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We have developed a strategy for constructing nitrogen heterocycles by photoinduced PhSe group transfer radical cyclization. trans-Alpha,beta-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactams (2-pyrrolidinones) were prepared in good yields (38-73%) with high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity from N-alkenyl alpha-PhSe beta-keto amides. Reaction outcomes were modulated by the steric effect of the substituents on the nitrogen atom of the cyclization precursors and the stereoelectronic effect of the substrates. Diphenyldiselenide, as an additive, was found to promote ring closure. The advantage of this strategy in natural product synthesis is demonstrated by a formal synthesis of (+/-)-isocynometrine.

Objective: To study the expressions of ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) and voltage-gated calcium channel 1.3 (CaV1.3) in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle of castrated rats and to investigate their role in androgen deficiency-related erectile dysfunction., Methods: Forty 8-week-old SD rats were equally randomized into Groups A (2-week sham-operation), B (4-week sham-operation), C (2-week castration), and D (4-week castration). After surgery, the levels of serum testosterone in different groups of rats were determined, and the expressions of RyR1 and CaV1.3 in the corpus cavernosum were detected by immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR., Results: The levels of serum testosterone were significantly decreased in Groups C ([15.97 +/- 5.67] nmol/L) and D ([2.03 +/- 1.57] nmol/L) as compared with A ([90.54 +/- 20.13] nmol/L) and B ([120.35 +/- 30.32] nmol/L) (P < 0.05). RyR1 and CaV1.3 expressed in all the groups. RyR1 mRNA, CaV1.3 mRNA and their proteins were remarkably reduced in Groups C (0.51 +/- 0.24, 0.50 +/- 0.12, 120.36 +/- 25.78, 103.37 +/- 39.52, respectively) and D (0.33 +/- 0.15, 0.32 +/- 0.07, 67.39 +/- 30.54, 67.56 +/- 20.12, respectively) in comparison with A (1.53 +/- 0.25, 1.33 +/- 0.05, 300.96 +/- 135.12, 298.68 +/- 126.35, respectively) and B (1.37 +/- 0.23, 1.25 +/- 0.03, 330.38 +/- 128.59, 327.35 +/- 117.37, respectively) (P < 0.05). The androgen level was positively correlated with the expressions of RyR1 and CaV1.3., Conclusion: Androgen can regulate erectile function via RyR1 and CaV1.3.

Levofloxacin (LVFX), a fluoroquinolone agent, has a broad spectrum that covers Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and atypical pathogens. It demonstrates good clinical efficacy in the treatment of various infections, including lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral LVFX 500 mg once daily, a large open-label clinical trial was conducted in 1266 patients (899 with LRTIs and 367 with UTIs) at 32 centers in China. In the per-protocol population, the clinical efficacy rate (cure or improvement) at 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment was 96.4% (666/691) for LRTIs and 95.7% (267/279) for UTIs. In 53 patients diagnosed with atypical pneumonia the treatment was effective. The bacteriological efficacy rate was 96.6% (256/265) for LRTIs and 93.3% (126/135) for UTIs. The eradication rate of the causative pathogens was 100% (33/33) for Haemophilus influenzae and 96.0% (24/25) for Streptococcus pneumoniae in LRTIs, and 94.1% (80/85) for Escherichia coli in UTIs. The overall efficacy rates were 89.3% (617/691) for LRTIs and 87.8% (245/279) for UTIs. The incidence of drug-related adverse events (ADRs) was 17.3% (215/1245), and the incidence of drug-related laboratory abnormalities was 15.7% (191/1213). Common ADRs were dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Common laboratory abnormalities included "WBC decreased", "alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased", "aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased", and "lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased". All of these events were mentioned in the package inserts of fluoroquinolones including LVFX, and most events were mild and transient. Thirty-four patients (2.7%) were withdrawn from the study because of the ADRs. No new ADRs were found. This study concluded that the dosage regimen of LVFX 500 mg once daily was effective and tolerable for the treatment of LRTIs and UTIs.

Objective: To investigate the correlation of the data of patients with sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU) and their prognosis., Methods: Clinical data of 450 cases with sepsis in ICU from January 2004 to December 2008 were retrospectively studied. Twenty-four possible prognostic factors including clinical, chemical examinations and scores contributing to the survival of these patients were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis., Results: Univariate logistic regression analysis: eight factors were non-risk factors for sepsis, including days of hospitalization [odds ratio (OR)=0.951, P<0.001], Glasgow coma score (GCS, OR=0.858 , P<0.001), mean arterial pressure (OR=0.991, P=0.041), platelet count (OR=0.997, P<0.001), total protein (OR=0.975,P=0.003), albumin (OR=0.955, P<0.001), arterial pH (OR=0.077,P=0.001), arterial oxygen pressure (OR=0.996, P=0.014). The risk factors for sepsis included acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score (OR=1.115, P<0.001), body temperature (OR=1.215, P=0.041), prothrombin time (OR=1.057, P=0.007), aspartate aminotransferase (OR=1.001, P=0.011), serum creatinine (OR=1.002, P=0.002), blood potassium level (OR=1.391, P=0.003), blood glucose (OR=1.051, P=0.002), and C-reactive protein (OR=1.245, P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors of sepsis included APACHE II score (OR=1.094, P<0.001), days of hospitalization (OR=0.946, P<0.001), platelet count (OR=0.976, P=0.004), and albumin level (OR=0.957, P=0.017)., Conclusion: APACHE II score, days of hospitalization, platelet count and albumin could predict the prognosis of sepsis.

Background: The prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are relatively high in Taiwanese patients than in patients of other countries, particularly in the older age groups. Dyslipidemia in patients with CKD has been recognized as a risk factor for disease progression but the role of triglycerides (TGs) remains controversial. With this regard, we evaluated the effects of hypertriglyceridemia on renal function in Taiwanese adults (aged >or=40 years)., Methods: From January 2002 to December 2006, we conducted a community-based medical screening program in Chiayi County with 18,422 subjects (aged >or=40 years). The CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL min 1.73 m. Age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and serum total cholesterol were considered as potential confounders., Result: The CKD was prevalent in 24.2% of the middle-aged and elderly population. By using multiple logistic regression models, we determined that old age and elevated levels of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and cholesterol were associated with CKD. The adjusted odds ratios of CKD in participants with serum TG >==200 mg/dL was 1.901 (95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.36; P < 0.05) and in participants with serum TG > 500 mg/dL it increased to 2.205 (1.33-3.64, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for CKD in Taiwanese adults. Thus, an effective screening program that identifies people with hypertriglyceridemia is warranted.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by T helper (Th)2 cell immune responses. Currently, immunotherapies based on both immune deviation and immune suppression, including the development of recombinant mycobacteria as immunoregulatory vaccines, are attractive treatment strategies for asthma. In our previous studies, we created a genetically recombinant form of bacille Calmette-Guerin (rBCG) that expressed Der p2 of house dust mites and established that it induced a shift from a Th2 response to a Th1 response in naive mice. However, it is unclear whether rBCG could suppress allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model. In this article we report that rBCG dramatically inhibited airway inflammation, eosinophilia, mucus production and mast cell degranulation in allergic mice. Analysis of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue revealed that the suppression was associated with a shift from a Th2 response to a Th1 response. At the same time, rBCG induced a CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T-cell subtype that could suppress the proliferation of Th2 effector cells in vitro in an antigen-specific manner. Moreover, suppression of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells could be adoptively transferred. Thus, our results demonstrate that rBCG induces both generic and specific immune responses. The generic immune response is associated with a shift from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine response, whereas the specific immune response against Der p2 appears to be related to the expansion of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-producing CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. rBCG can suppress asthmatic airway inflammation through both immune deviation and immune suppression and may be a feasible, efficient immunotherapy for asthma.

We report a novel method of synthesizing a kind of silver nanoparticles aided by the inositol hexakisphosphoric micelle as a soft template and stabilizer. By controlling the reaction time, UV-vis and TEM observations of the size growth of the nanoparticles are performed. Careful examinations of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 2-mercaptopyridine (2-Mpy) on the as-produced silver nanoparticles exhibit very stable and reproducible Raman signals within about 4 months.

Objective: To study the relationship between the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score and assessment of illness and prognosis in sepsis., Methods: A retrospective analysis of 315 patients with sepsis that admitted into the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University hospital intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2005 to December 2008 was made. The patients were divided into survival group (194 cases) and death group (112 cases) according to the outcome within 28 days. The difference of the platelet (PLT) count, fibrinogen (Fib), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrin monomer were compared between two groups. The relationship between acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, DIC score and prognosis were analyzed by univariate logistic regression analysis, then APACHE II score and DIC score in sepsis were evaluated., Results: PLT count and Fib of the death group were lower than those of the survival group, PT, activated partial thrombin time (APTT), activated clotting time (ACT) and fibrin monomer of the death group were higher than those of the survival group. APACHE II score and DIC score of the death group were higher than those of the survival group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was a positive correlation among APACHE II score, DIC score and the prognosis of sepsis [DIC score: chi (2)=17.741, P<0.001, odds ratio (OR)=1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.203-1.659; APACHE II score: chi (2)=36.456, P<0.001, OR=1.109, 95%CI 1.072-1.147]. Area under the curve of APACHE II score (0.706) was higher than DIC score (0.611)., Conclusion: APACHE II score and DIC score can be used as the prognostic factors of sepsis, but the value of DIC score was lower than APACHE II score in diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis.

Objective: To explore the potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of carboxyamidotriazole (CAI)., Methods: A variety of animal models, including the croton oil-induced ear edema, the cotton-induced granuloma, the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis, were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of CAI. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)--or histamine-stimulated local vascular permeability in mouse modulated by CAI was also determined. In addition, we assessed the effect of CAI on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-beta) at the site of inflammation and in sera. Moreover, antinociceptive effect of CAI on inflammatory pain was assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing model and the formalin test., Results: CAI significantly inhibited acute and chronic phases of inflammation, reduced VEGF or histamine-induced vascular permeability, and showed marked inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. CAI also showed potential therapeutic effect on peripheral inflammatory pain., Conclusion: CAI is a promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.

Although the anatomy and histology of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of frozen shoulder, they remain unclear. Our objective was to study the anatomic features of the CHL and analyze its histology. Twenty-six fresh-frozen, normal cadaveric shoulders were used to examine the position and morphology of the CHL and their relationship with the superior glenohumeral ligament and to determine the CHL's histologic features in comparison with the joint capsule and coracoacromial ligament. The CHLs were all located in the rotator interval, with an irregular trapezoidal structure. The subacromial bursa was above the CHL, and the subcoracoid bursa was below the it. The CHLs in all shoulders originated from the lateral aspect of the base of the coracoid process. In 11 shoulders, it inserted into the supraspinatus tendon, whereas in 11 other shoulders, it inserted into the rotator interval. In 3 shoulders, the CHLs were split and inserted into both the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons, respectively. Finally, the CHL in 1 shoulder only inserted into the subscapularis tendon. We also observed that the pectoralis minor tendons in 4 shoulders passed over the coracoid process top and inserted into the CHLs. In 11 shoulders, a complex of the CHL and the superior glenohumeral ligament was formed. Histologically, the CHL was found to be similar to the joint capsule without any ligament features. The position, morphology, and origin of the CHL did not change much, but its insertion varied greatly. In addition, the CHL had the histologic feature of a capsule, not a ligament.

Evidence has shown that Notch signaling modulates CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T-cells (Tregs). As transcription factor Foxp3 acts as a master molecule governing the development and function of Tregs, we investigated whether Notch signaling might directly regulate Foxp3 expression. Here, we provide evidence that Notch signaling can modulate the FOXP3 promoter through RBP-J- and Hes1-dependent mechanisms. A conserved RBP-J-binding site and N-box sites were identified within the FOXP3 promoter. We show that the Notch intracellular domain (NIC), the active form of Notch receptors, activates a reporter driven by the FOXP3 promoter. Dissection of the FOXP3 promoter revealed bipartite effects of the RBP-J-binding site and the N-boxes: the RBP-J-binding site positively, while the N-boxes negatively regulated the FOXP3 promoter activity. Moreover, in freshly isolated Tregs, NIC-RBP-J complex is bound to the FOXP3 promoter in Tregs. Our results suggest that Notch signaling might be involved in the development and function of Tregs through regulating Foxp3 expression.

The rapidly increasing number of sequence entering into the genome databank has called for the need for developing automated methods to analyze them. Information on the subcellular localization of new found protein sequences is important for helping to reveal their functions in time and conducting the study of system biology at the cellular level. Based on the concept of Chou's pseudo-amino acid composition, a series of useful information and techniques, such as residue conservation scores, von Neumann entropies, multi-scale energy, and weighted auto-correlation function were utilized to generate the pseudo-amino acid components for representing the protein samples. Based on such an infrastructure, a hybridization predictor was developed for identifying uncharacterized proteins among the following 12 subcellular localizations: chloroplast, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, extracell, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, mitochondria, nucleus, peroxisome, plasma membrane, and vacuole. Compared with the results reported by the previous investigators, higher success rates were obtained, suggesting that the current approach is quite promising, and may become a useful high-throughput tool in the relevant areas.

Objective: To study the expression and distribution of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in colonic mucosa of patients with functional constipation, and to examine the relationship of constipation with AQP3 and AQP9., Methods: Immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative Western blotting were used to detect the expression and distribution of AQP3 and AQP9 in colonic mucosa of 45 patients with functional constipation (trial group) and 21 cases without constipation (control group). Gray scale ratios of AQP3 and AQP9 to beta-actin protein as interior reference were relative amounts of AQP3 and AQP9., Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that AQP3 was distributed mainly in basement and cavosurface membrane of epithelial cell of colonic mucosa and AQP9 mainly in basement membrane of goblet cell in cavosurface colonic mucosa. Western blotting revealed that the average values of gray scale ratios of AQP3 in ascending colon of trial group and control group were 0.905 and 0.798 (P<0.05),while those of AQP9 were 0.544 and 0.543 (P>0.05), respectively. The average values of gray scale ratios of AQP3 in descending colon of trial group and control group were 0.697 and 0.701 (P>0.05), while those of AQP9 were 0.575 and 0.732 (P<0.05), respectively., Conclusions: Up-regulated expression of AQP3 in ascending colon and down-regulated expression of AQP9 in descending colon are presented in patients with functional constipation as compared to patients without functional constipation. AQP3 and AQP9 may play a significant role in the onset and development of constipation.

Objectives: To introduce a new arthroscopic Bankart repair by vertical mattress suture with anchors, and to evaluate its clinical effectiveness., Methods: A new arthroscopic Bankart repair by vertical mattress suture with anchors was performed, including to insert only 2 anchors at 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock position and make vertical mattress suture of labrum-ligament complex at 2, 4 and 6 o'clock of labrum, and to shift up the anterior-inferior capsule. Nine cases of anterior glenohumeral instability without severe glenoid bone defect were followed-up for an average period of 14 months (range from 6 to 26 months). The average surgery age was 28 years (range from 21 to 46 years)., Results: The average surgery time was 51 min (40 - 75 min). Clinical scores as evaluated by the modified Rowe score advanced from 40 +/- 16 points to 92 +/- 19 points (75 - 94). There was no any recurrence and complication. External rotation was reduced by 5 degrees at 0 degrees adduction and by 3 degrees at 90 degrees of abduction., Conclusions: The arthroscopic Bankart repair by vertical mattress suture with anchors for anteroinferior glenohumeral instability is favorable as an easy, short-time surgery with excellent clinical results in short-term follow-up.

The community structure and motif-modular-network hierarchy are of great importance for understanding the relationship between structures and functions. We investigate the distribution of clique degrees, which are an extension of degree and can be used to measure the density of cliques in networks. Empirical studies indicate the extensive existence of power-law clique-degree distributions in various real networks, and the power-law exponent decreases with an increase of clique size.

The purpose of this study is to identify the immunosuppressive effects of cyclophosphamide (a known immunosuppressant) in male Wistar rats which were administered orally for 30 days repeatedly, and to find a proper dose of cyclophosphamide at which the immunosuppressive effects is identified. The dose of cyclophosphamide is 2, 5, 10mg/kg bw, respectively. The results showed that 10mg/kg cyclophosphamide treatment induced decreases in body weight, body weight gain, relative weight of spleen and thymus, antibody plaque-forming cells, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, natural killer cell activity, lipopolysaccharide-induced B-cell proliferation, and Concanavalin A-induced T-cell proliferation. The histopathology observation on spleen and thymus revealed as decreased cellularity. But, no significant clinical symptoms of toxicities and stress were observed and no rats died. These results indicated that the immunosuppressive effects of 10mg/kg cyclophosphamide dosed for 30 days orally were identified in male Wistar rats. Based on the results, it is considered that the dose of 10mg/kg of cyclophosphamide orally for 30 days in male Wistar rats could be used as the dose of positive control group for chemicals immunotoxicity assessment tests. This study also proved that the testing procedures and the experimental techniques established in our laboratory for immunotoxicity tests in male Wistar rats are reliable and feasible., (Copyright © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A pot experiment was conducted to study the impact of Cu and Zn pollution on soil enzyme activities and rape seedlings growth. The results showed that Cu had a stronger inhibitory effect than Zn on soil urease activity, while Zn had more obvious impact on soil calatase activity. The damage on the growth and dry mass of rape was more serious under Cu than under Zn pollution. The inhibition of rape seedlings growth was mainly due to the inhibition of root growth and its material accumulation. Factor analysis indicated that root dry mass was more sensitive than other indices, which could be adopted to monitor soil Cu and Zn pollution.

The study on the Cu forms in Cynodon dactylon rhizosphere soil of copper tailings yard in Tongling City, Anhui Province showed that among the test Cu forms, the amount of residual form occupied the majority, while that of exchangeable form was relatively low. Compared with non-rhizosphere soil, rhizosphere soil had a higher organic matter content but a lower pH. With the growth of C. dactylon, the contents of organically combined and exchangeable Cu in rhizosphere soil increased by 7.89% and 5%, respectively, while those of carbonate-combined and Fe-Mn oxides-combined Cu decreased. The growth of C. dactylon accelerated the transformation of Cu forms in rhizosphere soil, and decreased the rhizosphere soil Cu content through its absorption.

Objective: Topiramate is a new broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug. Decreased body weight and appetite are common side effects of topiramate. The side effect affects the growth and development in children greatly. Little is known about the mechanisms of topiramate-induced weight loss and decreased appetite in children with epilepsy in China and abroad. galanin is one of factors that affect appetite. It is a neuroendocrine peptide and play an important role in the control of appetite and body weight in the mechanism of hormone release. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of topiramate-induced weight loss in children with epilepsy and the relation of weight loss with change of galanin, thereby to provide evidences for improvement of quality of life, compliance to treatment and reduce side effects of growth and development in children with epilepsy., Methods: Totally 61 patients with especial epilepsy were enrolled into this study and the disease was defined by clinical manifestations and electroencephalography (EEG). Among them 32 cases had generalized seizures and 29 had local seizures. Sixteen normal children were enrolled as control group. The patients' age ranged from 0.5 to 14 (4.76 +/- 4.05) years and the patients were instructed to take 0.5 - 1 mg/kg of topiramate per day, with 0.5 - 1 mg/kg every 3 - 5 d increased to maximum of 3 - 8 mg/kg per day. Patients continued receiving the doses for 4 months. All patients' serum galanin levels and body height and weight and hepatic function were detected before and after antiepileptic drugs treatment. The galanin was detected by using radioimmunoassay., Results: After treatment with topiramate (61 cases) for 4 months, plasma galanin [(22.01 +/- 8.12) pg/ml] declined as compared with baseline [(26.56 +/- 9.35) pg/ml, t = 2.85, P < 0.01] in children with epilepsy. Twenty-two of 61 patients lost weight, their plasma galanin concentration was significantly lower [(26.51 +/- 10.00) pg/ml vs. (20.45 +/- 8.09) pg/ml, t = 2.91, P < 0.01], but there was no significant change in the weight-gained patients (39/61) and control group (n = 16). In children with epilepsy, the mean value of body weight decreased as compared with the pre-treatment values, but the difference was not significant; however, the body-mass index (BMI) was significantly lower than that obtained before treatment (t = 8.628, P < 0.01). Eighteen of 22 patients who lost weight had decreased appetite, but only five of 39 patients who gained weight showed decreased appetite (chi(2) = 28.50, P < 0.001). The mean value of plasma galanin declined after treatment in patients (23 cases) with decreased appetite [(18.35 +/- 7.80) pg/ml vs. (27.28 +/- 6.90) pg/ml, t = 4.84, P < 0.001]; while plasma galanin did not change significantly after treatment in patients (38 cases) without decreased appetite [(24.23 +/- 7.66) pg/ml vs. (26.12 +/- 5.49) pg/ml, t = 1.04, P > 0.05]., Conclusion: Topiramate treatment may lower the body weight and reduce appetite in part of children with epilepsy which may be mediated by the reduced plasma galanin level.

Background/purpose: Oral cancer is one of the fastest increasing malignancies in Taiwan. Among the counties on the island, Changhua has been ranked in the top three in the list of oral cancer incidence. This study was performed to better characterize the epidemiology of oral cancer in Changhua county., Methods: We used the complete registered records of oral cancer from the Department of Health databank, and studied the trends in incidence rate, age of distribution, and anatomic sites of oral cancer in Taiwan. In addition, we correlated the incidence rate with known risk factors (betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol drinking) by regression analysis., Results: Among neoplasms, oral cancer is one of the fastest increasing malignancies in Taiwan. In the past two decades from 1982 to 2001, Taiwan had an alarming 5.3-fold increase in the incidence of male oral cancer. Among the 23 counties, Changhua has ranked top in oral cancer incidence in recent years. The incidence of male oral cancer in Changhua is also among the highest in the world (45.07/105/year in 2001). The most common site was the buccal mucosa, while it was the tongue in other counties. Finally, Changhua was the only outlier in our regression model, indicating that possible interference factors may interact with oral cancer incidence and prevalence of betel quid chewing in Changhua., Conclusion: We conclude that the high incidence and buccal mucosa preponderance of oral cancer in Changhua may have an exceptionally close relation with patients' betel quid chewing habit, and other unknown etiologic factors may also be present locally.

An unusual feature which involves spontaneous crystallization at the air-water interface from aqueous solution was reported for a water-soluble gemini surfactant with xylyl spacer, (p-phenylenedimethylene) bis(dodecyldimethylammonium) dibromide. Polarizing microscope, in situ confocal microscopic Raman spectroscopy, and powder XRD were used to characterize the structure of the crystal and investigate the driving force for nucleation. It was inferred that, besides the surface enrichment of amphiphiles and the intra- and intermolecular interaction of alkyl chains, the pi-pi stacking interaction of benzene rings plays an extraordinary role in promoting nucleation and stabilizing crystal structure. A mechanism for constructing supramolecular architectures in situ at the air-water interface directly from aqueous solution via water-soluble amphiphiles with groups favorable for pi-pi stacking interaction was proposed.

Chemical imaging analysis holds great potential in probing the chemical heterogeneity of samples with high spatial resolution and molecular specificity. This paper demonstrates the implementation of Raman mapping for microscopic characterization of tablets containing chloramphenicol palmitate polymorphs with the aid of a new multivariate image segmentation approach based on spatial directed agglomeration clustering. This approach performs the agglomeration clustering by stepwise merging the pixels possessing both spatial closeness and spectral similarity into clusters that define the image segmentation. The incorporation of spatial closeness into the clustering process enables the approach to improve the robustness and avoid poorly defined image segmentation arising from clusters with highly separated pixels. Additionally, the stepwise merging of clusters offers an F-statistic-based procedure to automatically ascertain the number of image segments. Raman mapping analysis of tablets containing two polymorphs of chloramphenicol palmitate followed by multivariate image segmentation reveals that the proposed technique offers the identification of each polymorph and a quantitative visualization of the spatial distribution of the polymorphs identified. This technique holds promise in rapid, noninvasive, and quantitative polymorph analysis for pharmaceutical production processes.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra of phytic acid were recorded in the sol oxide silver. Based on ab-initio/ STO-3 quantum calculations results, assignments to the vibrational modes of phytic acid were carried out. On the basis of the mechanism of SERS, the adsorption modes were suggested that phytic acid chemically adsorbed on the oxide silver surface through four phosphate bonds.

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor was proposed for the detection of small molecule biotin based on the mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of thiols on gold substrate and the bioaffinity difference between an analyte (biotin) and an analogue compound (HABA) in binding avidin. Avidin formed a metastable complex with 2-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)azo]benzoic acid (HABA) immobilized on the crystal surface. When the sensor contacts a sample solution containing biotin, the avidin was released from the sensor surface to form a more stable complex with biotin in solution. The frequency change recorded is proportional to the desorbed mass of avidin, and there is a clear mathematic relationship between the frequency change and the biotin concentration. The use of mixed SAMs allows the stable attachment of bioreceptor molecules on the QCM, and enhances the amount of the immobilized molecules on the QCM, as a longer "space arm" in the mixed SAMs makes this monolayer membrane more accessible to capture the immobilized molecules. The proposed bioaffinity sensor has nice response to biotin in the range of 0.017-1.67 microg/mL. The sensor could be regenerated under very mild conditions simply by reimmersion of the sensor into a biotin solution to desorb the surplus avidin.

Nanosized flower-like ZnO was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method which is a convenient, environment friendly, inexpensive and efficient process. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to confirm the material structure and the crystallite microstructure. Then ZnO was dispersed in the chitosan solution to form a ZnO/chitosan composite matrix for the fabrication of H2O2 biosensor. This composite combined the advantages of inorganic species (ZnO) and organic polymer (chitosan). The parameters affecting the fabrication and experimental conditions of biosensors were optimized. Using hydroquinone as the mediator, the biosensor showed a fast response of less than 5s with the linear range of 1.0x10(-5) to 1.8x10(-3) M H2O2 with a correlation coefficient of 0.995 (n=20). The detection limit of the sensor was found to be 2.0 microM, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The biosensor exhibited satisfactory reproducibility and stability and retained about 78% of its original response after 40 days storage in a phosphate buffer at 4 degrees C.

Objective: To investigate the status of work ability and occupational stress in chemical plant workers and to ascertain the risk factors affecting work ability., Methods: The method of cluster random sampling was adopted. Work ability and occupational stress were measured using the methods of work ability index (WAI) and occupational stress questionnaire (OSQ) in 1030 workers. The risk factors for work ability decline were evaluated., Results: The variables that influence work ability included disorder of musculoskeletal function (OR = 2.316), current health (OR = 2.070), diseases (OR = 2.144), poor sleeping (OR = 1.573), easy excitement (OR = 1.660), degree of movement (OR = 1.127), physical load (OR = 1.124), problem in working process (OR = 1.126), lack of exercise (OR = 1.408), and education level (OR = 2.247)., Conclusion: The main risk factors influencing work ability included the physiological, mental factors and the level of education. For reducing the risk factors, relevant measures should be taken to protect the work ability and promote the health of workers.

The Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of adipose tissue of Ming dynasty GUCONGLI mummy were investigated by chloroform-methanol extraction and two ways of infrared sample preparation. The results show that the triglycide in the adipose tissue was hydrolyzed into free fatty acids, and both the octdecenic acid and saturated fatty acids existed.

Five ternary solid complexes of rare earth with alpha-naphthoic acid (HNaP) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) were prepared. These complexes all have the composition of RE(Nap)3.phen (RE3+ = Y, La, Eu, Tb, Dy). IR and Raman spectra were investigated. Assignment of complex bands were made by searching group vibration frequencies. Vibrational spectra indicate that carboxylate ions in the alpha-naphthoate take the bidentate coordination modes and the nitrogen atoms in 1,10-phenanthroline are coordinated and format five number chelate ring.

The non-receptor-type Src tyrosine kinases are key components of intracellular signal transduction that are expressed at high levels in the nervous system. To improve understanding of the cascades of molecular events underlying peripheral nerve regeneration, we analyzed active Src expression in the crushed or cut rat sciatic nerves using a monoclonal antibody (clone 28) that recognizes the active form of Src tyrosine kinases, including c-Src and c-Fyn. Western blots showed that active Src expressed in the normal sciatic nerve transiently increased up to threefolds after both types of injury. Immunohistochemistry using clone 28 showed that axonal components are the primary sites of active Src expression in the normal sciatic nerve. Soon after both types of injury, active Src was abundantly expressed in Schwann cells of the segments distal to the injury site. The expression of active Src in the cells decreased with restoration of the axon-Schwann cell relationship and eventually became depleted to very low levels after crushing, but was sustained at high levels in the cut model until the end of the experiment. Regenerated axons consistently expressed active Src throughout nerve regeneration and these eventually became the major sites of active Src expression in the crushed nerve. Among the Src tyrosine kinases, active c-Src selectively increased after crushing according to immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses. Due to its potent biological activity, the increased amounts of the active form of Src probably enhance axonal regrowth, the Schwann cell response, and axon-Schwann cell contact for peripheral nerve regeneration., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Background & Objective: Hypoxia is a common phenomenon in the tumor microenvironment of most solid tumors including human nasopharyngeal neoplasms. Hypoxia can induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in some tumor cells like glioma cell line C6. The present investigations were conducted to study the effect of hypoxia on the VEGF gene expression in cultured nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line CNE-2Z in vitro and to discuss its impact on tumor metastasis., Methods: Hypoxic culture model in vitro was established to test the VEGF gene expression in CNE-2Z cell line. After cultured in the hypoxia circumstance for 24 hours, VEGF expression were tested in mRNA level and protein level by RT-PCR and Western-blot analysis, respectively., Results: VEGF mRNA isoforms VEGF189, VEGF165, VEGF145,and VEGF121 were identified by RT-PCR in cultured CNE-2Z cell line. All of the four VEGF mRNA isoforms expression were increased after treated under hypoxia for 24 hours. The mRNA level of four VEGF isoforms were 2.67+/-0.30, 2.05+/-0.03, 2.73+/-0.15, and 1.65+/-0.01 folds as those in normoxic cells,respectively. Western blot analysis showed that VEGF protein expression in CNE-2Z cells was 2.20+/-0.07 folds as that in normoxic cells., Conclusion: VEGF gene expresses in CNE-2Z cell line and can be induced by hypoxia in vitro, this mechanism may be involve in metastasis process of NPC by inproved neoplasm angiogenesis.

Objective: To determine the affinity of new opioid receptor ligands to cloned mu opioid receptors stably expressed in CHO cell., Methods: The binding characteristics of the opioid ligand [3H] diprenorphine (3H-dip) were studied by cellular biological techniques and radioligands binding in cloned mu opioid receptors stably expressed in CHO cells in saturation binding experiments, and were followed by competition binding experiments with a variety of new synthesized opioid receptor ligands., Results: The Kd and Bmax of [3H] diprenorphine bound to mu receptors were 1.06 nmol/L and 930 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Competition binding experiments revealed that ligand 3# and 12# displayed much higher affinity than DAMGO and Morphine for the cloned mu opioid receptor. However, the affinities of ligands 2#, 6#, 8# and 9# were lower than DAMGO and Morphine., Conclusion: The present results suggest that the new ligands 3# and 12# have higher affinity to mu opioid receptors. However, ligands 2#, 6#, 8# and 9# have lower affinity to mu opioid receptors.

It has been proved by medicinal practice that the extraction from chicken bile has excellent antiphlogistic and anti-tumour effects. Chicken bile and the biles of various animals were dried and after IR spectral analyses, different IR spectra can be obtained with the resulting powders. In comparison with IR spectra, the IR spectrum from chicken bile is significantly different with that of other animals; whereas there are very good consistency among the chicken biles from different origin samples. The analyses of chicken bile show the chemical composition of chicken bile is different from that of other animals and the biles of different chicken have essentially same chemical composition.

Objective: To investigate the potential of yolk sac mesenchymal stem cells in osteogenic differentiation., Methods: Murine yolk sacs were harvested on day 8.5 postcoitus, yolk sac cells were obtained after the yolk sacs were digested by 0.1% type I collagenase for 1 hour, the non-adherent cells were removed after being cultured for 1 hour. The adherent cells were cultured in DMEM containing of 5 ng/ml bFGF and 15% FBS, and passaged when they became subconfluent. The morphologic characteristics, and AKP, BMP-2, as well as type I, III collagen of the yolk sac adherent cells were observed and tested. The attached cells were treated with 10(-8) mol/L dexamethasone, 10 mmol/L beta-glycerophosphate, and 50 micrograms/ml vitamin C at passage 4. Alternations of morphological characteristic, AKP activity, collagen of type I, III and mineralization were detected., Results: Pure mesenchymal stem cells which were of spindle shape, uniform in size, positive in type I, III collagen staining and weak positive in AKP activity could be induced to pleomorphism osteoblast-like cells in vitro. The cells were transformed from spindle shape to polygonal cells which were positive in type I collagen, negative in type III collagen, strong positive in BMP-2, and positive in Von Kossa's stain at week 8. The polygonal cells could form nodular structure and their AKP activity was increased. All these were coincidence with the characters of osteoblast., Conclusion: Yolk sac mesenchymal stem cell can be purified and induced to osteoblast in vitro.

Laser Raman spectra of YBCO oxide superconductor with hot ultrapressing and annealing treatment are reported. In addition to improving physical properties, the spectra data show that the processing can also perfect orthorhombie phase and enhance lattice on orientation trend as well as is good for formation of two dimension CuO2 net. The relation between structure and the superconductivity has been discussed.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of AMP and DNA in silver sol were obtained. Comparing the SERS spectra with spectra of AMP and DNA in solid state, we found that although those two systems were very similar in the main, but there were still some differences between them. For example, the ring breathing modes of adenine in solid AMP at 715 cm-1 was enhanced very much and appears at 723 cm-1 in silver sol. The symmetric stretching mode of phosphate group at 813 cm-1 was disappeared in SERS spectra. The vibration mode of ribose in DNA was enhanced obviously in SERS spectra, four kinds bands of A, T, C, G were also enhanced in varying degrees. The possible adsorption model of AMP and DNA in silver sol and the structure change is proposed.

To analyse retrospectively the results of thirty-eight fractures of the tibial and fibular treated with reamedintramedullary interlocking nail from May 1997 to June 2000. The patients were followed for an average of 14.6(range: 6-32) months. The mean age was 32.8(range: 18-64) years, the sex distribution was 29 males and 9 females. 26 fractures were closed (One case was failure of plate and screws) and 12 were opened: 6 were graded I, 4 were II, 2 IIIa, according to Gustilo's classification. A solid union was achieved in all patients within a period of 6 months. There were no deep infections except one case of superficial infection. Cases of deformity or peroneal nerve injury were no noticed. It is believed that reamed intramedullary interlocking nail allows a stable and safety fixation in open or closed tibial and fibular fractures.

The treatment of 50 patients above 70 years with femoral neck fractures were reviewed. All the patients were treated by internal fixation with the compression screw. Followed-up 1-5 years reviews showed that the rate of fracture union was 83%, the satisfactory rate of the function was 96%, no death was found. It is suggested that internal fixation with compression screw may be a good treatment in the elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

Objective: To study biological effects of space flight on purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria., Methods: Two purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris H3 and Rhodobacter sphaeroides ZGY, were carried on satellite for 15 days and some of their biological effects were studied after recovery., Results: In space condition, survival rate of bacteria was promoted. The purification of organic wastewater, removal of nitrite, degradation of phenol and decolorization of acid red B were enhanced, and the resistance of both strains to medicine was stable., Conclusion: The major morphological and physiological characteristics of loaded strains H3-S and ZGY-S were not changed after space flight.

The cytotoxicity of gamma-hexachlorcyclohexane (gamma-HCC) was evaluated in HL-60 cells. Gamma-HCC dose-dependently induced cytotoxicity of HL-60 with an IC50 value of 60+/-5 microM. The gamma-HCC treated cells showed some characteristic changes of apoptosis, including blebbing of the membrane, condensation of the nuclear chromatin, vacuolation of cytoplasm and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Gamma-HCC induced DNA fragmentation of HL-60 cells in a dose-, time- and Ca2+-dependent manner. The DNA fragmentation induced was inhibited by intracellular Ca2+ chelator, calmodulin antagonist and Ca2+ sensitive endonuclease inhibitor. Gamma-HCC caused a steady increase in the cytosolic free Ca+ concentration due to release from intracellular stores. Neither the DNA fragmentation nor the increase of intracellular Ca2+ induced by gamma-HCC was inhibited by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. These data suggested that the cytotoxicity of gamma-HCC in HL-60 cells is mediated by the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the activation of Ca2+-dependent endonuclease, which triggers apoptosis in a Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent manner.

We investigated the effect of intermittent hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on the bone healing of tibial lengthening in rabbits. Twelve male rabbits were divided into two groups of six animals each. The first group went through 2.5 atmospheres absolute of hyperbaric oxygenation for 2 hours daily, and the second group did not go through hyperbaric oxygenation. Each animal's right tibia was lengthened 5 mm using an uniplanar lengthening device. Bone mineral density (BMD) study was performed for all of the animals at 1 day before operation and at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks after operation. All of the animals were killed at 6 weeks postoperatively for biomechanical testing. Using the preoperative BMD as an internal control, we found that the BMD of the HBO group was increased significantly compared with the non HBO group. The mean %BMD at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks were 69.5%, 80.1%, 87.8%, and 96.9%, respectively, in HBO group, whereas the mean %BMD were 51.6%, 67.7%, 70.5%, and 79.2%, respectively, in non-HBO group (two tailed t test, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01 at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks, respectively). Using the contralateral nonoperated tibia as an internal control, we found that torsional strength of lengthened tibia of the HBO group was increased significantly compared with the non-HBO group. The mean percent of maximal torque was 88.6% in HBO group at 6 weeks, whereas the mean percent of maximal torque was 76.0% in non-HBO group (two-tailed t test, p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that the bone healing of tibial lengthening is enhanced by intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

In order to study the different mechanisms of dynorphin spinal analgesia and neurotoxicity at low and high doses, the effects of various concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) on the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the cultured rat spinal neurons were studied using single cell microspectrofluorimetry. While dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1-100 microM had no significant effect on basal [Ca2+]i, dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1 and 1 microM significantly decreased the high KCl-evoked peak [Ca2+]i by 94% and 83% respectively. Dynorphin A-(1-17) 10 and 100 microM did not affect the peak [Ca2+]i following K+ depolarization, but in all these neurons there was a sustained and irreversible rise in [Ca2+]i following high-K+ challenge. Pretreatment with the specific kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine 10 microM, but not the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) 10 microM, significantly blocked the inhibitory effect of dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1 microM on peak [Ca2+]i. However, APV 10 microM and nor-binaltorphimine 10 microM significantly antagonized the sustained rise in [Ca2+]i induced by a high concentration of dynorphin A-(1-17) 10 microM. Furthermore, in the presence, and following the addition, of increasing concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 microM), the high concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) failed to produce a sustained rise in peak [Ca2+]i. These results suggested that dynorphin exerted a dualistic modulatory effect on [Ca2+]i in cultured rat spinal neurons, inducing a sustained and irreversible intracellular Ca2+ overload via activation of both NMDA and kappa-opioid receptors at higher concentrations, but inhibiting depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx via kappa-opioid but not NMDA receptors at lower concentrations. Serial addition of graded concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) prevented the effect of high concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) on [Ca2+]i.

Geographic and specialty maldistribution have created problems of physician supply in Taiwan. Previous small-scale government-sponsored physician (GSP) programs in Taiwan have had only limited effects. To solve this problem, the National Yang-Ming Medical College was established in 1975; it supplied its first government-sponsored physician graduates in 1982. Obligatory service in different specialties and geographic areas were assigned to graduates according to their personal preference and school performance. In this study, we evaluated the factors affecting the choice of specialty and location for these GSPs during the 6-year obligatory service period. Data on Department of Health-regulated GSPs who finished obligatory service prior to 1991 were obtained from the GSP files, medical student files, and the National Medical Manpower Information System for the years 1982 to 1985. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of year of entry, age, gender, rank in class, and hometown of the GSPs on specialty choice upon entry into the obligatory service period. Both logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of these parameters and location experiences during obligatory service on location selection after the obligatory service period. We found that rural experience during obligatory service was strongly associated with the choice of rural practice after the completion of the obligatory service. Male gender, a later year of entry to the program, and having a rural hometown were only moderately associated with the choice of rural practice. A more comprehensive evaluation and review of the effect of the GSP program on overall specialty and location distribution of physicians is needed to provide guidelines for improvement of current GSP program policies.

Six hundred and thirty-four food samples of six kinds were collected from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jilin and Guangdong areas, China and Hg, Pb, Cd contents were determined. The results showed that their levels in the Chinese foods were low; their levels in meat, egg, milk and fish were generally below the national hygienic standard. The average daily dietary intake of Hg, Pb, Cd were 7.25 micrograms, 103.77 micrograms and 30.72 micrograms respectively and they were all less than the ADI established by WHO.

Contents of cadmium in six kinds of foods were monitored in 626 specimens from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jilin and Guangdong in 1992, with proportions of 95% for rice, 87.8% vegetables, and 100% wheat flour, meat, eggs fish and dairy products, respectively, up to the national hygienic standards. The average weekly intake of cadmium from foods of residents in six monitored areas was lower than that of the provisional allowable intake set by WHO.

In neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 cell lines, KCl 50 mM produced a significant increase in [Ca2+]i which was blocked completely by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel antagonist verapamil. High K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i can be suppressed by selective delta opioid agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) (an effect completely reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone), but not by the mu agonist ohmefentanyl (OMF) or kappa agonist 66A-078. Aside from high K+ stimulation, a number of chemicals can produce an increase in [Ca2+]i, i.e., selective adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, the membrane permeable cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP) and the activator of protein kinase C (PKC) 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). All these effects can be readily blocked by verapamil. DPDPE blocks the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by forskolin and Bt2cAMP, but not that by TPA. The results suggest that cAMP dependent protein kinase-, but not PKC-induced Ca2+ influx mechanism seems to be involved in the delta receptor mediated opioid effect.

Angiotensin II (AII), injected intracerebroventricularly, has been shown to antagonize opioid analgesia. The mechanism for this was obscure. In the neuroblastoma X glioma NG 108-15 hybrid cell line, the K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i can be suppressed by the delta opioid agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) at 0.01-1 microM, an effect completely reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Angiotensin II (AII) at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 microM mobilized free Ca2+ from an intracellular pool, and this effect was antagonized by the AII receptor antagonist saralasin. All (1 microM) had no significant effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by K+, but it blocked the suppressive effect of DPDPE on the K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The results indicate that mobilization of intracellular calcium may underlie the anti-opioid effect of AII.