Constricted posterior fourchette deformities: Definition, classification and surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Labiaplasty is one of the top cosmetic procedures patients are seeking in the past two years. However, treatment of disease in posterior fourchette caused by various etiological factors was less investigated and neglected. METHODS: Three types of posterior fourchette deformity were proposed: (1) Redundant posterior fourchette, (2) Relaxed posterior fourchette, and (3) Constricted posterior fourchette. Local flap transfer technique was applied. Y-V-plasty and 5-Z-Flap-plasty were used to treat web type and tight type of the constricted posterior fourchette, respectively. Follow-ups were arranged on the Internet or at the outpatient clinic. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was utilized to evaluate sexual discomfort in the satisfaction questionnaires during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with constricted posterior fourchette deformity from May 2022 to May 2023 were reviewed in the study. Y-V-plasty could decrease VAS in patients with web-type deformity by 4.13 ± 1.46 (p＜0.001). 5-Z-Flap-plasty could decrease VAS in patients with tight-type deformity by 3.76 ± 1.53 (p＜0.05). Satisfaction rates of the web type and tight type were 93.1% (27/29) and 86.7% (13/15) respectively. Complications include two cases of hematoma, one case of persistent pain and two cases of dehiscence. CONCLUSION: Constricted posterior fourchette seriously affects the quality of life. Y-V-plasty and 5-Z-Flap-plasty can be utilized to treat the two subtypes of constricted posterior fourchette, which can effectively reduce the pain score of patients with high satisfaction and few long-term complications.

Toxic effects of AZD1208 on mouse oocytes and its possible mechanisms.

AZD1208, a pan-inhibitor that can effectively inhibit PIM kinase, is used for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and malignant lymphomas. Numerous studies have proved its curative effects while its potential cellular toxicity on reproduction was still little known. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of AZD1208 on mouse oocytes. The results showed that AZD1208 treatment did not affect meiotic resumption, but postponed oocyte maturation as indicated by delayed first polar body extrusion. Further mechanistic study showed that AZD1208 treatment delayed spindle assembly. In addition, we found that oocytes treated with AZD1208 showed mitochondrial dysfunction. Abnormal mitochondrial clusters with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in oocytes during incubation in vitro. Moreover, increased oxidative stress was observed by testing the level of reactive oxygen species. In summary, our results suggest that AZD1208 treatment influences oocyte meiotic progression by causing mitochondrial dysfunctions and subsequent delayed spindle assembly.

OTSSP167 leads to follicular dysplasia and negatively affects oocyte quality in mice.

OTSSP167 is an anti-tumor drug significantly inhibiting tumor growth in xenotransplantation studies using mouse breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Its phase I clinical trial has been completed, indicating its great potential for future treatment of solid tumors. However, its drug-related adverse effects on reproductive systems have not yet been reported. In this study, we evaluated the effects of OTSSP167 on reproduction of female mice by determining oocyte quality and follicular development. We selected four-week-old female ICR mice for a 21-day intraperitoneal injection of OTSSP167 at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d. We found that OTSSP167 could block the meiotic process of oocytes, leading to a decrease in oocyte maturation and ovulated oocyte numbers, as well as a decrease in the quality of oocytes. The results showed that OTSSP167 treatment caused disordered spindle assembly, decreased mitochondria membrane potential, and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species in oocytes. Further investigation showed that OTSSP167 induced DNA double-strand breaks, as indicated by increased levels of γH2AX in oocytes of primordial follicles and granulosa cells of growing follicles, which induced follicular atresia and decreased the numbers of follicles at various growing stages. Our study suggests that OTSSP167 treatment may have serious effects on the ovary and consequences for female cancer patients, providing strong evidence for the necessity of protecting female fertility in clinical OTSSP167 trials.

Spatial-temporal evolution and prediction of urban landscape pattern and habitat quality based on CA-Markov and InVEST model.

The change of urban landscape caused by human activities is one of the most important factors affecting terrestrial ecosystem. The distribution of urban landscape pattern has great impacts on the service function of regional biodiversity. To reveal the variation of landscape pattern and habi-tat quality in cities and its driving factors, we extracted landscape type information of Wuhan in 2005, 2010, 2015, and analyzed spatial-temporal evolution of landscape pattern using Markov transition model. The CA-Markov model was used to simulate the landscape pattern in 2020 under the natural growth scenario. The driving factor for landscape variation was analyzed using Logistic regression model. Combined with InVEST model, spatial pattern of habitat quality and its variation in three phases were calculated and evaluated. The simulated habitat quality in 2020 was obtained and its distribution characteristics were analyzed. The relationship between variation of landscape pattern and human activities was explored. The results showed that cultivated land and manufactured surface were the landscape types with highest variations between 2005 and 2015. The area of cultivated land continued to decline, with most of the area being transferred into manufactured surface. The area of manufactured surface continued to increase, most of which was transferred from paddy field and dry land. From 2005 to 2015, the habitat quality declined, with a large number of landscapes with high habitat quality level being changed to low habitat quality level. The overall index of habitat quality decreased and the biodiversity service function declined, indicating the degeneration of habitat quality. In 2015-2020, the evolutionary trend of landscape pattern and habitat quality would keep consistent with the past decade, with an increasing area of artificial surface, decreasing index of habitat quality, weakening biodiversity service function, and degenerating habitat quality. The most important factor accounted for the landscape pattern change in the study area was the changes in Gross Domestic Product (GPD) and regional fiscal revenue. Human socio-economic activities were the key driving force for the spatial variation of landscape and degeneration of habitat quality. Urbanization and land reclamation by filling lakes were the main reasons for landscape pattern variation in Wuhan.

[Discussion on the micro-plastic operative treatment of nasal-septum deviation combined with crooked nose].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the micro-plastic operative treatment of deviated nose combined with nasal septum deviation. METHODS: We designed the incision at the caudal side of the nasal septum. The three-line reduction method for correcting nasal septum deviation was performed. The connection of the caudal nasal septum and the anterior nasal spine was reposited. The micro-plastic surgery with fixed suture was used to correct the deviated nose. RESULTS: After the surgery, the nasal septum deviation was corrected, whose nasal function and symptoms improved without nasal adhesion, nasal septum perforation or other complications. Meanwhile, the nasal tips were in the middle place and nasal dorsums were straight. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the traditional orthopedic technique, the micro-shaping technique can be used for the homochromous operation of crooked nose combined with nasal septum deviation with less injury and lower risk. We suggest this micro-shaping technique be used in a rational way.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles altered by Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa and blood leukocyte DNA.

PURPOSE: To investigate Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) associated genome-wide aberrant methylation patterns in gastric mucosa and blood leukocyte DNA, a population-based study was conducted in Linqu County. RESULTS: A total of 3000 and 386 CpGs were differentially methylated after successful H.pylori eradication in gastric mucosa and blood leukocyte DNA respectively, and 17 were the same alteration trend in the both tissues. The differentially methylated CpGs were located more frequently in promoters or CpG islands for gastric mucosa and gene body or open sea for blood leukocyte DNA. In eradicated gastric mucosa, the hypermethylated CpGs were enriched across inflammatory pathways, while the hypomethylated CpGs in tube morphogenesis, development and so on. The final validation found lower SPI1, PRIC285 and S1PR4 methylation levels in H.pylori positive subjects by case-control comparison, and increased methylation levels in H.pylori eradicated gastric mucosa by self-comparison. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analysis suggested that the up-regulation of the three genes by hypomethylation might be associated with gastric carcinogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Infinium HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip was used to compare methylation profiles prior to and after eradication treatment. The methylation levels of identified candidate differentially methylated genes before and after H.pylori eradication were further validated by two stages (Stage I: self-comparison of 16 subjects before and after anti-H.pylori treatment; Stage II: case-control comparison of 25 H.pylori positive and 25 negative subjects and self-comparison of 50 anti-H.pylori treated subjects). CONCLUSIONS: Novel H.pylori associated aberrant methylated genes were identified across the whole genome both in gastric mucosa and blood leukocyte DNA.

Hypomethylation of repetitive elements in blood leukocyte DNA and risk of gastric lesions in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: To explore the association between hypomethylation of repetitive elements (LINE-1, Sat2, and ALU) in blood leukocyte DNA and risks of gastric lesions, and development of gastric cancer (GC), a population-based study was conducted in a high-risk area of GC in China. MATERIALS: Methylation levels were determined by MethyLight in 902 subjects with various gastric lesions from two cohort studies at baseline and 276 subjects with long-term follow-up data. RESULTS: The frequency of LINE-1 or Sat2 hypomethylation was significantly increased in subjects with dysplasia (DYS) compared with superficial gastritis/chronic atrophic gastritis. The odds ratios (ORs) were 2.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-3.40] for LINE-1 and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.14-2.21) for Sat2. A dose-response pattern was found for the risk of DYS and LINE-1 hypomethylation (P-trend<0.001). Further stratified analysis indicated that the frequency of LINE-1 or Sat2 hypomethylation was higher in subjects with Helicobacter pylori infection. The ORs were 1.83 (95% CI: 1.12-2.99) for LINE-1 and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.01-2.05) for Sat2. The follow-up data indicated that the risk of progression to GC was increased in intestinal metaplasia (IM) subjects with LINE-1 hypomethylation (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 1.17-6.77) or Sat2 hypomethylation (OR=2.78; 95% CI: 1.15-6.74). The risk of progression to GC was also increased in DYS subjects with Sat2 hypomethylation (OR=5.24; 95% CI: 2.00-13.74). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that hypomethylation of repetitive elements in blood leukocytes is associated with the risks of advanced gastric lesions and development of GC.

Exendin-4 Enhances Motor Function Recovery via Promotion of Autophagy and Inhibition of Neuronal Apoptosis After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Autophagy occurs prior to apoptosis and plays an important role in cell death regulation during spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to determine the effects and potential mechanism of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist extendin-4 (Ex-4) in SCI. Seventy-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham, SCI, 2.5 µg Ex-4, and 10 µg Ex-4 groups. To induce SCI, a 10-g iron rod was dropped from a 20-mm height to the spinal cord surface. Ex-4 was administered via intraperitoneal injection immediately after surgery. Motor function evaluation with the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale indicated significantly increased scores (p < 0.01) in the Ex-4-treated groups, especially 10 µg, which demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of Ex-4 after SCI. The light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and Beclin 1 protein expression determined via western blot and the number of autophagy-positive neurons via immunofluorescence double labeling were increased by Ex-4, which supports promotion of autophagy (p < 0.01). The caspase-3 protein level and neuronal apoptosis via transferase UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)/NeuN/DAPI double labeling were significantly reduced in the Ex-4-treated groups, which indicates anti-apoptotic effects (p < 0.01). Finally, histological assessment via Nissl staining demonstrated the Ex-4 groups exhibited a significantly greater number of surviving neurons and less cavity (p < 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that Ex-4 significantly enhances motor function in rats after SCI, and these effects are associated with the promotion of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis.

[The Methylation of p16 Gene Promoter in Carcinogenesis and Development of Breast Cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protein expression of the p16 gene and the methylation of its promoter in breast cancer, and to analyze the correlation between the p16 DNA methylation and the clinicopathological features. METHODS: Immuno-histochemistry technique (SP method) and methylation-specific-PCR (MSP) were used to detect p16 protein expression and the methylation of the p16 promoter in 47 breast cancer samples as well as in 20 hyperplasia samples of mammary glands. Results The p16 protein expression in breast cancer samples significantly lower when compared with those of hyperplasia samples (48. 9% vs. 70. 0%) and p16 methylation was more frequent in breast-tumor tissues when compared with those of hyperplasia samples (38. 3% vs. 20. 0%), but the statistical significance wasn't found (P> 0. 05). Down-regulation of p16 protein was negatively correlation with p16 gene hypermethylation (r= -0. 33, P =0. 02). Meanwhile, p16 methylation in breast cancer tissues correlated with histological type, lymph node metastasis, but not correlated with the age, tumor diameter, TNM stage, expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) gene status. CONCLUSION: The downregulation of p16 protein induced by promoter methylation of p16 gene may not contribute to early cancinogenesis, but may contribute to progression of breast cancer.

Formulation of sustained-release microspheres of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor by freezing-induced phase separation with dextran and encapsulation with blended polymers.

This study aimed to assess the potential merits of formulating sustained-release microspheres of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) via freezing-induced phase separation (FIPS) of the protein with dextran followed by encapsulation with binary mixture of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 2A (MW∼12K) and 3A (MW∼47K) or of PLGA2A and polylactic acid (PLA; MW∼83K). The formulated dextran particles and microspheres were characterized in vitro for loading, aggregation, bioactivity and release behavior of the protein where appropriate. rhGM-CSF retained about 60% of bioactivity with no significant aggregation after each formulation step. Encapsulation of protein-loaded dextran particles attained only 80% with the PLGA2A and PLGA3A blend, but 100% with the PLGA2A and PLA mixture. The former formulation exhibited a triphasic in-vitro release profile typical of PLGA microspheres while the latter revealed a much lower initial burst followed by a steady and complete release of rhGM-CSF with preserved bioactivity over a 15-day period.

[Preliminary investigation of coblation for early glottic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether Coblation is a suitable modality for removal of early glottic carcinoma. METHODS: Fourteen patients with early glottic carcinoma (Tis-T2) without lymph node metastasis underwent resection of laryngeal cancer lesions using transoral endoscopic coblation (TEC), without pre- or post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. RESULTS: No severe complication such as bleeding and dyspnea occurred in the cases. Only mild postoperative pain happened to the patients. All patients could eat and pronounce on the surgery day. With following-up of 25 - 37 months, no recurrence was observed in 13 cases. One case, with poorly differentiated squamous cell lesion in the anterior commissure invading subglottic, recurred 3 months postoperatively. The patient received the re-resection of laryngeal lesion by coblation, but another recurrence happened to the patient 6 months postoperatively, and then was cured by partial laryngectomy, with recurrence-free survival 21 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The observation suggests that transoral endoscopic coblation is a reliable and safe modality for the resection of early glottic carcinoma.

[Endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA). METHODS: The clinical data of 4 patients treated between December 2005 and August 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The tumor in one patient was at stage I and three patients were at stage II, all these patients were treated by endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency under controlled hypotension anesthesia. Preoperative angiography and embolisation were underwent in all patients. Bipolar coagulation was used to help hemostasis during operation. RESULTS: The tumor in all 4 patients was completely removed. The operation time was 60, 80, 110, 90 min respectively. The blood loss was 250, 250, 320, 280 ml respectively. Neither blood transfusion nor complications were encountered perioperatively. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years, none of the patients recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery using low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma has many advantages such as less bleeding and total tumor removal. It is a minimally invasive surgical method for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

[Endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasal hemangioma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasal hemangioma. METHODS: Clinical data of 15 patients treated between October 2007 and October 2009 under endoscopic surgery using the low-temperature plasma radiofrequency were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: All tumors in 15 patients were completely removed. The blood loss was 1 - 150 ml and the average blood loss was about 15 ml, only gelatin sponge was used to protect the wound after operation. There was no additional packing to stop bleeding. No complications were seen. The patients had mild postoperative pain. All patients were followed-up from 2 months to 2 years, no recurrence was found. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery using low-temperature plasma radiofrequency for nasal hemangioma has following advantages such as simplicity, minimal invasion and so on. It is a viable surgical method for the treatment of nasal hemangioma.

[Comparative analysis of polysomnography and micro-sensitive mattress-sleep monitor used for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficiency of mattress-type micro sensitive monitor (MMSM) in sleep monitoring. METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by polysomnography (PSG) were randomly chosen, then received MMSM examination within 2 - 5 days. The results of both methods were compared, using the respiratory disturbance index, sleep efficiency, and obstructive factors as indicators. RESULTS: All 40 patients were diagnosed as OSAHS, which were consistent with the results of PSG. There was no statistical difference when comparing the apnea hypopnea index (AHI, x(-) ± s, 35.6 ± 21.3 and 37.6 ± 18.8, respectively) and the ratio of rapid eyes movement (REM) stage (15.0 ± 4.5)% and (15.8 ± 6.3)%, respectively (t were 1.867 and 1.014, P > 0.01). Some statistical sense was found when patients'deep sleep, shallow sleep and sleep efficiency were compared (P < 0.01). According to the severity diagnosed by PSG, patients with mild, moderate and severe OSAHS were 11, 7 and 22 cases, respectively, Comparing by MMSM, 2, 19 and 19 cases, respectively. Among seventeen volunteers diagnosed by PSG as normal subjects, 2 of them were diagnosed as mild OSAHS. The sensitivity of MMSM was 100.0% and the specificity was 88.2%. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the diagnosis of OSAHS, MMSM is well consistent with PSG. The MMSM can be applied clinically as a monitor technique.