Production of prompt charmonia in e(+)e(-) annihilation at square root of s approximately equals 0.6 GeV

The production of prompt J/psi, psi(2S), chi(c1), and chi(c2) is studied using a 32.4 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at Upsilon(4S) and at 60 MeV below the resonance. The yield of prompt J/psi mesons in the Upsilon(4S) sample is compatible with that of continuum production; we set an upper limit B(Upsilon(4S)-->J/psiX) < 1.9 x 10(-4) at the 95% confidence level, and find sigma(e(+)e(-)-->J/psiX) = 1.47 plus/minus 0.10 plus/minus 0.13 pb. The cross sections for prompt psi(2S) and direct J/psi are measured. The J/psi momentum spectrum, production angle distribution, and polarization are studied.

Observation of B+ --> chi(c0)K+

Using a sample of 31.3x10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, we make the first observation of the charged B meson decay to chi(c0) and a charged kaon. The measured branching fraction is B(B+-->chi(c0)K+) = (6.0(+2.1)(-1.8)+/-1.1)x10(-4), where the first error is statistical, and the second is systematic.

Observation of the decay B --> Kl+l-

We report a search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K(*)l+l- using a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- storage ring. We observe the decay process B-->Kl+l-(l = e, mu), for the first time, with a branching fraction of B(B-->Kl+l-) = (0.75(+0.25)(-0.21)+/-0.09)x10(-6).

Observation of B --> J/psi K(1)(1270)

We report the first observation of the exclusive decay process B-->J/psi K(1)(1270) using a sample of 11.2M BB macro meson pairs collected in the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider. We measure branching fractions of B[B(0)-->J/psi K(0)(1)(1270)] = (1.30+/-0.34+/-0.32) x 10(-3) and B[B(+)-->J/psi K(+)(1)(1270)] = (1.80+/-0.34+/-0.39) x 10(-3), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. These modes constitute approximately 15% of the total number of B-->J/psi X decays. No evidence is seen for B-->J/psi K(1)(1400) and we set an upper limit for this branching fraction.

Observation of Cabibbo suppressed B --> D(*)K- decays at Belle

We report observations of the Cabibbo suppressed decays B-->D((*))K- using a 10.4 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We find that the ratios of Cabibbo suppressed to Cabibbo favored branching fractions are B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-)) = 0.079+/-0.009+/-0.006, B(B(0)-->D+K-)/B(B(0)-->D+pi(-)) = 0.068+/-0.015+/-0.007, B(B--->D(*0)K-)/B(B--->D(*0)pi(-)) = 0.078+/-0.019+/-0.009, and B(B(0)-->D(*+)K-)/B(B(0)-->D(*+)pi(-)) = 0.074+/-0.015+/-0.006. These are the first observations of the B-->D+K-, D(*0)K-, and D(*+)K- decay processes.

Observation of large CP violation in the neutral B meson system

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) based on a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed as a J/psi K(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psi K(L), or J/psi K(*0) decay and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.99+/-0.14(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We conclude that we have observed CP violation in the neutral B meson system.

Measurement of B(0)(d)-B_(0)(d) mixing rate from the time evolution of dilepton events at the upsilon(4S)

We report a determination of the B(0)(d)-&B_(0)(d) mixing parameter Deltam(d) based on the time evolution of dilepton yields in Upsilon(4S) decays. The measurement is based on a 5.9 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The proper-time difference distributions for same-sign and opposite-sign dilepton events are simultaneously fitted to an expression containing Deltam(d) as a free parameter. Using both muons and electrons, we obtain Deltam(d) = 0.463+/-0.008 (stat)+/-0.016 (syst) ps(-1). This is the first determination of Deltam(d) from time evolution measurements at the Upsilon(4S). We also place limits on possible CPT violations.

Measurement of the CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) in B(0)(d) meson decays

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) (also known as sin2beta) based on a 10.5 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is reconstructed in the J/psiK(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psiK(L), or J/psipi(0) CP-eigenstate decay channel and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its charged particle decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time interval between the two B-meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.58(+0.32)(-0.34)(stat)+0.09-0.10(syst).

Ginkgolide A, B, and huperzine A inhibit nitric oxide production from rat C6 and human BT325 glioma cells

AIM

To study the effects of ginkgolide A, B (Gin A, Gin B) and huperzine A (Hup A) on nitric oxide (NO) production from cultured astrocytes.

METHODS

Nitrites in supernatants were measured with Griess assay.

RESULTS

Hup A 0.001-100 mumol.L-1 time- and concentration-dependently inhibited the NO production from rat C6 astrocytoma cells. The NO production from C6 cells was concentration-dependently inhibited by the treatment with Gin A or Gin B 0.001-10 micromol.L-1 for 24 h. The NO production from human BT325 astrocytoma cells was concentration-dependently inhibited by Hup A, Gin A, or Gin B 0.01-10 micromol.L-1 for 24 h.

CONCLUSION

Gin A, Gin B, and Hup A inhibited astrocytes producing NO.

Cytokines enhance nitric oxide production from human BT325 astrocytoma cells

AIM

To study the effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and pre-inflammatory cytokines on nitric oxide (NO) production from cultured astrocytes.

METHODS

Nitrites in supernatants were measured with Griess assay.

RESULTS

The NO production from cultured human BT325 astrocytoma cells started when cultured for 4 h, reached the peak concentration (15.0 mumol.L-1) at 12 h, maintained a high level (15.0-17.5 mumol.L-1) up to 72 h, and was enhanced by LPS 1 mg.L-1, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) 100 kU.L-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) 100 kU.L-1, interleukin (IL)-1 100 kU.L-1, or IL-2 100 kU.L-1. The enhancements of TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-2, or the mixture of the above four cytokines were higher.

CONCLUSION

Stimulants and pre-inflammatory cytokines enhance astrocytes producing NO.

An increase in hyaluronan by lung fibroblasts: a biomarker for intensity and activity of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis?

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the roles of hyaluronan (HA) production of lung fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Quantitative and comparative assessments of the HA levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung fibroblast-conditioned media (F-CM) were made at various stages during the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. In bleomycin-treated animals, the HA levels in F-CM increased significantly (P < 0.01) on day 1 after bleomycin treatment, peaked on day 3, and then gradually declined and returned to control values on days 14-28. The HA concentrations of BALF in the bleomycin group were significantly increased (P < 0.01) on day 3, were maximal on day 7, and thereafter gradually decreased, remaining significantly above normal values (P < 0.01) on day 14, but returning to control values by day 28. In the bleomycin group, the HA levels both in BALF and in F-CM were significantly correlated with the cell components in BALF and there was a significant correlation between the HA concentration in BALF and in the F-CM. Lung fibroblasts were activated and produced increased HA which resulted in excessive accumulation of HA in the lung in the early stage of pulmonary fibrosis; the increased HA synthesis of lung fibroblasts and enhanced HA concentrations of BALF might reflect the intensity of alveolitis and the disease activity.

Effect of brucine on mouse nonspecific immune responses

AIM

To evaluate the effect of brucine (Bru) i.p. at analgesic doses on the nonspecific immune responses in normal and cyclophosphamide (Cyc)-treated mice.

METHODS

The clearance of charcoal particles, the immune organ weights, the white blood cell counts in peripheral blood, the phagocytosis to neutral red (NR) of PMO and its IL-1 production in vitro were tested.

RESULTS

In normal mice, Bru slightly enhanced the clearance of charcoal particles, the phagocytosis of PMO, IL-1 production, the immune organ weights and the WBC counts (P > 0.05), whereas in Cyc-induced subnormal immunity model mice, Bru greatly enhanced these nonspecific immune responses (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The effects of Bru were most marked i.p. at 10 mg.kg-1 in vivo or 0.1-10 mg.L-1 in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Bru i.p. at an analgesic dosage has dose- and function-dependent immunoregulatory effects.

Regulation of growth of the adrenal gland in DOC-salt hypertension. Role of angiotensin II receptor subtypes

To investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of adrenal growth in deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-salt hypertensive rats, and the adrenal gene expression of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, three groups of uninephrectomized rats + DOC pellet + 0.9% NaCl were given water (DOC), losartan (DOC-L), or ramipril (DOC-R) by gavage. Controls had sham surgery and water gavage. Tail-cuff systolic and mean intra-arterial blood pressures were significantly higher in the three DOC groups than in controls and not different among the groups. Adrenal weight of DOC was slightly but not significantly greater than that of controls, while those of DOC-L and DOC-R were greater than that of controls (P < .01). Northern blots showed that AT1 and AT2 gene expression was significantly reduced in DOC (by 33% and 60%), while that of AT1 (but not AT2) was significantly reduced further (versus control and DOC) in DOC-L and DOC-R. There were negative correlations between adrenal weight and AT1 (r = -.80, P < .0001) or AT2 (r = -.60, P < .005). We conclude that DOC-salt hypertension downregulates adrenal AT1 and AT2 gene expression by different mechanisms. Removal of the effects of angiotensin by losartan or ramipril downregulates AT1 further and promotes adrenal growth, indicating the presence of an AT1-mediated growth-inhibitory action of angiotensin II on the adrenal gland. These observations constitute an additional example of a growth-inhibitory role for the AT1 receptor, opposite to its more common growth-promoting actions in other organs and tissues.

[An evaluation of fibronectin and IgG in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with interstitial lung diseases]

FN and IgG levels in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood were evaluated in 25 patients with ILD and in 11 normal controls. The results showed: (1) In normal group, the level of lavage fluid FN was similar to that of plasma (P > 0.05). FN levels in BALF of patients with ILD were not only significantly higher than those of controls, but also than those of their own plasma (P < 0.01). However, plasma FN levels showed no remarkable changes in all study groups. (2) IgG levels were significantly increased in BALF of patients with ILD and were somewhat elevated in serum. (3) There were significant correlations between lavage FN or IgG levels and total cell counts in ILD, lavage FN and percentage of neutrophils in IPF, and lavage FN or IgG and percentage of lymphocytes in non-IPF. (4) A highly significant correlation existed between FN and IgG levels in BALF of patients with ILD. These data suggested that FN is significantly increased in patients with ILD. Elevation of lavage FN in ILD may be served as a marker of activity in assessment of alveolitis and elevation of lavage IgG appears to reflect an aspect of activity of humoral immunologic reaction in patients with ILD.

[Studies on percutaneous absorption of ruyi jinhuang san patcher with radioisotope tracer]

Berberine is one of the active ingredients in Ruyi Jinhuang San Patcher. With 3H-berberine as the tracer, a radio-labelled method was used for determining percutaneous rate and drug concentration of berberine in plasma in vivo and in vitro. A study on the percutaneous rate of different technological plasters and various animal skins was also carried out.

[Immunoenzymatic labeling of monoclonal antibodies for surface antigens of T-cells using immune complexes of APAAP in patients with interstitial lung disease]

The use of unlabeled antibody bridging technique with alkaline phosphatase monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) complexes makes it possible to solve the problem of short durability of immunofluorescent staining and the problem of nonspecific endogenous enzyme interference of blood cells with immunoperoxidase method. The technique of APAAP allows satisfactorily to demonstrate the cytoplasmic and surface membrane antigens of T-cells both in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). With the technique studied, the subsets of T-lymphocytes simultaneously in both peripheral blood and BALF of 26 patients with interstitial lung disease and of 16 apparently healthy subjects. The results showed: (1) In patients with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) CD8 cells in BALF were higher in number than those in peripheral blood and BALF of normal subjects (P < 0.01). It is suggested that abnormalities of T-Lymphocytes might also play a role in the pathogenesis of IPF. (2) CD4 cells in BALF of patients with sarcoidosis were significantly higher in number than those in other groups (P < 0.01). However, CD8 cells in BALF of patients with sarcoidosis were lower in number than those in others (P < 0.01). The higher ratio of CD4/CD8 was found in sarcoidosis patients during active stage. The findings suggested that change of the ratio of CD4/CD8, as an immunoregulatory abnormalities in lung, could be regarded as one of parameters in assessing the activity in patients with sarcoidosis.