v-Myb represses the transcription of Ets-2

The v-Myb oncogene causes monoblastic leukemia and transforms only myelomonocytic cells in culture. The v-Myb protein is nuclear and binds to specific DNA sequences. To identify genes regulated by v-Myb, we utilized primary cells transformed by a retrovirus encoding a v-Myb-estrogen receptor (ER) fusion protein. The Ets-2 gene was not expressed in v-Myb-ER transformed cells in the presence of estradiol, but was expressed within 4 h after estradiol withdrawal. The expression of Ets-2 also increased dramatically following phorbol ester-induced differentiation of the v-Myb-transformed BM2 cell line. Conversely, CRYP-alpha, encoding a transmembrane tyrosine phosphatase, was expressed in the presence but not the absence of estradiol in v-Myb-ER transformed cells. CRYP-alpha was downregulated during the phorbol ester-induced differentiation of BM2 cells. Although LIM-3 expression was estradiol-inducible in v-Myb-ER transformed monoblasts, LIM-3 was expressed neither in primary yolk sac cells transformed by unfused v-Myb nor in BM2 cells. We conclude that although v-Myb has been intensively studied as a transcriptional activator, v-Myb can repress biologically relevant genes such as Ets-2, which promotes macrophage differentiation. In addition, we have shown that some genes that are regulated by a v-Myb-ER fusion protein may not be relevant to the biological function of the unfused v-Myb protein.

Genotyping of human cystic echinococcosis in Xinjiang, PR China

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, multi-ethnic province in northwestern China, is one of the most important foci of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the world. Two Echinococcus granulosus genotypes (G1 and G6) are known to infect the intermediate hosts in this area but, to date, the source of the human infection remains unclear. The current study aimed to genetically analyse 67 hydatid cysts removed from 47 CE patients for which epidemiological, clinical and serological data were also recorded. Mitochondrial cox 1 gene sequencing suggested that the E. granulosus G1 genotype is the major source of infection (45/47 CE patients). Nevertheless, for the first time in China, 2 patients were found with hydatid cysts of the G6 genotype. In addition, 45 E. granulosus gravid tapeworms, isolated from 13 dogs, were genotyped. The majority of adult worms (42/45) exhibited the G1 genotype, whereas 3 adult tapeworms with the G6 genotype were found in one dog, that also harboured E. granulosus tapeworms of the G1 genotype. This sympatric occurrence of G1 and G6 genotypes of E. granulosus, not only in the same area but also in the same definitive host, raises the interesting question of putative genetic recombination between these E. granulosus genotypes.

Human cystic echinococcosis in two Mongolian communities in Hobukesar (China) and Bulgan (Mongolia)

In order to investigate the prevalence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in traditional Mongolian communities in western Mongolia and Xinjiang (northwest China), studies were carried out between 1995 and 2000, on two ethnically identical populations in Hobukesar (China) and Bulgan (Mongolia). The prevalence of human hepatic CE in the two communities was significantly different. In Hobukesar, human CE prevalence by ultrasound was 2.7% (49/1844), while in Bulgan it was 0.2% (4/1609) (P<0.001). Dog surveys showed that coproantigen-positive rates or dog necropsy positives were similar in both communities (35.0% in Hobukesar and 35.7% in Bulgan). Comparing possible risk factors, there appeared to be some significant differences between the two communities, which might contribute to the observed difference in CE prevalence. These included: the proportion of herdsman or farmers recorded; the proportions of dog ownership and livestock ownership; and the proportion of families practising home slaughter. The presence of a Russian dog-dosing programme up to the mid-1980s may explain the lower prevalence of human CE in the Bulgan population; no similar programme operated in the China-administered Hobukesar community.

Anaphylaxis after hamster bites--identification of a novel allergen

BACKGROUND

Hamsters are popular household pets and anaphylaxis after their bites have described. However, the putative allergen has not been identified.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to identify the allergen causing dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungoris) bite-induced anaphylaxis.

METHODS

Two children with hamster bite-induced anaphylaxis were enrolled. They both had negative results to skin testing and specific IgE to hamster epithelium. However, they were both allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p). Identification of the putative IgE-binding allergens from the hamster saliva was performed using immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

A specific IgE-binding component at 21 kD in the hamster saliva was identified. ELISA inhibition tests showed partial inhibition with Der p.

CONCLUSIONS

The putative allergen from the hamster saliva causing dwarf hamster-induced anaphylaxis was identified. Possible cross-reactivity with Der p was demonstrated. Further studies will be needed to identify the exact nature and function of this allergen.

GNB3 gene C825T and ACE gene I/D polymorphisms in essential hypertension in a Kazakh genetic isolate

The Kazakh inhabitants living in Barkol pasture of northeast China belong to a genetic isolate characterized by ethnically homogeneous and a communal pastoral lifestyle. To investigate whether the polymorphisms in the G-protein beta-3 subunit (GNB3) gene and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene are associated with essential hypertension (EH), we carried out a case-control study of 290 hypertensive subjects and 244 normotensive (NT) controls randomly selected from Kazakh populations of Barkol. A previous medical history of diabetes and hypertension, and body mass index (BMI) was recorded. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol were measured. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene and the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene were determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The distributions of genotypes and alleles for the two polymorphisms did not differ significantly between the case and control populations, and odds ratio of EH related to the ACE gene D allele and GNB3 gene T allele was not significantly different from 1.0. Logistic regression analysis shows the variation at the GNB3 and ACE did not have any statistically significant synergistic effect on blood pressure (BP). Stratification of NT and untreated hypertensives according to I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and C825T polymorphism of GNB3 gene disclosed no significant difference across genotypes with respect to BMI, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, systolic and diastolic BP. In conclusion, the polymorphisms in the GNB3 gene and ACE gene, solely or combined, did not confer a significantly increased risk for the development of EH in the Kazakh isolate of northeast China.

[Experimental observation on anaphylaxis induced by Echinococcus infection in Meriones unguiculatus]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the anaphylaxis induced by Echinococcus granulosus or E. multilocularis (E. g. and E. m.) infection in Meriones unguiculatus.

METHODS

56 and 48 gerbils were intraperitoneally inoculated with E. g. protoscoleces and E. m. tissue homogenate. After three months, the anaphylactic responses initiated by intraperitoneal challenge injection with E. g. cystic fluids or partially purified antigen or E. m. metacestode homogenate antigen were observed. IgE antibody and direct eosinophilic leukocyte count (DELC) were detected at pre-postchallenge.

RESULTS

The infection rates for E. g and E. m. in 56 and 48 gerbils were 89.3% and 97.9%, respectively. Among these groups, the lowest rate of anaphylaxis was 62.5%, the highest was 100%. The lowest rate of anaphylactic shock was 12.5%, and the highest 16.7%. After the gerbis were infected with E. g. and E. m., both IgE antibody and DELC increased gradually. At 60 min post challenge, IgE antibody level were significantly decreased, while DELC showed a sharp increase.

CONCLUSION

Anaphylaxis could be induced in gerbils by Echinococcus infection followed by a challenge injection. Different antigens lead to different and degrees among the anaphylactic responses in the gerbils, however, there were no significant differences between E. g. and E. m. infections in gerbils.

[Evaluation of diagnostic value of 18 kDa antigen in alveolar echinococcosis]

AIM

To evaluate the 18 kDa antigen in diagnosis of human alveolar echinococcosis.

METHODS

A total of 214 sera from patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE, 33), cystic echinococcosis (CE, 69), cysticercosis (30) and healthy controls (82) were examined by Western blotting to detect the antibodies against 18 kDa antigen using both antigens from protoscoleces of E. granulosus (Eg) and E. multilocularis (Em). All the sera were tested simultaneously by ELISA to detect the antibodies against hydatid cystic fluid antigens of sheep as a comparison.

RESULTS

The positive rate by ELISA was 93.9% in AE, 85.5% in CE, 50% in cysticercosis and 6.1% in healthy controls, respectively, suggesting a critical cross-reaction and a certain degree of nonspecific reaction. The serum positive rates by Western blotting with the 18 kDa antigen of Eg and Em were 90.9% and 90.9% in AE, 10.1% and 13% in CE, 13.3% and 16.7% in cysticercosis, respectively. No positive was found in the sera from healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The 18 kDa antigen may be used in the differential diagnosis of AE from CE.

Classification, follow-up and recurrence of hepatic cystic echinococcosis using ultrasound images

Ultrasound image and morphological structure of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) were analysed in 277 human cases (385 hepatic hydatid cysts). These included 65 CE cases from community surveys carried out between 1995 and 2000 in 3 countries (China, Mongolia and Jordan) and 212 cases from a clinical hospital survey from Xinjiang, China. A new simplified WHO ultrasound classification for human CE was assessed, and considered useful. It is proposed that type, size and number in particular need to be included in the ultrasound classification of hepatic CE. For comparative purposes 6 categories of type were classified in the study as Type 0 to Type 5 (T0-T5): T0, univesicular without pathognomonic signs; T1, univesicular with pathognomonic signs; T2, cysts with sagging or floating laminated membrane; T3, cysts containing daughter cysts; T4, solid mass or mixed cysts; and T5, cysts with partial or full calcifications. This differs from the WHO classification wherein Type T3 cysts (daughter cysts present) are considered a pathological stage to occur in general prior to the sagging or floating membrane (T2) stage. Recurrent hydatid cysts in the liver were also studied based on morphological structures observed directly from surgical intervention. Case follow-up over 1-5 years since endocystectomy in the community surveys indicated 10% (2/10) recurrence of cysts in the residual surgical cavity. Recurrent CE included 2 (2/4) cases after percutaneous treatment.

Identification of a novel membrane-associated protein expressed in neurons of the squid and rodent nervous systems

In a previous communication, we reported the isolation of a novel cDNA clone (pA6) from a library constructed from squid axonal mRNAs. The partial cDNA clone contained a unique open reading frame that encoded 84 amino acids and was complementary to a moderately abundant mRNA approximately 550-600 nucleotides in length [Chun et al., J. Neurosci. Res. 49 (1997) 144-153]. In this report, we identify the pA6 gene product, and characterize its expression in the squid and rodent brain. Results of immunoblot analyses conducted in squid, using a polyclonal antibody raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminus of the putative protein, established the presence of two pA6 immunoreactive proteins of approximately 14 kDa and 26 kDa in size. In contrast, mouse brain contained only a single 26-kDa immunoreactive species. In both the squid and mouse brain, the expression of pA6 appears highly selective, being detected in certain neurons but not in non-neuronal cells, as judged by both in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. Findings derived from light microscopic, double-label immunohistofluorescence studies indicate that pA6 protein co-localizes with prohibitin, a mitochondrial marker protein. Consistent with these results, electron microscopy localized pA6 immunoreactivity to several membrane compartments to include the outer membrane of mitochondria, as well as to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and tubulovesicles in dendrites, axons, and axon terminals of neurons in the rat brain. Taken together, these findings indicate that pA6 is a novel, membrane-associated protein, which is expressed in the distal structural/functional domains of neurons in both the invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems.

[Study on regulators of the cell cycle in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma]

In order to investigate the relationship between the regulators of cell cycle and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), we used an immunohistochemical staining technique to examine the expression of cyclin D1, p16 and Rb in the paraffin embedded skin cancer tissues of 30 patients with SCC. The positive percentage of cyclin D1, CDK4, p16 and Rb was 66.7%, 53.3%, 33.3%, and 36.7%, respectively. The overexpression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 could be observed frequently in low grade of differentiated cells, especially in marginal cells of the cancer nest. The results indicate that the aberrant expression of positive and negative regulators of the cell cycle may be involved in the carcinogenesis and evolution of SCC.

[Intermittent-pulse treatment of onychomycosis with orally administered itraconazole]

Fifty-four patients received an intermittent regimen of itraconazole (26 of them were finger onychomycosis and 28 toe onychomycosis) and were followed-up for nine months. The result showed that the clinical cure rate of fingernails was 88.5% and the mycologic cure rate was 96.4%, while the clinical cure rate of toes was 82.1% and the mycologic cure rate was 96.4%. Few adverse events were observed by 7.4%, just like nausea, gastric discomfort etc. It suggests that the pulse administration system is highly effective and has a few side-effects.

The overall pattern of cardiac contraction depends on a spatial gradient of myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation

Evolution of the human heart has incorporated a variety of successful strategies for motion used throughout the animal kingdom. One such strategy is to add the efficiency of torsion to compression so that blood is wrung, as well as pumped, out of the heart. Models of cardiac torsion have assumed uniform contractile properties of muscle fibers throughout the heart. Here, we show how a spatial gradient of myosin light chain phosphorylation across the heart facilitates torsion by inversely altering tension production and the stretch activation response. To demonstrate the importance of cardiac light chain phosphorylation, we cloned a myosin light chain kinase from a human heart and have identified a gain-in-function mutation in two individuals with cardiac hypertrophy.

Mapping the velocity vector onto the spin vector: two-dimensional velocity-selective spin excitation for MR flow imaging

This article presents a two-dimensional velocity-selective spin excitation (2D-VSP) method that enables quantitative imaging of motion in two directions in a single scan, without the need for image subtraction or combination. It is based on the idea of mapping a 2D velocity vector directly onto the transverse magnetization vector, such that the signal intensity reflects the speed of motion, while the signal phase represents the direction of motion. Experimental demonstration is presented in conjunction with an analysis of the accuracy of this method. VSP methods are often limited by inconsistent static signal suppression under variable shim and RF conditions. By using adiabatic RF pulses in a 2D-VSP composite that possesses time-reversal symmetry, consistent background suppression of 30-fold or higher was demonstrated over experimental conditions of +/-200 Hz off-resonance and 30% RF field variation.

[Studies on separation, purification and chemical structure of polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala]

Separation and purification were done by column chromatographic fractionation; HPLC and 13C-NMR were used to determine the chemical structure of polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz;, The molecular weight of the polysaccharide was estimated to be 1.36 x 10(5) (PSAM-1) and 1.04 x 10(5) (PSAM-2).

Mixed echo train acquisition displacement encoding with stimulated echoes: an optimized DENSE method for in vivo functional imaging of the human heart

Mixed echo train acquisition displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (meta-DENSE) is a phase-based displacement mapping technique suitable for imaging myocardial function. This method has been optimized for use with patients who have a history of myocardial infarction. The total scan time is 12-14 heartbeats for an in-plane resolution of 2.8 x 2.8 mm2. Myocardial strain is mapped at this resolution with an accuracy of 2% strain in vivo. Compared to standard stimulated echo (STE) methods, both data acquisition speed and resolution are improved with inversion-recovery FID suppression and the meta-DENSE readout scheme. Data processing requires minimal user intervention and provides a rapid quantitative feedback on the MRI scanner for evaluating cardiac function. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Treatment of severe hepatitis with artificial liver support system and liver transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To observe and investigate the efficacy of the hybrid artificial liver support system plus liver transplantation in the treatments of patients with severe viral hepatitis.

METHODS

Eight severe viral hepatitis patients with metaphase and advanced stage liver failure received the artificial liver support using a self-command extracorporeal hybrid artificial liver support system and orthotopic liver transplantation after the artificial support for 3-14 days.

RESULTS

The liver failure of the 8 patients was controlled by the hybrid artificial liver support effectively. All patients were successfully bridged to orthotopic liver transplantation. Four out of the eight patients survived after transplantation. Four patients died of pulmonary infection or hepatorenal syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial liver support system combined with liver transplantation can be regarded as an efficient measure for the treatment of metaphase and advanced stage patients of severe viral hepatitis.

[Inhibition of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cell by tissue-type plasminogen activator]

PURPOSE

To study the inhibition effects of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by tissue-type plasminogen activator(tPA).

METHODS

The effects of tPA on human RPE cells proliferation were studied by viable cell counting and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was used to examine RPE cell cycles.

RESULTS

The proliferation of human RPE cells could be inhibited by 0.1-3 micrograms/ml tPA (P < 0.05). The effects of inhibition were depended on the drug density and the action time directly (P < 0.01). 5 micrograms/ml tPA was deadly-toxic to human RPE cells. FCM revealed that the cells in S phase increased 9.8% (P < 0.05) and cells in G2M phase decreased 6.6% (P < 0.05), compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

tPA at a certain dose range and period could inhibit human RPE cells proliferation without deadly-toxicity. The human RPE cells growth could be interfered in S phase by tPA.

Immunodiagnostic differentiation of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis using ELISA test with 18-kDa antigen extracted from Echinococcus protoscoleces

Immunoblotting analysis was carried out using crude extracts of Echinococccus multilocularis and E. granulosus. A total of 214 serum samples were examined for the detection of antibody responses against 18-kDa polypeptides (Eg18 and Em18). Of 44 sera from patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) 91% were positive against both Eg18 and Em18, compared with 10% and 13%, respectively, of 70 cystic echinococcosis (CE) samples and 13% and 17% of 29 cysticercosis samples. A relatively purified 18-kDa antigen was extracted from E. granulosus protoscoleces and an 18-kDa-ELISA test which is simple, fast and highly sensitive and specific has been established. A comparative ELISA analysis, using the purified 18-kDa antigen and pooled AE and CE serum, indicated that there are significant differences in antibody levels between AE and CE sera. The maximum ratio for the evaluation of AE to CE was 2.26. The 18-kDa-ELISA was positive for 91% (40/44) and 11% (8/70) of AE and CE sera, respectively, and there was no cross-reactivity with cysticercosis sera or healthy controls. The overall diagnostic values of 18-kDa-ELISA for AE sera were sensitivity 91%, specificity 94%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 97%. We conclude that (i) the 18-kDa antigenic component may not be species specific but (ii) levels of antibody to the 18-kDa antigen are significantly different between AE and CE sera. Therefore, the 18-kDa antigen can be a reliable serological marker for differentiation of AE from CE.

Alternative splicing switches potassium channel sensitivity to protein phosphorylation

Alternative exon splicing and reversible protein phosphorylation of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels represent fundamental control mechanisms for the regulation of cellular excitability. BK channels are encoded by a single gene that undergoes extensive, hormonally regulated exon splicing. In native tissues BK channels display considerable diversity and plasticity in their regulation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Differential regulation of alternatively spliced BK channels by PKA may provide a molecular basis for the diversity and plasticity of BK channel sensitivities to PKA. Here we demonstrate that PKA activates BK channels lacking splice inserts (ZERO) but inhibits channels expressing a 59-amino acid exon at splice site 2 (STREX-1). Channel activation is dependent upon a conserved C-terminal PKA consensus motif (S869), whereas inhibition is mediated via a STREX-1 exon-specific PKA consensus site. Thus, alternative splicing acts as a molecular switch to determine the sensitivity of potassium channels to protein phosphorylation.

Cystic echinococcosis in semi-nomadic pastoral communities in north-west China

In order to determine the prevalence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in semi-nomadic traditional pastoralist groups in north-west China, 2 large community studies were undertaken in Altai and Tacheng Prefectures in 1990/91 and 1995/96, respectively. The Kekergash community (Altai) comprised mainly ethnic Kazakhs, whereas the Narenhebuke community (Tacheng) comprised mainly Mongolians. Populations were screened for CE by abdominal ultrasound scan (US) and serological tests. The total prevalence of confirmed human CE was higher in Narenhebuke (2.7%, 49/1844) than in Kekergash (0.9%, 17/1861; P < 0.01). Within each community there was no significant difference of CE prevalence between the Kazakh and Mongolian groups, although Han Chinese exhibited twice the rate of CE (4.9%) in Narenhebuke compared to the dominant Mongolian population. For each community, human CE prevalence increased with age and there was a greater risk associated with the practice of home slaughter of livestock. Dogs were screened for Echinococcus granulosus infection and re-infection levels using a highly specific coproantigen test. The proportion of dogs with positive coproantigen tests was significantly higher in Narenhebuke (36.0%, 50/139) compared to Kekergash (17.8%, 16/90). In Narenhebuke the re-infection levels of dogs, as determined by coproantigen positivity, were higher in the winter quarters (49.4%, 39/79) compared to the summer quarters (18.3%, 11/60; P < 0.01). Furthermore, coproantigen re-test positivity was 25% at 3 months and 29.2% at 7 months. Highest dog coproantigen positivity was obtained over the winter period.

[Expression of estrogen receptor beta mRNA in endometrial carcinoma and its significance]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) mRNA and its significance in endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

Thirty-six normal and 45 cancer tissue samples of endometrium were obtained, and the RNA was isolated from the tissues by the acid guanidium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction method. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify the ER beta exon 5 wild type mRNA (ER beta WT) and splicing variant mRNA (ER beta E5SV). Electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction product was performed and the ratio of ER beta E5SV/ER beta WT was calculated. The sequencing of ER beta E5SV and ER beta WT was carried out by express DNA sequencer.

RESULTS

ER beta E5SV and ER beta WT were both expressed in normal endometrium and endometrial cancer tissues. A region of 139 bp from base pair 812 to 950 (the hormone-binding domain) was found to be deleted in ER beta E5SV sequence as compared to ER beta WT. The quantity of ER beta E5SV was more than that of ER beta WT in every normal endometrium, and was less in every endometrial cancer, the ratio of ER beta E5SV/ER beta WT was 2.47 +/- 0.99 in normal endometrium, and 0.55 +/- 0.12 in endometrial cancer (P < 0.0001). The ratio of ER beta E5SV/ER beta WT decreased with the grade from 1 to 3 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of ER beta WT relative to ER beta E5SV may correlate with the genesis of endometrial carcinoma.

[Effect of environmental factors on gonadal maturation as well as its ovulation and spawning in teleosts]

This paper reviewed the environmental factors affecting gonadal maturation as well as its ovulation and spawning in teleosts which include water temperature, sun-light, rainfall, current, chemical composition of waters, aquatic organisms, water pollution and so on. The impact of environmental pollution on the reproduction of teleosts was emphasized, aimed to approach strategies protecting fish germplasm resource from the standpoint of ecology.

Identification and characterization of a novel human cDNA encoding a 21 kDa pRb-associated protein

The retinoblastoma protein (pRb) functions as a critical master regulator in cell cycle regulation, which is an important cell-regulatory process, through its interaction with various cellular proteins. Using the C-terminus of human pRb and the yeast two-hybrid system, a novel protein named RBP21 that contains 187 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 21 kDa was identified as a pRb-binding protein. Sequence analysis indicates that RBP21 shares homology with other retinoblastoma-binding proteins in the pRb-binding motif LxCxE at the C-terminal region. In vitro specific interaction between pRb and RBP21 was confirmed using in vitro translation products. When overexpressed in COS-7 cells, RBP21 could co-immunoprecipitate with pRb. This interaction requires the LxCxE motif of RBP21 and the entire pocket region of pRb. Each point mutation of the conserved amino acid residues in pRb-binding motif of RBP21 abolished its specific interaction with pRb. RH mapping result showed that this novel gene was mapped to chromosome region 15q21.1-21.3. Northern blot analysis suggested that RBP21 was widely expressed in various human tissues and cancer cell lines. When expressed in HeLa cells as a green fluorescent protein fusion, RBP21 was distributed throughout the cell.

Epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, China: a preliminary analysis

The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region (XUAR) in north-western China is known to be endemic for Echinococcosis multilocularis, the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). Despite regular reports of HAE cases in their region, very little is known about the local epidemiology of the disease or the transmission of E. multilocularis. The epidemiology of HAE in Xinjiang has now been investigated by the analysis of data collected from the medical records of 157 clinical cases who had attended the four main hospitals in the region. These data indicate that the disease is relatively common in the Altai, western Junggar, and Tianshan mountain ranges, whereas the Tarim and Junggar basins are likely to be of low endemicity. The prevalence of the disease in the Kunlun mountains is not clear. Semi-nomadic groups, especially those of Kazakh or Mongol origin, have a higher risk of infection than other ethnic groups. Prevalence of the disease in humans appears to be correlated with aspects of the local climate, such as annual precipitation and temperature. Red foxes, Microtinae, Ochotona spp. and Marmota spp. may be important hosts of E. multilocularis in the XUAR, sustaining the transmission cycles of the parasite.

[Clinical study on treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by radio- and chemotherapy with supplementary moxibustion on Shenque point]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of supplementary moxibustion in treating III, IV a stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with radio- and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Fifty-six cases of NPC were randomly divided into two groups, 28 in each group. They were treated with radiotherapy in routine or chemotherapy adopting AD protocol. Salt-separated moxibustion on Shenque (Ren 8) point was given to the treated group from beginning of radio- and chemotherapy for 30 times as one therapeutic course.

RESULTS

The remission rate in the two groups after radio- and chemotherapy was not different significantly. The toxic and side-effect occurrence was less in the treated group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The 5-year local control rates of NPC and cervical lymphnode were 85.7% and 85.0% in the treated group, which were higher than those in the control group (78.6% and 78.9%). The 5-year survival rate in the two groups were 50.0% and 35.7% respectively. After radio- and chemotherapy, the blood content of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), middle molecular substance and sulfhydryl reduced the SOD activity ascended in the treated group, the difference was significant as compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The supplementary moxibustion on Shenque point could obviously reduce the toxic side-effect of advanced NPC patients treated with radio- and chemotherapy.

Angiogenesis in endometriosis and angiogenic factors

Among angiogenic factors, VEGF secreted from activated macrophages under the influence of ovarian steroids, IL-8 expressed in endometrial stromal cells, and basic FGF expressed in endometriotic tissue and PD-ECGF expressed in lining epithelial cells independently of the sex steroidal milieu might contribute to the characteristic advancement of angiogenic lesions in endometriosis in individual manners. Copyrightz1999S.KargerAG,Basel

RBP95, a novel leucine zipper protein, binds to the retinoblastoma protein

We recently identified a novel cDNA encoding a retinoblastoma protein (pRb)-associated protein. It was named RBP95, which was composed of 838 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular size of 94,789 Da. Northern blot analysis showed a single mRNA of about 4. 5 kb ubiquitously expressed in human tissues. RH mapping results showed that RBP95 is mapped to chromosome region 16p11.2-11.1. Sequence analysis indicated that RBP95 contains a conserved pRb-binding motif LXCXE. Interaction between pRb and RBP95 was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. This interaction requires the LXCXE motif of RBP95 and the entire pocket region of pRb. Each point-mutant of the conserved amino acid residues in pRb-binding motif of RBP95 would destroy its interaction with pRb. RBP95 also contains a basic region leucine zipper and could homodimerize through its leucine zipper region. RBP95 was located in the nucleus with a special pattern when expressed as a GFP fusion in HeLa cells. All these findings suggested that RBP95, a new member of pRb-associated protein, may function as a regulation factor in the process of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription and/or transcriptional processing.

Feasibility of biomedical applications of Hall effect imaging

Hall effect imaging is a new technique for mapping the electrical properties of a sample. Its principle has been demonstrated in two- and three-dimensional phantom images. Based on the experimental data and theoretical understanding of this technique developed over the past few years, this paper addresses the most relevant question for biomedical applications: whether Hall effect imaging is ultimately applicable to complex biological systems such as the human body. The arguments are given at the basic physics level, so that the conclusion is independent of current technology status. These arguments are corroborated with imaging data of an aorta sample. The conclusion is that Hall effect imaging is not suited for quantifying the electrical constants in complex biological samples. This technique is able to produce high-resolution volume images of samples in vitro that reflect their electrical heterogeneity. However, quantitative measurements of electrical constants are not practical for complex samples.

Antifungal therapy for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the curative effects of three different antifungal regimens in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I was given intravenous amphotericin B alone or combination with flucytosine therapy. Group II received intravenous fluconazole alone or combination with flucytosine. The treatment of Group III was divided into two steps, where the patients received intrathecal amphotericin B plus intravenous amphotericin B with or without intravenous fluconazole until the mycological culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) turned negative, followed by oral fluconazole or itraconazole as maintenance therapy until direct microscopic examination of CSF showed negative once a week for three consecutive weeks.

RESULTS

Of the twenty-two patients, 17 (77.3%) were cured, 2 (9.1%) improved, 3 (13.6%) died, and one (4.5%) relapsed. Of the 8 patients in Group I, 5 were cured, 2 improved, one died and one relapsed; Of the 4 patients in Group II, 2 were cured, and 2 died; All the 10 patients in Group III were cured without any recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The two-step therapeutic regimen may be suited to the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.

Progestin regulation in tumor growth of female genital tract cancers

The irregular response to progestins directly in tumor growth might be caused by dominant negative progesterone receptor (PR) mutants and the damage to PR-A expression. Progestin treatment as an anti-angiogenic therapy would be less effective in the PR-mutated tumors. Therefore, various anti-angiogenic inhibitors must be used in progestin-refractory and progestin-dependent tumors.

High-resolution strain analysis of the human heart with fast-DENSE

Single breath-hold displacement data from the human heart were acquired with fast-DENSE (fast displacement encoding with stimulated echoes) during systolic contraction at 2.5 x 2.5 mm in-plane resolution. Encoding strengths of 0.86-1.60 mm/pi were utilized in order to extend the dynamic range of the phase measurements and minimize effects of physiologic and instrument noise. The noise level in strain measurements for both contraction and dilation corresponded to a strain value of 2.8%. In the human heart, strain analysis has sufficient resolution to reveal transmural variation across the left ventricular wall. Data processing required minimal user intervention and provided a rapid quantitative feedback. The intrinsic temporal integration of fast-DENSE achieves high accuracy at the expense of temporal resolution.

Improved field of view-reducing gradient insert: artifacts and application to cardiac imaging

An improved homogeneity-spoiling local gradient insert has been constructed and built into the patient bed to reduce its impact on bore size and setup time. It allows the field of view to be reduced without introducing aliasing artifacts. Image quality and artifacts were evaluated for pulse sequences relevant to cardiac imaging. The utility of the insert is demonstrated by a contrast-enhanced perfusion study, in which the reduced field of view allowed a 25% increase in resolution and one more slice to be imaged per heartbeat. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:209-215.

Identification of a novel gene encoding a p53-associated protein

p53 exerts important physiological functions in cell-cycle control, gene regulation, cell differentiation, apoptosis and tumor suppression by interacting with many cellular proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we screened a HeLa cDNA library and identified a novel gene encoding a p53-binding protein (p53BP3). The full-length cDNA of p53BP3 was isolated from a HeLalambdagt10 cDNA library. This predicted protein was composed of 815 amino acids. Sequence analysis indicated that p53BP3 contained two bipartite nuclear localization signals and was confirmed to be a nuclear protein. FISH mapping results showed that this novel gene was located at human chromosome 12, region p11.2-p12.1. Northern blot analysis suggested that p53BP3 was broadly expressed in human tissues. A further study showed that p53BP3 had a homologue in mouse.

Clinical implication of expression of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) in metastatic lesions of uterine cervical cancers

The platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) level was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in 8 of 40 metastatic lymph node lesions of uterine cervical cancers. The prognosis of the eight patients with high PD-ECGF (>10,000 pg/mg protein) in metastatic lymph node lesions was extremely poor. On the other hand, the 24-month survival rate of the 32 patients with low PD-ECGF (<10,000 pg/mg protein) in metastatic lymph node lesions was 75%. This indicates that PD-ECGF may contribute to the advancement of metastatic lesions, and that the PD-ECGF level in metastatic lesions may be a prognostic indicator.

Volumetric Hall effect tomography--a feasibility study

Hall effect imaging is an ultrasound-based method of mapping spatial variations in the dielectric constants of an acoustically-uniform sample. This paper presents three-dimensional Hall effect images of phantoms obtained by scanning a single transducer across a two-dimensional grid, effectively simulating two-dimensional phased-array signal reception. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of volumetric Hall effect tomography and show the advantage of volumetric scans over planar scans. The images reflect several limitations of the current scanning method and point to directions for further hardware development. The inherent limitations of Hall effect imaging are also discussed in light of these results.

Urinary excretion of aquaporin-2 in rat is mediated by a vasopressin-dependent apical pathway

Clinical studies have shown that aquaporin-2 (AQP2), the vasopressin-regulated water channel, is excreted in the urine, and that the excretion increases in response to vasopressin. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in AQP2 excretion are unknown, and it is unknown whether the excretion correlates with AQP2 levels in kidney or levels in the apical plasma membrane. The present study was undertaken to clarify these issues. Immunoblotting of rat urine samples revealed significant excretion of AQP2, whereas AQP3, being a basolateral aquaporin in the same cells, was undetectable. Thus, there was a nonproportional excretion of AQP2 and AQP3 (compared with kidney levels), indicating that AQP2 is excreted predominantly via a selective apical pathway and not by whole cell shedding. Urinary AQP2 was associated with small vesicles, membrane fragments, and multivesicular bodies as determined by immunoelectron microscopy and negative staining techniques. In rats with normal water supply, daily urinary excretion of AQP2 was 3.9+/-0.9% (n = 6) of total kidney expression. Treatment with desmopressin acetate subcutaneously caused a fourfold increase in urinary excretion of AQP2 during 8 h. Forty-eight hours of thirsting, known to increase endogenous vasopressin secretion, resulted in a three-fold increase in kidney AQP2 levels but urinary excretion increased ninefold to 15+/-3% (n = 6) of AQP2 in kidney of thirsted rats. Moreover, rats that were thirsted for 48 h and subsequently allowed free access to water for 24 h produced a decrease in urinary AQP2 excretion to 38+/-15% (n = 6) of that during thirsting. In Brattleboro rats or lithium-treated normal rats completely lacking vasopressin action, and hence having extremely low levels of AQP2 in the apical plasma membrane, AQP2 was undetectable in urine. Thus, conditions with known altered vasopressin levels and altered levels of AQP2 in the apical plasma membrane were associated with corresponding major changes in AQP2 urine excretion. In contrast, in such conditions, kidney AQP2 levels and urinary AQP2 excretion did not show a proportional relationship.

Simultaneous binding of two protein kinases to a calcium-dependent potassium channel

Large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels are subject to modulation by protein kinases, phosphatases, and other signaling proteins, and it has been inferred from electrophysiological experiments that signaling proteins sometimes can be intimately associated with these channels in a regulatory complex. We show here that endogenous protein kinase activity coimmunoprecipitates with both native and recombinant Drosophila Slowpoke (dSlo) calcium-dependent potassium channels. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using antibodies against several protein kinases demonstrate that dSlo can bind simultaneously to the Src tyrosine kinase and to the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKAc). Both kinases can phosphorylate the channel in Drosophila heads and in heterologous host cells. The PKAc binds directly to a 172-amino acid region in the C-terminal domain of dSlo, without the intervention of regulatory subunits or anchoring proteins, and channel phosphorylation by PKAc is not required for this binding interaction. In contrast, several phosphorylatable tyrosine residues in dSlo are important for Src binding. The results are consistent with the idea that an ion channel can act as a scaffold for its own specific set of modulatory enzymes.

Comparison of 3D BOLD functional MRI with spiral acquisition at 1.5 and 4.0 T

In order to investigate the merit of high field strength for BOLD-contrast-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, multishot gradient-echo fMRI experiments during motor cortex activation were performed on 1.5- and 4.0-T scanners with equivalent hardware, on the same volunteers. In these studies, artifactual vascular enhancement related to inflow effects was minimized, and large brain areas were covered by using a 3D scan technique. Temporal signal stability was optimized by using spiral readout gradients. The sensitivity for detection of activated regions was assessed by measuring the number of "activated voxels" and their average t score in predefined regions of interest. When comparing fMRI experiments with the same total scan time, performed on six subjects, and with acquisition parameters optimized for each field strength separately, the 4.0-T scanner proved to give superior results, with a 70% greater number of activated voxels and a 20% higher average t score for the activated voxels.

A comparison among four regimens of itraconazole treatment in onychomycosis

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of different dosage regimens in the management of onychomycosis with itraconazole and to determine the results of a further 1-week intermittent pulse treatment in non-cured patients. In this study, 153 patients were randomly allocated to four groups. Patients in group A were treated with daily doses of 100 mg for 3 months in the case of fingernail onychomycosis and for 4 months in the case of toenail onychomycosis. Patients in the other groups received a intermittent pulse therapy, in which the drug was taken for 1 week, then discontinued for 3 weeks, three cycles for fingernail and four cycles for toenail infection. The daily doses were 400 mg (group B), 300 mg (group C) and 200 mg (group D). After therapy, non-cured patients were treated further with one cycle in which the daily dose was 400 mg. Patients were subsequently observed for 9 months and efficacy was assessed by mycological examination and the growth of unaffected nails. At the end of the therapy, the cure rates in the four groups were 19.1% (A), 15.2% (B), 18.9% (C) and 17.9% (D), and no significant differences were found between each of B, C, D and A. At the end of the study, the cure rates were 76.2%, 91.3%, 78.4%, 28.6% respectively. The group that received further treatment had a cure rate of 55.6% at the end of the first month and of 83.3% in the second month. Drug tolerability was equally good in the four groups. Intermittent pulse therapy with a daily dose of 400 mg had the highest cure rate. Treatment of improved but non-cured patients with a dose of 400 mg intermittent pulse therapy markedly increased the cure rate. All treatment regimens were well tolerated.

Ontogeny of water transport in rat brain: postnatal expression of the aquaporin-4 water channel

Brain water transport is poorly understood at the molecular level, and marked changes occur during brain development. As the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channel protein is abundant in brain, the expression levels and subcellular distribution of this protein were examined during postnatal development. This study focused on the cerebellum, which showed the same pattern of AQP4 development as the rest of the brain. Semiquantitative immunoblotting revealed very low levels of AQP4 in the first postnatal week. A pronounced increase was noted in the second week, from 2% of adult level at postnatal day 7 (PN7) to 25% at PN14. At PN1 and PN3 immunofluorescence microscopy revealed weak labelling, mainly in radial processes (Bergmann fibres) and at the pial surface. Between PN7 and PN14 the labelling underneath the pia showed a strong increase, and immunoreactivity also appeared around blood vessels throughout the cerebellum. High-resolution immunogold electron microscopy revealed that the subpial and perivascular labelling was restricted to glial end feet, notably to those plasma membrane domains that were apposed to the basal laminae. At no stage was there any evidence of neuronal AQP4 labelling, and AQP1, -2, -3 and -5 proteins were not detected in the neuropil. Riboprobes to AQP4 mRNA produced a particularly strong in situ hybridization signal in glial cells between PN7 and PN14, corresponding to the stage of the most rapid increase of AQP4 protein. The time course and pattern of AQP4 expression suggests that this aquaporin plays an important role in brain water and K+ homeostasis from the second week of development.

DENSE: displacement encoding with stimulated echoes in cardiac functional MRI

Displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) was developed for high-resolution myocardial displacement mapping. Pixel phase is modulated by myocardial displacement and data spatial resolution is limited only by pixel size. 2D displacement vector maps were generated for the systolic action in canines with 0.94 x 1.9 mm nominal in-plane resolution and 2.3 mm/pi displacement encoding. A radial strain of 0.208 was measured across the free left ventricular wall over 105 ms during systole. DENSE displacement maps require small first-order gradient moments for encoding. DENSE magnitude images exhibit black-blood contrast which allows for better myocardial definition and reduced motion-related artifacts.

[Renal protective effect of valsartan in diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of valsartan in protecting the renal lesion of diabetic rats.

METHODS

The following groups of rats were studied: normal control rats, streptozotocin diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with valsartan (8 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). Mean arterial pressure, plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, ACE activity and Ang II concentration of kidney as well as profile of kidney hypertrophy were observed after 2, 4, 8 weeks of treatment, while TGF beta(1) mRNA expression of kidney cortex was assessed by Northern blot analysis, TGF beta(1), fibronectin and collagen IV expression were measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine level (P < 0.05), urinary albumin excretion and kidney hypertrophy index (P < 0.01) of valsartan treated group were significantly lower than those of diabetic untreated group. There was a significant increase in mRNA expression of TGF beta(1) and protein expression of of TGF beta(1) fibronectin and collagen IV in diabetic rats (P < 0.01). The expression of TGF beta(1) mRNA and protein (P < 0.01) as well as the protein expression of fibronectin and collagen IV (P < 0.05) in the valsartan group were much lower than that in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that valsartan has some renal protective effect on diabetes in rats, partly through down-regulating TGF beta(1) expression and reducing deposition of glomerular ECM.

[Content variety of alisol B 23-acetate in Rhiozma Alismatis reaped at different time]

Alisol B 23-acetate in Rhizoma Alismatis reaped at different time was determinated by RP-HPLC. The result indicated that the content of those reaped in April is obviously higher than those reaped from Jan. to March.

[Effect of ginger-processing on the contents of guanosine in Pinelliae rhizoma (banxia)]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the guanosine contents in various products of Pinellia Rhizoma processed by different amounts of ginger and alum.

METHOD

Using the technology of HPLC.

RESULT

The guanosine contents in the two products of Pinellia Rhizoma processed in line with the pharmacopoeial method and orthogonal method respectively are very close to each other and change every little as compared with raw Pinellia Rhizoma. But the contents in the products of Pinelliae Rhizoma processed in other ways (digged in alum solution or in ginger Juice decocted with ginger juice, etc.) are much less than those of raw Pinellia Rhizoma.

CONCLUSION

There are no obvious differences in guanosine contents between Pinellia Rhizoma processed by orthogonal technology and Pinellia Rhizoma processed by pharmacopoeial method. Processing technology has considerable influence on the water soluble components of Pinellia Phizoma.

Human cystic echinococcosis in a Uruguayan community: a sonographic, serologic, and epidemiologic study

A prevalence and transmission study of human cystic echinococcosis (CE), due to infection with the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, was undertaken in the village of La Paloma in central Uruguay. The human population was registered and screened for CE by abdominal ultrasound scan as well as a number of serologic tests. Dogs were screened for E. granulosus infection by arecoline purgation as well as specific coproantigen testing. The total prevalence of human CE (new cases and those with a previous history) was 5.6% (64 of 1,149); 3.6% (40) of the cases were new ultrasound detected asymptomatic cases (mean age = 45 years). Age prevalence increased from 1.1% in the 4-6-year-old group to > 11% in the > 60-year-old group; the 20-29-year-old group had a significantly higher CE rate of 7.4%, compared with younger and older age groups, and there was no difference between sexes. A CE rate of 3.9% (20 of 514) was also recorded by ultrasound for new cases in the population residing outside the village. Most of the hydatid cysts were located in the liver presenting as either univesicular cysts or a solid mass, and of those 71% and 63%, respectively, with such cyst presentations were seropositive against E. granulosus cyst fluid antigens. Two of eight individuals who were filter paper blood spot seropositive, but ultrasound scan negative, were subsequently diagnosed respectively with pulmonary hydatidosis after radiography, and hepatic hydatidosis after computed tomography scan. Of 36 households with a CE patient, 32 were single cases while four households each harbored two CE cases. This did not represent a clustered distribution within families (23 of 117). Almost 20% of the dogs from La Paloma were found infected with E. granulosus after purge examination, with a mean worm number of 67 (range = 1-1,020). An additional eight dogs that were purge negative were Echinococcus coproantigen positive. The study showed that human CE is highly endemic in Uruguay, with one of the highest local prevalence rates in the world. Transmission appears to occur readily within well-developed towns, as well as on rural sheep ranches. Mass screening by ultrasound scanning with confirmatory serologic testing is an effective approach to case detection at the community level.