A role for glucose and insulin preprandial profiles to differentiate meals and snacks

A physiological distinction between eating occasions may help account for contradictory findings on the role of eating frequency in energy homeostasis. We assessed this issue using a midafternoon eating occasion known in France as the goûter that often consists of snack foods. Among the 24 male subjects, 8 habitually consumed four meals per day, i.e., were usual goûter eaters (GE) and 16 habitually took 3 meals per day, i.e., usual non-goûter non-snack eaters (NGNSE). All subjects were time blinded from lunchtime and had to request subsequent meals. Blood was continuously withdrawn and collected with a change of tube every 10 min until dinner request. During the session, 8 of the non-goûter eaters (NGE) were offered a snack 210 min after lunch and were designated as non-goûter snack eaters (NGSE) if they ate. Results showed that the goûter was preceded by high hunger scores and a linear decline in plasma glucose (−9.0±3.0%, P<.05) and insulin concentrations (−22.9±6.0%, P<.05). These profiles were not observed before the snack. The dinner of GE was requested later and was smaller compared to NGNSE, whereas the snack altered neither time of request nor energy intake (EI) at dinner. Among blood variables, leptin at the onset of eating was the only factor that was predictive of both intermeal interval and EI. The glucose and insulin profiles indicate that snacks should not be considered as meals in studies on the role of eating frequency in energy homeostasis.     

肺癌靶向多肽荧光分子探针的研制及其应用

目的:选择能与整合素α3受体结合的小分子多肽cNGQGEQc-L作为靶向载体，将羧基荧光素（FAM）与cNGQGEQc-L连接构建荧光分子探针，通过荧光成像探讨荧光多肽分子探针用于肺腺癌显像的可行性。方法:利用倒置荧光显微镜观察FAM-cNGQGEQc-L与肺腺癌A549细胞结合部位，流式细胞仪检测荧光多肽与A549细胞的竞争抑制实验，观察FAM-cNGQGEQc-L随浓度的增加与肺腺癌A549细胞结合能力的变化情况。通过小动物活体成像仪，观察荧光多肽在荷瘤裸鼠体内的生物分布特点。结果:倒置荧光显微镜显示荧光多肽cNGQGEQc-L能与A549细胞结合，结合部位在细胞膜和细胞质中。流式细胞仪测试结果证明荧光多肽与A549细胞的结合具有特异性和饱和性，当FAM-cNGQGEQc-L浓度为0.125 mmol/L时，荧光多肽与A549细胞的结合趋近饱和。荷瘤裸鼠活体成像显示移植瘤能够摄取荧光多肽，且荧光多肽通过泌尿系统和胆道系统排泄。结论:体外、体内荧光实验结果显示，荧光多肽分子探针FAM-cNGQGEQc-L可与肺腺癌A549细胞、肺癌移植瘤结合，能够特异性靶向肺腺癌。     

Techniques of exposure for the stiff total knee

Primary and revision total knee arthroplasty have become common orthopaedic procedures. The operating surgeon, at times, may be faced with a difficult surgical case due to soft tissue contractures or bone deformities. A review of multiple surgical techniques using soft tissue releases and osteotomies are presented including their potential complications. Although these techniques are aimed at the atypical operative case, the operating surgeon may utilize them for ‘routine’ exposures as well. Importance is focused on the functional integrity of the knee extensor mechanism.     

5-HT 102T/C多态性与Tourette综合征的病例对照及核心家系关联分析

目的 研究5－羟色胺受体102T／C多态性是否与Tourette综合征（TS）相关联,方法对157个核心家系样本采用病例－对照关联分析,传递不平衡检验方法,聚合酶链反应及RFLP等技术,根据TS与强迫症（obsessive compulsive disorder,OCD)的同病现象,将TS划分亚组进行与5－羟色胺受体102T／C多态性的关联分析。结果 合并OCD的TS与该位点的基因型102C／C（X2＝8．38,P＝0．004）及等位基因102C／（X2＝4．84,P＝0．028）存在关联,进一步采用传递不平衡分析,发现合并（美国精神疾病诊断和统计手册IV》论断标准的OCD的TS与该位点存在关联或连锁不平衡（X2＝5．12,,P＝0．02）,而在TS总体样本及单纯TS样本中未发现与该位点的关联,结论 5－羟色胺受体102T／C多态性与中国人群合并OCD的TS存在关联,合并OCD的TS可能是TS中相对独立的一个亚型。     

An immunohistochemical study of endocrine cells in the alimentary tract of the grass lizard, Takydromus wolteri Fischer (Laceridae)

Distribution patterns and the relative frequency of different types of endocrine cells were demonstrated in the alimentary tract of the grass lizard, Takydromus wolteri, using nine specific antibodies raised against mammalian regulatory peptides. The alimentary tract of the lizard was divided into six portions from the esophagus to the rectum. Most endocrine cells were found in the epithelial lining and were generally spindle shaped with long cytoplasmic processes ending in the lumen (open cell type), whereas cells that were spherical in shape (closed cell type) were occasionally found in gastric, esophageal and intestinal glands. Endocrine cells were stained for the following regulatory peptides: bovine Sp-1/chromogranin (BCG), serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)-8, glucagon, insulin, human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP) and secretin. Cells stained for BCG and serotonin were present throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract and they occurred with the highest frequency in stomach and pylorus, respectively. Somatostatin-positive cells were detected throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract except for the esophagus and large intestine, and were most predominant in pylorus and duodenum. Cells stained for gastrin were restricted to the pylorus and duodenum and occurred with a relatively low frequency. CCK-8-positive cells were observed from pylorus to small intestine and showed the highest frequency in the pylorus. Glucagon- and insulin-containing cells were located in duodenum and small intestine but were found only rarely. HPP-stained cells were detected in duodenum and small intestine with the highest frequency in duodenum. Cells stained for secretin were restricted to duodenum and were found only rarely. In conclusion, distribution patterns and the relative frequency of these endocrine cells correspond well with previous reports on distribution patterns of endocrine cells in reptile species but some deviating patterns were also observed.     

A mathematical simulation of the AIDS patient and extracorporeal detoxification

A simple numerical simulation of AIDS patient detoxification by a hypothetical extracorporeal device for the removal of viruses, infected white cells, and syncytia has been designed. The mathematical model accounts for healthy blood white cells attacking and destroying the viruses, while at the same time the viruses attack and infect certain white cells. The infected white cells serve as a site for viral growth; eventually the cells lyse, releasing a large number of viruses into the blood stream. The healthy white cells and infected white cells combine to form syncytia, where the virus multiplies, and finally the syncytium ruptures releasing all the virus. This model can be used to predict concentrations over a specified period for the patient. This is a mathematical model to be used as a research and design tool only.     

虎杖4号与多巴胺、654－2治疗大鼠失血性休克疗效比较

使用大鼠复制重度失血性休克模型后，分别用盐水、多巴胺、６５４－２及虎杖４号结晶给予治疗。结果：虎杖４号治疗组大鼠的平均存活时间明显长于其余三组，存活率亦有提高，给药后，三级动脉、静脉的口径恢复正常。提示：虎杖４号可以改善微循环；治疗大鼠失血性休克的疗效优于多巴胺及６５４－２。     

Orientation of the peptidoglycan chains in the sacculus of Escherichia coli

The organization of chains of oligopeptidoglycan in the saccular wall is of critical importance in the study of the mechanism and physiology of prokaryotic wall growth. The electron microphotographs of De Pedro et al, present new findings and can be used to negate or at least raise questions about the previously accepted conclusion that the glycan chains are oriented transversely to the axis of rod-shaped Escherichia coli. This suggests caution in assuming that the glycan chains in the murein structure are parallel to each other and are perpendicular to the axis of the cell.These results should reopen the question of not only the orientation of the peptidoglycan chains, but the possibility of variability in orientation. Three classes of hypotheses about wall growth are reconsidered and problems with them are presented. The new results from De Pedro's laboratory and the experimental glycan chain length distribution argue against proposed systematic models. These include models that postulate belts or hoops stretched around the circumference of the cell and mechanisms that insert new chains of the length of presumptive “docking” strands in the stress-bearing wall. They are consistent, however, with the surface stress theory that proposes that random enzyme action together with physical forces are involved in the elongation of the rod-shaped Gram-negative wall.     

Intra-articular morphine versus bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia following knee arthroscopy

In a prospective, double blind, randomized study, 30 ASA I patients were allocated to three groups depending on the drug injected intra-articularly, in an attempt to establish the best postoperative analgesic protocol following knee arthroscopy. Group 1 received 3 mg of preservative-free morphine in 25 ml saline; group 2, 5 mg of preservative-free morphine in 25 ml saline; and group 3, 25 ml 0.25% bupivacaine. The degree of postoperative pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale and the need for additional analgesics at 1, 2, 3, 8 and 24 h. We conclude that bupivacaine 0.25% provides analgesia of early onset and of short duration. While 3 mg-preservative free morphine provides moderate postoperative analgesia with peak effect during the eighth postoperative hour, 5 mg preservative-free morphine provides effective and long lasting (more than 24 h) pain relief. No side effects were noted.     

An interactive, microcomputer-based karyotype analysis system for phylogenetic cytotaxonomy

A versatile and practical semi-automatic computerized system of karyotype analysis has been developed for phylogenetic cytotaxonomy for under $4,000. The modular software system is designed for use solely with a small 8-bit microcomputer and requires virtually no custom made hardware. The system interacts with the operator and greatly augments the speed and accuracy of cytotaxonomic investigations.