[On the skinning of radix Adenophorae]

Traditional experience calls for the skinning of Radix Adenophorae. Depending on the chemical compositions, this paper presents a comparative study on the skin, the radix with skin and the skinned radix. The experimental results show that the contents of beta-sitosterol, saponins, amino acids and trace elements are highest in the radix with skin, and that the radix with skin and the skinned radix are similar in the contents of polysaccharides.

[Chemical constituents of Adenophora stricta Miq]

Four compounds were isolated from the roots of Adenophora stricta. On the basis of spectrometric analysis and physicochemical constants, they were identified as beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, taraxerone and octacasanoic acid respectively. Taraxerone and octacasanoic acid were isolated from the plants of Adenophora for the first time.

[Electron microscopic observation of the effects of Rhodiola kirilowii (Regel.) Maxim. in preventing damage of the rat viscera by a hypoxic high altitude environment]

This paper has shown that the pathologic damages done to rat's viscera due to hypoxic environment of altitude can be reduced significantly by oral administrations of Shengmaiyin, Danshen-Chuanxiong mixture and Rhodiola kirilowii. Shengmaiyin that maintains interior substances in the plate layer bodies proves more effective than Danshen-Chuanxiong mixture, while the latter excels in preventing capillary contraction, thus improving blood circulation. Rhodiola kirilowii has the effects of both Shengmaiyin and Danshen-Chuanxiong mixtures.

[Determination of calcium carbonate, trace elements and amino acids in Os Sepiae]

This paper reports the determination methods for calcium carbonate, trace elements and amino acids in the traditional Chinese medicine Os Sepiae. The data provide a reference for the quality control of the drug.

Characteristics of immobilized aminoacylase from Aspergillus oryzae on macroporous copolymers

Aminoacylase from Aspergillus oryzae was adsorbed on functionallized macroporous copolymers where the enzyme showed excellent catalyzing activity and operation stability. Various factors which effect the activity of the immobilized aminoacylase such as temperature, pH and ionic strength were investigated. The continuous operation of the enzyme immobilized on macroporous copolymers was compared with that of the enzyme immobilized on DEAE-Sephadex.

A review of early (Silurian and Devonian) vertebrate biogeography and biostratigraphy of China

A review of the vertebrates within the Silurian and Devonian of China suggests a more detailed picture of palaeobiogeographical distribution than previously possible. Although the localities are commonly in rocks of continental aspect, marine formations also are present nearby. Of over 60 agnathan and fish genera known, only 5 placoderms (Givetian-Famennian) are cosmopolitan. Endemic patterns of distribution within China relate to the well-known tectonic (basinal or platformal) regions. Silurian vertebrates occur in southern, eastern and western parts of the country and are familiar from horizons as low as Llandovery. Devonian vertebrates include a wide range of endemic forms, which provide evidence of more than six distinct biostratigraphic assemblages in South China and five biogeographical realms.

Studies on the sites expressing evolutionary changes in the structure of eukaryotic 5S ribosomal RNA

We have determined the complete sequences of 5S rRNAs from a lamprey (Lampetra reissneri), a lancelet (Branchiostoma belcheri), silkworms (Philosamia cynthia ricini, Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi), and a silkworm hybrid (artificially fertilized hybrid species of Philosamia cynthia ricini male x Bombyx mori female), as well as those of cotton seeds (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Having compared more than 170 eukaryotic 5S rRNAs of which seven sequences have been determined by our group as mentioned above, we have found that the "evolutionary sites" that exist at special locations in these structures are closely related to the evolution of eukaryotes. The changes proceed step by step in an orderly way, i.e., the change in nucleotide residues of the "evolutionary sites" depends on the order of the evolution of the species and shows group-specific patterns.

The superiority of combined therapy (surgery and postoperative irradiation) in parotid cancer

A retrospective evaluation was done on 120 patients treated for parotid cancer. The aim of the study was to establish the role of postoperative radiation therapy. Fifty-nine patients were treated by surgery plus postoperative radiation therapy. Two patients were treated by preoperative irradiation. The overall 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 81%, 62%, and 65%, respectively. Postoperative radiation therapy proved to increase local control over surgery alone whenever (1) there was locally advanced disease, (2) the tumor belonged to a so-called poorly differentiated variety, (3) the treatment was given for a recurrent lesion, and/or (4) there was tumor involvement of the facial nerve. It did not appear that postoperative radiation therapy increased the survival for patients with low-grade malignant tumors. Radiation therapy should be given as early as possible after surgery and the optimum dose ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 rad given in three to five weeks, respectively.