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Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of cranio - orbital approach for the removal of cavernous sinus - orbital communication trigeminal schwannomas. Methods and Results A total of 23 patients with cavernous sinus-orbital communication trigeminal schwannoma were included from January 2013 to January 2019, the combined cranio-orbital approach (modified Dolenc approach combined with supraorbital approach) was used for surgical resection of tumors. Total tumor resection was performed in 20 cases and nearly total resection in 3 cases. Thirteen patients with preoperative visual loss, 7 of them further decreased visual acuity; 5 cases with preoperative eye movement disorder and/or ptosis, 3 cases with residual eye movement disorder, and 11 cases appeared new eye movement disorders after surgery. None of the 23 cases occurred cerebrospinal fluid leakage, intracranial hematoma or intracranial infection occurred, no death and no tumor recurrence case. Conclusions Cavernous sinus-orbital communication trigeminal schwannoma, due to the special tumor occurrence site and surrounding anatomical structure, was easy to cause complications such as visual loss and eye movement disorder during operation. The combined cranio-orbital approach was used, it may increase the total resection rate, and also show relatively low surgical complications rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have garnered extensive research interest and shown promising applications across diverse fields owing to their distinctive properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activity (Ojeda et al., 2020; Qu et al., 2023; Zambonino et al., 2021, 2023). Among the various approaches employed for SeNP synthesis, green synthesis has emerged as a noteworthy and eco-friendly methodology. Keshtmand et al. (2023) underscored the significance of green-synthesized SeNPs, presenting a compelling avenue in this domain. This innovative strategy harnesses the potential of natural resources, such as plant extracts or microorganisms, to facilitate the production of SeNPs.

Diabetes is a major metabolic disease and health issue worldwide that imposes a heavy burden. Research on its pathogenesis and development of effective treatments are currently our major national demands. With the advent of organoid technology, islet organoids have emerged and are attracting increasing attention as a promising model for diabetes research. The establishment of islet organoids is based on the current understanding of islet development. With addition of extra induction factors in vitro to programmatically activate or inhibit specific signaling pathways during islet development, stem cells can be induced to differentiate into three-dimensional cell cultures that possess structures and functions similar to those of natural islets. Because of their capability to mimic the development of islets in vitro, faithfully replicate islet structure, and perform islet physiological functions, islet organoids have been widely used as a valuable tool for the investigation of diabetes pathogenesis, drug screening and evaluation, and clinical transplantation, showing a great potential application. This paper reviews the current research progress, application, and challenges of islet organoids, and discusses the future directions for research on islet organoids.

With technological advances in high-throughput sequencing, high resolution mass-spectrometry, and multi-omics data integrative tools and data repositories, the omics research in life sciences are evolving from single-omics strategy to multi-omics strategy. The research of system biology driven by multi-omics will bring a new paradigm in life sciences. This paper briefly summarizes the development of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, highlights the composition and function of multi-omics platforms as well as the applications of multi-omics technology, and prospects future applications of multi-omics in synthetic biology and biomedicine.

Objective: Surgical operation is the main treatment for advanced adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). Due to its special anatomic location and unique lymph node reflux mode, the surgical treatment of Siewert II AEG is controversial. Lower mediastinal lymph node dissection is one of the most controversial points and a standard technique has not yet been established. This study is aim to explore the safety and feasibility of five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection for Siewert type II AEG. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. The intraoperative and postoperative data of 25 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Five-step maneuver was as follows: In the first step, the subcardiac sac was exposed; the right pulmonary ligament lymph nodes and the anterior thoracic paraaortic lymph nodes were dissected cranial to inferior pericardium, left to left edge of thoracic aorta. In the second step, the left diaphragm was opened, and a 12 mm trocar was placed through the 6-7 rib in the left anterior axillary line. The supra-diaphragmatic nodes were dissected through the thoracic operation hole. In the third step, the left inferior pulmonary ligament was severed. The anterior fascia of thoracic aorta was incised to join the anterior space of thoracic aorta formed in the first step and then the lymphatic tissue was dissected upward until the exposure of left inferior pulmonary vein. In the fourth step, the posterior pericardium was denuded retrogradely from ventral side to oral side to the level of left inferior pulmonary vein, right to right pleura, and then the right pulmonary ligament lymph nodes were completely removed. In the fifth step, the esophagus was denuded, and the esophagus was transected 5 cm above the tumor using a linear stapler to complete the dissection of lower thoracic paraesophageal lymph nodes. Results: Operations were successfully completed in 25 patients without conversion, intra-operative complication and perioperative death. Total gastrectomy was performed in 19 cases and proximal gastrectomy in 6 cases. The mean operative time was (268.7±85.6) minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was (90.4±44.2) ml, the mean time of lower mediastinal lymph node dissection was (38.6±10.3) minutes, and the mean harvested number of lower mediastinal lymph node was 5.9±2.9. The length of esophageal invasion was >2 cm in 7 cases and ≤ 2 cm in 18 cases. Eight patients (33.0%) had lower mediastinal lymph node metastasis, including 3 cases with esophageal invasion >2 cm and 5 cases with esophageal invasion ≤ 2 cm. The mean time to postoperative first flatus was (5.5±3.1) days. The average time of postoperative thoracic drainage was (5.9±2.9) days. The mean hospital stay was (9.7±3.1) days. Two patients (8.0%) developed postoperative grade IIIa complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of pancreatic fistula and 1 case of pleural effusion, both of whom were cured by puncture drainage. Conclusions: Five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph nodes dissection for Siewert type II AEG is safe and feasible. Which can ensure sufficient lower mediastinal lymph node dissection to the level of left inferior pulmonary vein.

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of lanthanum (0 mg·kg -1 , 50 mg·kg -1 , 200 mg·kg -1 and 800 mg·kg -1 ) on growth, nutrient uptake, C:N:P stoichiometry, and La and Pb uptake by maize ( Zea mays L.) under moderate lead stress (200 mg·kg -1 ) and evaluate the interaction of rare earth elements and heavy metals in the soil-plant system. The aim was to provide basic data and a theoretical basis for the remediation of rare earth element and heavy metal-co-contaminated soils in a rare earths mining area. The results indicate that the concentrations of CH 3 COONH 4 -EDTA-extractable La and Pb significantly increase and decrease, respectively, with increasing La concentrations of the soils. The shoot dry weights of maize significantly decreases by 17.90% to 81.17% and the root to shoot ratio of maize significantly increases by 21.74% to 86.96% with increasing La concentrations of the soils. With increasing La concentrations in soils, the root P contents of maize significantly decrease by 19.16% to 89.68%. The shoot P and N contents significantly decrease by 65.51% to 91.98% and 48.27% to 76.58%, respectively, when the exogenous application of La is 200 mg·kg -1 and 800 mg·kg -1 , respectively. The increasing La concentrations in soils significantly increase the C:P and N:P ratios and shoot and root La concentrations of maize. The shoot and root Pb concentrations of maize significantly increase by 52.61% to 99.01% and 15.99% to 44.34%, respectively, with increasing La concentrations. Overall, the increasing La concentrations in soils significantly decrease the K, Ca, and Mg contents of maize. The results demonstrate that the presence of rare earth elements aggravates the phytotoxicity of heavy metals to plant and ecological risks. Further research should focus on the effects and mechanisms of rare earth elements on the heavy metal uptake by plants.

Objective: To study the effects of acupuncture combined with rat nerve growth factor (NGF) on the cerebral palsy infant rats and the proteins which associated with growth, apoptosis and metabolism., Methods: Seventy infant rats were selected, Fifty infant rats of which were made the cerebral palsy infant model by the ligation of unilateral carotid artery for cerebral ischemia and oxygen-deficient environment, then the 30 model rats were randomly divided into a model group, a NGF group and a combined group, 10 rats in each group. Twenty infant rats were used in the sham-operated group and the blank control group, 10 rats in each group. The treatment was not given in the blank control group. The rats in the sham-operated group were cut the neck skin and separated the left carotid artery, and then sutured and disinfected the wound. The intraperitoneal injection of NGF (2000 U•kg -1 •d -1 ) was used in the NGF group. Based on the injection in the NGF group, acupuncture was used in the combined group, once a day, and the acupoints were "Baihui" (GV 20), left "nieⅠ" (extra), "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Jizhong" (extra), "Quchi" (LI 11), "Yongquan" (KI 1), "Hegu" (LI 4), "Zhoujie" (extra) and "Xiqianxue" (extra). The same volume of saline was intraperitoneally injected in the model group for continuous 14 days. Neurobehavioral ability score was evaluated after treatment. TUNEL were conducted to detect the brain cell apoptosis rate and the expressions of apoptosis associated gene Bax, Bcl-2 and Casp3 were detected by PCR. The level of nerve growth associated protein (GAP-43) and energy metabolism-related protein monocarboxylate transporter protien 1(MCT 1) were detected by Western blot., Results: After intervention, the neurobehavioral ability of baby rats in the blank control and sham-operated group was normal, but there was various degrees of abnormity in the model group, NGF group and combined group. The scores of neurobehavioral ability of the combined group and NGF group were better than those of the model control (all P <0.05), and the scores in the combined group was better than those in the NGF group (all P <0.05). The left brain cell apoptosis rate, expressions of Bax and Casp3 in the combined group and NGF group were lower and the expressions of Bcl-2 were higher than those of the model group (all P <0.05), with more obvious results of Bax and Gasp3 in the combined group than those in the NGF group (all P <0.05). The protein levels of GAP-43 and MCT 1 in the combined group and NGF group were higher than those in the model group (all P <0.05), with higher expressions in the combined group compared with those in the NGF group (both P <0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with NGF could improve the neurobehavioral ability of cerebral palsy infant rats, inhibit the nerve cell apoptosis and improve the brain tissue injure and energy metabolism by up-regulating the expressions of GAP-43 and MCT 1.

A simple, sensitive, scientific and reproducible liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method was developed to determine 3-methylquinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid (MQCA) of olaquindox marker residue in chicken muscle tissues. The chickens were administered orally with olaquindox and used as positive samples. The approaches, enzyme, acid, and base hydrolysis, were adopted to digest MQCA in the medicated chicken muscles. The amounts of MQCA in the medicated chicken were determined and compared using different hydrolysis approaches. It was shown that the highest amount of MQCA was obtained for the base hydrolysis approach. Here, the sample was hydrolyzed with 1.0 mol/L NaOH solution, defatted with n -hexane, and purified with a mixed anion-exchange solid-phase extraction cartridge. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase C 18 column and detected using mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring mode. The analyte showed good linearity in the range 1.0-100 μg/L. The correlation coefficient ( r 2 ) was greater than 0.99. The limit of detection of the proposed method was 0.4 μg/kg. At the three spiked levels of 1.0, 5.0 and 50.0 μg/kg, the average recoveries of MQCA were in range 71.7%-82.4% obtained using external standard calibration, and in range 96.3%-103.7% for internal standard calibration, with relative standard deviations below 6.0%. The proposed method is suitable for routinely monitoring of MQCA residues in animal-derived foods.

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CE) and Rhizophagus intraradices (RI) on AM colonization rate, biomass, nutrient uptake, C:N:P stoichiometry, and the uptake and transport of lanthanum (La) and lead (Pb) by maize ( Zea mays L.) grown in La-and Pb-contaminated soils (combined La-Pb concentrations of 50, 200, and 800 mg·kg -1 ). The aim was to provide a scientific basis for the remediation of soils contaminated by rare earth elements and heavy metals. The results indicated that symbiotic associations were successfully established between the two isolates and maize, and the average AM colonization rate ranged from 26.7% to 95.8%. The increasing concentrations of La and Pb in soils significantly decreased the mycorrhizal colonization rate, biomass, and mineral nutrition concentrations of the maize, and significantly increased C:P and N:P ratios and the concentrations of La and Pb in shoots and roots of maize. The shoot and root dry weights of maize were significantly increased by 17.8%-158.9% with two AM fungi inoculations, while the P concentration of shoots and roots of the maize were significantly increased by 24.5%-153.8%. Inoculation with two AM fungi decreased the C:P and N:P ratios, consistent with the growth rate hypothesis. With AM fungi inoculation in three types of La-Pb co-contaminated soils, root Pb concentrations of the maize significantly increased by 51.3%-67.7%; shoot Pb concentrations of the maize significantly decreased by 16.0%-67.7%; and the transport rate of Pb from root to shoot of the maize decreased by 31.5%-54.7%. Meanwhile, inoculation with AM fungi significantly increased the shoot La concentrations in the maize grown in soils mildly contaminated with La-Pb, while it significantly decreased shoot La concentrations, increased root La concentrations of maize, and inhibited the transport of La from root to shoot of the maize grown in soils moderately contaminated with La-Pb, but had no significant effect in severely contaminated soils. The results showed that AM fungi had the potential to promote phytoremediation of soils contaminated with rare earth elements and heavy metals, with potential applications to revegetate such contaminated soil ecosystems.

Objective: To investigate the effect of low and high oxygen concentration on embryo development, pregnancy outcome and birth defects of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET)., Methods: According to the oxygen concentration of in vitro culture environment, the IVF-ET performed in the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during 2013 and 2015 were divided into low oxygen concentration group ( n =2036, 5% O 2 ) and high oxygen concentration group ( n =4617, 20% O 2 ). The rate of fertilization, good quality embryo, clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion and birth defect were compared between two groups., Results: The good quality embryo rate was significantly higher in the low oxygen concentration group ( P <0.05). However, no significant differences were found between two groups in the rate of fertilization, clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, abortion and birth defect (all P >0.05)., Conclusions: Low oxygen environment may improve the potential of embryonic development, but its impact on pregnancy outcome and birth defect is not significant.

Objective: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 13952 is an inosine-producing strain. In order to study the mechanisms of inosine accumulation and offer help for molecular breeding, it is necessary to uncover the genome sequence of ATCC 13952., Methods: Whole-genome sequencing of ATCC 13952 is carried out by Solexa and Sanger sequencing. Genome assembly, gene prediction and functional annotation, GO/COG cluster analysis and synteny analysis are done using relevant software., Results: The complete genomic information of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 13952 is contained on a single circular chromosome of 3876276 bp with an average GC content of 45.8%. The genome sequence is deposited in the GenBank under the accession number CP009748. Comparative genomic analysis shows that ATCC 13952 should have significant genomic synteny with other Bacillus subtilis strains. On the other hand, some point mutation and deletions occurred in purine metabolism-related genes between ATCC 13952 and the standard strain., Conclusion: The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for subsequent further molecular breeding.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) protein and the efficacy of gemcitabine/cisplatin (GP) adjuvant chemotherapy in postoperative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients., Methods: A total of 68 patients with NSCLC after radical surgery were included in this study. The expression of RRM1 protein in tumor specimens was assayed by streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemistry retrospectively. Correlation between the expression of RRM1 protein and the efficacy of GP chemotherapy was analyzed. Disease-free survival rate was taken as the main outcome measure., Results: Among the 68 patients, 31 cases had recurrence or metastasis. The expression rate of RRM1 was 54.4%. The 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 82.7% and 61.5% for patients with RRM1-negative expression, and 78.1% and 36.8% for patients with RRM1-posivive expression, respectively (P = 0.044). In the subgroup analysis of stage IB cases, the 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 100% and 82.3% for patients with RRM1-negative expression, and 84.5% and 24.6% for patients with RRM1-positive expression, respectively (P = 0.047). In the analysis of squamous cell carcinoma subgroup, the 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 92.3% and 83.7% for patients with RRM1-negative expression, and 83.1% and 43.9% for patients with RRM1-posivive expression, respectively (P = 0.005). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis indicated that smoking history, pathological type, clinical stage and expression of RRM1 significantly influenced the therapeutic efficacy (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: RRM1 protein may be a valuable predictive factor for gemcitabine/cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Objective: To construct a transformation system in Gliocladium sp. 6.102, a Cordyceps-colonizing fungus producing a variety of epipolythiodioxopiperazine (ETP) compounds with drug potentials., Methods: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) was used to transform Gliocladium sp. 6.102. The factors of bacterial cell concentration, co-cultivation time, pH and acetosyringone concentration were optimized. RESULTS; A total of 50 -100 transformants per 10(6) fungal conidia was obtained via the optimal ATMT method. The genes encoding hygromycin B phosphotase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were transferred into Gliocladium sp. by the optimal ATMT method. The marker genes were successfully expressed and stably maintained in the transgenic fungus., Conclusion: A transformation system was established for Gliocladium sp. 6.102 and this system may be useful to identify ETP biosynthetic genes in Gliocladium.

Objective: To obtain the optimal conditions of extraction of Clerodendranthus spicatus and provide the theoretical foundation for its further processing and utilization., Methods: On the basis of the single factor test, response surface methodology was applied to optimize the extraction conditions., Results: The results showed that extraction time, water-feed ratio, ethanol concentration and extraction temperature all had significant effects on the extraction rate of polysaccharides. The optimal extraction time was 3h, solid-liquid ratio was 50:1, ethanol concentration was 30% and extraction temperature was 80 degrees C. Under these optimized conditions, the extraction rate was 27.71%., Conclusion: The extraction technology is simple, reliable and highly predictive.

Objective: To seek effective drugs inhibiting herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) with the signal pathway required by virus replication as the target spot., Method: HSV-2-induced Vero cytopathic effect was observed, and MTT method was adopted to detect call activity, in order to assess the antiviral capacity of freeze dried powder of aqueous extracts of Saururus chinensis (AESC). Western blot was used to check the effect of AESC on signal pathway induced by HSV-2 virus in HeLa cells., Result: AESC obviously inhibits the pathway activation of CPE induced by HSV-2 infection and NF-kappaB required for virus replication. The inhibition ratio of AESC freeze dried powder at 0.10, 0.03, 0.01 and 0.003 g x L(-1) were (70.68 +/- 3.39)%, (61.74 +/- 2.13)%, (39.31 +/- 1.10)% and (18.54 +/- 3.44)%, respectively. The IC50 was determined at (0.023 +/- 0.004) g x L(-1). The inhibition concentration of the positive control acyclovir was 0.001 g x L(-1) (5.0 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1)). The best administration time was from 2 h before infection to 6 h after infection. Western blot also showed that AESC can notably inhibit HSV-2-induced NF-kappaB nuclear transfer., Conclusion: AESC can inhibit HSV-2 virus replication, which is related to the pathway activation of NF-kappaB required for virus replication.

Objective: To establish a HPLC-ELSD fingerprint of Marsdenia tenacissima from different habitats, in order to provide a reliable method for scientific assessment and effective quality control., Method: HPLC-ELSD was adopted to determine 25 baches of M. tenacissima herbs from different habitats. Traditional Chinese medicine chromatographic fingerprint similarity software assessment system 2004 developed by China Pharmacopoeia Committee was adopted to establish a common mode chart and assess chromatographic similarity based on the degree of correlation., Result: The common mode for M. tenacissima herb C21 steroidal fingerprint was established, including 11 common characteristic peaks. Among them, 10 were identified. According to the assessment on the similarity of 25 batches of samples, 80% of them showed a similarity of over 0.80 in steroidal HPLC-ELSD fingerprint., Conclusion: The method can be used to assess the quality of M. tenacissima.

Objective: There are a large numbers of tandem repeats in FLO1, which are highly dynamic components in genome leading to the unstable flocculation profiles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The effects of repeated unite B or D deletion on the function of flocculation protein was studied to provide theory basis for constructing genetically stable flocculation gene with minimal size., Methods: We cloned the intact flocculation gene FLO1 from S. cerevisiae YS59 by PCR, and constructed the derived genes FLO1b and FLO1d with repeated unite B or D deletion respectively by fusion PCR. We analyzed the physiological characteristics of flocculation in yeast strains YSF1, YSF1b and YSF1d containing FLO1, FLO1b and FLO1d respectively., Results: YSF1b and YSF1d displayed almost the same level of Flo1-type flocculation as YSF1. However, flocculation of YSF1b and YSF1d, especially YSF1d was more tolerant to pH change and mannose concentration than strain YSF1., Conclusion: Tandem repeats regulate the function of flocculation protein. Deletion of repeated unite B or D, especially D increases the stability of flocculation protein.

Background and Objective: Bufalin, a component of the Chinese medicine chan'su, induces apoptosis in various human tumor cell lines. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of anti-proliferation and the induction of apoptosis of Bufalin on non-small cell lung cancer cell., Methods: The effect of Bufalin on A549 cell proliferation was measured using MTT assay; the morphological change was observed with Wright-Giemsa stain; cell cycle phase distribution and hypodiploid DNA were determined by flow cytometry with PI; expressions of Livin, Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot., Results: MTT assay showed that Bufalin inhibited A549 cell proliferation in time and dose-dependent manner. The inhibition concentration of 50% cell growth (IC50) at 48 h, 72 h and 96 h were (56.14+/-6.72) nmol/L, (15.57+/-4.28) nmol/L and (7.39+/-4.16) nmol/L, respectively; apoptosis of A549 cells could be effectively induced by Bufalin; apoptotic bodies and sub-G1 peak (representing apoptosis) emerged when cells were treated with different concentrations, compared with the untreated control group (P < 0.01). The expression of Livin protein was downregulated (P < 0.01) and Caspase-3 protein was activated during Bufalin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells., Conclusions: Bufalin suppresses the growth of A549 cells and induces apoptosis; inhibition of Livin and activation of Caspase-3 may be involved in its mechanism.

Objective: To study the effects of chronic triochloride aluminum (AlCl3) exposure on both histocytological changes and amyloid precursor protein 695 (APP695) mRNA expression level of the rat spinal cord, in order to evaluate the relationship of the histocytological changes and the APP695 mRNA level in rat spinal cord exposed chronicly AlCl3., Methods: Twenty six-month-old SD female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, group normal and group exposed. The rats were exposed with intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml AlCl3 solution for continuous 3 days of the interval of one day during the period of total 72 days. Behaviors of the rats were observed by naked eyes. Histocytological examinations of the spinal cords of the rats were performed with HE dyeing. The expression levels of APP695 mRNA of spinal cords were tested with RT-PCR., Results: In comparition with group normal, intraperitoneal injection of AlCl3 solution caused movement obstacle of rat hind legs for short time. In comparition with normal group in the spinal cord cinerea of exposure group, invasion of glial cells into motor neuron appeared, satellite phenomenon appeared, glial cells prominently increased in number, traverse neurofibers prominently increased both in number and marking, glial cells around the blood vessels prominently increased in number, vacuoles prominently increased in number, expressions of APP695 mRNA prominently increased., Conclusion: Intraperitoneal injection of AlCl3 solution could cause movement obstacle of rat hind legs for short time. Chronic aluminum exposure could cause injury or death of neurons, induced increases of glial cells, and vacuolar degeneration in rat spinal cords. Super expression of APP695 mRNA could participate the neuronal injury course.

Tissue engineering has typically been such an approach that relies on isolation and culture of primary cells (seed cells), seeding these cells onto porous scaffolds, maintaining under static or flow condition (Bioreactor) for a period of time prior to implantation. However, experience of almost thirty years in this research field tells us that the typical tissue engineering approach relies on autologous cells, expensive and time consuming. Tissue engineering products do not function very well and are difficult to get FDA approval. In recent years biomaterial scientists created a new concept "Tissue Inducible Biomaterials". The concept is based on designing of microstructure of scaffolds, chemical modification and incorporation of bioactive molecule to scaffolds. Thus the scaffolds gain tissue induction activity, and will facilitate tissue regeneration and repair in vivo. The concepts of "In Vivo Tissue Engineering" and "Tissue Inducible Biomaterials" are been recognized by the Society, and are becoming the new approaches in tissue engineering: Based on the research of the related references within the past three years, the present paper summarized the strategy of tissue inducible biomaterials.

To study the effect of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the absorption of buagafuran in ileum, the concentration of buagafuran in Caco-2 cells, rat averted intestinal sacs and recirculating perfusion were determined by UV-HPLC method. Verapamil and cyclospirin A (CsA) were used as P-gp inhibitors. The results showed that the transportation of buagafuran across Caco-2 monolayer showed vectorial manner. The permeation of buagafuran from apical (A) to basolateral (B) side was 11% and 24.8% from B to A side. Verapamil and CsA were found to increase the transport of buagafuran by 1.4 and 1.35 fold from A to B side and decrease by 71% and 75% from B to A side, respectively, compared with control. The uptake of buagafuran in Caco-2 cell was also enhanced by P-gp inhibitors, especially in low concentration of buagafuran. Ninety percent of buagafuran was absorbed after 90 min perfusion. Verapamil and CsA were found to improve the absorption of buagafuran at all time points, especially at 30 min (12.4% and 21.5%, respectively). During the incubation, only 14% of buagafuran left in rat averted intestinal sacs, while buagafuran levels were increased in both intestine homogenate and sacs by adding verapamil and CsA. The results indicated that buagafuran was one of the P-gp substrates based on the present study. The absorption of buagafuran can be blocked by P-gp, resulting in the enhancement of buagafuran metabolism in intestine. The poor bioavailability of buagafuran may be partially due to the effect of P-gp on its absorption and transportation in intestinal lumen.

We designed a novel microcantilever immuosensor based on magnetic microbead, applying different-sized CdSe QDs as fluorescent probes and polystyrene magnetic microbead. The novel microcantilever immuosensor used fluorescent probes embedded polystyrene microbeads and specific antibodies on the surface of the polystyrene microbead. In addition, we studied the mechanism of the on-chip magnetic separation, the structure of micro-electromagnet and the microbead magnetization by the micro-magnetic field, the snake-shaped planar micro-electromagnet for the novel microcantilever immuosensor.

Objective: To determine different cultivars of Fructus trichosanthis of Shandong, and explore their genetic relationships., Methods: The peroxidase isozyme and esterase isozyme of cultivars and wild plant were studied by means of polyarcylamide gel electrophresis, and the finger-prints were established., Results: The zymogram of the peroxidase isozyme and the esterase isozyme of different cultivars and wild plant of Frustus trichosanthis consisted of common bands, but they had more or less difference in the number of isozymic bands, their positions and activity intensity., Conclusion: There are closer genetic relationships between Niuxin Gualou with Ren Gualou, and Xiao Guang-dan with wild sample; Mingpi and Xiao Guang-dan are two different cultivars; The isozyme analysis can provide reliable basis for determining different cultivars of Fructus trichosanthis of Shandong.

Objective: To investigate the effect of genistein on the proliferation and lipid peroxidation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC)., Methods: Different concentrations of genistein were used to inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and SOD, MDA, cAMP, 6-Keto-PGF1a in medium were observed. MTT method was used to assay the proliferation of SMC., Results: Compared with the control group, 0.1-100 micromol/L genistein could inhibit the proliferation of SMC by increasing SOD activity, raising cAMP and 6-Keto-PGF1a, reducing MDA (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the inhibitory action accompanied with the dose-effect relation.

Objective: To explore the effect of Tonifying Shen recipe (TSR) on advanced glycation end products (AGEPs), amyloid-beta peptide (A beta P) in telencephalon and hippocampus of ovariectomized rats., Methods: Female SD rats, 9 months old, were randomly divided into 3 groups: the sham operation (Sh) group, the ovariectomized (OV) group and the TSR group. Medication via gastrogavage 4 weeks was given after ovariectomy consecutively for 16 weeks. Competitive ELISA and radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect AGEPs and A beta P level in rats' telencephalon and hippocampus; florescent assay was used to determine the serum and urinary soluble AGE-peptide level; and also the rats' behavioral alteration and hippocampal morphological change were observed., Results: Compared with those in the Sh group, the correct escape rate in the OV group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), content of A beta P in telencephalon and serum soluble AGE-peptide levels significantly higher (P < 0.05), contents of AGEPs in telencephalon and hippocampal tissue showed an increased tendency, but without significance (P > 0.05), argyrophil stain showed that nerve fiber thickened, senile plaques appeared in temporal cortex. In the TSR group after treatment, contents of AGEPs in telencephalon, A beta P in telencephalon and hippocampus significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the urinary soluble AGE-peptide level significantly increased (P < 0.05) and with markedly improvement of learning memory capability and above-mentioned pathological changes., Conclusion: TSR could reduce the accumulation of AGEPs in telencephalon and the contents of A beta P in telencephalon and hippocampal tissue, and improve the impaired ability of learning and memory caused by lack of estrogen. Its mechanism might be based on the elevation in excretion of AGE-peptide via kidney.

Background: To evaluate and compare the effects and toxicity of the domestic product of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor (rmhTNF) combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: Two hundred patients with NSCLC in multicenter were randomly devided into trial group (150 cases) and control group (50 cases). Chemotherapy with CAP regimen was given to the patients. Meanwhile, rmhTNF injection of 4×10⁶U/m² was also given from the 1st to 7th days, the 11th to 17th days on the chemotherapy cycle in the trial group. The control patients received chemotherapy alone. Twenty-one days were as a cycle, 2 cycles were given to each patient. The chemotherapeutic effects and toxicity were observed and compared between the two groups after the therapy., Results: of the 200 patients, 5 cases in the trial group and 3 cases in the control group were out of the trial because of economy. The other 192 cases (145 cases in the trial group and 47 cases in the control group) could be analyzed and evaluated the clinical effects and toxicity. The response rate of chemotherapy was 46.90% (68/145) in the trial group and 17.02% (8/47) in the control group respectively ( P =0.001). The KPS scores was 86.02±9.74 in the trial group, and 80.14±9.10 in the control group ( P =0.025). No significant difference of degree III+IV toxicity was observed between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The side effects related to rmhTNF included slight fever, cold-like symptoms, pain and red and swelling in the injection site. All of them were mild and didn't need any treatment and disappeared after the therapy. There were no severe abnormality of liver and kidney function and ECG in both groups., Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the effects of domestic rmhTNF combined with chemotherapy are remarkably higher than that of chemotherapy alone in the treatment of NSCLC. rmhTNF can increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of the patients with slight toxicity. Hence rmhTNF is worth expanding clinical use.

Objective: To investigate the effect of tonifying Shen recipe (TSR) on levels of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in aorta, serum lipids and lipid peroxidation in ovariectomized rats., Methods: Rats were randomly divided into the sham group, the ovariectomized group and the TSR group, in which the rats were treated with TSR for 13 weeks starting from 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Blood sample was taken out from rat at the end of the experiment after 24 hrs fasting for determination of lipids and lipid peroxidation, and the animal was sacrificed, the aorta was taken out for detecting AGEs., Results: No significant difference was found between groups in levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In comparing with the sham group, levels of aortic AGEs, serum triglyceride (TG), oxidized low density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ovariectomized group were obviously higher (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apo-lipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were lower (all P < 0.01). While in the TSR group, as compared with the ovariectomized group, the above-mentioned abnormal changes, excepting for TG, were all reversed to certain degree (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)., Conclusion: TSR displays its cardiovascular protecting effect in ovariectomized rats through lowering the AGEs content in aorta, reducing the serum levels of OX-LDL and MDA, raising the levels of serum HDL-C and apoA-I and increasing SOD activity.

Objective: To observe the influent of the different components of nourishing kidney herbs on the main items of bone metabolism in osteoporosis rats induced with Dexamethasona(DXM)., Method: Models of three-month old SD female rats with osteoporosis here made by being fed with low calcium diet (containing calcium 0.2%) and distilled water, and injected with DXM 0.1 mg/100 g weight intramuscularly, twice a week. Then the osteoporosis rats were treated with different components of nourishing kidney herbs, and the change of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), calcitonin(CT), PTH, CT/PTH, estrogen(E2), testosterone(T), T/E2 and bone section and bone quantitative morphology in these osteoporosis rats were observed., Result: The total components of nourishing kidney herbs could improve the general condition of osteoporosis rats, decrease PTH, increase CT, estrogen, testosterone, CT/PTH and T/E2. The total components of nourishing kidney herbs could improve osteoporotic state, promote bone formation, and inhibite bone resorption. But no effect of the A, B, C, D components of nourishing kidney herbs on the main items of bone metabolism in osteoporosis rats induced with DXM was found., Conclusion: It is possible that the purification and separation of these herbs weaken or destroy the integrative effect of nourishing kidney herbs or destroy effective components of nourishing kidney herbs during the process of purification and separation.

Background: To evaluate and compare the effects and toxicity of the domestic product of nrhTNF combined with chemotherapy in the trial group and chemotherapy alone in the control group in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: Ninety patients with NSCLC in multicenter were randomly devided into trial group and control group. Each group had 45 patients. Chemotherapy with CAP regimen was given for the patients in the trial group. Meanwhile, nrhTNF injection of 4×10⁶U/m ² was also given from the 1st to 7th days, the 11th to 17th days on the chemotherapy course. Twenty-one days were as a cycle, 2 cycles were given each patients. Chemotherapy alone with CAP regimen was given in the control group. The chemothepeutic effects and toxicity were observed and compared between the two groups after the therapy., Results: Of the 90 patients, 3 cases in each group were out of the trial because of economy. The other 84 cases (each group had 42 patients) could be used to analyze and evaluate the clinical effects and toxicity. The response rate of chemotherapy was 47.62% (20/42) in the trial group and 19.05% (8/42) in the control group (P=0.002) respectively. The KPS was 85.02±10.74 in the trial group, and 81.35±9.63 in the control group (P=0.038). No significant difference of degree III+IV toxicity was observed between the trial group and control group (P > 0.05). The side effects related to nrhTNF included slight fever, cold like symptoms, pain, and red and swelling in injection site. All of them were mild and didn't need any treatment and disappeared after the therapy., Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the effects of domestic nrhTNF combined with chemotherapy can remarkably higher than that of chemotherapy alone in the treatment of NSCLC. It is able to increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of the patients. The toxicity is also slight and is worth to expand clinical use, so as to further evaluate its effect and toxicity.

Objective: To investigate effects of isoflavone(ISO) on advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) and lipid peroxide of ovariectomized rats., Methods: Rats were randomly divided into sham group (Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX) and OVX + ISO group. Rats were ovariectomized, And two weeks later, OVX + ISO group were treated with ISO. Levels of aortic AGEs, lipids and serum lipid peroxide were detected after 13 weeks of treatment., Results: The aortic AGEs, serum triglycerides (TG), oxidated-LDL (OX-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of the OVX group were higher (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and the levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoproptein A I (apo-AI) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were lower (P < 0.01, all) than that of the sham group. ISO not only reduced the concentration of aortic AGEs, serum OX-LDL, TC and MDA (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively), but also increased concentration of serum HDL-C, apo-A I and SOD activity (P < 0.01, all)., Conclusion: ISO could decrease aortic AGEs, serum MDA and OX-LDL, enhance SOD activity and adjust serum lipids, therefore it maybe helpful to cardiovascular system.

Objective: To study the effects of genistein on proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts in vitro., Methods: MTT and PNPP were used separately to observe the proliferation and the activity of ALP of osteoblasts cultured in vitro with different concentration genistein for different incubation periods. Protein was measured by Lowry method., Results: It was found that genistein had the effects on promoting proliferation of osteoblasts cultured for 24 h and 48 h at concentration ranging from 1 x 10(-9) mol/L to 1 x 0(-5) mol/L. The activity of ALP was stimulated by genistein at concentration ranging from 1 x 10(-7) mol/L to 1 x 10(-5) mol/L after 72 h incubation., Conclusion: Genistein has the effects on stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblasts in vitro.

Objective: To evaluate high resolution CT (HRCT) in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary nodules., Methods: Fifty normal chest radiographs, conventional CT and HRCT were used to evaluate the visualization of pulmonary lobule. The configuration, distribution and intrinsic structure of lesion in 38 patients with diffuse pulmonary nodules were analyzed by HRCT., Results: The chest radiographs were not able to show the structure of pulmonary lobule. The visualization rates of pulmonary lobule were 20% by conventional CT and 50% by HRCT (P < 0.05). Of 38 patients with diffuse pulmonary nodules, 19 had interstitial nodules which were located in the pulmonary intestities, the lobular septa and under the pleura. HRCT could clearly show their para-bronchial distribution with clear cut margin. Four had airspace nodules, chiefly shown as solidification of the air spaces. There was no nodule beneath the pleura or in the lobular septa. HRCT revealed even density and hazzy margins. Fifteen had randomly distributed nodules, with the nodules scattered at random. HRCT showed nodules with high density, sizes varying greatly but the margin was clear., Conclusion: High resolution CT is able to show the pattern of distribution, intranodular structures and background of the diffuse pulmonary nodules, which is valuable in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of this disease.

Objective: To observe the rule of the change of apoptosis and proliferation of pulmonary tissue cells in rats with inhalation injury, so as to explore the significance of apoptosis in the repairing process of pulmonary tissue injury., Methods: Smoke inhalation injury model was established in rats. The rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC) and smoke inhalation injury (SI) groups. TUNEL and immunohistochemistry methods were employed to determine the changes in cellular apoptotic and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) indices of the pulmonary tissue at different postburn time points., Results: (1) The apoptotic index increased at 2 postburn hours (PBHs) and remained at high levels thereafter. (2) The PCNA index increased at 12 PBHs, reaching top level at 3 postburn days (PBDs), remaining kept at relativly high level later., Conclusion: Apoptosis not only played roles in the early pulmonary injury after smoke inhalation injury, but also participated in the repair and modification of the proliferated tissue during later reconstruction.

Objective: To breed a new variety from "86-70 selective line"--a late-maturing early indica rice variety with small spike, light grain and weak disease resistance by space mutation., Method: Dry seeds of "86-70 selective line" were carried by recoverable satellite, to a near earth orbit and sowed and planted on the earth after recovery, heritance and variation of the characters of SP1- SP9 generation were observed., Result: Because of comprehensive space mutation, the characters of their progenies were segregated and varied in many aspects and directions, and the segregated and varied characters were found to be heritable; by selecting early-maturing mutants from these progenies and cultivating them directionally, a new rice variety "Ganzaoxian 47 " was bred. In comparison with its parent, "Ganzaoxian 47" had superior agronomic and economic characters, significantly strong resistance to rice blast and so on, its filled grains per spike [correction of spile], kilo-grain weight and yield were increased by 37.9%, 5.3% and 22.5% respectively, but its growth and developmental duration were shortened by 14 d., Conclusion: This study provided a new demonstration for space mutation breeding by recoverable satellite, and indicated that space mutation was an effective and new approach to agricultural crops breeding.

To investigate the mechanisms of the inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation by dexamethasone (DEX), the effects of different doses of DEX on the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the synthesis of osteocalcin (OC) and the expression of collagen type I were observed in the cultured rat osteoblasts. The LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) mRNA, a positive regulator of osteoblasts, was semi-quantified by RT-PCR. The results showed that a lower dose (10(-9) mol/L) of DEX could enhance the activity of ALP, the synthesis of OC and the expression of collagen type I. However, a higher dose (10(-7) mol/L) of DEX inhibited them and down-regulated the expression of LMP-1 mRNA in osteoblasts. It is suggested that DEX stimulates osteoblast differentiation at lower dose, while at higher dose it inhibits osteoblast differentiation. The inhibitory action of DEX on osteoblast differentiation might be mediated by the down-regulation of LMP-1 mRNA.

Objective: To study the relationship between estrogen gene polymorphism and TCM Syndrome Differentiation of female postmenopausal osteoporosis in China., Methods: Two hundred and forty-six Chinese postmenopausal women, age 44-80 years, mean 65.8 years, using molecular biological method to analyze the endonuclease Pvu II, Xba I restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), with dual X-ray bone mineral density absorption meter to determine the bone mineral densities of lumbar vertebra (L1-4) and femur (intertrochanter, femur neck, Ward's region) separately. The subjects were divided into Kidney Yin deficiency type, Kidney Yang deficiency type and both Kidney Yin-Yang deficiency type, to observe the relationship between TCM and bone density as well as estrogen receptor gene polymorphism, Pp(Pvu II) and Xx(Xba I) were used to express RFLPs, the capital P and X to express the deficit of restricting sites., Results: Bone mineral density of PPxx gene type (n = 21) was obviously lower than that of other gene types (n = 225), lumbar (-0.71 +/- 0.46) g/cm2, intertrochanter (-0.31 +/- 0.58) g/cm2, femur neck (-0.84 +/- 0.66) g/cm2, Ward's region (-0.96 +/- 0.85) g/cm2, the TCM Syndrome Differentiation typing of this gene type belonged to both Kidney Yin-Yang deficiency type., Conclusion: Estrogen receptor gene RFLPs is related to TCM Syndrome Differentiation typing.

Objective: To study the influence of T-suppressor cell (Ts cell) on habitual abortion (HA) and to observe the regulatory effect of Yangxue Antai Granule (YXATG) on Ts cell and its effect on fetus preservation., Methods: Ts cell activity of 56 pregnant women with HA history was tested with method of shot life Ts cell activity (MTT method) during early pregnancy, and were followed up in middle and late pregnancy in 20 cases of them. All the 56 patients received YXATG treatment. Groups of normal early pregnant, normal non-pregnant and non-pregnant women but with history of habitual abortion were involved in this study as control., Results: Ts cell activity in early pregnancy was lower than that of middle and late pregnancy (P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and also lower than that of the control groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The successful rate of fetus preservation of YXATG was 98.2%, and 98.0% of the cases got a normal delivery., Conclusion: Low Ts cell activity might be the immunologic etiology of HA. The fetus preservative effect of YXATG might be due to its regulatory effect on Ts cell.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Kidney-replenishing herbs (KRH) on ovarian function of experimental rats with dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis (OP)., Methods: Radioimmunoassay was used to analyse blood level of growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) of animals and data of three groups, the normal control group, the pathologic control group (non-treated OP model) and the treated group (model rats treated with KRH) were compared. Weight and histomorphological features of ovary and uterus of the rats were also observed., Results: As compared with the normal control group, levels of GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P in the pathologic control group were significantly lowered (P < 0.05), and the weight of ovary and uterus decreased (P < 0.05). In comparison of the treated group and the pathologic group, GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P levels were significantly higher and weight of ovary and uterus heavier in the treated group (P < 0.05). No obvious changes occurred in T and PRL levels. KRH showed markedly improving effect on the ovarian and uterine morphological construction of rats., Conclusions: KRH could elevate the level of GH, LH, FSH, E2 and P, increase the weight and improve the histomorphologic features of ovary and uterus in OP rats, it demonstrated that KRH has therapeutic effect in treating dexamethasone-induced OP rats.

The flowering and fruiting are much different between the trees of Scaphium lychnophorum which were introduced in Jinghong. The trees have on-year of fruiting once 3-4 years and off-year continue 2-3 years. In Jinghong, the low temperature in the early flowering period is one factor among the main factors effecting flowering and fruiting of trees. The trees which vegetative grow flush and which grow on the place in a poor sunlight are effected their flowering and fruiting, too.

Objective: To study the clinical significance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in breast cancer., Methods: Expression of P-gp in 60 cases of breast cancer was examined by immunohistochemistry. P-gp expression and response to chemotherapy were comparatively investigated in 19 patients with metastatic breast cancer., Results: The P-gp was positive in 48.3% of the 60 cases of breast cancer. P-gp expression was not related to patients' age, menstruation status, number of axillary lymph nodes involved, clinical stage, histological type, and hormonal receptor status(P > 0.05). The frequency of metastasis (62.1%) and mortality (51.7%) were higher in P-gp positive cases than those in negative cases (16.1% vs 12.9%, P < 0.005). The 5-year survival rate of P-gp positive cases (48.3%) was significantly lower than that of negative cases (87.1%) (P < 0.05). In patients received adjuvant chemotherapy distant metastasis occurred more frequently in P-gp positive cases (94.7%) than in P-gp negative cases (57.1%) (P = 0.0468). More P-gp negative patients (7/9) than positive patients (1/10) were responsive to chemotherapy (P = 0.0055)., Conclusion: Immunohistochemical examination of P-gp expression is useful in predicting response to chemotherapy and prognosis in breast cancer patients. P-gp positivity is associated with poor prognosis.

Objective: To devise a new surgical procedure for improving the operative effect of portal hypertension caused by hepatic cirrhosis., Method: In treatment group, subtotal splenectomy with retroperitoneal transposition was performed in 36 patients of cirrhotic hypertensives. In control group, 36 patients were treated by devascularization. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 5.5 years (average 26 months)., Result: In the treatment group, the rates of disappearance, improvement and absence of changes of esophageal varices were 11.5%, 61.5% and 26.9%, respectively, and in the control group those of improvement were 50.0%, absence of change 45.8% and aggravation 4.2%. There was a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). In the treatment group, hypersplenism disappeared in all. There was also significant difference between the two groups in immunological indexes (P < 0.05). DSA showed abundant collateral circulation in the residual spleen and retroperitoneal wall, which enabled the portal blood flow diverting to retroperitoneal tissues., Conclusion: This method possesses the advantages of devascularization and decompression shunt. It is of value in retaining part of spleen in surgical treatment of portal hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between neuroendocrine differentiation of ovarian mucinous tumors and its genesis., Methods: A morphologic study on 73 cases of ovarian mucinous tumors (32 benign, 20 borderline, 21 malignant) using immunohistochemical and immunohistochemical/histochemical double staining techniques., Results: The incidences of CgA positive cell in tumors of benign, borderline and malignant were 62.5%, 75%, 76% and that of 5-HT positive cells were 31.3%, 40%, 39% respectively. But these NEC were not evenly distributed. The interesting point was that in four cases of the benign tumors the number of CgA positive cell was more than 30 per cent localizing between the glandular basement membrane and the mucinous epithelial cells. There were also many intermediate cells containing both CgA and PAS positive granules., Conclusions: The positive rate of CgA was increased corresponding to the lowering down of differentiation grades. The four cases of the benign tumors might be originating from a common stem cell, such as so-called amphocrine cell. The relationship between these four tumors and neuroendocrine differentiation in ovarian mucinous tumors remain further clarified.

Icarrin was added to cultured cells and the hormones in culture fluid were determined after 3 hours of incubation. The results showed that icarrin (30-1000 micrograms/L) could promote the estradiol production of granulosa cells. The most effective concentration was 100 micrograms/L. Icarrin also exerted a stimulatory effect on corticosterone production at the highest dosage (1000 micrograms/L).