[Discussion on some basic problems in design of wetland ecosystem]

The design of wetland ecosystem is the key and fundament in wetland restoration and mitigation. In recent years, it has been frequently applied to the proper construction of wetlands. The paper first reviews the concept of wetland ecosystem design, as well as the basis of ecological engineering, and then presented the basic principles in the design of wetland ecosystem. Some major ecological indicators including hydrology, chemical, substrate, soil and biotic indicators were also discussed, and some reference values for ecological indicators were presented. On the base of the designing purposes, three major types in the wetland design were analysed. They include constructing wetlands for wastewater treatment, for mitigation wetlands, and for controlling flooding and non-point source pollution.

Cytotoxic polyacetylenes from the twigs of Ochanostachys amentacea

Bioassay-guided investigation of the twigs of Ochanostachys amentacea using LNCaP (hormone-dependent human prostate cancer) cells as a monitor led to the isolation of three alkynes, the known (S)-17-hydroxy-9,11,13,15-octadecatetraynoic acid (minquartynoic acid, 1) and two novel analogues, (S)-17,18-dihydroxy-9,11,13,15-octadecatetraynoic acid (2) and (S)-17-hydroxy-15E-octadecen-9,11,13-triynoic acid (3). Compounds 1-3 were tested against a panel of human tumor cell lines and found to be significantly cytotoxic.

A plasmid construct encoding murine interferon beta antagonizes the replication of herpes simplex virus type I in vitro and in vivo

In the present study, we employed a plasmid DNA encoding murine interferon (IFN)-beta to assess its antiviral efficacy in an in vitro transfection-infection assay and in an ocular HSV-1 infection model of mice. In the in vitro assay, transfection of mouse fibroblasts with the IFN-beta transgene resulted in a 17-fold or greater reduction in the viral load of HSV-1 at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1 compared to that of those mice treated with the plasmid control. RT-PCR analysis of representative immediate early (ICP27), early (thymidine kinase, TK) and late (VP16) viral genes found no changes in the level of expression comparing the IFN-beta transgene- to the vector-treated control group, suggesting that the IFN-beta transgene may act at the post-transcriptional level of viral replication. In the ocular HSV-1 infection model, topical application of the plasmid DNA encoding murine IFN-beta onto mouse cornea enhanced cumulative survival and significantly reduced the viral load of HSV-1 in the eyes and trigeminal ganglia of mice at both day 3 and 6 post-infection compared with mice treated with the plasmid vector control or normal saline. Neutralizing antibody to IFN-beta blocked the protective effect elicited by the IFN-beta transgene. Unlike the in vitro experiment, viral gene expression was reduced in the trigeminal ganglion of mice pre-treated 24 h with the IFN-beta transgene day 3 (ICP27 and VP16) and day 6 (ICP27, TK, DNA polymerase, and VP16) post-infection in comparison to mice treated with the plasmid vector control as determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

Cytotoxic sesquiterpenoids from Ratibida columnifera

Bioassay-directed fractionation of the flowers and leaves of Ratibida columnifera using a hormone-dependent human prostate (LNCaP) cancer cell line led to the isolation of 10 cytotoxic substances, composed of five novel xanthanolide derivatives (2-4, 7, and 8), a novel nerolidol derivative (9), and three known sesquiterpene lactones, 9alpha-hydroxy-seco-ratiferolide-5alpha-O-angelate+ ++ (1), 9alpha-hydroxy-seco-ratiferolide-5alpha-O-(2-methylbut yrate) (5), 9-oxo-seco-ratiferolide-5alpha-O-(2-methylbutyrate) (6), as well as a known flavonoid, hispidulin (10). On the basis of its cytotoxicity profile, compound 5 was selected for further biological evaluation, and was found to induce G1 arrest and slow S traverse time in parental wild type p53 A2780S cells, but only G2/M arrest in p53 mutant A2780R cells, with strong apoptosis shown for both cell lines. The activity of 5 was not mediated by the multidrug resistance (MDR) pump, and it was not active against several anticancer molecular targets (i.e., tubulin polymerization/depolymerization, topoisomerases, and DNA intercalation). While these results indicate that compound 5 acts as a cytotoxic agent via a novel mechanism, this substance was inactive in in vivo evaluations using the murine lung carcinoma (M109) and human colon carcinoma (HCT116) models.

Quinoline alkaloids from Acronychia laurifolia

Bioassay-directed fractionation of a root extract of Acronychia laurifolia (Rutaceae) using the KB-V1+ human tumor cell line led to the isolation of six quinoline alkaloids. One of these alkaloids is novel, namely, 2,3-methylenedioxy-4,7-dimethoxyquinoline and the other five were identified as the known compounds, evolitrine, gamma-fagarine, skimmianine, kokusaginine and maculosidine. Two known bis-tetrahydrofuran lignans, sesamolin and yangambin, were also identified. The structure of the new alkaloid was determined by spectroscopic methods. All of the isolates were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines; four of the alkaloids showed weak cytotoxic activity.

Novel cytotoxic acylated oligorhamnosides from Mezzettia leptopoda

Activity-guided fractionation of a stem extract of Mezzettia leptopoda using human oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB) cells led to the isolation of seven highly acylated oligorhamnosides. Four of these constituents are novel, namely, n-octyl 2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-2, 4-di-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-hexanoyl-alpha-L-rh amnopyranoside (mezzettiaside 8) (1); n-octyl 2, 3-di-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-hexanoyl-alpha-L-rh amnopyranoside (mezzettiaside 9) (2); n-octyl 2, 4-di-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-hexanoyl-alpha-L-rh amnopyranoside (mezzettiaside 10) (3); and n-octyl 2,3, 4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-hexanoyl-alpha-L-r hamnopyranoside (mezzettiaside 11) (4). Three known compounds were identified as mezzettiasides 2 (5), 3 (6), and 4 (7), respectively, previously isolated from this same plant. The structures of novel compounds 1-4 were determined by spectroscopic methods. All the isolates were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines in this study, and compounds 1-2 and 4-7 were found to be weakly cytotoxic toward KB and/or human colon and lung cancer cell lines.

Cytostatic mechanism and antitumor potential of novel 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran lignans isolated from Aglaia elliptica

A total of five 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran lignans (1-5) isolated from the stems of Aglaia elliptica B1. (Meliaceae) inhibited the growth of human cancer cells in culture. Of particular note, the IC50 values observed with 1 (methyl rocaglate), 2 (4'-demethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-methyl rocaglate) and 5 (1-O-formyl-4'-demethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy-methyl rocaglate) were in the 1-30 ng/ml range. Prompted by the high potency of these responses, additional studies were performed with 2, a structurally representative isolate that was available in sufficient quantity as a result of the isolation process. Utilizing cultured Lu1 (human lung carcinoma) cells as a model, compound 2 induced accumulation in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle after 24 or 32 h of incubation; normal cell-cycle dynamics were observed at subsequent time periods. Cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, but during the course of wash-out experiments, colony formation was not reduced. In addition, as judged by [3H]leucine incorporation, the test compound strongly inhibited protein biosynthesis (IC50 = 25 ng/ml). In analogous studies, nucleic acid biosynthesis was not reduced, even when cells were treated with concentrations as high as 1 microg/ml. These data suggest inhibition of protein synthesis is a key mode of action, and the compound functions by a cytostatic mechanism. Utilizing a human breast cancer cell line (BC1) sensitive to compound 2 in culture (IC50 = 0.9 ng/ml), an initial assessment of antitumor potential was performed. In accord with the in vitro results, the growth of BC1 in athymic mice was delayed by treatment with compound 2 (10 mg/kg body weight, three times per week, i.p.). Body weight was unaffected and no signs of overt toxicity were observed. However, growth paralleled that of the control group at later time points. Thus, novel 1H-cyclopenta[b]benzofuran lignans are potent cytostatic inhibitors of protein biosynthesis and are capable of delaying tumor growth in an in vivo model. Their full clinical or basic utility requires further investigation.

CT scan directed transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy for mediastinal nodes

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to determine whether transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) biopsy under CT guidance can increase its diagnostic yield so that this technique can be used for staging of lung cancer at our institution.

STUDY DESIGN

After an initial unacceptable low yield of TBNA on the first 10 patients (20% positive), we switched the biopsy procedure from the bronchoscopy suite to the CT room. After each passage of the needle to the mediastinum lymph node, CT scan was performed to locate the tip of the needle. If the initial attempt was not successful, TBNA was repeated at the same setting until CT documented that the tip of the needle was exactly inside the lymph node.

RESULT

A total of 49 patients with 69 mediastinum adenopathies were enrolled in this study. There were 31 patients with malignant mediastinal adenopathy proven by TBNA (60% sensitivity). Fifteen patients showed normal results of needle aspiration despite the presence of primary lung cancer. Three patients showed mediastinal abscesses.

CONCLUSION

Despite numerous successful reports in the literature, the general application of the TBNA procedure appears to be limited because of its low sensitivity, although this could be due to numerous factors. However, using CT guidance to be sure that the tip of the needle is exactly inside the node can increase its sensitivity markedly. It may also increase the specificity of normal results of TBNA biopsy.

Limonoids from Azadirachta excelsa

Activity-directed fractionation of a stem extract of Azadirachta excelsa using KB (human oral epidermoid carcinoma) cells led to the isolation of four meliacin-type limonoids. Two of these constituents were novel, namely, 2,3-dihydronimbolide and 3-deoxymethylnimbidate, and these were purified along with the known compounds, nimbolide and 28-deoxonimbolide. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. Nimbolide and 28-deoxonimbolide were broadly cytotoxic when evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines, while the two novel compounds were inactive in this regard. The defection of nimbolide and 28-deoxonimbolide as cytotoxic constituents was facilitated by an electrospray LC/MS dereplication procedure.

[A clinical analysis on 131 senile cases with diplopia]

OBJECTIVE

To approach the pathogenic features of senile diplopia to elevate the rate of accurate clinical diagnosis and the therapeutic effect of treatment.

METHODS

Prism, synoptophore, Hess' screen and red glass test were used to examine the ocular position, muscle movement and diplopia image in 131 cases (aged 60 or older). Biochemical examination of blood and imaging diagnosis were also involved.

RESULTS

Among 131 cases, 120 (91.6%) suffered from binocular diplopia and 11 cases (8.4%) monocular diplopia. The majority of cases (110/120) with binocular diplopia were of ocular dyscinesia type resulting from intracranial vascular diseases, while the majority of cases with monocular diplopia resulted from complications of intraocular operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the diplopia in the aged are binocular one whose main cause is ocular dyscinesia resulting from vascular diseases. The cause of monocular diplopia in most of the cases is frequently due to the complications of intraocular operation. The authors emphasize a thorough examination of patients with diplopia.

YAG laser resection for the membrane on anterior surface of intraocular lenses

The results and methods of YAG laser resection for the membrane forming postoperatively on the anterior surface of intraocular lens (IOL) in 33 eyes (31 cases) were reported. A monomode single pulse YAG laser was used to do a circular incision along the pupilar margin and blow it up. A multimode defocus burst was used to peel off the shrunk flap from the lens surface. The membrane in 27 eyes (81.8%) was completely removed in the first resection. The mean burst number was 49.2 +/- 26.3. The average energy of each burst was 1.3 mJ and the average total energy of each treatment was 62.1 +/- 37.1 mJ. Except 3 eyes with little blood oozing from iris near the pupilar margin, 4 eyes having foggy spots on IOL surface and 2 eyes with mild transient increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after resection, there were no other complications. The resection is safe and effective, could be instead of the second operation for unabsorbable organized membranes or the membrane causing blockage glaucoma, could accelerate the recovery of visual acuity and shorten or substitute medical treatment for thick membranes.

Triterpene glycosides from the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L. II

From the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L., six new triterpene glycosides, Robiniosides E--J, were isolated and their structures were elucidated as abrisapogenol B 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D - glucuronopyranoside (1), abrisapogenol B 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (2), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D - glucuronopyranosyl abrisapogenol B 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (3), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl abrisapogenol B 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), 3-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuron opyranosyl abrisapogenol E 30-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl abrisapogenol E 30-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), respectively.

Triterpene glycosides from the seeds of Astragalus sinicus L

From the seeds of Astragalus sinicus L. (Leguminosae), seven triterpene glycosides were isolated and identified as soyasaponin I-III methyl esters (1-3) which were treated with CH2N2 during the separation procedure, soyasaponin IV (4), soyasapogenol B 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (5), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta, 22 beta, 24-trihydroxy-11-oxoolean-12-ene (6), whose sapogenol (8) was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using glycyrrhizinic acid hydrolase, unambiguously characterized and designated as complogenin, and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D - glucuronopyranosyl complogenin (7).

Triterpene glycosides from the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L. I

From the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L., five new triterpene glycosides, robiniosides A-D (3, 5-7) and compound III (4), were isolated and their structures were elucidated as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (3), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (4), whose sapogenol was unambiguously characterized and designated as oxytrogenin, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D glucuronopyranosyl oxytrogen (5), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oxytrogenin 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), 3-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronop yranosyl oxytrogenin 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), respectively, together with two known triterpene glycosides, kaikasaponin III (1) and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D - glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (2).

Optical programmable cellular logic array for image processing

An optical parallel architecture is suggested to implement a basic programmable cellular logic array for image processing. Interconnection of the neighboring cells is achieved by using an optical correlator. The required parallel logic gates are executed with spatial coding and electronic thresholding methods. Another optical correlator is used to spatially code the outputs from the 2-bit decoder array of shadowgrams. The optical method for the directional interconnection is also discussed. An image processing example is simulated and verified experimentally.