[A study of erythromelalgia in relation to the autonomic nervous system. Report of 321 cases of functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system]

A great majority of erythromelalgia were seen among 321 cases of disorders of the autonomic nervous system. When the function of the autonomic nervous system was disturbed, the acromelic blood vessels under the regulation by the autonomic nervous system manifested themselves in the manner of acroerythema, hot sensation, local swelling and distension, and severe acroesthesia.

[Planting technology of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz]

This paper reports the relationship between cultivating techniques and the yield of Atractylodes macrocephala: such as weight of planting materials, planting and harvesting period, removal of flower buds. In addition, growing and developing of the root-stock and relevant field management in the whole growing period have also been studied.

Quantitation of cytosolic and nuclear estrogen and progesterone receptor in benign, untreated, and treated malignant human prostatic tissue by radioligand binding and enzyme-immunoassays

Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) were quantitated in benign and malignant human prostatic tissue by using radioligand binding assays (RBA) and enzyme-immunoassays (EIA). Using a hydroxylapatite exchange method for ER, little or no nuclear ER (ERN) could be detected, but with the EIA both cytosolic (ERC) and ERN were detected in almost all specimens, although in meager concentrations. Tissue from patients with carcinoma had significantly higher ERC concentrations than tissue from patients with benign disease. Specimens from estrogen-treated patients had significantly lower ERC:ERN ratios than those from untreated patients. Progesterone receptor was detected in virtually all specimens by both methods, at concentrations higher than those of ER. Carcinoma tissue with a high malignant involvement contained significantly less PgR than benign tissue. Using either method, the highest concentrations of PgR were observed in tissue from carcinoma patients treated with estrogen. Overall, the data suggest that although human prostatic tissue contains only modest amounts of ER, this is active in that treatment with estrogen promotes association of this receptor with the nuclear fraction and increases PgR content.

A survival analysis of gender and ethnic differences in responsiveness to methadone maintenance treatment

Survivorship analysis was applied to evaluate treatment responsiveness among four groups of heroin addicts (male and female Whites and Chicanos). Multiple outcome measures included rates of retention, incarceration, addiction, property crime, drug dealing, legal supervision, alcohol abuse, employment, and interpersonal involvement. Differential treatment responsiveness among groups was found depending on the measure in use and the time point of evaluation. Relationships between selected predictors and treatment retention were tested using the Cox proportional hazards model. Young male addicts who were using narcotics daily during treatment and who were unemployed and unmarried were at highest risk for dropping out of treatment.

Immunohistochemical localization of progesterone receptor in benign and malignant human prostate

A monoclonal antibody to progesterone receptor, KD68, was used to localize this receptor protein in 31 surgical specimens of benign and malignant human prostate. Progesterone receptor was detected almost exclusively in stromal cells. The most striking finding was the periacinar arrangement of stained cells in some specimens of glandular BPH, sometimes associated with close apposition of stained cells to the basement membrane of the acinar epithelium. In both benign and malignant specimens scattered stained cells were observed in some areas of fibromuscular stroma. Except for occasional stained epithelial cells in one benign and one estrogen-treated malignant specimen, both benign and malignant epithelium were negative.

Birth number base and its application

"This paper attempts to present the concept of 'birth number base' as a reflection of the fecundity of women, explain the methods of determining the base, and its application." The birth number base is defined as the number of births in a given year when the total fertility rate is one. The concept is applied to Chinese data from the 1 per 1,000 population survey of 1982 to project the number of births that will have to be prevented in the future if China is to reach its population targets.

Alterations of arachidonate metabolism in cardiovascular system by cigarette smoking

Male rats were exposed to freshly generated cigarette smoke once daily for various lengths of time. Inhalation of smoke was verified by elevated levels of carboxyhemoglobin. Metabolism of arachidonate in the cardiovascular system to thromboxane and prostacyclin through the cyclooxygenase pathway and their further metabolism to 15-keto-derivatives, and to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) through lipoxygenase pathway was investigated. Synthesis of thromboxane and prostacyclin in platelets and aortas respectively was not changed within 8 weeks of smoke exposure. However, formation of 12-HETE in platelets was significantly increased after 4 weeks of smoke exposure. Catabolism of thromboxane and prostacyclin as determined by NAD(+)-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity was greatly decreased in lung but not in kidney and stomach following 4 weeks of smoke exposure. Increased 12-lipoxygenase activity in platelets may lead to stimulation of migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells and to increased synthesis of leukotrienes in neutrophils. Decreased pulmonary prostaglandin catabolic activity may result in increase in circulating thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio and subsequently alteration of vascular homeostasis. The consequence of these biochemical changes may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, thromboembolism and emphysema commonly found in smokers.

Real-time MR fluoroscopic data acquisition and image reconstruction

We describe an experimental system for performing high-speed reconstruction of MR image data acquired with a GRASS sequence. System characteristics are an image acquisition time of 627 ms, continuous image reconstruction at a rate of 6 images/s, and an image reconstruction time of 120 ms. The results is a system for performing MR imaging in real time.

The generation and activation of memory class I MHC restricted cytotoxic T cell responses to influenza A virus in vivo do not require CD4+ T cells

The cellular requirements for the generation and activation of anti-influenza memory class I MHC restricted Tc cell responses were studied by selectively reconstituting lethally irradiated mice. The generation of memory Tc cells was investigated by using unprimed splenocytes to reconstitute infected, lethally irradiated mice; the activation of memory Tc cells was tested by using primed splenocytes to reconstitute uninfected, lethally irradiated mice. It is shown here that depletion of CD4+ T cells from donor cells did not reduce Tc cell responses in recipient mice. Depletion of CD8+ T cells from donor splenocytes prevented the memory Tc cell responses. Thus depletion of CD4+ T cells had no effect on the generation and activation of the memory Tc cells in vivo.

[Experience in posterior wiring and fusion in atlanto-axial luxation]

From 1980 to 87, 29 cases, aged 31 years on average range, 10 to 65 years, of atlantoaxial dislocation were treated by posterior wiring and bone grafting. They were brought to us as late as 12 days to 157 months (24.4 months on average) after injury. 19 of them had been suffering from paralysis quadriplegia, Brown Sequard syndrome, pharyngeal nerve palsy etc.) of various degrees. Follow-up study, after an average period of 2.5 years (1 to 6.5 years.) revealed that 21 patients (72.4%) had resumed their previous work or study; 6 patients had been able either to do light work (3; 10.3%) or to take care of themselves in daily life (3; 10.3%); the rest 2 (7%) had died of unrelated illness. On physical examination, the 27 alive patients had restored full neck motion, but lack of less than 30 degrees of rotation in some cases. Roentgenograms showed bony union of graft in every case, anatomical reduction of luxation in 19, and A-D distance remained 1 to 4 mm. in 10. It is obvious that this operative measure is simple, safe and effective. Some hazards encountered in 4 cases during operation but recovered later, are described. Pre and postoperative managements; as well as operative procedures are given in steps; the former are particularly emphasized on account of their roles, very important to success.

Chromosomal rearrangements in Barrett's esophagus. A premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma

Cytogenetic analysis of 15 short-term cultures of Barrett's esophagus were investigated. In five cases, the number of metaphases identified were insufficient for analysis. Of the remaining ten cases, nine contained clonal chromosome abnormalities. Of these nine cases, one demonstrated a structural chromosome rearrangement, t(3;6)(q21;p23); one case demonstrated trisomy for chromosomes 5 and 7; and seven cases demonstrated loss of the Y chromosome as a clonal change. Our results demonstrate that Barrett's esophagus is frequently characterized by clonal proliferation of karyotypically abnormal cells.

(R)- and (S)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-9H-benzocyclohepten- 8-ylamine. Stereoselective interactions with 5-HT1A receptors in the brain

The enantiomers of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-9H-benzocyclohepten-8-++ +ylamine (3) have been synthesized and evaluated for central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) receptor activity by use of behavioral and biochemical tests in rats. In addition, the ability of the compounds to displace [3H]-8-OH-DPAT from 5-HT1A binding sites was evaluated. The absolute configuration of the enantiomers of 3 was determined indirectly by X-ray diffraction of (+)-(8R,alpha R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-methoxy-N-(alpha-phenethyl)-9H- benzocyclohepten-8-ylamine hydrochloride (9.HCl), a resolved synthetic precursor. The stereoselectivity of the interaction of 3 with 5-HT1A receptors was more pronounced than that of 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (1; 8-OH-DPAT); only (R)-3 displayed 5-HT activity. However, (R)-3 was of lower potency than any of the enantiomers of 1. The enantiomer (S)-3, which was found to be inactive as a 5-HT-receptor agonist, appeared to be a weakly potent DA-receptor agonist whereas (R)-3 seemed to be devoid of dopaminergic activity. The conformational preferences of 3 were studied by use of NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics calculations. Preferred conformations of (R)-3 are similar in shape to those of the stereoselective 5-HT1A-receptor agonist (2R,3S)-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of areca nut-related compounds in cultured human buccal epithelial cells

Because betel quid chewing has been linked to the development of oral cancer, pathobiological effects of an aqueous areca nut extract, four areca nut alkaloids (arecoline, guvacoline, guvacine, and arecaidine), and four nitrosated derivatives [N-nitrosoguvacoline, N-nitrosoguvacine, 3-(N-nitrosomethylamino)propionaldehyde and 3-(N-nitrosomethylamino)propionitrile] have been investigated using cultured human buccal epithelial cells. Areca nut extract in a dose-dependent manner decreases cell survival, vital dye accumulation, and membrane integrity, and it causes formation of both DNA single strand breaks and DNA protein cross-links. Depletion of cellular free low-molecular-weight thiols also occurs, albeit at quite toxic concentrations. Comparisons of the areca nut-related N-nitroso compounds and their precursor alkaloids, at concentrations up to 5 mM, indicate that 3-(N-nitrosomethylamino)propionaldehyde is the most potent on a molar basis to decrease both survival and thiol content and to cause significant formation of DNA single strand breaks. Arecoline, guvacoline, or N-nitrosoguvacoline decreases survival and cellular thiols, whereas arecaidine, guvacine, N-nitrosoguvacine, and 3-(N-nitrosomethylamino)propionitrile have only minor effects on these variables. Taken together, the present studies indicate that aqueous extract and, in particular, one N-nitroso compound related to areca nut, i.e., 3-(N-nitrosomethylamino)propionaldehyde, are highly cytotoxic and genotoxic to cultured human buccal epithelial cells, of potential importance in the induction of tumors in betel quid chewers.

Slow recovery of central axons in acrylamide neuropathy

To study the differential vulnerability of central versus peripheral axons, we observed serial changes in conduction over comparable segments of central and peripheral axons of the primary sensory neuron in 17 rats with acrylamide neuropathy using somatosensory evoked potentials. Central conduction abnormalities persisted even after peripheral conduction and clinical abnormalities had recovered. Morphometric studies showed prompt restoration of the largest-diameter fibers in the peripheral nerve after clinical recovery but persistent or even more severe loss of large- and medium-sized fibers in the cervical gracile tract. This finding suggests that recovery from central-peripheral distal axonopathy begins in the largest peripheral axons, perhaps even at the expense of central axons, and that clinical recovery can occur at a time when central conduction remains abnormal. The selective central axonopathy found in certain chronic degenerative disorders may be a consequence of this slow central recovery process associated with chronic or intermittent metabolic derangements.

Physical, achievement and personality characteristics of Chinese children

The physical, achievement, and personality characteristics of Chinese schoolchildren are evaluated. The results of two surveys of Chinese schoolchildren, conducted in Beijing and Jilin Province, are presented. In the Beijing sample, the differences between only children and others were small but statistically significant, with the only children having higher scores in achievement and physical size. In the Jilin Province sample, the differences between only children and others were also small but significant. These differences were found entirely in physical characteristics, with only children being smaller, perhaps because the only children in the Jilin sample were much younger than the non-only children. Analyses of the combined sample of Beijing and Jilin schoolchildren indicated that the only-child advantages in achievement were found among children from urban families, not rural peasant families. While significant differences in height and weight were found in all three samples, none of the results indicated a significant difference in the proportion of body fat. None of the analyses indicated that only children had undesirable personalities, as judged by teachers and mothers.

Studies of safe maximal daily dietary Se-intake in a seleniferous area in China. Part II: Relation between Se-intake and the manifestation of clinical signs and certain biochemical alterations in blood and urine

Selenosis occurs in areas of Enshi county because of the high Se content of the food. Morphological changes in finger-nails were used as the main criterion for clinical diagnosis of selenosis. Pathological nails were observed to occur almost only in adults, not at all in young children and very seldom in teenagers. Symptoms of selenosis in susceptible patients were found at or above an Se-intake of 910 micrograms/d, corresponding to a blood Se level of 1.05 mg/L. There was no evidence for an increased susceptibility to dental caries due to high Se consumption, and an increase in Se-intake seems unlikely to reduce the beneficial effects of fluoride on caries. No abnormalities of liver or heart were seen by supersonic B or electrocardiographic examinations. The biochemical investigations showed that with increasing whole blood Se the ratio of plasma Se to erythrocyte Se tended to decrease. As Se-intake increases to over 750 micrograms daily, the ratio decreases to near a minimal level. Reduced glutathione in whole blood decreases within a blood Se range of 1.01 to 2.28 micrograms in the high Se area. The amount of trimethylselenonium ion excreted in urine increased with the increase of urinary Se. Cases with prolonged prothrombin time occurred as blood Se increased to a level above 1 mg/L. The white blood cell count also increased significantly. Quantitative values were obtained only for ratio of plasma-Se to erythrocyte-Se for prothrombin time and for maintenance of nail Symptoms of susceptible patients. The overall results indicated that a daily Se-intake of 750-850 micrograms [corrected] might be the marginal level of safe intake. When other variable factors are also taken into consideration a daily Se-intake of 400 micrograms [corrected] is suggested as the maximum daily safe intake. At this level of Se-intake the corresponding approximate tissue Se levels are: whole blood 0.559 mg/L, plasma 0.327 mg/L, urine excretion 173 micrograms/d, hair 3.60 mg/kg, toe-nails 4.25 mg/kg, and finger-nails 4.70 mg/kg.

Exon shuffling by recombination between self-splicing introns of bacteriophage T4

The organization of genes into exons separated by introns may permit rapid evolution of protein-coding sequences by exon shuffling. Introns could provide non-coding targets for recombination, which would then give rise to novel combinations of exons. Evidence to support this theory is indirect and consists of examples of homologous domains of protein structure encoded in different genes, with introns in conserved positions at the boundaries of these domains. Here, we report the first direct evidence for exon shuffling. Two spontaneous deletion mutations of phage T4 have been characterized by sequencing, and they are clearly the result of recombination between homologous regions of two self-splicing group I introns. As a result of the recombination, exons of different genes are transcribed together, with a hybrid intron between them. One of these introns is proficient in self-splicing.

Optoelectronic multiple-valued logic implementation

A design for optoelectronic multiple-value logic circuits that uses bistable laser diodes or light-emitting diodes is reported. In this multiple-valued logic design, an optoelectronic tristable switching circuit, or light-current mirror, in which two bistable light-emitting diodes are connected in parallel serves as the basic logic element. Five ternary logic implementations: Complement. Max(x, y), Min(x, y), Cycle, and Literals, have been demonstrated experimentally. Furthermore, any ternary logic function can be generated with the light-current mirror and the logic primitives.

Natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells induce DNA fragmentation in both human and murine target cells in vitro

DNA fragmentation induced by cytolytic lymphocytes in human erythromyeloid cell line K562 and murine T lymphoma cell line YAC-1 was investigated by means of agarose gel electrophoresis. Murine natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells induced DNA fragmentation in YAC-1 cells, with the fragments being approximately multiples of 180 bp. More significantly, murine NK cells can induce a similar pattern of DNA fragmentation in human K562 cells. Therefore, cytolytic lymphocytes can induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in human target cells.

[Central fracture-dislocation of the hip joint. Clinical analysis of 40 cases]

From 1957 to 1986, 40 cases of central fracture-dislocation of hip joint, 36 fresh and 4 old, were treated. Classification concerning the lesional patterns, indications for operative and non-operative treatment together with the factors affecting prognosis were discussed. In conclusion firstly, treatment by means of traction, simple and easy to handle, is well suited to most cases, if reduction has been satisfactory and maintained well, permitting early motion, for sufficient period of time for healing. Secondly, operation is only fit for fracture-dislocation, of which reduction has not been good enough and that it would not subject the patient to much surgical risk. Lastly, poor reduction, traction time not long enough, accetabular roof fracture or femoral head fracture and extensive damage or concomitant fracture of the same limb are the recessive factors influencing outcome.

Alloreactive cytotoxic T cells induce DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages: evidence for target cell killing by cytotoxic T cells in vivo

This report addresses the question whether cytotoxic T cells can cause target cell death in vivo by examining target cell DNA fragmentation. The results show that alloreactive cytotoxic T cells induced significant DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages in vivo and that the DNA fragment was a multiple of 180 +/- 30 bp. Furthermore, the effector cells which caused this characteristic DNA fragmentation were CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that cytotoxic T cells can cause target cell death in vivo.