Recent advance in paradoxical herniation / 中华神经医学杂志

Paradoxical herniation (PH) is a rare complication after decompressive craniectomy, which manifests as that intracranial contents collapse due to atmospheric pressure higher than intracranial pressure and gravity after decompression, and the brain parenchyma eventually herniates through the tentorial notch or the foramen magnum. Contrary to the traditional treatment of cerebral hernia, the intracranial pressure in PH patients should be increased by early cranioplasty or other measures. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, mechanism, diagnoses and treatments of PH, and provides further reference for clinical work.

Effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway on hydrocephalus and aquaporin 4 expression in rats / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To observe the regulatory effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) on aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in rats after hydrocephalus, and to explore its significance in hydrocephalus prevention.Methods:Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group ( n=10), hydrocephalus group ( n=20), and hydrocephalus+inhibitor (SB203580) group (SB group, n=20). The rat models of hydrocephalus in the latter two groups were prepared by intracerebroventricular injection of kaolin suspension; rats in the sham-operated group were injected with same amount of normal saline into the lateral ventricle. The p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the rats of SB group on the 8 th d of modeling for 7 consecutive d; same volume of dimethylsulfoxide was given to the rats of hydrocephalus group on the 8 th d of modeling for 7 consecutive d; rats in the sham-operated group did not give any treatment. The severity of hydrocephalus in these rats was observed by MRI. The inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in the cerebrospinal fluid was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The AQP4 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The phosphorylated p38 MAPK and AQP4 expressions in the periventricular brain tissues were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results:No hydrocephalus developed in sham-operated group and hydrocephalus developed in the latter two groups. As compared with sham-operated group, hydrocephalus group and SB group had significantly increased lateral ventricle volume, significantly aggravated periventricular edema, significantly higher EVAN's index, and statistically increased brain water content ( P<0.05). Two weeks after modeling, the TNF-α expression levels in cerebrospinal fluid of sham-operated group, hydrocephalus group and SB group were (20.49±0.96), (42.04±3.17), and (28.00±3.71) pg/mL, respectively, with significant differences ( F=186.000, P<0.001); the TNF-α expression level in SB group was significantly higher than that in sham-operated group and significantly lower than that in hydrocephalus group ( P<0.05). Two weeks after modeling, the TNF-α and AQP4 mRNA expression levels in brain tissues of the three groups were significantly different ( P<0.05); the TNF-α and AQP4 mRNA expression levels in hydrocephalus group were significantly higher than those in sham-operated group and SB group ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive linear correlation between AQP4 mRNA expression and TNF-α mRNA expression in hydrocephalus group ( r=0.511, P=0.026), and there was a positive linear correlation between AQP4 protein expression and phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein expression in hydrocephalus group and SB group ( r=0.560, P=0.013; r=0.463, P=0.030). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that AQP4 expression was abundant in glial cells of the three groups; the p38 MAPK distribution was uniform and non-polar; the phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein expression in the hydrocephalus group was significantly higher than that in the sham-operated group, and that in the SB group returned to the level of the sham-operated group. Conclusion:The p38 MAPK pathway is involved in the positive regulation of AQP4 expression, which could be inhibited by SB203580.

Role of 3D printing positioning guide in neurosurgery / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of individualized three-dimensional (3D) printing positioning guides in localization and resection of intracranial lesions.Methods:Fifteen patients with intracranial space occupying lesions underwent resection in our hospital from March 2021 to May 2021 were selected in our study. Brain images by CT and MRI as raw data were used to design individual positioning guides. The positioning guides were placed on the patient's skin before resection to mark the location and boundary of the lesions with a marker, and neuro-navigation was used to verify the accuracy. During the resection, the location of the lesions was identified through microscope by the surgeons. Postoperative CT and MRI were used to evaluate the lesion resection.Results:The individualized positioning guides of 15 patients fit the skin well, and the skin incision and bone window were designed to meet the surgical requirements. All surgeries were completed in one time, and the lesion tissues were successfully removed. During the surgeries, the skin incision was not adjusted for secondary expansion. Brain MRI reexamination within 48 h of surgery showed that the lesions of 11 patients with tumors were removed satisfactorily (total resection in 9 and subtotal resection in 2); brain CT reexamination within 12 h showed that the clearance rate of hematomas in 3 patients was above 80% and that in 1 patient was 70%. No patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, intracranial hematoma, intracranial infection or other serious complications. All patients recovered well during the 1-3 months of outpatient/telephone follow-up.Conclusion:The positioning method with personalized 3D printing guides is simple and convenient, enjoying accurate positioning results, which can assist the clinicians to optimize the preoperative planning, optimize the surgical incision design, and is worthy of promotion and application in primary hospitals.

Preliminary study of serum 2019-nCoV IgM and IgG antibodies in the diagnosis of COVID-19 / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical value of serum 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the diagnosis of COVID-19.Methods:A total of 116 patients diagnosed with NCP in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University were enrolled from January to February 2020 as the disease group. A total of 134 cases, including 84 non-NCP inpatients and 50 healthy individuals served as the control group. Serum samples from all subjects were collected. A fully-automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer was used to detect the concentration of 2019-nCoV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum. The sensitivity and specificity of the 2019-nCoV IgM and IgG antibody single test and combined detection were compared using the χ 2 test. χ 2 test and Wilcoxon′s rank sum test were used to compare the positive rates and concentrations of IgM and IgG antibodies in NCP patients before and after their 2019-nCoV nucleic acid tests turning negative, respectively. The change trend of 2019-nCoV antibody concentration in the process of NCP patients was analyzed by Wilcoxon′s rank sum test. Results:The sensitivity of 2019-nCoV IgG (90.5%, 105/116) was higher than that of 2019-nCoV IgM (75.9%, 88/116), the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=8.91, P<0.05); The specificity of 2019-nCoV IgG (99.3%,133/134) was higher than that of 2019-nCoV IgM (94.0%, 126/134), the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=5.63, P<0.05). The sensitivity (89.7%,87/97) of 2019-nCoV IgM combined with IgG was higher than that of 2019-nCoV IgM, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=6.89, P<0.05). The specificity (100%, 125/125) of 2019-nCoV IgM combined with IgG was higher than that of 2019-nCoV IgM, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=7.70, P<0.05). After 2019-nCoV nucleic acid test converted to negative, the positive rate (9/17) and concentration [13.0 (4.9, 24.7) AU/ml] of serum 2019-nCoV IgM antibody were significantly lower than those when the nucleic acid test was positive, positive rate (15/17) and concentration [29.5 (14.0, 61.3) AU/ml], respectively (χ 2=5.10, Z=-3.195, both P<0.05). In the course of NCP, patients′ serum samples were collected from the first day of diagnosis to every three days, three times in total. The first 2019-nCoV IgM and IgG antibody concentrations [19.4 (12.4, 63.7) AU/ml, 105.8 (74.8, 126.1) AU/ml, respectively] were significantly higher than the second concentrations [15.8 (7.1, 40.3)AU/ml, 80.5 (66.7, 105.9) AU/ml], Z were-2.897,-3.179, both P<0.05. Conclusions:2019-nCoV IgG antibody has a good application value in the diagnosis of NCP. The concentration of 2019-nCoV IgM antibody has a certain correlation with the detection of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. The combination of 2019-nCoV IgM and IgG antibodies with 2019-nCoV nucleic acid test may be the best laboratory index for the diagnosis of NCP at present.

Genetic analysis of a pedigree affected with tuberous sclerosis complex caused by a novel mutation of TSC1 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical phenotype of a Chinese pedigree affected with Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and explore pathogenic mutations of TSC1 and TSC2 gene.@*METHODS@#Unique clinical phenotypes，the results of imaging, examination of the proband and special family history, collectively, made the constellation of features of TSC. Genomic DNA was obtained from six affected and eight unaffected members of the family and potential mutations of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes were detected by PCR-amplification of the exons and exon-intron boundaries and direct sequencing. A total of 150 normal unrelated individuals were used as controls.@*RESULTS@#Genetic analysis documented the presence of a heterozygous mutation, c.1781_1782delTG (p.Val594GlyfsX11), in the exon 15 of TSC1 gene within all the patients of the family. This mutation was not observed in the eight unaffected family members or in the 150 unrelated control subjects from the same population , or the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and had completely co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.1781_1782delTG mutation of TSC1 gene may be responsible for the tuberous sclerosis complex in this family. The data presented in the present study are of significance to clinicians, as well as genetic counselors, and may provide new clues for molecular diagnosis of this disease．.

Genetic analysis of a pedigree affected with tuberous sclerosis complex caused by a novel mutation of TSC1 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the clinical phenotype of a Chinese pedigree affected with Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC) and explore pathogenic mutations of TSC1 and TSC2 gene.@*Methods@#Unique clinical phenotypes, the results of imaging, examination of the proband and special family history, collectively, made the constellation of features of TSC.Genomic DNA was obtained from six affected and eight unaffected members of the family and potential mutations of the TSC1 and TSC2 genes were detected by PCR-amplification of the exons and exon-intron boundaries and direct sequencing.A total of 150 normal unrelated individuals were used as controls.@*Results@#Genetic analysis documented the presence of a heterozygous mutation, c. 1781_1782delTG (p.Val594GlyfsX11), in the exon 15 of TSC1 gene within all the patients of the family. This mutation was not observed in the eight unaffected family members or in the 150 unrelated control subjects from the same population , or the Human Gene Mutation Database(HGMD)and had completely co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family.@*Conclusions@#The c. 1781_1782delTG mutation of TSC1 gene may be responsible for the tuberous sclerosis complex in this family. The data presented in the present study are of significance to clinicians, as well as genetic counselors, and may provide new clues for molecular diagnosis of this disease.

Awake craniotomy of gliomas in eloquent areas: an analysis of 19 cases / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To discuss the techniques and methods of surgery for brain gliomas located in eloquent areas at awake anesthesia. Methods Nineteen patients with brain gliomas in eloquent areas, admitted to our hospital from December 2014 to May 2017, were operated under awake anesthesia with neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasonography for locating the lesions and intraoperative direct electrical stimulation for functional mapping of the eloquent areas. All patients were followed up from 3 to 18 months; the surgical efficacies were analyzed. Results Of 19 patients, 18 (94.74％) were achieved awake and alert during brain mapping and resection of the tumors;17 (89.47％) were detected the motor areas by intraoperative direct electrical stimulation, 6 (31.58％) were detected the sensory cortex and 12 (63.16％) were detected language related cortex. Of 19 patients, MR imaging 2-3 months after surgery indicated that 5 (26.32％) received total resection of lesions, 9 (47.37％) subtotal resection of lesions and 5 (26.32％) partial resection of lesions. Seven patients (36.84％) had transitory postoperative aphasia, 4 (21.05％) were with transitory postoperative dyskinesia and one (5.26％) with permanent dyskinesia. Conclusion Comprehensive applications of awake anesthesia, neuronavigation, intraoperative ultrasonography and intraoperative direct electrical stimulation technologies allow maximum safe resection of gliomas in eloquent areas and protection of brain function.

Recent advance in Pygopus / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Pygopus(Pygo)is a new discovered component of Wnt signaling,which is located in the downstream of its core protein β-catenin and can mediate β-catenin into nucleus and activate target gene tran-scription. Pygo plays an important role in mammalian embryonic development and tumor formation. Recent studies show that Pygo regulates stem cells,tumor cells and tumor stem cells by epigenetic mechanisms such as histone interpretations and modifications. Further insights into Pygo′s functions and mechanisms will extend our knowledge of the Pygo-related tumors.

Expression of EGFL7 in human glioma and its relationship with FAKpY397 and MVD / 国际肿瘤学杂志

ObjectiveTo test the expression of epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7),microvessel density (MVD) and foeal adhesion kinase pY397 (FAKpY397) in human glioma tissues,and to evaluate their relationship.MethodsThe expression of EGFL7 and FAKpY397 in 56 cases of human glioma and 8 cases of normal brain tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry test,and MVD was detected by CD34 staining.ResultsThere was a significant difference of the positive rates of EGFL7 between normal brain tissue (0) and gliomas (75％),χ2 =17.45,P ＜0.01.With the increased pathological grade,the expression level of EGFL7 increased (χ2 =26.24,P ＜ 0.01 ).There was a significant difference of the positive rates of FAKpY397 between normal brain tissue ( 12.5％ ) and gliomas (73.2％),χ2 =6.23,P ＜ 0.05.With the increased pathological grade,the expression level of FAKpY397 increased (χ2 =6.71,P ＜ 0.01 ). MVD on normal brain was( 15 ± 4 )/HP,on Ⅰ - Ⅱ grade and Ⅲ -Ⅳ grade gliomas was ( 27 ± 3 )/HPand ( 60 ± 4 )/HP respectively,there was a significant difference on MVD between normal brain tissue and gliomas (P ＜ 0.01 ).Higher level of MVD was found in gliomas with higher grade ( P ＜ 0.01 ).There was a positive correlation between EGFL7 and FAKpY397 expressions in gliomas (r =0.314,P ＜0.01 ).There was a significant difference on MVD between positive and negative expression of EGFL7 ( t =26.55,P ＜ 0.01 ). MVD was (56 ± 4 )/HP and (25 ± 3 )/HP respectively.ConclusionThe expression of EGFL7 of human gliomas has a favorable positive correlation with the degree of malignancy,MVD and FAKpY397.It is indicated that EGFL7not only palys an important regulative role in glioma neovascularization,but also it may participate directly in glioma occurrence and invasion.

Mutation analysis of GJB2 gene in a family with Vohwinkel syndrome / 中华皮肤科杂志

ObjectiveTo detect the mutation of GJB2 gene in a Chinese family with Vohwinkel syndrome.MethodsClinical data were collected from 5 patients with Vohwinkel syndrome in a family,and blood samples were obtained from the 5 patients and 4 unaffected individuals in the family as well as from 100 normal human controls.Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR for the amplification of the entire encoding and flanking sequences of GJB2 gene(1015 bp) followed by bidirectional sequencing with the ABI PRISM 3730 automatic DNA sequencer.Finally,sequence alignment was carried out by using the software Sequencher 4.10.1 Demo.ResultsA heterozygous missense mutation 196G→C in the GJB2 gene,which resulted in the substitution of aspartic acid by histidine at codon 66 (D66H) in the first extracellular domain of the protein,was observed in all the patients of this family,but in none of the 4 unaffected individuals in this family or the 100 normal human controls.ConclusionThe D66H missense mutation in the GJB2 gene may contribute to the occurrence of Vohwinkel syndrome in Chinese Han population.

Dendritic cell vaccines in glioma treatment / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Dendritic cell ( DC)-based tumor vaccine is applied to the gliomas treatment. Target selection heightens the specificity of DC vaccine, while obtaining of highly immunogenic long-lived and more effective DC vaccines by genetic engineering to antiapoptotic protein gene transfer. With the accumulation of clinical experience, the clinical curative effect of DC vaccine has been materially improved.

Differential expression of p63 isoforms in normal tissues and neoplastic cells.

The p63 gene encodes at least six different proteins with homology to the tumour suppressor protein p53 and the related p53 family member p73. So far, there have been limited data concerning the expression patterns of individual p63 proteins, due to a lack of reagents that distinguish between the different isoforms. Three antibodies have been produced specifically directed against the two N-terminal isoforms (TAp63 and DeltaNp63) and the C-terminal region of the p63alpha proteins. TAp63 proteins are located suprabasally in stratified epithelia compared with the N-terminal truncated forms, which are more abundantly expressed in the basal cell layer, indicating a switch in expression of p63 isoforms during normal cellular differentiation. Analysis of squamous cell carcinomas shows DeltaNp63alpha to be the most widely expressed isoform, compatible with a role for this protein in promoting neoplastic cell growth in these tissues. DeltaNp63 protein expression is also restricted to basal cells in breast and prostate, whilst TAp63 isoforms are more widely expressed in these tissues as well as in tumours at these sites. TAp63, but not DeltaNp63 or p63alpha, is detected in normal colon and in colon carcinoma. TAp63 proteins are also expressed in the nuclei of a sub-population of lymphoid cells and in most malignant lymphomas, whereas DeltaNp63 proteins are not expressed. Taken together, a hitherto unrecognized regulation of p63 isoform expression in vivo has been uncovered, with different p63 proteins expressed during differentiation and in different cell types. The data indicate roles for specific p63 isoforms not only in maintaining epithelial stem cell populations, but also in cellular differentiation and neoplasia.

STUDY OF TWO-PEAK FEATURE OF c-fos EXPRESSION IN NEURONS AFTER SEVERE BRAIN INJURY AND ITS MECHANISM IN MICE / 解放军医学杂志

To investigate the time dependent features and mechanisms of c fos expression in neurons after brain injury in mice. Using the mice model of severe traumatic brain injury, c fos expression in neurons was observed at different time points after trauma with the molecular hybridization and immunohistochemistry staining. A c fos expression process in neurons occurred after severe brain injury, peaking at 1 hour. Another expression peak appeared 24 hours later. Fos positive neurons were observed in the cerebral cortex of injured hemisphere, especially in Ⅱ Ⅳ layers. The c fos gene expression after brain injury in neuron has two peaks. c fos gene expression may be caused by Leao’s spreading depression, and may be associated with cell signal transduction and neuron apoptosis.