Research review: DNA polymerases as molecular markers of the regenerating capacity of hepatocytes

Hepatocyte regeneration has been widely investigated, with the mitotic index and the incorporation of [³H]thymidine being used as regeneration markers. We focused on the induction of DNA replication enzymes, particularly DNA polymerases (pol) α, δ, and ε. Using rat models, we have shown that the activity of pol α in crude liver extract well represents the regenerating capacity of hepatocytes. Using pol α as an indicator, we analyzed liver regeneration in rat models under various conditions: obstructive jaundice, external or internal biliary drainage, and the obstruction of portal vein branches. It has been revealed that the ligation of the common bile duct alone induces a certain amount of hepatocyte proliferation. It was striking that external biliary drainage suppressed regeneration capacity in cholestatic rat liver after partial hepatectomy. The strong regeneration in nonligated lobes induced by portal branch ligation was similar to the liver regeneration seen after partial hepatectomy with respect to the induction of DNA polymerases. Taken together, the aspects of DNA replication, particularly the induction of DNA polymerases, may contribute to shedding new light on the regeneration of human liver. This work was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research and for Cancer Research from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan, and by grants from the Uehara Memorial Foundation     

Craniosynostosis,ectopia lentis,and congenital heart defects: Further delineation of an autosomal dominant syndrome with incomplete penetrance

The association of craniosynostosis with ectopia lentis is extremely rare. This was recently reported in monozygotic twin sisters, supporting a genetic etiology for this syndromic association. We report on female first cousins once removed who were born with unilateral coronal synostosis. One cousin also had peripheral pulmonic branch stenosis at birth and was later found to have ectopia lentis and severe myopia. The other cousin had an atrial septal defect, mitral valve prolapse, and only mild myopia. Their intelligence is normal. The inheritance is likely autosomal dominant with variable expression and incomplete penetrance and further defines this syndrome to include congenital heart defects. These findings will have important implications for genetic counseling. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

腓动脉皮支逆行岛状皮瓣的解剖与应用改进

目的探讨腓动脉皮支逆行岛状皮瓣的解剖学基础及临床应用效果。方法采用新鲜及防腐尸体下肢共25肢,对腓动脉皮支进行解剖学观测。于2003年9月~2005年6月收治足跖趾关节处软组织缺损患者10例,男8例,女2例。年龄21~55岁。其中背侧6例,跖侧4例,缺损范围10cm×6cm~15cm×10cm。应用带有外踝上11.0±1.7cm腓动脉固定皮支的腓动脉皮支逆行岛状皮瓣修复,皮瓣范围11.0cm×6.5cm~16.0cm×11.0cm。供区6例直接减张缝合,4例行自体游离皮片覆盖。结果解剖学观测外踝上11.0±1.7cm自腓动脉发出一固定皮支,起始点直径1.45±0.12mm,入深筋膜点距腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣轴线15.70±1.20mm。10例患者术后皮瓣均成活,血运良好,无静脉回流障碍;供区愈合良好。术后获随访6~12个月,皮瓣外形良好,质地、色泽与周边相似,足功能恢复良好,两点辨别觉11~18mm。结论腓动脉皮支逆行岛状皮瓣经改进后血运好,逆转距离长,修复范围大,操作简便,为临床修复足中远端软组织缺损提供了一种新方法。     

颊脂体的外科解剖及其临床意义

对30侧成人颊脂体的形态，位置和血液供应进行了观测。颊脂体血供为多源性，主要血管蒂为上颌动脉的颊动脉和面动脉的颊支。依据上述血管蒂的解剖学走向和分布，颊脂体转位可修复邻近的颌面部和口腔软组织缺损。     

MEDIAN NERVE INJURY AND THE TRANSVERSE WRIST CREASE INCISION IN OPEN CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

The author has recently had referred to him three patients with median nerve injuries who have had open carpal tunnel decompression via a small transverse wrist incision. Despite previous adverse reports, some surgeons persist with this technique.     

Ano-cutaneous flap repair for complex and recurrent supra-sphincteric anal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Suprasphincteric fistulae remain the most difficult to cure. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing rate of suprasphincteric anal fistula treated by ano-cutaneous advancement flap repair, and the impact of this procedure on continence and quality of life. METHOD: Sixteen patients with complex, recurrent or chronic suprasphincteric fistulae associated with significant tissue damage (necrotizing fasciitis, keyhole deformity and anal stenosis) or who had failed previous surgical procedures were treated by ano-cutaneous flap closure. They were assessed pre and postoperatively by the treating surgeon for wound healing and fistula recurrence and later followed up by phone interview using the St Mark's Hospital incontinence score and the Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI) as indicators of treatment outcome. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had successful healing of their fistula with the cutaneous flap, with recurrence in only one. The most common short-term complications were minor graft site wound separation, which healed in all cases without intervention, and wound pain, which settled over time and was not associated with recurrence. Continence improved for almost 70% of the patients, with a significant reduction in St Mark's incontinence scores (t = 2.62, 15 d.f., P = 0.02). PDAI also decreased significantly (t = 7.55, 15 d.f., P < 0.001), demonstrating improvement in quality of life for most patients. CONCLUSION: Ano-cutaneous flap can achieve healing of complex and recurrent suprasphincteric anal fistula in patients who had previously failed at other forms of treatment thus improving their quality of life and continence.     

隐性腕背腱鞘囊肿的超声诊断与治疗

目的初步探讨隐性腕背腱鞘囊肿超声诊断的准确性及手术疗效。方法对慢性腕关节背侧疼痛的患者,应用超声检查诊断出隐性腕背腱鞘囊肿7例,对其中5例采取手术治疗,2例保守治疗。结果5例手术患者中,其中4例术中发现舟月间隙有腱鞘囊肿,与术前超声诊断相符,1例未发现肿块。4例行囊肿切除,1例行腱鞘松解术;术后随访2～6个月,术后腕背疼痛症状完全消失,关节活动正常,握力较术前明显改善。2例保守治疗患者,经6～12个月的随访,腕背症状无明显缓解。结论隐性腕背腱鞘囊肿手术疗效可靠,超声诊断作为一种简便、无创的检查方法,对慢性腕关节背侧疼痛的临床诊断提供了新的检测手段。