Heterogeneity in mitotic activity and telomere length implies an important role of young islets in the maintenance of islet mass in the adult pancreas

Understanding the mechanisms of beta-cell dynamics in postnatal animals is central to cure diabetes. A major obstacle in evaluating the status of pancreatic cells is the lack of surface markers. Here we performed quantitative measurements of two internal markers to follow the developmental history of islets. One marker, cell-cycle activity, was established by measuring expression of Ki67 and the incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine. The other marker, the aging process, was delineated by the determination of telomere length. Moreover, islet neogenesis, possibly from ductal precursors, was monitored by pancreatic duct labeling with an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) transgene. We found that islets from younger animals, on average, expressed higher Ki67 transcripts, displayed elevated 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and had longer telomeres. However, significant heterogeneity of these parameters was observed among islets from the same mouse. In contrast, the levels of proinsulin-1 transcripts in islets of different ages did not change significantly. Moreover, mitotic activities correlated significantly with telomere lengths of individual islets. Lastly, after 5.5 d pancreatic duct labeling, a few EGFP-positive islets could be identified in neonatal but not from adult pancreases. Compared with unlabeled control islets, EGFP-positive islets had higher mitotic activities and longer telomeres. The results suggest that islets are born at different time points during the embryonic and neonatal stages and imply that young islets might play an important role in the maintenance of islet mass in the adult pancreas.

Effects of tea polyphenols on ovarian development in rats

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. Tea polyphenols are the major constituents of tea leaves and have shown many potential healthy benefits. However, whether tea polyphenols influence ovarian follicle assembly and development and ovarian life span is unknown. To study the effect of tea polyphenols on ovarian follicle development and oocyte apoptosis, we investigated rat ovarian development of different ages [from postnatal day (PD)1 after birth to 10 months] after treatment with tea polyphenols. Our data showed that the percentage of unassembled follicles increased in the ovaries of 1- and 2-day-old rats which were ip injected with tea polyphenols (50 mg/kg/d) or whose mothers were treated with tea polyphenols (100 mg/kg/d) by intragastric administration from the day 11 after the detection of vaginal plug till delivery. The percentage of primordial follicles increased, while that of developing follicles decreased in the ovaries of 4- and 8-day-old rats following peritoneal injection with tea polyphenols compared with controls. The ratio of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive oocytes decreased in the ovaries of neonatal rats following tea polyphenol treatment. In the 3- and 10-month-old rat ovaries, the number of primordial follicles augmented, whereas that of atretic follicles decreased after the treatment for 4 weeks. These data suggest that tea polyphenols may inhibit the transition from primordial to developing follicles, extend the entire growth phase of a follicle, and reduce dominant follicle numbers per cycle to increase the reserve of germ cells, inhibit oocyte apoptosis and follicle atresia during ovarian development from birth to early aged, and retard climacterium in rats. Drinking even a small cup of tea per day may benefit to extent the productive life of ovary.

Behavioral study of calorie-restricted rats from early old age

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of Calorie Restriction (CR) on learning and memory ability of early aged rats.

METHODS

18-month rats were subjected to restricted intake by 60% comparing with that of rats fed ad libitum (AL) for 6 months. We compared the overall health status, including survival rate and locomotor activity by open-field test. We examined the spatial cognition ability of the rats by Morris Water Maze.

RESULTS

Our results showed that CR rats had higher survival rate and spontaneous locomotor activity compared with AL rats. CR rats slowed the inability of spatial learning and reference memory.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that CR in early old rats delayed the declination of spatial cognition.

Isolation of a novel ras gene from Trichomonas vaginalis: a possible evolutionary ancestor of the Ras and Rap genes of higher eukaryotes

The Ras subfamily proteins are small, monomeric GTP-binding proteins with vital roles in regulating eukaryotic signal transduction pathways. Gene duplication and divergence have been postulated as the mechanism by which such family members have evolved their specific functions. A cDNA clone of TvRsp was isolated and sequenced from a cDNA expression library of the primitive eukaryote Trichomonas vaginalis. The genomic DNA corresponding to the cDNA sequence was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Sequence analysis suggested that TvRsp was an intronless gene. This gene encoded a protein of 181 amino acids and contained the 5 conserved G domains that designated it as a Ras or Rap subfamily member. However, the deduced amino acid sequence shared only 34%-37% overall identity with other Ras subfamily members of different species, and the presence of motifs characteristic of both the Ras and Rap families of GTPase confused the familial classification of this gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed its origins at the divergence point of the Ras/Rap families and suggested that TvRsp was a possible evolutionary ancestral gene of the ras/rap genes of higher eukaryotes. This information was of importance not only from the perspective of understanding the evolution and diversity of eukaryotic signal transduction pathways but also in providing a framework by which to understand protein processing in the growth and differentiation of single-celled microorganisms.

Cloning and characterization of a LASS1-GDF1 transcript in rat cerebral cortex: conservation of a bicistronic structure

LASS1 is the mammalian homologue of yeast longevity-assurance gene 1 (LAG1) which is differentially expressed during the yeast replicative life span and was shown to play a role in determining yeast longevity. Growth/differentiation factor 1 (GDF1) is a transforming growth factor-beta family member that was originally isolated from an mouse embryo cDNA library. GDF1 is expressed specifically in the nervous system and functions in left-right patterning of the mouse embryo. To explore the potential role of LASS1 in rat neuron aging, northern blot analysis for LASS1 mRNA was performed and detected a 2.7 kb transcript in adult rat cerebral cortex. Cloning and sequence analysis revealed that this transcript contains two nonoverlapping open reading frames (ORFs), LASS1 and GDF1, which are quite different to the predicted sequences in GenBank (accession number XM_224734 and XM_224733). The alignment with the rat genome database revealed this transcript matches the sequence of rat chromosome 16 genomic contig (GenBank accession number NW_047470) between nucleotide positions 1935060th and 1919439th, which contains eight exons and seven introns. Multiple sequence analysis revealed high conservation of the two ORFs. The phylogenetic analysis showed very close evolutionary relationship among rat, mouse and human. It raises the possibility that this mRNA may give rise to two different proteins and the conserved bicistronic structure might be of unknown significance.

Epidemiological study on Clonorchis sinensis infection in Shenzhen area of Zhujiang delta in China

To study the transmission route and epidemiological features of Clonorchis sinensis infection in Shenzhen area, which is the biggest immigration city in the south of China, we examined 1,473 individuals (710 males and 763 females) to assess the current status of C. sinensis infection among the people in a village of Shenzhen in Zhujiang delta of Guangdong province, China. Freshwater snails, 630, of different species known as the first intermediate host of C. sinensis were collected and examined for cercaria infection, and 430 freshwater fishes of different species as the second intermediate host were examined for metacercaria infection. Among 1,473 people examined, 70 (4.75%) were found infected with C. sinensis. By counting eggs per gram feces (EPG), it was found that the intensity of infection in males was stronger than that of females, and the average EPG was 41.87 in all population. Snails, 1.15%, were infected with cercariae of C. sinensis. The average infection rate of freshwater fishes of 15 species with metacercariae of C. sinensis was 16.97%, and the carps reached the highest infection rate (40.74%). A questionnaire was designed with 12 questions covering socioeconomic conditions and human behavior, contamination of the environment, and fishponds. Of 1,473 interviewees, 54% did not know about fluke disease or its transmission route, 12% of those who knew about the fluke believed that the infection causes no harm or only slight harm to their health. Of the interviewees, 27%, ate raw fish at least one to two times per month. Of families, 5% used the same utensils for both raw fish and cooked food. Of the fishpond owners, 40% fed their fishes with feces of domestic animals and humans. All these factors of unhealthy behaviors, poor knowledge, inappropriate farming/fishery practices, and eating raw fish have made the prevalence of clonorchiasis increase in humans in the Shenzhen area. It is urgent to perform a control program, including health education, environmental modification, reform of traditional farming/fishery practice, mass screening, and chemotherapy for humans, and the management of domestic animals to decrease C. sinensis infection in the human population in Shenzhen.

Efficacy of sequential treatment of HCT116 colon cancer monolayers and xenografts with docetaxel, flavopiridol, and 5-fluorouracil

AIM

Clinical treatment of solid tumors with docetaxel, flavopiridol, or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) often encounters undesirable side effects and drug resistance. This study aims to evaluate the potential role of combination therapy with docetaxel, flavopiridol, or 5-FU in modulating chemosensitivity and better understand how they might be used clinically.

METHODS

HCT116 colon cancer cells were treated with docetaxel, flavopiridol, and 5-FU in several different administrative schedules in vitro, either sequentially or simultaneously. Cell survival was measured by MTT assay. The activity of caspase-3 was determined by caspase-3 assays and the soft agar colony assay was used to test the colony formation of HCT116 cells in soft agar. We also established xenograft models to extend in vitro observations to an in vivo system.

RESULTS

The maximum cytotoxicity was found when human colon cancer HCT116 cells were treated with docetaxel for 1 h followed by flavopiridol for 24 h and 5-FU for another 24 h. This sequential combination therapy not only inhibits tumor cell growth more strongly compared to other combination therapies but also significantly reduces colony formation in soft agar and augments apoptosis of HCT116 cells. Sequencing of docetaxel followed 1 h later by flavopiridol, followed 24 h later by 5-FU in xenograft models, also resulted in delayed tumor growth and higher survival rate.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of an administrative schedule when combining docetaxel with flavopiridol and 5-FU, providing a rationale explanation for its development in clinical trials.

Prey and feeding behavior of larval Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Shantou, Guangdong Province, China

Six taxa of prey were identified from the gut contents of 973 Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus Wiedemann (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae collected from 19 sites in Shantou, Guangdong Province, China, from May to October 2004. Chironomidae were found in the guts of 78.6% of Cx. fuscanus larvae but mosquito larval remains in only 2.5%. The junction between prey head and thorax was the most frequent attack site in field (125/169 = 73.9%) and laboratory (187/260 = 71.9%) observations.

[Construction of prokaryotic expression vector for Trichomonas vaginalis silent information regulator 2 and its expression]

Total RNA was isolated from Trichomonas vaginalis and Tv-Sir2-like cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pGEM-T Easy plasmid. A fragment of Tv-Sir2-like cDNA was subcloned into the expression vector pET-41b and expressed in E.coli BL21 with induction of IPTG. The full-length of Tv-Sir2-like cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The prokaryotic expression system of pET-41b/Tv-Sir2-like was constructed. The fusion protein of Tv-Sir2-like was expressed in E. coli BL21, occupying 30% of the total bacterial protein after being induced by IPTG for 5 h. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the fusion protein was about Mr 59000. The recombinant protein of Tv-Sir2-like is efficiently expressed in E. coli BL21.

[Molecular cloning and characterization of a RRas homologue gene from Trichomonas vaginalis]

OBJECTIVE

To clone and characterize a RRas-like gene from Trichomonas vaginalis for studying cellular signal transduction pathways in the organism.

METHODS

A cDNA clone, which showed homology with RRas proteins of human being, was isolated and sequenced from a cDNA expression library of T. vaginalis. The genomic DNA corresponding to the cDNA sequence was amplified using PCR technique and sequenced. Sequence analysis was performed using BLASTP, RPS-BLAST and Clustal W programs. Phylogenetic tree was constructed and bootstrapped with 1050 replicates using the software MEGA3.

RESULTS

The cDNA sequence showed a length of 705 bp with an open reading frame of 615 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence from the open reading frame possesses 205 residuals. Sequencing of the PCR product of genomic DNA revealed that the genomic DNA sequence encompassing the putative 5'-ATG and 3'-stop codons was identical to the cDNA sequence. Sequence analysis demonstrated that this gene was most homologous to the RRas members of Homo sapiens and Mus musculus (both having 51% identity and 70% similarity), and the amino acid sequence contains highly conserved GTP-binding domains and a fully conserved effector domain of human RRas member. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TvRRas clustered with RAS oncoprotein branch and RRAS branch of human.

CONCLUSION

The encoding protein probably belongs to a RRas family of T. vaginalis.

[RNA interference to the expression of peroxiredoxin-related genes in Trichomonas vaginalis]

OBJECTIVE

To inhibit the expression of the target genes of peroxiredoxin (Prx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) by RNA interference and evaluate its effect on the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from cultured Trichomonas vaginalis with phenol-chloroform method and was transcribed to double stranded RNA (dsRNA). Short interference RNAs (siRNA, 21-23 bp) synthesized by digestion of dsRNA with RNase III and purified through filter cartridge, were transfected into the cells in three groups (A, B and C) to degrade the target genes of Prx, TrxR and Prx+TrxR through siPORT lipid, respectively, and the untransfected was selected as a control (group D). The levels of Prx and TrxR mRNA were determined 24 h and 48 h post-transfection by relative quantitative RT-PCR, and the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis was estimated under microscope 36 h post-transfection.

RESULTS

Trichomonas vaginalis mRNA levels of Prx and TrxR decreased. Though the cell activity showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in four groups as expected, a difference existed (P < 0.01) between the groups in the average of vells (7.2 x 10(7)/L, 14.2 x 10(7)/L, 3.8 x l0(7) L and 20.3 x 10(7)/L in groups A, B, C and D respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

RNA interference inhibits the expression of the genes of Prx and TrxR and extended Trichomonas vaginalis cells cycle considerably, but showed no influence on the cell activity.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a Rac1 homologue cDNA from Trichomonas vaginalis

OBJECTIVE

To clone and characterize a Rac1 homologue from Trichomonas vaginalis for studying cell cycle of the organism.

METHODS

A cDNA library derived from T. vaginalis mRNA was constructed into lambda TriplEx2 phage vector. An expression sequence tag program was launched. Sequences of cDNA clones were analyzed using NCBI BLAST algorithms, and ClustalW and Treeview programs.

RESULTS

A cDNA clone with a length of 714 base pairs was isolated. The sequence analysis showed that the cDNA clone has an open reading frame with 600 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence from the open reading frame contains 200 residuals and is most homologous to Rac1 subfamily of Rho GTPases with >60% identity. The conserved sequence elements of Rho GTPases, such as GTP-binding sites, GTPase-activating protein (GAP) interaction motifs, GTP-dissociation inhibitors (GDI) interaction motifs, guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) interaction elements, etc, were detected in the amino acid sequence. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the cDNA clone is grouped in the Rac subfamily and is more closely related to Rac1 proteins of protozoa.

CONCLUSION

The cDNA clone isolated belongs to Rac subfamily of Rho GTPases and is probably a Rac1 protein of T. vaginalis.

Cardiac complications of enterovirus rhombencephalitis

BACKGROUND

Epidemics of enterovirus 71 infection have caused the death of many children throughout the world. Rhombencephalitis, brain stem encephalitis, and heart failure were present in all of the fatal cases. However, no evidence of myocarditis was noted in the heart specimens, and the mechanism of heart failure remains unknown.

AIMS

To characterise the presentation of cardiac complications in children with enterovirus rhombencephalitis and discuss its pathogenesis.

METHODS

Ninety one consecutive patients with enterovirus rhombencephalitis underwent echocardiography. Of these, 17 patients (nine male, eight female; median age 14 months, range 4-57 months) with left ventricular dysfunction were studied.

RESULTS

Tachycardia was noted in all patients and systemic hypertension in 12. Muscle-brain fraction of creatine kinase was >5% in 14 patients. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were significantly raised in the three patients in whom these were analysed. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were noted in eight patients. Pulmonary oedema was complicated in 15 patients. The initial ejection fraction of the left ventricle was 22-58% (mean 37%, SD 11%). All patients deteriorated to hypotensive shock within 12 hours and 13 died. Heart specimens from seven patients showed no evidence of myocarditis, but significant coagulative myocytolysis, myofibrillar degeneration, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute heart failure was noted in 19% of patients with enterovirus rhombencephalitis, which had a fatality rate of 77%. It was not caused by myocarditis but possibly by neurogenic cardiac damage.

Poor agreement between dipyridamole-stress technetium-99m-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography and two-dimensional echocardiography in Kawasaki disease

To establish a noninvasive diagnostic method for early assessment of cardiac involvement in Kawasaki disease (KD), 28 children with KD were included in this study. Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-Echo) to detect the aneurysms of coronary arteries (CA), as well as rest and dipyridamole-stress technetium-99m tetrofosmin (Tc-TF) myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect abnormal myocardial perfusion were performed in all of the 28 children with KD and to compare each other. The results showed that (1). 42.9% of cases had no aneurysm and 57.1% had significant aneurysms detected by 2D-Echo; (2). 42.9% of cases had normal perfusion and 57.1% of cases had abnormal myocardial perfusion assessed by Tc-TF myocardial perfusion SPECT; (3). 25.0% of cases showed both normal 2D-Echo and Tc-TF myocardial perfusion SPECT findings and 39.3% of cases showed both abnormal 2D-Echo and Tc-TF myocardial perfusion SPECT findings; and (4). there was poor agreement between 2D-Echo and Tc-TF myocardial perfusion SPECT findings (P>0.05). We concluded that poor agreement exists between aneurysms and abnormal myocardial perfusion detected by 2D-Echo and Tc-TF myocardial perfusion SPECT findings in patients with KD.

[Studies on the antigens of invasive stages of Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the rhoptry and surface proteins of invasive stages of Plasmodium yoelii and P. berghei with monoclonal antibodies.

METHODS

Subcellular localization of antigens was detected by IFA. The antigens of different stages of the two species malaria parasites were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The antigens of rhoptry are very complicated. There are similar epitopes of the rhoptry proteins detected between the two species of Plasmodium. The similar epitopes were also detected between ookinetes and merozoites of P. yoelii, and ookinete antigens between the two species. But there are different antigens detected between merozoites and ookinetes in P. yoelii. The sporozoite surface antigen of P. yoelii was not detected in the ookinetes and merozoites in the same species.

CONCLUSION

There are similar epitopes in the rhoptry and surface antigens of different stages and different species of rodent malaria parasites. There are also distinct antigens among them.

Spontaneous femoral neck fracture complicating a healed subtrochanteric fracture--a case report

A rare case of spontaneous femoral neck fracture complicating a healed subtrochanteric fracture was encountered in an 85-year-old female. The subtrochanteric fracture was caused by a minor trauma with no other combined injury. Patient received close reduction and internal fixation two days later and the fracture healed in three months. Six months after operation, spontaneous ispilateral femoral neck fracture occurred without trauma. Although there were some reports about subcapital fracture or femur neck fracture complication after operation, this is the first case of spontaneous femoral neck fracture after healed subtrochanteric fracture which was treated with a 95 degrees dynamic condylar screw (DCS) and side plate previously without technical error.

Clinical spectrum of Kawasaki disease in infants

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease is a common acquired heart disease in children. Only a few reports have been published concerning Kawasaki disease in infants. This study was performed to assess the clinical spectrum of Kawasaki disease in infants.

METHODS

Between January 1989 and December 1998, a total of 48 consecutive Kawasaki patients less than one year of age were enrolled and studied retrospectively. Coronary artery dilation was defined as the internal diameter of a coronary artery larger than 3 mm. All cases received 2 gm/Kg of intravenous immunoglobulin. We divided the patients into two groups; group I; coronary artery dilation (+) and group II; coronary artery dilation (-), and compared the clinical and laboratory data.

RESULTS

Of 273 patients with Kawasaki disease, 48 (17.5%) were less than one year of age. Among these patients (< 1 year old), the median age was 7.8 +/- 2.8 months (range 2 months to 12 months), and the male to female ratio was 1.52:1. The incidence of atypical Kawasaki disease was 31.2% (compared with an incidence of atypical Kawasaki disease among patient more than one year of age of 7.5%; p < 0.001), and that of coronary artery dilation was 35.4%. Clinical manifestations included fever 100%, extremity change 91.6%, skin rash 89.6%, conjunctivitis 89.6%, oral mucosa change 89.6%, and cervical lymphadenopathy 0%. Laboratory data revealed white blood cell count: 15,403 +/- 6,282/mm3, hemoglobin: 10.1 +/- 1.0 gm/dl, neutrophil: 59.2 +/- 13.7%, lymphocytes: 30.6 +/- 13.1%, platelet count: 456,3000 +/- 216,4000/mm3, and C-reactive protein 8.2 +/- 5.6 mg/dl. Patients with coronary artery dilation had a longer duration of diagnosis, higher incidence of atypical presentation, lower incidence of conjunctivitis, lower incidence of skin rash, lower incidence of extremity change, and lower C-reactive protein. The predictive value of coronary artery dilation based on the combination of atypical presentation, duration of diagnosis, and C-reactive protein was 81.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Kawasaki disease in infants is associated with a high incidence of atypical presentation and increased risk of coronary artery dilation. We suggest that in an infant with insufficient diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease, care should be taken to avoid missing atypical Kawasaki disease. Echocardiography is an important tool for diagnosis of atypical Kawasaki disease.

Intracardiac ultrasound assessment of atrial septal defect: comparison with transthoracic echocardiographic, angiocardiographic, and balloon-sizing measurements

PURPOSE

Accurate evaluation of the size, location and adjacent structure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) is very important in the selection of patients for further management. We directly compared the utility of transthoracic echocardiography, angiocardiography, balloon sizing, and intracardiac ultrasound (ICUS) in the detection of ASD.

METHODS

Twenty-one children underwent an ICUS study of ASD after routine clinical and laboratory studies. All patients had received transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac catheterization, cineangiography, and balloon sizing before the ICUS to evaluate the ASD.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between the ICUS-derived ASD diameter and the other methods (p < 0.001). The balloon-sizing diameter was estimated by the equation: TTE diameter x 1.09 + 3.9 mm. There was a good correlation between the predicted and measured balloon-sizing diameter (r = 0.963; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is worthwhile spending a few minutes to perform ICUS during cardiac catheterization since it will provide more detailed information on and high resolution images of atrial septal morphology, especially for patients undergoing transcatheter closure by device.

Acute open perilunate dislocation--a case report

A rare case of acute open dorsal perilunate dislocation of the left hand was encountered in a 30-year-old man with exposure of the lunate and distal radius. No other combined injury was identified except open dislocation and chip avulsion fracture of triquetrum. Open reduction was performed through a dorsal approach after debridement. Such a severe injury, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously.

Anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the innominate artery: a report of two cases

Two children with an anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the innominate artery are reported. One was a 15-month-old boy presenting with respiratory distress. He had a right aortic arch and his left pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. The other was a 1-month-old girl presenting with congestive heart failure. She had a left aortic arch and her right pulmonary artery originated from the innominate artery. An understanding of the embryological pathogenesis of these anomalies has significant therapeutic implications.

Congenital complete heart block

Congenital complete heart blocks (CCHB) are mostly related to the neonatal lupus syndrome. The purpose of this paper was to assess the clinical spectrum of CCHB in our hospital. Nine patients were retrospectively enrolled between 1994 and 1999. The birth history, electrocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, pacemaker insertion and its complications, maternal disease, and maternal and infant autoantibody levels were studied. All nine cases were diagnosed prenatally. Hydrops fetalis was noted in five (55.6%). Six cases were live births and the other three were terminated. No anatomical heart defects were noted. Initial electrocardiography revealed the atrial rates ranged from 150 to 166 beats per minute. The minimal ventricular rates ranged from 46 to 80 beats per minute. VVI mode pacemakers were inserted through xyphoid approach in all live-birth infants. Complications were noted in three of them (50%). Antinuclear antibody and anti-SSA/Ro antibody were positive in all 8 mothers (100%). The anti-SSB/La antibody was positive in 6 of the eight mothers (75%). Five infants tested positive for anti-SSA/Ro antibody. None of the infants tested positive for anti-SSB/La antibody. In conclusion, all CCHBs in our series were associated with maternal autoantibodies. Because of high complication rate of permanent pacemaker insertion during the neonatal period, it should be restricted in certain conditions.

Percutaneous release of abductor pollicis brevis muscle fibrosis in a bowler--a case report

The authors reported a patient with abductor pollicis brevis muscle fibrosis of the right thumb, stemming from a bowling injury that had occurred 6 years previously. At that time in the acute stage, a Chinese bonesetter treated the injury using manipulation, massage and herbal drugs. Abduction contracture of the patient's right thumb developed. She began to experience chronic pain at dorsal side of her right thumb and discovered that she could not move her thumb into a retro position. When she came into our hospital, physical examination revealed an abduction contracture of patient's right thumb, the angle of separation was 60 degrees, and the angle of circumduction was fixed at 90 degrees. In addition, a fibrotic band was palpable in abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The patient responded well to percutaneous release and physical therapy. As far as we know, this is an unusual case, which has not been reported before.

Influence of ventricular septal defect type on surgical results in children with tetralogy of Fallot

BACKGROUND

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with subpulmonary ventricular septal defects (VSD) is relatively more common among Orientals than among Occidentals. This study assessed the influence of type of VSD on surgical results in children with TOF.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients with TOF (age range, 14 months to 11 years, mean 40.7 months, median 30 months, 29 boys, 22 girls) who underwent total correction by a single surgeon between January 1992 and December 1995 were retrospectively studied. Of the 51 patients, 17 patients with subpulmonary VSD were classified as group I. The remaining 34 patients with perimembranous VSD were classified as group II. All patients underwent a combined transatrial and transpulmonary surgical approach. Early postoperative results were evaluated 7 to 10 days after surgery and late postoperative results were evaluated 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, body weight, pulmonary to systemic flow ratio, pulmonary to aortic annulus diameter ratio or preceding palliative shunt or balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Nevertheless, group I patients had better oxygen saturation preoperatively (84.2 +/- 4.4% vs 80.3 +/- 7.6%, p = 0.037). During surgery, the transannular patch rate was higher in group I (100% vs 73.5%, p = 0.003). The cardiopulmonary bypass time, postoperative stay in the intensive care unit, duration of chest tube placement, early postoperative residual VSD rate, and early and late postoperative residual pulmonary stenosis rate were not significantly different between the groups. However, late postoperative residual VSD rate was 33.3% in group I and 6.45% in group II, which was statistically significant (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences in arrhythmia between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TOF with subpulmonary VSD had a better preoperative oxygenation, higher transannular patch rate during surgery and a higher incidence of late residual VSD than those with TOF with perimembranous VSD.

Ultraviolet radiation and reactive oxygen generation as inducers of keratinocyte apoptosis: protective role of tea polyphenols

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation produces serious damage to skin, especially to dermis, but its damage to epidermis and responsible mechanisms are not fully understood. Studies were thus undertaken to investigate the effects of UVA or reactive oxygen species (ROS) on lipid peroxidation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in primary cultured rat keratinocytes and to determine the possible protective effects of tea polyphenols (TPP). UVA or ROS increased the release of plasma enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increased lipid peroxidation production (malondialdehyde, MDA), but decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), indicating that UVA or ROS were cytostatic and peroxidizing to keratinocytes. TPP stabilized and protected cell membranes from ROS or UVA by inhibiting the release of LDH, lowering MDA levels, and increasing GSH-Px activity. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis revealed that UVA or ROS decreased the proliferative index (PI); hence the cell growth was blocked in the S/G2 phase, with an increase in the percentage of apoptosis in primary keratinocytes. TPP modified the UVA or ROS-induced changes in PI and apoptosis. TPP may be useful to protect keratinocytes from UVA irradiation. In summary, these data demonstrated that UVA damage to skin keratinocytes in vitro was similar to that for ROS and that TPP protects against UVA-induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and apoptosis.