(S)- or (R)-3-(E-enoyl)-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones: ideal Michael acceptors to afford a virtually complete control of simple and face diastereoselectivity in addition reactions with glycine derivatives

[formula: see text] Enantiomerically pure (S)- or (R)-3-(E-enoyl)-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones were found to serve as ideal Michael acceptors in addition reactions with achiral Ni(II) complexes of glycine Schiff bases. Virtually complete control of simple and face diastereoselectivity, observed in these reactions, combined with quantitative chemical yields renders this methodology synthetically superior to the previous methods.

[Schistosoma japonicum ferritin: cloning, nucleotide sequencing, expression, and purification]

Our previous work showed that immunization of mice with Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) immature eggs induced significant immunity against fecundity and embryonation of the parasite. The Sj adult cDNA library was screened by sera from rabbits against Sj immature egg antigen (RASjIEA). The genes encoding molecules which may induce immunity against fecundity/embryonation were chosen for further cloning and expression. First of all, RASjIEA was absorbed with E. coli lysate to remove cross reactive antibodies. The cDNA library was then immunoscreened using the routine method. The resulted positive plaques were rescreened till individual clones were confirmed. Phagemids were obtained using in vivo excision. The positive clones were amplified using PCR. The sizes of the genes were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. After DNA sequencing of the genes cloned, Gene bank was searched and six different genes were identified from a total of 102 positive clones. One of six identified genes, Sj ferritin (SjFer) was chosen to subclone into pGMC vector. According to DNA sequences of Sj Fer and MCS (multiple cloning site) of the vector, forward primer (Fer/GMC1) and reverse primer (Fer/GMC2) were designed and used to amplify Sj Fer by PCR. The Sj Fer cDNA and expression vector pGMC were digested with BamHI and XhoI. The digested cDNA and pGMC were ligased by T4 DNA ligase to construct a recombinant which was then used to transform E. coli strain ER2566. The fusion protein GMCSF-Sj Ferritin was expressed in insoluble form, the inclusion body. Pellets were harvested and resolved in Tris-HCl buffer containing 8M urea. GMCSF-Sj Ferritin was purified by affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA resin. The molecular weight was determined by SDS-PAGE. This study first reports the gene encoding S. japonicum ferritin as a new candidate for schistosome vaccine.

A pilot study of pain management during rehabilitation for hip and knee arthroplasty

{\it

OBJECTIVE

} To evaluate the efficacy of pain management in a clinical pathway for rehabilitation after hip and knee arthroplasty, in which scheduled medications are rapidly tapered and prn medications are continued throughout the inpatient stay. {\it

STUDY DESIGN

} A prospective cross-sectional study. {\it

SETTING

} General rehabilitation unit of a regional acute rehabilitation center. {\it

PATIENTS

} Twenty-nine patients admitted consecutively to the rehabilitation unit in three months. {\it

OUTCOME MEASURES

} Number of pills/day of prn pain medication, pain scores at admission and discharge, frequency of constipation and nausea, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, and length of stay (LOS). {\it

RESULTS

} For all patients, prn pain medication use was 2.4 pills/day/patient; the mean FIM gain was 22.1; and the average LOS was 9.8 days. In comparison to the Vicodin group, patients on Darvocet N-100 had significantly fewer requests for prn pain medication each day (3.1 vs. 1.1, p < 0.01), significantly better FIM gains better (18.9 vs. 24.1, p < 0.05), and fewer side effects (nausea and constipation). {\it

CONCLUSION

} Choosing the right pain medication is imperative for achieving optimal efficiency in clinical pathways for orthopedic rehabilitation. In this pilot study, Darvocet N-100 is the preferred narcotic over codeine and its derivatives.

Traumatic sciatic nerve contusion

A case of isolated post-traumatic sciatic nerve contusion is reported, sustained after direct blunt trauma to the region of the buttock after a fall. Evaluation of this nerve injury not only included an EMG/ NCS, but also confirmatory evidence was obtained using the Minor's iodine-starch test to detect disturbances of sweat secretion. This case of sciatic nerve contusion responded to stimulator-guided local steroid injections. Cross-sectional anatomy of the sciatic nerve and various etiologies of sciatic nerve neuropathy is revisited.

Prediction of substructure and toxicity of pesticides with temperature constrained-cascade correlation network from low-resolution mass spectra

Artificial neural networks are trained to predict the toxicity or active substructures of organophosphorus pesticides and then are applied to screening GC/MS data for environmentally hazardous compounds. Every mass spectral scan in the chromatographic run is classified, and separate chromatograms are obtained for either toxicity or substructure classes. Classification of mass spectra allows the detection of chromatographic peaks from potentially hazardous compounds that may be missing from the reference database. The neural network models predict substructures and toxicity from mass spectra without first determining the complete configurational structure of the pesticides. Temperature constrained-cascade correlation networks (TCCCN) were used because they are self-configuring networks that train rapidly and robustly. The toxicity classes are defined by the World Health Organization, and the substructure classes are standard organophosphorus pesticide groupings. The TCCCN models are used to mathematically resolve peaks in the chromatograms by substructure and toxicity. Evaluations yielded classification rates of 97 and 84% for substructure and toxicity, respectively.

The design of potent and selective inhibitors of thrombin utilizing a piperazinedione template: part 1

Utilizing X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling, highly potent and selective peptidomimetic thrombin inhibitors have been designed containing a rigid piperazinedione template. The synthesis and biological activity of these compounds will be described.

The design of potent and selective inhibitors of thrombin utilizing a piperazinedione template: part 2

Potent and selective thrombin inhibitors have been prepared with a piperazinedione template and L-amino acids. Likewise, incorporation of D-amino acids led to potent inhibitors with a novel mode of binding. Herein, the structure activity relationships and structural aspects of these compounds will be described.

Endotoxin-mediated nitric oxide synthesis inhibits IL-1beta gene transcription in ANA-1 murine macrophages

On the basis of previous work demonstrating nitric oxide (NO)-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) DNA binding, we hypothesized that NO downregulates NF-kappaB-dependent interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) production in an ANA-1 macrophage model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In the presence of LPS (100 ng/ml), levels of IL-1beta protein and mRNA were significantly upregulated with NO synthase inhibition. Using nuclear run-on analysis and transient transfection studies, IL-1beta gene transcription and IL-1beta promoter activity were also found to be increased with inhibition of NO production. Parallel transfection studies using an NF-kappaB long terminal repeat-reporter plasmid exhibited similar findings, suggesting an NO-mediated effect on NF-kappaB activity. Gel shift studies showed that LPS-associated NF-kappaB DNA binding was increased, both in the setting of NO synthase inhibition and in a reducing environment. Repletion of NO by addition of an S-nitrosothiol restored IL-1beta protein synthesis, mRNA levels, gene transcription, promoter activity, and NF-kappaB DNA binding to levels noted in the presence of LPS alone. Our studies indicate that NO may regulate LPS-associated inflammation by downregulating IL-1beta gene transcription through S-nitrosation of NF-kappaB.

Redox regulation of the rat hepatocyte iNOS promoter

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to define the redox sensitive cis-acting transcriptional mechanisms that regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter function in the hepatocyte.

METHODS

Clonal deletion constructs of the rat hepatocyte iNOS promoter (Genbank X95629; 1845 base pair)-reporter plasmid were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells treated with IL-1 beta and IL-1 beta + hydrogen peroxide.

RESULTS

A segment of the promoter upstream from nucleotide -1126 was associated with redox-sensitive augmentation of promoter activity. Site-directed mutagenesis of 2 antioxidant response elements (AREs) was combined with transfection analysis to demonstrate that mutation of the ARE at nt-1347 ablated oxidant stress-mediated activation of the iNOS promoter.

CONCLUSIONS

This ARE conveys the redox-sensitive response of the rat iNOS promoter. Hepatocyte iNOS expression is a novel and, as yet, poorly described antioxidant mechanism that is cytokine and redox sensitive and that plays a pleuripotent regulatory role in hepatocellular function in the face of sepsis and shock.

[Detection of 8-hydroxyguanine in the DNA of the H2O2-treated HL-60 cells by GC/FID]

This paper describes the DNA damage by hydrogen peroxide in HL-60 cells and the detection of 8-hydroxyguanine produced. The number of cells was at least about 2 x 10(7)/sample. Treatment of HL-60 cells with 0.4 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 24 h would result in DNA damage. The DNA samples were isolated, then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed before hydrolysis. The results of experiments showed that 100-300 microL 98% formic acid could hydrolyze about 0.12 mg DNA samples completely in 150 degrees C for 1 h. After lyophilizing the DNA samples for 6-8 h, one DNA sample was trimethylsilylated completely with 150 microL BSTFA in 150 degrees C for 1 h. The recovery of trimethylsilylated 8-hydroxyguanine was 81.70%. The trimethylsilylated 8-hydroxyguanine was identified by GC/FID and CGC/MS-SIM parallely.

[Study on chromatographic peak identification by means of peak shape analysis]

A new method for chromatographic peak identification by means of peak shape analysis is presented in this paper. Directly measurable parameters, i.e. peak width and asymmetry factor are first utilized for peak shape analysis. It is showed from theoretical and experimental results that for a component having almost the same retention time with the standard, an overlapped peak can be obtained by injecting the mixture of analyte and standard. In comparing the peak shape of overlapped peak with the standard one, the component can be identified whether it is the same with the standard or not.

Benzenesulfonamide derivatives of 2-substituted 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones and benzthiazin-4-ones as inhibitors of complement C1r protease

A series of 2-sulfonyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazinones was prepared that inhibit C1r protease in vitro. Several compounds were found to be selective for C1r verses the related serine protease trypsin. Selected compounds demonstrated functional activity in a hemolysis assay.

Potent and selective bicyclic lactam inhibitors of thrombin: Part 3: P1' modifications

The synthesis and antithrombotic activity of a series of nonpeptide bicyclic thrombin inhibitors are described. We have explored the SAR around the P1' site. Modification of the P1' site has been found to affect potency and selectivity.

[Study on HCV genotypes in different clinical types of hepatitis C patients in Shenyang area]

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of HCV genotypes in different clinical types of hepatitis C in Shenyang area and its clinical significance.

METHODS

The HCV genotypes of 84 HC patients of different clinical types were detected by PCR assay with four kinds of type-specific primers.

RESULTS

In 84 patients with hepatitis C, the HCV-II and HCV-III genotypes and the II/III mixed genotype were 53.6%, 30.9% and 15.5% respectively. The distribution of HCV genotypes in different HC clinical types was not identical, P < 0.05. In acute hepatitis, in mild, moderate and severe degree of chronic hepatitis, and in liver cirrhosis, the infection rates of genotype II HCV were 55.6%, 36.2%, 75.0%, 85.7% and 88.9% respectively, but that of genotype III were 22.2%, 46.8%, 8.3%, 0% and 11.1% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Infection of geno type II HCV was predominant in Shenyang area followed by HCV-III and II/III mixed genotypes. The different genotypes of HCV were related to the severity of hepatitis C.

Interaction of Borrelia burgdorferi with peripheral blood fibrocytes, antigen-presenting cells with the potential for connective tissue targeting

BACKGROUND

Borrelia Burgdorferi has a predilection for collagenous tissue and can interact with fibronectin and cellular collagens. While the molecular mechanisms of how B. burgdorferi targets connective tissues and causes arthritis are not understood, the spirochetes can bind to a number of different cell types, including fibroblasts. A novel circulating fibroblast-like cell called the peripheral blood fibrocyte has recently been described. Fibrocytes express collagen types I and III as well as fibronectin. Besides playing a role in wound healing, fibrocytes have the potential to target to connective tissue and the functional capacity to recruit, activate, and present antigen to CD4(+) T cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rhesus monkey fibrocytes were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry. B. burgdorferi were incubated with human or monkey fibrocyte cultures in vitro and the cellular interactions analyzed by light and electron microscopy. The two strains of B. burgdorferi studied included JD1, which is highly pathogenic for monkeys, and M297, which lacks the cell surface OspA and OspB proteins.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrate that B. burgdorferi binds to both human and monkey (rhesus) fibrocytes in vitro. This process does not require OspA or OspB. In addition, the spirochetes are not phagocytosed but are taken into deep recesses of the cell membrane, a process that may protect them from the immune system.

CONCLUSIONS

This interaction between B. burgdorferi and peripheral blood fibrocytes provides a potential explanation for the targeting of spirochetes to joint connective tissue and may contribute to the inflammatory process in Lyme arthritis.

Potent and selective bicyclic lactam inhibitors of thrombin: Part 2: P1 modifications

The synthesis and antithrombotic activity of a series of nonpeptide bicyclic thrombin inhibitors is described. We have explored the SAR with modifications to the P1 site. The introduction of arginine mimetics at the P1 site led to potent and selective thrombin inhibitors.

[Study on the chemical components of Alpinia officinarum]

Four crystalline substances were isolated from rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance. They were identified as beta-Sitosterol (I), Galangin (II), Emodin (III) and Quercetin (IV), I and III were separated from this plant for the first time.

[Studies on hygienic standard for ozone in indoor air]

OBJECTIVE

To formulate a national hygienic standard for ozone in indoor air.

METHODS

Indoor air ozone concentrations at variety of places were detected at its peak level in the daytime. Also, animal experiments exposed to low-level ozone were conducted to study the contents of lipid peroxide in the lungs, the ultrastructure of the bronchial epithelium and the phagocyte function of peritoneal macrophage.

RESULTS

Safety of ozone concentration of 0.1 mg/m3 in indoor air and feasibility to use it as hygienic standard were tested and proved.

CONCLUSION

The national hygienic standard for ozone in indoor air is recommended at 0.1 mg/m3 based on the data and relevant criteria at home and abroad.

[Determination of anions in natural water with low pressure ion chromatography]

An application of low pressure ion chromatography to the analysis of natural water is described. Cl-, NO3- and SO4(2-) in the local tap water, lake, river and rain waters were separated and quantified. The limits of detection for Cl-, NO3- and SO4(2-) were 0.0136, 0.204, and 0.161 mg/L, respectively, and the recoveries were between 90% and 104%. The optimum condition is 1.44 mmol/L of Na2CO3 in eluent at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The conductivity detector was used at 1.4 mu omega-1 and the sample volume injected was 20 microL. Similar chromatographic condition is also suitable for determination of NO2- and SO3(2-) in water samples. Furthermore, the limitations of the eluent composition used is also discussed.

Hindbrain herniation syndromes: the Chiari malformations (I and II)

Hindbrain hernias with or without hydrosyringomyelia were difficult diagnostic problems before the availability of magnetic resonance imaging. Today, the problem seems not to be in evaluating the anatomical extent of the caudal herniation of the cerebellum, but in determining which patient should be considered for operative intervention and the extent of the surgery. Chiari I patients are presenting at younger ages, occasionally with irritability as their only symptom. Should all of these children be submitted to an operation? Chiari II patients are now operated on with the first detectable symptom or evidence of a syrinx, and yet medullary dysfunction from the Chiari II malformation remains the leading cause of death in treated myelomeningoceles today. Our knowledge of the natural history of the untreated conditions and the increased safety of the operation has made surgical intervention a much more viable option for this group of patients.

An infection inhibiting urinary catheter material

Catheter associated bacteriuria is a common infection in hospitals and nursing homes. An infection inhibiting catheter material for fabricating urinary catheters is being developed. The material consists of silicone rubber elastomer compounded with chlorhexidene gluconate (CHG) matrix. The antibiotic is released in sustained fashion over at least 4 weeks. A method was established for adding CHG to silicone rubber. To protect the CHG, it is suspended in a water soluble wax that also modulates CHG release from the elastomer. It was found that CHG is randomly dispersed in the elastomer and that the primary release mechanism is by diffusion. The antibacterial activity of the material with a range of 0.1 to 5% CHG by weight was examined using in vitro zone inhibition testing. The new material demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against three pathogens tested (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis.). The release rate of CHG was measured in vitro using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). With 5% CHG loading, the antibiotic was released at a steady rate of approximately 8.4 mg/cm2/day for periods extending beyond 4 weeks. This new material for urinary catheters has the potential to provide protection against infection and surface colonization.

[Role of pulmonary arterial angiotensin converting enzyme in development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of local pulmonary arterial renin-angiotensin system on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(PAH).

METHOD

Normobaric hypoxic PAH animal model was adopted. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure(PAPs), pulmonary arterial angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) activity, collagen content(HP) were measured and ultrastructure of pulmonary smooth muscle cells (SMC) and was observed.

RESULTS

During hypoxia, PAPs, pulmonary ACE activity, HP increased significantly and SMC changed into secretive phenotype. Treatment with cilazapril, an ACE inhibitor, decreased ACE activity along with reversal of PAPs. HP and SMC phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary ACE participated in the modulation of changes of SMC phenotype and collagen metabolism during hypoxic PAH.

[Effects of fructus cnidii coumarins compared with nilestriol on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats]

AIM

To compare the total coumarins from dried fruits of Cnidium monnieri (TCCM) and nilestriol (Nil) against osteoporosis.

METHODS

SD rats (40, female, 3-month-old) were randomly divided into basal control, age control, ovariectomized (Ova), Ova + TCCM 67 mg.kg-1, Ova + TCCM 200 mg.kg-1, 6 times a week, and Ova + Nil 1 mg.kg-1, i.g. once a week. After 12 wk, sections (20 microns) of proximal tibiae were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Ova reduced markedly the trabecular bone mass due to bone resorption excessed bone formation (% Tb. Ar -59%). Treatment with TCCM 67 mg.kg-1 partly suppressed bone turnover, but did not inhibit bone loss in Ova rats (% Tb.Ar -43%). Treatment with TCCM 200 mg.kg-1 and Nil 1 mg.kg-1 increased the trabecular area (% Tb. Ar +100% and +274%).

CONCLUSION

Nil was more potent than TCCM in protecting against osteoporosis in Ova rats via supression of bone turnover.

Uterine fibronectin mRNA content and localization are modulated during implantation

Fibronectin mRNA and protein content were examined during embryonic implantation in the rat uterus. Content of total fibronectin mRNA at day 6 of pregnancy increased relative to the non-pregnant uterus. In contrast, fibronectin protein content of the subepithelial stroma was relatively decreased except in the region directly surrounding the lumen, and this fibronectin immunoreactivity was sensitive to hyaluronidase treatment. These changes are likely to reflect the degradation and subsequent remodeling of the previously stable uterine extracellular matrix in preparation for embryonic implantation. A+, B-, V + fibronectin mRNAs were present in both the non-pregnant and day 6 pregnant uterus with increased content of A+ and V+ fibronectin mRNAs in the latter. A + fibronectin mRNA was distributed throughout the endometrial stroma of the non-pregnant uterus and content of the subepithelial stroma increased by day 4 of pregnancy, coincident with progesterone action on the endometrium. On day 6 of pregnancy, fibronectin mRNAs encoding the V95 and A regions were preferentially localized to the mesometrial zone of the subepithelial stroma. Accumulation of these mRNA splicing variants at the mesometrial zone was dependent upon decidualization, but the embryo was not required. Thus, there are two major changes in uterine fibronectin gene expression as a result of pregnancy: increased fibronectin mRNA content and mesometrial localization. These changes suggest a key function for fibronectin in implantation and imply the operation of a regulatory program of fibronectin gene expression which depends on hormonal sensitization and a nidatory stimulus.