[Restoration of external auditory canal by filling mastoid cavity with carbon pellet]

To prevent infection of an open mastoid cavity after mastoidectomy and improve hearing, the external auditory canal had been maintained on 72 cases (73 ears) by filling mastoid cavity with carbon pellet. The average duration of dry ear after operation was 25 days with a dry ear rate being 98.6%. No phenomenon of rejection and falling out appeared within 1-7 years follow-up. Carbon pellet has advantages of chemical stability, nontoxicity, good histocompatability, anti-fatigue characteristic in body fluid, and anti-corrosive effect against acid, base and salt.

Behavioral, neurochemical, and immunological responses to CRF administration. Is CRF a mediator of stress?

The effect of subacute intracerebroventricular (icv 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 microgram) administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) for 5 days on behavior, neurotransmitter concentrations, and immune functions was studied in rats. The results showed that CRF administration produced a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity in the "open field" test compared with controls; rearing scores were also significantly increased. In the elevated plus maze apparatus, rats given 1.0 microgram CRF spent considerably less time on the open arms when compared with controls. Following 0.5 and 1.0 microgram of CRF infusion, the concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were significantly increased in the hypothalamus. There was no significant change in the concentrations of neurotransmitters in the other brain regions. CRF administration also produced a dose-dependent increase in the levels of corticosterone in the serum. The immunological results clearly showed that subacute icv CRF administration caused a reduction of lymphocyte proliferation, a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes, and an increase in neutrophil percentage in the differential white blood cell (WBC) count, a decrease in neutrophil phagocytosis, and elevated leucocyte adhesiveness/aggregation (LAA) compared with control animals. These results suggest that icv subacute administration of CRF has anxiogenic effects, increases biogenic amine concentrations in the hypothalamus, and changes in some aspects of immune functions that may reflect the stress-inducing properties of the peptide. These effects are time and dose dependent.

Requirement of a 3'-terminal stem-loop in in vitro transcription by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

Partially purified RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) isolated from plants infected with turnip crinkle virus (TCV) is capable of template-dependent synthesis of TCV-associated RNAs. To determine the cis-sequences required for the synthesis of TCV satellite (sat-) RNA C (-) strands in vitro, templates containing interior deletions were subjected to transcription using RdRp-active fractions. Results indicated that the promoter for (-)-strand synthesis was contained within the 3'-terminal 29 bases of the (+)-strand. Structural probing by enzymatic digestion and chemical modification revealed the presence of a hairpin structure within this terminal region. Compensatory exchanges of four bases in the lower stem or alterations in the sequence and size of the loop region did not affect in vitro transcription, implying that the primary sequence in the loop and lower part of the stem is not important for interaction with the viral RdRp. However, single mutations in the base of the stem or double mutations in the upper stem strongly reduced template activity in vitro, suggesting that the stability of the hairpin is an important functional consideration. Relocation of the 3'-terminal 37 bases containing this stem-loop to inactive template RNA rendered the resultant hybrid RNA competent for in vitro transcription by RdRp activity, suggesting that the promoter for (-)-strand synthesis in vitro is completely contained within the 3'-terminal region.

Open reading frames of turnip crinkle virus involved in satellite symptom expression and incompatibility with Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Dijon

Carmoviruses are single-stranded, single component RNA viruses that include turnip crinkle virus (TCV) and the recently discovered cardamine chlorotic fleck virus (CCFV). Full-length, biologically active cDNAs were constructed for the TCV-M isolate and the Blue Lake isolate of CCFV. Using chimeric viruses constructed between isolates of TCV that produce mild or severe symptoms when coinoculated with a virulent satellite RNA, a Glu residue at position 1,144 in the polymerase open reading frame was identified as being involved in satellite-mediated symptom expression. To analyze viral determinants involved in resistance, chimeric viruses with precisely exchanged open reading frames were produced between TCV, which does not infect the Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Dijon (Di-0), and CCFV, which can infect Di-0, TCV with the coat protein of CCFV was able to systemically infect Di-0 although whole plant hybridizations revealed that the hybrid virus spread more slowly than either of the two parental viruses. These results indicate that the two parental viruses. These results indicate that the coat protein is an important viral determinant in the resistance of Di-0 to TCV.

[Analysis of HLA-DRB1 alleles in patients with IDDM]

HLA-DR association with IDDM in local population in Beijing was studied by PCR/SSP typing. The frequency of HLA-DR9 was significantly higher in diabetic patients (30.3% [45/148] vs 17.92% [38/212], chi 2 = 6.97, P < 8.3 x 10(-3)). DR3 was higher in diabetic patients in this study (7.0% [10/148] vs 2.36% [5/212], chi 2 = 3.19, P > 0.05) and DR2 was lower in patients with IDDM (7.4% [11/148] vs 19.8% [42/212], chi 2 = 9.67, P < 1.9 x 10(-3)). These results suggest that DR9 and DR3 both were positively associated with IDDM, but DR2 was negatively associated with IDDM.

Interleukin-2-induced changes in behavioural, neurotransmitter, and immunological parameters in the olfactory bulbectomized rat

The macrophage theory of depression proposes that abnormal secretions of the macrophage cytokines, an increase in interleukin (IL) 1, and a decrease in IL-2 may cause depression. The olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat has been developed as an animal model of depression. In the present study, the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of IL-2 (10 U) for 7 days on behaviour, neurotransmitter concentrations, corticosterone levels, and some immune functions were investigated. In the novel environment of the 'open-field' apparatus, the OB rat showed increases in ambulation, rearing, grooming, and defaecation scores as compared with sham-operated animals. Following IL-2 administration, grooming and defaecation were significantly attenuated, while the ambulation and rearing scores were unaffected. In the elevated plus-maze, the increase in the time spent on the open arms of the maze by the OB animal was normalized by IL-2 administration. In the brain of untreated OB rats, the concentrations of noradrenaline were reduced; IL-2 treatment significantly increased the concentrations of noradrenaline and serotonin. After administration of IL-2 for 7 days, the impairments in the immune functions were also largely reversed in OB rats. Thus IL-2 significantly normalized the hyperactivity of mononuclear cells, the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation, and the reduction in the monocyte percentage in the white blood cell count in the OB rat. The concentrations of corticosterone in the serum of the OB rat were significantly reduced, but returned to control values following IL-2 treatment. The results suggest that IL-2 may have modulatory functions on behavioural, neurochemical, hormonal, and immunological aspects of the OB rat model of depression.

Infection and the impact on cost effectiveness in wound care

The financial impact of infections in treating persons with traumatic injuries at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, are described. Principals of the management of infected wounds are reviewed. Factors that influence the choice of reconstructive options are given. The cost of using various dressings, particularly occlusive dressings, in the management of infected wounds is explored. This real problem in the wound care discipline commands due respect, and the literature is testimony to this. Central to the management of this potential complication in surgery is the oft-cited question of which prophylactic antibiotic to administer. The issue is so important in fields such as cardiothoracic surgery, hip joint replacement, and intracranial surgery, that the thought of not administering prophylactic antibiotics is not entertained.

[Rapid determination of the value-determining components in sausage products by near-infrared transmission spectroscopy]

A rapid method for the simultaneous determination of water, fat, crude protein, connective-tissue-protein and connective-tissue-protein free meat protein in sausage products with the help of near-infrared transmission spectroscopy (NIT) is presented. The calibrations for the each constituent were achieved with the chemometric method "partial least squares" (PLS) and validated with the added samples. Correlation coefficients between the reference methods and NIT were > or = 0.95 for water, fat, crude protein and connective-tissue-protein frei meat protein, and > or = 0.86 for connective-tissue-protein. The precision of NIT was comparable with the reference methods.

[Effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on pulmonary hypertension and lung vascular remodeling in a rat monocrotaline model of human pulmonary hypertension]

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has been shown to be a potent pulmonary vasodilator in humans and in many animals. The effects of PGE1 on the development of pulmonary hypertension and on pulmonary vascular remodeling were studied in a rat monocrotaline (MCT) model of human pulmonary hypertension. By 3 weeks after injection, MCT (80 mg/kg S.C.) had resulted in high values of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and of the ratio of right ventricular weight to left ventricle+septum weight (RV/LV+S). PGE1 inhibited the development of pulmonary hypertension (300 micrograms/kg) and right ventricular hypertrophy (300 and 100 micrograms/kg) induced by MCT. Three weeks after the injection, the media walls of pulmonary arteries in lungs from rats given MCT were significantly thicker than those from lungs of control rats. PGE1 (300, 100, and 30 micrograms/kg) resulted in significantly less of this morphologic change, in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that PGE1 inhibits the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with lung vascular thickening induced by MCT. PGE1 may be useful for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in humans.

Synthesis of novel products in vitro by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from turnip crinkle virus-infected turnip transcribes both strands of a virus-associated satellite RNA, sat-RNA C (356 bases), in vitro. While both plus- and minus-strand sat-RNA C can direct the synthesis of full-length complementary-strand products, transcription of minus-strand RNA also generates two non-template-sized products, L-RNA and S-RNA (C. Song and A. E. Simon, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:8792-8796, 1994). Here we report that synthesis of L-RNA and S-RNA results from terminal elongation of the 3' end of the template. L-RNA has a panhandle structure and is composed of minus-strand template covalently linked to newly synthesized RNA complementary to its 5' 190 bases. S-RNA is composed of template covalently linked to its full-length complementary strand. All minus-strand templates tested yielded S-RNA. However, synthesis of L-RNA was affected by deletion of the 3' end of the minus-strand template or several internal regions and base alterations near the 5' end or in an internal sequence immediately upstream from the template-product junction that could potentially form a heteroduplex with the 3' end. Furthermore, mutations that disrupted or restored a stem-loop involved in RNA recombination in vivo affected the level of L-RNA produced in vitro, suggesting that the mechanisms for intramolecular formation of panhandle RNAs and intermolecular RNA recombination involve similar features.

Rat brain cannabinoid receptors are N-linked glycosylated proteins

To study the N-linked glycosylation properties of the CB1 receptor, rat brain membranes were treated with exo- and endoglycosidases. For visualizing CB1 receptors, an antipeptide antibody was raised against the N-terminal 14 amino acids and used to specifically detect the protein by Western blotting. We found that the apparent molecular weight of mature CB1 receptors was 64 kDa. Treatment of membranes with endoglycosidase F shifted the 64 kDa band to the 59 kDa and 53 kDa bands. The latter is consistent with the calculated molecular weight of deglycosylated CB1 receptors. Treatment of membranes with endoglycosidase H and alpha-mannosidase partially shifted the 64 kDa band to 53 kDa band, indicating a portion of the oligosaccharides was of the high mannose type. These data confirmed that the CB1 receptors in brain are N-linked glycoproteins with heterogeneous carbohydrate composition. Among three potential N-linked glycosylation sites on the N-terminus of the CB1 receptor, only two sites are actually glycosylated.

[An experimental study on the integrated effects of heat-cleaning and detoxifying drugs and fire-purging drugs used in combination]

Heat-cleaning and detoxifying drugs and fire-purging drugs used in combination have been proved able to restore the endotoxin-induced deviant of HCT, blood viscositites, PTT and fibrinolytic activity, and reduce the blood content of both endotoxin and PGE2 in rabbits. In addition, the combination can also decrease the pes swelling percentage in rats as well as evans blue extravasation volume in mice. In practice, however, it should be noted that the bitter and cold qualities of these two kinds of drugs may be harmful to health.

Superantigenic exotoxin production by isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from the Kawasaki syndrome patients and age-matched control children

Nineteen strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the throat or the tooth surfaces of 19 cases amongst 127 patients with Kawasaki syndrome (KS) during the acute phases and 11 S. aureus isolates were obtained from five of 17 diseased controls and six healthy controls. The production of exotoxins, particularly superantigenic toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), coagulase serotype, pigment production, haemolytic activity and tryptophan auxotrophy of these isolates were compared. Among 10 KS S. aureus strains isolated in 1990-1991, five (50%) secreted TSST-1, a higher frequency than two (18%) of 11 control isolates. In contrast, none of the nine KS strains collected in 1984 produced TSST-1. Four of five TSST-1-secreting KS strains produced white or white to golden pigmentation, whereas the two control strains capable of TSST-1 production formed golden colonies. There were no noticeable differences between S. aureus strains from KS patients and control children in the production of staphylococcal exotoxins A-E, coagulase serotype, haemolysis of sheep erythrocytes and tryptophan auxotrophy. The pathological or aetiological role of a new TSST-1-secreting S. aureus clone in patients with KS was not confirmed.

[Association of polymorphism for HLA-DQA1 promotor region (QAP) with IDDM]

We have identified the DNA polymorphism for the HLA-DQA1 promotor region (QAP) in patients with early and late onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) by PCR direct sequencing. The result showed that single nucleotide substitution at position-92(C-->T-92) and -146 (T-->C-146) were detected in QAP for early and late onset IDDM respectively. These findings suggests that the mutation seems to alter the conformation of QAP so that these are likely to influence the aberrant expression of MHC-class II loci in beta-pancreatic islet cells.

Ubiquitous receptor: a receptor that modulates gene activation by retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors

The cDNA for a member of the nuclear receptor family was cloned and named ubiquitous receptor (UR), since UR protein and mRNA are detected in many cell types. Rat UR/human retinoid X receptor alpha (hRXR alpha) heterodimers bound preferentially to double-stranded oligonucleotide direct repeats having the consensus half-site sequence AGGTCA and 4-nt spacing (DR-4). Coexpression of UR in COS-1 cells inhibited the stimulation of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene expression by hRXR alpha and human retinoic acid receptor alpha in the presence of all-trans-retinoic acid when DR-4 (but not DR-5) was present upstream of the promoter of a CAT reporter gene (DR-4-CAT). UR expression also inhibited the activation of a DR-4-CAT reporter gene by hRXR alpha and 9-cis-retinoic acid or by thyroid hormone receptor beta in the presence of thyroid hormone. However, in the absence of 9-cis-retinoic acid, UR in combination with hRXR alpha stimulation DR-4-CAT expression. Coexpression of thyroid hormone receptor markedly reduced this stimulation in the absence of thyroid hormone. UR may play an important role in normal growth and differentiation by modulating gene activation in retinoic acid and thyroid hormone signaling pathways.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from plants infected with turnip crinkle virus can transcribe (+)- and (-)-strands of virus-associated RNAs

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) was solubilized from membranes of turnip infected with turnip crinkle virus (TCV), a single-stranded, monopartite RNA virus. The RdRp activity could be separated into three peaks by Sephacryl S500HR chromatography. RdRp from peak I, which contained substantial amounts of endogenous TCV genomic RNA, and peak II were template-specific, synthesizing full-length complementary strands of exogenous TCV subviral RNAs but not control RNA templates. Peak III RdRp was nonspecific, synthesizing full-sized products for all added RNA templates. Peak II RdRp transcribed several different TCV satellite (sat) and defective interfering RNA templates in both (+)- and (-)-sense orientations but did not transcribe (+)-strands of satellite RNAs associated with unrelated viruses. Monomeric-length sat-RNA C was synthesized from a template containing as many as 220 nonsatellite bases at the 3' ends of either (+)- or (-)-strands, indicating that the RdRp was able to recognize 3'-end sequences in an internal location. Deletion of 95-242 bases from the 3' end of (+)-strand sat-RNA C abolished the synthesis of template-length product. However, transcription of template-length products was not affected by the deletion of at least 257 bases from the 3' end of (-)-strand sat-RNA C template (leaving only the 100 5'-terminal residues), implying that different mechanisms exist for synthesis of (+)-and (-)-strand satellite RNA in vitro.

The effect of fibronectin on re-epithelialization of rabbits cornea after alkali burn

The authors found experimentally that (1) fibronectin enhanced the healing of rabbit corneal epithelium after alkali burn and prevented the secondary breakdown; (2) it rapidly deposited on the denuded basement membrane to disappear as epithelial cells slid over, and (3) ultrastructurally, the neighbouring epithelial cells became flattened, with filopodia at the advancing edge, and extended to the wounded areas at 24 hours after the burn. However, the epithelial defects recurred 72 hours after the burn when the basement membrane vanished till after the 8th week, indicating that the latter was associated with the secondary epithelial breakdown.

Kainic acid stimulates uptake of divalent cations in postnatal cochlear neurons

Excitatory amino acids were tested for their ability to induce cobalt uptake in cochlear explants of spiral ganglion neurons. Explants were taken from postnatal day 5 hamsters. Compared with NMDA and quisqualate, kainic acid (KA) stimulated the greatest amount of Co2+ uptake within spiral ganglion neurons as indicated by precipitation of the Co2+ accumulation and relative optical density measurements. Both L-glutamate and KA stimulation were blocked by non-NMDA receptor antagonists kynurenate and DNQX. Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel blocker, also partially inhibited Co2+ uptake. These data suggest that a mixed population of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are present. Additionally non-NMDA receptors may have a role in cochlear synaptic maturation.

Central sympathetic control of spinal endothelin release in the rat

Endothelin and its receptors have been identified in the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of endothelin-3 produces hypotension in anesthetized rats. The present study was designed to identify whether endothelin-3 is released upon changes in sympathetic nervous activity. Endothelin-3-like immunoreactivity in spinal superfusates was directly correlated with resting arterial pressure. Endothelin-3 levels were enhanced by hypothalamic stimulation and by hemorrhage-induced hypotension and reduced by nitroprusside-induced hypotension. These findings suggest that sympathetic activation enhances endothelin-3 release but that nitroprusside may act directly to suppress release. We propose that endothelin-3 plays a role in spinal regulation of sympathetic outflow.

Mammalian cell cultivation in space

In order to study the effect of microgravity on mammalian cell growth, proliferation and biosynthesis, the human T leukemia cells, human lung adenocarcinoma cells, EVI-H1 hybridoma cells and genetic engineering cells producing human growth hormone were flown on re-entry Scientific Satellite 90105 for a duration of eight days. The preliminary results indicate that the mammalian cells are sensitive to gravity. They might adapt to microgravity conditions leading to altered growth rate and subsequently, to altered biosynthesis and molecular secretion. In addition, their morphology may be affected in microgravity.

Changes in immunoglobulin, complement and acute phase protein levels in the depressed patients and normal controls

Recently, several authors have reported that immunoglobulin IgM, complement C3c, complement C4, and positive acute phase proteins (e.g., haptoglobin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and alpha 1-antitrypsin) were significantly increased, while negative acute phase proteins (e.g., albumin and transferrin), were decreased in depressed patients. In the present study, the levels of the immunoglobulin IgM, complement C3c, C4, alpha 1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin were found to be significantly increased in 20 unipolar depressed patients compared to healthy controls. The concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly reduced in these patients. The concentrations of alpha 1-protein, (which is related to alpha 1-antitrypsin), and alpha 2-protein (which related to haptoglobin), were also significantly elevated in unipolar depressed patients. The results suggest that unipolar depression is associated with an acute phase response, which is possibly caused by changes in cytokines and corticosteroid secretion in depressed patients.

Novel heterostructure device for electronic pulse-mode neural circuits

A new approach to the hardware implementation of artificial, electronic pulse-mode neural circuits is proposed and demonstrated based on the use of a novel heterostructure device that exhibits an S-type current-voltage characteristic. The new device consists of a multi-period quantum well structure with heavily doped n+ GaAs quantum wells and undoped AlGaAs barriers between an n+ GaAs cathode and p+ GaAs anode. When operated with an RC load, the device switches periodically between a low-conductance off state and a high-conductance on state generating a pulse-mode output. The operation is analogous to that of the axon hillock or trigger zone of the neuron, exhibiting a threshold behavior and a nonlinear dependence of the pulse frequency on the input voltage (mean membrane potential). Low-voltage and room-temperature operation are shown to be feasible.

Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in neutrophils of sham-operated and olfactory-bulbectomised rats following chronic treatment with desipramine and lithium chloride

In the olfactory-bulbectomised rat model of depression, neutrophil phagocytosis was significantly decreased and phagocytosis started later in comparison to sham-operated animals. Both desipramine and lithium chloride treatment significantly reversed the depressed neutrophil phagocytosis and shortened the time to commencement of phagocytosis in drug-treated bulbectomised rats. The catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities in bulbectomised rats were decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased. Chronic desipramine and lithium chloride treatment slightly improved catalase activity in the bulbectomised rats. Desipramine significantly reversed the reduction in activity of GSH-PX, but failed to reverse the increased activity of SOD. In contrast, lithium chloride significantly reversed SOD activity to normal values, without affecting GSH-PX activity in the bulbectomised rats.

[An experimental study of ocular contusion in rabbits: the changes in electroretinography]

In rabbits, the amplitude of a-waves and b-waves in the ERG declined following ocular contusion; however, the oscillatory potentials did not change markedly. In the anisodine therapeutic group, the amplitude of a-waves recovered higher than did that in the control group at the 2nd and 4th week post-traumatic, while all a-waves recovered at the 6th week in both groups. The amplitude of b-waves was restored to normal in 72 hours for all eyes. Since the a-wave was sensitive to contusion, it monitored the severity of damage and objectively evaluated the therapeutic effect of treatment.

Role of total body irradiation as based on the comparison of preparation regimens for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute leukemia in first complete remission

The role of total body irradiation (TBI) for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for acute leukemia in first complete remission was reevaluated in this study. From Japanese BMT Registry, data of 123 acute leukemia patients in first complete remission who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in 22 hospitals between 1988 and 1990 were available for the present comparative study of preparation regimens with or without total body irradiation. Two-year survivals were 77% and 51% in the TBI containing regimen group and in the non-TBI regimen group, respectively (p = 0.0010). Corresponding two-year relapse rates were 16% and 37%, respectively (p = 0.0197). Corresponding probabilities of developing interstitial pneumonitis were 21% and 24%, respectively (p = 0.8127). The analysis of causes of death indicated that non-TBI regimen increased the incidence of septicemia and lethal organ failures, such as liver, heart, lung and other multiple sites. It was emphasized that an additional role of total body irradiation was to disperse the treatment-related toxicity in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute leukemia.

Study of experimental hypoparathyroidism in rats. III. Fluidity changes in brain synaptolemma

The changes of brain synaptolemma fluidity in experimental parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats were studied by using fluorescence polarization and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The results showed that microviscosity (eta) of the rat brain synaptolemma in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and striatum were decreased after a 2-month period of continuous hypocalcemia, and in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex it was decreased significantly as compared with control. These results suggest that the fluidity of the synaptolemma in the brains of hypocalcemic rats is increased. In addition, hypocalcemia also lowered the Tc of hippocampus synaptolemma lipid, which indicates that both fluidity and permeability had increased in these rats.

[An experimental study of ocular contusion and its hemodynamic changes]

The hemodynamic changes in rabbit eyes following contusion were studied with rheoophthalmography (ROG), in which the wave amplitudes were markedly reduced and then recovered in 3 weeks, while in the anisodine-I treated group they recovered in 2 weeks. Contusion of 3 joules disrupted the choroidal circulation and damaged the retina. Anisodine-I improved the vasomotor functions of the choroidal vessels and was effective in treatment of ocular contusion. ROG was a sensitive objective means of estimating the severity of ocular contusion and evaluating the therapeutic effects.

Use of costal cartilage cantilever grafts in negroid rhinoplasties

Dorsal augmentation and nasal tip refinement are important objectives in Negroid rhinoplasty. Use of a costal cartilage cantilever graft will achieve these objectives. We report on our experience in 19 patients. The technique offers an excellent solution to supplying the large amount of material often required to adequately augment the dorsum in these patients. The graft is also versatile enough to allow nasal tip refinement. There are additional aesthetic benefits as the cantilever causes a lengthening in the nasal columella, a reduction in the flare of the nostrils, and increases the columellar-labial angle. The procedure is relatively simple to perform. The problem of warping is minimized by symmetrical carving and the use of large grafts with a substantial cross-section.

Long-term follow-up of hypothalamic-pituitary function in patients with transsphenoidal pituitary herniation and midfacial anomalies

OBJECTIVE

We wished to determine whether patients with transsphenoidal pituitary herniation were at risk of developing pituitary failure.

DESIGN

We followed up hypothalamic-pituitary function annually in patients with midfacial anomalies and pituitary herniation.

PATIENTS

Two patients who had transsphenoidal pituitary herniation and midfacial anomalies were included and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

Both patients became gonadotrophin, TSH and growth hormone-deficient despite neurosurgical repair.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the early diagnosis and neurosurgical repair of transsphenoidal pituitary herniation may prevent central nervous system infection and rhinorrhoea. Surgical repair may not prevent pituitary failure as was evident in both of our cases. Periodic evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is essential to determine whether early hormonal replacement therapy is necessary.

[Clinical and experimental research of the treatment of chronic renal failure with shenshuaifang]

33 cases of chronic renal failure (CRF) patients were treated by coloclysis with Chinese medicine Shenshuaifang (SSF). The effective rate was 60.61%, the total effective rate was 87.88%. It showed significant difference in the total effective rate compared with the control group (P less than 0.05). Animal experiments showed SSF could slow down the rising of the blood Cr and BUN of the mice which suffered with CRF, and reduce their urine protein. Conclusion. SSF had good effect on lowering the blood Cr and BUN of the CRF patients, so it could delay the progress of CRF, and it's effect was better than the general medical conservative treatment.

[Clinical significance of Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy]

The authors measured the PK (peak frequency with Doppler sonography in 52 patients of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy AION), 16 patients of oculovascular disease (OVD), and 371 normal subjects. The age ranged from 21 to 62 years in the patients, and 10 to 83 years in the normals. The arterial segments examined were of the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA), totalling 272 segments in the patients and 1,484 in the normals, with the findings that the rate of carotid stenosis in AION was higher than in OVD, and carotid stenosis was observed in 75% of CCA and 91% of ICA in patients under the age of 30 years, significantly higher than in elder age groups. This provides a basis for the definite diagnosis of AION in patients under 30 years old.

[Surgical treatment of extensive recurrent hemangioma involving the eyelid]

Seven (7) cases of extensive hemangioma involving the eyelid, some with history of previous therapies, such as cryocoagulation, sclerosing agent or conservative surgical procedure that failed or the angioma rapidly increased in size after treatment, were performed radical excision by the authors with satisfactory follow-ups of 1-5 years. It was pointed out that conservative procedures could not cure palpebral hemangioma that were extensive and deep-seated.

Calorie restriction delays age-dependent loss in androgen responsiveness of the rat liver

We have shown that restricted calorie intake retards age-associated loss in androgen responsiveness of the rat liver. Sustained androgen receptivity delays age-dependent decline in the synthesis of the androgen-inducible alpha 2u globulin and derepression of the androgen-repressible senescence marker protein (SMP-2). Quantitation of mRNAs for alpha 2u globulin and SMP-2 in the liver of animals of various ages maintained on either ad libitum or restricted diets revealed that, although the 27-month-old ad libitum-fed rat had only 5% as much alpha 2u mRNA as the 6-month-old rat, the mRNA level was as high as 45% in the 27-month-old food-restricted rat. Conversely, the 27-month-old food-restricted rat had a much reduced amount (45%) of SMP-2 mRNA compared to the age-matched control that was allowed unlimited access to food. Furthermore, we have correlated the effect of dietary restriction on age-dependent changes in specific gene expression with the hepatic level of the immunoreactive cytoplasmic androgen-binding (CAB) protein. We observed that senescence in the male causes a substantial decrease in the circulating level of testosterone. However, dietary restriction does not retard the rate of decline in the plasma level of the male hormone during aging. These results indicate that age-dependent changes in the expression of androgen-responsive genes (alpha 2u globulin and SMP-2) reflect changing androgen sensitivity and that food restriction may directly influence the androgen receptivity of the liver.