[Effects of apolipoprotein E deficiency on sphingosine-1-phosphate distribution in plasma and lipoproteins of mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of apolipoprotein E deficiency (Apo E(-/-)) on plasma and lipoprotein distribution of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in mice. Methods: Five male or female Apo E(-/-) or wild type (WT) mice were fed with chow diet and sacrificed at 32-week-age and plasma was collected. The constituents of lipoprotein(very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL)) were separated by ultracentrifuge. The protein concentration of constituents was detected by BCA protein quantitative kit, and the S1P concentration in plasma and various lipoprotein constituents was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Western blot was used to determine the plasma, liver, and kidney protein expression of apolipoprotein M(Apo M), which is considered as specific ligand of S1P.The S1P concentration in plasma and various constituents of lipoprotein in the Apo E(-/-) mice was compared to respective WT mice. Results: (1)Plasma S1P content was significantly higher in the Apo E(-/-) groups than that of WT groups (male: (535.7±78.5)nmol/L vs. (263.3±22.0)nmol/L; female: (601.1±64.0)nmol/L vs. (279.0±33.9)nmol/L; all P<0.01). (2) Compared with WT mice, S1P content in non-HDL(LDL+ VLDL) was significantly higher in Apo E(-/-) mice (male: (504.9±52.8)nmol/L vs. (28.7±9.0)nmol/L; female: (427.7±27.4) vs. (27.8±4.7)nmol/L; after standardization of protein concentration, male: (385.0±41.2)pmol/mg protein vs. (71.4±6.6)pmol/mg protein; female: (330.2±22.0)pmol/mg protein vs. (67.2±12.1)pmol/mg protein; all P<0.01). (3) The expression of Apo M in plasma, liver and kidney was significantly higher in Apo E(-/-) groups than that of WT groups(all P<0.05). Conclusion: The deficiency of Apo E could lead to upregulated S1P expression in the non-HDL, the underlying mechanism might be the increased transfer of HDL into the non-HDL by Apo M-S1P.

[Diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral computerized tomographic fistulography in congenital fistula of neck]

Objective: To investigate the usefulness and effectiveness of multi-slice spiral computerized tomographic fistulography (MSCTF) in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital fistula of neck. Methods: Thirty-four patients with thyroglossal fistulasor branchial cleft fistulas who were initial treated from July 2008 to August 2015 in Fujian Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyses. Thirteen males and 21 females patients aging from 3 to 46 years old with a median age of 37 were included. There were thyroglossal fistula in 6 cases, the first branchialcleft fistula in 9 cases, the second branchialcleft fistula in 3 cases, the third branchialcleft fistula in 9 cases, and the fourth branchialcleft fistula in 7 cases. All the patients underwent preopeative MSCTF and the diagnoses were finally confirmed with surgery and histopathology. Multiplanar reconstruction(MPR), maximumintensity projection(MIP)and volume rendering(VR) were completed with AW Volume Share 4.2 image processing software after initial CT scanning.The internal openings, distribution, and neighboring relationship of the fistulas showed by MSCTF were analyzed and the surgical strategies were subsequently made. Results: Except 2 cases, 32 patients had obtained successfully MSCTF image. The presence and location of the fistulas could be showed clearly on MSCTF. Based on the results of MSCTF examination, the surgical planes to treat the fistulas were made. The fistulas in all cases were successfully found and excised. Three cases underwent selective neck dissection. Postoperative infection occurred in 1 case. Unilateral vocal fold paralysis due to surgery recovered 3 months after surgery with follow-up. One case lost follow-up, the remaining 33 cases were followed up for 13-97 months with no the fistula recurrence. Conclusions: MSCTF could provide valuable information and benefit surgical planning by demonstrating the coursesof congenital fistulas of neck in detail.

Route towards the optimization at given power of thermoelectric heat engines with broken time-reversal symmetry

We investigate the performance at a given power of a thermoelectric heat engine with broken time-reversal symmetry, and derive analytically the efficiency at a given power of a thermoelectric generator within linear irreversible thermodynamics. A universal bound on the efficiency of the thermoelectric heat engine is achieved under a strong constraint on the Onsager coefficients, and some interesting features are further revealed. Our results demonstrate that there exists a trade-off between efficiency and power output, and the efficiency at a given power may surpass the Curzon-Ahlborn limit due to broken time-reversal symmetry. Moreover, optimal efficiency at a given power can be achieved, which indicates that broken time-reversal symmetry offers physically allowed ways to optimize the performance of heat engines. Our study may contribute to the interesting guidelines for optimizing actual engines.

Sequence-based typing identification of a novel HLA-C allele, C*12:214, in a Han Chinese individual

One nucleotide substitution at position 497 of HLA-C*12:02:01 results in a novel allele, HLA-C*12:214.

Comparative Analysis of Recombinant Cytochrome P450 CYP9A61 from Cydia pomonella Expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris

On the basis of prior work, cytochrome P450 CYP9A61 was found to be enriched in fat bodies and during feeding stages, and transcription was induced by λ-cyhalothrin in Cydia pomonella. In this study, recombinant CYP9A61 was expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris, and its biochemical properties were investigated. Substrate saturation curves and biochemical properties revealed that, in the presence of glycosylation, the yeast-secreted CYP9A61 exhibited a higher affinity for the substrate p-nitroanisole and was found to be more stable at certain pHs and temperatures than bacterially produced CYP9A61. Half-inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of three synthetic pyrethroids on both the bacterium- and yeast-expressed CYP9A61 suggested that recombinant CYP9A61 expressed in different hosts exhibits different inhibition properties. Taken together, our findings show that yeast-expressed CYP9A61 exhibits enzyme activity that is better than that expressed in bacteria and might be used for further metabolism assays to reveal the insecticide-detoxifying role of CYP9A61 in C. pomonella.

Characterization of miRNAs involved in response to poly(I:C) in porcine airway epithelial cells

MicroRNAs (miRNA) have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions including infectious diseases. Knowledge of the miRNAs affected by poly(I:C), a synthetic analog of viral double-stranded RNA, in porcine airway epithelial cells (PAECs) contributes to understanding the mechanisms of swine viral respiratory diseases, which bring enormous economic loss worldwide every year. In this study, we used high throughput sequencing to profile miRNA expression in PAECs treated with poly(I:C) as compared to the untreated control. This approach revealed 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), five of which have not been implicated in viral infection before. Nineteen of the 23 miRNAs were down-regulated including members of the miR-17-92 cluster, a well-known polycistronic oncomir and extensively involved in viral infection in humans. Target genes of DEMs, predicted using bioinformatic methods and validated by luciferase reporter analysis on two representative DEMs, were significantly enriched in several pathways including transforming growth factor-β signaling. A large quantity of sequence variations (isomiRs) were found including a substitution at position 5, which was verified to redirect miRNAs to a new spectrum of targets by luciferase reporter assay together with bioinformatics analysis. Twelve novel porcine miRNAs conserved in other species were identified by homology analysis together with cloning verification. Furthermore, the expression analysis revealed the potential importance of three novel miRNAs in porcine immune response to viruses. Overall, our data contribute to clarifying the mechanisms underlying the host immune response against respiratory viruses in pigs, and enriches the repertoire of porcine miRNAs.

Characterization of Multiple Heat-Shock Protein Transcripts from Cydia pomonella: Their Response to Extreme Temperature and Insecticide Exposure

The economically important fruit pest Cydia pomonella (L.) exhibits a strong adaptability and stress tolerance to environmental stresses. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) play key roles in insects in coping with environmental stresses. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal expression patterns of HSPs and their response to stresses in C. pomonella. In this study, a thermal treatment-recovery test was performed, and the expression profiles of a novel isolated HSP, named CpHSP40, and six CpHSPs were determined. Third-instar larvae were able to recover from cold shock (0 °C) and heat shock (40 °C). Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells harboring recombinant pET-28a (+)-CpHSP40 plasmid showed significant temperature tolerance. CpHSPs were developmentally and tissue-specifically expressed. The responses of CpHSPs to 0 and 40 °C (with or without recovery) and insecticide exposure were varied. All of these indicated that the expression of HSPs plays a role in the development and in environmental adaptation in C. pomonella.

Gene expression analysis and enzyme assay reveal a potential role of the carboxylesterase gene CpCE-1 from Cydia pomonella in detoxification of insecticides

Carboxylesterases (CarEs) are responsible for metabolism of xenobiotics including insecticides in insects. Understanding the expression patterns of a such detoxifying gene and effect of insecticides on its enzyme activity are important to clarify the function of this gene relevant to insecticides-detoxifying process, but little information is available in the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.). In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of CarE gene CpCE-1 at different developmental stages and in different tissues of C. pomonella, as well as the larvae exposed to chlorpyrifos-ethyl and lambda-cyhalothrin by using absolute real-time quantitative PCR (absolute RT-qPCR). Results indicated that CpCE-1 expression was significantly altered during C. pomonella development stages, and this expression differed between sexes, with a higher transcript in females than males. Meanwhile, CpCE-1 is overexpressed in cuticle, midgut and head than silk gland, fat body and Malpighian tubules. Exposure of third instar larvae to a non-lethal dosage of chlorpyrifos-ethyl and lambda-cyhalothrin resulted in induction of CpCE-1 transcript. The total carboxylesterase enzyme activity was inhibited by chlorpyrifos-ethyl in vivo; in contrast, the activity of Escherichia coli produced recombinant CpCE-1 was significantly inhibited by both lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos-ethyl in vitro. These results suggested that CpCE-1 in C. pomonella is potentially involved in the development and in detoxification of chlorpyrifos-ethyl and lambda-cyhalothrin.

Toxicity of Six Insecticides on Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Effect on Expression of Detoxification Genes

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is a key worldwide fruit pest that has evolved high levels of resistance to almost all classes of conventional insecticides. Neonicotinoids, a new reduced-risk biorational insecticide class, have remained an effective control approach. In this study, the toxicity and sublethal effect of conventional and reduced-risk biorational insecticides on transcripts abundance of three detoxification genes in codling moth were determined. Bioassays on a codling moth laboratory strain suggested that acetamiprid had the highest oral toxicity against the third-instar larvae compared with the other five pesticides. Results also indicated that acetamiprid exhibits long-term efficacy against codling moth even at 120 h post feeding. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the detoxification genes CYP9A61, CpGST1, and CpCE-1 were differentially induced or suppressed by deltamethrin, cypermethrin, methomyl, carbaryl, and imidacloprid, depending on the type of insecticides; in contrast, no significant difference in CYP9A61, CpGST1, and CpCE-1 expressions were observed after acetamiprid exposure, when compared with the control. These results suggest that the reduced-risk biorational insecticide acetamiprid is an effective insecticide with no induction of detoxification genes and can be integrated into the management of codling moth.

Effect of different time phases of radionuclide hepatobiliary scintigraphy on the differential diagnosis of congenital biliary atresia

To investigate the value and essentiality of 6- and 24-h delay hepatobiliary scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA), we retrospectively analyzed 197 infants (121 boys/76 girls; age range, 3-205 days; average age, 63.9 days) admitted to Jiangxi Children's Hospital for persistent jaundice (> 2 weeks), hepatosplenomegaly, and abnormal liver function. After receiving anti-inflammatory treatment and cholagogic pre-treatment for 7-10 days without a clear diagnosis, the children underwent 99mTc-labeled diethylacetanilide-iminodiacetic acid hepatobiliary scintigraphy. BA and infant hepatitis syndrome were diagnosed in 107 and 90 infants, respectively after laparoscopic cholangiography, surgical pathology, or 6-month clinical follow-up. The diagnostic efficiencies of hepatobiliary scintigraphy for BA were evaluated within 50 min and at 6 and 24 h. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves within 50 min, at 6 and 24 h were 0.696, 0.829 , and 0.779 , suggesting poor diagnostic value within 50 min, but improvement at 6 and 24 h. The compliance rate of 6- and 24-h imaging for BA diagnosis was 89.34% (176/197; paired chi-square test Kappa value, 0.77; P > 0.05), signifying high consistency. The diagnostic efficiency values of 6-/24-h imaging for BA diagnosis were sensitivity (90.65/89.72%), specificity (74.44/78.89%), accuracy (83.25/84.77%), positive and negative predictive values (80.83/83.48% and 87.01/86.59%), with no significant difference (P > 0.05). To provide optimal treatment in early BA, the- 6-h hepatobiliary scintigraphy had practical value, especially when combined with tomographic or dynamic imaging; 24-h delay imaging was deemed unnecessary because it was not significantly superior.

Characterization of glutathione S-transferases from Sus scrofa, Cydia pomonella and Triticum aestivum: their responses to cantharidin

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a key role in detoxification of xenobiotics in organisms. However, their other functions, especially response to the natural toxin cantharidin produced by beetles in the Meloidae and Oedemeridae families, are less known. We obtained GST cDNAs from three sources: Cydia pomonella (CpGSTd1), Sus scrofa (SsGSTα1), and Triticum aestivum (TaGSTf3). The predicted molecular mass is 24.19, 25.28 and 24.49 kDa, respectively. These proteins contain typical N-terminal and C-terminal domains. Recombinant GSTs were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble fusion proteins. Their optimal activities are exhibited at pH 7.0-7.5 at 30 °C. Activity of CpGSTd1 is strongly inhibited by cantharidin and cantharidic acid, but is only slightly suppressed by the demethylated analog of cantharidin and cantharidic acid. Enzymatic assays revealed that cantharidin has no effect on SsGSTα1 activity, while it significantly stimulates TaGSTf3 activity, with an EC50 value of 0.3852 mM. Activities of these proteins are potently inhibited by the known GST competitive inhibitor: S-hexylglutathione (GTX). Our results suggest that these GSTs from different sources share similar structural and biochemical characteristics. Our results also suggest that CpGSTd1 might act as a binding protein with cantharidin and its analogs.

The Toxicology and Biochemical Characterization of Cantharidin on Cydia pomonella

Cantharidin, a natural toxin produced by beetles in the families Meloidae and Oedemeridae, reported to be toxic to some pests, is being developed as a biopesticide in China. This study evaluates the toxicity and biochemical characterization of cantharidin on the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an economically important fruit pest, under both laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory dose response bioassays showed that the LC50 value of cantharidin against neonate larvae was 0.057 mg ml(-1). Exposure of the larvae to 0.024 and 0.057 mg ml(-1) of cantharidin resulted in significant reduction in larval body weight. Neonate larvae exposed to LC10 of cantharidin showed increased glutathione S-transferase activity and significantly reduced the carboxylesterase and cytochrome P450-dependent mixed-function oxidase activities. Results also showed 16 and 25% ovicidal activity at concentrations of 0.057 and 0.14 mg ml(-1) of cantharidin, respectively. Field trials demonstrated cantharidin has a significant effect on both the first and second generations of C. pomonella larvae, but it exhibits a lower control efficiency than the chemical reference emamectin benzoate. Cantharidin may be considered a valuable tool for the control of codling moth.

Functional characterization of genetic variants in the porcine TLR3 gene

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA, which is a molecular signature of viruses, and plays a pivotal role in host defense against viral invasion. Polymorphisms in the human TLR3 gene have been shown to affect the receptor function and to be associated with a variety of diseases, suggesting correlations between TLR3 polymorphisms and the disease resistance/susceptibility in pigs. In this study, 5 known non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequences of the porcine TLR3 gene - c.800C>T (p.T267M), c.933A>G (p.I311M), c.1116A>T (p.K372N), c.2129C>G (p.T710S), and c.2160T>G (p.I720M) - were analyzed for their effect on receptor function in transiently transfected PK-15 cells by using a luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the distribution of SNP c.933A>G was analyzed among pig populations. SNP c.933A>G significantly decreased the response to poly(I:C) (P < 0.05), as represented by the weaker induction of firefly luciferase relative to that achieved by wild-type TLR3. SNP c.933A>G results in the alteration of conserved amino acids in the highly conserved segment of the 12th leucine repeat region and is conserved among TLR3 orthologs from fishes to primates. Moreover, together with the results of previous studies, the results of the present study revealed that SNP c.933A>G is found solely in local Chinese pig breeds. These results suggested that SNP c.933A>G plays a role in porcine disease resistance/susceptibility.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug (LIFT-Plug): a new technique for fistula-in-ano

AIM

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and reinforcement with a bioprosthetic graft are two recently reported procedures that have shown promise in the treatment of anal fistula. This study was undertaken to validate combining ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug and report our preliminary results and experience.

METHOD

Twenty-one patients with transsphincteric anal fistula were treated with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus concurrent bioprosthetic plug of the anal fistula. We evaluated healing time, fistula closure rate and postoperative anal function according to the Wexner continence score.

RESULTS

No mortality or major complications were observed. Median operative time was 20 (range 15-40) min. After a median follow-up of 14 (range 12-15) months, the overall success rate was 95% (20/21), with a median healing time of 2 (range 2-3) weeks for external anal fistula opening and 4 (range 3-7) weeks for intersphincteric groove incision. Only 1 (5%) patient reported rare incontinence for gas postoperatively (Wexner score 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug is an easy, safe, effective and useful alternative in the management of anal fistula. Further randomized controlled studies are necessary to better evaluate long-term results.

Association of 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of the HLA-G gene in father with severe preeclampsia in Chinese

Preeclampsia (PE), especially severe PE including early (before 34 weeks' gestation) and late (after 34 weeks' gestation) onset PE, is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. It is well known that abnormal human leukocyte antigen subtype G (HLA-G) expression may contribute to PE. In this study, we investigated allelic and genotypic frequencies of the 14 bp deletion/insert polymorphism in the 3(')-untranslated region (3(')-UTR) of the HLA-G gene in cases (120 pairs of mother-offspring, 82 couples, and 67 pairs of father-offspring with severe PE) and controls (158 pairs of mother-offspring, 87 couples, and 75 pairs of father-offspring with normal pregnancy). We found that the frequencies of the +14 bp/+14 bp HLA-G genotype of the offspring were significantly higher in the severe and early onset severe PE cases compared with controls, and the frequencies of the -14 bp/-14 bp HLA-G genotype of the offspring were significantly lower in the early onset severe PE cases compared with controls. The frequency of combined -14 bp/+14 bp mother/+14 bp/+14 bp offspring genotypes was significantly higher in the severe and early onset severe PE cases compared with controls, and the frequency of combined -14 bp/+14 bp mother/-14 bp/-14 bp offspring genotypes was significantly lower in the early onset severe PE cases compared with late onset severe PE cases. The frequency of combined -14 bp/-14 bp father/-14 bp/-14 bp offspring genotypes was significantly lower in the early onset severe PE cases compared with late onset severe PE cases and controls. In overview, the HLA-G 14 bp deletion/insert polymorphism is associated with severe PE in father-offspring, and its distribution is different between the early and late onset severe PE.

Association of TLR4 polymorphism with cytokine expression level and pulmonary lesion score in pigs

The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), recognizing lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative bacteria, plays an essential role in immune responses. Variation in TLR4 alters host immune responses to pathogen and is associated with resistance/susceptibility to infectious diseases, as suggested by studies in humans and agricultural species, including cattle and chicken. In this study, we analyzed association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR4 with cytokine expression level and pulmonary lesion score in swine. The SNP c.611 T>A showed significant association with the transcription levels of IFNG, TNFA, and IL-6 (P < 0.05); the SNP c.962 G>A showed significant association with the transcription of IFNG, IL-2, and IL-4 (P < 0.05); the SNP c.1,027 C>A showed significant association with the transcription of IFNG and IL-6 (P < 0.05); the haplotypes showed significant association with the transcription of IFNG, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and TNFA (P < 0.05). Both SNPs c.611 T>A and c.962 G>A showed significant association with pulmonary lesion scores (P < 0.01); and the combination genotypes of 3 polymorphic sites were also significantly associated with pulmonary lesion scores (P < 0.01). The observed relationship between TLR4 polymorphism and the transcription levels of cytokines indicate that these SNPs are related to the modulation of the cytokine mediated immune response.

Application of standard addition for the determination of carboxypeptidase activity in Actinomucor elegans bran koji

Leucine carboxypeptidase (EC 3.4.16) activity in Actinomucor elegans bran koji was investigated via absorbance at 507 nm after stained by Cd-nihydrin solution, with calibration curve A, which was made by a set of known concentration standard leucine, calibration B, which was made by three sets of known concentration standard leucine solutions with the addition of three concentrations inactive crude enzyme extract, and calibration C, which was made by three sets of known concentration standard leucine solutions with the addition of three concentrations crude enzyme extract. The results indicated that application of pure amino acid standard curve was not a suitable way to determine carboxypeptidase in complicate mixture, and it probably led to overestimated carboxypeptidase activity. It was found that addition of crude exact into pure amino acid standard curve had a significant difference from pure amino acid standard curve method (p < 0.05). There was no significant enzyme activity difference (p > 0.05) between addition of active crude exact and addition of inactive crude kind, when the proper dilute multiple was used. It was concluded that the addition of crude enzyme extract to the calibration was needed to eliminate the interference of free amino acids and related compounds presented in crude enzyme extract.

[Analysis on the depression related factors in elderly patients after stroke and the effect of Chinese medicine on them]

OBJECTIVE

To study the depression related factors in elderly patients after stroke and to explore the effect of Chinese medicine anti-depression treatment for improving neurological function in patients with after-stroke depression.

METHODS

Three hundred and seventy-seven after-stroke elderly patients were sorted, according to their Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD17) scores, to the non-depression group (NDG, 116 patients) and the depression group (DG, 261 patients). The depression related factors in them were analysed. Moreover, patients in DG were randomly subassigned to two groups, the 135 patients in the treated group were treated with Chinese medicine and general stroke-treatment, and the 126 patients in the control group were treated only with general stroke-treatment for 4 weeks. HAMD17 scores of neurological deficit (NDS), scores of sleep dysfunction rating scale (SDRS), Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) in them were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Prevalence rate of depression in patients with cerebral hemorrhage was 79.78% (71/89), significantly higher than that in patients with cerebral infarction, 65.97% (190/288, P < 0.05). Patients of stroke with lesion occurred at cerebellum, brain stem, or cerebral hemisphere (frontal lobe) and those with moderate/severe neurological deficit were more liable to suffer from depression. The HAMD17, HAMA, SDRS, and NDS scores in the treated group after treatment were all improved more significantly than in the control group (P < 0.05). NDS score reduced in the treated group significantly from 19.1 +/- 16.3 before treatment to 31.3 +/- 14.8 after treatment, showing the evident recovery of nerve function.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of depression after stroke is closely related with the nature and position of the lesion, as well as the degree of neurological deficit in patients. Chinese medicine could improve the depressive manner effectively and thus to make for recovery of neurological function.

Preparation, characterization and immunomodulatory activity of selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide produced by bacterium Enterobacter cloacae Z0206

The tolerant-selenium exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial strain Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 was batch cultured in PDA medium containing optimal concentration of sodium selenite. Selenium was accumulated efficiently in Enterobacter cloacae Z0206 during cultivation with selenium. Inorganic selenite could be transformed into organic forms. Selenium-enriched exopolysaccharide (Se-ECZ-EPS-1) was purified from the fermentation liquid. Selenium content of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 was 12.962microg/g. Se-ECZ-EPS-1 with Mw of 29,300Ka was composed of Glc, Gal and Mann with molar ratio of 8.530:0.061:0.706. Administration of Se-ECZ-EPS-1 to cyclophosphamide (CP)-exposed animals resulted in improvement of cellular and humoral immune responses. These findings indicated that Se-ECZ-EPS-1 may act as potent immunomodulatory agents.

Relativistic laser channeling in plasmas for fast ignition

We report an experimental observation suggesting plasma channel formation by focusing a relativistic laser pulse into a long-scale-length preformed plasma. The channel direction coincides with the laser axis. Laser light transmittance measurement indicates laser channeling into the high-density plasma with relativistic self-focusing. A three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation reproduces the plasma channel and reveals that the collimated hot-electron beam is generated along the laser axis in the laser channeling. These findings hold the promising possibility of fast heating a dense fuel plasma with a relativistic laser pulse.

Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on inhibiting peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis in acute Kawasaki disease

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanism of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for Kawasaki disease (KD). Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from 26 children with KD and 20 age-matched healthy children were stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and the percentage of apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation were assayed at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in vitro. The patients were divided into two groups: one treated with aspirin combined with IVIG (n = 16) and one treated with aspirin alone (n = 10). PBLs were stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin to evaluate the lymphocyte proliferative response. Compared with normal controls, the apoptotic cell percentage and the DNA fragmentation were markedly decreased (p < 0.001) and delayed in PBLs from KD patients. After IVIG treatment, the decreased percentage of apoptotic cell and delayed DNA fragmentation were restored to the state of the normal controls, accompanied by a fast clinical remission compared with the aspirin-alone group. The lymphocyte proliferative response was also decreased 3-5 d after IVIG therapy (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that decreased PBL apoptosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of KD. The therapeutic mechanism of IVIG in KD may be partially due to the reversal of the inhibited lymphocyte apoptosis, and may have implications for other autoimmune diseases with inefficient lymphocyte apoptosis.

[Purification and immobilization of the proteinase from mung bean burgeon inactivating soybean trypsin inhibitor]

By 30%-60% s(NH4)2SO4 fractional precipitation, anion-exchange chromatographs on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 and anion-exchange chromatographs on Waters AP-1 column(ProteinTm-Pak DEAE 15HR), a proteinase which can inactivated STI was purified from mung bean(Phaseolus aureus) burgeon. It was stable at temperatures lower than 50 degrees C and pH7.5-8.5, and the Km and Vmax of the proteinase for STI was 769.2 alpha-N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester(BAEE)/mL and 115.3BAEE/min/mL respectively. The molecular weight of the proteinase was estimated to be 29.8kD by SDS-PAGE. The proteinase immobilized by polyacrylamide was stable at temperatures lower than 60 degrees C and pH7.0-9.0, and the apparent Km* and Vmax* of the immobilized proteinase for STI was 1303.8 (BAEE)/mL and 94.34(BAEE)/min/mL respectively. The half-life of the immobilized proteinase was about 12 days at 4 degrees C.

Article

A new chloride anion receptor, derivatized oligoethylene oxide CF3SO2substituted tetraamine (3), was synthesized. This compound exhibited strong Cl-1ion binding properties in nonpolar solvents such as benzene. Neutral red and Nile blue chloride dye molecules do not dissolve in benzene. However, when compound (3) was added to a benzene solution containing the solid dye compounds, the color of the solution immediately turned to dark blue, and the intensity of the color proportionally increased with the concentration of (3). The phenomena indicated that the Cl-ions of Neutral red or Nile blue chloride are complexed with (3), thereby resulting in an increase in the solubility of the Neutral red or Nile blue cations in benzene. The dissociation of chloride anions from 4,4',4''-trimethoxytriphenyl chloromethane in a benzene solution proceeded with addition of compound (3) and increased with increasing time at room temperature. In contrast, another tetraamine compound (4) which was substituted with a less electron withdrawing group, CH3SO2, did not complex with Cl-anions in a benzene solution.Key words: Cl-anion receptor, trifluoromethyl sulfonated tetraamine, ion pair dissociation.

Early linear growth retardation in Chongqing, China

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to investigate early linear growth retardation and to identify potential risk factors for it.

METHODOLOGY

A community-based prospective study was performed in Chongqing, China, with infants being examined at 12 and 15 months of age. A total of 101 infants were examined twice. Supine length, bodyweight, lower leg length, head circumference, middle upper arm circumference and biceps skinfold thickness were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of short stature (length-for-age standard deviation score, < -2) was 22% and 23% at 12 and 15 months of age, respectively, while the incidence of growth stunting (low growth velocity) between 12 and 15 months of age was 24%, using the stunting screening method. A mother having a history of abortion and infants having current episodes of diarrhoea were identified as risk factors for growth stunting.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that both short stature and growth stunting are common in the population studied. The stunting screening method used is applicable in developing communities.

A splice variant of E2-2 basic helix-loop-helix protein represses the brain-specific fibroblast growth factor 1 promoter through the binding to an imperfect E-box

We previously demonstrated that a cis-element (-489 to -467) in the brain-specific fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 promoter (FGF-1.B) binds multiple nuclear factors, and this binding enhances transcriptional activity of this promoter. Here we report the isolation of three cDNA clones, VL1, VL2 and VL3, from a human brain stem cDNA expression library using four tandem repeats of the 26-base pair sequence (-492 to -467) as the probe. These cDNA clones represent the variant of bHLH protein E2-2/SEF2-1 in having 12 additional nucleotides encoding the amino acids RSRS. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins of VLl, VL2, and VL3 immunologically react with anti-E2-2 antibody and anti-GST-VL2 antibody. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and methylation interference assay revealed that the GST fusion proteins specifically bind to an imperfect E-box sequence (GACCTG) present in the 26-base pair sequence. Transient expression of the full-length E2-2 without RSRS in U1240MG glioblastoma cells resulted in repression of FGF-1.B promoter activity. We further showed a significant repression of promoter activity (>40 fold) by E2-2 (lacking the amino acid sequence RSRS) when the E47 reporter construct, containing a hexameric E-box site, was used. In contrast, the E2-2 variant containing the RSRS sequence has no significant effect on either the FGF-1 promoter or E47 promoter. These results suggest that the relative abundance of the two splice variants of E2-2 in brain could be an important determinant for the expression of FGF-1.

Transcriptional activation of fibroblast growth factor 1.B promoter is mediated through an 18-base pair cis-acting element

Four different transcripts encoding fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1, also known as aFGF) have been previously identified in our laboratory. Among them, FGF-1.B is the major transcript expressed specifically in the neuronal cells in brain tissue. Using the transient transfection experiment in a glioblastoma cell line, U1240MG, that expresses 1.B, we previously identified two regulatory regions (RR1 and RR2) in the brain-specific promoter, FGF-1.B. In the present study, we showed that the minimal region required for the DNA-protein interaction in RR2 resides in an 18-base pair (-484 to -467) sequence, by using DNase I footprinting and methylation interference studies and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. This minimal cis-acting element was found to be sufficient in enhancing the reporter activity driven by the heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter in the 1.B-positive U1240MG cell line. This enhancing effect, however, was not detected in a glioblastoma cell line, U1242MG, which is negative for 1.B expression. By electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we also identified a specific DNA-protein complex, namely complex I, which is specific for 1.B-positive cell lines and human brain tissue. By in situ UV cross-linking experiment, we further showed that complex I contains two major DNA-binding proteins of apparent molecular masses of 37 and 98 kDa. Our results suggest that the formation of complex I, resulting from the heterodimerization of a 37-kDa protein (1.B-specific) and a 98-kDa protein (ubiquitous) may likely be a prerequisite for the enhanced expression of 1.B transcript in neuronal cells.

[Study on anxiety levels of patients' families in the emergency department]

The psychological investigation and evaluation of 222 patients' families were done in emergency department by using State Anxiety Inventory. The results showed the anxiety level of families of emergency patients was significantly higher than that of normal individual and anxiety level of families of severe cases was also significantly higher than that of mild cases. On the other hand, anxiety level of families was related to the gender, age, profession, educational level, and familial role. The anxiety levels of the female and retired were higher than that of the male and nonretired respectively. In addition, the anxiety level of families was increased with ages and decreased with educational level. It suggested that the proper nursing interventions according to different condition could reduce the anxiety level of patient's families and could get more family support. It is also benefit to the patients.

Dark induction and subcellular localization of the pathogenesis-related PRB-1b protein

The PRB-1b gene codes for a basic-type pathogenesis-related protein of the PR-1 family of tobacco. PRB-1b mRNA accumulation is induced in response to biotic and abiotic elicitors, such as TMV, ethylene, salicylic acid, alpha-amino butyric acid and darkness. In order to determine the location of elements that control dark-regulated PRB-1b gene expression, we tested promoter, transcribed regions and 3'-downstream regions of the gene for their ability to respond to dark induction in transgenic tobacco plants. An ethylene-inducible promoter region of 863 bp was not able to confer dark induction to a beta-glucuronidase reporter gene, while a construct containing the transcribed region of the gene and 3'-downstream sequences, driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, was correctly dark-regulated. The results indicate that dark-induction of the PRB-1b gene can be controlled by 3'-downstream elements at the transcriptional level or by transcribed sequences at the post-transcriptional level. A circadian clock regulation of the PRB-1b gene was excluded, as fluctuations of PRB-1b transcript levels were not observed in plants placed in constant light or darkness. Subcellular localization of the PRB-1b protein was also determined, in tobacco protoplasts preparations and in cell cultures. The PRB-1b polypeptide was predominantly detected in protoplast vacuoles and was not secreted to the media in cell cultures. These results support an intracellular localization for the PRB-1b protein, as reported for other basic-type components of the pathogenesis-related proteins family.

Influence of iron deficiency on serum IgG subclass and pneumococcal polysaccharides specific IgG subclass antibodies

The serum IgG subclass concentrations in 47 cases and specific IgG subclass antibodies against pneumococcal polysaccharides (PnPs) were measured in 18 cases with iron deficiency. IgG subclass deficiencies were found in 28 (59.6%) cases with the frequency in order as IgG4 (27.7%, 13/47), IgG1 (21.3%, 10/47), IgG3 (14.9%, 7/47), and IgG2 (2.1%, 1/47). Compared with age-matched healthy children, the mean concentration of serum IgG4 and IgG1, and PnPs specific IgG1, IgG2 antibodies were decreased in children with iron deficiency. Decreased CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood, low interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity, reduced lymphocyte proliferative responsiveness and increased recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI) were found in iron deficiency children. These results suggested that serum IgG subclass and PnPs specific IgG subclass antibody deficiencies caused by dysfunction of the regulation of T lymphocyte on B lymphocyte may be related to the susceptibility to RRTI in children with iron deficiency.

[Mechanism of scavenging effects of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on active oxygen free radicals]

The concentration of 50% scavenging ratio (SC50) and the scavenging rate constants (k) and stiochiometric factor (n) were determined when (-)-epigallocatechin gallate [(-)-EGCG] scavenging superoxide anion free radical (O2.-) and hydroxyl radical (.OH). The mechanism of scavenging active free radicals of (-)-EGCG and the promotion of (-)-EGCG free radical and its structure were analyzed in vitro. Our results suggest that the centers of scavenging reaction of (-)-EGCG are B, D, and A cycles, and each (-)-EGCG traps six O2.- or .OH. It is in accord with the value of stiochiometric factor n = 6.

[Hemodynamic studies of pulmonary heart diseases and the effects of nifedipine]

Swan-Ganz catheterization, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests and two-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 10 patients with pulmonary heart disease and the effects of nifedipine were then observed. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) correlated significantly to PaO2. PaO2 may be a useful parameter for predicting mPAP. Continuous oxygen breathing can correct hypoxemia, prevent and alleviate pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). After using nifedipine, PaO2 and blood pressure of systemic circulation decreased significantly, while pulmonary physiological shunt increased and pulmonary artery pressure did not decrease. As a consequence, the use of nifedipine to treat pulmonary heart disease and PAH is not advocated.

Immunologic abnormalities in children with acute Kawasaki disease

Spontaneous release of IgG, production of IgG, IgM and IgG subclasses induced by PWM in vitro, serum IgG, IgM, IgA and IgG subclasses were measured in 23 patients with acute Kawasaki disease (KD). The results showed that there was polyclonal B cell activation with significantly increased IgG1 and IgG3. As compared with 21 healthy controls, the mean activities of B cell growth factors (BCGFs), B cell differentiation factors (BCDFs) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly elevated. IL-6 activity was correlated with the production of IgG, IgG1, IgG3 and IgM, while BCGFs and BCDFs were also correlated with IgG1. The serum level of circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) determined in 16 patients with acute KD using double antibody ELISA was 1.86-8.83 micrograms/ml, but it was less than 1 microgram/L in normal controls. The clinical value of increased TNF in serum is discussed.

Immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections

With monoclonal antibodies serum immunoglobulin G(IgG) subclasses were measured in seventy children aged 2 to 13 years with recurrent respiratory tract infections including upper respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, asthmatic bronchitis and pneumonia. 211 healthy, aged-matched children served as control. IgG subclass deficiency was found in 19 out of the 70 patients (27.1%, single IgG1 deficiency in 7, IgG2 deficiency in 4, combined IgG1-IgG3 deficiency in 5, IgG1-IgG2-IgG3-IgG4 deficiency, IgG1-IgG2-IgG4 deficiency and IgG2-IgG4 deficiency each in 1). The incidence of IgG subclass deficiencies was in the sequence as follows: IgG1, 20%; IgG2, 10%; IgG3, 8.6% and IgG4, 4.3%. The results suggest that IgG subclass deficiency indicate a common disorder in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections.

Immunoglobulin G subclasses in serum and circulating immune complexes in patients with Kawasaki syndrome

IgG subclass concentrations in sera of 17 patients with Kawasaki syndrome were determined. Significantly increased IgG1 (P less than 0.001) and IgG3 (P less than 0.001) were found in the patients compared with 22 age-matched healthy children, whereas IgG2 and IgG4 were normal or slightly decreased. IgG immune complexes were measured by protein A-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) combined polyethylene glycol precipitations. Eight of 17 patients (47.1%) were found to have circulating immune complexes (CIC) values above the normal control range (geometric mean +2 SD). IgG subclass composition in CIC was analyzed. The subclasses in CIC were predominantly IgG1 and IgG3. Because the antibody responses to different antigens exhibit IgG subclass restriction, it would suggest that the change of serum and CIC IgG subclasses in Kawasaki syndrome may have relevance to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Human antibody responses to bacteriophage phi X 174: sequential induction of IgM and IgG subclass antibody

We studied the appearance of antigen-specific immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses in normal adult human subjects in response to primary, secondary, and tertiary immunization with the T-cell-dependent neo-antigen bacteriophage phi X 174. To complete the study we developed a sensitive, specific, and reproducible ELISA assay which was closely comparable to the widely used neutralization assay for total antibody (r = +0.97) and for IgG antibody (r = +0.93), and reasonably comparable for IgM antibody (r = +0.76). We confirmed that the initial response to primary immunization was predominantly, but not exclusively, IgM antibody. The secondary and tertiary responses demonstrated memory, amplification, and switch from IgM to IgG antibody. There was an orderly appearance of phage-specific IgG subclasses. IgG3 and IgG1 antibodies appeared 2 to 6 weeks after primary immunization. In all subjects there was a marked increase in IgG1 and IgG3 antibody after secondary immunization, and IgG2 antibody followed closely; IgG4 antibody appeared in some subjects. IgM antibody persisted in significant amounts (approx 50%) throughout the secondary response period. Following tertiary immunization, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 antibody consistently increased, and IgG4 antibody appeared in all subjects; IgG1 antibody predominated. Low levels of IgM antibody (approx 1% of total) persisted during the tertiary response. The persisting antibody on long-term follow-up (median 4 years after immunization) was virtually all (greater than 90%) IgG1.

Testosterone and estradiol serum levels in acne

45 acne patients and 38 healthy subjects were assayed for serum testosterone and estradiol levels by RIA. The results showed that serum testosterone levels of male patients were normal, but serum estradiol levels were significantly higher (40%) than in healthy males. In female patients, estradiol levels were normal, but testosterone levels were significantly higher (47%) than in healthy females. Of the 18 female patients, 16 had various degrees of menstrual dysfunction, and some even had slight hirsutism. Therefore, male acne patients should not be treated with estrogen, and in female acne patients with ovarian dysfunction, artificial menstrual cycle therapy is recommended.

Fertile mule in China and her unusual foal

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