CTC1 increases the radioresistance of human melanoma cells by inhibiting telomere shortening and apoptosis

Melanoma has traditionally been viewed as a radioresistant cancer. However, recent studies suggest that under certain clinical circumstances, radiotherapy may play a significant role in the treatment of melanoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that telomere length is a hallmark of radiosensitivity. The newly discovered mammalian CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex has been demonstrated to be an important telomere maintenance factor. In this study, by establishing a radiosensitive/radioresistant human melanoma cell model, MDA-MB-435/MDA-MB-435R, we aimed to investigate the association of CTC1 expression with radiosensitivity in human melanoma cell lines, and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that CTC1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly increased in the MDA-MB-435R cells compared with the MDA-MB-435 cells. Moreover, the downregulation of CTC1 enhanced radiosensitivity, induced DNA damage and promoted telomere shortening and apoptosis in both cell lines. Taken together, our findings suggest that CTC1 increases the radioresistance of human melanoma cells by inhibiting telomere shortening and apoptosis. Thus, CTC1 may be an attractive target gene for the treatment of human melanoma.

Novel GMP-compatible protocol employing an allogeneic B cell bank for clonal expansion of allospecific natural regulatory T cells

The adoptive transfer of natural regulatory T cells (nTreg) is a new option to reshape undesired immune reactivity in autoimmunity and transplantation toward "tolerance." The first clinical trials using adoptive transfer of polyclonal nTreg demonstrated safety and hints of efficacy. However, the low frequencies of antigen-specific cells among the pool of polyclonal nTreg and their broad antigen nonspecific suppression are limitations of this approach regarding efficacy and safety. Recently, the isolation and expansion of (allo)antigen-specific nTreg have successfully been achieved by using Treg-specific activation markers but the yield is relatively low. Here, we describe a novel good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compatible expansion protocol of alloantigen-specific nTreg based on the stimulation of nTreg by allogeneic activated B cells. Their functionality and specificity are superior compared to polyclonal nTreg both in vitro and in vivo. Employing an allogeneic B cell bank, designed to cover the majority of HLA types, allows fast GMP-compliant manufacturing for donor-specific nTreg for clinical application in organ and stem cell transplantation. TCR repertoire analyses by next generation sequencing revealed impressive expansion by several log-steps of even very low-abundance alloantigen-specific nTreg clones. This novel method offers a simple approach for expanding antigen-specific nTreg and is characterized by high replicability and easy transferability to full GMP standards.

Production of polyclonal antibodies directed to recombinant methionyl bovine somatotropin

The administration of recombinant methionyl bovine somatotropin (rMbST) to dairy cows to increase milk yield remains a common practice in many countries including the USA, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Korea, whereas it has been forbidden within the European Union (EU) since 1999. A rapid screening immunoanalytical method capable of the unequivocal determination of rMbST in milk would be highly desirable in order to effectively monitor compliance with the EU-wide ban for home-made or imported dairy products. For decades, the production of specific antibodies for this recombinant isoform of bovine somatotropin (bST) has remained elusive, due to the high degree of sequence homology between both counterparts (e.g. methionine for rMbST in substitution of alanine in bST at the N-terminus). In this study, we compared several immunizing strategies for the production of specific polyclonal antibodies (pAbs), based on the use of the full-length recombinant protein, an rMbST N-terminus peptide fragment and a multiple antigen peptide (MAP) which consists of an oligomeric branching lysine core attached to the first two N-terminus amino acids of rMbST, methionine and phenylalanine (MF-MAP). The immunization with KLH-conjugated MF-MAP led to the production of the pAb with the highest rMbST/bST recognition ratio amongst the generated battery of antibodies. The pAb exhibited a specific binding ability to rMbST in a competitive antigen-coated ELISA format, which avidity was further improved after purification by rMbST N-terminus peptide-based affinity chromatography. These results suggest that immunodiscrimination between structurally related proteins can be achieved using immuno-enhanced immunogens such as MAPs.

Optimization of culture of mesenchymal stem cells: a comparison of conventional plate and microcarrier cultures

OBJECTIVES

There has been increasing interest in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because of their potential use for regenerative therapy; however, there is no well-defined protocol for MSCs culture. This study compares techniques of conventional plate and microcarrier culturing of MSCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, different conditions for isolation and expansion of rat MSCs have been examined and it was found that plating density and plating time in primary culture played important roles for culture of these rat MSCs. When plated at 10(8) /cm(2) density for 72 h, in primary culture, recycling stem cells (RS cells) predominated, and characteristics of rat MSCs (including morphology, growth rate, phenotype and differentiation potentials) remained stable during expansion until passage 14. For subculture of the cells, it was found that their growth rate when incubated at 33 °C was higher than those incubated at 37 °C, and maximal increase was 10- and 6-fold respectively. When cultured using microcarriers, at a density of 1 × 10(5) /mg beads, growth kinetics, phenotype and differentiation potentials also remained constant for cells between passage 2nd and 14th; their maximal number increased 16-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to conventional plate culture, culture using gelatine porous microcarrier Cultispher-S was superior for large-scale production of rat MSCs.

Lack of an association between TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphisms and essential hypertension risk based on a meta-analysis

Although there have been several studies investigating a possible association between essential hypertension and TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphisms, the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of four case-control studies (one study in Europe and three studies in Asia), including 1811 essential hypertension cases and 1381 controls. The pooled results showed no significant associations between any of these polymorphisms and essential hypertension (allele Arg vs allele Gln: odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.70-1.27), additive genetic model (Arg/Arg vs Gln/Gln: OR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.43-2.23), dominant genetic model (Arg/Arg + Arg/Gln vs Gln/ Gln: OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.43-2.21), and recessive genetic model (Arg/ Arg vs Arg/Gln + Gln/Gln: OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.45-2.35). Based on the results of our meta-analysis, we conclude that the TSC gene Arg904Gln polymorphism is not associated with essential hypertension risk.

A "SMART" design for building individualized treatment sequences

Interventions often involve a sequence of decisions. For example, clinicians frequently adapt the intervention to an individual's outcomes. Altering the intensity and type of intervention over time is crucial for many reasons, such as to obtain improvement if the individual is not responding or to reduce costs and burden when intensive treatment is no longer necessary. Adaptive interventions utilize individual variables (severity, preferences) to adapt the intervention and then dynamically utilize individual outcomes (response to treatment, adherence) to readapt the intervention. The Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) provides high-quality data that can be used to construct adaptive interventions. We review the SMART and highlight its advantages in constructing and revising adaptive interventions as compared to alternative experimental designs. Selected examples of SMART studies are described and compared. A data analysis method is provided and illustrated using data from the Extending Treatment Effectiveness of Naltrexone SMART study.

Diffusion tensor group tractography of the corpus callosum in clinically isolated syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many studies have observed atrophy and abnormal diffusion within the CC in MS. However, few studies have addressed whether such abnormalities appear at the earliest stage of MS, especially in CIS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the CC integrity and patterns of CC abnormalities in CIS with diffusion tensor group tractography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, probability maps of the entire CC and its subregions (genu, body, and splenium) were created from 19 healthy subjects. Then these probability maps were used to evaluate diffusion within the entire CC and its segments in 19 patients with CIS. Five indices, including the midsagittal CC area, FA, MD, λ(1), and λ(23), were used to characterize CC integrity.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between patients with CIS and healthy controls in the entire CC and its segments. For the entire CC, patients with CIS had a significantly lower midsagittal CC area and FA, higher MD and λ(23), with a trend toward higher λ(1). These 4 diffusion measures were correlated with T2 lesion volume. Moreover, abnormal white matter integrity was present in subregions of the CC; there was a robust significant increase in λ(23) in the body and splenium and no difference in λ(1) in the genu.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that atrophy and abnormal diffusion inside the CC appear at the stage of CIS and the severity of damage in the genu is milder than that in the body and splenium.

Genetic Etiology and Dental Pulp Cell Deficiency of Hypophosphatasia

Hypophosphatasia is caused by mutations of the tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase ( TNSALP) gene with deficiency of dentin structure. The aim of this study was to examine whether TNSALP mutation in dental pulp cells contributes to dentin dysplasia in hypophosphatasia. Mutation analysis showed that compound heterozygous mutations of TNSALP were identified in three hypophosphatasia patients, including 3 novel mutation sites. Exfoliated teeth from the patients showed abnormal dentin mineralization and loss of cementum, as assessed by ground sections and scanning electron microscope analysis. Dental pulp cells isolated from one of the patients showed a significantly reduced TNSALP activity and mineralization capacity when compared with those in dental pulp cells from the unaffected individuals. Our results suggested that dentin dysplasia in hypophosphatasia may be associated with the decreased mineralization ability of dental pulp cells.

Time-dependent oxidative stress responses of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to intraperitoneal injection of extracted microcystins

This study was conducted to investigate time-dependent changes in oxidative enzymes in liver of crucian carp after intraperitoneally injection with extracted microcystins 600 and 150 microg kg(-1) body weight. The results showed that activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase generally exhibited a rapid increase in early phase (1-3 h post injection), but gradually decreased afterwards (12-48 h) compared with the control, with an evident time-dependent effect. These zigzag changes over time contributed a better understanding on oxidative stress caused by microcystins in fish.

Therapeutic effects on experimental metastatic tumor-bearing mice by vaccination with GM-CSF gene-modified and tumor antigen-pulsed macrophages

Macrophages, with potent cytotoxic and antigen-presenting activities, can be used in cancer treatment. The biological characteristics and antitumor effect of GM-CSF gene-modified and tumor antigen-pulsed macrophages were investigated. The high levels of GM-CSF could be detected in the supernatants of macrophages after gene transfer. The cytotoxicity and the expression of MHC class II molecules of the gene-modified macrophages increased significantly and the antigen-presenting ability was enhanced. The gene-modified macrophages were then pulsed with tumor antigen and used to treat the experimental pulmonary metastastic mice. The number of pulmonary metastases was reduced significantly and the cytotoxicity of the CTL induced from the splenocytes of the tumor-bearing mice also increased. The results demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated GM-CSF gene transfer can activate macrophages to some extent and GM-CSF gene-modified, antigen-pulsed macrophages may be a new type of effective effector cells in the immunogene therapy of cancer.

Polymorphisms in the genes of the urokinase plasminogen activation system in relation to colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Extracellular matrix degradation, mediated by the urokinase plasminogen activation (uPA) system, is a critical step in tumor invasion and metastasis. High tumor levels of uPA and its inhibitor PAI-1 have been correlated with poor cancer prognosis. We examined four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a potential effect on expression of genes in the uPA system for their role in colorectal cancer susceptibility and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We genotyped the SNPs in 308 Swedish incident colorectal cancer patients with up to 16 years of follow-up and in 585 age- and sex-matched controls. We evaluated the associations between genotypes and colorectal cancer and Dukes' stage. Survival probabilities were compared between different subgroups.

RESULTS

Patients with PAI-1 -675 5G/5G genotype had better survival than patients with 4G/4G or 4G/5G genotypes when they had Dukes' stage A or B tumors (P = 0.023 and P = 0.015, respectively). No statistically significant association was observed between the SNPs and the risk of colorectal cancer or Dukes' stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a role for the PAI-1 genotype in colorectal cancer prognosis, but further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of our finding in the clinic.

Synthesis of tungsten nanoparticles by sonoelectrochemistry

Tungsten nanoparticles have been synthesized by the sonoelectrochemical method. The electrolyte contained the tri-sodium citrate, sodium tungstate, ferrous sulphate, and citric acid. A platinum slice was used as the anode and a titanium-alloy horn as the cathode. Twenty kilohertz ultrasound generated by an ultrasound generator was connected to the titanium-alloy horn as an amplitude converter. Due to the electrochemical reaction and the cavitation effect of the ultrasound, the iron-tungsten aggregates at the cathode were dispersed into the electrolyte and iron atoms were dissolved in the acidic environment. In this way, body-center-cubic (bcc) tungsten nanoparticles have been obtained by controlling the density of the electric current, the ultrasound pulse period and amplitude. Their morphology, structure, and chemical components have been characterized using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS).

Evaluation of an International Pharmacopoeia method for the analysis of indinavir sulfate by liquid chromatography

A gradient LC method for the determination of indinavir sulfate (IDV) and its impurities has been recently published in a consultation document of the International Pharmacopoeia, WHO Drug Information. The method uses a base-deactivated reversed-phase C18 column (25 cm x 4.6 mm i.d.), 5 microm kept at a temperature of 40 degrees C. The mobile phases consist of acetonitrile, phosphate buffer pH 7.5 and water. The flow rate is 1.0 ml/min. UV detection is performed at 220 nm. A system suitability test (SST) is described to govern the quality of the separation. The separation towards IDV components was investigated on 16 C18 columns and correlation was made with the column classification system developed in our laboratory. The method was evaluated using a Hypersil BDS C18 column (25 cm x 4.6 mm i.d.), 5 microm. A central composite design was applied to examine the robustness of the method. The method shows good precision, linearity, sensitivity and robustness. Six commercial samples were examined using this method.

Dynamic changes in orbitofrontal neuronal activity in rats during opiate administration and withdrawal

The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. However, how the dynamic activity in OFC changes during opiate administration and withdrawal period has not been investigated. We first tested the effects of opiates and drug craving with the conditioned place preference paradigm, using manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and traditional electroencephalograph recording techniques in rats. T1-weighted 2D MRI (4.7 T) was used after unilateral injection of MnCl(2) (200 nL, 80 mM) into the right orbitofrontal cortex. The manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging data suggested that the OFC activity decreased during the opiate administration period but recovered increasingly during the withdrawal period. Also, we found decreases and increases in gamma-band (20-100 Hz) activity during the opiate administration and withdrawal period, respectively. Our results showed that orbitofrontal cortex activity decreased during morphine administration and then went up progressively over several days during withdrawal. The time course of the recovery of orbitofrontal activity from inhibition during the withdrawal period may be related to the experience of drug craving.

Changes in axial length following trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device surgery

AIM

This study examines the changes in axial length (AL) after trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery and enabled an equation to be derived allowing prediction of AL change after filtering surgery.

METHODS

This was a prospective, interventional case series from the Glaucoma Service of the Doheny Eye Institute.

PATIENT POPULATION

One eye of 39 patients undergoing trabeculectomy and 22 undergoing Baerveldt tube shunt implantation for uncontrolled glaucoma.

INTERVENTION

These patients had AL measurements by non-contact, partial coherence interferometry preoperatively, at 1 week, 1 month, and >3 months after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Axial length and intraocular pressure were compared at preoperative and postoperative visits. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was categorised as hypotonous (0-4 mm Hg), low (5-9), normal (10-17), and high (18 or more).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant reduction in IOP after 3 months of -12.8 (SD 1.5) mm Hg following trabeculectomy (p<0.001), and -10.7 (1.9) mm Hg after GDD (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in AL, which was similar after trabeculectomy and GDD at all time points (p<0.001), of -0.15 (0.03) and -0.21 (0.04) mm (1 week), -0.18 (0.02) and -0.10 (0.02) mm (1 month), and -0.16 (0.03) and -0.15 (0.03) mm (3 months). At 3 months or later the AL reduction was related to postoperative IOP and to the amount of IOP reduction (p<0.05, stepwise multiple regression). 10.2% (4/39) of trabeculectomy patients had hypotony after 3 months, with a mean AL reduction (-0.39 (0.11)) that was statistically significantly lower (p<0.01) than the other trabeculectomy eyes (-0.14 (0.15)).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a small but statistically significant decrease in AL after both trabeculectomy and GDD surgery, greater in eyes that are hypotonous after surgery. The authors suggest that AL reduction can be predicted after 3 months by the formula: AL reduction (mm) = -199+0.006 x IOP reduction+0.008 x final IOP.

Prevalence of Parkinson's disease in Sydney

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Bankstown, Sydney, using the same methodology as a previous study in Randwick, Sydney, Australia (1998-1999).

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Twenty census districts (CDs) for the Bankstown local government area were randomly selected. Research personnel door-knocked every household within the CDs to locate people aged > or =55 years. A structured questionnaire (containing four screening questions for PD) was administered to those agreeing to participate. Screened positive participants were invited to come for a clinical examination. This is a continuation of the previous study and data have been combined.

RESULTS

Combining data for Bankstown and Randwick gave 1028 participants; crude prevalence, 780 per 100,000 (CI: 546-1077). In Bankstown, there were 501 participants aged > or =55 years (response rate 70%); 135 were screened positive with 101 (74.8%) agreeing to a clinical examination. The prevalence of PD in the Bankstown community was 3.4% (17 of 501) (95% CI: 1.98-5.43) for those aged > or =55 years; crude prevalence 776 per 100,000 (CI: 452-1241).

CONCLUSION

The combined results of two Sydney studies appear to indicate that Sydney has one of the highest prevalence estimates of PD in developed countries.

The release of cupric ion in simulated uterine: New material nano-Cu/low-density polyethylene used for intrauterine devices

With the development of IUDs, a number of copper-bearing devices are now commercially available, including the copper-T, the Multiload and the copper-T in various other forms, so-called "the second-generation" IUDs. In this article, we report on nano-Cu/low-density polyethylene composite as a potential copper carrier in IUD. Two issues for the new material are addressed: the effectiveness of polymers in reducing the initial burst in cupric ion release and the amount and pattern of continuing release. The aim of this study was to investigate copper ion release from this composite as a basis for considering its used in an IUD.

Patient Preference for Placebo, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or Celecoxib Efficacy Studies (PACES): two randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trials in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is recommended as the initial pharmacological treatment for knee or hip osteoarthritis. However, survey and clinical trial data indicate greater efficacy for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclo-oxygenase-2 specific inhibitors.

DESIGN

Two randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover multicentre clinical trials, Patient Preference for Placebo, Acetaminophen or Celecoxib Efficacy Studies (PACES).

PATIENTS

Osteoarthritis of knee or hip.

INTERVENTION

"Wash out" of treatment; randomisation; 6 weeks of celecoxib 200 mg/day, acetaminophen 1000 mg four times a day, or placebo; second "wash out;" crossover to 6 weeks of second treatment.

MEASUREMENTS

Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue pain scale, patient preference between two treatments.

RESULTS

Celecoxib was more efficacious than acetaminophen in both periods in both studies; WOMAC and pain scale scores differed at p<0.05 in period II and both periods combined of PACES-a and in periods I and II and both periods combined in PACES-b, but not in period I of PACES-a. Acetaminophen was more efficacious than placebo, generally p<0.05 in PACES-b, and >0.05 in PACES-a. Patient preferences were 53% celecoxib v 24% acetaminophen in PACES-a (p<0.001) and 50% v 32% in PACES-b (p = 0.009); 37% acetaminophen v 28% placebo in PACES-a (p = 0.340) and 48% v 24% in PACES-b (p = 0.007). No clinically or statistically significant differences were seen in adverse events or tolerability among the three treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater efficacy was seen for celecoxib v acetaminophen v placebo, while adverse events and tolerability were similar. Variation in results and statistical significance in the two different trials are of interest.

Two-photon induced blue fluorescent emission of heterocycle-based organic molecule

An organic molecule based on a heterocycle acceptor has been found to exhibit an intensive two-photon induced blue emission and a large two-photon absorption cross section, which implies that the molecule is a promising candidate for an application such as multi-channel two-photon microscopy.

A serial MR study of cerebral blood flow changes and lesion development following endothelin-1-induced ischemia in rats

The vasoconstrictive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been used previously to transiently occlude the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in rats. However, the duration of the resulting reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the reperfusion characteristics are poorly understood. In this study perfusion and T(2)-weighted MRI were used together with histology to characterize the cerebral perfusion dynamics and lesion development following ET-1 injection. Twenty-two rats received an intracerebral injection of ET-1 adjacent to the MCA. CBF was reduced to 30-50% of control levels, and a significant reduction persisted for 16 h in the cortex and 7 h in the striatum. The lesion size measured by T(2)-weighted imaging at 48 h correlated with the final infarct size measured by histology at 7 d. The sustained reduction in CBF and the gradual development of the ischemic lesion resemble human stroke evolution, suggesting that this model may be useful for evaluating therapeutic agents, particularly when treatment is delayed.

The effects of ketamine-xylazine anesthesia on cerebral blood flow and oxygenation observed using nuclear magnetic resonance perfusion imaging and electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry

Ketamine-xylazine is a commonly used anesthetic for laboratory rats. Previous results showed that rats anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine can have a much lower cerebral partial pressure of oxygen (P(t)O(2)), compared to unanesthetized and isoflurane anesthetized rats. The underlying mechanisms for the P(t)O(2) reduction need to be elucidated. In this study, we measured regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) perfusion imaging and cortical P(t)O(2) using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry in the forebrain of rats under isoflurane, ketamine, ketamine-xylazine and isoflurane-xylazine anesthesia. The results show that in ventilated rats ketamine at a dose of 50 mg/kg does not induce significant changes in CBF, compared to isoflurane. Ketamine-xylazine in combination causes 25-65% reductions in forebrain CBF in a region-dependent manner. Adding xylazine to isoflurane anesthesia results in similar regional reductions in CBF. EPR oximetry measurements show ketamine increases cortical P(t)O(2) while xylazine decreases cortical P(t)O(2). The xylazine induced reduction in CBF could explain the reduced brain oxygenation observed in ketamine-xylazine anesthetized rats.

[New applications of FTIR micro-spectroscopy in the field of forensic science]

The new applications of FTIR micro-spectroscopy in the field of forensic science are presented, and the process and results of infrared spectra measurements of many kinds of samples, such as paint, fiber, dye, plastic, rubber, ink and drug have been discussed in detail, including two real cases. Various sampling accessories (Diamond cell, Attenuated total reflection and Micro manipulator system) and different determination modes (transmission and reflectance) are used according to the properties of samples.

Systemic IFN-beta gene therapy results in long-term survival in mice with established colorectal liver metastases

Most patients succumbing to colorectal cancer fail with liver-predominant metastases. To make a clinical impact in this disease, a systemic or whole-liver therapy may be required, whereas most cancer gene therapy approaches are limited in their ability to treat beyond local disease. As a preclinical model for cancer gene therapy, recombinant adenovirus containing the human IFN-beta (hIFN-beta) cDNA was delivered systemically in nude mouse xenograft models of human colorectal cancer liver metastases. The vector targeted hepatocytes that produced high levels of hIFN-beta in the liver, resulting in a profound apoptotic response in the tumors and significant tumor regression. hIFN-beta gene therapy not only resulted in improved survival and long-term cure in a micrometastatic model, but provided similar benefits in a clinically relevant gross disease model. A similar recombinant adenovirus containing the murine IFN-beta (mIFN-beta) cDNA also resulted in a therapeutic response and improved survival in syngeneic mouse models of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Depletion studies demonstrate a contribution of natural killer cells to this therapeutic response. The toxicity of an adenoviral vector expressing murine IFN-beta in a syngeneic model is also presented. These encouraging results warrant further investigation of the use of cancer gene therapy for targeting metastatic disease.

Suppression of the intensity noise of a laser-diode-pumped single-frequency ring Nd:YVO(4)-KTP green laser by optoelectronic feedback

We investigate the different characteristics of the intensity noise of a laser-diode-pumped single-frequency ring Nd:YVO (4) laser and a Nd:YVO (4)-KTP green laser. By use of an optoelectronic feedback circuit connected directly to the pump current of the laser diode, the low-frequency intensity noise of the intracavity frequency doubler was suppressed to some extent.

The effects of slice-selective excitation/refocusing in localized spectral editing with gradient-selected double-quantum coherence transfer

Spectral editing using gradient-selected double-quantum filtering (DQF) with PRESS localization has been used for selective observation of metabolites in vivo. In previous studies using localized DQF sequences, it is generally assumed that the slice-selective pulses used in the sequence have no roles in coherence transfer, and do not interfere with DQF. To validate this assumption, the effects of slice-selective excitation/refocusing on DQF were investigated in DQF lactate editing sequences combined with PRESS localization. Contrary to the previous assumption, the results show that, due to chemical shift displacement artifact and J coupling, slice selection in DQF does interfere with coherence transfer, affecting both the accuracy of spatial localization and the detection sensitivity adversely. In the case of lactate editing, the effects of this interference can be accounted for simply by adjusting the strength of the slice-selection gradients and by using narrowband slice-selective refocusing pulses.

Olfactory protocerebral pathways processing sex pheromone and plant odor information in the male moth Agrotis segetum

We investigated protocerebral processing of behaviorally relevant signals in the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum. Single neurons were studied both physiologically and morphologically using intracellular recording techniques. In moth pheromone communication systems, the presence of the complete, female-produced pheromone blend is necessary for male attraction. We predicted that more protocerebral neurons, compared with AL, would display blend interactions. However, only a few protocerebral neurons responded differently to the blend than could be deduced from the response to single components. The majority of the pheromone-sensitive protocerebral neurons identified in this study responded to the major pheromone component. In coding time, most AL neurons can follow a 5-Hz odor stimulus, whereas most protocerebral neurons failed at higher frequencies than 1 Hz. The majority of neurons that responded to the odorants tested innervated one or both of the protocerebral lateral accessory lobes. If only one of these was innervated, then the innervation always displayed a varicose appearance, suggesting a presynaptic function. Thus, information seems to be transferred from other protocerebral areas to the lateral accessory lobes. Into these, descending neurons sent smooth, postsynaptic branches. A majority of the neurons innervating the superior medial protocerebrum were found to display single-component specificity. Few additional correlations between odor specificity and structural characteristics were apparent.

Protein phosphatase 2A: identification in Oryza sativa of the gene encoding the regulatory A subunit

A 2225 bp cDNA, designated RPA1, was isolated from an Oryza sativa cDNA library. Analysis revealed a 1761 bp coding sequence with 15 non-identical repeat units. The ORF encoded the A regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A-A) as ascertained by complementation of the yeast tpd3 mutant defective in this gene. The corresponding genomic DNA from a rice genome BAC library revealed that the gene contains eleven introns. The rice genome contains only a single copy of this gene as judged by Southern blot analysis. The PP2A protein is highly conserved in nature; the rice protein shows 88% amino acid identity with its counterparts in Arabidopsis or Nicotiana tabacum.

Sequencing and expression analysis of the serine protease gene cluster located in chromosome 19q13 region

The human kallikrein gene cluster, located in the chromosome band 19q13, contains several tissue-specific serine protease genes including the prostate-specific KLK2, KLK3 and prostase genes. To further characterize the gene cluster, we have mapped, sequenced, and analyzed the genomic sequence from the region. The results of EST database searches and GENSCAN gene prediction analysis reveal 13 serine protease genes and several pseudogenes in the region. Expression analysis by RT-PCR indicates that most of these protease genes are expressed only in a subset of the 35 different normal tissues that have been examined. Several protease genes expressed in skin show higher expression levels in psoriatic lesion samples than in non-lesional skin samples from the same patient. This suggests that the imbalance of a complex protease cascade in skin may contribute to the pathology of disease. The proteases, excluding the kallikrein genes, share approximately 40% of their sequences suggesting that the serine protease gene cluster on chromosome 19q13 arose from ancient gene duplications.

The relationship of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene to essential hypertension and drug treatment in Chongqing

OBJECTIVE

To measure and discuss the association of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion(I/D) polymorphism with essential hypertension and drug treatment in Chongqing.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method was used to amplify the sixteenth intron of the ACE gene for the analysis of 114 healthy controls and 75 patients with essential hypertension. At the same time, 49 patients with essential hypertension were randomly divided into two groups for a placebo-controlled crossover comparison of ACEI versus CCB.

RESULTS

The frequency of homozygous alleles DD and the frequency of deletion alleles were significantly higher in the essential hypertension group than in the healthy controls(P>0.005). The blood pressure decreased more in the DD genotype subjects when treated with the ACEI but decreased less when treated with the CCB (15.91 vs 12.43, P<0.1). The blood pressure decreased more in the II genotype subjects when treated with the CCB but decreased less when treated with the ACEI (16.55 vs 9.6, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that a deletion (DD) polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with essential hypertension in Chongqing. Detection of the ACE genotype in clinics is helpful to the selection of antihypertensive drugs.