[Efficacy of tianlong xifeng granule (TXG) in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction of ganyanghuafengzheng]

In this article 412 patients with acute cerebral infarction of ganyanghuafengzheng are analyzed in order to compare the efficacy between TXG and xixian tongshuan pill(XTP). The patients were randomly divided into two groups: 305 patients in Group I were treated with TXG, and 107 patients in Group II treated with XTP. The results showed that the curative rate in Group I was 69.84%, while in Group II 46.73%. It is indicated that the efficacy of TXG is superior to that of XTP. No toxicity and side effect were found in the above two groups.

[Intraventricular central neurocytoma and literature review]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the characteristics of central neurocytoma.

METHODS

Two cases were confimmed operatively and pathologyically.

RESULTS

142 cases showed that the tumor is common in young people. It occurrs in the septum pellucidumor, the wall of third or lateral ventricle. Clinical symptom is intracranial hypertension. The diagnosis must depend on electromicroscope examination.

CONCLUSION

The tumor must be removed totally by microsurgery.

[Altered cytokeratin expression of the epidermoid formation in the tympanic cavity of human fetuses]

The epidermoid formation (EF) in the developing human fetal middle ear is believed to have relationship with congenital cholesteatoma. Sixteen EFs were included in this study, of which 15 were simple EFs and one was hyperplastic EF. Four cytokeratin antibodies PK, CK13, CK18, and CK19 were used in an ABC immunohistochemical technique to compare the expression of the cytokeratin in the EFs, middle ear mucosa and external acoustic meatus skin. The results showed that the simple EFs had the same staining pattern of middle ear mucosa for all four antibodies and were different from external acoustic meatus skin. It was suggested that the simple EFs do not have the properties of an epidermis. The hyperplastic EF had an altered cytokeratin expression comparing to that of the middle ear mucosa. The expression of CK19 disappeared in the structure while the normal middle ear mucosa nearby had a positive staining for this antibody. PK staining pattern, characterized by the more intensive in the surface layer of the EF, was similar to that of external acoustic meatus skin. It is suggested that hyperplastic EF may acquire certain properties of epidermis, and may develop into congenital cholesteatoma.

[Investigation of relationship between primary gastric malignant lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori infection]

In order to investigate the relationship between primary gastric malignant lymphoma (PGML) and helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, the gastric mucosa of 39 cases of PGML and 22 cases of lymphocytic gastritis, 32 cases of Hp unrelated diseases was collected in this case-control study. Hp infection was confirmed by modified Giemsa stain; PGML was classified by Isaacson's classification.

RESULT

The Hp detecting rate of PGML was 87.18%, which was significantly higher than that of control groups that was 63.64%, 53.13% respectively (P < 0.005). Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type was accounted for 92.31% of PGML cases with Hp detecting rate 86.11%. In surrounding chronic active gastritis and lymphoid-follicles Hp were detected in 84.62%, 56.41% cases respectively.

IN CONCLUSION

histology shows a good relationship between B cell gastric MALT lymphoma and Hp infection.

[Current status of HIV infection in Yunnan Province of China]

In cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine and Yunnan Province Provincial Office for AIDS Control and Prevention, we studied the current status of HIV infection intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and other high risk groups in Yunnan province of China. As of the end of 1995, 1,807 HIV cases were officially reported (Positive rate was 0.6%), of which 1,278 (77.9%) were IVDUs, and 24 were their spouses. The majority of cases were found among the Dai minority male farmers near Ruili which borders on Myammar, but HIV also appears to be spreading among the Han people. HIV antibody positive rates among commercial sex workers, pregnant women and blood donors were 0.2%, 0.07% and 0.04%, respectively. A system for surveillance of HIV has been developed, but preventive strategies to cope with HIV epidemic are not sufficient. As HIV/AIDS is now a global issue, (1) the integration and coordination of such preventive strategies in cooperation with community health workers, (2) general health education for condom use promotion and (3) care of psychological vulnerable person such as IVDUs, should be developed.

[Evaluation of the function of palatine tonsil with regard to phagocytosis]

Trypan blue and Indian ink made in Fuzhou as vital staining dyes were injected into the abdominal cavities of rabbits. Nine days later, the tonsil, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes were examined. Numerous pigment granules were observed in the macrophages of the spleen and lymph node. However, no phagocytosis of pigment granules was found in the palatine tonsil and thymus. It indicated that the function of palatine tonsil as a lymph organ is to contact exogenous antigens and to take part in immune response. It is important for children, especially infants, to establish a complete immune mechanism. The Tonsils reach their maximum development in childhood and thereafter decline. Once the palatine tonsils become chronic foci, surgical removal of the diseased tonsils is necessary.

Effect of microbial phytase on nitrogen and amino acid digestibility and nitrogen retention of turkey poults fed corn-soybean meal diets

The effect of microbial phytase on N and amino acid (AA) digestibility and N retention was investigated in a 29-d trial using 480 Nicholas Large White Turkey female poults fed corn-soybean meal diets. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with 0.45 and 0.60% nonphytate P (nP), 22.5 and 28.0% CP, and 0 and 750 U of microbial phytase/kg of diet. At 0.45% nP, adding phytase to either 22.5 or 28.0% CP diets increased BW gain (P < 0.01), and percentage (P < 0.01) and weight (P < 0.10) of toe ash; at 0.60% nP, the magnitude of the effect of phytase was less (P > 0.10) than observed for 0.45% nP and inconsistent. Apparent and true ileal digestibility of N and AA was estimated by using chromic oxide as an indicator at Day 24. At 0.45% nP, adding phytase to 22.5% CP diets tended to improve the apparent and true ileal digestibility of N and AA, except cysteine or methionine; adding phytase to 28.0% CP diets increased the digestibility of N and most of the AA (P < 0.001 to 0.10). At 0.60% nP, adding phytase to 22.5% CP diets increased the apparent and true ileal digestibility of N and all the AA (P < 0.001 to 0.10), but did not change digestibilities at 28.0% CP diets. Adding phytase also increased (P < 0.001 to 0.10) apparent ileal digestibility of DM and P at 0.45% nP for both CP diets, but only for 22.5% CP diets at 0.60% nP. The total excreta were collected at Day 27 to 29. Adding phytase to 0.45% nP diets increased apparent utilization of DM (P < 0.01 to 0.10) and retention of N (P < 0.05 to 0.10) at both CP levels; retention of P was only increased (P < 0.10) at 22.5% CP. At 0.60% nP, adding phytase increased utilization of DM (P < 0.05) and retention of N (P < 0.10) only at 22.5% CP; P retention was not affected. In summary, microbial phytase enhanced growth performance, toe ash, ileal N and AA digestibility, and apparent N and P retention.

Effectiveness of Natuphos phytase in improving the bioavailabilities of phosphorus and other nutrients in soybean meal-based semipurified diets for young pigs

Crossbred pigs (n = 96, BW = 7.5 kg) were used in a 5-wk trial to determine the effectiveness of supplemental Natuphos phytase in improving the bioavailabilities of P and other nutrients in a semipurified diet with soybean meal as the only P source in the basal diet. Two available P (aP) levels (.05 and .16%) and five phytase levels (0, 350, 700, 1,050, and 1,400 units/kg of diet) were used in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement of treatments. In addition to the 10 diets, two extra diets were formulated to supply the recommended level of aP (.32%) with 0 and 1,400 units (U) of phytase/kg of diet. Graded levels of phytase resulted in linear increases in ADG (P < .02), ADFI (P < .01 at .16% aP only), and gain:feed ratio (P < .03). Effects of adding phytase to the diet with .32% aP were observed only in the first 14 d of the study with increases in ADG (P < .06) and gain:feed (P < .02) for added phytase. Apparent digestibility (or absorption) coefficients (ADC) of DM, P, Ca, and N were estimated using chromic oxide as an indicator during wk 4 and 5. When phytase and P were added to the low P diet, the ADC of P was increased (P < .01), but only small and variable changes in the ADC of DM, Ca, and N were observed. Fecal P excretion (grams per day) decreased as microbial phytase was added (P < .01) and increased with added P (P < .01). In comparison to the results with the .32% aP diet, fecal P excretion decreased 25 to 50% by the addition of phytase. The addition of phytase to the diet with .32% aP further improved (P < .01) the ADC of P (54.5 vs 61.8%) and decreased (P < .01) fecal P excretion (1.62 vs 1.38 g/d). Characteristics of 4th metacarpals and 10th ribs were consistently improved by increasing dietary levels of both phytase and P. On the basis of an assessment of R2 values from secondorder translog equations, ADG, ADFI, P apparent absorption, bone ash percentage, and bone shear force were sensitive indicators to evaluate phytase efficacy of P availability in diets. Phosphorus equivalency of microbial phytase was calculated by using response equations for ADG and apparent P absorption. The average function of the release of P (Y, grams per kilograms) by microbial phytase (X, units per kilogram of diet) was developed with aP levels of .05 and .16%: Y = 1.546-1.504e-.0015X. The replacement of 1 g of inorganic P would require about 676 U of microbial phytase. This represents 77% of released P from phytate.

Response of broilers to graded levels of microbial phytase added to maize-soyabean-meal-based diets containing three levels of non-phytate phosphorus

Male 1-d-old broilers (n 920) were given 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 U microbial phytase/kg diet in combination with 2.0, 2.7 or 3.4 g non-phytate P (nP)/kg or 4.0, 5.1 or 5.8 g total P (tP)/kg in a 21 d trial to assess the effectiveness of phytase in a maize-soyabean-meal diet. In addition to the above twenty-one diets, a positive control P diet supplied 4.5 g nP/kg, 6.9 g tP/kg and 10 g Ca/kg. The basal diet contained 230 g crude protein/kg, 8.8 g Ca/kg, 4.4 g tP/kg and 2.0 g nP/kg. Defluorinated phosphate and limestone were used to supply P and Ca. A Ca:tP ratio of 2:1 was maintained except in the positive control diet which had a ratio of 1.45:1. Phytase additions linearly increased (P < 0.01) body-weight (BW) gain, feed intake, toe ash percentage, and apparent retention (% of intake) or total amount (g/bird) of retained Ca and P, and linearly decreased (P < 0.01) P excretion (g/kg of DM intake) at each level of nP with the magnitude of the response inversely related to the level of nP. Above-normal mortality was only observed in the group receiving 2.0 g nP/kg diet without phytase. Adding nP linearly increased (P < 0.01) BW gain, feed intake, toe ash percentage, Ca retention, total amount (g/bird) of P retained, and P excretion, and linearly decreased (P < 0.01) apparent retention (%) of P. Derived linear and non-linear equations for BW gain and toe ash percentage at the two lower nP levels, 2.0 and 2.7 g/kg, were used to calculate P equivalency values of microbial phytase. The results show that 939 U microbial phytase is equivalent to 1 g P from defluorinated phosphate in broilers fed on maize-soyabean-meal diets. The amount of P released per 100 U phytase decreased as the total amount of phytase increased.

Supplemental microbial phytase improves zinc utilization in broilers

Day-old male broilers (n = 384) were used in a 21-d trial to investigate the effect of microbial phytase on the retention and utilization of Zn. A corn-soybean isolate basal diet containing 20 ppm Zn was fed alone and supplemented with 5, 10, or 20 ppm Zn as ZnSO4.7H2O or with 150, 300, 450, or 600 U of phytase/kg of diet. Total excreta were collected during Days 18 to 20. Toe, tibia, and liver samples were taken at the end of the experiment. Adding Zn and phytase to the low Zn basal diet linearly increased BW gain and feed intake of broilers (P < 0.01). The gain to feed ratio was not changed by adding Zn but was decreased by adding phytase (P < 0.01). The amount of DM retained was linearly increased by adding Zn and phytase (P < 0.10), but DM retained as a percentage of intake was only increased by adding Zn (P < 0.05). The amount of Zn retained per bird was linearly improved by adding Zn and phytase (P < 0.01). Zinc retained as a percentage of intake was linearly decreased by adding Zn but was linearly increased by adding phytase (P < 0.10). Ash percentage of toe and tibia were not affected by adding Zn but were linearly improved by adding phytase (P < 0.10); however, the amount of ash in toe or tibia was increased by Zn (P < 0.05) and phytase (P < 0.01 for toe; not significant for tibia). The concentration and amount of Zn in toe and tibia were linearly increased by adding Zn and phytase (P < 0.001). The concentration of Zn in liver increased by adding Zn (P < 0.10) but was not significantly improved by adding phytase. The amount of Zn retained in liver was linearly improved by adding Zn and phytase (P < 0.05). Nonlinear or linear response equations of the effects of Zn and phytase levels were generated and used to calculate the Zn equivalency values. The average function of Zn equivalency values (Y, milligrams per kilogram) of microbial phytase (X, units per kilogram of diet) was developed: Y = 0.20 + 0.0082X. The results indicate that approximately 0.9 mg of Zn was released per 100 U of phytase over the range of 150 to 600 U of phytase.

Improving phytate phosphorus availability in corn and soybean meal for broilers using microbial phytase and calculation of phosphorus equivalency values for phytase

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of Natuphos phytase for improving P availability of soybean meal-based semipurified diets (SP, Experiments 1 and 2) and corn-soybean meal-based diets (CS, Experiment 2) fed to broilers (1 to 21 d). There were 360 and 288 birds fed the SP diets in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively, and 288 birds were fed the CS diets in Experiment 2. Phosphorus equivalency values for phytase were calculated. The basal diets were formulated to contain 0.27% nonphytate P (nP); the SP basal diet contained 0.45% total P (tP) that included 0.17% P as defluorinated phosphate; the CS basal diet contained 0.51% tP that contained 0.12% P as defluorinated phosphate. Both basal diets were supplemented with defluorinated phosphate to provide 0.36, 0.45, of 0.54% nP or with 350, 700, or 1,050 U of phytase/kg diets. Supplementing defluorinated phosphate and phytase linearly increased BW gain (P < 0.001), feed intake (P < 0.001), and percentage ash of dried toes (P < 0.01). Phytase addition increased apparent retention of P (P < 0.02), Ca (P < 0.005 in Experiment 2), and N (P <0.06 in Experiment 2 for CS), increased apparent digestibility of DM (P < 0.04), and linearly decreased (P <0.005) P excretion. In comparison to the 0.45% np diet, P excretion was reduced 42 to 51% by addition of phytase. The addition of defluorinated phosphate linearly decreased apparent retention of P (P < 0.02) and Ca (P < 0.005 in Experiment 2), and increased P excretion (P < 0.007). The average of released P by phytase calculated by solving nonlinear or linear response equations of P and phytase levels for SP diets in Experiments 1 and 2 gave a P equivalency value 1 g P = 1,146 U of phytase. The P equivalency value for CS diets fed only in Experiment 2 was 785 U of phytase = 1 g P as defluorinated phosphate. These studies show that microbial phytase is effective for improving P availability and for decreasing P excretion. Added phytase can also increase Ca and N retention.

Response of turkey poults to tiered levels of Natuphos phytase added to soybean meal-based semi-purified diets containing three levels of nonphytate phosphorus

A 3-wk feeding trial using 920 day-old turkey poults was conducted to evaluate the addition of seven levels of phytase (Natuphos; 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, and 1,200 U/kg of diet) to diets containing three levels of nonphytate P (nP) (.27, .36, and .45%). A positive control diet contained .60% nP. Semi-purified basal diets contained soybean meal as the only protein source. The increase in BW gain from added phytase was greatest for the lowest nP diet (nP by phytase interaction, P < .001). At .27% nP, gains improved (P < .001) to 800 U of phytase/kg of diet and then reached a plateau. At .36 and .45% nP, increases in gains were observed only for 200 U of phytase/kg of diet. The highest phytase addition to.36 and .45% nP diets produced gains equal to those of the positive control diet. Feed intake increases paralleled those of BW gains. Gain:feed was lowest for the .27% nP diets without phytase, but improved (P < .001) to 800 U of phytase/kg of diet and then reached a plateau. The high incidence of leg disorders and high mortality (40%) observed for the poults fed the .27% nP diet without added phytase declined with the addition of 200 to 400 U of phytase/kg of diet. Ash percentage of toes and tibias increased as the levels of nP (P < .001) and phytase (P < .01) increased; the magnitude of the response to phytase decreased as nP in the diet increased, resulting in an nP by phytase interaction (P < .001). Tibial shear force and stress responded in a similar manner to increasing levels of nP and added phytase. Results show that 652 U of microbial phytase is equivalent to 1 g of P from defluorinated phosphate in turkey starter diets using soybean meal as the only source of phytate P. The response per 100 U of phytase decreased as the total amount of phytase added was increased.

Improving phosphorus availability in soybean meal for broilers by supplemental phytase

A 21-d experiment was conducted with day-old male broilers (n=840) to evaluate the effectiveness of supplemental phytase for improving the availability of phytate P in soybean meal when varying levels of P were fed. The semi-purified basal diet (.18% phytate P) contained soybean meal as the only protein source. Seven levels of phytase (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, and 1,200 U/kg diet) were added to diets formulated to contain .20, .27, or .34% nonphytate P (nP; or .38, .45, and .52% total P, respectively). The desired levels of nP in the three basal P diets were achieved by adding varying amounts of defluorinated phosphate. A 2:1 Ca:total P ratio was maintained in all diets. Body weight gains and feed intake were improved (P < .001) by phytase at all nP levels, but the magnitude of response was greatest at low nP levels, resulting in an nP by phytase interaction (P < .01). Gain:feed was unaffected by phytase addition. A high mortality (35 to 45%) was observed for the .20 and .27% nP diets without added phytase, but this declined to normal levels with the addition of 200 to 400 U phytase/kg diet. Ash percentage of toes and tibia and shear force and stress of tibia increased with added phytase. These responses clearly show that the phytate-bound P in soybean meal was made more available to broilers by microbial phytase, and the total response was related to the phytase and nP/total P levels. Based on the high R2 values for the second order translog equations, BW gain, feed intake, and toe ash percentage were the most sensitive indicators to assess P availability, followed by tibia force and ash percentage. Derived nonlinear and linear equations for BW gain and toe ash percentage at the two lower nP levels were used to calculate P equivalency values of phytase for inorganic P. Using the average function of P released ( gamma ) by microbial phytase ( chi ) derived with nP levels of .20 and .27% for BW gain and toe ash percentage, gamma = 1.120 - 1.102e-.0027chi, 1 g of P could be released with 821 U of phytase. The amount of P released increased with increasing levels of phytase, but the amount of P released per 100 U of phytase decreased. Released P ranged from 31 to 58% of phytate P for 250 to 1,000 U of phytase/kg of diet.

Traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of hyperlipidaemia

In the search of new products for treatment of hyperlipidaemia with a low frequency of side effects a decoction of Crataegus cuneata, Nelumbo nucifera and Gynostemma pentaphylla has been tested. A reduction of triglyceride and cholesterol was seen.

Association analysis of a polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene with essential hypertension in Japanese

An association study of the polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene, consisting of T-->C transition at nucleotide 704 in exon 2, with essential hypertension in the Japanese population was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The allele which contained the Tth 111-I restriction site in the presence of C transition was designated 'a' and the allele that lacked restriction site was designated 'A'. The frequency of aa genotype in our normotensive group was higher than the previously reported values in Caucasians. In spite of the high frequency of the aa genotype in Japanese, the aa genotype was significantly more frequent in 108 hypertensives than in 104 normotensive subjects compared with the two other genotypes (P = 0.009). These results suggested that this molecular variant of the angiotensinogen gene may be a preserved inherited predisposition for essential hypertension in various ethnic groups, including Caucasians and Japanese.

Workplace and environmental air contaminant concentrations measured by open path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: a statistical process control technique to detect changes from normal operating conditions

Open path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy is a new air monitoring technique that can be used to measure concentrations of air contaminants in real or near-real time. OP-FTIR spectroscopy has been used to monitor workplace gas and vapor exposures, emissions from hazardous waste sites, and to track emissions along fence lines. This paper discusses a statistical process control technique that can be used with air monitoring data collected with an OP-FTIR spectrometer to detect departures from normal operating conditions in the workplace or along a fence line. Time series data, produced by plotting consecutive air sample concentrations in time, were analyzed. Autocorrelation in the time series data was removed by fitting dynamic models. Control charts were used with the residuals of the model fit data to determine if departures from defined normal operating conditions could be rapidly detected. Shewhart and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts were evaluated for use with data collected under different room air flow and mixing conditions. Under rapidly changing conditions the Shewhart control chart was able to detect a leak in a simulated process area. The EWMA control chart was found to be more sensitive to drifts and slowly changing concentrations in air monitoring data. The time series and statistical process control techniques were also applied to data obtained during a field study at a chemical plant. A production area of an acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, and styrene (ABS) polymer process was monitored in near-real time. Decision logics based on the time series and statistical process control technique introduced suggest several applications in workplace and environmental monitoring. These applications might include signaling of an alarm or warning, increasing levels of worker respiratory protection, or evacuation of a community, when gas and vapor concentrations are determined to be out-of-control.

China's agenda for an old-age insurance program in rural areas

Based on a field study conducted in August 1993 by the author, this article discusses the experimental program of old-age insurance in rural areas of China. The achievements made so far, the feasibility of old-age insurance in rural areas, and the problems encountered by the program are discussed. Policy recommendations regarding maintenance of the value of the premium, legislation, management of the program, and continuation of the family support system are proposed. It is emphasized that China urgently needs to establish a universal old-age insurance program and other social support services for the elderly. This would be akin to building a new Great Wall to help solve the serious problems of aging, reverse the trend of a high male-to-female sex ratio at birth, and further reduce fertility levels in less developed rural areas.

The pedigree chart analysis of centenarians in Shanghai City

The sex, occupation and pedigree charts of 57 centenarians in Shanghai City were investigated. There were 10 (17.5%) males and 47 (82.5%) females. Of the males, 4 were office workers (40%) and 6 were manual workers (60%). Among the females, 1 was an office worker (2.1%), 3 were manual workers (6.4%) and 43 were housewives (91.5%). Forty of the centenarians (70.2%) belonged to long-lived families, 17 (29.8%) did not. The age of centenarians' spouses influenced the mortality and age of their sons and daughters.

Chromatographic methods for the analysis of basic neurotransmitters and their acidic metabolites

Chromatographic techniques for the determination of trace amounts of neurotransmitters were reviewed. The two techniques found to be most useful were GC-MS and the reversed-phase mode of HPLC with an electrochemical or fluorescent detector. For structure determination or unequivocal peak identification, GC-MS is the method of choice. In addition the limits of detection of GC-MS were better than those obtained by HPLC. However for routine analyses, HPLC is now being used in studies of mental illness and other diseases. Good resolution, reproducibility and sensitivity can be obtained without the derivatisation steps required for GC-MS, and catecholamines, serotonin, and their acidic metabolites can be concomitantly determined in one analysis.