[Effects of adhesive proteins on endothelialization of PC crosslinking yak pericardial materials--an experimental study]

To investigate the conditions of endothelialization of biomaterials, we examined in vitro the growth properties of endothelial cells on PC treated yak pericardial materials. After rinsed in normal saline (0.9%), the surface of PC crosslinking yak pericardial materials was precoated with three kinds of adhesive proteins--Laminin (La), Fibronectin(FN) and Collagen-I(CL-I). Ednothelial cells(EC) from the canine were seeded on the precoated materials, and on the uncoated materials as control. The result showed that in the La and FN groups the seeded EC survived and grew on the patches, while in the CL-I group and uncoated group the seeded EC on and around the patches did not continue to live. Conclusively, in this experiment, PC yak pericardial materials had cytotoxicity; the cytotoxicity of PC crosslinking yak pericardial materials could be decreased by La and FN precoating; La and FN promoted the adhesion and growth of EC on the PC yak pericardial materials patches; the materials met the needs of endothelialization in vitro, prominently in the La group; there was significant difference in endothelialization between La and FN groups (P < 0.05); CL-I had no part in promoting EC adhesion and growth.

[A quantum chemical study of pi-back-donation bond and Raman intensity of 1 sigma + electronic state of Pt-CO molecule]

The Raman spectroscopic properties of Pt-CO molecule have been investigated based on the electronic state 1 sigma + determined by the HF and B3LYP methods. The result shows that the calculated stretching vibrational frequencies of the Pt-C and C-O bonds depend on the method and the basis sets used. It indicates that it is important to adopt an appropriate method to describe pi-donation and pi-back-donation bond. The result of the differential Raman scattering cross section for the stretching vibrations of the Pt-C and C-O bond shows that the latter is significantly larger value compared to the former.

[Surface Ramam spectropscopy for in situ investigating silicon etching process]

In situ surface Raman spectroscopy has been extended to study silicon electrode surfaces by optimizing the Raman system and the surface roughening method. The time-dependent etching processes were monitored in a dilute HF aqueous solution and the initial oxidation processes of the hydrogen-terminated surface in different pHs were studied at the open circuit potential. The results indicate that the silicon surface could be overwhelmingly terminated with hydrogen rather than fluorine in the HF-based solution. The smoothening effect of OH- on the silicon surface is through the attack of the = SiH2 site. It demonstrates that Raman spectroscopy is a powerful in situ technique for investigating the etching process of silicon surface.

[Two-dimensional surface Raman imaging of a roughened iron electrode in saline solution]

By using a confocal microprobe Raman system and proper surface roughening procedure for iron, the pit corrosion behavior of bare iron electrode in 3.4% NaCl (saline solution) solution has been investigated. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of the corrosion products due to the pit corrosion at positive potential was obtained with high ratio of signal to noise. The application of SERS technique has been extended successfully to the study of iron corrosion. The two-dimensional surface Raman imaging acquired at 660 cm-1 was obtained also with the utility of surface Raman image technique. Results show that different iron oxides should coexist in the pit corrosion region and the distribution of the corrosion products was not uniform.

The expression of E-cadherin-catenin complex in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the E-cadherin-catenin (E-cad-cat) complex in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and determine the effects of E-cad-cat expression on tumor differentiation, metastasis, and invasion, as well as its clinical significance.

METHODS

The expression of adhesion molecules, which included E-cadherin, alpha-catenin, and beta-catenin, on 10 cases of normal salivary glands, and 50 cases of human salivary ACC were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Strong and stable expression of E-cad-cat complex showed in normal salivary glands tissues. However, weaker expression and even complete absence, of the positive signals were shown on all ACC cases. Coexpression of E-cad-cat were detected in 29 (58%) of the 50 ACC specimens. Positive staining of E-cad-cat complex were detected in 7 (39%) of the 18 ACC primary sites that had aggressive phenotype of nerve and vasculature.

CONCLUSION

Strong positive signals of E-cad-cat complex are shown in normal salivary glands, and the down-regulated expression were observed in ACC cases. The expression of E-cad-cat complex is associated with a more aggressive phenotype on nerve and vasculature. No association with various histopathologic subtypes was found. However, absent or low E-cad expression was observed more frequently in solid carcinomas than in cribriform or tubular carcinomas. Down-regulation of E-cad-cat complex may be associated with canceration of normal salivary glands. The expression levels of E-cad-cat were positively correlated to the differentiation of ACC tumor cells.

Formation of concentration gradient and its application to DNA capillary electrophoresis

A new method to introduce the concentration gradient into the capillary has been developed and its application to DNA capillary electrophoresis is presented. The concentration gradient produced by mixing 5% w/v polyacrylamide-co-poly(N-dimethylacrylamide) (PAM-co-PDMA) solution and 1 x Tris/N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-amino-propanesulfonic acid/EDTA (TT) + 5 M urea buffer was successfully achieved by using two programmable syringe pumps with strict control of dead volume, flow rate, and pressure balance. This method has the advantages of high stability, reproducibility, and versatility. The column with concentration gradient greatly improved the resolution, especially for the large DNA fragments, due to a decrease in band width broadening with time. A column containing 2-4% w/v gradient in four steps had a longer read length, shorter separation time and better resolution (after 380 base) than that of 4% w/v single concentration polymer solution. The number of steps in the gradient had almost no effect on the performance. The change in the average concentration by relocating the position of the same step gradient, i.e., a combination of different low concentration to high concentration polymer solution ratios, resulted in a different migration time, read length and resolution.

IL-1 beta attenuates IFN-alpha beta-induced antiviral activity and STAT1 activation in the liver: involvement of proteasome-dependent pathway

IFN-alphabeta is the only established treatment for viral hepatitis; however, more than 60% of patients are poorly responsive. Because viral hepatitis is associated with inflammation, we hypothesized that inflammation may attenuate the efficacy of IFN therapy. To test this hypothesis, the effect of IL-1beta, one of the major proinflammatory cytokines, on IFN signaling pathway in the liver was examined. Administration of IL-1beta in vivo attenuated IFN-alphabeta-induced STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation in the liver but not in the spleen. The inhibitory action of IL-1beta in vivo was not affected by depleting hepatic Kupffer cells, suggesting that IL-1beta may directly target IFN-alphabeta signaling in hepatocytes. Indeed, pretreatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with IL-1beta suppressed IFN-alphabeta-induced antiviral activity and antiviral protein MxA mRNA expression. Furthermore, IL-1beta attenuated IFN-alphabeta-induced STAT1 binding and tyrosine phosphorylation without affecting the level of STAT1 protein. This inhibitory effect can be reversed by pretreatment with either proteasome inhibitors or transfection of dominant negative NF-kappaB inducing kinase mutants. Taken together, these findings suggest that IL-1beta attenuates IFN-alphabeta-induced STAT1 activation by a proteasome-dependent mechanism. In view of high levels of IL-1beta in the serum or within the liver of patients with chronic liver diseases, attenuation of IFN-alphabeta signaling in the liver by IL-1beta could be one of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to IFN therapy in chronic hepatitis C, and IL-1beta could be a potential therapeutic target for improving the efficacy of IFN therapy.

[Application of confocal microprobe Raman spectroscopy in the analysis of interfaces]

Confocal microprobe Raman spectroscopy has been applied to the study of liquid/gas and solid/liquid interfaces. With the help of the resonance Raman effect, the aggregation process of TSPP has been monitored at the liquid/gas interface using Raman spectroscopy, which is shown to have very different behavior compared with that in the bulk. The solution layer analysis has been performed in the interfacial region above a Pt electrode under reaction, and the solution composition is monitored in situ during the electrochemecial reaction. Taking the advantage of high spatial resolution of the confocal microscope, the surface enhanced Raman imaging has been performed on the electrodeposited gold surface.

[Development of a system for Polymyxa graminis infection and transmission of wheat yellow mosaic virus]

In growth chambers, a system was developed for infection of Polymyxa graminis to wheat(Triticum aestivum L.), which is an obligate parasite. By the system, the fungus could be propagated in large quantity rapidly and the life cycle of P. graminis in wheat was observed in a period of 13 to 15 days. The methods for separating P. graminis as single cystosori from cultured wheat roots or dried roots were simplified. By tests for the factors affecting on P. graminis infection, including inocula types, seedling age of host plants, temperatures, pH value and nutrient contents etc., the system was modified to more perfection. With an integration of optimal temperature and other elements in the system, which affect on infection and development of P. graminis, wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) was transmitted constantly and efficiently by the fungal vector. In average, 70% of wheat plants inoculated by the viruliferous fungi could infected by WYMV and the typical symptom of wheat mosaic disease would appear at 30 days post-inoculation mechanically.

[Preliminary echocardiographic evaluation on prosthetic valve replacement of preserving the subvalvular apparatus with artificial chorade for mitral stenosis]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results after prosthetic valve replacement of preserving the subvalvular apparatus with artificial chorade for mitral stenosis. 20 patients had received operation with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(e-PTFE) as artificial chordade. The patients were followed up by means of echocardiography. The time of follow-up study varied from 4 to 18 months with a mean of 6 months. The left atrial, ventricular dimension as well as ventricular function were assessed. In addition, the length of artificial chorade and obstruction of left ventricular outflow track were observed. The results showed that left atrial diameter (LAD, from 57.59 +/- 13.51 mm to 47.05 +/- 9.55 mm), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD, from 46.23 +/- 12.56 mm to 42.41 +/- 10.86 mm), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD, from 33.50 +/- 10.20 mm to 29.68 +/- 8.40 mm) decreased (P < 0.01), and ejection fraction (EF, from 52.59 +/- 11.89% to 58.36 +/- 8.03%) increased (P < 0.05) after operation. There were no significant changes of fractional shortening (FS, from 29.23 +/- 8.99% to 31.05 +/- 6.08%). The length of artificial chorade ranged from 2.6 cm to 4.3 cm (the mean, 3.2 cm). There was no case of obstruction of left ventricular outflow track. It is believed that the result of preliminary echocardiographic observation on prosthetic valve replacement of preserving the subvalvular apparatus with artificial chorade for mitral stenosis is satisfactory.

[Evaluation of modified maze procedure by Doppler tissue imager]

Since 1998 the cardiac surgeons of WCUMS have performed modified maze procedure for treating the patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease accompanied with chronic atrial fibrillation (Af). In this study, echocardiography, especially Doppler Tissue Imager (DTI), was used to evaluate atria contraction and function of such patients before and after the operation. 14 rheumatic mitral disease patients, aged 27-60 years, were chosen; among them, 11 had mitral stenosis, 3 mitral regurgitation. The control group consisted of 16 cases, aged 24-67 years, with normal echocardiogram. Before and half-1 year after the operation, left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium and ventricle were measured, and cardiac function and posterior wall motion of left atrium were measured. Velocity of mitral valve annual and tricuspid valve annual was measured in DTI. The results showed: There was no age difference between the two groups. The motion of posterior wall of left atrium was 4.18 +/- 0.37 mm in the operation group, 4.09 +/- 0.29 mm in the control group (P > 0.05). No difference in velocity of mitral/tricuspid valve annual between the two groups was observed; 3 peaks of mitral valve annual were S 0.11 +/- 0.02, e 0.11 +/- 0.01, a 0.09 +/- 0.01 (m/s) in operation group, and S 0.08 +/- 0.00, e 0.10 +/- 0.01, a 0.08 +/- 0.01 (m/s) in control group, (P > 0.05, respectively); 3 peaks of tricuspid valve annual were S 0.10 +/- 0.01 vs 0.11 +/- 0.08, e 0.11 +/- 0.08 vs 0.10 +/- 0.01, a 0.10 +/- 0.10 vs 0.09 +/- 0.01 (m/s), (P > 0.05, respectively). The diameter of left atrium after operation in cases of mitral stenosis decreased significantly, compared with that before operation (P < 0.01). The diameter of right atrium after operation decreased significantly, compared with that before operation (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in right ventricle/left ventricle/EF and FS. The diameter of left atrium after operation in cases of mitral regurgitation decreased significantly, compared with that before operation (P < 0.01). The diameter of left ventricle after operation decreased significantly, compared with that before operation (P < 0.05). No significant change in right ventricle/right atrium/EF and FS was noted. The authors conclude the DTI, as a new diagnostic method in echocardiography, has high sensitivity and is less influenced when used to observe motion of atrium-ventricle annual influenced. It can avoid the error caused by deviation of blood displacement. In the rheumatic mitral valve disease patients who had mitral valve replacement and modified maze procedure, atrial contraction respores, the risk of thromboembolism decreases and prognosis improves. So the operation is worth doing.

[Transmission grating spectrograph for soft X-ray spectrum measurements with a pre-optics]

A novel diffraction spectroscopic instrument consisting of a large area transmission grating and a grazing-incidence pre-optics comprising of a toroidal mirror, a slit and a cylindrical mirror has been implemented. A nearly perfect stigmatism and a medium spectral resolution are due to the separation of the focusing and dispersing function. The experimental results show that it is possible to construct large area transmission grating spectrograph with high collecting efficiency and good spatial resolution.

[Study of bacterial adhesion to prosthetic valve materials in vitro]

This article reports a study of the bacterial adhesion to prosthetic valve materials in vitro. The method for assessing the degree of bacterial adhesion to prosthetic valve materials was established primarily. The capacities of staphylococcus aureus(SA), staphylococcus epidermidis(SE), Escherichia Coli(EC) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) for adhesion to Dacron, Pyrolytic carbon and polytetrofluoroethylene (PTFE) were quantitatively determined by the plate counting and Gamma-ray counting of 125I radiolabeled bacteria in vitro. The results showed that the capacities of four types of bacteria for adhesion to Dacron, Pyrolytic carbon and PTFE coincided with the bacterial-growth curve. The capacities of four bacteria for adhering to Dacron were stronger. The adhesion of SE to Pyrolytic carbon was the strongest. The adhesion of PA Kept up a high level. The capacities of EC and PA for adhering to PTFE were the strongest. The results indicate that the capacities of different types of bacteria for adhesion to the same prosthetic valve material are different, and the capacities of one type of bacteria for adhesion to different materials are also different.

[The expression of E-cadherin-catenin complex in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the E-cadherin-catenin(E-cad-cat) complex in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma(ACC) and determine the effects of E-cad-cat expression on tumor differentiation,metastasis and invasion as well as their clinical significance. METHODS:The expression of adhesion molecules,which included E-cadherin,alpha-catenin and beta-catenin,in 10 cases of normal salivary glands,50 cases of human salivary ACC was investigated by immunohistochemistry.RESULT:Co-expression of E-cadherin,alpha-catenin and beta-catenin was detected in 29(58%) of the 50 ACC specimens.Positive staining of E-cad-cat complex was detected in 7(39%) of the 18 ACC primary sites which had aggressive phenotype of nerve and vasculature.CONCLUSION:Strong positive signals of E-cad-cat complex were showed in normal salivary glands,and the down regulation expression was observed in ACC cases,The expression of E-cad-cat complex was associated with a more aggressive phenotype on nerve and vasculature.No association with various histopathologic subtypes was found;Down-regulation of E-cad-cat complex may be associated with canceration of normal salivary glands.

[Effect of activated donor-type NK cells on allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of activated donor-type NK cells on allogeneic bone marrow transplantation(BMT).

METHODS

Four hours before or 72 hours after transfusing bone marrow cells(containing T cells), the activated donor-type NK cells were injected into tumor-bearing mice conditioned by irradiation. The effect of these NK cells were assessed by CFU-S, CFU-GM, survival, body weight, histopathology and lung metastases in the recipients.

RESULTS

The transfusion of activated donor-type NK cells markedly increased CFU-S and CFU-GM numbers. When these NK cells were transfused 4 hours before BMT, they augmented GVT yet inhibited GVHD as evidenced by increases in survival duration and body weight, reduction in grade of histopathological changes and decrease in lung metastases. However, when activated donor-type NK cells were transfused 72 hours after BMT, they exacerbated GVHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The activated donor-type NK cells could prevent GVHD and produce significant GVT effects and also resulted in greater hematopoietic reconstitution if they were at the initial stage of allogeneic BMT in mice. Thereafter, the activated donor-type NK cells were detrimental and could exacerbate the subsequent GVHD, these results also demonstrated that GVT and GVHD could be dissociable phenomena.

[Left ventricular function evaluation after mitral valve replacement with preservation the subvalvular apparatus]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the left ventricular function after mitral valve replacement (MVR) with preservation of all chordae. Fourteen patients with a diagnosis of mitral regurgitation were studied. These patients, 4 males and 10 females, age from 24 to 59 years, who underwent mitral valve replacement, in which all chordae tendineae were preserved. The mean follow-up interval was 6 months. Preoperation and postoperation multigated equilibrium radionuclide angiography was performed by Elscint Helix Apex SPECT. Each patient was injected with 740MBq 99mTc-HSA, rest ejection fraction (global EF) of LV (%), regional ejection fraction (EF) of LV (%), PER/S and PFR/S were measured. Regional EF was calculated by the method of dividing the left ventricle into five segments by radial axis. The results showed that the postoperative EF of the whole left ventricle of the chordae-preserved patients was significantly greater than their preoperative EF (40.0% +/- 17.8%, to 51.6% +/- 18.2%, P < 0.02), and also the regional EF at the lateral wall of the chordae-preserved MVR was significantly greater than the preoperative regional EF (an increase from 51.0% +/- 18.1% to 69.7% +/- 21.2%, P < 0.01). MVR with preservation of all chordae, the patient's left ventricular function remarkably improved.

[Immunohistochemical study of basement membrane proteins expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of the basement membrane proteins in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands and discuss the relationship between the expression of the proteins and the differentiation as well the prognosis of ACC.

METHODS

101 patients which were confirmed pathologically were collected and made a follow-up, and 30 cases of them were selected to detect the basement membrane proteins (type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan) by the means of immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The cribriform pattern of ACC had a more favorable prognosis than the solid pattern which had a lower rates of metastasis of/and recurrence. The positive locations and the degrees of the four proteins varied with the histological patterns of ACC. The cribriform pattern had the strongest positive expression and the solid pattern the weakest. In addition, the staining of fibronectin were weaker in all three patterns of ACC.

CONCLUSION

The degree of the positive expression of the four proteins has a negative relation to the differentiation of the tumor cells. The lower degree of differentiation the tumor cells are, the weaker positive signals they express. Of the four substances in the basement membrane, laminin is the main material which adhere the parenchymal cell to the collagen in basement membrane of the tumor. Basement membrane proteins could be regarded as one of the basis to evaluate the prognosis of ACC.

[Experimental study of LAK and activated NK cells affecting hematopoiesis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between LAK/activated NK cells and hematopoiesis as well as the effects of LAK/activated NK cells on hematopoietic reconstitution after syngeneic bone marrow transplantation(BMT) in mice.

METHODS

1. LAK/activated NK cells were cocultured with bone marrow cells(BMC) in semi-solid agar medium to determine their effects on CFU-GM formation. 2. Syngeneic LAK/activated NK cells were transferred with BALB/c BMCs into lethally irradiated syngeneic recipients to determine their effects on hematopoietic reconstitution.

RESULTS

When BMC were cultured under optimal growth conditions in the presence of exogenous hematopoietic growth factors, the effects of LAK/activated NK cells were mainly inhibitory. However, when BMCs were cultured under growth-limiting conditions without exogenous hematopoietic growth factors, the LAK/activated NK cells could support CFU-GM formation. Syngeneic LAK/activated NK cells significantly increased CFU-S and CFU-GM numbers after syngeneic BMT, and also significantly improved platelet and white blood cell count.

CONCLUSIONS

LAK/activated NK cells could be bidirectionally regulate CFU-GM formation in vitro and promote hematopoietic reconstitution after syngeneic BMT in mice.

[Expression of p53 protein and PCNA in premalignant lesions of oral mucosa and its clinical significance]

OBJECTIVE:The study was to investigate the expression features of p53 protein and PCNA antigens in premalignant lesions of oral mucosa and further to discuss its clinical significance.METHODS: 50 samples were retrieved from the biopsy of the patients with suspicious premalignancy.Followed by the diagnosis pathologically,the sections were labeled with p53 and PCNA antigens by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In premalignant lesions,the progression staining with p53 and PCNA antigens were positively corresponding to the epithelial dysplasia from the basal layer to the keratinous layer. CONCLUSION: The p53 and PCNA antigens expressed synchronously in premalignant lesions of oral mucosa and exhibited direct correlation with the degree of epithelial dysplasia;The positive signals with p53 and PCNA antigens in the premalignant lesions may be the earlier incidence in carcinogenesis, which may initiated at the earlier stage of epithelial dysplasia.This phenomenon is deserving of clinicians' attention for discovering the premalignant lesions earlier;The detection of p53 and PCNA antigens would be helpful to find out the lesion which has the tendency turning to dysplasia.

[Functional improvement of remnant stomach after proximal subtotal gastrectomy for cardiac cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the function of the remnant stomach after proximal subtotal gastrectomy for cardiac cancer and to improve the life quality of post-surgical patients.

METHODS

17 patients with cardiac cancer underwent proximal subtotal gastrectomy combined with disconnection of pyloric sphincter (PSG + DPS) by finger pressing. Intraoperative pyloric manometric studies were performed in the 17 patients before and after DPS. Five subjects who underwent laparotomy for non-esophagogastric reasons was taken as controls. Total bile acids (TBA) in gastric juice was tested in the 17 patients at 5th postoperative day, and radionuclide gastric emptying was also studied from the 18th to 20st postoperative day.

RESULTS

Both pyloric resting pressure and pyloric contracting pressure were significantly decreased after DPS (P > 0.01). In comparison with normal subjects, PCP was increased before DPS (P > 0.01) and decreased after the procedure (P < 0.05). However, PRP did not show significant differences before (P > 0.05) and after (P > 0.05) DPS. There were no significant differences regarding TBA content in gastric juice in PSG + DPS group, PSG group, and normal subjects (P > 0.05). The time required for the stomach to empty half of its radioactive contents (T1/2) was longer in the patients having PSG only than those undergoing PSG + DPS (P < 0.01) and normal controls (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences regarding T1/2 between the patients with PSG + DPS and normal controls (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The emptying of remnant stomach after subtotal gastrectomy for cardiac cancer is delayed because of the increase of emptying-resistance and decrease of peristalsis. PSG combined with DPS not only improves gastric emptying, but also prevents duodenogastric reflux. Consequently, postoperative life quality of the patients with cardiac cancer can be effectively improved.

Use of neuroendocrine hormones to promote reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation

A survey of the previous literature and the data shown here indicate that neuroendocrine hormones such as growth hormone and prolactin may be of potential clinical use after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to promote hematopoietic and immune recovery. The amounts of hormones used in our model do not promote weight gain suggesting that their lymphohematopoietic actions were independent of their anabolic effects. While the hormones may not produce the same extent of immune/hematopoietic effects when compared to conventional hematopoietic and immune stimulating cytokines (i.e. IL-2 or G-CSF), their pleiotropic effects and limited toxicity after systemic administration makes them attractive to test in the post-BMT setting. However, more work needs to be performed to understand the mechanism(s) of their action, particularly with regard to T-cell function and development.

[Effect of ischemia/reperfusion in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass on nitric oxide levels of peripheral blood in patients]

To examine the effect of ischemia/reperfusion in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on nitric oxide (NO) levels of peripheral blood, venous levels of NO2- and NO3- were measured at multiple time-points before, during, and after CPB by means of high-pressure liquid chromatograph to reflect NO concentration indirectly in 20 patients. The results showed there was a linear regression between the decreased trend of NO release at the period of peri-CPB is related to the endothelial cell activation caused by ischemia/reperfusion at the same time. Therefore it is necessary to explore the regulation and action of NO release during systemic inflammatory response procedure in CPB.

[Multiple subpial transection in surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy]

OBJECTIVE

To increase the effect of epilepsy surgery, we use multiple subpial transection (MST) clinically on the basis of experimental study.

METHOD

We analyzed the seizure type and course of 116 intractable epilepsy patients treated with MST and surgical technique were modified.

RESULT

100 patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years. Complete control of seizure was obtained in 62 patients (62%), significant reduction (over 75%) in 20 (20%), reduction (over 50%) in 12 (12%), and no change in 6 (6%). The total effective rate was 94%, and the significant effective rate was 82%. No functional defect was found in any patients.

CONCLUSION

MST is a effective in surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy and can replace conventional methods. Combined bilateral frontal lobe MST and anterior callosotomy is a good way to treat intractable generalized epilepsy.

CT-guided stereotactic biopsy of deep brain lesions: report of 310 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of CT-guided stereotactic biopsy in making correct pathological diagnosis and choosing corresponding management of brain tumors.

METHODS

From 1991 to 1995, CT-guided stereotactic biopsy was performed in 310 patients with intracerebral lesions which were deep-seated or located in certain main functional areas. The patients were 198 men and 112 women. Their ages ranged from 4.5 to 70 years (average: 39.3 years). The lesions were located in the deep cerebrum (74 patients), the sellar area (62), the basal ganglion (51), the posterior part of the third ventricle (38), other intraventricleular area (21), the cerebellum (17) and the brain stem (9), and intracranial multiple lesions were found in 38 patients.

RESULTS

Brain tumors were diagnosed pathologically in 266 patients (85.8%); inflammatory process in 25 (8.1%), other lesions in 8 (2.6%) and uncertain cases were 11 (3.6%). The overall positive rate of biopsy was 96.4% and the positive rate for brain tumor was 85.8%. Intracranial hematomas after biopsy were found in 5 patients (1.6%). There were no deaths induced by the biopsy or other serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that CT-guided stereotactic biopsy is a reliable method for histopathological diagnosis of brain tumors and it is also of great help in selecting appropriate management.

[The predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human tumor cells]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the expression of Th1 versus Th2 type cytokines in human tumor cells.

METHODS

The gene expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in human tumor cells was detected by RT-PCR and RNA dot hybridization using IL-2 and IFN gamma as Th1 type cytokine genes, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 as Th2 type cytokine genes.

RESULTS

There were predominant expressions of Th2 type cytokines in 20 different human tumor cell lines including 11 solid tumor and 9 hematogenous tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines by tumor cells may be related to the evasion of tumor cells from immune surveillance.