An intronic SNP of <i>PPARG</i> and its association with fat traits in four meat-type duck populations (Brief report)

Abstract. Modern strains of ducks exhibit excessive body fat deposition, which is one of the main problems encountered by duck industry today. Excess fat deposition has led commercial breeders to incorporate significant selection for reduced body fatness in breeding programs. Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily (SCHOONJANS et al., 1996). In particular peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma, PPARG has been implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism and, consequently, in diseases that involve disturbances in lipid metabolism (obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiac failure) (VAN et al., 2002). Thus PPARG is a candidate gene for traits related to fat deposition.

The next generation of electron cyclotron emission imaging diagnostics (invited)

A 128 channel two-dimensional electron cyclotron emission imaging system collects time-resolved 16x8 images of T(e) profiles and fluctuations on the TEXTOR tokamak. Electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) is undergoing significant changes which promise to revolutionize and extend its capabilities far beyond what has been achieved to date. These include the development of a minilens array configuration with increased sensitivity antennas, a new local oscillator pumping scheme, enhanced electron cyclotron resonance heating shielding, and a highly flexible optical design with vertical zoom capability. Horizontal zoom and spot size (rf bandwidth) capabilities are also being developed with new ECEI electronics. An interface module is under development to remotely control all key features of the new ECEI instrument, many of which can be changed during a plasma discharge for maximum flexibility.

Fine scale genetic and physical mapping using interstitial deletion mutants of Lr34 /Yr18: a disease resistance locus effective against multiple pathogens in wheat

The Lr34/Yr18 locus has contributed to durable, non-race specific resistance against leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stripe rust (P. striiformis f. sp. tritici) in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Lr34/Yr18 also cosegregates with resistance to powdery mildew (Pm38) and a leaf tip necrosis phenotype (Ltn1). Using a high resolution mapping family from a cross between near-isogenic lines in the "Thatcher" background we demonstrated that Lr34/Yr18 also cosegregated with stem rust resistance in the field. Lr34/Yr18 probably interacts with unlinked genes to provide enhanced stem rust resistance in "Thatcher". In view of the relatively low levels of DNA polymorphism reported in the Lr34/Yr18 region, gamma irradiation of the single chromosome substitution line, Lalbahadur(Parula7D) that carries Lr34/Yr18 was used to generate several mutant lines. Characterisation of the mutants revealed a range of highly informative genotypes, which included variable size deletions and an overlapping set of interstitial deletions. The mutants enabled a large number of wheat EST derived markers to be mapped and define a relatively small physical region on chromosome 7DS that carried Lr34/Yr18. Fine scale genetic mapping confirmed the physical mapping and identified a genetic interval of less than 0.5 cM, which contained Lr34/Yr18. Both rice and Brachypodium genome sequences provided useful information for fine mapping of ESTs in wheat. Gene order was more conserved between wheat and Brachypodium than with rice but these smaller grass genomes did not reveal sequence information that could be used to identify a candidate gene for rust resistance in wheat. We predict that Lr34/Yr18 is located within a large insertion in wheat not found at syntenic positions in Brachypodium and rice.

The UL31 to UL35 gene sequences of Duck enteritis virus correspond to their homologs in herpes simplex virus 1

Five ORFs in the genome of Duck enteritis virus (DEV) corresponding to UL31, UL32, UL33, UL34, and UL35 genes of Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) were amplified by a modified "targeted gene walking" PCR, cloned, and sequenced. UL33, UL34, and UL35 genes were oriented from the left to the right of genome, while UL31 and UL32 had an opposite orientation. A comparison of deduced amino acid sequences of the DEV ORFs with their alphaherpesvirus homologs showed well-conserved regions except for the UL34 and UL35 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DEV was closer to the genus Mardivirus than to any other genus of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Based on this evidence, we proposed to assign DEV to the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.

Systemic oxytocin and vasopressin excite gastrointestinal motility through oxytocin receptor in rabbits

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of systemic oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) on the motility of stomach and duodenum. Two plastic balloons made of condom were inserted into stomach and duodenum to monitor the change of mean pressure. Intravenous injection of OT (0.1-0.8 microg kg(-1)) or VP (0.02-0.08 IU kg(-1)) dose-dependently increased the stomach and duodenum pressure. Pretreatment of atosiban (1 microg kg(-1)), the specific OT receptor (OTR) antagonist, attenuated the excitatory effect of OT or VP on the pressure of stomach and duodenum. Pretreatment of V1880 (1 microg kg(-1)), the specific V1 receptor blocker, did not influence this effect. So we conclude that both of OT and VP injected systemically increased the gastric and duodenum motility via OTR.

Practical aspects of planning, building, and interpreting tissue microarrays: The Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource experience

This is a review of several new approaches developed at or adopted by the Cooperative Prostate Cancer Tissue Resource (CPCTR) to resolve issues involved in tissue microarray (TMA) construction and use. CPCTR developed the first needle biopsy TMA, allowing researchers to obtain 200 or more consecutive cancer sections from a single biopsy core. Using radiographs of original paraffin blocks to measure tissue thickness we developed a method to produce TMAs with a larger number of usable sections. The modular approach to plan TMA construction is also a novel concept wherein TMAs of different types, such as tumor grade TMAs, metastasis TMA and hormone refractory tumors TMA can be combined to form an ensemble of TMAs with expanded research utility, such as support for tumor progression studies. We also implemented an open access TMA Data Exchange Specification that allows TMA data to be organized in a self-describing XML document annotated with well-defined common data elements. It ensures inter-laboratory reproducibility because it offers information describing the preparation of TMA blocks and slides. There are many important aspects that may be missed by both beginners and experienced investigators in areas of TMA experimental design, human subjects protection, population sample size, selection of tumor areas to sample, strategies for saving tissues, choice of antibodies for immunohistochemistry, and TMA data management.

Wheat genome structure and function: genome sequence data and the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium

Genome sequencing and the associated bioinformatics is now a widely accepted research tool for accelerating genetic research and the analysis of genome structure and function of wheat because it leverages similar work from other crops and plants. The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium addresses the challenge of wheat genome structure and function and builds on the research efforts of Professor Bob McIntosh in the genetics of wheat. Currently, expressed sequence tags (ESTs; ~500 000 to date) are the largest sequence resource for wheat genome analyses. It is estimated that the gene coverage of the wheat EST collection is ~60%, close to that of Arabidopsis, indicating that ~40% of wheat genes are not represented in EST collections. The physical map of the D-genome donor species Aegilops tauschii is under construction (http://wheat.pw.usda.gov/PhysicalMapping). The technologies developed in this analysis of the D genome provide a good model for the approach to the entire wheat genome, namely compiling BAC contigs, assigning these BAC contigs to addresses in a high resolution genetic map, filling in gaps to obtain the entire physical length of a chromosome, and then large-scale sequencing.

Relationships among genotypes, virulence and clinical forms of Sporothrix schenckii infection

This study explored the relationships among genotypes, virulence and clinical forms of Sporothrix schenckii. Genomic DNA from isolates of S. schenckii, collected from different clinical forms of sporotrichosis, was amplified by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Suspensions of different isolates of S. schenckii were inoculated into healthy BALB/c mice to compare their virulence, and the numbers and distribution of spores were determined by histological analysis. RAPD analysis indicated that the isolates from different clinical forms of sporotrichosis belonged to different genotypes. The mice inoculated with isolates from disseminated sporotrichosis showed an earlier onset of illness and more severe lesions than those inoculated with isolates from lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, which, in turn, showed an earlier onset of illness and more severe lesions than those inoculated with isolates from fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis. Healthy BALB/c mice injected with isolates from disseminated sporotrichosis died within 10 days, whereas isolates from lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis and fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis failed to cause death. Histologically, mice inoculated with isolates from disseminated sporotrichosis had more spores than those inoculated with isolates from lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis and fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis. Thus, different genotypes may be associated closely with the virulence of different clinical forms of S. schenckii infection.

Effect of cardiac lymph flow obstruction on cardiac collagen synthesis and interstitial fibrosis

The effect of chronic cardiac lymphatic obstruction on the myocardial synthesis of collagen type I and III was investigated in a rabbit model. In the lymphatic obstruction group (n=16), plasma C-terminal propeptide type I procollagen (PICP) and N-terminal propeptide type III procollagen (PIIINP) were elevated at 7, 14 and 30 days after the operation (p<0.05). The elevated PICP and PIIINP returned to the pre-operation values 60 days after the operation. The myocardial expression of collagen type I and III mRNA were also enhanced in the lymphatic flow obstruction group. Plasma PICP, PIIINP and myocardial collagen type I and III mRNA remained unchanged in the control group (n=16). We concluded that chronic obstruction of cardiac lymph flow leads to enhanced myocardial collagen synthesis in rabbits. The enhanced collagen synthesis starts within seven days after lymphatic obstruction and subsides after 60 days.

The rapid formation of a large rotating disk galaxy three billion years after the Big Bang

Observations and theoretical simulations have established a framework for galaxy formation and evolution in the young Universe. Galaxies formed as baryonic gas cooled at the centres of collapsing dark-matter haloes; mergers of haloes and galaxies then led to the hierarchical build-up of galaxy mass. It remains unclear, however, over what timescales galaxies were assembled and when and how bulges and disks--the primary components of present-day galaxies--were formed. It is also puzzling that the most massive galaxies were more abundant and were forming stars more rapidly at early epochs than expected from models. Here we report high-angular-resolution observations of a representative luminous star-forming galaxy when the Universe was only 20% of its current age. A large and massive rotating protodisk is channelling gas towards a growing central stellar bulge hosting an accreting massive black hole. The high surface densities of gas, the high rate of star formation and the moderately young stellar ages suggest rapid assembly, fragmentation and conversion to stars of an initially very gas-rich protodisk, with no obvious evidence for a major merger.

Peroneal F-wave characteristics under submaximal stimulation

PURPOSE

F-wave studies are valuable tools in clinical neurophysiology. F-wave parameter estimation must be based on multiple F-wave traces due to their inherent variability. Repetitive supramaximal stimulation is uncomfortable for many patients. This study tested the hypothesis that submaximally stimulated nerves yield F-wave parameters equivalent to those obtained with supramaximal stimulation.

METHODS

Thirty-five peroneal nerves from 27 subjects were stimulated both supramaximally and submaximally. CMAP and F-wave responses from the extensor digitorum brevis muscle were recorded and analyzed offline. Automated algorithms were used to determine F-wave parameters.

RESULTS

Mean, minimum, maximum F-wave latencies, F-wave duration, and chronodispersion showed no statistically significant difference under the two stimulation conditions. F-wave persistence, amplitude, and subject's discomfort level, were lower with statistical significance. The correlation coefficient of submaximal and supramaximal mean F-wave latencies was 0.977 and their intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.976. The bias of the mean latencies was 0.21 ms and the 95% limits of agreement were less than 5% of the mean F-wave latency.

CONCLUSIONS

F-waves acquired with submaximal stimulation possess characteristics statistically equivalent to those obtained under supramaximal stimulation, as measured by the latency and duration parameters. Persistence and amplitude were lower. Reduction in discomfort level was also achieved.

Composition fluctuations in dilute nitride (Ga,In)(N,As)/GaAs heterostructures measured by low-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopy

We report on the investigation of composition fluctuations in epitaxially grown (Ga,In)(N,As) epilayers on GaAs(001) substrates by using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The N and In concentrations are determined locally with a probe size of about 8 nm from the low-loss EELS measurements. We demonstrate that the small amount of N incorporating in dilute nitride alloys can be measured quantitatively by the plasmon energy shift with respect to a GaAs reference, and that the In content is analyzed simultaneously from the In 4d transitions, which have been isolated from the overlapping Ga 3d transitions. Our spatially resolved EELS results are utilized to discuss the origin of the inherent composition fluctuations and their influences on the morphological instabilities during epitaxial growth.

A combined linkage-physical map of the human genome

We have constructed de novo a high-resolution genetic map that includes the largest set, to our knowledge, of polymorphic markers (N=14,759) for which genotype data are publicly available; that combines genotype data from both the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) and deCODE pedigrees; that incorporates single-nucleotide polymorphisms; and that also incorporates sequence-based positional information. The position of all markers on our map is corroborated by both genomic sequence and recombination-based data. This specific combination of features maximizes marker inclusion, coverage, and resolution, making this map uniquely suitable as a comprehensive resource for determining genetic map information (order and distances) for any large set of polymorphic markers.

Cationic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles as efficient in vivo gene transfection agents

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), a biocompatible and biodegradable polyester co-polymer of PLA and PGA, has been recognized for its ability to deliver genes. However, gene delivery by PLGA nanoparticles is limited by their negative charge and their poor transport through mucosal barriers. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles were surface modified with cationic chitosan in an effort to improve their gene delivery capability. PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized by emulsion-diffusion-evaporation technique using PVA-chitosan (PLGA1) or PVA-chitosan-PEG (PLGA2) blend as stabilizers. This method is reproducible and produces nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameter <200 nm. The nanoparticles were characterized by zetasizer, photon correlation spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. A549 epithelial cells were transfected in vitro with PLGA particles complexed with a reporter plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein. PLGA particles transferred EGFP gene, but were less efficient than the lipofectamine control. The nanoparticles were also tested for their ability to transport across the nasal mucosa in vivo in mice. The results show that both PLGA1 and PLGA2 facilitate gene delivery and expression in vivo with increased efficiency and without causing inflammation, as measured by IL-6. Together, these results indicate that chitosan-modified PLGA nanoparticles have greater potential as gene carriers.

MAP-O-MAT: internet-based linkage mapping

MAP-O-MAT is a web-based server for automated linkage mapping of human polymorphic DNA markers. MAP-O-MAT facilitates the verification of order and map distances for custom mapping sets using genotype data from the CEPH database, and from the Marshfield, SNP Consortium and Rutgers linkage maps (exclusive to the deCODE genotyping data). The CRI-MAP program is used for likelihood calculations and some mapping algorithms, and physical map positions are provided from the human genome assembly.

AVAILABILITY

MAP-O-MAT is located at http://compgen.rutgers.edu/mapomat/

CONTACT

matise@biology.rutgers.edu.

Cationic silica nanoparticles as gene carriers: synthesis, characterization and transfection efficiency in vitro and in vivo

The potential of cationic SiO2 nanoparticles was investigated for in vivo gene transfer in this study. Cationic SiO2 nanoparticles with surface modification were generated using amino-hexyl-amino-propyltri-methoxysilane (AHAPS). The zeta potential of the nanoparticles at pH = 7.4 varied from -31.4 mV (unmodified particles; 10 nm) to +9.6 mV (modified by AHAPS). Complete immobilization of DNA at the nanoparticle surface was achieved at a particle ratio of 80 (w/w nanoparticle/DNA ratio). The surface modified nanoparticle had a size of 42 nm with a distribution from 10-100 nm. The ability of these particles to transfect pCMVbeta reporter gene was tested in Cos-1 cells, and optimum results were obtained in the presence of FCS and chloroquine at a particle ratio of 80. These nanoparticles were tested for their ability to transfer genes in vivo in the mouse lung, and a two-times increase in the expression levels was found with silica particles in comparison to EGFP alone. Very low or no cell toxicity was observed, suggesting silica nanoparticles as potential alternatives for gene transfection.

Scd1ab-Xyk: a new asebia allele characterized by a CCC trinucleotide insertion in exon 5 of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene in mouse

We describe here a spontaneous, autosomal recessive mutant mouse suffering from skin and hair defects, which arose in the outbred Kunming strain. By haplotype analysis and direct sequencing of PCR products, we show that this mutation is a new allele of the asebia locus with a naturally occurring mutation in the Scd1 gene (a CCC insertion at nucleotide position 835 in exon 5), which codes for stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. This mutation introduces an extra proline residue at position 279 in the Scd1 protein. The mutant mice, originally designated km/km but now assigned the name Scd1ab-Xyk (hereafter abbreviated as abXyk/abXyk), have a similar gross and histological phenotype to that reported for previously characterized allelic asebia mutations (Scd1ab, Scd1abJ, Scd1ab2J, and Scd1tm1Ntam). Histological analysis showed they were also characterized by hypoplasic sebaceous glands and abnormal hair follicles. In a cross between Kunming- abXyk/abXyk and ABJ/Le-abJ/abJ mice, all the progeny showed the same phenotype, indicating that the two mutations were non-complementing and therefore allelic. Comparisons with the other four allelic mutants indicate that the Scd1ab-Xyk mutation causes the mildest change in Scd1 function. This new mouse mutant is a good model not only for the study of scarring alopecias in humans, which are characterized by hypoplasic sebaceous glands, but also for studying the structure and function of the Scd1 protein.

Association between apolipoprotein CI HpaI polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer's disease in Chinese

OBJECTIVE

To investigate into the relationship of apolipoprotein CI (ApoCI) polymorphism with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Chinese.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 257 AD patients and 242 age-matched elderly individuals were genotyped for the ApoCI HpaI and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) HhaI polymorphisms.

RESULTS

The ApoCI A allele was associated with AD of moderate to severe dementia when patients were divided into two subgroups according to Clinical Dementia Rating scale, and the AA genotype was strongly associated with moderate to severe AD in ApoE epsilon4 allele carriers [odds ratio (OR) = 8.19, 95% confidential interval: 1.28-52.30, after adjusting for age and gender by logistic regression analysis], although in total no significant differences of allele or genotype frequency between patients and controls were found.

CONCLUSION

The present study partially confirmed the previous findings, suggesting that the ApoCI A allele might contribute to the susceptibility to moderate to severe sporadic AD in Chinese.

Construction and characterization of a half million clone BAC library of durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

Durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum ssp. durum, 2 n = 4 x = 28, genomes AB) is an economically important cereal used as the raw material to make pasta and semolina. In this paper we present the construction and characterization of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of tetraploid durum wheat cv. Langdon. This variety was selected because of the availability of substitution lines that facilitate the assignment of BACs to the A and B genome. The selected Langdon line has a 30-cM segment of chromosome 6BS from T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides carrying a gene for high grain protein content, the target of a positional cloning effort in our laboratory. A total of 516,096 clones were organized in 1,344 384-well plates and blotted on 28 high-density filters. Ninety-eight percent of these clones had wheat DNA inserts (0.3% chloroplast DNA, 1.4% empty clones and 0.3% empty wells). The average insert size of 500 randomly selected BAC clones was 131 kb, resulting in a coverage of 5.1-fold genome equivalents for each of the two genomes, and a 99.4% probability of recovering any gene from each of the two genomes of durum wheat. Six known copy-number probes were used to validate this theoretical coverage and gave an estimated coverage of 5.8-fold genome equivalents. Screening of the library with 11 probes related to grain storage proteins and starch biosynthesis showed that the library contains several clones for each of these genes, confirming the value of the library in characterizing the organization of these important gene families. In addition, characterization of fingerprints from colinear BACs from the A and B genomes showed a large differentiation between the A and B genomes. This library will be a useful tool for evolutionary studies in one of the best characterized polyploid systems and a source of valuable genes for wheat. Clones and high-density filters can be requested at http://agronomy.ucdavis.edu/Dubcovsky/BAC-library/BAC_Langdon.htm

Interaction between alcohol dehydrogenase II gene, alcohol consumption, and risk for breast cancer

MaeIII Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism in exon 3 of the alcohol dehydrogenase II was assessed in serum from 467 randomly selected German women and 278 women with invasive breast cancer to evaluate the interaction between a polymorphism of the alcohol dehydrogenase II gene, alcohol consumption and risk for breast cancer. In both groups, usual consumption of different alcoholic beverages was asked for using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to separately estimate the association between alcohol consumption and alcohol dehydrogenase II polymorphism in the population sample and women with breast cancer. The alcohol dehydrogenase II polymorphism was detected in 14 women from the population sample (3.0%) and in 27 women with invasive breast cancer (9.7%). Frequency of alcohol consumption was independent of the genotype in the population sample. In women with breast cancer, there was a significant inverse association between the alcohol dehydrogenase II polymorphism and frequency of alcohol consumption (adjusted case-only odds ratio over increasing frequency of alcohol consumption=0.5; P for interaction=0.02). We observed a gene-environment interaction between the alcohol dehydrogenase II polymorphism, alcohol consumption, and risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption may vary according to the alcohol dehydrogenase II polymorphism, probably due to differences in alcohol metabolism.

Directed evolution of alpha-aspartyl dipeptidase from Salmonella typhimurium

Model-free approaches (error-prone PCR to introduce random mutations, DNA shuffling to combine positive mutations, and screening of the resultant mutant libraries) have been used to enhance the catalytic activity and thermostability of alpha-aspartyl dipeptidase from Salmonella typhimurium, which is uniquely able to hydrolyze Asp-X dipeptides (where X is any amino acid) and one tripeptide (Asp-Gly-Gly). Under double selective pressures of activity and thermostability, through two rounds of error-prone PCR and three sequential generations of DNA shuffling, coupled with screening, a mutant pepEM3074 with approximately 47-fold increased enzyme activity compared with its wild-type parent was obtained. Moreover, the stability of pepEM3074 is increased significantly. Three amino acid substitutions (Asn89His, Gln153Glu, and Leu205Arg), two of them are near the active site and substrate binding pocket, were identified by sequencing the genes encoding this evolved enzyme. The mechanism of the enhancement of activity and stability was analyzed in this paper.

Watermarking medical signals for telemedicine

Modern telecommunication infrastructure supports the possibility of delivering quality health care without the physical presence of medical experts. The integrity of biomedical signals being transmitted through communication channels must be established before their utilization. This paper investigates three digital watermarking techniques for signal integrity verification in an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring application for brain injury detection. The techniques studied are patchwork, least significant bit, and quantization watermarking methods. The three techniques are evaluated and compared in the following areas: sensitivity to noise contamination, robustness to EEG signal characteristic changes due to brain injury, and consistency under various communication channel models. The patchwork method performs best for noise contamination rejection among the three methods. The noise contamination detection rates of all three methods remain relatively stable across a wide range of EEG characteristics.

Glycosaminoglycan mimetics: a therapeutic approach to cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Amyloid deposits characteristic of cerebral amyloid angiopathy lead to vessel rupture and intracerebral hemorrhage. Proteoglycans associate with the amyloid fibril deposits and are thought to play a role in the polymerization of amyloid proteins and the propagation of the deposition process. A series of low molecular weight anionic compounds was developed to mimic the glycosaminoglycan moieties of these proteoglycans. These compounds were tested in different in vitro systems to determine their anti-Abeta amyloid activity. Specific compounds were identified as being anti-fibrillogenic and protective against Abeta-induced cvtotoxicity. Such compounds also did not show intrinsic cellular toxicity could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo, and showed a good safety profile following chronic' exposure. Molecules showing an anti-amyloid profile combined with the ability to cross the BBB represent promising therapeutics for CAA.

A new locus for hereditary gingival fibromatosis (GINGF2) maps to 5q13-q22

Gingival fibromatosis (GINGF) is an oral disorder characterized by enlargement of the gingiva. It occurs either as the sole phenotype or combined with other symptoms. Thus far, one GINGF locus has been mapped on chromosome 2, at 2p21, and a second possible locus has been mapped to 2p13. However, the genes responsible for this disorder have not been elucidated. We identified a four-generation Chinese GINGF family in which the disease manifests within 1 year after birth. After exclusion of the two known GINGF loci in this family, we performed a genome-wide search to map the chromosome location of the responsible gene. We identified a new locus, GINGF2, on chromosome 5q13-q22 with a maximum two-point lod score of 4.31 at D5S1721 (theta = 0.00). Haplotype analysis placed the critical region in the interval defined by D5S1491 and D5S1453. Within this region, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) is a strong candidate.

Latency change estimation for evoked potentials: a comparison of algorithms

Evoked potentials (EPs) have been widely used to quantify neurological system properties. Changes in EP latency may indicate impending neurological dysfunctions. This paper provides a review and a performance comparison of three classes of latency change estimation algorithms: correlation based, adaptive least mean square (LMS) based, and p-norm based algorithms. Data analysis based on computer simulated data and data from impact acceleration and hypoxia experiments were conducted. This concluded that correlation-based algorithms should only be used when the expected latency change is fixed and the noises are not correlated. While all adaptive LMS type algorithms were capable of tracking and estimating latency changes (fixed or variable) under Gaussian noise conditions, the direct LMS-based algorithm reduced the estimation error power given by traditional filter type LMS algorithms as much as 93%. When periodic interference was present, the frequency selective LMS algorithms outperformed other LMS-based algorithms and reduced of the estimation error power by 89%. Alpha-stable noise processes are better approximations of noises found in various EP analysis applications and adaptive p-norm based algorithms are found to be very robust under such noise conditions, eliminate erroneous abrupt latency changes other algorithms would have produced.

[Keratin 17 gene mutation in patients with steatocystoma multiplex]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between steatocystoma multiplex (SCM) and keratin 17 gene mutation.

METHODS

The keratin 17 gene mutation in the cDNA of cystic tissue of 5 patients of SCM and in the DNA in peripheral blood of 25 patients with SCM from a SCM family was studied by direct sequencing of the RT-PCR products, nested PCR, and restricted fraction length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Thirty-nine blood specimens from the unaffected members of that family were collected and tested too. Ten DNA pool specimens and other 2000 DNA pool specimens of normal individuals outside that SCM family were used as controls.

RESULTS

In the base 428, 94(th) codon in keratin 17 gene in the cDNA of patients' cystic tissue, R94C mutation, a G-->A mutation, was detected Nested PCR, and restricted enzyme Acil polymorphism analysis showed that in the DNA specimens of peripheral blood of patients a mutated allele lacking enzyme cutting locus was detected, thus causing an uncut band with 200 bp while the corresponding allele was cut and caused two bands with 108 bp and 92 bp. In the DNA pool specimens of normal controls only these two bands with 108 bp and 92 bp were observed.

CONCLUSION

The R94C mutation in keratin 17 gene is one of the genetic bases of SCM in Chinese. The results of this study provide scientific data for genetic diagnosis and counseling of SCM.

Sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(atp)channels mediate cardioprotection in chronically hypoxic hearts

X. Kong, J. S. Tweddell, G. J. Gross and J. E. Baker. Sarcolemmal and Mitochondrial K(ATP)Channels Mediate Cardioprotection in Chronically Hypoxic Hearts. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2001) 33, 1041-1045. Hypoxia from birth increases the resistance of the isolated neonatal heart to ischemia. We determined if increased resistance to ischemia was due to activation of sarcolemmal or mitochondrial K(ATP)channels. Rabbits (n=8/group) were raised from birth in a normoxic (F(I)O(2)=0.21) or hypoxic (F(I)O(2)=0.12) environment for 8-10 days and the heart perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer. A mitochondrial-selective K(ATP)channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) (300 micromol/l) or a sarcolemmal-selective K(ATP)channel blocker HMR 1098 (30 micromol/l) were added alone or in combination for 20 min prior to a global ischemic period of 30 min, followed by 35 min reperfusion. Recovery of ventricular developed pressure was higher in chronically hypoxic than normoxic hearts. 5-HD and HMR 1098 partially reduced the cardioprotective effect of chronic hypoxia, but had no effect in normoxic hearts. The combination of 5-HD and HMR 1098 abolished the cardioprotective effect of chronic hypoxia. We conclude that both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K(ATP)channels contribute to cardioprotection in the chronically hypoxic heart.

[Effect of pentoxifylline on promoter activity of human alpha 1(I) procollagen gene]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on promoter activity of human alpha 1(I) procollagen (COL1A1) gene and the influence of PTX on the promoter activity induced by insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin.

METHODS

The constructs of pCOLH2.5 containing -2483 approximately +42bp of the procollagen gene and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) as reporter gene were transiently transfected into human skin fibroblasts. The cells were subsequently treated with PTX or IGF-1 or insulin, or PTX plus IGF-1 or insulin. The CAT activity was assessed 24h after PTX and the cytokines added.

RESULTS

PTX of 0.4 mmol/L, 2 mmol/L, and 10 mmol/L decreased the CAT activity of pCOLH 2.5 to 82%+/-9%, 58%+/-8%, and 32%+/-13% of the control level, respectively. IGF-1 and insulin increased the activity of the construct. PTX could inhibit the CAT activity of pCOLH2.5 induced by IGF-1 and insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies indicate that PTX downregulates the promoter activity of the human COL1A1 gene, while IGF-1 and insulin upregulates it. PTX can inhibit the promoter activity induced by IGF-1 and insulin.

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect with a new self-expanding nitinol double disk device (Amplatzer device): experience in Nanjing

PURPOSE

Various devices have been developed for the transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD II) to avoid the morbidity, discomfort, and thoracotomy scar associated with surgical closure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer septal occluder for transcatheter closure of ASD II.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Only patients who were clinically diagnosed with ASD II were selected. The anatomy of ASD had to meet certain echocardiographic criteria. Under the guidance of echocardiography and fluoroscopy, the implantation of the device was accomplished as recommended by the manufacturer.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (median age 18.4 years) with an ASD II underwent transcatheter closure. Procedure time ranged from 30-200 minutes and fluoroscopy time from 10-50 minutes. The diameter of the ASD measured by echocardiography ranged from 13-25 mm, while both the stretched diameters of the ASDs and the sizes of the devices ranged from 18-34 mm. The successful placement rate was 100%. The residual shunt rate was 100% immediately after device implantation and 10% after 24 hours. After 3 months, 3.3% of the patients had a (trivial) residual shunt. The device did not affect the surrounding structures of ASD. No embolization of the device occurred.

CONCLUSION

The Amplatzer device designed for the closure of ASD II can be implanted easily and also is retrievable. Due to a low ratio of residual shunt and few complications, this device is a good choice for transcatheter closure of ASD II. Long-term follow-up will be required for widespread clinical use.

Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus

OBJECTIVE

To determine the epidemiologic pattern of subgroups A and B and genotypes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during two noncontinuous epidemics during 1990-1991 and 1997-1998 in Beijing.

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal secretion (NPS) samples of RSV positive or RSV isolates tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay were classified into subgroups A and B. Isolates of RSV were divided into at least six different lineages, designated NP1-NP6, by restriction mapping of the N gene. Np1, 3 and 6 were given by subgroup B isolates, while NP2, 4 and 5 were given by subgroup A isolates. Strains of subgroup A were further subdivided into six lineages SHL1-SHL6 on the basis of the SH gene sequence. SH lineages were closely related to each other and to NP1-NP6. Strains of SHL1, 3 and 4 were closely related and belonged to NP2, SHL2 and 6 to NP4, and SHL5 to NP5.

RESULTS

Of 145 RSV NPS samples from the 1997-1998 epidemic, 83 (57.2%) were of subgroup B RSV positive, 62 (42.8%) of subgroup A RSV positive. The rate of occurrence of subgroup A to B strains was about 1:1.3. Two of 10 isolates during the epidemic were subgroup A strains, whereas 8 were subgroup B strains. The rate of occurrence of subgroup A to B strains was 1:4. Eight subgroup A strains of 10 isolates from the 1990-1991 epidermic were dominant; the proportion of subgroup A to B strains was 4:1. With 10 RSV isolates in 1997-1998, all 2 subgroup A strains gave N gene fragment restriction pattern NP4, and fell into SH lineage SHL2, whereas 8 subgroup B strains all belonged to NP3. All 8 subgroup A isolates from the 1990-1991 epidemic gave pattern NP4, and fell into SHL2, while 2 subgroup B strains all belonged to NP3. The classification of subgroups A and B deduced from NP patterns corresponded to the definition of these subgroups by monoclonal antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations confirm that subgroups A and B or multiple lineages of RSV co-circulated in Beijing, but different genome types predominated each year. Moreover, very similar viruses were isolated up to more than 5 years ago, indicating that despite apparent diversity of the subgroup A strains, the separate lineages might be relatively stable.

[Carcinoma of kidney collecting duct: an analysis of 10 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinicopathologic characteristics of renal collecting duct carcinoma (CDC).

METHODS

A retrospective study was done in 10 cases of CDC.

RESULTS

Among 466 cases of renal cell carcinoma admitted in our Institute between January 1989 and June 30, 1999, 10(2.1%) cases of CDC were identified. Seven presented with gross hematuria and 3 with abdominal pain. Radical nephrectomy was done in 9 patients, enucleation of tumor in one. The primary tumor was located predominantly in the renal medulla. Histologic examination showed prominent tubular or tubulopapillary structures. Sarcomatoid carcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, nests and cords of tumor cells in desmoplastic stroma were identified in some cases. High molecular weight cytokeratin 34 beta E12 was positive in 8 cases and peanut agglutinin in 7 cases. According to Fuhrman's nuclear grade, one was in G2, 4 were in G3 and 5 in G4. Six patients died of metastases within 3 to 23 months (mean 13.3 months), one died of heart disease with tumor free after 19 months, two survived with tumor free for 14 months and 39 months, respectively, one lost from follow-up.

CONCLUSION

CDC is a distinctive renal cell carcinoma with prominent clinical appearance and progressive clinical course.