Influences of coexisting aged polystyrene microplastics on the ecological and health risks of cadmium in soils: A leachability and oral bioaccessibility based study

Whether coexisting microplastics (MPs) affect the ecological and health risks of cadmium (Cd) in soils is a cutting-edge scientific issue. In this study, four typical Chinese soils were prepared as artificially Cd-contaminated soils with/without aged polystyrene (PS). TCLP and in vitro PBET model were used to determine the leachability (ecological risk) and oral bioaccessibility (human health risk) of soil Cd. The mechanisms by which MPs influence soil Cd were discussed from direct and indirect perspectives. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the leachability of soil Cd with/without aged PS. Additionally, aged PS led to a significant decrease in the bioaccessibility of soil Cd in gastric phase, but not in small intestinal phase. The increase in surface roughness and the new characteristic peaks (e.g., Si-O-Si) of aged PS directly accounted for the change in Cd bioaccessibility. The change in organic matter content indirectly accounted for the exceptional increase in Cd bioaccessibility of black soil with aged PS in small intestinal phase. Furthermore, the changes in cation exchange capacity and Cd mobility factor caused by aged PS explained the change in Cd leachability. These results contribute to a deeper understanding about environmental and public health in complicated emerging scenarios.

Immobilisation remediation of arsenic-contaminated soils with promising CaAl-layered double hydroxide and bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and speciation-based health risk assessment

Arsenic (As)-contaminated soil poses great health risk to human mostly through inadvertent oral exposure. We investigated CaAl-layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH), a promising immobilising agent, for the remediation of As-contaminated Chinese soils. The effects on specific soil properties and As fractionation were analyzed, and changes in the health risk of soil As were accurately assessed by means of advanced in vivo mice model and in vitro PBET-SHIME model. Results showed that the application of CaAl-LDH significantly increased soil pH and concentration of Fe and Al oxides, and effectively converted active As fractions into the most stable residual fraction, guaranteeing long-term remediation stability. Based on in vivo test, As relative bioavailability was significantly reduced by 37.75%. Based on in vitro test, As bioaccessibility in small intestinal and colon phases was significantly reduced by 25.65% and 28.57%, respectively. Furthermore, As metabolism (reduction and methylation) by the gut microbiota inhabiting colon was clearly observed. After immobilisation with CaAl-LDH, the concentration of bioaccessible As(Ⅴ) in the colon fluid was significantly reduced by 61.91%, and organic As (least toxic MMA(V) and DMA(V)) became the main species, which further reduced the health risk of soil As. In summary, CaAl-LDH proved to be a feasible option for immobilisation remediation of As-contaminated soils, and considerable progress was made in relevant health risk assessment.

[Diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic fracture after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty]

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee. Medial tibial plateau fracture or femoral condyle fracture may occur after UKA, and its treatment is very challenging. The causes leading to this complication include: surgical technique errors, such as the weakening of posterior cortical strength of the tibial platform during operation, the reduction of bone mass due to too much tibial osteotomy, and the stress concentration in the bone bed due to bad alignment of the prosthesis, etc. Prosthesis design factors, such as press-fit fixation design of cementless UKA prosthesis, and multiple nail holes fixation for tibial osteotomy guide, etc. And the morphology of tibial plateau, such as tibial platform in Asian people with narrow and small shap and medial overhanging condyles. Correct selection of patients, strict surgical principles and standardized surgical techniques are the keys to prevent periprosthetic fractures during and after medial UKA. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment choice mainly depends on the fracture pattern and the stability of the prosthesis.

Clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block and dexmedetomidine anesthesia on lower extremity operative fracture reduction

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity fractures are mainly treated by surgical reduction, but this operation is often affected by the patient’s level of agitation and the type of anesthesia used. The main treatment for lower-extremity fractures is operative reduction. However, operations can often be affected by both agitation and the degree of anesthesia. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop an effective anesthesia program to effectively ensure the progress of surgery.

AIM

To discuss the effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine anesthesia in lower extremity fracture surgery.

METHODS

A total of 120 hospital patients with lower extremity fractures were selected for this retrospective study and divided into an observation group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60) according to the anesthesia scheme; the control group received ultrasound-guided nerve block; the observation group was treated with dextromethomidine on the basis of the control group, and the mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), and blood oxygen saturation were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean arterial pressure of T1, T2 and T3 in the observation group were 94.40 ± 7.10, 90.84 ± 7.21 and 91.03 ± 6.84 mmHg, significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The observation group’s HR at T1 was 76.60 ± 7.52 times/min, significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); The observation group’s HR at T2 and T3 was 75.40 ± 8.03 times/min and 76.64 ± 7.11 times/min, significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The observation group’s visual analog score at 2 h, 6 h and 12 h after operation was 3.55 ± 0.87, 2.84 ± 0.65 and 2.05 ± 0.40. the recovery time was 15.51 ± 4.21 min, significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Six hours post-anesthesia, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the observation group were 81. 10 ± 21.19 pg/mL and 510. 20 ± 98.27 pg/mL, significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the mini-mental state exam score of the observation group was 25. 51 ± 1.15, significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine has a good anesthetic effect in the operation of lower limb fractures and has little effect on the hemodynamics of patients.

Quantitative Analysis of DCE-MRI and RESOLVE-DWI for Differentiating Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from Nasopharyngeal Lymphoid Hyperplasia

To explore the ability of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) analysis and readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains diffusion weighted imaging (RESOLVE-DWI) to distinguish nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from nasopharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (NPLH). Twenty-five patients with NPC and 30 patients with NPLH were evaluated. Three quantitative DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans, Kep and Ve) and the apparent diffusion coeffcient (ADC) of lesions were calculated. The two independent samples t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the parameters between NPC and NPLH group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic ability for distinguishing NPC from NPLH. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The difference in Ktrans value between the NPC group and the NPLH group was statistically significant, and the value of the NPC group was larger than that of the NPLH group. There was no statistical difference in Kep and Ve between the two groups. The ADC value of NPC group was smaller than that of NPLH group, and the difference was statistically significant. ROC curve analysis showed that both Ktrans and ADC were effective in diagnosing NPC and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.773 and 0.704, respectively. In addition, the combination of Ktrans and ADC demonstrated the obviously improved AUC of 0.884. DCE-MRI and RESOLVE-DWI are effective in differentiating NPC from NPLH, especially the combination of the two models.

Patient-doctor concordance of perceived mental health service needs in Chinese hospitalized patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To assess the subjective concordance on mental health service needs in hospitalized patients between patients and doctors in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in one day. All hospitalized inpatients from selected departments of West China Hospital were recruited as potential participants. A questionnaire set including demographic variables and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) questionnaires were completed by the included patients. They and their doctors in-charge were asked if they perceived that the patients needed mental health services.

RESULTS

The overall response rate in patients was 84.25% and the final sample consisted of 1,273 patients. Among those, 605 patients (47.53%) themselves believed that they needed mental health services, whereas only 345 patients (27.10%) were deemed to be in need of mental health services only by their doctors. Kappa statistics showed that the concordance rate between patients and doctors was low in the total patient group (kappa =0.055) and in the group of patients with significant depression or anxiety (kappa =0.080). A logistic regression analysis showed that the ward where the patients were treated was related to a consistent recognition of mental health needs (OR =1.667).

CONCLUSIONS

The concordance between Chinese inpatient perception and doctor evaluation of mental health service needs for these patients was low. Therefore, it seems necessary to develop effective strategies to improve the detection rate, such as the use of screening-instruments and the training of health professionals in the detection of psycho-social distress.

Why is the recognition rate of psychological distress under-estimated in general hospitals? A cross-sectional observational study in China

This study aimed to investigate the recognition rate of psychological distress in general hospitals in China and to examine the main associated factors.Using a cross-sectional study design, the questionnaires were administered to a total of 1329 inpatients from a tertiary hospital. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) and the Whiteley-7 (WI-7) were used to assess patients' mental health status. Two subjective questions were used to identify the awareness of psychological distress in patients and doctors.The frequency of psychological distress measured by the questionnaires was high in our sample (53.4%). However, the recognition rates of both patients (34.9%) and by doctors (39.1%) was low. The concordance rate between patients and doctors of whether the patient had psychological distress or not was extremely poor (Kappa = 0.089, P = .001). Factors associated with the poor concordance rate included patients' annual household income and clinically significant self-reported symptoms of anxiety and hypochondriasis.The recognition rate of psychological distress was underestimated and this may be related to a lack of awareness of mental disturbances and patients' low annual household income.

Prevalence and strong association of high somatic symptom severity with depression and anxiety in a Chinese inpatient population

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of the high somatic symptom severity (HSSS) and its associations with sociodemographic factors, depression, and anxiety has not been surveyed in inpatient populations at general hospitals.

METHODS

A sample including 1329 inpatients in a Chinese general hospital was surveyed using Chinese version of 15-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-15), 9-item patient health questionnaire, and generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale.

RESULTS

A total of 27.8% (n = 369) of the participants had HSSS (PHQ-15 ≥ 10). The multivariate regression showed that HSSS was significantly associated with depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.219), anxiety (aOR, 5.810), or depression or anxiety (aOR, 5.338) but neither with sex, age, marital status, education status, household income, nor 7 kinds of physical disease systems.

DISCUSSION

The symptom profile and high prevalence of HSSS, and its association with clinically significant depression and anxiety in this inpatient population were mostly consistent to that documented by studies in other populations.

The development and validation of Huaxi emotional-distress index (HEI): A Chinese questionnaire for screening depression and anxiety in non-psychiatric clinical settings

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety among general hospital patients are common and under-recognized in China. This study aimed toward developing a short questionnaire for screening depression and anxiety in non-psychiatric clinical settings, and to test its reliability and validity.

METHODS

The item pool which included 35 questions about emotional distress was drafted through a comprehensive literature review. An expert panel review and the first clinical test with 288 general hospital patients were conducted for the primary item selection. The second clinical test was performed to select the final item in 637 non-psychiatric patients. The reliability and validity of the final questionnaire were tested in 763 non-psychiatric patients, in which 211 subjects were interviewed by psychiatrists using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Multiple data analysis methods including principal components analysis (PCA), item response theory (IRT), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to select items and validate the final questionnaire.

RESULTS

The series selection of items resulted in a 9-item questionnaire, namely Huaxi Emotional-distress Index (HEI). The Cronbach's α coefficient of HEI was 0.90. The PCA results showed a unidimensional construct. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.88 when compared with MINI interview. Using the optimal cut-off score of HEI (≥11), the sensitivity and specificity were 0.880 and 0.766, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The HEI is considered as a reliable and valid instrument for screening depression and anxiety, which may have substantial clinical value to detect patients' emotional disturbances especially in the busy non-psychiatric clinical settings in China.

Enhanced immunity and antiviral effects of an HBV DNA vaccine delivered by a DC-targeting protein

DNA vaccine targeting delivery to DC represents one effective strategy to improve the immunogenicity of the vaccine. In a previous study, we developed a novel DC-targeting recombinant protein that can deliver plasmid DNA to DCs by an electrostatic coupling effect and can thus improve the uptake efficiency of DCs, improving the expression of plasmid DNA in DCs. In this study, we coupled the protein with the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA and investigated whether the immunogenicity and antiviral ability of the vaccine can be improved in HBV transgenic mice. The results show that a stronger specific immune response can be induced in mice after immunization with the coupling vaccine. The HBV DNA copy number and circulating antigen HBsAg in the serum of HBV transgenic mice were significantly decreased. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the DC-targeting protein has the ability to improve the immunogenicity and the antiviral activity of the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA. These findings indicate that this DC-targeting protein can be a potential method for the delivery of DNA vaccines directly to DCs.

Molecular characterization, expression patterns, and promoter activity analysis of PGM1 in pigs

The phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) gene was differentially expressed in tissues of Chinese Meishan and Large White pigs. In this study, the promoter region, expression profile, and genetic mutations of the gene were determined. Expression of a 5'-deletion in both C2C12 and PK-15 cells showed that a negative regulatory element was at -1871 to +185 bp and a positive regulatory element was at -1158 to +185 bp. Among the different types of muscle fibers, PGM1 had the highest expression in both longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris. The expression was concentrated in the muscle fibers at different growth stages of Meishan and Large White pigs. The synonymous mutation C462T in the coding sequence was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and the frequency of the C allele was dominant in Chinese indigenous breeds. Association analysis with lean meat showed that the C462T site was different.

Search for a light sterile neutrino at Daya Bay

A search for light sterile neutrino mixing was performed with the first 217 days of data from the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Experiment. The experiment's unique configuration of multiple baselines from six 2.9 GW(th) nuclear reactors to six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 m and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls makes it possible to test for oscillations to a fourth (sterile) neutrino in the 10(-3) eV(2)<|Δm(41)(2) |< 0.3 eV(2) range. The relative spectral distortion due to the disappearance of electron antineutrinos was found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. The derived limits on sin(2) 2θ(14) cover the 10(-3) eV(2) ≲ |Δm(41)(2)| ≲ 0.1 eV(2) region, which was largely unexplored.

Expression patterns and promoter activity analysis of UGP2 in pigs

The function of the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2 gene (UGP2) in pig is not clear. In the present study, we used RNA isolated from Large White pigs and Chinese indigenous MeiShan pigs to examine the temporal coordination of changes in gene expression within muscle tissues. We cloned both the complete genomic DNA sequence and 2077-bp 5ꞌ-flanking sequence of porcine UGP2, to determine the genomic sequence. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that UGP2 was highly expressed in liver and skeletal muscle of MeiShan pigs. Among different types of muscle fibers, the UGP2 had the highest expression in both soleus muscle and longissimus dorsi in Large White pigs. In the progression of muscle fibers at different growth stages, UGP2 plays a role in the early days after birth in Large White pigs, while in MeiShan pigs it is important later. Furthermore, the 5ꞌ-flanking sequence we cloned exhibited the promoter activity of UGP2, and the sequence 588 bp upstream from the transcriptional site had the greatest activity.

Spectral measurement of electron antineutrino oscillation amplitude and frequency at Daya Bay

A measurement of the energy dependence of antineutrino disappearance at the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is reported. Electron antineutrinos (ν¯(e)) from six 2.9  GW(th) reactors were detected with six detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls. Using 217 days of data, 41 589 (203 809 and 92 912) antineutrino candidates were detected in the far hall (near halls). An improved measurement of the oscillation amplitude sin(2)2θ(13)=0.090(-0.009)(+0.008) and the first direct measurement of the ν¯(e) mass-squared difference |Δm(ee)2|=(2.59(-0.20)(+0.19))×10(-3)  eV2 is obtained using the observed ν¯(e) rates and energy spectra in a three-neutrino framework. This value of |Δm(ee)2| is consistent with |Δm(μμ)2| measured by muon neutrino disappearance, supporting the three-flavor oscillation model.

The usefulness of phosphorylated-signal transduction and activators of transcription 3 in detecting prostate cancer from negative biopsies

AIMS

To avoid the misdiagnosis of prostate cancer (PCA), many patients receive repeated biopsies, despite receiving prior negative biopsies for PCA. Signal transduction and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), a component of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, can be activated by tyrosine phosphorylation as P-STAT3 and involved in the regulation of cellular growth, survival and oncogenesis. We aimed to assess the reliability of detecting PCA from the expression of P-STAT3 in prostate tissue previously designated as a negative biopsy.

METHODS

Prostate tissues were obtained from the biopsies of 52 patients with localized PCA as well as from the biopsies of 80 patients free of PCA. Expression of P-STAT3 in these specimens was examined by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and used to distinguish tissue with PCA from tissue designated as benign during a biopsy procedure.

RESULTS

P-STAT3 staining intensities in all samples (initial negative biopsies, cancer positive cores and other negative cores from the same-batch biopsies) of PCA patients was significantly higher than that of benign patients (F = 23.664, P < 0.001). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) for P-STAT3 staining was 0.785. When positive immuno-labeling of P-STAT3 in samples from initial biopsies was used as a marker for PCA, it showed relatively high sensitivity (80.8%) and specificity (76.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

IHC of P-STAT3 could be utilized to detect PCA patients with initial negative biopsies. As a result, it can be a potential adjunctive tool for current PCA diagnostic programs. P-STAT3 can predict the onset of PCA up to 40 months earlier than currently used diagnostic approaches.

Nuclear corrections in neutrino-nucleus deep inelastic scattering and their compatibility with global nuclear parton-distribution-function analyses

We perform a global χ² analysis of nuclear parton distribution functions using data from charged current neutrino-nucleus (νA) deep-inelastic scattering (DIS), charged-lepton-nucleus (ℓ(±)A) DIS, and the Drell-Yan (DY) process. We show that the nuclear corrections in νA DIS are not compatible with the predictions derived from ℓ(±)A DIS and DY data. We quantify this result using a hypothesis-testing criterion based on the χ² distribution which we apply to the total χ² as well as to the χ² of the individual data sets. We find that it is not possible to accommodate the data from νA and ℓ(±)A DIS by an acceptable combined fit. Our result has strong implications for the extraction of both nuclear and proton parton distribution functions using combined neutrino and charged-lepton data sets.

Effect of aging on morphology of organo-montmorillonite modified bitumen by atomic force microscopy

The morphology of unmodified and organo-montmorillonite modified bitumens was investigated by atomic force microscopy. The influence of thin film oven test and ultraviolet aging on the morphology of the binders was also analysed. The atomic force microscopy results showed that bitumen displayed a 'bee-like' structure and the dimension of the 'bee-like' structures was decreased to some extent with the introduction of organo-montmorillonite. Organo-montmorillonite showed a better interaction with the dispersed domains in comparison with the matrix in bitumen, which led to an obvious increase in the contrast between the dispersed domains and the matrix in bitumen. Compared with the unmodified bitumen, the single-phase trend in the organo-montmorillonite modified bitumen could be effectively prevented during thin film oven test and ultraviolet aging, indicating its good aging resistance which was in accordance with changes in physical properties of the organo-montmorillonite modified bitumen before and after aging.

Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in HIV-infected subjects using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a vaccine adjuvant: ACTG study 5220

HIV-infected persons are at risk for HBV co-infection which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, protective immunity following HBV vaccination in HIV-infected persons is poor. This randomized, phase II, open-label study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of 40 mcg HBV vaccine with or without 250 mcg GM-CSF administered at day 0, weeks 4 and 12. HIV-infected individuals >or=18 years of age, CD4 count >or=200 cells/mm(3), seronegative for HBV and HCV, and naïve to HBV vaccination were eligible. Primary endpoints were quantitative HBsAb titers and adverse events. The study enrolled 48 subjects. Median age and baseline CD4 were 41 years and 446 cells/mm(3), 37 were on ART, and 26 subjects had undetectable VL. Vaccination was well tolerated. Seven subjects in the GM-CSF arm reported transient grade >or=2 signs/symptoms (six grade 2, one grade 3), mostly aches and nausea. GM-CSF had no significant effect on VL or CD4. Four weeks after vaccination, 26 subjects (59%) developed a protective antibody response (HBsAb >or=10 mIU/mL; 52% in the GM-CSF arm and 65% in the control arm) without improved Ab titer in the GM-CSF vs. control arm (median 11 mIU/mL vs. 92 mIU/mL, respectively). Response was more frequent in those with CD4 >or=350 cells/mm(3) (64%) than with CD4 <350 cells/mm(3) (50%), though not statistically significant. GM-CSF as an adjuvant did not improve the Ab titer or the development of protective immunity to HBV vaccination in those receiving an accelerated vaccine schedule. Given the common routes of transmission for HIV and HBV, additional HBV vaccine research is warranted.

[Research on the mechanism of ginsenoside Rh2 reversing the resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of ginsenoside Rh2 in reversing the resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin.

METHODS

In the Rh2, DDP and DDP + Rh2 group A549DDP cells were treated with Rh2, cisplatin, cisplatin + Rh2 respectively for 48 hours. In the control group the A549DDP cells were not treated with any kind of drugs. The state of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) was evaluated by ultra violate spectrofluorometer. Concentration of calcium in cells, membrane potential of mitochondrion and apoptosis cells were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of cyt-c and Caspase-3 was estimated by Western blots. Cellular shapes were observed by fluorescent microscopy.

RESULTS

The concentrations of calcium were similar among the former three groups, but was obviously increased in the Rh2 + DDP group (t = 22.47, P < 0.01). A(540) of mitochondrion among the former three groups were not different, but decreased significantly in the Rh2 + DDP group (t = 8.21, P < 0.01). The membrane potentials of mitochondrion showed no difference in the former groups, that was remarkably lower in the Rh2 + DDP group than in the control group (chi(2) = 46.01, P < 0.01). There was little expression of cty-c and Caspase-3 in the former groups, but high expression of those in the Rh2 + DDP group. Fluorescence was distributed equally on the cells nucleus in the former groups. In the Rh2 + DDP group many cell nucleus shrank or were distorted. The apoptosis rate of the cells was 6.32%, 7.24%, 7.41% and 21.96% in the four groups respectively. Which in Rh2 + DDP group was higher than that in the control group (t = 10.92, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 reversing resistance of lung adenocarcinoma A549DDP cells to cisplatin can be performed by apoptotic mitochondria pathway.

Implementation of MP3 player for music therapy on hypertension

Hypertension is a common clinical disease and a major risk to human health. Many clinical findings indicate that certain types of music can reduce blood pressure (BP), and music therapy is considered as an important part of anti-hypertension treatment. We integrate our former related research achievement into the new MP3 player, which can also detect the current BP value with a cuffless measurement method. According to the current BP value, the MP3 player selects certain types of music for playing in order to alleviate the hypertension of patients.

Spectral power distribution and quantum yields of Sm3+-doped heavy metal tellurite glass under the pumping of blue lighting emitting diode

Quantum yields for multichannel transition emissions have been determined in Sm3+-doped heavy metal tellurite glass under the pumping of blue lighting emitting diode for the first time. To achieve this goal, the necessary fluorescence spectra were measured and calibrated in an integrating sphere, which was connected to a CCD detector with a 400 microm-core optical fiber. The spectral power distribution of the sample under the blue LED pumping was derived from the measured spectra firstly, and then the quantum yields for the visible emissions of Sm3+ were calculated based on the distribution and the total quantum yields in visible region is 7.55%. For accurate measurements, integrating sphere method is proved to be a reliable and reproducible way to characterize luminescence and laser materials.

Tissue-specific alternative splicing of BK channel transcripts in Drosophila

BK-type calcium-activated potassium channels are large conductance channels that respond to changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential. These channels are used in a wide variety of cell types and have recently been linked to drug sensitivity and tolerance. In both Drosophila and mammals, BK channels are encoded by the slowpoke gene. The Drosophila slowpoke gene includes 14 alternative exons distributed among five sites of alternative splicing. Presumably, the purpose of alternative processing is to provide transcripts tailored to the needs of the cell. The slowpoke gene is expressed in nervous, muscle and epithelial tissues. To determine whether splicing is controlled in a tissue- and/or developmental-specific manner, we built tissue- and developmental-specific cDNA libraries that preserved the relative frequency of various slowpoke splice variants. These libraries were screened by colony hybridization using alternative exon-specific DNA probes to document the frequency of individual alternative exons in different developmental stages and distinct tissue types. We demonstrate that slowpoke transcripts undergo tissue- and developmental-specific splicing in Drosophila and some exons are diagnostic for specific tissues.

The effect of DA-8159, a novel PDE5 inhibitor, on erectile function in the rat model of hypercholesterolemic erectile dysfunction

This study examined the effects of a new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, DA-8159, on erectile function associated with hypercholesterolemia. First of all, in order to investigate whether chronic administration of DA-8159 prevents the development of erectile dysfunction associated with hypercholesterolemia, male SD rats were divided into four groups (normal control, hypercholesterolemic control, DA-8159 5 or 20 mg/kg/day). Over a 5-month period, the animals were fed a 2% cholesterol diet and administered DA-8159 orally once a day. After 5 months, the electrostimulation-induced penile erection and the vascular function using acetylcholine-induced vasodilation with endothelium-intact aortic rings were examined. Furthermore, the plasma lipid profiles, endothelin and N(G),N(G)-dimethylarginine (asymmetrical dimethylarginine, ADMA) concentrations were measured. In order to investigate the acute treatment effect of DA-8159 on the erectile function in an established hypercholesterolemic model, additional animals were given a 2% cholesterol diet for 5 months without DA-8159. At the end of 5 months, the rats were divided into three groups (hypercholesterolemic control, DA-8159 0.3 or 1 mg/kg). DA-8159 was administered intravenously 1 min prior to the intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement. In a chronic treatment study, while the hypercholesterolemic control showed a significantly lower erectile function, vascular reactivity, and increased plasma cholesterol, endothelin and ADMA concentration, the chronic DA-8159 treatment clearly restored the erectile responses by electric stimulation, preserved the potential of thoracic aortic relaxation in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly decreased the plasma endothelin and ADMA concentrations. In an acute treatment study, DA-8159 induced a dose- and frequency-dependent increase in ICP. The ICP/BP ratio and the corresponding AUC values, and the detumescence time were also significantly increased compared to the hypercholesterolemic control. These results suggest that DA-8159 is beneficial for erectile dysfunction in a rat hypercholesterolemic model and provided a rationale for the potential use of DA-8159 for treating erectile dysfunction secondary to hypercholesterolemia.

Interrelationship Between Methionine and Cystine of Early Peking Ducklings

A 4 x 5 factorial experiment containing 4 cystine levels (0.325, 0.406, 0.487, or 0.568%) and 5 methionine levels (0.285, 0.385, 0.485, 0.585, or 0.685%) was conducted to evaluate the interrelationship between methionine and cystine in corn-peanut meal diet for Peking ducklings from hatch to 21 d of age. Eight hundred 1-d-old male white Peking ducklings were assigned to 20 experimental treatments. All treatments were replicated 4 times using 10 ducklings per pen. As dietary methionine level increased, weight gain and feed intake increased and then decreased; the quadratic response of weight gain was significant (P < 0.05). The methionine requirement for maximum efficiency of feed utilization (0.585%) was higher than for maximum weight gain (0.485%). According to the quadratic model, the optimal methionine requirement of Peking ducklings from hatch to 21 d of age was 0.481% (95% of the level at maximum response). The plasma uric acid concentration was very low (P < 0.05) when dietary methionine was 0.485%. When dietary methionine was excessive (0.685%), the plasma homocysteine concentration increased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the cystine requirement of ducklings from hatch to 21 d of age was not more than 0.325%. A high level of cystine (0.568%) depressed weight gain and feed intake (P < 0.05), but cystine supplementation in the diets lowered the plasma homocysteine concentration (P < 0.05). There were no significant interactions between methionine and cystine on growth performance, plasma uric acid, and plasma homocysteine.

Sexually dimorphic effect of glutamate treatment on cell cycle arrestment of astrocytes from the preoptic area of neonatal rats

Neurotoxicological studies have indicated that L-glutamate exhibits more pronounced effects on the preoptic area (POA) neurons of male rats than on those of females in the neonatal period. However, no information has previously been available as to whether or not such sexual dimorphism also exists for the effects of glutamate on astrocytes from POA. The present paper reports the differential effects of L-glutamate on astrocytes isolated from POA of neonatal male and female rats. The proliferation of astrocytes was measured by methods of cell count and cell cycle analysis. In addition, the activity of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) was assayed to understand its role in the glutamate-induced disturbance of the cell cycle progression of astrocytes. The results revealed that L-glutamate, at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mM, inhibited the proliferation of astrocytes derived from male rats more severely than those derived from females. The L-glutamate treatment blocked the cell cycle progression and caused an accumulation of cells in the S phase. The activity of CaM kinase II declined more markedly in astrocytes derived from male rats than in those from females after glutamate treatment. These findings suggest that the proliferation of astrocytes derived from POA of neonatal rats can be inhibited in a sexually dimorphic manner by L-glutamate, possibly through blocking the cell cycle progression and partially related to the inactivation of the CaM kinase II.

Molecular cloning of the cDNAs for pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha subunits of two species of duck and their gene regulation

The cDNAs encoding pituitary glycoprotein hormone alpha subunits (PGHalphas) of two species of duck (Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata and Pekin duck, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) were cloned and sequenced to better understand the phylogenic diversity and evolution of PGHalpha molecules in vertebrates. Oligonucleotide primers were designed and used for reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) amplification of PGHalpha cDNA fragments from total cellular RNA of pituitary glands. The remaining sequences were completed by rapid amplification of the cDNA ends. The nucleotide sequence of isolated PGHalpha cDNA of both ducks are identical, including 81 bp of 5' untranslated region (UTR), 360 bp of coding region, and 272 bp of 3'-UTR followed by a 13 bp poly(A)(+) tract. The total number of amino acids deduced from the cDNA of the duck PGHalpha is 120 with a signal peptide of 24 amino acids and a mature protein of 96 amino acids. PGHalphas of the ducks (order Anseriformes) share 96% homology of amino acid sequence in signal peptide, and 100% homology in mature proteins with chicken, quail and turkey (order Galliformes). Our data thus demonstrate identical inter-order homology of PGHalpha mature protein in birds. Ten cysteine residues, presumably forming five disulfide bonds within the alpha subunit, and four proline residues, presumably responsible for folding of the molecule, are conserved in the alpha subunit of ducks. Northern blot analysis revealed that PGHalpha mRNA is expressed only in the pituitary. In order to study factors regulating the gene expression of PGHalpha mRNA, duck pituitary fragments were incubated with GnRH, TRH, testosterone, or triiodothyronine (T(3)). GnRH and TRH increased, while testosterone and T(3) decreased, PGHalpha mRNA levels. This is the first report in birds of TRH up-regulation and down-regulation by testosterone and T(3) under in vitro conditions. The present study demonstrates both ducks have the same cDNA nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences in the PGHalpha subunit, exhibiting identical inter-genus homology within the family of Anatidae. The findings from mRNA expression work suggest that hypothalamic GnRH and TRH up-regulate, while testosterone and T(3) down-regulate, PGHalpha gene expression in ducks.

Separation and determination of ephedrine alkaloids and tetramethylpyrazine in Ephedra sinica Stapf by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple, sensitive, and reliable method using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) is developed for the simultaneous determination of ephedrine alkaloids and 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in Ephedra sinica Stapf. The sample is extracted with ethyl ether and submitted to GC-MS for identification and quantitation without derivatization. The column used for GC is an HP-5 (30.0 m x 250 microm x 0.25 microm, 5% phenyl methyl siloxane), and the carrier gas is helium. The detection limits for ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and TMP are 0.4 ng 0.7 ng, and 0.02 ng (signal-to-noise ratio of 3), respectively. The reproducibility of the total procedure is proved to be acceptable (RSD < 2%), and the recoveries are above 93%.

Studies on the reaction of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and hydroxyl radicals

The reaction of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction is studied. The products of the reaction are separated and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode-array detection and HPLC-mass spectrometry. According to the structures of the products, a mechanism of the reaction is proposed.

[Study on the relationship of high hematocrit with changes of the blood viscosity during in the environment of altitude hypoxia]

AIM

To investigate the relationship of high hematocrit with changes of the blood viscosity during in the environment of altitude hypoxia.

METHODS

Index of hemorheology was determined from populations with different time of inhabit highland and normal controls.

RESULTS

(1) Hematocrit and RBC deformability were higher in all highland populations than that in normal controls, these increase were time-dependent. (2) The blood viscosity was increased significantly during the early stage of inhabit highland, and restored normal in late stage. (3) RBC aggregability was reduced significantly with time-dependent in highland populations. (4) The oxygen content of tissue was reduced significantly during the early stage of inhabit highland, and restored normal in late stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In the environment of altitude hypoxia, RBC deformability increase and RBC aggregability decrease can suppress blood viscosity increase induced by erythrocytosis, these compensatory regulation is help to maintain the normal oxygen content of tissue.

Simultaneous determination of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzyl alcohol, and sugars in Gastrodia elata blume measured as their acetylated derivatives by GC-MS

A method for the simultaneous separation and determination of the active constituents and three sugars in the roots of Gastrodia elata Blume (GE), which is used as a famous Chinese traditional herbal medicine, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is established. The samples are acetylated with pyridine-acetic anhydride. The contents of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HA), fructose, glucose, 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzyl alcohol (GA), and sucrose in GE are 0.004%, 0.03%, 1.36%, 1.12%, 1.97%, and 4.25%, respectively, and the detection limits are 1.5, 3.0, 11.0, 5.0, 33.0, and 35.0 pg, respectively. The contents of HA and GA in the urine and brain of a mouse are also determined. This method is simple, reliable, and quick for the simultaneous determination of the active constituents and sugars in GE.

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding thyroid stimulating hormone beta subunit of bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis and regulation of its gene expression

The complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone beta subunit (TSH-beta) of bighead carp was cloned and regulation of its gene expression was investigated for understanding phylogenetic divergence and evolution of TSH molecule. The cDNA was obtained from bighead carp pituitary total RNA by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Oligonucleotide primers were designed from the sequence of common carp. The full length sequence was then obtained by 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length sequence consisting of 3' and 5' untranslated regions was 585 bp long. The predicted amino acid sequence consisted of a signal peptide of 19 amino acid residues and a mature TSH beta subunit protein of 131 residues. The coding sequences of the cDNAs showed variable percentage homologies with those of other teleosts and vertebrate species. The predicted amino acid sequence shared 71% identity with rainbow trout and salmon, 90% with goldfish, 50% with eel and 94% with common carp in the mature protein region. The percentages of identity in the same region in comparison with bovine, porcine, rat, mouse, human and chicken were only 39, 42, 41, 40, 45 and 46%, respectively. TSH beta mRNA expression was found only in the pituitary tissue out of other tissues tested as testis, muscle, brain and heart. For the first time, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroxine (T4) effects on pituitary TSH mRNA expression were tested in teleosts under in vitro conditions. TRH treatment on pituitary cells increased TSH beta mRNA level, while T4 treatment decreased TSH beta mRNA level. The present study provides a direct evidence, for the first time that TRH directly upregulates TSH beta gene expression in teleosts.

[Separation and determination of ephedrine alkaloids and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl pyrazine in Ephedra herba by HPLC]

A sensitive and reliable high performance liquid chromatographic method(HPLC) has been developed for the first time for the simultaneous determination of the active ingredients of ephedrine alkaloids and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl pyrazine (TMP) in Ephedra herba crude drug and two Chinese traditional medicines (Xiao-er qingfeiwan and Lu-si kewan). The HPLC assay was performed on a reversed phase C18 column (Nova-Pak C18, 3.9 mm i.d. x 150 mm) by using methanol-0.02 mol/L KH2PO4-acetic acid-triethyl amine (4:96:0.2:0.01, V/V) as mobile phase for the ephedrine alkaloids analysis and methanol-H2O-acetic acid (35:65:0.5, V/V) as mobile phase for TMP analysis. Regression equations revealed the linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.991-0.998) between the peak area of each constituent (E, PE, NE, NPE, TMP) and its concentration. The detection limits for E, PE, NE, NPE and TMP were 0.4 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, 0.03 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L, respectively, and the recoveries ranged between 92%-103%. The contents of E, PE, NE, NPE, TMP in Ephedra herba, traditional medicine Xiao-er qingfeiwan and Lu-si kewan were determined respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of the contents ranged between 1.1%-3%.

Complementation of physiological and behavioral defects by a slowpoke Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channel transgene

The Drosophila slowpoke gene encodes a large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel used in neurons, muscle, and some epithelial cells. Tissue-specific transcriptional promoters and alternative mRNA splicing generate a large array of transcripts. These distinct transcripts are thought to tailor the properties of the channel to the requirements of the cell. Presumably, a single splice variant cannot satisfy the specific needs of all cell types. To test this, we examined whether a single slowpoke splice variant was capable of complementing all slowpoke behavioral phenotypes. Null mutations in slowpoke cause animals to be semiflightless and to manifest an inducible "sticky-feet" phenotype. The well-characterized slowpoke transcriptional control region was used to direct the expression of a single slowpoke splice variant (cDNA H13) in transgenic flies. The endogenous gene in these flies had been inactivated by the slo(4) mutation. Action-potential recordings and voltage-clamp recordings demonstrated the production of functional channels from the transgene. The transgene completely complemented the flight defect, but not the sticky-feet phenotype. We conclude that distinct slowpoke channel isoforms, produced by alternative splicing, are not interchangeable and are required for proper function of different cell types.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the sera of rare wildlife in the Shanghai Zoological Garden, People's Republic of China

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the sera of rare wildlife in the Shanghai Zoological Garden, PR China, was examined using a modified agglutination test (MAT) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty-one (35%) of 117 animals belonging to two classes, 10 orders, 18 families, 37 genera and 52 species (including sub-species) were sero-positive for MAT. By MAT, T. gondii antibodies were found in 11.1% (4/36) of birds, in 25% (4/16) of primates, in 69.4% (25/36) of carnivores and in 27.6% (8/29) of herbivores. Thirty-three (33.7%) of 98 animals tested by protein A ELISA were sero-positive. By ELISA, T. gondii antibodies were found in none of 36 birds, in 33.3% (4/12) of primates, in 87.1% (27/31) of carnivores and in 10.5% (2/19) of herbivores.

Impaired B cell development and proliferation in absence of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85alpha

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation has been implicated in many cellular responses, including fibroblast growth, transformation, survival, and chemotaxis. Although PI3K is activated by several agents that stimulate T and B cells, the role of PI3K in lymphocyte function is not clear. The mouse gene encoding the PI3K adapter subunit p85alpha and its splice variants p55alpha and p50alpha was disrupted. Most p85alpha-p55alpha-p50alpha-/- mice die within days after birth. Lymphocyte development and function was studied with the use of the RAG2-deficient blastocyst complementation system. Chimeric mice had reduced numbers of peripheral mature B cells and decreased serum immunoglobulin. The B cells that developed had diminished proliferative responses to antibody to immunoglobulin M, antibody to CD40, and lipopolysaccharide stimulation and decreased survival after incubation with interleukin-4. In contrast, T cell development and proliferation was normal. This phenotype is similar to defects observed in mice lacking the tyrosine kinase Btk.

Behavioral and electrophysiological analysis of Ca-activated K-channel transgenes in Drosophila

The slowpoke gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a Ca-activated K channel. This gene is expressed in neurons, muscles, tracheal cells, and the copper and iron cells of the midgut. The gene produces a large number of alternative products using tissue-specific transcriptional promoters and alternative mRNA splicing. We have described in great depth how transcription is regulated and are now cataloging the tissue-specificity of different splice variants. It is believed that the diversity of products serves to tailor channel attributes to the needs of specific tissues. Electrophysiological and behavioral assays indicate that at least some of these products produce channels with distinct properties.

Spinal cord neuropathology in rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: modulation by oral administration of myelin basic protein

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which clinical neurological signs and histopathologic changes of disease can be suppressed by feeding CNS myelin proteins. Using immunohistochemistry and image analysis, the cellular immune response was quantified over the rostral-caudal axis of the spinal cord in rats with EAE and in animals fed high- or low-dose myelin basic protein (MBP) prior to inducing EAE (tolerized animals). In a subset of rats, MBP was fed 9 days after MBP immunization to examine the effect of oral tolerance on the progression of CNS pathology. In unfed rats or rats fed vehicle only, activated microglia and macrophages were co-localized with T-lymphocytes throughout the spinal cord, but greater cellular reactions were evident in gray matter relative to white matter. In all tolerized animals, the CNS inflammatory response was reduced relative to controls. Subtle pathologic changes were occasionally observed in the CNS of MBP-fed animals, but the distribution of inflammatory cells in the dorso-ventral axis was more polarized in animals fed high-dose MBP. In this group, more T-cells and activated microglia were present in the dorsal spinal cord, specifically in the gray matter. In the group fed MBP after disease induction, clinical disease progressed as in control non-fed rats, but recovery from disease appeared to be accelerated. Thus, the results presented here provide a comprehensive analysis of the distribution and magnitude of inflammatory cells within the spinal cord in EAE and challenge the theory that MBP-induced EAE is only a white matter disease. These data also describe how the activation and distribution of immune effector cells is altered by oral tolerance and may help predict a range of neurological deficits not previously appreciated in EAE, particularly those effected by gray matter pathology.

Comparative effects of diverse vertebrate gonadotropins on estradiol-17 beta formation in vitro in an immature rat Sertoli cell bioassay

The biopotencies of pituitary gonadotropins (GTHs) from various vertebrate classes were examined in an in vitro rat Sertoli cell bioassay which was previously established for mammalian follicle-stimulating hormones (FSHs). Potencies of the gonadotropins were determined by incubation of Sertoli cells obtained from 10-day-old rats, with increasing doses of GTHs, which resulted in dose-related and parallel estradiol-17 beta formation converted from added 19-hydroxy-androstenedione. In general, mammalian (human and ovine) FSHs were most potent, avian (chicken, turkey, and ostrich) FSHs were intermediate, and reptilian (snapping turtle) and amphibian (bullfrog) FSHs were the least potent. By contrast, mammalian and bullfrog luteinizing hormones (LHs) were inactive or negligibly active in this assay; avian LHs possessed one-fifth to one-half of the potency of the FSH preparations of the same species. The data suggest that the assay is specific for FSHs from mammalian and amphibian species and is relatively specific for FSHs from avian species. Both snapping turtle FSH and LH exhibited low and similar potencies in this bioassay. Black silver carp GTH was also active in this assay, although its potency was much lower. The present study has demonstrated that the immature rat Sertoli cell aromatase assay in vitro is useful for measurement of FSH contents in mammalian species and of FSH activity in diverse nonmammalian species. It also provides an approach for the investigation of structure-function relations of gonadotropin in diverse vertebrate species in relation to phylogenic patterns and specificity of hormone-receptor interaction. The findings from the present study imply that the binding sites of vertebrate FSHs share a certain degree of homology and that the binding sites of FSH receptors on Sertoli cells from immature rat have a relatively low degree of animal class specificity.

A seroepidemiologic study of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci in different populations on the mainland of China

To evaluate and compare the prevalence of antibodies to 3 chlamydial species in various populations on the mainland of China, the MIF test was used to detect both serum IgG and IgM antibodies to these species in the normal population (n = 711), in poultry workers (n = 51), in female prostitutes (n = 106), in patients attending the sexually transmitted diseases clinic (n = 98), and in adult patients with pneumonia and bronchitis (n = 108). In the normal population, IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis and C. psittaci were present in 61.5%, 9.3%, and 3.5%, respectively, and increasing with age. Prevalence and geometric mean titers (GMT) of IgG antibodies to C. trachomatis in prostitutes (54.7%) and female (55%), but not male (15.4%) sexually transmitted disease patients were significantly higher than in the normal adult female population. The prevalence indicating both previous and recent C. psittaci infections in poultry workers was no higher than in the others. The prevalence of IgG antibodies and GMT to C. pneumoniae in patients with pneumonia and bronchitis was not statistically higher than in the normal adult population. Evidence of cross-reactivities in the MIF test between different species was found in both prevalence and GMT. Serum IgM antibodies were usually absent in patients who met the serological criteria of recent C. pneumoniae infection, indicating that most of them could be considered as reinfections. On the basis of our survey, acute antibodies to C. pneumoniae by the MIF test, if they are detected, may be valuable in the diagnosis of recent C. pneumoniae infections.

Secondary structure of holo- and apo-aminoacylase from prediction, circular dichroism, and FT-Raman spectroscopy

The secondary structures of native (Holo-) and Zn(2+)-free (Apo-) aminoacylase were examined by circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopic techniques and prediction methods. Quantitative analysis of the conformationally sensitive amide I band indicates that Holo- and Apo-enzyme contain 19.3 and 17.2% helical structure, respectively. Far-UV CD spectra of Holo- and Apo-enzyme show that they contain 20.1 and 17.6% alpha-helix, respectively. Secondary structure prediction of aminoacylase indicates that it contains approximately 20.9% alpha-helical structure including 10 alpha-helix segments. The results show that after removal of Zn2+ in aminoacylase, the extent of ordered structure was decreased markedly. The conformation at or near the active site of aminoacylase may contain more ordered structure and the presence of Zn2+ may help to maintain the catalytically active conformation at the active site.

[Clinical observation on diabetic nephropathy treated with alcohol of Abelmoschus manihot]

Sixty-eight cases of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) complicated with nephropathy were randomly divided into two groups: treated group, 35 cases treated with alcohol extraction of Abelmoschus manihot, Gliclazide and Captopril tablets; control group, 33 cases treated with Gliclazide and Captopril tablets, over a period of 8 weeks. The total effective rate in treated and control group were 83.87% and 31.03%(P < 0.01), urinary micro-albumin were 31.7 mg/L and 76.3 mg/L (P < 0.05), proteinuria were 0.41 g/24h and 0.77 g/24h (P < 0.01), blood beta 2-microglobulin were 3317.8 ng/ml and 3473.1 ng/ml (P < 0.05), urinary beta 2-microglobulin were 367.2 ng/ml and 641.5 ng/ml (P < 0.01), urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG) were 26.3 u/L and 66.7 u/L (P < 0.01), plasma lipid peroxide (LPO) were 6.13 nmol/L and 8.78 nmol/L (P < 0.05), and plasma superoxide anion were 8.36 kcpm and 10.42 kcpm respectively (P < 0.05). It was suggested that Abemoschus manihot alcohol extraction could eliminate oxygen free radicals, alleviate renal tubular-interstitial diseases, improve renal function and reduce proteinuria.

[Relationship between apo-protein in renal disease patients with diagnosis and TCM syndrome differentiation]

The relationship between the level of apo-protein in 132 renal disease patients with diagnosis and TCM Syndrome Differentiation was analysed. The serum apo-protein level of 132 patients group and 135 healthy adults group were monitored with radioimmunodiffusion assay. The patients were divided into three groups. Spleen Qi and Kidney Qi Deficiency (SQKQD), both Qi and Yin Deficiency (QYD), and the Liver Yin and Kidney Yin Deficiency (LYKYD) group. All patients were divided into with-Dampness and without-Dampness group according to their clinical symptoms and signs. Comparison was also made between different groups.

RESULTS

Renal diseases including nephrotic syndrome, chronic nephritis, chronic renal failure and patients with SQKQD, QYD, LYKYD, the levels of apo-B and apo-B/apo-A-I were higher than that of normal (P < 0.01) in various degree, while the level of apo-A-I, was not changed or lower than the normal. In TCM Syndrome differentiation, apo-B and apo-B/apo-A-I in the SQKQD group were higher than those in QYD and LYKYD group (P < 0.05). Moreover, these two values in cases with Dampness were much higher than those without Dampness (P < 0.01). Therefore, it is important to treat this secondary abnormality of lipid metabolism for reducing the further deterioration of renal diseases. When primary renal disease was treated, elimination and removal the dampness might reduce the further damage of hyperlipidemia in renal diseases.

[Relation between dampness-heat syndrome of glomerulonephritis and sialic acid and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG)]

Plasmic and urinary sialic acid and urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) of 87 glomerulonephritic patients with and without Dampness-Heat Syndrome were measured, and the influence of clearing up Dampness-Heat therapy on above-mentioned parameters was investigated. The results showed that Psa, Usa and UNAG of Dampness-Heat Syndrome were significantly higher than those of non-Dampness-Heat Syndrome (P < 0.05-0.01). The further analysis indicated that the patients with acute onset of chronic nephritis manifested as Dampness-Heat, showed marked positive correlation between Usa and UNAG as well as between UNAG and proteinuria respectively (r = 0.75 and 0.722, P < 0.001). With the treatment of Abelmoschus manihot which could remove the Dampness-Heat, the amount of proteinuria, Usa and UNAG were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05-0.001). It suggested that Usa and UNAG might be as diagnostic and curative parameters of Dampness-Heat of glomerulonephritis.

The facilitatory effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate on sexual receptivity in female rats through GnRH release

The purpose of this study was to examine whether N-methyl-D-aspartate affects the sexual receptivity of female rats. Monosodium L-glutamate was used as a neurotoxin to induce hypogonadal status. Matured normal and monosodium L-glutamate-treated rats were ovariectomized and implanted subcutaneously with estradiol capsules. One week later, lordosis responsiveness was observed before and 10 min after N-methyl-D-aspartate (40 mg/kg of BW, ip) administration. The results showed that N-methyl-D-aspartate caused a remarkable increase of lordosis quotient in control rats but not in monosodium L-glutamate-treated rats. Moreover, the possible action site of N-methyl-D-aspartate in the enhancement of receptivity was evaluated by the post-castrational LH rise, pituitary LH release in response to GnRH, and N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked GnRH releasability. The results revealed that: (a) serum levels of LH in monosodium L-glutamate-treated rats were lower (p < 0.01) than those of control rats after ovariectomy; (b) there was no significant difference of pituitary LH release responsiveness to GnRH test between two groups; and (c) N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked LH release in monosodium L-glutamate-treated rats was similar to that in the control rats. In conclusion, N-methyl-D-aspartate may facilitate the sexual receptivity through stimulating GnRH release. The failure of N-methyl-D-aspartate in enhancing receptivity in monosodium L-glutamate-treated rats is probably due to the cellular damage by monosodium L-glutamate on specific areas responsible for lordosis.