Human nails as a biomarker of arsenic exposure from well water in Inner Mongolia: comparing atomic fluorescence spectrometry and neutron activation analysis

Arsenic (As) is found naturally in the geological strata within the Ba Men Region of Inner Mongolia, China. A study was conducted to compare the total As measurements from two analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and to verify nails as an exposure biomarker in this population. In 1999, nail and water samples were collected in a pilot study. Fingernails and toenails were pooled from 32 participants and analysed for total As by both INAA and AFS. Mean nail As values were 14.8+/-2.4 and 19.4+/-2.8 microg g-1 (+/-SEM) for INAA and AFS, respectively. Results from these two methods were significantly correlated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). In 2000, a second study was conducted and INAA was used to measure total As in toenails from 314 Ba Men residents. Well water samples were collected from 121 households and analysed by AFS. A significant correlation was observed between toenail and well water As (r=0.84, p<0.0001). Based on the results, INAA was significantly correlated with AFS and proved to be a reliable measure of nail As levels. In this population, toenail samples are a useful internal As exposure biomarker from drinking water sources.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by recombinant small interfering RNAs

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological phenomenon in which introduction of a small, double-stranded interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into a cell causes a specific degradation of homologous single-stranded RNA. siRNA can be delivered into the cell by different approaches including synthetic RNA, in vitro transcribed RNA and RNA transcribed from polymerase III-based recombinant vectors. As hepatitis B (HB) represents a worldwide health problem, we attempted to develop a fast and easy approach to generation and screening of specific siRNA-targeted HB virus (HBV) genes. Using PCR amplification, specific siRNA expression cassettes (SECs) were developed and used to generate effective siRNAs against HB virus (HBV) replication and gene expression in mammalian cells. After screening, we identified two SECs that expressed siRNAs which efficiently decreased the level of HBV pre-c/c gene expression in transfected Bel-7402 cells by 81.9% and 87.3%, respectively. In addition, the level of HBV DNA was decreased by 83.5% and 85.2% in HepG2 2.2.15 cells, respectively. This study provides (i) a new effective application of RNA interference to study viral gene function and viral replication and (ii) a new tool for the prevention and treatment of human HBV infection.

Treatment of home oxygen induced rhinitis: an unusual use for a nasal obturator

Patients requiring home oxygen can experience drying and crusting of nasal mucosa. On occasion it can be severe causing significant discomfort. In this report we present such a case. To prevent nasal airflow and hence reduce symptoms the patient was fitted with a nasal obturator. The use of the nasal obturator resulted in a rapid resolution of her symptoms. In this case the use of the nasal obturator was reversible and a simple solution for the treatment of a difficult condition.

Identification and characterisation of a novel KCNQ1 mutation in a family with Romano–Ward syndrome

Romano-Ward syndrome (RWS), the autosomal dominant form of the congenital long QT syndrome, is characterised by prolongation of the cardiac repolarisation process associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias of the torsades de pointes type. Genetic studies have identified mutations in six ion channel genes, KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1 and KCNE2 and the accessory protein Ankyrin-B gene, to be responsible for this disorder. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and subsequent DNA sequence analysis have identified a KCNQ1 mutation in a family that were clinically conspicuous due to several syncopes and prolonged QTc intervals in the ECG. The mutant subunit was expressed and functionally characterised in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. A novel heterozygous missense mutation with a C to T transition at the first position of codon 343 (CCA) of the KCNQ1 gene was identified in three concerned family members (QTc intervals: 500, 510 and 530 ms, respectively). As a result, proline 343 localised within the highly conserved transmembrane segment S6 of the KCNQ1 channel is replaced by a serine. Co-expression of mutant (KCNQ1-P343S) and wild-type (KCNQ1) cRNA in Xenopus oocytes produced potassium currents reduced by approximately 92%, while IKs reconstitution experiments with a combination of KCNQ1 mutant, wild-type and KCNE1 subunits yielded currents reduced by approximately 60%. A novel mutation (P343S) identified in the KCNQ1 subunit gene of three members of a RWS family showed a dominant-negative effect on native IKs currents leading to prolongation of the heart repolarisation and possibly increases the risk of malign arrhythmias with sudden cardiac death.

Blocked nose and snoring in a 6-year-old boy

Nasal obstruction, mouth-breathing, snoring and deafness are common symptoms seen in children presenting to the otorhinolaryngology clinic. The aetiopathologies are frequently due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy and otitis media with effusion. Rarely however, nasal obstruction and snoring may be associated with more sinister pathology. We report a case of a child with nasopharyngeal B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma whose initial symptoms were of nasal obstruction and snoring.

[A pilot study on malaria control by using a new strategy of combining strengthening infection source treatment and health education in mountainous areas of Hainan province]

AIM

To explore a new malaria control strategy that fits current epiodemiological condition and coincides with modern medicine model and the principle of cost-benefit.

METHODS

The new strategy highlights the risk villages and risk population as the focal point and integrates health education with behavioral intervention. The main anti-malaria measures consists of carrying out health education in risk villages, giving mass drug administrations in risk population staying overnight in the mountain, following up malaria cases for implementing radical cure, but without using traditional residual spraying or impregnating bednets with insecticides.

RESULTS

After having adopted the new strategy and taken the control measures, the people's knowledge about malaria increased to a higher level and the indices of malaria reduced to a lower level. The rate of bednet-using in the population was increased from 26.8% to 72.6%. The annual parasite incidence (API) of malaria was declined from 3.5% in 1994 to 1.1% in 1996 and 0.8% in 1997, and the API of falciparum malaria was declined from 1.0% to 0.3% and 0.3% respectively in the townships at the same time. The parasite rate(PR) of malaria was declined from 7.2% in May, 1995 to 2.1% in November, 1996 and 1.2% in October, 1997 and the PR of falciparum malaria was declined from 1.2% in May, 1995 to 0.1% in October, 1997. The proportion of villages without malaria cases was increased from 18.6% in 1994 to 54.2% in 1997, and the number of risk villages with a malaria incidence above 5% was reduced from 14 to 2 at the same time. The ratio of cost/benefit was 1:2.4 in 1995-1996 and 1:4.4 in 1997, showing a better economic benefit.

CONCLUSION

The expectant result has been obtained, thereby providing new experience for the malaria control in the mountainous areas of Hainan Province.

Increased dendritic excitability in hippocampal ca1 in vivo in the kainic acid model of temporal lobe epilepsy: a study using current source density analysis

We used kainic acid in rats as an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy, and studied the synaptic transmission in hippocampal subfield CA1 of urethane-anesthetized rats in vivo. Dendritic currents were revealed by field potential mapping, using a single micropipette or a 16-channel silicon probe, followed by current source density analysis. We found that the population excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the basal dendrites and distal apical dendrites of CA1 were increased in kainate-treated as compared with control rats following paired-pulse, but not single-pulse, stimulation of CA3b or medial perforant path. In contrast, the trisynaptic midapical dendritic response in CA1 following medial perforant path stimulation was decreased in kainate-treated as compared with control rats. Increased coupling between excitatory postsynaptic potential and the population spike in CA1 was found after kainate seizures. Short-latency, presumably monosynaptic CA1 population spikes following medial perforant path stimulation was found in kainate-treated but not control rats. An enhancement of dendritic excitability was evidenced by population spikes that invaded into or originated from the distal apical dendrites of CA1 in kainate-treated but not control rats. Reverberation of hippocampo-entorhinal activity was evidenced by recurrent excitation of CA1 following CA3b stimulation in kainate-treated but not control rats. Blockade of inhibition by intraventricularly administered bicuculline induced excitatory potentials in CA1 that were stronger and more prolonged in kainate-treated than control rats. The bicuculline-induced excitation was mainly blocked by non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. We conclude that kainate seizures induced disinhibition in CA1 that unveiled excitation at the basal and distal apical dendrites, resulting in enhancement of the direct entorhinal cortex to CA1 input and reverberations via the hippocampo-entorhinal loop. These changes in the output of the hippocampus from CA1 are likely detrimental to the behavioral functions of the hippocampus and they may contribute to increased seizure susceptibility after kainate seizures.

Introgression of a quantitative trait locus for yield from Glycine soja into commercial soybean cultivars

The value of exotic germplasm in broadening the genetic base of most crops has been demonstrated many times. However, the difficulties involved in working with exotic germplasm have limited their utility in plant breeding. Unwanted linkages often thwart the successful incorporation of beneficial exotic genes into commercial lines. Thus, the use of exotics in traditional breeding makes the process of crop improvement a tedious, time-consuming and expensive endeavor. The availability of molecular markers makes it possible to isolate specific genomic regions and transfer them into commercial varieties with minimal linkage drag. We found a yield-enhancing quantitative trait locus (QTL) from Glycine soja (Siebold and Zucc.) by evaluating a population of 265 BC(2) individuals from a cross between HS-1 and PI 407305. The yield QTL was located on linkage group B2(U26) of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genetic linkage map. In a 2-year, multi-location study, individuals carrying the PI 407305 haplotype at the QTL locus demonstrated a 9.4% yield advantage over individuals that did not contain the exotic haplotype. When tested in a more uniform "HS-1-like" background in two locations, we observed an 8% yield advantage for lines that carry the PI 407305 haplotype. We further assessed the QTL effect in various elite soybean genetic backgrounds. The yield effect was consistently observed in only two of six genetic backgrounds. Individuals carrying the PI 407305 haplotype at the QTL locus had a 9% yield advantage in yield trials across locations. Despite the limited adaptability of this yield-QTL across genetic backgrounds, this study demonstrates the potential of exotic germplasm for yield enhancement in soybean.

Introgression of a quantitative trait locus for yield from Glycine soja into commercial soybean cultivars

The value of exotic germplasm in broadening the genetic base of most crops has been demonstrated many times. However, the difficulties involved in working with exotic germplasm have limited their utility in plant breeding. Unwanted linkages often thwart the successful incorporation of beneficial exotic genes into commercial lines. Thus, the use of exotics in traditional breeding makes the process of crop improvement a tedious, time-consuming and expensive endeavor. The availability of molecular markers makes it possible to isolate specific genomic regions and transfer them into commercial varieties with minimal linkage drag. We found a yield-enhancing quantitative trait locus (QTL) from Glycine soja (Siebold and Zucc.) by evaluating a population of 265 BC(2) individuals from a cross between HS-1 and PI 407305. The yield QTL was located on linkage group B2(U26) of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genetic linkage map. In a 2-year, multi-location study, individuals carrying the PI 407305 haplotype at the QTL locus demonstrated a 9.4% yield advantage over individuals that did not contain the exotic haplotype. When tested in a more uniform "HS-1-like" background in two locations, we observed an 8% yield advantage for lines that carry the PI 407305 haplotype. We further assessed the QTL effect in various elite soybean genetic backgrounds. The yield effect was consistently observed in only two of six genetic backgrounds. Individuals carrying the PI 407305 haplotype at the QTL locus had a 9% yield advantage in yield trials across locations. Despite the limited adaptability of this yield-QTL across genetic backgrounds, this study demonstrates the potential of exotic germplasm for yield enhancement in soybean.

[Synthesis and bioaction of 2-alkyl-4(1H)-quinolone]

Five quinolone alkaloids (IVa, Va, c, d, g) including two new compounds (IVa, Vc) from Evodia rutaecarpa and nine analogs are synthesized in good yield by using acid-catalyzed condensation of a series of 3-oxoalkkanoic acid esters with aniline and further methylized with methyl iodide. The other analogue Vh is prepared through the reaction of lithium enolate methyl ketone with N-methylisatoic anhydride. Eight compounds (IVa, d, f; Vb, c, d, f, h) were synthesized for the first time. Pharmacological studies showed that these compounds have vasoconstriction inhibiting and antiulcer effects. Compound IVb also has cytotoxic effect.

In situ spatial patterns of soil bacterial populations, mapped at multiple scales, in an arable soil

Very little is known about the spatial organization of soil microbes across scales that are relevant both to microbial function and to field-based processes. The spatial distributions of microbes and microbially mediated activity have a high intrinsic variability. This can present problems when trying to quantify the effects of disturbance, management practices, or climate change on soil microbial systems and attendant function. A spatial sampling regime was implemented in an arable field. Cores of undisturbed soil were sampled from a 3 x 3 x 0.9 m volume of soil (topsoil and subsoil) and a biological thin section, in which the in situ distribution of bacteria could be quantified, prepared from each core. Geostatistical analysis was used to quantify the nature of spatial structure from micrometers to meters and spatial point pattern analysis to test for deviations from complete spatial randomness of mapped bacteria. Spatial structure in the topsoil was only found at the microscale (micrometers), whereas evidence for nested scales of spatial structure was found in the subsoil (at the microscale, and at the centimeter to meter scale). Geostatistical ranges of spatial structure at the micro scale were greater in the topsoil and tended to decrease with depth in the subsoil. Evidence for spatial aggregation in bacteria was stronger in the topsoil and also decreased with depth in the subsoil, though extremely high degrees of aggregation were found at very short distances in the deep subsoil. The data suggest that factors that regulate the distribution of bacteria in the subsoil operate at two scales, in contrast to one scale in the topsoil, and that bacterial patches are larger and more prevalent in the topsoil.

A constitutive gene expression system derived from the tCUP cryptic promoter elements

A limited number of constitutive promoters have been used to direct transgene expression in plants and they are often derived from non-plant sources. Here, we describe novel gene-regulatory elements which are associated with a cryptic constitutive promoter from tobacco, tCUP, and modifications that were made to create a strong gene-expression system that is effective across all living cell types from a wide range of plant species, including several important crops ( Arabidopsis, canola, flax, alfalfa, tobacco). The tCUP 5' untranslated region was mutated to eliminate translational interference by upstream ATGs, and the influence of the Kozak consensus sequence on the levels of a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene activity was demonstrated. These modifications resulted in expression that was greatly enhanced in all organs. A TATA consensus sequence was added to the core promoter to complement an existing Initiator (Inr) sequence. Although this addition was known to elevate core promoter activity by 3-fold the additive effect on the overall gene-expression system was marginal in all of the transgenic plants tested. Two transcriptional enhancers were identified and the region containing them were oligomerized, yielding a significant increase in marker gene-expression in some but not all plant species. In general, the enhanced tCUP gene-expression system generated levels of GUS activity which exceeded that of the 35S promoter in most plant species and the elevation in activity occurred uniformly among the various plant organs. The potential benefit of cryptic elements for the construction of gene-expression systems for crop species is discussed

Multidrug-resistance-associated protein MGr1-Ag is identical to the human 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor

We report the isolation and functional characterization of the gene encoding MGr1-Ag, a multidrug-resistance-associated protein. A lambdagt11 cDNA library derived from colorectal carcinoma SW480 cells was screened with monoclonal antibody MGr1. DNA homology analysis of 22 positive clones (designated R1-R22) suggested human 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor (37LRP, R7/R9/R15/R16/R19/R20) and a novel gene (R22) as candidate genes encoding MGr1-Ag. Western blot analysis showed that anti-R20 serum reacted with a unique protein band that was consistent with MGr1-Ag, while anti-R22 serum could not react with MGr1-Ag. The coding gene for MGr1-Ag was amplified using reverse transcription-PCR. Sequence analysis revealed that the MGr1-Ag and 37LRP genes shared the same coding sequence. An in vitro drug sensitivity assay indicated that down-regulation of 37LRP by an antisense technique could significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs to gastric cancer cells. Thus we draw the conclusion that MGr1-Ag is identical to 37LRP.

[Studies on synthesis and bioactivity of 2-alkenyl-4(1H)-quinolone]

Three 2-alkenyl-4(1H)-quinolone compounds(I-III) were synthesized by two methods. III is a new compound from Evodia rutaecarpa and was synthesized through the reaction of the aldehyde intermediate(5) with Wittig reagent. The other two compounds were synthesized for the first time. These compounds showed vasodilating and antibacteria effects in pharmacological tests.

The immunogenetics and pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Highlights of the First Sino-European Workshop on the Immunogenetics and Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer

Clinical scientists from eight European countries and China gathered in the ancient Chinese capital of Xi'an on April 26-28, 2001 to discuss collaboration on a modern approach to gastric cancer prevention. Participants at the First Sino-European Workshop on Immunogenetics and Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer presented their most up-to-date research results on topics ranging from epidemiology and immune mechanisms to Helicobacter pylori and vaccine development. Researchers then formed groups with their Chinese or European counterparts to plan future research endeavors which will benefit Chinese and European populations alike. After 3 years of organization between the Institute of Digestive Diseases of the Fourth Medical University in Xi'an, China and the Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the first workshop came into being under the joint sponsorship of the Commission of the European Union, National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xi'an, China. As gastric cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in China, the workshop was of special significance to the Chinese researchers and to the Chinese population in general. During the workshop, presentations on the epidemiology of gastric cancer showed that this disease is in fact common the world over: it is the second most common cancer next to lung cancer and about 1 million new cases were diagnosed in 2000. Three-quarters of the cases of gastric cancer occur in Asia, and approximately 80% of these cases are in China and Japan. Genetic factors and environmental factors such as diet and H. pylori infection play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. As a recognized cause of gastric cancer, H. pylori was the subject of various presentations ranging from immunological studies, molecular analysis of strains and pathogenesis to vaccine development. Specific areas of discussion included bacterial-epithelial interactions in H. pylori infection, epidemiology in China, global distribution of vacA and cagA genotypes, new evidence for host factors, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and H. pylori as independent risk factor for gastric cancer, new diagnostic techniques for H. pylori using serum levels of pepsinogen I, and autoimmune processes in corpus atrophy. Vaccine development using a variety of strategies against H. pylori was the subject of an entire session of talks. Oral immunization with urease with Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin was shown to be safe and immunogenic in humans as a mucosal adjuvant. Results of a study using attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as a vehicle for DNA-mediated immunization in mice were also presented. A final presentation discussed an ongoing trial comparing strain variability in the vacA and cagA gene sequences and disease expression between H. pylori infection in Europe and China. Researchers also discussed the role of IL1 gene family and TNF gene polymorphisms in gastric pathology and various immune mechanisms involved in gastric cancer, such as down-regulation of NF kappa B, IL-1 and IL-1RA, cyclooxygenase signalling, and identification of MGAg antibodies. An interactive discussion followed each presentation and ideas and suggestions were provided. According to specialty, the presenters were then assigned to groups of four or five to make plans for joint research projects. A number of international and Chinese observers were present, including representatives from the European Commission, the World Health Organization and the Chinese National Center for Biotechnology Development, and offered input on the financial feasibility of such projects.

[Multivariate analysis for prognostic predictors in non-small cell lung cancer]

BACKGROUND

To determine the prognostic predictors for non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) with multivariate analysis.

METHODS

From 1981 to 1994, 158 patients with NSCLC had been treated by surgery alone or combined with radiotherapy and/ or chemotherapy . Their clinical characteristics were collected. All histological slides were reviewed to evaluate the histological type, tumor differentiation and vascular and lymphatic vessel invasion. Oncoprotein overexpressions were measured by immunohistochemistry assay ( ABC) , including Pan-ras, c-myc, c-erb B2, EGFR and p53. PCNA was also measured by ABC. The endpoints for prognosis consisted of survival, local control and distant metastasis. They were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method with Log-rank test determining the difference between subgroups. Cox model was used for multivariate analysis. The prognostic index ( PI) was calculated basing on the results of multivariate analysis, then the high risk group was determined by PI.

RESULTS

The overall actual 5-year survival rate was 44%. The unfavorable predictors were late T and N of TNM stage ( P = 0. 025 and < 0. 001) , lymphatic vessel invasion ( P= 0. 002) and multi-oncoprotein overexpression ( P= 0. 018) . The overall median of PI was 1. 71( 0. 23-3. 75) . The patients were divided into three groups: good prognosis group ( 42 cases, PI ≤ 1. 3) , moderate prognosis group ( 63 cases, 1. 3 < PI ≤ 2. 2) and bad prognosis group ( 53 cases, PI > 2. 2) . There was significant difference in survival rate among the three groups ( P < 0. 001) , 5-year survival rate was 77%, 45% and 21%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The unfavorable predictors are late T, late N, lymphatic vessel invasion and multi-oncoprotein overexpression. PI could be used to determine the high risk group in patients with NSCLC.