The air temperature change effect on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago area

The Kvarken Archipelago is Finland's World Heritage site designated by UNESCO. How climate change has affected the Kvaken Archipelago remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate this issue by analyzing air temperature and water quality in this area. Here we use long-term historical data sets of 61 years from several monitoring stations. Water quality parameters included chlorophyll-a; total phosphorus; total nitrogen; coliform bacteria thermos tolerant; temperature; nitrate as nitrogen; nitrite-nitrate as nitrogen, and Secchi depth and correlations analysis was conducted to identify the most relevant parameters. Based on the correlation analysis of weather data and water quality parameters, air temperature showed a significant correlation with water temperature (Pearson's correlations = 0.89691, P < 0.0001). The air temperature increased in April (R² (goodness-of-fit) = 0.2109 &P = 0.0009) and July (R² = 0.1207 &P = 0.0155) which has indirectly increased the chlorophyll-a level (e.g. in June increasing slope = 0.39101, R² = 0.4685, P < 0.0001) an indicator of phytoplankton growth and abundance in the water systems. The study concludes that there might be indirect effects of the likely increase in air temperature on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago, in particular causing water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration to increase at least in some months.

Frequency stabilization of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser to the Lamb dip of a molecular absorption line

We demonstrate the frequency stabilization of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser (QCL) to the Lamb dip of the absorption line of a D₂O rotational transition at 3.3809309 THz. To assess the quality of the frequency stabilization, a Schottky diode harmonic mixer is used to generate a downconverted QCL signal by mixing the laser emission with a multiplied microwave reference signal. This downconverted signal is directly measured by a spectrum analyzer showing a full width at half maximum of 350 kHz, which is eventually limited by high-frequency noise beyond the bandwidth of the stabilization loop.

A novel bacteriocin BM1029: physicochemical characterization, antibacterial modes and application

AIM

Bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity are considered as potential natural bio-preservatives to control the growth of food spoilage bacteria. The aim of this work was to characterize a novel bacteriocin BM1029 discovered from Lactobacillus crustorum MN047 and evaluate its antibacterial mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacteriocin BM1029 was purified by cation-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography. Antibacterial activity assay showed that BM1029 is antagonistic against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, it was found that BM1029 showed low haemolysis with high stability to the pretreatment with different temperatures, pH and surfactants. Moreover electron microscopy and flow cytometry suggested that BM1029 inhibit indicator strains by damaging the cell envelope integrity. Cell cycle assay suggested that BM1029 arrested cell cycle in R-phase.

CONCLUSION

The novel bacteriocin BM1029 showed high bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through a cell envelope-associated mechanism.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Application of BM1029 inhibited the growth of indicator strains on beef meat storage at 4°C suggesting that this bacteriocin is promising to be used as a novel preservative in food processing and preservation.

Frequency and power stabilization of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser using near-infrared optical excitation

We demonstrate a technique to simultaneously stabilize the frequency and output power of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser (QCL). This technique exploits frequency and power variations upon near-infrared illumination of the QCL with a diode laser. It does not require an external terahertz optical modulator. By locking the frequency to a molecular absorption line, we obtain a long-term (one-hour) linewidth of 260 kHz (full width at half maximum) and a root-mean-square power stability below 0.03%. With respect to the free-running case, this stabilization scheme improves the frequency stability by nearly two orders of magnitude and the power stability by a factor of three.

[Clinical features of primary tracheobronchial pulmonary amyloidosis]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features of primary tracheobronchial pulmonary amyloidosis (PTBA). Methods: The records of 11 patients with PTBA diagnosed by pathology from January 2002 to June 2018 in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were retrospectively reviewed, including clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examination, bronchoscopic manifestations and therapies. Meanwhile, PTBA was staged based on the severity and extent of lesion under bronchoscopy. Results: The most common clinical symptoms were cough and expectoration followed by shortness of breath and hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed pulmonary infection (4/11), pulmonary nodules and masses (5/11), interstitial lesions (2/11), tracheal bronchial wall thickening (5/11) or airway stenosis (4/11). Bronchoscopy showed mucosal hypertrophy (8/11), nodular bulge (3/11), and luminal stenosis (6/11). According to the lesion involvement, 1 case only involved the lungs, 10 cases involved the trachea and/or bronchus, with (8/10) or without (2/10) lung lesions. According to the bronchoscopic staging, 2 cases (2/10) in the stage Ⅰ, lesions were limited; 2 cases (2/10) in the stage Ⅱ, lesions were diffuse; 6 cases (6/10) in the stage Ⅲ, diffuse lesions with stenosis. Conclusions: PTBA is a rare disease of the respiratory system, with unspecific clinical manifestations and diverse pulmonary imaging findings; airway mucosal hypertrophy and nodular bulging can be seen under bronchoscopy. Patients with advanced stage may present with airway stenosis.

Wideband, high-resolution terahertz spectroscopy by light-induced frequency tuning of quantum-cascade lasers

Near-infrared optical excitation enables wideband frequency tuning of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of the approach for molecular laser absorption spectroscopy. We present a physical model which explains the observed frequency tuning characteristics by the optical excitation of an electron-hole plasma. Due to an improved excitation configuration as compared to previous work, we observe a single-mode continuous-wave frequency coverage of as much as 40 GHz for a laser at 3.1 THz. This represents, for the same device, a ten-fold improvement over the usually employed tuning by current. The method can be readily applied to a large class of devices.

Isolation, identification and characterization of lignin-degrading bacteria from Qinling, China

AIMS

Lignin is an aromatic heteropolymer forming a physical barrier and it is a big challenge in biomass utilization. This paper first investigated lignin-degradation bacteria from rotten wood in Qinling Mountain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nineteen potential strains were selected and ligninolytic enzyme activities were determined over 84 h. Strains that had higher enzyme activities were selected. Further, the biodegradation of wheat straw lignin and alkali lignin was evaluated indicating that Burkholderia sp. H1 had the highest capability. It was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography and field emission scanning electron microscope that alkali lignin was depolymerized into small fragments. The degraded products were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total ion chromatograph of products treated for 7 days showed the formation of aromatic compounds, an important intermediate from lignin degradation. Interestingly, they disappeared in 15 days while the aldehyde and ester compounds increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the lignin-degrading bacteria are abundant in rotten wood and strain H1 has high potential to break down lignin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The diversity of lignin-degrading bacteria in Qinling Mountain is revealed. The study of Burkholderia sp. H1 expands the range of bacteria for lignin degradation and provides novel bacteria for application to lignocellulosic biomass.

Lateral distributed-feedback gratings for single-mode, high-power terahertz quantum-cascade lasers

We report on terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (THz QCLs) based on first-order lateral distributed-feedback (lDFB) gratings, which exhibit continuous-wave operation, high output powers (>8 mW), and single-mode emission at 3.3-3.4 THz. A general method is presented to determine the coupling coefficients of lateral gratings in terms of the coupled-mode theory, which demonstrates that large coupling strengths are obtained in the presence of corrugated metal layers. The experimental spectra are in agreement with simulations of the lDFB cavities, which take into account the reflective end facets.

Genotype and allele frequency of the 27-bp tandem repeat polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene in Chinese population

Genotype and allele frequency of the polymorphic 27-bp repeat, a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) located in intron 4 of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene, were analyzed in 316 healthy Chinese individuals. Four genotypes, namely 6/5-repeats heterozygous, 5/5-repeats homozygous, 5/4-repeats heterozygous and 4/4-repeats homozygous, were identified. Both observed genotype and allele frequencies of this VNTR in Chinese were similar to those of Japanese, while the 4/4-repeats genotype differed significantly from that of Caucasians in Spain, and all ones did from those of African-American in United States.

[Study of quinolones resistance in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas areuginosa]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors of quinolone-resistance mediating in Escherichia coli(E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas areuginosa(P. areuginosa) and examine the characteristic changes and quinolones resistance of these bacteria after exposing them to quinolones, dye-materials, and ultraviolet respectively.

METHODS

The agar plate inoculating on surface and tube broth two-fold dilution methods were adopted.

RESULTS

Quinolone-resistance was mainly mediated by repeated exposure of the bacteria to low level concentration of quinolone. No quinolone-resistance was found after exposure of the bacteria to ultra-violet and dye materials such as Ethidium bromide and Acry-orange. Among the three kinds of bacteria, E. coli tended to have stable high level of quinolone- resistance(MICs > or = 256 mg/L). S. aureus acquired mediate level of quinolone-resistance(MICs < or = 32 mg/L). P. aeruginosa acquired a high but not stable level(MICs > or = 256 mg/L) of resistance. These bacteria were cultured in the concentration of 1/2 x MIC, 1 x MIC, 2 x MIC, 4 x MIC, 5 x MIC ciprofloxacin, and were compared with those cultured in the same concentration of sparfloxacin and cefotaxime. After being affected by ciprofloxacin, the E. coli underwent apparent morphologic changes, such as becoming wider(2-3 times), longer(10-30 times), thread-like, and fewer in number. These changes were consistent with the increase of quinolone concentrations. The morphologic changes in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were not so obvious as those in E. coli. Sparfloxacin and cefotaxime mainly led to the decrease in the numbers of bacteria. When the concentration of Sparfloxacin and cefotaxime were 4 x MICs, the changes of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were less obvious.

CONCLUSION

The bacteria's quinolone-resistance is mainly induced by the quinolone itself. The quinolone-resistance is more likely occur in E. coli than in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. After exposure of the bacteria to ciprofloxacin, E. coli might have most apparent morphologic changes and occurrence resistance.

[The preparation of norA gene probe in Staphylococcus aureus]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare norA gene probe for studies on the mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones mediated by norA gene in S. aureus.

METHODS

The Dig-labeled norA gene probe was made by PCR.

RESULTS

This method is simple and feasible. We have got a lot of probes in a short time. The sensitivity of norA gene probe is high; the probe is secure, easy to use and can be stored for a long time.

CONCLUSION

The probe is applicable to further studies on the mechanism of resistance to fluoroquinolones mediated by norA in S. aureus.

[Study on apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell SGC-7901 induced by aining in vitro and the cell cycle]

OBJECTIVE

To study the inducing apoptosis effect of Aining on human gastric adenocarcinoma cell in vitro.

METHODS

Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and flow cytometry (FMC) techniques were adopted to study the inducing apoptosis effect of Ainging on the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell.

RESULTS

The human gastric adenocarcinoma cell's DNA was digested into fragments which gave rise to a characteristic "DNA Ladder" on agarose gel electrophoresis, while the percentage of apoptotic cells was 43.5%. But the blank group had neither DNA ladder, nor apoptotic peak. Cell cycle analysis showed that the proliferation index was 33.7% after the human gastric adenocarcinoma cells treated with Aining, and there was no cell phase specialty.

CONCLUSION

Aining can induce human gastric adenocarcinoma cell apoptosis in vitro.

The tree shrew apolipoprotein C-I cDNA: sequence and its expression

A rabbit anti-serum to tree shrew apolipoprotein C-I (apo C-I) was used to screen an expression cDNA library constructed by us from tree shrew (TS) liver tissue. Two apo C-I cDNA clones were obtained. The longer one consists of 380 nucleotides, including 21 bp and 95 bp at the 5' and 3' end of the non-translated regions respectively, and a 264-bp fragment in an open reading frame encoding 88 amino acids prepropeptide which contains 26 amino acids of signal peptide and a mature protein (62 amino acids). Comparing the amino-acid sequence deduced from this cDNA with those of the published mammalian apo C-Is reveals that it shared some structural similarity with rat, mouse and dog apo C-I, but it had 5 more amino acids than that of human and baboon. The expression of apo C-I mRNA in 8 different tissues were also assayed with Northern blot. The results demonstrated that liver had the highest expression, intestine had much less expression and no expression in other tissues, which is much different from human and other species. This study has laid down a good foundation for further studying on the function and the stucture of tree shrew apo C-I gene.

[The hygienic examination and quality research of Chinese crude drug scorpion]

We selected the method of hygienic test to determinate the infection of colibacilli, salmonelli, mixed bacteria, mould fungus and yeasts on Chinese crude drug scorpion from 29 commerical samples in different storaged period, habitats and commerical standard. The results showed there were not colibacilli and salmonelli in all 29 samples, but infectious mixed bacteria rate is 100%, which is 2.1 times more than salty scorpion in 29 tested samples, and the infectious fungi rate is 72.4%. The fungi of salty scorpion is 15% more than fresh scorpion. The quantity of infected yeasts on salty scorpion is much more than scorpion. There are 4 species of fungi such as Alternaria neesex Wallroth, Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius, Nocarcia sp. and Tricophyton violaceum Sabouraud. Because of infectious pathogenic bacteria rate is so high, we suggest to increase the item of hygienic test to control the quality of crude drug scorpion and strengthen the administration of commerical drugs, so as to reduce the contaminative condition.

National survey on prevalence of cancer pain

OBJECTIVE

To collect nationwide basic data about cancer related pain.

METHODS

Sixty cancer patients in each province were randomly selected to participate in this survey. The subjects represented all stages of cancer, tumor sites, and different demographic characteristics. Two self-designed structured questionnaires including reasons, types of pain and pain management were used by patients and physicians respectively. Subjects were asked to report whether he/she had experienced any type of cancer related pain and filled out the equivalent questionnaire. The severity of pain was assessed by using "visual analogue scale". Original data input and analysis were using EPI-INFO software package.

RESULTS

The result showed that 61.6% (958/1555) of patients had different types of cancer related pain. Majority of pain (85.1%) were caused by advanced cancer. The major reasons (64.4%) for poor management or impedimental factors of pain care are due to patient including over-concern on opioid analgesic addiction, reluctance to report pain or refused to use opioid analgesic until at times when pain is intolerable; 26.8% belonged to physician's reasons including fear to cause addiction on opioid and lack of knowledge about cancer pain management; 16.2% are due to lack of different kinds of opioid analgesic for use and 16.1% belonged to drug regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that majority of patients (61.6%) had different types of cancer related pain. In most of patients, cancer pain was relieved when they were treated. The major reason for under-treatment or impeded factors for effective relief of cancer pain was fear of opioid addiction by both medical professionals and patients.

[Expression of recombinant human Flt3 ligand in Escherichia coli and its purification and characterization]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a highly efficient expression system of recombinant human Flt3 ligand (rhFL) in E. coli and a suitable purification method of the expressed products.

METHOD

Human FL encoding cDNA was introduced into pProEXHT plasmid to express a 6 x His-FL fusion protein in E. coli. The fusion protein expressed in inclusion body was isolated, solubilized and refolded, and then purified by chromatography on a metal-chelating affinity column (MCAC). Its activity was detected by stimulating the proliferation of CD(34)(+) cells.

RESULT

The amount of rhFL expressed was about 15% of total bacterial proteins and the purity of rhFL was 90% after MCAC. The combination of rhFL, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin could stimulate CD(34)(+) cells to a 400 fold expansion.

CONCLUSION

The purified rhFL had a potent activity to stimulate hematopoietic stem cells to expanse in vitro.

[The HVR genotypes and their relationship with the resistance of methicillin-resistant staphylococci]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the HVR-PCR genotype of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci in local hospitals and compare it with the antibiograms, with aview to selecting effective antibacterial agents, moreover, to discuss preliminarily its role in molecular epidemiology.

METHODS

The minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs) of 86 MRSA, 10 MRSE(Mc'S. epidemidis), 5 MSSE(Mc'S. epidemidis), 8 MRSH(Mc'S. haemolyticus) and 5 MSSH(Mc'S. haemolyticus) clinical isolates collected from 4 local hospitals were tested by serial two-fold agar dilution method; their DNA were extracted by moved basic lytic method, whose polymerase chain reaction(PCR) products amplified, based on the size of mec-associated hypervariable region(HVR) were analyzed by PAG vertical and agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

MRSA, MRSE and MRSH were grouped into 4, 3 and 2 HVR genotypes respectively according to the size of the PCR products. The PCR products amplified from 9 of 10 MRSE isolates were the same as the products amplified from MRSA isolates. MRSA strains in this study were mainly HVR genotypes A and D, which accounted for 52.32% and 39.53%; Genotypes B and C were the most multi-drug resistant, but genotype D was multi-sensitive. The I genotype of MRSE was multi-drug resistant, but its genotype III was multi-drug sensitive. The genotype a of MRSH was more resistant than genotype b.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HVR-PCR genotype method is an easy and fast method for epidemiological investigation of nosocomial infections caused by MRSA, and it is helpful for clinical selection of antibacterial agents. This method can compare the mec determinants of MRSA and Mc'CNSt isolates and hence to search for the origin of the mec determinant.

[Culture and identify the endothelial cells of human umbilical vein]

In order to improve the routine culture method for vascular endothelial cells, endothelial cells of vein from newborn umbilical cord were successfully isolated with combined using 0.1% collagenase and 0.25% trypsin (1:1). The endothelial cells were further abrated by mechanical method. The composition of culture medium was simplified by not adding vascular endothelial cell growth factor and heparin. The cultured cells were verified as vascular endothelial cells by morphology, ultramicromorphology and immunohistochemistry.

[Wear study of dental restoration materials with a new study-system in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate abrasive wear of composite resins in vitro.

METHODS

A chewing simulator was used to perform the abrasive wear of four composite resins in vitro and an accurate three-dimensional laser-scanning system was used to measure the abrasion los of the materials.

RESULTS

According to worn volumes, the order of five materials is: Enamel < Targis Dentin < Dentacolor < Artglass < Vita Zeta. According to the worn-depthest-points, the order of five materials is: Enamel < Targis Dentin < Artglass < Dentacolor < Vita Zeta.

CONCLUSION

Targis Dentin shows no significant difference on ware resistance from human enamel, while three other composite resins are poorer than human enamel. This system in vitro is effective, accurate, quick and economical.

[Study on uptake of fluoroquinolones by Staphylococcus aureus]

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Staphylococcus aureus' resistance to fluoroquinolones. The uptake of lomefloxacin, ofloxacin by Staphylococcus aureus and the effect of CCCP on the uptake were studied by the fluorescence method. The uptake of lomefloxacin, ofloxacin by sensitive organisms is higher than that by resistant organisms; CCCP had different influences on different organisms, but no significant difference between the effects of CCCP on sensitive strains and on resistant strains was noted. The uptake of lomefloxacin, ofloxacin by SA2-16 was much lower than that by SA2-16's parent, and after the addition of CCCP, the uptake of both quinolones by SA2-16 increased rapidly, but the concentration did not reach its parent's concentration in stable condition. These results indicate that the decreasing of the uptake of fluoroquinolones is one of the mechanisms responsible for Staphylococcus aureus to resistance fluoroquinolones, and as a mechanism of resistance to drugs, it plays different roles in different strains.

[Application of in vitro micronucleus tests using L5178Y mouse lymphoma and WTK1 human lymphoblastoid cell lines to antimutagenicity assay]

In the in vitro micronucleus (MN) tests using L5178Y mouse lymphoma and WTK1 human lymphoblastoid cell lines, 2 well-known antimutagens, Vitamin C (Vc) and the sodium and copper salt of chlorophyll (Chl), were tested to evaluate their ability to inhibit the mutagenicity of mitomycin C(MMC). Three kinds of treatment were designed, namely the simultaneous treatment with Vc (or Chl) and MMC, the use of Vc (or Chl) before the use of MMC, and the use of Vc (or Chl) after the use of MMC. The results showed that Vc and Chl had no MN inductivity in the two cell lines; that simultaneous treatment with Vc and MMC and pre-treatment with Vc effectively reduced MMC-induced MN cell frequencies; and that simultaneous treatment and pre-treatment with Chl at dose level of 0.12 mg/ml, significantly reduced MMC-induced MN cell frequencies of L5178Y cells. The antimutagenic effect of Chl on WTK1 cells was found in simultaneous and pre-treatment at dose levels of 0.12 and 0.06 mg/ml.

[Simultaneous determination of gibberellins A1 and A3 in foxtail millet seedlings by high performance liquid chromatography]

Gibberellin A1(GA1) and Gibberellin A3(GA3) in millet seedlings were simultaneously determined by HPLC on a Zorbax-ODS-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 10 microns) column, using a mobile phase consisting of V (0.02 mol/L phosphate buffer solution, pH 4.0):V(methanol) = 2.2:1, a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and a UV detection at 210 nm. GA1 and GA3 were separated completely in 10 min. Correlation coefficients for linear equations were 0.9986 and 0.9978, recoveries were 102.54% and 99.59%, respectively. Two normal cultivars and their dwarf-mutants were determined by this method. The results showed that both GA1 and GA3 were discovered in foxtail millet seedling, and endogenous mass ratio of GA1 and GA3 in foxtail millet dwarf-mutants were significantly lower than those in normal cultivars, and the concentrations of endogenous GA1 and GA3 were important factors for plant-height.

[Molten organic salt--a new class of stationary phases for GC]

Molten organic salts are a new class of polar, selective stationary phases for gas chromatography. Their types and characters are reported in detail and compared with some common stationary phases.

Aberrant positioning of trophoblast and lymphocytes in the feto-maternal interface with pre-eclampsia

Pregnancy represents the growth of an allograft where fetal trophoblast cells evade immune rejection and invade maternal tissue. There should be a balance between fetal trophoblast and maternal immune-responsive cells and alterations in the proportion of these cells may relate to pregnancy disorders. To test this, the decidual tissue of placental bed biopsies was examined and trophoblast cells and lymphocytes were quantified morphometrically; spiral arteries were classified as unchanged, transformed or affected by acute atherosis. Normal pregnancy (n=19) was characterized by the transformation of about one half of all spiral arteries within the placental bed. We found that 40% of all lymphocytes were CD56+ uterine NK cells and 60%, CD3+ T-lymphocytes; about 30% of these were CD8+ T cells. Intrauterine growth retardation in the context of preeclampsia (n=15) was accompanied by reduced trophoblast numbers within smaller and more tortuous arteries and an increase in the proportion of CD56+ uterine NK cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the decidua (70% of all CD3+ cells). In the case of pre-eclampsia without fetal growth retardation (n=14) no increase in CD56+ uterine NK cells was seen, while CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with the normal level (50% of all CD3+ cells). Fetal growth retardation is associated with poor transformation of spiral arteries and characterized by an increase of uterine NK cells. Symptoms of pre-eclampsia are independently associated with an increase in the cytotoxic T subset of decidual lymphocytes. Pre-eclampsia and related fetal growth retardation are seemingly caused by an enhancement of the maternal cytotoxic defence against the fetal allograft.

[Clinical analysis of 19 cases of scleroma respiratorium treated surgically]

Nineteen patients with scleroma respiratorium treated surgically were studied retrospectively. The results suggested that the surgical operation combined with antibiotic therapy were beneficial to the curtive effect of the patients in the granulomatous stage with nasal or pharyngeal obstruction or nasal sinuses involvement due to the serious proliferation of the lesions; tracheotomy should be considered in the patients with laryngeal obstruction up to the second degree or above; plastic operations were necessary for the patients with cicatrical stenosis or imperforation remained of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx or trachea.

Targeted lymph-node immunization with whole inactivated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or envelope and core subunit antigen vaccines does not reliably protect rhesus macaques from vaginal challenge with SIVmac251

OBJECTIVE

Sexual transmission of HIV is the most common route of HIV transmission throughout the world. To prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection, a vaccine is urgently needed. A previous report demonstrated the targeted immunization of the iliac lymph nodes with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) subunits protects rhesus macaques from rectal challenge with SIV. We sought to determine whether this immunization strategy could protect rhesus macaques from vaginal challenge with SIV.

DESIGN

Macaques were immunized with either whole-killed SIV or envelope and core subunit antigen vaccines. Using three independent groups, with three macaques in each group, macaques were immunized by the targeted iliac lymph-node (TILN) route, injecting the vaccine close to the iliac lymph nodes that drain the genital tract.

RESULTS

The TILN immunization procedure induced high-titer SIV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies in serum in all animals and anti-SIV IgG and IgA antibodies in the cervicovaginal secretions of most animals. After a series of three or four TILN immunizations, the animals were intravaginally challenged with SIVmac251. All animals became virus isolation-positive, except one animal immunized with SIV p27 and gp120. This animal was virus isolation-negative but SIV DNA proviral sequences were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of studies, reliable protection from vaginal transmission of SIV was not achieved by the TILN immunization procedure.

[Molecular cloning of the imipenem resistant gene in bacteroides fragilis]

Imipenem, as a representative of-cabapenem, is one of the most effective beta-Lactam agents against Bacteroides, but recently there have been a few reports on the resistant strains of Bacteroides. To explore the mechanism of imipenem resistance (IMPr) at the molecular level, we extracted chromosome DNA of the resistant strains and acquired a 1.7 kb fragment of resistant gene of imipenem. Recombinant plasmid was stably reserved in generation after generation in E. coli DH5. Resistant gene of imipenem was labeled with Dig-11-dUTP by way of random prime, and 40 strains of clinically isolated Bacteroides were detected by the prepared DNA probe. Two IMPr strains showed hybridization signal, whereas 38 IMPr strains did not show such a signal. The result suggests that the Dig-labeled IMPr gene probe can be used in molecular epidemiology for investigating IMPr strains.

Rhesus macaques previously infected with simian/human immunodeficiency virus are protected from vaginal challenge with pathogenic SIVmac239

Nontraumatic vaginal inoculation of rhesus macaques with a simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SIV/HIV) chimera containing the envelope gene from HIV-1 89.6 (SHIV 89.6) results in systemic infection (Y. Lu, B. Brosio, M. Lafaile, J. Li, R. G. Collman, J. Sodroski, and C. J. Miller, J. Virol. 70:3045-3050, 1996). A total of five rhesus macaques have each been infected by exposure to at least three intravaginal inoculations of SHIV 89.6. The SHIV 89.6 infection is characterized by a transient viremia that evokes humoral and cellular immune responses to HIV and SIV antigens, but disease does not develop in animals infected with SHIV 89.6. To determine if a previous infection with SHIV 89.6 by vaginal inoculation could protect animals from vaginal challenge with pathogenic SIV, all five animals were intravaginally inoculated twice with pathogenic SIV-mac239. After challenge, all of the SHIV-immunized animals had low or undetectable viral RNA levels in plasma compared to control animals. Three of the five of the SHIV-immunized animals remained virus isolation negative for more than 8 months, while two became virus isolation positive. The presence of SIV Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and SIV-specific antibodies in cervicovaginal secretions at the time of challenge was associated with resistance to pathogenic SIV infection after vaginal challenge. These results suggest that protection from sexual transmission of HIV may be possible by effectively stimulating both humoral and cellular antiviral immunity in the systemic and genital mucosal immune compartments.

Image cytometric DNA analysis of adrenocortical neoplasms as a prognostic parameter: a clinico-pathologic study of 13 patients

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material of thirteen adrenocortical neoplasms were examined by conventional microscopy, and by DNA image cytometry in Feulgen-stained tissue sections and cytospin preparations. The subsequent clinical course of each patient was reviewed. Seven of the neoplasms were classified according to the histologic criteria of Weiss as adenomas and six as carcinomas. The DNA content and indices of all 13 adrenocortical neoplasms were measured by image cytometry. For the internal standard, the DNA values of the adjacent normal adrenal cells in 10 cases and of nuclei of fibrocytes of the tumour stroma were determined. DNA values in all seven adenomas, in normal adrenal cells, and in the nuclei of fibrocytes were unequivocally diploid. The six carcinomas expressed aneuploid, tetraploid or hypertetraploid DNA values. DNA values of normal adrenal cells seemed to provide a better internal control than those of connective tissue cells. Of the seven adenoma patients with a follow-up between 8 and 124 months (mean 59 months), six were alive without evidence of tumour; one patient died from other causes. Of the six carcinoma patients with a follow-up ranging from 5 days to 36 months, three patients died from the disease; one patient was alive with metastases, and only two patients were alive without evidence of the disease for 25 and 36 months, respectively. Our results strongly suggest that image cytometric DNA analysis is a valuable method to distinguish between benign and malignant adrenocortical neoplasms.

[Effect of birchdust on viability of alveolar macrophages and superoxide produced by alveolar macrophages in vitro]

Rabbit alveolar macrophages (AM) in vitro were used as a model in this wooddust toxicological experiment to study the effect of birchdust with different concentrations and exposure durations on the viability of AM and superoxide produced by AM. The results showed that the viability rates in three birchdust groups (400, 800, 1600 micrograms/ml) gradually decreased when the concentration at all the designed exposure durations (12, 18, 24 h) increased except the rates for the 6-hour period. On the contrary, the contents of superoxide (O2-.) at the first two durations (6, 12 h) increased rapidly and reached their highest level at the 18 hours. Moreover, the rapid increase of O2-. preceded the declination of viability rates, suggesting that birchdust toxicity in AM in vitro be probably related to dust-induced O2-. produced by AM.

[Labeling DNA probe by polymerase chain reaction]

The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for labeling probe has been demonstrated to offer various advantages including efficient labeling of DNA fragments as small as 72 bp, direct labeling of genomic DNA, and labeling with subnanogram amounts of input DNA. Therefore, a procedure for the nonradioactive labeling of chromasomal DNA 203 bp fragments of Helicobacter pylori with the hapten digoxigenin (Dig) by PCR has been developed. The results showed that the concentration of probe labeled by PCR was much higher than that by random primer labeled. PCR has the advantage of rapidity and economy. It is a very effective technique for synthesis of Dig-labeled DNA probe.

[The relationship between the high inducibility genotype of CYP450IA1 and lung cancer susceptibility]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of polymorphism of CYP450IA1 gene in the susceptibility of lung cancer.

METHODS

The polymorphism of CYP450IA1 gene in 149 lung cancer patients and 208 healthy controls were investigated by PCR technique.

RESULTS

The high inducibility genotype (Val/Val type) of CYP450IA1 in lung cancer patients was 16.1%, which was significantly higher than that of controls, 8.7%. According to pathological classification of lung cancer, it was indicated that VAl/Val type in squamous carcinomas was the highest, 21.54%, which was significantly higher than that of controls (8.7%) and adenocarcinomas (8.00%). The Val/Val type in small cell carcinoma reached 17.6%. The relative risks were estimated according to smoking condition and CYP450IA1 genotype. Taking the risk of the category with non-smoking and non-high inducibility genotype (Val/ Val) to be at a baseline of 1.0, the odds ratio was 1.6 (P < 0.05) in non-smoking in non-smoking and Val/Val type 4.8 in smoking and Val/Val type (P < 0.001). The relative risk of Val/Val type was 2.2 times as non-Val/ Val type for smoking people.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of lung cancer was associated with the high inducibility genotype of CYP450IA1. And Val/Val genotype of CYP450IA1 gene might be an important host hereditary marker for susceptibility to lung cancer.

Variation of intrarenal angiotensin II and angiotensin II receptors by acute renal ischemia in the aged rat

The properties of Ang II receptors in the aged kidney and their changes after acute renal ischemia are rarely known. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of Ang II receptor mRNA and characteristics of Ang II receptors in the aged kidney and to compare different responsiveness to 45 min of acute renal ischemia in young (3-4 months) and aged (23-24 months) rats. In the normal condition, AT1 mRNA expression was much lower in the aged than that in the young rats. Maximal binding (Bmax) was also lower in the aged (1315 +/- 48 vs. 2035 +/- 257 fmol/mg, p < 0.05). The dissociation constant (KD) of glomerular Ang II receptors, however, was significantly lower in the aged rats compared to the young (6.8 +/- 1.6 vs. 17.4 +/- 2.5 nM). After acute ischemia, the expression of AT1 mRNA decreased in the young rats but increased in the aged rats. Interestingly, Bmax of glomerular Ang II receptors was significantly increased in the aged ischemic rats (1852 +/- 94 vs. 1315 +/- 48 fmol/mg) with unchanged KD. These results show that: (a) the AT1 mRNA expression and the Ang II receptor binding site are decreased with the aging process in the rat kidney; (b) the acute renal ischemia effect on different age groups has a greatly discrepant pattern in respect of Ang II receptor modulation, which may provide a potential therapeutic future for the receptor antagonists in acute renal ischemia in the aged.

[Studies on triterpenoids of total glucosides of tripterygium wilfordii]

Three more triterpenoids were isolated from total glucosides of tripterygium wilfordii (T1). T16 and T17 were identified as salaspermic acid and as wilforlide B. T18 was a new compound. The structure of T18 was determined, as 3-oxo-22 alpha-hydroxy-delta 12-oleanen-29-oic acid by detail spectroscopic and chemical analysis, and named triptotriterpenonic acid A.