Hydrolytic amino acids were extracted by acid hydrolysis method, then derivatized with phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC). And the samples were analysed by HPLC on an Ultimate Prime C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) column with gradient elution of 0.1 mol x L(-1) sodium acetate buffer solution (adjusted to pH 6. 5)-acetonitrile (93:7) (A) and acetonitrile-water (8:2) (B) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). Column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detected wavelength was 254 nm. Amino acids derivative solution remained stable in 36 hours. The response was linear for 16 amino acids with a correlation coefficient r > 0.999 5. The average recoveries were 98.01% -101.8%. The method is reliable with good accuracy and repeatability, which is useful for the determination of amino acids in Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum.
Amino Acids ; analysis ; Animals ; Chickens ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase ; Endothelium ; chemistry ; Gizzard, Avian ; chemistry

This paper aims to establish a method for the determination of sulfur dioxide in sulfur fumigation Chinese herbs. Sample powder and hydrochloric acid solution were isolated by paraffin layer in order to avoid early reactions, with the generation of sulfur dioxide, headspace with airtight needle was used to transfer sulfur dioxide into gas chromatograph, and detected with thermal conductivity detector. The analytical performance was demonstrated by the analysis of 12 herbs, spiked at four concentration levels. In general, the recoveries ranging from 70% to 110%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) within 15%, were obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) was below 10 mg x kg(-1). Standard addition can be used for low recovery samples. The method is simple, less time-consuming, specific and sensitive. Methods comparison revealed that gas chromatography is better than traditional titration in terms of method operability, accuracy and specificity, showing good application value.
Chromatography, Gas ; methods ; Fumigation ; Limit of Detection ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Sulfur ; chemistry ; Sulfur Dioxide ; analysis

Objective To explore the relationship between free fatty acid(FFA)composition and other glucose and lipid metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome(MS)in community. Methods Serum FFA profile was measured with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in 158 patients with varied metabolic syndrome components(MSC),including 61 with MS and 97 at high-risk for MS,and 43 control subjects,with diagnostic criteria by the International Diabetes Federation(IDF).Results Patients with MS had higher parameters of polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)and n6PUFA,as compared to the patients at high risk and normal subjects(P0.05). Among the high-risk group,those with diabetes had increased linoleic acid,n6PUFA and total fatty acid (TFA),and decreased saturated fatty acid(SFA)/TFA,as compared to those without diabetes(P

BACKGROUNDTumor involving the septum pellucidum is uncommon. Surgery as the main therapeutic procedure for this lesion is a challenge to neurosurgeons. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and pathological features of septum pellucidum tumor in 41 patients and compared the curative effects of frontal transcortical, trans-sulcal and interhemispheric transcallosal approaches.

METHODSClinical characteristics and the pathological features of septum pellucidum tumor were investigated retrospectively in 41 patients. The differences in postoperative residual rates, extents of tumors and resection of normal brain tissues after use of the three approaches in these patients were analyzed statistically.

RESULTSSeptum pellucidum tumor is more likely to attack young or middle-aged persons. The tumor mainly presents itself as a central neurocytoma or cerebral low-grade glioma in pathology and manifests as intracranial hypertension clinically. No difference was found in the extent of tumor resection but significant difference in the extent of normal brain tissue resection and in postoperative disability rate among the three approaches. The transcortical approach brought about the most serious injury to brain tissue and the highest disability rate, Whereas the frontal transcallosal approach the lightest injury and the lowest disability rate. The injury to brain tissue and the disability rate brought about by the front trans-sulcus approach were between the above two approaches.

CONCLUSIONSOperation is still regarded the major treatment for septum pellucidum tumor. Transcallosal and trans-sulcus approaches are fit with the concept of minimally invasive surgery, and transcallosal approach is the first choice for septum pellucidum tumor.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Septum Pellucidum

Fatigue is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We examined the relationship between T2DM fatigue and the skeletal muscle 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system. In animal experiments, a T2DM model was established in mice by feeding a high-fat diet with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice were treated with the 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SH) and the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor carbidopa (CDP) (separately and in combination). In cell culture experiments, C2C12 cells were stimulated with D-glucose, palmitic acid or 5-HT. 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT synthesis and 5-HT degradation were inhibited by SH, CDP, or monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor. The animal experiments were in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of China Pharmaceutical University. The results showed that 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT synthase and MAO-A were expressed in mouse skeletal muscle and C2C12 cells. The expression of these proteins was significantly up-regulated in T2DM mice or when C2C12 cells were exposed to palmitic acid and D-glucose; palmitic acid was a stronger stimulant of their expression than D-glucose. Rotating rod experiments and biochemical index tests have shown that T2DM fatigue is associated with an increase in skeletal muscle 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT synthesis and 5-HT degradation. 5-HT_2AR mediates the expression of MAO-A and the synthesis of 5-HT, which indirectly regulates the degradation of 5-HT. MAO-A regulates cell inflammation, mitochondrial ROS production and membrane potential depolarization by mediating 5-HT degradation. MAO-A also inhibits the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) and ATP synthase-6 (ATP6), thus inhibiting mitochondrial functions such as fatty acid β oxidation and ATP synthesis. SH and CDP can effectively treat T2DM fatigue, and can also reduce blood glucose and blood lipid, and the combination of SH and CDP has a clear synergistic effect.

The paper is to report the establishment of a method for the determination of multi-residue organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticides in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Fifty-six pesticides were extracted by high-speed homogenization, and then purified through gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. The residues were simultaneously identified and quantified by GC-ECD equipped with dual tower, dual column and two micro-ECD detectors. The analytical performance was demonstrated by the analysis of 3 TCMs samples' extracts, spiked at three concentration levels for each pesticide. In general, the recoveries ranging from 70% to 110%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) better than 15%, were obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) for most of the targeted pesticides tested was below 0.01 mg kg(-1). The method had good extraction efficiency, purification effect and good reproducibility, which could be applied to the determination of organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticide residues in the routine analysis of TCMs.
Chromatography, Gas ; methods ; Chromatography, Gel ; Drug Contamination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated ; analysis ; Limit of Detection ; Pesticide Residues ; analysis ; Pyrethrins ; analysis ; Reproducibility of Results ; Solid Phase Extraction

OBJECTIVETo construct human-SCID chimeric mice through implantation of mononuclear cells from human cord blood and study the immunoreaction of SCID-Hu IC mice immunized with rAd5HPV16L1-E7 vaccine.

METHODS(1) Experiment groups were injected with the suspension of mononuclear cells from human cord blood through a tail vein; the control ones were injected with non serum RPMI 1640 medium. Eight weeks after implantation, blood was collected and human serum IgG level in the mice were tested, and human CD45, CD3 and CD19 were determined. (2) SCID-Hu IC mice were divided into two groups: in group A the mice were immunized intraperitoneally with rAd5HPV16L1-E7 virus and in group B the mice were immunized through nasal drip with rAd5HPV16L1-E7 virus. At the end of fourth week, the serum specific IgG antibody to rAd5HPV16L1-E7 virus, IFN-gamma in culture medium of spleen lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte propagation were tested.

RESULTS(1) In the experiment groups, the number of mice positive for human IgG was 10/15, the average values of CD45, CD3 and CD19 were (9.39+/-4.21), (3.25+/-3.99) and (1.69+/-0.75), respectively. In the control ones, the human IgG, CD45, CD3 and CD19 were negative. (2) The results in the experiment groups showed that the IFN-gamma and T-lymphocyte stimulated by HPV16 protein were higher than those in the non-stimulated group (P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION(1) The results indicated that the construction of human-SCID chimaera through the implantation of mononuclear cells from human cord blood into SCID mice was successful. They also indicated that the reconstructed SCID-Hu IC mice has the ability to produce immune response against rAd5HPV16L1-E7 recombinant virus.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Antigens, CD19 ; blood ; CD3 Complex ; blood ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; transplantation ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; genetics ; immunology ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral ; genetics ; immunology ; Papillomaviridae ; genetics ; Recombination, Genetic ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; Viral Vaccines ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of malignant tumors among fluoride-exposed workers in aluminum industry.

METHODSSampling points were set in the working positions at different radii around an workshop for treating the waste gas from aluminum electrolysis, and the concentrations of fluoride ions, aluminum, and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in air were measured by electrode method, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The incidence of tumors among the workers in the aluminum plant from 1995 to 2009 was investigated by questionnaires and medical records and then statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThere was a negative correlation between the concentrations of fluoride and aluminum and the radius around the fluoride source at each sampling point. B[a]P was not detected at each sampling point. The crude incidence rate of tumors among factory workers was 117.95/100 000 (standardized rate = 58.81/100 000); the standardized incidence rate of tumors was higher in female workers than in male workers (male-to-female ratio = 1:2.64). The peak age of onset of tumors was 40 ∼ 49 years. The most and second most common tumors were liver cancer and lung cancer in male workers and breast cancer and lung cancer in female workers. Compared with the unexposed population in the city where the aluminum plant was located, the female fluoride-exposed workers had an increased tumor incidence, 2.14 times that of the city's average level, and the fluoride-exposed workers had a younger age of onset of tumors and approximately the same types of tumors.

CONCLUSIONFluoride exposure may lead to an increasing trend in tumor incidence among female workers in aluminum industry.

Adult ; Aluminum ; Female ; Fluorides ; Humans ; Male ; Metallurgy ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Occupational Exposure

OBJECTIVETo assess the relationship of the variation of exon 20 of leptin receptor (LEPR) gene to the lipid metabolism and fat distribution of the children with obesity.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were used to analyze the variation of exon 20 of the LEPR gene of the obesity group(72 obesity children) and the control group(60 healthy children). At the same time, all childrens' serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), height and weight were measured, and their body mass index(BMI) and fat percent(%fat) were calculated.

RESULTSThree genotypes of exon 20 of LEPR gene were detected in this study. Compared with the control, the frequency of gene variation at 3057 nucleotide G-->A transversion was higher(P<0.05). The concentration of serum TG and the BMI and %fat of the A/A genotype obesity children were higher than those of the G/G genotype ones(P<0.01) but the level of serum HDL of the A/A children were lower than that of the G/G children (P<0.01). As to the G/A genotype children, only their serum TG level was higher than that of the G/G genotype ones(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe above findings indicated there were polymorphisms in the children with obesity, and those polymorphisms might remarkably affect their lipid metabolism and fat distribution.

Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Adolescent ; Base Sequence ; Child ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Obesity ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; Receptors, Leptin ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVEMercury (Hg), as one of the priority pollutants and also a hot topic of frontier environmental research in many countries, has been paid higher attention in the world since the middle of the last century. Guizhou Province (at N24 degrees 30'-29 degrees 13', E103 degrees 1'-109 degrees 30', 1 100 m above the sea level, with subtropical humid climate) in southwest China is an important mercury production center. It has been found that the mercury content in most media of aquatics, soil, atmosphere and in biomass of corns, plants and animals, is higher than the national standard. The present study aims to explore the influence of mercury pollution on the health of local citizens.

METHODSThe effect of rice from two mercury polluted experimental plots of Guizhou Province on the expression of c-jun mRNA in rat brain and c-jun protein in cortex, hippocampus and ependyma was observed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemical methods.

RESULTSThe results showed that the mercury polluted rice induced expression of c-jun mRNA and its protein significantly. Selenium can reduce Hg uptake, an antagonism between selenium and mercury on the expression of c-jun mRNA and c-jun protein.

CONCLUSIONc-jun participates in the toxicity process of brain injury by mercury polluted rice, the expression of c-jun mRNA in brain, and c-jun protein in rat cortex and hippocampus can predict neurotoxicity of mercury polluted rice. People should be advised to be cautious in eating any kind of Hg-polluted foods. To reveal the relationship between c-jun induction and apoptosis, further examinations are required.

Animals ; Atmosphere ; Base Sequence ; Biomass ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; China ; Food Contamination ; Genes, jun ; genetics ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mercury ; analysis ; toxicity ; Oryza ; chemistry ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Soil Pollutants ; analysis ; toxicity ; Time Factors