Unusual amplification pattern by SSP HLA-B typing led to discovery of a novel HLA-C allele

We report here the unique sequence of a novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-C allele resulted in amplification of a product with a primer pair used in sequence-specific primer (SSP) HLA-B typing, which led subsequently to identification of a new allele of Cw*0339 by sequence-based typing method. This new allele is closely related to Cw*031101 with only two nucleotide changes from T to G at position 97, and T to C at position 105 in the exon 2 region of HLA-C locus. The first nucleotide substitution causes an amino acid alteration from tyrosine to aspartic acid at amino acid residue 9 (Y to D), while the second one keeps alanine at residue 11 unchanged. Most interestingly, the nucleotide change from T to G at position 97 makes it identical to the 3' end sequence of one SSP of the commercial HLA-B SSP typing kit we were using. In this specific case, it resulted in amplification of a product of HLA-C gene instead of B gene.

Molecular typing and identification of Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms isolated from seawater shrimp ponds and adjacent coastal waters

AIMS

To apply and compare two PCR-based methods for typing saltwater Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms (BALOs) and to understand ecological and phylogenetic aspects of the BALOs isolated from shrimp mariculture systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using double-layer agar technique, the numbers of culturable BALOs that lyse Vibrio alginolyticus were found to be 10-10(3) PFU ml(-1) in the surface water samples. A total of 130 BALOs isolates were differentiated into five phylotypes by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting the 16S rDNA V3 region and four phylotypes by amplified rDNA restriction analysis of the Bacteriovoracaceae-specific 16S rDNA fragment respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of representative isolates showed that all of them were identified as Bacteriovorax spp., but affiliated with four different clusters in the family Bacteriovoracaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

The two PCR-based methods both can be chosen to rapidly type the saltwater BALOs at cluster level. And the relatively large numbers of BALOs with various phylotypes recovered from the same habitats suggested that these predators might play important ecological role in shrimp mariculture environments.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

We proposed two effective methods to distinguish rapidly large numbers of BALOs isolates and our results would be helpful to understand the diversity and function of BALOs in mariculture environments.

Experimental models of neuroprotection relevant to multiple sclerosis

Activated T cells, particularly those of the T-helper (Th) 1 subset, have the capacity to kill neurons. Strategies for preventing such damage may include deviation of activated T cells into the Th2 subset (e.g., via use of glatiramer acetate), alteration of functional properties of Th1 cells (e.g., through use of interferon [INF]-beta or IV immunoglobulin), and inhibition of activated cell migration into the CNS (e.g., by employing INF-beta or natalizumab). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) also causes neuron death in neurotoxicity models, and examination of medications with MMP inhibitory activity indicates that minocycline is capable of preventing such damage. Minocycline also has other properties relevant to conferring neuroprotection, such as inhibition of microglial activity and apoptosis pathways. In a small pilot study in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, minocycline treatment produced favorable outcomes in terms of gadolinium-enhancing lesions and clinical course. Further studies are needed to establish whether experimental neuroprotection strategies involving these mechanisms may be translated into preventing neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis.

Characterization of a novel DRB1*14 allele (DRB1*1449) in the Han-Chinese population

We report here a novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele, DRB1*1449, in the Han-Chinese population. The nature of the new allele was confirmed by the sequencing-based typing (SBT) method. Genomic DNA and six subclones containing DNA fragment of DRB1 exon 2 were sequenced in both forward and reverse directions. The exon 2 nucleotide sequence of DRB1*1449 is closely related to DRB1*1432 allele based on sequence homology. It has four nucleotide (nt) substitutions at positions 71, 196, 244 and 245 in exon 2, which lead to changes of amino acid sequences. The serological assignment of DRB1*1449 is DR14 based on the serological HLA typing result. This novel allele might be a result of recombination between DRB1*1402 and DRB1*140101 like alleles, which are very common among Chinese population.

A novel HLA allele, DRB1*1609, identified in the Chinese Han population*

A novel human leucocyte antigen-DRB1*16 (HLA-DRB1*16) allele (DRB1*1609) has been identified by sequencing-based typing (SBT) in Chinese Han population. This new allele has identical nucleotide sequence to DRB1*160101 in exon 2, except for a single-nucleotide substitution from A to T at position 127. This change leads to an amino acid change from tyrosine to phenylalanin at residue 47 (Y47F). SBT was performed for cloned DRB1*16-specific polymerase chain reaction fragment. The serological phenotype of DRB1*1609 is equivalent to DR16 antigen.

Identification of an HLA-B*07 allele variant (B*0740) in the Chinese Han population

A novel HLA-B*07 allele, B*0740, has been identified by sequence-based typing (SBT) in the Chinese Han population. This new allele is identical to B*0705 and B*0706 for exons 2, 3, and 4, except for a single nucleotide at position 605 of codon 202 in exon 3 (AAG-->ATG) leading to an amino acid change from lysine to methionine. SBT was performed following allele separation using the Haploprep method. The serological equivalence of B*0740 to the B7 antigen did not change.

G-CSF-primed haploidentical marrow transplantation without ex vivo T cell depletion: an excellent alternative for high-risk leukemia

Based on our encouraging results of G-CSF-primed HLA-matched related marrow transplants for high-risk leukemia, we extended the study from matched related to haploidentical transplants using G-CSF primed marrow and sequential immunosuppressants to prevent both graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and host-versus-graft rejection (HVGR). Fifteen high-risk leukemia patients, who needed urgent transplantation but lacked an HLA-matched donor, underwent G-CSF-primed haploidentical marrow transplantation without ex vivo T cell depletion. Donors were given G-CSF (Lenograstim) at 3-4 microg/kg/day for 7 days prior to marrow harvest. GVHD and HVGR prophylaxis were combined in the sequential usage of cyclosporin A, methotrexate, anti-thymocyte globulin and mycophenolate mofetil. All patients established sustained trilineage engraftment at a median of 19 days and 21 days for neutrophil and platelets respectively. G-CSF priming significantly increased CD34(+) and CFU-GM cells, reduced total lymphocytes and reversed the CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio in the donor marrow. The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 33.3%. Nine patients survived more than a year with a Karnofsky performance status of 100%. Estimated overall disease-free survival at 2 years was 60 +/- 7%. In conclusion, using G-CSF priming marrow grafts along with sequential immunosuppressants provided an excellent alternative for the treatment of high-risk hematological malignancy in patients who lack matched donors.

A novel nanoporous graphitic composite

A novel nanoporous composite containing micrographitic carbon layers is synthesized by preliminarily expanding the interlayer of an oxidized product of graphite using surfactant, followed by Si bridging/pillaring, and carbonization.

Balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines correlates with outcome of acute experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in mouse corneas infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three bacterial strains (invasive, cytotoxic, or CLARE [contact lens-induced acute red eye]) which have recently been shown to produce distinct patterns of corneal disease in the mouse were used. The left mouse (BALB/c) corneas were scarified and infected with 2 x 10(6) CFU of one of the three P. aeruginosa strains, while right eyes served as controls. Animals were examined at 1, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h with a slit lamp biomicroscope to grade the severity of infection. Following examination, eyes were collected and processed for histopathology, multiprobe RNase protection assay for cytokine mRNA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantitate cytokine proteins, and myeloperoxidase activity to quantitate polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The kinetics of appearance and magnitude of expression of key cytokines varied significantly in the three different phenotypes of P. aeruginosa infection. The predominant cytokines expressed in response to all three phenotypes were interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1Ra, and IL-6. In response to the invasive strain, which induced severe corneal inflammation, significantly lower ratios of IL-1Ra to IL-1 beta were present at all time points, whereas corneas challenged with the CLARE strain, which induced very mild inflammation, showed a high ratio of IL-1Ra to IL-1 beta. The outcome of infection in bacterial keratitis correlated with the relative induction of these pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and exogenous administration of recombinant rIL-1Ra (rIL-1Ra) was able to reduce the disease severity significantly. These findings point to the therapeutic potential of rIL-1Ra protein in possible treatment strategies for bacterial keratitis.

Intracerebral infusion of a second-generation ciliary neurotrophic factor reduces neuronal loss in rat striatum following experimental intracerebral hemorrhage

Neuronal and glial cell death in the striatum of a rat model of collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage begins at 1 day and continues for at least 3 weeks. We hypothesized that administration of a neurotrophic agent would reduce neuronal loss in this experimental model. Because it has been shown to protect striatal neurons against excitotoxic injury, a second-generation ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) (AXOKINE) was administered by continuous intracerebral infusion (2 microg/day) beginning 28 h after hemorrhage and continuing for 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the hematoma size was comparable in control and treated rats prior to treatment. Counts of medium-sized striatal neurons within 320 microm of the hematoma 8 weeks after the hemorrhage revealed a slight but statistically significant benefit with a 42.5% loss in treated rats compared to 51.7% loss in controls. The results suggest that AXOKINE might be protective of striatal neurons in the vicinity of a hemorrhagic lesion.

Acute tissue damage after injections of thrombin and plasmin into rat striatum

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Extravasation of blood is associated with intracerebral hemorrhage and head trauma. The mechanism of brain cell injury associated with hemorrhage differs from that due to pure ischemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute changes after intracerebral injections of proteins that are involved in blood clotting and clot lysis.

METHODS

Sixty-eight adult rats were subjected to stereotaxic intrastriatal injections of normal saline (5 microL), low- (2.5 U/5 microL) and high-dose (25 U/5 microL) thrombin, low- (0.1 microgram/5 microL) and high-dose (1 microgram/5 microL) tissue plasminogen activator, low- (0.05 U/5 microL) and high-dose (0.5 U/5 microL) plasminogen, and low- (0.335 U/5 microL) and high-dose (3.35 U/5 microL) plasmin. Forty-eight hours later rats were perfusion fixed. Brain damage area, eosinophilic neurons, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, infiltrating neutrophils, CD8a immunoreactive leukocytes, and reactive microglia were quantified.

RESULTS

Damage area in striatum, dying cells, inflammatory cells, and microglial reaction were significantly greater after the high-dose plasminogen, plasmin, and thrombin injections. Tissue plasminogen activator injections were associated with mild inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that thrombin and plasmin are harmful to brain cells in vivo. Although the doses required to cause damage are relatively great in consideration of the plasma content of these proteins, their pathological effect might be enhanced through synergism with other mechanisms.

[Investigation of water sorption and solubility of three denture soft lining materials]

This assay was made to investigate the water sorption and solubility of autopolymerizing hydrogel, acrylic resin and silicone denture soft lining materials. The test discs with 50 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness were prepared according to powder and liquid ratio. The weight of sample was measured after 24 h drying (m1). The sample was put into artificial saliva and distilled water for 7 d and 28 d, the moisture weight was measured after soaking (m2). After drying again, the last data of weight (m3) was acquired till the constant mass was recorded. Finally the values of water sorption and water solubility were calculated respectively with statistical analysis. The results showed the means of percentage about absorption at 7 d and 28 d were 28.62% and 24.96% for hydrogel, 1.89% and 1.65% for acrylic resin, 0.25% and 0.29% for silicone in artificial saliva. The percentage solubility at two stages were 0.56% and 0.51% for hydrogel, 0.74% and 0.83% for acrylic resin, 0.10% and 0.12% for silicone. In distilled water, the means of percentage about absorption at 7 d and 28 d were 30.15% and 27.85% for hydrogel, 3.64% and 6.17% for acrylic resin, 0.83% and 0.98% for silicone. The percentage solubility at two stages were 0.79% and 1.16% for hydrogel, 0.86% and 1.01% for acrylic resin, 0.10% and 0.14% for silicone respectively. The conclusion is that the order of percentage about absorption for these three denture soft lining materials were hydrogel > acrylic resin > silicone. The percentage solubility of acrylic resin was higher than that of the other two materials because of the plasticizer existing in acrylic resin material. In some degree, the ionic component increased may affect water sorption and solubility. Further clinical demonstration is needed for this hydrogel with higher percentage absorption.

Clathrin-dependent and clathrin-independent endocytosis are differentially sensitive to insertion of poly (ethylene glycol)-derivatized cholesterol in the plasma membrane

We examined the effect of a cholesterol derivative, poly (ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether on the structure/function of clathrin-coated pits and caveolae. Addition of the compound to cultured cells induced progressive smoothening of the surface. Markedly, when the incorporated amount exceeded 10% equivalent of the surface area, fluid pinocytosis, but not endocytosis of transferrin, became inhibited in K562 cells. In A431 cells, both clathrin-independent fluid phase uptake and the internalization of fluorescent cholera-toxin B through caveolae were inhibited with concomitant flattening of caveolae. In contrast, clathrin-mediated internalization of transferrin was not affected until the incorporated poly (ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether exceeded 20% equivalent of the plasma membrane surface area, at which point opened clathrin-coated pits accumulated. The cells were ruptured upon further addition of poly (ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether. We propose that the primary reason for the differential effect of poly (ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether is that the bulk membrane phase and caveolae are both more elastic than the rigid clathrin-coated pits. We analyzed the results with the current mechanical model (Rauch and Farge, Biophys J 2000;78:3036-3047) and suggest here that the functional clathrin-lattice is much stiffer than typical phospholipid bilayers.

Effector mechanisms of protection against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis in immunized rats

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen which causes sight-threatening corneal infections in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various immunization routes that may provide protection against Pseudomonas keratitis and to define the molecular mechanisms involved in the protection. Sprague-Dawley rats (10 to 12 weeks old) were immunized using paraformaldehyde-killed P. aeruginosa (strain 6206) via oral, nasal, and intra-Peyer's patch (IPP) routes followed by an ocular topical booster dose. Scratched corneas were challenged with an infective dose of P. aeruginosa. Following clinical examination, eyes were enucleated for histology, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) quantitation, bacterial count, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RNase protection assay. PMN infiltration was higher early (4 h) during the infection in immunized rats than in nonimmunized rats. Later during the infection, the number of PMNs diminished in immunized rats while in nonimmunized animals the number of PMNs continued to increase. Bacteria were cleared much faster from immunized groups than from the nonimmunized group, and the nasally immunized group had the most efficacious response among the immunized groups. Nasal and IPP immunization groups had increased cytokine expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-5 and differed from each other for IL-6. All three immunized groups had significantly reduced IL-1 beta levels when compared with the nonimmunized rats and a significantly altered profile for CINC-1 expression. This study has shown that the route of immunization modulates the inflammatory response to ocular P. aeruginosa infection, thus affecting the severity of keratitis and adverse pathology, with nasal immunization being the most effective.

Hirulog-like peptide reduces balloon catheter injury induced neointima formation in rat carotid artery without increase in bleeding tendency

Vascular restenosis is one of the major concerns for the management of coronary artery disease using therapeutic vascular procedures. Treatments with thrombin-specific inhibitors, hirudin or hirulog-1, reduced ischemic events in coronary artery disease patients. Early started and prolonged infusions of these thrombin inhibitors partially prevented balloon catheter injury induced restenosis or neointima formation in experimental animal models, but increased the bleeding tendency. Hirulog-like peptide (HLP) was rationally designed to enhance the inhibition of the binding of thrombin to its receptor with less interruption of coagulation activity in comparison to hirulog-1. A single infusion of HLP for 4 h started 0.5 h before balloon catheter injury reduced neointima formation by 36% in rat carotid artery compared to vehicle controls. Tail bleeding time and activated partial thromboplastin time during HLP infusion were not significantly different from vehicle controls, but were significantly shorter than during heparin or hirulog-1 infusion. HLP treatment attenuated the expression of platelet-derived growth factor in the neointima of injured arteries. HLP also inhibited thrombin-induced thymidine incorporation in cultured baboon aortic smooth muscle cells. The findings suggest that HLP may substantially inhibit balloon catheter injury induced neointima formation without noticeable increase in bleeding tendency in rats. The inhibition by HLP of the expression of platelet-derived growth factor and of the smooth muscle cell proliferation in the vascular wall potentially contributes to the preventive effect of the new thrombin inhibitor on injury-induced neointima formation in the vascular wall.

Low incidence of severe aGVHD and accelerating hemopoietic reconstitution in allo-BMT using lenograstim stimulated BM cells

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of accelerating hemopoietic reconstraction and reducing a graft versus host disease (GVHD) in Allo-BMT receiving lenograstim stimulated donor marrow and to assess the preliminary biological mechanism.

METHODS

The donors for thirty patients (study group) with leukemia were given lenograstim 3-4 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for seven days prior to marrow harvest. The results of subsequent engraftment in the recipients was compared with fifteen donors without G-CSF (control group). Five donors themselves were studied to assess the effects of lenograstion on hematopoietic progenitor cells and lymphocyte subsets in BM.

RESULTS

The stimulated bone marrow contained a higher number of nucleated cells, CFU-GM and CD34+ cells (P < 0.01). The hematopoetic reconstitution was accelerated. Until granulocyte counts exceeded 0.5 x 10(9)/L and plalete counts exceeded 20 x 10(9)/L, the days were 16.7 +/- 3.2 and 18.4 +/- 3.0 days as compared with those of the control group (22.5 +/- 5.1 and 26.3 +/- 5.9 days respectively, P < 0.01). The incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD was very low, only one case with grade II aGVHD on the skin in the study group. Four out of fifteen patients (26.7%) in the control group had grade II-IV aGVHD (P < 0.05). The number of T lymphocyte subsets in the harvested BM stimulated by G-CSF changed. In comparison with the control group, CD4+ decreased and CD8+ increased significantly (P < 0.01). The changes of progenitor cells and T lymphocyte subsets in BM from pre- to post-G-CSF stimulation indicated that the percentage of CD4+ cells reduced (P < 0.05), that of CD8+ cells, and that of CD34+ increased (P < 0.01). The incidence of chronic GVHD and relapse of leukemia were not different significantly between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Allogenic bone marrow transplant (Allo-BMT) donors given G-CSF can accelerate engraftment and minimize the incidence of severe aGVHD. There is a trend in favour of improved transplant-related complications.

Effect of FK-506 on inflammation and behavioral outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage in rat

Beginning 15 min after induction of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by intrastriatal administration of collagenase, rats were treated intramuscularly with FK-506 (3 mg/kg) or with vehicle. Treatment was repeated daily for 7 days. MR imaging 1, 7, and 28 days post-ICH showed that treatment did not affect hematoma size or its subsequent resolution. Two days post-ICH, neutrophil infiltration around the hematoma was decreased in the FK-506-treated rats, as was the number of TUNEL-positive cells at the edge of the hematoma and in the peripheral region. The decreased inflammatory response was accompanied by functional improvement in the treated rats. The neurological deficit induced by the ICH (beam walking ability, postural reflex, spontaneous circling) was significantly decreased from 3 to 21 days post-ICH by treatment with FK-506. Skilled use of the forelimb ipsilateral to the ICH was improved and sensory neglect of the same limb was decreased 8-9 weeks post-ICH in rats treated with FK-506. However, neuronal loss assessed 9 weeks post-ICH was not different in the treated and untreated rats.

Morphological study of erythrocyte shapes in red pulp of mouse spleens revealed by an in vivo cryotechnique

The purpose of this study was to clarify erythrocyte shapes in splenic cords of living mouse spleens, using our in vivo cryotechnique followed by scanning (SEM) or transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Some spleens of mice were quickly frozen by the in vivo cryotechnique while their hearts were beating under anesthesia. In contrast, other spleens were prepared by an in vitro freezing method after they were taken out from the abdominal cavity. They were routinely freeze-substituted, and prepared for SEM and TEM. A few mouse spleens were also routinely fixed and embedded in Quetol-812 to obtain conventional morphology. Erythrocytes in living mouse spleens showed a variety of shapes with narrow spaces between them, trapped among reticular fiber tissues. Similar various shapes of erythrocytes were kept in the red pulp even after blocking normal blood circulation, as prepared by the in vitro freezing method. In comparison to the above-mentioned findings, some erythrocytes were changed to biconcave discoid shapes by the conventional immersion fixation with chemical fixatives. They also showed wide spaces between each other among reticular fiber tissues. Such conventional morphological studies could hardly reveal the in vivo shapes of erythrocytes in functioning spleens with normal blood circulation. In contrast, the various shapes of erythrocytes in the functioning spleens were demonstrated by our in vivo cryotechnique. It is suggested that most erythrocytes congesting in spleens keep their original configuration in spite of microenviromental alteration in splenic blood circulation.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression is neuroprotective after intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression is increased in brain after cerebral ischemia, although little is known about its abundance and role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A TNF-alpha-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ORF4-PE) was used to study the extent to which TNF-alpha expression influenced neurobehavioral outcomes and brain damage in a collagenase-induced ICH model in rat.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, and ICH was induced by intrastriatal administration of heparin and collagenase. Immediately before or 3 hours after ICH induction, ORF4-PE was administered directly into the site of ICH. TNF-alpha mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses. Cell death was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Neurobehavioral deficits were measured for 4 weeks after ICH.

RESULTS

ICH induction (n=6) elevated TNF-alpha mRNA and protein levels (P:<0.01) at 24 hours after the onset of injury compared with sham controls (n=6). Immunohistochemical labeling indicated that ICH was accompanied by elevated expression of TNF-alpha in neutrophils, macrophages, and microglia. Administration of ORF4-PE (2.0 nmol) directly into striatal parenchyma, 15 minutes before (n=4) or 3 hours after (n=6) ICH, decreased levels of TNF-alpha mRNA (P:<0.001) and protein (P:<0. 01) in the brain tissue surrounding the hematoma compared with animals treated with saline alone (n=6). Mean+/-SEM striatal cell death (cells per high-powered field) was also reduced in animals receiving ORF4-PE (34.1+/-5.0) compared with the saline-treated ICH group (80.3+/-7.50) (P:<0.001). ORF4-PE treatment improved neurobehavioral deficits observed at 24 hours (P:<0.001) after induction of ICH (n=6) compared with the untreated ICH group (n=6). This improvement was maintained at 28 days after hemorrhage induction (P:<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate a pathogenic role for TNF-alpha during ICH and demonstrate that reducing TNF-alpha expression using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides is neuroprotective.

[Is Gly460Trp variant of alpha-adducin associated with essential hypertension in the Hans of Chinese population]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the variant of adducin alpha subunit (alpha-adducin) is in association with essential hypertension in the Hans of Chinese population.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-three patients with essential hypertension and 129 normotensive subjects were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from 3 ml of whole blood. Polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformational polymorphism and DNA sequencing analysis techniques were used to detect the variant in the exon 10 of alpha-adducin gene. The clinical data of height, weight and blood pressure were also measured in all subjects.

RESULTS

A G-->T substitution at nucleotide 614 in exon 10 of alpha-adducin gene which resulted in the Gly460Trp variant was found in the Hans. The distribution of Gly/Gly, Gly/Trp and Trp/Trp genotypes was coincident with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and there were no statistical differences in the three genotypes and Trp allele frequencies between hypertensive and normotensive subjects (P>0.05). The variant of alpha-adducin genotypes was not associated with any significant differences in age, body mass index and blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

A G-->T substitution at nucleotide 614 in exon 10 of alpha-adducin gene is found, but there is lack of the association between the variant of alpha-adducin gene and essential hypertension in the Hans of Chinese population.

Intracortical hemorrhage injury in rats : relationship between blood fractions and brain cell death

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with stroke and head trauma. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effect of intracortical injections of autologous whole blood and blood components on inflammatory cell infiltration and brain cell death and to determine if nonhemorrhagic lesions differ in these respects.

METHODS

Eighty-seven adult rats were subjected to intracortical injections of autologous whole blood or allogeneic plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, "activated" leukocytes, and serum. Injections of saline or mineral oil were controls. Blood injections were compared with cortical freeze injury and pial devascularization. Rats were perfusion-fixed 48 hours after injection or lesioning. Eosinophilic neurons, TUNEL-positive cells, brain damage area, infiltrating neutrophils, and CD8a-immunoreactive lymphocytes were quantified.

RESULTS

Damage area, dying cells, and inflammatory infiltrate were significantly greater after autologous whole blood, leukocyte, and "activated" leukocyte injections than injection of other fractions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that extravasated whole blood causes a greater degree of cortical cell death and inflammation than ischemic lesions of similar size. Leukocytes "activated" by systemic illness might exacerbate the injury. Secondary hemorrhagic phenomena suggest that the harmful effect is directed toward both brain cells and the vasculature. Further studies are required to delineate the mechanism(s).

Structure-activity relationships study at the 3'-N position of paclitaxel. Part 2: synthesis and biological evaluation of 3'-N-thiourea- and 3'-N-thiocarbamate-bearing paclitaxel analogues

The syntheses and preliminary biological evaluation of 3'-N-thiocarbamate- and 3'-N-thiourea-bearing paclitaxel analogues, 4a-f and 5a-e, are described. 3'-N-thiocarbamates 4a-e were found to be more potent than paclitaxel in both the tubulin polymerization assay and the in vitro cytotoxicity assay. Several derivatives of this class such as 4c, 4d, and 4e also exhibited some in vivo activity.

[Change of plasma cellular fibronectin values in hypertension disorders of pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate change of plasma values of cellular fibronectin (cFN) in pregnant women with hypertension diseases.

METHODS

One hundred and twelve pregnant women were assigned into five groups according to definition of hypertension diseases in pregnancy published by the National Working Group on Hypertension. The values of plasma cFN were measured with enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical tests were performed with Variance Analysis (Scheff's post-hoc).

RESULTS

Plasma cFN values in women of preeclamptic group (12.25 +/- 4.00) mg/L and superimposed preeclamptic group (11.33 +/- 3.74) mg/L were both significantly higher than those of normal group (5.06 +/- 1.33) mg/L (P < 0.01). However, cFN values were not statistically different between women of chronic hypertension or transient hypertension and of normal women (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The clinical detection of plasma cFN values appears to be useful in differentiating various hypertension diseases of pregnancy and in selection of relevant treatment regimen.

Intracerebral injection of autologous whole blood in rats: time course of inflammation and cell death

Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with stroke and head trauma. The purpose of this study was to study brain inflammation and cell death in adult rats 1 h to 4 weeks after injection of blood into the striatum. Terminal dUTP nick-end-labeling positive dying cells were evident 4 h to 4 weeks post-hemorrhage. Neutrophil infiltration was brief and peaked at 48 h. CD8a immunoreactive lymphocytes, possibly natural killer cells, became apparent at 48 h and persisted for 1 week. Microglial reaction was evident at 4 h and persisted for 4 weeks. We conclude that extravascular blood causes a mixed inflammatory cell reaction in brains that is maximal from 48-72 h following hemorrhage. This is associated with death of brain cells over a prolonged period of at least 4 weeks.

Hirulog-1 reduces expression of platelet-derived growth factor in neointima of rat carotid artery induced by balloon catheter injury

Vascular restenosis is one of the major concerns for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases using therapeutic vascular procedures. Hirulog-1, a synthetic thrombin inhibitor, effectively reduced ischemic events in coronary heart disease patients and caused less hemorrhagic complications compared to heparin. Thrombin stimulated the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in vascular cells. PDGF receptor blockers reduced angioplasty-induced restenosis in the swine model. The present study examined the effects of hirulog-1 on vascular stenosis, platelet deposition and the expression of PDGF in rat carotid arteries injured by balloon catheter. Multiple intravenous infusions of hirulog-1 (1 mg/kg/h for 4 h for 6 times), but not bolus injection or 1-2 times of infusion, reduced neointima/media ratio by 50% in balloon-injured carotid arteries compared to injured animals receiving saline alone. Activated partial thromboplastin time in hirulog-1-treated rats was significantly prolonged compared to saline controls but shorter than that in animals receiving heparin (50 U/kg/h). One of heparin-treated rat, but none of hirulog-1-treated, died from bleeding complication. Hirulog-1 injection transiently reduced platelet deposition on denuded intima visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Abundance of PDGF in neointima of injured carotid arteries detected by immunohistochemistry was significantly decreased following infusions of hirulog-1. The results suggest that balloon catheter injury induced neointima formation and the overexpression of PDGF in the neointima of rat carotid artery may be effectively suppressed by infusions with hirulog-1, a thrombin-specific inhibitor.

[Study on biocompatibility of skin reproductive membrane]

OBJECTIVE

To study the biocompatibility of skin reproductive membrane.

METHODS

According to ISO's standards, the extractions of the skin reproductive membrane were prepared, and the acute systematic toxicity test, primary skin irritant test, cytotoxicity test, gene expression of type I collagen and fibronectin were detected to evaluate the biocompatibility of skin reproductive membrane.

RESULTS

All of those tests showed negative results.

CONCLUSION

The skin reproductive membrane has excellent biocompatibility in the level of the systematic, cellular and molecular biology.

[Stress-adaptation of bone]

Loading mechanotransduction sensors on the membrane of bone cells or osteoblasts can improve bone mechanisms and influence second messages, growth factors, bone matrix and oncogenes. The response of bone to stree is preportion to the magmititude of the stress. Stress-adaptation of bone is related with the magnititude, perporties, frequency time of stress.

[Effect of in vitro interferon on bone marrow megakaryocyte in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

The effect of rIFN alpha-2a on the megakaryocyte colony growth and maturation was observed in 33 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (CITP) in vitro by plasma clot cultures and by GP III a McAb and ABC kit. Twenty five healthy persons were in the control group. The results showed that the number of colony formation units of megakaryocyte in the patients was similar to that in the controls, but the diameter and area levels of megakaryocyte in the patients were lower. The ratio of inhibition of rIFN alpha-2a on megakaryocyte progenitors colony growth was significantly lower in the patients and was lowest in the group with increasing number of megakaryocytes on bone marrow smear. The rIFN alpha-2a had no effect on promoting the megakaryocyte maturation. Since this study has indicated that the inhibition of rIFN alpha-2a on colony formation unit of megakaryocyte is slight in CITP, interferon therapy should be a suitable prescription for the CITP patients who have an increasing number of megakaryocyte on bone marrow smear.

[A comparative study on cytocompatibility of medical PVA and intelligent PVA-g-NIPAAm hydrogels]

"Intelligent" Polymers which resonse with large property changes to small physical or chemical stimuli are attracting more and more attention in the field of medical science. One trend in the area is to modify some conventional medical polymers to form intelligent biomaterials. This investigation was designed to evaluate and compare in vitro cytocompatibility of PVA hydrogel, which could be used as a kind of solid support with good biomcompatibility, and PVA-g-NIPAAm, which was produced by irradiation grafting of NIPAAm onto the said PVA hydrogel support. Cytotoxicity test was carried out with a modified Cell Relative Growth Rate test (RGR test). On the day 2, day 4 and day 7, the RGRs of the PVA hydrogel were 82%, 90% and 102% respectively while the RGRs of the PVA-g-NIPAAm were 77%, 86% and 100%. The grades of the cytotoxicity of the PVA and PVA-g-NIPAAm hydrogels were 0, so they had no cytotoxicity as judged by our tests. After 24 hours, cells in direct contact with the two kinds of samples were observed morphologically through the Olympus inverted microscope and had a normal development. The conclusion suggests that irradiation grafting is a good way to modify conventional medical polymers to produce intelligent biomaterials.

Influence of percentage of osseointegration on stress distribution around dental implants

OBJECTIVE

Stress around implants may lead to bone resorption and loss of the implant. The present study examined the influence of percentage of osseointegration at the implant-bone interface on the transmission of occlusal forces for endosseous dental implants.

METHODS

The three-dimensional finite element method used in the study was built from data obtained from slices of dental computed tomography scans. The study modeled a 3.75 x 10-mm cylindric implant placed in an edentulous mandible. Varying the elastic parameters assigned to the implant-bone interface, a load of 35 N was applied at the occlusal surface of the restoration at the vertical axis of the implant. Maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress and Von Mises stress were calculated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The most extreme stresses in the bone were always located around the neck of the implant. Those stresses in the implant-tissue interface decreased in inverse proportion to the increase in percentage of osseointegration. These results indicate the value of osseointegration in the aspect of mechanics.

[Analysis of trace Pd in marine deposit samples using laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry]

Laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry and its experimental set-up are introduced in this paper. Using this spectrometer, Pd contents in 36 marine deposit samples of the East-sea continental shelf were analyzed. The results show that the detection limit and the precision of this spectrometer are 50 pg/mL and 6% respectively, and the measurements of Pd in marine deposit samples are reliable.

Morphological study by an 'in vivo cryotechnique' of the shape of erythrocytes circulating in large blood vessels

Changes in the shape of erythrocytes circulating in large blood vessels of mice were examined by our 'in vivo cryotechnique'. The abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) were cut vertically with a precooled knife and simultaneously an isopentane-propane mixture (-193 degrees C) was poured over them for freezing. They were freeze-substituted in acetone containing 2% osmium tetroxide. Some specimens were embedded in Quetol-812, and thick or ultrathin sections were examined by light or transmission electron microscopy. Serial ultrathin sections were used to reconstruct 3-dimensional images of native erythrocytes. Others were transferred into t-butyl alcohol and freeze-dried for scanning electron microscopy. The tissue surfaces were sufficiently frozen to prevent large ice crystal formation, and erythrocyte shapes were also preserved. The shapes of circulating erythrocytes appeared to be varied in the abdominal aorta but typical biconcave discoid shapes were rarely observed. Conversely, erythrocytes were approximately biconcave discoid in shape in the IVC. Our in vivo cryotechnique was useful for clarifying the in vivo morphology of erythrocytes circulating in large blood vessels.

[The research on GH composite material of artificial bone implant in animal]

OBJECTIVE:To improve modeling different complex forms ability of pure hydroxyapatite.METHODS: Medicial gelatin and hydroxyapatite were compounded to form GH composite artifical bone.It was implanted in the tibial bone of six adult female New Zealand white rabbits.The rabbits were sacrificed at week 2, 6 and 12 respectively after operation,The bone repairing ability was assessed by histology observation.RESULTS:It connect with bone directly without inflammatory reactions with the muscle tissue.CONCLUSION:It's an ideal replacement material for bone.

[Study on the characteristics of brucellosis on the Baicaopo Pasture]

To study the current situation and characteristics of brucellosis on Baicaopo Pasture, a sero-epidemiological survey was conducted among local people, animals together with nearby county livestocks from Breed-improvement Stations, Bingdi township and Rekejue township which are far away from the pasture. The results showed that the infection rates of brucellosis in humans and yaks on the Baieaopo Pasture were 31.03% and 47.19% respectively, apparent higher than those in other places. There were more infected cases among local veterinarians and herdsmen than among other jobs. Young adults seemed to be at most risk.

[Stess analysis of conical telescope denture using on the prosthodontic treatment for basic teeth combined periodontal diseases]

OBJECTIVE:Periodontal splints were made both on patients with peridontal absorption of three different degrees and on normal situation respectively followed by finite element calculation.The result sugree that the stesses of the supporting tissues redistributed during mastication in accordance with different degrees of periodontal absorption.The more obvious of the pcriodontal absorption is the more stress value of the periodontal supporting tissue decrease,while those of the subbasal supporting tissues increase.

Oblique proton chemical shift imaging for the presurgical localization of mesial temporal epilepsy

Precise localization of the epileptogenic zone in patients suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsies is a prerequisite for surgery. For this purpose, a scheme for selecting the volume of interest in an oblique plane covering the head, body, and tail of the hippocampal formation (HF) was implemented in a water-suppressed proton chemical shift imaging (CSI) acquisition. This approach, evaluated by consecutively acquired CSI spectra of both temporal lobes, demonstrates that it can potentially be a routine technique for clinical diagnosis. Since the method produces localized spectral detail of the HF, it facilitates a convenient comparison of CSI lateralization to that assessed by HF atrophy (due to sclerosis) using the MRI-volumetry technique.

[Three dimensional FEM analysis of stress distribution around dental implants to estimate the influence of the length]

The effect of the length of implants on stress distribution is one of the important subjects in implantology.In this study,Three dimensional finite element methods model was constructed by dental CT images,The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in bone adjacent to an implant after application of loading in horizontal,oblique and vertical direction.It was show that the highest stress occured at the cervical bone margin adjacent to the implant only 10% decrease in inverse two times increase in implant length,and correlated little to the implant length,therefore,it was unnecessary to emphasize the length of the implants in clinic.

[Study on the compatibility of slip casting aluminous ceramic crowns]

One of the key factors for a good slip casting aluminous ceramic crown is good compatibility between its core material and the veneering porcelain.The chemical and thermal compatibility of two slip casting aluminous ceramic crown systems(In-Ceram and GI-I) were investigated by means of SEM and EDAX,thermal shock tests were also performed to evaluate the crazing resistance.The results showed: the crazing resistance of In-Ceram was 158 degrees centigrade,and that of GI-I was degrees centigrade;there existed tightly bonded interfaces between the slip casting aluminous ceramic cores and the veneering porcelains in both of the two systems,where ion transferences were found.The results also suggested good compatibility of the two slip casting aluminous ceramic crown systems.

[Stress research on support tissues of Buffer-typed conical telescopic removable denture]

In order to explore the biomechanical physiology of Buffer-typed conical telescopic removable denture restoring defected dentition with a preponderance of teeth lost and only a few remained,the authors have studied the stress distribution of the periodontal support tissue of abutments and subbasal support tissue when subjected to forced transfered from removable denture of both Buffer-typed and non Buffer-typed telescopic retainers.The results suggest that occlusal forces can be redistribute through dentures with buffer typed conical telescopic retainers which decrease forces sustained by abutments and increase the ones by subbasal support tissues thus avoiding trauma of abutments while having certain degree if physiological stimuli.We can also decrease the forces transfered to subbasal support tissues by expanding basal areas,so to alleviate the absorption of alveolar ridges.This resut is in accordance with clinical effects.

[Development of a SIRI-TOFMS and the application research progress]

The only one set of Sputter Initiated Resonance Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (SIRI-TOFMS) in China was designed and developed. A liquid gallium ion source with micron level diameter of beam, frame-style piezoeletric ceramic sub-micron sample manipulator, a secondary electron imaging system and a computer controlled precise targeting system as well as a real colour big screen image displaying system were added so as to improve its microanalysis capability. By means of this apparatus, trace analysis of Au in minerals and Cu in standard steel samples were carried out. The detection limit of them is 40ng/ and microg/g level, respectively. Aside from the above detections, other preliminary researches ere also performed.

Progress in studies on the overwintering of the mosquito Culex tritaeniorhynchus

A detailed review is presented of half a century's research in Japan, Korea and the temperate zone of China on the overwintering of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the main vector of Japanese encephalitis. The evidence indicates that in the temperate zone, two types of overwintering strategy can be distinguished in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, ie survival by adults in situ in a dormant state, or migration by individuals which are in reproductive diapause. The authors contend that the former strategy is not very effective, and individuals which overwinter in this way do not constitute the main source of the next season's mosquito populations. On the contrary, new mosquito populations seem to be established by groups of adults which appear suddenly, early in the year, and which are probably windborne migrants from the south. It is concluded that further research into the mode of overwintering of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus should focus on the effective source of the populations which appear in temperate areas in early spring, and that efforts should be made to increase our understanding of the migration patterns of this species.

Postictal alteration of sodium content and apparent diffusion coefficient in epileptic rat brain induced by kainic acid

PURPOSE

We studied temporal changes of brain sodium and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in a temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) rat model using kainic acid (KA).

METHODS

In situ three-dimensional 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were used. KA at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight and 12 adult Sprague Dawley rats weighing 228-318 g (268 +/- 25 g) were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-four hours after KA injection, magnetic resonance (MR) visible sodium levels increased in both the pyriform cortex (+90%) and amygdala (+68%) and increased insignificantly in the hippocampus (+18%) and caudate-putamen (12%). The ADC in the pyriform cortex showed a -9% decrease at 5 h postictally, reaching -30% at 24 h, whereas in the amygdala decreases were -8 and -26% respectively. A significant decrease in ADC (-7%) in the hippocampus was also observed 24 h postically. Seven days later, sodium increases persisted, whereas ADC returned to normal level.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in MR visible sodium, associated with the decrease in ADC is consistent with the hypothesis that sequential seizures caused an increase in sodium influx and perturbation of membrane ion homeostasis, which eventually evolved into an irreversible phase of cellular edema, with increased MR visible intracellular sodium and decreased ADC. Return of ADC to near-control level and persistent high sodium level at 7 days may be explained by the increase in extracellular space and tissue necrosis.