Association between trajectories of systolic blood pressure and frailty outcome in middle-aged and older adults

OBJECTIVES

The association between blood pressure and frailty outcome in the middle-aged and older population remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the relationship between trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and new-onset frailty.

DESIGN

Cohort study with a 7-year follow-up.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were derived from 4 waves (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and 6168 participants aged ≥45 years were included in the study.

METHODS

The frailty index (FI) was constructed based on 40 scored items, with FI ≥ 0.25 defined as frailty. We identified the 5-year trajectory of SBP by latent class trajectory modeling. The association between SBP trajectories and frailty was explored based on hazard ratios (HR) by four Cox proportional hazards models. Furthermore, we also investigated the relationship between mean SBP and systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) and frailty.

RESULTS

6168 participants were included in this study with a mean age of 59 years. We identified five trajectories based on SBP, which are maintained low-stable SBP (T0), moderate-stable SBP (T1), remitting then increasing SBP (T2), increasing then remitting SBP (T3), and remaining stable at high SBP levels (T4). During the 7-year follow-up period, frailty outcome occurred in 1415 participants. After adjusting for other confounders, the two trajectories labeled "T2" and "T4" were associated with a higher risk of frailty compared with T0. In addition, elevated SBP and increased SBPV were associated with risk of frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher risk of frailty occurred in two trajectories, remitting then increasing and remaining stable at high SBP levels, were associated with a relatively higher risk of frailty.

Prevalence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In this study we identified the risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COPD by logistic regression analysis and established a logistic regression equation to predict the probability of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A total of 400 COPD patients treated at our hospital from October 2016 to October 2021 were selected, of which 240 were used for modeling. The prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the modeling group was counted, the clinical data of patients with and without upper gastrointestinal bleeding were compared, and the factors influencing the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were identified by logistic regression analysis. The rest 160 cases were included in a validation group to verify the performance of the logistic regression model developed.

RESULTS

Among the 240 COPD patients in the modeling group, the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was 19.58% (47/240). The proportions of patients with coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, low ALB, and Helicobacter pylori infection were significantly higher in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding than in those without (P < 0.05). Age ≥ 60 years, COPD grade III, disease duration ≥ 4.3 years, gastritis, peptic ulcer, coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, and Helicobacter pylori infection were identified to be independent risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients, while ALB elevation was a protective factor (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the logistic regression prediction model for predicting upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients was 0.867 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.818-0.907), with a sensitivity of 85.11% and specificity of 75.13%. When the logistic regression prediction model was applied to the validation group (160 COPD patients), the Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² value was 3.142 (P = 0.514) and the AUC was 0.900 (95%CI: 0.855-0.935), suggesting good discriminant validity and calibration of the model.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients is relatively high, and its occurrence is related to many factors such as patient age, COPD severity and course, gastritis, peptic ulcer, coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, Helicobacter pylori infection, and elevated ALB. The logistic regression prediction model developed has good discriminant validity and calibration for predicting the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients.

Prevalence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In this study we identified the risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COPD by logistic regression analysis and established a logistic regression equation to predict the probability of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A total of 400 COPD patients treated at our hospital from October 2016 to October 2021 were selected, of which 240 were used for modeling. The prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the modeling group was counted, the clinical data of patients with and without upper gastrointestinal bleeding were compared, and the factors influencing the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were identified by logistic regression analysis. The rest 160 cases were included in a validation group to verify the performance of the logistic regression model developed.

RESULTS

Among the 240 COPD patients in the modeling group, the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was 19.58% (47/240). The proportions of patients with coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, low ALB, and Helicobacter pylori infection were significantly higher in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding than in those without (P < 0.05). Age ≥ 60 years, COPD grade III, disease duration ≥ 4.3 years, gastritis, peptic ulcer, coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, and Helicobacter pylori infection were identified to be independent risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients, while ALB elevation was a protective factor (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the logistic regression prediction model for predicting upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients was 0.867 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.818-0.907), with a sensitivity of 85.11% and specificity of 75.13%. When the logistic regression prediction model was applied to the validation group (160 COPD patients), the Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² value was 3.142 (P = 0.514) and the AUC was 0.900 (95%CI: 0.855-0.935), suggesting good discriminant validity and calibration of the model.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients is relatively high, and its occurrence is related to many factors such as patient age, COPD severity and course, gastritis, peptic ulcer, coronary heart disease, severe infection, pulmonary encephalopathy, Helicobacter pylori infection, and elevated ALB. The logistic regression prediction model developed has good discriminant validity and calibration for predicting the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COPD patients.

Proteomic biomarkers associated with incident heart failure and frailty in late life

Background

Heart failure (HF) and frailty are highly prevalent in late life and commonly co-exist, but the mechanisms underlying their bi-directional relationship are incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify shared molecular pathways associated with incident HF and frailty in late life.

Methods

Among participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a communit-based cohort study in the United States, 4,877 plasma proteins were measured using an aptamer-affinity assay (Somascan v4) at study Visit 3 (V3; 1993–1994; n=10,368, age 60±6 years; 822 incident HF events) and at study Visit 5 (V5; 2011–2013; n=3,908, age 75±5 years; 336 incident HF events). Frailty was assessed at V5 using Fried criteria, which incorporates gait speed, grip strength, low energy expenditure, weight loss, and exhaustion. We examined the association of proteins at V3 with incident HF after V3 with Bonferroni corrected P&lt;0.05 using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. For HF-associated proteins at V3, we assessed the association of V5 protein levels with incident HF after V5. For the resulting HF-associated proteins, multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations of V5 protein values with prevalent frailty at V5 (n=223 cases) and with incident frailty by study Visit 6 (2016–2018; n=152 incident cases). All models adjusted for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, BMI, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The set of HF-related proteins that associated with incident frailty at FDR &lt;0.05 using Benjamini-Hochberg correction was tested for pathway enrichment using the Reactome database.

Results

Of 289 proteins associated with incident HF post-V3 at p&lt;1.0x10–5 (0.05/4,877), 84 were significantly associated with incident HF post-V5 at p&lt;1.7x10–4 (0.05/289). Among 4,131 HF-free participants at V5, 48 of these 84 HF-associated proteins associated with prevalent frailty at p&lt;5.9x10–4 (0.05/84). Among Visit 5 participants who completed a frailty assessment and were free of both prevalent HF and frailty (n=3,908), 31of 48 candidate proteins were also significantly associated with incident frailty at FDR 0.05, 18 of which were significantly associated with incident frailty at p&lt;1.0x10–3 (0.05/48; Figure 1). The 31 proteins associated with incident frailty at FDR 0.05 enriched for collagen biosynthesis, formation, and trimerization (COL28A1, COL6A3, EFEMP1), and cytokine immune pathways and TNF receptor binding (TNFRSF1A and B, VEGFA, B2M, and HAVCR2) in pathway enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

Collagen metabolism and immune pathways may be shared biologic pathways between HF and frailty in late-life.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

[The function and mechanism of long non-coding RNA RP11-159K7.2 in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA RP11-159K7.2 in the progression of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). Methods: Sixty-five cases of SNSCC tissues and adjacent tissues were selected from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 2009 to 2014. The expression of RP11-159K7.2 in SNSCC and adjacent tissues was detected by RNAscope in situ hybridization to observe its association with prognosis. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated proteins 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) was used to knockout the expression of RP11-159K7.2 in RPMI-2650 cells (SNSCC cell line). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing and Transwell were performed to observe the changes of proliferation, migration and invasion of SNSCC cells in vitro after down-regulation of RP11-159K7.2. Moreover, the growth of xenograft in nude mice after down-regulation of RP11-159K7.2 was examined in vivo. Mechanically, the protein chip, Western blot and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to identify the proteins bound by RP11-159K7.2. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The expression of RP11-159K7.2 in SNSCC tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues. RP11-159K7.2 expression was closely related with T grade, nodal metastasis and differentiation of SNSCC (χ² value was 4.697, 4.235 and 10.753, respectively, all P<0.05). The five-year survival rate of RP11-159K7.2 high expression patients was significantly lower than that of RP11-159K7.2 low expression ones (P=0.013 7). After the down-regulation of RP11-159K7.2, the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of SNSCC cells decreased significantly, and the growth of SNSCC xenograft was significantly inhibited. There were 31 candidate proteins that may bind to RP11-159K7.2. RP11-159K7.2 directly bound to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in SNSCC cells, and the regulation of RP11-159K7.2 on the proliferation and invasion of SNSCC cells depended on NF-κB. Conclusion: The increased expression of RP11-159K7.2 in SNSCC may serve as a potential molecular marker for SNSCC prognosis assessment. It is currently considered that the carcinogenic mechanism of RP11-159K7.2 in SNSCC is related to the regulation of NF-κB protein.

Ruscogenin suppresses mouse neutrophil activation: Involvement of protein kinase A pathway

Ruscogenin, a natural steroidal sapogenin, presents in both food and medicinal plants. It has been found to exert significant anti-inflammatory activities. Considering that activation of neutrophil is a key feature of inflammatory diseases, this study was performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of ruscogenin and its underlying mechanisms responsible for neutrophil activation. Ruscogenin displayed potent antioxidative effects against Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-induced extra- and intracellular superoxide generation in mouse bone marrow neutrophils, with IC50 values of 1.07±0.32 μM and 1.77±0.46 μM, respectively. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-elicited extra- and intracellular superoxide generation were also suppressed by ruscogenin, with IC50 values of 1.56±0.46 μM and 1.29±0.49 μM, respectively. However, ruscogenin showed weak inhibition in NaF-induced response. Inhibition of superoxide generation was mediated neither by a superoxide-scavenging ability nor by a cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, ruscogenin inhibited the membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox. It reduced FMLP-induced phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and p21-activated kinase (PAK). The cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and protein kinase A (PKA) expression were increased by ruscogenin. Moreover, ruscogenin inhibited phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, the inhibitory effects of ruscogenin on superoxide production and the phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 were reversed by PKA inhibitor (H89), suggesting a PKA-dependent mechanism. In summary, our data suggest that ruscogenin inhibits activation of neutrophil through cPLA2, PAK, Akt, MAPKs, cAMP, and PKA signaling pathways. Increased PKA activity is associated with suppression of the phosphorylation of Akt, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 pathways.

Partial oxidation of dimethyl ether using the structured catalyst Rh/Al2O3/Al prepared through the anodic oxidation of aluminum

The partial oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) was investigated using the structured catalyst Rh/Al2O3/Al. The porous Al2O3 layer was synthesized on the aluminum plate through anodic oxidation in an oxalic-acid solution. It was observed that about 20 nm nanopores were well developed in the Al2O3 layer. The thickness of Al2O3 layer can be adjusted by controlling the anodizing time and current density. After pore-widening and hot-water treatment, the Al2O3/Al plate was calcined at 500 degrees C for 3 h. The obtained delta-Al2O3 had a specific surface area of 160 m2/g, making it fit to be used as a catalyst support. A microchannel reactor was designed and fabricated to evaluate the catalytic activity of Rh/Al2O3/Al in the partial oxidation of DME. The structured catalyst showed an 86% maximum hydrogen yield at 450 degrees C. On the other hand, the maximum syngas yield by a pack-bed-type catalyst could be attained by using a more than fivefold Rh amount compared to that used in the structured Rh/Al2O3/Al catalyst.

An epidemiological survey of low back pain and axial spondyloarthritis in a Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A face-to-face investigation was performed in the Han population of Dalang Town, Yangshan County, Guangdong Province, China, using a questionnaire established in France in 1999. First the clinical features associated with SpA were investigated, then the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and sacroiliac joint radiographic examinations were carried out. Finally, the diagnosis of SpA was determined by rheumatologists.

RESULTS

A total of 13 315 subjects participated in the study and 10 921 were aged >16 years; of these, 787 (7.21%) had LBP. There were 92 axial SpA patients (0.782% in subjects >16 years old and 11.96% in subjects with LBP). There were 29 (0.253%) cases of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 60 (0.507%) undifferentiated axial SpA (USpA), and three (0.022%) psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients in the SpA groups had higher percentages in onset <40 years, insidious onset, morning stiffness, and affected for >3 months compared with those in other LBP groups. Simultaneous symptoms associated with spondylitis, such as buttock pain, heel pain, psoriasis, and SpA family history, were more commonly present. Of the axial SpA patients, 82.67% were HLA-B27 positive, clearly a greater percentage than those (11.65%) in other LBP groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey questionnaire for SpA in this study is useful for axial SpA screening in China. In southern China, the prevalence of LBP is 7.21%. The prevalence of axial SpA is 0.782%. USpA is the most common subtype of SpA, followed by AS.

Distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between plant and soil system

This paper reports a study of the distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between rice plants and the soil system by spraying before the heading stage at four different dosage levels--control, normal dosage (15 kg ha(-1) of 6% HCH and 7.5 kg ha(-1) of 25% DDT), double dosage and four times dosage. Soil and plant samples were taken respectively at the 1st h, 3rd, 10th, 20th, and 40th day after spraying and at the harvest time. The results indicate that less than 5% of HCH and 15% of DDT were absorbed by the surface of rice leaves for normal dosage. Most of both pesticides moved into the soil in solution after spraying. Compared with DDT, HCH was degraded and run off more easily. HCH residues in the surface soil layer (1-3 cm) were already below 6.4 microg kg(-1) at the mature stage, lower than Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Agricultural Soils: HCH < 0.05 mg kg(-1). However DDT residues in the surface soil layer remained 172 microg kg(-1), higher than the national standard: DDT < 0.05 mg kg(-1). According to the test f OCP residues in rice seeds, it can be concluded that the OCP sprayed onto the surface of rice leaves can move into rice plants and accumulate in the seeds at the mature stage. HCH residues in rice seeds of the double and four times dosage treatments, and DDT residues in all treatments, exceeded the Chinese National Food Standard (HCH < 0.10 mg kg(-1), DDT < 0.20 mg kg(-1)).

Correlations between cadmium and mineral nutrients in absorption and accumulation in various genotypes of rice under cadmium stress

The absorption and accumulation of Cd2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Mg2+ in the roots and leaves of 20 rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) with different genotypes under cadmium (Cd) stress were investigated with pot experiments. The results showed that there existed significant differences among the rice cultivars in the contents of six mineral elements in both roots and leaves at both heading and ripening periods. The statistical analysis showed that, for their contents in roots, significant and positive correlations between Cd2+ and Fe3+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, Cd2+ and Mn2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ existed, but no significant correlation between Cd2+ and Mg2+, at the two periods. In the leaves, Cd also showed significant and positive correlations with Fe3+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ at the both periods, but a significant and negative correlation with Mn2+ and no significant correlation with Mg2+ at heading, a significant and positive correlation with Mg2+ and no significant correlation with Mn2+ at ripening. These results suggested that there were cooperative absorption between Cd2+ and Fe3+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ in rice plants. Genotypic differences in Cd uptake and translocation among the rice cultivars suggested that paddy field of some rice cultivars may be irrigated with partially treated sewage water.

Organo-chlorine pesticide (DDT and HCH) residues in the Taihu Lake Region and its movement in soil-water system I. Field survey of DDT and HCH residues in ecosystem of the region

The use of organo-chlorine (DDT and HCH) has been banned in China for 20 years. A field survey was carried out during 1999-2000 in the Taihu Lake Region. Organo-chlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in soil, water, fish and sediment samples were investigated. DDT was detected in 5 out of 10 samples with concentration ranging from 0.3 to 5.3 microg/kg in the surface (0-15 cm) layer, 6 out of 10 with 0.5 to 4.0 microg/kg in the subsoil layer (16-30 cm), and 4 of 10 with 0 to 2.7 microg/ kg in the deep soil layer (31-50 cm). Results for HCH residues in soil samples were similar to those of DDT. These results indicate that OCP residues in 0-50 cm profile had been leached out or degraded to safe level. In river water DDT was detected in 10 out of 13 samples ranging from 0.2 to 9.3 microg/l, with an average of 1.0 microg/l. While HCH was detected in 12 out of 13 samples ranging from 0.02 to 36.1 microg/l, with an average 5.6 microg/l. DDT residues in sediment ranged from 0.1 to 8.8 microg/kg, while HCH ranged from 0.3 to 66.5 microg/kg. DDT residues in fish body ranged from 3.7 to 23.5 microg/kg and HCH ranged from 3.7 to 132 microg/kg. These results demonstrate an accumulation through food chain (from soil-water-sediment-microbes-crop-fish-... etc.), also that HCH residues are generally more persistent than DDT residues. However, all these data are well below than the state warning standard limit.

[Comparative studies on the fatty acids contained in four species of medicinal plants from family Euphorbiaceae and their endophytic fungi]

OBJECTIVE

The relation of four species of medicinal plants from family Euphorbiaceae and their endophytic fungi was studied to find the source of active substances for developing new pharmaceutical resources.

METHOD

The main fatty acids contained in Sapium sebiferum, Euphorbia pekinensis, Euphorbia helioscopia, Bischofia polycarpam and their 28 strains of endophytic fungi were compared and analysed by GC.

RESULT

The main fatty acids of the plants are: alpha-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid. Linolenic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid are the main fatty acids of the endophytic fungi.

CONCLUSION

The fatty acids could be produced by the endophytic fungi, which could be used as a factor for identification. There are great differences at the contents of alpha-linolenic acid between the plants and their endophytic fungi, which were suggested to be related with the nutrition absorption and the relationship between the endophytes and the host plant.

Bit-level packet-switching all-optical multihop shuffle networks with deflection routing

We propose an all-optical packet-switching scheme in multihop shuffle networks in which deflection routing is used as its contention-resolution principle. In our scheme only partial address information in the packet header is read before a routing decision is made. Because the new scheme does not involve a time-consuming look-up table, extremely low latency operation is possible at each node. Moreover, because the number of demultiplexers at each node can be kept constant even though the network size changes, cost-effective design of a node is possible.

Coupling of ethanol metabolism to lipid biosynthesis: labelling of the glycerol moieties of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, a phosphatidic acid and a phosphatidylcholine in liver of rats given [1,1-2H2]ethanol

The mechanism behind ethanol-induced fatty liver was investigated by administration of [1,1-2H2]ethanol to rats and analysis of intermediates in lipid biosynthesis. Phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylcholine were isolated by chromatography on a lipophilic anion exchanger and molecular species were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography in a non-aqueous system. The glycerol moieties of palmitoyl-linoleoylphosphatidic acid, the corresponding phosphatidylcholine and free sn-glycerol-3-phosphate were analysed by GC/MS of methyl ester t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. The deuterium labelling in the glycerol moiety of the phosphatidic acid was 2-3-times higher than in free sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, indicating that a specific pool of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate was used for the synthesis of phosphatidic acid in liver. The results indicate that NADH formed during ethanol oxidation is used in the formation of a pool of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate that gives rise to triacylglycerol and possibly fatty liver.

Steroidal glycosides from the subterranean parts of Liriope spicata var. prolifera

In a continuation of phytochemical studies on the underground organs of Liriope spicata var. prolifera, four new steroidal glycosides, lirioproliosides A-D, along with two known compounds, 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside and ophiopogonin A, were identified. The structures of lirioproliosides A-D were established by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods as 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[3-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside, 25(S)-ruscogenin (1-O-[2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside and ruscogenin (1-O-[2-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside, respectively. Among these steroidal glycosides, ophiopogonin A and lirioprolioside B, and lirioproliosides C and D, were isolated as epimeric pairs.

Application of pyrolysis-high-resolution gas chromatography-pattern recognition to the identification of the Chinese traditional medicine mai dong

Pyrolysis-high-resolution gas chromatography-pattern recognition (Py-HRGC-PaRe) was used to develop a potential technique for identifying the Chinese traditional medicine Mai Dong. About 1 mg of crude drug powder was pyrolysed in a furnace pyrolyser and the products were directly carried into a gas chromatograph with an FSOT capillary column (30 m x 0.265 mm I.D.) coated with DB-1701 (df 0.25 micron). The Py-HRGC data were analysed by non-linear mapping PaRe. The results showed that Mai Dong samples could be classified into two categories: Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f.) Ker-Gawl (included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia) and Liriope spicata.

Determinants of abnormal left ventricular filling in early hypertension

Thirty-seven untreated subjects with borderline or mild hypertension were studied to establish the prevalence and clinical characteristics associated with abnormal left ventricular filling in this disorder. Subjects were referred to this study because of casual office blood pressure measurements of greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg; all were less than 50 years old, had no other cardiovascular or systemic disease and had not received antihypertensive medication for at least 1 year. To precisely determine blood pressure, measurements were made over 30 min with the patient in the supine position and during awake hours with ambulatory monitoring. Left ventricular mass was determined echocardiographically, and Doppler echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular filling. No subject had increased left ventricular mass, but 8 (22%) of the 37 had abnormal left ventricular filling. All eight subjects with abnormal left ventricular filling had an ambulatory systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg and a supine systolic blood pressure greater than 122 mm Hg. Abnormal filling was not related to left ventricular mass or heart rate. In multivariate analysis, the degree of abnormal filling could best be predicted from a combination of age and supine systolic blood pressure (r = 0.69; p less than 0.001). This study suggests that in untreated early essential hypertension, abnormal left ventricular filling is present in greater than 20% of subjects, precedes detectable left ventricular hypertrophy and is related to age and prevailing level of blood pressure.