Risk factors for initiation of drug use among young males in southwest China

To identify risk factors for drug use among young males in southwest China a cross-sectional survey and a non-concurrent cohort study were conducted. Demographic, behavioral and drug-use information was collected from young males aged 18-29 years. The non-concurrent cohort included the period 1 January 1991 to 1 August 1994. A total of 1548 subjects were interviewed. The cumulative incidence increased between 1991 and 1993. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors for drug use: being divorced/widowed/separated, having been encouraged by friends/others to try drugs, smoking cigarettes, belonging to the Jingpo ethnic group, and having a family member who used drugs in 1991. More than 6 years of education was a protective factor for drug use. Drug use in the community was associated with having been encouraged by friends or others to try drugs (71%), to smoking cigarettes (50%), and to belonging to the Jingpo group (24%). The results are consistent with community based prevention approaches which should be studied carefully because of the unique cultural and epidemiological situation in China.

Role of intracardiac angiotensin II in cardiac dysfunction of rat during septic shock

OBJECTIVE

To observe changes in the content of myocardial angiotensin II and its role in cardiac dysfunction of rat during septic shock.

METHODS

Septic shock model was produced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation on rats. Experimental rats were given captopril 15 mg.kg-1/d per os for 3 days before CLP operation. Mean blood pressure and left ventricular pressure were recorded. Myocardial angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities were determined by a fluorometric assay and myocardial angiotensin II content was measured by radioimmunoassay. Highly purified membrane of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was prepared from rat hearts. Assays were made of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by cardiac SR and (3H) ryanodine binding to SR.

RESULTS

Myocardial angiotensin II content increased by 51.5% (P < 0.01) at the 18th hour post CLP, meanwhile there was a decrease in left ventricular +/- dp/dtmax value and the impairment in Ca2+ uptake and (3H) ryanodine binding to cardiac SR. Preliminary administration of captopril reduced myocardial ACE activity and angiotensin II content, but increased left ventricular +/- dp/dtmax value. In comparison to shock group, the initial rate and the capacity of SR Ca2+ uptake were increased by 120% (P < 0.01) and 33.9% (P < 0.05), the Bmax value of (3H) ryanodine binding to SR was also elevated, while the Kd value remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated intracardiac angiotensin II, resulting from the activation of myocardial ACE during sepsis, probably serves as one of the important mediators participating in the pathogenesis of heart failure: the effects of angiotensin II may be associated with the disturbance of Ca2+ transport function of cardiac SR.

Reversible and irreversible immobilization of enzymes on Graphite Fibrils

Graphite Fibrils are hollow tubes (0.01 x 1-10 microns) consisting of concentric layers of graphite. Fibrils can be chemically modified to introduce surface functionalities such as carboxyl groups. Carboxylated fibrils were further functionalized to amino alkyl derivatives which were covalently linked to an enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP). HRP fibrils showed substantial catalytic activity. Additionally, carboxyl fibrils were derivatized with specific inhibitors of the enzymes beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Enzyme inhibitor-modified fibrils were used to specifically purify both beta-Gal (using beta-Gal inhibitor fibrils) and AP (using AP inhibitor fibrils) from mixtures of these two enzymes. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using Graphite Fibrils as supports in biocatalysis and biospecific affinity chromatography.

Risk factors for intravenous drug use and sharing equipment among young male drug users in Longchuan County, south-west China

OBJECTIVES

To identify the risk factors for intravenous drug use and sharing of equipment in Longchuan County in south-west China.

METHODS

Demographic information and sexual and drug-use-related behavior between 1 January 1991 and 1 August 1994 were collected retrospectively from a cohort of young male drug users aged 18-29 years in 82 villages.

RESULTS

A total of 433 drug users were identified. The cumulative incidence of intravenous drug use was 40.0% during the 3.7-year study period. The annual incidence increased from 10% in 1991 to over 30% in 1994. Risk factors for intravenous drug use among drug users, according to the multivariate model, included having had premarital/extramarital sex [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-2.3], having a family member who used drugs in 1991 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), and currently not married (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.98-2.7). Being Buddhist protected against intravenous drug use (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). The population attributable fraction was 30% for not being currently married, 17% for having had premarital/extramarital sex and 14% for having a family member who used drugs. The risk factor for sharing of equipment was being of Jingpo ethnicity (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.5-13.8). The average incidence of sharing equipment was 19.6% per year. The population attributable fraction for sharing equipment was 58.5% for being Jingpo.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of intravenous drug use and sharing equipment is increasing. Therefore, it is urgent that vigorous, effective intervention programs be initiated in southern Yunnan. Unmarried, sexually promiscuous Jingpo drug users with a family history of drug use should be especially targeted. Given the problems of transport and communication in this remote area of China, intervention programs which use existing social, governmental and community networks should be implemented.

Cytochromes P450 5: induction of cytochrome P4501A1: a model for analyzing mammalian gene transcription

The induction of microsomal cytochrome P4501A1 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons represents an interesting response by which mammalian cells adapt to xenobiotic exposure. Enzyme induction reflects increased transcription of the corresponding CYP1A1 gene. Analyses of the induction mechanism using genetic, biochemical, and molecular biological approaches have revealed a novel transcriptional regulatory pathway that involves ligand-dependent heterodimerization between two basic helix-loop-helix proteins (the Ah receptor and Arnt), interaction of the heterodimer with a xenobiotic-responsive enhancer, transmission of the induction signal from the enhancer to the CYP1A1 promoter, and alterations in chromatin structure. Current techniques permit examination of the induction mechanism in intact cells and analyses of the CYP1A1 gene in its native chromosomal configuration. Such experiments generate new insights into the control of mammalian transcription that are of relatively broad interest.

Systemic uptake and clearance of chloroform by hairless rats following dermal exposure. I. Brief exposure to aqueous solutions

The systemic uptake of chloroform from dilute aqueous solutions into live hairless rats under conditions simulating dermal environmental exposure was studied. Whole blood was sampled during a 30-min immersion of an animal within water containing a known concentration of chloroform and then for 5.5 h following its removal from the bath. The amount of chloroform systemically absorbed was determined by comparing the AUCs of the blood concentration vs. time plots from dermal exposure to that obtained after i.v. infusion (for a period of 30 min) of an aqueous solution containing a known amount of chloroform (positive control). Although dermal data implied two-compartment disposition characteristics, i.v. infusion data fit best to a three-compartment disposition. Linear pharmacokinetics was observed both by i.v. administration and percutaneous absorption at the dose levels studied. Chloroform was detected in the rat blood as early as 4 min following exposure. Our findings suggest that about 10.2 mg of chloroform was systemically absorbed after dermal exposure of a rat to an aqueous solution of 0.44 mg/ml. This amount is substantially higher than the predictions of mathematical risk-models put forth by some investigators. However, when expressed as the "effective" permeability coefficient (Kpeff), close agreement was noticed between our value and those estimated by others using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. Also, in terms of Kpeff, reasonable agreement existed between our and another investigator's past estimates of uptake based on depletion of bath level of chloroform and the actual uptake measured in our current experiments. The estimated onset of systemic entry seen here is entirely consistent with our estimate of how long it takes to establish the diffusion gradient across the stratum corneum based on tape stripping.

Enzyme-triggered formation of electrochemiluminescent ruthenium complexes

A sensitive enzyme assay is described using substrates derivatized with metal-binding ligands. Enzymes catalyzed changes in the abilities of substrates to bind to the nonelectrochemiluminescent complex ruthenium (II) bis(bipyridyl), Ru(bpy)2(2+), to form electrochemiluminescent mixed-ligand complexes. A highly electrochemiluminescent complex was formed between Ru(bpy)2(2+) and picolinic acid (1) but not picolinic acid ethyl ester (4), permitting the detection of 4 hydrolysis by pig liver esterase (PLE). Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) differences between Ru(bpy)2(2+) mixtures of 1 and 4 were detected to a lower concentration limit of 65pM. Under the conditions used in actual enzyme assays, it was possible to detect 4.4 pM PLE and the hydrolysis of 1.3 microM 4. In a second assay, leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) hydrolyzed 8-(L)-leucylaminoquinoline (9) to leucine and aminoquinoline (10). A mixed-ligand complex formed between (9) and Ru(bpy)2 (2+) was substantially more electrochemiluminescent than a complex of Ru(bpy)2(2+) and 10. ECL differences between Ru(bpy)2(2+) mixtures of 9 and 10 were detectable to 65 nM. Under actual enzyme assay conditions, 375 pM LAP could be detected as well as the hydrolysis of 1.3 microM 9.

DNA binding by the heterodimeric Ah receptor. Relationship to dioxin-induced CYP1A1 transcription in vivo

The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces the microsomal enzyme cytochrome P4501A1 by increasing the transcription rate of the CYP1A1 gene. Induction requires two basic helix-loop-helix proteins, the ligand-binding aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its heterodimerization partner, the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt). The AhR/Arnt heterodimer induces transcription by binding to dioxin-responsive elements (DREs) within an enhancer upstream of the CYP1A1 gene. The basic regions of AhR and Arnt are crucial for DRE binding. We have mutated these regions in order to analyze the relationship between DRE binding (determined in vitro using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay) and induction of CYP1A1 transcription (determined in vivo by genetic complementation of AhR-defective and Arnt-defective mouse hepatoma cells, using an RNase protection assay to measure mRNA accumulation). Our findings reveal the amino acids in the basic regions of AhR/Arnt that are important for both DRE binding and induction of transcription. This information provides biological background for the interpretation of structural (e.g. crystallographic) studies of the interactions between AhR/Arnt and the DRE. Our findings also indicate that the in vitro behavior of the mutants does not consistently predict their functional activity in vivo. Thus, genetic complementation constitutes an important and stringent test for analyzing the effects of mutations on AhR/Arnt function.

A portal image alignment and patient setup verification procedure using moments and correlation techniques

The objective of this study was to develop an integrated field shape and patient setup verification procedure for portal images. The proposed procedure used one of the approved portal images as the reference image for automated comparison with subsequent portal images. The first step of the procedure used a moments method to align treatment field boundaries. This step was necessary to compensate for the repositioning error of an image detector and to create a common frame of reference for comparing anatomical shifts relative to the field boundary. At the end of the moments alignment, a moments figure of merit was computed and compared with a pre-established threshold. This verified whether there was a potential shape change in the treatment field. To measure anatomical misalignment, the last step in the procedure was to use a grey-scale image correlation method to align translations and in-plane rotations relative to the anatomy of the reference image. The procedure was shown in phantom studies to err by less than 1 mm when detecting translational shifts and less than 1 degree when detection in-plane rotations. The moments verification method showed a sensitivity of detecting a placement error of 6 mm for a single leaf in a controlled experiment where a multileaf collimator was used for field shaping. The alignment procedure was fast and could be done in less than 12 s on an IBM-compatible 486 personal computer.

An image correlation procedure for digitally reconstructed radiographs and electronic portal images

PURPOSE

To study a procedure that uses megavoltage digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) calculated from patient's three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) data as a reference image for correlation with on-line electronic portal images (EPIs) to detect patient setup errors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Megavoltage DRRs were generated by ray tracing through a modified volumetric CT data set in which CT numbers were converted into linear attenuation coefficients for the therapeutic beam energy. The DRR transmission image was transformed to the grayscale window of the EPI by a histogram-matching technique. An alternative approach was to calibrate the transmission DRR using a measured response curve of the electronic portal imaging device (EPID). This forces the calculated transmission fluence values to be distributed in the same range as that of the EPID image. A cross-correlation technique was used to determine the degree of alignment of the patient anatomy found in the EPID image relative to the reference DRR.

RESULTS

Phantom studies demonstrated that the correlation procedure had a standard deviation of 0.5 mm and 0.5 degrees in aligning translational shifts and in-plane rotations. Systematic errors were found between a reference DRR and a reference EPID image. The automated grayscale image-correlation process was completed within 3 s on a workstation computer or 12 s on a PC.

CONCLUSION

The alignment procedure allows the direct comparison of a patient's treatment portal designed with a 3D planning computer with a patient's on-line portal image acquired at the treatment unit. The image registration process is automated to the extent that it requires minimal user intervention, and it is fast and accurate enough for on-line clinical applications.

Results of a study to correlate serum prostate specific antigen and reproductive hormone levels in patients with localized prostate cancer

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine whether serum hormones (free testosterone, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, or prolactin) have any influence on serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with stage A-C prostate cancer. Blood samples were collected prior to any treatment in 36 patients; in 19 (group 1), three blood samples were collected 10 minutes apart between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM for each patient and pooled together to avoid diurnal and episodic variation in serum testosterone values. In the remaining patients, only one sample could be collected (group 2). Free testosterone, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and PSA levels were determined with appropriate radioimmunoassay techniques. Statistical analyses were performed separately for groups 1 and 2, and then with pooled data. None of the hormones in any of the analyses showed any association to serum PSA values except for prolactin for the pooled data and for group 2. This statistical significance for prolactin disappeared on multivariate analysis. There were 21 African-American men and 15 whites in the study; no racial differences in hormonal levels were found except for lower luteinizing hormone levels in African Americans in group 2 and pooled data. No differences were found between group 1 and group 2 in the mean serum prolactin and luteinizing hormone values. Serum free testosterone, androstenedione, and luteinizing hormone appeared to have no influence on serum PSA values in nonmetastatic cancer patients. Serum prolactin values were inversely associated with PSA values in univariate analysis for the pooled data; this disappeared in multivariate analysis. Unlike other studies that found higher serum testosterone levels in African-American college students than whites, no such differences were seen in this age group. Luteinizing hormone was lower in African-American men than in whites in the pooled study population. Further studies are needed to clarify our findings.

35H, a sequence isolated as a protein kinase C binding protein, is a novel member of the adducin family

We recently cloned a partial cDNA (35H) for a protein kinase C (PKC) binding protein from a rat kidney cDNA library and demonstrated that it is a PKC substrate in vitro (Chapline, C., Ramsay, K., Klauck, T., and Jaken, S. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 6858-6861). Additional library screening and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends were used to obtain the complete open reading frame. Amino acid sequence analysis, DNA sequence analysis, and Northern analysis indicate that 35H is a unique cDNA related to alpha-and beta-adducins. Antisera prepared to the 35H bacterial fusion protein recognized two polypeptides of 80 and 90 kDa on immunoblots of kidney homogenates and cultured renal proximal tubule epithelial cell extracts. The 35H-related proteins were similar to alpha- and beta-adducins in that they were preferentially recovered in the Triton X-100-insoluble (cytoskeletal, CSK) fraction of cell extracts and were predominantly localized to cell borders. Phorbol esters stimulated phosphorylation of CSK 35H proteins, thus emphasizing that sequences isolated according to PKC binding activity in vitro are also PKC substrates in vivo. The phosphorylated forms of the 35H proteins were preferentially recovered in the soluble fraction, thus demonstrating that phosphorylation regulates their CSK association and, thereby, their function in regulating cytoskeletal assemblies. We have isolated another PKC binding protein partial cDNA (clone 45) from a rat fibroblast library with substantial homology to alpha-adducin. Antisera raised against this expressed sequence recognized a protein of 120 kDa, the reported size of alpha-adducin, on immunoblots of renal proximal tubule epithelial cell extracts. A 120-kDa protein that cross-reacts with the clone 45 (alpha-adducin) antisera coprecipitated with 35H immunecomplexes, indicating that alpha-adducin associates with 35H proteins in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that 35H is a new, widely expressed form of adducin capable of forming heterodimers with alpha-adducin. We propose naming this adducin homologue gamma-adducin.

Strong photosensitive gratings in tin-doped phosphosilicate optical fibers

Strong photosensitive gratings of both type I and II have been demonstrated in germanium-free tin-doped phosphosilicate fibers. An index change of ~1.2 x 10(-3) has been achieved in 40 s of exposure. The fibers have strong absorption (~0.8 dB/microm) at the writing wavelength of ~248 nm because of tin doping. This is the f irst time to our knowledge that such strong gratings have been written in a phosphorous-containing silica fiber without low-temperature hydrogenation and that type II gratings have been written in a germanium-free fiber. The tin-doping technique can be used to write gratings in rare-earth-doped phosphosilicate fibers and to produce low-N.A. fibers for mass production of strong single-pulse type II gratings during fiber pulling.

Analysis of heterogeneity of gene products (interferon) expressed in yeast

FPLC, SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques are used to analyse the heterogeneity of interferon alpha A (IFN-alpha A) expressed in yeast. The heterogeneity consists of (i) the presence of IFN polymer, (ii) partial processing of signal leader peptide and (iii) internal degradation. The reasons for heterogeneity of gene products in expression system of yeast are analysed. The methods of avoiding heterogeneity, such as depolymerization, adding inhibitors of protease to the culture supernatant, the oligonucleotide-directed deletion mutagenesis and improvements of fermentation, are discussed.

Photoinduced absorption change in germanosilicate preforms: evidence for the color-center model of photosensitivity

A new technique has enabled us to resolve the strong UV absorption spectrum in UV-exposed germanosilicate preforms. Our results show, for the first time to our knowledge, that the large photoinduced absorption changes between 165 and 300 nm (~700 dB/mm at 195 nm has been observed) can account for, ~3 ×10(-4) of index change at 1.5 µm. The thermal-annealing dynamics of the photoinduced absorption changes also resemble those of fiber gratings, evidence that the color-center model of photosensitivity plays an important role in the photoinduced index changes in UV-written fiber gratings. We also find that the photoinduced absorption changes depend linearly on germania (i.e., germanium dioxide) concentrations in the preforms, and their exposure-time dependence can be fitted with a stretched-exponential function.

Transcriptional activation by the mouse Ah receptor. Interplay between multiple stimulatory and inhibitory functions

The aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates cellular responses to the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). We cloned AhR cDNA from C57BL/6 mouse liver and verified by transfection that it encodes a functional protein. Analyses of deletion mutants indicate that the carboxyl half of AhR contains several types of transactivation domain, which function independently of domains that mediate TCDD recognition, DNA binding, and heterodimerization with the Ah receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) protein. The transactivation domains function independently of each other, display different levels of activity, and act synergistically when linked. In addition, AhR contains an 82-amino acid domain that inhibits transactivation. The inhibitory domain displays specificity, in that it blocks the transactivating functions of AhR and Arnt, but not that of the herpes simplex protein VP16. The inhibitory activity depends upon the cell type in which AhR is expressed, implying that a cell-specific protein mediates the effect.

[Study of H(+)-Ca2+ exchange in cultured heart cells after hypoxia and reoxygenation]

Reoxygenation is more serious for hypoxic myocardial cells because of the subsequent calcium overload. The calcium overload is known due to augmentation of H(+)-Na+, Na(+)-Ca2+, exchange during pH paradox. But the present experiment showed that, when H(+)-Na+, Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange was inhibited, calcium could still enter myocardial cells after hypoxia or reoxygenation. Similar result was observed after using Na(+)-Free solution, suggesting that calcium entrance into the cell was unrelated to Na+ channel. It was further shown that calcium accumulation was related to pH gradient across the myocardial cell membrane, i.e., being increased with increase of H+ concentration in the cell. Therefore, it appears that, besides H(+)-Na+, Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, H(+)-Ca2+ exchange is one of the reasons of calcium overload during intracellular pH paradox.

Transcriptional activation function of the mouse Ah receptor nuclear translocator

We cloned from mouse hepatoma cells a cDNA which encodes the Ah receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt). Sequence comparisons reveal 89% nucleotide and 92% amino acid identity between mouse and human Arnt. Transfection of the cDNA into Arnt-defective mouse hepatoma cells fully restores their responsiveness to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), indicating that the cDNA encodes a functional Arnt protein. Transfection of the cDNA into wild type mouse hepatoma cells increases the magnitude, but not the sensitivity, of the transcriptional response to TCDD. Analyses of mutants indicate that Arnt has a modular organization. The unit that mediates both heterodimerization with the liganded Ah receptor and DNA recognition is functionally distinct from the unit that mediates transcriptional activation. A 96-amino acid, C-terminal domain of Arnt, which includes a glutamine-rich region, confers transcriptional activation capability upon the protein.

Distribution of neuropeptide Y in the developing human spinal cord

The distribution of neuropeptide Y at different levels of the spinal cord of 23 human fetuses aged from 10-41 weeks of gestation was studied using immunocytochemical staining. Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive neurons were identified at all levels of the spinal cord examined as early as 10 weeks of gestation. These cells were localized in the superficial layers (laminae I and II of Rexed) of the dorsal gray matter. As the age of the fetuses increased, their cell number increased and the region containing positive neurons extended from the superficial to deep layers (laminae III and VI). Immunoreactive fibers started to appear in fetuses at 10 weeks of gestation. They were found not only in the gray and white matters, but also in the pia mater lining the spinal cord. As the fetuses aged, the neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers became mostly concentrated in the intermediate zones of the thoracic and sacral segments corresponding to the developing autonomic centers. Our results suggest that neuropeptide Y may play a role in the early development of the autonomic system.

Protein kinase C isozyme expression and down-modulation in growing, quiescent, and transformed renal proximal tubule epithelial cells

Renal alpha-protein kinase C (PKC) is rapidly down-modulated modulated in animals treated with the renal toxin and tumor promoter, folic acid (Dong et al., Cancer Res., 53: 4542-4549, 1993). To further explore the role of PKC isozymes in renal growth and carcinogenesis, we compared phorbol ester receptor and PKC isozyme content, distribution, and regulation in primary and oncogene-altered rat renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTE) in culture. Immunoblot analysis and RNase protection assays indicated that RPTE expressed at least four PKC isozymes, alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta. Total phorbol ester receptors were decreased in primary proliferating, E1A-immortalized, and SV40-transformed RPTE compared to primary quiescent RPTE. The decrease in PDBu binding was largely due to a specific decrease in alpha-PKC protein content to approximately 50% of the level in quiescent RPTE. Degradation rates and message levels were compared to determine the mechanism for the decrease in alpha-PKC. Whereas alpha-PKC message levels in quiescent and proliferating primary RPTE were comparable, alpha-PKC degradation was increased in proliferating cells. These results indicate that the decreased alpha-PKC content was due largely to increased turnover. Phorbol ester stimulated the rate of degradation, thus demonstrating a link between degradation rate and PKC activation. These results suggest that the increased basal degradation rate in proliferating and oncogene-altered cells reflects an increase in activity of PKC in these cells.

An objective method for evaluating electronic portal imaging devices

A statistical technique is described for analyzing the image of a contrast-detail phantom acquired by a radiotherapy electronic portal imaging device. By using Student's t test, the image analysis algorithm computes which holes in the contrast-detail phantom can be objectively resolved from the background signal. The specific pattern of the resolved holes and the total number of the resolved holes characterize the performance of the electronic portal imaging device. Image processing techniques are used to align the holes automatically. Because the use of this algorithm is completely automated, the procedure removes operator subjectivity from the evaluation.

High second-order nonlinearities in poled silicate fibers

Effective quadratic nonlinearities as high as 0.2 pm/V are reported for the first time to our knowledge in poled germanosilicate fibers. This value is ~200 times higher than previously achieved in these fibers. The presence of Ge is found to enhance the efficacy of both thermal (in combination with OH doping) and electron-beam poling in silica.

Selected indications for and applications of magnetic resonance angiography in children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and practicality of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in evaluating pediatric cerebrovascular disorders. A retrospective evaluation was performed of MR angiograms in 20 pediatric patients with cerebrovascular pathology. When appropriate, comparisons were made with duplex ultrasonography or conventional catheter angiography. MRA accurately assessed the patency of carotid reanastomoses in 8 babies who had previously undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In 6 patients with moyamoya syndrome, MRA accurately evaluated stenotic intracranial carotid and circle of Willis arteries and progressive enlargement of the superficial temporal and middle cerebral arteries after revascularization procedures, and thus obviated the need for sequential angiograms. Thrombi and emboli were identified in 4 of 5 patients with symptoms and imaging evidence of an acute stroke. Two-dimensional time-of-flight MR venograms, acquired in both axial and coronal planes, were useful for preoperative venous mapping in a patient with an occipital encephalocele and detecting venoocclusive disease. MRA provided diagnostically useful information in a spectrum of pediatric cerebrovascular disorders. It can be used as the initial vascular imaging modality for patients with imaging evidence of acute cerebrovascular event, to evaluate progression of chronic vasoocclusive disease, to evaluate vessel patency following intracranial revascularization surgery, and for visualization of the venous circulation.

Differential modulation of protein kinase C isoforms in erythroleukemia during induced differentiation

Induction of erythroid differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC) by exposure to hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) involves the modulation of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Using immuno- and Northern blot techniques, we have demonstrated that MELC express a pattern of PKC isoforms which includes PKC alpha, PKC delta, PKC epsilon, PKC zeta, and PKC eta. We show that MELC resistant to induction by HMBA express significantly less of the nPKC isoform, PKC delta, and slightly less PKC epsilon. Recovery of HMBA sensitivity is associated with reexpression of PKC delta protein. Upon exposure to HMBA, there is a fall in cytosolic PKC delta and PKC epsilon accompanied by a transient increase in membrane-associated forms of these PKC isoforms. HMBA-resistant MELC fail to display this isoform-specific translocation of PKC. Induction of differentiation is accompanied, over the next 24 h of exposure to HMBA, by a progressive fall in cellular PKC activity, associated with a progressive fall in the cellular content of PKC delta, PKC epsilon, and PKC zeta. These studies suggest that PKC delta, and possibly PKC epsilon and PKC zeta as well, play a role in the pathway of HMBA-mediated terminal cell differentiation of MELC.

Transformation-sensitive localization of alpha-protein kinase C at cell-cell contacts in rat renal proximal tubule epithelial cells

Immunocytofluorescence studies were used to compare alpha-protein kinase C (PKC) localization in primary cultures of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTE) with E1A-immortalized and SV40-transformed derivatives. Both cytosolic and nuclear staining were apparent in all of the RPTE. In primary RPTE, Triton X-100-insoluble alpha-PKC was also apparent and was concentrated in cell junctions. Cell junction alpha-PKC was diminished in E1A-immortalized and absent from SV40-transformed RPTE, even though total cellular content was not decreased. These results emphasize that subcellular location may play an important role in regulating signal transduction through PKC-dependent pathways. Phorbol ester treatment induced cell membrane ruffling in primary RPTE, and alpha-PKC was redistributed to membrane ruffles. However, the redistributed alpha-PKC was Triton soluble and, therefore, was distinct from cell junction alpha-PKC. The loss of alpha-PKC from cell junctions in phorbol ester-treated and oncogene-altered cells suggests that there are cellular determinants regulating alpha-PKC association with junctional complexes.

Regulation of protein kinase C isozymes in kidney regeneration

Tissue damage and repair processes are important factors in renal tumor progression. To determine whether protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in these processes, we characterized PKC isozymes during rat kidney regeneration using 3 models: (a) diffuse cortical hyperplasia and hypertrophy induced by folic acid; (b) focal necrosis of the S3 segments induced by S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine; and (c) compensatory renal hypertrophy. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that 5 PKC isozymes, alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, and zeta, were expressed in rat kidney. Six h after folic acid treatment, phorbol ester receptors were down-modulated. Down-modulation preceded an increase in DNA synthesis which was maximal at 24 h. The reduction in phorbol ester receptors was due largely to a decrease in alpha-PKC. zeta-PKC, which is not a phorbol ester receptor, was also decreased. delta- and epsilon-PKCs were not changed. However, alpha-PKC was not down-modulated during compensatory hypertrophy induced by unilateral nephrectomy. Thus, the observed decrease of alpha-PKC after folic acid treatment is most likely associated with the hyperplastic and not the hypertrophic effects of this renal toxin. These results demonstrate that activation-associated down-modulation of PKC, in particular alpha-PKC, occurs during chemical-induced renal regeneration and suggests a general role for PKC activation in non-phorbol ester tumor promotion.

Diagnostic exploration of enlarged peripheral nerves in suspected cases of leprosy. An analysis of 55 cases

In 55 cases presenting with enlarged peripheral nerves without any skin lesions, a rice grain-sized biopsy of the nerve lesion was taken for histopathological examination. As a result definitive diagnoses could be established: leprosy was diagnosed in 32 cases. In 23 cases the cause of nerve enlargement was not leprosy: post-traumatic neuritis 9, cysts 5, hypertrophic neuritis 3, nonspecific 4, neurofibroma 1, and amyloidosis 1. In all of these cases there was a deficit of the nerve function and postoperatively there were no complications. The authors, as a result of this experience, believe that surgical exploration and biopsy is a harmless diagnostic tool for establishing a definitive diagnosis of leprosy in cases presenting with enlarged peripheral nerves without any skin lesions. In 23 out of 55 such cases the nerve enlargement was proved to be other causes than leprosy.

Serum SHBG levels during normal menstrual cycle and after insertion of levonorgestrel-releasing IUD

Daily serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured during normal ovulatory menstrual cycles in ten women between the ages of 23 and 34 by the method of precipitation with ammonium sulfate. The results showed that the mean SHBG levels in a cycle were quite different among individuals, but that the SHBG levels were constant during a certain menstrual cycle. Neither SHBG peaks on day LH-0 (52.64 +/- 19.89 nmol/L) (x +/- SD) nor the mean SHBG levels between the follicular phase (57.10 +/- 17.64 nmol/L) and luteal phase (64.75 +/- 23.42 nmol/L) show any significant differences. The correlations between the mean SHBG levels and the mean concentrations of progesterone (P), estradiol (E2) and androstenedione during the menstrual cycles were insignificant, whereas the mean SHBG levels during the follicular and luteal phase and on LH-0 day were significantly correlated with the mean concentrations of testosterone (t = 0.474; p less than 0.05). In ten women between the ages of 25 and 34, serum SHBG, E2, P, and levonorgestrel (LNG) levels were measured once on day 20-21 of the pretreatment cycle and 3 times/week during the 1st, and 2 times/week during the 6th treatment cycle after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD). The mean value of SHBG in the pretreatment blood samples (62.09 +/- 23.09 nmol/L) was higher than that after insertion of the LNG-IUD (41.82 +/- 20.50 nmol/L), though the difference was not significant (p greater than 0.05). The correlation between LNG and SHBG was highly significant (r = 0.89, p less than 0.01). The significance of this correlation and the degree of suppression of ovarian function are discussed.

Soft tissue release on the concave side in the treatment of scoliosis. A preliminary report of 23 cases

Since February 1982, 23 patients with scoliosis were treated by releasing the soft tissues on the concave side and plaster spinal fusion jacket. Of these patients, 13 had congenital scoliosis and 10 idiopathic scoliosis. Follow-up for 1 to 8.5 years showed that the results of correction were satisfactory. The maximum degree of correction of the main curve in this series was from 74 degrees (Cobb method) before treatment to 3 degrees after treatment. The maximum rate of correction was 97.3%.

Protein kinase C isozymes epsilon and alpha in murine erythroleukemia cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) has a role in signal transduction during hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA)-induced differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC). Separation of MELC PKC isozymes by hydroxylapatite chromatography yields a major peak (III) and a minor peak (II) of PKC activity, previously reported to contain the PKC alpha and beta isozymes, respectively. In the present study, we confirm that peak III activity is PKC alpha but show that peak II contains PKC epsilon and little or no PKC beta. Immunoblot analysis with isozyme-specific anti-alpha and anti-epsilon PKC antibodies detected PKC alpha in peak III and PKC epsilon in peak II. Peak III activity was markedly enhanced (up to 20-fold) by phosphatidylserine, diolein, and Ca2+, whereas addition of these cofactors to the reaction mixture stimulated peak II activity only 2- to 4-fold. RNase protection analysis of MELC RNA showed that PKC alpha and PKC epsilon RNAs were in a ratio of approximately 2:1, but PKC beta RNA was barely detectable. Taken together, these data indicate that MELC contain PKC alpha and PKC epsilon but little or no PKC beta.

[Gastric elimination research on patients with gastric disease]

Liquid elimination function of the stomach was studied in 41 patients and 9 normal subjects by using SPECT technique. The result suggested that six kinds of the liquid elimination curve of stomach can be classified. Patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer mostly were kinds of slow elimination (1) and (2). Normal subjects mostly were kind of (6). The pathophysiologic significance of six kinds liquid elimination pattern needs further research.

Desensitization of central nicotinic cardiovascular effects by nicotine isomers and a quaternary analogue

Nicotine produces potent cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal effects. Furthermore, repeated administration of nicotine is associated with development of tolerance for many responses. We sought to compare the effects of initial intracerebral administration of nicotine isomers and a quaternary analogue on cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal responses and to compare the desensitizing properties of these nicotinic compounds on subsequent responses to nicotine. Thus we examined the effects of (-)-nicotine, (+)-nicotine, N'-methylnicotinium iodide (N'MN), a quaternary analogue of (-)-nicotine, and saline vehicle, administered into a lateral cerebral ventricle, on heart rate (HR), systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (BP), and plasma concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine in conscious, freely moving, adult, male rats. (-)-Nicotine (120 nmol, ICV) produced decrease in HR and increases in all other parameters. (+)-Nicotine at this dose produced only small effects on HR, BP and plasma catecholamines. An equimolar dose of N'MN produced similar effects on these parameters, quantitatively intermediate between those of the two nicotine isomers. Thirty min after administration of these nicotinic agonists, all parameters had returned to baseline. At this time, the effects of subsequent ICV administration of (-)-nicotine 120 nmol was studied in all animals. Prior administration of either (-)-nicotine or (+)-nicotine markedly attenuated the bradycardic response to (-)-nicotine, and N'MN was less effective in this regard. In contrast, neither (-)-nicotine nor N'MN inhibited the pressor response to subsequent (-)-nicotine, whereas (+)-nicotine did produce some attenuation of this pressor response. Similarly, only (+)-nicotine, was found to inhibit the plasma norepinephrine response to subsequent (-)-nicotine when this drug dose and timing of administration were used. The epinephrine response to subsequent (-)-nicotine was not affected by this dose (120 nmol) and timing of treatment with any of these ligands. These data support the concept that desensitization of the intracerebral effects of nicotine on cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal function may be mediated at binding sites other than those producing nicotinic responses.

[Sedative-hypnotic effect of caulis Polygoni multiflori decoction]

The sedative-hypnotic effect of Caulis Polygoni multiflori decoction (CPMD) was studied by the rolling cylinder method in mice and by the somnopolygraphic recording method in rats. The result from the rolling method in mice showed that CPMD (9g/kg) did have synergic action with the subthreshold hypnotic dose of sodium pentobarbital (20mg/kg). The result from the somnopolygraphic recording experiment showed that the immediate hypnotic effect of an effective dose of CPMD (20g/kg) was basically similar to that of diazepam (5mg/kg) used under the same experimental condition, chiefly an increase in the duration of slow wave sleep phase (SWS) and a decrease in the duration of paradoxical sleep phase (PS). By the end of a three-day session in dose of twice a day the hypnotic effect appeared more prominent and the reduction of SWS latency became significant.

Second-harmonic generation using gratings optically written by mode interference in poled optical fibers

Second-order nonlinear susceptibility gratings are induced in optical fibers by mode interference of high-intensity blue light in the presence of an external dc electric poling field. As a result, efficient second-harmonic generation can be obtained for any infrared design wavelength.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for type 3 protein kinase C recognize distinct domains of protein kinase C and inhibit in vitro functional activity

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which distinguish Type 3 protein kinase C (PKC) from Types 1 and 2 have been obtained from mice immunized with purified Type 3 PKC from rabbit brain cytosol. Most of these mAbs (seven out of eight) selectively recognize Type 3 versus Types 1 and 2 PKC in both enzyme-linked immunosorbent and immunoblot assays. Trypsin treatment of Type 3 PKC reduced the immunoreactivity with 82-kDa PKC and generated immunoreactive fragments of 45 and 35 kDa. The mAbs can be divided into two classes based on their ability to recognize the 45-kDa catalytic fragment (5/8) or the 35 kDa regulatory domain fragment (3/8). Each of the mAbs inhibits phosphorylation of histone or lipocortin by PKC, although the extent of the inhibition varied. Only those mAbs that recognize the 35-kDa regulatory domain inhibited phorbol ester binding. The inhibition of both kinase and binding activities by this group of mAbs was sensitive to the concentration of phospholipid used in the assay. This functional inhibition suggests that these mAbs may be useful for defining the phospholipid binding domain(s) of Type 3 PKC. The mAbs recognized 82-kDa PKC in a variety of cell types; the presence of smaller molecular weight fragments was not consistently found. Distinct immunofluorescence staining patterns were observed with mAbs directed toward different epitopes, suggesting that there may be heterogeneity in the subcellular localization of PKC. The type specificity of these mAbs will make them valuable tools for studying activation and regulation of Type 3 PKC in cell culture model systems.

Development of physiological responses to acetylcholine during organ culture of young embryonic chick hearts

Young (3 days-old) embryonic chick hearts (i.e., prior to innervation) have a low sensitivity and transient response to acetylcholine (ACh). In the present experiments, in which the hearts were placed into organ culture for a period of up to 7 days, the sensitivity to ACh was found to increase with time in culture, and the inhibitory action of ACh persisted for a longer time (i.e., desensitization declined). Thus, the ability to ACh to slow spontaneous heart rate and to shorten action potential duration (in the atrium) became greater during the course of organ culture. The effects of ACh on spontaneous heart rate and on action potential duration were blocked by atropine. These results suggest that the physiological responses to muscarinic agonists in young embryonic chick hearts continue to develop in organ culture, and that the increased sensitivity to muscarinic agonists seen in ovo is unlikely to be due to the development of innervation.

The endocrinological profile of normal menstrual cycles in a population of Chinese women

Endocrinological profiles of normal menstrual cycles were studied in 41 Chinese women. Daily serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were determined by RIA. Thirty-four cycles were of normal length (26-35 days) and 6 cycles were prolonged up to 40 days with a follicular phase of 22-26 days. One cycle was anovulatory. Cyclical changes of LH, FSH, E2 and P were typical of ovulatory cycles in other populations as reported in the literature. In the normal cycle group the geometric mean of the LH midcycle peak level was 46 IU/1, the FSH peak was 10 IU/1, the preovulatory estradiol peak was 1229 pmol/1 and the progesterone luteal maximum was 50 nmol/1. The pattern of cyclical changes in the prolonged ovulatory cycles was similar to the normal length cycles, except that there were significantly higher levels of LH in both follicular and luteal phases, lower FSH in luteal phase, and lower progesterone in luteal phase. A majority of cycles had a midcycle elevation of prolactin and mean PRL levels in the late luteal phase were higher than those in the follicular phase.

Clearance of liquid from lungs of newborn rabbits

Apparent inconsistencies in the results of previous studies led us to reexamine the process by which fluid leaves the lungs of newborn rabbits after birth. We measured pulmonary blood volume, extravascular lung water, and the size of perivascular cuffs of fluid in frozen sections of lung obtained from 166 full-term rabbits (31 days gestation) born vaginally or by cesarean section. We killed the rabbits by giving them barbiturate intraperitoneally and immersing them in liquid nitrogen before they breathed or at randomly predetermined intervals from 5 min to 24 h after birth. We found that a) pulmonary blood volume of both groups of rabbits increased soon after birth, b) extravascular lung water per gram of dry lung tissue was greater at birth in rabbits born by cesarean section than in those born vaginally, c) extravascular lung water did not begin to decrease in either group of animals until 30-60 min postnatally, after which it decreased progressively for 24 h, and d) the rate of fluid clearance and pattern of puddling around pulmonary vessels was similar in both groups of rabbits, with maximal perivascular cuffs 30 min after birth, followed by diminution of cuff size as the lungs shed water.

The effect of time of cord clamping and maternal blood pressure on placental transfusion with cesarean section

We measured the residual placental blood volume (RPBV) of 20 infants delivered at term by cesarean section of women not in labor. In all cases, the umbilical cord was clamped within 40 seconds of birth. RPBV decreased significantly with increasing age at cord clamping. In addition, RPBV for infants with cords clamped within 20 seconds of birth correlated inversely with maternal systolic blood pressure (mean RPBV = 54.8 ml. per kilogram at 105 torr and 28.4 ml. per kilogram at 148 torr). However, RPBV did not correlate with maternal blood pressure for the whole group of 20 infants or for those with cords clamped later than 20 seconds after birth. These data indicated that in infants delivered by cesarean section placental transfusion is time related during the first 40 seconds of life and that maternal blood pressure also influences the magnitude of placental transfusion during the first 20 seconds after birth. Analysis of data from this study combined with data from a previous study shows that after 40 seconds the net flow between placenta and infant reverses and that cord clamping delayed beyond this point is accompanied by a rise in RPBV back to the level found when the cord was clamped before 20 seconds.

A volume-displacement plethysmograph to measure limb blood flow in the newborn infant

An instrument is described that measures limb blood flow in newborn infants by venous occlusion plethysmography. The plethysmograph is filled with air and a pneumotachygraph measures the volume displaced during venous occlusion. The response of the system is linear for flows over the range 1 to 100 ml/min and the frequency response to a square wave pressure change is 22 Hz with a 95% response time of 0.5 second. The average flow in the forearm of 10 normal newborn infants was 5.9 ml/min per 100 ml of tissue.

Cesarean section prevents placenta-to-infant transfusion despite delayed cord clamping

We have adapted and calibrated an accurate method for measuring residual placement blood volume (RPBV). We used this method in 33 normal vaginal deliveries and 18 cesarean section deliveries in which the umbilical cord was clamped from 5 to 118 seconds after delivery. Infants born vaginally received 10 to 20 ml. per kilogram of body weight of placental transfusion when umbilical cord was not clamped until 30 seconds or more after delivery. Equivalent delay of umbilical cord clamping in cesarean section infants produced no placental transfusion.