Clinically Oriented CBCT Periapical Lesion Evaluation via 3D CNN Algorithm

Apical periodontitis (AP) is one of the most prevalent disorders in dentistry. However, it can be underdiagnosed in asymptomatic patients. In addition, the perioperative evaluation of 3-dimensional (3D) lesion volume is of great clinical relevance, but the required slice-by-slice manual delineation method is time- and labor-intensive. Here, for quickly and accurately detecting and segmenting periapical lesions (PALs) associated with AP on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, we proposed and geographically validated a novel 3D deep convolutional neural network algorithm, named PAL-Net. On the internal 5-fold cross-validation set, our PAL-Net achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.98. The algorithm also improved the diagnostic performance of dentists with varying levels of experience, as evidenced by their enhanced average AUC values (junior dentists: 0.89-0.94; senior dentists: 0.91-0.93), and significantly reduced the diagnostic time (junior dentists: 69.3 min faster; senior dentists: 32.4 min faster). Moreover, our PAL-Net achieved an average Dice similarity coefficient over 0.87 (0.85-0.88), which is superior or comparable to that of other existing state-of-the-art PAL segmentation algorithms. Furthermore, we validated the generalizability of the PAL-Net system using multiple external data sets from Central, East, and North China, showing that our PAL-Net has strong robustness. Our PAL-Net can help improve the diagnostic performance and speed of dentists working from CBCT images, provide clinically relevant volume information to dentists, and can potentially be applied in dental clinics, especially without expert-level dentists or radiologists.

[Investigation and factor analysis of postoperative surgical site infections in emergency abdominal surgery in China from 2018 to 2021 based on Chinese SSI Surveillance]

Objective: We investigated the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) in China and further explored its risk factors, providing a reference for preventing and controlling SSI after EAS. Methods: This was an observational study. Data of patients who had undergone EAS and been enrolled in the Chinese SSI Surveillance Program during 2018-2021were retrospectively analyzed. All included patients had been followed up for 30 days after surgery. The analyzed data consisted of relevant patient characteristics and perioperative clinical data, including preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, and blood glucose concentrations, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, grade of surgical incision, intestinal preparation, skin preparation, location of surgical site, approach, and duration. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI occurring within 30 days following EAS. SSI was defined as both superficial and deep incisional infections and organ/space infections, diagnoses being supported by results of microbiological culture of secretions and pus. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative mortality rates, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), duration of postoperative hospitalization, and associated costs. The patients were classified into two groups, SSI and non-SSI, based on whether an infection had been diagnosed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with SSI following EAS. Results: The study cohort comprised 5491 patients who had undergone EAS, comprising 3169 male and 2322 female patients. SSIs were diagnosed in 168 (3.1%) patients after EAS (SSI group); thus, the non-SSI group consisted of 5323 patients. The SSIs comprised superficial incision infections in 69 (41.1%), deep incision infections in 51 (30.4%), and organ or space infections in 48 (28.6%). Cultures of secretions and pus were positive in 115 (68.5%) cases. The most frequently detected organism was Escherichia coli (47/115; 40.9%). There were no significant differences in sex or body mass index between the SSI and non-SSI groups (both P>0.05). However, the proportion of individuals aged 60 years or older was significantly greater in the SSI than in the non-SSI group (49.4% [83/168] vs. 27.5% [1464/5323), χ2=38.604, P<0.001). Compared with the non-SSI group, the SSI group had greater proportions of patients with diabetes (11.9% [20/168] vs. 4.8% [258/5323], χ2=16.878, P<0.001), hypertension (25.6% [43/168] vs. 12.2% [649/5323], χ2=26.562, P<0.001); hemoglobin <110 g/L (27.4% [46/168] vs. 13.1% [697/5323], χ2=28.411, P<0.001), and albuminemia <30 g/L (24.4% [41/168] vs. 5.9% [316/5323], χ2=91.352, P<0.001), and a reduced rate of preoperative skin preparation (66.7% [112/168] vs. 75.9% [4039/5323], χ2=7.491, P=0.006). Furthermore, fewer patients in the SSI group had preoperative ASA scores of between one and two (56.0% [94/168] vs. 88.7% [4724/5323], χ2=162.869, P<0.001) in the non-SSI group. The incidences of contaminated and infected incisions were greater in the SSI group (63.1% [106/168] vs. 38.6% [2056/5323], χ2=40.854, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in surgical site distribution between the SSI and non-SSI groups (small intestine 29.8% [50/168] vs. 10.6% [565/5323], colorectal 26.2% [44/168] vs. 5.6% [298/5 323], and appendix 24.4% [41/168] vs. 65.1% [3465/5323]) χ2=167.897, P<0.001), respectively. There was a significantly lower proportion of laparoscope or robotic surgery in the non-SSI group (24.4 % [41/168] vs. 74.2% [3949/5323], χ2=203.199, P<0.001); the percentage of operations of duration less than 2 hours was significantly lower in the SSI than non-SSI group (35.7% [60/168] vs. 77.4% [4119/5323], χ2=155.487, P<0.001). As to clinical outcomes, there was a higher 30-day postoperative mortality rate (3.0%[5/168] vs. 0.2%[10/5323], χ2=36.807, P<0.001) and higher postoperative ICU occupancy rate (41.7% [70/168] vs. 19.7% [1046/5323], χ2=48.748, P<0.001) in the SSI group. The median length of stay in the ICU (0[2] vs. 0[0] days, U=328597.000, P<0.001), median total length of stay after surgery (16[13] vs. 6[5] days, U=128146.000, P<0.001), and median hospitalization cost (ten thousand yuan, 4.7[4.4] vs. 1.7[1.8], U=175965.000, P<0.001) were all significantly greater in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the absence of skin preparation before surgery (OR=2.435,95%CI: 1.690-3.508, P<0.001), preoperative albuminemia <30 g/L (OR=1.680, 95%CI: 1.081-2.610, P=0.021), contaminated or infected incisions (OR=3.031, 95%CI: 2.151-4.271, P<0.001), and laparotomy (OR=3.436, 95% CI: 2.123-5.564, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI. Operative duration less than 2 hours (OR=0.465, 95%CI: 0.312-0.695, P<0.001) and ASA score of 1-2 (OR=0.416, 95% CI: 0.289-0.601, P<0.001) were identified as independent protective factors for SSI. Conclusions: It is important to consider the nutritional status in the perioperative period of patients undergoing EAS. Preoperative skin preparation should be conducted and, whenever possible, laparoscope or robot-assisted surgery. Duration of surgery should be as short as possible while maintaining surgery quality and improving patient care.

[Immunogenicity and safety of revaccination of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in people aged 60 years and above]

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of revaccination of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) in elderly people aged ≥60 years. Methods: The elderly aged ≥60 years with 1 dose of PPV23 vaccination were selected as revaccination group and those without history of pneumococcal vaccine immunization were selected as the first vaccination group. One dose of PPV23 was administered to both groups, and the first blood samples were collected before vaccination while the second blood samples were collected on day 28-40 after vaccination. ELISA was used to detect the concentrations of anti-specific serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae podocyte polysaccharide immunoglobulin G, and the safety of the vaccination was evaluated after 30 days. Results: The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibody to 23 serotypes before the vaccination (0.73-13.73 μg/ml) was higher in revaccination group than in the first vaccination group (0.39-7.53 μg/ml), the GMC after the vaccination (1.42-31.65 μg/ml) was higher than that before the vaccination (0.73-13.73 μg/ml) in the revaccination group, and the GMC after the vaccination (1.62-43.76 μg/ml) was higher than that before the vaccination (0.39-7.53 μg/ml) in the first vaccination group; the geometric mean growth multiple in revaccination group (2.16-3.60) was lower than that in the first vaccination group (3.86-16.13); The mean 2-fold antibody growth rate was lower in revaccination group (53.68%, 95%CI: 52.30%-55.06%) than in the first vaccination group (93.16%, 95%CI: 92.18%- 94.15%), all differences were significant (P<0.001). After the vaccination, 13 serotypes of GMC were higher in the first vaccination group than in revaccination group (P<0.001), the differences were not significant for 10 serotypes of GMC (P>0.05). The incidence of local adverse reaction was 19.20% and 13.27% in revaccination group and the first vaccination group, respectively (P=0.174). Conclusions: The antibody level in ≥60 years people who received one dose of PPV23 after a 5-year interval was still higher than that in unvaccinated people. The antibody level decreased after 5 years of the first vaccination, and the antibody level could be rapidly increased by one more dose vaccination, but the overall immune response was lower than that of the first vaccination; revaccination with PPV23 has a good safety.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, alone or in combination, in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: a single-centre experience in Taiwan

Background

The presence of vascular invasion is associated with poor survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We compared the effectiveness of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), alone or in combination, in patients with advanced HCC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of adult patients with unresectable HCC and macrovascular invasion (MVI) who were treated with HAIC or ICIs alone or in combination at a single centre in Taiwan. Overall tumour response, vascular thrombi response, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in 130 patients were analysed.

Results

The treatment group showed no significant effect on the overall tumour response [objective response rate (ORR), 22.86% for HAIC, 26.09% for ICI, 50.00% for HAIC+ICI; P=0.111], but showed a significant effect on vessel response (objective response rate of tumour thrombi (ORRT), 38.57% for HAIC, 45.65% for ICI, 78.57% for HAIC+ICI; P=0.023). Post-hoc comparisons followed by Bonferroni correction revealed that vessel ORRT was significantly different between the HAIC+ICI and HAIC groups (P=0.014). A significant effect of treatment group on portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) was also detected (ORRT, 40.00% for HAIC, 50.00% for ICI, 90.00% for HAIC; P=0.013), with significant difference between the HAIC+ICI and HAIC groups (P=0.005). Patients treated with HAIC, ICI, and HAIC+ICI respectively had 12-month OS rates of 44.9%, 31.4%, and 67.5% (P=0.127) and 12-month PFS rates of 21.2%, 24.6%, and 33.2% (P=0.091). In multivariate analysis of PFS, HAIC+ICI was associated with reduced risk of progression or death compared with HAIC alone (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.46; 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.94; P=0.032).

Conclusions

HAIC combined with ICIs had a superior response of PVTT compared to HAIC alone, and was associated with reduced risk of progression or death. Future studies are needed to address the survival benefit of the combination therapy in advanced HCC with MVI.

[Immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine for 4-6 years old children]

Objective: To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine (MMR) for children 4 to 6 years old. Methods: Children, aged 4 to 6 years old, had vaccinated with 1 dose of measles and rubella combined vaccine(MR) at the age of 8 months and 1 dose of MMR vaccine at 18-months, were recruited in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Beijing, respectively. All children were assigned into 4, 5 and 6-year-old group. The children who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were vaccinated with 1 dose MMR vaccine, and were collected blood samples before vaccination and 35 to 42 d after the vaccination. During the study period, adverse events were collected at 30 min, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4-12 d, and 13 to 42 days after vaccination. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies were compared among groups by analysis of variance or non-parametric test. Seropositive rates and adverse event rates were compared among groups by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 500 children were included in immunogenicity analysis and 535 children were included in safety analysis. The overall adverse event rate was 20.37%, the most of severity for adverse events was mild. The rates of local and systemic adverse events were 0.37% and 20.00%, respectively. Symptoms of local adverse events were redness. The main systemic adverse events were fever, followed by cough, rash and runny nose. Received a dose of MMR vaccine for booster immunization, the seropositive rates of measles antibody, mumps antibody and rubella antibody were above 99% for all 3 age groups, and there was no significant difference between groups. There were significant differences in mumps antibody GMC among groups (P=0.042), but no significant differences in measles and rubella antibodies GMC. Conclusion: The immunogenicity and safety of a boosted MMR vaccintion in children aged 4, 5 and 6 years were all similar good.

[Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates autophagy and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion of RAW264.7 cells induced by silica]

Objective: To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the autophagy of RAW264.7 cells induced by SiO(2) and its effect on the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α. Methods: RAW264.7 cells stimulated by 200 μg/ml SiO(2) were used as an vitro cell model, and different treatment times of SiO(2) were used as variables. They were divided into 0 h treatment group (blank control group) , 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h treatment group. The formation of autophagospores was detected by acridine orange and mondane-sulfonate (MDC) staining. Application of real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) to detect autophagy related molecular Beclin1 mRNA expression and protein immunoblot (Western Blotting) detecting autophagy related proteins LC3Ⅰ, LC3Ⅱ and expression of Beclin1. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of ERS specific marker BiP. Secretion of RAW 264.7 cell transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . ERS inhibitors 4-PBA intervention experiment, including blank control group, SiO(2), 1 μmol/L 4-PBA+SiO(2), 10 μmol/L 4-PBA+SiO(2), 20 μmol/L 4-PBA+SiO(2) treatment group, Western blotting testing LC3Ⅰ, LC3Ⅱ and expression of Beclin1 changes. Results: Compared with the control group, SiO(2)-induced fluorescence intensity in RAW264.7 cells was significantly increased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05) . Compared with control group, with SiO(2) processing time prolonged, LC3Ⅰ, LC3Ⅱ Beclin1 mRNA and protein expression and protein expression increased, 6 h, 24 h, the height of the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) ; Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression level of BiP reached the peak for 6 h, and the expression level in 6 h, 12 h and 24 h groups increased significantly, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Compared with the SiO(2) stimulation group, the LC3Ⅱand Beclin 1 protein levels of RAW264.7 cells were gradually down-regulated by increasing the dose of 4-PBA. With the increase of 4-PBA concentration, the down-regulated levels were more significant, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Compared with the SiO(2) stimulation group, the TNF-α secretion level of RAW264.7 cells significantly decreased of 1, 10, 20 μmol/L 4-PBA+SiO(2) treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: ERS induced by SiO(2) is involved in the secretion of autophagy and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression profiles of androgen receptors in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus)

Androgen plays critical roles in vertebrate reproductive systems via androgen receptors (ARs). In the present study, the full-length spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) androgen receptor (sAR) cDNA sequence was cloned from testis. The sAR cDNA measured 2448 bp in length with an open-reading frame of 2289 bp, encoding 763 amino acids. Amino acid alignment analyses showed that the sARs exhibited highly evolutionary conserved functional domains. Phylogenetically, the sARs clustered within the ARβ common vertebrate group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that sAR expression varied in level and distribution throughout the tissues of both females and males. sAR expression was detected during testicular development by quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that the highest transcription of sARs was observed in the mid-testicular stage, and remained at a high expression level until the late-testicular stage. In addition, the effects of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) and estrogen (E2) on the expression of sARs in ovaries were determined using quantitative RT-PCR. sAR expression increased at 12 and 24 h post-MT treatment and decreased with E2 treatment. The present study provides preliminary evidence indicating gonadal plasticity of spotted scat under exogenous steroidal hormone treatments. It also provides a theoretical basis for sex reversal and production of artificial pseudo-males for female monosex breeding.

In vivo and in vitro inhibitory action of 17β-estradiol and environmental estrogen 4-nonylphenol on gonad-inhibiting hormone (GIH) expression in the eyestalks of Litopenaeus vannamei

The gonad-inhibiting hormone (GIH) belongs to a neuropeptide family synthesized and released in an X-organ sinus gland complex of crustacean eyestalks. GIH inhibits crustacean ovarian maturation by suppressing vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis, whereas estrogen is responsible for the stimulation of vitellogenesis (not established). In this study, the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2, 10(-6) M), estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen (TAM, 10(-6), 10(-7), and 10(-8) M), and the environmental estrogen nonylphenol (NP, 1 μg/L and 100 μg/L) on LvGIH expression in the eyestalks of shrimp were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that LvGIH expression decreased significantly during the L. vannamei ovarian maturation cycle. E2 and NP significantly reduced LvGIH transcripts in vivo, but TAM neutralized the inhibitory action of E2 in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In addition, the LvGIH expression levels decreased significantly in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05) when ovary fragments were cultured in vitro with E2. The results of this study suggested that estrogen regulates GIH expression in L. vannamei eyestalks. E2 promoted ovarian development not only by directly upregulating vitellogenesis in the hepatopancreas, but it was also capable of downregulating LvGIH expression, which indirectly resulted in the stimulation of L. vannamei vitellogenesis.

Selection and crossbreeding in relation to plumage color inheritance in three chinese egg type duck breeds (anas platyrhynchos)

In China and South East Asia, the duck (common duck) is important in egg production for human consumption. Plumage color is a breed characteristic and of economic importance, together with egg production. Our aim in this study was to investigate the inheritance of plumage color in three Chinese indigenous egg-type duck breeds, Shan Ma (S), Putian White (F) and Putian black (P), and some of their crossbreds. These three breeds have different plumage color and are used in crossbreeding. The crossbred laying ducks F×(P×S) and F×(S×P) showed highly improved laying ability but heterogeneous plumage color. Genotypes at four relevant loci were investigated by studying down color and pattern in ducklings after crossbreeding. F₁ ducklings from the matings F×S and S×F, P×S, and S×P were classified into four classes of plumage color (the Shan Ma plumage color, black, white, or multicolored) over three generations. Parents were selected for the Shan Ma plumage color of their progeny. In the fourth generation, P male and P female ducks were selected according to the frequency of the desired class of plumage color (Shan Ma) of their F1 progeny to obtain the so-called “Brown Putian Ma duck”. The Shan Ma duck genotype was identified as having the restricted mallard color pattern (M^RM^R), full expression of any of the patterns or colors (CC), no extended black (ee) and no brown dilution D (D). The Putian White genotype was recessive white (cc), no extended black (ee) and no brown dilution D (D). The Putian Black genotype exhibited full expression of extended black (E gene) and no brown dilution (CCEE D [D]). It was shown that F×S and S×F tests should be implemented to eliminate the recessive white c allele in the S line and the dominant extended black E allele in the F line. It was also shown that the Brown Putian Ma obtained from Putian Black, with no extended black genotype (ee), could be used to get rid of the black plumage (E gene) in the crossbred ducks. This could provide a solution for producing 3-way crossbred ducks Putian White×(Putian-Ma ×Shan Ma) and Putian White×(Shan Ma×Putian-Ma), with the desired Shan Ma feather color.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis with thrombotic microangiopathy

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of 33 patients with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (class IV LN) complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Eighty-one percent of patients had renal dysfunction (mean Scr 3.1 ± 2.0 mg/dl), among whom 42.4% needed acute hemodialysis. Nephrotic proteinuria, gross hematuria and hypertension were presented in 57.6%, 24.2% and 93.9% of the patients. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, serum anti-dsDNA and anticardiolipin antibodies were found in 60.6%, 75.8% and 33.3% of the patients. Renal biopsy showed IV-G in 75.8%, class IV with class V in 21.2%, and IV-S in 1.23% of the patients. Glomerular segmental necrosis, microthrombi, crescents and arteriolar thrombosis were found in 51.5%, 69.7%, 60.6% and 60.7% of the patients, respectively. The follow up was 1 to 101 months (median 13 months). Only 50% of patients showed response to treatment. Three patients died, 10 developed end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The 5-year patient and renal survival rate was 69.2% and 46.7%, respectively. Major risks for ESRF included: a need for acute dialysis on admission, no response to the treatment and high renal chronic index. The results showed that class IV lupus nephritis with TMA has high mortality and low renal survival.

Circulating thrombomodulin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and renal vascular lesion in patients with lupus nephritis

Currently, the detection of renal vascular lesions (VLS) in lupus nephritis (LN) mainly depends on biopsy examination, and lack surrogate biomarkers for clinical dynamic evaluation. The aim of the present study is to explore the correlation between circulatory endothelial damage biomarkers and VLS. Soluble E-selectin, thrombomodulin (TM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured by ELISA. TM and VCAM-1 levels both were significantly elevated in LN with VLS than in LN without VLS (P < 0.01). However, the serum E-selectin was not significantly changed in LN patients with and without VLS. A positive correlation was found between TM and serum creatinine (r = 0.617, P < 0.05) in patients with vascular lesions. In order to further analyse the relationship between TM level and severity degree of vascular lesions in LN patients, we subdivided the patients with vascular lesions into two groups: with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and without TMA. TM level of the patients with TMA is significantly higher than those without TMA (P < 0.01). In conclusion, combined with renal pathological examination, monitoring the circulatory levels of TM and VCAM-1, can provide circulating biomarkers of VLS in LN patients.

A novel approach for multistage inference fuzzy control

This paper presents a methodology to the design of a multistage inference fuzzy controller in which the consequence in an inference stage is passed to the next stage as fact, and so forth. A new general method which is based on a performance index of the control system is used to generate fuzzy rule bases for the multistage inference. This proposed method can reduce the design cycle time. In order to reduce the computation time, a method for precomputing the match-degrees of fuzzy values is adopted. Thus, the number of operations that must be carried out at execution time can be significantly reduced. The new method has been applied to two applications, a two-trailer-and-truck system and a three-trailer-and-truck system. The simulation studies showed that the proposed method is feasible.

Amylin deposition in the kidney of patients with diabetic nephropathy

Amylin (islet amyloid peptide) plays a critical role in islet amyloidosis and in the development of beta-cell dysfunction in patients with diabetes; however, the involvement of amylin in renal amyloidosis has not been studied. For this reason, we surveyed 149 patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN). The results were compared to 95 renal disease control patients, which included membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, light-chain deposition, IgA nephropathy, and obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). Seventy-two of the 149 patients with DN showed amylin deposition in their renal tissue. Amylin was mainly distributed in the expanded mesangial area, Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules, Bowman's capsule, and in blood vessels. The frequencies of mesangial proliferation, glomerular nodule lesions, and glomerular sclerosis were higher in DN patients with amylin deposits. Furthermore, the tubular interstitial lesions were more severe in these patients. Of the 95 disease-control patients, four with ORG were positive for renal amylin deposits. Our study has found renal amylin deposition in patients with DN and that the deposition was associated with disease severity. We suggest that strict metabolic control and reversing insulin resistance in patients with diabetes may blunt the process of amylin deposition in the kidney and possibly protect renal function in these patients.

Serologic and molecular characterization of the B(A) blood group in the Chinese population

B(A) phenotype individuals have normal B antigen and a small amount of A antigen on the RBCs with anti-A in the plasma. Some highly potent monoclonal anti-A reagents are capable of agglutinating B(A) RBCs, which therefore usually results in a discrepancy between RBC and plasma ABO grouping. To date, five B(A) alleles (ABO B(A)01, B(A)02, B(A)03, B(A)04, and B(A)05) have been defined by nucleotide sequences. To get a more complete picture of B(A) phenotypes found in the Chinese population and resolve blood donor typing problems caused by B(A) alleles,a serologic and molecular study of nine unrelated Chinese individuals and three families carrying B(A) alleles was conducted. Allele B(A)02 with a 700C>G mutation, allele B(A)04 with a single 640A>G substitution, and allele B(A)05 with a 641T>C mutation were detected in multigenerational families and unrelated blood donors. Neither the B(A)01 nor B(A)03 alleles with 703A>G substitutions were observed in this study. In addition, a polymerase chain reaction with a sequence-specific primer genotyping assay was developed for rapid identification of B(A)02, B(A)04, and B(A)05 alleles using genomic DNA samples.

Diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus intrauterine infection using fetal cells from maternal blood

OBJECTIVE

The sensitivity and specificity for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus intrauterine infection were estimated by using isolating single fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood.

METHODS

Micromanipulation techniques were employed to isolate single fetal nucleated erythroblasts from 273 maternal blood samples. SRY gene and HCMV-DNA in single fetal cells were detected by multiple primed in situ labeling (PRINS) from 76 HCMV-DNA positive samples of maternal peripheral blood. 273 samples of maternal peripheral blood were tested for SRY gene and HCMV-DNA in single fetal cells by primed extension preamplification (PEP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The detection rate of fetal cells from maternal blood was 100% with micromanipulation techniques. The sensitivity of PRINS for SRY gene detection was 97.56% and its specificity was 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of PEP and PCR for SRY gene detection were 97.39% and 99.17%, respectively. The sensitivity of PRINS for HCMV-DNA detection was 92.68% and the specificity was 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of PEP and PCR for HCMV-DNA detection were 95.12%and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The technique for noninvasive prenatal detection of intrauterine infection of HCMV using single fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood by using PRINS and PEP and PCR is more reliable than the CMV-DNA detection in peripheral maternal blood, amniocentesis or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling.

C4d-positive acute humoral renal allograft rejection: Rescue therapy by immunoadsorption in combination with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy of immunoadsorption (IA) in combination with tacrolimus (FK506) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) rescue therapy for C4d-positive acute humoral rejection (AHR) of renal transplants.

METHODS

Six of 185 cadaveric renal allograft recipients developed AHR at a mean of 4.8 +/- 0.8 days after the operation. C4d deposits were observed in peritubular capillaries (PTC) with accumulation of granulocytes. IA with staphylococcal protein A and FK506-MMF combination therapy were administered.

RESULTS

After treatment with IA for 6.3 +/- 1.03 sessions combined with FK506 (0.14 to 0.16 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) and MMF (1.5 g/d) therapy, renal function recovered in all the patients. The mean duration of treatment to a serum creatinine decrease was 14 +/- 2.9 days. The pre-IA panel reactive antibody reactivity (PRA) peaked at 50.2% +/- 6.1%, and was significantly reduced to 8.3% +/- 2.9% after IA. In four of six patients repeat allograft biopsy revealed a remission of AHR. With a mean follow-up of 18.8 +/- 5.46 months, patient and allograft survival are 100% and renal function remains stable with a mean serum creatinine of 1.2 +/- 0.22 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION

The optimal treatment for alloantibody-mediated AHR remains uncertain. Our findings suggest that a therapeutic approach combining IA and FK506-MMF rescue improves the outcome of AHR.

Fetal origin of single nucleated erythroblasts and free DNA in the peripheral blood of pregnant women

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the feasibility of using single fetal nucleated erythroblasts (FNRBCs) and free DNA in maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.

METHODS

Single FNRBCs were isolated from 51 of 116 samples of maternal blood analyzed by micromanipulation after density gradient centrifugation. Furthermore, the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to amplify the SRY gene of single FNRBCs. Primer extension pre-amplification and nested PCR were used to amplify the SRY gene of the plasma DNA extracted from 65 samples of maternal blood.

RESULTS

The detection rate of single FNRBCs was 90.20% (46/51). The concordance rates between real fetal sex and sex determined by amplification of the SRY gene from single cells and from free DNA analysis were 82.61% (38/46) and 90.77% (59/65), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Single nucleated erythroblasts and free DNA in maternal blood are of fetal origin and can be valuable fetal material sources for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.

Study on the expression of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor subtype 1 (AT1R) in the placenta of pregnancy-induced hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor subtype 1 (AT(1)R) in the human placenta with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of AT(1)R in placental tissues of 30 patients with PIH and 10 patients with normal pregnancies (control group). The PIH tissues were further divided into 3 groups: mild PIH group, moderate PIH group and severe PIH group. Each group consisted of 10 patients. A high-resolution pathological image analysis system (HPIAS-1000) was used to determine the quantity of AT(1)R expression.

RESULTS

The integral optical density and area of staining in the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) layer and villous endothelium of the placenta were significantly increased in PIH patients, in the moderate and severe PIH groups, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05), indicating that the expression of AT(1)R was highly increased in PIH. However, there was no significant difference between normal pregnancy and the mild PIH group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significant differences in AT(1)R expression were observed between mild, moderate and severe PIH groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of AT(1)R is statistically significantly increased in the STB layer and villous endothelium of human placenta with PIH. Expression increases with the severity of the disease. Increased expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH.

The prevalence and spectrum of alpha and beta thalassaemia in Guangdong Province: implications for the future health burden and population screening

AIM

Thalassaemia is a good candidate disease for control by preventive genetic programmes in developing countries. Accurate population frequency data are needed for planning the control of thalassaemia in the high risk Guangdong Province of southern China.

METHODS

In total, 13397 consecutive samples from five geographical areas of Guangdong Province were analysed for both haematological and molecular parameters.

RESULTS

There was a high prevalence of carriers of alpha thalassaemia (8.53%), beta thalassaemia (2.54%), and both alpha and beta thalassaemia (0.26%). Overall, 11.07% of the population in this area were heterozygous carriers of alpha and beta thalassaemia. The mutation spectrum of alpha and beta thalassaemia and its constitution were fully described in this area. This study reports the true prevalence of silent alpha thalassaemia in the southern China population for the first time. In addition, two novel mutations that give rise to alpha thalassaemia, one deletion resulting in beta thalassaemia, and a rare deletion (--(THAI) allele) previously unreported in mainland China were detected. The frequency of the most common mutation, the Southeast Asian type of deletion (--(SEA), accounting for 48.54% of all alpha thalassaemias) was similar to the total of two alpha(+) thalassaemia deletions (-alpha(3.7) and -alpha(4.2), accounting for 47.49% of alpha thalassaemia).

CONCLUSION

Both alpha and beta thalassaemia are widely distributed in Guangdong Province of China. The knowledge gained in this study will enable the projected number of pregnancies at risk to be estimated and a screening strategy for control of thalassaemia to be designed in this area.

Regeneration of bleaching clay waste by chemical activation with chloride salts

Spent bleaching earth (SBE) was regenerated by chemical activation with low cost and low pollution chlorides as activating agents. Under the conditions of activation temperature of 600d egrees C and holding time of 1 h investigated, results show that fresh bleaching earth and regenerated bleaching earth are type IV with hysteresis loops corresponding to type H3 from nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, indicating slit-shaped mesoporous structure. It is also found that the effect of the regeneration treatment studied in the present work on the pore structures and chemical properties of the resulting solids is negligible compared to the fresh bleaching earth. On the other hand, the pore properties of these chemically activated solids are higher than those of the sample regenerated from heat regeneration, but only approximate 45% of surface area are reclaimed. It implies that the carbon residues could be retained within pores and/or clogs the entrance of pores, resulting in a decrease in pore properties.

Cloning, sequencing, heterologous expression, purification, and characterization of adenosylcobalamin-dependent D-ornithine aminomutase from Clostridium sticklandii

D-Ornithine aminomutase from Clostridium sticklandii catalyzes the reversible rearrangement of d-ornithine to (2R,4S)-2,4-diaminopentanoic acid. The two genes encoding d-ornithine aminomutase have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The oraS gene, which encodes a protein of 121 amino acid residues with M(r) 12,800, is situated upstream of the oraE gene, which encodes a protein of 753 amino acid residues with M(r) 82,900. The holoenzyme appears to comprise a alpha(2)beta(2)-heterotetramer. OraS shows no significant homology to other proteins in the Swiss-Prot data base. The deduced amino acid sequence of OraE includes a conserved base-off/histidine-on cobalamin-binding motif, DXHXXG. OraE was expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies. Refolding experiments on OraE indicate that the interactions between OraS and OraE and the binding of either pyridoxal phosphate or adenosylcobalamin play important roles in refolding process. The K(m) values for d-ornithine, 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) are 44.5 +/- 2.8, 0.43 +/- 0.04, and 1.5 +/- 0.1 microm, respectively; the k(cat) is 6.3 +/- 0.1 s(-1). The reaction was absolutely dependent upon OraE, OraS, AdoCbl, PLP, and D-ornithine being present in the assay; no other cofactors were required. A red-shift in UV-visible absorption spectrum is observed when free adenosylcobinamide is bound by recombinant D-ornithine aminomutase and no significant change in spectrum when free adenosylcobinamide is bound by mutant OraE-H618G, demonstrating that the enzyme binds adenosylcobalamin in base-off/histidine-on mode.

Localization of c-di-GMP-binding protein with the linear terminal complexes of Acetobacter xylinum

Specific labeling of a single row of cellulose-synthesizing complexes (terminal complexes, TC subunits, TCs, or TC arrays) in Acetobacter xylinum by antibodies raised against a 93-kDa protein (the cyclic dignanylic acid-binding protein) has been demonstrated by using the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-freeze-fracture labeling (FRL) technique. The antibodies to the 93-kDa protein specifically recognized the TC subunits on the protoplasmic fracture (PF) face of the outer membrane in A. xylinum; however, nonlabeled TCs were also observed. Two types of TC subunits (particles or pits) are observed on the PF face of the outer membrane: (i) immunogold-labeled TCs showing a line of depressions (pits) with an indistinct particle array and (ii) nonlabeled TC subunits with a distinct single row of particle arrays. The evidence indicates that the labeling patterns differ with respect to the presence or absence of certain TC subunits remaining attached to the replica after SDS treatment. This suggests the presence of at least two TC components, one in the outer membrane and the other in the cytoplasmic membrane. If the TC component in the outer membrane is preferentially fractured and remains attached to the ectoplasmic fracture face (or outer leaflet) of the outer membrane, subsequent replica formation reveals a pit or depression with positive antibody labeling on the PF face of the outer membrane. If the TC component in the outer membrane remains with the PF face (or inner leaflet) of the outer membrane, the innermost TC component is removed during SDS treatment and labeling does not occur. SDS-FRL of TCs in A. xylinum has enabled us to provide the first topological molecular analysis of component proteins in a cellulose-synthesizing TC structure in a prokaryotic organism.

The correlation of depression and gastric dysrhythmia in functional dyspepsia

Psychologic factors in functional dyspepsia have been discussed in many previous articles. However, the relationship between depression and functional dyspepsia is still obscure. We investigated the impact of depression on clinical symptoms and gastric dysrhythmia in functional dyspepsia. Thirty-nine patients with functional dyspepsia and 18 healthy subjects were included. Patients were investigated with clinical symptoms assessment, Zung's self-rating depression scale, and electrogastrography. Patients with functional dyspepsia were divided into two groups: 21 patients with depression and 18 patients without depression. The depressed patients had similar total gastrointestinal symptom severity scores compared with the nondepressed patients, but with higher total symptom frequency scores (p < 0.05). With regards to symptoms, the depressed patients had higher abdominal fullness severity and frequency scores and nausea frequency scores. The patients with functional dyspepsia had a lower percentage of normal slow wave in both the fasting and fed states and a higher percentage of bradygastria in the fasting state and tachygastria in the postprandial state (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of bradygastria or tachygastria between the depressed and nondepressed patients. There was no correlation between the specific type of electrogastrographic abnormality and the presence or absence of depression in functional dyspepsia patients.

[Study on the differentiation and apoptosis of HL-60 cell line induced by Puerarin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by different doses of Purerarin(PR) comparing with all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA) and to see if PR can induce apoptosis of HL-60 cells.

METHODS

Cell differentiation was analyzed by NBT reduction, the ratio of NBT/MTT and CD11b, apoptosis by morphology, DNA electrophoresis, and flow cytometry(FCM).

RESULTS

80 micrograms.ml-1, 160 micrograms.ml-1, 320 micrograms.ml-1 PR could induce differentiation of HL-60 cells, no significant difference was observed between the cells treated with 1 mumol.L-1 ATRA and 320 micrograms.ml-1 PR. Treated with 320 micrograms.ml-1, 640 micrograms.ml-1 PR, HL-60 cells exhibited a morphological characteristic of apoptosis and typical DNA ladder on gel electrophoresis. FCM analysis showed that PR could interfere with cell cycle in HL-60 cells, with a increased ratio of sub-G1 in HL-60 cells.

CONCLUSION

PR exerts effect on differentiation and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Protein-coenzyme interactions in adenosylcobalamin-dependent glutamate mutase

Glutamate mutase catalyses an unusual isomerization involving free-radical intermediates that are generated by homolysis of the cobalt-carbon bond of the coenzyme adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B(12)). A variety of techniques have been used to examine the interaction between the protein and adenosylcobalamin, and between the protein and the products of coenzyme homolysis, cob(II)alamin and 5'-deoxyadenosine. These include equilibrium gel filtration, isothermal titration calorimetry, and resonance Raman, UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies. The thermodynamics of adenosylcobalamin binding to the protein have been examined and appear to be entirely entropy-driven, with DeltaS=109 J.mol(-1).K(-1). The cobalt-carbon bond stretching frequency is unchanged upon coenzyme binding to the protein, arguing against a ground-state destabilization of the cobalt-carbon bond of adenosylcobalamin by the protein. However, reconstitution of the enzyme with cob(II)alamin and 5'-deoxyadenosine, the two stable intermediates formed subsequent to homolysis, results in the blue-shifting of two of the bands comprising the UV-visible spectrum of the corrin ring. The most plausible interpretation of this result is that an interaction between the protein, 5'-deoxyadenosine and cob(II)alamin introduces a distortion into the ring corrin that perturbs its electronic properties.

Axillary brachial plexus block with patient controlled analgesia for complex regional pain syndrome type I: a case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Brachial plexus block (BPB) has been cited as a treatment modality for complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) of the upper limb. However, there are no reports using axillary BPB with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for the treatment of CRPS I. This report is based on the retrospective observations of the outcome and effects of axillary BPB with PCA in a patient with CRPS I.

CASE REPORT

A 32-year-old man suffered from CRPS I of the right upper limb after surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand. Symptoms and signs over the right hand were alleviated under rehabilitation and conventional pharmacological management, but severe painful swelling of the right wrist persisted. Axillary BPB with PCA was performed on the 32nd postoperative day, which soon resulted in significant reduction of pain with gradual improvement of function of the right wrist.

CONCLUSIONS

Axillary BPB with PCA may provide patients with CRPS I of the upper limb a feasible and effective treatment. .

[Augmenter of liver regeneration: a novel cytokine]

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a novel cytokine which specifically stimulates hepatic cell proliferation and is able to rescue acute liver failure caused by carbon tetrachloride. This article reviews the discovery, tissue distribution, functions and prospect of ALR and its relationship with hepatic stimulatory substance (HSS).

Long-term outcome of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats

AIM

To investigate the long-term functional and morphological changes of the kidney induced by acute intoxication of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom in rats.

METHODS

Experimental model of acute renal injury was established in the Sprague-Dawley rats with oral administration of decoctions of Chinese herb, Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom, at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1 and 30 g.kg-1.d-1 for 7 consecutive days, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 for 15 consecutive days. Renal function was assayed at months 0 (right after treatment), 1, 3, and 6 of the experiment. Renal histological examination was also performed.

RESULTS

1) At month 0, the renal functional changes of acute renal injury included azotemia, low molecular weight proteinuria, glycosuria, hypoosmotic urine, and NAG enzymuria. Histopathological changes showed acute tubular necrosis, predominantly at the corticomedullary junction. 2) At months 1 and 3, the renal function of rats of the experiment was gradually restored and histopathologic examination suggested that the tubular lesions gradually recovered. In HE sections, basophilic deposits were observed in the tubular cytoplasm. And interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells was not prominent. 3) At months 6, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors occurred in rats. The occurrence of renal preneoplastic lesions at dosages of 50 g.kg-1.d-1, 30 g.kg-1.d-1, and 20 g.kg-1.d-1 were 100.0% at all three doses, renal tumors 42.8%, 25.0%, and 0%, respectively, extrarenal tumors 14.4%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively, and systemic tumors 57.2%, 37.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. The occurrence of basophilic deposits, renal preneoplastic lesions, renal tumors, and extrarenal tumors in normal control group was nil.

CONCLUSIONS

1) Administration of large dosage of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom induces acute renal failure in rats. 2) The long-term renal function and histopathologic changes of acute renal injury induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis Komrecover spontaneously. 3) Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom has been proved to be oncogenic for the first time.

Home-based patient-controlled epidural analgesia with bupivacaine for patients with intractable herpetic neuralgia

This clinical report is based on retrospective observation of the outcome and effects of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with bupivacaine infusion administered at home to five patients with intractable herpetic neuralgia. All patients had severe pain (9 or 10 visual analogue scale [VAS]points) confined to the affected dermatomes, which was refractory to medication. The interval between zoster onset and PCEA application ranged from 27 to 60 days (mean, 37.2 d). The average daily amount of bupivacaine used was 36.5 to 91.2 mg (mean +/- standard deviation, 62.4 +/- 19.7 mg). The duration of PCEA therapy ranged from 10 to 28 days (18.4 +/- 7.6 d). One patient developed drug tolerance. All treatments resulted in effective and satisfactory pain relief (VAS, 0-3), with increase in physical activities to normal levels and easing of sleep and appetite impairment. No deleterious effects were found during PCEA therapy. After discontinuation of PCEA, two patients did not complain of pain but still had slight paresthesia, one of them required low-dose antidepressant for 17 days; three patients continued to have occasional sharp pain (VAS, 2-3) and required low-dose antidepressant and analgesic as-needed for one to six months. These results suggest that PCEA with bupivacaine infusion provides effective pain relief in patients with intractable herpetic neuralgia and is a feasible and effective home treatment modality with limited side effects.

Purification and properties of ornithine racemase from Clostridium sticklandii

Ornithine racemase has been purified to homogeneity from Clostridium sticklandii, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This is the first racemase known to be highly specific to ornithine. This PLP-dependent enzyme has an M(r) of 92, 000, with a K(m) for L-ornithine of 0.77 +/- 0.05 mM and a k(cat) of 980 +/- 20 s(-1).

Prolonged morphine treatment relieves thermal hyperalgesia in rats with sciatic nerve constriction injury

We examined the effects of chronic morphine treatment with regular intermittent administration in a modified chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of the rat sciatic nerve originally introduced by Bennett and Xie. A painful neuropathy was induced over the left hind limb with sciatic nerve ligation, and sham surgery was done on the opposite side in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Paw-with-drawal latency (PWL) was obtained one day before surgery (pre-op baseline) and on the fourth day after surgery (post-op) to assure the development of thermal hyperalgesia. Morphine hydrochloride (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg per day) was subcutaneously administered for 7 days to four experimental groups. The control group received normal saline rather than morphine under the same injection protocol. PWLs were evaluated on days 5, 7, 9, and 11 of the treatment. PWL decreased to 50-60% of the pre-op baseline or sham limb on the fourth day after surgery. Morphine's ability to reverse PWL appeared dose-related, and no tolerance developed during treatment with chronic intermittent administration. This may indicate that prolonged use of intermittently-administered morphine can be a feasible regimen for relief of neuropathic pain.

The reaction of the substrate analog 2-ketoglutarate with adenosylcobalamin-dependent glutamate mutase

Glutamate mutase is one of several adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzymes that catalyze unusual rearrangements that proceed through a mechanism involving free radical intermediates. The enzyme exhibits remarkable specificity, and so far no molecules other than L-glutamate and L-threo-3-methylaspartate have been found to be substrates. Here we describe the reaction of glutamate mutase with the substrate analog, 2-ketoglutarate. Binding of 2-ketoglutarate (or its hydrate) to the holoenzyme elicits a change in the UV-visible spectrum consistent with the formation of cob(II)alamin on the enzyme. 2-ketoglutarate undergoes rapid exchange of tritium between the 5'-position of the coenzyme and C-4 of 2-ketoglutarate, consistent with the formation of a 2-ketoglutaryl radical analogous to that formed with glutamate. Under aerobic conditions this leads to the slow inactivation of the enzyme, presumably through reaction of free radical species with oxygen. Despite the formation of a substrate-like radical, no rearrangement of 2-ketoglutarate to 3-methyloxalacetate could be detected. The results indicate that formation of the C-4 radical of 2-ketoglutarate is a facile process but that it does not undergo further reactions, suggesting that this may be a useful substrate analog with which to investigate the mechanism of coenzyme homolysis.

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia for postherpetic neuralgia in an HIV-infected patient as a therapeutic ambulatory modality

A 43-year-old HIV-positive male was referred to our pain clinic one month after his fourth attack of herpes zoster infection. He complained of intermittent intolerable sharp and lancinating pain accompanied by numbness over the inner aspect of the left upper extremity, left anterior chest wall and the back. Physical examination revealed allodynia over the left T1 and T2 dermatomes without any obvious skin lesion. The pain was treated with epidural block made possible by a retention epidural catheter placed via the T2-3 interspace. After the administration of 8 ml of 1% lidocaine in divided doses, the pain was completely relieved for 4 h without significant change of blood pressure or heart rate. A pump (Baxter API) for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) filled with 0.08% bupivacaine was connected to the epidural catheter on the next day and programmed at a basal rate of 2 ml/h, PCA dose 2 ml, lockout interval 15 min, with an one-hour dose limit of 8 ml. He was instructed to report his condition by telephone every weekday. The pump was refilled with drug and the wound of catheter entry was checked and managed every 3 or 4 days. The epidural catheter was replaced every week. During treatment, the pain intensity was controlled in the range from 10 to 0-2 on the visual analogue scale. He was very satisfied with the treatment and reported only slight hypoesthesia over the left upper extremity in the early treatment period. Epidural PCA was discontinued after 28 days. He did not complain of pain thereafter but reported a slight numb sensation still over the lesion site for a period of time. In conclusion, postherpetic neuralgia in an HIV-infected man was successfully treated with ambulatory therapeutic modality of epidural PCA for 28 days.

Adenosylcobalamin-dependent glutamate mutase: examination of substrate and coenzyme binding in an engineered fusion protein possessing simplified subunit structure and kinetic properties

Glutamate mutase is comprised of two weakly associating subunits; E and S, that combine to form the coenzyme binding site. The active holoenzyme assembles in a kinetically complex process in which both the stoichiometry and apparent Kd for adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) are dependent upon the relative concentrations of the two subunits, as is the enzyme's specific activity. To facilitate mechanistic and structural studies on this enzyme we have genetically fused the S subunit to the C-terminus of the E subunit through an 11 amino acid (Gly-Gln)5-Gly linker segment. This protein, GlmES, binds AdoCbl stoichiometrically and neither the affinity for AdoCbl nor the turnover number depends upon protein concentration. The kcat and Km for both substrate and coenzyme, together with the deuterium isotope effects on Vmax and Vmax/Km, have been determined for the GlmES-catalyzed reaction proceeding in both directions. Compared with wild type, the affinity for AdoCbl is unchanged, but for the conversion of L-glutamate to (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartate both kcat and Km for L-glutamate are decreased by about a third and the isotope effects are reduced, suggesting product release to be more rate-limiting. To test hypotheses concerning the activation of the coenzyme, we examined the binding of adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, and cob(II)alamin to the enzyme. Each of these is bound with essentially the same affinity (2 microM), suggesting that, contrary to expectations, interactions between the protein and the adenosyl moiety do not serve to weaken the cobalt-carbon bond in the ground state.

How enzymes control the reactivity of adenosylcobalamin: effect on coenzyme binding and catalysis of mutations in the conserved histidine-aspartate pair of glutamate mutase

Glutamate mutase is one of a group of adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzymes that catalyze unusual isomerizations that proceed through the formation of radical intermediates. It shares a structurally similar cobalamin-binding domain with methylcobalamin-dependent methionine synthase. In particular, both proteins contain the "DXHXXG" cobalamin-binding motif, in which the histidine provides the axial ligand to cobalt. The effects of mutating the conserved histidine and aspartate residues in methionine synthase have recently been described [Jarrett, J. T., Amaratunga, M., Drennan, C. L., Scholten, J. D., Sands, R. H., Ludwig, M. L., & Matthews, R. G. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 2464-2475]. Here, we describe how similar mutations in the "DXHXXG" motif of glutamate mutase affect coenzyme binding and catalysis in an adenosylcobalamin-dependent reaction. The mutations made in the MutS subunit of glutamate mutase were His16Gly, His16Gln, Asp14Asn, Asp14Glu, and Asp14Ala. All the mutations affect, in varying degrees, the rate of catalysis, the affinity of the protein for the coenzyme, and the coordination of cobalt. Mutations of either Asp14 or His16 decrease k(cat) by 1000-fold, and whereas cob(II)alamin accumulates as an intermediate in the wild-type enzyme, it does not accumulate in the mutants, suggesting the rate-determining step is altered. The apparent Kd for adenosylcobalamin is raised by about 50-fold when His16 is mutated and by 5-10-fold when Asp16 is mutated. There are extensive differences between the UV-visible spectra of wild-type and mutant holoenzymes, indicating that the mutant enzymes coordinate cobalt less well. Overall, the properties of these mutants differ quite markedly from those observed when similar mutations were introduced into methionine synthase.

Acquired tracheomalacia--a case report

Tracheomalacia is a condition characterized by weakness of the tracheal walls and supporting cartilage. It may be congenital, occurring in association with other lesions, such as vascular ring, tracheoesophageal fistula, dyschondroplasia, congenital cysts or tumors, or it may be acquired, most commonly as a result of protracted endotracheal intubation and less often of irradiation, trauma or neoplasm. We present a case of acquired tracheomalacia in a 15-year-old boy, a victim of Proteus syndrome (hemihypertrophy, subcutaneous tumors, and macrodactyly), who had congenital scoliosis with secondary chronic restrictive pulmonary disease, for which he was admitted to our hospital for surgical correction of the spine. Unfortunately, his conditions, particularly of respiratory, worsened after the operation, which called for an emergent tracheostomy. During the procedure, high airway pressure and CO2 retention developed, and an extreme narrowing of the tracheal lumen was revealed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Acquired tracheomalacia was diagnosed. The probable mechanisms, diagnostic tests, and treatments of tracheomalacia are hereunder discussed.

Carboxymethylation of MutS-cysteine-15 specifically inactivates adenosylcobalamin-dependent glutamate mutase. Examination of the role of this residue in coenzyme-binding and catalysis

The sensitivity of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl)-dependent glutamate mutase toward thiol-directed reagents has been investigated. Iodoacetate specifically alkylates one cysteine residue, Cys-15, in MutS with concomitant irreversible loss of enzyme activity. Cys-15 lies between the conserved residues Asp-14 and His-16, that are believed to coordinate cobalt to form a Co-His-Asp hydrogen-bonded "triad" when AdoCbl is bound by the enzyme. Although inactive, carboxymethylated MutS still bound AdoCbl with only a 5-fold increase in apparent Kd. To determine whether Cys-15 plays an essential role in catalysis, it was mutated to serine and to alanine. These mutants were active, but both exhibited decreased Vmax and increased apparent Km and Kd for AdoCbl. To mimic the effect of carboxymethylation, Cys15 was mutated to aspartate and, as an isosteric control, to asparagine. Neither of these mutants was active: MutS-C15N bound AdoCbl approximately 10-fold weaker than wild type, whereas MutS-C15N bound AdoCbl over 100 times less strongly than wild type. The results demonstrate both coenzyme-binding and catalysis to be very sensitive to mutations at position 15 that could potentially perturb the Co-His-Asp hydrogen-bonding network.

The anti-aging effect of moxibustion and moxibustion combined with skin allograft evaluated from optic and electron microscopy study of thymus and pituitary glands

The effect of moxibustion combined with acu-area skin allograft therapy for the aging was evaluated using a mice model. This study provides experimental basis and a new research clue for the clinical application of "combination" therapy with the use of optic and electron microscope. We observed that moxibustion, skin allograft, and a combination of the two had the effect of retarding the aging of the thymus gland and pituitary gland. Among them, the moxibustion combined with skin allograft was more effective compared with other single therapies. This study suggests that the combined therapy could raise the therapeutic effect.

D-Aminoacylase from Alcaligenes faecalis possesses novel activities on D-methionine

D-Aminoacylase isolated from Alcaligenes faecalis DA1 has a great potential for future application in D-amino acids production. This paper reports for the first time that D-aminoacylase can reverse the catalysis direction on D-Met and deacylate N-Ac-D-Met-OMe and N-Ac-D-Met-Gly. The results provide important insights regarding the binding and affinity of substrates to the active site of this enzyme. Based on a systematic study of kinetic properties and relative reactivities for a broad range of substrates, a model to elucidate the reaction mechanism is proposed.

A light and electron microscopic study of lung cancers. Clinical implications

This study consists of 71 consecutive surgically resected specimens of lung cancer which were submitted for both light and electron microscopic studies. Eleven of the 71 cancers found in the resected specimens and originally diagnosed by light microscopy had to be reclassified when studied by electron microscopy. All of the reclassified cancers were either poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors. This finding enables one to better select and suspect those cancers which are more likely to be in need of electron microscopic study.

[Clinical and pathological features of type I and III membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis]

Analysis and comparisons were made between the clinical and pathological data obtained from 42 cases of type I and 17 cases of type III membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). It was shown that type I MPGN differed from type III remarkably in following respects: (1) Nephrosis was a salient feature of type III while hypertension, impairment of renal function and hematuria were more common in type I. (2) Pathological glomerular sclerosis, tubular interstitial changes and crescents formation occurred frequently in type I but not in type III. (3) Long term prognosis for type III was much better than type I. It is concluded the type III MPGN is a distinct clinical entity which differs from the classical type I MPGN in many aspects.

Primary lymphoma of the spleen

Primary lymphoma of the spleen is a relatively rare clinical entity. The majority of patients reported with this entity not only have splenic involvement but also have had lymph node and/or liver involvement. The patient reported presented with splenomegaly and was otherwise asymptomatic. Only splenic involvement was noted at operation and no other manifestation of the disease has become apparent, some 24 months post-splenectomy.