Measurement of the

The ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction is critical for AGB star nucleosynthesis due to its connection to the abundances of several key isotopes, such as ^{21}Ne and ^{22}Ne. However, the ambiguous resonance energy and spin-parity of the dominant 470 keV resonance leads to substantial uncertainty in the ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction rate for the temperature of interest. We have measured the resonance energies and strengths of the low-energy resonances in ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility (JUNA) with improved precision. The key 470 keV resonance energy has been measured to be E_{α}=474.0±1.1 keV, with such high precision achieved for the first time. The spin-parity of this resonance state is determined to be 1^{-}, removing discrepancies in the resonance strengths in earlier studies. The results significantly improve the precision of the ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction rates by up to about 10 times compared with the previous data at typical AGB temperatures of 0.1-0.3 GK. We demonstrate that such improvement leads to precise ^{21}Ne abundance predictions, with an impact on probing the origin of meteoritic stardust SiC grains from AGB stars.

Direct Measurement of the Astrophysical

Fluorine is one of the most interesting elements in nuclear astrophysics, where the ^{19}F(p,α)^{16}O reaction is of crucial importance for Galactic ^{19}F abundances and CNO cycle loss in first generation Population III stars. As a day-one campaign at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility, we report direct measurements of the essential ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction channel. The γ-ray yields were measured over E_{c.m.}=72.4-344 keV, covering the Gamow window; our energy of 72.4 keV is unprecedentedly low, reported here for the first time. The experiment was performed under the extremely low cosmic-ray-induced background environment of the China JinPing Underground Laboratory, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. The present low-energy S factors deviate significantly from previous theoretical predictions, and the uncertainties are significantly reduced. The thermonuclear ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction rate has been determined directly at the relevant astrophysical energies.

[Promoting migration and apoptosis of glioma cells by macrophage migration inhibitory factor].

Objective: To investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on the biology of glioma U87MG and U251 cells. Methods: Silencing MIF gene expression in U87MG cells by RNA interference was monitored by Western blot. MIF low expressing U251 cells were treated at different concentrations of recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) and scratching test and flow cytometry were used to detect cell migration and apoptosis. The protein expression of bcl-2, bax, AKT, p-AKT was detected by Western blot. Results: The ability of migration and anti-apoptosis of U87MG cells silenced by siRNA decreased significantly, and the expression levels of p-AKT and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 also decreased; in contrast, the expression level of apoptosis protein bax increased. With increase of rhMIF treatment concentration, the expression levels of MIF protein, p-AKT and bcl-2 in U251 cells were gradually enhanced, whereas the level of apoptosis protein bax was inhibited. Conclusion: MIF promotes cell migration and inhibits apoptosis of both U87MG and U251 cells, likely through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Polyphasic taxonomy of Aspergillus section Cervini.

Species belonging to Aspergillus section Cervini are characterised by radiate or short columnar, fawn coloured, uniseriate conidial heads. The morphology of the taxa in this section is very similar and isolates assigned to these species are frequently misidentified. In this study, a polyphasic approach was applied using morphological characters, extrolite data, temperature profiles and partial BenA, CaM and RPB2 sequences to examine the relationships within this section. Based on this taxonomic approach the section Cervini is resolved in ten species including six new species: A. acidohumus, A. christenseniae, A. novoguineensis, A. subnutans, A. transcarpathicus and A. wisconsinensis. A dichotomous key for the identification is provided.

Overexpression of two α-esterase genes mediates metabolic resistance to malathion in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel).

Esterase has been reported to be involved in malathion resistance in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the esterase-mediated resistance remains largely unknown in this species. Here, with the use of a strain selected for malathion resistance in the laboratory (MR), we found that two overexpressed α-esterase genes, namely BdCarE4 and BdCarE6, predominant in the adult midgut and fat body, function in conferring malathion resistance in B. dorsalis. Notably, these two genes were found to be mostly close to the esterase E3, which are usually implicated in detoxifying organophosphate insecticides. The transcript levels of BdCarE4 and BdCarE6 were investigated and compared between the MR and a susceptible (MS) strain of B. dorsalis. Both genes were significantly up-regulated in the MR strain, which was consistent with the enhanced esterase activity in the MR strain. However, no changes in either the coding sequence or gene copy number were observed between the two strains. Subsequently, heterologous expression combined with cytotoxicity assay in Sf9 cells demonstrated that BdCarE4 and BdCarE6 can probably detoxify malathion. Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of each of these two genes significantly increased malathion susceptibility in the MR strain adults. In conclusion, these results expand our molecular understanding of the important role of α-esterases during the development of resistance to organophosphorous insecticides in B. dorsalis.

In silico cloning and annotation of genes involved in the digestion, detoxification and RNA interference mechanism in the midgut of Bactrocera dorsalis [Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae)].

As the second largest organ in insects, the insect midgut is the major tissue involved in the digestion of food and detoxification of xenobiotics, such as insecticides, and the first barrier and target for oral RNA interference (RNAi). In this study, we performed a midgut-specific transcriptome analysis in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, an economically important worldwide pest, with many populations showing high levels of insecticide resistance. Using high-throughput sequencing, 52 838 060 short reads were generated and assembled to 25 236 unigenes with a mean length of 758 bp. Interestingly, 34 unique sequences encoding digestion enzymes were newly described and these included aminopeptidase and trypsin, genes associated with Bacillus thuringiensis resistance and fitness cost. Second, 41 transcripts were annotated to particular detoxification genes such as glutathione S-transferases, carboxylesterases and cytochrome P450s, and the subsequent phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with tissue-specific and insecticide resistance-related genes of Drosophila melanogaster. Third, we identified the genes involved in the mechanism of RNAi and the uptake of double-stranded RNA. The sequences encoding Dicer-2, R2D2, AGO2, and Eater were confirmed, but SID and SR-CI were absent in the midgut transcriptome. In conclusion, the results provide basic molecular information to better understand the mechanisms of food digestion, insecticide resistance and oral RNAi in this important pest insect in agriculture. Specific genes in these systems can be used in the future as potential targets for pest control, for instance, with RNAi technology.

The applicability of Ki-67 marker for renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma: experience of ten cases from a single center.

In order to present our experience with 10 cases of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) and validate the applicability of Ki-67 (proliferation marker) for EAML, we reviewed medical records of 10 consecutive cases diagnosed EAML from January 2005 to February 2012 at our department. Clinical data were collected and analyzed and pathology slides were reviewed. The immunohistochemical reactions for Ki-67 were performed and tumors showed positive expression were estimated. Active follow-up was performed to investigate the association between Ki-67 expression and the prognosis. The mean age and tumor size of the patients was 43.6 years (range 32-56) and 8.2 cm (range 2-15 cm), respectively. Seven were females while three were males. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 6 patients, partial nephrectomy in 3, and renal artery ligation in 1. The immunohistochemical reactions for HMB-45 (Human Melanoma Black), SMA (Smooth Muscle Actin) were positive but for S-100 were negative. The number of patients showing positive/negative Ki-67 expression was 5/5. The survival rate of the positive group was 20% (1/5) while 100% (5/5) of the negative group during the median follow-up time of 26.75 months (range 1-53). Recurrence, metastasis and death due to disease occurred in 1 (10%), 3 (30%) and 4 (40%) patients, respectively. Higher expression (positive) of Ki-67 indicates the presence of EAML and poor prognosis of patients. Surgical excision including radical and partial nephrectomy is a considerable approach to the treatment for its malignant potential.

[Whole transcriptome analysis and critical gene regulatory network analysis during Schistosoma japonicum infection and praziquantel treatment in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions and identify the critical gene regulatory network during Schistosoma japonicum infections and praziquantel treatment using whole transcriptome sequencing. METHODS: A total of 110 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group, the infection group and the treatment group. Mice in the infection treatment and the control group were infected with S. japonicum cercariae via the abdomen, and liver specimens were sampled from 10 mice 3, 6, 8 weeks post-infection. Praziquantel treatment was given to mice in the treatment group 8 weeks post-infection, and liver specimens were sampled from 10 mice 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks post-treatment. Total RNA was isolated from mouse liver specimens, and the transcriptome library was constructed for highthroughput whole transcriptome sequencing. The significant differentially expressed genes were subjected to functional annotations, Gene Ontology (GO) terms enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Correlation analysis of liver specimens was performed using R Corrplot and Himsc functions, and the lncRNAmiRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis was performed using R MixOmics and Himsc functions. RESULTS: There were 1 176 differentially expressed miRNAs, 5 270 differentially expressed mRNAs, and 2 682 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the infection group and the control group, 1 289 differentially expressed miRNAs, 7 differentially expressed mRNAs, and 69 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the treatment group and the infection group, and 1 210 differentially expressed miRNAs, 4 456 differentially expressed mRNAs, and 2 016 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the treatment group and the control group. Correlation analysis showed a higher correlation of gene expression between the treatment group and the control group. Principal component analysis showed obvious separate clustering between the infection group and the treatment group. The differentially expressed genes with significant relevance were significantly enriched in 24 GO terms, including arachidonic acid metabolic process, xenobiotic catabolic process, unsaturated fatty acid metabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process, long-chain fatty acid metabolic process, and 8 KEGG metabolic pathways, including cholesterol metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biometabolism. CONCLUSIONS: There were 23 mRNAs including Cyp2b9 and 14 lncRNAs including Rmrpr in the core position of the gene regulatory network, which may play a critical role in S. japonicum infections and praziquantel treatment, and 9 miRNAs including miR-8105 may serve as potential molecular markers for diagnosis of S. japonicum infections.

[A prospective cohort study on BMI levels and risk of acute pancreatitis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) levels at different baseline on the risk of new-onset acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: The subjects were from the Kailuan Study Cohort and divided into 3 groups according to baseline BMI levels: BMI<24 kg/m2, normal weight; BMI 24-28 kg/m2, overweight; BMI≥28 kg/m2, obesity. The incidence of new-onset AP in these three groups was analyzed. The survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method, the cumulative incidence was calculated and tested by log-rank method. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate HR of baseline BMI levels for AP. Results: A total of 123 841 subjects were included and followed up for (11.94±2.13) years, during which, 395 cases were found with AP. The incidence of AP was 2.67 per 10 000 person years in total population, and the incidences of AP were 2.20, 2.72 and 3.58 per 10 000 person-years in the normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively. The cumulative incidences of AP was 0.32%, 0.40% and 0.49% in normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively, which showed a significant inter-group difference by log-rank test (χ 2=13.17,P<0.01). The results of multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that obesity group (HR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.10-1.92) had a higher risk for AP compared with the normal BMI group. The subgroup analyses by age and sex showed that compared with the normal weight group,the HRs for AP in the obesity group was 1.58(95%CI:1.14-2.19) and 1.40(95%CI:1.03-1.90) among subjects younger than 60 years old and male subjects, respectively. After excluded onset AP within two years from baseline,with a control group from normal weight,the results of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that the AP in the obesity group was 1.60 (95%CI: 1.18-2.15). Conclusion: Obesity may increase the risk of developing AP, particularly among young and middle-aged men.

[Relationship between waist circumference trajectory and new-onset non alcoholic fatty liver disease in the non-obese population].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between waist circumference trajectory and new-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the non-obese population. Methods: The study cohort was composed of the ones who met the selection criteria in Kailuan study. Waist circumference trajectories of the participants in 2006-2007, 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 were determined by SAS Proc Traj program. Four groups with different waist circumference trajectories were generated, including low-, medium-, medium-high- and high-stability groups. All groups were followed up for their health conditions in 2012-2013, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively. Incidence rates of NAFLD during physical examination were compared among different waist circumference trajectory groups. Cox regression model was used to analyze the correlation between different waist circumference trajectory groups and new-onset NAFLD. Results: Finally, 12 477 observers were included in the statistical analysis, including 8 181 males and 4 296 females. There were 1 026 (8.2%), 5 183 (41.5%), 5 481 (44.0%) and 787 cases (6.3%) in the low, medium, medium-high and high stability-stability groups, respectively. There were 4 123 NAFLD cases occurred during the follow-up period. The cumulative incidence of NAFLD increased along with the increase of waist circumference trajectory (21%, 43%, 59%, 72%, respectively) (P<0.01). The risks of NAFLD were 2.411 (95%CI: 2.021-2.877), 4.050 (95%CI: 3.402-4.820) and 5.489 (95%CI: 4.506-6.686) times higher in medium-, medium-high- and high-stability group than that in the low-stability group (P<0.01). After adjusting for age, sex and other confounding factors, the risks of NAFLD in the medium-, medium-high- and high-stability groups were 2.150 (95%CI: 1.789-2.582), 3.176 (95%CI: 2.623-3.846) and 3.732 (95%CI: 2.987-4.662) times higher than that in the low-stability group. Conclusion: The risk of NAFLD in non-obese people increased along with the increase of waist circumference trajectory, which seemed to have played an independent risk factor for NAFLD.

DANCR sponges miR-135a to regulate paclitaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Paclitaxel is one of the most common drugs for cancer treatment. LncRNA DANCR is a regulator of up-regulation in tumors. Our experiment aims to clarify the role of DANCR in paclitaxel sensitivity of prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We found that the expression of DANCR in prostate cancer tissues and cells was significantly higher than that in normal groups. DANCR knockdown could reduce cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in cells. Moreover, DANCR silence enhanced the effect of paclitaxel on cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. RESULTS: DANCR targeted and negatively regulated the expression of miR-135a. miR-135a overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and paclitaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer cells. miR-135a inhibition reversed the promoting effect of DANCR silence on paclitaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of DANCR increased paclitaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer cells by negatively regulating the expression of miR-135a.

University of California at San Francisco criteria can be applied to living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: single-center preliminary results in 27 patients.

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can provide life-saving therapy for many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who otherwise would succumb due to tumor progression. However, donor risk must be balanced against potential recipient benefit. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2006, a total of 27 LDLT were performed for HCC patients in our center, including 25 right lobe grafts, and 2 dual grafts. Twenty-four (88.89%) met the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria, whereas 3 (11.11%) did not. RESULTS: Of our 29 donors, the overall complication rate was 17.24%. Two (6.90%) experienced major complications including intra-abdominal bleeding and portal vein thrombosis in 1, respectively; 3 (10.34%) experienced minor complications: wound steatosis, pleural effusion, and transient chyle leakage in 1, respectively. We did not observe any donor mortality; all donors fully recovered and returned to their previous occupations. No recipient developed small-for-size syndrome. The overall HCC patient survival rates at 1- and 3-years were 84.01% and 71.40%, respectively, similar to those of patients undergoing LDLT for various nonmalignant diseases during the same period (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although further study is needed to fully assess the risks and benefits of LDLT for both HCC patients and donors, our preliminary results suggested that LDLT offered an acceptable chance and duration of survival for HCC patients. It was not only a relatively safe procedure provided that every effort was taken to minimize donor morbidities, but also beneficial for HCC recipients.

Arterial complications after living-related liver transplantation: single-center experience from West China.

Vascular complications after liver transplantation remain a major source of morbidity and mortality for recipients. In particular, patients receiving living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) experience a higher rate of vascular complications owing to the complex vascular reconstruction. Between July 2001 and December 2005, LRLTs were performed in our center on 33 patients with end-stage liver diseases. The 23 men and 10 women had a mean age of 32.6 +/- 11.3 years (range = 5 to 58 years). Of the 33 patients, the percentage of vascular complications was 9.09% (3 cases), including hepatic arterial thrombosis (HAT), hepatic arterial stenosis (HAS), or hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) in one patient, respectively. No portal vein or hepatic vein complication occurred in our patients. Thrombectomy was performed in the patient with thrombosis. The patient with stenosis was treated with balloon angioplasty and endoluminal stent placement. The pseudoaneurysm was also successfully embolized to restore the blood flow toward the donor liver. Mean follow-up for all patients after LRLT was 18.0 +/- 5.4 months. The overall postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 6.06% (2/33). The 1-year survival rate was 86.36% in 22 patients with benign diseases and 72.73% in 11 patients with malignant diseases. However, no death was associated with vascular complications. Careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative microsurgical technique for hepatic artery reconstructions are the keys to prevent vascular complications following LRLT. Immediate surgical intervention is required for acute vascular complications, whereas late complications may be treated by balloon angioplasty and endoluminal stent placement. Embolization may be a safe and effective approach in the treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery.

Safety of donor in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation using right lobe graft.

BACKGROUND: The growing gap between the number of patients awaiting liver transplantation and available organs has continued to be the primary issue facing the transplant community. To overcome the waiting list mortality, living donor liver transplantation has become an option, in which the greatest concern is the safety of the donor, especially in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A-A LDLT) using a right lobe liver graft. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the safety of donors after right lobe liver donation for A-A LDLT performed in our center. METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2006, 26 patients underwent A-A LDLT using right lobe liver grafts in our center. Seven donors were men and 19 were women (range, 19-65 years; median age, 38 years). The right lobe liver grafts were obtained by transecting the liver on the right side of the middle hepatic vein without interrupting the vascular blood flow. The mean follow-up time for these donors was 9 months. RESULTS: These donor residual liver volumes ranged from 30.5% to 60.3%. We did not experience any donor mortality. Two cases (7.69%) experienced major complications: intra-abdominal bleeding and portal vein thrombosis in one each and three (11.54%), minor ones: wound steatosis in two, and transient chyle leak in one. All donors were fully recovered and returned to their previous occupations. CONCLUSIONS: A-A LDLT using a right lobe liver graft has become a standard option. The donation of right lobe liver for A-A LDLT was a relatively safe procedure in our center.

Heat shock protein 9-mediated inflammation reaction in patients with chronic prostatitis with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of heat shock protein (HSP)-9 on the inflammation reaction present in patients with chronic prostatitis with erectile dysfunction (ED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 160 participants in the study were assigned to one of four groups of the same size. Group A had patients with chronic prostatitis and ED. Group B had patients with simple chronic prostatitis. Group C had patients with ED. And group D had healthy volunteers. The serum levels of HSP-9, CRP, TNF-a, IL-6 and CD3 in each individual's serum were tested by ELISA. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores were recorded for each case. RESULTS: The serum levels of HSP-9, CRP, TNF-a, IL-6 and CD3 in the serum of groups A and B were distinctly higher than those of groups C and D (p<0.05). While comparisons between groups A and B, or between groups C and D yielded no significant differences. Nevertheless, the NIH-CPSI scores in the group A were significantly higher (mostly moderately severe) than in the group B (mild to moderate). Furthermore, the IIEF-5 scores in the group A were also significantly higher than those in the group C. CONCLUSIONS: The serum levels of HSP-9, CRP, TNF-a, IL-6 and CD3 in the sera of patients with chronic prostatitis with ED were clearly increased, reflecting a high degree of inflammation which may be related to the clinical manifestations in patients with chronic prostatitis and ED.

Mifepristone-inducible recombinant adenovirus attenuates paraquat-induced lung injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of overexpression of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (NRF2) on lung injury in rats exposed to paraquat (PQ) poisoning. METHODS: A mifepristone (RU486)-inducible recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human NRF2 gene (Ad-RUNRF2) was constructed and transfected via airway into the rats 7 days before the administration of RU486. Rats were orally challenged with PQ at 20 mg/kg 24 h after the injection of RU486. On days 0.5, 3 and 21 after PQ poisoning, the expressions of NRF2 and cytokines related to inflammation and oxidation in lung tissue were examined. RESULTS: RU486 remarkably enhanced NRF2 mRNA and NRF2 protein levels in Ad-RUNRF2-transfected rats in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). PQ stimulated compensatory overexpression of NRF2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) in lungs on days 0.5 and 3 after exposure (p < 0.05), but depleted the expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione (GSH), with an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). However, pretreatment with Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 strongly enhanced the expression levels of NRF2, HO-1, NQO-1, CAT and GSH-Px in the lungs of PQ intoxicated rats, with increased GSH and decreased MDA (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 also strongly suppressed the PQ-induced activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and decreased the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, Ad-RUNRF2 and RU486 induction significantly reduced PQ-induced pathological changes in lungs and attenuated lung oedema and protein leakage caused by PQ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: RU486-induced overexpression of NRF2 in lungs transfected with Ad-RUNRF2 can ameliorate PQ-induced lung injury by the activation of the NRF2-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.

An ultrastructural study of lesions induced in the cerebellum of mice by inhalation exposure to methyl chloride.

Female C57BL/6 mice were exposed for 6 h/day, 5 day/wk for 2 weeks, to 1,500 ppm methyl chloride. Focal and diffuse malacia, involving the cerebellar inner granular layer was found while renal lesions were minimal or absent. The cerebellar lesions were most frequently found in the ventral paraflocculus, and less often in other regions of the cerebellum. The earliest ultrastructural changes were seen in the nuclei of scattered cerebellar granule cells, with progression from slight confluence of heterochromatin, to complete nuclear condensation or karyorrhexis. More severely affected areas exhibited severe watery swelling and disruption of granule cell perikarya with less severe changes in other cell types. Blood vessels appeared normal, even in areas of severe malacia. It was concluded that the lesions in the mouse cerebellum closely resemble methyl chloride induced brain lesions previously described in guinea pigs, and that these lesions are not secondary to the renal toxicity of methyl chloride.

Long-term results of wide-field brachytherapy as the sole method of radiation therapy after segmental mastectomy for T(is,1,2) breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that wide-field brachytherapy (BRT) after margin negative excision would result in complication rates, local recurrence rates, and cosmesis scores equivalent to external beam radiotherapy (ERT). METHODS: Patients with T(is,1,2) tumors less than or equal to 4 cm, 0 to 3 positive axillary nodes, and negative inked surgical margins were entered prospectively into BRT phase I/II trial. Patients who met the eligibility criteria for BRT but were treated with ERT during the same time period were retrospectively identified as controls. A blinded panel of healthcare professionals graded cosmetic outcome. RESULTS: Fifty patients with 51 breast cancers received BRT from January 1992 to October 1993. We identified 94 patients eligible for BRT but concurrently treated with ERT. At a median follow-up of 75 months, the two groups were similar for grade III treatment toxicities, local/regional recurrence rates, and cosmesis scores. CONCLUSIONS: For selected breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy, BRT is an attractive alternative to ERT.

The distribution of HgCl2 in rat body and its effects on fetus.

Both female and male Wistar rats were dividend into 3 groups according to their body weights. The two test groups were given 75 micrograms/ml and 7.5 micrograms/ml HgCl, respectively, via drinking water, while the control group was given distilled water. Animals were mated after the male rats were treated for 12 weeks and female rats for 2 weeks. Blood samples from rats were taken on the 18th day of the pregnancy and the results showed that the HgCl2 was absorbed and stored in the blood in the form of inorganic mercury. The greatest amount of HgCl2 was found in the kidney. The placenta and the tests also had high mercury deposits. Fetuses showed low levels of HgCl2, thus, the placenta appears to serve as a barrier against HgCl2. No pathological changes were observed in the placenta, ovary, liver, and kidney in the female rats, but the epithelial cells of the rental proximal convoluted tubules were cloudy and swelling. The renal corpuscle showed no changes in the male rats. Pathological examination showed that a portion of the seminiferous epithelia were falling off, and the number of sperm released by the male was reduced. Examination by electron microscopy revealed that particulate fat was increased in sperm cells, which suggests that spermatozoa had been degenerated and were possibly one of the causes for the decreased rates of pregnancy in the exposed groups. No malformation of organs and bones in the rat fetuses were observed.