[Detection of small alveolar bone lesions by digital subtraction radiography]

OBJECTIVE

To employ digital subtraction radiography (DSR) system developed by our school and co-ordinative unit, for diagnosis of small artificial alveolar bone lesions, in order to evaluate the system.

METHODS

Seventy-two 0.2-0.9 mm3 lesions were produced in premolar and molar areas of the dry human mandibles. The reference and subsequent radiographs were taken before and after lesions being made. The small lesions were detected by conventional radiographs and by DSR method respectively.

RESULTS

As for 0.2-0.5 mm3 lesions, the detections by both DSR and conventional methods were less than 50%. As for 0.7 mm3 lesions, the detection by DSR and conventional methods were 57.5% and 38.7%, respectively (P < 0.01). As for 0.9 mm3 lesions, the accuracy of the detection by DSR and conventional methods was 89.3% and 57.3% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The detectability of small alveolar bone lesions by DSR system was obviously superior to the conventional method.

Effects of muscle fatigue and temperature on electromechanical delay

The effect of repeated maximal isometric knee extensions on electromechanical delay (EMD) and associated muscle temperature changes were investigated on seven college aged subjects. The exercise produced a significant reduction in muscle contraction force, rate of force development and muscle conduction velocity, whilst the muscle temperature increased by 2.1 degrees C. The EMD increased from a pre-exercise value of 38.4 (SEM 3.4) ms to 55.7 (SEM 3.4) ms post-exercise. In an attempt to evaluate the effect of muscle temperature on EMD, hot and ice-water bags were placed on the quadriceps muscle to alter muscle temperature. The EMD in isometric maximal knee extension was measured at 38, 36, 34, 32 and 30 degrees C. The results showed that the EMD elongated at muscle temperatures either lower or higher than 36 degrees C. It was speculated that the increased muscle temperature might contribute to 20-25% of the EMD elongation found during the fatiguing intermittent exercise. The information of the effects of muscle temperature on EMD could be useful when evaluating the effects of strenuous exercise, in which a substantial muscle temperature change might occur, on the time delay between myoelectrical activity and force generation.

[The relationship between chromatographic retention value and grey model parameters]

The relationship between development parameter a, grey action variable u in the grey model GM(1,1) and parameters A,B which express the relation of k' and phi, that is, 1nk' = A + B phi have been studied. The functions of these two kinds of parameters which are a = -B lambda and u = B lambda eA[(1 - e-B lambda)(-1) - 1] are given. Therefore, it can predict the position of peaks and the possibility of separating the components in different mixtures. It verifies the experimental data, and gives out a proper method to amend equations. The results show that the function is fit for not only the research of chromatographic parameters of explosives but also the prediction of A,B values of other compounds.

[An epidemiologic retrospective study of 1693 maxillofacial injuries]

A 10-year review of 1693 maxillofacial injuries was presented with respect to age, sex, cause of injury, pattern of fracture, and associated systemic injuries. The majority of fractures in maxillofacial region were found in males, the most prevalent age ranged from 21 to 40 years. The leading cause of facial trauma was traffic accidents. Mandible fracture outranked zygomatic and maxillary fracture. Multiple fractures were more common than single fracture. The average number of fractures for each patient was 1.7. Accompanied injuries to brain and skull happened in almost half patients, which were more often than other part of the body. There was a higher incidence that midfacial fractures coincided with brain and skull damage.

Experimental study on firearm wound in maxillofacial region

OBJECTIVE

To make clear the range of firearm wound in the maxillofacial region, the optical repair time and the characteristics of accompanied indirect brain damage, and to offer the principle of emergency treatment and the early repair of war wound.

METHODS

With the aid of the standard Sweden model, 200 dogs were used in the experiment. Varies tissues around the primary canal were harvested chronologically, in different zone and different tissue, for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

The necrotic range of various tissues in the maxillofacial region was less than that in the extremities. In the maxillofacial region, there was a significant temporary cavity following the passing of bullet, which caused indirect brain damages.

CONCLUSION

These findings are helpful to the treatment of war wound in the maxillofacial region. Early bone transplantation using microvascular anastomosis in the treatment of gunshot wound in the maxillofacial region is recommendable.

Drug-induced linear IgA disease with antibodies to collagen VII

Linear IgA disease (LAD) is characterized by circulating and tissue-bound IgA antibodies against heterogeneous antigens in the cutaneous basement membrane zone. In most cases the cause is unknown, but a minority of cases has been drug induced. We report a 76-year-old man who developed an acute blistering eruption following high-dose penicillin treatment for pneumococcal septicaemia. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated dermal binding IgA antibodies, and Western blotting of serum showed reactivity with a 250 kDa dermal antigen corresponding to collagen VII of anchoring fibrils. Indirect immunoelectron microscopy showed antibody labelling in the lamina densa and sublamina densa zone. This is one of the few cases of drug-induced LAD in which the target antigen profile has been characterized, and the first in which the antigen has been shown to correspond to collagen VII.

Adeno-associated virus type 2-mediated gene transfer: correlation of tyrosine phosphorylation of the cellular single-stranded D sequence-binding protein with transgene expression in human cells in vitro and murine tissues in vivo

Although the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV)-based vector system has gained attention as a potentially useful alternative to the more commonly used retroviral and adenoviral vectors for human gene therapy, the single-stranded nature of the viral genome, and consequently the rate-limiting second-strand viral DNA synthesis, significantly affect its transduction efficiency. We have identified a cellular tyrosine phosphoprotein, designated the single-stranded D sequence-binding protein (ssD-BP), which interacts specifically with the D sequence at the 3' end of the AAV genome and may prevent viral second-strand DNA synthesis in HeLa cells (K. Y. Qing et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:10879-10884, 1997). In the present studies, we examined whether the phosphorylation state of the ssD-BP correlates with the ability of AAV to transduce various established and primary cells in vitro and murine tissues in vivo. The efficiencies of transduction of established human cells by a recombinant AAV vector containing the beta-galactosidase reporter gene were 293 > KB > HeLa, which did not correlate with the levels of AAV infectivity. However, the amounts of dephosphorylated ssD-BP which interacted with the minus-strand D probe were also as follows: 293 > KB > HeLa. Predominantly the phosphorylated form of the ssD-BP was detected in cells of the K562 line, a human erythroleukemia cell line, and in CD34+ primary human hematopoietic progenitor cells; consequently, the efficiencies of AAV-mediated transgene expression were significantly lower in these cells. Murine Sca-1+ lin- primary hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells contained predominantly the dephosphorylated form of the ssD-BP, and these cells could be efficiently transduced by AAV vectors. Dephosphorylation of the ssD-BP also correlated with expression of the adenovirus E4orf6 protein, known to induce AAV gene expression. A deletion mutation in the E4orf6 gene resulted in a failure to catalyze dephosphorylation of the ssD-BP. Extracts prepared from mouse brain, heart, liver, lung, and skeletal-muscle tissues, all of which are known to be highly permissive for AAV-mediated transgene expression, contained predominantly the dephosphorylated form of the ssD-BP. Thus, the efficiency of transduction by AAV vectors correlates well with the extent of the dephosphorylation state of the ssD-BP in vitro as well as in vivo. These data suggest that further studies on the cellular gene that encodes the ssD-BP may promote the successful use of AAV vectors in human gene therapy.

[Experimental studies on antitumor activity of new recombinant human tumour necrosis factor in nude mice bearing nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

Nude mice model bearing nasopharyngeal carcinoma were established using nasopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cell line (CNE-2).

METHODS

New recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (NrhTNF-alpha) and carboplatin were administered locally or systemically, single or in combination. The microstructural and ultra-micro-structural changes of carcinoma after administration of NrhTNF-alpha were observed under light and electron microscopes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

1. After treatment, the tumor showed hemorrhage, necrosis, regression, the survival time was prolonged. 2. Locally administered NrhTNF-alpha had more significant antitumor effect than intravenously administered of NrhTNF-alpha. 3. There is a notable synergistic antitumor effect by the combination use of NrhTNF-alpha and carboplatin. 4. Microscopy showed that cell changes mostly took place in plasma especially in mitochondria and endoplosmic reticula. The mitochondria were highly bloated. Besides, some nuclei were condensed and fragmented, resulted in cell death. These studies provide experimental basis for biological treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of the bark of Betula platyphylla]

The paper deals with the saperating of free phenolic hydroxyl dipolymer condensution-tannis B1, B2 and the compounds (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin from the bark of Betula platyphylla. Their structures have been evaluated by means of 1H, 13C-NMR technique and chemical ways.

Architectural DNA binding by a high-mobility-group/kinesin-like subunit in mammalian SWI/SNF-related complexes

The SWI/SNF complex in yeast and Drosophila is thought to facilitate transcriptional activation of specific genes by antagonizing chromatin-mediated transcriptional repression. The mechanism by which it is targeted to specific genes is poorly understood and may involve direct DNA binding and/or interactions with specific or general transcription factors. We have previously purified a mammalian complex by using antibodies against BRG1, a human homologue of SWI2/SNF2. This complex is likely functionally related to the yeast SWI/SNF complex because all five subunit identified so far (referred to as BAFs, for BRG1-associated factors) are homologues of the yeast SWI/SNF subunits. However, we now describe the cloning of the 57-kDa subunit (BAF57), which is present only in higher eukaryotes but not in yeast. BAF57 is shared by all mammalian complexes and contains a high-mobility-group (HMG) domain adjacent to a kinesin-like region. Both recombinant BAF57 and the whole complex bind four-way junction (4WJ) DNA, which is thought to mimic the topology of DNA as it enters or exits the nucleosome. Surprisingly, complexes with mutations in the HMG domain of BAF57 can still bind 4WJ DNA and mediate ATP-dependent nucleosome disruption. Our work describes the first DNA binding subunit for SWI/SNF-like complexes and suggest that the mechanism by which mammalian and Drosophila SWI/SNF-like complexes interact with chromatin may involve recognition of higher-order chromatin structure by two or more DNA binding domains.

[Effect of recombinant human FLT3 ligand (rhFL) on in vitro expansion of human cord blood CD34+ cells]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of recombinant human FLT3 ligand (rhFL) on in vitro expansion of human cord blood CD34+ cells.

METHODS

Human cord blood CD34+ cells were enriched by using a magnetic cell isolation system. CD34+ cells were incubated in liquid culture in the presence of different cytokines. The total number of all cells and the number of CD34+ cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GM and BFU-E) were counted at various time intervals.

RESULTS

Human cord blood CD34+ cells could be enriched to the purity of more than 80%. The number of CD34+ cells increased 3.4 folds in the presence of rhFL + IL3 + IL6 + GMCSF + EPO in seven days, while in the control group without rhFL, it increased 1.5 folds. The difference of the number of more matured hematopoietic progenitor cells in the CD34+ cell population between the control group and the rhFL group was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Only the primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells are expanded by rhFL according to the results obtained in the exclusion method.

[Computer aided photocclusion analysis of traumatic occlusion]

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to analyse traumatic occlusion quantitatively.

METHODS

A photocclusion method using computer image processing technique is described, the processing software provide the occlusal contact area, contact point numbers, contact force, maximum stress, and average stress distribution of all teeth by tables and figures.

RESULTS

(1) The traumatic contact area was larger and contact force was greater than that of the normal occlusal contact. (2) There was an irregularity force distribution from molars to incisal area. (3) The symmetrical distribution of contact forces and contact areas were destroyed.

CONCLUSION

Computer aided-photocclusion method can be used to diagnose traumatic occlusion.

Purification, cDNA cloning, and gene mapping of the small subunit of human DNA polymerase epsilon

HeLa DNA polymerase epsilon (pol epsilon), possibly involved in both DNA replication and DNA repair, consists of a catalytic subunit of 261 kDa and a tightly bound peptide with a relative molecular mass of 55 kDa. The cDNA of the 261-kDa polypeptide has been independently cloned, sequenced, and then overexpressed in insect cells to give a soluble, but catalytically unstable protein, suggesting that the small subunit of HeLa pol epsilon might be important for stability. HeLa pol epsilon has been isolated by immunoaffinity purification to obtain sequence information which enabled the cloning of a full-length human cDNA encoding the small subunit. The clone encoded nine proteolytic peptides obtained from the subunit. The 59,434-Da predicated polypeptide has 26% identity and 44% homology to the yeast pol epsilon 80-kDa subunit, DPB2. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, the human pol epsilon p59 locus (DPE2) was assigned to chromosome 14q13-q21.

Sustained increase in intracellular free calcium and activation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mouse hepatoma cells treated with dioxin

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a non-genotoxic environmental pollutant that causes multiple adverse effects in experimental animals and in humans. We show here that TCDD treatment of mouse hepatoma cells causes a rapid mobilization of intracellular calcium both in wild type Hepa-1 cells and in its c2 variant, a cell line that has highly reduced levels of functional aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AHR). In wild type cells, but not in the c2 variant, TCDD treatment leads to a sustained elevation of cytosolic free calcium. TCDD also induces elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA in wild type and in c37, a CYP1A1-deficient cell line, but not in c2 cells. Induction of Cox-2 is in fact dependent on the presence of a functional Ah receptor, since it can be blocked by antisense oligonucleotides to Ah receptor mRNA. Most likely as a consequence of Cox-2 induction, we find a significant increase in the level of 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT) secreted from TCDD-treated Hepa-1 cells. In addition, we observe elevated levels of 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha in c2 cells and high levels of secreted prostaglandin F2alpha in c2, c37 and c4, the variant cell line lacking aromatic hydrocarbon nuclear translocator protein. These data suggest that Cox-2 activation by TCDD leads to the release of prostaglandins, eicosanoids and other mediators which may have an important role in the biological and toxic effects of TCDD.

Long-term correction of obesity and diabetes in genetically obese mice by a single intramuscular injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding mouse leptin

The ob/ob mouse is genetically deficient in leptin and exhibits a phenotype that includes obesity and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This phenotype closely resembles the morbid obesity seen in humans. In this study, we demonstrate that a single intramuscular injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding mouse leptin (rAAV-leptin) in ob/ob mice leads to prevention of obesity and diabetes. The treated animals show normalization of metabolic abnormalities including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and lethargy. The effects of a single injection have lasted through the 6-month course of the study. At all time points measured the circulating levels of leptin in the serum were similar to age-matched control C57 mice. These results demonstrate that maintenance of normal levels of leptin (2-5 ng/ml) in the circulation can prevent both the onset of obesity and associated non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Thus a single injection of a rAAV vector expressing a therapeutic gene can lead to complete and long-term correction of a genetic disorder. Our study demonstrates the long-term correction of a disease caused by a genetic defect and proves the feasibility of using rAAV-based vectors for the treatment of chronic disorders like obesity.

[Antiepileptic effects of nimodipine on penicillin-induced seizures in rats]

Injecting penicillin (PNC) intraperitoneally in Wistar rats, we observed their epileptic behaviour and electroencephalographys. The results showed that nimodipine (NIM), a calcium antagonist, could inhibit the seizures and epileptic discharges significantly. No epileptic action was noted while NIM was injected before PNC. It supports our consideration of NIM as a new sort of nonsedative anticonvulsant in clinical practice.

[A comparative study of laryngeal reinnervation from the ansa cervicalis]

A comparative study of four methods of laryngeal muscle reinnervation in dogs is presented. Twenty-eight cases were divided into four groups to undergo main branch and branch of ansa cervicalis nerve anastomosis, and nerves implantation an neuromuscular pedicles transfer respectively for restoration of vocal cord adduction on left sides. The results showed that the four procedures seemed to induce effective reinnervation of adductor muscles. But the main branch of ansa cervicalis nerve suture was superior to the other methods among which little difference was noted in the functional recovery, electrophysiological activity and muscle strength. It demonstrated that main branch of ansa nerve suture was the best procedure for treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis among the four methods.

[Development of quality of life questionnaire for Chinese cancer patients receiving chemobiotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To develop the quality of life questionnaire for Chinese cancer patients receiving chemobiotherapy (QLQ-CCC), and to study the methodology involved in the construction of scales measuring quality of life of cancer patients.

METHODS

From April, 1993 to April, 1995, QLQ-CCC had been developed mainly according to the Rolls-Royce model: 30 items were iuitially identified and tested in advance, from which the "best" items were selected to from the final format of QLQ-CCC (the fourth-generation questionnaire) including 35 questions.

RESULTS

QLQ-CCC had 35 items mainly concerning the five different aspects of cancer patients. Physical aspect included 16 items, of which 9 were disease/treatment-related (specific items), and 7 non-specific items. Psychological/spiritual, social and general health aspects had 5, 5 and 9 items, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life (QOL) research in cancer patients is conducted primarily through the development, implementation and assessment of QOL scales. QOL scales adopted in the developed countries, owing to difference in sociocultural background, have to be modified according to China's concrete condition. This study is an attempt to set up our own QOL scales for cancer patients.

[Research of daunomycin as an agent for preventing posterior capsule opacification]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory activity and the effective concentration of daunomycin against the proliferation of lens epithelial cells in vitro, and make progress in pharmacological prevention of posterior capsule opacification.

METHODS

Cultured bovine, rabbit and human lens epithelial cells were exposed to 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 micrograms/ml daunomycin solution for ten minutes. Growth of cells was observed, after 48 hours of exposure, absorbency of the cells was tested by using Giemsa staining and colorimetry, and the median lethal dose (LD50) was calculated respectively.

RESULTS

Daunomycin significantly suppressed the proliferation of bovine, rabbit and human lens epithelial cells in vitro, showing dose-dependent manner. Daunomycin can effectively inhibit the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells at the concentration of 0.5 microgram/ml, almost reaching the greatest effect at the concentration of 7.5 micrograms/ml. The calculated LD50 for bovine, rabbit and human lens epithelial cells was 0.49, 4.30 and 4.06 micrograms/ml respectively.

CONCLUSION

Short time exposure of daunomycin at low concentration can effectively inhibit the proliferation of lens epithelial cells in vitro, after further research in vivo, daunomycin may possibly become a valuable agent for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification.

Genetic immunization with adeno-associated virus vectors expressing herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoproteins B and D

Intramuscular injection of mice with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein B led to the generation of both gB-specific major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes and anti-gB antibody. AAV-mediated immunization was more potent than plasmid DNA or protein in generating antibody responses.

Linear IgA disease: a report of two dermal binding sera which recognize a pepsin-sensitive epitope (?NC-1 domain) of collagen type VII

Linear IgA disease is a subepidermal blistering disease characterized by IgA autoantibody deposition at the basement membrane zone of skin and mucosa. The antigens targeted in linear IgA disease have been defined by their molecular weight and localization. It has been proposed that a minority of linear IgA disease sera that bind to the dermal aspect of salt-split skin target collagen type VII. We have identified two patients with linear IgA disease using dermal binding IgA autoantibodies on salt-split skin which recognize collagen type VII by immunoblot analysis. The reactive epitope was destroyed by the proteolytic enzymes pepsin, which destroys the NC-1 domain of collagen type VII, and protease type VIII. Localization studies compared the IgA autoantibodies from these patients with the monoclonal antibody LH7.2 to the NC-1 domain of collagen type VII and showed colocalization on a dermal cylindroma tumour tissue, and a similar distribution with immunogold electron microscopy, using purified blister fluid from one patient. We propose from these results that the IgA autoantibodies from these two patients recognize the NC-1 domain of collagen type VII, the classical immunodominant epitope for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.

[Clinical and experimental studies of zhilibao oral liquor in treating mental retardation]

In 110 cases of treating mental retardation with Zhilibao Oral Liquor, the overall effective rate is 74%. The results of experimental studies indicate that the drug can improve the experimental impairment of learning gain and memory retention, protect from acute cerebral ischmia, and alleviate the signs of yang-deficiency in mice.

Changes of intracellular Na(+) concentration in erythrocytes caused by pulsed electrical field

Changes of sodium ionic concentration of human erythrocytes applied to pulsed electrical field (PEF) were studied by using shift reagent and NMR spectroscopy. The results show that the concentration of intraceUular Na(+) increases with the increasing intensity of PEF when the erythrocytes are applied to PEF with higher intensities. The relationship between intracellular Na(+) concentrations and the intensities of PEF does not follow linear or exponential behavior. As the intensities increase, the intracellular Na(+) concentrations increase even faster by an exponential curve. However under effects of PEF at lower intensities, intracellular Na(+) concentration decreases. Ouabain can inhibit the decrease of intracellular Na(+) concentration, and the inhibition increases with the increasing concentration of ouabain, suggesting that Na(+), K(+)-ATPase on cell membrane can be activated by PEF at lower intensities. Direct measurement of activities of the enzyme by using Malachite green method has confirmed this observation. Cell permeabilities to ions, activation of enzymes by electrical fields and transmission of physical signals like PEF across cell membranes are discussed.

Observation of developing cercaria of Schistosoma japonicum on ultrastructural level and remarks at its morphology of mature stage

OBJECTIVE

To study the developing cercaria of Schistosoma Japonicum (S. japonicum) on ultrastructural level by transmission electron microscope (TEM) for analyzing the morphological dynamic changes of the tegument, glands and musculature.

METHODS

Artificial infected Oncomelania hupensis were dissected under dissecting microscope and the daughter sporocysts picked up for studying the germinal cells stage (S1). The other embryonic cercaria were selected according to the modified parameter of Chen and Bier (1972). The specimens were prepared by conventional procedure of the laboratory of TEM and were observed by Hitachi H600.

RESULTS

Beside the germinal cell stage (S1), this is the first chronological study on the morphological development of S. japonicum cercaria from S2-S5 concerning the tegument and its elements (glycocalyx, sensory papilla, basal lamina and spine), head and acetabular gland and musculature of the body and tail. This article discusses the ultrastructural morphological differences from prior authors and emphasizes on the postacetalar gland and the pattern of tail musculature of the matured stage cercaria.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the cell division and differentiation, the process of development may be divided into 5 stages: S1, the single germinal cell stage; S2, the germinal ball stages: major multiplication and minor differentiation; S3, tail budding embryonic stage, both active in multiplying and differentiating; S4, the pre-matured stage, major differentiation and minor multiplication; and S5, the fully matured stage (completing the differentiation).

Does exogenous coenzyme Q10 affect aerobic capacity in endurance athletes?

The effect of orally supplemented coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on plasma CoQ10 concentration and aerobic capacity in endurance athletes was evaluated. Eighteen volunteer male road cyclists and triathletes, 8 in a CoQ10 supplementation group (QG) and 10 in a placebo group (PG), successfully completed the experimental protocol. Subjects were evaluated during and following graded cycling exercise tests, which were performed before and after 28 days of supplementation with 1 mg.kg-1.day-1 of CoQ10 or placebo. The presupplementation plasma CoQ10 concentration was significantly increased from 0.91 +/- 0.13 microgram.ml-1 to 1.97 +/- 0.27 microgram.ml-1 in QG following supplementation (p < .05). However, the CoQ10 supplementation regime had no consistently significant effect on oxygen uptake, anaerobic and respiratory compensation thresholds, blood lactate, glucose and triglyceride kinetics, heart rate, and blood pressure during and after graded cycling to exhaustion.

[A longitudinal study of alveolar bone repair following non-surgical treatment in periodontitis]

The purpose of this study was to monitor post-treatment alveolar bone repair using digital subtraction radiography (DSR). 104 interproximal bone crestal sites were selected from 52 premolars in 9 periodontitis patients (6 male, 3 female, aged 29-63 years). Acrylic stents were used to ensure serial radiographs which were taken at initial visit, 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 month(s) after scaling and root planning. Results showed: in some of the observed sites, small amount of bone increase was detected as early as two weeks after the non-surgical therapy. Statistically significant bone gain (P < 0.001) occurred at second month and peaked at 12 months after instrumentation. The increment of bone gain displayed an exponential curve. Three different patterns of alveolar bone reaction to treatment appeared among different patients. This study demonstrates that DSR is a sensitive and quantitative method in the monitor of bone fill after periodontal treatment.

[Pharmacological actions of different species form genus Pyrola]

This paper reporst the pharmacological actions and toxicities of the water extracts from Pyrola calliantha, Pyrola decorta and P. forrestiana. The results show that the actions of P. forrestiana on antiventricular fibrillation, strengthening cardiac musicular contraction and antihypoxia abitity are more stronger, but on antiinflammation and antipyretic, effects of P. decorta and P. calliantha are significantly better than that of P. forrestiana. The effects of the three species on immunization and antisepsis are similar.

Opioid receptors on peripheral sensory axons

Opioid receptors have been demonstrated by light microscopic techniques in fine cutaneous nerves in naive animals. The present study extends these findings by showing that 29 and 38% of unmyelinated cutaneous sensory axons can be immunostained for mu- or delta-opioid receptors respectively. Local cutaneous injection of DAMGO, a mu-opioid ligand, ameliorates the nociceptive behaviors caused by local cutaneous injection of glutamate, a purely nociceptive chemical stimulus showing that the mu-receptors are functional. By contrast the delta-opioid ligand [2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]enkephalin (DPDPE) had no effect on these behaviors. These findings indicate a wider function for opioid receptors in naive animals than previously envisioned.

Attenuation of salicylate-induced tinnitus by Ginkgo biloba extract in rats

The effects of an extract from Ginkgo biloba, EGb 761, on tinnitus were tested using an animal model of tinnitus. Daily oral administration of EGb 761 in doses from 10 to 100 mg/ kg/day began 2 weeks before behavioral procedures and continued until the end of the experiment. Tinnitus was induced by daily administration of 321 mg/kg sodium salicylate s.c. (corresponding to 275 mg/kg/day of salicylate acid) in fourteen groups of pigmented rats, 6 animals/group. The results from salicylate- and EGb-761-treated animals were compared to control groups receiving either salicylate, saline, or EGb 761 only in doses of 100 mg/kg. Administration of EGb 761 resulted in a statistically significant decrease of the behavioral manifestation of tinnitus for doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/ day.

Correlations between short-course triathlon performance and physiological variables determined in laboratory cycle and treadmill tests

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between physiological variables measured in graded cycling (CM) and treadmill running (RM) maximal tests and the performance of a short-course triathlon (1 km swim, 30 km cycling and 8 km running) in recreational triathletes. Ten male athletes with mean (+/-SD) age of 27.4(+/-5.7) years and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) of 63.3(+/-8.95) mL.kg-1.min-1 participated in the study. The results showed that the VO2peak and VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VO2VT) determined in CM were significantly correlated to the overall and running times of the triathlon (r = -0.64 - 0.77, p < or = 0.05). The VO2peak and VO2VT determined in RM were also correlated to the running time when expressed as mL.kg-1.min-1 (r = -0.73, p < or = 0.05). The VT expressed as %VO2peak in both tests showed no significant correlations to triathlon performance. It appears that it is the absolute aerobic capacity of these athletes being critical to maintain a high exercise intensity in the triathlon, especially during the running segment. The mean heart rate (HR) measured in four subjects during the cycling and running segments of the triathlon was similar to the HR at VT determined in CM, which indicated that these athletes could maintain an exercise intensity close to the VT level during the competition. There was no significant correlation found between the swimming time and physiological variables measured in the laboratory cycling and running tests, which could be explained by the specific skills and economy of movement required in these exercises.

SOX9 directly regulates the type-II collagen gene

Mutations in human SOX9 are associated with campomelic dysplasia (CD), characterised by skeletal malformation and XY sex reversal. During chondrogenesis in the mouse, Sox9 is co-expressed with Col2a1, the gene encoding type-II collagen, the major cartilage matrix protein. Col2a1 is therefore a candidate regulatory target of SOX9. Regulatory sequences required for chondrocyte-specific expression of the type-II collagen gene have been localized to conserved sequences in the first intron in rats, mice and humans. We show here that SOX9 protein binds specifically to sequences in the first intron of human COL2A1. Mutation of these sequences abolishes SOX9 binding and chondrocyte-specific expression of a COL2A1-driven reporter gene (COL2A1-lacZ) in transgenic mice. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Sox9 trans-activates both a COL2A1-driven reporter gene and the endogenous Col2a1 gene in transgenic mice. These results demonstrate that COL2A1 expression is directly regulated by SOX9 protein in vivo and implicate abnormal regulation of COL2A1 during, chondrogenesis as a cause of the skeletal abnormalities associated with campomelic dysplasia.

Genome analysis in Neurospora crassa; cloning of four loci arginine-1 (arg-1), methionine-6 (met-6), unknown-7 (un-7), and ribosome production-1 (rip-1) and associated chromosome walking

We have cloned four Neurospora crassa genes by complementation analysis. Cloned genes include the arginine-1 (arg-1), methionine-6 (met-6), unknown-7 (un-7), and ribosome production-1 (rip-1) loci. Chromosome walks were initiated in ordered cosmid libraries from the cloned loci. A total of about 700 kb of the Neurospora genome is covered in these walks.

The location of binding sites of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus autoantibodies: a post-embedding immunoelectron microscopic study

Pemphigus is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease of skin and mucous membranes that has two major subtypes based on clinical and histological features, pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Autoantibodies against the PV antigen (desmoglein 3) and the PF antigen (desmoglein 1) are involved in the pathogenesis of blister formation. In the present study, the location of epitopes recognized by autoantibodies of patients with PV and PF was studied by postembedding immunogold electron microscopy. PV and PF autoantibodies were observed bound predominantly to the intercellular domains of desmosomes, but not to the non-desmosomal keratinocyte cell surface. The relationship between the location of PF antigen and other constitutive desmosomal proteins, desmocollin, desmoplakin and plakoglobin, in normal human skin was investigated using a double immunogold labelling technique. It was observed that PF antigen and desmocollin co-localize within the intercellular domain of the desmosomes. In contrast, the antibodies against desmoplakin and plakoglobin bound predominantly to the intracellular desmosomal attachment plaque with the binding site of the antibody against plakoglobin closer to the desmosomal cell membrane than that of the antibody to desmoplakin. We show that the LR White postembedded immunogold electronmicroscopy technique is convenient and easily applied to studies of autoimmune bullous skin diseases. We have used it to demonstrate the precise localization of the binding sites of PV and PF autoantibodies and their relationship with other constitutive desmosomal proteins.

[Kidney lesions complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy of neonatal pig]

To study the kidney lesions complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborn, we successfully established a neonatal pig model of HIE. Changes in brain tissue similar to those of newborn in HIE were detected after 2 hours of hypoxia and ischemia. Meanwhile, swelling of kidneys, hemorrhage below encapsules, swellin of tubular epithelial cells, necrosing and falling of a few tubular epithelial cells, and narrowing of tubular lumens were observed. The basement membranes of renal tubules remained normal serum BUN and creatinine increased significantly after experiment compared with before (P < 0.025 and P < 0.05 respectively). The results showed that the kidney of neonatal pig was damaged in HIE. But the injury was not severe. After 72 hours free from hypoxia, the structure and function recovered approximately from the injury.

[An experimental study of injury characteristics in maxillofacial region following different kinds of high velocity projectiles wound]

Model 7.62 mm, model 5.56 mm bullets and 1.03 g steel sphere, 1.0 g fragment with impacting velocities 1300-1400 m/s were used to shot soap target, mandibular area of pigs in vitro and dogs in vivo. The shape and size of cavitations and wounds were observed and the specimens of wounded muscles were collected for light and electron microscopic observation. The authors found that different kinds of cavitations formed in different kinds of projectiles wound, which produced different injured characteristics in maxillofacial firearms wound. The characteristics of maxillofacial wound ballistics and difference of maxillofacial wounds in different kinds of high velocity projectiles wound were also discussed in the article.

Reliability of using the D-max method to define physiological responses to incremental exercise testing

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of using a mathematical method, D-max, to define blood lactate kinetics in response to an incremental exercise test, and to compare the physiological responses corresponding to the workload at D-max with those at the traditional 4 mmol l-1 lactate threshold and ventilatory thresholds. Ten male endurance trained athletes, with an average (+/- SD) age of 25.6 +/- 8.2 years and maximal oxygen consumption of 64.0 +/- 1.7 ml kg-1 min-1, performed an incremental cycling test on two occasions separated by four weeks. The expired gas was analysed on-line and plasma lactate concentration was analysed for each workload and at exhaustion. The lactate response to exercise was represented by a third-order polynomial regression curve. The D-max was defined as the point on the regression curve that yields the maximal distance to the straight line formed by the two end points of the curve. The results demonstrated a high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.77-0.93, p < 0.01) in oxygen consumption, heart rate and exercise intensity at both D-max point and exhaustion. No significant differences were found in the mean values of the variables between the two tests. It is concluded that the D-max appears to be a reliable method for defining the individual physiological responses to exercise tests, with the advantage of objectivity. However, there is no evidence to support the theory that the exercise intensity defined by the D-max method is superior to that defined by other methods to prescribe training intensity or predict aerobic performance for athletes. Further investigations are warranted to examine the validity of using this method in exercise prescription.

Effects of reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy on the HIV-1 viral burden in semen

HIV-1 infection continues to spread worldwide, primarily through sexual intercourse. Because semen is a major vehicle for transmission of HIV-1, we evaluated the effects of reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy on the amount of HIV-1 in semen. The semen and blood of 11 HIV-1-infected men (i.e. treatment group) were collected before the initiation of reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy and then 8 to 18 weeks after initiation of therapy. The semen and blood of another 11 HIV-1-infected men (i.e., longitudinal group), who were not on or had no change in antiretroviral therapy for at least 2 months before study entry, were collected at approximately 2-week intervals for 10 to 26 weeks. In the treatment group, 82% of the seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA levels decreased from baseline after 8 to 18 weeks of therapy (median reduction of 1.01 log10, p = 0.01), and 100% of the blood plasma RNA levels decreased from baseline over the same period (median reduction of 0.92 log10, p = 0.003). Five of these patients were followed for at least 52 weeks and had a median seminal plasma HIV-1 RNA level of 0.66 log10 below baseline at 1 year. All subjects in the treatment group with positive cultures at baseline (50%) had negative cultures or a lower infectious units per ejaculate at the 8- to 18-week follow-up examinations. The HIV-1 RNA levels in blood and semen of the longitudinal group did not change significantly over 10 to 26 weeks. Initiation of reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy effectively reduces shedding of HIV-1 in semen and may therefore reduce the spread of infection within populations.

Cloning and characterization of an essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, TAF40, which encodes yTAFII40, an RNA polymerase II-specific TATA-binding protein-associated factor

In this report we describe the cloning and initial characterization of TAF40, a gene that encodes a yeast TATA-binding protein-associated factor (yTAF) of Mr = approximately 40,000. This gene has many similarities to other yTAFs described thus far in that it is present at a single copy per haploid genome, it is essential for viability, and the deduced protein sequence of yTAF40 exhibits similarity to previously described human and Drosophila TAFIIs. Immunological studies confirm that yTAF40 protein is a subunit of a large multiprotein TATA-binding protein-TAF complex that contains a subset of the total number of the yTAFs present in yeast cell extracts. Transcription reactions performed using yeast whole cell extracts reveal that of the three nuclear RNA polymerases only RNA polymerase II function is abrogated when yTAF40 and associated proteins are immunodepleted from solution, indicating that the functionality of the multiprotein complex containing yTAF40 is RNA polymerase II-specific. By these criteria yTAF40 appears to encode a bona fide RNA polymerase II-specific TAF, and thus the protein that it encodes has been termed yTAFII40.

Serum levels of virus burden in early-stage human immunodeficiency virus type 1 disease in women

The fundamental clinical, viral, and immunologic features of early-stage human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease were examined in a seroprevalent cohort of 28 men and 14 women assessed longitudinally at three equally dispersed time points over a mean of 43 months. There were no gender differences in the relative risk of developing AIDS-defining end points or death. The median serum RNA levels assessed at the three study time points were 3.3-, 4.9-, and 1.5-fold lower, respectively, in women than in men. This suggests that while serum virus load may be as powerful a correlate of disease status in women as it is in men, the absolute values of the virus levels may be different in the 2 populations. These observations may have implications for the interpretation of levels of virus burden in women for the assessment of disease progression, transmission, and treatment.

[Antianoxic effects of Dracocephalum tanguticum on brain of mice]

The aqueous extracts i.p. of Dracocephalum tanguticum Maxim (DtM), a Tibetan medicine, prolong sighificantly decapitaion-induced gasping duration in mice and the survival time of mice ligated bilateral carotid (P > 0.01). DtM prolong also the primal gasping in mice after injecting the air into the coccygeal vein (P > 0.01) and the survival time in mice poisoned by Lidocaine (P > 0.05). In addition, DtM is possessed of protecting against the pathologic lession of brain in rats under stimulating high altitude hypoxic condition. The results suggest that DtM has a antianoxic effects on mice.

[The diagnosis and surgical treatment in rectal endometriosis]

From Jun 1975 to Mar 1995, 26 cases of endometriosis in the rectum (RE) were admitted. Local resection was performed in 16 and Dixon's operation in 10. The result showed 21 cases were symptomatically cured and 5 with remission. 2 cases were reoperated because of recurrence in 5 years after the first operation and cured. RE is difficult in distiguishing from rectal cancer. It is characterized by tenesmus, bursting pain, hematochezia in young and middle aged women during periods. The diagnosis can be made by tipycal history and vaginal examination, rectal examination, barium enema, proctoscopy and so on. The indications of operation include severe clinic symptoms and failed conservative therapy. Wedge resection was suitable in cases with small lession in rectum, while large, deep seated lessions in lower rectum were treated with Dixon's operation in order to prevent recurrence.

[A study on the corrosion of desalinated drinking water from electrodialysis process and its control]

The stability index IR of desalinated drinking water from electrodialysis process was more than 9.0. Its corrosion rate P reached 0.59 mm/a. This is the main cause of "Red Water" and severe corrosion in network of pipes of water supply in an oil field. A large number of iron bacteria and sulfur bacteria in water are the biological causes of tubercles and block up. But the P becomes less than 0.05 mm/a, when the water is remineralized. It is an effective measurement to control the pipe corrosion and to provide good quality drinking water.

[The anti-inflammatory effects of superoxide dismutase]

This paper reports the anti-inflammatory effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) from pig blood on inflammatory animal models. The experimental results have shown that SOD has significant anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibited carrageenin-induced foot-edema and croton oil induced granulation tissue edema of rats. It also inhibited arthritis induced by egg serum and Freund's adjuvant in rats. The effects were significantly dose-dependent.

Measurement of CD69 induction in the assessment of immune function in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from many asymptomatic HIV-infected patients exhibit defects in cytokine production and impaired proliferative responses in vitro but the mechanisms underlying this subclinical immune deficiency are controversial. To determine whether abnormalities in the earliest events following receptor engagement may help to explain the in vitro immune dysfunction, we measured the inducibility of the early activation marker CD69 in T cells from asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals in response to stimulation with anti-CD2 or anti-CD3 mAb. In a whole blood assay, we found that induction of CD69 was markedly impaired in CD4+ T cells from later-stage HIV-infected patients (CD4 counts 200-400/mm3) compared to uninfected controls. Among early stage patients (CD4 > 400/mm3), a subset (29%) had impaired CD69 induction. CD69 responses were equally depressed after stimulation through the CD3 or CD2 receptor pathways. Survey of a panel of immunophenotypic markers and propensity for apoptosis demonstrated a significant association between depressed induction of CD69 and decreased percentages of CD4+CD26+ and CD4+CD95+ cells but no association with the level of apoptosis. These data indicate that defects in T lymphocyte activation through CD3 and CD2 can be measured within hours of receptor stimulation in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals and might be useful to monitor as an indicator of immune function in these patients.