[Neurocognitive impairment and characteristics of neurocognitive performance among people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment].

Objective: Using two measuring tools to examine the prevalence and correlates of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) as well as characteristics of neurocognitive performance among people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods: A total of 2 250 treated PWH from the Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART) were recruited in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. The Chinese version of the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) were used to evaluate their neurocognitive performance. Cluster analysis was conducted on the seven cognitive domains in the scale. Results: Among 2 250 treated PWH, 48.0% (1 080/2 250) were aged 45 to 89, 79.2% (1 782/2 250) were male, and 37.8% (852/2 250) had primary school education or below. The prevalence of neurocognitive impairment judged by MMSE and IHDS among HIV-infected people was 14.3% (321/2 250) and 31.8% (716/2 250), respectively. Aged 60 to 89 (aOR=2.63, 95%CI:1.52-4.56), depressive symptoms (aOR=5.58, 95%CI:4.20-7.40) and treatment with EFV (aOR=2.86, 95%CI:1.89-4.34) were main risk factors of NCI diagnosed by MMSE. Male (aOR=0.71, 95%CI:0.51-1.00), overweight (aOR=0.63, 95%CI:0.44-0.89), and high education level (aOR=0.11, 95%CI:0.05-0.25) were protective factors of NCI diagnosed by MMSE. Aged 60 to 89 (aOR=3.10, 95%CI:2.09-4.59), depressive symptoms (aOR=1.78, 95%CI:1.44-2.20) and treatment with EFV (aOR=1.79, 95%CI:1.41-2.29) were risk factors of NCI diagnosed by IHDS. Male (aOR=0.75, 95%CI:0.58-0.97), underweight (aOR=0.67, 95%CI:0.47-0.96), baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4) counts ≥350 cells/µl (aOR=0.69, 95%CI:0.53-0.91) and high education level (aOR=0.23, 95%CI:0.14-0.39) were protective factors of NCI diagnosed by IHDS. The neurocognitive performance of HIV-infected people can be divided into four main types. Among four types, age, gender, education level, alcohol drinking, depressive symptoms, waist-to-hip ratio, hypertension, diabetes, baseline CD4 counts and treatment with EFV were different statistically (all P<0.05). Conclusions: There are four main types of neurocognitive performance in treated PWH. The prevalence of NCI is high among this population, underscoring the need for tailored prevention and intervention.

[Progress of schistosomiasis control in People's Republic of China in 2021].

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in the People's Republic of China at a national level in 2021. Among the 12 provinces (municipality and autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis in China, Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region continued to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination, and Sichuan and Jiangsu provinces maintained the criteria of transmission interruption, while Yunnan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces maintained the criteria of transmission control by the end of 2021. A total of 451 counties (cites, districts) were found to be endemic for schistosomiasis in China in 2021, with 27 571 endemic villages covering 73 250 600 people at risk of infections. Among the 451 endemic counties (cities, districts), 75.17% (339/451), 22.17% (100/451) and 2.66% (12/451) achieved the criteria of elimination, transmission interruption and transmission control of schistosomiasis, respectively. By the end of 2021, 29 037 cases with advanced schistosomiasis were documented in China. In 2021, 4 405 056 individuals received serological tests and 72 937 were sero-positive. A total of 220 629 individuals received stool examinations and 3 were positive. In 2021, snail survey was performed in 19 291 endemic villages in China and Oncomelania snails were found in 7 026 villages, accounting for 36.42% of all surveyed villages, with 12 villages identified with emerging snail habitats. Snail survey was performed at an area of 686 574.46 hm2 and 191 159.91 hm2 snail habitats were found, including 1 063.08 hm2 emerging snail habitats and 5 113.87 hm2 reemerging snail habitats. In 2021, 525 878 bovines were raised in the schistosomiasis endemic areas of China, and 115 437 received serological examinations, with 231 positives detected. Among the 128 719 bovines received stool examinations, no positives were identified. In 2021, there were 19 927 schistosomiasis patients receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and 729 113 person-time individuals and 256 913 herd-time bovines were given expanded chemotherapy. In 2021, snail control with chemicals was performed in 117 372.74 hm2 snail habitats, and the actual area of chemical treatment was 65 640.50 hm2, while environmental improvements were performed in snail habitats covering an area of 1 244.25 hm2. Data from the national schistosomiasis surveillance sites of China showed that the mean prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections were both zero in humans and bovines in 2021, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in snails. The results demonstrate that the overall endemic status of schistosomiasis remained at a low level in China in 2021; however, the progress towards schistosomiasis elimination was slowed and the areas of snail habitats rebounded mildly. Strengthening researches on snail diffusion and control, and improving schistosomiasis surveillance and forecast are recommended to prevent reemerging schistosomiasis.

[Current status and challenges for taeniasis and cysticercosis control in China].

In the WHO new road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, the disease-specific targets are classified into control, elimination as a public health problem, elimination and eradication, and taeniasis and cysticercosis are targeted for control. The overall prevalence of taeniasis and cysticercosis is low in China, and varies remarkably in regions and populations; however, there are many challenges for elimination of taeniasis and cysticercosis in China. Based on previous taeniasis and cysticercosis control programs, developing a sensitive taeniasis and cysticercosis surveillance-response system, updating criteria for diagnosis of taeniasis and cysticercosis, proposing a national guideline for treatment of taeniasis and cysticercosis, and strengthening interdisciplinary and intersectoral communications and collaborations are urgently needed under the One Health concept.

[Endemic status of schistosomiasis in People's Republic of China in 2019].

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China at a national level in 2019, and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and 455 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites. Among the 12 provinces (municipality and autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis in China, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi continued to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination, Sichuan Province achieved transmission interruption, Jiangsu newly achieved the standard of transmission interruption and 5 provinces of Yunnan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan maintained transmission control by the end of 2019. There were 450 endemic counties (cities, districts) endemic for schistosomiasis, including 28 500 endemic villages covering 70 667 800 people at risk of infections. Among the 450 endemic counties (citis, districts), 66.89% (301/450), 28.44% (128/450) and 4.67% (21/450) kept the criteria of elimination, transmission interruption and transmission control of schistosomiasis, respectively. By the end of 2019, a total of 30 170 advanced schistosomiasis cases were documented in China. In 2019, a total of 12 090 712 individuals received inquiry examinations and 1 740 764 were positive; 5 158 369 individuals received serological tests and 89 753 were seropositive. A total of 327 475 individuals received stool examinations and 5 were positive, including one case of acute schistosomiasis. In 2019, snail survey was performed in 19 726 endemic villages in China and Oncomelania snails were found in 7 322 villages, accounting for 37.12% of all surveyed villages, with 6 villages with emerging snail habitats. Snail survey covered an area of 585 286.24 hm2 and 174 270.42 hm2 snail habitats were found, including emerging snail habitats of 64.20 hm2; however, no infected snails were identified. In 2019, a total of 605 965 bovines were raised in the schistosomiasis endemic areas of China, and 183 313 received serological examinations, with 1 176 positives detected, while 134 978 bovines received stool examinations, with 7 positives identified. In 2019, there were 28 557 patients with schistosomiasis receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and expanded chemotherapy was given to 1 008 083 person-times; there were 7 bovines with schistosomiasis receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and 296 053 herd-times expanded chemotherapy was given to bovines. In 2019, snail habitats at an area of 128 754.26 hm2 were given chemical treatment, and the actual area of chemical treatment was 69 605.55 hm2, while environmental improvements were performed in snail habitats covering an area of 2 847.00 hm2. Data from the 455 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites of China showed that the mean Schistosoma japonicum infection rates were both zero in humans and bovines in 2019, and no infected snails were found. The results demonstrate that the overall endemic situation of schistosomiasis remains at a lower infection level in China; however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission. To achieve the target set in the National Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control and consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control, precision control on schistosomiasis still needs to be reinforced in China.

[Strategy for the South-South cooperation on schistosomiasis control under the Belt and Road Initiative].

Following the concerted efforts for nearly 70 years, great successes have been achieved in the national schistosomiasis control programme in China. Currently, the national schistosomiasis control programme in China is facing the challenges to solve the problems during the"final mile"stage towards schistosomiasis elimination, and contribute Chinese experiences, Chinese strategy and Chinese wisdom to the global schistosomiasis control programmes, so as to facilitate the transformation of the joint efforts in the Belt and Road Initiative to a high-quality development, thereby well supporting the activities on global health security. This paper analyzes the current global status of schistosomiasis and the challenges of the global schistosomiasis control programmes, describes the basis for the cooperation on schistosomiasis control among the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, illustrates the challenges for translation of Chinese experiences and techniques in schistosomiasis control to other diseaseendemic countries, and proposes the patterns and prospects of the South-South cooperation on schistosomiasis control under the Belt and Road Initiative.

[Operative effect and treatment strategies for the low distal humerus fracture].

Objective: To explore the operative effect and treatment strategies for the low distal humerus fracture. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with the low distal humerus fracture between January 2016 and January 2018 at Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University.All fractures were coronal fractures of humeral head, partly combined fractures of humeral trochlea or posterior part. Fractures were classified according to Dubberley classification as 9 cases in type Ⅰ, 3 cases in typeⅡ and 4 cases in type Ⅲ.Selection of the kind of operative approach and internal fixation was made according to the fracture type and shape. For simple coronal fractures of humeral head or combining humeral trochlea fractures, which were relatively stable, single or multiple countersunk screws fixation by the lateral approach were chosen.For humeral head coronal fractures, which combining obviously displaced comminuted humeral trochlea factures, posterolateral locking plates and countersunk screws internal fixation by the olecranon osteotomy approach were chosen. The incision and elbow soft tissues were observed within 2 weeks after operation.The radiographic evaluation of fracture reduction, bone healing, internal fixation, arthritis and elbow range of motion were made at 3, 6, 12 months after operation. The Mayo elbow functional scores were documented for analysis of elbow joint function, and compared between different surgery groups by Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: The follow-up time was (22.1±9.2)months(range: 15 to 39 months). The incisions healed well in 2 weeks after operation without soft tissue infection, necrosis or vascular complications. There was no fracture reduction loss or internal fixation loosening according to radiographic evaluation 3 months after operation. One case of ectopic ossification was observed 6 months after operation and inhibited by the treatment of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.One case of ulnar neuritis occurred after operation and released after removing the long screw and loosing the ulnar.Osteoarthritis images were observed at the end of follow-up.Arc of motion was (120.4±11.2) ° in flexion and (5.5±1.9) ° in extension. The Mayo score was 88.7±9.1, including 11 excellent, 4 good, and 1 fair.The Mayo score was 90.1±3.7 in Dubberley classification type Ⅰcases, 89.7±4.6 in type Ⅱ cases and 84.5±5.8 in type Ⅲ cases. There were no significant differences in Mayo scores between 3 types cases according to Kruskal-Wallis H test. Conclusion: Choosing the appropriate surgical approach and composite internal fixation according to the fracture types and shapes of low distal humerus fracture, anatomic reduction of the articular surface and early functional exercise are the keys to obtain ideal curative effect.

Effect of in ovo feeding of vitamin C on antioxidation and immune function of broiler chickens.

Hypoimmunity and numerous stresses are two major challenges in broiler industry. Nutrient intervention at the specific time of embryonic stage is a feasible way to improve animal performance. This study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of vitamin C at embryonic age 15th day (E15) on growth performance, antioxidation and immune function of broilers. A total of 240 broiler fertile eggs were randomly divided into two groups (0 and 3 mg injected dose of vitamin C at E15), and new-hatched chicks from each treatment were randomly allocated into six replicates with 10 chicks per replicate after incubation. The results indicated that in ovo vitamin C injection improved the hatchability (P < 0.05) and increased immunoglobulin M (IgM) (at the broiler's age 1st day, D1), IgG and IgM concentrations (D21), as well as lysozyme activity (D21, P < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (D42, P < 0.01) in plasma of broilers. On D21, the splenic expression level of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was up-regulated in vitamin C (VC) group, whereas interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ, ten-eleven translocation protein 1 and thymine-DNA glycosylase were down-regulated (P < 0.05). On D42, in ovo vitamin C injection up-regulated splenic expression levels of DNMT1, DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) and growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein beta (P < 0.05), whereas down-regulated splenic expression levels of IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 4 (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that IOF of 3 mg vitamin C at E15 could improve, to some extent, the antioxidant activity and immune function in plasma, corresponding with the lower expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in spleen. However, IOF of vitamin C leading to the changes in the expression of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases may suggest an increased trend of DNA methylation level in spleen and whether DNA methylation variation is associated with the lower expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in spleen warrants future study.

[Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after successful treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a report of four cases and literature review].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs) after successful treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) . Methods: Clinical data of 4 patients, diagnosed as t-MNs secondary to APL at Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from October 2012 to January 2019, were collected retrospectively. T-MNs related literature was reviewed. Results: The 4 cases were all females, with the median age 42 (range 40-53) years old at the diagnosis of APL. Regarding the induction and consolidation regimens, 3 patients received all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) combined with anthracycline/anthraquinone and/or cytosine. One patient only received ATRA and other auxiliary drugs. Alkylating agents were not administrated. The 4 patients developed t-MNs 40 to 43 months after complete remission (CR) of APL, including 1 case of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and 3 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) . The PML-RARα fusion genes were all negative when t-MNs developed. The three patients with t-AML were treated with 3 to 4 re-induction regimens, one of whom underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) after complete remission (CR) . One patient with t-MDS received hypomethylating agents. After a median follow-up of 54.5 (48-62) months, 2 patients with t-AML died, the median overall survival after t-MN was 12 (5-18) months. From 1989 to 2018, a total of 63 t-MN cases were reported in the literature. Therefore, 67 cases were analyzed when four patients in our center were added, including 27 males and 40 females with median age 52.5 (15-76) years. The median latency was 39 (12-126) months and the median overall survival after diagnosis of t-MN was 10 (1-39) months. Conclusions: Although rare, t-MNs may occur after successful control of APL. There are no existing guidelines for prevention and treatment of t-MNs, which have very poor prognosis. If cytopenia or other abnormalities of peripheral blood cells develop after 3 years of APL, t-MNs should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

[Research advances in the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and its inhibitors in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase in the downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) family. This kinase plays an important role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preclinical data demonstrate that 40%-50% of HCC patients have dysregulated expression of the effectors of the mTOR signaling pathway, and the activation of the mTOR pathway is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, early tumor recurrence, and poor survival/prognosis. This article reviews the research advances in the potential role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its inhibitors in the treatment of HCC.

[Clinical effect of compound internal fixations in treating extreme distal radial fractures].

Objective: To investigate the clinical character and treating strategy of extreme distal radial fractures. Methods: From June 2012 to May 2014, 12 patients who suffered from extreme distal radial fractures were treated in Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 4 cases of type 23B1, 3 cases of 23B2, 3 cases of 23C1 and 2 cases of 23C3.When classified by morphological features, there were 4 of simple styloid process fracture, 3 of simple extreme distal radial fracture without articular surface involved, 3 of styloid process fracture combined with distal radial articular fracture, and 2 of articular surface splintered or collapse fracture. According to the fracture features that radiographic exams showed, different surgical paths and fixation methods were chosen in order to protect soft tissues to the best advantage. To those patients with simple styloid process fracture, screw alone, Kirschner-wire or styloid plate were used for fixation. To the other types of fracture, open reduction and compound internal fixation with low-notch volar plate, dorsal or volar mini-plate, screw or Kirschner-wire was applied to ensure the stability of fixation, and maximally protect soft tissues like tendons, ligaments and neurovascular bundles, counting on the "stuffing-squeezing" effects after reduction or reconstruction of the articular surface. Situation of the wound and soft tissue were mainly checked in the first 2 weeks, and in the 3rd month post-operatively, fracture reduction and internal fixation were evaluated by radiographic methods like X-ray and CT scan. When 12 months post-operatively, not only radiographic follow-up such as fracture reduction, internal fixation and osteoarthritis were taken, but also some other evaluation, such as pain of wrist, rotation range of forearm, grip strength, and function of wrist according to DASH scores. Results: All of the 12 cases were followed up for at least 1 year. The wound healed well in all cases 2 weeks post-operatively, and no soft tissue infections, necrosis or neurovascular complications occurred. All fractures healed and no loss of reduction occurred 3 months post-operatively. Internal fixations were at good condition except in 2 cases, whose Kirschner-wire had been removed 2.5 and 2.8 months after the operation due to loosening and partly backing out on dorsal side. When followed up at 12 months post-operatively, one from these 2 patients suffered from a mild pain of wrist, and grip strength together with the function of the affected wrist dramatic declined when compared to the unaffected side. With the help of radiograph, local collapse on the articular surface was found, which meant to be traumatic arthritis. There were no pain in the rest 11 cases, and flexion-extension range of the wrist, rotation range of forearm and grip strength of the affected side recovered to over 80% of the unaffected side, with a DASH score was from 7 to 15 points(average 11.9 points)below 15 points. Conclusions: Traditional volar plates can not be used for extreme distal radial fractures. It may be an effective way to treat extreme distal radial fractures with compound internal fixation on the basis of morphological feature of fractures and the situation of soft tissue because of vivid of the fixation, reducing damage of soft tissue and early functional training.

Nemo-like kinase is critical for p53 stabilization and function in response to DNA damage.

The DNA damage response (DDR) acts as a protective mechanism for maintaining cell homeostasis. Nemo-like kinase (NLK) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has an important role in many pathways; however, its function in the DDR has not yet been defined. In our study, NLK-deficient HCT116 cells were found to be resistant to etoposide-induced cell death. We demonstrated that NLK is required for p53 activation in response to DNA damage. Remarkably, mechanistic studies revealed that NLK interacts with p53 and stabilizes p53 by blocking MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, NLK enhances p53 activity and affects expression downstream of p53. Interestingly, these functions of NLK are not related to its kinase activity. Consistent with these results, NLK-deficient cells have a resistance effect on DNA damage. Therefore, these findings emphasize that NLK is a novel factor in DDR mechanisms.

Differential expression profiling of ovarian genes in prelaying and laying geese.

The identification of the differential expression of genes in the ovaries of egg-laying and prelaying Zi geese is required to improve the laying performance of the geese. In the present study, suppression subtractive hybridization and reverse dot-blot were employed to identify such genes, using the ovary as a model. Furthermore, expression profiling of estrogen receptor 1, estrogen receptor 2, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, prolactin receptor, ferritin H chain, and ovary differentially expressed unknown gene 08 in ovaries from geese was performed by quantitative real-time PCR. Total RNA from the ovaries of laying and prelaying Zi geese was pooled and the mRNA was isolated. The cDNA that was reverse-transcribed from the ovarian mRNA of the prelaying geese was subtracted from the cDNA isolated from the laying geese. Four hundred sixty-five clones containing putative differentially expressed gene fragments were further identified by reverse dot-blot. Ninety-seven clones were subjected to sequencing and further analysis. Sequence analysis showed that the expression of 18 known (including a mitochondrial gene) and 8 unknown gene fragments was higher in the ovaries of laying geese compared with prelaying geese. Seventeen of the known genes encode proteins that belong to groups involved with binding, catalytic activity, enzyme regulatory activity, signal transducer activity, structural molecule, and transporter activity. The results of the quantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression of estrogen receptor 1, estrogen receptor 2, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, prolactin receptor, ferritin H chain, and ovary differentially expressed unknown gene 08 was higher in the ovaries of the laying geese than in those of the prelaying geese (P<0.05). These differentially expressed genes may be relevant to the progression of prelaying geese to the egg-laying stage. Further study is required to elucidate the molecular mechanism that controls egg-laying in geese, to improve the productivity of laying geese.

[Study on time limit of ACP and sperm positive-detected in mixed spot].

OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out on time limit of ACP and sperm positive-detected in mixed spot. METHODS: 600 vaginal swabs from living body after sexual intercourse were tested by routine and three-blindness methods. RESULTS: The longest time limit of ACP which was positively detected is 255 h, average time limit is 52 h, 41.3% of those samples was ACP-detected in positive degree (++). The longest time limit of sperm positively detected is 132 h, average time limit is 29 h. The number of sperms observed in 34.3% of those samples with positive result, is from 6 to 10/HP. CONCLUSION: This study is helpful to forensic identification of sex cases.

Effects of cyclosporin A on sex hormone and estrogen receptor in male rat with special reference to cyclosporin A-induced osteoporosis.

The mechanisms of high turnover bone loss induced by Cyclosporin A (CsA) are not clearly understood. Deficiencies in sex hormones result in high turnover osteoporosis, and not only androgen but also estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone mass in men. To study whether or not there are any changes in the levels of sex hormones, aromatization, and the expression of estrogen receptors in CsA-induced osteoporosis, we treated 39 rats with vehicle, low-dose CsA (5 mg/kg) and high dose CsA (15 mg/kg) for 28 days, and measured sex hormone levels by radioimmunoassay. Aromatase activities in ROS cells and 3T3-L1 cells were determined by measuring the conversion rate of 3H-androstenedione into 3H-estrone. ER and ER mRNA were measured by competitive RT-PCR in collected marrow cells and ROS cells. The levels of free testosterone in the serum in low-dose CsA-treated rats were unchanged, but the levels were significantly decreased in those treated with high-dose CsA as previously reported. The levels of total estradiol in the serum were significantly increased in the low-dose CsA-treated group (5 mg/kg) and were comparable to levels of the control group in the high-dose CsA-treated group (15 mg/kg). CsA increased the conversion of 3H-androstenedione to 3H-estrone in ROS cells, but not in 3T3-L1 cells. Meanwhile, CsA treatment did not change the rates of ER or ER mRNA expression in ROS cells or in collected bone marrow cells. In conclusion, CsA treatment decreased the level of free testosterone in the serum, but did not decrease the level of serum estradiol by enhancing aromatization. High-turnover osteoporosis induced by clinical dosage CsA treatment may not be caused by lowering the levels of circulating estrogen or by decreasing the expression of estrogen receptors.

[Clinical significance of plasma PGE2 levels in pre- and post-operative patients with laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of PGE2 Levels in patients with laryngeal carcinoma. METHOD: Radioimmunoassay was used to evaluate plasma PGE2 levels in 35 patients with laryngeal carcinoma. RESULT: The plasma PGE2 levels in patients with laryngeal carcinoma were significant higher than that of normal subjects (P < 0.05), but there was no correlation with the stage of laryngeal carcinoma (P > 0.05). The plasma PGE2 levels of postoperative patients with laryngeal carcinoma were significant lower than that of preoperative patients (P < 0.05). After operation, the plasma PGE2 levels of recurrent patients were significant higher than that in patients with no recurrence (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The determination of PGE2 levels in patient plasma may help the diagnosis and prognostic judgment of laryngeal carcinoma.

Type I beta-turn conformation is important for biological activity of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues.

In order to define which structure of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) analogues plays a critical role for ligand-receptor interaction and selectivity, we analysed receptor-binding and cAMP-generating activity in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines stably transfected with rMC3R and hMC4R, as well as the NMR structures of chemically synthesized alpha-MSH analogues. Compared with [Ahx4]alpha-MSH, the linear MTII designated as alpha-MSH-ND revealed a preference for the MC4R, whereas its IC50 and EC50 values were comparable to those of MTII reported previously. Truncation of Ahx4 and Asp5 of alpha-MSH-ND remarkably decreased the receptor-binding and cAMP-generating activity. Meanwhile, maximum cAMP-generating activity was observed at a higher concentration (10(-5) M) of alpha-MSH-ND(6-10), and MC4R preference was changed into MC3R preference. In contrast, [Gln6]alpha-MSH-ND(6-10) lost its cAMP-generating activity almost completely, even though it bound to both receptors. Whereas the solution conformation of alpha-MSH-ND revealed a stable type I beta-turn structure, [Gln6]alpha-MSH-ND(6-10) revealed a tight gamma-turn composed of Gln6-D-Phe7-Arg8. Replacement of the His6 residue of alpha-MSH-ND by Gln, Asn, Arg or Lys decreased not only the receptor binding, but also the cAMP-generating activity in both the MC3R and the MC4R. The structure of [Gln6]alpha-MSH-ND exhibited a stable type I' beta-turn comprising Asp5, Gln6, D-Phe7 and Arg8. [Lys6]alpha-MSH-ND showed a greatly reduced binding affinity and cAMP-generating activity with the loss of MC4R selectivity. In NMR studies, [Lys6]alpha-MSH-ND also demonstrated a gamma-turn conformation around Lys6-DPhe7-Arg8. From the above results, we conclude that a type I beta-turn conformation comprising the residues Asp5-His6-(D-Phe7)-Arg8 was important for receptor binding and activation, as well as the selectivity of MSH analogues.

Membrane formation and cellular response on the surface of lenses implanted in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE: To study the pathogenesis of membrane formation and cellular response on the surface of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted in rabbits. SETTING: Department of Histology and Embryology, Pathology, Ophthalmology. The First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China. METHODS: Thirty rabbits had extracapsular lens extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation. The IOLs were removed 4, 7, 15, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Membrane formation and cellular response on IOL surfaces were evaluated using light (n = 25), transmission (n = 5), and scanning electron (n = 5) microscopy. RESULTS: On 30 IOLs, the incidence of cellular adhesion was 100%. Cellular components comprised macrophages, fibroblast-like cells, epithelioid cells, giant cells, ultralarge giant cells, and lymphocytes. A thin, proteinaceous film was also seen on the surface of the IOLs. The membrane of the IOL surface comprised fibrin, collagen fibrils, macrophages, fibroblast-like cells, giant cells, and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study might apply to humans because cellular elements and membranes have been reported in humans.