Energy-driven integrated hardware-software optimizations using SimplePower

With the emergence of a plethora of embedded and portable applications, energy dissipation has joined throughput, area, and accuracy/precision as a major design constraint. Thus, designers must be concerned with both optimizing and estimating the energy consumption of circuits, architectures, and software. Most of the research in energy optimization and/or estimation has focused on single components of the system and has not looked across the interacting spectrum of the hardware and software. The novelty of our new energy estimation framework, SimplePower , is that it evaluates the energy considering the system as a whole rather than just as a sum of parts, and that it concurrently supports both compiler and architectural experimentation.

We present the design and use of the SimplePower framework that includes a transition-sensitive, cycle-accurate datapath energy model that interfaces with analytical and transition sensitive energy models for the memory and bus subsystems, respectively. We analyzed the energy consumption of ten codes from the multidimensional array domain, a domain that is important for embedded video and signal processing systems, after applying different compiler and architectural optimizations. Our experiments demonstrate that early estimates from the SimplePower energy estimation framework can help identify the system energy hotspots and enable architects and compiler designers to focus their efforts on these areas.

Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluations of CC-1065 analogues: effects of different linkers and terminal amides on biological activity

CC-1065 analogues possessing a biologically active CBI functional group and amide-substituted indole and benzofuran were synthesized. The IC(50) values of compounds 26, bearing two indoles, and 25, bearing only one indole, are 0.4 and 3 nM, respectively, against U937 leukemia cells in vitro. The IC(50) values of compounds 28, bearing a butyramino group, and 27, bearing an acetamino group, are 0.008 and 0.4 nM, respectively, against U937 leukemia cells in vitro. Compound 29, bearing a double-bond linker, is about 4-fold more potent than 25, bearing no double-bond linker. Compound 26 is highly potent against all cell lines tested in the NCI in vitro screening with IC(50) values in the 0.1-5 nM range for most cell lines. Compounds 26 and 30 are highly active against L1210 leukemia in mice. Compound 26 is also active against B16BL6 melanoma in mice. Most importantly, 26 and 30 are not myelosuppressive at therapeutically effective doses. The mechanism of tumor cell death is through induction of apoptosis, and is accompanied by DNA fragmentation.

Stimulation of adenosine A3 receptors in cerebral ischemia. Neuronal death, recovery, or both?

The role of the adenosine A3 receptor continues to baffle, and, despite an increasing number of studies, the currently available data add to, rather than alleviate, the existing confusion. The reported effects of adenosine A3 receptor stimulation appear to depend on the pattern of drug administration (acute vs. chronic), dose, and type of the target tissue. Thus, while acute exposure to A3 receptor agonists protects against myocardial ischemia, it is severely damaging when these agents are given shortly prior to cerebral ischemia. Mast cells degranulate when their A3 receptors are stimulated. Degranulation of neutrophils is, on the other hand, impaired. While reduced production of reactive nitrogen species has been reported following activation of A3 receptors in collagen-induced arthritis, the process appears to be enhanced in cerebral ischemia. Indeed, immunocytochemical studies indicate that both pre- and postischemic treatment with A3 receptor antagonist dramatically reduces nitric oxide synthase in the affected hippocampus. Even more surprisingly, low doses of A3 receptor agonists seem to enhance astrocyte proliferation, while high doses induce their apoptosis. This review concentrates on the studies of cerebral A3 receptors and, based on the available evidence, discusses the possibility of adenosine A3 receptor serving as an integral element of the endogenous cerebral neuroprotective complex consisting of adenosine and its receptors.

Cernuosides A and B, two sucrase inhibitors from Pulsatilla cernua

Two oleanane-type oligoglycosides, cernuosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla cernua (Ranunculaceae). Structure elucidation was accomplished by 1D and 2D NMR (DQF-COSY, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) methods, FABMS, and hydrolysis. Both compounds showed moderate activity against sucrase.

The seven-transmembrane receptor smoothened cell-autonomously induces multiple ventral cell types

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a secreted protein that controls cell fate and mitogenesis in the developing nervous system. Here we show that a constitutively active form of Smoothened (Smo-M2) mimics concentration-dependent actions of Shh in the developing neural tube, including activation of ventral marker genes (HNF3beta, patched, Nkx2.2, netrin-1), suppression of dorsal markers (Pax-3, Gli-3, Ephrin A5) and induction of ventral neurons (dopaminergic, serotonergic) and ventrolateral motor neurons (Islet-1+, Islet-2+, HB9+) and interneurons (Engrailed-1+, CHX10+). Furthermore, Smo-M2's patterning activities were cell autonomous, occurring exclusively in cells expressing Smo-M2. These findings suggest that Smo is a key signaling component in the Hh receptor and that Shh patterns the vertebrate nervous system as a morphogen, rather than through secondary relay signals.

New cycloartane glycosides from Cimicifuga dahurica

Two new cylcoartane glycosides along with a known compound, 12beta-hydroxycimigenol 3- O-alpha- L-arabinopyranoside, were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica (Ranunculaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as cimigenol 3- O-alpha- L-arabinopyranoside and 25- O-acetylcimigenol 3- O-alpha- L-arabinopyranoside on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence.

Characterization of the human suppressor of fused, a negative regulator of the zinc-finger transcription factor Gli

Drosophila Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)) encodes a novel 468-amino-acid cytoplasmic protein which, by genetic analysis, functions as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog segment polarity pathway. Here we describe the primary structure, tissue distribution, biochemical and functional analyses of a human Su(fu) (hSu(fu)). Two alternatively spliced isoforms of hSu(fu) were identified, predicting proteins of 433 and 484 amino acids, with a calculated molecular mass of 48 and 54 kDa, respectively. The two proteins differ only by the inclusion or exclusion of a 52-amino-acid extension at the carboxy terminus. Both isoforms were expressed in multiple embryonic and adult tissues, and exhibited a developmental profile consistent with a role in Hedgehog signaling. The hSu(fu) contains a high-scoring PEST-domain, and exhibits an overall 37% sequence identity (63% similarity) with the Drosophila protein and 97% sequence identity with the mouse Su(fu). The hSu(fu) locus mapped to chromosome 10q24-q25, a region which is deleted in glioblastomas, prostate cancer, malignant melanoma and endometrial cancer. HSu(fu) was found to repress activity of the zinc-finger transcription factor Gli, which mediates Hedgehog signaling in vertebrates, and to physically interact with Gli, Gli2 and Gli3 as well as with Slimb, an F-box containing protein which, in the fly, suppresses the Hedgehog response, in part by stimulating the degradation of the fly Gli homologue. Coexpression of Slimb with Su(fu) potentiated the Su(fu)-mediated repression of Gli. Taken together, our data provide biochemical and functional evidence for the hypothesis that Su(fu) is a key negative regulator in the vertebrate Hedgehog signaling pathway. The data further suggest that Su(fu) can act by binding to Gli and inhibiting Gli-mediated transactivation as well as by serving as an adaptor protein, which links Gli to the Slimb-dependent proteasomal degradation pathway.

Tobacco, alcohol and the risk of gastric cancer by sub-site and histologic type

Few studies have provided information on the role of smoking and alcohol in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer by sub-site and histologic type. The relationship of snuff dipping with risk of gastric cancer has also been rarely studied. In a population-based case-control study conducted in 5 counties of Sweden from February 1989 to January 1995, a total of 90 cases of gastric cardia cancer, 260 and 164 cases of distal gastric cancer of intestinal and diffuse types, respectively, and 1164 frequency-matched control subjects were personally interviewed about life-time smoking, use of smokeless tobacco and use of alcohol 20 years ago. Current smokers had a higher risk than never-smokers for all 3 kinds of gastric adenocarcinoma [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.1 for gastric cardia adenocarcinoma; OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7 for distal gastric cancer of intestinal type; and OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5 for distal gastric cancer of diffuse type], and the risk rose with increasing dose and duration of smoking among current smokers. However, no elevated risk was observed for ex-smokers. Neither intake of alcoholic beverages nor snuff dipping was associated with an increased risk of any type of cardia or gastric cancer. Our study did not support the hypothesis that the role of tobacco differs by sub-site and histologic sub-type of gastric cancer.

Tobacco, alcohol and the risk of gastric cancer by sub-site and histologic type

Few studies have provided information on the role of smoking and alcohol in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer by sub-site and histologic type. The relationship of snuff dipping with risk of gastric cancer has also been rarely studied. In a population-based case-control study conducted in 5 counties of Sweden from February 1989 to January 1995, a total of 90 cases of gastric cardia cancer, 260 and 164 cases of distal gastric cancer of intestinal and diffuse types, respectively, and 1164 frequency-matched control subjects were personally interviewed about life-time smoking, use of smokeless tobacco and use of alcohol 20 years ago. Current smokers had a higher risk than never-smokers for all 3 kinds of gastric adenocarcinoma [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.1 for gastric cardia adenocarcinoma; OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7 for distal gastric cancer of intestinal type; and OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5 for distal gastric cancer of diffuse type], and the risk rose with increasing dose and duration of smoking among current smokers. However, no elevated risk was observed for ex-smokers. Neither intake of alcoholic beverages nor snuff dipping was associated with an increased risk of any type of cardia or gastric cancer. Our study did not support the hypothesis that the role of tobacco differs by sub-site and histologic sub-type of gastric cancer.

Attenuation of temporary focal cerebral ischemic injury in the mouse following transfection with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) is thought to play an important role in the stimulation of the inflammatory response following ischemia and reperfusion. This study investigated the inflammatory effect of IL-1beta during transient focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the mouse transduced with the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) gene. An adenoviral vector encoding, either the human IL-1ra gene (AdRSVIL-1ra) or the LacZ gene (AdRSVlacZ) or normal saline, were injected into the right lateral ventricles of adult CD-1 mice (n=96). Five days later, the mice received 1 h temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMACAO) followed by 23 h reperfusion. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), infarct volume, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and the number of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 positive vessels were measured to determine the effect of IL-1beta during postischemic reperfusion. Infarct volume in the AdRSVIL-1ra-transduced mice was markedly reduced compared to the AdRSVlacZ-transduced and saline-injected mice (36.0+/-5.3 mm(3) vs. 60.0+/-6.2 mm(3), 69. 5+/-6.3 mm(3), after 23 h of reperfusion, n=6-8 per group, p<0.05). BBB disruption and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression (135+/-23 vs. 311+/-40 and 357+/-51, n=6-8 per group, p<0.05) in the AdRSVIL-1ra-transduced mice were also less than that of the AdRSVlacZ-transduced and saline-injected mice. Our studies demonstrated that overexpression of IL-1ra in the mouse brain can downregulate intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression both in the cortex and basal ganglia, which suggests that IL-1beta may play an important role in the activation of the inflammatory response during focal cerebral ischemia by promoting leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The decrease of BBB disruption in AdRSVIL-1ra-transduced mice suggests that the endothelial cells may be a target for IL-1beta during postischemic reperfusion.

[Effect of alum on intestinal microecological balance in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the degree of microecological imbalance induced by alum in normal intestine of mice, and the bacterial adherence activity in the intestine of the mice administered orally with alum.

METHODS

The mice were medicated orally with alum of small and large doses (0.25 g/kg and 1 g/kg) for 8 weeks, then 5 weeks after stopping administration of alum, microflora analysis and bacterial adherence to intestinal mucosal epithelial cells were carried out respectively.

RESULTS

Eight weeks after administration with alum, the counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli decreased significantly, but the numbers of pathogenetic E. Coli increased significantly. The adherence rate of Bifidobacteria to the enterocytes of mice reduced markedly, but E. Coli was on the contrary of Bifidobacteria. Five weeks after the ceasing of medication, the intestinal flora were balanced, the adherence rate of both strains as mentioned above recovered to normal level.

CONCLUSION

The imbalance of intestinal flora of mice administered with alum for a long time were only the transient change of bacterial counts. The imbalance of intestinal flora and the adherence rate of bacteria regained normal status five weeks after cancelling action factor.

Thermodynamic contribution of nucleoside modifications to yeast tRNA(Phe) anticodon stem loop analogs

The determination of the structural and functional contributions of natural modified nucleosides to tRNA has been limited by lack of an approach that can systematically incorporate the modified units. We have produced a number of oligonucleotide analogs, of the anticodon of yeast tRNA(Phe) by, combining standard automated synthesis for the major nucleosides with specialty chemistries for the modified nucleosides. In this study, both naturally occurring and unnatural modified nucleotides were placed in native contexts. Each oligonucleotide was purified and the nucleoside composition determined to validate the chemistry. The RNAs were denatured and analyzed to determine the van't Hoff thermodynamic parameters. Here, we report the individual thermodynamic contributions for Cm, Gm, m1G, m5C, psi. In addition m5m6U, m1psi, and m3psi, were introduced to gain additional understanding of the physicochemical contribution of psi and m5C at an atomic level. These oligonucleotides demonstrate that modifications have measurable thermodynamic contributions and that loop modifications have global contributions.

A YAC-based physical map of the mouse genome

A physical map of the mouse genome is an essential tool for both positional cloning and genomic sequencing in this key model system for biomedical research. Indeed, the construction of a mouse physical map with markers spaced at an average interval of 300 kb is one of the stated goals of the Human Genome Project. Here we report the results of a project at the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research to construct such a physical map of the mouse. We built the map by screening sequenced-tagged sites (STSs) against a large-insert yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library and then integrating the STS-content information with a dense genetic map. The integrated map shows the location of 9,787 loci, providing landmarks with an average spacing of approximately 300 kb and affording YAC coverage of approximately 92% of the mouse genome. We also report the results of a project at the MRC UK Mouse Genome Centre targeted at chromosome X. The project produced a YAC-based map containing 619 loci (with 121 loci in common with the Whitehead map and 498 additional loci), providing especially dense coverage of this sex chromosome. The YAC-based physical map directly facilitates positional cloning of mouse mutations by providing ready access to most of the genome. More generally, use of this map in addition to a newly constructed radiation hybrid (RH) map provides a comprehensive framework for mouse genomic studies.

[Clinical study on effect of Chinese herbal medicine for supplementing kidney and qi and activating blood circulation in treating intrauterine growth retardation of fetus]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the therapeutic effect and its possible mechanism on using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for supplementing Kidney and Qi, and activating blood circulation in treating intrauterine growth retardation of fetus (IUGR).

METHODS

Fifty-five cases of IUGR were observed, 30 of them were treated with CHM and 25 treated with amino acid for control.

RESULTS

The neonatal birth weight in the CHM group was markedly greater than that in the control group. Not only the maternal fundal height and abdominal circumference, but also the fetal growth parameters, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length in the CHM group increased much faster than those in the control group. After CHM treatment, the maternal serum levels of estriol (E3) and human placental lactogen (hPL) were close to the normal pregnancy group, but the levels in the control group were significantly different from the normal range. The umbilical venous plasma concentration of essential amino acids was markedly improved after treatment, however, the improvement in the CHM group was more significant than that in the control group. No adverse effect of CHM was found both in mother and fetus.

CONCLUSION

CHM for supplementing Kidney and Qi, and activating blood circulation was more effective in the improvement of placental function and amino acid transportation than those of amino acid.

Epidemiological study of the risk factors of rampant caries in Shanghai children

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors associated with rampant caries and to provide suggestions for prevention and clinical treatment.

METHODS

On the basis of a field survey, case-control study was performed to isolate variables possibly related to rampant caries in children. Data analysis was performed with individual analysis and multiple unconditional logistic regression. Four logistic models were developed.

RESULTS

The risk factors of rampant caries were cariogenic foods and bottle-feeding with sugar containing bovine milk; an increased risk of caries was also associated with duration of breast-feeding.

CONCLUSION

Overuse of cariogenic foods and unsuitable patterns of infant feeding were the most important risk factors associated with rampant caries.

Thermodynamic contribution of nucleoside modifications to yeast tRNA(Phe) anticodon stem loop analogs

The determination of the structural and functional contributions of natural modified nucleosides to tRNA has been limited by lack of an approach that can systematically incorporate the modified units. We have produced a number of oligonucleotide analogs, of the anticodon of yeast tRNA(Phe) by, combining standard automated synthesis for the major nucleosides with specialty chemistries for the modified nucleosides. In this study, both naturally occurring and unnatural modified nucleotides were placed in native contexts. Each oligonucleotide was purified and the nucleoside composition determined to validate the chemistry. The RNAs were denatured and analyzed to determine the van't Hoff thermodynamic parameters. Here, we report the individual thermodynamic contributions for Cm, Gm, m1G, m5C, psi. In addition m5m6U, m1psi, and m3psi, were introduced to gain additional understanding of the physicochemical contribution of psi and m5C at an atomic level. These oligonucleotides demonstrate that modifications have measurable thermodynamic contributions and that loop modifications have global contributions.

[Evaluation of therapeutic effects of portoenterostomy: reported of 426 cases]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the selection of the types of anastomosis and to evaluate the therapeutic effects of portoenterostomy.

METHODS

From 1993 to 1998, 426 patients with obstructive jaundice underwent portoenterostomy. The patients included 236 cases (56%) of hilar strictures in hepatolithiasis, 98 cases (23%) of end-stage periampullary tumors, 64 cases (15%) of proximal cholangiocarcinoma, and 28 cases (6%) of congenital choledochus cyst. Reconstruction of biliary tract was performed after resection of affected duct or palliative bypass for end-stage carcinoma. The types of anastomosis included extra or hilar hepatic bilioenterostomy (160 cases, 37%), and intra-hepatic duct anastomosis with different type of hepatectomy (266 cases, 63%), in which anastomosis was performed by round ligament approach (34 cases, 8%), and anastomosis through gallbladder fossa (15 cases, 4%).

RESULTS

Short- and 1-6 year follow-up showed that jaundice of patients was completely relieved by suitable type of bilioenterostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The good therapeutic effects of bilioenterostomy are based on the correct selection of anastomosis methods.

Five new triterpene saponins from Pulsatilla patens var. multifida

Five new oleanane-type glycosides (1-5), along with two known triterpene saponins, were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla patens var. multifida (Ranunculaceae). The structures of the new triterpene saponins were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), hederagenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta -D-galactopyranoside (2), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl bayogenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta -D-galactopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta -D-glucopyranosyl ester (5). Structure elucidation was accomplished by 1D and 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) methods, FABMS, and hydrolysis.

Clinicopathological factors predicting retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis and survival in endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

By clarifying the significance of clinicopathological factors for retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis and survival of patients with endometrial cancer, we suggest ideas for optimal treatment of this disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in 310 women with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. To evaluate retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, age-adjusted and multivariable analyses were carried out for six clinicopathological factors including pathological grade, myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, peritoneal cytology, lymphatic permeation and vascular invasion. To evaluate survival, besides the above factors, a positive rate of metastasis of dissected retroperitoneal lymph nodes was included.

RESULTS

In 40 patients (13%) with nodal metastasis, the average positive rate of metastasis of dissected retroperitoneal lymph nodes was 22%. For retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, the odds ratio of deep myometrial invasion, cervical invasion and severe lymphatic permeation were 5.97, 2.72 and 12.01, respectively. For survival, the hazard ratios of the positive rates of metastasis of dissected retroperitoneal lymph nodes (both 25% and < 25%), positive peritoneal cytology and poor pathological grade were 7.10, 3.24, 3.82 and 3.27, respectively, and 5-year survival rates for them were 0, 50, 72 and 77%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, lymphatic permeation, deep myometrial invasion and cervical invasion were the independent prognostic factors. For survival, retroperitoneal lymph metastasis, poor pathological grades and positive peritoneal cytology were the independent prognostic factors. The positive rate of metastasis of dissected retroperitoneal lymph metastasis plays an important role in predicting survival of endometrial cancer. Lymph node biopsy is insufficient in treatment of this disease.

[Surgical treatment of aortopulmonary septal defect]

OBJECTIVE

To study the surgical treatment of aortopulmonary septal defect.

METHOD

From January 1983 to December 1996, 5 patients with aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD) (2 male and 3 female) aged from 6 to 34 years (mean 17.4 years) underwent surgical treatment. According to Mori's were classification, 5 patients belonged to type I, 2 type II and 1 type III. The diameters of the defect ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 cm. The operations were performed under moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary artery incision was performed, in 3 patients while aortic incision in the other 2. All defects were repaired by Dacron patch.

RESULT

There were no operative deaths and postoperative complications. During follow-up of 10 months to 12 years, no late complications and deaths were found.

CONCLUSION

The operation should be done early as possible whenever the diagnosis is established. The surgical repair should be taken under cardiopulmonary bypass. To chose an incision on the aorta is more reasonable than on the pulmonary artery. The use the dacron patch can prevent stenosis and recanalization after operation.

[Determination of acetylcholine and choline in microdialysates from rat brain by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection combined with a post-column immobilized enzyme reactor]

In the present work, acetylcholine(ACh) and choline(Ch) in the microdialysates from three brain areas of anesthetized rats and from hippocampus and frontal cortex of freely moving rats were simultaneously measured by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with electrochemical detection combined with a post-column immobilized enzyme reactor(IMER). This assay was based on the separation of ACh and Ch on a polymer gel column followed by passage of the effluent through an IMER, on which the separated ACh and Ch reacted respectively to give each stoichiometric yield of hydrogen peroxide, which was detected electrochemically at a platinum electrode (potential + 0.5 V versus Ag/AgCl). The tip of concentric dialysis probe was made of the semipermeable dialysis membrane of 0.22 mm in outside diameter, and the effective length inserted into rat brain was 3.0 mm. The probe was perfused at a rate of 1 microL/min with Ringer's solution which contained 10 mumol/L (for anesthetized rats) or 1 mumol/L (for freely moving rats) neostigmine, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, to elevate ACh level in microdialysate. Before the experiment, the recovery of the probe in vitro was measured at room temperature, and the position of the probe was checked by histological procedure at the end of the experiment. In the range of 0.2-100 mumol/L, the relation between the amounts and the peak areas was linear (r = 0.9988 for ACh and r = 0.9985 for Ch). The detection limit for ACh and Ch, at a S/N ratio of two, was found to be 50 fmol per injection. The probe recoveries(%) for ACh and for Ch were 23.2 +/- 1.4 and 34.3 +/- 3.2(mean +/- SD) respectively. The basal levels of ACh in the microdialysates from striatum and frontal cortex of anesthetized rats as well as from hippocampus and frontal cortex of freely moving rats were 212 +/- 28 and 22 +/- 4 as well as 26 +/- 4 and 83 +/- 7(nmol/L, mean +/- SD, not corrected according to probe recovery) respectively. The perfusion of high concentration K+ (100 mmol/L) through the dialysis probe induced a large increase of ACh in the microdialysates. The critical points for HPLC analysis combined with IMER were briefly discussed.

Mortality and cancer incidence in Misasa, Japan, a spa area with elevated radon levels

A historical cohort study was conducted in Misasa town, Tottori prefecture, Japan, where radon spas have been operating for a long time. Misasa town was divided into an elevated radon level area and a control area, with mean indoor radon levels of about 60 and 20 Bq/m3, respectively. In total, 3,083 subjects in the elevated radon level area and 1,248 in the control area, all aged 40 or older on January 1, 1976, were followed up until December 31, 1993, for a mean period of 14 years. The mortality rates from all causes exhibited no difference between the elevated radon level area and the control area for both sexes. No difference was observed in the incidence of all-site cancers (age, period-adjusted rate ratios by Poisson regression, RR = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-1.42 for males, RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.65-1.24 for females), while stomach cancer incidence seemed to decrease for both sexes (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.44-1.11 for male, RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-1.00 for female) and lung cancer incidence for males only seemed to increase (RR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.83-3.30 for male, RR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.28-4.14 for female) in the elevated radon level area. Caution is needed in the interpretation of these findings, however, since the individual exposure level was not measured and major confounding factors, such as smoking and diet, could not be controlled in this study.

[Comparative study on the effect of gossypol and T7 on human spermatozoa ATPase activity]

OBJECTIVE

A comparative study was carried out on the effect of two kinds of male contraceptive drugs, gossypol and the abstract of tripterygium wilfordii T7, on the human spermatozoa ATPase activity.

METHODS

The specific activity of total ATPase and Na-K ATPase of spermatozoa was assayed in this experiment.

RESULTS

(1) The effect of gossypol on the human spermatozoa ATPase activity is inhibitory and concentration-dependent; and (2) The abstract of tripterygium wilfodii T7 has no effect on the human spermatozoa ATPase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The antifertility effects of gossypol and T7 are different.

[Excimer laser in situ keratomileusis for treatment of myopia]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treatment of myopia.

METHODS

928 eyes of 678 myopic patients who received LASIK were studied. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to preoperative diopters (-2.00 - -6.00D, -6.10 - -10.00D & -10.10 - -20.00D). The mean follow-up was 12 months (6 - 18 months) and the results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

12 months after surgery, in the first group the mean residual refraction was -0.24 +/- 0.50D in 86% and 92% of eyes were in the ranges of refraction +/- 0.50D and +/- 1.00D, the uncorrected visual acuities of 0.5 and 1.0 were in 99% and 86% of the eyes respectively. In the second group, the mean residual refraction was -0.47 +/- 0.64D, the refraction of 83% and 90% of eyes was in the ranges of +/- 0.50D and +/- 1.00D, and the uncorrected visual acuities in 95% and 79% of eyes were 0.5 and 1.0 respectively. In the third group, the mean residual refraction was -0.89 +/- 1.02D, the refraction of 36% and 62% of the eyes were in the ranges of +/- 0.50D and +/- 1.00D, and the uncorrected visual acuities in 68% and 45% of the eyes were 0.5 and 1.0 respectively. 47 eyes had been retreated with LASIK. 5 eyes lost two or more lines of the best corrected visual acuity due to irregular astigmatism, decentration and progressive myopic maculopathy.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that LASIK can treat myopia in the range of -2.00 - -20.00 D effectively without vision threatening complications. Some modification of the surgical techniques and laser nomogram will help to improve predictability and stability of outcome.