Effects of vitamin E and selenium administration on transportation stress in pregnant dairy heifers

We investigated the effects of road transportation and administration of the vitamin E and selenium (ESe) on circulating cortisol, haptoglobin, blood metabolites, oxidative biomarkers, white blood cell profiles, and behaviors in pregnant dairy heifers. Forty pregnant Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments: no transportation and no ESe administration, no transportation and ESe administration, transportation and no administration, and transportation and ESe administration. The ESe (70 IU/kg dry matter feed of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate and 0.3 mg/kg dry matter feed of sodium selenite) was orally delivered once a day from 7 d before transportation to 3 d after transportation. The heifers were transported in trucks designed for cattle transportation. Blood was collected 1 h before transportation, immediately after transportation (IAT), and at 6, 24, and 48 h after transportation. Behaviors were recorded using a video camera for 2 consecutive days after transportation. Transported/non-ESe-administered heifers had greater cortisol at IAT, haptoglobin at 6 and 24 h after transportation, total oxidative status at 6 h after transportation, and nonesterified fatty acid levels, white blood cell numbers, and neutrophil percentages at IAT and 6 h after transportation in the blood than nontransported heifers. Transported/non-ESe-administered heifers had lower total antioxidative status levels at 48 h after transportation and lymphocyte percentages at IAT and 6 h after transportation than nontransported heifers. Lying time was shorter in transported heifers than nontransported/non-ESe-administered heifers. Transported/ESe-administered heifers had lower cortisol, total oxidative status, nonesterified fatty acid levels at IAT, and haptoglobin concentrations at 6 and 24 h after transportation than transported/non-ESe-administered heifers. Transported/ESe-administered heifers had greater total antioxidative status levels at 48 h after transportation than transported/non-ESe-administered heifers. No ESe administration effects were observed for white blood cell number and neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages and lying time. In conclusion, road transportation caused temporary oxidative stress. Administrating ESe partially alleviated the stress, suggesting that ESe administration could be a viable strategy to reduce stress in transported pregnant heifers, providing a novel role of vitamin E and selenium for improving animal welfare.

Estimating influences of unemployment and underemployment on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: who suffers the most?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether unemployment and underemployment are associated with mental distress and whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a population-based longitudinal study.

METHODS

Data came from the Understanding America Study, a population-based panel in the United States. Between April and May 2020, 3548 adults who were not out of the labor force were surveyed. Analyses using targeted maximum likelihood estimation examined the association of employment insecurity with depression, assessed using the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and anxiety, measured with the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Stratified models were evaluated to examine whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups.

RESULTS

Being unemployed or underemployed was associated with increased odds of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-2.02) and anxiety (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.79), relative to having a full-time job. Employment insecurity was disproportionately concentrated among Hispanics (54.3%), Blacks (60.6%), women (55.9%), young adults (aged 18-29 years; 57.0%), and those without a college degree (62.7%). Furthermore, Hispanic workers, subsequent to employment insecurity, experienced worse effects on depression (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.28, 3.40) and anxiety (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24, 3.09). Those who completed high school or less reported worse depression subsequent to employment insecurity (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Both unemployment and underemployment threaten mental health during the pandemic, and the mental health repercussions are not felt equally across the population. Employment insecurity during the pandemic should be considered an important public health concern that may exacerbate pre-existing mental health disparities during and after the pandemic.

Childhood neighborhood context and adult substance use problems: the role of socio-economic status at the age of 30 years

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether the (a) childhood neighborhood context predicts alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, and cannabis use disorder symptoms at the age of 39 years; and (b) socio-economic status during young adulthood mediates these relationships. Gender differences were also examined.

STUDY DESIGN

The Seattle Social Development Project is a prospective longitudinal study of 808 individuals followed up from ages 10 to 39 years in Seattle, Washington, United States. The sample was gender balanced (51% were men).

METHODS

Alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use disorder symptoms were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-based Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Childhood neighborhood data consisted of 10 neighborhood-level variables from the 1990 national census, which were consolidated using principal component analyses. Two components with eigenvalues greater than 1 were extracted-neighborhood disadvantage and neighborhood stability. Educational attainment and employment status represented socio-economic status during young adulthood. Covariates included baseline symptoms of psychopathology, baseline substance use, gender, ethnicity, and childhood socio-economic status at the family level. Negative binomial regression was used as the primary modeling strategy. Six models for each outcome measure were estimated. The first three models examined associations between two neighborhood components and each substance use outcome measure. Next, we tested the second research question by adding unemployment and college graduate indicators at the age of 30 years as potential mediators underlying the link between the childhood neighborhood context and three substance use measures.

RESULTS

Study findings revealed that childhood neighborhood stability significantly reduced alcohol and cannabis use disorder symptoms nearly 3 decades later. Path analyses suggested that socio-economic status during the transition to adulthood did not influence these relationships but rather had independent effects on problematic nicotine and cannabis use. Furthermore, the effects of childhood neighborhood factors on problematic nicotine use were stronger for men.

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood characteristics during childhood may be important factors for alcohol and cannabis use disorder symptoms among adults and nicotine dependence disorder symptoms among men. Prevention efforts that address community stability and disadvantage can and should start in childhood, with a focus on intervention targets that might gain salience later in life to discourage the development and persistence of problematic substance use in adulthood.

Mechanisms linking high school graduation to health disparities in young adulthood: a longitudinal analysis of the role of health behaviours, psychosocial stressors, and health insurance

OBJECTIVES

This study examined three competing mechanisms in the link between educational attainment and health among young adults: (a) a health behaviour mechanism; (b) a psychosocial stressor mechanism; and (c) a health insurance mechanism. The central research question was the pervasiveness and specificity of these mechanisms in the link between low educational attainment and health outcomes during young adulthood.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 808 men and women followed to age 33 years in the USA.

METHODS

Health outcomes included major depressive disorder, obesity, chronic health conditions, and self-rated health. The focal predictor was educational attainment at age 21. The roles of the health behaviour mechanism (heavy episodic drinking, cigarette smoking, and meeting physical activity guidelines), the psychosocial stressor mechanism (stressful life events, perceived financial stress, and lack of control at work), and having health insurance (either through their employer or union or via family members) in the link between education and varying health outcomes were assessed using path analyses.

RESULTS

Lack of health insurance emerged as a statistically significant explanatory factor underlying the association of education with depression and self-rated health. Health behaviours, specifically smoking and physical activity, were statistically significant intervening factors for obesity and self-rated health.

CONCLUSIONS

The processes linking educational attainment to health inequalities begin unfolding during young adulthood. The salience of different mechanisms is specific to a health outcome rather than pervasive across multiple health outcomes. Public health policies with a broad spectrum of components, particularly focussing on smoking, physical activity, and lack of health insurance, are recommended to promote educational equalities in multiple health outcomes among young adults.

Educational inequalities in the co-occurrence of mental health and substance use problems, and its adult socio-economic consequences: a longitudinal study of young adults in a community sample

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between the co-occurrence of mental health and substance use problems and socio-economic status (SES).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal study of 808 males and females followed to age 30.

METHODS

Survey data were used to derive latent classes (profiles) of mental health (depression, anxiety) and substance use (alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana [cannabis]) problems at age 27. Analyses examined the associations of these profiles with earlier educational attainment (high school diploma) and indicators of SES at age 30.

RESULTS

Latent Class Analysis produced four profiles: a low disorder symptoms group, a licit substance use disorder symptoms group (alcohol and nicotine), a mental health disorder symptoms group, and a comorbid group. Earning a high school diploma by age 21 decreased the odds of belonging to the comorbid group or the licit substance use disorder symptoms group when compared to the low disorder symptoms group. These disorder profiles also were found to adversely impact subsequent adult SES. The adverse impact was more evident in income maintenance and wealth accumulation by age 30 than market or non-market labour force participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Earning a high school diploma lessens the risk of co-occurring mental health and substance use problems which contribute to economic instability in young adulthood. Findings underscore the importance of public health programmes to reduce the incidence of mental health and substance use problems and their associated high costs to individuals and to society.

IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and allergic reactions to idursulfase in patients with Hunter syndrome

BACKGROUND

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human idursulfase is effective for the treatment of Hunter syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II. However, various adverse events can occur by the infusion of idursulfase. The purpose was to evaluate the occurrence of infusion-related allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to idursulfase in patients with MPS II receiving ERT and to elucidate its possible mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients with MPS II were enrolled to receive ERT with Elaprase(®) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intravenously once a week. Information regarding the symptoms, frequency, and timing of anaphylaxis during treatment was analyzed. Presence of anti-idursulfase IgE antibody was assessed by skin prick test (SPT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was performed to confirm the reaction between idursulfase and specific IgE.

RESULTS

Three patients (8.8%) showed anaphylaxis by infusion of idursulfase. No deaths occurred during the study. Anti-idursulfase IgE antibody was detected by SPT and ELISA. Immunoblotting with patients' sera and Elaprase(®) showed a single band of specific IgE binding to the protein around 70 kD, and idursulfase did not display amino acid sequence homology to known allergens. SPT with idursulfase demonstrated positive results in all patients with anaphylaxis. However, we failed to reveal any risk factors for the development of infusion-related immediate-type allergic reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaphylaxis related to infusion of idursulfase is mediated by anti-idursulfase IgE antibody, which might be produced by de novo synthesis. SPT is useful in predicting the occurrence of anti-idursulfase IgE-mediated anaphylaxis during infusion.

Combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin for patients with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin (XP) in patients with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From September 2003 to July 2007, we enrolled patients with HCC who had more than one measurable extrahepatic metastatic lesion. Patients received oral capecitabine (2000 mg/m(2)/day) with a schedule of 2 weeks on and 1 week off and cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) on the first day of the 3-week cycle.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 32 patients with a median age of 53 years. Overall response rate was 6.3% and disease control rate was 34.4%. The median time to progression (TTP) was 2.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-2.4] and the median overall survival (OS) time was 12.2 months (95% CI 6.5-17.8). The grade 3/4 hematologic toxic effects included thrombocytopenia (7.6%), neutropenia (4.3%) and anemia (2.1%). The grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxic effects included elevated hepatic aminotransferase (12.9%), jaundice (3.2%), mucositis (3.2%) and nausea (3.2%). There was no treatment-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the observed response rate and TTP, XP combination chemotherapy showed modest antitumor efficacy in patients with metastatic HCC as systemic first-line treatment. However, XP combination chemotherapy showed tolerable toxicity and demonstrated favorable OS time.

Bullying drove me from my job but i found support

I left the NHS in May of this year because I was being bullied by a senior nurse (student focus, letters September 27). The experience is one I never wish to repeat. My health suffered as a result and I was prescribed antidepressants by my GP, who voiced his disgust at the way I had been treated. I sought help from occupational health in the form of counselling, which played a huge part in my recovery.

Arthroplasty for advanced Kienböck's disease using a radial bone flap with a vascularised wrapping of pronator quadratus

We have performed a form of lunate replacement arthroplasty, which included excision of the lunate and insertion of a vascularised radial bone flap wrapped in pronator quadratus, for stage IIIB or stage IV Kienböck's disease, in 41 patients who have been followed up for more than three years. All patients reported an improvement in their symptoms, and 20 of the 41 became free of pain after the operation. Extension and flexion of the wrist were increased by a mean of 9 degrees and 6 degrees , respectively (p < 0.05). The radioscaphoid angle and the carpal height ratio were not significantly changed and only minimal deterioration was observed due to degenerative change. The size, density or location of the inserted bone did not change with time. A vascularised radial bone flap wrapped in pronator quadratus can be a reliable treatment option for advanced Kienböck's disease, when the pedicled bone and muscle envelope acts as a stable spacer for the excised lunate.

Genetic basis of hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueducts in Koreans

Sensorineural hearing loss associated with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct (EVA) can be associated with mutations of the SLC26A4 gene. In western populations, less than one-half of the affected individuals with EVA have two mutant SLC26A4 alleles, and EVA is frequently caused by unknown genetic or environmental factors alone or in combination with a single SLC26A4 mutation as part of a complex trait. In this study, we ascertained 26 Korean probands with EVA and performed nucleotide sequence analysis to detect SLC26A4 mutations. All subjects had bilateral EVA, and 20 of 26 were sporadic (simplex) cases. Fourteen different mutations were identified, including nine novel mutations. Five mutations were recurrent and accounted for 80% of all mutant alleles, providing a basis for the design and interpretation of cost-efficient mutation detection algorithms. Two mutant alleles were identified in 21 (81%), one mutant allele was detected in three (11%), and zero mutant allele was detected in two (8%) of 26 probands. The high proportion of Korean probands with two SLC26A4 mutations may reflect a reduced frequency of other genetic or environmental factors causing EVA in comparison to western populations.

Survey of nitrate and nitrite contents of vegetables grown in Korea

A scientific basis for the evaluation of the risk to public health arising from excessive dietary intake of nitrate in Korea is provided. The nitrate () and nitrite () contents of various vegetables (Chinese cabbage, radish, lettuce, spinach, soybean sprouts, onion, pumpkin, green onion, cucumber, potato, carrot, garlic, green pepper, cabbage and Allium tuberosum Roth known as Crown daisy) are reported. Six hundred samples of 15 vegetables cultivated during different seasons were analysed for nitrate and nitrite by ion chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. No significant variance in nitrate levels was found for most vegetables cultivated during the summer and winter harvests. The mean nitrates level was higher in A. tuberosum Roth (5150 mg kg(-1)) and spinach (4259 mg kg(-1)), intermediate in radish (1878 mg kg(-1)) and Chinese cabbage (1740 mg kg(-1)), and lower in onion (23 mg kg(-1)), soybean sprouts (56 mg kg(-1)) and green pepper (76 mg kg(-1)) compared with those in other vegetables. The average nitrite contents in various vegetables were about 0.6 mg kg(-1), and the values were not significantly different among most vegetables. It was observed that nitrate contents in vegetables varied depending on the type of vegetables and were similar to those in vegetables grown in other countries. From the results of our studies and other information from foreign sources, it can be concluded that it is not necessary to establish limits of nitrates contents of vegetables cultivated in Korea due to the co-presence of beneficial elements such as ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol which are known to inhibit the formation of nitrosamine.

The microbial community analysis of a 5-stage BNR process with step feed system

The microbial communities of 5-stage BNR activated sludge samples were analyzed using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and 16S rDNA characterization. The total cell numbers of each reactor were from 2.36 x 10(9) cells/ml to 2.83 x 10(9) cells/ml. From 56.5% to 62.0% of total DAPI cell counts were hybridized to the most bacterial specific probe EUB 338. Among them, beta-proteobacteria were most dominant in each tank. The number of phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) was almost 50% of the total cell number in anoxic-1 tank, and these results indicate that this process has a high content of denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (dPAOs). In contrast with FISH, 16S rDNA analysis showed that dominant groups were the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group and high G+C% gram-positive bacteria, which were determined as PAOs in anoxic-1 tank. The beta subclass Proteobacteria did not accumulate a large amount of polyphosphate. The overall results indicate that high G+C% gram-positive bacteria and the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group might play a key role as dPAOs in this process.

Electrical conduction through poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA molecules

We report direct measurements of electrical transport through poly(dA)-poly(dT) and poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA molecules containing identical base pairs. The observed experimental results suggest that electrical transport through DNA molecules occurs by polaron hopping. We have also investigated the effect of gate voltage on the current-voltage curve. It demonstrates the possibility of a DNA field-effect transistor operating at room temperature. Moreover, the gate-voltage dependent transport measurements show that poly(dA)-poly(dT) behaves as an n-type semiconductor, whereas poly(dG)-poly(dC) behaves as a p-type semiconductor.

Cytotoxic constituents from Solidago virga-aurea var. gigantea MIQ

Activity-guided fractionation of the whole plant of Solidago virga-aurea var. gigantea M(IQ). (Compositae) has led to the isolation of three cytotoxic compounds, erythrodiol-3-acetate (1), alpha-tocopherol-quinone (2), and trans-phytol (3) from the hexane soluble fraction. It is the first report of those compounds from the genus.

Crystal structure of the PTEN tumor suppressor: implications for its phosphoinositide phosphatase activity and membrane association

The PTEN tumor suppressor is mutated in diverse human cancers and in hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. PTEN is a phosphatase that can act on both polypeptide and phosphoinositide substrates in vitro. The PTEN structure reveals a phosphatase domain that is similar to protein phosphatases but has an enlarged active site important for the accommodation of the phosphoinositide substrate. The structure also reveals that PTEN has a C2 domain. The PTEN C2 domain binds phospholipid membranes in vitro, and mutation of basic residues that could mediate this reduces PTEN's membrane affinity and its ability to suppress the growth of glioblastoma tumor cells. The phosphatase and C2 domains associate across an extensive interface, suggesting that the C2 domain may serve to productively position the catalytic domain on the membrane.

Two new lignans from Lindera obtusiloba blume

Two new furanolignans (3, 5), together with three known lignans (1, 2, 4), were isolated from the stem of Lindera obtusiloba (Lauraceae). The structures of the compounds were determined as actifolin (1), pluviatilol (2), 5,6-dihydroxymatairesinol (3), (+)-syringaresinol (4), and (+)-9'-O-trans-feruloyl-5,5'-dimethoxylariciresinol (5) on the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic evidences. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 5 showed cytotoxicity against a small panel of human tumor cell lines with ED50 values of 3.40 to approximately 19.27 microg/ml.

Asian blepharoplasty with a short-pulsed contact Nd-Yag laser: limited-incision resectable laser double fold with internal medial and lateral functional epicanthoplasty

The double-fold operation is the most common aesthetic procedure in Asia, but complications such as gross asymmetry, loss of folds, and scars on the medial canthal region and upper eyelid are relatively common. To prevent these complications, caused by displacement of fixation sutures secondary to excessive edema or hematoma, we use fine fiber-delivered contact surgical Nd-Yag (Japan SLT) laser for incision, excision, coagulation, dissection, ablation, and fusion of the soft tissue. Comparing this laser treatment to conventional electrocautery techniques or to CO2 laser blepharoplasty, this contact short-pulsed Nd-Yag laser gives us a tactile sensation, providing a more precise, controlled surgical procedure without lateral thermal damage, and it is possible to operate through a small incision. A long-term follow-up study shows that there was no gross asymmetry, loss of folds, or visible or hypertrophic scars on the upper eyelid and medial canthal regions.

Structural basis for inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk6 by the tumour suppressor p16INK4a

The cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (Cdk4/6) that control the G1 phase of the cell cycle and their inhibitor, the p16INK4a tumour suppressor, have a central role in cell proliferation and in tumorigenesis. The structures of Cdk6 bound to p16INK4a and to the related p19INK4d reveal that the INK4 inhibitors bind next to the ATP-binding site of the catalytic cleft, opposite where the activating cyclin subunit binds. They prevent cyclin binding indirectly by causing structural changes that propagate to the cyclin-binding site. The INK4 inhibitors also distort the kinase catalytic cleft and interfere with ATP binding, which explains how they can inhibit the preassembled Cdk4/6-cyclin D complexes as well. Tumour-derived mutations in INK4a and Cdk4 map to interface contacts, solidifying the role of CDK binding and inhibition in the tumour suppressor activity of p16INK4a.

Structure of the retinoblastoma tumour-suppressor pocket domain bound to a peptide from HPV E7

The pocket domain of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor is central to Rb function, and is frequently inactivated by the binding of the human papilloma virus E7 oncoprotein in cervical cancer. The crystal structure of the Rb pocket bound to a nine-residue E7 peptide containing the LxCxE motif, shared by other Rb-binding viral and cellular proteins, shows that the LxCxE peptide binds a highly conserved groove on the B-box portion of the pocket; the A-box portion appears to be required for the stable folding of the B box. Also highly conserved is the extensive A-B interface, suggesting that it may be an additional protein-binding site. The A and B boxes each contain the cyclin-fold structural motif, with the LxCxE-binding site on the B-box cyclin fold being similar to a Cdk2-binding site of cyclin A and to a TBP-binding site of TFIIB.

Identification of apo(a) phenotypes in a Korean population using a standardized nomenclature system based on the number of kringle IV repeats

We determined serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] phenotypes in 193 healthy Koreans. We analysed the apo(a) phenotypes by a simplified sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method and classified apo(a) isoforms objectively using an apo(a) phenotype standard with a known number of kringle IV repeats. The frequency distribution of Lp(a) levels showed marked positive skew with a mean of 0.143 g/L and a median of 0.052 g/L. Of the 193 subjects tested, no bands were detected in three, and single- and double-band phenotypes were observed in 103 and 87, respectively. Among the Koreans, the most frequent phenotype was S5(39.4%), followed by S4S5(17.1%), S5S5(14.0%), S4(11.4%), S3S5(5.2%), and the remaining phenotypes (13.0%). The calculated apo(a) allele frequencies were LpF, 0.003; LpS1, 0.013; LpS2, 0.010; LpS3, 0.048; LpS4, 0.198; LpS5, 0.563 and Lp0, 0.165. We found that the serum Lp(a) concentration in Koreans was similar to that of Caucasians, but the apo(a) allele size distribution was shifted toward higher molecular weights.

Relation between lipoprotein(a) concentrations in patients with acute-phase response and risk analysis for coronary heart disease

This study investigated whether lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an acute-phase reactant that can cause important bias in risk factor analysis for coronary heart disease among patients with an acute-phase response (APR patients). To determine whether serum Lp(a) concentrations increase among APR patients, we compared the Lp(a) concentrations and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] phenotypes of 100 controls with those of a random sampling of 100 APR patients. Serum Lp(a) concentration was measured by ELISA; Lp(a) phenotyping was performed by electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel. Lp(a) was significantly (P <0.0001) higher among APR patients (mean +/- SD 0.300 +/- 0.284 g/L) than among controls (0.118 +/- 0.193 g/L) even though the distribution of apo(a) phenotypes did not differ significantly. The 100 APR patients were grouped into 4 categories: 48 patients with infections, 25 postoperative patients, 17 patients with tumors, and 10 patients with other diseases, all of whom showed substantially higher Lp(a) values than did the controls. For the S5, S4S5, S5S5, and S4 phenotypes, the mean concentrations of serum Lp(a) were substantially higher among the APR patients.

Skin resurfacing with laser in Asians

The carbon dioxide laser has been a popular dermatological tool, but for the cosmetic surgeon. The laser's usefulness has been limited due to the risk associated with hyperpigmentation and scarring, when attempting superficial aesthetic surgery. The new Tru-Pulse CO2 Laser (Tissue Technology, Inc.) overcomes this limitation by providing a unique pulse duration of 60 microseconds designed to reduce thermal damage and designed to promote rapid healing. Laser resurfacing with the Tru-Pulse Laser provides many potential benefits.

Characterization of the rcsA and rcsB genes from Salmonella typhi: rcsB through tviA is involved in regulation of Vi antigen synthesis

Synthesis of Vi antigen, a capsular polysaccharide expressed by Salmonella typhi, is controlled by the viaA and viaB chromosomal loci. It was previously shown that Vi antigen expression was regulated by a system similar to the rcs regulatory system involved in colanic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli. We have cloned the rcsA, rcsB, and rcsC genes from S. typhi. The predicted amino sequences of the RcsA and RcsB proteins showed a high degree of similarity to their E. coli homologs. The nucleotide sequence of the rcsC gene was partially determined and was shown to be homologous to that of its E. coli counterpart. Complementation experiments indicated that rcsB and rcsC were encompassed within the viaA locus. The RcsA protein was not involved in Vi antigen synthesis. In contrast, the RcsB protein acted as a positive regulator of Vi polysaccharide expression. By mRNA and gene fusion analyses, we studied the role of RcsB and TviA, a via-B-encoded regulatory protein characterized previously, in regulating Vi antigen synthesis. The transcriptional start point of tviA mRNA was not influenced by RcsB or TviA. In the absence of RcsB or TviA protein, transcription of tviA gave rise to only a monocistronic tviA-specific mRNA. The presence of RcsB and TriA not only increased the amount of monocistronic tviA-specific mRNA but also resulted in countranscription of tviA and tviB, which is located immediately downstream of tviA on the viaB locus. In addition, TviA protein did not appear to be subject to degradation by the Lon protease. These results strongly suggest that TviA might act in concert with RcsB at the tviA promoter to activate transcription of the genes involved in Vi polymer synthesis in S. typhi in a Lon-independent manner.

Two conformations of the integrin A-domain (I-domain): a pathway for activation?

BACKGROUND

Integrins are plasma membrane proteins that mediate adhesion to other cells and to components of the extracellular matrix. Most integrins are constitutively inactive in resting cells, but are rapidly and reversibly activated in response to agonists, leading to highly regulated cell adhesion. This activation is associated with conformational changes in their extracellular portions, but the nature of the structural changes that lead to a change in adhesiveness is not understood. The interactions of several integrins with their extracellular ligands are mediated by an A-type domain (generally called the I-domain in integrins). Binding of the I-domain to protein ligands is dependent on divalent cations. We have described previously the structure of the I-domain from complement receptor 3 with bound Mg2+, in which the glutamate side chain from a second I-domain completes the octahedral coordination sphere of the metal, acting as a ligand mimetic.

RESULTS

We now describe a new crystal form of the I-domain with bound Mn2+, in which water completes the metal coordination sphere and there is no equivalent of the glutamate ligand. Comparison of the two crystal forms reveals a change in metal coordination which is linked to a large (10 A) shift of the C-terminal helix and the burial of two phenylalanine residues into the hydrophobic core of the Mn2+ form. These structural changes, analogous to those seen in the signal-transducing G-proteins, alter the electrophilicity of the metal, reducing its ability to bind ligand-associated acidic residues, and dramatically alter the surface of the protein implicated in binding ligand.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations provide the first atomic resolution view of conformational changes in an integrin domain, and suggest how these changes are linked to a change in integrin adhesiveness. We propose that the Mg2+ form represents the conformation of the domain in the active state and the Mn2+ form the conformation in the inactive state of the integrin.

Crystal structure of the A domain from the alpha subunit of integrin CR3 (CD11b/CD18)

We have determined the high resolution crystal structure of the A domain from the alpha chain of integrin CR3. The domain adopts a classic alpha/beta "Rossmann" fold and contains an unusual Mg2+ coordination site at its surface. One of the coordinating ligands is the glutamate side chain from another A domain molecule. We suggest that this site represents a general metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) for binding protein ligands. We further propose that the beta subunits of integrins contain a MIDAS motif within a modified A domain. Our crystal structure will allow reliable models to be built for other members of the A domain superfamily and should facilitate development of novel adhesion modulatory drugs.

Spontaneous rupture of bladder in pregnancy. A case report

A case of spontaneous rupture of bladder in pregnancy is reported. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of this condition is difficult.

Loss of retinoblastoma gene and amplification of N-myc gene in retinoblastoma

We have analyzed paired samples of genomic DNA from peripheral leukocyte and primary tumor tissue from nine patients with retinoblastoma (RB) and from two RB cell lines, WERI-Rb-1 and Y79, to detect the molecular alterations of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (RB-1) and N-myc gene. In Southern analysis, RB-1 deletions in tumor tissues were detected in five patients (56%), one of these revealed a total loss of RB-1. N-myc amplification was found only in one (11.1%) out of nine patients. We also observed a total loss of RB-1 in WERI-Rb-1, and a more than 100-fold amplification of N-myc in Y79. The analysis of the relationship between molecular events and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, tumor laterality did not reveal any specific correlation. These results suggest that genetic backgrounds of RB in Korean patients are quite similar to those of reported cases elsewhere. The high sensitivity of our method in detecting the RB-1 loss indicates that this method can be a useful tool for initially screening a large number of tumors.

A pathway for disulfide bond formation in vivo

Protein disulfide bond formation in Escherichia coli requires the periplasmic protein DsbA. We describe here mutations in the gene for a second protein, DsbB, which is also necessary for disulfide bond formation. Evidence suggests that DsbB may act by reoxidizing DsbA, thereby regenerating its ability to donate its disulfide bond to target proteins. We propose that DsbB, an integral membrane protein, may be involved in transducing redox potential across the cytoplasmic membrane.

New design and analysis for point-focusing of surface waves in contact testing

A method was presented for the intensive focusing of surface ultrasonic waves in contact testing, and an ultrasonic contact transducer was fabricated and characterized. The acoustic contact lens of the transducer was in a shape which was obtained by rotating a right-angled triangle having a critical angle for the generation of surface waves. PVDF film was employed as an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. The fabricated transducer showed the focusing feature of a narrow lateral half width and high sound intensity at a focal point. Also, a simple model was presented to estimate theoretically the stress pattern on a symmetry axis of the transducer. The stress pattern predicted using the model showed good agreement with the experimental result. This concept can also be used in acoustic microscopy.

Salmonella serogroups C2 and C3 identified by agglutination using an immunoglobulin G3(kappa) monoclonal antibody (32-1-E3) reactive with a somatic factor 8-like polysaccharide antigen

An immunoglobulin G3(kappa) monoclonal antibody (MAb), MAb 32-1-E3, which was prepared in BALB/c mice by using a heated, alcohol-acetone-extracted Salmonella newport CDC 50 antigen, reacted with protein-free lipopolysaccharides from Salmonella groups C2 (O:6,8) and C3 (O:-,8) but not with those from any other serogroup tested. Sodium periodate did not inhibit antigen reactivity, which was consistent with its identity as the abequose-containing disaccharide O:8 antigen. Reactivity was inhibited by competition with serogroup C2 (O:6,8) and C3 (O:-,8) antigens but not with non-O:8 antigens. Reactivity was also inhibited by preincubation of the antigen with polyclonal rabbit antiserogroup C2 or C3 antibodies but not with antisera to serogroup C1 or other Salmonella serogroups. The MAb agglutinated with all strains of Salmonella serogroups C2 and C3 tested but not with other bacteria. Agglutination was inhibited by preabsorbing the MAb with either of two serogroup C3 Salmonella strains, S. virginia CDC 189 or S. haardt MDL 83A4545, which contain only O:8, but not by preabsortion with O:8-negative S. cholerasuis MDL 81A7623 (group C1; O:6,7), S. paratyphi type B CDC 157 (group B; O:1,[4],5,12), or Escherichia coli (O:157) (which contains no Salmonella serogroup antigens). The MAb reacted strongly (4+ agglutination) with all 140 wild-type strains of group C2 and C3 Salmonella spp. tested and showed no reaction with any of 1,324 wild-type strains of non-C2 or non-C3 Salmonella spp. tested. The MAb is useful as a replacement for absorbed, polyclonal, single-factor O:8 antiserum to discriminate Salmonella serogroups C2 and C3 from serogroup C1.

Transcription of class II MHC gene by interferon-gamma in FRTL-5 cells

The intracellular mechanism by which interferon-gamma induces the expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen in nonlymphoid cells is not clear. The effect of recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and cycloheximide on the expression of class II MHC gene was studied using the techniques of immunocytochemical staining and northern blot analysis. IFN-gamma induced de novo transcription of class II MHC gene and class II MHC antigen expression on the cell surface. Cycloheximide did not inhibit IFN-gamma-induced class II MHC antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner indicating translational blockade. These results suggest that IFN-gamma induces class II MHC antigen expression via de novo transcription of class II MHC gene leading to synthesis of new class II MHC molecule.

Modification of adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity by recombinant human interferon-gamma and/or verapamil in human stomach cancer cells

Recombinant human-interferon-gamma (rH-IFN-gamma) and verapamil (VRP), either alone or in combination, were evaluated in MTT assay for their modification effects on adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity against MKN-45, human stomach adenocarcinoma cells. VRP as a single agent did not inhibit the survival of MKN-45 at doses of up to 5.0 micrograms/ml. The survival of MKN-45 was inhibited by rH-IFN-gamma dose-dependently and further inhibited by the addition of VRP. However, the maximum growth inhibition of MKN-45 in any combination treatment with rH-IFN-gamma and VRP was less than 50% except in the highest concentration combinations (% survival: 47.9% at 10(4) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma and 3.0 micrograms/ml of VRP). Adriamycin caused a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and its cytotoxicity was significantly enhanced by the addition of rH-IFN-gamma and further enhanced by the combined use of rH-IFN-gamma and VRP. The modification effects of rH-IFN-gamma and VRP on adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity were evaluated in terms of modification index (MI), demonstrating that rH-IFN-gamma significantly increased in adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity and that the combined use of rH-IFN-gamma and VRP enhanced the adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity to a greater extent than did rH-IFN-gamma alone: MI values at 10(2) U/ml and 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma were 1.7 and 3.1, respectively; those at 1.5 micrograms/ml and 3.0 micrograms/ml of VRP in the presence of 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma were 4.4 and 6.0, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy of a Rift Valley fever virus vaccine against an aerosol infection in rats

The formalin-inactivated Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) vaccine, TSI-GSD-200, was administered subcutaneously to highly susceptible adult Wistar-Furth rats (LD50-1 p.f.u., ZH501 strain). Vaccine was administered on days 0, 7 and 28, the same time course used for at-risk personnel. Six months postimmunization, when the serum plaque-reduction neutralization titre (PRNT)80 had declined to low or undetectable levels, rats were challenged with 4.4 log10 p.f.u. of the virulent ZH501 strain in a nose-only dynamic aerosol apparatus. Ninety-seven per cent (33/34) of the non-vaccinated control rats died. In contrast, only 32% (33/105) of the vaccinated animals died. In vaccinated rats that succumbed, there was a doubling of the mean time to death and the cause of death shifted from hepatitis to encephalitis. Rats with a PRNT80 of greater than or equal to 1:40 were protected from clinical disease and histological evidence of hepatic or encephalitic lesions. While the precise mechanisms of immunity against aerosol challenge remain unresolved, here the serum PRNT titre correlated with protection.

Differential depression of lymphocyte subsets according to stage in stomach cancer

Lymphocyte surface markers were determined in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in 31 stomach cancer patients (15 males and 16 females) and 47 controls (20 males and 27 females) using an indirect immunofluorescence technique. The monoclonal antibodies used were Leu 2a (CD8, suppressor/cytotoxic T cells), Leu 3a (CD4, inducer/helper T cells), Leu 4 (CD3, pan T reagent), Leu 11 (CD16, natural killer cells) and Leu 12 (CD19, B cells). The numbers of PBL, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ and CD19+ cells significantly decreased and the CD4:CD8 value increased in patients with stomach cancer compared to those in healthy volunteers. In stage I, PBL, none of the PBL subsets nor the CD4:CD8 value were significantly different from those of the controls. In stage II, the numbers of PBL, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells decreased. In stage III, the CD19+ cells decreased in addition to the decreased subsets in stage II. In stage IV, PBL and all subsets measured decreased. The CD4:CD8 value showed significant increases in stages II, III and IV, because the CD8+ cells decreased to a greater extent than did the CD4+ cells. Changes in the subsets were analyzed with regard to age, sex, performance status and smoking history, no significant relation being observed between these factors and lymphocyte subsets. From the present study, we have demonstrated that lymphocyte subsets were differentially depressed in the order of T cells, B cells and natural killer cells, with progression of the stage of disease.

Cycloheximide inhibits interferon-gamma-induced class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression in cultured rat thyroid cells

The effects of the agents that are related to intracellular events on interferon-gamma-induced class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression were studied using the technique of immunocytochemistry. Rat class II major histocompatibility complex antigen (RT1.B) was expressed in 88.3 +/- 3.3% (n = 3) of the functioning rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) cultured in a medium containing 100 U/ml recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). Deprivation of bovine TSH had no effect on the expression of RT1.B antigen by IFN gamma. A23187 (1 nM to 2 microM) and/or 10 nM to 10 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not induce the expression of RT1.B antigen. IFN gamma-induced RT1.B expression was not inhibited by either 10 nM to 100 microM 1-(5-isoquinolysulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine or 200 nM to 200 microM 8-(N,N-dimethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride. It was also not inhibited by either 5-200 microM verapamil or 500 nM to 20 microM trifluoperazine. However, 0.01-10 micrograms/ml cycloheximide inhibited IFN gamma-induced RT1.B antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that IFN gamma induces RT1.B antigen expression in FRTL-5 cells via de novo protein synthesis independent of the cAMP system, phosphatidylinositide system, and voltage-dependent calcium channel.

Defective response of natural killer activity to thyroxine in Graves' disease

The effect of thyroxine (T4) on natural killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was investigated, using a 4-hr 51Cr release assay, in 18 patients with previously untreated Graves' disease and in 18 controls. NK activity in patients with Graves disease was not significantly different from that in the controls. Normal T4 (NT) and high T4 (HT) medium, free T4 concentrations in which were 1.01 and 16.3 ng/dl, respectively, were used to evaluate the effect of T4 on NK activity. In the controls, NK activity increased in the NT or HT medium compared with that in the control medium at effector to target cell (E:T) ratios of 25 : 1 and 50 : 1. NK activity in the Graves' disease patients, however, did not increase when either the NT or HT medium was used at E : T ratios of 25 : 1 and 50 : 1. These results suggest that patients with Graves' disease have a similar NK activity to the controls but have a defect in the peripheral blood lymphocytes to increase NK activity in response to T4.

Natural killer and lymphokine-activated killer activities in stomach cancer patients with special emphasis on the effect of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and mitomycin-C chemotherapy

The cytotoxicities of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were studied to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on cellular immunity, in 18 patients with unresectable stomach cancer before and after chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and mitomycin-C (FAM), and in 21 healthy volunteers. LAK cells were generated in vitro by culturing PBL with 100 U recombinant human interleukin-2 (rH-IL-2)/ml for 72 h. K562 (human myelogenous leukemia), MKN-45 (human stomach adenocarcinoma) and PC-14 (human pulmonary adenocarcinoma) were used as target cells. The cytotoxicity of PBL to K562 and MKN-45 was suppressed in patients with stomach cancer before chemotherapy, compared with that in healthy volunteers (P less than 0.05). The cytotoxicity of LAK cells was significantly higher to all three cell lines tested than that of PBL in both the healthy volunteers and stomach cancer patients (P less than 0.01); however, a lower level of LAK activity was generated in patients with cancer compared to that in the healthy volunteers. FAM therapy did not suppress the cytotoxicities of PBL and LAK cells. The surface markers of PBL and LAK cells were measured, demonstrating that there was no significant change in the percentage of lymphocytes with CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16+ or CD19+ after chemotherapy. The ratios of CD4+ to CD8+ cells in PBL and LAK cells were also not significantly changed after chemotherapy. In the present study, we have demonstrated that the PBL of stomach cancer were defective in generating LAK activity compared to those of controls, but the LAK activity generated from PBL receiving chemotherapy was similar to that from PBL without chemotherapy in stomach cancer patients.

Enhancement of cytotoxicity of cisplatin in vitro by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor and/or recombinant human interferon-alpha, -beta and -gamma

This study was conducted to investigate the modulatory effects of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rH-TNF) and recombinant human interferon (rH-IFN)-alpha, -beta and -gamma, either alone or in combination, on the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, using MTT assay, against MKN-45 (human stomach adenocarcinoma). MKN-45 was resistant to rH-TNF even at doses up to 10(3) U/ml. rH-IFN-gamma inhibited the survival of MKN-45 dose-dependently, while rH-IFN-alpha and -beta did not inhibit the survival of MKN-45 even at the highest concentrations tested (10(4) U/ml). Combination of rH-TNF with rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma did not significantly inhibit the survival of MKN-45, except for a combination of 10 U/ml of rH-TNF and 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-gamma (P less than 0.05). Cisplatin inhibited the survival of MKN-45 dose-dependently. By the simultaneous combination of cisplatin with rH-TNF and/or rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma, cytotoxicity of cisplatin was enhanced and the combination effects were additive. The effects of rH-TNF and rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma on the modification of cytotoxicity of cisplatin were evaluated in terms of modification index (MI), demonstrating that rH-TNF, rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma all augmented the cytotoxicity of cisplatin: MI values at 10(3) U/ml of rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma were 1.4, 1.4 and 2.3, respectively; those at the same concentrations of rH-IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma in the presence of 10 U/ml of rH-TNF were 3.6, 2.5 and 5.1, respectively. These results demonstrating that the cytotoxicity of cisplatin was enhanced by rH-TNF and/or rH-IFN-alpha, -beta or -gamma suggest that cancer may be more effectively treated with the combination of cisplatin with these biological response modifiers than with cisplatin alone.

A retrospective study on radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy in esophageal cancer

One hundred nineteen patients with inoperable esophageal cancer who had been treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy from Jan. 1982 to Dec. 1986 at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Of 119 patients, 111 were male, and eight were female. Ten (8%) had a lesion in the cervical esophagus; 71 (60%), in the upper and midthoracic esophagus; and 38 (32%), in the lower esophagus. One hundred ten (92%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma, and nine (8%) had adenocarcinoma. In 40 patients receiving radiotherapy alone, the response rate was 50% (complete response, 10%; partial response, 40%) with a median survival of 9 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 35%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. In 36 patients receiving radiochemotherapy, the response rate was 61% (complete response. 20%; partial response, 41%) with a median survival of 15 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 45%, 31%, and 12%, respectively. Six patients who had received chemotherapy alone had no objective response and died within one year. None of the 37 patients who had not received a specific treatment for underlying cancer survived two years. T1 stage, a lesion in the cervical esophagus, and good performance status (0–2) were considered to be favorable prognostic factors. There was no significant difference in the response rate and the actuarial survival between the radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy groups. These results suggest that both radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy are effective treatment modalities for inoperable esophageal cancer.

Viscosity of mixtures of sickle and normal red cells at varying hematocrit levels. Implications for transfusion

Viscosity (eta) in a blood suspension is affected by the total hematocrit (HT) as well as by the deformability of the cells. The impact of these combined factors on the rheologic behavior of sickle cell suspensions and on guidelines for transfusion has not been explored fully. Therefore, the eta of mixtures of washed normal (AA) and sickle (SS) red cells was determined in a rotational viscosimeter as a function of the hematocrit level of SS cells (HS), HT, oxygen tension (PO2), and shear rate. The ratio HT:eta can be taken as an index of potential oxygen delivery. The optimal HT (for maximum HT:eta) became progressively higher as the HS or the HS:HT ratio was lowered: at a given HT, HT:eta rose with a decrease in HS, especially at low HS values. These data support the concept that simple transfusion alone is not as beneficial to the patient as exchange transfusion and that substantial benefit can be obtained by bringing the patient to very low HS levels. The finding that eta rose with HT more steeply when the HS:HT ratio rather than HS was held constant suggested that the absolute level of HS may be more useful than the HS:HT ratio as a guide for a transfusion regimen.