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The present paper describes the preparation of novel biodegradable adsorbent based on cross-linking of poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) and gelatin and characterization of its Rhodamine B dye adsorption capability. Cross-linking effect was measured with the effect of adsorbent adsorbing ionic dyes Rhodamine B. In the experiment, the various factors which had influence on the adsorption effect, including preparationtemperature, preparation pH value, concentrations of cross-linking agent, cross-linking time were analyzed. The results showed that the adsorbent had good adsorption performance after cross-linking. The adsorbent was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), revealing that there were amide bonds between gelatin and poly (γ-glutamic acid) by cross-linking reaction.

A 63-year-old woman was admitted with fatigue, general malaise, paraesthesiae, muscle cramping and weakness of the limbs. Since the age of 13, she had suffered from a transient lower extremities paralysis 3 times. Past history was unremarkable. There was no family history of disease. In addition, she denied any form of self-medication, surreptitious diuretic and laxative abuse, persistent vomiting and diarrhea. The blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg, BMI = 23.0 kg/m2, WHR = 0.84. A little anxious. The results of physical examinations were unnoticeable. The cranial-nerve functions were intact. Manual muscle tests revealed her extremities in normal condition. Sensation was normal in all modalities. The deep tendon reflexes were present but decreased mildly.Laboratory tests showed moderate to severe hypokalemia with a serum potassium concentration of 2.77 to 3.17 mmol/L, hypomagnesemia (0.31-0.35 mmol/L), hypocalcaemia (1.79-1.99 mmol/L), hypocalciuria (0.12-1.10 mmol/24 h), and metabolic alkalosis. The patient had elevated plasma renin activity and normoaldosteronism; her parathyroid hormone level was normal. Urinary calcium to creatinine ratio was (5.17-23.57) x 10(-3) mg/mg Cr. The renal clearance studies in this patient using furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide disclosed that urine volume and chloride clearance (CCL) were increased after furosemide administration, but there was no obvious change after the administration of hydrochlorothiazide. Furthermore, the distal fractional chloride reabsorption [CH2O/(CH2O+CCI)] was dramatically decreased by furosemide administration, whereas thiazide had little effect on it. These findings pointed to the presence of a non-functional thiazide-sensitive sodium/chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, so the diagnosis of Gitelman's syndrome (GS) was made.The patient was treated with indomethacin 50 mg, tid; after 3 days, the potassium increased, but calcium and magnesium serum levels failed to improve. So triamterene 50 mg, tid was also administrated. After 4 days, the serum levels of potassium, calcium were normalized, and the serum levels of magnesium increased from 0.35 mmol/L to 0.52 mmol/L; weakness and fatigue improved markedly, the clinical symptoms disappeared. The 18-month-follow-up study found the magnesium serum level normal.GS may be present with severe hypocalcaemia and hypokalemic periodic paralysis; the renal clearance studies by diuretic administration may be of help in diagnosing Gitelman's syndrome, and the combined use of indomethacin with triamterene has good therapeutic effect.

To explore novel pathogenic mutation in the mitochondrial DNA gene in diabetic pedigree.Twenty-eight suspected mitochondrial DNA diabetic families were recruited. The gene fragment was produced by PCR, and mutation was detected by direct sequencing.In one pedigree, the proband and her mother were found carrying the most common nt3243 A --G mutation and another 16S rRNA 3205C --T mutation. But only 3205C --T was found in her affected brother. All the two patients were deaf and developed diabetes in early age, characterized by impaired beta cell function and low body mass index (BMI). The proband had relatively higher lactic acid concentration than normal individuals. A novel ND1 gene 3434 A --G(TAT --TGT) mutation was explored in another proband with deafness and her affected family members.16SrRNA 3205C --T mutation was found in a mitochondrial diabetes mellitus pedigree, implying its potential pathogenic role in diabetes. Another novel ND1 3434 A --G mutation was found in another diabetic pedigree. Because this mutation causes amino acid change (Tyr --Cys) and is co-segregated with diabetes, it may be diabetogenic.