Exclusion of ferritins and iron-responsive element (IRE)-binding proteins as candidates for the hemochromatosis gene

We have looked for genes for ferritin and its translational control protein that could account for anomalies in the expression of ferritin (FT) and the transferrin receptor in the duodenum of individuals with hemochromatosis (HC). We show that there are probably only two FTH-like sequences near the HC locus on the short arm of chromosome 6 and no FTL-like sequences. We report the cloning of the previously uncharacterized FTH sequence from 6p (FTHL15) and show that it is probably a processed pseudogene. This gene has been mapped with a panel of radiation hybrid cells to near 6p12. Additionally, we show that there are no sequences on chromosome 6p for a protein that coordinately regulates expression of ferritin and the transferrin receptor.

[Clinicopathological analysis of rhabdomyosarcoma of the ocular adenexa]

12 cases including 11 males and 1 female of rhabdomyosarcoma of ocular adenexa were analysed. The average age of the patients was 4.2 years. 9 cases of lesion were located in the orbit, 2 in the eyelid and 1 in conjunctiva. Pathologically 8 cases were embryonal forms, 2 alveolar, 2 polymorphic. Immunohistochemical studies were performed in 8 cases, which showed desmin positive. Myoglobin presented strong or weak positive in 5 cases, suspicious positive in 3 cases. The clinical manifestation, prognosis and treatment were briefly discussed.

Evaluation of a recombinant parasite antigen for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis

We evaluated the usefulness of a recombinant parasite antigen (recSXP1) for the serologic diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. A large proportion of sera from microfilaremic donors living in five different endemic countries (356 of 446 [80%]) contained IgG antibodies to recSXP1, as do sera from approximately 33% of amicrofilaremic patients with acute filarial disease and/or indirect evidence of active filarial infection. Exposure to filarial worms per se does not appear sufficient to elicit an anti-SXP1 antibody response. Thus, this serologic test identifies a large proportion of persons with active lymphatic filariasis among residents of endemic areas.

[Nasal NK-cell lymphoma]

A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on June 1st, 1993, because of nasal obstruction, epistaxis, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Examination disclosed a 2-cm white necrotic mass in the nasal septum, and a biopsy disclosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse, mixed-type. Imprint smears showed cytoplasmic azurophilic granules in the tumor cells. Dense granules were demonstrated by electron microscopy. The tumor cells were CD1-2+3-4-7+8-16+56+57-, and T cell receptor genes were in germline configuration. NK activity against K562 was strongly positive. Based on morphologic, phenotypic, immunogenotypic, and cytotoxic findings, the tumor cells seemed to be derived from activated NK cells. Because the tumor cells were positive for the EB virus and CD21 antigen, EB virus seemed to have infected CD21-positive NK cells and transformed them. MDR P-glycoprotein was also positive. This finding may explain why nasal lymphomas are resistant to chemotherapy and have a poor prognosis.

[Intravenous placental immunoglobulin for treatment of chronic graft versus host disease]

Intravenous placental immunoglobulin (IV Pt IG) was used for the treatment of chronic graft versus host disease (CGVHD) in 30 patients who are refractory to steroid and cyclosporinic A. 15 (50%) patients showed excellent response and 11 (36.66%) good response. The total response rate is 86.66%. The dosage of IV Pt IG was 4 gm/day in adults by intravenous infusion. Effectiveness of IV PtIG was discerned within 2 weeks. The plasma levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were tested before and after IV PtIG treatment. There was no significant statistical difference between the plasma IgG, IgA, IgM levels in pre- and post-treatment period. The efficacy of IV PtIG against CGVHD is therefore ascribed to its pharmacological effect.

[Application of synthetic 27 oligopeptide of HDV antigen for detecting serum anti-HD in HBV infected subjects in Chongqing]

A synthetic HDAg 27 peptide which was selected and designed by the authors and synthesised by Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Science was used with ELISA method to detect serum anti HD in HBV infected subjects in Chongqing. Anti HD was positive in one of 300 blood donors and was negative in all of 113 cases of hepatitis A and 58 cases of hepatitis non-B. Anti HD was positive in 106 out of 882 cases with positive HBV marker (12.02%), among which anti HD was positive in 3.17% (13/410) of HBsAg carrier, 14.4% (11/76) of acute hepatitis, 7.6% (1/13) of chronic persistent hepatitis, 17.68% (22/121) of chronic active hepatitis, 19.77% (17/86) of severe hepatitis, 29.49% (23/78) of liver cancer and 19.39% (19/98) of primary hepatic cancer. These results coincided with those of previous reports. The coincidence rate was 94.9% (74/78) when compared with Abbott EIA kit. When the natural HDAg was used to compete anti HD in four anti HD positive and two anti HD negative serum specimens, anti HD was negative in all specimens. It is shown that the HDAg 27 peptide has natural HDAg activity capable of being recognized by natural anti HD and is a new diagnostic agent being more simple, save, stable and reliable.

[A community cohort study on risk factors of strokes in Shanghai: a Cox regression analysis on 15,885 subjects]

Baseline investigation on 15,885 subjects who were over thirty-five years old had been launched since July 1987. All of them were selected from eighteen neighbourhoods of three districts in Shanghai by using multiple stage cluster sampling procedure. All of them were followed up till the end of 1989. Each new case of stroke was randomly matched with about twenty controls by age and sex. The total 2,682 controls together with 127 new cases of strokes were analyzed by using Cox regression model for risk factors. The population attributable risk proportion (PARP) of factors was also estimated.

[Cloning and DNA sequencing of the gene encoding trichosanthin]

A gene encoding Trichosanthin (TCS) was amplified by means of DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned from the genomic DNA of Trichosanthes kirilowii. Its DNA sequence has been determined. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicates that the cloned TCS gene includes 5'-flanking region and the encoding sequence for TCS preproprotein. Comparison of its encoding sequence with the published nucleotide sequences of three TCS genes demonstrates that they have the sequence homologies of 99.20%, 98.74% and 98.64% respectively. Comparing its deduced amino acid sequence with four reported amino acid sequences of TCS demonstrates that they have the sequence homologies of 98.62%, 97.62%, 97.41% and 98.38% respectively. A new TATA-like box sequence was found in the 5'-flanking region of cloned TCS gene. In order to further study the structure, expression, regulating mechanism of TCS gene and the structure-functional relationship of TCS, a series of mutants of TCS gene has been constructed. The expression of these mutants in bacteria and transgenic plant has being studied.

[Experimental study on delayed reinnervation of vocal cord adductors]

The adductor branch was anastomosed with the main branch of ansa cervicalis to reinnervate the vocal cord adductors in six dogs at the time of denervation and after varying intervals of chronic denervation. Some recovery of adduction was noted within ten-month interval. Laryngeal electromyography, tension tests and histologic studies of the adductor muscles were correlated with the recovery of adduction. Although adduction didn't recover after twelve-month interval, striations of the adductor muscles were normal, only slight fibrosis was observed.

A novel granulocyte-derived peptide with lipopolysaccharide-neutralizing activity

Rabbit CAP18 (cationic antimicrobial protein, 18 kDa) is a leukocyte protein identified and purified using as an assay its capacity to bind and inhibit various activities of LPS. Oligonucleotide probes designed from the putative N-terminal protein sequence were used to obtain the corresponding cDNA from a rabbit bone marrow cDNA library. Examination of the cDNA sequence revealed that the protein fragment of the putative N-terminus was actually a 37-amino-acid C-terminal fragment. This fragment, designated CAP18(106-142), inhibits many activities of LPS. In the present studies, synthetic CAP18(106-142) is shown to: 1) bind to erythrocytes coated with diverse strains of LPS; 2) inhibit LPS-induced release of cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6) and nitric oxide from macrophages; 3) inhibit LPS-induced LAL coagulation and 4) protect mice from LPS lethality. CAP18(106-142) may have therapeutic utility for conditions associated with elevated concentrations of LPS.

Primary culture of rat gastric epithelial cells as an in vitro model to evaluate antiulcer agents

Primary rat gastric cell cultures were investigated as an in vitro model for evaluating antiulcer agents. Following exposure to concentrations of up to 5 mg/mL of an antiulcer agent sucralfate, an aluminum hydroxide complex of sucrose octasulfate, cultured cells were treated with either pH 3.5 medium or 3.5 mM indomethacin. Cytoprotection was evaluated by colony forming efficiency, neutral red uptake, and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) hydrolysis. By each measure, and depending on damaging agent, 2 and 5 mg/mL sucralfate provided partial (50% of untreated control) to near-complete (90% of untreated control) cytoprotection, respectively. Aluminum hydroxide also provided partial (55% of untreated control) to near-complete (more than 90% of untreated control) cytoprotection at 2 and 5 mg/mL, respectively, for the pH 3.5 medium-induced damage. Over a concentration range of 0.05 to 5 mg/mL, the potassium salt of sucrose octasulfate, KSOS, stimulated cell growth up to 40-60% over untreated controls but had little or no cytoprotective action in the presence of either 3.5 mM indomethacin or pH 3.5 medium. Overall results suggested that sucralfate may have at least two roles in influencing gastric epithelial cell function, cytoprotection and stimulation of cell growth in vitro. These observations serve as a basis for further study of in vitro models in evaluating the cytoprotective activity of antiulcer agents and their respective mechanisms of action.

A novel granulocyte-derived peptide with lipopolysaccharide-neutralizing activity

Rabbit CAP18 (cationic antimicrobial protein, 18 kDa) is a leukocyte protein identified and purified using as an assay its capacity to bind and inhibit various activities of LPS. Oligonucleotide probes designed from the putative N-terminal protein sequence were used to obtain the corresponding cDNA from a rabbit bone marrow cDNA library. Examination of the cDNA sequence revealed that the protein fragment of the putative N-terminus was actually a 37-amino-acid C-terminal fragment. This fragment, designated CAP18(106-142), inhibits many activities of LPS. In the present studies, synthetic CAP18(106-142) is shown to: 1) bind to erythrocytes coated with diverse strains of LPS; 2) inhibit LPS-induced release of cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6) and nitric oxide from macrophages; 3) inhibit LPS-induced LAL coagulation and 4) protect mice from LPS lethality. CAP18(106-142) may have therapeutic utility for conditions associated with elevated concentrations of LPS.

Antimicrobial activity of rabbit CAP18-derived peptides

A cationic antimicrobial protein of 18 kDa (CAP18) was originally isolated from rabbit granulocytes by using as an assay the agglutination of Re-lipopolysaccharide-coated erythrocytes. The C-terminal 37 amino acids of CAP18 (CAP18(106-142)) make up the lipopolysaccharide-binding domain. Synthetic CAP18(106-142) has broad antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive (50% inhibitory concentration, 130 to 200 nM) and gram-negative (50% inhibitory concentration, 20 to 100 nM) bacteria. Susceptible strains include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium. Antimicrobial activity is highly dependent on peptide structure. Although a 32-amino-acid peptide resulting from the truncation of 5 amino acids from the C terminus of CAP18(106-142) is highly active, other fragments of CAP18(106-142), including CAP18(106-142) with a truncated N terminus, do not exhibit antimicrobial activity. Unlike previously characterized antimicrobial peptides derived from granulocyte proteins, CAP18(106-142) is active in serum. CAP18(106-142) or a derivative peptide may have therapeutic potential for bacterial sepsis.

Role of protein phosphorylation in TNF-induced apoptosis: phosphatase inhibitors synergize with TNF to activate DNA fragmentation in normal as well as TNF-resistant U937 variants

This study examined the role of protein phosphorylation in TNF induction of apoptosis in several tumor cell lines by testing the effects of agents that either stimulate or inhibit protein phosphorylation. The serine-threonine phosphatase inhibitors, okadaic acid (OKA) and calyculin A (CLA), synergistically augmented TNF-induced apoptosis in several TNF-sensitive tumor cell lines including the U937 histiocytic lymphoma, the BT-20 mammary carcinoma, and the LNCap prostatic tumor cell line. Furthermore, the phosphatase inhibitors completely reversed the TNF resistance of a variant (U9-TR) derived from U937. CLA also inhibited phosphatase activity in cell-free extracts from both U937 and U9-TR at the same concentrations (0.4-2.0 nM) that it synergized with TNF. In contrast, TNF treatment of U937 cells did not result in inhibition of phosphatase activity mediated by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and PP2A in cell extracts. Since the phosphatase inhibitors are known to increase the overall levels of protein phosphorylation in cells, this suggested that TNF may act by stimulating protein kinase (PK) activity. This hypothesis was supported by the results of testing a panel of relatively specific protein kinase inhibitors. TNF activation of DNA fragmentation was blocked by a potent inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) but was unaffected by inhibitors of cAMP or cGMP-dependent PKs. We postulate that a defect in the activation of MLCK or possibly some other as yet unknown PK may be responsible for the TNF resistance of U9-TR. Furthermore, this resistance may be circumvented by promoting protein phosphorylation with the serine-threonine-dependent phosphatase inhibitors.

Nicotine inhibition of apoptosis suggests a role in tumor promotion

Recent evidence indicates that cell death through apoptosis may be an important mechanism to prevent tumor development. Therefore, agents that inhibit apoptosis may function as tumor promoters. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nicotine on the process of apoptosis. The results demonstrate that nicotine inhibits apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), UV light, chemotherapeutic drugs, and calcium ionophore. This phenomenon was observed in normal and transformed cells derived from a variety of species and tissues, including tumor cell types related to tobacco use. The major nicotine metabolite, cotinine, also inhibited apoptosis, whereas N-nitrosodiethylamine, a carcinogen found in tobacco, was without effect. Therefore, nicotine-mediated inhibition of apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of tobacco-related cancer as well as decrease the efficacy of cancer therapies.

[Analysis of estrogen receptors in normal bone and bone tumor tissues]

Thirteen human normal bone and fifteen bone tumor tissues were assayed for estrogen receptor (ER) by Dextran-coated Charcoal method (Scatchard plot). The results showed that the concentrations of ER in normal bone tissues (15.12 +/- 14.68 fmol/mg pro) were higher than that of bone malignant tumors (8.04 +/- 6.71 fmol/mg pro) P < 0.05). The binding dissociation constants (Kd) of ER in bone tumors (18.46 +/- 27.10 x 10(-11) mol/L) was lower than those in normal ones (39.91 +/- 20.13 x 10(-11) mol/L) (P < 0.025). The percentages for positive score of ER in normal and tumor ones (23.1%, 26.7%) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Our study indicated that the variations of concentration and affinity of ER in bone related to the tumor incidence. That cytosol ER content was decreased in malignant bone tumors whereas that of affinity increase suggests an impairment or change of an intact receptor mechanism in this tissues.

[Clinical study on patients with lateral position test (LPT) for determining the relative function on each lung]

Comparing the lateral position test (LPT) on 20 patients of lung cancer with bronchospirometry of tracheal intubation, the authors found that the VC, oxygen uptake were in high positive correlation, while VE were in moderate positive correlation. Therefore, they conclude that LPT could substitute the complicated tracheal intubation for determining the relative function of each lung before the total pneumonectomy.

[Synthetic oligopeptide of hepatitis D virus antigen and its clinical application]

A 27-peptide fragment derived from natural HDAg sequence was selected, identified and synthesized. It was used to develop an EIA method for detection of anti-HD. The 27-peptide possessed the similar antigenicity with the corresponding fragment of natural HDAg, and could also compete with natural HDAg for serum anti-HD. High specificity and no cross-reaction were found among the peptide and normal human sera, normal mice sera and sera positive with HAV, HBV or HCV antibody alone. 36 serum samples were identified previously, with Abbott kits with a coincident rate of 97.2%. Anti-HD was also detected in serum samples of some blood donors and patients with liver diseases and HBV infection from 1990-1992. One (0.33%) of 300 blood donors was positive (two times higher than normal ALT level in serum). 62 patients with hepatitis A and 58 patients with non-hepatitis B were anti-HD negative. 100 (11.64%) of 859 patients with HBV infection were positive: ASC 13/410 (3.17%), AH 7/63 (10.29%), CPH 1/9 (11.11%), CAH 22/121 (18.18%), SH 15/75 (20.00%), LC 23/78 (29.49%), PHC 19/89 (19.39%). The results are consistent with our previous reports.

Hoxb-4 (Hox-2.6) mutant mice show homeotic transformation of a cervical vertebra and defects in the closure of the sternal rudiments

Two Hoxb-4 (Hox-2.6) mutations were introduced into the mouse germline. The overt phenotype caused by one of the mutations was assayed on two different genetic backgrounds, an inbred 129SvEv and a hybrid 129SvEv-C57BL/6J. The allele hoxb-4' is a disruption of the first exon and causes two obvious skeletal changes: a partial homeotic transformation of the second cervical vertebra from axis to atlas and a defective morphogenesis of the sternum. Both phenotypes have incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity when assayed in the hybrid genetic background, but the sternum defect is completely penetrant in the inbred background. The mutant allele hoxb-4s has a premature stop codon, introduced by the "hit and run" method in the second exon, that disrupts the third helix of the homeodomain. This allele also causes the partial homeotic transformation of axis to atlas, but it does not affect the sternum.

Regulation of neutrophil interleukin 8 gene expression and protein secretion by LPS, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta

Neutrophils are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases through the release of numerous mediators. In the present study, we studied the regulation of IL-8 gene induction and protein secretion in human blood neutrophils. Northern blot analysis revealed that LPS increased IL-8 mRNA levels in neutrophils, with a maximal fivefold increase by 2 h. IL-8 mRNa levels returned to baseline values within 12 h. In contrast, LPS-stimulated monocytes demonstrated a sustained increase of IL-8 mRNA levels for more than 24 h. TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and phorbol myristate acetate also increased IL-8 mRNA levels in neutrophils. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that IL-8 was localized within stimulated neutrophils. IL-8 secretion by neutrophils and monocytes was quantified using a specific ELISA for IL-8. Resting neutrophils secreted minimal IL-8 activity. However when cells were stimulated with LPS, TNF-alpha, or IL-1B, neutrophils secreted IL-8. IL-8 secretion was most marked during the first 2 h after stimulation and decreased thereafter. In contrast, monocytes maintained a high rate of IL-8 secretion over 12 h. Although a single monocyte secreted 70-fold more IL-8 than did a single neutrophil after 4 h of incubation, the high abundance of neutrophils in peripheral blood made the neutrophil-secreted IL-8 more significant. During the first 2 h, neutrophils secreted approximately 40% of the IL-8 released by monocytes in the same volume of blood. This ratio decreased to 9% after 12 h. Neutrophil-secreted IL-8 may play an autocrine or paracrine role during the initial stage of inflammation.

[Preparation of monoclonal antibody against basic glutathione S-transferase and its clinical application]

Balb/c mice were immunized with basic glutathione s-transferase (B-GST) prepared from human liver and the monoclonal antibody against B-GST was purified. Serum B-GST level was measured in 234 patients with various types of viral hepatitis with solid radioimmuno-sandwich assay and the value in 70 donors (4.19 +/- 4.42 ng/ml) used as control. The serum B-GST level in 117 cases with acute icteric hepatitis, 85 cases with chronic active hepatitis and 32 cases with severe hepatitis were 8.6, 8.4 and 5.9 times higher than that of the controls respectively. At the same time, serum alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activity in patients with various types of viral hepatitis were 6.8, 3.1 and 2.4 times higher respectively. These results showed that the change of serum B-GST level was more prominent than that of ALT activity. In addition, the change of B-GST in 35 patients with CAH and 13 with severe hepatitis were serially observed. Serum B-GST level persisted at high level for a long time in most of the patients, while serum ALT activity soon became normal. It is shown that serum B-GST level is more valuable than ALT in estimating chronic and severe liver damage.

An error-weighted regularization algorithm for image motion-field estimation

Local motion measurement errors are used to guide the global smoothing process in order to preserve motion-field discontinuities. A field-smoothing algorithm based on matching-error weighting is proposed. The added computation is minimal, since it uses byproducts of the local measurement process. The error-weighting functional provides significantly improved motion field estimates, as measured by motion-compensated interpolation performance. However, the mean-square reconstruction error is somewhat higher than that obtained by performing the much more computationally expensive stochastic optimization.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as probes of T-lymphocyte gene function

Conventional and thiophosphonate-derivatized oligonucleotides were employed to specifically regulate functional gene expression in murine T-cell hybridomas. For example, induction of apoptotic cell death following activation of T-cell hybridomas was examined using antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to several protooncogenes. We found that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides corresponding to c-myc inhibited both the characteristic DNA fragmentation and the loss of cell viability following activation without affecting production of lymphokines. Functional antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to c-fos had no effect in this system. These results demonstrate the use of antisense oligonucleotides to regulate function in T-cell hybridomas and provide valuable insights into the molecular bases of this biological phenomenon. Antisense oligonucleotides were also used to study another problem, the relation of T-cell-derived antigen-specific immunoregulatory factors to the T-cell receptor (TCR). Because the translation start of each TCR gene usually varies from one T cell to another, antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to the TCR V alpha or V beta of different cells were shown to act in a cell-specific manner. Furthermore, this method was used to demonstrate that a soluble antigen-specific regulatory activity produced by one of the T-cell lines depends on expression of the specific TCRa, an observation that has since been confirmed by gene transfer experiments. Expression of the CD3-TCR complex on the cell surface was also blocked by antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to CD3 gamma and CD3 zeta; however, neither these nor TCR V beta antisense oligonucleotides had any effect on production of the soluble regulatory activity.

Editing on the genomic RNA of human hepatitis delta virus

It has been shown previously that during replication of the genome of human hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a specific nucleotide change occurs to eliminate the termination codon for the small delta antigen (G. Luo, M. Chao, S.-Y. Hsieh, C. Sureau, K. Nishikura, and J. Taylor, J. Virol. 64:1021-1027, 1990). This change creates an extension in the length of the open reading frame for the delta antigen from 195 to 214 amino acids. These two proteins, the small and large delta antigens, have important and distinct roles in the life cycle of HDV. To further investigate the mechanism of this specific nucleotide alteration, we developed a sensitive assay involving the polymerase chain reaction to monitor changes on HDV RNA sequences as they occurred in transfected cells. We found that the substrate for the sequence change was the viral genomic RNA rather than the antigenomic RNA. This sequence change occurred independently of genome replication or the presence of the delta antigen. Less than full-length genomic RNA could act as a substrate, but only if it also contained a corresponding RNA sequences from the other side of the rodlike structure, which is characteristic of HDV. We were also able to reproduce the HDV base change in vitro, by addition of purified viral RNA to nuclear extracts of cells from a variety of species.

Chlorhexidine effects on membrane lipid domains of human buccal epithelial cells

The effect of chlorhexidine gluconate on the adherence of Candida albicans to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) and drug-induced alterations in BEC membrane-lipid packing order were examined. Treatment of BEC with attached yeasts with 0.1 and 0.2% chlorhexidine resulted in significant yeast detachment after 90 and 60 min, respectively. Following pre-treatment of BEC with greater than 0.1% chlorhexidine, yeast adherence was inhibited by greater than 80%. In parallel experiments, the fluorescence anisotropy of BEC labeled with fluorescent membrane probes--diphenylhexatriene (DPH) and trimethylammonium DPH--was assessed following exposure to chlorhexidine. The fluorescence anisotropy decreased with increasing concentrations of chlorhexidine, which indicated that the drug decreased epithelial-cell membrane-lipid packing order. Chlorhexidine concentrations that altered epithelial-cell membrane-lipid packing order, particularly in superficial regions, were similar to those drug concentrations required for detachment of adherent yeasts. Similar results were obtained with a second antifungal, nystatin A. While the effects of chlorhexidine on the buccal-cell membrane-lipid packing order were not reversed by multiple washings, the opposite situation occurred with nystatin A. The results suggest that chlorhexidine-induced alterations of BEC membrane-lipid order may be involved in the antifungal actions of the drug.

[A new virus of rabbit. II. Study on morphological structure and some physicochemical properties of a strain of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus]

In this paper a strain of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) was isolated and purified from the diseased rabbit livers with a method of using chloroform, two-phase of polyethylene-glycol-dextran sulfate sodium and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Purified virus was nonenveloped, icosahedeal symmetry with a triangulation number of 3, and 33-37 nm in diameter. The capsid was composed of 32 capsomeres with central holes in an outer diameter of about 9nm. Two types of viral particles having different sedimentation coefficient, 130s and 166s could be identified after sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Probably no less than four virion proteins with molecular weight of 66.4, 65.0, 63.5, 41.0 x 10(3) dalton were detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Viral nucleic acid was extracted from purified virus by using SDS-proteinase K-phenol. Tests with diphenylamine, formaldehyde, and staining with acridine orange as well as the curves of thermal denaturation showed that this kind of virus had a single-stranded DNA. The molecular weight of the ssDNA was approx 2.1 x 10(6) dalton as determined by electron microscopy. Data indicate that the RHDV may like the parvovirus of the family Parvoviridae.

Nuclear morphometry and its prognostic significance in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas

The five parameters including nuclear area (NA), nuclear perimeter (NP), nuclear diameter (ND), axis ratio and nuclear roundness were evaluated with MIAS200 Image Analysis System (Sichuan University, Chengdu) in 45 patients with laryngeal primary squamous cell carcinoma, which were confirmed pathologically and operated on from January 1977 to October 1987. The results showed that NA, NP and ND are important prognostic indicators. The survival rate in patients with large nuclei (NA greater than 73 microns2, NP greater than 32.5 microns, ND greater than 12 microns) was significantly lower than that in those with small nuclei (NA less than 73 microns2, NP less than 32.5 microns, ND less than 12 microns) (P less than 0.0025). These findings strongly suggest that patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with large nuclei should be treated more aggressively.

Genomic DNA microextraction: a method to screen numerous samples

Many experimental designs require the analysis of genomic DNA from a large number of samples. Although the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used, the Southern blot is preferred for many assays because of its inherent reliability. The rapid acceptance of PCR, despite a significant rate of false positive/negative results, is partly due to the disadvantages of the sample preparation process for Southern blot analysis. We have devised a rapid protocol to extract high-molecular-weight genomic DNA from a large number of samples. It involves the use of a single 96-well tissue culture dish to carry out all the steps of the sample preparation. This, coupled with the use of a multichannel pipette, facilitates the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples. The procedure may be automated since no centrifugation, mixing, or transferring of the samples is necessary. The method has been used to screen embryonic stem cell clones for the presence of targeted mutations at the Hox-2.6 locus and to obtain data from human blood.

Proteus penneri isolated from the pus of a patient with epidural abscess

P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris are the two wellknown species in the genus Proteus. P. myxofaciens and P. penneri are recent additions to the genus. We isolated P. penneri from the pus of a patient with suppurative otitis media and an epidural abscess. The characteristics of the organism, including morphology, staining, physiology and biochemistry, were studied. Clinical microbiological laboratories should suspect P. penneri in the case of as Proteus strain that is negative for indole, salicin and esculin, but otherwise resembles P. vulgaris. Proteus penneri, formerly known as Proteus vulgaris indole-negative or as Proteus vulgaris biogroup 1, was named by Hickman et al in 1932. Little information about human infection by this organism is available. In 1982, Hickman and co-workers studied 20 strain of P. penneri which were isolated from clinical specimens (urine, stool, etc.) in the USA. However, its clinical significance, until recently, was unknown. We isolated a strain of P. penneri from the pus of a patient with suppurative otitis media and an epidural abscess on June 10 and 15, 1989. This paper concerns the problems encountered in identifying this organism and its clinical significance.

The lysine analog L-oxalysine is an inhibitor of RNA synthesis

1. The lysine analog L-4-oxalysine was found to be a potent inhibitor of RNA synthesis in Candida albicans. 2. The compound was a weak inhibitor of protein synthesis and DNA synthesis was not affected. 3. The inhibition of RNA synthesis was reversed by L-lysine but not D-lysine. 4. The decrease in the level of newly synthesized RNA in cells treated with L-oxalysine was due to inhibition of de novo synthesis rather than to degradation of RNA.

Fidelity of targeted recombination in human fibroblasts and murine embryonic stem cells

Targeted recombination in murine embryonic stem cells promises to be a powerful tool for introducing specific mutations into target genes to study development in mice and to create animal models of human disease. Gene targeting also holds potential for correcting genetic defects as an approach to human gene therapy. To precisely modify target genes, homologous recombination must proceed with high fidelity. However, several results have suggested that targeted recombination may be highly mutagenic. To test the accuracy of gene targeting we analyzed 44 independent targeted recombinants at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) locus in a human fibroblast cell line and in mouse embryonic stem cells. We surveyed 80 kilobases around the sites of recombination by using chemical cleavage of mismatches. Only two mutations were found: a T----G transversion and a thymidine deletion. Thus, gene targeting in mammalian cells can be extremely accurate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of generating precise modifications of mammalian genomes by gene targeting.

Induction and localization of Plasmodium falciparum stress proteins related to the heat shock protein 70 family

Induction of heat shock-related stress proteins Pfhsp and Pfgrp, similar in sequence to hsp70 (heat shock protein) and grp78 (glucose-regulated protein), respectively, was studied in culture-derived parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Elevation in temperature from 26 degrees C to 37 degrees C and higher caused significant induction of Pfhsp with a moderate effect on the synthesis of Pfgrp also. Synthesis of Pfgrp, however, was not induced by partial glucose deprivation. On the contrary, lack of glucose in the medium resulted in cessation of protein synthesis in the parasites. Other known inducers of grp synthesis in mammalian cells, i.e., calcium ionophore A23187 and inhibitors of glycosylation (tunicamycin, 2-deoxy glucose) were also without any apparent effect on the synthesis of Pfgrp. Heat shock-induced responses were transient in nature: removal of stress caused repression of these responses. The effect of glucose deprivation was only partially reversible with better recovery if parasites were subjected to glucose starvation at 26 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. Northern blot analysis and in vitro translation of mRNA revealed a parallel increase in the levels of mRNA for Pfhsp upon heat shock. Immuno-gold electron microscopy with cultured parasites revealed nuclear location of Pfhsp and primarily cytoplasmic (probably endoplasmic reticulum) location of Pfgrp. These findings suggest that SDEL (carboxy terminal sequence of Pfgrp) might play a similar role in the cellular localization of Pfgrp as does the sequence KDEL in mammalian cells and HDEL in yeast.

Pentoxifylline does not attenuate acute lung injury in the absence of granulocytes

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine, can suppress polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) activation and attenuate sepsis-induced acute lung injury. We investigated whether PTX prevents non-PMN-dependent lung injury. First we studied four groups of granulocyte-depleted guinea pigs (control, PTX, Escherichia coli, and E. coli + PTX). Lung injury was assessed by wet-to-dry lung weight (W/D) ratio and lung tissue-to-plasma 125I-albumin ratio (albumin index, AI). The E. coli group showed a significant increase in the lung W/D ratio and AI compared with the control and PTX groups. However, PTX did not prevent the E. coli-induced increase in the lung W/D ratio and AI. Next we investigated the effects of PTX on endothelial cell monolayer permeability and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Whereas E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone increased the endothelial permeability, PMNs added to the endothelial monolayers and exposed to LPS enhanced the increase. PTX attenuated the permeability increase mediated by LPS-exposed PMNs. PTX did not prevent the LPS-induced increase in permeability when PMNs were not present, although PTX increased endothelial cell cAMP levels. These data demonstrate that 1) PTX does not prevent lung injury in granulocyte-depleted guinea pigs; 2) PTX does not prevent LPS-induced increases in endothelial cell permeability, despite increased cAMP levels; and 3) PTX attenuates PMN-dependent increases in endothelial cell permeability.

[Glycosaminoglycans associate with corneal transparency]

Keratoplasty specimens form 12 patients with macular corneal dystrophy, 1 patient with systemic glycosaminoglycan stored disease and 12 cases of normal cornea were studied by electron-histochemistry. The results showed that the normal cornea contains chondroitin sulfate in the basement membrane and bowman's membrane, Keratan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate between the collagen fibrils of strome, heparan sulfate on the cell membranes of various cells, and hyaluronic acid on the surface of endothelial cell. The chondroitin sulfate of the stroma of macular corneal dystrophy increases, but the keratan sulfate is absent. The keratocytes and endothelial cells of macular corneal dystrophy synthesize fibrillogranular material and abnormal glycosaminoglycan. The heparan sulfate is stored in the cytoplasm of corneal epithelial cell and keratocyte of systemic glycosaminoglycan stored disease and absent on the membrane of involved cells. The authors suggest that glycosaminoglycan play important role in maintaining corneal transparency and the changes of distribution, character and quantity of glycosaminoglycan in the cornea cause corneal opaqueness.

Attenuation of LPS-induced neutrophil thromboxane b2 release and chemiluminescence

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) may play a key role in acute lung injury and ARDS. The mechanisms of PMN-mediated lung injury include the release of inflammatory mediators, such as oxygen free radicals which cause direct tissue injury, and arachidonic acid metabolites which cause pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased vascular permeability. The goals of this in vitro study were 1) to assess the effects of PMN-activating agents (lipopolysaccharide, LPS; phorbol myristate acetate, PMA; tumor necrosis factor, TNF) on PMN thromboxane B2 (TXB2) release and oxygen free radical production and 2) to determine the effects of agents purported to suppress PMN activity (pentoxifylline, PTX; adenosine; dibutyryl cyclic AMP, DBcAMP; and terbutaline, TBN) on activator-induced PMN TXB2 release and oxygen free radical production. PMN TXB2 release was determined by radioimmunoassay and oxygen free radical production was monitored by chemiluminescence. Our results show that 1) LPS and PMA significantly increase PMN TXB2 release, whereas tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has no effect; 2) LPS and PMA significantly increase PMN chemiluminescence; 3) DBcAMP and TBN significantly reduce LPS-induced PMN TXB2 release whereas PTX and adenosine do not; 4) TBN significantly reduces PMA-induced PMN TXB2 release whereas other agents do not; 5) All agents (PTX, adenosine, DBcAMP, and TBN) significantly reduce LPS-induced PMN chemiluminescence but none attenuate PMA-induced PMN chemiluminescence. We conclude that: LPS and PMA activate PMN manifested by TXB2 release and chemiluminescence. Additionally, all the PMN suppressing agents do attenuate some PMN functions. Of interest, PTX, adenosine, DBcAMP, and TBN have different effects depending upon functional assay and activating agent. It will be important to investigate the mechanisms by which PMN suppressing agents alter signal transduction resulting in differential effects on PMN function.

Early post-treatment with pentoxifylline or dibutyryl cAMP attenuates Escherichia coli-induced acute lung injury in guinea pigs

We examined effects of early post-treatment with the methylxanthine pentoxifylline (PTXF), or the cell-permeable adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analog dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) on Escherichia-coli-induced acute lung injury in guinea pigs. Acute lung injury was assessed by measurements of lung water (lung wet/dry weight ratio; W/D ratio), the concentration ratio of 125I-albumin in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue compared with plasma (albumin index; BAL-AI or tissue-AI), and total differential leukocyte count in BAL fluid. Mean arterial pressure (Pa) and peripheral WBC counts were monitored continuously over the 8-h experiment. Septicemia was induced by a bolus injection of 2 x 10(9)/kg live E. coli. Thirty minutes later the animals received a bolus injection followed by continuous infusion of PTXF (20 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg/h; n = 8) or db-cAMP (2 mg/kg + 2 mg/kg/h; n = 8) or saline (septic control; n = 8). Nonseptic control groups were also studied. The lung W/D ratio, BAL-AI, lung tissue-AI, and BAL leukocyte count increased significantly in the septic control group. The PTXF-septic and db-cAMP-septic groups showed no significant increase in lung W/D ratio, BAL-AI, and lung tissue-AI. However, there was no difference in BAL total and differential leukocyte count as compared with the septic control group. PTXF and db-cAMP had no effect on E. coli-induced changes in peripheral WBC count and Pa. Comparison in vitro experiments demonstrated that PTXF and db-cAMP inhibited the endotoxin-induced (E. coli) chemiluminescent response of isolated guinea-pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Attenuation of tumor necrosis factor-induced endothelial cell cytotoxicity and neutrophil chemiluminescence

Our laboratory has previously shown that the administration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine produced by activated mononuclear cells, to guinea pigs produces a syndrome similar to gram-negative sepsis or ARDS. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine, protects against TNF-induced and sepsis-induced acute lung injury in vivo. We now report on in vitro cellular studies of PMN-mediated cellular injury and its attenuation. We studied TNF-induced bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell (EC) cytotoxicity both with and without PMN. A 51Cr release assay was used to measure EC damage. Further, we investigated PMN function in response to TNF by measuring chemiluminescence. Agents that attenuate EC damage and PMN activation were evaluated in the above assays. Results revealed that TNF causes EC injury (p less than 0.05) and PMN increase TNF-induced EC injury. Furthermore, PTX, aminophylline (AMPH), caffeine, and forskolin attenuate TNF-induced EC cytotoxicity only in the presence of PMN (p less than 0.05). Of interest, dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP) protects EC from TNF-induced injury both with and without PMN. Agents that may increase cAMP levels in PMN (PTX, DBcAMP, forskolin, isobutyl methylxanthine, and terbutaline) significantly attenuate TNF-induced PMN chemiluminescence (p less than 0.05). We conclude that TNF causes EC damage and PMN increase this damage. Furthermore, PTX, AMPH, caffeine, and forskolin can attenuate TNF-induced EC injury in the presence of PMN, whereas DBcAMP attenuates TNF-induced EC injury with and without PMN. In addition, agents that may increase intracellular cAMP levels in PMN can attenuate TNF-induced PMN chemiluminescence. Thus, these agents likely attenuate TNF-induced PMN-mediated EC injury through their inhibitory effects on PMN.

Human immune response directed against Plasmodium falciparum heat shock-related proteins

Heat shock-related stress proteins present in all eucaryotes and procaryotes have been shown to be immune targets in a broad range of infections. We have analyzed sera from people exposed primarily to Plasmodium falciparum for specific antibodies against two heat shock-related proteins (proteins similar to the heat shock protein with a molecular weight of 75,000 [Pfhsp] and a glucose-regulated protein with a molecular weight of 72,000 [Pfgrp]). In an immunoprecipitation analysis with metabolically labeled parasites and synthetic peptides in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, specific antibodies against Pfhsp and Pfgrp were detected in the sera of these individuals. Sera from people exposed to a different human malarial parasite, Plasmodium vivax, did not react with the peptides in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Southern blot analysis with DNA isolated from P. falciparum from different geographical locations showed a conservation of genes for these stress proteins; thus, they are likely to be immune targets in various endemic areas. Lymphocytes from two tested immune donors responded in proliferation assays to purified Pfhsp and Pfgrp and purified recombinant proteins. However, a similar response was also seen in lymphocytes from nonimmune individuals and has raised questions pertaining to a generalized responsiveness of lymphocytes to some common determinants present in heat shock-related proteins in various pathogens.