Molecular characterization of the B-box protein-protein interaction motif of the ETS-domain transcription factor Elk-1

The ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily of ETS-domain transcription factors form ternary complexes with the serum response factor (SRF) and the c-fos SRE. Extracellular signals are relayed via MAP kinase signal transduction pathways through the TCF component of the ternary complex. Protein-protein interactions between TCFs and SRF play an essential role in formation of this ternary complex. A 30 amino acid sequence encompassing the TCF B-box is sufficient to mediate interactions with SRF. In this study we have identified amino acids which are critical for this interaction and derived a molecular model of the SRF binding interface. Alanine scanning of the Elk-1 B-box reveals five predominantly hydrophobic residues which are essential for binding to SRF and for ternary complex formation in vitro and in vivo. These amino acids are predicted to lie on one face of an alpha-helix. Peptides encompassing the B-box retain biological activity and have helix-forming propensity. alpha-Helix and ternary complex formation is disrupted by the introduction of helix-breaking proline residues. Our results are consistent with a model in which the Elk-1 B-box forms an inducible alpha-helix which presents a hydrophobic face for interaction with SRF. We discuss the wider applicability of our results to similar short protein-protein interaction motifs found in other transcription factors.

[Method of mRNA differential display and its application in life science]

The changes of mRNA expression level control cell function. Many factors such as individual development, cell proliferation and differentiation, and even apoptosis, physiological stimuli, and drug treatment will change the level of gene expression. Comparisons of gene expression in different cell types provide the underlying information for analyzing the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the physiological processes. A method of mRNA differential display is developed recently, providing a powerful and useful tool, which can efficiently and rapidly isolate the genes that display a difference in transcription. These genes may play important role in cell function.

[Anatomical observation on the external nasal arteries]

An anatomical study of the arteries of the external nose was undertaken in 16 adult cadavers. These arteries included dorsal nasal artery, the lateral nasal artery, the naso-alar artery, the lower naso-alar marginal artery and the nasoseptal artery, etc. Eighty-five percent of them was branches of the facial artery. The results showed that the external nasal arteries distributed around the nostril in a small and a large circle, which suggested that there may be a two-way blood supply on the nasal tip and the columella. The circulation of the internal and external carotid artery may join on the nasal tip where the blood supplies still remain even after bilateral carotid arteries are ligated. The names of the branches and their features are discussed in the paper.

The effect of dexrazoxane (ICRF-187) on doxorubicin- and daunorubicin-mediated growth inhibition of Chinese hamster ovary cells

Dexrazoxane (ICRF-187) is clinically used to reduce doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Because dexrazoxane, doxorubicin and daunorubicin all act on DNA topoisomerase II, a study was undertaken to see what effect dexrazoxane had on the growth inhibitory effects of doxorubicin and daunorubicin towards Chinese hamster ovary cells. Dexrazoxane exhibited significant antagonism of doxorubicin- and daunorubicin-mediated growth inhibition when the cells were preincubated with dexrazoxane before the anthracycline was added. Continuous exposure of cells to either anthracycline and low concentrations of dexrazoxane resulted in additive growth inhibitory effects at low anthracycline concentrations, and no effect at higher anthracycline concentrations.

Identification of the high affinity receptor binding region in human immunoglobulin E

We have investigated the capacity of N- and C-terminally truncated and chimeric human (h) IgE-derived peptides to inhibit the binding of 125I-labeled hIgE, and to engage cell lines expressing high and low affinity receptors (Fc-epsilon-RI/II). The peptide sequence Pro343-Ser353 of the hC-epsilon-3 domain is common to all h-epsilon-chain peptides that recognize hFc-epsilon-RI. This region in IgE is homologous to the A loop in C-gamma-2 that engages the rat neonatal IgG receptor. Optimum Fc-epsilon-RI occupancy by hIgE occurs at pH 6.4, with a second peak at 7.4. N- or C-terminal truncation has little effect on the association rate of the ligands with this receptor. Dissociation markedly increases following C-terminal deletion, and hFc-epsilon-RI occupancy at pH 6.4 is diminished. His residue(s) in the C-terminal region of the epsilon-chain may thus contribute to the high affinity of interaction. Grafting the homologus rat epsilon-chain sequence into hIgE maintains hFc-epsilon-RI interaction without conferring binding to rat Fc-epsilon-RI. hFc-epsilon-RII interaction is lost, suggesting that these residues also contribute to hFc-epsilon RII binding. h-epsilon-chain peptides comprising only this sequence do not block hIgE/hFc-epsilon-RI interaction or engage the receptor. Therefore, sequences N- or C-terminal to this core peptide provide structures necessary for receptor recognition.

Treatment of tuberculous pleurisy with effusion by artificial pneumothorax

57 patients were divided into two groups at random. The patients of two groups were all given standard treatments with anti-tuberculous drugs. Treatment group received artificial pneumothorax to help the cure. Results showed that the frequency and quantity of drawing liquid in the treatment group were obviously less than those in the control group and the duration of the complete liquid absorption was shortened markedly in the treatment group and that total effective rate in treatment group (92.5%) was obviously higher than that of the control group (83.33%). We found that the artificial pneumothorax could raise the intra-pleural pressure by 0.20-0.39 kPa, reduce leakage in parietal pleurae and increase the absorption in visceral layer evidently. As it can isolate the two layers of pleurae from one another by the air in thorax, the incidence of pleurae adhesion can be decreased.

Dynamic changes of mechanically activated channels and K+ channels at injury site of peripheral nerve in rat

Ectopic ion channels developed locally at the injury site after nerve damage by light ligation around common sciatic nerve of the rats. Different channel types have different processes of formation, accumulation and degeneration. During the first three days after injury, mechanically activated channels that are modulated by CA++ channel activities first appeared. As the nerve fibers begin to be excited by TEA, a blocker of K+ channels, suggesting that the accumulation of K+ channels, the responsibility of mechanically activated channels was declining. Onset of K+ channels was from the 3rd postoperative day and lasted up to the fiftieth day. This time course of K+ channel development was closely related to allodynia and hyperalgesia of neuropathic animal behaviour. The results suggest that chronic contraction injury induces a dynamic change in the ectopic mechanically activated channels and K+ channels at the injury site of nerve and there is an interchange in the development time courses of the mechanically activated channels and K+ channels.

Treating tuberculous pleurisy with effusion by artificial pneumothorax

The efficacy of artificial pneumothorax therapy was evaluated in subjects with tuberculous pleurisy with effusion. The patients (57 cases) were divided into two groups at random: 30 cases in the control group and 27 cases in the group under treatment. They were all given standard treatment with antituberculous drugs drawing liquid accumulated and injecting antituberculous drugs and corticosteroids into their intrapleural cavity. In addition, the treating group received artificial pneumothorax to enhance the treatment efficacy. The frequency and amount of liquid drawn in the treating group were obviously less than those in the control group. Time necessary to draw all the liquid was substantially shortened in the former case with a higher degree of efficiency (92.59%) than that of the latter (83.33%). We also found that the artificial pneumothorax could raise the intrapleural pressure of 2 to 4 cm H2O, reduce leakage in parietal pleura and evidently increase the absorption in visceral pleura. The results suggest that artificial pneumothorax can reduce the liquid leakage and accelerate absorption of the liquid in thorax. As the two layers of pleura can be isolated by the air in thorax, the occurrence rate of pleural adhesion can be cut down. Hence, it is an effective assistant therapy for tuberculous pleurisy with effusion.

[Anatomic structure of the soft tissue of nasal dorsum and its applications in augmentation rhinoplasty]

The nasalis--procerus aponeurosis and its clinical applications in augmentation rhinoplasty were described in this paper. According to our experience, the silicone frame can be put in three anatomical layers of the nasal dorsum for augmentation. The paper showed the manipulating points and problems of the operations done through various anatomical layer, and also pointed out that good results can be obtained with the silicone frame being put on or beneath the nasalis--procerus aponeurosis.

Localization of Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Small RNA-1 by in situ Reverse Transcription: Demonstration of cDNA Generation in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections

Reverse transcription (RT) followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been commonly used to detect viral and cellular transcripts in whole cell extracts. Application of this technique to tissue sections requires the in situ generation of cDNA. In this study, we selected an abundant transcript, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNA (EBER-1), as a model template to demonstrate cDNA generation in tissue sections. Using both digoxigenin-dUTP and primers which are complementary to EBER-1, we demonstrated specific EBER-1 cDNA generation both in vitro, and in tissue sections taken from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cell blocks of an EBV-infected cell line, B95-8. Furthermore, we utilized in situ RT in sections of EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and identified EBER-1 cDNA specifically in neoplastic cells, but not in the surrounding nonneoplastic stroma. EBER-1 cDNA was localized to the nucleus of these cells, with relative sparing of the nucleolus and the cytoplasm. No specific signal was evident if the reverse transcriptase was omitted, if 'sense' primers were used, or if RT was preceded by RNase digestion. The specificity of EBER-1 cDNA was further confirmed by in situ hybridization using the sense riboprobe, which has the same polarity as the EBER-1 transcript. Our results provide a successful example of using nonradioactive nucleotide analogue for cDNA generation in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. This approach would provide a visible assay to monitor RT in tissue sections, and allow further optimization of conditions for cDNA generation in tissue sections. Therefore, it potentially can be helpful for the future development of RT-PCR in tissue sections. Copyright 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel

[Anatomical and histological observation on soft tissue of nasal dorsum and the nasalis-procerus aponeurosis]

26 nasal specimens of cadavers were studied with anatomical and histological methods. Two layers of collagen fibre arranged in different pattern were found beneath the nasalis transversus and procerus. The superficial layer of compact collagen fibres directly attached to and wraped up nasalis transversus and procerus, and it was named the nasalis-procerus aponeurosis; the deep layer of relatively flexible collagen fibres was loose subaponeuratic tissue. The study showed that soft tissue of nasal dorsum could be divided into four layers; skin, superficial fascia, skeletal muscle and aponeurosis, and loose subaponeurotic tissue. This result provides scientific basis for proper design of rhinoplasty.

[The lateral thoracic free flap in facio-cervical reconstruction]

We have applied the lateral thoracic free flap in 16 patients with face and/or neck defects during the past three years. 13 flaps survived completely and 3 flaps failed which was substituted with skin grafting. The lateral thoracic free flap possesses many supplying vessels and its advantages include big size, hairless skin with well matched color and texture and inconspicuous donor site that can be closed directly. The technique of hemodilution and microvascular anastomotic apparatus are introduced. The indications of the flap and the limitation of its size are discussed.

[Qualitative observation and quantitative survey on the vasculature of the lateral thoracic region]

Since 1988, we had studied blood vessels on the lateral thoracic region in 21 patients using ultrasound Doppler flowmeter preoperatively, collaborating with operative observation, to measure the length, caliber and rate of existence of 3 main vascular systems. Our study attempted both to ascertain various regular patterns of vasculature, and to provide anatomical data for the choice of proper sites of pedicles of lateral thoracic flap. Our findings showed that the subscapular-thoracodorsal vascular system was the most constant among the 3 systems. Its average length was 15.43 +/- 0.504 cm, average diameter at its origin was 1.58 +/- 0.122 mm. The thoracoepigastric vein as a venous return system could be chosen first. We concluded that this method was a handy, practical and dependable way to determine the vascularity of lateral thoracic flaps.

[Reduction mammaplasty using glandular pedicle]

A new technique for reduction mammaplasty with a glandular pedicle was designed based on the anatomical study of the vascular supply to the breast. The features of the procedure include using a pyramidal glandular pedicle that is reliably vascularized and definitely placed, maintaining a thin layer of parenchyme attached to the flap and the modified invert "T" closure. Clinical applications provided aesthetic and safe results of reliable nipple-areola survival, simplicity in breast mound creature and preservation of nipple sensitivity and the possibility of nursing function as well as less complications.

A molecular and carbon isotopic study towards the origin and diagenetic fate of diaromatic carotenoids

Pyrolysates of high-molecular-weight sedimentary fractions of the Duvernay Formation (Western Canada Basin) are dominated by 1,2,3,4- and 1,2,3,5-tetramethylbenzene, which, generated via beta-cleavage, indicate the presence of diaromatic carotenoids in the macromolecular aggregates. This was substantiated by desulphurization of sulphur-rich aggregates of the polar fraction, which released (partly) hydrogenated carotenoids. Furthermore, these components were important constituents of the aromatic hydrocarbon fractions and related oils. Apart from renieratane and isorenieratane, 1H NMR analysis established the aromatic substitution pattern of the most abundant component present, which was identified as a diaromatic compound with an unprecedented 2,3,6-/3,4,5-trimethyl aromatic substitution pattern. Molecular and isotopic analyses of both soluble and insoluble fractions of organic matter revealed relationships between diagenetically-derived carotenoids found in bitumen and related oils and their precursors incorporated into high-molecular-weight fractions. Aryl isoprenoids, important components in extracts and oils, were apparently derived from thermal cracking of bound diaromatic carotenoids rather than cleavage of free carotenoids as previously suggested. Furthermore, products derived from diaromatic carotenoids were substantially enriched in 13C relative to n-alkanes of algal origin. Together with the characteristic carotenoids, this isotopic enrichment provides evidence of significant contributions from photosynthetic green sulphur bacteria (Chlorobiaceae), which fix carbon via the reversed tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In spite of the prominence of these molecular signals, the overall isotopic composition of the organic matter indicated that only a very small portion of the preserved organic carbon was derived from the biomass of photosynthetic green sulphur bacteria.

[Retinal hemorrhage in newborn infants]

The fundi of the 527 infants born within one week were investigated. The results showed that 54 cases (78 eyes) had retinal hemorrhage. Among them, 23 cases (28 eyes) accompanied macular hemorrhage. The retinal hemorrhage in newborn infants was higher in vaginal delivery than in cesarean section, and the incidence of the fetal distress was higher in the newborn infants with macular hemorrhage. The essential causes of the retinal hemorrhage in newborn infants, development of infant macular and the mechanism of amblyopia induced by macular hemorrhage were discussed.

Entropic analysis of biological growth models

Using the concept of isomorphism, we provide a quantitative description of the thermodynamic characteristics of the Logistic, Bertalanffy, and Gompertz biological growth models. With the help of the entropy expressions derived from the isomorphic probabilistic models, we show that the Logistic, Bertalanffy, and Gompertz growth models have distinct thermodynamic characteristics, though they have similar sigmoid trajectories in the time domain. The entropic analysis further reveals that the Gompertz model corresponds to a completely open system, in which cells receive adequate nutrition and competition among cells can be neglected. We have also applied the present entropic analysis to the modeling of tumor growth. Our results suggest that the entropic expression provides a theoretical justification for using the Gompertz model for describing the development of tumor cell populations. The entropic analysis may play an important role in studying the mechanisms of different biological growth processes.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 14 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnanes: pregnanes that bind to the cardiac glycoside receptor

5 alpha-pregnane-3 beta,14 beta,20 beta-triol 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (8) and 3 beta-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-5 alpha-pregn-14-en-20-one (14) were prepared from uzarigenin by ozonolysis followed by zinc and acetic acid reduction and glycosidation. During the glycosidation reaction leading to (8) the corresponding ortho ester (9) was also obtained. Uzarigenin alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (15) also was prepared. Synthesis of 5 alpha-pregnane-3 beta,14 beta,20 beta-triol (20) is described. Structures were established by analysis of their NMR spectra. The binding affinity of 5 alpha and 5 beta cardenolide and pregnane derivatives as measured in a radioligand binding assay was determined and their structure-activity relationships compared. The receptor binding affinity of the 5 alpha derivatives is less than that of the corresponding 5 beta derivatives.

In situ detection of lytic Epstein-Barr virus infection: expression of the NotI early gene and viral interleukin-10 late gene in clinical specimens

Riboprobes that detect two genes expressed only during productive infection were developed to characterize the clinical spectrum of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic infection and identify diseases that may be responsive to antiviral drug therapy. The NotI antisense probe hybridizes to tandem repeats in the abundant early lytic cycle BHLF1 mRNA. Transcripts were detected in lytically infected cell lines, AIDS-associated oral hairy leukoplakia, bone marrow of a patient with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, and spleen of an AIDS patient but not in EBV-positive primary central nervous system lymphomas or in circulating EBV-infected B cells from a patient with acute infectious mononucleosis. The viral (v) interleukin-10 (IL-10) probe hybridizes to the unique 5' end of the late lytic cycle BCRF1 mRNA, which encodes a protein homologous to the human cytokine IL-10. The vIL-10 probe detected transcripts in lytically infected cell lines and within the differentiated layers of oral hairy leukoplakia.

Rapid in situ hybridization for the diagnosis of latent Epstein-Barr virus infection

Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a variety of malignancies. Rapid in situ hybridization techniques have been described for various lytic viral infections because of limited gene expression. However, EBERS (Epstein Barr early RNAs) are expressed in abundance in tumour cells which are latently infected with EBV. We have targeted these transcripts in a rapid (3 h) in situ hybridization assay fo the detection of latent EBV in clinical specimens, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. EBER RNA was detected in control cell lines which have two copies of the EBV genome and in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, EBV-associated Hodgkin's disease, Burkitt's lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoma. The technique did not detect EBER RNA in oral hairy leukoplakia, a pathologic process previously characterized as associated with lytic EBV infection. The sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of this technique make it ideal for the diagnostic detection of EBV in latently infected clinical specimens.

A fundus photographic method with narrow spectral band luminance

We perfected the narrow spectral band fundus photographic system using interference filters at the wavelengths of 417, 478, 500, 530, 547, 570, 589, 607, 628 and 648 nm. Tests about the light penetration of filters and exposure of various brand films were made on this system. Studies of the contrast of fundal tissues and structures under the different narrow spectral band light were made on 43 Chinese fellow eyes. The results indicates that the interference filters of 570 nm have the highest light penetration. Kodak and Gongyuan films (make in China) are the optimal ones. Narrow spectral band fundus photography can eliminate the chromatic aberration and therefore improve the documentation of fundal details, enhance the contrast of pictures as compared with routine white light fundus photography.

Synthesis of 20-hydroxy-, 20-amino-, and 20-nitro-14-hydroxy-21-nor-5 beta,14 beta-pregnane C-3 glycosides and related derivatives: structure-activity relationships of pregnanes that bind to the digitalis receptor

The preparation of derivatives of 14-hydroxy-21-nor-5 beta,14 beta-pregnane and 5 beta,14 beta-pregnane C-3 alpha-L-rhamnosides and tris-beta-D-digitoxosides is described. These derivatives, possessing a C-17 beta COCH2OH, CH2OH, CO2H, CO2Me, CH2NH2, or CH2NO2 group, bind to the digitalis receptor recognition site of heart muscle as measured in a radioligand binding assay. The 21-norpregnane derivatives consistently show greater binding affinity than the corresponding 20 alpha- and 20 beta-pregnane analogs. The C-20 nitro rhamnoside is comparable to digitoxin in binding affinity. The 17 beta-CH2NO2 group is the most effective replacement for the unsaturated lactone in the binding assay found so far, showing binding affinity comparable to that of the cardiac glycosides.

In situ localization of Epstein-Barr virus in thymic carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome is associated with a variety of lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. EBV DNA has been detected in some cases of thymic carcinoma, but the cellular locus of the virus has never been defined. Detection of EBV has also been reported in normal thymus, thymic lymphoid hyperplasia, and thymoma by some investigators but not by others. In order to better define the association of the virus with benign and malignant thymic tissues and to characterize its cellular locus, we applied a recently developed in situ hybridization technique using a very abundant EBV transcript (EBER1) as target to a variety of thymic tissues. We detected expression of this transcript only in the malignant epithelial cells in one case of thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. EBV expression was not detected in six other cases of thymic carcinoma, nor in tissue from 16 normal thymuses, 14 thymomas, and 10 thymic lymphoid hyperplasias.

Differences in the histogenesis of EDL and diaphragm in rat

We have examined the histogenesis of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum muscle in rat embryos, with the aim of defining differences in developmental patterns that can be related to the functional requirements of these muscles during and after development. Patterns of interactions between myotubes and other cells, and frequency of gap junctions are quite different in the two muscles. In diaphragm, primary myotubes (at day 16 in utero) are closely associated with each other, forming parallel sheets or palisades and communicating by gap junctions. Secondary myotubes have formed by day 18, but are immature, and the frequency of gap junctions is lower. The arrangement in palisades is maintained even after fibers are separated from each other by their individual basal lamina. In EDL primary fibers at day 16 have fewer gap junctions, and the peak in communication occurs after the appearance of secondary myotubes (day 18 and 21). Secondary myotubes are more mature than in diaphragm at day 18.

Breast volume measurement in 125 young Chinese women

The authors carried out research on breast volume and body surface anatomy of 125 unmarried young women. As a result, an average breast volume for young Chinese women was obtained (325.36 +/- 12.66 ml), and a table together with several linear equations for calculating breast volume were derived. These will provide plastic surgeons with useful tools for designing mammaplasty procedures.

[Scanning electron microscopic identification of hairs on surface of fruits and seeds of Chinese medicinal plants]

A comparative identification of hairs on surfaces of fruits and seeds of some Chinese medicines has been made, and a key to 13 kinds of hairs has been compiled. According to the characters of hairs, it is possible to identify some Chinese drugs in powder form.

The nature and importance of the inter-epsilon chain disulfide bonds in human IgE

IgE antibodies are best known for their pathological role in allergy. The class-specific effector sites are located in the epsilon chains; these form covalent dimers via two cystine residues (Cys241 and Cys328) linking opposite C epsilon 2 domains. The nature and biological significance of the inter-epsilon chain disulfide-bond arrangement is unresolved. For structural and functional analysis site-specific mutations were introduced into the C epsilon 2 domain of recombinant human IgE. The introduction of an additional cyanogen bromide cleavage site (His246----Met) facilitated the identification of parallel disulfide bond pairing. This linkage was also confirmed for myeloma IgE PS by sequence determination of disulfide-linked C epsilon 2 dimers. Substitution of Cys241 and Cys328 by Ser does not destroy receptor binding, but reductive alkylation, or the replacement of Cys328 by Met, leads to loss of activity. This shows that covalent dimerization is not essential for IgE/receptor interaction and points to the importance of the structural integrity of the site surrounding Cys328, visualized in a new model of human Fc epsilon.

Penetrating keratoplasty and raised intraocular pressure. A brief review of the problems and its management

Postkeratoplasty glaucoma is a serious sight-threatening problem that is likely to remain with us for the foreseeable future. It is common yet unsatisfactory to deal with. It is only by meticulous assessment of patients and rigorous aftercare that the condition can be adequately managed. Modern surgical techniques may improve the prognosis in cases which are uncontrolled by traditional methods.

[Morphology of the seeds of Astragalus complanatus R.Br. and Astragalus on the scanning electron microscope]

We have observed the seeds of Astragalus complanatus and its 18 species and divided them into three groups by comparing their shapes, sizes and morphology of seed cuticles with scanning electron microscope.

The use of silicone drainage tubing to control post-keratoplasty glaucoma

A series of 20 patients who developed severe post-keratoplasty glaucoma unresponsive to medical therapy and trabeculecetomy were treated using silicone drainage tubing and an anterior encircling gutter. The results indicate a four year probability of maintaining vision and normal intraocular pressure (less than 21 mmHg) of 0.68. In contrast, an earlier series of 13 patients receiving cycloablation with cryotherapy did significantly worse.