Prominent contribution of Th1, Th17, and Tregs to the host response during M. neoaurum infection

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous in outside environment and animals. As for nontuberculous mycobacteria infection, there is only limited information in humans regarding infection and the subsequent immune response, especially for Mycobacterium neoaurum. Here, haematoxylin-eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used to observe pathological changes and detect acid-fast bacilli in organ samples in mouse model. Flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to analyze the contribution of Th1, Th17 and Tregs to the host immune response. M. neoaurum caused chronic infection in mice, resulting in infiltrates with large aggregates of inflammatory cells, especially macrophages, in lung tissues. Our results indicated that 72% of CD4+ T cells appeared in the early days of infection, which was followed by a decrease to 47% by day 32, and then a rise to 76% by day 56. Moreover, we found higher frequency of IFN-g-producing CD4+ T cells and elevated mRNA expression of the transcription factor T-bet in the lungs; however, we observed lower mRNA expression of the transcription factor RORgt and lower frequency of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells. A transient relative decrease in the number of Treg cells was observed in the lungs; however, the number of Tregs did not change significantly between the first and last day following infection. Thus, M. neoaurum causes chronic infection in C57BL/6 mice, with Th1, Th17, and Tregs playing a prominent role in the host response. The present study may lay the basis for further studies on the mechanisms underlying infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Molecular cloning and expression vector construction of bovine TRIM28

The bovine TRIM28 gene was amplified from ovary tissue by using RT-PCR. The TRIM28 gene was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2-EGFP and transfected into bovine fetal fibroblasts by using Lipofectamine 3000. TRIM28 mRNA and protein were detected by fluorescence microscope and western blotting. The results showed that the full length of TRIM28 was cloned and pIRES2-EGFP-TRIM28 was constructed successfully. EGFP expression was observed, and the pIRES2-EGFP-TRIM28 transfected group expressed more TRIM28 protein than that by the pIRES2-EGFP group. The TIMR28 gene has been successfully transferred into bovine fetal fibroblasts.

A novel splice variant of the bovine GALNTL5 gene identified in Chinese Holstein bull testis tissue and its mRNA expression

The polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like protein 5 (GALNTL5) is a newly identified protein that is specifically expressed in testis tissue and participates in spermatogenesis. In this study, we characterized a novel bovine GALNTL5 splice variant, designated as GALNTL5-AS, by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and clone sequencing methods. The novel GALNTL5 isoform was derived from the complete transcript, GALNTL5-complete, via alternative splicing (AS). The pattern of the splice variant was exon skipping. Bovine GALNTL5 transcripts were expressed in the testis, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. The expression levels of both transcripts were higher in adult testes than in calf testes (P < 0.05). In addition, prediction analysis showed that the GALNTL5-AS transcript only encoded 122 amino acids and lost its glycosyltransferase 1 and Gal/GalNAc-T motifs, which may result in a dysfunctional protein compared with the predominant transcript GALNTL5-complete. This study improves our understanding of the bovine GALNTL5 gene function during bull sperm formation.

Identification of CD14 transcript in blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes and functional variation in Holsteins

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) leukocytes are primary phagocytic cells of the bovine mammary gland and a first line of defense against invading pathogens during bovine mastitis infection. Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) is mainly expressed in macrophages and neutrophils and acts as a co-receptor that binds bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recruits PMNs to CD14-LPS complexes in mammary epithelial cells. In this study, we identified a novel splice variant in PMNs, named CD14-SV, characterized by a deleted region from c.143-579 nt compared to the CD14 reference mRNA sequence. Moreover, a single nucleotide polymorphism (c.523 A>G) in exon 2 of CD14 was identified and found to modify the secondary structure and hydrophilicity of the CD14 protein. Association analysis also showed that the milk somatic cell score, an indicator of mastitis, of cows with the GG genotype was lower than that of cows with the AA and AG genotypes. Our findings suggest that the expression of CD14 in bovine blood PMNs is regulated by alternative splicing, and that CD14-SV is a candidate functional marker that may influence mastitis-resistance in dairy cows.

[Significance of precision medicine in pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment]

The morbidity and mortality of pancreatic cancer has been increasing year by year, however, the treatment progress and prevention effect were minimal. With the development of basic research, especially the advances of gene sequencing technology, it was possible to clarify the etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, and achieve the first stage prevention. The discovery of pancreatic cancer exosomes of high sensitivity and specificity made early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (the second stage prevention) no longer a worldwide problem. The build of pancreatic cancer genotyping with clinical applicability made the precision treatment of pancreatic cancer (the third stage prevention) possible. Thus, the precision medicine which is based on advances of gene sequencing, popularity of the Internet and the big data technology has brought a ray of hope for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells from patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been hypothesized to play an important role in abnormal localized inflammation and vascular proliferation observed in skin lesions. Previous studies have revealed abnormal gene expression patterns, DNA methylation status, and cytokine secretion of MSCs in psoriatic skin lesions, as well as some gene expression abnormalities related to inflammation and angiogenesis. We further verified the gene and protein expressions of inflammation-related lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha transcription factor (LITAF), dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), and angiogenesis-related hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) in MSCs derived from the skin lesions of psoriasis patients. The gene expression of LITAF, DUSP1, and HHEX in dermal MSCs was measured at the mRNA level using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the corresponding protein expression levels were analyzed by western blotting analysis. The gene and protein expression levels of LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1 in dermal MSCs were significantly lower in psoriasis patients compared to controls. Amplification and western blotting results were consistent with our previously reported gene chip data. Our results suggest that dermal MSCs in psoriatic skin lesions may be involved in the development, progression, and regulation of localized inflammatory abnormalities by reducing the expression of LITAF, HHEX, and DUSP1, which are related to inflammation and angiogenesis.

Plasma exchange parameter selection and safety observation of children with severe ricinism

The aim of this study was to investigate the selection of plasma exchange (PE) parameters and the safety of children with severe ricinism. The PE parameters and heparin dosage in 7 children with severe ricinism were recorded, and changes in the patients' vital signs and coagulation function were monitored before and after PE. All patients successfully completed PE. The speed of blood flow was 50-80 mL/min, speed of exchange flow was 600-800 mL/h, and isolating rate of blood plasma was 12.5-19.05%. Transmembrane pressure was stable at approximately 100 mmHg, and venous pressure was stable at approximately 95 mmHg. The first dose of heparin was 0.39 ± 0.04 mg/kg, and the maintaining heparin dose was 0.40 ± 0.05 to 0.22 ± 0.03 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1). During the PE process, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oxygen saturation were steady. After PE, the activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time prolonged to 2-3 times greater than that before PE. However, no bleeding tendency was seen. For children with severe ricinism, the choice of PE to eliminate the toxin from blood, tissues, and organs was safe and effective.

Regulatory mutations in the A2M gene are involved in the mastitis susceptibility in dairy cows

Mutations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in the 5′-flanking and microRNA (miRNA) regulatory regions may result in altered gene expression levels and cause diseases. Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) has the function of binding host or foreign peptides and particles, and thereby serves as a defense barrier against pathogens in the plasma and tissues of animals. To investigate the functional markers of the A2M gene associated with mastitis, the promoter was characterized and SNPs that affect promoter activity or binding affinity with the target miRNA were identified using the luciferase reporter assay and real-time quantitative PCR method. Results showed that the core promoter of A2M was found between the bases g.-2641 and g.-2479. Four novel SNPs (g.-724A>G, g.-665G>A, g.-535C>G and g.-520_-519insA) in the promoter region were completely linked. The activity of the mutant haplotype (GAGA) increased by 177% compared with that of the wild haplotype (AGC-). Bta-miR-2898 was upregulated by 6.25-fold in the mammary gland tissues of mastitis-infected cows compared with that of the healthy cows. One SNP (c.4659_4661delC) located in the 3′-untranslated region of the A2M gene may affect the binding affinity with the target bta-miR-2898. Five SNPs exhibited tight linkage. Association analysis showed that the milk somatic cell score for cows with the mutant haplotype (GAGA-) was lower than that for cows with the wild haplotype. Thus, the mutant type can be used as a potential functional marker for a mastitis resistance breeding program in dairy cows. Our findings provided the molecular basis for A2M transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. A close relationship between regulatory mutations and mastitis susceptibility of cows also was established.

Alternative splicing, promoter methylation, and functional SNPs of sperm flagella 2 gene in testis and mature spermatozoa of Holstein bulls

The sperm flagella 2 (SPEF2) gene is essential for development of normal sperm tail and male fertility. In this study, we characterized first the splice variants, promoter and its methylation, and functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of theSPEF2gene in newborn and adult Holstein bulls. Four splice variants were identified in the testes, epididymis, sperm, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and liver tissues through RT-PCR, clone sequencing, and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed that theSPEF2was specifically expressed in the primary spermatocytes, elongated spermatids, and round spermatids in the testes and epididymis.SPEF2-SV1was differentially expressed in the sperms of high-performance and low-performance adult bulls;SPEF2-SV2presents the highest expression in testis and epididymis;SPEF2-SV3was only detected in testis and epididymis. An SNP (c.2851G>T) in exon 20 ofSPEF2, located within a putative exonic splice enhancer, potentially producedSPEF2-SV3and was involved in semen deformity rate and post-thaw cryopreserved sperm motility. The luciferase reporter and bisulfite sequencing analysis suggested that the methylation pattern of the core promoter did not significantly differ between the full-sib bulls that presented hypomethylation in the ejaculated semen and testis. This finding indicates that sperm quality is unrelated toSPEF2methylation pattern. Our data suggest that alternative splicing, rather than methylation, is involved in the regulation ofSPEF2expression in the testes and sperm and is one of the determinants of sperm motility during bull spermatogenesis. The exonic SNP (c.2851G>T) produces aberrant splice variants, which can be used as a candidate marker for semen traits selection breeding of Holstein bulls.

Wilms' tumor suppressor gene mutations in girls with sporadic isolated steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Mutations in the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) can lead to syndromic forms of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) such as Denys-Drash or Frasier syndrome and can cause isolated SRNS. A mutation within WT1 is a frequent cause of sporadic isolated SRNS in girls. In a worldwide cohort of girls, the rate of occurrence was 10.8%. Previous reports have indicated that in Chinese girls, the detection rate of WT1 mutations is 16.7% for early onset isolated nephrotic syndrome. The detection rate of WT1 mutations in Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS is unknown. We examined WT1 mutations in 14 Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing and studied a control group of 38 boys with sporadic isolated SRNS. We identified a WT1 mutation in 1 of 14 (7.1% detection rate) Chinese girls with sporadic isolated SRNS. No mutations occurred in WT1 in the remaining 13 girls or the control group. Our investigation supports the necessity of genetic examination for mutations in WT1 in girls with sporadic isolated SRNS.

Salinomycin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

The anti-tumor antibiotic salinomycin (Sal) was recently identified as a selective inhibitor of breast cancer stem cells; however, the effect of Sal on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. This study aimed to determine the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of Sal on HCC. HCC cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, and BEL-7402) were treated with Sal. Cell doubling time was determinated by drawing growth curve, cell viability was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8. The fraction of CD133(+) cell subpopulations was assessed by flow cytometry. We found that Sal inhibits proliferation and decreases PCNA levels as well as the proportion of HCC CD133(+)cell subpopulations in HCC cells. Cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry and showed that Sal caused cell cycle arrest of the various HCC cell lines in different phases. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining. Sal induced apoptosis as characterized by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Several signaling pathways were selected for further mechanistic analyses using real time-PCR and Western blot assays. Compared to control, β-catenin expression is significantly down-regulated upon Sal addition. The Ca(2+) concentration in HCC cells was examined by flow cytometry and higher Ca(2+) concentrations were observed in Sal treatment groups. The anti-tumor effect of Sal was further verified in vivo using the hepatoma orthotopic tumor model and the data obtained showed that the size of liver tumors in Sal-treated groups decreased compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining also demonstrated that Sal inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in vivo. Finally, the role of Sal on in vivo Wnt/β-catenin signaling was evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. This study demonstrates Sal inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo and one potential mechanism is inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling via increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels.

Mechanism of action of salinomycin on growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers worldwide and there are few effective treatments. Recently, salinomycin (Sal) was reported to alter proliferation and apoptosis in various tumors. This prompted us to investigate the effect of Sal on pancreatic cancer cells and to explore the possible molecular mechanism in vitro.

METHODS

After treatment with Sal, pancreatic cancer cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells were assayed by a Transwell migration assay. Flow cytometry was also used to assessed the fraction of CD133(+) cell subpopulations. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, E-cadherin, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related proteins were detected by RT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

Sal inhibited the growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We found that the proportion of CD133(+) cell subpopulations decreased after treatment with Sal in pancreatic cancer cell lines at the same time. The percentage of apoptotic cells was increased after Sal treatment. Compared with control groups, Bax and E-cadherin were significantly upregulated, and Bcl-2 and PCNA were significantly downregulated in Sal-treated cells. The expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related proteins (β-catenin and p-GSK-3β) was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Sal could influence the cell growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, which may occur by inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Novel SNPs of the mannan-binding lectin 2 gene and their association with production traits in Chinese Holsteins

The mannan-binding lectin gene (MBL) participates as an opsonin in the innate immune system of mammals, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MBL cause various immune dysfunctions. In this study, we detected SNPs in MBL2 at exon 1 using polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing techniques in 825 Chinese Holstein cows. Four new SNPs with various allele frequencies were also found. The g.1164 G>A SNP was predicted to substitute arginine with glutamine at the N-terminus of the cysteine-rich domain. In the collagen-like domain, SNPs g.1197 C>A and g.1198 G>A changed proline to glutamine, whereas SNP g.1207 T>C was identified as a synonymous mutation. Correlation analysis showed that the g.1197 C>A marker was significantly correlated to somatic cell score (SCS), and the g.1164 G>A locus had significant effects on SCS, fat content, and protein content (P < 0.05), suggesting possible roles of these SNPs in the host response against mastitis. Nine haplotypes and nine haplotype pairs corresponding to the loci of the 4 novel SNPs were found in Chinese Holsteins. Haplotype pairs MM, MN, and BQ were correlated with the lowest SCS; MN with the highest protein yield; MM with the highest protein rate, and MN with the highest 305- day milk yield. Thus, MM, MN, and BQ are possible candidates for marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle breeding programs.

Increased expression of a novel splice variant of the complement component 4 (C4A) gene in mastitis-infected dairy cattle

The complement system helps in the direct lysis of invading pathogens and modulates phagocytic, humoral and cellular immune responses. Complement 4 is a critical component in complement activity and protection against many bacterial pathogens because it is essential to classical and lectin activation pathways. We used reverse transcription and PCR to investigate alternative splicing and expression of the complement component 4 (C4A) gene in Chinese Holstein cattle. The PCR products were cloned and sequenced. A novel splice variant involving intron 10 was identified, which we named C4A-AS. To examine how C4A gene activity is affected by bovine mastitis, six Chinese Holstein cattle were divided into healthy (non-mastitic) and Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitic groups. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the C4A-complete and C4A-AS transcripts are expressed at significantly different levels in healthy cows, while there were no significant differences in the mastitic group (P = 0.257). Expression of C4A-AS increased significantly when mastitis developed. We also examined the expression of C4A-complete and C4A-AS in several tissues (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, tongue, and muscle). The two transcripts were expressed in all of these tissues but there were no significant differences in expression between healthy and mastitic cows. We therefore conclude that the C4A-complete transcript is the main transcript under normal physiological conditions, while C4A-AS is augmented when mastitis develops.

Agonists at GPR119 mediate secretion of GLP-1 from mouse enteroendocrine cells through glucose-independent pathways

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) mediates insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release from intestinal L cells. While GPR119-mediated insulin secretion is glucose dependent, it is not clear whether or not GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion similarly requires glucose. This study was designed to address the glucose-dependence of GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion, and to explore the cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion in L cells versus those in β cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

GLP-1 secretion in response to GPR119 agonists and ion channel modulators, with and without glucose, was analysed in the intestinal L cell line GLUTag, in primary intestinal cell cultures and in vivo. Insulin secretion from Min6 cells, a pancreatic β cell line, was analysed for comparison.

KEY RESULTS

In GLUTag cells, GPR119 agonists stimulated GLP-1 secretion both in the presence and in the absence of glucose. In primary mouse colon cultures, GPR119 agonists stimulated GLP-1 secretion under glucose-free conditions. Moreover, a GPR119 agonist increased plasma GLP-1 in mice without a glucose load. However, in Min6 cells, GPR119-mediated insulin secretion was glucose-dependent. Among the pharmacological agents tested in this study, nitrendipine, an L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker, dose-dependently reduced GLP-1 secretion from GLUTag cells, but had no effect in Min6 cells in the absence of glucose.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Unlike that in pancreatic β cells, GPR119-mediated GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L cells was glucose-independent in vitro and in vivo, probably because of a higher basal calcium tone in the L cells.

Enhancement of bandgap emission of Pt-capped MgZnO films: important role of light extraction versus exciton-plasmon coupling

We present on a systematic study of the contribution of surface plasmon (SP) coupling and light extraction toward emission enhancement of Platinum (Pt) nano-patterns capped MgZnO films. Time resolved Photoluminescence (PL) results indicate that the Pt coating can greatly reduces the non-radiative recombination rate by passivation of surface states, making the decay slow down. Temperature dependence of the integrated photoluminescence intensity reveals that the Pt nano-patterns can offer a large amount of light transfer and scattering, which enormously increase the light extraction efficiency up to 3.8-fold. These results indicate that the increased light extraction efficiency caused by surface modification via Pt coating rather than SP coupling plays a dominant role in increasing bandgap emission of MgZnO film.

Two splice variants of the bovine lactoferrin gene identified in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitis in dairy cattle

Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is a member of the transferrin family; it plays an important role in the innate immune response. We identified novel splice variants of the bLF gene in mastitis-infected and healthy cows. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and clone sequencing analysis were used to screen the splice variants of the bLF gene in the mammary gland, spleen and liver tissues. One main transcript corresponding to the bLF reference sequence was found in three tissues in both healthy and mastitis-infected cows. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of the LF gene's main transcript were not significantly different in tissues from healthy versus mastitis-infected cows. However, the new splice variant, LF-AS2, which has the exon-skipping alternative splicing pattern, was only identified in mammary glands infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Sequencing analysis showed that the new splice variant was 251 bp in length, including exon 1, part of exon 2, part of exon 16, and exon 17. We conclude that bLF may play a role in resistance to mastitis through alternative splicing mechanisms.

Three novel SNPs of the bovine Tf gene in Chinese native cattle and their associations with milk production traits

Transferrin (Tf) is a β-globulin protein that transports iron ions in mammalian cells. It contributes to innate immunity to microbial pathogens, primarily by limiting microbial access to iron. Thus, polymorphisms present in bovine Tf could potentially underlie inherited differences in mastitis resistance and milk production traits. We detected three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the Tf gene in Chinese native cattle by screening for genetic variation of Tf in 751 individuals of three Chinese cattle breeds, namely China Holstein, Luxi Yellow and Bohai Black, using PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing techniques. The three new SNPs, g.-1748G>A ss250608649, g.13942T>C ss250608650, and g.14037A>G ss250608651, had allele frequencies of 85.9, 86.3 and 92.5%, 64.5, 73.3 and 65.0%, and 67.6, 73.7 and 60.0%, respectively. SNP g.-1748G>A was located in the 5' flanking region of Tf. SNP g.14037A>G was located in intron 8 of Tf. SNP g.13942T>C, located in exon 8 of Tf, was a synonymous mutation (TTA > CTA), encoding a leucine (326 aa) in the Tf protein. Associations of the Tf SNPs with milk traits were also analyzed. Significant (P < 0.05) relationships among the Tf polymorphisms, somatic cell scores (SCS), and milk productive traits were observed. Cows with genotypes TT (g.13942T>C), GG (g.-1748G>A) and AG (g.14037A>G) had a lower SCS and higher protein levels and 305-day milk yield. Nineteen combinations of different haplotypes from the three SNPs were identified in Chinese Holstein cattle. The haplotype combination ATA/GCA, GCA/GCA and GCG/ GTA was dominant in cows with a lower SCS, a higher protein level and a higher 305-day milk yield, respectively. Moreover, the gene expression level of Tf was higher in mastitis-affected mammary tissues than in normal mammary tissues. These results suggest that the Tf gene affects milk production, as well as mastitis-resistance traits, in Chinese Holsteins.

Competition between selenomethionine and methionine absorption in the intestinal tract of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)

l-Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a dominant form of selenium (Se) found in organisms at all levels of aquatic food chains and a key source of Se bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity. In mammals, intestinal absorption of SeMet is at least partly via the Na(+)-dependent neutral amino acid transporter. The mechanism of SeMet absorption and competitive effects of other dietary components on SeMet absorption in fish are unknown. Thus the in vitro uptake rates of l-methionine (Met) and the competitive effect of SeMet on Met absorption, an indicator that SeMet uses the same nutrient transporter(s) for absorption, in the various regions of the green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) intestine were investigated using intact tissues (a modified everted sleeve method). Intestinal tissue was incubated in Ringer's solution containing 0-10mmolL(-1) Met or SeMet (n=5 for each substrate's concentration and intestinal region), respectively, as well as constant tracer levels of isotope-labeled Met. The data indicate that SeMet uptake was mediated by the same transporter(s) as Met and that the absorption kinetics were similar for both substrates. When there were differences in absorption they appeared to be mostly due to higher permeability (passive uptake) of the tissue for Met than for SeMet, particularly in the pyloric caeca (PC) and distal intestine (DI). Maximum rates of absorption, on the other hand, tended to be higher for SeMet than Met in the mid intestine and DI, whereas differences in affinity for the transporters varied between these tissues but were very similar in the PC. These differences may be due to differences in regional intestinal characteristics such as amount of mucus secreted and degree of tissue contraction, and/or substrate differences regarding solubility in and movement through the mucus, influence on tissue contraction, permeability through membranes or between cells, intracellular metabolism, as well as basolateral transport. Interestingly, an increasing proximal-to-distal gradient for rates of methionine and putative SeMet absorption was observed in green sturgeon which differs from the declining gradient usually observed for substrate absorption in other fish species and mammals.

Viscoelastic thin polymer films under transient residual stresses: two-stage dewetting on soft substrates

A nonmonotonic, two-stage dewetting behavior was observed for spin coated thin viscoelastic polymer films on soft elastic substrates. At times shorter than the relaxation time of the polymer (t<tau_{rep}), dewetting generated deep trenches in the soft rubbery substrate which, in turn, almost stopped dewetting. At later stages (t>>tau_{rep}), dewetting accelerated, accompanied by an unstable rim. However, holes nucleated at t<tau_{rep} showed only this second-stage behavior. Our observations are attributed to large elastic deformations in the substrate caused by transient residual stresses within the film.

Differential gene expression of aldolase C (ALDOC) and hypoxic adaptation in chickens

Two sequence variants of the aldolase C (ALDOC) gene were discovered based on comparison of the sequences from an altiplano chicken breed (Tibetan chicken) and two lowland breeds (White Leghorn and ShouGuang). Gel-shift results indicated that one of these variants, L25375:c.310-258G>A, was able to bind hypoxia-induced factor-l (HIF1A), therefore, functioning as a hypoxia response element (HRE). The combined activity of the HRE and HIF1A could increase under the influence of a hypoxic stimulus. Hypoxia leads to increased death rates of chicken embryos, while the L25375:c.310-258G>A described herein is prevalent in healthy embryos grown under hypoxic conditions. Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR results revealed that HIF1A upregulated the transcript level of the glycolytic enzyme ALDOC in the brain and skeletal muscle of animals subjected to hypoxia. Thus, a large amount of ATP is produced by increased glycolysis, allowing the organism to meet energy metabolism demands. As such, we believe this sequence variant is an adaptation to external anoxic environment.

Origin and phylogeographical structure of Chinese cattle

Complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences of 231 samples were used to explore the origin and genetic diversity of Chinese cattle. Phylogenetical analysis of these sequences revealed both Bos taurus and Bos indicus mitochondrial types in Chinese cattle. Four of the previously identified mitochondrial DNA lineages (T1-T4) were identified in the Bos taurus type, including lineage T1, which was found for the first time in Chinese cattle. Two lineages (I1 and I2) were identified in the Bos indicus type. Our results support the suggestion that the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is the domestication site of Chinese zebu. We also found evidence that Tibetan cattle originated from taurine and zebu cattle. The distribution pattern of Chinese cattle breeds was closely related to the geographical and climatic background. It was possible to divide Chinese cattle in this study into two major groups: northern and southern cattle.

Identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 5' end and exons of the PRKAG3 gene in Hubbard White broiler, Leghorn layer, and three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds

5'-AMP-activated protein kinase plays an important role in regulating the level of ATP in the presence of metabolic stress. Previous studies revealed that polymorphisms in 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase gamma 3 subunit (PRKAG3) gene are associated with meat quality in pigs. In the present study, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'-end and exons of chicken PRKAG3 gene were identified with the method of single-strand conformation polymorphism in Hubbard ISA White broiler, Leghorn layer, and three Chinese indigenous chicken breeds, Tibet Chicken, Shouguang Chicken and Beijing Yellow Chicken. Two SNPs in the 5'-end of the gene and 10 SNPs in exons 3, 4, 9 and 11, of which three caused amino acid substitutions, were identified in the PRKAG3 gene of the five chicken breeds. The results will facilitate further study on the association between the mutations of PRKAG3 and chicken meat quality.

Characteristics of aerosols collected in central Taiwan during an Asian dust event in spring 2000

Aerosol samples for PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) were collected at four locations in central Taiwan from 26 to 31 March 2000, a period that experienced exceedingly high PM levels from 29 to 30 March due to the passage of an Asian dust storm. The samples were analyzed for mass, metallic elements, ions, and carbon. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the dust storm on the characteristics of local ambient particulate matter. The results indicate that the concentrations of the crustal elements Ca, Mg, Al, Fe and the sea salt species Na+ and Cl- in PM(2.5-10) during the dust episode exceed the mean concentrations in the non-dust period by factors of 3.1, 2.9, 2.6, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.1 respectively. Enrichment factors of Ca, Fe, and Mg in PM(2.5-10) during the dust event are close to unity, indicating that these elements are from soil. Reconstruction of aerosol compositions revealed that soil of coarse particulates elevated approximately 50% in the dust event. It is noted that during the dust event, the ratio of Mg/Al in PM(2.5-10) ranged from 0.21 to 0.25 while that of Ca/Al ranged from 0.6 to 0.9, levels more constant than those obtained in non-dust period.

The clinical value of serum CEA, CA19-9, and CA242 in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM

Serum tumour markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and CA242 were investigated to evaluate the values of single and combined test in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Pre-operative serum CEA, CA19-9 and CA242 were measured in 105 pancreatic cancers, 70 non-pancreatic malignancies and 30 benign pancreatic diseases.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of CA19-9 alone was the highest in pancreatic cancer patients (80%), but the specificity was significantly lower than that of CEA and CA242 (P<0.01). The combination of CEA and CA242 could increase the specificity to 92%. In serum CA242 positive patients, the survival time was remarkably shorter than that of patients with negative result (P<0.01). The survival time in patients with more than two markers positive expression of CEA, CA19-9 and CA242 was obviously shorter than that of only one or no marker positive expression (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic rate of CA19-9 in pancreatic cancer is better than that of CEA and CA242. Combined detection of CEA and CA242 can improve the diagnostic specificity obviously. High levels of serum markers are associated with advanced stage of the disease. Patients with two or three markers positive expression of CEA, CA19-9, and CA242 simultaneously had a shorter survival time.

Cholesterol-3-beta, 5-alpha, 6-beta-triol induced genotoxicity through reactive oxygen species formation

The mutagenicity of oxysterols, cholesterol-3beta,5alpha,6beta-triol (alpha-Triol), 7-keto-cholesterol (7-Keto) and cholesterol-5alpha,6alpha-epoxide (alpha-Epox) were examined by the Ames method and chromosome aberration test in this study. Only alpha-Triol concentration-dependently caused an increase of bacterial revertants in the absence of metabolic activating enzymes (S9), but not 7-keto and alpha-Epox. The mutagenic effect of alpha-Triol was reduced by the addition of S9. On the other hand, although alpha-Triol significantly induced chromosome aberration in CHO-K1 cells with and without S9. However, the addition of S9 reduced the degree of abnormal structure chromosome compared to without S9 mix. Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibited alpha-Triol induced increase of revertants in Salmonella typhimurium and chromosome aberration frequency in CHO cells, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) might be involved in the genotoxic effect of alpha-Triol. Treatment with alpha-Triol increased the ROS production in CHO cells, which could be attenuated by catalase and SOD. Results in this study suggested, for the first time that alpha-Triol, causes genotoxic effect in an ROS-dependent manner.

Residue characteristics and pore development of petrochemical industry sludge pyrolysis

Petrochemical industry bio-sludge was pyrolyzed to investigate the composition and pore size distribution of pyrolytic residue. Results indicated that the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen concentrations could be reduced after an increase in pyrolytic temperature. The trace element analysis indicated that Al, Ca, Fe, Mg. K, Cu, Sr, and Sb concentrated during the pyrolytic process. When forty grams of pre-dried sludge were pyrolyzed at various pyrolytic temperatures, the transfers from the gas phase to liquid phase to residue were from 21.2 to 36.0%, from 49.0 to 70.0%, and from 8.3 to 16.5%. Results of the pore size distribution examination indicated that the mesopore had the greatest effect on the bio-sludge pyrolysis. The optimal pyrolytic temperatures and times were approximately 800 degrees C for 30 min and 900 degrees C for 10 min. The conceptual model can reasonably explain the pore structure development during the pyrolysis process.

Immediate and long-term outcomes of stent implantation for unprotected left main coronary artery disease

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is now uniformly treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, some patients with LMCA disease do not receive CABG because of high operative risks. The advent of stent implantation has permitted a non-operative improvement in myocardial blood flow in many patients with single- and multi-vessel coronary artery disease. However, the outcomes of stent implantation for unprotected LMCA disease are still unclear. Stent implantation was performed for unprotected LMCA disease in 13 patients; eight patients had high operative risk and five patients had refused CABG. The primary success rate was 100% (13/13 patients). One patient (8%) developed a non-Q-wave myocardial infarction after LMCA stenting. Repeat angiography was obtained in five patients (38%) with recurrent angina, and three patients (23%) received repeated percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for LMCA restenosis. In the follow-up period of 18+/-3 months, 12 patients (92%) remained in satisfactory condition with no further need for surgical intervention. One patient (8%) ultimately required CABG, and she died after CABG at 3 months after LMCA stenting. In conclusion, although CABG remains the standard treatment for LMCA disease, the present study demonstrates that stent implantation is a safe and clinically beneficial revascularization procedure for unprotected LMCA disease in patients who have high operative risk as well as those who refuse CABG.

[Pharmaceutical evaluation of fast-disintegrant tablet containing nicorandil-loaded particles]

AIM

To improve the bioavailability and taste of fast-disintegrating tablet (FD tablet) containing nicorandil-loaded particles.

METHODS

A FD tablet containing nicorandil-loaded particles with 1%-4% croscarmellose sodium in addition of D-mannitol and lactose (9:1) was prepared and the dissolution and absorption characteristics were examined, in comparison with FD tablet and commercial tablets of nicorandil. In vivo absorption of nicorandil from FD tablet was evaluated in beagle dogs.

RESULTS

The disintegration time of FD tablets containing 1% croscarmellose sodium with 6 mm and 10 mm in diameter were about 12 and 23 seconds, respectively. When nicorandil-loaded particles consist of myristyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol were put in FD tablet, nicorandil release from FD tablet continued until 6 h while nicorandil release from Sigmart and FD tablet containing nicorandil crystals finished within 5 min. In vivo absorption of nicorandil from Sigmart and FD tablet containing nicorandil crystals was very similar after oral administration in beagle dogs and no statistic difference in AUC, Tmax, Cmax was observed between these tablets. However pharmacokinetics parameters of nicorandil after oral administration of FD tablet containing nicorandil-loaded particles showed that nicorandil was delivered into the body at a suitable absorption rate with similar AUC, delayed Tmax and lower Cmax.

CONCLUSION

The reports suggest that the modification of properties of myristyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol released from the drug-loaded particles system would lead to more acceptable bioavailability of the system. However, The formulation of particles and may have a masking effect against the bitter taste and irritation of the drug.

Molecular epidemiology of enterovirus 71 in Taiwan

Taiwan suffered a severe and widespread outbreak of enterovirus infection in 1998. More than 400 children were hospitalized, with seventy-eight fatalities due to central nerve system (CNS) involvement and cardiopulmonary collapse. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was incriminated as the causative agent for the fatal cases. To understand the viral molecular epidemiology in this outbreak, fragments of 207-bp length of the VP4 region in 23 Taiwanese EV 71 isolates were sequenced. Pair-wise comparison revealed a 17.5-24.4% difference between the isolates and the prototype BrCr. However, all the changes in the VP4 region of the isolated strains were synonymous substitutions. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on these 23 isolates and 21 others deposited in GenBank. In this study, forty-four EV71 isolates from the world were separated into three distinct genotypes: A, B and C. The EV71 prototype strain, BrCr/70, is the only strain of genotype A. Group B included strains from the United States, Japan and Taiwan. Most strains in genotype B were isolated prior to 1990. Group C consisted of strains from Japan and Taiwan. Most strains of genotype C were isolated after 1990, they were further divided into 3 clusters: i.e. C-1, C-2 and C-3. In Taiwan, two genotypes, B and C-3, were co-circulating during the outbreak in 1998, although a minor group of genotype B may have appeared in Taiwan before 1986. The majority of the isolates clustered in genotype C-3. Genotype C showed a higher evolutionary rate than genotype B (3.9 x 10(-3) vs. 1.4 x 10(-3)) in the VP4 region. There seems to be a worldwide trend with strains of genotype B appearing earlier than strains of genotype C which took over later in the dominance.

[Transdermal microparticle delivery by a supersonic-Helios gun system]

AIM

To investigate the effect of particle size and high speed flow of helium gas on the systemic absorption of indomethacin using a needle-less injection system.

METHODS

Poly-L-lactic acid microspheres containing indomethacin was prepared by the o/w solvent evaporation technique. After anesthetizing the male hairless rat, microspheres filled in the tube cartridge was accelerated by a stream of helium gas at various velocity in the Helios gun system, and then was introduced to the abdominal skin.

RESULTS

Introduction of indomethacin to the hairless rat skin was proportionally increased with enhancing the helium pressure (supersonic flow). Bioavailability and Cmax were also dependent on the helium pressure.

CONCLUSION

This method can be used to deliver the powered drug and/or microparticulate systems into the skin tissues and the systemic circulation.

[The study of the distortion product emission in the people with hypertriglyceride]

OBJECTIVE

To study the change of the amplitude and latency of the distortion product emission (DPOAE) in the people with hypertriglyceride.

METHOD

The DPOAE amplitude and latency of 30 people with hypertriglyceride and 18 normal was acquired with ILO-V5.

RESULT

Although the hearing threshold of pure tone was not affected, but DPOAE amplitude of the people with hypertriglyceride was significantly decreased with the normal people, the changes of latency was not significantly affected.

CONCLUSION

The cochlea of patient with hyperlipidemia may be damage in its early-stage. The generating mechanism of DPOAE latency and amplitude may be different.

Unexpected recurrent seizures following repeated spinal injections of tetracaine--a case report

A 36-year-old male patient was scheduled to undergo ureteroscopic lithotomy because of left ureteral stone under spinal anesthesia. After receiving a renewed spinal anesthesia with 8 mg tetracaine to compensate for the first attempt (with 10 mg tetracaine), which proved to be a failure, he was soon seized with episodic seizure attacks. Central nervous system toxicity of the local anesthetic might be the cause of the seizure. We brought forward this case for discussion for warning that the possibility of systemic toxicity of local anesthetic might exist despite a seemingly undisputable spinal anesthesia.

[The evaluation of eustachian tube function in patients suffered from SOM with C type curve]

OBJECTIVE

To explore eustachian tube (ET) function in patients suffered from SOM with C type curve.

METHOD

To test the tympanogram following toynbee test and valsalva manoeuvre respectively. The shift of peak point was quantified and the results were compared with normal subjects.

RESULT

ET dysfunction was found in 52.38% of the patients, it was observed in 30% of the normal subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ET dysfunction is one of the causes of SOM with C type curve, but not the only cause.

[A new method to evaluate the eustachian tube function]

OBJECTIVE

To study the practicality of a new method to evaluate eustachian tube function.

METHOD

We acquired the tympanogram of 30 normal persons (60 cases) by means of classical tympanometry, Toynbee test and valsalva maneuvre respectively, the peak point of each tympanogram was P1, P2 and P3 corresponding P1 -P2 > 10 daPa or Pmax-Pmin > 15 daPa was accepted as normal.

RESULT

70% cases were accepted normal, whose peak point shifted obviously.

CONCLUSION

The method is a simple, objective and practical one; If the peak point shifts obviously, the function of ET is normal; On the contrary, if the function of ET may be abnormal, other tests should be performed.

[Influence of smoking on nasal airway resistance]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the influence of smoking on nasal airway resistance (NAR).

METHOD

The unilateral and total NAR of 40 normal controls, 41 slight smokers and 42 heavy smokers were evaluated by anterior rhinomanometry before and after nasal decongestion.

RESULT

Before nasal decongestion, the unilateral and total NAR of heavy smokers increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with that of normal controls. After decongestion, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). Whenever before or after decongestion, there was no significant difference between slight smokers and normal controls (P > 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Long-time and heavy smoking can enhance the NAR, which may be due to the chang of blood vessels in nasal mucosa.

Effect of NPY in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus on uncoupling proteins 1, 2, and 3 in the rat

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) injected into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) stimulates feeding and decreases uncoupling protein (UCP)-1 mRNA in brown adipose tissue (BAT). The present studies were undertaken to determine whether UCP-2 in white adipose tissue (WAT) and UCP-3 in muscle are regulated by NPY in the PVN. PVN-cannulated male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with either saline or NPY (PVN, 117 pmol, 0.5 microl) every 6 h for 24 h. NPY in the PVN stimulated feeding and decreased UCP-1 mRNA in BAT independent of NPY-induced feeding. UCP-2 mRNA in WAT was unchanged by NPY. In acromiotrapezius muscle, NPY decreased UCP-3 mRNA, but this was reversed by restricting food intake to control levels. In biceps femoris muscle, NPY alone had no effect on UCP-3 mRNA, but UCP-3 mRNA was significantly increased in the NPY-treated rats that were restricted to control levels of intake. These results suggest that UCP-2 in WAT and UCP-3 in muscle are not subject to specific regulation by NPY in the PVN.

Ventilation tube in adults with middle-ear effusion

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to analyze the data concerning otitis media with effusion (OME) to configure its etiology, symptomatology, and outcome in adults.

METHOD

A retrospective study of 198 consecutive cases (260 ears) of OME was conducted between July 1988 and June 1996. All of the patients were older than 16 years and were diagnosed for the first time. Tympanograms, initial symptoms, underlying diseases, extrusion of the ventilation tube, and recurrence rate of effusion were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sinusitis was usually seen in patients 16 to 29 and over 60 years old, whereas nasopharyngeal carcinoma was prevalent in patients 30 to 59 years old. Ear stuffiness (75.3%) was the most prevalent initial symptom, followed by hearing impairment (74.2%). One hundred seventy-five ears from 132 patients had been followed up for more than 2 years. In four ears, ventilation tubes were removed by instrument; the ventilation tubes in the remaining 171 ears of 128 patients extruded spontaneously within 20 months (8.6 months on average). Recurrence of effusion within 2 years was noted in 78.8% (78/99 ears) of patients with head and neck tumours and in 27.3% (12/44 ears) of patients with sinusitis.

CONCLUSION

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma and sinusitis were the main etiologies of OME in adults. In addition to treatment of sinusitis, nasopharyngeal check-up is mandatory in adults with OME.

Seroepidemiology of human parvovirus B19 in Taiwan

In order to determine the prevalence and risk factors of human parvovirus B19 (B19) infection in Taiwan, a seroepidemiological study was carried out in 19 townships. Serum samples were collected from 862 healthy residents, who were selected by stratified random sampling from various study areas. They were chosen from four different ethnic groups including aborigines, Fukien Taiwanese, Hakka Taiwanese, and mainland Chinese. Serum samples were screened for B19 IgG antibody by indirect antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and B19 IgM by IgM antibody capture (MAC)-ELISA, respectively. The overall prevalence of anti-B19 IgG and anti-B19 IgM was 32.8% and 0.35%, respectively. The anti-B19 seropositive rate in females was significantly higher than that of males (36.4% vs. 29.4%, P < .001). The age-sex-adjusted seropositive rate in urban townships (39.9%) was higher than that in aboriginal townships (30.5%, P < .001). The seropositive rate increased significantly with age showing a dose-response relationship (P=0.0001 based on a trend test). Blood transfusion was found to be associated with an increased seropositive rate showing a multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of 1.6.

Patch testing in the detection of cutaneous reactions caused by carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is a widely used antiepileptic drug associated with various side effects including skin eruptions. Peroral provocation test with any suspected drug is a reliable method of investigating the etiology: however, it is both laborious and potentially dangerous to the patient. Patch testing has been reported with variable success in skin drug reactions. Four cases (one male, three females) with epileptic seizures were reviewed; all had received carbamazepine therapy with appropriate dosage, then suffered from various cutaneous reactions including maculopapular exanthema, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome after the initial therapy for two weeks to one month. Skin patch test was done with 1% and 10% carbamazepine in petrolatum applied on the back, then read at 48 and 72 hours. All four patients had positive allergic patch test reactions to carbamazepine. One patient had extreme (+3), one had strong (+2) and another two had weak (+) reactions. There were no any skin reaction to vehicle and control cases. This limited study demonstrates that patch testing may be useful in the detection or confirmation of any type of exanthematous eruption caused by carbamazepine.

The aging retarding effect of 'Long-Life CiLi'

'Long-Life CiLi' ('CiLi') oral liquid, is composed of superoxide dismutase (SOD), polysacchairide, vitamin C, vitamin E and trace elements which were all extracted from a natural plant fruit Cili (Rosa roxburghii Tratt) in Guizhou, China. A set of indices were evaluated after administration of 'CiLi' 10 ml Bid, for two months in 50-75 years old healthy people, the mean value of NK cell activity (22.4 +/- 10.8-->27.5 +/- 12.9%, P < 0.05), SOD (453.0 +/- 24.2-->468.6 +/- 21.3 micrograms/gHb, P < 0.001), Catalase (15.5 +/- 1.7-->17.4 +/- 3.0 U/mgHb, P < 0.001) and GSH content (2.3 +/- 0.3-->2.6 +/- 0.5 mg/gHb, P < 0.001) in erythrocytes and 'delta CO, CI, SV, SI, LVET, LVETI and AC' values increased significantly, while the serum LPO level (4.20 +/- 0.78-->3.78 +/- 0.50 nmol/ml, P < 0.001), total microcirculation weighed value (1.87 +/- 1.0-->0.92 +/- 0.5, P < 0.001), delta PVR (-241.7 +/- 733.2-->187.9 +/- 938.2, P < 0.05) and the light reaction time (Simple RT, red light: 383 +/- 128-->332 +/- 68.9 ms, P < 0.05; selective RT: red light 709 +/- 287-->566 +/- 119 ms, P < 0.05; green light 639 +/- 162-->536 +/- 80 ms, P < 0.01) decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in the control group. The mean life span of fruit flies were significantly elongated for low, medium and high concentrations 'CiLi' treatment groups than in the control group (Female: 57.6 +/- 11.3-->62.1 +/- 12.8; 69.6 +/- 14.7; 62.6 +/- 12 days; P < 0.05 approximately 0.001. Male: 56.3 +/- 9.6-->64.9 +/- 12.4; 64.5 +/- 14.5; 64.8 +/- 14.1 days, P < 0.001). It is suggested that 'CiLi' has an aging retarding and geroprotection effect.

HLA and longevity or aging among Shanghai Chinese

Twenty-two centenarians and one hundred and seventy-nine nonagenarians (mean age 93 +/- 1.04 years) in the Shanghai Region of China were phenotyped for alleles of A (13 types), B (21 types) and C (6 types) loci of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA). The frequencies of HLA antigens were compared with 211 healthy adults whose ages ranged from 20 to 50 years. It was observed that A9 was highly associated with longevity (frequency in the longevity group is 38%, the control group 24%, P = 0.002). A30 showed marked inverse correlation (frequency in the longevity group is 8%, the control group 17%, P = 0.008). Cw3, Cw6 and Cw7 were also inversely correlated (P = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Thus, it is likely that A9 may contribute to longevity while A30, Cw3, Cw6 and Cw7 may be associated with aging. The average superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents of erythrocytes in 48 cases with the HLA-A9 (without A30) antigen in the longevity group and in 13 cases with the HLA-A30 (without A9) antigen in the control group were 555 +/- 96 and 593 +/- 58 micrograms/gHb, respectively (t = 1.375, P > 0.05).

[Peritoneal equilibration test and its operation on CAPD patients]

In order to observe the transport ability of peritoneum to small molecular substances, peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed in 52 CAPD patients. By analysing the relationship between peritoneal transport function and dialysis adequacy, we found the average urea KT/V and Cr were significantly lower in high and low transport groups (n = 6 and n = 2) than in high average and low average groups (n = 35 and n = 9). According to the results of PET, we adjusted the dialysis program of 11 patients and the dialysis adequacy was markedly improved. We concluded that PET was helpful for selecting and adjusting CAPD program, and discussed some questions which should be payed more attention in PET operation.

[The thermoregulatory threshold during surgery with propofol-nitrous oxide anaesthesia]

BACKGROUND

Thermoregulatory responses are thought to be drastically suppressed by general anesthesia. In previous studies, it was shown that halothane, isoflurane and fentanyl-N2O combination decrease the threshold of vasoconstriction in general anesthesia. Propofol is a recently introduced intravenous anesthetic. The thermoregulatory threshold of its administration during surgery has not been quantified.

MATERIALS

Fourteen unpremedicated ASA class I patients were anesthetized with N2O (67%) and propofol (2 mg/kg in bolus followed by 6 mg/kg/h infusion) during elective surgery of free flap. Patients were randomly assigned either to receive additional warming (n = 5) or standard (n = 9) management. Significant vasoconstriction was prospectively defined as the temperature gradient between forearm surface and finger-tip surface is > or = 4 degrees C, and the thermoregulatory threshold was defined as the esophageal temperature (core temperature) at a point where the skin temperature gradient between two tested zones exceeds 4 degrees C.

RESULTS

Vasoconstriction did not occur in patients who received additional warming and they remained in nearly normothermia. The average minimum core temperature was 36.3 +/- 0.4 degrees C. In patients who underwent standard management the core temperature ranged from 32.8 to 34.6 degrees C (33.6 +/- 0.7 degrees C), signifying significant vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSIONS

General anesthesia with propofol/N2O during surgery drastically inhibits thermoregulatory vasoconstriction. This effect should also be noted during long-term use of propofol (e.g. ICU-sedation).