[Experimental study on ultrashort wave therapy on the healing of fracture]

The models of fracture in the rabbit radii were made. The rabbits in the experimental group were treated--with ultrashort wave at the fracture sites. The changes in the x-ray, histology, and biomechanics were observed dynamically. The results were that the speed and quality of the fracture healing in the experimental group were much better than in the control group.

Production of cloned goats from enucleated oocytes injected with cumulus cell nuclei or fused with cumulus cells

This study was designed to produce cloned goats from cumulus cells. Cloning donor nuclei were from cumulus cells either freshly isolated or cultured in vitro. Enucleated oocytes were either injected with cumulus cell nuclei without piezo-driven manipulator (injection method) or fused with cumulus cells (fusion method). The survival rate of cloned embryos, obtained by injection, was higher than that derived from fusion (62.7 and 45.9%, respectively). Two cloned goats were derived by fusion with in vitro cultured cumulus cells without starvation, but died shortly after natural birth, from respiratory difficulties. Their birth weights (2.23 kg and 2.03 kg) were within the normal range (2.0-2.7 kg) and postmortem analysis revealed no morphological abnormalities. The third cloned goat, derived by injection of nuclei from freshly isolated cumulus cells, weighed 3.3 kg at birth, and was 37% overweight compared with the average weight of the same species. This goat is healthy and well as this paper is being prepared. Nested PCR-RFLP analysis confirmed that all the cloned goats were derived from the donor cells.

Human neutrophil lipocalin is a unique marker of neutrophil inflammation in ulcerative colitis and proctitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Accumulation and infiltration by neutrophil granulocytes is a prominent feature in the local inflammatory process in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present study was performed to evaluate human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) as a specific neutrophil marker in the inflamed lesions of the colon and rectum in patients with colitis and proctitis.

METHODS

The activity of intestinal neutrophils with respect to release of granule proteins was studied in 18 patients with UC (10 with colitis and eight with isolated proctitis) and in 18 healthy controls using perfusion fluid and biopsies from the sigmoid colon and rectum. The released amounts of the neutrophil granule proteins HNL and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by radioimmunoassays, and the location of HNL and MPO in biopsies from colonic mucosa was examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Mucosal release of HNL and MPO was increased 10-55-fold in patients with colitis and proctitis compared with controls. Their bowel biopsies demonstrated that only neutrophils were stained with anti-HNL. We also found correlations between HNL and levels of granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in perfusion fluids from the sigmoidal segments of patients with proctitis, between HNL and GM-CSF in rectal segments in patients with proctitis, and in sigmoidal segments in patients with colitis.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the increased release of HNL and MPO in colorectal perfusion fluids indicates neutrophil involvement in the local inflammatory process, and suggest that HNL may serve as a specific marker of intestinal neutrophil activation in UC. GM-CSF, and to some extent IL-8, may play a role in neutrophil accumulation and priming in this disease.

Structural characterization of weakly attached cross-bridges in the A*M*ATP state in permeabilized rabbit psoas muscle

It is well established that in a skeletal muscle under relaxing conditions, cross-bridges exist in a mixture of four weak binding states in equilibrium (A*M*ATP, A*M*ADP*P(i), M*ATP, and M*ADP*P(i)). It has been shown that these four weak binding states are in the pathway to force generation. In the past their structural, biochemical, and mechanical properties have been characterized as a group. However, it was shown that the myosin heads in the M*ATP state exhibited a disordered distribution along the thick filament, while in the M*ADP*P(i) state they were well ordered. It follows that the structures of the weakly attached states of A*M*ATP and A*M*ADP*P(i) could well be different. Individual structures of the two attached states could not be assigned because protocol for isolating the two states has not been available until recently. In the present study, muscle fibers are reacted with N-phenylmaleimide such that ATP hydrolysis is inhibited, i.e., the cross-bridge population under relaxing conditions is distributed only between the two states of M*ATP and A*M*ATP. Two-dimensional x-ray diffraction was applied to determine the structural characteristics of the attached A*M*ATP state. Because the detached state of M*ATP is disordered and does not contribute to layer line intensities, changes as a result of increasing attachment in the A*M*ATP state are attributable to that state alone. The equilibrium toward the attached state was achieved by lowering the ionic strength. The results show that upon attachment, both the myosin and the first actin associated layer lines increased intensities, while the sixth actin layer line was not significantly affected. However, the intensities remain weak despite substantial attachment. The results, together with modeling (see J. Gu, S. Xu and L. C. Yu, 2002, Biophys. J. 82:2123-2133), suggest that there is a wide range of orientation of the attached A*M*ATP cross-bridges while the myosin heads maintain some degree of helical distribution on the thick filament, suggesting a high degree of flexibility in the actomyosin complex. Furthermore, the lack of sensitivity of the sixth actin layer line suggests that the binding site on actin differs from the putative site for rigor binding. The significance of the flexibility in the A*M*ATP complex in the process of force generation is discussed.

Hepatobiliary inflammation, neoplasia, and argyrophilic bacteria in a ferret colony

Hepatobiliary disease was diagnosed in eight of 34 genetically unrelated cohabitating pet ferrets (Mustela putorios furo) during a 7-year period. The eight ferrets ranged in age from 5 to 8 years and exhibited chronic cholangiohepatitis coupled with cellular proliferation ranging from hyperplasia to frank neoplasia. Spiral-shaped argyrophilic bacteria were demonstrated in livers of three ferrets, including two with carcinoma. Sequence analysis of a 400-base pair polymerase chain reaction product amplified from DNA derived from fecal bacteria from one ferret demonstrated 98% and 97% similarity to Helicobacter cholecystus and Helicobacter sp. strain 266-1 , respectively. The clustering of severe hepatic disease in these cohabitating ferroes suggests a possible infectious etiology. The role of Helicobacter species and other bacteria in hepatitis and/or neoplasia in ferrets requires further study.

Static magnetic field effects on bone formation of rats with an ischemic bone model

Effects of a static magnetic field were studied on bone formation using an ischemic rat femur model. Metal rods were prepared from magnetized and unmagnetized samariun cobalt to have tapered structure, both with the same geometrical dimension, and were implanted transcortically into the middle diaphysis of 88 rat femurs. Both sides of the rat femoral artery were ligated to create an ischemic bone model, followed by implantation of the tapered rod to the femur. The bone mineral density (BMD) and weight of the femurs were measured at 1st and 3rd week after implantation. The result at the 3rd week post-implantation revealed that the BMD and weight of the ischemic bone model rats were significantly reduced, compared with that of non-operated femur. It was also found that the magnetized group had significantly higher bone weights than the unmagnetized (p<0.05). The BMD of the rats implanted with the magnetized rods were similar to those of the non-operated (p>0.05). This enhancement of the femoral bone formation of the ischemic rat model by the static magnetic field seems to be due to the improved blood circulation of the femur.

Trace analysis of dissolved polychlorinated organic compounds in the water of the Yangtse River (Nanjing, China)

Eighteen organochlorine contaminants from the water samples of the Yangtse River have been qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The analysis of polychlorinated organic compounds (PCOCs) extracted by C18 Solid Phase Extract (SPE) was performed using HP6890 gas chromatograph coupled by ECD detector. The analytical results demonstrate that the analytical methods are reliable based on the fact that most of the recoveries for the targeted compounds are 60-90%. Most of the concerned contaminants, i.e. chlorinated pesticides and PCBs were found in the water samples of the Yangtse River, but their concentration was very low, <2.97 ng l(-1), which is far less than 1 microg l(-1)--the standard of drinking water of China. It is apparent that the PCOCs were in high concentration during the dry season, and in low concentration during the rainy season. The situation of PCOCs contamination in the water of the Yangtse River in 1999 was greatly improved in comparison with 10 years ago.

A quantitative method to measure telomerase activity by bioluminescence connected with telomeric repeat amplification protocol

Telomerase is expected to be a new biomarker for cancer diagnosis. The telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) is a sensitive method to detect telomerase activity. However, TRAP and its modified protocols are not always suitable for measuring telomerase activity of a large number of clinical samples to diagnosis cancer because these methods generally require a time-consuming detection step such as gel electrophoresis. To improve the procedure for mass diagnosis, we applied bioluminescence to replace the detection step. Telomerase activity is measured by evaluating the amount of inorganic pyrophosphate generated in PCR amplification of telomerase elongation product, with use of the sensitive enzymatic luminometric inorganic pyrophosphate detection assay (ELIDA). TRAP connected with ELIDA (TRAP-ELIDA) can quantitatively detect telomerase activity within linearity from 2 to 1000 cell equivalents. The ELIDA signals accorded with results of TRAP-SYBR green staining, and the results of ELIDA were significantly correlated to those of TRAP connected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TRAP-ELISA) (r(2) = 0.992, P < 0.001). TRAP-ELIDA is a simple and sensitive method to quantify telomerase activity without time-consuming gel electrophoresis. Because TRAP-ELIDA measures telomerase activity with a luminometer, it could be applied to a large number of clinical samples at the same time.

[Clinical research of primary hyperparathyroidism]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features and therapeutic procedures of primary hyperparathyroidism(PHPT) in China.

METHODS

Clinical data of twenty eight consecutive in-patients with PHPT hospitalized in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University Medical School during the period 1968-2001 were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the domestic relevant literature.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients underwent operative treatment, including exploratory operation of neck in 14 cases, cystectomy in one case, cancer radical operation in one case, and direct parathyroid adenomectomy in 14 cases with solitary adenoma. All cases resulted in normocalcemia after operation. The cure rate of PHPT was 100%. No early and long-term operative complications and recurrence were found.

CONCLUSION

PHPT, mostly occurring among people aged 30-40, is rare in China. Osteopathy can be seen in 90% of PHPT patients. For solitary parathyroid adenoma, direct adenomectomy through small neck incision is a safe and effective alternative to conventional neck exploratory operation.

[Study on the correlation between the expression of protein p53 at stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its biological behavior, prognosis, p53 gene mutation and the expression of LMP-1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate p53 protein expression at stage III nasopharyngeal differentiated non-keratinizing squamous carcinoma (DNKSC) and their correlation with biological behavior and prognosis;the relationship between p53 protein expression and p53 gene mutation and LMP-1 protein expression at 58 cases of stage III DNKSC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (Envision) was applied to detect p53 protein and LMP-1 protein expression. Non-isotopic PCR-SSCP was used to detect p53 gene mutation.

RESULTS

The p53 protein expression showed general positive rates of 65.5% (38/58) in the patients with nasopharyngeal DNKSC, being significantly higher in the group surviving less than 5 years 82.1% (32/39) than in the group surviving longer than 5 years 31.6% (6/19) (P < 0.05). Besides, it was closely correlated with the local invasion to the cranial base, there was a significant difference between invasion 74.4% (29/39) and non-invasion 47.4% (9/19) (P < 0.05). The expression of LMP-1 protein rated 72.4% (42/58), exhibiting a positive correlation with the expression of p53 protein (r = 0.504). The p53 gene mutation was found in none of the cases (0/15).

CONCLUSIONS

In stage III nasopharyngeal DNKSC, the expression of p53 protein is not related to p53 gene mutation, whereas it relates to the expression of LMP-1 protein. Declined expression of p53 protein is closely related to the time of survival, and the p53 protein expression is higher in the invasive carcinoma.

Clinical significance of examining IL-2R in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To understand the clinical significance of membrane receptors of interleukin-2 (CD25) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

CD25 percentages in PBL from 110 patients with gastric cancer and 100 normal individuals were examined by flow cytometry. Results were analyzed clinically and pathologically.

RESULTS

Mean CD25% in PBL from normal individuals and patients with gastric cancer were 17.24 +/- 5.33 and 22.47 +/- 6.82, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). Abnormally elevated CD25% in PBL from patients with gastric cancer were correlated with tumor site, macropathology type, tumor size, differentiation degree and clinical stage.

CONCLUSION

Measuring CD25% in PBL from gastric cancer patients before surgery may provide a reference for diagnosis, immune treatment and judging prognosis.

Cyclohexylamino-demethoxy-hypocrellin B and photodynamic therapy decreases human cancer in vitro

2-Cyclohexylamino-2-demethoxy-hypocrellin B (CHAHB) is a new photosensitizer synthesized by the mild reaction between hypocrellin B (HB) and cyclohexylamine, in which the peri-hydroxylated perylenequinone structure of the parent HB is preserved and the photoresponse is enhanced markedly. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping measurements and 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) bleaching studies were employed to investigate the photodynamic action of CHAHB in the presence of oxygen. Singlet oxygen ((1)O2) and superoxide anion radical (O2*-) generated by illuminating CHAHB in aerobic solution have been observed. Compared with HB, CHAHB distinctly enhanced the O2(*-)-generating abilities, although (1)O2-generating abilities were lowered. The photodynamic action of CHAHB in the therapy of cancer was investigated in vitro. The results in vitro revealed a much more significant decrease in cancer cell growth than with HB. Laser or dye alone had no effect, indicating that intratumor CHAHB and laser therapy may prove useful in unresectable cancer.

Butylamino-demethoxy-hypocrellins and photodynamic therapy decreases human cancer in vitro and in vivo

2-Butylamino-2-demethoxy-hypocrellin A (BAHA) and B (BAHB) are new photosensitizers synthesized by a mild reaction of hypocrellins and butylamine. In BAHA and BAHB, the peri-hydroxylated perylenequinone structure of the parent hypocrellins is preserved and the red absorption is enhanced distinctly. Electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping measurements and 9,10-diphenylanthracene bleaching studies were used to investigate the photodynamic action of BAHA and BAHB in the presence of oxygen. Singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anion radical (O2(*-)) produced by illuminating BAHA and BAHB in aerobic solution have been observed. Compared with hypocrellin A and B, BAHA and BAHB primarily remained able to generate 1O2 and enhanced distinctly the O2(*-)-generating abilities. The photodynamic action of BAHA and BAHB in the therapy of cancer was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Both in vitro and in vivo results revealed a significant decrease in cancer cell growth. Laser or dye alone had no effect, indicating that intratumor BAHA and laser therapy may prove useful in unresectable cancer.

Myocyte function and [Ca 2+ ]i homeostasis during early allogenic heart transplant rejection

BACKGROUND

Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that in vivo contractile function of rejecting mouse heterotopic abdominal heart allografts 5 days after transplantation is depressed to 40% of that of syngenic controls, and that this depression of function is prevented by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine. However, the mechanisms of altered myocyte function caused by nitric oxide production in this setting are not established.

METHODS

We measured intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients (fluo-3, confocal microscopy), fractional shortening (video motion), and L-type Ca2+ currents (whole-cell patch clamp) 5 days after transplantation in ventricular myocytes freshly isolated from syngenic (Balb/C into Balb/C) and allogenic (Balb/C into C3H) transplants.

RESULTS

L-type Ca2+ currents, [Ca2+]i transient amplitudes, and fractional shortening did not differ between nonrejecting, syngenic and rejecting, allogenic transplants. Catecholamine responsiveness as analyzed by the change in the peak [Ca2+]i transient induced by 100 nM isoproterenol was also similar. Superfusion with l-arginine, an NOS substrate, caused decreased shortening with no change in [Ca2+]i transients in allogenic myocytes, but had no effect in syngenic myocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressed contractile function of rejecting allogenic heart transplants in vivo appears to be caused in part by an NOS-dependent decrease in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity.

Chelation of hypocrellin B with zinc ions with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence of the photodynamic activity of the resulting chelate

Hypocrellin B (HB), a perylenequinone derivative, is an efficient phototherapeutic agent. The chelation of HB with Zinc ions (Zn2+) results in a metal chelate (Zn-HB) which exhibits considerable absorption (lambda max = 612 nm) in the phototherapeutic window. The structure of this chelate has been characterized by UV-Vis, IR and mass spectra. The redox potentials of the Zn-HB chelate were Eox = +1.1 V (vs. SCE) and Ere = -0.7 V (vs. SCE) as measured using the circle volt curve. The quantum yield of singlet oxygen generated by the Zn-HB chelate was 0.86, which both the electron spin trap (EPR) method and the chemical trap method show to be about 0.1 higher than that of its parent compound HB. In irradiated oxygen-saturated solutions of Zn-HB chelate, superoxide radical anions and hydroxyl radicals were detected by EPR spectroscopy using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as the spin-trapping agent.

Immunomodulating activity of CVT-E002, a proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

The activity of CVT-E002, an aqueous extract containing mainly oligosaccharides and polysaccharides from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), as an immunobooster on murine spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages, was studied in-vitro. CVT-E002 stimulated the proliferation of normal mouse spleen cells, of which the major responding subpopulation was identified as B lymphocytes. CVT-E002 also activated peritoneal exudate macrophages leading to enhanced interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, CVT-E002 stimulated in-vivo immunoglobulin G (IgG) production in treated mice. These results identify some of the immunomodulating activities of CVT-E002 and suggest its use clinically for the modulation of immune responses.

[Characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the middle and small creeks, suburban Shanghai]

1. The middle and small creeks in suburban Shanghai were under heavy eutropic condition, with high loadings of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic pollutants. KN, TP and CODCr of the surface water of them were several times greater than the critical values of Types V, the worst level of water. 2. Spatial variations of N and P pollution were observed, as the creeks in different places accepted different types and amounts of pollutants. Affected by domestic sewage, the creeks nearby residential areas were often heavily polluted by NH4+ and P. The creeks in agricultural fields were more easily polluted by NO3- than by NH4+ and phosphorus. The creeks nearby livestock farms often witnessed sudden soaring of NH4+ and P. 3. N and P loadings of the creeks were also affected by the seasonal evolvement of ecological environment. With the increase of temperature and biomass, NH4+ and NO3- in the surface water were largely consumed and decreased as a result; while organic N and particle P increased as the enhancement of suspending biological particles. NO2- in the surface water increased with temperature as nitrifying bacteria became active. Total P and water soluble P also showed the trend of enhancement with the intensification of biological activities, however, they were also controlled by the condition of pH and DO in the water. 4. At the height of the summer, the surface and bottom water of the creeks differed in N and P loadings. NH4+, soluble P and total reactive P in the bottom water were higher than those in the surface; while NO3- and NO2- in the surface were higher than those in the bottom. Such water-quality stratification inevitably resulted from the enhancement of phytoplankton in the surface water and intensified release of NH4+ and P from the sediments. In the autumn, as-the temperature decrease, such phenomenon declined gradually.

SCH-C (SCH 351125), an orally bioavailable, small molecule antagonist of the chemokine receptor CCR5, is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 infection in vitro and in vivo

We describe here the identification and properties of SCH-C (SCH 351125), a small molecule inhibitor of HIV-1 entry via the CCR5 coreceptor. SCH-C, an oxime-piperidine compound, is a specific CCR5 antagonist as determined in multiple receptor binding and signal transduction assays. This compound specifically inhibits HIV-1 infection mediated by CCR5 in U-87 astroglioma cells but has no effect on infection of CXCR4-expressing cells. SCH-C has broad and potent antiviral activity in vitro against primary HIV-1 isolates that use CCR5 as their entry coreceptor, with mean 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging between 0.4 and 9 nM. Moreover, SCH-C strongly inhibits the replication of an R5-using HIV-1 isolate in SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice. SCH-C has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in rodents and primates with an oral bioavailability of 50-60% and a serum half-life of 5-6 h. On the basis of its novel mechanism of action, potent antiviral activity, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, SCH-C is a promising new candidate for therapeutic intervention of HIV infection.

Calcium signaling inhibits interleukin-12 production and activates CD83(+) dendritic cells that induce Th2 cell development

Mature dendritic cells (DCs), in addition to providing costimulation, can define the Th1, in contrast to the Th2, nature of a T-cell response through the production of cytokines and chemokines. Because calcium signaling alone causes rapid DC maturation of both normal and transformed myeloid cells, it was evaluated whether calcium-mobilized DCs polarize T cells toward a Th1 or a Th2 phenotype. After human monocytes were cultured for 24 hours in serum-free medium and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to produce immature DCs, additional overnight culture with either calcium ionophore (CI) or interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and soluble CD40L resulted in phenotypically mature DCs that produced interleukin-8 (IL-8) and displayed marked expression of CD80, CD86, CD40, CD54, CD83, DC-LAMP, and RelB. DCs matured by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and soluble CD40L were additionally distinguished by undetectable CD4 expression, marked secretion of IL-12, IL-6, and MIP-1beta, and preferential ability to promote Th1/Tc1 characteristics during T-cell sensitization. In contrast, DCs matured by CI treatment were distinguished by CD4 expression, modest or absent levels of IL-12, IL-6, and MIP-1beta, and preferential ability to promote Th2/Tc2 characteristics. Calcium signaling selectively antagonized IL-12 production by mature DCs activated with IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and soluble CD40L. Although the activation of DCs by calcium signals is largely mediated through calcineurin phosphatase, the inhibition of IL-12 production by calcium signaling was independent of this enzyme. Naturally occurring calcium fluxes in immature DCs, therefore, negatively regulate Dc1 differentiation while promoting Dc2 characteristics and Th2/Tc2 polarization. Calcium-mobilized DCs may have clinical usefulness in treating disease states with excessive Th1/Tc1 activity, such as graft-versus-host disease or autoimmunity.

Piperazine-based CCR5 antagonists as HIV-1 inhibitors. II. Discovery of 1-[(2,4-dimethyl-3-pyridinyl)carbonyl]-4- methyl-4-[3(S)-methyl-4-[1(S)-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]- piperidine N1-oxide (Sch-350634), an orally bioavailable, potent CCR5 antagonist

Truncation of the original piperidino-2(S)-methyl piperazine lead structure 2, from a family of muscarinic antagonists, gave compound 8 which has improved selectivity for the HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 over muscarinic receptors. Further optimization for pharmacokinetic properties afforded Sch-350634 (1), a prototypical piperazine-based CCR5 antagonist, which is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 entry and replication in PBMCs. The title compound (1) has excellent oral bioavailability in rat, dog, and monkey.