Layer by Layer Spraying Fabrication of Aggregation-Induced Emission Metal-Organic Frameworks Thin Film

The development of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) thin films is important for expanding their functions and applications. Herein, we first report a new kind of MOF thin film by using aggregation-induced emission (AIE) dicarboxyl ligand through a liquid-phase epitaxial (LPE) layer-by-layer (LBL) spraying method (named AIE surface-coordinated metal-organic frameworks thin film, AIE-SURMOF). The obtained AIE-SURMOF Zn4O(TPE)3 (ZnTPE) has highly growth orientation and homogeneous thin film, showing strong fluorescent property. Furthermore, by loading chiral guest in the MOF pore, the formed chiral encapsulated AIE-SURMOF can clearly indicate obvious circularly polarized luminescence performance with glum of 0.01. This study provides new MOF thin film and new strategy for expanding function and application of MOF materials.

[Clinical, imaging and pathological and molecular characteristics of simple bone cyst]

Objective: To investigate the radiologic, pathologic, and molecular features of simple bone cysts (SBC), and their differential diagnoses. Methods: Fourteen cases of SBC were collected at the Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2017 to 2022, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed for retrospective analysis. Results: There were 14 patients, including 7 females and 7 males, with age range of 7 to 45 (median 29) years. The most common complaint was pain, including 4 cases with pathological fracture and 5 with history of previous trauma. The tumor size ranged from 3.4 to 13.5 (median 5.6) cm. The lesion involved the femur (n=4), humerus (n=5) and iliac bone (n=5). Radiologic diagnoses included SBC, aneurysmal bone cyst, and giant cell tumor of the bone or its combination with aneurysmal bone cyst-like region and fibrous dysplasia. Histologically, the cyst walls of the lesions were composed of fibrous tissue, fibrin-like collagen deposits, bone-like matrix and occasional woven bone. The lesional cells were spindled to ovoid, with scattered osteoclast-like giant cells, foamy histiocytes, hemosiderin deposits and cholesterol clefts. In 6 cases there were nodular fasciitis-like areas. Immunohistochemically, the spindled to ovoid cells were positive for SMA, EMA and SATB2 in varying degrees. FISH detection was performed in all 14 cases and EWSR1/FUS rearrangement were found in 9 cases. One case of FUS::NFATC2 fusion was detected by next-generation sequencing. Nine cases of SBC with the rearrangement were more cellular, and there were more mitotic figures in the recurrent FUS::NFATC2 fusion tumor. Clinical follow-up was obtained in all 14 cases with the time ranging from 5 to 105 (mean 46) months. Amongst them, the tumor with FUS::NFATC2 rearrangement had local recurrence twice after the first local excision, but had no more recurrence or metastasis 34 months after the subsequent segmental resection. The other 13 cases had no recurrence. Conclusions: EWSR1 or FUS rearrangement is most commonly identified in SBC, suggesting that SBC might be a neoplastic disease. In cases where the radiologic appearance and histomorphology are difficult to differentiate from aneurysmal bone cyst, FISH detection can aid in the definitive diagnosis.

Inducing Circularly Polarized Luminescence by Confined Synthesis of Ultrasmall Chiral Carbon Nanodot Arrays in Pyrene-Based MOF Thin Film

Combining the features of the host-guest system and chirality is an efficient strategy to achieve circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Herein, well-defined chiral carbon nanodot (chirCND) arrays were confined-synthesized by low-temperature calcination of a chiral amino acid loaded metal-organic framework (MOF) to induce high CPL. An achiral porous pyrene-based MOF NU-1000 thin film as the host template was prepared by a liquid-phase epitaxial layer-by-layer fashion, and chiral amino acids as the carbon sources could be confined in the porous MOF and carbonized to homogeneous and ultrasmall chirCND arrays, resulting in a chirCNDs@NU-1000 thin film (l-CNDsx@NU-1000; x = l-cysteine (cys), l-serine, l-histidine, l-glutamic acid, and l-pyroglutamic acid). The results show the pristine chirCNDs by directly carbonizing chiral amino acids hardly endow them with a CPL property. By contrast, benefiting from the arrayed confinement and coordination interaction between chirCNDs and NU-1000, the chirality transfer on the excited state of chirCNDs@NU-1000 is enabled, leading to strong CPL performance (a high luminescence dissymmetry factor glum of l-CNDscys@NU-1000 thin film reached 1.74 × 10-2). This study of chirCNDs encapsulated in fluorescent MOF thin films provides a strategy for developing uniform chiral carbon nanoarrays and offers chiral host-guest thin-film materials for optical applications.

[Brief introduction on compilation and editions of Yang ke xuan cui]

Yang ke xuan cui («») is a surgical work compiled by Chen Wenzhi () of the Ming Dynasty. There are few of research on the completion and author of the book. Based on the evidences in the local chronicles, the prefaces and postscripts of the book, it has been verified that the book was originally completed no later than 1591, and Chen Wenzhi passed away no later than 1623. After investigating the 6 editions collected by 8 institutions, a collection of 11 books in total, by comparing the characteristics and circulation relationship of each edition, two systems of circulation were sorted out: block-printed edition of Xu Xi () and review edition of Xu Dachun ().

[Effect of exercise intervention on musculoskeletal disorders in nursing staff]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exercise intervention on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in nursing staff. Methods: In september 2021, we searched the articles on exercise intervention for nurses with musculoskeletal diseases in Embase, PubMed, ClinicalTrails, Wanfang, CNKI and other databases in September 2021, and the search period was from database creation to August 2021. The quality of article was evaluated by Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and MINORS. The systematic review method with narrative synthesis was used to analyze the research results. Results: A total of 7 studies were included, including 6 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-experiment. The sample size of the experimental group was 276, and the control group was 273. Depending on the type of exercise intervention, muscle strength training, muscle strength training+stretch/flexibility training, Back School program can reduce the local pain of nursing staff. Among them, muscle strength training can improve the nursing staff's muscle function and quality of life, muscle strength training+stretching/flexibility training can increase muscle strength, range of physical activity and self-efficacy, the Back School program is effective for improving poor posture. Conclusion: Exercise intervention is effective on controlling musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in nursing staff, managers can develop exercise strategies for different MSD symptoms.

[Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of non-criteria obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome]

Objective: To study clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes under anti-coagulation therapy of non-criteria obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Methods: Patients suspected of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome(OAPS) were recruited through Chinese Rheumatism Data Center from 2015 to 2019 consecutively. Patients fulfilling 2006 Sydney revised antiphospholipid syndrome criteria were classified as OAPS. Patients fulfilling definition of non-criteria OAPS(NCOAPS) by expert consensus on diagnosis and management of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome of China were classified as NCOAPS. Clinical characteristics and laboratory results of two groups were compared. Live birth rates and pregnancy outcomes under anti-coagulation therapy were studied. Results: A total of 88 patients were enrolled, including 56 patients (63.6%) as OAPS, 32(36.4%) as NCOAPS. Live births were only reached in 16.1% (9/56) in OAPS patients and 12.5%(4/32) in NCOAPS. Fetal losses after 10 weeks of gestation and pre-eclampsia before 34 weeks were more common in OAPS group compared to NCOAPS group [78.6%(44/56) vs. 18.8%(6/32), P<0.001; 25.0%(14/56) vs. 3.1%(1/32), P=0.020, respectively]. After enrollment, 15 pregnancies were recorded in OAPS, 10 in NCOAPS, all of whom were treated with low-dose aspirin (LDA) combined with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Live birth rates saw dramatic improvements compared to baseline levels in OAPS [16.1% (9/56) vs. 11/15] along with NCOAPS [12.5% (4/32) vs. 7/10]. Conclusion: Though NCOAPS and OAPS patients differ in antiphospholipid antibody spectrum and pattern of pregnancy morbidities, both groups benefit from LDA combined with LWMH treatment, as live birth rates improve. Non-criteria OAPS patients are recommended to receive anti-coagulation therapy during pregnancy.

[Clinical effects of neurocutaneous vascular flap innervated by terminal branch of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in repairing finger tip or finger pulp wounds of the thumb]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of neurocutaneous vascular flap innervated by terminal branch of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in repairing finger tip or finger pulp wounds of the thumb. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From February 2016 to April 2019, a total of 21 patients (21 fingers) with finger tip or finger pulp wounds of the thumbs met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to the Second Hospital of Tangshan, including 13 males and 8 females, aged 21 to 65 years, with the defects located at the finger tips of 14 patients and the finger pulps of 7 patients, and all having exposed bones and/or tendons. The wound sizes of patients in this group after debridement ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 4.0 cm×2.7 cm. All the wounds were repaired with the neurocutaneous vascular flap innervated by terminal branch of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, with the flap sizes ranging from 2.3 cm×1.8 cm to 4.3 cm×3.0 cm. In surgery, the terminal branch of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve carried by the flaps was anastomosed with the end of the proper digital nerve of the wounds. The donor sites of flaps were sutured directly. The survival of flaps and healing of wounds in donor sites after operation were observed. The appearance of flaps and donor sites were observed during follow-up. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps were measured, and the degree of satisfaction of patients for the appearances of injured hands were evaluated based on Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire. The total action motion (TAM) of the injured and contralateral thumbs and the angle of thumb web of the injured and contralateral hands were measured. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: All the flaps of the 21 patients survived with good blood supply and no infection. The wounds at the donor sites were all healed. All the patients were followed up, with the time ranging from 8 to 22 months. The appearances of flaps were good with their color and texture similar to the surrounding tissue. There was no pain in the finger tip or finger pulp, nor any ectopic sensation in flaps. There was only some linear scar left at the radial side of thumb. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps of the patients were 6 to 11 mm; 18 patients were very satisfied and 3 patients were satisfied with the overall appearance of the injured hand. The TAM of injured thumbs and the angle of thumb web of the injured hands of the patients were respectively (140±5)º and (94±9)°, which were similar to (141±5)º of the thumbs and (95±9)° of hands in the contralateral side, respectively (t=-2.024, -1.142, P>0.05). Conclusions: The neurocutaneous vascular flap innervated by terminal branch of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve has constant anatomy and is easy to perform. It can repair the finger tip or finger pulp wounds of the thumb achieving good appearance and function recovery. It provides a good option for repair of finger tip or finger pulp wounds of the thumb and is especially suitable for emergency application.

[Clinical effects of ulnar artery perforator chain flaps in repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of ulnar artery perforator chain flaps in repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis. Methods: The retrospective observational study method was used. From March 2015 to July 2019, a total of 11 serious trauma patients on distal forearm or wrist with vascular injury were admitted to the Second Hospital of Tangshan, including 8 male patients and 3 female patients, aged from 25 to 62 years, with an average age of 45 years. Vascular anastomosis and tendon repair were performed in all patients, and fracture reduction and fixation were conducted in 9 patients, of which 8 patients underwent external fixation of radius. The residual wounds were located in palmar distal forearm in 5 patients, palmar wrist in 4 patients, dorsal distal forearm in 1 patient, and dorsal wrist in 1 patient, with wound sizes ranged from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm to 10.0 cm×6.0 cm after the last debridement. The wounds were repaired with ulnar artery perforator chain flaps, with the flap sizes ranged from 5.2 cm×3.5 cm to 11.0 cm×7.0 cm. The wound in flap donor site of 1 patient was sutured directly, the wounds in flap donor sites of the other 10 patients were repaired with free skin grafts from ipsilateral thigh after being sutured partially, and the sizes of free skin grafts ranged from 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 8.5 cm×5.0 cm. The survivals of flaps, skin grafts, and injured limbs after operation were observed. The appearances of the flaps and donor sites of flaps were observed during follow-up. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps were measured, and the satisfaction degrees of patients for the appearances of injured limbs were evaluated based on Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire. Results: All flaps, skin grafts, and injured limbs survived after operation, without wound infection and blister formation. All patients were followed up for 8 to 26 months, the appearances of the flaps were good and not bloated, with similar color, texture, and thickness to the surrounding skin. The donor sites of flaps repaired with skin grafts were smooth, with circle scar at the edges. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of the flaps was 10-15 mm; 7 patients were strongly satisfied with the appearances of the injured limbs, and the remaining 4 patients were satisfied with the appearances of flaps. Conclusions: The ulnar artery perforator chain flap has constant vascular anatomy and reliable blood supply, with simple operation, which provides a good treatment method for repairing wounds on distal forearm or wrist with vascular anastomosis. It is especially suitable for the patients with radius fracture fixed by external fixator.

[Effects of three kinds of proximal pedicled flaps of hand for relaying repair of degloving injuries of fingertips and the soft tissue defects in the donor sites]

Objective: To investigate the effects of the dorsal branch of digital artery pedicled flap combined with V-Y advancement flap for repair of degloving injury of fingertip and reverse dorsal metacarpal recurrent artery pedicled island flap for relaying repair of the soft tissue defects in the donor sites of the proximal dorsum. Methods: A total of 21 patients with degloving injuries of fingertips at the 2nd to 5th fingers were hospitalized in the Department of Hand Surgery of the Second Hospital of Tangshan from June 2016 to January 2019, including 14 males and 7 females aged 24-60 years. The retrospective clinical follow-up study was conducted. The areas of wounds after debridement ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 3.5 cm×2.2 cm. The dorsal branch of digital artery pedicled flaps with dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve and dorsal digital nerve were designed in the proximal dorsum of the affected fingers to repair dorsal wounds in the distal dorsum of the affected fingers, and the sizes of the flaps ranged from 1.6 cm×1.5 cm to 2.6 cm×2.4 cm. The V-Y advancement flaps in the palmar side of the affected fingers were designed to repair palmar wounds in the distal segment of the affected fingers, and the sizes of the flaps ranged from 0.8 cm×0.6 cm to 2.0 cm×1.5 cm. The reverse dorsal metacarpal recurrent artery pedicled island flaps were used to repair the soft tissue defects in the donor sites of proximal dorsum, the sizes of the flaps ranged from 1.8 cm×1.7 cm to 2.8 cm×2.6 cm, and the donor sites of the flaps in back of hand were sutured directly. The survivals after the operation and the blood supply and appearance during follow-up of the three flaps were observed. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distance of the three flaps was measured, the satisfaction degree of patients for the appearance of hand was evaluated based on Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire, and the total active range of motion of the injured finger joints was assessed by the trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association. Results: All the flaps survived after operation. Tension blisters appeared on the surface of one dorsal branch of digital artery pedicled flap, and the wound healed after removing the stitch at the pedicle and changing dressings. During follow-up of 6-20 months, with an average of 12 months, the three kinds of flaps had good appearance, soft texture, and similar color with surrounding tissue, and with only linear scars in donor sites of the dorsal hand. At the final follow-up, the static two-point discrimination distances of V-Y advancement flaps, dorsal branch of digital artery pedicled flaps, and reverse dorsal metacarpal recurrent artery pedicled island flaps were 4-7 mm, 5-10 mm, and 8-15 mm, respectively. Sixteen patients were strongly satisfied with the appearance of hand, and the remaining five patients were satisfied with the appearance of hand. The total active range of motion of the injured finger joints was evaluated as excellent in 17 cases, good in 4 cases. Conclusions: The operation is simple and reliable for dorsal branch of digital artery pedicled flap combined with V-Y advancement flap to repair the degloving injury of fingertip, and reverse dorsal metacarpal recurrent artery pedicled island flaps to repair the soft tissue defects in the donor sites of the proximal dorsum, and the appearance and function of the affected fingers recover well, with minimal injury.

P5719Plasma proteomics identify plaque-related proteins that predict long-term recurrent coronary events in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

Coronary plaque burden and composition drive recurrent ischaemic events in coronary artery disease.

Purpose

We first investigated the association between plasma proteins and coronary plaque characteristics in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals with low-intermediate Framingham Risk Score. Plaque-related proteins were further evaluated in a second cohort of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to determine their prognostic value for predicting future myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

We profiled 1305 plasma proteins using an aptamer-based array (SOMAscan) in asymptomatic individuals who had undergone 384-slice coronary computed tomography angiography. Plaques were categorized by composition as calcified or non-calcified. First, we identified proteins that were different (based on multiple testing adjusted p-values: q-value <0.05) between 250 ACS patients who suffered a recurrent MI event on follow-up compared with another 250 ACS patients who remained event-free using Mann-Whitney U test. Next, protein candidates that also correlated (Pearson's p<0.05) with specific categories of plaque composition were evaluated using a cox proportional hazards model to determine the risk of recurrent MI, adjusting for potential confounders in the second cohort.

Results

A total of 65 and 120 plasma proteins were significantly associated with calcified and non-calcified plaques respectively in the asymptomatic cohort (N=79). Of these 185 proteins, 23 proteins were differentially expressed (DE) between ACS patients with and without recurrent MI events (median follow-up 1811 days). The top three up-and down-regulated proteins in the recurrent MI group were macrophage-capping protein, trefoil factor 3 and cystatin-SN (median FC 1.22, 1.17 and 1.17; q-value 4.34x10–6, 2.18x10–4, 3.17x10–3 respectively) and fibroblast growth factor 20, lymphotoxin a2/b1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (median FC 0.92, 0.94 and −0.090; q-value 1.31x10–3, 9.45x10–3 and 3.90x10–3) respectively. The quartiles of these protein concentrations were also associated with risk of recurrent MI, (log-rank test p-value range from 2.71x10–7 to 0.04). Of the DE proteins, the adjusted hazards ratio (HR) of cystatin-SN in the highest quartile (Q4) was 1.44 times that of the first quartile (Q1) (adjusted HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.93–2.2) and higher plasma concentration of cystatin-SN was associated with increasing risk of recurrent MI events (Trend test p=0.004). On the other hand, the highest quartile of fibroblast growth factor 20 was associated with 44% reduction in risks of recurrent MI adjusted HR: 0.56, 95% CI of HR: 0.35–0.87), with significant trend test (p=0.0096).

Conclusions

Large-scale plasma proteomics identified novel plaque-related proteins predictive of recurrent coronary events in patients with ACS. Further studies may help unravel the biological underpinnings of these circulating proteins and their potential as novel prognostic biomarkers.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by grant NMRC/CSA-INV/0001/2016 from the National Medical Research Council, Singapore.

Composition- and Temperature-Resolved Raman Shift of Silicon

We formulated the composition and temperature dependence of the Si and Si_1-xGe _x Raman shift from the perspectives of bond order-length-strength correlation and local bond average approach. It is verified that the Raman shift Δω varies in the form of Δω ∝ zE^1/2/ d, with inclusion of bond length d and energy E changing with temperature and composition. Numerical reproduction of the thermally induced Si_1-xGe _x phonon softening indicates that bond thermal expansion and energy loss dictate the frequency redshift, which resulted in quantitative information on the bond energy and the reference frequencies from which the Raman shifts proceed. Observations not only gain deeper insight into the mechanism of the Raman shift but also demonstrate the revealing power of Raman technique for the bonding thermodynamics.

[Effect of continuous femoral nerve block combined with periarticular local infiltration analgesia on early operative functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind controlled study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of early rehabilitation training after total knee arthroplasty surgery by continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) with or without periarticular local infiltration analgesia (PLIA).

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, controlled study, 100 patients under-going primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. All the patients received CFNB for postoperative analgesia before combined spinal epidural anesthesia. They were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=50 each): CFNB group, CFNB combined with PLIA group (PLIA group). Group PLIA received periarticular local infiltration analgesia with 20 mL ropivacaine (5 g/L), while the equal volume of normal saline was used instead of ropivacaine in group CFNB. Postoperative pain during rest and passive exercises including front and rear portions of knees, the time of ability to perform an active straight leg raise, the time of ability to reach 90° knee flexion, and preoperative and postoperative hospital for special surgery knee score (HSS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with group CFNB, the visual analogue scores (VAS) of front of knees at rest time in group PLIA had no significant difference (P>0.05); there were significant differences at 4, 8, 12, 24 h postoperation in portions of knees at rest time (P<0.05); the VAS had significant differences at 24 h in passive exercises of knees (P<0.05); the VAS had significant differences at 12, 24 h in portions of knees at passive exercises of the knees (P<0.05); the time of ability to perform an active straight leg raise had significant differences in the two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with CFNB postoperative analgesia alone, CFNB with PLIA could relieve rest pain and pain during passive movement after total knee arthroplasty. CFNB with PLIA could shorten the time to perform an active straight leg raise and the time of ability to reach 90° knee flexion. And so some patients could improve postoperative rehabilitation training.

Improving diet recipe and cooking methods attenuates hyperphosphatemia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyperphosphatemia is an independent predictor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary intervention on reducing serum phosphate concentration in hyperphosphatemic PD patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this single-center clinical trial, 97 prevalent PD patients with serum phosphate concentration ≥ 1.6 mmol/l were allocated to the intervention (n = 48) or control (n = 49) group and followed up for 1 year. In addition to phosphate binder (calcium carbonate) therapy, patients in the intervention group were intensively educated to reduce phosphate-rich food intake and improve cooking methods. While stable in the control group (1.97 ± 0.20 to 1.94 ± 0.35 mmol/l, p > 0.05), the serum phosphate concentration decreased significantly in the intervention group (1.98 ± 0.28 to 1.65 ± 0.33 mmol/l, p = 0.015) concurrently with the drop in dietary phosphate intake (13.03 ± 3.39 to 10.82 ± 3.00 mg/kg ideal body weight/day, p = 0.001). Moreover, after 6 months of intervention, fewer patients needed to use calcium carbonate (from 64.6% to 41.5%, p = 0.029) and the medicine dose reduced significantly (from 2.25 (0, 3.94) to 0 (0, 1.50) g/day, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that intensive dietary intervention of reducing phosphate-rich food intake and improving cooking methods attenuated hyperphosphatemia in PD patients. It suggests that regular assessment of dietary phosphate intake and modification of diet recipe and cooking methods are essential for hyperphosphatemia treatment in PD patients in addition to phosphate binder therapy.

Quantitative trait locus analysis of grape weight and soluble solid content

A grapevine hybrid population was derived from a crossing of the early-maturing female parent cultivar '87-1' and the late-maturing male parent cultivar '9-22'. A total of 149 plants were selected from the hybrid population as the mapping population, and after sequence-related amplified polymorphism and simple-sequence repeat marker analysis were conducted we constructed molecular genetic maps of the parents. The molecular linkage map of '87-1' had 19 linkage groups that contained 188 markers, with an average interval of 5.7 cM and a total distance of 1074.5 cM; the '9-22' map had 19 linkage groups that contained 175 markers, with an average interval of 7.8 cM and a total distance of 1100.2 cM. The molecular linkage map of both parents had 19 linkage groups that contained 251 markers, with an average interval of 5.0 cM and a total distance of 1264.2 cM. We used the interval mapping method to conduct a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of grape weight and soluble solid content of the mapping population. Six QTLs were related to grape weight, and the average contribution to the phenotypic variance was between 11.3 and 33.0%. Seven QTLs were related to soluble solid content, and the average contribution to the phenotypic variance was between 15.7 and 55.8%.

Short Communication: Genetic linkage map of Cucurbita maxima with molecular and morphological markers

Cucurbita maxima is one of the most widely cultivated vegetables in China and exhibits distinct morphological characteristics. In this study, genetic linkage analysis with 57 simple-sequence repeats, 21 amplified fragment length polymorphisms, 3 random-amplified polymorphic DNA, and one morphological marker revealed 20 genetic linkage groups of C. maxima covering a genetic distance of 991.5 cM with an average of 12.1 cM between adjacent markers. Genetic linkage analysis identified the simple-sequence repeat marker 'PU078072' 5.9 cM away from the locus 'Rc', which controls rind color. The genetic map in the present study will be useful for better mapping, tagging, and cloning of quantitative trait loci/gene(s) affecting economically important traits and for breeding new varieties of C. maxima through marker-assisted selection.

Associations between INSR and MTOR polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy in a Northeast Chinese Han population

We explored the associations of INSR and mTOR, 2 key genes in the insulin signaling pathway, and the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1799817, rs1051690, and rs2059806) in INSR and 3 SNPs (rs7211818, rs7212142, and rs9674559) in mTOR were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform in 89 type 2 diabetes patients without diabetic nephropathy, 134 type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy, and 120 healthy control subjects. Statistical analysis based on unconditional logistic regression was carried out to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for each SNP. Combination analyses between rs2059806 and rs7212142 were also performed using the X(2) test and logistic regression. Among these 6 SNPs, 4 (rs1799817, rs1051690, rs7211818, and rs9674559) showed no association with type 2 diabetes mellitus or diabetic nephropathy. However, rs2059806 in INSR was associated with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (P = 0.033) and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.018). The rs7212142 polymorphism in mTOR was associated with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.010, OR = 0.501, 95%CI = 0.288- 0.871), but showed no relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Combination analysis revealed that rs2059806 and rs7212142 had a combined effect on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. Our results suggest that both INSR and mTOR play a role in the predisposition of the Han Chinese population to type 2 diabetic nephropathy, but the genetic predisposition may show some differences.

A linewidth-narrowed and frequency-stabilized dye laser for application in laser cooling of molecules

We demonstrate a robust and versatile solution for locking the continuous-wave dye laser for applications in laser cooling of molecules which need linewidth-narrowed and frequency-stabilized lasers. The dye laser is first stabilized with respect to a reference cavity by Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique which results in a single frequency with the linewidth 200 kHz and short-term stabilization, by stabilizing the length of the reference cavity to a stabilized helium-neon laser we simultaneously transfer the ± 2 MHz absolute frequency stability of the helium-neon laser to the dye laser with long-term stabilization. This allows the dye laser to be frequency chirped with the maximum 60 GHz scan range while its frequency remains locked. It also offers the advantages of locking at arbitrary dye laser frequencies, having a larger locking capture range and frequency scanning range to be implemented via software. This laser has been developed for the purpose of laser cooling a molecular magnesium fluoride beam.

Cell-penetrating peptide delivery of biologically active oct4 protein into cultured Takifugu rubripes spermary cells

Continuous cell culture of a puffer fish Takifugu rubripes has been established for efficient delivery of exogenous genes or proteins to cultured fish cells. Transcription factor oct4 was chosen for transduction into cultured fish cells because of its conserved structure and function between fish and mammals. In this work, the T. rubripes oct4 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a recombinant protein by introducing cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) poly-arginine (11R) and 6His-tag at the C-terminus. After purification, recombinant proteins were added to the growth medium and incubated with T. rubripes spermary cells. Recombinant proteins that crossed the cell membrane were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus by western blot and immunofluorescent observation. The function of transduced oct4 as a transcription factor in fish cells was confirmed by driving green fluorescent protein expression in the pEGFP-1 reporter construct with the conserved specific oct4-binding sequence from mouse Mus musculus. Taken together, 11R can be an efficient CPP in delivering fusion proteins to cultured fish cells.

Association of MHC class-III gene polymorphisms with ER-positive breast cancer in Chinese Han population

Polymorphisms of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been linked to many diseases, especially autoimmune disorders. Previous studies have shown that genetic variants in MHC class III are associated with breast cancer. To determine if there is an association between MHC class III and breast cancer risk in the Chinese Han population, we carried out a hospital-based case-control study in Guangdong and Jiangsu Provinces, including 216 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients and 216 healthy controls. Nine SNP markers distributed in the class III-coding region were detected using the Sequenom MassARRAY(®) iPLEX System. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for seven SNPs. There was no significant association between these seven SNP variants and breast cancer in these Chinese women (unconditional logistic regression analysis). However, chr6_31697494 at BAT2, one of the seven SNPs, was found to be significantly associated with both ER- and PR-positive breast cancer. In addition, both chr6_31911109 at C6orf48 and chr6_31975605 at ZBTB12, another two of the seven SNPs, show relevance with ER-positive breast cancer. In conclusion, this is the first evidence that genetic polymorphisms in the MHC class III region are significantly associated with ER-positive breast cancer in the Han Chinese population.

Correlation between the band gap, elastic modulus, Raman shift and melting point of CdS, ZnS, and CdSe semiconductors and their size dependency

With structural miniaturization down to the nanoscale, the detectable quantities of solid materials no longer remain constant but become tunable. For the II-VI semiconductors example, the band gap expands, the elastic modulus increases, the melting point drops, and the Raman optical phonons experience red shift associated with creation of low frequency Raman acoustic modes that undergo blue shift with decreasing the dimensional scale. In order to understand the common origin of the size dependency of these seemingly irrelevant properties, we formulated these quantities for CdS, ZnS, and CdSe semiconductors from the perspectives of bond order-length-strength correlation and the local bond averaging approach. Consistency between the theory predictions and the measured size dependence of these quantities clarified that the undercoordination-induced local strain and quantum entrapment and the varied fraction of undercoordinated atoms of the entire solid correlate these quantities and dominate their size effect.

Raman spectroscopic determination of the length, strength, compressibility, Debye temperature, elasticity, and force constant of the C-C bond in graphene

From the perspective of bond relaxation and bond vibration, we have formulated the Raman phonon relaxation of graphene, under the stimuli of the number-of-layers, the uni-axial strain, the pressure, and the temperature, in terms of the response of the length and strength of the representative bond of the entire specimen to the applied stimuli. Theoretical unification of the measurements clarifies that: (i) the opposite trends of the Raman shifts, which are due to the number-of-layers reduction, of the G-peak shift and arises from the vibration of a pair of atoms, while the D- and the 2D-peak shifts involve the z-neighbor of a specific atom; (ii) the tensile strain-induced phonon softening and phonon-band splitting arise from the asymmetric response of the C(3v) bond geometry to the C(2v) uni-axial bond elongation; (iii) the thermal softening of the phonons originates from bond expansion and weakening; and (iv) the pressure stiffening of the phonons results from bond compression and work hardening. Reproduction of the measurements has led to quantitative information about the referential frequencies from which the Raman frequencies shift as well as the length, energy, force constant, Debye temperature, compressibility and elastic modulus of the C-C bond in graphene, which is of instrumental importance in the understanding of the unusual behavior of graphene.

Bradykinin-induced airway constriction in guinea-pigs: role of leukotriene D(4)

Tachykinins (TK) have been implicated in both bradykinin-(BK) and hyperpnea-induced broncho-constriction (HIB) in the guinea-pig. However, TKs appear to have an indirect effect in HIB by releasing leukotriene (LT)D(4). We postulated that BK may cause bronchoconstriction through a cascade involving TK and LTD(4). We examined the role of TK and LTD(4)in BK-induced bronchoconstriction in ventilated Hartley guinea-pigs. Respiratory resistance (R(rs)) was monitored for 2 h following insufflation of BK (150 nM). Animals were pretreated with propranolol, then with either neurokinin (NK)1 (CP-99,994)+NK2 (SR-48,968) receptor antagonists or pranlukast (90 microg or 900 microg), an LTD(4)antagonist. Control animals received no pretreatment. BK-induced bronchoconstriction was significantly lower in NK1/NK2 (128%+/-6% baseline R(rs)SEM) and pranlukast (90 microg; 205+/-22, 900 microg; 169+/-20) animals compared to controls (284+/-22), P<0.0001 ANOVA. Bile from control and saline challenged animals was analysed for LTD(4)by HPLC and radio-immunoassay. However, LTD(4)excretion rate showed no significant difference over a 2-h collection period following insufflation of either BK or saline, respectively; baseline =2.5 pmol/h+/-0.6 SEM vs. 2.3+/-0.2, 0-1 h=2.8+/-0.7 vs. 2.0+/-0.6, 1-2 h=2.3+/-0.6 vs. 1.7+/-0.7. We conclude that BK-induced bronchoconstriction is mediated in part through the release of both TK and LTD(4), but the latter is released in insufficient quantities to be detectable by biliary analysis.

Possible effects of the Three Gorges dam on the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum on the Jiang Han plain, China

The Three Gorges dam, under construction on the Yangtze River in China, might affect the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum on the Jiang Han plain, which is downstream of the dam. To study this possibility, the prevalence of schistosomiasis was investigated in relation to a range of malacological, hydrological and meteorological factors. The general water level in the Yangzte over a year had a marked effect on the distribution of the intermediate host (Oncomelania hupensis) and the prevalence of human schistosomiasis in that year. Disease prevalence showed significant correlations with the density of the snail hosts, the level of the water table, annual rainfall, yearly evaporation, and altitude. Once the dam is complete, the flow of water downstream will probably be maintained at a level between those currently occurring in flood and dry weather, and this may have implications for schistosome transmission. Systematic monitoring is necessary to investigate the impact of the environmental changes brought about by the dam on transmission.

Halotolerance of the yeast Arxula adeninivorans LS3

The non-pathogenic, dimorphic, ascomycetous yeast Arxula adeninivorans LS3 is halotolerant. It can grow in a minimal medium containing up to 20% NaCl. The growth parameters are only weakly influenced by 10% NaCl. However, NaCl in a concentration higher than 10% causes a decrease in the specific growth rate, a longer adaptation phase and a lower cell count in the stationary growth phase. Concentrations of glycerol and trehalose, which differed 100-fold in magnitude in a salt free medium, are also influenced differently by salt. NaCl induces accumulation of intracellular glycerol in exponentially growing cells but a reduced concentration of intracellular trehalose in stationary cells. Transcripts of the genes ARFC3, encoding a component of the replication factor C, and GAA, encoding a secretory glucoamylase, can be detected only in cells cultured in media with NaCl concentrations below 10%. Furthermore, NaCl in high concentration reduces the level of secreted proteins including glucoamylase end invertase.

Antigen-induced airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness does not enhance airway responses to a subsequent antigen challenge in rats

Brown-Norway (BN) rats develop airway hyper-responsiveness and lung eosinophilia 18-24 h after ovalbumin (OA) challenge. We hypothesized therefore that allergen-induced airway inflammation would further enhance airway responses to a subsequent antigen challenge. Animals were sensitized to both OA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and, 14 days later, challenged by aerosols with both antigens 24 h apart. Measurements of pulmonary resistance (RL) were made for 8 h after the second antigen challenge and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed. Animals were divided into three groups and received two challenges as follows: saline-BSA (n=9), OA-saline (n=8) and OA-BSA (n=10). Sensitization was confirmed by measurements of specific OA-IgE and BSA-IgE. Early responses [determined as the highest value of RL within the first 30 min after the challenge] were absent in all study groups. The late responses [determined from the area under the RL versus time curve from 120 to 480 min after the challenge] were significantly greater in animals challenged with BSA (15.16+/-3.86) compared to saline (3.76+/-4.09; P<0.05). However previous exposure to OA did not further increase the late response in animals subsequently challenged with BSA (20.11+/-3.67) despite enhanced airway responsiveness to LTD4 at this time point. BAL eosinophils and lymphocytes were significantly increased following BSA challenge in previously OA-challenged animals, compared to numbers retrieved from animals previously exposed to saline (P<0.05). These data indicate that previous exposure to OA did not further increase the LR to a second antigen challenge despite substantial increases in airway inflammatory cells and airway hyper-responsiveness to LTD4.

The beta(2)-agonist salbutamol inhibits bronchoconstriction and leukotriene D(4) synthesis after dry gas hyperpnea in the guinea-pig

Isocapnic dry gas hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB) in the guinea-pig is mediated by both tachykinin release from airway sensory nerve C-type fiber terminals and secondary synthesis of cysteinyl-leukotrienes, in particular LTD(4). Beta (beta)(2)-agonists are potent bronchodilators but potentially could also inhibit the airway response to hyperpnea challenge via effects on the release of LTD(4)from airway cells in vivo. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that beta(2)agonists attenuate HIB in guinea-pigs, in part, by reduction in LTD(4)release in vivo. Twenty-six guinea-pigs (400-550 g) were anesthetized with xylazine (7 mg/kg) and pentobarbital (65 mg/kg), tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated with a small animal ventilator using a tidal volume of 3 ml and a breathing frequency of 60 breaths/min. Dry gas (95%O(2)/5%CO(2)) with a 4 ml tidal volume and a breathing frequency of 150/min was used for hyperpnea challenge. Challenge with isocapnic dry gas triggered a significant increase in pulmonary resistance (0.3 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.06 cmH(2)O/ml per s; P=0. 017; n=13) and excretion of LTD(4)in the bile (baseline: 2.43 vs. HIB: 4.66 pmol/h; P=0.04). Salbutamol pretreatment completely blocked the airway response to the challenge (0.3+/-0.02 vs. 0.3+/-0. 05 cmH(2)O/ml per s; n=13) and reduced the biliary excretion of LTD(4)(baseline: 2.42 pmol/h; vs. HIB: 2.40 pmol/h). We conclude that salbutamol inhibited the airway responses to dry gas hyperpnea challenge and LTD(4)synthesis by the airway cells.

Impact of environmental change and schistosomiasis transmission in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River following the Three Gorges construction project

With the construction of the Three Gorges high dam on the Yangtze River in China in mind, a serious of ecological environmental factors that might affect the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in Jian Han Plain were investigated by means of data collection, field surveys and observation in Hubei Province. Several ecological factors including water level of the Yangtze River; riparian water table, annual rainfall and yearly evaporation were investigated in relation to the prevalence of schistosomiasis. The results suggest that after the dam construction, middle water level flows (ie between flood flows and dry-weather flows) will persist in the flood season due to a rise in the water table. The investigation indicated that snail distribution and human schistosomiasis prevalence differed significantly between years which had typically high, middle and low typical water levels in the Yangzte. Moreover, the prevalence of the disease showed a significant linear regression relationship with density of snail intermediate hosts, water table, annual rainfall, yearly evaporation and ground altitude in the survey area. Systematic and careful monitoring and surveillance is necessary to investigate the impact of the environmental changes brought about by the dam construction on schistosomiasis transmission.

IL-2 enhances allergic airway responses in rats by increased inflammation but not through increased synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes

BACKGROUND

IL-2 has been shown to increase allergic airway responses in rats.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether induction of inflammation and enhancement of cysteinyl-leukotriene (cys-LT) synthesis were involved in the augmentation of airway responses caused by IL-2.

METHODS

Brown Norway rats received human recombinant IL-2 or saline subcutaneously twice a day from day 9 to day 14 after sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA). On day 14, rats underwent either lung lavage or were challenged with an aerosol spray of OVA, the airway responses and biliary excretion of cys-LTs were measured for a period of 8 hours after challenge, and the lung leukocyte numbers were determined after enzymatic digestion of lung tissues.

RESULTS

The early response after OVA increased from 184.2% +/- 13.5% in the animals receiving saline (n = 10) to 309% +/- 51% (baseline lung resistance) in IL-2-pretreated animals (n = 17; P <.05). The late response also increased from 19.6 +/- 4.5 (area under the curve of baseline lung resistance vs time) in the animals receiving saline to 37 +/- 5.4 after administration of IL-2 (P <.05). However, IL-2-treated animals had lower levels of biliary cys-LTs during the late response than saline-treated animals but similar levels during the early response. This difference could not be attributed to an increase in LT metabolism, which we assessed by the recovery of 3H-LTC4 instilled intratracheally in challenged or unchallenged rats. When compared with control animals, pretreatment with IL-2 increased all cell types retrieved from lung lavage fluid before OVA challenge (P <.05). After OVA challenge, the total cell yield from lung lavage fluid was also increased, mostly because of an increase in neutrophils (P <.05). Eosinophils and lymphocytes were greater in the lungs of IL-2-treated than vehicle-treated and OVA-challenged rats (P <.01), and IL-2-treated rats had a lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio in the blood after challenge (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, IL-2 increases early and late responses in rats, and it induces lung inflammation. Altered airway responses are not attributable to an increase in cys-LT production.

A UV-light activated cinnamic acid isomer regulates plant growth and gravitropism via an ethylene receptor-independent pathway

Naturally occurring cinnamic acids (CA) exist in both trans- and cis-isoforms. UV-light irradiation of trans-CA is able to produce cis-CA. cis-CA was found to possess auxin-like activity before. In contrast, the vapor of cis-CA induced an epinastic response in tomato plants just as ethylene does. Given the existence of a double bond in and the gaseous nature of cis-CA, we suspected that cis-CA might also function as an ethylene-like compound. To distinguish between these possibilities, we selected an ethylene perception-deficient tomato plant, Never-ripe (Nr), and an ethylene biosynthesis-deficient tomato plant, A11. Not only did the vapor of cis-CA fail to trigger A11 tomato fruit ripening but it also delayed the ripening of banana fruit. Moreover, the vapor of cis-CA induced epinasty and the 'triple response' in both the wild type and Nr tomato plants, indicating that the vapor of cis-CA does not act via an ethylene receptor-dependent pathway. Furthermore, the vapor of cis-CA inhibited the negative gravitropic response of stems of both etiolated Nr seedlings and young plants, whereas ethylene had little effect on the negative gravitropism of the Nr plants. These results support the conclusion that the action sites of the vapor of cis-CA and ethylene are fundamentally different.

Strain dependence of the airway response to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge in the rat

The aim of the study was to investigate strain dependence and mechanisms of airway responses to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge in the rat. We studied responses in a strain that is hyperresponsive to methacholine, Fischer 344 (F-344); in two normoresponsive strains, Lewis and ACI; and in an atopic but normoresponsive strain, Brown Norway (BN). We examined the effects of a neurokinin (NK) 1-receptor (CP-99994), an NK2-receptor (SR-48968), and a leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-receptor antagonist (pranlukast) on responses to hyperpnea challenge in BN rats. The animals were ventilated with a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg and a frequency of 150 breaths/min with either a dry or humidified mixture of 5% CO2-95% O2 for 5 min for hyperpnea challenge, whereas responses to challenge were measured during spontaneous breathing. Pulmonary resistance increased after dry-gas challenge in BN and ACI but not in F-344 and Lewis rats. CP-99994, SR-48968, and pranlukast significantly attenuated the increase in pulmonary resistance after dry-gas challenge. There were no significant differences in responsiveness to airway challenge with LTD4 among the BN, F-344 and ACI rats. We conclude that responses to dry-gas hyperpnea challenge are strain dependent in rats and are mediated by NKs and LTD4.

Hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction is dependent on tachykinin-induced cysteinyl leukotriene synthesis

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that tachykinins mediate hyperpnea-induced induced bronchoconstriction indirectly by triggering cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) synthesis in the airways. Guinea pigs (350-600 g) were anesthetized with xylazine and pentobarbital sodium and received hyperpnea challenge (tidal volume 3.5-4.0 ml, frequency 150 breaths/min) with either humidified isocapnic gas (n = 6) or dry gas (n = 7). Dry gas challenge was performed on animals that received MK-571 (LTD4 antagonist; 2 mg/kg i.v.; n = 5), capsaicin (n = 4), neurokinin (NK) antagonists [NK1 (CP-99994) + NK2 (SR-48968) (1 mg/kg i.v.); n = 6], or the H1 antihistamine pyrilamine (2 mg/kg i.v.; n = 5). We measured the tracheal pressure and collected bile for 1 h before and 2 h after hyperpnea challenge. We examined the biliary excretion of cysteinyl LTs; the recovery of radioactivity in bile after instillation of 1 microCi [3H]LTC4 intratracheally averaged 24% within 4 h (n = 2). The major cysteinyl LT identified was LTD4 (32% recovery of radioactivity). Cysteinyl LTs were purified from bile of animals undergoing hyperpnea challenge by using reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and quantified by radioimmunoassay. There was a significant increase in the peak value of tracheal pressure after challenge, indicating bronchoconstriction in dry gas-challenged animals but not after humidified gas challenge. MK-571, capsaicin, and NK antagonists prevented the bronchoconstriction; pyrilamine did not. Cysteinyl LT levels in the bile after challenge were significantly increased from baseline in dry gas-challenged animals (P < 0.05) and were higher than in the animals challenged with humidified gas or dry gas-challenged animals treated with capsaicin or NK antagonists (P < 0.01). The results indicate that isocapnic dry gas hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction is LT mediated and the role of tachykinins in the response is indirect through release of LTs. Endogenous histamine does not contribute to the response.

[Studies on the time domain and power spectrum of high frequency ECG in normal mice]

The features of time domain and power spectrum of high frequency electrocardiogram (HF-ECG) were studied in normal Kunming mice using a microprocessor ECG system. The results were as follows (mean +/- SD): (1) P-R interval was 34.9 +/- 4.7 ms (n = 58), about one third of the cardiac cycle. (2) The duration and peak-to-peak amplitude of QRS complex were 9.2 +/- 1.2 ms and 1.456 +/- 0.480 mV (n = 74) respectively. (3) The duration and amplitude of T wave were 10.2 +/- 3.2 ms and 0.336 +/- 0.115 mV, respectively (n = 58). (4) Q-T interval was 19.4 +/- 3.2 ms (n = 58), about one fifth of the cardiac cycle. (5) The total number of notches and slurs of leads II of 73 mice were 3 and 26 respectively. (6) The relative power content of each frequency range was: 0-80 Hz: 45.48 +/- 15.32%; 80-200 Hz: 43.97 +/- 9.95%; 200-300 Hz: 8.89 +/- 7.83%; 300-1000 Hz: 1.66 +/- 2.74%; 80-1000 Hz: 54.52 +/- 15.32%.

[Combined gu chi wan and spiramycin in the treatment of periodontal disease]

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate clinical effect of the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of periodontal disease. 90 patients suffered from mild to advanced periodontitis were divided into two groups. The gu chi wan (tooth firming pills) group was administered tooth firming pills 4 mg twice daily for 3-6 months combined with spiramycin 0.2 four times daily for 5 days and routine periodontal treatment. The spiramycin group, as control, was administered spiramycin 0.2 four times daily for 5 days combined with routine periodontal treatment. The clinical parameters: GI, PLI, PDI and serial radiographs were checked on the beginning of study and through 3, 6, 12, 24 months follow up study. The results showed that the GI and PDI of the gu chi wan group decreased significantly than the control group (P less than 0.001). The inflammatory recurrence rate was 33% in the control group and 12% in gu chi wan group and the serial radiographs demonstrated that a higher incidence of bone fill occurred in gu chi wan group than in the control group (P less than 0.01).

[Neural blockage of phenol-glycerine for cancer pain]

Neural blocking of phenol-glycerine was used for the treatment of cancer pain originated from the esophagus, stomach, liver, lung, rectum, ovary, nasopharynx, head and neck. According to the dose difference, 148 cases were divided into three groups of 7-10% 4-5 ml (30 cases), 15-20% 3-4 ml (70 cases), and 25% 2-2.5 ml (48 cases). The result observed among the three groups as good or fair was 46.7%, 80% and 89.6% respectively, however, complications occurred too within the rate of 13.3%, 34.3% and 14.6% respectively. It is indicated that 2.5 ml of 15-25% phenol-glycerine seems better.