[Determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) secretion from activated platelets by high performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detector]

A method of determination of 5-HT secretion from activated platelets by HPLC/ECD was established. Spherisorb C18 column of 4.6 mm i.d. x 100 mm was used in this experiment. The CV was 4.65%, The linear range was 0.002 5-1 mg/L. This method has the advantages of high speed, high sensitivity; specificity, of requiring a minimum of preparation of samples and of relatively low cost for instrumentation and reagents. It could reflect the activated situation of platelet induced by weak activator and be used in other biological sample.

Trial of antiepilepsirine (AES) in children with epilepsy

Antieplepsirine (AES) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) which was originally extracted from a Chinese folk remedy, and is now chemically characterized and synthesized. Its chemical structure is different from those of other available AEDs. Animal experiments involving AES demonstrated significant antiepileptic activity. Only a few clinical studies of AES with open trial have been resorted, none of which were on children. A 6.5 month, add-on, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study on AES (10 mg/kg per day) was conducted on epileptic children (aged 1-14 years) refractory to treatment with standard AEDs. The seizure frequency was recorded, and the blood levels of AES and other co-medicated AEDs (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate) were determined. Although not planned, patients or parents were allowed to refuse to cross-over to the alternate therapy. The results were compared to the children who crossed-over as well as for the entire group during the first 3 months of randomized treatment. A total of 58 children entered, but only 34/58 children completed the cross-over study. The 24 children whose parents refused to let them be crossed-over continued the original study treatment (AES or placebo) for the entire 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference in seizure control when the entire group of 58 patients was compared to a parallel study group for the first 3 months of therapy (P = 0.178). There was a significant difference (P<0.01) in seizure control between AES and placebo treatment for the 34 patients who completed the entire cross-over study. No significant changes were seen in the blood level of other AEDs, and no serious acute side effects were observed. The results of the present study indicate the efficacy of AES for epileptic children with refractory seizures.

Conopeptides from Conus striatus and Conus textile by cDNA cloning

Conopeptide content in Conus textile and Conus striatus venoms were examined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of alpha-conopeptide cDNA and rapid amplification of 3' cDNA ends of O-superfamily conopeptide cDNA. Two new alpha-conopeptide sequences and six new O-superfamily conopeptide sequences from C. textile, four new O-superfamily conopeptide sequences, and four previously biochemically characterized conopeptide sequences from C. striatus were identified. The results suggest that this cDNA method is rapid and requires less material for the study of conopeptides.

Hierarchically ordered oxides

Porous silica, niobia, and titania with three-dimensional structures patterned over multiple length scales were prepared by combining micromolding, polystyrene sphere templating, and cooperative assembly of inorganic sol-gel species with amphiphilic triblock copolymers. The resulting materials show hierarchical ordering over several discrete and tunable length scales ranging from 10 nanometers to several micrometers. The respective ordered structures can be independently modified by choosing different mold patterns, latex spheres, and block copolymers. The examples presented demonstrate the compositional and structural diversities that are possible with this simple approach.

[Myocardial function after fluid resuscitation with addition of anisodamine in severely burned rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of fluid resuscitation with addition of anisodamine (Ani) on myocardial function in severely burned rabbits.

METHODS

III degree burn injury covering 25% total body surface area (TBSA) was produced on rabbits. LVSP, LV +/- dp/dtmax were measured with fluid resuscitation alone, administration of Ani alone, and fluid resuscitation plus Ani before burn, immediately after burn and 1, 3, 5, 7 h after burn.

RESULTS

It was showed that myocardial contractility and relaxation were depressed 1 h after burn. Fluid resuscitation alone and administration of Ani alone could significantly improve myocardial contractility and relaxation only within 3 h postburn. With fluid resuscitation plus Ani (5 mg.kg-1), myocardial contractility and relaxation were improved statistically significantly as compared with control group without treatment (P < 0.01), with the values approaching the normal level.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that the administration of Ani (5 mg.kg-1) in addition to fluid resuscitation is beneficial to burn injury, especially to myocardial function, and it provides a promising approach for the future treatment of burns.

[Memorial metal ball for the treatment of avascular necrosis of femoral head]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a new method for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

METHOD

A technique has been developed what the memorial metal ball, and where the graft of the wing of the ilium is harvested with the deep circumflex iliac vascular pedicle and implanted into the avascular area of the femoral head. This procedure has been performed in 28 hips in 22 patients.

RESULT

Preoperatively, 8 hips were of Ficat Arlet Stage II and twenty stage III. Postoperatively, eighteen patients were pain free, 3 had mild pain, and 1 had moderate pain. The radiographic appearance improved in 2 cases. No major complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

It is one of the better alternatives that can prevent the necrotic femoral head from progressing to collapse and promote revascularization and new bone formation by direct mechanical support. The technique is suitable for the treatment of avascular necrosis of femoral head of stage I to III.

[Synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridines with blood pressure and blood-fat lowering effects]

To develop new drugs with the effects of lowering blood-fat and blood pressure, compounds 1-7 and 10 were synthesized by the reactions of 2-methyl-2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]propionyl chloride with a hydroxyl group in 1,4-dihydropyridines. Compounds 8 and 9 were obtained by the reactions of 2-methyl-2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]propionyl chloride with salicylic aldehyde first, and then with beta-aminocrotonates. All 1-10 are new compounds, and their structures were elucidated by means of 1HNMR and MS. The effects of compounds 1-10 on lowering cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure were investigated, and some of which were found to have the effects of lowering triglyceride and blood pressure.

Developmental changes in phospholipase D activity and mRNA levels in rat brain

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity and PLD1 mRNA levels were determined in rat brain at ages ranging from embryonic day (E) 19 to postnatal day (P) 49. Basal, oleate-, and phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate-stimulated PLD activity increased between E19 and P24 by approximately 3-fold and remained unaltered thereafter. A similar developmental pattern of mRNA levels of PLD1 isoform was found by Northern blotting. The development of PLD correlates with synaptogenesis and myelination suggesting that the enzyme might have an important function in these processes.

[Study on the infrared spectra of 9-methoxy benzoxanthene-3,4-dicarboximide fluorescent dyes]

The characteristic infrared spectra of eight novel 9-methoxy benzoxanthene-3, 4-dicarboximide fluorescent dyes was studied and the substiuent influences on the spectrum nature was also pointed out. The nature of N-substituent group in the imide ring affects the position of v(c=o) by mesomeric and inductive effects. Imides give the rise to two vc=o absorptions, namely v(a)(c=o) and v(as)(c=o) (1600-1700cm(-1)). The separations between v(a)(c=)o and v(as)(c=o) were about 36-43cm(-1).

Reduction of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by a soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1

OBJECTIVE

The authors' goal was to determine the effects of specific binding and blockade of P- and E-selectins by a soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in rat models of hepatic in vivo warm ischemia and ex vivo cold ischemia. The authors also sought to determine the effect of selectin blockade on isograft survival in a syngeneic rat orthotopic liver transplant model.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major factor in poor graft function after liver transplantation, which may profoundly influence early graft function and late changes. It is hypothesized that I/R injury leads to the upregulation of P-selectin, which is then rapidly translocated to endothelial cell surfaces within 5 minutes of reperfusion of the liver, initiating steps leading to tethering of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes to the vascular intima. Local production by leukocytes of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or both induces P-selectin expression on the endothelium and continues the cascade of events, which increases cell adherence and infiltration of the organ.

METHODS

To examine directly the effects of selectins in a warm hepatic I/R injury model, 100 microg of PSGL-1 or saline was given through the portal vein at the time of total hepatic inflow occlusion. The effects of PSGL-1 in cold ischemia were assessed using an isolated perfused rat liver after 6 hours of 4 degrees C storage in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, with or without the instillation of PSGL-1 before the storage. To evaluate the effect of selectin blockade on liver transplant survival, syngeneic orthotopic liver transplants were performed between inbred male Sprague-Dawley rats after 24 hours of cold ischemic storage in UW solution. A separate group of animals received two doses of 100 microg of PSGL-1 through the portal vein before storage and before reperfusion of the transplanted liver. Recipient survival was assessed at 7 days, and the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimate method was used for univariate calculations of time-dependent recipient survival events.

RESULTS

In an in vivo warm rat liver ischemia model, perfusion with PSGL-1 afforded considerable protection from I/R injury, as demonstrated by decreased transaminase release, reduced histologic hepatocyte damage, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration, versus controls (p < 0.05). When cold stored livers were reperfused, PSGL-1 reduced the degree of hepatocyte transaminase release, reduced neutrophil infiltration, and decreased histologic hepatocyte damage (p < 0.05 vs. UW-only controls). On reperfusion, livers treated with PSGL-1 demonstrated increased portal vein blood flow and bile production (p < 0.05 vs. UW-only controls). In addition, 90% of the rats receiving liver isografts stored in UW solution supplemented with PSGL-1 survived 7 days versus 50% of those whose transplanted syngeneic livers had been stored in UW alone (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Selectins play an important role in I/R injury of the liver. Early modulation of the interaction between P-selectin and its ligand decreases hepatocyte injury, neutrophil adhesion, and subsequent migration in both warm and cold rat liver ischemia models. In addition, the use of PSGL-1 before ischemic storage and before transplantation prevents hepatic injury, as documented by a significant increase in liver isograft survival. These findings have important clinical ramifications: early inhibition of alloantigen-independent mechanisms during the I/R damage may influence both short- and long-term survival of liver allografts.

Development of approximate formula for LDL-chol, LDL-apo B and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B as indices of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and small dense LDL

Estimation of LDL-chol and LDL-apo B is useful for the diagnosis of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (normal LDL-chol with increased LDL-apo B), which is one of the most commonly occurring lipoprotein disorders associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The LDL-chol/LDL-apo B ratio reflects the level of small dense LDL, which is an important risk factor for IHD, CVD and ASO. In order to estimate LDL-apo B and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B ratio from blood chol, TG, HDL-chol and apo B values, we developed a formula for LDL-chol ¿0.94Chol- 0.94HDL-chol - 0.19TG¿, LDL-apo B ¿apo B - 0.09Chol + 0.09HDL-chol-0.08TG¿, and LDL-chol/LDL-apo B [¿0.94Chol-0.94HDL-chol - 0.19TG¿/¿apo B - 0.09Chol + 0.09HDL-chol-0.08TG¿] using ultracentrifugal data from 2179 subjects. These were calculated by the least squares method on the assumption that a certain compositional relationship exists between Chol, TG and apo B in VLDL, IDL and LDL. Friedewald's formula for LDL-chol (Chol - HDL-chol - 0.2TG) includes IDL-chol, but the present new formula theoretically excludes IDL-chol. It suggests a better estimation for the correct LDL-chol. Estimated LDL-apo B is useful for the diagnosis of hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and detection of small dense LDL. Without performing ultracentrifuge, additional information is obtained for the quantitative and qualitative alteration of LDL, such as small dense LDL. The above formulae and a new classification of lipoproteinemia including apo B were applied to the analyses of lipoprotein profiles of subjects with cardiovascular diseases, which were compared with those in the general population. Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia with high TG was observed 2-3 times more frequently in subjects with CAD, MI and ASO than in the Suita population. Lower ratios of LDL-chol/LDL-apo B, reflecting preponderance of small dense LDL, were observed in the above three groups. Type IIb and combined low HDL-chol were also frequent phenotypes in CAD, A-Th and ASO. The present formulae are useful for the detailed analyses of lipoprotein disorders in both qualitative as well as quantitative aspects.

Biochemical characterization of selenium-containing catalytic antibody as a cytosolic glutathione peroxidase mimic

A selenium-containing catalytic antibody (Se-4A4), prepared by converting reactive serine residues of a monoclonal antibody (4A4) raised against a GSH derivative into selenocysteines, acts as a mimic of cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (cGPX). To clarify the mechanism of action of this catalytic antibody, detailed studies on kinetic behaviour and biological activity were carried out. A rate of acceleration (kcat/Km/kuncat) 10(7)-fold that of the uncatalytic reaction is observed. Under similar conditions, the turnover number (kcat) of Se-4A4 is 42% of that of the natural rabbit liver cGPX. The Se-4A4 reaction involves a Ping Pong mechanism, which is the same as that of the natural cGPX. The selenocysteine residue is located in the binding site of the antibody and is shown to be crucial for this activity. Of the thiol compounds tested, only GSH is able to serve as substrate for Se-4A4. It was demonstrated, using the free-radical-damage system (hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase) of cardiac mitochondria, that Se-4A4 can protect mitochondria from free-radical damage at least 10(4)-fold more effectively than the natural cGPX.

Synergetic protective effects of combined blockade by two kinds of autolesion mediator receptor on neurological function after cervical cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of combined blockade by platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist BN52021 in combination with opiate receptor antagonist naloxone on neurological function and neurological tissue damage after cervical cord injury.

METHODS

Spinal cord contusion at C6 segment was made with Allen method in cats, which were randomly divided into four groups: saline control group; BN52021 group; naloxone group; and combined treatment group with BN52021 and naloxone. Alteration of cervical cord blood flow, blood barrier permeability of the spinal cord, cervical cord tissue pathology and neurological functional scores were studied after experimental cervical cord injury.

RESULTS

The animals treated with BN52021 or naloxone had significantly better functional scores than saline controls 6 weeks after injury (P < 0.05). Moreover, the combined treatment showed significantly better neurologic recovery than either naloxone or BN52021 treated animals (P < 0.05). The other indexes in combined treatment animals were also superior to those in naloxone or BN52021 treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined blockade by two kinds of autolesion mediator receptor can more effectively inhibit secondary damage production and development after cervical cord injury and improve neurologic function.

[Study of telomerase activity in colorectal carcinomas]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the telomerase activity in human colorectal carcinoma and tumor-adjacent tissue and to investigate the possibility of telomerase as tumor biological marker.

METHODS

A total of 60 human colorectal tissue specimens, comprising 37 carcinomas, 3 benign lesions and 20 tumor-adjacent tissue specimens were examined for telomerase activity by telomeric repeat amplification protocol(TRAP) assay.

RESULTS

No telomerase activity in 20 tumor-adjacent tissues and 3 benign lesions was detected. However, of 37 colorectal carcinoma specimens, 35 were positive for telomerase activity with a 94.6% positive rate.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that telomerase is a tumor specific gene marker, and may play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal carcinomas.

[Diagnosis and treatment of male breast carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of male breast carcinoma.

METHODS

Thirty-two male breast carcinoma cases were studied. The median age was fifty-four years old. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for male breast carcinoma were studied.

RESULTS

Clinical stage of the patients: I, 7 patients; II, 17 patients; III, 7 patients; IV, 1 patient. Of the 32 carcinomas, 31 patients had mass in the breast. Positive lymph nodes were found in 57.1% of the patients. The 5-year survival rate was 65.6% for all patients, 68.4% for patients undergone radical mastectomy, 66.7% for those undergone modified radical mastectomy and 57.1% for the others.

CONCLUSION

The optimal treatment for male breast carcinoma is modified radical mastectomy combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy.

Fracture properties of aged and post-processed dental composites

The purpose of this study was to determine the flexure strength (sigma f), Young's modulus (E), and fracture toughness (KIC) of five dental composites after aging in water and air. The composites were, by weight, 75% or 79% glass filler and 25% or 21% resin composed of 60% Bis-GMA and 40% TEG-DMA. The filler was either strontium glass (75Sr or 79Sr) or a combination, by weight, of 90% strontium glass and 10% colloidal silica (75Sr10 or 79Sr10). The specimens, 2 x 4 x 70 mm bars, were aged in either air or distilled water at 37 degrees C and were tested in their respective aging media at a loading rate of 1.22 mm/s. The sigma f and E were tested in four-point loading and the KIC in three-point loading. The addition of the fillers to the unfilled resin resulted in a statistically significant increase in the flexure strength, flexure modulus, and fracture toughness. Aging in air had minimal effect on these properties. However, testing and aging in water led to a significant decrease in the mechanical properties in the first 6 months, but had limited effect from 6 to 12 months.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute central cervical cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the diagnosis and management of acute central cervical cord injury.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with acute cervical central cord injury were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-three patients were treated conservatively and 26 were treated surgically. There were two acute deaths. Eighty-seven patients were followed up for 3 months to 15 years.

RESULTS

Their average neurological score (ASIA) was increased from 41.7 at admission to 83.1 at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute central cervical cord injury should be differentiated from complete spinal cord injury, cervical myelopathy, cruciate paralysis and C8 nerve root injury. When compression of nerve tissue or cervical instability is identified, operative intervention should be indicated. The prognosis is less optimistic in the patients with severe primary injury and at old age.

(3R,4S)-3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]chroman-4,7-diol: a conformationally restricted analogue of the NR2B subtype-selective NMDA antagonist (1S,2S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)- 1-propanol

(1S,2S)-1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)-1-propanol (CP-101,606, 1) is a recently described antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors containing the NR2B subunit. In the present study, the optimal orientation of compounds of this structural type for their receptor was explored. Tethering of the pendent methyl group of 1 to the phenolic aromatic ring via an oxygen atom prevents rotation about the central portion of the molecule. Several of the new chromanol compounds have high affinity for the racemic [3H]CP-101,606 binding site on the NMDA receptor and protect against glutamate toxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons. The new ring caused a change in the stereochemical preference of the receptor-cis (erythro) compounds had better affinity for the receptor than the trans isomers. Computational studies suggest that steric interactions between the pendent methyl group and the phenol ring in the acyclic series determine which structures can best fit the receptor. The chromanol analogue, (3R,4S)-3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-1- yl]chroman-4,7-diol (12a, CP-283,097), was found to possess potency and selectivity comparable to CP-101,606. Thus 12a is a new tool to explore the function of the NR2B-containing NMDA receptors.

The RNA product of the Doc retrotransposon is localized on the Drosophila oocyte cytoskeleton

The Doc retrotransposon of Drosophila melanogaster encodes an RNA with two open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes an RNA-binding protein and overlaps with ORF2, which encodes a reverse transcriptase. Retrotransposons transpose to new positions in the genome via a full-length RNA intermediate. Because they do not encode a coat protein, transposition is limited to single cell lineages. In this paper we present evidence that shows that the highest levels of Doc transcripts are found in the adult male and female germ-line. The Doc RNA is localized in the region of the cytoskeleton of the Drosophila oocyte. The biological significance of this is unknown, but we discuss some of the possibilities.

[The choice of optimum instrumental parameters of a new type interference selective amplitude modulation spectrometer (SISAM) with monograting]

A specific calculation of a family of spread functions of the new type SISAM with only one grating, which is equal in effect to two grating, is made as a function of the dimension of light source and the modulation amplitude and their optimum values are determined.

[Study on androgen receptor mRNA expression on laryngocarcinoma tissue]

Exploring the role of androgen receptor (AR) in development of laryngocarcinoma, expression of AR in larynx squamous cell carcinoma and normal larynx tissue were observed and analysed by Northern blot hybridization. The results showed: AR mRNA was founded in both 27 larynx squamous carcinoma and 6 normal larynx tissue beside carcinoma samples. The intensity of AR mRNA expression in carcinoma was significantly stronger than that in normal larynx tissue, and the expression of AR mRNA was in low degree in normal larynx tissue. The existence and different expression of AR mRNA in both laryngocarcinoma and normal larynx tissue suggest that AR gene can control development of laryngocarcinoma tissue.