Contributions of collision rate and collision efficiency to erythrocyte aggregation in postcapillary venules at low flow rates.

Red blood cell aggregation at low flow rates increases venous vascular resistance, but the process of aggregate formation in these vessels is not well understood. We previously reported that aggregate formation in postcapillary venules of the rat spinotrapezius muscle mainly occurs in a middle region between 15 and 30 microm downstream from the entrance. In light of the findings in that study, the main purpose of this study was to test two hypotheses by measuring collision frequency along the length of the venules during low flow.

The thin sectional anatomy of the temporal bone correlated with multislice spiral CT.

The aim of this study was to explore the method for obtaining the thin sectional anatomy data of the adult temporal bone and study the fine structures using this method. Three fresh adult cadaveric heads were scanned with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) centered on petrous bones. The CT images of 0.

Role of coagulation factor VII in pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease.

To study the variation and significance of plasma coagulation factor VII (FVII) in different kinds of ischemia heart disease (IHD) and examine its relation with plasma lipid and gene polymorphism. FVIIa was determined with one stage clotting assay by using a recombinant soluble tissue factor (rsTF). FVIIc was measured with one stage clotting assay.

Distinction between recurrent glioma and radiation injury using magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with diffusion-weighted imaging.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic effectiveness of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy with diffusion-weighted imaging on the evaluation of the recurrent contrast-enhancing areas at the site of treated gliomas.

Methods And Materials: In 55 patients who had new contrast-enhancing lesions in the vicinity of the previously resected and irradiated high-grade gliomas, two-dimensional MR spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted imaging were performed. Spectral data for N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), lipid (Lip), and lactate (Lac) were analyzed in conjunction with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in all patients.

[Induction of hairy roots and anthraquinone production in Rheum palmatum].

Objective: To study the induction of hairy roots and anthraquinone production in Rheum palmatum.

Method: Leaf blades, hypocotyls and petioles of R. palmatum were infected by Agrobacterium rhizogenes LBA9402 and A.

Effect of different sites for cryopreserved ovarian tissue implantation in rabbit.

Background: Autotransplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue has proven to be an effective method to restore endocrine function and fertility. But it remains to be studied which site and which method is most effective and practical. We therefore implanted small pieces of cryopreserved ovarian tissues into different sites in rabbits to find the optimal position.

[Characteristics of community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in children].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and drug resistant patterns of community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in children.

Methods: Samples of sputum, blood, liquor puris/secretion of skin or stool in Beijing Children's Hospital between January, 2002 and March, 2005 were cultured. The characteristics of community-acquired MRSA infection were analyzed and compared with hospital-acquired MRSA infection.

[Relationship between the postmortem interval and nuclear DNA changes of heart muscular cells in mice].

Objective: To study the changes of DNA degradation in cells of rats and its relationship with the postmortem interval.

Method: 8 parameters of cell nuclear (including the tail length, the head radius, the percentage of head DNA, the percentage of tail DNA, the tail moment, the olive moment, the head area and the tail area) were chosen to study their changes in the procedure of DNA degradation in myocardium cells in 111 rats at different postmortem interval from 0 to 72 h by using single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) technology and fluorescent microscope combined with auto-analysis-image system method.

Results: An evident comet tailing was observed in DNA of myocardium cells after electrophoresis, and their changes in all these 8 parameters of cell nuclear were greatly associated with the extension of postmortem interval, which indicate the degradation rate and degree of DNA in the nuclear has a close relationship with postmortem interval in the periods from 0 to 72 h in rats and significant difference were found with those groups (P < 0.

BMP analysis system for watershed-based stormwater management.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are measures for mitigating nonpoint source (NPS) pollution caused mainly by stormwater runoff. Established urban and newly developing areas must develop cost effective means for restoring or minimizing impacts, and planning future growth. Prince George's County in Maryland, USA, a fast-growing region in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, has developed a number of tools to support analysis and decision making for stormwater management planning and design at the watershed level.

[Relationships among the expression of thymidylate synthase, thymidine phosphorylase, and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and the prognosis of breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the relationships among the expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and the prognosis of breast cancer.

Methods: Immunochemistry (ABC method) was used to detect the expression of TS, TP, and DPD in the samples of breast cancer resected during operation from 28 female patients. The microvessel density (MVD) in the cancer tissue was measured by immunochemistry (LSAB method).

Further structural exploration of trisubstituted asymmetric pyran derivatives (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylamino-tetrahydropyran-4-ol and their corresponding disubstituted (3S,6S) pyran derivatives: a proposed pharmacophore model for high-affinity interaction with the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters.

In our previous report, we described a novel series of asymmetric pyran derivatives (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylamino-tetrahydropyran-4-ol and their enantiomers as blockers of monoamine transporters in the brain. In this report, we describe the further exploration of this series of molecules by incorporating functional groups in the molecular template, which should promote the formation of H bonds with the transporters. In addition, a new synthetic scheme for the asymmetric synthesis of disubstituted cis-(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydro-pyran-3-yl)-benzylamine analogues and their biological characterization is reported.

The importance of company: Na+ and Cl- influence substrate interaction with SLC6 transporters and other proteins.

SLC6 transporters, which include transporters for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glycine, taurine, L-proline, creatine, betaine, and neutral cationic amino acids, require Na+ and Cl- for their function, and this review covers the interaction between transporters of this family with Na+ and Cl- from a structure-function standpoint. Because detailed structure-function information regarding ion interactions with SLC6 transporters is limited, we cover other proteins cotransporting Na+ or Cl- with substrate (SLClA2, PutP, SLC5A1, melB), or ion binding to proteins in general (rhodanese, ATPase, LacY, thermolysine, angiotensin-converting enzyme, halorhodopsin, CFTR). Residues can be involved in directly binding Na+ or Cl-, in coupling ion binding to conformational changes in transporter, in coupling Na+ or Cl- movement to transport, or in conferring ion selectivity.

A systematic review of Chinese medicinal herbs for acute bronchitis.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicinal herbs for treating uncomplicated acute bronchitis.

Data Sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's specialized register; The Chinese Cochrane Centre's Controlled Trials Register; MEDLINE; EMBASE; and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM).

Methods: We only included randomized controlled trials.

Immunocapture UPPCR combined with DGGE for rapid detection of Shigella species.

Aims: To develop an immunocapture universal primer PCR (iUPPCR) combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and evaluate it as a method permitting rapid detection of Shigella species and their serotypes.

Methods And Results: This method amplifying the conserved regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes of different species or serotypes of Shigella dysentery bacilli captured and enriched by polyvalent antibodies can detect and distinguish causative pathogens rapidly. Four serotypes from three Shigella species including Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1, Shigella boydii serotype 1, Shigella flexneri serotypes 1a and 3a were examined.

Chronic food restriction and dopamine transporter function in rat striatum.

The present communication reports on DA uptake in rat striatum in a model of chronic food restriction. The K(m) for DA uptake was unaltered, but the V(max) was reduced by 32%, not supporting the idea that the enhanced behavioral sensitivity to cocaine or d-amphetamine upon chronic food restriction is due to a greater density of DAT at the plasma membrane for drug interaction. Chronic food restriction did not alter the potency of cocaine or D-amphetamine in inhibiting DA uptake in the striatum, suggesting that the enhanced behavioral sensitivity to these drugs upon chronic food restriction is not due to their enhanced affinity for DAT.

Design, synthesis, and preliminary SAR study of 3- and 6-side-chain-extended tetrahydro-pyran analogues of cis- and trans-(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydropyran-3-yl)-benzylamine.

In our effort to further understand interaction of novel pyran derivatives with monoamine transporters, we have designed, synthesized, and biologically characterized side-chain-extended derivatives of our earlier developed cis- and trans-(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydro-pyran-3-yl)-benzylamine derivatives. Both 3- and 6-position extensions were explored. All synthesized derivatives were tested for their affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain by measuring their potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, [(3)H]5-HT, and [(3)H]NE, respectively.

[Compliance and efficacy of standard antenatal care model].

Objective: To investigate the compliance of standard antenatal care (ANC) model with 12-13 visits currently used in Beijing region, and to assess the efficacy of this model in reducing adverse maternal and perinatal complication.

Methods: The clinical data of 544 women who delivered at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (West Section) from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2002 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Three areas were addressed in this paper: compliance of pregnant women with standard ANC model; association of maternal and perinatal complication with different number of ANC visits; effectiveness of screening for risk factors at the first ANC visit.

Suppression of glucosylceramide synthase by RNA interference reverses multidrug resistance in human breast cancer cells.

Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), the enzyme that converts ceramide to glucosylceramide, induce multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. Recently, RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful strategy for gene therapy by introducing double-stranded RNA and leading to the sequence-specific destruction. We have designed two different short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting GCS and introduced them into adriamycin- resistant human breast cancer cells (MCF-7/AdrR cells) to inhibit GCS expression.

Differences in interactions with the dopamine transporter as revealed by diminishment of Na(+) gradient and membrane potential: dopamine versus other substrates.

In heterologous cells expressing the dopamine transporter (DAT), simultaneous elevation of intracellular Na(+) and depolarization of the membrane with gramicidin reduced the potency of various DAT substrates, including dopamine, d-amphetamine, beta-phenethylamine, p-tyramine, and MPP(+), in inhibiting binding of the cocaine analog [(3)H]CFT, with the greatest reduction observed for d-amphetamine. In rat striatal synaptosomes, gramicidin exerted similar effects; in addition, the potency of d-amphetamine was reduced by the Na(+)-channel activator veratridine. The latter effect was counteracted by the Na(+)-channel blocker tetrodotoxin.

Chinese medicinal herbs for acute bronchitis.

Background: Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diagnoses made by primary-care physicians. It is traditionally treated with antibiotics, (although the evidence for their effectiveness is weak and modest at best), and other even less effective treatments. Chinese medicinal herbs have been also used as treatment.

Discovery of novel trisubstituted asymmetric derivatives of (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylaminotetrahydropyran-4-ol, exhibiting high affinity for serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in a stereospecific manner.

In our structure-activity relationship study on 3,6-disubstituted pyran derivatives, we have carried out asymmetric synthesis and biological characterization of trisubstituted (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylaminotetrahydropyran-4-ol and (3S,4R,6S)-6-benzhydryl-4-benzylaminotetrahydropyran-3-ol derivatives and their enantiomers. All synthesized derivatives were tested for their affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain by measuring their potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, [(3)H]-5-HT, and [(3)H]NE, respectively. Compounds were also tested for their binding affinity at the DAT by their inhibition of [(3)H]WIN 35,428.

[Factor VII detection and its association with lipid in ischaemic heart disease].

Objective: To study the variation and significance of plasma factor VII (FVII) in various types of ischemia heart disease (IHD) and discuss its relation with plasma lipid.

Methods: FVIIa was determined with one stage clotting assay using a recombinant soluble tissue factor (rsTF). FVIIc was measured with one stage clotting assay.

Thymidylate synthase predicts for clinical outcome in invasive breast cancer.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a major target of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of 5-FU. Whether TS or DPD could be used as valuable parameters for 5-FU sensitivity in clinical patients are largely unknown. We analyzed TS and DPD expression in breast carcinomas to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of these enzymes in patients with invasive breast cancer receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

Interaction between a hydroxypiperidine analogue of 4-(2-benzhydryloxy-ethyl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidine and Aspartate 68 in the human dopamine transporter.

Compound (+)-R,R-D-84 is an optically active trans-hydroxy-substituted derivative of 4-(2-benzhydryloxy-ethyl)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidine (D-164). As a hydroxypiperidine analog of GBR 12935, (+)-R,R-D-84 is a candidate dopamine transporter compound for the treatment of cocaine dependence. The present work addresses the functional activity of (+)-R,R-D-84 at monoamine transporters and its potential molecular mechanism involving acidic amino acids (D and E).