Thienoisoindigo-Based Conjugated Polymers Synthesized by Direct Arylation Polycondensation.

A series of thienoisoindigo (TIG)-based conjugated polymers (CPs) with high molecular weights are synthesized by direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) by using TIG derivatives as CBr monomer and multi-halogenated thiophene derivatives, i.e., (E)-1,2-bis(3,4-difluorothien-2-yl)ethene (4FTVT), (E)-1,2-bis(3,4-dichlorothien-2-yl)ethene (4ClTVT), 3,3',4,4'-tetrafluoro-2,2'-bithiophene (4FBT), and 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloro-2,2'-bithiophene (4ClBT), as CH monomers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the high selectivity between α-CH bonds in 4FTVT, 4ClTVT, 4FBT, and 4ClBT and ß-CH bonds in TIG CBr monomer. All four resulting CPs exhibit low optical bandgaps of ca. 1.20 eV and ambipolar transport characteristics with both electron and hole mobility above 0.1 cm2  V-1  s-1 as elaborated with organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The polymer TIG-4FTVT delivers the best device performance. With this polymer, n-channel OTFTs with electron mobility up to 1.67 cm2  V-1  s-1 and p-channel OTFTs with hole mobility up to 0.62 cm2  V-1  s-1 are fabricated by modifying source/drain electrodes with polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) and MoO3 , respectively, to selectively inject electrons and holes.

Effects of Weaning Age and Creep Feed Type on Growth Performance and Gut Maturation in Weaned Piglets.

The objective was to study the effects of weaning in week 5 (W5) vs. week 4 (W4), as well as liquid (LF) vs. dry feed (DF), on growth performance, disaccharidase activity and nutrient transporter expression after weaning. The experiment included 12,923 pigs fed LF or DF in the pre-weaning period and a subpopulation of 15 pigs from each group, W4DF, W4LF, W5DF and W5LF, which were weighed and euthanized five days after weaning. The proximal part of the small intestine was analyzed for maltase, lactase and sucrase activity and the expression of SGLT-1, GLUT-2 and PepT-1. Pigs fed LF displayed less maltase activity (2100 vs. 2729 U/mg protein, p < 0.05) but an increased expression of SGLT-1 (∆Ct: 5.22 vs. 6.21, p = 0.01). Pigs weaned in W5 were heavier than those weaned in W4 (9.35 vs. 7.11 kg BW, p ≤ 0.05), and pigs fed LF were heavier than those fed DF (8.55 vs. 7.91 kg BW, p ≤ 0.05) five days after weaning in the subpopulation. LF pigs (21.8 kg) were heavier than DF pigs (20.6 kg) (SE 0.108, p < 0.0001), and W4 pigs (21.0 kg) were lighter than W5 pigs (21.5 kg) (SE 0.108, p = 0.01) at nine weeks. LF increased weight gain in the early post-weaning period and at nine weeks, although this was apparently not explained by accelerated gut maturation.

Conjugated Polymers from Direct Arylation Polycondensation of 3,4-Difluorothiophene-Substituted Aryls: Synthesis and Properties.

3,4-Difluorothiophene-substituted aryls, i.e., 1,4-bis(3,4-difluorothiophen-2-yl)-benzene (Ph-2FTh), 1,4-bis(3,4-difluorothiophen-2-yl)-2,5-difluorobenzene (2FPh-2FTh), and 4,7-bis(3,4-difluorothiophen-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTz-2FTh), are synthesized as C─H monomers for the synthesis of conjugated polymers (CPs) via direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and isoindigo (IID) derivatives as C─Br monomers. The Gibbs free energies of activation for direct arylation (ΔG298 K , kcal mol-1 ) for α─C─H bonds of thiophene moieties as calculated by density functional theory (DFT) are 14.3, 16.5, and 16.4 kcal mol-1 for Ph-2FTh, 2FPh-2FTh and BTz-2FTh, respectively, meaning that inserting an electron-deficient unit in 3,3',4,4'-tetrafluoro-2,2'-bithiophene (4FBT, ΔG298K : 14.6 kcal mol-1 ) may cause a reactivity decrease of the C─H monomers. Photophysical and semiconducting properties of the resulting six CPs (i.e., DPP-Ph, DPP-2FPh, DPP-BTz, 2FIID-Ph, 2FIID-2FPh, and 2FIID-BTz) are characterized in detail. DPP-based CPs show ambipolar transport properties while IID-based ones exhibited n-type behavior owing to the deeper frontier molecular orbital energy levels of IID-based CPs. With source/drain electrodes modified with polyethylenimine ethoxylated, n-channel organic thin-film transistors with maximum electron mobility of 0.40, 0.54, 0.29, 0.05, 0.16, and 0.01 cm2 V-1 s-1 for DPP-Ph, DPP-2FPh, DPP-BTz, 2FIID-Ph, 2FIID-2FPh, and 2FIID-BTz, respectively, are fabricated. DPP-2FPh exhibits the best device performance due to the good film morphology and the highest intermolecular packing order.

A High-Performance n-Type Thermoelectric Polymer from C-H/C-H Oxidative Direct Arylation Polycondensation.

n-Type conjugated polymers (CPs) are crucial in the applications of organic electronics. Direct coupling of electron-deficient C-H monomer via selective C-H activation, namely C-H/C-H oxidative direct arylation polycondensation (Oxi-DArP), is an ideal approach toward such CPs. Herein, Oxi-DArP is firstly adopted to synthesize a high-performance n-type CP using a newly developed monomer, i.e., 3,6-di(thiazol-5-yl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole (Tz-5-DPP). Tz-5-DPP based homopolymer PTz-5-DPP with a molecular weight of 22 kDa has been synthesized via Oxi-DArP. After n-doping, PTz-5-DPP films exhibited electric conductivity values up to 8 S cm-1 and power factors (PFs) up to 106 µW m-1 K-2 . Notably, this PF value is the highest for n-type polymer thermoelectric materials to date. The Oxi-DArP synthesis and the excellent n-type performance of the polymer make this work an important step toward the straightforward and sustainable preparation of high-performance n-type polymer semiconductors.

Molecular basis and targeted therapies for radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer.

Patients diagnosed with radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer (RAIR-TC) are not amenable to novel 131 I therapy due to the reduced expression of sodium iodide symporter (Na+/I- symporter, NIS) and/or the impairment of NIS trafficking to the plasma membrane. RAIR-TC patients have a relatively poor prognosis with a mean life expectancy of 3-5 years, contributing to the majority of TC-associated mortality. Identifying RAIR-TC patients and selecting proper treatment strategies remain challenging for clinicians. In this review, we demonstrate the updated clinical scenarios or the so-called "definitions" of RAIR-TC suggested by several associations based on 131 I uptake ability and tumor response post-131 I therapy. We also discuss current knowledge of the molecular alterations involved in membrane-localized NIS loss, which provides a preclinical basis for the development of targeted therapies, in particular, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), redifferentiation approaches, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Acute Effects of Different Electroacupuncture Point Combinations to Modulate the Gut-Brain Axis in the Minipig Model.

This study aimed to compare the gut-brain axis responses to acute electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoint combinations in the minipig model. Four adult Yucatan minipigs were subjected twice to four acute EA treatments (25-minute acute sessions) including sham (false acupoints) and control (no EA), during anesthesia and according to a Latin-square design paradigm. Acupoint combinations (4 loci each) are head-abdomen (#70 Dafengmen, #35 Sanwan), back (bilateral #27 Pishu, #28 Weishu), leg (bilateral #79 Hangou, #63 Housanli), and sham (2 bilateral points that are not acupoints). Electrocardiograms were performed to explore heart rate variability (HRV). Infrared thermography was used to measure skin temperature at the stimulation points. Saliva (cortisol) and blood samples (leptin, total/active ghrelin, insulin, and glucose) were collected for further analyses before and after acute EA. All animals were also subjected to BOLD fMRI to investigate the brain responses to EA. Acute EA significantly modulated several physiological and metabolic parameters compared to basal, sham, and/or control conditions, with contrasting effects in terms of BOLD responses in brain regions involved in the hedonic and cognitive control of food intake. The head-abdomen combination appeared to be the most promising combination in terms of brain modulation of the corticostriatal circuit, with upregulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsal striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex. It also induced significantly lower plasma ghrelin levels compared to sham, suggesting anorectic effects, as well as no temperature drop at the stimulation site. This study opens the way to a further preclinical trial aimed at investigating chronic EA in obese minipigs.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effects of Compound Fuzhuan Brick Tea (CFBT) on Regulating Dyslipidemia and Metabolic Disorders in Mice Induced by High-Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that obesity induced by high-fat diet (HFD) poses a serious threat to people's health. Fuzhuan brick tea, one of the most popular beverages, is reported to possess a significant effect on regulating lipid metabolism, attributed to its many bioactive ingredients. However, the efficacy and mechanism of compound Fuzhuan brick tea (CFBT) made from Fuzhuan brick tea and other six Chinese herbal medicines are still not well defined. METHODS: Sixty mice were divided into six groups: normal control group (CK), high-fat model group (NK), positive control group with anti-hyperlipidemic drug (YK), CFBT at low-(FL), medium-(FM) and high-(FH) dosage. Intervening for 30 days, conventional indexes analysis combined with metabolomics were performed to evaluate the changes in biochemical indexes and liver metabolic profiles in mice submitted to HFD. RESULTS: CFBT treatment was able to ameliorate obesity, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity and hepatic steatosis. In addition, significant alterations in the liver tissue metabolic profiles were observed, with most of these associated with inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that consumption of CFBT is capable of preventing dyslipidemia, reducing weight gain, restoring liver injury, as well as improving metabolic disorders.

Obesity Animal Models for Acupuncture and Related Therapy Research Studies.

Obesity and related diseases are considered as pandemic representing a worldwide threat for health. Animal models are critical to validate the effects and understand the mechanisms related to classical or innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is, therefore, important to identify the best animal models for translational research, using different evaluation criteria such as the face, construct, and predictive validity. Because the pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions currently used for treating obesity often present many undesirable side effects, relatively high relapse probabilities, acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and related therapies have gained more popularity and attention. Many kinds of experimental animal models have been used for obesity research studies, but in the context of acupuncture, most of the studies were performed in rodent obesity models. Though, are these obesity rodent models really the best for acupuncture or related therapies research studies? In this study, we review different obesity animal models that have been used over the past 10 years for acupuncture and EA research studies. We present their respective advantages, disadvantages, and specific constraints. With the development of research on acupuncture and EA and the increasing interest regarding these approaches, proper animal models are critical for preclinical studies aiming at developing future clinical trials in the human. The aim of the present study is to provide researchers with information and guidance related to the preclinical models that are currently available to investigate the outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies.

Direct Arylation Polycondensation toward Water/Alcohol-Soluble Conjugated Polymers: Influence of Side Chain Functional Groups.

Direct arylation of 2,7-dibromofluorene with n-octyl, 6-diethoxylphosphorylhexyl, 6-(N,N-diethylamino)hexyl or 6-bromohexyl side chains and 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene (TFB) were conducted to investigate the effect of side chain functional groups on the coupling, and the resulting TFB-substituted fluorene derivatives were used as C-H monomers for the synthesis of water/alcohol soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) by direct arylation polycondensation (DArP). The direct arylation and DArP of the monomers carrying phosphonate and amino groups went on smoothly in typical DArP conditions, that is, Pd(OAc)2/PtBu2Me-HBF4/base/DMAc and Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3/P(o-MeOPh)3/pivalic acid/base/THF, and high molecular weight polymers with these groups were successfully synthesized. However, for fluorene-monomers with bromohexyl side chains, the target products could not be obtained from the above conditions but could be prepared in the absence of carboxylic acid additives in low polar solvents. With the above DArP-made polymers as cathode interfacial layers, high performance organic solar cells (OSCs) were successfully fabricated.

Hypothesis paper: electroacupuncture targeting the gut-brain axis to modulate neurocognitive determinants of eating behavior-toward a proof of concept in the obese minipig model.

Acupuncture has thousands of years of history and perspective for the treatment of many health problems and disorders. Beneficial effects of acupuncture on obesity have been demonstrated at various levels in animals and clinical trials, with almost no adverse effect, even when combined with local electrical stimulation, i.e., electroacupuncture (EA), a way to potentiate the effects of acupuncture. However, there is still scattered evidence about the impact of EA on brain functions related to the control of eating behavior, and notably on the gut-brain axis mechanisms involved in these putative central modulations. During the past 10 years, we have described a convincing diet-induced obese minipig model, and successfully implemented brain imaging and neurocognitive approaches to challenge mechanistic hypotheses and innovative therapeutic strategies. In the present article, we propose to confront the current literature on the acupuncture and EA effects on the gut-brain axis and obesity with the latest developments in nutrition and neuroscience research using the minipig model. Our aims are to (a) elaborate functional hypotheses on the gut-brain mechanisms underlying EA effects on obesity, and especially on the role of the vagus nerve, and (b) present the rational for testing these hypotheses in the minipig model.

Considerations in testing treatment effects on transient event driven health status changes measured by patient reported outcomes.

Many treatments and drugs are intended to reduce the occurrence of negative events of interest, control the severity of the events, accelerate recovery from the events, or a combination of these effects. While assessing the clinical effect is typically the primary objective of a trial, testing the treatment effect on the health status of patients based on patient reported outcome (PRO) can be a useful component in determining the value of a treatment. Analysis of PROs in this setting, however, face the following challenges: the PRO value immediately after the event occurrence is often not captured, and the effect of the event on health status measured by the PRO is transient as subjects recover over time. Therefore, traditional statistical methods used to assess treatment effects suffer from low power for PROs. In this manuscript, we apply a kernel smoothing technique to estimate before- and after-event PRO values. We also propose new test outcomes based on observed and estimated PRO values and evaluate tests that focus on the tail distributions. We demonstrate that the tail distribution tests using the new outcomes can achieve high power under certain conditions.

Retinal defects in mice lacking the autism-associated gene Engrailed-2.

Defective cortical processing of visual stimuli and altered retinal function have been described in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. In keeping with these findings, anatomical and functional defects have been found in the visual cortex and retina of mice bearing mutations for ASD-associated genes. Here we sought to investigate the anatomy and function of the adult retina of Engrailed 2 knockout (En2-/-) mice, a model for ASD. Our results showed that En2 is expressed in all three nuclear layers of the adult retina. When compared to age-matched En2+/+ controls, En2-/- adult retinas showed a significant decrease in the number of calbindin+ horizontal cells, and a significant increase in calbindin+ amacrine/ganglion cells. The total number of ganglion cells was not altered in the adult En2-/- retina, as shown by Brn3a+ cell counts. In addition, En2-/- adult mice showed a significant reduction of photoreceptor (rhodopsin) and bipolar cell (Pcp2, PKCα) markers. Functional defects were also present in the retina of En2 mutants, as indicated by electroretinogram recordings showing a significant reduction in both a-wave and b-wave amplitude in En2-/- mice as compared to controls. These data show for the first time that anatomical and functional defects are present in the retina of the En2 ASD mouse model.

(±)-Terreinlactone A, a Pair of 3-Substituted δ-Lactone Enantiomers Derived from Terrein from the Fungus Aspergillus terreus.

Terreinlactone A (1a/1b), a pair of 3-substituted δ-lactone enantiomers, and terreinlactone B (2), a new biosynthetic intermediate of 1a/1b, were isolated from Aspergillus terreus, along with their biosynthetic precursor (+)-terrein (3) and (+)-isoterrein (4). Compounds 1a and 1b were separated by using a Daicel chiral-pak ASH column eluting with n-hexane-EtOH (80 : 20). The structures of 1a/1b with absolute configurations were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and electronic circular dichroic (ECD) calculations. Terreinlactone A (1) represents the first example of 1,5-seco-terrein and a biogenetic pathway is proposed from the precursor terrein via the intermediated terreinlactone B (2).

Manginoids A-G: Seven Monoterpene-Shikimate-Conjugated Meroterpenoids with a Spiro Ring System from Guignardia mangiferae.

Manginoids A-G (1-7), seven monoterpene-shikimate-conjugated meroterpenoids with a spiro ring system, were isolated from Guignardia mangiferae. Compounds 1-4 are four isomers with epimeric and double-bond isomeric features possessing a 6-oxaspiro[bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3,5'-indene] ring, which represent the first examples of spiro meroterpenoids bearing a bridged spirocyclohexanedione moiety. Compounds 5 and 6 possess an unexpected 2,4-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonane motif, which fuses with a 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety. Compound 1 exhibits inhibitory activities against 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 with an IC50 value of 0.84 µM.

Biocompatibility and Effectiveness Evaluation of a New Hemostatic Embolization Agent: Thrombin Loaded Alginate Calcium Microsphere.

Background. Until now, there has been no ideal embolization agent for hemorrhage in interventional treatment. In this study, the thrombin was encapsulated in alginate calcium microsphere using electrostatic droplet technique to produce new embolization agent: thrombin loaded alginate calcium microspheres (TACMs). Objectives. The present work was to evaluate the biocompatibility and hemostatic efficiency of TACMs. Methods. Cell cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and superselective embolization of dog liver arteries were performed to investigate the biocompatibility of TACMs. To clarify the embolic effect of TACMs mixed thrombus in vivo, hepatic artery injury animal model of 6 beagles was established and transcatheter artery embolization for bleeding was performed. Results. Coculture with VECs revealed the noncytotoxicity of TACMs, and the hemolysis experiment was negligible. Moreover, the histological study of TACMs in liver blood vessel showed signs of a slight inflammatory reaction. The results of transcatheter application of TACMs mixed thrombus for bleeding showed that the blood flow was shut down completely after the TACMs mixed thrombus was delivered and the postprocedural survival rate of animal models at 12 weeks was 100%. Conclusions. With their good biocompatibility and superior hemostatic efficiency, TACMs might be a promising new hemostatic agent with a wide range of potential applications.

[Effect of Modified Baizhu Powder on Gastrointestinal Functions in Mouse Models with Stomach-cold Functional Dyspepsia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of modified Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) powder on the gastrointestinal function in mouse models with stomach-cold functional dyspepsia. Meanwhile,the mouse models were administered with Shihu (dendrobium), a traditional Chinese drug with cold nature and flavour, to explore the way via which it exert its effect on specific symptoms. Methods: Mouse models with stomach-cold functional dyspepsia were established by ice water and ice NaOH. The effects of modified Baizhu powder and dendrobium on mice were observed in terms of water intake, weight change,small intestine propulsion rate, intestinal absorption function, and effects on ghrelin and motilin. RESULTS: The modified Baizhu powder effectively increased food intake, water intake, body weight (P<0.05) and swimming time (P<0.01), increased the small intestine propulsion rate and serum D-xylose content (P<0.05), and up-regulated ghrelin (P<0.05). Also, it showed a trend to down-regulate the motilin, although the change was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In contrast,the use of Shihu aggravated symptoms in the mouse models. Conclusion: The changes in ghrelin and motilin levels may be the neuro-endocrine mechanisms via which the modified Baizhu powder and Shihu exert their effects on mouse models.

Downregulation of Skp2 inhibits the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

S-phase kinase-associated protein-2 (Skp2) is overexpressed in human cancers and associated with poor prognosis. Skp2 acts as an oncogenic protein by enhancing cancer cell growth and tumor metastasis. The present study has demonstrated that small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated downregulation of Skp2 markedly inhibits the viability, proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human gastric cancer MGC803 cells, which express a high level of Skp2. In contrast, Skp2 shRNA had only a slight effect on the above properties of BGC823 cells, which express a low level of Skp2. In accord, knockdown of Skp2 suppressed the ability of MGC803 cells to form tumors and to metastasize to the lungs of mice, and the growth of established tumors, by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of Skp2 promoted tumorigenesis of BGC823 cells in mice. Skp2 depletion induced cell cycle arrest in the G(1)/S phase by upregulating p27, p21, and p57 and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Skp2 depletion also increased caspase-3 activity, impeded the ability of cells to form filopoidia and locomote, upregulated RECK (reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs), and downregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity and expression. The results suggest that downregulating Skp2 warrants investigation as a promising strategy to treat gastric cancers that express high levels of Skp2.

A novel angiographic technique, StentBoost, in comparison with intravascular ultrasound to assess stent expansion.

BACKGROUND: StentBoost (SB) is a novel angiographic technique which can enhance stent visualization and improve detection of inadequate stent expansion. Studies of SB that compare it with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which is the current gold standard for detection of stent underexpansion, remain inadequate. This study aimed to test the correlation of IVUS and SB, and to evaluate the effect of SB guiding the stent postdilatation. METHODS: From March 2009 to June 2010, 52 patients were analyzed using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), IVUS, and SB. They included 37 patients (54 stents) with postdilatation and 15 patients (21 stents) without postdilatation. Correlations of stent diameter between the three modalities were determined. RESULTS: The minimum diameter, maximum diameter and average diameter of postdilatation obtained by QCA, IVUS, SB were significantly larger than that of poststenting, and the ratio (maximum stent diameter (MaxLD)-minimum stent diameter (MinLD))/MaxLD of postdilatation was smaller. Correlations of MinLD were the highest between IVUS and SB (r = 0.979, P < 0.0001) when compared with QCA and SB (r = 0.973, P < 0.0001), and QCA and IVUS (r = 0.964, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: SB has superior correlations for stent expansion measured by IVUS when compared with QCA. In addition, there is an important advantage for SB in guiding the stent postdilatation.

[The short duration functional electrical stimuli do not cause mRNA expression change of K(ATP) channel and acute inflammation cytokine in recurrent laryngeal nerve].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the inflammation response and K(ATP) channel damage happened because of acute injury after functional electrical stimuli (FES) act on the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). METHOD: Thirty rabbits were divided into 3 groups by 10 rabbits for each group. The unilateral RNL were stimulated by FES with cuff electrode in first group. There was electrode on the RNL without FES in second group. The third group was normal control. The electrical generator and isolation unit provide electrical stimulation to the RLN at 50 Hz, with 4 mA current, for 2ms pulse duration. The total train duration was 5 seconds (2 seconds on; 3 seconds off). The RLN were collected in 1 hour after 3 hours electrical stimuli. We measured mRNA expression of injury acute response inflammation cytokine IL-10, TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha and K(ATP) Subunit protein Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2AB, using real-time reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction. PCR products were verified by electrophoresis in agarose gels. We investigated the vocal synchronic adductive movement with RLN FES by endoscopy. We investigated the nerve local RNL morphological burn. Data were analyzed with the One-way ANOVA analysis of SPSS version 13.0 for Windows. RESULT: There were no significance difference among three groups in mRNA expression of inflammation cytokines IL-10, TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha and K(ATP) channel protein Kir6.1, Kir6., SUR2AB. We did not find the nerve morphological burn in all rabbits RLN. The vocal synchronic adductive movement were normal during stimuli time. CONCLUSION: The short duration functional electrical stimuli do not cause mRNA expression change of K(ATP) channel and acute inflammation cytokine in recurrent laryngeal nerve.

[Treatment of endonasal-encephalomeningocele by transnasal endoscopic surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To inquire into the feasibility of transnasal endoscopic surgery for endonasal encephalomeningocele, and to put forward the basic management guidelines. METHOD: Five cases of endonasal encephalomeningocele were managed by transnasal endoscopic surgery. Different surgical techniques were applied according to the size and shape of skull base defect. At the same time, one-stage repair of skull base defect was achieved by applying muscle, fascia, cartilage and bone. RESULTS: All 5 patients were successfully treated without complication and relapse during 1-5 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endonasal type encephalomeningocele can be managed by transnasal endoscopic surgery. If the skull base defect is less than 0.5 cm, it can be repaired by packing muscle and fascia. If the defect is larger than 0.5 cm, the cartilage or bone should be used to repair the skull base.