Scalable Wet Deposition of Zeolite AEI with a High Degree of Preferred Crystal Orientation.

Producing zeolite films with controlled preferred orientation on an industrial scale is a long-standing challenge. Herein we report on a scalable approach to the direct wet deposition of zeolite thin films and membranes while maintaining a high degree of control over the preferred crystal orientation. As a proof of concept, thin films comprising aluminophosphate zeolite AEI were cast on silicon wafer or porous alumina substrates. Electrical properties and separation performance of the zeolite thin films/membranes were engineered through controlling degree of preferred crystal orientation.

Synthesis and cellular uptake of p-[(123)I]-phenyl-amino-thiazole ((123)I-PAT) as a potential agent for targeting tubulin polymerization in tumors.

The phenyl-amino-thiazole (PAT) templates of methoxylbenzoyl-aryl-thiazole are potent agents against cancer by inhibiting tubulin polymerization in the nanomolar range. Herein, a radioiodinated PAT, [(123)I]-PAT 1, was prepared via a tributylstannyl precursor and [(123)I]iodide through electrophilic aromatic radioiodination. Radiolabelling of [(123)I]-PAT 1 was achieved in less than 15 min, with a radiochemical purity of over 99%. The accumulated radioactivity in tumor cellular uptake experiments suggested that [(123) I]-PAT could serve as a potential radioprobe for targeting tumor cells.

[A study of HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 matching status for unrelated donor-recipient pairs matched at allele level for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 loci].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the status of HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 matching for unrelated donor-recipient pairs matched at high-resolution allele level for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci. METHODS: A total of 76 unrelated donor-recipient pairs matching at allele level for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci were subjected to HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 sequence-based typing (SBT). HLA-DPA1and DPB1 matching status at high-resolution allelic level was also analyzed. RESULTS: The allelic identity ratio for single HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 were 17.1% and 9.2%, respectively. HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 allelic identity ratio were both very low. The majority of unrelated donor-recipient pairs (73.7%) had an incompatibility at 1 HLA-DPA1 allele, 9.2% of pairs had an incompatibility at 2 DPA1 alleles. As for the high-polymorphic HLA-DPB1 gene, 57.9% of studied donor-recipient pairs had an incompatibility at 1 HLA-DPB1 allele, almost 1/3 (32.9%) of them were completely incompatible. When HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 genes were analyzed together, the donor-recipient pairs matched at 2/4 was the most common (51.4%), 4/4 allelic complete matched pairs accounted for 5.6%, and 0/4 matched pairs accounted for 8.3%. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that the ratio of HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 complete match in the unrelated donor-recipient pairs matching at allelic level for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci were very low. The effect of HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 matching status on clinical unrelated stem cell transplantation still needs to be elucidated.

Characterization of Composite Film of Gelatin and Squid Pen Chitosan Obtained by High Hydrostatic Pressure.

In the present study, gelatin-based films incorporating squid pen chitosan obtained by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP chitosan) at varying proportions were prepared and their properties were compared with films containing untreated chitosan. The resulting films were characterized by analyzing the physical, morphological, mechanical and barrier properties. The addition of different ratios of HHP chitosan to the gelatin-based film yielded significant improvements in mechanical and moisture barrier properties. The reason for this might be that HHP chitosan contributed to a regular and dense microstructure of the composite films due to forming a three-dimensional network structure in gelatin-based films with enhanced intermolecular interactions. The FTIR spectra showed no new chemical bond formed by incorporating HHP chitosan into gelatin-based film. The SEM micrographs showed that the gelatin-based film fabricated with three types of chitosan had a homogeneous surface morphology, indicating good compatibility of the materials. Compared to the gelatin-based films containing untreated chitosan, films containing HHP chitosan significantly delayed oxidative deterioration in oil during storage. Therefore, the chitosan obtained by HHP treatment could have a potential application in edible gelatin-based films as packaging materials.

Formation of Porous Structures and Crystalline Phases in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Membranes Prepared with Nonsolvent-Induced Phase Separation-Roles of Solvent Polarity.

PVDF membranes were prepared with nonsolvent-induced phase separation, using solvents with various dipole moments, including HMPA, NMP, DMAc and TEP. Both the fraction of the polar crystalline phase and the water permeability of the prepared membrane increased monotonously with an increasing solvent dipole moment. FTIR/ATR analyses were conducted at the surfaces of the cast films during membrane formation to provide information on if the solvents were present as the PVDF crystallized. The results reveal that, with HMPA, NMP or DMAc being used to dissolve PVDF, a solvent with a higher dipole moment resulted in a lower solvent removal rate from the cast film, because the viscosity of the casting solution was higher. The lower solvent removal rate allowed a higher solvent concentration on the surface of the cast film, leading to a more porous surface and longer solvent-governed crystallization. Because of its low polarity, TEP induced non-polar crystals and had a low affinity for water, accounting for the low water permeability and the low fraction of polar crystals with TEP as the solvent. The results provide insight into how the membrane structure on a molecular scale (related to the crystalline phase) and nanoscale (related to water permeability) was related to and influenced by solvent polarity and its removal rate during membrane formation.

[Analysis of Histologic Transformation and Prognosis for Follicular Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the related factors of invasive transformation and prognosis for follicular lymphoma. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with follicular lymphoma at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2015 to January 2021 were collected, and the significance of each index in histological transformation (HT) and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Pathology grade3, Ki-67 index ≥40%, ß2MG＞3 mg/L, LDH＞245 U/L, POD24 and non-invasion of bone marrow were associated with HT. Univariate analysis showed that the high risk of FLIPI-2, pathological grade 3, Ki-67≥40%, anemia, ß2MG＞3 mg/L, LDH＞245 U/L and HT had significant adverse effects on PFS; ß2MG＞3 mg/L, LDH＞245 U/L, POD24 and HT had significant adverse effects on OS. Cox multivariate analysis showed that the ß2MG >3 mg/L and HT were independent risk factors of PFS, HT was independent risk factor of OS. CONCLUSION: The pathological grade, Ki-67, ß2MG, LDH, POD24 and bone marrow invasion of FL can predict the risk of HT. Meanwhile, ß2MG >3 mg/L and HT are significantly related to poor prognosis of FL.

Melatonin alleviates intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition through inhibiting LPS-induced non-canonical inflammasome-mediated renal tubular epithelial cells pyroptosis.

Urinary tract infection has long been considered a complication rather than etiology of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis. This study aimed to explore the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an important component of Gram-negative bacteria, on CaOx nephrolithiasis formation and antagonistic effect of melatonin. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with glyoxylate acid (80 mg/kg) daily for 7 days to construct CaOx nephrolithiasis model. A single dose of LPS (2.0 mg/kg) was given 2 h before the second glyoxylate acid treatment in the presence or absence of melatonin (25 mg/kg). Our results found that LPS promoted adhesion of CaOx crystals to renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition. Protein levels of cleaved Caspase-11, N-terminal of cleaved GSDMD (GSDMD-N), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and cleaved Caspase-1, several markers of non-classical inflammasome activation were upregulated in LPS-treated mouse kidneys and HK-2 cells. Moreover, the number of GSDMD pores was increased in LPS-treated HK-2 cell membrane. Melatonin inhibited Caspase-11 cleavage and antagonized the subsequent LPS-mediated upregulation of GSDMD-N, NLRP3 and cleaved Caspase-1 in kidney tissues and HK-2 cells. In addition, melatonin reduced membrane localization of GSDMD-N and the number of GSDMD pores in LPS-treated HK-2 cells. Accordingly, melatonin inhibited LPS-induced IL-1ß and IL-18 in mouse serum and HK-2 culture supernatant. Importantly, melatonin alleviated LPS-induced crystal-cell interactions and intrarenal CaOx crystals deposition. We provide experimental evidence that LPS promoted CaOx nephrolithiasis formation by inducing non-canonical inflammasome-mediated RTECs pyroptosis. Melatonin alleviated CaOx nephrolithiasis formation through inhibiting LPS-induced non-canonical inflammasome-mediated RTECs pyroptosis.

Diffusion tensor imaging predicts long-term motor functional outcome in patients with acute supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND/AIM: It remains unclear how wallerian degeneration of the pyramidal tract (PT) in the acute phase of supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) correlates with the long-term functional outcome. The aim of this study was to quantify and predict the long-term neuromotor outcome using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) during the early stages of ICH. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with a hemiparetic ICH were prospectively studied using DTI either within 3 days or at 2 weeks after onset. A region-of-interest-based analysis was performed for fractional anisotropy (FA) of the PT in the cerebral peduncle. The degree of paresis was assessed upon admission and at 6 months using paresis grading (PG), and the functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The activities of daily living were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). RESULTS: The FA values within 3 days and after 2 weeks of ICH onset were significantly decreased at the affected side (p = 0.001, reduced by 11%; p < 0.001, reduced by 14%, respectively), but the mean diffusivity at the same time points remained unchanged (p = 0.05 and p = 0.136, respectively). The ratio of the FA (rFA) at the affected side to that of the unaffected side within 3 days was negatively correlated with the PG (p < 0.001, r = -0.642), positively correlated with the FIM scores (p = 0.004, r = 0.532), and negatively correlated with the mRS scores at the end of follow-up (median = 17 months) (p = 0.010, r = -0.490). The rFA at 2 weeks was positively correlated with the FIM (p < 0.001, r = 0.661) and negatively correlated with mRS scores and PG at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001, r = -0.653; p < 0.001, r = -0.700). For both patients with good and poor outcomes based on the PG, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for rFA at 2 weeks was greater than the area under the ROC for rFA within 3 days, and the cutoff point for the rFA at 2 weeks was set at 0.875 (sensitivity 76%, specificity 89%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of DTI during the early stages of ICH may predict motor outcomes at 6 months after ICH. Moreover, as compared to use of DTI within 3 days of ICH onset, the application of DTI at 2 weeks after ICH could more accurately predict the motor outcomes and daily living activities of patients.

[Development of a high-throughput sequence-based typing assay for human leukocyte antigen loci].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reliable assay for simultaneous sequence-based typing (SBT) of HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1, and to apply it for the study of allelic polymorphisms in southern Chinese Han population. METHODS: Based on full-length HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 allelic sequences, locus-specific PCR primers were designed and applied to amplify the target sequence encompassing the entire exon 2 of HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1. PCR products were purified with magnetic beads, and run through an ABI 3730 DNA sequencer. Genotypes were assigned with an Assign 3.5 SBT software. RESULTS: The target sequences of HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 were both amplified with the PCR procedure. Little background and noise was observed in the derived sequences. Among 176 non-related healthy individuals, 4 HLA-DPA1 alleles with the frequencies of DPA1*02:02 (0.589) > DPA1*01:03 (0.284) > DPA1*02:01 (0.096) > DPA1*04:01 (0.031) were identified. In addition, 14 HLA-DPB1 alleles, including 4 common alleles (with a frequency of more than 5%, namely DPB1*05:01, DPB1*02:01, DPB1*04:01 and DPB1*02:02), 7 alleles with a frequency ranging from 1%-5% and 3 alleles with a frequency of less than 1% were identified. The results of HLA-DPB1 genotyping were all in accordance with the typing results derived from an Atria AlleleSEQR HLA-DPB1 kit. CONCLUSION: A reliable technique has been established for simultaneous genotyping of HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1, which may have a broad application in population and disease association studies.

[Establishment of a large-scale bi-directional sequencing and genotyping platform for MICA gene exons 2 to 4].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a stable and large-scale bi-directional sequencing platform for genotyping MICA gene exons 2 to 4, and to analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP) of the region. METHODS: Primers for particular alleles of MICA gene exons 2 to 5 were designed. Optimal conditions for PCR amplification and sequencing reaction were explored. A commercialized one-way sequencing kit for MICA allele was used as a parallel control. Four samples carrying a MICA *010 allele were subjected to cloning and haplotype sequencing. RESULTS: Results of MICA allele typing of 100 samples for a parallel control group were confirmed by the establish method. Twenty-two SNP in MICA gene exons 2 to 4 were detected in Chinese population. Two novel allelic sequences were accepted by GenBank and IMGT/HLA database and officially named as MICA*065 and MICA*066 by the WHO Nomenclature Committee. A novel SNP in MICA gene intron 3 was discovered, with allelic sequence submitted to GenBank and IMGT/HLA database. CONCLUSION: The bi-directional sequencing genotyping platform may be applied for large-scale study of MICA allelic polymorphisms, tissue typing, organ transplantation and disease research.

[Correlation of single small vessels infarction in carotid territory with large arterial lesion].

OBJECTIVE: Whether small vessel infarction (SVI) correlates with large arterial lesion is under debate. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the single SVI in carotid territory by diffusion weight imaging (DWI) and arterial lesion by contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA). METHODS: Sixty patients with acute cerebral infarction underwent DWI within 7 days and CEMRA within 2 weeks after onset. They were divided into 2 groups of patients with and without single SVI. The clinical and magnetic resonance image features were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Lesions of ipsilateral extracranial carotid artery were detected in 10 patients of SVI groups (36%) versus 8 patients (25%) of non-SVI group (P = 0.54). Incidence of intracranial vascular lesion in single SVI group (32%) was slightly lower than that of non-SVI group (47%) (P = 0.52). And 46 patients (77%) were assessed on plaque of carotid artery. Incidence of ipsilateral carotid artery plaque (44%) was higher in single SVI group than that of non-SVI group (35%) (P = 0.76). And the incidence of vulnerable plaque in single SVI group (26%) was similar to that of non-SVI group (22%) (P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: SVI has not a single underlying mechanism of stroke. However, further studies with a large number of patients are warranted.

[Distinguish reasons for the variety of intraoperative transcranial magnetic motor evoked potential: the anaesthesia or the operative injury].

OBJECTIVE: To find a way to discriminate operative reason from anaesthesia reason for the changes of intraoperative transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (MEPs). METHODS: In 26 patients under Etomidate/Fentanyl anesthesia from February 2001 to June 2004, MEPs elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded from tibialis anterior muscles, simultaneously bispectral index (BIS) and train-of-four stimulation (TOF) were used to monitor the anesthesia depth and neuromuscular blockade respectively. MEP, BIS and measurements of TOF at different anesthesia depth and muscular relaxation were recorded synchronously, statistical analysis of this data set was done in order to find the inherent relationship between these variables. RESULTS: Under anesthesia, MEP amplitude was always positively correlated with the corresponding BIS and TOF value. A regression equation could be built, with which the MEP amplitude could be reckoned based on realtime BIS and T(1)/T(c). In case of spinal cord injury, the measured amplitude value would significantly deviate from predicted one, which suggested that the change of MEP was because of the operation, but not the anaesthesia or neuromuscular blockade. Each patient had his or her own regression equation, which was different from each other. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of regression equation from MEPs, BIS and TOF is very useful to distinguish reasons of the changes of transcranial magnetic MEPs during surgery, and with this technique, the intraoperative MEP monitoring should be more reliable and practicable.

[Research on the relationship between levels of soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A in serum and stability of carotid plaques].

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between serum levels of some inflammatory markers and stability of carotid plaques in the patients with carotid plaques and evaluate the ability of each serum marker in identifying vulnerable carotid plaques. METHODS: The study included 65 consecutive patients with carotid plaques confirmed by imaging examinations from March 2008 to March 2010. All the patients were classified as stable plaques group (n = 21) and unstable plaques group (n = 44) according to the characteristic findings of the plaques in MRI such as the thickness of fibrous cap, the existence of large lipid core and the intra-plaque hemorrhage. The patients of unstable plaques group were further classified as unruptured plaques group (n = 29) and rupture plaques group (n = 15) according to the integrity of fibrous cap. Serum levels of soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (sCD40L), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum levels of sCD40L and MMP-9 in patients of unstable plaques group, unruptured plaques group and rupture plaques group were all significantly enhanced compared to individuals of stable plaques group (SCD40L: χ(2) = 6.45, 12.04 and 16.23, P < 0.01; MMP-9; F = 2.55, 5.10 and 4.69, P < 0.05). Serum levels of PAPP-A in patients of unstable plaques group and rupture plaques group were all significantly enhanced compared to individuals of stable plaques group (χ(2) = 11.71 and 13.55, P < 0.05). Serum levels of PAPP-A in patients of rupture plaques group were significantly enhanced compared to individuals of unruptured plaques group (χ(2) = 13.19, P = 0.000). sCD40L ≥ 673.22 ng/L (OR = 22.47, 95%CI: 2.11 - 239.81, P = 0.010), MMP-9 ≥ 84.09 µg/L (OR = 10.01, 95%CI: 1.74 - 57.78, P = 0.010) and PAPP-A ≥ 0.101 µg/L (OR = 14.29, 95%CI: 2.69 - 75.90, P = 0.002) were all significantly correlated with the vulnerability of carotid plaques. CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be a relationship between the serum levels of sCD40L, MMP-9 and PAPP-A and the stability of carotid plaques in patients with carotid plaques. High serum levels of the above-mentioned markers may indicate that the plaques were vulnerable or ruptured.

[Experimental study of angiography using vascular interventional robot-2(VIR-2)].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the feasibility and safety of new vascular interventional robot system used in vascular interventional procedures. METHODS: Vascular interventional robot type-2 (VIR-2) included master-slave parts of body propulsion system, image navigation systems and force feedback system, the catheter movement could achieve under automatic control and navigation, force feedback was integrated real-time, followed by in vitro pre-test in vascular model and cerebral angiography in dog. Surgeon controlled vascular interventional robot remotely, the catheter was inserted into the intended target, the catheter positioning error and the operation time would be evaluated. RESULTS: In vitro pre-test and animal experiment went well; the catheter can enter any branch of vascular. Catheter positioning error was less than 1 mm. The angiography operation in animal was carried out smoothly without complication; the success rate of the operation was 100% and the entire experiment took 26 and 30 minutes, efficiency was slightly improved compared with the VIR-1, and the time what staff exposed to the DSA machine was 0 minute. The resistance of force sensor can be displayed to the operator to provide a security guarantee for the operation. No surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: VIR-2 is safe and feasible, and can achieve the catheter remote operation and angiography; the master-slave system meets the characteristics of traditional procedure. The three-dimensional image can guide the operation more smoothly; force feedback device provides remote real-time haptic information to provide security for the operation.

Negligible Impact of Drought-Resistant Genetically Modified Maize on Arthropod Community Structure Observed in a 2-Year Field Investigation.

Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors regulate diverse processes during plant development. Here, a 2-year field study was conducted to assess the potential effects of DREB-genetically modified maize (GM1) on arthropod species and ecological communities. Arthropod abundance, diversity, and community composition in GM1 and its non-transformed counterpart maize variety, Chang 7-2, were compared using whole plant inspection, pitfall trap, and suction sampler methods. Based on Shannon-Wiener diversity, Simpson's diversity, Pielou's indexes, number of species, and total number of individuals, GM1 had a negligible effect on arthropod abundance and diversity. Redundancy analysis indicated that the composition of arthropod community was not associated with maize type in the three investigation methods, while it exhibited significant correlation with year and sampling time in whole plant inspection and suction sample methods, and distinctly correlated with sampling time in the pitfall trap method. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of variable factors in the three investigation methods showed that sampling time, rather than maize type or year, was closely related to the composition of arthropod community in the field. Our results provide direct evidence to support that DREB-GM maize had negligible effects on arthropods in the Jilin Province under natural conditions.

[Study on HLA nucleotide sequence matching in epitope positions among recipient-donor pairs for allogenic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the human leukocyte antigens(HLA)-A, -B, -Cw, -DRB1 and DQB1 nucleotide sequences between patients waiting for allogenic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and donors in Chinese population, and to establish strategy for maximizing optimal donor selection. METHODS: HLA high-resolution typing in a total of 537 recipient-donor pairs was determined by sequence based typing (SBT) method. The nucleotide BLAST tool was used to compare the nucleotide sequences among recipient-donor pairs. RESULTS: Only 16.20% (88/537) of recipient-donor pairs were found to fully match for nucleotide sequences of all HLA-A,-B,-Cw, -DRB1 and -DQB1 loci. Mismatch rate in single locus were 8.38% in HLA-A, 0.74% in HLA-B, 12.29% in HLA-C, 2.42% in HLA-DRB1, and 2.79% in HLA-DQB1, respectively. Mismatch rate in two or multiple HLA loci was 42.65%. Nonpermissive allele mismatch combinations (A 02:01-A 02:06, A 02:06-A 02:07, Cw 03:04-Cw 15:02, Cw 03:03-Cw 04:01, Cw 03:04-Cw 14:02, Cw 03:03-Cw 08:01, DRB1 04:03:01-DRB1 04:05) were detected in single mismatch HLA locus of recipient-donor pairs, mismatches of B 07:05:01-B 07:06, Cw 07:01:01-Cw 07:06 combinations outside of epitope positions were detected in two recipient-donor pairs. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that attention should be paid in comparing nucleotide sequences between recipient and donor, and in distinguishing nucleotide sequence mismatches within and outside of the epitope positions. These results could serve as guidelines for donor selection.

[Endovascular management of symptomatic carotid stenosis combined with kinking].

OBJECTIVE: To study the necessity, feasibility, security of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for symptomatic carotid stenosis combined with kinking. METHODS: Twelve patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis and kinking demonstrated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) received CAS from December 2003 to December 2009. There were 9 male and 3 female patients, age ranged from 59 to 77 years (mean 69.3 years). All the patients' clinical, imaging, intervention and follow up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All CAS procedures were successfully performed with 14 self-expandable stents placed. The mean degree of stenosis was reduced from 85.6% before stenting to 11.2% after stenting, the angle of kinking, according to Metz' category, were improved from less than 90° to more than 120° in each case. No perioperative procedure related stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred. The clinical symptoms and signs of cerebral ischemia were improved or disappeared for all patients. During follow-up of these 12 patients for 6 to 72 months, one patient experienced ipsilateral carotid territory TIA and another patient experienced contralateral carotid territory TIA. DSA follow up of 5 patients demonstrated 1 case with in-stent restenosis and arterial kinking remote to the stent of internal carotid artery. CAS were performed again and CT angiography follow up demonstrated no kinking and restenosis 2 years after the intervention. Duplex scan of the other 7 patients demonstrated neither kinking nor restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: CAS seems to be feasible and safe for the patients with symptomatic kinking and stenosis, and maybe helpful to lower the risk of cerebral ischemia, but further study is needed.

[The utility of neuronavigation in the microsurgery for cerebral cavernous malformations].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of neuronavigation in the microsurgery for cerebral cavernous malformations. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 47 patients with cavernous malformations were involved from January 1995 to December 2010. Fourteen cases admitted into hospital from January 1995 to December 2002 were treated without neuronavigation (conventional group), the focus localization was based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, anatomic landmarks, and the experiences of the neurosurgeon. In the other 33 cases admitted after February 2002 to December 2010, surgeries were performed with neuronavigation using the Medtronic Stealth Station TREON or TRIA system (neuronavigation group). Excision of the cavernomas were all performed microsurgically, surrounding gliotic rim and hemosiderin stained tissue were resected in the case of epilepsy, and a few patients underwent extended hippocampal resection or multiple subpial transection. RESULTS: With the use of neuronavigation, the extent of craniotomy reduced from 5.2 cm to 3.6 cm (P < 0.01), and deeper cavernoma focuses could be treated surgically. There were no changes with regard to the mean size of the cavernomas, the mean time of surgery and hospital stay (P > 0.05), but the mean time of anaesthesia was prolonged from 164 min to 197 min (P < 0.01). Cavernomas were resected completely in all 47 cases, which was confirmed by postoperative MRI recheck. The conditions of all patients were improved or remain unchanged, and no significant differences in the clinical outcome could be evaluated between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Application of neuronavigation-assisted microsurgery of intracranial cavernous malformations surgery, helps reduce the surgical trauma, and has security and reliability.

Sirt1 inhibits kidney stones formation by attenuating calcium oxalate-induced cell injury.

Cell injury is a necessary and critical event during CaOx kidney stone formation. Sirt1 exerts a number of pleiotropic effects, protecting against renal cell injury. This study aims to explore the relationship between Sirt1 and CaOx kidney stone formation and the underlying mechanism. Sirt1 expression in renal tissues or HK-2 cells was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis in renal tissues was examined by TUNEL staining. Renal pathological changes and the crystals deposition were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and Von Kossa staining. Crystal-cell adhesion and cell injury in HK-2 cells were assessed by atomic absorption spectrometry and flow cytometry, respectively. Sirt1 expression in nephrolithiasis patients was downregulated and the level of apoptosis was increased. Further study found that Sirt1 expression was decreased in both in vivo and in vitro models. Interestingly, the levels of cell injury were elevated in vivo and in vitro models. Suppressing Sirt1 expression promoted COM-induced crystal-cell adhesion and exacerbated cell injury. In contrast, increasing the expression of Sirt1 by lentivirus transfection in vitro and resveratrol administration in vivo, alleviated crystal deposition and cell damage. Our findings suggest that Sirt1 could inhibit kidney stone formation, at least in part, through attenuating CaOx -induced cell injury.