[Advances in the diagnosis and treatment strategy of polymyxin resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae]

In recent years, the detection rate of multidrug-resistant and pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has increased year on year, so polymyxin has received increasing attention as an antibiotic that is still sensitive to most of the multidrug-resistant strains. However, widespread use of polymyxin is likely to lead to the emergence of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. At the same time, the polymyxin hetero-resistance has made clinical prevention and treatment difficult. In addition to relying on the combination of polymyxins with other antibiotics, the search for new antibacterial drugs has also become a research hotspot. Research into early detection methods for polymyxin resistance can also help to optimize and improve the diagnosis and treatment strategies. This article reviewed the epidemic status, mechanism, detection methods and prevention measures of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[Abnormalities of white matter differentiate the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy from Parkinson's disease]

Objective: To identify objective markers between the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with MSA-P, 15 patients with PD, and 15 healthy control group during the period from August 2016 to February 2019 in Baoshan Branch of Shanghai First People's Hospital.We combined the novel tract based spatial statistics (TBSS) and region of interest (ROI) analyses for the first time to investigate three groups with diffusion tensor imaging. By TBSS, we performed pairwise comparisons of mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. The clusters with significant differences between MSA-P and PD were used as ROIs for further analyses. Results: FA values in the left anterior thalamic radiation(ATR) (ROI values were 0.371(0.287-0.535), 0.472(0.390-0.594), 0.473(0.388-0.555); P values were 0.008, 0.008) and left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF)(ROI values were 0.397(0.291-0.469), 0.456(0.338-0.560), 0.473(0.427-0.530); P values were 0.013,<0.001) were significantly decreased in MSA-P compared with PD or controls, and significantly correlated with clinical data((r =-0.807, P =0.005),(r =-0.455, P =0.022)). Conclusion: Our findings indicate the abnormalities of left ATR and left SLF as specific biomarkers for differential diagnosis.

[Comparative analysis of the prognosis of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing laparoscopic or abdominal surgery]

Objective: To compare the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer in stage Ⅰb2-Ⅱa2 undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy or abdominal radical hysterectomy. Methods: From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018, patients with stage Ⅰb2-Ⅱa2 who underwent laparoscopic or abdominal radical hysterectomy (laparoscopic group and abdominal group) in Peking University People's Hospital were collected. The clinicopathological data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 237 cases in this study, including 115 cases in laparoscopic group and 122 cases in abdominal group. The clinicopathological characteristics, surgery-related complications, recurrence and death were analyzed between the two groups. The related factors of recurrence and death were also analyzed.During laparoscopic surgery, the pressure of the carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum were controlled, to try avoid the tumor tissue in the vagina from being exposed to the abdominal cavity when taking out the uterine specimen through the vagina, and fully flushed the abdominal cavity with sterile water after the specimen was taken out. Results: (1) Clinicopathological characteristics: there was no significant differences between the two groups among age, pathological type, pathological grade, clinical stage, depth of interstitial infiltration, lymph node metastasis,parametrial infiltration, vaginal stump infiltration, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI), neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and postoperative adjuvant treatments (all P>0.05). (2) Surgery-related complications: the incidence of surgery-related complications in the laparoscopic group and the abdominal group were 32.2% (37/115) and 25.4% (31/122), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). (3) Recurrence and death: during the follow-up period, the recurrence rates of the laparoscopic group and the abdominal group were respectively 15.7% (18/115) and 12.3% (15/122). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.456). The 5-year overall survival rates of the laparoscopic group and the open group were 86.8% and 87.8%, and the 5-year tumor-free survival rates were 81.7% and 84.6%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P=0.405, P=0.429). (4) Analysis of related factors of recurrence and death: univariate analysis showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy, lymph node metastasis, vaginal stump infiltration, LVSI and interstitial infiltration depth were risk factors for postoperative recurrence of cervical cancer patients (all P<0.05); neoadjuvant chemotherapy, lymph node metastasis, parametrial infiltration, vaginal stump infiltration, LVSI and interstitial infiltration depth were risk factors for postoperative death in patients with cervical cancer (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and death of cervical cancer patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer in stage Ⅰb2-Ⅱa2 undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with non-touch operative technique and abdominal radical hysterectomy.

[Investigation on the health status of workers exposed to benzene in one province]

Objective: To explore the health status of occupational benzene exposure workers, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of reasonable health monitoring and effective protective measures. Methods: In March 2019, the occupational health surveillance data were collected including blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, etc of 7810 benzene contact workers in 150 enterprises in Jiangxi Province in 2017, to analyze and assess their health status. Results: Among the 7810 benzene workers, there were 5451 males and 2359 females; the average age was (40.5±9.9) years; and the median benzene working age was 3.5 years. The detection rate of hypertension was 17.0% (734/4317) , the abnormal rate of urine routine was 15.7% (1227/7810) , the abnormal rate of liver function was 8.6% (356/4147) , and the abnormal rate of electrocardiogram was 12.3%(963/7810). The detection rates of low count number of leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils and occupational contraindications were 4.6%(360/7810) , 1.4%(108/7810) , 4.2%(330/7810) and 1.4%(110/7810) , respectively. The detection rates of low count number of leukocytes, platelets and neutrophils in female were all higher than those in male (P<0.05). The detection rates of low count number of platelets, neutropenia and occupational contraindications increased with age and working age (P<0.05 ). There were significant differences in the detection rates of low count number of leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils and occupational contraindications among benzene workers in different economic types (P<0.05) , and the highest among foreign companies, followed by private enterprise. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of low count number of platelets, neutrophils and occupational contraindications in benzene workers of different enterprise sizes (P<0.05) , and the highest was found in micro enterprises, followed by small enterprises. Conclusion: In 2017, the occupational health status of workers exposed to benzene in Jiangxi province is not optimistic. It is necessary to strengthen the occupational health supervision of small and micro-sized enterprises, foreign enterprises and private enterprises, take the initiative to improve health surveillance, and effectively protect the physical and mental health of workers.

The relative impact of urbanization and precipitation on long-term water level variations in the Yangtze River Delta

The combined and individual hydrological impacts of climate variation and urbanization have been extensively discussed over the past few decades, yet little is known about the relative impact of each. In this paper we took one of the most developed regions worldwide, Yangtze River Delta, as an example to analyse the long-term relative impacts of precipitation and urbanization change on water level alterations, based on precipitation, water level series, and annual impervious area data from 1960 to 2015. Abrupt changes detection in the water level series divided the data into the pre-impact period (1960-1988) and impacted period (1989-2015), and relative impacts of precipitation and urbanization on the water level increase from pre-impacted to impacted period, as well as their spatial and seasonal variations were estimated with the elasticity method. The results indicated that the urbanization change showed no distinct influence on the water level rise in the pre-impact period, while the precipitation played distinct roles only during summer months in the impacted period; the precipitation dominated two thirds of the water level rise in flood season, and in non-flood season the urbanization controlled the two thirds of the water level rise; spatially, the water level variations in old and new urban area were dominated by precipitation and urbanization process respectively; compared with precipitation amount, the water level correlated more strongly to the contribution ratio of precipitation. The results would provide a good reference for flood control and water resource management in the river basin, especially in the economically developed areas.

[Using the sequenced sample cluster analysis to study the body mass index distribution characteristics of adults in different age groups and genders]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of distribution on Chinese adult body mass index (BMI) in different age groups and genders and to provide reference related to obesity and related chronic diseases. Methods: Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2009 were used. Sequential sample cluster method was used to analyze the characteristics of BMI distribution in different age groups and genders by SAS. Results: Our results showed that the adult BMI in China should be divided into 3 groups according to their age, as 20 to 40 years old, 40 to 65 years old, and> 65 years old, in females or in total when grouped by difference of 5 years. For groupings in male, the three groups should be as 20 to 40, 40 to 60 years old and>60 years old. There were differences on distribution between the male and female groups. When grouped by difference of 10 years, all of the clusters for male, female and total groups as 20-40, 40-60 and>60 years old, became similar for the three classes, respectively, with no differences of distribution between gender, suggesting that the 5-years grouping was more accurate than the 10-years one, and BMI showing gender differences. Conclusions: BMI of the Chinese adults should be divided into 3 categories according to the characteristics of their age. Our results showed that BMI was increasing with age in youths and adolescents, remained unchanged in the middle-aged but decreasing in the elderly.

[Use of noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in very low birth weight infants]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of noninvasive high-frequency oscillation ventilation (nHFOV) in very low birth weight infants. Method: A total of 36 cases received nHFOV between January 2016 and October 2016 in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, including 24 males and 12 females, with the gestational age of (27.5±2.5) weeks and birth weight of(980±318)g. The data of the ventilator settings, side effects, and changes of the respiratory function before and after nHFOV were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Nonparametric tests or t tests or χ(2) tests were used. Result: Thirty-two (89%) out of the 36 cases successfully avoided intubation or re-intubation after using of nHFOV. nHFOV was used as the rescue treatment after failure of other noninvasive ventilation in 17 cases, and as the prophylactical treatment preventing re-intubation after extubation in the remaining 19 cases. There were significant decreases in the incidences of apnea and desaturation(SpO(2)<0.85), the level of PaCO(2, )and the FiO(2) 24 h after the initiation of the nHFOV as the rescue therapy((1.2±1.1)vs.(6.3±2.1)episodes , (1.1±1.2) vs.(4.3±1.5) episodes, (43±8) vs.(56±10) mmHg, 0.30±0.07 vs. 0.39±0.11, respectively; 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, t=7.562, 8.913, 4.179, 3.437 respectively, all P<0.01). No significant changes were found in FiO(2) and PaCO(2) levels 24 h after initiation of nHFOV as the prophylactical therapy after extubation (0.42±0.12 vs.0.40±0.10, (49±8)vs.(48±7)mmHg, t=0.872 and 0.501 respectively, both P>0.05), except for the significant decreases in the mean airway pressure ((7.9±2.6)vs.(9.6±1.6)cmH(2)O, 1 cmH(2)0=0.098 kPa, t=2.198, P=0.041). There were 4 cases suffered from nasal septum injury, while no other nHFOV related complications were noted. Conclusion: nHFOV can be applied in preterm infants as a rescue treatment after the failure of other noninvasive ventilation, or prophylactically used in patients who have high risk of re-intubation.

[Clinical analysis of the character, family history and prognosis of 6 cases with Crouzon syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, family history, treatment and prognosis of patients with Crouzon syndrome. Method:We reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 6 patients with Crouzon syndrome. All patients suffered from snore during sleep, along with mouth opening, in which 5 cases had apnea and could be awaken. In addition, five of six experienced hearing loss, including one case with right ear discharging repeatedly. During the treatment, all patients were operated under general anesthesia. Among six cases, two were performed by tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and myringotomy; one was treated by adenoidectomy and myringotomy; two were performed by adenoidectomy; one was treated by external auditory canal cholesteatoma exenteration. Result:Within half a year to seven years' follow-up, 5 patients snore occasionally at night but without sleep apnea, while 1 patient performed by external auditory canal cholesteatoma exenteration has no improvement in sleep snoring. Additionally, the hearing of 5 patients have been greatly improved after operation and the cranial facial deformity of 2 cases have been alleviated than before, while 4 patients have no alleviation in oxycephaly, exophthalmos, mandibular prognathism and malocclusion.Conclusion:Understanding the clinical characteristics of Crouzon syndrome significantly contributes to early diagnosis of this disease. Individual-based treatment should be carried out according to the clinical symptoms and signs of patients. Early intervention benefit to the improvement of prognosis and the life quality of patients.

[CT guidance 125I seed implantation for pelvic recurrent rectal cancer assisted by 3D printing individual non-coplanar template]

Objective: To analyze the difference of dosimetric parameters between pre-plan and post-plan of ¹²⁵I radioactive seed implantation assisted by 3D printing individual non-coplanar template (3D printing template) for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Methods: From February 2016 to April 2016, a total of 10 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer received ¹²⁵I seeds implantation under CT guidance assisted by 3D printing template in Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital.Each patient underwent CT simulation, three-dimentional treatment planning pre-implantation, 3D printing template design, radioactive seed implantation assisted by 3D printing template and dosimetric verification post implantation. The median activity of seed was 0.63 mCi (0.58 to 0.7 mCi) (2.15- 2.59×10⁷ Bq), and the median number of seeds was 80 (19 to 192). D₉₀, D₁₀₀, V₁₀₀, V₁₅₀, CI, EI, HI, D_5cc, D_2cc of bladder and bowel of pre-plan and post-plan were calculated, respectively.Paired t test was used to evaluate the difference of dosimetric parameters between pre-plan and post-plan. Results: The median D₉₀ of pre-plan and post-plan were 13 761.0 and 12 798.8 cGy, respectively.The median D₁₀₀ of pre-plan and post-plan were 5 293.6 and 5 397.9 cGy, respectively.The median V₁₀₀ of pre-plan and post-plan were 90.0% and 90.0%, respectively.The median V₁₅₀ of pre-plan and post-plan were 63.8% and 62.4%, respectively.The median CI of pre-plan and post-plan were 0.73 and 0.67.The median EI of pre-plan and post-plan were 0.22 and 0.30, respectively. The median HI of pre-plan and post-plan were 0.29 and 0.31.The median bladder D_2cc of pre-plan and post-plan were 3 088.8 and 4 240.4 cGy, respectively.The median bowel D_2cc of pre-plan and post-plan were 7 051.6 and 7 903.9 cGy, respectively. Conclusions: 3D printing template might be helpful for locally recurrent rectal cancer patients who received ¹²⁵I radioactive seed implantation assisted by 3D printing individual template.Seed implantation might have more chances to achieve prescription dose and dose limitation of organs at risk of pre-plan, which is important for precise implantation and quality control.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*24:08 and A*24:10, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*24:08 and A*24:10, were identified by cloning and sequencing.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*33:01:01 and A*33:03:01, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*33:01:01 and A*33:03:01, were identified by cloning and sequencing.

Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on leukocyte activation: changes in membrane-bound elastase on neutrophils

Background: Neutrophil elastase is known to be released from the activated leukocytes as a result of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, its biological effect on organ injury is questionable because it is quickly bound by natural proteinase inhibitors (PIs). Recently, membrane-bound elastase (MBE) was found to be able to resist the PIs’ process and, thus, is biologically more active. This paper studies the effect of CPB on the kinetic change of MBE and its possible link to postoperative inflammation and organ function.

Method: Ten consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with CPB were recruited into the study. Blood samples were taken before sternotomy, after aortic declamping, at the end of CPB, three and six hours after CPB and on the first postoperative day. MBE was determined by substrate assay from isolated neutrophils. Inflammation and organ function markers were determined according to routine laboratory methods.

Results: MBE slightly increased after aortic declamping, while it significantly increased and reached its peak at the end of CPB; it returned to its preoperative level on the first postoperative day. In contrast to lung sequestration of neutrophils, there was no transpulmonary gradient of MBE between left and right atria after aortic declamping. Neither MBE nor total MBE activity was positively correlated with postoperative inflammation markers such as blood lactate and C-reactive protein and organ function markers such as creatine phosphokinase and alanine aminotransferase.

Conclusions: CPB induces increased MBE expression on neutrophils with its peak at the end of CPB. Lack of association between neutrophil MBE and clinical markers suggests that multiple systems might be involved in the post-CPB inflammatory reaction and organ dysfunction.

Effect of siRNA targeting HER2/neu on the proliferation and viability of prostate cancer PC-3M cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) on the proliferation and viability of prostate cancer PC-3M cells. Chemically synthesized siRNA targeting HER2/neu was transfected into PC-3M cells by using liposomes, and cells transfected with empty liposomes, a negative siRNA sequence, or nothing (untransfected) were used as controls. mRNA and protein levels of HER2/neu were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The inhibitory action of HER2/neu siRNA on the in vitro growth of PC-3M cells was assessed by the cholecystokinin 8 assay and apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Cells transfected with HER2/neu siRNA showed decreased mRNA and protein levels of HER2/neu compared to control groups (P < 0.05). The survival rate of PC-3M cells decreased significantly after transfection with HER2/neu siRNA compared to that of untransfected cells (55.39 ± 1.60 and 81.42 ± 0.80%, respectively; P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate in cells transfected with HER2/neu siRNA was quite high (45.60 ± 0.70%) compared to that of blank control, empty liposome, and negative siRNA sequence groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, siRNA targeting HER2/neu inhibits HER2/neu expression in PC-3M cells, resulting in an inhibition in proliferation and an induction of apoptosis.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*02:48 and A*02:251, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic sequences of HLA-A*02:48 and A*02:251, identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*02:07:01 and A*02:10, identified by cloning and sequencing

We report the sequences of 5' promoter and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of A*02:07:01 and A*02:10 for the first time.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*03:01:01:01 and A*03:02:01 identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*03:01:01:01 and A*03:02:01, were identified in two Chinese donors.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*02:05:01 and A*02:06:01 identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*02:05:01 and A*02:06:01, were identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A*11 alleles, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full length sequences of HLA-A*11:01:01 and A*11:02:01 were identified by cloning and sequencing from two different Chinese donors.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*02:01:01:01 and A*02:03:01, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*02:01:01:01 and HLA-A*02:03:01 were identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.

Full-length coding sequences of two MICA alleles, MICA*002:01 and MICA*012:01, identified by sequence-based typing in Chinese individuals

Full-length coding sequences of MICA*002:01 and MICA*012:01, were identified by sequence-based typing in Chinese individuals.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*01:01:01:01 and A*01:03, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*01:01:01:01 and A*01:03, were identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A alleles, A*30:01:01 and A*30:04:01, identified by cloning and sequencing

Genomic full-length sequences of HLA-A*30:01:01 and A*30:04:01, were identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.

First measurement of the neutron beta asymmetry with ultracold neutrons

We report the first measurement of an angular correlation parameter in neutron beta decay using polarized ultracold neutrons (UCN). We utilize UCN with energies below about 200 neV, which we guide and store for approximately 30 s in a Cu decay volume. The interaction of the neutron magnetic dipole moment with a static 7 T field external to the decay volume provides a 420 neV potential energy barrier to the spin state parallel to the field, polarizing the UCN before they pass through an adiabatic fast passage spin flipper and enter a decay volume, situated within a 1 T field in a 2x2pi solenoidal spectrometer. We determine a value for the beta-asymmetry parameter A_{0}=-0.1138+/-0.0046+/-0.0021.

Structure Determination and Relative Properties of Novel Noncentrosymmetric Borates MM‘4(BO3)3(M = Na, M‘ = Ca and M = K, M‘ = Ca, Sr)

A series of novel noncentrosymmetric borates, MM'4(BO3)3 (M = Na, M' = Ca; M = K, M' = Ca, Sr), have been successfully synthesized via a standard solid-state reaction. The crystal structures have been determined by the SDPD (structure determination from powder diffraction) method. They crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric space group Ama2 with the following lattice parameters: a = 10.68004(11) A, b = 11.28574(11) A, c = 6.48521(6) A for NaCa4(BO3)3; a = 10.63455(10) A, b = 11.51705(11) A, c = 6.51942(6) A for KCa4(BO3)3; and a = 11.03843(8) A, b = 11.98974(9) A, c = 6.88446(5) A for KSr4(BO3)3. The fundamental building units are isolated BO3 anionic groups. Their second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients were one-half (NaCa4(BO3)3), one-third (KCa4(BO3)3), and two-thirds (KSr4(BO3)3) as large as that of KH2PO4 (KDP). The infrared and UV-vis spectra of the three compounds are discussed. Moreover, a comparison of the structures of these novel compounds and three other novel cubic compounds with the same formula, MM'4(BO3)3 (M = Li, M' = Sr; M = Na, M' = Sr, Ba), is presented here.

Structure Determination and Relative Properties of Novel Cubic Borates MM‘4(BO3)3 (M = Li, M‘ = Sr; M = Na, M‘ = Sr, Ba)

A series of novel borates, MM'4(BO3)3 (M = Li, M' = Sr; M = Na, M' = Sr, Ba), have been successfully synthesized by standard solid-state reaction. The crystal structures have been determined from powder X-ray diffraction data. They crystallize in the cubic space group Iad with large lattice parameters: a = 14.95066(5) A for LiSr4(BO3)3, a = 15.14629(6) A for NaSr4(BO3)3, and a = 15.80719(8) A for NaBa4(BO3)3. The structure was built up from 64 small cubic grids, in which the M' atoms took up the corner angle and the BO3 triangles or MO6 cubic octahedra filled in the interspaces. The isolated [BO3]3- anionic groups are perpendicular to each other, distributed along three 100 directions. The anisotropic polarizations were counteracting, forming an isotropic crystal. Sr and Ba atoms were found to be completely soluble in the solid solution NaSr(4-)xBax(BO3)3 (0 < or = x < or = 4). The photoluminescence of samples doped with the ions Eu2+ and Eu3+ was studied, and effective yellow and red emission was detected, respectively. The results are consistent with the crystallographic study. The DTA and TGA curves of them show that they are chemically stable and congruent melting compounds.

Synthesis and ab initio X-ray powder diffraction structure of the new alkali and alkali earth metal borate NaCa(BO3)

A sodium calcium borate, NaCaBO3, has been synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and the structure solved from X-ray powder diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in space group Pmmn and has a desired structure type containing isolated planar BO3(3-) anions. Mixed occupancy is found to exist in the Ca site, with partial replacement by Na. One Ca/Na mixed atom and one Na atom are at sites with mm2 symmetry, and a second Ca/Na mixed atom, an Na atom, two B and two O atoms are on mirror planes.

Syntheses, Thermal Stability, and Structure Determination of the Novel Isostructural RBa3B9O18 (R = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb)

A novel borate compound YBa(3)B(9)O(18) has crystallized in a melt of BaYB(9)O(16). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that YBa(3)B(9)O(18) adopts a hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with cell parameters of a = 7.1761(6) A and c = 16.9657(6) A. The structure is made up of the planar B(3)O(6) groups parallel to each other along the (001) direction, regular YO(6) octahedra, and irregular BaO(6) and BaO(9) polyhedra to form an analogue structure of beta-BaB(2)O(4). A series of isostructural borate compounds RBa(3)B(9)O(18) (R = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) were prepared by powder solid-state reactions. The DTA and TGA curves of YBaB(9)O(16) show an obvious weight loss at about 955 degrees C associated with a decomposition into YBO(3), B(2)O(3), and YBa(3)B(9)O(18) due to its incongruent melting behavior. The DTA and TGA curves of YBa(3)B(9)O(18) show that it is chemically stable and a congruent melting compound. A comparison of the structures of YBa(3)B(9)O(18) and beta-BaB(2)O(4) is presented.

[Study on stepwise regression of risk factors in patients with sudden deafness]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the affected factors of sudden deafness.

METHOD

To analyse the stepwise regression of various factors in age, systolic pressure/diastolic pressure, immunoglobulin G, A, M, KPTT, PT, Fbg, FDP, ELT and auditory threshold.

RESULT

There was significant correlation (positive straightline relativity) between the auditory threshold and KPTT in patients with sudden hearing loss, and between the auditory threshold and PT in the analysis of coagulogram.

CONCLUSION

The state of blood circulation didn't show hypercoagulability in some patients with sudden hearing loss. We must be very careful in therapy of anticoagulation and the increment of blood volume.

Nuclear proteins from liver and kidney bind a 37 bp sequence in the 5' upstream region of the mGAT1 gene

The mouse GABA transporter (mGAT1) gene has been shown to be exclusively expressed in brain by Northern and Western blot analyses. The interactions between the 5' flanking region of the mGAT1 gene and nuclear proteins from different mouse tissues were studied by means of gel-shift assay. Our results show that nuclear protein factors from non-nervous tissues can specifically recognize a 37 bp sequence that is conserved in the 5' flanking region between the human and mouse GAT1 genes. Similar nuclear protein factors were also found to exist in rat, rabbit and pig.

[Changes of airway responsiveness, and relative factors in asthmatics with remission at puberty]

OBJECTIVE

To study the airway responsiveness and relative factors in asthmatics with natural remission at puberty.

METHOD

The airway responsiveness was evaluated by challenge of methacholine (PC20), blood sIL-2R, eosinophil count, basophil count and basophil releasability were detected in 18 asthmatics with remission at puberty (group I), in 20 asthmatics without remission at puberty (group II), and in 30 healthy controls (group III).

RESULT

The mean value of PC20 in the group I was significantly lower than that of the group III (P < 0.01), but still higher than that of the group II (P < 0.01). The blood sIL-2R and eosinophil values were droped almost to those of the group III, significantly lower than those of the group II. The basophil value and positive rate of human basophil degranulation test stimulated by mannitol with hyperosmolarity were still abnormal, significantly higher than those of the group III, and the basophil level was significantly related to the airway responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

The asthmatics with remission at puberty have a certain degree of airway hyperresponsivenes that is related to the abnormal of basophil.

Effects of GH on IGF-II-induced progesterone accumulation by cultured porcine granulosa cells

A total of seven experiments were conducted to investigate the potential facilitative interaction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in stimulating steroidogenesis by cultured porcine granulosa cells and to examine the possible nature of this action. Porcine granulosa cells were cultured in serum-free medium in the presence or absence of GH or prolactin, with or without IGF-II or IGF-I. IGF-II by itself dose (with peak progesterone production of 498 ng/mg DNA/24 h being observed at 100 ng of IGF-II/mL) and time- (with minimum time requirement of 24-48 h) dependently increased progesterone accumulation (P < 0.01). Neither GH (dose range 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 150 ng/mL) nor prolactin (dose range 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 micrograms/mL) alone stimulated progesterone accumulation when compared with the control (P > 0.05). However, in the presence of IGF-II, GH proved to be a potent amplifier of IGF-II in progesterone production (P < 0.01) with a minimum GH time requirement of 24-48 h. In contrast, prolactin did not influence IGF-II-induced progesterone accumulation (P > 0.05). An inhibitory study showed that the presence of cycloheximide (3 micrograms/mL) or actinomycin D (1 microgram/mL) blocked both the stimulatory effect of IGF-II on progesterone accumulation and the amplification of GH on IGF-II induced production (P > 0.01), suggesting GH amplification of IGF-II-induced progesterone accumulation is a process involving gene transcription and translation. Northern blot analysis further demonstrated that GH amplification of IGF-II-induced steroidogenesis can be attributed, at least partially, to enhanced IGF-II-induced cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage mRNA by GH.

Growth hormone as an amplifier of insulin-like growth factor-I action: potentiated oestradiol accumulation

The interaction between GH and IGF-I in modulating oestradiol biosynthetic capacity was examined in cultured porcine granulosa cells. Granulosa cells (2 x 10(6) viable cells/culture) were initially cultured for 96 h (treatment period) in an androstenedione-free medium in the absence or presence of IGF-I (0 or 50 ng/ml), with or without GH at 100 ng/ml. At the conclusion of this period, culture media were discarded and the cells were washed twice with the androstenedione-free medium and reincubated for an additional 24 h (test interval) in an androstenedione (10(-7) M)-supplemented medium for oestradiol accumulation. GH alone induced no stimulation (P > 0.05) of basal oestradiol accumulation. In contrast, concurrent treatment with IGF-I produced a 4.3-fold increase (26 vs 112 ng/ 2 x 10(6) cells per 24 h, P < 0.001) in oestradiol accumulation. GH amplified IGF-I-induced oestradiol production in a dose (minimal dose requirement of 0.3 ng/ml)- and time (minimal time requirement of 24-48 h)-dependent manner. Studies on the site(s) of action indicated that GH exerts its amplifying effects on IGF-I-induced oestradiol production both proximal and distal to cAMP generation. As the specificity study and the inhibitory study indicated, GH amplification of IGF-I-induced oestradiol production is a process involving gene transcription and/or translation and the synergism is not solely specific to IGF-I as IGF-II-induced oestradiol production was also amplified in the presence of GH.

Growth hormone amplifies insulin-like growth factor I induced progesterone accumulation and P450scc mRNA expression

The interaction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the acquisition of progesterone biosynthetic capacity were examined in cultured porcine granulosa cells. Basal progesterone production was not affected (P > 0.05) by GH treatment. However, concurrent treatment with GH produced a 4.1-fold increase (539 versus 2214 ng/culture) in the IGF-I-stimulated accumulation of progesterone. GH potentiated IGF-I induced progesterone production in a dose and time dependent manner, with a time requirement of 48 h or less. The amplified effect of GH was not attributable to changes in cellular protein, DNA content, cell number, plating efficiency or cell viability. Moreover, Northern blot analyses revealed that GH enhanced IGF-I induced expression of the gene encoding cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage. These observations provide further evidence to support the role of GH in the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis.

[A clinical study 39 cases of ovarian pregnancy]

Thirty-nine cases of ovarian pregnancy in our hospital from 1982 to 1992 were analyzed, and compared with the tubal pregnancies admitted during the same period. It showed that the incidence of ovarian pregnancy was 2.6% of all ectopic pregnancies with a trend to increase yearly. The clinical features of ovarian pregnancy revealed that abdominal pain was the major symptom, and history of amenorrhea was obscure. The clinical diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy was more difficult than that of tubal pregnancy. The typical histologic characteristics showed the embryo and chorionic villi surrounded by ovarian tissue or the presence of decidual changes. Ovarian pregnancy was closely related with poor uterine environment, pelvic inflammatory disease and/or endometriosis. The preferred therapeutic procedure was partial ovariectomy or wedge resection, preserving the normal ovarian tissue and tube as much as possible.

Antitumor effect of alpha isomer of anordrin in vitro and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase

Alpha isomer of anordrin (2 alpha, 17 alpha-diethyl-A-norandrostane-2 beta, 17 beta-diol dipropionate, alpha-Ano) inhibited mouse hepatoma (Hep A) and P388 cell growth in vitro. alpha-Ano (20 micrograms.ml-1) inhibited the incorporation of [3H]uridine and [3H]thymidine into RNA and DNA within 3 h, but the inhibition of L-[3H]lysine incorporating into protein was not obvious. alpha-Ano had no effect on the DNA-dependent RNA synthesis with purified nuclei of Hep A cells. It is suggested that the inhibition of RNA and DNA syntheses is the major cause of the cytostatic effect. alpha-Ano blocked the P388 cells at G1/G0 phase, and the delay in G1/G0 to S phase transition plays an important role in the inhibition of P388 cell growth.

Calcium dependency of muscarinic and nicotinic agonist-induced ATP and catecholamine secretion from porcine adrenal chromaffin cells

The secretion of catecholamines and ATP induced by cholinergic agonists and its dependence on extracellular Ca2+ were studied in cultured porcine adrenal chromaffin cells. Both nicotine and methacholine (a selective muscarinic agonist) induced secretion and increases in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in), although the activation of nicotinic receptors produced responses that were larger than those produced by activation of muscarinic receptors. The secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]in evoked by nicotine were completely dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and were blocked by prior depolarization of the cells with high extracellular K+ levels. In addition, nicotine induced significant 45Ca2+ influx. In contrast, the secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]in evoked by methacholine were partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+; methacholine also induced 45Ca2+ influx. Prior depolarization of the cells with high extracellular K+ levels did not block methacholine-induced secretion. In general, nicotinic responses were mediated by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent pathways. In contrast, muscarinic responses were dependent on both Ca2+ influx through an unknown mechanism that could not be inactivated by high K+ concentration-induced depolarization and presumably also intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

[P-8502--a new mu selective opioid receptor ligand]

The analgesic potencies of 3-[beta-(p-amino)-phenethyl)-9 beta-methoxy-9 alpha-(m-methoxyphenyl)-3- azabicyclo [3,3,1] nonane (P-8502) and 3-[beta-(p-monoester fumarylamido)-phenethyl]-9 beta-methoxy-9 alpha-(m-methoxyphenyl)-3-azabicyclo [3,3,1] nonane (P-8511) were examined. The analgesic ED50 of P-8502 and P-8511 were 55 and 200 micrograms/kg (mice, ip, hot plate), and 30 and 95 micrograms/kg (rat, sc, tail flick), respectively. The duration of the analgesic action of P-8511 (about 4 h) was longer than that of P-8502 (about 1.5 h, rat, sc, tail flick). Binding assay showed that P-8502 had a high ratio of delta/mu, kappa/mu: IC50 (DPDPE)/IC50 (DAGO) = 399; IC50(DAD-LE)/IC50 (DAGO) = 1498; IC50 (kappa)/IC50 (DAGO) = 159. In conclusion, P-8502 appears to be a new mu selective opioid receptor ligand, whereas P-8511 has no such selectivity.