[Combination of mycophenolate mofetil with cyclosporine A and methotrexate as acute GVHD prophylaxis after unrelated donor allogeneic bone marrow transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in combination with cyclosporine A (CsA) and methotrexate (MTX) for prevention of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) after unrelated donor allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT).

METHOD

Twelve cases of unrelated donor allo-BMT were evaluated in a single center trial. The acute GVHD was prevented with 1 g MMF daily in addition to CsA 3 mg x kg(-1) x (-1) and MTX 10 - 15 mg at post BMT day1, day3, day6 and day11.

RESULTS

Acute GVHD was found in one case (Grade IV) at the seventh day and two cases (Grade II) at the tenth day and seventeenth day after BMT. These patients were treated with a combination of MMF, methyprednisolone and CsA. The common adverse hematologic events of MMF was leukopenia.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary study showed that MMF could be used effectively and safely for prevention of acute GVHD in unrelated donor allo-BMT.

Commissural effects in the otolith system

We examined whether otolith-activated second- and third-order vestibular nucleus neurons received commissural inhibition from the contralateral otolithic macula oriented in the same geometric plane. For this purpose we performed intracellular recording in vestibular nucleus neurons after stimulation of the ipsi- and contralateral utricular and saccular nerves. More than half (41/72) of the utricular-activated second-order vestibular nucleus neurons received commissural inhibition from the contralateral utricular nerve. The remaining neurons (31/72) showed no visible response to contralateral utricular nerve stimulation. About half (17/36) of utricular-activated third-order neurons also received commissural inhibition from the contralateral utricular nerve. Approximately 10% (7/67) of saccular-activated second-order vestibular neurons received polysynaptic commissural inhibition, whereas 16% (11/67) received commissural facilitation. The majority (49/67) of saccular second-order vestibular neurons, and almost all (22/23) third-order neurons, showed no visible response to stimulation of the contralateral saccular nerve. The present findings suggest that many utricular-activated vestibular nucleus neurons receive commissural inhibition, which may provide a mechanism for increasing the sensitivity of vestibular neurons to horizontal linear acceleration and lateral tilt of the head. Commissural inhibition in the saccular system was less prominent than in the utricular system.

New research hotspots of HLA

Over a long period of time, biological questions and clinical problems have been the essential motivating factors that arouse great interest in HLA and promote the enormous efforts to research HLA. The new research trends of HLA initiated by the preceding workshops of the coming 13th International Histocompatibility Workshop and Conference(IHWC), the symposium of the 12th European Histocompatibility Conference as well as the related articles were reviewed. The development and the application of DNA-based typing for HLA class I genes have been emphasized. These efforts to analyze multiple polymorphic genes are important not only for the furthurance of understanding the immunobiology of HLA, but also for the development of model systems that will be useful in future population-based epidemiological studies aimed at polygenic diseases such as cancer. Moreover, HLA molecules are broadly specific peptide receptors governig most specific immune responses in humans. A detailed understanding of their function should be an important step towards the development of a rational strategy for immune manipulations (e.g. vaccines).

Saccular and utricular influences on sympathetic nerve activities in cats

We studied the effects of stimulation of the utricular and saccular nerves on sympathetic nerve activity in decerebrated cats. Bipolar electrodes were fixed in place on the utricular and/or saccular nerve under visual observation; the other branches of the vestibular nerve were transected. Baroreceptors and vagus nerves were inactivated bilaterally so that inputs from baroreceptors and other visceral receptors did not influence the sympathetic nerve outflow. Postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity was recorded from the renal branch of the sympathetic nerve, which is known to be more sensitive to vestibular stimuli than other types of sympathetic fibers. With stimulation of either the saccular or utricular nerve at low stimulus intensity, a prominent inhibition followed by a rebound excitation was evoked on spontaneous renal nerve discharges. The latency of the inhibition ranged from 65 to 130 ms, and the duration of inhibitory responses was about 90-150 ms. An increase in stimulus intensity in both the saccular and utricular nerves induced inhibitory effects preceded by short-term excitation. The latency of this excitation, which was superimposed on the initial phase of the inhibitory responses, ranged from 55 to 90 ms.

[Unrelated or sibling donor allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study on allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with unrelated donor or sibling donor for myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation patients.

METHODS

Two male patients received chemotherapy regimen of busulfan-cyclophosphamide before allogeneic BMT. Mycophenolate mofetil combined with cyclosporin A and methotrexate was used for prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease after transplantation. Low dose heparin and lipo prostaglandin E1 were used in prophylactic regimen for hepatic veno-occlusive disease.

RESULTS

Neutrophil count began to be higher than 0.5 x 10(9)/L on 21st and 17th days after BMT in the two patients. Disease-free survival in the two patients was 10 months and 3.5 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with unrelated or sibling donor is an effective therapy for patients with MDS.

[Psychoanalytic diagnosis and routine pedagogic management]

The results of the psychoanalytic evaluation of a patient gathered during the diagnostic process can only be applied in appropriate educational procedures if an undisturbed dialogue exists within the multidisciplinary treatment team of a ward. Pedagogic activities based on such assessments bring about a continuous verification or falsification of the primary diagnostic evaluation. They not only reflect it's quality but also furnish new information. In loop-like movements the position of the evaluation at the beginning of the in-patient treatment is supplemented or revised. Every traumatic experience, be it dissociated or otherwise isolated from consciousness, because of the continuous vulnerability of the traumatised subject can be triggered and reactivated under special conditions. The practical interlock of the results of the psychoanalytic assessment at the beginning and the educational activities of everyday-life during hospitalisation are exemplified by the case history of a multiple traumatised adolescent.

[The role of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in hyper-reactivity of neutrophils in rapidly progressive periodontitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophils (PMNs) from rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) was found to generate abnormally high levels of oxygen radicals. Elastase activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from RPP was also found much higher. It suggested that PMNs in some RPP patients are hyper-reactive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of PMN hyper-reactivity by surveying the correlation of TNF-alpha level with elastase activity in GCF and by evaluating the association between PMN infiltration and the expression of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in gingival tissues from RPP patients.

METHODS

41 GCF samples from 22 RPP patients and 34 GCF samples from 11 healthy controls were collected. The total amount of TNF-alpha in GCF was detected using ELISA. The elastase activity was measured with a low molecular weight substrate (S2484) specific for granulocyte. The correlation of TNF-alpha level with elastase activity in a GCF sample was analyzed with Spearman correlation. 20 gingival specimens were obtained respectively from 10 RPP patients and 5 periodontally healthy controls. The expression of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was detected with immunohistochemistry. The distribution of PMN was observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

Total amount of TNF-alpha in GCF was positively correlated with elastase activity (r = 0.44, P < 0.05). The IL-1 beta- and TNF-alpha-positive cells in gingiva were superimposed in areas where PMNs infiltration predominant.

CONCLUSION

The hyper-reactivity of PMN in RPP patients was related to locally produced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha.

[Quality of pedagogy in inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry]

In the discussion about the interdisciplinary in-patient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry up structural questions have been more important than questions concerning qualitative aspects of the team process up to now. While the problems to solve became more complex (for example in the treatment of severely traumatised children), teams in charge of the care are challenged to define their position on a qualitative level of the treatment. A consensus between psychiatric and educational points of view is of particular importance. In order to contribute to an interdisciplinary discussion, 14 propositions from the point of view of child and adolescent psychiatry about the quality of pedagogy are put forward.

[An experimental study of rat infected with human cytomegalovirus AD169 strain]

OBJECTIVE

To study the sensitivity of rat to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and to establish a stable animal model.

METHODS

Two kinds of rat experiments were carried out: 1) 30 SD rats were divided into three groups randomly, they were virus inoculated group, inactivated virus inoculated group and the normal rat group respectively; 2) 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, they were the virus inoculated group and the inactivated virus inoculated group. All the rats were inoculated through tail vein. 90 d later, the rat's tissue lesions were observed by pathological techniques, HCMV antigen was detected by immunohistochemical method and the HCMV DNA was analyzed by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

The extensive pathological damages in tissues of HCMV infected rats were observed. Meanwhile, the viral antigen and viral DNA were also demonstrated in many tissues of HCMV infected rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Rat is sensitive to infection of HCMV strain, but, as an animal model study, we still have a lot of works to do.

Properties of utricular and saccular nerve-activated vestibulocerebellar neurons in cats

Properties of otolith inputs to vestibulocerebellar neurons were investigated in 14 adult cats. In the vestibular nuclei, we recorded single-unit activities that responded orthodromically after stimulation of the utricular and/or saccular nerves and antidromically after stimulation of the cerebellum (uvula-nodulus and anterior vermis). Descending axonal projections to the spinal cord were also examined by antidromic stimulation of the caudal end of the C1 segment. Forty-seven otolith-activated neurons that projected to the uvula-nodulus were recorded. Thirteen (28%) of the 47 neurons received convergent inputs from the utriculus and sacculus. The remaining 34 (72%) vestibular neurons were non-convergent neurons: 18 (38%) received utricular input alone, and 16 (34%) received saccular input alone. Most (35/47) vestibulocerebellar neurons were located in the descending vestibular nucleus and only one of these projected to the spinal cord. Seven of the 47 vestibulocerebellar neurons were located in the lateral vestibular nucleus and most of these neurons projected to the spinal cord. The remaining neurons were located in group X (two neurons) and the superior vestibular nucleus (three neurons). In a different series of experiments, 37 otolith-activated vestibular neurons were tested to determine whether they projected to the uvula-nodulus and/or the anterior vermis. Nineteen of the 37 neurons projected to the anterior vermis, 13/37 projected to the uvula-nodulus, and 5/37 projected to both. The utricular and/or saccular nerve-activated vestibulocerebellar neurons projected to not only the uvulanodulus, but also to the anterior vermis. In summary, the results of this study showed that vestibular neurons receiving inputs from the utriculus and/or sacculus projected to the cerebellar cortex. This indirect otolith-cerebellar pathway terminated both in the anterior lobe and in the uvula/nodulus.

[Effect of fixed appliance on periodontal status of patients with malocclusion]

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the fixed appliance will affect the periodontal health.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with malocclusion were randomly selected. One week before the fixed appliance placement, plaque index (PLI), bleeding index (BI), pocket depth (PD) and subgingival plaque were assessed. The observed value was served as the baseline records.

RESULTS

After the fixed appliance placement, significant differences were found in PLI, BI, PD and these values were significantly greater than the baseline. Subgingival microfloral shifted to a more disease-inducing microflora and there was a statistically significant increase in spirochetes and fusiform.

CONCLUSION

Fixed appliance placement will affect the periodontal health. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the oral hygiene instruction to the people who receive the treatment of fixed appliance.

Analysis of temperature-modulated high-performance liquid chromatography as a tool for detection of single nucleotide polymorphism

OBJECTIVE

To establish and evaluate temperature-modulated high-performance liquid chromatography(TmHPLC) as a rapid and efficient technique of detecting single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP).

METHODS

Several TmHPLC parameters, such as the eluting gradient ranges and column temperatures used for analysing the amplicons have been studied. The size of DNA fragments suitable for analysis of SNP was studied. Also the sensitivity of the TmHPLC was evaluated.

RESULTS

The suitable chromatographic condition of TmHPLC was found out. The elution peaks of dNTP and primers could be separated from those of polymerase chain reaction products of the genomic DNA. The heterozygotes of SNP from the sequenced DNA fragment with 178bp, 269bp and 272bp could be distinguished from the homozygotes of SNP clearly.

CONCLUSION

The authors have established and evaluated the TmHPLC method, which is an efficient, sensitive and rapid method for screening out SNP in the DNA fragments of larger size.

A preliminary study of single nucleotide polymorphisms of lipoprotein lipase gene in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease

OBJECTIVE

This study inquired into the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL) and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CHD).

METHODS

Exon 6 and fragment of intron 6 in LPL gene from 102 cases of CHD and 110 normal subjects were analysed by polymerase chain reaction amplification, temperature-modulated high-performance liquid chromatography (TmHPLC) and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Three new SNPs (4212t/c, 4509t/c, 4576a/c) were detected in the intron 6 of LPL gene. There was significant difference in frequencies of 4212t/c, and 4576a/c between health group and CHD group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study has accumulated additional data on SNPs in LPL gene and provided new data for exploring the mechanism of CHD.

Saccular and utricular inputs to single vestibular neurons in cats

Saccular and utricular organs are essential for postural stability and gaze control. Although saccular and utricular inputs are known to terminate on vestibular neurons, few previous studies have precisely elucidated the origin of these inputs. We investigated the saccular and utricular inputs to single vestibular neurons in whole vestibular nuclei of decerebrated cats. Postsynaptic potentials were recorded from vestibular neurons after electrical stimulation of the saccular and utricular nerves. Ascending and descending axonal projections were examined by stimulating the oculomotor/trochlear nuclei and the cervical segment of the spinal cord, respectively. After each experiment, locations of recorded neurons were identified. The recorded neurons (140) were classified into vestibulo-spinal (79), vestibulo-oculo-spinal (9), and vestibulo-ocular (3) neurons based on antidromic responses; 49 other vestibular neurons were unidentified. The majority of recorded neurons were mainly located in the lateral vestibular nucleus. Most of the otolith-activated vestibular nuclei neurons seemed to participate in vestibulospinal reflexes. Of the total 140 neurons recorded, approximately one third (51) received saccular and utricular inputs (convergent neurons). The properties of these 51 convergent neurons were further investigated. Most (33/51) received excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) after saccular and utricular nerve stimulation. These results implied that most of the convergent neurons in this study additively coded mixed information for vertical and horizontal linear acceleration. Based on the latencies of convergent neurons, we found that an early integration process for vertical and horizontal linear acceleration existed at the second-order level.

alpha-galactosylceramide induces early B-cell activation through IL-4 production by NKT cells

alpha-Galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), a glycolipid antigen, specifically activates natural killer T (NKT) cells by a CD1d-restricted mechanism. In this work, we found that in vivo administration of alpha-GalCer resulted in the activation of B cells in addition to NKT cells, namely, alpha-GalCer administration caused upregulation of the early activation marker, CD69, on both NKT and B cells. In addition, expression of B7.2 and I-A(b) on B cells was greatly upregulated by alpha-GalCer. However, serum levels of IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a were not significantly changed within 48 h. In the present experiments, it was also demonstrated that the upregulation of CD69 expression by alpha-GalCer was strongly blocked by anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody. Moreover, B-cell activation by alpha-GalCer was not observed in NKT-deficient mice. These results suggested that antigen-stimulated NKT cells might play a critical role not only in early defense mechanisms but also in early B-cell activation through IL-4 production.

Intravenous AMP 579, a novel adenosine A(1)/A(2a) receptor agonist, induces a delayed protection against myocardial infarction in minipig

The aim of the study was to probe if acute administration of [1S-[1a, 2b,3b, 4a(S*)]]-4-[7-[[2-(3-chloro-2-thienyl)-1-methylpropyl]amino]-3H-imida zo[4,5-b] pyridin-3-yl] cyclopentane carboxamide (AMP 579) could provide a delayed protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury after 24 h. Anesthetized Yucatan minipigs were given an intravenous (i.v.) loading dose (3 microg/kg) of AMP 579 in 2 min followed by a 68-min infusion (0.3 microg/kg/min) and were allowed to recover. After 24 h, the animals were subjected to an open-chest operation and the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 40 min, followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters between vehicle- and drug-treated groups either during drug infusion or ischemia-reperfusion. Both groups had similar area at risk (24.9% for vehicle and 25.1% for AMP 579-treated). However, the infarct size was 36.5% of area at risk in vehicle group (n=8) and 12.5% in AMP 579 group (n=8), representing a 66% reduction of infarct size by AMP 579 (p=0.011). This is the first report to demonstrate that in a large animal model, a hemodynamically silent, single i.v. dose of an adenosine receptor agonist can result in a delayed protection against myocardial infarction.

Leukocyte functions in 2 cases of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

AIM

To investigate the rôle of leukocytes in the pathogenesis of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS).

METHODS

Peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), monocytes (MNs) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were obtained from 2 cases of PLS with typical features. The chemotaxis of PMNs and MNs were evaluated using a modified Boyden chamber. The adherence of PMNs was determined by adherence of PMNs to petri dishes. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in GCF was detected by sandwich ELISA. Elastase activity in GCF was measured with a low molecular weight substrate (S-2484) specific for granulocyte elastase.

RESULTS

PMNs from both patients showed depressed chemotactic response to FMLP and IL-8. Total amounts of IL-8 in GCF from the 2 patients were much higher than those of the normal controls. Elastase activity was not significantly different from that of the controls. The adherence of PMN and the chemotaxis of MN in the 2 patients were normal.

CONCLUSION

The depressed chemotactic response of PMN leads to decreased recruitment of PMN and/or release of lysozyme from PMN in the diseased gingival tissue, increasing the susceptibility of PLS patients to periodontal infection.

[Infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in gingival tissues from patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To find if there was any difference in monocytes/macrophages infiltration and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) expression between rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) and adult periodontitis (AP) tissues.

METHODS

Inflamed gingival specimens (20) were obtained from RPP(14) and AP(6) patients, and specimens from clinically healthy subjects (H,6) as control. The monocytes/macrophages and MCP-1 expression were detected by immuno-histochemistry SP assay with antibodies against CD14 and CD68, and rabbit anti-MCP-1 antibody.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the mean counts (+/- SD) of monocytes/macrophages and MCP-1 positive cells between RPP and AP groups.

CONCLUSION

Though rapid and severe periodontal destruction occurs in RPP, there is no differences in monocytes/macrophages infiltration and MCP-1 expression in gingival tissues between rapidly progressive periodontitis and adult periodontitis patients.

[Oxygen utilization coefficient in predicting the severity of critical illness]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of oxygen utilization coefficient (O(2)UC ) in predicting the severity of various diseases.

METHODS

Gas analysis of arterial blood and central venous blood and calculation of O(2)UC [O(2)UC = (SaO(2) - SvO(2))/SaO(2)] were carried out in different groups (group 1, 16 cases of trauma, all survived; group 2, 18 emergency cases undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR); group 3, 13 cases undergoing CPR in intensive care unit, all died; group 4, 13 critically ill patients.

RESULTS

O(2)UC was 0.30 +/- 0.08, 0.67 +/- 0.27 and 0.60 +/- 0.15 in the groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The difference between group 1 and 2 was significant (P < 0.001). O(2)UC persisted to increase, and maintained high for a long time (more than 8 approximately 12 hours), the prognosis of the patients was bad. The critical limitation of O(2)UC was 0.40. In group 4 O(2)UC was closely correlated with the severity of clinical condition.

CONCLUSION

O(2)UC is a convenient, reliable and sensible predictor in the treatment of critically ill patients.

Fixing the photorefractive soliton

We report the formation of permanent two-dimensional 12-microm waveguides in a bulk strontium barium niobate crystal. The waveguides are made by formation of a photorefractive spatial soliton in which the space-charge field induces ferroelectric domains that are permanently polarized opposite to the crystal c axis. The fixed waveguide propagates light with 80% efficiency. These results make possible the permanent recording of intricate optical circuitry in the volume of a bulk crystal.

[Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque of periodontitis and gastric disease patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Helicobacter pylori(Hp) is a habitant in the oral cavity.

METHODS

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with oligonucleotide primers homologous to a portion of the urease C and cytotoxin-associated gene A (cag A) of Hp was used to test for the presence of Hp in dental plaque. This assay was able to detect the expected 294 bp and 400 bp DNA fragments from as few as 100 Hp cells per reaction. Thirteen gastric disease patients (Group G) and 10 periodontitis patients (Group P) were recruited. A total of 276 supra- and subgingival plaque samples were collected, from 6 teeth in each subject for PCR assay. Clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI) and plaque index (PLI) of the sampled sites were recorded.

RESULTS

In Group G, 11 of 13 patients had at least one Hp-positive plaque sample. 28.8% of the tested samples were urease C gene positive and 3.2% were positive for both urease C and cag A genes. All the 10 patients in Group P had at least one Hp-positive plaque sample. 49.2% of the tested samples were urease C gene positive and 3.3% were positive for both of the Hp genes. The prevalence of Hp was positively correlated with probing depth and bleeding index at the sampled sites.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that oral cavity is an ecological niche of Hp.

[Genetic polymorphisms of the D19S400 locus in Chinese Zhuang, Bai, Tibetan, Mongolian populations]

Four Chinese populations have been studied by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for obtaining the data on genetic polymorphisms of D19S400 locus in four populations in China and for evaluating its use in forensic practice. EDTA-blood samples were collected from 356 unrelated individuals in Nanning (Zhuang), Dali (Bai), Lasa (Tibetan); Hailaer (Mongolian), DNA samples were extracted by Phenol/Chloroform method. The PCR products were analyzed by PAG vertical electrophoresis. Nine alleles and 42 genotypes were found at D19S400 locus in these four populations. The heterozygosity was between 0.75 and 0.89 and the discriminating power between 0.9274 and 0.9625. Significant difference was observed in the distribution of allele frequencies among the four Chinese populations. According to the results obtained in this study, D19S400 locus is a useful marker for individual indentification, paternity testing and for genetics study.

Substrate profiles and expression of caffeoyl coenzyme A and caffeic acid O-methyltransferases in secondary xylem of aspen during seasonal development

Seasonal expression of caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.104) was analyzed in aspen developing secondary xylem in parallel with caffeate O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.68). Enzyme activity and mRNA levels for both enzymes peaked in the middle of the growing season. These results strongly suggest that both forms of O-methyltransferase were actively participating in lignin precursor biosynthesis during the growing season. To determine the role of each enzyme form, xylem extracts from two days in the growing season were assayed with four substrates: caffeoyl-CoA, 5-hydroxyferuloyl-CoA, caffeate acid and 5-hydroxyferulic acid. Recombinant forms of caffeoyl-CoA and caffeate O-methyltransferase were also assayed with these substrates. The recombinant enzymes have different substrate specificity with the caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase being essentially specific for CoA ester substrates with a preference for caffeoyl-CoA, while caffeate O-methyltransferase utilized all four substrates with a preference for the free acid forms. We suggest that caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase is likely to be responsible for biosynthesis of lignin precursors in the guaiacyl pathway and may represent a more primitive enzyme form leftover from very early land plant evolution. Caffeate O-methyltransferase is more likely to be responsible for lignin precursor biosynthesis in the syringyl pathway, especially since it can catalyze methylation of 5-hydroxyferuloyl-CoA quite effectively. This latter enzyme form then may be considered a more recently evolved component of the lignin biosynthetic pathways of the evolutionarily advanced plants such as angiosperms.

Increased angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis in rabbits

Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes vascular smooth muscle growth and may be involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. To examine whether Ang II receptor expression in vascular tissues is altered in atherosclerosis, male New Zealand White rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet (1% cholesterol + 4% coconut oil mixed with regular chow; hypercholesterolemic group, n=12) or regular chow (control group, n=8) for 10 weeks. At the end of this period, the serum cholesterol level in the rabbits fed the high-cholesterol diet was higher than that in the control group (3616 +/- 144 versus 30 +/- 1 mg/dL, P<0.001). There was no atherosclerosis in the aortas of the control group, whereas 51 +/- 6% of the aorta was covered with atherosclerosis in the hypercholesterolemic group. Total Ang II receptor expression in the atherosclerotic aortic tissues was increased 5-fold in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits (292 +/- 28 versus 51 +/- 32 fmol/mg tissue, mean +/- SE, P<0.001), and the increased Ang II receptor expression was entirely due to enhanced Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor expression (289 +/- 38 versus 38 +/- 18 fmol/mg, P<0.001), as Ang II type 2 receptor expression was unaltered (7 +/- 5 versus 3 +/- 2 fmol/mg, P=NS). AT1 receptors were localized primarily in the media and to some extent in the intima of the atherosclerotic aorta, as determined by immunohistochemistry with specific monoclonal and polyclonal AT1 receptor antibodies. Increased synthesis of AT1 receptor mRNA in atherosclerotic tissues was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate the functional significance of increased AT1 receptor expression, the constrictor response of aortic rings to Ang II was examined and found to be markedly enhanced in atherosclerotic aortic rings (P<0.01 versus control aortic rings). The endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings from hypercholesterolemic rabbits was markedly attenuated (P<0.001). This study shows that hypercholesterolemia in rabbits results in atherosclerosis, loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation, and increased Ang II receptor (entirely AT1 receptor) expression in aortic tissues, which may result in altered vasoreactivity.

[Electrophoresis of proteins in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with adult periodontitis before and after treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the overall gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) protein profiles from adult periodontitis (AP) both before and one month after conventional periodontal treatment in expectation to find reliable specific protein markers in GCF for healthy and disease.

METHODS

GCF samples were collected using filter paper strips from 56 sites of 12 AP patients. The proteins of GCF were examined via sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and analyzed by the Image Master Electrophoresis Evaluation System.

RESULTS

After periodontal treatment, the mean number of protein bands and the abundance and percentage of non-serum derived low molecular weight proteins (12,000, 10,000) decreased significantly (P < 0.001 and < 0.05 respectively). The percentage of non-serum derived 38,000 protein increased and correlated negatively with pocket depth and the volume of GCF before treatment.

CONCLUSION

1. the elevation of the 12,000 and 10,000 proteins are associated with the periodontal inflammation; 2. the elevation of 38,000 protein is associated with recovery.

Linkage analysis and construction of a congenic strain for a blood pressure QTL on rat chromosome 9

A blood pressure quantitative trait locus was found (LOD = 5.0) on rat chromosome 9 using a large F2 population (N = 233) derived from Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and Dahl salt-resistant (R) rats. The F2 rats were fed 8% NaCl diet for 8 weeks. A congenic strain introgressing the R low-blood-pressure QTL allele on chromosome 9 into the S strain was constructed. The congenic strain, designated S.R(chr 9), had a lower blood pressure (19 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) and lower heart weight (112 mg, P < 0.0001) than S rats (2% NaCl diet for 24 days), proving the existence of a blood pressure QTL in the congenic region of about 21 cM.

[Prevalence of subgingival microbiota in Chinese using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of subgingival taxa of periodontal healthy persons and rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) patients using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization and to find the main pathogens in RPP.

METHODS

Eighty four subgingival plaque DNA samples taken from 5 healthy subjects (H) and 6 RPP patients were hybridizated with 37 bacterial probes.

RESULTS

The detection frequences of 6 bacteria (E. corrodens, et al.) were greater than 90%. Suspected periodontal pathogens, e.g. A. actinomycetemcomitans seratype b, T. denticola, F. nucleatum as nucleatum, B. forsythus, P. nigrescens, W. succinogenes, C. rectus, P. micros, S. intermedius and P. gingivalis were significantly more frequently found in RPP group than in H group. The mean counts of these pathogens were significantly more elevated in RPP group than in H group.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that periodontal destruction occurrence requires the pathogens in sufficient number at the site, RPP may be resulted from several pathogens.

Primarily isotropic nature of photorefractive screening solitons and the interactions between them

We present experimental evidence demonstrating that the photorefractive-index change responsible for the formation of photorefractive spatial screening solitons and coherent collisions between them is primarily isotropic in nature, even though the photorefractive medium is inherently anisotropic.

Apoptosis induced by X-rays and chemical agents in murine fibroblastic cell lines with a defect in repair of DNA double-strand breaks

PURPOSE

To investigate apoptosis in murine fibroblasts that are deficient in DNA double-stand breaks (dsb) repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c 3T3 cells and cells from a severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mouse were exposed to X-rays, UV light, bleomycin, etoposide or cisplatin. After exposure, the rate of apoptosis was assayed by propidium iodide staining based on characteristic morphological change.

RESULTS

The scid cells, defective in dsb repair, were extremely sensitive to apoptosis induced by X-rays and bleomycin compared with BALB/c 3T3 cells. The scid cells were slightly sensitive to apoptosis induced by etoposide, an agent producing protein-associated dsb, and to apoptosis induced by agents not causing dsb.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that sensitivity of cells to apoptosis induced by X-rays or bleomycin is enhanced by the scid mutation and that apoptosis induced by etoposide, which causes protein-associated dsb, is not greatly affected. There may be different processes involved in the induction of apoptosis by X-rays or bleomycin and etoposide.

[Electrophoretic analysis of protein composition in gingival crevicular fluid]

OBJECTIVE

To seek the protein composition related to periodontal diseases.

METHODS

86 gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected by rinsing the sulgingival sulci from subjects with healthy gingiva (20), gingivitis (24) and periodontitis (42). The protein composition were examined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) on a Phast System. The gels were scanned and analyzed using Phast Image with computer.

RESULTS

In inflammatory condition, the serum derived proteins with MW 82,000, 77,000, 17,000 occurred more frequently than in healthy gingiva, and the occurrence and abundance of non-serum derived proteins with MW 41,000, 21,000, 12,000 were also increased in inflammatory condition compared with healthy gingiva.

CONCLUSION

The high levels of proteins with MW 82,000, 41,000, 21,000, 12,000 are close related to the periodontal inflammatory status.

[The adolescent psychiatry department: organization and initial experiences]

As in most parts of Switzerland, there was a lack of possibility to hospitalise adolescents in specialised psychiatric wards. In 1993, after a long preparatory period, it became possible to admit the first patient to the newly established adolescent psychiatric department at Basel, a subunit of the university hospital. The department is conceived as an open ward, where patients are being cared for by an interdisciplinary team of psychiatric nurses and paedagogics, besides many other professionals. Milieutherapeutic techniques, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are practised side by side. The conceptional ideas, gradual building of the ward and the experience of the first three years clinical experiences are summarised in this article.

Human mast cells stimulate vascular tube formation. Tryptase is a novel, potent angiogenic factor

The presence of mast cells near capillary sprouting sites suggests an association between mast cells and angiogenesis. However, the role of mast cells in blood vessel development remains to be defined. In an attempt to elucidate this relationship, we investigated the effect of human mast cells (HMC-1) and their products on human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) tube formation. Coculture of HMC-1 with HDMEC led to a dose-response increase in the network area of vascular tube growth. Moreover, the extent of neovascularization was enhanced greatly when HMC-1 were degranulated in the presence of HDMEC. Further examination using antagonists to various mast cell products revealed a blunted response (73-88% decrease) in the area of vascular tube formation if specific inhibitors of tryptase were present. Tryptase (3 microg/ml) directly added to HDMEC caused a significant augmentation of capillary growth, which was suppressed by specific tryptase inhibitors. Tryptase also directly induced cell proliferation of HDMEC in a dose-dependent fashion (2 pM-2 nM). Our results suggest that mast cells act at sites of new vessel formation by secreting tryptase, which then functions as a potent and previously unrecognized angiogenic factor.

[Clinical and experimental study on jinshui liujun decoction in treating chronic bronchitis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of Jinshui Liujun decoction (JSL) in treating chronic bronchitis.

METHODS

The effect of JSL on expelling the phlegm and strengthening the body resistance were observed.

RESULTS

JSL was proved to be efficacious in improving immune function of the body and pulmonary ventilatory function (P < 0.01). JSL could not only increase the secretion of rats' trachea mucosa and dilute sputum, but also increase the motion speed of the pigeons' trachea cilia, thus facilitate the removal of sputum. Compared with the normal saline control group, both animal experiments displayed significant statistical difference (P < 0.01), but without significant difference when compared the JSL group with the positive drug Juhong Tanke Ye control group.

CONCLUSION

JSL has the effect of resolving phlegm as well as improving human immunological and pulmonary ventilatory functions.

[Effect of cyclosporin A on intracellular accumulation and efflux of drug in K562/DOX cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore measures to overcome multidrug resistance of tumor cells.

METHODS

The effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) on drug sensitivity, intracellular drug accumulation and drug efflux in multidrug-resistant human leukemic cell line K562/DOX were studied by MTT colorimetric assay and spectrofluorimetry.

RESULTS

CsA enhanced the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) to K562/DOX, and when CsA > or = 2microg/ml the sensitivity of K562/DOX to DOX increased significantly. The efflux of DOX markedly decreased when K562/DOX cells were incubated with 2microg/ml CsA, while CsA had no effect on efflux of DOX in K562 cells.

CONCLUSION

CsA could markedly decrease the efflux and enhance the intracellular accumulation of DOX in K562/DOX cells.

Coherent collisions of photorefractive solitons

We present an experimental study of coherent collisions between one-dimensional bright photorefractive screening solitons in a bulk strontium barium niobate crystal.

[Evaluation of ligature-induced periodontitis in minipig]

We evaluated the progressing period of ligature induced periodontitis in chinese minipig. Plaque index (PLI), bleeding index (BI), probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured in 3 minipigs. On weeks 4 and 8, there was a significant increase of the mean values of PD and CAL. After this active phase, there was no further destruction up to 20 weeks. Following ligature removed probing depths decreased in 3 weeks, but they did not restore to the baseline. It suggests that using ligature induced periodontitis model to evaluate the treatment therapy and medicine effect have to consider the self-healing of lesions, when a treatment trail is carried out in a model.

[Association of polymorphism in 5'-regulatory region of angiotensinogen gene with essential hypertension]

The association of the variant in the 5'-regulatory region of angiotensinogen gene with primary hypertension in the Han Nationality in China was studied by applying PCR-SSCP analysis and DNA cycle sequencing. The frequencies of three identified SSCP-patterns (pattern-A, B, C) in 73 hypertensive subjects were compared with those in 74 normal controls. It was found that the number of pattern-C was higher in the study group (5/73) than in the controls (1/74). The results of DNA sequencing showed that the difference of three SSCP-patterns was caused by a nucleotide substitution G-->A at -216 locus in the 5'-upstream region of angiotensinogen gene, and the subjects with pattern-C were homozygous for mutant A-allele (genotype A/A). These results suggest that the identified gene variant may be associated with primary hypertension.

[Report of clinical use of fixed-removable prosthesis]

Thirty-two patients provided with the fixed-removable prosthes is were followed up 3 month to 2.5 years. A total of 52 abutments were included, 17 of which were telescopic retainer, 14 were bar attachment retainer, 4 were rod attachment, 12 were stud attachment and 5 were slide attachment. Few technical failures were recorded. All found the prosthesis satisfactory and well functioning.

Characterization and site-directed mutagenesis of aspen lignin-specific O-methyltransferase expressed in Escherichia coli

Aspen lignin-specific caffeic acid/5-hydroxyferulic acid 3/5-O-methyltransferase (EC 1.2.1.68) was expressed in an active form in Escherichia coli using pET-23 vector. Two steps were used to purify (Phenyl Sepharose and S-adenosylhomocysteine-agarose chromatographies) enzyme to homogeneity. O-Methyl-transferase has a subunit of 40 kDa and native gradient gel electrophoresis indicated the active form is a dimer. Substrate specificity was investigated using over 20 phenolic compounds, which defined the nature of the substrate binding site and required substrate characteristics such as a hydroxyl group para to the side chain. Enzyme accommodates large substrates well if the side chain contains the trans-double bond found in lignin precursors. Kinetically S-adenosyl-L-methionine must bind before phenolic substrate; however, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and phenolic substrate or product can form stable complexes complicating the kinetic mechanism. The role of thiol side chain(s) in the catalytic mechanism was investigated since the enzyme is inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate. Of nine cysteine residues in the enzyme's sequence, only cysteine residues at positions 276 and 283 are invariant among higher plant O-methyltransferases of this class. These residues were replaced by serine and alanine, singly and in combination, using site-directed mutagenesis. All combinations of cysteine replacements at positions 276 and 283 yielded enzyme virtually as active as wild-type and all were still sensitive to thiol inhibition. We concluded that thiol(s) were not important in the catalytic mechanism of this class of O-methyltransferases and sensitivity to the large thiol inhibitor was probably due to reaction of cysteine thiol(s) near the surface which sterically hindered the active site.

[On diagnostics of malignant meningioma and invasive meningioma]

We have made a clinicopathological study of 90 cases of malignant meningiomas and 18 cases of invasive meningiomas. The results show that the diagnostic features of malignant meningioma include increased cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, tumorous giant cells, numerous mitotic figures, focal necrosis, cystic change and hemorrhage. The diagnosis of malignant meningioma can be more positively made when invasive growth, recurrence and metastasis are present. In making the diagnosis of invasive meningioma, both changes of benign meningioma and invasive growth should be present.

Detection of hepatitis E virus RNA in stools and serum by reverse transcription-PCR

Stools and sera collected during an experimental hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in monkeys and collected from humans with acute HEV infections during epidemic and sporadic cases were analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR. Two methods for RNA purification were compared. Proteinase K digestion and phenolchloroform extraction were more efficient than guanidinium isothiocyanate extraction in improving the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of HEV genomes.

The association of cardiac dystrophin with myofibrils/Z-disc regions in cardiac muscle suggests a novel role in the contractile apparatus

Dystrophin serves a variety of roles at the cell membrane through its associations, and defects in the dystrophin gene can give rise to muscular dystrophy and genetic cardiomyopathy. We investigated localization of cardiac dystrophin to determine potential intracellular sites of association. Subcellular fractionation revealed that while the majority of dystrophin was associated with the sarcolemma, about 35% of the 427-kDa form of dystrophin was present in the myofibrils. The dystrophin homolog utrophin was detectable only in the sarcolemmal membrane and was absent from the myofibrils as were other sarcolemmal glycoproteins such as adhalin and the sodium-calcium exchanger. Extraction of myofibrils with KC1 and detergents could not solubilize dystrophin. Dystrophin could only be dissociated from the myofibrillar protein complex in 5 M urea followed by sucrose density gradient centrifugation where it co-fractionated with one of two distinctly sedimenting peaks of actin. Immunoelectron microscopy of intracellular regions of cardiac muscle revealed a selective labeling of Z-discs by hystrophin antibodies. In the genetically determined cardiomyopathic hamster, strain CHF 147, the time course of development of cardiac insufficiency correlated with an overall 75% loss of myofibrillar dystrophin. These findings collectively show that a significant pool of the 427-kDa form of cardiac dystrophin was specifically associated with the contractile apparatus at the Z-discs, and its loss correlated with progression to cardiac insufficiency in genetic cardiomyopathy. The loss of distinct cellular pools of dystrophin may contribute to the tissue-specific pathophysiology in muscular dystrophy.

Oxygen tension profiles in isolated hamster retractor muscle at different temperatures

Oxygen tension (P0(2)) profiles within unperfused hamster retractor muscles were obtained at 25, 30, and 37 degrees by using sharpened, recessed oxygen microelectrodes. The microelectrode was driven vertically into freshly excised muscle lying on a flat, impermeable boundary inside a diffusion chamber. Intramuscular P0(2) profiles were measured as a function of electrode depth in 10-mu m steps during both inward and outward penetrations when the upper surface of the muscles was exposed to humidified gases containing 10, 21, 50, and 100% 0(2). The ratio of the 0(2) consumption (M) to the 0(2) permeability (K, Krogh diffusion coefficient = D alpha, diffusion coefficient-solubility product) was estimated by curve-fitting the experimental steady-state distribution of 0(2) through muscles to the analytic solution of the diffusion equation assuming that M obeys zero-order kinetics and K is constant, uniform, and independent of P0(2). The ratios of M/K were independent of temperature and were found to be independent of surface P0(2) and muscle thickness. The average value of M/K was 3.9 +/- 0.45 (SE; n = 30) x 10(5) mm Hg/cm(2), which is consistent with that estimated from previous measurements of M and D using different non-steady-state techniques (Bentley et aL, 1993). These results are consistent with other in vitro 0(2) consumption measurements (Sullivan and Pittman, 1984) and do not provide evidence for nonclassical respiratory activity in resting mammalian skeletal muscle.