[The clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection]

Objectives: This study aims to explore the clinical significance of lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) and evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of this technique to predict the status of lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLNs). Methods: The clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, lymph node findings and perioperative complications of 16 rectal cancer patients who underwent SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during April 2017 and October 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The patients did not receive preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and presented with LPLNs but without LPLN enlargement (MRI showed the maximum short axes of the LPLNs were ≥5 mm and <10 mm at first visit). Results: All 16 patients were successfully performed SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation in laparoscopic LLND. Three patients underwent bilateral LLND and 13 patients underwent unilateral LLND. The lateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were clearly fluorescent before dissection in 14 patients and the detection rate of SLNs for these patients was 87.5%. Lateral pelvic SLN metastasis was diagnosed in 2 patients and negative results were found in 12 patients by frozen pathological examinations. Among the 14 patients in whom lateral pelvic SLNs were detected, the dissected lateral pelvic non-SLNs were all negative. All dissected LPLNs were negative in two patients without fluorescent lateral pelvic SLNs. The specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 85.7%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: This study indicates that lateral pelvic SLNB using ICG fluorescence navigation shows promise as a safe and feasible procedure with good accuracy. This technique may replace preventive LLND for locally advanced lower rectal cancer.

Feasibility of using a depth camera or pressure mat for visual feedback balance training with functional electrical stimulation

Individuals with incomplete spinal-cord injury/disease are at an increased risk of falling due to their impaired ability to maintain balance. Our research group has developed a closed-loop visual-feedback balance training (VFBT) system coupled with functional electrical stimulation (FES) for rehabilitation of standing balance (FES + VFBT system); however, clinical usage of this system is limited by the use of force plates, which are expensive and not easily accessible. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a more affordable and accessible sensor such as a depth camera or pressure mat in place of the force plate. Ten able-bodied participants (7 males, 3 females) performed three sets of four different standing balance exercises using the FES + VFBT system with the force plate. A depth camera and pressure mat collected centre of mass and centre of pressure data passively, respectively. The depth camera showed higher Pearson's correlation (r > 98) and lower root mean squared error (RMSE < 10 mm) than the pressure mat (r > 0.82; RMSE < 4.5 mm) when compared with the force plate overall. Stimulation based on the depth camera showed lower RMSE than that based on the pressure mat relative to the FES + VFBT system. The depth camera shows potential as a replacement sensor to the force plate for providing feedback to the FES + VFBT system.

[Lysosomal membrane protein Sidt2 knockout induces apoptosis of human hepatocytes in vitro independent of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory mechanism of human hepatocyte apoptosis induced by lysosomal membrane protein Sidt2 knockout.

METHODS

The Sidt2 knockout (Sidt2^-/-) cell model was constructed in human hepatocyte HL7702 cells using Crispr-Cas9 technology.The protein levels of Sidt2 and key autophagy proteins LC3-II/I and P62 in the cell model were detected using Western blotting, and the formation of autophagosomes was observed with MDC staining.EdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry were performed to observe the effect of Sidt2 knockout on cell proliferation and apoptosis.The effect of chloroquine at the saturating concentration on autophagic flux, proliferation and apoptosis of Sidt2 knockout cells were observed.

RESULTS

Sidt2^-/- HL7702 cells were successfully constructed.Sidt2 knockout significantly inhibited the proliferation and increased apoptosis of the cells, causing also increased protein expressions of LC3-II/I and P62(P < 0.05) and increased number of autophagosomes.Autophagy of the cells reached a saturated state following treatment with 50 μmol/L chloroquine, and at this concentration, chloroquine significantly increased the expressions of LC3B and P62 in Sidt2^-/- HL7702 cells.

CONCLUSION

Sidt2 gene knockout causes dysregulation of the autophagy pathway and induces apoptosis of HL7702 cells, and the latter effect is not mediated by inhibiting the autophagy-lysosomal pathway.

[M2 macrophage-derived exosomal lncRNA NR_028113.1 promotes macrophage polarization possibly by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of M2 macrophage-derived exosomal lncRNA NR_028113.1 on macrophage polarization and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from BALB/c mice were isolated and cultured in vitro. After IL-4 treatment to induce M2 macrophage polarization, exosomes (M2-exo) were extracted from the supernatant of M2 macrophages and identified. The expression of lncRNA in M2-exo was detected by qRT-PCR. BMDMs were co-cultured with M2-exo (100 μg/mL) or PBS for 48 h, and the changes in cellular expression levels of Arg1, YM-1, FIZZ1, iNOS and TNF-α were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The percentage of CD206⁺ cells was analyzed using flow cytometry, and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2/STAT3 proteins were detected using Western blotting. A lncRNA smart silencer was designed to specifically inhibit the expression of lncRNA NR_028113.1 in the M2 macrophages, from which exosomes were extracted and co-cultured with BMDMs for 48 h. The mRNA expression levels of Arg1, YM-1, FIZZ1, iNOS and TNF-α, CD206⁺ cell percentage and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2/STAT3 proteins were detected using qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and Western blotting.

RESULTS

LncRNA NR_028113.1 was highly expressed in the exosomes of M2 macrophages (P < 0.05). Co-culture with M2-exo significantly increased mRNA expressions of M2 macrophage marker genes Arg1, YM-1 and FIZZ1 (P < 0.05), lowered the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and increased CD206⁺ cell percentage and JAK2/STAT3 protein phosphorylation level in BMDMs (P < 0.05). After inhibiting the expression of lncRNA NR_028113.1 in M2 macrophages, the extracted M2-exo caused significant down-regulation of the mRNA expressions of Arg1, YM-1 and FIZZ1 and up-regulation of iNOS and TNF-α mRNA (P < 0.05), resulting also in signi-ficantly reduced CD206⁺ cell percentage and lowered phosphorylation levels of JAK2/STAT3 proteins in co-cultured BMDM (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

M2 macrophage-derived exosomal lncRNA NR_028113.1 can significantly promote M2 polarization of macrophages possibly by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

[A fixed cohort study of disability trajectory of the dying elderly in China]

Objective: To explore the trajectory of disability in the dying elderly in China. Methods: Based on the activity of daily living (ADL) data from the 2002-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, the longitudinal item response theory (LIRT) model was fitted with the difficulty threshold parameters to analyze the ADL loss in the elderly in China. Then, a mixed-effects model was fitted to analyze the trajectory of the disability level of the dying elderly. Results: A total of 5 817 old adults who entered the cohort in 2002 were included, in whom 41.81% were males, with a baseline age of (86.80±12.40) years and a follow-up time of 4 (3,8) years. The results of LIRT showed that the lowest difficulty threshold parameter in the basic activity of daily living (BADL) was partially disability on bathing (0.41±0.05), and the highest was entirely disability on indoor movement (6.19±0.16). In comparison, the lowest difficulty threshold parameter in instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) was partially disability on using public transportation (-3.01±0.07), and the highest was entirely disability on visiting neighbors (1.51±0.07). In the trajectory of disability, the average dependency in ADL was lower in dying men than in dying women (P<0.001), in the elderly living alone than in the elderly living with family members (P<0.001) and in the non-illiterate elderly than in the illiterate elderly (P<0.001). The estimated value of both the linear change rate and quadratic coefficient of disability level development with time were 0.231 (P<0.001) and 0.002 (P<0.001). Conclusions: In China, the development of disability in the elderly in China has its characteristics, IADL disability might occurs earlier than BADL. Among the IADL/BADL items, the disability of lower limb-based items is more prone to occur compared with upper limb-based items, and the disability of complex items is more prone to occur compared with simple items, and the growth rate of the disability trajectory also accelerates over time. It is necessary to pay attention to old women, old people living with family members, old people with low education level and old people with poor cognitive function in the disability prevention.

[Application and prospect of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer]

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in China, and its incidence is increasing with years. As the second most common metastatic site of colorectal cancer, peritoneum is difficult to diagnose early and with a poor prognosis. Systemic intravenous chemotherapy was used as the main treatment strategy for peritoneal metastasis in the past, but its systemic toxic and side effects were obvious, and it could not effectively control tumor progression. In recent years, the continuous development of surgical techniques, concepts, and equipment, as well as the introduction of new chemotherapy drugs and targeted drugs have significantly improved the quality of life and prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can effectively eradicated the intraperitoneal free cancer cells and subclinical lesions, while reducing systemic side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and achieve the radical cure of the tumor at the macro and micro levels to the greatest extent. It has been used as the first-line treatment program for peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer at home and abroad. This article focuses on the analysis and summary of the survival efficacy, prognostic factor analysis, and chemotherapy safety of CRS+ HIPEC in the treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis. The existing problems and controversies of HIPEC therapy are discussed simultaneously.

Integration of a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model with a whole-body, organ-resolved genome-scale model for characterization of ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism

Ethanol is one of the most widely used recreational substances in the world and due to its ubiquitous use, ethanol abuse has been the cause of over 3.3 million deaths each year. In addition to its effects, ethanol's primary metabolite, acetaldehyde, is a carcinogen that can cause symptoms of facial flushing, headaches, and nausea. How strongly ethanol or acetaldehyde affects an individual depends highly on the genetic polymorphisms of certain genes. In particular, the genetic polymorphisms of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, ALDH2, play a large role in the metabolism of acetaldehyde. Thus, it is important to characterize how genetic variations can lead to different exposures and responses to ethanol and acetaldehyde. While the pharmacokinetics of ethanol metabolism through alcohol dehydrogenase have been thoroughly explored in previous studies, in this paper, we combined a base physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model with a whole-body genome-scale model (WBM) to gain further insight into the effect of other less explored processes and genetic variations on ethanol metabolism. This combined model was fit to clinical data and used to show the effect of alcohol concentrations, organ damage, ALDH2 enzyme polymorphisms, and ALDH2-inhibiting drug disulfiram on ethanol and acetaldehyde exposure. Through estimating the reaction rates of auxiliary processes with dynamic Flux Balance Analysis, The PBPK-WBM was able to navigate around a lack of kinetic constants traditionally associated with PK modelling and demonstrate the compensatory effects of the body in response to decreased liver enzyme expression. Additionally, the model demonstrated that acetaldehyde exposure increased with higher dosages of disulfiram and decreased ALDH2 efficiency, and that moderate consumption rates of ethanol could lead to unexpected accumulations in acetaldehyde. This modelling framework combines the comprehensive steady-state analyses from genome-scale models with the dynamics of traditional PK models to create a highly personalized form of PBPK modelling that can push the boundaries of precision medicine.

[Analysis of risk factors of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with colorectal cancer aged over 80 years]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with colorectal cancer aged over 80 years old. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to collect and analyze the clinicopathological data of patients (≥80 years old) who underwent radical colorectal cancer surgery at department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from January 2010 to December 2018. A total of 269 patients were included in the study, including 160 males and 109 females. The average age was 83 (80-94) years. Among them, the pathological TNM stage was 16 in stage I, 76 in stage II, 167 in stage III, and 10 in stage IV. According to Clavien-Dindo classification, the postoperative complications of grade III and above were defined as serious complications. To analyze the relationship between the patient's clinical data, such as general information, the surgeon's experience (whether to complete more than 500 radical colorectal cancer surgery), intraoperative conditions and the occurrence of severe complications. Univariate analysis was conducted with the chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for statistically significant variables in univariate analysis. Results: Of the 269 patients, 34 (12.6%) had severe complications after surgery. The incidence of postoperative complications ranged from high to low, respectively, for pulmonary infection (8/269,3.0%), intestinal obstruction (8/269, 3.0%) and anastomotic leakage (7/269, 2.6%). One patient died of pulmonary embolism and one patient died of multiple organ failure, with a perioperative mortality rate of 0.7% (2/269). On univariate analysis, the occurrence of severe postoperative complications was associated with age (χ(2)=8.181, P=0.004), American society of anesthesiologists grade (χ(2)=7.945, P=0.005), preoperative albumin level (χ(2)=9.088, P=0.003), operation experience (χ(2)=9.395, P=0.002). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥85 years old (OR=4.415, 95% CI: 1.702-11.453, P=0.080), preoperative albumin <35 g/L (OR=2.544, 95%CI: 1.083-5.974, P=0.032), and less-experieced group (OR=2.475, 95% CI:1.082-5.661, P=0.032) was independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications. The incidence of serious postoperative complications was similar in patients undergoing laparoscopy and laparotomy [10.1% (17/169) vs. 17.0% (17/100), χ(2)=2.741, P=0.098]. Conclusion: Adequate preoperative evaluation, appropriate perioperative nutritional support and experienced specialists are the key factors to ensure the successful perioperative period of elderly patients with colorectal cancer aged over 80 years old. In addition, more attention should be paid to the elderly patients aged ≥85 years.

Novel small molecule IL-6 inhibitor suppresses autoreactive Th17 development and promotes Treg development

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in the United States in young adults, but current treatments are only partially effective, making it necessary to develop new, innovative therapeutic strategies. Myelin-specific interleukin (IL)-17-producing T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a major subset of CD4 T effector cells (T_eff ) that play a critical role in mediating the development and progression of MS and its mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), while regulatory T cells (T_reg ) CD4 T cells are beneficial for suppressing disease. The IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) signaling pathway is a key regulator of Th17 and T_reg cells by promoting Th17 development and suppressing T_reg development. Here we show that three novel small molecule IL-6 inhibitors, madindoline-5 (MDL-5), MDL-16 and MDL-101, significantly suppress IL-17 production in myelin-specific CD4 T cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. MDL-101 showed superior potency in suppressing IL-17 production compared to MDL-5 and MDL-16. Treatment of myelin-specific CD4 T cells with MDL-101 in vitro reduced their encephalitogenic potential following their subsequent adoptive transfer. Furthermore, MDL-101 significantly suppressed proliferation and IL-17 production of anti-CD3-activated effector/memory CD45RO⁺ CD4⁺ human CD4 T cells and promoted human T_reg development. Together, these data demonstrate that these novel small molecule IL-6 inhibitors have the potential to shift the T_eff  : T_reg balance, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ameliorating disease progression in MS.

[Analysis of 17 cases underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with transanal natural orifice specimen extraction and resection]

Objective: To study the feasibility, safety and short-term efficacy of total laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with transanal natural orifice specimen extraction and resection. Methods: From May 2014 to March 2016, 17 patients with rectal carcinoma were treated by total laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with transanal natural orifice specimen extraction and resection. The clinical data of these patients was collected and retrospectively analyzed to assess the impact of the operation on postoperative recovery time and the incidence of complications. Results: All operations had been successfully accomplished without conversion to open surgery or conversional laparoscopic-assisted surgery . The median operative time was 105 minutes. The median blood loss was 35 ml. The median proximal and distal margin of tumor is 16 cm and 3.5 cm. The median number of lymph nodes harvest is 21, and the median first bowl movement is 43 hours. The hospitalization after operation is 8 days. No patient underwent abdomen hemorrhage or anastomotic leakage. Conclusion: Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with transanal natural orifice specimen extraction and resection appears to be feasible, safe and with promising efficacy for selected patients.

[Prognosis factors for the perineal incision complications after abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis factors affecting perineal incision complications after abdominoperineal resection (APR) for the low rectal cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 151 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer undergoing APR between January and December 2013 at Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. The patients were comprised of 95 males and 56 females. The mean age of the patients was (57.3±10.9) years (ranging from 31 to 79 years). χ(2) test and Logistic regression analysis were used to identify the prognosis factors of perineum incision complications. Results: In all 151 patients, perineal incision complications were confirmed in 31 patients (20.5%), including 8 cases of incision infection, 22 cases of poor healing of perineal wound, and 1 case of incision fistula formation. In univariate analysis, the factors associated with perineal incision complications were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (χ(2)=7.116, P=0.008), intraoperative blood loss (χ(2)=9.157, P=0.002), while the protective factors associate with perineal incision complications were the intraperitoneal chemotherapy with fluorouracil sustained release (χ(2)=5.020, P=0.025), pelvic restoration (χ(2)=10.158, P=0.001), operation experience (χ(2)=7.334, P=0.007). The gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, preoperative radiochemtherapy, hemoglobin level, albumin level, distance from distal tumor to anal verge, the procedure of APR, operating time, intraoperative blood transfusion, total drainage volume 3 days after operation, tumor differentiation and the postoperative TNM staging were not associated with perineal incision complications (P>0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the intraoperative pelvic restoration (OR=0.200, 95% CI: 0.045 to 0.894, P=0.035) and intraoperative blood loss (OR=2.953, 95% CI: 1.155 to 7.551, P=0.024) were independent prognosis factors of perineum incision complications. Conclusions: For patients with low rectal cancer undergoing APR procedure, pelvic restoration wound be needed. The operation should be performed by experienced doctors, intraoperative blood loss should be reduced when possible.

Sarcocyst Development in Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Inoculated with Different Strains of Sarcocystis neurona Culture-Derived Merozoites

Sarcocystis neurona is considered the major etiologic agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), a neurological disease in horses. Raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) is considered the most important intermediate host in the life cycle of S. neurona in the United States; S. neurona sarcocysts do mature in raccoon muscles, and raccoons also develop clinical signs simulating EPM. The focus of this study was to determine if sarcocysts would develop in raccoons experimentally inoculated with different host-derived strains of in vitro-cultivated S. neurona merozoites. Four raccoons were inoculated with strains derived from a raccoon, a sea otter, a cat, and a horse. Raccoon tissues were fed to laboratory-raised opossums ( Didelphis virginiana ), the definitive host of S. neurona . Intestinal scraping revealed sporocysts in opossums who received muscle tissue from raccoons inoculated with the raccoon-derived or the sea otter-derived isolates. These results demonstrate that sarcocysts can mature in raccoons inoculated with in vitro-derived S. neurona merozoites. In contrast, the horse and cat-derived isolates did not produce microscopically or biologically detected sarcocysts. Immunoblot analysis revealed both antigenic and antibody differences when testing the inoculated raccoons. Immunohistochemical staining indicated differences in staining between the merozoite and sarcocyst stages. The successful infections achieved in this study indicates that the life cycle can be manipulated in the laboratory without affecting subsequent stage development, thereby allowing further purification of strains and artificial maintenance of the life cycle.

Impact of suppressing retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR)γt in ameliorating central nervous system autoimmunity

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated chronic central nervous system (CNS) disease affecting more than 400 000 people in the United States. Myelin-reactive CD4 T cells play critical roles in the formation of acute inflammatory lesions and disease progression in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a well-defined mouse model for MS. Current MS therapies are only partially effective, making it necessary to develop more effective therapies that specifically target pathogenic myelin-specific CD4 T cells for MS treatment. While suppressing T-bet, the key transcription factor in T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in prevention and treatment of EAE, the therapeutic potential of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR)γt, the key transcription factor for Th17 cells, has not been well-characterized. In this study, we characterized the correlation between RORγt expression and other factors affecting T cell encephalitogenicity and evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting RORγt by siRNA inhibition of RORγt. Our data showed that RORγt expression correlates with interleukin (IL)-17 production, but not with the encephalitogenicity of myelin-specific CD4 T cells. IL-23, a cytokine that enhances encephalitogenicity, does not enhance RORγt expression significantly. Additionally, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels, which correlate with the encephalitogenicity of different myelin-specific CD4 T cell populations, do not correlate with RORγt. More importantly, inhibiting RORγt expression in myelin-specific CD4 T cells with an siRNA does not reduce disease severity significantly in adoptively transferred EAE. Thus, RORγt is unlikely to be a more effective therapeutic target for ameliorating pathogenicity of encephalitogenic CD4 T cells.

Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy due to endovascular treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula with Onyx-18

We describe a patient with dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) treated with Onyx-18 who developed isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy. This is the first case of isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by Onyx-18 embolization. This complication suggests that over embolization with Onyx-18 in the treatment of hypoglossal canal DAVFs should be avoided, and transvenous embolization may be safer. Furthermore, prednisolone therapy should be carried out in the prophase of nerve palsy.

Two new reactive targets of 2,5-hexanedione in vitro – beta-alanine and glycine

In this study, we found that two amino acids reacted with 2,5-hexanedione to form new reaction products in vitro, respectively. In the reaction of beta-alanine and 2,5-hexanedione, a reaction product was obtained and analyses of obtained results showed it was 3-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)propanoic acid; in the reaction of glycine and 2,5-hexanedione, a reaction product was also obtained and analyses showed it was (2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)acetic acid. Two reaction products were found to be oxidized easily; in addition, the latter was more easily to be oxidized than the former in the air. Our discoveries demonstrated that reactions between amino acids and 2,5-hexanedione could exist possibly in vitro. At present, it is clear that 2,5-hexanedione causes either axon atrophy or swelling, but the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. Since both beta-alanine and glycine are considered as neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, the reaction products remain to be identified in vivo.

Proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal of osteoprogenitors in vertebral cell populations from aged and young female rats

A significant contribution to the bone loss associated with aging is likely to be a decline in bone formation. We have characterized and compared the number, capacity for proliferation and differentiation and the self-renewal ability of osteoprogenitors of aged (17-26-month-old) and young (1.5-month-old) female Wistar rats using limiting dilution analyses and continuous subculture experiments. Cells were obtained from outgrowths of explants of lumbar vertebrae (L1-L6) and grown in alpha-minimal essential medium (alpha-MEM), 10% FBS and 50 microg/ml ascorbic acid with or without dexamethasone (Dex; 0.3-300 nM) or progesterone (Prog; 0.01-10 microM). Growth curves for cell populations of both age groups were similar with population doubling times of 27.1 and 26.7 h for the aged and young animals, respectively. Osteoprogenitors from both age groups formed bone nodules when cultured in the presence of either Dex or Prog. Limiting dilution analysis in the presence of 10 nM Dex showed no difference between the aged and young rats in the number of colony forming units-fibroblast (CFU-F), alkaline phosphatase-positive colony forming units-fibroblast (AP+ CFU-F) or colony forming units-osteoblast (CFU-O). No differences were also found for any progenitor within the aged group. Limiting dilution analysis in the presence of 3 microM Prog showed no differences in the numbers of CFU-F, AP+ CFU-F or CFU-O between the aged and young groups or within the aged group. Continuous subculture of cells in the presence of 10 nM Dex revealed that the number of nodules per 10(4) plated cells increased in second subculture over first subculture cells in the young group but decreased in the aged group. Also, in third to fifth subculture cells, the number of nodules was lower in the aged group than in the young group. A similar pattern was observed in the presence of 3 microM Prog. Results indicate that the cell population doubling times, growth characteristics, and the number of CFU-F and osteoprogenitors in vertebral bone cell populations from aged rats and young rats are similar. This suggests that the bone loss associated with aging is not caused by a decrease in osteoprogenitor cell number. However, cell populations from the aged rats showed a reduced capacity for self-renewal in vitro, which would ultimately translate into a reduced number of osteoblasts and might be partly responsible for a decrease in bone formation in aged animals.

Identification of dexamethasone-dependent osteoprogenitors in cell populations derived from adult human female bone

The purpose of this investigation was to establish whether or not dexamethasone (Dex)-dependent osteoprogenitors with sufficient proliferative capacity to form a colony of bone-forming osteoblasts could be identified in cell populations isolated from adult human bone. This question is relevant because of the ongoing controversy regarding the effects of dexamethasone on bone formation in humans, the clearly different effects of dexamethasone on osteoprogenitor differentiation in mouse vs. rat bone cell populations, and the related question of whether observations in either rat or mouse systems are applicable to human systems. To answer the question, we isolated cell populations from distal femoral cancellous bone of 8 female patients with osteoarthritis and quantitated the number of Dex-dependent osteoprogenitors in these populations by counting the number of osteoblastic colonies forming bone (bone nodules) or unmineralized bone matrix (osteoid nodules). Dex increased alkaline phosphatase (AP) content in all populations, induced bone nodule formation in 2 of the 8 populations, and induced formation of AP-positive clusters of cells with osteoblastic morphology in one. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased osteocalcin (OC) production in the nodule forming populations, but not in the non-nodule-forming populations. Our results thus establish that Dex-dependent osteoprogenitors with sufficient proliferative capacity to form bone or osteoid nodules are present in cell populations derived from adult human bone. They also show that frozen primary human bone cell populations that have been characterized previously in terms of the number of Dex-dependent osteoprogenitors present can be used to further study the characteristics of such progenitors.

Ion dynamics in steady collisionless driven reconnection

Steady collisionless driven reconnection in an open system is investigated by means of a new two-dimensional full-particle simulation. The reconnection rate is controlled by an external driving electric field. Ion-meandering motion plays an important role in ion dynamics which controls the spatial structures of ion quantities. Although the electric current is predominantly carried by electrons, the current layer has the half-width of the ion-meandering orbit scale because the density profile is controlled by massive-ion motion. Thus, the global dynamic behavior of reconnection is dominantly controlled by ion dynamics. An electrostatic field generated through the finite-Larmor-radius effect leads to electron acceleration in the equilibrium current direction in the ion-dissipation region and ion heating by intensifying meandering motion. Our results are in agreement with the recent experimental results of Yamada et al. [Phys. Plasmas 7, 1781 (2000)] and of Hus et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3859 (2000)].

Downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and reduction in collagen damage in the failing human heart after support with left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support of the failing heart induces salutary changes in myocardial structure and function. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are increased in the failing heart and are induced by stretch in cardiac cells in vitro. We hypothesized that mechanical unloading may affect LV plasticity by regulating MMPs and their substrates.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LV samples were collected from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=14) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n=16) at the time of implantation of the LVAD and again during cardiac transplantation. MMP-1, -3, and -9 were measured by ELISA, MMP-2 and -9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) by Western blot. Total soluble and insoluble collagens were separated by pepsin solubilization, and the contents were determined by quantification of hydroxyproline. The undenatured soluble collagen was measured by Sircol collagen assay. The results showed that MMP-1 and -9 were decreased, whereas TIMP-1 and -3 were increased, but there was no change in MMP-2 and -3 and TIMP-2 and -4 after LVAD support. The undenatured collagen was increased, with the ratio of undenatured to total soluble collagens increased in ICM and that of insoluble to total soluble collagens increased in DCM after LVAD support.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced MMPs and increased TIMPs and ratios of undenatured to total soluble collagens and insoluble to total soluble collagens after LVAD support suggest that reduced MMP activity diminished damage to the matrix. These changes may contribute to the functional recovery and LV plasticity after LVAD support.

Caspase-activated DNase/DNA fragmentation factor 40 mediates apoptotic DNA fragmentation in transient cerebral ischemia and in neuronal cultures

Nuclear changes, including internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, are characteristic features of neuronal apoptosis resulting from transient cerebral ischemia and related brain insults for which the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Recent studies suggest that a caspase-3-mediated mechanism may be involved in the process of nuclear degradation in ischemic neurons. In this study, we cloned from rat brain a homolog cDNA encoding caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD)/DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40), a 40 kDa nuclear enzyme that is activated by caspase-3 and promotes apoptotic DNA degradation. Subsequently, we investigated the role of CAD/DFF40 in the induction of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus in a rat model of transient global ischemia and in primary neuronal cultures under ischemia-like conditions. At 8-72 hr after ischemia, CAD/DFF40 mRNA and protein were induced in the degenerating hippocampal CA1 neurons. CAD/DFF40 formed a heterodimeric complex in the nucleus with its natural inhibitor CAD (ICAD) and was activated after ischemia in a delayed manner (>24 hr) by caspase-3, which translocated into the nucleus and cleaved ICAD. Furthermore, an induced CAD/DFF40 activity was detected in nuclear extracts in both in vivo and in vitro models, and the DNA degradation activity of CAD/DFF40 was inhibited by purified ICAD protein. These results strongly suggest that CAD/DFF40 is the endogenous endonuclease that mediates caspase-3-dependent internucleosomal DNA degradation and related nuclear alterations in ischemic neurons.

Intracellular Bax translocation after transient cerebral ischemia: implications for a role of the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway in ischemic neuronal death

Activation of terminal caspases such as caspase-3 plays an important role in the execution of neuronal cell death after transient cerebral ischemia. Although the precise mechanism by which terminal caspases are activated in ischemic neurons remains elusive, recent studies have postulated that the mitochondrial cell death-signaling pathway may participate in this process. The bcl-2 family member protein Bax is a potent proapoptotic molecule that, on translocation from cytosol to mitochondria, triggers the activation of terminal caspases by increasing mitochondrial membrane permeability and resulting in the release of apoptosis-promoting factors, including cytochrome c. In the present study, the role of intracellular Bax translocation in ischemic brain injury was investigated in a rat model of transient focal ischemia (30 minutes) and reperfusion (1 to 72 hours). Immunochemical studies revealed that transient ischemia induced a rapid translocation of Bax from cytosol to mitochondria in caudate neurons, with a temporal profile and regional distribution coinciding with the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and caspase-9. Further, in postischemic caudate putamen in vivo and in isolated brain mitochondria in vitro, the authors found enhanced heterodimerization between Bax and the mitochondrial membrane permeabilization-related proteins adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and voltage-dependent anion channel. The ANT inhibitor bongkrekic acid prevented Bax and ANT interactions and inhibited Bax-triggered caspase-9 release from isolated brain mitochondria in vitro. Bongkrekic acid also offered significant neuroprotection against ischemia-induced caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation and cell death in the brain. These results strongly suggest that the Bax-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway may play an important role in ischemic neuronal injury.

Characterization of the rat DNA fragmentation factor 35/Inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (Short form). The endogenous inhibitor of caspase-dependent DNA fragmentation in neuronal apoptosis

Nuclear changes, including internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, are classical manifestations of apoptosis for which the biochemical mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, particularly in neuronal cells. We have cloned the rat DNA fragmentation factor 35/inhibitor of caspase-activated DNase (short form) (DFF35/ICAD(S)) and found it to be the predominant form of ICAD present in rodent brain cells as well as in many other types of cells. DFF35/ICAD(S) forms a functional complex with DFF40/caspase-activated DNase (CAD) in the nucleus, and when its caspase-resistant mutant is over-expressed, it inhibits the nuclease activity, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and nuclear fragmentation but not the shrinkage and condensation of the nucleus, in neuron-differentiated PC12 cells in response to apoptosis inducers. DFF40/CAD is found to be localized mainly in the nucleus, and during neuronal apoptosis, there is no evidence of further nuclear translocation of this molecule. It is further suggested that inactivation of DFF40/CAD-bound DFF35 and subsequent activation of DFF40/CAD during apoptosis of neuronal cells may not occur in the cytosol but rather in the nucleus through a novel mechanism that requires nuclear translocation of caspases. These results establish that DFF35/ICAD(S) is the endogenous inhibitor of DFF40/CAD and caspase-dependent apoptotic DNA fragmentation in neurons.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in hypertensive patients with different degrees of obstructive sleep apnea

To investigate the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in hypertensive patients with different degrees of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A case-control study was performed. One hundred seventy four Chinese subjects were divided into four groups depending on the severity of OSA as follows: 1) normal control group (NC, n=68), 2) isolated hypertension group (HT, n=45), 3) hypertensive patients with mild OSA group (MO, n=27), and 4) hypertensive patients with moderate to severe OSA group (MSO, n=34). The distribution of ACE gene I/D allele and genotypes were analyzed in the subject population, as was an OSA pedigree. The study showed that the frequency of ACE gene I/D polymorphism differed significantly among the four groups. The frequency of I allele and II genotype were significantly higher in the MSO group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The distribution of I allele and II genotype showed no significant difference between any of the other groups (p>0.05, respectively). Meanwhile the higher frequency of I allele and II genotype was observed in the OSA pedigree. The higher frequency of ACE gene I allele and II genotype were closely associated with the hypertensive patients with MSO. The inherited factors played an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive patients with MSO.

Detection of DNA base-excision repair activity for oxidative lesions in adult rat brain mitochondria

Endogenous oxidative damage to brain mitochondrial DNA and consequential disturbances of gene expression and mitochondrial dysfunction have long been implicated in aging and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. It has yet to be determined, however, whether mitochondria in brain cells contain an active DNA repair system and, if so, how this system functions. Therefore, the capacity for the repair of defined types of oxidative DNA lesions has been investigated in adult rat brain mitochondria. Using in vitro DNA incorporation repair assay, we have detected base excision repair (BER) activity for the common oxidative DNA adduct 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanine (8-oxodG) in mitochondria protein extracts from cortical tissues and cultured primary cortical neurons and astrocytes. The levels of BER activity were both protein concentration-dependent and repair-incubation time-dependent. To resolve the BER pathway, the activity of essential BER enzymes was examined in mitochondria using oligonucleotide incision assay, DNA polymerase assay, and DNA ligase assay employing specific DNA substrates. Mitochondrial extracts were able to remove specifically 8-oxodG, uracil, and the apurinic/apyrimidinic abasic site from substrates. Moreover, a gamma-like DNA polymerase activity and a DNA ligase activity were detected in mitochondiral extracts, based on the formation of specific repair products. These results demonstrate that adult brain mitochondria possess an active BER system for repairing oxidative DNA lesions. This repair system appears to function by sequential actions of DNA repair enzymes that are homologous to, but not identical to, that in the nucleus. Thus, BER may represent an endogenous protective mechanism against oxidative damage to mitochondrial, as well as nuclear, genomes in brain cells.

Activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in the rat hippocampus may contribute to cellular recovery following sublethal transient global ischemia

We have investigated the role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation in rat brain in a model of sublethal transient global ischemia. Adult male rats were subjected to 15 min of ischemia with brain temperature reduced to 34 degrees C, followed by 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 72 h of reperfusion. PARP mRNA expression was examined in the hippocampus using quantitative RT-PCR, northern blot analysis, and in situ hybridization. Protein expression was assessed using western blot analysis. PARP enzymatic activity was investigated by measuring nuclear [3H]NAD incorporation. The presence of poly(ADP-ribose) polymers was assessed immunocytochemically. Although PARP mRNA and protein expressions were not altered after ischemia, enzymatic activity was increased 4.37-fold at 1 h (p < 0.05 vs. sham) and 1.73-fold (p < 0.05 vs. sham) at 24 h of reperfusion. Immunostaining demonstrated the presence of poly(ADP-ribose) polymers in CA1 neurons. Cellular NAD+ levels were not significantly altered at any time point. Furthermore, systemic administration of 3-aminobenzamide (30 mg/kg), a PARP inhibitor, prevented the increase in PARP activity at 1 and 24 h of reperfusion, significantly decreased the number of surviving neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region 72 h after ischemia (p < 0.01 vs. sham), and increased DNA single-strand breaks assessed as DNA polymerase I-mediated biotin-dATP nick-translation (PANT)-positive cells (p < 0.01 vs. sham). Furthermore, using an in vitro DNA repair assay, 3-aminobenzamide (30 mg/kg) was shown to block DNA base excision repair activity. These data suggest that the activation of PARP, without subsequent NAD+ depletion, following mild transient ischemia may be neuroprotective in the brain.

Overexpression of the cell death suppressor Bcl-w in ischemic brain: implications for a neuroprotective role via the mitochondrial pathway

Bcl-w is a newly described cell death suppressor member of the Bcl-2 gene family. As these genes may have a role in the outcome of ischemic brain injury, the regional expression of Bcl-w protein in rat brain was examined at 6 to 72 hours after 90 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Bcl-w protein, although constitutively expressed at low levels in nonischemic brain, was found to be overexpressed in ischemic brain at all time points studied. Up-regulation of Bcl-w protein was particularly abundant in the penumbral region of the cortex and mainly in cells lacking DNA fragmentation. In the cortical penumbra, Bcl-w protein was detected predominantly in neurons and showed mitochondrial localization, as determined using double-label immunohistochemistry. Bcl-w expression was also detectable, to a lesser extent, in reactive astrocytes in the infarct border zone and in microvessel walls in the infarct regions. At the mechanistic level, incubation of isolated brain mitochondria with the addition of recombinant Bax or high concentration of calcium resulted in release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. In the presence of recombinant Bcl-w protein, however, the release of cytochrome c induced by Bax or calcium was largely inhibited. Further, recombinant Bcl-w protein inhibited calcium-induced loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, indicative of permeability transition, in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that Bcl-w may be an endogenous neuroprotectant against ischemic neuronal death and that, like its analogues such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-x-long, Bcl-w may achieve this protection via the mitochondrial death-regulatory pathway.

Support for linkage of familial combined hyperlipidemia to chromosome 1q21-q23 in Chinese and German families

We examined familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) families from nonisolated regions in Germany and China to see if we could corroborate support for a chromosome 1q FCHL locus in more general populations. We recruited 24 German families with 137 members, 92 of whom met the criteria of affected in terms of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels in excess of the 90th percentile for age and gender. In China, we recruited 12 families with a total of 81 members. All affected persons had total cholesterol concentrations >240 mg/dl and triglyceride concentrations >250 mg/dl. We examined the markers APOA2, D1S1677, D1S104, D1S194, D1S426, and D1S196. Two-point linkage analysis allowing for heterogeneity gave a maximum linkage of disorder score (HLOD) of 2.60 right over D1S194, estimating the proportion of linked families at 36%. This marker is adjacent to D1S104. The evidence for linkage was roughly the same both in the German (HLOD 1.40) and Chinese families (HLOD 1.52). Marker D1S194 is close to the retinoid X receptor (RXR) gene locus, which was found to be linked to triglyceride levels in an earlier twin study from our laboratory. We interpret our observations as encouraging support for the recent findings indicating the presence of a gene for FCHL on chromosome 1q. Furthermore, since DIS194 is adjacent to the gene for the RXR, we suggest that RXR is an attractive candidate for involvement in FCHL.

Mass spectrometric study of gamma-aryl-alpha,-gamma-diethoxy-alpha, beta-butenolides

Electron impact mass spectra of eight of the title compounds are reported. Abundant fragment ions were produced under electron impact (EI) conditions and, with one exception, the ($¿hbox¿ArC¿¿equiv$ O) ions were the base peaks. The EI fragmentation mechanisms of two representative compounds were studied with the aid of high-resolution and mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy spectrometry (MIKES) data. The M(+) ions fragment to give both an odd-electron ion and an even-electron fragment ion. Two H-atom rearrangements proceeding via four-membered ring intermediates and three losses of CO through i- and alpha-fragmentations were observed under EI. On comparing fragmentations under EI conditions with those under FAB conditions for two of the compounds, the fragmentation mechanisms were reasonably similar, with additional fragmentations rationalized in terms of the ionization proton being located on the oxygen atom of the beta-ethoxy group.

[Linkage of familial combined hyperlipidemia to chromosome 1q21-23 in Chinese and German families]

OBJECTIVE

To examine familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) families from nonisolated regions in China and Germany to see if we could corroborate support for a chromosome 1q FCHL locus in more general populations.

METHODS

We recruited 24 German families with 133 members and 12 Chinese families with a total of 81 members in China. The markers ApoA2, D1S1677, D1S104, and D1S194 were examined by multipoint linkage analysis.

RESULTS

Multipoint linkage analysis allowing for heterogeneity gave a maximum LOD score (HLOD) of 1.97 right over D1S194, estimating the proportion of linked families at 17%. This marker was adjacent to D1S104. The evidence for linkage was roughly the same both in the German (13%, HLOD(D1S194) = 1.08) and Chinese families (proportion of linked families 26%, HLOD(D1S194) = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

In the light of the relatively small numbers and the heterogeneity our populations represent, we interpret our observations as encouraging support for the recent findings indicating the presence of linkage for FCHL on chromosome 1q21-23.

Early detection of DNA strand breaks in the brain after transient focal ischemia: implications for the role of DNA damage in apoptosis and neuronal cell death

Using in situ DNA polymerase I-mediated biotin-dATP nick-translation (PANT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), we investigated the evolution of DNA strand breaks, a marker of DNA damage, in rat brain after 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion and various durations of reperfusion. DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) detected by PANT were present in neurons after as little as 1 min of reperfusion. Numbers of neurons containing an SSB increased progressively in the ischemic core but decreased in the ischemic penumbra after 1 h of reperfusion. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) detected by TUNEL were first seen in neurons after 1 h of reperfusion, and their numbers then increased progressively in the ischemic core, with a regional distribution similar to that of SSBs. However, the number of SSB-containing cells was greater than that of DSB-containing cells at all time points tested. SSB-containing cells detected within the first hour of reperfusion were exclusively neuronal and exhibited normal nuclear morphology. At 16-72 h of reperfusion, many SSB- and DSB-containing cells, including both neurons and astrocytes, showed morphological changes consistent with apoptosis. Gel electrophoresis of DNA isolated from the ischemic core showed DNA fragmentation at 24 h, when both SSBs and DSBs were present, but not at 1 h, when few DSBs were detected. These results suggest that damage to nuclear DNA is an early event after neuronal ischemia and that the accumulation of unrepaired DNA SSBs may contribute to delayed ischemic neuronal death, perhaps by triggering apoptosis.

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase is an immediate-early gene essential for long-term facilitation in Aplysia

The switch from short-term to long-term facilitation of the synapses between sensory and motor neurons mediating gill and tail withdrawal reflexes in Aplysia requires CREB-mediated transcription and new protein synthesis. We isolated several downstream genes, one of which encodes a neuron-specific ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase. This rapidly induced gene encodes an enzyme that associates with the proteasome and increases its proteolytic activity. This regulated proteolysis is essential for long-term facilitation. Inhibiting the expression or function of the hydrolase blocks induction of long-term but not short-term facilitation. We suggest that the enhanced proteasome activity increases degradation of substrates that normally inhibit long-term facilitation. Thus, through induction of the hydrolase and the resulting up-regulation of the ubiquitin pathway, learning recruits a regulated form of proteolysis that removes inhibitory constraints on long-term memory storage.

Electrophoretic demonstration of high molecular weight fibrin degradation products persisting in chronic subdural hematomas

Local hyperfibrinolysis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSH). The purpose of this study is to elucidate the nature of the local hyperfibrinolysis in CSH, by comparing the pattern of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) of hematomas with that of purified fibrin clots digested by plasmin in vitro. Forty-seven hematoma samples were subjected to the analysis. FDPs of CSH and the purified fibrin clots digested by plasmin for different incubation times were identified using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immuno-blotting, and then quantified by densitometry. The effect of alpha-2 plasmin inhibitor (A2-PI) on the degradation process was also studied. The FDP pattern of CSH was similar to those of purified fibrin digested by plasmin for 0.75-2 h. The FDP composition of CSH was closest to that of purified fibrin digested for 1 h. By adding the physiological concentration of A2-PI at the second hour, further degradation of high molecular weight FDPs was inhibited and the early FDP pattern persisted after 24 h. Local hyperfibrinolysis in CSHs is characterized by incomplete fibrinolysis, which occurs only on the solid fibrin clot, and is arrested in the liquid hematoma. As a result, high molecular weight FDPs persist in CSHs for weeks or months in the hematoma. A2-PI seems to play an important role in producing this unique FDP pattern in CSH.

[Clinical studies on changes in sexual hormones and estrogen receptor in patients with gynecomastia]

Levels of serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and estrogen receptor (ER) in the tissue were detected by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemical method (ABC technique) in 46 patients with gynecomastia. The results showed that rise of E2 and E2/T is a whole-body etiologic factor of hypertrophy of male breast, and the positive rate of ER is an important local etiologic factor of gynecomastia. E2 and ER have aosynergism effect on onset and development of gynecomastia and cause the ductal cell hyperplasia of male breast. It should be alerted whether it can cause male breast cancer.

Automatic specklegram fringe analysis by using symmetry evaluation of the Theta-scanning function

New approaches are applied to overcome the difficulty of accurate angle measurements in specklegram information processing by introducing a prism rotator for compensation and by using symmetry evaluation. Together with slit scanning and the fast Fourier transform procedure, speckle random noise has been effectively suppressed, and accurate measurements of Theta and s are achieved. The method we present makes it possible to process the specklegram information automatically. The experimental setup is described in detail. The principles and experimental curves are given.