The importance of glucose in the oxidative metabolism of the testis of the conscious ram and the role of the pentose cycle

1. [U-(14)C]Glucose was infused into one or both testicular arteries of ten conscious rams and the specific activity of the glucose taken up by the testis was compared with the specific activity of the carbon dioxide produced by the testis. 2. Equilibration had occurred after infusion for 3hr. when a mean of 68% of the carbon dioxide was being derived by the testis from blood glucose and 86% of the glucose taken up by the testis was being oxidized to carbon dioxide. After 5hr. infusion, these values were 71% and 83% respectively. 3. In four other conscious rams, [1-(14)C]glucose was infused into one testicular artery and [6-(14)C] glucose into the other and the ;specific yields' of carbon dioxide calculated for the two forms of glucose. 4. From these values, it was calculated that a mean of 9.3% of the glucose taken up by the testis was metabolized via the pentose cycle.     

Effects of the ablation of the nucleus pulposus on the vibrational behavior of the lumbosacral hinge

This study was designed to investigate the respective damping properties of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc during propagation of vibration waves through the osteoligamento-muscular axis of the spine. The study was conducted on a 8-10 kg deeply anesthetized baboon. In the first surgical phase five accelerometers were implanted in the first sacral vertebra and on the anterior side of the four lower lumbar vertebrae. The bioinstrumented animal was placed in a restraining chair and exposed to narrow-bandwidth (0-100 Hz) 0.16 G RMS random vibration. Once data was recorded, the nuclei pulposi of the studied discs were removed by suction, the surrounding annuli remaining intact. The still deeply anesthetized animal was again exposed to the same 0-100 Hz, 0.16 G RMS vibration. Results were analyzed and their reproducibility was tested on three animals.     

Modulation of the effects of mutations in the basic region of the OmpA signal peptide by the mature portion of the protein

Oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis was used to study the structure-function relationship of the positively charged amino terminus of the Escherichia coli outer membrane protein OmpA signal peptide. Mutations were isolated which reduced the overall charge of the amino-terminal region from +2 (wild type) to +1, 0, and -1, as well as one mutation from Thr to Ser at position 4. DNA encoding the wild type and mutant OmpA signal peptides was then fused in-frame to DNA encoding the mature regions of Staphylococcus aureus nuclease A and TEM beta-lactamase. In the case of both the beta-lactamase and nuclease fusions, normal processing was no longer observed when the charge at the amino terminus was reduced to zero or made negative. Differences between the two hybrid proteins were observed in the case of the Thr to Ser mutation. As expected, this mutation had no effect on the beta-lactamase hybrid; however, the processing rate of the nuclease hybrid protein was reduced to nearly one-half. Furthermore, this effect was essentially reversed when a Lys residue at position 3 was deleted. A model is presented which explains the differing effects of a signal peptide mutation on the secretion of different hybrid proteins based on kinetic differences in the translocation of the nuclease and beta-lactamase proteins.     

Regulation of the expression of the serine dehydratase gene in the kidney and liver of the rat

Serine dehydratase was induced in the kidneys of normal rats by the administration of either glucagon or dexamethasone. The increase in enzyme activity was associated with an increase in both enzyme protein and its mRNA, which were determined respectively by Western blot and RNA blot analysis. No apparent differences were observed between kidney and liver in the molecular weights of serine dehydratase proteins and the sizes of their mRNAs. Although kidney serine dehydratase was dramatically induced by either glucagon or dexamethasone, the liver enzyme was induced by glucagon but not by dexamethasone alone in the intact rat. On the other hand, liver serine dehydratase was induced in starvation, diabetes mellitus, and a high-protein diet. The kidney enzyme could not be induced under any of these conditions.     

Carbohydrates of the milk of the platypus

Twelve samples of milk of the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, had a mean content of 3 X 3% hexose. Of this, almost half was L-fucose. Of the total monosaccharides present in acid hydrolysates of the water-soluble carbohydrates, L-fucose constituted 33%, D-galactose 29%, glucosamine 20%, D-glucose 11% and sialic acid 7%. Free lactose was found in only trace amounts. In all samples, the major oligosaccharide was difucosyllactose, which represented 39-52% of the total hexose. Five higher neutral oligosaccharides (from penta- to nonasaccharides) were isolated and their monosaccharide compositions determined. Each contained one or more residues of fucose, glucosamine and galactose and one residue of glucose. The presence in the milk of 4-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminlactose was detected by thin-layer chromatography. All milk samples examined contained protein material (probably glycoprotein), which was not precipitated by chloroform-methanol extraction. No evidence was obtained for quantitative or qualitative changes in carbohydrates during the course of the lactation season except for a small decline in total hexose towards the end of the season.     

Radius of the curvature of the femur in the sagittal plane

The degree of anterior curvature was measured on 30 cadaveric human femora, of unknown age and sex, by a spherometer. The mean anterior curvature radius was (1381.28 +/- 118.63) mm with a considerable interspecimen variation, the maximal value was 3262.66 mm and the minimal 695.54 mm.     

CT与X线诊断肠梗阻的临床价值探讨

目的：探讨腹部X线与CT扫描鉴别急性肠梗阻的准确性,为临床诊断提供参考。方法：选取2011年8月-2013年8月我院收治的66例急性肠梗阻患者的临床资料进行回顾分析。所有患者均经手术活检或病理诊断证实为急性肠梗阻。术后患者均行腹部X线及CT扫描检查,对两种方法判断肠梗阻的发生、梗阻部位、类型及病因与手术病理结果进行比较,评价并分析两种检查方法的准确率。结果：66例肠梗阻患者中,X线检出率为89．39％,CT检出率为95．45％。X线诊断小肠梗阻准确率为72．10％,CT为86．05％;X线诊断结肠梗阻准确率为69．57％,CT为86．96％。X线诊断肿瘤准确率为69．57％,CT为86．96％;X线诊断肠粘连准确率为67．86％,CT为82．14％;X线诊断肠套叠准确率为60．00％,CT为80．00％;X线诊断单纯性机械性肠梗阻准确率为78．72％,CT为82．98％;X线诊断绞窄性肠梗准确率为73．68％,CT为78．95％。CT对肠梗阻部位、病因及类型的诊断准确率高于腹部X线片,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：腹部X线与CT用于诊断急性肠梗阻具有较高的准确率,但CT对于肠梗阻部位、梗阻类型及梗阻病因的诊断优于X线片。     

CT 与X线诊断肠梗阻的临床价值探讨

目的：探讨腹部X 线与CT 扫描鉴别急性肠梗阻的准确性,为临床诊断提供参考。方法：选取2011年8 月-2013 年8 月我院 收治的66 例急性肠梗阻患者的临床资料进行回顾分析。所有患者均经手术活检或病理诊断证实为急性肠梗阻。术后患者均行腹 部X 线及CT扫描检查,对两种方法判断肠梗阻的发生、梗阻部位、类型及病因与手术病理结果进行比较,评价并分析两种检查 方法的准确率。结果：66 例肠梗阻患者中,X线检出率为89.39%,CT 检出率为95.45%。X 线诊断小肠梗阻准确率为72.10%,CT 为86.05%;X线诊断结肠梗阻准确率为69.57%,CT 为86.96%。X线诊断肿瘤准确率为69.57%,CT 为86.96%;X线诊断肠粘连 准确率为67.86%,CT 为82.14%;X 线诊断肠套叠准确率为60.00%,CT 为80.00%;X线诊断单纯性机械性肠梗阻准确率为78.72%,CT为82.98%;X线诊断绞窄性肠梗准确率为73.68%,CT 为78.95 %。CT 对肠梗阻部位、病因及类型的诊断准确率高于腹部X 线片,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：腹部X 线与CT 用于诊断急性肠梗阻具有较高的准确率,但CT 对于肠梗阻部位、梗阻类型及梗阻病因的诊断优于X线片。     

Studies on the effect of manual massage of the ovaries on the reproductive activity of the mare

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of hand massage of mares' ovaries on breeding activity and hormonal changes in the winter anestrous period and during the luteal phase of the oestrus cycle. The experiment was conducted on 5 experimental and 5 control mares. In winter, (January) the experimental mares underwent 30-sec daily massage of both ovaries, for 30 d, and in summer (August) from the 6th day of the cycle to the occurrence of estrus. The sexual behavior of all mares was determined each day by individual teasing by a vigorous stallion, and the ovaries were checked by palpation per rectum and with an USG. Every second day blood samples were drawn from each mare to determine progesterone and estradiol in the plasma. Ovarian massage during deep winter anestrus had no significant effect on acceleration of the mares' active breeding season. Nevertheless, a higher concentration of estradiol was observed in the experimental group. These differences occurring on the 11th, 17th and 20th days were found to be significant (P ≤ 0.05). It was shown that during the summer period, in the luteal phase of the cycle, ovarian massage shortened the length of the estrous cycle, and ovulation was brought on somewhat earlier.     

Secretion of the intercalated cells of the fibrillar epithelium of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus]

Cytological and histochemical methods were used in order to establish that the intercalated cells of the ciliated epithelium of the rabbit's maxillary sinus mucosa performed gland function giving secretion formed in the shape of granules and represented by neutral mucopolysaccharides. Analysis of the morphology of intercalated cells, the amount of secretion in them, the shape and disposition of the Golgi apparatus and the nucleus allowed establishing 4 successive phases in their secretory cycle: the phase of synthesis, accumulation, aquosity and sectering. Under normal conditions of life the secretory activity of intercalated cells was asynchronous. In experiments with synchronization of the secretory activity by administration of pilocarpine it was established that the duration of the intercalated cells secretory cycle was 16-18 hours. Active participation of alkali phosphatase in the synthesis of secretion in the ciliated epithelium was noted.     

Self-organization in the determination of the size of the axial structures in the embryogenesis of the clawed toad

Experiments were performed using X. laevis embryos during gastrulation and neurulation (stages 10, 11 1/2, 12 1/2, 13 1/2, 15 and 18). Part of presumptive epidermis and lateral plate mesoderm was removed, and embryos raised until stage 25. The size of axial structures (notochord, somite mesoderm, central nervous system) was determined using serial histological sections and compared with that of control embryos. In experimental embryos, the size of axial structures was decreased. Until a specific stage of development, close correlation was found between the volume of embryonic compartment corresponding to a particular, structure and the volume of presumptive epidermis and lateral plate mesoderm. This stage is individual for each axial organ: middle gastrula (stage 11 1/2) for notochord, late gastrula (stage 12 1/2) for somite mesoderm, and late neurula (stage 18) for central nervous system. This data suggest that differentiation pattern of ecto-mesodermal rudiment is subject to regulation during gastrulation-neurulation, and subdivision of ectoderm and mesoderm into axial and non-axial tissues is a self-organizing process.     

青海湖鸟岛地区草地植物群落特征的研究

青海湖鸟岛地区草地群落共出现种子植物 6 3种 ,隶属 4 3属 ,19科 ,以北温带成分为主 ;从湖滨到典型地带性植被 ,物种多样性指数变化可以分为两大类型 ;随着高度增加 ,物种多样性呈现倒U型变化 ,沿着水平梯度物种多样性基本上逐渐增加。可以分为禾草、豆科固氮植物、非禾本科草类和半灌木功能组 ,物种水平与功能组水平的多样性、均匀度和丰富度相关系数分别为 0 2 79,0 4 36 ,0 0 19,均没有达到显著相关 ,功能组水平的多样性指数具有与物种水平不同的性质     

Characterization of the composition of the aqueous humor and the vitreous body of the eye of the frog Rana temporaria L

This study aimed to analyze the aqueous humor (AH) and the vitreous body (VB) of the eye of the adult frog Rana temporaria L. as a representative species of amphibians, which lead a semi-terrestrial life. The presence of collagen, albumin, uric acid and electron donors was shown in both media; however, there are slight differences in their concentrations. To determine collagen, a spectral-fluorescent probe, cyanine dye, was used. The presence of collagen in AH of the frog was found at the first time. The total content of electron donors (ascorbic and uric acids, tryptophan, and tyrosine) in VB and HA was roughly estimated at ~ 1.5 × 10^− 4 mol/L. Both VB and AH absorb light in similar UV regions. The total protein and albumin contents in AH were found to be somewhat higher than those in VB. The uric acid content was at an equally low level in both intraocular media. It is supposed that the similarity of VB and AH compositions shown in this work is due to some exchange between VB and AH contents in the course of accommodation. The role of intraocular fluids in physiological functions of the eye and in protecting the retina against UV light is discussed.     

Examination of the Possibility of the Involvement of the Alternative Respiration in Seed Germination

The possibility that the alternative respiration (AR) is involvedin seed germination was followed during and after imbibitionby noting the changes in the sensitivity to the respiratoryinhibitors, KCN and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). This wascarried out by measuring oxygen uptake of mitochondrial preparationsfrom storage cotyledons and of the whole axis in a selectionof legumes (Vigna mungo, V. radiata, V. angularis, V. sinensisPhaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum and Dolichos lablab). Theextent of participation of AR in the respiration of cotyledonarymitochondria was variable according to species and time afterimbibition, and varied even within the same genus ( Vigna).In some species, AR was not observed. As to the axis, SHAM treatmentby itself had little effect on the rate of respiration, but,when applied with KCN, reduced oxygen uptake to an extent greaterthan KCN treatment alone. It was suggested that AR was not necessarilyimportant for seed germination. Key words: Alternative respiration, mitochondria, seed germination     

Histochemical features of the mucus of the surface epithelium of the rabbit oviduct]

Some cytochemical observations were made on the secretion of the mucocytes in the surface epithelium of the different regions of the rabbit oviduct in anoestrous. It was concluded that the mucocytes of the oviduct contained mucin which was neutral or acid in nature. The three regions of the rabbit oviduct contained carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharide, but sialomucin was found in the infundibulum and sulphomucin was demonstrated in the isthmus and ampulla.     

Size of the fibrillar centres of the nucleoli in the supraoptic nucleus of the rat taking the Swiss cheese effect into account

The size of the fibrillar centres (FC) in nucleoli was investigated taking the Swiss cheese effect into account. Electron microscopy was performed on the neurons of the rat supraoptic nucleus after the secretion of vasopressin had been fully suppressed by water load, after the secretion had been stimulated by water deprival and in normal rats with water ad libitum. When the secretory activity was suppressed from a normal level to approximately no activity, the size of the individual FC was doubled. Moreover, with increasing secretory activity the number of FC per cell increased.     

Cadaveric study of the arterial anatomy of the upper lip

Arterial distribution of the upper lip was investigated in this study. The location, course, length, and diameter of the superior labial artery and its alar and septal branches were determined on 14 preserved cadaver heads. Another cadaver head was used to show the arterial tree by the colored silicone injection technique. The superior labial artery was the main artery of the upper lip and always originated from the facial artery. The superior labial artery was 45.4 mm in length, with a range from 29 to 85 mm. The mean distance of the origin of the superior labial artery from the labial commissura was 12.1 mm. The superior labial artery was 1.3 mm in external diameter at its origin. The mean distance of origin of the superior labial artery from the lower border of the mandible was 46.4 mm. The alar division of the superior labial artery was mostly found as a single branch (82 percent). Its mean length was 14.8 mm and the mean diameter at the origin was 0.5 mm. The distance between the origins of the superior labial artery and the septal branch was 33.3 mm. The septal branch was single in most of the cases (90 percent). The mean length of the septal branch was 18.0 mm and the diameter at its origin was 0.9 mm. After all dissections, it was concluded that the arterial distribution of the upper lip was not constant. The superior labial artery can occur in different locations unilaterally and bilaterally, with the branches showing variability.     

Studies on the nutrition of the genus Pestalotiopsis II. Chromatographic analysis of the medium during the utilization of various carbohydrates

The utilization of 17 different carbohydrates by four isolates ofPestalotiopsis was studied by the paper chromatographic technique.Among the pentoses, xylose, which was recorded as a poor source, was not consumed even in 15 days by any of the isolates. L-arabinose was exhausted in 6–8 days while L-rhamnose was used up in 9–10 days, both supporting growth equal to glucose as a source. There was a good correlation between the efficiency and the rate of utilization of the three pentose sugars.The utilization of the hexoses had no correlation with dry weight output as was in the case of the pentoses. Glucose from the medium was exhausted between 4–9 days; fructose required 7–10 days. Fructose was much superior than glucose but was consumed slowly as compared to glucose. D-galactose which was a poor source was used up only in 7 days byP. royneae but the other three isolates took longer time, 11–14 days to exhaust the sugar. L-sorbose was used up in 10–15 days. D-mannose, which was a good source for mycelial attainment required 6–12 days for complete utilization.Hydrolytic pathway of utilization of oligosaccharides was recorded for all the isolates; in lactose, however, the component sugars could not be detected and the disaccharide was present up to the end of the incubation period. This was obviously due to slow rate of its breakdown. Sucrose was hydrolysed in the shortest period of 2 days in all cases. Glucose was utilized faster than the other hydrolytic products by three isolates.P. royneae, however, finished both in equal time of 6 days. Maltose, cellobiose and trehalose were used slowly. In maltose, one or two transient oligosaccharides were also detected. Trehalose persisted for the longest time. Melibiose was present till the end of the incubation period during the growth ofP. gracilis andP. paeoniae isolate I. The isolate II ofP. paeoniae andP. royneae consumed it in 9 days. Only one of its hydrolytic products, i.e. glucose was detected in the medium, on raffinose solution only fructose and galactose were spotted.The hydrolytic products of starch could not be detected in the medium. In dextrin, however, glucose was detected in the medium used by three isolates other thanP. paeoniae isolate I.Oligosaccharide synthesis was accomplished by all the isolates ofPestalotiopsis under study. On maltose medium,P. gracilis andP. paeoniae isolate I synthesised two such transient oligosaccharides,P. royneae andP. paeoniae II formed only one.     

Effect of the Cerebral Tryptaminergic System on the Turnover of Dopamine in the Striatum of the Rat

The effect of the cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine system on the turnover of striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-ethylamine (dopamine) was investigated by measuring the level of dopamine and one of its metabolites in rats depleted of cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine or treated with a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor blocker. Treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine induced, in addition to a reduction in striatal 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid, an increase in the striatal concentration of dopamine, a diminution in the concentration of homovanillic acid in the same cerebral area, and a reduction in the rise of this acid after the administration of a butyrophenone derivative or tetrabenazine. Treatment with methysergide also reduced the increase of homovanillic acid induced by the butyrophenone. When probenecid was given to rats treated with p-chlorophenylalanine, homovanillic acid failed to accumulate, whereas the accumulation of 5-hydroxyindol-3-ylacetic acid was unaffected. The decay of dopamine after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine administration was normal for the first 6 h but was later reduced in rats given p-chlorophenylalanine or methysergide. The results suggest that the lack of activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors leads to a reduction in the turnover of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway.     

The mechanism of the non-oxidative segment of the pentose cycle in the liver

[1-¹⁴C] Xylitol was used as substrate for isolated liver parenchymal cells from fasted rats or hamsters, and the glucose formed was isolated and degraded. Over 90% of the total radioactivity was in carbons 1 and 3, and the ratio of specific activity of C-1 to that of C-3 was only slightly under two, the expected ratio for the classical mechanism of the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway.