[Supra-aortic arch esophageal mucosa-gastric wall anastomosis with oblique stomach invagination through esophageal bed for patients with esophageal carcinoma undergone esophagectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To reduce impairement of pulmonary function by thoracic stomach and other postoperative complications.

METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients with esophageal carcinoma were treated with supra-aortic arch esophageal mucosa-gastric wall anastomosis with oblique stomach invagination through esophageal bed.

RESULTS

No anastomotic leakage or gastroesophageal reflux occurred. The incidence of anastomotic stricture was 2.5%, that of operative mortality was 0.9%. Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 11.0%.

CONCLUSION

The procedure may keep the normal anatomical and physiological functions of the thoracic organs and help prevent other complications.

[Myocardial cells action potential and contractive function in hemorrhagic shock in rabbits]

Anesthetized rabbits were subjected to a moderate degree of hemorrhagic shock. Lowering their mean arterial pressure to 5.3 KPa for 3 h, we measured the mean arterial pressure (MBP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular maximum velocities of contraction (dp/dtmax), and myocardial electrical activity. The results of this study demonstrated that LVSP declined in parallel with MBP; that dp/dtmax dropped acutely on the instant of hemorrhagic shock; dp/dtmax went up by 48% on 15 min after shock; then dp/dtmax fell gradually, and by 3 h after shock the dp/dtmax values dropped to 20% of the baseline values; that intracellular sodium and potassium contents increased significantly in the hemorrhagic shocked rabbits; that myocardial resting potential (RP) and action potential amplitude (APH) diminished; and that action potential duration(APD), action potential repolarized 50% duration (APD 50), and repolarized 90% duration (APD 90) were markedly prolonged in the hemorrhagic shock, compared with control. The results suggested that in hemorrhagic shock myocardial cells fast sodium channel was closed while slow sodium and slow calcium channels, were opened; thus sodium and calcium infused and potassium exuded.

[Prenatal diagnosis of fetal nuchal cystic hygroma in 22 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the early diagnosis and prognosis of fetal nuchal cystic hygroma.

METHODS

72 cases of fetal nuchal cystic hygroma diagnosed in uterus were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Most of the cases were diagnosed by B ultrasound between 15-26 gestational weeks. 55.9% the multipara had abnormal pregnant history, and 40% (4/10) of fetuses with karyotype performed had chrosome abnormality. Except for fetal deaths and induced abortions, 3 cases had term deliveries: one neonatal death, one was born with hygroma of 5.9 cm x 3.7 cm and transferred for surgery, and the other one with hygroma disappeared at the 37th week and baby was born at 40 week with normal appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

This disease is one of common fetal morphological abnormalities. Few may recover spontaneously but most have poor outcomes.

[Variation of female migraine after menopause and its prophylaxis and treatment]

320 cases of female migraine after menopause according to the diagnostic criteria were studied by using 1:1 matched analysis. It was found that the additional symptoms increased after menopause. Eighty cases available for follow-up were divided into two groups, on which the treatment tests were done. Each patient in group I took Nilestrioli 2 mg twice a month and Perphenazine 12 mg and Doxepin 75 mg per day, while each patient in group II took Tolfenamic acid 300 mg a day. Two months after treatment, the cure rates were 57.58% in group I and 27.78% in group II. Two monthes after the cessation of therapy, 2 cases had relapses in group I. These data indicate that the decrease of estrin disorder and the additional symptoms after monopause play important roles in the change of migraine physiology, and the corresponding treatment methods are rational.

[Cloning and squencing of human thrombopoietin (hTPO) cDNA and it's expression in COS-7 cells]

Two hTPO cDNA segments (N-terminal and C-terminal) were amplified from human fetal liver mRNA by using separate reverse-transcription PCR reactions, and cloned into pUC19. Their sequences were identical with that previously reported. Then the full length cDNA of hTPO was obtained from the two cDNA fragments, cloned into the shuttle vector pSVK3 and transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. The activity of the expression product was demonstrated with the stimulation of CFU-Meg.

[The development of long-term dynamic multi-parameter monitoring and analyzing system for upper digestive tract]

A long-term dynamic multi-parameter monitoring and analyzing system for upper digestive tract is presented. The system can record 24-hour pH values of the esophagus and stomach, and necessary ECG data by pressing event key. Hardware and software is described in the paper.

[Chromosome marker--2q- during carcinogenesis and development of human lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To study the cytogengtic alterations during the development of human lung cancer and to clarify the genetic basis of lung cancer.

METHODS

Using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization FISH, we have studied the chromosomal alterations of chromosome 2 and 3 in human bronchial epithelial cell line M, and 12 primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens.

RESULTS

2q- was found in the later passage of human bronchial epithelial cell line M, and 3 out of 7 primary NSCLC specimens tested. 3p- being noted in five cases of 12 primary NSCLC patients examined was the first cytogenetic discovery and the most prominent abnormality in lung cancer. 2q- was rarely reported in human lung cancer before. But loss of heterozygosity by RFLP analysis for 2q had been reported in lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

2q- is also a common chromosome abnormality in human lung cancer. There would also be one or more putative tumor suppressor gene(s) on the long arm of chromosome 2. Loss of the gene(s) may contribute to the carcinogenesis of human non-small-cell lung cancer.

cis-Active Ras G2-like sequence implicated in the heterotropic activation of the deoxyadenosine kinase of Lactobacillus acidophilus R-26

Deoxyadenosine kinase (dAK) forms a heterodimer with either deoxyguanosine kinase (dGK) or deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), and is heterotropically activated 3-5 times by dGuo or dCyd. Expressed alone, dAK is inactive and exhibits no response to dGuo or dCyd; activity and heterotropic response are fully restored upon reassociation with dGK or dCK. However, turnover of independently expressed dGK or dCK is nearly maximal, being further activated only 50-100% upon reassociation with dAK. In neither case is the heterotropic activation due to ligand-induced heterodimer formation. A proline/alanine substitution within a dAK segment homologous to loop G2 of Ras proteins yielded a heterodimer with dAK permanently cis-activated 2-fold, with a corresponding reduction in heterotropic activation by dGuo. A chimeric dAK, with 25% of its C terminus substituted by the homologous sequence from dGK, was inactive alone, and its characteristics were unchanged in the reconstituted heterodimer. Superimposing the Pro/Ala substitution on this chimera also reduced heterotropic activation by half. Cross-linking the dimer by 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was inhibited by ATP, dATP, dGTP, and dAdo, suggesting the proximity of the active site(s) to the interface. These data suggest that dAK depends on dGK or dCK in a manner resembling the reliance of Ras upon GTPase activating protein.

[The function of nitric oxide in the necrosis of avulsed skin flap in domestic pig]

To investigate the function of nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the skin avulsion model was made in the lower extremity of pig. The methods of measurement of size of the survived flap, weighing, immunocytochemistry and hybridization in situ were employed, so that the survival surface area of flaps, tissue wet/dry weight ratio, NO content in the serum, gene expression of NO and NOS content in the flap tissue were determined, respectively. The results showed that the early gene expression of NOS was increased as well as the NO content and tissue wet/dry weight ratio (P < 0.01). After L-NAME was applied introvenously, the NO content and tissue wet/dry weight ratio were decreased (P < 0.01), and the survival surface area of flaps was enlarged (P < 0.01). It could be concluded that the NO might play a role in the development of the pathological changes as early congestion, edema and secondary necrosis in the avulsed skin flaps. The early application of L-NAME could do some good to the avulsed skin flap and protect it from further necrosis owing to the presence of NO.

[Changes of plasma endothelium-derived relaxing factor and endothelin-1 in patients with chronic cor pulmonale at exercise test]

OBJECTIVE

The authers investigated the levels of plasma EDRF-nitric oxide (NO) and ET-1 in 10 cases of cor pulmonale at exercise.

METHODS

Using the technologies of cardiac catheter, radioimmunization and biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The level of plasma NO was lower in group A (mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) < 2.67 kPa) than in group B (mPAP > or = 2.67 kPa) at rest; the content of plasma NO increased more markedly in group A than in group B during exercise; there was no change in the content of ET-1 in both groups; mPAP strongly correlated with plasma NO or ET-1 in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with cor pulmonale at early stage may be in a state of compensated release of NO, but its release reserve has been reduced.

[Follow-up study on children with obesity and hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To study obesity development and its relationship between obesity and hypertension of children in China.

METHOD

A 8-year follow-up study was conducted in 468 children aged 6 years by the criteria of hight, weight, thickness of skin fat and blood pressure.

RESULTS

Obesity morbidity rose from 6 years (4.9%) to 13 years (16.2%), with the peak at 9 to 11 years. Both sexes developed obesity, which dominated in males. Children with obesity developed hypertension at age 13, the morbidity increased 3.5 times than that of those without obesity.

CONCLUSION

Prevention of malnutrition is important in China but interventions to children with obesity in China are in urgent need.

Deoxycytidine kinase and deoxyguanosine kinase of Lactobacillus acidophilus R-26 are colinear products of a single gene

Three of the four deoxynucleoside kinases required for growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus R-26 exist as heterodimeric pairs specific for deoxyadenosine (dAK) and deoxycytidine (dCK) or dAK and deoxyguanosine (dGK). However, only two tandem genes, dak/dgk, are found, and are expressed only as dAK/dGK in transformed Escherichia coli. Sequencing peptides spanning 63% of the native dCK subunit revealed a sequence identical to that deduced from dgk (beginning MTVIVL...), except that dCK lacks residues 2 and 3 (dCK is M..IVL; dGK is .TVIVL). Also, mass spectrometry indicates that native dCK and dGK subunits are identical in mass adjusted for the first three residues. Furthermore, the native enzymes have identical isoelectric pH values, indicating an equal number of charged residues. To enable E. coli to express peptide having the native dCK sequence, codons 2 and 3 were deleted from the dgk portion of the tandem genes, resulting in expression of protein having the specificities and regulatory properties of native dAK/dCK, including heterotropic stimulation of dAK activity by deoxycytidine or dCTP (not deoxyguanosine or dGTP) and end-product inhibition of the respective activities by dATP and dCTP. Subcloning normal and mutant dgk yielded homodimeric dGK and dCK, respectively. The dCK homodimer strongly resembles human dCK, with a low K(m) for deoxycytidine, the ability to phosphorylate deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine at much higher K(m) values, and end-product inhibition by dCTP. Thus two distinct and specific enzymes evidently are derived from a single Lactobacillus gene. The mechanism by which this occurs in vivo has yet to be elucidated.

[A legionella pneumophila strain serologically cross-reacting with thirteen serogroups of this species]

A bacterial strain, designated as Jin-1, was isolated from a water sample taken from the Jinyang Lake located in the suburbs of Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. Its morphologic and tinctorial properties, nutritional requirements, growth characteristics, biochemical reactions, as well as results of DNA and peptide analysis overall met the criteria for identification of Legionella pneumophila. In serogrouping, extensive cross-reactions between Jin-1 and the type strains of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 through 14 were observed in both slide and tube agglutination tests mediated by the IgM antibodies. However, Jin-1 revealed the L. pneumophila serogroup 5 specificity in IFA, ELISA and dot-ELISA, all mediated by the IgG antibodies. Jin-1 was finally identified as a strain of L. pneumophila serogroup 5 with the more complex antigenic composition than the ATCC type strain of this serogroup. The taxonomic conclusion has been confirmed by CDC. A Legionella pneumophila strain which serologically cross-reacting with so many serogroups of this species has never been reported in the published articles. It is presumed that the cross-reacting antigen of Jin-1 belongs to the thymus-independent antigen by nature.

[Transbronchial needle aspiration under CT guide for enlarged mediastinal lymph node biopsy]

To ascertain the nature of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) was performed under CT guide through bronchoscopy. Forty-five enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes from 33 lung cancer patients were biopsied. The results indicated that 25 enlarged lymph nodes from 20 patients were due to cancer metastasis while 15 enlarged lymph nodes from 8 cases were due to inflammation, and those from the remaining 5 cases were normal. Therefore, about 33.3% of the enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes in lung cancer patients result from noncancerous inflammatory changes. TBNA under CT guide has the advantage of accurate localization, is easy to perform and safe.

par-6, a gene involved in the establishment of asymmetry in early C. elegans embryos, mediates the asymmetric localization of PAR-3

The generation of asymmetry in the one-cell embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans is necessary to establish the anterior-posterior axis and to ensure the proper identity of early blastomeres. Maternal-effect lethal mutations with a partitioning defective phenotype (par) have identified several genes involved in this process. We have identified a new gene, par-6, which acts in conjunction with other par genes to properly localize cytoplasmic components in the early embryo. The early phenotypes of par-6 embryos include the generation of equal-sized blastomeres, improper localization of P granules and SKN-1 protein, and abnormal second division cleavage patterns. Overall, this phenotype is very similar to that caused by mutations in a previously described gene, par-3. The probable basis for this similarity is revealed by our genetic and immunolocalization results; par-6 acts through par-3 by localizing or maintaining the PAR-3 protein at the cell periphery. In addition, we find that loss-of-function par-6 mutations act as dominant bypass suppressors of loss-of-function mutations in par-2.

PAR-2 is asymmetrically distributed and promotes association of P granules and PAR-1 with the cortex in C. elegans embryos

The par genes participate in the process of establishing cellular asymmetries during the first cell cycle of Caenorhabditis elegans development. The par-2 gene is required for the unequal first cleavage and for asymmetries in cell cycle length and spindle orientation in the two resulting daughter cells. We have found that the PAR-2 protein is present in adult gonads and early embryos. In gonads, the protein is uniformly distributed at the cell cortex, and this subcellular localization depends on microfilaments. In the one-cell embryo, PAR-2 is localized to the posterior cortex and is partitioned into the posterior daughter, P1, at the first cleavage. PAR-2 exhibits a similar asymmetric cortical localization in P1, P2, and P3, the asymmetrically dividing blastomeres of germ line lineage. This distribution in embryos is very similar to that of PAR-1 protein. By analyzing the distribution of the PAR-2 protein in various par mutant backgrounds we found that proper asymmetric distribution of PAR-2 depends upon par-3 activity but not upon par-1 or par-4. par-2 activity is required for proper cortical localization of PAR-1 and this effect requires wild-type par-3 gene activity. We also find that, although par-2 activity is not required for posterior localization of P granules at the one-cell stage, it is required for proper cortical association of P granules in P1.

[Studies on the septal ultrastructure of Armilaria mellea]

The structure and development of septum in Armillaria mellea were studied under the electronmicroscope. Hyphal septum was developed by inside wall of hyphae in cross direction, leaving a small pore in the center. Then the septal plate arround the pore became swollen, and formed a septal pore apparatus called dolipore septum. With subsequent development of endoplasmic reticulum septal pore caps appeared on each side of the pore. Organelles, such as mitochondrium and Golgi body in hyphal cells were all related with the development of septa. Thin-walled narrow hyphae of the medualla in mature rhizomorph were in a state of dormancy, and their septa were similar to those of the hyphae growing from liquid fermentation. Both of them were short of septal pore caps, but the latter had larger septal pores, the protoplasm flow from cell to cell through the pore was visible, and fusion rate between the hyphae was much higher. The relationship between the structural changes and functions of septa in A. mellea was also systematically discussed in this paper.

Molecular genetics of asymmetric cleavage in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo

Asymmetric cleavage plays an important role in Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis. In addition to generating cellular diversity, several early asymmetric cleavages contribute to the spatial organization of the embryo. Genetic and molecular analyses of several genes, including six par genes and the mex-1 and mes-1 genes, together with experimental embryological studies, have provided insights into mechanisms controlling polarity and spindle orientations during these cleavages. In particular, these studies focus attention on microfilament-based motility and changing protein distributions at the cell cortex.

A non-muscle myosin required for embryonic polarity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Daughter cells with distinct fates can arise through intrinsically asymmetrical divisions. Before such divisions, factors crucial for determining cell fates become asymmetrically localized in the mother cell. In Caenorhabditis elegans, PAR proteins are required for the early asymmetrical divisions that establish embryonic polarity, and are asymmetrically localized in early blastomeres, although the mechanism of their distribution is not known. Here we report the identification in C. elegans of nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain (designated NMY-2) by means of its interaction with the PAR-1 protein, a putative Ser/Thr protein kinase. Furthermore, injections of nmy-2 antisense RNA into ovaries of adult worms cause embryonic partitioning defects and lead to mislocalization of PAR proteins. We therefore conclude the NMY-2 is required for establishing cellular polarity in C. elegans embryos.

[Contents of armillarin and melleolid at different stages of development of Armillaria mellea (Vahl ex Fr.) Quel]

The contents of armillarin and melleolid in different stages of development of Armillaria mellea were determined by means of HPLC. The results indicated that the content of armillarin was 0.0085% in mycelia 0.54 mg/L in fermenting liquor, 0.002% in fruit-body, 0.0008% in rhizomorph; melleolid 0.0002% in mycelia 0.0011% in fruit-body and 0.0011% in rhizomorph.

[C-myc activation by translocation in human primary non-small cell lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer is one of the most common human neoplasms. The carcinogenesis and development of lung cancer are related to activation and inactivation of many oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. We reported c-myc activation by translocation in SV40T-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells and lung cancer cell line before. In order to confirm that c-myc translocation exists in human primary non-small cell lung cancer, we continued our studies in 12 primary human lung cancers.

METHODS

We applied major fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in combination with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

c-myc translocation was detected in two cases of the 12 primary lung cancers. Overexpression of c-myc was detected in the two cases by means of immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that c-myc can be activated by translocation in human primary lung cancer.

[Chemical constituents of Gossampinus malabarica (L.) Merr. (II)]

Four chemical compounds isolated from the root of Gossampinus malabarica were identified as daucosterol, oleanolic acid, hesperidin and potassium nitrate by physico-chemical constants and spectroscopic analysis.

Determination of refractive index and thickness of thick transparent films by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry: application to benzocyclobutene films

An analysis procedure for evaluating the refractive index and the thickness of 5-10-µm-thick transparent films has been developed based on variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. As an example of application, results from an analysis of benzocyclobutene films are presented. The sensitivities in ψ and Δ with respect to the refractive index and the thickness of the films are also discussed.

Asymmetrically distributed PAR-3 protein contributes to cell polarity and spindle alignment in early C. elegans embryos

The par-3 gene is required for establishing polarity in early C. elegans embryos. Embryos from par-3 homozygous mothers show defects in segregation of cytoplasmic determinants and in positioning of the early cleavage spindles. We report here that the PAR-3 protein is asymmetrically distributed at the periphery of the zygote and asymmetrically dividing blastomeres of the germline lineage. The PAR-3 distribution is roughly the reciprocal of PAR-1, another protein required for establishing embryonic polarity in C. elegans. Analysis of the distribution of PAR-3 and PAR-1 in other par mutants reveals that par-2 activity is required for proper localization of PAR-3 and that PAR-3 is required for proper localization of PAR-1. In addition, the distribution of the PAR-3 protein correlates with differences in cleavage spindle orientation and suggests a mechanism by which PAR-3 contributes to control of cleavage pattern.

[A stereologic study on the influence of stent tube pressure on bilio-intestinal anastomotic scar formation]

Biliary tract injury results often in biliary scar stricture causing obstructive jaundice and biliary cirrhosis. Choledocho-jejunostomy with tube stent is the routine to prevent anastomotic stenosis, but how long the stent tube should be in place is controversial and little is known on the influence of the stent tube on anastomotic scar formation. In canine experimental models, bili-intestinal scar was sampled 3 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after anastomosis for ultrastructure stereologic image analysis. It was found that the internal pressure of the stent tube exerting on anastomotic stoma inhibits scar formation, and the stent tube should be remained inside the stoma for not less than 9 months.

A 10-amino-acid sequence in the N-terminal A/B domain of thyroid hormone receptor alpha is essential for transcriptional activation and interaction with the general transcription factor TFIIB

The effects of the thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine [T3]) on gene transcription are mediated by nuclear T3 receptors (T3Rs). alpha- and beta-isoform T3Rs (T3R alpha and -beta) are expressed from different genes and are members of a superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that also includes the receptors for steroid hormones, vitamin D, and retinoids. Although T3 activates transcription by mediating a conformational change in the C-terminal approximately 220-amino-acid ligand-binding domain (LBD), the fundamental mechanisms of T3R-mediated transcriptional activation remain to be determined. We found that deletion of the 50-amino-acid N-terminal A/B domain of chicken T3R alpha (cT3R alpha) decreases T3-dependent stimulation of genes regulated by native thyroid hormone response elements about 10- to 20-fold. The requirement of the A/B region for transcriptional activation was mapped to amino acids 21 to 30, which contain a cluster of five basic amino acids. The A/B region of cT3R alpha is not required for T3 binding or for DNA binding of the receptor as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor. In vitro binding studies indicate that the N-terminal region of cT3R alpha interacts efficiently with TFIIB and that this interaction requires amino acids 21 to 30 of the A/B region. In contrast, the LBD interacts poorly with TFIIB. The region of TFIIB primarily involved in the binding of cT3R alpha includes an amphipathic alpha helix contained within residues 178 to 201. Analysis using a fusion protein containing the DNA-binding domain of GAL4 and the entire A/B region of cT3R alpha suggests that this region does not contain an intrinsic activation domain. These and other studies indicate that cT3R alpha mediates at least some of its effects through TFIIB in vivo and that the N-terminal region of DNA-bound cT3R alpha acts to recruit and/or stabilize the binding of TFIIB to the transcription complex. T3 stimulation could then result from ligand-mediated changes in the LBD which may lead to the interaction of other factors with cT3R alpha, TFIIB, and/or other components involved in the initiation of transcription.

par-1, a gene required for establishing polarity in C. elegans embryos, encodes a putative Ser/Thr kinase that is asymmetrically distributed

The first cleavage of C. elegans is asymmetric, generating daughter cells with different sizes, cytoplasmic components, and fates. Mutations in the par-1 gene disrupt this asymmetry. We report here that par-1 encodes a putative Ser/Thr kinase with similarity to kinases from yeasts and mammals. Two strong alleles have mutations in the kinase domain, suggesting that kinase activity is essential for par-1 function. PAR-1 protein is localized to the posterior periphery of the zygote and is distributed in a polar fashion preceding the asymmetric divisions of the germline lineage. Because PAR-1 distribution in the germline correlates with the distribution of germline-specific P granules, it is possible that PAR-1 functions in germline development as well as in establishing embryonic polarity.

[Detection of c-myc translocation in human lung cancer cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)]

c-myc gene amplification has been found in lung cancer, however, it can not explain all cases of lung cancer with c-myc gene overexpression. Gene translocation is one of the ways by which oncogene is activated. But the old methods for detecting gene mutations are not so effective for the detection of gene translocation, especially in solid tumors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to detect gene translocation more efficiently. Using FISH, we discovered c-myc gene translocation in a lung adenocarcinoma cell line GLC-82 and SV40T-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells. In GLC-82, c-myc gene translocated to the short arm of a C group marker chromosome. In the SV40T-transformed epithelial cells, c-myc gene translocated to 14q32, which was the same as that found in Burkitt's lymphomas. Translocation was related to oncogene activation. c-myc translocation may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of lung cancer.

High frequency energy absorption and the measurement of limb muscle

High frequency energy absorption (HFEA) is being developed as a portable, inexpensive, non-invasive procedure for the measurement of muscle mass within cross-sections of limbs. The instrument consists of a flexible coil 2.5 cm wide of which the length can be adjusted over a 10 cm range. A series of coils of different lengths has been constructed that are jointly suitable for limbs with circumferences ranging from 20 to 75 cm. To measure HFEA, a coil of appropriate length is attached to a 9v battery that, through an oscillator, produces a frequency varying from 15 MHz (longest coil) to 40 MHz (shortest coil). Zero readings, with the coil set at the same circumference as the limb, are obtained before and after HFEA is measured and they are used to adjust the observed values. HFEA, in theory, is related to the number of electrolytes deep to the coil and almost all these electrolytes are in muscle. Good precision has been demonstrated and the instrument has been successfully validated against saline solutions. A previous model was validated against magnetic resonance images with good results (r2 about 0.8). Further validation of the present model against magnetic resonance images is almost complete; these findings are presented.

Fat-free mass from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and from other procedures

Fat-free mass (FFM) values were obtained for 99 males and 114 females (8-68 years) who are participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study. These participants were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and by densitometry using (i) a multi-component model including measures of total body water (TBW) and total body mineral (Fels), (ii) a model with age- and sex-specific values for the density of FFM (Lohman), and (iii), a 2-component model (Siri). In males <25 years, the mean DEXA and Siri values were similar, but both were significantly smaller than the Lohman and Fels means. In females <25years, the mean DEXA values are smaller than those from the other methods. In men aged 25-54 years, the mean DEXA and Fels means showed good correspondence, but the Lohman and Siri means were significantly smaller. In women aged 25-54 years, the DEXA means were considerably smaller than those from the Siri, Lohman and Fels models. At ages >54 years, the findings are tentative because of the small sample sizes but they indicate that the DEXA and Fels means are similar in men and that both are larger than the Lohman and Siri means. In women aged >54 years, the DEXA, Siri and Lohman means are similar, but they are smaller than the Fels means. In another overlapping group (50 men; 78 women; 18-67 years), FFM was obtained from TBW and from the Siri method. The technical errors for TBW-Siri comparisons were 1.7 kg (men) and 1.8 kg (women) with large coefficients of reliability (87%, men; 90% women). It was concluded that DEXA estimates of FFM are not interchangeable with those from the other methods tested. These findings are relevant to the selection of methods for the measurement of body composition and the interpretation of the literature.

[Modifications of gene expression by tumor promoters]

The modifications of gene expression by tumor promoters were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. The results of slot blot hybridizations showed that tumor promoter TPA induced c-fos and c-myc expressions in mouse fibroblast cell line BALB/3T3 and rat liver, decreased the levels of Rb RNA in BALB/3T3 cell line and of alpha 1-I3 RNA in rat liver. It was also demonstrated that tumor promoter phenobarbital influenced c-fos and c-myc expressions and decreased alpha 1I3 mRNA level in rat liver during a long term experiment. Phenobarbital was found to have no effect on c-fos and c-myc expressions in rat liver during a short experiment. Tumor promoters induced the expressions of c-fos and c-myc which were positively-related to cancer formation and inhibited the expressions of Rb and alpha 1-I3 which were negatively-related to cancer formation. This implied that tumor promotion played an important role in cancer development and tumor promoters exerted their effects selectively according to the attributes of different genes.

Body composition in white adults by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, densitometry, and total body water

Percent body fat (%BF) and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined in 151 adults from the Fels Longitudinal Study by total body scans with a Lunar DPX (DXA), by underwater weighing and residual lung volume with a two-compartment model using body density (Dens), and total body water (TBW) using deuterium dilution. For the DPX, the medium scan mode ensures precision up to 100 kg body wt and for a ratio of weight to stature < or = 0.7214. Because of these specifications, 15% (n = 23) of the original sample of 151 were excluded. Results for 78 women and 50 men are presented. %BFTBW was significantly (P < 0.05) less than %BFDens in women (mean difference 2.7 +/- 4.2%) and %BFDXA in men (mean difference 2.2 +/- 4.3%). No other significant intermethod differences were observed for %BF and FFM estimates. Pairwise regressions showed the lowest SEEs for %BFDens regressed vs %BFDXA (2.3% for men, 3.2% for women) and for FFMDens vs FFMDXA (2.2 kg for men, 1.9 kg for women). For each sex, reliability analyses and limits of agreement for body composition estimates showed less agreement between TBW and either Dens and DXA than between Dens and DXA.

Genetic analysis of patterns of growth in infant recumbent length

A genetic basis to growth and development has been demonstrated in many heritability studies of anthropometrics. Although such measures describe the extent of growth at particular times, they do not fully address the process of growth. We applied a three-parameter curve-fitting function to serial measures of recumbent length from 569 infants (birth to 2 years of age) in 188 families enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study. This yielded three growth pattern parameters that represented estimated recumbent length at birth (parameter 1), rate of growth (parameter 2), and intrinsic rate of change in growth (parameter 3). The growth pattern parameter estimates for each individual were examined in a series of genetic analyses using a maximum-likelihood method for pedigree data. Significant heritabilities were found for all three growth pattern parameters: parameter 1, h2 = 0.83 +/- 0.12; parameter 2, h2 = 0.67 +/- 0.18; and parameter 3, h2 = 0.78 +/- 0.17. In addition, genotype by sex interaction was indicated for growth pattern parameters 2 and 3, suggesting that the genes influencing rate of growth and intrinsic rate of change in growth are themselves influenced by the sex of the individual.

Duane's retraction syndrome

Duane's retraction syndrome (DRS) has been a recognized clinical entity for nearly a century. It is a clinically well described ocular disorder consisting of retraction of the globe with narrowing of the lid fissure in attempted adduction, frequent abduction deficiency with variable limitation to adduction, and upshoot and/or downshoot of the affected eye on adduction. Among strabismus patients the incidence of DRS is probably not more than 5%. Most cases are sporadic, but familial cases have been estimated at 10% by most authors. Numerous theories concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of DRS have been proposed, including agenesis of the abducens nucleus, but the majority of investigators concur that the characteristic findings are best explained by a paradoxical innervation of the lateral rectus muscle, which subsequently causes a cocontraction of the horizontal rectus muscles. The frequent association of DRS with other congenital anomalies suggests a teratogenic event occurring between the fourth to eighth week of gestation as an etiological factor. In this review historical aspects and theories of the syndrome are studied and statistical data are compiled and analyzed. Clinical features, differential diagnoses and variants of the syndrome are examined. Testing and treatment objectives are discussed.

Serial analysis of plasma lipids and lipoproteins from individuals 9-21 y of age

Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density- (LDL-C) and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were recorded annually from 9 to 21 y of age to study tracking and predictive values for adulthood lipid concentrations associated with cardiovascular disease. The tracking coefficients for TC and LDL-C were congruent to 0.7 for 4-, 6-, and 12-y intervals, indicating good predictive value at ages 9-11 y for risk of elevated concentrations at ages 19-21 y. Tracking of HDL-C was less marked but the patterns were similar. The risk ratios for high concentrations at 19-21 y were 3.8 for TC, 2.6 for LDL-C, and 4 for HDL-C for 9-y-olds with values of 5.17 mmol/L for TC, 3.36 mmol/L for LDL-C, and 0.90 mmol/L for HDL-C, relative to 9-y-olds with values of 4.65 mmol/L for TC, 2.84 mmol/L for LDL-C, and 1.29 mmol/L for HDL-C.

Study on gene diagnosis of haemophilia A

We have successfully diagnosed 24 individuals of 5 haemophilia A pedigrees with RFLP linkage analysis and gene amplification in vitro (PCR) technique. Detecting with the I14-E18, we found the carriers of family A and B were not heterozygotes of Bcl I RFLP. They were homozygotes of 3.0 kb/3.0 kb and 2.3 kb/2.3 kb respectively, while the carriers of family C and D were heterozygotes of 3.0 kb/2.3 kb and 3.3 kb/2.3 kb respectively. So it could be made gene diagnosis with Bcl I RFLP in family C and D. In family D, pathologic gene was linked to 3.3 kb band. We have exactly made gene diagnosis to family A and B with RFLP linkage analysis after PCR. Our results showed that the carriers of family A and B all were heterozygotes of 142 bp/99 bp, In family A and B, pathologic FVIII gene was linked to 142 bp fragment. With Bgl II/DX13, we made a RFLP linkage analysis of haemophilia A fetus at the early pregnant period, whose mother was heterozygote of 5.8 kb/2.8 kb, and the fetus was hemizygote of 2.8 kb/-. So it was very clear that the fetus was patient of haemophilia A. We suggested that the pregnant woman to induce abortion to prevent a sick baby from being born.

[Preliminary investigation on the epidemiology of migraine in China]

The prevalence of migraine was investigated in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions (except Taiwan) of the People's Republic of China. Random sampling from provincial capitals and from rural areas according to demonstration were used. Among a total screened population of 3,837,597 persons, there were 37,808 cases of migraine. The morbidity and the annual incidence rate were 985.2/100,000 and 79.7/100,000, respectively. The male/female ratio was 1:4. Inland plateaus were higher morbidity areas (more than 1,500/100,000) and coastal provinces and cities were lower morbidity areas (less than 400/100,000). The incidence rate was higher in spring in the south, while it was higher in summer in the north. The incidence rate was higher in hot and damp climate. The morbidity under 14 years old in China was significantly lower than those in overseas reports.

Growth comparison of breast-fed and formula-fed infants

Growth during infancy was analyzed using data from a study in which groups of infants were fed breast-milk or one of three formulas: Good Start, Isomil, or Similac. After adjustments for size at birth and parental stature, growth was within the normal range for all feeding groups and there were few significant differences in growth between those fed different formulas. There was, however, some evidence that Similac was associated with larger gains in weight and that those fed breast-milk or Isomil had lower weights at ages older than two months. Additionally, at six months, recumbent length tended to be smaller in the Isomil group of boys and in both the Isomil and Similac groups of girls and larger in the Good Start groups of boys and girls.

Obesity in children and adolescents: development of predictive equations and their application to epidemiologic studies

Epidemiological studies of body fatness cannot be based on laboratory measures. One alternative is to analyze values related to body composition such as skinfold thicknesses, but it is better to apply an equation that accurately predicts a body composition variable. If an equation is to be developed, the choice of the dependent variable affects the selection of the independent variables to be tested for inclusion. The validation group should have a wide distribution of values for the dependent and independent variables. To develop an equation that works well on validation and with other groups, all possible sub-set regression should be applied, multicollinearity examined, and ridge and robust regression used if these are needed. An equation chosen from the literature should have been developed and tested by appropriate methods and it should be validated against data from a sub-group of the study sample.