Investigating 42 candidate orthologous protein groups by molecular evolutionary analysis on genome scale

It is one of key problems for comparative genomics to accurately identify orthologous genes/proteins. Here 42 quartettes of human, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster candidate orthologs, defined by using similarity-based highest hit criteria (Mushegian et al., 1998 Genome Res. 8: 590-598), were reconsidered according to molecular evolutionary analysis. We found that only 14 of the 42 candidate orthologous groups can be identified to have truly one-to-one orthologous relationships, whereas other groups were characterized by one (many)-to-many orthologous relationships or even more complex scenarios involving gene duplications and/or gene losses. The result could imply that the classical one-to-one orthology might be not as common as typically accepted and automated similarity-based methods should be used with caution when accurate orthology/paralogy discrimination is required.

Body size and prostate cancer: a population-based case-control study in China

We conducted a population-based case-control study in China to investigate whether body size plays a role in prostate cancer etiology and whether it can explain the rapid increase in prostate cancer incidence rates in China. A total of 238 cases newly diagnosed with primary prostate cancer in Shanghai, China, during 1993-1995 were included in the study. Four hundred and seventy-one healthy control subjects were randomly selected from among residents of Shanghai and frequency-matched to cases on the basis of age. In-person interviews were conducted to elicit information on height, weight history, and other lifestyle factors. Waist and hip circumferences were measured at interview. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to measure the association between prostate cancer and anthropometric variables including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, hip, and right upper arm circumferences, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; an indicator of abdominal adiposity). High levels of WHR were related to an excess risk, with men in the highest quartile (WHR > 0.92) having an almost 3-fold risk (OR, 2.71; 95% CI = 1.66-4.41; Ptrend = 0.0001) compared with men in the lowest quartile (WHR < 0.86). In contrast, men in the highest quartile of hip circumference (>97.4 cm) had a reduced risk (OR, 0.46; 95% CI = 0.29-0.74; Ptrend = 0.0002) relative to men in the lowest quartile (<86 cm). No association was found for height, usual adult weight, or preadult and usual adult BMI. Our results suggest that even in a very lean population (average BMI = 21.9), abdominal adiposity may be associated with an increased risk of clinical prostate cancer, pointing to a role of hormones in prostate cancer etiology. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in prospective studies, especially in Western populations where abdominal obesity is much more common, and to clarify the underlying hormonal mechanisms involved.

Antisense oligonucleotides complementary to immunoglobulin sequences of BCL-2/immunoglobulin fusion transcript induce apoptosis of t(14;18) lymphoma cells

Antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides directed at the bcl-2 translational start site downregulate bcl-2 and inhibit growth of the t(14;18)-positive lymphoma line WSU-FSCCL. Non-specific downregulation of bcl-2 expression is expected to be toxic to normal cells as well. The t(14;18) translocation results in a fusion transcript containing the entire bcl-2 coding sequence with a 3' breakpoint fused to the immunoglobulin J(H) region and the c mu heavy chain. We postulated that these immunoglobulin sequences would be a specific target for downregulation of the fusion gene. Here, we have demonstrated that antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides targeted to immunoglobulin c(mu) sequences downregulate bcl-2 protein expression and induce apoptosis of WSU-FSCCL cells. Inhibiting growth of malignant cells by targeting non-oncogenic sequences other than breakpoints of fusion transcripts expands the potential for tumour-specific genetic manipulation.

Effect of temperature on dopamine transporter function and intracellular accumulation of methamphetamine: implications for methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity

Hyperthermia exacerbates and hypothermia attenuates methamphetamine (METH)-induced dopamine (DA) neurotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying these temperature effects are unknown. Given the essential role of the DA transporter (DAT) in the expression of METH-induced DA neurotoxicity, we hypothesized that the effect of temperature on METH-induced DA neurotoxicity is mediated, at least in part, at the level of the DAT. To test this hypothesis, the effects of small, physiologically relevant temperature changes on DAT function were evaluated in two types of cultured neuronal cells: (1) a neuroblastoma cell line stably transfected with human DAT cDNA and (2) rat embryonic mesencephalic primary cells that naturally express the DAT. Temperatures for studies of DAT function were selected based on core temperature measurements in animals exposed to METH under usual ambient (22 degrees C) and hypothermic (6 degrees C) temperature conditions, where METH neurotoxicity was fully expressed and blocked, respectively. DAT function, determined by measuring accumulation of radiolabeled DA and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), was found to directly correlate with temperature, with higher levels of substrate uptake at 40 degrees C, intermediate levels at 37 degrees C, and lower levels at 34 degrees C. DAT-mediated accumulation of METH also directly correlated with temperature, with greater accumulation at higher temperatures. These findings indicate that relatively small, physiologically relevant changes in temperature significantly alter DAT function and intracellular METH accumulation, and suggest that the effect of temperature on METH-induced DA neurotoxicity is mediated, at least in part, at the level of the DAT.

A niche maintaining germ line stem cells in the Drosophila ovary

Stromal cells are thought to generate specific regulatory microenviroments or "niches" that control stem cell behavior. Characterizing stem cell niches in vivo remains an important goal that has been difficult to achieve. The individual ovarioles of the Drosophila ovary each contain about two germ line stem cells that maintain oocyte production. Here we show that anterior ovariolar somatic cells comprising three cell types act as a germ line stem cell niche. Germ line stem cells lost by normal or induced differentiation are efficiently replaced, and the ability to repopulate the niche increases the functional lifetime of ovarioles in vivo. Our studies implicate one of the somatic cell types, the cap cells, as a key niche component.

[Analysis on the causes of burn among 17,339 patients]

OBJECTIVE

To find out the common causes of burn and to develop preventive measures to prevent or reduce the injury of burn.

METHODS

Descriptive analysis was used to review the burn-cases in our Burn Department from 1970 to 1998 and to summarize the epidemic features and common causes of the injuries.

RESULTS

From 1970 to 1998, a total number of 17 339 inpatients were seen in our Burn Department. According to the causes of injury, burn patients were categorized as heat-injured, electric-injured, chemical-injured, etc. Most patients were injured with heat, taking up 89.11% of the total patients (P < 0.01). Most of the heat-injured patients were scalded with hot water (49.31%, P < 0.01). Children being burnt, accounted for 32.82% of the total patients (P < 0.01), whom should not be ignored.

CONCLUSION

Burn happens frequently in daily life, so the preventive methods should be taken seriously.

Disulfide bonds are generated by quinone reduction

The chemistry of disulfide exchange in biological systems is well studied. However, very little information is available concerning the actual origin of disulfide bonds. Here we show that DsbB, a protein required for disulfide bond formation in vivo, uses the oxidizing power of quinones to generate disulfides de novo. This is a novel catalytic activity, which to our knowledge has not yet been described. This catalytic activity is apparently the major source of disulfides in vivo. We developed a new assay to characterize further this previously undescribed enzymatic activity, and we show that quinones get reduced during the course of the reaction. DsbB contains a single high affinity quinone-binding site. We reconstitute oxidative folding in vitro in the presence of the following components that are necessary in vivo: DsbA, DsbB, and quinone. We show that the oxidative refolding of ribonuclease A is catalyzed by this system in a quinone-dependent manner. The disulfide isomerase DsbC is required to regain ribonuclease activity suggesting that the DsbA-DsbB system introduces at least some non-native disulfide bonds. We show that the oxidative and isomerase systems are kinetically isolated in vitro. This helps explain how the cell avoids oxidative inactivation of the disulfide isomerization pathway.

[Comparison of HLA class I typing by serology with DNA typing]

OBJECTIVE

To compare HLA class I typing by serology with PCR-SSP method in the Chinese population.

METHODS

HLA-A and -B antigens were typed by serology with microlymphocytotoxicity and DNA typing with PCR-SSP in 525 clinical samples. Reliability, reproducibility and clinical practicability of both methods were compared according to the typing results.

RESULTS

Serological typing for HLA class I was rapid and simple, costing 3 hours. The discrepancy rate between serology and PCR-SSP for HLA-A antigen was 9.0%, consisting of 21 antigens being incorrectly interpreted by serology and 26 of serological "blanks" turning out to be definable alleles by DNA typing. The discrepancy rate for HLA-B antigen was 12.2%, containing 39 antigens being incorrectly interpreted and 35 of serological "blanks" turning out to be definable alleles by PCR-SSP typing. DNA typing for HLA class I by PCR-SSP proved to be an accurate, reliable and well-reproducible technique within 5 hours. While it was difficult to suit clinical assay by a large scale screening because of complicated operation and high technical condition.

CONCLUSION

DNA typing for HLA class I by PCR-SSP is suitable for clinical application in the Chinese population with a higher precision than serology. Screening test by serology is recommended. Ambiguous or blank antigens by serology should be retyped by DNA typing.

Enhancement of immunogenicity of tumor cells by cotransfection with genes encoding antisense insulin-like growth factor-1 and B7.1 molecules

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is expressed in many tumor cell lines and has a role in both normal cell proliferation and in the growth of cancers. Tumor cells transfected with a vector encoding an IGF-1 antisense cDNA transcriptional cassette driven by the mouse metallothionein-1 promoter become immunogenic and lose their tumorigenicity in syngeneic animals. The enhanced immunogenicity is associated with an up-regulation in the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecule on cell surfaces. Blockade of the expression of IGF-1 in tumor cells by the IGF-1 antisense RNA approach is not uniformly effective in the induction of antitumoral protective immunity in low and nonimmunogenic tumor model systems. Here, we report that the immunogenicity of hepa 1-6 hepatoma and SMCC-1 colon carcinoma cells, which are poorly immunogenic and unresponsive to antisense IGF-1 gene transfer, can be induced by cotransfection with genes encoding antisense IGF-1 and mouse B7.1 molecules. The tumor cells modified in this manner become strongly immunogenic and can be used as a cellular vaccine to induce a protective immune response in vivo. Immunization with the transfected tumor cells also results in regression of the established hepa 1-6 hepatoma and SMCC-1 colon cancer. The immunity is tumor-specific and is mediated by CD3+ CD8+ T cells. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes generated in vitro by priming naive spleen cells and in vivo by immunizing mice with the double-transfected tumor cells specifically lysed autologous tumors cells and were effective in adoptive immunotherapy. The data suggest that modification of tumor cells in vitro by cotransfection with genes encoding antisense IGF-1 and B7.1 molecules may open a new avenue for cancer immunogene therapy.

[HLA-amino acid residue matching standard and immunogenic response]

OBJECTIVE

To provide a standard for HLA-amino acid residue matching (Res M) for Chinese population and to evaluate its immunogenic response and sensitization to allograft.

METHODS

Based on the setting up of DNA typing technique and the analysis of the distribution of HLA antigen frequencies, a new matching policy of Res M of 17 residues (10 amino acid residues for class I and 7 DR supertypic groups for class II) was presented and prospectively applied to 163 first-cadaver kidney transplants. Comparing with the 6-antigen matching program, the immunogenic response and sensitization of Res M to allograft were assayed using the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), cytokine in culture liquid, immune competent cells in the peripheral blood and specific anti-HLA IgG antibodies with PRA-STAT technique.

RESULTS

The rate of Res-matched transplants increased significantly from 1.2% by Ag M to 39.9%. Immunogenic response and sensitization to allograft of recipients with Res-matched, containing index of stimulation (SI) of MLC, gamma-IFN representing Th1 cell, IL-10 representing Th2 cell, CD4+, CD8+, CD28+ T cell and the ratio of CD4/CD8, as well as the level of sHLA-IgG representing sensitization to allograft, were similar to those of Ag-matched transplants. Those parameters showed no difference between Res-matched and Ag-matched recipients, but showed significant difference in Res-mismatched or Ag-mismatched transplants.

CONCLUSION

The New Res M can increase the rate of Res-matched transplants by a big margin, minimize the sensitization and immunogenic response to allograft, and be suitable to the clinical application to organ transplantation in Chinese Han population.

Lis1, the Drosophila homolog of a human lissencephaly disease gene, is required for germline cell division and oocyte differentiation

Lissencephaly is a severe congenital brain malformation resulting from incomplete neuronal migration. One causal gene, LIS1, is homologous to nudF, a gene required for nuclear migration in A. nidulans. We have characterized the Drosophila homolog of LIS1 (Lis1) and show that Lis1 is essential for fly development. Analysis of ovarian Lis1 mutant clones demonstrates that Lis1 is required in the germline for synchronized germline cell division, fusome integrity and oocyte differentiation. Abnormal packaging of the cysts was observed in Lis1 mutant clones. Our results indicate that LIS1 is important for cell division and differentiation and the function of the membrane cytoskeleton. They support the notion that LIS1 functions with the dynein complex to regulate nuclear migration or cell migration.

Characterization and implications of estrogenic down-regulation of human catechol-O-methyltransferase gene transcription

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, EC 2.1.1.6) is a ubiquitous enzyme that is crucial to the metabolism of carcinogenic catechols and catecholamines. Regulation of human COMT gene expression may be important in the pathophysiology of various human disorders including estrogen-induced cancers, Parkinson's disease, depression, and hypertension. The gender difference in human COMT activity and variations in rat COMT activity during the estrous cycle led us to explore whether estrogen can regulate human COMT gene transcription. Our Northern analyses showed that physiological concentrations of 17-beta-estradiol (10(-9)-10(-7) M) could decrease human 1. 3-kilobase COMT mRNA levels in MCF-7 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner through an estrogen receptor-dependent mechanism. Two DNA fragments immediately 5' to the published human COMT gene proximal and distal promoters were cloned. Sequence analyses revealed several half-palindromic estrogen response elements and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein sites. By cotransfecting COMT promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter genes with human estrogen receptor cDNA and pSV-beta-galactosidase plasmids into COS-7 cells, we showed that 17-beta-estradiol could down-regulate chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activities, and COMT promoter activities dose-dependently. Functional deletion analyses of COMT promoters also showed that this estrogenic effect was mediated by a 280 base pair fragment with two putative half-palindromic estrogen response elements in the proximal promoter and a 323-base pair fragment with two putative CCAAT/enhancer binding protein sites in the distal promoter. Our findings provide the first evidence and molecular mechanism for estrogen to inhibit COMT gene transcription, which may shed new insight into the role of estrogen in the pathophysiology of different human disorders.

[Inverse problem identification of parameters in heat transfer processes of human body]

In order that the distortion of the relative skin temperatures which is accompanied with the physiological destruction of an organ in the abdominal cavity and its physical-physiological mechanism may be investigated, we adopt in this paper the mathematical model for heat transfer problems in human layered tissues and a perfect parametric identification approach-inverse problem method. By utilizing the extremum method and integrating with the experimental data of an artificial thermo-focus, this difficult biophysical problem is solved.

[Simultaneous determination of phosphorus in hair by ICP-AES]

A useful ICP-AES method for the determination of microelements P, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca, Mg, Pb, Mn and Al in hair is described. The JY38 spectrometer in the JY70PII ICP-AES system,equipped with a 3600 g/mm holographic diffraction grating (1 m focal length) was used for the determination of phosphorus. The detection limit value (at 3 standard deviations of background) for spectral line 213.618 nm is 0.022 microg x mL(-1).

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with the cellular tumor vaccines generated by in vitro modification of tumor cells with non gene transfer approaches

Anti-tumor immune responses are mediated primarily by T cells. Down regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the molecules that costimulate the immune responses is associated with defective signaling of tumor cells for T cell activation. In vitro fusion of autologous tumor cells with antigen presenting cells (APCs) or treatment of tumor cells with a combination of cytokines significantly increased the expression of MHC class I and adhesion molecules on tumor cell surfaces that costimulate host immune responses. The hybrid cells generated by fusion of tumor cells with APCs and the tumor cells treated in vitro with a combination of cytokines and pre-incubated with a bispecific monoclonal antibody (bi-Mab) cross-linking antigen on tumor cells to CD28 on T cells, become immunogenic and able to stimulate naive T cells with generation of tumor specific cytotoxic T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Immunization with the modified tumor cells elicits an immune response mediated by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This response protected against a parental tumor cell challenge and cured established tumors. The approach was effective in both low immunogenic and non-immunogenic tumor systems. Modification of tumor cells with tumor:APC fusion or the two-step procedure may provide a strategy for development of tumor vaccines that is effective for cancer immunotherapy.

Analysis of CAG/CTG repeat size in Chinese subjects with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder using the repeat expansion detection method

BACKGROUND

Family studies of schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder provide evidence for genetic anticipation, which (in common with a number of mendelian disorders), may be caused by triplet repeat expansion. This hypothesis is strengthened by evidence from repeat expansion detection (RED) analysis revealing association between the psychoses and long CAG/CTG trinucleotide repeats.

METHODS

We performed RED on Han Chinese subjects with schizophrenia (82), bipolar affective disorder (43), and normal controls (61), using a CTG10 oligonucleotide.

RESULTS

Comparison between cases and controls revealed no significant association between long repeats and affected status. We also found no detectable association with age at onset and repeat length in either bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia. Overall, the size distribution of CAG/CTG repeats in Chinese subjects was not significantly different from those reported previously for Caucasian subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that CAG/CTG repeat expansion is not likely to be a major etiological factor for psychosis in Chinese populations.

[DNA typing for HLA-A, B antigens by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers and clinical application]

OBJECTIVE

To establish DNA typing for HLA-A, B antigens in Chinese by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

METHODS

DNA samples were obtained from 178 unrelated donors and 167 kidney recipients. An additional panel of 62 standard DNAs that were typed by UCLA tissue typing lab in USA. A rapid genotyping for HLA-I class (A, B antigens) by PCR-SSP was set up by designed and synthesized 81 specific primers and 1 pair of internal control primer, combining in 61 one-step reactions (20 PCR reactions for A alleles, 41 PCR reactions for B alleles).

RESULTS

HLA-A, B alleles were successfully typed in 345 clinical samples and 62 standard DNAs by PCR-SSP technique. No false positive or false negative typing results were obtained. Reproducibility was 100% in 40 samples. The overall time of DNA typing was 5 hours. The typing results were consistent with those of UCLA tissue typing lab. Nineteen alleles of HLA-A and 41 HLA-B alleles were accurately distinguished. Thirteen HLA-A alleles and thirty-two HLA-B alleles in Chinese were practically typed.

CONCLUSION

DNA typing for HLA-I class (A, B antigens) by PCR-SSP has proved to be a technique of high-resolution, high-specificity, well-reproducibility, and more suitable for clinical application than serology.

Dexamethasone plus retinoids decrease IL-6/IL-6 receptor and induce apoptosis in myeloma cells

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is the most important known growth factor for multiple myeloma, and IL-6 signalling pathways are potential targets for therapy. We hypothesized that interfering with the IL-6 signalling pathway at more than one level would be more effective than a single block in inhibiting proliferation of myeloma cells. Accumulating data support the concept that glucocorticoids down-regulate IL-6, whereas retinoic acid derivatives (RA) down-regulate IL-6R in myeloma. We found that all-trans RA (ATRA), 13-cis-RA and 9-cis-RA each similarly inhibited growth of RPMI 8226 myeloma cells and that addition of dexamethasone (DEX) added to RA growth inhibition. The major effects of retinoids were to reduce the proliferative fraction and induce apoptosis whereas DEX increased the apoptotic fraction. When combined, apoptosis was enhanced. Effects of RA + DEX were also least able to be overcome by exogenous IL-6. RA decreased IL-6R levels and addition of DEX to RA delayed recovery of IL-6R levels compared with RA alone. Since RPMI 8226 cells have undetectable IL-6, we investigated U266B1 cells and found that RA and DEX decreased both IL-6 secretion and IL-6 RNA levels. Mechanistically, IL-6R down-regulation by RA was enhanced by DEX, whereas IL-6 protein and RNA levels were reduced by DEX and by RA. In summary, combinations of RA + DEX were not only more effective in inhibiting myeloma cells growth by the dual mechanisms of decreasing proliferative fraction and increasing apoptotic fraction, but were also less able to be overcome by IL-6.

The relationship between synonymous codon usage and protein structure

The hypothesis that synonymous codon usage is related to protein three-dimensional structure is examined by investigating the correlation between synonymous codon usage and protein secondary structure. All except two codons in E. coli show the same secondary structural preference for alpha-helix, beta-strand or coil as that of amino acids to be encoded by the respective codons, while 17 codons show secondary structural bias in mammalian proteins. The results indicate that there is no significant correlation between synonymous codon usage and protein secondary structure in E. coli, but there is a correlation in mammals. It could be deduced that synonymous codons carry much less structural information in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes due to their divergent evolutionary mechanism.

decapentaplegic is essential for the maintenance and division of germline stem cells in the Drosophila ovary

Stem cells are thought to occupy special local environments, or niches, established by neighboring cells that give them the capability for self-renewal. Each ovariole in the Drosophila ovary contains two germline stem cells surrounded by a group of differentiated somatic cells that express hedgehog and wingless. Here we show that the BMP2/4 homolog decapentaplegic (dpp) is specifically required to maintain female germline stem cells and promote their division. Overexpression of dpp blocks germline stem cell differentiation. Conversely, mutations in dpp or its receptor (saxophone) accelerate stem cell loss and retard stem cell division. We constructed mutant germline stem cell clones to show that the dpp signal is directly received by germline stem cells. Thus, dpp signaling helps define a niche that controls germline stem cell proliferation.

Investigation into the effects of haematocrit and temperature on the resistivity of mammalian blood using a four-electrode probe

Haematocrit and temperature effects on resistivity are investigated using the electrical impedance method. Measurements are made extensively for pig's blood. The experimental set-up basically involves four ring electrodes being placed around a wooden probe that is subsequently immersed into a syringe containing pig's blood. The syringe is then submerged in water maintained at a constant temperature while measurements are taken. The resistivity of blood is found to increase linearly by approximately 2.9% as the haematocrit level increases from 18% to 49% at a fixed temperature of 37 degrees C. Furthermore, the resistivity is found to decrease linearly by approximately 22% with temperature increasing from 33 degrees C to 42 degrees C for all practical levels of haematocrit.

[Mutation of p53 gene in human fetal gastric mucosal cells by sterigmatocystin in vitro]

Cell culture, flow cytometry and silver-staining PCR-SSCP methods were used to explore the effects of sterigmatocystin(ST) (1 mg/L and 3 mg/L) on carcinogenesis and mutation of tumor suppressor gene p53 in human fetal gastric mucosal cells in vitro. Four weeks after treated with ST, the cells showed vigorous growth and malignant transformation foci. Twenty-four weeks after ST treatment, the cells could form cellular colonies in soft agar(the mean colony number was 15 and 17 perdish for ST 1 mg/L and 3 mg/L groups respectively). Flow cytometric analysis showed that both proliferation indexes (PI) and the cellular DNA contents of ST treated cells were much higher than those of normal control. The DNA contents of ST treated cells were in DNA aneuploid range. Mutant p53 protein expression was also significantly higher in ST treated cells. Silver-staining PCR-SSCP analysis showed that abnormal electrophoretic migration bands could be seen at exon 8 of p53 gene in ST-treated groups 22 weeks after ST treatment, while no abnormal bands were found in control group. Thus, the results further confirmed the carcinogenic effects of ST on human fetal gastricmucosal cells.

Brompheniramine, loratadine, and placebo in allergic rhinitis: a placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of an extended-release formulation of a classical antihistamine, brompheniramine, and a second-generation compound, loratadine, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Subjects with symptoms of allergic rhinitis received brompheniramine 12 mg twice daily (n = 112), loratadine 10 mg once daily (n = 112), or placebo twice daily (n = 114) for 7 days. Study medications were blinded using a double-dummy technique. Subjects completed an overall evaluation of symptom relief on a daily basis and returned on treatment days 3 and 7, at which times the investigator assessed symptom severity. The investigator and subject each completed a global efficacy evaluation, and subjects were interviewed regarding adverse experiences. The primary efficacy variable was the physicians' global efficacy evaluation on day 3. Symptoms also were analyzed as summed severity scores for all symptoms and for the nasal symptom cluster of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal blockage. At all post-baseline evaluations (days 3, 7, and averaged over the two days), brompheniramine was significantly better than loratadine and placebo for both sets of summed symptom scores and all three global assessments. Loratadine was significantly better than placebo for physician ratings of total symptom severity averaged over the two days and for the physician and subject ratings of the nasal cluster on day 3. Central nervous system-related symptoms were the most frequently reported adverse experiences; somnolence was reported most frequently by patients taking brompheniramine, and its occurrence was less frequent as treatment continued. A nonprescription, extended-release formulation of brompheniramine 12 mg twice daily provided significantly better relief of symptomatic allergic rhinitis than loratadine 10 mg once daily.

TCM differential treatment of 30 cases of IgA nephropathy

Thirty cases of IgA nephropathy having been diagnosed by biopsy with kidney puncture were selected. The treatment was based on the differentiation of syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The disease was divided into 4 stages: the initial stage with the lesion in the lung and kidney, the stable stage with the lesion in the spleen and kidney, the late stage with the lesion in the liver and kidney, and the recurrent stage. They were treated by TCM. Of them, 10 cases were completely alleviated, 13 markedly alleviated, 4 improved, and 3 ineffective, the total effective rate being 90%.

High resolution single strand conformation polymorphism analysis using formamide and ethidium bromide staining

Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis using ethidium bromide can be improved by adding formamide as the denaturant. This gives higher resolution than previous SSCP methods; it had 100% sensitivity in the discrimination of 14 PCR samples from two different genes, even for a long fragment close to the upper limit of 250 base pairs. This modified procedure is a rapid, simple, safe, and yet highly sensitive method for detecting structural differences in DNA fragments.

Evaluation of cutoff levels for screening of gastric cancer using serum pepsinogens and distributions of levels of serum pepsinogen I, II and of PG I/PG II ratios in a gastric cancer case-control study

This study was carried out to determine the cutoff levels of serum pepsinogen (PG) I, II and their ratio of PG I/PG II for gastric cancer to establish a better screening system. Optimal cutoff levels for gastric cancer screening using serum pepsinogens were determined using Youden's index. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index for gastric cancer cases were calculated according to sex, age and the stage of gastric cancer, and the maximum Youden's index in each category was adopted as the cutoff level for gastric cancer screening using serum pepsinogens. The maximal Youden's index in all gastric cancer cases was 0.37, corresponding to a cutoff level of PG I < 40 (micrograms g/l) and PG I/PG II < 3.5. The sensitivity and specificity for gastric cancer cases of these cutoff levels were 0.50 and 0.87, respectively. In future, better criteria for gastric cancer screening have to be examined with the estimation of Youden's index in addition to other epidemiological methods such as ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves and/or cost benefit analyses.

A truncated poisson regression model with applications to occurrence of adenomatous polyps

Adenomatous polyps are considered as the dominant precursor lesion of colorectal cancer. A phase III colorectal cancer prevention trial, conducted by the Arizona Cancer Center, concerns the ability of wheat bran fibre supplement to reduce the recurrence of adenomatous polyps. All participants in the study are to have had colorectal polyps detected and removed during a baseline (qualifying) colonoscopy within three months prior to enrolment. In this paper, our interest focuses on occurrence of adenomatous polyps at the baseline colonoscopy. We use a truncated Poisson model to fit these types of data. We develop a regression model to assess the effects of explanatory factors on the positive counting variable. We fit truncated Poisson parameters by a log-linear regression model and estimate regression parameters by the maximum likelihood procedure. Finally, we apply it to the baseline colonoscopy data from the Wheat Bran Fiber study.

G/A1947 polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene in Parkinson's disease

High and low catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity is significantly determined by thermostability, which is caused by a valine/methionine108 polymorphism associated with polymorphic G/A1947 bases, in exon 4 of the COMT gene. Our allelic association study on this polymorphism did not find any statistically significant difference between our Chinese Parkinson's disease and that of control subjects. These results show that this polymorphism and hence the thermostability of COMT enzyme are not related to a risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

[Expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in HCC using in situ hybridization technique]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mRNA expression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

34 cases of HCC and their pericarcinomatous tissues were studied on cryostat sections by in situ hybridization to investigate ICAM-1 mRNA expression.

RESULTS

The ICAM-1 mRNA expression was stronger in the carcinomatous tissues of 19/21 invasive cases than that in the pericarcinomatous tissues, while in the 13 non-invasive cases, only 4 exhibited weak ICAM-1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

ICAM-1 mRNA expression may correlate with increased risk of invasion and metastasis of HCC.

[Effects of sterigmatocystin on ras p21 expression and ultrastructure of human lung fibroblasts in vitro]

Effects of Sterigmatocystin (ST) on ras p21 expression and ultrastructure of human lung fibroblasts in vitro were studied with immunological flow cytometry and electron microscopy. The results showed that ras p21 expression in the ST treated cells was dramatically increased and the ultrastructural features of malignant cells, such as enlarged nuclei with bizzar nuclear membranne folds and predominant nucleoli, could be seen.

[Experimental and clinical research of cytolytic T lymphocytes specific for hepatocellular carcinoma]

To investigate a new kind of anti-tumor immunological cells and improve surgical results of hepatocellular carcinoma by anti-recurrence application, we activated T cells isolated from tumor infiltrating lymphocytes by double stimulating signals: the one was autologus HCC cells which were treated with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha for enhancing expression of MHC class I and presented tumor antigen, and the other was costimulation signals which was from ICAM-1 and B7 molecules expressed on treated HCC cells as well as CD28 mAbs. Activated T cells which bound to HCC cells were expanded selectively as tumor specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (TS-CTLs), their cytotoxic activity in vitro and anti-tumor effects in vivo were observed. Our results suggested that TS-CTLs expressed high cytotoxicity against autologous HCC cells with MHC class I restriction manner. Adoptive TS-CTLs treatment could decrease serum AFP level, inhibit ascites formation and prolong survival in SCID mice bearing human HCC. In clinical trail of 12 cases of HCC, TS-CTLs treatment was able to delay tumor recurrence after HCC resection. Our data demonstrated that TS-CTLs as new immunological treatment modality, are of great value in further application of tumor comprehensive management.

[Study on the synthesis and secretion rate of transferrin in hepatoma and peritumor hepatocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of synthesis and secretion of transferrin (Tf) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and search the causes of reduced membrane-bond transferrin in HCC tissue.

METHODS

By radioisotope incorporation and immunoprecipitation to determine the synthesis and secretion rate of transferrin in human HCC cells and peritumor hepatocytes.

RESULTS

When compared with peritumor hepatocytes the quantity of transferrin synthesized was not changed in HCC cells, but its secretion rate was accelerated significantly while the transferrin storage was significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that HCC growth might be enhanced by increased Tf secretion and help explain the decreased membrane-bond form of Tf in HCC tissue.

[HLA-DR typing by standard serology and PCR-amplification with sequence-specific primers: a comparative study]

OBJECTIVE

DNA typing for HLA-DR by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) compared with standard serology to evaluate the reliability and clinical practicability.

METHODS

Double-blind typing for HLA-DR alleles was carried out using DNA typing by PCR-SSP and standard serology by microlymphocytotoxicity technique in 61 donors and 101 recipients of cadaveric transplantation. Matching time, sensitivity, specificity and clinical practicability were compared according to typing results by both methods.

RESULTS

All 162 samples were able to be typed by PCR-SSP. A total of 308 alleles were detected (16 DR "blank"). The results of matching were confirmed by analysis with restriction endonucleases and Southern hybridization. The specificity and reproducibility were 100%. HLA-DR typing was performed in 5 hours by PCR-SSP or 20 hours by serology. The discrepancy rate between PCR-SSP and serological HLA-DR typing was 30.2% (35.6% for kidney recipients, 21.3% for donors). The discrepancies consisted of 8 loci being doubtful, 29 antigens being incorrectly interpreted by serology and 20 of serological "blanks" turning out to be definable alleles by the DNA method.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping for HLA-DR by PCR-SSP offers the advantages of better reagent and sample availability, more rapid and greater accuracy, all of which would warrant that this approach was suitable for clinical practice in organ transplantation.

The IRS 1 circumstellar disk, and the origin of the jet and CO outflow in B5

We report the discovery of the inner edge of the high velocity CO outflow associated with the bipolar jet originating from IRS 1 in Barnard 5 and the first ever resolution of its circumstellar disk in the 2.6 mm dust continuum and C18O. From high spatial resolution observations made with the Owens Valley Millimeter Array we are able to locate the origin of the outflow to within approximately 500 AU on either side of IRS 1 and apparently at the edge of, or possibly within, its circumstellar disk. The orientation of the continuum disk is perpendicular to the highly collimated jet outflow recently seen in optical emission at much farther distances. The disk has been detected in C18O giving a disk mass approximately 0.16 M (solar). Our HCO+ and HCN maps indicate significant chemical differentiation in the circumstellar region on small scales with HCO+ tracing an extended disk of material. The 12CO interferometer maps of the outflow show two conelike features originating at IRS 1, the blue one fanning open to the northeast and the red one to the southwest. The vertices of the cones are on either side of the circumstellar disk and have a projected opening angle of about 90 degrees. The intrinsic opening angle is in the range of 60 degrees-90 degrees which leads to significant interaction between outflow and infall.

Rapid HLA-DR genotyping by PCR-amplification with sequence-specific primers

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid genotyping for HLA-DR alleles by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) for clinical application.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The subjects of study included 69 recipients, 43 unrelated donors and 5 cell lines. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes by a salting-out method. Thirty primers were designed according to the HLA-DRB nucleotide sequences, and synthesized on a 391 DNA synthesizer. Twenty separate PCR reactions were performed for each sample. The amplification was accomplished by 34 cycles consisting of denaturation at 94 degrees C for 30 seconds, annealing at 60 degrees C for 50 seconds and extension at 72 degrees C for 40 seconds. The specificity of matching was determined by standard DNAs and Southern hybridization using DIG labeling probes.

RESULTS

All 112 samples and 5 cell lines were able to be typed by PCR-SSP. No false positive or false negative typing results were obtained. The reproducibility was 100%. The size of the specific product was in concordance with the size of the designed primers. The overall time for genotyping was 4 hours. The typing results were confirmed by Southern hybridization.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping for HLA-DR by PCR-SSP is a rapid and accurate matching technique suited for clinical application.

Factors affecting therapeutic effect of anti-CD3 and CD4 monoclonal antibody in acute renal allograft rejection

Many factors can interfere with the therapeutic results for acute renal allograft rejection with anti-CD3 and CD4 MAbs. 1. When should we begin using MAbs and what about Scr levels while using MAbs? First-line treatment may be superior to rescue treatment; the earlier the better. 2. What is the level of blood concentration of CyA when rejection occurs? If the concentration of CyA is poor, the prognosis may be worse. 3. How do we maintain the dose of CyA during antirejection treatment with MAbs? Maintained use of CyA can play a coeffective role during antirejection treatment with MAbs. 4. What about the inhibiting degree of T-lymphocyte subsets after using MAbs? Whether CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ decrease or not following the use of MAbs, the T-lymphocyte subsets may interfere significantly with the therapeutic results of MAbs. 5. The combined use of CD3 and CD4 MAbs seemed to get better results, especially for the intractable rejection cases. If we take care of the factors as referred to above, we may get a better therapeutic effect in reversing acute renal allograft rejection episodes with anti-CD3 and CD4 MAbs.

[DNA typing for HLA-DR in donor-recipients of cadaveric transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To accurately allocate donor-recipients of HLA-matching and improve long-term graft survival, genotyping method for HLA-DR alleles by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was established and applied to renal transplantation.

METHODS

Thirty primers were designed and synthesized according to the HLA-DR nucleotide sequences. Genomic DNAs were prepared by a rapid salting-out method. A rapid genotyping method of PCR-SSP was set up by PCR technique and applied to HLA-DR typing in 14 cell lines DNA and 171 individuals of donor-recipients of cadaveric transplantation. The amplification was accomplished by 34 cycles consisting of denaturation at 94 degrees C for 30 seconds, annealing at 60 degrees C for 50 seconds, and extension at 72 degrees C for 40 seconds. The specificity of matching was determined against a panel of standard DNA, analysis with restriction endonucleases and Southern hybridization.

RESULTS

HLA-DR alleles of all 171 samples and 14 cell line DNAs were able to be typed by PCR-SSP. The size of specific products was consistent with the size of calculation. The overall time of genotyping was only 5 hours. No false positive or false negative typing results were discovered. The typing results were confirmed by analysis with endonucleases and hybridization. The specificity and reproducibility were 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotyping for HLA-DR by PCR-SSP is a rapid and accurate matching technique, suitable for organ transplantation, especially allocation of donor-recipients of cadaveric transplantation.

AP-2-mediated regulation of human NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) gene expression

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a flavoprotein that catalyzes two-electron reduction and detoxification of quinones. We have shown previously that twenty-four base pairs of the human Antioxidant Response Element (hARE) mediate basal and xenobiotic-induced expression of the NQO1 gene [Li and Jaiswal, J Biol Chem 267: 15097-15104, 1992]. In the present report, we have characterized a second cis-element, AP-2, at nucleotide position -157 of the human NQO1 gene promotor that regulates basal and cAMP-induced transcription of the NQO1 gene. The NQO1 gene AP-2 mediated expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene and the binding of nuclear proteins to the AP-2 element were observed in HeLa (AP-2 positive) cells but not in human hepatoblastoma Hep-G2 (AP-2 deficient) cells, indicating the involvement of transcription factors AP-2 in the regulation of NQO1 gene expression. Affinity purification of nuclear protein that binds to the NQO1 gene AP-2 DNA element and western analysis revealed that AP-2 indeed binds to the NQO1 gene AP-2 element and regulates its expression HeLa cells. The involvement of AP-2 in the regulation of NQO1 gene expression was confirmed by the observation that cDNA-derived AP-2 protein in Hep-G2 cells increased in NQO1 gene AP-2 but not mutant AP-2 mediated expression of CAT gene in Hep-G2 cells.

Preferential transmission of the high activity allele of COMT in schizophrenia

Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) metabolizes a variety of catecholamines such as dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. It exists in common high and low activity forms. The low activity form is the result of an amino acid substitution (val-108-met) which reduces the thermostability of the enzyme [Lotta et al. (1994) Biochemistry, 34, 4202-4210]. We have genotyped this polymorphism in 178 trios consisting of Han Chinese schizophrenic subjects and their parents in order to test the hypothesis that the high activity allele is transmitted more often to affected subjects. The data were analysed using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), a robust method of detecting linkage in the presence of allelic associations. Of the 131 parents heterozygous at this locus, 80 transmitted the high activity allele (val-108) to affected offspring, while the remaining 51 transmitted the low activity allele (p = 0.005, one-tailed). Combining this result with that of a previous TDT study of the same polymorphism in familial schizophrenia [Kunugi et al. (1996) submitted] gives significant evidence for linkage disequilibrium (p = 0.0015). However, val-108 is frequent in the Han Chinese population, and in the present sample, 239 of the 350 non-transmitted parental alleles were val-108 (68%). It is therefore unlikely that val-108 allele of COMT has a major effect on susceptibility to schizophrenia. Our results suggest that either val-108 is a minor risk factor for schizophrenia, that the COMT gene has additional polymorphisms with greater effect on risk, or that this region of chromosome 22 contains a susceptibility gene which is in linkage disequilibrium with the COMT gene.

[Rapid genotyping for HLA-DR by PCR-amplification with sequence-specific primers and clinical practice]

Genotyping for HLA-DR alleles by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was first typed in 112 individuals of donor-recipients of cadaveric transplantation and 9 cell lines DNA. Twenty separate PCR reactions were performed per sample. The amplification was accomplished by 34 cycles consisting of denaturation at 94 degrees C for 30 sec, annealing at 60 degrees C for 50 sec and extension at 72 degrees C for 40 sec. HLA-DR alleles could be accurately distinguished. The overall time of genotyping was only 5 hours. The specificity of matching was determined against a panel of standard DNA, analysis with restriction endonucleases, and Southern hybridization using DIG oligonucleotide 3'- end labeling probes. The specificity and reproducibility were 100%. No false positive or false negative typing results were obtained. These showed genotyping by PCR-SSP was a rapid and accurate matching technique, suited for clinical practice.

Correlation of clinical embolic events with coagulability in a patient with a total artificial heart

A 46-year-old female patient was supported for 185 days with a total artificial heart, underwent successful transplantation, and survived for over 1 year with no clinical residual findings suggestive of embolic events. Daily observation, analysis of a large battery of coagulation tests, and eight serial computed tomographic scans suggest that she had 12 embolic events while receiving mechanical support. Furthermore, it appears that the events were associated temporally with several mild infections and that coagulation was stimulated several days to 1 week before we detected the events.