[Studies on the supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction and quality evaluation of ginger oils]

Essential oils from the dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale were extracted by supercritical-CO2 fluid(SFE-CO2) and traditional water still distillation (WSD) methods, and the SFE extraction technology and quality (GC-MS, etc.) of the oils were studied. The results showed that the SFE-CO2 contains 49 constituents, such as 6-paradol, etc, the ginger peppery component of them gets to 22.90%.

[A DNA probe suitable for the detection of chromosome 21 copy number in human interphase nuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare DNA probe which can be used to accurately detect chromosome 21 copy number in human interphase nuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

METHODS

A probe was produced by universal primer PCR from YAC clone 881D2 and characterized by FISH to metaphases and interphase nuclei of peripheral lymphocytes from 8 normal individuals and 5 patients suffering from trisomy 21.

RESULTS

A DNA probe was produced and its characteristics were :(1) Most of the probes ranged in size from 350bp to 750bp; (2) The hybridization signals of the probes were located near centromere on long arm of human chromosome 21; (3) In 1524 metaphases scored, about 99.95% of hybridization signals were located on chromosome 21; (4) The signals were very bright and recognizable easily in both metaphases and interphases nuclei; (5) The expected copy number of chromosome 21 was detected by FISH with the probe in more than 98.40% of interphase nuclei and 99.60% of metaphases.

CONCLUSION

The DNA probe reported here is suitable for the detection of chromosome 21 copy number in interphase nuclei and for the study of segregation of chromosome 21 during mitoses of human lymphocytes in culture.

Glucose rapidly decreases plasma membrane GLUT4 content in rat skeletal muscle

We have previously demonstrated that chronic hyperglycemia per se decreases GLUT4 glucose transporter expression and plasma membrane content in mildly streptozotocin- (STZ) diabetic rats (Biochem. J. 284, 341-348, 1992). In the present study, we investigated the effect of an acute rise in glycemia on muscle GLUT4 and GLUT1 protein contents in the plasma membrane, in the absence of insulin elevation. Four experimental groups of rats were analyzed in the postabsorptive state: 1. Control rats. 2. Hyperglycemic STZ-diabetic rats with moderately reduced fasting insulin levels. 3. STZ-diabetic rats made normoglycemic with phlorizin treatment. 4. Phlorizin-treated (normoglycemic) STZ-diabetic rats infused with glucose for 40 min. The uniqueness of the latter model is that glycemia can be rapidly raised without any concomitant increase in plasma insulin levels. Plasma membranes were isolated from hindlimb muscle and GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins amounts determined by Western blot analysis. As predicted, STZ-diabetes caused a significant decrease in the abundance of GLUT4 in the isolated plasma membranes. Normalization of glycemia for 3 d with phlorizin treatment restored plasma membrane GLUT4 content in muscle of STZ-diabetic rats. A sudden rise in glycemia over a period of 40 min caused the GLUT4 levels in the plasma membrane fraction to decrease to those of nontreated STZ-diabetic rats. In contrast to the GLUT4 transporter, plasma membrane GLUT1 abundance was not changed by the acute glucose challenge. It is concluded that glucose can have regulatory effect by acutely reducing plasma membrane GLUT4 protein contents in rat skeletal muscle. We hypothesize that this glucose-induced downregulation of plasma membrane GLUT4 could represent a protective mechanism against excessive glucose uptake under hyperglycemic conditions accompanied by insulin resistance.

Syringe exchange in the United States, 1996: a national profile

OBJECTIVES

This paper provides 1996 information on the status of US syringe exchange programs and compares these findings with data from our 1994 survey.

METHODS

In November 1996, questionnaires were mailed to 101 syringe exchange programs. Program directors were contacted to conduct telephone interviews based on the mailed questionnaires. Data collected included number of syringes exchanged, syringe exchange program operations, legal status, and services offered.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven programs participated in the survey. A total of 46 (53%) were legal, 20 (23%) were illegal but tolerated, and 21 (24%) were illegal-underground. Since 1994, there has been a 54% increase in the number of cities and a 38% increase in the number of states with syringe exchange programs. Eighty-four programs reported exchanging approximately 14 million syringes, a 75% increase from 1994. Syringe exchange programs also provided a variety of other services and supplies, and legal programs were more likely than illegal ones to provide these services.

CONCLUSION

Despite continued lack of federal funding, syringe exchange programs expanded in terms of the number of syringes exchanged, the geographic distribution of programs, and the range of services offered.

Application of transcranial Doppler in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was dynamically performed on 25 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) before and after treatment. In the first 4 days of clinical course, 3 cases demonstrated elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), 6 cases showed stenosis of blood vessels, and 16 cases gave normal findings. At 7-14 days of clinical course, 20 cases showed vascular spasm or narrowing, 4 cases imparted normal findings and 1 patient died of elevated ICP. After the third TCD performed on the 20th day of the clinical course, 5 cases showed mean blood flow velocities (Vm) below normal values, indicating poor cerebral perfusion, 9 cases still had Vm above normal levels, 10 cases yielded completely normal findings. In conclusion, TCD conducted at different phases of SAH can not only demonstrate the functional and pathological status of cerebral blood vessels following SAH, but also reflect the outcome of clinical features. It is very helpful in the evaluation of the causes and the prognosis of SAH.

Structures and stereochemistry of pseudolarolides K and L, novel triterpene dilactones from pseudolarix kaempferi

Pseudolarolides K(1) and L(2), two novel triterpenedilactones, were isolated from the seeds of Pseudolarix kaempferi, and their structures characterized from spectral data.

Genetic tracing of arterial graft flow surface endothelialization in allogeneic marrow transplanted dogs

In order to trace genetically the source of fallout endothelialization on arterial grafts, six beagle dogs with successful autologous bone marrow transplantation received composite tandem aortic grafts with an isolated, totally impervious Dacron graft and a porous Dacron graft for 12 weeks. For impervious segments, five of 12 fresh tissue samples were Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor + (FVIII/vWF) and seven had faint or negative signals; three of the FVIII/vWF + samples had alpha-actin + smooth muscle cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study showed eight had a pure donor DNA genotype and four had donor/host mixed, with the donor predominant. Of 12 AgNO3-stained samples, 11 showed pure donor type and one had donor/host mixed, with the donor predominant. For porous segments, all 12 fresh samples had positive flow surface FVIII/vWF and alpha-actin cells. PCR showed all these samples and all 12 AgNO3-stained samples had donor/host mixed type, but the host pattern was predominant. Porous graft healing appears to involve both cellular fallout and tissue ingrowth, and bone-marrow-derived cells may be a source for fallout.

The opioid peptide analog D-Ala2-Met-enkephalinamide decreases bile flow by a central mechanism

The existence of an opioid central pathway that may regulate bile secretion was explored by studying the effect of the intracisternal (i.c.) administration of the opiate D-Ala2-Met-enkephalinamide (DAME) on bile secretion in anesthetized male rats. The i.c. administration of DAME was associated with a dose-related decrease in bile flow that ranged from 12% to 41%, which was prevented by the opiate antagonist naloxone. Bicarbonate secretion into bile decreased significantly after i.c. DAME. Chemical adrenergic denervation and cholinergic pharmacological blockade with atropine did not prevent the DAME-induced decrease in bile flow. The data support the existence of an opioid-mediated pathway that starts in the brain and that contributes to the regulation of bile secretion.

[Investigation on resources and commodities of Chinese medicinal herbs of Jili]

OBJECTIVE

To make clear the current situation of application of the Chinese medicinal herbs of Jili.

METHOD

The medicinal resources and commodities of the berbs in some provinces and cities in China were investigated.

RESULT

The species Tribulus terrestris included in <Pharmacopolia of the Peoples Republic of China> is widely distributed in China. The fruit of T. terrestris which is widely used in China as a traditional medicine is commonly called Yingjili. Being only the fruit of Atriplex entralasiatica Ruanjili is produced mainly in Shandong Province and customarily used as Fructus Tribuli in some areas of Shandong and Hebei Provinces.

CONCLUSION

The current situation of medicinal application of Jili basically conforms to the requirements of <Pharmacopolia of the Peoples Republic of China>. The main variety is Yingjili.

The effects of serum from patients with acute liver failure on the growth and metabolism of Hep G2 cells

In many bioartificial liver systems currently being designed and evaluated for use in fulminant hepatic failure, direct contact is required between the patient's blood and the liver cells in the device. The efficacy of such devices will be influenced by the interaction of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) patient serum with the cells. We have found that FHF serum inhibits the growth rate and the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein; disturbs glutathione homeostasis; and induces morphological changes in cultured human Hep G2 cells. These interactions should influence the design of bioartificial liver devices based on proliferating cell lines and indicate the requirement to pretreat FHF patient plasma to reduce the toxin load.

[The changes of serum estrogen, progesterone and the function of immune system in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of estrogen, progesterone and the function of immune system on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

METHODS

Fifty women with ICP and fifty normal pregnant women were enrolled in the study. The levels of their serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were measured and cellular immunity and humoral immunity were determined. Radioimmunoassay was used to detect the levels of E2 and P, and APAAP was used to detect cellular immunity.

RESULTS

(1) The level of estrodiol was significantly increased in ICP group than those of normal control group (25.89 +/- 6.85 micrograms/L, 16.92 +/- 4.98 micrograms/L, P < 0.01). (2) The level of CD8+ was decreased (19.06 +/- 1.93%, 26.43 +/- 2.89%) and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ was increased significantly in ICP group than those of control group (2.23 +/- 0.38, 1.73 +/- 0.23, P < 0.05). (3) There were negative correlation between E2 and CD8+, and positive correlation between E2 and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the high level of E2 of ICP patients may result in functional disorder of immune system by the means of estrogen receptor on CD8+. This may be a factor of ICP development.

[DNA content, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and surgical margins in locally advanced laryngeal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To probe into the relationship between DNA content, PCNA and prognosis.

METHODS

Surgical margins in 34 patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancers were observed by means of antibody to PCNA and DNA content measurements.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that at neoplasm margins of 1.0, 0.5, and 0 cm, PCNA indices were 8.62%, 17.76% and 50.32% and DNA indices were 0.98, 1.082 and 1.436 respectively. There is a significant difference between 1.0, 0.5 and 0 cm.

CONCLUSION

Moderate and severe atypical hyperplasia of epithelium (AHE) was different from mild AHE and simple hyperplasia of epithelium in the biologic behavior of fission, proliferation and so on and surgical margins should be kept outside the area of moderate AHE.

[Study of the behavior on meso-Tetra (4-sulfophenyl) Porphyrin (TPPS) in the microemulsion system]

The change of absorption spectrum of meso-Tetra (4-sulfophenyl) Porphyrin (TPPS) in microemulsion system (Triton X-100-nonane-pentanol-water) was studied. The electric dissociation constants (Ka ) and dimerization constants (KD) were calculated. It was shown that Ka of TPPS is added but KD of TPPS is decreased in microemulsion system as compared with that in aqueous solution.

Interaction of ethanol and nitric oxide in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the male rat

Ethanol (EtOH) exerts deleterious actions on reproductive function at all three levels: the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonad (HPG). Nitric oxide (NO), a newly identified messenger molecular in a variety of biological systems, has been suggested as playing a role in HPG hormone regulation. NO stimulates luteinizing hormone releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus and has variable effects on luteinizing hormone release from the pituitary. NO is inhibitory to testosterone production, and it may also directly inhibit some steroidogenic enzymes. Related studies in the accompanying paper have demonstrated that inhibiting NO synthase (NOS) using various NOS inhibitors can prevent the EtOH-induced suppression of testosterone on the male HPG axis, and this action is mainly, although not entirely, due to a direct gonadal effect. To further investigate the role of NO in the HPG axis, we assessed the HPG NO-NOS system by determining NOS mRNA levels, protein levels, and enzyme activity in the presence and absence of EtOH. At the testicular level, EtOH's action did not appear to be mediated by increasing NO content. However, EtOH was able to potentiate NO's suppressive effect on the testicular synthesis system. One locus where EtOH and NO interacted was at the steroidogenic enzyme level. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a NOS inhibitor, was found to antagonize the EtOH-induced fall on P-450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase mRNA levels when administered along with EtOH. EtOH had no apparent effect on the pituitary NO-NOS system and its effects on the hypothalamic NO-NOS system do not explain its ability to reduce luteinizing hormone releasing hormone secretion.

Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on preventing ethanol-induced suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the male rat

Ethanol (EtOH) suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis results in broad reproductive malfunction. In the HPG axis, the suppressive effects of EtOH are manifested by decreased serum testosterone, reduced testicular luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor numbers, lowered serum LH and pituitary beta-LH mRNA levels (in castrated animals), and impaired luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) release from the hypothalamus. Increasing evidence has suggested that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in regulation of the HPG axis. NO was shown to stimulate LHRH secretion from the hypothalamus and to have variable effects on LH release from the pituitary. At the gonadal level, NO is inhibitory to testosterone production. NO may directly inhibit some testicular steroidogenic enzymes. To investigate the effect of EtOH, NO, and their interaction on the male HPG axis, three NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine, and 7-nitro indazole were used to study overall HPG function in the presence and absence of EtOH. Animals were given intraperitoneal injections of saline, EtOH, various NOS inhibitors, or EtOH, along with NOS inhibitors 2 hr before sacrifice. Serum testosterone and LH concentrations, pituitary beta-LH mRNA levels, hypothalamic LHRH mRNA levels, and LHRH content were determined. It was found that blocking NOS by these NOS inhibitors prevented EtOH-induced suppression of testosterone and, in some cases, serum LH. However, this was not accompanied by concurrent changes with NOS blockade on LHRH mRNA, hypothalamic pro-LHRH or LHRH content or pituitary LH beta mRNA levels. It appears that the protective effect of NOS blockade was largely, although not completely, due to a direct effect at the gonadal level.

Tribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culture

Tribulusamides A (1) and B (2), new lignanamides embracing two cinnamic amide parts joined in a cis configuration, were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris, together with four known compounds, N-trans-feruloyltyramine (3), terrestriamide (4), N-trans-coumaroyltyramine (5), and beta-sitosterol. The structures were elucidated by 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Addition of compounds 1-5, especially 1 and 2, to primary cultured mouse hepatocytes significantly prevented cell death induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

Reasons for intracranial hypertension and hemodynamic instability during acute elevations of intra-abdominal pressure: observations in a large animal model

In previous studies we reported that an acute elevation in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is responsible for the elevation in intracranial pressure (ICP) and mean blood pressure (MBP). Thus far, the reasons for the increased ICP during an acute elevation in IAP and the combined effects of increased IAP and ICP on hemodynamics have not been reported. Five large animals (swine) were studied. Each animal served as its own control. A subarachnoid screw was placed for ICP monitoring. The jugular vein, femoral vein, and femoral artery were cannulated. ICP, MBP, central venous pressure above (CVPA) and below (CVPB) the diaphragm, and PaC02 were monitored after a pneumoperitoneum with C02 was established at 5, 15, and 30 mm Hg of IAP. Cavography was performed to evaluate the morphology of the inferior vena cava at different increments of IAP. Measurements were obtained in reverse Trendelenburg (group 1), supine (group 2), and Trendelenburg (group 3) positions. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effects of IAP and positioning in separate models with different blood pressures as dependent variables. Increased IAP significantly increased CVPA, CVPB, ICP, and MBP. There were no changes in cerebral perfusion pressure. The change in position (from group 1 to group 3) significantly increased CVPA and decreased the CVPB. Cavograms performed on animals in the supine position with increased IAP showed a narrowing of the IVC at the level of the diaphragm. Increases in IAP will increase ICP and MBP without altering the cerebral perfusion pressure. A mechanical effect mediated by compression of the inferior vena cava at the level of the diaphragm with increased central venous pressure and decreased drainage from the lumbar plexus and central nervous system is responsible for this effect.

[Discovery of ten strains of non-O1 Vibrio cholerae pigmentogens]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of non-O1 Vibrio cholerae pigmentogens in water and its biological characteristics and pathogenicity.

METHODS

Samples were collected from local source of drinking water and cultured for pathogenic V. cholerae. Non-O1 V. cholerae was isolated and identified with nutrient agar slant instead of KIA.

RESULTS

Ten strains of V. cholerae producing pigment with negative Gram's stain were detected in the source water in Lu' an Prefecture, Anhui Province during 1994 to 1997, which could all met the definition of non-O1 V. cholerae in morphology, cultural characteristics, biochemistry and serology, with systematic identification. Animal experiments showed that it had strong virulence.

CONCLUSION

These strains of V. cholerae cultured in basic cholate agar, nutrient agar slant and blood agar could produce brown pigment, so it was called non-O1 V. cholerae pigmentogens.

[Study on the supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction of Prunus mandshurica oils]

The paper reported technological study on extracting Prunus mandshurica oils by supercritical-CO2 fluid, mainly researched the influence of pressure, temperature, time and flow rate of CO2 on the oil yield, determined optimum technology of extracting the oils, compared the oils from SFE-CO2 and traditional technology.

[Parental origin of extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome detected by using short tandem repeat DNA polymorphisms after PCR amplification]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the parental origin of extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome, using two (GT)n polymorphic markers-D21S215 and D21S120.

METHODS

The alleles of D21S215 and D21S120 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and identified with denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed with Ag-staining. The parental origin of extra chromosome 21 was determined by comparing genotypes of probands with their parents.

RESULTS

The parental origin of extra chromosome 21 was determined in 17 Down syndrome out of 24, with 12 and 5 inherited from mother and father respectively.

CONCLUSION

The parental origin of extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome can be determined by analyzing the polymorphisms of D21S215 and D21S120. Etiological study of trisomy 21 should be focused on maternal meiosis.

Evidence for circulating bone marrow-derived endothelial cells

It has been proposed that hematopoietic and endothelial cells are derived from a common cell, the hemangioblast. In this study, we demonstrate that a subset of CD34(+) cells have the capacity to differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These differentiated endothelial cells are CD34(+), stain for von Willebrand factor (vWF), and incorporate acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This suggests the possible existence of a bone marrow-derived precursor endothelial cell. To demonstrate this phenomenon in vivo, we used a canine bone marrow transplantation model, in which the marrow cells from the donor and recipient are genetically distinct. Between 6 to 8 months after transplantation, a Dacron graft, made impervious to prevent capillary ingrowth from the surrounding perigraft tissue, was implanted in the descending thoracic aorta. After 12 weeks, the graft was retrieved, and cells with endothelial morphology were identified by silver nitrate staining. Using the di(CA)n and tetranucleotide (GAAA)n repeat polymorphisms to distinguish between the donor and recipient DNA, we observed that only donor alleles were detected in DNA from positively stained cells on the impervious Dacron graft. These results strongly suggest that a subset of CD34+ cells localized in the bone marrow can be mobilized to the peripheral circulation and can colonize endothelial flow surfaces of vascular prostheses.

Effects of hyperventilation and hypoventilation on PaCO2 and intracranial pressure during acute elevations of intraabdominal pressure with CO2 pneumoperitoneum: large animal observations

BACKGROUND

The side effects of acute elevations in intraabdominal pressure (IAP) are related to a multifactorial etiology. Previous studies have reported that acute elevations in IAP produce an immediate increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). This study was designed to analyze the reasons for increased ICP during acute elevations of IAP and to determine the combined effects of IAP and changes in ventilation indices on ICP and hemodynamic indices.

STUDY DESIGN

Five pigs were studied. A subarachnoid screw was placed for ICP monitoring. The jugular vein, femoral vein, and femoral artery were cannulated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), ICP, and arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were monitored before and after carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was established at 0, 10, and 20 mmHg of IAP Effects of hyperventilation and hypoventilation were recorded and compared with baseline ventilation. Cavography was performed to evaluate the morphology of the inferior vena cava (IVC) at different levels of IAP. Multiple regression and Student's t-test were used to examine the effects of IAP and ventilation on dependent variables.

RESULTS

The IVC showed a progressive narrowing at the level of the diaphragm as IAP was increased. There was a simultaneous increase in CVP, MAP, and ICP. The mean changes in ICP with hypoventilation were significantly larger than with hyperventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Acutely increased IAP displaces the diaphragm cranially, narrowing the IVC and increasing intrathoracic pressure. This increases CVP and increases ICP by venous stasis and increased pressure in the sagittal sinus with decreased resorption of cerebrospinal fluid. Hemodynamic changes are directly related to the rise in ICP. Hypoventilation and hypercarbia significantly increase ICP when compared with hyperventilation and hypocarbia. Hyperventilation does not significantly decrease ICP during acute elevations of IAP.

Dynamic and comparative vascular graft healing studies using multiple sequential biopsies

In order to follow the dynamic healing processes of vascular grafts and to minimize the possible animal-to-animal variables involved in study results, we developed a carotid-femoral bypass model with multiple sequential biopsies. After bilateral implantation of 70 cm x 6 mm gelatin-impregnated carotid-femoral bypass grafts in 5 dogs, we biopsied and replaced three 10-cm-long segments of each bypass at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, with final retrieval at 8 weeks after the initial implant. The first surgery and later biopsy procedures were well tolerated with no mortality or morbidity, except for some seroma formation. We observed a dynamic progression of healing processes related to the time course, including perigraft tissue reaction to the graft material and surgical trauma, gradual absorption of the impregnated gelatin, tissue ingrowth into the graft wall, and changes in and healing of the graft surface. Because of the sizeable tissue sample generated from each biopsy, this model also allowed various study approaches to be performed on the same specimen. This experimental model enables study of the continuous dynamic healing processes of the same graft in the same animal, providing the practical advantage of reduction of the number of animals required.