Phytotoxic and Antimicrobial Terrein Derivatives and Butenolides Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus HT5

Two new terrein derivatives, aspergilethers A and B (1 and 2), two known analogues (3 and 4), and three known butenolides (5-7) were isolated from the endophyte Aspergillus terreus HT5. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and ECD and NMR calculations. Interestingly, 1 and 2 had unpresented medium aliphatic side chains in terrein derivatives, with different absolute configurations at C-7, which was very scarce. (+)-Terrein (3) exhibited potent postemergence phytotoxicity toward Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, and Fabaceae, with MIC values of 250-1000 μg/mL. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR suggested that (+)-terrein induced the transcriptional expression of aging-related genes to accelerate organ senescence and stimulated plant detoxification response. The conjugated system between keto carbonyl and double bonds in the cyclopentenone ring and side chain, and the configurations of C-2 and C-3, played critical roles in the phytotoxicity of terrein derivatives. Meanwhile, 3 was first reported to display moderate antioomycetes activity toward Phytophthora nicotiana.

Phytotoxic Azaphilones From the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum HY5

Mangrove is a unique marine ecosystem growing in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical coast, with the characteristics of hypoxia tolerance, high salinity, and high humidity. In order to discover novel leading compounds with potent phytotoxicity, seven pairs of azaphilones E/Z isomers, isochromophilone H (1a/1b), sclerotiorins A and B (2a/2b and 3a/3b), ochlephilone (4a/4b), isochromophilone IV (5a/5b), isochromophilone J (6a/6b), and isochromophilone I (7a/7b), were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove-derived fungus, the Penicillium sclerotiorum HY5, by various chromatographic methods. Among them, 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, and 6b were new compounds. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis, and comparisons of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compounds 3, 4, and 7 exhibited potent phytotoxicity against the growth of radicle and plumule on Amaranthus retroflexus L., with EC₅₀ values ranging from 234.87 to 320.84 μM, compared to the positive control glufosinate-ammonium, with EC₅₀ values of 555.11 μM for radicle, and 656.04 μM for plumule. Compounds 4 and 7 also showed inhibitory effects on the growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medikus), with EC₅₀ values ranging from 768.97 to 1,201.52 μM. This study provides new leading compounds for the research and development of marine-derived bioherbicides.

Observation of the fine structure of antennal sensilla of the stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

In order to explore the mechanism underlying chemosensation in Eocanthecona furcellata, the external morphology of its antennae and the type, quantity, distribution and ultrastructure of the sensilla were observed on both sexes of adults and 5th-instar nymphs using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the antennae of E. furcellata consisted of three parts: scape, pedicel and flagellum. There were five types of sensilla on the antennae, which included sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla chaetica (SCh), sensilla coeloconica (SCo), sensilla basiconica (SB) and squamifornia denticles (SD). Further, there were 4 subtypes of ST and SB and 2 subtypes of SCo and SCh. The number of sensilla on nymphs was significantly lower than that on adults. The antennae of adults showed sexual dimorphism, as the number of sensilla on female adults was higher than that on male adults. SB4 was found only on females and SCo2 was found only on males. These inter-sexual differences may be related to chemoreception of sex pheromone and chemical predation location. The morphology and putative functions of each sensilla were compared and discussed. These results provide a reference for further study of the behavioral biology, chemical ecology and electrophysiology of insects, and also provides a scientific basis for new ways of biological control.

Development of luminol-based chemiluminescence approach for ultrasensitive sensing of Hg(II) using povidone-I2 protected gold nanoparticles as an efficient coreactant

In this work, we fabricated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with both polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and iodine (I₂) to act as efficient chemiluminescent coreactants for luminol. AuNPs synthesis was based on the direct chemical reduction of Au³⁺ with NaBH₄ in the presence of PVP-I₂ complex. The successful synthesis of PVP-I₂@AuNPs was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Chemiluminescence (CL) intensity of luminol was greatly enhanced, upon its chemical reaction with chemisorbed I₂ on AuNPs surfaces owing to the excellent catalytic activity of AuNPs. The PVP-I₂@AuNPs/luminol CL sensing system was successfully applied for determination of Hg²⁺ ions and the results displayed linearity in a wide range from 0.5 to 2000 nM and an ultrasensitive response to 1.0 nM Hg²⁺. The detection limit of Hg²⁺ ions was 0.1 nM, which was 100 times lower than the limit value (10 nM) defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in drinkable water. This ultrasensitive luminogenic system for Hg²⁺ detection also exhibited excellent selectivity among 13 types of metals, suggesting that the luminol/PVP-I₂@AuNPs system is a promising sensor for real-time detection of Hg²⁺. Graphical abstract.

Parasitism and venom of ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani impairs host cellular immunity

Venom is a prominently maternal virulent factor utilized by parasitoids to overcome hosts immune defense. With respect to roles of this toxic mixture involved in manipulating hosts immunity, great interest has been mostly restricted to Ichneumonoidea parasitoids associated with polydnavirus (PDV), of which venom is usually considered as a helper component to enhance the role of PDV, and limited Chalcidoidea species. In contrast, little information is available in other parasitoids, especially ectoparasitic species not carrying PDV. The ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani injects venom into its host, Tenebrio molitor, implying its venom was involved in suppression of hosts immune response for successful parasitism. Thus, we investigated the effects of parasitism and venom of this parasitoid on counteracting the cellular immunity of its host by examining changes of hemocyte counts, and hemocyte spreading and encapsulation ability. Total hemocyte counts were elevated in parasitized and venom-injected pupae. The spreading behavior of both granulocytes and plasmatocytes was impaired by parasitization and venom. High concentration of venom led to more severely increased hemocyte counts and suppression of hemocyte spreading. The ability of hemocyte encapsulation was inhibited by venom in vitro. In addition to immediate effects observed, venom showed persistent interference in hosts cellular immunity. These results indicate that venom alone from S. guani plays a pivotal role in blocking hosts cellular immune response, serving as a regulator that guarantees the successful development of its progenies. The findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms in immune inhibitory action of S. guani venom.

Five monocyclic pyridinium derivative based halo-argentate/cuprate hybrids or iodide salts: influence of composition on photochromic behaviors

Using novel monocyclic pyridinium derivatives as structural directing agents and electron acceptors, five composition dependent photochromic compounds have been synthesized.

Resonance of a tension leg platform exited by third-harmonic force in nonlinear regular waves

The resonance of a floating tension leg platform (TLP) excited by the third-harmonic force of a regular wave is investigated based on fully nonlinear theory with a higher order boundary element method (BEM). The total wave elevation and the total velocity potential are separated into two parts, based on the incoming wave from infinity and the disturbed potential by the body. A numerical radiation condition is then applied at the far field to absorb the disturbed potential without affecting the incident potential. The BEM mesh on the free surface is generated only once at the initial time and the element nodes are rearranged subsequently without changing their connectivity by using a spring analysis method. Through some auxiliary functions, the mutual dependence of fluid/structure motions is decoupled, which allows the body acceleration to be obtained without the knowledge of the pressure distribution. Numerical simulation is carried out for the interaction of a floating TLP with waves. The focus is on the motion principally excited by higher harmonic wave forces. In particular, the resonance of the ISSC TLP generated by the third-order force at the triple wave frequency in regular waves is investigated, together with the tensions of the tendons.

Parasitization by Scleroderma guani influences protein expression in Tenebrio molitor pupae

Ectoparasitoid wasps deposit their eggs onto the surface and inject venom into their hosts. Venoms are chemically complex and they exert substantial impact on hosts, including permanent or temporary paralysis and developmental arrest. These visible venom effects are due to changes in expression of genes encoding physiologically relevant proteins. While the influence of parasitization on gene expression in several lepidopterans has been reported, the molecular details of parasitoid/beetle relationships remain mostly unknown. This shortcoming led us to pose the hypothesis that envenomation by the ectoparasitic ant-like bethylid wasp Scleroderma guani leads to changes in protein expression in the yellow mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor. We tested our hypothesis by comparing the proteomes of non-parasitized and parasitized host pupae using iTRAQ-based proteomics. We identified 41 proteins that were differentially expressed (32↑- and 9↓-regulated) in parasitized pupae. We assigned these proteins to functional categories, including immunity, stress and detoxification, energy metabolism, development, cytoskeleton, signaling and others. We recorded parallel changes in mRNA levels and protein abundance in 14 selected proteins following parasitization. Our findings support our hypothesis by documenting changes in protein expression in parasitized hosts.

Neopierisoids A and B, two new chlorinated 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids with antifeedant activity from flowers of Pieris japonica

Two new chlorinated multiacylated 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids, neopierisoids A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from flowers of the poisonous plant Pieris japonica and were identified from spectroscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction data. Both compounds showed obvious antifeedant activity against Pieris brassicae with an EC50 of 10.07 μg/cm(2) for 1 and 5.33 μg/cm(2) for 2, indications of toxic properties. Chlorinated 3,4-seco-grayanane diterpenoids in P. japonica may play a defensive role against herbivores.

Heat shock protein genes (hsp20, hsp75 and hsp90) from Pieris rapae: molecular cloning and transcription in response to parasitization by Pteromalus puparum

Most molecular work on the roles of heat shock proteins (hsps) in host-parasite interaction has focused on vertebrates, rather than invertebrates. Here the full length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of three hsp genes (hsp20, hsp75 and hsp90) were amplified from Pieris rapae, and their transcriptional responsiveness to parasitization by the endoparasitic wasp Pteromalus puparum were investigated. The cDNA sequence analysis of hsp20, hsp75 and hsp90 revealed open reading frames of 531, 2 328 and 2 157 bp in length, which encode proteins with calculated molecular weights of 19.5, 75.48 and 82.7 kDa, respectively. The comparison of amino acid sequences showed that P. rapae hsp20 shared highly divergent homology to that of other insects, while hsp75 and hsp90 showed high homology to their counterparts of other species. The expression analysis indicated that these three genes were influenced in response to parasitization by P. puparum. The hsp20 transcripts in parasitized pupae were higher compared to non-parasitized pupae. The expression of hsp75 and hsp90 were down-regulated following parasitization. The results indicate that hsps are involved in host-parasitoid interactions.

High-throughput genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ace-1 gene of mosquitoes using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a vital role in the nervous system of insects and other animal species and serves as the target for many chemical agents such as organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. The mosquito, Culex pipiens complex, a vector of human disease, has evolved to be resistant to insecticides by a limited number of amino acid substitutions in AChE1, which is encoded by the ace-1 gene. The aims of this study are to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in the ace-1 gene of the C. pipiens complex and explore an economical high-throughput method to differentiate the genotypes of these sites in mosquitoes collected in the field. We identified 22 SNP sites in exon regions of the ace-1 gene. Four of them led to non-synonymous mutations, that is, Y163C, G247S, C677S and T682A. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometry for genotyping at these four sites and another site F416V, which was relevant to insecticide resistance, in 150 mosquitoes collected from 15 field populations. We were able to synchronize analysis of the five SNP sites in each well of a 384-well plate for each individual mosquito, thus decreasing the cost to one-fifth of the routine analysis. Heterozygous genotypes at Y163C and G247S sites were observed in one mosquito. The possible influence of the five SNP sites on the activity or function of the enzyme is discussed based on the predicted tertiary structure of the enzyme.

Transcriptomic immune response of Tenebrio molitor pupae to parasitization by Scleroderma guani

BACKGROUND

Host and parasitoid interaction is one of the most fascinating relationships of insects, which is currently receiving an increasing interest. Understanding the mechanisms evolved by the parasitoids to evade or suppress the host immune system is important for dissecting this interaction, while it was still poorly known. In order to gain insight into the immune response of Tenebrio molitor to parasitization by Scleroderma guani, the transcriptome of T. molitor pupae was sequenced with focus on immune-related gene, and the non-parasitized and parasitized T. molitor pupae were analyzed by digital gene expression (DGE) analysis with special emphasis on parasitoid-induced immune-related genes using Illumina sequencing.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In a single run, 264,698 raw reads were obtained. De novo assembly generated 71,514 unigenes with mean length of 424 bp. Of those unigenes, 37,373 (52.26%) showed similarity to the known proteins in the NCBI nr database. Via analysis of the transcriptome data in depth, 430 unigenes related to immunity were identified. DGE analysis revealed that parasitization by S. guani had considerable impacts on the transcriptome profile of T. molitor pupae, as indicated by the significant up- or down-regulation of 3,431 parasitism-responsive transcripts. The expression of a total of 74 unigenes involved in immune response of T. molitor was significantly altered after parasitization.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

obtained T. molitor transcriptome, in addition to establishing a fundamental resource for further research on functional genomics, has allowed the discovery of a large group of immune genes that might provide a meaningful framework to better understand the immune response in this species and other beetles. The DGE profiling data provides comprehensive T. molitor immune gene expression information at the transcriptional level following parasitization, and sheds valuable light on the molecular understanding of the host-parasitoid interaction.

Ultrastructural alterations in midgut and Malpighian tubules of Boettcherisca peregrina exposure to cadmium and copper

The effects of Cu and Cd at their at their low concentrations (80microg/g diet) on the morphology and ultrastructure of the midgut and Malpighian tubules of Boettcherisca peregrina larvae were observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. After exposure to both metals, the midgut got darker, shorter, and thicker than in control, and many strumae occurred on the surface of the midgut. Similarly, Malpighian tubules got shorter and thinner. Ultrastructural alterations in the midgut included mitochondrial condensation, swelling, and lysis. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) showed dilation and vesiculation. The microvilli were shortened and disorganized. The stored glycogens increased and many mineral spherites appeared along with lipid droplets decreased. Ultrastructural alterations observed in the Malpighian tubules included rER vesiculation and mitochondria swelling with loss of cristae. Shortened and disordered microvilli, increased numbers of large hydropic vacuoles, and mineral spherites were also observed.

The Sino-MONICA-Beijing Study: report on results between 1984 and 1986

The Beijing Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Medical Center has participated in the World Health Organisation MONICA project since 1981. Our study, named Sino-MONICA-Beijing, has been carried out in Beijing and covers a population approximately of 700,000. After a 2-year pilot study, the project started formally January 1, 1984. This paper presents the organization and methodology of the study, with emphasis on the monitoring system and on how events were found. The main results of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) event monitoring are as follows: average annual mortality from all causes, for the 3-year period of 1984-86 was 319/100,000 for men and 238/100,000 for women aged 25-64; from CVD 119/100,000 for men and 101/100,000 for women; from ischemic heart disease 29/100,000 for men and 14/100,000 for women; and from cerebrovascular disease 59/100,000 for men and 52/100,000 for women. Preliminary experience has shown that Sino-MONICA-Beijing is a well-standardized project of long-term surveillance of CVD in the communities of Beijing.

Significant down-regulation of alpha-albumin in human hepatoma and its implication

The potential association of alpha-albumin (ALF) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated. Expression of ALF was significantly reduced in HCC tumor tissue as compared with the paired peritumor tissue from 16 patients and in four HCC cell lines as compared with normal hepatocytes. ALF mRNA was also down-expressed in circulating HCC cells compared to circulating normal hepatocytes. The proliferation of Hep3B cells was inhibited by over-expression of ALF. Taken together, ALF is significantly down-regulated in HCC, and this might facilitate the proliferation of HCC. Thus, detection of ALF mRNA, in addition to that of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA, might help to distinguish normal or malignant hepatocytes in peripheral blood.

A favorable impact of preoperative FPLC chemotherapy on patients with gastric cardia cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of preoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracili polyphase liposome composita pro orale (FPLC) on the tumour cells and the survival rate of the patients with gastric cardia cancer. Sixty patients with gastric cardia cancer were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty patients were treated with FPLC prior to surgical resection, the other 30, as controls, did not receive the preoperative chemotherapy. Pathological responses of the tumours to the FPLC chemotherapy were determined by gross and microscopic assessments of tumour size, tumour emboli, cell degeneration and necrosis. Expressions of nm23 and CD44 were detected by flow cytometry. All patients were followed up to 5 years. In the FPLC-treated patients, the tumour size (p<0. 01), the number of tumour emboli (p=0.04) and the intensity of CD44 expression (p<0.001), were significantly reduced, while cell degeneration (p<0.001), necrosis (p<0.01) and the expression of nm23 (p<0.001) were increased, when compared with those observations seen in the controls. The postoperative 5-year survival rate was 40% in the FPLC-treated group and 23% in the controls (p=0.17). Preoperative FPLC chemotherapy might improve the survival rate of patients with gastric cardia cancer by inhibiting tumour proliferative, invasive and metastatic activities, and stimulating the patient's immune system.

A favorable impact of preoperative FPLC chemotherapy on patients with gastric cardia cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of preoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracili polyphase liposome composita pro orale (FPLC) on the tumour cells and the survival rate of the patients with gastric cardia cancer. Sixty patients with gastric cardia cancer were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty patients were treated with FPLC prior to surgical resection, the other 30, as controls, did not receive the preoperative chemotherapy. Pathological responses of the tumours to the FPLC chemotherapy were determined by gross and microscopic assessments of tumour size, tumour emboli, cell degeneration and necrosis. Expressions of nm23 and CD44 were detected by flow cytometry. All patients were followed up to 5 years. In the FPLC-treated patients, the tumour size (p<0. 01), the number of tumour emboli (p=0.04) and the intensity of CD44 expression (p<0.001), were significantly reduced, while cell degeneration (p<0.001), necrosis (p<0.01) and the expression of nm23 (p<0.001) were increased, when compared with those observations seen in the controls. The postoperative 5-year survival rate was 40% in the FPLC-treated group and 23% in the controls (p=0.17). Preoperative FPLC chemotherapy might improve the survival rate of patients with gastric cardia cancer by inhibiting tumour proliferative, invasive and metastatic activities, and stimulating the patient's immune system.

beta-arrestin differentially regulates the chemokine receptor CXCR4-mediated signaling and receptor internalization, and this implicates multiple interaction sites between beta-arrestin and CXCR4

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has recently been shown to be a co-receptor involved in the entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 into target cells. This study shows that coexpression of beta-arrestin with CXCR4 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells attenuated chemokine-stimulated G protein activation and inhibition of cAMP production. Truncation of the C-terminal 34 amino acids of CXCR4 (CXCR4-T) abolished the effects of beta-arrestin on CXCR4/G protein signaling, indicating the functional interaction of the receptor C terminus with beta-arrestin. On the other hand, receptor internalization and the subsequent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases were significantly promoted by coexpression of beta-arrestin with CXCR4, whereas the C-terminal truncation of CXCR4 did not affect this regulation of beta-arrestin, suggesting that beta-arrestin can functionally interact with CXCR4 with or without the C terminus. Moreover, beta(2)V54D, the dominant inhibitory mutant of beta-arrestin 2, exerted no effects on CXCR4/G protein signaling, but strongly influenced receptor internalization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. Further cross-linking experiments demonstrated that beta-arrestin as well as beta(2)V54D could physically contact both CXCR4 and CXCR4-T. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay showed that beta-arrestin was able to bind efficiently in vitro to both the third intracellular loop and the 34-amino acid C terminus of CXCR4. Taken together, our data clearly establish that beta-arrestin can effectively regulate different functions of CXCR4 and that this is mediated through its distinct interactions with the C terminus and other regions including the third loop of CXCR4.

Endogenous delta-opioid and ORL1 receptors couple to phosphorylation and activation of p38 MAPK in NG108-15 cells and this is regulated by protein kinase A and protein kinase C

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade transduces multiple extracellular signals from cell surface to nucleus and is employed in cellular responses to cellular stresses and apoptotic regulation. The involvement of the p38 MAPK cascade in opioid- and opioid receptor-like receptor-1 (ORL1) receptor-mediated signal transduction was examined in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. Stimulation of endogenous delta-opioid receptor (DOR) or ORL1 resulted in activation of p38 MAPK. It also induced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), another member of the MAPK family, with slower kinetics. Activation of p38 MAPK was abolished by selective antagonists of DOR or ORL1, pretreatment with pertussis toxin, or SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK had no significant effect on opioid-induced ERK activation, indicating that p38 MAPK activity was not required for ERK activation, though its stimulation preceded ERK activation. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) strongly diminished p38 activation mediated by DOR or ORL1 but had no significant effect on ERK activation, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors potentiated stimulation of p38 while inhibiting activation of ERKs. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence for coupling of DOR and ORL1 to the p38 MAPK cascade and clearly demonstrate that receptor-mediated activation of p38 MAPK both involves PKA and is negatively regulated by PKC.

Five-transmembrane domains appear sufficient for a G protein-coupled receptor: functional five-transmembrane domain chemokine receptors

The putative seven-transmembrane (TM) domains have been the structural hallmark for the superfamily of heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that regulate a variety of cellular functions by mediating a large number of extracellular signals. Five-TM GPCR mutants of chemokine receptor CCR5 and CXCR4, the N-terminal segment of which connected directly to TM3 as a result of a deletion of TM1-2 and the first intracellular and extracellular loops, have been obtained in this study. Laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis revealed that these five-TM mutant GPCRs were expressed stably on the cell surface after transfection into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The five-TM CCR5 and CXCR4 functioned as normal chemokine receptors in mediating chemokine-stimulated chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx, and activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Like the wild-type GPCRs, the five-TM mutant receptors also underwent agonist-dependent internalization and desensitization and were subjected to regulation by GPCR kinases and arrestins. Our study indicates that five-TM domains, at least in the case of CCR5 and CXCR4, appear to meet the minimum structural requirements for a functional GPCR and suggests possible existence of functional five-TM GPCRs in nature during evolution.

[Epidemiological characteristics of stroke in 16 provinces of China]

Epidemiological survey was conducted, according to diagnostic standard from WHO-MONICA project, on stroke events in 16 provinces of China. There were significant differences in geographical distribution of morbidity and mortality of stroke events. The morbidity and mortality were higher in northern China than in southern China (P < 0.001). The differences of morbidity varied from 11 to 14 times. The morbidity and mortality were higher in man than in woman (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) and were higher in rural areas than in cities. The geographical differences in the morbidity and mortality for stroke may be related to many factors, and may be in parallel with the hypertension prevalence rate, which was higher in northern China than in Southern China. The age of patients with stroke was younger in northern China than in southern China (P < 0.01). The frequency of cerebral hemorrhage was higher in southern China than in northern China.

Hybridization to an anti-activated platelet monoclonal antibody enhances fibrinolytic potency on urokinase

The B-chain of urokinase (UK) was covalently linked by disulfide bond to the Fab fragment of an anti-human activated platelet monoclonal antibody (SZ-51). The UK-SZ-51 conjugate retained the original binding specificity of its parent antibody, and produced about a 5-fold enhancement in clot lysis in plasma over that of the urokinase in vitro. Whereas UK significantly decreased the concentration of fibrinogen in plasma clot assay supernatants, UK-SZ-51 did not.

[The changes in alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) on plasma membrane of platelets during cardiopulmonary bypass]

The degree of activation and damage of platelets during various stages of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was studied with monoclonal antibody SZ-51 specific for an alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) on the surface of activated platelets. The number of platelets fell significantly at the commencement of CPB and reached the minimum at the end of CPB; GMP-140 molecules on the platelet surface increased significantly after the commencement of CPB and reached the peak between the ending of bypass and administration of protamine and returned to normal level at 2 hours postoperatively, however, the concentration of GMP-140 in plasma began increasing at the end of CPB and reached the peak at 2 hours postoperatively and became normal at 24 to 48 hours after operation. The results indicate that platelet activation and damaging occur during CPB.

[Chemical constituents from stems of Oplopanax elatus Nakai]

Five constituents were isolated from the stems of Oplopanax elatus. They were identified as syringin, daucosterol, beta-sitosterol, L-rhamnose and surcose.

[Observation of platelet activation in coronary heart disease]

A monoclonal antibody specific for alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) of platelets was used to evaluate the platelet activation degree in 16 cases with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 14 cases with unstable angina (UA). The number of GMP-140 molecules on platelet surface reached the highest 48 hours after AMI attack and returned to baseline at the seventh day. The concentration of GMP-140 in plasma began to increase at the first day and decreased to normal at the tenth day. The degree of platelet activation in patients with UA is less than that of AMI.

Thrombus imaging in dogs with a monoclonal antibody (SZ-51) specific for activated human platelets

To specifically detect the localization of thrombus in vivo, we prepared a monoclonal antibody (McAb) SZ-51 specific for an alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) on the surface of activated human platelets. The thrombus binding rate in vitro was 80 +/- 5% for 131I-SZ-51 and 4.4 +/- 0.5% for 131I-nonimmune IgG. Owing to the crossreaction of McAb SZ-51 with the activated platelets of dogs, thrombus in the femoral artery and vein of dogs was formed and imaged with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). The ratio of thrombus to blood radioactivity (T/B) was 2.1, 4.8, 14.0 and 18.0 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after injection of 131I-SZ-51 (0.6 mCi, 50 micrograms) into the arterial thrombus respectively, while the T/B ratio was 1.7, 2.2, 5.3 and 8.0 for venous one. The injection of 131I-nonimmune IgG at the same doses yielded a T/B ratio of 1.2 +/- 0.3 at each time period for both arterial and venous thrombi. These findings were in good agreement with the counting of removed thrombi 24 hours after the injection of radiotracer. The ratio was 21.7 and 2.6 for the 131I-SZ-51 in the arterial and venous thrombus, respectively. However, there were only 1.48 and 1.6 for the 131I-nonimmune IgG. These results indicate the great potentiality of McAb SZ-51 in application to detection of thrombi in vivo.

Stroke in China (Sino-MONICA-Beijing study) 1984-1986

We present here the results of the Sino-MONICA-Beijing stroke study based on 700,000 Beijing residents in 1984-1986. To compare incidence rates for stroke with other communities and countries, we adopted the criteria of the WHO Collaborative Study of 17 centers which used the same definition and methodology as was used in this study. Over the 3-year period of the study, 2,593 stroke events were registered in the 25- to 74-year age-group. The incidence rate for all strokes was 189.5/100,000 and the incidence rate for first strokes was 133.6/100,000. Men had a significantly higher incidence rate than women (all strokes 219.7/100,000 for male vs. 160.5/100,000 for female, OR = 1.32, 99% limits 1.19-1.46; first strokes 151.6/100,000 for male vs. 116.4/100,000 for female, OR = 1.25, 99% limits 1.11-1.42). In comparison with other studies, age-adjusted incidence rate of stroke in Beijing was higher than in other countries, especially for hemorrhagic stroke. The proportion of hemorrhagic stroke related to other types of stroke was also higher in Beijing. Further analysis of the cases confirmed by computerized tomography also supported this finding. Unlike the incidence rates, the 4-week case fatality rate for women, 39.5%, was higher than for men, 32.8%. This finding was confirmed by a multiple logistic analysis controlling for age (p less than 0.001) and for previous stroke (p less than 0.001). The adjusted sex difference is also significant (OR = 1.37, p less than 0.001). In addition, results showed that men had a higher hospitalization rate than women. More women than men were treated at home, possibly indicating better medical care for men.