[Treatment of acute optic neuritis with high dose of prednisone]

OBJECTIVE

The benefit of glucocorticoid for the treatment of acute optic neuritis remains controversial. The efficacy of oral prednisone in 12 patients (14 eyes) with acute optic neuritis was reviewed.

METHODS

The time of visual symptoms before treatment was 3-15 days. The visual acuities were worse than 0.1 in all patients, with positive relative afferent pupillary defect. Visual field defect and delay latency of P100 in pattern VEP were also found. The regimen of glucocorticoid therapy was oral prednisone, starting with 160 mg daily followed by reducing the dosage by 20 mg every three days until 40 mg per day was attained and then tapering the dosage at 70 mg every other day until stoppage of the drug. The treatment was 3-11 months and 9 patients were followed up more than one year.

RESULTS

The visual acuities improved rapidly and stable. After 4 days, the visual acuity was 0.2 or better in 10 eyes. It was better than 0.6 in 12 eyes at 15 days. At 6 months, all had the visual acuity better than 0.7, with 85.7% equal or better than 1.0.

CONCLUSIONS

The regimen of oral prednisone beginning with 160 mg followed by tapering for three months would be feasible. Pattern VEP was a sensitive and credible sign for evaluating the extent of demyelination.

[Study on the biosynthesis of para-aminobenzoic acid by S. sanguis. II. Qualitative and quantitative analysis]

In this study, the method established in paper 1 was used to analyze PABA synthesized by S. sanguis S34. The results showed: 1. S. sanguis S34 did synthesize PABA and the mean concentration of PABA was 1.236 micrograms/ml. 2. the components had good linear relation and average recovery was 80%. The results of this paper will be helpful to studying influencing factors on PABA synthesis of S. sanguis and the roles of PABA in microbial homeostasis of dental plaque.

[Myocardioprotective effects of preconditioning in patients undergoing open heart operation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the myocardial protective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on adult patients who undergoing prolonged open heart operation for complex heart diseases.

METHODS

30 patients were evenly divided into two groups at random. IP was elicited twice for 2 minutes ischemia from occlusion of vena cava and aorta followed by 3 minutes of reperfusion under cardiopulmonary bypass. Dynamic changes of ATP and purine metabolites in myocardium were measured. Electrocardiogram, leakage of myocardial enzymes, activities of SOD and LPO in serum and myocardial mechanics were investigated.

RESULTS

IP reduced ATP repletion and maintained a higher ATP content in ischemic myocardium (P < 0.05 vs control group at 30, 60, and 90 minutes of ischemia). Reduced inosine content was found in IP group (P > 0.05). The inosine/adenosine ratio at 30, 60 and 90 minutes of ischemia was 4.2 vs 14.1, 17.6 vs 28.2, 29.2 vs 71.3 for the IP and control groups, respectively, P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between the two groups in changes of ST-segment shifting, myocardial contractile and early postoperative recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

IP can reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury on prolonged ischemic myocardium in humans even when combined with cold cardioplegia. Decreased inosine production and inosine/adenosine ratio in ischemic myocardium may be an important mechanism of IP, by which the production of oxygen free radicals are decreased during early reperfusion.

[Regeneration of costal cartilage by pectus excavatum and thoracic cage remodeling]

In order to identify whether the regeneration of costal cartilage is the basis of post-surgical repair of pectus excavatum and thoracic cage remodeling, 151 cases were followed up for 0.25 to 14 years. The main procedures in treatment were 3 steps: To curve the mental strut as a bow, to repair the perichondrium as a tube, and to persist in post-operative therapy. The results showed that regeneration of the costal cartilages appeared 3 months postoperatively in the cases treated by this method. It was concluded that a satisfactory thoracic cage could be remodeled by improving the technique of repairing pectus excavatum and persisting in postoperative therapy according to the regeneration regularity.

[Study on the biosynthesis of para-aminobenzoic acid by S. sanguis. I. Establishment of a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography]

In order to study the synthesis of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) by S. mutans and the role of PABA in the interaction between S. mutans and S. sanguis, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for analysis of PABA was developed. The results showed that the optimal chromatographic parameters were flow rate of 1.5 ml/min, T = 55 +/- 2 degrees C, methanol/phosphate buffer of 10/90(by vol) (pH 2.2 0.1 mol/L), m-hydroxybenzoic acid as an internal standard. The method is simple, rapid accurate and useful.

Identifying Lys359 as a critical residue for the ATP-dependent reactions of Drosophila DNA topoisomerase II

Substituting Lys359 with either Gln or Glu in the highly conserved QTK-loop in the DNA gyrase B protein homologous domain of Drosophila topoisomerase II inactivates its catalytic activities. Although strand passage and DNA-dependent ATPase activities are affected in these mutant proteins, their DNA cleavage activity is comparable with the wild-type enzyme and can be stimulated to the same level by topoisomerase-targeting anticancer drugs. The sequence specificity in the DNA cleavage reaction remains unaltered for the mutant proteins. We have used both glass fiber filter binding assay and CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation to monitor the formation of a salt-stable, protein-clamp complex. Both Gln and Glu mutant proteins can form a clamp complex in the presence of 5'-adenylyl-beta,gamma-imidodiphosphate, albeit with a lower efficiency than the wild-type enzyme. However, the mutant proteins can form a stable complex either in the presence of ATP or in the absence of any cofactors. These results are in an interesting contrast with the wild-type enzyme, which cannot form a stable complex under similar conditions. Our data suggest that Lys359 is critical for the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II and may have an important function in the ATP signaling process.

[Investigation on the luminescence properties of Er ions in Er-doped sol-gel silica glasses]

Er-doped sol-gel silica glasses which have room temperature photoluminescence at 1.54 microm and doped concentration of 10(20)/cm(3) have been prepared. The examination results Indicated: (1) PL spectrum has largest intensity at the 0.5W% doped concentration; (2) the intensity of PL decreased 74%, when the temperature raised form 4K to 300K; (3) The Er ion and O ions formed complexes with coordinated numbers of 8 or 9.

[Esophageal reconstruction using ilecolon in children--a report of ten cases]

The use of the ileocolon as a substitute for esophagus in children has been a well-established surgical procedure. Between 1992 and 1995, ten retrosternal esophageal substitutions using an ileocolic interposition were performed. The ages of the children ranged from 2 to 8 years. The esophageal strictures were secondary to ingestion of caustic liquid. No death occurred in the intra- and post-operation period. Cervical ileoesophageal anastomotic leaks took place in 2 cases as the early major postoperative complications, which healed spontaneously. Three cases of ileoesophageal anastomotic strictures were noted in the follow-up period. The surgical indications, the treatments of anastomotic leaks and strictures, and the importance of long-term follow-up were discussed.

A capitated model for a cross-section of severely mentally ill clients: hospitalization

Hospitalization outcomes are examined in a three year random assignment controlled study of two capitated Integrated Service Agencies (ISAs) in California. Study participants were a cross-section of severely mentally ill clients. Using the flexibility of capitated funding, the urban ISA reduced inpatient length of stay and days, but not admissions. Elements of the capitated ISA model worked together to produce clinically appropriate and less costly use of inpatient services. At the rural ISA, admissions were reduced substantially during the first two years of the demonstration but not costs.

[The mechanisms of antioxidant against inflammatory lesion in animal oral mucosa. II. A study of glutathione peroxidase]

In order to understand the mechanisms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) against inflammatory lesion in hamster cheek pouch, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the cheek pouch mucosa was assayed in different time. The efficacy of GPx scavenging lipid peroxide was also measured. In the SOD group GPx activity decreased significantly in the early stage (8 h). But the level of lipid peroxide in the SOD group not increase at the same time. The results of the model group were contrary. It was implied that exigenous SOD scavenged lipid peroxide in the oral mucosa sufficiently in stead of GPx.

A capitated model for a cross-section of severely mentally ill clients: employment outcomes

Employment outcomes are examined in a three year controlled study of two Integrated Service Agencies (ISAs) for a cross-section of severely mentally ill clients. At each site significantly more ISA members than comparison clients obtained some paid employment. At the urban site the difference was dramatic: 73 vs 15 percent worked during the study period, and 29 percent of the ISA clients worked competitively. The significant but still limited ISA results argue for increased employment opportunities for all seriously mentally ill clients.

Observations on the treatment of natural haemosporidia infections by total alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. in cattle

Eighty two cattle naturally infected with haemosporidians were treated with total alkaloid hydrochloride of Peganum harmale L. (0.5 mg/kg/day). Fifty eight cases with Theileria sergenti showed a cure rate of 86%; thirteen cases with Theileria annulata showed a cure rate of 85%; eight cattle infected with Babesia bigemina showed a cure rate of 88% and three cases of Anaplasma marginale were completely cured. The results suggested that the curative effect of total alkaloid of P. harmale was better than that of diminazene aceturate and produced minimal side effects. The alkaloid could also be administered to pregnant animals. It was concluded that the total alkaloid of P. harmale showed a marked effect as a treatment for haemosporidican infections in cattle.

Effect of total alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. in the treatment of experimental haemosporidian infections in cattle

Cattle experimentally infected with Babesia bigemina or Theileria sergenti or mixed infestations of the two parasites were treated with Total Alkaloid of Peganum harmala L. The results showed that treatment was effective against B. bigemina infection, had a marked effect on the course of infection with T. sergenti and some effect on the course of the mixed infection.

[The mechanisms of antioxidantenzyme against inflammatory lesion in animal oral mucosa. I. An investigation on microcirculation in oral mucosa]

A technique of vital microcirculation observation and electron microscope were used to study the microcirculation in hamster cheek pouch, in which an acute inflammatory lesion was induced by oxygen free radicals (OFR). At the same time, the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the microcirculation was assessed. The results showed that in the model group the microcirculation disturbance in the cheek pouch was very serious. However, in the SOD group the microcirculation was almost unchangable.

[Micro-vitreoretinal surgery and silicone oil for treatment of perforating injuries with retinal detachments]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic value and effects of micro-vitreoretinal surgery (M-VRS), retinotomy and silicone oil (SiO) for perforating injuries with retinal detachment (PIRD).

METHODS

64 cases of PIRD were treated with M-VRS, retinotomies and SiO.

RESULTS

The retina was totally reattached in 58 cases or a rate of 90.6%, which dropped to 73.5% in 3-15 months postoperatively. Visual acuity of 64.7% was counting fingers or better, and 17.6% > or = 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

This method can cure PIRD that were not cured with routine M-VRS, and 1/6 cases were out of blindness.

[Comparison of the activity for carbohydrate metabolism enzymes of plaque in different ages]

Plaque samples were collected from tooth surface by the sampling method in 28 volunteers (two groups, 14 young people, ages ranged from 19-26 years, mean: 22.29 years old; 14 old people, aged between 60-70 years, mean: 64.35 years old, DMFT > 3). The activity for three enzymes including amylases, LDH, GTF was tested by micro-chemistry enzyme analysis method. The results showed that there were no significant difference for the activity of three enzymes in two groups (P > 0.05). The finding suggests that dental plaque is a specific microecologic environment and cariogenic factor, age does not affect the activity of enzymes, plaque in different ages has similar cariogenicity.

[Research on a microprocessing controller applied to artificial limb which operated by toe to stump transplantation]

The subject based on the technology of transplanting a toe to stump, which provides reliable information for the artificial limb operation. The artificial limb control system is researched and set up. This system controlling five degrees of freedom adopts the microprocessing technology and fuzzy sets approach.

Cigarette taxation in China: lessons from international experiences

This paper draws upon the experiences of foreign countries in implementing tobacco taxation to provide lessons the Chinese government can use when considering the feasibility of raising additional taxes on cigarettes. Based on current international data and Chinese published data, this paper concludes that there is still leeway to raise existing taxes. The Chinese government should consider conducting some pilot experiments in tobacco tax increases, with some of the new revenues allocated for tobacco control programmes as well as for financing healthcare services among the poor.

Sex hormone receptors of hemangiomas in children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether or not estrogen receptor and other sex hormone receptors are present in hemangioma tissues of children.

METHODS

Fifty-two specimens of hemangiomas were taken from 52 children. The specimens were doubly stained with hematoxylin-eosin and enzyme-linking affinity immunohistochemistry. The prepared tissue slides were observed under the microscope to search for estrogen receptors (ER), progestogen receptors (PR) and androgen receptors (AR) in all the cells.

RESULTS

ER, PR and AR were detected in various kinds of hemangiomas. The mean positive cell rate of each sex hormone receptor in different hemangioma tissues revealed no significant distinction in statistics (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that hemangiomas are one of the target tissues of estrogen. Estrogen, ER, PR, and AR may play an important role in the growth and development of hemangiomas.

Treatment participation and outcome among problem drinkers in a managed care alcohol outpatient treatment program

This article uses Markov analysis to investigate patterns of treatment participation of 361 patients treated in the alcohol and drug abuse programs of a large group model Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to examine how participation is related to abstinence. Findings indicate that 82% of the patients in treatment one month after intake were in treatment three months later, and treatment retention dropped to 46% by month 6. Findings also indicate that 74% of patients abstinent and in treatment at month 1 remained so at month 3. Abstinence at the first three-month interval was a strong predictor of abstinence at later time periods. A multivariate analysis showed that an expressed desire to stop alcohol use upon entry into treatment was the most consistent predictor of both treatment participation and abstinence at most time points. Treatment participation was also a significant predictor of abstinence.

Isolation and structure of prorocentrolide B, a fast-acting toxin from Prorocentrum maculosum

A new toxin, prorocentrolide B (1), has been isolated following bioassay-guided fractionation of a BuOH extract of the tropical dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum maculosum Faust. This compound produces a rapid toxic response in the mouse bioassay, a type of activity not accounted for by other diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins produced by P. maculosum. The structure 1 was established by NMR and MS and is similar to prorocentrolide (2), a toxin from a strain of Prorocentrum lima. NMR data and the modeling program ConGen have been used to establish the relative stereochemistry of some individual ether ring systems and the hexahydroisoquinoline ring.

Molecular and functional characterization of the p62 complex, an assembly of nuclear pore complex glycoproteins

Macromolecular trafficking across the nuclear envelope involves interactions between cytosolic transport factors and nuclear pore complex proteins. The p62 complex, an assembly of 62, 58, 54, and 45-kD O-linked glycoproteins-localized near the central gated channel of the nuclear pore complex, has been directly implicated in nuclear protein import. The cDNA cloning of rat p62 was reported previously. We have now carried out cDNA cloning of rat p58, p54, and p45. We found that p58 contains regions with FG (Phe, Gly) and PA (Pro, Ala) repeats at both its NH2 and COOH termini separated by a predicted alpha-helical coiled-coil region, while p54 has an NH2-terminal FG and PA repeat region and a COOH-terminal predicted coiled-coil region. p45 and p58 appear to be generated by alternative splicing, with p45 containing the NH2-terminal FG repeat region and the coiled-coil region of p58. Using immunogold electron microscopy, we found that p58/p45 and p54 are localized on both sides of the nuclear pore complex, like p62. Previous studies have shown that immobilized recombinant p62 can bind the cytosolic nuclear import factor NTF2 and thereby deplete transport activity from cytosol. We have now found that immobilized recombinant p58 and p54 also can deplete nuclear transport activity from cytosol, and that p62, p58, and p54 bind directly to the cytosolic nuclear import factors p97 and NTF2. At least in the case of p58, this involves FG repeat regions. Moreover, p58 can bind to a complex containing transport ligand, the nuclear localization sequence receptor (Srp1 alpha) and p97. These data support a model in which the p62 complex binds to a multicomponent particle consisting of transport ligand and cytosolic factors to achieve accumulation of ligand near the central gated channel of the nuclear pore complex.