Differential diagnosis of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection by detection of haemagglutinin with an enzyme-linked immunoassay

A sensitive and convenient immunoassay that can directly differentiate pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) virus from seasonal influenza virus can play an important role in the clinic. In the presented study, a double-sandwich ELISA (pH1N1 ELISA), based on two monoclonal antibodies against haemagglutinin (HA) of the pH1N1 virus, was developed. After laboratory determination of the sensitivity and specificity characteristics, the performance of this assay was evaluated in a cohort of 904 patients with influenza-like illness. All seven strains of pH1N1 virus tested were positive by pH1N1 ELISA, with an average lower detection limit of 10(3.0 ± 0.4) tissue culture infective dose (TCID)(50) /mL (or 0.009 ± 0.005 HA titre). Cross-reaction of the assay with seasonal influenza virus and other common respiratory pathogens was rare. In pH1N1-infected patients, the sensitivity of the pH1N1 ELISA was 92.3% (84/91, 95% CI 84.8-96.9%), which is significantly higher than that of the BD Directigen EZ Flu A + B test (70.3%, p <0.01). The specificity of pH1N1 ELISA in seasonal influenza A patients was 100.0% (171/171, 95% CI 97.9-100.0%), similar to that in non-influenza A patients (640/642, 99.7%, 95% CI 98.9-100.0%). The positive predictive value for pH1N1 ELISA was 97.7% and the negative predictive value was 99.1% in this study population with a pH1N1 prevalence of 10.1%. In conclusion, detection of HA of pH1N1 virus by immunoassay appears to be a convenient and reliable method for the differential diagnosis of pH1N1 from other respiratory pathogens, including seasonal influenza virus.

Adherence and persistence of single-pill ARB/CCB combination therapy compared to multiple-pill ARB/CCB regimens

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs)/dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) single-pill combination (SPC) on adherence to antihypertensive treatment in comparison to free combination of ARBs and CCBs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective data analysis was performed using pharmacy claims data from a national pharmacy benefit management company. The study included patients who were newly initiated on ARB/CCB treatment between 01/01/2007 and 08/31/2008, aged ≥ 18 years, and continuously enrolled in the same health plan for 12 months prior to and 13 months after starting ARB/CCB treatment. Outcome variables were persistence, defined as time to discontinuation of therapy, and adherence, defined as proportion of days covered (PDC)  ≥ 0.80. Propensity score weighting was used to balance the characteristics of the two groups.

RESULTS

The final sample contained 2312 patients in the free-combination group and 2213 patients in the SPC group. Patients in the SPC group and the free-combination group were different in age, gender, type of insurance, history of antihypertensive therapy and co-morbidities. These differences were largely normalized after propensity score adjustment. Multivariate logistic model regression showed that patients in the SPC group had a 90% greater odds of being adherent to index therapy compared to patients in the free-combination group (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-2.08, p< 0.001). A Cox proportional hazards model showed that patients in the SPC group were less likely to discontinue ARB/CCB SPC therapy compared to patients in the free-combination group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.63-0.70, p < 0.001). In both models, higher copayment (copayment $50 and above) was associated with worse persistence and adherence in comparison to patients who had a lower copayment ($0-$5): HR = 1.23, p < 0.001 and OR = 0.67, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Patients using SPC ARB/CCB therapy were more likely to be persistent and adherent to treatment compared to patients taking free-combination therapy.

Quantitation of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor mRNA with real-time PCR for early diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Recently, the value of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor(TSHR) mRNA as a molecular marker in diagnosis of thyroid cancer has been greatly explored. However, its role in detecting thyroid microcarcinoma has never been reported. In this study, we aim to investigate the value of TSHR mRNA in diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC). To do that, TSHR mRNA levels were measured by real time PCR in 30 healthy subjects and 72 patients (benign thyroid nodules, n=38; PTMC, n=34). TSHR mRNA levels were then compared with cancer volume in surgical specimen. We found that TSHR mRNA levels in PTMC were significantly higher than benign thyroid nodules(P<0.01). At a cutoff value of 0.71 ng/microg total RNA, the TSHR mRNA correctly classified 77.8% of patients preoperatively (sensitivity= 76.5%; specificity= 79.4%). Comparatively, it performed better in larger PTMC of 0.5-1.0 cm than <0.5 cm(sensitivity, 83.4% vs 72.4%; specificity, 88.5% vs 74.1%). Combining TSHR mRNA and ultra sound examination correctly detect 97.1% of PTMC and could spared surgery in 86.8% of patients with benign thyroid nodules. Thus, TSHR mRNA measured with real time PCR enhances the preoperative detection of PTMC in patients with thyroid nodules, which dramatically reduces unnecessary surgeries.

KEYWORDS

thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, diagnosis.

Predictors of the scleroderma phenotype in fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Fibroblasts from skin lesions generally exhibit the scleroderma phenotype in the early stage of in vitro culture, and act as one of the most important samples to investigate systemic sclerosis. However, not all cell lines from patients show the scleroderma phenotype, and little prospective evidence can be relied on to predict the phenotype of fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to find the predictive factors related to fibroblast phenotypes.

METHODS

Fibroblast lines from 15 patients with systemic sclerosis were established through explant culture, with their scleroderma phenotypes being determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of procollagen transcription. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the clinical data of these patients. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological differences. Expression of methylation-related factors was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Eight of the 15 fibroblast cell lines from patients with systemic sclerosis exhibited the scleroderma phenotype. Logistic regression analysis yielded an equation (Y = -9.718 + 2.525X1) in which X1 significantly represents the Valentini Disease Activity Index. Histopathology results demonstrated that the scleroderma phenotype was positively correlated with leucocyte infiltration. Further laboratory observations showed increased expression of Dnmt1 in the positive phenotype fibroblasts and a positive correlation between elevations of Dnmt1 and the maintenance period of the scleroderma phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the Valentini Disease Activity Index and expression of Dnmt1 may act as indicators of the scleroderma phenotype in fibroblasts. Additionally, these data also imply that epigenetic factors, such as Dnmt1, may be involved in the maintenance of the scleroderma phenotype. Our analyses may be beneficial to the research in systemic sclerosis.

SARS coronavirus and apoptosis

1. The adenovirus-mediated overexpression of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike protein (S) and its C-terminal domain (S2) induce apoptosis in Vero E6 cells. 2. Such apoptosis in Vero E6 cells is time- and dose-dependent. 3. The adenovirus-mediated overexpression of SARS-CoV N-terminal domain (S1) and other structural proteins, including E,M and N protein, do not induce apoptosis.

Modulation of TRPC5 cation channels by halothane, chloroform and propofol

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

TRPC5 is a mammalian homologue of the Drosophila Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channel and has expression and functions in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It forms a calcium-permeable cation channel that can be activated by a variety of signals including carbachol (acting at muscarinic receptors), lanthanides (e.g. Gd3+) and phospholipids (e.g. lysophosphatidylcholine: LPC). Here we report the effects of inhalational (halothane and chloroform) and intravenous (propofol) general anaesthetics upon TRPC5.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Human TRPC5 channels were expressed in HEK 293 cells and studied using fura-2 and patch-clamp recording to measure intracellular calcium and membrane currents respectively at room temperature. Human TRPM2 channels were studied for comparison.

KEY RESULTS

TRPC5 activation by carbachol, Gd3+ or LPC was inhibited by halothane and chloroform at > or =0.1 and 0.2 mM respectively. Neither agent inhibited TRPM2. Propofol had an initial stimulatory effect on TRPC5 (evident in patch-clamp recordings only) and an inhibitory effect at > or =10 microM. TRPM2 was not affected by propofol. Propofol inhibited activation of TRPC5 by Gd3+ but not LPC, suggesting the effect was not directly on the channel. Propofol's anti-oxidant property was not necessary for its inhibitory effect because di-isopropyl benzene, a propofol analogue that lacks the hydroxyl group, also inhibited TRPC5.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The data show the sensitivity of TRPC5 channel to general anaesthetics and suggest that some of the effects could have clinical relevance. The effects may be explained in part by the sensitivity of the channel to biophysical properties of the lipid bilayer.

Enhancement of electrical and ferromagnetic properties by additional Al doping in Co:ZnO thin films

Several properties of Al-doped Zn(0.95)Co(0.05)O thin films prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron co-sputtering have been systematically investigated. The experimental results indicate that Co(2+) steadily substitutes for tetrahedrally coordinated Zn(2+) in the ZnO wurtzite lattice without any segregated secondary phase formation, and that a trace amount of additional Al doping has a profound influence on the enhancement of electrical and magnetic properties of Co:ZnO films. All the films show room-temperature ferromagnetism, and a giant magnetic moment of 3.36 μ(B)/Co is obtained in the Zn(0.948)Co(0.05)Al(0.002)O thin film. The ferromagnetic ordering is seen to be correlated with the structural defects. Moreover, a phenomenon of band gap broadening and absorption edge blueshift can be achieved by additional Al doping into the Co:ZnO films.

Evidence of structural defect enhanced room-temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO

We report experimentally that room-temperature ferromagnetism of Co-doped ZnO is strongly correlated with structural defects, and that carriers involved in carrier-mediated exchange are by nature by-products of the creation of the defects. On the other hand, the carrier concentration has pronounced influences on the absorption edge in optical transmission spectra of epitaxial Co:ZnO films, in which both a blue-shift and a red-shift are observed. Furthermore, high-temperature annealing results in evolution of the local Co structure from Co(2+) replacing Zn(2+) to a Co(3)O(4)-based phase, which most likely accounts for the transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism in the Co:ZnO films.

Computer-controlled optical scanning tile microscope

A new type of computer-controlled optical scanning, high-magnification imaging system with a large field of view is described that overcomes the commonly believed incompatibility of achieving both high magnification and a large field of view. The new system incorporates galvanometer scanners, a CCD camera, and a high-brightness LED source for the fast acquisition of a large number of a high-resolution segmented tile images with a magnification of 800x for each tile. The captured segmented tile images are combined to create an effective enlarged view of a target totaling 1.6 mm x 1.2 mm in area. The speed and sensitivity of the system make it suitable for high-resolution imaging and monitoring of a small segmented area of 320 microm x 240 microm with 4 microm resolution. Each tile segment of the target can be zoomed up without loss of the high resolution. This new microscope imaging system gives both high magnification and a large field of view. This microscope can be utilized in medicine, biology, semiconductor inspection, device analysis, and quality control.

Spectral polarization imaging of human prostate cancer tissue using a near-infrared receptor-targeted contrast agent

The Cypate-Bombesin Peptide Analogue Conjugate (Cybesin) was used as a prostate tumor receptor-targeted contrast agent. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of Cybesin were measured and shown to exist in the NIR tissue "optical window". The spectral polarization imaging of Cybesin-stained prostate cancerous and normal tissues shows that prostate cancerous tissue takes-up more Cybesin than that of prostate normal tissue, making Cybesin a potential marker of prostate cancer.

Wireless spectroscopic compact photonic explorer for diagnostic optical imaging

A remote, small-size spectroscopic-based device called Compact Photonics Explorer (CPE) was designed, assembled, and tested for medical and non-medical spectroscopic and imaging applications. Spatial images acquired using the spectroscopic CPE are presented. Operational principles are demonstrated for various biomedical and non-medical applications.

Cytomegalovirus antiviral resistance associated with treatment induced UL97 (protein kinase) and UL54 (DNA polymerase) mutations

HCMV-related illness due to infections with antiviral resistant virus was verified by phenotypic and genotypic assays in 17% (8/47) of high-risk immunocompromised Australian patients. Selective PCR-sequencing of UL97 (protein kinase; PK) and UL54 (DNA polymerase; DNApol) regions important for antiviral sensitivity, identified the majority (6/8) of resistant strains through detection of mutations known to confer antiviral resistance. Additionally, eight UL54 (DNApol) mutations (N408K, T691S, A692V, S695T, L737M, A834P, V955I, and A972V) of unknown phenotype were identified in six specimens from patients with clinical evidence of antiviral resistant infections. One isolate was resistant to ganciclovir (GCV) and another resistant to PFA on phenotypic testing where mutations in UL97 (PK) or UL54 (DNApol) were not detected, suggesting a loss of correlation between phenotype and genotype. Selective PCR-sequencing of UL97 (PK) and UL54 (DNApol) provided rapid and comprehensive results, but missed some resistance detected by phenotypic assays. A combination of phenotypic and genotypic assays is recommended for complete analysis of CMV antiviral resistance, as well as further definition of the clinical relationship between novel UL54 (DNApol) mutations and antiviral resistance.

Torsional vibrational modes of tryptophan studied by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

The low-frequency torsional modes, index of refraction, and absorption of a tryptophan film and pressed powders from 0.2 to 2.0 THz (6.6-66 cm(-1)) were measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy at room temperature. It was found that there were two dominated torsional vibrational modes at around 1.435 and 1.842 THz. The associated relaxation lifetimes ( approximately 1 ps) for these modes of the tryptophan molecule were measured. Using a density-functional calculation, the origins of the observed torsional vibrations were assigned to the chain and ring of the tryptophan molecule.

129IN UTERO TRANSPLANTATION OF HUMAN HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS (HSC) INTO FETAL GOATS OFFERS A NEW APPROACH TO STUDIES OF HSC EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT

In utero transplantation of xenogeneic stem cells into animals (such as mouse, sheep, goats) is a new approach to the studies of the engraftmen, expansion and development of foreign cells in vivo. In addition, such an approach is able to offer a model to clinical potential for correcting or replacing damaged tissues in a variety of disorders, including many that are inherent as well as acquired. Recently, we generated a human/goat hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) xenogeneic model to investigate the engraftment, expansion and development of human hematopoietic cells at an in vivo level. Human HSCs (lin-cells) were isolated and purified from fresh cord blood, and then injected intraperitoneally into pre-immune fetal goats at 55–65 gestation days (term: 145 days). A total of 50 fetal goats were injected. The growth and development of the recipient goats were monitored by B-type ultrasound scan. Ten goats suffered miscarriage due to GVH response; 39 recipients survived a complete gestation and were born alive. All these live-born goats were healthy and grew very well. They could produce offspring normally. In order to determine whether human cells were present longterm in the circulatory blood of the recipient goats, FACS, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, and Southern-blot hybridization as well as FISH were used to analyze the genotype and phenotype up to 11 months after birth. The results showed that hematopoietic chimerism (on average, &gt;108 human cells per goat) was documented in 90% (35/39) of live-born goats that had been originally transplanted with 105 human HSCs. The regenerated human cells included myeloid, B-lymphoid and erythroid lineages as well as more primitive cells as shown by specific positive staining for human CD14, CD20, glycophorin A (GPA) and CD34, and the detection of human-specific DNA sequences and human GPA and CD34 transcripts in the blood of the transplanted goats. No human T or NK-lineage cells were detected. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using in utero-transplanted fetal goats as a new approach for evaluating the longterm engraftment potential, expansion and development of human hematopoietic cells in vivo.

[Investigation on genotype constitution of different Plasmodium vivax isolates and its geographical distribution in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the population constitution and geographical distribution of Plasmodium vivax in China using molecular technique.

METHODS

Blood-spot filter paper samples with related epidemiological data were collected from vivax malaria patients living in malarious area of 10 provinces (autonomous region) in China. Semi-nested- or nested-allelic-specific PCR genotyping method was used to identify CSP genotypes, families and types of Plasmodium vivax of each isolate from these patients.

RESULTS

Of 384 field isolates of Plasmodium vivax, 258 temperate zone family strains were identified, including 14 allelic variant genotypes spreading among 10 sampling provinces; allelic variants sized less than 731 bp were only seen in 5 provinces in southern China; 79 tropical zone family strains including 5 genotypes were also distributed in 5 provinces of southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; and 14 PV Type-2 strains including 2 genotypes were found in some areas of Hainan and Yunnan Provinces. In addition, 33 isolates from genotype-mixed infections were revealed.

CONCLUSION

At present, area north to 25 degrees N. lat. of the country is the sole area prevalent for Plasmodium vivax family strains of temperate zone; there is overlapping distribution of P. v. of temperate zone family and tropical zone family of this parasite in the southern China south to 25 degrees N. lat; where the most complex isolate constitution is in Yunnan and Hainan Provinces, and PV Type-2 strains have been found in some areas of the two provinces. Besides, there were 2 groups of genotype with distinct geographic distribution feature within the temperate zone family.

[Analysis of molecular karyotype of Leishmania isolates from hilly foci and plain foci of China]

AIM

To analyse the molecular karyotypes of Leishmania isolates from hilly and plain foci of China.

METHODS

Pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE) was performed in 1% agarose at 6 V/cm in 0.5 x TBE at 14 degrees C with a pulse time of 60 s for 15 h and a pulse time 90 s for 9 h.

RESULTS

Each isolate was resolved into 15 different EtBr-staining bands ranging in size from 200 to 2,200 kb, in which the karyotypes of 6 isolates from hilly foci were similar (including karyotypes of canine isolates similar with those of human isolates), and they were partly similar with those of L. infantum. The karyotypes of the two isolates from plain foci were similar, but the isolates from the two topographically different foci were different from each other.

CONCLUSION

Homology exists between L. d. isolates from hilly foci and plain foci respectively, and exists in part between L. d. isolates from hilly foci and L. infantum; while heterogeneity exists between L. d. isolates from hilly foci and plain foci. The reservoir host, domestic dog, plays an important role as the infection source of leishmaniasis in the hilly foci of China.

Partial characterization of trypsin-like protease and molecular cloning of a trypsin-like precursor cDNA in salivary glands of Lygus lineolaris

Based on substrate specificity, an alkaline pH optimum, sensitivity to selected proteinase inhibitors, and molecular analysis, we provide evidence for the presence of a trypsin-like serine proteinase in the salivary gland complex (SGC) of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Heteroptera: Miridae). The predominant activity in extracts of the SGC against N(2)-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (L-BApNA) was at pH 10, but a minor peak of activity also occurred at pH 5. The major BApNAase activity focused at 10.4 during preparative isoelectric focusing and was eluted with an apparent molecular weight of 23,000 from a calibrated gel filtration column. The BApNAase fraction gave a single major band when analyzed on a casein zymogram. The activity was completely suppressed by the serine protease inhibitors, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and lima bean trypsin inhibitor. A cDNA coding for a trypsin-like protein in the salivary glands of L. lineolaris was cloned and sequenced. The 971bp cDNA contained an 873-nucleotide open reading frame encoding a 291-amino acid trypsin precursor. The encoded protein included amino acid sequence motifs that are conserved with four homologous serine proteases from other insects. Typical features of the putative trypsin-like protein from L. lineolaris included the serine protease active site (His(89), Asp(139), Ser(229)), conserved cysteine residues for disulfide bridges, the residues (Asp(223), Gly(252), Gly(262)) that determine trypsin specificity, and both zymogen signal and activation peptides. Cloning and sequencing of a trypsin-like precursor cDNA provided additional direct evidence for trypsin like enzymes in the salivary glands of L. lineolaris.

[Biomechanical properties of human umbilical vessels at different gestational ages and their clinical significance]

To provide theoretical data on biomechanical properties for the clinical application of human umbilical artery and umbilical vein. The calculation of the compliance of fetal umbilical artery and umbilical vein was made on the basis of measuring the pressure-volume relationship of the umbilical artery and umbilical vein collected from 50 normal fetuses and newborns of abortion and normal labor whose gestational ages ranged from 24 weeks to 42 weeks. It was found that the P-V relationship of umbilical artery and umbilical vein corresponded to parabolic curve and the compliance increased gradually with the growth of the gestational age, but when the gestational age was beyond 39 weeks the compliance began to decrease gradually. The compliance of umbilical vein is twice or triple as large as that of umbilical artery. Human umbilical artery and umbilical vein are good substitute materials for arterial grafts. In transplantation, two factors should be considered, first, the correspondence between the compliance of umbilical vessels and that of host artery; second, the relationship between the compliance and gestational age. We suggest that it be better to use selectively the umbilical artery and umbilical vein with a gestational age from 37 weeks to 40 weeks as the transplanting material.

Near-infrared photo-excited emission from tissues treated at different temperature levels

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of methods to evaluate the extent of thermal treatment of biological tissue. The intensity of the near-infrared (NIR) emission photo-excitation was investigated from tissue undergoing different levels of heat treatment.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chicken muscle was heated in an oven at different temperature levels ranging from 40 degrees C until burn-off. The spectral emission intensity from these heat-treated tissues was measured with a CCD camera and the intensity was calculated.

RESULTS

The emission intensity increased proportionally with respect to the extent of treatment temperature until burning. Linear relationships between treatment temperature and the emission intensity from tissue samples were found in three temperature ranges: from 40 to 160 degrees C, from 165 to 220 degrees C, and from 225 to 250 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

The change in tissue damage after heat treatment could be detected by measuring the NIR emission intensity from the thermally damaged tissues.

Moderate hypothermia therapy for patients with severe head injury

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect and safety of early moderate hypothermia therapy (MHT) on patients with head injury by using parallel-control test.

METHODS

Thirty patients with severe head injury within 6 hours after accidents were treated by MHT generally for 4-10 days. The other 30 patients with similar head injury treated routinely were enrolled for a parallel-control test. The mortality, morbidity and changes of some neuro-functional indexes as Glasgow Coma Scores, and Glasgow Outcome Scale, levels of endothelin and some other factors of neurobiochemistry in blood plasma were observed. Meanwhile, the dynamic monitoring by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was conducted in these patients.

RESULTS

The mortality in MHT group was significantly lower than that in control group. MHT not only reduced endothelin but also increased the brain biochemical factors, which were helpful to the protection of neurons in the early brain ischemia after head injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Early MHT can help reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with acute head injury.

[Analysis on infrared spectrum of human body gallstone with comparative method]

The infrared spectra (IRS) are measured for chemical composition of series gallstones. The infrared spectra (IRS) of the gallstone are compared with IRS of standard compound sample. The typical IRS are divided into 6 genera in component analysis of gallstone according to the principal characteristic peak: cholesterol, calcium bilirubin, calcium stearate, calcium carbonate, hydroxyl carbonate phosphatic rock and mixture. The gallstones are correlatively divided into 6 genera of gallstones or 2 genera-cholesterol and calcium salt gallstones according to whether containing calcium salt.

[Contribution of Soranus of Ephesus on Apgar score]

Soranus of Ephesus was a famous gynecological physician in Roman times and one of the pioneers of gynecology, pediatrics and so on. The contribution of Soranus on Apgar score was researched by comparing Soranus critical and Apgar score of evaluation system of newborn infant.

[Characteristics on ultraviolet absorption spectrum from difference in temperature and electron transition types of compounds]

The paper states a measuring method about Ultraviolet absorption spectrum from difference in temperature (UVSDT). The UVSDT of chemical compounds have been obtained with UV-240 ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The results show that the characteristic of UVSDT is related to electronic transition type of molecule. The long wave side shifts to long wave, when difference in temperature (delta t) accretes, peak high increases, bathochromic shift augments for UVSDT of n-sigma* electron transition. The UVSDT of n-pi* electron transition has two peak (one positive peak and one negative peak), when delta t accretes, the positive peak up increases, the negative peak down increases. The UVSDT of pi-pi* electron transition become negative peak, when delta t accretes, the negative peak down increases, the location of peak not moves.

Apoptosis inducing effects of arsenic trioxide on human bladder cancer cell line BIU-87

OBJECTIVE

To explore the apoptosis inducing effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on human bladder cancer cells and elucidate possible mechanisms.

METHODS

After treatment with As2O3, the growth inhibition rates of human bladder cancer cell line BIU-87 were studied by MTT and cell counts methods. DNA synthesis rates were detected by 3H-TdR assay. The morphological changes of cancer cells were observed by light and electronic microscopy and cell apoptosis rates were detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). bcl-2 gene expression of BIU-87 cells was observed by strept avidin-biotin complex (SABC) immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

As2O3 could effectively inhibit the growth of BIU-87 (P < 0.05), which were time and concentration dependent. The inhibition rate of 4.0 mumol/L As2O3 for DNA synthesis of cancer cells was 55.64% (P < 0.01). Partial cancer cells presented the characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis which depended on the time of exposure to drug (P < 0.05). bcl-2 expression of BIU-87 cells was decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

As2O3 can significantly induce apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by down-regulating the expression of the bcl-2 gene and inhibiting DNA synthesis. This provides a potentially effective method for prevention and cure of human bladder cancer.

A novel, selective, and efficient route to carotenoids and related natural products via Zr-catalyzed carboalumination and Pd- and Zn-catalyzed cross coupling

[structure: see text]. A highly efficient and stereoselective protocol for the syntheses of symmetrical and unsymmetrical carotenoids involving Zr-catalyzed carboalumination of conjugated oligoenynes and Pd- and Zn-catalyzed alkenyl-alkenyl coupling has been developed and applied to the syntheses of beta- and gamma-carotene and vitamin A. gamma-Carotene of > or =99% isomeric purity was prepared in three linear steps (five steps overall) from beta-ionone, enyne 8, (E)-ICH=CHBr, and (E)-Me3SiC triple bond CCH=CHBr in 32% overall yield.

[Study on effect of Puerarin on nitric oxide system in rats' tissue and its mechanism]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Puerarin on nitric oxide (NO) content and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in rats' tissue.

METHODS

Sixteen adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, 8 in each group. The Purerain group was intraperitoneal administered Puerarin 80 mg/kg.d and the control group was given propylene glycol by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days. The NO content in rats' heart, brain, liver and kidney was determined by nitratase method and NOS was detected by oxyhemoglobin oxidation method. Besides, the electromicroscopic examination on rats' liver and brain was also conducted.

RESULTS

NO content in heart, brain, liver and kidney in the Puerarin group was significantly higher than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). NOS was detected only in heart and brain in both groups and it was also higher in the Puerarin group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). No abnormal ultrastructure was detected by electromicroscope in liver and brain of both groups.

CONCLUSION

Increasing NO content and NOS activity in tissues may be one of the mechanism for pharmaceutical action of Puerarin.

Laser irradiative tissue probed in situ by collagen 380-nm fluorescence imaging

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is no ideal method to detect molecular changes in situ of laser-irradiated tissue without removing a section of tissue for histologic examination. A new method is reported to evaluate laser-induced thermal tissue damage in situ by using 380-nm native fluorescence imaging under 340-nm excitation.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Native fluorescence imaging was performed on laser irradiated bovine tendon tissue and compared with light illuminated photography and histology with picrosirius red F3BA stain.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results indicate that a decrease in collagen fluorescence at 380 nm was observed in laser-induced thermally damaged tissues. The injured region of tissue defined by its fluorescence image coincided with an area defined by photography and histology.

Effects of lanthanum and calcium on photoelectron transport activity and the related protein complexes in chloroplast of cucumber leaves

The effects of lanthanum and calcium ions on electron transport, dichlorephenol indophenol (DCIP) photoreduction, and oxygen evolution activities in chloroplast from cucumber (Cucumis satives L.) were determined. The lanthanum inhibited the whole electron chain-transport activity of chloroplast. DCIP photoreduction and oxygen evolution activities of the photosystem I (PSII) also decrease after treatment with La3+. But the diminished activities of PSII and chloroplast caused by La3+ could be reversed by Ca2+ and even became higher than the control level. The concentration analysis of related protein complexes to photoelectron transport in chloroplast included that La3+ induced the concentration of chlorophyll protein complexes increasing but caused some nonchlorophyll protein complexes to decompose partially. This increasing effect of La3+ on chlorophyll protein complexes results in the improvement of chlorophyll content, which will improve the absorption of photoelectron and energy transport in the process of photosynthesis.

Solution properties of antitumor sulfated derivative of alpha-(1-->3)-D-glucan from Ganoderma lucidum

Four fractions of a water-insoluble alpha-(1-->3)-D-glucan GL extracted from fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum were dissolved in 0.25 M LiCl/DMSO, and then reacted with sulfur trioxide-pyridine complex at 80 degrees C to synthesize a series of water-soluble sulfated derivatives S-GL. The degree of substitution of DS was measured by using IR infrared spectra, elemental analysis, and 13C NMR to be 1.2-1.6 in the non-selective sulfation. Weight-average molecular weight Mw and intrinsic viscosity [eta] of the sulfated derivatives S-GL were measured by multi-angle laser light scattering and viscometry. The Mw value (2.4 x 10(4)) of sulfated glucan S-GL-1 was much lower than that (44.5 x 10(4)) of original alpha-(1-->3)-D-glucan GL-1. The Mark-Houwink equation and average value of characteristic ratio C(infinity) for the S-GL in 0.2 M NaCl aqueous solution at 25 degrees C were found to be: [eta] = 1.32 x 10(-3) Mw(1.06) (cm3 g(-1)) and 16, respectively, in the Mw range from 1.1 x 10(4) to 2.4 x 10(4). It indicated that the sulfated derivatives of the alpha-(1-->3)-D-glucan in the aqueous solution behave as an expanded chain, owing to intramolecular hydrogen bonding or interaction between charge groups. Interestingly, two sulfated derivatives synthesized from the alpha-(1-->3)-D-glucan and curdlan, a beta-(1-->3)-D-glucan, all had significant higher antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) than the originals. The effect of expanded chains of the sulfated glucan in the aqueous solution on the improvement of the antitumor activity could not be negligible.

Molecular aspects of muscarinic receptor dimerization

The five muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M(1)-M(5)) are prototypical members of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). During the past decade, this laboratory has used different members of this receptor subfamily as model systems to study the molecular mechanisms involved in GPCR function. This article reviews recent investigations dealing with molecular aspects of M(3) muscarinic receptor assembly and dimerization/oligomerization. Studies with coexpressed M(3) receptor fragments and M(3) muscarinic/alpha(2C)-adrenergic hybrid receptors showed that muscarinic receptors, like other GPCRs, are composed of multiple autonomous folding domains. Moreover, biochemical studies have provided direct evidence for the formation of M(3) receptor dimers/oligomers. These high molecular mass receptor species are expressed on the cell surface and can bind muscarinic ligands. M(3) receptor dimerization/oligomerization appears to be receptor subtype-selective and involves both non-covalent interactions as well as disulfide-crosslinking of receptor monomers. These studies add to the growing number of reports suggesting the existence of GPCR dimers or multimers. The precise functional characteristics of such receptor aggregates remain to be elucidated.

[A review on the eco-physiological study of poplars in oasis and its prospect]

Poplar is the main component species in shelter forest subsystem, which forms a special kind of ecosystem in oasis with particular structure and function. Based on the studies on the ecophysiological characteristics of poplars in the Cele oasis, a preliminary comment was given on the experimental methods used at home and abroad, aim ed to facilitate the further studies on the characteristics of ecophysiology of poplars in the oasis. In order to sustain the oasis ecosystem management, the theoretical bases were also discussed on the optimization of shelter-forest structure and the selection of proper tree species.

Demonstration of amylase from the zoophytophagous anthocorid Orius insidiosus

To better understand facultative phytophagy in the zoophytophagous anthocorid, Orius insidiosus, tests for amylase were conducted and the enzyme was partially purified. Three activity bands were detected with polyacrylamide-starch gel electrophoretic analysis of amylase in O. insidiosus. The major amylase was found to have a mean isoelectric point (pI) of 4.53. The presence of amylase indicates the ability of O. insidiosus to use starch, a nutrient, derived from plants, either by direct ingestion or by ingestion of plant material from the digestive system of their prey. The presence of amylase suggests that these predators are more committed to plant feeding than other species of predators that lack this enzyme.

A comparison of Cunyite and Fosterite NIR tunable laser tissue welding using native collagen fluorescence imaging

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the technique of native collagen fluorescence imaging for assessing the extent of welded areas for tissues exposed to different near-infrared (NIR) laser wavelengths.

BACKGROUND

Native fluorescence imaging may be used to identify the distribution of collagen and elastin in tissues. Our past work demonstrated that different welding strengths were obtained under the same laser power conditions using different NIR wavelengths. The role of collagen in tissue welding experiments is not well understood.

METHODS

Two new NIR tunable lasers were used to weld canine skin. The welded areas on the surface and in cross sections were analyzed by measuring the spatial distribution of native collagen fluorescence at 380 nm excited by 340 nm radiation.

RESULTS

The results show that native collagen fluorescence imaging is a useful technique for analyzing the extent of tissue welds produced under a range of laser exposures. Fluorescence imaging reveals the depth of laser interaction with the tissue as well as evaluating collateral damage to the tissue surface. The welded volume obtained in skin using Cunyite laser exposure at 1,430 nm is deeper than that produced with Forsterite laser exposure at 1,250 nm. The post welded tensile strength for the same power density is greater for the Cunyite lasers. Ablated tissue on the surface is more prevalent with Forsterite laser welding at 1,250 nm than with Cunyite at 1,430 nm.

CONCLUSION

Native collagen fluorescence can distinguish between tissue welds that have been produced by different NIR wavelengths. Tissue welding using 1,430 nm radiation is more effective than that using 1,250 nm.

[A preliminary study on placenta hematopoiesis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of placenta on fetal hematopoiesis during embryo ontogeny, so as to find a new source of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC/HPC) for clinical transplantation.

METHODS

Cord blood was collected separately from cord vein and artery. CD(34)(+) cells were detected by FACS, CFU-GM semisolid agar culture, and hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) by ELISA. The results of HE stain and CD(34) McAb immunohistochemistry stain of placenta chorionic villi were investigated.

RESULTS

The CFU-GM yields and the percentage of CD(34)(+) and CD(34)(+)/CD(38)(minus sign) cells in cord vein were higher than that in artery. The cord vein contained larger amount of hematopoietic stimulating factors and similar level of hematopoietic inhibitory factors as compared with that in artery. Blood island, reticular cells and scattered CD(34)(+) cells were found in the mesenchyme of placenta chorionic villi.

CONCLUSION

The placenta might be an another hematopoietic organ in ontogeny. It could be applied to clinical hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Partial characterization of alpha-amylase in the salivary glands of Lygus hesperus and L. lineolaris

The alpha-amylases in the salivary glands of Lygus hesperus Knight and L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) were isolated and purified by ion exchange chromatography, and by isoelectric focusing, respectively. The alpha-amylase from L. hesperus had an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.25, and a pH optimum of 6.5. The specific activity of alpha-amylases in the salivary glands of L. hesperus was 1.2 U/mg/ml. The alpha-amylase from L. lineolaris had a pI of 6.54, and a pH optimum of 6.5. The specific activity of alpha-amylase from L. lineolaris was 1.7 U/mg/ml. The activity of alpha-amylase in both species was significantly inhibited by alpha-amylase inhibitor from wheat and also by EDTA and SDS. Sodium chloride enhanced alpha-amylase activity for both species. The enzyme characteristics and relative activities are discussed in the context of differences phytophagous versus zoophagous habits in these two congeneric species.

Comparison of alpha-amylase and protease activities of a zoophytophagous and two phytozoophagous Heteroptera

To better understand the nature of facultative phytophagy in the zoophytophagous Geocoris punctipes (Say), and facultative zoophagy in phytozoophagous Lygus hesperus (Knight) and Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), we compared the activities of both the starch digesting enzyme alpha-amylase and of general proteases in these species. The alpha-amylases and proteases were demonstrated in L. hesperus, L. lineolaris and G. punctipes. The presence of alpha-amylase in the salivary gland complexes of G. punctipes indicates a disposition of this species toward utilization of nutrients that can be derived only from plants, either directly from ingestion of plant macromolecules or from second-hand ingestion of plant material from the digestive system of their prey. The alpha-amylase activity in G. punctipes was much less than those of phytozoophagous L. hesperus and L. lineolaris. The relative importance of amylolytic activity and proteolytic activity is also discussed.

Fluorescence spectroscopic imaging to detect changes in collagen and elastin following laser tissue welding

OBJECTIVE

A study was performed to evaluate the use of native fluorescence imaging to detect in situ molecular changes.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There is no ideal noninvasive method to monitor molecular changes in a local region at a laser weld joint without removing a section of tissue for histological examination.

METHODS

Two sections of animal skin were welded together border to border using a Ti:sapphire laser beam (800 nm). Fluorescence imaging was performed on the cross section of the welded site at specific emission wavelengths (lambda c) for collagen at 380 nm and for elastin at 450 nm using excitation wavelengths (lambda e) of 340 nm, and 380 nm, respectively.

RESULTS

A reduction of the collagen and elastin emission was observed in the fluorescence images of the welded region. These results were confirmed with histology using picrosirius red F3BA under polarized light and orcein stains.

CONCLUSION

Optical spectroscopic imaging offers a new noninvasive detecting method for microscopic evaluation of laser tissue welding.

Preliminary study of the in vitro growth inhibition of human bladder cancer cell line BIU-87 by arsenic trioxide

To study the effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on the in vitro growth of human bladder cancer cells and the mechanisms. The growth inhibition rates of human bladder cancer cell line BIU-87 by various concentrations of As2O3 were detected by using MTT method. Cell apoptosis was detected by in situ terminally labeled transferase technique and bcl-2 gene expression of BIU-87 cells was observed by SABC immunohistochemical method. The results showed that As2O3 could inhibit the growth of BIU-87 effectively in a dose-dependent manner. After drug's action, the apoptotic bladder cancer cells were obviously increased, which depended on the prolongation of the action time and Bcl-2 expression of BIU-87 cells was decreased significantly. It was suggested that As2O3 could significantly inhibit the growth of bladder human cancer cells. Inducing cell apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of bcl-2 gene might be one of its action mechanisms.

Antiproliferative effects of trapidil in vascular smooth muscle cells are associated by inhibition of MAPK and P34(cdc2) activity

Trapidil (Tra) is a potent coronary vasodilator. Recent studies have shown that Tra possesses antiproliferative activity in glioma cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). These studies were undertaken to determine the effects of Tra on the cell cycle of cultured rat VSMCs, in particular, the effects on two key enzymes responsible for cell-cycle control in cultured rat VSMCs. VSMCs were synchronized by serum deprivation and then stimulated to enter the cell cycle by serum refeeding; the cell-cycle distribution was subsequently measured by flow cytometry, and VSMCs pretreated with 5, 50, and 500 microM Tra showed a decrease in S-phase cell-cycle distribution, 13.1, 18.7, and 58.6%, respectively. In addition, the mitotic activity (S + G2/M) decreased 12.9, 18.7, and 49.6%, respectively after Tra treatment. The protein expression of p34cdc2 was determined by Western blot analysis, and Tra treatment did not affect its expression even at 500 microM. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and p34cdc2 kinase activity were assayed by phosphorylation of their specific substrates, myelin basic protein (MBP) and histone H1, after immunoprecipitation. Exposure of VSMCs to Tra resulted in a significant decrease in serum-stimulated MAPK and p34cdc2 activity. The inhibitory rates of 50 and 500 microM Tra on MAPK activity were 59.2 and 80.9%, respectively. Tra concentrations of 5, 50, and 500 microM inhibited p34cdc2 activity by 16.4, 22.6, and 40.8%, respectively. Furthermore, 500 microM Tra inhibited the basal kinase activities of MAPK and p34cdc2 in the cells that were not serum stimulated. These findings demonstrate that Tra significantly decreases the mitotic activity of cultured VSMCs, and that this effect is associated with the inhibitory role of Tra on the kinase activities of MAPK and p34cdc2.

A sensitive HPLC technique for the quantitation of dauricine

To establish the determination method of dauricine (Dau) concentration in rats' blood and other biological samples, a reverse-phase HPLC method was adopted. Under the given condition, dauricine could be well separated. The retention time (tR) of Dau and its internal standard, daurisoline were 9.2 and 6.1 respectively. The detection limit was 10(-2) mg/ml. The absolute recoveries of all kinds of samples were above 70%, and the relative ones were over 85%. A good liner relationship has been obtained over the entire range of 0.030 to 3.000 mg/L in blood samples and 0.050 to 5.000 mg/L in other tissue samples. The intraday and interday coefficients of variation were below 10%. The results showed that the method can be used for detecting Dau in all kinds of biological samples.

Metabolism of dauricine and identification of its main metabolites

To study the metabolism of dauricine in vivo and in vitro and identify the structure of its main metabolites, urine of rats after drug administration as the samples of dauricine metabolism in vivo was studied. Rat liver S9 fraction was prepared and the oxygenation metabolism system reconstituted to perform phase I reaction of dauricine in vitro. TLC, HPLC-DAD and MS were used to analyze and identify dauricine and its main phase I metabolites in the samples. The results showed that besides the untransformed dauricine, in the urine samples there was little product of X' which had the same features of TLC, HPLC-DAD and MS as those of N-desmethyl dauricine (N-ddau). Part of dauricine could be transformed to a main metabolite X after incubating with S9 fraction in appropriate conditions. The molecular ion peak of X was m/z 611. The full scan MS2 spectrum of m/z 611 peak from S9 sample were m/z 580, m/z 566, m/z 552, m/z 206, which were same as those of N-ddau. Liver is the major organ for dauricine metabolism and part of dauricine is biotransformed by liver. The major metabolite is considered to be N-ddau.