[Determination of total sulfite in wine by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with fluorescence detection]

A highly sensitive fluorometric method for the determination of total sulfite in wine is reported. The strong fluorescent derivatives formed by the quantitative reaction of sulfite in wine and N-(9-acridinyl) maleimide(NAM) in aqueous solution under mild conditions was injected into the HPLC. Separation was performed on an ODS column(200 mm x 5 mm) with a mobile phase of V(CH3CN):V(0.1 mo/L NH4AC) = 25:75 at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and detected by fluorometry at 455 nm(excitation at 365 nm). There was a good linear calibration curve in the range from 0.25-4 mg/L(r = 0.9998), The limit of detection was 1 ng. Sulfite mass concentration in wine has been determined by this method with good results and recoveries. This method is simple, rapid and reliable, and a sample size of only 1 mL is required to complete an analysis.

AMPA receptor-PDZ interactions in facilitation of spinal sensory synapses

Silent synapses form between some primary sensory afferents and dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord. Molecular mechanisms for activation or conversion of silent synapses to conducting synapses are unknown. Serotonin can trigger activation of silent synapses in dorsal horn neurons by recruiting AMPA receptors. AMPA-receptor subunits GluR2 and GluR3 interact via their cytoplasmic C termini with PDZ-domain-containing proteins such as GRIP (glutamate receptor interacting protein), but the functional significance of these interactions is unclear. Here we demonstrate that protein interactions involving the GluR2/3 C terminus are important for serotonin-induced activation of silent synapses in the spinal cord. Furthermore, PKC is a necessary and sufficient trigger for this activation. These results implicate AMPA receptor-PDZ interactions in mechanisms underlying sensory synaptic potentiation and provide insights into the pathogenesis of chronic pain.

Loss of synaptic depression in mammalian anterior cingulate cortex after amputation

Two forms of activity-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in the CNS, as defined by their sensitivity to the blockade of NMDA receptors, are thought to be important in learning, memory, and development. Here, we report that NMDA receptor-independent LTD is the major form of long-term plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Both L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and metabotropic glutamate receptors are required for inducing LTD. Amputation of a third hindpaw digit in an adult rat induced rapid expression of immediate early genes in the ACC bilaterally and caused a loss of LTD that persisted for at least 2 weeks. Our results suggest that synaptic LTD in the ACC may contribute to enhanced neuronal responses to subsequent somatosensory stimuli after amputation.

Effects of four herbal extracts on adjuvant-induced inflammation and hyperalgesia in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of four herbal medicine extracts on a rat model of inflammatory hyperalgesia.

DESIGN/INTERVENTIONS

Inflammation was induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into one hindpaw of each rat. Four herbs that are routinely prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treatment of pain were used: Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), Bai jiang cao (Patriniae Herba cum Radice), Yan hu suo (Rhizoma Corydalis) and Sanqui (Panax Notoginseng). The crude water extracts of the herbs were inected intraperitoneally following a repeated treatment profile.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed by testing each rat's paw withdrawal response to a noxious thermal stimulus. The magnitude of edema was determined by measuring the maximal thickness of the paw with a caliper. The effect of herb extracts on motor performance was assessed by using an accelerating rotarod test.

RESULT

Duhuo, Bai jiang cao, and Yan hu suo significantly attenuated CFA-induced hyperalgesia at 2 hours and facilitated the recovery from hyperalgesia (p < 0.05), when compared to saline-treated rats. The CFA-induced edema was reduced by Duhuo at 24 hours, 72 hours and 168 hours; Bai jiang cao at 24 hours, and Yan hu suo at 24 hours and 168 hours. Sanqi did not produce any significant effect on inflammation and hyperalgesia. The rotarod performance was slightly reduced by Bai jiang cao, Yan hu suo, and Sanqi (p < 0.05) but not by Duhuo treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified Duhuo as a selective and effective herbal agent in attenuating persistent hindpaw inflammation and hyperalgesia in rats. These results indicate that some herbal agents may provide an alternative approach to the treatment of persistant inflammatory pain and hyperalgesia.

Laminar-selective noradrenergic and serotoninergic modulation includes spinoparabrachial cells after inflammation

We evaluated the effects of chemical lesions on hindpaw inflammation-induced Fos protein expression in spinoparabrachial neurons that were retrogradely labeled by Fluoro-Gold. The descending serotoninergic and noradrenergic pathways were destroyed by the selective neurotoxins, 5,7-DHT and DSP-4, respectively. After 5,7-DHT treatment there was a significant increase in double-labeled neurons only in the lateral reticulated neck of the dorsal horn 24h after inflammation compared with vehicle-injected controls. In contrast, the DSP-4 treatment resulted in a more robust increase in double-labeled neurons in the ipsilateral superficial dorsal horn than in the neck of the dorsal horn. These results indicate that after inflammation the enhanced modulation from descending serotoninergic and noradrenergic pathways targets supraspinally projecting neurons to dampen increased ascending nociceptive input. Further, these pathways differentially suppress the responses of spinoparabrachial neurons in the deep and superficial dorsal horn.

Sex differences in late behavioral response to subcutaneous formalin injection in mice

We investigated sex- or gender-dependent differences in nociception using the formalin test in mice. In addition to typical biphasic responses, a new, late phase (Phase 3) was observed. A local anesthetic QX-314 injected at the end of Phase 2 blocked Phase 3. Phase 3 in female mice was significantly greater than that in male mice regardless the stage of the estrus cycle.

Nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis and nucleus raphe magnus in the brain stem exert opposite effects on behavioral hyperalgesia and spinal Fos protein expression after peripheral inflammation

Previous findings indicate that the brain stem descending system becomes more active in modulating spinal nociceptive processes during the development of persistent pain. The present study further identified the supraspinal sites that mediate enhanced descending modulation of behavior hyperalgesia and dorsal horn hyperexcitability (as measured by Fos-like immunoreactivity) produced by subcutaneous complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Selective chemical lesions were produced in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), the nuclei reticularis gigantocellularis (NGC), or the locus coeruleus/subcoeruleus (LC/SC). Compared to vehicle-injected animals with injection of vehicle alone, microinjection of a serotoninergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the NRM significantly increased thermal hyperalgesia and Fos protein expression in lumbar spinal cord after hindpaw inflammation. In contrast, the selective bilateral destruction of the NGC with a soma-selective excitotoxic neurotoxin, ibotenic acid, led to an attenuation of hyperalgesia and a reduction of inflammation-induced spinal Fos expression. Furthermore, if the NGC lesion was extended to involve the NRM, the behavioral hyperalgesia and CFA-induced Fos expression were similar to that in vehicle-injected rats. Bilateral LC/SC lesions were produced by microinjections of a noradrenergic neurotoxin, DSP-4. There was a significant increase in inflammation-induced spinal Fos expression, especially in the ipsilateral superficial dorsal horn following LC/SC lesions. These results demonstrated that multiple specific brain stem sites are involved in descending modulation of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Both NRM and LC/SC descending pathways are major sources of enhanced inhibitory modulation in inflamed animals. The persistent hyperalgesia and neuronal hyperexcitability may be mediated in part by a descending pain facilitatory system involving NGC. Thus, the intensity of perceived pain and hyperalgesia is fine-tuned by descending pathways. The imbalance of these modulating systems may be one mechanism underlying variability in acute and chronic pain conditions.

Dorsolateral funiculus-lesions unmask inhibitory or disfacilitatory mechanisms which modulate the effects of innocuous mechanical stimulation on spinal Fos expression after inflammation

To examine the contribution of low threshold mechanoreceptive afferent input to the development of allodynia and the involvement of descending pathways, we investigated the effects of repeated innocuous brush on inflammation-induced spinal Fos protein expression in dorsolateral funiculus-lesioned (DLFX) rats following hindpaw inflammation. In DLF sham-operated animals, brush stimuli induced a significant increase in the number of Fos-labeled neurons in ipsilateral laminae I-IV, and a slight suppression of Fos expression in ipsilateral laminae V-VI when compared to sham-lesioned rats without brushing. In rats receiving DLFX, the brush-induced increase in Fos expression in laminae I-IV was significantly reduced. The DLFX also unmasked a brush-induced suppression of laminae VII-VIII neurons. These results suggest that innocuous mechanical stimulation of an inflamed hindpaw gives rise to further facilitation of neuronal activity in laminae I-IV and inhibition of neuronal activity in laminae V-VIII. We propose that there is an unmasking of inhibitory mechanisms or a reduction in descending facilitatory effects after DLFX that alter Fos protein expression produced by innocuous mechanical stimulation.

[Applied anatomy of the vascularity in the ileocolic region and its clinical significance]

To understand the characteristics of the patterns of arteries and veins distributed over the ileocolic segment, 50 cadavers were studied by gross-anatomy. The arteries, veins and their paracolic anastomoses distributed over ileocecal region, ascending colon and transverse colon were observed. The results showed that the distribution pattern of venous vessel was far more constant than that of artery, that the arrangements of artery in the ileocolic segment were classified into 7 types, and there were no interruption of paracolic anastomoses between arteries. But in 3 specimens the paracolic anastemoses between the right colic vein and the middle colic vein were completely interrupted. These findings may be useful in guiding clinical practice and preventing postoperative complications in ileocolic replacement of esophagus.

[Regeneration of costal cartilage by pectus excavatum and thoracic cage remodeling]

In order to identify whether the regeneration of costal cartilage is the basis of post-surgical repair of pectus excavatum and thoracic cage remodeling, 151 cases were followed up for 0.25 to 14 years. The main procedures in treatment were 3 steps: To curve the mental strut as a bow, to repair the perichondrium as a tube, and to persist in post-operative therapy. The results showed that regeneration of the costal cartilages appeared 3 months postoperatively in the cases treated by this method. It was concluded that a satisfactory thoracic cage could be remodeled by improving the technique of repairing pectus excavatum and persisting in postoperative therapy according to the regeneration regularity.

[Esophageal reconstruction using ilecolon in children--a report of ten cases]

The use of the ileocolon as a substitute for esophagus in children has been a well-established surgical procedure. Between 1992 and 1995, ten retrosternal esophageal substitutions using an ileocolic interposition were performed. The ages of the children ranged from 2 to 8 years. The esophageal strictures were secondary to ingestion of caustic liquid. No death occurred in the intra- and post-operation period. Cervical ileoesophageal anastomotic leaks took place in 2 cases as the early major postoperative complications, which healed spontaneously. Three cases of ileoesophageal anastomotic strictures were noted in the follow-up period. The surgical indications, the treatments of anastomotic leaks and strictures, and the importance of long-term follow-up were discussed.

Inflammation-induced Fos protein expression in the rat spinal cord is enhanced following dorsolateral or ventrolateral funiculus lesions

Previous studies have shown an enhanced expression of Fos protein-like immunoreactivity in the lumbar spinal cord of rats with complete spinal transection following persistent hindpaw inflammation. To further locate the spinal pathways responsible for these effects, we compared the inflammation-evoked Fos expression in rats with bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral (DLFX) or ventrolateral (VLFX) funiculus, and with rats with a sham operation. The results indicate that the number of Fos-labeled neurons was significantly increased in all laminae of the dorsal horn ipsilateral to the inflamed hindpaw and in contralateral deep dorsal horn in both DLFX and VLFX rats compared to sham-operated rats. Moreover, when comparing DLFX and VLFX rats, in the ipsilateral spinal cord, DLFX resulted in more Fos expression in the deep dorsal horn; in contrast, a larger number of Fos-labeled cells in superficial laminae was observed in VLFX rats. These results suggest that modulatory systems, which descend in both DLF and VLF pathways, mediate the enhanced net descending nociceptive inhibition after persistent inflammation, although the supraspinal sites of origin of each pathway are likely functionally diverse.

X-ray lens of monolithic polycapillaries for macromolecular crystallography

The monolithic polycapillary X-ray Lens is a fast developing optics that has many applications in different fields, one of them, described in this paper, is a successful application in the X-ray diffraction for macromolecular crystallography. The direct beam intensity irradiating on crystal with usage of the monolithic X-ray lens was increased 1 to 2 order of magnitude more than the traditional method with the double focusing mirrors. the diffracted X-ray intensity was increased more than about 8 times, the resolution was improved by 0.2–0.6Å, and the signal to noise ratio was also improved. The measuring time became shorter. The crystal samples which had to be analyzed by synchrotron before are able to be investigated in routine laboratory now.

[Determination of aniline derivatives in waste water with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography]

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of aniline derivatives in waste-water is described. Chromatographic conditions were: column, Hypersil BDS (200 mm x 4.0 mm i.d., 5 microm); mobile phase, methanol-water, gradient elution; flow rate, 1.0 mL/min; detection wavelength, 254 nm. Quantification was carried out based on the external standard of aniline derivatives. The pH of waste water sample was adjusted to 11-12 with dilute NaOH solution prior to extraction with CH2Cl2. The extractives concentrated in K-D concentrator and filtered with FH 0.5 microm membrane. Finally make up the volume to 1 mL and test it with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The linearity range of calibration curve used was 0.005-0.3 microg. The minimum detectable quantities of aniline derivatives varied from 1.20 ng to 3.00 ng. The average recoveries were from 51.57% to 107.92%, and the RSDs of the method were from 1.88% to 5.98%. The method is simple, rapid, and accurate.

Cell cycle-dependent colocalization of BARD1 and BRCA1 proteins in discrete nuclear domains

Germ-line mutations of the BRCA1 gene predispose women to early-onset breast and ovarian cancer by compromising the gene's presumptive function as a tumor suppressor. Although the biochemical properties of BRCA1 polypeptides are not understood, their expression pattern and subcellular localization suggest a role in cell-cycle regulation. When resting cells are induced to proliferate, the steady-state levels of BRCA1 increase in late G1 and reach a maximum during S phase. Moreover, in S phase cells, BRCA1 polypeptides are hyperphosphorylated and accumulate into discrete subnuclear foci termed "BRCA1 nuclear dots." BRCA1 associates in vivo with a structurally related protein termed BARD1. Here we show that the steady-state levels of BARD1, unlike those of BRCA1, remain relatively constant during cell cycle progression. However, immunostaining revealed that BARD1 resides within BRCA1 nuclear dots during S phase of the cell cycle, but not during the G1 phase. Nevertheless, BARD1 polypeptides are found exclusively in the nuclear fractions of both G1- and S-phase cells. Therefore, progression to S phase is accompanied by the aggregation of nuclear BARD1 polypeptides into BRCA1 nuclear dots. This cell cycle-dependent colocalization of BARD1 and BRCA1 indicates a role for BARD1 in BRCA1-mediated tumor suppression.

[Studies on the chemical constitutens of Vicia amoena Fisch]

One new flavonoide was isolated from Vicia amoena Fisch. On the basis of spectral (UV, MS, NMR) and chemical reactions, it was elucidated to be kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-mannoside, named amoenin(A3). Moreover, five known compounds have been isolated and identified as quercetin, kaempferol, quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, kaempferol-3, 7-O-alpha-L-dirhamoside. The total flavonoides showed significant effects on inducing hyperlipidemia and increasing micro-blood vessel elasticity.

Cross-leg free flaps for difficult cases of leg defects: indications, pitfalls, and long-term results

BACKGROUND

Cross-leg free flaps have been described for reconstruction of leg defects in cases of trauma with no suitable recipient vessels in the vicinity of the defect. The pitfalls, however, have not been well documented in the literature. The technique of transfer and the length of time required before pedicle division depend on the nature of the flap and the contact surface.

METHODS

Eight cross-leg free flap reconstructions were performed on seven patients between 1986 and 1993. These included three latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, three fibula osteomyocutaneous flaps, one tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap, and one posterolateral thigh flap. The important technical considerations are outlined.

RESULTS

One latissimus dorsi flap failed, whereas the rest of the flaps completely survived. The morbidity of the recipient and donor sites are listed.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the technique offers the possibility of salvaging limbs that are, otherwise, nonreconstructable. It is useful for young patients. When the flap is long, it can function as a nutrient flap for the distal limb even though the pedicle has been divided. It is a backup procedure in an urgent situation of re-exploration in which reestablishment of circulation should take place as soon as possible.

St. Louis Integrated Immunization Information System

The immunization rate for St. Louis, Missouri, children age two and younger is only 49 percent, below the statewide rate of 64 percent and far below the estimated national rate of 75 percent. In response to this crisis, the St. Louis Integrated Immunization Information System (SLIIIS) was designed to establish an on-line immunization information system, identify barriers to immunization among health care providers and the client population, and implement methods for removing these barriers. Available to both public and private health care providers, SLIIIS uses a population-based approach to monitoring and improving immunization levels in the Eastern Missouri Region. SLIIIS was initiated by a partnership of an academic center with community agencies and institutions. Review of initial development efforts and system design may be valuable to others involved in creating regionally integrated information systems.

[An evaluation of the long-term results of palatopharyngeal closure function after velopharyngeal ring ligation]

16 cases were selected randomly from a group of 36 postoperative patients who underwent velopharyngeal ring ligation 16 years ago for evaluation of pronunciation, pharyngeal radiography, and electric endostroboskop to evaluate the patients' velopharygeal closure function. It was found that the pronunciation function of 93% patients were in good status. The results showed that centripetal force of velopharyngeal ring ligation made the velopharyngeal cavity reduced from the right to left and from anterior to posterior sides. It was good for sphincter of velopharyngeal moving, which could reduce the space of pharyngeal cavity and add the length of soft palate. The velopharyngeal closure was improved, which produced a good condition for the recovery of pronunciation function, at the same time, the change of pharyngeal cavity adapts to the patient's growth without limiting the growth and development of nasovelopharyngeal.

Sex hormone receptors of hemangiomas in children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether or not estrogen receptor and other sex hormone receptors are present in hemangioma tissues of children.

METHODS

Fifty-two specimens of hemangiomas were taken from 52 children. The specimens were doubly stained with hematoxylin-eosin and enzyme-linking affinity immunohistochemistry. The prepared tissue slides were observed under the microscope to search for estrogen receptors (ER), progestogen receptors (PR) and androgen receptors (AR) in all the cells.

RESULTS

ER, PR and AR were detected in various kinds of hemangiomas. The mean positive cell rate of each sex hormone receptor in different hemangioma tissues revealed no significant distinction in statistics (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that hemangiomas are one of the target tissues of estrogen. Estrogen, ER, PR, and AR may play an important role in the growth and development of hemangiomas.

[Study on relationship of soluble interleukin-2 receptors in serious hepatitis B patients and the T lymphocyte subgroup]

The assay of sIL-2R and T lymphocyte subgroup in 21 cases of serious HB patients revealed that serum sIL-2R in patients of acute and subacute or chronic serious HB was significantly higher than those in normal controls, P<0.001, but the CD4+ lymphocytes in all these patients obviously decreased and CD8+ lymphocytes notably increased when compared with that in normal group, P<0.01. The results showed that increasing of sIL-2R is associated with the activation of CD8+ cells which is mainly of cytotoxicity T lymphoeytes that play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute and subacute serious HB. The different expression of CD4+ and CD8+ in acute and chronic serious HB suggests a different pathogenetic mechanism between them.

A contribution of neurokinin-1 receptor to formalin-induced c-fos expression in the rat spinal dorsal horn

Formalin applied to a hindpaw of the rat resulted in c-fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn neurons on the ipsilateral side of stimulation. The role of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor in this response was examined using a selective NK-1 antagonist L-668169. L-668169 administered intrathecally (1 microg/10 microl, 10 microg/10 microl) 15 min before injection of 2% formalin into one hindpaw significantly decreased the number of Fos-labeled neurons in the dorsal horn. A smaller dose of L-668169 (0.1 microg/10 microl) was ineffective. It was also showed that a selective NK-1 agonist Sar-SP perfused intrathecally (10 microg/10 microl) did result in the production of c-fos mainly in laminae I and that SP-like immunoreactive varicosities apposed neurons with Fos-labeled nuclei at their perikaryal membrane in the superficial laminae. These results indicate that NK-1 receptors may contribute to the activation of c-fos in the spinal dorsal horn neurons.

[Fetal fibronectin and preterm birth]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether fetal fibronectin is a sensitive test for the diagnosis and prediction of preterm birth.

METHODS

Fetal fibronectin was measured by enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods in sample of cervical secretion from 38 women with threatened preterm delivery (study group) and 43 normal pregnanty women with same gestational weeks (control group).

RESULTS

The positive rate of fetal fibronectin in women with threatened preterm birth was significantly higher than that in the normal control group.

CONCLUSION

Fetal fibronectin is an important marker. It can be used for diagnosis and prediction of preterm birth.