Effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on rat behavior and its relation with apoptosis of hippocampus neurons

Thyroid hormone is an important factor for proper development of the mammalian brain. Perinatal hypothyroidism leads to long-term behavior and neuromotor competence alterations in humans and animals. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on behavior changes of rat pups and its relation with the apoptosis of hippocampus neurons. Behavior tests were taken to evaluate the effects caused by perinatal hypothyroidism. TUNEL staining was used to analyze the apoptosis of neurons on CA3 region of hippocampus. The study suggested that perinatal hypothyroidism affects behavior development, as well as leading to the decrease in spatial learning and memory capability. This condition can be improved with hormone substitute treatment. Furthermore, the changes of learning and memory capability are closely related to the increasing number of apoptotic neurons in the hippocampus.

Effect of manganese supplementation and source on carcass traits, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in broilers1

An experiment was conducted using a total of 336 one-day-old, Arbor Acres commercial male broilers to investigate the effect of dietary Mn supplementation on carcass traits, meat quality, lipid oxidation, relative enzyme activities in abdominal fat and meat, and Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mRNA level in meat. Broilers were randomly allotted by BW to 1 of 8 replicate cages (6 chicks per cage) for each of 7 treatments in a completely randomized design involving a 2 x 3 factorial + 1 arrangement of treatments. Dietary treatments included the corn-soybean meal-based diet (control) and the basal diet supplemented with 100 or 200 mg of Mn/kg as MnSO(4) x H(2)O, Mn AA A with a chelation strength of 26.3 formation quotient (8.34% Mn), or Mn AA B with a chelation strength of 45.3 formation quotient (6.48% Mn). Birds fed supplemental Mn had lower (P < 0.10) percentages of abdominal fat, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and malate dehydrogenase activities and greater (P < 0.07) hormone-sensitive lipase activities in abdominal fat than birds fed a control diet. Birds fed supplemental Mn from Mn AA A or Mn AA B had lower (P < 0.05) LPL activities in abdominal fat than those fed supplemental MnSO(4) x H(2)O. Birds fed supplemental Mn had lower (P < 0.03) malondialdehyde content in leg muscle and greater (P < 0.02) MnSOD activities and MnSOD mRNA level in breast or leg muscle than those fed the control diet. Birds fed supplemental Mn from Mn AA A had a greater (P < 0.02) MnSOD mRNA level in leg muscle than those fed supplemental MnSO(4) x H(2)O. Results from this study indicated that organic Mn was more available than inorganic Mn for decreasing LPL activity in abdominal fat of broilers, and dietary Mn might reduce abdominal adipose deposition by decreasing LPL and malate dehydrogenase activities or increasing hormone-sensitive lipase activity in abdominal adipose tissue. The results also indicated that dietary Mn upregulated muscle MnSOD gene expression pretranslationally in association with increased MnSOD activity, which might explain the decrease of malondialdehyde content in leg muscle.

Endovascular Thermal Coagulation Using the Double-Helix GDC

An experimental study was undertaken to explore the possibility of treating this subset of aneurysms with thermal coagulation.

Endovascular endosaccular thermal coagulation of experimental aneurysms was successfully performed using a radiofrequency electrical current applied to a novel device, the double-helix GDC. Theoretically this technique could be utilized in selected patients to occlude large and giant intracranial aneurysms.

[Identification of a novel human MAST4 gene, a new member of the microtubule associated serine-threonine kinase family]

Human protein kinases make up a large superfamily of homologous proteins, which are related by virtue of their kinase domains (also known as catalytic domains). Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel human MAST4 (microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4) gene, which locates on human chromosome 5q13. The MAST4 cDNA is 7587 base pairs in length and encodes a putative protein of 2435 amino acids which contains a serine/threonine kinase domain and a PDZ domain. MAST4 protein has 64%, 63%, 59% and 39% identical aminoacid residues with MAST1, MAST2, MAST3 and MASTL respectively. RT-PCR analysis revealed relatively high expression level of MAST4 in most normal human tissues, with an exception of in testis, small intestine, colon and peripheral blood leukocyte.

Effects of a dried Bacillus subtilis culture on egg quality

The effects of a dried Bacillus subtilis culture on the egg qualities of layers were studied. Nine hundred and sixty 25-wk-old Lohmann Brown layers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 192 layers in each group. Layers in group 1 were fed a control diet. The remaining groups received the control diet that contained either 20 mg of zinc bacitracin/kg and 4 mg of colistin sulfate/kg or 500, 1,000, or 1,500 mg of B. subtilis culture/ kg, respectively. The results showed improvements in egg production, feed consumption, and feed conversion (P < 0.05) of layers when 500 mg of B. subtilis culture/kg was added to the diets. The results also showed some special improvements in this group, including increases in eggshell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit, and decreases in yolk cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05). However, excessive doses of B. subtilis culture did not improve the performance of layers.

Implications for prediction and hazard assessment from the 2004 Parkfield earthquake

Obtaining high-quality measurements close to a large earthquake is not easy: one has to be in the right place at the right time with the right instruments. Such a convergence happened, for the first time, when the 28 September 2004 Parkfield, California, earthquake occurred on the San Andreas fault in the middle of a dense network of instruments designed to record it. The resulting data reveal aspects of the earthquake process never before seen. Here we show what these data, when combined with data from earlier Parkfield earthquakes, tell us about earthquake physics and earthquake prediction. The 2004 Parkfield earthquake, with its lack of obvious precursors, demonstrates that reliable short-term earthquake prediction still is not achievable. To reduce the societal impact of earthquakes now, we should focus on developing the next generation of models that can provide better predictions of the strength and location of damaging ground shaking.

Characterization of two novel KRAB-domain-containing zinc finger genes, ZNF460 and ZNF461, on human chromosome 19q13.1-->q13.4

This study reports the cloning and characterization of two novel human zinc finger protein cDNAs (ZNF460 and ZNF461) from a fetal brain cDNA library. The ZNF460 cDNA is 3,135 bp in length encoding a 562-amino-acid polypeptide and the ZNF461 cDNA is 2,548 bp encoding a 563-amino-acid protein. Both of the proteins contain a KRAB A+B box and eleven C2H2 type zinc finger motifs. ZNF461 shows high similarity with the rat GIOT-1 gene (GIOT1). The ZNF460 gene mapped to 19q13.4 with 3 exons, and ZNF461 mapped to 19q13.1 with 6 exons. Both of the two genes are ubiquitously expressed in normal human tissues and the abundance of the ZNF460 mRNA is relatively low.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (ANP32E alias LANPL) from human fetal brain

Leucine-rich acidic nuclear protein (LANP) is a member of the leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) superfamily. Here we report on a human homologue of LANP, encoded by the gene ANP32E (alias LANPL). The gene was cloned and identified during large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. The human protein shared 70% amino acid identity with rat LANP. According to bioinformatics analysis, ANP32E is located on chromosome 1q22. RT-PCR analysis indicates that ANP32E was expressed in human peripheral blood leukocytes, colon, small intestine, prostate, thymus, spleen, skeletal muscle, liver and kidney.

[Surgical treatment for small cell lung cancer]

BACKGROUND

To summarize the experience of surgery for small cell lung cancer ( SCLC) and to evaluate the role of surgery in treatment of SCLC.

METHODS

A retrospective study undertaken in 145 patients with SCLC who had undergone pulmonary resection( Lobectomy 69, pneumonectomy 68, sleeve lobectomy 7 and segmentectomy 1) combined with chemo/radio( IVP, VP/Co60 ) therapy according to the new international stag ing system ( 1997 System) .

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rate was 73. 1% ( 106/ 145) , 24. 8% ( 36/145) and 16. 6% ( 24/145) respectively . The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rate was 100. 0%, 80. 0% and 50. 0% for p-stage IA, 84. 6%, 30. 8% and 23. 1% for p-stage IB, 91. 7%, 83. 3% and 66. 7% for p-stage IIA. Twenty-three patients were the long term survivals. In addition, no difference of survival rate between the patients who selected surgery or chemo/radio therapy as first treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that operation should be considered as an important treatment choice and combined with chemotherapy for the SCLC.

Control and counter-control of TGF-beta activity through FAST and Runx (CBFa) transcriptional elements in osteoblasts

FAST and Runx (CBFa) transcription factors, which are expressed during specific phases of embryogenesis and tissue patterning, bind directly to Smad proteins and integrate effects induced by various TGF-beta gene family members. The DNA binding sequences for FAST and Runx differ only minimally. The isoform Runx2 (previously termed CBFa1) is highly expressed by osteoblasts and regulates expression of the TGF-beta receptor I in these cells. Here we show that FAST-dependent transcription is endogenously restricted in osteoblasts but can be significantly enhanced by disruption of Runx2 expression. Native and synthetic Runx2 bind to both Runx and FAST binding sequences, whereas FAST-1 efficiently binds only to the FAST binding sequence. However, overexpression of FAST-1 potently suppresses TGF-beta receptor I gene expression in osteoblasts and thereby reduces TGF-beta activity independently of competing for Runx2 at the level of DNA binding. These results provide a new example of how nuclear factors associated with specific developmental states or tissue lineages may influence TGF-beta-dependent events in restricted ways.

Modeling and analysis of the structure of the thermostable catechol 2,3-dioxygenase from Bacillus Stearothermophilus

The three-dimensional structure of thermostable catechol 2,3-dioxygenase(TC230) from Bacillus Stearothermophilus has been modeled basing on the known x-ray structure of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase(metapyrocatechase) from Pseudomonas putida mt-2, using computer graphics energy minimization techniques. The rationality of the resulting model was validated by Ramachandran plot and Profile-3D. The structure-functionally important residues, such as M++ binding residues and the substrate binding residues, were identified from the model. These residues are candidates for further site-directed mutagenesis experiments. The reason that the thermostability of TC230 is greater than metapyrocatechase(MPC) has been found, which may be due to the specific structure of the TC230 in the C-end mainly.

4-hydroxynonenal induces apoptosis via caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release

We investigated the mechanism by which 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a major aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation, induces apoptosis in tumor cells. Treatment of human colorectal carcinoma (RKO) cells with HNE-induced poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) cleavage and DNA fragmentation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The induction of PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation paralleled caspase-2, -3, -8, and -9 activation. Pretreatment of cells with an inhibitor of caspase-3, z-DEVD-fmk, or a broad spectrum caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, abolished caspase activation and subsequent PARP cleavage. Constitutive expression of high levels of Bcl-2 protected cells from HNE-mediated apoptosis. In addition, Bcl-2 overexpression inhibited cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent caspase-2, -3, and -9 activation. These findings demonstrate that HNE triggers apoptotic cell death through a mitochondrion-dependent pathway involving cytochrome c release and caspase activation. Bcl-2 overexpression protected cells from HNE-induced apoptosis through inhibition of cytochrome c release.

[Hard tissue changes in class III patients treated with maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hard tissue changes of class III patients treated with maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients were included. All patients were treated with united method. The changes of hard tissue were compared.

RESULTS

Hard tissue grew forward and downward in natural state. After the treatment, the significant increase of S-A, Pt-A, PNS-A was found in maxilla, and the increment of PNS-A, Pt-A was larger than that of S-A. Pg and Me dislocated backward. Wits increased by 4.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

By applying maxillary protraction and rapid palatal expansion on Class III patients in the early permanent dentition, anterior displacement and increase in post-anterior dimension of maxilla were found. Mandible always rotated and slightly backward.

Characterization of the lysyl adducts of prostaglandin H-synthases that are derived from oxygenation of arachidonic acid

These investigations characterize the covalent binding of reactive products of prostaglandin H-synthases (PGHSs) to the enzyme and to other molecules. The intermediate product of oxygenation of arachidonic acid by the PGHSs, prostaglandin (PG) H2, undergoes rearrangement to the highly reactive gamma-keto aldehydes, levuglandin (LG) E2 and D2. We previously have demonstrated that LGE2 reacts with the epsilon-amine of lysine to form both the lysyl-levuglandin Shiff base and the pyrrole-derived lysyl-levuglandin lactam adducts. We now demonstrate that these lysyl-levuglandin adducts are formed on the PGHSs following the oxygenation of arachidonic acid; after reduction of the putative Schiff base, proteolytic digestion of the enzyme, and isolation of the adducted amino acid residues, these adducts were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reactivity of the LGs is reflected by the finding that virtually all of the LG predicted to be formed from PGH2 can be accounted for as adducts of the PGH-synthase and that oxygenation of arachidonic acid by PGH-synthases also leads to the formation of adducts of other proteins present in the reaction solution. The reactivity of the PGH-synthase adducts themselves is demonstrated by the formation of intermolecular cross-links.

[A study of the correlation between p16 protein expression and DNA quantitative analysis in human gastric carcinoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate p16 protein expression and its correlation with DNA quantity in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells.

METHODS

p16 protein expression was quantitatively determined by flow cytometry (FCM) in 41 cases of GC and 10 cases of normal gastric tissues. DNA quantitative analysis of 41 cases of GC was performed by image cytometry (ICM).

RESULTS

p16 protein expression in GC was significantly lower than that in normal gastric tissues (respective FI: 0.81 plus minus 0.09 and 1.00 plus minus 0.11, P < 0.01). The expression of p16 protein did not show correlation with such factors as sex and age in GC, but it was significantly stronger in well differentiated GC than that in poorly differentiated GC (P < 0.05). The mean of DNA relative ploid (U value) in GC was from 1.14 to 2.98. U value becomes higher with the increase in grading (P < 0.01). There was significant negative linear correlation between p16 protein expression and U value in GC (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal expression of p16 protein is closely correlated to the occurrence, development and malignancy degree of GC. The level of p16 protein expression implies important clinical significance for GC treatment and may serve as an indicator to predict the prognosis of patients.

[Study on the optimal perinatal health care and child health care surveillance systems]

OBJECTIVES

To study the establish an optimal perinatal health care (PHC) surveillance system and an child health care (CHC) surveillance system in China, that can provide better health care services for women and children.

METHODS

All women receiving marital check-ups are issued PHC booklets and then their menstrual dates are recorded regularly. If a woman is confirmed to be pregnant, she will receive her first prenatal exam. Subsequent prenatal exams and visits will be followed and recorded accordingly. CHC data will be collected regularly during the provision of routine child health care services.

RESULTS

Surveillance systems have been set up in 32 project counties/cities in China, comprising more than 20 million people. The surveillance systems have smoothly been conducted for eight years since 1993.

CONCLUSION

The surveillance systems have been proved to be adaptable under China's context. Both PHC and CHC systems seemed to be helpful in improving the health care services as well as the health condition of mothers and children in the areas.

Temporal bone fracture and its complications

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics and treatment of temporal bone fractures and injuries in the medial-inner ear.

METHODS

The clinical data of 48 cases of temporal bone fractures admitted to our hospital from January 1989 to November 1999 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with temporal bone fractures accounted for 17.00% of the homochronous craniofacial fractures. Of the 48 cases, temporal bone fractures induced by traffic accidents accounted for 66.67%, capillary fractures for 93.75%, medial inner ear injuries or craniocerebral injuries for 77.08% and hearing loss or tinnitus for 48.00%. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea and facioplegia accounted for 36.70% and 3.00%, respectively, in the longitudinal fractures, while they were 25.00% and 37.50%, respectively, in the transversal fractures. Primary emergent operations were performed on 46 cases and neurosurgery accounted for 46.00%. Secondary procedures accounted for 16.70%. As a result, 43 cases survived (89.58%) and 5 died (10.41%).

CONCLUSIONS

Traffic injury is the first high-dangerous factor for temporal bone fractures, which are often complicated with medial-inner ear or craniocerebral injury. The CSF otorrhea is common in the longitudinal fractures and facioplegia is common in the transversal fractures. The key step is to rescue the life, keep the airway unobstructed and maintain the circulation in the primary emergency treatment.