Exploring the role of histone deacetylase inhibitors in cancer development and therapeutic potential

The process of acetylation and deacetylation of histones within the nucleus operates within a dynamic equilibrium. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) collaboratively and precisely regulate normal gene transcription and expression. Any disorder in the activity of HATs/HDACs can lead to uncontrolled gene expression, consequently resulting in tumorigenesis. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) have the capacity to block the cell cycle, thereby restraining tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth. Also, HDACIs exhibit a significant capability to diminish the expression of apoptosis protein inhibitors such as Bcl-2 and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL), while concurrently up-regulating pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bad, and Bim. Also, HDACIs demonstrate the ability to inhibit tumor cell angiogenesis. Representing a new category of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics, HDACIs possess the capability to restore the expression of tumor suppressor genes, induce apoptosis, and stimulate cell differentiation. Additionally, they exert anti-cancer effects through diverse pathways both in vivo and in vitro, thereby presenting promising prospects in tumor therapy. This review delves into the involvement of HDACs in cancer pathology and the therapeutic potential of HDACIs as emerging drugs in cancer treatment.

Targeted therapy in glomerular diseases

Targeted therapy has emerged as a more precise approach to treat glomerular diseases, focusing on specific molecular or cellular processes that contribute to disease development or progression. This approach complements or replaces traditional immunosuppressive therapy, optimizes supportive care, and provides a more personalized treatment strategy. In this review, we summarize the evolving understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in immune-mediated glomerular diseases and the developing targeted therapies based on these mechanisms. We begin by discussing pan-B-cell depletion, anti-CD20 rituximab, and targeting B-cell survival signaling through the BAFF/APRIL pathway. We also exam specific plasma cell depletion with anti-CD38 antibody. We then shift our focus to complement activation in glomerular diseases, which is involved in antibody-mediated glomerular diseases, such as IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and lupus nephritis. Non-antibody-mediated complement activation occurs in glomerular diseases, including C3 glomerulopathy, complement-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. We discuss specific inhibition of terminal, lectin, and alternative pathways in different glomerular diseases. Finally, we summarize current clinical trials targeting the final pathways of various glomerular diseases, including kidney fibrosis. We conclude that targeted therapy based on individualized pathogenesis should be the future of treating glomerular diseases.

[Pathogenic characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems and polymyxin]

Objective: Analysis and investigation of pathogenic characteristics of polymyxin-and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (PR-CRKP). Methods: A total of 23 PR-CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens from the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from March 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively collected, Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 23 PR-CRKP strains, resistance genes were identified by comparison of the CARD and the ResFinder database, high-resolution typing of PR-CRKP strains was analyzed by core genomic multilocus sequencing (cgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); polymyxin resistance genes were determined by PCR and sequencing. Results: All PR-CRKP strains were KPC-2 producing ST11 types. cgMLST results showed that the evolutionary distance between the PR-CRKP strains and Klebsiella pneumoniae in mainland China was 66.44 on average, which is more closely related than foreign strains; the 23 PR-CRKP strains were divided into 3 main subclusters based on SNP phylogenetic trees, with some aggregation among Clade 2-1 in the isolation department and date. The two-component negative regulatory gene mgrB has seven mutation types including point mutations, different insertion fragments and different insertion positions. Conclusion: The close affinity of PR-CRKP strains indicate the possibility of nosocomial clonal transmission and the need to strengthen surveillance of PR-CRKP strains to prevent epidemic transmission of PR-CRKP.

[Survey of Oncomelania hupensis in national schistosomiasis surveillance sites of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2015 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, so as to provide insights into the assessment of the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and the scientific formulation of the schistosomiasis surveillance strategy.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2019, a total of 19 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, including 4 fixed sites and 15 mobile sites. Snail survey was performed by means of systematic sampling in combination with environmental sampling, and the infection of Schistosoma japonicum was detected by the crushing method combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay.

RESULTS

From 2015 to 2019, snail habitats were detected at areas of 17 040 to 39 527 m², including 6 214 m² emerging snail habitats and 16 563 m² re-emerging snail habitats. The overall mean density of living snails was 0.019 2 snails/0.1 m² and the occurrence of frames with snails was 1.11% in the national schistosomiasis surveillance sites; however, no S. japonicum infection was identified in snails. The area of snail habitats increased by 121.46% in the national surveillance sites in 2019 as compared to that in 2015; however, 50.34% (Z = -0.422, P > 0.05) and 42.85% (χ² = 130.41, P < 0.01) reductions were seen in the overall means density of living snails and the occurrence of frames with snails. All snail habitats were distributed in the 4 fixed surveillance sites, and were mainly found in ditches, paddy fields and dry lands, with weeds as the primary vegetation type.

CONCLUSIONS

There are still risk factors leading to re-emergent transmission of schistosomiasis in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, such as local snail spread, and the monitoring of schistosomiasis remains to be reinforced to further consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination in the region.

[Expert consensus on the strategy and measures to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis in China]

Since 2015 when the transmission of schistosomiasis was controlled in China, the country has been moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis, with the surveillance-response as the main interventions for schistosomiasis control. During the period of the 13th Five-Year Plan, the transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted in four provinces of Sichuan, Jiangsu, Yunnan and Hubei and the prevalence of schistosomiasis has been at the historically lowest level in China. As a consequence, the goal set in The 13th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China is almost achieved. However, there are multiple challenges during the stage moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China, including the widespread distribution of intermediate host snails and complicated snail habitats, many types of sources of Schistosoma japonicum infections and difficulty in management of bovines and sheep, unmet requirements for the current schistosomiasis control program with the currently available tools, and vulnerable control achievements. During the 14th Five-Year period, it is crucial to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements and gradually solve the above difficulties, and critical to provide the basis for achieving the ultimate goal of elimination of schistosomiasis in China. Based on the past experiences from the national schistosomiasis control program and the challenges for schistosomiasis elimination in China, an expert consensus has been reached pertaining to the objectives, control strategy and measures for The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China, so as to provide insights in to the development of The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China.

[The 471st case: duodenal ulcer, mucor infection, and elevated IgG(4)]

Mucor infection is rarely reported in non-immunocompromised population, especially in isolated gastrointestinal tracts. IgG(4)-related diseases (IgG(4)-RD) have been recognized in recent years, but secondary causes of IgG(4) elevation should be differentiated. We reported a young man with duodenal mass and ulcer and high serum IgG(4) level. Histological biopsy of the mass revealed positive mucor mycelium and infiltration of IgG(4) positive plasma cells. Serum IgG(4) decreased to normal range after surgical resection and systemic antifungal treatment. This case suggests that isolated mucor mycosis infection can develop in the digestive tract and mimics as IgG(4)-related disease.

Measurement of the toroidal radiation asymmetry during massive gas injection triggered disruptions on J-TEXT

Disruptions have the potential to cause severe damage to large tokamaks like ITER. The mitigation of disruption damage is one of the essential issues for the tokamak. Massive gas injection (MGI) is a technique in which large amounts of a noble gas are injected into the plasma in order to safely radiate the plasma energy evenly over the entire plasma-facing wall. However, the radiated energy during the disruption triggered by massive gas injection is found to be toroidally asymmetric. In order to investigate the spatial and temporal structures of the radiation asymmetry, the radiated power diagnostics for the J-TEXT tokamak have been upgraded. The multi-channel arrays of absolute extreme ultraviolet photodiodes have been upgraded at four different toroidal positions to investigate the radiation asymmetries during massive gas injection. It is found that the toroidal asymmetry is associated with plasma properties and MGI induced MHD activities.

Design of a shattered pellet injection system on J-TEXT tokamak

Disruptions have the possibility of causing severe wall damage to large tokamaks like ITER. The mitigation of disruption damage is essential to the safe operation of a large-scale tokamak. The shattered pellet injection (SPI) technique, which is regarded as the primary injection method for ITER, presents several advantages relative to massive gas injection, including more rapid particle delivery, higher total particle assimilation, and more centrally peaked particle deposition. A dedicated argon SPI system that focuses on disruption mitigation and runaway current dissipation has been designed for the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT). A refrigerator is used to form a single argon pellet at around 64 K. The pellet will be shaped with a 5 mm diameter and a 1.5-10 mm length. Helium gas at room temperature will be used as a propellant gas for pellet acceleration. The pellet can be injected with a speed of 150-300 m/s. The time interval between injection cycles is about 8 min. The pellet will be shattered at the edge of the plasma and then injected into the core of plasma. The first experiments of SPI fast shutdown and runaway current dissipation have been performed.

Vertical fast electron bremsstrahlung diagnostic on J-TEXT tokamak

Fast electron bremsstrahlung (FEB) emission during Ohmic discharge experiments on the Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) has been measured by a recently developed vertical multi-channel FEB diagnostic based on CdZnTe detectors. There are 5 sight lines to observe the vertical emission of fast electrons at the high-field side with a spatial resolution of 5 cm. The FEB emission in the energy range of 30-300 keV can be measured. The generation of fast electrons accelerated by loop voltage has been confirmed during the early phase of discharge by analyzing the signals of FEB emission. The runaway electron beam instabilities have been observed with the FEB diagnostic on J-TEXT.

[Short-term and long-term survival in sleeve lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy basing on the propensity score matching]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of patients with centrally located lung cancer in sleeve lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with centrally located lung cancer who underwent sleeve lobectomy admitted in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2010 to September 2014. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare patients for thoracoscopic surgery and open surgery. Twenty-one pairs (42 cases) patients were included for analysis. The t-test, χ(2) test or Fisher's exact probabilities was adopted, if appropriate, to compare demographics and outcomes between the 2 groups. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test were used for the distributions of disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) and their comparisons. Results: After propensity score-matched analysis, the VATS group had a longer operative time ((296.9±73.6) minutes vs. (218.1±59.2) minutes, t=3.82, P=0.00), but shorter postoperative drainage time ((3.3±1.5) days vs. (2.0±3.0) days, t=-0.93, P=0.01) and hospitalization time((6.7±2.8) days vs. (12.1±8.7)days, t=-1.72, P=0.01) than that of the thoracotomy group. Perioperative complications, 1-year and 3-year disease-free and overall survival rates were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion: For suitable patients, sleeve lobectomy by VATS is an acceptable safe and effective surgical procedure for patients with central lung cancer.

[Clinical value of PCR for viral detection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the clinical value of real-time PCR for virus detection in the diagnosis and treatment of patients after allo-HSCT who had no infection evidence of pneumonia using routine pathogen detection panel. Methods: The clinical data of 71 episodes with acute lung injury from May 2015 to March 2017 after allo-HSCT in hematology department of Peking University People's Hospital (PKUPH) were retrospectively analyzed. PCR for virus detection and other routine pathogen detection tests were performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. Results: Among 71 episodes with acute lung injury, a total of 15 patients were diagnosed as lower respiratory tract disease merely associated with virus (detection rate of 21.13%) , 19 episodes were absent of lower respiratory tract infection. The median time from allo-HSCT to the occurrence of lung injury were 176 (49-1 376) d and 196 (57-457) d respectively (z=-0.191, P=0.864) . There were no statistical differences for baseline characteristics and clinical features between two groups. The 100-day attributable mortalities were 13.3% (2/15) and 26.3% (5/19) (χ(2)=0.864, P=0.426) . Patients with low-dose steroids treatment had favorable outcome than those with high-dose steroids treatment (the dose of methylprednisolone ≥250 mg/d as standard) [4.2% (1/24) vs 60.0% (6/10) ]. In patients with detectable virus in BALF, 2 patients died with early high-dose steroids treatment, while 11 patients survived with no steroids treatment or late application. Conclusions: Virus infection should be considered in post-HSCT pneumonia patient with negative result using routine pathogen detection panel. Expanding virus detection panel by PCR in BALF could increase diagnostic precision and might be instructive to treatment.

[Analysis of risk factors related to the prognosis in patients with late-onset severe pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors of late-onset severe pneumonia (LOSP) in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: From January 2009 to December 2015, 68 patients with LOSP after allo-HSCT at Peking University Institute of Hematology were enrolled. In this retrospective study, univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic factors for LOSP after allo-HSCT. Results: The median time from allo-HSCT to the development of LOSP was 213 (90-2 330) days. The overall survival rate was 42.6% (29/68). The median survival time from LOSP to death was 21 days. Early mortality was defined as death within 21 days after LOSP, as late death more than or equal to 21 days. The median oxygenation index was 199.15 (92.21-290.48) mmHg. LOSPs in thirty-two patients (36.8%) were caused by virus, bacteria, fungi or mixed pathogens. The median C-reactive protein (CRP) was 75.65 (0.94-451.00) mg/L. The median procalcitonin (PCT) was 0.66 (0.00-249.00) μg/L. The higher PCT value indicated an early higher mortality rate by the ROC curve (PCT: cut-off ≥0.94 μg/L). Furthermore, multivariate analysis suggested that PCT more than or equal to 0.94 μg/L was a risk factor for early death of LOSP (OR=5.77, 95%CI 1.66-20.11, P=0.006). LOSP occurred later or equal to 213 days after allo-HSCT was also a risk factor of early death in LOSP (OR=4.74, 95%CI 1.33-16.89, P=0.017). No previous history of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) (OR=4.50, 95%CI 1.58-12.83, P=0.005) and LOSP later or equal to 213 days (OR=4.40, 95%CI 1.61-11.99, P=0.004) were the risk factors of late death in LOSP. Conclusions: PCT more than or equal to 0.94 μg/L and LOSP later or equal to 213 days are the risk factors of early death in LOSP. No previous chronic GVHD and LOSP later or equal to 213 days are the risk factors of late death in LOSP.

Measurement of the internal magnetic fluctuation by the transport of runaways on J-TEXT

The measurement of internal magnetic fluctuation is important for the study of transport in tokamak plasmas. The runaway electron transport induced by the sawtooth crash can be used to obtain the internal magnetic fluctuation. Inversed sawtooth-like activities on hard x-ray (HXR) fluxes following sawtooth activities were observed after the application of electrode biasing on J-TEXT tokamak. The runaway diffusion coefficient D_r is deduced to be about 30 m²/s according to the time delay of HXR flux peaks to the sawtooth crashes. The averaged value of normalized magnetic fluctuation in the discharges with electrode biasing was increased to the order of 1 × 10^-4.

[Relationship among airway infection, lung function damage and the tumor recurrence in patients with laryngeal cancer]

Objective:To investigate the relationship among airway infection, lung function damage and the tumor recurrence in patients with laryngeal cancer.Method:Eighty-six patients with laryngeal cancer were retrospectively analyzed.Infection rate were compared between different surgical airway and operation time, the lung function damage and the tumor recurrence were analysed.Result:Total laryngectomy group joint cervix lymph node dissection showed higher airway infection rate than laryngectomy［32.5%（13/40）vs 4.3%（2/46）,P <0.05］. Significant differences were observed among operation time＜4 h, 4-6 h,＞6 h airway infection rate is statistically ［2.5%(1/40),19.4%(6/31),53.3%(8/15), P <0.05］; Infection rate was positively correlated with the trachea and the operation time(r=0.41P <0.01). Significant rise in FEV1% and reduce in V25 were observed after operation(P <0.05). No statistical difference were observed in patients with airway infected or uninfected with tumor recurrence and uninfected group is ［13.3% (2/15)vs 9.9%(7/71)，P > 0.05］.Conclusion:Throat cut method may lead to airway infection and impairment of the lung function, but airway infection has no obvious effect in tumor recurrence.

Microstructures, mechanical properties and corrosion resistances of extruded Mg-Zn-Ca-xCe/La alloys

Magnesium alloys are considered as good candidates for biomedical applications, the influence of Ce/La microalloying on the microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion performance of extruded Mg-5.3Zn-0.6Ca (wt%) alloy has been investigated in the current study. After Ce/La addition, the conventional Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases are gradually replaced by new Mg-Zn-Ce/La-(Ca) phases (T1'), which can effectively divide the Ca2Mg6Zn3 phase. The Ca2Mg6Zn3/T1' structure in Mg-Zn-Ca-0.5Ce/La alloy is favorably broken into small particles during the extrusion, resulting in an obvious refinement of secondary phase. The dynamic recrystallized grain size is dramatically decreased after 0.5Ce/La addition, and the tensile yield strength is improved, while further addition reverses the effect, due to the grain coarsening. However, the corrosion resistance of extruded Mg-Zn-Ca alloy deteriorates after Ce/La addition, because the diameter of secondary phase particle is remarkably decreased, which increases the amount of cathodic sites and accelerates the galvanic corrosion process.

Myostatin inhibits porcine intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in vitro

This study assessed the effect of myostatin on adipogenesis by porcine intramuscular preadipocytes. Intramuscular preadipocytes were isolated from the longissimus dorsi muscle of newborn pigs. Myostatin inhibited intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Myostatin treatment during preadipocyte differentiation significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the expression of the adipogenic marker genes CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid-binding protein, and adiponectin. Myostatin also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the release of glycerol and decreased both adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase expression in intramuscular adipocytes. Our study suggests that myostatin acts as an extrinsic regulatory factor in regulating intramuscular adipogenesis.

[Analysis of the control level and the affecting factors in 4-11 years old children with asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the control level of 4-11 years old children with asthma and to explore the correlative factors affecting the control level of asthma.

METHODS

One cross-sectional study was conducted of the 4-11 years old children with asthma from Pediatrics Outpatient Department of Peking University Third Hospital from October 2013 to February 2014. According to asthma control test (ACT), the control levels of asthma children could be divided into three levels: fully controlled, partly controlled and non-controlled. The partly controlled group and the non-controlled group were merged into the non-full controlled group. Life quality was compared between the full controlled group and the non-full controlled group. The correlative factors affecting the controlled level of asthma were analyzed by Logistic regression. The correlative case information was collected and the data were entered with EpiData software and analyzed with SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTS

Ninety asthma children were enrolled.The children from the full controlled group and the non-full controlled group accounted for 61.1% (55/90) and 38.9% (35/90), respectively. Life quality of the full controlled group was higher than that of the non-fully controlled group. There was no significant difference between the two groups on body mass index (BMI), education level of parents, parents or relative smoking, times of respiratory tract infection within 3 months, using asthma control drugs within 4 weeks before seeing a doctor and regularly taking medicine according to the doctor's advice (P>0.05). The binary Logistic regression analysis obtained three correlative factors affecting the control level of asthma: non-regular follow-up (OR=8.364, 95%CI: 1.816-38.532, P<0.05), being diagnosed with or suffering from allergic rhinitis (OR=6.728, 95% CI: 1.699-26.644, P<0.05) and accompanying with other allergic diseases (OR=3.926, 95%CI: 1.210-12.744, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results from the single center have shown that the asthma full-controlled rate of 4-11 years old children with asthma is not high. The higher control level, the better the life quality. Non-regular follow-up and being diagnosed with or suffering from allergic rhinitis are the correlative factors affecting the control level of 4-11 years old children with asthma. Meanwhile, accompanying with other allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and food allergy is the protective factor for asthma control. The data from the multi-center and further study will be needed to demonstrate the results of this study.

Proteome analysis of differential protein expression in brain of rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIM OF THE STUDY

Proteomic approach was applied to identify differential protein expressed in brain of rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in order to search for potential biomarkers for pathological changes of brain with T1DM.

METHODS

Proteins were extracted from brain tissues of T1DM rats and healthy control rats, separated by 2-DE and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The results were validated by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

A total of 8 proteins from the 24 differentially expressed spots were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The proteins identified were vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, creatine kinase B-type (B-CK), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), HSP60 and HSP71, ATP synthase, cyclin-G, pantothenate kinase-1 (PANK1), respectively. 3 proteins were up-regulated and 5 proteins were down-regulated from the T1DM rats. Of the 8 proteins identified, MLCK was confirmed by Western blot and IHC.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates that a comprehensive strategy of proteomic identification should be a useful tool for understanding of diabetic encephalopathy mechanism. And the differential proteins such as MLCK may be give clues about the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy.

Evolution of the complete photonic bandgap of two-dimensional photonic crystal

In this paper, the complete photonic bandgap (CPBG) of two-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs), which are formed by a square array of solid or hollow dielectric rods connected with dielectric veins, are numerically investigated using the plane wave expansion method. It is clearly demonstrated how the CPBG evolves as the pattern of veins or the type of rods changes. An optimal structure with an ultralarge CPBG is found, whose CPBG reaches Δω=0.22374 (2πc/a), which is larger than those reported in literatures. The proposed structure seems to have promising applications due to its ultralarge CPBG and large fabrication tolerance.

An efficient compact 300 mW narrow-linewidth single frequency fiber laser at 1.5 microm

An efficient single frequency fiber laser by using a newly-developed Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped single mode phosphate glass fiber with the net gain coefficient of 5.2 dB/cm and propagation loss coefficient of 0.04 dB/cm has been demonstrated. Over 300 mW stable continuous -wave single transverse and longitudinal mode seed lasering at 1.5 microm has been achieved from a 2.0 cm-long active fiber. The measured slope efficiency and the calculated quantum efficiency of laser emission are found to be 30.9% and 0.938 +/- 0.081, respectively. It is found that the linewidth of the fiber laser is less than 2 kHz, and the measured relative intensity noise (RIN) is around -120 dB/Hz in the frequency range of 50 to 500 kHz.

Thermal stability and spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses

This paper reports on the optical spectroscopic properties and thermal stability of Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses for developing 1.5 microm optical amplifiers. Upon excitation at 980 nm laser diode, an intense 1.5 microm infrared fluorescence has been observed with the maximum full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 90 nm for Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses. The emission cross-section and the lifetime of the 4I13/2 level of Er3+ ions are 6.3 x 10(-21) cm2 and 0.30 ms, respectively. It is noted that the product of the emission cross-section and FWHM of the glass studied is as great as 567 x 10(-21) cm2 nm, which is comparable or higher than that of bismuthate and tellurite glasses.

Laser-diode-excited intense luminescence and green-upconversion in erbium-doped bismuth-germanate-lead glasses

We investigate the spectroscopic properties of the 1.5-microm emission from the (4)I(13/2)-->(4)I(15/2) transition of Er(3+) ions in bismuth-germanate-lead glasses for applications in broadband fiber amplifiers. The emission peak locates at 1532nm with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of approximately 65nm. The measured lifetime and the calculated emission cross-section of this transition are 3.3ms and 8.66x10(-21)cm(2), respectively. IR-to-green-upconversion occurs simultaneously upon excitation of the 1.5-microm emission with a commercially available 980nm laser diode. Effects of PbF(2) content on the thermal stability, structure and spectroscopic properties of Er(3+)-doped bismuth-germanate-lead glasses have been examined. We find that the substitution with PbF(2) provides a couple of potentials: shortening the UV cutoff band and decreasing the phonon energy of host glasses. Codoping of Yb(3+) significantly enhances both the green-upconversion and 1.5-microm emission intensity by means of a nonradiative Yb(3+)-->Er(3+) energy transfer. Energy transfer processes and nonradiative phonon-assisted decays could account for the population of the (2)H(11/2) level, which is an emitting level of the green-upconversion of Er(3+). The results indicate the possibility towards the development of bismuth-germanate-lead based glasses as photonics devices.

Spectroscopic Properties of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped PbO–Bi2O3–Ga2O3–GeO2 Glasses

We investigate the spectroscopic properties of the 1.5-microm emission from the (4)I(13/2)-->(4)I(15/2) transition of Er(3+) ions in PbO-Bi(2)O(3)-Ga(2)O(3)-GeO(2) glasses for applications in broadband fiber amplifiers. The measured emission peak locates at 1,532 nm with a full width at half-maximum of approximately 45 nm. The glasses exhibit a large stimulated emission cross-section of 0.89 x 10(-20) cm(2) and a large FWHM x sigma(e)(peak) product of 40.0. Infrared-to-green upconversion occurs simultaneously upon excitation of the 1.5-microm emission with a commercially available 980 nm laser diode. The green-upconversion intensity has a quadratic dependence on incident pump laser power, indicating a two-photon process. Energy transfer processes and nonradiative phonon-assisted decays could account for the population of the (2)H(11/2) of Er(3+). The results indicate the possibility towards the development of lead-bismuth-gallate-germanate based glasses as photonics devices.

Cooperative Energy Transfer and Frequency Upconversion in Yb3+–Tb3+ and Nd3+–Yb3+–Tb3+ Codoped GdAl3(BO3)4 Phosphors

Polycrystalline GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4) phosphors co-doped with Yb(3+)/Tb(3+) and/or Nd(3+)/Yb(3+)/Tb(3+) have been synthesized by combustion method. Upon excitation with a 980 nm laser diode, an intense green upconversion luminescence has been observed in GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4):Yb,Tb phosphor. The quadratic dependence of the luminescence on the pump-laser power indicating a cooperative energy transfer process. Meanwhile, it is noticed that upon excitation with 808 nm laser diode, intense luminescence has clearly been detected in GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4):Nd,Yb,Tb phosphor. The luminescence intensity exhibits also a quadratic dependence on incident pump-laser power. However, no green-emission has been observed in GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4) phosphors co-doped with Yb(3+)/Tb(3+) or Nd(3+)/Tb(3+) respectively upon excited at 808 nm laser diode. A proposed upconversion mechanism involving energy transfer from Nd(3+) to Yb(3+), and then a cooperative energy transfer process from two excited Yb(3+) to Tb(3+) has been presented.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of nucleosides and nucleobases in Ganoderma spp. by HPLC–DAD-MS

A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) analytical method was developed for detection of the nucleosides and nucleobases in two species of Lingzhi, the dried sporophore of Ganoderma lucidum and G. sinense. The method, combining advantages of both DAD and MS, was successfully used to qualitatively identify for six nucleosides namely, adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, uridine and five nucleobases namely, adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, thymine and uracil in Lingzhi samples. Quantitative analyses showed that uridine was the most abundant nucleoside in these Lingzhi samples and the contents of nine target analytes were found to be different in pileus and stipes of the fruiting bodies and among the different species of G. spp. The established method might apply as an alternative approach for the quality assessment of Lingzhi.

Comparative Investigation on Nanocrystal Structure and Luminescence Properties of Gadolinium Molybdates Codoped with Er3+/Yb3+

This paper reports on the comparative investigation of nanocrystal structure and luminescence properties of Er(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped gadolinium molybdate nanocrystals Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) and Gd(2)MoO(6) synthesized by the Pechini method with citric acid and ethylene glycol. Their crystallization, structure transformation, and morphologies have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. It is noticed that Er(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped monoclinic Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) nanocrystals have shown an intense upconversion through a sintering of the organic complex precursor at 600 degrees C. Furthermore, it transforms to orthorhombic Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) when the precursor is sintered at 900 degrees C. In counterpart of monoclinic Gd(2)MoO(6), however, the monoclinic structure remains unchanged when the precursor is sintered at a temperature ranging from 600 degrees C to 900 degrees C. Intense visible emissions of Er(3+) attributed to the transitions of (2)H(11/2), (4)S(3/2)-(4)I(15/2) at 520 and 550 nm, and (4)F(9/2)-(4)I(15/2) at 650 nm have been observed upon an excitation with a UV source and a 980 nm laser diode, and the involved mechanisms have been explained. It is quite interesting to observe obvious differences both in the excitation and the upconversion emission spectra of Er(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped Gd(2)(MoO(4))(3) respectively with monoclinic and orthorhombic structure. The quadratic dependence of fluorescence on excitation laser power has confirmed that two-photons contribute to upconversion of the green-red emissions.

Mid-infrared emission characteristic and energy transfer of Ho3+-doped tellurite glass sensitized by Tm 3+

We report on 2.0-microm emission characteristic and energy transfer of Ho3+-doped tellurite glass sensitized by Tm3+ upon excitation of a conventional 808 nm laser diode. The Judd-Ofelt strength parameters, spontaneous radiative transition probabilities and radiative lifetime of Ho3+ have been calculated from the absorption spectra by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Significant enhancement of 2.0-microm emission of Ho3+ has been observed with increasing Tm3+ doping up to 0.7 mol%. The energy transfer coefficient of the forward Tm3+-->Ho3+ is approximately 17 times larger than that of the backward Tm3+<--Ho3+ energy transfer. Our result indicates that the maximum gain of 2.0-microm emission, assigned to the transition of (5)I7-->(5)I8 of Ho3+, might be achieved from the tellurite glass at the concentration of 0.5 mol% of Tm2O3 and 0.15 mol% of Ho2O3. The high gain coefficient and quantum efficiency (1.16) along with the large value of the product of the stimulated emission cross-section and the measured radiative lifetime (4.12 x 10(-27) m(2)s) of the Ho3+/Tm3+-codoped tellurite glasses might find potential applications in efficient 2.0-microm laser.

Manipulation of the induction of adjuvant arthritis in Sprague-Dawley rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles of various variables in the induction of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in the outbred Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and further characterize its arthritic features by comprehensive examinations.

METHODS

The roles of different preparative techniques, inoculation routes and doses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) suspension as well as the sex preference in the induction of AIA were comparatively studied using clinical assessment. The hind paws of animals were analyzed by radiological and histological examinations. The serum levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

The particle size and dose of MT played a dominant role in the induction and severity of AIA. Male rats manifested markedly more severe arthritic signs than female rats. After subcutaneously inoculated with 500 microg MT, male rats developed pronounced arthritis with 100% incidence and low variable clinical signs. Even using only 62.5 microg MT, AIA was efficiently induced in male rats and characterized by upregulated expression profiles of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

Since outbred SD rats are much cheaper and more readily available than Lewis rats, this well-developed SD rat AIA model is an efficient and cost-effective arthritis model available for screening novel anti-arthritic agents.

The comparative study of Sprague-Dawley and Lewis rats in adjuvant-induced arthritis

The outbred Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, similar to the inbred Lewis (LEW) rats, have been recently demonstrated to be highly susceptible to adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). We herein compared AIA in SD and LEW rats in terms of clinical, histological, radiological, and immuno-inflammatory features. The results showed that, following inoculation with a ground Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) suspension, SD and LEW rats manifested closely similar disease progression, with 100% incidence and similar severity. The development of arthritis was accompanied by significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels than in control rats. Radiographic examination of the hind paws showed that both SD and LEW AIA rats manifested conspicuous soft tissue swelling, bone matrix resorption, periosteal new bone formation and bone erosion, while histopathological analysis of the synovial joints revealed marked cellular infiltration, angiogenesis, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, narrowing of joint space, and cartilage and bone destruction. Moreover, in relation to disease progression, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and IL-6 levels were markedly overexpressed in both SD and LEW AIA versus control rats, and SD and LEW AIA rats exhibited divergent profiles for the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the SD rat AIA model shares several arthritic features with the comparable model in LEW rats. Hence, given the more favorable characteristics of SD rats than LEW rats (i.e., lower cost, wider availability, and heterogenic background), this SD rat AIA model is more cost effective and advantageous for screening and testing novel anti-arthritic agents.

No detectable association of the ESR PvuII mutation with sow productivity in a Meishan x Large White F2 population

The polymorphism at the PvuII recognition site in the ESR gene showed no statistically significant association with sow productivity traits in a Meishan x Large White F2 population. Estimates of the effect on litter size were, however, in the opposite direction and statistically different from previously published estimates. Taken together with results from other publications, results here indicate that this PvuII polymorphism displays different degrees of linkage disequilibrium with a gene or genes controlling litter size in different populations.

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of new cyano-bridged two-dimensional grid-like bimetallic assemblies [Ni(tn)2]2[Cr(CN)5((NO)]OH*H2O and [NI(tn)2]2[Co(CN)6]NO3*2H2O (tn=1,3-propanediamine)

Two bimetallic assemblies, [Ni(tn)(2)](2)[Cr(CN)(5)(NO)]OH.H(2)O (1) and [Ni(tn)(2)](2)[Co(CN)(6)]NO(3).2H(2)O (2) (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane), have been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterized. Crystal data for 1 (2): space group P1 (P1), a = 8.698(3) (8.937(2)) A, b = 10.001(2) (9.863(1)) A, c = 10.158(2) (10.064(1)) A, alpha = 87.40(2) (86.064(10)) degrees, beta = 65.10(2) (65.489(10)) degrees, gamma = 81.63(2) (81.572(12)) degrees and Z = 1 (1). Both structures consist of two-dimensional grid-like polycations containing Ni-N triple bond C-M linkages (M = Cr or Co) and counteranions (OH, NO(3)). Magnetic studies of 1 showed that the complex displays a metamagnetic behavior originating from intralayer ferromagnetic and interlayer antiferromagnetic interactions. Long-range antiferromagnetic ordering was observed at T(N) = 3.3 K. Complex 2 exhibits intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions through the diamagnetic N triple bond C-Co-N triple bond C bridges, owing to superexchange involving the empty d(sigma) orbital of the diamagnetic Co(III) ion.

Multi-primer target PCR for rapid identification of bovine DRB3 alleles

Multi-primer target polymerase chain reaction (MPT-PCR) is a rapid method for the identification of specific BoLA-DRB3 alleles. In a single PCR reaction, the presence of two alleles associated with increased risk, DRB3.2*23 (DRB3*2701-2703, 2705-2707) and decreased risk, DRB3.2*16 (DRB3*1501, 1502), of mastitis in Canadian Holstein can be detected. Two outer primers amplify exon 2 of DRB3. Simultaneously, two inner, allele-specific primers amplify individual alleles. Initially, 40 cows previously typed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were genotyped using the multi-primer approach. An additional 30 cows were first genotyped by multi-primer target PCR, then by PCR-RFLP. All animals were correctly identified and there were no false positives. This technique can readily be modified to identify other BoLA alleles of interest.

Studies on a medicinal parasitic plant: lignans from the stems of Cynomorium songaricum

Eight phenolic compounds including two new lignan glucopyranosides together with a known alkaloid were isolated from the stems of Cynomorium songaricum RUPR. (Cynomoriaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. The chemotaxonomic significance of these metabolites is discussed.

Caffeoyl, coumaroyl, galloyl, and hexahydroxydiphenoyl glucoses from Balanophora japonica

Eighteen new and sixteen known acyl glucoses having caffeoyl, coumaroyl, galloyl, and hexahydroxydiphenoyl groups were isolated from a medicinal parasitic plant, Balanophora japonica. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Caffeoyl ellagitannins, which have been rarely found in nature, were major phenolic constituents of this plant, and this is the first report of the isolation of ellagitannins from Balanophoraceae.

A novel hydrogen-bonded microporous framework constructed from two different metal complexes

A hydrogen-bonded coordination supramolecule, (meso-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-kappa4N)nickel(II) [N,N-o-phenylenebis(oxamato)-kappa4O,N,N',O']nickelate(II) dihydrate, [Ni(C16H36N4)][Ni(C10H4N2O6)]*2H2O or [Ni(meso-cth)][Ni(opba)]*2H2O, has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The two complex ions, i.e. [Ni(meso-cth)]2+ and [Ni(opba)]2-, are hydrogen bonded to each other, resulting in two-dimensional neutral supramolecular sheets. The sheets stack along the a direction to produce a three-dimensional architecture with one-dimensional channels in which hydrogen-bonded chains of water molecules are included.

Oxamato-bridged trinuclear Ni(II)Cu(II)Ni(II) complexes with irregular spin state structures and a binuclear Ni(II)Cu(II) complex with an unusual supramolecular structure: crystal structure and magnetic properties

Four oxamato-bridged heterotrinuclear Ni(II)Cu(II)Ni(II) complexes of formula ([Ni(bispictn)](2)Cu(pba))(ClO(4))(2).2.5H(2)O (1), ([Ni(bispictn)](2)Cu(pbaOH))(ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (2), ([Ni(cth)](2)Cu(pba))(ClO(4))(2) (3), and ([Ni(cth)](2)Cu(opba))(ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (4) and a binuclear Ni(II)Cu(II) complex of formula [Cu(opba)Ni(cth)].CH(3)OH (5) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ESR, and electronic spectra, where pba = 1,3-propylenebis(oxamato), pbaOH = 2-hydroxyl-1,3-propylenebis(oxamato), opba = o-phenylenebis(oxamato), bispictn = N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, and cth = rac-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. The crystal structures of 1, 3, and 5 have been determined. The structures of complexes 1 and 3 consist of trinuclear cations and perchlorate anions, and that of 5 consists of neutral binuclear molecules which are connected by hydrogen bonds and pi-pi interactions to produce a unique supramolecular "double" sheet. In the three complexes, the copper atom in a square-planar or axially elongated octahedral environment and the nickel atom in a distorted octahedral environment are bridged by the oxamato groups, with Cu.Ni separations between 5.29 and 5.33 A. The magnetic properties of all five complexes have been investigated. The chi(M)T versus T plots for 1-4 exhibit the minimum characteristic of antiferromagnetically coupled NiCuNi species with an irregular spin state structure and a spin-quartet ground state. The chi(M)T versus T plot for 5 is typical of an antiferromagnetically coupled NiCu pair with a spin-doublet ground state. The Ni(II)-Cu(II) isotropic interaction parameters for the five complexes were evaluated and are between 102 and 108 cm(-)(1) (H = -JS(Cu).S(Ni)).

Alkaloids, diarylheptanoid and naphthalene carboxylic acid ester from Rhoiptelea chiliantha

Two pyrrolidine alkaloids (1, 2) were isolated from the fruits of Rhoiptelea chiliantha Diel et Hand.-Mazz. (Rhoipteleaceae). A diphenyl ether-type diarylheptanoid (3), and a naphthalene carboxylic acid methyl ester (4) which is biogenetically-related to juglone were isolated from the branches of the same plant. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.

Two-dimensional Coordination Polymers of Copper(II) with Oxalate: Lattice Water Control of Structure

Three oxalate copper(II) complexes, [Cu(bipy)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)].2H(2)O (1), [Cu(nphen)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)].2H(2)O (2), and [Cu(phen)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)].H(2)O (3) (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, nphen = 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and their crystal structures have been determined. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 7.2554(10) A, b = 10.5712(14) A, c = 10.8178(15) A, alpha = 62.086(2) degrees, beta = 77.478(3) degrees, gamma = 81.773(3) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.582(2) A, b = 10.086(2) A, c = 10.592(2) A, alpha = 64.18(3) degrees, beta = 79.47(3) degrees, gamma = 60.06(3) degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 8.4655(7) A, b = 9.7057(8) A, c = 17.4572(14) A; beta = 103.865(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The crystal structures of all complexes consist of neutral [Cu(L)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)] (L = bipy, nphen, and phen) units and one or two lattice water molecules in the unit cell. Each copper atom in 1, 2, and 3 involves a five-coordinate CuN(2)O(2)O' environment, with a distorted square-pyramidal structure. In 1 and 2, two lattice water molecules are around each unit of [CuL(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)] (L = bipy and nphen) and form two-dimensional networks. Only one lattice water molecule is found in the unit cell of 3 and the two-dimensional structure is different from 1 and 2. The extended three-dimensional structure is formed through pi-pi interactions between layers. The influences of hydrogen bonds and the sizes and Lewis basicity of ligands to the structures were discussed.

New eudesmane sesquiterpenes from the root of Lindera strychnifolia

Strychnistenolide (1) and its acetate 2 were isolated from the root of Lindera strychnifolia, along with a novel rearranged type of secoeudesmane, strychnilactone (3). Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of their NMR spectra, including 2D NMR techniques, together with an X-ray analysis for 3. Strychnistenolide exists as a single stereoisomer in CHCl(3), but in pyridine is epimerized.

Long-term phenotypic correction of rodent hemiparkinsonism by gene therapy using genetically modified myoblasts

Rat myoblasts were genetically modified to express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and produce dopamine in culture. Implanting TH gene-transfected myoblasts into the denervated striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats significantly decreased rotational asymmetry by 50 to approximately 60%. Improvement persisted for up to 13 months. Genetically modified cells could survive and express transgene in the striatum as demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical stain-ing. The dopamine content in the striatum tissue of the gene therapy group recovered to 49% of the normal level and was 25-fold higher than that of a control group receiving parental cells. Neither tumor formation nor immunorejection was observed in this study. These results show that myoblasts may be useful as gene carriers for ex vivo gene therapy in the CNS. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 445-449.

New alternating ferro- and antiferromagnetic one-dimensional complexes. Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of

The preparation, X-ray crystal structure, and magnetic properties of alternating 1,1- and 1,3-azido-bridged copper(II) complex [Cu(4,4'-dmbpy)(N3)2]n (1, 4,4'-dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethylbipyridine) have been reported. It crystallizes in triclinic system, space group P1, a = 7.9903(1) A, b = 9.3545(9) A, c = 10.754(2) A, alpha = 113.485(1) degrees, beta = 101.399(1) degrees, gamma = 101.897(1) degrees, Z = 2. The magnetic properties of 1 have been investigated in the temperature range 1.5-300 K. Alternating antiferromagnetic (-J = 191.0 cm(-1)) interaction through a 1,3-N3- bridge and ferromagnetic (J = 297.1 cm(-1)) interaction through a 1,1-N3- bridge are obtained for 1 by analyzing the magnetic susceptibility data with the Hamiltonian H = -Jsigma(S2iS2i-1--alphaS2iS2i+1). It's derivatives ([Mn(4,4'-dmbpy)(N3)2]n (2), [Ni(4,4'-dmbpy)(N3)2]n (3), and [Fe(4,4'-dmbpy)(N3)2]n (4) and the heterometallic derivatives [NiMn(4,4'-dmbpy)2(N3)4]n (5) and [CuMn(4,4'-dmbpy)2(N3)4]n (6) have also been synthesized and characterized by electronic and IR spectra. The X-ray powder diffraction and the magnetic properties of 6 have also been discussed.

Pharmacokinetics of sustained-release capsule of 5-isosorbide mononitrate in 20 healthy Chinese young men

AIM

To compare the pharmacokinetics of domestic and imported sustained-release capsule of 5-isosorbide mononitrate (5-IM).

METHODS

A single and 5-d-repeated oral doses of 5-IM 50 mg were performed on 2 groups of 20 Chinese healthy subjects (10 subjects for each group) in a randomized crossover protocol. The 5-IM in plasma were measured by gas chromatography with electron-captured detector method. Data were analyzed automatically by using a CAPP program on a PC computer.

RESULTS

Fitting the 5-IM concentration-time curves to one-compartment model or following trapezoidal rule, the parameters such as Tmax, Cmax, Ke, MRT, and AUC were calculated and there were no significant differences between the two kinds of capsule. The major pharmacokinetic parameters of domestic and imported 5-IM sustained-release capsule with a 5-d multiple dose were respectively: Cmax (677 +/- 103) and (702 +/- 76) micrograms.L-1; Tmax (5.1 +/- 2.0) and (5.6 +/- 1.3) h; MRT (11.5 +/- 0.5) and (11.4 +/- 0.7) h; AUC0-infinity (12,121 +/- 1346) and (12,352 +/- 988) micrograms.h.L-1. The fraction of drug absorbed in vivo was correlated well with the percentage amount of drug released in vitro at corresponding time (P < 0.05), and the fluctuation indices on d 5 in multiple dose study were not significantly different between the two formulations (P > 0.05). The relative bioavailability of the domestic capsule for single and multiple dose were 96% +/- 11% and 98% +/- 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Domestic 5-IM sustained-release capsule showed bioequivalence compared with the imported capsule and provided the same nitrate-low interval in the latter part of the 24-h dosing interval.

Characterization of 463 type I markers suitable for dog genome mapping

In total, 463 canine gene markers were identified and characterized to serve as reagents in canine genome map projects. These markers are distributed over 221 canine gene markers, 139 TOASTs (Traced Orthologous Sequence Tags), 27 canine TOASTs, and 76 huESTs (human Expressed Sequence Tags). Out of 310 canine gene markers, 59%-84% were successfully amplified on dog DNA, the highest rates of success being observed when the exon/intron structure is known. Concerning TOASTs and human ESTs, of the 225 and 300 markers analyzed, 62% and 25% respectively were able to produce a dog positive amplification. As part of an ongoing project to map the canine genome using a dog/hamster radiation hybrid panel, these markers were tested for their specificity on dog versus hamster DNA. Thus 61%, 21%, and 12% of dog gene markers, TOASTs, and huESTs met the criteria required for radiation hybrid mapping, respectively. All of these 463 canine gene markers, however, are available and will be of value to any other mapping strategies.

Vertebrate slit, a secreted ligand for the transmembrane protein roundabout, is a repellent for olfactory bulb axons

The olfactory bulb plays a central role in olfactory information processing through its connections with both peripheral and cortical structures. Axons projecting from the olfactory bulb to the telencephalon are guided by a repulsive activity in the septum. The molecular nature of the repellent is not known. We report here the isolation of vertebrate homologs of the Drosophila slit gene and show that Slit protein binds to the transmembrane protein Roundabout (Robo). Slit is expressed in the septum whereas Robo is expressed in the olfactory bulb. Functionally, Slit acts as a chemorepellent for olfactory bulb axons. These results establish a ligand-receptor relationship between two molecules important for neural development, suggest a role for Slit in olfactory bulb axon guidance, and reveal the existence of a new family of axon guidance molecules.

Three novel C-glycosidic ellagitannins, rhoipteleanins H, I, and J, from rhoiptelea chiliantha

Three novel C-glycosidic ellagitannins named rhoipteleanins H (1), I (2), and J (3) were isolated from the fruits and bark of Rhoiptelea chiliantha Diels et Hand.-Mazz. (Rhoipteleaceae), and the structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. Rhoipteleanin H possesses a unique cyclopentenone carboxyl moiety, which is probably formed by oxidation and subsequent rearrangement of an aromatic ring of a usual C-glycosidic ellagitannin. Rhoipteleanin I is the first ellagitannin having a hydroxynaphthalene glucoside moiety. Rhoipteleanin J is a dimeric ellagitannin generated by dehydrative coupling between two molecules of a monomeric C-glycosidic ellagitannin and subsequent oxidation of an aromatic ring. From a chemotaxonomic viewpoint, presence of these characteristic ellagitannins in this plant provides a further support for the establishment of the order Rhoipteleales comprising Rhoipteleaceae as the only family.