Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization Reactions Using Phosphate/Sulfonate Hypervalent Iodine Reagents.

A new and operationally simple approach for palladium-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions utilizing an organophosphorus/sulfonate hypervalent iodine reagent as both an oxidant and the source of a functional group has been developed. Through this method, the oxidative phosphorylation-, sulfonation-, and hydroxylation of unactivated benzyl C(sp3)-H bonds, along with the hydroxylation and arylation of aryl C(sp2)-H bonds, are successfully realized under mild conditions and with excellent site-selectivity. The versatile C-OSO2R bond provides a platform for a wide array of subsequent diversification reactions.

Delayed Contrast Enhancement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Vascular Morphology of Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) of the Central Nervous System (CNS): A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (CNS) with delayed contrast enhancement and histological microvessel density (MVD). T1-weighted and T2-weighted contrast-enhanced and non-enhanced brain imaging were used. CNS lymphoma tissue was evaluated using primary antibodies to endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, and histochemical staining for reticulin fibers and basement membrane, which allowed quantification of the MVD. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-one patients with histologically confirmed primary DLBCL of the CNS underwent pre-contrast-enhanced and postcontrast-enhanced MRI. Histology of the CNS lymphoma tissue included immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to CD34 for vascular endothelial cells and alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA) for vascular smooth muscle cells, and histochemical staining included periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and silver staining for reticulin fibers to evaluate microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS In primary DLBCL of the CNS, a positive correlation was found between the degree of necrosis and the size of the lymphoma (r=0.546, P=0.01). Delayed imaging enhancement was significantly correlated with the number of mature vessels, MVD, basement membrane, and reticulin fibers (r=0.593, 0.466, 0.446 and 0.497, respectively). Standardized ß regression coefficient analysis showed that the MVD, PAS-positive structures, the number of mature vessels, and reticulin fibers, were significantly associated with delayed enhancement on MRI (ß values, 0.425, 0.409, 0.295, and 0.188, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In primary DLBCL of the CNS, delayed imaging enhancement on MRI may be due to reduced neovascularization and vascular infiltration by lymphoma cells.

A method for quantitative 2-dimensional sonographic analysis of the fetal conus medullaris position.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the use of 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound scans for the quantitative assessment of the fetal conus medullaris (CM) position and its correlation with gestational age (GA). METHODS: This was a prospective study. We identified the first sacral vertebra (S1) by intersection of 2 lines in 2D scans, then counted upward from S1 to determine the CM level and recorded the number of ossified sacral vertebral bodies. A quantitative assessment of the CM position was performed by measuring the distance between the CM and the midpoint of the S1 (CM-S1). The correlation between the CM-S1 distance and GA was evaluated. RESULTS: We determined the CM level by identifying S1 first in 521 fetuses (GA, 20-38 weeks). The CM position in 70% of cases was at the L2 and L2-3 level, and at the L2 level or above after 37 weeks. The number of ossified sacral veterbral bodies was not consistent. CM-S1 measurements were easy to perform. A significant positive correlation between CM-S1 distance and GA was observed (R2 = .89, P < .05). The best-fit formula was: CM-S1 distance = 1.57 × GA - 16.43. The normal reference range was established and the fifth percentile was calculated for each GA. CONCLUSIONS: S1 was easily identified, and the CM position relative to S1 was useful. There was a substantial correlation between CM-S1 and GA. Below the fifth percentile it was suggested that tethered cord may exist.

Prenatal Assessment of the Position of Fetal Conus Medullaris as a Predictor of Fetal Spinal Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare two different methods in assessment of the position of fetal conus medullaris (CM) and to explore the significance for assessment of CM. METHODS: This study included both normal fetuses and those with the diagnosis of fetal spinal lesions. The position of fetal CM was performed sonographically using two methods: location of CM in relation to the vertebral body (CM level) and measurement of the conus sacrum (CS) distance. RESULTS: The results showed that intra-observer and interobserver concordance was high for the two methods, both in the normal and abnormal groups. There was significant association between femur length and CS distance (R2 = 0.917) and between gestational age and CS distance (R2 = 0.892). CONCLUSIONS: We propose the combined use of CM level location and CS distance measurement for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal spinal lesions for complementary needs.

The Value of Prenatal Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Diastematomyelia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of diastematomyelia, and to provide a basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal diastematomyelia. METHODS: Four fetuses with suspected diastematomyelia based on prenatal ultrasonography are presented. Detailed prenatal ultrasonography was performed to examine spinal cord abnormalities. The region of interest-based spine sagittal plane was defined and 3D volumetric scans were performed, as needed. Images were stored and compared with MRI or ultrasonographic images after abortion. RESULTS: In the four cases of diastematomyelia diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography, two were confirmed by MRI after birth, and the other two were confirmed by autopsy and pathologic examination after abortion. Varying degrees of spine or spinal cord deformities were noted. Two pregnancies were terminated, and two newborns underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal ultrasonography contributes to the diagnosis of diastematomyelia and provides a basis for prenatal counseling and prognosis.

A Comparison between splenic fossa and subhepatic fossa auxiliary partial heterotopic liver transplantation in a porcine model.

To test the alternative possible locations for the placement of a liver graft and the relevant surgical technique issues, we developed a porcine model of auxiliary partial heterotopic liver transplantation (APHLT) and evaluated the difference between 2 styles of liver transplantation, either subhepatic fossa or splenic fossa APHLT, by comparing survival and biochemical indexes. Thirty-eight miniature pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups. A left hemihepatic graft without the middle hepatic vein (HV) was procured from the living donor. In group A (n = 9), an 8 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft approximately 2.5 cm long was connected to the left HV while another PTFE graft of the same size was connected to the left portal vein (PV). The liver graft was implanted in the right subhepatic fossa following splenectomy and right nephrectomy. In group B (n = 10), a PTFE graft of the same size was connected to the left HV while the liver graft was implanted in the splenic fossa following splenectomy and left nephrectomy. Survival rate and complications were observed at 2 weeks after transplantation. Data were collected from 5 animals in group A and 6 animals in group B that survived longer than 2 weeks. The liver function and renal function of the recipients returned to normal at 1 week after surgery in both groups. Eighty-eight percent (14/16) of the PTFE grafts remained patent at 2 weeks after surgery, but 44% of the PTFE grafts (7/16) developed mural thrombus. No significant differences in the survival rate and biochemistry were found between the 2 groups. In conclusion, the splenic fossa APHLT can achieve beneficial outcomes similar to the subhepatic fossa APHLT in miniature pigs, although it also has a high morbidity rate due to hepatic artery thrombosis, PV thrombosis, and PTEF graft mural thrombus formation. Liver Transplantation 22 812-821 2016 AASLD.

Evaluation of transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: With the remarkable improvements in ultrasound equipment, transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent (TUS-OCCA) has recently been suggested to be effective in initial screening of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of TUS-OCCA for gastric cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients with gastric cancers who underwent resection in our hospital were enrolled. Before the lesion was resected, TUS-OCCA examination was performed by a skilled examiner who was blinded to the site, size, and endoscopy diagnosis of the lesion. TUS-OCCA findings were compared with those of endoscopy and pathological diagnoses as the gold standard. RESULTS: There were a total of 288 consecutive patients enrolled in the study, including 228 with advanced gastric cancers (T2-T4 stage), 50 with early gastric cancer (26 with stage T1b and 24 with stage T1a), and 10 with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. TUS-OCCA had a detection rate of 100% (228/228) for advanced gastric cancers, 77% (20/26) for stage T1b, 67% (16/24) for stage T1a, and 60% (6/10) for high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The majority of patients with undetectable neoplasms using TUS-OCCA were obese (body mass index, 28.7-31.8 kg/m(2)). The overall accuracy of TUS-OCCA in determining the T stage of gastric cancer was 77.3% (62.5% for T1a, 70% for T1b, 71.1% for T2, 85.2% for T3, and 73.3% for T4). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that TUS-OCCA achieved a high detection rate for gastric cancers and was useful in assessing the degree of gastric cancer invasion.

Evaluation of transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent for demonstrating small gastric subepithelial masses.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric contrast agent (TUS-OCCA) for detection and characterization of small gastric subepithelial masses (≤3 cm) by comparison with endosonography (EUS). METHODS: Ninety-five patients with small gastric subepithelial masses detected by gastroscopy examination were enrolled. For each patient, TUS-OCCA was performed prior to EUS by a skilled examiner. TUS-OCCA diagnoses were compared with those of EUS. RESULTS: TUS-OCCA had a detection rate of 94% (89 of 95) in visualizing small gastric subepithelial masses previously detected by gastroscopy. The sizes of 6 undetected masses ranged from 7 to 12 mm (4 located at the fundus, 2 at the cardia). All of six patients whose lesions were undetected by TUS-OCCA were obese. The findings of gastric subepithelial masses demonstrated by TUS-OCCA were similar to that shown on EUS. CONCLUSIONS: TUS-OCCA can provide useful information about small gastric subepithelial masses, especially for the patients who are not obese. It can be used to follow gastric submucosal tumors that are not excised.

Characterization of Volatile Flavor Compounds and Aroma Active Components in Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) across Various Cooking Methods.

To investigate the impact of various cooking methods on the volatile aroma compounds of button mushroom, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic nose (E-nose) were utilized for aroma analysis. The results indicated that the E-nose was able to effectively distinguish between the samples prepared using different cooking methods. In the raw, steamed, boiled and baked samples, 37, 23, 33 and 35 volatiles were detected, respectively. The roasting process significantly contributed to the production of flavor compounds, giving button mushroom its distinctive flavor. Sixteen differential aromas were identified based on the p-value and VIP value. Additionally, the cluster analysis of differential aroma substances revealed a stronger odor similarity between the steamed and raw groups, consistent with the results of the OPLS-DA analysis of overall aroma components. Seven key aromas were identified through OAV analysis and omission experiments. In addition, 1-octen-3-one was identified as the main aroma component of cooked button mushroom. The findings of the study can be valuable for enhancing the flavor of cooked button mushroom.

Influence of wastewater discharge from dredging mariculture pond sediments on the food sources of two intertidal crab species.

The present study δ13C, δ15N and fatty acid compositions of two dominant mangrove crabs, Tubuca arcuata and Parasesarma plicatum were compared between a mangrove site frequently receiving dredged wastewater from mariculture ponds and an adjacent reference site, to investigate the impact of wastewater discharge on their diets. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to further test how their diets changed with the wastewater input. The result showed no significant change in the δ13C while clear 15N enrichment of crabs in association with the wastewater discharge. Changes in 15N signature and fatty acid composition of the crabs due to the wastewater discharge indicated that the impact of wastewater discharge was related to crab species, being more apparent on the deposit feeder (T. arcuata) than the herbivorous P. plicatum. The results suggested that the discharge of dredged wastewater into mangroves resulted in the uptake of wastewater-derived materials and nutrients by mangrove crabs.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition.

BACKGROUND: Fetal unilateral lung agenesis, complicated with cardiac shifting, is a rare anomaly, the diagnosis of which remains a challenge for many sonographers in routine screening programs. The present study describes a systematic approach for the diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis and cardiac malpositions in routine prenatal screening. METHODS: A total of 18 cases of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition were reviewed. A systematic method was proposed to identify the fetal left side and right side according to the fetal head position and posture by acquiring a long axis and transverse view of the fetus. Fetal unilateral lung agenesis was diagnosed by evaluation of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal echocardiography, digital radiology, and computed tomography after birth or by autopsy findings. RESULTS: The left-sided fetal heart with the cardiac apex rotating to the left and posterior were confirmed in all 7 left lung agenesis cases, while the rightward shifting of the fetal heart together with the cardiac axis deviating to the right were confirmed in all 11 cases of right lung agenesis. The disappearance of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery was confirmed in all 18 cases of unilateral lung agenesis. Cardiac anomalies were present in a total of 7 of the 18 cases of lung agenesis with 4 of 7 in cases of left lung agenesis and 3 of 11 in cases of right agenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic approach introduced in the current report is helpful in the diagnosis of fetal unilateral lung agenesis complicated with cardiac malposition. The information provided by this study may be helpful to better understand unilateral lung agenesis anatomically and to facilitate its potential examination.

Value of 3-dimensional sonography for prenatal diagnosis of vertebral formation failure.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to explore the value of 3-dimensional sonography for diagnosis of vertebral formation failure in the developing fetus and to formulate antenatal sonographic diagnostic criteria for suspected vertebral formation failure based on a comparison of sonographic characteristics of the disorder with normal sonographic findings and other imaging data. METHODS: This study included sonographic data from 30 healthy fetuses and 13 fetuses suspected to have vertebral formation failure. Three-dimensional reconstruction of sagittal sections of the physiologic curves of the cervicothoracic and lumbosacral regions of the healthy fetuses was performed, and reconstruction was also performed on selected areas of interest when vertebral malformation was suspected. Stored data were analyzed, and a comparison with other image data was performed using various methods. RESULTS: Three-dimensional reconstruction was more suitable for fetal spinal sonography among the 30 healthy fetuses, and it was particularly superior in detecting the positions of spines with evident physiologic curvature. The images revealed suspected vertebral formation failure in 13 cases, and the confirmed findings included 7 cases of hemivertebrae, 2 cases of butterfly vertebrae, 2 cases of mixed malformations (butterfly vertebra and hemivertebra), and 1 case of a coronal cleft vertebra. One case was lost to follow-up. The sonographic characteristics were definite, and there were evident differences from the sonograms of spina bifida. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional sonography is helpful for detection of vertebral formation failure in the developing fetus and might provide prognostic information with the potential to ameliorate the progressive spinal deformities that can result from embryonic vertebral formation failure.

Loss of Rose Fragrance under Chilling Stress Is Associated with Changes in DNA Methylation and Volatile Biosynthesis.

Rose plants are widely cultivated as cut flowers worldwide and have economic value as sources of natural fragrance and flavoring. Rosa 'Crimson Glory', whose petals have a pleasant fragrance, is one of the most important cultivars of edible rose plants. Flower storage at low-temperature is widely applied in production to maintain quality; however, chilling results in a decrease in aromatic volatiles. To determine the molecular basis underlying the changes in aromatic volatile emissions, we investigated the changes in volatile compounds, DNA methylation patterns, and patterns of the transcriptome in response to chilling temperature. The results demonstrated that chilling roses substantially reduced aromatic volatile emissions. We found that these reductions were correlated with the changes in the methylation status of the promoters and genic regions of the genes involved in volatile biosynthesis. These changes mainly occurred for CHH (H = A, T, or C) which accounted for 51% of the total methylation. Furthermore, transcript levels of scent-related gene Germacrene D synthase (RhGDS), Nudix hydrolase 1 (RhNUDX1), and Phenylacetaldehyde reductase (RhPAR) of roses were strikingly depressed after 24 h at low-temperature and remained low-level after 24 h of recovery at 20 °C. Overall, our findings indicated that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the chilling tolerance of roses and lays a foundation for practical significance in the production of edible roses.

Real-time elastography for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the value of real-time ultrasound elastography for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and to correlate the elastographic findings with histologic stages of liver fibrosis and blood parameters. METHODS: Liver biopsies, blood testing, and real-time elastography were performed in 71 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. The ratio of the elastic strain of liver tissue to that of muscle tissue was determined and correlated with the histologic fibrosis stages and laboratory examination results. RESULTS: There was a highly negative correlation between the elastic strain ratio and the histologic fibrosis stage (Spearman r = -0.702; P < .001). There was a high correlation observed between a decreasing elastic strain ratio and an increasing fibrosis stage. With substantial liver fibrosis (Scheuer score ≥ S2) and cirrhosis (S4) as diagnostic criteria, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the elastic strain ratios were 0.863 and 0.797, respectively. The AUC for substantial fibrosis was higher than the AUC for the blood parameters used to diagnose substantial liver fibrosis. Elastic strain ratio cutoff values of 1.10 and 0.60 were identified as diagnostic of substantial fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively, with sensitivities of 77.8% and 50.0%, respectively, and specificities of 80.0% and 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time elastography is a new clinically promising and noninvasive method for quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis.

Genetic features of TP53 mutation and its downstream FOXA1 in prostate cancer.

Metastasis is the most lethal form of prostate cancer, and finding new therapeutic targets remains a major clinical challenge. TP53 mutation has been identified to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Nevertheless, direct evidence of the role of TP53 mutation in prostate cancer metastasis and its underlying mechanism remain obscure. Herein, TP53 was found to be the most mutated gene in prostate cancer, and missense mutations were the primary mutation type based on bioinformatics data analysis. Subsequently, TP53 rs12947788 mutation site was significant in prostate cancer, and correlated with metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Furthermore, forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), a target of TP53, was highly expressed in prostate cancer tissue, especially in TP53-mutant patients. It was also associated with patients' Gleason scores and nodal metastasis. Knockdown of FOXA1 suppressed the migration in prostate cancer cells in vitro. Our findings indicate that targeting TP53 mutation and FOXA1 might be a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer metastasis.

Value of ultrasound scoring system for assessing risk of pernicious placenta previa with accreta spectrum disorders and poor pregnancy outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a system for assessing the risk of pernicious placenta previa (PPP) with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and poor pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This prospective study focused on PPP women at ≥ 28 weeks' pregnancy. Transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasonography was used to assess PAS and poor pregnancy outcomes with a system involving uteroplacental demarcation, number and size of lacunae, bladder line, and placental basal and lacunae flow. Every item was assigned 0-2 points, and the sum yielded the final score. Diagnosis of PAS was based on surgery or pathology. One or more of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) ≥ 1000 ml, hysterectomy, and organ invasion were regarded as a poor pregnancy outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. RESULTS: Fifty-one PPP women were included, with 70.6% having PAS and 75.0% of PAS women having a poor pregnancy outcome. The incidence of PAS diagnosis was 36.4% for those with a score < 5 points, with 0% having a poor outcome; 76.5% for those with a score ≥ 5 to < 8 points, with 61.5% having a poor outcome; and 100% for those with a score ≥ 8 points, with 100% having a poor pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION: The system for predicting PPP with PAS and poor pregnancy outcomes was of high accuracy.

Evaluation of right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses using intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation.

BACKGROUND: Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses. Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume. As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development, an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment. The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation (iSTIC) technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images. In this study, the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function. AIM: To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses. METHODS: Between October 2014 and September 2015, a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital. iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software. Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve. The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume. The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume, the right cardiac output, and the right ejection fraction. The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed. The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer, and the intra-observer agreement measurements were calculated. RESULTS: Among the 123 normal fetuses, the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99 ± 0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69 ± 0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43 ± 0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36 ± 0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62 ± 0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33 ± 0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation. The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23 ± 40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83 ± 32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume, right ventricular end-systolic volume, right stroke volume, and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear (P < 0.01). Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability. iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.

TAZ and myostatin involved in muscle atrophy of congenital neurogenic clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: Muscular atrophy is the basic defect of neurogenic clubfoot. Muscle atrophy of clubfoot needs more scientific and reasonable imaging measurement parameters to evaluate. The Hippo pathway and myostatin pathway may be directly correlated in myogenesis. In this study, we will use congenital neurogenic clubfoot muscle atrophy model to verify in vivo. Further, the antagonistic mechanism of TAZ on myostatin was studied in the C2C12 cell differentiation model. AIM: To identify muscle atrophy in fetal neurogenic clubfoot by ultrasound imaging and detect the expression of TAZ and myostatin in gastrocnemius muscle. To elucidate the possible mechanisms by which TAZ antagonizes myostatin-induced atrophy in an in vitro cell model. METHODS: Muscle atrophy in eight cases of fetal unilateral clubfoot with nervous system abnormalities was identified by 2D and 3D ultrasound. Western blotting and immunostaining were performed to detect expression of myostatin and TAZ. TAZ overexpression in C2C12 myotubes and the expression of associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: The maximum cross-sectional area of the fetal clubfoot on the varus side was reduced compared to the contralateral side. Myostatin was elevated in the atrophied gastrocnemius muscle, while TAZ expression was decreased. They were negatively correlated. TAZ overexpression reversed the diameter reduction of the myotube, downregulated phosphorylated Akt, and increased the expression of forkhead box O4 induced by myostatin. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can detect muscle atrophy of fetal clubfoot. TAZ and myostatin are involved in the pathological process of neurogenic clubfoot muscle atrophy. TAZ antagonizes myostatin-induced myotube atrophy, potentially through regulation of the Akt/forkhead box O4 signaling pathway.

Evaluation of Gastric Emptying by Transabdominal Ultrasound after Oral Administration of Semisolid Cellulose-Based Gastric Ultrasound Contrast Agents.

Many previous studies have found that transabdominal ultrasound may allow precise measurement of gastric emptying of liquid meals. However, the clinical use of this technique has been hampered by the limitation that transabdominal ultrasound might not accurately measure gastric emptying of solid meals. It is more important to measure gastric emptying of solids instead of liquids, as gastric emptying of solids is more often delayed than gastric emptying of liquids in gastric motility disorders. Recently, transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of a cellulose-based gastric contrast agents (TUS-OSCA) has been suggested to be effective in initial screening of gastric lesions. The aim of this study was to explore the accuracy of TUS-OSCA in the evaluation of gastric emptying of a semisolid meal. Twenty healthy young patients (10 males and 10 females aged 25.5 ± 2.5 y) were studied. Concurrent measurements of gastric emptying by scintigraphy and TUS-OSCA were performed after ingestion of 350 mL semisolid ultrasound agent labeled with 20 MBq 99mTc-sulfur colloid. There was no significant difference in the overall curves for gastric emptying time between scintigraphy and TUS-OSCA. There was a good correlation between the gastric 50% emptying times determined by scintigraphy (89.4 ± 1.8 min) and TUS-OSCA (92.5 ± 1.7 min). The correlation coefficient was r = 0.922 (p = 0.000). Current results indicate that TUS-OSCA is accurate, and the results are similar to those obtained by scintigraphy for gastric emptying of a semisolid meal.

Prenatal diagnosis of Joubert syndrome: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease belonging to ciliopathy with the causative mutation of genes. Except for X-linked inheritance, the high recurrence rate of a family is about 25%. After birth, it may cause a series of neurological symptoms, even with retina, kidney, liver, and other organ abnormalities, which is defined as Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD). Molecular genetics research contributes to disease prediction and genetic counseling. Prenatal diagnosis is rare. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually the first-choice diagnostic modality with typical brain images characterized by the molar tooth sign. We describe a case of JS prenatally and Dandy-Walker malformation for the differential diagnosis based on ultrasonograms. We also review the etiology, imaging features, clinical symptoms, and diagnosis of JSRD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old woman was pregnant at 27 1/7 weeks' gestation with fetal cerebellar vermis hypoplasia. Fetal ultrasonography and MRI confirmed a diagnosis of JS at our center. The couple finally opted to terminate the fetus, which had a normal appearance and growth parameters. The couple also had an AHI1 gene mutation on chromosome 6. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, a diagnosis of JS is commonly made after birth. Fewer cases of prenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography have been made, and they are more liable to be misdirected because of some nonspecial features that also manifest in Dandy-Walker malformation, cranio-cerebello-cardiac syndrome, and so on.