[P.F. von Siebold and his destiny with Chinese materia medica (Ben Cao)]

P. F. von Siebold (1796-1866) was a physician at the Dutch Business Centre (Shang Wu Hui Guan) located at Nagasaki, Japan, in the Edo period. He collected a great amount of botanical and mineral specimens, books, and living wares when he stayed in Japan. He brought these materials to Europe and kept some of them at the Japan Museum Siebold Huis in Leiden in Netherlands. This collection showed the role of Siebold in connecting scientific and cultural exchanges between East and West and provided references in the research of the transmission of traditional Chinese medicine worldwide in the 19^th century.

Dual-energy CT perfusion imaging for differentiating invasive thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and lymphomas in adults

AIM

To evaluate the role of dual-energy computed tomography perfusion (DECTP) imaging in differentiating invasive thymomas (ITs), thymic cancers (TCs), and lymphomas in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-five patients with solid masses in the prevascular mediastinum who underwent DECTP examinations were enrolled in this study. The perfusion parameters (blood flow, BF; blood volume, BV; mean transit time, MTT; permeability surface, PS) and spectral parameters (water concentration, WC; iodine concentration, IC; normalised iodine concentration, NIC; the slope of spectral radiodensity [Hounsfield units] curve, λ_HU) of the lesions were analysed.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the MTT or WC values among ITs, TCs, and lymphomas (all p>0.05). The IC, NIC, and λ_HU values in the optimal arterial and venous phases and PS values of TCs were higher than those of ITs and lymphomas (all p<0.05), and there were no differences between ITs and lymphomas (all p>0.05). The BF and BV values of lymphomas were lower than those of ITs and TCs (all p<0.05), and there were no differences between ITs and TCs (all p>0.05). The cut-off values for BF and BV used to differentiate lymphomas from ITs and TCs were 42.83 ml/min/100 g and 4.66 ml/100 g, respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.847 and 0.839; sensitivity, 80.6% and 82.1%; specificity, 75% and 71.4%; accuracy, 78.9% and 81.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The perfusion and spectral parameters of DECTP imaging help to identify ITs, TCs, and lymphomas, and BF and BV values help to differentiate lymphomas from ITs and TCs.

[Quantitative analysis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on MRI proton density fat fraction in the coastal region of Qingdao]

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of MRI-PDFF on different liver segments for the evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: 178 volunteers from March 2019 to February 2020 were included. PDFF values ​​of all nine segments of the liver were measured using CSE3.0T MRI scan. The obtained average value was used to represent the average liver fat content. PDFF values of each or combined liver segment were equally compared with the average value to observe the representativeness of fat content. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic performance of each liver segment, and the Youden index was used to calculate the cutoff value. Paired-sample t-test or non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare measurement data among groups. Results: 178 volunteers average liver fat content ranged from 0.89% to 42.61% with MRI-PDFF, and 71.35% (127/178) of the volunteers had PDFF > 5%. There was no significant difference between SIII, SIVb, SV, and SVIII liver segments when compared with the average value (P > 0.05). PDFF values ​​of SI, SII, and SIV a liver segments were all lower than the average value, while the PDFF values ​​of SVI and SVII liver segments were all higher than the average value (P ​​< 0.05). MRI-PDFF sensitivity value for diagnosing liver steatosis of nine liver segments was 85.8% ~ 94.5%, and the specificity was higher than 96.0%. Among them, the SV liver segment had the highest sensitivity (94.5%), and the corresponding optimal diagnostic threshold value was 5.13%. Compared with single and combined liver segment, the PDFF value of SII, SV, SVI combined liver segment had the highest diagnostic performance for fatty liver, with the sensitivity and specificity of 96.9%, and 100%, respectively, and the corresponding optimal diagnostic threshold value was 5.17%. Conclusion: Compared with single and other combined liver segments, MRI-PDFF values of SII, SV, and SVI combined liver segments have higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of NAFLD, and it can be used as the first choice for the determination of liver fat content with MRI.

[Short-term effect of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate on potassium lowering in chronic kidney disease patients with hyperkalemia]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate on emergency correction of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: Patients with chronic kidney disease who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May to June 2020 were selected. Those who had hyperkalemia and took sodium zirconium cyclosilicate powder were finally included. The patient's clinical data and laboratory results were collected. Results: A total of 24 results were included from 21 patients. The age of patients was (48.9±13.5) years old. Fourteen patients were male, and 7 patients were female. After 2 hours of administration, the venous potassium level decreased from (5.85±0.52) mmol/L to (5.15±0.43) mmol/L (P<0.001, n=21), with an average decline of (0.71±0.43) mmol/L. Meanwhile, the arterial potassium level decreased from (5.50±0.40) mmol/L to (4.88±0.33) mmol/L (P<0.001, n=10), with an average decline of (0.62±0.29) mmol/L. Based on the initial venous potassium level, the patients were further divided into three groups. The average potassium decrease in<5.5 mmol/L group (4 patients), 5.5-<6.0 mmol/L group (11 patients) and ≥6.0 mmol/L group (6 patients) was (0.46±0.26) mmol/L, (0.62±0.38) mmol/L and (1.04±0.45) mmol/L, respectively. There was statistically significant difference of potassium reduction among the three groups (P=0.045). Moreover, the extent of potassium reduction was positively correlated with baseline venous potassium level (r=0.603, P=0.004, n=21). The study did not reveal any treatment-related adverse event. Conclusion: Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate powder can rapidly and effectively reduce the serum potassium level in chronic kidney disease patients with hyperkalemia.

[Looking for the roots of Wa Na Qi]

Wa Na Qi(), is a traditional-curing male impotence medicinal. We have made several conclusions through a field investigation to Antarctica, material medica literature research, and current market investigation. Throughout history, Wa Na Qi (also known ashaigou shen) was a word of vague connotation which was not the meaning of a specific product. However, the most common meaning of Wa Na Qi was the penises of several different species of seals. The name Wa Na Qi was adapted from a foreign word, and it is believed to sound like walrus, which has also been credited as a source for Wa Na Qi. In Chinese, Wa Na was a reference to the roundness of the walrus but eventually became a general description of heaviness. Later, it became a name for fur seals. The Song Dynasty Materia Medica Bencao Tujing(, Illustration of Materia Medica) and the Ming Dynasty Materia Medica Bencao Pinhui Jingyao(, Collected Essentials of Species of Materia Medica) both had animal illustrations resembling fur seals. The illustrations in the Compendium of Materia Medica, or Bencao Gangmu, Jinling edition also had characteristics of a fur seal. However, in the Buyi Leigong Paozhi Bianlan(, Lei Gong's Guide to Drug Preparation with Addenda) and later materia medica works, the animal illustrations became distorted and almost myth-like. After a field investigation in Antarctica, we learned that historically, name Wa Na Qi probably originated from seals, such as fur seals. This information matches the current medicines available on the market.

[Investigation of Compendium of Materia Medica in Japan]

Published in the Ming Dynasty around 1593 to 1596, the Jinling Edition of the Compendium of Materia Medica is considered the earliest engraved version. This edition has considerable literary and academic value. Only a handful of copies remain as they had to survive more than 400 years of human conflict and environmental damage such as mold and mildew. Throughout history, many ancient books, including herbal materia medica, have been exported to overseas, following the expansion of trade and cultural exchange. In Japan, many of these books are still well preserved. The author conducted a field investigation to Tohoku University in Sendai, Tokyo's Oriental Library, the Cabinet Library of the National Archives, and the National Diet Library to study four very well-preserved Jinling Editions of the Compendium of Materia Medica to fully understand the development of traditional medicine in Japan.

[A forgotten and unnoticed Museum of Chinese medicine]

Kam Wah Chung Company, located in the Oregan State in the northwestern United States, was co-created by Dr. Ing Hay and Mr. Lung On. In 1952, when Dr. Ing Hay passed away, his entire clinic building and collections were donated to the government and had been set up as a Museum for later generations to understand the history. The pictures, objects and videos used in the Museum to vividly and objectively compress and reproduce the process and history of early generation of Chinese immigrants crossing the ocean, travelling to northwestern United States and started their new life more than 100 years ago. The precious Chinese medicine materials in the Museum are of great significance to the research and the dissemination of Chinese Medicine culture overseas.

Influence of lateral position and pneumoperitoneum on oropharyngeal leak pressure with two types of laryngeal mask airways

BACKGROUND

An important parameter to monitor adequate ventilation for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is its oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP). This study was designed to evaluate and compare the effect of lateral position and pneumoperitoneum on the OLP and ventilation efficiency between LMA™ Proseal (PLMA) and LMA™ Supreme (SLMA).

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive either the PLMA or the SMLA. The OLP was assessed in both the supine position and the lateral position with or without pneumoperitoneum. Minute ventilation was increased to maintain normal EtCO₂ as far as possible. Ventilatory efficiency was scored as Class I (optimal, EtCO₂ 35-45 mmHg), Class II (suboptimal, EtCO₂ 45-55 mmHg) and Class III (poor, EtCO₂ >55 mmHg). Adverse events associated with LMA such as blood staining on the mask and sore throat were also recorded.

RESULTS

Within each group, the OLP was higher in the supine position than that in the lateral position with or without pneumoperitoneum (P < 0.01). However, pneumoperitoneum did not further decrease the OLP. The OLP with PLMA was higher compared with SLMA regardless of the position and pneumoperitoneum (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There was no significant difference in the number of patients in Class I/II/III for ventilation scores in the lateral position with pneumoperitoneum (83/7/2 in PLMA group and 76/14/2 in SLMA group, respectively). The incidence of adverse events was comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that the PLMA has a higher OLP in comparison with the SLMA in the lateral position for laparoscopic surgery. Both devices provide comparably adequate ventilatory efficiency.

Rapid and specific determination of DNA adducts for clinical diagnosis of poisoning and disease associated with aristolochic acid

1. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed to detect and characterise aristocholic acid-DNA adducts in biological samples. 2. The detection of DNA adducts in plasma, urine or the cells found in urine may be useful to support the diagnosis and monitoring of aristocholic acid-associated poisoning and disease. 3. Efforts should be made to improve the sensitivity and specificity of this approach for the detection and characterisation of exposure to other mutagens/carcinogens.

Characterization of the methylation patterns of MS4A2 in atopic cases and controls

BACKGROUND

It is largely unknown whether epigenetic modifications of key genes may contribute to the reported maternal effects in atopy. The aim of this study was to characterize the methylation patterns of the membrane-spanning 4-domains, subfamily A, member 2 gene (MS4A2) (beta-chain of the IgE high-affinity receptor), a key gene in the allergic cascade.

METHODS

Mass spectrometry and bisulphite sequencing were used to measure the methylation of two potential substrates for epigenetic regulation of MS4A2, namely a predicted promoter and a CpG-rich AluSp repeat. Methylation was measured in DNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 38 atopic cases and 37 controls. Cases were positive for atopy, asthma, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and had high IgE levels. Both parents of eight atopic cases were also tested.

RESULTS

The AluSp element was highly methylated across all individuals (mean 0.92, range 0.87-0.94), a pattern inconsistent with classical imprinting. Variation in methylation at this locus was not associated with age, sex, daily steroid use or atopic status, and there were no differences in methylation between mothers and fathers of atopic cases. Bisulphite sequencing analysis of the promoter region showed that it was also not imprinted, and there was no evidence for allele-specific methylation, but we were unable to test for association with atopy status.

CONCLUSIONS

Methylation levels at the AluSp repeat analysed in MS4A2 were inconsistent with classical imprinting mechanisms and did not associate with atopy status. The promoter region was less methylated but further analysis of this region in larger cohorts is warranted to investigate its role in allergic disease.

Association and interaction analyses of eight genes under asthma linkage peaks

BACKGROUND

Linkage studies have implicated the 2q33, 9p21, 11q13 and 20q13 regions in the regulation of allergic disease. The aim of this study was to test genetic variants in candidate genes from these regions for association with specific asthma traits.

METHODS

Ninety-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located in eight genes (CD28, CTLA4, ICOS, ADAM23, ADAMTSL1, MS4A2, CDH26 and HRH3) were genotyped in >5000 individuals from Australian (n = 1162), Dutch (n = 99) and Danish (n = 303) families. Traits tested included doctor-diagnosed asthma, atopy, airway obstruction, total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels and eosinophilia. Association was tested using both multivariate and univariate methods, with gene-wide thresholds for significance determined through simulation. Gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

There was no overall evidence for association with seven of the eight genes tested when considering all genetic variation assayed in each gene. The exception was MS4A2 on chromosome 11q13, which showed weak evidence for association with IgE (gene-wide P < 0.05, rs502581). There were no significant gene-by-gene or gene-by-environment interaction effects after accounting for the number of tests performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The individual variants genotyped in the 2q33, 9p21 and 20q13 regions do not explain a large fraction of the variation in the quantitative traits tested or have a major impact on asthma or atopy risk. Our results are consistent with a weak effect of MS4A2 polymorphisms on the variation of total IgE levels.

Family-based mitochondrial association study of traits related to type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in adolescents

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

There has been much focus on the potential role of mitochondria in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and many case-control mitochondrial association studies have been undertaken for these conditions. We tested for a potential association between common mitochondrial variants and a number of quantitative traits related to type 2 diabetes in a large sample of >2,000 healthy Australian adolescent twins and their siblings, many of whom were measured on more than one occasion.

METHODS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first mitochondrial association study of quantitative traits undertaken using family data. The maternal inheritance pattern of mitochondria means established association methodologies are unsuitable for analysis of mitochondrial data in families. We present a methodology, implemented in the freely available program Sib-Pair for performing such an analysis.

RESULTS

Despite our study having the power to detect variants with modest effects on these phenotypes, only one significant association was found after correction for multiple testing in any of four age groups. This was for mt14365 with triacylglycerol levels (unadjusted p = 0.0006). This association was not replicated in other age groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We find little evidence in our sample to suggest that common European mitochondrial variants contribute to variation in quantitative phenotypes related to diabetes. Only one variant showed a significant association in our sample, and this association will need to be replicated in a larger cohort. Such replication studies or future meta-analyses may reveal more subtle effects that could not be detected here because of limitations of sample size.

Inhibitions of mast cell-derived histamine release by different Flos Magnoliae species in rat peritoneal mast cells

Flos Magnoliae (FM) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb for symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and headache. A number of FM species have been used as substitutes or adulterants for clinical application, although the differences in their pharmacological actions have not been reported. The present study investigated the effects of six identified FM species M. biondii, M. denudata, M. kobus, M. liliflora, M. sargentiana and M. sprengeri, as well as the marker compounds magnolin and fargesin on compound 48/80-induced histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) in vitro. Ethanolic extracts of all FM species produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of compound 48/80-induced histamine release in RPMC. The rank order of the IC(50)s was M. biondii<M. kobus<M. liliflora<M. denudata<M. sprengeri<M. sargentiana. The marker compound magnolin, but not fargesin, only slightly inhibited the histamine release. The contents of magnolin and fargesin, determined by using RP-HPLC, varied significantly among these FM species. Magnolin was found in M. biondii, M. kobus and M. liliflora, but not in M. denudate, M. sprengeri and M. sargentiana, while fargesin was only found in M. biondii and M. kobus. These findings provide the first evidence of differences in pharmacological actions of different FM species on mast cell-derived histamine release in vitro. In addition, the marker compounds magnolin and fargesin may not play a major role in the observed pharmacological actions of FM species.

026.Endometriosis — linkage, positional cloning and genome wide association

Endometriosis is a complex disease which affects up to 10% of women in their reproductive years. Common symptoms include severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. The disease is associated with subfertility and some malignancies. Genetic and environmental factors both influence endometriosis. The aim of our studies is to identify genetic variation contributing to endometriosis and define pathways leading to disease. We recruited a large cohort of affected sister pair (ASP) families where two sisters have had surgically confirmed disease and conducted a 10�cM genome scan. The results of the linkage analysis identified one chromosomal region with significant linkage and one region of suggestive linkage. The regions implicated by these studies are generally of the order of 20–30�cM and include several hundred genes. Locating the gene or genes contributing to disease within the region is a challenging task. The best approach to the problem is association studies using a high density of SNP markers. The recent development of human SNP maps and high throughput SNP genotyping platforms makes this task easier. We have developed high throughput SNP typing at QIMR using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The method allows multiple SNP assays to be genotyped on the same sample in a single experiment. Throughput and genotyping costs depend critically on this level of multiplexing and we routinely genotype 6–8 SNPs in a single assay. We are using bioinformatics and functional approaches to develop a priority list of genes to screen early in the project. SNP markers in these genes are being genotyped using the MassARRAY platform to search for genes contributing to endometriosis. In the future, genome wide association studies with our families may locate additional genes contributing to endometriosis.

The pathogenesis of oral lichen planus

Both antigen-specific and non-specific mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP). Antigen-specific mechanisms in OLP include antigen presentation by basal keratinocytes and antigen-specific keratinocyte killing by CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cells. Non-specific mechanisms include mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in OLP lesions. These mechanisms may combine to cause T-cell accumulation in the superficial lamina propria, basement membrane disruption, intra-epithelial T-cell migration, and keratinocyte apoptosis in OLP. OLP chronicity may be due, in part, to deficient antigen-specific TGF-beta1-mediated immunosuppression. The normal oral mucosa may be an immune privileged site (similar to the eye, testis, and placenta), and breakdown of immune privilege could result in OLP and possibly other autoimmune oral mucosal diseases. Recent findings in mucocutaneous graft-versus-host disease, a clinical and histological correlate of lichen planus, suggest the involvement of TNF-alpha, CD40, Fas, MMPs, and mast cell degranulation in disease pathogenesis. Potential roles for oral Langerhans cells and the regional lymphatics in OLP lesion formation and chronicity are discussed. Carcinogenesis in OLP may be regulated by the integrated signal from various tumor inhibitors (TGF-beta 1, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-12) and promoters (MIF, MMP-9). We present our recent data implicating antigen-specific and non-specific mechanisms in the pathogenesis of OLP and propose a unifying hypothesis suggesting that both may be involved in lesion development. The initial event in OLP lesion formation and the factors that determine OLP susceptibility are unknown.

Mast cell/T cell interactions in oral lichen planus

Lichen planus is a disorder characterized by lesions of the skin and oral mucous membranes. Although many patients have involvement of both skin and oral mucosa at some stage during the progress of the disease, a larger group has oral involvement alone. It has been reported that oral lichen planus (OLP) affects one to two percent of the general population and has the potential for malignant transformation in some cases (1, 2). Like many chronic inflammatory skin diseases, it often persists for many years. Numerous disorders may be associated with OLP such as graft-vs.-host disease and Hepatitis C virus infection (3), however, it is unclear how such diverse influences elicit the disease and indeed whether they are identical to idiopathic OLP. Available evidence supports the view that OLP is a cell-mediated immunological response to an induced antigenic change in the mucosa (4-6). Studies of the immunopathogenesis of OLP aim to provide specific novel treatments as well as contributing to our understanding of other cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. In this paper, the interactions between mast cells and T cells are explored from the standpoint of immune regulation. From these data, a unifying hypothesis for the immunopathogenesis of OLP is then developed and presented.

Expression of RANTES and CCR1 in oral lichen planus and association with mast cell migration

BACKGROUND

T lymphocytes and mast cells infiltrate the lamina propria in oral lichen planus (OLP). Chemokines and their receptors are involved in T cell and mast cell migration and accumulation during the inflammatory process.

METHODS

In the present study, we investigated the role of RANTES and its receptors in OLP using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and an in vitro chemotaxis assay.

RESULTS

RANTES and CCR1 were expressed on T cells and mast cells in OLP, while OLP lesional T cell supernatants stimulated CCR1 mRNA expression in a human leukemia mast cell line (HMC-1). TNF-alpha stimulated CCR1, CCR4 and CCR5 mRNA expression in the same cell line. OLP lesional T cell supernatants stimulated HMC-1 migration, which was partly inhibited by anti-RANTES antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows, for the first time, the distribution of RANTES and CCR1 in OLP. It is hypothesized that RANTES and CCR1 may play important roles in mast cell trafficking and related events in OLP.

A fluorometric microassay for histamine release from human gingival mast cells

Mast cells are important effector cells of the immune system. We describe a rapid and inexpensive microassay to determine histamine release from human gingival mast cells. The assay is based on the coupling of histamine with o-phthalaldehyde (OPT) at a highly alkaline pH to form a fluorescent product. Using this assay with a sample volume of 10 microl/well in a 384 black well microplate, the histamine detection limit was 0.031 microg/ml. The human mast cell line (HMC-1) and fresh mast cells isolated from human gingival tissue (n = 10) were stimulated with substance P, anti-IgE or calcium ionophore A23187. Calcium ionophore significantly increased histamine release from HMC-1 cells and gingival mast cells (p < 0.05). This microassay will facilitate the study of mast cell histamine release in diseased oral mucosa.

Mast cell degranulation and the role of T cell RANTES in oral lichen planus

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated mast cell degranulation in oral lichen planus (OLP) and the effect of OLP lesional T cell supernatants on mast cell degranulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to identify mast cell degranulation in both OLP (n = 22) and normal control (n = 14) tissues. OLP lesional T cell lines (n = 5) and HMC-1 (a human leukemia mast cell line) were used to examine the effects of OLP T cell supernatants on mast cell degranulation in vitro.

RESULTS

Approximately 60% of mast cells were degranulated in OLP. OLP lesional T cells expressed mRNA for RANTES, and TNF-alpha stimulation upregulated OLP lesional T cell RANTES secretion. OLP lesional T cell supernatants induced degranulation of HMC-1 with release of TNF-alpha and histamine. Human recombinant RANTES similarly induced mast cell degranulation. Anti-RANTES antibody blocked OLP lesional T cell supernatant-induced mast cell degranulation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to show that OLP lesional T cells produce and secrete RANTES which triggers human mast cell degranulation. Degranulating mast cells release TNF-alpha which upregulates OLP lesional T cell RANTES secretion. Such a cyclical mechanism may underlie disease chronicity and future therapies may include blocking RANTES or TNF-alpha activity in OLP.

[Synthesis of S-9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine (DHPA) analogs and their inhibition of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase]

In order to search for new antiviral agents with high potency and low toxicity, eleven new acyclonucleosides were synthesized. Nucleic-acid bases were condensed with 3-chloro-2-methylpropene to give 5-8a. b, which were oxidized by N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide in the presence of OsO4 to give vicinal dihydroxy acyclonucleosides 1-4a.b. Four DHPA analogs have been tested for the inhibitory activities on s-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAH). Only compound 1 showed some enzyme inhibitory effect with IC50 of 1.1 mmol.L-1.

[Synthesis of optically active (R)- and (S)-tai-ding-an(TDA) and their anti-HSV activity evaluation]

Tai-Ding-An (3-phthalimido-2-oxo-n-butyraldehyde bisthiosemicarbazone, TDA) is an antiviral drug first synthesized in this institute. In order to clarify the difference between the two enantiomeric isomers of TDA, (R)- and (S)-TDA were synthesized from (R)- and (S)-alanine, respectively, via the following steps: fusing with phthalic anhydride gave 2-phthalimido alanine(2a or 2b). The resulting acid was reacted with thionyl chloride to offer the corresponding acid chloride(3a or 3b), which was treated with diazomethane to give the diazoketone(4a or 4b). Bromination of the ketone with hydrobromic acid gave the key intermediate 3-phthalimido-2-oxo-1-bromobutanone (5a or 5b). Compound 5a or 5b was oxidized with DMSO to give 6a or 6b, which was directly condensed with thiosemicarbazide to afford the desired (R)- or (S)-TDA. (R)-TDA, (S)-TDA and (RS)-TDA have been tested in cell culture for anti-Herpes simplex virus I (HSV-1) and HSV-2 activities by plaque reducing method. All of them showed inhibitory effects on HSV-1 and HSV-2 replication with IC50 of 0.0296 mmol.L-1, 0.0359 mmol.L-1 and 0.0418 mmol.L-1 for HSV-1 and 0.88 mmol.L-1, 1.04 mmol.L-1 and 1.06 mmol.L-1 for HSV-2. Not much difference was found among these compounds either on IC50 or on therapeutic indexes.

Associations between mast cells and laminin in oral lichen planus

Mast cell numbers are increased significantly in oral lichen planus (OLP). In other inflammatory conditions, mast cells frequently adhere to extracellular matrix proteins such as laminin. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine whether the distribution of mast cells in OLP is related topographically to laminin in vascular and epithelial basement membranes. Monoclonal antibodies for tryptase, laminin and the alpha6beta1 CD49f laminin-binding integrin were used to identify mast cells, basement membranes (blood vessels and basal epithelium) and the "classical" laminin adhesion receptor, respectively. A double-labelling immunoperoxidase technique was employed to examine and compare mast cell-laminin relationships in OLP (n=19) and normal buccal mucosa (NBM, n=13). In both OLP and NBM, the majority of mast cells were located close to vascular basement membranes. Quantitative studies revealed that the number of mast cells associated with the laminin of vascular basement membranes (distance <1 microm) was two-fold and three-fold higher, respectively, in the superficial and deep layers in OLP compared with NBM (P<0.001). The frequency distribution of mast cells associated with basal epithelium was not statistically different in both groups (P>0.05). The association of mast cells with laminin may be an important determinant of mast cell density in OLP During OLP lesion formation and progression, the preferential distribution of mast cells in the immediate perivascular region provides an ideal situation for mast cell-derived mediators to influence the vascular endothelium.

Immunohistochemical localization of mast cells and mast cell-nerve interactions in oral lichen planus

OBJECTIVES

Mast cell mediators are likely to be involved in at least some aspects of the immunopathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP). The aim of this project was to map mast cell populations in OLP and identify possible sites of mast cell-nerve interactions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Monoclonal antibodies specific for tryptase and neurofilaments were used to identify mast cells and nerves respectively in an immunohistochemical study of OLP (n = 25) and normal oral buccal mucosa (NOBM) (n = 13) using a double-labelling protocol. Data analysis used paired t-test, multiway analysis of variance and Wilcoxon rank tests.

RESULTS

Morphometric analyses showed the greatest mast cell density in the most superficial of the three depth layers examined in OLP, an increase of 130% compared with NOBM. Mast cells associated with neurofilaments ranged from 21.9% in OLP to 10.2% in NOBM. Mean epithelial thickness was significantly lower in OLP (P < 0.001) but without a strong correlation with mast cell density.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased mast cell and mast cell-nerve interactions in OLP suggest both a controlling role over the lesional cell populations and a secondary role to the immune response once this becomes established.

Endogenous opioid-like substances in perinatal asphyxia and cerebral injury due to anoxia

Perinatal asphyxia is one of the major causes of cerebral injury in neonates. It may be due to the increased endogenous opioid-like substances (OLS) in the body. The levels of three OLS, namely leucine-enkephalin (LEK), beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and dynorphin A1-13 (DynoA1-13) of 44 cases with neonatal asphyxia were studied by radioimmunoassay. The OLS level in plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were higher in asphyxiated group than those in the control group, especially in asphyxiated cases with fetal distress. The OLS levels of CSF were also higher in cases with cerebral injury than in those without cerebral injury, while the levels of OLS in plasma had no difference in these two groups. The relationship between OLS levels and asphyxia and cerebral injury is also discussed.

[Experimental study on tea in inhibiting mutational specificity of 6 antineoplastic drugs]

According to the principles of SOS response, the authors tested the mutational specificity of tea and its inhibitory effects to the mutational specificity of 6 antineoplastic drugs by using the method of mutational and anti-mutational synchronous test. The results revealed that the tea had no mutational toxicity but anti-mutation effect. It also had the inhibitory effect on mutational toxicity of 6 antineoplastic drugs, including Mitomycin C, Bleomycin, Fluorouracil, Cisdiaminodichoroplatinum, Arabinosylcytosin and Mustargen. These results have provided referential basis for further study on anti-cancer effect and clinical use of tea.

[A study of vitamin inhibition on the mutagenicity of the antineoplastic drugs]

The inhibitory effects on the mutational specificity of antineoplastic drugs of 14 kinds of vitamin were tested with the method of mutational and anti-mutational synchoronous test, add S9 and no S9. Vit C, Vit B6, and nicotinic acid had distinct inhibitory effects on the mutational specificity of 6 antineoplastic drugs, namely, mitomycin C, bleomycin, fluorouracil, cis-Diaminodichloroplatinum, arabinosylcytosine and mustargen Vit K3 showed inhibitory effect to mitomycin C, fluorouracil, cis-diaminodichloroplatinum, and arabinosylcytosine but Vit AD, Vit B1, Vit B2, Vit Bco, Vit D3, Vit E, Rutin, Vit K1, Vit K4 and folic acid did not. The fact that Vit C, Vit B6, nicotinic acid and Vit K3 showed anti-mutational effects is of some significance with reference to clinical therapeutics and prevention of tumours.

[A SOS induction test screening study for vegetables inhibiting mutagenicity caused by antineoplastic drugs]

Using mutational and anti-mutational synchronous in SOS inductest (+/- S9), We found that 7 out of 11 kinds of commonly eaten vegetables had the ability to inhibit mutagenicity caused by chemical drugs such as Mitomycin C, Bleomycinia, Fluorouracil, Cis-Diaminodichloroplatinum, Arabinosylcytosin and mustargen, They were garlic, green Chinese onion, onion, garlic bulb, tomato, cucumber and water radish. The other 4 lacking this ability were rape, chinese toon, ginger and asparagus lettuce stalk. We believe that our results can be helpful in the preparation. of cancer patients' diet, who are receiving chemotherapy and in the prevention of cancer.

A histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of superficial temporal arteries and middle meningeal arteries in moyamoya disease

Pathologic changes in superficial temporal arteries (STA) and middle meningeal arteries (MMA) biopsied from 15 patients with moyamoya disease (MD) who had undergone cerebro-temporal arterio-synangiosis were studied histologically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically. The main pathologic features were: proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and thickening of the intima, degeneration and destruction of SMCs in the media and intima, and the presence of condensed organelles in necrosed SMCs or the interstitium among SMCs, or both outside and within the elastica interna (EI). The EI had become thin, porous, fragmented and was even absent in some segments. These changes are different from those of other forms of angiopathy, but identical with those at the ends of internal carotid arteries (ICA) reported by us previously, being pathognomonic for MD. These changes in the STA and MMA reveal that MD involves not only the ICA but also the intra- and extracranial branches of external carotid arteries. The medial necrosis of SMCs seems to be the primary injury of the arterial wall in MD. STA tissue blocks from two cases of MD were stained immunohistochemically. By electron microscopy, IgG-, IgM-, and C3-positive granules were observed on the ER of endothelial and intimal cells. Further studies on more cases are needed to determine whether an immunoreaction has occurred in these arteries.

Protein-induced inactivation and phosphorylation of rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase

Several previously untested proteins promote the reversible inactivation of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphofructokinase. Grouped in decreasing order of effectiveness, they include the following: skeletal muscle troponin C greater than troponin, the two smooth muscle myosin light chains, alpha-actinin, and S-100 much greater than parvalbumin and soybean trypsin inhibitor. The efficiency of troponin C in this process may even exceed that previously reported for calmodulin. Sequences near calcium binding site III are apparently involved in the troponin C-phosphofructokinase interaction. Troponin C and calmodulin exert calcium-dependent effects on the physical and chemical properties of muscle phosphofructokinase. When calcium is present, comigration with either protein allows the enzyme to enter the stacking gel during urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both enhance the phosphorylation of phosphofructokinase catalyzed by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, with phosphate incorporations approaching 2 mol of P/mol of protomer. Reaction occurs at Ser774 and at Ser376--a novel site whose phosphorylation is highly sensitive to troponin C and less so to calmodulin. Maximum phosphorylation has slight effect on the catalytic activity of the enzyme under standard assay conditions. The troponin C induced or calmodulin-induced phosphorylation of phosphofructokinase requires calcium and is strongly inhibited by either fructose 2,6-bisphosphate or fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Inactivation occurs in the presence or absence of calcium, with generally higher concentrations of effectors required for protection in the latter case. Liver and yeast phosphofructokinases shows little activity loss in the presence of either calmodulin or troponin C. We have developed and tested a general mathematical model for the protein-induced inactivation of phosphofructokinase which may find application to other systems.

Determination of dityrosine, phosphotyrosine, phosphothreonine, and phosphoserine by high-performance liquid chromatography

4'-Dimethylaminoazobenzene-4-sulfonyl chloride is a chromophoric reagent commonly used to detect amino acids at picomole levels. This article describes a single-column reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography system which allows the resolution and analysis of the dabsyl chloride derivatives of several modified amino acids. Highly derivatized C18 (22 and 31%) columns from Phenomenex are run at pH 8.1 to separate dityrosine, the phosphorylated amino acids (o-phosphoserine, o-phosphothreonine, and o-phosphotyrosine), and the 17 other amino acids normally present in protein hydrolysates. In order to gain additional sensitivity and to verify the presence of dityrosine, the dityrosine and lysine peaks are collected and run at pH 4.1 on the same columns. Our experience indicates that, with the described setup, the lower limit for accurate and reproducible detection is near 1 pmol. This method has been applied to the analysis of dityrosine in uv-irradiated calmodulin and cardiac troponin C and to the detection of phosphorylation sites in several polypeptides.

[Studies on the essential oils of flos Magnoliae]

Essential oils were extracted from nine species of Flos Magnoliae. Their contents were determined. Analysis of chemical constituents in these oils was performed by means of GC-MS. 69 compounds were identified. The percentage of these components in oils were determined by GC.