Sensing with fiber specklegrams

The fiber specklegram is highly sensitive to the relative modal phases and is of multiplexing capability. Its properties are analyzed and experimentally demonstrated.

[Investigation on the source of burn wound infection due to Staphylococcus aureus in children]

115 children with burn injuries were admitted between April 1988 and February 1989. Samples were taken from burn wounds, anterior nares and hands of every patient: anterior nares and hands of family members within 24 hours after admission. Samples were also taken from anterior nares and hands of medical personnel, air of ward and taps etc. 276 strains of S. aureus were isolated from 1544 samples. The rate of burn wound infection due to S. aureus was 25.2% and nasal carrier rates of patients, family members, nurses, doctors were 30.4%, 18.1%, 27.3% and 18.3%, respectively. S. aureus with the same plasmid profiles (1.6 and 1.9 Md) and phage type (618) as those of the burn wounds was only isolated from the anterior nares and hands of the family members and not from the medical personnel. It indicated that the S. aureus of burn wound infection mainly came from the hands of their family members and not from the medical personnel. This may be due to that care of burn wound was mainly taken by the family members.

Polarization pinhole interferometer

A polarization pinhole interferometer is based on the principles of pinhole diffraction, a common light path, and the polarization technique in its design. It has many advantages, such as adjustable contrast of the fringes, nondestructive testing, and less sensitivity to environmental factors. The instrument can be used extensively in optical element testing and glue-layer testing. The accuracy of the fringe pattern analysis is controlled by the number of sampled points in the fringes. The analysis results of the closed fringe pattern are given.

High-sensitivity laser-induced fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis provides very high efficiency separations of biological molecules. Laser-induced fluorescence produces very high sensitivity detection. The combination of the two techniques results in an analytical tool with unprecedented properties: separations with more than a million theoretical plates and detection limits of a few hundred analyte molecules. This paper considers the design of high-sensitivity laser-induced fluorescence detection for capillary zone electrophoresis separation of labeled amino acids and capillary gel electrophoresis separation of DNA sequencing fragments.

High-sensitivity laser-induced fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis provides very high efficiency separations of biological molecules. Laser-induced fluorescence produces very high sensitivity detection. The combination of the two techniques results in an analytical tool with unprecedented properties: separations with more than a million theoretical plates and detection limits of a few hundred analyte molecules. This paper considers the design of high-sensitivity laser-induced fluorescence detection for capillary zone electrophoresis separation of labeled amino acids and capillary gel electrophoresis separation of DNA sequencing fragments.

Multiple crystal forms of lipases from Geotrichum candidum

Multiple stable crystal forms of two lipases from the fungus Geotrichum candidum have been obtained. The diffraction pattern extends to beyond 2.0 A resolution. Similarity of the cell dimensions of various forms suggested similar packing of molecules in different crystals. This was confirmed by rotation function results. Four heavy-atoms derivatives have been identified.

[Effects of semen Ziziphis Spinosae oil and Ziziphis Spinosae extract on the decrease of serum lipoprotein and inhibiton of platelet aggregation]

Our experiments have shown that oral administration of Semen Ziziphis Spinosae oil(SZSO) or Ziziphis Spinosae extract (ZSE) given to quails for 53 days can significantly reduce their TC, LDL and TG and markedly subdue the fatty degeneration in their livers. Also, SZSO pressed into the stomach of rats for five days can conspicuously inhibit their platelet aggregation, while ZSE cannot.

Ser-His-Glu triad forms the catalytic site of the lipase from Geotrichum candidum

The Ser-His-Asp triad is a well known structural feature of the serine proteases. It has also been directly observed in the catalytic sites of two lipases, whose high-resolution three-dimensional structures have been determined 1,2. Lipases show a wide variety of sizes, substrate and positional specificities, and catalytic rates 3. They achieve maximal catalytic rates at oil-water interfaces. The fungus Geotrichum candidum produces several different forms of lipases, two of which have been purified to homogeneity 4,5. Two lipase genes have been identified, cloned and sequenced 6,7. Both code for proteins of 544 amino acids with a total relative molecular mass of about 60,000 (Mr 60K). The two forms are 86% identical. Their isoelectric points differ slightly, being between 4.3 and 4.6. About 7% of the total Mr is carbohydrate. Until now, only a low resolution structure of GCL has been reported 8, but no high resolution structure has followed. We now report the three-dimensional structure of a lipase from G. candidum (GCL) at 2.2 A resolution. Unlike the other lipases and serine proteases, the catalytic triad of GCL is Ser-His-Glu, with glutamic acid replacing the usual aspartate. Although the sequence similarity with the other two lipases is limited to the region near the active-site serine, there is some similarity in their three-dimensional structures. The GCL is also an alpha/beta protein with a central mixed beta sheet whose topology is similar to that of the N-terminal domain of human pancreatic lipase. As in the other lipases 1,2, the catalytic site is buried under surface loops. Sequence comparisons with proteins from the cholinesterase family suggest that they also contain the Ser-His-Glu triad.

[Experimental research of the effect of polysaccharides in semen Ziziphis Spinosae and Ziziphis Spinosae on enhancing the immune function of mice injured by radiation]

This article surveys the pharmacological effect of the polysaccharides in Semen Ziziphis Spinosae and Ziziphis Spinosae. The result shows that oral administration of this polysaccharide (0.1g/kg/d) can strengthen the immune function of cells nd body fluids and to a certain extent protect mice from radioactive injuries.

Effect of ginsenopolypeptide on the 3H-TdR integration of human blood lymphocyte

This paper reports the study of the effect of ginsenopolypeptide on 3H-TdR integration in normal human blood lymphocytes in vitro with micro-blood culture method of 3H-TdR integration. The results showed that the effect of ginsenopolypeptide on 3H-TdR integration in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes which can be activated by phytoagglutinin was enhanced at low dosage and inhibited at high dosage, and its stimulating spike was 10(-6) micrograms/ml (P less than 0.01).

Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the human glucagon gene (GCG)

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Accumulation of phosphocreatine and creatine in the cells and fluid of mouse seminal vesicles is regulated by testosterone

We have recently established that phosphocreatine (PCr), a high-energy phosphate compound known to serve as an intracellular energy reserve, accumulates in the seminal vesicular fluid (SVF) of the mouse and the rat. To investigate whether the accumulation of PCr in the extracellular fluid of the seminal vesicles of mice is androgen-dependent, young adult mice (Swiss Webster, 6-7 wk old) were orchidectomized. Involution of the seminal vesicles following orchidectomy resulted in the total absence of SVF. Administration of testosterone propionate (TP) 2 wk later at a daily dose of 5 micrograms/g b.w. caused a rapid increase in the weights of seminal vesicle tissue (SVT) and SVF and also increased the concentration of PCr in SVF. The concentration of PCr in SVF increased rapidly from 3.0 mumol/g on Day 2 to a peak value of 11.1 +/- 0.5 mumol/g on Day 6. The increase in PCr concentration in SVF coincided with the enhanced rate of secretion of specific proteins by androgen-responsive epithelial cells. The creatine (Cr) concentration in SVF also increased from 12.6 mumol/g on Day 2 to 41.1 +/- 4.6 mumol/g on Day 8. The concentrations of PCr in SVF of TP-treated mice were about twice those in the age-matched intact controls. The concentrations of PCr and of Cr in SVT also increased from 1.1 +/- 0.5 mumol/g and 1.7 +/- 0.8 mumol/g, respectively, on Day 0 to the steady-state levels of 5.3 +/- 0.7 mumol/g and 14.8 +/- 2.7 mumol/g by Day 8. These results demonstrate that the accumulation of PCr in the fluid of mouse seminal vesicle is regulated by androgen.

Green tea extract inhibits nucleoside transport and potentiates the antitumor effect of antimetabolites

The present study provides evidence that green tea extract (GTE), consisting of polyphenol components, is a highly active nucleoside transport inhibitor. GTE markedly inhibited radiolabeled thymidine and uridine transport in mouse leukemia L1210 cells, with IC50 values of 3.2 and 8.0 mumol/L, respectively. GTE blocked the rescue effect of exogenous nucleosides and enhanced the cytotoxicity of AraC and MTX to L1210 cells and human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells. GTE markedly potentiated the inhibitory effect of AraC on leukemia L1210 and P388 in mice. These results indicate that GTE is potentially useful when combined with antimetabolites in cancer chemotherapy.

[Surveillance study on bacteriological etiology of 8371 children with diarrhea]

The results of stool cultures from 8371 children of 0-13 years old with diarrhea during the years of January 1981 to December 1989 in Shanghai area are reported. 2906 strains of enteropathogenic bacteria were isolated, with total detection rate of 34.72%. Shigella were still the most common pathogens in 1981-1984, and Campylobacter jejuni took second place, whereas from 1985 on Campylobacter exceeded Shigella as the first pathogenic bacteria of children's diarrhea. Except in 1987 and 1988 Shigella sounei predominated over Shigella flexneri in detection rate within the past nine years, the detection rates of EPEC and Salmonella were lower. It was significant that Salmonella typhimurium was about half the number for Salmonella non typhi. During 1986 and 1987 we specially isolated and identified Vibrionaceae bacteria with 130 strains of Vibironaceae detected, occupying third place among pathogens of children's diarrhea in these two years, and among which aeromonas were the most common. This article analyses in detail the distribution of enteropathogenic bacteria with respect to their species, genus and serum type.

Predicting progression to AIDS: combined usefulness of CD4 lymphocyte counts and p24 antigenemia

PURPOSE

To investigate the combined usefulness of CD4 lymphocyte counts and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24 antigen in predicting progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CD4 lymphocyte counts and HIV-1 p24 antigen status were evaluated over a 4-year period in 518 HIV-1-seropositive men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study in Chicago.

RESULTS

Twenty-six percent (134 of 518) of the HIV-1-seropositive cohort had detectable p24 antigen during the study period. Men with p24 antigenemia experienced a more rapid decline in CD4 lymphocyte counts than men who were persistently p24 antigen-negative (p less than 0.01). Mean CD4 lymphocyte counts at first detection of p24 antigen were 406 and 455 cells/microL for men with incident and prevalent antigenemia, respectively. Antigen was detected in 61% (63 of 103) of the men who progressed to AIDS and in only 17% (71 of 415) of the men who did not (p less than 0.0001). The 4-year estimated cumulative AIDS incidence was 86%, 63%, and 21% for men with entry CD4 counts less than 200, 200 to 399, and 400 or more cells/microL, respectively. Presence of p24 antigenemia was strongly associated with more rapid disease progression within each of these CD4 groupings (p less than 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that p24 antigenemia can first be detected with moderate CD4 cell depletion, is associated with a more rapid decline in the CD4 lymphocyte population, and combined with CD4 lymphocyte counts is useful in identifying individuals at significantly greater risk of disease progression. Our findings provide important information for assessing HIV-1 disease prognosis over a 4-year period.

Mechanism of acetylcholine-induced inhibition of Ca current in bullfrog atrial myocytes

The mechanism of the anti-beta-adrenergic action of acetylcholine (ACh) on Ca current, ICa, was examined using the tight-seal, whole-cell voltage clamp technique in single atrial myocytes from the bullfrog. Both isoproterenol (ISO) and forskolin increased ICa dose dependently. After ICa had been enhanced maximally by ISO (10(-6) M), subsequent application of forskolin (50 microM) did not further increase ICa, suggesting that ISO and forskolin increase ICa via a common biochemical pathway, possibly by stimulation of adenylate cyclase. ACh (10(-5) M) completely inhibited the effect of low doses of forskolin (2 x 10(-6) M), as well as ISO, but it failed to block the effects of high doses of forskolin (greater than 5 x 10(-5) M). Intracellular application of cyclic AMP (cAMP) also increased ICa. ACh (10(-5) M) failed to inhibit this cAMP effect, indicating that the inhibitory action of ACh occurs at a site proximal to the production of cAMP. ACh (10(-5) M) also activated an inwardly rectifying K+ current IK(ACh). Intracellular application of a nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue, GTP gamma S (5 X 10(-4) M), activated IK(ACh) within several minutes; subsequent application of ACh (10(-5) M) did not increase IK(ACh) further. These results demonstrate that a GTP-binding protein coupled to these K+ channels can be activated maximally by GTP gamma S even in the absence of ACh. Intracellular application of GTP gamma S also strongly inhibited the effect of ISO on ICa in the absence of ACh. Pertussis toxin (IAP) completely prevented both the inhibitory effect of ACh on ICa and the ACh-induced activation of IK(ACh). GTP gamma S (50 microM-1 mM) alone did not increase ICa significantly; however, when ISO was applied first, GTP gamma S (5 x 10(-4) M) gradually inhibited the ISO effect on ICa. These results indicate that ACh antagonizes the effect of ISO on ICa via a GTP-binding protein (Gi and/or Go). This effect may be mediated through a direct inhibition by the alpha-subunit of Gi which is coupled to the adenylate cyclase.

Calcium inhibition of glycolysis contributes to ischaemic injury

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to confirm that [Ca2+]i and .[H+]i increase during ischaemia in hypertensive hearts but not in thyrotoxic hearts, and that the rise in [Ca2+]i and [H+]i inhibits glycolysis, causing a rise in phosphomonoester sugars and thereby influencing postischaemic recovery.

DESIGN

Rats were made hypertensive by aortic banding and thyrotoxic by injection of L-thyroxine. [Ca2+]i was studied in isolated hearts by surface fluorometry assessing calcium dependent changes in the fluorescent dye INDO-1, while [pH]i and phosphomonoester sugars were studied by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Global ischaemia was carried out by turning off all flow to the heart for 30 min. Hearts were then reperfused for 30 min.

SUBJECTS

72 Sprague-Dawley rats, weight 500-600 g, were used. Left ventricular hypertrophy was generated by aortic banding in 36, half of which were treated with verapamil. Eighteen were injected with L-thyroxine and there were 18 controls.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

With all groups, developed pressure immediately declined after the onset of global ischaemia. During ischaemia the phosphomonoester sugars rose less in the hearts of thyrotoxic rats and the verapamil treated aortic constricted rats than in those of untreated aortic constricted and normal rats. During ischaemia there was no significant difference in [pH]i among the four groups. During ischaemia intracellular calcium rose least in thyrotoxic and verapamil treated aortic constricted rats, and most in untreated aortic constricted and normal rats. Intracellular calcium rose 10-15 min after the onset of ischaemia in verapamil treated pressure overload and control hearts; calcium rose immediately after the onset of ischaemia in the untreated aortic constricted hearts, but negligibly in hearts from thyroxine treated animals. Verapamil treatment of the aortic constricted hearts prevented the rise in intracellular calcium, and attenuated phosphomonoester sugar accumulation. Postischaemic recovery was complete in hearts in thyroxine treated and verapamil treated aortic constricted rats, but not in hearts from untreated aortic constricted and normal rats. Postischaemic recovery was inversely related to ischaemic diastolic [Ca2+]i and phosphomonoester sugar levels, but was not related to ischaemic values for [pH]i.

CONCLUSIONS

Postischaemic recovery may depend on the ability of the cell to maintain mitochondrial activity as evidenced by oxygen consumption, thereby controlling the voltage of the cell, and influencing the ability of the myocardium to maintain its calcium homeostasis.

Human collagen, type II, alpha 1, (COL2A1) gene: VNTR polymorphism detected by gene amplification

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[Clinical observation and experimental study of the treatment of aplastic anemia by warming and tonifying the spleen and kidney]

84 cases observed were divided into 4 types according to principles of diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of symptoms and signs, namely: Yang-deficiency of the Spleen and Kidney (62 cases, 73.8%), Yin-deficiency leads to internal heat (6 cases), deficiency of both the Heart and the Spleen (7 cases), and prostration of Qi after loss of blood (9 cases). The patients were treated with the method of warming and tonifying the Spleen and Kidney by using Er-Xian decoction of warming the Kidney. The three other types were also treated with the method after being relieved with the methods of tonifying the Heart and the Spleen, of nourishing Yin to relieve internal heat and cooling blood, and of strengthening Yang to stop chronic hemorrhage respectively so that function of the blood and Qi would promote each other and be improved. The total effective rate was 84.5%, and remission rate was 47.6% among 84 cases, but 91.9% and 50.0% in the type of Yang-deficiency of the Spleen and Kidney alone. Among the effective cases there was a remarkable improvement in the hemogram after treatment (P less than 0.001, less than 0.01), and the long-termed curative effect was also exciting. The mechanism of Er-Xian decoction of warming the Kidney was investigated through the nourishment of the hemopoiesis stem cell. The experiment showed that the decoction could increase CFU-S and GM-CFU in the bone marrow under the lower hemopoietic function of the bone marrow, and increase GM-CFU and CFU-E in the bone marrow of normal rats (P less than 0.001, less than 0.01, less than 0.05). The histological findings showed that there was a reduction in hemorrhage and hyperemia in the bone marrow between the decoction group and the control group, and the recovery of hemopoietic function was better than the latter.

[Effects of tetrandrine on platelet aggregation, platelet adhesion and coagulation]

We examined the effect of tetrandrine on platelet aggregation, platelet adhesion and coagulation in vitro. The results showed that tetrandrine markedly inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by ADP or collagen. Tetrandrine also markedly inhibited platelet adhesion and thrombosis, but didn't change thrombin coagulation time and plasma coagulation time obviously.

Nitrogen fixation of nodulation mutants of soybean as affected by nitrate

It was previously reported that three soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) nodulation mutants (NOD1-3, NOD2-4, and NOD3-7) were partially tolerant to nitrate when nitrate was supplied simultaneously with inoculation at the time of transplanting. The current study evaluated the effect of short-term nitrate treatment on nitrogenase activity (C(2)H(2) reduction per plant and per nodule weight) and on relative abundance of ureides when nitrate application was delayed until plants were 3 weeks old and nodules were fully developed. Nitrogenase activity of the mutants was similar to that of Williams after an initial 3-week growth period, prior to nitrate treatment. Application of 5 millimolar nitrate resulted in greater inhibition of nitrogenase activity in Williams than in the three mutants. NOD1-3 was most tolerant of nitrate among the mutants tested and showed the highest relative abundance of ureides. Although C(2)H(2) reduction activity per plant for NOD1-3 was higher than for Williams in the presence of nitrate, C(2)H(2) reduction activity per gram of nodules was lower for NOD1-3 than for Williams in the presence and absence of nitrate. Compared to Williams, NOD1-3 had higher nodule ureide concentration and had similar glutamine synthetase activity in nodule tissue, indicating its nodules have normal nitrogen assimilation pathways. Nitrate application resulted in ureide accumulation in nodule tissue as well as in all plant parts assayed. Unexpectedly, nitrate treatment also increased the rate of ureide degradative capacity of leaves in both NOD1-3 and Williams. The data confirmed that nitrogenase activity of the selected nodulation mutants was more, but still only partially, tolerant of nitrate compared with the Williams parent.