Cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes from Polyalthia barnesii

Three cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes were purified from an ethyl acetate-soluble extract of the stem bark of Polyalthia barnesii, namely, 16 alpha-hydroxycleroda-3,13(14)Z-dien-15,16-olide, a known compound, and two novel compounds, 3 beta, 16 alpha-dihydroxycleroda-4(18),13(14)Z-dien-15,16-olide and 4 beta, 16 alpha-dihydroxyclerod-13(14)Z-en-15,16-olide. These compounds were found to exhibit broad cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer cell lines.

Indole alkaloids from Peschiera laeta that enhance vinblastine-mediated cytotoxicity with multidrug-resistant cells

Coronaridine [1], conoduramine [2], and voacamine [3], three indole alkaloids isolated from Peschiera laeta, have been found to enhance the cytotoxic response mediated by vinblastine [4] with multidrug-resistant KB cells. Inhibition of vinblastine binding with membrane vesicles isolated from this cell line was also assessed, and the bisindole alkaloids conoduramine [2] and voacamine [3] were found to be more potent inhibitory agents than the monomeric alkaloid, coronaridine [1]. Thus, these compounds appear to function by binding with P-glycoprotein.

Submillisecond photorefractive response time of KNbO(3):Rb(+)

We investigate the photorefractive response time of diffraction gratings in Rb(+)-doped KNbO(3) crystals. Two components of charge carriers, with different response times, are found to contribute to the photoinduced index gratings. One component, which contributes to approximately 70% of the index grating, shows a submillisecond rise time when the total intensity of the writing beams is larger than 5 W/cm(2). The dependence of the response time on the light intensity and the grating wave vector is also investigated.

Electrophysiologic effects of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L on guinea pig papillary muscles and cultured rat myocardial cells

The effects of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L (TFH) were evaluated using conventional microelectrode technic. After administration of TFH 100-200 mg.L-1, the action potential duration of 50% repolarization (APD50) was shortened both in cultured rat myocardial cells and in guinea pig papillary muscles. The slope of phase 4 of depolarization (SP4) in cultured rat myocardial cells was decreased and the contractile force (CF) in guinea pig papillary muscles was weakened. Arrhythmias evoked by strophantin G in guinea pig papillary muscles were suppressed by TFH 100 mg.L-1. These findings suggested that the influence of TFH on myocardial cells may be resulted mainly from its inhibition of Ca2+ influx and its interference with intracellular Ca2+ reservoir.

Compact reflection-grating-based phase conjugator in KNbO(3):Fe crystals

We present the design and the results of experimental investigations of a self-pumped phase conjugator through a reflection grating in a special-cut photorefractive KNbO(3):Fe crystal. High reflectivity, good phase-conjugate fidelity, and fast response time are obtained.

Effect of antireflection coating on the performance of Faraday rotators

The transmission and reflection properties of Faraday rotators are investigated by use of the boundaryvalue approach. Transmission and reflection coefficient matrices are derived from boundary conditions and transmission and reflection functions. The performances of extinction ratio and insertion and return losses of Faraday rotators are calculated for yttrium iron garnet, bismuth-substituted iron garnet, and BiCaInVIG (a non-rare-earth iron garnet) Faraday rotators.

Impaired interleukin 12 production in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, asymptomatic or with acquired immunodeficiency virus, produced 10-fold less interleukin 12 (IL-12) free heavy chain and fivefold less biologically active IL-12 heterodimer than PBMC from uninfected healthy donors when challenged in vitro with the common human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, PBMC from HIV-infected individuals and uninfected control donors produced similar levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-10, and PBMC from HIV-infected individuals produced three- to fourfold more IL-6 compared with PBMC from uninfected control donors. The defect in IL-12 production is not due to hyperproduction of IL-10, a cytokine exerting an autocrine-negative feedback on IL-12 production, but was directly related to HIV infection, as suggested by the reduced ability of monocytes infected in vitro with HIV to produce IL-12. IL-12 deficiency may be an important component of the immunodeficiency associated with HIV infection.

Generation of alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) biomicrocapsules: the relationship between the membrane strength and the reaction conditions

Alginate-poly-l-lysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules have proven effective in protecting enclosed live cells from immune rejection following transplantation into experimental animals, thereby eliminating the need for immunosuppressive therapy. However, in order for the capsules to remain intact for extended periods in vivo, the thickness of the membrane material must be optimized. In this study, the membrane thickness was examined as an indicator of membrane strength and measured under different reaction conditions. The thickness was found to increase 1) from 4.6 microns to 6.6 microns with an increase in the concentration of sodium alginate from 1.25 (w/v) to 2.0% (w.v); 2) from 4.2 microns to 6.2 microns with an increase in the concentration of the calcium solution from 20 mM to 100mM; 3) from 3.9 microns to 10.3 microns with an increase in the concentration of poly-l-lysine (PLL) from 0.02% (w/v) to 0.08% (w/v); and 4) from 2.3 microns to 7.4 microns with an increase in the reaction time with the PLL from two to seven minutes. On the other hand, membrane thickness decreased 1) from 9.8 microns to 8.6 microns with an increase of the pH in the PLL solution from 5.8 to 9.2; 2) from 13.2m to 5.8 microns with an increase in the molecular weight of PLL from 14,000 to 57,000; 3) from 8.4 microns to 6.0 microns with an increase in the treatment time with 0.9 (w/v) NaCl solution from zero to fifteen minutes and; 4) from 7.5 microns to 6.1 microns with an increase in the treatment time of the second sodium alginate coating from zero to ten minutes. Membrane thickness was inversely proportional to capsule volume expansion during membrane synthesis. By replacing calcium chloride by calcium lactate and eliminating the use of CHES in the construction of capsule membranes, we improved the strength and biocompatibility of our capsules, as evidenced by marked improvements in the survival rates of diabetic mice treated with islet transplants enclosed in the new capsules. These results indicate that it is possible to obtain optimal membrane thickness for a given purpose by creating specific reaction conditions under which membranes are synthesized.

Dose-response relationships in mice following subchronic exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, estrogen receptor, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation

The dose-response relationships for different endpoints in different tissues were compared in response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treatment. TCDD was administered 5 days a week for 13 weeks at doses ranging from 1.5 to 150 ng/kg/day to female B6C3F1 mice. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, a marker for CYP1A1, was increased in liver, lung, and skin at doses as low as 1.5 ng/kg/day. EROD activity did not attain maximal induction. Liver acetanilide-4-hydroxylase activity, a marker for CYP1A2, was significantly induced at 1.5 ng/kg/day and reached maximal induction at 45 ng/kg/day. TCDD treatment significantly increased the amount of phosphorylated forms of three phosphotyrosyl proteins (pp32, pp34, and pp38) in liver S-20 fractions. Changes in these phosphotyrosyl proteins occurred at 1.5 ng/kg/day and reached maximal induction at 4.5 ng/kg/day. No changes in phosphotyrosyl proteins were observed in skin. Hepatic and uterine estrogen receptor levels were not altered at any of the doses tested. These data indicate that induction of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and the increases in phosphorylated forms of pp32, pp34, and pp38 are sensitive indicators of TCDD exposure. The dose-response curves for increases in CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and phosphorylated pp32, pp34, and pp38 in liver were different from each other. TCDD produces multiple effects with multiple dose-response curves suggesting that there are events in addition to receptor binding that are endpoint specific, leading to different dose-response relationships.

Stability study of drug-loaded proteinoid microsphere formulations during freeze-drying

Drug-loaded proteinoid microspheres were freeze-dried to facilitate shipping and handling and to enable long term storage. Heparin was chosen as the model drug in developing the optimum lyophilization process. The factors influencing the integrity of either heparin-loaded or unloaded ('empty') proteinoid microspheres during freeze-drying were determined, with emphasis on: selecting an optimum freezing and resuspending temperature; choosing an appropriate cryoprotectant and its optimum concentration in the formulation; and, designing a suitable method for formulating the microspheres. Freezing at/below -70 degrees C was found to minimize damage to the microspheres. Addition of sugars, such as trehalose and lactose, as cryoprotectants, further increased the stability of the heparin-loaded microspheres during freeze-drying. The optimum trehalose or lactose concentrations were determined to be 5% (w/v). Using the optimumized lyophilization process described in this manuscript, microspheres remained intact during freeze-drying. The freeze-dried microspheres were stable for at least three months post-lyophilization.

Acute 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin exposure results in enhanced tyrosylphosphorylation and expression of murine hepatic cyclin dependent kinases

An increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of two hepatic S9 proteins migrating at 34 and 33 kDa that cross-reacted with anti-PSTAIR antibody on immunoblots was seen 24 h after administration of a single dose of 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 micrograms 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)/kg to C57BL/6J female mice. Two hepatic S9 proteins migrating at 34 and 33 kDa that cross-reacted with anti-cdc2 C-terminus antibody on immunoblots were observed in corn oil control mice; increased expression of these proteins was seen with increasing doses of TCDD. A maximal increase in expression of 3-times the control was observed at 1 and 2 micrograms TCDD/kg for both p34 and p33. The stimulation of enhanced tyrosylphosphorylation and expression of cyclin dependent kinases p34cdc2 and p3cdk2 by TCDD is consistent with a mechanism of action of TCDD toxicity associated with stimulation of cellular proliferation.

Alcohol consumption enhances fatty acid omega-oxidation, with a greater increase in male than in female rats

Because ethanol inhibits mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, with substantial accumulation of fatty acids in the livers of female (but not male) rats, and induces microsomal activities, we assessed possible changes in omega-oxidation. To study this, we pair-fed 24 male and 24 female littermate rats of the same age liquid diets containing 36% of energy either as ethanol or as additional carbohydrate for 4 wk. In controls, the microsomal omega-hydroxylation of lauric acid was 28% greater in female than in male rats (p < 0.05). Ethanol feeding significantly increased this activity in both genders (p < 0.01), but the rise in male rats (89%) was significantly higher than that in female rats (24%). This activity was unaffected by the presence of ethanol in the assay. The effects of ethanol were associated with increases in the content of cytochrome P-450 4A1 (as assessed in Western blots by the reactivity against a sheep antibody against P-450 4A1), and more so in male than in female rats. Despite possible competition by ethanol with the hydroxy fatty acid oxidation to dicarboxylic acids through alcohol dehydrogenase, suberic and sebacic acids accumulated significantly in the livers of alcohol-fed male rats. These effects of ethanol and gender on omega-oxidation paralleled those on the hepatic cytosolic fatty acid-binding protein and fatty acid esterification previously reported in similarly treated rats. Dicarboxylic acid products of omega-oxidation have been incriminated as mediators of similar effects by other drugs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) inhibits human lymphocyte interferon gamma-production by suppressing natural killer cell stimulatory factor/IL-12 synthesis in accessory cells

Natural killer cell stimulatory factor or interleukin 12 (NKSF/IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine produced by monocytes/macrophages, B cells, and possibly other accessory cell types primarily in response to bacteria or bacterial products. NKSF/IL-12 mediates pleiomorphic biological activity on T and NK cells and, alone or in synergy with other inducers, is a powerful stimulator of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production. IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of monocyte-macrophage activation, that inhibits production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 and also IFN-gamma from lymphocytes acting at the level of accessory cells. Because TNF-alpha and IL-1 are not efficient inducers of IFN-gamma, the mechanism by which IL-10 inhibits IFN-gamma production is not clear. In this paper, we show that IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of NKSF/IL-12 production from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells activated with Staphylococcus aureus or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both the production of the free NKSF/IL-12 p40 chain and the biologically active p70 heterodimer are blocked by IL-10. NKSF/IL-12 p40 chain mRNA accumulation is strongly induced by S. aureus or LPS and downregulated by IL-10, whereas the p35 mRNA is constitutively expressed and only minimally regulated by S. aureus, LPS, or IL-10. Although IL-10 is able to block the production of NKSF/IL-12, a powerful inducer of IFN-gamma both in vitro and in vivo, the mechanism of inhibition of IFN-gamma by IL-10 cannot be explained only on the basis of inhibition of NKSF/IL-12 because IL-10 can partially inhibit IFN-gamma production induced by NKSF/IL-12, and also, the IFN-gamma production in response to various stimuli in the presence of neutralizing antibodies to NKSF/IL-12. Our findings that antibodies against NKSF/IL-12, TNF-alpha, or IL-1 beta can significantly inhibit IFN-gamma production in response to various stimuli and that NKSF/IL-12 and IL-1 beta can overcome the IL-10-mediated inhibition of IFN-gamma, suggest that IL-10 inhibition of IFN-gamma production is primarily due to its blocking production from accessory cells of the IFN-gamma-inducer NKSF/IL-12, as well as the costimulating molecule IL-1 beta.

Porcine pancreatic islets: isolation, microencapsulation, and xenotransplantation

To provide a plentiful source of pancreatic islets for future clinical transplants into diabetic patients, we have developed a simple and reliable method to isolate porcine islets of a high degree of purity. Porcine pancreata were perfused and digested with collagenase, and the islets were then purified on dextran density gradients. In order to avoid any damage to the islets, no mechanical devices nor any strenuous treatment was employed. As many as 5 x 10(5) islets were isolated from a single porcine pancreas. Islets were encapsulated in alginate-polylysine-alginate membranes with the aid of an electrostatic droplet generator. In vitro studies demonstrated that the isolated islets secreted insulin in response to glucose and 3-isobutyl-L-methylxanthine (IBMX) challenge for at least 4 weeks. Perifusion studies showed that the kinetics of insulin release from the encapsulated islets was similar to that exhibited by free islets. In in vivo studies, 18 diabetic BALB-c mice were transplanted with 1,500-2,500 encapsulated islets each. In 13 recipients, the diabetic condition was reversed for at least 85 days. When capsules were removed from 2 transplant recipients, their diabetic condition quickly recurred.

Mutagenic analysis of AMP nucleosidase from Escherichia coli. Deletion of a region similar to AMP deaminase and peptide characterization by mass spectrometry

AMP nucleosidase (EC 3.2.2.4) from Escherichia coli and AMP deaminase (EC 3.5.4.6) from bakers' yeast are proposed to regulate cellular AMP levels under allosteric control of the activator ATP and the inhibitor, PO4. Both enzymes contain catalytic sites which bind AMP and regulatory sites which bind ATP. The deduced amino acid sequences of the proteins revealed only one region of homology in which six of eight amino acids are identical. A similar sequence is found in glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phoE, ras proteins, RNA polymerase, K(+)-ATPase, nucleolin, and other proteins expected to have nucleotide or phosphate binding properties. In the crystal structure of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, this sequence is part of the NAD(+)-binding site. The function of these amino acids was explored with a deletion mutant of AMP nucleosidase. The protein was over-produced in a pTZ construct using the AMP nucleosidase promoter which resulted in approximately 30% of the total protein as the desired enzyme. The mutation was characterized by DNA sequence analysis and by direct analysis of the peptides using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Deletion of amino acids 128-135, corresponding to DGSELTLD, produced an enzyme with a 20-fold decrease in Vmax but with smaller changes in substrate saturation kinetics, activation by MgATP, inhibition by inorganic phosphate, and inhibition by the tight-binding inhibitor, formycin 5-phosphate. The deletion mutant of AMP nucleosidase exhibits hysteresis in establishing a steady-state rate of product formation which is most pronounced in the absence of MgATP. These results establish that the sequence DGSELTLD in E. coli AMP nucleosidase is not required for binding of AMP, MgATP, or inorganic phosphate. However, the mutant enzyme has a structural defect related to the polymerization state which delays the onset of catalysis and decreases the catalytic efficiency.

Purification and characterization of a nuclear DNA-binding factor complex containing topoisomerase II and chromosome scaffold protein 2

In a search for factors that influence the process of erythroid differentiation at the molecular level, we have identified UB2, a nuclear protein factor that was originally observed for its ability to bind to a very specific and highly conserved sequence motif present in human, mouse, rabbit, and chicken beta-globin genes, as well as carbonic anhydrase I, c-myb, and the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer region. It was also observed for its appearance in undifferentiated but not differentiated mouse erythroleukemia cells. Purification of UB2 by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and repeated passages through a DNA affinity column, revealed a complex pattern with three major components of 170, 116, and 48 kDa, respectively. The 170-kDa protein was identified as topoisomerase (topo) II by Western blot analysis, catalytic assays, and antibody interference with UB2 binding. The complex topo II in UB2, however, has a more stringent sequence requirement for DNA binding than does topo II. The 116-kDa protein has been determined to be a proteolytic product of topo II. The chromosome scaffold protein 2 (135 kDa) copurified with UB2, and anti-scaffold protein 2 serum inhibited UB2 binding to DNA.

Interaction of heparin with polyallylamine-immobilized surfaces

A new method to bind ionically and remove heparin from solution and dilute serum is described. Utilizing cellulose diacetate (CA) as the polymer substrate, a cationic polymer chain--poly(allylamine)-PALA--was immobilized directly onto the CA surface and onto the surface using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer groups. The ionic interaction between the anionic heparin molecule and the cationic PALA polymer is specific and effective to remove heparin from the bulk solution. The binding properties of heparin onto the PALA and PEG-PALA surfaces were examined. The effects of PEG spacers on heparin binding onto the PALA-immobilized surface were investigated by varying the Mw of PEG spacers. PALA (Mw 8500)-immobilized surfaces exhibited enhanced heparin binding. The maximum heparin binding was observed in the region of PEG Mw 2000-4000. For the high-molecular-weight PALA (Mw 50,000)-immobilized surfaces, heparin binding was independent of the molecular weight of PEG. PEG spacers were also evaluated for their ability to prevent or decrease protein (albumin) adsorption. It was observed that at high albumin concentrations, the adsorption of proteins decreased with increasing chain length of PEG, up to Mw 3400. These observations suggest that low-molecular-weight PALA (Mw 8500)-immobilized CA surfaces with PEG spacers (Mw 3400) may provide increased heparin binding capacity and decreased protein adsorption.

An epidemic outbreak of hepatitis E in Yangon of Myanmar: antibody assay and animal transmission of the virus

An epidemic outbreak of hepatitis E occurred in an army recruit camp of Yangon, Myanmar, in October 1989. One hundred and eleven patients among 600 residents were hospitalized. As high as 83.7% of these patients were positive for the acute phase antibody against hepatitis E virus by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed in our laboratory. Also, 30.6% of 49 symptom-free residents examined were positive for the antibody. We prepared a stool extract from six patients and inoculated it into 10 rhesus monkeys for a series of three sub-passages. All of them developed acute biochemical hepatitis along with an elevation of antibody levels. A rechallenge with viruses of the present outbreak failed to provoke hepatitis in two monkeys that had previously recovered from acute hepatitis caused by an isolate of sporadic hepatitis E of the same area. Similarly, the rechallenge of the sporadic strain did not induce hepatitis in two monkeys that had been previously infected with the epidemic virus. These data suggested that the subjects would obtain neutralizing antibodies against the hepatitis E virus once infected, and many adult inhabitants of the endemic area had no protective antibodies and were still susceptible to hepatitis E infection.

Sequence and gene structure of the hepatitis E virus isolated from Myanmar

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis E occurs not only in sporadic forms but also in epidemic outbreaks in the developing world. We have revealed the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of full cDNA of HEV isolated from sporadic hepatitis E of Myanmar. The genome is 7194 nucleotides long, followed by a poly(A) tail, and has three open reading frames. The nonstructural gene is located in the 5' terminus, while the structural gene is situated in the 3' terminus. Our HEV strain has 98.5% nucleic acid identity with the HEV strain cloned by workers at Genelabs Incorporated from Myanmar. The difference is point nucleotide substitutions. There is a high degree of nucleotide relatedness among HEVs isolated from the same geographical location.

Nursing diagnoses for psychiatric patients in China

This report describes the development of a preliminary Chinese psychiatric classification system with nine categories and 211 separate diagnoses, and the corresponding diagnostic interview that enables psychiatric nurses in China to systematically assess the presence or absence of the various diagnoses. Using this interview with 30 representative inpatients, the authors identified 152 of the 211 (72%) diagnoses. On average, each patient was given 26 different nursing diagnoses. The interrater reliability of the four nurses who independently coded the diagnostic interview for these 30 patients was excellent: in over 77% of the identified diagnoses the generalized kappa was greater than 0.75. These findings show that further work on this classification of nursing diagnoses is warranted.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation as an indicator of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin exposure in vivo and in vitro

A dose-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of five hepatic intracellular proteins with approximate molecular weights of 17, 21, 27, 29, and 34 kDa was seen 24 h after administration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to C57BL/6J female mice. The ED50 values for tyrosylphosphorylation of these five proteins, respectively, were 0.26, 0.21, 0.26, 0.31, and 0.38 micrograms TCDD/Kg. TCDD induction of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity (EROD) was characterized by an ED50 of 2.5 micrograms/Kg. An eighteen h exposure of a human lymphoblastoma cell line (X3) to TCDD increased tyrosylphosphorylation status of ten proteins with approximate molecular weights of 16, 17, 24, 26, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 kDa in a dose-dependent manner. The EC50 values for these TCDD-dependent tyrosylphosphorylation ranged from 0.01 to 0.07 nM TCDD. EROD induction by TCDD in X3 cells exhibited an EC50 of 0.14 nM. These data indicate that TCDD alters intracellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation and these changes are more sensitive biological indicators of TCDD exposure than induction of EROD.

Numerical simulation for the propagation of nonlinear pulsatile waves in arteries

The behavior of nonlinear pulsatile flow of incompressible blood contained in an elastic tube is examined. The theory takes into account the nonlinear convective terms of the Navier-Stokes equations. The motion of the arterial wall is characterized by a set of linearized differential equations. The region bounded by the flexible arterial wall is mapped into a fixed area in which numerical discretization takes place. The finite element method (Galerkin weighted residual approach) is used for the solution of this nonlinear system. The results obtained are pressure distribution, velocity profile, flow rate and wall displacements along the elastic tube (20 cm long).

High-isolation optical isolator using a BiCalnVIG single crystal

To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a new optical isolator has been developed that uses BiCaInVIG, a non-rare-earth iron garnet. The device has high isolation > 40 dB with an insertion loss of 1.0 dB at 1.3-microm wavelength and > 43 dB with 1.1 dB at 1.52-microm wavelength, including Fresnel reflection losses of ~0.8 dB for two polarizers. In addition, the device is inexpensive. In order to adjust maximum isolation when the isolator is assembled, a theoretical basis is presented, and the calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Sequence comparison of the capsid region of hepatitis E viruses isolated from Myanmar and China

Hepatitis E viruses (HEVs) were isolated during epidemics, one from Myanmar (formerly called Burma) and one from China and were partially sequenced. Another HEV Myanmar strain from sporadic hepatitis was previously sequenced by us. A cDNA sequence comparison was performed among them in the 3'-terminal region, approximately 750-base long. This region contained at least two immunological epitopes and was considered to correspond to the structural protein. The nucleotide sequence identity was 97.2% between the two Myanmar strains and 93.3 and 92.5% between the two Myanmar and the China strain. The deduced amino acid sequence identity ranged from 98.4 to 100.0% among the three strains. Thus this segment was well conserved on the amino acid level among the different strains isolated from these two Asian countries, although the China strain diverged more from the Myanmar strains on the nucleotide sequence level. This data may provide important information for the development of a vaccine and for identification of the virological link between different geographical locations.

Urinary catecholamine excretion and severity of PTSD symptoms in Vietnam combat veterans

In the present study, we replicated and extended our previous findings of increased 24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations were measured in 22 male patients with PTSD (14 inpatients and eight outpatients) and in 16 nonpsychiatric normal males. The PTSD inpatients showed significantly higher excretion of all three catecholamines compared with both outpatients with PTSD and normal controls. Dopamine and norepinephrine, but not epinephrine, levels were significantly correlated with severity of PTSD symptoms in the PTSD group as a whole. In particular, these catecholamines seemed related to intrusive symptoms. None of the catecholamines were correlated with severity of depression. The findings support the hypothesis of an enhanced sympathetic nervous system activation in PTSD, and suggest that increased sympathetic arousal may be closely linked to severity of certain PTSD symptom clusters.

[Mechanisms of protective action of radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (RSM) against experimental hepatic injury in rats]

The results indicated that RSM could significantly inhibit the lipid peroxidation of normal livers and cultured hepatocytes of rats, induce liver microsomal cytochrome P450 in normal rats, increase nucleic acids, proteins, urea and cerolloplasmin of damaged cultured hepatocytes of rats, relieve ultrastructural damage of cultured hepatocytes induced by CCl4. The pharmacological actions mentioned above should be considered as important mechanisms of RSM against liver injury.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of microencapsulated porcine islets

To provide a plentiful supply of pancreatic islets for future clinical transplants into diabetic patients, the authors have developed a simple and consistent method of isolation of porcine islets. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the islets were viable and functional. Xenotransplants of 1.5 x 10(3) - 2.5 x 10(3) of microencapsulated porcine islets into diabetic mice resulted in restoration of normoglycemia in 13 of 18 experimental animals for up to 10 months. A xenograft of 50 x 10(3) microencapsulated porcine islets into a spontaneously diabetic monkey normalized hyperglycemia for more than 150 days. This experiment indicated that the transplantation of encapsulated porcine islets has great potential as a clinical treatment in diabetes mellitus.

[The variations of PRL, LH, FSH and testosterone in renal disease]

Blood PRL was measured with RIA in 22 males and 19 females with various degrees of renal insufficiency. At the same time, blood LH, FSH, testosterone were studied in all the male patients and 20 sex-age matched healthy subjects. The results showed that the levels of PRL and LH were increased, and the level of testosterone was decreased significantly in male uremic patients. There was a significant negative correlation between PRL and testosterone. All the above parameters were measured again 8-25 days after continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy in 5 male uremic patients. The BUN and Cr levels decreased and the clinical manifestations of uremia improved, but the levels of PRL, LH, FSH and testosterone showed no significant changes. The mechanisms of these variations were discussed.

[Preliminary study on soilless cultivation techniques of Panax quinquefolium L]

Our experiment has shown 1. Vermiculite with sand (volume 1:1) is a good substrate of soil for American Ginseng. The yield and contents of ginsenoside of American ginseng in this soilless substrate are a little higher than those in ordinary soil. 2. This kind of substrate can be used continuously with fewer occurrences of insect pest and plant diseases and contributes significantly to the reduction of production cost.

Pylorus and antroseromuscular flap-preserving gastrectomy--a new type of reconstruction after subtotal gastrectomy for treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer: clinical and experimental study

To avoid motility disturbances after Billroth gastrectomy, the authors designed pylorus and antroseromuscular flap-preserving subtotal gastrectomy (PAFPG). Results showed that gastric motility and emptying time of dogs after PAFPG were close to normal. PAFPG was applied to 125 consecutive patients with gastroduodenal ulcers (gastric ulcer, 15 patients; duodenal ulcer, 94 patients; and combined ulcers, 16 patients) confirmed by barium examination and fibro-gastroendoscopy. All patients recovered smoothly, none of them had postoperative complication. Gastric acid output reduction rates were as follows: basal acid output, 85.05% +/- 8.13%; maximal acid output, 81.76% +/- 10.85%; peak acid output, 81.42% +/- 10.15%. The incidence of postoperative enterogastric reflux (endoscopically) and the concentration of cholic acids in gastric juice were significantly lower in patients after PAFPG than after Billroth I or II gastrectomy. Results suggest that PAFPG reduced gastric acid outputs definitely and overcame adverse motility consequences after Billroth I or II gastrectomy desirably.

[The preservation capacity of water and fertility of soilless cultivation substrate for Panax quinquefolium L.)]

The preservation capacity of water and fertility of several soilless cultivation substrates for Panax quinquefolium was compared in a large area. The data indicate that vermiculite mixed with sand (volume 1:1) is the most suitable soilless substrate for P. quinquefolium, for it is loose and features good preservation of fertility, water retaining, drainage, and air permeability. Timely analysis of nutrient contents in the substrates during cultivating period may serve as a guideline for correct application of fertilizer.

An MRI perfusion model incorporating nonequilibrium exchange between vascular and extravascular compartments

A model of MRI signal intensity which is a function of perfusion is developed based upon the assumption that biological tissue can be represented by a blood and tissue compartment. The longitudinal magnetization is derived from the Bloch equations which are modified to model the magnetization in both the blood and tissue as a function of the following physiological parameters: blood flow velocity; perfusion fraction, which in the model is parameterized in terms of the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the tissue and blood compartments; diffusion; rate of exchange between the blood and extravascular tissue compartments. Simulations of slice profiles excited by a repetitive sequence of 90 degrees slice-selective pulses show that the signal intensity in the blood and tissue compartments are modulated by the physiological parameters. A key factor in the modulation of the MRI signal is a time-of-flight effect whereby unexcited spins perfuse the excited region and exchange with blood and tissue compartments, thus immediately increasing the slice signal intensity but also delaying the spin exits from the slice, thereby decreasing their contribution to slice signal intensity in future repetitive pulse measurements.

[Clinical uses of digital subtraction arthrography of the temporomandibular joint]

In the present study, digital subtraction arthrography of TMJ upper cavity was performed in 20 cases with TMJ dysfunction syndrome. It was found that digital subtraction arthrography of TMJ can eliminate various overlapping imaging interference of skull components and has great diagnostic value for TMJ dysfunction syndrome, especially for the diagnosis of small meniscus perforation and the location of meniscus perforation. If this technique can be combined with dynamic observation of TMJ arthrography, the diagnoses for various displacement of meniscus can be made more exactly. However, it is impossible to carry out dynamic observation for TMJ when we use this technique only. This is its disadvantage. Therefore, the best way is to combine arthrographic dynamic observation or arthrographic fluoroscopic observation with digital subtraction arthrography.