[Fasting insulin level and hypertensive family history in overweighted children]

In order to analyze the relationship between fasting insulin level and body mess index (BMI), blood pressure and lipids, and to discuss the effect of hypertensive family history, 317 healthy children aged 8-11 years including 74 overweighted and 243 non-overweighted were selected randomly from 4 primary schools in Beijing. Anthropometry, fasting insulin and lipids were measured, and the family history of hypertension (FHH) was recorded. After adjusting of age and sex, the levels of blood fasting insulin, cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly higher (P < 0.01) and the ratio of HDL/LDL and apoA/apoB were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the overweighted than that in non-overweighted children. After controlling BMI, the partial correlation coefficients between fasting insulin and TG, systolic pressure was 0.20 (P < 0.01) and 0.12 (P < 0.01) respectively. Moreover, among the overweighted children, but not among non-overweighted children, those with FHH had a significantly higher fasting insulin than those without FHH (P < 0.01). It is concluded that hypertensive family history may play an important role in contributing to the higher level of serum insulin of overweighted children, and higher serum insulin may concerted with some metabolic disorders in overweighted children.

[Impact of high temperature on testicular growth and development of valuable silkworm Antheraea yamamai(Lepidoptera: Saturiidae)]

The results indicated that high temperature had a significant impact on the growth and development of testis in Japanese oak silkworm Antheraea yamamai. The testicular size of the 3rd and 4th instar larvae increased within the range from 20 to 29 degrees C, and slightly decreased at 32 degrees C. While in the 5th instar, it decreased within the range from 20 to 26 degrees C, with the biggest size at 20 degrees C. The testis was almost hard to grow and develop because the larvae could not survive at 29 to 32 degrees C. When the mature larvae were treated at 32 degrees C at the beginning of coconing or at the 1st or 6th day of pupating, the growth of testicular size and spermatogenesis were significantly arrested, and the sperm number and the content of soluble protein in the testis markedly decreased. When the male moth of the 1st day was treated at 32 degrees C, the activity of the sperms in the testis obviously decreased, in contrast to the treatment at 20 degrees C. It is concluded that for the egg raising of the silkworm, its mature larvae, puape in cocoons and male moths should not be exposed to 32 degrees C from cocooning to adult stage. The proper temperature for rearing 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae was discussed.

[The efficacy and safety of domestic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue and low-dose norethindrone "add-back" therapy in the treatment of endometriosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy and safety of combining domestic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue(LHRH-a) with low-dose norethindrone in the treatment of endometriosis.

METHODS

Seventy-seven women with endometriosis were randomized into one of the following two groups. Group A (n = 36) were treated with LHRH-a (150 micrograms/d, i.m.) plus norethindrone (2.5 mg/d, p.o.) and group B (n = 41) received only LHRH-a (150 micrograms/d, i.m.) for 3 to 6 months. Symptoms and signs were recorded before and after the treatment. Liver and renal functions, lipid and bone metabolism and speed of sound (SOS) in the tibia were also examined at the same time. All data were analyzed using paired and grouped Student's t-tests.

RESULTS

Total subjective symptom scores of group A showed 82% decrease at 3 months and 94% at 6 months of treatment (P < 0.01). Reductions in endometriotic foci were 34% and 61% at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.01). Of group B, there were 77% and 90% decreases in total subjective symptom scores at 3 and 6 months of treatment (P < 0.01). Reductions of 37% and 38% in endometriotic foci were observed at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.01). Liver and renal functions and fast blood sugar of both groups were all in normal range. Triglyceride (TG), apolipoproteinA (ApoA), serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels of group B increased significantly after treatment. And significant differences between the two groups were observed. There's no change of SOS in the tibia within or between the two groups before and after treatment. The percentages of hemorrhage in the group A and B were 18% and 38%, respectively. The percentages of hot flush and the other vasomotor symptoms were 14% and 41%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Domestic LHRH-a combined with low-dose norethindrone was effective in the treatment of endometriosis. It could also improve the symptom of hypoestrogenemia, decrease hemorrhage rete and bone turn-over.

Two major genes confer Ascochyta blight resistance in Lens orientalis

Genetic mechanisms of resistance to Ascochyta blight from wild lentil (Lens orientalis) were studied using F3 families of a cross between the cultivar Titore of the cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris) and accession W 6 3261 of the wild lentil The simplest genetic model to adequately fit the data involved two genes one partially dominant gene with a larger effect (A) and one dominant gene with a less effect (B) which acted additively to confer resistance One copy of the resistance increasing allele of the A gene is not sufficient for a genotype to be resistant nor is one or two copies of the resistance increasing allele of the B gene alone When fitted to other published data this model was as good as or better than alternative models that have been proposed

A comparison of calcitonin gene-related peptide effects on coronary flow and cardiac conduction system in the guinea pig

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on coronary flow and various parts of cardiac conduction system (CCS) in the isolated guinea pig heart by recording the cardiac electrogram and His bundle activity simultaneously. The coronary flow (CF) was measured and the right atrium was paced at incremental frequencies periodically. Perfusing heart with CGRP at the concentrations of 3 30 nmol/L increased CF strikingly and dose-dependently. CGRP (30 nmol/L) caused a moderate and significant increase in the spontaneous heart rate, but failed to influence the atrioventricular nodal and His bundle-Purkinje fiber conduction time and the longest atrial pacing cycle length inducing 3 2 Wenckebach and 2 1 AV nodal conduction. The results indicate that CGRP in the guinea pig heart might act mainly on coronary vessels and then the sinus node, but did not affect the conductivity and refractoriness of the AV conduction system.

[Relationship between blood lipid level and apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in offspring from longevity and non-longevity families]

OBJECTIVE

To study relationship between genetic factor and level of blood lipid.

METHODS

Levels of blood lipid and difference in apolipoprotein E (apo-E) allele frequencies were compared in 86 offspring in seven Uigur longevity families and 62 offspring in nine Uigur non-longevity families and their relationship was explored.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age and occupation, blood indicators related to atherosclerosis were all lower in the offspring of longevity families than in non-longevity families, and those correlated inversely with it were higher in the former. Blood levels of triglyceride and apo-B were significant lower (P < 0.05) and the ratio of HDL-ch to LDL-ch was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in male offspring of longevity families than of non-longevity families. The ratio of apo-A to apo-B was significantly higher in female offspring of longevity families than of non-longevity families. Frequency of epsilon4 allele also was significantly fewer in the offspring of longevity families than of non-longevity ones (P < 0.01). Also, analysis showed that individuals with epsilon4 allele had higher levels of serum total cholesterol, lower density lipoprotein cholesterol and apo-B than those with other alleles.

CONCLUSION

Average level of blood lipid was better in the offspring of longevity families than that of non-longevity families. apo-E allele polymorphism can in part explain its difference.

Computerization of leprosy records: national leprosy recording and reporting system in China

This paper describes the national system of leprosy recording and reporting in China and the computerization of records. The system was designed for data collection at local level and data entry by optically scanned or manual mode as well as for sophisticated data analysis. The major functions include data entry, data check, sum-up, maintenance, communication, inquiry, statistics, graph and print. A total of 17 options for epidemiological and clinical data analysis are available. Through the implementation for about 10 years, the system has gained widespread acceptance. This acceptance would facilitate introduction of computer analysis to other leprosy projects and other disease control programs in China. Up to 1998, a database of more than 740,000 records covering all the leprosy patients detected since 1949 had been established by this system.

High-yield production of a human therapeutic protein in tobacco chloroplasts

Transgenic plants have become attractive systems for production of human therapeutic proteins because of the reduced risk of mammalian viral contaminants, the ability to do large scale-up at low cost, and the low maintenance requirements. Here we report a feasibility study for production of a human therapeutic protein through transplastomic transformation technology, which has the additional advantage of increased biological containment by apparent elimination of the transmission of transgenes through pollen. We show that chloroplasts can express a secretory protein, human somatotropin, in a soluble, biologically active, disulfide-bonded form. High concentrations of recombinant protein accumulation are observed (>7% total soluble protein), more than 300-fold higher than a similar gene expressed using a nuclear transgenic approach. The plastid-expressed somatotropin is nearly devoid of complex post-translational modifications, effectively increasing the amount of usable recombinant protein. We also describe approaches to obtain a somatotropin with a non-methionine N terminus, similar to the native human protein. The results indicate that chloroplasts are a highly efficient vehicle for the potential production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants.

Morphologic and electrophysiologic maturation in developing dentate gyrus granule cells

Dentate gyrus granule cells from immature (7-28 days) Sprague-Dawley rats were examined with whole cell patch clamp recordings and biocytin filling in in vitro hippocampal slice preparations. Although recordings were confined to the middle third of the suprapyramidal limb of the dentate, the granule cells exhibited marked variability in their physiologic properties: input resistance (IR) ranged from 250 MOmega to 3 GOmega, and resting membrane potential (RMP) from -82 to -41 mV. Both IR and RMP were inversely correlated with dendritic length, a morphometric indicator of cell maturity. Thus the highest IR cells were the youngest, and maturation was characterized by a progressive decrease in IR, hyperpolarization of RMP, and elongation of the dendritic arbor. When cells were grouped by IR, significant intergroup differences were found in RMP, dendritic length, and number of dendritic terminal branches. Although cells of all IR categories were examined throughout the age spectrum under study, none of the inter-IR group differences was age-dependent. These data suggest that IR provides a reasonable estimate of granule cell maturity and that maturation entails predictable changes in cell properties and morphology. These aspects of maturation correlate with each other, are independent of animal age, and most likely proceed according to a program related to cell birth.

[Leptin and the feedback regulation of body weight]

Body weight may be controlled by a negative feedback loop. Recent studies have identified that the ob gene product, leptin, apparently and exclusively expressed in adipose tissue, is a part of the negative feedback loop. Leptin is proposed to act as an afferent signal in the negative feedback loop to hypothalamus that limiting food-intake, controlling energy homeostasis and regulating the mass of adipose tissue. The dificiency of or resistance to leptin causes severe obesity.

A study on the methods for early serological diagnosis of leprosy and their potential use

This is a serial study. In this series we have established 12 methods for the early serological diagnosis of leprosy, including the FLA-ABS test, ELISAs with artificial products (ND-O-, ND-P-, NT-O-, NT-P-BSA; PGL-I, whole M. leprae and M. smegmatis), monoclonal antibody specific binding assay (McAb/SBA), latex agglutination test (LAT), and MLPA. These methods were compared with each other on a large scale in leprosy patients and in the field. The results indicate that 1) Excellent results were obtained when ELISAs were conducted with skim milk or egg albumin as the blocking agent and by using blood from earlobes instead of from venipuncture. 2) According to the four "S" standard (sensitivity, specificity, simplicity and speed), among the 12 methods the ND-O-BSA-ELISA (ND-ELISA) is the best and the MLPA is more suitable for use in the field because it is simple and rapid. 3) In the ND-ELISA, the increase or decrease of the OD value has a positive correlation with the BI, and the order of positive rates was a) in various types of leprosy: LL > BL > BB > BT > TT; b) in household contacts (HC), random population (RP), normal controls in endemic areas (ENC) and normal controls in nonendemic areas (NNC): HC > RP > ENC > NNC. 4) In a population with subclinical M. leprae infection, the highest risk group was between the ages of 15 and 25 and had an increase or a persistence of high OD values prior to onset of disease. 5) OD values gradually decreased over time following treatment and these declines paralleled declines in the BI. 6) In cases cured with dapsone therapy, there was an increase or a persistence of high OD values in ND-ELISA prior to the onset of a leprosy relapse. In conclusion, we have compared and evaluated 12 immuno-assays and have shown that the ND-ELISA is the most practical one for use in investigating sero-immunological epidemiology, subclinical infection with M. leprae, early detection of disease, monitoring of antimicrobial therapy, and even for the prediction of leprosy relapse.

Regulation of the mucosal immune response

Infectious diseases continue to exact an extensive toll on populations living closest to the equatorial regions of the globe. A substantial proportion of these infections gain access to the host via the mucosal tissues. Thus, the development of new vaccines that enhance mucosal immunity is considered to be of paramount importance in order to prevent or limit the impact of these infections. Mucosal immune responses must discriminate between commensal flora within the lumen and potential pathogens. These responses are highly adapted to induce protection without excessive amounts of inflammation. The balances that regulate mucosal immune and inflammatory responses have to be understood if effective mucosal immunity is to be induced through local immunization. This review will summarize some of the unique properties of mucosal immune responses and focus on recent advances that have significantly influenced our understanding of the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses following infection.

[The modulation of collagen synthesis and expressions of type I and III collagen mRNAs in aorta smooth muscle cell by PDGF and heparin]

OBJECTIVE

The effect of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and heparin on the modulation of human aorta smooth muscle cell(hASMC) proliferation, collagen synthesis, expressions of type I and III collagen mRNAs as well as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) mRNA were investigated.

METHODS

3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation and Northern blot analysis were done. 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation was statistically analyzed with t test among different experimental groups.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group, PDGF possessed the ability in promoting markedly the DNA synthesis (3H-TdR incorporation: PDGF group vs control, P < 0.01), synthesis and secretion of collagen protein (3H-proline incorporation of SMC and medium: PDGF group vs control, P < 0.01), expressions of type I and type III collagen mRNAs, and transforming growth factor mRNA in hASMC. Whereas heparin significantly decreased the DNA synthesis (heparin group vs control, P < 0.01), synthesis and secretion of collagen protein (heparin group vs control, P < 0.01) of hASMC in vitro. Heparin also inhibited the promoting effect of PDGF on DNA synthesis, the synthesis and secretion of collagen protein, and reduced the up-regulation of expressions of type I and type III collagen mRNAs as well as TGF-beta mRNA that stimulated by PDGF.

CONCLUSIONS

PDGF could promote the collagen synthesis through upregulating type I and type III collagen mRNA expressions while heparin just inhibiting SMC DNA and collagen synthesis effected in the way of anti-atherosclerosis.

[Kinetic effect of testosterone or estradiol on iodine absorption in castrating rat intestine]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of testosterone or estradiol on iodine absorption in rat intestine.

METHOD

50 male adult Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups randomly. 50 females were divided into another 5 groups. Among them, 4 groups were bilaterally testectomized or ovariectomized, 1 group was sham-operated. 7 days after operation, the castrated rats received testosterone (male rats) or estradiol (female rats) at different dosages by intramuscular injection for three days. Then the kinetics of iodine absorption in jejunum and ileum were observed by perfusion in situ. When finished, serum were obtained for detecting TSH, T4 and testosterone or estradiol.

RESULTS

In castrated male rats, the value of K12 reduced, K21 increased, K02 reduced, and SP1/2 (the half time of the slow phase) prolonged, implying that the ability of iodine absorption reduced. It reflected that testosterone could promote iodine absorption in intestine in physiological condition. In castrated female rats, the situation was different from that in male rats, the value of K12 increased, K21 reduced, K02 increased, and SP1/2 shortened in jejunum, implying that the ability of iodine absorption increased. It reflected that estradiol could inhibit iodine absorption in intestine in physiological condition. The levels of serum TSH and T4 were not changed significantly in this experiment.

CONCLUSION

In physiological condition, testosterone can promote iodine absorption, while estradiol has the inhibiting effect. The results indicate that gonadol hormone maybe one factor which can influence iodine absorption in intestine. It may explain the phenomenon that the incidence of goiter is different between males and females partly.

The effect of class II major histocompatibility complex expression on adherence of Helicobacter pylori and induction of apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells: a mechanism for T helper cell type 1-mediated damage

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastric epithelial damage, including apoptosis, ulceration, and cancer. Although bacterial factors and the host response are believed to contribute to gastric disease, no receptor has been identified that explains how the bacteria attach and signal the host cell to undergo apoptosis. Using H. pylori as "bait" to capture receptor proteins in solubilized membranes of gastric epithelial cells, class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules were identified as a possible receptor. Signaling through class II MHC molecules leading to the induction of apoptosis was confirmed using cross-linking IgM antibodies to surface class II MHC molecules. Moreover, binding of H. pylori and the induction of apoptosis were inhibited by antibodies recognizing class II MHC. Since type 1 T helper cells are present during infection and produce interferon (IFN)-gamma, which increases class II MHC expression, gastric epithelial cell lines were exposed to H. pylori in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma. IFN-gamma increased the attachment of the bacteria as well as the induction of apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. In contrast to MHC II-negative cell lines, H. pylori induced apoptosis in cells expressing class II MHC molecules constitutively or after gene transfection. These data describe a novel receptor for H. pylori and provide a mechanism by which bacteria and the host response interact in the pathogenesis of gastric epithelial cell damage.

[AFP, uE3, beta-hCG levels applied for prenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between fetal trisomy 21 and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated oestriol (uE3) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and fetal serum.

METHOD

AFP, uE3 and beta-hCG levels in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and fetal serum from 17 pregnancies with fetal trisomy 21 and 131 unaffected control pregnancies were measured between 16 to 28 weeks gestation using radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

In these pregnancies with fetal trisomy 21, the AFP and uE3 levels in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and fetal serum were lower than those in controls; but beta-hCG levels were higher (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

To measure maternal serum AFP, uE3 and beta-hCG levels will be useful in prenatal detection of trisomy 21.

[Influence of prenatal exposure to low levels of lead on the neuro-behavioral development of neonates]

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects on the neuro-behavioral development of neonates exposed to low levels of lead in utero.

METHODS

131 neonates were selected and their umbilical blood lead level was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The neurobehavioral-cognitive performance of neonates was evaluated by Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA).

RESULTS

NBNA scores in neonates with blood lead levels greater than or equal to 0.29 mumol/L were markedly lower than those with less than 0.14 mumol/L, and the difference was highly significant.

CONCLUSION

Blood lead levels of less than 0.48 mumol/L could still have harmful effects on the development of children.

Health promotion of adolescents

China has been making progress in adolescence health care, carrying out directed investigations and academic exchanges, as well as training. Since 1949, both growth and development of Chinese children and adolescents have accelerated significantly. Menarche and the secondary sex characteristics of girls now appear earlier than before. The average age of menarche is 12.5 years (1991) and boys average first emission is 14.33 years (1991). In China, the commonly encountered adolescent health problems are menstruation hygiene, menstruation dysfunction, emission, masturbation, teenage pregnancy, acne, obesity, smoking, alcohol drinking, drug abuse, and suicide. Causes of death of adolescents in China has significantly changed, all deaths caused by infectious diseases have dropped significantly. Of all death causes today, accidental injury is the leading one. Sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis have shown a rebound recently. The rate of smoking among middle school students in Beijing increased from the 1980s to 1990s, with male students' smoking at significantly higher rates than female students. Adolescents is a transitional period from dependent childhood to independent adulthood. Good physical and mental health of children and adolescents makes for good health in adulthood, therefore adolescence is a very important period in one's life. We need to go a step further and develop more detailed data on adolescent health and provide more health care for adolescents.

[Operative treatment of vesical diverticula]

We reviewed the results of operative management of 31 patients with vesical deverticula, and introduce a simple technique for treating large bladder diverticula. In the 31 patients with vesical diverticula analysed, 23 were followed up for at least six months. Of the 31 patients, 25 were male and 6 female. The average age was 54.2 years. Diverticula was secondary to bladderoutlet obstruction. Seven cases had intradiverticular tumors, and 9 stones in the sac. The diagnosis of vesical diverticula was usually made by cystogram or ultrasonography. The operative indications for vesical diverticula included stone formation, intradiverticular tumor, ureteral obstruction, incomplete empting diverticulum and urine retention due to large diverticula. The combined extravesical and intravesical method was often used. 26 patients underwent both operations for outlet obstruction and vesical diverticula at the same time. Of the 23 followed-up cases, 21 had no symptoms of the urinary tract. Five of the 7 patients with intradiverticular tumor died within 2.5 years; one of the rest survived for 2 years, and the others for 6 years. Two patients with large vesical diverticula received intravesical separation of diverticula. No complications encountered in this simple, time-saving and safe procedure. Cystograms revealed normal condition. The choice of operative techniques to treat vesical diverticula varies with each individual patient. The technique of intravesical separation of vesical diverticula is suitable for large, adhesive and posterior diverticula.

Expression of B7-1 and B7-2 costimulatory molecules by human gastric epithelial cells: potential role in CD4+ T cell activation during Helicobacter pylori infection

Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells display class II MHC, the expression of which is increased during Helicobacter pylori infection. These observations suggest that the gastric epithelium may participate as antigen-presenting cells (APC) during local immune responses. The increase in class II MHC expression occurs in parallel with an elevation in gastric CD4+ T cell numbers within and adjacent to the epithelium. Since the expression of either B7-1 (CD80) or B7-2 (CD86) on APC is required for the activation of T cells, it was important to establish human gastric epithelial cells expressed those surface ligands. The expression of B7-1 and B7-2 was detected on human gastric epithelial cell lines and freshly isolated epithelial cells from gastric biopsies with specific antibodies. B7-2 expression was higher than B7-1 at both protein and transcript levels and was increased after crosslinking class II MHC molecules on IFNgamma-treated epithelial cells and in cells pretreated with the combination of IFNgamma and H. pylori. Similarly, B7-2 expression was higher on gastric epithelial cells from H. pylori-infected tissues compared with those from uninfected specimens. To determine the function of these molecules on gastric epithelial cells, antibodies to B7-1 and B7-2 were shown to reduce the ability of the cells to stimulate alloreactive CD4+ T cells. These observations are the first to demonstrate that B7-1 and B7-2 are expressed on mucosal epithelial cells in situ. Thus, the expression of B7-1 and B7-2 by epithelial cells may allow them to act as APC in regulating local responses such as those that occur during infection with H. pylori.

[Effects of nicotine on expression of c-fos-like protein in hippocampal formation in mice]

Expression of c-fos-like protein in hippocampal formation of mice, who were trained in a step-down test, was studied with immunohistochemical techniques to study the effects of nicotine on their learning and memory. Results showed that difference of their learning achievements (with number of errors in the test as an indicator) in a five-minute step-down test between trial and control groups did not reach statistical significance, but expression of c-fos-like protein in hippocampal formation in trial mice two hours after administration of nicotine was significantly different from that in controls. Number of positive c-fos cells in hippocampal CA3 and dentate gyrus of the mice treated with 2 mg/kg of nicotine was significantly greater than that in those treated with 1 mg/kg (P < 0.01), and there was no difference in it between those treated with 1 mg/kg of nicotine and controls treated with normal saline. It suggests that 2 mg/kg of nicotine may damage their learning and memory in mice.