Epigenetics components of aging in the central nervous system.

This review highlights recent discoveries that have shaped the emerging viewpoints in the field of epigenetic influences in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on the following questions: (i) How is the CNS shaped during development when precursor cells transition into morphologically and molecularly distinct cell types, and is this event driven by epigenetic alterations?; ii) How do epigenetic pathways control CNS function?; (iii) What happens to "epigenetic memory" during aging processes, and do these alterations cause CNS dysfunction?; (iv) Can one restore normal CNS function by manipulating the epigenome using pharmacologic agents, and will this ameliorate aging-related neurodegeneration? These and other still unanswered questions remain critical to understanding the impact of multifaceted epigenetic machinery on the age-related dysfunction of CNS.

Modified Y-V epicanthoplasty with raised medial canthus in the Asian eyelid.

To explore an epicanthoplasty with a good aesthetic effect and a small scar we designed a modified Y-V epicanthoplasty to raise and enlarge the medial canthus. From January 2006 to April 2009, 68 patients were treated with this method, using a simple procedure to eliminate the medial epicanthal fold of the upper eyelid. Scarring of the medial canthal area has not been a problem with this technique because we designed incisions along the eyelashes and the skin-mucosal junctions. By raising the point of the new medial canthus to a particular physiological position, the angle of medial canthus is enlarged to reveal the lacrimal lake. Our technique is a simple, graded procedure that leaves no visible scar.

Functional restoration of penis with partial defect by scrotal skin flap.

PURPOSE: We investigated a reconstructive method with better sensory and erectile function for partial penile defects and report our long-term results of surgical correction using scrotal skin flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 18 patients with penile defects referred to us between 1992 and 2007. All cases were treated with a scrotal skin flap initially to repair the secondary defect after penile elongation. RESULTS: Of the 18 cases treated during the 15-year period the mechanism of primary injury was circumcision in 3, animal bite in 9 and penile tumor dissection in 6. Penile elongation, division of the suspensory ligament and scrotal skin flaps achieved penile augmentation and enhancement. Six cases were treated with a bilateral scrotal skin flap supplied by the anterior scrotal artery and 12 were repaired with a total anterior scrotal skin flap supplied by the anterior and posterior scrotal arteries. Penile length in the flaccid and erectile states was obviously increased postoperatively (p <0.05). All patients were followed 1 to 9 years (mean 2.3) postoperatively. Deep and superficial sensation recovered and erectile function was retained. Of the 18 patients 15 reported satisfied sexual intercourse during the 0.5 to 5-year followup. CONCLUSIONS: The method of correcting partial penile defect using scrotal skin flaps is effective and simple according to our long-term experience. This method achieves reasonable cosmesis and penile length in most cases with better sensory and erectile function.

2-(2-Chloro-3-quinol-yl)-3-phenyl-thia-zolidin-4-one.

In the title compound, C(18)H(13)ClN(2)OS, the thia-zolidinone ring is slightly distorted and adopts a envelope conformation. The basal plane is nearly perpendicular to the quinoline ring, forming a dihedral angle of 86.1 (1)°, and makes a dihedral angle of 14.9 (1)° to the benzene ring. The benzene ring is also nearly perpendicular to the quinoline ring, forming a dihedral angle of 89.4 (1)°. In the crystal, non-classical C-H⋯O and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming polymers along b.

[Correction of the epicanthal fold and angulus oculi using the Z-epicanthoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a new procedure for aesthetic correction of the medial epicanthal fold aim at the etiopathogenesis. METHODS: The new Z-epicanthoplasty devise the upper and inferior margin of angle of eye medial as one angle of the Z. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2006, 129 patients were treated by using the method. Follow-up 6 to 24 months, all patients were satisfied by eliminating the medial epicanthal fold without obvious scar. CONCLUSIONS: The method is more effect than traditionally Z-plasty. Our technique is a simple, advanced procedure that can be performed widely.

[Study on the dynamic model of supercritical fluid extraction of effective ingredients from natural plant].

In order to obtain the theoretical mass transfer model in the process of extracting effective ingredients from natural plant by Supercritical Fluid, the mass transfer mechanism was analyzed and the analytical solution of the dynamic model of Supercritical Fluid Extraction was deduced through rational simplifying the differential mass balance equations. The complete extraction time, extraction yield as a function of time and the influence of the diameter of solid material on the extraction yield were calculated by the model and the results of computation fit well with the experimental data of literature. This model can be used to analyze, predict, design and optimize the process of extracting effective ingredients from natural plant by Supercritical Fluid.

[Recombinant plasmid pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 improved pacing function in canine model of sick sinus syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To construct plasmid expressing pacemaker gene pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 and study its effects in transfected atrial myocytes in vitro and in canine model of sick sinus syndrome (SSS). METHODS: mHCN2 gene was isolated from PTR plasmids and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES2-EGFP. Recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 was transfected with by electroporation into neonatal atrial cardiomyocytes or injected to the sinoatrial (SA) region of canines with SSS induced by catheter and chemical ablation. pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 expression was detected under fluorescence microscope and confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Spontaneous beating rate in atrial cardiomyocytes was detected with light microscope. RESULTS: EGFP expression was seen in transfected atrial cardiomyocytes 24 to 48 hours after transfection and the spontaneous beating rate was significantly increased than that in non-transfected atrial cardiomyocytes [(180 +/- 11) bpm vs (140 +/- 14) bpm, P < 0.05]. Heart rate was significantly increased 24 hours post recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 injection compared to saline injection in canines with SSS [(150 +/- 13) bpm vs (105 +/- 17) bpm, P < 0.05]. Green fluorescence was also detected in frozen SA tissue sections of canines injected with recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 and the production amplified by RT-PCR was about 300 bp which is consistent with mHCN2 gene fragment. CONCLUSION: The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 can improve pacing function in atrial myocytes and in canine model of SSS.

[Suspending of M. temporal, temporal fascia and parietal periosteum to correct late facial palsy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a simply, effective dynamical method to correct late facial palsy. METHODS: The method of suspending of M. temporalis, temporal fascia was reformed below: (1) To prolong flap of M. temporalis, temporal fascia by parietal periosteum. (2) To elevate the reversal level of compound flap. (3) To fill depressed temporal area by silica gel piece. RESULTS: The compound flap is united structurally and long enough to transfer. Temporal defect is recontoured. And zygomatic area is no longer protruded. CONCLUSIONS: The reformative method resists defect of the old one and obtains a dynamical result.

[Investigation of the influence of nitric oxide on the survival of a random pattern skin flap].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of nitric oxide concentration in the distal portion of a random pattern skin flap and the influence of the exogenous L-arginine on the survival of the random pattern skin flap. METHODS: A random pattern skin flap (7 cm x 2 cm) was cranially designed and elevated on the back of a Wistar rat. An image analysis technology was used to evaluate the survival rate of the skin flap, while a biochemistry method was used to test the concentrations of the NO in the tissue. RESULTS: The survival area of the flap in the L-arginine-treated group was significantly enlarged (63.83 +/- 5.13)% (P < 0.01) in seven days postoperatively, compared with the control group (43.26 +/- 2.86)%. The NO concentration in the tissue was no statistic difference between all of the groups immediately after the operation (P > 0.05). But, the NO concentration in the control was decreasing at the beginning and then increasing slightly to reach the high level in 12 hours after the operation. It was thereafter slumped down to the baseline in 72 hours after the surgery. Although the changes in the L-arginine-treated group were quite similar to the control excepting of the extent, the NO concentration was kept in a higher level in the sequential time after the operation (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The NO concentration in skin flap tissue after the elevation was going up slightly for a short time. The exogenous L-arginine could promote the NO concentration in the random pattern skin flap to protect it from ischemic injury.