Research on sustainable development evaluation and improvement path of resource-based cities based on coupling of emergy and system dynamics

The evaluation of the sustainable development of resource-based cities is still one of the hotspots in today's social research. Taking Jining, Shandong Province, as the research object, this work combines a relevant emergy evaluation index system with system dynamics, establishes a resource-based city emergy flow system dynamics model, and studies sustainable development path in the next planning year. In the work, the key factors affecting the sustainable development of Jining are obtained through the coupling of regression and SD sensitivity analysis, and some scenarios are set up by combining them with the local 14th Five-year plan. Besides, the appropriate scenario (M-L-H-H) for Jining's future sustainable development is chosen in accordance with regional circumstances. That is, during the 14th Five-year Plan period, the appropriate development ranges for the growth rate of social fixed assets investment, the growth rate of raw coal emergy, the growth rate of grain emergy and the reduction rate of solid waste emergy are 17.5-18.3%, - 4.0 to - 3.2%, 1.8-2.6% and 4-4.8%. The methodology system constructed in this article can serve as a reference for similar studies, and the research findings can aid the government in formulating pertinent plans for resource-based cities.

The effect of optimizing chemical fertilizers consumption structure to promote environmental protection, crop yield and reduce greenhouse gases emission in China

To ensure food security, simultaneously achieving environmental protection and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction has become a significant challenge in the sustainable development of China's chemical fertilizers (CFs) industry. Hence, this work attempt to construct a multi-objective optimization model (MOOM) based on crop yield, environment protection, and GHG emissions to adjust and optimize China's CFs structure (nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and compound fertilizers). The findings revealed that it's impossible to achieve the coordinated development of the three objectives only through the adjustment of CFs structure. Different optimization measures were sequentially integrated with the MOOM to innovatively obtain the most suitable optimization schemes and the quantitative adjustment interval (which was compared with those in 2018) of the CFs structure. The following are the specific conclusions. First, compared with 2018, the appropriate increase interval for the total CFs consumption was 9 %-21 %, in which the proportion intervals of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and compound fertilizers were 18 %-25 %, 12 %-18 %, 7 %-12 %, 48 %-60 %, respectively. Second, the reduction ranges of environmental impact and GHG emissions were 1.1 %-12 % and 12.2 %-16.4 %, respectively, under the optimal scheme (combination of the synergy of organic fertilizer substitution and technology improvement with the MOOM), and the growing range of crop yield was 0.2 %-52 %. The main contribution of this work is to build a methodology system for the adjustment and optimization of CFs consumption structure. The findings of the study could be used by the government to develop relevant policies and by other sectors to perform multi-objective optimization.

2D-2D heterostructure g-C3N4-based materials for photocatalytic H2 evolution: Progress and perspectives

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation from direct water splitting is recognized as a progressive and renewable energy producer. The secret to understanding this phenomenon is discovering an efficient photocatalyst that preferably uses sunlight energy. Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-based materials are promising for photocatalytic water splitting due to special characteristics such as appropriate band gap, visible light active, ultra-high specific surface area, and abundantly exposed active sites. However, the inadequate photocatalytic activity of pure 2D layered g-C₃N₄-based materials is a massive challenge due to the quick recombination between photogenerated holes and electrons. Creating 2D heterogeneous photocatalysts is a cost-effective strategy for clean and renewable hydrogen production on a larger scale. The 2D g-C₃N₄-based heterostructure with the combined merits of each 2D component, which facilitate the rapid charge separation through the heterojunction effect on photocatalyst, has been evidenced to be very effective in enhancing the photocatalytic performance. To further improve the photocatalytic efficiency, the development of novel 2D g-C₃N₄-based heterostructure photocatalysts is critical. This mini-review covers the fundamental concepts, recent advancements, and applications in photocatalytic hydrogen production. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives on 2D g-C₃N₄-based heterostructure photocatalysts demonstrate the future direction toward sustainability.

Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Soybean Straw Biomass for Glycolaldehyde-Rich Bio-oil Production and Subsequent Extraction

In this study, soybean straw (SS) as a promising source of glycolaldehyde-rich bio-oil production and extraction was investigated. Proximate and ultimate analysis of SS was performed to examine the feasibility and suitability of SS for thermochemical conversion design. The effect of the co-catalyst (CaCl₂ + ash) on glycolaldehyde concentration (%) was examined. Thermogravimetric-Fourier-transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis was applied to optimize the pyrolysis temperature and biomass-to-catalyst ratio for glycolaldehyde-rich bio-oil production. By TG-FTIR analysis, the highest glycolaldehyde concentration of 8.57% was obtained at 500 °C without the catalyst, while 12.76 and 13.56% were obtained with the catalyst at 500 °C for a 1:6 ratio of SS-to-CaCl₂ and a 1:4 ratio of SS-to-ash, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest glycolaldehyde concentrations (%) determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for bio-oils produced at 500 °C (without the catalyst), a 1:6 ratio of SS-to-CaCl₂, and a 1:4 ratio of SS-to-ash were found to be 11.3, 17.1, and 16.8%, respectively. These outcomes were fully consistent with the TG-FTIR results. Moreover, the effect of temperature on product distribution was investigated, and the highest bio-oil yield was achieved at 500 °C as 56.1%. This research work aims to develop an environment-friendly extraction technique involving aqueous-based imitation for glycolaldehyde extraction with 23.6% yield. Meanwhile, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) analysis was used to confirm the purity of the extracted glycolaldehyde, which was found as 91%.

Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Acacia and Citrus Honeys on Cholesterol Induced Sprague Dawley Rats

During the last decade, scientific investigations have put more focus on diet based therapies to prevent numerous maladies especially hypercholesterolemia and related disorders. Current project was designed to discover the nutraceutical worth of natural unifloral honeys from Acacia nilotica (Desi Kikar) and Citrus limetta (Mosambi) against hypercholesterolemia. Initially both honey varieties were analyzed for TPC and TFC, followed by DPPH and FRAP assays. Afterwards, honey drinks were prepared using different concentrations of Acacia and Citrus honeys (10:20:30 g/250 mL water) and were tested in experimental rat model. Initially the rats were provided with high cholesterol diet (2%) to induce hypercholesterolemia, which were then provided with honey drinks for 8 weeks. These were monitored regularly for feed and water intake and weekly for body weight gain. The blood samples for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride levels as well as safety assessment tests were analyzed at the intervals of 0, 28, and 56 days, which showed that Acacia honey was better in terms of antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, and TPC) than the Citrus honey. Feed and drink intakes along with body weight gain showed significant effect among all the experimental groups. Substantial reduction in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides was observed in G3 (213.82±3.36 to 183.95±3.02 mg/dL), (150.05±2.30 to 125.44±3.32 mg/dL) and (163.24±4.87 to 133.64±4.75 mg/dL), respectively, from 0 to 56th day. Liver and kidney functioning values decreased within the normal range. Owing to strong antioxidant potential, Acacia honey was proved to be more effective in controlling hypercholesterolemia than the Citrus honey.

Moringa Oleifera in Malnutrition: A Comprehensive Review

Nutritional deficiency is a major concern in developing countries, resulting in serious health consequences like mental and physical growth retardation. Moringa oleifera (Moringa), a nutritious plant growing in tropical regions of developing countries, is a candidate for overcoming nutritional deficiency. Moringa leaves are rich in protein including sulphur containing amino acids. It contains high amounts of vitamin C than oranges, a higher concentration of vitamin A than carrots, higher calcium content than milk and more potassium than bananas. Moreover, there is 9 times more iron in moringa than spinach and 4 times more fiber than oats. This review enlightens and explores the nutritional diversification of Moringa oleifera and other benefits which make it a better choice to use in our daily diet to combat malnutrition.

Pharmacological Applications of Phlorotannins: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

Seaweeds, including marine brown algae, are traditional food sources in Asia. Phlorotannins, as the product of the polyketide pathway, are mainly found in brown algae. Different properties have been attributed to this group of marine products ranging from antiallergic to anticancer activity. Mechanism of action is not obvious for all these properties, but there are some explanations for such effects.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to review the phlorotannins and to assess the beneficial uses in medicine.

METHODS

Different databases were explored with the exact terms "Phlorotannin", "Seaweed" and "Brown Algae". Data assembly was finalized by June 2019. The papers showing the effects of phlorotannins in medicine were gathered and evaluated for further assessment.

RESULTS

General physiological aspects of phlorotannins were firstly evaluated. Different arrays of pharmacological properties ranging from anti-diabetic activity to cancer treatment were found. The mechanism of action for some of these beneficiary properties has been confirmed through rigorous examinations, but there are some features with unknown mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Phlorotannins are characterized as a multifunctional group of natural products. Potential antioxidant characteristics could be attributed to preventive and/or their curative role in various diseases.

Hepcidin, an overview of biochemical and clinical properties

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone which helps in regulating iron homeostasis in the human body. Iron obtained from daily diet is passed through the intestinal enterocyte apical membrane via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), which is either stored as ferritin or moved into the plasma by hepcidin-ferroportin (Fpn) as an exporter. Hepcidin (hepatic bactericidal protein) is a cysteine rich peptide, was initially identified as a urinary antimicrobial peptide. It contains 25 amino acids and four disulfide bridges. It has significant role in regulation of iron in the body. Stimulation of iron in plasma and further its storage is linked with the production of hepcidin. This enhancement of iron hampers the absorption of iron from the diet. The cause of hereditary recessive anemia also known as Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is characterized by increased hepcidin production due to a gene mutation in the suppressor matriptase-2/TMPRSS6. During infection, hepcidin plays a defensive role against various infections by depleting the extracellular iron from the body. Moreover, hepcidin lowers the concentrations of iron from the duodenal enterocytes, macrophages and also decrease its transport across the placenta.This review highlights the significant role of hepcidin in the iron homeostasis and as an antimicrobial agent.

The synthesis of a BiOClxBr1−x nanostructure photocatalyst with high surface area for the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi)

The photocatalytic reduction of poisonous Cr(vi) to environmentally friendly Cr(iii) driven by visible-light is highly foreseen. The construction of heterojunctions is a promising and solid strategy to tune the photocatalytic performance of BiOCl in the visible region. Herein, for the first time, we report Cr(vi) reduction by a BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 composite produced via a facile in situ synthetic process at room temperature while making use of PVP (MW = 10 000). In this study, a series of BiOCl_xBr_1−x nanocomposites with different concentrations of chlorine and bromine have been prepared. The results show that BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 has crystalline lattice, a large surface area (147 m² g⁻¹), a microporous structure (0.377 cm³ g⁻¹), and very high chemical stability. It is revealed that the BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 composite is much more active than those synthesized using different molar concentrations of chlorine and bromine. The DRS analysis and high photocurrent suggested that BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 possessed absorption properties under visible light, which is beneficial for the efficient generation and separation of electron–hole pairs. In addition, we evaluated the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 on the reduction of Cr(vi) under visible light irradiation and found that the obtained composite material exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity than single BiOCl or BiOBr without any decline in the activity after five cycles and is the best performing photocatalyst among those tested.

Cr(vi) reduction is performed by BiOCl_0.8Br_0.2 composite produced via a facile in situ synthetic process at room temperature while making use of PVP (M_w = 10 000).

Phytochemical and pharmacological attributes of piperine: A bioactive ingredient of black pepper

Plants are vital for the wellbeing of humankind in a variety of ways. Some plant extracts contain antimicrobial properties that can treat different pathogens. Most of the world's population relies on medicinal plants and natural products for their primary health care needs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in natural products, medicinal plants, and traditional medicine along with a desire to design and develop novel plant-based pharmaceuticals. These plant-based pharmaceuticals may address the concerns of reduced efficacy of synthetic antibiotics due to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. In this regard, some plant extracts from black pepper (Piper nigrum) with antimicrobial properties, including piperine, have the potential to be used as natural dietary supplements together with modern therapeutic approaches. This review highlights possible applications of piperine as the active compound in the fields of rational drug design and discovery, pharmaceutical chemistry, and biomedicine. We discuss different extraction methods and pharmacological effects of the analyzed substance to pave the way for further research strategies and perspectives towards the development of novel herbal products for better healthcare solutions.

Honey and cancer: A mechanistic review

BACKGROUND

Globally, cancer ranks among the most common causes of death. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have investigated anticancer effects of honey with promising results. This study focused on potential background mechanisms of this effect.

METHODS

The current literature was reviewed for potential anticancer pathways which are suggested for honey and its ingredients.

RESULTS

Flavonoids (kaempferol, catechin, and quercetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid and gallic acid) are the most important ingredients of honey with known anti-cancer activity. The main suggested mechanisms for anti-cancer activity of honey and its ingredients are antioxidant, apoptotic, tumor necrosis factor inhibiting, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic effects.

CONCLUSION

This review collates the current scientific understanding on the mechanism of anti-cancer activity of honey.

CHARACTERIZATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES AND ITS UTILIZATION AS VALUE ADDED INGREDIENT IN UNLEAVENED FLAT BREAD (CHAPATTI)

Micronutrient deficiency is a major concern now a days as more than 30 percent of world’s population is suffering from nutritional deficiency. People are getting awareness regarding food biodiversity, therefore they demand value added and nutritionally enriched food products to counter appetite as well as to improve their health. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional potential of Moringa oleifera leaves powder (MOLP) and a product was developed to ensure its efficient utilization in chapatti (Unleavened flat bread). For this purpose proximate composition was analyzed for both moringa oleifera leaves powder and whole wheat flour (WWF). The depicted results for MOLP were as 10.75% moisture, 7.79% ash, 6.49% crude fat, 23.72% crude protein, 12.48% crude fiber. Afterward, raw materials were analyzed for mineral profile, MOLP showed better mineral content as; 1295 mg/100g K, 211.92 mg/100g Mg, 6.32 mg/100g Cu, 7.37 mg/100g Fe, 12.83 mg/100g Na, 6.3 mg/100g Zn and 8.67 mg/100g Mn, as compared to WWF. Then antioxidant activity of both materials was analyzed and again MOLP showed better results as compared to WWF. The recorded values for Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of MOLP were as; 88.63 mg GAE/g, 30.86 mg CE/g and 89.27%, respectively. Furthermore composite flour blend was prepared with the addition of 5, 10, 15 and 20% MOLP in WWF and analyzed for pasting properties then chapattis ware developed and analyzed for mineral profile and antioxidant activity as well as sensory attributes. It was observed that chapatti with 20% MOLP contained highest level of minerals as; 286.07 mg/100g K, 147.75 mg/100g Mg, 5.12 mg/100g Cu, 4.09 mg/100g Fe, 12.83 mg/100g Na, 4.78 mg/100g Zn and 5.78 mg/100g Mn. Similarly the treatment with highest proportion of MOLP showed maximum antioxidant activity; TPC, TFC and DPPH depicted results 8.83 mg GAE/g Extract, 3.66 mg CE/ g of extract, 80.52% respectively. The sensory evaluation of chapatti exhibited that treatments which had 5 and 10% of MOLP demonstrated comparatively better results with overall acceptability scores 6.90 and 6.20, respectively, however T2 (10% MOLP) was the best acceptable combination regarding its sensorial attributes. Conclusively the micronutrient profile and antioxidant activity of chapattis gradually enhanced by increasing the level of MOLP.

EFFECTS OF RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR ON CEREAL LEGUMES BLENDED FLOURS

The farinograph and mixograph are the most commonly used empirical instruments to determine three parameters: 1) characterize dough rheology; 2) evaluate dough performance during processing; 3) and quality control. Maize, chickpea, and soybean flours ranging from 10% to 50% (in 10% increments) were blended with wheat flour to prepare composite flours for rheological studies. Mixographic results indicated that as flour percentages increased among treatments, peak times and mixing tolerance indices increased. Farinographic results indicated that as flour percentages increased, an increase in water absorption with a concurrent decrease in development and dough stability times due to less gluten content occurred.

Reciprocal regulation of cGMP-mediated vasorelaxation by soluble and particulate guanylate cyclases

Nitric oxide (NO) and atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) activate soluble (sGC) and particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC), respectively, and play important roles in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. However, little is known about potential interactions between these two cGMP-generating pathways. Here we demonstrate that sGC and pGC cooperatively regulate cGMP-mediated relaxation in human and murine vascular tissue. In human vessels, the potency of spermine-NONOate (SPER-NO) and ANP was increased after inhibition of endogenous NO synthesis and decreased by prior exposure to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Aortas from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) knockout (KO) mice were more sensitive to ANP than tissues from wild-type (WT) animals. However, in aortas from WT mice, the potency of ANP was increased after pretreatment with NOS or sGC inhibitor. Vessels from eNOS KO animals were less sensitive to ANP after GTN pretreatment, an effect that was reversed in the presence of an sGC inhibitor. cGMP production in response to SPER-NO and ANP was significantly greater in vessels from eNOS KO animals compared with WT animals. This cooperative interaction between NO and ANP may have important implications for human pathophysiologies involving deficiency in either mediator and the clinical use of nitrovasodilators.

Alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contractions of the rat mesenteric artery

The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype(s) mediating contractions of the rat mesenteric artery were investigated using the agonists methoxamine, cirazoline, P7480 (N-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-indol-1-amine) and subtype-selective antagonists including BMY 7378 (8-(-2(-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl)-8-azaspiro(4, 5)decane-7,9,dione dihydrochloride). pA(2) or apparent pK(B) values of antagonists against methoxamine contractions correlated best with its pK(i) values at the cloned alpha(1b)-(0.88), with cirazoline, antagonists affinities correlated equally well with those at alpha(1a)-(0.79) or the alpha(1b)-(0.81) while with P7480 antagonist affinities correlated best with the alpha(1d)-adrenoceptor subtype (0.94). The low affinity estimate for 5-methylurapidil (7.5) against the alpha(1a)-selective cirazoline suggests an alpha(1A)-subtype mediating contraction is unlikely. Shallow Schild plot slopes of subtype selective antagonists against all three agonists are consistent with heterogeneity of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. P7480 (putative alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor-selective) acts primarily at this subtype and at another which is more likely to be an alpha(1B)- than an alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor. The results with both agonists and antagonists are consistent with contractions of the rat mesenteric artery being mediated via the alpha(1D)- and possibly alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor.

Autoregulation of nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic GMP signalling in mouse thoracic aorta

1. The sensitivity of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) system to nitric oxide (NO) was investigated in mouse aorta from wild type (WT) and NO synthase (NOS) knockout (KO) animals. 2. The NO donor, spermine-NONOate (SPER-NO) was more potent in aortas from eNOS KO mice compared to WT (pEC50 7.30+/-0.06 and 6.56+/-0.04, respectively; n=6; P<0.05). In contrast, the non-NO based sGC activator, YC-1 was equipotent in vessels from eNOS WT and KO mice. The sensitivity of aortas from nNOS and iNOS KO animals to SPER-NO was unchanged. Forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator), was equipotent in vessels from eNOS WT and KO animals. 3. The cyclic GMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP was equipotent in eNOS WT and KO mice (pEC50 4. 38+/-0.04 and 4.40+/-0.05, respectively; n=5; P>0.05). Zaprinast (10-5 M) a phosphodiesterase type V (PDE V) inhibitor, had no effect on the response to SPER-NO in vessels from eNOS WT or KO mice. 4. The NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 3x10-4 M) increased the potency of SPER-NO in aortas from WT mice (pEC50 6. 64+/-0.02 and 7.37+/-0.02 in the absence and presence of L-NAME, respectively; n=4; P<0.05). 5. In summary, there is increased sensitivity of vessels from eNOS KO animals to NO. Cyclic AMP-mediated dilatation is unchanged, consistent with a specific up-regulation of sGC - cyclic GMP signalling. The functional activity of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (G-kinase) and PDE V was also unchanged, suggesting that sGC is the site of up-regulation. These alterations in the sensitivity of the sGC - cyclic GMP pathway might represent a mechanism for the dynamic regulation of NO bioactivity.

Characterization of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contractions to phenylephrine in rat thoracic aorta, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery

1. The subtype of alpha1-adrenoceptor mediating contractions to phenylephrine of the rat thoracic aorta, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery were investigated by use of antagonists which show selectivity between the cloned alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in binding studies. 2. Cumulative concentration-contraction curves for phenylephrine were competitively antagonized in the rat thoracic aorta by prazosin (pA2 9.9), WB4101 (pA2 9.6), 5-methylurapidil (pA2 8.1), benoxathian (pA2 9.2) and indoramin (pA2 7.4). These compounds were also competitive antagonists in the mesenteric and pulmonary arteries (except for 5-methylurapidil in the pulmonary artery), (prazosin pA2 9.9 and 9.7; WB4101 pA2 9.8 and 9.6; 5-methylurapidil pA2 7.9 and pK(B) estimate 8.0; benoxathian pA2 8.8 and 9.3; indoramin pA2 7.2 and 7.5, respectively). 3. RS 17053 was not a competitive antagonist in any blood vessel as Schild plot slopes were greater than unity. The pK(B) estimates for RS 17053 were 7.1 in aorta, 7.0 in the mesenteric artery and 7.7 in the pulmonary artery. 4. The alpha1D-subtype selective antagonist BMY 7378 appeared to be non-competitive with shallow Schild plot slopes. The data were better fitted with two lines in all tissues, with Schild plot slopes that were no longer different from unity, except in the pulmonary artery. The higher affinity site for BMY 7378 in the aorta had a pA2 of 9.0, while it was 8.8 and 8.9 in the mesenteric and pulmonary arteries, respectively. 5. MDL73005EF acted in a non-competitive manner in all three blood vessels, with shallow Schild plot slopes. The pK(B) estimates for MDL73005EF were 8.4 in aorta, 7.5 in the mesenteric artery and 8.0 in the pulmonary artery. 6. In all three blood vessels the functionally determined antagonist affinity estimates correlated best with published pKi values for their displacement of [3H]-prazosin binding on membranes expressing cloned alpha1d-adrenoceptors compared with alpha1a- or alpha1b-adrenoceptors. The antagonist affinity estimates in the aorta, mesenteric and pulmonary arteries correlated highly with their previously published pA2 values in rat aorta (alpha1D) and less well with those for alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of the rat epididymal vas deferens and rat spleen, respectively. 7. The results of this study suggest that the contraction to phenylephrine of the rat thoracic aorta, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery are mediated in part via the alpha1D-subtype of adrenoceptor. The data for both BMY 7378 and MDL73005EF in all three blood vessels are consistent with receptor heterogeneity. However, the identity of the second site is unclear.

Different subtypes of alpha 1A-adrenoceptor mediating contraction of rat epididymal vas deferens, rat hepatic portal vein and human prostate distinguished by the antagonist RS 17053

1. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype mediating contraction of the rat hepatic portal vein to phenylephrine was characterized by use of competitive antagonists previously shown to have selectivity between the expressed alpha 1-subtype clones. Prazosin competitively antagonized the phenylephrine contractions with a pA2 value of 9.2, as did WB 4101 (pA2 9.4), 5-methyl urapidil (pA2 8.6), indoramin (pA2 8.4) and BMY 7378 (pA2 6.5). 2. The pA2 values on the rat portal vein correlated highly with their previously published pA2 values for the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of the rat epididymal vas deferens and human prostate and poorly with those for the alpha 1B- and alpha 1D-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of the rat spleen and aorta, respectively. The antagonist pA2 values on the rat portal vein correlated highly with their previously published pK1 values for the expressed alpha 1a-clone and poorly with those for the expressed alpha 1b- and alpha 1d-clones. Therefore the results show that contraction of the rat portal vein to phenylephrine is mediated by alpha 1A-adrenoceptors. 3. The novel alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist RS 17053 had a relatively high affinity for the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of the rat epididymal vas deferens (pA2 9.5) compared with the alpha 1B-adrenoceptors in the rat spleen (pA2 7.2) or the alpha 1D-adrenoceptors in the rat aorta (pKB 7.1), in agreement with its selectivity for the expressed alpha 1a-clone. However, RS 17053 had over 100 fold lower affinity for the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors mediating contraction of the rat portal vein (pKB 7.1) and human prostate (pKB 7.1) compared with its affinity for the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors in the rat epididymal vas deferens or the expressed alpha 1a-clone. 4. The difference in affinity of RS 17053 between the rat epididymal vas deferens and rat portal vein cannot be explained by a species difference in the receptor. Therefore RS 17053 may distinguish between subtypes of the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor in the rat portal vein and human prostate compared with those in the rat epididymal vas deferens or the expressed alpha 1a-clone.

Transabdominal ultrasound versus excretory urography in preoperative evaluation of patients with prostatism

Transabdominal ultrasound is superior to excretory urography when radiographic imaging of the urinary tract is indicated in patients with prostatism. We studied 53 patients with excretory urography and ultrasonography before prostatectomy. Patients with a history of microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, urolithiasis, renal failure or upper urinary tract anomalies were excluded from our study. Ultrasonography proved to be more accurate in defining prostatic size and configuration. Bladder wall thickness also was quantified more clearly with ultrasonography. We found 17 renal masses incidentally with excretory urography, although ultrasound was essential and superior to excretory urography in defining these masses in each case. We recommend that ultrasonography be used in lieu of excretory urography when imaging of the urinary tract is indicated before prostatectomy.

Simple, accurate, safe, and cost-effective percutaneous transperineal template technique for permanent 125iodine interstitial brachytherapy of prostate cancer

We present the technique, intraoperative and postoperative complications of percutaneous transperineal template permanent 125iodine interstitial brachytherapy of prostate cancer. The percutaneous transperineal template permanent iodine interstitial brachytherapy under "C-arm" fluoroscopic guidance is a simple, easily-learned, accurate and rapid procedure which can be performed without subjecting the patient to celiotomy. We have treated 58 patients by the transperineal percutaneous permanent interstitial brachytherapy. 33 of 58 patients also had a staging celiotomy just prior to the brachytherapy. In the group of 22 patients undergoing brachytherapy without celiotomy and without adjuvant external-beam pelvic radiotherapy, there were no major complications. Blood transfusions were not required by any patients who underwent percutaneous transperineal permanent iodine interstitial brachytherapy without celiotomy.

Osteogenic and sarcomatoid differentiation of a renal cell carcinoma

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon renal tumor, and osteogenic differentiation has been reported in only a few of these tumors. The authors report such a case with radiographic, light microscopic, and electron microscopic findings, which demonstrate that the sarcomatoid areas of the tumor are derived from the malignant epithelial cells, retaining epithelial features such as desmosomes and lumina with microvilli. The use of electron microscopy is important in the establishment of this diagnosis.

Intussusception technique for use in duplicated system

Removing a ureter by intussuscepting it into the bladder has been described previously; but so far use of this technique was thought to be contraindicated in the presence of a duplicated system. We have modified this technique so that intussusception can now be used in a duplicated system as well. Two cases are presented.

Fluoroscopy guided transperineal percutaneous permanent 125iodine implantation of prostate cancer

The transperineal percutaneous template permanent iodine interstitial brachytherapy under "C-arm" fluoroscopic guidance is a simple, easily-learned, accurate and rapid procedure which can be performed without subjecting the patient to celiotomy. We have treated 58 patients by the transperineal percutaneous permanent interstitial brachytherapy. The use of transperineal percutaneous technique with C-arm fluoroscopic guidance improves the symmetry and dosimetry of the implant. This results in reduction of the incidence of chronic radiation-induced complications. In the group of 22 patients who underwent brachytherapy without celiotomy and lymphadenectomy and without adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy, there were no major complications.