The enzyme activity of ?- Acetolactate Decaroboxylases (ALDC) from different microbes was studied, the results demonstrated that it was quite different among them. There were diversities of their enzyme reaction velocities. It was clear that the enzyme activity was affected by the pH of the enzyme reaction system, for example, the optimum pH of ALDC from Lactococcus lactis was 6. 6, while for Aerobacter Aerogenes it was 5. 8. Addition leucine,valine and isoleucine into enzyme reaction system obviously affected the enzyme activity of ALDC from different microbes.

Self-cloning is a favorable technique in modification of industrial microorganisms especially food microorganisms because of its bio-safety. A survey and outlook of research in breeding of self-cloning industrial brewing yeast were introduced in this study.

Recombinant plasmid pICG was constructed by replacing the internal fragment of a-acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) gene (ILV2) with a copy of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase gene (GSH1) and copper chelatin gene (CUP1) from the industrial brewing yeast strain YSF31. YSF31 was transformed with plasmid pICG linearized by Kpn I and Pst I. A recombinant strain with high-glutathione and low-diacetyl production was selected. The results of fermentation in 100-L bioreactor showed that the lagering time of beer produced for recombinant strain T2 was shortened by 3 days and the shelf life of the beer was prolonged about 50%. It may be more acceptable for the commercial application, as it does not contain foreign DNA.
Acetolactate Synthase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Beer ; microbiology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Diacetyl ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glutathione ; biosynthesis ; Metallothionein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Organisms, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

The yeast fusant ZFF-28, which is high in biomass production and rich in selenium, was constructed after mutagenesis and protoplasts fusion between yeast strains. The total selenium content of ZFF-28 is 1.8 and 1.0 times higher than that of the parental strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZY-67 and Saccharomyces kluyveri SZY-198 respectively. Using single factor tests and a L16(4(3) x 2(1)) orthogonal design, the cultivation conditions was optimized as: 50mL culture in 250mL shake flasks in molasses containing 6% sugar and 60microg/mL Se at 28 degree C for 25h at 220 r/min, with the initial pH adjusted to 6.0 - 6.5. Under the optimized conditions, the biomass (dry weight) reached 8.2g/L and the Se content of the cells reached 2050microg/g, with organic and inorganic Se contents being 91% and 9% respectively.
Biomass ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Saccharomyces ; genetics ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Selenium ; metabolism ; Selenium Compounds ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the interspecies allelopathy of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Caragana microphylla and reveal the relationship between different interactions and provided the theory reference for their application of compounding planting pattern in practice.

METHODWater extracts of G. uralensis and C. microphylla root, stem and leaf were used to dispose mutual seeds, young seedlings and transplants.

RESULTThe germination of G. uralensis seed wasn't restrained significantly by the water extract of C. microphylla root, stem and leaf (1-50 g x L(-1)). However, the inhibitory effect of a high concentration water extract of C. microphylla stem and leaf (50 g x L(-1) was stronger. There wasnt significant difference in the effect of the water extract of C. microphylla cast, root and stem on the growth and quality of G. uralensis transplant. Moreover, the water extract of G. uralensis root, stem and leaf can improve the germination of C. microphylla seeds and the growth of seedlings, while its effective extent didn't reach an obvious different level.

CONCLUSIONThere exists no significant difference between the interspecies allelopathy of G. uralensis and C. microphylla.

Caragana ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Germination ; drug effects ; Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; chemistry ; Seedlings ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Seeds ; drug effects ; physiology

Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors regarding quality of life among patients with Alzheimer' s disease (AD).Methods Through stratified cluster sampling method,two hundred patients with AD and their caregivers were chosen and interviewed.AD patients were assessed by questionnaires,Montreal Cognitive Assessment,and Quality of LifeAlzheimer' s Disease (QOL-AD),in order to compare the reports from patients and caregivers on QOL-AD and to analyze related influencing factors.Descriptive analysis,paired t-test,analysis of variance (ANOVA),Pearson' s correlation and multiple linear regression were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).Results The scores of reports from patients (28.78 ±4.30) were lower than that from the caregivers' (30.05 ± 6.05).The difference was statistically significant (t=2.122,P＜0.05) and was positively correlated (r=0.312,P＜0.001).Data from multivariate analysis showed that cognitive level (t=3.465,P=0.001),marriage relationship (t=3.062,P=0.003 ),having public activities (t =2.581,P=0.011 ),personal characters (t =2.254,P =0.026),restricted diet pattern (t=3.614,P＜0.001),regularly drinking tea (t=2.652,P=0.009) and doing housework (t=3.180,P=0.002) were predictive factors.Conclusion Scores from the caregiver' s report on QOL-AD were higher than that from the patients'.Many factors influenced the quality of life on AD patients.Strategies on improving the quality of life among AD patients can be developed based on the findings of this study.

BACKGROUNDTransforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) exerts strong fibrogenic potential in culture-activated HSCs. Smad4 is a key intracellular mediator for the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of growth factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the antisense Smad4 gene on Ito cell line, LI90.

METHODSThe recombinant retroviral vector pLXSN-Smad4 was constructed by cloning the rat antisense Smad4 cDNA into the retroviral vector pLXSN. Retroviruses with or without the antisense gene were obtained by transfecting pLXSN-Smad4 and pLXSN vectors into PA317 cells. Human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) LI90 were infected with these retroviruses followed by selection with G418. The expression of Smad4 was detected by Northern and Western blots. Cell biological characteristics, including cell growth curve, 3H-TdR and 3H-proline uptake by HSCs and the production of extracellular matrix were assessed.

RESULTSmRNA and protein expressions of Smad4 in LI90 cells transfected with retrovirus containing the antisense Smad4 gene were much lower than those in LI90 cells transfected with empty vector or parental LI90 cells. Cells hypoexpressing the Smad4 gene exhibited a slower rate of growth, a lower uptake of 3H-TdR and 3H-proline (P < 0.01), and smaller production of th extracellular matrix, compared with parental LI90 cells and cells transfected with empty retrovirus.

CONCLUSIONSThe antisense Smad4 gene can suppress the expression of the Smad4 gene, reduce endogenous production of Smad4 mRNA and protein, block TGF-beta1 signaling pathway, inhibit activation of Ito cells, obstruct the growth of Ito cells, decrease the production of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results may provide a basis for the development of antifibrotic gene therapy.

Cell Line ; DNA, Antisense ; pharmacology ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; therapy ; Retroviridae ; genetics ; Smad4 Protein ; Trans-Activators ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

OBJECTIVETo investigate the etiology and treatment of bladder spasm associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSUrodynamic tests were performed in 102 cases of BPH before operation. The correlation of bladder spasm with aging, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life, prostatic volume, operation methods and urodynamic indexes was studied by t and chi2 tests.

RESULTSThe incidences of bladder spasm in the lower compliant bladder and unstable bladder were 32.1% (9/28) and 42.5% (13/20), and those after suprapubic prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were 50.9% (26/51) and 23.3% (12/51). There was significant difference between operation methods (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONBladder spasm easily develops in the lower compliant bladder and unstable bladder, especially after suprapubic prostatectomy. TURP might decrease the incidence of bladder spasm after BPH operation.

Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; surgery ; Spasm ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Urinary Bladder Diseases ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Urodynamics

OBJECTIVETo introduce the Item Function Analysis(IFA) of Quality of Life- Alzheimer's disease(QOL-AD)Chinese version and to explore the feasibility of its application on Chinese patients with AD.

METHODSTwo hundred AD patients were interviewed and assessed by QOL-AD, through the stratified cluster sampling method. Multilog 7.03. was used for Item Function Analysis. Difference scale(a), difficulty scale(b)and Item Characteristic Curve(ICC) of each item of QOL-AD were provided.

RESULTSDifferent scales of the item 1, 7 were below 0.6, while all the others were above 0.6. As for ICC. The first and last lines for the other items were monotonic in which the two in between were in inverted V-shape, with very steep slopes, except for the item 1 and 7.

CONCLUSIONResults form the IFA showed that QOL-AD was applicable to be used in the Chinese patients with AD.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease ; psychology ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Humans ; Psychometrics ; methods ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVETo review the experience for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava.

METHODSFrom July 2003 to May 2005, hepatectomy combined with thrombectomy were performed on 7 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava. In order to remove the tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava, total hepatic vascular exclusion were adopted on all cases to control the blood flow of IVC. According to the position of extension of tumor thrombus, 5 different procedures were adopted in the cases to control the suprahepatic IVC and extract the tumor thrombus out of IVC and atrium. Procedure 1: Median sternotomy, extracorporeal bypass, cardiac arrest, incision on right atrium and IVC were performed on 1 case for thrombectomy. Procedure 2: Median sternotomy, extracorporeal bypass without cardiac arrest, incision on IVC and (or without) incision on right atrium were performed on 2 cases for thrombectomy. Procedure 3: Abdominal approach to control intrapericardial IVC through an incision on diaphragm was performed on 1 case for thrombectomy. Procedure 4: Abdominal approach to control suprahepatic IVC above diaphragm through a small incision made on vena cava foramen for thrombectomy was performed on 1 case. Procedure 5: Abdominal approaches to control suprahepatic IVC below diaphragm for thrombectomy were performed on 2 cases.

RESULTSAll operations were successfully performed. The postoperative complications included pleural effusion in 1 case, subphrenic fluid collection in 1 case and wound infection in 1 case. The average survival time of 7 cases was 9.8 month. The longest survival time was 26 months.

CONCLUSIONHepatectomy and thrombectomy can be safely performed on the case of HCC combined with tumor thrombus in IVC. Surgical treatment can relieve the patient from the risk of sudden death caused by heart failure and pulmonary.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; surgery ; Embolectomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating ; Vena Cava, Inferior ; pathology