the IDUs in Pudong. Subtype 1b was prevalent in different populations and evolved very rapidly, and more infections might be caused, suggesting further attention to its prevention, control and treatment. Although DAA treatment based on HCV NS5B binding sites targeting local IDUs might be effective, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance.

3-Dimensional stable polyelectrolyte hollow capsules: preparation and spontaneous encapsulation

By alternatively depositing poly(styrene)-co-poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) on poly(styrene sulfonate sodium) hybrid CaCO₃ microparticles, a series of size-controlled 3-dimensional stable capsules were obtained after the removal of hybrid templates.

Atomized paclitaxel liposome inhalation treatment of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

We sought to determine the efficacy of atomized paclitaxel liposome inhalation treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced rat model. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: healthy control, pulmonary fibrosis without treatment, paclitaxel liposome inhalation-treated, and intravenous paclitaxel liposome-treated. Fibrosis was induced by bleomycin injection. A total of 20 mg/kg paclitaxel liposome was administered by inhalation every other day for a total of 10 doses. The intravenous group received 5 mg/kg paclitaxel liposome on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. We observed the general condition, weight change, survival index, and pathological changes in the lung tissue of the rats. Quantitative analysis of collagen types I and III and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression in the lungs was also performed. The paclitaxel liposome inhalation and intravenous delivery methods improved survival index and pulmonary fibrosis Ashcroft score, and decreased the thickness of the alveolar interval. No obvious difference was found between the two groups. Compared with the untreated group, paclitaxel liposome inhalation and intravenous injection significantly reduced the levels of collagen types I and III and TGF-β1 expression equally. In conclusion, atomized paclitaxel liposome inhalation protects against severe pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced rat model. This delivery method has less systemic side effects and increased safety over intravenous injection.

Effect of melatonin on oncosis of myocardial cells in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury rat and the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore

We aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on myo-cardial cell oncosis in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury rat, and the role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) therein. Sprague Dawley rats (N = 60) were randomly divided into five groups of 12 rats each: control, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), melatonin treatment (MT), melatonin treatment + atractyloside (MT+ATR), and atractyloside (ATR). We prepared the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model by reperfusion after the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 min. The MT rats were given a 10 mg/kg MT intra-venous injection immediately thereafter; the MT+ATR rats were also given a 5 mg/kg ATR intravenous injection 15 min before the ischemia; the ATR rats were given the ATR injection only. After 2-h re-perfusion, myocardial tissue was extracted, the infarction size was determined, and myocardial ultrastructures were observed using electron microscopy. The expression level of the preoncosis receptor (porimin), which can induce membrane injury, was determined by western blot; the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) content was determined spectrophotometrically. The four treatment groups showed upregulat-ed expression of myocardial porimin, increased myocardial infarction size, and reduced NAD(+) content (P < 0.05). Compared with the I/R and MT+ATR groups, MT rats showed downregulated expression of myo-cardial porimin, reduced myocardial infarct size, and increased myo-cardial cell NAD(+) content (P < 0.05). The above indices between the ATR and MT+ATR groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Thus, MT might protect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion rats by inhibiting MPTP opening and reducing myocardial cell oncosis.

Water-soluble host–guest system from β-cyclodextrin as a fluorescent sensor for aluminium ions: synthesis and sensing studies

In this paper, a simple small molecule (L) derived from 4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and carbohydrazide has been synthesized, and a water-soluble host–guest system from β-cyclodextrin and L was obtained that exhibited characteristic fluorescence behavior toward Al³⁺.

Study on the distribution pattern of skin temperature in normal Chinese and detection of the depth of early burn wound by infrared thermography

OBJECTIVE

Conduct basic research of the distribution pattern of skin temperature and estimate the wound depth in normal Chinese in the early stage of burn injury by using technical thermography.

METHODS

(1) Two hundred twenty-three volunteers from the electrical power system were randomly chosen: 138 males and 85 females, mean age 42.5 +/- 8.8, and mean weight 65.37 +/- 9.7 kg. (2) Thermovision 470 Pro camera of AGEMA Corporation, Sweden, was used. (3) A total of 29,882 values of skin temperature from all over the body were classified, compared, and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The difference in temperature on the y-axis of the body is relatively significant, from 0 to 9 degrees C. The difference in temperature on the x-axis of the body is relatively invariable.

CONCLUSIONS

The depth of early burn wound can be detected by using infrared thermography, which is an objective, fast, non-touching, and noninvasive method.

[Studies on the time domain and power spectrum of high frequency ECG in normal mice]

The features of time domain and power spectrum of high frequency electrocardiogram (HF-ECG) were studied in normal Kunming mice using a microprocessor ECG system. The results were as follows (mean +/- SD): (1) P-R interval was 34.9 +/- 4.7 ms (n = 58), about one third of the cardiac cycle. (2) The duration and peak-to-peak amplitude of QRS complex were 9.2 +/- 1.2 ms and 1.456 +/- 0.480 mV (n = 74) respectively. (3) The duration and amplitude of T wave were 10.2 +/- 3.2 ms and 0.336 +/- 0.115 mV, respectively (n = 58). (4) Q-T interval was 19.4 +/- 3.2 ms (n = 58), about one fifth of the cardiac cycle. (5) The total number of notches and slurs of leads II of 73 mice were 3 and 26 respectively. (6) The relative power content of each frequency range was: 0-80 Hz: 45.48 +/- 15.32%; 80-200 Hz: 43.97 +/- 9.95%; 200-300 Hz: 8.89 +/- 7.83%; 300-1000 Hz: 1.66 +/- 2.74%; 80-1000 Hz: 54.52 +/- 15.32%.

Studies on morphological typing of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions

Morphological typing of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) in 300 cases of malignant tumors and 140 cases of benign lesions was analyzed and five morphological types of AgNOR were described in detail. In malignant tumors, the diffuse type (78%) was the most frequently seen, and in benign lesions, the nucleolar type (92.85%); the difference was thus highly significant (P < 0.001). The intranucleolar and aggregate types were not observed in benign lesions. There was no obvious difference in the proportion of the mixed type in benign and malignant lesions (P > 0.05). The relationship between grade of malignancy and morphological typing of AgNOR and its clinical significance are discussed.

Further characterization of the biological and pathogenic properties of erythromelalgia-related poxviruses

Six isolates of erythromelalgia-related poxvirus (ERPV) were characterized with respect to host range, c.p.e. and inclusions, pock formation on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), morphogenesis, serological reactivity, pathogenesis in animals and DNA restriction fragment profile. The results suggest that ERPV is either a new member of the Orthopoxvirus genus or a subspecies of ectromelia virus. Evidence is provided that (i) ERPV has a wide host range in vitro in which characteristic viral c.p.e. and inclusion bodies are induced; (ii) ERPV, unlike ectromelia virus, causes the formation of tiny greyish-white pocks on CAM both at 34 degrees C and 39 degrees C; (iii) eosinophilic A-type inclusions of ERPV do not contain viral particles; (iv) ERPV isolates are neutralized by both rabbit anti-vaccinia virus and mouse anti-ectromelia virus sera, but not vice versa; (v) young rabbits are not susceptible to ERPV by skin and/or corneal scratch infection even though ERPV is lethal for mice by intraperitoneal inoculation; (vi) the HindIII and SalI fragment profiles of ERPV P-4 DNA are similar to, but obviously different from, those of Chinese ectromelia virus. These biological and pathogenic characteristics of ERPV are distinguishable from those of other members of the genus Orthopoxvirus currently described in the literature.