[Change of inhabitant dietary pattern in Shandong province during 1988-1997]

Food consumption data of some bigger cities and towns of Shandong province during 1988-1997 had been collected and analyzed. The results showed that the consumption of cereals and vegetable in 1997 tended to be decreased and the consumption of meat, egg, fruit and milk in 1997 tended to be increased. The desirable dietary pattern (DDP) scores for cities and towns were 82.5, 78.7 in 1988, and 93.3, 88.4 in 1997 respectively. All these changes indicated that the dietary quality improved markedly but the consumption of bean and milk are not enough.

Novel 2,5-hexanedione analogues. Substituent-induced control of the protein cross-linking potential and oxidation susceptibility of the resulting primary amine-derived pyrroles

The neurotoxic gamma-diketone, 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD), induces neurofilamentous swellings at prenodal sites in proximal axons as a consequence of pyrrolation of lysine epsilon-amino groups on neurofilament proteins. However, there is disagreement as to whether pyrrole formation and the associated alteration of noncovalent interactions is sufficient to cause neurofilament accumulation, or whether pyrrole autoxidation and subsequent protein-protein cross-linking is an obligatory event. To investigate gamma-diketones that might form pyrroles inert to autoxidative-induced cross-linking, we synthesized 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,5-hexanedione, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-2,5-hexanedione (3-TFMHD), and two 3-(dialkylaminocarbonyl)-2,5-diketones and assessed their rates of pyrrole formation with amines, the oxidation susceptibility of the resulting pyrroles, and the protein cross-linking potential in vitro, relative to those of 3-methyl-2,5-hexanedione. 1,1,1-Trifluoro-2,5-hexanedione does not form pyrroles, but the three 2,5-HD analogues with an electron-withdrawing 3-substituent all rapidly formed pyrroles that were inert to autoxidation. Although 3-TMFHD nonetheless still induced cross-linking of ribonuclease A, by a nonoxidative mechanism independent of the pyrrole, the two 3-(dialkylaminocarbonyl)-2,5-diketones did not exhibit any protein cross-linking. As these two gamma-diketones possess aqueous-organic partitioning properties similar to those of 2,5-HD, they should serve as useful mechanistic probes in further studies.

[Research on fibrotic effect of Ni-Ti and 317L alloys in esophagus]

This study was conducted to examiune the fibrotic effect of Ni-Ti and 317L alloys in esophagus. The extract fluid from Ni-Ti, 317L alloys was made according to the ASTM standards of U.S.A. The Fb of esophageal scar was cultured primarily, then incubated with alloy abstract fluid. The proliferating activity of Fb was measured by MTT at 4, 24, 48, 72 hours in the course of culturing. The esophagus embedding test of Ni-Ti, 317L alloys was made according to ASTM standards of U.S.A. The tissue around the alloys was taken at weeks 2 and 12, and the pathologic changes were analysed. The results showed that Ni-Ti, 317L extract could depress the proliferating function of Fb gently, and the depressing action increased gradually with the culturing time. The result of embedding test was in accord with the ASTM standards of U.S.A. completely; the fibrotic membrane around the NiTi, 317L alloys became thinner with embedding time. These findings suggested that the scattering composition of Ni-Ti, 317L in body fluid might not activate the proliferating and secreting function of Fb, and the two alloys could not lead to fibrosis of esophagus aroun them.

[Lymphocyte subpopulation, interleukin-2 and high affinity interleukin-2 receptor expression in primary nephrotic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the cellular immune response during relapse and remission stage in primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).

METHODS

We applied the radioligand binding assay (RBA), the bioactivity measurement of IL-2, and monoclonal antibody sensitized red blood cell method to evaluate the expression of IL-2R, the production of IL-2 and T lymphocyte subsets of PBMC from 22 patients suffering from PNS, 17 patients with PNS in remission, and 25 normal subjects matched age and sex.

RESULTS

CD3, CD4, CD8, IL-2, IL-2R in relapse were significantly lower than those in control (P < 0.05); all above except CD8 in remission patients were significantly higher than those in relapse, but lower than those in control (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that the cell mediated immunity (CMI) during acute nephrotic phase decreased; the deficiency of CMI of PNS in remission improved a lot when compared with the acute phase, but still not recovered completely; the deficiency of CMI with PNS in remission might be one of the causes of easily recurring of PNS.

Experimental study of the morphology of cerebral bridging vein

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the morphological properties of pig cerebral bridging vein.

METHODS

The morphology and fibre arrangement of 15 cerebral bridging veins obtained from 7 Danish Yorkshire landrace pigs were observed.

RESULTS

There was a narrow region at the junction of the cerebral bridging veins and superior sagittal sinus termed "outflow cuff segment". The diameter and length of outflow cuff segment were much smaller and the thickness was higher than those of the cerebral bridging veins ( P < 0.01), and circumferential collagen fibres were most dense in the outflow cuff segment. The opening angle of the outflow cuff segment and the cerebral bridging veins were 115 +/- 4 degrees and 120 +/- 4 degrees ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were differences in fibre arrangement and morphological properties between the outflow cuff segment and the cerebral bridging vein, just like a resistance valve, the outflow cuff segment may play an important role in stabilizing cerebral venous outflow and regulating intracranial pressure.

Differences in hepatic levels of intermediates in bile acid biosynthesis between Cyp27(-/-) mice and CTX

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, recessively inherited lipid storage disease characterized by a markedly reduced production of chenodeoxycholic acid and an increased formation of 25-hydroxylated bile alcohols and cholestanol. Patients with this disease are known to have mutations in the sterol 27-hydroxylase (Cyp27) gene. However, one study showed that mice with a disrupted Cyp27 gene did not have any CTX-related clinical or biochemical abnormalities. To explore the reason, hepatic cholesterol, cholestanol, and 12 intermediates in bile acid biosynthetic pathways were quantified in 10 Cyp27(-/-) and 7 Cyp27(+/+) mice, two CTX patients (untreated and treated with chenodeoxycholic acid), and four human control subjects by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mitochondrial 27-hydroxycholesterol and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,27-tetrol were virtually absent in both Cyp27(-/-) mice and CTX patients. In Cyp27(-/-) mice, microsomal concentrations of intermediates in the early bile acid biosynthetic pathway (7alpha-hydroxycholesterol, 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, 7alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-triol), 25-hydroxylated bile alcohols (5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25-tetrol, 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,23R,25-pentol, and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,24R, 25-pentol), and cholestanol were all significantly elevated compared with those in Cyp27(+/+) mice, although the levels were lower than those in untreated CTX patients. The intermediate levels in early bile acid biosynthesis were more elevated in male (16;-86% of CTX) than in female Cyp27(-/-) mice (7-30% of CTX). In contrast, 25-hydroxylated bile alcohol concentrations were not significantly different between male and female Cyp27(-/-) mice and were considerably lower (less than 14%) than those in CTX patients.These results suggest that 1) in Cyp27(-/-) mice, especially in females, classic bile acid biosynthesis via 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol is not stimulated as much as in CTX patients; and 2) formed 25-hydroxylated bile alcohols are more efficiently metabolized in Cyp27(-/-) mice than in CTX patients.

[FTIR study of transition metal 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonates]

Compounds of transition metal ion (Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+) 2-acrylamidomethyl-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonates were studied by FTIR and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The FTIR spectra of Co and Ni compound are similar but are different from that of Cu compound. The results of X-ray diffraction indicated that the crystal structure of Co and Ni compound are different.

[Expression of Th1, Th2-typed cytokines and its significance in nasal polyps]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible role of cytokines in pathophysiology and treatment of nasal polyps.

METHOD

The expressions of Th1-typed cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-12 and Th2-typed cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 were investigated with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay(ELISA) in 25 patients with nasal polyps.

RESULT

There was a significant upregulation of Th2-typed cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 in nasal polyps compared with normal nasal mucosa, especially IL-4 and IL-5 (3.9 times and 8.8 times higher than normal mucous respectively) while the expression of Th1-typed cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-12 decreased after treated with local glucocorticoid. The levels of Th2-typed cytokines decreased significantly and Th1-typed cytokines had no obvious change.

CONCLUSION

The upregulation of Th2-typed cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps and Th2-typed cytokines can be viewed as a target of treatment to nasal polyps.

Metabolic regulation by leucine of translation initiation through the mTOR-signaling pathway by pancreatic beta-cells

Recent findings have demonstrated that the branched-chain amino acid leucine can activate the translational regulators, phosphorylated heat- and acid-stable protein regulated by insulin (PHAS-I) and p70 S6 kinase (p70S6k), in an insulin-independent and rapamycin-sensitive manner through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), although the mechanism for this activation is undefined. It has been previously established that leucine-induced insulin secretion by beta-cells involves increased mitochondrial metabolism by oxidative decarboxylation and allosteric activation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). We now show that these same intramitochondrial events that generate signals for leucine-induced insulin exocytosis are required to activate the mTOR mitogenic signaling pathway by beta-cells. Thus, a minimal model consisting of leucine and glutamine as substrates for oxidative decarboxylation and an activator of GDH, respectively, confirmed the requirement for these two metabolic components and mimicked closely the synergistic interactions achieved by a complete complement of amino acids to activate p70s6k in a rapamycin-sensitive manner. Studies using various leucine analogs also confirmed the close association of mitochondrial metabolism and the ability of leucine analogs to activate p70s6k. Furthermore, selective inhibitors of mitochondrial function blocked this activation in a reversible manner, which was not associated with a global reduction in ATP levels. These findings indicate that leucine at physiological concentrations stimulates p70s6k phosphorylation via the mTOR pathway, in part, by serving both as a mitochondrial fuel and an allosteric activator of GDH. Leucine-mediated activation of protein translation through mTOR may contribute to enhanced beta-cell function by stimulating growth-related protein synthesis and proliferation associated with the maintenance of beta-cell mass.

Excretion pattern investigation of urinary normal and modified nucleosides of breast cancer patients by RP-HPLC and factor analysis method

Modified nucleosides, formed post-transcriptionally in RNA by a number of modification enzymes, are excreted in abnormal levels in the urine of patients with malignant tumors. To test their usefulness as tumor markers, and to compare them with the conventional tumor markers, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method and a factor analysis method have been used to study the excretion pattern of nucleosides of breast cancer patients. A clear cut differentiation of the breast cancer group and the healthy individuals in two clusters without overlapping was obtained.

Sugar interaction with metal ions. The crystal structure and Raman spectra study of SmCl3-galactitol complex

The crystal structure of 2SmCl3.galactitol.14H2O has been determined. The crystal system is triclinic, space group: P-1. The unit cell dimensions: a = 9.683(2) A, b = 10.341(2) A, c = 7.990(2) A; alpha = 108.01(3) degrees, beta = 92.71(3) degrees, gamma = 88.42(3) degrees. Each Sm atom is coordinated to nine oxygen atoms, three from the alditol and six from water molecules, with Sm-O distance from 2.417 to 2.520 A. The seventh water molecule is hydrogen-bonded by the hydroxy hydrogen on O-3 (O(3)-H(13)...O(10), 2.635 A). After forming complexes the peaks have shifted and the relative intensities have changed in the IR and Raman spectra, which are corresponding to the changes in bond distances and bond angles of the structures. The IR and Raman spectra of Pr-, Nd- and Sm-galactitol complexes are similar, which show that the three metal ions have the same coordination mode.

Expression and Localization of Lumican in the Ischemic and Reperfused Rat Heart

Lumican belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family and has an important role in the regulation of corneal and dermal collagen fiber assembly. Recently, lumican mRNA was found in the heart and its high expression was reported during wound healing of the cornea. In the present study, the expression and role of lumican in fibrosis of an ischemic and reperfused rat heart were examined. The expression level of lumican mRNA increased in the ischemic and reperfused rat heart and was highest on the fourth week. Lumican protein existed in the forms of core protein and proteoglycan in the control rat heart. The amount of lumican in the form of proteoglycan increased, and that as the form glycoprotein was newly detected in the ischemic and reperfused rat heart on the fourth week. In the control heart, lumican was weakly expressed in the collagen fibers of the perivascular area, but it was expressed strongly in many capillary endothelial cells in the ischemic lesion on day 1. After 3 days, lumican was localized in collagen fibers and in the fibroblasts of fibrotic lesions. A few myocardial cells close to the ischemic lesion expressed lumican mRNA. Lumican is considered to play an important role in the fibrillogenesis of the ischemic and reperfused rat heart.

Effect of FITC-dextran molecular weight on its release from floating cetyl alcohol and HPMC tablets

The release mechanism of high molecular weight fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans (FITC-dextrans) from HPMC hydrogel matrices was studied. An anomaly was noted in the release behaviour of a series of high molecular weight FITC-dextrans from a tablet formulation designed to float in stomach contents. The tablets contained sodium bicarbonate and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) in a cetyl alcohol matrix. When hydrated in an acid medium, this tablet consisted of a mixed solid with a viscous surface layer containing carbon dioxide bubbles through which the active ingredient (FITC-dextran) was released into the aqueous environment. However, it was observed that, above a critical molecular weight (approx. 65 kDa), the FITC-dextran was only released into the medium by an erosion-type mechanism, whereas, below this value, both diffusion and erosion processes took place. The key constraint appeared to be the apparent gel pore-size of the hydrated HPMC that was approximately 12 nm in diameter, irrespective of the molecular weight of the HPMC samples evaluated. It was concluded that FITC-dextran release was controlled by both FITC-dextran molecular weight and the HPMC hydrogel structure.

[Isolation, purification and determination of polysaccharides X-C-3-III and X-C-3-IV from Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels]

Polysaccharides X-C-3-III and X-C-3-IV had been obtained from Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels. Their average MW were determined to be 85,000 and 65,765 by gel chromatography after the hydrolysates of X-C-3-III and X-C-3-IV, the compositions of them were identified by silanization method and capillary gas chromatography. X-C-3-III and X-C-3-IV are composed of galacose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. The molar ratio of those sugars were determined as 24.3:15.8:4.2:3.1:52.6 and 12.6:10.7:7.2:8.3:61.2, respectively.

[Clinical analysis of 1,827 patients with reflux esophagitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical and endoscopic characteristics of reflux esophagitis (RE) in Chinese.

METHODS

1 827 patients with RE, diagnosed by endoscopy in the past 10 years, were divided into different grades according to Los Angeles System and Chinese Standard. A part of them underwent esophageal manometry, 24-hour pH monitoring, and 24-hour bilirubin monitoring. The relationship between age, sex, symptom, accompanied diseases and each examinations were analyzed.

RESULTS

RE was 2.02% of the total endoscopy number, and male vs female was 3.9:1, mean age was (52.02 +/- 14.38) years old. Only 36.29% of RE patients have typical reflux symptom. Patients with light mordent (Los Angeles System A, B and Chinese Standard I) RE were more than those with severe RE. Both of the time of esophageal acid exposure and total percent time bilirubin absorbance >or=0.14 for RE was significantly more than normal (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of RE in Chinese is lower than that in Western and the severity is less. Most of RE are male and aged. There is a close association between RE and both of gastroesophageal reflux and duodenogastroesophageal reflux. Endoscopy is very important for diagnosis of RE.

Oxygen ion implantation at 20 to 2000 keV into polysulfone for improvement of endothelial cell adhesion

The irradiation effects of oxygen on polysulfone have been investigated at energies of 20 keV, 150 keV and 2 MeV. The strong improvement of endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation is found on ion irradiated polysulfone at 20 keV. Such improvement is declined with increasing ion energy. The changes of surface color and free energy are strongly dependent on ion energy and dose. The formation of amorphous carbon phase is demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy and its degree is correspondent to the color changes observed. The formations of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups are confirmed by the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy. The depletions of heteroatoms are conjectured by detail analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Since no single one of these changes can be related directly to the improved adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells on irradiated surface, we argue that the distribution of functional groups is crucial in promoting the adhesion of endothelial cells. Although the distribution cannot directly be detected at present, the irradiation effects were related to the results of TRIM simulation. The surface changes can be controlled by adjusting the size energy and dose of irradiating ion for the optimum morphology to cell adhesion.

[Treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal rhinorrhea in frontal sinus]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the indication, operative technique and advantages of the treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal rhinorrhea in frontal sinus by intranasal endoscopic surgery.

METHOD

Treatment of 6 cases of traumatic cerebrospinal rhinorrhea in frontal sinus by intranasal endoscopic surgery was reported. We adopt a procedure to open and enlarge the nasofrontal duct under direct vision by intranasal endoscopic surgery firstly and find the fistula, then repair it with its own smashed muscle, and support it with muscular membrane and gelfoam, iodoform Sponges.

RESULTS

Four cases were repaired successively in one procedure with intranasal endoscopic surgery, 2 cases were solved by combined external and intranasal procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal rhinorrhea in frontal sinus by intranasal endoscopic surgery included easily operation, easily confirmation of fistula and high success rate, combination of frontal sinus incision may deal with its demerit to the un-reach-able site sometimes.

[Carcinogenesis effects of gastric and duodenal refluxate on esophageal mucosa]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of different refluxant on esophageal carcinogenesis in rats.

METHODS

The animal models of gastroesophageal reflux (G), duodenoesophageal reflux (D) and duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DG) and no reflux as control (C) were made by operations. The rats in all of the groups were given carcinogen (methyl-n-amyl nitrosamine, MANA). They were killed at 4, 20, 26, 40-week, then their esophagi were taken to the morphologic study and the expression of p53, cyclinD(1), CDK(4) studied with immunohistochemical studies.

RESULTS

At 4-week without carcinogen, most of rats in reflux groups displayed evidence of esophageal mucosal injury. The degree of mucosal injury in D group was greater than that in DG which was greater than that in G; and became severity with the time. At 40 weeks, the incidences of papillomas in group D, DG, G were 94.7%, 95.2%, 70.5%, respectively. All of them compared to the group C (38.5%) were significant difference. Only in both D and DG group, there were 24 with esophageal columnar metaplasia, 20 with dysplasia and 11 with cancer. The overexpression of p53, CDK(4), cyclin D(1) was seen in D and DG groups, while in G group, the overexpression of p53 and cyclin D(1) were seen only.

CONCLUSION

Both of gastric juice and duodenal contents reflux can promote tumourgenesis of MANA on esophagi by changing the expression of cell cycle-related protein. The effect of duodenal contents is stronger. It may play an important role in tumourgenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Insulin receptor in rat peripheral nerve: its localization and alternatively spliced isoforms

BACKGROUND

Diabetic neuropathy accompanies both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, although it shows in both humans and animal models distinct differences between the two types of diabetes. Progressive paranodal degenerations occurring in Type 1, but not in Type 2, diabetes is believed to account for the more severe functional deficits in Type 1 diabetic rats. This suggests that factors other than hyperglycemia, such as insulin deficiency, may play a pathogenetic role. In this study, we investigated the immunolocalization of the insulin receptor (IR) and the expression of its two alternatively spliced isoforms in adult rat peripheral nerve.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats 6-8 months of age were examined. Both light and ultrastructural immunohistochemistry was employed for localization of IR. The antibody was a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against the beta-subunit of human IR. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to identify the two IR isoforms in peripheral nerve and seven other organs. Localization of the mRNA message was assessed by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

IR was localized to paranodal terminal Schwann cell loops and microvilli and to the paranodal axolemma. Furthermore, IR immunoreactivity was also present in Schmidt-Lantermann incisures. Endoneurial vessels showed IR localization on plasma membranes and in endocytotic vesicles of endothelial cells and pericytes. A high intensity of immunostained IR was found in close proximity to interendothelial tight junctions. Peripheral nerve showed, like the brain, predominantly the high affinity IR lacking exon 11. The mRNA message was localized to Schwann cells, endothelial cells and pericytes.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral nerve expresses predominantly the high affinity IR, which is localized to strategic structures associated with the blood-nerve barrier and the paranodal ion-channel barrier.

Excretion pattern investigation of urinary normal and modified nucleosides of breast cancer patients by RP-HPLC and factor analysis method

Modified nucleosides, formed post-transcriptionally in RNA by a number of modification enzymes, are excreted in abnormal levels in the urine of patients with malignant tumors. To test their usefulness as tumor markers, and to compare them with the conventional tumor markers, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method and a factor analysis method have been used to study the excretion pattern of nucleosides of breast cancer patients. A clear cut differentiation of the breast cancer group and the healthy individuals in two clusters without overlapping was obtained.

Hyperabsorption and retention of campestanol in a sitosterolemic homozygote: comparison with her mother and three control subjects

We measured the percent absorption, turnover, and distribution of campestanol (24-methyl-5alpha-cholestan-3beta-ol) in a sitosterolemic homozygote, her obligate heterozygous mother, and three healthy human control subjects. For reasons relating to sterol hyperabsorption, the homozygote consumed a diet low in plant sterols that contained campestanol at about 2 mg/day. The heterozygote and three control subjects were fed a diet supplemented with a spread that contained campestanol at 540 mg/day and sitostanol (24-ethyl-5alpha-cholestan-3beta-ol) at 1.9 g/day as fatty acid esters. Plasma campestanol concentrations determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography were 0.72 +/- 0.03 mg/dl in the homozygote, 0.09 +/- 0.04 mg/dl in the heterozygote, and 0.05 +/- 0.03 mg/dl for the control mean. After simultaneous pulse labeling with [3alpha-(3)H]campestanol intravenously and [23-(14)C]campestanol orally, the maximum percent absorption measured by the plasma dual-isotope ratio method as a single time point was 80% in the homozygote, 14.3% in the heterozygote, and 5.5 +/- 4.3% as the mean for three control subjects. Turnover (pool size) values estimated by mathematical analysis of the specific activity versus time [3alpha-(3)H]campestanol decay curves were as follows: 261 mg in the homozygote, 27.3 mg in the heterozygote, and 12.8 +/- 7.6 mg in the three control subjects (homogygote vs. controls, P < 0.001). The calculated production rate (mg/24 h) equivalent to actual absorption in the presence of dietary sterols and stanols was 0.67 mg/day or 31% of intake in the homozygote, 2.1 mg/day or 0.3% of intake in the heterozygote, and 0.7 +/- 0.3 mg/day or 0.1% of intake in the three control subjects. However, the excretion constant from pool A (K(A)) was prolonged markedly in the homozygote, but was 100 times more rapid in the heterozygote and three control subjects.Thus, campestanol, like other noncholesterol sterols, is hyperabsorbed and retained in sitosterolemic homozygotes. However, campestanol absorption was only slightly increased in the sitosterolemic heterozygote and removal was as rapid as in control subjects.

[Intranasal endoscopic treatment of chronic sinusitis in children]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the curative effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the factors associated with surgery effect for treating children with chronic sinusitis.

METHOD

Thirty-one children with a median age of 10 years (range 5-14 years) who suffered from chronic sinusitis or/and nasal polyps and were operated via ESS from May 1996 to January 1999 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULT

According to the therapeutic evaluation standard (ESS-1997, Haikou), twelve cases (38.7%) were completely cured, fifteen cases (48.4%) were improved and four children (12.9%) showed no change with a general effective rate of 87.1% without any severe operative complication.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested ESS is a safe and effective method in the treatment of children with chronic sinusitis or/and nasal polyps. Furthermore, meticulous postoperative endoscopic care and medication are also important for securing optimal long-term results.

Model peptide studies of sequence repeats derived from the intracrystalline biomineralization protein, SM50. II. Pro,Asn-rich tandem repeats

In the biomineralization process, a number of Pro-rich proteins participate in the formation of three-dimensional supramolecular structures. One such protein superfamily, the Pro,Gly-rich sea urchin intracrystalline spicule matrix proteins, form protein-protein supramolecular assemblies that modify the microstructure of the inorganic mineral phase (calcite) within embryonic sea urchin spicules and adult sea urchin spines. These proteins represent a useful model for understanding Pro sequence usage and the resulting generation of extended or "open" structures for protein-protein and/or protein-crystal recognition. In the sea urchin spicule matrix protein, SM50 (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), there exists an unusual 20-residue Pro,Asn-containing repeat, &bond;PNNPNNPNPNNPNNPNNPNPbond which links the upstream 15-residue C-terminal domain and the downstream 211-residue beta-spiral repeat domain. To define the structural preferences of this 20-residue repeat, we created a 20-residue N- and C-terminal "capped" peptidomimetic of this sequence. Using far-uv CD dichroism, CH(alpha) and alpha-(15)N conformational shifts, (3)J(NH-CHalpha) coupling constants, sequential d(NN(i, i + 1)) rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect connectivities, d(alphaN(i, i + 1))/d(NN(i, i + 1)) intensity ratios, amide temperature shift coefficients, amide solvent exchange, and simulated annealing refinement protocols, we have determined that this 20-residue repeat motif adopts an extended "twist" structure consisting of turn- and coil-like regions. These findings are consistent with previous studies, which have shown that Pro-rich tandem repeats adopt extended, flexible structures in solution. We hypothesize that this 20-residue repeat may fulfill the role of a mineral-binding domain, a protein-protein docking domain, or as an internal "molecular spacer" for the SM50 protein during spicule biocomposite formation.

Electrochemiluminescent detection of chlorpromazine by selective preconcentration at a lauric acid-modified carbon paste electrode using tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)

A new detection scheme for the determination of adsorbable coreactants of Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrochemiluminescent reaction is presented. It is based on selective preconcentration of coreactant onto an electrode, followed by Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrochemiluminescent detection. The coreactant employed is chlorpromazine. It was sensitively detected after 5-min preconcentration onto a lauric acid-modified carbon paste electrode. The linear concentration range was found to occur from 1 x 10(-8) to 3 x 10(-6) mol L-1 with a detection limit of 3.1 x 10(-9) mol L-1. The total analysis time is less than 10 min. As a result of selective preconcentration and medium exchange, such remarkable selectivity is achieved that reproducible quantitation of chlorpromazine in urine is possible.