Cancer linked to Alzheimer disease but not vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether cancer is associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD).

METHODS

Cox proportional hazards models were used to test associations between prevalent dementia and risk of future cancer hospitalization, and associations between prevalent cancer and risk of subsequent dementia. Participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study-Cognition Substudy, a prospective cohort study, aged 65 years or older (n = 3,020) were followed a mean of 5.4 years for dementia and 8.3 years for cancer.

RESULTS

The presence of any AD (pure AD + mixed AD/VaD; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.20-0.84) and pure AD (HR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12-0.86) was associated with a reduced risk of future cancer hospitalization, adjusted for demographic factors, smoking, obesity, and physical activity. No significant associations were found between dementia at baseline and rate of cancer hospitalizations for participants with diagnoses of VaD. Prevalent cancer was associated with reduced risk of any AD (HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.52-0.997) and pure AD (HR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36-0.90) among white subjects after adjustment for demographics, number of APOE epsilon4 alleles, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease; the opposite association was found among minorities, but the sample size was too small to provide stable estimates. No significant association was found between cancer and subsequent development of VaD.

CONCLUSIONS

In white older adults, prevalent Alzheimer disease (AD) was longitudinally associated with a reduced risk of cancer, and a history of cancer was associated with a reduced risk of AD. Together with other work showing associations between cancer and Parkinson disease, these findings suggest the possibility that cancer is linked to neurodegeneration.

Characterization of picosecond pulse nonlinear propagation in chalcogenide As(2)S(3) fiber

We characterize the nonlinear propagation of picosecond pulses in chalcogenide As(2)S(3) single-mode fiber using a pump-probe technique. The cross-phase modulation (XPM)-induced sideband broadening and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-induced sideband amplification are measured in order to map out the Raman gain spectrum of this glass across the C-band. We extract the Raman response function from the Raman gain spectrum and determine the power and polarization dependence of the SRS. In contrast to previous work using As(2)Se(3) fiber, we find that the As(2)S(3) fiber does not suffer from large two-photon absorption (TPA) in the wavelength range of the telecommunications band. We achieved a 20 dB peak Raman gain at a Stokes shift of 350 cm(-1) in a 205 mm length of As(2)S(3) single-mode fiber. The Raman gain coefficient is estimated to be 4.3x10(-12) m/W and the threshold pump peak power is estimated to be 16.2 W for the 205 mm As(2)S(3) fiber. We also demonstrate that we can infer the dispersion of the As(2)S(3) fiber and justify the Raman response function by comparing simulation and experimental results.

More than threefold expansion of highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber cores for low-loss fusion splicing

We have formed low-loss fusion splices from highly nonlinear (HNL) photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) with small cores and high air-filling fractions to fibers with much larger mode field diameters (MFDs). The PCF core was locally enlarged by the controlled collapse of holes around the core while keeping other holes open. The fiber was then cleaved at the enlarged core and spliced to the large MFD fiber with a conventional electric arc fusion splicer. Splice losses as low as 0.36 dB were achieved between a PCF and a standard single-mode fiber (SMF) with MFDs of 1.8 microm and 5.9 microm, respectively.

The efficacy of topical intralesional BCG-PSN injection in the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, it has been widely accepted that the local cell-mediated immunologic disorders may play an important role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP). Therefore, we sieved out polysaccharide nucleic acid fraction of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG-PSN) from various immunomodulators to evaluate the short-term therapeutic efficacy and clinical safety of intralesional BCG-PSN injection for erosive OLP.

METHODS

A total of 56 OLP patients were randomly assigned to receive either intralesional injection of 0.5 ml BCG-PSN every other day (31 of 56) or 10 mg triamcinolone acetonide (TA, a positive-controlled group, 25 of 56) every week for 2 weeks. After the cessation of treatment, those cured from erosion were followed up for 3 months. Another two researchers measured erosive areas and recorded visual analog scale (VAS) scores both at the start and the end of the treatment. We also registered adverse reactions and the recurrence intervals.

RESULTS

After 2-week treatment, 27 of 31 BCG-PSN-treated patients (87.1%) and 22 of 25 TA-treated patients (88.0%) healed. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in erosive areas (27.86 +/- 27.97 vs. 25.68 +/- 34.65, P = 0.801) and VAS scores (2.45 +/- 1.64 vs. 2.40 +/- 1.38, P = 0.946). Three of 31 BCG-PSN-treated patients (9.7%) vs. 2 of 25 TA-treated patients (8.0%) experienced the swelling or burning sensation (P = 0.827). A total of 49 of 56 patients were followed up. There were no statistical differences in the recurrence rates (33.3% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.386) and intervals (80.89 +/- 26.83 vs. 73.48 +/- 28.11, P = 0.419).

CONCLUSIONS

Topical intralesional BCG-PSN injection is as effective as TA for erosive OLP, which suggests that topical intralesional BCG-PSN injection can be a promising therapeutic alternative for erosive OLP, especially for those insensitive, or even resistant, to glucocorticoids.

Narrowband high-fidelity all-fibre source of heralded single photons at 1570 nm

An all-fibre heralded single photon source operating at 1570 nm has been demonstrated. The device generates correlated photon pairs, widely spaced in frequency, through four-wave mixing in a photonic crystal fibre. Separation of the pair photons and narrowband filtering is all achieved in fibre. The output heralded single photon rate was 9.2 x 10(4) per second, with a counts-to-accidentals ratio of 10.4 and a heralding fidelity of 52 %. Furthermore, narrowband filtering ensured that the output single photon state was near time-bandwidth limited with a coherence length of 4 ps. Such a source is well suited to quantum information processing applications.

Nonclassical 2-photon interference with separate intrinsically narrowband fibre sources

In this paper, we demonstrate a source of photon pairs based on four-wave-mixing in photonic crystal fibres. Careful engineering of the phase matching conditions in the fibres enables us to create photon pairs at 597 nm and 860 nm in an intrinsically factorable state showing no spectral correlations. This allows for heralding one photon in a pure state and hence renders narrow band filtering obsolete. The source is narrow band, bright and achieves an overall detection efficiency of up to 21% per photon. For the first time, a Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with unfiltered photons from separate fibre sources is presented.

Polarized supercontinuum in birefringent photonic crystal fibre pumped at 1064 nm and application to tuneable visible/UV generation

We generate a flat, polarized and single mode supercontinuum (SC) spanning 450-1750 nm in a highly birefringent photonic crystal fibre (PCF) pumped by a 1064 nm microchip laser. More than 99% of the total power is kept in a single linear polarization. The measured power coupling penalty due to the elliptical core is less than 6% (0.25 dB). As one of its applications, we demonstrate tuneable visible/UV generation in the nonlinear crystal BIBO pumped by this polarized SC source. A tuneable range of 400-525 nm is obtained by critical phase matching in BIBO. We also show the results of visible/UV generation in BIBO pumped by the signal wavelength of polarized four-wave mixing (FWM) in PCF.

Enhanced visible continuum generation from a microchip 1064nm laser

We demonstrate a cascaded nonlinear process using pump conversion to 742 nm by four-wave mixing in the normal dispersion regime then continuum generation by modulation instability to generate bright single-mode visible continuum with an average power up to -20 dBm/nm, from a compact 1064 nm infrared source in a monolithic single-mode photonic crystal fibre with a tapered section in one end.

Alzheimer disease and cancer

Cross-sectional studies raise the possibility of protective relationships between, or a common mechanism underlying, the development of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and cancer. Using a prospective longitudinal design, the authors found that the risk of developing cancer is less among participants with DAT vs nondemented participants (p < 0.001) and that the risk of developing DAT may be less for participants with a history of cancer (p = 0.060).

Biological and conformational study of beta-substituted prolines in MT-II template: steric effects leading to human MC5 receptor selectivity

To investigate the molecular basis for the interaction of the chi-constrained conformation of melanotropin peptide with the human melanocortin receptors, a series of beta-substituted proline analogs were synthesized and incorporated into the Ac-Nle-C[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (MT-II) template at the His6 and D-Phe7 positions. It was found that the binding affinities generally diminished as the steric bulk of the p-substituents of the 3-phenylproline residues increased. From (2S, 3R)-3-phenyl-Pro6 to (2S, 3R)-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-Pro6 analogs the binding affinity decreased 23-fold at the human melanocortin-3 receptor (hMC3R), 17-fold at the hMC4R, and eight-fold at the hMC5R, but selectivity for the hMC5R increased. In addition, the substitution of the D-Phe7 residue with a (2R, 3S)-3-phenyl-Pro resulted in greatly reduced binding affinity (10(3)-10(5)) at these melanocortin receptors. Macromodel's Large Scale Low Mode (LLMOD) with OPLS-AA force field simulations revealed that both MT-II and SHU-9119 share a similar backbone conformation and topography with the exception of the orientation of the side chains of D-Phe7/D-Nal (2')7 in chi space. Introduction of the dihedrally constrained phenylproline analogs into the His6 position (analogs 2-6) caused topographical changes that might be responsible for the lower binding affinities. Our findings indicate that hMC3 and hMC4 receptors are more sensitive to steric effects and conformational constraints than the hMC5 receptor. This is the first example for melanocortin receptor selectivity where the propensity of steric interactions in chi space of beta-modified Pro6 analogs of MT-II has been shown to play a critical role for binding as well as bioefficacy of melanotropins at hMC3 and hMC4 receptors, but not at the hMC5 receptor.

Morphological properties of atmospheric aerosol aggregates

Ultrafine particles (smaller than about 0.1 microm) are often emitted from combustion and other high-temperature processes in the form of fractal-like aggregates composed of solid nanoparticles. Results of a study of atmospheric aggregates are reported. Particles were collected on transmission electron microscope grids fitted on the last two stages of a single-jet eight-stage low-pressure impactor for periods of a few minutes. Photomicrographs of transmission electron microscope grids from the impactor stages were analyzed to obtain the fractal dimension (D(f)) and prefactor (A) for aggregates. D(f) increased from near 1 to above 2 as the number of primary particles making up the aggregates increased from 10 to 180. Total particle concentrations in size ranges roughly equivalent to the low-pressure impactor stages were measured with a mobility analyzer and condensation particle counter. In one set of measurements, the fraction of the particles present as aggregates was about 60% for particles with aerodynamic diameters between 50 and 75 nm and 34% for the range 75 to 120 nm. The total aggregate concentration in the 50- to 120-nm size range was about 400 ml(-1). The primary particles that make up atmospheric aggregates are more polydisperse than soot aggregates generated from a single laboratory source, an ethane/oxygen flame. Most measurements were made in the Los Angeles area, where the aggregates may represent a signature for diesel emissions. Rural aggregate concentrations in the size range 50 to 120 nm were less than 1% of the concentrations at urban sites. The data will permit better estimates of atmospheric aggregate residence times, transport, and deposition in the lung, optical extinction, and heterogeneous nucleation.

Effect and mechanism of electronic magnetic pulse on peripheral lymphocytes in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of electronic magnetic pulse (EMP) on peripheral lymphocytes in dogs and to explore the mechanisms of the biological effects of EMP.

METHODS

T, TH and TS lymphocytes were estimated by acid phosphatase cytochemistry. Apoptotic lymphocytes and Bax and Bcl-2 proteins related to apoptosis were observed with in situ terminal labeling and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Peripheral T lymphocyte subpopulations decreased obviously after EMP irradiation with (2-12) x 10(4) V/m. Apoptotic percentages of lymphocytes increased with the elevation of EMP doses. Ten days after different intensity radiation, the Bax protein was found to be elevated in accord with the peak value of lymphocyte apoptosis. However, Bcl-2 protein decreased obviously.

CONCLUSION

A definite field intensity EMP could induce injury to lymphocytes. Apoptosis induced by EMP is one of the main causes of peripheral lymphocyte death and leads to immunosuppression of the body. These results suggest that people should pay more attention to the injury caused by EMP, especially to the immunological functions of the body.

Drug-polyionic block copolymer interactions for micelle formation: physicochemical characterisation

While covalent attachment of small drug molecules to AB copolymers for the formation of polymeric micelles for drug delivery has been investigated, few studies have focused on non-covalent interactions. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the potential of non-covalent interactions between an AB copolymer, Poly(aspartic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (Pasp-PEG), with anionic pendant groups and diminazene aceturate, a small molecular weight cationic drug. Micelles were prepared by mixing solutions of Pasp-PEG and diminazene in 25 mM Tris-HCl buffer. At all Pasp-PEG concentrations studied, the micelles appeared to be water soluble with a unimodal size distribution and ranged in size from approximately 22 to 60 nm. The polyionic micelles also displayed similar and small absolute zeta potential values at various drug:monomer molar ratios which confirmed stabilisation by the PEG corona. The scattering intensity was maximal and remained unchanged, while particle size increased slightly at pH range from 3.4 to 7.2. At this pH range both the polymer and drug would be ionised and ionic interactions possible to drive micellar formation. An increase in size and scattering intensity with addition of NaCl to the micelles was attributed to dehydration of the PEG corona which may have led to aggregation of the micelles. The absence of micellar dissociation upon addition of salt was attributed to the dominance of hydrogen bonding between Pasp and diminazene aceturate, as assessed by isothermal titration microcalorimetry. Morphological evaluation of these constructs showed them to be discrete and fairly uniform in size and shape. This study was therefore successful in confirming the potential of non-covalent interactions using an AB copolymer to form polyionic micelles for drug delivery.

[The effect of polylactide screws on fracture healing]

This experiment aimed at investigating the effect of a kind of home-bred poly-DL-lactide screws on fracture healing. An operation was performed so as to make bilateral lateral condylar fractures of the femur in 8 dogs. The left sides were fixed with 2 home-bred PDLLA(Mv = 43 x 10(4)) screws, and the contralateral sides were fixed with 2 metalic screws to be used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Optic microscopy and SEM photography were done. The results of optic microscopy showed that fibrous callus formed already in both groups by 2 weeks after surgery, and bilateral fractures united uneventfully by 12 weeks. Although the course of fracture healing in experimental group was slower than that in control group, the osteogenesis in experimental group appeared to be normal. The SEM examination demonstrated that collagenous fibers arranged regularly and calcified normally in both groups at 12 weeks. And many square and rhomboid granules produced from the degradation of PDLLA material were found in experimental group at 12 weeks. Therefore, it is suggested that this kind of home-bred PDLLA screws should be applicable to fractures where the tissues are rich in blood supply.

[Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell damage during normothermic ischemia and reperfusion of rat]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the damage to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells during normothermic ischemia and reperfusion.

METHODS

The afferent vessels of rat liver were clamped for 20, 40, 60 and 90 min respectively. The blood flow to the liver then was restored by removing the clamp. Ultrastructural changes in the sinusoidal endothelial cells in various periods were observed.

RESULTS

After 20 or 40 min ischemia, fenestrations of the endothelial cells were enlarged and became mesh-like, but reperfusion for 120 min, led to recovery. After 60 or 90 min ischemia, the sieve plates and cytoplasmic processes of the endothelial cells were destroyed and the perikaryon tended to be desquamated. Reperfusion for 120 min led to no recovery, but resulted in the aggravation of injury and irreversible damage. The liver sinusoids were filled with numerous blood cells and blebs derived from hepatocytes, resulting in circulatory disturbance.

CONCLUSIONS

Warm ischemia results in severe endothelial cell destruction. Endothelial cell damages may have unfavorable effects on the microcirculation of the reperfusion liver after prolonged ischemia.

Investigation on process parameters involved in preparation of poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) microspheres containing Leptospira Interrogans antigens

Block copolymer, poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PELA) with 11.5% of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) content was prepared by bulk ring-opening polymerization using stannous chloride as initiator. PELA microspheres with entrapped Leptospira Interrogans antigens, outer membrane protein (OMP) were elaborated by solvent extraction method based on the formation of multiple w/o/w emulsion, and the resulting microspheres were characterized with respect to particle size, OMP entrapment and morphology characteristics. The purpose of the present study is to perform the optimization of preparative parameters for OMP-loaded PELA micropsheres to control particle size and improve the OMP encapsulation efficiency. Of all the parameters investigated, the polymer concentration of organic phase and the external aqueous phase volume play major roles on particle size, while the organic phase volume, internal aqueous phase volume and the addition of surfactant into the internal aqueous phase display considerable effects on OMP loading efficiency. A small volume of internal aqueous phase and intermediate volumes of organic phase and external aqueous phase were favorable to achieve micropsheres with a size of 1-2 microns and high antigen encapsulation efficiency (70-80%). In vitro OMP release profiles from PELA microspheres consist of a small burst release followed by a gradual release phase. The OMP release rate shows some relations with the porous and water-swollen inner structure of the microspheres matrix. The presence of surfactant in microspheres accelerates OMP release, but the OMP entrapment within microspheres shows limited effects on the release profile.

[Tissue reaction and degradation of super-high molecular weight poly D, L-lactic acid mini-plates and screws: an animal experiment]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the tissue reaction and degradation processes of the super-high molecular weight(Mv = 6.0 x 10(5) kD) poly D, L-lactic acid(PDLLA) mini-plates and screws through the internal fixation for zygomatic arch fracture.

METHODS

It was carried out by the self-contrast study method and comparing with the titanium mini-plates and screws.

RESULTS

There was no side-effects on bone healing. The reaction of soft and hard tissues to PDLLA mini-plates and screws was similar to that of the titanium mini-plates and screws. No complication had been seen with the use of PDLLA mini-plates and screws, including infection, foreign body reaction and underlying osteolysis. The PDLLA devices had no changes in shape after 3 months, and then became the grains in different sizes after 6 months, and were completely resorbed within 12 months in vivo.

CONCLUSION

The super-high molecular weight PDLLA mini-plates and screws has good biocompatibility and proper degradation time. It is safe and effective to use the mini-plates and screws made of the super-high molecular weight PDLLA for internal fixation of bone.

[Internal fixation for zygomatic arch fracture with super-high molecular weight poly D, L-lactic acid mini-plates and screws: a study in dogs]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the internal fixation effects of super high molecular weight (Mv = 6.0 x 10(5) kD) poly D, L-lactic acid(PDLLA) mini-plates and screws.

METHODS

10 dogs were utilized in this experiment with the self-contrast study method, comparing with the titanium mini-plates and screws.

RESULTS

The mechanical properties of the PDLLA mini-plates and screws appeared to be sufficient to enable undisturbed healing of depressed zygomatic arch fracture.

CONCLUSION

The good fixation effect of PDLLA mini-plates and screws was as same as that of the titanium mini-plates and screws without the need of secondary operation.

Apoptosis of hemopoietic cells in irradiated mouse bone marrow

Apoptosis of hemopoietic cells in bone marrow following radiation has been rarely reported, let alone studied quantitatively and pathologically. LACA mice were irradiated with 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 Gy gamma-rays, and the bone marrow was examined at 6 hours, 1 day, and 3 days after radiation. Semi-thin and thin sections were examined by light and electron microscopy. The number and area density of the apoptotic cells were assessed by means of a Cambridge Quantimet 970 Image Analyzer. We found that apoptosis occurred in only a few hemopoietic cells in the control mouse bone marrow, whereas 6 hours after radiation there were many apoptotic hemopoietic cells in each sample of irradiated bone marrow. Compared with controls, both the number and area density of the apoptotic cells markedly increased in the bone marrow of animals in every radiation dose group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the number and area density increased as the radiation dose increased. Our findings suggest that apoptosis is the main mode of radiation-induced hemopoietic cell death.

Optimal utilization of cryopreserved human semen for assisted reproduction: recovery and maintenance of sperm motility and viability

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to evaluate sperm motility and viability and the maintenance of these parameters in already cryopreserved semen samples following repeated freezing/thawing cycles.

METHODS

Human spermatozoa were subjected to five cycles of cryopreservation/thawing. Recovery of sperm motility and viability and the proportion of viable nonmotile sperm were determined up to 6 hr after thaw.

RESULTS

Sperm motilities (prefreeze motility, 70.1%; n = 9 samples) after each of five freeze/thaw cycles were 24.4, 8.0, 3.5, 1.5 and 1.8%. The recovery of sperm viability was higher than that of motility after each cycle: 39.1, 25.3, 22.6, 17.8, and 16.5%. Recoveries of motility and viability were improved if the thawed samples were left in the original cryopreservation medium prior to refreezing vs. if a washing/ resuspension step was included. The recovery of sperm motility in the first thawing cycle was indicative of the expected motile sperm recovery in the second thawing cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryopreserved semen that is intended to be reused in future assisted reproduction treatments should be thawed only once and aliquoted in the original freezing medium before refreezing. The recovery of sperm motility and viability in the second thawing cycle, thus the applicability of the sample in conventional in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be anticipated in > 90% of the samples. In view of intracytoplasmic sperm injection it is important that sperm viability is maintained better than motility; after the first, second, and third thawing cycles the ratios of motile:nonmotile viable sperm were 1:1, 1:4, and 1:7, respectively.

The changes and significance of c-kit expression in the irradiated bone marrow of mice

There have been only a few studies on the expression of c-kit in bone marrow after radiation and radiation-induced apoptosis of hematopoietic cells. LACA mice were examined after irradiation with a dose of 60Co gamma-rays. Using a light microscope, electron microscope, and immunohistochemistry, we studied radiation-induced apoptosis of hematopoietic cells and the expression of c-kit. We found that 5.5 Gy total body irradiation was a sublethal dose for LACA mice, induced suppression of leukocytes in blood, and of nucleated cells in bone marrow. Apoptosis of the hematopoietic cells occurred within 1 day after irradiation. The expression of c-kit was related to the recovery of hematopoiesis and played an important role in early hematopoiesis.

Interleukin-3 gene expression in irradiated mouse bone marrow

The expression of endogenous interleukin-3 (IL-3) gene in mouse bone marrow after whole body irradiation was assessed by immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization (ISH), and in situ reverse transcription PCR (IS RT-PCR). The results showed obvious injury to the bone marrow followed by recovery 4 weeks after radiation. IL-3 protein was increased in the cytoplasm of recovering hematopoietic cells, especially at 21 days after radiation, while the mRNA was negative, except at 15 days when the mRNA was weakly positive by ISH. IS RT-PCR showed that IL-3 mRNA was strongly positive in the cytoplasm of recovering hematopoietic cells, especially at 10 to 15 days after radiation. We postulate that endogenous IL-3 gene may accelerate hematopoietic recovery in irradiated bone marrow and that IS RT-PCR may objectively report the regulation of IL-3 gene expression.

[The effect of nitric oxide administration on pateints with pulmonary hypertension: a dose-response study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the dose-response relationship in patients with pulmonary hypertension after inhalation of nitric oxide (NO).

METHODS

The effect of various concentrations (20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm) of NO on hemodynamics and cardiac function in 16 patients with pulmonary hypertension was studied with right heart catheterization.

RESULTS

Pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance reduced significantly after inhalation of various concentrations (20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm) of NO. The vascular response to NO was not concentration-dependant with a maximal effect obtained at 20 ppm. At inhalation of low dose of NO (20 ppm), the mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance dropped by 26.5% and 40.3% (P < 0.0001), respectively. With the increase of inhaled NO concentration, pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance did not decline.

CONCLUSION

The best concentration of inhaled NO was not more than 20 ppm in the patients of this study.

[Effect of prolonged inhalation of nitric oxide on chronically hypoxic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of prolonged nitric oxide (NO) inhalation on chronically hypoxic rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) room-air control (C); 2) hypoxia (H); 3) hypoxia with the inhalation of 20 ppm NO(2NH). RV/LV + S, mPAP and the histopathology of the lung were examined. Plasma levels of ET-1 and cGMP were detected by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

1. Hypoxia caused marked elevation in mPAP and RV/LV + s (both P < 0.001 vs Group C). NO significantly reduced mPAP and RV/LV + S; 2. Hypoxia raised the percentage of intra-acinar muscular artery (MA) and lowered that of nonmuscular artery (NAM). MA decreased from 35.2% to 16.8% in Group 2NH; NMA increased from 43.6% to 64.8% in Group 2NH, 3. The plasma level of ET-1 increased and that of cGMP droped significantly in Group H(both P < 0.001 vs Group C). NO resulted in a marked reduction in the plasma ET-1 and an increase in plasma cGMP; 4. Inhalation of NO had no effect on methemoglobin and lung index in hypoxic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged inhalation of 20 ppm NO can attenuate hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and inhibit the hypertrophy of the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and the right ventricle NO, when inhalated at a concentration of 20 ppm for a long duration, will cause no toxicity in chronically hypoxic rats.

[Clinical efficacy of prolonged therapy with NO on patients with pulmonary hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and clinical efficacy of prolonged NO administration in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

METHOD

Clinical efficacy of prolonged treatment (28 days) with NO (20 ppm) in 17 patients with pulmonary hypertension was observed by chest X-ray film, ECG, Doppler echocardiography, analysis of arterial blood gases and the other laboratory investigations.

RESULTS

After prolonged treatment with NO, regurgitation velocity and peak pressure gradient across tricuspid valves during systole reduced by 11.8% and 22.6%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Ejection fraction of right ventricle, stroke volume and cardiac output of left ventricle, partial oxygen pressure and oxygen saturation of arterial blood increased by 29.9%, 60.3%, 37.8%, 21.7% and 3.8% (all statistics; P < 0.0001), respectively. The class of heart function by New York Heart Association (NYHA) was improved dramatically (P < 0.01). Heart rate also reduced from 96 +/- 12 bpm to 83 +/- 10 bpm (P < 0.0001). But systemic artery pressure and the concentration of blood methemoglobin which reflected NO toxicity did not change obviously (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Clinical efficacy of prolonged treatment with NO is satisfied in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Significant clinical side effects and toxicities are not seen during prolonged treatment with NO.

[A simple nitric oxide exposure system for small animals]

A nitric oxide exposing system was designed for experimental research, which consist of equipments such as plexiglass chamber, blower, flowmeter, NO/N2 cylinder, pure O2 cylinder, NOx analyzer, and O2/CO2 monitor. The efficacy of the whole system has been verified through our practice as shown by the following results: measured NO inside the chamber were close to designed NO concentration, measured O2 concentrations in the chamber were similar to that of the atmosphere, and the highest nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were lower than 3 ppm and 0.3% respectively. The experimental facility is simple in construction, easy to be operated and convenient for research on effects and toxicity of long-term inhaled nitric oxide in small animals.

Studies on the relationship between urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and human sperm motility

To clarify the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in the mechanisms of regulating sperm motility and the ability of fertilizing, we investigated the quantities and activities of uPA in human seminal plasma and on the membrane of spermatozoa. Semens were harvested from 22 infertile patients with asthenospermia and 20 healthy fertile men according to WHO standards. To quantify the membrane-bound uPA in the samples, polyclonal antibodies against human urokinase were employed by means of a sandwich ELISA. The uPA activities in seminal plasma and on the surface of spermatozoa were determined using A-garose-Fibrine-Plate method and the experiment of immunological identification with polyclonal antibodies against urokinase. In lysates of spermatozoa, significantly lower levels of uPA (23.1 +/- 7.35 mu/10(6) cells) and uPA activity (5.13 +/- 3.85 mu/10(6) cells) were found in patient group as compared to healthy fertile men exhibiting normospermia (29.89 +/- 9.40 mu/10(6) cells and 10.17 +/- 6.18 mu/10(6) cells). In seminal plasma, uPA activity in patient group (2134 +/- 1581.3 IU/L) was also found significantly lower than that of normal group (3365 +/- 1859.5 IU/L). Positive correlations were observed between sperm motility and uPA quantities (r = 0.48, P < 0.005), as well as with uPA activities (r = 0.45, P < 0.005). Thus, it is inferred that membrane associated uPA on human spermatozoa may be related directly to sperm motility and fertility.

[Expression of myelin basic protein gene in the developing human brain]

The expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) gene in the developing human brain was studied by using Northern dot blot and in situ hybridization with 32P- and biotin-labeled rat MBP cDNA and Diglabeled human MBP cRNA probes so as to explore the relation of temporal and spatial expression of human MBP gene to myelinogenesis and myelination. The results of dot blot analysis showed that the expression of MBP mRNA was near 2.0 A590/microgram of RNA in the fetal brain at 16 weeks of conceptional age, and it increased progressively with development to have 9-fold increment (18 A590/microgram of RNA) in the adult brain. The insitu hybridization was performed with the sections of fetal spinal cord and medulla oblongata at 8-25 weeks of conceptional age, and of pons, midbrain, thalamus, cerebellum and cerebrum at 20, 22 and 25 weeks. The results indicated that the expression of MBP mRNA was found as early as 8-9 weeks and localized within the perinuclear cytoplasm of the scattered cells in the ventral horn of spinal cord and near the basis of the fourth ventricle of medulla oblongata. Whether the above-mentioned labeled cells are neurons or precursors of glial cell remains to be identified because they are larger in size and have more abundant cytoplasm than oligodendrocytes. The labeling of MBP mRNA abruptly increased and spread with the processes of oligodendrocytes to form a network in spinal cord and medulla at 20 weeks; meanwhile, labeling was obvious in pons and scattering in the other brain regions examined.

Atrial and ventricular function after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies on atrial recovery after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation have not taken into account new knowledge about the pathophysiology of transmitral and transtricuspid flow velocity patterns. It is possible to shed further light on this problem if atrioventricular inflow velocity, venous filling pattern, and atrioventricular annulus motion are recorded and interpreted together.

DESIGN

Prospective examinations of mitral and tricuspid transvalvar flow velocities, superior caval and pulmonary venous filling, and mitral and tricuspid annulus motion were recorded using Doppler echocardiography. Examinations were performed before and 24 hours, 1 month, and 20 months after cardioversion.

SETTING

Tertiary referral centre for cardiac disease with facilities for invasive and non-invasive investigation.

PATIENTS

16 patients undergoing cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in whom sinus rhythm had persisted for 24 hours or more.

RESULTS

Before conversion there was no identifiable A wave in transvalvar flow recordings. The total motion of the tricuspid and mitral annulus was subnormal and there was no identifiable atrial component. Venous flow patterns in general showed a low systolic velocity. After conversion, A waves and atrial components were seen in all patients and increased significantly (P < 0.01) with time. There was a similar time course for the amplitude of annulus atrial components, an increased systolic component of venous inflow, an increased A wave velocity, and a decreased E/A ratio of the transvalvar velocity curves. The ventricular component of annulus motion was unchanged. Changes in general occurred earlier on the right side than the left.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that, in addition to the previously known electromechanical dissociation of atrial recovery that exists after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, there may also be a transient deterioration of ventricular function modulating the transvalvar inflow velocity recordings. Function on the right side generally becomes normal earlier than on the left. Integration of information from transvalvar inflow curves, annulus motion, and venous filling patterns gives additional insight into cardiac function.

[Simplified enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays for myelin basic protein and antibodies to myelin basic protein]

Synchronous quantitative determination using simplified enzyme-linked immuno adsorbent assay has been developed for myelin basic protein (MBP) and antibodies to myelin basic protein (Anti-MBP). Antisera were prepared by immunizing rabbits with purified MBP from human white matter. Antibodies to MBP was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by using modified periodate oxidation method. Minimum detection amounts of MBP and Anti-MBP are 0.25 ng/ml and 0.20 ng/ml respectively. The activities of Anti-MBP-HRP conjugates are stable (stored at -30 degrees C) for at least 2 years. The detection procedure can be accomplished within 24 hours.

A bioacoustic method for timing of respiration at cardiac investigations

At cardiac investigations Doppler echocardiography is an established technique for the recording of intracardial and intravascular flow velocities. Transvalvular and venous flows are, however, markedly influenced by respiration. Since the start of inspiration is the important time of reference, accurate recording of the respiratory phase is important when analysing these flow velocities. A bioacoustic technique was therefore adopted to meet this demand and was tested in 10 normal subjects. Oesophageal balloon technique was used as a reference, and the bioacoustic technique was compared with a respiratory inductive plethysmograph. The average delay for the acoustic sensor signal compared to the oesophageal pressure changes was 205 +/- 46 (SD) ms, ranging from 160 to 320 ms for normal breathing, and is comparable to that of the respiratory inductive plethysmograph (210 +/- 90 ms). The bioacoustic technique is easier to apply than the respiratory inductive plethysmograph. The sensitivity to disturbances can be further reduced by signal processing and the method has clinical potential for the future.

The shape of the proximal isovelocity surface area varies with regurgitant orifice size and distance from orifice: computer simulation and model experiments with color M-mode technique

The hemispheric proximal isovelocity surface area method for quantification of mitral regurgitant flow (i.e., Qc = 2 pi r2v), where 2 pi r2 is the surface area and v is the velocity at radius r, was investigated as distance from the orifice was increased. Computer simulations and steady flow model experiments were performed for orifices of 4, 6, and 8 mm. Flow rates derived from the centerline velocity and hemispheric assumption were compared with true flow rates. Proximal isovelocity surface area shape varied as distance from each orifice was increased and could only be approximated from the hemispheric equation when a certain distance was exceeded: > 7, > 10, and > 12 mm for the 4, 6, and 8 mm orifices, respectively. Prediction of relative error showed that the best radial zone at which to make measurements was 5 to 9, 6 to 14 and 7 to 17 mm for the 4, 6, and 8 mm orifices, respectively. Although effects of a nonhemispheric shape could be compensated for by use of a correction factor, a radius of 8 to 9 mm can be recommended without the use of a correction factor over all orifices studied if a deviation in calculated as compared with true flow of 15% is considered acceptable. These measurements therefore have implications for the technique in clinical practice.

Problems in timing of respiration with the nasal thermistor technique

When one analyzes transvalvular and venous flow velocity patterns, it is important to relate them to respiration. For this reason a nasal thermistor technique is often used, although it is known that this signal is delayed in relation to intrathoracic pressure changes. The magnitude and variation in delay have not been investigated previously and were, therefore, studied in a model experiment in 10 normal subjects, in 10 patients with obstructive, and in 10 patients with restrictive pulmonary disease. Esophageal pressure variations measured with an air-filled balloon served as a gold standard for intrathoracic pressure changes. During basal conditions there was, for both patient groups and normal subjects, a considerable delay of the thermistor signal. The average delay for all subjects was 370 msec with a wide variation (from 120 to 720 msec). At higher breathing frequencies the delay shortened to 310 msec (P < 0.01) but there was still a wide variation (ranging from 200 to 470 msec). Theoretic calculations show that the delay caused by the respiratory system accounts for only a minor portion of the total delay. Model experiments confirmed that the response characteristics of the thermistor probes limit the accuracy in timing of respiration. The total delay with the investigated thermistor technique is too long and variable to fulfil clinical demands.

[Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on monophasic action potentials of heart and automaticity and contractility of isolated atria]

The effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on monophasic action potentials (MAP) recorded from the myocardial surface by means of contact electrode were studied in 30 open-chest rabbits. The MAPA was increased and MAPD50, MAPD90 were prolonged with PNS (100, 200 mg.kg-1, iv), while the Vmax remained unchanged. PNS (300-1200 micrograms.ml-1) inhibited the automaticity of isolated guinea pig right atria and the contractility of the left atria. The positive inotropic action of ouabain (0.2 mumol.L-1) on isolated guinea pig left atria was decreased in the presence of PNS 300 micrograms.ml-1.

[Pharmacological studies on the comparison between the drainage and certified Fel Ursi]

A comparison between the drainage and certified Fel Ursi was studied by pharmacological methods. The results demonstrated that the drainage Fel Ursi was similar to the certified products in anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic and bacteriostatic actions.

Sindbis virus: an efficient, broad host range vector for gene expression in animal cells

Sindbis virus, an enveloped virus with a single-stranded RNA genome, was engineered to express a bacterial protein, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), in cultured insect, avian, and mammalian cells. The vectors were self-replicating and gene expression was efficient and rapid; up to 10(8) CAT polypeptides were produced per infected cell in 16 to 20 hours. CAT expression could be made temperature-sensitive by means of a derivative that incorporated a temperature-sensitive mutation in viral RNA synthesis. Vector genomic RNAs were packaged into infectious particles when Sindbis helper virus was used to supply virion structural proteins. The vector RNAs were stable to at least seven cycles of infection. The expression of CAT increased about 10(3)-fold, despite a 10(15)-fold dilution during the passaging. Sindbis virus vectors should prove useful for expressing large quantities of gene products in a variety of animal cells.

Expression of a putative plant viral gene in Escherichia coli

A recombinant plasmid, pCB300, was constructed which carries a cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) DNA insert corresponding to nucleotides 1825-2280, including the coding sequence (1830-2219) of open reading frame III (ORF III). This CaMV DNA insert was fused with the amino-terminal portion of the beta-galactosidase gene. Transcription of the hybrid gene is controlled by the lac promoter, which is repressed in Escherichia coli strain JM103 and can be induced by isopropylthio-beta-D-galactoside (IPTG). When the promoter is derepressed, cells harboring the chimeric plasmid produce an Mr 16 000 fusion protein. This protein is immunodetected by antibodies raised against an amino terminal synthetic peptide of 19 amino acids corresponding to a sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of ORF III.

A second cauliflower mosaic virus gene product influences the structure of the viral inclusion body

We have used electron microscopy of thin sections and experiments on isolated viroplasms to compare the properties of four strains of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), three of which were partially or completely deleted in open reading frame (ORF) II. Our results confirm that this gene is required for aphid transmissibility and show that the product of ORF II influences the firmness with which virions are held within the viroplasm. Analysis of the proteins in the viroplasms showed that a mutant with a partial deletion in ORF II produced a protein smaller than the normal ORF product. This smaller protein was non-functional with respect both to aphid transmissibility and properties of the viroplasms.

Identification by immunoprecipitation of cauliflower mosaic virus in vitro major translation product with a specific serum against viroplasm protein

A highly specific antiserum was prepared against purified cauliflower mosaic virus viroplasm-protein (VmP). A virus specific in vitro major translation product (TPmaj), encoded by the 19S poly(A) RNA fraction from cauliflower mosaic virus infected turnip leaves, was recognized by this antiserum. The N-terminal sequence of TPmaj corresponds to the sequence following the first in-phase initiation codon in gene VI of the cauliflower mosaic virus genome. Both VmP and TPmaj have blocked termini and probably start from the same AUG codon.