[Clinical characteristics of severe pre-eclampsia in a single tertiary referral center of Xiamen City].

Objective: To explore the key points for preventing and reducing severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) and its severe complications in the tertiary medical referral system of a second-tier city by analyzing the clinical characteristics of SPE. Methods: The clinical data of 341 patients with SPE who terminated pregnancy in Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the pre-eclampsia (PE) risk factors, clinical characteristics and severe complications of SPE between the patients referred from primary hospitals (referral group) and the patients received regular prenatal care in the tertiary referral center (central group) were compared, as well as the influence of the referral timing on the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Among the 341 cases of SPE, 92 cases were in the referral group and 249 cases were in the central group. (1) Analysis of PE risk factors: there was no statistical difference in the proportion of risk factors of PE between these two groups [75.0% (69/92) vs 71.9% (179/249); χ2=0.328, P=0.567]. (2) Analysis of clinical features: the gestational ages at the PE early warning factors onset, at the PE first symptom onset and at SPE diagnosed, pregnancy terminated and onset of SPE severe complications in the referral group were significantly earlier than those in the central group (all P<0.05), the proportions of terminating pregnancy before 32 weeks of gestation, between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU hospitalization and fetal growth restriction in single pregnancies were higher than those in the central group, while the live birth rate was lower than that in the central group (all P<0.05). (3) Analysis of SPE severe complications: the rates of SPE severe complications in the referral group was higher than that in the central group [28.3% (26/92) vs 13.7% (34/249); χ2=9.885, P=0.002]. Among them, the rates of placental abruption [7.6% (7/92) vs 2.8% (7/249); χ2=3.927, P=0.048] and still birth [6.5% (6/92) vs 0.4% (1/249); χ2=9.656, P=0.002] in the referral group were significantly higher than those in the central group. (4) Analysis of referral timings: the timings included referral after onset of SPE severe complications (9.8%, 9/92), referral after SPE diagnosed (63.0%, 58/92), referral after detection of SPE early warning signs (20.7%, 19/92) and referral after detection of PE risk factors (6.5%, 6/92). The gestational ages at SPE diagnosed and pregnancy terminated in group of referral after onset of SPE severe complications and group of referral after SPE diagnosed were significantly earlier than those in group of referral after detection of PE early warning signs and group of referral after detection of PE risk factors (P<0.05). The earlier the referral, the higher the live birth rates (P<0.05). Conclusions: The tertiary referral center of the second-tier city plays an important role in reducing the maternal and perinatal damage of PE. The timing of referral in primary medical institutions is the key point of reducing the occurrence of SPE severe complications and maternal, perinatal damage of PE. It is necessary for medical institutions of all levels in all regions to improve the ability of early identification and early intervention for PE, to enhance the awareness of SPE and its severe complications prevention and control. Primary medical institutions should especially pay attention to raise the consciousness of PE risk factors and early warning signs, and to improve the ability of PE risk factors and early warning signs screening.

[Effectiveness, safety and cost of urinary follicle stimulating hormone in controlled ovarian stimulation in China: multi-center retrospective cohort study of 102 061 in vitro fertilization cycles].

Objective: To explore the effectiveness, safety and cost between urinary follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in China. Methods: Data were collected from 16 reproductive centers in China covering oocytes collection time from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Eligible patients were over 18 years old, adopting COS with uFSH (uFSH group) or rFSH (rFSH group) as start gonadotropins (Gn), and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and (or) intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilisation, excluding frozen embryo recovery cycle. Generalised estimating equation was used to address the violation of independency assumption between cycles due to multiple IVF cycles for one person and clustering nature of cycles carried out within one center. Controlling variables included age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone level, cause of infertility, ovulation protocol, type of fertilisation, number of embryos transferred, number of days of Gn use. Results: Totally 102 061 cycles met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. In terms of effectiveness, after controlling relevant unbalanced baseline characteristics, compared with rFSH group, the high oocyte retrieval (>15 oocytes was considered high retrieval) rate of uFSH group significantly decreased in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol (OR=0.642, P<0.01) and in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (OR=0.556, P=0.001), but the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the live birth rate per transfer cycle significantly increased (OR=1.179, OR=1.169, both P<0.01) in both agonist and antagonist protocols. For safety, multiple analysis result demonstrated that in the agonist protocol, compared with rFSH group, the incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of uFSH group significantly decreased (OR=0.644, P=0.002). The differences in ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the uFSH and rFSH groups were not significant (P=0.890, P=0.470) in all patients. In terms of cost, compared with rFSH group, the uFSH group had lower total Gn costs for each patient (P<0.01). Conclusion: For patients who underwent COS, uFSH has better safety, and economic profiles over rFSH in China.

Influence of light supplement on duck sternal calcification from integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome.

Calcification of bones is the critical process of bone development in birds, which is very important for sustaining the normal biological function of bones. Light is one of the vital factors affecting bone development, but whether light intensity affects bone calcification and the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we used duck sternum as a model to analyze the calcification process under different light regimes. In addition, the underlying mechanism was also illustrated by integrating metabolomics and transcriptome methods. The experiment lasted from 14 to 51 d of duck age. The control group (LP1) kept light intensity 2 lx during the whole experiment. The two light supplement groups (LP2, LP3) were given light with the intensity of 70 lx at different time (14-29 d for LP2, 14-43 d for LP3). Samples were collected at 52 d of duck age. Sternal calcification analysis showed no significant difference in proportion of area of cartilage matrix and trabecular bone in keel tissue among the 3 groups, but the degree of keel calcification in LP3 was higher than in the other 2 groups. Serum metabolomics showed 32 and 28 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the 2 comparison groups, LP1 vs. LP3 and LP1 vs. LP2, respectively. Carboxylic acids and derivatives were the most abundant among the DAMs. Sternal transcriptome analysis showed 231 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 177 upregulated genes and 54 downregulated genes in group LP1 vs. LP3, and 22 DEGs in group LP1 vs. LP2. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on DEGs between LP1 and LP3 showed that genes BTRC, GLI1, BMP4, and FOS were in the core position of the interaction network, and are also involved in bone development. KEGG pathway analysis of DAMs and DEGs showed that differences in Hedgehog signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, energy metabolism, and amino acid metabolism following light treatment seem likely to have contributed to the observed difference in calcification of duck sternum.

[Evaluation the application of intra-operative cell salvage in cesarean section based on multicenter data].

Objective: To investigate the safety, efficacy and application indication of intra-operative cell salvage (IOCS) in cesarean section. Methods: A total of 1 265 pregnant women who received IOCS blood transfusion during cesarean section in 11 tertiary A hospitals from August 2016 to January 2019 were collected and divided into <1 500 ml group (796 cases) and ≥1 500 ml group (469 cases) according to the amount of blood loss during cesarean section. The general clinical data, ultrasonic imaging data, perinatal and puerperium indicators were analyzed retrospectively. The risk factors of intraoperative blood loss ≥1 500 mL using IOCS transfusion were analyzed by logistic multivariate regression. Results: (1) A total of 848 001 ml of blood was recovered and a total of 418 649 ml of blood was transfused in 1 265 pregnant women who received IOCS transfusions, which was equivalent to 23 258 U red blood cell suspension, greatly saving medical resources. The intraoperative blood loss in <1 500 ml group and ≥1 500 ml group was 800 ml (300-1 453 ml) and 2 335 ml (1 500-20 000 ml), respectively. No amniotic fluid embolism, severe adverse reactions, shock and death occurred in the two groups. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥35 years (OR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-1.9), prenatal hemoglobin level <110 g/L (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 1.3-2.2), history of uterine surgery (OR=1.8, 95%CI: 1.3-2.6), placenta previa (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1), placenta accreta (OR=2.6, 95%CI: 1.8-3.9), blood pool in the placenta (OR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.1-2.3), abnormal posterior placenta muscle wall (OR=1.8, 95%CI: 1.2-2.6), placenta projecting to the anterior uterine wall (OR=3.0, 95%CI: 1.3-7.0) were risk factors for blood loss ≥1 500 ml in obstetric transfusion using IOCS technique, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Conclusion: IOCS is safe and effective in cesarean section, which could save the medical resources and reduces medical expenses, however, it is necessary to strictly master the application indication.

MicroRNAs target on cartilage extracellular matrix degradation of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is currently indicated to be characterized by destruction of articular cartilage. The destruction can be described as an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. It is accompanied with changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines and degradation enzymes dominated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS). Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). They play an important role in articular cartilage homeostasis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The related mechanisms include mediating the relevant enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study is to reveal the potential microRNAs (miRNAs) and their corresponding upstream or downstream targeting on cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7 databases were extensively searched with a theme of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The articles were searched regardless of publication status and language. The databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructre (CNKI), WanFang Data and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). RESULTS: This article reviews the microRNAs (miR-140, miR-146a, miR-25, miR-543, miR-19, miR-125b, miR-92a, miR-27b, miR-448, miR-558, miR-155) and their corresponding upstream or downstream in mediating cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of KOA. They can directly regulate cartilage homeostasis by targeting on ECM degradation via corresponding upstream/downstream.

Clinical significance of circ-MTHFD2 in diagnosis, pathological staging and prognosis of NSCLC.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of circ-MTHFD2 in the diagnosis, pathological staging, and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 pairs of cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were surgically removed from NSCLC patients treated from July 2011 to January 2013 in our hospital were selected. All tissue samples were pathologically confirmed. Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was adopted to detect the expression of circ-MTHFD2 in NSCLC samples and its characteristic as a circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine the diagnostic potential of circ-MTHFD2 in NSCLC. The relationship between circ-MTHFD2 expression and the clinical characteristics of NSCLC patients was analyzed by the χ2-test. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were depicted to assess the prognostic potential of circ-MTHFD2 in NSCLC. The effect of circ-MTHFD2 on the overall survival rate of NSCLC patients was uncovered by introducing the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The expression of circ-MTHFD2 in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients was higher than that in adjacent tissues (p<0.05), and there was no remarkable difference in the expression of circ-MTHFD2 before and after RNase R digestion (p>0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of circ-MTHFD2 ROC was 0.701, with the cut-off value of 3.534, 90% sensitivity and 71% specificity. Circ-MTHFD2 expression was closely associated with smoking history, tumor size, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, and recurrence in NSCLC patients (p<0.05). The prognosis of NSCLC patients with high expression of circ-MTHFD2 was evidently poorer than those with low expression. High expression of circ-MTHFD2 was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis in NSCLC (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high expression of circ-MTHFD2 has clinical significance in the diagnosis, pathological staging, and prognosis of NSCLC.

Efficient construction of bioactive trans-5A5B6C spirolactones via bicyclo[4.3.0] α-hydroxy ketones.

An efficient, convenient short synthetic procedure for the synthesis of the intricate 5A5B6C-ring fusion topologies of tricyclic spiranoid ß-hydroxybutyrolactones through lactonization of the key intermediate trans-α-hydroxyindenones with malonates is described. All the compounds synthesized exhibited environmentally benign characteristics, moderate fungicidal, nematocidal, and anti-TMV activities.

Trends in drug-resistant tuberculosis after the implementation of the DOTS strategy in Shenzhen, China, 2000-2013.

SETTING: The DOTS strategy has been regarded as the most cost-effective way to stop the spread of tuberculosis (TB) since its launch by the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effects of DOTS by tracking long-term trends in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2000 to 2013 to analyse trends in resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs and the effect of DOTS-based treatment in Shenzhen, China, using the χ2 test. RESULTS: An overall MDR-TB rate of 4.2% was observed between 2000 and 2013, with an annual reduction of 0.16%. From 2000 to 2013, trends in resistance to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP) and MDR-TB declined significantly in new TB patients (P < 0.01), but not in retreatment cases. Sputum smear conversion rates after 2 months of treatment decreased significantly, in particular after 2007, in new and retreatment cases. CONCLUSION: INH and RMP resistance and MDR-TB rates declined significantly, suggesting that DOTS-based programmes were successful in reducing drug resistance in new cases but not in retreatment cases. The decreasing sputum smear conversion rates may have been due to an increase in the number of migrants. These two findings suggest that TB is unlikely to be completely eliminated by 2050 in Shenzhen.

[The relationship among depression, anxiety, stress and addictive substance use behavior in 5 935 secondary vocational students].

Objective: To investigate the relationship among depression, anxiety, stress and addictive substance use behavior in secondary vocational students. Methods: Cluster sampling method and the Adolescent Health-related Behaviors Questionnaire were used to collect demographic characteristics, psychological symptoms, and addictive substance usage among 5 935 students in nine vocational schools in Chongqing, Zhaoqing, Ningbo, and Taiyuan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the addictive substance use behavior and psychological factors. Results: The detection rates of depression, anxiety and stress were 46.5% (n=2 762), 58.7% (n=3 483), and 29.8% (n= 1 770), respectively. The prevalence of addictive substances was 74.8% (n=4 440), traditional drugs was 0.8% (n=50), new drugs was 2.8% (n=166), other addictive drugs was 4.1% (n=241). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the normal psychological states of secondary vocational students, the OR value of mild depression tendency alcohol and tobacco use behavior of secondary vocational students was 1.45; the OR values of mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, severe anxiety and very serious anxiety were 1.46, 1.46, 1.71, and 1.83, respectively; the traditional drugs use behaviors were 5.51, and 2.61, respectively, for the severe anxiety and very serious anxiety. Compared with the normal psychological state of secondary vocational students, the OR values of the severe anxiety and very severe anxiety were 2.56, and 2.66, respectively, for severe anxiety and very serious anxiety. Compared with normal psychological status of secondary vocational students, the OR values of mild, moderate, severe, and very severe anxiety were 2.14, 2.47, 2.39, and 3.45, respectively; all P values <0.05. Conclusion: Anxiety and mild depression were risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use in secondary vocational students; severe and above anxiety were the risk factors of drug use in secondary vocational students; anxiety was the risk factor for other addictive drug use in secondary vocational students.

[Chinese multicenter randomized trial of customized chemotherapy based on BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1)-RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) mRNA expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients].

Objective: BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1) and RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) play key roles in predicting chemosensitivity of platinum and taxanes. A randomized trial was carried out to compare non-selected cisplatin-based chemotherapy with therapy customized according to BRCA1 and RAP80 expression. Methods: Advanced stage NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen was sufficient for molecular analysis were randomized (1∶3) to the control or experimental arm. Patients in the control arm received docetaxel/cisplatin; in the experimental arm, patients with low RAP80 expression received gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 1), those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and low/intermediate BRCA1expression received docetaxel/cisplatin (Arm 2), and those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and high BRCA1 expression received docetaxel alone (Arm 3). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 226 patients were screened and 124 were randomized in this trial. ORR in the four subgroups was 22.6%, 48.4%, 30.3% and 19.2%, respectively (P=0.08); PFS was 4.74, 5.59, 3.78 and 2.73 months, respectively (P=0.55); and OS was 10.82, 14.44, 10.86 and 10.86 months, respectively (P=0.84). The common adverse effects included neutropenia, nausea, anemia and fatigue. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference of ORR, PFS or OS is observed in the experimental arms compared with the control arm. Patients with low RAP80 mRNA levels have a trend of better survival and higher response rate to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy.

Reduced expression of SCF in serum and follicle from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In humans, stem cell factor (SCF), produced by cumulus granulosa cells during the follicular phase, plays a crucial role in follicular development. Remarkably, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the main reasons affecting women fertility, is accompanied by some abnormal follicles. Is there a relationship between SCF and PCOS? This study aimed to compare the expression of SCF in follicle and serum from patients with and without PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to investigate the potential relationship between aberrant SCF expression and PCOS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum, follicular fluid (FF) samples and granulosa cells (GCs) from 48 patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 62 normal ovulatory patients (control group) were collected. SCF was evaluated in FF, serum, and GCs by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real-time PCR. The rates of metaphase II (MII) oocyte, fertilization, embryo cleavage and high-quality embryo between PCOS group and control group were also analyzed. RESULTS: The rates of MII oocyte and fertilization were significantly lower in PCOS group than those in control group (p < 0.05). No difference was observed for the rate of embryo cleavage and high-quality embryo in these two groups. The concentrations of SCF in serum and FF from PCOS patients were remarkably lower than those in the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of SCF protein and SCF mRNA in GCs from PCOS patients were also decreased compared with the controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PCOS patients showed a reduced SCF expression in serum and follicle, which might be associated with oocyte dysmaturity and low fertilization rate.

Different outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection without oocyte activation in two patients with different types of globozoospermia.

Different outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) without oocyte activation in two patients with different types of round-headed spermatozoa (globozoospermia) are reported. After controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte pick-up, retrieved oocytes were underwent ICSI without oocyte activation and a 33.33% (4/12) fertilisation rate was obtained in the first case, whereas an abnormal fertilisation was achieved in the second case. The transfer of two grade II embryos in the first couple resulted in clinical pregnancy with a healthy livebirth. It was concluded that the main problem of cases with globozoospermia was a low fertilisation rate or failure fertilisation, and even though ICSI and artificial oocyte activation have been employed to increase this rate, it is not necessarily needed to achieve a pregnancy.

Treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome with insulin resistance by insulin-sensitizer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to observe clinical curative effects of combination application of dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone and single application of pioglitazone in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) complicated with insulin resistance (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty cases of patients with PCOS complicated with IR were investigated, and 20 cases of infertile women without PCOS were taken as the control group. PCOS group was divided into group A and group B according to body mass index (BMI) to detect glucose and lipids metabolism indicators, C reactive protein (CRP), etc. There were 20 cases in group A (Pioglitazone) and 20 cases in group B (dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone). After treatment for 12 weeks, changes of the above various indicators were compared. RESULTS: After treatment, insulin resistance index and serum testosterone (T) of two groups patients with PCOS significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to before treatment, BMI of group B significantly reduced (p < 0.05). For INS at two hours after treatment, group B reduced more significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone was more effective for the treatment of PCOS complicated with IR than simple pioglitazone; chronic inflammation occurrence was possibly one of reasons for insulin sensitivity reduction of patients with PCOS.

Effects of acute exercise on plasma erythropoietin levels in trained runners.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate further the influence of exercise on erythropoietin. METHODS: We observed the effects of high intensity running on plasma erythropoietin concentration in competitive distance runners. A repeated measures design was used to compare the responses of intermittent high intensity (HIGH) exercise to continuous moderate intensity (MOD) exercise and rest (REST). The HIGH treatment consisted of 60 min of exercise alternating 5 min of running at approximately 90% of VO2max with 5 min of brisk walking. The MOD treatment consisted of a continuous 60-min run on the treadmill at 60% of VO2max. Blood samples were collected immediately before the exercise (PRE), immediately following the exercise (POST), and 4 (heart rate (4HR), 12 (12HR), 24 (24HR), and 48 (48HR)) h following the exercise. The variables examined included plasma erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). RESULTS: ANOVA revealed the expected treatment-by-time interaction for Hct and [Hb] suggesting a hemodilution at 24 and 48 h postexercise for the MOD and HIGH treatments. However, no significant treatment-by-time interactions were observed for [EPO], RBC, or MCV. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that intermittent high intensity exercise does not have a significant effect on [EPO] in trained distance runners.

Effects of tetrandrine and verapamil on fibroblastic growth and proliferation.

AIM: To investigate the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) and verapamil (Ver) on liver fibrosis by evaluating their effects on the growth and proliferation of fibroblasts. METHODS: Flow cytometry and imaging analysis were used to study the effects of combined and individual treatment of Tet and Ver on fibroblastic proliferation in vitro. Untreated control cells were used for comparison. RESULTS: Compared to untreated fibroblasts, those treated with both Tet and Ver showed higher percentages of cells in the G1 and G2+M phase in the cell cycle of 3T6 fibroblasts (P < 0.01) and markedly elevated protein content, while those treated with Tet only showed significantly lower intracellular RNA content (1.5-2.0 µg, P < 0.01) and those treated with Ver only showed lower intracellular DNA content (15-20 µg, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The inhibitory action of Tet and Ver on fibroblastic growth and proliferation might be responsible for the antifibrotic effects of these medications in liver fibrosis.

[Purification and identification of red ginseng polypeptides].

Two new polypeptides named RGPI and RGPII were isolated from the Chinese drug red ginseng for the first time. They were identified as propadecopeptide and pentadecopeptidex on the basis of analysis of amino acid composition and determination of molecular weight. Further-more, the effects of RGPs on the content of polysaccharides and the activity of succinodehydrogenase in the 2BS cells of the lung of human embryo were studied.

Spectrophotometric determination of micro amounts of nitrite in water and soil.

A spectrophotometric method for determination of micro amounts of nitrite in water and soil with p-aminoacetophenone and resorcinol is described. The interference of foreign ions can be eliminated by masking with complexing agents. Beer's law is obeyed up to 20 mug of NO(2)(-) in 60 ml of solution and the molar absorptivity at 435 nm is 5.27 x 10(4) l.mole(-1).cm(-1). The colour is stable for 10 hr. Results obtained by using the proposed method for water and soil samples agree well with those obtained by the Saltzman standard method.