A morphological study of primary pulmonary hypertension--an analysis of six autopsy cases

Six typical autopsy cases of primary pulmonary hypertension are reported. The histopathological features were as follows: medial hypertrophy of the muscular pulmonary arteries, muscularization of arterioles, internal fibrosis and fibroelastosis of muscular pulmonary arteries with typical "onion-skin" configuration, fibrinoid necrosis of the media or necrotizing arteries of muscular pulmonary arteries, and formation of highly characteristic plexiform lesions and dilatation lesions. It is thought that the plexiform lesions seen in all six cases represent morphological changes resulting from pulmonary hypertension rather than congenital abnormalities or thromboembolism.

[Determination of baicalin in xiaoer feire kechuan mixture by dual-wavelength spectrophotometry]

A method for the determination of baicalin in traditional Chinese medicine Xiaoer Feire Kechuan Mixture with dual-wavelength spectrophotometry is described. The interference of coexisting ingredients may be eliminated without separation of the samples. Both 751 and UV-3000 spectrophotometers were used.

[Studies on warming the middle-jiao and analgesic effect of flos Caryophylli]

The effects of water extract and ether extract of Flos Caryophylli have been investigated by four experimental gastric ulcer models, choleresis in rats, two diarrhea models in mice, two pain stimulations in mice, and acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats. The results suggest that the action of Flos Caryophylli on dispelling the cold by warming the middle-jiao and curing abdominalgia is related to its anti-ulcer, choleresis increasing, anti-diarrhea and analgesic functions.

A post-transcriptional mechanism contributes to circadian cycling of a per-beta-galactosidase fusion protein

The period gene (per) of Drosophila melanogaster affects circadian rhythms. Circadian fluctuations in per mRNA levels are thought to contribute to circadian fluctuations in per protein levels in the heads of adult flies. To address the mechanisms underlying these oscillatory phenomena, we have analyzed RNA and protein cycling from two per-beta-galactosidase fusion genes. These studies demonstrate that 5' noncoding sequences from per are sufficient to cause the fusion mRNA levels to cycle in a wild-type (rhythmic) background. Protein cycling requires additional sequences derived from the per coding region. The data suggest that there is a per-dependent posttranscriptional mechanism that is under circadian clock control required for per protein levels to fluctuate in a rhythmic fashion.

[Diagnostic value of fibrolaparoscopy and direct-vision peritoneal biopsy in atypical tuberculous peritonitis]

Fifty-three cases of atypical tuberculous peritonitis were diagnosed by Machida FLA-8 fibrolaparoscope and direct-vision peritoneal biopsy in our hospital during the last few years. The misdiagnosis rate of this disease is very high. The rate of accurate clinical diagnosis was only 39.6% in patients of this study, while 60.4% was misdiagnosed as other diseases, such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, hepatic carcinoma ovarian cyst etc. In addition, many patients with other diseases were misdiagnosed as tuberculous peritonitis by clinical consideration, for instance, 56 cases who were diagnosed or doubted as tuberculous peritonitis by clinical consideration were diagnosed as other diseases by laparoscopy and liver and peritoneal biopsy under direct-vision. Among them chronic hepatitis accounted for 32 cases, peritoneal carcinoma 11 cases, cirrhosis 7 cases, normal peritoneum, liver, gall bladder and spleen 6 cases. Therefore, the patient who is presumptively diagnosed as tuberculous peritonitis by clinical consideration should have laparoscopy and direct-vision peritoneal biopsy performed.

The strength and periodicity of D. melanogaster circadian rhythms are differentially affected by alterations in period gene expression

The per gene of D. melanogaster influences or participates in the generation of biological rhythms. Previous experiments have identified the head as the location from which per exerts its effect on circadian rhythms. To localize further this region and to examine the effects of altered levels and altered spatial expression patterns of the per gene on circadian rhythms of locomotor activity, we have characterized transformed lines containing per gene constructs missing substantial cis-acting regulatory information. The data suggest that wild-type levels of per gene expression are necessary in only a small fraction of the nervous system for near wild-type periods, whereas a larger fraction of per-expressing cells in the brain contributes to the strength of the circadian rhythms.

Optical programmable cellular logic array for image processing

An optical parallel architecture is suggested to implement a basic programmable cellular logic array for image processing. Interconnection of the neighboring cells is achieved by using an optical correlator. The required parallel logic gates are executed with spatial coding and electronic thresholding methods. Another optical correlator is used to spatially code the outputs from the 2-bit decoder array of shadowgrams. The optical method for the directional interconnection is also discussed. An image processing example is simulated and verified experimentally.

[Culture of anaerobic bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity test in ocular infectious diseases]

Anaerobes were isolated from 43.9% of 116 eyes with infectious diseases and 21.4% of 140 normal conjunctival sacs. The predominant anaerobes were peptococcus (28.6%) in the former and propionibacterium (53.3%) in the latter. In eyes with infection, only anaerobes were isolated from 27, and a mixture of anaerobes and aerobes in 24. The sensitivity of anaerobes (68 strains) to 10 antibiotics differed significantly from that of aerobes (102 strains). Most anaerobes are sensitive to chloramphenicol and cephaloridine, but not to aminoglycosides or polymyxin B. Therefore, when an ocular infection shows a negative aerobic culture, anaerobic infection should be suspected and chloramphenicol is indicated as first choice for treatment.

[A nonisotopic enzymolysis assay method of phosphatidylinositol kinase]

A nonisotopic enzymolysis assay method of phosphatidylinositol kinase (PIK) has been developed. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP), phosphorylated from phosphatidylinositol (PI) by PIK was hydrolyzed with phosphainositide-specific phospholipase C. The product, inositol 1, 4-bisphosphate (IP2), was separated from inositol 1-phosphate (IP) with Dowex-1 column chromatography. Then, the IP2 was hydrolyzed by alkaline phosphatase to yield PI, and the PI was determined by colorimetry. The PIK activity was defined as PI nmol/mg protein per min. The recovery was 91%, CV = 6.5%

Phase Transition and Thermal Expansion of MgSiO 3 Perovskite

Results from in situ x-ray diffraction experiments with a DIA-type cubic anvil apparatus (SAM 85) reveal that MgSiO(3) perovskite transforms from the orthorhombic Pbnm symmetry to another perovskite-type structure above 600 kelvin (K) at pressures of 7.3 gigapascals; the apparent volume increase across the transition is 0.7%. Unit-cell volume increased linearly with temperature, both below (1.44 x 10(-5) K(-1)) and above (1.55 x 10(-5) K(-1)) the transition. These results indicate that the physical properties measured on the Pbnm phase should be used with great caution because they may not be applicable to the earth's lower mantle. A density analysis based on the new data yields an iron content of 10.4 weight percent for a pyrolite composition under conditions corresponding to the lower mantle. All current equation-of-state data are compatible with constant chemical composition in the upper and lower mantle; thus, these data imply that a chemically layered mantle is unnecessary, and whole-mantle convection is possible.

Capillary gas chromatography for the assessment of cholesterol oxides in the heart

Recent studies indicated the presence of cholesterol oxides in biological tissues such as heart under pathophysiological conditions. Currently, no suitable method is available to separate and quantitate these oxides in biological tissues. This study was undertaken to develop a method suitable for the quantification of cholesterol oxides in heart. Since under normal conditions cholesterol oxidation does not occur, we exposed isolated perfused rat heart to oxygen-derived free radicals, which are known to oxidize cholesterol in heart. Free radical treated hearts were homogenized and lipids extracted by conventional techniques. The extracted lipids were saponified, and non-saponified portions were extracted with ether. Silyl derivatives of the extracted products were subjected to capillary gas chromatography. One microlitre of the sample was injected onto an SE 54 Supelco capillary column and run by stepwise temperature programming from 230 to 260 degrees C at a rate of 20 degrees C min-1, and then from 260 to 290 degrees C at 6 degrees C min-1. 5-Androsten-3 beta-ol-17-one was used as internal standard. The separated cholesterol oxides were identified by comparing with authentic standards. This method was suitable to separate 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol, dihydroxycholesterol, 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol, 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol, cholesterol-5 alpha,6 alpha-epoxide, and 5-cholestene in heart. Since some of these oxides are cytotoxic to the heart, identification of these oxides should be important to understand the pathophysiology of myocardial disease and for the successful therapy to prevent them.

[An epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in a college in Tang Shan]

An outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) in a college in Tang Shan in the winter of 1987 was reported. Indirect fluorescent assay (IFA) for the antibodies against Legionella Pneumophila (Lp) serogroups I, VI and VIII was carried out in 52 students and 6 teachers. It was found that the antibody titer of LP VI greater than or equal to 1:256 was in 12 students. The clinical figures of these patients were classified into three types: pneumonia 3, fever 9 and asymptomatic 1. It was postulated that the outbreak was associated with water contamination of the college bathroom. There were more patients in two dormitories than in the others, which was suggested that the possibility of a spread of the disease from a person to the others.

[A study on the dental adhesive containing phosphate diesters]

Although a lot of kinds of dental adhesives have been applied recently, all of them cannot meet clinical requirement completely. This paper reports a new dental adhesive containing partial phosphate diesters developed by us. We synthesized aryl phosphorodichloridates (APDC), nine kinds of phosphate diester (PDE) adhesive monomers, sodium p-toluenesulfinate (TSS) and p-toluenesulfinic acid (TSA) accelerators, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) powder and the other compounds. The chemical structures of PDE adhesive monomers were confirmed by IR, 1HNMR, 31PNMR, refractive index and elementary analysis etc. The results showed that the tensile bond strength (TBS) between PDE dental adhesive and human tooth was better than others reported in China and some others reported in literature.

[Studies on immunoregulation and hypersensitivity of secretary otitis media]

Sixty patients with secretary otitis media (SOM) and 50 control cases were studied for their cellular immunity and hypersensitivity. Most of patients revealed that total T or T cell subpopulations were below those of the control. Eighty percent of patients had high serum IgE level and 81.2% as Positive in intradermal skin tests on inhalant allergy, but only 51.7% of patients had clinical symptoms of allergy. It was found immunologically that SOM occurred more frequently in allergic patients and most of them had abnormality of immunoregulation, and that there was a subclinical allergy for some of the patients. Allergy might play a significant role in the etiology of this disease. Authors suggest that it is necessary for patients with SOM to have some tests and treatment of immunology.

[Morphological observation of effect of bee pollen on intercellura lipofuscin in NIH mice]

By histochemical method we have observed the effect of bee pollen on lipofuscin in NIH mice. The results show that oral administration of bee pollen at 10 g/kg/d markedly reduces lipofuscin in cardiac muscle in aged mice, significantly inhibits the increase of lipofuscin in cardiac muscle, liver, brain and adrenal gland cells induced by orally given peroxidized corn oil or iv alloxan. This action may be related with the anti-ageing effect of bee pollen.

[Various methods for purification of urine Tamm-Horsfall protein]

The measurements of serum, urine Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) and its antibody are essential to the early diagnosis of tubulointerstitial diseases and acute rejection after renal transplantation. The purification of THP proves to be the key procedure for the production of diagnostic kit. Once, twice and three times salt precipitation with 0.58 mol/L NaCl and chromatography with Sephadax G-200 were adopted to purify urine THP. Enzyme immunoassay was used to detect the antigenicity of the products, SDS-PAGE to determine the molecular weight (MW) and the electrophoretic purity (EP), Beckman DU-7 model spectrophotometer to scan the ultraviolet absorption spectrum. Evaluation of the four methods was based on the purity and the antigenicity of the produced THP, the output, the complexity of procedure, and the cost of required materials. Results show that the MW of THP is 93.0 kd; the ultraviolet absorption maximum is at lambda = 278 nm; the outputs are 7.5, 5.5, 3.8, and 0.4 mg/L; the concentrations of THP with antigenicity are 65%, 75%, 98% and 100%, respectively, and the EPs of three times salt precipitation and chromatography are better. It is concluded that three times salt precipitation should be recommended because of its excellence in purity and antigenicity of the produced THP, the simplicity of manipulation, and the cheapness of the materials needed.

[Variation of cAMP in cerebral cortex and hippocampus in seizure mice induced by coriaria lactone]

To study the relationship between cAMP and epilepsy, we investigated the effects of coriaria lactone (CL) on the levels of cAMP in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Fifty normal WC1 mice were divided into 5 groups. All groups were injected with CL (2.5 mg/kg, i.m.), except the control group which was injected with NS. The concentrations of cAMP were measured after the animals had been immersed in liquid nitrogen to die at different phases of seizure development induced by CL (before seizures, in mild seizures, during severe seizures, and after severe seizures). The results indicated that the levels of cAMP in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus were significantly increased (1.73-fold and 1.33-fold) in severe seizure, and they continuously increased (1.85-fold and 1.45-fold) after severe seizures. On the other hand, no changes of cAMP were observed in mild seizures and before seizures. These data suggested that accumulation of cAMP is probably the result of seizure activity rather than the cause of seizure.

High efficiency transient expression of eukaryotic genes: use of an HSV-1 immediate early promoter (ICP4)

We have compared the transcriptional efficiencies of a number of eukaryotic promoters following DNA-mediated transfection into cultured rat hepatoma cells. We find that the highest levels of expression for the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene are observed with a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate early promoter when co-transfected with an expression construct bearing the gene for the HSV-1 transcriptional activator protein VP16. This transactivation phenomenon is specific for the HSV-1 immediate early promoter and increases the expression of the reporter gene 7-fold. Expression from the ICP4 promoter is 2.5-fold greater than the other promoters tested. In addition, expression from the ICP4 promoter can be induced, at varying times following transfection, by infecting the cells with HSV-1 viral particles. Two plasmids have been constructed which contain the HSV-1 ICP4 promoter adjacent to a multiple cloning site. One of the plasmids also contains SV40 splicing and polyadenylation signals.

[Specific monoclonal antibodies to F41 adhesin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and their potential uses as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents]

A set of hybridoma cell lines, namely, L10, B10, C32, B1, E7, E40 and B49, secreting monoclonal antibodies (MABs) specific to F41 adhesin antigens of ETEC was obtained by somatic hybridization. These MABs manifested strongly specific binding reactivities in DA, ELISA and IFA to all tested F41+ ETEC strains. All these MABs recognized the same or closely related epitopes on the adhesin, as indicated in antigen-competition ELISA with HRP-labeled MABs. The distribution patterns of these epitopes which appeared repeatedly on each pilus were visualized by MAB-immunogold technique and immunoelectron microscopy. The adhesion of ETEC bearing F41 adhesin to the epithelial cells of small intestine from new borne calves and piglets was inhibited in vitro by F41-specific MABs. A dot-immunobinding assay based on F41-specific MABs was developed for determining F41 antigens in fecal samples with HRP-labeled MABs. The assay was highly sensitive and specific, and could be used in rapid detection and screening of F41 adhesin antigens in field samples.

[Study on change in zinc concentration for diabetic cataractous lenses in rats by means of XIXA]

The SD rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetic cataract. Element Zn as well as K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Se, etc. in the eye lenses was determined by means of X-ray induced X-fluorescence analysis (XIXA). Compared to values for normal healthy rats, the concentration of Zn and Fe in the cataractous lenses increased, the concentration of K decreased, and that of the others did not change prominently. The change in Zn concentration was probably to meet the needs of the metabolic adjustment in the eye lenses, which would not be the reason for directly inducing diabetic cataract.

[Detection of sorbitol content in crystalline lens of normal rats and rats with diabetic cataract by 1H-NMR]

The pulse Fourier NMR was employed to measure the artificial diabetic cataract lens at various stages of its formation, and the lenses of the normal rats. Data obtained by using this method show that all the peaks that of water concentrate in the range of delta less than 4 ppm. The peak value at delta = 3.20 ppm is on a marked increase during the formation of cataract which is caused by the phosphate metabolites, such as GPC, ATP, ... etc, in cataract lens. With the development of the disease, the peak width at delta = 3.73 ppm becomes greater and greater, which shows that the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase has decreased. This leads to a high concentration of the sorbitol in the cataract lens. Consequently, the osmosis pressure in the cataract lens is increased, and excessive water might dip into the crystalline lens to keep the balance of the osmosis pressure. And this might result in the hydration of the fiber cell of the crystalline lens, which might cause a swelling or blisters. These results are in favour of the prolongation of the relaxation time of cataractous lens reported in our other papers, and also support those gained by biochemical studies issued in the medical literature.

TCM treatment of retinal vein occlusion in 216 cases

Traditional Chinese Medicine was adopted in the treatment of 216 cases (219 eyes) of retinal vein occlusion. The period of treatment averaged 3 months; the total rate of efficacy was 80.4%. During an average follow-up of 3 years, 84.1% of the patients maintained a stable or slightly improved vision. The authors believed that treatment of the disease with TCM promoted the absorption of blood and formation of collateral circulation, and suppressed neovascularization, thus preventing repeated bleeding that would lead to serious complications.

[Effects of bee pollen on lipid peroxides and immune response in aging and malnourished mice]

The results showed that the level of hemolysin (HC), the numbers of plaque forming cells (PFC) and specific rosette forming cells (SRFC) in primary response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were markedly lowered and the lipoperoxide level in brain, liver and serum was increased in aging (over 18 months) and malnourished mice fed with ground corn in comparison to normal controls, while HC and the numbers of PFC and SRFC were significantly increased and the lipoperoxide level was markedly decreased after treatment with bee pollen 10 g/kg/d orally for 3 months and with 20% bee pollen-containing ground corn for 3 weeks respectively. The reduction of total protein and albumin contents of serum, DNA, RNA and protein contents of spleen and thymus in mice fed with ground corn can be prevented by adding 20% bee pollen in ground corn diet.

[Study on the metabolic changes of hormones regulating water and electrolytes before and after acute water loading in myxedematous patients]

The average plasma AVP in 12 cases of patients with overt myxedema was higher than that of normal controls (n = 5) before water loading, though there was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05). The plasma ANP levels were increased (P less than 0.05). After water loading the average plasma osmolality level of patients was lower, and the mean plasma AVP concentration of patients was not suppressed after loading. A disturbance in water clearance was demonstrated. The mean levels of plasma ANP and aldosterone were not markedly changed in patients before and after loading. These observations coincide with the changes of SIADH. Most of the above blood parameters were improved along with thyroid function in 9 patients who were restored to normal after replacement with desiccated thyroid.

[Affective disturbances in patients with breast cancer]

40 cases of breast tumor (cancer group 20 cases, benign tumor group 20 cases) hospitalized from October, 1986 to April, 1987 were investigated by interview, HAMD, SCL-90 and so on. Results showed that 10 cases met diagnostic criteria of organic affective syndrome defined by DSM-III. The morbidity of depression among all cases was 25 per cent, but the morbidity of depression in breast cancer group was higher than in benign tumor group. Causes of depression in breast cancer were analysed. Authors consider that causes of depression are not relating to operation on breast, but probably relating to biological and psychosocial factors.

General formulation for the integrated effective emissivity of any axisymmetric diffuse blackbody cavity

A general method for the precise evaluation of the integrated effective emissivity of a diffuse frustrum-cone cavity is formulated. The mathematical expressions derived can be applied to calculate precisely the integrated emissivity of, or the irradiance of a detector from, any practical axisymmetric cavity with circular symmetry. Some typical values of integrated emissivity are presented for cylinders, cylindro-cones, double cones, and cylindro-inner-cones, and comparisons between such cavities are made.

[Studies on the structures of two new alkaloidal glucosides of Nauclea officinalis Pierre ex pitard]

Three indolic alkaloidal glucosides were isolated from the polar fraction of the stems of Nauclea officinalis. Two are new, named naucleoside (Ia) and nauclecosidine (IIa) and the other is a well known alkaloid, vincoside lactam. The structures of Ia and IIa were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (IR, MS, HNMR and CNMR) and chemical evidence.

Spatial and temporal expression of the period gene in Drosophila melanogaster

The temporal and spatial expression of the period gene of Drosophila melanogaster has been analyzed by examining the expression of a per beta-galactosidase fusion gene in transformants and by in situ hybridization experiments with wild-type flies. Several strains of Drosophila melanogaster, transformed with the fusion gene, have been generated. The gene is active in mid-late embryos in the midline of the nervous system. Thereafter, beta-galactosidase activity is undetectable until the pupal stage when the prothoracic gland-corpora allata and the optic lobes are beta-galactosidase positive. In adults a surprisingly large number of tissues stain positively, including antennae, proboscis, eyes, optic lobes, cells of the central brain, cells of the thoracic ganglia, gut, Malpighian tubules, and ovarian follicle cells. The temporal pattern of expression agrees well with previous estimates made from developmental Northern blots with RNA extracted from wild-type animals. We suggest that many of the tissues that express the per gene contain their own intrinsic oscillator activity.