Both arthroscopic one-step Broström-Gould and Lasso-loop stitch techniques achieved favourable clinical outcomes for chronic lateral ankle instability

PURPOSE

Both the arthroscopic Broström-Gould and Lasso-loop stitch techniques are commonly used to treat chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The purpose of this study is to introduce an arthroscopic one-step outside-in Broström-Gould (AOBG) technique and compare the mid-term outcomes of the AOBG technique and Lasso-loop stitch technique.

METHODS

All CLAI patients who underwent arthroscopic lateral ankle stabilization surgery in our department from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods employed: the AOBG technique (Group A) and the Lasso-loop technique (Group B). The visual analogue scale pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score, Tegner activity score and Karlsson-Peterson score were evaluated preoperatively and during the follow-up from June to December 2022. The surgical duration, return to sports, sprain recurrence and surgical complications were also recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients (Group A, n = 42; Group B, n = 32) were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 39 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in demographic parameters or follow-up time between the two groups. Postoperative clinical scores indicated a significant improvement (all with p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups (not significant [n.s.]). There was no significant difference in the surgical duration (46.1 vs. 49.7 min, n.s.), return to sports (92.9% vs. 93.8%, n.s.), or sprain recurrence (4.8% vs. 6.3%, n.s.). Only two cases in Group A reported knot irritation (4.8% vs. 0, n.s.), and one case in Group A experienced local skin numbness (0 vs. 3.1%, n.s.), with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Both the AOBG and Lasso-loop stitch techniques yielded comparable favourable mid-term outcomes and return to sports with a low rate of surgical complications. Both procedures could be feasible strategies for CLAI patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

[Cost-effectiveness of HCV testing strategies for hepatitis C elimination in general population in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C screening in general population in China, and find the age group in which hepatitis C screening can achieve the best cost-effectiveness. Methods: A decision-Markov model was constructed by using software TreeAge pro 2019 to simulate the outcomes of hepatitis C disease pregression of 100 000 persons aged 20-59 years. The cost-effectiveness of the strategies were evaluated from societal perspectives by using incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB). One-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the uncertainty of parameters and model. Results: Hepatitis C screening was cost-effective in people aged 20- 59 years and the cost effectiveness was best in age group 40-49 years. Compared with non-screening strategy of hepatitis C in people aged 20-59 years, the incremental cost was 161.24 yuan, the incremental utility was 0.003 6 quality adjusted life years (QALYs)/per person, ICER was 45 197.26 yuan/QALY, ICER was less than the willing payment threshold. The ICER and NMB in all age groups were 42 055.06-53 249.43 yuan/QALY and 96.52-169.86 yuan/per person. Hepatitis C screening in people aged 40-49 years had the best cost-effectiveness. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the discount rate, anti-HCV detection cost, anti-HCV infection rate and the cost of direct antiviral agents were the main factors influencing economic evaluation. The results of the probability sensitivity analysis indicated that the model analysis was stable. Conclusions: Implementing hepatitis C screening based on medical institutions is cost-effective in people aged 20- 59 years, especially in those aged 40-49 years. Implementing the HCV screening strategy of be willing to test as far as possible in general population can reduce hepatitis C disease burden in China.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

[Splicing abnormalities caused by a novel mutation in the PHKA2 gene in children with glycogen storage disease type IX]

Objective: Glycogen storage disease type IX (GSD-IX) is a rare primary glucose metabolism abnormality caused by phosphorylase kinase deficiency and a series of pathogenic gene mutations. The clinical characteristics, gene analysis, and functional verification of a mutation in a child with hepatomegaly are summarized here to clarify the pathogenic cause of the disease. Methods: The clinical data of a child with GSD-IX was collected. Peripheral blood from the child and his parents was collected for genomic DNA extraction. The patient's gene diagnosis was performed by second-generation sequencing. The suspected mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The suspected splicing mutations were verified in vivo by RT-PCR and first-generation sequencing. Results: Hepatomegaly, transaminitis, and hypertriglyceridemia were present in children. Liver biopsy pathological examination results indicated glycogen storage disease. Gene sequencing revealed that the child had a c.285 + 2_285 + 5delTAGG hemizygous mutation in the PHKA2 gene. Sanger sequencing verification showed that the mother of the child was heterozygous and the father of the child was of the wild type. Software such as HSF3.1 and ESEfinder predicted that the gene mutation affected splicing. RT-PCR of peripheral blood from children and his mother confirmed that the mutation had caused the skipping of exon 3 during the constitutive splicing of the PHKA2 gene. Conclusion: The hemizygous mutation in the PHKA2 gene (c.285 + 2_285 + 5delTAGG) is the pathogenic cause of the patient's disease. The detection of the novel mutation site enriches the mutation spectrum of the PHKA2 gene and serves as a basis for the family's genetic counseling.

[Minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic modified Morrow procedure: a series of 60 cases]

Objective: To examine the short-term curative effect with minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic modified Morrow procedure. Methods: The clinical data of 60 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic transaortic modified Morrow procedure from August 2021 to August 2022 at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 29 females, with the age (M (IQR)) of 54.0(22.3) years (range: 15 to 71 years). The echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of moderate mitral regurgitation in 30 patients, and severe mitral regurgitation in 13 patients. Systolic anterior motion (SAM) was present preoperatively in 54 patients. All 60 patients underwent transaortic modified Morrow procedure through a right infra-axillary thoracotomy using femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass. Surgical procedures mainly included transverse aortic incision, exposure of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), septal myectomy, and correction of the abnormal mitral valve and subvalvular structures. Results: All 60 patients underwent the programmatic procedures successfully without conversion to full sternotomy. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (142.0±32.1) minutes (range: 89 to 240 minutes), while the cross-clamp time was (95.0±23.5) minutes (range: 50 to 162 minutes). The patients had a postoperative peak LVOT gradient of 7.0 (5.0) mmHg (range: 0 to 38 mmHg) (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). A total of 57 patients were extubated on the operating table. The drainage volume in the first 24 h was (175.9±57.0) ml (range: 60 to 327 ml). The length of intensive care unit stay was 21.0 (5.8)h (range: 8 to 120 h) and postoperative hospital stay was 8 (5) days (range: 5 to 19 days). The postoperative septal thickness was 11 (2) mm (range: 8 to 14 mm). All patients had no iatrogenic ventricular septal perforation or postoperative residual SAM. The patients were followed up for 4 (9) months (range: 1 to 15 months), and none of them needed cardiac surgery again due to valve dysfunction or increased peak LVOT gradient during follow-up. Conclusion: Using a video-assisted thoracoscopic transaortic modified Morrow procedure through a right infra-axillary minithoracotomy can provide good visualization of the LVOT and hypertrophic ventricular septum, ensure optimal exposure of the mitral valve in the presence of complex mitral subvalvular structures, so that allows satisfactory short-term surgical results.

[Study on the related factors of antiviral treatment in previously reported hepatitis C patients based on the Andersen model]

Objective: To understand the basic characteristics of previously reported patients with hepatitis C and analyze the related factors affecting their antiviral treatment. Methods: A convenient sampling method was adopted. Patients who had been previously diagnosed with hepatitis C in the Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province and Xuzhou City of Jiangsu Province were contacted by telephone for an interview study. The Andersen health service utilization behavior model and related literature were used to design the research framework for antiviral treatment in previously reported hepatitis C patients. A step-by-step multivariate regression analysis was used in previously reported hepatitis C patients treated with antiviral therapy. Results: A total of 483 hepatitis C patients, aged 51.73 ± 12.06 years, were investigated. The proportion of male, agricultural occupants who were registered permanent residents, farmers and migrant workers was 65.24%, 67.49%, and 58.18%, respectively. Han ethnicity (70.81%), married (77.02%), and junior high school and below educational level (82.61%) were the main ones. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that married patients with hepatitis C (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.93-5.25, compared with unmarried, divorced, and widowed patients) with high school education or above (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54-4.20, compared with patients with junior high school education or below) were more likely to receive antiviral treatment in the predisposition module. Patients with severe self-perceived hepatitis C in the need factor module (compared with patients with mild self-perceived disease, OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 2.09-5.40) were more likely to receive treatment. In the competency module, the family's per capita monthly income was more than 1,000 yuan (compared with patients with per capita monthly income below 1,000 yuan, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02-2.47), and the patients had a high level of awareness of hepatitis C knowledge (compared with patients with a low level of knowledge, OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.35), and the family members who knew the patient's infection status (compared with patients with an unknown infection status, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.24-9.39) were more likely to receive antiviral treatment. Conclusion: Different income, educational, and marital statuses are related to antiviral treatment behavior in hepatitis C patients. Family support of hepatitis C patients receiving hepatitis C-related knowledge and their families knowing the infection status is more important in promoting the antiviral treatment of patients, suggesting that in the future, we should further strengthen the hepatitis C knowledge of hepatitis C patients, especially the family support of hepatitis C patients' families in treatment.

Melatonin attenuates manganese-induced mitochondrial fragmentation by suppressing the Mst1/JNK signaling pathway in primary mouse neurons

Manganese (Mn) toxicity is mainly caused by excessive Mn content in drinking water and occupational exposure. Moreover, overexposure to Mn can impair mental, cognitive, memory, and motor capacities. Although melatonin (Mel) can protect against Mn-induced neuronal damage and mitochondrial fragmentation, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we examined the related molecular mechanisms underlying Mel attenuating Mn-induced mitochondrial fragmentation through the mammalian sterile 20-like kinase-1 (Mst1)/JNK signaling path. To test the role of Mst1 in mitochondrial fragmentation, we treated mouse primary neurons overexpressing Mst1 with Mel and Mn stimulation. In normal neurons, 10 μM Mel reduced the effects of Mn (200 μM) on Mst1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels and on phosphorylation of JNK and Drp1, Drp1 mitochondrial translocation, and mitochondrial fragmentation. Conversely, overexpression of Mst1 hindered the protective effect of Mel (10 μM) against Mn-induced mitochondrial fragmentation. Anisomycin (ANI), an activator of JNK signaling, was similarly found to inhibit the protective effect of Mel on mitochondria, while Mst1 levels were not significantly changed. Thus, our results demonstrated that 10 μM Mel negatively regulated the Mst1-JNK pathway, thereby reducing excessive mitochondrial fission, maintaining the mitochondrial network, and alleviating Mn-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Evaluation of China Comprehensive AIDS Response Program in 2020]

Objective: To analyze the work indicators of China Comprehensive AIDS Response Program (China CARES) and provide reference for future work of the program. Methods: The scores of each indicator were calculated, and different scores among different types of program areas were compared. The M(Q₁,Q₃) was used to describe the score of each indicator. The entropy weight method was used to calculate the composite score of each indicator and the composite score was translated into a 100-point system and compared among indicators. Results: In terms of the first-level indicators, organizational leadership and management (96.0 points), publicity and education (94.0 points), and innovative strategies and measures (98.0 points) got relatively high scores; while comprehensive social governance of AIDS prevention (72.0 points) was with the lowest score. The scores of publicity and education and comprehensive intervention in county-level program areas were significantly lower than those in urban areas. For secondary indicators, the indicator with relatively lower scores included "condom use among female sex workers last time" (70.0 points)", "at least one local key population has an increase in the number of people receiving HIV testing compared with the previous year" (70.0 points)", "colleges and occupational schools set up AIDS-related self-service facilities" (65.0 points), "HIV testing among the arrested people suspected of prostitution, adultery, drug users and traffickers" (55.0 points) and "condom use among men who have sex with men during last episode" (50.0 points). The "indicator 3 comprehensive intervention" contributed most to the evaluation, while "indicator 7 innovation strategies and measures" played a minor role in the evaluation results. Conclusions: The overall situation of AIDS Response Program in 2020 was good, but the progress in different word areas was not yet balanced. The two areas of comprehensive intervention and comprehensive social governance of AIDS prevention should be strengthened. It is also suggested that relevant indicators be adjusted appropriately to improve evaluation indicators system and comprehensively promote the program.

Resveratrol reduces DRP1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction via the SIRT1-PGC1α signaling pathway in manganese-induced nerve damage in mice

Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure can cause nerve damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may involve defects in mitochondrial dynamics. Resveratrol (RSV) exerts a wide range of beneficial effects via activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and thus may positively impact Mn-induced mitochondrial damage through the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) by SIRT1. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which RSV alleviates the nerve injury and mitochondrial fragmentation caused by Mn in C57 BL/6 mice. Our results demonstrated that RSV activated the deacetylase activity of SIRT1 and protected against the surge of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the attenuation of ATP caused by Mn. RSV, therefore, inhibits mitochondrial fragmentation and safeguards neural cells. Increased deacetylase activity led to a reduction in the acetylation of PGC-1α, which directly regulates DRP1 expression by binding to the DRP1 promoter. The resultant attenuation of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation in RSV-pretreated mice was abolished by the addition of the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. Taken together, these findings indicate that RSV alleviates Mn-induced mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by DRP1 by modulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Resveratrol attenuates manganese-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through SIRT1 signaling in mice

Exposure to excess levels of manganese (Mn) leads to neurotoxicity. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are important pathological causes of neurotoxicity. Resveratrol (Rsv), a sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activator, plays an important role in neuroprotection. However, the molecular mechanisms of Rsv alleviating Mn-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are not fully understood. To evaluate whether Rsv treatment relieves the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus after Mn exposure through SIRT1 signaling, C57BL/6 adult mice were exposed to MnCl2 (200 μmol/kg), Rsv (30 mg/kg), and EX527 (5 mg/kg). Our results showed that administering MnCl2 for 6 weeks caused behavioral impairment and nerve cell injury in hippocampal tissue, which was related to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Activating Mn-induced JNK and inhibiting SIRT1 increased the phosphorylated and acetylated levels of NF-κB and STAT3, respectively. However, Rsv reduced the phosphorylated and acetylated levels of NF-κB and STAT3, and attenuated Mn-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines by activating SIRT1 signaling. Most importantly, EX527, a potent SIRT1 inhibitor, inactivated SIRT1, which prevented Rsv from exerting its beneficial effects. Taken together, our findings revealed that Rsv alleviated Mn-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in adult mice by activating SIRT1.

Manganese-induced alpha-synuclein overexpression aggravates mitochondrial damage by repressing PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy

Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure is related to elevated risks of neurodegenerative diseases, and mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a critical pathophysiological feature of Mn neurotoxicity. Although previous research has demonstrated Mn-induced alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) overexpression, the role of α-Syn in mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we used Wistar rats and human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cells) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying how α-Syn overexpression induced by different doses of Mn (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) results in mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that Mn-induced neural cell injury was associated with mitochondrial damage. Furthermore, Mn upregulated α-Syn protein levels and increased the interaction between α-Syn and mitochondria. We then used a lentivirus vector containing α-Syn shRNA to examine the effect of Mn-induced α-Syn protein on PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in SH-SY5Y cells. Our data demonstrated that the knockdown of α-Syn decreased the interaction between α-Syn and PINK1. The enhanced level of phosphorylated Parkin (p-Parkin) was due to the decrease of the interaction between α-Syn and PINK1. Moreover, the knockdown of α-Syn increased recruitment of p-Parkin to mitochondria. Collectively, these observations revealed that Mn-induced α-Syn overexpression repressed PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and exacerbated mitochondrial damage.

[Phenotype and genotype analysis of 55 children patients with Wilson's disease]

Objective: To understand the clinical phenotype and spectrum of ATP7B gene mutation in children with Wilson's disease (WD). Methods: A total of 55 cases diagnosed with WD at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from June 2012 to June 2018 were taken as the research subject. ATP7B gene point mutation was detected by direct sequencing after PCR amplification. Heterozygous mutation in children was discovered by sequencing. Furthermore, the long segment mutation of exon was analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Results: All 55 WD children had varying degree of liver damage symptoms. Among them, 2 cases had combined neurological symptoms. The positive rates of K-F ring (21%), 24-hour urine copper (97.7%), and ceruloplasmin were all abnormal. The results of ATP7B gene had identified 8 homozygous, 41 compound heterozygous and 6 heterozygous in 55 cases. Direct sequencing method had detected ten cases of ATP7B heterozygotes. In addition, MLPA analysis showed that other allele in four cases had a deletion of the ATP7B gene exon. In all cases, 35 different ATP7B gene mutations were detected, including 23 missense mutations, 3 frameshift mutations, 4 nonsense mutations, 3 exon deletions and 2 splicing changes. The most common allele mutation was c.2333G > T/p.R778L in exon 8, with an allele frequency of 36.54%, followed by c.2975C > T/p.P992L in exon 13, with an allele frequency of 14.42%. Conclusion: ATP7B gene c.2333G > T/p.R778L and c.2975C > T/p.P992L mutations are the most common mutations in children with WD in China. WD patients report shows that there are three long deletion mutations in the exon of the ATP7B gene. For WD children whose DNA sequencing is heterozygous ATP7B gene, it is suggested to further use MLPA method to detect deletion mutations of exons.

[Epidemiological analysis of the deaths with antiretroviral treatment among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from 2005 to 2015]

Objective: To analyze the deaths with antiretroviral treatment among adult HIV/AIDS patients in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from 2005 to 2015, in order to understand the epidemiological characteristics and to further reduce the mortality rate in Liangshan Prefecture. Methods: The relevant information was collected through the Management Database of Antiretroviral Treatment from the National AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Information System. Results: From 2005 to 2015, a total of 14 219 adult HIV/AIDS patients received antiretroviral treatment and 1 425 death cases were reported during the treatment. The cause of death was mainly AIDS-related diseases (58.9%), and the cumulative mortality rate was 10.02%. Gender, age, the way of infection, duration of antiretroviral therapy, clinical stage when received antiretroviral therapy, and CD(4)(+) T lymphocyte levels were factors for the mortality rate (P<0.001). The mortality increased with older age, higher initiation clinical stage and lower level of CD(4)(+) T lymphocyte. Among the death cases, 82.6% were male, 1 182 (82.9%) were married or cohabited, most aged between 30-39 years old (48.6%). At the initial point of receiving antiretroviral therapy, 49.7% of the cases with CD(4)(+)T lymphocytes levels< 200/μl, 61.2% of the deaths cases were>1 000 copies/ml during the last viral load test, and 16.2% of deaths were ≥500/μl in the last CD(4)(+)T lymphocyte test; 44.5% of deaths were received antiretroviral treatment within one year. Conclusion: Early and timely antiretroviral therapy should be carried out. It is necessary to strengthen the propaganda of antiretroviral therapy and to improve the management quality of follow-up information of antiretroviral therapy case files, and to improve the medication compliance of patients.

[Olfaction and sinonasal symptoms in CRSwNP patients with or without atopy]

Objective: Olfactory impairment is commonly observed in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) and has a significant impact on quality of life. However, the risk factors for olfactory impairment have not been fully understood, and whether atopy is predisposed to olfactory impairment in CRSwNP patients remains unclear. The present study aims to unveil differences in olfaction and sinonasal symptoms between CRSwNP with and without atopy by means of a hospital-based, cross-sectional survey. Method: In this study, 288 CRSwNP patients ready for sinus surgery were consecutively enrolled, and atopy, olfaction, sinonasal symptoms and CT scores were evaluated. Result: We found 71.3% of CRSwNP patients presented olfactory loss and 34.5% of them presented olfactory complaint in this cohort (In this study, olfactory impairment has been defined when VAS≥1 and olfactory dysfunction has been defined when VAS≥5）.The decreased olfactory function was associated with sinonasal symptoms(nasal congestion and rhino rhea) and total CT scores (P<0.01), but not with atopy. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that nasal congestion score and total CT score were risk factors for olfactory dysfunction (OR, 1.293 and 1.349; P<0.01) in CRSwNP patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate atopic condition may not directly cause olfactory impairment, and physician should pay attention to the surgical treatment for local disease severity to improve the olfactory function and quality of life..

[Clinical outcome of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and predicting retroperitoneal histology in advanced nonseminomatous germ cell tumours of the testis]

Objective: To explore the clinical outcome of advanced testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer patients undergoing post chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND), and to analyze the relevant prognostic factors of lymph node pathological. Methods: A total of 43 consecutive testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer patients underwent PC-RPLND between March 2001 and December 2014 in Department of Urology at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. The average age of the patients was (29.0±11.5) years (ranging from 12 to 58 years). Before PC-RPLND, 22 patients were classified as phase Ⅱ, while 21 were phase Ⅲ. Primary tumor histology revealed seminomatous elements in 19 cases, embryonal cell carcinoma in 22 cases, yolk sac tumor in 13 cases, chorionic carcinoma in 3 cases, mature teratomatous elements in 11 and immature teratomatous elements in 2 cases. Patients were treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy after orchectomy and then underwent surgical resection of retroperitoneal lymph nodes.After PC-RPLND, all patients underwent a periodic review including the blood routine, biochemistry routine and computed tomography or ultrasonograph of the chest, the abdomen and the pelvis. The association of pathological data with patient's clinic features and the correlations between molecular features detected with each other were assessed by the t test, χ(2) and Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression were used to assess prognostic factors. Results: The median operative time was 278 minutes (ranging from 50 to 715 minutes). Median blood loss was 425 ml (ranging from 50 to 5 000 ml). Eight patients received blood transfusion intra-operatively, 2 patients underwent adjunctive surgical procedures, 4 patients developed ileus and 4 had an ascites chylosus following PC-RPLND, 1 patient had a postoperative hyperthermia and retrograde ejaculation was present in 10 patients. The transverse diameter of the residual tumor in patients ranged from 0.8 to 18.2 cm. Necrosis, teratoma and viable germ cell tumors were found in 15, 17 and 11 of all patients. The median follow-up time was 46 months (ranging from 6 to 169 months). There were 39 patients had no tumor recurrence, 7 patients were found recurrence after PC-RPLND, 5 died of malignant germ cell tumor. The normal serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level before chemotherapy (HR=25.811, 95%CI: 0.678 to 982.624, P=0.017) and relative changes more than 50% in retroperitoneal lymph node size (HR=0.016, 95%CI: 0 to 0.698, P=0.032) were statistically significant prognostic factors of the presence of necrosis. Conclusions: Since most residual masses are not sensitive to chemotherapy, PC-RPLND is still an essential part of the treatment of metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer. Patients with the normal serum LDH level before chemotherapy and a shrinkage of 50% or more in retroperitoneal mass have a considerably chance of having necrosis in the retroperitoneum resection. This may help to refine the selection of candidates for PC-RPLND.

[Interpretation of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA)]

Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) has been the most preferred reference for national guidelines. The ARIA 2010 revision is the first evidence-based clinical guideline in the field of allergies, which has great influence in the world. The ARIA 2016 revision continues the basic framework of the 2010 revision, which focuses on six controversial clinical issues in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.It aimed to provide clear informationand systematic treatment for patients, clinicians and health policy makers. The interpretation of the ARIA 2016 revision will help domestic otolaryngologist, respiratory doctors, and allergy practitioners understand the latest guidelines for AR drug treatment in the world.

[Analysis of related factors for primary hepatic carcinoma caused by chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C]

Objective: To explore the related factors for primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) caused by chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: According to the principle of cross-sectional study, a cluster random sample method was used, a total of 366 chronic hepatitis patients in hospitals were recruited from three provincial tertiary hospitals in Shanxi, Henan and Jilin between July 2016 and October 2016, respectively. Using a self-designed unified questionnaire, face-to-face interviews was conducted on subjects, including sex, age, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, green tea consumption, fish consumption, smoking, HBV/HCV diagnosis and treatment, diabetes mellitus, family history of PHC (whether PHC in first-degree relatives), etc. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression were performed to identify the related factors for PHC with CHB and CHC. According to the clinical diagnosis the patients were divided into a chronic hepatitis group (not developing to PHC) and a PHC group. Results: Among 366 cases patients, 287 (78.4%) cases were male, 79 cases were female (21.6%), average age was (52.7±9.3) years. 202 cases were chronic hepatitis group, 164 cases were PHC group. Multivariate unconditional logistics regression analysis indicated that alcohol consumption (odds ratio (OR)=2.11, 95%CI: 1.18-3.75), family history of PHC (OR=5.12, 95%CI: 2.60-10.08) were positively correlated with the development of PHC in chronic b, green tea consumption (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.23-0.88), antiviral treatment (OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.11-0.32) were negatively correlated. Alcohol consumption (OR=3.98, 95%CI: 1.14-13.85) was positively correlated with the development of PHC in chronic c, antiviral treatment (OR=0.14, 95%CI: 0.04-0.50) was negatively correlated. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption, family history of PHC, green tea consumption and antiviral treatment were the related factors for the development of PHC in chronic hepatitis b. Alcohol consumption and antiviral treatment were the related factors for the development of PHC in chronic hepatitis c.

[Managements and prognostic analyses in patients with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the survival outcomes of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis by analyzing the clinical features.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for cases of invasive fungal sinusitis proved by histological analysis between March 2006 and November 2015. All relevant factors including interval from the onset of symptoms to initiation of diagnosis, clinical characteristics, features of CT and MRI, treatment and prognosis were collected. A total of 18 patients (10 males; 8 females) were identified. The median age was 54 years old. Three patients suffered from acute invasive fungal sinusitis, while the other 15 suffered from chronic invasive fungal sinusitis.

RESULTS

The mean duration between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 5 months. The most common symptom was headache (10/18), followed by visual disturbance (7/18), nasal obstruction (4/18), facial numbness and pain (2/18) and diplopia(2/18). Two patients had diabetes mellitus; one patient had ankylosing spondylitis receiving immunosuppressive drugs treatment for one year. Four patients had the disease confined in the sinus. Complications of this disease included orbital apex involvement in 6 patients, intraorbital and optic nerve involvement in 3 patients, cavernous sinus involvement in 5 patients, pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa involvement in 5 patients, intracranial extension involvement in 3 patients. Fungal species included aspergillus (15 cases) and mucor (3 cases). Seventeen patients received intravenous antifungal therapy after surgery. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 60 months. Two patients reoccurred and one patient died of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic debridement combined with intravenous antifungals is efficacious in the management of invasive fungal sinusitis.

[Factors associated with adherence of highly active antiretroviral therapy among 386 HIV/AIDS patients in 3 provinces of China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate adherence and the influence factors among patients who are on antiretrovirus therapy (ART) of 3 provinces in China.

METHODS

This study selected 18-year-old and older AIDS patients as the survey objects who initiated anti-retrovirus therapy between April and September of 2014 and kept on the treatment for one year in Yunnan,Sichuan,and Hu'nan province. Information of demography, treatment and social support was collected by questionnaires. Adopt SSRS questionnaire to calculate the information of objective support, subjective support and utilization of social support. χ(2) test and logistic regression were performed to examine relationships between factors and adherence.

RESULTS

A total of 386 patients with medication were investigated. Among them, there were 365 (94.6%) cases who were compliant to the ART, and 357 (92.5%) cases can take their pills on time, and 29 (7.5%) cases take their medication in excess of the prescribed time more than two hours. Social support score was 27.2 ± 7.3, including objective support score (5.6 ± 2.7), subjective support score (16.1 ± 4.8), and utilization of social support (5.5 ± 1.9). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that adherence was significantly associated with the correct cognition of medication (OR (95%CI): 3.24 (1.17-9.00)), the self-awareness of the drug regimen was not complexity (OR (95%CI): 9.34 (3.27-26.68)), taking medication 1 time a day (OR (95%CI): 4.00 (1.35-11.84)), and the batter utilization of social support (OR (95%CI): 1.49 (1.06-2.01)). Married/cohabiting or farmers tend to be nonadherenced, while the OR (95%CI) was 0.24 (0.08-0.67) and 0.23 (0.08-0.69), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The patients among these provinces were compliant to the ART, and most of them can take their pills on time. The social support score of these patients was lower than normal person. Participants who have correct cognition of medication, thinking their drug regimen was not complexity; Taking medication 1 time a day or have high level of utilization of social support showed a significantly higher level of self-reported adherence.

Conformationally locked bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane carbanucleosides: synthesis and bio-evaluation

D-Ribose was converted into 3 novel carbobicyclic nucleosides bearing a bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane framework in 16-19 steps with 5-12% overall yields involving a Wittig olefination and an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction as the key steps. The present synthesis also provides an efficient entry for chiral hydrindenones. The conformation studies of these carbanucleosides and their bio-evaluation as potential antiviral agents are reported.

Losartan attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and can cause pulmonary fibrosis in the cases with intoxication. Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, has beneficial effects on the treatment of fibrosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of losartan on pulmonary fibrosis in PQ-intoxicated rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32, 180-220 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) control group; (ii) PQ group; (iii) PQ + losartan 7d group; and (iv) PQ + losartan 14d group. Losartan treatment (intragastrically (i.g.), 10 mg/kg) was performed for 7 and 14 days after a single i.g. dose of 40 mg/kg PQ. All rats were killed on the 16th day, and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were used to examine lung injury and fibrosis. The levels of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (Mmp9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and relative expression levels of collagen type I and III were also detected. PQ caused a significant increase in hydroxyproline content, mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Mmp9, and TIMP-1, and relative expression levels of collagen type I and III ( p < 0.05), while losartan significantly decreased the amount of hydroxyproline and downregulated TGF-β1, Mmp9, and TIMP-1 mRNA and collagen type I and III expressions ( p < 0.05). Histological examination of PQ-treated rats showed lung injury and widespread inflammatory cell infiltration in the alveolar space and pulmonary fibrosis, while losartan could markedly reduce such damage and prevent pulmonary fibrosis. The results of this study indicated that losartan could reduce lung damage and prevent pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ.

Heat stress induces apoptosis through transcription-independent p53-mediated mitochondrial pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cell

Cells apoptosis induced by intense heat stress is the prominent feature of heat-related illness. However, little is known about the biological effects of heat stress on cells apoptosis. Herein, we presented evidence that intense heat stress could induce early apoptosis of HUVEC cells through activating mitochondrial pathway with changes in mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm), release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. We further revealed that p53 played a crucial role in heat stress-induced early apoptosis, with p53 protein rapidly translocated into mitochondria. Using pifithrin-α(PFT), a p53's mitochondrial translocation inhibitor, we found that pretreated with PFT, heat stress induced mitochondrial p53 translocation was significantly suppressed, accompanied by a significant alleviation in the loss of ΔΨm, cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. Furthermore, we also found that generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was a critical mediator in heat stress-induced apoptosis. In addition, the antioxidant MnTMPyP significantly decreased the heat stress-induced p53's mitochondrial translocation, followed by the loss of ΔΨm, cytochrome c release, caspase-9 activation and heat stress-mediated apoptosis. Conclusively, these findings indicate the contribution of the transcription-independent mitochondrial p53 pathway to early apoptosis in HUVEC cells induced by oxidative stress in response to intense heat stress.

Graphene-coated atomic force microscope tips for reliable nanoscale electrical characterization

Graphene single-layer films are grown by chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto commercially available conductive tips for atomic force microscopy. Graphene-coated tips are much more resistant to both high currents and frictions than commercially available, metal-varnished, conductive atomic force microscopy tips, leading to much larger lifetimes and more reliable imaging due to a lower tip-sample interaction.

Expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone and its receptor in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-specific liver disorders. Although various biological effects of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) has in pregnancy have been reported, its activities in patients with ICP are lacking. Here we evaluated CRH and its receptor (CRH-R1) expression in placenta and serum in control and ICP patients, to assess their potential activities in the ICP pathogenesis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Placental tissues were obtained from the control and ICP patients (10 cases for each group) between 37 and 39 gestational weeks. Immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting and real-time PCR analysis were used to detect the CRH and CRH-R1 expression in placenta. Meanwhile, maternal serums were analyzed for detecting CRH in the control and ICP patients (80 cases for each group) in 34-37 gestational weeks. All data were observed and recorded for comparing and analyzing in control and ICP patients.

RESULTS

CRH staining was found in syncytiotrophoblast and feto-placental vascular endothelium cells of placenta, whereas CRH-R1 staining was found in syncytiotrophoblast by using immunohistochemical analysis. The CRH expression level in ICP placenta was significantly lower than those results in controls (P < 0.01). For CRH-R1, CRH mRNA and CRH-R1 mRNA expressions, no statistical differences were found between control and ICP groups (all P > 0.05). Serum CRH levels increased in both control and ICP groups, but the growth rate was limited in ICP group, especially in late pregnancy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The down-regulation of CRH in ICP placentas and the limited growth rate of CRH in the maternal serum of ICP patients might impair the blood flow regulation of the utero-placental-fetal unit, which might result in poor fetoplacental vascular perfusion and adverse pregnancy outcomes. CRH might play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ICP and provide a new approach to further investigate the etiology of ICP.

SERS Titration of 4-Mercaptopyridine Self-Assembled Monolayers at Aqueous Buffer/Gold Interfaces

Determination of the surface pK(a) of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) at aqueous buffer/gold interfaces using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements, namely, SERS titration, is reported for the first time. From the analysis of pH-dependent SERS spectra of 4-mercaptopyridine monolayers on gold, the pK(1/2) (3.9 ± 0.2) was determined. By further correlating the surface pH value with the bulk pH value in terms of the Gouy-Chapmann model, the surface pK(a) (5.3 ± 0.3) was evaluated accordingly. Compared to the conventional contact angle titration, SERS titration has the advantage of giving further insight into the microscopic and dynamic information of the surface-confined functional groups. In addition, such a technique has high sensitivity, micrometer spatial resolution, and chemical selectivity.

Activated carbon with excellent chromium(VI) adsorption performance prepared by acid-base surface modification

In the present work, activated carbon (AC) with excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance especially at low concentrations was prepared by an acid-base surface modification method. Raw activated carbon (AC(0)) was first oxidized in boiling HNO(3) (AC(1)), then treated with a mixture of NaOH and NaCl (AC(2)). Batch equilibrium and continuous column adsorption were conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance. Boehm titration, elemental analysis, and N(2)/77K adsorption isotherm methods were used to characterize the surface properties and pore structure of modified ACs. The results revealed that the modified AC exhibited excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance in terms of adsorption capacity and adsorption rate: AC(2)>AC(1)>AC(0). Modification caused S(BET) to decrease and the total number of surface oxygen acidic groups to increase. HNO(3) oxidization produced positive acid groups, and subsequently NaOH treatment replaced H(+) of surface acid groups by Na(+), and the acidity of AC decreased. The main cause of higher Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and rate for AC(2) was the presence of more oxygen surface acidic groups and suitable surface acidity. HNO(3)-NaOH modification shows potential for the preparation of high quality AC for the effective removal of low concentrations of Cr(VI).

Adsorption of triplet O(2) on Si(100): the crucial step in the initial oxidation of a silicon surface

It has long been understood that a precursor mediated chemisorption is a significant part of the dynamics for the adsorption of O(2) on Si(100), which is a much studied model system of surface reaction with considerable technological relevance. However, theoretical studies on the interaction between O(2) and Si(100) have been focused on the excited singlet state of O2 and unable to explain the observations in surface scattering experiments. We demonstrate by first principles calculations that such a focus is misplaced. In reality, triplet O(2) can also react with Si(100), after overcoming small barriers, and its reaction paths provide a full account for experiments. Our results highlight the important role played by triplet O(2) in surface oxidation.

Ab initio study on structural and electronic properties of BanOm clusters

Density-functional calculation within local density approximation, shows that the electronic property of a barium oxide cluster is strongly correlated with its equilibrium structure. The ground-state structures of BanOm (4 < or = n < or = 9,m < or = n) clusters can be classified into four categories: (a) compact, (b) dangling state, (c) F-center, and (d) stoichiometric. The compact cluster is metallic, almost no energy gap exists between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. The energy gap for the dangling state cluster is larger than that for the F-center cluster, while the stoichiometric cluster has the largest energy gap.

Chemisorption of hydrogen molecules on carbon nanotubes under high pressure

Based on first principles calculations, we propose a mechanism for the dissociative chemisorption of H2 on carbon nanotubes. The breaking of the H--H bond is concerted with the formation of two C--H bonds on two adjacent carbon nanotubes in solid phase, facilitated by the application of high pressure which shortens the interstitial distance between nanotubes. The process is reversible upon the release of external pressure and could make an important contribution to the observed hydrogen storage capacity of carbon nanotubes. The previously unexplained experimental observations of the direct hydrogenation of fullerenes under high pressure lend further support for such a mechanism.

The role of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in agonist-induced desensitization of D1 dopamine receptor function: evidence for a novel pathway for receptor dephosphorylation

Exposure of D1 dopamine receptors to agonists results in rapid desensitization of the receptor-stimulated accumulation of cAMP. It is believed that agonist-induced phosphorylation of the receptor plays a critical role in the processes that underlie this phenomenon. To investigate the role of agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation, a FLAG epitope was added to the amino terminus of the rat D1 dopamine receptor and this construct was stably expressed in C6 glioma cells. It was found that the D1 receptor was stoichiometrically phosphorylated under basal conditions and that its phosphorylation state was increased by 2- to 3-fold upon exposure of the cells to dopamine for 10 min. The dopamine-induced receptor phosphorylation could be blocked by D1-selective antagonists but was unaffected by inhibitors of either protein kinase A or protein kinase C. The incorporation of phosphate into the receptor was rapid but transient, despite the continued presence of dopamine. A comparison of the rates of receptor phosphorylation approximately ion (t(1/2) < 1 min) and dopamine-induced desensitization (t(1/2) approximately 7 min) revealed that receptor phosphorylation was not the rate limiting step for receptor desensitization. Upon removal of dopamine, the receptor was rapidly dephosphorylated (t(1/2) approximately 10 min) and this was not blocked by agents (i.e., concanavalin A or hypertonic sucrose) that inhibit D1 receptor internalization. Using specific inhibitors, the phosphatase involved in D1 receptor dephosphorylation was shown not to correlate with the recently identified "G protein-coupled receptor phosphatase" (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:8343-8347, 1995). These results suggest that the phosphorylated D(1) receptor is processed through a novel recovery pathway and that internalization is not required for receptor dephosphorylation.

Cutaneous blood vessels in scent pigs

The purpose of this study was to systematically provide anatomic data for flap research in plastic surgery on the cutaneous blood vessels. Seven scent pigs used in this study were killed anesthetically, and their carotid vessels were intubated and injected with a black liquid rubber. Twenty-four hours later, the integument of the scent pig was removed, and the perforating points of the cutaneous vessels were recorded. The different-sized pieces of integument became transparent. Part of this transparent skin tissue was cut into cross-sectional strips. There were three types of the cutaneous vascular source, the same as in humans. Six division levels of vessels in the skin were identified, which formed five vascular plexuses and two systems (the perforating vessel system and the cutaneous vessel system). There were two sets of vein systems: the concomitant vein and the oscillating vein; the latter can be divided into regular and irregular types. The structures of the perforating vessel system and the cutaneous vessel system were the morphological basis for choosing flaps. Two anatomic points have been emphasized: the preserved vascular plexus in thin flaps (not the subcutaneous vascular network reported previously) and the dependency of vascular structure on its location. Otherwise, this study has also provided two new kinds of flaps used in experimental study: the arterial loop flap and the intermuscular septal perforator flap. Although there were differences as well as similarities in skin vasculature between humans and the scent pig, the scent pig is still suitable for flap research.

Effect of anti-digoxin antiserum on endoxin and membrane ATPase activity in hypoxia-reoxygenation induced myocardial injury

AIM

To evaluate the protective effect of anti-digoxin antiserum on hypoxia-reoxygenation induced injured myocardium and its mechanism.

METHODS

Anti-digoxin antiserum of different concentrations was used, its effect on endoxin and ATPase activity in cell membrane in hypoxia-reoxygenation myocardium model was observed.

RESULTS

The level of endoxin was remarkably higher, ATPase activities in cell membrane were remarkably lower in hypoxic group and hypoxia-reoxygenation injury group than those of normal group; anti-digoxin antiserum could resume ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Rise of endoxin was the molecular biological basis of myocardial damage during myocardial hypoxia-reoxygenation. Anti-digoxin antiserum had lessened myocardial injury and had a protective effect on hypoxia-reoxygenation myocardium by antagonizing effect of endoxin.

109 cases of blepharoptosis treated by forked frontalis muscle aponeurosis procedure with long term follow-up

109 cases of severe or recurrent blepharoptosis have been treated with the forked frontalis muscle aponeurosis (FFMA) technique since 1989. In comparison with other frontalis muscle flap (FMF) protocols, this technique has three advantages: (i) no skin incision in the lower rim of the eyebrow; (ii) no incision in the frontalis muscle; and (iii) no dissection under the frontalis muscle. The FFMA is formed at the junction of the frontalis and orbicularis muscles. The 9-year follow-up shows that this is a highly effective procedure. The postoperative function of the frontalis muscle is good and the lack of damage has been confirmed by EMG. There are a few complications such as the sluggishness of the upper eyelid on downward gaze and the possibility of asymmetrical brow height in unilateral blepharoptosis. However, this technique may serve as the best choice in the treatment of severe or recurrent blepharoptosis.

The 6-(10-Mercaptodecoxyl)quinoline Self-Assembled Monolayer on Gold: Spectroscopy and Wettability Investigation

A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with an exposed basic group has been generated by the adsorption of a novel quinoline derivative 6-(10-mercaptodecoxyl)quinoline (MDQ) on a gold surface. The structure and surface properties of the SAMs of MDQ were characterized by ellipsometry, reflection absorption FTIR (RA-IR), and contact angle titration. It was found that the quinoline moiety of MDQ forms an ordered layer on the top of the film and the alkyl chain exhibits a packing density similar to that of a monolayer of decanethiol. The molecular orientation of MDQ in SAMs was evaluated by RA-IR spectroscopy which indicates that the alkyl chain exhibits a tilting angle of 24 +/- 4 degrees with respect to the surface normal and a twisting angle of 50 +/- 5 degrees around its axis. Contact angle titration in the pH range between 2 and 12 illustrates that the surface of SAM of MDQ is less hydrophilic for acidic solution than for basic solution, which is in contrast with the previous reports on SAMs that basic groups are located at the ends of the molecules. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

SERS Titration of 4-Mercaptopyridine Self-Assembled Monolayers at Aqueous Buffer/Gold Interfaces

Determination of the surface pK(a) of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) at aqueous buffer/gold interfaces using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements, namely, SERS titration, is reported for the first time. From the analysis of pH-dependent SERS spectra of 4-mercaptopyridine monolayers on gold, the pK(1/2) (3.9 ± 0.2) was determined. By further correlating the surface pH value with the bulk pH value in terms of the Gouy-Chapmann model, the surface pK(a) (5.3 ± 0.3) was evaluated accordingly. Compared to the conventional contact angle titration, SERS titration has the advantage of giving further insight into the microscopic and dynamic information of the surface-confined functional groups. In addition, such a technique has high sensitivity, micrometer spatial resolution, and chemical selectivity.

GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs in rat superior cervical ganglia

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain, is also found in the periphery. GABAA receptors are chloride channels opened by GABA whose presence in the rat superior cervical ganglion has been indicated by functional and binding measurements. We describe the first molecular data on the possible subunit composition of these receptors, detecting mRNAs for 12 subunits (alpha1-5, beta1-3, gamma1-3, delta) by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Preliminary quantitation gave highest levels (in descending order) for the gamma2 (both short and long forms), beta3, gamma3, and alpha1 subunits.

GABA(A) receptor alpha4 subunit in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice

GABA(A) receptors are chloride channels in the brain activated by binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Several important classes of drugs, including alcohol and certain antiepileptic drugs, modulate the actions of GABA. We report the sequence and expression of alpha4 subunits of GABA(A) receptors in two inbred strains of mice, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J, which differ in susceptibility to seizures and to behavioral effects of alcohol. We find no differences between the two strains in cDNA sequence, or in levels of alpha4 mRNA in whole brains of the two strains at 21 days of age, when DBA/2J are most susceptible to audiogenic seizures. We also describe the pattern of developmental expression and brain regional distribution of this subunit in mice, finding the highest developmental expression at about 14 days of age in whole brains, and the highest regional levels in hippocampus and basal forebrain (including thalamus) in adults.

A synthetic standard for competitive RT-PCR quantitation of 13 GABA receptor type A subunit mRNAs in rats and mice

We describe a synthetic 769-bp DNA internal standard, GABARQuant 1, for measuring mRNAs of 13 GABA(A) receptor subunits by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). When it is transcribed into cRNA, added in known amounts to target mRNAs in extracts from rat or mouse tissue. competitively reverse transcribed into cDNA, and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the relative intensities of the amplified, stained target and standard DNA bands enable measurement of small amounts of mRNAs for GABA(A) receptor subunits alpha1-6, beta1-3, gamma1-3 and delta and the three cellular markers beta-actin, light neurofilament protein, and glutamine synthetase. For the subunits, most standard products (263-504 bp) differ in size from target products (398-564 bp) by 10-20%. Primer pairs span at least one intron, to prevent interference by genomic DNA, and at least one rat versus mouse restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), to enable rat products to be distinguished from mouse products.

The alpha5 subunit of the murine type A GABA receptor

GABA[A] receptors in the brain convert binding of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) to inhibition by chloride currents. Several important classes of drugs, including benzodiazepines and alcohol, modulate these receptors, which have also been implicated in epilepsy. We describe the alpha5 subunit of GABAA receptors in mice, comparing inbred DBA/2J mice, prone to juvenile audiogenic seizures, with seizure resistant C57BL/6J mice. We find no sequence differences between the strains, although there are several interesting amino acid differences from the rat. We also compare the expression of the alpha5 subunit in whole brains of DBA/2J mice to that in C57BL/6J mice at 21 days, the peak of the former's seizure susceptibility, again finding no significant difference. We further describe the pattern of expression of alpha5 mRNA during mouse brain development, with a peak at 3 days after birth, and among five brain regions in the adult mouse, with the highest levels in the hippocampus. Finally, we present preliminary evidence for rare alternative splicing of this subunit's message, in the N-terminal extracellular domain, to give a form not translatable into a functional protein.

The GABA(A) receptor gamma1-subunit in seizure prone (DBA/2) and resistant (C57BL/6) mice

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors are the sites of action for many antiepileptic drugs such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. We report the results of molecular cloning of the gamma1-subunit from seizure prone DBA/2J and resistant C57BL/6J inbred mice, and analyses of nucleotide sequences and expression of the gamma1-subunit messenger RNA (mRNA) in DBA/2 and C57BL/6 inbred mice. The mouse gamma1-subunit complementary DNA (cDNA) shares 98% similarity with that of the rat at the level of amino acid sequence. Northern blot hybridization indicates that the gamma1-subunit mRNA is expressed predominantly in areas other than the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and shows little change with postnatal development. No differences have been found for the subunit between DBA/2 and C57BL/6 mice either for nucleotide sequence or for level of expression of the subunit's mRNA in whole brain by Northern blots at 3 weeks of age.

[Absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of zinc acexamate in rats]

beta = 11.6 h. The bioavailability was about 52.8%. After ig [3H]ZA (4.44 MBq.kg-1), higher radioactivities were observed in kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal tract but lower in brain, fat, and femur.

CONCLUSION

ZA given i.g. in rats was absorbed rapidly and distributed widely to most of the organs and tissues.

Dynamics of Carbonium Ions Solvated by Molecular Hydrogen: CH 5 + (H 2 ) n ( n = 1, 2, 3)

The dynamics of the carbonium ion (CH(5)(+)), a highly reactive intermediate with no equilibrium structure, was studied by measuring the infrared spectra for internally cold CH(5)(+)(H(2))n(n = 1, 2, 3) stored in an ion trap. First-principle molecular dynamics methods were used to directly simulate the internal motion for these ionic complexes. The combined experimental and theoretical efforts substantiated the anticipated scrambling motion in the CH(5)(+) core and revealed the effect of the solvent molecular hydrogen in slowing down the scrambling. The results indicate the feasibility of using solvent molecules to stabilize the floppy CH(5)(+) ion in order to make it amenable to spectroscopic study.