[Expression of human SRY gene and the DNA-binding property of its product]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role which human SRY gene plays in the regulation of the downstream gene.

METHODS

The fragment of SRY (sex determinating region on the Y chromosome) HMG domain was cloned into the expressing vector pET-15b. The hSRY gene recombinant plasmid-pETSY was transformed and expressed in E.coliBL21. The target protein was purified by pET His. Tag system. The DNA-binding retardation test and its competitive reaction were conducted between SRY protein and the fragment of Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) promoter.

RESULTS

The molecular weight of the expressed hSRY protein was shown to be approximately 21kD. The specific DNA binding property of SRY protein to the fragment of MIS was confirmed in the retardation test and its competitive reaction.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the product of SRY gene can bind the MIS promoter region and may initiate the transcription of MIS.

Genetic and physical mapping of the Lps locus: identification of the toll-4 receptor as a candidate gene in the critical region

On the basis of 2093 meioses analyzed in two separate intraspecific backcrosses, the location of the mouse Lpsd mutation was circumscribed to a genetic interval 0.9 cM in size. A total of 19 genetic markers that lie in close proximity to the mutation were examined in mapping. Most of these were previously unpublished polymorphic microsatellites, identified by fragmentation of YAC and BAC clones spanning the region of interest. Lpsd was found to be inseparable from the microsatellite marker D4MIT178, and from three novel polymorphic microsatellites identified near D4MIT178. The mutation was confined between two novel microsatellite markers, herein designated "B" and "83.3." B lies centromeric to the mutation, and was separated by four crossovers in a panel of 1600 mice; 83.3 lies distal to the mutation and was separated by three crossovers in a panel of 493 mice. 66 BAC clones and one YAC clone were assembled to cover > 95% of the critical region. Estimates based on pulsed field gel electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization indicate that the The B-->83.3 interval is about 3.2 Mb in length. A minimal area of zero recombinational distance from Lpsd was also assigned, and found to occupy approximately 1.2 Mb of physical size. To identify gene candidates, nearly 40,000 sequencing runs were performed across the critical region. Selective hybridization and exon trapping were also employed to identify genes throughout the "zero" region. Only a single intact gene was identified within the entire critical region. This gene encodes the Toll-4 receptor, a member of the IL-1 receptor family.

Cleavage of the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin beta3 subunit during endothelial cell apoptosis

In this study, we report that the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin beta3 subunit is a target for limited proteolysis during apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Calpain inhibitors inhibited the cleavage of the beta3 cytoplasmic domain, indicating that calpain is required. Calpain-mediated proteolysis of fodrin was also detected, indicating that calpain is activated during endothelial cell apoptosis. A phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate, inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis and cleavage beta3, suggesting that protein dephosphorylation preceded integrin cleavage in the apoptosis signaling pathway. beta3 cleavage was observed in cells that were viable, suggesting that it is an early event and not the consequence of post-death proteolysis. The extent of beta3 cleavage correlated with a loss in the capacity of cells to reattach to matrix proteins. Loss of reattachment capacity during apoptosis was significantly retarded by a calpain inhibitor. As the beta3 cytoplasmic domain is required for integrin signaling and interaction with the cytoskeleton, our results suggest that cleavage in the beta3 cytoplasmic domain by calpain or a calpain-like protease negatively regulates integrin-mediated adhesion, signaling, and cytoskeleton association.

Hydroxyl group of insulin A19Tyr is essential for receptor binding: studies on (A19Phe)insulin

One mutant proinsulin gene was constructed through PCR with the code of A19Tyr changed into that of Phe. The mutant proinsulin, (A19Phe)-lysproinsulin (F19KPI) was expressed in E. coli and purified. After trypsin and carboxypeptidase B cleavage and Resource Q separation, (A19Phe)-human insulin (F19HI) was obtained. With native insulin as standard, activity assay and structural analysis were carried out. It was found that the conformation of F19HI is very similar to that of native insulin according to the data from native PAGE, reverse-phase FPLC and circular dichroism spectrum, which are also in agreement with the result of radioimmune assay. F19HI retains almost full immune activity, but displays only 13.3% of receptor binding activity. These results suggest that the hydroxyl group of insulin A19Tyr is essential for receptor binding.

Identification of two regions in apolipoprotein B100 that are exposed on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane

Protease protection assays of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) in digitonin-permeabilized HepG2 cells indicated that multiple domains of apoB are exposed to the cytosol through an extensive portion of the secretory pathway. The intracellular orientation of apoB in the secretory pathway was confirmed by immunocytochemistry using antibodies recognizing specific domains of apoB in streptolysin-O (STP-O)- and saponin-permeabilized HepG2 cells. Lumenal epitopes on marker proteins in secretory pathway compartments (p63, p53, and galactosyltransferase) were not stained by antibodies in STP-O-treated cells, but were brightly stained in saponin-treated cells, confirming that internal membranes were not perforated in STP-O-treated cells. An anti-apoB peptide antibody (B4) recognizing amino acids 3221-3240 caused intense staining in close proximity to the nuclear membrane, and less intensely throughout the secretory pathway in STP-O-permeabilized cells. Staining with this antibody was similar in STP-O- and saponin-treated cells, indicating that this epitope in apoB is exposed to the cytosol at the site of apoB synthesis and throughout most of the remaining secretory pathway. Similar results indicating a cytosolic orientation were obtained with monoclonal antibody CC3.4, which recognizes amino acids 690-797 (79-91 kD) in apoB. Two polyclonal antibodies made to human LDL and two monoclonal antibodies recognizing amino acids 1878-2148 (D7.2) and 3214-3506 (B1B6) in apoB did not produce a strong reticular signal for apoB in STP-O-treated cells. The anti-LDL and B1B6 antibodies produced almost identical punctate patterns in STP-O-treated cells that overlapped with LAMP-1, a membrane marker for lysosomes. These observations suggest that the B1B6 epitope of apoB is exposed on the surface of the lysosome. The results identify two specific regions in apoB that are exposed to the cytosol in the secretory pathway.

[A clinicopathological analysis of 15 cases with congenital tumors in fetus and newborn]

OBJECTIVE

The incidence rate of congenital tumors in fetuses and neonates and its influence on fetal outcome including development and death were analysed.

METHODS

Both clinical manifestations and pathological data of 15 cases with congenital tumor were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of congenital tumors in fetuses and neonates was 7.7/100,000 with a rate of 0.7% in total perinatal autopsies. The most common tumor was teratoma (46.7%), the next was hemangioma (26.7%). Among 15 cases with congenital tumor, 9 cases (60.0%) were complicated with polyhydroamnios; 11 perinates (73.3%) were born with body weight appropriate for gestational age, 6 perinates (40.0%) were associated with various anomalies which were commonly secondary to the tumors. The common causes responsible for death were malformation, placental impairment due to tumor invasion or tumor grown at a special site.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of congenital tumors in fetuses and neonates was very low. Because the tumor usually exhibited a local effect, under carefully evaluating the development of neonates, it is promising to get complete cure.

The influence of apoptosis on intestinal barrier integrity in rats

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis is a critical step responsible for maintaining the cellular balance between proliferation and death and for controlling tumorigenesis. Although an increase in intestinal apoptotic cells has been considered to be associated with the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal injury, little is understood concerning the role of apoptosis in the development of intestinal barrier dysfunction.

METHODS

Apoptosis induced by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin in rats was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and the TUNEL histochemistry method. Treatment with deoxy-D-glucose (a glycolytic pathway inhibitor) or cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) was performed after doxorubicin challenge. Passage of human serum albumin from blood to the intestinal interstitium and the intestinal lumen or from the intestine to the intestinal interstitium and blood was evaluated by means of albumin clearance.

RESULTS

A significant increase in gut water content, albumin flux, and bidirectional clearance of albumin accompanied by apoptotic epithelial cell increase was noted in doxorubicin-challenged rats treated with saline. The increase in endothelial and epithelial permeability and the increase of apoptosis could partly be prevented by treatment with deoxy-D-glucose or cycloheximide.

CONCLUSION

Doxorubicin-increased epithelial apoptosis within the intestine occurs simultaneously with increased bidirectional permeability of the intestinal barrier, probably associated with both glycolytic and protein synthesis pathways. Apoptosis may thus play a role in the pathogenesis of intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of the multidrug resistance-reversing activity of D-glucose mimetics of hapalosin

When five substituents of hapalosin were placed on D-glucose, molecular modeling revealed that the substituents on mimetics 2 and 3 occupy similar spatial positions as the corresponding substituents on hapalosin. Mimetic 3 and all the glucopyranoside intermediates generated in its synthesis were assessed for their ability to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP). None of the sugar compounds were as effective as hapalosin in inhibiting P-gp in cytotoxicity and drug accumulation assays using MCF-7/ADR cells. By contrast, four D-glucose compounds exhibited similar efficacy as hapalosin in antagonizing MRP in cytotoxicity assays with HL-60/ADR cells.

[Cytokines release related to cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with prosthetic valve replacement]

To examine cytokines release related to cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB), the anthers investigated the possible differences in cytokines responses between patients undergoing prosthetic valve replacement (study group, n = 10) and those receiving closure of patent ductus arteriosus or pericardiectomy(control group, n = 9). Venous levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured at multiple time points before, during and after operation. As compared with pre-operative values, IL-2 levels in both groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the levels of sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 in both groups increased significantly at multiple time points post-operative (P < 0.01). All the values of cytokines returned to pre-operative levels at 7th post-operative day. Although there were no pre-operative differences in these cytokines between the two groups (P > 0.05), the post-operative changes of cytokines in study group was more obvious than that in control group (P < 0.01). In study group IL-10 rose to a peak value of around 620 pg/ml at the end of CPB while IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels reached their peak values of around 88 pg/ml and 52 pg/ml respectively at 1st post-operative day. IL-10 has been reported as an antiinflammatory cytokine. The preceding IL-10 peak value, as compared with the peak values of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, could be associated with the interplay and regulation of cytokine network. On the other hand, in control group the levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 reached their peak values at 1st post-operative day simultaneously. The values were 34 pg/ml, 36 pg/ml, and 162 pg/ml respectively. This result suggests that besides surgical stress mediated cytokines production or suppression, CPB itself also results in obvious changes of cytokine metabolism. However further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical value of post-operative cytokines production or suppression related to CPB in patients with prosthetic valve replacement.

[The parapharyngeal space tumour of children: reports of 4 cases]

In 1986-1996, four childish patients with parapharyngeal space tumour were treated in our hospital. In the beginning, we ought to define the size and range by CT scanning. The second, we excized it from neck-flank. The patients had a satisfying effect after surgical operation. Meantimes, it's necessary to protect the important vessel and nerve in surgical operation.

[A histochemical study on baicalin]

Baicalin in the root of Scutellaria baicalensis was analysed histochemically by means of TLC and HPLC. It was determined that the content of baicalin in phloem was 11.08%, in xylem 7.86%, in phellem 2.19% and in centric decayed part 0.815%. Thus the quality of root of Scutellaria baicalensis is believed to consist in thin phellem, high ratio of phloem to xylem and absence of centric decayed part.

Effects of deleting A19 tyrosine from insulin

A mutant proinsulin gene was constructed through PCR mediated mutagenesis. The code of A19Tyr was deleted. The mutant proinsulin, (deltaY)19-lys-proinsulin [(deltaY)19KPI], was expressed in E. coli and purified. After treatment with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B, and Resource Q separation, (deltaY)19-human insulin [(deltaY)19HI] was obtained. It retains 63.6% of receptor binding activity but only 2.2% of immune activity, and shows a longer retaining time on reverse-phase FPLC and a slower mobility by native PAGE analysis. These results suggest that the deletion of A19Tyr causes some conformational changes on insulin, which plays a minor role on the affinity of insulin to its receptor, and a major role on immunogenicity of the hormone.

[Clinical study on tripterygium wilfordii complex ester tablet in treating rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the curative effect, toxic and side effect of Tripterygium Wilfordii Complex Ester Tablet (TWT, a preparation of Folium Tripterygium wilfordii) in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy seven patients were observed with prospective, multicentric and random double-blind control method. One hundred and forty cases of TWT group were treated with TWT 2 tablets each time, 3 times a day orally, and the other 137 cases treated with Tripterygium Wilfordii Polycoside Tablet (TPT, a preparation of Radix Tripterygium Wilfordii) 2 tablets each time were taken as control, 3 times a day orally. The therapeutic course for both groups was 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The markedly controlled rate of the TWT group was 26.71% and the total effective rate was 86.43%, while those in the control group were 26.28% and 83.94% respectively, the difference between the two groups was insignificant (P > 0.05). The occurrence of side-effect in the two groups was 20.00% and 23.35% respectively, also showed no significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Folium Tripterygium Wilfordii preparation is similar in efficacy and security to the Radix Tripterygium Wilfordii preparation.

[The value of cephalometric analysis in diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVES

To study the value of cephalometric analysis in the diagnosis, treatment option and evaluation of prognosis.

METHODS

A detailed cephalometric analysis was performed using lateral X-ray films from 50 cases with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and 30 age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

Statistical results showed that OSAS patients were different from controls in the following aspects: 1. Their uvula, soft palate and tongue were significantly enlarged. 2. The hyoid bone was displaced inferiorly and posteriorly. 3. The posterior airway space (palatopharyngeal plane) was narrow. 4. The hard palate was elongated. 5. The mandibular body was retropositioned. Fifty unselected consecutive OSAS patients(mean AHI 51.42 +/- 3.96, Medilog SAC 847, Oxford UK) underwent LAUPP using CO2 laser. Twenty-five cases were followed-up for 4-8 months. 10/25 had obtained a reduction in AHI > 50%, 15/25 had AI < 20 times. The success rate was compared with cephalomentric findings.

CONCLUSION

Cephalometry has an important diagnostic and predictive value in the clinical investigation of patients suspected of having OSAS.

Cytotoxic effect of 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one on HepG2 cells: hypothetical role of acetaldehyde-modified delta4-3-ketosteroid-5beta-reductase (the 37-kd-liver protein) in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury in the rat

We recently identified delta4-3-ketosteroid-5beta-reductase as the 37 kd liver protein which is highly susceptible to acetaldehyde modification in rats continuously fed alcohol. The 5beta-reductase is a key enzyme involved in bile acid synthesis. We report here that the ability to degrade 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (HCO) was lower in the liver cytosol of alcohol-fed rats than in control animals, suggesting an inhibition of the 5beta-reductase enzyme activity by acetaldehyde modification. We also showed that HCO exhibited a time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells. HCO cytotoxicity was noticeable at a concentration of 2.5 microg/mL. When 10 microg/mL of HCO was added to confluent cell monolayers, 57% and 37% of cells remained viable after 24 and 48 hours of treatment. The decrease in cell viability was accompanied by an increased lactic dehydrogenase activity in the culture medium. DNA extracted from HCO-treated cells showed no evidence of DNA fragmentation when analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Staining with propidium iodide showed no nuclear condensation in cells. Thus, cell death by HCO treatment was caused by necrosis and not by apoptosis. Various agents, including, serum proteins, hormones, bile acids, antioxidants, Ca++-chelators, Fe++-chelator, CYP450 inhibitor, adenylate cyclase inhibitor, protease inhibitors, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, did not protect against HCO cytotoxicity. We speculate that HCO concentrations may be elevated around the pericentral area in the liver after chronic alcohol ingestion, causing local cell necrosis. The release of cellular contents and protein-acetaldehyde adducts (PAAs) may activate nonparenchymal cells and provoke autoimmune reaction. Thus, the formation of the 37 kd-PAA may play an important role in the initiation of alcoholic liver injury.

Comparison of interleukin-11 and epidermal growth factor on residual small intestine after massive small bowel resection

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a multifunctional cytokine derived from bone marrow, which has a trophic effect on small bowel epithelium. This study compares the effects of IL-11 with epidermal growth factor (EGF), a growth factor known to enhance small bowel adaptation.

METHODS

Forty Sprague-Dawley rats (90 to 100 g) underwent an 85% mid-small bowel resection with primary anastomosis on day 0. Rats were divided into four treatment groups: controls (group I) received bovine serum albumin (BSA), group II received IL-11, 125 microg/kg subcutaneously (SC) twice daily, group III received EGF, 0.10 microg/g SC bid, and group IV received EGF and IL-11 in the above doses. Half of the animals (five per group) were killed on day 4 of therapy, and the rest were killed on day 8. Animals were evaluated for weight, mucosal length, and bowel wall muscle thickness on days 4 and 8, and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in intestinal crypt and smooth muscle cells on day 8.

RESULTS

There were two deaths; both were 8-day controls. Body weight was similar at day 4 and day 8. Mucosal thickness in groups II (IL-11) and group IV (IL-11 and EGF) was significantly increased at day 4 and 8 when compared with controls (group I) and EGF (group III, P < .001). Muscle thickness was significantly increased in the EGF and combined group IV compared with the BSA controls and IL-11 groups (P < .001). Thirty-two percent of the mucosal crypt cells in Group I stained positive for PCNA, whereas 51%, 53%, and 60% stained positive in groups II (IL-11), III (EGF), and IV (IL-11 and EGF), respectively. In groups I and II, 2% and 1.7% of the myocytes stained positive for PCNA, whereas 11.2% and 5.2% of the myocytes in group III and IV stained positive.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that IL-11 has a trophic effect on small intestinal enterocytes, causing cell proliferation and increased mucosal thickness. EGF has a more generalized effect on intestine causing proliferation of both enterocytes and myocytes. IL-11, with or without EGF, may be a useful adjunct in instances of short bowel syndrome.

[Electro-acupuncture effects on experimental spinal cord injury of the cat as evaluated by acid phosphatase detection]

The spinal cords of adult cats were injured at about L1 level by using Allen's method and the animals were divided randomly into 2 groups: a) electro-acupuncture treatment group and b) control group. The acid phosphatase (ACP) was detected at 3 and 7 days after spinal cord injury. The more ACP positive labelings were found in the treatment group than in the control group at both 3 (P < 0.05) and 7 days (P < 0.01) after injury. The results suggested that electro-acupuncture could increase the concentration of ACP of the injured spinal cord and the increased ACP concentration could make worse to the injured spinal cord at early time and improve regeneration during recovery period.

[A study of the thermosensitivity determination for the normal value of the twelve well-point (or jing-point)]

Under certain temperature and humidity, the thermosensitivity values of the twelve Well-point, on 209 healthy young people, selected at random/and aged from 20 to 24, were measured in the morning and in the afternoon respectively. The statistical results show that there is no significance (P > 0.05), when the value of one Well-point on upper limbs of the male is compared with that of the female, except very few well-point. The value of one Well-point on both the left side and the right side measured at the time are almost the same. The value of one Well-point on the lower limbs of the male is higher than that of the female, and the difference is significant (P < 0.05). This study indicates that the normal values of every Well-point exist in human beings, which will assist clinical diagnosis.

Multiple signaling pathways direct the initiation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in cultured brain neurons

Previous studies have demonstrated that the synergistic interaction of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and a second co-activator molecule can novelly induce expression of the CA biosynthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in non-TH expressing neurons of the striatum. Several co-activators have been identified, including substances present in L6 muscle cell extract (X. Du et al., J. Neurosci. 14 (1994) 7688-7694) catecholamines, such as dopamine (DA) (X. Du and L. Iacovitti, J. Neurosci. 15 (1995) 5420-5427; X. Du et al., Brain Res. 680 (1995) 229-233) and activators of protein kinase C (PKC) such as TPA (X. Du and L. Iacovitti, J. Neurochem. 68 (1997) 564-569). In the present study, we investigated whether activators of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway also serve as effective co-activators of aFGF in the induction of TH gene expression. In addition, the combinatorial effects of the various TH-inducing agents were also evaluated. We found that, as with other co-activating molecules, the PKA stimulants IBMX and forskolin had no TH-inducing capacity when administered alone. However, co-treatment of 10 ng/ml aFGF with either (250 microM) IBMX or (10 microM) forskolin resulted in the novel expression of TH in 25% of plated neurons. The number of TH-expressing neurons was increased to 55% in aFGF-treated cultures co-incubated with aFGF and both (250 microM) IBMX and (10 microM) forskolin. Time course studies indicated that TH induction was rapid (peaking within 24 h) and enduring (lasting 4 days in culture). Induction of TH by aFGF and IBMX/forskolin was partially blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase, such as H7, H8 and H89, as well as pretreatment with protein (cyclohexamide) or RNA synthesis (amanitin and actinomycin D) inhibitors. The concomitant addition of combinations of co-activator molecules (DA, TPA and IBMX/forskolin) and aFGF resulted in the additive induction of TH. Maximal expression of TH (80% of striatal neurons) was accomplished when cultures were treated with aFGF and all co-activator molecules simultaneously. Our results suggest that there are multiple ways to signal the initiation of the TH gene, each of which requires the synergy of specific growth factors and either DA, PKA or PKC pathway activators. Since only the combination of growth factor and all co-activators together produces maximum TH induction, each molecule may signal a unique intracellular pathway which converges at targets on the TH gene.

[The relationship between the pathologic features of the uninvolved endometrium and prognosis in postmenopausal endometrial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the pathologic features of the uninvolved endometrium and prognosis in postmenopausal endometrial carcinoma.

METHOD

The clinicopathologic features of 204 cases of endometrial carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively, according to the proliferative and atrophic uninvolved endometrium, a long term follow-up was done.

RESULTS

The patients with proliferative uninvolved endometrium (PUE) were more much related with the clinical risk factors than those of atrophic uninvolved endometrium (AUE) (P < 0.001). AUE cases had more virulent types of nonendometrial carcinoma than those of PUE (27% vs 5.5%, P < 0.001), and had much worse grade, much deeper myometrial invasion and much vascular invasion (P < 0.001). The overall 5-year survival rate was 96.7% in the PUE cases and 86.2% in the AUE cases (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The histopathologic types of the uninvolved endometrium were related to the prognosis of the patients with endometrial carcinoma. The patients with proliferative uninvolved endometrium had better prognosis than those with atrophic uninvolved endometrium.

A community based stroke register in a high risk area for stroke in north west England

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To develop a community based stroke register to assess the magnitude of the problem of stroke in an entire health district in a high risk area for stroke.

DESIGN

Community based stroke register from general practice data.

SETTING

East Lancashire Health Authority with a 1995 population of 534,287.

PATIENTS

The stroke register was developed and maintained for one calendar year in East Lancashire between 1 July 1994 and 30 June 1995. Efforts were made to include all patients who had a stroke during this period from participating general practices, using several sources of referral.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the district's 118 general practices, 93 (79%) participated fully, covering a population of 405,272. A total of 932 strokes, including 642 first ever cases, were cross checked and confirmed, with only 50% from any single source, mainly the practices. The total stroke incidence rate was 1.60 per 1000 per year, adjusted for the England and Wales 1991 census population. The rate increased considerably with age from 0.88/1000 for ages 50-54 to 20.56/1000 for ages 85-89 years. From 50-74 years, the age specific incidence was higher in men, but overall it was higher in women (1.87; 95% confidence interval 1.67, 2.04 per 1000) than in men (1.31; 1.15, 1.47 per 1000), and slightly lower than in Oxford a decade earlier. The rate also varied in different localities, with higher rates in the central towns of Hyndburn (2.05/ 1000), Blackburn (1.63/1000), and Burnley (1.80/1000) and lowest values in rural areas (1.18/1000 in Pendle). Case fatality from stroke at 28 days was 34% and the hospital admission rate was high at 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

The multiple source registration method is required for a stroke register. Stroke incidence in this area was still high and there was considerable variation across the district. Case fatality rates were similar to those in previous studies.

Responses of insect cells to baculovirus infection: protein synthesis shutdown and apoptosis

Protein synthesis is globally shut down at late times postinfection in the baculovirus Autographa californica M nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV)-infected gypsy moth cell line Ld652Y. A single gene, hrf-1, from another baculovirus, Lymantria dispar M nucleopolyhedrovirus, is able to preclude protein synthesis shutdown and ensure production of AcMNPV progeny in Ld652Y cells (S. M. Thiem, X. Du, M. E. Quentin, and M. M. Berner, J. Virol. 70:2221-2229, 1996; X. Du and S. M. Thiem, Virology 227:420-430, 1997). AcMNPV contains a potent antiapoptotic gene, p35, and protein synthesis arrest was reported in apoptotic insect cells induced by infection with AcMNPV lacking p35. In exploring the function of host range factor 1 (HRF-1) and the possible connection between protein synthesis shutdown and apoptosis, a series of recombinant AcMNPVs with different complements of p35 and hrf-1 were employed in apoptosis and protein synthesis assays. We found that the apoptotic suppressor AcMNPV P35 was translated prior to protein synthesis shutdown and functioned to prevent apoptosis. HRF-1 prevented protein synthesis shutdown even when the cells were undergoing apoptosis, but HRF-1 could not functionally substitute for P35. The DNA synthesis inhibitor aphidicolin could block both apoptosis and protein synthesis shutdown in Ld652Y cells infected with p35 mutant AcMNPVs but not the protein synthesis shutdown in wild-type AcMNPV-infected Ld652Y cells. These data suggest that protein synthesis shutdown and apoptosis are separate responses of Ld652Y cells to AcMNPV infection and that P35 is involved in inducing a protein synthesis shutdown response in the absence of late viral gene expression in Ld652Y cells. A model was developed for these responses of Ld652Y cells to AcMNPV infection.

A model for binding of structurally diverse natural product inhibitors of protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A

Protein phosphatases play significant roles in signal transduction pathways pertaining to cell proliferation, gene expression, and neurotransmission. Serine/threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2A, which are closely related in primary structure (approximately 50%), are inhibited by a structurally diverse group of natural toxins. As part of our study toward understanding the mechanism of inhibition displayed by these toxins, we have developed research in two directions: (1) The standardization of an assay to be used in acquisition of the structure--activity relationship of inhibition data is reported. This nonradioactive assay affords detection levels of molecular phosphate released from a phosphorylated hexapeptide in subnanomolar quantities. The comparison of our IC50 values of these inhibitors against corresponding literature data provided validation for our method. (2) Computational analysis provided a global model for binding of these inhibitors to PP1. The natural toxins were shown to possess remarkably similar three-dimensional motifs upon superimposition and van der Waals minimization within the PP1 active site.

[R wave relative oscillometric blood pressure measurement]

To improve the accuracy of oscillometric blood pressure measurement, an artifact rejection method for oscillations detection called R wave-relative method was developed. It was mainly based on the correlation between ECG R wave and oscillation. Combining with identification of oscillation characteristics this method can distinguish valid signals from interference. This algorithm has been implemented in 8098 microcontroller. Its program flowchart has also been presented in this paper.

[Analysis of the causes of neonatal deaths at term in pregnancy induced hypertension patients]

OBJECTIVE

To study the neonatal developmental status, its causes of death and their possible correlation in women complicated with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

METHODS

46 autopsies of neonatal death at term with PIH and their clinical data were collected. The developmental status was evaluated by body weight, body length, and the weights of lungs, kidneys, liver and brain. The causes of death were reviewed by the clinicopathologic findings.

RESULTS

The neonatal development features for mild PIH in term pregnancy approached to the normal levels of 37 to 38 gestation weeks. In the infants with moderate and severe PIH, the body weights, the weights of lungs and liver were significantly decreased in comparison with those of the mild PIH, respectively (P < 0.05), while the weights of kidneys and brain were not significantly decreased. The causes of death showed that pulmonary hypoplasia accounted for 23.9%, primary pulmonary atelectasis 10.9%, pulmonary hyaline membrane disease 21.7%, massive pulmonary hemorrhage 13.0%, the meconium aspiration 19.6% and others 10.9%. There was no difference in sex among the dead infants.

CONCLUSIONS

The PIH syndrome had retarded the process of fetal growth and development, and associated with the severity of PIH, mostly involving the lung and the liver. The pulmonary hypoplasia and immaturity were the primary causes for neonatal death in PIH women.