Search

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative high⁃field MRI combined with fluorescence⁃guided glioma resection. Methods A total of 53 patients with glioma admitted to The Fisrt Bethune Hospital of Jilin University from June 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled, including 33 patients (62.26%) whose tumors were located in important brain functional areas (17 cases in motor area, 11 cases in language area, 5 cases in thalamus). Glioma resection was performed under fluorescence⁃guided (fluorescence guidance group, n=28) and intraoperative high⁃field MRI combined with fluorescence⁃guided glioma resection (combined group, n=25). Results Total tumor resection was performed in 42 cases (79.25%) and subtotal tumor resection in 11 cases (20.75%). Of the 33 patients whose tumors were located in important brain functional areas, total resection was performed in 25 cases (75.76%) and subtotal resection in 8 cases (24.24%). There were 12 cases (22.64%) of astrocytoma (WHO grade Ⅱ), 17 cases (32.08%) of anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade Ⅲ) and 24 cases (45.28%) of glioblastoma (WHO grade Ⅳ) were confirmed by postoperative pathology. There were 16 cases of speech disorder (30.19%), 21 cases of transient limb movement disorder (39.62%), 6 cases of mental disorder (11.32%), 8 cases of intracranial infection (15.09%), 2 cases of small epidural hemorrhage (3.77%), and no death after the operation. The operation time of combined group was longer than that of fluorescence guidance group [(3.79±1.14) h vs. (2.53±1.04) h; t=⁃4.718, P=0.000]. The tumor total resection rate in the combined group was higher than that in fluorescent guidance group [92% (23/25) vs. 67.86% (19/28); χ2=4.681, P=0.031], the WHO grade had significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=2.041, P=0.036), but the tumor total resection rate in important brain functional areas [88.89% (16/18) vs. 60% (9/15); Fisher's exact probability: P=0.101] and the incidence of postoperative complications [37.73% (20/53) vs. 62.26% (33/53); χ2=0.179, P=1.000] were no significant difference between 2 groups. In the mean follow⁃up of 9 months, 11 patients (20.75%) had tumor recurrence. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between combined group and fluorescence guidance group [12% (3/25) vs. 28.57% (8/28); χ2=2.205, P=0.138]. Conclusions Intraoperative high⁃field MRI combined with fluorescence guidance can significantly improve the total resection rate of glioma, while preserving important brain functional areas and neural structures as much as possible, improving the quality of life and prolonging the progression⁃free survival of patients.

Environmental problems caused by micro-pressure waves (MPWs) are increasingly prominent with increase in train speed. Considering different models of trains, which may have differences in nose lengths (Ln), and certain extreme terrains where it is unsuitable to construct the buffer hood outside the tunnel, this study numerically investigated the adaptive relationship between Ln and variable-section tunnel parameters [i.e., the length (L1) and area (S1) of the entrance expansion section] for minimizing the MPW. The results show that, as Ln rises from 5 to 13 m, the formation of the MPW peak is continuously delayed, and the peak value of the MPW decreases; while the optimal L1 remains at 20 m for different Ln. Additionally, the optimal S1 scarcely changes with the increase in Ln as well, between 151 and 156 m2, and its ratio to the section area of the main tunnel (70 m2) is approximately 2.2. The optimal parameters of the entrance expansion section play a universal role for trains with different Ln, which can alleviate the MPW amplitude with a value of 58% or higher. The findings can provide significant support for designing tunnels and tunnel hoods, focusing on alleviating acoustic noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain dehydrogenase/reductases (SDRs) belong to the NAD(P)(H)-dependent oxidoreductase superfamily, which have various functions of catalyzing oxidation/reduction reactions and have been generally used as powerful biocatalysts in the production of pharmaceuticals. In this study, ScSDR1 and ScSDR2, two new SDRs have been identified and characterized from Stachybotrys chartarum 3.5365. Substrate scope investigation revealed that both of the enzymes possessed the ability to oxidize β-OH to ketone specifically, and exhibited substrate promiscuity and high stereo-selectivity for efficiently catalyzing the structurally different prochiral ketones to chiral alcohols. These findings not only suggest that ScSDR1 and ScSDR2 might be potent synthetic tools in drug research and development, but also provide good examples for further engineered enzymes with higher efficiency and stereo-selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anhydroicaritin (1a), baohuoside (1b) and icariin (1c) were recognized as major pharmacologically active ingredients of Epimedium plants. Their primary means of acquisition were chemical isolation from plants. However, it suffers from low yield, environmental pollution and shortage of plants. Herein, to remedy these problems, biosynthesis was explored to obtain the three active ingredients. Fortunately, with SfFPT as 8-prenyltransferase, EpPF3RT and Ep7GT as glycosyltransferases, kaempferide (1) was transferred to 1a, 1b and 1c enzymatically. Thus, we report the details of this method. This approach represents a promising environmental friendly alternative for the production of these compounds from an abundant analogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peridecalins C and D (1 and 2), one decalin and one oxygen-decalin containing polyketide-amino acid hybrids with 5/6/6 ring system, was isolated from a genetic mutant of Periconia sp. F-31. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 1 D/2D NMR and HR-MS spectra. Biosynthetically, two proposed Diels-Alder reactions are supposed to be involved in the skeleton construction of 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/aim of the study: Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for 20% of ischemic stroke, and vertebrobasilar stenosis is an important cause of PCS. Notably, not all patients with artery stenosis progress to ischemic stroke, and one of the important reason is that collateral circulation construction plays important protection role in this process. Clinical presentation: Here, we present the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with lightheadedness and three episodes of loss of consciousness after bilateral subclavian artery stenting. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated severe stenosis of the left vertebral artery, and the bilateral subclavian artery was kept open. The patient was then given the left vertebral artery stenting in an effort to resolve the vascular stenosis. As expected, he achieved a complete remission after stenting. However, 6 months later the patient suffered from loss of consciousness again. Repeat DSA confirmed restenosis of the left vertebral artery, and revealed a collateral flow to the left vertebral artery which fed by external carotid collateral branches. Then DSA was performed after 12 months, and another collateral circulation involving thyrocervical trunk was also found supplying flow to the left vertebral artery. In this process, the frequency of loss of consciousness gradually decreased as the collateral circulation construction. Conclusion: Through this case, we observe the whole process of the collateral circulation construction. Moreover, this case serves as a testament to the variability and complexity of vertebrobasilar arteriopathies, suggesting promotion of collateral flow offers the opportunity for outcome improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]