Ivermectin as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma

Ivermectin (IVM), a semi-synthetic macrolide parasiticide, has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in combating internal and external parasites, particularly nematodes and arthropods. Its remarkable ability to control parasites has earned it significant recognition, culminating in Satoshi Omura and William C. Campbell's receipt of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their contributions to the development of IVM. In recent years, investigations have revealed that IVM possesses antitumor properties. It can suppress the growth of various cancer cells, including glioma, through a multitude of mechanisms such as selective targeting of tumor-specific proteins, inducing programmed cell death, and modulation of tumor-related signaling pathways. Hence, IVM holds tremendous potential as a novel anticancer drug. This review seeks to provide an overview of the underlying mechanisms that enable IVM's capacity to suppress glioma. Furthermore, it aims to elucidate the challenges and prospects associated with utilizing IVM as a new anticancer agent.

A bimodal burst energy distribution of a repeating fast radio burst source

The event rate, energy distribution and time-domain behaviour of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) contain essential information regarding their physical nature and central engine, which are as yet unknown^1,2. As the first precisely localized source, FRB 121102 (refs. ^3-5) has been extensively observed and shows non-Poisson clustering of bursts over time and a power-law energy distribution^6-8. However, the extent of the energy distribution towards the fainter end was not known. Here we report the detection of 1,652 independent bursts with a peak burst rate of 122 h^-1, in 59.5 hours spanning 47 days. A peak in the isotropic equivalent energy distribution is found to be approximately 4.8 × 10³⁷ erg at 1.25 GHz, below which the detection of bursts is suppressed. The burst energy distribution is bimodal, and well characterized by a combination of a log-normal function and a generalized Cauchy function. The large number of bursts in hour-long spans allows sensitive periodicity searches between 1 ms and 1,000 s. The non-detection of any periodicity or quasi-periodicity poses challenges for models involving a single rotating compact object. The high burst rate also implies that FRBs must be generated with a high radiative efficiency, disfavouring emission mechanisms with large energy requirements or contrived triggering conditions.

[Fat1 inhibits cell proliferation via ERK signaling pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To clarify the mechanism of Fat1 on the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: KYSE450 cells were transfected with Plko.1-puro-GFP-shRNA-Fat1 plasmid and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to verify the efficiency of Fat1 knockdown. The effects of Fat1 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor U0126 on the proliferation of ESCC cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation ability. Cell cycle was detected by live cell imaging. Western blot was used to observe the level of target protein. Mouse xenograft assay was applied to detect the effect of Fat1 knockdown on KYSE450 cell tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of related proteins in tumor sections. Results: The efficiency of Fat1 knockdown was (77.1±6.9)% in Fat1 sh1 group and (77.7±7.1)% in Fat1sh2 group. Compared with the control group, the cell proliferation and the expression of p-ERK1/2 were significantly increased in Fat1 sh1 and Fat1sh2 group (P<0.05). After U0126 treatment, the effect of Fat1 knockdown on the proliferation of KYSE450 cells disappeared, and the expression of p-ERK1/2 in KYSE450 cells decreased to a level similar to that in the control group. The number of cell clones in the control group was (72±8), lower than (155±28) and (193±9) in the Fat1sh1 and Fat1sh2 groups, respectively (P<0.05). In KYSE450 cell, division time was shortened from 1 622±32 min in control group to 1 408±29 min in Fat1 sh1 group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the tumor volume of Fat1 knockdown group increased significantly. The tumor weight of control group and Fat1 knockdown group were (0.224±0.028) g and (1.532±0.196) g, respectively, at 4 weeks after inoculation, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fat1 inhibits cell proliferation via ERK signaling in ESCC.

Characterization of the rumen microbiota and its relationship with residual feed intake in sheep

Feed efficiency is a highly important economic trait in sheep production and has a significant impact on the economic benefits of sheep farming. Microbial fermentation of the rumen has a vital role in the host's nutrition; the rumen microbiota might affect host feed efficiency. However, the relationship between the rumen microbiota and feed efficiency in sheep is unclear. In the present study, the microbiota of 195 Hu sheep was investigated and their residual feed intake (RFI), a commonly used measure of feed efficiency, was determined. From birth, all sheep were subjected to the same management practices. At slaughter, samples of liquid rumen contents were collected and subjected to amplicon sequencing for the 16S rDNA gene on the IonS5™XL platform. To identify the bacterial taxa differentially represented at the genus or higher taxonomy levels, we used linear discriminant analysis coupled with effect size and curve fitting. In the sheep rumen, the four most abundant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fibrobacteres, and Proteobacteria; and the dominant genera were unidentified Prevotellaceae, Fibrobacter, unidentified Lachnospiraceae, Saccharofermentans, and Succinivibrio. Pathway analysis of the 16S rDNA sequencing data from the rumen microbiota identified that carbohydrate metabolism was enriched. Using α-diversity analysis, we further identified that Observed species, ACE, Good's coverage, and Chao1 are more abundant (P < 0.01) in the low-RFI (L-RFI) group compared to the high-RFI (H-RFI) group. High-RFI sheep had a higher abundance of three bacterial taxa (Prevotellaceae, Negativicutes, and Selenomonadales), and one taxa was overrepresented in the L-RFI sheep (Succinivibrio), respectively. Furthermore, model fitting showed that Veillonellaceae, Sphaerochaeta, Negativibacillus, Saccharofermentans, and members of the Tenericutes, Kiritimatiellaeota, Deltaproteobacteria, and Campylobacterales were correlated with the sheep RFI classification and thus were indicative of a role in animal efficiency. Tax4Fun analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as "energy metabolism," "metabolism of cofactors and vitamins," "poorly characterized," and "replication recombination and repair proteins" were enriched in the rumen from H-RFI sheep, and "genetic information processing" and "lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis" were overrepresented in L-RFI sheep rumen. In addition, six Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology pathways were identified as different between H-RFI and L-RFI groups. In conclusion, the low RFI phenotype (efficient animals) consistently (or characteristically) exhibited a more abundant and diverse microbiome in sheep.

Transcriptome analysis of long noncoding RNAs ribonucleic acids from the livers of Hu sheep with different residual feed intake

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), as key regulators, have vital functions in various biological activities. However, in sheep, little has been reported concerning the genetic mechanism of LncRNA regulation of feed efficiency. In the present study, we explored the genome-wide expression of LncRNAs and transcripts of uncertain coding potential (TUCPs) in the livers of sheep with extreme residual feed intake (RFI) using RNA sequencing. We identified 1 523 TUCPs and 1 996 LncRNAs, among which 10 LncRNAs and 16 TUCPs were identified as being differentially expressed between the High-RFI and Low-RFI groups. Co-expression and co-localization methods were used to search for LncRNA and TUCP target genes, which identified 970/1 538 and 23/27 genes, respectively. Ontology and pathways analysis revealed that the LncRNAs/TUCPs that were highly expressed in the Low-RFI group are mostly concentrated in energy metabolism pathways. For example, LNC_000890 and TUCP_000582 might regulate liver tissue metabolic efficiency. The LncRNAs/TUCPs that were highly expressed in the High-RFI group are mostly enriched in immune function pathways. For example, TUCP_000832 might regulate animal health, thereby affecting feed efficiency. Subsequently, a co-expression network was established by applying the expression information of both the differentially expressed LncRNAs and TUCPs and their target mRNAs. The network indicated that differentially expressed genes targeted by the upregulated LncRNAs and TUCPs were mainly related to energy metabolism, while those genes targeted by the downregulated LncRNAs and TUCPs were mainly related to immune response. These results provide the basis for further study of LncRNA/TUCP-mediated regulation of feed efficiency.

How does the two-child policy affect the sex ratio at birth in China? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The One-Child Policy led to the imbalance of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) in China. After that, Two-Child Policy was introduced and gradually liberalized at three stages. If both the husband and wife of one couple were the only child of their parents, they were allowed to have two children in policy (BTCP). If only one of them was the only child, they were allowed to have two children in policy (OTCP). The Universal Two-Child Policy (UTCP) allowed every couple to have two children. The objective of this study was to explore the changing trend of SRB at the stages of Two-Child Policy, to analyze the effect of population policy on SRB in terms of maternal age, delivery mode, parity, maternal education, delivery hospital, and to figure out what factors have greater impact on the SRB.

METHODS

The data of the study came from Hebei Province Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System, covered the parturients delivered at 28 gestation weeks or more in 22 hospitals from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. We compared the SRB at different policy stages, analyzed the relationship between the SRB and population policy by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Total 270,878 singleton deliveries were analyzed. The SRB, 1.084 at BTCP, 1.050 at OTCP, 1.047 at UTCP, declined rapidly (χ² = 15.97, P < 0.01). With the introduction of Two-Child Policy, the percentage of parturients who were 30-34, ≥35 years old rose significantly, and the percentage of multiparous women increased significantly (40.7, 47.2, 56.6%). The neonatal mortality declined significantly (8.4‰, 6.7‰, 5.9‰, χ² = 44.49, P < 0.01), the mortality rate of female infant gradually declined (48.2, 43.7, 43.9%). The logistic regression analysis showed the SRB was correlated to the three population policy stages in terms of maternal age, delivery mode, parity, maternal education, delivery hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

The SRB has declined to normal level with the gradually liberalizing of Two-Child Policy in China. Advanced maternal age, cesarean delivery, multiparous women, middle level education, rural hospital are the main factors of effect on the decline of the SRB.

Development of gamma ray spectrometer with high energy and time resolutions on EAST tokamak

A new gamma ray spectrometer with high energy and time resolutions has been developed and installed on the EAST tokamak to study fast ion and runaway electron behaviors. The spectrometer is based on a LaBr₃(Ce) scintillator detector and a fully digital data acquisition system that is based on a digitizer with digital pulse processing algorithms. The energy resolution of the spectrometer is about 3.9% at 662 keV, and the spectrometer can operate stably at a counting rate as high as 1 MHz, monitored by using a light emitting diode monitoring system. The measured gamma ray spectrum is simulated based on Geant4 and unfolded with the high-resolution boosted Gold deconvolution algorithm, aiming at reconstructing the energy distribution functions of fast ions and runaway electrons.

[Application of combined angiography in diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and clinical value of combined cardiac and cerebral angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with carotid artery stenosis. Methods: Clinical data of patients from May 2016 to June 2019 were collected. The patient underwent combined angiography under local anesthesia. Clinical characteristics, prognosisand complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 45 patients with carotid artery stenosis received combined angiography, among which 12 patients had no obvious carotid artery stenosis. There were 22 cases with unilateral carotid artery stenosis, including 12 cases with mild stenosis and 10 cases with moderate to severe stenosis. There were 11 cases of bilateral stenosis, including 3 cases with mild stenosis and 8 cases with moderate to severe stenosis. 12 patients had no obvious stenosis incoronary arteries, 11 patients had single-vessel disease, 7 patients had 2-vessel disease, and 15 patients had 3-vessel disease. In the whole group of patients, surgical indications are available of 18 patients with carotid artery stenosis, 4 of the mreceived combined therapy. 2 of them under went Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)+Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Intervention (PCI), 2 under went Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)+PCI. CAS+coronary artery angiography was performed in 3 cases. CEA+coronary angiography was performed in 5 cases. 5 patients received conservative treatment after combined angiography. In one case, the condition of coronary artery was so complicated that PCI was performed firstly. No cardiac or cerebrovascular complications such as myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction occurred during perioperative period. Conclusion: Combined cardio-cerebrovascular angiography is a good method to evaluate the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with carotid artery stenosis, which can provide a clear diagnosis for treatment with a low complications frequency.

[Simultaneous treatments in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease]

Objective: To implement simultaneous treatments in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), we sought to investigate its efficacy of reducing perioperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). Methods: Brain-and-Heart treatment team in Peking University International Hospital performed hybrid Digital Substraction Angiography (DSA) of carotid artery and coronary artery for 37 patients meeting the group criterion from September 2017 to February 2019.Twelve patients were diagnosed and received simultaneous treatments of severe carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease after hybrid DSA. We conducted the retrospective study and made analysis of these patients. Results: The diagnosis rate by simultaneous treatmentsin patients with carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease is 59.5% (22/37), the rate of severe carotid artery stenosis or multi-vessel CAD is 77.3% (17/22).The rate of severe carotid artery stenosis with CAD is 54.5% (12/22), therate of simultaneous treatmentsis 83.3%(10/12). Nine patients post-operative symptoms release, one patient with ischemic stroke after CABG, and two patients of medical therapy with stable symptoms. Conclusion: Simultaneous treatments in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease not only reveal the positive correlation between carotid stenosis and CAD, but also accurately evaluate severity degree or rapidly formulate scheme and reduce MACCE.

[Correlation between pregnancy-induced hypertension and age in pregnant women from Hebei province, 2016]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between age and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in pregnant women from Hebei province in 2016. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted by using the clinical data of 64 909 pregnant women, delivering in 22 hospitals in Hebei in 2016. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the general data and pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women, and χ(2) test was used to compare the incidence of PIH in different age groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for PIH. Results: The incidence of PIH was lowest in 20-29 year old women, and increased obviously in those aged<20 and>35 years (P<0.05), and the incidence was positively correlated with age. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, times of pregnancy, number of previous cesarean section and fetus number of current pregnancy were the risk factors for PIH (OR=1.293, 1.153, 1.307, 3.607), while times of deliver and times of prenatal examination were the protective factors (OR=0.655, 0.951). Conclusion: Advanced age pregnancy and young age pregnancy would significantly increase the incidence of PIH. Prenatal care should be strengthened for pregnant women at risk for PIH.

[The prognostic value of the international prognostic index, the national comprehensive cancer network IPI and the age-adjusted IPI in diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Objective: To explore the prognostic value of the international prognostic index (IPI), the national comprehensive cancer network IPI(NCCN-IPI)and the age-adjusted IPI (aa-IPI) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Methods: A total of 311 patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) diagnosed from 2003 to 2012 in Nanfang hospital were included. All patients were divided into CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone) and R-CHOP (rituximab, CHOP) groups. Survival analysis was compared among IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI models. Discrimination of three different prognostic models was assessed using the Harrell's C statistic. Results: A total of 311 patients were analyzed. Among them, 128 patients were treated with CHOP regimen and other 183 patients were treated with R-CHOP regimen. In CHOP groups, both NCCN-IPI (5-year OS: 59.7% vs 26.8%, P<0.001) and aa-IPI (5-year OS: 71.0% vs 25.0%, P<0.001) showed better risk stratification for low-intermediate and high-intermediate group than the IPI (5-year OS: 47.6% vs 36.6%, P=0.003). However, in the patients treated with R-CHOP, NCCN-IPI showed better risk stratification in low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate groups (5-year OS: 96.0% vs 83.0% vs 66.5%, P=0.009). According to the Harrell's C statistic, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for overall survival (OS) were 0.546, 0.667, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.611,0.654, 0.695 in R-CHOP group respectively. In patients younger than 60 years old, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for OS were 0.534, 0.675, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.584, 0.648, 0.695 in R-CHOP respectively. Conclusion: The NCCN-IPI is more powerful than IPI and aa-IPI in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP. aa-IPI is a preferable model in predicting prognosis than IPI and NCCN-IPI in anthracycline-based chemotherapy without rituximab.

[Epidemiological characteristics and related risk factors on placental abruption in Hebei province]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors and epidemiological characteristics of placental abruption (PA) in Hebei province. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data on 218 880 pregnant women who were hospitalized in 22 hospitals which were under a monitoring program, in Hebei province, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. Data regarding epidemiological characteristics as time distribution, population distribution and related risk factors of placental abruption were gathered and analyzed. Results: In this cohort study, 218 880 women were included, with 669 (0.31%) of the pregnant women having PA. The overall prevalence rates were higher in the South than in the north parts of the area and higher in more developed regional economic centers. The average age of women having the episode was (27.87±4.50) years and presented "J" distribution on the prevalence of maternal age. Results from the multivariate regression analysis showed that the following factors were independently at risk for placental abruption: pregnancy the including hypertension (OR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.09-2.50), mild preeclampsia (OR=3.65, 95%CI: 2.40-5.56), severe preeclampsia (OR=4.72, 95%CI: 3.86-5.76) and anemia (OR=2.41, 95%CI: 2.05-2.83) which were all increased in pregnant women with PA compared with the normal female population without placental abruption. Conclusions: Placental abruption seemed to be associated with a moderate increasing risk of age, and was seen higher in those population older than 35 or younger than 20 year-olds. It was suggested that appropriate inoculation programs should be taken in different regions, especially on high-risk groups. Health education on related disease was of great significance for improving the prenatal outcome.

Multimodal treatments combined with gamma knife surgery for primary atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system: a single-institute experience of 18 patients

OBJECTIVES

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare, highly malignant tumor of the central nervous system with poor prognosis. Nowadays, multimodal management, including surgery, chemotherapy (CMT), and radiation therapy (RT), is advocated. However, AT/RT treatment with gamma knife surgery (GKS) was rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of GKS for the treatment of AT/RT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of AT/RT patients who underwent surgery from 2007 to 2014 at the West China Hospital were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (12 males and 6 females) were presented with AT/RTs. Median age during presentation was 20.5 months (range, 4-179 months). Twelve patients were < 3 years and six patients were > 3 years. Tumor location was supratentorial in seven patients, infratentorial in ten patients, and center area of the brain in one patient. Treatments performed were as follows: surgery alone in two patients, surgery+RT in two patients, surgery+CMT in five patients, surgery+CMT+RT in two patients, and surgery+CMT+RT+GKS in seven patients. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and event-free survival (EFS) rate for all 18 consecutive patients were 33.3 and 27.8%, respectively. Cox regression analyses showed that multimodal management combined with GKS was an independent positive prognostic factor for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AT/RTs are lethal cancer types, the OS of the disease was improved by using multimodal therapeutic strategies, including surgery, CMT, and RT, combined with GKS.

[Adenocarcinoma in a Meckel's diverticulum with multiple liver metastases and gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a case report]

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting approximately 2% of the population. It is a true diverticulum occurring on the anti-mesenteric border of the distalileum, typically within 100 cm of the ileo-caecal valve. Neoplasms arising in Meckel's diverticula are uncommon, and those reported in the literature are mainly carcinoid tumors, followed by gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and benign leiomyomas. Adenocarcinomas are extremely rare. Tumors in Meckel's present non-specifically with gastrointestinal complaints, such as bleeding, obstruction, inflammation or perforation. The suspicion of a Meckel's tumor is often not thought of at the initial. In this article we describe a 57-year-old woman who presented with massive rectal bleeding and severe anemia, later found to be caused by a adenocarcinoma arising from Meckel's diverticulum. The tumor was unfortunately highly aggressive. Multiple liver metastases had already existed when we discovered the primary mass. Later we performed a partial resection of the ileumto cease the bleeding. Meckel's diverticulum and the tumor were resected simultaneously. The pathological diagnosis confirmed adenocarcinoma arising from the Meckel's diverticulum. The final stage was pT4NxM1, stage IV according to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) classification. After operation we gave the patient first-line, mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy, but it turned out to be not effective. Rapid progress of the liver metastases and suspicion of multiple lung metastasis in short time after therapy indicated a bad outcome. We believe this is the first case of adenocarcinoma in a Meckel's diverticulum to be reported in domestic literature. The diagnosis of Meckel's tumor should be considered as inpatients'acute gastrointestinal complaints; when found incidentally at laparotomy, it should be carefully examined for any gross abnormality and resection should be considered.

[Immediate reconstruction of facial nerve defect using cable grafting of the greater auricualr nerve after parotid cancer resection]

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of immediate reconstruction of facial nerve defect by using cable grafting of the greater auricular nerve after parotid cancer resection.Method:Clinical data of 11 patients suffering from parotid cancer was reviewed.9 cases were diagnosed as mucoepidermoid carcinoma and 2 cases were adenoid cystic carcinoma. Total parotidectomy and elective neck dissection were performed before cable grafting of the greater auricular nerve was interposed between stumps of facial nerve trunk and its branches. The facial nerve electromyogram and symmetry of mimetic musculature were evaluated. The House Brackmann (HB) grading system was used to assess the functional outcome of facial nerve rehabilitation. 8 patients received 50-65 Gy postoperative radiotherapy. The follow-up time ranged from 8 months to 36 months with the mean time of 12 months.Result:At all function oriented facial nerve reconstructed region, satisfactory orbicularis oculi muscle function in 7 patients was achieved (7/7); 5 patients obtained seeable and almost symmetric frowning (5/7); 9 patients obtained obvious nasolabial groove and satisfactory rest symmetry of the mouth corners (9/9); 4 patients got better facial nerve function restoration when it was 3 months after radiotherapy. Nine patients got HB grade Ⅱ, and 2 patients got HB grade Ⅲ facial nerve function restoration. Facial nerve electromyogram revealed weaker amplitude nerve conduction in 9 patients of HB grade Ⅱ than the conduction at its corresponding normal side.Conclusion:Cable grafting of the greater auricular nerve is a feasible candidate for the immediate reconstruction of facial nerve defect. Free nerve transplantation is probably not a contraindication for postoperative radiotherapy in the parotid region.

Structural and biochemical characteristics of chitin-binding protein SeCBP66 from Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)

Peritrophic membrane proteins are important components of the insect peritrophic membrane. A novel cDNA gene encoding a chitin-binding protein, named secbp66, was identified by immunization screening of the cDNA library of Spodoptera exigua. The full length of secbp66 is 1806 bp, which encodes 602 amino acids. The predicted weight of the protein is 64.2 kDa. Bioinformatic analysis showed that a signal peptide composed of 17 amino acids located at the N-terminal of SeCBP66 contained seven tandem putative Type-II functional chitin-binding domains and five potential N-glycosylation sites, but no O-linked glycosylation sites. To study the properties of SeCBP66, recombinant SeCBP66 was successfully expressed in the insect cell line BTI-Tn-5B1-4 with a Bac-to-Bac expression system. A chitin binding experiment showed that the recombinant SeCBP66 protein could bind to chitin strongly. This study of the novel chitin-binding protein SeCBP66 provides a basis for developing new control targets for S. exigua.

Serum microRNA-135a downregulation as a prognostic marker of non-small cell lung cancer

Abnormal expression of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) is closely associated with oncogenesis. However, the relationship between serum miR-135a levels and the clinical parameters and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum miR-135a expression in patients with NSCLC. miR-135a expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and its correlation with NSCLC was determined by various statistical methods for 104 NSCLC patients and 40 healthy volunteers. The serum miR-135a level was significantly lower in NSCLC patients than in healthy control subjects (P < 0.01), and was closely related to distant metastasis (P < 0.015), lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.000), TNM (tumor node metastasis) stage (P = 0.001), and pathological stage (P = 0.021) of NSCLC. The five year overall survival was significantly lower in patients with low miR-135a expression than that in patients with high serum miR-135a levels (P = 0.010). Multivariate analysis showed that serum miR-135a level could be treated as an independent risk factor for NSCLC prognosis (P = 0.011). In conclusion, the serum miR-135a level was downregulated in NSCLC patients, and was associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, it can be used as a biomarker for NSCLC prognosis.

[Analysis on risk factors of screen time among Chinese primary and middle school students in 12 provinces]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of screen time and its risk factors in Chinese primary and middle school students.

METHODS

During April 2012 and June 2012, according to the geographical distribution, the stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 4 provinces from eastern, central and western China, respectively. The convenience sampling method was used to select 2 primary and middle schools from urban, 2 primary and middle schools from rural in each province. In each school, all grades were included, and 2 classes were selected in each grade. A total of 51 866 students or parents were selected as study participants, and 43 771 questionnaires were valid. Information on demographics, academic performance, screen time (TV, computer and cellphone) at weekdays and weekends and the prevalence of the high screen time were compared, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between screen time >2 h/d and potential influential factors.

RESULTS

The percentage of students with screen time >2 h/d at weekdays and weekends were 16.2% (7 082/43 771) and 41.5% (18 141/43 771) (χ(2)=6 280.14, P<0.001), respectively. The distribution of P50 (P25-P75) for screen time at weekdays and weekends were 0.9(0.4-1.6) and 1.8(1.0-3.0) (Z=-131.26, P<0.001), respectively. The results of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that, at weekdays, subjects characterized as primary school students, boys, urban area, living in western area and sufficient vigorous physical activity ≤2 d/w had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as elementary school students, girls, rural area, living in eastern area and sufficient vigorous physical activity >3 d/w, odds ratio were 2.01, 1.54, 1.21, 1.09, and 1.07, respectively (P<0.05 for all); subjects characterized as a normal or worse self rating academic performance had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as a good self rating academic performance, odds ratioes were 1.24 and 1.73, respectively (P<0.05 for all); subjects characterized as paternal education level as elementary school, middle school, high school or secondary school had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as paternal education level as college school or high, odds ratioes were 1.41, 1.47 and 1.52, respectively (P<0.05 for all); subjects characterized as maternal education level as elementary school, middle school and high school or secondary school had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as maternal education level as college, odds ratioes were 1.40, 1.52 and 1.47, respectively (P<0.05 for all). At weekends, subjects characterized as primary school students, boys, urban area and sufficient vigorous physical activity ≤2 d/w had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as elementary school students, girls, rural area and sufficient vigorous physical activity >3 d/w, odds ratioes were 2.11, 1.51, 1.20 and 1.05, respectively (P<0.05 for all). At weekends, subjects characterized as a normal or worse self rating academic performance had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as a good self rating academic performance, odds ratioes were 1.09 and 1.26, respectively (P<0.05 for all); subjects characterized as paternal education level as elementary school, middle school, high school or secondary school had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as paternal education level as college school or high, odds ratioes were 1.29, 1.30 and 1.19, respectively (P<0.05 for all); subjects characterized as maternal education level as elementary school, middle school had higher risk for screen time >2 h/d than those characterized as maternal education level as college school or high, odds ratioes were 1.19 and 1.16 and, respectively (P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of screen time >2 h/d is high; screen time at weekdays is longer than weekends, and there are significant differences among different sexes, urban or rural areas, living areas, self rating academic performance, parents education levels and physical activity groups.

[Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 associated renal amyloidosis: one case report]

Here we report a case of leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (LECT2)-associated renal amyloidosis (ALect2) in our hospital. A 68-year-old male presented with massive proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension. The renal function was normal. Light microscopy of the renal biopsy revealed glomeruli ,interstitium and arteriole with amorphous pink acellular deposits on hematoxylin and eosin stain. The deposits were strongly stained for Congo red and presented apple green birefringence viewed with polarized light. Ultrastructural examination revealed nonbranching fibrils (diameters ranging from 8 nm to 12 nm) distributed in glomerular mesangium, subendothelia and renal interstitium. Immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy using a polyclonal anti-LECT2 antibody showed that the amyloid deposits and the fibrils were stained positively. ALect2 presented proteinuria,with or without acute/chronic renal dysfunction clinically and all compartments of the kidney were involved.

Application of technical strategies for surgical management of adult intrinsic pontine gliomas: a retrospective series

OBJECT

The authors retrospectively analyzed the surgical treatment of adult intrinsic pontine gliomas in their department, and to enhance the understanding of technical strategies to treat this disease.

METHODS

7 patients with intrinsic pontine gliomas were recruited for this study, between January 2011 and June 2013. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Fiber Tracking (DTI-FT). In addition, multimodal Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IOM) and Intraoperative Neuronavigation were also applied during microsurgery.

RESULTS

7 patients with intrinsic pontine gliomas were treated at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Mean age, mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, and mean duration of follow-up average time were 38.0 years, 2.0 months, and 23.4 months, respectively. The main presentations were progressive cranial nerve deficits and long tract signs. Total resection was achieved in 3 patients, subtotal resection in 2, and partial resection in 2. Postoperative pathological examination revealed: astrocytoma (WHO II) in 4 cases, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AO, WHO III) in one case, and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA, WHO III) in two cases. Postoperative radiotherapy were administered to all patients, and 4 patients with astrocytoma (WHO II) rejected chemotherapy. After 11-39 months of follow-up, patient symptoms were resolved or stable without aggravation except one patient died because of rapidly progressive glioma at 11 months after operation. MRI in other patients showed residual tumor size to be unchanged or without obviously recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Combining preoperative MRI with preoperative DTI-FT, surgery can be better assessed and the operation for adult intrinsic pontine gliomas can be maximally and safely resected with the aid of Multimodal IOMs and Intraoperative Navigation during microsurgery.

A simple empirical model for the clarification-thickening process in wastewater treatment plants

In wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), activated sludge is thickened in secondary settling tanks and recycled into the biological reactor to maintain enough biomass for wastewater treatment. Accurately estimating the activated sludge concentration in the lower portion of the secondary clarifiers is of great importance for evaluating and controlling the sludge recycled ratio, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the WWTP. By dividing the overall activated sludge-thickening curve into a hindered zone and a compression zone, an empirical model describing activated sludge thickening in the compression zone was obtained by empirical regression. This empirical model was developed through experiments conducted using sludge from five WWTPs, and validated by the measured data from a sixth WWTP, which fit the model well (R² = 0.98, p < 0.001). The model requires application of only one parameter, the sludge volume index (SVI), which is readily incorporated into routine analysis. By combining this model with the conservation of mass equation, an empirical model for compression settling was also developed. Finally, the effects of denitrification and addition of a polymer were also analysed because of their effect on sludge thickening, which can be useful for WWTP operation, e.g., improving wastewater treatment or the proper use of the polymer.

Upper thoracic intradural-extramedullary cavernous malformation presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage without spinal dysfunction: a case report and review of the literature

A 45-year-old man had subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) which was confirmed by lumbar puncture, since it was negative on head computed tomography. The result of neurological examination was normal. Following pan-cerebral angiography and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) failed to find out the cause of bleeding. The whole spinal MRI revealed an intradural-extramedullary mass lesion at the upper thoracic level which was consistent with cavernous malformation after surgery. When patients presented with SAH of no spinal symptoms, the diagnosis of an intradural-extramedullary cavernous malformation is challenging. A whole spinal workup should be considered in a patient with spontaneous SAH when bleeding from intracranial origin is carefully excluded.

Endolymphatic sac tumor with von Hippel-Lindau disease: report of a case with atypical pathology of endolymphatic sac tumor

The authors described a case of a patient with co-existing endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) and hemangioblastoma in the posterior cranial fossa, which belonged to a subtype of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease confirmed by the test of VHL-gene. The signs in this 42-year-old female included intermittent headache and dizziness. Imaging revealed a giant mass in the right cerebellopontine angle (CPA) region and another lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere. The results of biopsy after two operations confirmed the diagnosis respectively. Both of the tumors were resected totally. Nevertheless, we had to confess the misdiagnosis as vascular tumor instead of ELST at the initial diagnosis because of the rarity of ELST associated with atypical histological characteristics. The purposes we reported this case were to describe the atypical pathological feature of ELST and the mutation of germline VHL not mentioned in previously literature, furthermore, to foster understanding of ELSTs with the avoidance of the similar misdiagnosis as far as possible in future.

[Microsurgical management of adult brainstem gliomas under the DTI and intraoperative nuclei mapping: a retrospective analysis of 19 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of DTI-Tractography and intraoperative nuclei mapping in microsurgery of adult brainstem gliomas.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with adult brainstem gliomas were recruited for this study in our hospital from 2010 to 2012. The role of DTI-Tractography and intraoperative nuclei mapping in the microsurgery was retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Two patients underwent almost total resection, while 11 patents underwent subtotal resection and 6 patients underwent partial resection. Neurological functions improved or remained stable in 14 patients (73.7%) after surgery; whereas, 5 patients (26.3%) experienced deteriorated or transitory new symptoms. Follow-up visits found that 17 patients (89.5%)had improved or stable neurological functions.

CONCLUSION

DTI-Tractography and intraoperative nuclei mapping provides great support to the choice of surgical approach and the determination of degree of resection. It helps achieve maximal safe resection of adult brainstem gliomas.

Lung Resistance Protein and Multidrug Resistance Protein in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Clinical Significance

This study examined lung resistance protein (LRP) and multidrug resistance protein (MRP) in lung tumour tissue from 92 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal lung tissue from 20 patients with benign lung tumours. The rates for LRP- and MRP-positive tumours among the NSCLC cases were 54% and 59%, respectively, and their combined positive rate was 45%. These rates were significantly higher than in normal lung tissue. The rates of LRP- and MRP-positive tumours were significantly higher among cases of adenocarcinoma than in cases of squamous cell carcinoma, and in highly differentiated tumours compared with tumours of low or moderate differentiation. There was a significant association between LRP- and MRP-positive tumours and a decrease in overall survival. In conclusion, LRP and MRP play a role in multidrug resistance in NSCLC and are related to prognosis in patients with NSCLC.

Microsurgery via modified far-lateral approach for giant dumbbell-shaped jugular foramen tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

During the resection of jugular foramen tumors via the basic far lateral approach, the jugular foramen tumor area as well as its adjacent structures, especially the intracranial part, can be better exposed, which avoids stripping of the petrous part of temporal bone and displacement of facial nerve, and protects the patient's hearing from damage. However, when applied in tumors developed from ventral to the brain stem and middle fossa, with extracranial tumors, this surgical approach seems to be inadequate and limited. This study was to explore the microsurgical technique and clinical value for treating giant dumbbell-shaped tumors at jugular foramen (JF) via a modified far lateral approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 16 patients with huge dumbbell-shaped tumors at JF which were removed through the modified far lateral approach (suboccipital transjugular-jugular tubercle-jugular process) between January 2001 and December 2008. The process of operation, and pre-and postoperative clinical data were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 14 cases, subtotal removal in 1 case, and partial removal in 1 case. Follow-up examinations in most patients demonstrated that the patient with an obvious preoperative deficit had a good recovery. During the follow-up from three months to seven years, 10 (76.9%) cases with lower cranial nerve involvement showed obvious improvement of symptom after operation, 8 (80.0%) cases with facial palsy obtained various degrees of alleviation, and 7 (77.8%) cases with hearing impairment at different levels restored hearing. Two patients developed new lower cranial nerve palsies after operation, and underwent functional rehabilitation in the three-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified far lateral approach is helpful for removing the huge tumors at JF, especially for tumors extending to the petroclival region ventral part of pontomedullary junction. It has a higher rate of total resection, preoperative cranial nerve function impairment is expected to restore, and also has the advantage of protecting the facial nerve, labyrinth and vertebral artery structure from unnecessary damage.

A comparison of two rehabilitation protocols after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a controlled, randomized study

Post-operative outcomes after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in 115 patients randomly assigned to two rehabilitation protocols were compared. The traditional-protocol group performed a series of exercises on one leg and then repeated the same sequence on the other leg. The alternate-protocol group performed the same exercises, but alternated between legs with each individual repetition. Symptoms and function were assessed pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. The alternate-protocol group had lower visual analogue pain scale scores in the early post-operative period, as well as higher Knee Society Scores and SF-12 physical and mental health summary scores after 1 and 3 months compared with the traditional-protocol group, but there were no differences between the two groups from 6 months post-operatively. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of range of knee motion or incidence of deep vein thrombosis. The alternate-protocol for rehabilitation resulted in an early return to function and decreased pain levels following simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty and was associated with the potential to produce more positive emotional states and earlier functional independence.

Microvessel density and expression of thrombospondin-1 in non-small cell lung cancer and their correlation with clinicopathological features

Microvessel density and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression were analysed in 42 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and 40 normal lung tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density was significantly higher and TSP-1 expression significantly lower in NSCLC tissue compared with normal tissue. Significantly lower levels of TSP-1 expression and higher microvessel densities were found in late-stage NSCLC compared with early-stage NSCLC, and in those with lymph node metastasis compared with those without metastasis. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between TSP-1 expression and microvessel density in squamous cell carcinoma but not in adenocarcinoma. These results suggest a close relationship between microvessel density and NSCLC tumour progress, and that a high expression of TSP-1 may play an important role in inhibiting tumour occurrence and development. The lack of correlation between microvessel density and TSP-1 expression in adenocarcinoma suggests that the mechanism of tumour inhibition by TSP-1 varies according to histological type.

Intracranial clear-cell meningioma

Intracranial clear-cell meningioma (CCM) is rarely reported in the literature since it has to be distinguished from other subtypes of meningioma. Most of the CCMs are intraspinal, according to the related literature. We report a case of occipital parietal CCM in a 6-year-old child, review all the 35 intracranial CCMs that have been reported since 1995 to present and discuss their clinical, radiological and histopathologic characteristics.

[Impacts of tetramethylpyrazine on BDNF, bFGF expression and neuron-protection in severe brain injury tissue of rat]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the expression levels of BDNF and bFGF, the variation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and injury neuron of rat, and to evaluate the effect of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on neuro-protection finally.

METHODS

120 SD rats were randomly assigned into three groups: pseudo-operation group, severe brain injury model group and TMP treatment group. Every group contained 40 rats. The severe brain injury (SBI) of rat was established according to Feeney' s method. The treatment group was administrated with TMP transperitoneally. Rats were killed at 7 h, 24 h, 72 h, 168 h respectively after SBI. BDNF, bFGF, Nissl body and neurofunction were detected in every group at all the time scales. MDA and SOD of serum were also detected by radical immunoassay.

RESULTS

After rat SBI treated with the administration of TMP, the expression of BDNF and bFGF increased significantly in the injured brain tissue (P<0.05), and the MDA level showed to be decreased but the SOD was increased in serum (P<0.05). The Nissl body and neuro-function were well protected.

CONCLUSION

TMP may protect the rat cerebral neurons from SBI.

[Effects of tetramethylpyrazine on endothelin and nitric oxide contents in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid hemorrhage]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the variation of endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rabbits, and evaluate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the prevention and cure of cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: contrast group, experiment group and blank group. Every group contained 8 rabbits. SAH was established according to inject blood into the cisterna magna. The experiment group was administrated with TMP (20 mg/kg x d) transperitoneally. ET and NO of plasma and CSF were detected by radical immunoassay at 72 h and 168 h after SAH. Neurofunction were detected in every group at all the time scales.

RESULTS

(1) After SAH, the level of ET in CSF increased significantly in contrast group compared with that in experiment and blank groups (P<0.05). The value of ET at 168 h was higher than that at 72 h. The level of ET in plasma increased significantly in contrast group compared with blank and experiment groups (P<0.05), and no significant contrast could be found between blank and experiment group. (2) After SAH, the value of NO in CSF was lower in contrast group than in other groups (P<0.05), and the level of NO in CSF continued to decrease in all groups on some extent. As time went by, no significant contrast could be found in all groups. The value of NO in plasma was lower in contrast group than in other groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between experiment and blank groups. (3) The neuro-function score continued to be increased in contrast group, but decreased in experiment one. The neuro-function score was lower in experiment group than in contrast one at every time point (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

After administration of TMP, the variation of ET has the continued decrease in plasma and CSF; the variation of NO shows the continued increase in plasma and CSF; neurological function gets possibly protected. TMP may prevent from and cure CVS after SAH.

[Time-series analysis on road traffic injury in China]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the predictive models of road traffic injury(RTI) in China, to know the trend of RTI, and to provide the reference data for controlling RTI in China.

METHODS

The China RTI data from 1951 to 2003 were collected, and in view of the problem of missing values, the method of intrapolation was adopted. The Box-Jenkins technique was used to analyze and predict the trend of RTI in China. Following the process for stationary time-series analysis, model identification, parameter estimation and model diagnosis, the predictive equation for RTI would be established.

RESULTS

A series of predictive equations on RTI were finally established based on ARIMA models. The curve fitting is effective and the predictive data of RTI in 2003 are close to the true statistical data.

CONCLUSION

The time-series model thus established proves to be of significant usefulness in RTI prediction.

Structural alterations of sugar chains in urine fibronectin from bladder cancer patients and its enzymatic mechanism

PURPOSE

To study the structural alterations of asparagine-linked sugar chains (N-glycans) on urine fibronectin (Fn) from bladder cancer (BCa) patients and its enzymatic mechanism.

METHODS

Eight pairs of urine samples from eight BCa patients pre-operation and 3 months post-operation (which proved to be normal) were collected, and the Fn in the urine samples was purified with an anti-Fn antibody affinity column. Different lectins labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used as probes to bind the glycans of purified Fn immobilized on membrane. Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) reagent was adopted to estimate the activity of the bound HRP as a measure of the binding affinity of the Fn glycans to lectins, and expressed as luminescent light units (LLU). The enzymatic mechanism of the structural alteration of N-glycans in BCa Fn was studied by determination of GnT activities using the HPLC method and fluorescent-labeled substrate.

RESULTS

The mean LLU of BCa Fn was only 18.1% of the normal samples when Con A-HRP were used as probes, while the mean LLU of the BCa group was 3.34 times and 3.26 times higher than normal for the DSA-HRP and WGA-HRP probes, respectively. The individual data of the patients did not overlap between the BCa sample and normal counterparts, indicating that the positive rates were 100%, regardless of which lectin-HRP was used. These results reveal that the antennary number and bisecting GlcNAc structure are increased in the N-glycans of urine Fn from BCa assessed according to the binding specificity of ConA, DSA, and WGA. In addition, the binding affinities of urine Fn with DSA and WGA were correlated to pathological stage, and the affinity of Fn with WGA was also correlated with pathological grade. The results of GnT determination showed that GnT-III, IV, and V in BCa tissues increased by 34.0, 18.1, and 1.6 times, respectively, in normal bladder tissues which were at least 5 cm away from the BCa of the same bladder. These findings were compatible with the structural changes of N-glycans in BCa Fn, since GnT-III and GnT-IV/V are responsible for the synthesis of bisecting GlcNAc and the increase of antennary number in N-glycans, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The highest elevation of GnT-III and the close relationship between the WGA binding of BCa Fn with the pathological stage and grade of BCa indicate that the increase of bisecting GlcNAc in N-linked glycans contributes more to the malignant behavior of BCa than the increase of GnT-IV, GnT-V, and the antennary number. (2) The correlation of altered activities of bladder GnTs with the abnormal structures of urine Fn in BCa patients indicates that the urine Fn is synthesized in the bladder. (3) The lectin-HRP assay for analyzing the structure of N-glycans in urine Fn may be used as a simple and accurate diagnosis method for BCa in the future.

[A new method for predicting retention time of solutes under linear gradient elution conditions in RP-HPLC]

A new method for predicting the retention time of solutes under linear gradient elution has been established. In this method, the migration distance of solutes in column and the mobile phase gradient were modified simultaneously according to the distribution of mobile phase in column. The prediction results of retention time of both weakly and strongly retentive solutes were accurate in different instrumental systems using this method. In order to test and verify this method, the retention time of fifteen amino acids and eight homologous compounds of benzene were predicted. The predicted results were compared with those predicted by the method in common use. The relative average errors between predicted and experimental values were 3.70% and 4.90% for the weakly retentive solutes, far smaller than those obtained by the reference method (23.61% and 31.16%). For the strongly retentive solutes, the relative average errors were 0.21% and 6.01% respectively, slightly smaller than those obtained by the reference method (0.81% and 6.69%). It is seen that this new method has many advantages.

Comparison of the radical trapping ability of PBN, S-PPBN and NXY-059

The nitrones alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), sodium 2-sulfophenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (S-PBN) and disodium 2,4-disulfophenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (NXY-059) are neuroprotective in a variety of rodent models. The objective of the current studies was to compare the ability of PBN, S-PBN, and NXY-059 to form radical adducts and to prevent salicylate oxidation in an aqueous system. For the electron spin resonance (ESR) studies, hydroxyl radicals were generated with ultraviolet (UV) light and hydrogen peroxide. Secondary radicals were then produced by the addition of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethylsulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran or 1,4-dioxane. In addition, competition spin trapping studies were performed using PBN-alpha-(13) C and either S-PBN or NXY-059. In the salicylate studies, PBN, S-PBN and NXY-059 were compared to a variety of other antioxidants and reference compounds (cysteine, glutathione, ascorbate, uric acid, Tempo, Trolox, and Tirilizad) for their ability to prevent 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid formation induced by hydroxyl radical generating systems. All 3 nitrones trapped carbon- and oxygen-centered radicals to produce ESR-detectable radical adducts. Each nitrone also prevented salicylate oxidation, with PBN being the most effective. The ability of these 3 nitrones to prevent salicylate oxidation resembled that of most of the other compounds tested.

[Advances in chromatography and related techniques in China--status report in 1998-1999]

This report covers developments in chromatography and related techniques in China during the period of 1998-1999. The papers published in 23 domestic and a few foreign periodicals which are closely related to chromatography, and presented at 1999 Beijing Conference and Exhibition on Instrumental Analysis and the 12th National Symposium of Chromatography are reviewed. Specific topic areas covered include gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC), solid phase extraction (SPE) and solid phase microextraction (SPME).

[Advances in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis]

Advances in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis are reviewed with 71 references in this paper. Capillary electrophoresis is generally performed in aqueous buffer. In fact, it can provide some advantages to use organic solvent as a separation medium instead of water. The choice of organic solvent and electrolyte, the detection mode and solute-additive interactions are summarized. Furthermore, the separation of inorganic ions, neural compounds, organic acids, pharmaceuticals, metabolites and chiral substance is also described.

Changes and implications of blood flow velocity of the vertebral artery during rotation and extension of the head

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of extension and extension-rotation of the head on the blood flow velocity of the vertebral artery experimentally and clinically.

DESIGN

Randomized experimental clinical study.

SETTING

Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Biomechanics and the Department of Ultrasound, NanFang Hospital of the First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

SUBJECTS

The fresh spines from T1-2 to the occipital bone were obtained from persons who died of acute brain death (n = 10). For the transcranial Doppler measurement, 27 asymptomatic subjects with routine physical examination results and 23 students from the above-mentioned university took part in the test.

INTERVENTIONS

The instillation experiment in the cadavers was made. Clinical measurements of blood flow velocity in the vertebral artery in the subjects and students were taken and recorded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in the drop of the vertebral artery were measured by the instillation test in the experimental sample. The blood flow velocity was measured with transcranial Doppler sonography during extension and extension-rotation of the head.

RESULTS

During one-sided rotation of the head with extension of the head, measurements in the contralateral vertebral artery and the bilateral vertebral arteries were both reduced in the instillation experiment. The blood flow velocity in the bilateral vertebral arteries decreased during extension and extension-rotation of the head in the subjects and the students. The pulsatility index in the right vertebral arteries increased more than that in the left in extreme extension and that in the bilateral vertebral arteries in neutral position.

CONCLUSIONS

Extreme rotation and extension are dangerous to patients who have abnormal vertebral arteries when extreme rotatory and extension manipulations are applied. Doctors should be very careful when rotating the patient's head to the right side.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) and their target antigens in Chinese patients with lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

ANCA have been found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the prevalence of ANCA and their target antigens is still not certain. This study is to investigate the prevalence of ANCA and their target antigens in Chinese patients with lupus nephritis.

METHODS

Ninety-five serum samples were collected from 95 renal-biopsy-proven lupus nephritis patients. Indirect immunofluorescence using ethanol-fixed leukocytes as substrate and ELISA using six highly purified known ANCA antigens as solid-phase ligands were performed. The specific ANCA antigens included proteinase 3, myeloperoxidase, bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein, human leukocyte elastase, cathepsin G, and lactoferrin. The prevalence of ANCA in patients with (n=65) and without (n=30) active renal pathological lesions was also compared to reveal whether ANCA correlates with disease activity.

RESULTS

(i) None of the sera recognized proteinase 3, myeloperoxidase, and human leukocyte elastase, and only one serum recognized bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein. The striking finding was that 59/95 (62.1%) sera recognized cathepsin G and the titres of some sera reached 1/3200. Eight of 95 sera (8.4%) recognized lactoferrin. (ii) The percentage of anti-cathepsin G antibody positive samples in patients with active renal lesions was significantly higher than in patients without active lesions (73.4 vs 36.7%, P<0.0001), whereas, anti-lactoferrin antibodies had no correlation with active renal lesions. (iii) By indirect immunofluorescence, only 22% of the 95 sera were ANCA positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the majority of lupus nephritis patients have ANCA and that the major target antigens is cathepsin G. Anti-cathepsin G antibodies seem to be correlated with renal disease activity.

Diagnostic value on signs of subluxation of cervical vertebrae with radiological examination

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between radiographic signs of subluxation in the cervical vertebrae and their clinical diagnostic value.

DESIGN

Controlled, clinical study.

SETTING

Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Biomechanics and NanFang Hospital of the First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

SUBJECTS

Eighty-seven subjects with cervicodynia and 21 asymptomatic volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS

Radiological signs of subluxation from anteroposterior, lateral, open-mouth and dynamic radiographs of the cervical vertebrae of the subjects were measured and analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The right and left odontoid lateral mass interspace, divergence of the spinous processes, sign of double contour and position of odontoid process were studied.

RESULTS

The bilateral odontoid lateral mass interspaces were asymmetrical in most cases, and the divergence of spinous processes, sign of double contour and position of odontoid process were also common. Cervical vertebrae C5, C4 and C6 showed no special variations.

CONCLUSION

There was little evidence to support the contention that signs of subluxation in the cervical vertebrae are of diagnostic significance. Subluxation should be defined in two ways: as a purely roentgenological diagnosis and as a combination of roentgenological signs with clinical signs.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of central otolith neurons

PURPOSE

To review the spatiotemporal behaviours of central otolith neurons in decerebrate animals.

DATA SOURCES

Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong.

DATA EXTRACTION

Results of key research findings from 1992 to 1997.

RESULTS

With constant velocity colckwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) off-vertical axis rotations as stimuli to the otolith organs, neurons in the vestibular nuclei and medullary reticular formation showed characteristic spatiotemporal behavious. One-dimensional neurons showed symmetric and stable bidirectional response sensitivities (delta) to change in velocity while two-dimensional neurons showed asymmetric and variable delta to velocity. This CW-CCW asymmetry to bidirectional rotations may provide directional coding in the modulation of neural signals. Vestibular nuclear neurons also displayed distinct spontaneous discharge patterns at the stationary and earth-horizontal position, indicating that one- and two-dimensional neurons belong to physiologically distinct etities. These spatiotemporal behavious of the vestibular nuclear neurons were also shown to be precisely controlled by imputs from the vestibulocerebellum and/or bilateral otoliths. In both the vestibular nucleus and the reticular formation, the best response orientations of one-dimensional neurons and the orientations of the maximum response vector of two-dimensional neurons were found to point in all directions close to the horizontal plane, indicating that all head orientations on this plane are encoded across an ensemble of neurons.

CONCLUSION

Otolith-evoked behaviours of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional neurons constitute an important element for the recognition of the direction and orientation of head motion in space.

Hypoxia, but not reoxygenation, induces interleukin 6 gene expression through NF-kappa B activation

Interleukin (IL) 6 is one of major mediators of inflammation, and IL-6 gene activation during hypoxia/reoxygenation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, molecular events involved in IL-6 gene expression during hypoxia/reoxygenation remain to be identified. We have previously shown that NF-kappa B plays an essential and indispensable role in the transcriptional activation of the IL-6 gene induced by various stimuli, including IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. We show here that hypoxia, but not reoxygenation, induces the activation of NF-kappa B through the degradation of a major inhibitor of NF-kappa B, I kappa B alpha. This hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation resulted in the kappa B-dependent transcriptional activation of the IL-6 gene. Interestingly, the time course of hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation was rather slow as compared with those of NF-kappa B activation induced by other stimuli, such as IL-1: a significant NF-kappa B activation was not observed before 1 hr of hypoxia treatment and persisted for up to 7 hr of hypoxia treatment. However, hypoxia-induced NF-kappa B activation was not inhibited by cycloheximide, which indicates that hypoxia directly triggers NF-kappa B activation. Furthermore, while hypoxia is unlikely to generate reactive oxygen intermediates, pretreatment of cells with antioxidants such as N-acetyl cysteine and alpha-tocopherol inhibited NF-kappa B activation induced by hypoxia. Thus, we discuss possible implications of these results for a postulated role of reactive oxygen intermediates in NF-kappa B activation.

Changes in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, IV and V in renal cell carcinoma

The activities of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT) III, IV and V were determined in 10 cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and compared with the normal kidney cortex (NKC) regions of the same kidney resected from RCC patients. It was found that the GnT III and GnT IV activities decreased consistently in all samples of RCC, while GnT V activity increased, decreased or did not change in different samples. The mean levels of GnT III and GnT IV activities in RCC were found to be very significantly lower than those of NKC on statistical analysis, but the mean value of GnT V activity was almost identical in RCC and NKC. The decrease in GnT activities in RCC were compatible with the decrease in bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and antennary number of complex-type N-glycans in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT) partially purified from RCCs as studied with concanavalin A (ConA) affinity column chromatography, which showed a decrease of unbound fraction and increase of bound fractions.

Computer-assisted peak recognition for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in environmental samples

A software has been developed for the peak recognition of 136 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) after high resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Based on the retention times of (13)C labelled 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F internal standards, the retention times of all PCDD and PCDF can be calibrated automatically and accurately. Therefore, it is very convenient to identify the peaks by comparing the retention of samples and the calibrated retention times of their chromatograms. Hence, this approach is very significant because it is impossible to obtain always a standard chromatogram and PCDD/F analysis are very expensive and time consuming. The calibration results can be transferred to Excel for calculation. The approach is a first step to store costly and environmentally relevant data for future application.

Pharmacological action of a new spin trapping compound, 2-phenyl DMPO, in the adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity

Adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiotoxicity was adopted in this investigation as a reliable model of radical-dependent myocardial pathology allowing both quantitative studies of drug activity in the isolated organ and in vivo comparison of the cardio-protection vs. general toxicity. Since commercially available lipophilic spin trapping compounds were shown to develop significant protective activity, in this investigation a newly synthesized spin trap (2-phenyl-DMPO) was studied. In Langendorff rat heart, 200 microM ADR induced a significant impairment of contractile performance, while 2-phenyl-DMPO was not cardiotoxic up to the 5 mM concentration. By this dose, 2-phenyl-DMPO induced a significant protection against the ADR-induced contractile impairment. In in vivo experiments, ADR (9 mg/kg i.v.) produced a significant impairment of ECG, coronary flow and contractility. The continuous administration of 2-phenyl-DMPO i.p. by osmotic pump delivering 0.3 mumol/hr was unable to protect the animals against the cardiotoxic signs. Seven days after ADR administration, severe general toxicity (arrest of body weight increase) and myelotoxicity were also observed. 2-phenyl-DMPO was unable to protect the animals from these toxic signs. The present results confirm that lipophilic spin traps can be a new class of antiradical drugs, as confirmed by the experiments performed in the isolated heart with the 2-phenyl-DMPO; however, this last compound is probably metabolized in vivo to inactivate derivatives.

[Changes in the extracellular matrix in human mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis]

A quantitative analysis of the components of glomerular extracellular matrix (ECM) was performed with the immunoperoxidase method (ABC method) and the computer imaging analysis system. The results demonstrate that with the development of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN), normal components of glomerular ECM (type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin) increased markedly. In addition, interstitial collagen (type III collagen) appeared in the expanded mesangial matrix of moderate MsPGN and increased in severe MsPGN, suggesting that MsPGN is linked to the accumulation of ECM, not only the normal components, but also the interstitial collagen.

MRI study of the inhibitory effect of new spin traps on in vivo CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Acute CCl4 hepatotoxicity is thought to occur as a result of free radicals generated from the metabolism of CCl4 in the liver. With the use of MRI it is possible to detect in vivo a CCl4-induced localized edematous region surrounding the major branch of the hepatic portal vein in the right lobe. Inhibition of the CCl4-induced response has been obtained by pretreatment with the spin trap, PBN, 30 min prior to CCl4 exposure. The inhibitory effect of two new spin traps, M3PO or methyl-DMPO, and PhM2PO or phenyl-DMPO, on in vivo CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity was investigated. Both PhM2PO and M3PO were found to inhibit the CCl4-induced response at lower concentrations (0.35 M/kg body weight) than PBN (0.70 M/kg body weight). However, both M3PO and PhM2PO were also found to induce an edematous response at the same concentrations used for the PBN studies (0.70 M/kg body weight). PhM2PO, at a concentration of 0.35 M/kg body weight, was 93% as efficient as PBN, at a concentration of 0.70 M/kg body weight; whereas M3PO, at a concentration of 0.35 M/kg, was 89% as efficient as PBN at 0.70 M/kg body weight. Electron micrographs were obtained from small liver sections taken in proximity to the major branch of the hepatic portal veins of all treatment groups. The electron microscopy investigations support the MRI findings.

High performance liquid chromatographic determination of individual bile acids in serum for automatic diagnosis of various liver and biliary diseases

A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the high sensitivity determination of individual bile acids in serum using a C18 column with a ternary solvent system combined with fluorometric techniques using immobilized enzymes is described. A computer-assisted diagnosis system using pattern recognition was developed to assist the clinical diagnosis of various liver and biliary diseases. A total consistency rate of 95% can be reached using this system.