Molecular characterization of a cDNA clone encoding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNase

RNA from IdUrd-treated P3HR1 cells was used for the construction of a cDNA library and screened with B95-8 EBV DNA BamHI fragment B and G probes. One clone, BG9, containing a 1.7 kb cDNA insert was further studied. Complete DNA sequence analysis revealed that BG9 encompassed the B95-8 EBV DNA sequences from nucleotide 120,747 to nucleotide 122,412 and corresponded to the BGLF5 open reading frame of the EBV DNase gene. Comparison of the sequences of BG9 with that of published B95-8 EBV DNA indicated that there were 14 different bases which results in 7 amino acid residue changes. The product of in vitro transcription/translation of a subclone, pGEM-BG9, contained the EBV DNase activity and a 52 kDa protein was immunoprecipitated from the in vitro translation products using serum from a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma which contained a high level of anti-DNase activity. Northern hybridization of P3HR1 RNA with the BG9 probe revealed a complex pattern of transcription in this region. Subgenomic DNA fragments were then used to map these RNA species to the B95-8 EBV DNA sequence. The result of S1 nuclease analysis indicated that a DNase ORF containing transcript sized 2.0 kb is initiated at nucleotide 122,435 +/- 1 and terminated at nucleotide 120,741 of the EBV genome.

Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation and syringomyelia

A 12-year-old boy had a long history of headache since the age of 4 years. Numbness and weakness of the upper extremities and chest tightness, especially in the morning, were noted since 2 years ago. The headache became more severe and frequent and attacked even in sleep since one year ago. Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation, cervical syringomyelia and mild hydrocephalus were demonstrated by MRI scan of the central nervous system. Headache and other symptoms disappeared immediately after surgical intervention. The formation of syringomyelia may be multifactorial, but Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation and uneventful birth history play an important role in the underlying cause of this case. We presented this youngest case who had Arnold-Chiari type 1 malformation and onset of headache from the age of 4 years, discussed the pathogenesis of syringomyelia and reviewed the literature.

[An experimental study on photosensitization of human liver cancer cells with sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (ALSPC)]

The photosensitizing effect of sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine to human liver cancer cells was studied by determining the kinetics of its cellular uptake, its state of aggregation therein and its photocytotoxicitic effect on these cells. Fluorescence methods were used to measure the cellular uptake in cell extracts and intact cells in monolayer. Results exhibited that the cellular uptake increases with the incubation time of ALSPC and saturates at 24 hrs. This relation was in coincidence with that between ALSPC's photocytotoxic effect and the ALSPC incubation time. Although the average ALSPC concentration in cells is higher than the incubation concentration of ALSPC, laser fluorescence, experiments showed that the fluorescence peak of ALSPC in cells incubated in higher concentration coincides with that of its aqueous solution of low concentration, suggesting that ALSPC in cancer cells exists in monomer state. Characteristics of the photodamaging effect of ALSPC to cancer cells were studied by both the method of typen blue staining and that of isotope labeling, which showed similar results. Results of the isotope labeling experiments implies that the DNA is damaged in ALSPC photosensitization. The photodamage on cells was also studied with 3 T 3 mouse cells (conversion), showing agreeable results to that with liver cancer cells, which suggests that ALSPC's photocytotoxic effect is nonselective to cell types.

[Mycosis fungoides--report of a case]

A 61-year-old female suffered from scaly, violaceous, reddish patches and plaques on the face, trunk and upper arms for two years. Histopathology showed that atypical lymphocytes had infiltrated the epidermis and dermis. Epidermotropism was noted but Pautrier microabscesses was not identified. The electron microscopy revealed the atypical lymphocytes had convoluted contour and peripheral hyperchromatic nuclei. By immunohistochemical study, the labelling of OKT4, OKT8 and OKT11 was positive for the cells, which appeared in the majority of helper T-cells, infiltrating the dermis. The diagnosis was mycosis fungoides, plaque stage. The patient received UVA therapy for 3 months but discontinued due to a worsening of her physical condition.

Detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in laryngeal papilloma

Laryngeal papillomas are troublesome benign tumors of the larynx. According to their biological behavior, there are two types of laryngeal papillomas--the juvenile and adult types. Two samples of adult-type and five samples of juvenile-type laryngeal papilloma specimens were studied using the Southern blot technique with radioactively labeled human papillomavirus (HPV) 6b, 16, 18 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as probes. We found that there was a linear form, an episomal form, and a concatemer or catenane of HPV DNA in the 5 samples of juvenile laryngeal papilloma and there was no evidence of HPV DNA integration. The HPV DNA in tumor cells is very closely associated with HPV 6b, but has no positive hybridization with HPV 16 and 18 DNA even in a low stringent condition. There was no positive hybridization found in the 2 samples of adult-type laryngeal papilloma with any of the three probes.

Multiple risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Epstein-Barr virus, malarial infection, cigarette smoking and familial tendency

A community-based case-control study was carried out to assess multiple risk factors and familial aggregation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). All of the 347 pathologically-confirmed NPC new cases were serially recruited from the National Taiwan University Hospital, and healthy community controls one-to-one matched with cases on age, sex and residence were selected from household registration offices. NPC risk factors were obtained from the study subjects through standardized interviews according to a structured questionnaire. Levels of antibody to EBV-specific DNase (anti-EBV DNase) and IgA antibody to EBV viral capsid antigen (anti-EBV VCA) were determined by standard methods blindly. Multiple logistic regression analysis for matched data showed significant associations of NPC with high levels of anti-EBV DNase and anti-EBV VCA independently. The effect of cigarette smoking on NPC was modified by age. The older the age, the more striking the dose-response relation between cigarette smoking and NPC. There was no significant association between alcohol consumption and NPC. Malarial infection history was associated with NPC with an odds ratio of 2.2, but the association was significant in males only. First-degree relatives of NPC cases had a greater NPC-affected rate than those of matched healthy controls with a relative risk of 19.2, and the heritability of NPC was estimated as 0.60 (95% confidence interval = 0.55-0.64) based on the multifactorial inheritance model. Familial NPC cases were younger than sporadic cases, but environmental risk factors were similar in the two groups.

Exogenous surfactant for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants

A prospective, randomized and controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of surfactant in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants. Eighteen premature infants with RDS were studied. Group I consisted of 9 premature infants with a mean birth weight of 1,455 +/- 265.9 g and a mean gestational age of 31.4 +/- 1.3 weeks. Group II consisted of 9 premature infants with a mean birth weight of 1,411 +/- 379.0 g and a mean gestational age of 30.6 +/- 1.7 weeks. Reconstituted bovine surfactant (Surfactant TA, Tokyo Tanabe Co., Japan), 120 mg/kg body weight was suspended in 4 ml normal saline and delivered to the lungs of the patients in group I through an endotracheal tube via a catheter in five divided doses (mean age at this point was 5.7 +/- 4.5 hours). An air placebo (4 ml per kilogram) was given to the patients in group II. The results showed that significant improvement in oxygenation, characterized by (1) an increase in the ratio of arterial to alveolar oxygen tension; (2) a decrease in the fractional inspiratory oxygen concentration; and (3) changes in mean airway pressure and ventilatory index, were noted in the surfactant-treated group. Pneumothorax was found in one surfactant-treated infant and one control infant. Pulmonary interstitial emphysema was found in one control infant. One control infant later developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Four (44.4%) of the surfactant-treated infants and four (44.4%) of the control infants had evidence of patient ductus arteriosus. The mean duration from birth to extubation in the surfactant-treated infants was 121.9 +/- 1.9 hours.

Mechanism of estrogen-induced 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in ovariectomized rat uterus

Estradiol (E2), progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate can induce biosynthesis of the 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-beta-HSD) in the mammalian uterus. For further understanding the 17-beta-HSD induction which may be mediated by the conjugation of the E2 to its receptor, premature ovariectomized rats were treated with E2, or with a synthetic steroid, diethylstilbestrol (DES), an agonist for the E2 receptor but not a substrate for 17-beta-HSD. Histological observation and uterus weight were examined as parameters to evaluate uterine response to those hormones at different durations of treatment. The 17-beta-HSD in ovariectomized rat uterus of each group was also examined by histochemical and biochemical assays. The results showed that the 17-beta-HSD activity in the uterus can be induced by E2 or DES, after daily treatment for 1, 14 and 28 days, but much higher in DES treated animals. The uterus weight demonstrated a "negative linear correlation" to the enzyme activity in all E2 treated groups, but not in DES or control rats. Accordingly, it was indicated that the 17-beta-HSD induction was regulated by conjugation of E2 or DES to its receptor. Therefore, we believe that the 17-beta-HSD gene in the rat uterus is another estrogen responsive gene.

[The antibiotic effect of Pseudomonas jinanensis sp. nov]

The Pseudomonas jinanensis has been isolated from soil and screened by antibioticgram assay and spermatogonial assay. It has certain antibiotic properties. The metabolite which has been produced is certainly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and some other positive germs. The preparation of Pseudomonas jinanensis vaccine, namely PJV. It's biological activity on the growth of tumor-bearing mice and the murine spermatogenesis cell. It is considered that enhancement of nonspecific immunologic function of the host might increase the efficacy of praziquantel on schistosomiasis in mice. PJV has certainly produced effectiveness against malignant pleural effusion (effective rate was 76.5%), cancer of lung (effective rate was 58.3%), many solid kinds of cancer (effective rate was 52.1%), and the total effective rate was 64.2%. It could increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation. PJV could stimulate the animal (rabbit) to develop specific antibody. PJV might belong to the class of immunomodulating agents.

[A new athraquinone compound from the stem and leaves of Tripterygium wilf or dii Hook. f]

A new anthraquinone compound was isolated from the stem and leaves of Thipterygium wilfordii. The structure was elucidated to be 1,8-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethylanthraquinone on the basis of UV-VIS,IR,HNMR and MS analysis.

Picogram level quantitation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in fish extracts by capillary gas chromatography/matrix isolation/Fourier transform infrared spectrometry

For the first time, gas chromatography/matrix isolation/Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (GC/MI/FTIR) has been reported to confirm the identity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2378-TCDD) and to quantify its level in fish extracts in the 170-220 pg range "on disk". When expressed on a fish tissue basis, analyte levels ranged from 15 to 45 pg/g. Spectroscopic identification was based on the position and relative intensity of seven absorption bands. Optical alignment as well as performance evaluation and optimization of the GC/MI/FTIR system are described. The use of [13C12]2378-TCDD as an internal standard was essential for quantitation, and quality assurance controls were used to verify system performance. GC/MI/FTIR quantitation of 2378-TCDD was compared with that independently found by GC with electron capture detection. Recovery of 2378-TCDD averaged 52% (n = 8, 30% relative standard deviation) for fish extracts.

Antibody against Epstein-Barr virus DNA polymerase activity in sera of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

A salt-dependent DNA polymerase activity was demonstrated in the culture of an EBV-producing, lymphoblastoid cell line (NPC-204 cells) treated with 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR). There was a high frequency of levels of antibody to this enzyme in sera of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In contrast, sera from healthy subjects had little or no neutralizing activity. The high antibody level appeared as early as stage 1 of the disease in many NPC patients. The levels of the antibody increased with the progression of the disease and declined in treated patients. The results strongly suggest that tests measuring serum antibody against EBV DNA polymerase activity can be used for early diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.

Quality control of 99mTc-labeled dextran for lymphoscintigraphy

99mTc-labeled dextran has been suggested as a lymphoscintigraphic agent. However, quality-control results from previous studies have been controversial. In this study, the optimal concentration of stannous ion and pH value were determined to obtain maximal labeling. Paper and thin-layer chromatography showed total labeling efficiency as high as 98.4%. Anthrone test of the supernatant of the segments from thin-layer chromatographic strip was performed. Colorimetric determinations verified that dextran was found in the same locations as the peak radioactivity.

[Dissolution profiles of powdered inclusion compounds of sulfonamide drugs with beta-cyclodextrin]

The interactions of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with three sulfonamide drugs were studied. Observations were made on the effects of beta-CD on the solubility and the dissolution rate of these drugs in aqueous solution when comparing two different methods. The solubility of these three drugs was found to increase with the addition of beta-CD. This increase in solubility when using beta-CD was considered to be due to the formation of inclusion compounds. The dissolution rate of drugs increased with beta-CD, and was similar in tendency to the solubility data. These effects on both solubility and dissolution rates were similar regardless of which method was used. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the drug/beta-CD freeze-drying powder showed a clear difference from the physical mixture of intact drugs.

Antibody to Epstein-Barr virus-specific DNase as a marker for field survey of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Taiwan

A serological survey using antibody to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific DNase activity as a marker for the identification of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been carried out on healthy subjects who visited Government Employees' Clinic Center (GECC) for routine health examination and on individuals residing in NPC high-risk areas (HRA) in Taiwan. During a 3-year prospective study, 22,596 and 9,869 sera were collected from the GECC and HRA groups, respectively. Taking neutralization of 2 or more units of EBV DNase activity as a positive response, the positivity rates in the GECC and HRA groups were 5.4% and 11.92%, respectively. Among the antibody-positive individuals, three cases of NPC were found in the GECC group (detection rate 0.63%) and 11 in the HRA group (detection rate 1.32%). A further patient at stage III of the disease was found in the first year of following up of 1,005 antibody-positive individuals. Among the 12 NPC patients in the HRA, five were newly diagnosed as having stage II (three patients) and stage III (two patients) NPC. These results support the hypothesis that antibody against EBV-specific DNase activity may be a useful marker for detection of patients with NPC, and they imply that individuals having high levels of antibody to EBV DNase activity may have an increased risk of development of NPC.

Seroepidemiological study of Epstein-Barr virus infection in children in Taipei

SerumIgG antibody titer against viral capsid antigen(VCA) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was measured by indirect immunofluorescence antibody method in 1350 children under 15 years of age, 723 males and 627 females, who were living in the Taipei area. Sera were collected from June through October 1984. Under the age of 6 months, the prevalence rate of positive serum VCA antibody was 38.4%. It decreased to 6.4% between 6 and 12 months of age, but rose to 65.8% during the second year of life. The rate continued to increase from 1 to 4 years of age, with a steep rise of geometric mean titer in the same period. The prevalence rate stayed at more than 90% after 4 years of age. From our data, it is obvious that most children in the Taipei area had been infected by EBV in early childhood, especially from 1 to 4 years of age.

[A study on mechanism of skin penetration by cercaria of S. japonicum and screening of preventive drugs]

Mice pretreated with PG cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor aspirin, at 300 mg/kg/d x 5, and ibuprofen, at 100 mg/kg/d x 5 orally and 20 mg/kg/d x 3 intraperitoneally revealed moderate chemoprophylactic effects and the reduction of the penetration of worms by 23% when compared to controls. Daily oral administration of aspirin, at 300 mg/kg for 15 days the worms reduction increased to 41.7%. In estimation of PGE1 in cercariae of S. japonicum by radioimmunoassay, the PGE1 was 49 pg/100 cercariae. In normal mouse skin PGE1 has been measured to amount to 3105 +/- 691.7 pg/10 mg on average. In cercarial penetrated mouse skin, 1.5 hours after exposure the PGE1 assessed in 100 and 250 cercariae in the infected skin were 5506 +/- 1127.1 and 12085 +/- 2622.9 pg/10 mg respectively, which were significantly higher than that of the non-penetrated skin. These studies in conjunction with our previous work indicate that: 1.PGs, similar to S. mansoni, were probably necessary for cercarial penetration. 2.PG inhibitors could reduce cercarial penetration. Receptors antagonist etc. e.g. diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, atropine, practolol could not reduce cercarial penetration, but praziquantel in the pretreated mice could reduce cercarial penetration significantly. e.g. 400 mg/kg orally 2 hours prior to affection of cercariae about 100% reduction of the penetration, but if pretreated with praziquantel, 4, 8, 24, 36 hours prior to the affection the reduction penetration decreased to 51.7, 46.1, 9.4, 8.9% respectively.

[Harlequin fetus--a case report]

A one-day-old male premature baby was born to a G4P4 mother with the gestation age of 30 weeks. His birth weight was 2000 gm. He was noted to be covered with a thick, armor-like skin which is split by deep fissures and makes the feature of Ectropion and eclabium. His nose was flattened, only the nostrils were visible, and the external ears were underdeveloped. The hands and feet appeared to be swollen and crumpled. The genital organ was covered with thick fissured skin and it was impossible to distinguish sex by external appearance. Three days after delivery, the patient died of respiratory distress. He was found normal through general laboratory and chromosome study. However, dermatohistology showed hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis and hypogranulosis. Pathology showed PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), enlarged thymus and congestion of internal organs. Its etiology and pathogenesis somehow remain unknown. We hereby reported this harlequin fetus, the most severe type of lamellar ichthyosis, and discussed its incidence, pathogenesis, pathohistology, prognosis and the recent development in treatment.

17-beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in rabbit bone marrow

Because of the general presence of 17-B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-B-HSD) in animals and human erythrocytes, it is very likely that this enzyme is also present in the erythrocyte precursor cells in bone marrow. Adult male white New Zealand rabbits were used to demonstrate the existence of the 17-B-HSD in bone marrow cells and to evaluate the biological function of 17-B-HSD in the erythropoietic system in bone marrow. Anemia was artificially induced in these animals in order to stimulate the proliferation of erythropoietic cells. This was accomplished by bleeding or by intra-peritoneal injection of 40 mg/kg of phenylhydrazine. The 17-B-HSD activities were then examined by histochemical and biochemical assays. The results showed a two to three-fold increase of the enzyme activities in both peripheral erythrocytes and bone marrow cells of anemic animals. Our experiments further demonstrate the fine control of erythropoiesis. The enzyme, which favors the conversion of oestradiol to oestrone, is itself boosted by an anemic state. As a result, the inhibitory action of hemopoiesis by oestradiol was relieved.

Factors distinguishing homosexual males practicing risky and safer sex

A longitudinal study of patterns of sexual behavior among asymptomatic, homosexual males in New York City was conducted. Participants were interviewed at two time points, 6 months apart. Based on their reports of sexual behavior during a recent 'typical' month, respondents were classified at each time point as engaging in safer (or low-risk) sexual practices versus high-risk sexual behaviors. Discriminant analysis was employed to distinguish the 53 males classified as risky at both time 1 and time 2 from the 47 males classified as safer in both periods. Statistically significant discrimination was achieved with 10 psychosocial predictor variables, four of which were significant while controlling for all other variables in the model. Of these predictors, drug use within sexual contexts was particularly noteworthy, since it provided the greatest relative contribution to the discriminant function and appears to be an important candidate for educational intervention. Other significant variables included perceived adequacy of emotional support, number of years engaged in regular sexual intercourse with other males, and perceived difficulty in modifying sexual behavior. Self-esteem and alcohol consumption approached significance.

The surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Forty-eight patients with complete acromioclavicular (A-C) joint dislocation were treated surgically and followed postoperatively for an average of 26 months. Nineteen patients were treated with simple temporary pinning without ligament reconstruction. Eight of these patients were found, on follow-up x-ray, to have some degree of loss of reduction. All 21 patients treated with Neviaser's operation and all four patients treated with pinning and coracoclavicular (C-C) ligament reconstruction maintained their position on follow-up. One patient treated with arthrodesis of the C-C joint with a wire sustained metallic failure, and another treated with arthrodesis with a screw sustained bone erosion of the clavicle. Although the radiographic results were not necessarily good, 94% (45/48) of patients obtained good or excellent functional results. Reconstruction of either the superior A-C ligament or the C-C ligament, besides temporary fixation of the A-C joint, is recommended for surgical treatment of complete A-C joint dislocation.