Nirmatrelvir increases blood tacrolimus concentration in COVID-19 patients as determined by UHPLC-MS/MS method

OBJECTIVE

Transplant recipients have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to the use of immunosuppressive drugs like tacrolimus (FK506). FK506 and nirmatrelvir (NMV) (an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug) are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 and may have potential drug-drug interactions. It is important to determine the effect of NMV on FK506 concentrations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Following protein precipitation from blood, FK506 and its internal standard (FK506-13C,2d4) were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Total 22 blood samples (valley concentrations) from two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were collected and analyzed for FK506 concentrations.

RESULTS

Blood levels of FK506 (0.5-100 ng/mL) showed good linearity. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated with intra- and inter-batch accuracies of 104.55-107.85%, and 99.52-108.01%, respectively, and precisions of < 15%. Mean blood FK506 concentration was 12.01 ng/mL (range, 3.15-33.1 ng/mL). Five-day co-administration with NMV increased the FK506 concentrations from 3.15 ng/mL to 33.1 ng/mL, returning to 3.36 ng/mL after a 9-day-washout.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a simple quantification method for therapeutic drug monitoring of FK506 in patients with COVID-19 using UHPLC-MS/MS with protein precipitation. We found that NMV increased FK506 blood concentration 10-fold. Therefore, it is necessary to re-consider co-administration of FK506 with NMV.

[Advances in genome-wide association study of pulmonary arterial hypertension]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease caused by multiple factors, including idiopathic PAH, heritable PAH, disease related PAH etc. Due to the high genetic heterogeneity, clinical characteristics and prognosis of PAH patients vary greatly. At present, the specific pathogenesis of PAH is unclear, and the diagnosis and treatment of PAH remain to be explored. Therefore, the study of genetic susceptibility to PAH is of great significance for understanding the occurrence and development of the disease. With the development of genome-wide association study (GWAS), a large number of genetic variations related to etiology, clinical manifestations, prognosis and treatment of PAH have been identified. This review summarizes the recent progress in the application of GWAS in the study of genetic susceptibility of PAH, and provides new insights for further exploration of the development and individualized management of PAH.

[Screening and preliminary validation of biomarkers in sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis based on positron emission tomography/computed tomography and transcriptomics]

Objective: To screen and perform preliminary clinical validation of biomarkers of activity based on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) and transcriptomics in sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis lesion tissue. Methods: Nine patients with sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis treated surgically at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center for Thoracic Surgery from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 were retrospectively collected as the discovery group, including four males and five females, aged 20-57 years (mean 36 years). All of the patients underwent PET-CT scanning before surgery, and the resected specimens were postoperatively classified according to preoperative PET-CT. The resected specimens were divided into areas with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) metabolism (SUVmax>3) and areas with normal FDG metabolism (SUVmax ≤ 3) according to the preoperative PET-CT performance. After sample processing, total RNA was extracted from the tissues of different regions, and then whole gene transcriptome sequencing was performed. Bioinformatics analysis of the two sets of data was performed to discover the expression profiles of the differences in whole gene transcriptome data between the two regions and to screen for candidate biomarkers. Eighty patients with sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021 were retrospectively collected as the validation group, including 37 males and 43 females, aged 20-62 years, with an average age of 39 years. The validation group was divided into a group with increased SUV (n=40) and a group without lesions on CT imaging (n=40). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the protein levels of candidate biomarkers in the peripheral plasma of patients. The effect of biomarkers was assessed using subject operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Student's t-test was used to determine whether the difference in protein levels between the two groups was statistically significant. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the expression levels of C1QB, CCL19, CCL5 and HLA-DMB correlated with the metabolic activity of sputum-negative tuberculosis lesion tissue. Further screening and validation by the validation group confirmed that the difference in C1QB protein levels in the peripheral plasma of patients was statistically significant between the group with increased SUV and the group without lesions on CT imaging [(3.55±0.34) mg/L vs. (2.75±0.21) mg/L, t=4.12, P<0.001]. And the ROC curve showed that the area under the curve for C1QB protein levels was 0.731, which had potential clinical value. Conclusion: The C1QB protein level can be used to assess the activity of lesions in patients with sputum-negative tuberculosis and is a potential biomarker.

Effects of ciprofol for the induction of general anesthesia in patients scheduled for elective surgery compared to propofol: a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, comparative study

OBJECTIVE

Ciprofol is a newly developed intravenous sedative-hypnotic drug. The objective of the study was to prove whether ciprofol was non-inferior to propofol for the successful induction of general anesthesia. The ideal post-induction sedation level was assessed by comparing patients' clinical symptoms and their hemodynamic effects in responding to noxious stimuli, mostly tracheal intubation and bispectral index (BIS) alterations following ciprofol/propofol administration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multi-center, randomized, double-blind phase 3 trial, selective surgery patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either ciprofol 0.4 mg/kg (n = 88) or propofol 2.0 mg/kg (n = 88) groups. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with successful anesthesia inductions. Secondary endpoints included the times to successful induction of general anesthesia and loss of the eyelash reflex, changes in BIS, as well as safety indicators.

RESULTS

The anesthesia induction success rates for both ciprofol 0.4 mg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg groups were 100.0%, with a 95% CI lower success limit of -4.18% difference between the two groups, indicating that ciprofol was non-inferior to propofol. For secondary outcomes, the average time to successful anesthesia and loss of the eyelash reflex were 0.91 min and 0.80 min for ciprofol and 0.80 min and 0.71 min for propofol, respectively. The pattern of BIS changes with ciprofol was similar to propofol and stable during the anesthesia maintenance period. Safety was comparable with 88.6% TEAEs in the ciprofol group compared to 95.5% in the propofol group. The incidence of injection pain was significantly lower in the ciprofol group compared to the propofol group (6.8% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.05). In addition, the patients treated with ciprofol had a lesser increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and fewer cases with BIS > 60 within 15 min of intravenous administration, which indicated that ciprofol may provide a better ideal sedation level during the post-induction period under an equivalent dosing regimen to propofol.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciprofol for patients undergoing selective surgery is a new option for the induction of general anesthesia.

A2B5-positive oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation improves neurological deficits in rats following spinal cord contusion associated with changes in expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are myelinated glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), able to regenerate oligodendrocytes and myelin. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of A2B5-positive (A2B5+) OPC transplantation in rats with spinal cord contusion (SCC) and to investigate changes in expression of various factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway after OPC transplantation.

METHODS

OPCs were obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) originating from mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). After identification of iPSCs and iPSC-derived OPCs, A2B5+ OPCs were transplanted into the injured site of rats with SCC one week after SCC insult. Behavioral tests evaluated motor and sensory function 7 days after OPC transplantation. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) determined the expression of various cytokines related to the Notch signaling pathway after OPC transplantation.

RESULTS

IPSC-derived OPCs were successfully generated from MEFs, as indicated by positive immunostaining of A2B5, PDGFα and NG2. Further differentiation of OPCs was identified by immunostaining of Olig2, Sox10, Nkx2.2, O4, MBP and GFAP. Importantly, myelin formation was significantly enhanced in the SCC+ OPC group and SCI-induced motor and sensory dysfunction was largely alleviated by A2B5+ OPC transplantation. Expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway (Notch-1, Numb, SHARP1 and NEDD4) was significantly increased after OPC transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

A2B5+ OPC transplantation attenuates motor and sensory dysfunction in SCC rats by promoting myelin formation, which may be associated with change in expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway.

Characterization of physiological traits during development of the recalcitrant seeds of Quercus serrata

We investigated how developmental stage affects seed traits, including the relative level of desiccation tolerance of Quercus serrata. We tested the hypothesis that the relative level of desiccation tolerance is a quantitative trait associated with seed development and that a maximum relative level of desiccation tolerance is reached during development. Seed growth and physiological traits of Q. serrata from a subtropical forest were examined in detail during the developmental process. During seed development, the relative level of desiccation tolerance and other seed traits of Q. serrata varied. Dry matter accumulation in seed components increased rapidly beginning in mid-August, and moisture content declined. At the peak period of seed dispersal in late September, seeds were fully mature, with 100% germination. Relative level of desiccation tolerance increased up to the point of peak dispersal; however, at this time seeds were still recalcitrant. Post-mature development was accompanied by further increases in seed dry matter and decreases in moisture content, which led to a decrease in seed germination and relative level of desiccation tolerance. Our results suggest that in species with recalcitrant seeds, the relative level of desiccation tolerance and other seed traits are quantitative at the intraspecific level. The relative level of desiccation tolerance for recalcitrant seeds does not increase infinitely during phase II of development. There is a maximum relative level of desiccation tolerance in recalcitrant seeds within a species.

The clinical observation of verapamil in combination with interventional chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the clinical observations of target arterial infusion of verapamil combined with chemotherapy as therapy for advanced gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2012 to December 2015, a total of 63 patients with advanced gastric cancer were admitted to our department. The target artery in the control group was perfused with chemotherapy drugs only, and the target artery in the therapy group was injected with verapamil combined with chemotherapy drugs.

RESULTS

The therapeutic effect of the therapy group was significantly better than that of the control group in the primary foci of gastric cancer. Liver metastatic lesions: 11 patients in the control group had liver metastases and 25 patients in the therapy group had liver metastases. The effective rate (CR+PR) of the therapy group was significantly better than the control group. Clinical benefit evaluation: in the therapy group of 43 cases, 40 cases presented positive clinical benefit and 38 cases positive clinical weight in KFS scoring system; the clinical benefit of the therapy group was significantly better than control group. Survival analysis: the disease progression-free rate and survival rate of the therapy group were 12 months and 24 months, which were higher than those in the control group. The median PFS and median OS were also significantly longer than those in the control group (p<0.01). In the therapy group, adverse effects of chemotherapy in 43 patients were relieved in a short time.

CONCLUSIONS

Target arterial infusion of verapamil combined with chemotherapy drugs for advanced gastric cancer can significantly improve the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and prolong the survival of patients.

[Radiological analysis of coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in patients with degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis]

Objective: To review and compare radiological parameters between degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis (DLKS) and degenerative lumbar kyphosis (DLK), and analyze the relationships between coronal and sagittal deformities and compensatory mechanisms of sagittal balance. Methods: A total of 82 patients with lumbar degenerative deformities were enrolled for our radiographic study at Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital from January 2016 to May 2017. These patients were divided into two groups: DLKS group (39 patients) with lumbar coronal and sagittal deformities, and DLK group (43 patients) just with lumbar sagittal deformity. Complete spinopelvic radiographic parameters were compared. Results: The Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis of DLKS group were (23.0±11.8)° and (18.2±12.1)°, while the lumbar lordosis of DLK group was (20.4±10.2)°. In DLKS group, Cobb angle had correlations with lumbar lordosis(r=-0.338, P=0.035), and central sacral vertical line distance had significant correlations with thoracolumbar junctional angle (r=0.488, P=0.002) . Moreover, no significant differences of all sagittal spinopelvic parameters were found between two groups (P>0.05). In DLKS group, significant correlations between lumbar lordosis and sacral slope (r=0.617, P=0.000), and correlations between lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis(r=-0.363, P=0.023) were observed. In DLK group, lumbar lordosis showed significant correlations with thoracic kyphosis(r=-0.341, P=0.025) and sacral slope (r=0.772, P=0.000). According to Nash-Moe grading scale of apical vertebral rotation, 10 patients were with Ⅰ-Ⅱ grade while 29 patients with Ⅲ-Ⅴ grade in DLKS group. Conclusions: Both as typical lumbar degenerative deformities, there are some correlations between scoliosis and kyphosis. However, coronal scoliosis may not influent sagittal morphological parameters for DLKS patients. Thoracic curve changes and pelvic backtilt are both important for maintaining the sagittal balance in patients with degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis.

Endothelial progenitor cells derived from the peripheral blood of halfpipe- snowboarding athletes display specific functional properties

In this study, we compared the functional properties of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from halfpipe-snowboarding athletes who train under hyperoxic conditions with those derived from normal subjects who lived under normoxic conditions. Peripheral blood-derived EPCs were isolated from both halfpipe-snowboarding athletes and normal humans. Cellular growth dynamics, lipoprotein transport, and gene expression of cultured EPCs were compared between the two groups of cells. Results indicate that cytoactivity of EPCs from athletes was higher than that of EPCs from control subjects. This study suggests that function of EPCs from snowboarding athletes may be better than that of EPCs from normal humans, which demonstrates the benefits of training under hyperoxic conditions.

Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the boron to carbon flux ratio (B/C) is important in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays. The precise measurement of the B/C ratio from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV, based on 2.3 million boron and 8.3 million carbon nuclei collected by AMS during the first 5 years of operation, is presented. The detailed variation with rigidity of the B/C spectral index is reported for the first time. The B/C ratio does not show any significant structures in contrast to many cosmic ray models that require such structures at high rigidities. Remarkably, above 65 GV, the B/C ratio is well described by a single power law R^{Δ} with index Δ=-0.333±0.014(fit)±0.005(syst), in good agreement with the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence which predicts Δ=-1/3 asymptotically.

Antiproton Flux, Antiproton-to-Proton Flux Ratio, and Properties of Elementary Particle Fluxes in Primary Cosmic Rays Measured with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement by AMS of the antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio in primary cosmic rays in the absolute rigidity range from 1 to 450 GV is presented based on 3.49×10^{5} antiproton events and 2.42×10^{9} proton events. The fluxes and flux ratios of charged elementary particles in cosmic rays are also presented. In the absolute rigidity range ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the antiproton p[over ¯], proton p, and positron e^{+} fluxes are found to have nearly identical rigidity dependence and the electron e^{-} flux exhibits a different rigidity dependence. Below 60 GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios each reaches a maximum. From ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios show no rigidity dependence. These are new observations of the properties of elementary particles in the cosmos.

Construction of a full-length cDNA library and preliminary analysis of expressed sequence tags from lymphocytes of half-pipe snowboarding athletes

The genes of top athletes are a valuable genetic resource for the human race, and could be exploited to identify novel genes related to sports ability, as well as other functions. We analyzed the expressed sequence tags from top half-pipe snowboarding athletes using the SMART complementary DNA (cDNA) library construction method to elucidate the characteristics of the athlete genome and the differential expression of the genes it contains. Overall, we established a full-length cDNA library from the lymphocytes of half-pipe snowboarding athletes and analyzed the inserted gene fragments. We also classified those genes according to molecular function, biological characteristics, cellular composition, protein types, and signal paths. A total of 201 functional genes were noted, which were distributed in 27 pathways. TXN, MDH1, ARL1, ARPC3, ACTG1, and other genes measured in sequence may be associated with physical ability. This suggests that the SMART cDNA library constructed from the genetic material from top athletes is an effective tool for preserving genetic sports resources and providing genetic markers of physical ability for athlete selection.

Transcriptome network analysis reveals potential candidate genes for ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVES

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease.

BACKGROUND

The main symptom of AS is inflammatory spinal pain; with time, some patients develop ankylosis and spinal immobility. We aim to find cure available for ankylosing spondylitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the GSE11886 series to identify potential genes that related to AS to construct a regulation network.

RESULTS

In the network, some of TFs and target genes have been proved related with AS in previous study, such as NFKB1, STAT1, STAT4, TNFSF10, IL2RA, and IL2RB. We also found some new TFs (Franscription Factors) and target genes response to AS, such as BXDC5, and EGFR. Further analysis indicated some significant pathways are associated with AS, including antigen processing and presentation and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, etc.; although not significant, there was evident that they play an important role in AS progression, such as apoptosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it is demonstrated that transcriptome network analysis is useful in identification of the candidate genes in AS.

Tuning interlayer exchange coupling of co-doped TiO2/VO2 multilayers via metal-insulator transition

Reversibly switching interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) of magnetic semiconductor multilayers between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) modes is a difficult but key issue for fabricating semiconductor giant magnetoresistance devices. Here, we show that such tunable IEC is achievable around room temperature in Co-doped TiO2/VO2 diluted magnetic semiconductor multilayers. On the basis of first-principles calculations of electronic structure and fermiology, it is clarified that, associated with the metal-insulator transition (MIT) of nanosized VO2 spacers, exotic short-range magnetic orders are developed in the multilayers so that the IEC can be tuned reversibly from FM mode to AFM mode by varying temperature crossing the MIT (∼340  K).

Group velocity manipulation in active fibers using mutually modulated cross-gain modulation: from ultraslow to superluminal propagation

We propose and experimentally demonstrate the propagation of slow/fast light in an erbium-doped fiber (EDF) using mutually modulated cross-gain modulation. The group velocity of the light signal can be manipulated by the effect of gain cross-saturation modulation by a saturating light at an arbitrary wavelength in the gain bandwidth of the EDF. The ultraslow propagation with a small group velocity of 5.6 × 10⁻³c (c is the light speed in free space) and superluminal propagation with a negative group velocity of -1.1 × 10⁻³c has been observed under different modulation phases.

Growth, microstructure, and infrared-ultraviolet optical conductivity of La(0.5)Sr(0.5)CoO(3) nanocrystalline films on silicon substrates by pulsed laser deposition

La(0.5)Sr(0.5)CoO(3) (LSCO) nanocrystalline (nc) films have been directly grown on silicon wafers under different substrate temperatures by pulsed laser deposition. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that the films are polycrystalline with the pure perovskite phase at higher substrate temperatures. The columnar growth formation with the nanocrystalline structure in the films has been confirmed by microscopy experiments. Infrared-ultraviolet optical properties of the LSCO films have been investigated with the aid of spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). Dielectric function in the photon energy range of 1.1-3.1 eV (400-1100 nm) has been extracted by reproducing the experimental data with a Lorentz oscillator model. It is found that the real part is decreased from 4.7 to -0.7 at the near-infrared region with increasing substrate temperature. The optical conductivity shows a different variation trend for the lower and higher growth temperatures, respectively. Note that the films deposited above 650 degrees C exhibit the well-defined metallic phase behavior. The discrepancies could be mainly ascribed to different crystalline structure and surface morphology. The present results may be crucial for future applications of ferromagnetic-based optoelectronic and spin-electronic devices.

Direct observation of whispering gallery mode polaritons and their dispersion in a ZnO tapered microcavity

We report direct observation of the strong exciton-photon coupling in a ZnO tapered whispering gallery (WG) microcavity at room temperature. By scanning excitations along the tapered arm of the ZnO tetrapod using a micro-photoluminescence spectrometer with different polarizations, we observed a transition from the pure WG optical modes in the weak interaction regime to the excitonic polariton in the strong coupling regime. The experimental observations are well described by using the plane wave model including the excitonic polariton dispersion relation. This provides a direct mapping of the polariton dispersion, and thus a comprehensive picture for coupling of different excitons with differently polarized WG modes.

Ultrasound bone densitometry of the calcaneus in healthy Chinese children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

We evaluate reference data to examine whether there are sex-, age-, height-, weight- and BMI-related differences of quantitative ultrasound parameters (QUS) for healthy Chinese children and adolescents.

METHODS

A total of 726 healthy children and adolescents (360 male and 366 female) aged from 10-21 years were examined with a Lunar Achilles Express densitometer. The measurements on the right heel included speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and a calculated stiffness index (SI).

RESULTS

Our results found that there were no significant differences for BUA, SOS and SI between males and females, except in the age range of 12 to 13 years. The values of all parameters were significantly higher in the 12-year-old females compared to males, and BUA values were significantly higher in 13-year-old females compared to males. A spurt in QUS parameters were observed at 12 years in females and at 14 years in males. A steady increase of BUA, SOS, and SI was seen with increasing body height and weight in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present results can be used as reference data for children and adolescents in China.

Nanocrystalline silicon-based oligonucleotide chips

A novel oligonucleotide array sensor has been developed with nanocrystalline Si (ncSi) substrates. The ncSi was prepared by electrochemical etching technique. Our study indicated that both the binding capacity and the hybridization efficiency are dependent upon the particle size of ncSi. In contrary, the chips developed with Si substrates exhibit the lower binding capacity and hybridization efficiency. The improved performances of the sensor chips are attributed to the large specific surface area of ncSi compared to the existing conventional techniques. The sensor chips with the ncSi substrate of 13 nm-sized particle can be regenerated and reused for at least 12 times. The oligonucleotide array sensor also shows high stability, which can bear relatively the stringent conditions (e.g. 80 degrees C, 75% of relative humidity and 3.6 klx of irradiation).

Assessment of low quantitative ultrasound values of calcaneus in Chinese mainland women

Calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment is a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status. Until now, considerable data have been accumulated on the distribution of QUS in Caucasian populations, whereas such data are still insufficient in Asian populations, especially in Chinese mainland. The present study aimed to obtain the distribution characteristic of calcaneus QUS in healthy Chinese women, and to further investigate the distribution of low bone mass by QUS stiffness index (SI). This study included 2,498 healthy Chinese females aged 10-87 yr. The QUS exhibited a characteristic mild rise and then fall pattern with increasing age. Age, body height, and weight were significant influencing factors on SI, especially age and weight. The prevalence of osteoporosis detected using instrument-derived T-score or internal T-score was different from that calculated according to calcaneus bone mass density (BMD) previously reported. Furthermore, between instrument-derived T-scores and internal T-scores, there were also significant differences. We concluded that the World Health Organization criteria from BMD may not be appropriate for QUS, and the instrument-derived T-score may also not be appropriate for the studied population. The results will be useful for predicting fracture risk of Chinese women and determining diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis by QUS.

Characteristics of calcaneus quantitative ultrasound normative data in Chinese mainland men and women

INTRODUCTION

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment at the calcaneus, as a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status, is rapidly gaining in popularity. Assessment by QUS provides three parameters of skeletal status: broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS) and derived data-stiffness index (STI). The objective of the present study was firstly to determine the normative QUS data on healthy Chinese mainland men and women and secondly to investigate the effects of sex, age and body size on these three QUS parameters.

METHODS

A study cohort consisting of 725 healthy Chinese women and 568 men aged 10-83 years participated in this investigation. The three QUS parameters all exhibited a characteristic mild rise-then-fall pattern with increasing age in both sexes. Younger men and women had similar QUS values, while older women had lower values than older men. Age-related differences were more pronounced among females. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis showed that weight was a major determinant of QUS in both sexes, along with age.

RESULTS

There were some discrepancies between our data and results from other populations, even when the same type of QUS instrument was used, probably as a result of various factors, including ethnic, life-style environment and diet, among others.

CONCLUSIONS

These normative data will be useful for comparing the results of individual studies, predicting fracture risk of Chinese men and women and determining diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis by QUS.

An improved procedure for production of human epidermal growth factor from recombinant E. coli

An improved procedure for the fermentation and purification of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) was developed. Recombinant Escherichia coli HB-101 [lacUV5omp08hEGF] harboring plasmid lacUV5omp08hEGF encoding hEGF was used in fermentation to increase levels of hEGF. Medium composition, and the levels of inoculum, inducer (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside) and ampicillin were optimized with respect to volumetric fermentation of hEGF. As a result, the hEGF concentration reached a high value of 242 mg l(-1) and the amount of heterogeneous protein decreased by 62% compared with that before optimization in batch fermentation. High-quality hEGF was purified from the fermentation culture by centrifugation, salting-out, resuspension, recentrifugation and finally gel chromatography on a Grad-iFrac System using Sephadex G-50 superfine. The purity of hEGF and the total yield were more than 94% and higher than 36%, respectively, and SDS-PAGE of the purified hEGF demonstrated a single band corresponding to an hEGF standard. In particular, a very important phenomenon was found, i.e. that the amount of heterogenous protein in fermentation broths cultured in media with high concentrations of lactose is far less than that cultured in media with high concentrations of glucose.

[Tissue culture induced translocation conferring powdery mildew resistance between wheat and Dasypyrum villosum and its marker-assisted selection]

Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) electrophoretic analyses were performed in 175 regenerants arising from immature embryos of crosses between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 6D/6V substitution stocks. The GOT-V2 coding specific enzyme band was absent in two regenerants, designated 98R149 and 98R159 respectively, originated from cross of Yi 4095 and 6D/6V substitution stock c.v. RW15. Pm21 gene linked SCARs (Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions) analysis indicated that 6VS chromosome arms existed in 98R149 and 98R159. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with total genomic DNA extracted from Dasypyrum villosum (L.) as a probe confirmed the occurrence of translocation between 6V chromosome and a wheat one in the two regenerants mentioned above. 98R149 and 98R159 were immune to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminisDC. f. sp. tritici) inoculation with mix races collected from Hebei Province. The results of the present paper added another feasible example of useful translocations via tissue culture.

[High efficient intergeneric chromosomal translocations between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Dasypyrum villosum arising from tissue culture and irradiation]

Intergeneric chromosomal translocations were discernable both in callus cells and in regenerants arising from crosses between Triticum aestivum and T. durum-Dasypyrum villosum amphiploid c.v. TH1 and TH1W by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization. There were not only reciprocal translocations, but small fragment translocations. The results proved again the feasibility of creating intergeneric translocations via tissue culture. Irradiation facilitated numerical and structural chromosome changes in callus cells. The frequency of translocations was as high as 7.4 percent in irradiated callus cells. Callus age had an important impact on numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities. During a given time of culture, the frequency of unchanged cells was declined, while those cells with chromosome losses were inclined. The duration of culture had not significant effects on cells with chromosome gains. As structural chromosome changes is concerned, the duration of culture predominantly increased the frequency of cells with telocentric chromosomes. The chromosomal changes occurred at the initiation period of tissue culture. A number of cells which were doubled their chromosome numbers (2n = 84) were observed at a certain frequency in the period of tissue culture. These cells, however, disappeared in the successive culture.

Corpora amylacea and heat shock protein 27 in Ammon's horn sclerosis

Increased numbers of corpora amylacea have been observed in the resected mesial temporal lobe of many patients with complex partial seizures (CPS) and Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS). Several heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced by seizures and have been suggested as an etiologic factor in the formation corpora amylacea. We quantified corpora amylacea and HSP27-immunoreactive astrocytes in temporal lobe specimens from patients with CPS (28 AHS; 10 non-AHS) and in 5 autopsy controls. Corpora amylacea were increased in each sector of Ammon's horn in the AHS group, significantly so in CA1 and CA3 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0097, respectively), compared with the non-AHS group, although there was considerable variability among the specimens. We found HSP27 to be significantly but nonspecifically increased in the resected temporal lobe specimens from all patients with CPS, regardless of the underlying pathology. HSP27 was not, however, expressed within the corpora amylacea, and did not correlate with the number of corpora amylacea in any of the 9 mesial and lateral temporal lobe areas examined.

[Localization and characterization of partial immunodominant antigen epitopes of Trichinella spiralis]

OBJECTIVE

To screen and characterize immunodominant antigen epitopes on the soluble antigens of Trichinella spiralis (T.s.).

METHODS

15 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against T.s. muscle larva(ML) soluble antigens were obtained by using hybridoma technique. The reactivity of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were tested by ELISA, Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA).

RESULTS

The Western blotting result showed that of the 15 McAbs, 6 could bind to the T.s. ML antigens displaying molecular weights of 40-70 kDa. Polyclonal sera could react with more than 10 bands having molecular weights of 20-200 kDa. Among the 6 McAbs, 4 could recognize epitopes on the cuticle surface and the other two could recognize epitopes on both the cuticle surface and the stichosome.

CONCLUSION

The antigen epitopes of T.s. recognized by 6 McAbs had been characterized.

Disproportionate loss of CA4 parvalbumin-immunoreactive interneurons in patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis

We studied differences in the number and morphology of parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV-IR) interneurons in 43 hippocampal specimens from patients with classical Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS) who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy, as compared with 14 autopsy and non-AHS surgical control specimens. PV-IR neuronal loss in the AHS specimens varied significantly from that expected based on overall AHS-associated pyramidal and granule neuron loss. Most striking was the loss of PV-IR interneurons in CA4 of the AHS specimens, which was 12 times greater than AHS-associated pyramidal neuron loss, and significantly exceeded the PV-IR interneuron loss observed in the other sectors of the hippocampus. In addition, the PV-IR interneurons in the AHS specimens had markedly smaller and less defined cell bodies and shortened and simplified dendritic arbors compared with the PV-IR interneurons in the control specimens. Other differences noted in the AHS specimens included prominent dendritic varicosities; the loss or interruption of a band formed by PV-IR terminals in the dentate gyrus; and the virtual absence of a small, intensely staining PV-IR interneuron with a short, exuberant dendritic arbor that was readily identified in the autopsy specimens. We discuss these findings in relationship to the development of classical AHS and complex partial seizures (CPS).

Glial cell nuclear hypertrophy in complex partial seizures

The white matter of resected temporal lobes from patients with intractable complex partial seizures shows increased cellularity which appears to be related to glia and neurons. This study, using quantitative methods, defines an increase in glial cell numbers and a significant increase in glial nuclear size within a defined area of white matter in the lateral temporal lobe. Evaluation was made on specimens from ten patients with complex partial seizures compared with two patients with non-epileptic brain lesions and five autopsy patients with no neurologic disease. The importance of recognizing these alterations in glia and the possible relevance to the pathoetiology of epilepsy are discussed.

Some physicochemical and enzymic properties of selenium-containing abzyme

We successfully prepared the Se-containing abzyme (Se-abzyme) with glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and further studied its physicochemical and enzymic properties and stabilities. Data showed that the isoelectric point of the abzyme was 6.95-7.08, and its molecular weight was 158 KD. The ranges of optimum pH and temperature of the Se-abzyme were wider than the native GPX. The store stability of the abzyme was higher than the native GPX. The Se content in the abzyme was found to be 5 mol Se/mol abzyme by X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and binding constant 1.11 x 10(7)M-1 by using ELISA method. The Se-abzyme was inhibited competitively by dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), and inhibition constant was determined to be 1.25 x 10(-3)M-1.

Generation of selenium-containing abzyme by using chemical mutation

A new strategy for generating abzyme was developed. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9) is one of the important members of antioxidation enzyme system; it catalyzes the reductions of a variety of hydroperoxides in presence of glutathione(GSH). We have first prepared the monoclonal antibody (McAb) with GSH binding sites, then incorporated GPX catalytic group selenocystein (SeCys) into the antibody combining sites by using chemical mutation. Thus the mutated antibody displays high GPX activity, which approaches the magnitude level of native GPX, exhibits the kinetic behavior similar to native GPX, and has some advantages over native GPX.

Development of a model for Parkinson's disease in sheep using unilateral intracarotid injection of MPTP via slow continuous infusion

The effects of unilateral intracarotid administration of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) in sheep were studied with the goal of producing a non-primate, large animal model of Parkinson's Disease. Adult female sheep were given an acute (over 30 min) or chronic (over 1 week) injection of MPTP (0.4-5.0 mg/kg) via the common carotid artery. Both methods produced parkinsonian-like behavior. Turning contralateral to the side of injection was induced by apomorphine (APO) in both groups. However, amphetamine (AMP) induced ipsilateral turning only in the chronic treatment group. Acute and chronic MPTP treatment resulted in a loss of substantia nigra tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THIR) neurons with a significantly greater loss ipsilateral to the injection in each treatment group (acute p < 0.05; chronic p < 0.01). Caudate dopamine (DA) was depleted in both treatment groups, although the difference between ipsilateral and contralateral DA content was significant only in the chronic treatment group (p < 0.05). The best results were seen in those animals with chronic infusion with the occipital artery occluded to prevent entry of drug into the posterior circulation with subsequent bilateral distribution. Use of slow and continuous intracarotid administration of MPTP with the ipsilateral occipital artery occluded can prevent some of the bilateral effects of acute treatment, and results in statistically significant ipsilateral reduction of THIR neurons in the substantia nigra and reduction of tissue levels of DA in the caudate nucleus. Such treatment produces appropriate turning responses to both AMP and APO challenge not seen in the acute treatment group, and appears to be an effective method of producing parkinsonian-like behavior in a large animal.

Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the temporal lobe in complex partial seizures

The anterior mesial portion of the temporal lobe removed from 16 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of complex partial seizures was found to contain tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons. The distribution of these neurons was correlated with the underlying neuropathological features. Ammon's horn sclerosis was present in 8 patients; a ganglioglioma, in 7 patients; and an infarction in the distribution of the middle cerebral artery, in 1 patient. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were found in Ammon's horn of 6 of the 8 patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis, and in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex of all 8 patients with the same pathology. None of these neurons were found in Ammon's horn of the 7 patients with a ganglioglioma, but were found in the subiculum of 5 of the 7 patients and in entorhinal cortex of all 7 patients. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was also studied in 13 control autopsy specimens. No tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were found in Ammon's horn or the subiculum of any of the control specimens, but were found in the entorhinal cortex of 6 of the 13 specimens. The tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the mesial portion of the temporal lobe of patients with complex partial seizures may contribute to the increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase found in neurochemical studies of specimens taken at temporal lobectomy.