Original surgical technique for the treatment of patellofemoral instability after failure of conservative treatment

INTRODUCTION

Acute patellar dislocation is a common but serious injury that can significantly impact a patient's functional prognosis. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and plication of the medial patellar retinaculum using suture anchors in adolescent patients with first-time acute patellar dislocation (APD) and MPFL insertion injury.

HYPOTHESIS

Tightening repair of the medial retinaculum complex can result in favorable clinical and functional outcomes in this patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 84 adolescent patients with first-time APD and with an average age of 15.5 years (range from 10 to 22 years) were included in the study. Of these patients, 61 (7 male and 54 female) underwent arthroscopic suture anchor plication for medial patellar retinaculum, while the other 23 were successfully treated non-operatively. Radiographic outcomes, including the congruence angle (CA), lateral patellofemoral angle (LPA), and patellar tilt angle (PTA), were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up visit in the surgical group. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Lille Patello-Femoral Score, Lysholm Score, and Kujala Score at the same time points. In addition, the surgical and non-operative treatment success groups were compared in terms of both radiographic and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 40.9 months (24-60 months). 59 knees showed excellent or good results postoperatively, 2 patients had a recurrent patellar subluxation. The Lille Patello-Femoral Score was 96.9±4.7 at the last follow-up. The subjective Lysholm Score and Kujala Score improved significantly, from 58.6 to 91.9 and from 60.4 to 88.9, respectively. The radiographic CA, LPA and PTA improved significantly, from 19.8±2.1° to -6.7±1.7°, from -7.4±2.2° to 5.7±1.8° and from 23.8±2.9° to 12.3±2.3°, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in functional and radiographic assessments between the success with nonoperative treatment group and the surgery group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that arthroscopic MPFL insertion reconstruction and plication using suture anchors, which is less invasive and improves patella stability, can lead to favorable clinical and functional outcomes in adolescent patients with first-time acute patellar dislocation and insertion injury. This treatment approach should be considered as a viable option for this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; monocentric retrospective descriptive study.

[Active screening of intestinal carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in high-risk patients admitted to the hematology wards and its effect evaluation]

目的

观察血液科肠道碳青霉烯类耐药的肠杆菌科细菌（CRE）主动筛查患者CRE定植、感染的特征，并评价主动筛查结合加强干预在血液科患者CRE感染预防控制中的效果。

方法

以2017年3月至2019年12月血液内科接受化疗或免疫抑制治疗且预期会出现粒细胞缺乏（粒缺）的患者为研究对象，进行至少3个时间点（治疗前、治疗后粒缺期、粒缺伴发热期）的肠道CRE筛查，以2016年12月至2017年2月血液内科未开展肠道CRE主动筛查的、接受化疗或免疫抑制治疗的115例患者为历史对照组，两组患者均进行CRE感染实时监测，CRE筛查阳性者均采取接触隔离措施，CRE筛查阳性者出现发热或者感染症状时启动针对CRE联合抗生素治疗。

结果

主动筛查患者CRE定植率为16.46%（66/401）；病种分布上，以急性白血病定植率最高，为23.03%（26/113）。66例筛查阳性患者中，其中第1次筛查阳性患者为27例，占40.9%（27/66），第2次筛查阳性患者为15例，占22.7%（15/66），第3次及以后筛查阳性患者为24例，占36.4%（24/66）。CRE定植病原菌中耐碳青霉烯类肺炎克雷伯菌（CRKP）最多，占54.55%（36/66）。主动筛查患者CRE感染率（2.49%）及死亡率（50.00%）低于历史对照组的11.30%及69.23%；干预期间10例CRE血流感染患者病原菌种类与前期主动筛查病原菌完全相同，符合率为100.0%。

结论

血液科病房急性白血病患者CRE定植率最高，CRKP是CRE定植、感染的主要病原菌，提高筛查频率可以显著提高筛查阳性率，采取主动筛查并及早干预能有效降低血液科患者CRE发生率及死亡率，CRE筛查阳性病原菌与后续CRE感染病原菌符合率高。恶性血液病患者肠道CRE筛查可以对后期CRE血流感染起到预警以及优化抗菌药物使用的作用。

[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated with cerebral venous thrombosis in 14 children]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and management of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) complicated with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Methods: The clinical data of 14 ALL children complicated with CVT who were admitted to Department of Pediatrics of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and underwent chemotherapy from January 2011 to October 2019 were collected retrospectively. The clinical manifestations, coagulation function, imaging findings, treatment plan and prognosis of patients were analyzed. Results: CVT was diagnosed in 14 (2.8%, 14/505) cases, with a median age of 10 (3-14) years at onset, 11 cases occurred in the stage of induction remission, and the acute onsets were mainly characterized by convulsions (9 cases), consciousness disorders (6 cases) and headache (4 cases). Coagulation function test showed that, before the CVT, antithrombin Ⅲ activity was lower than 60% in 8 cases, D-dimer elevated on the day of onset in 8 cases. Arteriovenous angiography showed filling defects in single (9 cases) or multiple (5 cases) venous sinuses. The most common site of venous sinus enlargement was superior sagittal sinus (10 cases). Secondary cerebral hemorrhage was found in 5 cases. Anticoagulation therapy included combination of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin in 9 cases, sequential application of LMWH and warfarin in 2 cases, and LMWH alone in 3 cases. Patients accepted further asparaginase and no CVT recurrence or progression was found. Conclusions: The secondary coagulation dysfunction during induction remission chemotherapy is the major risk factor for CVT in ALL, which needs active monitoring and early prevention. Arteriovenous angiography can diagnose accurately, and the prognosis of anticoagulant therapy with LMWH and warfarin is optimistic.

[Clinical analysis of three cases with beta-thalassemia]

Objective: To study the diagnostic strategy of β-thalassemia through retrospective analysis of 3 cases of β-thalassemia. Methods: Three patients were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2014 to June 2015. The clinical manifestations, hemoglobin electrophoresis and gene detection of these patients and their parents were analyzed, diagnostic ideas and key points were discussed when beta thalassemia gene detection did not explain clinical manifestations or hemoglobin electrophoresis. Results: Case 1, boy, 5 years old, was diagnosed as compound heterozygotes of β41-42 and IVS-Ⅱ-654 with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin(HPFH) according to the clinical manifestations of mild anemia, normal size of liver and spleen, 92.8% fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and gene analysis. Case 2, girl, 3 years old, was confirmed the diagnosis of thalassemia intermedia with β41-42 heterozygote compound and ααα^anti3.7 heterozygote in accordance with the manifestations of severe anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, 8.6% HbF, 4.1% hemoglobin A₂(HbA₂) and gene analysis. Case 3, girl, 3 years old, with severe anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, 51.2% HbF and 3.7% HbA₂, was diagnosed as thalassemia major with compound heterozygotes of PolyA (T→C) and β17 by DNA sequencing. Conclusion: The diagnosis of β-thalassemia should be confirmed by clinical manifestations of hemolytic anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis, gene diagnosis and family survey.

[The efficacy and safety of linagliptin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a pooled analysis of eight placebo-controlled clinical trials]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, linagliptin, in subjects aged 60 years or older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Data from eight 24-week, multinational, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies were analyzed. Patients aged 60 years or older with T2DM were received oral linagliptin (5 mg/d) or placebo in combination with metformin, or metformin plus sulfonylurea. Efficacy was assessed by the changes in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) from baseline to 24 weeks of treatment. Safety endpoint included the frequency and intensity of adverse events. Results: A total of 1 421 patients (placebo 429, linagliptin 992) were included in the full analysis set (FAS). Mean ages of the subjects were (67.4±5.6) years in the linagliptin group and (66.7±5.6) years in the placebo group. Baseline HbA1c was (8.0±0.8) % in the linagliptin group and (8.1±0.9) % in the placebo group. At the end of 24-week, placebo-adjusted reduction in HbA1c in subjects with linagliptin was (0.7±0.1)% (95%CI 0.6-0.8, P<0.000 1), and placebo-adjusted reduction in FPG in subjects with linagliptin was (0.88±0.12) mmol/L(95%CI 0.65-1.11, P<0.000 1). Overall safety and tolerability in the two groups were similar. Adverse events occurred in 57.1% of patients in the placebo group and 61.1% of patients in the linagliptin group, and the incidence of adverse events leading to discontinuation was 3.2% in the placebo group and 3.8% in the linagliptin group. Serious adverse events occurred in 1.6% of patients in the placebo group and 2.8% of patients in the linagliptin group. Investigator-defined hypoglycaemia occurred in 7.3% of patients in the placebo group and 11.9% of patients in the linagliptin group. Among them, most were mild or moderate hypoglycaemia, and severe hypoglycaemia only occurred in 0.2% of patients in the placebo and 0.5% in the linagliptin groups. Overall incidence of hypoglycaemia in linagliptin group was slightly higher than that in placebo group, which might be due to the fact that more patients were taking sulfonylureas in linagliptin group than in placebo group (26.8% linagliptin; 18.4% placebo). No difference could be viewed in hypoglycaemia between the two groups in patients without sulfonylureas (1.2% linagliptin, 1.1% placebo). Moreover, no severe hypoglycaemia was reported in subjects without sulfonylureas. The incidences of other adverse events were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Linagliptin was efficacious in lowering glucose with a safety profile similar to placebo in type 2 diabetic patients aged 60 years or older.

First Report of Pear Blossom Blast Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in China

In the spring of 2006, a new bacterial disease was noted in pear orchards near Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The disease caused severe blossom blast on pears (Pyrus pyrifolia; cv. Cuiguan). Early symptoms of the disease included blackening of the calyx end of developing fruit, blackening of blossom clusters while leaves of affected blossom clusters appeared normal, or death of clusters consisting of both blossoms and leaves. Later, tips of twigs turned dark brown and died. No bacterial ooze was observed. Twelve bacterial isolates were recovered from ten samples of buds and blossoms. Six isolates were selected for identification. They were similar to those of the reference strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae LMG5570 and LMG 2230 from Belgium in phenotypic tests on the basis of the Biolog Microbial Identification System (version 4.2; Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA), pathogenicity tests, gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) using the Microbial Identification System (MIDI Inc., Newark, DE) with aerobic bacterial library (TABA50), and electron microscopy (TEM, KYKY-1000B, Japan). All isolates tested were gram-negative, aerobic rods measuring 1.5 to 2.4 × 0.5 to 0.6 μm with 2 to 4 polar flagella. Fluorescent green diffusible pigment was produced on King's Medium B. Colonies were gray-white and slightly raised with smooth margins on nutrient agar. They produced levan on sucrose nutrient agar. A hypersensitive reaction was observed on tobacco cv. Benshi 24 h after inoculation. All isolates were identified as P. syringae pv. syringae with Biolog similarity index of 0.57 to 0.86 and FAME similarity index of 0.58 to 0.81. Identification as P. syringae pv. syringae was confirmed using 16S rDNA universal primers (2,3): 5'-AGA GTT TGA TCA TGG CTC AG-3' forward primer, 5'-ACG GTT ACC TTG TTA CGA CTT-3' reverse primer. The PCR fragments of the three isolates were sequenced and compared with sequences in GenBank. They had 99% similiarity with P. syringae pv. syringae 16S rRNA gene strain NCPPB 3869. Koch's postulates were conducted on buds of the original pear cultivar growing in pots and detached pear blossoms in flasks by spray inoculation with cell suspensions containing 10⁸ CFU/ml of the six isolates at 18 to 22°C with two replications. The bacteria induced symptoms on buds and blossoms similar to those observed in the field. The bacterium was reisolated from symptomatic pear buds and internal ovary tissues. P. syringae pv. syringae was first reported in England as the cause of pear blossom blast in 1914 (1). After searching all the Chinese agricultural databases and major journals (National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Vip Chinese periodical database, Chinese wanfang database, China InfoBank, Scientia Agricultura Sinica, Acta Phytopathologica Sinica, Acta Phytophylacica Sinica, and Journal of Fruit Science), to our knowledge, this is the first report of pear blossom blast caused by P. syringae pv. syringae in China. The disease cycle on pear trees and the control strategies in the regions are being further studied. References: (1) B. P. Barker et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 1:85, 1914. (2) U. Edward et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 17:7843,1989. (3) B. Li et al. J. Phytopathol. 34:141, 2006.

Adduction of DNA with MTBE and TBA in mice studied by accelerator mass spectrometry

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a currently worldwide used octane enhancer substituting for lead alkyls and gasoline oxygenate. Our previous study using doubly (14)C-labeled MTBE [(CH(3))(3) (14)CO(14)CH(3)] has shown that MTBE binds DNA to form DNA adducts at low dose levels in mice. To elucidate the mechanism of the binding reaction, in this study, the DNA adducts with singly (14)C-labeled MTBE, which was synthesized from (14)C-methanol and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), or (14)C-labeled TBA in mice have been measured by ultra sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry. The results show that the methyl group of MTBE and tert-butyl alcohol definitely form adducts with DNA in mouse liver, lung, and kidney. The methyl group of MTBE is the predominant binding part in liver, while the methyl group and the tert-butyl group give comparable contributions to the adduct formation in lung and kidney.

Concordant expression of proto-oncogene promyelocytic leukemia and major histocompatibility antigen HLA class I in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Many malignant cancer cells downregulate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen expression to evade T cell recognition. However, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is exceptional to the general findings in cancer cells, and the mechanisms for its upregulation remain unclear. It has been reported that promyelocytic leukemia (PML) proto-oncogene controls the transcription of multiple class I antigen presentation genes in murine cancer cells. To find out the functional role of PML gene on the increased HLA class I antigen expression in HCC cells, we analyzed the expression of proto-oncogene PML and multiple class I antigen presentation genes in HCC specimens obtained in China. The results showed concordant changes of proto-oncogene PML and cell surface HLA-A expression in 44 paraffin-embedded HCC tissues. Furthermore, co-upregulated expression of PML genes and class I antigen presentation genes could be detected in 9 of 15 fresh HCC tissues by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, studies using HCC cell lines showed that increased expression of HLA class I molecules paralleled with PML upregulation were detected in QGY-7701 HCC cell line with RT-PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry, and that the overexpression of exogenous PML in a low-expression class I cell line BEL-7405 could induce the expression of multiple class I antigen-presenting molecule genes and slightly but significantly increase the expression of cell surface HLA class I molecules. In conclusion, the expression of proto-oncogene PML and HLA class I molecules were concordantly upregulated and the expression of PML gene might be one of the mechanisms that leads to the increased expression of class I antigen in HCC.

Marrow graft rejection by repeated transfusions of allogeneic donor spleen cells

Many hematological diseases require long-term transfusion support, which causes production of donor-reactive antibodies in sensitized recipients. Sensitized patients are at an increased risk for graft rejection when they undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Here, we established a highly sensitized murine model to investigate the mechanism of donor graft rejection. After BALB/c mice were repeatedly transfused with allogeneic spleen cells from C57BL/6 mice, there was a significant increase in complement-dependent cytotoxicity in the serum of sensitized mice. For transplantation, 1 x 10(7) bone marrow cells (BMCs) from C57BL/6 mice were injected into lethally irradiated recipient BALB/c mice. Sensitized mice died between 12 and 15 days post-transplantation, while non-sensitized mice remained alive after 28 days. The hematopoietic recovery rate declined over time in sensitized recipients. The homing trace assay showed a rapid disappearance of donor BMCs in the spleen and bone marrow of sensitized recipients. In addition, the recipient cells and antibodies in the sensitized serum were capable of inducing high level of cell- and complement-mediated cytotoxicity to the donor graft. Our finding may explain the impaired hematopoietic stem cell homing and poor hematopoietic engraftment observed in highly sensitized allo-HSCT patients.

Formation of MTBE-DNA adducts in mice measured with accelerator mass spectrometry

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a gasoline oxygenate and antiknock additive substituting for lead alkyls currently in use worldwide. Previous studies have shown that MTBE at very high doses induces tumors in rodents. The aim of the present study was to examine directly the binding ability of MTBE onto DNA, demonstrating its potential genotoxicity. MTBE-DNA adducts and their decay kinetics in mice have been measured by using doubly 14C-labeled MTBE with an advanced, ultrasensitive technique: accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). It was found that MTBE definitely formed adducts with DNA in mouse lung, liver, and kidney in a log/log linear dose-response relationship. The distribution sequence of DNA adducts in these tissues is: lung > liver > kidney. The level of MTBE-DNA adducts peaked at 12 h postadministration in the lung and peaked at 6 h postadministration in the liver. Then the adducts declined rapidly until 5 days postadministration and thereafter declined much more slowly. To our knowledge, this is the first report on DNA adduction with MTBE in vivo. The mechanism of the formation of MTBE-DNA adducts also is discussed.

Organic Composition of C/1999 S4 (LINEAR): A Comet Formed Near Jupiter?

In the current paradigm, Oort cloud comets formed in the giant planets' region of the solar nebula, where temperatures and other conditions varied greatly. The measured compositions of four such comets (Halley, Hyakutake, Hale-Bopp, and Lee) are consistent with formation from interstellar ices in the cold nebular region beyond Uranus. The composition of comet C/1999 S4 (LINEAR) differs greatly, which suggests that its ices condensed from processed nebular gas, probably in the Jupiter-Saturn region. Its unusual organic composition may require reevaluation of the prebiotic organic material delivered to the young Earth by comets.

[Transplantation of cultured human keratinocyte on collagen sponge]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the skin regeneration using cultured human keratinocytes with collagen sponge transplanted into thickness wound of nude mice.

METHODS

Human foreskin from foreskin ectomy procedures was detached with 0.5% Dispase II. Epidermis sheets were separated from dermis and digested with 0.05% Trypsin into single cell suspension. Keratinocytes were cultured and seeded into collagen sponge during logarithmic growth phase. After 3 days, the keratinocytes-collagen sponge were grafted on full thickness wound of nude mice, compared with simple collagen sponge without keratinocytes. The histological, immunohistochemical examination and electron microscopy were detected.

RESULTS

After the epidermal substitute was grafted onto wound, the human keratinocytes were able to further proliferate and differentiate and develop into new epithelia. Compared with the control group, the wound healed earlier and contracted less, epithelia matured earlier, and the collagen fiber was less beneath epithelia.

CONCLUSION

Keratinocytes can grow on collagen sponge and migrate onto wound to develop into stratified epithelia and inhibit wound contract. The keratinocyte graft can be used to repair skin defect.

Streptimonospora salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Nocardiopsaceae

Actinomycete strain YIM 90002T (= CCTCC 99003T = CCRC 16284T) was isolated from a soil sample collected from a salt lake in the west of China. The aerial mycelium of this organism is well developed but not fragmented and, at maturity, forms short chains of spores. Spores in short chains are oval- to rod-shaped and have wrinkled surfaces. Substrate mycelium is branched with non-fragmenting hyphae and forms single oval to round spores borne on sporophores or dichotomously branching sporophores. Single spores have wrinkled surfaces. Single spores and spores in short chains are non-motile. Strain YIM 90002T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid, DD-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, lysine and aspartic acid in its cell wall and has glucose, galactose, ribose, xylose, arabinose and mannose as whole-cell sugars (no diagnostic sugars). The phospholipids are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major menaquinones are MK-9(H6), MK-10(H2) and MK-10(H4). Phylogenetic data indicate that this strain belongs to the family Nocardiopsaceae. The morphological and physiological characteristics and chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data for this strain differ from those of previously described actinomycetes. Therefore, a new genus, Streptimonospora, is proposed for this organism; the type species of the genus is Streptimonospora salina gen. nov., sp. nov., and the type strain of S. salina is strain YIM 90002T.

Detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma among exfoliated oral mucosal cells by microsatellite analysis

Prompt detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is vital to successful patient management. In this feasibility study, we used microsatellite analysis to detect tumor-specific genetic alterations in exfoliated oral mucosal cell samples from patients with known cancer. Exfoliated mucosal cells in pretreatment oral rinse and swab samples were collected from 44 HNSCC patients and from 43 healthy control subjects (20 nonsmokers and 23 smokers). We tested a panel of 23 informative microsatellite markers to assay DNA from the matched lymphocyte, tumor (from cancer cases), and oral test samples. Loss of heterozygosity or microsatellite instability of at least one marker was detected in 38 (86%) of 44 primary tumors. Identical alterations were found in the saliva samples in 35 of these 38 cases (92% of those with markers; 79% overall) including 12 of 13 cases with small primaries [stage Tt or Tx (occult primary)] and 4 of 4 cases of patients that had undergone prior radiation. Microsatellite instability was detectable in the saliva in 24 (96%) of 25 cases in which it was present in the tumor, and loss of heterozygosity was identified in the test sample in 19 (61%) of 31 cases. No microsatellite alterations were detected in any of the samples from the healthy control subjects. This approach must now be refined and validated for the detection of clinically occult disease. Microsatellite analysis of oral samples may then become a valuable method for detecting and monitoring HNSCC.

Millimeter-Wave Spectra and Global Torsion-Rotation Analysis for the CH(3)OD Isotopomer of Methanol

New millimeter-wave and microwave measurements for CH(3)OD have been combined with previous literature data and with an extended body of Fourier transform far-infrared observations in a full global analysis of the first two torsional states (v(t) = 0 and 1) of the ground vibrational state. The fitted CH(3)OD data set contained 564 microwave and millimeter-wave lines and 4664 far-infrared lines, representing the most recent available information in the quantum number ranges J </= 20 and K </= 15. A 53-parameter converged global fit was achieved with an overall weighted standard deviation of 1.060, essentially to within the assigned measurement uncertainties of +/-100 kHz for almost all of the microwave and millimeter-wave lines and +/-6 MHz for the far-infrared lines. The new parameters for CH(3)OD are compared to previous results obtained for the (12)CH(3)OH, (13)CH(3)OH, and CD(3)OH isotopomers over the same quantum number ranges using the identical fitting program. Strong asymmetry-induced coupling between the accidentally near-degenerate 0E and -1E v(t) = 0 substates is successfully modeled by the fit. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

LaseRitz: Far-Infrared Laser Line Assignment and Prediction by the Ritz Combination Principle, with Application to Methanol and Hydrazine

A "LaseRitz" program is described for the systematic assignment and prediction of far-infrared laser (FIRL) transitions for a given molecule, such as methanol or hydrazine, which can be generated by optical pumping with known laser lines. The input data set for the program consists of identified molecular energy levels in ground and excited vibrational states, as compiled by our Ritz assignment program from the analysis of infrared (IR) bands and the FIR ground state spectrum. The program scans the data set for appropriate IR matches with an input list of laser pump lines for CO(2), N(2)O, etc., and generates an output table of all possible FIRL lines consistent with the molecular selection rules and lying within a prescribed wavenumber range. Initial tests on CH(3)OH have led to three likely new FIRL assignments; for N(2)H(4), assignments have been found for 14 new FIRL transition systems and verified for five others. Lists have been produced (deposited as supplementary data with the JMS archive reached at www.idealibrary.com or available on request from the authors) of CH(3)OH and N(2)H(4) FIRL lines potentially accessible by optical pumping with regular, sequence-band, hot-band, and isotopic CO(2) lines, plus N(2)O lines for N(2)H(4). The systematic approach with the LaseRitz program is more global and rigorous than earlier line-by-line studies, permitting calculation of all FIRL wavenumbers to spectroscopic accuracy. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Sub-Doppler Infrared Spectra of the OH-Stretch Fundamental of (13)C-Methanol

High-resolution infrared spectra of the (13)C-methanol OH stretching band, nu(1), were obtained by slit-jet absorption spectroscopy at a rotational temperature of 12-15 K. Twenty-eight subbands were assigned within the range of upper state quantum numbers, K' = 0 to 2 and J' = 0 to 10. The upper state energy levels are heavily perturbed; about half of the assigned subbands were found to be split by perturbations with matrix elements in the range 1-3 cm(-1). The doubled lines were deperturbed and together with the "unperturbed" lines were fitted to a global torsion-rotation Hamiltonian with root-mean-square deviation of 0.41 cm(-1) to yield a torsional barrier height of approximately 405 cm(-1) in the vibrationally excited state. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The focal adhesion kinase suppresses transformation-associated, anchorage-independent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Involvement of death receptor-related signaling pathways

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a mediator of cell-extracellular matrix signaling events and is overexpressed in tumor cells. In order to rapidly down-regulate FAK function in normal and transformed mammary cells, we have used adenoviral gene transduction of the carboxyl-terminal domain of FAK (FAK-CD). Transduction of adenovirus containing FAK-CD in breast cancer cells caused loss of adhesion, degradation of p125(FAK), and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, breast tumor cells that were viable without matrix attachment also underwent apoptosis upon interruption of FAK function, demonstrating that FAK is a survival signal in breast tumor cells even in the absence of matrix signaling. In addition, both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent apoptotic signaling required Fas-associated death domain and caspase-8, suggesting that a death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway is involved. Finally, FAK-CD had no effect on adhesion or viability in normal mammary cells, despite the loss of tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(FAK). These results indicate that FAK-mediated signaling is required for both cell adhesion and anchorage-independent survival and the disruption of FAK function involves the Fas-associated death domain and caspase-8 apoptotic pathway.

Use of protein phosphatase inhibition assay to detect microcystins in Donghu Lake and a fish pond in China

Seasonal variations in the level of total microcystins in water samples collected from Donghu Lake and a fish pond in Wuhan, China, were studied between March 1995 and February 1996 using a protein phosphatase inhibition assay involving a radioactive 32P-labelled substrate. The assay is highly reliable and repeatable, and is probably the most sensitive assay for microcystin detection to date. Results of the survey indicated the presence of microcystins in the water samples, and the concentration of microcystins appeared to be related to the degree of eutrophication and water temperature. There is also a correlative relationship between the quantity of microcystins and the abundance of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria (Anabaena and Oscillatoria) in the water bodies over a year cycle. In the present study, the positive detection of microcystins in water bodies having no signs of algal bloom warns of considerable potential threat of these waters to public health.

Dark state illuminated: infrared spectrum and inverted torsional structure of the nu(11) out-of-plane CH3-rocking mode of methanol

The nu(11) out-of-plane CH3-rocking band of methanol, one of the last fundamentals remaining en route to full vibrational description of this prototype internal rotor, has been identified in the Fourier transform spectrum of CH3OH in the 1150 cm(-1) region. The nu(11) torsional energy pattern is found to be inverted, the first such discovery for a bending state and an important pointer to potential generality of this phenomenon for the whole class of threefold internal rotor molecules. Level-crossing resonances giving transfer channels for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) have been found, and new insights are reported for far-infrared laser emission involving nu(11) levels.

Engineering of a mini-trichosanthin that has lower antigenicity by deleting its C-terminal amino acid residues

Trichosanthin is a ribosome-inactivating protein that possesses antitumor and antiviral activities. Clinical trials of trichosanthin on AIDS patients, however, elicit anaphylactic reactions. To reduce the antigenicity of trichosanthin as a drug while preserving its biological activity, the C-terminal domain (residues 203 to 247), which contains a putative antigenic site, was systemically deleted. We have found that the minimum length of trichosanthin that can fold into an active conformation is residue 1 to 240. The mini-trichosanthin (C7) generated by deleting the last seven C-terminal amino acid residues has 2.7-fold decrease in antigenicity, 10-fold reduction in in vitro ribosome-inactivation activity, and in vivo cytotoxicity toward K562 cells, and 2-fold reduction in abortificient activity. Structural analyses of C7 indicate decrease in the helix content, increased exposure of Trp192, and lower thermodynamic stability. The deletion of the C-terminal residues (Leu241 to Ala247) probably perturbs local structure of the C-terminal antigenic epitope that results in the decrease in antigenicity and activities of C7.

On the Assignment of Optically Pumped Far-Infrared Laser Emission from CH(3)OH

Progress in the analysis of the infrared spectrum of CH(3)OH in the 930-1450 cm(-1) region has led to assignments, confirmations, or new insights for a number of far-infrared laser (FIRL) transition systems optically pumped by CO(2) lasers. Many of the systems involve FIRL transitions among the CO-stretching, CH(3)-rocking, OH-bending, and CH(3)-deformation vibrational modes, giving useful information on the torsion-rotation structure of the methanol vibrational energy manifold. Some anomalies and mysteries concerning the identity of the lasing levels have been resolved, but several new ones have arisen. Altogether, 45 CH(3)OH IR-pump/FIR-laser systems are examined in light of the new spectroscopic information; about half of the system assignments are new and half have been previously reported in the literature and are here confirmed, extended, or revised. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Site-directed polyethylene glycol modification of trichosanthin: effects on its biological activities, pharmacokinetics, and antigenicity

Trichosanthin (TCS), a type I ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), was modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to reduce its antigenicity and prolong its half-life. Computer modeling identified three potential antigenic sites namely Q219, K173 and S7. By site-directed mutagenesis, these sites were changed into cysteine through which PEG can be covalently attached. The resulting TCS had a PEG coupled directly above one of its potential antigenic determinants, hence masking the antigenic region and prevent binding of antibodies specific to this site. In general, mutation did not bring about significant changes in ribosome-inactivating activity, cytotoxicity, and abortifacient activity of TCS. However, the in vitro activities of PEG modified (PEGylated) TCS muteins were 3-20 folds lower and the in vivo activity 50% less than that of nTCS. Pharmacokinetics study indicated that all three PEGylated TCS muteins showed 6-fold increase in mean residence time as compared to unmodified muteins. The binding affinity of an IgE monoclonal antibody (TE1) to TCS was greatly reduced after PEG modification (PEGylation) at position Q219, suggesting that TE1 recognized an epitope very near to residue Q219. PEGylated TCS muteins induced similar IgG response but 4-16 fold lower IgE response in mice compared with nTCS.

Three new species of the genus Actinobispora of the family Pseudonocardiaceae, Actinobispora alaniniphila sp. nov., Actinobispora aurantiaca sp. nov. and Actinobispora xinjiangensis sp. nov

The genus Actinobispora Jiang et al. is characterized by the formation of longitudinally paired spores on both the vegetative and the aerial mycelium, absence of mycolic acid, cell wall chemotype IV (containing meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid, galactose and arabinose), PVI and MK-9(H2). Comparative studies of morphology, chemical classification and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequences among the four type strains of the genus Actinobispora and type strains of related genera were carried out. The results indicated that the genus Actinobispora is different from these other genera and should be placed in the family Pseudonocardiaceae Embley et al. 1988 with the genera Amycolatopsis, Pseudonocardia, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora and Actinopolyspora. On the bases of these results, three new species under the names of Actinobispora alaniniphila sp. nov., Actinobispora aurantiaca sp. nov. and Actinobispora xinjiangensis sp. nov. are proposed; the type strains are CCTCC AA97001T, CCTCC AA97002T and CCTCC AA97020T.

Molecular detection of tumor cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with early stage lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Conventional cytologic analysis of sputum is an insensitive test for the diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have recently demonstrated that polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular methods are more sensitive than cytologic analysis in diagnosing bladder cancer. In this study, we examined whether molecular assays could identify cancer cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.

METHODS

Tumor-specific oncogene mutations, CpG-island methylation status, and microsatellite alterations in the DNA of cells in BAL fluid from 50 consecutive patients with resectable (stages I through IIIa) NSCLC were assessed by use of four PCR-based techniques.

RESULTS

Of 50 tumors, 28 contained a p53 mutation, and the identical mutation was detected with a plaque hybridization assay in the BAL fluid of 39% (11 of 28) of the corresponding patients. Eight of 19 adenocarcinomas contained a K-ras mutation, and the identical mutation was detected with a mutation ligation assay in the BAL fluid of 50% (four of eight) of the corresponding patients. The p16 gene was methylated in 19 of 50 tumors, and methylated p16 alleles were detected in the BAL fluid of 63% (12 of 19) of the corresponding patients. Microsatellite instability in at least one marker was detected with a panel of 15 markers frequently altered in NSCLC in 23 of 50 tumors; the identical alteration was detected in the BAL fluid of 14% (three of 22) of the corresponding patients. When all four techniques were used, mutations or microsatellite instability was detected in the paired BAL fluid of 23 (53%) of the 43 patients with tumors carrying a genetic alteration.

CONCLUSION

Although still limited by sensitivity, molecular diagnostic strategies can detect the presence of neoplastic cells in the proximal airway of patients with surgically resectable NSCLC.

The COOH-terminal domain of the focal adhesion kinase induces loss of adhesion and cell death in human tumor cells

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a tyrosine kinase that is linked to signaling pathways between cells and their extracellular matrix. An alternate transcript of the COOH-terminal region of the FAK gene, called FAK-related nonkinase, has been shown to act as an inhibitor of FAK in chicken embryo fibroblasts. We have designed an analogous segment of human FAK, FAK COOH-terminal domain (FAK-CD), and transfected this construct into human tumor cells. Expression of FAK-CD inhibited cell growth in BT474 human breast cancer cells and C8161 human melanoma cells. To characterize the nature of growth inhibition, we developed an inducible system of FAK-CD expression and demonstrated that the induced FAK-CD protein localized to focal adhesions, causing cellular rounding, an irreversible loss of adhesion, and subsequent cell death. In addition, expression of FAK-CD reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, suggesting that FAK-CD may be a potent inhibitor of FAK in human tumor cells.

High-Resolution Microwave and Infrared Molecular-Beam Studies of the Conformers of 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane

High-resolution microwave and infrared molecular-beam spectra have been measured for 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC134). For the higher energy, polar, C2 symmetry, gauche conformer, microwave spectra have been recorded for the normal and mono-13C isotopomers and analyzed to determine a C-C bond length of 1.512(4) Å, in good agreement with a recent ab initio value (MP2/6-31G**) of 1.515 Å [S. Papasavva, K. H. Illinger, and J. E. Kenny, J. Phys. Chem. 100, 10100-10110 (1996)]. A tunable microwave-sideband CO2 laser and electric-resonance optothermal spectrometer have been used to measure the infrared spectrum of the nu6, C-C stretch of the gauche conformer near 906 cm-1. Microwave-infrared double resonance and precise ground state combination differences provided by the microwave measurements guide the assignment of the spectrum. The observation of a c-type spectrum definitively establishes that the upper state vibration is of A symmetry in the C2 point group. The spectrum is fit to a Watson asymmetric-top Hamiltonian to a standard deviation of 0.24 MHz. A weak perturbation shifts the line positions for transitions near J = Kc = 20 by as much as 12 MHz. The identity of the perturber is unknown. Pulsed slit-jet diode-laser spectra have been recorded for the nu16 vibration of the anti conformer near 1127 cm-1. An a- and c-type hybrid band is observed, consistent with a Bu symmetry mode. Previous low-resolution studies have attributed the 1127-cm-1 mode to either a Bu or an Au symmetry vibration. A total of 522 nonblended transitions were assigned and fit to determine ground and excited state constants. The ground state constants of A = 5134.952(65) MHz, B = 3148.277(27) MHz, and C = 2067.106(43) MHz are the first experimental determinations of the rotational constants for this conformer. Here, type A standard uncertainties are given in the parentheses. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Streptomyces thermogriseus, a new species of the genus Streptomyces from soil, lake and hot-spring

Many thermophilic actinomycetes were isolated from samples collected from a hot-spring, lake and soil in Yunnan, China. Chemical and molecular classification of four selected strains of thermophilic Streptomyces with an upper limited growth temperature of 65-68 degrees C and autolytic characteristics was carried out. A new species, Streptomyces thermogriseus sp. nov. is described. The type strain is Y-14046T (= CCTCC AA97014T).

Description of Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis sp. nov. based on chemical and molecular classification

Comparative studies of morphology, physiology, biochemistry and chemical composition of cells, and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences were carried out with strains XJ-54T and XJ-58 of the genus Saccharomonospora and type strains of related genera. The results indicated that the two strains are different from known members of the genus Saccharomonospora. A new species with the name Saccharomonospora xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The new species is characterized by the presence of longitudinal pairs of spores on both the aerial and the vegetative hyphae and contains phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline and unknown glucosamine-containing phospholipids, and the major menaquinones MK-9(H2), MK-9(H4) and MK-7(H4).

C-13 Methanol Far-Infrared Laser: Newly Discovered Lines, Predictions, and Assignments

We report 25 new laser lines from 13CH3OH methanol when pumped by a cw CO2 laser. The majority of the lines are pumped by the 10R (regular) and 10SR (sequence) bands of the CO2 laser. Two are pumped by the 9HP(20) hot-band CO2 line. We measured 22 laser frequencies in this molecule, 19 from new lines and three from previously reported lines. We also remeasured and corrected the frequency of the 9P(44) pumped line as 3 378 404.87 MHz (88.738 μm). We assigned two lines-10SR(17), 77.5758 cm-1 and 10R(50), 119.3020 cm-1-and predicted other potential far-infrared laser lines with these two pumps. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Global Fit of Torsion-Rotation Transitions in the Ground and First Excited Torsional States of CD3OH Methanol

A global analysis of reported microwave (MW) millimeter wave (MMW), and Fourier-transform far-infrared (FTFIR) spectra of the CD3OH isotopic species of methanol has been carried out for the first two torsional states (nut = 0 below the barrier and nut = 1 straddling the barrier) of the ground vibrational state. The CD3OH data set contains 472 MW and MMW lines and 5320 FTFIR lines, representing the most recent available information in the quantum number ranges J </= 20 and K </= 15. The transitions have been successfully fitted to within the assigned measurement uncertainties of &plusmn;100 kHz for most of the MW and MMW lines and &plusmn;6 MHz for the FIR lines with the use of a program (I. Kleiner and M. Godefroid, private communication) based on the formalism of Herbst et al. (J. Mol. Spectrosc. 108, 42-57, 1984). A convergent global fit was achieved using 54 adjustable parameters to reach an overall weighted standard deviation of 0.966. The new parameters for CD3OH are compared with previous global fitting results for the 12CH3OH and 13CH3OH isotopomers. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

New Measurements and Assignments in the Millimeter-Wave Spectrum of CD3OH

The ground state rotational spectrum of CD3OH has been revisited in the millimeter-wave range. A total of 216 transition frequencies have been measured and assigned in the 117-179 GHz spectral range, including about 40 transitions previously reported. The spectrum was recorded at the Justus-Liebig University in Giessen, Germany using a frequency modulated millimeter-wave spectrometer. The assignments for the CD3OH transitions were predicted based on energy levels calculated using preliminary results of the global fit of microwave, millimeter-wave, and far-infrared data of Walsh et al. (Paper FC04 presented at the 52nd International Symposium of Molecular Spectroscopy, Columbus, OH, 1997). The new measurements have substantially enlarged the accurate millimeter-wave component of the data set available for the global fit and have allowed Walsh et al. to obtain significant improvement in the CD3OH molecular parameters (J. Mol. Spectrosc. 188, 85-93, 1998). The low residuals between observed and calculated frequencies highlight the quality of the global fit results. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Establishment and characterization of a SV40T-transformed human bronchial epithelial cell line

The majority of human lung cancers originate from the carcinogenesis of bronchial epithelial cells. To study the malignant progression of human bronchial epithelial cells, we established a SV40T-transformed human bronchial epithelial cell line, and observed some biological and genetic changes of the cell line at different passages. In a 2-year culture, this cell line was approaching malignancy without obvious senescence. Cells in a later passage proliferated faster and required less growth factors than those of an early passage. After continued passaging, these cells were resistant to the terminal squamous differentiation effects of serum, and many of the cells grew anchorage independently. However, no tumor formed after cells were injected into nude mice. Some genetic alterations were found accompanying those morphological changes, such as 3p- and activation of c-myc, c-erbB-2 and bcl2, suggesting that those genetic alterations may contribute to the carcinogenesis of human bronchial epithelial cells at an early stage. This cell line should be particularly useful for studying the progression of human lung cancers.

Sub-Doppler Infrared Spectra and Torsion-Rotation Energy Manifold of Methanol in the CH-Stretch Fundamental Region

The infrared spectrum of jet-cooled methanol in the CH-stretch fundamental region has been investigated by two sub-Doppler laser techniques: optothermally detected molecular-beam electric resonance and direct-absorption slit-jet spectroscopy. With the aid of microwave-infrared double resonance and ground state combination differences, 27 subbands in the frequency range 2967 to 3027 cm-1 have been assigned to the nu2 fundamental. Perturbation systems in the K' = 0 E, -1 E, and -2 E symmetry subbands have been analyzed to yield matrix elements of 0.013, 0.041, and 0.75 cm-1, respectively. The A-E torsional tunneling splitting for J = 0 of the nu2 vibration of -3.26 cm-1 is of opposite sign and a factor of three smaller in magnitude than the ground state value of +9.12 cm-1. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press

2q-, a non-random chromosomal abnormality in human non-small-cell lung cancer

Many cytogenetic studies have been carried out on human lung cancer. However the chromosomal alterations in human lung cancers are often complex, making it difficult to identify some abnormal chromosomes by routine cytogenetic studies. Using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization), we studied the alterations of chromosome 2, 3, and 17 in four human bronchial epithelial cell lines, two human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, and 12 primary NSCLC specimens. 2q- was found in three out of four human bronchial epithelial cell lines, two NSCLC cell lines, and three out of seven primary NSCLC specimens tested. 3p- was noted in five cases of twelve primary NSCLC patients examined. 3p- was the first cytogenetic discovery and the most prominent abnormality in lung cancer. 2q- has rarely been reported in human lung cancer but loss of heterozygosity by RFLP analysis for 2q had been reported in human NSCLC. Our results indicate that 2q- was also a non-random chromosomal abnormality in the early stage of the development of human NSCLC. There would be one or more putative tumor suppressor gene(s) on the long arm of chromosome 2. Loss of the gene(s) presumably contributes to the carcinogenesis of human non-small-cell lung cancer.

Attenuation of the expression of the focal adhesion kinase induces apoptosis in tumor cells

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase implicated in integrin-mediated signal transduction pathways, oncogenic transformation by v-src, and the invasion of human tumors. The overexpression of p125FAK in a variety of human tumors and tumor cell lines in comparison to their nontransformed counterparts suggested that attenuation of p125FAK expression might have an effect on tumor cell proliferation. In this study, we have treated tumor cell lines that expressed high levels of p125FAK with different antisense oligonucleotides to FAK, and have specifically attenuated p125FAK expression. The cells treated with antisense oligonucleotides not only lost their attachment, but also underwent apoptosis. Extensive control oligonucleotide experiments suggested that this attenuation was highly FAK specific. Furthermore, normal human fibroblasts, which did not express high levels of p125FAK, did not lose their attachment or become apoptotic with FAK antisense treatment. These results suggested that FAK is involved in adhesion-mediated growth in tumor cells and that FAK may be a rational gene-directed target for disrupting tumor cell growth.

Diethylstilbestrol-induced immortalization of human endometrial cells: alterations in p53 and estrogen receptor

Carcinogenesis is a process requiring multiple steps. Immortalization is one step in this process and may be rate limiting. To further our understanding of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis, we evaluated diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced immortalization of human endometrial stromal cells. This was achieved by assessing at the restrictive temperature the colony-forming efficiency of cells that were conditionally immortalized with a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T antigen. Treatment with DES for 1 wk did not increase the immortalization frequency; however, cultures that were treated for 20 wk had a twofold increase in immortalization frequency, and continued treatment for a total of 44 wk produced a threefold increase in immortalization frequency that was dose dependent. DES-treated restrictive temperature variants (RTVs) but not spontaneous RTVs lost the temperature-sensitive phenotype. DES-RTVs also had a shorter doubling time than spontaneous RTVs did. p53 expression was increased in DES-RTVs, and its localization within the cell was altered. Conversely, expression of the estrogen receptor was decreased in DES-immortalized cells. These changes in gene expression often occur in estrogen-related malignancies, and our results are consistent with a causal role for estrogens in these p53 and the estrogen receptor alterations. Immortalization of human cells may be analogous to initiation of rodent cells, and our results suggest that estrogen-induced alterations in p53 or other genes that regulate life span could contribute to estrogen-induced initiation.

Asian hypersusceptibility to motion sickness

A rotating optokinetic drum was used in three laboratory studies to test the hypothesis that Asian subjects are hypersusceptible to motion sickness. The results of the first study showed that Chinese women compared to European-American and African-American women experienced significantly more severe symptoms of motion sickness and greater disturbance of normal gastric myoelectric activity. A second study yielded similar results using American-born children of Asian parents. The results of a third study using Chinese men and women were similar and showed a significant increase in vasopressin during rotation. Possible genetic mechanisms that may account for these results are discussed.

Estrogen-induced anchorage-independence in human endometrial stromal cells

Estrogens are important etiologic agents for most gynecologic malignancies, and chronic exposure to estrogen that is unopposed by progestins conveys the greatest risk. Treatments with estrogen facilitate the process of malignant transformation in rodents, but relatively few studies of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis have been performed using human cells. Most malignancies in estrogen-responsive tissues arise from epithelial cells, but an increasing body of evidence emphasizes the role of stromal cells as mediators of the effects of estrogens on epithelial cells. Our studies were designed to assess estrogens as carcinogens for human endometrial stromal cells and to provide a basis for studies of the role of stroma in estrogen-induced carcinogenesis in humans. Acute treatments with the estrogens diethylstilbestrol (DES), 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and beta-dienestrol enhance anchorage-independent proliferation (AIP) of SV40-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells in the rank order of DES > E2 > beta-dienestrol. The anti-estrogenic compound tamoxifen inhibits DES-induced AIP. The magnitude of DES-induced AIP increases with prolonged duration of treatment. After 11 months of chronic treatment with 0.1 nM DES, AIP was 20-fold higher than in vehicle-treated control cultures. Expression of the estrogen receptor was altered by treatments with DES in parallel with increased capacity for AIP. These conditionally immortal human endometrial stromal cells appear to be a good model for estrogen-induced transformation of human cells.

Receptor tyrosine kinases expressed in metastatic colon cancer

Using a PCR-based cloning technique, we have isolated a series of DNA fragments coding for tyrosine kinases that are expressed in a metastatic human colon tumor, and have subsequently analyzed their expression pattern at the protein level in human tumors. We identified both the alpha and the beta forms of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), axl and 8 other genes, including 3 cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. To study their expression in human colon cancer, we performed Western blots of matched sets of normal tissues and of carcinomas from the same patient. These revealed that the alpha-PDGFR migrates predominantly as a 200-kDa band in 8/8 normal tissues, and as a 170-kDa band in 17/17 malignant tissues, as well as in colonic polyps, suggesting that expression of an isoform of this receptor may be a marker for the progression of colon cancer. Additional studies showed that the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase was expressed at 10-fold higher levels in a peritoneal metastatic nodule than in other normal and malignant tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed Axl over-expression specifically in the malignant cells of the tumor. This indicates that over-expression and possibly a differential processing event of tyrosine kinase receptors may be involved in colon cancer, and that they are potential markers for the progression of this disease.

Electron microscopic observations of tegumental damage in adult Schistosoma japonicum after in vivo treatment with levo-praziquantel

The in vivo effects of a single dose of levo-praziquantel, 75 mg/kg in PEG 400, on the tegumental surface of adult S. japonicum were compared with the effects of a single dose (150 mg/kg) of the mixed isomer preparation, using scanning and transmission electron microscope. Worms were recovered from mice at 10 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 4 hr, 12 hr, 24 hr and 48 hr after treatment. After 10 min exposure to either compound, the tegumental folds and sensory organelles were swollen and the tegument vacuolated. After 12-24 hr, the surface was eroded and exfoliated with exposure of intrategumental and/or subtegumental tissues and attachment of leukocytes to the denuded areas. Vehicle controls were normal throughout the time period examined. These studies demonstrate that the levo isomer of praziquantel causes acute structural damage to the tegument similar to that seen with the mixed isomer preparation.

Hypothalamic and gastric myoelectrical responses during vection-induced nausea in healthy Chinese subjects

The physiology of nausea, a uniquely human symptom, is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to measure the temporal sequences of neurohormonal responses and gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy subjects during the rotation of an optokinetic drum that produced nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness. Plasma catecholamines, vasopressin, and cortisol were measured at baseline, during minutes 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15 of drum rotation, and after rotation stopped. Electrogastrograms were recorded throughout the study. Twelve subjects (80%) developed nausea and 4-9 cycles/min of gastric tachyarrhythmias; three subjects had no nausea and no gastric dysrhythmias. Tachyarrhythmias began 3.4 +/- 0.8 min after the onset of drum rotation, and nausea was reported, on average, 3 min later. During minutes 6-10 of drum rotation, vasopressin levels significantly increased in the subjects with nausea compared with subjects without nausea (P < 0.04). In the subjects with nausea, epinephrine and vasopressin increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with baseline during minutes 6-10 and 11-15 of drum rotation. As nausea resolved during recovery, vasopressin decreased by 74%, whereas epinephrine increased 13%. We conclude that 1) in nauseated subjects, endogenous vasopressinergic and sympathetic circuits are activated before hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathways, 2) plasma vasopressin levels correlate most closely with the temporal onset and resolution of nausea, and 3) peripheral gastric dysrhythmias may have a role in activating central vasopressinergic neurons.

Expression of tissue kallikrein in normal and SV40-transfected human endometrial stromal cells

The polymerase chain reaction with specific tissue kallikrein primers was utilized to demonstrate the presence of tissue kallikrein mRNA in human endometrial stromal cells. Enzymatic analysis measured with a specific tripeptide nitroanilide substrate demonstrated the presence of tissue kallikrein in the conditioned medium obtained from both normal stromal cells and stromal cells transfected with an origin-defective temperature-sensitive SV40 large T antigen. The transfected stromal cell supernatant exhibited approximately twice as much tissue kallikrein activity as normal stromal cells at 60-100% of cell confluence. The release of tissue kallikrein from transfected stromal cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis and [35S]-methionine incorporation into a 35-kD protein which retains tissue kallikrein activity. These results demonstrate for the first time the expression and secretion of tissue kallikrein in human endometrial stromal cells and provide evidence of possible involvement of tissue kallikrein in cell transformation.

Prevalence of age-related cataract in Ganzi and Shanghai. The Epidemiological Study Group

It has been reported that the prevalence of cataract is much higher in plateau than that in plain regions. But the data are incomplete and can not be compared because of different examination methods and different diagnostic criteria. A small group of ophthalmologists was sent to Ganzi, Sichuan Province at the altitude of 3.393 m, and to Qinpu in the suburb of Shanghai which is at the sea level. In Ganzi 3,905 (91.97%) people including 822 Hans and 3,083 Zang and in Qinpu 3,101 (93.20%) were studied. Age-related cataract was diagnosed when there are cortical or nuclear, or mixed opacities; and aphakia due to previous extraction of age-related cataract. Direct method was used to standardize the data. The prevalence of age-related cataract in Ganzi is about 82% higher than that in Qinpu in all age groups; from age 16-60, the prevalence of age-related cataract in Ganzi is about 180% (in Hans) and 160% (in Zangs) higher than that in Qinpu. There is no significant difference in the prevalence of age-related cataract between the ethnic groups in Ganzi. In Ganzi, the sunshine hours per year are 1.28 times that in Qinpu, and the global radiation in Ganzi is 1.47 times that in Qinpu. The higher prevalence of cataract in Ganzi than in Qinpu may be due to the greater exposure to the sunshine on the Tibetan plateau. The differences in prevalence between males and females and between indoor and outdoor work are discussed.

Synthesis and antiviral and cytotoxic activity of iodohydrin and iodomethoxy derivatives of 5-vinyl-2'-deoxyuridines, 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine, and uridine

A series of new 5-(1-hydroxy-2-iodoethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine and uridine compounds (11, 16) was synthesized by the regiospecific addition of HOI to the vinyl substituent of 5-vinyl-2'-deoxyuridine (10a), 5-vinyl-2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (10b), 5-vinyluridine (10c), and (E)-5-(2-iodovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (4b). Treatment of the iodohydrins 11a-c with methanolic sulfuric acid afforded the corresponding 5-(1-methoxy-2-iodoethyl) derivatives (12a-c). In contrast, reaction of 5-(1-hydroxy-2-iodoethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (11a) with sodium carbonate in methanol afforded a mixture of 5-(1-hydroxy-2-methoxyethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (13) and 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-5-(2'-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)- furano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6(5H)-one (14). The most active compound, 5-(1-methoxy-2-iodoethyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (12a, ID50 = 0.1 micrograms/mL), which exhibited antiviral activity (HSV-1) 100-fold higher than that of the 5-(1-hydroxy-2-iodoethyl) analogue (11a), was less active than IVDU or acyclovir (ID50 = 0.01-0.1 micrograms/mL range). The C-5 substituent in the 2'-deoxyuridine series was a determinant of cytotoxic activity, as determined in the in vitro L1210 screen, where the relative activity order was CH(OH)CHI2 (16) greater than CH(OMe)CH2I (12a) greater than CH(OH)CH2I (11a) congruent to CH(OH)CH2OMe (13). The 2'-substituent was also a determinant of cytotoxic activity in the 5-(1-hydroxy-2-iodoethyl) (11a-c) and 5-(1-methoxy-2-iodoethyl) series of compounds, where the relative activity profile was 2'-deoxyuridine greater than 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine greater than uridine (11a greater than 11b greater than or equal to 11c; 12a greater than 12b greater than 12c). The most active cytotoxic agent (16), possessing a 5-(1-hydroxy-2,2-diiodoethyl) substituent (ED50 = 0.77 micrograms/mL), exhibited an activity approaching that of melphalan (ED50 = 0.15 micrograms/mL). All compounds tested, except for 13 and 14, exhibited high affinity (Ki = 0.035-0.22 mM range relative to deoxyuridine, Ki = 0.125) for the murine NBMPR-sensitive erythrocyte nucleoside transport system, suggesting that these iodohydrins are good permeants of cell membranes.