[Intra- and extra-cranial arterial lesions in TIA patients]

Ninety-six patients with transient ischemia attacks were examined by transcranial Doppler (TCD), carotid color-coded ultrasonic imagine, brain computed tomographic scan (CT), compared with digital subtract angiography (DSA), MRI and MRA were done in some cases. The abnormality of CT and MRI was 30.2% and 74.1%, respectively. The most common findings were lacunar infarction or cerebral atrophy. Sixty-two cases fulfilled the TCD criteria of definitive arterial stenosis (64.5%) and three cases of arteriovenous malformation, among whom 27 patients (43.5%) carried out the examination of DSA. There was an excellent coincidence between the DSA and TCD findings, although DSA showed more vessels involved in some patients. Of the 96 cases, the intracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion was in 48.5% and the extracranial in 17.8%. The younger patients (age < 60 years) were subject to involvement of unilateral intracranial artery, but the older had predominantly the bilateral intracranial arterial and extracranial carotid or subclavian arterial lesions.

[Establishment of a new culture system for fetal human tracheobronchus]

Human tracheobronchial tissues were cultured in CMRL 1066 medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone, bovine pituitary extract, and trace elements, with or without fetal bovine serum, in a rocked atmosphere chamber. The morphology of the epithelium remained normal for two months after in organ culture, and then, squamous metaplasia appeared in the epithelium and maintained for more than one year. There were continuous epithelial outgrowths from the human tracheobronchial tissues during the whole duration of organ culture, and the epithelial outgrowth can be subcultured in MCDB 151 medium supplemented with growth factors and grew as a tightly packed monolayer of polygonal cells with the presence of keratin and microvilli. The advantages of organ culture and epithelial cell culture were combined in this new culture system. The new culture model has already been used for the investigation of in vitro transformation of human tracheobronchial epithelial cells by chemical carcinogens in our laboratory.

Morphometric analysis of spinous cell in oral submucous fibrosis. Comparison with normal mucosa, leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma

The morphometric analysis of the spinous cell in 16 specimens of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) was made by using interactive image analysis system (IBAS-II). 19 parameters of the size and shape were chosen, and compared with normal mucosa, leukoplakia, dysplasia and carcinoma. The results indicated that the cell dimensions (area, perimeter, all kinds of diameter) and nuclear cytoplasmic ratio in OSF were between normal mucosa and dysplasia as well as carcinoma. The former showed a progressive decrease (P < 0.01), and the latter showed a progressive increase (P < 0.01). The dimensions of the nuclei did not show considerable differences among the groups (P < 0.05). A series of discriminant functions had been developed with stepwise discriminant analysis, the agreement ratio for OSF was 93.75%. The decrease of cell area and the increase of nuclear cytoplasmic ratio could reflect a malignant progress. The cell morphometric model could discriminate OSF well from other groups, suggesting that the change of the epithelium in OSF appearing in the spinous cell is specific itself.

Three-dimensional uniform grid modeling of electrical defibrillation on a data parallel computer

Finite element modeling has played an increasingly important role in the study of defibrillation. In order to model well the complex anatomical details, a large number of elements are required in the finite element grid, leading to a large set of equations that often cannot be solved effectively with the computational power of conventional computers. In this paper, we describe the use of a data parallel computer to provide the memory and reduction in solution time for solving these large finite element problems. Using a uniform grid and a nodal assembly technique, the discretized problem domain can be mapped efficiently to the parallel computer, allowing the solution of problems with over two million unknowns. The finite element algorithm for a three-dimensional inhomogeneous anisotropic body is described together with its parallel implementation. Test results for a canine torso model constructed from CT images are also presented.

[Anatomical study on the Riolan's anastomosis arch]

The Riolan's anastomosis arch is discussed on the basis of colon vessel constructions in 162 operations of the colonic interposition for esophageal substitution, and the materials reported in some journals. The Riolan's arch is not the marginal vessels of the flexura lienalis, because of its lower incidence (< 10%). We believe that the integrity of the arch is not responsible for the blood supply of the colon.

Platinum binding to metallothionein. Analysis of circular dichroism spectra of complexes formed between metallothionein and platinum from cis- and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum

The first observation of the circular dichroism (CD) spectral features of platinum-saturated metallothionein, Pt7MT, is presented. It is characterized by two intensive bands with maxima at 235 nm (-) and 255 nm (+). Properties of the reactions of cis- and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) with rabbit liver MT have been studied by monitoring the CD spectral changes. The overall rate of the reaction between trans-DDP and MT is determined to be significantly faster than that for cis-DDP and MT. The stepwise incorporation of Pt into Zn7MT resulted in a nonsystemic changes in the CD spectral envelope. These data argue that Pt(II) replaces Zn(II) in ZnMT in a nonspecific, "distributed" manner across both domains, because the onset of clustering was observed after 5 mol equiv of Pt was bound. A dynamic mechanism has been proposed in which the reaction proceeds via the formation of an intermediate, RS-Pt (NH3)2-SR. As it is converted to the product, the ammine ligands are lost very slowly, especially in the case of cis-DDP, because of the strong requirement of Pt for square planar coordination, which comprises the rate-limiting step.

[Limb-salvage surgery in 60 patients with osteosarcoma]

Limb-salvage surgery plays an important role in the treatment of osteosarcoma. From 1974 to 1993, 104 patients with osteosarcoma were treated in our department. Sixty of them were treated with limb-salvage procedures. In fourty-four patients of stage II B receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate was 46.69%. The overall local recurrence rate was 15%. The infection rate was 12.9%, and mechanical complication occurred in 14.8% of the patients. The functional result was generally good. Improved concepts of en bloc resection and better reconstructive techniques suggest that limb-salvage procedures are not only possible but can provide excellent functional result in patients with osteosarcoma. Further work must be directed to reducing local recurrence and improving reconstructive techniques.

Numerical analysis of electrical defibrillation. The parallel approach

Numerical modeling offers a viable tool for studying electrical defibrillation, allowing the behavior of field quantities to be observed easily as the different system parameters are varied. One numerical technique, namely the finite-element method, has been found particularly effective for modeling complex thoracic anatomies. However, an accurate finite-element model of the thorax often requires a large number of elements and nodes, leading to a large set of equations that cannot be solved effectively with the computational power of conventional computers. This is especially true if many finite-element solutions need to be achieved within a reasonable time period (eg, electrode configuration optimization). In this study, the use of massively parallel computers to provide the memory and reduction in solution time for solving these large finite-element problems is discussed. Both the uniform and unstructured grid approaches are considered. Algorithms that allow efficient mapping of uniform and unstructured grids to data-parallel and message-passing parallel computers are discussed. An automatic iterative procedure for electrode configuration optimization is presented. The procedure is based on the minimization of an objective function using the parallel direct search technique. Computational performance results are presented together with simulation results.

Coaxial architecture of an optical neural network with a lenslet array

A theoretical limitation on the neuron numbers (N x N) of a spatial interconnection system based on a lenslet array is analyzed. To improve the limitation, we propose a submatrix coaxial interconnection architecture. Off-axial aberration is decreased, and high light efficiency is achieved. A detailed analysis is given.

[A study on the boundary value of hemoglobin concentration for screening iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women]

To evaluate whether a pregnant woman is in anemia or there exist the needs to replenish iron is usually based on the measurement of hemoglobin (HB) concentration, because the evaluation of iron nutritional status has not yet been used widely in our country. Blood specimens were collected from 258 pregnant women, and concentrations of Hb, serum ferritin (SF) and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) were determined to find out a reasonably boundary value of Hb concentration from the two different ones set by our country and WHO, respectively, and the one averaged the former two, i.e, 100g/L, 110g/L and 105g/L. False positivity and false negativity in diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) for pregnant women were evaluated based on the measurement of SF and FEP concentrations as gold standards. Results showed that the optimal Hb concentration for preliminary diagnosis of IDA was 105g/L with maximizing Yorden index.

[Both 987P and F41 fimbriae produced by the same enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain isolated from a piglet with diarrhea]

An enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain isolated from a piglet with diarrhea was examined for the presence of fimbriea 987P and F41 by a direct agglutination (with MAbs), an indirect immunofluorescence technique (MAbs as first antibodies), SDS-PAGE and Western blots (antisera IgG as probes). Results of these techniques revealed that both 987P and F41 fimbrial adhesins were produced by the same strain, not by separate ones.

The G gamma:A gamma ratios in the fetal hemoglobin of newborns of the Man ethnic group and their gamma-globin gene arrangements

The G gamma:A gamma ratios of Hb F were determined in 331 newborn babies of the Man ethnic group in Liaoning Province, P.R. China, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; in 27 cases they were also determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that a high G gamma value (> 80%) was present in four cases (1.21%) and low G gamma values (30-48%) in six cases (1.81%); not a single case with the A gamma T [A gamma 75(E19)Ile->Thr] chain was found. Gene mapping analysis demonstrated that two babies with high G gamma values had the -G gamma-G gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%), and two others the -G gamma-AG gamma-A gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%) arrangements. Two of the four babies with low G gamma values were identified as -A gamma-A gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%) and the other two as -GA gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%). The genotype -A gamma-A gamma- has not been reported before in Chinese.

DNA repair rates mapped along the human PGK1 gene at nucleotide resolution

The repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), DNA lesions induced by ultraviolet light, was studied at nucleotide resolution. Human fibroblasts were irradiated with ultraviolet light and allowed to repair. The DNA was enzymatically cleaved at the CPDs, and the induced breaks along the promoter and exon 1 of the PGK1 gene were mapped by ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction. Repair rates within the nontranscribed strand varied as much as 15-fold, depending on nucleotide position. Preferential repair of the transcribed strand began just downstream of the transcription start site but was most pronounced beginning at nucleotide +140 in exon 1. The promoter contained two slowly repaired regions that coincided with two transcription factor binding sites.

[Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of two morphologically homogenous forms of famotidine per os in Chinese healthy volunteers]

The lg C of famotidine (Fam) A and B forms in plasma vs time curve following a single oral dose of 40 mg showed an one-compartment open model in 5 healthy volunteers. The T1/2Ke of Fam A and B forms = 3.06 and 3.48 h, Tmax = 2.96 and 2.68 h, The Cmax = 115 and 145 ng.ml-1, AUC = 811 and 1190 h.ng.ml-1, respectively. No significant difference was found in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties between Fam A and B forms. The mathematical model describing the whole course of blood concentration of Fam A and B forms in relation to inhibiting effects on gastric acid were: E (A) = 100.C2.04/(C2.04 + 15.0(2.04)) and E (B) = 100.C1.67/(C1.67 + 14.0(1.67)). Predication of blood drug concentration from pharmacodynamics or vice versa became possible using the mathematical equations.

Simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of captopril in biological fluids

A rapid, simple and sensitive column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the determination of captopril in plasma and urine had been developed. p-Bromophenacyl bromide was used as a derivatizing reagent to react with captopril to form a product that showed ultraviolet-absorbing properties. For plasma samples the protein was removed with 6% perchloric acid before injection. The urine samples were directly injected into the chromatograph. The column-switching system was equipped with a pre-column (5 cm x 0.5 cm I.D.) packed with muBondapak C18 (37-50 microns) and an analytical column (15 cm x 0.5 cm I.D.) packed with YWG-C18, 10 microns. Impurities were washed from the pre-column with 0.2% acetic acid and the retained substances were eluted into the analytical column with acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (35:65:0.4, v/v). Captopril was detected at 260 nm. The calibration curve was linear in the range 20-1000 ng/ml for plasma and 10-200 micrograms/ml for urine. The recoveries averaged 103.2 and 99.5% for plasma and urine, respectively. The coefficients of variation were all less than 10%.

[Absorption of ceftizoxime from peritoneal dialysate and its pharmacokinetics in chronic kidney failure patients]

The pharmacokinetics of ceftizoxime (Cef) and its diffusivity across the peritoneal membrane were studied in 10 chronic kidney failure patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Cef was determined by HPLC. The results showed that the disposition of Cef could be described with a 2-compartment open model after 1 g intravenous infusion. VD = 20 +/- 5 L, AUC = 1237 +/- 327 micrograms.ml-1.h. T1/2 beta = 16.9 +/- 4.5 h, which was much longer than that of patients with normal renal function. Therefore, the regulation of dose regimen was necessary when treating patients with renal failure. Cef was partly eliminated by peritoneal dialysis with the ClD of 2.9 +/- 1.0 ml.min-1. The bidirectional exchange of Cef was seen between blood and dialysate. It is more suitable to describe the diffusive characteristics of Cef from dialysate (or blood) into blood (or dialysate) with a zero order constant rate model. The absorption percentage of Cef after 0.5 g instilled with peritoneal dialysate was 90.4 +/- 7.0%.

[Cell morphometric analysis in oral submucous fibrosis, leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma]

The morphometry of the cells and the nuclei in the spinous cells of oral epithelium in 48 specimens were studied by interactive image analysis system (IBAS-II). Five groups, normal mucosa, oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), leukoplakia, epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma, were included. The result showed a progressive reduction in the dimensions (area, perimeter, all kinds of diameter) of the cells from normal mucosa, through OSF, leukoplakia, dysplasia to carcinoma (P < 0.01), while the dimensions of the nuclei did not show significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05), except the minimum diameter, but the nuclear cytoplasmic ratio showed a progressive increase (P < 0.01). The shape factors (form factor [PE] and contour index [CI]) seemed to be less helpful in identification. It indicated that the decrease of cell area of the spinous cell could reflect a malignant progress, and nuclear cytoplasmic ratio might be an objective feature to distinguish carcinoma from other lesions. The result also suggested that the pathological grade of OSF is between normal mucosa and mild epithelial dysplasia.

Pulmonary artery involvement in aorto-arteritis. An analysis of DSA

Angiographic features of the pulmonary artery were studied in 24 patients with aortoarteritis (Takayasu's arteritis) by digital subtraction angiography. The pulmonary artery involvement was found in nine cases (37.5%). The right side was involved in eight and the left side in five cases. The right pulmonary artery was involved in two cases, the lobar artery in six, the segmental artery in six, and subsegmental as well as peripheral branches in four. The angiographic features were stenosis and/or occlusion as were the changes of the systemic arteries in aorto-arteritis. The aorta and its main branches were involved in all nine patients, but the severity of pulmonary vascular changes was not always related to the systemic vascular changes. Bronchial angiography demonstrated enlarged and tortuous bronchial arteries in four cases. Lung ECT revealed abnormalities in four cases.

Treatment of functional headache with Chinese herbal inhalant--a report of 496 cases

Headaches of the neurofunctional type, blood vascular type, neuro-vascular type, and musculotonic type are commonly encountered clinically. The authors report a nasal inhalant of Chinese herbal drugs which has been effective in the treatment of these varieties of headache.

[Study on the discrimination of bacteria by gas chromatographic profiles of cellular monosaccharides]

A procedure for obtaining gas chromatographic (GC) profiles of bacterial cellular monosaccharides was described. Some of the unknown component peaks in these profiles were identified. And, based on the complete linkage cluster analysis with the Euclidean distance coefficient, the interpretation of the resulting cellular monosaccharides of bacteria were performed by mini-computer. By means of this method, the discrimination of 5 species (24 strains) of aerobic endospore-forming bacteria. The results showed that there were defined differences between the profiles of cellular monosaccharides of B. anthracis and B. cereus. This procedure has provided a useful method for the classification and identification of microorganisms, for their physiological and biochemical studies, and for studies on their subcellular components.