Leaving previously implanted central venous catheters (ports) in place does not increase morbidity in patients undergoing autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation

We sought to assess if leaving in place a previously inserted noncolonized or infected implantable catheter (IC) is associated with an increase in morbidity in patients undergoing autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (APSCT). Medical records from all patients between March 1997 and January 2002 undergoing APSCT with an IC in place were reviewed. Case group (IC in place) was compared with a control group (no IC) from 6 days prior to 60 days after APSCT. In all, 43 cases were matched with 43 controls by underlying disease, age and sex. In both groups, duration of neutropenia and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis were comparable. Underlying malignancies were lymphoma (22/24), multiple myeloma (14/12), leukemia (3/3), and others (7/7) in case and control groups. Cases and controls had comparable rates of risk for fever, bloodstream infection, use of vancomycin and amphotericin B, and death, as well as comparable lengths of stay and readmissions. ICs were used in 20 of 43 patients. Using the IC did not significantly increase the risk of fever, bloodstream infection, length of stay, and/or readmissions after APSCT but was associated with increased use of antibacterial and antifungal agents. Leaving in place a previously inserted, noncolonized or infected IC did not increase morbidity in patients undergoing APSCT.

The effect of surface properties on visible luminescence of nanosized colloidal ZnO membranes

Luminescence properties of nanosized zinc oxide (ZnO) colloids depend greatly on their surface properties, which are in turn largely determined by the method of preparation. ZnO nanoparticles in the size range from 3 to 9 nm were prepared by addition of tetramethylammonium hydroxide ((CH3)4NOH) to an ethanolic zinc acetate solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates nanocrystalline ZnO membranes with polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure. The ZnO membranes have a strong visible-emission intensity and the intensity depends upon hydrolysis time. The infrared spectra imply a variety of forms of zinc acetate complexes present on the surface of ZnO particles. The effect of the ZnO membrane surface properties on photoluminescence is discussed.

Electrokinetic behavior of two touching inhomogeneous biological cells and colloidal particles: effects of multipolar interactions

We present a theory to investigate electrokinetic behavior, namely, electrorotation and dielectrophoresis under alternating current (ac) applied fields for a pair of touching inhomogeneous colloidal particles and biological cells. These inhomogeneous particles are treated as graded ones with physically motivated model dielectric and conductivity profiles. The mutual polarization interaction between the particles yields a change in their respective dipole moments, and hence in the ac electrokinetic spectra. The multipolar interactions between polarized particles are accurately captured by the multiple images method. In the point-dipole limit, our theory reproduces the known results. We find that the multipolar interactions as well as the spatial fluctuations inside the particles can affect the ac electrokinetic spectra significantly.

Electroacupuncture for Tension-type Headache on Distal Acupoints Only: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of electroacupuncture, applied to distal acupoints only, for tension-type headache.

BACKGROUND

Electroacupuncture is commonly used for tension-type headache, but when applied to distal acupoints only, evidence of its efficacy is lacking.

DESIGN

A randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Methods.-The trial had 5 stages: baseline (2 weeks), phases I and II (each 4 weeks), washout period (2 weeks), and follow-up (3 months after phase II). Forty patients were randomly assigned to either group A or group B. Group A received real electroacupuncture during phase I, then sham electroacupuncture in phase II. Group B received the treatments in reverse order. Outcome measures were headache frequency and duration, pain intensity using a visual analog scale, mechanical pain threshold, headache disability, and sickness impact. Data were analyzed by univariate 2-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients completed the trial. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups at baseline. At the end of phase I, group A, but not group B, demonstrated significant improvement in mean (standard error of the mean [SEM]) headache frequency (3.0 per month [0.3] versus 12.0 per month [1.7]), duration (13.3 hours [3.5] versus 32.0 hours [6.2]), pain intensity (32.8 mm [4.1] versus 47.5 mm [2.7]), pain threshold (right side, 2.9 kg/second [0.1] versus 0.9 kg/second [0.1]; left side, 2.4 kg/second [0.1] versus 1.1 kg/second [0.1]), headache disability score (6.0 [1.0] versus 16.3 [1.6]), and sickness impact score (288.7 [48.0] versus 687.1 [77.2]). For each parameter, significant differences also were demonstrated for both groups between baseline and phase II, and baseline and follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups at the end of follow-up (P >.05).

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture to distal points alone is effective for short-term symptomatic relief of tension-type headache.

Expression of adherent molecule and cyclin by ligustrazine in bone marrow of mice with immune-induced aplastic anemia

Mice with immune-induced aplastic anemia (AA) were given 5 mg ligustrazine intraperitoneally twice a day. On the 14th day, the expression of CD49d, CD49c, cyclinD2 in bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) was examined by flow cytometry, and VCAM-1 on stromal cells was immunohistochemically measured by Strept Avidin-Biotin Complex (SABC). The expression of CD49d, CD49c, VCAM-1 and cyclinD2 in ligustrazine-treated group was significantly higher than that in AA group (P < 0.01), but the ratio of G0 + G1 phase cells was significantly lower than that in AA group (P < 0.01). The results showed that ligustrazine could improve the expression of adherent molecule and cyclin D2 in the bone marrow of mice with immune-induced aplastic anemia, thereby promoting the growth of hematopoietic cells.

Dielectrophoresis of charged colloidal suspensions

We present a theoretical study of dielectrophoretic (DEP) crossover spectrum of two polarizable particles under the action of a nonuniform ac electric field. For two approaching particles, the mutual polarization interaction yields a change in their respective dipole moments, and hence, in the DEP crossover spectrum. The induced polarization effects are captured by the multiple image method. Using spectral representation theory, an analytic expression for the DEP force is derived. We find that the mutual polarization effects can change the crossover frequency at which the DEP force changes sign. The results are found to be in agreement with recent experimental observation and as they go beyond the standard theory, they help to clarify the important question of the underlying polarization mechanisms.

Tetrasomy 12p--unusual presentation in CVS

CVS direct preparations usually achieve limited resolution and are better at detecting numerical rather than structural abnormalities. A CVS direct preparation analyzed using G-banding revealed a 47,XY,+G karyotype in 5 of 11 cells and was reported as mosaic for trisomy 21. Subsequent analysis of the CVS culture found only normal male cells. Amniocentesis revealed both normal male cells and cells with an extra F-group chromosome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) identified this chromosome to be an isochromosome from the short arm of chromosome 12 [i(12)(p10)]. The amniocyte karyotype was reported as 47,XY,+i(12)(p10)[12]/46,XY[8].ish i(12)(p10)(wcp12+), which is associated with Pallister-Killian syndrome. Reexamination of the CVS direct preparation by FISH with a chromosome 12 centromere probe confirmed the karyotype of this tissue to be 47,XY,+mar[5]/46,XY[6].nuc ish 12cen(D12Z3 x 3)/12cen(D12Z3 x 2). Thus, multiple studies, including amniocentesis and fluorescence in situ hybridization, may be required to fully and accurately evaluate abnormalities detected by CVS. This case also indicates that mosaicism for supernumerary isochromosomes may have a complex origin.

Ultrastructural observation on the transformation of the spermatozoon in spermatogenesis of Taeniid cestodes

AIM

To study the transformation of taeniid spermatozoon during spermatogenesis on the ultrastructure level.

METHODS

Transmission electronmicroscopy.

RESULTS

This paper was the second part of the ultrastructural observations on the spermatogenesis in Taeniid cestodes: The transformation of the spermatozoon. The 64-spermatid-plasmodium was generated from the secondary meiosis of the 32 rose-like secondary spermatocytes. The transformation of the spermatozoon was a complex process. Firstly, both the cytoplasm and nucleus of the spermatid elongated while the cytoplasm increased and connected to the cytoplasmic mass (cytophore). Secondly, the chromatins of nucleus polymerized to a thread-bundle-like structure. Finally, it detached from the cytoplasm mass and became a mature spermatozoon. The mature spermatozoon was a thread-like structure, about 16.2-18.6 microns in length and 0.35-0.45 micron in diameter. There were two structurally distinct parts: the part with the nucleus was the head and the part without the nucleus was the tail. The head measured about 5-6 microns in length, 1/3 of the total body length and contained an elongated nucleus which twined around the axoneme without mitochondria. The tail was about 11.2-16.6 microns in length. Throughout the core of the tail was an axoneme with typical "9 + 1" structure. The anterior of the tail, just behind the head, were some mitochondria, about 1.6-1.7 microns in total length which twined around the axoneme. The posterior of the tail contained only an axoneme. In cross-section of the spermatozoon, about 46 microtubules were beneath the plasma membrane.

CONCLUSION

The transformation of the spermatozoon is a very complex process.

Binding specificity of Escherichia coli trigger factor

The ribosome-associated chaperone trigger factor (TF) assists the folding of newly synthesized cytosolic proteins in Escherichia coli. Here, we determined the substrate specificity of TF by examining its binding to 2842 membrane-coupled 13meric peptides. The binding motif of TF was identified as a stretch of eight amino acids, enriched in basic and aromatic residues and with a positive net charge. Fluorescence spectroscopy verified that TF exhibited a comparable substrate specificity for peptides in solution. The affinity to peptides in solution was low, indicating that TF requires ribosome association to create high local concentrations of nascent polypeptide substrates for productive interaction in vivo. Binding to membrane-coupled peptides occurred through the central peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) domain of TF, however, independently of prolyl residues. Crosslinking experiments showed that a TF fragment containing the PPIase domain linked to the ribosome via the N-terminal domain is sufficient for interaction with nascent polypeptide substrates. Homology modeling of the PPIase domain revealed a conserved FKBP(FK506-binding protein)-like binding pocket composed of exposed aromatic residues embedded in a groove with negative surface charge. The features of this groove complement well the determined substrate specificity of TF. Moreover, a mutation (E178V) in this putative substrate binding groove known to enhance PPIase activity also enhanced TF's association with a prolyl-free model peptide in solution and with nascent polypeptides. This result suggests that both prolyl-independent binding of peptide substrates and peptidyl-prolyl isomerization involve the same binding site.

Effects of signal transduction inhibitor 571 in acute myelogenous leukemia cells

STI571 is a 2-phenylalaminopyrimidine derivative that inhibits c-abl, Bcr-Abl, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. Recently, inhibition of stem cell factor (SCF)-induced c-kit phosphorylation and cell proliferation by STI571 was reported in the human myeloid cell line MO7e. Because approximately 70% of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cases are c-kit positive, we evaluated in vitro effects of STI571 on c-kit-positive cell lines and primary AML blast cells. At concentrations >5 microM, the drug marginally inhibited SCF-independent proliferation of cell lines and most of AML blasts. Treatment of AML cells with cytarabine and STI571 showed synergistic effect at low concentrations. Western blotting analysis documented a distinct band of M(r) 145,000 specific for c-kit in cell lines and in AML samples. There was no correlation between the level of the c-kit expression evaluated by Western blotting and percentage of c-kit-positive blasts as measured by flow cytometry. Neither in cell lines nor in primary AML cells, c-kit autophosphorylation was detectable under standard growth conditions. SCF-induced phosphorylation of c-kit in MO7e cells was inhibited by STI571. In a c-kit-positive AML-4 cell line, as well as in AML samples, c-kit phosphorylation was not induced by SCF exposure, suggesting that in these cases, the receptor could not be functionally activated. In conclusion, with the exception of MO7e, SCF did not induce phosphorylation of c-kit, and cell proliferation was not modulated in the presence of STI571. We did not detect any SCF-independent c-kit phosphorylation in our experimental systems. Consequently, STI571 exerted only a limited inhibitory effect on the cell growth.

TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: a novel response to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) causes pleotropic effects in mammalian species through modulating gene expression. Here we analyzed TCDD-induced mRNA expression by using mRNA differential display and report the cloning of a novel TCDD-inducible poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (TiPARP). TiPARP cDNA contains an open reading frame of 657 amino acid residues; the carboxyl half shares sequence similarity to the catalytic domain of PARP, a family of enzymes that catalyze poly ADP-ribosylation of proteins. Expression of the cDNA by in vitro transcription/translation reveals a protein of approximately 75 kDa. The expressed TiPARP exhibits PARP activity toward histone. TiPARP is highly homologous to RM1 which is induced during long-term potentiation, a memory formation process, and to TIL which is induced in T cells infiltrating progressing tumors. TiPARP mRNA is expressed in a broad range of mouse tissues. Together, these data demonstrate that TiPARP is a novel target of TCDD that may contribute to multiple responses to TCDD by modulating protein function through poly ADP-ribosylation.

Research and prediction of coordination reactions between CPA-mA and some metal ions using artificial neural networks

The complex relationship between maximum absorption wavelength (lambda(max)), molar absorptivity (epsilon) of the coordination compounds formed from m-acetyl-chlorophosphonazo (CPA-mA) and the metal ions, the acidity of coordination reaction, some properties of metal ions and the properties of more than 20 coordination compounds were studied using artificial neural networks with extended delta-bar-delta EDBD back learning algorithms in this paper. Six parameters: the pH of coordination reactions, metal ion radius (R), relative atomic weight (Wt), ionic electronic energy (E), metal ion standard Gibbs' free energy (deltaG0) and hard-soft acid-base dual scale (f) were used as input parameters, to predict the lambda(max) and epsilon of the coordination compounds. The structures of networks and the learning times were optimized. The best networks structure is 6-7-2. The optimum number of learning times is about 160,196. It is shown that the maximum relative error is no more than 6% in the testing set. The trained networks are used to simulate the complicated relations between the metal ion properties, coordination reaction conditions and the properties of coordination compounds. This optimized networks have been used for the prediction of the lembda(max) and epsilon of coordination compounds formed from Tb3+, Ho3+ with CPA-mA separately and with satisfactory results.

[Cloning, sequencing of beagle E-selectin genomic DNA and comparison of it with other species]

OBJECTIVE

Selectins are a group of members of Cell Adhesion Molecular family; they play very important roles in inflammation and neovascularization. The aim of this study is to clone, sequence Beagle E-selectin genomic DNA and make homogeneous analyses to compare it with those of other animals.

METHODS

Twelve fragments of genomic DNA of Beagle E-selectin were obtained by PCR, and the 12 fragments were cloned in T-vector. At last, the genomic DNA sequences of Beagle E-selectin were obtained through gene sequencing, assembling and base calling, and the gene structure was analyzed.

RESULTS

The sequence of Beagle E-selectin genomic DNA that contained the whole open reading box was acgured. The results of homogeneous analyses showed a great extent of E-selectin gene homology among human, porcine and dog.

CONCLUSION

The demonstration of a large extent of the gene homology has substantiated in this connection the important roles of E-selectin in transplantation immunity and neoplasm development.

A method of simulating dynamic multileaf collimators using Monte Carlo techniques for intensity-modulated radiation therapy

A method of modelling the dynamic motion of multileaf collimators (MLCs) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was developed and implemented into the Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation of the dynamic MLCs (DMLCs) was based on randomizing leaf positions during a simulation so that the number of particle histories being simulated for each possible leaf position was proportional to the monitor units delivered to that position. This approach was incorporated into an EGS4 Monte Carlo program, and was evaluated in simulating the DMLCs for Varian accelerators (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto. CA, USA). The MU index of each segment, which was specified in the DMLC-control data, was used to compute the cumulative probability distribution function (CPDF) for the leaf positions. This CPDF was then used to sample the leaf positions during a real-time simulation, which allowed for either the step-shoot or sweeping-leaf motion in the beam delivery. Dose intensity maps for IMRT fields were computed using the above Monte Carlo method, with its accuracy verified by film measurements. The DMLC simulation improved the operational efficiency by eliminating the need to simulate multiple segments individually. More importantly, the dynamic motion of the leaves could be simulated more faithfully by using the above leaf-position sampling technique in the Monte Carlo simulation.

[The follow-up of 12 pregnant women with anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart valve replacement]

OBJECTIVE

The article discusses the effect of warfarin on pregnant women and their fetus, and the methods of anticoagulation therapy during pregnancy.

METHODS

The pregnancy, delivery, and anticoagulation therapy of 12 pregnant women with mechanical heart valve replacement were followed-up.

RESULTS

All the patients received oral anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy. The mean dose of imported warfarin was (2.71 +/- 1.24) mg/d (4 cases); domestic warfarin, (3.14 +/- 0.28) mg/d (6 cases); domestic acenocumarol tablet (3.14 +/- 1.08) mg/d (2 cases). No thromboembolism and major hemorrhage occurred. A total of 8 person/times had minor bleeding. Ten patients had term delivery, 2 had premature birth, No abnormal fetus was observed. Only 1 newborn had low birth weight (2,100 g).

CONCLUSION

The anticoagulation therapy with low dosage of warfarin (< 5 mg/d) is safe and convenient for the mothers during pregnancy following mechanical heart valve replacement and has low fetus abnormal rate.

Partial purification and biochemical characterization of a heteromeric protein phosphatase 2A holoenzyme from maize (Zea mays L.) leaves that dephosphorylates C4 phosophoenolpyruvate carboxylase

The activity and allosteric properties of plant phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC; EC 4.1.1.31) are controlled posttranslationally by specific reversible phosphorylation of a strictly conserved serine residue near the N-terminus. This up/down-regulation of PEPC is catalyzed by a dedicated and highly regulated serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase (PEPC-kinase) and an opposing type-2A Ser/Thr phosphatase (PP2A). In marked contrast to PEPC-kinase, the PP2A holoenzyme from photosynthetic tissue has been virtually unstudied to date. In the present investigation, we have partially purified and characterized the native form of this PP2A from illuminated leaves of maize (Zea mays L.), a C4 plant, using maize [32P]PEPC as substrate. Various conventional chromatographic matrices, together with thiophosphorylated C4 PEPC-peptide and microcystin-LR affinity-supports, were exploited for the enrichment of this PP2A from soluble leaf extracts. Biochemical and immunological results indicate that the C4-leaf holoenzyme is analogous to other eukaryotic PP2As in being a approximately 170-kDa heteromer comprised of a core PP2Ac-A heterodimer (approximately 38- and approximately 65-kDa subunits, respectively) complexed with a putative, approximately 74-kDa B-type regulatory/targeting subunit. This heterotrimer lacks any strict substrate specificity in that it dephosphorylates C4 PEPC, mammalian phosphorylase a, and casein in vitro. This activity is independent of free Me2+, insensitive to levamisole and the Inhibitor-2 protein that targets PP1, activated by several polycations such as protamine and poly-L-lysine, and highly sensitive to inhibition by microcystin-LR and okadaic acid (IC50 approximately 30 pM), all of which are diagnostic features of yeast and mammalian PP2As. In addition, this C4-leaf PP2A holoenzyme (i) is inhibited in vitro by physiological concentrations of certain C4 PEPC-related metabolites (L-malate, PEP, glucose 6-phosphate, but not the activator glycine) when either 32P-labeled maize PEPC or rabbit muscle phosphorylase a is used as substrate, suggesting a direct effect on this Ser/Thr phosphatase; and (ii) displays, at best, only modest light/dark effects in vivo on its apparent molecular mass, component core subunits and activity against C4 PEPC, in marked contrast to the opposing activity of PEPC-kinase in C4 and Crassulacean acid metabolism leaves. This report represents one of the few studies of a heteromeric PP2A holoenzyme from photosynthetic tissue that dephosphorylates a known target enzyme in plants, such as PEPC, sucrose-phosphate synthase or nitrate reductase.

[Difference of T helper cell subsets and B7 co-stimulatory molecule expressions by alveolar macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between patients with allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the differences of T helper cell subsets and expressions of B7 co-stimulatory molecules by alveolar macrophages (AM) between patients with allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells were obtained from 16 normal control volunteers, 16 patients with allergic asthma and 16 patients with COPD. IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels in the supernatant of BLAF lymphocytes cultured with PHA were determined using sandwich ELISA and the CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) expressed by AM stimulated with LPS were determined using avdin-biotin complex technique.

RESULTS

In COPD group, IFN-gamma level was significantly higher than those of the control group and asthma group (P < 0.01). IFN-gamma in asthma group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). IL-4 level and the ratio of AM expressing CD86 in asthma group were higher than those of the control group and COPD group (P < 0.01). The IL-4 level and ratio of AM expressing CD86 showed no significantly difference between COPD and control group (P > 0.05). The IL-4 levels in 3 groups were significantly positively correlated with the ratio of AM expressing CD86 (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). No difference of the ratio of AM expressing CD80 was found among three groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Asthma is characterized by a predominance of Th2-type response in BALF T cells, and COPD of Th1-type response in BALF T cells. The increased expression of co-stimulation of CD86 in AM is probably involved in Th2-type response in the airway inflammation in allergic asthmatics.

Study of the reaction of proteins with Beryllon II-AlIII by the Rayleigh light scattering technique and its application

The determination of proteins with tetrasodium 2-(3,6-disulfo-8-hydroxynaphthylazo)-1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonate (Beryllon II) by Rayleigh light scattering (RLS) was studied. The weak RLS of the Beryllon II-bovine serum albumin (BSA) complex can be greatly enhanced by the addition of Al3+ in the pH range 5.6-7.2; there was a maximum RLS platform at 400-420 nm. Based on the reaction between Beryllon II, Al3+ and proteins, a new method for the determination of proteins was developed. This method is very sensitive [0.20-41.42 micrograms ml-1 for BSA and 0.18-48.15 micrograms ml-1 for human serum albumen (HSA)], rapid (< 2 min), simple (one step) and tolerant towards most interfering substances. The effects of different surfactants were also examined. Four samples of protein in human serum were determined; the maximum relative error was no more than 5% and the recovery was 96-105%.

[Phosphorus behavior in soil-water system of paddy field and its environmental impact]

A field experiment with rice showed that P fertilizer application increased the concentrations of resin P in soil and total P in soil surface water, and both of them declined subsequently over time. Compared with applying mineral P fertilizer only, the integrated application of mineral-P and manure resulted in a higher resin P level within 20 days after P application. The total P concentration in soil surface water in the treatment of integrated application of mineral-P and manure was 3.4 times higher than that in the treatment of mineral-P fertilizer application only after 7 days of P application, and also, was 2.8 times higher than that in the treatment where P application rate was doubled. The potential of Ploss from surface water in the treatment of integrated application with manure was more than that in the treatment of applying-P fertilizer only. The effect of applied P sorts on P concentration in soil surface water could be ignored after 33 days of P application. Two drainages were conducted for rice growth, which caused the net P loss loading and its apparent P loss ratio in range of -0.038-0.076 kg.m-2 and 0.034-0.100%, respectively. To minimize P loss from rice production area, field drainage should be avoided in the initial week of P-fertilizer application or field harrowing.

Externalization and internalization of cardiac endothelin receptors during different phases of sepsis in rat

OBJECTIVE

To study the redistribution of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors in two subcellular organelles, the sarcolemmal membrane and the light vesicle, of rat heart during the progression of sepsis.

METHODS

Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). ET1 receptor was assayed by using [125I]-ET1 binding. Marker enzyme activities, protein yield, and dry-to-wet weight ratio of cardiac membranes were measured.

RESULTS

Septic rat heart exhibited two distinct phases: an initial hyperdynamic phase( 9h after CLP; early stage of sepsis) followed by a hypodynamic (18h after CLP, late stage of sepsis) phase. [125I]-ET1 binding study showed that during early stage of sepsis, the B(max) of ET1 receptors was increased by 30% in sarcolemma but decreased by 19% in light vesicles, while during late stage of sepsis, the B(max) was decreased by 24% in sarcolemma but increased by 38% in light vesicles. The total binding of sarcolemma and light vesicles was increased by 25% during early stage of sepsis but decreased by 17% during late stage of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicated that ET1 receptors in the rat heart were externalized from light vesicles to sarcolemmal membranes during early hyperdynamic phase while internalized from surface membranes to intracellular compartment during late hypodynamic phase of sepsis.

[Determination of warfarin in plasma by HPLC and an investigation of monitoring patients after cardiac valve replacement]

OBJECTIVE

A simple HPLC method was established for the determination of warfarin in plasma to investigate the relationship between warfarin concentration and anticoagulant effect.

METHODS

The mixture of dichloromethane and hexane (1:9) was used as extracting solvent for the plasma samples. The chromatographic separation was on C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and 50 mmol/L ammonium acetate buffer (pH2.5, 70:30).

RESULTS

The calibration curve was linear within 50-2000 ng/ml. The extraction recoveries of warfarin were 78.0%-81.6%. The recoveries of methodology were 103.1%-106.5%. Inter-day and intra-day RSD were 2.33%-5.46% and 5.29%-7.73%, respectively. This method was used for determining warfarin in 70 patients after cardiac valve replacement. The results showed that 44 cases had their INR within the safety range (1.31-2.35) recommended to Chinese, and of them 37(84.1%) cases had a warfarin level at 616.2 +/- 154.8 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

This method is useful in monitoring warfarin concentration during anticoagulant therapy.

[Study of the route of intrahepatic metastasis of primary hepatic carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between pylic countercurrent blood-flow and intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocarcinoma.

METHODS

Portal vein-hepatic artery fistula and pylic countercurrent blood flow in the liver were examined by color Doppler ultrasound. Patients examined were divided into four groups: group 1, hepatocarcinoma with background of hepatitis, group 2, hepatocarcinoma without background of hepatitis, group 3, hepatitis and group 4, normal liver.

RESULTS

Pylic countercurrent flood flow was most frequently observed in group 1 patients. Intrahepatic metastasis was more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of portal vein-hepatic artery fistula formation around and inside of tumor between group 1 and group 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocarcinoma is due to countercurrent blood flow in the portal system.

Culture models of neurodegenerative disease

In order to investigate how mutant SOD1 protein or environmental exogenous stressors lead to the death of motor neurons, we have established several in vitro model systems. We describe some features of the various models in order to demonstrate the advantages and shortcomings of each system.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) following prostatectomy: more favorable acute genitourinary toxicity profile compared to primary IMRT for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To report our initial experience on postprostatectomy IMRT (PPI), addressing acute genitourinary (GU) toxicity in comparison to primary IMRT (PI) for prostate cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From April 1998 to December 1999, 40 postprostatectomy patients were treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to a median prescribed dose of 64 Gy (mean dose of 69 Gy). The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scoring system was used to assess acute GU toxicity. Target volume and maximum and mean doses were evaluated. The mean doses to the bladder and irradiated bladder volume receiving >65 Gy were assessed. These were compared to those of 125 patients treated with PI to a prescribed dose of 70 Gy (mean dose of 76 Gy).

RESULTS

The acute GU toxicity profile is more favorable in the PPI group with 82.5% of Grade 0-1 and 17.5% of Grade 2 toxicity compared to 59.2% and 40.8%, respectively, in the PI group (p < 0.001). There was no Grade 3 or higher toxicity in either group. The target volume was larger in the PPI group, while the maximum and mean doses to the target were higher in the PI group. The mean dose delivered to the bladder was higher in the PPI group. The irradiated bladder volume receiving >65 Gy was significantly larger in the PI group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PPI can be delivered with acceptable ute GU toxicity. The larger PPI target volume may be related to the difficulty in delineating prostatic fossa. Despite a larger target volume and a higher mean dose to the bladder, PPI produced a more favorable acute GU toxicity profile. This may be related to a combination of lower mean and maximum doses and smaller bladder volumes receiving >65 Gy in the PPI group, as well as urethral rather than bladder irradiation. The findings have implications in the evaluation of IMRT treatment plan for prostate cancer, whereby the irradiated bladder volumes above 65 Gy may be more meaningful than the mean dose to the bladder. Longer term toxicity results are awaited.

Corrections to moving chemical reaction boundary equation for weak reactive electrolytes under the existence of background electrolyte KCl in large concentrations

In this report, the moving chemical reaction boundary (MCRB) was formed by the weak reaction electrolytes of NH3.H2O and CH3COOH under the existence of background electrolyte KCl in large concentrations, the experiments were compared with the predictions by the moving chemical reaction boundary equation (MCRBE) for weak reactive electrolytes. It was found that the experimental results are far from the predictions with the MCRBE. So the MCRBEs must be corrected under the given experimental conditions. The corrected MCRBEs are given for the MCRB formed with weak reactive electrolytes coupled with KCl at high concentrations.

[GATA-2 gene expression in leukemia patients and its significance]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate GATA-2 gene expression in leukemia patients and its clinical significance.

METHODS

GATA-2 gene transcripts were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and bcr/abl or PML/RAR alpha transcripts were detected in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), respectively.

RESULTS

The GATA-2 transcripts were revealed in 93% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in 70% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 83% of CML patients, but not in normal bone marrow and peripheral blood cells. GATA-2 expression in remission patients was similar to newly diagnosed or relapsed patients. In post-transplantation patients, GATA-2 expression was significantly decreased. In these cases GATA-2 transcripts could be detected with bcr/abl fusion gene disappeared in 2 of 12 CML, whereas neither GATA-2 nor PML/RARalpha transcripts could be detected in APL.

CONCLUSION

GATA-2 transcripts was highly expressed in leukemia patients and had no change in remission but significantly decreased in post-transplantation patients. Detection of GATA-2 expression would give information about the residual leukemia stem cells.

[Effects of methyl mercury chloride on nuclear factor-kappa B DNA binding activities of nuclear protein extracts from developing rat cerebra and cerebella]

The effects of methyl mercury chloride (MMC) on DNA binding activities of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB) in developing rat cerebella and cerebra were investigated with electrophoretic mobility shift assays(EMSAs). The bindings of NF-kB in nuclei of rat cerebra and cerebella to kB probes showed two bands on gel shift in both control and experiment groups. NF-kB I and NF-kB II DNA binding activities of nuclear protein extracts from rat cerebra exposed to MMC in uterus, was lower than control groups on postnatal day 3 and 7, while that from rat cerebella was higher than control groups. The results suggested that the reactive abilities of neural cell to MMC between cerebra and cerebella were different. In binding reaction mixture, the quantities of MMC increased with the increase of NF-kB DNA binding activities of nuclear protein extracts.

Founder's Award, Society for Biomaterials. Sixth World Biomaterials Congress 2000, Kamuela, HI,May 15-20, 2000. Really smart bioconjugates of smart polymers and receptor proteins

Over the past 18 years we have been deeply involved with the synthesis and applications of stimuli-responsive polymer systems, especially polymer-biomolecule conjugates. This article summarizes our work with one of these conjugate systems, specifically polymer-protein conjugates. We include conjugates prepared by random polymer conjugation to lysine amino groups, and also those prepared by site-specific conjugation of the polymer to specific amino acid sites that are genetically engineered into the known amino acid sequence of the protein. We describe the preparation and properties of thermally sensitive random conjugates to enzymes and several affinity recognition proteins. We have also prepared site-specific conjugates to streptavidin with temperature-sensitive polymers, pH-sensitive polymers, and light-sensitive polymers. The preparation of these conjugates and their many fascinating applications are reviewed in this article.

Application of a modified simplex method to the multivariable optimization of a new FIA system for the determination of osmium

A methodology based on the coupling of experimental design and a modified simplex method is proposed for the optimization of a new flow injection-kinetic system for the spectrophotometric determination of Os (IV) with m-acetylchlorophosphonazo, which has for the first time been used as chromogenic reagent in the quantitative analysis of this element. An orthogonal array design is utilized to design the experimental protocol, in which six variables are varied simultaneously, and obtain the initial simplex using 25 experiments. A modified simplex method is applied to continuously optimize the data of the orthogonal array design; the search for optimum conditions of 6 variables using the modified simplex method required only 25 experiments. The efficiency and simplicity of the coupling of the experimental design and the modified simplex method are attractive for the development of new analytical methods. The method has been applied to the determination of Os (IV) in a refined ore as well as in a secondary alloy and provided satisfactory results.

[Selected CD34+ cells transplantation: a primary clinical report]

OBJECTIVE

CD34+ is an immunophenotype of hematopoietic stem cells/progenitors. CD34+ cells selection in vitro may deplete T-cells 4-5 logs and tumor cells 3-4 logs. It will benefit to mismatched related donor allo-transplantation and autologous transplantation of tumor diseases.

METHODS

19 patients aged 29 (5-52) years were treated by allo- (n = 5) or auto-PB CD34+ cells transplantation (n = 14). Grafts from fifteen patients with various disorders (3 lymphomas, 6 multiple myelomas, 2 SLE, 1 Sjogren's syndrome, 2 breast cancer and 1 medulloblastoma) and five haploidentical donors for leukemia patients (1 ALL-CR2, 2 AML-rel, 1 CML-CP and 1 MDS-RAEB) were isolated using magnetic-activated cell sorting (CliniMACS, Milteny Biotech, Germany).

RESULTS

After separation, purity of CD34+ cells was > 97%. Depletion of CD34 negative cells was extensive: CD3+ 2.6-4.6 logs, CD4+ > 5 logs, CD8+ 4.6-> 5 logs, and CD19+ 1.2-3.1 logs. 19 patients who received selected CD34+ cells transplantation (CD34+ CT) were followed up for 11(1-20) months. Overall survival(OS) was 13/19 (68.4%) cases. 1/5 patients with haploidentical transplant had disease free survival for 19 months. 12/14(85.7%) auto-CD34+ CT achieved overall survival(OS).

CONCLUSION

Selected CD34+ cells transplantation significantly decreases the incidence of > II GVHD and depletes tumor cell contamination. This approach may be useful to haploidentical or unrelated donor transplantation. It also benefits autologous transplant in various tumor disorders.

Transplantation of fibula with vascular pedicle for fusion of ankle in leprotic drop-foot

Devascularized bone grafts are pieces of dead bone and they simply serve as scaffolds for new bone to grow and fill the gap, taking a long time when they succeed in doing so. In contrast, vascularized grafts being living tissues have short healing time, great vitality and strong infection-resisting capacity. We report here the successful use of vascularized grafts of the lower end of fibula for fusing the ankle in five leprosy patients.

[Alteration of interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 released by bronchoalveolar lavage cells from pulmonary tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the change of cytokine released in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients.

METHODS

BALF cells were obtained from group A: 10 normal control volunteers (normal control group); group B: 10 radiographically uninvolved sites of pulmonary TB patients (uninvolved sites group); group C: radiographically involved two lobes of lung and smear-positive of 10 pulmonary TB patients with an onset less than one year; and group D: radiographically involved more than three lobes and smear-positive of 10 pulmonary TB patients with an onset longer than two years. The IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in the culture supermate of BALF lymphocytes stimulated with PHA and IL-12 production in the culture supermate of BALF macrophage (AM) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide were determined using sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

In group C, the IFN-gamma and IL-12 levels [(834 +/- 101) and (294 +/- 73) ng/L, respectively] were not only significantly higher than those of the group B[(197 +/- 59) and (67 +/- 23) ng/L, respectively, all P < 0.01] and normal control group[(179 +/- 51) and (57 +/- 24) ng/L, respectively, all P < 0.01], but also significantly higher than those of group D[(431 +/- 169) and (121 +/- 63) ng/L, respectively, all P < 0.01]; in group D, the IFN-gamma and IL-12 levels were significantly higher than those of the group B and normal control group (all P < 0.01); there were no significant differences between the group C and normal control group (P > 0.05); no differences were seen in IL-4 level among the 4 study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A TH1 type response occurs in involved sites of pulmonary TB patients and that may result from AM which as a regulator through production of IL-12, and the TH1 type response may affect presentation and outcome in pulmonary TB.

Transcripts of immunoglobulin germline mu: an amplified myeloid and B-lymphoid common gene program in various leukemias

To investigate the clinical implications of germline C mu transcription, the splice region between the 3' end of the enhancer and the first exon of immunoglobulin germline mu; was analyzed by RT-PCR in 63 samples from 59 patients with leukemia. Immunophenotypes of 33 samples from patients with acute leukemia were analyzed using a panel of these monoclonal antibodies: anti-immature/stem cell (HLA-DR, CD34); anti-mature myeloid (CD33, CD15); anti-T lymphoid (CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7, CD8), and anti-B lymphoid (CD10, CD19, CD20). Of the 63 samples, 33 (52%) contained germline C mu transcripts: 2/2 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia; 17/26 (65.4%) patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia; all 4 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis and 1 in accelerated phase; 9/12 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. A clear correlation between germline transcripts and HLA-DR expression was observed among germline-positive cases (p < 0. 01). C mu expression and response to therapy clearly indicated that germline-mu-positive leukemia patients responded poorly to chemotherapy and had a worse clinical prognosis compared with C mu-negative patients (p < 0.01). After two courses of chemotherapy, 7/9 C mu-negative patients achieved complete remission compared to only 7/29 C mu-positive patients (p < 0.01). We conclude that the gene-regulating immunoglobulin germline C mu may be amplified in myeloid and B-lymphoid cells during leukemogenesis. Such genetic changes may be correlated with cellular terminal differentiation injury, resistance to chemotherapy and uncontrolled malignant cell proliferation.

Preconditioning with cortical spreading depression decreases intraischemic cerebral glutamate levels and down-regulates excitatory amino acid transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2 from rat cerebal cortex plasma membranes

We previously reported a 50% reduction in cortical infarct volume following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats preconditioned 3 days earlier with cortical spreading depression (CSD). The mechanism of the protective effect of prior CSD remains unknown. Recent studies demonstrate reversal of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) to be a principal cause for elevated extracellular glutamate levels during cerebral ischemia. The present study measured the effect of CSD preconditioning on (a) intraischemic glutamate levels and (b) regulation of glutamate transporters within the ischemic cortex of the rat. Three days following either CSD or sham preconditioning, rats were subjected to 200 min of focal cerebral ischemia, and extracellular glutamate concentration was measured by in vivo microdialysis. Cortical glutamate exposure decreased 70% from 1,772.4 +/- 1,469.2 microM-min in sham-treated (n = 8) to 569.0 +/- 707.8 microM-min in CSD-treated (n = 13) rats (p <0.05). The effect of CSD preconditioning on glutamate transporter levels in plasma membranes (PMs) prepared from rat cerebral cortex was assessed by western blot analysis. Down-regulation of the glial glutamate transporter isoforms EAAT2 and EAAT1 from the PM fraction was observed at 1, 3, and 7 days but not at 0 or 21 days after CSD. Semiquantitative lane analysis showed a maximal decrease of 90% for EAAT2 and 50% for EAAT1 at 3 days post-CSD. The neuronal isoform EAAT3 was unaffected by CSD. This period of down-regulation coincides with the time frame reported for induced ischemic tolerance. These data are consistent with reversal of glutamate transporter function contributing to glutamate release during ischemia and suggest that down-regulation of these transporters may contribute to ischemic tolerance induced by CSD.

The senescence-accelerated mouse shows aging-related defects in cellular but not humoral immunity against influenza virus infection

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) strain P1, which has a short life span, was adopted as a murine model for an investigation of the pathogenesis of viral infection in elderly adults. After intranasal inoculation with influenza A virus, the SAM-P1 mice showed a higher rate of mortality, with prolonged virus growth in the lungs. The increased susceptibility was associated with impaired activity of both NK cells and virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 was significantly restrained, which suggests a partial deficiency of the T helper (Th) 1 cells. In contrast, the immunologic activity of the Th2 cells appeared to be functionally normal, judging from the release of large amounts of interleukin-4 followed by production of appropriate amounts of influenza virus-specific antibody. It is suggested that the elicitation of cellular immunity is an important and effective procedure for protecting the elderly from influenza virus infection.