Protective effects of berberine and phentolamine on myocardial reoxygenation damage

The protective effects of berberine and phentolamine against anoxia and reoxygenation damage in isolated rat hearts have been investigated. Incorporation of berberine (24.5 mumol/L) in both anoxic and aerobic perfusion media resulted in a significant reduction of CPK release during the reoxygenation period, and the ultrastructural damage was reduced as compared with the control group; the myocytes in the berberine-treated group displayed mild intracellular edema, well-registered myofibrils without contracted bands, and swollen mitochondria with partially broken cristae but without dense bodies. Berberine did not inhibit calcium and sodium accumulation or magnesium and potassium loss. Treatment with phentolamine (6.6 mumol/L), an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, had similar effects, though the CPK release profile was shifted to the right and downwards. These results suggest that although berberine and phentolamine have some beneficial effects on myocardial reoxygenation injury, they may not abolish the injury. Therefore alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation may not be the major mechanism behind the injury.

[Digital image processing of radiography of 32 cases with mandible sarcomas]

The radiographys of 32 cases with mandible sarcoma were analysed with digital image processing. The processed image of fibrosarcoma showed many scattered fine grains after the X-ray film were edge detected. In the same processing, the image of chondrosarcoma showed many little rings or arc structures. For osteosarcoma, the processed image showed very irregular veins. These digital processing pictures can help us to differentiate mandible sarcomas.

Transrectal US in evaluation of patients after radical prostatectomy. Part I. Normal postoperative anatomy

The appearance of the prostatic fossa on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans obtained after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) was studied in 25 patients believed to have no tumor on the basis of their level of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (< or = 0.4 ng/mL). The profile of the vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) in the midsagittal plane was tapered in 13 patients (52%) and nontapered in 12 patients (48%). The nontapered profile was associated with incontinence in nine of 11 patients (82%) followed up for less than 12 months but in only four of 14 patients (28%) followed up beyond 1 year. In 20 patients (80%), a hypoechoic soft-tissue lesion (average volume, 1.7 cm3) was seen anterior to the VUA and indented the anterior bladder wall. The length of the urethral high-pressure zone increased with muscular contraction of the pelvic floor. Knowledge of the baseline anatomic structures depicted on TRUS scans obtained after RRP may be useful in selection of tissue for TRUS-guided needle biopsy in patients with elevated levels of PSA. The many post-surgical changes reduced the specificity of the TRUS findings.

Transrectal US in evaluation of patients after radical prostatectomy. Part II. Transrectal US and biopsy findings in the presence of residual and early recurrent prostatic cancer

The anatomic appearance of the prostatic fossa on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans obtained after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for carcinoma was studied in 16 patients in whom local recurrence was suspected on the basis of rising serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels above 0.4 ng/mL, negative pelvic computed tomographic scans, and negative bone scans. Findings in samples obtained with ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy were compared with those in samples obtained with digitally guided biopsy (DGB); each patient was his own control. When the postoperative anatomic appearance on TRUS scans was compared with that in patients without suspected recurrence of cancer, no significant difference was seen. Needle biopsy was positive for carcinoma in eight patients (50%): US-guided biopsy, in seven patients; DGB, in five patients; and both US-guided biopsy and DGB, in four patients. US-guided biopsy has limited usefulness over DGB in patients with rising PSA levels after RRP, but use of both DGB and US-guided biopsy may maximize sensitivity. The main value of TRUS may be in accurate positioning of the biopsy needle about the vesicourethral anastomosis.

Preoperative assessment of prostatic carcinoma by computerized tomography. Weaknesses and new perspectives

A retrospective study of five years' experience with fourth-generation computerized tomography (CT) scan was undertaken to assess the frequency of understaging in prostate cancer. A total of 160 patients with preoperative scans were surgically staged. In 10 patients, the operation was aborted after pelvic node dissection had revealed unsuspected metastatic involvement. Based on the histopathologic evidence of local tumor invasion, extension into seminal vesicles or pelvic lymph nodes, restaging was required in 78 percent of cases. Accuracy was 24 percent for capsular extension, 69 percent for seminal vesicle invasion, and 72 percent for lymphadenopathy. The poor yield of CT scan as a preoperative staging modality is demonstrated. Recent advances in the understanding and management of prostatic cancer require reassessing patient benefit and cost effectiveness of available imaging techniques, focusing on the problem of detecting nodal metastases, and predicting tumor spread to regional lymph nodes by accurately evaluating the primary neoplasm. We conclude that CT scan fails to demonstrate the required precision needed to evaluate local tumor spread; therefore, this goal must be pursued with newer imaging modalities.

[Comparison study on distribution of two types of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)]

IFAT-positive serum samples were typed by HI and divided into Appodemus-type (type A) and Rattus-type (type R). The results showed that in Pingdu and Jimo counties, the patients were mainly of type A, whereas in Junan and in Tengzhou counties, the patients were mainly of type R. The age distribution showed that 96.0% of the type A patients belonged to age groups between 15-54 years, and no patients were younger than 15 years, or older than 65 years. The age distribution in type R patients, however, showed 76.5% of them were 15-54 years of age. Male/Female ratio was 3.3:1 in type A patients and 1.5:1 in type R patients. 80% of the type A patients were farmers. There were more housewives, students and children in type R than in type A patients. Type A patients usually occurred during Oct. and Dec. with only one peak in type A patients and two peaks in type R patients.

Functional implication of disulfide bond, Cys250 -Cys283, in bovine chymosin

The reduction, carboxymethylation and mercuration of disulfide bond, Cys250-Cys283, located on the surface of bovine chymosin molecule resulted in the loss of about 25% of enzyme activity, suggesting that Cys250-Cys283 is not intimately involved in catalytic mechanism. Cys250 and Cys283 were substituted with Asp. and Ser. by site- directed mutagenesis of the structural gene coding for bovine prochymosin B. All three mutants (C250D/C283S, C250D, C283S) failed to be activated to chymosin in acid, indicating that Cys250-Cys283 might have some contribution to the correct refolding of the unfolded prochymosin.

Inhibitory actions of MCI-154 on guinea-pig femoral artery and vein preparations

In guinea-pig femoral artery and vein preparations, the effects of MCI-154 were investigated on: (1) membrane depolarizations produced by 29.6 mM [K+]0 (high-K) solution and noradrenaline (NA) and on e.j.p.s produced by perivascular nerve stimulation; (2) contractions produced by NA, high-K and perivascular nerve stimulation; and, (3) endothelium-dependent relaxation produced by acetylcholine (ACh). In both femoral artery and vein preparations, MCI-154 (up to 10(-5) M) did not change the resting membrane potential or the depolarization produced by high-K. In preparations of femoral vein but not femoral artery, MCI-154 reduced NA-induced depolarization. The contractions produced by NA and high-K were reduced by MCI-154, the former more than the latter. The actions of MCI-154 were more pronounced in the vein than in the artery. The excitatory junction potential and contractions produced by perivascular nerve stimulation in guinea-pig saphenous artery preparations were inhibited by MCI-154 (greater than 10(-7) M). ACh-induced relaxations of guinea-pig femoral artery preparations precontracted with high-K were not affected by MCI-154. It was concluded that MCI-154 is an antagonist at postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors, and, at high concentrations, inhibits voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells. These actions may contribute to the hypotensive effect of this drug.

Improvement of Longevity and Viability of Sperm Cells Isolated from Pollen of Zea mays L

Our previous studies showed that the common maize (Zea mays L.) sperm isolation medium (Brewbaker and Kwack salts in 0.44 m sucrose without buffering) caused cell lysis in vitro. In an attempt to remedy this situation, 6 sugars, 10 buffers, 5 pH values, and 3 membrane protective agents were screened to improve longevity and viability of isolated Zea mays sperm cells as estimated by hemacytometry and flow cytometry. Use of 0.55 m galactose in the isolation solution increased sperm yield by 2.5-fold compared with sucrose, and suspension of isolated sperm cells in the galactose solution gave the best longevity among the six sugars. Buffering the galactose solution with 2 mm 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid significantly improved longevity, whereas other buffers had no effect or decreased the longevity and/or viability. Among the five pH values tested (5.0, 6.0, 6.7, 7.0, and 8.0), pH 6.7 appeared to be optimal for maintenance of both longevity and viability. Screening of membrane protectants showed that cysteine caused a rapid decrease in cell viability and increased lysis, whereas dithiothreitol increased the cell numbers but lowered their viability. Addition of 0.1% bovine serum albumin increased cell numbers and viability, and about 70% of the cells remained viable after 72 h of suspension. Cell longevity and viability were also improved in 0.44 m sucrose when the solution was conditioned with 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and bovine serum albumin. Use of 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and bovine serum albumin inthe isolation and suspension medium significantly improved the viability and longevity of sperm cells isolated from Zea mays pollen.

Significance of the biopsy site of the latissimus dorsi muscle for fiber typing

The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle for cardiomyoplasty requires accurate assessment of the outcome of methods used to convert fast fibers to slow fibers. A knowledge of the normal distribution pattern of slow fibers within the latissimus dorsi is necessary for this endeavor. Fresh latissimus dorsi and teres major muscle tissues from seven pigs, one rabbit, two sheep, one monkey, and four dogs were studied with myosin adenosine triphosphatase staining. Fiber counts were made visually. With the exception of the rabbit, the distribution patterns were similar for all species: (1) intersegmentally--the number of slow fibers decreased steadily from the teres major to the anterior edge of the lateral segment; (2) intrasegmentally--slow fibers were more frequent in the deep layer than the superficial layer; and (3) intrasegmentally--the slow fibers tended to cluster in rosette formations around the neurovascular bundles. These patterns of distribution indicate the need for careful location of biopsies to ensure valid comparison of the amount of slow fibers in tissue before and after treatment.

Dextrorotatory opioids and phencyclidine exert anticonvulsant action in prepiriform cortex

We have investigated the ability of an array of putative noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists to suppress convulsions induced by a unilateral, focal injection of (-)-bicuculline methiodide (118 pmol) into the rat prepiriform cortex. The anticonvulsant potency of these compounds, (+)-5-methyl-10,11- dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate (MK-801) greater than dextrorphan greater than or equal to 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine hydrochloride (PCP) greater than dextromethorphan greater than (+)-pentazocine, upon microinjection into the prepiriform cortex, was highly correlated (r = 0.971; P less than 0.01) with their respective affinities for the [3H]dextrorphan-labelled NMDA receptors in rat forebrain membranes. These results suggest that noncompetitive antagonism of NMDA receptors underlies the anticonvulsant action of these compounds.

Flow Cytometric Characteristics of Sperm Cells Isolated from Pollen of Zea mays L

Sperm cells have been isolated from pollen of maize (Zea mays L.) and purified with Percoll density centrifugation. Their flow cytometric characteristics were determined on a FACScan flow cytometer with the fluorescent dyes, fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. Freshly isolated sperm cells appeared as a dot cluster on the forward scatter and side scatter dot plot. This dot cluster contained 85 to 95% of the 10 thousand counts collected. More than 98% of cells from the cluster were fluorescein diacetate positive, with no propidium iodide positivity, indicating high cell viability. After 5 hours in 15% (w/v) sucrose at room temperature (23 degrees C), scattering properties, cell number, and percentage of fluorescein diacetate-positive cells remained the same. In contrast, Brewbaker and Kwack salts in 15% sucrose resulted in the emergence of a new cell population, as well as a decrease in cell number at 5 hours. Further investigations with individual components of the Brewbaker and Kwack salts showed that calcium was mainly responsible for the deleterious effects. These results demonstrate the utility of flow cytometry as a tool to determine viability and to monitor morphological changes of plant sperm cells and to challenge current views on the ability of Brewbaker and Kwack salts to maintain viability of isolated sperm cells.

Small cell carcinoma of prostate: effectiveness of hormonal versus chemotherapy

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare and associated with a rapidly fatal course. Since 1977, 47 cases have been reported in the world literature with data from 3 additional cases presented herein. The purpose of our review was to determine the effectiveness of hormonal versus chemotherapy. Thirty-four of the 50 cases have known clinical histories. Four patients were not treated, and all were dead of their disease within an average of 2.75 months. Six patients were eliminated from our review because small cell carcinoma was discovered at autopsy. Another 5 cases were omitted because hormonal +/- chemotherapy had already been given for a previous diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, but no specific therapy was given once the small cell carcinoma developed. Of the remaining 19 cases, only 2 have survived. One is still alive forty-three months after hormonal treatment, and another is alive with disease six months after the initiation of hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. Five patients were given hormonal therapy only, and none of them responded. In 4 patients chemotherapy was given after hormonal therapy had failed, and they too died of their disease within a short period of time. However, an additional 8 patients were treated with immediate chemotherapy +/- hormonal therapy and had substantially longer clinical remissions. Therefore, although small cell carcinoma is a uniformly fatal disease, immediate chemotherapy should be considered to promote better clinical remissions.

Early detection of local disease progression from stage A1 prostate carcinoma by transrectal ultrasonography

Fifty-two patients with Stage A1 prostate cancer diagnosed by transurethral resection performed between 1975 and 1989 were re-examined by transrectal ultrasonography and ultrasonographically guided biopsies. Follow-up after the initial diagnosis ranged from 1 to 15 years (mean, 5.8 years). For eight patients, results of digital rectal examination were abnormal. For 44 patients, results were normal or indicated a low probability of cancer. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (4.6 to 14.6 ng/ml) were elevated in ten patients. Ultrasonography showed from one to three hypoechoic areas in 29 patients. Locally progressive disease, defined as moderately to poorly differentiated cancer, was detected in five (10%) patients, three of whom underwent radical prostatectomy. Histopathologic examination of the specimens revealed localized disease (no capsular invasion). The remaining two patients had radiation therapy. In three patients, results of digital rectal examination and the serum PSA level were normal, but focal, well-differentiated cancer, identical to that initially diagnosed, was detected after a follow-up of 5 to 10 years. Because the clinical significance of this finding is unknown, these three patients were not considered to have progressive disease and did not have additional treatment. Our data suggest that transrectal ultrasonography is valuable in early detection of local disease progression and should be used in the follow-up program for patients with Stage A1 prostate cancer.

Mechanism of the nephrogenic repair response. Studies on proliferation and vimentin expression after 35S-1,2-dichlorovinyl-L-cysteine nephrotoxicity in vivo and in cultured proximal tubule epithelial cells

Studies were performed in vivo using 35S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine, a nephrotoxin that damages the S3 segment of the proximal tubule after metabolism to a reactive intermediate. Initiation of damage (35S covalent binding) was complete by 6 hour, and an early proliferative response was observed by 24 hour in the S2 or S3C segments. Necrosis in the S3M and increased blood urea nitrogen were maximal at 48 hours and were accompanied by an increase in proliferation of cells at the wound site. Regeneration was marked by the appearance of vimentin expressing cells that lacked brush border enzymes. The loss of differentiated character in the regenerative epithelium persisted after the proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine incorporation) had stopped; redifferentiation occurred between days 5 and 13. Much of the process was reproduced by culturing rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells in defined medium. As growth increased, the cells expressed vimentin and lost brush border marker enzymes. However, as the cells reached high density and stopped dividing there was an increase in brush border markers, as was seen in vivo. Vimentin expression did not decrease, however. The data support a mechanism for damage and nephrogenic repair composed of 1) interaction of the toxin with the target cells, 2) necrosis and exfoliation, 3) loss of differentiation and cell growth, 4) recovery of the damaged area and cessation of cell growth, and 5) differentiation of the quiescent cells. Nephrogenic repair may have similarities with the differentiation of the tubular epithelium during development.

[Compatibility of Chinese drugs radix Aconiti carmichaeli with rhizoma Pinelliae]

To find out whether the Chinese drug Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli is compatible with another Chinese drug Rhizoma Pinelliae in preparation, the two medicinal herbs were made into different forms of decoctions. Experiments with these decoctions were carried out to observe the action on isolated hearts of toads and the ECG and acute toxicity on mice. The results showed that in terms of toxicity there was no marked increase in the mixed decoction as compared with the other two decoctions prepared from Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli and Rhizoma Pinelliae separately.

Transurethral balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra: effectiveness in highly selected patients with prostatism

Transurethral balloon dilatation of the prostate has been shown to be a safe and potentially effective alternative to surgery in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, with a 66% success rate in relatively unselected patients. This study hypothesized that more careful patient selection might result in a significantly better rate of improvement. Ninety-one subjects with symptoms and signs of prostatism attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia were studied. Group 1 comprised 42 patients with an initial mean symptom score of 16.8, residual urine of 249 ml, maximal flow rate of 7.9 ml/sec, and nomogram of maximal flow rate of -1.5. Group 2 comprised 49 less symptomatic patients with an initial mean symptom score of 14.5, residual urine of 105 ml, maximal flow rate of 10.7 ml/sec, and nomogram of maximal flow rate of -0.8. The difference in mean age and prostate size between groups was not statistically significant, but differences in baseline symptom score, residual urine, maximal flow rate, and nomogram of maximal flow rate were significant (p less than .04). Transurethral balloon dilatation of the prostate was performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation and analgesia with single-or double-balloon catheters with maximal diameters of 25-30 mm inflated to 2.5-4.0 atmospheres pressure for 10 min. Patients were followed up with repeat symptom scoring, uroflometry, and measurement of residual urine. After a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 6-48 months), an improvement in symptom score was seen in 80% of group 2 patients compared with 43% in group 1. Improvement in symptom scores was statistically significant in both groups (p less than .04). We conclude that transurethral balloon dilatation of the prostate is more effective in patients with more moderate symptoms and with less marked signs of obstruction than in patients with more marked prostatism.

Synchronous bilateral testicular germ cell tumors of different histologic type. Pathogenetic and practical implications of bilaterality in testicular germ cell tumors

Patients with a germ cell tumor (GCT) in one testicle are prone to develop cancer in the contralateral testicle. Metachronous development of a GCT in the remaining testicle occurs in 3% of patients. The synchronous development of bilateral GCT occurs in 0.5% of patients. Bilateral testicular neoplasms are almost always identical histologically. Only five cases of synchronous bilateral GCT of different histologic types have been reported in the literature. The authors report the sixth case of this uncommon phenomenon and discuss its clinical and pathogenetic implications.

[Application of polychotomous logistic regression in the study of risk factors predisposed to postpartum hemorrhage]

To determine the role of history of induced abortion and pregnancy induced hypertension in postpartum hemorrhage, a polychotomous logistic regression method was introduced to analyze the data gathered in an investigation of blood loss among 933 parturients in some counties of Sichuan and Ningxia provinces. The results show that postpartum hemorrhage caused by placenta factors is related to a history of induced abortion and pregnancy induced hypertension with relative risks 2.55 (95% confidence interval = 1.2-5.3) and 4.94 (95% confidence interval = 1.8-13.2), respectively. An increased risk was noted for postpartum hemorrhage associated with pregnancy induced hypertension (relative risk = 2.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-5.2), but not with induced abortion. Suggestions were made for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

High-performance self-pumped phase conjugator with a multichannel in KNSBN:Cu crystal

A Cu-doped (0.04 wt. %) (K(0.5)Na(0.5))(0.2)(Sr(0.61) Ba(0.39))(0.9)Nb(2)O(6) crystal produced as much as 68% self-pumped phaseconjugate reflectivity at the laser wavelength lambda = 514.5 nm. We also observed some phenomena that helped us to understand the mechanism for the self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror.

Ureteral pseudodiverticula: frequent association with uroepithelial malignancy

Ureteral pseudodiverticula are tiny outpouchings usually seen as incidental findings on retrograde urography during routine work-up for common urinary tract disorders. We report 37 patients with ureteral pseudodiverticula, of whom 17 (46%) had associated uroepithelial malignancy. Ureteral pseudodiverticula were diagnosed in all patients on excretory or retrograde urography as an incidental finding during evaluation for a variety of urologic symptoms and signs. All patients were assessed with urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy, and when indicated, ureteroscopy. Diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma was made by surgery or endoscopic biopsy in 16 patients and squamous cell carcinoma in one. In nine patients with radiographs showing ureteral pseudodiverticula and a urinary tract filling defect (usually in the bladder), 78% of the cases were proved malignant. In six patients with ureteral pseudodiverticula and a stricture in the ureter or renal collecting system, 67% of the cases were proved malignant. Of the patients with tumor, 53% had a single ureteral pseudodiverticulum. In two cases, the pseudodiverticula antedated the diagnosis of malignancy by 2 and 4 years, respectively. Our experience suggests that the association between ureteral pseudodiverticula and uroepithelial malignancy may be more common than previously assumed, approaching 50%. Even a single ureteral pseudodiverticulum should be regarded as a serious marker for potential malignancy, antedating cancer by 2-10 years, and such patients should be closely followed up. The coexistence of ureteral pseudodiverticula and a stricture or filling defect in the urinary tract is highly suggestive that a tumor is present.

Long-term followup results after expectant management of stage A1 prostatic cancer

A total of 132 patients with stage A1 adenocarcinoma of the prostate was followed for 5 to 23 years (mean 8.2 years). Of these patients 52 underwent a second staging transurethral resection of the prostate between 1977 and 1986. Progressive disease developed in 3 of the 12 patients (25%) in whom residual foci of well differentiated cancer were detected by the second transurethral resection and who did not undergo further treatment. Of the 38 patients in whom the second transurethral resection did not detect residual cancer 3 (8%) also had progressive disease. From April 1989 to December 1989, 44 patients were re-evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography and ultrasonographically guided biopsies. Of these patients 3 had locally progressive disease. Progressive disease also developed in 4 more patients. Thus, 13 of the 132 patients (10%) had either locally or systemically progressive disease after long-term followup. The interval from diagnosis of stage A1 disease to detection of progression ranged from 6 months to 20 years (mean 7 years). Ten patients underwent definitive treatment for what was believed to be locally progressive disease, 2 underwent palliative therapy and 1 had no therapy due to poor physical condition. Of the 10 patients who underwent definitive therapy 6 are alive without evidence of disease, 2 died of unrelated causes without evidence of disease and 2 are alive with stage D1 disease. These data suggest that patients in whom a second staging transurethral resection of the prostate detects residual cancer have a high probability of progressive disease. Also, negative findings from a second staging transurethral resection may not exclude the possibility of disease progression. Expectant management of stage A1 disease is warranted but regular and long-term followup is mandatory.

[Serum mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (ASTm) in acute myocardial infarction]

The increase of serum ASTm activity might reflect the severity of damage at the subcellular level of the myocardium. 50 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were observed. The mean peak ASTm activity was 34.34 +/- 34.60 IU/L and 48 patients (96%) greater than or equal to 9 IU/L (two times median value of normal subject). The peak time (36 h) came later and the duration (120 h) was longer than that of CK-MB. ASTm/ASTt ratio in groups of AMI, non-AMI heart failure and acute ictero-hepatitis was 0.25 +/- 0.10, 0.02 +/- 0.05 and 0.05 +/- 0.02 respectively. The former was significantly greater than other two groups (P less than 0.01). The activity of ASTm in AMI cases with heart function at I, II and III + IV (Killip classification) was 21.8, 40.2 and 76.2 IU/L respectively (F = 8.407 P less than 0.01) and it was 84.9 and 24.7 IU/L in the death and surviving groups (P less than 0.01). The result showed that the estimation of serum ASTm level was helpful to the establishment of diagnosis in the patients with AMI who were sent delayed to the hospital. It held special significance in evaluating the severity of myocardial damage, heart function and in predicting the prognosis of AMI.

[Effect of alcohol-extract from scorpion on checking externally active cysticerus cellulosae]

Putting the alcohol-extract from scorpion in the ordinary aqueous solution of 15% pork bile and having it cultured at the temperature of 37 degrees C have proved for the first time that in contrast with the chemical albendazole, Scorpion has a conspicuous effect on the external killing of the cysticercus cellulosae, The action of killing cysticercus cellulosae has almost nothing to do with the difference of processed products or of the parts used in medicine.

[Conditional logistic regression analysis of coronary heart disease]

A case-control study on 215 pairs was carried out in Jinan. Conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that the following five factors were associated with coronary heart disease, i.e., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and heavy smoking, serum copper and HDL-C/TC. The former three were risk factors, and the latter two were protective factors. There is remarkable dose-response relation between heavy smoking and coronary heart disease. The data analysis show that these five factors are contributory to coronary heart disease with synergism.

[Relationship between radiology and prognosis in sarcoma of jaw]

A new radiologic grading based on the comprehensive studies of radiographs of 76 cases of jaw bone sarcomas is suggested. Cortical expansion or sclerotic rim is regarded as grade 1, localized destruction with sharp edges as grade 2, moth-eaten destruction as grade 3, and diffuse destruction as grade 4. A close relationship exists between the rate of 5 year survival and the radiologic grading which is considered to be one of the four main X-ray criteria for evaluation of prognosis. The other 3 criteria are the extent of destruction, the tumor location, and the changes of the teeth and periodontal space.

Altered growth regulation of rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells transformed in vitro by SV40 viral DNA: fibroblast growth factors (heparin-binding growth factors) are potent inducers of anchorage-independent growth

The majority of renal cancers are thought to arise from the proximal tubule epithelium, but little is known about their etiology. In this investigation, we have established an in vitro model to study the transformation of these target cells using rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTE) transformed in defined medium with SV40-viral DNA. Selection by passaging cells onto plastic surfaces yielded a population of cells (SV-RPTE) that expressed keratin and vimentin along with SV40 large-T antigen. The cells were morphologically transformed and lost their differentiated character as determined by several RPTE markers. SV-RPTE cells grew in soft agar in serum-supplemented medium containing insulin, epidermal growth factor, and cholera toxin, but were unable to grow when serum and growth factors were not combined. Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) were unique since they were the only single factor that induced anchorage-independent growth in the presence of serum alone. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) was a potent inhibitor of anchorage-independent growth, but the inhibition was partially overcome by a combination of growth factors. The growth factor responses of SV-RPTE in monolayer cultures differed from those in soft agar; the cells were more sensitive to growth stimulation by insulin and insulin-like growth factor, neither of which stimulated anchorage-independent growth. SV-RPTE cells in monolayer cultures had also lost the sensitivity to growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 characteristic of normal RPTE. The RPTE transformation model described here will be very useful for investigating the molecular basis and etiology of renal cancers. Furthermore, the data suggest that maintenance of the transformed phenotype by aFGF and bFGF and loss of negative growth regulation by TGF-beta 1 could play a role in renal carcinogenesis.

[Reversed anterolateral thigh island flap and myocutaneous flap transplantation]

The blood supply of free anterolateral thigh flap and myocutaneous flap comes from the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. On the basis of anatomical data, the descending branch coincides with the lateral superior genicular artery. Therefore, the authors suggested reversed anterolateral thigh island flap and myocutaneous flap transplantation. The blood supply of the reversed island flap, is from the lateral superior genicular artery. The flap seemed to have a constant vascular anatomy with a long pedicle and a large diameter, so that dissection of the flap can be accomplished easily. Moreover, donor defects were usually closed primarily without the need of skin-grafting. Since 1985, 4 cases of soft tissue defect around the knee joint have been repaired with reversed anterolateral thigh island flap and myocutaneous flap. All flaps survived completely and obtained satisfactory results. In this paper, the anatomy, design and operative technique of the flap are discussed.

Patient acceptance of and satisfaction with an external negative pressure device for impotence

Patient acceptance of and satisfaction with an external negative pressure device as a treatment for impotence were retrospectively analyzed among 100 men. The over-all satisfaction rate was 68%. Reasons for dissatisfaction with and discontinuing the use of the device included premature loss of penile tumescence and rigidity, pain or discomfort either during application of suction or during intercourse and inconvenience. Negative pressure therapy is an effective treatment for impotence of various etiologies and should be among treatment options offered to the impotent patient.

[Angiographic study of osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma of the jaw]

It has been well known that the sarcomas of jaw are very vascularized, but reports on the angiography of jaw sarcomas were very few. Based on the preoperative angiography of 3 cases of jaw bone sarcomas and arteriography of their specimens, it has been noticed that the supplying arteries of the mandible ramus sarcoma can be directly from the external carotid arteries; and the supplying arteries can be from inferior alveolar artery in sarcomas of the body of mandible. The tumors are more vascularized than the surrounding normal tissues, and the direction of the arteries can be from central to peripheral in the tumors, which are different from the long bone sarcomas. The vascularization and the retarded blood flow in the tumor are the significant anatomic bases for local perfusion chemotherapy of jaw sarcomas.

Experimental treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with transurethral balloon dilation of the prostate: preliminary study in 73 humans

A prospective noncontrolled study of the safety and potential efficacy of transurethral balloon catheter dilation of the prostate (TUDP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was performed in 73 subjects with moderate to severe symptoms and signs of prostatism who were selected on the basis of a quantitative symptom score (SS), uroflowmetry measurements, and residual urine volume. Seven patients had urinary retention. Mean age was 69.6 years (range, 59-95 years). TUDP was successfully accomplished in 70 patients (96%). There were no significant complications. Mean follow-up was 16.2 months (range, 6-36 months). Forty-six patients (66%) showed improved SS at the most recent follow-up. In 24 patients (34%) SS was unimproved, necessitating prostatectomy in 17 subjects (24%). Reduction in mean residual urine volume was not statistically significant. Only 38% of patients with median lobe enlargement showed improvement in SS, compared with 74% for the others. The authors conclude that TUDP is safe and shows promising effectiveness and that the ultimate demonstration of effectiveness requires a controlled clinical trial.

The structure of the pseudorabies virus genome at the end of the inverted repeat sequences proximal to the junction with the short unique region

The complete nucleotide sequence is presented of the 2 x 67 kbp BamHI-EcoRV portion of the BamHI 10 fragment of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) genome (strain Ka) containing sequences upstream of the previously reported protein kinase gene, and completing the sequence of this 4008 bp fragment. It is predicted to contain a gene designated RSp40, homologous to gene US1 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), with the potential to encode a protein of 364 amino acids. Analysis of PRV mRNA synthesized in the presence and absence of cycloheximide indicated that, in contrast to its HSV-1 homologue, the PRV gene RSp40 does not specify an immediate-early mRNA. Between the RSp40 gene and the protein kinase gene are two reiterated sequences: one containing 11 tandem copies of a 35 nucleotide sequence and the other containing nine tandem copies of a 10 nucleotide sequence. The BamHI 10 and the BamHI 12 fragments of PRV contain the junctions between the short unique (US) and short repeat (RS) regions of the PRV genome. The nucleotide sequence of that portion of the BamHI 12 fragment containing US sequences was determined so that, by comparison with the nucleotide sequence of the BamHI 10 fragment, the junction between the US and RS regions could be defined. In BamHI 10 this was found to be at a point between the two reiterated sequences (which are in the RS region) and the protein kinase gene (which is in the US region). The organization of this region of the PRV genome is compared to that of other alphaherpesviruses.

Kinetics of Aluminum Uptake in Triticum aestivum L: Identity of the Linear Phase of Aluminum Uptake by Excised Roots of Aluminum-Tolerant and Aluminum-Sensitive Cultivars

The identity of a linear phase of aluminum (Al) uptake in Triticum aestivum was investigated by analysis of the kinetics of Al uptake by excised roots and purified cell wall fractions. Classical interpretation of kinetic data suggests that a linear phase of uptake with time reflects uptake across the plasma membrane; however, in studies with Al the possibility that the linear phase of uptake includes accumulation of Al in both the symplasm and the apoplasm has not been discounted. In our experiments, we observed a linear phase of Al uptake at both ambient and low temperatures, although the rate of uptake at 0 degrees C was 53 to 72% less than at 23 degrees C, depending on cultivars. This nonsaturable phase of uptake at low temperature suggests that a portion of the linear phase of Al uptake is nonmetabolic. Furthermore, analysis of Al in cell wall fractions isolated from excised roots pretreated with Al suggests that the linear phase of uptake includes a cell wall component. When excised roots were pretreated with Al, accumulation of Al in purified cell wall material included a linear phase that could not be desorbed with a 30 minute wash in citrate. The rates of linear-phase accumulation of Al by cell wall material and cell contents were similar. In contrast, the linear phase of in vitro uptake of Al by purified cell wall material was completely desorbed by a 30 minute wash with citrate. These results suggest that the linear phase of Al uptake observed in excised roots of T. aestivum included metabolism-dependent binding of Al in apoplasm.

Bioconversion of Aflatoxin G1 to Aflatoxin B 3 by selected fungi

Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) was transformed into aflatoxin B3 (AFB3) by the fungiRhodotorula sp,Sporobolomyces sp,Rhizopus oryzae NRRL395,Pythium ultimum, Aspergillus terreus, A clavatus and Penicillium frequentans grown in a medium containing AFG1, Difco potato dextrose broth, yeast extract, and peptone both in liquid shaken cultures and in solid static cultures at 25°C in the dark. A maximum rate of transformation of 10 % was obtained after 2 to 3 weeks of incubation. The transformation was correlated with an increase in the pH of the media from 5.7 -5.9 to 8.3 - 8.8.Saccharomyces cerevisiae also transformed AFG1 into AFB3, but at a slower rate; the pH of the media did not reach above 8.0 until 5 weeks after incubation. No transformation was observed whenA niger andP chrysogenum were tested; in both cases, no increase in pH was noticed. However, some transformation of AFG1 to AFB3 by both fungi was observed when the initial pH of the media was adjusted to 9.0. The rate of transformation increased to 15 - 20% in the static culture where the same medium was adsorbed onto vermiculite andRhizopus andAspergilli gave the highest increase in AFB3 yield.

[Determination of the contents of chlorogenic acid in qingre jiedu injection by three wavelength spectrophotometry]

The content of chlorogenic acid in Qingre Jiedu injection was determined by three wavelength spectrophotometry (315, 325 and 340.6nm), without any preliminary separation. The results showed the advantages of the method in simplicity, rapidity, accuracy, stability and better recovery (100.5%), and so on.

The protein kinase encoded in the short unique region of pseudorabies virus: description of the gene and identification of its product in virions and in infected cells

We have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of a gene, pk, that lies immediately upstream from the gene encoding glycoprotein X in the short unique region of the alphaherpesvirus, pseudorabies virus (PRV). The gene has the potential to encode a protein of 334 amino acids, and is related to gene US3 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which has been shown to encode a protein kinase. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by the PRV pk gene is homologous to the corresponding sequence encoded by the HSV-1 US3 gene in the C-terminal catalytic domain, but diverges markedly in the N-terminal domain. As with HSV-1, the mRNA for the pk gene appears to be 3' coterminal with that for the glycoprotein downstream. An antiserum was raised against a protein generated from the fusion of part of the PRV pk catalytic domain with Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase. This specifically reacted with a previously described physically homogeneous protein kinase, PRV-PK, isolated from hamster fibroblasts lytically infected with PRV. Although the majority of the PRV-PK is found in the cytoplasm, some was also detected in purified PRV virions by using the same antibody; a similar distribution was found for the HSV-1 protein kinase, using an antiserum raised against the corresponding HSV-1 fusion protein. When presented with heatinactivated virions, purified PRV-PK (in common with certain cellular protein kinases also present in the virion) was able to phosphorylate in vitro the major virion phosphoprotein phosphorylated in vivo.

Anticonvulsant effect of N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine against kainic acid-induced behavioral seizures in the rat prepiriform cortex

Kainic acid (KA), microinjected unilaterally into the rat prepiriform cortex (PC), produces generalized motor seizures in a dose-dependent manner. The adenosine agonist N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), when co-injected with KA, protects against seizures in a dose-dependent and highly potent manner: ED50 = 25.6 +/- 2.1 pmol/rat. The seizure-suppressing effects of NECA are completely abolished by co-administration of the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-pSPT), suggesting that adenosine receptor activation underlies the efficacy of NECA against KA seizures. Moreover, dilazep, an effective blocker of adenosine uptake, when co-administered with KA, provides significant protection against seizures. Together, these findings suggest that adenosine receptors may play an important role in the regulation of the inhibitory neuronal circuitry of this paleocortical brain area.