[Cerebrospinal fluid cytology of acute viral encephalitis and meningitis]

Using cytological examination, the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) of 98 patients with acute viral encephalitis was investigated. We found 81.4% activated lymphocytes and 5.8% plasma cells in CSF in the first week. In addition, various lymphoid features were disclosed in association: mitosis, binucleation, abnormal nuclear lobulation, Russell bodies, and morula in plasma cells. These cellular changes specifically existed in CSF of acute viral encephalitis, which were helpful to distinguish the said disease from tuberculous melitis and multiple sclerosis.

Progesterone inhibits in-vitro embryotoxic Th1 cytokine production to trophoblast in women with recurrent pregnancy loss

A dichotomous T-helper 1 (Th1) versus T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine response to trophoblast has been proposed to mediate reproductive failure and success, respectively. Progesterone has immunosuppressive properties. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from women with and without unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss who had and did not have evidence of embryotoxic, Th1 immunity to trophoblast were cultured with progesterone (10(-5) mol/l) or interleukin (IL)-10 (1500 pg/ml) to determine whether these agents were capable of inhibiting embryotoxic, Th1 immunity to trophoblast. The effects of progesterone on Th2 cytokines and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta secretion were also assessed. Progesterone was found to specifically block Th1 immunity to trophoblast, as was IL-10. Progesterone also appeared to upregulate TGF-beta secretion in response to trophoblast but had no effect on Th2 cytokine secretion. Our data suggest that assaying Th1 cytokines in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with a protein extract from trophoblast may identify individuals more likely to benefit from potentially immunosuppressive doses of progesterone. An appropriately designed clinical trial is needed to determine whether therapies modifying Th1 cytokine secretion in response to trophoblast are useful in the clinical management of recurrent pregnancy loss in women producing these cytokines in response to reproductive antigen stimulation.

[Application of UV spectrophotometry in the detection of magnetization effect]

Compared the UV absorption spectra of some magnetized samples with them of unmagnetized samples(the pure solvents and unmagnetized solutions as the reference substances separately), we found the wavelength of absorption didn't change, but strength of absorption of all magnetized compounds changed. When unmagnetized solutions is selected as reference substances, there may be a peak of magnetic effect in UV absorption spectra. Furthermore, the different magnetization time made the absorbance change in varying degrees. This research will play an important role for the study of possible mechanism of magnetic field effect on chemical reaction.

[A study of the immune in formation of calcium bilirubinate gallstones in different rabbit models--the changes of the immunoglobulins in serum and bile and the immunoglobulins forming cells in the gallbladder mucoderm]

The changes of Ig-forming cells in the gallbladder mucoderm and the immunoglobulins in serum and bile were studied in the rabbit models. One hundred rabbits were randomly divided into the control group (Con, n = 10), simple biliary obstruction group (BO, n = 45) and biliary obstruction and infection group (BOI, n = 45). The results showed that the concentrations of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) in BO and BOI groups increased remarkably in all phases (P < 0.001), The concentrations of serum IgG in both groups increased with the formation of gallstones. The IgA and IgG contents of bile samples in BO and BOI groups with negative bacterial culture were much higher than those of control group (P < 0.05), but the Ig content of bile with positive culture was slightly lower than that of the control group. Only a few Ig-forming cells were found in the gallbladder mucoderm of normal rabbits. The counts of Ig-forming cells in the mucoderm in BO group remained unchanged, but increased much higher in BOI group (P < 0.001), especially in IgG formation. This experiment demonstrates the immunoglobulins of serum and bile change significantly during the formation of gallstones. The Ig content of bile has a relationship with bacterial infection. IgA plays an important role in gallstone formation. The gallbladder of rabbit may be an important place of Ig-formation. The quantity of Ig forming cells in biliary tract may have a close relationship with the gallstone formation.

Phylogenetic relationships of Cryptosporidium parasites based on the 70-kilodalton heat shock protein (HSP70) gene

We have characterized the nucleotide sequences of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) genes of Cryptosporidium baileyi, C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. muris, C. serpentis, C. wrairi, and C. parvum from various animals. Results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of several genetically distinct species in the genus Cryptosporidium and eight distinct genotypes within the species C. parvum. Some of the latter may represent cryptic species. The phylogenetic tree constructed from these sequences is in agreement with our previous results based on the small-subunit rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium parasites. The Cryptosporidium species formed two major clades: isolates of C. muris and C. serpentis formed the first major group, while isolates of C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. wrairi, and eight genotypes of C. parvum formed the second major group. Sequence variations were also observed between C. muris isolates from ruminants and rodents. The HSP70 gene provides another useful locus for phylogenetic analysis of the genus Cryptosporidium.

[Changes of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase and their significance in gallstone formation in rabbit model]

This experiment was made to investigate the changes of lipoprotein lipase(LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) activity and their effects on gallstone formation in rabbit model in which the stones were induced by high cholesterol diet. Activities of plasma LPL and HL were determined; other data including concentration of plasma lipoprotein cholesterol, concentration of bile cholesterol and bile acids were also obtained. The results showed that with the rabbits continuously fed on high cholesterol diet, LPL activity heightened markedly (P < 0.05), and HL activity increased gradually (3 and 4 weeks groups vs control group, P < 0.05). The changes of concentration of plasma VLDL-C and LDL-C were the same as that of LPL activity, but the concentration of plasma HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C and bile acids showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the heightened activities of LPL and HL might make the liver take up more cholesterol, secrete it into the bile duct and hence accelerate gallstone formation.

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Cryptosporidium muris from various hosts

Isolates of Cryptosporidium muris and C. serpentis were characterized from different hosts using nucleotide sequence analysis of the rDNA 18S and ITS1 regions, and the heat-shock (HSP-70) gene. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed preliminary evidence that C. muris is not a uniform species. Two distinct genotypes were identified within C. muris; (1) C. muris genotype A; comprising bovine and camel isolates of C. muris from different geographical locations, and (2) C. muris genotype B comprising C. muris isolates from mice, a hamster, a rock hyrax and a camel from the same enclosure. These 2 genotypes may represent separate species but further biological and molecular studies are required for confirmation.

Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic dogs: the "dog" genotype

Genetic and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates at two loci (18S rRNA gene and heat shock gene) from both Australian and United States dogs demonstrated that dog-derived Cryptosporidium isolates had a distinct genotype which is conserved across geographic areas. Phylogenetic analysis provided support for the idea that the "dog" genotype is, in fact, a valid species.

[Comparison and observation on chromosome telomeric associations in human lung cancer.]

BACKGROUND

To explore the regularity of abnormal telomeric associations in cellular chromosome of human lung cancer.

METHODS

The rate of telomeric associations was detected in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 , peripheral blood lymphocytes in 15 patients with lung cancer , and in patients with non-cancerous diseases and normal adults as control by chromosome preparation assay.

RESULTS

A highly significant difference in the rate of telomeric associations was found between lung cancer group and control group ( P < 0. 005) . Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 had the highest rate of telomeric associations in all groups ( P < 0. 005) . Moreover , there was significant difference in the rate of telomeric associations in idiogramB , idiogram C and idiogram D between lung cancer group and control group (idiogram B , P < 0. 05 ; idiogram C , idiogram D , P < 0. 005) .

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with control group , human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and lung cancer chromosome has higher telomeric associations and most of themoccured in idiogramB , idiogram C and idiogram D. It will provide worthwhile data of cell genetics for further research work on early diagnosis and prognosis in human lung cancer.

Grafting of protein-protein interaction epitope

Transferring the biological function of one protein to another is a key issue in understanding the structure and function relationship of proteins. We have developed a strategy for grafting protein-protein interaction epitopes. As a first step, residues at the interface of the ligand protein which strongly interact with the receptor protein were identified. Then protein scaffolds were docked onto receptor protein based on geometric complementarity. Only high docking score matches were saved. For each saved match, the scaffold protein was accepted if it had suitable positions for grafting key interaction residues of the ligand protein. These candidate residues were mutated to corresponding residues in the ligand protein at each relevant position and the mutated scaffold protein was co-minimized with receptor protein. Finally, the minimized complexes were evaluated by a scoring function deduced from statistical analysis of rigid binding data sets. As a test case, the binding epitope of barstar, the inhibitor of barnase, was grafted onto smaller proteins. Pheromone Er-1 (PDB entry 1erc) has been found to be a good scaffold. The calculated binding free energy for mutated Pheromone Er-1 is equivalent to that of barstar.

Expression of proinflammatory cytokines in four regions of the brain in Macaque mulatta (rhesus) monkeys infected with Plasmodium coatneyi

We have characterized brain cytokine expression profiles in the Plasmodium coatneyi/rhesus (Macaque mulatta) malaria model. Eight rhesus monkeys were included in the study; four were infected with P. coatneyi, and four were used as uninfected controls. All inoculated animals became infected. Eleven days after parasite inoculation, the rhesus monkeys were killed and tissue samples from 4 regions of the brain (cortex and white matter of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and midbrain) were collected for quantitation of mRNA expression of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression levels of tumor necrosis actor-alpha (TNF-alpha), gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1beta), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synethetase (iNOS) were highest in the cerebellum of infected animals, correlating well with pathologic observations of sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in this region of the brain. Infected animals also had higher TNF-alpha expression levels in the cortex and IL-1beta expression levels in the cortex, white matter, and midbrain. Thus, the expression of pro-inflammatory and T helper-1 (TH-1) cytokines, adhesion molecules, and iNOS appears to predominate in the cerebellum of infected rhesus monkeys.

Cryptosporidium meleagridis in an Indian ring-necked parrot (Psittacula krameri)

OBJECTIVE

To perform a morphological and genetic characterisation of a Cryptosporidium infection in an Indian ring-necked parrot (Psittacula krameri) and to compare this with C meleagridis from a turkey.

DESIGN

Tissue and intestinal sections from an Indian ring-necked parrot were examined microscopically for Cryptosporidium. The organism was also purified from the crop and intestine, the DNA extracted and a portion of the 18S rDNA gene amplified, sequenced and compared with sequence and biological information obtained for C meleagridis from a turkey as well as sequence information for other species of Cryptosporidium.

RESULTS

Morphological examination of tissue sections from an Indian ring-necked parrot revealed large numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts attached to the apical border of enterocytes lining the intestinal tract. Purified Cryptosporidium oocysts measured about 5.1 x 4.5 microns, which conformed morphologically to C meleagridis. The sequence obtained from this isolate was identical to sequence information obtained from a C meleagridis isolate from a turkey.

CONCLUSION

Cryptosporidium meleagridis was detected in an Indian ring-necked parrot using morphological and molecular methods. This is the first time that this species of Cryptosporidium has been reported in a non-galliform host and extends the known host range of C meleagridis.

[Antitumor activity of the lysates prepared from anti-CD3 antibody activated killer cells]

This study was directed at the antitumor activity of the lysates prepared from CD3McAb activated killer cells. We separated the peripheral blood monocytes(PBMC) from normal adults. The PBMC were induced by monoclonal antibody specific for CD3(CD3McAb) and activated by rIL-2. The CD3McAb-activated killer cells (CD3AK) were smashed by ultrasonic wave, along with frozen and thawed three times, then the lysates were obtained by centrifugation. The lysates were tested for antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. The results revealed that the inhibition rate of the lysates that acted on mice solid tumor hepatoma 22(H22) was 68.20% and the killing activity of the lysates on K562 and Raji were 83.32%, and 66.83% respectively. The results of this experiment suggested that the lysates prepared from CD3McAb-activated killer cells is one of probable agents that might apply to biotherapy for tumors.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals living in Switzerland, Kenya, and the United States

A total of 22 Cryptosporidium isolates from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients from Kenya, Switzerland, and the United States were examined at three genetic loci: the 18S ribosomal DNA, HSP-70, and acetyl coenzyme A synthetase genes. Four distinct Cryptosporidium genotypes were identified: (i) the Cryptosporidium parvum "human" genotype, (ii) the C. parvum "cattle" genotype, (iii) Cryptosporidium felis, and (iv) Cryptosporidium meleagridis. This is the first report of C. meleagridis in a human host. These results and those of others indicate that immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to a wide range of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes. Future studies are required to understand the full public health significance of Cryptosporidium genotypes and species in immunocompromised hosts.

Low-frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy with D2 transition of atomic cesium by use of an external-cavity diode laser

Low-frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy is acquired with an external-cavity diode laser. The wavelength modulation is achieved with voltage tuning by means of scanning with the piezoelectric stepper motor, which rotates the end mirror in the laser cavity. With optimum 1-kHz frequency modulation and harmonic detection, direct absorption experiments for the 6S(1/2)(F = 4) --> 6P(3/2) transition of the cesium D(2) line were carried out. We found that 6f-harmonic detection is best here with a signal-to-noise voltage ratio of 460.

Targeted disruption of NDST-1 gene leads to pulmonary hypoplasia and neonatal respiratory distress in mice

In order to address the biological function of GlcNAc N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase-1 (NDST-1), we disrupted the NDST-1 gene by homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells. The NDST-1 null mice developed respiratory distress and atelectasis that subsequently caused neonatal death. Morphological examination revealed type II pneumocyte immaturity, which was characterized by an increased glycogen content and a reduced number of lamellar bodies and microvilli. Biochemical analysis further indicated that both total phospholipids and disaturated phosphatidylcholine were reduced in the mutant lung. Our data revealed that NDST-1 was essential for the maturation of type II pneumocytes and its inactivation led to a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to a foodhandler

In September and October 1998, a cryptosporidiosis outbreak occurred on a Washington, DC, university campus. In a case-control study of 88 case patients and 67 control subjects, eating in 1 of 2 cafeterias was associated with diarrheal illness (P<.001). Morbidity was associated with eating dinner on 22 September (odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-19.5); weaker associations were found for 6 other meals. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in stool specimens of 16 (70%) of 23 ill students and 2 of 4 ill employees. One ill foodhandler with laboratory-confirmed C. parvum prepared raw produce on 20-22 September. All 25 Cryptosporidium isolates submitted for DNA analysis, including 3 from the ill foodhandler, were genotype 1. This outbreak illustrates the potential for cryptosporidiosis to cause foodborne illness. Epidemiologic and molecular evidence indicate that an ill foodhandler was the likely outbreak source.

A dominant role for the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in oncogenic ras-induced morphologic transformation of human lung carcinoma cells

Oncogenic (activated) Ras is a signal transducer that activates multiple effector-mediated signaling pathways leading to altered cell morphology, growth and differentiation, and neoplastic transformation. Activating mutations of Ras family genes have been detected in many types of human cancers, including lung cancer. However, the signaling mechanisms by which oncogenic Ras controls cancer cell growth is poorly characterized. This study evaluates the role of two specific signaling pathways, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, in oncogenic Ras-induced morphological transformation of NCI-H82 human small cell lung cancer cells. In the NCI-H82 cell line, oncogenic Ras causes a marked and sustained activation of JNK but only has a modest effect on activation of the ERK pathway. The persistent JNK activation is associated with Ras-induced changes in cell morphology and enhanced transforming activity. Furthermore, JNK activation correlates with the induction of c-Jun expression, c-Jun phosphorylation on serines 63 and 73, and increased AP-1 activity. Deregulation of the JNK pathway using a dominant-negative mutant of JNK1, JNK1(APF), completely reverses the oncogenic Ras-induced transformed phenotype, including morphological reversion and inhibition of anchorage-independent growth and low-serum growth. Moreover, expression of JNK1(APF) leads to a decrease in c-Jun/AP-1 activity. In contrast, inhibition of ERK activation via a pharmacological approach using a mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase-specific inhibitor 2-(2'-amino-3'-methoxyphenyl)-oxanaphthalen-4-one is unable to reverse the Ras-induced transformed morphology and c-Jun/AP-1 induction. These results demonstrate that the JNK/c-Jun/AP-1 pathway plays an essential role in mediating oncogenic Ras function in lung carcinoma cells.

Homozygous deletion of the PTEN tumor-suppressor gene is not a feature in oral squamous cell carcinoma

A recently identified putative tumor-suppressor gene, PTEN, at 10q23 has been described as mutated or homozygously deleted in many different human tumors. To determine the role of the homozygous deletion of this PTEN gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we screened two cell lines derived from the latter tissue and 28 tumor samples from patients with OSCC, using a differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system and, direct DNA sequencing methods. All of the nine exons of the PTEN could be successfully amplified using DNA from tumor tissues and the cell lines using this system. DNA sequencing confirmed the accuracy of the PCR procedures. However, none of the samples, either from the cancer tissues or from the cell lines, showed homozygous deletion of PTEN. These data suggest that homozygous deletion of the PTEN gene is unlikely to be a feature of OSCCs.

[Study on lipids and other volatile constituents in Pheretima aspergillum]

To study chemical constituents in Pheretima aspergillum, three kinds of fractions were obtained from this drug by soxhlet extraction with different solvents, and the chemical structures of thirty-six volatile components were identified by means of GC-MS. The eleven in ether fraction were all lipids and the relative content of non-saturated fatty acid was the highest(27.70%) such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosatrienoic acid; There were eight lipids in acetone fraction (35.75%), which included one kind of nonsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid); There were thirteen lipids in ethanol fraction (72.09%), which non-saturated fatty acid has never been detected. This study has determined the lipid composition in Pheretima aspergillum, especially non-saturated fatty acid, and afforded chemical base to cardio-cerebro-vascular therapy.

Induction of islet transplantation tolerance with anti-CD4, anti-CD8 immunotoxins and donor soluble antigen

OBJECTIVE

To induce islet grafting tolerance by intravenous injection of anti-CD4, anti-CD8 immunotoxins and donor soluble antigen.

METHODS

Fourteen days or 7 days prior to transplantation, the immunotoxin of anti-CD4, anti-CD8 200 micrograms respectively, and donor soluble antigen 500 micrograms were intravenously injected and then 500 donor islets were transplanted under the left renal subcapsular space of diabetes recipients (Sprague-Dawley rats).

RESULTS

The islet grafting survival time for those recipients pretreated with immunotoxin and donor soluble antigen was > 60 days (P < 0.01). The immunotoxins, donor soluble antigen treatment alone might only slightly prolong the grafting survival time.

CONCLUSION

The anti-CD4, anti-CD8 immunotoxins jointly used with donor soluble antigen can induce donor specific immunotolerance.

Variation in Cryptosporidium: towards a taxonomic revision of the genus

Cryptosporidium is an important cause of enteric disease in humans and other animals. Limitations associated with conventional diagnostic methods for cryptosporidiosis based on morphological features, coupled with the difficulty of characterising parasites isolated in the laboratory, have restricted our ability to clearly identify species. The application of sensitive molecular approaches has obviated the necessity for laboratory amplification. Such studies have found considerable evidence of genetic heterogeneity among isolates of Cryptosporidium from different species of vertebrate, and there is now mounting evidence suggesting that a series of host-adapted genotypes/strains/species of the parasite exist. In this article, studies on the molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium during the last 5 years are reviewed and put into perspective with the past and present taxonomy of the genus. The predictive value of achieving a sound taxonomy for the genus Cryptosporidium with respect to understanding its epidemiology and transmission and controlling outbreaks of the disease is also discussed.

[Clinical study of fibrinolysis indicators in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change of D-dimer and other fibrinolysis indicators in patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease.

METHODS

The fibrinolytic activity of plasma was measured in 42 patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease and in 20 controls (matched with sex and age).

RESULTS

The D-dimer level was significantly higher in exacerbated patients than in controls (P < 0.001). The fibrinolytic activity in patients was lower than in controls. The plasma fibrinolytic activity was positively correlated with PaO2 and negativly correlated with PaCO2.

CONCLUSIONS

The depressed fibrinolysis may be associated with hypercoagulability state of chronic pulmonary heart disease and contributes to thrombi in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles. D-dimer can be used in diagnosis of thrombi formation in small pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease can be treated with fibrinolysis drugs.