国内双歧杆菌制剂预防小儿继发性腹泻临床疗效的Meta分析

目的系统评价国内双歧杆菌制剂临床预防小儿继发性腹泻的效果。方法按照系统评价的要求检索CBMd isc、VIP、CNK I以及万方数据库等,获得18篇符合纳入标准的文献,共计患儿4050例,对其进行M eta分析,并评价M eta分析结果的稳定性和发表偏倚。结果异质性检验χ^2=34.60,P=0.007〈0.05,采用随机效应模型进行M eta分析,合并RR=0.41,95%C I为0.35～0.49,总体效应检验,Z=10.39,P〈0.00001,差异具有非常显著性,固定效应模型RR值和95%C I与随机效应模型完全一致,剔除小样本报道后的合并RR=0.42,95%C I为0.35～0.50,与剔除前的结果基本一致,且本研究的发表偏倚得到了很好地控制。结论从现有的临床证据来看,双歧杆菌制剂能降低小儿继发性腹泻的发生率,对预防小儿继发性腹泻起到了满意的效果。     

Application of in silico and in vitro methods in the development of adverse outcome pathway constructs in wildlife

There is a long history of using both in silico and in vitro methods to predict adverse effects in humans and environmental species where toxicity data are lacking. Currently, there is a great deal of interest in applying these methods to the development of so-called ‘adverse outcome pathway’ (AOP) constructs. The AOP approach provides a framework for organizing information at the chemical and biological level, allowing evidence from both in silico and in vitro studies to be rationally combined to fill gaps in knowledge concerning toxicological events. Fundamental to this new paradigm is a greater understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity and, in particular, where these mechanisms may be conserved across taxa, such as between model animals and related wild species. This presents an opportunity to make predictions across diverse species, where empirical data are unlikely to become available as is the case for most species of wildlife.     

Measurement of in situ rates of nitrification in sediment

A method has been developed for the measurement of nitrification rates in intact sediment cores without disturbing the concentration gradients of oxygen and ammonium. N-serve (2-chloro-6-trichloromethyl-pyridine), a specific inhibitor of the autotrophic ammonium oxidation, was injected into a 0–2 cm surface layer of the sediment (20 ppm) and added to the water column of sediment cores (5 ppm). N-serve in these concentrations was sufficient to inhibit nitrification, but did not change the rate of ammonium production or incorporation in sediment suspensions, which were incubated aerobically and anaerobically. The ammonium accumulation in cores injected with N-serve was thus equal to the amount of ammonium which was oxidized to nitrate in the control cores. Nitrification rates were in the range of 0–3 mmol N m^{–2 –1}     

Induction of parturition in cases of pathological gestation in cattle

One or two injections of 20 to 40 mg dexamethasone (i.m.) induced parturition in 17 out of 27 cows (81 %) with dropsy in the 7th to 9th month of gestation. Although the doses employed were high, induction was slow and relaxation of the genital tract was frequently insufficient. Ten cows with mummified fetuses, which were unresponsive to dexamethasone, delivered between Days 3 to 11 after repeated i.m. injection of DES, in doses ranging from 60 to 800 mg. As a rule, the corpus luteum regressed in all cases prior to the onset of parturition. Rapid regression of the corpus luteum also preceded expulsion of mummified fetuses treated with PGF_2α by intrauterine infusion of 10.5 to 45 mg. In cows carrying a macerated fetus, estrogen induced parturition only if regression of the corpus luteum was obtained. However, prostaglandins always caused regression of corpora lutea. The assumption is made that estrogens stimulate prostaglandin production in intact endometrium, causing luteolysis and, subsequently, parturition. Since with mummification the uterine lining remains unimpaired, while it is severely damaged with maceration, estrogens work in the former, but not in the latter situation, in which PGs can be used with success.     

Detection of errors of interpretation in experiments in enzyme kinetics

Although modern statistical computing will often be the method of choice for analyzing kinetic data, graphic methods provide an important supplement that ought not to be neglected. Residual plots, or plots of differences between observed and calculated values against variables not expected to be correlated with these differences, permit a rapid judgment of whether data have been correctly interpreted and analyzed. The rapid increase in the frequency with which artificially modified or mutated enzymes are studied is making it less and less safe to assume that enzymes are stable under assay conditions, and there is thus an increased need for methods to check for enzyme stability, and a method for doing this is briefly described. Finally, the Scatchard plot (together with the Eadie-Hofstee plot) is used as an example to discuss the dangers of publishing derived information unaccompanied by any primary data.     

Similarities in periodical structures in the position of nucleotides in regions of initiation of replication of bacterial genomes

The regions of initiation of replication of some bacterial genomes were studied by the method of Fourier matrix analysis. A generalized spectral portrait of the primary structures of E. coli-like regions of initiation of replication in bacteria was obtained, which reflects the features of their structural and functional organization. It contains well-pronounced peaks that correspond to the periods T = 2, 11, 17, 27, 86-105 of nucleotides. The peaks corresponding to T = 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, 33-35, 45-47, 74-85, 106-110 are less pronounced. The uniqueness of the Fourier spectrum corresponding to the region of initiation of replication of E. coli oriC was considered by the example of the complete genome of E. coli. Some regions of the E. coli genome were identified that differ from oriC in the primary structure but have Fourier spectra resembling the spectrum of oriC. A number of these regions are alternative points of initiation of replication in sdrA(rnh) mutants of E. coli, the others are localized in yet unidentified regions of the E. coli genome but are capable, in our opinion, to participate in the initiation of replication. Thus, from the similarity of spectral portraits of different regions of the genome, it was possible to reveal several regions that have similar functions, i.e., are involved in initiation of replication.     

Problems of interpreting results obtained in studies of somaclonal variation in gliadin proteins in wheat

Summary It is quite likely that somacloning increases the frequency of mutations: this has, in fact, been claimed for gliadin proteins. However, in such instances it is important to distinguish between true mutations and presumed changes in regenerants due to cross pollination or admixture. We present herein arguments that some so-claimed somaclonal variants in gliadincoding genes are unlikely to be due to mutations since they would have had to involve directed changes at several loci simultaneously.     

Role of Ethylene in Induction of Flooding Damage in Sunflower

The possibility that symptoms of flooding damage in plants are primarily caused by an accumulation of ethylene was investigated using pot-grown sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plants. When plants were flooded to the basal pairs of leaves, ethylene in roots and stems below the water line began to increase. This coincided with the start of hypocotyl hypertrophy and new root formation in hypocotyls, which continued for 14-16 days. There were highly significant correlations between ethylene concentration and number of roots and hypocotyl diameter. After approximately 4 days of flooding, ethylene concentrations in stems between nodes for the 1st and 3rd basal pairs of leaves started to increase, coinciding with initiation of chlorophyll breakdown and epinasty of the 2nd basal pairs of leaves. Thus, there were correlations between ethylene concentration and chlorophyll breakdown and epinasty. The lower the leaves, the more chlorophyll breakdown among 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th basal pairs of leaves. The longer the flooding, the more severe the flooding damage; and even when returned to normal condition, plants flooded longer than 3 days were not able to recover from flooding damage. A gas chromatographic study revealed that Ethephon was absorbed by roots and decomposed to ethylene in the plant. Damage symptoms caused by soil application of Ethephon, such as reduced stem height, chlorophyll breakdown, epinasty of the 2nd basal pairs of leaves, and hypocotyl hypertrophy, were almost identical with those caused by soil flooding treatment. Microscopic studies revealed that radially enlarged cells and increased intercellular spaces in the cortex were the major contribution to the increased hypocotyl diameter in both flooded and Ethephon-treated plants. It is concluded that the increase in ethylene concentration in flooded plants is largely, although not exclusively, responsible for flooding damage symptoms.     

Application of in vitro techniques in mutation breeding of chrysanthemum

Rooted cuttings of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Maghi, a small flowered, late blooming cultivar, were treated with different doses of gamma rays. Somatic mutations in flower colour (light mauve, white, light yellow and dark yellow) and chlorophyll variegation in leaves were detected as chimeras in treated populations. Attempts were made to standardize a microtechnique for plant regeneration from mutated tissues of stem node, stem internode, shoot tip and ray floret. All these explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog's medium with 3% sucrose, 0.8% agar and different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators. Plant regeneration was successful from all of the mutated tissues. Plants with chlorophyll variegation in leaves and two new flower colours (light mauve and white) were isolated in pure form with 64% and 100% efficiency of mutant recovery, respectively. Attempts are being made to use this technique to establish new varieties from chimeric tissues to meet the increasing demand of the floriculture trade.     

Analysis of scores in diagnosis of acute appendicitis in women

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical condition that requires prompt diagnosis. Besides modern imaging techniques, scoring systems, based on clinical signs and symptoms and routine laboratory assessments, have been used as a diagnostic aid. However, differences in sensitivities and specificities were observed if the scores were applied to various populations and clinical settings. The purpose of this paper is to assess validity of three scores (modified Alvarado score, Ohmann score and Eskelinen score) for diagnosis of acute appendicitis in women. 126 female patients admitted for suspicion of acute appendicitis in a tertiary hospital emergency department were analyzed prospectively. Modified Alvarado score, Ohmann score and Eskelinen score were calculated at admission and compared to final diagnosis. All patients with modified Alvarado score 7 or more had acute appendicitis (100% specificity) and it can be used to determine the need for immediate appendectomy. Values of Ohmann score greater than 6 resulted in 0.9% rate of overlooked appendicitis. Besides obvious educational role, scores may help to determine the group of patients who require immediate appendectomy, therefore expediting treatment and avoid unnecessary observation or more lengthy diagnostic procedures that require highly educated and skilled senior staff: No single score may be used alone to dictate or decline surgery. Different cut-off points may also be considered for different subpopulations.     

Stereoselective metabolism of pentoxifylline in vitro and in vivo in humans

Pentoxifylline increases erythrocyte flexibility, reduces blood viscosity, and inhibits platelet aggregation and is thus used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. It is transformed into at least seven phase I metabolites, of which two, M1 and M5, are active. The reduction of the keto group of pentoxifylline to a secondary alcohol in M1 takes place chiefly in erythrocytes, is rapidly reversible, and creates a chiral center. The aims of this study were: to develop HPLC methods to separate the enantiomers of M1, to investigate the kinetics of the reversible biotransformation of pentoxifylline to (R)- and (S)-M1 in hemolysed erythrocyte suspension, and to quantify the formation of the enantiomers of M1 (as well as M4 and M5) after intravenous and oral administration of pentoxifylline to human volunteers. (R)- and (S)-M1 could be separated preparatively on a cellobiohydrolase column, while determination in blood or plasma was by HPLC after chiral derivatization with diacetyl-L-tartaric acid anhydride. The metabolism of pentoxifylline to (R)-M1 in suspensions of hemolysed erythrocytes followed simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics (K(m) = 11 mM), while that to (S)-M1 was best described by a two-enzyme model (K(m) = 1.1 and 132 mM). Studies with inhibitors indicated that the enzymes were of the carbonyl reductase type. At a therapeutic blood concentration of pentoxifylline, the calculated rate of formation of (S)-M1 is 15 times higher than that of the (R)-enantiomer. Back-conversion of M1 to pentoxifylline was 3-4 times faster for the (S)- than for the (R)-enantiomer. In vivo, the R:S plasma concentration ratio of M1 ranged from 0.010-0.025 after intravenous infusion of 300 or 600 mg of pentoxifylline, and from 0.019-0.037 after oral administration of 600 mg. The biotransformation of pentoxifylline to M1 was thus highly stereoselective in favor of the (S)-enantiomer both in vitro and in vivo.     

Sources of variation in haematocrit in birds

The validity of the haematocrit or packed cell volume as an indicator of condition in wild birds has recently been questioned. We reviewed over 300 published papers on haematocrit values for wild birds. These studies show that changes in haematocrit could be caused by a number of different natural factors that include age, sex, geographical elevation, energy expenditure, parasitism, nutrition and genetics. Haematocrit also increased with age from hatching, due to increased erythropoiesis, so that adult birds generally have greater haematocrit values than nestlings or juveniles. Haematocrit values were either independent of elevation or increased with elevation. A meta-analysis of 36 studies showed no difference in haematocrit between the sexes. Relationships between haematocrit value and both energy expenditure and parasitic infection vary between studies. In temperate climates, haematocrit tended to be higher in winter than in summer, which may be due to dehydration or increased oxygen demand caused by thermogenesis, moult or acquisition of reproductive status. Our review indicates that the use of haematocrit as a sole indicator of condition or health could lead to incorrect conclusions if natural factors that can affect haematocrit are not taken into consideration.     

Changes in vascular perfusion of the endometrium in association with changes in location of the embryonic vesicle in mares

The equine embryonic vesicle is mobile on Days 12-14 (Day 0 = ovulation), when it is approximately 9-15 mm in diameter. Movement from one uterine horn to another occurs, on average, approximately 0.5 times per hour. Mobility ceases (fixation) on Days 15-17. Transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography was used to study the relationship of embryo mobility (experiment 1) and fixation (experiment 2) to endometrial vascular perfusion. In experiment 1, mares were bred and examined daily from Day 1 to Day 16 and were assigned, retrospectively, to a group in which an embryo was detected (pregnant mares; n = 16) or not detected (n = 8) by Day 12. Endometrial vascularity (scored 1-4, for none to maximal, respectively) did not differ on Days 1-8 between groups or between the sides with and without the corpus luteum. Endometrial vascularity scores were higher (P < 0.05) on Days 12-16 in both horns of pregnant mares compared to mares with no embryo. In pregnant mares, the scores increased (P < 0.05) between Day 10 and Day 12 in the horn with the embryo and were higher (P < 0.05) than scores in the opposite horn on Days 12-15. In experiment 2, 14 pregnant mares were examined from Day 13 to 6 days after fixation. Endometrial vascularity scores and number of colored pixels per cross-section of endometrium were greater (P < 0.05) in the endometrium surrounding the fixed vesicle than in the middle portion of the horn of fixation. Results supported the hypothesis that transient changes in endometrial vascular perfusion accompany the embryonic vesicle as the vesicle changes location during embryo mobility.     

Subclasses of rat IgG active in the killing of schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro and in vivo

Schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni are known to be killed in vitro by complement and IgG (lethal antibody). To investigate whether this mechanism reflects the in vivo situation, we isolated IgG subclasses from sera of infected rats and assayed their ability to promote the complement-mediated killing of schistosomula in vitro as well as to protect normal recipients from a challenge infection. We found that a serum fraction containing only IgG2a + IgG2b has lethal activity to schistosomula in vitro, whereas a fraction containing only IgG1 + IgG2c fails to kill schistosomula in the presence of complement. The assay of protective activity has shown that the same fraction containing the lethal activity (IgG2a + IgG2b) was able to reduce the number of schistosomula recovered from lungs. These results provide evidence of the participation of IgG2a and/or IgG2b, but not IgG1 or IgG2c, in protective immunity to S. mansoni in rats, possibly through a complement-mediated mechanism.     

Role of Musclin in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension in Rat

Musclin is a novel skeletal muscle-derived secretory factor found in the signal sequence trap of mouse skeletal muscle cDNAs. Musclin possesses a region homologous to the natriuretic peptide family. Thus, musclin is found to bind with the natriuretic peptide clearance receptors. However, the role of musclin in vascular regulation remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the direct effect of musclin on vascular tone and to analyze its role in hypertension using the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In aortic strips isolated from SHR, musclin induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner. We found that the musclin-induced vasoconstriction was more marked in SHR than in normal rats (WKY). Moreover, this contraction was reduced by blockade of natriuretic peptide receptor C using the ab14355 antibody. Therefore, mediation of the natriuretic peptide receptor in musclin-induced vasoconstriction can be considered. In addition, similar to the natriuretic peptide receptor, expression of the musclin gene in blood vessels was higher in SHR than in WKY. Injection of musclin markedly increased the blood pressure in rats that can be inhibited by anti-musclin antibodies. Musclin-induced vasoconstriction was more pronounced in SHR than in WKY as in its expression. Taken together, these results suggest that musclin is involved in blood pressure regulation. The higher expression of musclin in hypertension indicates that musclin could be used as a new target for the treatment of hypertension in the future.     

Involvement of ferredoxin in desaturation of lipid-bound oleate in chloroplasts

Intact spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts, pulse-labeled with [¹⁴C]acetate, desaturate newly formed fatty acids as ester groups of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol in a subsequent chase in the dark. Rupture of pulse-labeled chloroplasts by addition of a detergent solution 3-([3-cholamidopropyl]dimethylammonio)-1-propane sulfonate preserves part of this desaturation activity. Direct addition of different free fatty acids together with appropriate cofactors to detergent-ruptured chloroplasts results in fatty acid labeling of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol. During subsequent incubation these lipid-linked fatty acids are desaturated, i.e. 18:1 to 18:2 and 18:3 and to a small extent also 16:0 to 16:3. The formation of 18:2 was also observed after incorporation of 18:1 into sulfolipid and phosphatidyl choline. Density gradient centrifugation separated a membrane fraction from detergent-ruptured chloroplasts which in the presence of appropriate cofactors incorporated 18:1 and 18:2 into the above-mentioned lipids. In the light, desaturation was dependent on added ferredoxin, whereas in the dark, in addition to ferredoxin NAD(P)H was also required. Preliminary evidence for the involvement of membrane-bound ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase (FNR) as a third component of desaturation in the dark was obtained by inhibitor studies including antibodies against FNR. Desaturation of lipid-bound 18:1 and 18:2 resembles stearoyl-ACP desaturation with respect to its requirement of reduced ferredoxin and oxygen.     

Examination of the role of follicle stimulating hormone in estrogen biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro in the ovary of the cyclic hamster

The effect of neutralizing endogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) with specific antisera on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen in the ovary of cycling hamster was studied. Neutralization of FSH or LH on proestrus resulted in a reduction in the estradiol concentration of the ovary on diestrus-2 and next proestrus, suggesting an impairment in follicular development. Injection of FSH antiserum at 0900 h of diestrus-2 significantly reduced the ovarian estradiol concentration within 6--7 h. Further, these ovaries on incubation with testosterone (T) in vitro at 1600 h of the same day or the next day synthesized significantly lower amounts of estradiol, compared to corresponding control ovaries. Although testosterone itself, in the absence of endogenous FSH, could stimulate estrogen synthesis to some extent, FSH had to be supplemented with T to restore estrogen synthesis to the level seen in control ovaries incubated with T. Lack of FSH thus appeared to affect the aromatization step in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway in the ovary of hamster on diestrus-2. In contrast to this, FSH antiserum given on the morning of proestrus had no effect on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen, when examined 6--7 h later. The results suggest that there could be a difference in the need for FSH at different times of the cycle. Neutralization of LH either on diestrus-2 or proestrus resulted in a drastic reduction in estradiol concentration of the ovary. This block was at the level of androgen synthesis, since supplementing testerone alone in vitro could stimulate estrogen synthesis to a more or less similar extent as in the ovaries of control hamsters.     

植物多酚氧化酶的研究进展

多酚氧化酶(polyphenol oxidase,PPO)是一类普遍存在于植物、真菌和昆虫质体中,由核基因编码,能与铜相结合的金属蛋白酶.它能分别催化单酚羟基和二羟基酚氧化为O-二酚和O-醌.植物多酚氧化酶是许多果蔬等农产品酶促褐变的主要原因,同时它在植物的光合作用、抗病虫害、生长发育以及花色的形成中起一定作用.本文综述了植物多酚氧化酶在细胞学、分子遗传学及其生产应用等方面的研究进展.