Immunogenicity in adult males of a Neisseria meningitidis group B vaccine composed of polysaccharide complexed with outer membrane proteins

Twenty five adult male volunteers were given a vaccine composed of the capsular B polysaccharide non-covalently complexed to serotype 6 outer membrane proteins (OMP) of Neisseria meningitidis. Subjects were divided into three dose groups receiving 50, 100 or 150 micrograms vaccine in aluminium hydroxide in each of three injections spaced 4 weeks apart. Systemic signs/symptoms considered clinically significant were recorded on 6% (4/70) of occasions and were succeeded by withdrawal of two volunteers from the study. Local injection site reactions, mostly mild to moderate, were reported after all vaccinations with one such reaction leading to a third volunteer withdrawing from the study. Geometric mean anti-B responses before immunization and 1 week after the third immunization (9 weeks) were 3.60 and 7.12 micrograms ml-1 in the 50 micrograms group (p less than 0.05) 2.05 and 12.19 micrograms ml-1 in the 100 micrograms group (p less than 0.001), and 3.68 and 14.20 micrograms ml-1 in the 150 micrograms group (p less than 0.001). The anti-B response was predominantly of the IgM isotype and persistence above prevaccination levels was evident for at least 12 months. Anti-type 6 OMP responses were also evidenced with geometric mean multiplicative increases over prevaccination levels at 9 weeks and 6 months of 7.8 and 4.2 for the 50 micrograms group, 11.6 and 5.6 for the 100 micrograms group and 6.8 and 3.4 for the 150 micrograms group. The bulk of this response was of the IgG isotype. Passive protection of mice was achieved with both pre- and post-vaccination (9 weeks; 100 and 150 micrograms groups) pools of sera.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Determination of seed activity of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq]

This paper presents a quantitative determination of the seed activity of Fritillaria thunbergii. The result shows that the optical density (O. D.) of highly active seeds is 0.241-0.247, of lowly active seeds is 0.171-0.192 and of inactive seeds is 0.005-0.006.

[Comparative GC analysis of essential oil in imported sandalwood]

The GC-fingerprint spectra of essential oils in imported sandalwood are established by the new technique of GC-relative retention value fingerprint spectrum (GC-FPS). According to the GC-FPS of samples, their chromatographic peaks, overlap ratio of peaks and eight strong peaks are studied comparatively.

[Selection of optimum technological conditions for vinegar-processing of fresh rhizoma Corydalis]

The Total alkaloid contents of chloroform extracts and aqueous decoctions of different vinegar-processed samples of fresh Rhizoma Corydalis were determined and compared using orthogonal experimental design. Two optimum schemes suggested by the results are 1. If aqueous decoction is wanted, the fresh tuber Corydalis should be scalded by hot edible vinegar till the liquid has permeated to its center; 2. If total alkaloid extract is required for making Chinese traditional patent medicine, the fresh Rhizoma should be slightly scalded with edible vinegar which has been diluted with an equal volume of water.

Parallel multiple matrix multiplication using an orthogonal shadow-casting and imaging system

A novel orthogonal shadow-casting and imaging optical system is proposed for performing multiple matrix multiplication. An analysis is given for describing the construction of a matrix processor. Preliminary experiments of matrix multiplication are demonstrated.

[Quantitative determination of phytolaccatoxin in radix Phytolaccae by TLC-densitometry]

Phytolaccatoxin is one of the main toxic constituents in Radix Phytolaccae. In this communication, the quantity of phytolaccatoxin is determined by TLC-scanning method. Convenient, rapid and dependable, the method can be used to control the quality of Radix Phytolaccae.

[Experiment study of adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats]

A single intravenous injection of adriamycin (5 mg/kg) into rats caused the full expression of nephrotic syndrome characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, thoracic and ascitic fluid; swelling and fusion of foot processes of epithelial cells could be observed under electron microscope; histologic examination by light microscopy did not reveal any significant changes. The features of the model in clinic and pathology were very similar to those described humans with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The observation in the various periods of the model indicated that the ultrastructure changes in epithelial cells occurred prior to the onset of proteinuria. The present study, combined with the results of quantitative analysis with image analyzer for alteration of glomerular polyanions, suggests that both morphologic changes and proteinuria may be the consequence of a common primary event that is the loss of glomerular polyanions. The model has the advantages of being rather simple and convenient; providing lasting proteinuria and pathological changes in stable condition; and having high reproducibility and a sufficient supply of the drug used.

[Production and characterization of anti-human hepatocellular carcinoma monoclonal antibodies]

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, QGY-7703, derived from a Chinese patient, was used to immunize the BALB/c mice. Fifteen hybridomas producing McAb that reacted with QGY-7703 cells were isolated from 858 hybridomas created in three cell fusions. In further studies two McAb, namely, AQGY1 and A-QGY2, were selected which specifically stained HCC cells grown in vitro. The reactivity of these McAb was not removed by the absorption by homogenates of the normal liver, but was by homogenates of HCC cells. A-QGY1 and A-QGY2 also reacted definitely with HCC cells in liver tissues of HCC patients, but neither with other cells in the tissues nor with nontransformed liver tissues of the same patients. Furthermore these two McAb stained the adult or fetal liver tissues, nor all of the other normal or tumor tissues that had been tested. Blocking and absorbing experiments revealed that A-QGY1 and AQGY2 antigens had no immunohomogenicity with antigens such as HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, AFP and CEA. The specificity of these two McAb may be used potentially for the sero diagnosis, histologic identification, radioimmunoimaging and destruction of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Chemical evaluation of vinegar-processing method for fresh rhizoma Corydalis]

Qualitative and quantitative analysis were carried out on the samples of Rhizoma Corydalis in both the locally vinegar-processed (fresh) and traditionally vinegar-processed forms. No difference was found in the main chemical constituents. However, both the total alkaloids and the corydalis B content of the former are higher than those of the latter.

[Establishment and application of serologic diagnosis method in human immunodeficiency virus]

Using immunoenzymatic method (IE) for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) serologic detection, and comparing with indirect immunofluorescence method (IIF). This method had same specificity and reproducibility but more sensitivity than IIF. Because it is simple, practical and suitable, IE method can replace IIF as the HIV serologic screening method suited to base application. Using HIV-1 immunoenzymatic reagent kit in Ivory Coast obtained good results.

[The clinical significance of flow cytometric DNA measurement of paraffin specimen in bladder tumor]

A retrospective study of flow cytometric measurements on paraffin embedded tumor specimens from 188 patients with bladder tumor was made and the results were analyzed in combination with the morphological changes of bladder tumors. It was found that the DNA ploidy pattern, degree of infiltration and the multiplicity of bladder tumor were closely related with tumor recurrence, among which the DNA ploidy pattern was most significant. In the aneuploid bladder tumors the recurrent rate and mean annual recurrent frequency were 76.7% and 1.46, and those in the diploid bladder tumors were 18.7% and 0.33 respectively. Aneuploidy was the most indicative parameter in the recurrence of bladder tumor. In addition, according to the DNA ploidy pattern and DNA index, the aneuploid tumors in our group were divided into 4 types, namely, tetraploid tumors, non-euploid tumors with DNA index less than or equal to 1.5, non-euploid tumors with DNA index greater than 1.5 and two-aneuploid tumors. The results showed that the recurrent rate of tetraploid tumor was relatively low and it became higher and higher in the following order, e.g., non-euploid tumors with DNA index less than or equal to 1.5, non-euploid tumors with DNA index greater than 1.5 and two-aneuploid tumors, indicating that there were different biological behaviors in tumors with different ploidy patterns. Finally, the relationship between DNA ploidy pattern and tumor metastasis was also discussed.

Shortest path first with emergency exits

Under heavy and dynamic traffic, the SPF routing algorithm often suffers from wild oscillation and severe congestion, and results in degradation of the network performance. In this paper, we present a new routing algorithm (SPF-EE) which attempts to eliminate the problems associated with the SPF algorithm by providing alternate paths as emergency exits. With the SPF-EE algorithm, traffic is routed along the shortest-paths under normal condition. However, in the presence of congestion and resource failures, the traffic can be dispersed temporarily to alternate paths without route re-computation. Simulation experiments show that the SPF-EE algorithm achieves grater throughput, higher responsiveness, better congestion control and fault tolerance, and substantially improves the performance of routing in a dynamic environment.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection of human bone marrow stromal fibroblasts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preferentially infects CD4 positive T cells and monocytes. Other human cell types have been reported to be infectable with HIV, including cells of mesenchymal origin. In this report, we show that both primary human bone marrow stromal fibroblasts and an immortalized human stromal fibroblast line are susceptible to HIV infection. These cells are capable of passing HIV to cells of lymphoid or myeloid lineage, and may thereby act as a reservoir of virus. This in vitro system may be a useful model for assessing the pathophysiology of hematopoietic dysfunction in AIDS patients.

Mechanical alterations in sensitized canine saphenous vein

Because it is likely that antigen sensitization is not restricted to airway smooth muscle but probably involves all tissues in the animal, we decided to test the hypothesis that saphenous vein from pollen extract-sensitized dogs is sensitized and is, in addition, mechanically altered. To this end, we studied responses to specific antigen challenge and length-tension and force-velocity relationships in sensitized (SSV) and control saphenous veins (CSV). The antigen challenge revealed that the venous smooth muscle was strongly sensitized and developed a Schultz-Dale response, the two main mediators of which were histamine and norepinephrine. Length-tension relationship studies showed that whereas there is no difference in maximum isometric tension development between SSV and CSV [93.95 +/- 7.34 and 87.86 +/- 4.00 (SE) mN/mm2, respectively], SSV exhibited a significantly greater maximum isotonic shortening capacity of 0.613 +/- 0.009 optional length (lo) vs. 0.578 +/- 0.012 lo for CSV. Unloaded shortening velocity (Vo), which reflects the cross-bridge cycling rate, was determined at different times after the onset of electrical stimulation. Maximum Vo was attained early (5 s) in the contraction; a 15% decline in Vo was observed at the plateau of the contraction (15 s). At 5 s, Vo of SSV (0.316 +/- 0.019 lo/s) was significantly higher than that of CSV (0.269 +/- 0.018 lo/s), although Vos were same at 15 (0.249 +/- 0.021 lo/s for SSV and 0.237 +/- 0.019 lo/s for CSV). The increase in shortening likely results from th e increase in the early cross-bridge cycling rate because our studies show that the bulk of shortening occurs in the first 5 s.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Screening of alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase producing strain and synthesis of cephalexin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

From ten genera and 146 bacterial strains, 22 strains producing alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase were selected. Among them, AS 1.586 and 41-2 were the best. The optimal conditions for synthesis of cephalexin by pseudomonas aeruginosa 1.204 were investigated. The optimal pH and temperature for enzymatic synthesis reaction was pH 6.8 and 25 degrees C, respectively. By using 1% 7-ADCA, 3% PGME and 4% biomass, about 70% of 7-ADCA was converted to cephalexin under the mentioned conditions.

[Prevention of radiation injury of the lungs by Salvia miltiorrhiza in mice]

The lungs and thymus of mice received X-ray irradiation on the right thorax were observed. It was found that lung injury was lighter and got recovered more rapidly in mice given Salvia miltiorrhiza than that in the control group. Microscopic thymus changes showed no difference in the two groups. The results indicated that Salvia miltiorrhiza could prevent radiation-induced pulmonary injury, but could not prevent thymus injury.

[Rapid isolation of cell-type specific DNA binding proteins]

We had previously found a cell-type specific DNA-binding protein of approximately 150,000 using the southwestern blot technique which was found to be a regulatory factor for activation of N-ras oncogene. In this paper, we describe a modified gel elution method for isolation of this protein using mini-slab gel electrophoresis and silver staining for identification. This method is rapid, economical and preserves the DNA-binding activity of the protein as determined by nitrocellulose filter-binding assay and mobility-shift assay. It is suitable for isolation of proteins in small quantities.

[An allergy prevalence survey in population of 10,144 people]

An retrospective investigation of allergic History was conducted in 10,144 persons in Shen-li Oil Field. The total allergy rate was 40.12%. Women presented a significantly higher prevalence than men. The results showed that allergic disease is the most frequent and common one in our country. Of the thirty common allergic disease urticaria appeared to be the leading one, reaching 23.27%. Following it are drug allergy (10.33%), contact dermatitis (9.72%), allergic rhinitis (6.32%), food allergy (4.98%), migraine (4.15%) and asthma (3.84%).

[Pharmacological action of various processed Mylabris phalerata Pallas]

We have compared the acute toxicity, sub-acute toxicity and in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor action of the rude drug, stir-fried with rice, and alkali-processed drugs of Mylabris phalerata before and after removing the head, feet and wings. The results indicate that the toxicity of the processed drugs is lower than that of the rude ones; the toxicity becomes higher without head, feet, and wings; and the alkali-processing method is better than stir-frying with rice recorded in the pharmacopeia.

[Effect of ke-tang-Ling administration on the function of pancreatic islets cells in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]

Radioimmunoassay methods were modified for insulin(IRI), C-peptide (IRCP) and glucagon (IRG) in the clinical investigation on normal subjects and 38 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In the control group, the peaks of glucose and IRI appeared 1 hour after glucose was taken. IRCP peak, however, appeared 1 hour later. IRG showed its maximum value on fasting and then reached its lowest point at the second hour after glucose loading. The authors' interests were focused on the changes of blood glucose, IRI, IRCP, and IRG in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after Ke-Tang-Ling (KTL) was administered in NIDDM. The results demonstrate that the glucose levels and undercure areas at various phases in OGTT were significantly decreased (P less than 0.01) in comparison of before and after the treatment with KTL in NIDDM (including obese and non-obese groups). In non-obese group, however, IRI, IRCP, and their undercure were remarkably increased (P less than 0.01). In obese group their values were decreased. It suggests that KTL plays a therapeutic role in decreasing blood glucose in non-obese NIDDM. The mechanism involved in this process may be related to its stimulating effect. IRG levels were decreased also (P less than 0.01) after the treatment with KTL in both obese and non-obese NIDDM, suggesting an inhibitory effect on glucagon secretion from alpha cells in pancrease.