[Study of spectral interferences of REEs with the matrix of dy for a high resolution ICP-AES]

The spectral interferences of the matrix of Dy on other REEs have been studied for a high resolution ICP-AES with a grating of 3600 grooves/mm. 66 analytical lines of 14 REEs have been selected as the prominent lines in the spectral interference studies. Three kinds of databases for Dy lines have been established for the spectra search and recognition. Thus, these databases can provide information of Dy lines accurately and conveniently.

[Purification of hepatitis B virus antigen and its application in detection of human serum antibody]

A recombinant plasmid DNA pBV220/eAg provided by professor Zhou Jian was transferred into DH5 alpha celes. The effectively expressed strain was harvested after cloning. It was then incubated in 30 degrees C for 3 hrs and 42 degrees C for 6 hrs, the HBeAg protein was induced. After purification of the protein by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow chromatography, the purified protein was analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Coomassic brilliant blue R250 stain and only one single protein band was seen, Its specificity was demonstrated by Western-blot and Immunodot. 49 HBeAb positive sera of hepatitis B patients could be specifically detected with the purified HBeAg by ELISA and immunostrip assay, but the latter was more sensitive and specific.

[The effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI on plasma high density lipoprotein level in transgenic mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the regulation of human apolipoprotein AI(h-apo AI) gene expression and its role in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism.

METHODS

Transgenic C57BL/6 mice established in this laboratory with human apoAI gene containing mouse metallothionein-I(MT-I) promoter were used for investigation.

RESULTS

Southern blot identified the presence of 4-15 copies of h-apo AI gene in the transgenic mice. Northern blot showed that human apo AI mRNA was expressed mainly in the liver and kidneys, and the high level of h-apo AI mRNA was obtained in liver, kidneys and small intestine after Zinc(Zn) induction. Total Plasma apoAI Level in transgenic mice was significantly increased than that in the controls, and a high h-apoAI level was detected in the transgenic mice (46% increased after Zn induction). Additionally, total and HDL cholesterol levels were noticed to be highly increased to 47% before and 103% after Zn induction in the transgenic mice comparing to that of the controls. The plasma HDL and h-apoAI levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.85, P < 0.01) in the transgenic mice.

CONCLUSION

Apo AI has a profound effect on regulating HDL levels in the transgenic mice. This animal model is considered appropriate for studying the effect of apoAI on lipid metabolism and the mechanism combating atherogenesis.

[The purification and application of Epstein-Barr virus gp125]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) virion capsid antigen (VCA) gp125 as a diagnostic antigen was expressed in infected cells by recombinant vaccinia virus. The presence of IgA antibody to VCA of EBV was tested by ELISA in sera from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and normal individuals. The ELISA consisted of three steps involving test serum, mouse monoclonal antibody to human IgA and rabbit anti-mouse IgG. The antibody titers of sera determined by this way correlated well with those by IF. The GMT by ELISA was 12 times higher than that by IF. Furthermore, efforts to develop gold-conjugated immunosorbent assay (GCISA), which is a more sensitive assay for measuring IgA antibody to VCA, has met with initial results.

Financial strain, received support, anticipated support, and depressive symptoms in the People's Republic of China

The purpose of this study is to examine the interface between financial strain, informal received economic support, informal anticipated financial support, and psychological distress in later life. Data provided by a large probability sample of older adults in the People's Republic of China reveal that the relationship between financial difficulty and psychological distress is stronger for older adults who receive more economic assistance. However, the results involving anticipated support are in the opposite direction. More specifically, the association between financial problems and psychological distress is lower for older adults who believe that others stand ready to help in the future should the need arise. A detailed theoretical rationale is developed to explain these results.

[Correction of spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with a modified chemometric method based on matrix projection]

A modified chemometric method based on matrix projection was developed to correct the spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The accuracy of the correction was significantly improved by reevaluating the residuals. The excellent analytical results for some rare earth elements proved the method fairly feasible.

Financial strain, received support, anticipated support, and depressive symptoms in the People's Republic of China

The purpose of this study is to examine the interface between financial strain, informal received economic support, informal anticipated financial support, and psychological distress in later life. Data provided by a large probability sample of older adults in the People's Republic of China reveal that the relationship between financial difficulty and psychological distress is stronger for older adults who receive more economic assistance. However, the results involving anticipated support are in the opposite direction. More specifically, the association between financial problems and psychological distress is lower for older adults who believe that others stand ready to help in the future should the need arise. A detailed theoretical rationale is developed to explain these results.

Norplant consensus statement and background review

This review has highlighted the attributes of a very important new method of contraception. The signatories to this document agree that, with the provision of appropriate information and instruction for the user, Norplant is a good contraceptive choice to be made available worldwide in family planning programs that have the resources for appropriate training and counseling. The signatories to this document are acting in their own personal capacity and not as representatives of any particular organization.

[Three-dimensional cardiac simulation model of finite element--theoretical basis of cardiac simulation of 3D model]

Cardiac simulation model is a frontier topic in the theoretical field of cardiac simulation. In this paper, dissipating energy model is presented to solve element equation and hence to reveal the rule of activities of heart.

[Purification and application of viral capsid antigen of Epstein-Barr virus]

The viral capsid antigen of Epstein-Barr virus was purified from sf9 cells infected with recombinant Baculoviruses and the purified protein was used to establish ELISA and immuno-strip method for detection of VCA/IgG and VCA/IgA antibodies in human sera. A sensitive, specific and cost-effective method has been developed for serological mass survey.

[Study on atomic emission spectrum and spectral interferences of rare earth elements with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer.--II. Spectral intererences of Samarium matrix]

The rare earth elements play a very important role in today's manufacture and life. For their complex spectra it is difficult to determine the trace elements in rare earth element matrix. This work investigated the spectral interferences of samarium matrix on other rare earth elements with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. A lots of spectrum information and spectral interferences were obtained, which are quite useful in the selection of analytical lines that free of spectral interferences and the elimination of the concomitant's interferences.

[Chemical constitutents of Podocarpus imbricatus BI. (II)]

From Podocarpus imbricatus five compounds were isolated and identified as 2"-O-rhamnosylvitexin (I), hinokiflavone (II), ecdysterone (III), beta-sitosteryl heptadecoate (IV) and daucosterol(V) on the basis of spectral studies (UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, MS) and chemical reactions. I, II, III, IV are obtained from this plant for the first time, and IV is obtained as beta-sitosteryl odd number carboxylic ester for the first time.

Safety, efficacy, and acceptability of medical abortion in China, Cuba, and India: a comparative trial of mifepristone-misoprostol versus surgical abortion

OBJECTIVE

We investigated safety, efficacy, and acceptability of an oral regimen of medical abortion compared with surgical abortion in three developing countries.

STUDY DESIGN

Women (n = 1373) with amenorrhea < or = 56 days chose either surgical abortion (as provided routinely) or 600 mg of mifepristone followed after 48 hours by 400 micrograms of misoprostol. This is the appropriate design for studying safety, efficacy, and acceptability among women selecting medical abortion over available surgical services.

RESULTS

The medical regimen had more side effects, particularly bleeding, than did surgical abortion but very few serious side effects. Failure rates for medical abortion, although low, exceeded those for surgical abortion: 8.6% versus 0.4% (China), 16.0% versus 4.0% (Cuba), and 5.2% versus 0% (India). Nearly half of failures among medical clients were not true drug failures, however, but surgical interventions not medically necessary (acceptability failures or misdiagnoses). Women were satisfied with either method, but more preferred medical abortion.

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion can be safe, efficacious, and acceptable in developing countries.

Effect of a mechanical vs a pharmacologic increase in aortic pressure on coronary blood flow and thrombolysis induced by IV administration of a thrombolytic agent

This study was designed to compare the effect of a mechanical vs a pharmacologic increase in BP on coronary artery blood flow and thrombolysis induced by IV administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. We employed a canine model of coronary thrombosis induced by injection of radioactive blood clot in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Subsequently, all dogs underwent phlebotomy to decrease systolic BP to 75 mm Hg and this decreased coronary blood flow by 50%. BP was increased to 130 mm Hg by norepinephrine (NE) infusion or by inflation of a Fogarty catheter placed in the descending aorta. Interventions with NE or with a Fogarty balloon catheter increased coronary artery blood flow to similar values and rates of coronary thrombolysis were similar. However, cardiac output was significantly higher with NE. These results indicate coronary clot lysis is dependent on perfusion pressure and coronary blood flow, not cardiac output.

[Determination of loganin in the fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc]

A high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of loganin in the fruit of Cornus of ficinalis. The method is rapid, accurate and sensitive.

Old-age support system and policy reform in China

"With the on-going economic transition from the central planned system to a market-oriented system, the population aging process in China is also accelerating, and the support system for the elderly becomes an important issue demanding attention. With data from Chinese national statistics and a regional probability sampling survey in Wuhan Area, two supporting systems for the aged in China are examined in this paper. After a briefing of the population aging process in China, a detailed discussion of the two supporting systems, i.e. the formal and the informal support systems for the aged, including arrangement, operation and funding mechanisms of the systems, is made in terms of policy reform. Then follows an international comparison to highlight features and problems of the Chinese systems. Finally, solutions are proposed for the restructuring of China's pension systems."

Induction of antitumor immunity and treatment of preestablished tumor by interleukin-6-gene-transfected melanoma cells combined with low-dose interleukin-2

Transfer of cytokine genes into tumor cells has proven a valuable approach for cancer treatment. In order to generate a more effective cancer vaccine, we transfected the human interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene into B16 melanoma cells. A B16 cell clone secreting the highest level of IL-6 was obtained by G418-resistant selection, limiting dilution and IL-6 assay. The IL-6-gene-transfected tumor cells exhibited in vitro growth inhibition, reduced tumorigenicity and decreased metastatic competence. After immunization with the inactivated IL-6-gene-transfected vaccine, the murine cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, natural killer activity and lymphokine-activated killer activity increased markedly. After treatment with the vaccine, the tumor-bearing mice showed significant growth inhibition of subcutaneous tumor, reduction in pulmonary metastases and extension of survival time. The above therapeutic effect was better when low-dose IL-2 was administered simultaneously, although this dosage of IL-2 had no in vivo antitumor effect. These data demonstrated that IL-6-gene-transfected cancer vaccine has a potent antitumor effect via efficient induction of antitumor immunity, and a better therapeutic effect could be achieved when the vaccine is combined with low-dose IL-2 as adjuvant.

Flows of social support and health status among older persons in China

As a consequence of the political, social, and economic developments in contemporary China, there have been considerable changes in the patterns of flows of social support between Chinese older people and their significant others. There is evidence that Chinese elders are now under strong pressure to provide more social support, instrumental support in particular, to their children and other relatives while they receive less. Such a change in the direction of flows of social support has been reported to worsen the elders' health. This paper describes the general pattern of social support both to and from the Chinese elders, using data of a probability sample survey conducted in Wuhan, China in 1991. The association between social support, both receiving and providing, and old-age health status is also analysed within a multivariate framework. The results of two probit models suggest that emotional support received plays a crucial role in affecting an elder's health status, while instrumental support received does not have explicit impacts. In addition, there is no empirical evidence that increased instrumental support from elders has worsened their health status as reported.

Sex, marital status, and psychological distress in later life: a comparative analysis

Some investigators maintain that while married men experience less distress than married women, the opposite may be true for those who are not married. In this instance, women are thought to report fewer symptoms of distress than men. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among gender, marital status, psychological distress and alcohol use in five culturally-diverse groups of older adults: U.S. whites, U.S. blacks, Japanese, Taiwanese and elderly people in the People's Republic of China. We find little evidence of the pattern described above. Instead, the data suggest that being single is equally detrimental for older men and women regardless of the cultural setting.

Effectiveness of Norplant implants through seven years: a large-scale study in China

The effectiveness of Norplant implants over a seven year period of continuous use was studied in a multicenter trial. Pregnancy rates were 0.4 per 100 in both year six and year seven. More than 3,600 women completed 6 years and more than 2,400 women completed 7 years. Pregnancy rates increased with weight (p < .05) and decreased with age, but in years 6 and 7 combined, the pregnancy rate neither reached nor exceeded 1 per 100 woman years in any 5 year age group or in any 10 kg weight group.