Characterization and expression profiles of MaACS and MaACO genes from mulberry (Morus alba L.).

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) are encoded by multigene families and are involved in fruit ripening by catalyzing the production of ethylene throughout the development of fruit. However, there are no reports on ACS or ACO genes in mulberry, partly because of the limited molecular research background. In this study, we have obtained five ACS gene sequences and two ACO gene sequences from Morus Genome Database. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of MaACO1 and MaACO2 showed that their amino acids are conserved compared with ACO proteins from other species. MaACS1 and MaACS2 are type I, MaACS3 and MaACS4 are type II, and MaACS5 is type III, with different C-terminal sequences. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) expression analysis showed that the transcripts of MaACS genes were strongly expressed in fruit, and more weakly in other tissues. The expression of MaACO1 and MaACO2 showed different patterns in various mulberry tissues. MaACS and MaACO genes demonstrated two patterns throughout the development of mulberry fruit, and both of them were strongly up-regulated by abscisic acid (ABA) and ethephon.

Delayed recovery of radial nerve function after axillary block in a patient receiving ipsilateral ulnar nerve transposition surgery.

A 68-year-old female who underwent right ulnar nerve transposition surgery under axillary block (AB) by dual-technique (paresthesia and axillary artery penetration techniques) developed postoperative wristdrop. Physical examination showed local hematoma formation with ecchymosis at her right axillary region. Both ultrasonography and nerve conduction studies on her brachial plexus revealed neither direct hematoma compression, intraneural hematoma, nor peripheral neuropathy. Fortunately, she was completely restored to her right hand function 20 h after anesthesia, and was discharged without sequelae 17 days later. In this case, delayed recovery of radial nerve function after AB was suspected and the mechanism which led to this unusualness is discussed.

Airway obstruction caused by endotracheal tube cuff herniation during creation of tracheal stoma.

We report an unusual case of airway obstruction caused by herniation of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff in a 62-year-old male who underwent surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. During the procedure of creating a tracheal stoma, a new oral ETT was inserted by the surgical team to the lower portion of the trachea through the cut opening to replace the old for ventilation and prevention of soiling of the airway. Upon resumption of surgical manipulation, right endobronchial intubation was disclosed. The ETT cuff was therefore repositioned and reinflated, but airway obstruction persisted in spite of tube obstruction being ruled out by successfully passing a suction catheter through the ETT. After deflating the cuff the obstruction was resolved, and ventilation was eased. Thus the ETT was replaced with another new one and careful scrutiny made after the event revealed a herniating cuff due to manufacturing defect. It was conceivable that endobronchial intubation with over-inflation of the tube cuff may cause cuff herniation, particularly when surgical manipulation was active at the adjacency, in spite of the use of a modern tube with low-pressure high-volume cuff. Performing the "cuff deflation test" is the simple way to diagnose cuff herniation. Awareness of this condition, especially when anesthesiologists lose direct control of the airway during such procedures is important because undesirable complications can be prevented through quick decision and action.

Anesthetic management of intracranial hemorrhage from huge arteriovenous malformations in late pregnancy--a case report.

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in pregnancy is quite rare and could lead to exceedingly high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We report a 26-year-old woman at 36 weeks' gestation who sustained ICH due to two huge AVMs. For preventing from progressive increased intracranial pressure (IICP), Cesarean section under general anesthesia was performed successfully. Herein, we also discuss the anesthetic management after reviewing the related current literatures.