Rapamycin and T cell costimulatory blockade as post-transplant treatment promote fully MHC-mismatched allogeneic bone marrow engraftment under irradiation-free conditioning therapy

Hematopoietic macrochimerism, established by bone marrow transplantation, can be used as an approach for treating autoimmune disease and inducing transplant tolerance. In this study, we investigated whether a stable, high level of fully MHC-mismatched hematopoietic macrochimerism can be induced by using irradiation-free protocols, and whether rapamycin and T cell costimulatory blockades (anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb) and CTLA4Ig) as post-transplant treatment promote bone marrow engraftment. Donor-specific blood transfusion (DST), anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS), busulfan, and cyclophosphamide were given pretransplantation. Balb/c (H-2(d)) bone marrow cells, at a dose of 4 x 10(7), were infused into each C57BL/6 mouse (H-2(b)). Rapamycin, anti-CD40L mAb, and CTLA4Ig were then administered, either alone or in combination. Without ALS or busulfan and cyclophosphamide, macrochimerism can only rarely be induced. Donor-specific transfusion (DST) enhances induction of hematopoietic macrochimerism. Rapamycin, anti-CD40L mAb and CTLA4Ig, alone or in combination, induce a stable and high level of hematopoietic macrochimerism. In the chimeric mice, donor-derived cells were detected in all lymphohematopoietic tissues and donor-specific tolerance was induced in vitro. We conclude that a stable and high level of fully MHC-mismatched hematopoietic macrochimerism can be induced in mice after transplanting a single modest dose of bone marrow cells without irradiation. Rapamycin and T cell costimulatory blockade as post-transplant treatment promote bone marrow engraftment.

Bis(dimethylamido) complexes of alkyl- and phenylgallium. Useful precursors to the RGa(2+) synthon

Alkyl- and phenylbis(dimethylamido)gallium, [RGa(NMe(2))(2)](2) [R = Me (1), Et (2), (n)Bu (3), (n)Hx (4), and Ph (5)], were synthesized by reactions of LiNMe(2) with (RGaCl(2))(2). The crystal structure of compound 1 was a disordered mixture of anti and syn isomers, with the ratio of anti/syn being 64:36, which was consistent with the ratio (57:43) found in the (1)H NMR spectrum. The Ga(2)N(2) cores of the anti and syn structures were nonplanar. (1)H NMR spectra indicated the presence of both anti and syn isomers for all of the other substituents. (1)H NMR and mass spectra indicated that a species with the general formula of R(3)Ga(2)(NMe(2))(3) was formed when these compounds were heated at high temperatures.

Peptides that mimic glycosaminoglycans: high-affinity ligands for a hyaluronan binding domain

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronan (HA) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that promotes motility, adhesion, and proliferation in mammalian cells, as mediated by cell-surface HA receptors. We sought to identify non-carbohydrate ligands that would bind to and activate cell-surface HA receptors. Such analogs could have important therapeutic uses in the treatment of cancer, wound healing, and arthritis, since such ligands would be resistant to degradation by hyaluronidase (HAse).

RESULTS

Peptide ligands that bind specifically to the recombinant HA binding domain (BD) of the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) were obtained by screening two peptide libraries: (i) random 8-mers and (ii) biased 8-mers with alternating acidic side chains, i.e. XZXZXZXZ (X=all-L-amino acids except Cys, Lys, or Arg; Z=D-Asp, L-Asp, D-Glu, or L-Glu). Selectivity of the peptide ligands for the HABD was established by (i) detection of binding of biotin- or fluorescein-labeled peptides to immobilized proteins and (ii) fluorescence polarization of FITC-labeled peptides with the HABD in solution. HA competitively displaced binding of peptides to the HABD, while other GAGs were less effective competitors. The stereochemistry of four biased octapeptides was established by synthesis of the 16 stereoisomers of each peptide. Binding assays demonstrated a strong preference for alternating D and L configurations for the acidic residues, consistent with the calculated orientation of glucuronic acid moieties of HA.

CONCLUSIONS

Two classes of HAse-resistant peptide mimetics of HA were identified with high affinity, HA-compatible binding to the RHAMM HABD. This demonstrated that non-HA ligands specific to a given HA binding protein could be engineered, permitting receptor-specific targeting.

Effect of anti-mIL-9 antibody on the development of pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice

Interleukin (IL)-9 is a T-cell-derived cytokine with pleiotropic activities on T helper 2 cells, B cells, and mast cells. IL-9 may therefore play an important role in the development of allergic pulmonary inflammatory diseases. In this study, an antimouse IL-9 (anti-mIL-9) antibody (Ab) was evaluated against pulmonary eosinophilia, histopathologic changes in lung tissues, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine in mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Additionally, steady-state levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and interferon-gamma messenger RNA (mRNA) in the lungs were measured. The anti-mIL-9 Ab (200 microg/mouse, intraperitoneally) was given as either four doses during the sensitization period or as a single dose before OVA challenge. Sensitized mice challenged with OVA displayed marked pulmonary eosinophilia, epithelial damage, and goblet cell hyperplasia. OVA challenge also increased mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the lungs. AHR was also increased twofold in sensitized, challenged mice. Treatment of sensitized, challenged mice with four doses of anti-mIL-9 Ab significantly reduced pulmonary eosinophilia, serum IgE levels, goblet cell hyperplasia, airway epithelial damage, and AHR, but had no effect on IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 mRNA levels in the lungs. A single dose of the antibody was ineffective on all measures. These results indicate that an antibody to mIL-9 inhibits the development of allergic pulmonary inflammation and AHR in mice.

[The study of PAI-1 promotor region gene polymorphism in cerebrovascular disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) gene polymorphism and cerebrovascular disease and detect whether it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

Peripheral blood leukocytes samples were collected from 60 normal controls, 65 patients with acute cerebral infarction (CI) and 31 hypertensives complicated with cerebral hemorrhage. The 4G/5G allele polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene promotor region of the leukocytes was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. The plasma PAI-1 activity was assayed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The plasma PAI-1 activity level in the CI group was significantly higher than those in the other two groups. PAI-1 level in 4G allele homozygous genotype was significantly higher than the PAI-1 levels in 4G/5G heterozygous and 5G homozygous. Although PAI-1 level was higher in 4G/5G heterozygous genotype than in 5G homozygous, the difference was not statistically significant. There were significant differences between acute cerebral infarction PAI-1 gene polymorphism and controls (P<0.05), and the frequencies of 4G/4G genotype in patients with acute cerebral infarction (43.08%) were higher than those in normal controls (20.00%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences between hypertensives complicated with hemorrhage (25.81%) and controls (P>0.05), and the PAI-1 levels of the 4G/4G genotype in the female patients with CI were higher than those in the male patients with CI of the same genotype.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that PAI-1 gene polymorphism may be a susceptible factor to acute cerebral infarction in Chinese, and 4G allele homozygous genotype may be the major risk factor for acute cerebral infarction, and it may be especially an independent risk factor of cerebral infarction in female patients.

[Grafting and concomitant left ventricular myotomy-myectomy in a patient with coronary artery disease associated with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy]

A 44-year-old man complained of chest oppression and systolic murmur. Echocardiography showed subaortic stenosis with outflow gradient of 135 mmHg, interventricular septal thickness of 21 mm, left ventricular posterior wall thickness of 11 mm, and 2/4 mitral regurgitation. Selective coronary angiography demonstrated 75% stenosis in left anterior desending branch. Coronary artery revasculization comcomitant with left ventricular myotomy-myectomy was performed. He had a good recovery from operation, and was discharged in 19th days in NYHA class I. Echocardiography one month after operation showed mild outflow pressure gradient, light systolic anterior motion of mitral anterior leaflet, and 1/4 mitral regurgitation. Careful operative management, including myocardial protection, avoiding perporation of ventricular septum, and postoperative medical care are mandatory to this group of patients. The use of cathecholamine and Ca-blocker will be attentioned because of the increasing the left ventricular pressure gradient.

[Detection of HPV16 E6 gene in cervical tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the quantities of HPV16 E6 gene in cervical tissues and the course of cervical disease.

METHODS

The number of copies of HPV16 E6 gene was detected by competitive PCR in 44 positive samples including 20 cases of chronic cervicitis, 6 cases of cervical dysplasia and 18 cases of cervical cancer.

RESULTS

The mean copies of HPV16 E6 gene in chronic cervicitis, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer were 6.16, 5.33, and 6.45 copies in each microgram of cervical tissue respectively. The quantities of HPV16 E6 gene were not significantly different between cervical dysplasia and chronic cervicitis (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the importance of the relationship between the quantities of HPV16 E6 gene and the course of cervical disease. It also suggests that quantification of HPV16 E6 gene may be useful as a prognostic tool to identify women who are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

[Treatment of severe hepatitis with artificial liver support system and liver transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To observe and investigate the efficacy of the hybrid artificial liver support system plus liver transplantation in the treatments of patients with severe viral hepatitis.

METHODS

Eight severe viral hepatitis patients with metaphase and advanced stage liver failure received the artificial liver support using a self-command extracorporeal hybrid artificial liver support system and orthotopic liver transplantation after the artificial support for 3-14 days.

RESULTS

The liver failure of the 8 patients was controlled by the hybrid artificial liver support effectively. All patients were successfully bridged to orthotopic liver transplantation. Four out of the eight patients survived after transplantation. Four patients died of pulmonary infection or hepatorenal syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial liver support system combined with liver transplantation can be regarded as an efficient measure for the treatment of metaphase and advanced stage patients of severe viral hepatitis.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of ovarian serous and mucinous borderline tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the clinicopathological features of ovarian borderline tumors and evaluate the significance of various histological appearances.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with borderline tumors were analyzed retrospectively. The stage distribution was stage I, 34 patients, stage II, 4 patients and stage III, 7 patients.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases of borderline tumors accounted for 25.4% of ovarian epithelial malignant tumors. The ratio of serous borderline tumors (SBTs) to mucinous borderline tumors (MBTs) was approximately 1:1.3. Nine of eleven SBTs with exophytic growth presented peritoneal implants, of which two were invasive and seven noninvasive. Two SBTs and 1 MBT recurred after 5, 4, and 1 years respectively. Thirty-three cases were followed from 2 to 9 years. The 5-year survival rate was 100% (Kaplan-Meir method).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of the SBTs is favorable. SBTs with exophytic growth are often associated with peritoneum implants.

[The pathology and DNA quantitative study of renal clear cell carcinoma in children]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathological features of renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) in children and its relationship to the DNA content of cancer cells and DNA ploidy.

METHODS

The pathologic morphology of 4 cases of RCCC in children were observed. Using image analysis instruments the quantity of tumor cell DNA was measured.

RESULTS

The cytoplasm of the tumor cells were clear in all four cases. Papillary structures were present in these tumors, of which the papillary structure in two cases was over 50%, three cases had small calcified bodies with prominent bleeding and necrosis. Around tumor the glomerular and tubular of kidney always is normal the average DNA index was 1.31. They presented diploidy, high diploidy or subtetraploidy.

CONCLUSIONS

The specific features of most RCCC in children are clear cytoplasm, most contain papillary structures, calcified bodies, often with bleeding and necrosis. Around tumor the glomerular and tubular of kidney is always normal. The DNA contents of cancer cells present diploidy, high diploidy or subtetraploidy.

Biliary cyst fluid from common bile duct-ligated rats stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in pulmonary artery endothelial cells: a potential role in hepatopulmonary syndrome

The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) results from pulmonary microvascular dilatation in cirrhosis and is associated with increased pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels. In the common bile duct ligation (CBDL) model, endothelin-1 (ET-1) released from the liver contributes to the rise in pulmonary eNOS and intrapulmonary vasodilatation. Whether substances, including ET-1, are found in the biliary tree and selectively enter the circulation after CBDL to influence the pulmonary vasculature is unknown. We assessed if control bile and fluid obtained from the obstructed biliary tree in CBDL animals contains ET-1 and alters eNOS expression and activity in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs). Control bile and biliary cyst fluid contained concentrations of ET-1 25- to 42-fold normal plasma levels, and hepatic venous concentrations of ET-1 were selectively increased after CBDL. Biliary cyst fluid caused a dose-dependent induction of eNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) (1.9-fold control), protein (2.5-fold control), and enzyme activity (2.2-fold control) maximal at a 1:10 dilution. The increases were associated with enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production (3.1-fold control) and were inhibitable with an ET(B) receptor antagonist. Bile from sham and portal vein-ligated animals did not increase eNOS expression and at dilutions of 1:100 and 1:10 caused cell toxicity. These results show that bile and biliary cyst fluid contain high concentrations of ET-1 that are specifically increased in hepatic venous blood after CBDL. Biliary cyst fluid increases eNOS expression and activity in an ET(B) receptor-dependent manner in BPAECs. The findings suggest a novel mechanism for the susceptibility of CBDL animals to the HPS.

Gallane complexes with amido-amine ligands

Gallane complexes bearing amido-amine ligands -N(R)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2 [R = H or SiMe3 (TMS)], (H2Ga[N(H)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2])2, 1, H2Ga[N(TMS)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2], 2, (H(Cl)Ga[N(H)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2])2, 3, ([(TMS)2N](H)Ga[N(H)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2])2, 4, and HGa[N(TMS)CH2CMe2CH2NMe2]2, 5, were synthesized from the reactions of the quinuclidine adducts of mono- and dichlorogallane with the corresponding lithium amides. Structural determinations of compounds 1, 3, and 4 showed all were dimeric with bridging amido groups. Rather than bond to gallium the tertiary amine groups in 1 and 4 were hydrogen-bonded to the amino N-H. In the structure of compound 3 the amine group occupied an axial position in the trigonal bipyramidal geometry of the five-coordinate gallium. The results were rationalized in terms of the steric and electronic properties of gallium ligands.

[Clinical observation of phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation through a limbus incision]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical therapeutic effects of phaco-emulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation through a limbus tunnel incision.

METHODS

Eighty-six patients (107 eyes) with senile cataract underwent phacoemulsification with acrylic foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation through a 4 mm superior limbus tunnel incision.

RESULTS

The corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was 62.6% at the 1st day, and 76.6%, 92.5% and 88.8% respectively at the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation through a limbus tunnel incision has advantages of both scleral tunnel incision and clear corneal tunnel incision. The postoperative therapeutic effects are satisfactory.

[Expression of ET of early ischemic myocardium in rats]

To study the expression of ET of early ischemic myocardium, we designed a model of early myocardial ischemia (EMI) in rats. The study was conducted with SABC method and HE staining. Cardiac myocytes of ischemia showed a little ET-positive at 60-min. Cardiac myocytes, endothelium and smooth muscle of vessel showed ET-positive staining in the area of EMI after 120-min. Staining was negative for Ischemia myocardium at 30-min and for the control group. No change was seen with HE staining in all groups. The data indicates that ET-SABC method may reveal the injury of myocardial ischemia 60-min and longer and may provide a new marker to diagnose EMI in forensic pathology.

Measurement of the Refractive Indices of H(2)SO(4)-HNO(3)-H(2)O Solutions to Stratospheric Temperatures

Refractive indices of various H(2)SO(4)-H(2)O, HNO(3)-H(2)O, and H(2)SO(4)-HNO(3)-H(2)O solutions were measured at four wavelengths in the visible (351.0, 533.5, 632.9, and 782.6 nm) over a temperature range from 30 to -60 degrees C. The temperature dependence has been determined for the first time to the authors' knowledge. This dependence is of importance for applications to atmospheric aerosols at low temperatures. In particular, it is shown that (1) the molar refractivity of the solutions is independent of temperature, whereas the temperature dependence of the refractive index arises solely through the temperature dependence of the solution's mass density, (2) the molar refractivities of H(2)SO(4) and HNO(3) in a ternary solution may be calculated as the weighted sum of the molar refractivities of two binary solutions evaluated at a concentration that corresponds to the total acid concentration, and (3) the H(2)O molar refractivity in the solutions may be taken equal to that of pure water. Although the data for the ternary system have been used for this model verification, data for binary H(2)SO(4)-H(2)O and HNO(3)-H(2)O solutions were used to improve the accuracy of the modeled refractive indices to better than 0.0017% or 0.15% for concentrations of 5-70 wt.% and wavelengths from the near ultraviolet to the near infrared (0.25-2 mum).

[Risk factors of type 2 diabetes in Shenzhen]

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to investigate the risk factors of Type 2 diabetes in the new city Shenzhen.

METHODS

A representative sample of 8,182 adults aged over 20 to 75 years old were randomly selected in the residents of Shenzhen, China in 1997. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed according to the WHO criteria. Questionnaire survey, anthropometric measurement and blood analysis were carried out, and logistic regression analysis was used to study the risk factors.

RESULTS

The results showed that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with high total cholesterol were 4.9 times of those with lower TC value. Subjects with high triglyceride had a prevalence 5.7 times of those who had lower TG. Those HDL-ch had a prevalence 68.7% higher than those with normal HDL-ch value; on the other hand, those HDL-ch > 1.91 mmol/L were 44.6% lower in the prevalence than those with normal HDL-ch. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with BMI >or= 25 were 2.6 times of those with BMI < 25. Subject with hypertension (>or= 140/90 mm Hg) had a prevalence 3.8 times of those with normal blood pressure. Subjects with family history of type II diabetes had a prevalence 2.0 times of no family history, and women who had delivered babies over 4 kg had a prevalence 1.9 times of those who had babies less than 4 kg. Subjects with waist/hip ratio (WHR) >or= 1.0 had a prevalence 5.1 times of those with WHR < 1.0. The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes was higher with increasing amount of cigarette smoking and the duration (in years) of smoking or increasing drinking (alcohol) and the duration (in years) of drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

The blood glucose level was found to be positively correlated with TC or TG, and negatively correlated with HDL-ch. This study demonstrated again that TC, TG, HDL-ch, obesity, hypertension, family history of type 2 diabetes and in women, delivery of babies over 4 kg and age were risk factors of type 2 diabetes.

[VP-16 and VM-26 plus platinum drugs combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of small cell lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical efficacy of VP-16(etoposide) with VM-26(teniposide) both plus platinum drugs combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with small cell lung cancer(SCLC).

METHODS

Seventy-four cases of SCLC were studied retrospectively. Forty-three patients were treated with VP-16 + DDP + CTX or VP-16 + DDP, the other 31 patients were treated with VM-26 + DDP or VM-26 + Carboplatin. The treatment of both groups was combined with radiotherapy.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between VP-16 and VM-26 groups in response rate, 2-year-survival rate, and brain metastasis rate. But the blood toxicity was more serious in VM-26 group than in VP-16 group; 3-4 stage toxicity rate was 58.06% versus 27.91%.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that both VP-16 and VM-26 combined with platinum drugs were effective chemotherapy protocols. The authors suggest choosing VP-16 protocols as the first choice for previously untreated SCLC patients.

Inhibition of pulmonary eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic mice by rolipram: involvement of endogenously released corticosterone and catecholamines

This study investigates the role of adrenal-derived catecholamines and corticosterone on the inhibition by rolipram, a phosphodiesterase (PDE)-4 inhibitor, of pulmonary eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic mice. The following experimental groups were studied in mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA): normal, adrenalectomized, propranolol (beta-adrenoceptor antagonist) and metyrapone (corticosterone synthesis inhibitor) treated. These interventions were studied both in the absence and in the presence of rolipram. Eosinophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and AHR to methacholine were measured 24 h after OVA challenge. Treatment of sensitized mice with rolipram (0.3 - 10 mg kg(-1), p.o.), inhibited pulmonary eosinophilia and the AHR to methacholine in OVA-challenged mice. Adrenalectomy increased the number of eosinophils in the BAL of OVA-challenged mice but had no effect on AHR to methacholine. Adrenalectomy attenuated both the rolipram-induced inhibition of BAL eosinophilia and AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. Propranolol (10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) had no effect on the inhibition of eosinophilia by rolipram but attenuated the inhibition of AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. On the other hand, metyrapone (10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) attenuated the inhibition of eosinophilia by rolipram but had no effect on the inhibition of AHR to methacholine in OVA challenged mice. Metyrapone-treatment alone increased the number of eosinophils in the BAL of OVA-challenged mice. These results identify an important role for adrenal-derived catecholamines and corticosterone on the inhibition of pulmonary eosinophilia and AHR by rolipram in allergic mice.

Syntheses and structures of quinuclidine-stabilized amido- and azidogallanes

Quinuclidine-stabilized amido- and azidogallanes, HGa[N(TMS)2]2(quin) (1), H2Ga[N(TMS)2](quin) (2), HGa-[N(H)(2,6-iPr2C6H3)]2(quin) (3), and H2GaN3(quin) (4), were synthesized from the quinuclidine adducts of mono- and dichlorogallane. Structural determinations revealed that all compounds were monomeric with four-coordinate gallium centers. Reactions of the five-coordinate compound, HGaCl2(quin)2, with 2 equiv of Li[N(TMS)2] or Li[N(H)(2,6-iPr2C6H3)] resulted in the isolation of compound 1 or 3. A ligand redistribution during the reaction of H2GaCl(quin) with Li[N(H)(2,6-iPr2C6H3)] produced compound 3 and H3Ga(quin) in a 1:1 molar ratio.

[Epidemiological feature on diabetes mellitus among permanent inhabitant in the Special Economic Zone of Shenzhen]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate prevalence and relevant factors of diabetes mellitus among permanent inhabitant in Shenzhen.

METHODS

The prevalence of 8 200 inhabitants aged over 20 in Shenzhen was studied. Blood glucose was determined by glucose - oxidase method.

RESULTS

According to the WHO diagnostic standard, the prevalence rates of DM and IGT were 4.23% and 11.94% respectively. The prevalence increased apparently with age. The history of clan and overweight were related to the prevalence rates of DM and IGT. The people of DM and IGT were mostly accompanied with high levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine and low level of high dense lipoprotein (HDL).

CONCLUSION

The history of clan, old age, overweight and higher fattiness were found risk factors of DM and IGT.

[A prospective study on etiologic bacteria in 200 patients with pneumonia]

The etiologic agents in 200 patients with pneumonia were studied by the bacterial culture of sputums obtained from the protected single catheter brush or quantitative expectoration at one morning or three-morning expectoration. Two hundred patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was Nosocomial pneumonia (NP patients). Group 2-1 and Group 2-2 were community acquired pneumonia (CAP patients). All cases in Group 1 and Group 2-2 suffered from significant underlying diseases while Group 2-1 did not. Gram-negative bacilli(GNB) were isolated from the specimens in Group 1 (87%) and Group 2-2 (75%), respectively. Pseudomonas (30.8%) and klebsiella (20.5%) were the predominant bacteria (in Group 1 and pseudomonas bacteria) in Group 1 and pseudomonas (27.3%), acinetobacter (23%) and kledsiella (18%) were the major etiologic agents in Group 2-2. The commonest pathogens in Group 2-1 were gram-positive cocci (75%), in which streptococcus (38%) and staphylococcus aureus (25%) were the dominant agents. Compared with Group 2, Group 1 suffered from more mixed bacteria and the agents presented severer drug-resistant. The prognosis was worse in Group 2-2 than in Group 2-1. The results showed that the GNB pneumonia was more common in the cases who had underlying disease, no matter whether the pneumonia was NP or CAP. These patients had more trouble on their antibiotic therapy. Thus it is important that doctors should use vigorous antibiotics timely while treating these patients' underying diseases.

Endothelin-1 stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome

Biliary cirrhosis in the rat triggers intrapulmonary vasodilatation and gas exchange abnormalities that characterize the hepatopulmonary syndrome. This vasodilatation correlates with increased levels of pulmonary microcirculatory endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and hepatic and plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1). Prehepatic portal hypertension induced by portal vein ligation (PVL) does not cause similar changes, suggesting that ET-1 in cirrhosis may modulate pulmonary eNOS and vascular tone. We assessed whether ET-1 altered eNOS expression and nitric oxide production in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs) and if a 2-wk low-level intravenous ET-1 infusion in PVL animals modulated pulmonary eNOS levels, microcirculatory tone, and gas exchange. ET-1 caused a 2.5-fold increase in eNOS protein in BPAECs, inhibitable with an endothelin B receptor antagonist, and an increase in eNOS mRNA and nitrite production. ET-1 infusion in PVL animals caused increased pulmonary eNOS levels, intrapulmonary vasodilatation, and gas exchange abnormalities without increasing pulmonary arterial pressure. ET-1 produced during hepatic injury may contribute to the hepatopulmonary syndrome by modulating eNOS and inducing pulmonary microcicrulatory vasodilatation.

[Immunohistochemical study on myocardial acute ischemia reperfusion injury in rats with anti-FOS protein antibody]

To investigate law of FOS protein induced by myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R) in acute period, a model in 20 anaethetized SD rats was established. Rats with normal and ischemia were used as control groups. Specimens were studied immunohistochemically with c-fos antibody. After ischemia 20 minutes, followed by 30 minutes reperfusion, the area of MI/R showed nuclei of myocytes positive staining in cryosection slides. In C2 group, the area showed nuclei of myocytes (37.76% +/- 9.66%) positive staining weakly. In C3 group, nuclei of cardiac myocytes(40.34% +/- 3.32%) was significantly positive. In C4 group it began to attenuate(35.36% +/- 4.81%). The myocardium in normal and ischemic control groups showed negative staining. No changes were seen with HE staining. Our data indicated that immunohistochemical method may reveal acute MI/R injury of ischemia 20 min and reperfusion 30 min with anti-FOS protein staining and there is problely a peak between 60-120 min after reperfusion. It is possible that the method be used to diagnose sudden cardiac death in forensic medicine.

Age-related variation in the interstitial tissues of the cardiac conduction system; and autopsy study of 230 Han Chinese

The amount of fatty and fibrous tissues in 230 Han Chinese who died of noncardio-vascular diseases has been studied by a semi-quantitative method and analysed by chi-square test. The results have shown some consistency. Generally, in the sino-atrial node (SAN), fibrosis and fatty influtratin appear only after 40 years of age and increase one grade with every 20 years. The atrio-ventricular node (AVN) showed fatty change after 30 years of age and fibrosis appeared after 60. In the His bundle (HB), fatty infiltration and fibrosis appear after 40 years. The left bundle branch (LBB) showed similar changes. The appearance of fibrosis in the AVN seems to be later than that reported by Lev.

[The development of a RF electrical pole catheter for heart ablation]

This article describes a RF electrical pole catheter for heart ablation. There is a device in the catheter, that can adjust the bending of the catheter tip on which there are a pair of electrical poles that is able to record and map the electrical potential of the heart, and to transfer 50 W electrical energy for focus ablution of heart disease.

[Immunohistochemical study on SMDS using anti-actin monoclonal antibody]

For elucidating the relationship between the causes of sudden manhood death syndrome (SMDS) and cardiac sudden death, the cardiac conducting system-(CCS) and myocardium of 23 cases including SMDS group, coronary heart disease group and normal control group were studied using anti-actin monoclonal antibody (HHF35) S-P immunohistochemical method. The results showed that some areas of CCS and myocardium were stained negatively by HHF35 in SMDS group but no infarction area can be found with H.E staining. The negative staining by HHF35 can be also observed in all cases of coronary heart disease group. In control group, the CCS and myocardium stained positively. It indicated that there were pathological changes such as early ischemia or infarction of myocardium in SMDS, which related closely to cardiac sudden death.

[The analysis of pathological changes of cardiac conduction system in 54 cases of cardiac sudden deaths]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the exact cause of death in cases of cardiac sudden deaths.

METHODS

Sampling of cardiac conduction system (CCS) designed by the research group was adopted. The CCS of 120 cases died of cardiac sudden deaths were collected for routine histological examination.

RESULTS

In 54 out of 120 cases, the causes of death were attributed to lesions present in the CCS, and 85.2% of them were young adults. The peak age range was from 20 - 30. Much more in males (6.7:1). The pathological changes in CCS include: inflammation (46.2%), fatty infiltration, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with CCS changes; hemorrhage, developmental anomalies, fibrosis and tumors.

CONCLUSION

The pathological changes of CCS are relatively common, as the cause of sudden deaths. Which is considered to be the pathological basis of the unstable cardiac electric potentials and arrhythmia. This study recommended the necessity of routine examination on CCS in cases of sudden deaths.

[A study of p53 gene mutations in squamous cell carcinoma in eyes]

OBJECTIVE

To inquire into the molecular biological mechanisms of the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma in eyes.

METHODS

Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, we detected 63 samples taken from 63 cases (including 36 invasive squamous carcinoma, 7 carcinoma in situ, 20 papillomas) for 248 point mutations in p53 gene.

RESULTS

22.2% (8/36) squamous cell carcinomas, 14.3% (1/7) carcinomas in situ were shown to contain the point mutation in codon 248 of p53 gene exon 7 and no point mutation was found in papillomas, the difference being significant (P = 0.021). No point mutation was in patients over 70, while in patients younger than 70, the mutation rate was 33.3%, the difference being significant (P = 0.24). No significant correlation was found between p53 gene mutations and clinical pathological manifestations (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

p53 gene mutations play roles in the early stage of the development of squamous cell carcinomas, and there is no correlation between p53 gene mutations and clinical manifestations. The mutation in p53 gene is not the main cause of neoplasms in the elder persons after the seventh decade of life.

Tunable output power varying with the splitting ratio of a coupler from a fiber ring semiconductor laser

The tunable output power characteristics of a fiber ring semiconductor laser have been studied by use of rate equations. An expression for the tunable output power is deduced. The analysis confirms that there is an optimum coupler splitting ratio to trade off between wavelength tuning width and output power.

[Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous appendicitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous appendicitis.

METHOD

12 cases (0.26%) with tuberculous appendicitis diagnosed by histopathological examination selected from 4,652 patients during 1968 to 1997 were analysed retrospectively.

RESULT

The mean age of the patients with tuberculous appendicitis was 35 years, the disease occurred 2 times more frequently in women than in men and was usually secondary to tuberculosis elsewhere in the body (7 cases). There were 7 cases with proliferative lesions, 3 cases with ulcerative lesions and 2 cases with two kinds of lesions. 12 cases were all misdiagnosed preoperatively, 2 cases were diagnosed definitely in the operation. In 12 cases, 7 cases underwent simple appendectomy, 2 cases partial celectomy and 1 case right hemicolectomy, appendectomy and resection of regional lymph nodes were performed on 2 cases, treatment of anti-TB was given postoperatively to 9 patients. All the patients recovered without complications.

CONCLUSION

It's hard to get definite diagnosis of tuberculous appendicitis before operation because of low incidence and non-specific clinical manifestations, so careful observation in the operation and routine histopathological examination must be emphasized. Early operation and postoperative treatment of anti-TB should be advocated in order to prevent from complications.

Endothelin-1 in the rat bile duct ligation model of hepatopulmonary syndrome: correlation with pulmonary dysfunction

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Models of hepatopulmonary syndrome require both hepatic injury and portal hypertension to develop pulmonary microvascular and gas exchange abnormalities. Recently, increased endothelin-1 levels associated with vasodilatation, have been observed in cirrhosis. We investigated endothelin-1 production in common bile duct ligated animals with hepatopulmonary syndrome in comparison to partial portal vein ligated animals that do not develop hepatopulmonary syndrome.

METHODS

Organ and plasma endothelin-1 were measured in sham, bile duct ligated and portal vein ligated rats, and Northern analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed in liver. Plasma endothelin-1 levels were correlated with pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients.

RESULTS

Hepatic and plasma endothelin-1 increased only after bile duct ligation, and were accompanied by increased hepatic endothelin-1 mRNA and increased endothelin-1 protein in biliary epithelium. Plasma endothelin-1 levels correlated directly with both pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels and alveolar-arterial gradients.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced hepatic production and increased plasma levels of endothelin-1 occur after bile duct ligation, but not after portal vein ligation, and correlate with associated molecular and gas exchange alterations in the lung. Endothelin-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Garlic prevents hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction underlies the development of high-altitude pulmonary edema. Anecdotal observations suggest a beneficial effect of garlic in preventing high-altitude symptoms. To determine whether garlic influences pulmonary vasoconstriction, we assessed the effect of garlic on pulmonary pressures in rats subjected to alveolar hypoxia and on vasoconstriction in isolated pulmonary arterial rings. Garlic gavage (100 mg/kg body wt) for 5 days resulted in complete inhibition of acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction compared with the control group. No difference in mean arterial pressure or heart rate response to hypoxia was seen between the groups. Garlic solution resulted in a significant dose-dependent vasorelaxation in both endothelium-intact and mechanically endothelium-disrupted pulmonary arterial rings. The administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) inhibited the vasodilatory effect of garlic by 80%. These studies document that garlic blocks hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in vivo and demonstrate a combination of endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms for the effect in pulmonary arterial rings.

Time-resolved optical backscattering model in highly scattering media

A time-resolved backscattering model, which combines a single large-angle scattering with multiple small-angle scatterings, is used to produce a scattered-light profile about a medium. Inhomogeneity of the medium is included in the model. Some multidimensional integrals can be evaluated analytically.

Cholecystokinin B receptors in the periaqueductal gray potentiate defensive rage behavior elicited from the medial hypothalamus of the cat

Defensive rage behavior is mediated over a descending pathway from the medial hypothalamus to the dorsolateral midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) where further integration of this response takes place. The present study sought to determine the roles of CCK-A and CCK-B receptor activation in the PAG in modulating defensive rage behavior. The 'hissing' component of the defensive rage response was used throughout the experiment as the measure of defensive rage behavior. The basic design of the experiment involved placement of monopolar electrodes into the medial hypothalamus from which defensive rage could be elicited and cannula electrodes into the dorsal PAG for purposes of identifying defensive rage sites in this region and for microinjections of CCK compounds into these sites at a later time. Microinjections of the selective CCK-B receptor antagonist, LY288513 (1.05, 4.2, 17.0 nmol/0.25 microliter), into the PAG suppressed the hissing response in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Microinjections of the CCK-B agonist, pentagastrin, (0.5 and 1.0 nmol/0.25 microliter) facilitated the occurrence of defensive rage behavior. Moreover, administration of LY288513 (17 nmol/0.25 microliter) 55 min prior to pentagastrin (1.0 nmol/0.25 microliter) delivery blocked the facilitatory effects of pentagastrin. Administration of the CCK-A antagonist, PD140548 (34 nmol/0.25 microliter), into the PAG failed to alter response latencies for defensive rage behavior. In contrast, microinjections of the CCK-B antagonist, LY288513 (4.2, 17.0 nmol/0.25 microliter), facilitated the occurrence of predatory attack behavior elicited from the lateral hypothalamus. This finding demonstrates the specificity of the effects of CCK-B receptor blockade upon hissing. A combination of immunocytochemical and retrograde tracing procedures using microinjections of Fluoro-Gold (8%, 6 microliters) into the PAG were employed to identify the possible loci of CCK neurons that project to the PAG. The data revealed that neurons labeled for both CCK and Fluoro-Gold were located in the dorsolateral aspect of the midbrain tegmentum, identifying this region as a source of CCK inputs to the PAG. Overall, the findings demonstrate that CCK-B receptors in the PAG potentiate defensive rage behavior and likely suppress predatory attack.

Graphic analysis of the effective reflectivity of antireflection-coated films on diode facets

The wavelength dependence of the reflectivity of AR-coated facets and carrier density in relation to peak wavelength of the gain profile have been taken into consideration to study a one-facet AR-coated semiconductor diode laser. A graphic analysis method is developed to study cases in which analytical expressions of the reflectivity curves cannot be extracted. Results show that the upper bound of the carrier density that can be established inside the diode is generally (sometimes to a considerable degree) smaller than that determined by the claimed minimum reflectivity if the spectral width of the reflectivity curve cannot be regarded as infinite. This implies that the effective reflectivity of the AR-coated facet is generally larger than the claimed minimum reflectivity. To increase the effectiveness of AR film, it is essential to maintain tight control of the wavelength at which the reflectivity curve is minimum.

Amplification of photon echo signals by use of a fiber amplifier

The efficiency of photon-echo processes typically lies in the 0.1-1% range. For many photon-echo-based applications suggested in optical storage and all-optical communication the photon-echo output pulses would need to be used as input data to a new photon-echo process. In such cases amplification of the photon-echo output signals would be necessary for an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio to be obtained. We show that a Pr-doped ZBLAN fiber is able to produce significant amplification of photon-echo signals generated in Pr-doped Y(2)SiO(5) at 606 nm.

[Morphological observations of tumors in the cardiac conduction system]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of tumors in the cardiac conduction system (CCS) and to study their relation to sudden deaths.

METHODS

The CCS from 149 cases of sudden death without extracardiac cause of deaths and those from 737 cases of non-cardiac death were sampled using technique designed by the authors. Routine histological examinations were carried out.

RESULTS

Tumors in the CCS were found in 12 cases (1.35%). Another case with tumor in the CCS was found in a specimen received for consultation. Of these 13 tumors, 10 were primary benign tumors affecting the CCS, 3 were metastatic tumors. The benign tumors included fibroma, hemangioma, lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum, mesothelioma and rhabdomyoma. 8 of the 10 cases were located in the SAN or AVN. All the metastatic tumors were in the SAN. Of the 13 cases, 3 died suddenly.

CONCLUSION

Tumors in the CCS are the smallest tumors which can cause sudden death.

Isolation and functional analysis of a cDNA for human Jagged2, a gene encoding a ligand for the Notch1 receptor

Signaling through Notch receptors has been implicated in the control of cellular differentiation in animals ranging from nematodes to humans. Starting from a human expressed sequence tag-containing sequence resembling that of Serrate, the gene for a ligand of Drosophila melanogaster Notch, we assembled a full-length cDNA, now called human Jagged2, from overlapping cDNA clones. The full-length cDNA encodes a polypeptide having extensive sequence homology to Serrate (40.6% identity and 58.7% similarity) and even greater homology to several putative mammalian Notch ligands that have subsequently been described. When in situ hybridization was performed, expression of the murine Jagged2 homolog was found to be highest in fetal thymus, epidermis, foregut, dorsal root ganglia, and inner ear. In Northern blot analysis of RNA from tissues of 2-week-old mice, the 5.0-kb Jagged2 transcript was most abundant in heart, lung, thymus, skeletal muscle, brain, and testis. Immunohistochemistry revealed coexpression of Jagged2 and Notch1 within thymus and other fetal murine tissues, consistent with interaction of the two proteins in vivo. Coculture of fibroblasts expressing human Jagged2 with murine C2C12 myoblasts inhibited myogenic differentiation, accompanied by increased Notch1 and the appearance of a novel 115-kDa Notch1 fragment. Exposure of C2C12 cells to Jagged2 led to increased amounts of Notch mRNA as well as mRNAs for a second Notch receptor, Notch3, and a second Notch ligand, Jagged1. Constitutively active forms of Notchl in C2C12 cells also induced increased levels of the same set of mRNAs, suggesting positive feedback control of these genes initiated by binding of Jagged2 to Notch1. This feedback control may function in vivo to coordinate differentiation across certain groups of progenitor cells adopting identical cell fates.

[Colored Doppler ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of portal vein thrombosis: value in diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic efficacy for portal vein thrombosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of colored Doppler ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(FNA) biopsy of portal vien thrombosis(PVT) in diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic efficacy for PVT.

METHODS

Cytologic findings from 25 portal vien thrombosis patients who underwent FNA were reviewed before and after hepatic arterial chemo-embolization(HAE) and portal vien chemotherapy.

RESULTS

1. Biopsy specimens sufficient for histologic analysis were obtained in all cases (100%). No complications resulted from this procedure. 2. The blood flow within the portal vien with thrombosis could be detected by colored Doppler systems in 25 cases before the patients accepted the treatment. The proliferation and a trabecular cellular arrangement presented in all the cell blocks. Of the 25 cases, 4 (16.0%) demonstrated necrosis of the tumor thrombi and the disappearance of blood flow within portal vein thrombi three weeks after the treatment. Among the 4, 2 were followed-up clinically and underwent second stage resection. 21 (84.0%) cases had no significant change in portal vein thrombosis pathologically and ultrasonically after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Colored Doppler ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy of portal vein thrombi is a safe, accurate, sampling-reliable biopsy technique.

The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the pathogenesis of a rat model of hepatopulmonary syndrome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The hepatopulmonary syndrome occurs when intrapulmonary vasodilatation causes impaired arterial gas exchange in liver disease. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, although nitric oxide may be involved. Common bile duct ligation in the rat is a model of the hepatopulmonary syndrome, but no studies have evaluated NO in pulmonary vasodilatation in this model. The aim of this study was to determine whether NO contributes to intrapulmonary vasodilatation after bile duct ligation.

METHODS

Endothelial and inducible NO synthase (NOS) levels and localization and NO activity in pulmonary artery rings were assessed after bile duct ligation.

RESULTS

Pulmonary endothelial NOS levels increased and alveolar vascular staining was enhanced after bile duct ligation. No change in pulmonary inducible NOS levels or localization was detected. Increased endothelial NOS levels correlated with alterations in gas exchange and were accompanied by enhanced NO activity and a blunted response to phenylephrine, reversible by NOS inhibition, in pulmonary artery rings. Portal-vein-ligated animals, which do not develop intrapulmonary vasodilatation, had no changes in pulmonary NOS production or in NO activity in pulmonary artery rings.

CONCLUSIONS

NO, derived from pulmonary vascular endothelial NOS, contributes to intrapulmonary vasodilation in animal hepatopulmonary syndrome.

[Identification of deer's foetus and its mixed drugs and flase drugs]

In this paper, the traditional Chinese Materia Medicas--the foetuses of sika deer, red deer and the one of sheep and OX are compared and identified on characters and dissecting characteristices. The comparion and identification table about charaeters and commodity shape drawings is attached.

Common bile duct ligation in the rat: a model of intrapulmonary vasodilatation and hepatopulmonary syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) causes impaired oxygenation due to intrapulmonary vasodilatation in patients with cirrhosis. Chronic common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in the rat results in gas-exchange abnormalities similar to HPS, but intrapulmonary vasodilatation has not been evaluated. We assess intrapulmonary vasodilatation, measured in vivo, after CBDL. Sham, 2- and 5-wk CBDL, and 3-wk partial portal vein ligated (PVL) rats had hepatic and lung injury, portal pressure, and arterial blood gases assessed. The pulmonary microcirculation was evaluated by injecting microspheres (size range 5.5-10 microm) intravenously and measuring the size and number of microspheres bypassing the lungs in arterial blood. CBDL animals developed progressive hepatic injury and portal hypertension accompanied by gas-exchange abnormalities and intrapulmonary vasodilatation. PVL animals, with a similar degree of portal hypertension, did not develop intrapulmonary vasodilatation or abnormal gas exchange. No lung injury was observed. CBDL, but not PVL, causes progressive intrapulmonary vasodilatation, which accompanies worsening arterial gas exchange. These findings validate CBDL as a model to study HPS.

[Character and UV spectral identification of deer's heart]

In this paper, the fresh and dried hearts of Cervus nippon and C. elaphus are identified on character, fluorescence and UV spectra. The alcohol extract of the blood of the deer's hearts has mininum absorption at UV 310 nm.

Mapping sequence specific DNA-protein interactions: a versatile, quantitative method and its application to transcription factor XF1

We have developed a method for the quantitative, exhaustive sequence specificity determination of DNA-binding proteins. The QuESSD method overcomes the limitations inherent in other published in vitro selection methods, not only defining the consensus sequence, but also quantifying the effect on DNA-protein affinity of replacing each base in the recognition domain with every other base. The features distinguishing this method from other in vitro selection approaches are: (1) instead of synthesizing one target oligonucleotide population containing a long randomized domain, we synthesize several oligonucleotide populations, each randomized at two positions. (2) Instead of carrying out several cycles of selection and amplification, we carry out a single cycle. (3) We have developed data collection and analysis procedures that eliminate artifacts and allow generation of quantitative results. The QuESSD method yields accurate measures of: (a) the selectivity of the protein for each base at each position within the recognition domain (normalized relative selectivity), (b) the contributions of individual sites within the recognition domain to the binding affinity (selectivity variance), (c) the relative binding affinity of any given sequence (global selectivity). We confirmed results by (1) tabulating directly the frequency of appearance of individual species in the pool of protein-bound oligonucleotides by cloning and sequencing individual oligonucleotides, and (2) competition EMSA analysis of oligonucleotides designed on the basis of QuESSD data. We have used this method to map the sequence specificity of the nuclear protein XF1 and to distinguish the sequence specificities of XF1 and the AH receptor complex, both of which bind to XRE1, a xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) located upstream of the CYP1A1 gene. Using data obtained by the QuESSD method, we designed oligonucleotides specific for XF1 or for the AH receptor, and prepared CAT reporter gene constructs carrying these oligonucleotides, or wild-type XRE1, upstream of a minimal promoter. Transfection studies using these constructs indicated that XF1 can function as a weak activator of basal transcription, and can, under some circumstances, compete with the AH receptor for binding to XRE1.

[Color Doppler in evaluating the effects of octreotide on portal hemodynamics]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of octreotide on portal pressure and the relationship between the portal pressure and portal hemodynamics measured by color Doppler.

METHODS

A high portal resistance model by injecting bletilla hyacinthina was established in 6 dogs. The portal pressure and portal hemodynamics studied by color Doppler were measured respectively by two investigators before and after injecting octreotide into the peripheral vein.

RESULTS

Portal hypertension was caused by injecting bletilla hyacinthina into the portal vein. The portal pressure was reduced and portal venous velocity increased after injecting octreotide into the peripheral vein. There was a significant negative correlation between the portal pressure and portal venous velocity.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler is helpful in evaluating the effects of octreotide on the portal pressure.

The diabetic state increases the activity but not the number of peritoneal macrophages in the GK rat promoting the tube formation of cultured endothelial cells in rat aorta

The influence of the diabetic state on the number and activity of intraperitoneal macrophages was investigated in the GK rat. This rat is a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and was established from the normal Wistar rat. The cell number of a macrophages preparation in diabetic GK rats (10-15 weeks of age) did not differ from that in normal Wistar rats (9-10 weeks of age). The co-cultured macrophages in diabetic GK rats (9-12 weeks of age) significantly increased the tube formation of aortic endothelial cells (EC) compared with that in age-matched Wistar rats. The conditioned medium obtained from a culture of macrophages from GK rats also increased tube formation more than that from a culture of macrophages from Wistar rats. The effect of macrophages in the GK rat was not influenced by interferon-gamma (160 and 460 pM), but macrophages in normal rats were activated by these concentrations of interferon-gamma. In conclusion, the diabetic state increased the activity but not the number of macrophages in the GK rat, to stimulate tube formation of EC. The tube-forming effect of macrophages in the diabetic state may depend on released factors which differ from that of normal macrophages.

Computerized microimage analysis of age-related changes of the human sinoatrial node

This paper reports the age-related changes in the histological features of the sinoatrial node (SAN). The hearts of 106 persons dying at different ages (2 days-83 years), without clinical or pathological evidence of cardiac disease, were taken and divided into seven age-groups. Serial sections with a thickness of 2 microns, parallel to the long axis of the SAN, were prepared. Sections with the maximal area of the SAN were stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H & E) and Betty's method. The largest area of SAN were calculated by a computerized microimage analysis system. The age-related changes of the human SAN were discussed.

[Surgical treatment of 165 cases of stage III small cell lung carcinoma]

The author analysed the effect of surgical therapy in 165 cases with stage III SCLC from 1979 to the end of 1991, and compared with 87 cases of combined therapy and 78 cases in simple operative therapy. The author also makes an observation of cases with pre-operative and (or) post-operative chemo- and radiation therapy. Their over-all 5 year survival rate was 16.6%. Stage among 5 year survival cases in TNM stage. IIIa was 20.4% and no for Stage IIIb. The 5 year survival of combined therapy was 22.8% and that of simple operative group was 7.9%. The result shows that in the Stage III SCLC combined therapy is superior to that of simple operative group. It seems that postoperative radiation and chemotherapy is better than pre-operative in combined therapy group. The author's opinion is that surgical indication of SCLC is limited to stage IIIa.