Revealing intact neuronal circuitry in centimeter-sized formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brain

Tissue-clearing and labeling techniques have revolutionized brain-wide imaging and analysis, yet their application to clinical formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks remains challenging. We introduce HIF-Clear, a novel method for efficiently clearing and labeling centimeter-thick FFPE specimens using elevated temperature and concentrated detergents. HIF-Clear with multi-round immunolabeling reveals neuron circuitry regulating multiple neurotransmitter systems in a whole FFPE mouse brain and is able to be used as the evaluation of disease treatment efficiency. HIF-Clear also supports expansion microscopy and can be performed on a non-sectioned 15-year-old FFPE specimen, as well as a 3-month formalin-fixed mouse brain. Thus, HIF-Clear represents a feasible approach for researching archived FFPE specimens for future neuroscientific and 3D neuropathological analyses.

Electronic Preresonance Stimulated Raman Scattering Spectromicroscopy Using Multiple-Plate Continuum

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) spectromicroscopy is a powerful technique that enables label-free detection of chemical bonds with high specificity. However, the low Raman cross section due to typical far-electronic resonance excitation seriously restricts the sensitivity and undermines its application to bio-imaging. To address this bottleneck, the electronic preresonance (EPR) SRS technique has been developed to enhance the Raman signals by shifting the excitation frequency toward the molecular absorption. A fundamental weakness of the previous demonstration is the lack of dual-wavelength tunability, making EPR-SRS only applicable to a limited number of species in the proof-of-concept experiment. Here, we demonstrate the EPR-SRS spectromicroscopy using a multiple-plate continuum (MPC) light source able to examine a single vibration mode with independently adjustable pump and Stokes wavelengths. In our experiments, the C═C vibration mode of Alexa 635 is interrogated by continuously scanning the pump-to-absorption frequency detuning throughout the entire EPR region enabled by MPC. The results exhibit 150-fold SRS signal enhancement and good agreement with the Albrecht A-term preresonance model. Signal enhancement is also observed in EPR-SRS images of the whole Drosophila brain stained with Alexa 635. With the improved sensitivity and potential to implement hyperspectral measurement, we envision that MPC-EPR-SRS spectromicroscopy can bring the Raman techniques closer to a routine in bio-imaging.

Towards stimulated Raman scattering spectro-microscopy across the entire Raman active region using a multiple-plate continuum

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) has attracted increasing attention in bio-imaging because of the ability toward background-free molecular-specific acquisitions without fluorescence labeling. Nevertheless, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity remain far behind those of fluorescence techniques. Here, we demonstrate SRS spectro-microscopy driven by a multiple-plate continuum (MPC), whose octave-spanning bandwidth (600-1300 nm) and high spectral energy density (∼1 nJ/cm^-1) enable spectroscopic interrogation across the entire Raman active region (0-4000 cm^-1), SRS imaging of a Drosophila brain, and electronic pre-resonance (EPR) detection of a fluorescent dye. We envision that utilizing MPC light source will substantially enhance the sensitivity and specificity of SRS by implementing EPR mode and spectral multiplexing via accessing three or more coherent wavelengths.

[Double-way endoscopic surgery in a patient with cystic degeneration of maxillary sinus ossifying fibroma: a case report]

Ossifying fibroma is a rare benign osteogenic neoplasm arising from undifferentiated cells of the periodontal ligament and with a potential to form fibrous tissue, cementum and bone, which is usually in molar area of the mandible, predominantly seen in young girls. And ossifying fibroma poses diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties due to their clinical, radiological and histological variabilities. We report a rare case of an 18 year old girl with cystic degeneration of ossifying fibroma in maxilla which is an uncommon site of occurrence.

[Unilateral polyp originated from nasal septum: a case report]

Most polyps were originated from the contact areas of uncinate process, the middle turbinate or the ethmoid infundibulum. Polyp originated from nasal septum is extremely rare. We report a rare case of a 44-year old woman with unilateral polyp of nasal septum.

[Diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis]

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a chronic inflammation of the nasal sinus mucosa, is based on a simplified classification of a single clinical phenotype (with or without nasal polyps) that does not adequately reflect the heterogeneity of the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis complexity. Currently, according to the lesion mucosa or polyps eosinophil infiltration,this type of chronic rhinosinusit is known as eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). The curative effect of ECRS is poor than non-eosinophilic rhinosinusitis. This article summarizing the diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis status, is to provide help for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Analysis of 833 times measured hepatic venous pressure gradient]

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical data of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and to explore the application value of HVPG in the diagnosis, evaluation and clinical treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Methods: The patient data of HVPG measurement performed in Shandong Provincial Hospital from April 2010 to November 2017 were collected. Results: A total of 633 patients with 833 times of HVPG measurements were included. There was significant difference in HVPG between patients with different etiologies, different Child-pugh grades and different degrees of decompensated cirrhosis. Conclusion: The HVPG test is suitable for the diagnosis and evaluation of portal hypertension. The HVPG of patients with different severity of liver cirrhosis can guide the choice of the treatment plan, and the HVPG measurement should also be strictly standardized and quality control.

[Exploration of transoral robotic surgery in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a relatively new technique in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, which has been shown to be safe and feasible. TORS provides a minimally invasive, visualization method, which brings an unprecedented breakthrough in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. In this paper, the application and development prospect of TORS in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome will be reviewed.

[Progress of surgical treatment for T1a glottic carcinoma]

T1a glottic laryngeal carcinoma is early laryngeal cancer,involving unilateral vocal cord. T he main surgical treatments are transoral laser surgery,open surgery,transoral robotic surgery and radiofrequency ablation technique. In this paper,progress of surgical treatment for T1a glottic carcinoma were reviewed.

[Comparioson after laser surgery versus radiotherapy of T1a glottic carcinoma: A Meta-analysis]

Objective:To compare larynx preservation rate, local control rate, overall survival rate and disease-specific survival rate after laser surgery and radiotherapy of T1a glottic carcinoma. Method:PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library，Chinese biomedical literature datebase,CNKI and Wanfang digital journals were searched from the built of the datebases to October 2016 by computer. Literature screening,date extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two co-authors,and the meta-analysis was made with Review Manager 5.3. Result:Twelve literatures were included finally, and statistical analysis results showed that radiotherapy was superior to laser surgery in the laynx preservation rate of T1a glottic carcinoma(OR=3.23，95%CI=1.21～8.60，P=0.02) , overall survival rate and specific disease survival rate were not significant different between laser surgery and radiotherapy. Conclusion:Radiotherapy is superior to laser surgery in the laynx preservation rate of T1a glottic carcinoma.

[The impact of laser treatment for postoperative different vocal functions in early laryngeal cancer: network Meta-analysis]

Objective:To evaluate the impact of postoperative vocal different functional characteristics with laser treatment for early laryngeal cancer.Method:Computer searching the major medical-related databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, searching and screening by two staff members at the same time to read the relevant literatures, extraction of data and research related to the purpose from the selected literature. Using Stata 14.0 software analysis the extracted data with Bayesian network Metaanalysis, get the laser surgery of early laryngeal cancer effects of different voice characteristics of vocal cord.Result:A total of nine articles was included finally according through the necessary conditions, statistical analysis results showed that early laryngeal laser surgery can significantly reduce GRABS and VHI assessment score.Conclusion:Laser treatment of early laryngeal cancer could reduce VHI and the GRABS assessment score postoperatively, improve overall postoperative vocal cord function and the quality of life of patients after surgery, but not in the early post-operative function and physiology in vocal function.

[Research progress of transoral robotic surgery in oropharyngeal cancer]

When it comes to the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer, the recurrence rate is high after radiotherapy, chemotherapy or open surgery. Transoral robotic surgery is a relatively new surgical therapy in oropharyngeal cancer, which can promote the development of minimally invasive surgery of oropharyngeal cancer. In this study, we reviewed flap reconstruction techniques of transoral robotic surgery, outcomes, contraindications,advantages and disadvantages.

[Application progress of transoral robotic surgery in treatment of laryngeal cancer]

Transoral robotic surgery(TORS) with the Da Vinci robot has been used for the removal of laryngeal cancer,which can improve functional and aesthetic outcomes without worsening survival. We reviews the composition of the robotic surgical system, unique advantages, potential applications and limitations of existing solutions and prospects in Surgery for laryngeal cancer.Major technical improvements are expected. Smaller, more ergonomic, new-generation robots adapted to the head and neck will probably be available in the near future.

Development of coding single nucleotide polymorphic markers in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata based on next-generation sequencing and high-resolution melting analysis

The pearl oyster Pinctada fucata is an important commercial marine shellfish that is cultured for producing saltwater pearls. In this study, 468 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened from P. fucata transcriptome data, and 119 polymorphic SNPs were successfully isolated by a two-step small-amplicon high-resolution melting assay. Of these, 88 were annotated with BLAST in the Nr database and 90 were in the open reading frame, including 16 non-synonymous SNPs and 74 synonymous SNPs; 12 SNPs were in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and 1 was in the 5'-UTR. Twenty-five SNPs were randomly chosen to test the genetic diversity of 40 wild individuals from Liusha Bay, China. All of the loci had two alleles. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0417 to 0.6042 and from 0.2945 to 0.5053, respectively. Minor allele frequencies ranged from 0.1771 to 0.5000, and the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.2516 to 0.3750. These novel SNP markers can contribute to P. fucata genetics and breeding studies.

[Advancement of salvage surgery for recurrent head andneck squamous cell carcinoma]

The treatment options and prognosis of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are largely determined by site, extent of disease,and previous treatment. Salvage surgery represents the primary curative option when recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is resectable. The common factors that affect the prognosis of patients undergoing salvage surgery include surgical resection margin pathology, radiation therapy, advanced initial and recurrent tumor stage, and presence of concomitant neck disease. This paper reviewed the advancement of salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Randomized clinical trial of interceptive and comprehensive orthodontics

Focusing public insurance programs on interceptive orthodontics (IO) may increase access for low-income children. This report presents outcomes from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing IO with comprehensive orthodontics (CO) in Medicaid patients. One hundred seventy pre-adolescents with Medicaid-eligible malocclusions were randomized to IO (n = 86) followed by observation (OBS) or OBS followed by CO (n = 84). One hundred thirty-four completed the trial. Models at pre-treatment (baseline) and following ≤ 2 years of intervention and 2 years of OBS (48 mos) were scored by calibrated examiners using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON). Overall outcomes and clinically meaningful categorical ICON data on need/acceptability, complexity, and improvement were compared. At baseline, groups were balanced by age, gender, ethnicity, and PAR/ICON scores. Most were minorities. Most (77%) were rated as difficult-to-very difficult. Scores improved significantly for both groups, but CO more than IO (PAR, 18.6 [95%CI 15.1, 22.1] vs.10.1 [95%CI 6.7, 13.4]; ICON, 44.8 [95% CI 39.7, 49.9] vs. 35.2 [95%CI 29.7, 40.6], respectively). On average, IO is effective at reducing malocclusions in Medicaid patients, but less than CO. (ClinicalTrials.gov number CT00067379).

Age and third molar extraction as risk factors for temporomandibular disorder

This study investigated third molar removal as a risk factor for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in all age groups. We compared 2217 Kaiser Permanente Northwest health plan enrollees with a history of third molar extraction with 2217 age-and gender-matched enrollees with radiographic confirmation of no lifetime third molar removal. Common Dental Terminology codes were used to identify information on third molar removal, and International Classification of Disease codes were used to identify TMD. Relative risks were calculated overall, and by each decade of life, in univariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of TMD in subjects with and without third molar removal were 7 and 5 per thousand person-years, respectively. Third molar removal among subjects of all ages resulted in a statistically insignificant increased relative risk for TMD (1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9-2.2). The relative risk was slightly higher in those under 21, but was also not statistically significant (1.6, CI: 0.8-3.1).

Effect of distraction rate and consolidation period on bone density following mandibular osteodistraction in rats

The high cost of large animal protocols has limited the study of distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the craniofacial region. This study was designed to characterise a rat model for DO with regard to distraction rate and consolidation period. Unilateral mandibular distraction was performed on 129 male Sprague-Dawley rats using an osteotomy from the sigmoid notch to the inferior border of mandible. After a 3-day latency, 12 groups of 8-9 rats underwent distraction for 5 days at four different rates (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6mm per day), with three different post-osteotomy sacrifice times (10, 24, and 38 days) and four final predicted distraction lengths (0, 1, 2, and 3mm). Another four groups of rats (N=8 per group) were sacrificed 6 days post-osteotomy, resulting in distraction for 3 days with a predicted distraction length of 0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8mm. Changes in mandibular morphology were measured from radiographs of disarticluated hemimandibles. The bone density of the regenerate and control sites was measured using microdensitometry calibrated with an epoxy stepwedge. Distraction linearly increased mandibular length, distraction gap width and the area of the distraction gap (P<0.00005). Mandibular length increased by 0.394 mm per distraction rate. Gap width and area increased by 0.67 and 5.8mm(2) per distraction rate, respectively. The increase in length represents only 39.4% of what was predicted, suggesting that compensatory alteration in condylar or mandibular morphology may have occurred. This speculation was further supported by the finding that mandibular length, measured without the condylar landmark, was 53.8% of predicted. During DO and early consolidation, the measures of bone density in the regenerates decreased compared to control for all groups. Thereafter, bone density in the regenerates generally increased in all groups until day 24 (P<0.01), obtaining levels that were comparable to the unoperated side. At both rostral and caudal sites adjacent to the osteotomies, measures of bone density were enhanced over control in all groups, with the rostral site also showing significant increases over time in the sham and the highest distraction groups (P<0.008 and P<0.014). We conclude that this rat model for mandibular distraction osteogenesis provides bone density changes that are consistent with those reported using larger animal protocols.

Risk factors for diagnostic subgroups of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) encompass several entities, which may have differing etiologies. To test this hypothesis, we investigated risk factors for three diagnostic subgroups of painful TMD. Ninety-seven subjects with myofascial pain only, 20 with arthralgia only, 157 with both myofascial pain and arthralgia, and 195 controls without TMD pain met criteria for study eligibility. Investigated risk factors included both physical and psychological variables. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated by multiple logistic regression analyses. Myofascial pain occurring alone was significantly associated with trauma (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.0), clenching (OR = 4.8), third molar removal (OR = 3.2), somatization (OR = 3.7), and female gender (OR = 4.2). Myofascial pain with arthralgia was significantly associated with trauma (OR = 2.1), clenching (OR = 3.3), third molar removal (OR = 4.0), somatization (OR = 5.1), and female gender (OR = 4.7). No significant associations were found for the small-arthralgia-only group.

Killing effects of ganciclovir on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell A549 transduced with HSV1-TK gene in vitro and in vivo

AIM

To observe the killing effects of ganciclovir (GCV) on the human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell A549 transduced with Herpes simplex virus I type thymine kinase (HSV1-TK) gene in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

A retroviral vector containing the TK gene was constructed and transduced into a pulmonary carcinoma cell A549 by electroporation, to observe the sensitivity of the transfected cell to GCV in vitro and the bystander effect (MTT assay). Tumor cell apoptosis caused by the TK/GCV system was observed with a flow cell meter (FCM) and a scan electronic microscope (SEM). Recombination and expression of the TK gene were examined with DNA PCR and in situ hybridization, respectively. The therapeutic effect of GCV on subcutaneous tumor growth between transfected and parental cells was also compared.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the transfected cell to GCV was 46 times higher than that of the parental cell, and the bystander effect was stronger in high cell density than in low cell density. The subG0G1 peak was shown on the DNA histogram after A549-Tk cell was treated with 50 micromol/L GCV for 3 days by FCM, but not in the A549 cell. A cell cycle analysis showed that the apoptotic cell in the A549-TK and A549 cells were (12.2+/-1.7) % and (1.3 +/- 0.3) %, respectively (P < 0.01). The cell apoptosis features of nuclear condensation, apoptotic vesicle, and nuclear showing semimoon feature were found in the A549-TK cell by SEM, but not in the A549 cell. Recombination and expression of the TK gene were positive in the transfected cell. In vivo, the growth of tumors formed by the transfected cell was apparently inhibited by GCV, but not in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The transfected cell obtained sensitivity to GCV and the bystander effect was closely related to intercellular touch. The TK/GCV system killing tumor cell was related to cell apoptosis. GCV inhibited the growth of tumors which were inoculated by A549-TK cell in vivo.

Randomized clinical trial on the combination of preoperative irradiation and surgery in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of gastric cardia (AGC)--report on 370 patients

PURPOSE

An attempt was made to define the role of radiotherapy before operation for AGC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From January 1978 to May 1989, a prospective randomized trial on preoperative radiotherapy (R+S) vs. surgery alone (S) for AGC was carried out in 370 patients. Patients were randomized into a combined group (R+S, 171 patients) or a surgery alone group (S, 199 patients) by the envelope method. 8-MV photon or telecobalt was used for the preoperative radiation therapy, using anterior-posterior opposing parallel fields to deliver 40 Gy to the cardia, lower segment of the esophagus, fundus, lesser curvature, and hepatogastric ligament. Surgery was performed after 2 to 4 weeks rest.

RESULTS

The 5- and 10-year survival rates of the R+S Group and the S Alone Group were 30.10% and 19.75%, 20.26% and 13.30%, respectively. The survival curves of these two groups diverged right from the beginning after the operation over the ninth year. Statistics by Kaplan-Meier log rank test proves that the difference is significant (chi2 = 6.74, p = 0.0094). The immediate results were: resection rate 89.5% and 79.4% (p < 0.01); pathologic stage after resection T2 12.9% and 4.5% (p < 0.01), T4 40.3% and 51.3% (p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis rates 64.3% and 84.9% (p < 0.001); operative mortality rates 0.6% and 2.5%; intrathoracic leak rates 1.8% and 4.0%, respectively. The causes of failure were: local uncontrol and recurrence 38.6% vs. 51.7% (p < 0.025), regional lymph node metastasis 38.6% vs. 54.6% (p < 0.005), distant metastasis 24.3% vs. 24.7%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative radiation therapy is able to improve the results of surgery for adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding as the initial presenting symptom of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is known as one of the "great mimics encountered in clinical medicine," along with syphilis and tuberculosis. It can present clinically as a wide range of symptoms, with a classic triad described as hematuria, pain, and a palpable abdominal mass. However, this triad is present only in <20% of patients with renal cell carcinoma. Gastrointestinal bleeding has been described in renal cell carcinoma, although mainly secondary to metastasis in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with few cases due to local invasion. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding as a presenting symptom of an invasive primary renal cell carcinoma has been described in only one patient in the literature. Our patient is the first in whom a colonoscopic biopsy was used as a successful diagnostic modality.

Mapping the distribution of outer hair cell voltage-dependent conductances by electrical amputation

The mammalian outer hair cell (OHC) functions not only as sensory receptor, but also as mechanical effector; this unique union is believed to enhance our ability to discriminate among acoustic frequencies, especially in the kilohertz range. An electrical technique designed to isolate restricted portions of the plasma membrane was used to map the distribution of voltage-dependent conductances along the cylindrical extent of the cell. We show that three voltage-dependent currents, outward K, I(K,n), and I(Ca) are localized to the basal, synaptic pole of the OHC. Previously we showed that the lateral membrane of the OHC harbors a dense population of voltage sensor-motor elements responsible for OHC motility. This segregation of membrane molecules may have important implications for auditory function. The distribution of OHC conductances will influence the cable properties of the cell, thereby potentially controlling the voltage magnitudes experienced by the motility voltage sensors in the lateral membrane, and thus the output of the "cochlear amplifier."

Role of the GTP-binding protein G(o) in the suppressant effect of ethanol on voltage-activated calcium channels of murine sensory neurons

Whole-cell and single-channel recording techniques were used to investigate the acute, in vitro effects of ethanol on the function of voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in cultured neurons derived from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of embryonic mice. Although 5.4 mM ethanol produced a sustained increase of the amplitude of the whole-cell Ca2+ current (ICa), 43.2 mM ethanol had a time-dependent biphasic effect. That is, within 0.5 min of exposure to 43.2 mM ethanol, the maximal amplitude of ICa initially increased before declining to a new steady-state value. As anticipated, the facilitatory and inhibitory effects of ethanol on ICa were associated with an increase and decrease, respectively, in the probability of single-channel open events. Pretreatment of DRG with 200 ng/ml of pertussis toxin abolished the inhibitory, but not the facilitatory, effect of 43.2 mM ethanol on ICa. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin also prevented the reduction of the probability of single-channel opening caused by 43.2 mM ethanol. Similarly, dialysis of neurons with polyclonal antibodies against the alpha-subunit of G(o) but not Gs, abolished the inhibitory effect of 43.2 mM ethanol on ICa. These data demonstrate concentration- and time-dependent biphasic effects of ethanol on the activity of Ca2+ channels. The inhibitory effect of ethanol requires activation of the alpha-subunit of G(o), which then decreases the probability of Ca2+ channel opening.

Operable squamous esophageal cancer: current results from the East

From 1958 through 1992 a total of 3603 patients underwent surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in our department. Among these patients 3099 resections were performed, for an overall resectability of 86.0%. Of the resections, 2341 (75.5%) were classified as curative and 758 (24.5%) palliative. The overall morbidity and 30-day mortality rates were 23.4% and 3.8%, respectively. For resected cases the mortality was 4.0%. The more than 5-year follow-up rate of patients with resection was 97%. The actual 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 30.4%, 23.6%, and 17.9%, respectively. Recurrence or metastasis remained the cause of death in 60.9% and 25.5% of patients who lived longer than 5 years and 15 years, respectively, after operation. The TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, extra-esophageal invasion, tumor differentiation, tumor length, and category of operation were major determinants influencing long-term prognosis. The left thoracotomy approach was used exclusively in 2613 cases (84.3% of all resected cases) in which intrathoracic resections and anastomoses were performed. The stomach was used as a substitute for the esophagus in 98.8% of the resected cases compared with 1.2% colon transplants. The former procedure was far safer than the latter. Above-average results presented in this paper support the surgical policy we have pursued thus far: to resect the primary tumor by partial or subtotal esophagectomy and to remove all lymph nodes wherever they were found in all patients with disease earlier than stage III. Early detection and early treatment no doubt are the only ways to materially improve the long-term surgical results.

Chronic ingestion of ethanol increases the number of Ca2+ channels of hippocampal neurons of long-sleep but not short-sleep mice

Whole cell and single channel Ca2+ currents were compared for hippocampal neurons of normal and ethanol-tolerant long-sleep and short-sleep mice. The properties of these currents were equivalent for normal LS and SS mice. In contrast, the peak amplitude of the whole cell Ca2+ current increased significantly for neurons isolated from LS but not SS mice chronically ingesting ethanol. Since there were no changes in the functional properties of single channel events, these data indicate that chronic ingestion of ethanol causes an increase in the number of functional Ca2+ channels in the membrane of hippocampal neurons of LS mice.

Imipramine's selective suppression of an L-type calcium channel in neurons of murine dorsal root ganglia involves G proteins

The whole cell recording technique was used to explore the depressant effect of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (IP) on calcium currents of neurons in cultures of murine dorsal root ganglia. The maximal whole cell current (ICa) mediated by the L-type calcium channel declined to 54% of control within 3 min of superfusing neurons with a solution containing 30 microM IP. In contrast, the T-type calcium current was unchanged. The IP-induced reduction of ICa was not associated with a change of the current-voltage relations of ICa. The depressant effect of IP on ICa was greatly reduced if neurons were pretreated with pertussis toxin or dialyzed with an intracellular solution containing guanosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate. In contrast, superfusion of neurons with 5 mM 8-bromo-cyclic-AMP did not alter the effect of IP upon ICa. These data suggest that the selective suppressant effect of IP on the L-type calcium channel involves either an interaction with that region of the channel complex coupled to guanosine nucleotide-binding proteins or with guanosine nucleotide-binding proteins themselves.

Novel suppression of an L-type calcium channel in neurones of murine dorsal root ganglia by 2,3-butanedione monoxime

1. Voltage-activated currents through calcium channels in primary cultures of murine dorsal root ganglion cells (DRG) were studied with the whole-cell and cell-attached patch recording techniques. 2. The chemical phosphatase 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) reversibly reduced the amplitude of L-type calcium current (ICa) in a dose-dependent manner; at a concentration of 20 mM, BDM caused a 47% suppression of ICa. 3. Application of 10 mM-8-bromo-cyclic AMP or 50 microM-isoprenaline onto DRG treated with BDM completely restored ICa to the pre-BDM level. 4. In striking contrast, bath application of Bay K 8644 (0.5-5 microM) had no effect on the BDM-suppressed ICa. As expected, Bay K 8644 alone caused a two- to threefold increase of the maximal ICa and shifted its I-V relationship to the left. Interestingly, if a cell was first exposed to Bay K 8644 further treatment with 20 mM-BDM resulted in 100% suppression of ICa. This suggests that Bay K 8644 changes the conformation of the calcium channel to one which is more sensitive or more accessible to the action of the phosphatase. 5. Pre-treatment of DRG with an activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, did not antagonize BDM's effect on ICa. 6. The depressant action of BDM on ICa was distinct from that of nifedipine in that it did not exhibit use dependence. 7. When single calcium channel currents were recorded in cell-attached patches (barium as the charge carrier), bath application of BDM reduced the percentage of time that the channel spent in the open state. 8. Superfusion with 8-bromo-cyclic AMP restored the ensemble macroscopic 'ICa' to the pre-BDM amplitude. This was due to a dramatic enhancement of the frequency of channel openings. 9. We suggest that BDM acts through the cytoplasm to alter cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase modulation of neuronal L-type calcium channels. The brief, high-frequency openings which 8-bromo-cyclic AMP activates in the presence of BDM may reflect a rapid phosphorylation-dephosphorylation sequence which controls channel gating.

The effect of glutathione monoethyl ester on the potentiation of the acute toxicity of methyl parathion, methyl paraoxon or fenitrothion by diethyl maleate in the mouse

Depletion of hepatic glutathione in the mouse by pretreatment with diethyl maleate (DEM) is known to potentiate the acute toxicities of many dimethyl-substituted organothiophosphate insecticides. However, certain studies have raised doubts regarding the participation of glutathione in the detoxification of methyl parathion in the mouse, and hence the putative mechanism of action of DEM-induced potentiation of this insecticide. The present study evaluates the hypothesis that DEM potentiates the acute toxicities of methyl parathion, methyl paraoxon, and fenitrothion by a mechanism other than glutathione depletion. One hour following pretreatment of mice with DEM (0.75 ml/kg i.p.), glutathione was markedly depleted and the acute toxicities of methyl parathion, methyl paraoxon and fenitrothion were potentiated. Administration of glutathione monoethyl ester (20 mmol/kg p.o.) to DEM-pretreated mice attenuated DEM-depletion of hepatic glutathione, or maintained glutathione at or above control levels. However, glutathione monoethyl ester did not alter the DEM-induced potentiation of the lethality of these insecticides. Furthermore, administration of glutathione monoethyl ester to naive mice increased hepatic glutathione levels, but did not affect the percentage of animals succumbing to a challenge dose of methyl parathion, methyl paraoxon, or fenitrothion. These data indicate that DEM potentiates the toxicity of methyl parathion, methyl paraoxon or fenitrothion by a mechanism unrelated to hepatic glutathione content.

Large-scale purification of synthetic oligonucleotides and carcinogen-modified oligodeoxynucleotides on a reverse-phase polystyrene (PRP-1) column

A procedure is described for the large-scale purification of synthetic oligonucleotides using a polystyrene (PRP-1, Hamilton Co.) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column with a phosphate/methanol/acetonitrile solvent system. Pure oligonucleotides are obtained with a three-step procedure that involves only one column purification step. The dimethoxytrityl group is left on the oligomer for the HPLC purification. The use of the PRP-1 polystyrene column with a phosphate/methanol/acetonitrile solvent system provides excellent separation of the desired dimethoxytrityl-bearing oligonucleotide from failure sequences. The dimethoxytrityl group is removed by treatment with acetic acid and the oligonucleotide is desalted on a C-18 Sep-Pak cartridge. The oligodeoxynucleotides obtained are shown to be essentially pure by HPLC, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and 500-MHzNMR spectroscopy. This procedure is especially useful for the large-scale purification of oligonucleotides required for NMR studies. The PRP-1 column and the phosphate/methanol/acetonitrile solvent system is useful for purifying modified oligonucleotides containing lipophilic groups such as the carcinogen 2-(acetylamino)fluorene.

Early detection of oesophageal carcinoma in southern Thailand

The use of balloon cytology technique for detection of oesophageal carcinoma has been tested in 73 non-symptomatic patients and 53 patients with symptoms of oesophageal carcinoma from the high incidence of Southern Thailand. Cytological findings were compared with findings of esophagoscopy and oesophageal biopsy. Among symptomatic patients, scope/biopsy revealed 29 positive for carcinoma, against which balloon cytology yielded 9 false negatives (sensitivity 69%), but no false positives. All false negatives were of the stenosing type of tumour. One of 3 early cases of carcinoma revealed by the balloon technique among asymptomatic patients could not be detected by oesophagoscopy, biopsy or oesophagogram, but was confirmed by repeated cytological examination. The basic properties of the balloon cytology technique appear to justify its use as a routine diagnostic tool among high-risk patients for oesophageal carcinoma in Southern Thailand.

Randomized clinical trial on the combination of preoperative irradiation and surgery in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma: report on 206 patients

From June 1977 to May 1985, a prospective randomized clinical trial on pre-operative radiation for esophageal carcinoma was carried out in 206 patients. Lesions under 8 cm in length and patients younger than 65 years, at least on semi-liquid diet and not contra-indicated for surgery were randomized into a combined group (104 patients) or a surgery alone group (102 patients). Eight MV X ray units were used for the pre-operative radiation using A-P portals to deliver 4,000 cGy to the whole mediastinum and the left gastroepiploic lymphatic chain. Surgery was carried out after 2 to 4 week's rest. The immediate results of the combined group and the surgery alone group were: resection rate 93% and 85%, operative mortality 5% and 6%, intra-thoracic anastomotic leak 0% and 1%, positive pathology at the esophageal stump 0% and 2%, and lymph nodes metastasis 27% and 35% respectively. The 5-year survival rates of the combined group and the surgery alone group were 35% and 30%. We have noticed that those patients with lesions showing radiation reaction of grade III gave a 5-year survival of 50% (12/24). Because intra- and extra-thoracic lymphnode metastasis caused failures (41% and 34% of these two groups), increasing the preoperative tumor dose to 60 Gy or designing post-operative irradiation to cover the bilateral supraclavicular areas was necessary. The whole mediastinum and the left gastroepiploic lymphatics could further improve the results of surgery. Further studies are needed.

[Evaluation of CT scan for carcinoma of the gastric cardia]

CT scans of 50 cases with carcinoma of gastric cardia were analyzed. 45 cases were operated but 12 were explored only. The causes of unresectability were: bulky primary tumor, regional lymph node involvement, infiltration of the adjacent structures, e.g. liver, pancreas, spleen and diaphragm, intragastric extension and ascites. By CT scan, the detection rate of the visceral organ involvement was: diaphragm 4/7, pancreas 3/10, liver 4/6 and spleen 5/6. Therefore, it is very important to have a preoperative CT scan for carcinoma of gastric cardia.

Comparative data on cytophotometric DNA in malignant lesions of the esophagus in the Chinese and Japanese

Cell DNA content was microspectrophotometrically determined in tissues of advanced esophageal carcinoma of 50 Chinese and 82 Japanese subjects. DNA distribution patterns were classified into Types I, II, III, and IV, according to the degree of dispersion and the peak value on the DNA histogram. The proportions of high ploidy (Types III and IV) in Chinese and Japanese patients were 68% and 81.7%, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rates of the Chinese and Japanese were 25.3% and 19.8%, respectively. Five-year survival rates of patients with Types II, III and IV were 45.7%, 23.8% and 0% in Chinese patients and 57.1%, 16.1%, and 0% in Japanese patients, respectively. Thus, differences in nationality were not related to the prognosis. The incidences of high ploidy group in those with an advanced esophageal carcinoma were high and were associated with a poor prognosis in both races. DNA distribution pattern of esophageal carcinoma reflected the outcome and malignant potential in the Chinese and the Japanese.

[Experience in the surgical treatment of 748 patients with lung cancer]

A series of 748 patients with lung cancer as treated by surgery from 1961 to 1984 is reported. Regular lobectomy was done in 445 (74%) patients, bronchoplastic lobectomy in 67 (11.2%), segmental or wedge excision in 15 (2.5%) and pneumonectomy in 74 (12.3%) in which the ratio of left to right pneumonectomy was 2.9:1. Overall resection rate was 80.4% (601/748) and resection mortality was 1.2% (7/601) (death within 30 days of operation). Overall 5 year survival rate was 42% (169/402). The 5 year survival rate was 35.3% for pneumonectomy, 54.1% for bronchoplastic lobectomy, 42.3% for regular lobectomy and 16.7% for segmental or wedge excision. In this analysis, emphasis is laid to the therapeutic validity of the different modes of surgery. Statistical data show that only when the indication of different surgical interventions are strictly adhered to and the reasonable procedures are carried out, could better results be obtained. In surgical treatment of lung cancer, it is an important principle to eradicate the tumor and its metastatic foci as thorough as possible and to conserve the respiratory function as much as possible. Regular lobectomy has now become the "standard" and first choice operation. Pneumonectomy should be reserved for the patients with absolute necessity due to the extent of the lesion, adequate cardiopulmonary function and possibility of a permanent cure. Pneumonectomy is substituted by bronchoplastic lobectomy to a certain degree, preserving more of the lung function and improving the living quality after operation and long term results. Extensive practice of this surgical modality is advised.

Surgery of esophageal carcinoma

The experience of surgical treatment in 1,874 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus seen at the Cancer Institute and Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China, between 1958 and 1982, is reported. Despite the prevalence of this malignancy in this part of China, only 3% of the patients in this series had stage I disease, while 80% of the patients had either stage III or stage IV disease with extraesophageal tumor invasion and regional or distant metastases. Of the entire series there was an overall resectability rate of 83.9%, being 77.6% between 1958 and 1969 and 89.0% between 1970 and 1982. Among the 1,572 resections of the entire series, there were 66 deaths within 30 days of operation, for a resection mortality rate of 4.2%, being 4.9% between 1958 and 1969 and 3.7% between 1970 and 1982. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 67 cases of the 1,572 resections, for an incidence of 4.3%. Of the 67 cases with anastomotic leaks, 38 recovered after intensive treatment; the remaining 29 died eventually of the complication, giving a death rate of 43.3%. Pathologic studies of the 1,572 specimens showed lymph node metastasis in 46.1% of the cases. It is obvious that practically all the unresectable cases showed more extensive lymph node involvement at operation, although fixation of the tumor with severe invasion to the surrounding organs usually constituted the chief cause of unresectability. The postresection long-term survivals as calculated by the number of resections at 5, 10, and 15 years were 30.2% (390/1293), 22.4% (196/876), and 18.9% (112/594), respectively. Over one-third, or 36.8%, of the 1,874 patients in the present series were treated with a combination therapy of preoperative irradiation and surgery. The results in the group of 408 selective patients and those in the group of 83 randomized patients with midthoracic esophageal carcinomas were gratifying. In the latter group there was a resectability rate of 95.2%, a resection mortality rate of 3.8%, an incidence of intrathoracic anastomotic leakage of 0%, and a 5-year survival rate of 45.5%, as compared to 89.6%, 4.3%, 1.7%, and 25%, respectively, in the control group treated by surgery alone. From these findings it is concluded that preoperative irradiation as an adjunct can promote both the immediate and long-term results of surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus. Recent advances in the surgical treatment of carcinoma of the esophagus may change the pessimistic philosophy for this malignancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)