Marked increases in concentrations of apolipoprotein in the cerebrospinal fluid of poliovirus-infected macaques: relations between apolipoprotein concentrations and severity of brain injury

Apolipoproteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might have important functional roles in the pathophysiology of brain and lipid metabolism in the vascular component. The present study examined apolipoprotein A-I (apo-A-I) and apolipoprotein E (apo-E) levels in CSF and serum from poliovirus-infected macaques. Poliovirus-infected macaques developed motor deficits and were classified into three groups: (1) muscle weakness in one or both legs; (2) partial paralysis in one or both legs; (3) complete paralysis in one or both legs. No motor deficits were evident in the control or sham-treated macaques. Apo-A-I concentrations in CSF were markedly elevated in poliovirus-infected macaques with weakness, partial or complete paralysis, in comparison with either control or sham-treated animals, and were proportional to the severity of motor impairment. Apo-E concentrations in CSF were also significantly elevated in poliovirus-infected macaques with complete paralysis. The magnitude of increase in CSF apo-A-I or apo-E concentrations was also closely associated with the degree of histologic neurological damage and inflammation (lesion scores). However, no changes in serum apo-A-I and apo-E concentrations were observed in the poliovirus-infected macaques compared with control macaques. Furthermore there were no significant correlations apo-A-I or apo-E concentrations between serum and CSF. We hypothesize that the elevation of apo-A-I and apo-E concentrations after poliovirus infection is caused by immune stimulation within the central nervous system (CNS). Measures of CSF apo-A-I and apo-E levels might serve as a useful marker for the severity and/or the range of CNS injury.

[Clinical significance of changes of fibrillation potential amplitude following denervation of human skeletal muscle]

To evaluate the value of clinical application of examination of fibrillation potential amplitude, 110 patients, 97 males and 13 females, were examined and only the maximum fibrillation potential amplitudes were recorded in 420 muscles. The results showed that there was no significant difference between sexes, ages and sides. However, significant difference was evident between the groups of different frequency (1+ to 4+). The fibrillation potential amplitude was maximum at 3 to 4 months after denervation and still remained at relatively high level for years in certain patients. No significant difference was showed between the time groups in incomplete nerve injuries. Surgery did not affect the course of fibrillation potential amplitude change. It was suggested that the muscle cells sustained their property for years after denervation in some patients, thus it might explain that satisfactory result could be obtained from operative repair in some late cases. The changes of fibrillation potential amplitude might indicate that the changes from muscle denervation was still reversible and might be more accurate than traditional method of examination.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 can replace ectodermal signaling for feather development

The initiation and morphogenesis of cutaneous appendages depend on a series of reciprocal signaling events between the epithelium and mesenchyme of the embryonic skin. In the development of feather germs, early dermal signals induce the formation of epidermal placodes that in turn signal the mesoderm to form dermal condensations immediately beneath them. We find a spatially and temporally restricted pattern of transcription for the genes that encode fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and FGF receptor (FGFR) 1 in developing feather germs of the chicken embryo. FGF-2 expression is restricted to the epidermal placodes, whereas FGFR-1 expression is limited to the dermal condensations. Transcription of these genes could not be detected in skins of scaleless (sc/sc) embryos that fail to develop feathers as a result of an ectodermal defect. Treatment of sc/sc skins with FGF-2 results in the formation of feathers at the site of application of the growth factor and the induced feathers express FGFR-1 in their dermal condensations. Thus, we have established FGF-2 as an epidermal signal in early feather germ formation. The observation that FGF-2 can rescue the mutant phenotype of sc/sc embryos suggests that FGF-2 either is, or is downstream from, the signal that the sc/sc mutant ectoderm fails to generate.

The spatial relationship between infant mortality and birth defect rates in a U.S. city

The spatial patterns of infant mortality and birth defect rates in the Des Moines, Iowa, urban region are described as a contoured surface based on the punctual kriging of address-matched vital statistics records from The Iowa Department of Public Health. Areas defined as having high rates are shown to be sensitive to the size of the spatial filtering units. There is no correlation between infant mortality and birth defect rates in the region. The significance of areas with high rates is determined by a Monte Carlo simulation procedure. One area of high infant mortality is found in the region, which contrasts with many smaller areas with high birth defect rates in the region. The observed birth defect rate pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that each birth was equally likely to result in a birth defect, while the infant mortality pattern is unlikely to be the result of such an equal likelihood process.

[Curcuma longa L. tuber yield simulation model and its application under combined agronomic measures for good-quality, high-yield and obvious economic results]

A design of second order orthogonal rotative regression was developed and field tested, and the tuber models for yield, quality and benefit were simulated and built. The effect of agronomic measures on the tuber yield is plant density > phosphorus > sowing date > nitrogen > potassium. There is a clear interrelation effect among agronomic measures. The results of simulation experiment have shown that the optimal combination of farming practices can greatly increase the tuber yield, quality and benefit, and is adjusted according to climate, soil, ferilizer or manure sources, and so on.

A role of PDI in the reductive cleavage of mixed disulfides

We previously reported that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) can dissociate the glutathione molecule in vitro from the mutant human lysozyme (hLZM) C77A-a, which is modified with glutathione at Cys95; however, it seems structurally difficult for PDI to attack either the disulfide bond or the side chain of the cysteine residue of a mixed disulfide. To investigate the function of PDI, we introduced several glutathione and cysteine derivatives at Cys95, instead of the glutathione of C77A-a. Using thiol compounds modified by 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), we could easily modify the free thiol group of C77A-b (C77A with no glutathionylation), without denaturation. For all of the modifications we tested, a negative correlation was found between the initial rate and the acceleration ratio of the reductive cleavage of mixed disulfides with PDI. A mutant PDI (hPDIM), which has no thiol-disulfide exchange activity, suppressed the reductive cleavage of the mixed disulfide of C77A-a with hPDI, suggesting that hPDI non-covalently interacted with the substrates. Taking account of the results of the structural analysis, we conclude that one of the functions of PDI in vivo lies in relaxing the structure around the disulfide bond, as well as in exchanging the thiol-disulfide bonds.

Binding sites on microtubules of kinesin motors of the same or opposite polarity

The kinesin motor proteins translocate toward either the plus or minus end of microtubules (MTs). Competitive microtubule binding assays were carried out with monomeric motor domains of the minus-end-directed nonclaret disjunctional (Ncd) and Kar3 and the plus-end-directed kinesin heavy chain (KHC) to determine whether motors of the same or opposite polarity compete for binding sites on MTs and to test the idea that motor polarity is determined by differences in binding sites on MTs of the motors. The stoichiometries of binding were approximately 1 motor:1 tubulin heterodimer for all three motors. Ncd and Kar3, both minus-end motors, severely inhibited the binding of one another to MTs, as predicted theoretically for binding of the two motors to the same site on MTs, indicating that the binding sites on MTs of Ncd and Kar3 are the same or overlap extensively. Motors of opposite polarity, KHC and Ncd or KHC and Kar3, showed partial or complete inhibition of binding to MTs under different experimental protocols. The differences in binding behavior could be due to experimental conditions or be inherent in the nature of motor binding to MTs. Alternatively, differences in KHC and Ncd or Kar3 binding sites on MTs may exist such that the motors bind to partially overlapping but nonidentical sites on MTs. These differences in binding sites may be related to the opposite polarity of translocation on MTs of the motors.

[Effects of blood pressure day-nocturnal rhythm and endothelin in patients of sleep apnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the change of blood pressure and endothelin in sleep apnea syndrome.

METHODS

The ambulatory blood pressure, echocardiogram and plasma endothelin in 164 cases of hypertension and normal controls with or without sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) were examined. The patients were divided into four groups and 41 cases were in each group.

RESULTS

The results showed that in a number of the patients of sleep apnea with or without hypertension blood pressure day nocturnal rhythm disappeared and endothelin increased (18.2 +/- 5.7 ng/L and 13.2 +/- 4.4 ng/L) The difference of nocturnal blood pressure and endothelin between SAS groups and non-SAS groups (11.7 +/- 3.9 ng/L and 4.3 +/- 2.1 ng/L) were statistically significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that the SAS patients might be due to cyclical hypoxemia and nerve-endocrine abnormality activating endothelin, and other vasoactive peptides with increased blood pressure during sleep and enhance the damage to target organs.

A point mutation in the microtubule binding region of the Ncd motor protein reduces motor velocity

Non-claret disjunctional (Ncd) is a kinesin-related microtubule motor protein in Drosophila that functions in meiotic spindle assembly in oocytes and spindle pole maintenance in early embryos. The partial loss-of-function mutant ncdD retains mitotic, but not meiotic, function. The predicted NcdD mutant protein contains a V556-->F mutation in the putative microtubule binding region of the Ncd motor domain. Here we report an analysis of the properties of recombinant Ncd and NcdD proteins. A GST-NcdD fusion protein translocated microtubules approximately 10-fold more slowly than the corresponding wild-type protein in gliding assays. The maximum microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity of an NcdD motor domain protein was reduced approximately 3-fold and an approximately 3-fold greater concentration of microtubules was required for half-maximal stimulation of ATPase activity, compared with the corresponding wild-type protein. The Km for ATP and basal rate of ATP turnover were, in contrast, similar for the NcdD mutant and wild-type Ncd motor domain proteins. Pelleting assays demonstrated that the binding of the mutant NcdD motor protein to microtubules was reduced in the absence of nucleotide, relative to wild-type. The reduced velocity of NcdD translocation on microtubules is therefore correlated with reductions in microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity and affinity of the mutant motor for microtubules. The characteristics of the NcdD motor explain its meiotic loss of function, and are consistent with partial motor activity of Ncd being sufficient for its mitotic, but not its meiotic, role.

Predominance of defective proviral sequences in an HIV + long-term non-progressor

We examined the accessory genes and envelope V3 region of provirus obtained over a 5 year period from an HIV+ long-term non-progressor with very low viral load and no in vitro recoverable virus during that same time span. LTR sequences supported normal Tat-mediated promoter activity. Multiple clones of nef sequences were highly conserved with < 10% containing frame shift or stop codon mutations. Functional analysis of the predominant nef sequence indicated wild type downregulation of surface CD4 and good function in a complementation infectivity assay. By contrast, inactivating mutations were found in 64% of amplicons containing vif, vpr, vpu, tat1, and rev1, and in 41% of amplicons containing env V3. Identical inactive sequences were obtained at an interval of 2 years, suggesting persistence of quiescent defective provirus in a long-lived clonal cell population. Furthermore, genetic distance versus time analysis revealed an absence of progressive evolution or arborization of quasispecies over time. This contrasts with data generated from other asymptomatic HIV+ individuals. The non-progressive pattern of env sequence diversity and low R2 for genetic divergence over time suggests that the defective provirus circulating in the periphery of this patient represents a randomly sampled 'fossil record' of earlier replication competent HIV-1 genomes.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of recombinant staphylokinase

Staphylokinase, a fibrin-specific plasminogen activator, was highly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The purified recombinant staphylokinase was fully active and readily crystallized against 1.2 M sodium citrate in 100 mM Tris-HCl buffer at pH 8.0 using the hanging-drop method. Crystals of staphylokinase diffract to better than 2.2 A resolution. The crystal belongs to the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2 or its enantiomorph with unit-cell parameters a = b = 67.5, c = 150.1 A. There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In this paper, we described the first crystallization of a kind of plasminogen activator and present the results of preliminary X-ray diffraction data from the native protein.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of RepA1, a replication control protein of the RepFIC replicon of enterotoxin plasmid EntP307

RepA1 protein is essential for replication of the RepFIC replicon of enterotoxin plasmid EntP307 and is thought to interact directly with the origin of replication. We have purified RepA1 from an over-producing expression system and have prepared single crystals using a macroseeding technique. The crystals belong to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) or P2(1)2(1)2, with cell dimensions a = 61 A, b = 67 A, and c = 243 A. They diffract X-rays to 3.3 A resolution and probably contain two 40,000 molecular weight RepA1 molecules per asymmetric unit.

[Selective arterial catheterization in the management of drug-resistant choriocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

In order to save the life of the patients with drug-resistant choriocarcinoma due to improper treatment, selective arterial catheterization was used.

METHODS

All the 71 cases were treated with systemic chemotherapy together with pelvic selective arterial chemotherapy. 5 of them had arterial chemotherapy plus arterial embolization for hemorrhage. In 13 patients who had lung metastasis, intraarterial injection of methotrexate (MTX) through bronchial arterial was added.

RESULTS

55 of 71 (77.8%) achieved complete remission and 10 (14.1%) had partial remission. One patient failed to follow-up. 5 died of various causes during hospitalization. On Follow-up 12 had survived for more than 5 years with no signs of recurrence. 2 of them had childbirth after recovery.

CONCLUSION

Systemic intravenous infusion chemotherapy in combination with arterial chemotherapy is useful for drug-resistant choriocarcinoma. In patients with intraperitoneal hemorrhage caused by tumor rupture, selective arterial embolization should be used as emergency treatment to effectively control the bleeding, in order that patients will have a chance for further chemotherapy.

[Experimental study of human micro-urokinase gene therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and efficiency of gene therapy to thrombotic disease.

METHODS

The retroviral vectors containing 982 bp mUKcDNA were constructed and transfected into PA317 viral packaging cells. Recombinant retroviral particles collected from media of PA317 cells were injected into mice subcutaneous tissue, abdominal cavity and quadriceps muscle, respectively. mUK activity of plasma was measured with a synthetic substrate S-2390. Six mice were sacrificed after injection for immunofluorohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The mUK activity in plasma was obviously increased (P < 0.01) and the expression of mUKcDNA was observed at local sites of injection by immunofluorohistochemical staining. The mUK activity was raised for 4 months.

CONCLUSION

The injection of recombinant viral particles containing transcriptional unit of mUKcDNA might be applied to the prevention and treatment of thrombotic disease.

Selective arterial embolization in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of selective arterial embolization in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four patients with internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases were diagnosed with arteriography and treated with selective arterial embolization as a life-saving measure. Effect of controlling bleeding was assessed by follow-up arteriogram and clinical observation.

RESULTS

The embolization successfully controlled the bleeding in all patients. Operation time was short with a mean of 42 minutes. The shock was corrected dramatically. Fever and pain were common complications.

CONCLUSION

Selective arterial embolization is a life-saving measure in the management of internal bleeding caused by trophoblastic diseases.

[Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possibility and magnitude of cardiotoxicity following high dose intravenous infusion of fluorouracil (5-FU).

METHODS

A prospective clinical study was performed on 104 patients with choriocarcinoma and invasive mole. 5-FU was administered by slow intravenous infusion in 5% glucose 500 ml for 8 hours at doses of 28-30 mg.kg-1.day-1 when used as a single agent treatment or 24-26 mg.kg-1.day-1 when used in combination with kengshengmycin (KSM). The total cycles of treatment with 5-FU + KSM were 109 and those of 5-FU or KSM each used as a single agent were 71 and 12 respectively. The cardiac functions were monitored by cardiac symptoms, ECG and serum cardiac enzymes before and after 5-FU infusion.

RESULTS

Among the 192 treatment cycles tachycardia, palpitation or cardiac distress were observed in 14 cycles. ECG showed changes of ST or T waves in 8 cycles, sinus tachycardia in 3 cycles. The results of serum cardiac enzyme determinations were variable. The diagnostic criteria of cardiotoxicity were appearances of abnormalities manifested in any two of the three monitor items. The incidence of cardiotoxicity was 4.2% in 5-FU group, 4.6% in 5-FU + KSM group and 0% in KSM group. All episodes were mild, reversible spontaneously after cessation of chemotherapy and did not reappear in subsequent chemotherapeutic cycles. Seven patients with definite cardiac diseases before chemotherapy were given 5-FU treatment, but no obvious aggravation of cardiotoxicities were observed even with repeated 5-FU treatments.

CONCLUSION

Only occasional cardiotoxicities were observed in 5-FU treatments. They were rather mild and reversible. The incidence of cardiotoxicity might be reduced with emphasis on strict observance of the treatment regimen in regard to the dosage used, the speed of the infusion and attention to the treatment of any side-effects.

[Purification and properties of polysaccharide PPIII from Sterculia lychnophora Hance]

Polysaccharide PP III was isolated and purified from aqueous extract of the seeds of Sterculia lychnophora. It is composed of galactose, arabinose and rhamnose, the molar ratio being 1 : 1.67 : 1.01 and molecular weight 162200. Rhamnoses in the main chain are linked by alpha-(1-->3) glycoside linkage. PP III C is its major fragment, and is composed of galactose and rhamnose with a molar ratio of 1 : 2. 78 and MW 62500.

[Changes of intestinal flora in senile mouse models and the antagonistic activity of the root of Astragalus membraceus (Fisch) Bge]

Inhaled by mice, ozone induced stronger free radical reaction in the organism and led to a series of changes similar to senility. In this way the senility mouse models were established to observe the changes of intestinal flora in senile mice. The senile mice were given the root of Astrogolus membraceus decoction orally. The results showed that the imbalance of intestinal flora in these mice was recovered.

A protein kinase C inhibitor attenuates cyanide toxicity in vivo

We have examined the effect of pretreatment with a potent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), against metabolic alterations induced by sodium cyanide (NaCN), 4.2 mg/kg, in brain of anesthetized male micropigs (6-10 kg). Brain high energy phosphates were analyzed using a 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic surface coil in a 4.7 Telsa horizontal bore magnet. H-7, 1 mg/kg, was given intravenously (i.v.) 30 min before NaCN challenge (H-7 + CN-). Prior to NaCN, H-7, or H-7 + CN- administration, baseline 31P resonance spectra of 1-min duration were acquired for 5-10 min, and continued for an additional 60 min following i.v. NaCN injection, each animal serving as its own control. Peaks were identified as phosphomonoester (PME), inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphodiester (PDE), phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), based on their respective chemical shifts. Without H-7 pretreatment, NaCN effects were marked by a rising Pi and a declining PCr peak 2 min after injection, with only 2/5 of the animals surviving the 60 min experiment. Through a pretreatment period of 30 min, H-7 did not affect baseline cell energy profile as reflected by the 31P-NMR spectra, but in its presence, those changes (i.e. diminishing PCr and rising Pi peaks) elicited by NaCN were markedly blunted; 4/5 of the animals in this group survived the NaCN challenge. It is proposed that H-7, a pharmacologic inhibitor of PKC, may be useful in CN- antagonism, underscoring the role of PKC in cyanide intoxication.