Construction of recombinant lentivirus vector for tumor vasoinhibitory peptide alphastatin gene delivery

Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for tumor progression and metastasis. Alphastatin, as an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, was recently used as an anticancer agent in several tumor models. We constructed recombinant self-inactivating lentivirus vectors expressing alphastatin and evaluated their ability to transfer genes into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as well as their antiangiogenic activities in vitro. Recombinant self-inactivating lentiviral vectors efficiently and stably transduced endothelial cells, and lentivirus-transduced HUVECs were capable of sustainedly secreting the antiangiogenesis peptide alphastatin. Long-term expression and secretion of alphastatin resulted in significant inhibition of endothelial cell angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor. This report presents the first use of lentivirus-based vectors to deliver the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor alphastatin, and suggests the potential utility of antiangiogenic gene therapy with lentiviral vectors for the treatment of cancer.

Differential effects of propofol and isoflurane on the activation of T-helper cells in lung cancer patients

It is suggested that activation and differentiation of T-helper cells are required for peri-operative anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. The present study aimed to evaluate whether propofol stimulates the activation and differentiation of these cells in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to receive propofol or isoflurane throughout surgery. The CD4(+)CD28(+) percentage (p < 0.0001) and the ratio of interferon-gamma:interleukin-4 (p = 0.001) all increased with propofol but showed no change with isoflurane. In contrast, cortisol increased with isoflurane (p < 0.0001) but not with propofol over time (p = 0.06). We conclude that propofol promotes activation and differentiation of peripheral T-helper cells.

Effect of Surfactants on the Structure and Morphology of Magnesium Borate Hydroxide Nanowhiskers Synthesized by Hydrothermal Route

Magnesium borate hydroxide (MBH) nanowhiskers were synthesized using a one step hydrothermal process with different surfactants. The effect surfactants have on the structure and morphology of the MBH nanowhiskers has been investigated. The X-ray diffraction profile confirms that the as-synthesized material is of single phase, monoclinic MgBO(2)(OH). The variations in the size and shape of the different MBH nanowhiskers have been discussed based on the surface morphology analysis. The annealing of MBH nanowhiskers at 500 degrees C for 4 h has significant effect on the crystal structure and surface morphology. The UV-vis absorption spectra of the MBH nanowhiskers synthesized with and without surfactants show enhanced absorption in the low-wavelength region, and their optical band gaps were estimated from the optical band edge plots. The photoluminescence spectra of the MBH nanowhiskers produced with and without surfactants show broad emission band with the peak maximum at around 400 nm, which confirms the dominant contribution from the surface defect states.

Effect of monoclonal antibody on expression of lipid metabolism related genes in porcine adipocytes

In order to study the mechanism of monoclonal antibody (McAb) against a porcine 40-kDa adipocyte-specific plasma membrane protein in reducing fat deposition, porcine primary adipocytes were treated with the McAb during the process of adipocyte differentiation; its effect on expression of lipid metabolism related genes was investigated. Adipocytes were treated with 1-methyl-3-isobutylmethylxanthine (IDX) plus 10 microg/mL of the McAb or without McAb. The mRNA levels of adipocyte differentiation related genes (PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha), lipid metabolism related genes (FAS, HSL, CPT-1B, DGAT and A-FABP) and adiponectin gene (AdipoQ) were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the differentiated adipocyte number and triglyceride (TG) content in adipocytes treated with the McAb were lower than that in cells without McAb during the whole process of adipocyte differentiation. The McAb significantly reduced mRNA expression of PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, FAS, DGAT, A-FABP and adiponectin genes, but increased mRNA expression of HSL and CPT-1B genes during the medium and latter stage of adipocyte differentiation. This suggested that the McAb decreased triglycerol accumulation in adipocyte by both inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and regulating lipid metabolism, especially at the medium and latter stage of porcine adipocyte differentiation.

Growth and Structure of Carbon Nanotube Y-Junctions

The effect of a catalyst on the growth and structure of carbon nanotube Y-junctions (CNTYs) using chemical vapor deposition has been investigated. Cobalt-, magnesium-, and calcium-nitrates are utilized as precursors of catalysts Co, Mg, Ca, Co/Mg, Co/Ca, and Mg/Ca for CNTY synthesis. Experimental result shows that Co/Mg or Co/Ca can grow CNTYs with straight branches while Co, Mg, Ca, and Mg/Ca will not grow any CNTYs, indicating that only combinations of Co with Mg or Ca will facilitate the formation of CNTYs. In addition, the effect of the carbon source on the formation of CNTYs has also been studied. It is found that thiophene (C4H4S) can promote the formation of CNTYs, while other sources such as methane (CH4) and acetylene (C2H2) cannot. The result shows that both the catalyst and the carbon source substantially affect the formation of CNTYs.

Is delayed micro-graft hair transplantation possible?--evaluation of viabilities of hair follicles preserved in two storage media

BACKGROUND

Preservation of hair grafts for the purpose of delayed transplantation would allow use of thousands of hair grafts at one time.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the viabilities of hair follicle units preserved in DMEM and Ringer's solution at 0 degrees C for various periods.

METHODS

Cell cultures and transplantation of hair follicle units into athymic mice were used.

RESULTS

Outer root sheath cells could be cultivated in 95.8% of those follicles preserved in Ringer's solution, and in 86.7% of those preserved in DMEM culture medium (p < 0.01). In 84.5% of those preserved in Ringer's and 72.5% of those preserved in DMEM for 24 h, hair follicles grew well after implantation into an athymic mouse model (p < 0.05).

Posterior tibialis transfer for foot-drop due to leprosy: a case with 40 years follow up

A 56-year-old male was transferred to our centre because of a relapse of leprosy neuritis in the hands. We found that the patient had received a posterior tibialis tendon transfer for correction of his left dropped foot 40 years previously. On examination active dorsiflexion of the left ankle joint was close to 0 degrees with grade 4 power of dorsiflexion, and the plantar flexion was about 35 degrees. Walking gait was almost normal. There were some scars on the plantar surface of the left metatarsal area; but with the continuous use of a soft dressing pad under the middle part of the sole, plantar ulceration has been avoided for many years even with active daily activities of the patient. The patient is very satisfied with the operative results.

The enhancement of TiO2 photocatalytic activity by hydrogen thermal treatment

In this study, conventional TiO2 powder was heated in hydrogen (H2) gas at a high temperature as pretreatment. The photoactivity of the treated TiO2 samples was evaluated in the photodegradation of sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) in aqueous suspension. The experimental results demonstrated that the photodegradation rates of SSA were significantly enhanced by using the H2-treated TiO2 catalysts and an optimum temperature for the H2 treatment was found to be of 500-600 degrees C. The in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal intensity of oxygen vacancies (OV) and trivalent titanium (Ti3+) associated with the photocatalytic activity was studied. The results proved the presence of OV and Ti3+ in the lattice of the H2-treated TiO2 and indicated that both were contributed to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the experimental results presented that the EPR signal intensity of OV and Ti3+ in the H2-treated TiO2 samples after 10 months storage was still significant higher than that in the untreated TiO2 catalyst. The experiment also demonstrated that the significant enhancement occurred in the photodegradation of phenol using the H2-treated TiO2.

[Screening of mouse connexin 31 genomic clone and mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

Connexin 31(Cx31) is one of the human genetic deafness disease genes. To determine the structure and function of Cx31 gene of mouse, the mouse Cx31 gene clone was screened from the genomic library with the probe obtained according to the sequence of the mouse Cx31 gene cDNA. Cx31 gene was mapped to the center of mouse chromosome 4 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The present study lays a foundation for researches on structure and function of Cx31 gene, as well as establishment of the relative transgenic mice and gene knockout mice.

[An experimental study of the computer-controlled equipment for delivering volatile anesthetic agent]

Our newly-designed computer-controlled equipment for delivering volatile anesthetic agent uses the subminiature singlechip processor as the central controlling unit. The variables, such as anesthesia method, anesthetic agent, the volume of respiratory loop, age of patient, sex, height, weight, environment temperature and the grade of ASA are all input from the keyboard. The anesthetic dosage, calculated by the singlechip processor, is converted into the signals controlling the pump to accurately deliver anesthetic agent into respiratory loop. We have designed an electrocircuit for the equipment to detect the status of the pump's operation, so we can assure of the safety and the stability of the equipment. The output precision of the equipment, with a good anti-jamming capability, is 1-2% for high flow anesthesia and 1-5% for closed-circuit anesthesia and its self-detecting working is reliable.

Studies on mode of detection of leprosy in China during the years 1981-1998

Along with the nationwide economic reform initiated in the early 1980s and the rapid decrease of leprosy endemic after the implementation of multi-drug therapy (MDT), the leprosy programme changed from 'vertical' to 'horizontal'. An evolution in the mode of detection of leprosy cases has consequently taken place. Based on the nationwide registration of newly detected cases, the profile of patients at detection has been studied. The proportions of cases corrected significantly with calendar years in detection by dermatological clinics, contact checks, 'clue survey' and mass survey, showing a significant increase in percentage of cases detected through dermatological clinics and contact checks, and decreases through 'clue survey' and mass survey. Detection of cases through dermatological clinics and voluntary reporting have become the main modes of case-finding during 1997-1998, accounting for 37.3% and 28.6%, respectively, where contact check accounts for only 9.1%. In areas with good dermatological services, a significantly higher proportion (75.9%) of cases was detected through dermatological clinics, where voluntary reporting and 'clue survey' were the main modes of detection in endemic areas. As regards confirmation of diagnosis, the great majority of cases were confirmed by leprosy units, even though they were detected in various other situations. Only 6.5% of leprosy cases were detected and subsequently confirmed by doctors in dermatologic clinics. The present modes of detection and their relation to demographical, epidemiological, clinical factors and health services are discussed. This study emphasizes the cardinal importance of the dermatological clinics in the detection of leprosy cases in China at the present time and hence the need to strengthen the training of doctors in these clinics, while continuously encourage their involvement in leprosy control.

A facile synthetic approach to prenylated flavanones: first total syntheses of (+/-)-bonannione A and (+/-)-sophoraflavanone A

A facile and efficient approach for the syntheses of both C-8 and C-6 prenylated flavonoids has been developed that features a highly regioselective prenylation of 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone and regioselective cyclization of prenylated polyhydroxy chalcones. Thus, the first efficient total syntheses of (+/-)-sophoraflavanone A (1) and (+/-)-bonannione A (2), two naturally occurring geranylated flavanones with antibacterial activities, have been achieved starting from the key intermediate 3 via regioselective cyclization of geranylated tetrahydroxychalcone 4.

Studies on flavans. 1. Facile synthesis of (+/-)-7-hydroxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyflavan and (+/-)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan by a BF3.Et2O-mediated pyran cyclization

A facile approach for the synthesis of flavans was developed by employing a BF3.Et2O-catalyzed pyran cyclization in an aprotic polar solvent as a key step, by which concise total syntheses of (+/-)-7-hydroxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyflavan (1) and (+/-)-4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan (2), two naturally occurring flavans, were achieved.

Leprosy in China: epidemiological trends between 1949 and 1998

OBJECTIVE

To report the epidemiological trends of leprosy in China from 1949 to 1998.

METHOD

Data for the study were obtained from the computerized database of the National System of Leprosy Surveillance.

FINDINGS

A total of 474,774 leprosy patients were detected during this 50-year period. Case detection rates per 100,000 population were highest in the 1950s and 1960s, with peaks appearing in 1957-58, 1963-66, 1969-70, and 1983-84, corresponding to mass surveys or screening surveys carried out in most areas or selected areas of the country. While the duration of the disease at the time of detection fell over the period, the disability rates, which were > 50% in the early 1950s, have decreased gradually to 20.8% by 1997-98 but are still too high. More than 50% of cases were found through active methods in the periods 1955-58, 1965-66, and 1969-76, but in recent years cases are mostly detected through dermatological clinics or by voluntary reporting. The peak prevalences of the 1960s (i.e. > 2 per 10,000 population) decreased annually from the 1970s onwards. By the end of 1998 the prevalence was 0.05 per 10,000 population.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that leprosy was well controlled in China and that the WHO goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem has been achieved at the national and subnational levels. However, leprosy is still unevenly distributed in the country. According to the criterion for leprosy elimination in China--defined as a prevalence of < 1 per 100,000 in county or city--there are still more than 10% of counties or cities where this target has not yet been reached. Special attention must therefore be given to achieve elimination and final eradication of leprosy in China.

Leprosy in children: a retrospective study in China, 1986-1997

Leprosy in children forms an important link in the natural evolution and the epidemic profile of the disease. The study was undertaken on 1208 child cases detected during the years 1986-1997 in China. The number of child cases constituted 3-4 per cent of the total during this period although the incidence rates decreased dramatically. The detection rate significantly increased with age, and the average rate of 0.027 per 100,000 population was much lower than that in adults. In the pediatric cases, children in the younger age group had a higher prevalence of solitary lesions and lower prevalence of reactions and disabilities than the older group. A total of 70.01 per cent of the affected cases were infected by intra-familial contact, 35.60 per cent were detected by contact examination, and another 22.86 per cent by active surveys. The results of the study suggest that leprosy in children is not a public health problem at the present in China, but the regular screening of children in the family of patients is still one of the important ways to detect child cases and should be recommended.

Leprosy in China: delay in the detection of cases

In a national survey in China, 27,928 cases of leprosy detected by the health authorities between 1984 and 1998 were investigated. The delay between onset of symptoms (estimated from each case's recall) and confirmed diagnosis was < or = 2 years for 55.1% of the new patients but > 10 years for 7.0%, with a median value, overall, of 22.0 months. The median delay was longer: (1) for the multibacillary cases than the paucibacillary; (2) among farmers than among factory workers; (3) among some nationalities than among others (being longest among the Tu and shortest among the Wei); and (4) for some methods of case-detection than for others. Over the study period, the mean delay decreased with time. The delay was greatest in the areas where leprosy was endemic and/or where access to health services was poor. The later the cases were detected the more likely they were to show disability. Leprosy cases are still going undetected in China, although, over the last 14 years, case-finding has significantly improved. Age, occupation, nationality, leprosy type and detection method all appear to affect the delay.

Computerization of leprosy records: national leprosy recording and reporting system in China

This paper describes the national system of leprosy recording and reporting in China and the computerization of records. The system was designed for data collection at local level and data entry by optically scanned or manual mode as well as for sophisticated data analysis. The major functions include data entry, data check, sum-up, maintenance, communication, inquiry, statistics, graph and print. A total of 17 options for epidemiological and clinical data analysis are available. Through the implementation for about 10 years, the system has gained widespread acceptance. This acceptance would facilitate introduction of computer analysis to other leprosy projects and other disease control programs in China. Up to 1998, a database of more than 740,000 records covering all the leprosy patients detected since 1949 had been established by this system.

Cloning of guinea pig tissue factor cDNA: comparison of primary structure among six mammalian species

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as an essential cofactor for plasma coagulation factor VII. TF procoagulant activity exhibits varying species specificity. In particular, guinea pig (GP) TF is unable to activate clotting in heterologous plasma systems, but the molecular basis for this phenomenon is not yet understood. The full-length GP TF cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The open reading frame encoded a predicted precursor protein of 289 amino acids (aa) which was expressed in a reticulocyte lysate system as a protein of apparent molecular weight of 34 kD. The identity of the predicted aa sequence of mature GP TF with rabbit, human, bovine, rat and mouse TF was 66.4, 64.4, 60.6, 53.2 and 52.2%, respectively. With a focus on sites of potential functional significance, we compared sequences within the known binding regions. The eleven residues at the interface region between the TF1 and TF2 modules, which bind to the EGF domain of VIIa, were perfectly conserved among the six species, with the exception of an isoleucine replacing a lysine in the guinea pig sequence. However, only four of the eleven binding residues in the TF1 module, known to interact with the catalytic domain of factor VII, and three of the five residues in the TF2 module, involved in binding the factor VII Gla domain, were conserved among species. We hypothesize that divergence at these regions contributes to the specificity and non-reciprocity of TF procoagulant activity between species.

Studies on risk of leprosy relapses in China: relapses after treatment with dapsone monotherapy

Based upon the data from the Chinese National System for Leprosy Surveillance, this paper reports on the relapses in 297,343 leprosy patients [multibacillary (MB) 106,518, paucibacillary (PB) 190,825] cured by dapsone monotherapy. A total of 11,055 (MB 8675, PB 2380) patients relapsed during an accumulated follow-up period of 4,229,050 patient-years (PY), giving an overall relapse rate of 3.72 per 100 cases or 2.61 per 1000 PY, i.e., 8.14% or 5.91 per 1000 PY over an average follow-up period of 13.8 +/- 8.4 years in MB patients and 1.25% or 0.86 per 1000 PY over an average period of 14.5 +/- 8.9 years in PB patients. For either the overall relapse rate per 100 cases or per 1000 PY, the differences between MB and PB patients were statistically significant, except during 36-40 years of follow up. For both MB and PB patients, the relapse rates showed consistently significant decreases year by year, particularly in PB patients whose relapse rate per 1000 PY was 1.21 in year 10 of follow up; whereas it remained more than 10 per 1000 PY in MB patients. In view of that, the overall relapse rates in MB and PB patients cured by dapsone monotherapy were acceptably low, and most of these patients have been followed up for more than a mean incubation period of observed dapsone relapse. Along with the further extension of follow up, the risk of relapse in dapsone-cured patients will not be expected to increase. This conclusion should be considered when planning policy for the management of patients released from dapsone monotherapy.

Studies on risk of leprosy relapses in China: relapses after treatment with multidrug therapy

Based upon the data from the Chinese National System for Leprosy Surveillance, this paper reports on the relapses in 47,276 leprosy patients cured by or released from WHO-recommended multidrug therapy (WHO/MDT). The overall relapse rate was 0.73/1000 patient-years (PY). There was a statistically significant difference in the relapse rates of WHO/MDT-MB (0.61/1000 PY) and WHO/MDT-PB (1.04/1000 PY) (chi 2 = 15.7, p < 0.01) patients. For multibacillary (MB) patients, the relapse rate in patients treated with fixed-duration MDT (0.56/1000 PY) was comparable with that in patients treated with MDT until skin-smear negativity (0.73/1000 PY) (chi 2 = 2.20, p > 0.05). Our present study suggests that fixed-duration MDT is a cost-effective regimen for the treatment of leprosy in China. The present results also show that relapse of leprosy is acceptably low and has not yet become a serious clinical or public health problem but, based upon the incubation of relapse in MDT patients, it is necessary to encourage annual follow up for at least 5 years for paucibacillary (PB) and 10 years for MB patients after being released from WHO/MDT.

Low-temperature crystallization of calcium phosphate coatings synthesized by ion-beam-assisted deposition

Crystallization temperature of the amorphous calcium phosphate coating synthesized by ion-beam-assisted deposition successfully was decreased to 400 degrees C for the making of orthopedic implants with better qualities. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the morphological and structural evolution of the crystals in the coating during post-heat treatment. The crystallization of calcium phosphate coating is a hydroxyl-diffusion-controlled process, which is thought to be the mechanism responsible for the decrease of the crystallization temperature. In addition, the detailed crystallization process of calcium phosphate coating is elaborated in the present paper. The results show that the crystallinity of the hydroxyapatite coating can be well controlled by adjusting the post-heat-treatment time.

Prediction of elimination of leprosy in leprosy endemic areas of China

A study was carried out based upon the data from the National System for Leprosy Surveillance and using appropriate mathematical models. The results showed that of 337 counties where the national goal of basic eradication of leprosy had not been reached and in 40 counties where the WHO goal of leprosy elimination had not been achieved in 1996, the detection rates in calendar years followed exponential models with significant goodness-of-fit. In the 67 counties with downward trends of detection rates, the national goal can be met in terms of detection rate in 6% of counties before the year 2000 or 34.4% before the year 2010, or, in terms of prevalence rate in 31.3% before the year 2010. In the 11 counties with downward trends of the detection rates, the WHO target can be met in eight to ten counties within this century when the duration of disease was determined with the WHO definition. If the MB proportion among new cases increased by 10%, the target would be met one year later. However, at the same MB proportion, the change of fixed treatment schedules from PB six months and MB two years to PB nine months and MB three years will cause achievement of the goal to be postponed by two to ten years.

[In vivo migration and survival of donor-derived dendritic cell progenitors genetically modified using an adenoviral vector encoding cDNA for TGF beta 1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the migration and survival of B10 mouse bone marrow (BM)-derived DCs in C3H mice and if genetic modification of these DCs to overexpress TGF beta 1 may potentiate their tolerogenicity.

METHOD

B10 mouse BM-derived DCs were propagated in GM-CSF and TGF beta(DC1), transduced DC1 with replication-deficient Ad vectors encoding genes for LacZ (DC2) or TGF beta 1(DC3). Cells of different groups were injected into one footpad of C3H mice. The mice were sacrificed on days 1, 2, 7, and 14, and spleens, thymuses, popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes removed and stained with anti-IAb mAb. The incidences of B10 DC were determined by the mean number of IAb positive cells with dendriform morphology per low power field (x 100).

RESULTS

Transduction with Ad-LacZ or Ad-TGF beta 1 did not affect DC migration or distribution in C3H recipients, i.e. IAb+ cells were first observed under the capsule of popliteal LN (peak at d1), then migrated into the marginal T dependent area of spleens (peak at d7), and were found occasionally in the thymus. Transduction of Ad-LacZ reduced the numbers of IAb+ cells identified in both LN and spleens at all time points post injection, compared with injection of unmodified control DC, suggesting that Ad transduction itself can affect DC life span in allogeneic recipients. Overexpression of TGF beta 1 by transduction of Ad-TGF beta 1 not only fully reversed the reduction of DC numbers induced by Ad transduction, but also prolonged the life span of DC in spleen, as shown by the 2-fold increase in number of IAb+ cells in spleen at d14 compared with control DCs.

CONCLUSION

Mouse BM-derived TGF beta DCs can be transduced to express TGF beta 1 using an adenoviral vector, and exhibit the same migration characteristics as unmodified DC. The survival of TGF beta gene transduced DCs appears to be enhanced compared with unmodified or LacZ gene-transduced DCs.

Cell-to-cell movement of turnip crinkle virus is controlled by two small open reading frames that function in trans

Previous studies on turnip crinkle virus (TCV) have suggested that the two small, centrally located ORFs, conserved in all Carmoviruses, are both required for cell-to-cell movement (Hacker et al., 1992). We now demonstrate that the cell-to-cell movement of TCV is mediated by in trans complementation of the two proteins. First, both of the putative movement proteins (MPs p8 and p9) were shown to be translated in vitro from transcripts representing the 1.7-kb subgenomic RNA. Western blot analysis, using antisera prepared against GST fusion proteins of both genes, was then used to show that the p8 but not the p9 protein accumulated to detectable levels in particulate fractions of infected cells. Cell-to-cell movement of various MP mutants in Arabidopsis was evaluated by in situ hybridization of inoculated leaves. Changes in either of the two MP genes resulted in failure of the mutants to move cell-to-cell. Coat protein was found to be unnecessary for cell-to-cell movement. Complementation of cell-to-cell movement by co-inoculating p8-defective mutants with a p9-defective mutant resulted in delayed systemic infection. In contrast, efficient cell-to-cell movement was achieved when the MP mutants were inoculated into transgenic plants expressing the corresponding functional gene(s). These experiments provide further evidence that both MP genes encoded by Carmoviruses must function in trans in the same cell in order to mediate cell-to-cell movement.

Detection of ovarian cancer cells: comparison of a telomerase assay and cytologic examination

BACKGROUND

Telomerase is an enzyme essential for the normal replication of chromosomes. Telomerase activity is absent in most somatic cells in adults, but it is usually expressed in cancer cells, including ovarian carcinoma cells. Our principal goal was to compare the sensitivity of a telomerase assay, i.e., the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay, with that of cytologic examination in detecting cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

TRAP assays and cytologic examinations were performed on peritoneal washings and ascitic fluids from 42 patients with active ovarian carcinoma. Control specimens included washings from 29 patients with benign ovarian diseases and ascitic fluids from 14 patients with liver failure. We also evaluated the stability of telomerase in ascitic fluids left unprocessed at room temperature as well as the ability of the TRAP assay to detect cancer cells in mixtures containing large numbers of normal cells.

RESULTS

Specimens from 37 (88%) of the 42 patients with ovarian carcinoma tested positive for telomerase. Cytologic examination detected cancer cells in only 27 of the telomerase-positive specimens (i.e., in specimens from 64% of the 42 patients). This difference of 24% (95% confidence interval = 17%-30%) in sensitivity between the two tests was statistically significant (two-sided P = .002). Specimens from five of the patients with ovarian carcinoma were cytologically negative and telomerase negative. All 43 control specimens were cytologically negative, but the TRAP assay detected telomerase in two of them. Telomerase activity was detected in unprocessed samples left at room temperature for 5 days and in mixtures containing a small number of cancer cells and a 2000- to 10000-fold excess of normal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Assaying for telomerase is more sensitive than cytologic examination in detecting cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients with ovarian carcinoma.

An investigation of attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of leprosy patients, family members and PHC workers towards multidrug therapy in Yangzhou and Dongtai Districts of China

To improve the operational efficiency of multidrug therapy (MDT) implementation in rural areas, an investigation into the attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of leprosy patients and their family members as well as primary health care (PHC) workers towards MDT was carried out in Yangzhou and Dongtai Districts of China. A sample of 370 leprosy patients, 594 family members and 730 PHC workers was interviewed or investigated individually using questionnaires. The results showed that: 1, the presently used MDT is acceptable to a wide range of patients although a small number of patients have various problems in their treatment; 2, the patients' habit in daily drug administration, their awareness of the risk of default and confidence in MDT have a positive influence in increasing drug compliance; and 3, the supervision and encouragement of family members to patients' treatment which is associated with their knowledge on MDT is also beneficial to patients' drug compliance. However, only half of the PHC workers had a basic knowledge of MDT and a desire to participate in MDT implementation, a finding which clearly calls for urgent attention and improvement. In order to ensure the effective implementation of MDT, there is a need to educate leprosy patients and their family members as well as PHC workers to establish the patients' correct awareness of MDT, obtain the family support and motivate the PHC workers.

Pathophysiology of neonatal lung injury induced by monoclonal antibody to surfactant protein B

Near-term newborn rabbits were exposed via the airways to a monoclonal antibody to surfactant protein B and ventilated for 0-120 min. Control animals received nonspecific rabbit or mouse immunoglobulin G, saline, or no material via the airways. Administration of the antibody at > or = 40 mg/kg elicited an immediate, significant fall in lung-thorax compliance associated with progressive intra-alveolar edema and/or alveolar collapse and necrosis and desquamation of airway epithelium, and hyaline membranes. The vascular-to-alveolar leak of human albumin and human immunoglobulin G, injected intravenously at birth and determined in lung lavage fluid 60-120 min after instillation of the antibody, was 1.8% for the left lung, with no difference between the markers. The average leak in control animals ventilated for 120 min was < 0.3% (P < 0.05). Cytospin preparations of lung lavage fluid from animals exposed to the antibody showed significantly increased recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes. The pathology and pathophysiology of neonatal lung injury induced by the monoclonal antibody to surfactant protein B probably reflect a combination of direct inactivation of surfactant and an inflammatory response triggered by the immune reaction.

Telomerase activity in benign and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND

Ovarian epithelial tumors include benign lesions lacking invasive and metastatic abilities (cystadenomas) in addition to malignant lesions (carcinomas). An intermediate category, called tumors of low malignant potential (LMP), is also recognized. The merit of this classification is being challenged because the clinical behavior of LMP tumors appears closer to that of cystadenomas than to that of carcinomas.

PURPOSE

To verify our hypothesis that the expression of the enzyme telomerase distinguishes these two categories of ovarian epithelial tumors, we examined and compared such expression in ovarian cystadenomas and carcinomas. By examining the expression of telomerase in LMP tumors, we then sought to determine if these tumors were more closely related to cystadenomas or to carcinomas with regard to telomerase expression.

METHODS

We examined a total of 64 consecutive ovarian tumors subdivided into 20 carcinomas, 17 LMP tumors, and 27 cystadenomas. We subsequently discarded three of the 27 cystadenomas because of the presence of admixed normal ovarian stroma in those specimens. Tumor subtyping was done without knowledge of the telomerase results, and telomerase assays were likewise interpreted without knowledge of tumor types. Telomerase activity was determined by use of the TRAP (i.e., telomeric repeat amplification protocol) assay. Differences between the proportions of tumors expressing this enzyme in each subgroup were evaluated by use of Fisher's exact test (two-sided).

RESULTS

Telomerase activity was detected in all 20 carcinomas and in all 17 LMP tumors examined. In contrast, it was not detected in 19 of the 24 cystadenomas. These differences between rates of telomerase expression in either carcinomas or LMP tumors and those in cystadenomas were statistically significant (P<.0001). All five of the telomerase-positive cystadenomas belonged to a variant called papillary cystadenomas, whereas none of the telomerase-negative cystadenomas belonged to this variant (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The presence of telomerase expression in ovarian LMP tumors supports the merit of continuing to separate these tumors from cystadenomas, in spite of their apparent benign clinical course. The finding of telomerase expression in papillary cystadenomas suggests that such tumors may be mechanistically related to LMP tumors and should perhaps be reclassified as variants of LMP tumors. Lack of telomerase expression in ovarian cystadenomas raises questions about the alleged immortality of these tumors because expression of this enzyme is thought to be essential for continuous growth in adult tumors.

Large-Scale Synthesis of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Large-scale synthesis of aligned carbon nanotubes was achieved by using a method based on chemical vapor deposition catalyzed by iron nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica. Scanning electron microscope images show that the nanotubes are approximately perpendicular to the surface of the silica and form an aligned array of isolated tubes with spacings between the tubes of about 100 nanometers. The tubes are up to about 50 micrometers long and well graphitized. The growth direction of the nanotubes may be controlled by the pores from which the nanotubes grow.

Aerosolized and instilled surfactant therapies for acute lung injury caused by intratracheal endotoxin in rats

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of surfactant replacement by aerosol inhalation and bolus instillation on acute lung injury caused by the intratracheal injection of endotoxin in rats.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

University Laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Male Wistar rats weighing 368 +/- 31 (SD) g.

INTERVENTIONS

Escherichia coli endotoxin (57 +/- 20 mg/kg) was injected into the tracheas of 36 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated rats (FIO of 1.0). When the PaO2 had decreased to <200 torr (<26.7 kPa), the rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (n=12)given no material; a bolus group (n=12) given a modified natural surfactant suspension (100 mg/kg in 2.0 mL/kg saline) by bolus instillation into the trachea; and an aerosol group (n=12) given surfactant aerosolized with an ultra-sonic nebulizer for 60 mins.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bolus instillation transiently decreased the mean blood pressure by approximately 30%. However, aerosol inhalation did not. The PaO2 values of the control group remained <90 torr (<12.0 kPa) until the end of the experiment (180 mins). In contrast, the PaO2 of the bolus group increased to 387 +/- 134 torr (51.6 +/- 17.9 kPa; p<.05 vs. other groups) 15 mins after surfactant replacement, and remained at approximately 400 torr (approximately 53.3 kPa) throughout the experiment. The PaO2 values of the aerosol group increased slowly, peaked at 240 +/- 109 torr (32.0 +/- 14.5 kPa; p<.05 vs. the control group) 60 mins after the start of surfactant replacement, and remained at approximately 200 torr (approximately 26.7 kPa).

CONCLUSIONS

Bolus instillation was superior to aerosol inhalation concerning maximum efficacy, the rapid onset of therapeutic effects, and the necessary dose of surfactant. However, aerosol that does not cause hypotension may be of use in the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome in patients with circulatory instability.

Disparity between tidal and static volumes of immature lungs treated with reconstituted surfactants

We biologically assessed functions of several reconstituted surfactants with the same minimum surface tension (2-3 mN/m) as "complete" porcine pulmonary surfactant (natural surfactant) but with longer surface adsorption times. Administration of natural surfactant (adsorption time 0.29 s) into the lungs of surfactant-deficient immature rabbits brought a tidal volume of 16.1 +/- 4.4 (SD) ml/kg during mechanical ventilation with 40 breaths/min and 20 cmH2O insufflation pressure. In static pressure-volume recordings, these animals showed a lung volume of 62.4 +/- 9.7 ml/kg at 30 cmH2O airway pressure and maintained 55% of this volume when the pressure decreased to 5 cmH2O. With two reconstituted surfactants consisting of synthetic lipids or isolated lipids from porcine lungs plus surfactant-associated hydrophobic proteins (adsorption times 0.57 and 0.78 s, respectively), tidal volumes were < 38% of that with natural surfactant (P < 0.05), but static pressure-volume recordings were not different. Care is therefore needed in estimating the in vivo function of surfactant preparations from minimum surface tension or static pressure-volume measurements.

Surfactant replacement reverse respiratory failure induced by intratracheal endotoxin in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of surfactant replacement on respiratory failure induced by intratracheal injection of endotoxin in rats.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Laboratory at a large university.

SUBJECTS

Male Wistar rats, weighing 353 +/- 50 (SD) g.

INTERVENTIONS

Escherichia coli endotoxin (53 +/- 19 mg/kg) was injected into the trachea of 32 rats anesthetized with pentobarbital and mechanically ventilated with an FIO2 of 1.0. After PaO2 decreased to < 200 torr (< 26.7 kPa), the rats were assigned to three groups: a) a surfactant group (n = 16), given a modified natural surfactant suspension (100 mg/kg in 2.0 mL/kg of saline) by instillation into the airway; b) a saline control group (n = 8), given 2.0 mL/kg of saline; and c) an air control group (n = 8), given 2.0 mL/kg of air. An additional nine rats were ventilated in the same way but were not given endotoxin.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among the rats receiving endotoxin, the PaO2 of the saline and air control groups remained < 200 torr (< 26.7 kPa), while PaO2 of the surfactant group increased to 390 +/- 116 torr (52.0 +/- 15.5 kPa; p < .05 vs. the preassignment value) 15 mins after the assignment. These high levels were maintained throughout the experiment. Surfactant replacement also led to significant improvements in the PaCO2, the dynamic lung-thorax compliance, the pressure-volume recordings of the lung, and the chest roentgenograms. Histologic examination showed that the alveoli of the surfactant group were better aerated than the alveoli of the control groups. Findings in the rats not given endotoxin were almost normal, indicating that the influences of mechanical ventilation were negligible.

CONCLUSION

Surfactant replacement reversed respiratory failure induced by intratracheal injection of endotoxin in rats.

[Detection of uterine scar defect during pregnancy by ultrasonics]

B type ultrasonography was used to observe the formation of lower uterine segment in 71 primigravide and the status of lower uterine segment scar in 31 multiparae with previous cesarean section (CS), from the 33 to 41 gestational week. Results showed that the lower uterine segments was formed in all 102 cases after the 33rd week. Compared with the primigravide, the lower uterine segment in the CS group was longer, thinner and not as wide after the 37th gestational week. Defective scars of the lower uterine segment were found in 7 cases of the CS group and 2 of them were diagnosed as threatened dehiscence owing to the fetal sac protruding from the scar site. Condition of all these cases were confirmed during operation. The present study suggested that B ultrasonic scar can be a helpful and noninvasive method for detecting scar defect in the lower uterine segment following CS.

Tcp20, a subunit of the eukaryotic TRiC chaperonin from humans and yeast

Members of the Hsp60 chaperonin family, such as Escherichia coli GroEL/S and the eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin complex, TRiC (TCP ring complex), are double toroid complexes capable of assisting the folding of proteins in vitro in an ATP-dependent fashion. TRiC differs from the GroEL chaperonin in that it has a hetero rather than homo-oligomeric subunit composition and lacks a GroES-like regulatory cofactor. We have established greater than 57% identity between a protein encoded by the TCP20 gene from a human cDNA library and the newly identified protein encoded by the TCP20 gene located on the right arm of chromosome IV of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These Tcp20 proteins showed approximately 30% identity to Tcp1, a known subunit of TRiC. Gel filtration, followed by Western analysis of purified bovine testis TRiC with a Tcp20-specific antibody, indicated that Tcp20 is a subunit of the hetero-oligomeric TRiC. Gene disruption experiments showed that TCP20, like TCP1, is an essential gene in yeast, consistent with the view that TRiC is required for folding of key proteins. The amino acid sequence similarities and the derived evolutionary relationships established that the human and yeast Tcp20 proteins represent members of a new family of subunits of TRiC chaperonins.

Aerosolized surfactant reverses respiratory failure in lung-lavaged rats

The effects of surfactant replacement by aerosol inhalation and by bolus instillation were compared in rats with respiratory failure induced by repeated lung lavage. The rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and mechanically ventilated with 100% oxygen. The PaO2 of control rats not given surfactant (n = 9) remained below 13 kPa. A bolus instillation of a modified natural surfactant (75 mg.kg-1 b.w. in 1.5 ml.kg-1 b.w. saline) into the airways rapidly reversed the respiratory failure; the mean PaO2 value (n = 9) 15-180 min after instillation remained over 50 kPa (P < 0.05 vs. controls). Inhalation of the aerosolized surfactant for 60 min through an ultrasonic nebulizer delivering < or = 75 mg.kg-1 b.w. of the surfactant into the lungs gradually reversed the respiratory failure. The mean PaO2 value (n = 9) 15 min after initiation of inhalation was 19.6 kPa (NS vs. controls), but after 60 min it rose to above 43 kPa (P < 0.05 vs. controls; NS vs. bolus instillation). Treatment with surfactant either by continuous aerosol or by bolus led to significant increases of over 24% in the dynamic lung-thorax compliance. We conclude that aerosolized surfactant reverses respiratory failure induced by lung lavage, although the response is slower than after bolus instillation.

Signals that produce 3' termini in CYC1 mRNA of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cyc1-512 mutant was previously shown to contain a 38-bp deletion, 8 nucleotides upstream from the major wild-type poly(A) site, in the CYC1 gene, which encodes iso-1-cytochrome c of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This 38-bp deletion caused a 90% reduction in the CYC1 transcripts, which were heterogeneous in size, aberrantly long, and presumably labile (K. S. Zaret and F. Sherman, Cell 28:563-573, 1982). Site-directed mutagenesis in and adjacent to the 38-bp region was used to identify signals involved in the formation and positioning of CYC1 mRNA 3' ends. In addition, combinations of various putative 3' end-forming signals were introduced by in vitro mutagenesis into the 3' region of the cyc1-512 mutant. The combined results from both studies suggest that 3' end formation in yeast cells involves signals having the following three distinct but integrated elements acting in concert: (i) the upstream element, including sequences TATATA, TAG ... TATGTA, and TTTTTATA, which function by enhancing the efficiency of downstream elements; (ii) downstream elements, such as TTAAGAAC and AAGAA, which position the poly(A) site; and (iii) the actual site of polyadenylation, which often occurs after cytidine residues that are 3' to the so-called downstream element. While the upstream element is required for efficient 3' end formation, alterations of the downstream element and poly(A) sites generally do not affect the efficiency of 3' end formation but appear to alter the positions of poly(A) sites. In addition, we have better defined the upstream elements by examining various derivatives of TATATA and TAG ... TATGTA, and we have examined the spatial requirements of the three elements by systematically introducing or deleting upstream and downstream elements and cytidine poly(A) sites.

The susceptibility testing of 13 strains of Mycobacterium leprae to rifampicin and the determination of minimal effective dosage

By use of the mouse footpad technique, the susceptibility testing of 13 strains of Mycobacterium leprae to rifampicin (RFP) and the determination of minimal effective dosage (MED) were carried out. Among these strains of M. leprae, 8 were obtained from previously untreated multibacillary leprosy patients and 5 from relapsed leprosy patients without using RFP previously. The results showed that the MED of all strains to RFP were less than or equal to 0.001% FRP in the diet, 5 strains being equal to 0.001%, 5 less than or equal to 0.0001%, 2 greater than or equal to 0.0003% and 1 less than or equal to 0.0003%. The results indicated that the MED value of RFP could be lower than that of other reports. Because the critical concentration of RFP for assessment of RFP-resistant strains is not well established a further study would be worthwhile. The results of the determination of sera RFP concentrations in mice administered the RFP diet were identical with that of Holmes' report. Five of the 13 strains also showed that the growth of bacilli were suppressed by 10 mg/kg RFP using the gavage method.

Experimental neonatal respiratory failure induced by a monoclonal antibody to the hydrophobic surfactant-associated protein SP-B

The present experiments were designed to test whether selective blocking of the surfactant-associated hydrophobic polypeptide SP-B (8.7 kD) would interfere with lung function during neonatal adaptation. A MAb to porcine SP-B was produced by hybridoma cell line (8B5E); this antibody cross-reacts with rabbit SP-B. Six mg of MAb to SP-B, dissolved in 0.2 mL of saline, was instilled into the airways of near-term newborn rabbits (gestational age 29 d), before the onset of ventilation. Control animals received the same amount of nonspecific rabbit IgG in saline, or were untreated. The animals were ventilated for 120 min with a standardized tidal volume (10 mL/kg). The specific antibody caused a prominent, immediate decrease in lung-thorax compliance, associated with acute inflammatory and exudative lung lesions including hyaline membranes. IgG alone had no such effects. Our data suggest that the MAb to SP-B inhibits surfactant function in the neonatal period by blocking one of the mechanisms responsible for fast adsorption of the surfactant phospholipids to the alveolar air-liquid interface. In addition, an acute inflammatory reaction is probably triggered in the lung parenchyma by the immune reaction.

[Use of amniotic drop-volume determination in estimating fetal lung maturity]

The value of amniotic fluid drop-volume determination with a self-made Fetal Lung Maturity Apparatus in the analysis of fetal lung maturity is studied with 148 samples. The results were compared with those of L/S ratios, it shows that this method has a sensitivity of 95%, specificity 91% and accuracy 93%, if a falling-drop-interval of less than or equal to 85 seconds was taken as the defining point for lung maturity. The mean falling drop-interval was 89.0 +/- 12.3 seconds in the 18-30 th week pregnancy samples, 72.7 +/- 9.4 seconds in the 36-42 nd week samples and 81.4 +/- 9.9 seconds in the 31-35 th week samples. (P less than 0.001). The effects of blood and meconium on the testing were also studied. The drop-volume test is recommended as an accurate, rapid and easy method in predicting fetal lung maturity.

Distinct cis-acting signals enhance 3′ endpoint formation of CYC1 mRNA in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cyc1-512 mutant of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a 38 bp deletion in the 3' untranslated region of the CYC1 gene, resulting in CYC1 mRNAs that are elongated, presumably labile, and reduced to 10% of the normal level. Analysis with S1 nuclease and a novel PCR procedure revealed that the low amount of cyc1-512 mRNA contained many discrete 3' termini at certain sites, ranging from the wild-type position to over 2000 nucleotides (nt) downstream. The cyc1-512 mRNA deficiency was completely or almost completely restored in eight intragenic revertants that contained six different single and multiple base-pair changes within a 300 bp region downstream from the translation terminator codon. Two of the six different reversions formed the sequence TAG...TATGTA, whereas the other four reversions created the sequences TATATA or TACATA. The positions of these revertant sequences varied, even though they caused an increased use of specific major downstream mRNA 3' endpoints, apparently identical to those seen in the cyc1-512 mRNA. However, several revertants contained minor end points not corresponding to any of the cyc1-512 mRNAs. The capacity of these three signals to form 3' ends was confirmed with sequences constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. We therefore suggest that the production of 3' termini of yeast mRNA may involve at least two functionally distinct elements working in concert. One type of element determines the sites of preferred 3' mRNA termini, as represented by the cyc1-512 termini. The second type of element, which includes TAG...TATGTA and TATATA motifs, operates at a distance to enhance the use of the downstream 3' preferred sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Two types of TATA elements for the CYC1 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Functional TATA elements in the 5' untranslated region of the CYC1 gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been defined by transcriptional analysis of site-directed mutations. Five sites previously suggested to contain functional TATA elements were altered individually and in all possible combinations. The results indicated that only two elements are required for transcription at the normal level and the normal start sites. The two functional TATA elements are located at sites -178 and -123, where the A of the ATG start codon is assigned nucleotide position +1. They direct initiation within windows encompassing -70 to -46 and -46 to -28, respectively. Only when both of the upstream TATA sites were rendered nonfunctional were the third and fourth downstream TATA-like sequences activated, as indicated by the presence of low levels of transcription starting at -28. The two upstream functional TATA elements differed in sequence. The sequence of the most 5' one at site 1, denoted beta-type, was ATATATATAT, whereas that of the second one at site 2, denoted alpha-type, was TATATAAAA. The following rearrangements of the beta-type and alpha-type elements at two sites (1 and 2) were examined: site1 beta-site2 alpha; site 1 alpha-site 2 beta; site1 alpha-site2 alpha; and site1 beta-site2 beta. When different types were at different sites (site1 beta-site2 alpha and site1 alpha-site2 beta), both were used equally. In contrast, when the same type was present at both sites (site1 alpha-site2 alpha and site1 beta-site2 beta), only the upstream element was used. We suggest that the two TATA elements are recognized by different factors of the transcription apparatus.

Pulmonary artery pressure evaluated by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in children with a left-to-right intracardiac shunt

In a study of 25 children with left-to-right intracardiac shunt we found a good correlation (r greater than 0.92; p less than 0.001) between right ventricular pre-ejection period/acceleration time, derived from pulsed Doppler echocardiography, and pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures, measured at cardiac catheterization. This may enhance the noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery pressure.

[Continuous ultrasonic observation on the change of location of placenta in placenta previa]

Placenta previa was studied in 50 cases during 20-28 weeks of gestation by ultrasonic scanning. The change of location of placenta was monitored continuously for these cases. The rates of change of location to normal sites were 90% for low-lying placenta, 65% for marginal implantation, 13% for partial placenta previa and 11% for central placenta previa. It is suggested that partial or central placenta previa observed during mid-trimester should be categorized as a high risk state.

[TNT-degrading enzyme of Citrobacter freundii and its regulation by carbon and nitrogen source]

It was detected that both NAD(P)H-linked reductase (TNT-Red) and NAD(P)+-linked TNT dehydrogenase (TNT-Deh) were present in TNT-degrading enzymes of Citrobacter freundii simultaneously. The time course of formation for the enzymes and the actions of coenzymes in enzymatic reaction of TNT have been studied. The effects of varied carbon and nitrogen sources on the regulation of the enzymes were different clearly. When the concentration of NH4Cl or urea in culture medium was more than 0.1 mol/L, the formation of both TNT reductase and TNT dehydrogenase was promoted. However, the formation of these enzymes was inhibited by KNO3 in culture. The production of both reductase and dehydrogenase was promoted by glucose. The sodium citrate was able to help the formation of the TNT dehydrogenase. The activity of the TNT reductase was increased when the concentration of sodium citrate was less than 0.5%, but when it was more than 0.5%, the activity of this enzyme was decreased rapidly.

[Study on follicle growth, ovulation and morphological changes of endometrium by ultrasonic and biochemical measurements]

Daily growth of the follicles before ovulation and the changes of the endometrium after ovulation were recorded in 16 spontaneous menstrual cycles by the ultrasonic and biochemical measurements. The mean diameter of the dominant follicle was 20 mm before ovulation, the mean volume 3.0 ml, and the growth rate of the follicles 1-3 mm/24 h. Ovulation occurred within 24 h of the luteinizing hormone peak and within 48 hours of the blood estrogen peak. The fact that the blood progesterone levels were higher on the day of the LH peak indicated that luteinization of the dominant follicles had already occurred prior to ovulation. Sonographic criteria of the endometrical tissue were obtained after the serial observation. According to the different sonographic appearances, the secretory phase of the endometrial tissue was divided into the early secretory phase, the middle secretory phase and the late secretory phase. The sonographic characterization of the endometrial tissue in the different phases as well as the thickness of the endometrium during the cycles were described. The clinical usefulness of the criteria of the different phases was to evaluate the subsequent luteal function, and facilitate the clinical management of the infertile women. The study confirms that ultrasound can provide a reliable measure in monitoring the follicular growth and ovulation, and observing the morphological changes of the endometrial tissue during the secretory phase. Thus the in vivo differentiation of the endometrial tissue during the secretory phase could be studied non-invasively by means of the ultrasound tissue characterization.