[Epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan province, 1995-2020]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan province during 1995-2020, and to provide evidence for strategies on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Methods: Information about newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above in Henan between 1995 and 2020 were collected from the National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Information System. The demographic and behavioral characteristics of HIV-infected cases aged ≥50 were analyzed, and the mixed linear model based on CD4⁺ T lymphocyte (CD4) counts back calculation was used to estimate the years, time and age of the HIV infection. Results: During 1995-2020, a total of 25 038 HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above were newly reported, accounting for 25.8% (25 038/96 867) of the total number of newly reported HIV-infected cases in Henan. The proportion of newly reported cases over 50-years-old gradually increased from 4.5% (18/396) in 1995-2000 to 35.5% (9 666/27 239) in 2016-2020, with statistically significant difference (χ²=3 105.53, P<0.001). Among them, the proportion of HIV-infected cases aged 60 years and above were increasing year by year. The proportion of male cases were increasing along with ageing. The proportion of HIV-infected cases detected by medical institutions also showed an upward trend. The newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above were mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The proportion of heterosexual transmission increased from 5.5% (1/18) in 1995-2000 to 86.2% (8 334/9 666) in 2016-2020, and the proportion of MSM-behavior-related transmission increased from 0.0% in 1995-2000 to 13.5% (1 304/9 666) in 2016-2020. The majority of cases had extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior (48.1%, 4 007/8 334) and the proportion showed an upward trend. The majority of male cases had commercial heterosexual behavior (54.9%, 3 169/5 775), and with increasing proportion along with the increase of age. The majority of female cases had extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior (62.5%, 1 600/2 559), with increasing proportion of extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual behavior. The proportion of heterosexual behavior with spouse or stable sexual partners showed a downward trend. The estimations based on CD4 counts back calculation model showed that among the newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above, the average age being infected was (54.8±10.2) years, with 33.8% (4 263/12 621) infected before 50. The interval between infection and diagnosis was (5.7±6.2) years, of which 52.6% (6 636/12 621) were infected for 5 years or longer and 34.7% (4 384/12 621) were in the last 3 years. There was no linear correlation trend in the composition of infection years among the newly reported HIV-infected cases over 50-years-old. Conclusions: In Henan, from 1995 to 2020, the number of newly reported HIV-infected cases aged 50 years and above was increasing and sexual transmission becoming the main transmission route. The increase of prevalence was mostly seen in 60-years-old men, low education level and detected mainly by medical institutions. For this age group, the focus of HIV/AIDS prevention and control should target on those who were transmitted through extra-marital and/or non-commercial heterosexual, commercial heterosexual and MSM behavior and it is necessary to strengthen the HIV testing and detection in this population and in the elderly floating group.

[Research progress in radiomics based on CT and MRI images for prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Microvascular invasion (MVI) is considered the major risk factor for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in HCC. The diagnosis of MVI relies on the postoperative pathological assessment of the tumor tissues. Seeking non-invasive methods and biomarkers for evaluation of MVI before surgery has important clinical implications for guiding surgical treatment and improving patients' survival. Recent studies have reported the applications of radiomics technique in prediction of MVI in HCC and showed promising results. Herein we summarized the research progress in CT- or MRI-based radiomics models for prediction of MVI in HCC to provide helpful thinking for further research in this field.

Three coordination polymers built by quaternary-ammonium-modified isophthalic acid

Three coordination polymers based on quaternary-ammonium-modified isophthalic acid, namely, catena-poly[[[aqua-μ₂-bromido-di-μ₃-hydroxido-methanoldinitratotetracopper(II)]-bis{μ₄-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}] nitrate], {[Cu₄Br(C₁₉H₂₈NO₅)₂(NO₃)₂(OH)₂(CH₄O)(H₂O)]NO₃}_n, 1, poly[μ₃-bromido-μ₂-bromido-bromido-μ₃-hydroxido-{μ₄-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}tricopper(II)], [Cu₃Br₃(C₁₉H₂₈NO₅)(OH)]_n, 2, and poly[bromido{μ₃-5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylato}zinc(II)], [ZnBr(C₁₉H₂₈NO₅)]_n, 3, were obtained by solvothermal reactions. Coordination polymer (CP) 1 contains tetranuclear Cu₄ units, in which the four Cu atoms are linked by two μ₃-OH^- groups into a Cu₄(OH)₂ cluster, which are in turn linked by 5-[2-(tripropylazaniumyl)ethoxy]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate (cpa^-) ligands into a chain structure. CP 2 also contains a tetranuclear Cu₄(OH)₂ cluster and these are linked with CuBr₃ units into chains. The chains are then connected by cpa^- ligands into a two-dimensional layered structure. CP 3 contains a two-dimensional layer structure built by binuclear Zn₂ units and cpa^- ligands. The Br^- counter-anions of the quaternary ammonium groups all take part in the construction of the polymeric networks.

[Knockdown of mediator complex subunit 19 suppresses the migration and invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer PC3 cells]

Objective: To studythe effect of lentivirus-mediated inhibition of Med19 on cell migration andinvasion in the PC3 cells, and explore the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition transformation. Methods: The lentivirus vectors containing small interferingRNA(siRNA) targeting Medl9 gene were constructed and transfected to PC3 cells.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to detect the Medl9 expression in the siRNA group(PC3-Med 19-siRNA cells)and the NC group(PC3-Med 19-sc cells) at 72h after the transfection.The cell mobility,migration and invasion ability of PC3 cells were respectively measured by Boyden migration and woun-healing assay. The expression of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Vimentin, ZEB2, Snail-1, and Snail-2 mRNA were detected by using qRT-PCR. Results: The expression of Medl9 mRNA in PC3-Med 19-siRNA cells was lower than that in PC3-Med 19-scRNA cells(P<0.01). The number of migrated cells and invaded cells were significantly decreased in PC3-Med 19-siRNA cells(P<0.01). The expression of N-Cadherin, Vimentin, ZEB2, Snail-1, and Snail-2 mRNA were remarkablylower and E-Cadherin was higher in PC3-Med 19-siRNA cells. Conclusion: Med 19 inhibitioncouldreduce migration abilityof prostate cancer PC3 cells by epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

[Identification and evaluation on methods with upstream flank sequences of CRISPR1, regarding Escherichia coli and Shigella]

Objective: To analyze the effect of the identification and evaluation of Escherichia (E.) coli and Shigella, based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Methods: Both CRISPR and cas sequences were obtained through the BLAST with repeating sequences against the publicly complete genome in GenBank that related to E. coli and Shigella. Clustal X was used to perform multi-sequences alignment of the flanking sequences. PCR method was used to amplify the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1 in order to appraise the effect of identification and evaluation of upstream flanking sequences on E. coli and Shigella, which were based on the upstream flanking sequences of CRISPR1. Results: The results showed that 73.4% of the strains containing the I-E CRISPR/Cas that belonged to the phylogroups A, B1, D while 8.4% strains carried the I-F CRISPR/Cas. Another 17.2% of the strains owned CRISPR3-4 (non-CRISPR/Cas) only belonged to the phylogroups B2. All the Shigella strains carried I-E CRISPR/Cas. More than 99% of similarity the CRISPR1 upstream-flanking sequences was seen in E. coli (except B2) and Shigella and E. coli (B2). Both sensitivity and specificity were greater than 91% after PCR amplification in the region to identify the E.coli and Shigella. Conclusion: The upstream of CRISPR1 could achieve a preliminary identification effect on E.coli and Shigella.

[Association between phage-mediated shiga toxin and molecular distribution of CRISPR in Escherichia coli O26 ∶ H11 or NM]

Objective: To investigate the association between phage-mediated shiga toxin and molecular distribution of CRISPR in Escherichia (E.) coli O26∶H11 or NM. Methods: A total of 135 E. coli O26 ∶ H11 or NM strains were collected from NCBI database. Software CRT and CRISPR Finder were used to extract CRISPR and Excel was used to assign the spacer of unique number and type CRISPR. And the relationship between CRISPR and stx phage was analyzed. Results: All the 135 E. coli O26 ∶ H11 or NM strains had the CRISPR. For CRISPR1, CRISPR2.1, CRISPR2.2 and CRISPR3-4, 19, 22, 1 and 1 subtypes were found, respectively. According to the four CRISPR sites, the strains could be divided into 40 subtypes. Stx-phage was only observed in the group C of CRISPR. Compared with E. coli of stx-phage negative, E. coli with stx-phage harbored more spacers. Conclusions: CRISPR loci was extensively existed in E. coli O26∶H11 or NM, and many subtypes were found in these strains. The presence of stx-phage was related to the molecular distribution of CRISPR in E. coli O26∶H11 or NM. CRISPR might be a valuable biomarker to identify strains with high virulent potential.

Two adult galactosaemia females with normal ovarian function and identical GALT mutations (Q188R/R333G)

We report two unrelated cases of adult galactosaemia females with normal ovarian function and Q188R/R333G mutations. Clinical history has been followed for 40 years. Biochemical finding in one patient are consistent with the presence of small amounts of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity, which differs from classical galactosaemia.

Antistress effect of oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officinalis in mice and rats

AIM

To explore the antistress effect of Morinda officinalis (Chinese medicine "Bajitian") oligosaccharides (MW-97) in mice.

METHODS

Male mice and rats were subjected to a variety of unpredictable stressors on a daily basis over 15 d period and then the Vidiomex-V image pattern analytic system was used to observe the spontaneous motor activity. Meanwhile, regular method was used to prepare pathologic section of adrenal gland and blood cells analytic system was used to detect white blood cell (WBC) count (including relative WBC percentages) in peripheral blood. On the end, the serum level of stress hormone was detected using radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Chronic stress resulted in diffuse hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and atrophy of the adrenal medulla in mice, which suggested that stress-adaption failure of the adrenal gland occurred, while adrenal gland of the mice pretreated with MW-97 (100 mg/kg, ip) prior to each stressor for 15 d did not occur any pathologic changes. In addition, chronic stress also significantly reduced the WBC count and relative WBC percentages in the peripheral blood, including the percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, however, MW-97 (25 and 100 mg/kg) reversed these changes and raised WBC count, along with relative WBC percentages significantly. Furthermore, the serum concentration of testosterone was decreased and corticosterone was increased significantly in chronically stressed animals. MW-97 also declined the serum level of corticosterone and raised level of testosterone. MW-97 had no effects on the spontaneous motor activity in the stressed mice.

CONCLUSION

MW-97 had antistress effect against chronic stress, moreover, MW-97 had no excitatory or inhibitory effects on the CNS, which suggested that MW-97 might become a new kind of antistress agent.

Effect of mobile phase composition on the separation of propranolol enantiomers using a perphenylcarbamate beta-cyclodextrin bonded chiral stationary phase

An analytical column packed with a novel perphenylcarbamate beta-cyclodextrin bonded chiral stationary phase was used to separate propranolol enantiomers. Good separation results were obtained using triethylammonium acetate (TEAA) buffer and methanol mixtures as the mobile phase. Effects of the methanol concentration, buffer concentration and pH value on the retention and the enantioselectivity of propranolol enantiomers were investigated on this column. The retention times and the separation factor decrease with increase of the methanol concentration as expected in reversed-phase HPLC. At trace TEAA amount, the solute eluted out with anti-Langmuirian band profiles, their retention times decreased quickly with increase of TEAA concentration and attained a minimum at a TEAA concentration of 20 ppm. Above 20 ppm, solute band profiles changed to a Langmuirian shape, the retention times of enantiomers increased with increasing buffer concentration, and eventually, they attained asymptotes at ca. 1% TEAA. A simulation considering the different interactions between the solute and the additive at above and below 20 ppm TEAA concentration as well as system peaks interference can successfully explain the anti-Langmuirian band profiles and the retention time variation trend.

Surgical treatment of nonunited fractures of the odontoid process, with special reference to occipitocervical fusion for unreducible atlantoaxial subluxation or instability

Fifty-seven consecutive patients treated surgically for nonunited fractures of the odontoid process were reviewed. All patients presented late, exhibiting neurological deficits subsequent to nonunion. Delay in presentation was between 6 and 120 months (mean 32 months) after the original injury, due to missed diagnosis or inappropriate management. Seven patients who were reduced in traction underwent a Gallie atlantoaxial fusion. In the remaining 50 patients who were unreducible, an occipitocervical arthrodesis was performed. They were followed up for a minimum of 2 years, except one who died from postoperative respiratory failure. All patients obtained a solid bony union, including two in whom nonunion occurred following atlantoaxial fusion, and occipitocervical fusion was added as a rescue. Thirty-eight patients achieved excellent neurological recovery, nine still had some disability, five retained their neurological deficits and two reported a deterioration. In two patients, a recurrence in a traumatic episode was experienced long after a resolution. Our findings demonstrate that occipitocervical arthrodesis is preferable for unreducible subluxation or instability of atlantoaxial articulation in nonunion of odontoid fractures.

Molecular and biochemical basis of galactosemia

Galactosemia is a clinically heterogeneous autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT). Despite the numerous point mutations identified in the GALT gene, the prevalence of these mutations in different ethnic groups has not been studied. Reports on genotype/phenotype correlation are not consistent due to the small sample sizes studied and the lack of a sensitive enzyme assay. We applied multiplex PCR/ASO dot blot analysis to screen 293 galactosemic patients for 17 known point mutations in exons 5, 6, and 10. Our data demonstrate that only 7 of these mutations were detected in our patients, accounting for 65% of the GALT mutant alleles. Although Q188R is the most common mutation in Caucasian and Hispanic patients, the S135L mutation is most common in African-Americans. Another mutation, F171S, was observed only among African-American patients. An improved, sensitive, and accurate method was used to measure GALT activity in patient's red blood cells. The results indicated that patients homozygous for Q188R have no enzyme activity while those homozygous for S135L had residual enzyme activity. Interestingly, both Q188R/S135L and S135L/F171S compound heterozygotes demonstrated zero enzyme activity. Overall, 85% of Q188R compound heterozygotes also did not have any enzyme activity, whereas the remaining Q188R and the majority of S135L compound heterozygotes expressed variable amounts of GALT activity. We speculate that heterodimeric subunit interaction plays an important role in determining the overall enzymatic activity. Various genotypes thus result in biochemical and clinical heterogeneity among the patients.

Radiochemical assay of minute quantities of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase activity in erythrocytes and leukocytes of galactosemia patients

A sensitive radioisotopic method has been developed which can detect galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity as low as 0.1% of normal control values in both erythrocytes and leukocytes. This assay utilizes carbon-14 labeled galactose-1-phosphate with high specific activity and requires removal of endogenous galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) and uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPGlc) through dialysis. Optimal exogenous UDPGlc concentration has been determined with a fixed concentration of Gal-1-P in the incubation. The rate of product, uridine diphosphate galactose (UDPGal), formation is monitored at three different times. Among 423 patients with galactosemia studied by this method, 363 patients exhibited no detectable GALT activity in their erythrocytes and 60 patients were found to have detectable erythrocyte GALT activity ranging from 0.02 to 5.0 units normal values: > 20 units). The former group of patients was designated as classic galactosemia (GG) and the latter group as galactosemia variant (GV). Leucocytes from ten patients belonging to the GG group also showed complete absence of GALT activity while leukocytes from two patients belonging to the GV group showed GALT activity at levels comparable with those found in their erythrocytes. Because there is extensive biochemical heterogeneity among galactosemia patients, we recommend that an assay with increase sensitivity be carried out on blood samples from galactosemia patients so that clinical, biochemical and molecular correlations made by different groups of investigators can be compared.

Correlative study on findings of dynamic myelography and surgical operation in non-bony lumbar spinal canal stenosis

The authors performed dynamic lumbar myelography with Omnipaque on 110 patients from 1990 to 1992, of them, 33 cases were diagnosed as non-bony lumbar spinal canal stenosis according to contrast medium defect seen on the lateral view of the myelogram. All such cases were operated on and their dynamic pathological findings during the operation were recorded to compare with the abnormal findings observed on the myelograms, there was a high coincidence rate of 88.7%. The authors believe that the fibrous degenerative changes make up the basis of dural sac compression and the dynamic compression in the spinal canal plays a very important role in causing the severity of the stenosis. As the dynamic pathological findings on the myelograms can not be well demonstrated on CT scanning and MR imaging, the dynamic lumbar myelography should be the method of choice for use in some cases.

Biochemical and molecular studies of 132 patients with galactosemia

We evaluated 132 galactosemia patients for the Q188R (glutamine-188 to arginine) mutation in the human galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene and for GALT activity in their hemolysates by a sensitive radioisotopic method. In those without any detectable GALT activity (GG), the Q188R mutation constituted 67% of the alleles. In patients with detectable GALT activity (GV), only 16% of the alleles were accounted for by Q188R. In all patients who were homozygous for the Q188R mutation, no erythrocyte GALT activity could be demonstrated. There was an extensive variation in the amount of detectable GALT activity ranging from 0.1% to 5% of the normal values among the GV patients. There was a difference in the frequency of Q188R mutation in the GALT alleles among patients belonging to different racial and ethnic groups. In Caucasian and Hispanic patients, the frequency was not far different (64% and 58%, respectively). On the other hand, only 12% of the GALT alleles with Q188R were found in African-American patients.

Correlation of cognitive, neurologic, and ovarian outcome with the Q188R mutation of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene

This study was conducted to determine whether there is a genotype/phenotype correlation between aspects of cognitive, neurologic, and ovarian outcome in patients with galactosemia and the Q188R mutation of the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase gene. The results showed that the Q188R mutation was found in 72% of alleles: 38 patients were homozygous and 21 were heterozygous for Q188R; eight patients did not have the mutation. The mean Broad Cognitive score for the group homozygous for Q188R was 75 (SD = 16), which was not statistically different from the outcome for the heterozygous group (mean score, 67; SD = 25) or the negative group (mean score, 88; SD = 21). Tremor, ataxia, and dysmetria were found in 12 subjects, and there was no association with Q188R status. Similarly, there was no association of this mutation with the development of primary amenorrhea (8 subjects) versus secondary amenorrhea (found in 14 women). Our findings suggests that the variability of outcome for patients with classic galactosemia cannot be explained by Q188R status alone, at least with regard to cognitive functioning, presence of neurologic symptoms, and timing of the onset of ovarian failure.

Kinetics of irreversible inhibition of creatine kinase during modification by o-phthaldehyde

It has been previously reported that, with a fluorescence probe formed from o-phthaldehyde (OPTA) and the thiol and amino groups at or near the active site of creatine kinase, inactivation and exposure of the probe take place simultaneously and well before unfolding of the molecule as a whole. In this study, the inactivation and modification kinetics of purified rabbit muscle creatine kinase by OPTA have been compared, the former by following the substrate reaction in the presence of a previously described inactivator. The microscopic rate constants for the reaction of the inactivator with the free enzyme and with the enzyme-substrate complexes were determined. From the results obtained it appears that OPTA is noncompetitive with respect to both substrates. The inactivation kinetics is monophasic with OPTA, and neither ATP nor creatine alone affect the rate constant of inactivation of the enzyme, indicating that the irreversible inhibition of creatine kinase by OPTA is of the noncompetitive type.

Effects of discectomy on the stress distribution in the lumbar spine

The change of the stress distribution of the lumbar spine after discectomy was analysed by the three-dimensional finite element method. It was shown that the stress level in the posterior element was higher, but that in the anterior element was lower than before disc excision. The most significant change of the stress distribution was found in the trabecular bone of the vertebral body. It is considered that in discectomy the normal disc tissue should be preserved as much as possible to maintain good function of the spine.

Influence of flexion-extension motion of lumbar spine on lumbosacral dural sac. An experimental study

To analyze the effects of flexion-extension motion of lumbar spine on the position and shape of lumbosacral dural sac, 10 flexion/extension lateral myelograms of cadaver specimens of normal lumbar spine were measured. The results showed that moving from flexion to extension both sagittal diameter and length of the dural sac decreased significantly, the dural sac moved caudally, and the sagittal diameter of the anterior epidural space decreased in the mid-vertebral level but increased in the intervertebral level. The dynamic changes of the dural sac and their influence factors and clinical relevance were discussed.

Lumbar intervertebral disc prosthesis. An experimental study

To provide a more effective treatment and improve the outcome of surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, the values of lumbar intervertebral disc prosthesis (LIDP) were investigated. LIDP was specially designed and made of silicone rubber. The properties of material mechanics were investigated by compressive test and damage test of LIDP specimens. The biocompatibilities of LIDP were observed experimentally in monkeys. The surgical applicabilities were studied by in vitro experiments of fresh human lumbar spine. The results showed that LIDP has the advantages of good biomechanical applicability, biocompatibility and surgical applicability. LIDP is able to maintain the intervertebral space, stress balance and stability of the lumbar spine. after lumbar intervertebral disc excision, the replacement of LIDP could restore the functions of the lumbar spine and improve the curative results of disc excision.

[Diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma with MRI]

MRI anatomy of 15 normal chests and features of 24 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma confirmed by surgery or exfoliative cell examination of sputum were analysed. The authors preliminarily conclude that MRI is of remarkable diagnostic value in demonstrating tumor size, its location and extent, exhibiting the relationship between tumor mass and its surrounding such as greater vessel, trachea and bronchi and so forth. It is also more efficient in detecting hilar or mediastinal metastatic lymphadenopathy.

Effect of partial discectomy on the stability of the lumbar spine. A study of kinematics

The effect on the stability of the lumbar motion segment, as affected by partial discectomy, was investigated using three-dimensional motion measurement technique. Eight functional spinal units from fresh cadaver lumbar spines were potted and clinically relevant loads applied through a special loading frame attached rigidly to the top vertebra of the specimen. Partial discectomy was performed on the right side of the specimen. The three-dimensional motions of each lumbar motion segment, before and after partial discectomy, were recorded. The results showed that partial discectomy significantly affects the stability of lumbar spinal motion segments. The clinical relevance of this finding is discussed.

[A preliminary study on the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in old myocardial infarction]

MRI manifestations in 9 patients with old myocardial infarction (OMI) were analyzed and the results were compared with the changes seen in ECG (9 patients) and coronary angiography (6 patients). The authors found that: 1. Myocardial thinning was one of the important signs of OMI (78%); 2. Signal intensity was reduced which was remarkably lower than the adjacent normal myocardium (P less than 0.01). 3. MRI provided even more direct and accurate information for assessing the site and extent of infarction than ECG; 4. The results of LVEF calculated from MRI were closely correlated with that obtained from left ventriculography (r = 0.8245, 0.01 less than P less than 0.05). The authors preliminarily conclude that MRI is an accurate method for evaluating the site and extent of myocardial infarction, myocardial tissue characterization and left ventricular function.

The effect of flexion-extension motion of the lumbar spine on the capacity of the spinal canal. An experimental study

The symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis are often posture-dependent, and it is generally accepted that the capacity of the spinal canal is affected by flexion-extension motions of the lumbar spine. A study of spinal capacity in flexion-extension of ten cadaver specimens on the lumbar spine was done and measurements were obtained from the flexion-extension lateral myelograms. There proved to be a larger capacity of dural sac of 3.5 to 6.0 ml (4.85 +/- 0.75 ml) in flexion than in extension, and the differences were highly significant (P less than 0.001). In addition, the sagittal diameter of the dural sac and the length of the spinal canal increased from extension to flexion. Because of the effect of flexion-extension motion of the lumbar spine on the spinal capacity, we suggest that maintaining the lumbar spine in flexion is more suitable since spinal canal capacity is enlarged and symptoms may be mitigated.

Gonadal function and ovarian galactose metabolism in classic galactosemia

Evaluation of ovarian steroid secretion, histologic examination of ovarian tissue, and incubation studies with radiolabelled galactose in ovarian tissue slices were performed in a 21-year-old woman with galactosemia and incipient ovarian failure. After exogenous gonadotropin administration in an attempt to achieve fertility, there was no evidence of ovulation by ultrasound; estrogen and androgen production were deficient indicating ovarian unresponsiveness. Histologic examination of the ovary revealed that the ovarian stroma had an increase in fibrous tissue and that a few hyalinized atretic follicles were present with no intermediate or evolving Graafian follicles. After incubation with galactose-1-14C, there was absence of labelled CO2 production and only labelled galactose-1-phosphate was identified as compared to controls in which several labelled intermediates could be seen. The incorporation of galactose into the TCA-insoluble fraction was drastically reduced in the patient compared to controls, suggesting that there may be a deficiency of ovarian galactose-containing glycolipids, glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides in the galactosemic ovary. Deficiency in the production of galactose containing compounds, or galactose-1-phosphate accumulation or both, may lead to the development of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism seen in women with galactosemia.

Galactose metabolism in human ovarian tissue

Galactose metabolism was studied in human ovarian tissue obtained from 14 women controls between 21 and 72 y of age, and one 21-y-old galactosemic patient with hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Tissue slices were incubated with 1-14C-galactose, and labeled intermediates were analyzed by anion-exchange column chromatography. Activities of enzymes related to the galactose pathway: galactokinase, transferase, epimerase, uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPGlc) and uridine diphosphogalactose pyrophosphorylases, and UDPGlc and uridine diphosphogalactose pyrophosphatases were measured in ovarian homogenates using radioisotopic, spectrophotometric, and fluorometric techniques. Incorporation of carbon label from 1-14C-galactose into various galactose and glycolytic intermediates, as well as carbon dioxide and TCA-insoluble materials was demonstrated in samples from non-galactosemic controls. In tissue from the galactosemic individual, no labeled carbon dioxide was produced and very little incorporation into TCA-insoluble material was found. Labeled galactose-1-phosphate was elevated. In normal ovarian tissue, specific activities of galactokinase, transferase, epimerase, and UDPGlc pyrophosphorylase are much higher than those found in the red cells and in testes. UDPGlc pyrophosphorylase activity is about 50 times that of transferase, suggesting that uridine nucleotide sugars have an important role in the normal development and function of the ovary. It is hypothesized that premature ovarian failure, often observed in patients with galactosemia, is due to interference with nucleotide sugar metabolism and the synthesis of galactose containing glycoproteins and glycolipids consequent to the enzymatic defect in the major pathway of galactose metabolism.

Deficit of uridine diphosphate galactose in galactosaemia

The levels of uridine diphosphate galactose (UDPGal) and uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPGlc) have been determined in liver autopsy samples, erythrocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts from galactosaemic patients and compared to non-galactosaemic controls. In patients with undetectable erythrocyte galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (transferase) activity, the levels of UDPGal were substantially lower than in controls. In patients with detectable transferase activity, even though in less than 1% of normal values, both UDPGal and UDPGlc levels were in the normal range. Incubation of erythrocytes from both galactosaemic patients and normal individuals with 10 mmol/L uridine increased UDPGal and UDPGlc levels several-fold, both in the presence or absence of galactose in the incubation medium. We hypothesize that a deficit of UDPGal is responsible for the late onset clinical manifestations in galactosaemia which include ovarian failure, speech defect and neurological abnormalities. We suggest that uridine administration may be of therapeutic value in raising the intracellular concentrations of UDPGal. We conclude that the transferase reaction, however small in activity, is essential for optimal UDPGal formation.

Uridine nucleotide sugars in erythrocytes of patients with galactokinase deficiency

The levels of UDPglucose and UDPgalactose (UDPGal) have been measured in erythrocytes of seven patients with galactokinase deficiency. Normal levels of UDPGal were found in all patients with galactokinase deficiency (McKusick 23020). This is in contrast with reduced values of UDPGal found in patients with classical galactosaemia who have complete absence of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase activity. It was demonstrated that patients with galactokinase deficiency had an incomplete enzyme block in erythrocytes by direct enzyme assay, by 14CO2 production from [1-14C]galactose, and by the appearance of labelled intermediates, notably galactose-1-phosphate and UDPhexose.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants and their frequency in Guangdong, China

Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was characterized in blood samples obtained from 97 randomly selected males with enzyme deficiency from various regions of Guangdong Province, China. Nine new variants (Gd Kaiping, Gd Boluo, Gd Huiyang, Gd Gaomin, Gd Qing-Baijiang, Gd Gaozhou, Gd Huazhou, Gd Nanhai, and Gd Guangzhou) were identified. Of the 31 variants found in this province, Gd Kaiping, Gd Taiwan-Hakka, Gd Haad Yai, Gd Haad Yai-like and Gd Huiyang occurred most frequently. The frequency of each variant was calculated. The results demonstrated that the genetic heterogeneity of G6PD deficiency was high in this area.

Lysosomal enzyme activities among Chinese: leukocyte alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase

alpha-Galactosidase and beta-galactosidase activities have been determined in leukocyte preparations from 100 randomly selected Chinese adults. For alpha-galactosidase, two groups with low activities were identified: group I consisted of 3 females having activities below 40% of normal, and group II consisted of 5 males and 1 female with activities about 60% of normal. Family studies suggested that these low alpha-galactosidase activities are genetically determined. Only 1 individual was found to have about 50% of normal beta-galactosidase activity; presumably he is a carrier for beta-galactosidase deficiency (GM1 gangliosidosis).

Treatment of longitudinal injuries in avascular area of meniscus in dogs by trephination

A study promoting the healing of longitudinal injuries in an avascular area of the meniscus in 21 male dogs is reported. One horizontal hole from the peripheral vasculature to one of the artificial longitudinal injuries to both medial menisci of the knee in each dog was made with a needlelike trephine. The knee joints were not immobilized and the samples were taken 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively, after the operation. [3H]Thymidine was injected into the joint cavity 72 h before the sample was taken. Healed lengths were measured, and pathologic examinations and autoradiography were performed. The results showed that all of the injuries treated with trephination were partly or totally healed whereas those in controls were not healed at all, suggesting that trephination may be the procedure of choice for clinic orthopedists dealing with such injuries. By the 8th week, the healed length stopped increasing, the scar tissue began to mature, and the DNA synthesis of the fibroblasts in the granulation tissue and the fibrochondrocytes in the trephined meniscus reduced. It is thought that the fibrochondrocyte of the meniscus and the fibroblast in the granulation might be capable of obtaining the thymidine directly from the synovia of knee joint for their DNA metabolism. Multiplication of the fibrochondrocyte in the injured meniscus was also found.

Suture and immobilization of acute peripheral injuries of the meniscus in rabbits

A comparative study of suturing or nonsuturing with or without immobilization of acute peripheral injuries to the medial meniscus of rabbits is reported. Artificial injuries to both knees of 44 male China Blue-Violet rabbits were sutured or left unsutured. One knee joint of each rabbit was immobilized postoperatively for 6 weeks. The maximum breaking strength was measured, pathologic examinations were performed, and healed areas were measured. The results showed that there was greater healed area, higher maximum breaking strength, earlier matured scar tissue formation, and more regular fiber alignment in the treatment groups with simple immobilization of the knee joint. These results were superior to suturing plus immobilization, suggesting that external immobilization of the knee joint is the key to the treatment of acute peripheral injuries of the meniscus. It may be the procedure of choice for clinical orthopedists dealing with such injuries. The measurement of the meniscus healed area and maximum breaking strength and the use of new material with this method of immobilization were introduced by the authors.