[Chemical constituents of Gossampinus malabarica (L.) Merr. (II)]

Four chemical compounds isolated from the root of Gossampinus malabarica were identified as daucosterol, oleanolic acid, hesperidin and potassium nitrate by physico-chemical constants and spectroscopic analysis.

Determination of refractive index and thickness of thick transparent films by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry: application to benzocyclobutene films

An analysis procedure for evaluating the refractive index and the thickness of 5-10-µm-thick transparent films has been developed based on variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. As an example of application, results from an analysis of benzocyclobutene films are presented. The sensitivities in ψ and Δ with respect to the refractive index and the thickness of the films are also discussed.

Asymmetrically distributed PAR-3 protein contributes to cell polarity and spindle alignment in early C. elegans embryos

The par-3 gene is required for establishing polarity in early C. elegans embryos. Embryos from par-3 homozygous mothers show defects in segregation of cytoplasmic determinants and in positioning of the early cleavage spindles. We report here that the PAR-3 protein is asymmetrically distributed at the periphery of the zygote and asymmetrically dividing blastomeres of the germline lineage. The PAR-3 distribution is roughly the reciprocal of PAR-1, another protein required for establishing embryonic polarity in C. elegans. Analysis of the distribution of PAR-3 and PAR-1 in other par mutants reveals that par-2 activity is required for proper localization of PAR-3 and that PAR-3 is required for proper localization of PAR-1. In addition, the distribution of the PAR-3 protein correlates with differences in cleavage spindle orientation and suggests a mechanism by which PAR-3 contributes to control of cleavage pattern.

[A stereologic study on the influence of stent tube pressure on bilio-intestinal anastomotic scar formation]

Biliary tract injury results often in biliary scar stricture causing obstructive jaundice and biliary cirrhosis. Choledocho-jejunostomy with tube stent is the routine to prevent anastomotic stenosis, but how long the stent tube should be in place is controversial and little is known on the influence of the stent tube on anastomotic scar formation. In canine experimental models, bili-intestinal scar was sampled 3 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after anastomosis for ultrastructure stereologic image analysis. It was found that the internal pressure of the stent tube exerting on anastomotic stoma inhibits scar formation, and the stent tube should be remained inside the stoma for not less than 9 months.

A 10-amino-acid sequence in the N-terminal A/B domain of thyroid hormone receptor alpha is essential for transcriptional activation and interaction with the general transcription factor TFIIB

The effects of the thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine [T3]) on gene transcription are mediated by nuclear T3 receptors (T3Rs). alpha- and beta-isoform T3Rs (T3R alpha and -beta) are expressed from different genes and are members of a superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that also includes the receptors for steroid hormones, vitamin D, and retinoids. Although T3 activates transcription by mediating a conformational change in the C-terminal approximately 220-amino-acid ligand-binding domain (LBD), the fundamental mechanisms of T3R-mediated transcriptional activation remain to be determined. We found that deletion of the 50-amino-acid N-terminal A/B domain of chicken T3R alpha (cT3R alpha) decreases T3-dependent stimulation of genes regulated by native thyroid hormone response elements about 10- to 20-fold. The requirement of the A/B region for transcriptional activation was mapped to amino acids 21 to 30, which contain a cluster of five basic amino acids. The A/B region of cT3R alpha is not required for T3 binding or for DNA binding of the receptor as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor. In vitro binding studies indicate that the N-terminal region of cT3R alpha interacts efficiently with TFIIB and that this interaction requires amino acids 21 to 30 of the A/B region. In contrast, the LBD interacts poorly with TFIIB. The region of TFIIB primarily involved in the binding of cT3R alpha includes an amphipathic alpha helix contained within residues 178 to 201. Analysis using a fusion protein containing the DNA-binding domain of GAL4 and the entire A/B region of cT3R alpha suggests that this region does not contain an intrinsic activation domain. These and other studies indicate that cT3R alpha mediates at least some of its effects through TFIIB in vivo and that the N-terminal region of DNA-bound cT3R alpha acts to recruit and/or stabilize the binding of TFIIB to the transcription complex. T3 stimulation could then result from ligand-mediated changes in the LBD which may lead to the interaction of other factors with cT3R alpha, TFIIB, and/or other components involved in the initiation of transcription.

par-1, a gene required for establishing polarity in C. elegans embryos, encodes a putative Ser/Thr kinase that is asymmetrically distributed

The first cleavage of C. elegans is asymmetric, generating daughter cells with different sizes, cytoplasmic components, and fates. Mutations in the par-1 gene disrupt this asymmetry. We report here that par-1 encodes a putative Ser/Thr kinase with similarity to kinases from yeasts and mammals. Two strong alleles have mutations in the kinase domain, suggesting that kinase activity is essential for par-1 function. PAR-1 protein is localized to the posterior periphery of the zygote and is distributed in a polar fashion preceding the asymmetric divisions of the germline lineage. Because PAR-1 distribution in the germline correlates with the distribution of germline-specific P granules, it is possible that PAR-1 functions in germline development as well as in establishing embryonic polarity.

[Detection of c-myc translocation in human lung cancer cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)]

c-myc gene amplification has been found in lung cancer, however, it can not explain all cases of lung cancer with c-myc gene overexpression. Gene translocation is one of the ways by which oncogene is activated. But the old methods for detecting gene mutations are not so effective for the detection of gene translocation, especially in solid tumors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to detect gene translocation more efficiently. Using FISH, we discovered c-myc gene translocation in a lung adenocarcinoma cell line GLC-82 and SV40T-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells. In GLC-82, c-myc gene translocated to the short arm of a C group marker chromosome. In the SV40T-transformed epithelial cells, c-myc gene translocated to 14q32, which was the same as that found in Burkitt's lymphomas. Translocation was related to oncogene activation. c-myc translocation may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of lung cancer.

High frequency energy absorption and the measurement of limb muscle

High frequency energy absorption (HFEA) is being developed as a portable, inexpensive, non-invasive procedure for the measurement of muscle mass within cross-sections of limbs. The instrument consists of a flexible coil 2.5 cm wide of which the length can be adjusted over a 10 cm range. A series of coils of different lengths has been constructed that are jointly suitable for limbs with circumferences ranging from 20 to 75 cm. To measure HFEA, a coil of appropriate length is attached to a 9v battery that, through an oscillator, produces a frequency varying from 15 MHz (longest coil) to 40 MHz (shortest coil). Zero readings, with the coil set at the same circumference as the limb, are obtained before and after HFEA is measured and they are used to adjust the observed values. HFEA, in theory, is related to the number of electrolytes deep to the coil and almost all these electrolytes are in muscle. Good precision has been demonstrated and the instrument has been successfully validated against saline solutions. A previous model was validated against magnetic resonance images with good results (r2 about 0.8). Further validation of the present model against magnetic resonance images is almost complete; these findings are presented.

Fat-free mass from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and from other procedures

Fat-free mass (FFM) values were obtained for 99 males and 114 females (8-68 years) who are participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study. These participants were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and by densitometry using (i) a multi-component model including measures of total body water (TBW) and total body mineral (Fels), (ii) a model with age- and sex-specific values for the density of FFM (Lohman), and (iii), a 2-component model (Siri). In males <25 years, the mean DEXA and Siri values were similar, but both were significantly smaller than the Lohman and Fels means. In females <25years, the mean DEXA values are smaller than those from the other methods. In men aged 25-54 years, the mean DEXA and Fels means showed good correspondence, but the Lohman and Siri means were significantly smaller. In women aged 25-54 years, the DEXA means were considerably smaller than those from the Siri, Lohman and Fels models. At ages >54 years, the findings are tentative because of the small sample sizes but they indicate that the DEXA and Fels means are similar in men and that both are larger than the Lohman and Siri means. In women aged >54 years, the DEXA, Siri and Lohman means are similar, but they are smaller than the Fels means. In another overlapping group (50 men; 78 women; 18-67 years), FFM was obtained from TBW and from the Siri method. The technical errors for TBW-Siri comparisons were 1.7 kg (men) and 1.8 kg (women) with large coefficients of reliability (87%, men; 90% women). It was concluded that DEXA estimates of FFM are not interchangeable with those from the other methods tested. These findings are relevant to the selection of methods for the measurement of body composition and the interpretation of the literature.

[Modifications of gene expression by tumor promoters]

The modifications of gene expression by tumor promoters were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. The results of slot blot hybridizations showed that tumor promoter TPA induced c-fos and c-myc expressions in mouse fibroblast cell line BALB/3T3 and rat liver, decreased the levels of Rb RNA in BALB/3T3 cell line and of alpha 1-I3 RNA in rat liver. It was also demonstrated that tumor promoter phenobarbital influenced c-fos and c-myc expressions and decreased alpha 1I3 mRNA level in rat liver during a long term experiment. Phenobarbital was found to have no effect on c-fos and c-myc expressions in rat liver during a short experiment. Tumor promoters induced the expressions of c-fos and c-myc which were positively-related to cancer formation and inhibited the expressions of Rb and alpha 1-I3 which were negatively-related to cancer formation. This implied that tumor promotion played an important role in cancer development and tumor promoters exerted their effects selectively according to the attributes of different genes.

Body composition in white adults by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, densitometry, and total body water

Percent body fat (%BF) and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined in 151 adults from the Fels Longitudinal Study by total body scans with a Lunar DPX (DXA), by underwater weighing and residual lung volume with a two-compartment model using body density (Dens), and total body water (TBW) using deuterium dilution. For the DPX, the medium scan mode ensures precision up to 100 kg body wt and for a ratio of weight to stature < or = 0.7214. Because of these specifications, 15% (n = 23) of the original sample of 151 were excluded. Results for 78 women and 50 men are presented. %BFTBW was significantly (P < 0.05) less than %BFDens in women (mean difference 2.7 +/- 4.2%) and %BFDXA in men (mean difference 2.2 +/- 4.3%). No other significant intermethod differences were observed for %BF and FFM estimates. Pairwise regressions showed the lowest SEEs for %BFDens regressed vs %BFDXA (2.3% for men, 3.2% for women) and for FFMDens vs FFMDXA (2.2 kg for men, 1.9 kg for women). For each sex, reliability analyses and limits of agreement for body composition estimates showed less agreement between TBW and either Dens and DXA than between Dens and DXA.

Genetic analysis of patterns of growth in infant recumbent length

A genetic basis to growth and development has been demonstrated in many heritability studies of anthropometrics. Although such measures describe the extent of growth at particular times, they do not fully address the process of growth. We applied a three-parameter curve-fitting function to serial measures of recumbent length from 569 infants (birth to 2 years of age) in 188 families enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study. This yielded three growth pattern parameters that represented estimated recumbent length at birth (parameter 1), rate of growth (parameter 2), and intrinsic rate of change in growth (parameter 3). The growth pattern parameter estimates for each individual were examined in a series of genetic analyses using a maximum-likelihood method for pedigree data. Significant heritabilities were found for all three growth pattern parameters: parameter 1, h2 = 0.83 +/- 0.12; parameter 2, h2 = 0.67 +/- 0.18; and parameter 3, h2 = 0.78 +/- 0.17. In addition, genotype by sex interaction was indicated for growth pattern parameters 2 and 3, suggesting that the genes influencing rate of growth and intrinsic rate of change in growth are themselves influenced by the sex of the individual.

Duane's retraction syndrome

Duane's retraction syndrome (DRS) has been a recognized clinical entity for nearly a century. It is a clinically well described ocular disorder consisting of retraction of the globe with narrowing of the lid fissure in attempted adduction, frequent abduction deficiency with variable limitation to adduction, and upshoot and/or downshoot of the affected eye on adduction. Among strabismus patients the incidence of DRS is probably not more than 5%. Most cases are sporadic, but familial cases have been estimated at 10% by most authors. Numerous theories concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of DRS have been proposed, including agenesis of the abducens nucleus, but the majority of investigators concur that the characteristic findings are best explained by a paradoxical innervation of the lateral rectus muscle, which subsequently causes a cocontraction of the horizontal rectus muscles. The frequent association of DRS with other congenital anomalies suggests a teratogenic event occurring between the fourth to eighth week of gestation as an etiological factor. In this review historical aspects and theories of the syndrome are studied and statistical data are compiled and analyzed. Clinical features, differential diagnoses and variants of the syndrome are examined. Testing and treatment objectives are discussed.

Serial analysis of plasma lipids and lipoproteins from individuals 9-21 y of age

Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density- (LDL-C) and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were recorded annually from 9 to 21 y of age to study tracking and predictive values for adulthood lipid concentrations associated with cardiovascular disease. The tracking coefficients for TC and LDL-C were congruent to 0.7 for 4-, 6-, and 12-y intervals, indicating good predictive value at ages 9-11 y for risk of elevated concentrations at ages 19-21 y. Tracking of HDL-C was less marked but the patterns were similar. The risk ratios for high concentrations at 19-21 y were 3.8 for TC, 2.6 for LDL-C, and 4 for HDL-C for 9-y-olds with values of 5.17 mmol/L for TC, 3.36 mmol/L for LDL-C, and 0.90 mmol/L for HDL-C, relative to 9-y-olds with values of 4.65 mmol/L for TC, 2.84 mmol/L for LDL-C, and 1.29 mmol/L for HDL-C.

Study on gene diagnosis of haemophilia A

We have successfully diagnosed 24 individuals of 5 haemophilia A pedigrees with RFLP linkage analysis and gene amplification in vitro (PCR) technique. Detecting with the I14-E18, we found the carriers of family A and B were not heterozygotes of Bcl I RFLP. They were homozygotes of 3.0 kb/3.0 kb and 2.3 kb/2.3 kb respectively, while the carriers of family C and D were heterozygotes of 3.0 kb/2.3 kb and 3.3 kb/2.3 kb respectively. So it could be made gene diagnosis with Bcl I RFLP in family C and D. In family D, pathologic gene was linked to 3.3 kb band. We have exactly made gene diagnosis to family A and B with RFLP linkage analysis after PCR. Our results showed that the carriers of family A and B all were heterozygotes of 142 bp/99 bp, In family A and B, pathologic FVIII gene was linked to 142 bp fragment. With Bgl II/DX13, we made a RFLP linkage analysis of haemophilia A fetus at the early pregnant period, whose mother was heterozygote of 5.8 kb/2.8 kb, and the fetus was hemizygote of 2.8 kb/-. So it was very clear that the fetus was patient of haemophilia A. We suggested that the pregnant woman to induce abortion to prevent a sick baby from being born.

[Preliminary investigation on the epidemiology of migraine in China]

The prevalence of migraine was investigated in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions (except Taiwan) of the People's Republic of China. Random sampling from provincial capitals and from rural areas according to demonstration were used. Among a total screened population of 3,837,597 persons, there were 37,808 cases of migraine. The morbidity and the annual incidence rate were 985.2/100,000 and 79.7/100,000, respectively. The male/female ratio was 1:4. Inland plateaus were higher morbidity areas (more than 1,500/100,000) and coastal provinces and cities were lower morbidity areas (less than 400/100,000). The incidence rate was higher in spring in the south, while it was higher in summer in the north. The incidence rate was higher in hot and damp climate. The morbidity under 14 years old in China was significantly lower than those in overseas reports.

Growth comparison of breast-fed and formula-fed infants

Growth during infancy was analyzed using data from a study in which groups of infants were fed breast-milk or one of three formulas: Good Start, Isomil, or Similac. After adjustments for size at birth and parental stature, growth was within the normal range for all feeding groups and there were few significant differences in growth between those fed different formulas. There was, however, some evidence that Similac was associated with larger gains in weight and that those fed breast-milk or Isomil had lower weights at ages older than two months. Additionally, at six months, recumbent length tended to be smaller in the Isomil group of boys and in both the Isomil and Similac groups of girls and larger in the Good Start groups of boys and girls.

Obesity in children and adolescents: development of predictive equations and their application to epidemiologic studies

Epidemiological studies of body fatness cannot be based on laboratory measures. One alternative is to analyze values related to body composition such as skinfold thicknesses, but it is better to apply an equation that accurately predicts a body composition variable. If an equation is to be developed, the choice of the dependent variable affects the selection of the independent variables to be tested for inclusion. The validation group should have a wide distribution of values for the dependent and independent variables. To develop an equation that works well on validation and with other groups, all possible sub-set regression should be applied, multicollinearity examined, and ridge and robust regression used if these are needed. An equation chosen from the literature should have been developed and tested by appropriate methods and it should be validated against data from a sub-group of the study sample.

Equations for predicting stature in white and black elderly individuals

In an anthropometric nutritional assessment, elderly individuals are frequently unable to assume the positions needed for many measurements. This is especially true for stature, which is affected by mobility and skeletal deformities, and as a result measurements may be unreliable and inaccurate. An alternative is to use a surrogate value of stature. We developed predictive equations using data from elderly subjects in Cycle I of the National Health Examination Survey (NHES). The developed equations were cross-validated using two separate independent and more contemporary samples of elderly White men and women. The possible predictor variables were knee height and buttocks-knee length in the men and knee height and age in the women. For both the men and the women, the majority of the variance in stature was accounted for by knee height. Selected equation models were cross-validated, and a single equation was recommended for each elderly group that included knee height rather than buttocks-knee length as predictor variables. This selection was based upon the performance of the equations, and also upon the practical ease of collecting the possible predictor variables. Included with the recommended equations are the RMSEs and the standard error for predicting stature for an individual (SEI). The successful application of the recommended equations with two recent sets of elderly persons indicates the current utility of the recommended equations in White elderly Americans.

The sit-up test: an alternate clinical test for evaluating pediatric torticollis

The sit-up test, a new evaluation method for differentiating between ocular and orthopaedic torticollis, was evaluated against the monocular occlusion test, using results of three-step testing for standardization. The study group consisted of 31 patients with torticollis between the ages of 4 and 12.5 years. Subjects were selected based only on their ability to cooperate with three-step testing. Three-step testing identified 27 of the 31 patients as having ocular torticollis, with the remaining 4 having an orthopaedic etiology. Sit-up testing correctly identified all 27 ocular torticollis patients, with no false positives or false negatives. Monocular occlusion testing detected at best 22 (81.4%) of the ocular torticollis patients, with no false positives.

Effects of dexamethasone on pulmonary function following extubation

Dexamethasone is often given to intubated neonates to facilitate successful extubation. To study the effects of dexamethasone on pulmonary function immediately following extubation, we conducted a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 51 infants. All infants had been intubated for a minimum of 3 days but no more than 30 days. Mean weight at extubation was 2.41 kg in treated infants, 2.25 kg in control infants. When infants were deemed ready for extubation, dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg/dose or an equal volume of normal saline was given in three doses 8 hours apart. The final dose was given 1 hour before extubation. Esophageal pressure, air flow integrated to tidal volume (Vt), respiratory rate, and heart rate were measured before extubation, immediately following extubation, and every 20 minutes for 80 minutes. Total pulmonary resistance (RTP), dynamic lung compliance (CL), and minute ventilation (VE) were calculated. Forty-two infants completed the study; 19 infants received dexamethasone and 23 received placebo. There was no difference between the two groups in gestational age, weight at study, or length of intubation. Vt, RTP, VE, and CL were not significantly different between the two groups over time; however, RTP increased over time in the placebo group. Heart rate was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group. We conclude that dexamethasone appears to have limited effect on pulmonary function immediately following extubation in the population studied. Further studies should evaluate the drug effect beginning at least 1 hour after extubation.

[The effects of dachengqi decoction, shaogan decoction, emodin and sennoside on the histamine level of intestinal mucosa in intestinally obstructed rats]

The experimental intestinal obstruction model was made by partly ligating the ileum in rat. The histamine levels of obstruction groups (8.14 +/- 2.28 micrograms/g) were obviously lower than those of control groups (P < 0.01). After administration of Dachengqi decoction, Shaogan decoction, emodin and sennoside, the levels of histamine were significantly higher than those of obstruction groups, but there were no significant differences as compared with control groups.

[Modification and expression of insecticidal protein structural gene of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai 7-29]

The regulative region (181bp) and the fifth toxic active domain (217bp) were removed from the insecticidal protein gene of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai 7-29. After the synthesis of the adaptor (15bp) that contains initiation codon (ATG) and the PCR synthesis of the fifth toxic active domain (229bp) that contains stop codon (TAA), were inserted into on 5' truncated and 3' truncated of the coding fod N-terminal peptid's DNA fragment, that to become a modified structural gene. The modified structural gene can be play initiatic translation-function and stop translation-function during translation of insecticidal protein. The insecticidal protein was determined by western blotting, showed the expression of modified structural gene in Escherichia coli JM 103. The bioassay of insecticidal proteins showed the 3' truncated and 5' truncated of insecticidal gene was higher toxic active than the 3' truncated of insecticidal gene in Escherichia coli JM 103.

Serial changes in blood pressure from adolescence into adulthood

High blood pressure is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease outcomes in adulthood. Furthermore, numerous longitudinal studies of blood pressure in childhood with length of follow-up from 1 to 17 years indicate that blood pressure levels track over the short term. This study addresses the question of the predictive value of childhood blood pressure readings for adult levels, using repeated blood pressure determinations from a sample of 501 participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study, an ongoing cohort study in southwestern Ohio that began in 1929. A damped autoregressive model indicated tracking correlations from 0.39 (4-year intervals) to 0.24 (20 years) for systolic pressure and 0.37 (4 years) to 0.20 (20 years) for diastolic pressure. These results indicate that tracking of blood pressure persists from age 13 years to age 40 years, which translates into moderate levels of relative risk for adult hypertension (diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg) for adolescents with high normal blood pressure. The estimated relative risks of hypertension at age 35 for white 15-year-olds with a true mean diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg were 1.9 for males and 2.6 for females, relative to 15-year-olds with a true diastolic pressure of 60 mmHg.

[The relation between the seed germination and seedling development of Bletilla striata and Mycena osmundicola etc. fungi]

This paper reports the effects of Mycena osmundicola etc. fungi on the seed germination and seedling growth of Bletilla striata. The results showed that B. striata seeds are easily germinated under normal conditions and belong to a special type among Orchidaceae. Fungi promote cotyledon differentiation and growth, as well as rhizoid formation of B. striata protocorms after seeds are sown with fungi. A liquid extract mixture enhanced the percentage of seed germination, and carbinol extract notably accelerated differentiation and growth of the protocorm's cotyledon after seeds were incubated with the liquid extract of Mycena osmundicola-culture products.

[Determination of sugar components in wild and cultured sclerotia of Grifola umbellata (pers. ex Fr.) Pilat at different ages]

Our determination indicates that in both wild and cultured sclerotia of Grifola umbellata the contents of reducing sugar decrease with the growing years; the contents of Polysaccharide peak in the second year of growth; the contents of protein increase with the growing years; the contents of fat reaches maximum in the first year of growth; in cultured sclerotia ergosterol becomes highest in contents when the plant is two years old, while in wild sclerotia it remains lowest.

Simplified limbal incision for extraocular rectus muscle surgery

We describe a limbal incision for extraocular muscle surgery which involves only one incision to the conjunctival-Tenon's layer instead of the three separate incisions required in the standard limbal approach. Based on the 316 extraocular muscle operations in which we have used this one-snip procedure, we conclude that it is simpler and faster than the standard limbal incision, and that it provides good surgical exposure and probably less tissue damage.

Analgesia produced by pituitary ACTH and dopaminergic transmission in the arcuate

Analgesia (NAA) caused by nonacupuncture point (abdominal muscle) stimulation after lesioning the analgesia inhibitory system (AIS) or treating the subject with proglumide was abolished by hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy. The final sector of the NAA afferent pathway from the nonacupuncture point to the pituitary gland and the initial sector of the descending pain inhibitory system were found in the anterior and posterior arcuate nucleus (A-HARN and P-HARN), respectively. Analgesia caused by ACTH microinjected into the P-HARN disappeared after denervation of the A-HARN, but that caused by dopamine did not. Firing rates of P-HARN neurons were increased by nonacupuncture point simulation (NAPS) after lesion of the AIS or treatment with proglumide. The NAPS responsive neurons also responded to ultramicroinjected dopamine, but not to ultramicroinjected ACTH. Both NAA and NAPS responsive neuron activity that were abolished by hypophysectomy were restored by concurrent application of NAPS and intraperitoneal ACTH. Reduction of sodium ions due to adrenalectomy was found to abolish NAA. It was concluded that NAA production involves dopaminergic transmission in the HARN and ACTH acting presynaptically on this transmission.

[Studies on the effects of fungi on the course of seed germination of Dendrobium lohohens and Dendrobium candidum]

This paper reports the results of studies on the effects of fungi isolated from the protocorms of Orchidaceae on the course of seed germination of D. lohohens and D. candidum. The experiments revealed that these fungi could promote seed germination: the seed germination rate of D. lohohens was 20%, that of D. candidum was 64%, and that of control was zero. The changes of cell ultrastructure in the course of fungus-infected seed germination of D. candidum was also studied. After hyphae of M. osmundicola penetrate the embryo from the suspensor, organelles of embryonic cells infected with fungi will disappear. When the hyphae wall is thickened and enclosed by the embryo's, the hyphae will be digested and used as the source of nutrition for seed germination. Also, the metabolism of cells without infection, but adjacent to those cells penetrated by hyphae is enhanced.

[Da cheng qi tang on 45Ca content of the isolated colon smooth muscle from experimental colon obstruction rats]

Da Cheng Qi Tang (DCQT) is a classical prescription of Chinese medicine for treatment of acute intestinal obstruction. In this paper, the isolated colon smooth muscle from normal and experimental colon obstruction (CO) rats were used to study the effect of DCQT on 45Ca content. The results showed that the 45Ca content on isolated colon smooth muscle (microns/g wet tissue, mean +/- S) was 0.043 +/- 0.009 in the normal and 0.057 +/- 0.012 in those treated by DCQT respectively. The content of 45Ca in CO was higher than the normal, DCQT can reduce the content of 45Ca in CO. It is known that the higher level of intracellular CA++ is related to the formation and the development of acute intestinal obstruction. The inhibitory effect of DCQT on 45Ca content may play an important role in the treatment of acute colon obstruction.

[Effects of fungi and its liquid extract on seed germination of Dendrobium hancockii Rolf]

The experiment revealed that several species of fungi isolated from the protocorms of Orchidaceae notable promote the seed germination of Dendrobium hancockii. The seed germination rate amounts to over 20% when the seeds are incubated with fungi, but zero without incubation. Seed germination rate ranges from 40 to 70% when the incubation is affected in liquid extract of the cultural products of fungi, but the growth of protocorms and seedlings of Dendrobium hancockii is slower in liquid extract of fungi than on mycolia.

Preferred postoperative alignment after congenital esotropia surgery

A total of 117 patients with congenital esotropia who underwent muscle surgery were included in our study and were followed for a minimum of three years. Only those patients who were orthotropic or were within +/- 10 prism diopters (PD) of orthotropia six months postoperatively were included. Of the 117 patients, 101 patients (86%) remained orthotropic or within +/- 10 PD of orthotropia three years postoperatively, but 13 patients (11%) developed consecutive exotropia (greater than 10 PD). Five years after surgery, 17 of 68 patients (25%) had consecutive exotropia (greater than 10 PD). Our study demonstrates that despite satisfactory postoperative alignment, there is a steady progression towards exotropic drift over long-term follow-up. Our study also suggests that a preferred alignment shortly after congenital esotropia surgery is within 10 PD of esotropia since all of the patients who had consecutive exotropia (greater than 10 PD) were either orthotropic or exotropic (less than or equal to 10 PD) six months after surgery.