Bacterium organizes hierarchical amorphous structure in microbial cellulose

A pellicle, a gel film of microbial cellulose, is a supermolecular system containing 99% of water by weight, which is closely related to an amorphous structure in it. Using ultra-small-angle neutron scattering, in order to cover over a wide range of length scales from nm to 10 microm, we examined the hierarchical amorphous structure in the microbial cellulose, which is synthesized by a bacterium (Acetobacter xylinum). The microbial cellulose swollen by water shows small-angle scattering that obeys a power law q -behavior according to q -alpha as a function of the magnitude of the scattering vector q . The power law, determined by scattering, is attributed to a mass fractal due to the distribution of the center of mass for the crystallite (microfibril) in amorphous cellulose swollen by water. As q increases, alpha takes the values of 2.5, 1, and 2.35, corresponding, respectively, to a gel network composed of bundles, a bundle composed of cellulose ribbons, and concentration fluctuations in a bundle. From the mass fractal q -behavior and its length scale limits, we evaluated a volume fraction of crystallite in microbial cellulose. It was found that 90% of the cellulose bundle is occupied by amorphous cellulose containing water.

Serum tumour markers in patients with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE. Tumour markers are widely used for monitoring cancer patients and for screening certain tumours. It has recently been shown that the concentrations of some tumour markers are higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in healthy subjects. We analysed the influence of renal function and hemodialysis treatment on the serum levels of CA19-9, CA125, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), CA15.3, CA72.4, CYFRA 21-1, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

232 non-dialysis patients with CKD and 37 uraemic patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. The nondialysis patients were divided into three groups depending on their creatinine clearance (Ccr) levels: group 1 = Ccr < or =25 mL/min; group 2 = 25.1-49.9 mL/min; group 3 = Ccr > or =50 mL/min. For comparison, we chose 37 non-dialysis patients with similar Ccr, age and same gender as controls.

RESULTS

The serum concentrations of CA19-9, CA125 (male), CYFRA 21-1, NSE and SCC-Ag correlated negatively with Ccr, while there were no significant differences in the concentrations of CA125 (female), AFP, CA15.3, CA72.4. The serum levels of CA19-9, CA125, AFP, CA15.3, CA72.4, CYFRA 21-1, NSE and SCC-Ag showed no differences between hemodialysis patients and non-dialysis controls (p > 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in the serum levels of CA19-9, CA125 (in males), CYFRA 21-1, NSE and SCC-Ag in patients with CKD affects the specificity of these markers in the diagnosis of cancer. Hemodialysis does not affect the serum levels of CA19-9, CA125, AFP, CA15.3, CA72.4, CYFRA 21-1, NSE and SCC-Ag.

Vibration training: benefits and risks

The main results of our recent several studies, i.e. the measurements of vibration training results for single case and group studies as well as the cardiovascular parameter measurements during vibrations and the corresponding hydrodynamic analysis, are summarized. Our studies and previous work all confirm that vibration training is an effective training method in order to improve maximal strength and flexibility as well as various other factors if the training is properly designed. Some recommendations regarding the proper ranges of frequencies, amplitudes and exposure duration of vibration training are made based on the existing vibration training practice and mechanism analysis, although much work remains to be carried out in order to set up clear rules for various groups of people so that maximal training results could be expected and in the meantime potential dangerous effects could be avoided. Cardiovascular parameter measurements confirm that total peripheral resistance (TPR) to the blood flow is increased during body vibration. Hydrodynamic analysis offers the mechanism for the increase of TPR through the deformation of vessels. As a reaction of compensation, more capillaries are probably opened in order to keep a necessary level of cardiac output needed for the body, resulting in more efficient gas and material metabolism between the blood and muscle fibres. This might be one of the reasons for the various potential beneficial effects of vibration training.

The early-onset phenotype of mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency: a lethal disorder with multiple tissue involvement

Mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with phenotypes of different severity. Early onset, severe forms predominantly exhibit cardiomyopathy, life-threatening arrhythmias and liver dysfunction; the later-onset, milder phenotype is mainly characterized by neuromyopathic features. The mechanisms that determine these heterogeneous presentations are unknown. We performed multiple tissue immunoblots from a patient with early-onset, lethal TFP deficiency and demonstrated absent TFP antigen in all. The predominant cardiac manifestation of severe TFP deficiency reflects its essential role in myocardial energetics, not its tissue-specific expression.

Deletion of the N-terminus of murine map2 by gene targeting disrupts hippocampal ca1 neuron architecture and alters contextual memory

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) is a brain specific A-kinase anchoring protein that targets the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme (PKA) to microtubules. Phosphorylation of MAP2 by different protein kinases is crucial for neuronal growth. The N-terminus of MAP2 contains the binding site for regulatory subunit II of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-RIIbeta). Using homologous recombination, we created a mutant line of mice (delta1-158) that express truncated MAP2 lacking the N-terminal peptide and the PKA binding site. Deletion of the PKA binding site from the MAP2 gene resulted in decreased efficiency of MAP2 phosphorylation. Biochemical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrate major changes in the morphology of hippocampal neurons in delta1-158 mice. Behavioral tests indicate that delta1-158 mice were impaired (exhibited less conditioned freezing) relative to Wild-Type (WT) controls during a test of contextual, but not during auditory cue, fear conditioning when tested at 8 weeks or 8 months of age. The delta1-158 mice displayed a heightened sensitivity to shock at 8 weeks, but not at 8 months of age. We conclude that PKA binding to MAP2 and MAP2 phosphorylation is essential for the selective development of contextual memory.

Morphological relationship between intercalated duct and pancreatic islet in streptozotocin and/or camostat mesilate administrations in the chicken

Present electron microscopical and immunocytochemistrical studies elucidated some morphological relationship between intercalated duct (ICD) and pancreatic islet cells in the chicken in streptozotocin (STZ) and/or camostat mesilate (CM) administrations. Twenty-one chickens were set into four experimental groups: (1) control group, (2) STZ administration group, (3) CM administration group, and (4) STZ + CM administration group. Cytoplasms of ICD cells stained more strongly with eosin in STZ administration group than other groups, and electron-dense materials and intercalated processes between ICD and islet cells were also increasing in time dependence in STZ administration. Number of pancreatic islet in STZ + CM co-administration was about 3.1 times larger than other groups. Many small sized cells were detected at surrounding area of ICD and they incorporated 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine better than other experimental groups. Present morphological data suggested that ICD cells might support some tolerances of pancreatic endocrine cells against toxic substances and also involve in regeneration of new pancreatic islet cells in STZ + CM co-administration.

A model analysis of internal loads, energetics, and effects of wobbling mass during the whole-body vibration

The internal loads, energetics, and the effects of wobbling mass during the whole-body vibration are studied in terms of analysis and comparison of two models: one is a system of four degrees-of-freedom with rigid and wobbling masses in both lower body and upper body (Model A), while the other one (Model B) is a system of three degrees-of-freedom with a rigid upper body and is otherwise identical to Model A. The main findings are the following: (1) The wobbling mass in the upper body is able to reduce the total internal load on the rigid mass of the upper body considerably. (2) "Partial" internal loads on a certain part of the body may be even larger than the total load on the same part of the body because of the phase differences among the partial loads. Therefore, a full consideration of safety during the whole-body vibration has to take not only the total, but also all the partial internal loads into account. (3) The fluctuation of power input and the fluctuation of mechanical energy could be much larger than the fluctuation of dissipation rate. (4) For frequencies higher than the resonance frequency range, the amplitude of the oscillation of the centre of mass of the body is so reduced that only the change of elastic potential energy dominates in the change of mechanical energy. Thus, a simple picture of energy flow is obtained as follows: for approximately one half of the oscillation period, the energy flows from the vibrator into the human body and is mainly stored in the muscle-tendon system, while for the remaining approximate half of the period, the energy flows from the muscle-tendon system back to the vibrator with a slightly smaller amount because a small part of the flown-in energy has been dissipated.

Removal of chemical contaminants from water to below USEPA MCL using fiber glass supported activated carbon filters

A new, low-cost fiber glass supported activated carbon (FGAC) filter has been prepared that displays enhanced adsorption characteristics for the removal of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene) from water to below maximum contaminant level (MCL) regulated by USEPA and two chemical warfare agent simulants (diisopropylmethyl phosphonate and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide) to barely detectable levels. Breakthrough curves for both the FGAC filter and a commercially available granular activated carbon (GAC) filter containing equal weights of adsorbent show that the FGAC filter has greatly improved kinetics of adsorption over the GAC filter for all six chemical contaminants. Benzene breakthrough curves showed the FGAC filter effluent to contain less than one ppb as compared to several parts per million in the GAC filter effluent. This was 2 orders of magnitude better than the GAC and represents a major advance in generating good water quality for the military as well as the general public. The FGAC filter showed a much lower pressure drop and could be completely regenerated at least 6 times by heating to 190 degrees C under vacuum.

[Measurement of chlorodifluoromethane(HCFC-22) in the atmosphere by using an O2-induced electron capture detector (ECD)]

Chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2, HCFC-22), a typical substitute of dichlorodifluoromethane(CF2Cl2, CFC-12), which atmospheric concentration was only at 10(-12) V/V level. After preconcentrated air sample, O2-Induced method was used to enhance sensitivity of ECD response to HCFC-22. When O2 concentration in carrier gas was 0.54%, there was the greatest value of S/N(signal to noise) and ECD response increased by about 500 times. With the study of other conditions, such as selection of the ECD temperature, programing of the column oven temperature and carrier gas flow, a practicable analysis method with high sensitivity of ECD was established.

Dynamic interactions of behavior and amine neurochemistry in acquisition and maintenance of social rank in crayfish

This review summarizes a set of experimental approaches with which we explore fighting behavior in crayfish and the importance of aminergic systems in its control. Our results illustrate that agonistic behavior in crustaceans can be characterized within a quantitative framework, that different types of behavioral plasticity in aggressive behavior are in need of physiological explanation, and that pharmacological intervention involving serotonergic systems produces characteristic changes in fighting. Moreover, we attempt to identify changes in neurochemistry during the acquisition of social status. Many of the studies presented here summarize ongoing work. Nonetheless, results to date complement and extend previous detailed physiological, morphological and biochemical studies exploring the roles of amines in aggression.

[Oxidative DNA damage of cartilage in osteoarthrosis]

In order to study molecular mechanism of osteoarthrosis, we used molecular techniques to detect DNA oxidative damage of cartilage. There were 10 samples from clinical operation including 5 cases of replacement of hip joint, 4 degenerative cartilage of knee osteoarthrosis, and 1 free body of knee joint. DNA from all samples was run out on an agarose gel and appeared classic nucleosomal ladders. (8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine)/ml (8-OHdG) in DNA samples was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). The results showed that the levels of 8-OHdG were increased to 0.11-0.26 ng.ml-1, average 0.177 ng.ml-1. Normal controls were lower than 0.05 ng.ml-1. The high 8-OHdG in DNA led to a misreading of affected templates and base-pair exchange, which could be a sensitive indicator about oxidative DNA damage, which was produced by free radicals or other DNA damage agents. The result suggests that oxidative DNA damage may be the molecular mechanism of osteoarthrosis.

[The action of proglumide blocking gastrin on gastric cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the practicability of proglumide to treat gastric cancer.

METHODS

MKN45 gastric cancer cell line was cultured and the effects on gastrin and gastrin receptor antagonist proglumide proliferative rate, cell dynamic cycle distribution and the concentration of cAMP in the cells were observed in vitro.

RESULTS

Gastrin promoted the proliferation of MKN45 cells and shifted cells from phase G(0)/G(1) to phase S, G(2)/M as well as increased intracellular cAMP, while proglumide blocked these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrin induces the proliferation and synthesis of DNA by its receptor. Proglumide may provide a new approach of non-cytotoxic treatment of gastric cancer.

Mammalian capping enzyme binds RNA and uses protein tyrosine phosphatase mechanism

Mammalian capping enzymes are bifunctional proteins with both RNA 5'-triphosphatase and guanylyltransferase activities. The N-terminal 237-aa triphosphatase domain contains (I/V)HCXXGXXR(S/T)G, a sequence corresponding to the conserved active-site motif in protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Analysis of point mutants of mouse RNA 5'-triphosphatase identified the motif Cys and Arg residues and an upstream Asp as required for activity. Like PTPs, this enzyme was inhibited by iodoacetate and VO43- and independent of Mg2+, providing additional evidence for phosphate removal from RNA 5' ends by a PTP-like mechanism. The full-length, 597-aa mouse capping enzyme and the C-terminal guanylyltransferase fragment (residues 211-597), unlike the triphosphatase domain, bound poly (U) and were nuclear in transfected cells. RNA binding was increased by GTP, and a guanylylation-defective, active-site mutant was not affected. Ala substitution at positions required for the formation of the enzyme-GMP capping intermediate (R315, R530, K533, or N537) also eliminated poly (U) binding, while proteins with conservative substitutions at these sites retained binding but not guanylyltransferase activity. These results demonstrate that the guanylyltransferase domain of mammalian capping enzyme specifies nuclear localization and RNA binding. Association of capping enzyme with nascent transcripts may act in synergy with RNA polymerase II binding to ensure 5' cap formation.

Recombinant human mRNA cap methyltransferase binds capping enzyme/RNA polymerase IIo complexes

Guanine N-7 methylation is an essential step in the formation of the m7GpppN cap structure that is characteristic of eukaryotic mRNA 5' ends. The terminal 7-methylguanosine is recognized by cap-binding proteins that facilitate key events in gene expression including mRNA processing, transport, and translation. Here we describe the cloning, primary structure, and properties of human RNA (guanine-7-)methyltransferase. Sequence alignment of the 476-amino acid human protein with the corresponding yeast ABD1 enzyme demonstrated the presence of several conserved motifs known to be required for methyltransferase activity. We also identified a Drosophila open reading frame that encodes a putative RNA (guanine-7-)methyltransferase and contains these motifs. Recombinant human methyltransferase transferred a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to GpppG 5'ends, which are formed on RNA polymerase II transcripts by the sequential action of RNA 5'-triphosphatase and guanylyltransferase activities in the bifunctional mammalian capping enzyme. Binding studies demonstrated that the human cap methyltransferase associated with recombinant capping enzyme. Consistent with selective capping of RNA polymerase II transcripts, methyltransferase also formed ternary complexes with capping enzyme and the elongating form of RNA polymerase II.

Chu Cheng and Chu's bequeathed book

Chu Cheng, a native of Yangzhai county in Henan Province, was born in the Nanqi Dynasty. His "Chu's Bequeathed Book" has more than 2200 Chinese characters, was divided into ten verses, reflecting the secrets of Qi-Blood-Yin-Yang. This author tries to introduce and study Chu Cheng's life, his story and his academic views, not only on embryogensis, pulse taking and Five Ti, but also on Yin-Ying-Jing-Xue, obstetrical hygiene and infectious disease and the usage of medicine, etc.

Behavior pattern, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, superoxide dismutase, micro-blood-flow state and longevity or aging

It is believed that the mechanisms of aging or longevity are multifactorial. We selected four major postnatal factors to verify the mechanisms of longevity and aging. Type B behavior is strongly associated with longevity. The frequency of Type B behavior pattern (55.5 vs. 26.6%) was significantly higher while Type A behavior pattern (2.4 vs. 5.9%) was much lower in the longevity group compared with those in the elderly group (P < 0.01). The decline of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) might relate to the aging process which was supported by two facts: (1) low PaO2 might lead to high frequency of chromosomal aberrations, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations was 1.22+/-0.53%, 0.57+/-0.23% and 0.23+/-0.22% in PaO2 < 75, 75-84 or > or = 85 mmHg groups respectively (P < 0.025); (2) the lower the PaO2, the more serious the retina arteriosclerosis. Five mean contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes were 626+/-39, 583+/-56, 556+/-43, 547+/-49 and 557+/-40 microg/gHb in different age groups. No significant differences were found in the longevity group as compared with those in 40-89 years old age groups (P > 0.05), but a significantly lower level was found in the middle rather than the young age group (P < 0.05). The studies of thixotropy show that micro-blood-flow state also sustains a better condition in the longevity group. We consider Type B behavior pattern, a higher PaO2, a better micro-blood-flow and a higher level of SOD of erythrocytes may be beneficial for longevity.

Mammalian capping enzyme complements mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking mRNA guanylyltransferase and selectively binds the elongating form of RNA polymerase II

5'-Capping is an early mRNA modification that has important consequences for downstream events in gene expression. We have isolated mammalian cDNAs encoding capping enzyme. They contain the sequence motifs characteristic of the nucleotidyl transferase superfamily. The predicted mouse and human enzymes consist of 597 amino acids and are 95% identical. Mouse cDNA directed synthesis of a guanylylated 68-kDa polypeptide that also contained RNA 5'-triphosphatase activity and catalyzed formation of RNA 5'-terminal GpppG. A haploid strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking mRNA guanylyltransferase was complemented for growth by the mouse cDNA. Conversion of Lys-294 in the KXDG-conserved motif eliminated both guanylylation and complementation, identifying it as the active site. The K294A mutant retained RNA 5'-triphosphatase activity, which was eliminated by N-terminal truncation. Full-length capping enzyme and an active C-terminal fragment bound to the elongating form and not to the initiating form of polymerase. The results document functional conservation of eukaryotic mRNA guanylyltransferases from yeast to mammals and indicate that the phosphorylated C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II couples capping to transcription elongation. These results also explain the selective capping of RNA polymerase II transcripts.

Physiological basis for long life span

A collection of clinical data is reported on nonagenarians in comparison to an 'average' population of younger age. The results of these clinical data indicated that a vital physiological basis for long life span probably existed. The basis include a better micro-blood-flow state, a better cardiac, immune (nature killer cell activity), adrenocortical, hepatic and renal function, and a higher level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is suggested that the method, including Chinese traditional medicine, to improve the micro-blood-flow, nature killer cell activity, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and vital organ function may be beneficial for life preservation and aging retarding.

Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is regulated by reovirus structural proteins

Reovirus sigma3 is a virion outer shell protein that also binds dsRNA and stimulates translation by blocking activation of the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR. Purified sigma3 was shown by gel shift assay to bind specifically to RNA duplexes of minimal length 32-45 base pairs. PKR binding to dsRNA was prevented by sigma3, and translation inhibition of luciferase reporter by PKR expression in transfected cells was reversed by sigma3. Association of sigma3 with its outer capsid partner mu1/mu1C eliminated dsRNA binding and prevented restoration of protein synthesis. Analyses of sigma3 mutants demonstrated a direct correlation between dsRNA binding and reversal of the down-regulation of translation by PKR. In infected cells, sigma3 was stable but dsRNA binding decreased, presumably due to mu1/mu1C complex formation. The results suggest a functional transition from early inhibition of PKR activation by sigma3 to its association with mu1/mu1C in capsid structures.

Regulated, stable expression and nuclear presence of reovirus double-stranded RNA-binding protein sigma3 in HeLa cells

Reovirus genome segment S4 codes for polypeptide sigma3, a major outer capsid component of virions and a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein implicated in viral cytopathogenesis. We have constructed a stable HeLa cell line (S4tTA) that produces functional sigma3 under tetracycline transactivator control. In the absence of tetracycline, S4tTA cells synthesized stable dsRNA-binding sigma3 that accumulated in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. However, in induced S4tTA cells also expressing reovirus outer shell polypeptide mu1/mu1C, migration of sigma3 into the nucleus was blocked, probably as a result of formation of a complex with mu1/mu1C which was exclusively in the cytoplasm. Mutant analyses indicated a correlation between dsRNA-binding activity and nuclear entry of sigma3, suggesting an additional role(s) for this capsid protein in virus-cell interactions.

Sperm morphology using strict criteria after Percoll density separation: influence on cleavage and pregnancy rates after in-vitro fertilization

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of sperm morphology assessment by strict criteria on the post-Percoll separated spermatozoa used for oocyte insemination in an in-vitro fertilization programme. This study included a consecutive unselected series of 213 oocyte aspirations in 159 women. In 177 aspirations the patient had tubal infertility and in 36 unexplained infertility. Data have been analysed from 197 aspirations where the semen sample used for insemination had a normal sperm concentration (> or = 20 x 10(6)/ml). A total of 1413 oocytes were aspirated, resulting in 863 oocytes which were fertilized and cleaved (cleavage rate 61%). In all, 492 pre-embryos were transferred in 193 cycles, resulting in a pregnancy rate of 42% per transfer. Sperm morphology evaluation using strict criteria showed that Percoll separation significantly increased the percentage of sperm cells with normal morphology from 7.7 to 11.3%. Sperm morphology analysis showed that Percoll separation decreased the number of sperm samples in the 'poor prognosis pattern' group from 31 to 13% and increased the number of sperm samples classified as 'normal' from 16 to 33%. After Percoll separation the poor prognosis pattern group had a cleavage rate of 46%, which was significantly lower than in the good prognosis pattern and the normal groups. However, the poor prognosis pattern group had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than the normal group (P < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Automatic detection of rib borders in chest radiographs

An algorithm for detection of posterior rib borders in chest radiographs is presented. The algorithm first determines the thoracic cage boundary to restrict the area of search for the ribs. It then finds approximate rib borders using a knowledge-based Hough transform. Finally, the algorithm localizes the rib borders using an active contour model. Results of the proposed rib finding algorithm on 10 chest radiographs are presented.

Low implantation rate after in-vitro fertilization in patients with hydrosalpinges diagnosed by ultrasonography

The purpose of this study was to assess whether patients with tubal infertility and a hydrosalpinx have a reduced implantation rate after in-vitro fertilization. The study included 741 patients who had 1190 consecutive oocyte aspirations. The presence or absence of hydrosalpinges was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography on day 2 of all cycles. In 62 patients treated in 104 cycles a hydrosalpinx was diagnosed, whereas 493 patients treated in 813 cycles had no hydrosalpinx and eight patients treated in 16 cycles had uncertain hydrosalpinx. The results show that the presence of a hydrosalpinx is associated with a reduced pregnancy rate per aspiration (19.2 versus 32.6%; P < 0.01), reduced implantation rate (2.9 versus 10.3%, P < 0.0005), reduced delivery rate per aspiration (5.8 versus 20.9%, P < 0.0005), reduced delivery rate per embryo transfer (6.6 versus 22.8%, P < 0.0005) and increased early pregnancy loss (70 versus 36%, P < 0.005). Among 178 patients with unexplained infertility or other infertility factors treated with 257 aspirations the results were similar to those in patients with tubal infertility without a hydrosalpinx. In conclusion, the presence of a hydrosalpinx does not impair the number of embryos transferred but seems to impair the implantation process. We hypothesize that this may be due to leakage of fluid into the uterine cavity which may disturb the receptivity of the endometrium and/or the developing embryos.

A clinical study on the postoperative prognosis of 168 cases of surgical hyperbilirubinemia

It's universally acknowledged that the mortality rate of postoperative patients with obstructive jaundice is higher than that of the non-icteric. Opinions, however, differ as to whether the mortality rate goes up with the worsening of jaundice. Some even regard hyperbilirubinemia as a contraindication in operation. The present article through a clinical research of 168 cases suggested that postoperative mortality registered no increase because of bilirubin level in plasma and the degree of severity of bilirubinemia was not a major factor affecting the postoperative prognosis. The 4 preoperative complications: hypoproteinemia, hepatocirrhosis, portal hypertension and acute cholangitis were responsible for postoperative prognosis, the conclusion is hyperbilirubinemia is not a contraindication in operation. A great portion of the patients should be given active operation to intercept persistent injury on liver and prevent the occurrence of acute cholangitis. To reduce the postoperative mortality, the treatment to be adopted is not to arrange biliary drainage before operation but to improve the patients general conditions by eliminating the complications mentioned above.

"Serpentine heart". Direct observation of the human heart during profound hyperkalemia

We observed cardiac contractility in a patient who had inadvertently received a massive overdose of potassium chloride during open heart surgery. Slowly advancing waves of contraction were present while the surface electrocardiogram showed the sine wave configuration typical of severe hyperkalemia. This is the first report of such an observation and may serve to promote proper diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.