Associations of homologous RNA-binding motif gene on the X chromosome(RBMX)and its like sequence on chromosome 9(RBMXL9)with non-obstructive azoospermia

Aim： To investigate the associations of autosomal and X-chromosome homologs of the RNA-binding-motif （RNAbinding-motif on the Y chromosome, RBMY） gene with non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA）, as genetic factors for NOA may map to chromosomes other than the Y chromosome. Methods： Genomic DNA was extracted using a salting-out procedure after treatment of peripheral blood leukocytes with proteinase K from Japanese patients with NOA （n = 67） and normal fertile volunteers （n = 105）. The DNA were analyzed for RBMX by expressed sequence tag （EST） deletion and for the like sequence on chromosome 9 （RBMXL9） by microsatellite polymorphism. Results： We examined six ESTs in and around RBMX and found a deletion of SHGC31764 in one patient with NOA and a deletion of DXS7491 in one other patient with NOA. No deletions were detected in control subjects. The association study with nine microsatellite markers near RBMXL9 revealed that D9S319 was less prevalent in patients than in control subjects, whereas D9S1853 was detected more frequently in patients than that in control subjects. Conclusion： We provide evidence that deletions in or around RBMX may be involved in NOA. In addition, analyses of markers in the vicinity of RBMXL9 on chromosome 9 suggest the possibility that variants of this gene may be associated with NOA. Although further studies are necessary, this is the first report of the association between RBMX and RBMXL9 with NOA. （Asian J Andro12006 Mar; 8： 213-218）

Colorectal cancer tumour markers and biomarkers:Recenttherapeutic advances

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among females and third among males worldwide. It also contributes significantly to cancer-related deaths, despite the continuous progress in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Biomarkers currently play an important role in the detection and treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Risk stratification for screening might be augmented by finding new biomarkers which alone or as a complement of existing tests might recognize either the predisposition or early stage of the disease. Biomarkers have also the potential to change diagnostic and treatment algorithms by selecting the proper chemotherapeutic drugs across a broad spectrum of patients. There are attempts to personalise chemotherapy based on presence or absence of specific biomarkers. In this review, we update review published last year and describe our understanding of tumour markers and biomarkers role in CRC screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Goal of future research is to identify those biomarkers that could allow a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnosis, as well as to recognise the best prognostic panel and define the predictive biomarkers for available treatments.

Factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in hemodialysis patients

AIM: To investigate clinical characteristics associated with the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in hemodialysis (HD) patients.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire based on the Bowel Disease Questionnaire that records gastrointestinal symptoms was given to 294 patients in 4 dialysis centers. A total of 196 (67%) subjects returned the survey. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors significantly associated with IBS symptoms. RESULTS: Symptoms compatible with IBS were present in 27 (13.8%) subjects and independently associated with low post-dialysis serum potassium [OR = 0.258, 95% CI (0.075-0.891), P = 0.032], paracetamol use [OR = 3.159, 95% CI (1.214-8.220), P = 0.018], and Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) cognitive function score [OR = 0.977, 95% CI (0.956-0.999), P = 0.042]. Univariate regressions were also performed and the reported significance is for multivariate analysis. No association was detected for age, gender, depressed mood, smoking (present or past), body mass index, albumin level, Kt/V, sodium preor post-dialysis level, change in potassium level during HD, proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker use, aspirin use, residual diuresis, hepatitis B or C infection, diabetes mellitus, marital status and education level. CONCLUSION: This study examined potential risk factors for symptoms compatible with IBS in HD patients and identified an association with paracetamol use, post-dialysis potassium level and KDQOL-cognitive function score.

Stewart-Treves syndrome angiosarcoma expresses phenotypes of both blood and lymphatic capillaries

Background The development of angiosarcoma in oedematous tissue is referred to as Stewart-Treves syndrome （STS）. This rare and fatal complication is associated with chronic post mastectomy lymphoedema and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Angiosarcoma spread is facilitated by the formation of blood vessels （angiogenesis） and lymph vessels （lymphangiogenesis）. In the future antiangiogenic therapy may improve the poor outcome of current treatments. There was evidence that blocking the angiogenenesis would inhibit progression of angiosarcoma. It seems reasonable to hypothesize that blocking the lymphangiogenesis may yield similar results. Although angiosarcomas commonly derive from blood vessels, in case of STS angiosarcomas chronic lymphoedema may suggest its lymphatic origin. The goal of this study was to visualize interstitial space and lymphatics in the central and peripheral regions of STS angiosarcoma. Methods On tissue samples obtained from STS angiosarcoma we have performed： first colour stereoscopic lymphography to visualise the morphology of lymphatic vessels and extracellular spaces, second immunohistochemical staining specific for lymphatic vessels endothelium （LYVE-1） and blood endothelial cells （CD31, factor VIII） and prolymphangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF-C） for precise identification of lymphatic endothelia. STS angiosarcoma morphology was assessed by comparison of pictures obtained on lymphography, microscopy and confocal microscopy. Results STS angiosarcomas present heterogenous morphology with areas dominated by hemangiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma structures. STS angiosarcoma expressed phenotypes of both blood and lymphatic endothelia. LYVE-1 and VEGF-C is expressed by STS angiosarcoma and may be used to discriminate tumour differentiation. Morphology of lymphatic vessels and spaces in the tumour suggest absence of their normal lymphatic function. Conclusions Our results confirmed both hemangio- and lymphangiogenic origin of STS angiosarcoma. Expression of VEGF-C makes STS angiosarcoma a good candidate for targeted antilymphangiogenic therapy. However, morphology of intratumoral lymphatics on colour lymphography suggested their impaired function, which can hamper drug distribution.

仿真外科训练系统在微创外科的应用

目的 通过比较计算机模拟仿真训练和传统训练模型的训练效果,对模拟仿真训练的有效性和可行性进行评价。方法 17名低年外科医生和24名医学生被随机分成4组,分别受到计算机模拟仿真训练或传统训练模型的训练1 h。在接受训练后,他们将在传统训练模型中接受连续缝合测试30 min,根据完成缝合的数量和准确性来评价被测试者的能力。结果 无论接受何种训练,低年外科医生的测试结果都优于医学生,尤其在缝合速度方面。无论低年外科医生还是医学生,接受计算机模拟仿真训练的测试结果优于传统训练。结论 计算机模拟仿真训练将可能在腹腔镜外科训练中发挥重要作用。

Self-assembled metal-organic frameworks nanocrystals synthesis and application for plumbagin drug delivery in acute lung injury therapy

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)have recently allured a variety of concern in the fields of nanotechnology.However,exploring their biomedical applications is still a relatively new field.In this work,zeolite imidazole skeleton-8(ZIF-8)was reported for the first time as a drug carrier for the treatment of lung injury.Uniform ZIF-8 nanoparticles encapsulating plumbagin(PLB)are achieved by a facile physical adsorption process.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM),powder X-ray diffraction(PXRD)and UV–vis absorption spectrum were conducted to investigate the physical properties of ZIF-8 and PLB@ZIF-8.In animal model,the collagen fibers deposition produced by severe lung injury is significantly decreased.The secretion of inflammatory factor TGF-βand IL-6 were efficiently dropped by the combination of plumbagin and ZIF-8.At the same time,the expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and TNF-αwere also suppressed.This strategy puts forth a promising blueprint in the application of MOF materials,especially in biomedical fields.