MGMT expression in low-grade gliomas

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Background: To evaluate the expression of MGMT in low-grade gliomas, and explore the relationship between its expression and the histological type of the tumour and the corresponding MRI characteristics. Methods: We assessed 389 low-grade gliomas (182 astrocytomas, 145 oligoastrocytomas, 61 oligodendrocytomas) with immunohistochemistry staining. We also recorded the preoperational MRI criteria such as tumor volume on T2 image, enhancing volume, tumor location, and relationship with ventricles. Results: The expression of MGMT in astrocytomas, oligoastrocytomas, and oligocytomas were 1.67 ± 0.78, 1.41 ± 0.86,1.44 ± 0.78, respectively. Significant stronger expression of MGMT was observed in astrocytomas than oligoastrocytomas and oligodendrocytomas (t = 3.00, p = 0.03), but no significant difference was observed between the latter two (t = 0.28, p = 0.78). MGMT expression level was significantly correlated with the enhancing volume of the tumor (r = -0.605, p = 0.002), but did not correlate with the total tumor volume (p = 0.504). Conclusions: MGMT is more strongly expressed in tumors of solely astrocyte component, and its expression level is negatively correlated with the extent of blood-brain barrier disruption. This suggest that MGMT may contribute to the tumor resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in low-grade gliomas.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Transpetrosal presigmoid approach for removal of giant petroclival tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the operative technique, advantage and postoperative complications in 41 patients with giant petroclival tumors treated with the supra- and infratentorial transpetrousal presigmoid approach.

METHODS

Clinical data were obtained from the review of charts and radiographic images of the 41 patients after operation with temporo-occipotal free osseous flap, partial petrosectomy and mastoidectomy were performed around the labyrinth. The semicircular canals, cochlea and tympanic cavity were protected during the operation. After the super petrous was ligated and cut off, the petroclival region in front of the sigmoid sinus was exposed.

RESULTS

In the 41 patients 20 had meningiomas, 20 epidermoid cysts, and one schwannoma. Total resection was performed in 34 patients, subtotal resection in 16, and greater partial resection in one. Major postoperative complications included temporal aphasia (10 patients), cerebral edema (6), brain stem infarct (2), IIIth, VIIth, VIth and posterial group cranial nerves palsies (16, 16, 8, 6 respectively), and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (4 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

This approach can expose sufficiently the petroclival region. It can also reveal the area of adjacent sella, interpeduncular and formen magnum, and homolateral III-XIIth cranial nerves. The postoperative complications may be related to operative techniues and tumorous characteristics.

Study on preventive and curative effects of liu wei di huang tang on tumors

Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (LWDHT), a Chinese prescription for strengthening the body resistance, restoring the normal functions of the body to consolidate the constitution, and nourishing and invigorating the kidney yin, has been used to prevent and treat severe hyperplasia of esophageal epithelium for many years. The results of this experiment show that LWDHT can increase markedly the number of lymphocytes, mainly T lymphocytes, in tumor-bearing mice. Free-flow electrophoresis shows that in tumor-bearing mice the electrophoretic characteristics of T lymphocytes are changed, i.e., reduction of the number of T lymphocytes with a higher electrophoretic rate, but LWDHT can alleviate this disorder. Study on the cell membrane fluidity of carcinoma cells in EAC mice demonstrates that LWDHT can decrease the cell membrane fluidity, suggesting that it can inhibit division of carcinoma cells.

[Effects of cadmium on calcium homeostasis of isolated epithelial cells of proximal renal tubules]

Changes of intracellular calcium homeostasis in epithelial cell damage of renal tubules caused by cadmium and its relationship with the damage were studied in isolated tubular cells of rabbits. Results showed levels of free calcium (Ca++) in tubular cytoplasm increased significantly with the treatment of cadmium, and a series of cellular ultrastructure were damaged. A calcium channel blocker, phenothiazine, showed blocking and protecting effects on it. This suggested calcium overload played a very important role in kidney damage caused by cadmium.

[Progress of researches on the role and mechanisms of non - coding RNA in Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection]

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a food-borne zoonotic parasite, and human infection may cause eosinophilic meningitis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may regulate physiological and pathological processes at multiple biological levels; however, there are few studies pertaining to the regulatory role of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infection. Based on publications retrieved from PubMed, Wanfang Data and CNKI, the regulatory role of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infections mainly includes immune responses, cell apoptosis and signaling transduction, and ncRNAs may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis. This review summarizes the main roles of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infections and the underlying mechanisms, so as to provide insights into diagnosis and treatment of angiostrongyliasis.

Association of compartment defects in anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction with female outlet obstruction constipation (OOC) by dynamic MR defecography

OBJECTIVE

Chronic constipation affects more than 17% of the global population worldwide, and up to 50% of patients were outlet obstruction constipation (OOC). Women and the elderly are most likely to be affected, due to female-specific risk factors, such as menopause, parity and multiparity. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of compartment defects in anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction with female outlet obstruction constipation (OOC) by MR defecography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-six consecutive women diagnosed with outlet obstruction constipation from October 2009 to July 2011 were included. They were categorized into the following groups: anorectal disorder only group (27 patients) and anorectal disorder plus multi-compartment pelvic disorder group (29 patients). Relevant measurements were taken at rest, during squeezing and straining.

RESULTS

Anismus was significantly more common in the anorectal disorder group compared to the multi-compartment pelvic disorder group. Conversely, rectocele, rectal prolapse, and descending perineum were significantly more common in the multi-compartment pelvic disorder group compared to the anorectal disorder group. Of the total 56 OOC patients, 34 (60.7%) exhibited anismus and 38 (67.9%) rectocele. Among the anismus patients, there were 8 patients (23.5%) with combined cystocele, and 6 patients (17.6%) with combined vaginal/cervical prolapse. Among the rectocele patients, there were 23 patients (60.5%) with combined cystocele and 18 patients (47.4%) with combined vaginal/cervical prolapse. With respect to anorectal defects, 13 anismus patients (38.2%) were with signal posterior pelvic defects, 4 rectocele patients (10.5%) presented with signal posterior pelvic defects.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate defecatory propulsion due to outlet obstruction constipation is often associated with multi-compartment pelvic floor disorders, whereas not about dyssynergic defecation.

[Interpretation of Detection and identification standard of hookworm-Hook-worm larvae coproculture techniques (WS/T 791-2021)]

Detection and identification standard of hookworm-Hookworm larvae coproculture techniques (WS/T 791-2021) is the first recommended technical standard for hookworm detection and species identification using the hookworm larvae coproculture technique in China. This standard was issued on November 23, 2021, and had been in effect since May 1, 2022. This article provides a detailed interpretation pertaining to the background, drafting process, main contents, and dos and don'ts for better understanding and application of this standard among professionals working in disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions.

Eradication of poliomyelitis: progress in the People's Republic of China

China and the other countries of the Western Pacific Region have a goal of eradication of wild poliovirus by the end of 1995. In this report we examine the progress made toward eradication through the end of 1993. We examined the information about poliomyelitis and wild poliovirus based on the acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system. The number of reported poliomyelitis cases decreased from 4623 cases in 1989 and 5065 cases in 1990, which occurred during a large nationwide poliomyelitis epidemic, to 538 cases in 1993. Mass supplemental immunization sessions were conducted during the 1991 to 1992 and 1992 to 1993 winters. After the two rounds of supplemental immunizations in the 1992 to 1993 winter, wild poliovirus was not detected for the subsequent 21 months in 22 contiguous provinces in central and northern China, in which 980 million persons reside. In 1993 wild poliovirus was detected in only 5 provinces in southern China and in 2 provinces in the remote Western region; these provinces have only 14% of the total population in China. China is close to achieving its 1995 poliomyelitis elimination goal. Mass supplemental immunizations in children 0 to 3 years old can rapidly eliminate wild poliovirus from large, very densely populated areas, low income rural areas and remote mountainous areas. There appears to be no technical obstacle, even in the most difficult areas, to achieving global eradication of wild poliovirus by the year 2000.

Structure and function of chromophores in R-Phycoerythrin at 1.9 A resolution

The crystal structure of R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) from Polysiphonia urceolata has been refined to a resolution of 1.9 A, based on the atomic coordinates of R-PE determined at 2.8 A resolution, through the use of difference Fourier method and steorochemistry parameters restrained refinement with model adjustment according to the electron density map. Crystallographic R-factor of the refined model is 0.195 (Rfree = 0.282) from 8-1.9 A. High resolution structure of R-PE showed precise interactions between the chromophores and protein residues, which explained the spectrum characteristic and function of chromophores. Four chiral atoms of phycourobilin (PUB) were identified as C(4)-S, C(16)-S, C(21)-S, and C(20)-R. In addition to the coupling distances of 19 A to 45 A between the chromophores which were observed and involved in the energy transfer pathway, high resolution structure of R-PE suggested other pathways of energy transfer, such as the ultrashort distance between alpha140a and beta155. It has been proposed that aromatic residues in linker proteins not only influence the conformation of chromophore, but may also bridge chromophores to improve the energy transfer efficiency.

[Progress in researches on anti-tumor agent L-asparaginase for treatment of leukemia]

L-asparaginase is a very effective anti-tumor agent. To take the most advantage of enzyme treatment method, the natural L-asparaginase could be chemically modified, entrapped or immobilized into/onto other carriers. The extracorporeal shunt system with immobilized enzyme reactor deserves to receive special attention. It provides an entirely new idea for leukemia treatment and is proved to be very prospective in the future leukemia cure.

[Clinical application of Targis veneers]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Targis material in the form of veneers.

METHODS

Nineteen patients treated with 91 Targis veneers were involved in this study, and the clinical evaluation on veneers was conducted at the time of recall. The evaluation parameters included marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, surface texture and color match. The periodontal status of all teeth with veneers was evaluated by gingival bleeding index and plaque index before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The mean observation period for the veneers was 14.6 months. Four veneers failed due to fracture, three because of debond, one because of discoloration. The cumulative rate of success was 91.2%. There was no significant difference in gingival bleeding index before and after treatment, but the plaque index significantly decreased after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The clinical results of Targis are satisfactory.

[Clinical observation of the microanatomical relation between pituitary stalk and pituitary adenoma]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the microanatomical relation between the pituitary stalk and pituitary adenoma so as to find practical approach to protect the pituitary stalk during operation.

METHODS

At the level of diaphragm sellae, the laterality of pituitary stalk was assessed in 71 cases by its location to the line connecting the mid-points of tuberculum sellae and dorsum sellae. In 46 cases the level of diaphragma sellae was regarded as the clock dial so as to determine the location by hour of the pituitary stalk.

RESULTS

The laterality of pituitary stalk was observed in 61 cases, among which the pituitary stalk was on the left side in 17 cases, on the right side in 41 cases, and at the posterior middle site in 13 cases. Location by hour was observed in 46 cases, among which 13 cases were at 5 o'clock, 11 at 6 o'clock, 7 at 7 o'clock, 5 at 4 o'clock, 4 at 3 o'clock, 2 at 2 o'clock, 2 at o'clock, and 2 at 11 o'clock respectively.

CONCLUSION

The location of pituitary stalk is related to the direction of growth of tumor in the sella and not related to its extension above the sella. The pituitary stalk can be used as the marker to find normal pituitary tissue.

[Operative strategy and clinical results of complex four part distal radius fractures by combined palmar and dorsal internal fixation]

Objective: To explore a standard procedure for the treatment of combined dorsal and palmar internal fixation for complex four part distal radius fractures and assess its clinical results. Methods: From May 2009 to October 2016, 38 patients(39 sides)who suffered from complex four part distal radius fractures were performed operatively with open reduction and internal fixation via combined dorsal and palmar approach in Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University(Qingdao). The series included 22 males(22 sides) and 16 females(17 sides). Age of the patients was 53.5 years ranging from 25 to 79 years.According to Melone classification, there were 34 sides of type of Ⅳ, 5 of type Ⅴ.According to Frykman classification, there were 15 sides of type Ⅶ, 24 sides of type Ⅷ, and all the cases were type C3 according to AO/OTA classification.Preoperatively, the key articular fragments in four part distal radius fractures were identified and the individual fracture patterns from conventional X-ray and CT-scan were analyzed. All the patients were performed combined volar and dorsal fixation.Firstly, a palmar approach which gave access to and fix the palmar-ulnar fragment and the radial styloid fragment was performed.Then a limited dorsal approach across the third extensor compartment which gave access to the dorso-ulnar fragment and a limited dorsal arthrotomy to visualize the radiocarpal joint when necessary were performed.Through dorsal approach, we can address the dorso-ulnar fragment, free intra-articular fragment and direct visualize the joint.Use of a retinacular flap was routinely advocated to help prevent against tendon irritation and rupture.The follow-up control included conventional X-ray, range of motion(ROM), grip strength, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand index(DASH), as well as the patient-rated wrist evaluation(PRWE) score for functional outcome at 6 and 12 months. Results: Thirty-three patients(34 sides) were followed up for at least 12 months.The would healed well in all cases 2 weeks postoperatively, and no soft tissue infections, necrosis or neurovascular complications occurred.All the fractures of 38 cases(39 sides)healed averaged 3.6 months(ranging from 2.5-5.7 months), and no loss of reduction occurred postoperatively.Anatomic reconstruction with a step or gap of <1 mm was achieved in 37 cases(38 sides), Whereas 5 patients were lost to follow-up at 12 months postoperatively.ROM and grip strength were all recovered to over 85% of the unaffected side(exception of the bilateral patient). Median DASH-index and PRWE were 6.5(0-17) and 9.3(0-20)respectively. Conclusion: Combined volar and dorsal approaches allow achieving anatomic reconstruction in complex four part intra-articular distal radius fractures and reveal good functional outcomes at intermediate follow-up.