Synthesis of steroidal glycosides bearing the disaccharide moiety of OSW-1 and their antitumor activities

Nine glycosides bearing the disaccharide of OSW-1, namely 2-O-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-arabinopyranosides, were synthesized, and their antitumor activities were tested.

Synthesis of OSW-1 analogues and a dimer and their antitumor activities

Five analogues, including a 16-epi-isomer (6), and a 3-terephthalic acid linked dimer (8) of OSW-1 were synthesized. Their inhibitory activities on P388 and A-549 cells were detected.

Glomangiomyoma of the nasal cavity

Glomus tumor is a rare neoplasm that typically occurs in soft tissue of the extremity, particularly the subungual region of the finger tip. It rarely occurs in the nasal septum. Glomangiomyoma is a rare histologic variant of glomus tumor. The authors describe a case of glomangiomyoma of the nasal septum that presented as nasal obstruction. The histologic, immunohistochemical, and electronmicroscopic findings are described. The otolaryngologist and surgical pathologist should be aware of such an entity, and should not confuse it with the totally unrelated glomus jugulare tumor, or paraganglioma of the middle ear.

Endonasal endoscopic removal of growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas

Trans-sphenoidal removal of pituitary tumours using the endonasal endoscopic technique, a novel application, is herein reported in five consecutive patients with growth-hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas seen at a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. All five patients demonstrated complete tumour removal on postoperative imaging and hormonal assessment following the procedure. Surgical morbidity and symptoms were minimal; postoperative obstructive nasal packing was not required with this technique, which greatly improved patient comfort. Preliminary experience suggests that the endonasal endoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative to the conventional trans-septal microscopic method for the treatment of pituitary tumour. A randomised controlled trial comparing these two approaches is currently underway at this institution.

[Character of alpha-crystallin molecular chaperone activity in selenite cataract]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the character of alpha-crystallin molecular chaperone activity in selenite cataract.

METHODS

alpha-Crystallin from lenses of normal young rats and lenses with selenite cataract were separated and purified by gel filtration chromatography. The chaperone activity of alpha-crystallin was assayed by mearsuring heat-induced aggregation and scattering of catalase.

RESULTS

alpha-Crystallin in both normal and cataractous lenses specifically prevented catalase against thermal aggregation compared with control proteins. The preventive ability in alpha H-crystallin was less than in alpha L-crystallin. Chaperone activity was diminished in selenite cataract. There was statistically significant difference in chaperone activity between normal and cataractous lenses in both alpha H-crystallin and alpha L-crystallin respectively.

CONCLUSION

The reduction of alpha-crystallin chaperone activity in selenite cataract by preventing thermal aggregation of catalase is an important process in cataract formation.

[Expression of cytokeratin 7 and 20 in ovarian metastatic carcinomas]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distinctive clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical difference between ovarian metastatic carcinomas and primary ovarian carcinomas.

METHODS

The clinical and pathological features of 27 cases of ovarian metastatic carcinomas (gastric carcinomas 12 cases, colon carcinomas 11 cases, others 4 cases) obtained from our department were reviewed. Immunostainings for CK (AE1/AE3), CK7, CK20, CEA, vimentin, nm23 were performed with SP staining methods.

RESULTS

On gross examination, metastasis from gastric adenocarcinoma were usually bilateral, while solid (11/12) and metastases from colonic adenocarcinoma were more often unilateral and cystic (7/11). Microscopically, metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma revealed signet ring cells or poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (12/12), whereas metastases from colonic adenocarcinomas showed similar morphology of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (8/11). The majority of ovarian metastases of gastric carcinoma (7/12) and colon carcinoma (8/11) were CK20 positive. In particular, CK20 was invariably expressed in colon cancer metastases. Most of the ovarian metastatic carcinomas from the gastrointestinal tract failed to react with immunostaining of CK7. A combined use of CEA, vimentin and nm23 had made a correct classification for 11/12 cases of the gastric carcinoma, 10/11 cases of the colonic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

CK7 and CK20 have been proved to be useful antibodies in distinguishing between metastatic carcinomas and primary carcinomas of the ovary. Combined use of a panel of antibodies can give more significant results.

Preventing recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection who are taking low-dose aspirin or naproxen

BACKGROUND

Many patients who have had upper gastrointestinal bleeding continue to take low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis or other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for musculoskeletal pain. It is uncertain whether infection with Helicobacter pylori is a risk factor for bleeding in such patients.

METHODS

We studied patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were infected with H. pylori and who were taking low-dose aspirin or other NSAIDs. We evaluated whether eradication of the infection or omeprazole treatment was more effective in preventing recurrent bleeding. We recruited patients who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding that was confirmed by endoscopy. Their ulcers were healed by daily treatment with 20 mg of omeprazole for eight weeks or longer. Then, those who had been taking aspirin were given 80 mg of aspirin daily, and those who had been taking other NSAIDs were given 500 mg of naproxen twice daily for six months. The patients in each group were then randomly assigned separately to receive 20 mg of omeprazole daily for six months or one week of eradication therapy, consisting of 120 mg of bismuth subcitrate, 500 mg of tetracycline, and 400 mg of metronidazole, all given four times daily, followed by placebo for six months.

RESULTS

We enrolled 400 patients (250 of whom were taking aspirin and 150 of whom were taking other NSAIDs). Among those taking aspirin, the probability of recurrent bleeding during the six-month period was 1.9 percent for patients who received eradication therapy and 0.9 percent for patients who received omeprazole (absolute difference, 1.0 percent; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference, -1.9 to 3.9 percent). Among users of other NSAIDs, the probability of recurrent bleeding was 18.8 percent for patients receiving eradication therapy and 4.4 percent for those treated with omeprazole (absolute difference, 14.4 percent; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference, 4.4 to 24.4 percent; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with H. pylori infection and a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding who are taking low-dose aspirin, the eradication of H. pylori is equivalent to treatment with omeprazole in preventing recurrent bleeding. Omeprazole is superior to the eradication of H. pylori in preventing recurrent bleeding in patients who are taking other NSAIDs.

An improved synthesis of the saponin, polyphyllin D

Polyphyllin D, namely diosgenyl alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)- [(alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl)-(1 --> 4)]-[beta-D-glucopyranoside, was synthesized from diosgenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside in four steps and in 30% overall yield, taking advantage of regioselective pivaloylation and alpha-L-rhamnopyranosylation reactions.

Clinical observation on preservation of lens anterior capsule in reduction of complications associated with silicone oil

PURPOSE

To observe the effect of preservation of anterior capsule on the incidence of complications associated with silicone oil.

METHODS

82 patients (82 eyes) accepted trans pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV) combined with lensectomy of whom, 30 eyes with preservation of anterior capsule (PAC) and 52 eyes with no preservation of anterior capsule (NPAC). Analysis of the incidence of complications associated with use of oil.

RESULTS

The incidence rate was 50.0% in NPAC group, and 23.3% in PAC group (P < 0.025). There were secondary glaucoma (21.1%), band keratopathy (13.5%) and corneal decompensation (9.6%) in NPAC group, while there was none of them in PAC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of anterior capsule is an effective method to reduce the complications associated with silicone oil.

Dexamethasone modulation on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cell

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone(DEX) was tested for its ability to modulate human retinal pigment epithelium(hRPE) cell proliferation in cell culture.

METHODS

DEX in different concentrations was added to cultured hRPE cells. The effects were measured with MTT method, 3H-thymidine(3H-TdR) incorporation and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

DEX increased survival rate and DNA synthesis from 32 mg/L to 320 mg/L under hRPE culture conditions, but paradoxically reduced them at 1,000 mg/L and 3,200 mg/L in dose and time dependent fashion by both MTT assay and 3H-TdR incorporation. The cell numbers in S phase and G2/M phase increased 28.32% at DEX concentration 320 mg/L, in contrast, reduced 41.84% at 1,000 mg/L.

CONCLUSION

DEX increased proliferation from 32 mg/L to 320 mg/L, and inhibited proliferation at concentrations greater than 320 mg/L. The inhibiting effect of DEX may happen in s phase and G2/M phase.

Relationship between the size of neopharynx after laryngectomy and long-term swallowing function: an assessment by scintigraphy

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between the size of neopharynx after total laryngectomy and long-term swallowing function by means of scintigraphy.

STUDY DESIGN

The width of pharyngeal remnant was measured during surgery in 11 patients. Their swallowing function was assessed by scintigraphy 8 to 10 years after surgery.

METHODS

The width of pharyngeal remnant at its narrowest point in both relaxed and stretched state was measured during surgery. Postoperative scintigraphy data on swallowing were obtained and computed along 3 lines, (1) transit time through neopharynx, (2) percentage of bolus transferred, and (3) swallowing efficiency. The relationship between the 2 sets of data was analyzed by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

(1) No statistically significant relationship was found between the size of neopharynx and swallowing function. (2) All patients are clinically asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

The swallowing function is not affected by the size of the neopharynx in 11 patients with pharyngeal remnant width ranging from 3 to 8 cm (stretched).

Randomized trial of low-dose misoprostol and naproxen vs. nabumetone to prevent recurrent upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic misoprostol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with low gastric toxicity (nabumetone) has been shown to reduce mucosal injury.

AIM

To compare nabumetone vs. co-therapy of naproxen with low-dose misoprostol for secondary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in NSAID users.

METHODS

NSAID users presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled if they required long-term NSAIDs. After ulcer healing, they were randomized to receive: naproxen (500-1000 mg/day) and misoprostol (200 microg b.d.), or nabumetone (1000-1500 mg/day) and placebo misoprostol for 24 weeks. The primary end-point was recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The secondary end-point was the proportion of patients suffering from major gastrointestinal events including ulcer bleeding, symptomatic ulcers and severe dyspepsia.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (misoprostol/naproxen 45, nabumetone 45). Recurrent bleeding occurred in 10 patients (22.2%) receiving misoprostol/naproxen compared with three (6.7%) receiving nabumetone (relative risk 3.33, 95% CI: 0.98-11.32, P=0.069). The proportion of patients suffering from major gastrointestinal events at 24 weeks was 31.1% in the misoprostol/naproxen group and 28.9% in the nabumetone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Misoprostol/naproxen is not superior to nabumetone for secondary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Neither low-dose misoprostol nor nabumetone is adequate for high-risk NSAID users.

[Ocular axial length and refractive changes in pediatric pseudophakia]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ocular axial length and refractive changes that occured in children who had cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation and to investigate the factors that influenced the pseudophakic refraction.

METHODS

A review of 12 eyes in 10 children (mean age 7.16 years, range 3.83 to 10.16 years) who had cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation was undertaken. Patients were followed for an average of 35.8 months. The preoperative and the last postoperative axial length and corneal curvature (K readings) in both operated and unoperated eyes were measured. The distance from the vertex of the cornea to the anterior vertex of intraocular lens (AVpc) was measured in the final follw-up. The initial (in two weeks) and the last refractive status of pseudophakia were examined. Overall age at surgery averaged 7.16 years (range 3.83 to 10.16 years), with followed up of 35.8 months.

RESULTS

In the 12 operated eyes, the mean axial growth was 0.39 mm, whereas in the other eight unoperated eyes it was 0.66 mm. Though the axial length of both eyes increased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the postoperative increase of axial length between the two groups(P > 0.05). In K readings, there was no significant difference between the operated and unoperated eyes before surgery and in the last follow-up respectively. There was no significant difference between the preoperation and the last follow-up in the operated and the unoperated eyes respectively. The average calculated AVpc (AVpc2) was 4.66 30 mm, but the average objective AVpc (AVpc1) measured with ultrasonic biometry was 3.83 mm. The average difference between them was 0.8320 mm and was significant (P < 0.01). According to SRK formula, using preoperative and the last postoperative axial length and corneal curvature to predict refractive changes, the myopic shift was -1.53 D, but the average objective refractive difference between the last and initial examination after surgery was -3.86 D. The average difference between the predicted and actual postoperative refractive changes was significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that there may be no effect on ocular growth in children (3 to 10 years) followed cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Increasing of axial length and moving forward of intraocular lens induced by complication may result in myopic shift in pseudophakia of children. Slightly undercorrected eyes with intraocular lens in children after cataract extraction will gradually move to emmetropia or moderate myopia in adulthood.

Risk factors for active liver disease in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients

OBJECTIVES

HBeAg-negative patients constitute approximately 70% of all chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Southeast Asia, and some of these patients continue to suffer from active disease. We aimed to study the risk of hepatitis relapse in chronic HBV-infected patients with negative HBeAg and the predictor(s) of relapses.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients carrying HBsAg but lacking HBeAg. Patients recruited were required to have been followed for > or = 12 months with a minimum of three blood samples available for analysis. Patient demographic data, liver biochemistry, and HBV serology were analyzed in relation to relapses of hepatitis. Relapse was defined as an abrupt elevation of ALT > 200 IU/L or > 3-fold previous levels, whichever was higher.

RESULTS

In a period of 3 months, 317 patients seen at the Hepatitis Clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. The median duration of follow-up was 34 months. On initial consultation, 111 (35.0%) patients had elevated ALT (>60 IU/L). Overall, 57 (18.0%) patients developed at least one relapse, including 37 (33.3%) patients with elevated ALT and 20 (9.7%) patients with normal ALT at the first visit. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that elevated ALT level at first presentation (odds ratio 4.17, 95% confidence interval 2.24-7.75) and male gender (odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.23-6.49) were the two independent factors associated with a higher risk of hepatitis relapse. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a single ALT test for hepatitis relapse were 64.9%, 71.5%, 33.3%, and 90.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HBeAg-negative HBV carriers with normal ALT levels have a low risk of hepatitis relapse.

Synthesis of (25R)-ruscogenin-1-yl 3-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)

The synthesis of (25R)-ruscogenin-1-yl beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside, a saponin from the tuber of Liriope muscari (Decne.) Bailey, is described.

[Protective effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on injured retinal ganglion cells of rats]

PURPOSE

To investigate in vivo the survival of retinal ganglion cells(RGC) after optic nerve crush with intraocular injection of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

METHODS

Sprague-Dawly(SD) rats were divided into normal control, crush control, medium treatment and BDNF treatment group, and every group had 20 eyes. RGC of adult rats were labeled with fluorogold. Seven days later, the optic nerve was intraorbitally crushed and BDNF was injected into the vitreous. Five, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after crush, the numbers of RGC were counted.

RESULTS

The densities of RGC began to decrease 7 days after injury, the number of RGC was 70.2% and 40.5% of normal controls on days 14 and 28, respectively. In the group with BDNF injection, RGC densities decreased on days 7, but RGC densities were much higher than that of controls on 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

BDNF administered intraocularly at the time of crush can protect RGC from injury and cell death.

Effect of the external nasal dilator on nasal minimal cross-sectional area in orientals as assessed by acoustic rhinometry

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the external nasal dilator on the dimension of the nasal valve in Orientals.

DESIGN

A cohort study of normal subjects.

SETTING

Academic institution.

METHODS

The nasal fossae of normal subjects were assessed by acoustic rhinometry before and after application of the external nasal dilator.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The minimal cross-sectional area of the nasal fossae and the total cross-sectional area of the nose.

RESULTS

Nasal fossae of 25 normal subjects were evaluated. There was a significant increase of 0.10 cm2 (SD = 0.16) or a 17% increase in the minimal cross-sectional area of the 50 nasal cavities after application of the external nasal dilator (Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed rank test, p = .0001). A significant increase in the total minimal cross-sectional area for the whole nose after application was also present (0.19 cm2, SD = .27, or 16%; Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed rank test, p = .0032).

CONCLUSIONS

The external nasal dilator results in an increase in the minimal cross-sectional area of the nasal airway in Orientals.

Synthesis of glycosides bearing the disaccharide of OSW-1 or its 1-->4-linked analogue and their antitumor activities

Twelve glycosides bearing the disaccharide of OSW-1, namely 2-O-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-arabinopyranosides, or its 1-->4-linked analogue, were synthesized, and their antitumor activities were determined.

Degradation of the photosystem I complex during photoinhibition

Exposure of isolated photosystem I (PSI) complexes to illumination (2300 microE m(-2) s(-1)) for various periods of time resulted in striking changes in their absorption spectra. A 6 nm blueshift of the absorption maximum in the red was detected after 100 min illumination. The fourth derivative of the absorption spectra verifies that the main change of the red peak was attributed to the 682 nm absorption band. Further, it was also shown that a shoulder in the absorption spectra located around 470 nm decreased after the first 5 min of illumination and almost disappeared after 40 min illumination, suggesting that chlorophyll b bound to light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) is also sensitive to excess light. A maximum inhibitory effect on the oxygen uptake rates and a strong stimulation were observed when the PSI complexes were exposed to illumination for about 20 and 40 min, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows that LHCI-680 started to degrade during the first 5 min of illumination and almost completely disappeared after 40 min of illumination. These observations demonstrated that LHCI was more sensitive to illumination than the PsaA/B subunits which also presented some degradation signs after 40 min illumination. In addition, insoluble-cohesive-denatured proteins also appeared between the stacking and resolving gel after prolonged illumination (100 min). A photoprotective function of LHCI for the PSI reaction center is proposed.

[The nuclear hardness and associated factors of age-related cataract]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the nuclear hardness and associated factors of age-related cataract.

METHODS

Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with age-related cataract aged > 50 years were studied. The opacity of lenses was assessed and classified by the LOCS II pre-operatively. The lens nucleus obtained during extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) was measured. By means of a fine conical probe and dynamometer, the resistance to penetration of different lens layers was transferred to an electric signal and recorded by a function recorder. The hardness to the penetration of different lens layers was calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to the parameters including age, color of the nucleus, duration of symptoms and other factors.

RESULTS

The mean force required to penetrate the lens was (0.51 +/- 0.29) Newtons (N) for grade I, (1.41 +/- 0.35) N for grade II and (1.95 +/- 0.42) N for grade III; it increased to (2.96 +/- 0.62) N for grade IV. The hardest part of the lens was located at the nucleus center. Multivariate analysis of the data showed that 85% of the variation in hardness could be explained in terms of color and opacity. The patients with myopia and diabetics had an increased incidence of grading IV nuclear sclerosis. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between nucleus color and weight (r = 0.4565), diameter (r = 0.5263), thickness (r = 0.5552) and hardness (r = 0.8969), P < 0.001. There was a weak positive correlation between age and the weight of nucleus (r = 0.3239, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the color can be used more reliably to predict physical characteristics of lens nucleus, the preoperative knowledge of which would help the surgeon in planning small-incision surgery including phacoemulsification.

Epidemiology of human geohelminth infections (ascariasis, trichuriasis and necatoriasis) in Lushui and Puer Counties, Yunnan Province, China

Between April and June of 1998, the prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections caused by hookworm, Ascaris and Trichuris were investigated in two rural Yunnan villages. In Liuku, a village of Lisu indigenous people in Lushui County, there was an overall geohelminth prevalence of 72% (48%, 43% and 16% for hookworm infection, ascariasis, and trichuriasis, respectively). The prevalence of ascariasis was greatest among preschool and school aged children, whereas the prevalence of trichuriasis was greatest among teenagers and the prevalence of hookworm increased until the age of 10-15 and then remained high throughout adulthood. In Linger, a village of Han Chinese, located in Puer County, there was an overall geohelminth prevalence of 77% (30%, 60% and 36% for hookworm infection, ascariasis, and trichuriasis, respectively). The differences in prevalence for hookworm and ascariasis were statistically significant. The prevalence of hookworm in Linger increased steadily with age and did not plateau, but there were no discernible patterns of prevalence versus age for either ascariasis or trichuriasis. Heavy trichuriasis infections were noted to occur in Linger. In both villages, more than 98% of the hookworm infections were of light and moderate intensity. Both by morphologic identification of third-stage infective larvae (L3) from eggs as well as identification of adult hookworms recovered from adult residents after treatment with quantrel, Necator americanus was identified as the exclusive hookworm in each village. Geohelminth infections caused by Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm remain highly endemic to the rural areas of Yunnan Province in southwestern China.

[Melanoma antigen-3 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of melanoma antigen-3 (MAGE-3) mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and probe into the theoretical feasibility that MAGE-3 antigens can be developed as a new peptide vaccine for immunotherapy in HCC patients.

METHODS

The expression of MAGE-3 mRNA in HCC tissues and the adjacent non-HCC liver tissues was studied using RT-PCR in 45 HCC patients. The results were compared with those of 16 cirrhotic patients and 12 patients whose liver tissues were pathologically normal. MAGE-3 mRNA positive PCR products were DNA sequenced in 3 HCC patients. The sequenced fragments of MAGE-3 cDNA were used as template by which a [alpha(32)P] labeled probe was synthesized and employed for Southern blot analysis. HLA class I-A and -B typing of 43 HCC patients were assayed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Of the 45 HCC samples, 35 (78%) expressed MAGE-3 mRNA and six HCC adjacent tissues were also positive in MAGE-3 expression. Pathological examination showed cellular heteromorphism in these adjacent tissues. The non-HCC liver tissues from cirrhosis and normal liver samples were not MAGE-3 mRNA detectable. The DNA sequence confirmed that the target gene fragment in all of the 3 samples of PCR products was MAGE-3 cDNA. Southern blotting result confirmed that of RT-PCR assay. In HCC patients, the predominant types of HLA were A(2) (53.5%), A(11) (25.6%), A(24) (20.9%), A(33) (20.9%), B(13) (28.3%), and B(35) (23.2%). MAGE-3 mRNA expression in HCC showed no correlation with the level of serum AFP and the size of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

MAGE-3 mRNA is expressed at a high percentage of HCC samples. This tumor rejection antigen may be used as peptide vaccine for immunotherapy of HCC patients. The phenomena that some non-HCC adjacent tissues with heteromorphism can express MAGE-3 like their paired HCC tissues indicate that the expression of MAGE-3 may be an indicator in the early stage of carcinogenesis of liver tissues.

A novel and effective procedure for the preparation of glucuronides

6-Phenylthio-6-deoxy-D-glucopyranosides were easily prepared from 6-hydroxy-D-glucopyranosides and employed as effective glycosyl donors or acceptors. And the resulting coupling products were then readily converted into the corresponding D-glucuronide-containing compounds.

[Vitrectomy combined with intraocular lens implantation for 103 selected cases of complicated ocular trauma]

PURPOSE

To observe the visual outcome of vitrectomy combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in one operation for patients with complicated ocular trauma.

METHODS

Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed in 103 patients with complicated ocular trauma (104 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy combined with IOL implantation in one operation.

RESULTS

The series of cases included 35 patients with intraocular foreign body (IOFB), 37 with penetrating injury, 9 (10 eyes) with explosive injury but without IOFB, and 22 with blunt trauma. Preoperatively, visual acuity was no-light-perception to counting fingers in 88 eyes (87.1%) of 100 patients (101 eyes). Visual acuity improved in 94 eyes (93.1%) including 74 eyes (73.3%) with 0.1-1.5 postoperatively. Retinal detachment occurred in one eye during follow-up and cured with pars plana vitrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Vitrectomy combined with IOL implantation in one operation can be a safe, fast and effective approach for visual recovery in selected patients with complicated ocular trauma.