[Multidisciplinary regenerative treatment and mechanisms for rescuing a severe calciphylaxis patient with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells]

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease with severe pain and high-mortality due to cutaneous ischemic necrosis and infection that currently lacks proved effective therapies. The occurrence of calciphylaxis in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients is known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), which is characterized histologically by dermal microvessel calcification, intimal fibroplasia and microthrombosis. Here we innovatively treated a severe CUA patient with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). A 34-year-old uremic woman was presented with progressive, painful malodorous ulcers in buttocks and mummified lower limbs. Skin pathological features supported the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. The patient was refractory to conventional multidisciplinary symptomatic therapies. With the approval of our hospital ethics committee, she was treated with hAMSCs including intravenous and local intramuscular injection, and external application of hAMSC culture supernatant to the wound area. During 15-month follow-up, the patient had regeneration of skin and soft tissues, with improved blood biochemical, inflammatory, mineral and bone metabolic indices and immunoregulation effects. After 15-month hAMSC treatment, the score of pain visual analog scale (VAS) decreased from 10 to 0, Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool (BWAT) score decreased from 65 to 13, and wound-quality of life (Wound-QoL) questionnaire score decreased from 68 to 0. We propose that hAMSC treatment is promising for CUA patients. The therapy is potentially involved in the multiple beneficial effects of inhibiting vascular calcification, stimulating angiogenesis and myogenesis, modulating adverse inflammatory and immunologic responses, promoting re-epithelialization and restoring skin integrity.

Terahertz radiation generation from metallic electronic structure manipulated by inhomogeneous DC-fields

We propose a feasible, high-efficiency scheme of primary terahertz (THz) radiation source through manipulating electronic structure (ES) of a metallic film by targeted-designed DC-fields configuration. The DC magnetic field is designed to be of a spatially inhomogeneous strength profile, and its direction is designed to be normal to the film, and the direction of the DC electric field is parallel to the film. Strict quantum theory and numerical results indicate that the ES under such a field configuration will change from a 3D Fermi sphere into a highly-degenerate structure whose density-of-state curve has pseudogap near Fermi surface. Wavefunctions' shapes in this new ES are space-asymmetric, and the width of pseudogap near Fermi surface, as well as magnitudes of transition matrix element, can be handily controlled by adjusting parameter values of DC fields. Under available parameter values, the width of the pseudogap can be at milli-electron-volt level (corresponding to THz radiation frequency), and the magnitude of oscillating dipole can be at [Formula: see text]-level. In room-temperature environment, phonon in metal can pump the ES to achieve population inversion.

[Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in diffuse lung disease: a pathological analysis of 173 cases]

Objective: To evaluate the value of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBCB) in pathological diagnosis for diffuse lung disease. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 173 patients from the first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou medical university between Jaunary 2017 and June 2019 with transbronchial lung cryobiopsy of diffuse lung disease were retrospectively analyzed and summarized with review. Among 173 cases, TBCB and conventional transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were performed in 54 patients. The size of biopsy samples and diagnostic yield were compared. Results: Among 173 cases, the diagnostic yield was 85.54% (148/173) , 160 (92.49%) cases provided definite diagnosis and valuable pathological results, according to age, sex, occupation, past history, contact history, smoking history, laboratory serology and imaging findings. Among 160 cases, there were 72 cases of known etiology (45.00%), 27 cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (16.88%), 7 cases of granulomatous lesions (4.38%) and 54 cases of other types (33.75%). With TBCB and TBLB in 54 patients, the specimens sizes of TBCB and TBLB were (3.3±1.3) mm(2) and (1.0±0.3) mm(2) respectively (t'=12.67 P<0.01) . The diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB were 81.48% (44/54) and 42.59% (23/54) respectively (χ(2)=17.33, P<0.01) . The diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB for interstitial lung diseases were 48.15% (26/54) and 5.56% (3/54) respectively (χ(2)=24.94, P<0.01) . However, the diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB for the other diffuse lung disease except interstitial lung diseases were 33.33% (18/54) and 37.04% (20/54) respectively, with no significant difference (χ(2)=0.1624, P=0.687). Conclusion: Compared with TBLB, TBCB has obvious advantages and application value in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary diseases, especially interstitial pulmonary diseases.

[A real-world study of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To recognize the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Henan Province, Huashan Hospital of Shanghai and the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China between November 2017 to August 2018 were enlisted. All patients received OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV antiviral therapy. HCV RNA levels were measured at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24, then 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after completion of treatment; patients' comorbidity, concomitant medications, and clinical adverse events were recorded. Results: 108 patients were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 49.1 years, 44 patients were male (40.8%), 96.3% (104/108) were newly diagnosed, and four patients had previous treatment history, of whom three were treated with IFN and one with IFN + DAA. Ninety-eight cases completed 12 weeks treatment and 89 cases were in follow up for 12 weeks, after discontinuation of the drug. Overall, 89 cases (100%) achieved SVR12.One patient treated with PR and DAA had HCV RNA level of 869175 IU/mL at 4 weeks of treatment, which was significantly higher than the baseline HCV RNA level (301776IU/ML), and was judged as failure of treatment; and follow-up was discontinued. Of all enrolled patients, 19 (17.6%) had underlying diseases and 15 (13.9%) had combined medications. During treatment, adverse events (AE) occurred in 11 patients (10.1%). The main adverse events were pruritus and elevated bilirubin. Conclusion: Combined antiviral therapy (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) of 12 weeks are highly effective with good safety profile in the treatment of Chinese patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C.

An Effective Bacterial Fucosidase for Glycoprotein Remodeling

Fucose is an important component of many oligo- and polysaccharide structures as well as glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are often associated with a variety of physiological processes ranging from fertilization, embryogenesis, signal transduction, and disease progression, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, and cancer. The enzyme α-l-fucosidase is involved in the cleavage of the fucosidic bond in glycans and glycoconjugates, particularly the Fuc-α-1,2-Gal, Fuc-α-1,3/4-GlcNAc, and Fuc-α-1,6-GlcNAc linkages. Here, we report a highly efficient fucosidase, designated as BfFucH identified from a library of bacterial glycosidases expressed in E. coli from the CAZy database, which is capable of hydrolyzing the aforementioned fucosidic linkages, especially the α-1,6-linkage from the N-linked Fuc-α-1,6-GlcNAc residue on glycoproteins. Using BfFucH coupled with endoglycosidases and the emerging glycosynthases allows glycoengineering of IgG antibodies to provide homogeneous glycoforms with well-defined glycan structures and optimal effector functions.

Effect of Selenium Against Lead-Induced Damage on the Gene Expression of Heat Shock Proteins and Inflammatory Cytokines in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Chickens

The possible beneficial role of selenium (Se) in heat shock proteins (HSPs) and inflammation damage induced by lead (Pb) in chickens is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Se against Pb on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of HSPs (HSP 27, 40, 60, 70, and 90); heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); and the inflammatory cytokines nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens. A total of 360 1-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 90/group). The control group was fed a basic diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se and 0.5 mg/kg Pb; the Se supplementation group (+Se group) was fed a Se-adequate (sodium selenite) diet containing 1 mg/kg Se and 0.5 mg/kg Pb; the Pb-supplemented group (+Pb group) was fed a Pb acetate diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb; and the Se and Pb compound group (Se + Pb group) was fed a diet containing 1 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb. The blood was collected and examined for the mRNA levels of HSP and inflammatory cytokine genes at 30 and 60 days old. The results showed that Pb poisoning induced the mRNA expression of HSPs and inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens. In addition, Se alleviated the Pb-induced increase in HSP and inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes. In conclusion, Se can antagonize the toxic effects of Pb on chickens and protect the chickens' peripheral blood lymphocytes in normal physiological function.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Against Lead Toxicity on mRNA Levels of 25 Selenoprotein Genes in the Cartilage Tissue of Broiler Chicken

The interactions between the essential element selenium (Se) and the toxic element lead (Pb) have been reported extensively; however, little is known about the effect of Se on Pb toxicity and the expression pattern of selenoproteins in the cartilage of chicken. To investigate the effects of Se on Pb toxicity and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of selenoproteins in cartilage tissue, an in vitro study was performed on 1-day-old broiler chickens (randomly allocated into four groups) with diet of different concentration of Se and Pb. After 90 days, the meniscus cartilage and sword cartilage tissue were examined for the mRNA levels of 25 selenoprotein genes. The results showed that Se and Pb influenced the expression of selenoprotein genes in the chicken cartilage tissue. In detail, Se could alleviate the downtrend of the expression of Gpx1, Gpx2, Gpx4, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Dio1, Dio2, Seli, Selu, Sepx1, Selk, Selw, Selo, Selm, Sep15, Sepnn1, Sels, and Selt induced by Pb exposure in the meniscus cartilage. In the sword cartilage, Se alleviated the downtrend of the expression of Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Dio2, Dio3, Seli, Selh, SPS2, Sepx1, Selk, Selw, Selo, Selm, Sep15, Selpb, Sepn1, and Selt induced by Pb exposure. The present study provided some compensated data about the roles of Se against Pb toxicity in the regulation of selenoprotein expression.

Effects of dietary selenium deficiency on mRNA levels of twenty-one selenoprotein genes in the liver of layer chicken

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in many life forms due to its occurrence as selenocysteine (Sec) residue in selenoproteins. However, little is known about the expression pattern of selenoproteins in the liver of layer chicken. To investigate the effects of Se deficiency on the mRNA expressions of selenoproteins in the liver tissue of layer chickens, 1-day-old layer chickens were randomly allocated into two groups (n=120/group). The Se-deficient group (-Se) was fed a Se-deficient corn-soy basal diet; the Se-adequate group as control (+Se) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with Se at 0.15 mg/kg (sodium selenite). The liver tissue was collected and examined for mRNA levels of 21 selenoprotein genes at 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days old. The data indicated that the mRNA expressions of Gpx1, Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, Sepn1, Sepp1, Selo, Sepx1, Selu, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Dio1, Dio2, SPS2, Selm, SelPb, Sep15, and Sels were decreased (p<0.05), but not the levels of Dio3 and Seli (p>0.05). The results showed that the mRNA levels of 19 selenoprotein (except Seli and Dio3) genes in the layer chicken liver were regulated by diet Se level. The present study provided some compensated data about the roles of Se in the regulation of selenoproteins.

NO donor KMUP-1 improves hepatic ischemia-reperfusion and hypoxic cell injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling

This study investigates whether KMUP-1 improves hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and hypoxic cell injury via inhibiting Nox2- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pro-inflammation. Rats underwent ischemia by occlusion of the portal vein and hepatic artery for 45 minutes. Reperfusion was allowed for 4 h. Serum was used for analysis of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). DNA extracted from liver homogenate was analyzed by electrophoresis to observe the fragmentation. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was evaluated by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). NO and ROS contents were measured using Griess reagent and 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein, respectively. Proteins levels were visualized by Western blotting. Liver damage was observed under a microscope. Intravenous KMUP-1 (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) reduced I/R-induced ALT and AST levels, DNA fragmentation, ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) and restored the NO levels of I/R rats. KMUP-1 protected the liver architecture from worsening of damage and focal sinusoid congestion, increased endothelium NO synthase (eNOS), guanosine 3', 5'cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), protein kinase G (PKG) and the B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bcl-2/Bax) ratio, attenuated phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE-5A) and cleaved caspase-3 expression in I/R-liver. In hypoxic HepG2 cells, KMUP-1 increased cGMP/PKG, restored peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) and decreased matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), Rho kinase II (ROCK II), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF). KMUP-1 protects liver from I/R-injury and hypoxic hepatocytes from apoptosis-associated free radical generation and pro-inflammation by restoring/increasing NO/cGMP/PPAR-gamma, reducing ROS/Nox2 and inhibiting ROCKII/MMP-9.

NO-releasing xanthine KMUP-1 bonded by simvastatin attenuates bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and delayed fibrosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressing lung injury initiated by pulmonary inflammation (PI). Bleomycin (BLM) is the most common pathogenesis of PF through early PI and extensive extracellular matrix deposition. This study is aimed to determine whether NO-releasing KMUP-1 inhibits PI and PF, and if so, the benefits of KMUP-1S resulted from simvastatin (SIM)-bonding to KMUP-1.

EXPERIMENT APPROACH

C57BL/6 male mice were intra-tracheally administered BLM (4 U/kg) at day 0. KMUP-1 (1-5 mg/kg), KMUP-1S (2.5 mg/kg), SIM (5 mg/kg), Plus (KMUP-1 2.5 mg/kg + SIM 2.5 mg/kg), and clarithromycin (CAM, 10 mg/kg) were orally and daily administered for 7 and 28 days, respectively, to mice, sacrificed at day-7 and day-28 to isolate the lung tissues, for examining the inflammatory and fibrotic signaling and measuring the cell population and MMP-2/MMP-9 activity in broncholaveolar lavage fluid (BAL).

KEY RESULTS

KMUP-1 and KUP-1S significantly decreased neutrophil counts in BAL fluid. Fibroblastic foci were histologically assessed by H&E and Masson's trichrome stain and treated with KMUP-1 and references. Lung tissues were determined the contents of collagen and the expressions of TGF-β, α-SMA, HMGB1, CTGF, eNOS, p-eNOS, RhoA, Smad3, p-Smad3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by Western blotting analyses, respectively. These changes areregulated by NO/cGMP and inhibited by various treatments. KMUP-1 and KMUP-1S predominantly prevented HMGB1/MMP-2 expression at day-7 and reduced TGF-β/phosphorylated Smad3 and CTGF at day-28.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

KMUP-1 and KMUP-S restore eNOS, inhibit iNOS/ROCKII/MMP-2/MMP-9, attenuate histologic collagen disposition and reduce BALF inflammatory cells, potentially useful for the treatment of BLM-lung PF.

KMUP-1 inhibits H441 lung epithelial cell growth, migration and proinflammation via increased NO/CGMP and inhibited RHO kinase/VEGF signaling pathways

This study investigates whether KMUP-1 protects soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in lung epithelial cells in hypoxia, therapeutically targeting epithelial proinflammation. H441 cells were used as a representative epithelial cell line to examine the role of sGC and VEGF in hypoxia and the anti-proinflammatory activity of KMUP-1 in normoxia. Human H441 cells were grown in hypoxia for 24-72 h. KMUP-1 (1, 10, 100 microM) arrested cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, reduced cell survival and migration, increased p21/p27, restored eNOS, increased soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and PKG and inhibited Rho kinase II (ROCK-II). KMUP-1 (0.001-0.1 microM) concentration dependently increased eNOS in normoxia and did not inhibit phosphodiesterase-5A (PDE-5A) in hypoxic cells. Hypoxia-induced factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and VEGF were suppressed by KMUP-1 but not by L-NAME (100 microM). The PKG inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cGMPS (10 microM) blunted the inhibition of ROCK-II by KMUP-1. KMUP-1 inhibited thromboxane A2-mimetic agonist U46619-induced PDE-5A, TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml)-induced iNOS, and ROCK-II and associated phospho-p38 MAPK, suggesting multiple anti-proinflammatory activities. In addition, increased p21/p27 by KMUP-1 at higher concentrations might contribute to an increased Bax/Bcl-2 and active caspase-3/procaspase-3 ratio, concomitantly causing apoptosis. KMUP-1 inhibited ROCK-II/VEGF in hypoxia, indicating its anti-neoplastic and anti-inflammatory properties. KMUP-1 inhibited TNF-alpha-induced iNOS and U46619-induced PDE-5A and phospho-p38 MAPK in normoxia, confirming its anti-proinflammatory action. KMUP-1 could be used as an anti-proinflammatory to reduce epithelial inflammation.

Beyond-limit light focusing in the intermediate zone

We experimentally verify that a new nanolens of a designed plasmonic aperture can focus visible light to a single line with its width smaller than the limit of half the wavelength in the intermediate zone. The experimental measurement indicates that while the near field plays a role to increase the spot size in the near zone, it is negligible at the beyond-limit focused region; i.e., the focused light is dominated by the radiative fields. The image taken by the optical microscope shows that the fields focused have propagated to the far zone. Besides being of academic interest, the nanolens capable in achieving a lower diffraction limit in the intermediate zone is important for application possibilities.

Intrauterine growth retardation leads to the functional change of insulin secretion in the newborn rats

To investigate the observed variation in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in intrauterine growth retarded newborn rats and to explore the mechanism of the variations, Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were allocated into two groups: a control group and an intrauterine energy restricted group. The intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in the rats was induced by 50% calorie restriction in pregnant rats from gestational day 15 until term as compared to the control group. The pancreata of control and IUGR newborn rats were dissected respectively. RT-PCR was used to study the mRNA level related to insulin synthesis and exocytosis. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were done to study the function of the pancreatic islet. We found that birth weight and pancreas mass of IUGR newborn rats were significantly lower than those of controls. Although no significant differences were observed in mRNA level of insulin and PDX-1, the expression of genes related to insulin exocytosis such as munc13-1, vamp-2, syntaxin1a, rab3a were reduced significantly in IUGR newborn rats. IUGR animals were glucose-intolerant. The observed blood insulin level and insulin secretion response to glucose challenge were both found to be at reduced level in IUGR newborn rats as compared with the normal control group rats. With these findings, we hypothesize that IUGR can induce changes in glucose homeostasis due to, at least in part, a reduced function of insulin exocytosis in newborn rats.

Photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene by iron oxide in solid phase

To better understand the photodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in solid phase in natural environment, laboratory experiments were conducted to study the influencing factors, kinetics and intermediate compound of pyrene photodegradation by iron oxides. The results showed that the pyrene photodegradation rate followed the order of alpha-FeOOH>alpha-Fe(2)O(3)>gamma-Fe(2)O(3)>gamma-FeOOH at the same reaction conditions. Lower dosage of alpha-FeOOH and higher light intensity increased the photodegradation rate of pyrene. Iron oxides and oxalic acid can set up a photo-Fenton-like system without additional H(2)O(2) in solid phase to enhance the photodegradation of pyrene under UV irradiation. All reaction followed the first-order reaction kinetics. The half-life (t(1/2)) of pyrene in the system showed the higher efficiencies of using iron oxide as photocatalyst to degrade pyrene. Intermediate compound pyreno was found during photodegradation reactions by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The photodegradation efficiency for PAHs in this photo-Fenton-like system was also confirmed by using the contaminated soil samples. This work provides some useful information to understand the remediation of PAHs contaminated soils by photochemical techniques under practical condition.

Comparison of M22-based ELISA and human-TSH-receptor-based luminescence assay for the measurement of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in patients with thyroid diseases

Previously, a new procedure for measuring serum TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) was reported in which the autoantibodies inhibit binding of a human monoclonal thyroid stimulating antibody M22 to TSHR-coated ELISA plate wells (TRAb ELISA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of this assay in comparison to the second generation TRAb assay (TRAb LIA) based on the recombinant human TSH-receptor and chemiluminescence technology (TRAb LIA). Among the 158 patients, 84 patients suffered from Graves' disease (GD), 34 patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and 40 patients had euthyroid nodular thyroid disease (NTD) without signs of autoimmunity. TRAb measurements were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Out of 84 GD patients, 80 (95.2%) were TRAb positive as detected by the TRAb LIA. One GD patient had TRAb values within the grey zone (1.0-1.5 IU/l). All patients with HT and NTD were negative except in 6 (8.1%) cases whose TRAb values were within the grey zone. On the basis of the recommended cutoff value (TRAb 1.0 IU/l), the TRAb ELISA found 78 of 84 (92.9%) GD patients to be TRAb positive. None of the patients with HT, but two cases (5.0%) with NTD were TRAb positive. The diagnostic sensitivity of the TRAb LIA and TRAb ELISA assays was 95.2 and 92.9%, while the specificity was 100% and 97.3%, respectively. There was a close correlation (r=0.968, p<0.0001) between both assays in 84 patients with GD. Additionally, the between-run imprecision close to the cutoff limit was assessed. The calculated between-run coefficient of variation (CV) of the TRAb ELISA was 28.2% at the recommended cutoff value of 1.0 IU/l. Due to the evaluated imprecision data we propose a higher cutoff value correlating with a between-run CV of 20% (functional assay sensitivity). Our results indicate that due to a worse imprecision the TRAb ELISA has a slightly lower sensitivity and specificity compared to the TRAb LIA assay. These findings suggest that the M22 monoclonal antibody-based TRAb ELISA is not as reliable as other second generation TRAb assays in the diagnosis of Graves' diseases.

Characterization of Munc13-1 and insulin secretion during pancreatic development in rats

Munc13-1 may be a key factor in regulating insulin exocytosis, but its exact expression and role have not been clarified yet, especially during pancreatic development. We attempted to investigate the expression and function of Munc13-1 during embryonic pancreatic development in rats and determine the effects on insulin secretion. In the present study, pancreata of rats at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), E15.5, E18.5, new-born, 21 after birth (P21), and adult stage were dissected under microscope. The rat model of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was made by 50% calorie restriction in pregnant rats from gestational day 15 until term. The expression of Munc13-1 and insulin secretion was studied by the techniques of RTPCR, real-time PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to define the location of Munc13- 1. We found that Munc13-1 was located at islet along with insulin. Insulin- and Munc13-1-specific mRNA were not detected until E12.5 and E15.5, respectively, and increased with the development of the fetus. Western blot showed that Munc13-1 was low at E15.5 and E18.5 and increased later. The blood insulin level and Munc13-1 were reduced simultaneously in IUGR newborn rats compared with normal ones. These results suggest that Munc13-1 exists in pancreas islets during fetus development and its deficiency in the pancreas, as occurs in IUGR, was in accordance with decreased blood insulin level. Munc13-1 may play an essential role in insulin exocytosis.

Aggressive management of acute myocardial infarction: successful outcome in an older patient with cardiogenic shock

A 71-year-old man was referred to our emergency department presenting with acute inferior and right ventricular myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock. He developed ventricular fibrillation 80 minutes after arrival. Immediate defibrillation, mechanical ventilatory support with oxygenation, and inotropic agents were instituted. Despite restoration of sinus rhythm, his hypotension persisted. He promptly received intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation and cardiac catheterisation. Coronary angiography revealed a subtotal occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and complete occlusion of the right coronary artery. Since the right coronary artery was considered to be the infarct-related coronary artery, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was carried out to the right coronary artery only. The patient was extubated and IABP was removed on the second and third admission day, respectively. He was discharged from the hospital eight days later. A second PCI to the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed successfully three weeks later. This case illustrates that in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock, prompt application of IABP and PCI of the infarct-related coronary artery may be beneficial in reducing the catastrophic morbidity and mortality, especially in older patients.

Screening and analysis of bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicines using cell extract and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

As the cost of drug development is always many times more than that of drug discovery, predictive methods aiding in the screening of bioavailable drug candidates are of profound significance. In this paper, a novel method for screening bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was developed by using living cell extract and gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The method was validated by using elemene emulsion injection (EEI), a typical TCM with known active compound, to interact with murine ascites hepatocarcinoma cell strain with high metastatic potential (HCa-F). Finally, the method was applied to screen the bioactive compounds from multi-component zedoary turmeric oil and glucose injection (ZTOGI). After HCa-F cells was incubated in ZTOGI, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) was used to extract the compounds in the cells for GC-MS analysis. Fourteen compounds were detected in the desorption eluate of HCa-F cell extract of ZTOGI, and further identified by MS. Curzerene and beta-elemene were found to be two major bioactive compounds in ZTOGI. These results show that the method developed may be applied to quickly screen the potential bioactive components in TCMs interacting with the target cells.

Effect of buffer species on the thermally induced aggregation of interferon-tau

It is now becoming apparent that a common pathway of protein aggregation involves the unimolecular structural rearrangement from the native state to a slightly expanded aggregation-competent species. It is the goal of this study to understand the aggregation and the effects of buffer on the stability of IFN-tau. In this study, the thermally-induced aggregation of interferon-tau (IFN-tau) is described. By monitoring the aggregation rate in the presence of increasing amounts of sucrose, the relative change in surface area (Deltas) for conversion to the aggregation-competent state can be determined. Under conditions of pH 7 and in 20 mM buffer, the protein displays different aggregation rates depending on the nature of the buffer species. The protein aggregates mostly quickly in phosphate buffer, slower in the presence of Tris and slowest in the presence of histidine. The largest value for Deltas occurs for the histidine-containing samples, where aggregation proceeds via a slightly expanded aggregation competent state with a surface area increase of 7.6%. Furthermore, it appears that histidine binds to the native state of IFN-tau, thereby stabilizing the native state and retarding aggregation. Measurement of the second virial coefficient, B(22), for different formulations indicates that inclusion of histidine has only a small effect on repulsion between protein molecules, suggesting that colloidal stabilization is not the dominant mechanism for stabilization of IFN-tau. This study represents the first detailed biophysical study of specific buffer-induced stabilization, resulting in shifting the equilibrium towards the native state and away form the expanded aggregation-competent species.

Electronic structure of carbon nanotori: the roles of curvature, hybridization, and disorder

An efficient and reasonable procedure is proposed for calculating the electronic structure of carbon nanotori in terms of rotational symmetry, within the tight binding formalism. It is shown that the curvature induced σ(*)-π(*) hybridization effects play an important role in determining the electronic structure of this novel nanostructure. The energy gap of the carbon nanotorus exhibits a well defined oscillation feature with increasing size of the torus, converging to that of the corresponding infinite nanotube, while its density of states spectrum evolves from the characteristic of a zero dimensional system to that of a quasi-one dimensional system. Effects of disorder on the electronic properties are also discussed.

Solution behavior of a novel type 1 interferon, interferon-τ

Interferon-tau (IFN-tau) is a novel cytokine that appears during fetal development of mammals. It is currently being investigated for treatment of viral infections and autoimmune diseases. In order to develop a commercial product, a stable formulation will need to be identified. In this study, the solution behavior of IFN-tau was studied using a variety of biophysical methods. The overall structure of IFN-tau is well defined, with the polypeptide chain folding into a four-helix bundle structure, much like other type 1 interferons. However, its solution behavior has not been characterized. The globular structure has a free energy of unfolding of approximately 4 kcal/mole at room temperature. IFN-tau was found to remain monomeric upon increasing the protein concentration, even up to 60 mg/mL. The overall structure of IFN-tau is maintained across a pH range of 2-8, but is significantly altered in the presence of nonaqueous solvents. However, IFN-tau appears to refold efficiently when diluted into an aqueous medium from a nonaqueous solution. This behavior allows the protein to be formulated in low water content formulations suitable for use in capsules.

Intrahepatic cholestasis as a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of chromaffin cells that secrete catecholamines and several cytokines. The clinical manifestations are protean and may include hypertension, weight loss, sweating, palpitation, headache, anxiety, tremor, nausea, vomiting, and hypercalcemia. The tumor can mimic many unrelated diseases, leading to significant delay and difficulty in diagnosis. We report a case of a 37-yr-old male admitted with jaundice, dark urine, fever, and signs of a systemic inflammatory response. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously enhancing tumor between the pancreatic tail and left kidney. There was no evidence of obstruction to bile flow, neoplastic involvement of the liver or bile ducts, or infectious etiology. The tumor was removed and found to be a pheochromocytoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of interleukin-1beta in the tumor cells. After surgery, the jaundice resolved without further treatment, leading us to the conclusion that it was a paraneoplastic phenomenon possibly related to interleukin-1beta production. We suggest that occult pheochromocytoma should be added to the differential diagnosis of unexplained intrahepatic cholestasis.

Performance Characteristics of Selected Immunoassays for Preliminary Test of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Related Drugs in Urine Specimens

Eight commercially available immunoassays for amphetamines (DRI Amphetamines, CEDIA DAU Amphetamines-Semiquantitative, EMIT d.a.u. Monoclonal Amphetamine/Methamphetamine, Synchron CX Systems AMPH, TDx/TDxFLx Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II, CEDIA Amphetamines/Ecstasy, COBAS INTEGRA Amphetamines, and Abuscreen((R)) OnLine HS Amphetamine/MDMA) are evaluated for their effectiveness in serving as the preliminary test methodology for the analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine/3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA/MDA) and methamphetamine/amphetamine (MA/AM). Standard solutions (in urine matrix) of MDMA, MDA, MA, and AM are used to determine these immunoassays' reactivities (or cross-reactivities) toward these compounds of interest. Case specimens containing MDMA/MDA and MA/AM are also used to study the correlations of the apparent immunoassay MDMA (or MA) concentrations and the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric concentrations of these compounds. Data resulting from this study suggest that CEDIA Amphetamines/Ecstasy can best predict the concentrations of MDMA and MA in case specimens and can also detect the presence of MDMA at low levels, whereas Abuscreen OnLine HS Amphetamine/MDMA can detect both MDMA and MA at low concentrations.

The use of the Minimum Data Set. Home Care in a case management project in Hong Kong

130 hospital-discharged elderly patients received our comprehensive assessment by using a Chinese Minimum Data Set-Home Care (MDS-HC). Our case manager developed and implemented care plans with reference to the computer-generated Clients Assessment Protocols. Results showed that the MDS-HC was sensitive to identify elderly persons' holistic needs, and helpful in formulating all-inclusive care plans.

Left ventricular 4D echocardiogram motion and shape analysis

The article describes the methodology and the processes of modeling the function and the motion of left ventricle using transesophageal echocardiograph. The parameters can be used in studying the functionality of left ventricle, the status of abnormality of myocardial, and the geometric and morphological of left ventricle in shape analysis. The parameters describes the motion of left ventricle are the left ventricular (LV) floating long axis, the morphological parameters. The LV morphological parameters describe the wall motion, the LV chamber cavity variation, the effective R-ratio of endomyocardial chamber of LV, the area surface curvature, and the global surface curvature circularity. The parameters such as stroke volume, ejection fraction used in evaluation of LV functions are also extracted.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid elevates osteoblastic intracellular Ca2+

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is widely used as a pharmacological tool to inhibit lipoxygenases; however, recent evidence suggests that it increases renal intracellular [Ca2+]i via novel mechanisms. Here the effect of NDGA on Ca2+ signaling in MG63 osteoblastic cells was explored using fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. NDGA (2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal comprised an initial rise and an elevated phase over a time period of 4 min. Removing extracellular Ca2+ reduced 2-50 microM NDGA-induced signals by 62+/-2%. After incubation with 50 microM NDGA in Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mM CaCl2 induced an increase in [Ca2+]i. NDGA (50 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increases were not changed by pretreatment with 10 microM of verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine and nicardipine. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (1 microM) inhibited 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases by 69+/-3%. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 had little effect on 50 microM NDGA-induced Ca2+ release. Several other lipoxygenase inhibitors had no effect on basal [Ca2+]i. At a concentration that did not increase basal [Ca2+]i, NDGA (1 microM) did not alter 10 microM ATP- or 1 microM thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Alteration of protein kinase C activity with 1 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 2 microM GF 109203X did not affect 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Together, the results show that NDGA increased [Ca2+]i in osteoblasts in a lipoxygenase-independent manner, by releasing stored Ca2+ in a fashion independent of phospholipase C activity, and by causing Ca2+ influx.

Pasteurella multocida bacteremia due to non-bite animal exposure in cirrhotic patients: report of two cases

Pasteurella species are very small gram-negative coccobacilli. They are normal flora found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of many animals, and can cause various infections including septicemia and pneumonia. Human infection with Pasteurella multocida occurs commonly as a localized cellulitis caused by animal bites. This report described 2 rare cases of P. multocida bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Both patients had a history of contact with sick-appearing stray dogs, but neither had been bitten. P. multocida bacteremia should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices who have a history of non-bite animal exposure. Avoidance of animal contact by immunocompromised patients is the most important factor in preventing pasteurellosis.

Effect of oleamide on Ca(2+) signaling in human bladder cancer cells

The effect of oleamide, a sleep-inducing endogenous lipid in animal models, on intracellular free levels of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in non-excitable and excitable cells was examined by using fura-2 as a fluorescent dye. [Ca(2+)](i) in pheochromocytoma cells, renal tubular cells, osteoblast-like cells, and bladder cancer cells were increased on stimulation of 50 microM oleamide. The response in human bladder cancer cells (T24) was the greatest and was further explored. Oleamide (10-100 microM) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent fashion with an EC(50) of 50 microM. The [Ca(2+)](i) signal comprised an initial rise and a sustained plateau and was reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+) by 85 +/- 5%. After pre-treatment with 10-100 microM oleamide in Ca(2+)-free medium, addition of 3 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a manner dependent on the concentration of oleamide. The [Ca(2+)](i) increase induced by 50 microM oleamide was reduced by 100 microM La(3+) by 40%, but was not altered by 10 microM nifedipine, 10 microM verapamil, and 50 microM Ni(2+). In Ca(2+)-free medium, pre-treatment with thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor, abolished 50 microM oleamide-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases; conversely, pretreatment with 50 microM oleamide reduced 1 microM thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases by 50 +/- 3%. Suppression of the activity of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 failed to alter 50 microM oleamide-induced Ca(2+) release. Linoleamide (10-100 microM), another sleep-inducing lipid with a structure similar to that of oleamide, also induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Together, it was shown that oleamide induced significant [Ca(2+)](i) increases in cells by a phospholipase C-independent release of Ca(2+) from thapsigargin-sensitive stores and by inducing Ca(2+) entry.

The chaperone activity of trigger factor is distinct from its isomerase activity during co-expression with adenylate kinase in Escherichia coli

To investigate the molecular chaperone function of trigger factor (TF) and its relationship with isomerase activity in vivo, the assisted folding of adenylate kinase (AK) by TF in Escherichia coli was examined by measuring the amounts of soluble AK produced during co-expression. When the mutant of chicken AK, P17G, is expressed in plasmid pBVAK, 95% of the protein is found in inclusion bodies. Co-expression of AK with TF was achieved using a plasmid pBVAT that allowed expression of TF and AK in the same plasmid under separate control. Co-expression with TF resulted in an increase in the amount of soluble AK, with a higher increase when TF was expressed at higher levels in the cell. Co-expression of AK with the two TF mutants, Y221G and F233Y, in which peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase activity was 1% of wild-type, gave the same results as wild-type TF. This provides in vivo evidence that the molecular chaperone activity of TF is distinct from its isomerase activity.

Color encoding of the two-dimensional echocardiograms to analyze the echo texture of thickened mitral leaflets

OBJECTIVE

The visual identification of different brightness of two-dimensional echocardiograms has natural limitations. The aim of this study was to perform a color-encoding technique on the echocardiograms and to evaluate whether the thickened mitral valve due to different etiologies may exhibit different colors and textures.

DESIGN

Two-dimensional echocardiograms in parasternal long axis view in late diastole were digitized in 28 patients with thickened mitral valves and 14 age-matched control subjects. These 28 patients included 14 patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and 14 patients with rheumatic change of mitral valve (RMV). The mean gray level of the anterior mitral valve and the skewness of the histogram of gray level distribution of the anterior mitral valve were studied in all cases.

RESULTS

A significantly greater mean gray level of mitral valves in patients with RMV (114 +/- 20, p < 0.001) and lesser mean gray level in patients with MVP (49 +/- 12, p = 0.041) compared to that of control subjects (62 +/- 18) were noted. The mitral valves of the echocardiograms of patients with MVP tended to show a blue-to-green color, while those of RMV tended to show a yellow-to-orange color by this image processing system. Significant differences in skewness of the gray level distribution of mitral valves in control vs RMV (p = 0.001), control vs MVP (p = 0.005), and RMV vs MVP (p < 0.001) were also found.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the thickened mitral valves due to MVP and RMV may exhibit different colors and textures. Digital image processing can provide additional information to conventional echocardiograms in characterizing different echo textures of the heart valves.

Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular volume: correlation with magnetic resonance imaging--a validation study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of our study was to validate the ability of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D) to measure cardiac volume.

METHODS

We studied 25 patients with various cardiac disorders who had a regular heart rhythm and a good precordial echocardiographic window. Each patient underwent complete transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), RT3D, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Left ventricular dimension was calculated from slices of the whole left ventricle obtained by 7 different equidistant azimuth tilts. Planimetry of the endocardial (for volume data) and epicardium (for mass data) surface was performed for each azimuth tilt. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) were calculated. The cardiac mass data were derived with the formula (Epicardial volume - LVEDV) x 1.055. The parameters of LVEDV, LVESV, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac mass were compared with those derived from MRI.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the data from RT3D and MRI (P > or =.05). Good correlations were found between these two methods for left ventricle volume and mass measurements (r from 0.92 to 0.99). However, a weaker correlation was found with larger chamber sizes because extrapolation was necessary for the volume of myocardial segments that were not covered by the small sector angle.

CONCLUSIONS

For data acquisition, RT3D is faster than either TTE or MRI. It is also better than MRI for measuring cardiac volume and mass. To improve results with larger cardiac chamber sizes, enlargement of the sector angle will be necessary.

Mechanism of bifonazole-induced [Ca2+]i increases in MDCK renal tubular cells

The effect of the antifungal drug bifonazole on Ca2+ homeostasis in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated. Cell suspensions were loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2, and the fluorescence changes were measured with a spectrofluorophotometer. At concentrations between 10-80 microM bifonazole increased cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signals were partly inhibited by removing extracellular Ca2+. Bifonazole (40 microM) released Ca2+ from the store sensitive to 1 microM thapsigargin, an endopolasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Bifonazole (40 microM) per se induced capacitative Ca2+ entry while reduced 1 microM thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate may be involved in bifonazole-induced Ca2+ release because inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 partly reduced the bifonazole response. Together, bifonazole increased [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by inducing intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx.

Prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with myocardial infarction using APACHE II system

BACKGROUND

The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) scoring system has been validated in many different patient populations, however, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) were not included in the original data base. To evaluate the ability of APACHE scoring system in predicting in-hospital mortality, 694 patients with MI were studied.

METHODS

Data had been collected prospectively in an ICU computer database in the past 3 years. Patients admitted in coronary care unit with acute MI or acute coronary syndrome who had previous history of MI were all included. Patients were divided into survivor and non-survivor data sets. Multiple logistic regression analysis was evaluated on the variables of APACHE II score to determine which variables could predict in-hospital mortality. A logistic regression model was used to study the mortality curves. The differences of APACHE II scores between survivors and non-survivors were compared. Correlation between observed and predicted mortality was also assessed.

RESULTS

According to the statistical analysis, the non-survivors tended to have significantly greater APACHE II scores than those of survivors. The APACHE II values of non-survivors and survivors were 23.64 +/- 9.41 versus 13.35 +/- 7.14 (p < 0.001), respectively. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that age, creatinine, coma scale, sodium and APACHE II score were capable of predicting the in-hospital mortality (p < 0.05). With use of the logistic model, a good correlation of predicted mortality rate to observed mortality rate was found (r = 0.992). This study demonstrated that lower APACHE II scores predicted survival while high scores predicted mortality. Mortality rate increased significantly when APACHE II score was > 25. An APACHE II score greater than 28.25 predicted a more than 50% in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the APACHE II scoring system is capable of predicting mortality in patients with MI, which makes this modality more applicable in the busy intensive care unit.

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva: a review of five year experience

BACKGROUND

Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva (SVA) are uncommon congenital lesions. The clinical presentations vary from asymptomatic to progressive heart failure following rupture of the aneurysm into an adjacent cardiac chamber. Retrograde aortogram is the diagnostic tool of choice preoperatively. Recent studies have demonstrated that the SVA can be accurately diagnosed using transthoracic two-dimensional, and color Doppler flow mapping, even for surgical preparation without cardiac catheterization. We report our 5-year experience of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the evaluation of SVA.

METHODS

Eleven adult patients with SVA with or without rupture were studied using both TTE and TEE. All of the diagnoses were subsequently comfirmed by either cardiac catheterization or surgical findings.

RESULTS

Aneurysms originated in the right coronary sinus (n = 9) and noncoronary sinus (n = 2); they ruptured into the right ventricle in 5 patients and the right atrium in 5 patients. An unruptured right SVA was noted in 1 patient. Both TTE and TEE could identify the site of the aneurysm, rupture sites, and the receiving chamber equally well. Co-existent cardiac lesions included 11 cases of valvular aortic regurgitation (mild in 7, moderate in 2 and severe in 2). Two cases of perimembranous type ventricular septal defect (VSD) and 6 cases of supracristal type VSD (including 1 case of tetraology of Fallot, 3 supracristal, 1 muscular and 1 subaortic) were noted. Three cases were complicated with valvular vegetations (1 aortic valve, 1 aortic and tricuspid valve and 1 aortic and pulmonic valve). One patient had patent ductus arteriosus and 2 patients had pulmonic valvular stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TEE provides clearer definition for the detailed anatomy of the ruptured sac and co-existent cardiac lesions than TTE through high resolution and closer approach. We conclude that TEE is a powerful complementary diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with SVA. TEE also provides additionally useful information for guiding the surgical approach and for assessing the operative results even without cardiac catheterization.

Effects of the antianginal drug fendiline on Ca2+ movement in hepatoma cells

This study investigated the effect of the anti-anginal drug, fendiline, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in HA/ 22 human hepatoma cells by using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ dye. Fendiline (1-100 microM) increased [Ca2+]i with an EC50 of 25 microM. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the [Ca2+]i signals by 51 +/- 5%. Fendiline (10 microM)-induced Ca2+ release was abolished by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122) did not alter 10 microM fendiline-induced Ca2+ release. Several other calmodulin antagonists, such as phenoxybenzamine (100-200 microM), trifluoperazine (5-50 microM), and fluphenazine-N-chloroethane (2-100 microM), had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Together, it was found that fendiline increased [Ca2+]i in human hepatoma cells by discharging Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and by inducing Ca2+ entry. This effect of fendiline does not appear to be via antagonism of calmodulin.

Clomiphene, an ovulation-inducing agent, causes [Ca2+]i increases in human osteoblast-like cells

The effect of clomiphene, an ovulation-inducing agent, on cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells was explored by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. Clomiphene at concentrations between 5-75 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 50 microM. The [Ca2+]i signal consisted of an initial rise and a sustained phase. Ca2+ removal reduced the Ca2+ signal by 40+/-10%. The [Ca2+]i increase induced by 50 microM clomiphene was inhibited by 80+/-5% by 10 microM nifedipine, but was insensitive to 50 microM La3+ or 10 microM verapamil. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 50 microM brefeldin A (to disrupt the Golgi complex Ca2+ store), 1 microM thapsigargin (to inhibit the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump), and carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; to uncouple mitochondria) inhibited 51+/-3% of 50 microM clomiphene-induced Ca2+ release; conversely, pretreatment with 50 microM clomiphene abolished the [Ca2+]i increase induced by thapsigargin, CCCP, and brefeldin A. The Ca2+ release-induced by 50 pM clomiphene was unchanged by inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). Collectively, the results suggest that clomiphene increased [Ca2+]i, in osteoblast-like cells, by releasing intracellular Ca2+ in a phospholipase C-independent manner and by causing nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ influx.

Anapole moment and other constraints on the strangeness conserving Hadronic weak interaction

Standard analyses of low-energy NN and nuclear parity-violating observables have been based on a pi-, rho-, and omega-exchange model capable of describing all five independent s-p partial waves. Here a parallel analysis is performed for the one-body, exchange-current, and nuclear polarization contributions to the anapole moments of 133Cs and 205Tl. The resulting constraints are not consistent, though there remains some degree of uncertainty in the nuclear structure analysis of the atomic moments.

Significance of cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase release after coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin I is a highly sensitive and specific marker for early detection of myocardial injury. Whether it can be used to monitor myocardial injury after coronary intervention is uncertain. This study was designed to measure the cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase (CK) after coronary intervention and investigate their clinical significance.

METHODS

We measured cardiac troponin I and CK levels before intervention and 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after apparently successful coronary intervention in 106 eligible patients. Nine patients were excluded due to missing data. We also followed up the clinical outcome to record major cardiac events (MACE).

RESULTS

The frequency of cardiac troponin I increase after coronary intervention was higher than that of CK increase (40.2% vs 8.2%). The frequency of cardiac troponin I increase in the stent group was significantly higher than that in the PTCA group (49.2% vs 21.9%, p < 0.001). The frequency of cardiac troponin I increase was also higher than that of CK increase in patients with in-hospital events (58.8% vs 14.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac troponin I is more sensitive than creatine kinase in detecting myocardial injury after coronary intervention. The incidence of cardiac troponin I increase is significantly higher in patients undergoing stenting than in patients treated with balloon angioplasty only. The cardiac troponin I increase is more highly correlated with in-hospital events than is creatine kinase.

Does inadequate exercise lower the accuracy of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy?

The predictive accuracy of exercise myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (EMPS) in detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who fail to achieve an adequate level of exercise is not clear. This investigation was carried out in order to compare the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EMPS in adequate exercise patients with those in inadequate exercise patients. We have retrospectively compared the results of EMPS with coronary angiography (CAG). One hundred and forty-eight patients with both tests within 6 weeks were included. Adequate exercise was defined as > or = 85% maximally predicted heart rate for age. The overall sensitivity and specificity of EMPS to detect CAD were 92.5% (74/80) and 75%, (51/68), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in adequate exercise patients were 94.1% (32/34) and 67.6% (23/34), whereas those in inadequate exercise patients were 91.3% (42/46) and 82.4% (28/34). The accuracy was 80.9% (55/68) and 87.5% (70/80), respectively. Patients with inadequate exercise had lower sensitivity but higher specificity of EMPS for detecting CAD, and achieved a higher accuracy than those with adequate exercise.

AM-404 elevates renal intracellular Ca(2+), questioning its selectivity as a pharmacological tool for investigating the anandamide transporter

The effect of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM-404), a drug commonly used to inhibit the anandamide transporter, on intracellular free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) was studied in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. [Ca(2+)](i) was measured using fura-2 as a Ca(2+) indicator. Between 2 and 40 microM, AM-404 increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent fashion with an EC(50) value of 20 microM. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) abolished the [Ca(2+)](i) signals. The [Ca(2+)](i) increase was nearly abrogated by 10 microM La(3+), but was insensitive to 50 microM Ni(2+) and 10 microM of nifedipine, nimodipine, nicardipine, and verapamil. At a concentration that did not increase [Ca(2+)](i), AM-404 (1 microM) did not alter the [Ca(2+)](i) increases induced by 10 microM ATP and 1 microM bradykinin. AM-404 (5 microM) also increased [Ca(2+)](i) in Chang liver cells, PC3 human prostate cancer cells, BFTC human bladder cancer cells, and MG63 human osteoblast-like cells. Together, this study shows for the first time that AM-404 at concentrations commonly used to inhibit the anandamide transporter in various systems induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in different cell types. The [Ca(2+)](i) increase was solely due to extracellular Ca(2+) influx. Thus caution must be exercised in using AM-404 as a selective inhibitor of the anandamide transporter.

High-angle annular dark-field imaging of self-assembled Ge islands on Si(0 0 1)

Low-resolution high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging is applied to the study of coherent Ge islands on a Si(0 0 1) substrate. Experimental HAADF images reveal a complicated pattern for a coherent Ge island under (0 0 1) zone axis conditions due to strain-induced interband scattering between different Bloch-wave branches. This complicated pattern varies with objective aperture size and defocus because of the effect from the depth of field. This suggests that the strain field of a coherent Ge island can be mapped out in 3 dimensions using HAADF imaging. When samples are tilted away from dynamical conditions, image contrast agrees with the predictions from atomic number variation (Z contrast). Therefore, quantitatively compositional analysis is feasible under kinematical imaging conditions when strain contrast is suppressed. Simulations using multi-beam Bloch-wave theory agree well with the experimental images on the complicated strain-induced and through-focus images.

Detection of glutamic acid decarboxylase-activated T cells with I-Ag7 tetramers

CD4(+) T cells selected by the type 1 diabetes associated class II MHC I-A(g7) molecules play a critical role in the disease process. Multivalent MHC/peptide tetramers have been used to directly detect antigen-specific T cells. Detection of autoantigen-activated CD4(+) T cells with tetramers should be very helpful in the study of the roles of these cells in diabetes. We report here the generation of tetramers of I-A(g7) covalently linked to two glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) peptides and the detection of GAD peptide-activated T cells from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. The I-A(g7) heterodimers can form stable complexes with a covalently bound GAD peptide and can stimulate antigen specific T cells. Furthermore, I-A(g7)/GAD peptide tetramer can detect most if not all of the antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells from immunized NOD mice. Antigen-specific T cells detected by the tetramers can up-regulate their CD4 expression on the cell surface after being restimulated with the GAD peptides in vitro. In contrast, the tetramers can detect a percentage of T cells in lymph nodes and spleens and T cells infiltrating islets from nonimmunized mice that is not significantly above the background. Therefore, T cells specific for the GAD peptides are present in NOD mice at a frequency too low to be detected, but immunization of NOD mice can facilitate their detection by tetramers.

Computerized-tomography-guided percutaneous tumor ablation using acetic acid injection in an aldosterone-producing tumor--a novel therapy

We report the first case of an adrenocortical tumor that was successfully ablated using computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous acetic acid injection. A 57-year-old woman presented with recurrent sudden onset of general weakness, polyuria, hypokalemia and low plasma renin activity with a high aldosterone level. The computerized tomogram and sonogram of the abdomen demonstrated a well-defined low-density tumor in the right adrenal gland. Under CT guidance, we successfully ablated the tumor using percutaneous acetic acid injection. This procedure took only 40 minutes and required only local anesthesia. The patient was up and walking the following day. During the next 2 years of clinical follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence.

TEM measurement of strain in coherent quantum heterostructures

We report on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique that can be used to measure strain due to individual nanometer-scale coherent heterostructures such as quantum dots or inclusions. The measurement relies on two-beam imaging and on an approximation that employs a universal model for lattice plane bending. We demonstrate that analysis is simple and accurate. Using this method, we measured the average strain in dome-shaped Ge islands grown on Si (0 0 1). We found that the method of specimen preparation can significantly affect the observed strain in these islands.