Reproductive Cost Associated With Juvenile Hormone in Bt-Resistant Strains of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops are increasingly significant in pest control, but resistance development of target pests is a major issue in the sustainable deployment of Bt crops. The fitness cost of resistance in target pests is regarded as one of the main factors delaying resistance when adopting the refuge strategy. In this study, we compared the life-history traits of three independent sets of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1809) adults, of each there were a susceptible population and a Cry1Ac-resistant population derived by selection from it. Confirming to the previous studies, resistant individuals exhibited fewer progeny, less fecundity, lower egg hatching rate, and longer adult longevity. And poor fecundity in resistant strains was associated with the decline of the mature follicular amount, the ovarian weight ratio, and the length of the longest ovarian tubule. Interestingly, the juvenile hormone (JH) level appeared higher in resistant strains relative to susceptible strains. Application of methoprene (JH analogue) in vivo was effective in reducing fecundity and hatchability with the up-regulation of detected JH titer. These results suggested that resistance against Bt toxin reduced the reproductive capacity of H. armigera, and JH level is affected in the tradeoff between reproductive capacity and Bt resistance.

[A survey of correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and dyslipidemia rlsk among middle-aged individuals in Beijing]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate vitamin D status in middle-aged subjects in Beijing and explore the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels and dyslipidemia.

METHODS

A total of 448 individuals over 40 years old were enrolled in the cross-sectional survey. The general information, blood biochemical and lipid profiles and serum 25(OH)D levels were collected. The subjects were either divided into two groups (the dyslipidemia group and the non-dyslipidemia group) based on the lipid levels, or four groups according to quartiles of 25(OH)D levels. The association between 25(OH)D levels and dyslipidemia risk was analyzed by a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 234 cases were in dyslipidemia group, which accounted for 52.23% of the subjects. The serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the dyslipidemia group than in the non-dyslipidemia group both in men and in women (all P<0.05). The median serum 25(OH)D level in the total subjects was 15.7 (12.2, 20.1)μg/L with 91.1% subjects of serum 25(OH)D level<30 μg/L. The proportion of subjects with dyslipidemia (high TC, high TG, high LDL-C, or low HDL-C) increased with the decrease of 25(OH)D level quartiles (P<0.05). After adjustment of confounding factors, the logistic regression analysis showed that subjects in the lowest 25(OH) D quartile group had 143% higher risks for dyslipidemia than those in the highest quartile group.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that 25(OH)D insufficiency is highly prevalent among middle-aged individuals and it may be associated with the risk of dyslipidemia.

In VitroandIn VivoReversal of Cancer Cell Multidrug Resistance by 2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'- dimethylchalcone

2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC) isolated from the buds of Cleistocalyx operculatus, was investigated for its reversal effects on cancer cell multidrug resistance. DMC potentiated the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin to drug-resistant KB-A1 cells. When 5 microM DMC was present simultaneously with doxorubicin, the IC50 of DOX on KB-A1 cells decreased from 13.9 +/- 0.7 microg/ml to 3.6 +/- 0.7 microg/ml. A human carcinoma xenograft model was established with the KB-A1 cell line. DMC could sensitize the tumors to doxorubicin as indicated by a considerable reduction in tumor weight. DMC increased the intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin in KB-A1 cells. When KB-A1 cells were exposed to 10 microg/ml doxorubicin combined with 5, 10, 20 microM DMC for 4 hours, the intracellular concentrations of doxorubicin were increased 1.4-, 1.8-, 3.1-fold, respectively, in comparison with doxorubicin alone treatment. All results indicated that DMC had reversal effects on the multidrug resistance phenotype.

A dominant point mutation in a RINGv E3 ubiquitin ligase homoeologous gene leads to cleistogamy in Brassica napus

In the allopolyploid Brassica napus, we obtained a petal-closed flower mutation by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis. Here, we report cloning and characterization of the Bn-CLG1A (CLG for cleistogamy) gene and the Bn-clg1A-1D mutant allele responsible for the cleistogamy phenotype. Bn-CLG1A encodes a RINGv E3 ubiquitin ligase that is highly conserved across eukaryotes. In the Bn-clg1A-1D mutant allele, a C-to-T transition converts a Pro at position 325 to a Leu (P325L), causing a dominant mutation leading to cleistogamy. B. napus and Arabidopsis thaliana plants transformed with a Bn-clg1A-1D allele show cleistogamous flowers, and characterization of these flowers suggests that the Bn-clg1A-1D mutation causes a pronounced negative regulation of cutin biosynthesis or loading and affects elongation or differentiation of petal and sepal cells. This results in an inhibition or a delay of petal development, leading to folded petals. A homoeologous gene (Bn-CLG1C), which shows 99.5% amino acid identity and is also constitutively and equally expressed to the wild-type Bn-CLG1A gene, was also identified. We showed that P325L is not a loss-of-function mutation and did not affect expression of Bn-clg1A-1D or Bn-CLG1C. Our findings suggest that P325L is a gain-of-function semidominant mutation, which led to either hyper- or neofunctionalization of a redundant homoeologous gene.

Tunable dual-band perfect absorbers based on extraordinary optical transmission and Fabry-Perot cavity resonance

Magnetic resonance is considered to be a necessary condition for metamaterial perfect absorbers, and dual-band absorbers can be composed of a pair of metallic layers with anti-parallel surface currents. We designed and fabricated a tunable dual-band perfect absorber based on extraordinary-optical-transmission (EOT) effect and Fabry-Perot cavity resonance. The idea and the mechanism are completely different from the absorber based on the near-field interaction. The important advantage of our structure is that we can switch a single-band absorber to a dual-band absorber by changing the distance between two metallic layers and/or incident angle. The peak originating from the EOT effect becomes significantly narrower, resulting in an increase of the Q-factor from 16.88 to 49. The dual-band absorber can be optimized to be insensitive to the polarization of the incident electromagnetic wave by slightly modifying the absorber structure.

A molecular approach to unraveling the genetics of sugarcane, a complex polyploid of the Andropogoneae tribe

Modern sugarcane varieties are complex aneuploids and typically have chromosome numbers in the 100-125 range with about 5-10% of them contributed by wild relatives, mainly Saccharum spontaneum, and the rest by S. officinarum. This particular genomic constitution was found favorable for mapping the S. spontaneum genome, using maize as a diploid reference for comparison. We conducted an analysis of 32 individuals derived from the selfing of variety SP 701006 using four isozymes and 53 maize probes which covered the whole maize genome. A total of 348 segregating bands were generated. Highly significant cosegregations enabled us to place 94 markers into 25 cosegregation groups. Eighteen of these groups involved S. spontaneum specific markers and might therefore mark S. spontaneum chromosomes in segregation. On the basis of probes in common, the 25 cosegregation groups could be assembled into eight tentative linkage groups, of which seven describe S. spontaneum chromosomes. A large degree of synteny between sugarcane and maize could be inferred, with a much lower rate of recombination in sugarcane.

Molecular mapping of wheat. Homoeologous group 3

A prerequisite for molecular level genetic studies and breeding in wheat is a molecular marker map detailing its similarities with those of other grass species in the Gramineae family. We have constructed restriction fragment length polymorphism maps of the A-, B-, and D-genome chromosomes of homoeologous group 3 of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) using 114 F7-8 lines from a synthetic x bread wheat cross. The map consists of 58 markers spanning 230 cM on chromosome 3A, 62 markers spanning 260 cM on 3B, and 40 markers spanning 171 cM on 3D. Thirteen libraries of genomic or cDNA clones from wheat, barley, and T. tauschii, the wheat D genome donor, are represented, facilitating the alignment and comparison of these maps with maps of other grass species. Twenty-four clones reveal homoeoloci on two of the three genomes and the associated linkages are largely comparable across genomes. A consensus sequence of orthologous loci in grass species genomes is assembled from this map and from existing maps of the chromosome-3 homoeologs in barley (Hordeum spp.), T. tauschii, and rice (Oryza spp.). It illustrates the close homoeology among the four species and the partial homoeology of wheat chromosome 3 with oat (Avena spp.) chromosome C. Two orthologous red grain color genes, R3 and R1, are mapped on chromosome arms 3BL and 3DL.

Molecular mapping of wheat. Homoeologous group 2

A molecular-marker map of bread wheat having many markers in common with other grasses in the Gramineae family is a prerequisite for molecular level genetic studies and breeding in this crop species. We have constructed restriction fragment length polymorphism maps of the A-, B-, and D-genome chromosomes of homoeologous group 2 of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) using 114 F7 lines from a synthetic x bread wheat cross and clones from 11 libraries. Chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 2D comprise 57, 60, and 56 markers and each spans about 200 cM. Comparisons between chromosomes are facilitated by 26 sets of homoeoloci. Genes mapped include a heterologous abscisic acid responsive locus cloned as pBS128, the epidermal waxiness inhibitor W21, and two presumed leaf rust and stem rust resistance genes. Anomalies suggesting ancestral rearrangements in chromosome 2B are pointed out and features of wheat group 2 chromosomes that are common to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rice (Oryza spp.), and T. tauschii are discussed.

Molecular genetic maps of the group 6 chromosomes of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.)

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) maps of chromosomes 6A, 6B, and 6D of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) have been produced. They were constructed using a population of F7-8 recombinant inbred lines derived from a synthetic wheat x bread wheat cross. The maps consist of 74 markers assigned to map positions at a LOD >= 3 (29 markers assigned to 6A, 24 to 6B, and 21 to 6D) and 2 markers assigned to 6D ordered at a LOD of 2.7. Another 78 markers were assigned to intervals on the maps. The maps of 6A, 6B, and 6D span 178, 132, and 206 cM, respectively. Twenty-one clones detected orthologous loci in two homoeologues and 3 detected an orthologous locus in each chromosome. Orthologous loci are located at intervals of from 1.5 to 26 cM throughout 70% of the length of the linkage maps. Within this portion of the maps, colinearity (homosequentiality) among the three homoeologues is strongly indicated. The remainder of the linkage maps consists of three segments ranging in length from 47 to 60 cM. Colinearity among these chromosomes and other Triticeae homoeologous group 6 chromosomes is indicated and a consensus RFLP map derived from maps of the homoeologous group 6 chromosomes of hexaploid wheat, tetraploid wheat, Triticum tauschii, and barley is presented. Key words : RFLP, wheat, linkage maps, molecular markers.

Investigation of the non-volatile resistance change in noncentrosymmetric compounds

Coexistence of polarization and resistance-switching characteristics in single compounds has been long inspired scientific and technological interests. Here, we report the non-volatile resistance change in noncentrosymmetric compounds investigated by using defect nanotechnology and contact engineering. Using a noncentrosymmetric material of ZnO as example, we first transformed ZnO into high resistance state. Then ZnO electrical polarization was probed and its domains polarized 180° along the [001]-axis with long-lasting memory effect (>25 hours). Based on our experimental observations, we have developed a vacancy-mediated pseudoferroelectricity model. Our first-principle calculations propose that vacancy defects initiate a spontaneous inverted domains nucleation at grain boundaries, and then they grow in the presence of an electrical field. The propagation of inverted domains follows the scanning tip motion under applied electrical field, leading to the growth of polarized domains over large areas.

Stability and Properties of Two-Dimensional Graphene Hydroxide

Systematic study of interaction between graphene and hydroxyls is carried out by first-principles calculations. Although single hydroxyl adsorbed on graphene presents magnetic properties, hydroxyls prefer to adsorb on graphene in pairs without magnetic properties. The formation energy of hydroxyl pairs with graphene is coverage-dependent, and the most stable structure is half-covered by hydroxyl pairs along zigzag chains with alternative sp2 and sp3 hybridization between carbon atoms. The bandgap of this structure is 0.97 eV in GW approximation, close to the bandgap of Si, and this structure is stable at room temperature. It is possible to build graphene-based electronic circuits from graphene hydroxide without the need for cutting or etching.

Bimetallic chips for a surface plasmon resonance instrument

In this work we have replaced a commonly used Au film with an Au/Ag bimetallic film working as the sensing chip in the commercial surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument, Biacore 3000. The bimetallic chip gives out sharper SPR dip than that by the chip made of an Au film. The applicability and stability of the bimetallic chip on the Biacore 3000 are tested by real-time monitoring of biological coupling processes between sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and anti-SMX, which is useful in rapid detection of contaminations in food products. The bimetallic chip performs stably in 6 times' usage and regeneration. Our experiment is helpful to push the bimetallic film into real applications in commercial SPR instruments.

Adsorption of an Mn atom on a ZnO sheet and nanotube: a density functional theory study

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory were performed to study the stable geometries, electronic structure and magnetic properties of the adsorption of a single Mn atom on a graphitic ZnO sheet and a (9, 0) single-wall ZnO nanotube. For the graphitic ZnO sheet, the Mn atom prefers to reside above the center of a hexagon (H site), with a relatively large binding energy of 1.24 eV. The H site is also the most stable site for adsorption of an Mn atom inside the ZnO nanotube, with a large binding energy of 1.47 eV. In both of these cases, the total magnetic moment is 5.0 μ(B) per Mn atom, which is the same as that of a free Mn atom. When the Mn atom is adsorbed outside the tube, the most energetically favorable site is the atop oxygen site. The magnetic moment is 3.19 μ(B) for this configuration. The smaller magnetic moment is mainly due to the strong p-d mixing of O and Mn orbitals. The different adsorption behaviors are related to the curvatures of the nanostructures.

Comparative flight performance of three important pest Adelphocoris species of Bt cotton in China

The massive adoption of Bt cotton throughout China has been accompanied by outbreaks of secondary pests such as Adelphocoris spp. (Heteroptera: Miridae). The Adelphocoris group primarily consists of three species: A. suturalis, A. fasciaticollis and A. lineolatus, which greatly differ in geographical distribution and seasonal dynamics. However, the underlying drivers of these differences remain to be understood. The study of flight behaviour of these three species can yield important insight into their spatial and temporal dynamics and help explain their distribution. We examined flight propensity of the three Adelphocoris spp. under a range of biological and environmental conditions using a computer-monitored flight-mill. Gender and mating status only had minor effects on flight performance in these species, while age exerted great effects on it. Flight capacity was low for one-day-old adults and increased with age until day 10-13, then gradually decreased afterwards. Temperature and relative humidity affected flight propensity, with 20-23 degrees C and 64-68% RH considered optimal for flight of all three species. Between-species comparisons indicated that A. suturalis and A. fasciaticollis had similar flight distance and duration, which were significantly greater than for A. lineolatus. Our findings provide crucial information for understanding geographical distribution and seasonal occurrence and for developing regional forecasting and pest management protocols for Adelphocoris species.

The Ti-B-N system: nanocomposite nc-TiN/a-(TiB2, BN) and nano-multilayer nc-TiN/a-TiBN thin films

The nanostructures and mechanical properties of nanocomposite nc-TiN/a-(TiB2, BN) and nanostructured multilayers nc-TiN/a-TiBN were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), microindentation, and stress measurements. It was found that the monolayer Ti-B-N thin films consisted of nanometer-sized crystalline (nc-) Ti(N, B) embedded into amorphous (a-) (TiB2, BN) matrix. When B content was below approximately 16 at.%, two different-sized nanocrystallites with mean grain sizes of approximately 3 and 9 nm respectively were embedded in a-TiB2. With increasing B incorporation (> approximately 27 at.%), more uniform nanograins was embedded a-(TiB2, BN). Incorporation of B not only decreased the size of nanocrystallites, but also gave rise to twinning deformation in nanocrystallites. A maximum hardness of approximately 44 GPa was achieved at B content of 19 at.%. It was also found that the nanostructure and mechanical behaviors of nc-TiN/a-TiBN multilayers was dependent on the modulation length (bilayer thickness A). Decrease of Lambda made the preferred orientation of nc-TiN gradually transform from (200) to (111). A maximum hardness of approximately 30 GPa was achieved at Lambda = 1.8 nm. Deflection from this Lambda value decreased hardness. By contrast, the residual compressive stress value monotonically increased with decrease of A. The enhancement of the hardness was due to the coherent stresses and the structural barriers to dislocation motion in the interface.

Magneto-optical enhancement through gyrotropic gratings

Diffracted magneto-optical (MO) effects are numerically investigated for one-dimensional lossy gyrotropic gratings in the zeroth and the first orders for the polar magnetization by utilizing the rigorous coupled-wave approach implemented as an Airy-like internal-reflection series. The simulated Kerr spectra agree well with the experimental ones. The dependence of the MO Kerr enhancement on the grating depth in the first-order diffraction, compared with that in the zeroth one, is illustrated, and the diffracted MO Faraday effect is theoretically investigated as well. Such a MO enhancement through the gyrotropic gratings is superior to the conventional MO devices and magneto-photonic crystals. The potential applications are also suggested.

Inhibitory effects of flavonoids from Hypericum perforatum on nitric oxide synthase

The inhibitory effects of six flavonoids from Hypericum perforatum were assessed spectrophotometrically using nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in blood and cerebral homogenate of rats. Of the assayed compounds, quercetin and hyperoside showed concentration-dependent enzyme inhibitory actions. The IC50 values of quercetin for inhibiting NOS in rat cerebral homogenate and blood were 63.06 and 57.54 microM, and those of hyperoside 56.23 and 158.49 microM, respectively. The competitive patterns were discerned with the inhibition of the two flavonoids on NOS in serum and cerebral homogenate (except a mixed type inhibition was observed with quercetin in inhibiting cerebral NOS). Furthermore, similar inhibitions were found for quercetin upon NOS in cerebral homogenate and blood. However, a stronger inhibitory effect of hyperoside on the enzyme was discerned in cerebrum than in blood. These results suggested that the galactose moiety in hyperoside may be associated with the selectivity of the NOS inhibition.

Twenty-year follow-up of the Carpentier-Edwards standard porcine bioprosthesis in the Oriental population

AIM

The 20-year period long-term results of porcine bioprosthetic valve use are limited. In addition, the majority of these reports come from Western countries. Given the scanty information reported in Oriental countries, this study was therefore designed to examine 20-year long-term results in patients who received a Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprosthetic valve in an effort to contribute further information on the long-term clinical performance of porcine prosthetic valves from a viewpoint of results in the Oriental population.

METHODS

From July 1979 to April 2001, 82 patients received valve replacement with a standard Carpentier-Edwards porcine valve. There were 40 men and 42 women with a mean age of 42.3+/-15.1 years (range 16 to 73 years). Follow-up time extended more than 20 years (mean 10.9+/-3.2 years, range 0.5 to 21.5 years ) for a total of 719.5 patient-years.

RESULTS

The overall operative mortality was 16.9% (14 of 83 procedures). At 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, the actuarial survival rate of patients was 71.7%, 66.9%, 55.5%, and 44.4%, respectively. Actuarial estimates of freedom from structural valvular deterioration (SVD) at 5, 10, 15, and 17 years were 96.3%, 64.0%, 24.3%, and 24.3%, respectively; from reoperation 96.3%, 64.5%, 24.5%, and 24.5%; from operated valvular endocarditis 96.8%, 92.6%, 92.6%, and 92.6%; and from overall thromboembolism 96.3%, 88.5%, 67.2%, and 52.2%. In normal sinus rhythm, actuarial estimates of freedom from thromboembolism at 5, 10, 15, and 17 years were 100.0%, 100.0%, 81.8%, and 81.8%, respectively. Whereas for those in patients with atrial fibrillation, the estimates of freedom from thromboembolism were 94.5%, 82.4%, 57.7%, and 38.5%.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the very satisfactory 20-year period long-term performance of freedom from bleeding events, thromboembolism (except in patients with atrial fibrillation), and valvular endocarditis in Oriental patients undergoing replacement with a porcine valve. However, the remarkable rate of SVD and reoperation ensued at 6 years after bioprosthesis implanted which does not differ from the series reported from Western countries.

Bioaccumulation of nickel from aqueous solutions by genetically engineered Escherichia coli

This study constructed a genetically engineered Escherichia coli JM109 which simultaneously expressed nickel transport system and metallothionein to remove and recover Ni(2+) from aqueous solution. Bioaccumulation process was rapid and followed linearized Langmuir isotherm. A more than six-fold increase of Ni(2+) binding capacity was obtained by genetically engineered E. coli cells compared with original host E. coli cells. A pH assay showed genetically engineered E. coli cells accumulated Ni(2+) effectively over a broad range of pH (4-10). The presence of 1000 mg/L Na(+) and Ca(2+), or 50mg/L Cd(2+) or Pb(2+) did not have a significant effect on Ni(2+) bioaccumulation, while Mg(2+), Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) posed a severe adverse influence on Ni(2+) uptake by genetically engineered E. coli. Furthermore, genetically engineered E. coli cells did not require extra nutrients for Ni(2+) bioaccumulation.

Cystic left atrium myxoma--a rare case report

Myxoma is the most common primary tumor of heart. The typical picture of myxoma under echocardiography is a solid, dense echo mass and left atrium is the most common site to find it. The cystic form of myxoma is vary rare. We report a patient who received echocardiographic examination under impression of mitral valve stenosis. A multilobulated cystic mass which was like a hydatid cyst was found in the left atrium and atrioventricular flow was affected by this mass. After tumor resection, myxoma with internal hemorrhage was proved by pathology. No further recurrent myxoma was found during follow-up echocardiographic examination.

A mixed-valence manganese(III)-manganese(IV) di-mu-oxo complex, [(cyclam)MnO]2(ClO4)2(NO3)

The title dinuclear di-mu-oxo-bis[(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-kappa(4)N)manganese(III,IV)] diperchlorate nitrate complex, [Mn(2)O(2)(C(10)H(24)N(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2)(NO(3)) or [(cyclam)MnO](2)(ClO(4))(2)(NO(3)), was self-assembled by the reaction of Mn(2+) with 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane in aqueous media. The structure of this compound consists of a centrosymmetric binuclear [(cyclam)MnO](3+) unit, two perchlorate anions and one nitrate anion. While the low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectra show a typical 16-line signal for a di-mu-oxo Mn(III)/Mn(IV) dimer, the magnetic susceptibility studies also confirm a characteristic antiferromagnetic coupling between the electronic spins of the Mn(IV) and Mn(III) ions.

Atrioventricular block in Kearns-Sayre syndrome: a case report

The Kearns-Sayre (K-S) syndrome which includes the triad of progressive external ophthalmoplegia, pigment retinopathy, and disorder of cardiac conduction was first described in 1958. The mitochondria disorder is believed to be the cause of this syndrome. Involvement of the cardiac conduction system is the most importent prognostic factor in K-S syndrome. A 34-year-old male K-S syndrome patient, manifesting as ptosis and weakness of limbs since the age of 15 years, suffered from dizziness and weakness. Twelve-lead eletrocardiography (ECG) showed a 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block with slow ventricular rate. Intermittent complete AV block, complete left bundle branch block and torsades de pointes were noted in Holter ECG. The electrophysiology study demonstrated prolonged HV interval (85 ms) on conduction beat and infra-His block on non-conduction beat. A VVIR mode of permanent pacemaker was implanted and the patient's condition was stable during this period of follow-up.

[Extraction and analysis of profenofos residue in tomato and cabbage by gas chromatography-flame photometric detector]

A quick and effective extraction and clean-up method of profenofos residue in tomato and cabbage is presented. Tomato and cabbage samples were homogenized with a mixture of acetone-hexane (1:1, V/V) using a mechanical homogenizer. The resultant homogenate was cleaned-up by adding active carbon and then filtered under reduced pressure. The filter cake was extracted twice with the same solvent mixture. The filtrates were combined and transferred into a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated and evaporated to dryness using a rotary evaporator. The residue was dissolved in 2 mL of acetone and transferred into a small glass vial and then determined by GC on a 5% OV-101 Chromosorb W-HP column with flame photometric detector. The results showed that this analytical method can be used for an accurate determination of profenofos residues in tomato and cabbage. The minimum detectable concentration of profenofos in samples was 0.06 mg/kg. The recoveries of profenofos in tomato and cabbage were in the range of 96.2%-105.9% and 94.7%-102.3%, respectively. The relative standard deviations were in the range of 3.7%-4.9% and 3.7%-5.0%, respectively. The tomato and cabbage samples were collected 3 weeks after applying profenofos in the field, and the contents of profenofos were determined. The average contents of profenofos in tomato and cabbage were (13.8 +/- 0.8) mg/kg and (14.4 +/- 0.7) mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides on bowel functions and indicators of nutritional status in constipated elderly men

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IO) on the bowel function and nutritional status of elderly men.

METHODS

Seven older male subjects participated in this study that consisted of a 30-day control low fiber period followed by a 30-day IO-supplemented (10 g active components) experimental period. Bowel functions such as defecation, enema use and bloating were monitored daily. Fecal characteristics such as wet and dry stool weights, stool moisture, pH and short-chain fatty acid contents were determined on five-day fecal composites collected in each period. Feces were further fractionated into plant, bacterial and soluble fractions to determine the bases for the increase in stool weight. Nutritional status of subjects was assessed with anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake and biochemical measurements.

RESULTS

Incorporation of IO significantly increased the defecation frequency, wet stool output and dry stool weight by twofold, 70% and 55%, respectively. Fecal acetate and propionate concentrations significantly increased by nearly two and a half fold with IO supplement. The increase in stool bulk was mainly attributed by increased bacterial mass. Mean serum sodium concentration decreased in the experimental period while other blood characteristics did not change significantly. Anthropometric parameters and nutrient intake remained constant throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of IO effectively improved bowel movement, stool output and microbial fermentation in the colon without any adverse effect observed in this study. Therefore, supplementation of IO into ordinary low fiber diets may be practical in relieving constipation in the elderly population.

The effect of fluvastatin on fibrinolytic factors in patients with hypercholesterolemia

Several studies have shown cardiovascular benefit in treating hypercholesterolemia with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. However, in addition to the lowering of cholesterol, the beneficial effects of this inhibitor reflect other pharmacological activities. Whether these beneficial effects are partly mediated by changes in fibrinolytic factors remains to be proven, since clinical studies on the effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on fibrinolytic factors have not yielded consistent results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fluvastatin on fibrinolytic factors in hypercholesterolemic patients. After 6 weeks on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, 23 outpatients known to have primary hypercholesterolemia with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > or = 130 mg/dl with at least 2 risk factors or fasting LDL-C > or = 160 mg/dl were selected for the study. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at 8 weeks after fluvastatin therapy (40 mg/day) to measure of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activators inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibrinogen, D-dimer and lipid profile. After 8 weeks of therapy, fluvastatin reduced serum cholesterol by 11% (261.9 mg/dl vs 233.2 mg/dl, P < 0.01) and LDL-C by 22% (191.9 mg/dl vs 149.3 mg/dl, P < 0.01). D-dimer was significantly decreased (0.38 ng/L vs 0.28 ng/L, P = 0.02) and tPA, PAI-1 and fibrinogen tended to decrease after therapy. Fluvastatin therapy improved fibrinolytic profile; the result of this study may in part explain the benefit of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor on cardiovascular system other than lipid lowering.