Imbibition of Femtoliter-Scale DNA-Rich Aqueous Droplets into Porous Nylon Substrates by Molecular Printing

This work presents the first reported imbibition mechanism of femtoliter (fL)-scale droplets produced by microchannel cantilever spotting (μCS) of DNA molecular inks into porous substrates (hydrophilic nylon). Differently from macroscopic or picoliter droplets, the downscaling to the fL-size leads to an imbibition process controlled by the subtle interplay of evaporation, spreading, viscosity, and capillarity, with gravitational forces being quasi-negligible. In particular, the minimization of droplet evaporation, surface tension, and viscosity allows for a reproducible droplet imbibition process. The dwell time on the nylon surface permits further tuning of the droplet lateral size, in accord with liquid ink diffusion mechanisms. The functionality of the printed DNA molecules is demonstrated at different imbibed oligonucleotide concentrations by hybridization with a fluorolabeled complementary sequence, resulting in a homogeneous coverage of DNA within the imbibed droplet. This study represents a first step toward the μCS-enabled fabrication of DNA-based biosensors and microarrays into porous substrates.

Isolation of functional mitochondria by inertial microfluidics – a new method to sort intracellular organelles from a small scale biological sample

Isolation of subcellular fractions from a limited amount of clinical sample is imperative for the continuous advancement of biological and clinical research.

The effects of isoflavones combined with soy protein on lipid profiles, C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk among postmenopausal Chinese women

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Observational studies note that regular dietary soy protein intake (6-11 g day(-1)) has a significant association with lower blood lipids; however, these observations have not been confirmed by clinical trials. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of moderate intake of soy protein (15 g) with isoflavones or isoflavones alone on serum lipid profiles, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and uric acid) and composite cardiovascular risk in Chinese postmenopausal, prediabetic women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A double-blind randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 180 postmenopausal Chinese women with prediabetes or early untreated diabetes, aged 46-70 years and, on average, 6.0 years since menopause. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three arms to receive 15-g soy protein and 100-mg isoflavone (Soy group), or 15-g milk protein and 100 mg isoflavone (Iso group) or 15-g milk protein (placebo group) on a daily basis for 6 months. The results showed that no significant difference was observed in serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triaclyglycerol (TG), high sensitive C-reactive protein and a composite 10-year cardiovascular risk between the three groups at both 3 and 6 months. Serum uric acid marginally increased by 1.22% in the Soy group and decreased by 4.28% and 4.82% in the Iso and placebo groups at 3 months (P = 0.087), but no difference was observed at 6 months (P = 0.264).

CONCLUSION

Soy protein with isoflavones or isoflavones alone at the provided dosage showed no significantly beneficial effects on measured cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal Chinese women with early hyperglycaemia.

Quantum dots in molecular detection of disease

The unique photophysical properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have made them ideal for use as spectral labels and luminescent probes. In this review, applications are presented in which QDs function as active participants in nanoscale biosensor assemblies, where replacing traditional molecular fluorophores results in improved assay performance. Specific focus is on disease detection with applications including multiplexed target detection, mutation detection by coincidence analysis and QD-based FRET reporters for miRNA detection and DNA methylation analysis.

Mass Spectrometry in Microbial Forensics

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become a powerful tool to identify microbial biomarkers. Rapid and reliable identification of microorganisms by MS without extensive sample pretreatment is now possible. An effective microbial forensics program requires accurate characterization of pathogens to indicate their presence. MS methods provide such capabilities for forensic analysis. MS methods currently utilized for microbial analyses are reviewed. Techniques including capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and pyrolysis that are coupled to MS analysis are described. A brief introduction to the two advanced ionization techniques, electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, for MS is provided in this review. Methods based on characterization of biomarkers including proteins, DNA molecules, lipids, and other small molecules are reviewed.

Ethyl acetate extract of Chinese medicinal herb Sarcandra glabra induces growth inhibition on human leukemic HL-60 cells, associated with cell cycle arrest and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio

Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai, colloquially known as Caoshanhu, is a Chinese medicinal herb with reported anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and non-specific immunoenhancing properties. Although the plant has been clinically used for treating a variety of diseases, its bioactive ingredients are largely unknown and its mode of action has never been investigated. In this study, the anti-tumor property of ethyl acetate (EA) extract of S. glabra was investigated by determining its in vitro growth-inhibitory effects on a panel of human cancer cell lines of different histotypes. Growth inhibition of the EA extract on the cancer cells seemed to be selective, and the leukemic HL-60 was found to be the most responsive after 48 h of treatment (IC50=58 microg/ml). Flow cytometric studies further illustrated that the extract might interfere with DNA replication and thus arrested the cell cycle at S phase in the leukemic cells, followed by DNA fragmentation and loss of phospholipid asymmetry in the plasma membrane after 72 h of treatment. Concurrently, the pro-apoptotic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also up-regulated by more than 178% of the control level. All these findings suggested that the extract had initiated apoptosis to kill the leukemic cells. Results from this pioneer study help to establish a scientific foundation for future research and development of the bioactive ingredients in EA extract of S. glabra as efficacious anti-cancer agents.

Changes of brachial flow-mediated vasodilation in different ischemic stroke subtypes

The relationship between endothelial dysfunction and stroke subtypes is unclear. We prospectively measured brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in 143 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 40 controls. The overall stroke patients had impaired FMD, but only lacunar infarction had significantly impaired FMD vs the controls. Impaired FMD was an independent predictor for lacunar infarction. Ischemic stroke is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is more conspicuous in lacunar infarction.

Lipid peroxidation: a possible role in the induction and progression of chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the destruction of the periodontium during inflammatory periodontal diseases. The imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant activity may be a key factor in the damaging effects of ROS. This study aimed to determine the lipid peroxidation levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva, and glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva were collected from 13 patients and 9 healthy control subjects during the preliminary study, and from 21 patients during the subsequent study. Lipid peroxidation level, GSH level and GPx activity were determined by spectrophotometric assay.

RESULTS

The preliminary study found that when comparing patients to healthy controls, the gingival crevicular fluid samples produced the following results, respectively: higher lipid peroxidation concentration (microm) (by sites: 167.55 vs. 53.71, p < 0.0001; by subjects: 151.99 vs. 50.66, p < 0.005) and total amount (pmol) (by sites: 93.02 vs. 8.47, p < 0.0001, by subjects: 80.44 vs. 7.84, p < 0.0005). In saliva samples, lower GSH concentration (microm) (373.04 vs. 606.67, p < 0.05), higher lipid peroxidation concentration (microm) (0.66 vs. 0.13, p < 0.0005), and no difference in GPx activity were found in patients than in those of healthy controls. The subsequent study showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement of clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing attachment level, probing pocket depth and gingival crevicular fluid volume), decreases in gingival crevicular fluid lipid peroxidation levels (concentration and total amount) at the sites after the completion of phase 1 periodontal treatment. Similarly, the periodontal treatment resulted in a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation concentrations (p < 0.05), increase in GSH concentration (p < 0.001), and no change in GPx activity in saliva samples.

CONCLUSION

The increased levels of lipid peroxidation may play a role in the inflammation and destruction of the periodontium in periodontitis.

Comparison of the severity of illness scoring systems for critically ill cirrhotic patients with renal failure

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates of cirrhotic patients with renal failure admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) are high. End-stage liver disease is frequently complicated by disturbances of renal function. This investigation is aimed to compare the predicting ability of acute physiology, age, chronic health evaluation II and III (APACHE II and III), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and Child-Pugh scoring systems, obtained on the first day of ICU admission, for hospital mortality in critically ill cirrhotic patients with renal failure.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with liver cirrhosis and renal failure were admitted to ICU from April 2001-March 2002. Information considered necessary for computing the Child-Pugh, SOFA, APACHE II and APACHE III score on the first day of ICU admission was prospectively collected.

RESULTS

The overall hospital mortality rate was 86.6%. Liver disease was most commonly attributed to hepatitis B viral infection. The development of renal failure was associated with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Goodness-of-fit was good for SOFA, APACHE II and APACHE III scores. The APACHE III and SOFA models reported good areas under receiver operating characteristic curve (0.878 +/- 0.050 and 0.868 +/- 0.051, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Renal failure is common in critically ill patients with cirrhosis. The prognosis for cirrhotic patients with renal failure is poor. APACHE III and SOFA showed excellent discrimination power in this group of patients. They are superior to APACHE II and Child-Pugh scores in this homogenous group of patients.

Elevated serum levels of a c-erbB-2 oncogene product in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVES

Amplification of the proto-oncogene c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) has been shown to be a prognostic marker in many kinds of cancer including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In order to obtain further information on the c-erbB-2 gene product p185, it is necessary to quantify expression levels. In this study we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the extracellular domain of p185 to determine whether a soluble oncoprotein fragment can be detected in the serum of OSCC patients.

METHOD

Sera from 84 OSCC patients, 51 breast cancer patients (as positive controls), and 15 healthy controls were assayed in an ELISA. To study c-erbB-2 overexpression in OSCC, and breast cancer tissue samples we used an immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTS

The mean serum value (ng/ml, mean/SD) for the normal controls was 8.46/1.29. We chose the 95% level of normal controls as a cut-off to distinguish individuals with elevated levels. The breast cancer patients' and OSCC patients' serum values were 13.83/6.82 and 13.1/4.56, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) were observed between normal control and OSCC, normal control and the breast cancer group. Immunohistochemically detectable p185 (intermediate to high) was noted in 30 of 61 OSCC, and 24 of 51 breast cancer patients. There was a trend of association of serum oncoprotein fragment levels with tumor stages, but not with tumor sizes, nodal stages, metastases, and oral habits including betel quid chewing, alcohol drinking and smoking in the OSCC group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study raise the possibility that soluble c-erbB-2 protein levels in serum is a useful parameter for monitoring the disease status as well as the effect of therapy on patients with OSCC.

Agreements among traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine was frequently used by patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

AIM

To evaluate the agreement on diagnoses and prescription of irritable bowel syndrome among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

METHODS

Consecutive irritable bowel syndrome patients were interviewed independently by four Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. The study was divided into three phases: (i) blinded individual assessment, (ii) discussion to achieve consensus on diagnosis and treatment, (iii) individual assessment based on consensual diagnostic criteria. Patients with other causes of diarrhoea were recruited as controls in phase (iii). Percentage agreement and kappa-value in diagnosis, treatment principle and regime were determined.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine irritable bowel syndrome patients were assessed in phase (i) whereas 65 irritable bowel syndrome patients and 17 non-irritable bowel syndrome controls were studied in phase (iii). The mean agreement rates in diagnosis, treatment principle and regimen were: 57, 58 and 52% for phase (i) and 80, 81 and 80% for phase (iii) (P = 0.002). Accordingly, there was significant improvement in the mean kappa-values in diagnosis (0.11-0.34, P = 0.015) and treatment principle (0.16-0.37, P = 0.002) but not in treatment regime.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in diagnosis and treatment principles do exist among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Concordant diagnosis can be reached by mutual understanding and converging opinion among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Potential new antitumor agents from an innovative combination of demethylcantharidin, a modified traditional Chinese medicine, with a platinum moiety

A combination of demethylcantharidin, a modified component of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a platinum moiety has produced a series of TCM-based platinum compounds [Pt(C(8)H(8)O(5))(NH(2)R)(2)] 1-5, which demonstrate selective cytotoxicity toward SK-Hep-1 (human liver) cell line, and circumvention of cross-resistance. The inclusion of demethylcantharidin rendered the compounds highly active as protein phosphatase (PP2A) inhibitors. The new TCM-Pt compounds may possess a novel dual mechanism of antitumor action: inhibition of PP2A and platination of DNA.

Kurstakins: a new class of lipopeptides isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis

A novel class of lipopeptides was isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki HD-1. Four compounds (1-4) were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and their primary structures determined using a combination of chemical reactions and mass spectrometry. The four lipopeptides were found to have the same amino acid sequence, Thr-Gly-Ala-Ser-His-Gln-Gln, but different fatty acids. The fatty acyl chain is linked to the N-terminal amino acid residue via an amide bond. Each lipopeptide has a lactone linkage between the carboxyl terminal amino acid and the hydroxyl group in the side chain of the serine residue. Antifungal activity was demonstrated against Stachybotrys charatum.

Simultaneous determination of seven major isosteroidal alkaloids in bulbs of Fritillaria by gas chromatography

The present paper describes the development of a most simple, sensitive, and specific gas chromatographic method to date, for the direct determination of seven major bioactive isosteroidal alkaloids, namely ebeiedine, ebeiedinone, ebeienine, hupehenine, isoverticine, verticine, verticinone and imperialine, in Fritillaria species, a commonly used antitussive traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb. In the present study, a commercially available Supelco SAC-5 capillary column (30 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 microm) specifically designed for the analysis of steroids was utilized for the direct determination of Fritillaria alkaloids. Calibration curves were obtained by spiking authentic compounds and the internal standard (solanidine) into herbal samples prior to extraction. Extraction was conducted simply by shaking the pre-alkalized diethyl ether solution (5.0 ml) containing dried herb (0.1 g) for 2 h. All calibration curves showed good linear regressions (r2>0.995) within test ranges. The assay was reproducible and accurate with the overall intra- and inter-day variation and accuracy of less than 10% and more than 90%, respectively. The developed GC method was successfully utilized to analyze seven major bioactive alkaloids in seven Fritillaria species, and the results demonstrate that this direct GC analytical method is suitable for the quality control of this commonly used antitussive TCM herb.

Contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography does not aggravate the clinical severity of patients with severe acute pancreatitis: reevaluation of the effect of intravenous contrast medium on the severity of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) is useful in demonstrating pancreatitis necrosis, but the administration of contrast medium in animal models with acute pancreatitis may worsen the severity.

HYPOTHESIS

The use of contrast-enhanced CT in clinical patients with acute pancreatitis may actually aggravate the severity of the disease.

DESIGN

A randomized prospective study.

SETTING

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

PATIENTS

Twenty patients with severe acute pancreatitis were randomly divided into 2 groups. Those in group A (n = 10) underwent a CT examination with a contrast-enhanced medium, and those in group B (n = 10) underwent a CT examination without a contrast-enhanced medium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The patients' serum amylase, lipase, C-reactive protein, leukocyte, glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate levels were serially checked before the CT examination and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the examination was performed. The biochemical data between the 2 groups were compared. The morbidity, length of stay, and mortality were also compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in the level of pancreatic enzymes, C-reactive proteins, and leukocytes and in the biochemical data of either group before or after the CT examination. The difference in the previously examined values between the 2 groups was also not significant. There was also no difference in the morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT does not aggravate the severity of clinical patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Metastable decay of peptide ions on a Fourier transform mass spectrometer equipped with an external ion source

Metastable decay rates of two peptides, RPPGFSPF and PKPQQFFGLM, were determined from ions produced in an external matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization source with a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. An isolation and subtraction method that gives difference spectra was employed to monitor the product formation and metastable decays. The dependence of metastable decay rates on laser fluences and matrixes was demonstrated.

Identification of Bacillus spores by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry

Unique patterns of biomarkers were reproducibly characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-mass spectrometry and were used to distinguish Bacillus species members from one another. Discrimination at the strain level was demonstrated for Bacillus cereus spores. Lipophilic biomarkers were invariant in Bacillus globigii spores produced in three different media and in B. globigii spores stored for more than 30 years. The sensitivity was less than 5,000 cells deposited for analysis. Protein biomarkers were also characterized by MALDI analysis by using spores treated briefly with corona plasma discharge. Protein biomarkers were readily desorbed following this treatment. The effect of corona plasma discharge on the spores was examined.

Microorganism identification by mass spectrometry and protein database searches

A method for rapid identification of microorganisms is presented, which exploits the wealth of information contained in prokaryotic genome and protein sequence databases. The method is based on determining the masses of a set of ions by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry of intact or treated cells. Subsequent correlation of each ion in the set to a protein, along with the organismic source of the protein, is performed by searching an Internet-accessible protein database. Convoluting the lists for all ions and ranking the organisms corresponding to matched ions results in the identification of the microorganism. The method has been successfully demonstrated on B. subtilis and E. coli, two organisms with completely sequenced genomes. The method has been also tested for identification from mass spectra of mixtures of microorganisms, from spectra of an organism at different growth stages, and from spectra originating at other laboratories. Experimental factors such as MALDI matrix preparation, spectral reproducibility, contaminants, mass range, and measurement accuracy on the database search procedure are addressed too. The proposed method has several advantages over other MS methods for microorganism identification.

High prevalence of TT virus infection in healthy children and adults and in patients with liver disease in Taiwan

A newly identified DNA virus, named TT virus (TTV), was found to be related to transfusion-associated hepatitis. We conducted the following experiments to evaluate its pathogenic role in liver disease and potential modes of transmission. We used PCR to detect TTV DNA in serum. The rates of TTV viremia in 13 patients with idiopathic acute hepatitis, 14 patients with idiopathic fulminant hepatitis, 22 patients with chronic hepatitis, and 19 patients with cirrhosis of the liver were 46, 64, 55, and 63%, respectively, and were not significantly different from those in 50 healthy control subjects (53%). PCR products derived from seven patients with liver disease and three healthy controls were cloned and then subjected to phylogenetic analyses, which failed to link a virulent strain of TTV to severe liver disease. TTV infection was further assessed in an additional 148 subjects with normal liver biochemical tests, including 30 newborns (sera collected from the umbilical cord), 23 infants, 16 preschool children, 21 individuals of an age prior to that of sexual experience (aged 6 to 15 years), 15 young adults (aged under 30 years), and 43 individuals older than 30 years. The rates of TTV viremia were 0, 17, 25, 33, 47, and 54%, respectively. These findings suggest that TTV is transmitted mainly via nonparenteral daily contact and frequently occurs very early in life and that TTV infection does not have a significant effect on liver disease.

Intrastriatal injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine decreased 5-HT levels in the striatum and suppressed locomotor activity in C57BL/6 mice

Effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) on striatal levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and their metabolites, as well as on locomotor activity were investigated in C57BL/6 mice. The results showed that MPTP significantly increased locomotor activity and decreased striatal DA levels. However, injection of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-DHT in the striatum, either alone or following high doses of MPTP, significantly decreased locomotor activity, and concomitantly decreased striatal levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. This study suggests that the increased locomotor activity may be due to increased striatal serotonergic activity which overcompensates for the DA deficiency. The locomotor hypoactivity, induced by 5,7-DHT, might be due to the decreased striatal levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA.

Corona plasma discharge for rapid analysis of microorganisms by mass spectrometry

Corona plasma discharge provides a rapid and reliable tool for release of biomarkers from gram negative and positive bacteria, spores and viruses for characterization by mass spectrometry.

Applications of 1.06-micron IR laser desorption on a Fourier transform mass spectrometer

Various sugars, peptides, and lipids were analyzed on a Fourier transform mass spectrometer using laser desorption and ionization with and without the assistance of matrixes. A compact Nd:YAG laser with an output at 1.06 microns corresponding to fundamental frequency was employed. Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were also subjected to laser desorption mass spectrometry. Characteristics ions of conjugated lipid, formed by attachment of alkali metal cations, endogenous to the cells, were observed. Particle/liquid matrixes (e.g., cobalt in glycerol) proved to be useful with the 1.06-micron laser. The particles absorb efficiently laser radiation in a broad wavelength range. The liquid provides the same advantages as in fast atom bombardment: increased signal-to-noise ratios and enhanced sample lifetimes. The effect of laser power on total ion current was shown to differ for samples with and without the particle/liquid matrix. The Fourier transform analyzer provides MS/MS capability for both positive and negative ions from complex mixtures. Ions desorbed externally are introduced into the cell via a quadrupole ion guide with a lower mass cutoff. Such a setup allows matrix ions to be excluded and thus provides excellent signal-to-noise ratios for lower mass range fragment ions formed inside the cell.

Identification of a novel strain of hepatitis E virus responsible for sporadic acute hepatitis in Taiwan

Hepatitis caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a self-limited disease and occurs most frequently as epidemic or sporadic hepatitis in developing countries. The role of HEV in sporadic acute hepatitis in areas without a history of hepatitis E epidemics is obscure. Recently, it was found that more than 10% of the patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Taiwan were associated with an acute HEV infection. Nucleotide sequences of the regions within the first open reading frame of HEV were determined in four cases and were 96.7-100% identical to each other. As compared to the isolates from China, Pakistan, Burma, India, Africa, and Mexico, the similarities were, however, only 71.7-79.3%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four Taiwan isolates were categorized as a novel HEV group (the Taiwan strain), which was distinct from all of the strains isolated from other parts of the world. In addition, the isolates from China, Burma, India, and Pakistan were catalogued as the second genotype of HEV (the Asian strain), and the Mexican isolate as the third (the Mexican strain). The African isolate was more related to the Asian type and might be a subtype of the Asian strain. A simple genotyping method by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) is described. The findings also support the hypothesis that HEV may be responsible for some sporadic acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in other developed countries.

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal antibody for quantification of homovanillic acid [corrected] in human urine samples

A monoclonal antibody to homovanillic acid (HVA) was prepared by synthesis of a HVA-protein conjugate (HVA-ovalbumin) as an immunogen, immunization of mice, and the subsequent hybridization technique. Monoclonal antibodies were screened on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. An indirect ELISA was developed for quantification of HVA in human urine. The assay was characterized and shown to have high specificity, with cross-reactivities to vanillylmandelic acid and normetanephrine at 0.18% and <0.1%, respectively. The assay coefficients of variation were <10% within the working range of 0.5-40 mg/L. Initial results from testing urine samples of patients with neuroblastoma and other diseases were validated by HPLC, suggesting that this ELISA method is a reliable and convenient system for quantification of HVA in urine and can be used in the mass screening of neuroblastoma in infants.

Second trimester selective termination in a dizygotic twin pregnancy with discordancy for Down's syndrome: a case report

A 34-year-old woman with a twin pregnancy underwent genetic amniocentesis in a local hospital at 18 weeks' gestation. Fetal chromosome analysis showed a boy without abnormal findings (46, XY) and another boy with trisomy 21 (47, XY, +21). Sonography showed a fetal nuchal translucency thickness for the normal twin of 4.4 mm, and of 8.0 mm for the affected twin. The affected twin was terminated by ultrasonographically guided intracardiac injection of 2.5 ml (5 mEq) potassium chloride solution at 21 weeks' gestation. Serial ultrasound scans and coagulopathy tests were unremarkable. Labor was induced at 39 weeks' gestation. A healthy 3,080 g male infant was born vaginally with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at one and five minutes, respectively. At the time of writing (one month after delivery), the mother and baby continue to do well. To our knowledge, this is the second successful case in Taiwanese literature of selective birth in twins with discordancy for Down's syndrome.

[Multiple myeloma with oral manifestations--report of two cases]

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic disorder of bone that originates from cells of bone marrow. It is most commonly seen within the age range of 50-80 years, cases under the age of 40 being rare. Men are affected more frequently than are women. Bone pain is the cardinal clinical symptom in multiple myeloma. Because of the destruction of bone, pathologic fracture is fairly common. In the oral manifestations, the mandible is involved far more frequently than the maxilla, especially the most active hematopoietic areas-the remus, angle and molar region of the mandible. Other signs and symptoms of jaw involvement include swelling, pain, and increased tooth mobility. Extraosseous lesions may result in paresthesia of soft tissue and gingival enlargement with bleeding tendency. Roentgenographic examination will usually reveal numerous punched-out lesions in a variety of bones. In addition, blood examination will reveal hyperglobulinemia and Bence-Jones protein may be present in the urine of myeloma patients. The histological features of myeloma are closely packed cells resembling plasma cells. Case 1 in this report is a 64-year-old female, who has been diagnosed as having multiple myeloma (IgG, lambda). She was referred to our hospital because of gingival swelling, bleeding and pain. Case 2 is a 60-year-old female suffering from spontaneous gingival bleeding. After blood, urine examination and bone marrow biopsy, multiple myeloma was diagnosed (IgG, lambda). This paper reports the clinical manifestations and treatment courses of these two cases, and the concerns of treatment of multiple myeloma are also discussed.

Liposomes-coated hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate implanted in the mandibular bony defect of miniature swine

Hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate have been used as bone implants for some period of time. Now unfortunately, these materials have failed to become the nucleation sites for bone regeneration. We hypothesized that coating hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate with negatively charged liposomes may improve the nucleation process for new bone formation. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Experiments were carried out in 15 miniature swines' mandibular angle with artificial bony defects. In each of the swine, the bony defects on one side were implanted with either liposomes coated with hydroxyapatite or liposomes coated with tricalcium phosphate, while the other side served as control. At the end of the third and sixth weeks following the operation, we observed result, took histology and radiographs of the operated area. The results showed that liposomes-coated materials were biocompatible and their clinical endpoint was enhanced. At the end of the third week, the implant material was surrounded by dense connective tissues. At the end of the sixth week, there were new bone formations near the implanted material. In addition, liposomes which were immobilized in agarose gel and implanted in the defects showed new bony bridge formation. These observations suggest that liposomes have the ability in promoting repair of osseous deficiencies.

Collagen synthesis in idiopathic and dilantin-induced gingival fibromatosis

Gingival fibromatosis is an uncommon but benign oral disease which causes progressive and non-hemorrhagic enlargement of the gingiva. There are two types of gingival fibromatosis: idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (GF), which is of unknown cause and may be associated with hereditary factors, and drug-induced gingival fibromatosis which is caused primarily by phenytoin intake. In cases of gingival fibromatosis, either the teeth are delayed in emergence or most of the crowns are embedded in the soft tissue even after full eruption. The objective of this study was to examine the basis of excess collagen formation in the two types of gingival fibromatosis in four patients admitted to the dental clinic at Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. There were two male patients, aged ten (Case 1) and sixteen (Case 2), with idiopathic gingival fibromatosis and hypertrichosis, and two female patients, aged sixteen (Case 3) and eleven (Case 4), with Dilantin-induced gingival hyperplasia (DGH). Cultures of gingival fibroblast were established either from clinically excised hyperplastic tissues or from pre-orthodontic surgical normal gingiva. The synthesis of collagen and levels of prolyl hydroxylase, a key enzyme in collagen synthesis, were examined in the healthy and affected fibroblasts. Our studies showed that after two days in culture, fibroblasts from all four patients multiplied faster than healthy gingival fibroblasts, though the amount of DNA and protein per cell remained unchanged. In addition, all cultures (except Case 1) had a 2- to 3- fold increase of prolyl hydroxylase activity over that of the controls. As in the cases of prolyl hydroxylase activity, Case 1 did not show any change in collagen synthesis when compared to the control. However, Cases 2, 3, and 4 showed appreciable collagen increases in the cell and medium: 61% and 60% for Case 2; 16% and 36% for Case 3; and 21% and 80.7% for Case 4 respectively.

Periodontal manifestations and treatment of Sturge-Weber syndrome--report of two cases

Encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis (Sturge-Weber syndrome) is a rather uncommon congenital condition characterized by the combination of venous angioma of the leptomeninges over the cerebral cortex with ipsilateral angiomatous lesions of the face and sometimes, the skull, jaws and oral soft tissues. Two patients came to the Kaohsiung Medical College Hospital's dental clinic with complaints of localized gingival enlargement or tumor-like swelling. Based on the presence of facial nevus flammeus, examinations of angiography, radiological evidence of calcific densities, and ipsilaterally intraoral vascular hyperplasia in the lip, cheek and gingiva, encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis was diagnosed. Dental management included plaque control instructions, scaling, root planing and periodontal surgery. Recurrence of gingival enlargement in both cases was noted, so periodontal surgery was performed a second time. Close follow up and complete plaque control have kept the periodontal condition fairly well under control in these two cases. We introduce the oral manifestations and the experience of treatments in these two cases.

Spectral and chromatographic properties of 2-methoxyphenylmetyrapone and its potential metabolites

In the search for new metyrapone derivatives as radioligands for the functional diagnosis of adrenal pathology, 2-methoxyphenylmetyrapone [2-MPMP, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-1-propanone] (1), and related 2-substituted phenylmetyrapone derivatives, have been separated as potent inhibitors of adrenal 11 beta-hydroxylase, with high affinity for adrenal mitochondrial binding sites. Surprisingly, 2-[11C]MPMP showed a rapid loss of the radioactive label, which prompted investigation of its metabolism. Synthetic 2-MPMP (1) and its seven potential metabolites (2-8) have been identified spectroscopically (1H- and 13C-NMR and mass spectrometry) and further characterised by chromatography (TLC and gradient reversed-phase HPLC). Chromatographic and mass analysis of urinary extracts from rats dosed with 2-MPMP have confirmed the major metabolites as 2-hydroxyphenylmetyrapone (2-OHPMP), 2) and its N-oxide (2-OHPMP-NO, 6), which are present predominantly as conjugates.

Prederivatization and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of alkaloids of bulbs of Fritillaria

A method of prederivatization and HPLC with UV detection was developed for the simultaneous analysis of five major steroidal alkaloids of the Fritillaria species: verticine, verticinone, isoverticine, ebeiedine, and ebeiedinone. Derivatization was carried out by esterification of the hydroxyl-containing Fritillaria alkaloids to the corresponding naphthoates with 1-naphthoyl chloride. Reaction conditions were optimized and the yields of the derivatization were between 94 and 100% for all test alkaloids. Derivatized alkaloids were characterized by mass spectrometry and HPLC-MS. The validated HPLC-UV method demonstrated linear UV response at the sampling ranges used, and a test limit of 1 microgram/mL was determined for all analytes. This analytical method is simple, convenient, and readily reproducible. The developed method was applied to the analysis of the major pharmacologically active alkaloids in three medicinally used Fritillaria species: F. cirrhosa, F. thunbergii, and F. hupehensis. Five major Fritillaria alkaloids were simultaneously analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively from crude extracts of each of these herbs.

Urinary metabolic profile in rat of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-1-propanone: a potential radioligand for functional diagnosis of adrenal pathology

1. The metabolism of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)-1-propanone (2-MPMP) was studied in the male Sprague-Dawley rat after 50 mg/kg, i.v. dose. 2. Organic solvent extracts of urine samples were directly analysed by reversed-phase gradient hplc. The identified metabolites were also isolated by preparative tlc, and analyzed by direct probe mass spectrometry. In the case of conjugated metabolites, the urine samples were deconjugated by enzyme hydrolysis prior to extraction. The structures of metabolites were confirmed by comparison of their chromatographic behaviours, UV spectra, and mass spectra with those of authentic standards. 3. The metabolites identified in the 0-24-h urine samples were 2-hydroxyphenyl-metyrapone (2-OHPMP) and 2-hydroyphenylmetyrapone N-oxide (2-OHPMP-NO), which were present predominantly as their glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates. 4. 2-MPMP and four of its metabolites present in the 0-24-h urine samples were quantified by a reversed-phase hplc method. The mean total urinary excretion was 75.4% of the administered dose. The major metabolites present in the urine were conjugates of 2-OHPMP-NO (54.4%) and of 2-OHPMP (18.6%). The excretion of the unchanged drug, unconjugated 2-OHPMP and 2-OHPMP-NO accounted for 1.1, 1.1 and 0.2% of the dose respectively.

Puqiedinone, a novel 5 alpha-cevanine alkaloid from the bulbs of Fritillaria puqiensis, an antitussive traditional Chinese medicine

A novel 5 alpha-cevanine alkaloid, puqiedinone [1], was isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria puqiensis, a traditional Chinese medicine used widely for its antitussive and expectorant properties. The structure of 1 was assigned as (20R,22S,25R)-20-deoxy-5 alpha-cevanine-3 beta-ol-6-one based on spectral analysis and comparison with the structures of related known compounds. Puqietinone [2] was also identified from the same herbal plant and the structure was revised as (22R,25S)-N-methyl-22,26-epiminocholest-3 beta-ol-6-one based on spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods.

Levels of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-8 in gingival crevicular fluids in adult periodontitis

Recent in vitro findings indicate that cytokines represent an important pathway of connective tissue destruction in human periodontitis. The biological effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are relevant in this regard, and the objective of this study was to compare the levels of these molecules in gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) from patients with adult periodontitis (experimental group) and from individuals with clinically healthy gingiva (control group). GCF was collected for 30 seconds using a periopaper strip and the volume of the sample determined. Following elution of the fluid, assays for IL-1 beta and IL-8 were carried out by ELISA. The concentrations (ng/ml) of cytokines were calculated in the original volume of GCF on each strip. The total amounts (pg/site) of cytokines were expressed as the concentrations multiplied by volumes of GCF: The total amounts of IL-1 beta and IL-8 of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. The total amounts of both cytokines were markedly reduced following phase 1 periodontal treatment. The clinical parameters were positively related to the total amounts of IL-1 beta and IL-8. IL-1 beta concentrations and total amounts were also positively related to IL-8 suggesting that the GCF IL-8 levels are influenced by local IL-1 beta activities. These data indicate that the total amounts of IL-1 beta and IL-8 exhibited dynamic changes upon severity of periodontal disease. The levels of IL-1 beta and IL-8 in GCF are valuable in detecting the inflammation of periodontal tissue.

Design of a general optical interconnection system with phase-only masks

A general optical interconnection system with phase-only masks is proposed; it is a high-efficiency system. The optical general transform theory is modified for the design. Results show that an arbitrary one-to-one interconnection pattern between an array of N sources and N detectors can be achieved by two phase-only masks in which the number of sampling points is N(2).