Differences in depression and self-esteem reported by learning disabled and behavior disordered middle school students

Although generalizations from research are helpful in guiding problem identification and interventions in a school setting, characteristics of specific groups must not be overlooked if all students are to be served effectively. Differences in the areas of self-reported self-esteem and depression are frequently pertinent to decisions and recommendations educational professionals are called on to make. The current study examined differences in the level of self-reported self-esteem and depression between learning disabled and behavior disordered middle school students. Sixty-one participants completed the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Similarities and differences between learning disabled and behavior disordered students were identified.

[Studies on Kochiae Fructus. I. Antipruritogenic effect of 70% ethanol extract from kochiae fructus and its active component]

The antipruritogenic effect of the 70% ethanol extract obtained from Kochiae Fructus (fruits of Kochia scoparia) and its active components were investigated on a compound 48/80-induced pruritogenic model in male ddY strain mice. The extract (200, 500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the scratching behavior as a pruritogenic indicator. Oleanolic acid oligoglycoside, momordin Ic, isolated from the extract also exhibited the inhibition. These results suggest that Kochiae Fructus could be used as an antipruritogenic agent and its inhibitory effect may be partially attributed to momordin Ic.

Construction of adenovirus vectors through Cre-lox recombination

Two barriers prevent adenovirus-based vectors from having wide application. One is the difficulty of making new adenoviruses, and the second is the strong immunological reaction to viral proteins. Here we describe uses of Cre-lox recombination to overcome these problems. First, we demonstrate a simple method for constructing E1-substituted adenoviruses. Second, we demonstrate a method to construct adenovirus vectors carrying recombinant genes in place of all of the viral genes, so-called gutless adenovirus vectors. The pivotal feature in each method is the use of a negatively selected adenovirus named psi5. We engineered a cis-acting selection into psi5 by flanking its packaging site with loxP sites. When psi5 was grown in cells making a high level of Cre recombinase, the packaging site was deleted by recombination and the yield of psi5 was reduced to 5% of the wild-type level. To make a new E1-substituted virus, we used psi5 as a donor virus and recombined it with a shuttle vector via a loxP site. The resulting recombinant virus has a single loxP site next to the packaging site and therefore outgrows psi5 in the presence of Cre recombinase. To make a gutless virus, we used psi5 as a helper virus. The only viral sequences included in the gutless vector are those needed in cis for its replication and packaging. We found that a loxP site next to the packaging site of the gutless virus was necessary to neutralize homologous recombination between psi5 and the gutless viruses within their packaging domains.

Anti-allergic effect of an aqueous extract of wu-hu-tang

Wu-Hu-Tang (WHT), a Chinese formulation which consists of seven crude drugs, has been used for the treatment of asthma for hundreds of years. In this paper, an investigation on the anti-allergic activity of an aqueous extract of WHT was undertaken to find the pharmacological basis for the ethnomedical use of the formulation. WHT produced a significant inhibition on the homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and the heterologous PCA in mice, decreased the degranulation of mast cells of calvarial periosteum in rats, inhibited the release of anaphylactic mediators from sensitized lung tissues of guinea pigs and the contraction of isolated guinea pigs ileum induced by histamine. These results indicated that the therapeutic activity of WHT for asthma may be related to its inhibitory effects on immediate hypersensitivity.

Characterization and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ovine corpus luteum

The corpus luteum undergoes tremendous growth, development and regression each oestrous or menstrual cycle. These changes are reflected by equally impressive growth and regression of the luteal vasculature. We have previously shown that angiogenic factors from corpora lutea are primarily heparin binding and that one of these factors is similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In an effort to identify this factor, and to define its role in luteal vascular development, the cDNA for the coding region of ovine VEGF was sequenced and a sensitive RNase protection assay was developed to quantitate mRNA encoding VEGF in luteal tissues from ewes in the early (days 2-4), mid- (day 8) and late (days 14-15) stages of the oestrous cycle. In addition, an N-terminal peptide was synthesized from the translated ovine cDNA sequence for VEGF and an antiserum was raised against this peptide for use in western immunoblotting procedures. Nested reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR of RNA from ovine corpora lutea resulted in three products that correspond in size to the alternatively spliced variants of VEGF (VEGF120, VEGF164, and VEGF188) predicted from other species. The RNase protection assay revealed that the proportion of mRNA encoding VEGF was 2- to 3-fold greater on days 2-4 than on day 8 or days 14-15. Densitometric analysis of gels from the RNase protection assay showed that VEGF120 represented approximately one third of the total mRNA encoding VEGF in the corpus luteum and that this proportion did not vary with stage of the oestrous cycle. SDS-PAGE and western immunoblot analysis of a homogenate from corpora lutea showed a single 18 kDa protein. These data demonstrate that VEGF is expressed in luteal tissue throughout the ovine oestrous cycle and that expression of mRNA encoding VEGF is upregulated during the period of rapid luteal development, when luteal vascular growth is at its maximum.

Characteristic, activity and conformational studies of [A6-Ser, A11-Ser]-insulin

Met-[A6-Ser, A11-Ser]-human proinsulin (Mut-HPI) was prepared in the same way as described previously for Met-human proinsulin (Met-HPI). After trypsin and carboxypeptidase B cleavage and DEAE-Sephadex A25 separation, Met-[A6-Ser, A11-Ser]-human insulin (Mut-HI) and Met-human insulin (Met-HI) were obtained. Their amino-acid compositions are in a good agreement with those expected. Mut-HI keeps full immuno activity, but loses almost all of its receptor binding activity with Met-HI as the control. Some physico-chemical behaviors of Mut-HI have changed to a certain extent. CD studies of mutant insulin demonstrates that the conformation of Met-HI is very similar to that of HI, while that of Mut-HI has altered slightly. The most important observation is that the binding ability of Mut-HI to the receptor has decreased abruptly. These results suggest that though the intra-A chain disulfide bond is deleted, the other two inter-chain disulfide bonds are still correctly paired, and that the intra-A chain disulfide bond is essential for insulin displaying its biological activity.

Transcription of c-mos protooncogene in the pig involves both tissue-specific promoters and alternative polyadenylation sites

The function of the c-mos gene has been intensively studied, but its role in the mammal is still a subject for debate. For this reason, and because the gene is regulated posttranscriptionally, further study of the gene from other mammalian species is timely. The pig c-mos gene has been cloned, and the genomic sequence is presented here. The gene has no introns and shows close similarity to human and monkey genes, with striking sequence similarities in both the 5' and 3' flanking regions. The significance of this similarity in the context of gene regulation is discussed. c-mos expression was found to be restricted to gonadal tissues in the pig. The major start sites for transcription initiation in ovary and testis were identified by primer extension and found to be distinct, as in the mouse. Within the ovary, expression is confined to oocytes. Messenger RNA is synthesized in growing oocytes, and remains stable during oocyte maturation, but begins to be degraded in electrically stimulated eggs. Unexpectedly, RNase protection assays revealed that the 3' ends of transcripts in the pig ovary are heterogeneous, and this, together with the identification of three distinct cDNA clones, shows that multiple polyadenylation sites are used. The significance of these transcripts in terms of translational control is discussed.

[Expression of metastasis suppressor gene nm23 in human hepatocellular carcinoma]

For the purpose of investigating the relationship between the metastatic potential of the tumor as well as the expression of nm23-H1 mRNA, and for determing the location of the positive sites in the cells, tumor metastasis suppressor gene nm23-H1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (and the nonneoplastic area surrounding the tumor) was detected by in situ hybridization using digoxiginin-labeled nm23-H1 antisense complementary RNA probe. The primary results indicated (i) positive results of in situ hybridization are presence of granules or masses in the cytoplasm; (ii) the less expression of nm23-H1 mRNA, the higher metastatic rate of the human hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.05); (iii) expression of nm23-H1 mRNA dose not correlate with some other factors such as tumor size and the background of other liver diseases.

Adenovirus-mediated interferon-gamma transfer inhibits growth of transplanted HTLV-1 Tax tumors in mice

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T cell leukemia (ATL), and the virus-encoded trans-activator, Tax, plays an important role in T cell transformation. In the HTLV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-Tax transgenic mouse model, Tax expression causes fibroblastic tumors. A tumor-derived cell line (B line) obtained from an explant of a Tax-transformed tumor, was established. This line expresses high levels of many cytokines as a consequence of Tax activation. However, the tumors are not immunogenic when transplanted into syngeneic mice. Because B line cells do not express the immunogenic cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a replication-defective adenoviral vector was used to deliver the IFN-gamma gene to tumor cells. The recombinant IFN-gamma adenovirus (IFN-gamma/Ad) can efficiently infect B line cells, resulting in high levels of IFN-gamma expression and secretion. Local secretion of IFN-gamma from B line cells caused both CD(4+)- and CD(8+)-positive T cell infiltration, and completely inhibited local tumor development in transplanted mice. Immunization with these cells significantly delayed tumor development after subsequent challenges of parental tumor cells. Expression of IFN-gamma in B cells also partially inhibited the highly expressed immune suppressive cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). This system provides us with a valuable tumor immune therapy model to evaluate the effects of cytokines in induction or inhibition of specific antitumor immunity.

The pulmonary deposition of two aerosol preparations of nedocromil sodium delivered by MDI assessed by single photon emission computed tomography

The pulmonary deposition and pharmacokinetics of fine and coarse radioactive aerosols of nedocromil sodium, of mass median aerodynamic diameters 16 microns and 24 microns respectively, delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) have been investigated. The corresponding geometric standard deviations of the particle size distributions were 5.32 and 3.93. Pulmonary deposition was assessed by both planar radionuclide scintigraphy and multi-modality three dimensional imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and x-ray computed tomography (CT). The three dimensional data were analysed by transformation to a hemispherical shape based on the fractional radial distance of each point in the lung from the centre to the corresponding extrapolated point on the periphery. This enabled parameters on the variation of both concentration of deposition and total amount deposited with penetration distance to be calculated. For both planar and SPECT data the central to peripheral concentration ratio (C/P ratio) was calculated. The three dimensional C/P ratio showed a median value (3.21) which was significantly higher than for the planar imaging (2.03) (p < 0.001). The parameter used to express the variation of total amount deposited was the median dose position. This showed that for both aerosols 50% of the dose was deposited at sites with a percentage central to peripheral distance of greater than 68%. There was a trend for total percentage of the fine aerosol in the lungs to be higher than for the coarse and for its deposition to be more peripheral. In addition the mean concentrations in blood were measured to be greater for the fine aerosol. However these differences were relatively small and none were individually statistically significant. The technique of combined SPECT and CT imaging was shown to be valuable in obtaining more accurate information on pulmonary distribution of inhaled aerosol deposition. The merits, limitations and potential applications of the technique are discussed.

Accurate mass measurement of oligonucleotides using a time-lag focusing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer

A method for accurate mass measurement of oligonucleotides up to a DNA 35-mer based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is described. In this method, a time-lag focusing time-of-flight mass spectrometer is used to achieve high mass resolution to resolve adduct ions that often complicate the mass analysis of oligonucleotides. Mass resolutions between 1170 and 1300 (full width at half maximum) for a 17-mer, 23-mer, and 35-mer are obtained using a 1 m linear time-of-flight instrument with a total sample loading of less than 10 pmol. The effects of sample preparation, type of calibrant and matrix used on the accuracy of mass measurement, based on external calibration, are discussed. A sample preparation protocol that forms a thin film of matrix and sample crystals on a MALDI probe is described. It is shown that mass measurement error less than 100 ppm with reproducibility better than +/-60 ppm can be obtained with either proteins or DNA fragments as external calibrants. Accurate mass measurement for a mixture of DNA fragments is also illustrated.

[Comparison between kinetics of positive inotropism of ibopamine and ouabain]

AIM

To compare the kinetics of positive inotropism between ibopamine (Ibo) and ouabain (Oua).

METHODS

The isolated right papillary muscle of cat was used to assess the positive inotropic effects by cummulative concentrations of Ibo and Oua. The maximal effects was recognized as the contraction just before the appearance of spontaneous contraction. A Hill equation was developed by using lg [E/(Emax-E)] vs lg C.

RESULTS

The S value of Ibo was smaller than that of Oua, causing C95/C5 (ratio of concentrations producing 95%/5% of Emax) of Ibo (264) elevenfold as large as Oua (22.9). Comparing with Oua, concentrations of Ibo initiating effects were lower, the slope was smaller, and higher concentrations were required for producing maximal effect. During drug concentration declining, the effect-concentration curve of Ibo showed a counter-hysteresis loop, more remarkable than Oua.

CONCLUSION

The changes in positive inotropism of Ibo against drug concentrations were less than those of Oua.

An investigation of the relationship between color choice and depression measured by the Beck Depression Inventory

The relationship between self-reported depression and color preference was investigated. It was proposed that a cognitive schema would be activated affecting negatively that part of the environment selected for cognitive preference. When requested to select a series of preferred colors, the 72 undergraduates scoring above 10 on the Beck Depression Inventory tended to choose black or brown. It is believed that internal schema represented in 3 questions may be reflected in color choice(s).

Inactivation and degradation of human cytochrome P4502E1 by CCl4 in a transfected HepG2 cell line

Treatment with CCl4 in vivo labilizes cytochrome P4502E1, inactivating the enzyme and enhancing its degradation. To investigate the mechanism of CCl4-induced degradation of human CYP2E1, a recently-established MVh2E1-9 cell line, which constitutively expresses the human CYP2E1 in HepG2 cells was used. CCl4 inhibited oxidation of p-nitrophenol in isolated microsomes from MVh2E1-9 cells suggesting that CCl4 could be metabolized in vitro by the system; however, CCl4 did not promote lipid peroxidation under these conditions. Treatment of the MVh2E1-9 cells in situ with 2 mM CCl4 for 24 hr caused a 30 to 50% loss of both enzyme activity and 2E1 protein. Treatment with cycloheximide at the same time to inhibit constitutive protein synthesis showed a more prominent loss of 2E1 activity and protein. CCl4-induced degradation of CYP2E1 could be prevented by ligands and substrates of 2E1. N-acetylcysteine, N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone or propylgallate did not significantly prevent CCl4-induced inactivation or degradation of 2E1. After treatment with 14C-labeled CCl4, there was increased radioactive adduct formation in MVh2E1-9 cells compared to control cells lacking CYP2E1. This increase was completely prevented by 4-methylpyrazole and ethanol indicating its dependence on CYP2E1. These results suggest that the human CYP2E1 expressed in the MVh2E1-9 cell line metabolizes CCl4, generating reactive species at the active site that directly inactivate the enzyme and also labilize P450 for degradation by proteases present in the HepG2 cells. Lipid peroxidation is not required for the CCl4-induced inactivation and degradation of CYP2E1 in these cells.

[The interstitial response and postoperation recurrent mechanism in liver cancer]

Immunoactive cell group markers and glycoproteins of extracellular matrix and basement membrane (fibronectin, laminin, type IV collage) in 156 human hepatocellular carcinomas and their surrounding tissues were localized with immunoperoxidase technique. T lymphocytes were the major immunoactive cells in the regions of local invasion in liver cancer. The distributing patterns of the glycoproteins were similar to the results of previous reports, mainly localized in the surrounding cancer cells, interstitium and vessel walls or sinusoids in tumor, and tumor capsule. The patients, whose hepatocarcinomas showed stronger cell immunoactivity (T and help T cells were in the majority) and higher expression of glycoproteins of extracellular matrix and basement membrane had a longer tumor-free survival (63.2 to 12.8 months) and lower recurrences (P < 0.01). Of the 156 patients 92.9%, 82.6%, 65.4%, 44.2% and 30.8% and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 postoperative tumor-free years respectively with a total currence rate of 53.2% (83 patients). In the 83 recurrences, 65 were intrahepatic subclinical, which were promptly reresected 78.3%, recurrence related factors included tumor number and size, capsule infiltration, and portal veins involvement. Being different from those with single node, capsulated hepatocellular carcinomas and multiple/daughter ones had invisible tumor cells disseminated to the remnant liver. Those without capsule infiltration had a low recurrence rate, which agrees to the hypothesis that capsules can bar the dissemination of tumor cells. Additional results show that postoperative tumor recurrence is mainly pertinent to histopathological characteristics of the primary focus. According to the phenomenon that nearly 63.1% of recurrent liver carcinomas are located at the ipsilateral segment of the primary ones, we emphasize that the occurrence and recurrence of liver carcinoma are mainly unicentral.

Evidence for thrombin-induced human platelet secretion regulated by the cytoskeleton

Human blood platelets store an abundance of growth factors, adhensive proteins, coagulation factors, platelet-specific proteins, calcium, serotonin, and adenine nucleotides in their secretory organelles. After exposure to stimuli (thrombin, collagen, ADP, etc.), the platelets undergo a rapid series of morphological change from characteristic disks to spheres with several filopodia, adhension to the inner surface of blood vessels, and aggregation among the platelets. Most of these changes are usually accompanied by secretion or release of dense bodies (release I) and alpha-granules (release II). The secreted products play essential parts in a variety of important physiological and/or pathological events, such as hematosis, thrombosis, blood coagulation, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Little is known, however, for regulatory mechanism of platelet secretion. Platelets are a distinct kind of cells with many special organelles, but without a nucleus. It also contains a large amount of cytoskeleton. The numerous investigators have suggested that the platelet responses to stimuli are intimately linked to events involving cytoskeleton within the platelets. During platelet activation, as revealed by electron microscopy, the secretory organelles become centralized and enveloped by circular microtubules and a filamentous network. It is implied a possible relationship between cytoskeleton and platelet secretion. However, the precise role of cytoskeleton in platelet secretion remains uncertain. By using exposed GMP-140 (a platelet granule-membrane protein with MW of 140 kDa) as a specific signal of secretion, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of microtubular and microfilamental inhibitors on thrombin-induced platelet secretion.

[Effects of coconut juice on the formation of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis]

Eight-week old male quails were fed with high-fat fodder supplemented by 20 milliliters of coconut juice daily for each one for 12 weeks. Results showed coconut juice could increase their serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 46.2% and reduce their index of atherosclerosis by 41.1% and liver total cholesterol levels by 26.3% in quails, all with a P-value of less than 0.01, as compared in those with high-fat fodder only. Coconut juice could inhibit the formation of atherosclerosis in animals obviously. Coconut juice, as a kind of natural and nutritious drink with an action of keeping-fit, can play certain roles in preventing from hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis with a dose used in animal experiments.

Cytotoxicity of acetaminophen in human cytochrome P4502E1-transfected HepG2 cells

Acetaminophen (APAP) when administered in excess can cause severe hepatic necrosis in vivo. To study the mechanism of APAP toxicity and the role of cytochrome P450, a previously established human hepatoma HepG2 subline, MVh2E1-9, that constitutively expresses human CYP2E1 was used as a model. At high concentrations (above 5 mM) and when intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) was depleted, APAP caused severe cytotoxicity in MVh2E1-9, but not in MV-5 cells which lack CYP2E1. The APAP cytotoxicity was dependent on the concentration of APAP and time of exposure, and could be blocked by 4-methylpyrazole, ethanol, diallyl sulfide, N-acetylcysteine and N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, but not by propylgallate, an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. Significantly more 14C-labeled APAP protein adduct was detected in MVh2E1-9 cells than MV-5 cells, especially after depletion of GSH. The formation of the APAP adducts could be inhibited by the same agents which prevent APAP cytotoxicity. At a lower concentration (1-2 mM), APAP inhibited proliferation in both MVh2E1-9 and the control MV-5 cells to similar extents. This antiproliferative action of APAP did not require depletion of GSH as did the cytotoxic action of APAP. These data suggest that APAP has a dual toxic effect on MVh2E1-9 cells: a P450-independent antiproliferative effect and the CYP2E1-dependent cytotoxic effect. These results demonstrate the ability of human CYP2E1 to activate APAP to reactive metabolites which form covalent protein adducts and cause toxicity to a hepatoma cell line.

Oncogene-linked in situ immunotherapy of pre-B lymphoma arising in E mu/ret transgenic mice

We attempted to induce anti-tumour immunity for rejecting pre-B lymphoma derived from E mu/ret transgenic mice (TGM). We established pre-B-lymphoma cell lines of C57BL/6 x Balb/c background (H-2b/d) into which H-2k alloantigen and C3H background were introduced (retL1-6 and retL6-6), and we inoculated BCF1 mice with these immunising tumour cells. After these tumours were rejected by alloantigen (H-2k/C3H background)-specific effector cells, the mice were challenged with the pre-B-lymphoma cell line derived from the original E mu/ret TGM (ret0-2). All non-immunised control mice died within 80 days, whereas half the immunised mice survived for over 300 days. The immunity was also effective against primary pre-B-lymphoma cells from E mu/ret TGM and the ret-driven melanoma cell line (MEL-ret), but not against the pre-B-lymphoma cell line from E mu/myc TGM. This immunity was at least in part mediated by cell-mediated cytotoxicity that was specific to the ret oncogene product or ret-regulated antigen. Next we immunised E mu/ret TGM by inoculating them with retL6-6 cells once every 2 weeks beginning at the age of 1 month. Interestingly, this immunisation enabled the TGM to survive longer than the non-immunised control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, 2 of 11 transgenic mice receiving such immunisation were free from both macroscopic and microscopic tumours at the time when all of the 12 non-immunised control TGM had died from their tumour. This provides a new model for oncogene-linked immunotherapy research.

[Correlated multiple parameters in pleural effusion with pathology of pleurae for differential diagnosis of tuberculous and carcinomatous pleuritis]

The level of ADA, LZM, leukocyte count, lymphocyte in tuberculous effusion is higher than that of carcinomatous effusion (P < 0.05). All results showed that the change of multiple parameters is related to the pathological manifestation of pleurae. The false positive or negative result was influenced by pathological appearance and bloody character of pleural effusion. Using the ADA, LZM cut off value at 35U and 30mg, respectively, and pleural/serum ADA ratio > 1.4, LZM > 1.1, a sensitivity and specificity of 100 percent were achieved.

Cellular and humoral immune responses to adenoviral vectors containing factor IX gene: tolerization of factor IX and vector antigens allows for long-term expression

Recombinant adenoviruses containing the canine factor IX (FIX) cDNA were directly introduced in the hind leg muscle of mice. We show that (i) in nude mice, high expression (1-5 micrograms/ml in plasma) of FIX protein can be detected for > 300 days; (ii) in contrast, expression of FIX protein was transient (7-10 days) in normal mice; (iii) CD8+ lymphocytes could be detected within 3 days in the infected muscle tissue; (iv) use of beta 2-microglobulin and immunoglobulin M heavy chain "knockout" mice showed that lack of sustained expression of FIX protein is due to cell-mediated and humoral immune responses; (v) normal mice, once infected with recombinant adenovirus, could not be reinfected efficiently for at least 30 days due to neutralizing viral antibodies; and, finally, (vi) using immunosuppressive drugs, some normal mice can be tolerized to produce and secrete FIX protein for > 5 months. We conclude that currently available adenoviral vectors have serious limitations for use for long-term gene therapy.

Antibody response against Pseudomonas aeruginosa membrane proteins in experimentally infected sheep

Shedded sheep inoculated epicutaneously with P. aeruginosa and then wetted experimentally by a sprinkler system, rapidly develop a green bacterial stain. This was associated with an outpouring of serious exudates onto the skin surface in the fleecerot lesion site. Histopathological analysis of dermatitic lesions revealed an infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes into the dermis and the formation of a mosaic of microabscesses beneath the sloughed sheets of cornified epithelium. P. aeruginosa if present, was always localized as aggregates at the leading front of the seropurulent exudate and was never observed to invade the dermis. Animals that had been inoculated with P. aeruginosa but kept dry, showed no signs of dermatitis or serological reactivity against the inoculated bacterium. In contrast, sheep that had been inoculated and wetted, reacted serologically against P. aeruginosa whole cells in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eleven of 18 sheep were considered to be high-antibody responders and registered an ELISA ratio > 2.5 at one or more time points over the duration of the experiment (14 weeks). Analysis of ELISA reactivity of fleecerot sheep against fractionated cell envelope proteins of P. aeruginosa showed a preferential antibody response to outer (OMP) rather than inner (IMP) membrane proteins. Immunoblots revealed strong antibody activity against 2 major OMPs-Opr F and Opr H with apparent molecular masses of 39 and 21 kDa respectively. OMPs prepared from sarkosyl-resistant outer membrane vesicles were electrophoretically identical to OMPs prepared by a more rapid and efficient organic phase partitioning procedure (Chin and Dai, 1990). Although two other OMPs-Opr E (44 kDa) and Opr G (25 kDa) were seen in Coomassie blue-stained SDS-PAGE gels of P. aeruginosa OMPs, they were not reactive with sera from fleecerot affected sheep. It is likely that sheep with high levels of circulating serum antibody against major outer membrane proteins of P. aeruginosa may, in the event of a fleecerot episode, exude such antibodies onto the skin surface. This could provide a strategy for the control of ovine fleecerot by vaccination if highly conserved outer membrane proteins of P. aeruginosa were found to be protective.

Respiratory rate and signs in roentgenographically confirmed pneumonia among children in China

A clinical study was conducted in three Chinese community hospitals to investigate the reliability of respiratory rate and various clinical signs in the diagnosis of pneumonia among 54 children less than 5 years of age. Anteroposterior chest film was used as the diagnostic standard. The cutoff criterion for rapid breathing was 50 breaths/minute for infants ages 2 to 11 months and 40/minute in children 1 to 5 years old. Rapid breathing was a better predictor of pneumonia than rales (positive predictive values of 74.5 and 66.9%). Nasal flaring, chest indrawing, stridor and cyanosis of the tongue had predictive values of > 86%, but these clinical signs were observed in only a small proportion of patients. We recommend that village health workers use rapid breathing for diagnosis of pneumonia, rather than auscultation which is difficult and has proved unreliable. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values are presented for seven signs and symptoms of pneumonia.

Modulation of the chemotactic responsiveness of guinea pig neutrophils to hrIL-8 and fMLP

Neutrophils elicited in the peritoneal cavity of guinea pigs were purified on Percoll gradients and their chemotactic response to hrIL-8 and fMLP measured in vitro. hrIL-8 and fMLP were effective chemoattractants with optimal concentrations of 6 x 10(-9) and 1 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Scatchard analysis revealed approximately 205,000 IL-8 receptors/cell and 34,000 fMLP receptors/cell with KD values of 4.1 x 10(-9) and 3.3 x 10(-8) M, respectively. At suboptimal concentrations of chemoattractants the response was inhibited by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, histamine, and adenosine in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. IL-8 and fMLP induced an increase in cellular cyclic AMP and the response to optimal concentrations of chemoattractants was inhibited by Calphostin C and Ro 31-8220, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Our results indicate that the chemoattractants activate the same PKC-dependent pathway that is down-regulated by cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms.

Mimosine inhibits viral DNA synthesis through ribonucleotide reductase

The plant amino acid mimosine (beta-N(3-hydroxy-4-pyridone)-alpha-amino propionic acid) is toxic for animals and reversibly inhibits the replication of animal cells in vitro. We have found that mimosine inhibits the DNA synthesis of a variety of DNA viruses, including adenovirus, parvovirus, and papovavirus and the replication of vaccinia and herpes simplex virus 1 in cells in culture. However, mimosine did not inhibit the replication of SV40 DNA in a cell-free system. Because mimosine inhibition of viral DNA synthesis was reversible by iron in the medium, we hypothesized that mimosine was inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase through its capacity to chelate the iron required in the R2 subunit of this enzyme. In support of this hypothesis, we found that mimosine-treated cells had a reduction in the pools of dGTP and dATP and that mimosine inhibited ribonucleotide reductase in vitro in an iron-dependent manner.

Examination of rat salivary glands for the presence of the aquaporin CHIP

The aquaporin CHIP, AQP-CHIP, is a 28-kDa integral membrane protein that functions as a water channel in kidney and red blood cells. We have examined rat salivary glands for the presence of this molecule. In Northern blot analyses an AQP-CHIP cDNA hybridized to rat kidney mRNA approximately 20-fold more than to mRNA from the rat parotid gland. Western blot analyses, using antisera against human AQP-CHIP, showed that AQP-CHIP was present in crude membranes from rat salivary glands to a much lesser extent than in rat kidney membranes. A 2.8 kb cDNA encoding AQP-CHIP was also isolated from an adult rat parotid gland cDNA library. Immunolocalization studies using thin and ultrathin cryosections and light and electron microscopy, however, revealed that no glandular epithelium was labeled. In contrast, significant immunolabeling was present in microvascular endothelial cells. Non-fenestrated endothelia of capillaries and venules exhibited labeling on both their apical and basolateral membranes. The present study demonstrates that AQP-CHIP is not involved directly in fluid secretion from salivary epithelial cells. Further, this study provides strong evidence that AQP-CHIP is an endothelial cell water channel found within salivary gland tissue which may contribute to water permeability in the capillary beds.

Desensitisation of neutrophil responses by systemic interleukin 8 in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammation associated with neutrophil infiltration is a commonly observed feature of children with cystic fibrosis. Production of the major neutrophil chemotactic cytokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) is potentially of great importance in the pathology of cystic fibrosis. Concentrations of IL-8 in both sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have been found to be higher in children with cystic fibrosis than in controls. The IL-8 induced chemotactic response and numbers of IL-8 receptors on peripheral neutrophils obtained from children with cystic fibrosis have been compared with a control group of children.

METHODS

Cells were isolated from 18 patients with cystic fibrosis (aged 4-20 years) and 13 controls (aged 5-12 years) by dextran centrifugation followed by separation on Lymphoprep. Chemotaxis was assayed using multiwell microchemotaxis chambers and 5 microns polycarbonate filters. Filters were fixed and stained with Haema-Gurr for counting. Results were expressed as numbers of neutrophils per high power field (HPF).

RESULTS

At the optimum concentration (1 x 10(-8) mol/l) the number of cells migrating were similar for controls (150 (12)/HPF) and for the cystic fibrosis group (140 (14)/HPF)). At lower concentrations the numbers of neutrophils migrating were lower for the cystic fibrosis group. Scatchard analysis of 125I-labelled IL-8 binding revealed lower numbers of receptors on neutrophils from patients with cystic fibrosis (22,000 per cell) than from controls (75,000 per cell).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced responsiveness to IL-8 of neutrophils from patients with cystic fibrosis is associated with receptor desensitisation as a result of exposure to high systemic levels of IL-8.

Intra-A chain disulfide bond (A6-11) of insulin is essential for displaying its activity

The mutant proinsulin gene was constructed with the codons for A6 and A11 Cys changed to Ser to delete intra-A chain disulfide bond. After expression and purification, the mutations in the protein were further confirmed by amino acid composition. Electrophoretic mobility of the mutant proinsulin is similar to that of human proinsulin, so are the products of tryptic digestions. The mutant proinsulin, which retains its full radioimmuno activity, shows only 5.4% of receptor binding activity of human proinsulin. This suggests that though the intra-A chain disulfide bond disappears, the other two inter-chain disulfide bonds are still correctly paired, and hence the three dimensional structure has not been altered significantly. This intra-chain disulfide bond is essential for insulin displaying its activity.

[New endoscopic laser treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis after pulmonary resection]

In two patients who had developed aspiration due to left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during radical resection for lung cancer, low power Nd:YAG laser irradiation of the paralyzed vocal cord was performed through a bronchofiberscope. With irradiation, the paralyzed vocal cords of both patients swelled and became fixed at the median portion of the glottis. Thereafter, aspiration disappeared. Thus, this new application of Nd:YAG laser irradiation is apparently quite useful in treating aspiration due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis immediately after pulmonary resection.

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Mycoplasma pulmonis in paraffin-embedded tissue

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a reliable method of detecting specific DNA sequences. The purpose of this study was to develop a PCR method of detecting Mycoplasma pulmonis in paraffin-embedded tissue sections and to compare the sensitivity of this method with that of the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunohistochemistry technique. We infected mice intranasally with 10(7) M. pulmonis and sacrificed them 28 days later. Using a published oligonucleotide primer sequence for M. pulmonis, we examined 8-microns paraffin sections by PCR for a 710 base-pair segment of the genome. A sequential 8-microns paraffin section was stained for M. pulmonis, using standard ABC immunohistochemistry methods. By PCR and dot blot hybridization, 60 of 62 paraffin-embedded lungs were positive for M. pulmonis, whereas only 17 of 62 lungs were positive, using the ABC method. In this study, we demonstrated that PCR of paraffin-embedded tissues followed by dot blot hybridization of the PCR products was much more sensitive than the ABC method in identifying mouse lungs infected with M. pulmonis.

Dynamic observations on NK cell activity and IL-2 and IFN gamma production in vitro in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

In order to study the immune function of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), we assayed NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 targets in 40 patients on MHD, and the production of IL-2 and IFN in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after PHA stimulation, in contrast to those in normal controls. The results showed that NK cell activity and IL-2 and IFN levels were markedly lower in the patients than in the controls. After a single dialysis, NK cell activity as well as IL-2 and IFN levels were elevated to different extent. But there was no significant change in patients after long-term dialysis. There was a positive correlation between the NK cell activity and IL-2 and IFN activity in the controls, but no such correlation was found in the patients on MHD. There was a positive correlation between the NK cell activity and IL-2 activity in patients after dialysis, suggesting that immune function were impaired in the patients on MHD, with a decline in the activity of NK cell and IL-2 and IFN, and a disorder of immune regulation cycle. These abnormal immune impairments in the patients could be partly corrected by hemodialysis. However, long-term hemodialysis is not much helpful in the improvement of patient's immune function.

[Intrarectal 3-dimension ultrasonography in preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma]

From Nov. 1991 to Dec. 1992 63 patients were examined by preoperative intrarectal 3-dimension ultrasonography (IR3DUS) for the staging of their rectal carcinoma. IR3DUS assessed the tumor penetration depth with an accuracy of 93.65 percent (P < 0.001, Kappa statistic). IR3DUS predicted lymphatic metastasis with an accuracy of 92.1 percent vs. 63.6% by CT. Correlated with histopathologic findings, the overall accuracy of the preoperative staging utilizing IR3DUS was 93.65 percent (P < 0.001, Kappa statistic). Therefore, IR3DUS is considered a very useful tool for the assessment of the depth of cancer invasion in the rectal wall and perirectal lymph node metastasis.

Correlative factors of left ventricular hypertrophy in end-stage renal disease

The correlative factors of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 287 end-stage renal disease (ESRD), admitted from 1983 to 1992, were analyzed. 52% of patients had LVH including 54% of patients on hemodialysis, 75% of patients with peritoneal dialysis and 38% of transplanted patients. Single factor analysis indicated that age, blood pressure, serum creatinine and BUN, hemoglobin, serum alkaline phosphatase, aortic valve disease and present DSRD therapy were related to LVH. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the most important factors which independently related to LVH in all patients studied, were management of present ESRD treatment, age, hypertension and high serum alkaline phosphatase. In a subset of patients with severe LVH, high serum alkaline phosphatase level, high systolic blood pressure and age were the predictive factors. In patients on dialysis, the most important variable were age and high serum alkaline phosphatase. Hypertension was the sole predictor of LVH in the transplant group.

Relationship between muscarinic receptor occupancy and response in rat parotid acinar cells

To determine whether spare muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs) exist in rat parotid acinar cells, we examined the effect of propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PBCM) on agonist (carbachol)-stimulated inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation and on mAChR number, using l-[N-methyl-3H]scopolamine methyl chloride (NMS)-binding assays. Treatment with PBCM (1, 3, 10, 30, 50 nM) for 15 min caused a 5, 22, 60, 66, and 72% decrease, respectively, in maximal IP3 formation stimulated by carbachol as well as a large reduction in the potency of carbachol in eliciting this response. Using these data, equilibrium constants (Ka) for activation of the mAChRs by carbachol were calculated. These Ka values agreed well with Kd values of high-affinity mAChR binding sites determined from carbachol displacement of [3H]NMS binding in parotid acinar cells. Reduction in mAChR number after PBCM treatment was determined by Scatchard analysis of specific [3H]-NMS binding sites and compared with the expected reduction (q values) calculated from dose-response curves for carbachol-stimulated IP3 formation before and after PBCM treatment. PBCM (1, 3, 10, 30 nM) decreased mAChR maximal binding in cells 47.5, 68.9, 82.4, and 85.3%, respectively, which did agree with the approximately 38, 70, 90, and 92% decrease in receptor number expected from the calculated q values. Data demonstrate that PBCM irreversibly inactivates mAChRs in rat parotid cells, and the decrease in receptor number, measured directly from [3H]NMS binding or calculated from receptor theory, is greater than that observed for stimulated IP3 production. These results suggest that a modest (30-40%) population of spare receptors exists for mAChR-mediated IP3 production in rat parotid glands.

Interleukin-8 concentrations are elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, and sera of children with cystic fibrosis

Concurrent pulmonary inflammation and neutrophil infiltration are characteristic of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The production of the major neutrophil chemotactic cytokine IL-8 by alveolar macrophages or other cells could be of great importance in the pathology of acute lung disease, but its role in the persistent lung inflammation characteristic of CF has not been evaluated. In this study, we have measured, by ELISA, the concentration of IL-8 in sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and sera specimens obtained from children with CF. For comparison, IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage obtained from asthmatic patients and from non-CF children with or without lung infection and in sera from age-matched controls was measured. High levels of IL-8 were measured in sputum (mean = 2952 pM) and in bronchoalveolar lavage (mean = 6624 pM) from CF patients. In both cases, there was a significant correlation between clinical status (Schwachman score) and IL-8 levels. This was not true for IL-8 levels measured in sera, which nevertheless were significantly higher in CF patients (p = 0.0001) than in normal controls in the over-10-y age group.

Stable expression of human cytochrome P4502E1 in HepG2 cells: characterization of catalytic activities and production of reactive oxygen intermediates

Experiments were carried out to stably and constitutively express the coding sequence of the human cytochrome P4502E1 in HepG2, a human-hepatoma-derived cell line, by recombinant retroviral expression. Southern blot analysis showed a successful integration of a single copy of unaltered viral DNA into the genome of each transduced clone tested. Northern blot analysis showed that the transduced clones produced an RNA species which hybridized to the CYP2E1 cDNA probe. Western blot analysis using anti-human P4502E1 IgG indicated that the transduced clones produced a protein band with molecular weight of 54 000. Microsomes from transduced clones were catalytically active with p-nitrophenol, dimethylnitrosamine, aniline, and ethanol as substrates; little or no activity was found with control clones. Oxidation of p-nitrophenol was inhibited by anti-human P4502E1 IgG, diethyl dithiocarbamate, 4-methylpyrazole, and ethanol. ESR spectroscopy showed that microsomes from clone MV2E1-9 produced superoxide radical. Rates were an order of magnitude higher than that for control microsomes, most likely reflecting the loose coupling associated with P4502E1. The rate of H2O2 production by microsomes from MV2E1-9 was 2-fold greater than that of control clones. The elevated rate of H2O2 production in clone MV2E1-9 is about half the rate of superoxide radical production, suggesting that this H2O2 is largely derived from superoxide radical dismutation. Microsomal lipid peroxidation was determined using ferric-ATP as the iron catalyst. When the concentration of iron was "high" (0.025 mM), rates of production of thiobarbituric acid reactive components were identical for microsomes from MV2E1-9 and control clones. However, when the concentration of iron was lowered to 0.005 mM, control clones did not display lipid peroxidation, whereas microsomes from MV2E1-9 were reactive. This peroxidation was sensitive to antioxidants such as trolox, propyl gallate, and glutathione but not to catalase or superoxide dismutase. Rates of superoxide and H2O2 production and of lipid peroxidation were 7-20-fold higher on a per nanomole of P450 basis with clone MV2E1-9 compared to human liver microsomes, indicating that the human P4502E1 is especially reactive in production of reactive oxygen intermediates and in catalysis of lipid peroxidation.

Signaling mechanisms that regulate saliva formation

The precipitating event in the formation of saliva is the binding of neurotransmitter molecules to cell surface receptor proteins. The principal neurotransmitters involved are acetylcholine and norepinephrine that bind, respectively, to muscarinic-cholinergic, and alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. The transduction of the extracellular signal requires an integral membrane protein capable of binding GTP, a G protein, that specifically interacts with the receptor. The components of G protein transduction systems are fairly well studied, but the pathways by which signals are routed are just being recognized. Delineation of such routing pathways is essential to understanding the regulation of saliva formation.

[The activities of 3 enzymes in serum and cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis]

The adenosine deaminase (ADA), lysozyme (LZM) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were determined in 36 patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM), 47 patients with non-tuberculous meningitis (N-T-BM) and 20 patients with non-central nervous system diseases(control group). The results showed that the assessment of serum and CSF ADA and LZM activity may be helpful to the differential diagnosis between TBM and N-TBM.

Wave-front matching measurement in coherent CO(2) laser-radar

Wave-front matching of the local oscillator beam and the signal beam is of vital importance in optical heterodyne efficiency. A method for aligning the local oscillator beam and the signal beam is described. Mixing efficiency is improved. One can directly observe the matching procedure on an oscilloscope.

Gene therapy via primary myoblasts: long-term expression of factor IX protein following transplantation in vivo

We have explored the use of primary myoblasts as a somatic tissue for gene therapy of acquired and inherited diseases where systemic delivery of a gene product may have therapeutic effects. Mouse primary myoblasts were infected with replication-defective retroviruses expressing canine factor IX cDNA under the control of a mouse muscle creatine kinase enhancer and human cytomegalovirus promoter. The infected myoblasts were injected into the hindlegs of recipient mice and levels of secreted factor IX protein were monitored in the plasma. We report sustained expression of factor IX protein for over 6 months without any apparent adverse effect on the recipient mice.

Long-term expression of a retrovirally introduced beta-galactosidase gene in rodent cells implanted in vivo using biodegradable polymer meshes

Grafts of various types of cells have been performed using bioresorbable polymer matrices. These synthetic fibers are degraded by hydrolysis into normal metabolic intermediates and induce a number of events that are conductive to healing and/or repair, the most important of which may be angiogenesis. The use of biodegradable meshes to deliver genetically altered cells was studied. A beta-galactosidase gene was inserted into Long-Evans rat bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells or fibroblasts derived from C57BL/6J mouse embryos using the retroviral vector LNL-SLX beta gal. Expression was monitored using X-gal staining. X-gal+ cells from monolayer cultures were seeded onto either polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polyglactin (PGL) biodegradable meshes and grown to confluence. Two types of grafts were performed: (1) embryonic C57BL/6J mouse fibroblasts (EMF) into either nude mice or adult C57BL/6J mice, and (2) Long-Evans rat BMS into Long-Evans rats. Beta-Galactosidase activity was found for up to 152 days for EMF in nude mice, 123 days for EMF in adult C57BL/6J mice, and 90 days for grafts of syngeneic BMS cells into Long-Evans rats. Noninfected cells grafted using the same methods did not stain with X-gal.

[Effects of artificial cultured Panax notoginseng cell on cardiovascular system]

Alcoholic extract from artificial cultured Panax notoginseng cell (SCC) ip has been found conducive to increasing the resistance of mice to anoxia. In vitro it helps to increase the outflow of coronary vessels, decrease the heart rate, inhibit the constriction of aortic strip stimulated by nor-epinephrine and relax spasmodic constriction of ileum smooth muscles markedly. SCC powder suspension on po administration can contract bleeding and coagulation time. The pharmacologic activities of SCC are similar to those of crude Panax notoginseng.

[Preparation of sucking tablet of shengmei] off

The Sucking Tablet of Shengmei is made from eight Chinese traditional drugs including Radix Adenophorae, Fructus Mume, etc. The effective rate of the tablet in treating chronic pharyngitis reaches up to 96 percent. The working mechanism related to the fact that the tablet is bacteria-resistant and helps to strengthen the body function. This paper presents the preparation process of the Sucking Tablet along with solutions for some problems encountered in the process and appropriate standards for quality control.

[Inhibition of fructus Corni on experimental inflammation]

Fructus Corni (FC) decoction inhibits the increase of peritoneal capillary permeability by ip 0.7% acetic acid in mice, the proliferation of granuloma formed by implanting cotton pellets in rats, the swelling of mouse pinnea with xylene and the edema of hind paw induced by injection of fresh egg white 0.1 ml in rats. FC decreases the contents of ascorbic acid in adrenal, but has no marked effect on the contents of prostaglandin E in inflammatory tissue of rats. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of FC on the inflammatory process may be related to pituitary-adrenal axis.

Circulating human or canine factor IX from retrovirally transduced primary myoblasts and established myoblast cell lines grafted into murine skeletal muscle

We have used retroviral vectors to introduce human or canine factor IX cDNAs into cultured primary murine and canine myoblasts and into the established murine myoblast cell line C2C12. In all cases, the stably infected cells produced biologically active factor IX in culture and secreted detectable amounts into the culture medium both before and after differentiation of the cells into myotubes. Myoblasts and differentiated myotubes are therefore capable of performing all the posttranslational modifications of the coagulation factor required for biological activity. We have grafted the genetically modified myoblasts into skeletal muscles of nude mice and have detected stable levels of circulating human factor IX for up to two months after grafting. We propose that grafting genetically modified primary myoblasts or established myoblast cell lines into skeletal muscle may represent a useful approach to gene therapy for a variety of genetic diseases, including intrinsic muscle disease and defects in circulating proteins as in the hemophilias.