Acute rejection correlates with expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens on peripheral blood CD3(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes following skin transplantation in mice

This study investigated major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen expression on peripheral blood T-cells after transplantation to assess its potential as an early marker of acute graft rejection (AGR). Using a mouse model with or without immunosuppressive treatment, the expression of MHC-I antigens on CD3(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry following syngeneic graft (n = 138) or allograft (n = 138) skin transplantation. The occurrence of AGR was assessed by examining the degree of lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration in transplant biopsies. During AGR, expression of MHC-I antigens increased significantly compared with pre-transplant levels in the allograft group, even with immunosuppressive treatment. The highest expression of MHC-I antigens occurred 5 - 6 days before macroscopic rejection. These results suggest that expression of MHC-I antigens on peripheral blood CD3(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes could be used as an early marker for predicting AGR.

[Uncertainty evaluation of determination of copper and lead in soil by using ICP-MS]

Copper and lead in soil samples were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS), and the impacts of major source of measurement uncertainty were discussed. Uncertainty components such as sample weighing in the process of digestion, the volume size, preparation of standard solutions, curve fitting, measurement repeatability were analyzed and synthesized according to JJF1059-1999 (Evaluation and Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement), and the final expanded uncertainty was given. Such expression of result was more objective and true.

Expression of the genes encoding human leucocyte antigens-A, -B, -DP, -DQ and -G in gastric cancer patients

This study compared the expression of the genes encoding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-A, -B, -DP, -DR and -G in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in gastric cancer patients and healthy controls. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, levels of classical HLA-A, -B, -DP and -DR and non-classical HLA-G mRNA were studied in 43 gastric cancer patients and 22 controls. In addition, the levels of HLA-A,B,C and -G antigens on the surface of PBMCs were measured in 30 gastric cancer patients and 15 controls using flow cytometry. The mean fluorescence intensity of HLA-A,B,C antigen in the gastric cancer group was significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G antigen was mainly present on CD4(+)CD8(-) T-lymphocytes. The percentage of CD4(+)CD8(-) T-lymphocytes positive for HLA-G antigen was significantly lower in the gastric cancer group compared with the healthy controls. Levels of HLA-A, -B and -G mRNA in the gastric cancer group were significantly lower than in controls. The HLA-G mRNA levels were significantly lower in gastric cancer of histological grades III and IV than in grades I and II. These data may provide a novel diagnostic and research tool for gastric cancer.

A day trip to a forest park increases human natural killer activity and the expression of anti-cancer proteins in male subjects

We previously reported that 2-night/3-day trips to forest parks enhanced human NK activity, the number of NK cells, and intracellular anti-cancer proteins in lymphocytes, and that this increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip in both male and female subjects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a day trip to a forest park on human NK activity in male subjects. Twelve healthy male subjects, aged 35-53 years, were selected after giving informed consent. The subjects experienced a day trip to a forest park in the suburbs of Tokyo. They walked for two hours in the morning and afternoon, respectively, in the forest park on Sunday. Blood and urine were sampled in the morning of the following day and 7 days after the trip, and the NK activity, numbers of NK and T cells, and granulysin, perforin, and granzyme A/B-expressing lymphocytes, the concentration of cortisol in blood samples, and the concentration of adrenaline in urine were measured. Similar measurements were made before the trip on a weekend day as the control. Phytoncide concentrations in the forest were measured. The day trip to the forest park significantly increased NK activity and the numbers of CD16(+) and CD56(+) NK cells, perforin, granulysin, and granzyme A/B-expressing NK cells and significantly decreased CD4(+) T cells, the concentrations of cortisol in the blood and adrenaline in urine. The increased NK activity lasted for 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides, such as isoprene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene, were detected in the forest air. These findings indicate that the day trip to the forest park also increased the NK activity, number of NK cells, and levels of intracellular anti-cancer proteins, and that this effect lasted for at least 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides released from trees and decreased stress hormone levels may partially contribute to the increased NK activity.

A laser-Compton scattering prototype experiment at 100 MeV linac of Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics

As a prototype of the Shanghai Laser Electron Gamma Source in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, an x-ray source based on laser-Compton scattering (LCS) has been installed at the terminal of the 100 MeV linac of the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics. LCS x-rays are generated by interactions between Q-switched Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet laser pulses [with wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse width of 21 ns (full width at half maximum)] and electron bunches [with energy of 108 MeV and pulse width of 0.95 ns (rms)] at an angle of 42 degrees between laser and electron beam. In order to measure the energy spectrum of LCS x-rays, a Si(Li) detector along the electron beam line axis is positioned at 9.8 m away from a LCS chamber. After background subtraction, the LCS x-ray spectrum with the peak energy of 29.1+/-4.4|(stat)+/-2.1|(syst) keV and the peak width (rms) of 7.8+/-2.8|(stat)+/-0.4|(syst) keV is observed. Normally the 100 MeV linac operates with the electron macropulse charge of 1.0 nC/pulse, and the electron and laser collision repetition rate of 20 Hz. Therefore, the total LCS x-ray flux of (5.2+/-2.0) x 10(2) Hz can be achieved.

Involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in p53-independent apoptosis induced by p28GANK knockdown in Hep3B cells

It is well known that TP53 may mediate apoptosis triggered by anticancer drugs. However, accumulating evidence indicates that TP53 may be inactivated by mutations and/or deletions in about 50% of human cancers and, as such, may lead to pronounced resistance to therapeutic agents. Thus, the development of new approaches to improve the efficiency of therapeutic agents in cancer cells harboring mutant TP53 may have a significant impact on cancer treatment. It has been reported that knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) of p28GANK (an alias of the gene PSMD10), a novel oncogene over-expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), can induce apoptosis in HepG2, a TP53-intact HCC cell line. Because of the high frequency TP53 mutations in HCC, it is relevant to know whether p28GANK knockdown-induced apoptosis is also operational in TP53-negative HCC cells. Here, we investigated Adsip28GANK-induced apoptosis in the TP53-negative HCC cell line Hep3B. Our results indicate that p28GANK-knockdown induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn activates p38. Since p38 can signal to Bax, its activation may lead to mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Delta psi m) loss, cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol, and caspase-9 activation, eventually triggering the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.

Effect of micro/nano-particles in cavitation erosion

The tests in de-ionized water with micro/nano CeO2 particles are carried out to study the effect of the micro/nano particles in inception of cavitation erosion. The existence of micro/nano particles is found to be the requisite factor and the degree of cavitation erosion is related to the sizes of the particles. Particles in the micro/nano scale may act as the transporters of micro bubbles to keep or get close to the solid surface together and the pressure fluctuation induced by the surface roughness causes the collapse of bubbles and erosion of the surface. Discrete phase models are employed to simulation the moving tracks of the particles. The sizes of the particles affect their capabilities of keeping and getting close to the surface. The effect of the particles of a certain size in cavitation erosion is determined by the combinational action of the two.

The pulmonary toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes in mice 30 and 60 days after inhalation exposure

The pulmonary toxicity, induced by multi-wall carbon nanotubes in mice, was studied after 30-day and 60-day inhalation exposure. The mice were exposed to multi-wall carbon nanotubes aerosol with weighted mean concentration of 32.61 mg/m3, once in very two days, 6 hours in an exposure day. After 30-day and 60-day inhalation exposure, the pulmonary toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes was assessed using biochemical indices in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and pathological examination. It was found that the aerosolized multi-wall carbon nanotubes did not induce obvious pulmonary toxicity in 30-day exposure group, but induced severe pulmonary toxicity in 60-day exposure group.

[Study of retrieving formaldehyde with differential optical absorption spectroscopy]

The present paper introduces the method of retrieving the concentration of HCHO with differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS). The authors measured ambient HCHO in Beijing region with the help of differential optical absorption spectroscopy instrument made by ourself, and discussed numerous factors in retrieving the concentration of HCHO with differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS), especially, the choice of HCHO wave band, how to avoid absorption of ambient SO2, NO2 and O3, and the influence of the Xenon lamp spectrum structure on the absorption of ambient HCHO. The authors achieved the HCHO concentration by simultaneously retrieving the concentrations of HCHO, SO2, NO2 and O3 with non-linear least square fitting method, avoiding the effect of choosing narrow wave of HCHO and the residual of SO2, NO2, O3 and the Xenon lamp spectrum structure in retrieving process to attain the concentration of HCHO, Finally the authors analyzed the origin of error in retrieving the concentration of HCHO with differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS), and the total error is within 13.7% in this method.

PACAP38 increases vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) expression and attenuates methamphetamine toxicity

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide, 38 amino acids (PACAP38) is a brain-gut peptide with diverse physiological functions and is neuroprotective in several models of neurological disease. In this study, we show that systemic administration of PACAP38, which is transported across the blood-brain barrier, greatly reduces the neurotoxicity of methamphetamine (METH). Mice treated with PACAP38 exhibited an attenuation of striatal dopamine loss after METH exposure as well as greatly reduced markers of oxidative stress. PACAP38 treatment also prevented striatal neuroinflammation after METH administration as measured by overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an indicator of astrogliosis, and glucose transporter 5 (GLUT5), a marker of microgliosis. In PACAP38 treated mice, the observed protective effects were not due to an altered thermal response to METH. Since the mice were not challenged with METH until 28 days after PACAP38 treatment, this suggests the neuroprotective effects are mediated by regulation of gene expression. At the time of METH administration, PACAP38 treated animals exhibited a preferential increase in the expression and function of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2). Genetic reduction of VMAT2 has been shown to increase the neurotoxicity of METH, thus we propose that the increased expression of VMAT2 may underlie the protective actions of PACAP38 against METH. The ability of PACAP38 to increase VMAT2 expression suggests that PACAP38 signaling pathways may constitute a novel therapeutic approach to treat and prevent disorders of dopamine storage.

Factors affecting success of thymus transplantation for complete DiGeorge anomaly

Thymus transplantation shows promise for the treatment of athymia in complete DiGeorge anomaly. This report reviews the effects of dose of thymus tissue, ABO compatibility, HLA matching, culture conditions, age of donor and immunosuppression of recipient on immune outcomes at 1 year after transplantation. Forty-nine athymic subjects have been treated with cultured postnatal allogeneic thymus tissue; 36 (73%) survive with only one subject on immunosuppression at 1.5 years. Of 31 surviving subjects more than 1 year after transplantation, 30 (97%) developed naive T cells, T-cell proliferative responses to mitogens and a diverse T-cell receptor beta variable (TCRBV) repertoire. The dose of thymus tissue, HLA matching and use of immunosuppression had nonsignificant effects on these outcome variables. Removal of deoxyguanosine from culture medium and length of culture did not adversely affect outcomes. Use of thymus tissue from donors over 1 month of age, versus under 1 month, resulted in higher total T-cell numbers (p = 0.03). However, this finding must be confirmed in a prospective trial. Although subtle immune effects may yet be associated with some of the factors tested, it is remarkable that consistently good immune outcomes result despite variation in dose, HLA matching and use of immunosuppression.

[Analysis of the main components of inner ear antigens inducing autoimmune Meniere's disease in guinea pigs]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the main components of inner ear antigens inducing autoimmune Meniere's disease (AIMD) in guinea pigs.

METHODS

The guinea pigs were immunized with isologous crude inner ear antigens (ICIEAg). Then, the hearing function was measured with auditory brainstem response (ABR), the vestibular function was measured with electronystagmography (including spontaneous nystagmus and caloric test), and inner ear histopathological changes were observed by inner ear celloidin section with haematoxylin-eosin staining and observed under light microscope. According to these results, the AIMD-model animals from non-AIMD-model ones were distinguished. The special antibodies against ICIEAg in sera were measured with ELISA. The antigen-antibody reactions against different components of ICIEAg were detected by Western blotting with sera of AIMD and non-AIMD guinea pigs respectively. Then, we analysed the contrast between them and found the main components of the ICIEAg that were positive reaction in AIMD guinea pigs and negative reaction in non-AIMD guinea pigs.

RESULTS

The result of ELISA demonstrated that the sera of both the AIMD and non-AIMD guniea pigs contained the special antibodies against ICIEAg after immunized with ICIEAg. The difference of the amount of antibody against ICIEAg between AIMD guinea pig group and non-AIMD guinea pig group was not significant. Western blotting assay showed only the sera of AIMD guinea pig contained the antibodies against the specific antigens with the molecular of 68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000.

CONCLUSIONS

ICIEAg contain many different components, the AIMD might only happen in the guinea pigs in which the special immunization against the main components that could induce this kind of disorder appeared. The inner ear antigens with molecular of 68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000 might be the main components inducing AIMD in guinea pigs.

Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins

We previously reported that a forest bathing trip enhanced human NK activity, number of NK cells, and intracellular anti-cancer proteins in lymphocytes. In the present study, we investigated how long the increased NK activity lasts and compared the effect of a forest bathing trip on NK activity with a trip to places in a city without forests. Twelve healthy male subjects, age 35-56 years, were selected with informed consent. The subjects experienced a three-day/two-night trip to forest fields and to a city, in which activity levels during both trips were matched. On day 1, subjects walked for two hours in the afternoon in a forest field; and on day 2, they walked for two hours in the morning and afternoon, respectively, in two different forest fields; and on day 3, the subjects finished the trip and returned to Tokyo after drawing blood samples and completing the questionnaire. Blood and urine were sampled on the second and third days during the trips, and on days 7 and 30 after the trip, and NK activity, numbers of NK and T cells, and granulysin, perforin, and granzymes A/B-expressing lymphocytes in the blood samples, and the concentration of adrenaline in urine were measured. Similar measurements were made before the trips on a normal working day as the control. Phytoncide concentrations in forest and city air were measured. The forest bathing trip significantly increased NK activity and the numbers of NK, perforin, granulysin, and granzyme A/B-expressing cells and significantly decreased the concentration of adrenaline in urine. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip. In contrast, a city tourist visit did not increase NK activity, numbers of NK cells, nor the expression of selected intracellular anti-cancer proteins, and did not decrease the concentration of adrenaline in urine. Phytoncides, such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene were detected in forest air, but almost not in city air. These findings indicate that a forest bathing trip increased NK activity, number of NK cells, and levels of intracellular anti-cancer proteins, and that this effect lasted at least 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides released from trees and decreased stress hormone may partially contribute to the increased NK activity.

[Measurement and retrieval of indicators for fast VOCs atmospheric photochemistry with differential optical absorption spectroscopy]

Featuring excellent response characteristics and detection sensitivity and with much lower operational cost, differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) can be a powerful tool to trace concentration variation of trace indicators -O3, Ox (O3 + NO2) and HCHO for fast VOCs atmospheric photochemistry. But it's difficult to measure those gases accurately because of trace concentration. Here using a self-made DOAS system, the accurate measurement of those indicators was achieved through improving the ratio of signal to noise ratio and correcting the background scattering light; the retrieving method of those indicators was developed through eliminating the temperature effect of absorption cross section, accurately removing the intrinsic structure and lamp structure of spectrum. The preference of different spectral windows that could be used for the concentration retrieval of those indicators was analyzed and compared including interfering factors, results retrieved and the accuracy.

Gene-gene interaction between FGF20 and MAOB in Parkinson disease

The fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) genes are associated with Parkinson Disease (PD) risk and both are in the dopamine bio-pathway. Therefore, we investigated the joint effect between polymorphisms in the FGF20 and MAOB genes for evidence of interaction contributing to PD risk. Fourteen polymorphisms (eight for FGF20, six for MAOB) were genotyped in 736 families and analyzed using conditional logistic regression (CLR). Significant two-locus interactions were found in females between the polymorphisms rs1721100 of FGF20 and rs1799836 of MAOB, and between the polymorphisms rs1721082 of FGF20 and rs1799836 of MAOB. The risk alleles for each SNP identified from CLR, rs1721100 C, rs1721082 T and rs1799836 A, are consistent with previous reports. Using indicator variables for the SNP genotypes, rs1721100 GC with rs1799836 AA showed significant interaction (P = 0.021), compared with the reference group rs1721100 GG with rs1799836 GG. Using an allele-dose model for the risk alleles, rs1721100 and rs1799836 showed significant interaction (P = 0.019). We found similar interaction results between rs1721082 and rs1799836. In conclusion, variants in FGF20 and MAOB show evidence of statistical interactions, which emphasizes the importance of considering them jointly in genetic analysis of PD and illustrates potential patterns of biological interaction contributing to PD risk.

Amelioration of alkali soil using flue gas desulfurization byproducts: productivity and environmental quality

In this study, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) byproducts are used to ameliorate alkali soil. The average application rates for soils with low exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), mid ESP, and high ESP are 20.9, 30.6, and 59.3 Mg ha(-1), respectively. The experimental results obtained for 3 consecutive years reveal that the emergence ratios and yields of the crops were 1.1-7.6 times and 1.1-13.9 times those of the untreated control, respectively. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in the treated soils are far below the background values stipulated by the Environmental Quality Standard for Soils (GB15618-1995). Their concentrations in the seeds of corn and alfalfa grown in the treated soils are far below the tolerance limits regulated by National Food Standards of China. The results of this research demonstrate that the amelioration of alkali soils using FGD byproducts is promising.

A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects

We previously reported that forest bathing trips enhanced human NK activity, number of NK cells, and intracellular anti-cancer proteins in lymphocytes, and that the increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip in male subjects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of forest bathing trip on human NK activity in female subjects. Thirteen healthy nurses, age 25-43 years, professional career 4-18 years, were selected with informed consent. The subjects experienced a three-day/two-night trip to forest fields. On day 1, the subjects walked for two hours in the afternoon in a forest field; on day 2, they walked for two hours each in the morning and afternoon in two different forest fields; and on day 3, the subjects finished the trip and returned to Tokyo after drawing blood and completing a questionnaire. Blood and urine were sampled on the second and third days during the trip, and on days 7 and 30 after the trip. NK activity, numbers of NK and T cells, and granulysin, perforin, and granzymes A/B-expressing lymphocytes in the blood samples, the concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in serum, and the concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine were measured. Similar control measurements were made before the trip on a normal working day. The concentrations of phytoncides in the forests were measured. The forest bathing trip significantly increased NK activity and the numbers of NK, perforin, granulysin, and granzymes A/B-expressing cells and significantly decreased the percentage of T cells, and the concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine. The increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides, such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene were detected in forest air. These findings indicate that a forest bathing trip also increased NK activity, number of NK cells, and levels of intracellular anti-cancer proteins in female subjects, and that this effect lasted at least 7 days after the trip. Phytoncides released from trees and decreased stress hormone levels may partially contribute to the increased NK activity.

Investigation of the PARK10 Gene in Parkinson Disease

Two recent association mapping studies in Parkinson disease (PD) reported three candidate genes for the PARK10 locus: EIF2B3 as a modifier of age-at-onset of PD (min P= 0.0004) and HIVEP3 as a PD risk gene (P < or = 0.006) (Oliveira et al. 2005); and LOC200008 (CDCP2) identified by the whole genome association (WGA) study of PD of Maraganore et al. (2005). However, evaluation of the on-line PD WGA results revealed two significant SNPs in HIVEP3 in the two datasets, Tier 1 and Tier 2, used by Maraganore et al. (P < or = 0.008 for Tier 1 and P=0.03 for Tier 2 dataset). Here, we revisited both the HIVEP3 and CDCP2 loci by examining 47 SNPs, mostly tagging, in an expanded PD family dataset (293 multiplex and 467 singleton families). A discordant sibpair (DSP) dataset (one DSP per family), with similar data structure as the WGA Tier 1 dataset, was also tested. We confirmed our and other previous negative findings for CDCP2. However, five significant SNPs in HIVEP3 (min P=0.004) were observed, although the two significant HIVEP3 SNPs from the PD WGA study were not significant in our datasets. Even though the sets of significant HIVEP3 markers differ between studies, these findings strongly support HIVEP3 as a candidate for PARK10. Further testing of HIVEP3 by other groups is encouraged.

Limits on interactions between weakly interacting massive particles and nucleons obtained with CsI(Tl) crystal detectors

The Korea Invisible Mass Search (KIMS) experiment presents new limits on the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon cross section using data from an exposure of 3409 kg.d taken with low-background CsI(Tl) crystals at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The most stringent limit on the spin-dependent interaction for a pure proton case is obtained. The DAMA signal region for both spin-independent and spin-dependent interactions for the WIMP masses greater than 20 GeV/c2 is excluded by the single experiment with crystal scintillators.

Porcine aminopeptidase N is a functional receptor for the PEDV coronavirus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes lethal diarrhea in piglets that leads to great economic losses in East Asia. It was reported that aminopeptidase N (APN) is the receptor for transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and feline coronavirus (FeCoV) which all belong to group I coronavirus including as well as PEDV. It was also confirmed previously that porcine aminopeptidase N (pAPN) can bind to PEDV, and anti-pAPN antibodies may inhibit the combination. To investigate whether pAPN is a receptor for PEDV, we transfected MDCK cells with porcine aminopeptidase (pAPN) cDNA and this enabled non-susceptible cells to support PEDV replication and serial viral propagation. Moreover, the infection was blocked by antibodies against pAPN, implies the critical role of pAPN during virus entry. In addition, immunofluorescence assays for detection of pAPN and PEDV antigens, together with neutralization assays using antibodies against pAPN, further confirmed the correlation between pAPN expression and viral replication in pAPN-transfected MDCK cells. These results indicate that pAPN is a functional receptor for PEDV.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α cDNA cloning and its mRNA and protein tissue specific expression in domestic yak (Bos grunniens) from Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

Adaptation to hypoxia is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a heterodimeric transcription factor consisting of an oxygen-regulated alpha-subunit and a constitutively expressed beta-subunit. How animals living on Qinghai-Tibetan plateau adapt to the extreme hypoxia environment is known indistinctly. In this study, the Qinghai yak, which has been living at 3000-5000 m altitude for at least two millions of years, was selected as the model of high hypoxia-tolerant adaptation species. The HIF-1alpha ORFs (open reading frames) encoding for two isoforms of HIF-1alpha have been cloned from the brain of the domestic yak. Its expression of HIF-1alpha was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels in various tissues. Both its HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein are tissue specific expression. Its HIF-1alpha protein's high expression in the brain, lung, and kidney showed us that HIF-1alpha protein may play an important role in the adaptation to hypoxia environment.

Uptake of vapor and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by cabbage

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cabbage (aerial part), air (gas and particles) and soil samples collected from two sites in Tianjin, China were measured. Although the levels of PAHs in all samples from the heavily contaminated site B were higher than those from the less contaminated site A, the PAH profiles were similar, suggesting the similarity in source type. PAH concentrations in cabbages were positively correlated to either gas or particle-bound PAHs in air. A multivariate linear regression with cabbage PAH as a function of both gas and particle-bound PAHs in air was established to quantitatively characterize the relationship between them. Inclusion of soil PAH concentrations would not improve the model, indicating that the contribution of soil PAHs to cabbage (aerial part) accumulation was insignificant.

Novel Reactions of [60]Fullerene with Amino Acid Esters and Carbon Disulfide

[reaction: see text] Novel reactions of C60 with amino acid ester hydrochlorides and CS2 in the presence of Et3N affording fullerene derivatives 2 and 3 containing biologically active amino acids, thioamide, and thiourea units have been investigated. The thioamide groups in compounds 2 are sensitive to moisture and can easily be hydrolyzed to amide groups.

Apolipoprotein E controls the risk and age at onset of Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND

Similarities between Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD) suggest a possible role for apolipoprotein E (APOE) in PD. Most previous studies seeking to establish such a link used case-control datasets and results have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate APOE's role in PD using family-based association analyses.

METHODS

APOE functional polymorphisms were genotyped for 658 PD affected families, including 282 multiplex and 376 singleton families. The pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) and the genotype-PDT were used to test the risk effect of APOE. The Monks-Kaplan test was used to evaluate the effect of APOE on age at onset of PD.

RESULTS

APOE was significantly associated with risk of developing PD. Stratified analysis revealed that APOE was most strongly associated with families with a positive PD family history (global p = 0.003). Like AD, the APOE-4 allele increases disease risk while the APOE-3 allele decreases risk. We detected a positive association of APOE-3 (p = 0.019) and a negative association of APOE-4 (p = 0.015) with age at onset in PD.

CONCLUSIONS

The APOE-4 allele increases risk and decreases age at onset of PD, an association that may not be dependent upon cognitive impairment.

Solvent-free reactions of C60 with active methylene compounds, either with or without carbon tetrabromide, in the presence of bases under high-speed vibration milling conditions

Solvent-free reactions of C(60) with active methylene compounds, either with or without carbon tetrabromide (CBr(4)), in the presence of a base under high-speed vibration milling (HSVM) conditions were investigated. The reaction of C(60) with diethyl bromomalonate was conducted under HSVM conditions in the presence of piperidine, triethylamine or Na(2)CO(3) to afford cyclopropane derivative. In the presence of CBr(4), methanofullerenes, and could be obtained by the direct reaction of C(60) with diethyl malonate, dimethyl malonate, ethyl acetoacetate and ethyl cyanoacetate, respectively, with the aid of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene, piperidine, triethylamine or Na(2)CO(3). More interestingly, 1,4-bisadducts and were produced by the reaction of C(60) with diethyl malonate and dimethyl malonate in the presence of piperidine, triethylamine or Na(2)CO(3) under HSVM conditions. On the other hand, dihydrofuran-fused C(60) derivatives, and were obtained from the reaction of C(60) with ethyl acetoacetate, 2,4-pentanedione and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione with the aid of a base. Under the same conditions, less activated aryl methyl ketones such as 2-acetylpyridine, 2-acetylpyrazine and acetophenone provided monocarbonylated methanofullerene derivatives, and. Except for the Bingel reactions, all other reactions under the HSVM conditions are considered to proceed according to a single-electron-transfer mechanism.

[Expression and immunocompetence characterization of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase]

OBJECTIVE

To express lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) gene of Plasmodium falciparum FCC1/HN in the E. coli TG1 and analyse its immunocompetence.

METHODS

The LDH gene of the P. falciparum was specifically amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the recovered gene fragment was cloned into pGEX-4T-1 vector for expression of fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase(GST). The recombinant plasmid was transformed into the E. coli TG1. Four mice (Kunming strain) were immunized with purified expressed protein(antigen) and the polyclonal antibodies were collected. The immunocompetence of recombinant protein was analysed by ELISA and Western-blot.

RESULTS

The LDH gene of P. falciparum was successfully expressed in the E. coli TG1. The expressed protein exhibited a specific reaction with immune sera obtained from rabbits immunized with P. falciparum. The specific humoral responses were induced in mice and the titer of the specific antibody was 1:16 by two-dimensional diffusion assay.

CONCLUSION

The LDH gene of P. falciparum has been successfully expressed in the E. coli TG1 and the expressed protein has high antigencity.

[Preparation and characterization of McAbs against lactate dehydrogenase of Plasmodium falciparum]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare and characterize the monoclonal antibodies(McAbs) against lactate dehydrogenase of the Plasmodium falciparum(LDHp).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized with purified recombinant LDHp and McAbs against LDHp were prepared according to the protocol of hybridoma technique. The McAbs were characterized by ELISA and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Two McAbs against LDHp antigen were obtained. Both McAbs were IgG2b. The titer of two McAbs(2A5, 1H10) in the ascites was 1:25,600 and 1:12,800, and in supernatant were 1:512,1:256 respectively. The result of ELISA indicated that two McAbs reacted only with P. falciparum, and did not react with normal human red blood cells, P. vivax, Toxoplasma gondii, Schistosoma japonicum. It is recognized 33 kDa protein which was defined as LDHp by Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSION

Two hybridoma cell lines secreting high titer of McAbs against LDHp with high specificity were established.

Spatial distribution of high-energy electron emission from water plasmas produced by femtosecond laser pulses

High energy electrons emitted by water plasmas produced by a single or a multiple laser pulse are investigated. The multipulse mode greatly enhances the generation and the temperature of hot electrons. Directional emission of high energy electrons over 25 keV is observed in two symmetric directions with respect to the laser axis and at 46 degrees from the directions of the laser electric field. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations reproduce well the experimental results and indicate that the acceleration mechanism of the high energy electrons is due mainly to the resonance absorption at the edge of the spherical droplets formed by the leading pulse.

Third-order harmonic generation by self-guided femtosecond pulses in air

Strong third-order harmonic (TH) emission is observed with a conversion efficiency higher than 10(-3) from a plasma channel formed by self-guided femtosecond laser pulses propagating in air. The main characteristics of TH emission in various conditions and the phase-matching condition between the fundamental and the TH wave are investigated. An optimized condition is found, under which the TH conversion efficiency is maximized. Our experimental results show that radiation of the emission in ultraviolet wavelength range makes a major attribution to TH emission, whereas the effects of self-phase modulation are not important when intense laser pulses interact with gaseous media.

Effects of delay time on transient Ni-like x-ray lasers

In transient collisional excitation scheme, a long (nanosecond) prepulse is used to perform and ionize plasmas. After a delay time, a short (sub- or picosecond) intense laser pulse is used to rapidly heat the plasma. This results in transient x-ray lasers with high gain. Effects of delay time on transient collisional excitation nickel-like x-ray lasers are investigated analytically using a simple model. The calculations show that the longer delay time can greatly relax the density gradient. This is very critical for the propagation of x-ray lasers. However, a too long delay will reduce the electron temperature of the plasma before the arrival of the short pulse. Increasing the intensity of the long pulse or extending the pulse duration can keep the temperature required to maintain a high percentage of Ni-like ions while the delay time is longer. Similarly, increasing the intensity of the short pulse or extending the duration can also raise the electron temperature, resulting in higher gain coefficient. Our results indicate that extending the pulse duration is more efficient than that of increasing the intensity.

Long plasma channels generated by femtosecond laser pulses

Generation of a long plasma channel by femtosecond laser pulses is investigated. The results show that the balance between the nonlinear self-focusing of the laser beam and plasma defocusing forms a long plasma channel, which guides the laser beam to propagate a long distance in air. This phenomenon can be used to trigger lightning.

Improvement of preservation with cardioplegic solution by nitroglycerin-induced delayed preconditioning is mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide

Improvement of preservation with cardioplegic solution by nitroglycerin-induced delayed preconditioning was studied in the isolated rat heart. The isolated rat heart was arrested using St. Thomas Hospital solution, and then reperfused with normothermic Krebs-Henseleit solution for 40 min after a 4-h hypothermic ischemic period. Heart rate, coronary flow, left ventricular pressure and the maximum value of the first derivatives of left ventricular pressure (+/-dp/dt(max)) were recorded, and plasma concentrations of CGRP-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) and nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in myocardial tissues, and creatine kinase in coronary effluent were measured. Delayed preconditioning was induced by i.v. injection of nitroglycerin 24 h before the experiment. Nitroglycerin (60 microg/kg or 120 microg/kg) caused an improvement of cardiac function, a decrease in the release of creatine kinase in coronary effluent and a decrease in the content of TNF-alpha in myocardial tissues. Nitroglycerin significantly increased plasma concentrations of CGRP and NO. After pretreatment with capsaicin, which depletes neurotransmitters in sensory nerves, or methylene blue, a selective guanylate cyclase inhibitor, the protection and the elevated release of CGRP induced by nitroglycerin were abolished. The present study suggests that improvement of preservation with cardioplegic solution by nitroglycerin-induced delayed preconditioning is due to stimulation of CGRP release in the rat heart, and that the protection of CGRP-mediated nitroglycerin is related to inhibition of TNF-alpha production.

Effect of asymmetric dimethylarginine on osteoblastic differentiation

BACKGROUND

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that accumulates in renal insufficiency and may be a uremic toxin. To determine whether ADMA inhibits bone metabolism, we investigated the in vitro effect of ADMA on osteoblastic differentiation in mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

METHODS

The effect of ADMA on nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by measuring the stable end product of NO, nitrite, in the culture medium using commercial NO kit. The temporal sequence of osteoblastic differentiation in BMSCs was assessed in the presence and absence of ADMA by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and osteoblast gene expression at 0, 4, 8, 12 days of culture.

RESULTS

ADMA (5, 50, 500 micromol. L-1) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in nitrite formation in conditioned media of BMCS cultures, consistent with inhibition of NOS. ADMA treatment was associated with reduced ALP activity, calcium deposition and osteoblast-related gene expression in BMSCs cultures. Concurrent treatment with l-arginine (3600 micromol. L-1) reversed the ADMA (500 micromol. L-1)-mediated decrease in NO production, restored the differentiation potential of BMSCs, and significantly attenuated the down-regulation of Cbfa1 and osteocalcin gene expression by ADMA.

CONCLUSIONS

ADMA inhibition of the NO-NOS pathway in BMSCs impairs osteoblastic differentiation of mouse BMSC cultures. These studies further support a role of NO in the local regulation of bone metabolism and the possibility that ADMA may act as uremic toxin on bone through its effect to inhibit NO actions in osteoblasts.

Elevated serum endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and endothelial dysfunction in aged rats

1. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and the endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase NG,NG'-asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in aged rats. 2. Studies were performed in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats (6 months old; n = 8) and in aged rats (20 months old; n = 8). Serum levels of ADMA and L-arginine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and responses of endothelium-intact aortic rings to acetylcholine (ACh) were tested. Nitric oxide synthase activity in kidney tissue and serum concentrations of nitrite, a stable end-product of nitric oxide, were assayed and serum contents of malondialdehyde, derived from lipid peroxidation and serum lipid and creatinine level were determined. 3. Serum levels of ADMA increased significantly in aged rats compared with adult rats (P < 0.01), whereas serum levels of L-arginine were similar in both groups (P = NS). Accordingly, the ratio of L-arginine/ADMA in old rats was lower than that in young rats (P < 0.01). Endothelium-dependent relaxation responses to ACh in aortic rings from aged rats were impaired and these impaired responses were improved by pre-incubation of aortic rings with L-arginine. 4. Nitric oxide synthase activity in the kidney, together with serum concentration of nitrite, was significantly decreased and serum contents of malondialdehyde, cholesterol and triglycerides were increased in old compared with young rats. However, the serum creatinine level was not significantly different between adult and aged rats. 5. Endogenous ADMA may be a contributor to age-related endothelial dysfunction and increases in endogenous ADMA may be linked to lipid peroxidation in aged rats.

Induction of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide mRNA expression in rat dorsal root ganglia by heat stress involves the heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide pathway

SD rats were pretreated with whole body hyperthermia (rectal 42 degrees C) for 15 min. The level of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in plasma, and alpha- and beta-CGRP mRNA as well as heme oxygenease-1 and heme oxygenase-2 mRNA in dorsal root ganglia were determined by radioimmunoassay and semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Heat stress induced only the expression of alpha-CGRP or heme oxygenease-1 but not beta-CGRP or heme oxygenase-2 mRNA, and the release of CGRP and induction of alpha-CGRP mRNA expression were abolished by pretreatment with Zinc protoporphyrin IX, the heme oxygenase inhibitor, or methylene blue, the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. These results indicate that induction of alpha-CGRP mRNA expression in rat DRG by heat stress involves the heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide pathway.

Delayed cardioprotection by intestinal preconditioning is mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide

Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are involved in mediation of the delayed cardioprotection of ischemic or pharmacological preconditioning, and nitric oxide can evoke the release of CGRP. In the present study, we examined the role of CGRP in nitric oxide-mediated delayed cardioprotection by brief intestinal ischemia in rats. The serum concentration of creatine kinase and infarct size were measured after 45-min coronary artery occlusion and 180-min reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning was induced by six cycles of 4-min ischemia and 4-min reperfusion of the small intestine. Pretreatment with intestinal ischemic preconditioning for 24, 48, or 72 h significantly reduced infarct size and creatine kinase release, and the effects of ischemic preconditioning were completely abolished by L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or by pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg/kg, s.c.), which selectively depletes transmitters in capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. Intestinal preconditioning caused a significant increase in plasma concentrations of CGRP, and the effect was also abolished by L-NAME or capsaicin. These results suggest that the delayed cardioprotection afforded by intestinal ischemic preconditioning is mediated by endogenous CGRP via the nitric oxide pathway.

Involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the development of tolerance to nitroglycerin in the rat

Previous studies have shown that the depressor effect of nitroglycerin is related to stimulation of endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. In the present study, we explored whether endogenous CGRP is involved in the development of tolerance to nitroglycerin in the rat. Tolerance was induced by treatment with nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg, subcutaneous [s.c.]) three times a day for 8 days and confirmed by a reduction in hypotensive responses to intravenous (i.v.) nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin (30 or 150 microg/kg, i.v.) significantly decreased blood pressure concomitantly with an increase in plasma concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and CGRP, and these effects of nitroglycerin disappeared after pretreatment with nitroglycerin for 8 days. However, the nitroglycerin-induced depressor effect and elevation of NO and CGRP content were restored, partially or completely, 4 or 8 days after nitroglycerin removal in the tolerant rat. The present study suggests that the development of tolerance to nitroglycerin is related to the decreased release of CGRP in the rat.

Role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in nitric oxide-mediated myocardial delayed preconditioning induced by head stress

AIM

To study the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated myocardial delayed preconditioning induced by heat stress.

METHODS

The isolated rat heart was perfused in a Langendorff model. Hearts for all groups were subjected to 4 h hypothermia (4 degrees C) and 40 min reperfusion (37 degrees C). In the hyperthermia-treated group, rats were subjected to whole-body hyperthermia (rectal 42 degrees C, 15 min) 24 h before the experiment. Heart rate, coronary flow, left ventricular pressure, and its derivative (+/- dp/dtmax) were recorded, and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) in plasma and the activity of creatine kinase (CK) in the coronary effluent were measured.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with hyperthermia significantly improved the recovery of cardiac protection, reduced the release of CK, and increased plasma concentrations of CGRP. Pretreatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of NOS, or capsaicin, which selectively depleted sensory neurotransmitter content, abolished the protective effects and the increased level of CGRP elicited by hyperthermia.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous NO is involved in the cardioprotection afforded by heat stress, and the beneficial effects of NO are mediated by CGRP in the rat.

The depressor effect of nitroglycerin is mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide

Previous investigations have suggested that vasodilator responses to nitroglycerin involve in stimulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. Therefore, we tested whether depressor effect of nitroglycerin is mediated by CGRP. A catheter was inserted into the left femoral artery to record blood pressure and drugs were administered through cannulae inserted into the right femoral vein. Nitroglycerin (15, 30, 60, 120 and 150 microg/kg) caused depressor effects in a dose-dependent manner. Nitroglycerin (30 or 150 microg/kg) caused a depressor effect with an increase in plasma concentrations of CGRP. The effects of nitroglycerin were significantly attenuated by methylene blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, or by pretreatment with capsaicin (50 mg x kg(-1), s.c.), which depletes neurotransmitters in sensory nerves. The present study suggests that the depressor effect of nitroglycerin is related to stimulation of CGRP release in the rat.

A possible role for BDNF, NT-4 and TrkB in the spinal cord and muscle of rat subjected to mechanical overload, bupivacaine injection and axotomy

Neurotrophins play a crucial role in the regulation of survival and the maintenance of specific functions for various populations of neurons. Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is most abundant in skeletal muscle, and is thought to promote sciatic nerve sprouting, inhibit agrin-induced acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering, evoke postsynaptic potentiation and induce mitochondrial proliferation. Using Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry, we investigated the distribution of NT-4 in slow- and fast-type muscles. We also tested the adaptive response of this protein in the mechanically overloaded muscle, in the regenerating muscle following bupivacaine injection and in the denervated muscle. Additionally, we investigated whether TrkB phosphorylation in the spinal cord and in the sciatic nerve occurs through the interaction with BDNF or NT-4 when the innervating muscle is damaged. Markedly more NT-4 was expressed in fast-type muscles compared with the slow types. TrkB protein was more frequently observed around the edge of myofibers (neuromuscular junction) of the soleus muscle compared with the gastrocnemius muscle. TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation occurred in the spinal cord but not in the sciatic nerve 24 h after bupivacaine injection of the innervating muscle. At the same time, the amount of TrkB co-precipitating with BDNF was markedly increased in the spinal cord. A rapid activation of TrkB (1-8 h) was also observed in the spinal cord after axotomy,while the amount of TrkB co-precipitating with NT-4 was markedly lower after axotomy. These results indicate that NT-4 is preferentially distributed in fast-type muscles. Furthermore, by interacting with BDNF and NT-4, the TrkB in the spinal cord may be important for the survival of motoneurons and outgrowth of injured peripheral axons following muscle damage.

[Study on the determination of NO, AsH3, COS and other impurities in cracked gas by chromatography/mass spectrometry method]

The selected ion monitoring(SIM) mode of capillary column gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry has been used for the determination of NO, AsH3, COS, thio-ether, thio-alcohol etc. in gases from catalytic cracking of heavy oils. The interference of CO, CO2, ethylene, ethane and N2 which affected the determination of NO was eliminated by chromatographic separation and subtraction of responses. The interference to the determination of selected ion was studied. Only C2H5SH was affected at m/z = 62 and the interference could be eliminated by using the ions at m/z = 47. The impurities in practical sample gas were determined. The detection limit of NO was 100 nL/L. The detection limits of other impurities were between 15 nL/L and 50 nL/L.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-mediated ischemic preconditioning in the rat heart: influence of age

In the present study, we examined whether age-related reduction of ischemic preconditioning is related to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release in the rat heart. Thirty minutes of global ischemia and 40 min of reperfusion caused a significant decrease of cardiac function and a marked increase of creatine kinase (CK) release at 2, 6 and 20 months of age. Ischemic preconditioning and pretreatment with CGRP for 5 min significantly improved cardiac function and reduced CK release during reperfusion at 2 and 6 months of age but not at 20 months of age. The content of CGRP in the coronary effluent during ischemic preconditioning was significantly increased in the first cycle at 2, 6 months of age but not at 20 months of age. These results suggest that the protection afforded by ischemic preconditioning is decreased in aging hearts, and the age-related change may be related to reduction of the release and effect of CGRP in the rat heart.

Monophosphoryl lipid A-induced delayed preconditioning is mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide

The delayed preconditioning of the heart by monophosphoryl lipid A is mediated by endogenous nitric oxide (NO), and the cardioprotection afforded by nitroglycerin is related to stimulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. The objective of this study was to explore whether improvement of preservation with cardioplegia by monophosphoryl lipid A is mediated by CGRP. In addition, we examined the effect of monophosphoryl lipid A on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) content of myocardial tissues. The isolated rat heart was perfused in the Langendorff mode. Heart rate, coronary flow, left-ventricular pressure, and its first derivatives (+/-dp/dt(max)) were recorded, and plasma levels of NO and CGRP, the release of creatine kinase in coronary effluent and the content of TNF-alpha in myocardial tissues were measured. Hypothermic ischemia for 4 h caused a decline in cardiac function, and an increase in the release of creatine kinase and in the content of TNF-alpha. Pretreatment with monophosphoryl lipid A (500 microg/kg, i.p.) for 24 h improved the recovery of cardiac function and reduced the release of creatine kinase concomitantly with a decrease in the content of cardiac TNF-alpha. Monophosphoryl lipid A markedly increased plasma concentrations of CGRP and NO. After pretreatment with L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the cardioprotection and the increased release of NO and CGRP induced by monophosphoryl lipid A were abolished. Capsaicin also abolished the cardioprotection and the increased release of CGRP induced by monophosphoryl lipid A, but did not affect the content of NO. The results suggest that monophosphoryl lipid A-induced preconditioning enhances preservation with cardioplegia and that the protective effects of monophosphoryl lipid A are related to stimulation of CGRP release.

[Determination of organophosphorus pesticide multi-residues in tea by gas chromatography]

An efficient gas chromatographic method for the determination of 14 organophosphorus pesticide residues in tea by gas chromatography using micro-chemical and solid phase extraction technique has been established. The organophosphorus pesticides were extracted from tea samples with ethyl acetate and mixture of ethyl acetate-hexane(1:1, V/V). The extracts were cleaned up with a column of 3 mL Supelclean Envl-carb by GILSON ASPEC XL. The 14 organophosphorus pesticides were separated from each other through SPB-1701 capillary column(30 m x 0.53 mm i.d. x 1.0 micron) and determined by flame photometric detector. The recoveries ranged 70.8%-120% when the added levels were from 0.100 mg/kg to 1.00 mg/kg, the RSD was 2%-7% and the limits of detection were 0.01 mg/kg-0.08 mg/kg. This method is rapid, sensitive and suitable for the analysis of pesticide residues. It can also be applied to the determination of organophosphorus pesticide multi-residues in other plant samples such as vegetables, fruits and so on.

[Determination of jujubaside A in semen ziziphi spinosae by RP-HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new method for the determination of Jujubaside A in Semen Ziziphi Spinosae.

METHOD

A RP-HPLC method was set up, using Hypersil-18 column, acetonitrile: water(30:70) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.8 ml.min-1.

RESULT

The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.076-0.456 mg. The average recovery was 93.5%.

CONCLUSION

The method is appropriate for the determination of Jujubaside A.