[Research on the association between unhealthy lifestyle and psychological distress among Chinese children and adolescents aged 9-18 years]

Objective: To evaluate the level of psychological distress among Chinese children and adolescents and analyze its lifestyle influencing factors. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. A lotal of 120 285 Han Chinese children and adolescents aged 9-18 years with complete information on the psychological distress scale and lifestyle factors were selected, including 58 432 boys and 61 853 girls. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) measured psychological distress, and lifestyles such as physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, and sleep were also investigated. K10 scores of different genders were compared using the t-test, and the levels of psychological distress were compared using the χ2 test. Logistic regression was used to analyze lifestyle risk factors associated with high psychological distress, and multiple linear regression was used to find the relationship between K10 scores and lifestyle scores. Results: The average K10 score for Han Chinese children and adolescents aged 9-18 years was 21.25±7.35, with girls (21.43±7.35) scoring higher than boys (21.06±7.36), the difference was statistically significant (t=8.72, P<0.001). The rate of high psychological distress was 29.81%, with girls (31.08%) reporting higher rates than boys (28.46%), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=98.54,P<0.001). 56.10% of children and adolescents have unhealthy lifestyles, with girls (58.77%) reporting higher rates than boys (53.27%), the difference was statistically significant (χ2=368.53,P<0.001). Except for insufficient outdoor activities for girls (P=0.128), lifestyles such as insufficient physical activity, insufficient muscle-and-bone exercises, long screen time, not eating breakfast, eggs and dairy products every day, drinking sugary beverages once or more per day, and not having enough sleep are all risk factors for high psychological distress (all P<0.001). For every additional healthy lifestyle score, the K10 score decreased by 0.98 [β=-0.98 (95%CI: -1.01- -0.95)] points (P<0.001). K10 scores in each region negatively correlate with lifestyle scores (all P<0.001). Among them, the K10 score in the eastern region showed the slightest decrease as the lifestyle score increased, while the western region showed the most decrease. Conclusions: The prevalence of psychological distress and unhealthy lifestyle in Chinese children and adolescents are high and interrelated. Compared those with healthy lifestyles, children and adolescents with unhealthy lifestyles are at greater risk of high psychological distress. Therefore, promoting healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents may be one of the important ways to improve their mental health.

[Research on the association between ambient PM2.5 and its components and psychological distress among Chinese children and adolescents aged 9-18 years]

Objective: To analyze the association between exposure to ambient PM2.5 and its components [sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC)] and psychological distress among school children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years in China. Methods: Based on data from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health, 130 808 children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years were included. Scoring and determination of higher psychological distress were based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and annual average exposure data for air pollution were matched by survey location and time. We used a restricted cubic spline approach based on logistic regression to fit the associations between PM2.5, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, organic matter, black carbon concentrations, and psychological distress. Logistic regression models were used to analyse different age, gender, BMI and physical activity subgroups to estimate the association between exposure to high levels of pollution and high levels of psychological distress in different subgroups. Results: The proportion of children and adolescents with high levels of psychological distress in China was 30.4%, with girls being higher than boys at 31.6% and 29.1%, respectively (P<0.05). A non-linear positive association existed between exposure to PM2.5, SO42-, NO3- and organic matter concentrations and higher psychological distress. As PM2.5, NO3-, NH4+, organic matter, and black carbon concentrations continued to rise, the increase in the risk of higher psychological distress slowed, while SO42- showed little change in the OR of psychological distress at lower concentrations but continued to rise at higher concentrations. PM2.5 and its components were statistically associated with psychological distress in the physically inactive group but not in the physically active group. The association between high levels of pollutants and high psychological distress was stronger among students aged 9 to 12 years compared with students aged 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years. Conclusions: The ambient pollutant PM2.5 and its components are associated with psychological distress in children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years in China. High pollutant exposure is a risk factor for high psychological distress among physically inactive children and adolescents, and there are age differences in the association between PM2.5 and components and psychological distress.

[Research on the association between overweight and obesity mediated by Chinese children and adolescent aged 13-18 years physical exercise and psychological distress]

Objective: To analyze the association between overweight and obesity, psychological distress, and the influence of physical exercise among Chinese children and adolescents. Methods: The study used data from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. A total of 95 280 Han Chinese children and adolescents aged 13 to 18 years were included in the study based on complete information on overweight and obesity, psychological distress assessment, and physical exercise variables. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to measure their psychological distress, with scores above 25 indicating high psychological distress. The BMI group of the adolescents was evaluated according to the Chinese standard "WS/T 586-2018 Screening for Overweight and Obesity in School-age Children and Adolescents", including underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The individual's BMI Z-score (BMIZ) was evaluated using the WHO standard and divided into ten groups based on the population percentile distribution. The survey collected the subjects' average daily physical exercise time and divided them into two groups: less than 1 hour and greater than or equal to 1 hour. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between overweight and obesity and high psychological distress among children and adolescents and the differences in association between different physical exercise groups. Results: The detection rates of overweight and obesity among Han Chinese children and adolescents aged 13 to 18 years in 2019 were 14.5%, and 7.6%, respectively. The rate of high psychological distress was 37.6%, and the rate of average daily physical exercise time exceeding 1 hour was 17.1%. Using the population with a BMIZ P10 below as a reference, the association strength between high psychological distress and the population gradually increased, with an OR (95%CI) value of 1.08 (1.02-1.14), 1.09 (1.02-1.14), 1.10 (1.03-1.16), and 1.16 (1.09-1.23) for BMIZ in the P60-, P70-, P80-, >P90 groups. Compared to normal weight, both overweight and obesity were positively associated with high psychological distress in children and adolescents, with obesity showing a more significant correlation, while underweight was negatively associated with high psychological distress. The detection rates of high psychological distress in normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese groups were 37.6%, 37.0%, 38.2%, and 38.7%, respectively, with an OR (95%CI) value of 0.93 (0.88-0.98) for the underweight group and 1.05 (1.01-1.10) and 1.13 (1.07-1.19) for the overweight and obese groups, respectively. The positive correlation between BMIZ, overweight, and obesity with high psychological distress was significant only in adolescents who exercised less than 1 hour per day on average. Conclusions: Chinese children and adolescents face the problem of obesity and high psychological distress, with a positive correlation between these two problems. Physical activity may moderate the association between obesity and psychological distress in children and adolescents. Adequate physical exercise may offset the potential high psychological distress caused by obesity in children and adolescents. Thus, strengthening physical exercise among children and adolescents reduces the risks of both obesity and psychological health problems effectively.

[Study on 4 cases of mushroom poisoning with amanita and identification of poison]

Different kinds of poisonous mushrooms contain different toxic components. Acute liver injury caused by amanita mushroom is the main cause of death from poisonous mushroom poisoning in China. Consumption of poisonous mushrooms has an incubation period, there is a false recovery period in the clinical process, and the early performance is slight and does not attract enough attention from doctors, and it is easy to miss the treatment opportunity. The clinical characteristics, treatment and identification of mushrooms containing amanita in 4 patients were analyzed in order to improve clinicians' understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of mushroom poisoning and early species identification.

[Progress on specific and non-specific immune effects of Bacille Calmette-Guerin]

Currently, Bacille Calmette-Guerin(BCG) is still the only admitted vaccine to prevent tuberculosis around the world. The target population is infants and children, but its protective efficacy is limited. As more and more studies have shown that re-vaccination with BCG protects against tuberculosis in adults, BCG can also induce non-specific immunity against other respiratory diseases and some chronic diseases by training immunity, especially the immune effects against COVID-19. At present, the epidemic of COVID-19 has not been effectively contained, and it is worth considering whether BCG vaccine can be used as an intervention to prevent COVID-19. The WHO and China do not have a policy to support BCG revaccination, and as more and more BCG vaccines are discovered, whether selective revaccination can be carried out in some high-risk populations and whether the vaccine can be used more widely have led to intense discussions. This article reviewed the effects of specific immunity and non-specific immunity of BCG on tuberculosis and non-tuberculous diseases.

[Long-term outcomes of Bryan artificial cervical disc replacement for degenerative cervical spondylosis]

Objective: To compare the long-term clinical effect and imaging results of Bryan artificial cervical disc replacement (ACDR) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and to explore whether ACDR can reduce the occurrence of postoperative adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in the treatment of degenerative cervical spondylosis. Methods: It was a retrospective study. Total of 60 patients with degenerative cervical spondylosis, who had received operations by Bryan ACDR (n=27) and ACDF (n=33) in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 2005 and December 2009 were enrolled in this study. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), Odom's scale, cervical range of motion (ROM), surgical segment ROM, heterotopic ossification (HO) and ASD were used to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results. The indices abovementioned were compared between the two groups. Results: The VAS, NDI and JOA scores at each follow-up node in both ACDR and ACDF group were all significantly improved when compared with those before operation (all P<0.05), but there was no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Of all, 88.9%(24/27) of patients in ACDR group and 84.8%(28/33) of patients in ACDF group achieved excellent or good results, however, there was no significant difference in Odom's scale between the two groups (P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the cervical ROM in ACDR group was 43.2°±8.8°, which was slightly lower than that before operation (45.7°±10.4°), the difference was not statistically significant (t=0.954, P=0.345); the surgical segment ROM in ACDR group was 5.9°±3.6°, which was significantly reduced when compared with that before operation (8.8°±3.4°, t=3.043, P<0.01). However at the last follow-up, the cervical ROM in ACDF group was 36.4°±8.4°, which was significantly reduced when compared with that before operation (43.9°±11.1°), the difference was statistically significant (t=3.095, P<0.01). Although, there was no significant difference in the cervical ROM between the two groups before operation (t=0.643, P=0.523), and the difference was statistically significant at the last follow-up (t=3.054, P<0.01). At the last follow-up, the incidence of HO in ACDR group was 92.6%, and the high-grade HO was 37.0%. The incidence of ASD in ACDR group was 39.5%, which was much lower than that in ACDF group (61.1%, χ(2)=4.462, P=0.035). Conclusion: At minimum follow-up of 10 years, Bryan ACDR achieves a satisfactory clinical effect consistent with ACDF. In terms of advantages, ACDR could maintain the ROM of cervical and retain the ROM of the surgical segment, which reduces the occurrence of ASD by preserving motion.

[Analysis on the epidemiology and etiology characteristics of first imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan Province in 2017]

To study the epidemiology and etiology characteristics of first imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan province, China, 2017. The patient was confirmed by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infected as CHIKV ribonucleotide was continuously detected in his serum specimens. BHK-21 cell line was used for virus isolation, the strain was named CHIKV/Henan001/2017. CHIKV/Henan001/2017 belonged to genotype ECSA. The highest ribonucleotide homology sequence of highly conserved region E1 with CHIKV/Henan001/2017 was hk02 strain (99.8%), who was an imported strain to Hong Kong, China, 2016. Epidemiological information and laboratory testing confirmed it was an imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan province, 2017. No secondary case has been reported.

[Laboratory diagnosis and molecular tracing of dengue bordline cases in Henan Province, 2017]

Objective: To confirm the laboratory diagnosis of dengue bordline cases reported in Henan Province and trace its origin from molecular level in 2017. Methods: The study samples were blood samples (3-5 ml), which came from 8 suspected cases of dengue fever reported in the 2017 direct reporting system of Henan provincial infectious disease monitoring network. Meanwhile, case investigation was conducted according to National dengue fever surveillance programme. Serum were separated from blood samples and tested for Dengue NS1 antigen, IgM & IgG antibodies, and dengue RNA. According to dengue diagnosis criteria, confirmed cases were identified by testing results. Samples carried dengue RNA performed for real-time PCR genotyping and amplification of E gene. Then, the amplicons were sequenced and homological and phylogenetic analyses were constructed. Results: 8 serum samples of suspected dengue cases were collected in Henan Province, 2017. Six of them were diagnosed as dengue confirmed cases. All the dengue confirmed cases belonged to outside imported cases, 5 of them were positive by dengue RNA testing. Genotyping results showed there were 1 DENV1 case, 2 DENV2 cases and 2 DENV3 cases. A DENV2 case and a DENV3 case of this study were traced its origin successfully. The sequence of Pakistan imported DENV2 case belongs to cosmopolitan genotype, which was the most consistent with Pakistan's DENV2 KJ010186 in 2013 (identity 99.0%). The sequence of Malaysia imported DENV3 case belongs to genotype I, which was the most consistent with Singapore's DENV3 KX224276 in 2014(identity 99.0%). Conclusion: The laboratory diagnosis and molecular traceability of dengue cases in Henan Province in 2017 confirmed that all cases were imported and did not cause local epidemics.

[Drug Knowledge of Middle School Students in HIV-prone Areas of Liangshan]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate drug knowledge of middle school students in HIV prone areas in Liangshan of Sichuan Province.

METHODS

Students were randomly selected from the middle schools located in the HIV prone areas in Liangshan. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Drug knowledge of the respondents and associated factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 10 749 respondents,10.1% had wrong knowledge about drugs. The respondents of male gender and minority ethnicity in the region and those who were in a lower grade,had poor academic records,more sisters,and a schoolmate taking drugs,and lived in a family with HIV infected member were more likely to had poor drug knowledge. By contrast,the respondents who had a peasant father,lived with both parents,resided in a city or township,self-rated in the middle and low 1/3 of wealth,lived in a community with >50% school attendance,and had a family member taking drugs were less likely to have wrong drug knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Middle school students in the HIV prone areas in Liangshan have poor drug knowledge. Socioeconomic factors influence the drug knowledge of students,which require systematic interventions.

[Preliminary study of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a kind of robotic ankle-foot rehabilitation system for children with cerebral palsy and to preliminarily verify its feasibility in clinical application.

METHODS

A robot assisted ankle-foot rehabilitation system was specially designed and developed for children with cerebral palsy and a preliminary clinical study was conducted in Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University First Hospital. Modified Tardieu Scale and joint biomechanical properties (ankle plantar flexion resistance torque under different ankle dorsiflexion angles) were measured to analyze the muscle tone and soft tissue compliance of the ankle plantar flexors pre- and post-robotic training intervention. Six children with cerebral palsy (4 girls and 2 boys, mean age: 7 years) were recruited in this study. Each subject received 5 session robotic training and each session included 10-cycle passive stretching and static hold. SPSS 19.0 software was used for data statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Both R1 and R2 angles of Modified Tardieu Scale for ankle plantar flexors after training were significantly higher than those before the treatments (Gastrocnemius: P_R1=0.003, P_R2=0.029; Soleus: P_R1=0.002, P_R2=0.034). The difference between R2 and R1 was of no statistical difference before and after the training (P=0.067 and P=0.067, respectively). After training, the ankle plantar flexion resistance torque under different dorsiflexion angles (0°, 10°, 20°, 30°) were significantly reduced than those before training (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.014, P=0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The robot assisted ankle-foot rehabilitation system can improve the contracture and soft tissue compliance of cerebral palsy children's ankle plantar flexors. All the children in the study were well tolerated and interested with the training, easy to accept and cooperate with it. This device may be suitable for application in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. However, further randomized clinical trials with larger sample size are still needed to verify the long term efficacy of this device.

[Smoking in Middle School Students in Priority Areas for HIV Control in Liangshan]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and determinants of smoking in middle school students in priority areas for HIV control in Liangshan of Sichuan Province.

METHODS

Students were randomly selected in all of the schools located in the priority areas for HIV control in Liangshan. A questionnaire survey was conducted,collecting data in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of the participants,their smoking behavior,drug abuse in family members,and HIV infections in family members. Risk factors associated with smoking were identified using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

RESULTS

About 21.3% of respondents were smoking at the time of survey; 33.4% attempted smoking; 5% were heavy smokers; and 16.8% started smoking before 13 years old. The Logistic regression analysis identified male gender,senior high school students,poor academic records,low household income,rural residency,family drug abuse and HIV infections as predictors of attempted smoking. Male gender,minority ethnicity,average academic records,broken family,medium and high household income,family drug abuse and HIV infections were identified as predictors of smoking. Male gender,senior high school students,low or medium academic records,rural residency,and family drug abuse were identified as predictors of heavy smoking. Male gender,broken family,average academic records,medium or high household income,family drug abuse and HIV infections were associated with smoking before thirteen.

CONCLUSION

Smoking rate in middle school students in the priority areas for HIV control in Liangshan is high. They start smoking at a young age. School smoking control programs should place priorities on those who are in the groups of boys,minority ethnicity,senior high school students,rural residency,poor academic records,and those with family drug abuse and HIV infections.

[The comparison of clinical features and laboratory indexes between flat descending hearing loss and total hearing loss]

Objective:To discuss similarities and differences in clinical features and laboratory indexes between patients with flat descending type sudden hearing loss and those with total hearing loss. Method:The clinical data of 123 patients with full frequencies hearing loss were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in clinical features and laboratory tests(platelet, coagulation series, D-dimer, blood lipids, hemorheology) between patients with flat descending hearing loss and those with total hearing loss were analyzed by gender, age and ear side, treatment time, concomitant symptom (tinnitus, dizziness), original underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes), etc. Result:In the clinical features,among 51 flat descending cases, the ratio of male and female was 2.401:1; among 72 total hearing loss cases, the ratio of men and women ratio was 1.058:1 (P<0.05). Among two groups of patients,the majority received treatment within 7 days, among whom 66.7% were flat descending population, and 83.3% were total hearing loss population (P<0.05). Flat descending population with dizziness only accounted for 35.3% while this figure was up to 70.8% when it came to total hearing loss patients (P<0.01). Two groups showed no differences in age, ear side, tinnitus, the original underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes). In the laboratory tests, the total hearing loss population overtopped the plat descending population in PLT and PCT (P<0.05), while falling below the plat descending population in APTT (P<0.01). Two groups showed no differences in other indicators of platelet and coagulation series and laboratory data of D-dimer, blood lipids, hemorheology. Conclusion:Compared with flat descending sudden hearing loss, sudden total hearing loss more frequently happened to females who also were accompanied by dizziness. The treatment rate within 7 days was high and the patients with hypercoagulable state accounted for a higher proportion.

Changes in the gut microbiome of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in response to White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection

Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in maintaining host health, but their functions in aquatic animal hosts have yet to be fully elucidated. The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is one such example. We attempted to identify the shift of gut microbiota that occurred in response to infection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an emerging viral pathogen in the crab aquaculture industry. The microbiota may exert some control over aspects of the viral pathogenesis. We investigated the changes in composition and structure of the crab gut microbiome during various WSSV infection stages of 6 h post-infection (hpi) and 48 hpi, using a 16S rRNA approach on the MiSeq Illumina sequencing platform. Four phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes) were most dominant in the gut of E. sinensis regardless of the WSSV infection stages. However, further analysis revealed that over 12 bacterial phyla, 44 orders and 68 families were significantly different in abundance at various states of WSSV infection. Several intriguing aspects of E. sinensis gut bacteria that had not been previously reported were also uncovered, such as class Mollicutes was dominant here, but absent in crabs from Yangtze River estuary and Chongming Islands. Overall, this study provided the first evidence that changes in gut microbiome were closely associated with the severity of WSSV infection and that indicator taxa could be used to evaluate the crab health status.

Development of In situ hybridization and real-time PCR assays for the detection of Hepatospora eriocheir, a microsporidian pathogen in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

A microsporidian parasite, Hepatospora eriocheir, is an emerging pathogen for the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Currently, there is scant information about the way it transmits infection in the crustacean of commercial importance, including its pathogenesis, propagation and infection route in vivo. In this study, chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed to address this pressing need, and we provided an advance in the detection methods available. Pathogens can be seen in situ with associated lesions using ISH. Positive hybridization signals were noted inside the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas, and putative free parasite spores were observed within the tubule lumen, which were associated with lesions detected by electron microscopy and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis. qPCR allows the determination of parasite loads in infected tissues, which is important for understanding disease progression and transmission. The hepatopancreas displayed the biggest statistical copy numbers among different tissues of infected crabs, confirming a tissue-specific pathogen infection characteristic. The qPCR assay also proved to be suitable for the diagnosis of asymptomatic carrier crabs. Combination of the two methods could facilitate the study of H. eriocheir infection mechanism in E. sinensis, enhance the early diagnosis of the pathogen and improve the management of microsporidian diseases in commercial crustaceans.

Nutritive value and the maximum inclusion level of pennycress meal for broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value and maximum safe level (MSL) of pennycress meal (PM) for broiler chicks. In experiment 1, a total of 480 chicks was fed either mash or crumbled diets containing zero, 5, 10, or 15% PM for 18 d (8 diets; 6 replications per diet). In experiment 2, a total of 660 chicks was fed mash diets containing zero, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 15% of either PM or canola meal (CM; a comparative reference) for 14 d (11 diets; 6 replications per diet). Analytical results show that PM is a good source of protein (∼31% CP) and it is very comparable to CM (∼36% CP). However, it contains higher erucic acid (∼1.68 vs. < 0.021%), glucosinolates (sinigrin) (∼63.5 vs. <0.163 μmol /g), and crude fiber (18.60 vs. 9.27%) compared to CM. In experiment 1, increasing PM from zero to 15% resulted in linear reductions (P < 0.05) in FI, BWG, and FCR at 10 days. Above 10%, performance responses were affected for FI and BWG at 18 d, respectively. An estimated MSL of 10% PM based on orthogonal contrast was optimal for satisfactory FI and BWG. The MSL as estimated by broken-line linear (BLL) and broken-line quadratic (BLQ) models was 9.12 ± 0.50 and 7.0 ± 1.27%, respectively. In experiment 2, growth performance at 14 d was reduced above 9% due to PM inclusion. CM inclusion did not affect growth performance at 14 d, suggesting 15% to be safe. The MSL for maximum growth performance varied depending on the statistical analysis as follows: 12% by orthogonal contrast and LSD, 15% by the Scheffé test, 10.84 ± 0.57 by BLL, and 8.61 ± 1.29 by BLQ. In conclusion, PM can be included in broiler starter diets as a protein source but its inclusion should be limited to no more than 8.5%. Different statistical procedures give different MSL and this should be considered when interpreting the data.

Effects of supplemental zinc source and level on antioxidant ability and fat metabolism-related enzymes of broilers

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental Zinc (Zn) source and level on antioxidant ability and fat metabolism-related enzymes of broilers. Dietary treatments included the Zn-unsupplemented corn-soybean meal basal diet (control) and basal diets supplemented with 60, 120, or 180 mg Zn/kg as Zn sulfate, Zn amino acid chelate with a weak chelation strength of 6.5 quotient of formation (Q_f) (11.93% Zn) (Zn-AA W), Zn proteinate with a moderate chelation strength of 30.7 Q_f (13.27% Zn) (Zn-Pro M), or Zn proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength of 944.0 Q_f (18.61% Zn) (Zn-Pro S). The results showed that dietary supplemental Zn increased (P < 0.01) Zn contents in the liver, breast, and thigh muscles of broilers, and up-regulated mRNA expressions of copper and Zn containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and metallothioneins (MT) in the liver (P < 0.01) and thigh muscle (P < 0.05), and also enhanced (P < 0.05) CuZnSOD activities in the breast and thigh muscles, which exerted antioxidant ability and a decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver (P < 0.01) and breast and thigh muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers. Furthermore, supplemental Zn increased activities of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the abdominal fat (P < 0.05), and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and LPL in the liver (P < 0.01), which were accompanied with up-regulation (P < 0.01) of the mRNA expressions levels of these enzymes in the abdominal fat and liver of broilers. Dietary Zn source, and an interaction between Zn source and level, had no effects on any measurements. It is concluded that dietary Zn supplementation improved Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability and activities and gene expressions of fat metabolism-related enzymes of broilers regardless of Zn source and level, and the addition of 60 mg Zn/kg to the corn-soybean meal basal diet (a total dietary Zn of approximately 90 mg/kg) was appropriate for improving the above aspects of broilers.

Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 induced HDAC2 expression and reduced NF-κB p65 expression in a rat model of OVA-induced asthma

Recent evidence indicates that a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]₂D₃) may influence asthma pathogenesis; however, its roles in regulating specific molecular transcription mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ on the expression and enzyme activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and its synergistic effects with dexamethasone (Dx) in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion in a rat asthma model. Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, asthma, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ pretreatment, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment, Dx treatment, and Dx and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment. Pulmonary inflammation was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histological changes in lung tissue were examined. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and HDAC2 expression levels were assessed with Western blot analyses and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme activity measurements and immunohistochemical detection of HDAC2 were also performed. Our data demonstrated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ reduced the airway inflammatory response and the level of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Although NF-κB p65 expression was attenuated in the pretreatment and treatment groups, the expression and enzyme activity of HDAC2 were increased. In addition, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and Dx had synergistic effects on the suppression of total cell infusion, cytokine release, and NF-κB p65 expression, and they also increased HDAC2 expression and activity in OVA/OVA rats. Collectively, our results indicated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃might be useful as a novel HDAC2 activator in the treatment of asthma.

Effect of intravenously injected zinc on tissue zinc and metallothionein gene expression of broilers

1. The effect of intravenously injected zinc (Zn) on tissue Zn concentrations and pancreas metallothionein (MT) gene expression in broilers was investigated to detect differences in the tissue utilisation of Zn from different Zn sources. 2. A total of 432 male chickens were randomly allotted on d 22 post-hatch to one of nine treatments in a completely randomised design. Chickens were injected with either a 0.9% (w/v) NaCl solution (control) or a saline solution supplemented with Zn sulphate or one of three organic Zn chelates with weak (Zn-AA W), moderate (Zn-Pro M) or strong (Zn-Pro S) chelation strengths at two injected Zn dosages calculated according to two Zn absorbability levels (6 and 12%). 3. Bone and pancreas Zn concentrations, pancreas MT mRNA levels and MT concentrations increased on d 6 and 12 after Zn injections as the injected Zn dosages increased. Chickens injected with the Zn-Pro S had lower bone Zn concentration than those injected with the Zn-Pro M or Zn-AA W on d 6 after injections. However, no differences among Zn sources were observed in bone Zn concentration on d 12 after injections, pancreas Zn concentrations, pancreas MT mRNA levels and MT concentrations on both d 6 and d 12 after injections. 4. It was concluded that the injected Zn-Pro S was the least favourable for bone Zn utilisation of broilers. The pancreas Zn concentration and pancreas MT gene expressions might not be sensitive enough to detect differences in the tissue utilisation of injected Zn in broilers between organic and inorganic Zn sources or among organic Zn sources.

Synthesis and reaction mechanism of 3-(4-methoxyphenylazo)acrylic acid

Using 4-methoxylphenylhydra zine hydrochloride (1a) as starting material, 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl) hydrazono] acetic acid (2a) was prepared after treatment with 1 equivalent of 2-oxoacetic acid, and 3-(4-methoxyphenyldiazo) acrylic acid (3a) was obtained with 2 equivalents of 2-oxoacetic acid through a novel reaction. The mechanism of reaction was analyzed with the help of charge distribution computation. This suggests that the novel reaction depends on the electronegativity of C9, which can be mainly affected by the substituents of the benzene ring.

Computational study of the proton transfer of phenyl urea

The proton transfer between two nitrogen atoms (N1 and N3) in a molecule of phenyl urea is an important process in the synthesis of 1-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione. Three pathways of the proton transfer have been investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). With negative N1 phenyl urea, the transformed double bond of N1-C2 connects N1, C2, and N3 into a benzene conjugate system, making the structure more stable than negative N3 phenyl urea. Intermolecular proton transfer was found to be the primary manner of protein transfer at 300 K. Both negative N1 and negative N3 exist and the former is primal. The proton transfer is very fast, and the diluted solution may slow down the rate but produce much more negative N1 as well.

Impairment of attentional networks after 1 night of sleep deprivation

Here, we assessed the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on brain activation and performance to a parametric visual attention task. Fourteen healthy subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging of ball-tracking tasks with graded levels of difficulty during rested wakefulness (RW) and after 1 night of SD. Self-reports of sleepiness were significantly higher and cognitive performance significantly lower for all levels of difficulty for SD than for RW. For both the RW and the SD sessions, task difficulty was associated with activation in parietal cortex and with deactivation in visual and insular cortices and cingulate gyrus but this pattern of activation/deactivation was significantly lower for SD than for RW. In addition, thalamic activation was higher for SD than for RW, and task difficulty was associated with increases in thalamic activation for the RW but not the SD condition. This suggests that thalamic resources, which under RW conditions are used to process increasingly complex tasks, are being used to maintain alertness with increasing levels of fatigue during SD. Thalamic activation was also inversely correlated with parietal and prefrontal activation. Thus, the thalamic hyperactivation during SD could underlie the reduced activation in parietal and blunted deactivation in cingulate cortices, impairing the attentional networks that are essential for accurate visuospatial attention performance.

Chemical synthesis and magnetic properties of well-coupled FePt/Fe composite nanotubes

A simple two-step hydrogen reduction method was used to synthesize FePt/Fe composite nanotubes. As the first step, L1(0) FePt nanotubes were prepared by heating a porous alumina template loaded with an alcohol solution of a Fe chloride and Pt chloride mixture in flowing hydrogen at 670 degrees C. Then, FePt/Fe composite nanotubes were obtained by reducing the alcohol solution of the Fe chloride within the formed FePt nanotubes at a lower temperature, namely 470 degrees C. Through changing the concentrations of initial alcohol solutions, the FePt:Fe atomic ratios of the composite nanotubes were easily adjusted and the magnetic properties were tuned accordingly. For (FePt)(100-x)/Fe(x) composite nanotubes with x ranging between 0 and 26 at.%, the hard and soft phases were well coupled and the coercivity was tunable over a large range (1.27-2.73 T). Furthermore, the marked interdiffusion between Fe and FePt, which usually exists in FePt-based composites fabricated by using conventional methods, was not observed in the formed composite nanotubes. This indicates the two-step hydrogen reduction method to be a promising route for synthesizing nanocomposites which are difficult to fabricate by using conventional methods due to the interdiffusion between different phases.

Hydrodynamic potential-modulated reflectance spectroscopy: theory and experiment

This article describes the development and application of a new electrochemical methodology based on potential-modulated UV-vis reflectance spectroscopy (PMRS). The device configuration is based upon a thin-layer flow-through channel cell incorporating a platinum working electrode. Reagent solutions are pumped through the cell under well-defined hydrodynamic conditions and electrolyzed at the platinum working electrode. Measurements are presented for linear sweep and fixed dc potentials with a superimposed small amplitude sinusoidal potential perturbation. A UV-vis source is employed to irradiate the electrode region, and the resulting reflected signal is analyzed using a phase sensitive detector. Experimental studies using tris(4-bromophenyl) amine (TBPA) in acetonitrile are presented which quantify the relationship between the absorption spectrum and reflected light intensity as a function of the transport rate, electrolysis reactions, and the modulation frequency of the incident irradiation. The experimental results are analyzed using numerical simulations based on a finite difference strategy. These permit the quantitative prediction of the concentration distribution of reagents within the cell. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) routine was used to analyze the frequency response of the numerically predicted reflectance signal. Excellent agreement was observed between the numerical predictions and experimental observations.

[Application of capillary chromatography in benzene boiling range analysis]

The experimental data were analyzed by regression analytical method and the relation between the quantity of impurities and the boiling range of benzene was demonstrated. It was proved that when the quantity of hydrocarbon impurities was within certain limits, the quality of benzene fractions can be determined by analyzing the hydrocarbon impurities in it. So the distillation method for analyzing benzene boiling range may be replaced by capillary chromatography for analyzing the hydrocarbon impurities. The practical applications support the above suggestion.

The limits of selection during maize domestication

The domestication of all major crop plants occurred during a brief period in human history about 10,000 years ago. During this time, ancient agriculturalists selected seed of preferred forms and culled out seed of undesirable types to produce each subsequent generation. Consequently, favoured alleles at genes controlling traits of interest increased in frequency, ultimately reaching fixation. When selection is strong, domestication has the potential to drastically reduce genetic diversity in a crop. To understand the impact of selection during maize domestication, we examined nucleotide polymorphism in teosinte branched1, a gene involved in maize evolution. Here we show that the effects of selection were limited to the gene's regulatory region and cannot be detected in the protein-coding region. Although selection was apparently strong, high rates of recombination and a prolonged domestication period probably limited its effects. Our results help to explain why maize is such a variable crop. They also suggest that maize domestication required hundreds of years, and confirm previous evidence that maize was domesticated from Balsas teosinte of southwestern Mexico.

Gene flow and natural selection in the origin of Drosophila pseudoobscura and close relatives

The divergence of Drosophila pseudoobscura and close relatives D. persimilis and D. pseudoobscura bogotana has been studied using comparative DNA sequence data from multiple nuclear loci. New data from the Hsp82 and Adh regions, in conjunction with existing data from Adh and the Period locus, are examined in the light of various models of speciation. The principal finding is that the three loci present very different histories, with Adh indicating large amounts of recent gene flow among the taxa, while little or no gene flow is apparent in the data from the other loci. The data were compared with predictions from several isolation models of divergence. These models include no gene flow, and they were found to be incompatible with the data. Instead the DNA data, taken together with other evidence, seem consistent with divergence models in which natural selection acts against gene flow at some loci more than at others. This family of models includes some sympatric and parapatric speciation models, as well as models of secondary contact and subsequent reinforcement of sexual isolation.

Determination of thiamphenicol in human plasma by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

A micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method is described for the determination of thiamphenicol in human plasma. The plasma sample was basified by adding K2HPO4 and was then extracted with ethyl acetate. After the solvent was evaporated, the residue was reconstituted in water. Approximately 40 nl of the solution were injected hydrodynamically. The running buffer was 20 mM borate (pH 9.2) containing 40 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 10% acetonitrile. The applied voltage was 18 kV and the detector wavelength was set at 195 nm. On-column sample stacking was achieved during the analysis to enhance the sensitivity; the limit of quantitation was 0.1 microg/ml. Linearity was over the range of 0.2 to 10 microg/ml. Recovery was 93.7+/-3.3%, the intra-day precision and accuracy was 99.6+/-2.8%; the inter-day precision and accuracy was 98.4+/-3.4%. The concentration of thiamphenicol in human plasma from eight volunteers was measured after administering thiamphenicol capsules orally.

The speciation history of Drosophila pseudoobscura and close relatives: inferences from DNA sequence variation at the period locus

Thirty-five period locus sequences from Drosophila pseudoobscura and its siblings species, D. p. bogotana, D. persimilis, and D. miranda, were studied. A large amount of variation was found within D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis, consistent with histories of large effective population sizes. D. p. bogotana, however, has a severe reduction in diversity. Combined analysis of per with two other loci, in both D. p. bogotana and D. pseudoobscura, strongly suggest this reduction is due to recent directional selection at or near per within D. p. bogotana. Since D. p. bogotana is highly variable and shares variation with D. pseudoobscura at other loci, the low level of variation at per within D. p. bogotana can not be explained by a small effective population size or by speciation via founder event. Both D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis have considerable intraspecific gene flow. A large portion of one D. persimilis sequence appears to have arisen via introgression from D. pseudoobscura. The time of this event appears to be well after the initial separation of these two species. The estimated times since speciation are one mya for D. pseudoobscura and D. persimilis and 2 mya since the formation of D. miranda.

Human CYP2A6 activation of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK): mutational specificity in the gpt gene of AS52 cells

The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1- butanone (NNK) is a potential human carcinogen that is known to be metabolized to DNA-reactive intermediates by the cytochromes P450. We have examined the nature of NNK's DNA damaging effects in a mammalian cell system expressing a specific human cytochrome P450 (2A6) and containing a target gene for mutagenesis. Human CYP2A6, which is known to activate NNK to a mutagen, was lipofected via a retroviral vector into the Chinese hamster ovary AS52 cell line, which contains the bacterial gpt gene and can be mutated to 6-thioguanine resistance. AS52 cells expressed negligible CYP2A6-specific coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity (0.7 pmol/mg protein/min), while a CYP2A6 transfected clone (AS52-E8) expressed 30 pmol/mg protein/min. Both cell lines were equally sensitive to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the direct-acting mutagen ethylmethanesulfonate; however, only the AS52-E8 cells exhibited a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity and mutant frequency upon treatment with NNK. At the highest NNK dose (1200 micrograms/ml), the mutant frequency in AS52-E8 cells was 14-fold (339 x 10(-6)) greater than the spontaneous frequency of 24 x 10(-6). Ninty-eight mutant clones were isolated following NNK treatment. Based on PCR analysis, 21 clones contained deletions/rearrangements and 77 were putative point mutants. Sequencing potential point mutants showed that 81% contained G:C to A:T transitions. Four of six G:C to A:T hotspots were at the second G of the GGT motif, which is the motif and major mutation found in codon 12 of Ki-ras from NNK-induced lung tumors in strain A mice. Since NNK may be metabolized via different pathways to pyridyloxobutylate or methylate DNA, the data suggest that methylation damage causes the major mutagenic events in AS52-E8 cells when NNK is activated by human CYP2A6.

Autumn southward 'return' migration of the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus in China

Direct evidence for a southward 'return' migration in autumn of the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus in China was obtained by aerial sampling with a net suspended from a balloon. In a preliminary study between 2 and 20 September 1990 at Jiangpu, near Nanjing, in Jiangsu Province, 11 females and 4 males of this species were taken at heights of 150-250 m. During 17-26 October 1991 at Dongxiang in northern Jiangxi Province, 44 mosquitoes (8 males, 36 females) were caught in the aerial net at heights of 80-380 m in northeasterly winds (E-NNW). Most of the specimens were flying within the subsiding air-mass behind a cold front. Cx tritaeniorhynchus was the only species identified (31 females) among the mosquitoes from Dongxiang. Of 24 females dissected, 17 had N stage ovaries--interpreted as diapause, five had stage I ovaries, one had stage II ovaries, and one was gravid (stage V), but none was freshly blood-fed. Cx tritaeniorhynchus is the main vector of Japanese viral encephalitis in China, and it is possible that the virus is reintroduced to northern temperate areas in spring by northward migration of infected Cx tritaeniorhynchus females.

Retroviral mediated expression of human cytochrome P450 2A6 in C3H/10T1/2 cells confers transformability by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

In order to develop more efficient in vitro systems for the study of pro-mutagenic or pro-carcinogenic chemicals, we have produced transgenic C3H/10T1/2 cell lines expressing human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6. A retroviral vector containing the cDNA was packaged in psi-2 cells, and used to infect C3H/10T1/2 cells. From 100 G418-resistant clones initially isolated, three cell lines were chosen for further study based upon their morphologies, growth rates and CYP2A6-dependent coumarin 7-hydroxylase activities. Infected clone 10T1/2-04, like the 10T1/2 cells, had no detectable CYP2A6 enzyme activity, while clones 10T1/2-10 and 10T1/2-29 had microsomal CYP2A6 enzyme activities within the range found in human liver microsomes. CYP2A6 protein levels were in agreement with the observed enzyme activities. Southern blots revealed that cells from clone 10T1/2-04 contained a vector lacking the CYP2A6 cDNA, while cells from clones 10T1/2-10 and 10T1/2-29 contained multiple full-length inserts. Southern analysis also indicated the presence of an endogenous CYP2A6 ortholog in the four cell lines. All cell lines exhibited about equal sensitivity to induction of cytotoxicity and conversion to ouabain resistance by the direct acting mutagen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. The four lines were also about equally sensitive to transformation by benzo[a]pyrene, a chemical requiring metabolic activation. However, only clones 10T1/2-10 and 10T1/2-29, which express CYP2A6 activity, were mutated and morphologically transformed by the tobacco specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone.

[A report of 40 cases of esophageal carcinoma surviving for more than 5 years after treatment with drugs]

From August 1974 to January 1987, 650 cases of moderately and advanced esophageal carcinoma were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and Rabdosia rubescens or Rabdosia rubescens and/or tradition chinese medicinal prescription. After treatment, 40 patients survived for over 5 years (5-year survival rate 6.15%): 32 for over 6 years, 23 for more than 10 years, 5 for more than 15 years and 20 die of tumors (16 cases) or other diseases (4 cases). There were 20 patients who are still living and some of them have been living for more than 18 years. Analyzing the data, it is believed that the age, the state of activity, the length of illness, the effectiveness of primary treatment, the multi-course extensive therapy, long-term maintenance treatment, etc, are all important factors affecting the results of drug treatment.

Dietary intake, exercise, obesity and noncommunicable disease in rural and urban populations of three Pacific Island countries

Dietary intake surveys of rural and urban communities in three Pacific Island countries were conducted using an adjusted 24-hour dietary recall method. Dietary survey samples were drawn from noncommunicable disease surveys of Melanesians and Indians in Fiji, Micronesians in Kiribati and Melanesians in Vanuatu. Comparisons of total energy and macronutrient intakes and of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum cholesterol and physical activity levels revealed similar rural/urban trends. Urban subjects were more obese than rural ones, had higher prevalence rates of diabetes and hypertension, and generally had higher cholesterol levels. Rural subjects were leaner, suffered less from diabetes and hypertension, and had greater total energy intakes than urban dwellers. Rural people ate a greater proportion of carbohydrates, while urban subjects ate proportionally more protein and fat, apart from the outer Kiribati atolls with high coconut intakes. Rural subjects in all three studies had higher levels of physical activity. These studies provide persuasive evidence that exercise as well as diet has a significant effect on rural/urban differentials in obesity and noncommunicable disease, and that energy intake reflects energy expenditure.

Detection of bcr/c-abl mRNA in chronic myelogenous leukemia by polymerase chain reaction to identify chromosome translocation

The hallmark of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) which is caused by a translocation of the c-abl gene from chromosome 9 to the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) on chromosome 22. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect the chimeric bcr/c-abl mRNA as evidence of the translocation. We applied a very simple and quick method of isolating cytoplasmic RNA, as well as reverse transcription and PCR in detecting bcr/c-abl mRNA of seven CML patients in various stages. Our results showed that only a small amount of either peripheral blood or bone marrow material was required for the expression of the bcr/c-abl mRNA. This is a very fast and time-saving method since a one-step method of cytoplasmic RNA isolation is used instead of the several steps in total RNA isolation as published in other literature.

Possible transplacental transmission of human papillomaviruses

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the possibility of intrauterine human papillomavirus infection of fetuses by transplacental transmission of human papillomavirus before delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

Specimens of cervicovaginal cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 52 consecutive pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Cord blood specimens were also obtained from the neonates born to these mothers. Presence of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 deoxyribonucleic acid was analyzed by an in vitro enzymatic deoxyribonucleic acid amplification method.

RESULTS

Human papillomavirus type 16 deoxyribonucleic acid was found in 6 (11.5%) cervicovaginal and in 9 (17.3%) peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens. Seven cord blood specimens from neonates born to mothers who were positive for peripheral blood mononuclear cell human papillomavirus type 16 deoxyribonucleic acid were found to contain human papillomavirus type 16 deoxyribonucleic acid. One cervicovaginal and two peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens contained human papillomavirus type 18 deoxyribonucleic acid, but none of the cord blood specimens contained human papillomavirus type 18 deoxyribonucleic acid.

CONCLUSION

These results seem to suggest possible transplacental transmission of the virus and the potential association of such transmission with the status of human papillomavirus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

[Immunohistochemical study and lectin distribution of thyroid carcinoma originated from follicular epithelium]

97 cases of thyroid carcinoma originated from follicular epithelium were investigated by using histological and immunohistochemical techniques with special reference to lectin distribution. According to the WHO histological typing of thyroid tumours, these cases were divided into three categories as follows: papillary carcinoma of thyroid (PCT) 56, follicular carcinoma of thyroid (FCT) 31 and undifferentiated carcinoma of thyroid (UCT) 10. Results showed that three different kinds of thyroid carcinoma presented various hormone function and distribution of lectins. The positive rate of Tg immunoreactivity was significantly different between these three kinds of tumour, i.e. PCT greater than FCT greater than UCT. Additionally, the positive rate of T4 and T3 immunoreactivity was lower than that of Tg. Some Gastrin, SS and calcitonin positive cells were also recognized in carcinoma of thyroid. Lectin--binding rate of WGA, PNA, SBA and UEA to 97 cases of thyroid carcinoma and 9 cases of normal thyroid tissue revealed that different lectin had a selective binding activity to various types of thyroid carcinoma and normal thyroid cells. From the data obtained, it seemed that the morphological differentiation of thyroid carcinoma was in correspondence with difference of function, and the extent of cell differentiation may be closely related to the biological behavior of the tumour.

A comparison of resins for fabricating provisional fixed restorations

Four acrylic resins and two composite resins for fabricating provisional fixed prosthodontic restorations were studied to determine temperature change during polymerization, surface hardness, marginal fit, wear resistance, transverse strength, transverse repair strength, surface roughness and polishability, color stability, and stain resistance. While certain materials exhibited advantageous properties in one or more of the tests, no one material was superior to the others in all tests.

Gossypol acetate-induced SCEs in spermatogonia and bone marrow cells of mice: dose-response relationships

Gossypol acetic acid has been shown to have the effect of increasing the SCE frequencies in the spermatogonial cells of mice. This study further confirmed the genotoxic effects of gossypol acetic acid by investigating the dose-response relationships of gossypol acetic acid-induced SCEs in spermatogonial cells and bone marrow cells of mice. Twelve or over 12 mg/kg body weight of the dosage per day could increase the SCE frequencies of both bone marrow cells and spermatogonial cells. The increase of SCE frequency appeared to be directly correlated with the doses used at significant levels (p less than 0.001). Regression lines indicated that, in spite of cell type variation, the SCE induced was proportional to the dose of gossypol acetic acid.

[Potentiation by Rabdosia rubescens on chemotherapy of advanced esophageal carcinoma]

One hundred and fifteen patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma were treated by either chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus Rabdosia rubescens. In group A, out of 31 patients treated with pingyangmycin (P) and nitrocaphane (N), 10 (32.3%) responded to the treatment. Among them, 2 showed partial response (greater than 50% tumor regression) and 8 minimal response (greater than 50% tumor regression). In group B, out of 84 patients treated with PN plus Rabdosia rubescens, 59 (70.2%) responded. Of them, 10 showed complete response (100% tumor regression), 16 partial response and 33 minimal response. the one-year survival rates of group A and B were 13.6% and 41.3%. Statistical significance was present in these two groups both in the response rate and one-year survival rate. As regards the drug toxicity, there was no significant difference between these two groups. Alopecia, anorexia, nausea and hyperpyrexia occurred in more than 30% of patients. Mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia and interstitial pneumonia were noted in some patients, and two patients died of toxicity in the lungs.