Simple Synthesis of [18F] AV-45 and its Clinical Application in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: [18F] AV-45 can be produced in a simple, stable, and repeatable manner on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform using a self-editing synthetic procedure and solid-phase extraction purification method. This technique is applied to positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to observe its distribution and characteristics in various brain regions and its diagnostic efficiency for the disease. METHODS: The precursor was subjected to nucleophilic radiofluorination at 120°C in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide, followed by acid hydrolysis of the protecting groups. The neutralized reaction mixture was purified by solid phase extraction to obtain a relatively pure [18F] AV-45 product with a high specific activity. A total of 10 participants who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD group) and 10 healthy controls (HC group) were included retrospectively. All of them underwent [18F] AV-45 brain PET/CT imaging. The distribution of [18F] AV-45 in the AD group was analyzed visually and semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: Six consecutive radiochemical syntheses were performed in this experiment. The average production time of [18F] AV-45 was 52 minutes, the radiochemical yield was 14.2 % ± 2.7% (n = 6), and the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%. When used with PET/CT imaging, the results of the visual analysis indicated increased [18F] AV-45 radioactivity uptake in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes in AD patients. Semiquantitative analysis showed the highest diagnostic efficacy in the posterior cingulate gyrus compared with other brain regions (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intravenous [18F] AV-45 was successfully prepared on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform by solid-phase extraction of crude product and automated radiochemical synthesis. PET/CT imaging can be used to diagnose and evaluate AD patients and provide a more robust basis for clinicians to diagnose AD.

Bevacizumab reduces peritumoral brain edema in lung cancer brain metastases after radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab (Bev) in reducing peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for lung cancer brain metastases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients with lung cancer brain metastases (70 lesions) who were admitted to our oncology and Gamma Knife center from January 2020 to May 2022. All patients received intracranial SRT and had PTBE. Based on treatment with Bev, patients were categorized as SRT + Bev and SRT groups. Follow-up head magnetic resonance imaging was performed to calculate PTBE and tumor volume changes. The edema index (EI) was used to assess the severity of PTBE. Additionally, the extent of tumor reduction and intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The SRT + Bev group showed a statistically significant difference in EI values before and after radiotherapy (p = 0.0115), with lower values observed after treatment, but there was no difference in the SRT group (p = 0.4008). There was a difference in the distribution of EI grades in the SRT + Bev group (p = 0.0186), with an increased proportion of patients at grades 1-2 after radiotherapy, while there was no difference in the SRT group (p > 0.9999). Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor volume after radiotherapy (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in tumor volume changes between the two groups (p = 0.4089). There was no difference in intracranial PFS between the two groups (p = 0.1541). CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab significantly reduces the severity of PTBE after radiotherapy for lung cancer. However, its impact on tumor volume reduction and intracranial PFS does not reach statistical significance.

Gapless quantum spin liquid and global phase diagram of the spin-1/2 J1-J2 square antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model.

The nature of the zero-temperature phase diagram of the spin-1/2J1-J2 Heisenberg model on a square lattice has been debated in the past three decades, and it remains one of the fundamental problems unsettled in the study of quantum many-body theory. By using the state-of-the-art tensor network method, specifically, the finite projected entangled pair state (PEPS) algorithm, to simulate the global phase diagram of the J1-J2 Heisenberg model up to 24×24 sites, we provide very solid evidences to show that the nature of the intermediate nonmagnetic phase is a gapless quantum spin liquid (QSL), whose spin-spin and dimer-dimer correlations both decay with a power law behavior. There also exists a valence-bond solid (VBS) phase in a very narrow region 0.56≲J2/J1≤0.61 before the system enters the well known collinear antiferromagnetic phase. We stress that we make the first detailed comparison between the results of PEPS and the well-established density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method through one-to-one direct benchmark for small system sizes, and thus give rise to a very solid PEPS calculation beyond DMRG. Our numerical evidences explicitly demonstrate the huge power of PEPS for highly frustrated spin systems. Finally, an effective field theory is also proposed to understand the physical nature of the discovered gapless QSL and its relation to deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP).

Optimization of Automatic Synthesis and Separation of [18F] AV-45 and Quality Control.

Objective: Based on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform, a synthesis program and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification program edited by us can stably and repeatedly produce [18F] AV-45 without changing the process. The [18F] AV-45 produced meets the main indexes of radiopharmaceutical intravenous preparations. Methods: The O-toluene sulfonated precursor (1 mg) was subjected to nucleophilic radiofluorination at 115°C in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then the protective group was hydrolyzed by acid. The neutralized reaction mixture was purified through a preparative HPLC then formulated for injection using a C18 purification cartridge. This method yielded a relatively pure [18F] AV-45 product with high specific activity. Results: Four consecutive radiochemical synthesis operations were carried out in this experiment; the average production time of [18F] AV-45 preparation was 60 min, the radiochemical yield was 14.8 ± 2.1% (n = 4), the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%, and the other important quality control indexes met the requirements of radioactive drugs for intravenous administration. Conclusion: This experiment was based on the Tracerlab FXF-N platform with the synthesis program and preparative HPLC purification program edited by us. Through screening and optimization of the separation and purification system and the separation and analysis system, as well as automatic radiochemical synthesis and preparation quality control, intravenous [18F] AV-45 was successfully prepared.

[Clinical study on new risk assessment and prediction system for early osteonecrosis of the femoral head].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a risk assessment and prediction system for early osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in order to predict the collapse risk. METHODS: The risk assessment system for early necrosis and collapse of femoral head was established based on the combination of Steinberg stage, ABC typing and the proportion of the proximal sclerotic rim. Firstly, Steinberg stage system was applied. ABC typing was applied to predict risk in stage I, type C was risk free, type B was low risk, type A and type BC were medium risk, type A-C and type AB were high risk. The classification of proximal sclerotic rim was first applied when the Steinberg stage was Ⅱ-Ⅲ, and type 2 was expected to be low risk. If the classification of proximal sclerotic rimwas type 1, then the ABC typing was applied, type C was risk-free, type B was low risk, type A and type BC were medium risk, type A-C and type AB were high risk. According to this prediction system, the collapse risk of femoral head in 188 cases(301 hips) were predicted by retrospective analysis. All the hips were enrolled at the out-patient department of orthopedic in Guang'anmen Hospital attached to China Academy of Chinese Medical Science. The consistency of the prediction results of three doctors and one doctor at different times were evaluated. RESULTS: Among them, 136 cases were male, 52 were female. 75 cases were single hip, 113 were double hip. The age of the patients wa 19 to 64(42.61±12.07) years. The natural course of disease was 0.33 to 5.00(3.62±1.93) years. 206 hips in 301 hips had collapsed, with a collapse rate of 68.44%. In the risk-free group, none hip had collapsed, with a collapse rate of 0%. In the low-risk group, 9 hip in 91 hips had collapsed, with a collapse rate of 9.89%. In the medium-risk group, 12 hip in 19 hips had collapsed, with a collapse rate of 63.16%. And in the high risk group, 185 hips in 190 hips had collapsed, with a collapse rate of 97.37%. They were significantly differences in their collapse rate (P=0.00) in the following order:high-risk group> medium-risk > low-risk group > risk-free group. The prediction value of the system was high (AUC=0.95, P=0.00). The results predicted by different doctors were consistent (ICC=0.94, P=0.00), and the results predicted by the same doctor at two different times were consistent (Kappa coefficient =0.90, P=0.00). CONCLUSION: The risk assessment and prediction system for early ONFH selects different methods to predict the risk of collapse according to the imaging characteristics of different stages, which is combines with the comprehensive assessment of multiple risk factors. The system is applicable to a wide range, simple operation and convenient for clinical application.

An enzyme free fluorescence resonance transfer strategy based on hybrid chain reaction and triplex DNA for Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

In this work, an enzyme-free fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy was established for rapid and specific detection of the DNA sequence from Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification and triplex DNA. The triplex forming oligonucleotide (TFO) was labelled with carboxyfluorescein (FAM) as fluorescence donor, and hairpin sequence H1 was labelled by tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) as fluorescence receptor. In the present target VP DNA, the hairpin structure of molecular beacon (MB) was opened, the free end was released and hybridized with H1-TAMRA, and the HCR reaction was triggered by the alternate supplementation of H1-TAMRA and H2 to produce the notch double helix analogue. After the addition of TFO-FAM, a triplex structure was formed between HCR products (H1-TAMRA/H2) and TFO-FAM. A close contact between the donor and the receptor resulted in FRET. Under the optimal conditions, the fluorescence quenching value was inversely proportional to the concentration of target VP DNA in the range of 0.1-50 nmol L-1, and the detection limit was 35 pmol L-1.

Progress on Mutator superfamily.

Transposable elements (TEs) are fragments of DNA sequence, which can mobile from one locus to another within a genome, often replication in the process. Occupying the main component of the genome, TEs can affect the structure and function of gene and/or genome in a variety of ways, and play an important role in the evolution of the host. Based on the transposition intermediate, eukaryotic TEs can be divided into two classes. The Mutator superfamily is found in maize (Zea may L.) in the 1970s. As the member of class II elements, Mutator superfamily transposons are found in all eukaryote genomes and contain many families with clearly distinguishable genetic characteristics. In addition, these TEs transpose at high rates and preferentially insert in gene-rich and low-repetitive genomic regions leading to the rapid generation of massive novel mutations, therefore, they are in great use of both forward and reverse genetics researches. In this review, we summarize the classification, structure characteristic, transposition mechanism, insertion preference and TSD sequence and other autonomous MULEs in maize. Moreover, we discuss the problems faced in TEs' research and research directions in the future, with a view to discuss possible breakthroughs, future development directions and significant impacts with colleagues in the related research field..

Biological characteristics of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis.

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) for cerebral alveolar echinococcosis (CAE).Twenty-five CAE patients underwent F-FDG PET/CT, and the diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and surgical pathology. The F-FDG PET/CT results were subject to visual and semiquantitative analysis, and the difference in F-FDG SUVmax for lesions among the 3 types of CAE was evaluated.In the 25 CAE patients, 62 lesions were detected by F-FDG PET/CT, and these lesions were classified into 3 types, according to the characteristics of the lesion's uptake of F-FDG on PET images: type I, 17 lesions, FDG was concentrated into a mass radioactive distribution in the CAE foci; type II, 28 lesions, FDG presented a annular concentrated radioactive distribution around the CAE foci; type III, 17 lesions, FDG in the CAE foci presented a radioactive distribution with defects and sparse areas. The difference in F-FDG SUVmax between type I and type II CAE was not statistically significant (P > .05), the difference in F-FDG SUVmax between type I and type III CAE was statistically significant (P < .001), and the difference in F-FDG SUVmax between type II and type III CAE was statistically significant (P < .001);The F-FDG PET manifestations of CAE are classified into 3 types. Both type I and type II may have invasive activity, while the lesions of type III CAE show that the focus is relatively stable or at a stationary phase. If there are no definite alveolar echinococcus focus in other sites, these patients can temporarily delay the treatment. It is recommended that the patient should undergo whole body PET/CT once a year to dynamically observe the bioactivity and size of type III CAE lesions and assess the presence of new echinococcus lesions in the rest of the body.

DNA sensors to assess the effect of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms on warfarin dose requirement in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.

The optimal dose of warfarin depends on polymorphisms in the VKORC1 (the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit (1) and CYP2C9 (cytochrome P450 2C9) genes. To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, warfarin dosages should be adjusted according to results from rapid and simple monitoring methods. However, there are few pharmacogenetic-guided warfarin dosing algorithms that are based on large cohorts from the Chinese population, especially patients with atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to validate a pharmacogenetic-guided warfarin dosing algorithm based on results from a new rapid electrochemical detection method used in a multicenter study. Three SNPs (CYP2C9 *2, *3 and VKORC1 c.-1639G > A) were genotyped by electrochemical detection using a sandwich-type format that included a 3' short thiol capture probe and a 5' ferrocene-labeled signal probe. A total of 1285 samples from four clinical hospitals were evaluated. Concordance rates between the results from the electrochemical DNA biosensor and the sequencing test were 99.8%. The results for gene distribution showed that most Chinese patients had higher warfarin susceptibility because mutant-type and heterozygotes were present in the majority of subjects (99.4%) at locus c.-1639G > A. When the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium algorithm was used to estimate therapeutic dosages for 362 patients with AF and the values were compared with their actual dosages, the results revealed that 56.9% were similar to actual dosages (within the 20% range). A novel electrochemical detection method of CYP2C9 *2, *3and VKORC1 c.-1639G > A alleles was evaluated. The warfarin dosing algorithm based on data gathered from a large patient cohort can facilitate the reasonable and effective use of warfarin in Chinese patients with AF.

[Case-control study on the treatmentof the fifth metatarsal base fractures by cardboard compression pad versus short leg plaster].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect,safety,and advantage of flexible fixation with paperboard and pad versus short leg plaster in treating the fifth metatarsal base fracture,and establish the standard of diagnosis and treatment of the fifth metatarsal base fractures in flexible fixation with paperboard and pad. METHODS: From June 2010 to March 2013,59 patients with the fifth metatarsal base fracture were treated with paperboard and pad fixation or short leg plaster. Patients were enrolled and divided into paperboard and pad treatment group (paperboard group) and short leg plaster treatment group (plaster group) randomly according to the random number table. In paperboard group,there were 29 cases including 9 males and 20 females with an average age of (51.79±11.40) years old; the average course of injury was (11.59±6.58) hours. In plaster group, there were 30 cases including 9 males and 21 females with an average age of (52.13+17.34) years old ;the average course of injury was (11.03±7.06) hours. According to whether the fracture line across the articular surface, in paperboard group there were 14 cases of type A,15 of type B; in plaster group,16 of type A, 14 of type B. According to the degree of dislocation,in paperboard group there were 16 cases of degree I ,13 of degree II ; in plaster group,20 were degree I ,10 were degree II. Fracture was restored according to the type in manual. Patients in paperboard group were treated with paperboard and pad, and patients in plaster group were treated with short leg plaster. Fracture was fixed for 4 to 6 weeks according to fracture healing. On the 2nd, 4th,6th, 8th week and 3rd, 6th month after fixation, patients were followed up, and the foot function score was used to evaluate the function of injured foot. X-ray of injured foot was taken on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week were used to assess fracture healing. RESULTS: All patients got complete follow-up. The X-ray result showed that all fracture reached at clinical healing on the 8th week after fixation without skin ulcer,nonunion and displacement of fracture. From the 4th to 8th week after fixation, paperboard group had a higher X-ray score than plaster group, but the difference between two groups had no statistically significance. Repeated analysis result showed that there was interact at different time point and between groups,the difference had statistically significance (P<0.01). The foot function score showed that at all time point, paperboard group had a higher score than plaster group, and on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th week, it had statistically significant difference(P<0.01) between two groups. On the 6th months after fixation,the excellent and good rate of paperboard group was 93.10%, higher than that of plaster group, which was 86.67%. But it had no statistically difference(P=0.483) between two groups. CONCLUSION: Using paperboard and pad fixation to treat the fifth metatarsal base fracture has the advantage of simplicity operating,reliable fixation, satisfactory effects, easily obtainable material.

[Clinical observation of jianpi bushen formula to prevent collapse of osteonecrosis of femoral head].

To observe the clinical effect of Jianpi Bushen formula to prevent the collapse of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) of type phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. 50 cases (including 73 hips) of non-collapse ONFH (ARCO I, II, III a) were selected from the out-patient department of orthopedic in Guang'anmen Hospital attached to China Academy of Chinese Medical Science. All the cases fit for diagnostic criteria were given Jianpi Bushen formula and followed up. Staging criteria was ARCO classification. Harris score evaluated the hip function. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 years (3-5.4 years). After a mean of 4.2 years (3-5.4 years) followed-up, 12 hips collapse occurred while 61 hips not (the non-collapse rate was 83.56%). Collapse did not occurred among the all 7 hips at stage ARCO I (the non-collapse rate was 100%). Among the 49 hips at stage ARCO II, 9 hips collapse occurred while 40 hips not (the non-collapse rate was 81.63%). Among the 17 hips at stage ARCO III a, 3 hips collapse occurred while 14 hips not (the non-collapse rate was 82.35%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the average survival time of non-collapse was 5 years (4. 8-5.2 years). The 3 year survival rate of non-collapse was 92.5%. The 4 year survival rate was 74% and the condition tended to be stability trend. The Harris score was 71.93 +/- 11.25 before treatment and 81.63 +/- 12.16 after treatment, significantly different. These results suggest that: Jianpi Bushen formula is an effective method for treating ONFH of type phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. It can delay or prevent the collapse of femoral head and significantly improve the hip function.

[Research on the distribution difference of MRI signals in osteonecrosis of the femoral head patients of different TCM syndrome types].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the distribution difference of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) patients of different TCM syndrome types. METHODS: Recruited 29 ONFH patients were assigned to the tendon and vessel stagnation group (14 cases) and the Gan-Shen deficiency group (15 cases) according to TCM syndrome typing. The distribution difference of their MRI signals of MRIT1WI, T2WI + fs, T1 and T2 combined signal were compared. RESULTS: There was statistical difference in T1W1 signal distribution between the two TCM syndrome types (P = 0.04). There was no statistical difference in T2WI + fs or T1 and T2 combined signal between the two TCM syndrome types (P = 0.42, P = 0.15). MRI signals in the tendon and vessel stagnation group were mainly manifested as fat-like signals,while they were mainly manifested as mixed signals in the Gan-Shen deficiency group. CONCLUSION: Distribution difference of MRI signals exists between ONFH patients of different TCM syndrome types.

A study on the correlativity of MRI signal classifications with TCM syndromes in femoral head necrosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the relation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal classifications and TCM syndromes in femoral head necrosis patients, so as to provide reference for TCM diagnosis of this disease. METHODS: Refering to the criteria for TCM syndrome types of necrosis of the femoral head described in "The Guiding Principles of Clinical Studies of New Chinese Drugs" and Shimizu and Mitchell's MRI signal classifications, MRI signal classifications between different TCM syndrome types were compared. RESULTS: The Shimizu signal classification of different TCM syndrome types had statistically significant difference (P = 0.04); Both T2WI+fs and Mitchell signal classifications of different TCM syndrome types had no statistical by significant differences (P = 0.42 or P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: There is a certain correlativity of TCM syndrome types of necrosis of the femoral head with T1WI signal classification of MRI. MRI signal classification may contribute to objectivity in TCM syndrome typing of this disease.

[Study on the relationship between clinical syndromes and X-ray manifestation of knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between clinical syndromes and X-ray manifestation of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients (108 knees) with KOA from out-patient clinic of orthopedic were collected, aged from 41 to 77, including 65 females (89 knees) and 13 males (19 knees). Questionnair investigation of Lequesne index was performed among all these patients and the Lequesne index was calculated. And all these patients were divided into two groups, mild group (Lequesne index < or = 8) and severe group (Lequesne index > 8). Weight-bearing anteriorposterior and lateral plain film of knee joint and patellofemoral Skyline plain flim was taken. Joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, subchondral osteosclerosis and subchondral cystic degeneration were evaluated. The lower limb alignment and lateral patella angle were detected. The correlation of the Lequesne index and X-ray manifestation was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences between mild and severe groups in the following indexes: lateral tibiofemoral joint space narrowing, the medial retropatellar space narrowing, medial and lateral tibia osteophytes, medial and tibial femur femur osteophytes, medial and lateral trochlea osteophytes, lateral patella osteophytes, tibia introcondylar osteophytes (P<0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the lateral femur osteophytes were the most important radiologic manifestation to evaluate the severity degree of KOA,with the minimum associated probability (0.009) and the maximum wald value (6.779). CONCLUSION: When evaluating the severity degree of KOA,the joint space narrowing and osteophytes are the most sigenificant radiologic manifestation which includs the lateral tibiofemoral joint space narrowing, the medial retropatellar space narrowing, medial and lateral tibia osteophytes, medial and lateral femur osteophytes, medial and lateral trochlea osteophytes, lateral patella osteophyte, tibial intercondylar osteophyte.

Expression of certain HLA-I types in cleavage-stage embryos.

This study examined the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and HLA-I (which includes HLA-A, -B, -C, -E and -F, but is without HLA-G) in the cleavage embryo and its supernatant, and related the results to embryo development including growth rate and grade. In total, 136 day-3 cleavage embryos were used for detection of HLA-G and 24 embryos for HLA-I without HLA-G by immunohistochemistry. The expression of HLA-I was examined by western blot in the lysates of a further 63 day-3 cleavage embryos; soluble HLA-I in the culture supernatant of embryos with detectable HLA-I was also examined by western blot. It was found that 90 of 136 (66.2%) cleavage embryos expressed HLA-G, whereas 23 of 24 (95.8%) embryos expressed HLA-I without HLA-G. HLA-G expression typically showed an even and symmetrical pattern of distribution in each blastomere. HLA-I without HLA-G in cleavage-stage embryos is typically scattered around the blastomere surface. The expression of HLA-G but without HLA-I in cleavage-stage embryos was significantly associated with embryo grade (P < 0.001) and cell number (P = 0.03). In conclusion, HLA-I is expressed on day-3 cleavage embryos, and HLA-G expression on preimplantation embryos is related to embryo development, including embryo growth rate and embryo grade.

Modified vitrification method for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissues.

BACKGROUND: Vitrification is a prospective technology in ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but it is still in an initial stage. This study was conducted to investigate a modified vitrification protocol for human ovarian tissue, which can be used as an alternative to preserve fertility for young women with cancer who have to undergo cytotoxic therapy and sterilization. METHODS: Ovarian tissue samples were collected from 15 patients and randomly allocated to groups of fresh, vitrification, and conventional slow freezing. A modified carrierless vitrification method was applied. The proportion of morphologically intact follicles in fresh ovarian tissues was compared with that in warmed/thawed tissues. The initial growth of the follicles and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were detected to determine the viability and endocrine function of the cryopreserved tissues. RESULTS: The proportion of morphologically intact primordial follicles in the fresh group (97.6%) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (vitrification group 80.3% and slow-freezing group 72.6%, P < 0.001). In both the vitrification and slow-freezing groups, estradiol and progesterone were secreted continuously during 2-week culture in vitro, the proportion of primary follicles were both significantly increased compared to the fresh group. No statistically significant differences existed between the two groups after cryopreservation in the proportion of both primordial and primary follicles, and the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The modified vitrification method for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissues is effective, simple, and inexpensive.

[Mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma. METHODS: The clinical features, operative techniques, and outcome of 36 patients with pituitary adenoma were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Tumors were totally removed in 28 cases, and subtotally resected in 8 patients. No patient died after the operation. Endocrine symptom of 31 patients returned to the normal level, the symptom of the other 5 cases were improved. Thirty patients with visual field defects recovered after the operation. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in one patient, and was cured with conservative treatment in 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach can make use of the natural space of the nasal cavity, which has many advantages, such as direct approach, short operative time, minimal invasion, and few complications. It is a effective transsphenoidal surgical approach.