Effect of waterborne copper exposure on growth, hepatic enzymatic activities and histology in Synechogobius hasta

The present study was conducted to determine growth, hepatic enzymatic activities and histology in Synechogobius hasta exposed to waterborne copper concentrations of 0 (control), 0.15 and 0.3 mg Cu/l, respectively, for 15 days, and explore whether waterborne copper exposure could induce the fatty liver syndrome for the fish species. Growth (WG and SGR) declined, but HSI increased in S. hasta with increasing waterborne copper levels (P<0.05). Waterborne copper exposure also significantly increased lipid content and reduced protein content in both whole body and liver, and increased copper accumulation in whole body and vertebrae. Copper exposure changed hepatic enzymatic activities (SOD, CAT, SDH, PK, LDH, LPL and HL) and increased hepatic lipid peroxidation level, impaired the histological structure of the gill and liver in S. hasta. Thus, our study demonstrated for the first time that waterborne Cu exposure could induce fatty liver syndrome in fish.

First-principles study of crystal structural stability and electronic and magnetic properties in LaMn(7)O(12)

The crystal structure, electronic and magnetic properties of LaMn(7)O(12) ((LaMn(3)(3+))(A)Mn(4)(3+)O(12)) are investigated by GGA (LSDA) and GGA + U (LSDA + U) (0.0 ≤ U ≤ 5.0 eV) methods. Based on two experimentally refined structures (distinguished by the distortion parameter Δ, namely S(I) (Δ = 8.5 × 10(-5)) and S(II) (Δ = 25.0 × 10(-4))), GGA and GGA + U with U < 3.0 eV calculations indicate that S(I) with a small distortion is the lowest-energy crystal structure while GGA + U with 3.0 ≤ U ≤ 5.0 eV calculations show that S(II) with a larger distortion is the ground-state crystal structure. Within the LSDA method, S(II) is always the ground-state structure no matter if U is considered or not. There are two independent magnetic sublattices: Mn(3+) within the A site and Mn(3+) within the B site. First, it is predicted that A-site Mn(3+) ions are preferably AFM-coupled in G-type (antiferromagnetically coupled in three directions). Based on this result, four magnetic configurations (FM-[Formula: see text], AFM1-[Formula: see text], AFM2-[Formula: see text] and AFM3-[Formula: see text]) are designed, and their total energies are calculated. Our results demonstrate that AFM2 and AFM3 are the lowest magnetic state, respectively, for S(I) and S(II). Correspondingly, LaMn(7)O(12) is metallic with no orbital ordering at AFM2 for S(I) while it is an insulator with orbital ordering at AFM3 for S(II). Thus, modulation of the distortion parameter Δ, e.g. by chemical doping, could be employed as a new avenue to induce a magnetic phase transition and the corresponding metal-to-insulator transition in LaMn(7)O(12).

Mechanically stiffened and thermally softened Raman modes of ZnO crystal

An analytical form connecting the energy shift of Raman modes directly to the bonding identities (order, nature, length, energy) of a specimen and the response of the bonding identities to the applied stimuli of temperature and pressure was presented for a deeper understanding of the atomistic origin of the ZnO Raman shift. Theoretical reproduction based on the BOLS correlation theory [Sun, C. Q. Prog. Solid State Chem. 2007, 35, 1] and the local bond average (LBA) approach [Sun, C. Q. Prog. Mater. Sci. 2009, 54, 179] of the measurements revealed that the thermally softened ZnO Raman modes arise from bond expansion and bond weakening due to vibration and that the pressure-stiffened Raman modes result from bond compression and bond strengthening due to mechanical work hardening. The developed approach could be useful in generalizing the lattice dynamics directly to the process of vibration and relaxation of a representative bond of the specimen under external stimuli.

Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands

Soil acidification is a major problem in soils of intensive Chinese agricultural systems. We used two nationwide surveys, paired comparisons in numerous individual sites, and several long-term monitoring-field data sets to evaluate changes in soil acidity. Soil pH declined significantly (P < 0.001) from the 1980s to the 2000s in the major Chinese crop-production areas. Processes related to nitrogen cycling released 20 to 221 kilomoles of hydrogen ion (H+) per hectare per year, and base cations uptake contributed a further 15 to 20 kilomoles of H+ per hectare per year to soil acidification in four widespread cropping systems. In comparison, acid deposition (0.4 to 2.0 kilomoles of H+ per hectare per year) made a small contribution to the acidification of agricultural soils across China.

Agricultural ammonia emissions inventory and spatial distribution in the North China Plain

An agricultural ammonia (NH(3)) emission inventory in the North China Plain (NCP) on a prefecture level for the year 2004, and a 5 x 5 km(2) resolution spatial distribution map, has been calculated for the first time. The census database from China's statistics datasets, and emission factors re-calculated by the RAINS model supported total emissions of 3071 kt NH(3)-N yr(-1) for the NCP, accounting for 27% of the total emissions in China. NH(3) emission from mineral fertilizer application contributed 1620 kt NH(3)-N yr(-1), 54% of the total emission, while livestock emissions accounted for the remaining 46% of the total emissions, including 7%, 27%, 7% and 5% from cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, and poultry, respectively. A high-resolution spatial NH(3) emissions map was developed based on 1 x 1 km land use database and aggregated to a 5 x 5 km grid resolution. The highest emission density value was 198 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1).

High concentrations and dry deposition of reactive nitrogen species at two sites in the North China Plain

Atmospheric concentrations of major reactive nitrogen (N(r)) species were quantified using passive samplers, denuders, and particulate samplers at Dongbeiwang and Quzhou, North China Plain (NCP) in a two-year study. Average concentrations of NH(3), NO(2), HNO(3), pNH(4)(+) and pNO(3)(-) were 12.0, 12.9, 0.6, 10.3, and 4.7 microg N m(-3) across the two sites, showing different seasonal patterns of these N(r) species. For example, the highest NH(3) concentration occurred in summer while NO(2) concentrations were greater in winter, both of which reflected impacts of N fertilization (summer) and coal-fueled home heating (winter). Based on measured N(r) concentrations and their deposition velocities taken from the literature, annual N dry deposition was up to 55 kg N ha(-1). Such high concentrations and deposition rates of N(r) species in the NCP indicate very serious air pollution from anthropogenic sources and significant atmospheric N input to crops.

Relationship between psychosocial factors and onset of multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychosocial variables on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relationship between these variables and the onset of MS.

BACKGROUND

The current evidence indicates that many types of psychosocial factors are involved in the development and relapse of MS, and it has been suggested that they could serve as predictors as well. So far, little has been reported on the effect of psychosocial factors on MS and the relationship between psychosocial factors and the onset of MS.

METHODS

Forty-one patients, 15 males and 26 females, average age 37.44 +/- 12.24 years (mean +/- SD), were evaluated by the Life Event Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Social Support Revaluate Scale and Symptom Check List 90 and compared with 41 equivalent healthy control subjects, 15 males and 26 females, average age 36.38 +/- 12.84 years (mean +/- SD). Disease, demographic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors were measured at baseline. Patients with MS were first diagnosed by 3 neurologists according to the Poser (1983) MS diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the MS and the control group in their negative emotions and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, obsession, phobia, tense interpersonal relationship and somatization disorder. Significant differences were found between the two groups in the total number of negative life events, their family problems and the utilization of social support. The scores for various negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with those for neuroticisms in personality type, and negatively with those for introverted and extroverted personality. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with the total number of life events, negative life events and family problems. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated negatively with the utilization of social support.

CONCLUSION

The psychosocial factors are closely associated with MS onset and may play important roles in the development of the disease.

Mechanisms of organophosphate resistance in a field population of oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)

The susceptibilities to three organophosphate (OP) insecticides (malathion, chlorpyrifos, and phoxim), responses to three metabolic synergists [triphenyl phosphate (TPP), piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and diethyl maleate (DEM)], activities of major detoxification enzymes [general esterases (ESTs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s)], and sensitivity of the target enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were compared between a laboratory-susceptible strain (LS) and a field-resistant population (FR) of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen). The FR was significantly resistant to malathion (57.5-fold), but marginally resistant to chlorpyrifos (5.4) and phoxim (2.9). The malathion resistance of the FR was significantly diminished by TPP (synergism ratio: 16.2) and DEM (3.3), but was unchanged by PBO. In contrast, none of these synergists significantly affected the toxicity of malathion in the LS. Biochemical studies indicated that EST and GST activities in the FR were 2.1- to 3.2-fold and 1.2- to 2.0-fold, respectively, higher than those in the LS, but there was no significant difference in P450 activity between the LS and FR. Furthermore, AChE from the FR showed 4.0-fold higher activity but was 3.2-, 2.2-, and 1.1-fold less sensitive to inhibition by malaoxon, chlorpyrifos-oxon, and phoxim, respectively, than that from the LS. All these results clearly indicated that the observed malathion resistance in the FR was conferred by multiple mechanisms, including increased detoxification by ESTs and GSTs, and increased activity and reduced sensitivity of AChE to OP inhibition.

Dynamical properties of iodine release in potassium iodide solution under combination of ultrasound and light irradiations

Dynamical process of iodine release in potassium iodide solution has been investigated under the irradiations of ultrasound and visible light respectively and simultaneously. Under ultrasonic irradiation, the efficiency of iodine release increases almost linearly with the irradiation time, indicating the zero-order reaction. On the other hand, the efficiency of iodine release increases exponentially with the irradiation time under visible light irradiation and combined irradiation of ultrasound and visible light, suggesting the pseudo first-order kinetics. We further find a significant synergistic effect induced by combined irradiation of ultrasound and visible light, which may be due to the well-mixed condition in the photochemical reactor with the applying simultaneous ultrasound. We further investigate influence of the initial concentration of potassium iodide on the synergistic effect.

Structural stability and magnetic coupling in CaCu(3)Co(4)O(12) from first principles

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of CaCu(3)Co(4)O(12) were studied by use of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The calculated results indicate that CaCu(3)Co(4)O(12) is stable both thermodynamically and mechanically. Both GGA (generalized gradient approximation) and GGA+U methods predict that CaCu(3)Co(4)O(12) is metallic. The ferromagnetic configuration is only slightly more stable in energy compared with the non-magnetic configuration (3.7 meV), suggesting that they are competitive for being the ground state. Co is in the low spin state (S = 1/2).

Molecular-frame angular distributions of resonant CO:C(1s) Auger electrons

The molecular-frame angular distributions of resonantly excited CO:C(1s) --> pi* Auger electrons were determined using angle-resolved electron-ion coincidence spectroscopy in combination with a novel transformation procedure. Our new methodology yields full three-dimensional electron angular distributions with high energy resolution from the measurement of electrons at only two angles. The experimentally determined distributions are well reproduced by calculations performed in a simple one-center approximation, allowing an unambiguous identification of several overlapping Auger lines.

Theoretical calculation and vibrational spectral analysis of L-arginine trifluoroacetate

Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of the nonlinear optical crystal, L-arginine trifluoroacetate (L-arginine.CF3COOH, abbreviated as LATF) have been calculated by the first-principles calculation and investigated in experiment. The calculated results are slightly different from those experimental values because of the distinction resulted from the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The role of this type of intermolecular interaction on the crystal vibrational spectra and nonlinear optical properties has been discussed. The absorption-edge on the IR side has been estimated by the theoretical approach on basis of the calculated infrared spectrum, which will be meaningful for further research on NLO crystal.

Interchain coupling effects on dynamics of photoexcitations in conjugated polymers

Within an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model including interchain interactions and the extended Hubbard model, the dynamical relaxation of photoexcitations in two coupled conjugated polymer chains is investigated by using a nonadiabatic evolution method. Initially, one of the two chains is photoexcited and the other chain is in the dimerized ground state. Due to the interchain interactions, the electron and/or the hole can be transferred from one chain to the other chain. For weak interchain coupling, the dynamical evolution of the lattice on the photoexcited chain is similar to that found in an isolate single chain case. With interchain interactions increasing, the amplitude of the distortions on the photoexcited chain decreases, and simultaneously, that on the other chain gradually increases. Until stronger interchain coupling, the deformations of the two chains have almost the same amplitude. Besides intrachain polaron-excitons and intrachain oppositely charged polaron pairs as found in single chain case, interchain polaron-excitons and interchain separated charged polaron pairs are obtained. The results show that the yield of interchain products increases and that of intrachain products decreases with interchain coupling increasing. Totally, the yield of charged polarons (including intrachain oppositely charged polaron pairs and interchain oppositely charged polaron pairs) is about 25%, in good agreement with results from experiments.

Magnetic and Electronic Properties of CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 by First-Principles Density Functional Calculation

The electronic and magnetic properties of CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 are investigated by the use of the full-potential linearized augumented plane wave (FPLAPW) method. The calculated results indicate that CaCu3Cr4O12 is a ferrimagnetic and half-metallic compound, in good agreement with previous theoretical studies. CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 is a ferrimagnetic semiconductor with a small gap of 0.136 eV. In both compounds, because Cr4+ 3d (d2) and Cr3+ 3d (d3) orbitals are less than half filled, the coupling between Cr-Cu is antiferromagnetic, whereas that between Cu-Cu and Cr-Cr is ferromagnetic. The total net spin moment is 5.0 and 3.0 microB for CaCu3Cr4O12 and CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12, respectively. In CaCu3Cr4O12, the 3d electrons of Cr4+ are delocalized, which strengthens the Cr-Cr ferromagnetic coupling. For CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12, the doping of nonmagnetic ion Sb5+ reduces the Cr-Cr ferromagnetic coupling, and the half-filled Cr3+ t2g (t2g3) makes the chromium 3d electrons localized. In addition, the ordering arrangement of the octahedral chromium and antimony ions also prevents the delocalization of electrons. Hence, CaCu3Cr2Sb2O12 shows insulating behavior, in agreement with the experimental observation.

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

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

Effect of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-related oxidative stress in aged mice

Oxidative damage of biomolecules increases with age and is postulated to be a major causal factor of various physiological function disorders. Consequently, the concept of anti-age by antioxidants has been developed. Lycium barbarum fruits have been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and the data obtained in in vitro models have clearly established the antioxidant potency of the polysaccharides isolated from the fruits. In the present study, the age-dependent changes in the antioxidant enzyme activity, immune function and lipid peroxidation product were investigated and effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-induced oxidative stress in different organs of aged mice was checked. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (200, 350 and 500 mg/kg b.w. in physiological saline) were orally administrated to aged mice over a period of 30 days. Aged mice receiving vitamin C served as positive control. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, lipid peroxides in serum and tested organs, and immune function were measured. Result showed that increased endogenous lipid peroxidation, and decreased antioxidant activities, as assessed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and immune function were observed in aged mice and restored to normal levels in the polysaccharides-treated groups. Antioxidant activities of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be compable with normal antioxidant, vitamin C. Moreover, addition of vitamin C to the polysaccharides further increased the in vivo antioxidant activity of the latter. It is concluded that the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be used in compensating the decline in TAOC, immune function and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thereby reduces the risks of lipid peroxidation accelerated by age-induced free radical.

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

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

Decomposition of an azo dye in aqueous solution by combination of ultrasound and visible light

The degradation of Acid Orange 7 in aqueous solution has been investigated under the irradiation of ultrasound and visible light respectively and simultaneously. We have observed that the maximum removal percentage K increases from 4% to 35% when the ultrasonic frequency f and power P change from f=20 KHz and P=3 W to f=1 MHz and P=40 W. On the other hand, the K-value is approximately 3% under the irradiation of visible light at 632 nm and 100 mW/mm(2). Under the simultaneous irradiation of ultrasound (1 MHz, 40 W) and visible light (632 nm, 100 mW/mm(2)), the K-value reaches to approximately 65%, indicating a synergistic effect of ultrasound and visible light irradiations. A simple model based on the band gap theory and cavitation theory is proposed to explain the synergistic phenomenon.

Study of the elastic constants in a La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 film by means of laser-generated ultrasonic wave method

Two dimensional (2D) displacement field of the laser-generated ultrasonic wave is detected in a two-layered structure of La(0.6)Sr(0.4)MnO(3) (LSMO)/MgO system by means of the optical difference detection method. In order to obtain the elastic constants of the La(0.6)Sr(0.4)MnO(3) thin film, the displacement field of the laser-generated ultrasonic wave for the La(0.6)Sr(0.4)MnO(3)/MgO system is analyzed with finite element method (FEM). We further compare the theoretical simulations with the experimental results, and the elastic constants for the LSMO film, i.e., the Young's modulus and Poisson ratio, are obtained.

Influence of Mn-O-Mn bond angle on the magnetic and electronic properties in YBaMn2O5

The influence of the Mn-O-Mn bond angle on the magnetic and electronic properties of YBaMn(2)O(5) was studied by density functional theory, which was implemented in the CASTEP code. In practical calculation, both G- and A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) orderings were considered. The calculated results indicated that G-type is more stable than A-type, in agreement with both experiment and previous theoretical study. It is also interesting to note that a transition from G-type to A-type at an Mn-O-Mn angle of ca. 170 degrees was found upon increasing Mn-O-Mn angle. Therefore, the calculation suggested that what is essential to stabilize the G-type AFM state is the reduction of the Mn-O-Mn bond angle. For both magnetic orderings, the compound changes from semiconductor to metal with the increase of Mn-O-Mn angle.

Symmetry-resolved absorption spectra of vibrationally excited CO2 molecules

Symmetry-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy has been first carried out on high-temperature molecules. From the angle-resolved ion yield spectra of CO2 both at room temperature and at 430 degrees C, symmetry-resolved absorption profiles of the C 1s(-1) 2pi(u) and O 1s(-1) 2pi(u) resonances have been extracted for the vibrational ground state molecules and bending-vibration excited ones. The profiles change dramatically between them, and the Renner-Teller effect becomes more evident for the vibrationally excited molecules. The effects of the multimode vibronic coupling are suggested for the O 1s(-1) 2pi(u) and O 1s(-1) 3s sigma(g) resonances.

Cell differentiation and colony alteration of an edible terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme, in liquid suspension cultures

Morphological characteristics of an edible terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme in liquid suspension cultures under photoautotrophic conditions are presented. Different cell forms alternated in a regular manner during the experimentation period (30 d). N. flagelliforme exhibited a very complex life cycle in terms of colony morphology, including mainly 4 different colony morphological forms, viz. hormogonia, filaments, seriate colonies and aseriate colonies. Under laboratory conditions it formed spherical colonies on solid media but not threadlike colonies as it did under natural conditions. The overall life span of the alga was not altered by the existence of different nitrogen sources in the media despite the depression of some cell forms or colony morphologies. Compared with growth on the medium with urea and ammonium as nitrogen sources, the alga on standard medium had a short period of hormogonia and aseriate colony, suggesting that both ammonium and urea could stimulate the formation of hormogonia, at the same time inhibiting the formation of heterocystous cells. The new information on the growth and morphology of N. flagelliforme could be potentially used for the scale-up or field cultivation.

Enhanced release of adenosine in rat hind paw following spinal nerve ligation: involvement of capsaicin-sensitive sensory afferents

Modulation of endogenous adenosine levels by inhibition of adenosine metabolism produces a peripheral antinociceptive effect in a neuropathic pain model. The present study used microdialysis to investigate the neuronal mechanisms modulating extracellular adenosine levels in the rat hind paw following tight ligation of the L5 and L6 spinal nerves. Subcutaneous injection of 50 microl saline into the nerve-injured paw induced a rapid and short-lasting increase in extracellular adenosine levels in the subcutaneous tissues of the rat hind paw ipsilateral to the nerve injury. Saline injection did not increase adenosine levels in sham-operated rats or non-treated rats. The adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-amino-5'-deoxyadenosine and the adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2'-deoxycoformycin, at doses producing a peripheral antinociceptive effect, did not further enhance subcutaneous adenosine levels in the nerve-injured paw. Systemic pretreatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin selective for small-diameter sensory afferents, markedly reduced the saline-evoked release of adenosine in rat hind paw following spinal nerve ligation. Systemic pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, a neurotoxin selective for sympathetic afferent nerves, did not affect release. These results suggest that following nerve injury, peripheral capsaicin-sensitive primary sensory afferent nerve terminals are hypersensitive, and are able to release adenosine following a stimulus that does not normally evoke release in sham-operated or intact rats. Sympathetic postganglionic afferents do not appear to be involved in such release. The lack of effect on such release by the inhibitors of adenosine metabolism suggests an altered peripheral adenosine system following spinal nerve ligation.

Formation of immiscible alloy powders with egg-type microstructure

The egg-type core microstructure where one alloy encases another has previously been obtained during experiments in space. Working with copper-iron base alloys prepared by conventional gas atomization, we were able to obtain this microstructure under gravity conditions. The minor liquid phase always formed the core of the egg, and it sometimes also formed a shell layer. The origin of the formation of this core microstructure can be explained by Marangoni motion on the basis of the temperature dependence of the interfacial energy, which shows that this type of powder can be formed even if the cooling rate is very high.

[Distribution of MICA microsatellite in 13 population groups of China]

The genetic data of MICA microsatellite were obtained by genotyping 577 samples in 13 population groups of China, which are Han-YN, Han-GD, Han-SD, Bai, Dai, Lahu, Li, Naxi, Sala, She, Tu, Wa and Zang-YN, with genescan. Five alleles have been observed in the population groups, which are A4, A5, A5.1, A6 and A9. A5 allele is the most frequent in all population groups except Lahu and Li, while the most frequent allele for Lahu and Li is A5. 1 and A4 respectively. The second most frequent allele is the A5.1 in Han-YN, Han-SD, Dai, Naxi, Sala, She, and Wa. The lest frequent allele for Han-YN, Han-GD, Lahu, Naxi, She, Wa is the A6 which is not observed in Li. A4 allele is the lest frequent in Han-SD, Bai, Dai, Sala, Tu, Zang-YN. The results show that the distribution of MICA microsatellite is different in these population groups, and the polymorphism information contents (PIC) of this microsatellite is high. It is a potential useful marker in the study of human origin and migration, personal identification, gene mapping and location, and disease diagnosis.

[Treatment of hemangioma in oral and maxillofacial region with intralesional injection of pingyangmycin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the indication and long term treatment results of intralesional injection of Pingyangmycin for hemangiomas in oral and maxillofacial regions.

METHODS

Between June 1986 and June 2000, 1040 patients with maxillofacial hemangiomas were treated by intralesional injection of Pingyangmycin PYM . There were 312 males and 712 females. The types of hemangiomas included capillary 436, cavernous 238, mixed 260, arterial venous malformation 8 and port wine stain 9 . The injection was performed in stages and multi sites, repeated after 14 to 21 days for 2 to 3 times as one course.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up for 1 to 14 years. The cure rates of capillary, mixed and cavernous hemangioma were 96.40%, 92.20% and 67.20%, respectively. No effect was found for arterial venous malformations. The best dose effect was attained in 1mg/cm(2). The best concentration of Pingyangmycin was 1mg/ml for capillary hemangioma and the concentration may be higher for cavernous hemangiomas. Fever occurred in 6.54% of the cases. Serious complications associated with Pingyangmycin injection, such as pulmonary fibrosis were not found.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional injection of Pingyangmycin can be used as the therapy of choice for capillary, mixed and cavernous hemangiomas in oral and maxillofacial region. The advantages included a high cure rate, safety, short course, manipulation with ease and fewer side effects.

Discovery of a series of nonpeptide small molecules that inhibit the binding of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) to IGF-binding proteins

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and II) play an important role in metabolic and mitogenic activities through stimulation of the IGF-I receptor on the cell surface. Although the concentration of IGF in blood and cerebrospinal fluid is quite high (>100 nM), this large pool of IGF is biologically inactive because of its association with six distinct binding proteins, which form high-affinity complexes with IGF. Thus, inhibitors of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), especially IGFBP-3, could potentially alter the distribution between the "free" and "bound" forms of IGF and thereby elevate biologically active IGF-I to exert a beneficial effect on those patients with diseases that respond to the application of exogenous IGF-I. Whereas IGF-I peptide variants, which bind to IGFBPs but not the IGF-I receptor, have been shown to be potent IGF/IGFBP inhibitors, small molecule nonpeptide IGF/IGFBP inhibitors have the potential advantages of oral bioavailability and flexible dosing regimen. Here we report the discovery of several isoquinoline analogues, exemplified by 1 and 2, which bind IGFBP-3 as well as other IGFBPs at low nanomolar concentrations. More importantly, both compounds were shown to be able to release biologically active IGF-I from the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex. These results point to the feasibility of developing orally active therapeutics to treat IGF-responsive diseases by optimization of the lead molecules 1 and 2.

Involvement of primary sensory afferents, postganglionic sympathetic nerves and mast cells in the formalin-evoked peripheral release of adenosine

Injection of formalin into the rat hind paw produces a dose-dependent local peripheral release of adenosine. Low doses of formalin (0.5-2.5%) evoke release during the first 10 min following injection, while a high dose of formalin (5%) evokes release lasting for 60 min. The current study was designed to determine the possible origin of release produced by two doses of formalin (1.5% and 5%). Microdialysis probes were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue under the glabrous skin of the hind paw of anaesthetized rats, and adenosine was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Pretreatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin selective for unmyelinated small diameter primary afferent nerves, markedly reduced the adenosine released by 1.5% formalin and the early phase of release by 5% formalin. Acute injection of 1% capsaicin to the hind paw of untreated rats also induced adenosine release. Pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, a neurotoxin selective for sympathetic postganglionic nerve terminals, had no effect on release evoked by 1.5% formalin, but significantly reduced adenosine release during the late phase of release induced by 5% formalin. Pretreatment with compound 48/80, which degranulates mast cells, had no effect on adenosine release evoked by either concentration of formalin. We conclude that the origin of the adenosine released peripherally by formalin depends on the formalin concentration. At the lower concentration (1.5%), release is predominantly from unmyelinated sensory afferent nerve terminals, while at the higher concentration (5%), unmyelinated afferent nerve terminals are involved in the early phase, while sympathetic postganglionic nerve terminals are involved in the later phase. Mast cells do not contribute to release of adenosine evoked by either concentration of formalin.

Significance of cadmium concentrations in blood and hair as an indicator of dose 15 years after the reduction of environmental exposure to cadmium

To evaluate the significance of cadmium (Cd) concentrations in blood (B-Cd) and hair (H-Cd) as an indicator of dose, a cross-sectional study was performed on 40 residents in a Cd-polluted area, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, in 1996. In the study area, soil replacement of Cd-polluted rice fields ended in 1981. B-Cd and H-Cd were significantly higher in the study population than in the control subjects. B-Cd was positively correlated with urinary Cd (U-Cd) (Spearman r=0.50, P=0.06 for males and r=0.72, P=0.0001 for females), while H-Cd was weakly or moderately correlated with U-Cd. After adjustment for gender using logistic regression analysis, log(B-Cd) and log(U-Cd), but not log(H-Cd), were significantly associated with the prevalence of increased urinary beta2-microglobulin (P for trend <0.05). These findings suggest that B-Cd is a good indicator of cumulative dose many years after the reduction of environmental exposure to Cd. H-Cd may be weakly or moderately correlated with body burden.

Identification of a nonpeptide ligand that releases bioactive insulin-like growth factor-I from its binding protein complex

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has both metabolic and mitogenic activities mediated through interaction with the type 1 IGF receptor. The circulation of IGF-I in blood and interstitial fluid is not free but bound mostly to a family of six high affinity IGF-binding proteins, which form stable complexes with IGF and neutralize its bioactivity. Therefore, displacement of this large pool of endogenous IGF from the binding proteins could elevate "free" IGF levels to elicit beneficial effects in diabetes and other IGF-responsive diseases comparable with those produced by administration of exogenous IGF-I. We report here the identification of a nonpeptide ligand NBI-31772, which displaces IGF-I from all six IGF-binding proteins at low nanomolar concentrations from screening of the in-house chemical libraries. Furthermore, the released free IGF-I was shown to be biologically active in an in vitro bioassay. Thus, NBI-31772 could serve as a valuable lead molecule for the design of novel therapeutics to treat diabetes and other IGF-responsive diseases.

Clinical outcome of patients with previous myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction assessed with myocardial (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT and (18)F-FDG PET

Myocardial viability was assessed by (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT and (18)F-FDG PET to evaluate the prognosis and treatment strategy of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-three consecutive patients with previous MI and LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [EF], 35% +/- 6% [mean +/- SD]) who underwent (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT and FDG PET were followed-up for 26 +/- 10 mo (mean +/- SD). Distributions of the 2 radiotracers in myocardial segments were classified into 2 patterns: myocardial perfusion-metabolism mismatch (MM) and match (M). LV EF and LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) were measured by echocardiography at baseline, 3 mo (Pos1), and 6 mo (Pos2) after revascularization. Cardiac death, acute MI, unstable angina, and late revascularization (>3 mo) experienced by the patients during follow-up were defined as cardiac events.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients underwent revascularization and 56 patients were treated medically. Of the 72 patients with > or =2 MM segments, 42 underwent revascularization (group A1) and 30 were treated medically (group A2). Of the 51 patients with <2 MM segments, 25 underwent revascularization (group B1) and 26 were treated medically (group B2). The 4 groups had similar baseline characteristics and rest LV EF. After revascularization, EF (mean +/- SD) increased in group A1 from 36% +/- 5% to 44% +/- 8% (P < 0.0001) in Pos1 and to 51% +/- 9% (P < 0.0001) in Pos2. EDD (mean +/- SD) decreased from 62 +/- 8 mm to 56 +/- 5 mm (P < 0.001) in Pos1 and to 55 +/- 5 mm (P < 0.001) in Pos2. However, EF and EDD were unchanged in group B1 (P > 0.05). During the follow-up, 22 patients (17.9%) suffered from cardiac events, including 11 cardiac deaths, 4 acute MI, 6 late coronary artery bypass grafting, and 1 unstable angina pectoris. The cardiac event rate in group A2 (50%) was significantly higher than that of groups A1 (2.4%; chi(2) = 23.08; P < 0.0001), B1 (12%; chi(2) = 8.94; P = 0.003), and B2 (11.5%; chi(2) = 9.45; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Assessment of myocardial viability using hybrid (99m)Tc-MIBI SPECT and FDG PET can predict the clinical outcome and is helpful to decision making in the treatment strategy of patients with MI and LV dysfunction. Revascularization can improve the LV function and clinical outcome of patients with >2 viable myocardial segments.

Fragmented condensate ground state of trapped weakly interacting bosons in two dimensions

The ground state and its structure for a rotating, harmonically trapped N-boson system with a weak repulsive contact interaction are studied as the angular momentum L increases up to 3N. We show that the ground state is generally a fragmented condensate due to angular momentum conservation. In response to an (arbitrarily weak) asymmetric perturbation of the trap, however, the fragmented ground state can be transformed into a single condensate state. We manifest this intrinsic instability by calculating the conditional probability distributions, which show patterns analogous to the boson density distributions predicted by mean-field theory.

Mononuclear phagocyte differentiation, activation, and viral infection regulate matrix metalloproteinase expression: implications for human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated dementia

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated dementia (HAD) is mediated mainly by mononuclear phagocyte (MP) secretory products and their interactions with neural cells. Viral infection and MP immune activation may affect leukocyte entry into the brain. One factor that influences central nervous system (CNS) monocyte migration is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the CNS, MMPs are synthesized by resident glial cells and affect the integrity of the neuropil extracellular matrix (ECM). To ascertain how MMPs influence HAD pathogenesis, we studied their secretion following MP differentiation, viral infection, and cellular activation. HIV-1-infected and/or immune-activated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and human fetal microglia were examined for production of MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9. MMP expression increased significantly with MP differentiation. Microglia secreted high levels of MMPs de novo that were further elevated following CD40 ligand-mediated cell activation. Surprisingly, HIV-1 infection of MDM led to the down-regulation of MMP-9. In encephalitic brain tissue, MMPs were expressed within perivascular and parenchymal MP, multinucleated giant cells, and microglial nodules. These data suggest that MMP production in MP is dependent on cell type, differentiation, activation, and/or viral infection. Regulation of MMP expression by these factors may contribute to neuropil ECM degradation and leukocyte migration during HAD.

Naltrexone microspheres: in vitro release and effect on morphine analgesia in mice

AIM

To study in vitro release and in vivo effect of four different types of sustained-release naltrexone microspheres on morphine analgesia.

METHODS

Release of naltrexone from four types of biodegradable microspheres was investigated by HPLC. Their antagonist effects on morphine analgesia were observed using mouse hot-plate procedure.

RESULTS

Poly latide-co-glycolide (PLGA) composition had a remarkable effect on naltrexone release from microspheres and its antagonism towards morphine analgesia. Two formulations of PLGA 50:50 formulation released more than 80 % of total naltrexone and lost their antagonism by 8 d. The PLGA 75:25 formulation with 20 % and 30 % drug loadings did not release 95 % of total drug and lose antagonism until 40 d and 30 d, respectively. Increasing the drug loading enhanced naltrexone release from microspheres and seemed to shorten the analgesic antagonistic effect of naltrexone.

CONCLUSION

Antagonism by naltrexone microspheres towards morphine analgesia correlates well with the drug release in vitro.

Mortality and cancer incidence among a population previously exposed to environmental cadmium

OBJECTIVES

This paper evaluates the associations of previous exposure to environmental cadmium (Cd) and renal function with total mortality and cancer incidence.

METHODS

The study population comprised 275 residents (aged 40-92 years at baseline) in a Cd-polluted area located on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki, Japan. In the study area, the dietary intake of Cd decreased because the soil of the Cd-polluted rice fields was replaced with new soil between 1980 and 1983. The mortality rate from 1982 to 1997 and cancer incidence from 1985 to 1996 were investigated. Standardized mortality and incidence ratios (SMR and SIR) were calculated by using regional reference rates. The associations of renal function and urinary Cd levels with total mortality and cancer incidence were evaluated with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

The SMR for all subjects, and those with a urinary beta2-microglobulin (U-beta2M) concentration > or = 1,000 microg/g creatinine (Cr) and < 1,000 microg/g Cr was estimated at 90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 73-109], 138 (95% CI 101-183) and 66 (95% CI 49-87), respectively. After adjustment for age and other potential confounders, in men, serum beta2M (S-beta2M) (> or = 2.3 mg/l) and in women, serum Cr (> or = 21.2 mg/ 100 ml), relative clearance of beta2M (> or = 21%) and U-beta2M (> or = 1,000 microg/g Cr), were associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality, with hazard ratios exceeding 2.0. After further adjustment for log(U-beta2M), the rate ratio of deaths associated with, in men, increased S-beta2M was 2.53 (95% CI 0.97-6.65) and, in women, increased serum Cr (S-Cr) concentrations was 2.75 (95% CI 1.24-6.14). Urinary Cd concentrations (> or = 10 microg/g Cr) were not significantly associated with mortality. The overall SIR of all malignant neoplasms was 71 (95% CI 44-107).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that renal tubule dysfunction and a reduced glomerular filtration rate are predictors of mortality among persons previously exposed to environmental Cd. However, the results also suggest that overall mortality rates in Cd-polluted areas are not necessarily increased, because of the low mortality among those with no, or only slight, signs of low-molecular weight proteinuria. Overall cancer incidence may not be increased among residents in Cd-polluted areas.

[Study on application of CODIS loci to excluding paternity]

OBJECTIVE

The study was carried out on application of CODIS loci (FGA, vWA, CSF1PO, TH01, TPOX, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51 and D21S11) in 100 cases of excluding paternity.

METHODS

The PCR amplified products of Profiler Plus and Cofiler amplification kit were injected into a capillary on the ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. GeneScan software analyzed the collected data, which can then be imported into Genotyper software for genotyping of alleles.

RESULTS

In the group of Mother-Child-Alleged Father, more than 3 STR loci incompatibilities between alleged father and child were found in all observed cases, the mean incompatibility was 6.63; In the group of Alleged Father-Child, 94.0% of all cases observed was found more than 3 STR loci incompatibilities, the mean incompatibility was 5.01.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that CODIS loci had good application to excluding paternity, and the choice of hyperpolymorphic markers in investigation, which were valued by DP, H and PE, had direct relation with the augmentation of incompatibilities in excluding paternity.

Regulation of Xenopus oocyte meiosis arrest by G protein betagamma subunits

BACKGROUND

Progesterone induces the resumption of meiosis (maturation) in Xenopus oocytes through a nongenomic mechanism involving inhibition of an oocyte adenylyl cyclase and reduction of intracellular cAMP. However, progesterone action in Xenopus oocytes is not blocked by pertussis toxin, and this finding indicates that the inhibition of the oocyte adenylyl cyclase is not mediated by the alpha subunits of classical G(i)-type G proteins.

RESULTS

To investigate the possibility that G protein betagamma subunits, rather than alpha subunits, play a key role in regulating oocyte maturation, we have employed two structurally distinct G protein betagamma scavengers (G(t)alpha and betaARK-C(CAAX)) to sequester free Gbetagamma dimers. We demonstrated that the injection of mRNA encoding either of these Gbetagamma scavengers induced oocyte maturation. The Gbetagamma scavengers bound an endogenous, membrane-associated Gbeta subunit, indistinguishable from Xenopus Gbeta1 derived from mRNA injection. The injection of Xenopus Gbeta1 mRNA, together with bovine Ggamma2 mRNA, elevated oocyte cAMP levels and inhibited progesterone-induced oocyte maturation.

CONCLUSION

An endogenous G protein betagamma dimer, likely including Xenopus Gbeta1, is responsible for maintaining oocyte meiosis arrest. Resumption of meiosis is induced by Gbetagamma scavengers in vitro or, naturally, by progesterone via a mechanism that suppresses the release of Gbetagamma.

Artificial neural network model for predicting membrane protein types

Membrane proteins can be classified among the following five types: (1) type I membrane protein. (2) type II membrane protein. (3) multipass transmembrane proteins. (4) lipid chain-anchored membrane proteins, and (5) GPI-anchored membrane proteins. T. Kohonen's self-organization model which is a typical neural network is applied for predicting the type of a given membrane protein based on its amino acid composition. As a result, the high rates of self-consistency (94.80%) and cross-validation (77.76%), and stronger fault-tolerant ability were obtained.

[Inhibitory effect of boanmycin on the growth of colon carcinoma 26 and hepatic metastasis in mice]

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effect of boanmycin (BAM, bleomycin A6) on colon carcinoma 26 and its hepatic metastasis in mice.

METHODS

A series of models including subcutaneous transplantation, orthotopic transplantation in cecum subserosa, intra-hepatic transplantation of tumor, and intrasplenic transplantation of tumor accompanied with hepatic metastases were employed. In addition, LEICA Q 500IW image analysis system was used to determine the area of metastatic lesions in the liver in histopathological sections.

RESULTS

BAM at 5 mg.kg-1 and 2.5 mg.kg-1 inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors by 78.7% and 61.9%, and the orthotopic tumors by 99.4% and 90.0%; and the intra-hepatic tumors by 86.9% and 75.7%, respectively. Determined by the numbers of metastatic nodules, BAM at 10 mg.kg-1 and 5 mg.kg-1 inhibited hepatic metastases from intra-splenic transplantation by 97.6% and 56.8%; and evaluated by image analysis of metastatic lesions, by 100% and 63.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Boanmycin is highly effective in a panel of models including the subcutaneous, orthotopic, intra-hepatic transplanted tumors, and hepatic metastases of murine colon carcinoma 26.

Potentiation of formalin-evoked adenosine release by an adenosine kinase inhibitor and an adenosine deaminase inhibitor in the rat hind paw: a microdialysis study

The present study examined the effects of local subcutaneous administration of formalin on adenosine release from the rat hind paw, and the effects of inhibitors of adenosine metabolism on such release. Microdialysis probes were inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the plantar surface of rat hind paws. Samples were collected every 10 min at a perfusion rate of 2 microl/min and high performance liquid chromatography was used to measure adenosine levels. At lower concentrations of formalin (0.5-2.5%), a significant increase in adenosine levels was observed in the first 10 min after formalin injection, while at the highest concentration of formalin (5%), the increase in adenosine release was observed over 60 min. Co-administration of the adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-amino-5'-deoxyadenosine (100 nmol) with formalin, significantly increased adenosine release evoked by 0.5-1.5% formalin, but did not produce a further enhancement of release evoked by 5% formalin. The adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2'-deoxycoformycin (100 nmol) significantly increased adenosine levels at 5% formalin but had no effect at lower concentrations of formalin. In confirmation of previous studies, subcutaneous injection of formalin (0.5-5%) produced a characteristic biphasic concentration-related expression of nociceptive behaviours and an increase in paw volume. This study directly demonstrates that formalin can evoke a concentration-dependent local release of adenosine from the rat hind paw. The ability of an adenosine kinase inhibitor and an adenosine deaminase inhibitor to modulate this release is dependent on substrate adenosine concentrations.

The classical progesterone receptor mediates Xenopus oocyte maturation through a nongenomic mechanism

Xenopus laevis oocytes are physiologically arrested at G(2) of meiosis I. Resumption of meiosis, or oocyte maturation, is triggered by progesterone. Progesterone-induced Xenopus oocyte maturation is mediated via an extranuclear receptor and is independent of gene transcription. The identity of this extranuclear oocyte progesterone receptor (PR), however, has remained a longstanding problem. We have isolated the amphibian homologue of human PR from a Xenopus oocyte cDNA library. The cloned Xenopus progesterone receptor (xPR) functioned in heterologous cells as a progesterone-regulated transcription activator. However, endogenous xPR was excluded from the oocyte nucleus and instead appeared to be a cytosolic protein not associated with any membrane structures. Injection of xPR mRNA into Xenopus oocytes accelerated the progesterone-induced oocyte maturation and reduced the required concentrations of progesterone. In enucleated oocytes, xPR accelerated the progesterone-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. These data suggest that xPR is the long sought after Xenopus oocyte receptor responsible for progesterone-induced oocyte maturation.

Support vector machines for prediction of protein subcellular location

Support Vector Machine (SVM), which is one kind of learning machines, was applied to predict the subcellular location of proteins from their amino acid composition. In this research, the proteins are classified into the following 12 groups: (1) chloroplast, (2) cytoplasm, (3) cytoskeleton, (4) endoplasmic reticulum, (5) extracall, (6) Golgi apparatus, (7) lysosome, (8) mitochondria, (9) nucleus, (10) peroxisome, (11) plasma membrane, and (12) vacuole, which have covered almost all the organelles and subcellular compartments in an animal or plant cell. The examination for the self-consistency and the jackknife test of the SVMs method was tested for the three sets: 2022 proteins, 2161 proteins, and 2319 proteins. As a result, the correct rate of self-consistency and jackknife test reaches 91 and 82% for 2022 proteins, 89 and 75% for 2161 proteins, and 85 and 73% for 2319 proteins, respectively. Furthermore, the predicting rate was tested by the three independent testing datasets containing 2240 proteins, 2513 proteins, and 2591 proteins. The correct prediction rates reach 82, 75, and 73% for 2240 proteins, 2513 proteins, and 2591 proteins, respectively.

Xenopus laevis TRK-fused gene (TFG) is an SH3 domain binding protein highly expressed in the cement gland

TRK-fused gene (TFG) was originally identified in humans as the N-terminus of an oncogenic fusion protein TRK-T3, associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma. An amino-terminal coiled coil domain of TFG is responsible for mediating oligomerization of the TRK-T3 oncoprotein, resulting in constitutive activation of the TRK protein tyrosine kinase and oncogenesis. We have cloned the Xenopus laevis homologue of TFG and demonstrated that xTFG was highly expressed in the cement gland of tailbud embryos. Overexpression of xTFG2-136 (including the coiled coil domain) in early embryos, via mRNA microinjection as well as transgenic expression using the recently described restriction enzyme mediated integration (REMI) transgenesis, did not alter embryonic development or development of a functional cement gland, despite clear evidence that xTFG2-136 strongly interacted with endogenous xTFG. Finally, we have identified a potential SH3 binding motif in xTFG (and in TFG) and have demonstrated that xTFG selectively interacted with SH3 domains of Src, PLCgamma, and the p85 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase subunit.

Involvement of mast cells, sensory afferents and sympathetic mechanisms in paw oedema induced by adenosine A(1) and A(2B/3) receptor agonists

Both the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine and the adenosine A(2B/3) receptor agonist N(6)-benzyl-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (N(6)-B-NECA) produce an acute paw oedema response following local s.c. injection into the rat hindpaw. This study characterized aspects of the mechanisms by which these responses occur by determining the effect of compound 48/80 (mast cell depleting agent), capsaicin (sensory neurotoxin) and 6-hydroxydopamine (sympathetic nervous system neurotoxin) on the paw oedema response produced by these agents. Compound 48/80 markedly reduced the increase in paw volume produced by both N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine and N(6)-B-NECA. Capsaicin significantly reduced paw oedema induced by N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine but not N(6)-B-NECA. In contrast, 6-hydroxydopamine reduced paw oedema induced by N(6)-B-NECA but not N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine. These results indicate an involvement of mast cells in paw oedema produced by both adenosine A(1) and A(2B/3) receptor agonists. For N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, this involvement may be a secondary involvement due to activation of a neurogenic mechanism, but for N(6)-B-NECA, it may be a direct effect on mast cells. The nature of the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in the action of N(6)-B-NECA is not entirely clear.

Selective impairment of corticotropin-releasing factor1 (CRF1) receptor-mediated function using CRF coupled to saporin

CRF is the main component in the brain neuropeptide effector system responsible for the behavioral, endocrine, and physiological activation that accompanies stress activation. Reduced CRF system activation plays a role in the etiology of a variety of psychiatric and metabolic disease states. We have developed a novel protein conjugate that joins native rat/human CRF to a ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin (CRF-SAP), for the purpose of targeted inactivation of CRF receptor-expressing cells. Cytotoxicity measurements revealed that CRF-SAP (1-100 nM) produced concentration-dependent and progressive cell death over time in CRF1 receptor-transfected L cells, but at similar concentrations had no effect on CRF2alpha receptor-transfected cells. The CRF-SAP-induced toxicity in CRF1-transfected cells was prevented by coincubation with the competitive CRF1/CRF2 receptor peptide antagonist, [D-Phe12]CRF-(12-41), or the selective nonpeptide CRF1 receptor antagonist, NBI 27914. Finally, in cultured rat pituitary cells that express native CRF1 receptors, CRF-SAP suppressed CRF-induced (1 nM) ACTH release. GnRH (1-10 nM) stimulated LH release was also assessed in the same pituitary cultures. Although there was a slight decrease in LH release from these cultures, this decrease was observed with CRF-SAP or SAP alone, suggesting that the response was nonspecific. Taken together, these results suggest the utility of CRF-SAP as a specific and subtype-selective tool for long term impairment of CRF1 receptor-expressing cells.

[Potential exposure to inorganic mercury in people living near a sewage sludge dumping site: urinary excretion of mercury, subjective symptoms and renal function]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of exposure to inorganic mercury and its health effects among people living near a sewage sludge dumping site in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. In this area, sewage sludge and industrial waste have been dumped since 1975, and total mercury levels exceeding the water quality standards (0.0006-0.0020 mg/l) have been detected in seeping water and river water since July 1997.

METHODS

The population for the present study comprised 48 subjects (aged 11-91 years) living near a sewage sludge dumping site and 49 subjects (aged 10-82 years) living in a non-polluted area. In November and December 1998, subjective symptoms of inorganic mercury exposure, history of occupational exposure to inorganic mercury, frequency of fish intake, sources of drinking water and other health habits were inquired by a self-administered questionnaire. Total mercury and total protein levels and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in morning urine specimens were also measured.

RESULTS

Among males, the proportion of subjects who complained of tremor in the hands (P = 0.02) and increased irritability (P = 0.10) was higher in the polluted area than in the control area. In addition, the proportion of those who did not report being easily fatigued was lower in the polluted area than in the control area (P = 0.07). Among females there was no significant difference in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms related to the central nervous system disturbance between the two areas. After adjustment for gender and age using logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of increased irritability was significantly higher (P = 0.05) and the proportion of those who did not report being easily fatigued was significantly lower (P = 0.03) in the polluted area than in the control area. However, there was no significant difference in the geometric mean of urinary total mercury concentration (microgram/g creatinine) between the polluted area (0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.91 for men and 0.96, 95% CI 0.70-1.33 for women) and the control area (0.81, 95% CI 0.60-1.09 for men and 0.83, 95% CI 0.57-1.22 for women). There was no individual whose total mercury concentration in urine exceeded 30 micrograms/g creatinine, at which level of urinary total mercury toxic effects on the central nervous system have been reported in industrial workers. There was also no significant difference in the geometric means of urinary total protein level and NAG activity.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of excessive exposure to inorganic mercury among residents in the polluted area. Thus, we concluded that the difference in the prevalence of subjective symptoms was not due to the direct effect of exposure to inorganic mercury. To prevent the contamination of water by taking measures against pollution sources, monitoring of the quality of drinking water, and finally to secure safe water supply by public waterworks are required.