[Nutritional status assessment of patients with oral maxillofacial cancers]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with oral maxillofacial cancer.

METHODS

The nutritional status was evaluated using seven easily determined variables and multi-factor nutritional index in 50 hospitalized patients with oral maxillofacial cancer from 1990 to 1992.

RESULTS

Fifty-six percent of patients had protein-energy malnutrition. The high incidence of protein-energy malnutrition was found in those patients without adequate dietary intake.

CONCLUSION

Patients with oral maxillofacial cancer usually have protein-energy malnutrition. The reason is that the patients always have an inadequate dietary intake.

Definitive support by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and electron density maps for the formation of a BCC lattice from poly[N-[3,4,5-tris(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzoyl]ethyleneimine]

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED), and electron density maps (EDM) experiments were carried out on a poly[N-[3,4,5-tris(n-dodecan-1-yloxy)benzoyl]ethyleneimine] [poly[(3,4,5)12G1-Oxz]] with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 20. All experiments confirmed the thermotropic body-centered cubic (BCC) Im3m lattice suggested previously by X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The unit cell parameter determined by ED at 23 degrees C is a = 42.4 A, in good agreement with XRD results which show a = 42.6 A after quenching from 70 degrees C. EDM of the XRD results confirm that the supramolecular minidendrimer obtained from poly[(3,4,5)12G1-Oxz] adopts a spherical "inverse micellar-like" structure, with the polyethyleneimine backbone and the aromatic groups microsegregated and concentrated in the corners and in the center of the cubic unit cell. A space-filling continuum is realized by the n-alkyl groups that radiate out of the aromatic core of the spherical dendrimer. This manuscript is only the second example of complete structural analysis of a lattice generated from supramolecular objects and complements the previous example reported from our laboratory on the Pm3n lattice.

Headless flies generated by developmental pathway interference

Ectopic expression of transcription factors in eye-antennal discs of Drosophila strongly interferes with their developmental program. Early ectopic expression in embryonic discs interferes with the developmental pathway primed by Eyeless and generates headless flies, which suggests that Eyeless is necessary for initiating cell proliferation and development of both the eye and antennal disc. Interference occurs through a block in the cell cycle that for some ectopic transcription factors is overcome by D-CycE or D-Myc. Late ectopic expression in cone cell precursors interferes with their differentiation. We propose that this developmental pathway interference is a general surveillance mechanism that eliminates most aberrations in the genetic program during development and evolution, and thus seriously restricts the pathways that evolution may take.

v-Ha-RaS oncogene upregulates the 92-kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-9) gene by increasing cellular superoxide production and activating NF-kappaB

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) degrades basement membrane type IV collagen and is expressed during cellular migration and invasion. Here we show that v-Ha-Ras overexpression in rat kidney epithelial cells (REC) caused upregulation of MMP-9 gene expression in part by increasing cellular oxidant levels. v-Ha-Ras mediated the production of superoxide in Ras-transfected cells, which was associated with upregulated MMP-9 gene expression. Conversely, v-Ha-Ras expression decreased steady-state levels of mRNAs from tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), an inhibitor of MMP-9; plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), which indirectly activates MMP-9 by increasing plasmin levels; and collagen IV, a substrate of MMP-9 and a major component of basement membrane. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that Ras overexpression enhanced NF-kappaB, but not AP-1 DNA binding to motifs in the MMP-9 gene promoter. The Ras-induced increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding could be inhibited by treatment with the antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and glutathione monoester, suggesting that intracellular oxidant levels can mediate MMP-9 transcription. Our findings identify an important role for Ras in the regulation of MMP-9 expression, and suggest that increased superoxide production can upregulate MMP-9 expression and thus contribute to malignant conversion.

SAG/ROC/Rbx/Hrt, a zinc RING finger gene family: molecular cloning, biochemical properties, and biological functions

The RING (really interesting new gene) finger proteins containing a characteristic C3HC4 or C3H2C3 motif appear to act as E3 ubiquitin ligase and play important roles in many processes, including cell-cycle progression, oncogenesis, signal transduction, and development. This review is focused on SAG/ROC/Rbx/Hrt (sensitive to apoptosis gene/regulator of cullins/RING box protein), an evolutionarily conserved RING finger family of proteins that were cloned recently by several independent laboratories through differential display, yeast two-hybrid screening, or biochemical purification. SAG/ROC2/Rbx2/Hrt2 is expressed in multiple mouse adult tissues, as well as early embryos. In humans, both SAG and ROC1 are ubiquitously expressed at a very high level in heart, skeletal muscle, and testis. Expression of both SAG and ROC1 is induced by mitogenic stimulation. SAG is also induced by a redox agent in cultured cells, as well as in in vivo mouse brain upon ischemia/reperfusion. Structurally, SAG consists of four exons and three introns with at least one splicing variant and two pseudogenes. The SAG gene promoter is enriched with multiple transcription factor binding sites. Biochemically, SAG binds to RNA, has metal-ion binding/free radical scavenging activity, and is redox-sensitive. Most importantly, like ROC1, SAG/ROC2 binds to cullins and acts as an essential component of E3 ubiquitin ligase. Biologically, SAG is a growth-essential gene in yeast. In mammalian cells, SAG protects apoptosis mainly through inhibition of cytochrome c release/caspase activation, and promotes growth under serum deprivation at least in part by inhibiting p27 accumulation. Blocking SAG expression via antisense transfection inhibits tumor cell growth. Thus, SAG appears to be a valid drug target for anticancer therapy.

Interleukin-8-positive neutrophils in psoriasis

We performed an immunohistochemical study to try to determine the cellular source of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in psoriatic skin lesions. IL-8 was positively stained in the vast majority of neutrophils but not in the mononuclear cells, macrophages, or keratinocytes. IL-8-positive neutrophils were seen both in Munro's microabcesses in cases of psoriasis vulgaris and in a small spongiform pustule and much larger macropustules of Kogoj in cases of pustular psoriasis. Some IL-8-positive neutrophils were observed in the upper dermis of pustular psoriasis. The staining was considered to be specific because it could be completely blocked by preabsorption with recombinant IL-8. In addition, stimulation of human neutrophils with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) for 18 h induced IL-8 production in vitro. In our study, IL-8 was expressed in the neutrophils of psoriasis, suggesting that neutrophils are one of the sources of IL-8 in psoriasis. The expression of IL-8 and the influx of neutrophils led us to speculate that the IL-8 autocrine and/or paracrine system functions in the formation of the microabcesses and pustules in proriasis.

Limonoids from Citrus sudachi

Four new limonoid derivatives, 1-O-methylichangensin (1), sudachinoid A (2), B (3), and C (4) were isolated from the seeds of Citrus sudachi, together with the known compounds ichangensin, obacunone, obacunoic acid and limonin, and the structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Immunosuppressive sesquiterpene alkaloids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Nine new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids [wilfornines A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (8), and G (9); wilfordinines I (6) and J (7)] and six known compounds (10-15) were isolated from a clinically used extract (T(II)) of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The inhibitory effects on cytokine production of 1-3 and several related compounds were evaluated. Compounds 10 and 14 showed significant inhibitory effects on cytokine production.

Elevated expression of SAG/ROC2/Rbx2/Hrt2 in human colon carcinomas: SAG does not induce neoplastic transformation, but antisense SAG transfection inhibits tumor cell growth

Sensitive-to-apoptosis gene (SAG)/regulator of cullins (ROC)2/Rbx2/Hrt2 is a newly identified component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls cell-cycle progression by promoting ubiquitination and degradation of cell-cycle inhibitors. We recently found that SAG protects cells from apoptosis induced by redox agents, promotes S-phase entry and cell growth under serum starvation, and is required for yeast growth. In the present study, we report that the SAG protein level was elevated in six of 10 human colon carcinoma tissues (60%) as compared with adjacent normal tissues from the same patient. SAG overexpression in preneoplastic cells in a JB6 tumor promotion-and-progression model did not induce neoplastic transformation, and SAG overexpression in NIH/3T3 cells did not induce transforming foci formation, suggesting that SAG is not a dominant oncogene. However, when DLD-1 human colon carcinoma cells were transfected with antisense SAG, monolayer growth was significantly inhibited, as shown by a decreased number of stable colonies in the plate after normalization with transfection efficiency. Stable clones that expressed antisense SAG showed a 50% decrease in their ability to form colonies when grown in soft agar versus clones that did not express antisense SAG. We found an inverse correlation in four of 10 tumors between the levels of SAG and p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. We concluded that SAG is not causally related to cellular transformation, but its overexpression may be important for the maintenance of tumor cell phenotype. Therefore, targeting SAG expression may have therapeutic value in cancer treatment. Mol. Carcinog. 30:62-70, 2001.

Immunohistochemical detection of interferon-gamma-producing cells in dermatophytosis

Skin lesions of dermatophytosis are thought to be a result of a T cell-dependent inflammatory response that is mediated by various cytokines. We examined whether IFN-gamma-positive cells (as expression of Th1 response) were present in the skin lesions of dermatophytosis in situ by immunohistochemical techniques. Mixtures of CD4-positive T cells and CD8-positive T cells were found to be present in the dermal infiltrates of the lesions. Considerable numbers of CD1a-positive cells were detected in the upper dermis and epidermis. A marked accumulation of CD68-positive cells was found in the upper dermis. IFN-gamma-positive cells were present in the upper dermis of the lesions. The pattern of IFN-gamma staining appeared to be intracellular in mononuclear lymphoid cells. The staining was considered to be highly specific because it could be completely blocked by preabsorption with recombinant IFN-gamma. Our data support the hypothesis that the skin lesions of dermatophytosis may be associated with a Th1 response. Th1 response, which is characterized by IFN-gamma release, is thought to be involved in the host defense against dermatophytes and to reflect cutaneous reaction in dermatophytosis.

[Applied researches on polylactide internal fixation devices]

Nowadays, more and more basic and clinical researches on polylactide internal fixators were carried out in China. In this paper are reviewed the researches of polylactide acid(PLA), including its physical and chemical characters, biodegradation, absorption and mechanical properties, effects on fracture healing, and clinical application. Some problems that have not been solved are high-lighted and discussed. Also dealt with are some researches of PLA in future.

[Dynamic ECG Review & Analysis Workstation]

The integrated management and remote application of dynamic ECG data is the future of the Holter System. This article introduces a kind of Dynamic ECG Review & Analysis Workstation that includes the function of integrated management and network. It has solved well the problems of common usage, archiving, total ECG analysis and remote transmission which exist in the traditional ECG Review & Analysis Systems.

[Buccal swab: a convenient source of DNA for analysis of IL-1 gene polymorphisms]

OBJECTIVE

PCR-RFLP based techniques have become standard procedures for gene polymorphism screening. Peripheral venous blood is currently the most commonly employed source of DNA for human genome analysis. However, it has many practical disadvantage and inherent limitations to use blood as DNA source. Blood sampling is invasive, painful and involves a potential risk of contamination with hepatitis. The classic procedure to extract genomic DNA from whole blood is phenol/chloroform technique, which is relative complicated and time consuming. Therefore, this study was performed to try an alternative instead of using blood as DNA source for gene polymorphism analysis.

METHODS

Four methods were employed to obtain DNA from the same subject including DNA from venous blood through phenol/chloroform extraction, DNA from dried blood spot through Chelex 100 technique, DNA from buccal swab through Chelex 100 technique and the dried blood spot directly as DNA template for PCR. Then, these various forms of DNA were used in PCR RFLP procedure to analyze IL-1 gene polymorphisms, and their specificity and sensitivity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that both the buccal swab and the blood based assays reached complete concordance in typing the IL-1 gene polymorphisms, while the Chelex 100 procedure for extracting DNA from buccal swab is much simpler and more rapid. It is non-invasive to get buccal swab. The amount of DNA obtained through one buccal swab is 63.8 micrograms +/- 18.7 micrograms, which is enough for 10 PCR reactions.

CONCLUSION

Buccal swab appears to be an excellent source of DNA for detection of polymorphisms of human IL-1 gene.

Determination of synthesized alpha-vitamin E by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

We developed a micellar electrokinetic chromatography method (MEKC) for the direct determination of the content of synthesized alpha-vitamin E. It was found that under the optimum separation conditions 7 mM borate + 14 mM phosphate + 15 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) + 10 mM sodium cholate (NaCh) + 8% acetonitrile (pH 9.2) with UV detection wavelength at 214 nm, 16 kV constant voltage, and 26 degrees C constant temperature, alpha-vitamin E and its isomers can be baseline separated and alpha-vitamin E was quantitatively analyzed. In addition, the sample recovery, the limit of detection and the repeatability of the method were investigated. The influence of various parameters on the separation such as SDS concentration, NaCh concentration, buffer pH and acetonitrile percentage were also discussed.

Promotion of S-phase entry and cell growth under serum starvation by SAG/ROC2/Rbx2/Hrt2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase component: association with inhibition of p27 accumulation

The sensitive-to-apoptosis gene (SAG) was initially identified as a redox-inducible, apoptosis-protective protein and subsequently found to be the second family member of regulator of cullins (ROC)/RING box protein (Rbx)/Hrt, which acts as a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase. We report here that SAG promoted cell growth under serum starvation. Microinjection of SAG mRNA into quiescent NIH/3T3 cells induced S-phase entry as determined by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. Likewise, overexpression of SAG by either adenovirus infection of immortalized human epidermal keratinocytes (Rhek-1) or DNA transfection of SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells induced cell proliferation under serum starvation. Because cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs), including p21, p27, and p57, are degraded through the ubiquitin pathway, we tested whether SAG-induced cell growth is associated with CKI degradation. Although there was no significant difference in the levels of p21 and p57 between the vector controls and SAG-overexpressing cells, serum starvation induced 10- to 18-fold accumulation of p27 in control Rhek-1 cells. Accumulation of p27 was remarkably inhibited (only 2 to 5-fold) in SAG-infected cells. Inhibition of p27 accumulation was also observed in stably SAG-overexpressing SY5Y cells. Significantly, SAG-associated inhibition of p27 accumulation was largely abolished by the treatment with a proteasome inhibitor. In vivo binding of SAG and Skp2, an F-box protein that promotes p27 ubiquitination, was detected, and the binding was enhanced in SAG-overexpressing cells grown under serum starvation. Thus, SAG-induced growth with serum withdrawal appears to be associated with SAG-mediated p27 degradation. Mol. Carcinog. 30:37-46, 2001.

[Changes of hepatic energy metabolism following partial hepatopetal blood occlusion]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the changes of hepatic energy metabolism by temporary occlusion of partial hepatopetal blood.

METHODS

The animal mode of partial hepatopetal blood occlusion (PBO) was established without portal stasis. The hepatic energy metabolism parameters including adenosine triphosphate, respiratory control ratio, P/O ratio, and arterial ketone bodies ratio were studied following 30 min ischemia or 1, 6, and 24 h of reperfusion. The total hepatopetal blood occlusion (TBO) and sham groups served as control.

RESULTS

The parameters of hepatic motochondrial function reflecting hepatic damage to ischemia-reperfusion showed different in PBO comparing with TBO group. The functional lesion was restored progressively in PBO-30 min group, but it was maintained low level in TBO-30 min group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that it is beneficial to restoration of the hepatic energy metabolism in the ischemia-reperfusion injury by partial hepatopetal blood occlusion.

CD1a+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD68+ and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive cells in Bowen's disease

BACKGROUND

Bowen's disease (BD) is a squamous cell carcinoma in situ that rarely invades into the underlying dermis. However, little is known about its immunohistology. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between the cytological properties of the tumour cells in BD and the host immune response.

METHODS

We examined the expression of p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 antigen, and the number of mitotic cells, together with the number of intratumoral and dermal infiltrating CD1a+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD68+ and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)+ cells in 18 cases of genital BD.

RESULTS

When compared with normal genital skin (n = 10), there was a significantly higher number of mitotic cells as well as higher expression of p53+, PCNA+ and Ki67+ cells in BD. There was significant mutual correlation between CD3+, CD4+ and CD68+ cells in the tumoral epidermis. The number of CD1a+ Langerhans cells significantly decreased in BD epidermis; however, dermal CD1a+ cells were increased. Interestingly, numbers of dermal CD1a+ cells significantly correlated with those of intratumoral CD3+, CD4+ and CD68+ cells. In situ hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) demonstrated that HPV-infected BD had significantly less infiltration of intratumoral CD3+ cells and CLA+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest that dermal CD1a+ cells may participate in the immune surveillance and that HPV infection may interfere with the intratumoral infiltration of CLA+ cells in BD.

[The effect of polylactide screws on fracture healing]

This experiment aimed at investigating the effect of a kind of home-bred poly-DL-lactide screws on fracture healing. An operation was performed so as to make bilateral lateral condylar fractures of the femur in 8 dogs. The left sides were fixed with 2 home-bred PDLLA(Mv = 43 x 10(4)) screws, and the contralateral sides were fixed with 2 metalic screws to be used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Optic microscopy and SEM photography were done. The results of optic microscopy showed that fibrous callus formed already in both groups by 2 weeks after surgery, and bilateral fractures united uneventfully by 12 weeks. Although the course of fracture healing in experimental group was slower than that in control group, the osteogenesis in experimental group appeared to be normal. The SEM examination demonstrated that collagenous fibers arranged regularly and calcified normally in both groups at 12 weeks. And many square and rhomboid granules produced from the degradation of PDLLA material were found in experimental group at 12 weeks. Therefore, it is suggested that this kind of home-bred PDLLA screws should be applicable to fractures where the tissues are rich in blood supply.

Combinatorial signaling in the specification of unique cell fates

How multifunctional signals combine to specify unique cell fates during pattern formation is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that together with the transcription factor Lozenge, the nuclear effectors of the EGFR and Notch signaling pathways directly regulate D-Pax2 transcription in cone cells of the Drosophila eye disc. Moreover, the specificity of D-Pax2 expression can be altered upon genetic manipulation of these inputs. Thus, a relatively small number of temporally and spatially controlled signals received by a set of pluripotent cells can create the unique combinations of activated transcription factors required to regulate target genes and ultimately specify distinct cell fates within this group. We expect that similar mechanisms may specify pattern formation in vertebrate developmental systems that involve intercellular communication.

Yeast homolog of human SAG/ROC2/Rbx2/Hrt2 is essential for cell growth, but not for germination: chip profiling implicates its role in cell cycle regulation

In an attempt to understand the signaling pathway mediating redox-induced apoptosis, we cloned SAG, an evolutionarily conserved zinc RING finger gene that, when overexpressed, protects cells from apoptosis induced by redox agents. Here we report functional characterization of SAG by the use of yeast genetics approach. Targeted disruption of ySAG, yeast homolog of human SAG, and subsequent tetrad analysis revealed that ySAG is required for yeast viability. Complementation experiment showed that the lethal phenotype induced by the ySAG deletion is fully rescued by wildtype SAG, but not by several hSAG mutants. Complementation experiment has also confirmed that ySAG is essential for normal vegetative growth, rather than being required for sporulation. Furthermore, cell death induced by SAG deletion was accompanied by cell enlargement and abnormal cell cycle profiling with an increased DNA content. Importantly, SAG was found to be the second family member of Rbx (RING box protein) or ROC (Regulator of cullins) or Hrt that is a component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase. Indeed, like ROC1/Rbx1/Hrt1, SAG binds to Cul1 and SAG-Cul1 complex has ubiquitin ligase activity to promote poly-ubiquitination of E2/Cdc34. This ligase activity is required for complementation of death phenotype induced by ySAG disruption. Finally, chip profiling of the entire yeast genome revealed induction of several G1/S as well as G2/M checkpoint control genes upon SAG withdrawal. Thus, SAG appears to control cell cycle progression in yeast by promoting ubiquitination and degradation of cell cycle regulatory proteins. Oncogene (2000) 19, 2855 - 2866

Sterols and inhibitors of sterol transport modulate the degradation and secretion of macrophage ApoE: requirement for the C-terminal domain

Macrophage-derived apoE, produced in the vessel wall, may have important effects during atherogenesis. The production of apoE by macrophages can be regulated at a transcriptional level by cellular differentiation state, cytokines and sterol loading. In addition, there are post-transcriptional and post-translational loci for regulation. We have recently identified an intermediate density cell membrane fraction in which the degradation of apoE can be modulated by sterols. Suppressing degradation of apoE in this fraction by pre-incubating cells in sterols led to enhanced apoE secretion. In this report we demonstrate that the suppressive effect of sterols on the degradation of newly synthesized apoE in this fraction depends on the presence on its C-terminal domain, by studying a macrophage cell line transfected to express a mutant form of apoE in which amino acids beyond amino acid 202 were deleted. In addition, two modulators of cellular sterol transport, progesterone and U1866A, inhibited the degradation of full-length apoE. In contrast, incubation of cells in the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor S58035 did not influence apoE degradation. As would be predicted based on the results of degradation assays, U1866A, but not S58035, increased the secretion of apoE from a cell line transfected to constitutively express full-length apoE cDNA. The effect of U1866A on apoE degradation, like the effect of sterol, required the presence of the apoE C-terminal domain. Our results indicate that alteration of intracellular sterol homeostasis by pre-incubation in sterols or by drugs that modify the subcellular transport of sterol, modulates the susceptibility of apoE to degradation and that this modulation requires the presence of C-terminal lipid binding domains.

Triterpenoids from Tripterygium wilfordii

The extract (T(II)) of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. afforded four triterpenoids: wilforic acid D (3beta,24-epoxy-2alpha-hydroxy-24R*-ethoxy-29-friedelanoic acid); (E) 3beta,24-epoxy-2-oxo-3alpha-hydroxy-29-friedelanoic acid; (F) 2beta-hydroxy-3-oxo-friedelan-29-oic acid; 29-hydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid and 17 known triterpenoids. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic studies. In a bioactivity analysis, only the known dulcioic acid compound showed a significant inhibitory effect on cytokine production.

Binding of 14-3-3beta to the carboxyl terminus of Wee1 increases Wee1 stability, kinase activity, and G2-M cell population

Wee1 protein kinase plays an important regulatory role in cell cycle progression. It inhibits Cdc-2 activity by phosphorylating Tyr15 and arrests cells at G2-M phase. In an attempt to understand Wee1 regulation during cell cycle, yeast two-hybrid screening was used to identify Wee1-binding protein(s). Five of the eight positive clones identified encode 14-3-3beta. In vivo binding assay in 293 cells showed that both full-length and NH2-terminal truncated Wee1 bind with 14-3-3beta. The 14-3-3beta binding site was mapped to a COOH-terminal consensus motif, RSVSLT (codons 639 to 646). Binding with 14-3-3beta increases the protein level of full-length Wee1 but not of the truncated Wee1. Accompanying the protein level increases, the kinase activity of Wee1 also increases when coexpressed with 14-3-3beta. Increased Wee1 protein level/enzymatic activity is accountable, at least in part, to an increased Wee1 protein half-life when coexpressed with 14-3-3beta. The protein half-life of the NH2-terminal truncated Wee1 is much longer than that of the full-length protein and is not affected by 14-3-3beta cotransfection. Biologically, 14-3-3beta/Wee1 coexpression increases the cell population at G2-M phase. Thus, Wee1 binding with 14-3-3beta increases its biochemical activity as well as its biological function. The finding reveals a novel mechanism by which 14-3-3 regulates G2-M arrest and suggests that the NH2-terminal domain of Wee1 contains a negative regulatory sequence that determines Wee1 stability.

[Internal fixation with mini-titanium plate for midface fractures]

Thirty four patients with midface bone fractures were fixed by rigid internal fixation (RIF) with min-titanium plate. An optimum exposure is provided for the fracture sites of zygomatic, zygomatic arch, orbital floor and maxilla with the coronal incision and adjuvant incisions. The approach was of benefit to accurate anatomic reduction and fixation of the fracture segments. RIF with min-titanium plate provided three-dimensional stability. The fixation of zygomatic-frontal crevice and zygomatic maxillary crevice were the key for obtaining sufficient stability, and at least two fixation screws were required above zygomatic-frontal crevice.

Terpenoids from Tripterigyum hypoglaucum

Six terpenoids have been isolated from the root bark of Tripterygium hypoglaucum, along with 14 known compounds. The structures of the terpenoids were elucidated as 3,11,14-oxo-abieta-8,12-diene, 3beta-hydroxy-12,14-dimethoxyabieta-8,11,13-triene, 3beta-hydroxy-11alpha-ethoxyurs-12-ene, 3beta-hydroxy-11alpha-methoxyurs-12-ene, 3beta-hydroxy-11alpha-methoxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid, and 1beta-benzoyl-8alpha-cinnamoyl-4alpha,5alpha- dihydroxydihydroagarofuran.