Abstract 1271: UV irradiation and epigenetic change in melanocyte 5-hydroxymethylcytosine

Background

Melanoma is the main cause of death from skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure with resultant UV irradiation, particularly during childhood, is established as its major environmental risk factor. Epigenetics are becoming increasingly recognized as potential reversible regulators of genomic anomalies responsible for cancerous growth. Loss of DNA hydroxymethylation marks 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) a functionally significant epigenetic event in melanomagenesis, but whether decreased 5-hmC is driven by UV irradiation remains unknown. The aim of this study is to characterize 5-hmC levels in potential melanoma precursor lesions and cultured samples by UV irradiation in vitro.

Methods

70 human skin excision cases of chronic UV exposed skin and matched controls were evaluated. In addition, discarded human foreskins were exposed to biologically relevant doses of UVB (302 nm) and UVA (365 nm) irradiation. Tissue samples were then incubated in DMEM medium and after 24 hours fixed in 10% formalin overnight and stored in 70% ethanol prior to sectioning and staining. A dual anti-5-hmC and anti-MART-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining protocol was performed, and resultant semiquantitative immunoreactivity scores were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA analysis and Bonferroni's Multiple comparisons test or unpaired T-test using GraphPad Prism version 7 (GraphPad Software, La Jolla, CA). All p-values were two-tailed, with a p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

When comparing sun-protected versus chronically sun-exposed sites of the excision specimens, lower levels of 5-hmC immunoreactivity were noted in melanocytes of sun-protected specimens than sun-exposed samples (p = 0.017). Moreover, a more significant difference (p = 0.0053) was detected between 5-hmC staining in normal skin melanocytes versus 5-hmC loss detected in so-called “atypical melanocytic hyperplasia of sun-damaged skin” that surrounds melanomas. Finally, we sought to determine whether we could induce in vitro a UV effect on 5-hmC similar to that seen with chronic sun-damage. Significant decreased immunoreactivity for 5-hmC was observed in foreskin melanocytes after UV irradiation- a finding that replicated what we observed in patient samples containing chronically UV-altered melanocytes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that UVB irradiation's effect on the epigenome may play a crucial role in the development of melanoma. Implementation of the dual staining for anti-5-hmC and anti-MART-1 may be helpful in defining melanocytes altered in the direction of melanomagenesis, and thus may serve as a practical assay in determining potential melanoma precursor fields amenable to surveillance and prophylactic therapies.

Citation Format: Kevin Y. Wang, Tanja Zdravkovic, Christine Lian. UV irradiation and epigenetic change in melanocyte 5-hydroxymethylcytosine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1271.

[Effect and underling mechanism of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on serum albumen in trauma orthopedic patients during operation]

Objective: To investigate the effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4(HES) on protein in severe trauma orthopedic patients after acute hemodilution. Methods: Fourty-eight severe trauma patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected from June 2018 to December 2018 in Yantaishan Hospital, and were randomly divided into two groups (n=24): group A and group B. Group A was ringer's sodium lactate control group, and group B was HES treatment group. After the tracheal intubation, the patients of group A were infused with 10% blood volume of sodium lactate ringer at 0.5 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), and the patients in group B were infused with 10% blood volume of HES at 0.5 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1). Total protein (TP), human serum albumin (HSA), numbers of circulating endothelium cells (CEC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 were measured immediately after acute hemodilution (T(0)), 24 hours (T(1)) and 48 hours (T(2)) after acute hemodilution. After infusion into human body, HES bond to HSA, and fluorescence spectroscopy was used to analyze the binding relationship between HES and HSA in order to further study the effects of HES on HSA. Results: The HSA, TP, CEC, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, CRP at T(0) of group A were (38±5) g/L, (66±5) g/L, (5.5±0.4)/0.9 μl, (24±5) μg/L, (8.9±0.8) μg/L, (44±6) μg/L, (13.6±1.4) mg/L; While at T(1) were (33±5) g/L, (60±6) g/L, (10.2±0.7)/0.9 μl, (87±9) μg/L, (38.8±2.3) μg/L, (57±7) μg/L, (23.4±2.4) mg/L. The HSA, TP, CEC, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, CRP at T(0) of group B were(38±4)g/L, (66±5) g/L, (5.4±0.6)/0.9 μl, (24±6) μg/L, (9.1±0.9) μg/L, (45±6) μg/L, (13.4±1.8) mg/L; While at T(1) were (35±5)g/L, (62±5)g/L, (7.4±0.6)/0.9 μl, (70±8) μg/L, (29.5±3.1) μg/L, (72±6) μg/L, (19.7±2.2) mg/L. HSA and TP decreased at T(1) in group A as compared with T(0) (P<0.05), contrarily CEC increased significantly at T(1), TNF-ɑ, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP augmented at T(1) and T(2) in two groups (P<0.05). In comparison with the patients of group A, CEC decreased significantly at T(1) (P<0.05). TNF-ɑ, IL-6, CRP reduced significantly at T(1) and T(2) (P<0.05), but IL-10 increased at T(1) and T(2) in group B (P<0.05). The secondary structure of HSA changed after HES was added in the HES solution. The fluorescence intensity of HSA decreased with the increase of HES concentration,which suggested that HES induced HSA fluorescence quenching. HES could bind to Trp-214 residue in HSA at a molecular ration of 1∶1. Conclusions: 6% HES reduces the occurrence of low protein level in severe trauma patients after operation. HES could bind to Trp-214 amino acid residue in HSA and form the complex at a molecular ratio of 1∶1. The formation of HES-HSA complex increases the volume of HES, avoids the vascular leakage, protects the vascular endothelial cells, and induces anti-inflammatory immunity in the patients with capillary syndrome.

Implications of the Revisions and Revaluation of Office/Outpatient Evaluation and Management Codes for Neuroradiology Reimbursement

In the 2020 Final Rule, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services adopted a new coding structure and accepted the substantial increase in valuation for office/outpatient Evaluation and Management codes set to begin in 2021. Given budget neutrality requirements, the projected increase in reimbursement will require a reduction in the conversion factor to offset such increases. The aim is to inform neuroradiologists the impact of these proposed changes on reimbursement and the profession.

Volumetric Analysis of the Vocal Folds Using Computed Tomography: Effects of Age, Height, and Gender

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to use computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis to assess the effect of age, gender, height, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity on vocal fold volume in patients with normal larynges.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Vocal fold length, width, and height were measured in a total of 105 patients without a history of laryngeal or thyroid pathology on thin-section soft-tissue neck CTs. The product of the three dimensions was used to calculate vocal fold volume. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess for an association between vocal fold volume and age, gender, height, BMI, and ethnicity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were estimated to evaluate the degree interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Vocal fold volume was not associated with age, BMI, or ethnicity. Gender-adjusted height (P = .002) and height-adjusted gender (P = .016) were significantly associated with volume. Height remained significantly associated with volume after stratifying by gender (P < 0.001). There was moderate-to-good correlation in both interobserver (ICC = 0.690 to 0.761) and intraobserver (ICC = 0.733 to 0.873) agreement.

CONCLUSION

Age was not associated with vocal fold volume, which is in accordance with several prior negative studies. Age-related vocal fold atrophy may not substantially contribute to presbyphonia symptoms, but other processes such as changes in the extracellular matrix may play a larger role. However, both gender and height were independently associated with vocal fold volume.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E240-E247, 2021.

Effect of the Strengthening Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act on Opioid Prescription Practices After Ankle Fracture Fixation

Background:

In North Carolina, the Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention Act of 2017 (STOP Act) went into effect on January 1, 2018, intending to increase oversight over opioid prescriptions. This study compares postoperative narcotic prescription practices following operative fixation of ankle fractures before and after the STOP Act.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of patients 18 years and older who underwent operative fixation of ankle fractures between January 1 and June 30, 2017 (before STOP Act), and between January 1 and June 30, 2018 (after STOP Act). Variables of interest included demographics, amount of opioids prescribed postoperatively, number of prescription refills, and number of pain-related calls or visits to the emergency department (ED) or clinic after surgery. This study assessed 71 patients in the Pre group and 47 patients in the Post group.

Results:

There was a statistically significant decrease in the average number of postoperative narcotic pills prescribed after the STOP Act (52.7 vs 76.2, P < .001). There was also a statistically significant decrease in the average number of prescription refills (0.6 vs 1.0, P = .037). There were no significant changes in pain-related clinic calls (35.2% Pre vs 34.0% Post, P = .896), pain-related clinic visits ahead of schedule (4.2% Pre vs 6.4% Post, P = .681), or pain-related ED visits (2.8% Pre vs 10.6% Post, P = .113).

Conclusion:

In the postoperative period after operative fixation of ankle fractures, the volume of narcotic prescriptions decreased after the new legislation, without an associated strain on medical resources.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, therapeutic, comparative study.

Smartphone Applications for Assessing Ankle Range of Motion in Clinical Practice

Background:

Measuring ankle range of motion (ROM) following injury or intervention is necessary for monitoring recovery as well as for calculating permanent impairment ratings in workers’ compensation cases. In recent years, smartphone application developers have created applications (apps) that emulate ROM measurement tools like the universal goniometer. This study assessed the correlation between smartphone ROM measurements and universal goniometer measurements, as well as the reliability and usability of these apps in clinical practice.

Methods:

Three raters used the Goniometer app (Gonio), Clinometer app (Clino), DrGoniometer app (DrG), and a universal goniometer (UG) to assess the ankle ROM in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of 24 patients with ankle pathology. Each patient completed a survey on the usability of the apps.

Results:

Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient test showed moderate correlation between the smartphone and UG measurements (Lin‘s correlation coefficient [rLC] = 0.931, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.911-0.946 for UG-Gonio; rLC = 0.908, 95% CI = 0.881-0.929 for UG-Clino; rLC = 0.935, 95% CI = 0.915-0.950 for UG-DrG). A 2-way mixed model showed good to excellent interrater reliability for each app for plantarflexion and dorsiflexion (ICC_p = 0.836, ICC_d = 0.912, P < .001 for Gonio; ICC_p = 0.788, ICC_d = 0.893, P < .001 for Clino; ICC_p = 0.777, ICC_d = 0.897, P < .001 for DrG). Most participants surveyed were very comfortable with having their ankle ROM measured by a smartphone.

Conclusion:

Smartphone apps may be a more convenient way to measure ankle ROM than UG. Physicians can use these apps to measure a patient’s ROM in clinic, a patient could send a picture of his or her dorsiflexed or plantarflexed ankle to the physician to remotely track ROM, or a patient could measure his or her own ROM at home using a personal smartphone.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.

High-grade Features of Papillary Cystadenocarcinoma of the Parotid Gland

Papillary cystadenocarcinomas (PCAs) are rare low-grade salivary gland tumors first introduced in the World Health Organization classification in 1991. While classically regarded as a low-grade malignancy, PCAs with more clinically and histologically high-grade features have been reported, reflecting the often-underrecognized morphological diversity of this entity. Although no universally advocated grading system exists, high-grade PCAs tend to demonstrate locally aggressive features, cytologic atypia, high mitotic rate, necrosis, and an absence of papillary features. We present a case of a 51-year-old male with slow-onset, progressive right facial fullness over four years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck demonstrated a 3.3 cm peripherally enhancing cystic and solid mass in the right superficial lobe of the parotid gland. Following a superficial parotidectomy and a selective right neck dissection, histopathology demonstrated a large cyst with papillary projections lined with cuboidal cells of mild to moderate atypia and surrounding solid tumor nests. The tumor displayed stromal, lymphovascular, and subcutaneous fibroadipose tissue invasion. One of 12 lymph nodes was positive for metastatic carcinoma without extranodal extension. A diagnosis of intermediate-grade PCA was rendered. This case report summarizes the features typical of high-grade PCAs, the few reported cases of intermediate- and high-grade PCAs within the existing literature and provides a brief overview of the radiological and pathological differential diagnosis when considering a parotid gland PCA.

[Analysis of prognostic factors on multidisciplinary team for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the prognostic factors on multidisciplinary team patients for diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 132 HBsAg positive patients with HCC. MDT diagnostic approach was conducted at our hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015, and all patients were followed up to 31 December 2017. Groups were arranged according to variables such as Barcelona stage, MDT compliance, and multidisciplinary combination therapy. TTP and OS were statistically analyzed. Results: The survival of the MDT compliance group was better than the non-compliance group. The difference in survival curves was statistically significant (χ(2) = 4.062, P < 0.05). The 1- and 2-year survival rates of the former group were 72.0%, 60.9%, and the latter was 64.3%, 40.3%. The survival of the combined treatment group was better than the non-combination group. The survival curves of the two groups were statistically significant (χ(2) = 9.502, P < 0.05), and they were independent influencing factors of survival (HR = 0.451, 95% CI, 0.210-0.968). The 1- and 2-year survival rates of the former group were 82.2% and 75.4%, and the latter was 63.1% and 44.6%. The median survival time of the follow-up group was 29.4 months, and the non-compliance and the uncombined group were 17.0 months. The difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 13.336, P < 0.001). The median tumor progression time was 15.7 months in the combination group and 10.1 months in the non-compliance group (χ(2) = 7.263, P < 0.05). Conclusion: An advanced MDT compliance with implementation of multidisciplinary combination therapy may help to improve the prognosis of MDT patients with liver cancer.

Effect of night light regimen on growth performance, antioxidant status and health of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age

Objective

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of night light regimen on growth performance, antioxidant status and health of Lingnan Yellow broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age.

Methods

A completely randomized factorial design involved 2 photoperiods (constant lighting [CL], 24 L:0 D and intermittent lighting [INL], 17 L:3 D:1 L:3 D)×2 light intensities (10 lx and 30 lx). A total of one thousand six hundred and eighty 1-d-old Lingnan Yellow broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates (70 birds per replicate). The experiment lasted for 21 d.

Results

Photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality of the broiler chickens (p>0.05). The INL had a significant effect on average daily feed intake (p<0.05) of broiler chickens compared with CL. Photoperiod and light intensity had an interactive effect on melatonin (MT) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, reducing light intensity increased MT concentration; INL birds had higher MT but MT concentration was not affected by light intensity. There was an interactive effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in serum and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in liver between photoperiod and light intensity. With the decrease of light intensity, the activities of GPx and CAT in serum and T-AOC in liver increased in CL group (p<0.05). Broiler chickens reared under INL had better antioxidant status and 10 lx treatments had higher activities of CAT in serum than 30 lx (p<0.05). Different photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on malondialdehyde. There was an interaction between photoperiod and light intensity on serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, the elevated light intensity resulted in an increase in CK content; INL birds had lower CK concentration especially in low light intensity group. Besides, INL and low light intensity significantly reduced the concentration of serum corticosterone and heat shock protein 70 (p<0.05). Serum immunoglobulin M contents were increased in broiler chickens reared under the INL compared with CL group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Results above suggest that the night light regimen of INL and 10 lx could be beneficial to the broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age due to the better health status and electricity savings.

Leptomeningeal Enhancement at 7T in Multiple Sclerosis: Frequency, Morphology, and Relationship to Cortical Volume

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Perform an investigation of the frequency and distribution of leptomeningeal enhancement on postgadolinium magnetization-prepared FLAIR (MPFLAIR) in multiple sclerosis (MS) on 7 Tesla (7T) MRI and to relate this finding to measures of brain structure and lesion volumes.

METHODS

Twenty-nine participants with MS underwent 7T MRI of the brain. Three healthy volunteers (HVs) were scanned for comparison. Areas of postcontrast leptomeningeal enhancement were identified. Images were segmented for brain structure and lesion volumes. The relationship between leptomeningeal enhancement and clinical and volumetric data was explored.

RESULTS

Two patterns of enhancement were found: "nodular" (discrete, spherical nodules at the pial surface or subarachnoid space) and "spread/fill" (appearance of contrast spread through the local subarachnoid space). Twenty-six of 29 (90%) MS participants had at least one focus of leptomeningeal enhancement. Nodular foci were present in 15 of 29 (51%) MS participants. Spread/fill foci were present in 22 of 29 (76%) MS participants. Two HVs had examples of nodular foci, but none had spread/fill enhancement. MS participants with spread/fill foci were older (48.9 years [SD 8.3]) than those without (33.3 years [SD 11.5], P = .005). MS participants with spread/fill foci had reduced cortical gray matter volume compared to those without (P = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

Leptomeningeal enhancement on postcontrast 7T MPFLAIR is more prevalent than prior reports at 3T-occurring at frequencies closer to histopathologic data. Spread/fill foci are associated with reduced cortical gray matter volumes and may represent blood-meningeal barrier breakdown near sites of meningeal inflammation, whereas nodular foci may be a normal variant.

Enhancing Brain Lesions during Acute Optic Neuritis and/or Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis May Portend a Higher Relapse Rate in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are inflammatory demyelinating disorders with optic neuritis and/or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis episodes. We now know that neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are associated with antibodies to aquaporin-4, which are highly concentrated on astrocytic end-feet at the blood-brain barrier. Immune-mediated disruption of the blood-brain barrier may manifest as contrast enhancement on brain MR imaging. We aimed to delineate the extent and frequency of contrast enhancement on brain MR imaging within 1 month of optic neuritis and/or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis attacks and to correlate contrast enhancement with outcome measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brain MRIs of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders were evaluated for patterns of contrast enhancement (periependymal, cloudlike, leptomeningeal, and so forth). The Fisher exact test was used to evaluate differences between the proportion of contrast enhancement in patients who were seropositive and seronegative for aquaporin-4 antibodies. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the annualized relapse rate and disease duration between patients with and without contrast enhancement and with and without seropositivity.

RESULTS

Brain MRIs of 77 patients were evaluated; 59 patients (10 males, 49 females) were scanned within 1 month of optic neuritis and/or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis attacks and were included in the analysis. Forty-eight patients were seropositive, 9 were seronegative, and 2 were not tested for aquaporin-4 antibodies. Having brain contrast enhancement of any type during an acute attack was significantly associated with higher annualized relapse rates (P = .03) and marginally associated with shorter disease duration (P = .05). Having periependymal contrast enhancement was significantly associated with higher annualized relapse rates (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain MRIs of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with contrast enhancement during an acute relapse of optic neuritis and/or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis are associated with increased annual relapse rates.

Radiology and imaging for cavernous malformations

Cavernous malformations are low-flow vascular malformations that are histologically characterized by the lack of mural elements of mature vascular structures and intervening parenchymal neural tissue. They are often clinically quiescent, and may grow, bleed, and regress, but can also manifest clinically as neurologic deficits or seizures in the setting of an acute hemorrhage. The low-flow nature of cavernous malformations renders them inherently occult on cerebral angiography. Magnetic resonance imaging has become the mainstay imaging modality in evaluating cavernous malformations, producing characteristic imaging features that usually provide a straightforward diagnosis. Features on magnetic resonance imaging include a reticulated pattern of mixed hyper- and hypointensity on T1- and T2-weighted imaging, with a characteristic hypointense rim best appreciated on T2-weighted imaging or gradient-echo sequences. Contrast enhancement is useful for revealing coexisting developmental venous anomalies that are frequently associated with sporadic cavernous malformations, and may further support the diagnosis. Susceptibility-weighted imaging is highly sensitive for cavernous malformations and accompanying developmental venous anomalies, and is superior to gradient-echo sequences in screening for multifocal, familial cavernous malformations.

A case of acute onset succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency: neuroimaging findings and literature review

BACKGROUND

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of γ-aminobutyric acid metabolism, leading to elevated levels of γ-aminobutyric acid and γ-hydroxybutyric acid in cerebrospinal fluid.

PATIENT

We describe the neuroimaging findings of a previously healthy 6-month-old girl with acute onset of lethargy, hypotonia, and choreiform movements, and a subsequent diagnosis of SSADH deficiency. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain revealed symmetric T2 hyperintense signal abnormalities and reduced diffusivity of the globus pallidi bilaterally. Arterial spin-labeling perfusion MR imaging suggested bilateral hyperperfusion of the globus pallidi. MR spectroscopy of the thalamus and frontal lobe white matter revealed increased signal intensity in the glutamate and glutamine region of the spectra between 2.1 and 2.4 ppm.

CONCLUSION

The unique early imaging findings described here may be attributable to bioenergetic failure and deficiency in mitochondrial energy metabolism and are consistent with SSADH-knockout mice studies.

A rat RNA-Seq transcriptomic BodyMap across 11 organs and 4 developmental stages

The rat has been used extensively as a model for evaluating chemical toxicities and for understanding drug mechanisms. However, its transcriptome across multiple organs, or developmental stages, has not yet been reported. Here we show, as part of the SEQC consortium efforts, a comprehensive rat transcriptomic BodyMap created by performing RNA-Seq on 320 samples from 11 organs of both sexes of juvenile, adolescent, adult and aged Fischer 344 rats. We catalogue the expression profiles of 40,064 genes, 65,167 transcripts, 31,909 alternatively spliced transcript variants and 2,367 non-coding genes/non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) annotated in AceView. We find that organ-enriched, differentially expressed genes reflect the known organ-specific biological activities. A large number of transcripts show organ-specific, age-dependent or sex-specific differential expression patterns. We create a web-based, open-access rat BodyMap database of expression profiles with crosslinks to other widely used databases, anticipating that it will serve as a primary resource for biomedical research using the rat model.

Gene expression is highly variable between tissues, and changes during development and with age. Here, the authors provide a comprehensive RNA-Seq analysis of the rat transcriptome, spanning eleven organs, four developmental stages and both sexes.

Effect of supplementation of organic manganese on reproductive performance of female Ussuri raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) during the breeding season

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary manganese (Mn) on reproductive performance of female Ussuri raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) during the breeding season. Healthy female Ussuri raccoon dogs (n=72) were randomly divided into six groups of twelve each. The six experimental diets were formulated to contain graded amounts of Mn (0, 40, 80, 120, 200 and 400mg/kg of diet; Groups A through F, respectively). Litter size of Group D was greater than that of Groups A, B, C and E (P<0.05), with Group E having the smallest litter size. Values of number born alive were affected by different amounts of organic Mn. Number of pups born alive in Group D was greater than that of Groups B, C, E and F (P<0.05). Number of pups weaned alive for Group D was greater than that of Groups A, B, C and E (P<0.05). Mn supplementation of the control diet (containing 24.32 mg/kg from raw materials) with 120 mg/kg of Mn was adequate for female Ussuri raccoon dogs during the breeding season, based on positive effects of reproduction performance.

Safety and immunogenicity of an oral DNA vaccine encoding Sip of Streptococcus agalactiae from Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus delivered by live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium

Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL7207 was used as a carrier for a reconstructed DNA vaccine against Streptococcus agalactiae. A 1.02 kb DNA fragment, encoding for a portion of the surface immunogenic protein (Sip) of S. agalactiae was inserted into pVAX1. The recombinant plasmid pVAX1-sip was transfected in EPC cells to detect the transient expression by an indirect immunofluorescence assay, together with Western blot analysis. The pVAX1-sip was transformed by electroporation into SL7207. The stability of pVAX1-sip into Salmonella was over 90% after 50 generations with antibiotic selection in vitro while remained stable over 80% during 35 generations under antibiotic-free conditions. The LD50 of SL/pVAX1-sip was 1.7 × 10(11) CFU/fish by intragastric administration which indicated a quite low virulence. Tilapias were inoculated orally at 10(8) CFU/fish, the recombinant bacteria were found present in intestinal tract, spleens and livers and eventually eliminated from the tissues 4 weeks after immunization. Fish immunized at 10(7), 10(8) and 10(9) CFU/fish with different immunization times caused various levels of serum antibody and an effective protection against lethal challenge with the wild-type strain S. agalactiae. Integration studies showed that the pVAX1-sip did not integrate with tilapia chromosomes. The DNA vaccine SL/pVAX1-sip was proved to be safe and effective in protecting tilapias against S. agalactiae infection.

The pathology of selenium deficiency in Cyprinus carpio L

Selenium is essential for the normal life processes, and all animals, including fish, need this inorganic element. In order to research the pathology of selenium deficiency in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., 360 juvenile carp were allocated to three treatments. Each treatment containing 120 fish was randomly divided into four groups, fed with purified diets containing selenium at 0, 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 mg kg(-1). The results indicated that the morbidity and mortality rates of the test groups were negatively correlated with the level of selenium in the diets. The morbidity and mortality rates were, respectively, 46.7%, 33.3%, 13.3%, 0 and 26.7% 16.7%, 6.7%, 0. The affected fish exhibited pathological changes, such as 'thin back disease' and lordosis. Histologically, there was no abnormality observed in muscles, liver and pancreas. Ultrastructurally, there was swelling of the mitochondria of the cardiac muscle cells, the liver cells and renal tubular epithelial cells, with disintegration and lysis of the cristae of the mitochondria which vesiculated. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels were increased and the activity of the serum glutathione peroxidase and the serum superoxide dismutase was decreased; in contrast, the serum malonaldehyde concentration was increased.

Predictors of health-care needs in discharged burn patients

Patients' health-care needs are an important issue, but have not been studied in the burn field. The aims of this study were to explore discharged burn patients' health-care needs and related factors. This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling and four questionnaires, including basic information, Mental Status Inventory, Burn Patients' Social Support and Burn Patients' Healthcare Needs for data collection. There were 93 adults, injured on average 45% of total body surface area, who completed the study. Results indicated that the level of psychosocial care needs were higher than physiological needs. The level of physiological care needs changed over time, but psychosocial needs did not change. Self-reported psychosocial needs and physiological care needs correlated with each other. The multiple regressions showed that the most important predictors of overall health-care needs were numbers of visible scarred areas, time since discharge and previous psychiatric history. The findings revealed the burn patients provided clinically useful information and supported further evaluation in the area of care needs for burn patients.

Characterization and sources of PAHs in an urban river system in Beijing, China

Water samples from 20 locations on rivers in the Tongzhou District of Beijing were collected four times from July 2005 to March 2006. In addition, sediment samples were collected in July 2005. All samples were analyzed for 16 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority pollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The concentration, distribution, seasonal variation, and sources of the 16 PAH compounds identified in the water samples, suspended particles, and surface sediments were then evaluated. The concentrations of PAHs in the water and suspended particle and surface sediment samples ranged from 87.3 to 1,890 ng l(-1), 1,330 to 27,700 ng g(-1), and 156 to 8,650 ng g(-1), respectively. These results demonstrated that rivers in the Tongzhou District of Beijing had a high level of PAH pollution, especially in the suspended particles. The highest and lowest concentrations of PAHs in the water samples were observed in summer and spring. However, the seasonal variations in the concentration of PAHs in the suspended particles were more complicated. The dominant compounds in the water, suspended particle, and surface sediment samples were two-, three- and four-ring PAH compounds, respectively. Ratio analysis illustrated that fuel-burning was the primary source of PAHs in the study area. Gasoline, diesel, coal, and coke oven sources were identified and the contributions of the different fuel-burning sources were then calculated using factor analysis and multiple linear regression. These analyses revealed that coal combustion, gasoline combustion plus coke oven emission, and diesel combustion accounted for 38.8%, 38.5%, and 22.7% of the PAHs in suspended particles, respectively.

[Novel 35-bp insertion in visfatin gene in Chinese cattle]

Visfatin is a protein that is preferentially produced in visceral adipose tissue. Both its tissue expression and secreted plasma levels increase in parallel with obesity. Therefore, the present study is focused on detecting insertion in bovine visfatin gene and analyzing its effect on growth traits in four Chinese cattle breeds (Nangyang, Qinchuan, Jiaxian, and Chinese Holstein) using PCR-SSCP, DNA sequencing and agarose electrophoresis methods. For the first time, a 35-bp insertion was described in the gene and two alleles were revealed: Wand I. The chi2-test analysis demonstrated that all breeds were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The associations of the novel 35bp-insertion of visfatin gene with growth traits of Nanyang cattle at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months old were analyzed: 6-month-old cows with genotype WW had greater birth weight than cows with genotype II and WI (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). These results suggest that the presence of 35bp-insertion in visfatin gene may influence the birth weight and bodyweight in 6-month-old cows.

Resolution of warts in association with subcutaneous immunoglobulin in immune deficiency

Common variable immunodeficiency is the most common severe primary immunodeficiency. Most common variable immunodeficiency patients have progressive hypogammaglobulinemia involving all immunoglobulin classes, poor or absent antibody responses, and recurrent bacterial infections, usually of the sino-respiratory tract. Some may present with complicated cutaneous infections like furunculosis (J Allergy Clin Immunol; 109: 581) or recurrent cutaneous warts. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old male diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency who had extensive cutaneous warts that resolved within 2 months of starting weekly infusions of subcutaneous immunoglobulin.

Biological aerated filter treated textile washing wastewater for reuse after ozonation pre-treatment

The combination of chemical and biological treatment processes is a promising technique to reduce refractory organics from wastewater. Ozonation can achieve high color removal, enhance biodegradability, and reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD). The biological technique can further decrease COD of wastewater after ozonation as a pre-treatment. In this study the ozonizing-biological aerated filter processes were used to treat textile washing wastewater for reuse after conventional treatment. The result showed that when the influent qualities were COD about 80 mg/L, color 16 degree and turbidity about 8 NTU, using the combination processes with the dosages of ozone at 30-45 mg/L with the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of biological aerated filter (BAF) at 3-4 hours respectively, gave effluent qualities of COD less than 30 mg/L, color 2 degree and turbidity less than 1NTU. The cost of treatment was less than one yuan/t wastewater, and these processes could enable high quality washing water reuse in textile industry.

Clock and ATF4 transcription system regulates drug resistance in human cancer cell lines

The mechanisms underlying cellular drug resistance have been extensively studied, but little is known about its regulation. We have previously reported that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is upregulated in cisplatin-resistant cells and plays a role in cisplatin resistance. Here, we find out a novel relationship between the circadian transcription factor Clock and drug resistance. Clock drives the periodical expression of many genes that regulate hormone release, cell division, sleep-awake cycle and tumor growth. We demonstrate that ATF4 is a direct target of Clock, and that Clock is overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant cells. Furthermore, Clock expression significantly correlates with cisplatin sensitivity, and that the downregulation of either Clock or ATF4 confers sensitivity of A549 cells to cisplatin and etoposide. Notably, ATF4-overexpressing cells show multidrug resistance and marked elevation of intracellular glutathione. The microarray study reveals that genes for glutathione metabolism are generally downregulated by the knockdown of ATF4 expression. These results suggest that the Clock and ATF4 transcription system might play an important role in multidrug resistance through glutathione-dependent redox system, and also indicate that physiological potentials of Clock-controlled redox system might be important to better understand the oxidative stress-associated disorders including cancer and systemic chronotherapy.

Mn interstitial diffusion in (ga,mn)as

We present a combined theoretical and experimental study of the ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As which explains the remarkably large changes observed on low-temperature annealing. Careful control of the annealing conditions allows us to obtain samples with ferromagnetic transition temperatures up to 159 K. Ab initio calculations, in situ Auger spectroscopy, and resistivity measurements during annealing show that the observed changes are due to out diffusion of Mn interstitials towards the surface, governed by an energy barrier of 0.7-0.8 eV. Electric fields induced by Mn acceptors have a significant effect on the diffusion.

Seasonal variation in respiration of 1-year-old shoots of scots pine exposed to elevated carbon dioxide and temperature for 4 years

Sixteen 20-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees growing in the field were enclosed for 4 years in environment-controlled chambers that maintained: (1) ambient conditions (CON); (2) elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (ambient + 350 micro mol mol-1; EC); (3) elevated temperature (ambient +2-6 degrees C; ET); or (4) elevated CO2 and elevated temperature (ECT). The dark respiration rates of 1-year-old shoots, from which needles had been partly removed, were measured over the growing season in the fourth year. In all treatments, the temperature coefficient of respiration, Q10, changed with season, being smaller during the growing season than at other times. Respiration rate varied diurnally and seasonally with temperature, being highest around mid-summer and declining gradually thereafter. When measurements were made at the temperature of the chamber, respiration rates were reduced by the EC treatment relative to CON, but were increased by ET and ECT treatments. However, respiration rates at a reference temperature of 15 degrees C were reduced by ET and ECT treatments, reflecting a decreased capacity for respiration at warmer temperatures (negative acclimation). The interaction between season and treatment was not significant. Growth respiration did not differ between treatments, but maintenance respiration did, and the differences in mean daily respiration rate between the treatments were attributable to the maintenance component. We conclude that maintenance respiration should be considered when modelling respiratory responses to elevated CO2 and elevated temperature, and that increased atmospheric temperature is more important than increasing CO2 when assessing the carbon budget of pine forests under conditions of climate change.

Measuring and simulating crown respiration of Scots pine with increased temperature and carbon dioxide enrichment

Acclimation to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and temperature of respiration by the foliage in the crown of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees is measured and modelled. Starting in 1996, individual 20-year-old trees were enclosed in chambers and exposed to either normal ambient conditions (CON), elevated CO2 concentration (EC), elevated temperature (ET) or a combination of EC and ET (ECT). Respiration of individual leaves within the crown was measured in 2000. To extrapolate the response of respiration of individual leaves to the whole crown, a multi-layer model was developed and used to predict daily and annual crown respiration, in which the crown structure and corresponding microclimate data were used as input. Respiration measurements showed that EC led to higher Q10 values (4.6%) relative to CON, but lower basal respiration rates at 20 degrees C [R1.d(20)] (-7.1%) during the main growth season (days 120-240), whereas ET and ECT both reduced Q10 (-12.0 and -9.8%, respectively) throughout the year but increased R1.d(20) (27.2 and 21.6%, respectively) during the period of no-growth, and slightly reduced R1.d(20) (-1.7 and -2.8%, respectively) during the main growth season. Model computations showed that annual crown respiration increased: (1) by 16% in EC, with 92% of this increase attributable to the increase in foliage area; (2) by 35% in ET, with 66% related to the increase in foliage area and 17% to the rise in ambient temperature; and (3) by 27% in the case of ECT, with 43% attributable to the increase in foliage area and 29% to the rise in ambient temperature. Changed respiration parameters for individual leaves, induced by treatments, made only a small contribution to the annual crown respiration compared with the increased foliage area. The effects of changes in crown architecture and nitrogen distribution, caused by treatments, on the daily and annual course of crown respiration are discussed.

Resistance of aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) to fenvalerate and imidacloprid and activities of detoxification enzymes on cotton and cucumber

Resistance of two strains of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, to fenvalerate and imidacloprid were determined on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) after resistance selection of one strain to fenvalerate for 16 consecutive generations, and of a second strain to imidacloprid for 12 consecutive generations on cotton in greenhouses. Dose-response and activities of detoxication enzymes of the fenvalerate-resistant strain (R-fenvalerate), the imidacloprid-resistant strain (R-imidacloprid), and a susceptible strain (S) were determined. After 16 consecutive generations of selection, resistance of A. gossypii to fenvalerate increased >29,000-fold and to imidacloprid 8.1-fold. On cucumber. resistance of the R-fenvalerate strain to fenvalerate increased 700-fold and to imidacloprid 3.6-fold. However, the most significant finding in this study was that the R-imidacloprid strain exhibited cross-resistance to fenvalerate, with a resistance ratio of 108.9-fold on cotton and 3:3.5-fold on cucumber, whereas the R-fenvalerate strain did not show significant cross-resistance to imidacloprid on either plant species. Both resistant strains of A. gossypii were more resistant to fenvalerate on cotton than on cucumber, whereas their susceptibility to imidacloprid on otton and cucumber were not significantly different. The response of the S strain to fenvalerate and imidacloprid were similar on cotton and Cucumber. Activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and alpha-naphthylacetate (alpha-NA) esterases of A. gossypii were significantly different among the three strains, with the R-fenvalerate strains having the highest, followed by the R-imidacloprid strain, and the S strain the lowest. The activities of the AChE and alpha-NA esterases for all three strains were also significantly higher on cotton than on cucumber. The resistance mechanism and resistance management strategies for the R-fenvalerate and R-imidacloprid strains of A. gossypii to fenvalerate and imidacloprid on cotton and cucumber are discussed.

Capillary electrophoresis-electrospray mass spectrometry for the characterization of high-mannose-type N-glycosylation and differential oxidation in glycoproteins by charge reversal and protease/glycosidase digestion

The characterization of high-mannose-type N-glycosylation by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray mass spectrometry (CE-ESI MS) was described. In addition to the use of a cationic noncovalent capillary coating, strong acidic buffer, and charge reversal to increase the glycoform resolving power, N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) combined with a basic protease and alpha-mannosidase combined with an acidic protease were used to analyze the high-mannose-type N-glycosylation in ribonuclease B (RNase B) and in a novel C-type lectin from the venom of Trimeresurus stejnegeri (TSL). The structures of oligosaccharide, glycosylation sites, and glycoform distributions were determined simultaneously, and the differential oxidation of Met residues in glycopeptides obtained from TSL protease digestion was also characterized successfully by CE-MS/MS. The results showed that the oligosaccharide attached to RNase B has a structure of GlcNAc2Man5 approximately 9, and that attached to TSL has a structure of GlcNAc2Min5 approximately 8. The glycoform distributions in these glycoproteins are quite different, with the GlcNAc2Man5 type predominant in RNase B, and the GlcNAc2Man8 type, in TSL This method may be useful not only for the characterization of glycosylation sites and glycan structures, but also for the determination of the relative abundance of individual glycoforms.

Effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration and temperature on needle growth, respiration and carbohydrate status in field-grown Scots pines during the needle expansion period

We determined effects of long-term elevation of carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and temperature on growth, respiration and carbohydrate concentration in needles of field-grown Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees during the needle expansion period. Sixteen 20-year-old Scots pine trees were individually enclosed in closed-top, environmentally controlled chambers for 4 years in one of four environments: ambient conditions (CON); elevated [CO2] (EC); elevated temperature (ET); and a combination of both (EC + ET). Needle growth, carbohydrate concentration and dark respiration were measured at 3-day intervals throughout the needle expansion period. Dark respiration was partitioned into growth and maintenance components by regressing specific respiration rate against specific growth rate. In all treatments, growth, carbohydrate concentration and daily dark respiration rates of needles followed a similar seasonal pattern throughout the needle expansion period. Treatments EC, ET and EC + ET increased individual needle area and dry weight compared with the CON treatment. Carbohydrate concentrations in needles were increased by EC, but reduced by ET and EC + ET. Daily respiration rates increased slightly in the early stage of needle expansion and decreased gradually in the late stage when needles were exposed to EC, but increased consistently throughout the growing period when needles were exposed to ET or EC + ET. Partitioning of respiration into its two functional components showed that the growth respiration coefficient was unaffected by the treatments, whereas maintenance respiration was reduced by EC but increased by ET and EC + ET. Maintenance respiration was more sensitive to elevated temperature than growth respiration. We conclude that the difference in respiration rates between expanding and expanded needles should be taken into account when estimating the respiratory responses of needles to elevated [CO2] and temperature.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once daily atorvastatin (10 mg) in patients with elevated LDL-cholesterol

Lowering of serum cholesterol levels by pharmacologic intervention with statins reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events in subjects with and without atherosclerotic manifestations. In an 8-week, randomized, double-blind study we compared the efficacy and safety of the new compound atorvastatin for reducing LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) with placebo in an Asian patient cohort. Patients with LDL-C between 160 mg/dl and 250 mg/dl were randomly assigned to treatment with 10 mg atorvastatin or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. At the end of weeks 4 and 8 of the randomized phase, the serum concentrations of lipid parameters as well as safety parameters were determined. Fifty-four patients (32 males and 22 females) were enrolled. Twenty-six patients were assigned to the treatment group. The primary end-point, LDL-C, was reduced by 40% and 42% after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in the atorvastatin treated patients (p<0.001). The reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides were up to 31% and 23%, respectively. The HDL-C levels increased up to 11% (p=0.043). There were no significant adverse events. Transient increases in CPK levels (10 times) without myalgia were identified in 1 patient. Atorvastatin, 10 mg/day produced significant reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglycerides and an elevation of HDL-C levels when used as an adjunct to diet in hyperlipidemic patients. The majority of the clinical effects could be attained by week 4. The overall safety profile of atorvastatin was similar to that of placebo. Atorvastatin was considered to be well tolerated in this patient cohort.

Bilateral massive pleural effusions caused by uremic pleuritis

A 61-year-old man was started on hemodialysis in June 1998. Just after the commencement of dialysis, a chest X-ray film revealed bilateral pleural effusions. The effusions were hemorrhagic and exudative, and did not respond to dialysis. He was transferred to our university hospital on October 8,1998. Repeated thoracentesis demonstrated hemorrhagic and exudative characteristics without any diagnostic evidence. Pleural biopsies showed fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration. The effusions were massive and did not respond to treatments including hemodialysis, repeatedly performed pleurodesis and the administration of antituberculous drugs. He died of respiratory failure on December 30, 1998. The autopsy confirmed bilateral fibrinous pleuritis without any underlying infections or malignancy. We diagnosed this case as uremic pleuritis from this clinical course and the autopsy findings. The clinical entity of uremic pleuritis was recognized as a complication of patients with hemodialysis in 1969. Uremic pleuritis generally responds to continued hemodialysis and the prognosis is usually good. However, some case reports demonstrated that surgical decortication is only indicated in cases with a severe clinical course. The clinical course of the present case was progressive and fatal. Uremic pleuritis is a serious complication of hemodialysis, which may lead to death.

Psychometric assessment of the Chinese language version of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire in Taiwanese patients with bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a disease-specific quality-of-life instrument. It was designed to measure quality of life in obstructive pulmonary disease, and its reliability and validity have been demonstrated in different language versions. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a Chinese language version of the SGRQ in Taiwanese asthma patients.

METHODS

A convenient sample of 124 asthma patients were recruited from the outpatient asthma clinic of a teaching hospital in the Taipei area. The inclusion criteria were outpatient, coherent, and a clinical diagnosis of asthma. Patients with additional medical conditions considered to impact the quality of life were excluded. Three component scores (symptoms, activity, and impacts) and a total score were calculated to assess the SGRQ's psychometric characteristics. Data including demographic characteristics, history of emergency visits and hospital admissions, asthma severity, and quality of life were collected by questionnaires. Cronbach's formula for the alpha-coefficient was used to estimate the internal consistency and reliability of the SGRQ. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used to estimate the concurrent validity of the SGRQ. The discriminating validity of the SGRQ was determined by the t-test for independent samples.

RESULTS

Results showed that the SGRQ was internally consistent, and had good content and face validity. The SGRQ total score was significantly correlated with both the Health Index and the RAND 36-item Health Survey (p < 0.05). The SGRQ discriminated patients with respect to asthma severity (p < 0.001), history of prior emergency visits (p < 0.05), and history of prior hospital admissions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the Chinese language version of the SGRQ has internal consistency and validity with strong evidence of content, concurrent, and discriminating validity in Taiwanese asthma patients. These findings suggest that it is a useful measure of quality of life in Taiwanese asthma patients.

Fluorescent staining of glycoproteins on polyvinylidene difluoride membrane with 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonate

Here, we describe a simple and sensitive method that allows fluorescent detection of glycoproteins on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane. We used periodic acid oxidation of carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins and fluorescent labeling with 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (AN-TS) by reductive amination. We developed an additional method to enhance the ability of PVDF to absorb glycoproteins by using non-glycoprotein lectin, such as wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), as a link between the PVDF membrane and glycoproteins, resulting in considerably increased detection sensitivity to glycoproteins.

Prolonged interference of patent blue on pulse oximetry readings

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effect of intra-arterial injection of Patent Blue (PB) on pulse oximetry.

METHODS

Ten consecutive female patients who underwent intra-arterial insertion of catheter for chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. All patients received general anesthesia and ECG, pulse oximetry, and direct arterial blood pressure were monitored throughout the perioperative period. Baseline arterial blood saturation (SpO2), haemoglobin concentration (Hgb), estimated arterial saturation (SaO2), arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) were obtained through arterial blood gas analysis, and true arterial saturation (ScoO2) through CO-Oximetry analysis. The subsequent values obtained at various points of time following the intra-arterial administration of PB were compared with the baseline data.

RESULTS

The SpO2 readings taken after intra-arterial injection of PB were significantly lower than the baseline reading. The extent of the reduction of SpO2 readings two hours after the administration of PB was relevant to the total accumulative dosage of PB (rs = -0.846, P < 0.05). However, the reduction of SpO2 bore no significant relation with Hgb concentration or with the ratio of PB dosage to Hgb concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial administration of PB interferes with pulse oximetry readings and the effect lasts for a variable duration. The extent of desaturation may be related to the total accumulative dosage of intra-arterial PB injected.

Determination of the disulfide bond pattern of a novel C-type lectin from snake venom by mass spectrometry

The disulfide bond pattern of Trimeresurus stejnegeri lectin (TSL), a new member of the C-type lectin family, was determined by mass spectrometry. Four intrachain disulfide bonds of TSL, Cys(3)-Cys(14), Cys(31)-Cys(131), Cys(38)-Cys(133) and Cys(106)-Cys(123), and two interchain linkages, Cys(2)-Cys(2) and Cys(86)-Cys(86), were determined. Three strategies were used in this work. One intrachain (Cys(106)-Cys(123)) and one interchain (Cys(86)-Cys(86)) disulfide linkages were detected by standard MS methods. The disulfide bonds Cys(2)-Cys(2) and Cys(3)-Cys(14) were analyzed using a modified partial reduction procedure and MS/MS. The last two disulfide bonds were characterized by a MS/MS/MS technique. The strategies developed in this work could be applied more generally to detection of disulfide bond patterns.

Expression of functional type 1 protease-activated thrombin receptors by mouse primary palatal mesenchymal cells in vitro

Development of the primary palate involves a series of processes including cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis. To study the molecular and cellular processes during mouse primary palatogenesis, mesenchymal cells were isolated from the primary palate of BALB/cBy embryos (day-11, hour 20). Most of the primary palatal mesenchymal (PPM) cells were morphologically similar to fibroblasts. The population doubling time was about 36 h. At concentrations of 5 and 10 unit/ml, alpha-thrombin significantly stimulated the proliferation of these palatal cells by 2- to 2. 4-fold compared to untreated controls over a 72 hour incubation period. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using primers based on the mouse type 1 protease-activated thrombin receptor (PAR1) detected PAR1 mRNA in the PPM cells, the authenticity of which was confirmed by partial DNA sequencing. Blocking of the alpha-thrombin proteolytic site with the highly specific inhibitor D-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginyl chloromethyl ketone significantly suppressed the mitogenic effect of thrombin on the PPM cells by 71%. These results suggest that PAR1 is present on PPM cells in the mouse embryo and that serine protease activity is important for the receptor activation.

Molecular-replacement studies of Trichosanthes kirilowii lectin 1: a structure belonging to the family of type 2 ribosome-inactivating proteins

Trichosanthes kirilowii lectin 1 (TKL-1) isolated from the tuber of T. kirilowii consists of two chains, each with a molecular weight of about 30 kDa. It has immunological properties which are similar to some ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). TKL-1 was crystallized in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and diffraction data were collected to 2.7 A resolution. The molecular-replacement method was applied to solve the structure, using different chains of ricin, abrin-a and trichosanthin as search models. A set of consistent solutions was further verified by R(omit) profile analysis. In addition, the spatial arrangement of the two chains of TKL-1 is identical to that of type 2 RIPs.

Metabolism of the influenza neuraminidase inhibitor prodrug oseltamivir in the rat

The metabolism of [2-acetyl-(14)C]oseltamivir (GS4104, Ro 64-0796), the prodrug of the novel influenza neuraminidase inhibitor GS4071 (Ro 64-0802), was examined in rats after oral dosing. Intact oseltamivir was observed only in lung and urine, accounting for 37 and 15% of the total radioactivity in these samples, respectively. GS4071 was the major metabolite in plasma, tissues, and urine, and accounted for 32 to 56% of the radioactivity present in these samples. The second most abundant peak in these samples (13-24% of radioactivity) was a novel metabolite (M3). This metabolite was purified from urine of rats dosed orally with oseltamivir and was identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and NMR as the (R)-omega-carboxylic acid metabolite of oseltamivir. The omega-carboxylic acid metabolite of oseltamivir could not be produced in vitro. However, omega-hydroxylated products of oseltamivir were produced by rat liver microsomes. Both the (R)- and (S)-omega-hydroxylated products were observed, but formation of the (R)-isomer predominated. These data indicated that in the rat, oseltamivir was primarily metabolized to the active influenza neuraminidase inhibitor GS4071 and, to a lesser extent, to an (R)-omega-carboxylic acid metabolite.

Switch of histamine receptor expression from H2 to H1 during differentiation of monocytes into macrophages

It is known that histamine suppresses gene expression and synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human peripheral blood mononuclear monocytes (HPM) or alveolar macrophages via histamine H2 receptors. We investigated the effect of histamine and differentiation in macrophages on the expression and secretion of TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE), and histamine H1 and H2 receptors by use of a leukemia cell line, U937, and HPM. Differentiation of U937 and HPM cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhanced the H1 receptor expression and rather suppressed the H2 receptor, resulting in up-regulation of the histamine-induced expression and secretion of TNF-alpha, modulated via TACE. Therefore, histamine failed to inhibit up-regulated expression of TNF-alpha induced by LPS in macrophages. The switch from H2 to H1 receptors during differentiation in the monocyte/macrophage lineage could participate in the pathogenic processes of atherosclerosis and inflammatory reactions in the arterial wall.

Expression of isolated C-type carbohydrate recognition domains

A galactose-binding lectin from the venom of the snake Trimeresurus stejnegeri consists of isolated carbohydrate recognition domains, belonging to group VII of the C-type animal lectins. As a first step toward determining the tertiary structure of the galactose-specific lectin, we produced the lectin in Escherichia coli. By in vitro refolding and affinity chromatography, modest amounts (8 mg/liter) of active recombinant proteins were obtained. The recombinant protein was homogeneous, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Its amino acid sequence without the initiated methionine at the N-terminus was also characterized by mass spectrometry. The data of hemagglutination and enzyme-linked lectin binding assays demonstrated that the recombinant lectin showed similar sugar-binding activity as the native protein. In addition, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism also showed obviously their structural similarity.

Effect of sevoflurane on Ca2+ mobilization in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

We investigated the effect of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane on Ca2+ signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by using the fluorescent dye fura-2/AM (1-[2-(5-carboxyoxazol-2-yl)-6-aminobenzofuran-5-oxy]-2-(2'-amino-5'-methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid pentaace-toxymethyl ester) as the Ca2+ indicator. At a concentration of 0.15 mM, sevoflurane did not alter basal cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i); however, at concentrations of 0.45-0.6 mM, sevoflurane did elevate [Ca2+]i, mainly by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) store. Sevoflurane (0.15 mM) did not change either the [Ca2+]i peak evoked by high doses of ATP or UTP or inhibition of the ER Ca2+ pump, although it did significantly slow down the decay of the [Ca2+]i rise. Lastly, sevoflurane inhibited the capacitative Ca2+ entry and Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence induced by Ca(2+)-mobilizing ligands.

Catheter-induced coronary spasm--a view of mechanical factors and experience with selective left coronary arteriography

BACKGROUND

Coronary spasm during cardiac catheterization is not unusual. The mechanism of spasm remains uncertain, but is considered to be multifactorial. Many researchers believe that coronary spasm that develops during catheterization is partly spontaneous and partly catheter-induced. Because catheter-induced spasm results from mechanical irritation, we tried to find the iatrogenic factors that predispose patients to coronary spasm during coronary angiography.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we reviewed the records of 7,295 patients who underwent coronary angiography at our hospital from June, 1983 to November, 1997; coronary spasm was documented in 30 patients, who became the study group. We randomly selected 41 patients who had normal coronary arteries as the normal control group. After reviewing cine films of coronary angiography, we compared these two groups for several parameters. These parameters included the length and diameter of the left main coronary artery (LMC), the angle between the LMC and the aorta, the angle between the catheter tip and the LMC, whether the catheter tip came into contact with the vascular wall and whether there was vessel wall bulging, catheter size and catheter/LMC ratio. This angiographic data and the demographic features, including age, sex, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, previous myocardial infarction, family history of coronary artery disease, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and chest pain character (exertional or rest pain) were compared between the study patient group and the control group.

RESULTS

The results disclosed that larger catheter size (7.1 +/- 0.6 mm vs 6.4 +/- 0.7 mm, p < 0.001), smaller LMC diameter (4.2 +/- 0.9 mm vs 4.9 +/- 1.0 mm, p = 0.004), larger catheter/LMC ratio (0.07 +/- 0.05 vs 0.05 +/- 0.03, p = 0.022), catheter contact with the vessel wall (27/30 vs 20/41, p < 0.001) and vessel bulging (18/30 vs 5/41, p < 0.001) were related to catheter-induced coronary spasm. We found that the catheter tip coming into contact with the vessel wall, vessel wall bulging and catheter/LMC ratio (odds ratio 8.92 x 10(14)) were statistically significant factors predisposing patients to catheter-induced coronary spasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors contribute to coronary spasm. Of those, mechanical or iatrogenic factors might predispose patients to spasm during coronary catheterization. These facts deserve our attention, because iatrogenically induced spasms may be avoided by meticulously selecting catheters and manipulating them gently.

Significantly higher levels of oxidized LDL autoantibody in coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) might play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Ox-LDL is immunogenic and induces an autoantibody, which we used as a tool for measuring the content of ox-LDL in vivo.

METHODS

Patients who were admitted for diagnostic cardiac catheterization for typical or atypical angina pectoris were enrolled in this study. After fasting for 12 hours, a venous blood sample was drawn from the antecubital vein for testing triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and ox-LDL autoantibody. The ox-LDL autoantibody was quantified using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. All patients underwent coronary angiography. Those who had more than 50% angiographic coronary luminal stenosis, were grouped into the coronary artery disease (CAD) group.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were enrolled in the study (male/female = 46/18; mean +/- standard deviation, age, 64 +/- 9 years). The CAD group had a significantly higher level of ox-LDL autoantibody than the non-CAD group (494.0 +/- 355.0 mU/ml vs 258.1 +/- 196.8 mU/ml, p = 0.004). However, the other lipid profiles including triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not statistically different between the two groups. Forty-six patients in this study had an arterial blood sample taken from the femoral artery for testing ox-LDL autoantibody. There was no significant difference between the arterial and venous samples of ox-LDL autoantibody (385.2 +/- 333.3 mU/ml vs 399.3 +/- 339.5 mU/ml, n = 46, p = 0.530).

CONCLUSIONS

Ox-LDL autoantibody was significantly higher in the CAD group. Ox-LDL may prove to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Further study of Ox-LDL and its role in the process of atherosclerosis is warranted.

Characterization and analysis of a novel glycoprotein from snake venom using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry and Edman degradation

An N-linked glycosylation in a novel C-lectin protein from snake venom was observed by Edman degradation and liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry. The peptides obtained by trypsin cleavage were analyzed to confirm the amino acid sequence and Asn5 was found to be the N-glycosylation site. The result was further confirmed by N-glycosidase digestion. In addition, the protein and tryptic peptides with and without glycan chain were characterized by mass spectrometry according to the mass difference. The glycopeptide obtained from proteolytic digestion was analyzed and the glycoforms were identified as high-mannose type by tandem MS coupled with alpha-mannosidase digestion. An oxidized Met residue was detected and located in the protein by mass spectrometry.

Analysis of 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonate-derivatized oligosaccharides by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry

Dextran was partially hydrolyzed with 0.1 mol/l HCl and the hydrolysate was derivatized with 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (ANTS) by reductive amination. The derivatized-oligosaccharide mixture was separated by capillary electrophoresis (CE) in a buffer of 1% HAc-NH4OH, pH 3.4, and the separated components were detected on-line by electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-QIT-MS) in the negative ion mode. A mass accuracy lower than 0.01% could be achieved and as low as 1.6 pmol of detxran octaose could be detected. ANTS-derivatized dextran oligosaccharide with a degree of polymerization (DP) lower than 6 produced both [M-H]- and [M-2H]2- ions, whereas those with a DP of 6 or higher than 6 produced only [M-2H]2- ion. As 1< or =DP< or =6, the percentage of [M-2H]2- ion in the total ions of [M-H]- and [M-2H]2- was found to be a linear function of the logarithmic DP. Molecular mass determination with ESI-QIT-MS strengthens the power of CE analysis of oligosaccharides.

Characterization of derivatization of sialic acid with 2-aminoacridone and determination of sialic acid content in glycoproteins by capillary electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography--ion trap mass spectrometry

A simple and highly sensitive capillary electrophoresis (CE) method for determining the content of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) in glycoproteins was developed. Neu5Ac was derivatized with 2-aminoacridone (AMAC) by reductive amination, and the AMAC-Neu5Ac adduct could be readily separated from the other 11 AMAC-derivatized neutral and acidic monosaccharides usually present in glycoproteins by CE in a 0.3 mol/L borate buffer, pH 10.5, and detected at 260 nm. The derivatization of Neu5Ac was achieved at 55 degrees C for 4 h. AMAC-Neu5Ac was stable at 20 degrees C in the dark for at least 12 h while at room temperature it spontaneously converted into another substance with a lower electrophoretic mobility, which was identified as decarboxylated AMAC-Neu5Ac by high performance liquid chromatography - ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC-ITMS). Concentration and mass of Neu5Ac as low as 1 micromol/L and 35 fmol could be detected. The linear correlation coefficient between the ratio of peak area to migration time of AMAC-Neu5Ac and the concentration of Neu5Ac ranging from 10 to 120 micromol/L was 0.9978 (n=8). This method was successfully applied to the analysis of sialic acid in human urinary trypsin inhibitor (hu-UTI), bovine alpha1-acid glycoprotein (alpha1-AGP) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhu-EPO). By combination of CE and HPLC-ITMS we found that N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) was present in bovine alpha1-AGP in addition to Neu5Ac, with a quantity comparable to that of the latter.