[Effect of long-term experimental stress on blood glucose level in mice with diabetes-prone: the age difference and its mechanism]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of long-term experimental stressors on blood glucose level and insulin secretion in the aged and young mice with diabetes-prone and to explore the mechanism.

METHODS

Diabetes-prone was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in 40 1.5-month-old mice and 40 15-month-old mice. The young and the aged STZ mice were divided randomly into the stress group and the control group, respectively. Each group contained 20 mice. Both the aged and the young stress mice were exposed to multiple stressors (restrain, rotation, crowding) for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FINS), pancreas lipid peroxidase (LPO) and the metabolic products of nitric oxide (NO2-, NO3-) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. The grade of insulitis in STZ mice was also evaluated.

RESULTS

After 6-week stress, FBG level, pancreatic tissue LPO and NO2-, NO3- contents were significantly higher while FINS level and SOD activity lower in the aged stress mice than those in the youngs. The insulitis malignization in the aged stress group was severer than that in the young stress group. There were correlativities among the above variables.

CONCLUSION

The effects of long-term stress in promoting hyperglycemia exacerbating insulitis, and inhibiting insulin secretion are more significant in the aged STZ mice than in the young ones. This difference may result from the excessive NO and the peroxide injury to the pancreas.

Photon migration in turbid media using a cumulant approximation to radiative transfer

A photon transport model for light migration in turbid media based on a cumulant approximation to radiative transfer is presented for image reconstruction inside an infinite medium or a bounded medium with a planar geometry. This model treats weak inhomogeneities through a Born approximation of the Boltzmann radiative transfer equation and uses the second-order cumulant solution of photon density to the Boltzmann equation as the Green's function for the uniform background. It provides the correct behavior of photon migration at early times and reduces at long times to the center-moved diffusion approximation. At early times, it agrees much better with the result from the Monte Carlo simulation than the diffusion approximation. Both approximations agree well with the Monte Carlo simulation at later times. The weight function for image reconstruction under this proposed model is shown to have a strong dependence at both early and later times on absorption and/or scattering inhomogeneities located in the propagation direction of and close to the source, or in the field of view of and close to the detector. This effect originates from the initial ballistic motion of incident photons, which is substantially underestimated by the diffusion approximation.

QTL clusters reflect character associations in wild and cultivated rice

The genetic basis of character association related to differentiation found in the primary gene pool of rice was investigated based on the genomic distribution of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Major evolutionary trends in cultivated rice of Asiatic origin ( Oryza sativa) and its wild progenitor ( O. rufipogon) are: (1) differentiation from wild to domesticated types (domestication), (2) ecotype differentiation between the perennial and annual types in wild races, and (3) the Indica versus Japonica type differentiation in cultivated races. Using 125 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between an Indica cultivar of O. sativa and a strain of O. rufipogon carrying some Japonica-like characteristics, we mapped 147 markers, mostly RFLPs, on 12 chromosomes. Thirty-seven morphological and physiological quantitative traits were evaluated, and QTLs for 24 traits were detected. The mapped loci showed a tendency to form clusters that are composed of QTLs of the domestication-related traits as well as Indica/Japonica diagnostic traits. QTLs for perennial/annual type differences did not cluster. This cluster phenomenon could be considered "multifactorial linkages" followed by natural selection favoring co-adapted traits. Further, it is possible that the clustering phenomenon is partly due to pleiotropy of some unknown key factor(s) controlling various traits through diverse metabolic pathways. Chromosomal regions where QTL clusters were found coincided with the regions harboring genes or gene blocks where the frequency of cultivar-derived alleles in RILs is higher than expected. This distortion may be partly due to unconscious selection favoring cultivated plant type during the establishment of RILs.

Lysozyme enhances renal excretion of advanced glycation endproducts in vivo and suppresses adverse age-mediated cellular effects in vitro: a potential AGE sequestration therapy for diabetic nephropathy?

BACKGROUND

Lysozyme (LZ), a host-defense protein, contains an 18 amino-acid domain with high affinity binding for sugar-derived proteins or lipids, called advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), that are implicated in diabetes- and age-dependent complications (DC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A) The effects of LZ on AGE- removal were tested in vivo. LZ was injected (200 ug/day, i.p., X2 weeks) in non-obese diabetic (NOD), db/db (+/+) mice, and non-diabetic, AGE-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. B) LZ: AGE interactions with macrophage-like T1B-183 cells (Mf) and mesangial cells (MC) were tested in vitro.

RESULTS

A) In NOD mice, LZ reduced the elevated basal serum AGE (sAGE) (p < 0.05), enhanced urinary AGE (uAGE) excretion by approximately 2-fold (p < 0.01), while it reduced albuminuria (UA), p < 0.005. In db/db mice, LZ infusion also reduced the elevated sAGE (p < 0.05), doubled uAGE excretion (p < 0.05), and decreased UA (p < 0.01). In addition, LZ maintained normal sAGE in normal rats infused with AGE-BSA, as it doubled the urinary AGE (uAGE) clearance (p < 0.01). B) LZ stimulated the uptake and degradation of (125) I-labeled AGE-BSA and (25) I-human serum AGE by Mf, while suppressing AGE-induced TNFalpha and IGF-I production. In MC, LZ suppressed the AGE-promoted PDGF-B, alpha1 type IV collagen, and tenascin mRNA levels, and restored the AGE-suppressed expression and activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2.

CONCLUSION

LZ may act to: a) accelerate renal in-vivo AGE clearance, b) suppress macrophage and mesangial cell- specific gene activation in vitro, and c) improve albuminuria due to diabetes. These data suggest that LZ by sequestering AGEs may protect against diabetic renal damage.

[Histological changes in 20 hepatic fibrosis patients with chronic hepatitis B after recombinant human interferon-gamma treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To observe histological changes of hepatic fibrosis patients with chronic hepatitis B after recombinant human interferon-gamma treatment.

METHODS

Twenty hepatic fibrosis patients with chronic hepatitis B received rhIFN-gamma treatment at the dose of 1 MU intramuscularly daily for the first three months and every other day for the next six months. Liver biopsy was performed at the start of the therapy and the end of 9-month follow-up period respectively in all patients. All liver biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picro-sirius red. Modified Scheuer and Chevallier semi-quantitative scoring system was used to assess the results. In the meantime, serum hepatic fibrosis indices and serum biochemical examination were detected.

RESULTS

After 9 moths of treatment, the mean fibrosis score decreased from 11.24 +/- 5.34 to 8.67 +/- 4.16 (P<0.01), whereas the mean inflammation score decreased from 12.78 +/- 5.19 to 6.57 +/- 2.95 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

rhIFN-gamma showes a beneficial effect on hepatic fibrosis patients with chronic hepatitis B.

[Levels of sexual hormones in plasma of male patients with lung cancer and their clinical significance]

BACKGROUND

To determine the levels of several sexual hormones in plasma of male patients with lung cancer and to evaluate their clinical significance.

METHODS

The levels of estradiol ( E₂ ) , progesterone ( P) , testosterone (T) , follicle stimulating hormone( FSH) , and lutenising hormone( LH) in plasma of 70 patients with lung cancer, 30 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD) , and 30 healthy men were measured by enzyme immunoassay magnetic solid phase( IEMA) . The difference of sexual hormone levels was compared among male lung cancer patients by different tumor size, clinical stage, and pathological type

RESULTS

The E₂ level and the ratio of E₂/ T ( 24. 7 ng/ L±19. 1 ng/ L and 10. 9±9. 8) were significantly increased in male patients with lung cancer than those in normal adults( 12. 6 ng/ L ± 4. 8 ng / L and 3. 4±1. 6) ( P < 0. 001) . Compared with control group, the level of plasma T in male patients ( 3. 3μg/ L±1. 5μg/L) was significantly decreased ( P< 0. 05) , but there was no difference between lung cancer group and COPD group ( P > 0. 05) . The level of E₂ and the ratio of E₂/ T had close relationship with the tumor size and clinical stage ( P < 0. 01) . Compared with squamous cell carcinoma group, the level of plasma T in adenocarcinoma patients ( 2. 3μg/ L ± 1. 2μg/ L) was significantly decreased ( P< 0. 05) , but other levels of sexual hormones didn# t relate to the pathological type of tumor ( P > 0. 05) .

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the determination of the levels of T, E₂ and the ratio of E₂ /T might be helpful for the diagnosis of male lung cancer and to predict the stage of male patients.

Identification of dopamine responsive mRNAs in glial cells by suppression subtractive hybridization

Recent studies have established that glial cells are important targets of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), but the regulatory effects of DA on glial cells have not been extensively studied. In the present study, we have investigated the influence of DA on gene transcription in glial cells. Two-directional (forward and backward) suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) was performed on astrocytes cultured from rat cerebral tissues in standard media or in culture media treated with DA. PCR-select differential screening was used to further verify the differentially expressed cDNA clones, positive clones were sequenced, and the mRNAs were re-examined on Northern blots. Fourteen sequences were identified of which eleven are homologous to known genes, three are homologous to expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Three novel full-length cDNAs were isolated using the EST fragments as probes to screen a cDNA library constructed from human brain. Analysis of these sequences suggested that complex intracellular signaling pathways, involving crosstalk with growth factor pathways, steroid hormone pathways, and an interferon-regulated 2-5 A pathway, are responsive to DA in astrocytes. The responsive proteins downstream from the signaling pathways were found to fall into at least three groups, including a series of metabolic enzymes, stress proteins, transfer proteins, etc. In addition, several of them have established their relationships with specific neurodegenerative diseases, showing that there is overlap in the pathogenic mechanisms of different diseases. Our results have provided a foundation for better understanding of the molecular basis of glial cell functions in dopaminergic transmission and an approach to find possible medication for the related disorders.

Photon-transport forward model for imaging in turbid media

A photon-transport forward model for image reconstruction in turbid media is derived that treats weak inhomogeneities through a Born approximation of the Boltzmann radiative transfer equation. This model can conveniently replace the commonly used diffusion approximation in optical tomography. An analytical expression of the background Green's function is obtained from the cumulant solution of the Boltzmann equation. Our model provides the correct behavior of photon migration at early times and reduces at long times to the center-moved diffusion approximation. Numerical comparisons between this model and the standard and center-moved diffusion models are presented.

[Determination and significance of serum markers for fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To find the relationship between serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PC III), laminin (LN), type IV collagen (IV-C) and hepatic fibrosis as well as to determine their value in clinical practice.

METHODS

2600 serum samples from chronic hepatitis patients were tested with RIA for fibrosis indexes assays including HA, PC III, LN and IV-C. 280 of the patients with serum samples taken had liver biopsy performed and the biopsy material was examine pathomorphologically. Fibrosis indexes were compared according to inflammation grade, fibrosis stage and chronic hepatitis degree.

RESULTS

In the 2600 serum samples from chronic hepatitis patients, fibrosis indexes (including HA, PC III, LN and IV-C) had significant correlation with inflammation grade, fibrosis stage and the degree of chronic hepatitis (P < 0.01). The relating indexes to HA were 0.544, 0.548, 0.468 respectively, to PC III 0.495, 0.424, 0.335 respectively, to LN 0.214, 0.204, 0.184 and to IV-C were 0.464, 0.404, 0.412 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serum fibrosis indexes are fairly well correlated with the inflammation grade, fibrosis stage and the degree of chronic hepatitis. However, as diagnostic markers, they must be combined with liver function, ultrasonography and clinical features.

Anisotropic elastic interactions of a periodic dislocation array

A method for calculating the anisotropic elastic energy of a dislocation dipole in a periodic cell is derived in which the infinite image summation is absolutely convergent. The core energy of a screw dislocation in Si, extracted from atomistic simulation, is shown to be manifestly system size invariant. Existence of special cell geometry where complete cancellation of elastic interactions occurs is demonstrated.

Placental leptin correlates with intrauterine fetal growth and development

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of placental leptin in intrauterine cord leptin production and its relationship with neonatal anthropometry.

METHODS

Forty women and their babies (40) were enrolled in this study. Placental tissues were assayed for leptin mRNA by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR), and assayed for the obese gene protein leptin by Western-blot and immunohistochemistry. Blood was taken from the umbilical cord of the babies at delivery. Serum leptin was measured by radio-immunoassay. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were recorded within 48 hours after delivery. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between placental leptin, cord leptin and neonatal anthropometric measures.

RESULTS

The obese gene was expressed in placental tissue at comparable or greater levels than that in adipose tissue. The placentas of the small for gestational age (SGA) neonates expressed leptin mRNA and protein at significantly lower levels than those of the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates (P = 0.0034 and 0.0076), while the placentas of the large for gestational age (LGA) neonates expressed leptin mRNA and protein at significantly higher levels than those of the AGA neonates (P = 0.043 and 0.021). Linear regression analysis showed placental ob gene transcription and leptin translation correlated significantly with cord leptin (r = 0.39 and 0.43), and neonatal Ponderal Index (r = 0.66 and 0.69).

CONCLUSION

The placenta provides a source of leptin for the growing fetus, and this placental leptin might be a growth factor in intrauterine fetal development.

A two-dimensional immune algorithm for resolution of overlapping two-way chromatograms

A two-dimensional immune algorithm is proposed for resolving the multicomponent overlapping two-way data matrices. The method is a development of the one-dimensional immune algorithm proposed elsewhere. When the inner product of vectors is expanded to the similar operation on matrices, the 1D immune algorithm can be expanded to the 2D algorithm which is suitable for the analysis of two-way data matrices. Both simulated and experimental two-way data sets were investigated by the method, and the results prove that the 2D immune algorithm is an effective tool for resolving the overlapping two-way signals. The effect of noise on the recoveries is also discussed.

[Molecular characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the Han and Li nationalities in Hainan, China and identification of a new mutation in human G6PD gene]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the molecular basis of G6PD deficiency in the Han and Li nationalities in Hainan, China.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion were used to screen the mutations 1388G-->A, 1360C-->T, 1024C-->T, 592C-->T, 517T-->C, 493A-->G, 487G-->A, 392G-->T and 95A-->G. Single strand conformation polymorphism analysis was used to screen the other mutations followed by DNA sequencing to characterize the mutations of the samples with abnormal SSCP bands.

RESULTS

Of the fifty-nine Han cases with G6PD deficiency, fourteen with 1388G-->A (23.7%), three with 871G-->A(5.1%), one with 835A-->T(1.7%), one with 517T-->C (1.7%), three with 392G-->T(5.1%), and four with 95A-->G(6.8%) were found. Of the thirty-two Li cases with G6PD deficiency, six with 1388G-->A(18.8%), three with 871G-->A(9.4%), and two with 95A-->G(6.3%) were found. A new mutation 835A-->G which causes the substitution of Ala for Thr at 279 in a Han case was identified and named as G6PD Haikou. The enzyme activity of the variant is about 10% of the normal and lower than the activity of the variant 835A-->T with about 40% of the normal. Analysis of the 3D model of human G6PD has revealed that the hydroxyl group of Thr at 279 is a group in maintaining the interaction of the G6PD subunits.

CONCLUSION

The most common mutations of G6PD deficiency in Han and Li nationalities in Hainan are similar. Compared with the mutation spectrum of G6PD gene in the populations in other regions of China, the results indicate that some G6PD gene mutations are widespread in the populations of different regions in the southern part of China. The hydroxyl group of the Thr at 279 of human G6PD may be a necessary group for maintaining the interaction of the G6PD subunits and the enzyme activity.

[The effects of sodium butyrate on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in immortalized esophageal epithelial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of sodium butyrate on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of immortalized esophagus epithelial cells.

METHODS

SHEE, an immortalized human fetal esophageal epithelial cell line induced by HPV18 E6E7, was cultivated in culture flasks and 24-well plates. Two experiment groups of cultured cells were treated with 1 and 5 mmol/L of sodium butyrate respectively for 4 days, and one group of untreated cells set aside as control. The numbers of cloned cells were calculated. The ultra-structure of SHEE cells was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cell cycle and number of apoptotic cells were measured by flow cytometry, Ki-67 and cytokeratin of cells were detected by immunohistochemistry method and F-actin of cells labeled with phalloidin was examined by laser confocal scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

Colony formations showed a significant decrease in the 2 experiment groups after 4 days of culture (P < 0.01). In the 1 mmol/L group, the cells at S phase were diminished and arrested at G(0)/G(1) phase. Compared with control group, Ki-67 positive cells were found decreased, while F-actin and cytokeratin were increased. Apoptotic cells in 5 mmol/L group were increased markedly.

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium butyrate may induce SHEE cells growth arrest, differentiation and apoptosis. The effects depend on sodium butyrate concentration and time of exposure. Whether it can be used in combination with other anticancer drugs should be further studied.

[Specific amplification of the coding sequences of BBTV III, IV, I and their application in BBTV detection]

Banana bunchy top virus disease (BBTD) is a disastrous disease in bananas, and it is spreading in the world (including China) by the banana bunchy top virus(BBTV). At present, virus-free plantlets are used to prevent BBTD in banana production, therefore, it is very important to establish a method to detect BBTV quickly, sensitively and specifically. ELISA is now popularly used to detect BBTV. The sensitivity of this method is not high enough, and needs specific antiserum, otherwise, pseudo-positive results often occur. According to DNA coding sequences of component III, IV and I of BBTV isolates from Zhangzhou, China, three pairs of primers are designed to establish a PCR method to specifically amplify parts of coding sequences of the BBTV coat protein, movement protein and replicase-association. This method is also applicable to detect BBTV of bananas or cultured banana seedlings in other regions.

Analytical solution of the polarized photon transport equation in an infinite uniform medium using cumulant expansion

An analytical solution for time-dependent polarized photon transport equation in an infinite uniform isotropic medium is studied using a circular representation of the polarized light and expansion in the generalized spherical functions. We extend our cumulant approach for solving the scalar (unpolarized) photon transport equation to the vector (polarized) case. As before, an exact angular distribution is obtained and a cumulant expansion is derived for the polarized photon distribution function. By a cutoff at the second cumulant order, a Gaussian analytical approximate expression of the polarized photon spatial distribution is obtained as a function of the direction of light and time, whose average center position and half-width are always exact. The central limit theorem claims that this spatial distribution approaches accuracy in detail when the number of collisions or time becomes large. The analytical expression of cumulants up to an arbitrary high order is also derived, which can be used for calculating a more accurate polarized photon distribution through a numerical Fourier transform. Contrary to what occurs in other approximation techniques, truncation of the cumulant expansion at order n is exact at that order and cumulants up to and including order n remain unchanged when higher orders are added, at least as applied in our photon transport equation.

[A survey of the changes of serum inorganic salts and alkaline phosphatase after jaw fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of serum salts and alkaline phosphatase in patients with jaw fractures and its roles.

METHODS

The serum salts and alkaline phosphatase were determined in 40 cases of jaw fracture and 14 health persons.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no significant difference in Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+) contents between jaw fracture group and normal group (P>0.05), but P(3-) Mg(2+), ALP levels were higher in jaw fracture group than that in normal group (P<0.05). Furthermore the Ca(2+), P(3-), Mg(2+), ALP were higher in multiple or communition fracture of jaw than in single or double line fracture (P<0.05) except Ca content. The level of Ca(2+) was higher in single jaw fracture than in jaw damage with whole body injury (P>0.05) but the levels of P(3-),Mg(2+), ALP were no difference (P>0.05). As the same all the Ca(2+), P(3-), Mg(2+), ALP levels were higher in early stage of fracture than in 4 weeks after fracture (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The contents of Ca(2+) P(3-), Mg(2+) ALP were increased after the axilla mandible were fractured and it has an important regulation role in the activity of osteoblast and osteoclast in healing of fractured jaw.

Minimizing boundary reflections in coupled-domain simulations

We propose a time-dependent boundary condition coupling an atomistic simulation system to linear surroundings such that reflection of elastic waves across the boundary is minimized. Interdomain interactions expressed in terms of memory kernel functions within linear-response theory are treated in a natural dynamical manner, albeit numerically. The approach is shown to give significantly reduced phonon reflections at the domain boundaries relative to existing coupling methods. In addition, we demonstrate that the framework is also effective in the context of static relaxation of displacement fields associated with embedded inhomogeneities.

1376G-->T mutation of G6PD gene in Han and Li nationalities in Hainan, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the 1376G-->T mutation of G6PD gene in the cases of G6PD deficiency in the Han nationality and the Li nationality of Hainan, China.

METHODS

DNAs were extracted from the white blood cells of G6PD deficient cases by salt-out method. Allelic specific polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the 1376G-->T mutation.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine Han nationality cases and 32 Li nationality cases were analysed; the 1376G-->T mutation was found in 19 Han cases(32.2%) and 18 Li cases(56.2%).

CONCLUSION

1376G-->T is a common mutation which causes G6PD deficiency in the Han nationality and the Li nationality in Hainan, China. Based on the phylogenetic tree of populations in China, these results indicate that the mutation might occur prior to the divergence of the Han and Li nationalities. It is of significance to study the mutations of G6PD gene in different nationalities in China for elucidating the origin, migration and evolution of the nationalities.

Study of immortalization and malignant transformation of human embryonic esophageal epithelial cells induced by HPV18 E6E7

In order to study the effect of viruses and tumor promoters on the tumorigenicity of the esophagus, human embryonic esophageal epithelial cells were infected with human papilloma virus HPV18 E6E7-AAV in synergy with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) to observe their malignant transformation. The cultured esophageal epithelial cells incubated with HPV18 E6E7-AAV were divided into two groups: the SHEEC1 group was exposed to TPA (5 ng/ml) for 4 weeks at the 5th passage of the cells; the SHEE group served as the control and was cultured in the same medium without TPA. The morphological phenotype, the DNA content during the cell cycle and the chromosomes were analyzed. The tumorigenicity was assessed by colony formation after cultivation in soft agar and transplanting the cells into nude mice. HPV18 E6E7 DNA was assayed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The SHEE group, at its 20th passage, grew as a monolayer with the cells showing anchorage dependence and contact inhibition. The chromosome analysis showed diploidy, and soft-agar cultivation and injection into nude mice showed the cells to be non-tumorigenic. They were therefore immortalized cells. In contrast, the SHEEC1 group (TPA group) showed increased DNA synthesis and a proliferative index that was higher (45%) than that of the SHEE group (34%). The number of large colonies of dense multilayer cells (positively transformed foci) in soft agar was high in SHEEC1 group (4.0%) but low in the SHEE group (0.1%). Tumors resulting from transplantation were observed in all six nude mice injected subcutaneously with cells of the SHEEC1 group but no tumor developed in mice receiving cells of the SHEE group. In both groups of cells, HPV18 E6E7 DNA was positively detected by FISH and PCR. The malignant transformation of human embryonic epithelial cells was induced in vitro by HPV18 E6E7 in synergy with TPA. This is a good evidence for the close relationship between HPV and the etiology and pathogenicity of esophageal carcinoma. It is also a reliable model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis of esophageal carcinoma.

[Clinical study on treatment of 40 cases of malignant brain tumor by elemene emulsion injection]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of elemene emulsion injection (EEI) in treating malignant brain tumor.

METHODS

By conducting a retrospective study of 40 patients with brain tumor, 29 of malignant glioma and 11 metastatic tumor, who were treated with EEI from January 1994 to May 1998. EEI 0.4-1.2 g/d was given to each patient by intravenous dripping or/and intravenous infusion by pumps, and directly injected into carotid artery or infused through a carotid artery catheter with pumps. The total dosage of 6-12 g was given in 2-6 therapeutic courses with an interval of 1-1.5 months between courses. The effectiveness of treatment was accessed according to the changes of tumor size, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and survival time of patients. The control group consisted of 29 cases of malignant brain tumor (22 of primary and 7 of metastatic) was treated with chemotherapy 2-3 therapeutic courses with an interval of 1-1.5 months between them.

RESULTS

(1) In the EEI treated group the mean tumor size was changed from 6.70 cm3 (before treatment) to 2.67 cm3 (after treatment), t = 3.02, P < 0.01, it was reduced by 61%; (2) In the EEI treated group 4 cases was CR, 26 PR, the total effective rate being 75.0% (95% credibility interval +/- 13.4%), while in the control group, 2 of CR, 10 PR, and the total effective rate 41.4% (95% credibility interval +/- 17.9%), the difference between the two groups was significant, chi 2 = 3.867, P < 0.05; (3) KPS decreased in the EEI group from 94.7 scores (before treatment) to 88.2 scores (after treatment), the decrement was 6.5 scores (t = 3.5313, P < 0.01); (4) The survival time in the EEI treated group was 25.4 months, and that in the control group was 17.4 months (t = 3.74, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Elemene has significant effect on treatment of malignant brain tumor. It could prolong the high quality survival time of patients and is worthy of further investigation.

[The study of beta-fibrinogen gene - 455 G/A, - 148 C/T, 448 G/A polymorphisms and their association with plasma fibrinogen levels]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency of beta-fibrinogen (beta-Fg) gene - 455 G/A, - 148 C/T, 448 G/A polymorphisms and their association with plasma fibrinogen levels in Han nationality in Guangdong Chinese.

METHODS

The beta-Fg gene - 455 G/A, - 148 C/T, 448 G/A polymorphisms of 156 individuals were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Plasma fibrinogen levels were determined by turbidimetry.

RESULTS

The frequencies of A(- 455), T(- 148) and A(448) allele were 0.276, 0.285 and 0.272, respectively. There were strong linkages of G(- 455), C(- 148) and G(448), and of A(- 455), T(- 148) and A(448), the correspondence was more than 97%. The plasma fibrinogen levels in the presence and absence of A(- 455) allele were (3.13 +/- 0.74) g/L and (2.89 +/- 0.57) g/L (P < 0.05); of T(- 148) allele were (3.12 +/- 0.73) g/L and (2.89 +/- 0.58) g/L (P < 0.05); and of A(448) were (3.13 +/- 0.74) g/L and (2.89 +/- 0.57) g/L (P < 0.05), respectively. The plasma fibrinogen levels of the three polymorphisms with the mutant gene are significantly higher than that in the wild type.

CONCLUSION

The three polymorphisms loci are strong linkage disequilibrium. It suggests that beta-Fg gene - 455 G/A, - 148 C/T, 448 G/A polymorphisms are associated with plasma fibrinogen levels.

[Preliminary study on the expression of aromatase P450 mRNA in human lung cancer tissues]

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the expression , location and distribution of aromatase P450 mRNA in human lung cancer.

METHODS

Using aromatase P450 cRNA as probe , the expression of aromatase mRNA were tested in 23 patients with primary lung cancer and 7 patients with pulmonary benign diseases by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Positive expression of aromatase mRNA was found in 11 cases with squamous cell carcinoma , 6 cases with adenocarcinoma and 2 cases with adenosquamous carcinoma. 3 cases with small cell lung cancer and 1 case with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma were all weak positive. Positive signals were mainly found in cytoplasm and nuclei of tumor cells , and a small quantity of positive expression of aromatase mRNA was found in stromal cells and vascular endothelium cells of the tumor. But no expression of aromatase mRNA was found in the noncancerous tissues and tissues of benign pulmonary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the expression of aromatase mRNA are general in lung cancer tissues , and it might play an important role in the oncogenesis and development of lung cancer.

[Survival analysis after kidney transplantation in 1,180 cadaveric graftings]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the outcome of twenty-two years of cadaveric kidney transplantation and the predict factors impacting on graft survival.

METHODS

The data of 1,180 cadaveric kidney graftings in 1,039 patients between October of 1977 and June of 1999 were summarized by calculation of patient and graft survival rates using Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates. 13 factors that may influence on graft survival were analyzed by the log-rank and Cox model.

RESULTS

The total of 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year patient survival rates were 93.02%, 80.25%, 67.86%, 65.34% and 65.34%, and the corresponding graft survival rates 88.6%, 68.3%, 43.8%, 43.8%, and 32.8%, respectively. Graft half-life was (13.98 +/- 0.96) years. The longest survivor was 22 years after cadaveric kidney transplantation. The quality of life after grafting in 835 alive patients was improved apparently; 95% of them had a normal graft function and 85% returned to work. The result of multivariable analysis using Cox model showed that 8 factors of patient's age, grafting time, pretransplant blood transfusion, cold ischemia time, delayed graft function, time of normal graft function, immunosuppressive regimen, and acute rejection were very important to affect the graft survival.

CONCLUSION

Cadaveric kidney transplantation is a successful and effective method to rescue the patients with end-stage renal disease.

Hepatitis C viral IRES inhibition by phenazine and phenazine-like molecules

An in vitro assay based on the expression of Fluci reporter gene under the translational control of HCV IRES was used to evaluate and screen compound libraries. A structure-activity relationship study on a phenazine hit was conducted. Our data suggest that an intact phenazine or phenazine-like core with two distal polar substitutions is crucial for potency.

Altered balance between extracellular proteolysis and antiproteolysis is associated with adaptive coronary arteriogenesis

To study the role of extracellular proteolysis and antiproteolysis during adaptive arteriogenesis (collateral vessel growth) we took 58 collaterals at various developmental stages from 14 dogs with chronic occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) by ameroid constrictor. Immunofluorescence and quantitative immunofluorescence with antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) and 2 (TIMP-2), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were studied with confocal microscopy. Additionally, SDS-PAGE zymography was employed. We found that in normal coronary arteries, MMP-2, MMP-9 and PAI-1 were present in all layers of the wall in small amounts. TIMP-1 was found only in smooth muscle cells. In contrast, in growing collaterals, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were 3.4-fold and 4.1-fold higher in the neointima than in the media respectively. TIMP-1 was 4.4-fold higher in the media over the growing neointima. Zymography showed MMP-2 and MMP-9 activated. PAI-1 was increased, especially in the growing neointima where it was 1.4-fold higher. In mature collaterals, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated in the neointima, 1.4-fold and 1.3-fold higher over the media. TIMP-1 was 1.4-fold increased in the neointima but PAI-1 was downregulated. Desmin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were significantly increased in the neointima compared to growing vessels. U-PA was moderately increased in growing vessels. TIMP-2 was not detectable in collaterals. We conclude that expression of MMP-2 and 9, TIMP-1 and PAI-1 showed a spatial and temporal pattern which is closely associated with the development of collateral vessels. The shift of the balance between proteolysis and antiproteolysis is regulated not only by MMPs and TIMP-1, but also by the PA-PAI system.

Correlation of genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P4502D6 with dextromethorphan oxidative metabolism in Chinese

OBJECTIVE

To determine the genetic mechanism of dextromethorphan oxidative polymorphism in Chinese subjects.

METHODS

CYP2D6 genotype was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Hph I restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques in 119 healthy Chinese subjects.

RESULTS

The gene frequency of CYP2D6*10B was 58.4%, including 13(10.9%) of homozygous wild type(w/w), 33 (27.7%) of homozygous mutant(m/m), and 73(61.3%) of heterozygous genotypes(m/w). Twenty-nine subjects out of 42 intermediate metabolizers(70%) of dextromethorphan were homozygous for CYP2D6*10B. One poor metabolizer subject also showed an m/m genotype. Besides, 10 Chinese subjects were tested and excluded for the presence of any of the six mutant alleles associated with poor metabolism of CYP2D6 in Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

The CYP2D6*10B allele containing the C(188)--> T mutation is the major cause of CYP2D6 polymorphism in relation to diminished dextromethorphan oxidative capacity in Chinese subjects.

Content-based retrieval of dynamic PET functional images

The recent information explosion has led to massively increased demand for multimedia data storage in integrated database systems. Content-based retrieval is an important alternative and complement to traditional keyword-based searching for multimedia data and can greatly enhance information management. However, current content-based image retrieval techniques have some deficiencies when applied in the biomedical functional imaging domain. In this paper, we presented a prototype design for a content-based functional image retrieval database system for dynamic positron emission tomography. The system supports efficient content-based retrieval based on physiological kinetic features and reduces image storage requirements. This design makes it possible to maintain a large number of patient data sets online and to rapidly retrieve dynamic functional image sequences for interpretation and generation of physiological parametric images, and offers potential advantages in medical image data management and telemedicine, as well as providing possible opportunities in the statistical and comparative analysis of functional image data.

Mechanisms of hepatocyte growth factor-induced retinal endothelial cell migration and growth

PURPOSE

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also called scatter factor, stimulates growth and motility in nonocular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells through its receptor c-Met. Recent reports suggest that HGF is increased in the serum and vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and that smooth muscle cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells secrete HGF in the eye. However, little is known about HGF's action in the retina. In this study, the activity, expression, and signaling pathways of HGF were investigated in bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells (BRECs).

METHODS

Mitogenic and motogeneic effects of HGF on BRECs were examined using cell counts, thymidine uptake, and migration assays. MAP kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation was examined by Western blot analysis. Protein kinase C (PKC), MAPK, and PI3 kinase involvement were evaluated using selective inhibitors and activity assays. Expression of HGF and c-Met was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HGF and c-Met were both expressed in BRECs. HGF stimulated BREC growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner, observed at HGF concentrations of 5 ng/ml or more and maximal (410%) at 100 ng/ml (P < 0.001). HGF increased BREC migration in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal 3.4-fold increase at 50 ng/ml after 5 hours. HGF induced time- and dose-dependent MAPK phosphorylation, initially evident at 5 minutes (P < 0.001) or 5 ng/ml (P < 0.050) and maximal after 15 minutes (>80-fold, P < 0.001) or 50 ng/ml (>20-fold, P < 0.001), respectively. MAPK phosphorylation was maintained for more than 2 hours. This response was inhibited 31% by 0.1 microm wortmannin and 76% by 30 microm LY294002, another PI3 kinase inhibitor. The non-isoform-selective PKC inhibitor GFX inhibited HGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation by only 15% at 5 microm. Combined PKC and PI3 kinase inhibition was additive (P < 0.05). Cell migration was inhibited 30% by wortmannin (P < 0.01) and 32% by GFX (P < 0.05), and again the effect was additive (P < 0.001). HGF-induced BREC growth was suppressed by PI3 kinase, PKC, or MAPK inhibition (all P < 0.01). HGF (50 ng/ml) stimulated PI3 kinase activity 347% (P < 0.001) and PKC activity 37% (P < 0.05). HGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation and mitogenesis were not inhibited by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

HGF and its receptor are expressed in BREC, and HGF stimulates both BREC growth and migration at concentrations observed in the human eye with diabetic retinopathy. HGF signaling appears to involve activation of both PKC and PI3 kinase, inducing MAPK phosphorylation that is critical for migration and growth. However, VEGF does not appear to mediate these initial HGF effects. These results indicate that HGF could have a significant role in mediating retinal endothelial cell proliferation and migration in diabetic retinopathy, and they begin to elucidate the signal transduction pathway by which this action may occur.

Oxoproline kinetics and oxoproline urinary excretion during glycine- or sulfur amino acid-free diets in humans

L-5-oxoproline (L-5-OP) is an intermediate in glutathione synthesis, possibly limited by cysteine availability. Urinary 5-OP excretion has been proposed as a measure of glycine availability. We investigated whether 5 days of dietary sulfur amino acid (SAA-free) or glycine (Gly-free) restriction affects plasma kinetics of 5-OP and urinary excretion of L- and D-5-OP in 6 healthy men. On day 6, L-5-[1-(13)C]oxoproline and [3,3-(2)H(2)]cysteine were infused intravenously for 8 h (3 h fast/5 h fed). In a control study (adequate amino acid mixture), plasma oxoproline fluxes were 37.8 +/- 13.8 (SD) and 38.4 +/- 14.8 micromol x kg(-1) x h(-1); oxidation accounted for 85% of flux. Cysteine flux was 47.9 +/- 8.5 and 43.2 +/- 8.5 micromol x kg(-1) x h(-1) for fast and fed phases, respectively. Urinary excretion of L- and D-5-OP was 70 +/- 34 and 31.1 +/- 13.3 micromol/mmol creatinine, respectively, during days 3-5, and 46.4 +/- 13.9 and 22.4 +/- 8.3 micromol/mmol over the 8-h tracer study. The 5-OP flux for the Gly-free diet was higher (P = 0. 018) and tended to be higher for the SAA-free diet (P = 0.057) when compared with the control diet. Oxidation rates were higher on the Gly-free (P = 0.005) and SAA-free (P = 0.03) diets. Cysteine fluxes were lower on the the Gly-free (P = 0.01) and the SAA-free diets (P = 0.001) compared with the control diet. Rates of L-5-OP excretion were unchanged by withdrawal of SAA or Gly for 5 days but increased on day 6 (P = 0.005 and P = 0.019, respectively). Thus acute changes in the dietary availability of SAA and Gly alter oxoproline kinetics and urinary 5-OP excretion.

Cartilage-reactive T cells in rheumatoid synovium

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory polyarthritis genetically linked to HLA-DR4 and related haplotypes. RA synovial tissue is characterized by T cell infiltration and activation of macrophage-like cells, strongly implicating a T cell-antigen-presenting cell (APC) interaction in RA pathogenesis. To investigate the nature of the antigens driving the T cell response, synovial tissue was obtained from a patient with chronic RA and T cells were enriched. These T cells were stimulated by endogenous APC from the same synovial tissue. The T cell lines were subsequently evaluated for responsiveness to autologous APC and cartilage antigens. Specific proliferative responses to autologous APC which were enhanced by cartilage extract were seen. Immunomagnetic bead selection and RT-PCR was used to identify TCR alphabeta pairs which appeared to respond to antigen(s) in the cartilage extract. T cell clones derived from the same joint were shown to release IL-2 in response to the cartilage extract and expressed a related TCR. With these experiments we have shown direct evidence that autoreactive T cells are found within the inflamed rheumatoid synovium and, further, that the antigens driving these T cells are cartilage derived. Since the antigens recognized by these populations of T cells are found within cartilage our data provides evidence that RA pathology could be related to a self-driven autoimmune response to cartilage proteins.

Intrinsic mobility of a dissociated dislocation in silicon

Dislocation velocities in silicon in the experimental range of temperature and stress are studied a priori by combining a mechanistic treatment of elementary kink processes with activation energies obtained by atomistic calculations. Pronounced effects of intrinsic coupling of the dissociated partial dislocations are captured in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, which are consistent with observed velocity variations with applied stress. As a result, the nature of "weak obstacles" to kink propagation, a long-standing postulate in previous data interpretation, is clarified. A striking new effect is predicted and offered for experimental verification when dislocation velocity shows nonmonotonic oscillatory behavior with increasing stress.

Cumulant solution of the elastic boltzmann transport equation in an infinite uniform medium

We consider an analytical solution of the time-dependent elastic Boltzmann transport equation in an infinite uniform isotropic medium with an arbitrary phase function. We obtain (1) the exact distribution in angle, (2) the exact first and second spatial cumulants at any angle, and (3) an approximate combined distribution in position and angle and a spatial distribution whose central position and half-width of spread are always exact. The resulting Gaussian distribution has a center that advances in time, and an ellipsoidal contour that grows and changes shape providing a clear picture of the time evolution of the particle migration from near ballistic, through snakelike and into the final diffusive regime.

Highly diastereoselective alpha-mannopyranosylation in the absence of participating protecting groups

S-Phenyl 2,6-di-O-benzyl-3,4-O-(2',3'-dimethoxybutane-2', 3'-diyl)-1-thia-alpha-D-mannopyranoside and its sulfoxide, following activation at -78 degrees C with benzenesulfenyl triflate or triflic anhydride, respectively, provide the corresponding alpha-mannosyl triflate as demonstrated by NMR spectroscopy. On addition of an acceptor alcohol alpha-mannosides are then formed. Similarly, S-phenyl 2,3-O-carbonyl-4, 6-O-benzylidene-1-thia-alpha-D-mannopyranoside and ethyl 3-O-benzoyl-4, 6-O-benzylidene-2-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-1-thia-alpha-D-mannopyr anoside both provide alpha-mannosides on activation with benzenesulfenyl triflate followed by addition of an alcohol. These results stand in direct contrast to the highly beta-selective couplings of comparable glycosylations with 2,3-di-O-benzyl-4, 6-O-benzylidene protected mannosyl donors and draw attention to the subtle interplay of reactivity and structure in carbohydrate chemistry.

Vacancy interaction with dislocations in silicon: the shuffle-glide competition

Competition between the two alternative positions (shuffle and glide 111 plane subsets) for the core of a 30 degrees partial dislocation in Si is examined. Using a combination of ab initio total energy calculations with finite temperature free-energy calculations based on an interatomic potential, we obtained free energies for the relevant vacancy-type core defects. Generally, the free energy of vacancy formation in the core of a 30 degrees glide partial dislocation is considerably lower (by more than 1 eV) than in the bulk. However, even at high temperatures, the predicted thermal concentration of the shuffle segments comprised of a row of vacancies in the core is low, placing the 30 degrees partial dislocation in the glide subset position.

Success rates and cost-effectiveness of antibiotic combinations for initial treatment of central-venous-line infections during total parenteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Central-venous-line infections can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics, thus avoiding the need for catheter removal. Based on our experience, vancomycin, gentamicin, piperacillin, ceftazidime, and amphotericin, alone or in combination, are usually administered, pending sensitivity results. This empirical list, however, has never been verified against actual sensitivity results nor has it been tested for cost or efficacy.

METHODS

Medical records of inpatients on hyperalimentation over 1 year were reviewed. Success rate, therapy duration, and drug acquisition cost and charge were assessed for central-venous-line infections. Antibiotics then were paired and evaluated in terms of charge and efficacy against all microorganisms as determined by sensitivity results.

RESULTS

In 500 inpatients receiving hyperalimentation for 9,698 patient-days, 8.4 central-venous-line infections/1,000 patient-days occurred. Staphylococcus non-aureus, Candida species, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus aureus predominantly were isolated. Of the infections, 51 (67%) were sensitive to one or more of the initial antibiotics. A 2-week course of antibiotics successfully treated 50 (66%) catheter infections without line removal. Appropriate initial therapy on average reduced treatment duration by 8 to 10 days and drug charges by $400 to $700.

CONCLUSIONS

Amikacin-vancomycin appears to be the most cost-effective selection for presumed central-venous-line infections, pending sensitivity results, followed by valid alternatives. Lower failure rates are well worth the extra cost in pharmaceutical charges.

Effects of acupuncture on the pituitary-thyroid axis in rabbits with fracture

PURPOSE

To observe the effects of acupuncture on the pituitary-thyroid axis in rabbits with fracture.

METHOD

36 male rabbits with a 3-mm width experimental defect in the middle segment of the left radius were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group, and the changes in serum T3, T4 and TSH contents in different weeks were investigated.

RESULTS

Serum T3, T4 and TSH contents in the treatment group all were higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences in the contents of T4 and TSH in the second week and T3 content in the fourth week (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The action of promoting union of fracture is possibly related with the pituitary-thyroid axis.

[Ultrastructural characteristics of epiretinal membranes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate ultrastructural features and the correlation between the cell activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression of epiretinal membranes.

METHODS

Immuno-electron-microscopy was done on the epiretinal membranes removed by vitrectomy from 16 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The specimens were stained with antibodies to ECM proteins, including type I collagen, type III collagen and fibronectin (FN).

RESULTS

A type of cells with a number of lamellipodia was found in membrane sections of 9 patients. The lamellipodia appeared to be either coiled or branched and were surrounded by abundant collagen fibers of type I and III. The cells with lamellipodia varied in their phenotypes and with or without pigment. There were dense gold particles of FN in contact regions of lamellipodia and collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations support that the contraction of epiretinal membranes is the result of an interaction between cells and collagen, and the cells extending lamellipodia may initiate contractile events. FN is responsible for this contractile action.

[Dynamic changes in hepatic myofibroblast of rabbits with Schistosoma japonicum]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the dynamic changes in hepatic myofibroblasts during the formation of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and to investigate the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

Each rabbit was infected with 80 +/- 1 S japonicum. Liver biopsies were done at different time point after infection and the samples were embedded with paraffin and stained with HE and picric acid-sirius red. The dynamic changes in the areas of granuloma were observed, and the extent of liver fibrosis and the expression of alpha-SMA positive cells were semiquantitated. At the 16th week after infection, the rabbits with S. japonicum were received IFN-gamma after treatment of praziquantel and contrasted with the saline group.

RESULTS

The granuloma appeared at the 6th week after infection and its areas reached the biggest at the 8th week. Then the granuloma shrinked gradually, but the extent of liver fibrosis aggravated progressively. The alpha-SMA positive cells were observed at the 4th week after infection and their number enhanced gradually. The extent of liver and the expression of alpha-SMA positive cells were significantly different between each treated group, and the IFN-gamma treated group showed the best result.

CONCLUSION

The myofibroblasts play an essential role in the formation and development of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis.

Plasma L-5-oxoproline carbon and nitrogen kinetics in healthy young adults

L-5-oxoproline (OP), an intermediate of the gamma-glutamyl cycle of glutathione synthesis and degradation, may serve as a probe for the state of glutathione kinetics. We explored the whole-body carbon and nitrogen kinetics of OP in five male healthy subjects (75.2 kg; 181 cm; 26 y) after a 5-d adaptation to an adequate L-amino acid-based diet (160 mg N x kg(-1) x d(-1); 188 kJ x kg(-1) x d(-1)), using a crossover design. On day 6 of the diet period, we carried out an 8-h tracer protocol (3 h fast; 5 h fed; 2/3 of daily nitrogen intake) with intravenous infusion of L-[1-(13)C]oxoproline and L-[3, 3-(2)H]cysteine or, in randomized order, on the second occasion, L-[(15)N]oxoproline and L-[3,3-(2)H]cysteine. Plasma OP was isolated by cation exchange and after addition of internal standards (DL-[(2)H(3)]-5-oxoproline; L-[(15)N, U-(13)C(5)]-5-oxoproline; DL-[(2)H(3)]-glutamic acid) derivatized to form TBDMS esters and measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Plasma OP concentration did not differ between fed and fasted state (fast: 59. 4 +/- 8.3; fed 59.2 +/- 8.9 nmol/mL). (13)C- and (15)N OP flux during the fasted and fed state were 19 +/- 3.6, 21.2 +/- 3.2, and 22.6 +/- 3.9, 25.8 +/- 4.3 micromol x kg(-1) x 30 min(-1), respectively. OP oxidation was 15.6 +/- 3.6 and 17.9 +/- 3.5 micromol x kg(-1) x 30 min(-1), in fasting and feeding, respectively, (P < 0.05). More than 80% of the plasma flux was oxidized. These findings are compared with the published literature on GSH turnover in plasma of human subjects and underscore the need to define more completely the dynamic aspects of glutathione metabolism and of the intermediates of the gamma-glutamyl cycle.

Optical tomographic image reconstruction from ultrafast time-sliced transmission measurements

Optical imaging and localization of objects inside a highly scattering medium, such as a tumor in the breast, is a challenging problem with many practical applications. Conventional imaging methods generally provide only two-dimensional (2-D) images of limited spatial resolution with little diagnostic ability. Here we present an inversion algorithm that uses time-resolved transillumination measurements in the form of a sequence of picosecond-duration intensity patterns of transmitted ultrashort light pulses to reconstruct three-dimensional (3-D) images of an absorbing object located inside a slab of a highly scattering medium. The experimental arrangement used a 3-mm-diameter collimated beam of 800-nm, 150-fs, 1-kHz repetition rate light pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser and amplifier system to illuminate one side of the slab sample. An ultrafast gated intensified camera system that provides a minimum FWHM gate width of 80 ps recorded the 2-D intensity patterns of the light transmitted through the opposite side of the slab. The gate position was varied in steps of 100 ps over a 5-ns range to obtain a sequence of 2-D transmitted light intensity patterns of both less-scattered and multiple-scattered light for image reconstruction. The inversion algorithm is based on the diffusion approximation of the radiative transfer theory for photon transport in a turbid medium. It uses a Green s function perturbative approach under the Rytov approximation and combines a 2-D matrix inversion with a one-dimensional Fourier-transform inversion to achieve speedy 3-D image reconstruction. In addition to the lateral position, the method provides information about the axial position of the object as well, whereas the 2-D reconstruction methods yield only lateral position.

[Light puncture combined with longhu xingnao granules in treating acute traumatic intracranial hematoma]

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the clinical therapeutic effectiveness of Longhu Xingnao Granule (LHXNG) medicated after light puncture in treating acute traumatic intracranial hematoma.

METHODS

Patients were randomly divided into two groups, 30 patients of the tested group were treated with LHXNG after light puncture and 20 patients of the control group treated with western medicine alone.

RESULTS

The effect of the tested group was evidently superior to the control group (P < 0.05) and with a markedly shortened resuscitation time (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LHXNG has the function of promoting blood circulation and arresting bleeding, and improving resuscitation. In coordination with light puncture, it could improve the living quality of patients, shorten the resuscitation and treatment time, so as to reduce the maim and death rate.

Evaluation of a suture electrode for direct bladder stimulation in a lower motor neuron lesioned animal model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a "suture" type electrode for direct bladder stimulation in an animal model of a lower motor neuron lesion. During an initial surgery, five male cats were instrumented under anesthesia using multistranded, 316 LVM, stainless-steel, wire electrodes implanted on the bladder wall serosa above the trigone area. Electrodes were constructed with a needle attached to the end that was removed after suturing the electrode in place. Additional instrumentation included urinary bladder catheters (tubes) for pressure recording and filling, and hook type electrodes for leg and pelvic floor electromyography recording. Chronic bladder filling and stimulation studies were conducted in tethered animals three to four weeks following surgery. To test these electrodes in a spinal cord injury model, a lower motor neuron lesion was performed including the sacral cord and complete nerve roots at L6 and below. These animals were evaluated during weeks 3 and 10 after injury. Direct bladder stimulation induced active contractions and voiding both before and after spinal cord injury. Effective stimulation parameters consisted of 40 pulses per s, 300 micros to 1 ms pulse duration, a stimulation period from 3 to 4 s, and a stimulation current from 10 to 40 mA. Fluoroscopy revealed an open membranous urethra during stimulation and following stimulation. A small diameter penile urethra was observed to limit flow. Postmortem evaluation of the suture electrode revealed no abnormalities such as corrosion, migration into the bladder lumen or displacement. These findings indicate that suture electrodes are suitable and effective for short-term implantation in the lower motor neuron animal model.

Localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR1alpha and mGluR2/3 in the cat retina

The distribution of metabotropic glutamate receptors 1alpha (mGluR1alpha) and mGluR2/3 in the cat retina was studied through the use of preembedding immunocytochemistry for light and electron microscopy. Staining for mGluR1alpha in the outer plexiform layer was seen in numerous punctate structures that were identified as rod spherules. Cone pedicles remained unlabeled. A number of amacrine and ganglion cell somata also were stained with processes ramifying throughout the inner plexiform layer. These processes were postsynaptic to cone bipolar cells in both sublaminae, where they comprised one but not both of the postsynaptic elements at dyad contacts. Immunostaining for mGluR2/3 was observed in horizontal cells as well as in numerous amacrine and displaced amacrine cells. Labeled amacrine processes were postsynaptic to cone bipolar cells in both sublaminae but, similar to mGluR1alpha, comprised only one of the postsynaptic elements. Staining for mGluR2/3 also was seen in amacrine processes postsynaptic to rod bipolar terminals; these processes were identified as belonging to type A17 amacrine cells. The distribution patterns indicate that both mGluR1alpha and mGluR2/3 are positioned for postsynaptic function, whereas mGluR1alpha also may contribute to the presynaptic regulation of glutamate release from rod photoreceptors.