Expression of Clock genes in the pineal glands of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Clock genes are involved in circadian rhythm regulation, and surviving newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may present with sleep-wake cycle reversal. This study aimed to determine the expression of the clock genes Clock and Bmall, in the pineal gland of rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Results showed that levels of Clock mRNA v^re not significantly changed within 48 hours after cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. Expression levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 protein were significantly higher after 48 hours. The levels of Bmall mRNA reached a peak at 36 hours, but were significantly reduced at 48 hours. Experimental findings indicate that Clock and Bmall genes were indeed expressed in the pineal glands of neonatal rats. At the initial stage （within 36 hours） of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, only slight changes in the expression levels of these two genes were detected, followed by significant changes at 36-48 hours. These changes may be associated with circadian rhythm disorder induced by hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

Gastric carcinoma originating from the heterotopic submucosal gastric gland treated by laparoscopy and endoscopy cooperative surgery

Gastric carcinoma is derived from epithelial cells in the gastric mucosa. We reported an extremely rare case of submucosal gastric carcinoma originating from the heterotopic submucosal gastric gland(HSG) that was safely diagnosed by laparoscopy and endoscopy cooperative surgery(LECS). A 66-year-old man underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy, which detected a submucosal tumor(SMT) of 1.5 cm in diameter on the lesser-anterior wall of the upper gastric body. The tumor could not be diagnosed histologically, even by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Local resection by LECS was performed to confirm a diagnosis. Pathologically, the tumor was an intra-submucosal well differentiated adenocarcinoma invading 5000 μm intothe submucosal layer. The resected tumor had negative lateral and vertical margins. Based on the Japanese treatment guidelines, additional laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy was curatively performed. LECS is a less invasive and safer approach for the diagnosis of SMT, even in submucosal gastric carcinoma originating from the HSG.

Developmental stage-specific A-to-I editing pattern in the postnatal pineal gland of pigs(Sus scrofa)

Background: RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional modification mechanism in mammalian genomes.Although many editing sites have been identified in domestic pigs(Sus scrofa), little is known about the characteristics and dynamic regulation of RNA editing in the pineal gland(PG), a small neuroendocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes melatonin, which is primarily responsible to modulate sleep patterns.Results: This study analyzed the expression of adenosine-to-inosine(A-to-I) editing regulators and profiled the first dynamic A-to-I RNA editome during postnatal PG development. The results identified ADAR1 as the most abundantly expressed ADAR enzyme, which was down-regulated during postnatal PG development. Furthermore,47,284 high-confidence RNA editing sites were identified, the majority of which(93.6%) were of the canonical A-to-I editing type, followed by C-to-T editing. Analysis of its characteristics showed that the A-to-I editing sites mostly localized in SINE retrotransposons PRE-1/Pre0_SS. Moreover, a strong deficiency and preference for guanine nucleotides at positions of one base upstream or downstream were found, respectively. The overall editing level at the puberty stage was higher than at both infancy and adulthood stages. Additionally, genome-wide RNA editing was found to exhibit a dynamic stage-specific fashion(postnatally). Genes that underwent developmental changes in RNA editing were associated with catabolic processes as well as protein localization and transport functions,implying that RNA editing might be responsible for the molecular machineries of the postnatal developing PG.Remarkably, RNA editing in 3′-UTRs might regulate gene expression by influencing miRNA binding during PG development.Conclusions: This study profiles the first comprehensive developmental RNA editome in the pig PG, which contributes to the understanding of the importance of post-transcriptionally mediated regulation during mammalian postnatal PG development. Moreover, this study widely extends RNA editome resources in mammals.

Aluminum and Glyphosate Can Synergistically Induce Pineal Gland Pathology: Connection to Gut Dysbiosis and Neurological Disease

Many neurological diseases, including autism, depression, dementia, anxiety disorder and Parkinson’s disease, are associated with abnormal sleep patterns, which are directly linked to pineal gland dysfunction. The pineal gland is highly susceptible to environmental toxicants. Two pervasive substances in modern industrialized nations are aluminum and glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide, Roundup?. In this paper, we show how these two toxicants work synergistically to induce neurological damage. Glyphosate disrupts gut bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile. Its toxic product, p-cresol, is linked to autism in both human and mouse models. p-Cresol enhances uptake of aluminum via transferrin. Anemia, a result of both aluminum disruption of heme and impaired heme synthesis by glyphosate, leads to hypoxia, which induces increased pineal gland transferrin synthesis. Premature birth is associated with hypoxic stress and with substantial increased risk to the subsequent development of autism, linking hypoxia to autism. Glyphosate chelates aluminum, allowing ingested aluminum to bypass the gut barrier. This leads to anemia-induced hypoxia, promoting neurotoxicity and damaging the pineal gland. Both glyphosate and aluminum disrupt cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in melatonin metabolism. Furthermore, melatonin is derived from tryptophan, whose synthesis in plants and microbes is blocked by glyphosate. We also demonstrate a plausible role for vitamin D3 dysbiosis in impaired gut function and impaired serotonin synthesis. This paper proposes that impaired sulfate supply to the brain mediates the damage induced by the synergistic action of aluminum and glyphosate on the pineal gland and related midbrain nuclei.

The Role of Pineal Gland in Regulating Circadian Corticosterone Rhythm and Its Mechanism

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Melatonin changes in the pineal gland of sleep-deprived rats following habenular nucleus lesion

The habenular nucleus （Hb） is an important structure that regulates the function of the pineal gland which may affect melatonin content in the pineal gland after sleep deprivation （SD）. In the present study, high performance liquid chromatography showed that the melatonin content in the pineal gland was significantly reduced, and y-aminobutyric acid content in the Hb was significantly increased after SD. Furthermore, the melatonin content in the pineal gland was markedly reduced after Hb lesion under normal sleep and SD conditions. Immunohistochemistry showed that the number of Fos-positive neurons was significantly decreased in the lateral and medial Hb after SD. The findings demonstrate that the reduction of melatonin in the pineal gland after SD is related to decreased activity of Hb neurons, and that the Hb can regulate sleep-wake rhythm by influencing melatonin secretion in the pineal gland.

Dorsal midbrain syndrome secondary to pineal gland tumours: case series and review on manifestations, management and outcome

Dorsal midbrain syndrome or Parinaud syndrome is a supranuclear brainstem syndrome involving the vertical gaze centre.These are case series with three patients who were diagnosed with dorsal midbrain syndrome secondary to pineal gland tumours.The prognosis varied depending on tumour types,age of presentation and treatment received.All of them were presented with life-threatening obstructive hydrocephalus.Our first patient was successfully treated with emergency surgery followed by radiotherapy.He regained normal visual acuity and full recovery of his ocular movement.Second and third patients had undergone surgery for raised intracranial pressure.Both had an inoperable pineal gland tumour.As for our second patient,we detected a worsening of vertical gaze during his four years follow-up.However,his bilateral good visual acuity was preserved.The third patient passed away as a result of uncontrolled enlarging tumour.We also briefly reviewed the clinical presentation,diagnosis,and therapeutic approach of the three patients.One of the caveats is that urgent radiological study is crucial to differentiate the tumour type via the pathognomonic features and to delineate the tumour extension.The preferable treatment options vary among each tumour type.A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in early detection,in addition to treatment initiation and long term follow up to achieve a better outcome.

Molecular mechanisms of seasonal photoperiod effects of the pineal gland on the hippocampus in rats

Background:Based on the theory of“five Zang-organs corresponding to the seasons”in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),physiological functions including emotions vary with the seasons.We aimed to investigate the seasonal photoperiod effects of melatonin(MT)released from the pineal gland on the MT receptor(MTR)-Gs/Gi-cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-protein kinase A(PKA)-cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB)signaling pathway in the hippocampus.Methods:Rats were divided into three groups:control,operation(surgery with pineal gland removal),and pseudo-operation groups(same surgery as operation group but without removing pineal gland),and fed at specific time across the four seasons.The levels of MTR,adenylate cyclase(AC),cAMP,PKA,and CREB in the hippocampus were analyzed using ELISA.The concentrations of Gs and Gi were analyzed using Western blot.The expression of CREB mRNA was detected by PCR.Results:For intragroup comparisons,compared with spring,the levels of Gs/Gi in the control group were higher in summer,autumn,and winter(P=.009 in summer;P<.001 in autumn and winter);the levels of MTR,cAMP,PKA,and CREB in the control group were significantly higher in autumn and winter than in spring(all P<.001).The levels of MTR,cAMP,PKA,and CREB in each season were significantly lower in the operation group than in the control group(all P<.05).Significant differences were noted in Gs/Gi levels between the operation group and control group in spring,autumn,and winter(all P<.05).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that MTR-Gs/Gi-cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway is involved in the seasonal photoperiod effects of the pineal gland on the hippocampus and may underpin seasonal changes in emotions.It can support the prevention and treatment of the seasonal onset of mental disorders,and enrich the theory of“five Zang-organs corresponding to the seasons”.

The launch of a special issue on “Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma” in Gland Surgery

Given the high incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer （DTC） and the rapidly increased importance of neck dissection in DTC, the journal of Gland Surgery is launching a special issue on ＂Neck Dissection in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma＂ in November Issue of 2013, inviting Dr. Xinying Li from Xiangya Hospital, China, as the guest editor.

Two Cases of Epidermoid Cyst of the Buccal Floor Simulating: A Tumour of the Submandibular Gland

Dermoid cyst of the oral floor is rare benign tumour, who having three histological aspects: dermoid, teratoid and epidermoid. This one is characterized by the presence of a squamous stratified epithelium with cutaneous remnants. It may occur in any part of the body, however their frequency in the ENT sphere is relatively scarce. Seven per cent (7%) only of epidermoid cysts occur in the cervico-facial area, 1.6% of which locate at the floor level. When they are located submandibular, they can pose diagnostic difficulties and look like a tumour of the submaxillary gland. We report two cases of epidermoid cyst of the floor. Both patients suffered from swelling of the submandibular gland. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was not requested due to lack of resources. However, surgery allowed in both cases the excision of a cyst next to a normal submandibular gland. Patients did well post operatively.

国产手术机器人辅助下腮腺肿瘤切除1例

机器人手术被誉为外科学领域的“第三次技术革命”,是现代外科学发展的重要里程碑。然而我国创新型手术机器人产业尚处于起步阶段,仅用于部分外科领域。为了探讨国产手术机器人在口腔颌面外科应用的有效性,笔者在国产自主手术机器人辅助下顺利完成腮腺良性肿瘤切除1例,手术顺利,面神经功能保存完好,术后创口愈合良好。

1例猫眼线虫伴有双侧第三眼睑腺脱出病例的诊治报告

文章报告了一例罕见的猫眼线虫病伴有双侧第三眼睑腺脱出的病例。一只3岁的英国短毛猫眼部红肿、畏光流泪等症状并伴有双侧第三眼睑腺脱出,之后进行全面的眼部检查和实验室检查,采用清除眼线虫和第三眼睑腺包埋手术进行治疗,患猫的眼睑消肿,分泌物减少。术后12 d,第三眼睑腺恢复到正常位置,眼部周围干净,预后良好。该病例提示猫眼线虫病可能在特定条件下感染,并罕见伴有第三眼睑腺脱出。治疗时应首先清除眼线虫,之后采用“口袋”技术包埋第三眼睑腺,取得了满意的矫正效果。在预防中,应注意避免苍蝇媒介,以降低感染的风险。

66例松果体区不同类型肿瘤的CT和MRI表现特征分析

目的探讨松果体区不同类型肿瘤的CT和MRI表现特征。方法对经手术病理证实的66例松果体区肿瘤的CT和MRI资料进行回顾性,纪录肿瘤的类型、大小、形态、钙化、密度、信号、表观弥散系数(ADC)值和强化特征。结果66例中,生殖细胞肿瘤37例,星形细胞瘤13例,松果体细胞肿瘤12例,非典型性畸胎瘤样/横纹肌样瘤2例,室管膜瘤2例。全部肿瘤呈类圆形,最大径范围为1.41-5.15cm,均值为3.25±1.04cm。肿瘤ADC值范围0.52-1.46×10^(-3)mm^(2)/s,均值为1.01±0.25×10^(-3)mm^(2)/s。54.5%瘤内或边缘见钙化;33.3%肿瘤呈混杂密度及信号,增强后肿瘤实性成分均见强化。结论松果体区不同类型的肿瘤CT密度、钙化和MR信号特征及ADC值存在一定差异,结合CT和MRI特征有利于术前正确诊断。

儿童松果体区不同级别星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI表现特征分析

目的探讨儿童松果体区不同级别星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI表现特征。方法对2005年1月-2022年3月间,经手术病理证实的17例儿童松果体区星形细胞瘤的CT和MRI资料进行回顾性分析,研究肿瘤大小、形态、钙化、密度、信号、表观弥散系数(ADC)值和强化特征。结果17例患者中,WHOⅠ级6例,Ⅱ级7例,Ⅲ及4例;肿瘤呈圆形或类圆形,最大径范围1.95-4.52cm,肿瘤有钙化者4例,Ⅰ-Ⅱ级肿瘤呈稍低密度、Ⅲ级者呈略高密度。肿瘤T1WI呈稍低信号,T_(2)WI呈略高信号,增强后肿瘤实性成分强化明显。肿瘤ADC值范围0.83-1.46×10^(-3)mm^(2)/s。结论儿童松果体区星形细胞瘤CT平扫呈低密度、T1WI低信号,T_(2)WI随级别升高信号由高逐渐减低,ADC值偏高增强后明显强化是其表现特征。

基于“脾应长夏”的胃肠激素季节变化与松果腺褪黑素的相关性研究

目的:观察大鼠血清褪黑素(MT)、胃泌素(GAS)及胃动素(MTL)五季中的含量变化,探讨胃肠动力的季节变化与松果腺褪黑素的相关性,揭示“脾应长夏”内涵。方法:在春、夏、长夏、秋及冬季分批饲养SD雄性大鼠,每一季节中的大鼠随机分为对照组(不做任何处理)和模型组(行松果腺摘除术)。饲养至节气点时间春分、夏至、立秋前1 d、秋分及冬至取材,酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA法)检测血清中MT、GAS和MTL含量。结果:春、夏、长夏、秋、冬五季中对照组血清MT、GAS及MTL分泌存在季节性变化节律,均在长夏季节含量最低。松果腺摘除后,模型组中五季血清MT、GAS及MTL分泌的季节性变化节律发生改变,但各指标含量仍在长夏季节最低。长夏季节GAS及MTL分泌与褪黑素具有一致性。结论:胃肠消化系统的功能与中医脾藏象理论密切相关,松果腺褪黑素调节下的胃肠动力的季节变化为中医“脾应长夏”理论生理机制的研究提供了依据。

基于“心脑一体观”探讨针灸调节褪黑素的作用机理

现代医学认为,脑主导机体的一切生命过程和精神活动,且与周围环境的平衡和调节存在关系。而中医认为“心者,君主之官,神明出焉”,心有主宰身体和神志的功能。褪黑素(MT)是脑室内松果体分泌的一种激素,其在人体的效应有类似中医理论中的“心”“神”作用。如何理解并且融通中医和现代医学两个不同的理论体系,是目前在临床和科研中的重要问题。“心脑一体观”是结合不同理论体系的对同一个生理现象的探讨。本研究基于“心脑一体观”探讨MT失调所致疾病的相关研究,阐释针灸通过调理“心”“神”相关的穴位组合,不仅可改善失眠、抑郁、肥胖、血管性痴呆、胃溃疡等疾病症状,同时具有调节MT水平的作用,为临床针灸治疗MT相关疾病的腧穴配伍提供理论依据。

Advances in the application of auxiliary imaging techniques in parathyroid diseases

Hypoparathyroidism is one of the main complications after total thyroidectomy,severely affecting patients’quality of life.How to effectively protect parathyroid function after surgery and reduce the incidence of hypoparathyroidism has always been a key research area in thyroid surgery.Therefore,precise localization of parathyroid glands during surgery,effective imaging,and accurate surgical resection have become hot topics of concern for thyroid surgeons.In response to this clinical phenomenon,this study compared several different imaging methods for parathyroid surgery,including nanocarbon,indocyanine green,near-infrared imaging techniques,and technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile combined with gamma probe imaging technology.The advantages and disadvantages of each method were analyzed,providing scientific recommendations for future parathyroid imaging.In recent years,some related basic and clinical research has also been conducted in thyroid surgery.This article reviewed relevant literature and provided an overview of the practical application progress of various imaging techniques in parathyroid surgery.

Porocarcinoma in a palm reconstructed with a full thickness skin graft: A case report

BACKGROUND Porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that originates from sweat gland tumors.It is an aggressive malignant skin cancer that is difficult to diagnose clinically owing to its rarity and similarity to squamous cell carcinoma(SCC).CASE SUMMARY This case involved a 92-year-old woman,a farmer by profession,presented with an exophytic and verrucous mass on her left palm that had formed 2 years prior and caused chronic pain and frequent bleeding.Initially,the patient was diagnosed with SCC using a punch biopsy;however,a repeat biopsy with addi-tional immunohistochemical tests was performed for porocarcinoma.Ultimately,the patient was diagnosed with porocarcinoma and reconstruction was planned using a full-thickness skin graft.After treatment,the range of motion of the palm was preserved,and the aesthetic outcome was favorable.At 6 mo of follow-up,the patient was satisfied with the outcome.CONCLUSION Porocarcinoma is commonly misdiagnosed as SCC;therefore,clinicians should consider porocarcinomas when evaluating mass-like lesions on the hands.

睑板腺疏通对白内障患者术后干眼症状和睑板腺功能的影响

目的 探讨白内障术前睑板腺疏通治疗对术后手术相关性睑板腺功能障碍及干眼的疗效。方法 本研究为前瞻性随机对照研究。纳入2021年6-12月在我科行白内障手术的110例老年性白内障患者。采用随机数字表法分为睑板腺疏通治疗组(n=56)和对照组(n=54),睑板腺疏通治疗组在白内障手术前1周接受睑板腺疏通治疗1次,对照组不作任何处理。睑板腺疏通治疗前、术后1个月及3个月比较两组的眼表疾病指数(ocular surface disease index,OSDI)评分、睑板腺功能(油脂厚度LLT、睑板腺开口数量MYGLS、睑板腺分泌物评分MGYSS)、泪膜破裂时间(tear film break-up time,TBUT)。结果 对照组在白内障手术后1个月表现出MGYLS显著下降(P<0.05),MGYSS显著升高(P<0.01),LLT显著降低(P<0.01),TBUT降低,干眼症状显著增加,其中OSDI评分显著升高(P<0.05)。相反,睑板腺疏通组MGYLS显著提高(P<0.01),MGYSS显著降低(P<0.01),LLT升高,TBUT增加,OSDI评分主观结果得到改善。结论 白内障手术前进行睑板腺疏通治疗可能是一种安全有效的干预措施,可缓解手术引起的睑板腺功能障碍和干眼症。