Berberine inhibits the expression of TNFalpha, MCP-1, and IL-6 in AcLDL-stimulated macrophages through PPARgamma pathway

Macrophages are the main source of cytokines in atherosclerotic plaques. Modified low-density lipoproteins may stimulate macrophages to produce large quantities of proinflammatory cytokines that promote atherosclerosis. Berberine is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine umbellatine, which has a widespread effect and was used to treat many diseases clinically. Our previous study found that berberine could increase adipophilin expression in macrophages, which is a target gene of PPARgamma. PPARgamma agonist could decrease proinflammatory cytokines in macrophage. In this study, we investigated the effects and the mechanism of action of berberine on the expression and secretion of TNFalpha, MCP-1, and IL-6 in vitro to identify new pharmacological actions of berberine. The results of RT-PCR and ELISA shows that berberine may inhibit the expression and secretion of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in macrophages stimulated by acetylated low-density lipoprotein (AcLDL), whereas the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) inhibitor GW9662 could attenuate this effect of berberine. This study demonstrates that berberine may inhibit the expression and production of TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-6 in AcLDL-stimulated macrophages. This effect might be partially mediated through PPARgamma activity.

ATP7B antisense oligodeoxynucleotides increase the cisplatin sensitivity of human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3ipl

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ATP7B antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASODNs) on regulating the sensitivity to cisplatin in ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3ip1. The ATP7B ASODNs and the corresponding sense oligodeoxynucleotide (SODN) as control were transfected into SKOV3ip1 cells by lipofectamine-2000. The changes of ATP7B were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. The survival rate of the SKOV3ip1 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Compared with nontransfected cell, the transfer of ASODN/lipofectin (LF) into SKOV3ip1 cells resulted in (1) 73.70% and 48.30% reduction of ATP7B in messenger RNA and protein, respectively, (2) an obviously decreased intracellular fluorescence intensity from 79.42 to 50.87 (P < 0.01), and (3) a decreased IC(50) value for cisplatin from 126.63 to 80.90 micromol/L (P < 0.01), while no significant changes were detected for groups treated with SODN/LF and LF only. ASODN transfection can inhibit the expression of ATP7B and increase the cisplatin sensitivity in SKOV3ip1 cells.

Uncoupling protein-2 participates in cellular defense against oxidative stress in clonal beta-cells

The role of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) in beta-cells is presently unclear. We have tested the notion that UCP-2 participates in beta-cell defense against oxidants. Expression of the UCP-2 gene in clonal beta-cells (INS-1) was decreased by 45% after 48 h of culture with vitamin E and selenite. When INS-1 cells were exposed to 200 microM H(2)O(2) for 5 min, the cell viability (MTT assay) decreased to 85 +/- 1, 61 +/- 1, 40 +/- 2, and 39 +/- 2% of control when measured respectively 30 min, 2 h, 6 h, and 16 h after H(2)O(2) exposure. At corresponding time points UCP-2 mRNA levels were 1.01 +/- 0.09, 1.53 +/- 0.15 (P < 0.05), 1.44 +/- 0.18 (P = 0.06), and 1.12 +/- 0.09 fold of control, i.e., transiently increased. We next tested whether overexpression of UCP-2 could enhance resistance of beta-cells toward H(2)O(2) toxicity. A cotransfection method using EGFP as a suitable marker and a human cDNA UCP-2 construct was used for transient overexpression of UCP-2. Transfected cells expressed the gene about 30-fold more than normal cells. After exposure to H(2)O(2) (200 micrometer, 5 min), the survival of UCP-2 overexpressing cells was measured 30-45 min later by flow cytometry. Survival was 13 +/- 0.05% higher than control (EGFP only) cells, P < 0.004 for difference. The results indicate that oxidative stress induces UCP-2 expression in beta-cells, and that UCP-2 serves a role in beta-cell defense against oxidative stress.

Evaluate multiple adverse events in crossover design bioequivalence clinical trials

AIM

To establish a statistical model to appropriately evaluate the relationship between clinical adverse event and treatment.

METHODS

By splitting the duration of each treatment period into several time intervals (use day as unit), a clinical adverse event was sampled in each time interval as presented or not presented. The number of presented cases was added for each time interval, and time of subjects spent in each time interval was cumulated as person days. The onset of a clinical adverse event and its duration were represented as repeatedly measured count data. By using the generalized linear mixed model with fixed- and random-effects, the relative rate of clinical adverse events relative to different treatments was modeled by the generalized estimate equation (GEE) technique.

RESULTS

Example shows that not only the onset of adverse events, but also its duration and total person-days subjects spent in study would influence the relative rate of clinic adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Our proposed approach is a good alternative and supplemental method for evaluating clinical adverse events.

A zonal comparison of MIB1-Ki67 immunoreactivity in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions

Differentiation between malignant melanomas and benign nevi can sometimes be difficult by conventional histopathology, and additional diagnostic markers may be helpful. This study investigated the immunoreactivity of the cell proliferation marker MIB1-Ki67 in 23 compound nevi, 17 dysplastic nevi, 8 Spitz nevi (SN), and 24 malignant melanomas (MMs) and evaluated its ability in separating benign nevi from MMs. In each lesion, the average number (percentage) of MIB1-positive nuclei (%MIB1-Mean) and the maximal number (percentage) of MIB1-positive nuclei (%MIB1-Max) were determined from each of the superficial, middle, and deep dermal zones of the lesion as well as from the entire lesion. The %MIB1-Max was determined from subjectively selected area(s) of high count. Malignant melanomas had a significantly greater %MIB1-Mean and %MIB1-Max than all benign nevi in all individual zones and in the entire lesion (p < 0.05). Discriminant analysis showed that the %MIB1-Mean and %MIB1-Max counted from the whole lesions had better discriminating abilities than from the individual zones. By using the %MIB1-Mean from all zones, all lesions except 1 SN and 3 MMs could be correctly classified as benign or malignant. When using the %MIB1-Max from all zones, all but 2 SN could be correctly separated as benign or malignant. Thus, MIB1-Ki67 immunoreactivity closely correlates with the benignancy or malignancy of melanocytic lesions and may assist in the differentiation of benign nevi from MMs.

Extracting Energy from Accretion into a Kerr Black Hole

The highest efficiency of converting rest mass into energy by accreting matter into a Kerr black hole is approximately 31% (Thorne 1974). We propose a new process in which periods of accretion from a thin disk, and the associated spin-up of the black hole, alternate with the periods of no accretion and magnetic transfer of energy from the black hole to the disk. These cycles can repeat indefinitely, at least in principle, with the black hole mass increasing by approximately 66% per cycle and up to approximately 43% of accreted rest mass radiated away by the disk.

[Allelic polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 locus in Han nationality in Hunan province]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the genetic polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 locus in Han nationality in Hunan province.

METHOD

Sixty samples randomly selected from healthy individuals of Han nationality in Hunan province were typed for HLA-DQA1 by PCR/SSP in combination with silver-staining PCR/SSCP.

RESULTS

Ten types of HLA-DQA1 alleles were found in all 60 samples, HLA-DQA1*0302, *0501, *0102 were the common alleles with gene frequencies of 0.2254, 0.2254, and 0.2041 respectively. Twenty-six kinds of genotypes were found, and the genotype distribution fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (P > 0.05). Five samples which had ambiguity in their PCR/SSP typing were further clarified with PCR/SSCP analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal gene frequency values of HLA-DQA1 alleles in Han nationality in Hunan province are provided; PCR/SSCP can be used to eliminate the ambiguity which might exist in PCR/SSP typing for HLA-DQA1 locus.

Extracting Energy from a Black Hole through Its Disk

When some magnetic field lines connect a Kerr black hole with a disk rotating around it, energy and angular momentum are transferred between them. If the black hole rotates faster than the disk, ca&solm0;GMH>0.36 for a thin Keplerian disk, then energy and angular momentum are extracted from the black hole and transferred to the disk (MH is the mass and aMH is the angular momentum of the black hole). This way, the energy originating in the black hole may be radiated away by the disk. The total amount of energy that can be extracted from the black hole spun down from ca&solm0;GMH=0.998 to ca&solm0;GMH=0.36 by a thin Keplerian disk is approximately 0.15MHc2. This is larger than approximately 0.09MHc2, which can be extracted by the Blandford-Znajek mechanism.

Effect of melanin bleach on Feulgen-DNA microdensitometry in pigmented lesions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of melanin bleach on Feulgen-DNA microdensitometry in pigmented melanocytic lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty banal compound nevi with various grades of pigmentation were bleached by 0.5% and 1% KMnO4 for 0 to 20 minutes and by 10% H2O2 for 24 hours prior to Feulgen staining. DNA microdensitometry was performed by video image analysis to measure the integrated optical density (IOD) in nuclei from nevomelanocytes, lymphocytes and spinous keratinocytes. The DNA index of nevomelanocytes was calculated using spinous keratinocytes as the diploid controls.

RESULTS

There were significant decreases in IOD (P < .05) in the nuclei of nevomelanocytes, lymphocytes and spinous keratinocytes after treatment with 1% KMnO4 for 5 and 10 minutes, but no significant changes were detected after treatment with 0.5% KMnO4 for 5 and 10 minutes. Severe tissue damage was observed in the Feulgen-stained slides treated with 1% KMnO4 for 15 and 20 minutes and with 10% H2O2 for 24 hours. There was no significant change in DNA index in any bleached sets measured.

CONCLUSION

KMnO4 can affect Feulgen-DNA content if used in high concentrations or for long periods of incubation. The DNA index, which is derived from internal controls, is not affected by the bleach procedure.

Screw Instability and the Blandford-Znajek Mechanism

When magnetic field lines thread a rotating black hole's horizon and connect with remote astrophysical loads, the rotational energy of the black hole can be extracted through the Blandford-Znajek mechanism. Due to the rotation of the black hole, the magnetic field lines are twisted and toroidal components are generated. Thus, poloidal electric currents are induced and the black hole's rotational energy is transported to the astrophysical loads through Poynting flux. The Blandford-Znajek mechanism has been considered to be a possible process for powering extragalactic jets. In this Letter, we show that because of the screw instability of the magnetic field, the toroidal components of the magnetic field, and thus the poloidal currents, cannot exceed the limits given by the Kruskal-Shafranov criterion. This significantly lowers the power of the Blandford-Znajek mechanism when the loads are far from the black hole. So the Blandford-Znajek mechanism can only work efficiently within the neighborhood of the black hole. The implications of the results for the scenario of extragalactic jets powered by the Blandford-Znajek mechanism are discussed.

[Correlative study on HLA-DR2 allelic polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus in the Han nationality in Hunan province]

Fifty-eight systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 59 normal controls of the Han nationality in Hunan province were involved in this study to analyze the correlation between HLA-DR2 group specific amplification in combination with HLA-DRB generic amplification PCR/SSCP technique to detect the sequence variation within exon 2 of HLA-DR2 alleles outside the sequence specific primer matching positions. The results were that HLA-DR2 was strongly correlated with SLE (RR = 2.71, P < 0.01); and HLA-DRB1 * 1501 was the allele correlated with disease (RR = 3.01, Pc < 0.05). In addition, PCR/SSCP showed that there was not any novel sequence variation in exon 2 of HLA-DR2 alleles in the Han nationality in Hunan province.

Recurrent events in meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials

AIM

To study the efficacy and safety of drug or therapy with recurrent events in meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials.

METHODS

A nonparametric approach is proposed to estimate the rates of recurrent events for meta-analysis of trials. The method was used in meta-analysis of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor clinical trials to analyze the relative rates and the excess rates between ACE inhibitor and placebo treatment groups for endpoints of hospitalizations for CHF, hospitalizations for CHF or cardiac death, and hospitalizations for CHF or any death, respectively.

RESULTS

The estimates of those three endpoints were 69%, 74%, and 76% (P < 0.01). Compared with placebo, ACE inhibitor reduced 30 cases of hospitalizations for CHF per 1000 person-years, or 40 cardiac deaths or hospitalizations for CHF per 1000 person-years (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The method was a simple and efficient approach to conduct meta-analysis of clinical trials with recurrent events.

Method of melanin bleaching in MIB1-Ki67 immunostaining of pigmented lesions: A quantitative evaluation in malignant melanomas

The effect of melanin bleaching on the immunoreactivity of the MIB1-Ki67 antigen in pigmented melanocytic lesions was investigated. Eight paired non-pigmented and heavily pigmented malignant melanomas (6 primary melanomas and 2 secondary melanomas) were selected. Avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase complex (ABC) and microwave antigen retrieval were used in immunostaining. Sections were incubated with 10% H2O2 for 24h before immunostaining with primary antibody MIB1, or after the completion of immunostaining. Non-bleached controls were obtained by conducting the identical staining but omitting the bleaching procedure. In all heavily pigmented lesions bleached by 10% H2O2 before or after immunostaining, the melanin was bleached effectively and MIB1-positively stained cells were clearly seen. Cell counting in the non-pigmented group found that there were no significant differences in the percentage of MIB1-positive melanoma cells (%MIB1) between non-bleached controls and those sections which had been bleached by 10% H2O2 either before or after the immunostaining. The results suggest that hydrogen peroxide can effectively bleach melanin in pigmented melanocytic lesions without significantly affecting MIB1-Ki67 immunolabelling.

Probucol inhibits oxidized-low density lipoprotein-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells by reducing P-selectin synthesis in vitro

Probucol (PBC) is an unique antiatherogenic drug producing its effect by antioxidant action rather than hypolipidaemic effect. However, the exact mechanism of its antiatherogenic effect is unclear. Therefore we investigated the PBC effects on the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, an early event in atherogenesis. Monocyte adhesion to cultured pig aortic endothelial cells (EC) was induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). To elucidate the mechanisms of the inhibition on adhesion, PBC effects on the Ox-LDL-induced expression of P-selectin, on the synthesis of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and prostacyclin (PGI2) were examined. The results showed that Ox-LDL enhanced the adhesion of monocytes to EC in a concentration-dependent and time-related manner. PBC 25, 50 and 75 micromol/L inhibited the Ox-LDL-induced adhesion index from 37.3% to 19.7, 16.6 and 14.6% respectively (p all < 0.05), and inhibited the Ox-LDL-induced expression of P-selectin from 293.0 ng/ml to 180.0, 132.9 and 132.6 ng/ml respectively. Furthermore, PBC significantly attenuated the Ox-LDL-impaired synthesis of PGI2 and vWF. These results indicate that PBC may provide a new approach in the prevention of atherosclerosis (AS) by intervention of monocyte adhesion to EC. In conclusion, PBC inhibits the Ox-LDL-induced adhesion of monocytes to EC. This effect is associated with the inhibition of the Ox-LDL-induced expression of P-selectin and the protection on the synthesis of PGI2.

Comparative study of 201Tl-scintigraphic image and myocardial pathologic findings in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

The objective of the present study was to characterize the production of 201Tl myocardial perfusion defects, the relation between the 201Tl multiple small defects and the myocardial damage indicated by myocardial fibrosis shown histopathologically in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Rest 201Tl scintigraphy was performed in thirty-seven patients with myocardial tissue fibrosis by endomyocardial biopsy, and without stenosis of the coronary artery. 201Tl myocardial SPECT images were visually classified into 4 grades according to the severity of inhomogeneous perfusion defects (IPD), 0: none, 1: slight, 2: moderate, 3: severe. 201Tl uptake, defect regions (DR), and coefficient of variation % (CV%) were also quantified by Bull's eye quantification in nineteen patients. During cardiac catheterization, three biopsy specimens were obtained from the lateral wall to the apical region of the left ventricle and the amount of fibrosis was assessed by means of light microscopic morphometry. The myocardial fibrosis was also classified into 4 grades by a point-counting method. Autopsy study was also assessed in six patients. 201Tl perfusion defects were observed in 35 (94.6%) patients, of whom 29 (78.4%) showed inhomogeneous perfusion defects. Twenty-four (64.9%) showed Stage 0 and 201Tl findings, and 21 (62.2%) had myocardial fibrosis in stage 1. Clinically, the correlation between the grades of the IPD, % 201Tl uptake, DR and CV% of myocardial uptake, which were calculated semiquantitatively by Bull's eye image, and the histological grades of fibrosis were also good (IPD vs. fibrosis: r = 0.7014; % 201Tl uptake vs. fibrosis: r = -0.6542; DR vs. fibrosis: r = 0.7027; CV% vs. fibrosis: r = 0.6985). The 201Tl SPECT findings were in close agreement with the severity of myocardial fibrosis confirmed by autopsy, but the grading of the IPD was not related to the ejection fraction or left ventricular diameter. It showed a higher rate of inhomogeneous 201Tl myocardial perfusion defects (78.4%) in patients with DCM. This result may contribute to the clinical evaluation of DCM or differentiation from other diseases. Furthermore, the grading of 201Tl inhomogeneous perfusion defects related to the myocardial fibrosis of left ventricular myocardium may contribute to speculation of the myocardial degenerative stage in clinical settings.

[Relationship between fissured tongue with flow and components of saliva]

Observation on 30 patients with fissured tongue (FT) and 42 normal subjects, through the measurement of flow and the elements of saliva, pH value, the Na and K content, SIgA, it was shown that: in FT patients, the flow of saliva and pH decreased, while the Na/K ratio and the content of SIgA increased (each P < 0.01, compared with the normal). It was also showed that the formation of FT has to a certain extent something to do with the electrolyte disturbance in aqueous solution, malnutrition, as well as immunity and endocrinic function of patients.

Application of information systems to AIDS risk reduction

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a specific group of diseases which are indicative of severe immunosuppression related to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In response to the epidemic, a variety of intervention and prevention has been instituted. In such intervention and prevention activities, the role played by information systems becomes more and more important. This paper describes the design and implementation of an information system for AIDS intervention and prevention.

[Correlation of diabetic retinopathy with systemic factors]

Among 468 patients of diabetes mellitus, 208 cases having complete records of biochemical and ocular examinations were studied by stepwise multivariate regression, with regard to the correlation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) to systemic factors and ocular perfusion pressure. The results showed that the onset and severity of DR were positively correlated to proteinuria, duration of the disease, fasting blood sugar, and ocular perfusion pressure, negatively correlated to blood triglycerides, but not correlated to sex, the type of diabetes, and smoking or alcoholic habits.

An integrated information system for the intervention and prevention of AIDS

The epidemic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its causative agent, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are serious and spreading. In response to the epidemic, a variety of intervention and prevention programs have been instituted. In such AIDS intervention and prevention (AIP) activities, the role played by information systems becomes more and more important. The applications of information systems technology in AIP mostly seem to fall within a spectrum of databases, decision support systems and expert systems. This paper describes the implementation of an information system in a regional AIDS intervention and prevention program. In this integrative information system, the database is integrated with both decision support systems and expert systems, and decision support systems are integrated with expert systems. The implementation results of the system present evidence of the usefulness of the system in AIDS intervention and prevention.

Effects of macrophage and retinal pigment epithelial cell transplants on photoreceptor cell rescue in RCS rats

The effects of macrophage transplants on photoreceptor cell survival in retinas of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic rats were contrasted with RPE-cell transplants, sham-injection and surgical controls. The effects of these different treatments on the thickness and total area of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were evaluated by light and electron microscopy at 1, 2 and 5 months after transplantation or surgical manipulations. Macrophage transplants into dystrophic retinas, although significantly reducing the debris zone thickness (p less than 0.01), had little effect on photoreceptor cell survival (2-3 cells thick ONL) after two months. In contrast, two months after RPE-cell transplantation, retinas exhibited an 8-10 cell thick ONL. Also, inner and outer segments of rescued photoreceptor cells were present, especially in areas directly beneath RPE-cell transplants. At the same time period, retinas injected with saline had a 2-3 cell thick ONL with no organized inner or outer segments. Furthermore, the affected ONL area in macrophage-transplanted or saline-injected retinas was significantly smaller than that seen in RPE-cell transplanted retinas (p less than 0.0001). Surviving photoreceptor cells were found only in the RPE-cell transplanted retinas five months after treatment. No effect on photoreceptor cell survival was seen in saline-injected, needle-inserted or incision-only retinas. Thus, transplantation of healthy RPE cells is an effective long-term therapeutic approach to correct the genetic defect in retinas of RCS dystrophic rats.

Transplantation to the diseased and damaged retina

Retinas of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic rats undergo a dramatic loss of photoreceptor cells as a result of defective retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These retinas are therefore a valuable model in the investigation of the role of the RPE on photoreceptor-cell survival and development. Also, rat retinas damaged by excessive light serve as a suitable environment to study survival of transplanted photoreceptor cells. Even though photoreceptor cells are lost in these retinas, a normal inner retinal structure is retained. Both models have recently been used in successful RPE-cell and/or photoreceptor-cell transplantation studies designed to replace defective or lost cells due to retinal disease or damage. These new approaches in the field of retinal transplantation offer unique and novel opportunities for the development of possible therapeutic strategies in human eye disease, and for improving our understanding of the normal relationships between retinal cells.

Lymphonodovenous anastomosis in the treatment of chyluria

Thirty cases of chyluria were treated by means of lymphonodovenous anastomoses according to the principles of lymphovenous shunt. A conical tissue of lymph node close to the greater saphenous vein in the inguinal region was removed and the remaining tunnel-shaped node was anastomosed to the vein to drain the lymph into the venous system. Twenty-one cases were followed up for six months after the operation. Among them, 16 (76.2%) showed disappearance of chyluria, and 2 (9.5%) were improved, giving an effective rate of 85.7%. This operation avoids damage to both the afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels, and affords a large anastomotic stoma for free passage of the lymph into the vein.

Functional and structural characteristics of photoreceptor cells rescued in RPE-cell grafted retinas of RCS dystrophic rats

In this study retinas of pink-eyed 26 day-old RCS dystrophic rats were injected with normal, melanotic retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells into the subretinal space. The areas containing underlying photoreceptor cells were subsequently investigated by electron microscopy at 60 days and light microscopy immunocytochemistry at 60 and 120 days. Retinal regions containing viable RPE-cell grafts exhibited melanin-contained RPE cell transplants attached to Bruch's membrane and containing shed rod outer segments (ROS). Also, the ROS of these photoreceptor cells exhibited a normal-appearing structural relationship with apical membrane projections of these RPE cells. The debris zone, prominent in retinas of 60 day-old RCS dystrophic rats, was much reduced in RPE-cell grafted regions. By at least 3 months after RPE transplantation, immunostaining for Na+,K+-ATPase was demonstrated along inner segments (IS) of photoreceptor cells in grafted regions, as was also shown in control retinas, but not in non-grafted regions. Opsin immunostaining in RPE-cell grafted regions and in control retinas was detected along ROS and rod inner segments (RIS) and at the periphery of cell bodies in the outer nuclear layer. This study has shown that transplanted normal RPE cells in retinas of RCS dystrophic rats appear to have normal functional and structural characteristics at least three months after transplantation. Furthermore, the rescued PRC's exhibited a normal distribution of and immunostaining density for the membrane-bound enzyme Na+,K+-ATPase and the photo-pigment opsin.

Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells to immature and adult rat hosts: short- and long-term survival characteristics

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells isolated from 6-8-day-old pigmented Long-Evans rat eyes were successfully grafted onto Bruch's membrane in albino Sprague-Dawley hosts ranging in age from 10 days postnatal to young adulthood. Injections of RPE cells were made into the subretinal space using a lesion paradigm which penetrates through the dorsal surface of the eye cutting through the sclera and choroid. Suspensions of pigmented RPE cells were labeled with Nuclear Yellow prior to transplantation, and at 1 week after grafting, the transplanted RPE cells were found attached to previously denuded areas of Bruch's membrane. The grafted RPE cells were positively identified by double labeling-only those RPE cells with melanosomes in their cytoplasm showed fluorescent Nuclear Yellow labeling; host albino RPE cells showed no nuclear labeling. The grafted RPE cells developed a normal relationship with photoreceptor cell outer segments as seen by electron microscopy. When compared with intact retinas or host control areas there were no significant differences in the thickness of the outer nuclear layer or in the lengths of photoreceptor inner and outer segments underneath the grafted RPE cells for at least 3 months after transplantation, which was the longest survival time examined.

Low levels of zinc in hair and blood, pica, anorexia, and poor growth in Chinese preschool children

Zinc concentrations in plasma and hair were measured in 703 children, aged between 1 and 6 yr, and correlated with parameters of physical development. In the first group of 187 children brought to the Child Health Clinic for routine observation there was a positive correlation of hair zinc content and height for age, with an increased prevalence of low hair zinc content in children of shorter stature. A second group of 303 children in nurseries and kindergartens in Beijing exhibited a hair zinc content of 92 micrograms/g, and 34% of these had very low zinc values below 70 micrograms/g. The third group consisted of 213 children who were brought into the outpatient clinic for a variety of complaints, including pica, anorexia, and poor growth; these had significantly lower values of zinc in hair and plasma than well-nourished children and responded to zinc supplementation with improvement of growth and the disappearance of pica and anorexia. These results suggest that the diet consumed by the population studied may be marginal or inadequate in its content of available zinc.