Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded HAM2 is necessary for antigenic peptide loading onto class I MHC molecules

The mutant murine lymphoma cell line RMA-S is unable to present endogenous antigens due to its inability to efficiently assemble class I major histocompatibility complex molecules and antigenic peptides. Therefore, it has been suggested that RMA-S cells are defective either in peptide generation or in peptide transport into the endoplasmic reticulum, where class I major histocompatibility complex molecule assembly is believed to occur. As proteasomes and the putative peptide transporters HAM1 and HAM2 have been implicated in class I antigen processing, we have investigated their expression in RMA-S and its wild-type counterpart RMA. Both proteasomes and HAM1 proteins are expressed at similar levels and show identical subcellular distributions in the two cell lines. However, only one copy of the HAM2 gene is present in RMA-S cells, and it contains a point mutation that leads to a premature stop codon. Thus, the HAM2 protein is absent from RMA-S cells. These data demonstrate that HAM2 is essential for peptide loading onto class I molecules.

[Noradrenaline fluorescence histochemical study on the locus coeruleus of kindling rat induced by coriaria lactone]

Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. The experimental rats were injected with subconvulsive dosage of coriaria lactone (1 mg/kg) intramuscularly per 3.5 days. The controls were injected with normal saline. After 26 injections, the loci coeruleus of kindling rats were studied with the noradrenaline (NA) fluorescence histochemical technique at the time between seizures. The NA fluorescence could be clearly visualized under fluorescent microscope. The intensity of fluorescence was reflected by autoexposure-meter of the fluorescent microscope. The brighter the fluorescence, the shorter the autoexposure time. The intensity of NA fluorescence in the locus coeruleus of experimental animals was weaker than that of the controls. Since NA plays an inhibitory role in cerebral cortex, the decrease of NA, either induced by repeated injections of coriaria lactone or due to the time of sample taken after seizure, needs further study.

Mechanism of dioxin action: Ah receptor-mediated increase in promoter accessibility in vivo

We have analyzed dioxin-inducible, Ah receptor-dependent changes in protein-DNA interactions at the CYP1A1 transcriptional promoter in intact mouse hepatoma cells. Our findings indicate that in uninduced cells, the promoter is inaccessible to its cognate binding proteins, which are known to be expressed constitutively. Dioxin induces, in Ah receptor-dependent fashion, an increase in promoter accessibility, which occurs rapidly and does not require ongoing transcription of the CYP1A1 gene. The change in promoter accessibility is not due to an altered pattern of cytosine methylation at the promoter; it probably reflects a 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin- induced change in the chromatin structure. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism of dioxin action and contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of inducible gene transcription in mammalian cells.

[Anti-inflammatory effect of differently processed rhizoma Typhon] off

Rat was employed to study the anti-inflammatory effect of Rhizoma Typhon processed by different methods. The result showed that processed and raw Rhizoma Typhon had similar action. With the new processing method similar anti-inflammatory effect was obtained compared with the old processing method.

Multidrug-resistant phenotype of disease-oriented panels of human tumor cell lines used for anticancer drug screening

Disease-oriented panels of human tumor cell lines used by the National Cancer Institute for large-scale in vitro anticancer drug screening were evaluated for multidrug-resistant phenotype at the functional (in vitro drug sensitivity) and molecular levels. The cell line panels manifested a broad range of sensitivities to drugs typically associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) as well as to drugs not associated with MDR. Individual cell lines displayed unique and characteristic profiles of response. Patterns of correlated response were observed among, but not between, MDR and non-MDR drugs. Strong evidence of correlated response was limited to drugs sharing an intracellular mechanism of action. Several tumor cell lines exhibited a high degree of resistance to MDR drugs and relative sensitivity to non-MDR drugs, contained high levels of MDR-1 mRNA, and expressed cell surface P-glycoprotein detectable with one or more monoclonal antibodies. Parallel expression of all of these features representing the classic MDR phenotype was observed among members of the colon and renal tumor panels. Certain individual cell lines among other panels (lung, ovarian, melanoma, and central nervous system) also manifested some aspects of the MDR phenotype to various extents. Identification of MDR cell lines used for large-scale in vitro anticancer drug screening will facilitate interpretation of data in a way which may allow identification of new drug leads of potential value in treatment of MDR tumor cell populations.

Sleep grand mal--all-night polygraphic EEG recordings in 20 cases

All-night polygraphic EEG recordings were carried out in 20 epileptic patients who are characterized as follows; 1) clinical attacks took the form of generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), which occurred only or at least 90% during sleep without other seizure types in awakening, 2) no epileptic discharges were revealed in routine EEG examinations, also including sphenoidal electrode deriving during daytime, 3) recognizable organic brain damage in these patients had been excluded by neurological examinations and CT-scan. Interictal records showed epileptiform abnormalities in 5 of the 20 patients, which were all related with NREM sleep. Four patients exhibited bilateral synchronous paroxysms of 3-3.5 Hz spike-wave short burst and only one patient had temporal-localized discharges. The results of this study demonstrated that although there was a difference compared with other reports, the most characteristic features seen in our patients diagnosed as idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) were as follows: 1) less frequent SGM seizures within a year, 2) SZ onset around teen age, 3) seizures were easily evoked by some precipitating factors and 4) no recognizable organic lesions. As a conclusion, patients with an uncertain or unknown type of epilepsy should always be examined with sleep recordings and all-night sleep recordings if necessary.

[Histochemical and image-analytic study of the rat locus coeruleus during status epilepticus]

Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Status epilepticus was provoked in 10 rats by embedding coriaria lactone particle into the left cerebral motor cortex. In the controls were embedded particles without coriaria lactone. After 6 h of continuous seizure, the locus coeruleus was studied with the noradrenaline (NA) fluorescence histochemical technique and enzyme histochemical test for monoamine oxidase (MAO). The intensity of NA fluorescence was detected with fluorescent microscope autoexposuremeter and analysed with MIAS-200 Image Analyser. The study group showed a parallel increase of NA fluorescence as compared with that of the control group by both measurements. NA plays an inhibitory role in the cortex. Our data suggest that the increase of NA in locus coeruleus may be due to the reduction of NA release from axon terminal. Reduction in inhibition could be one of the mechanisms of seizure activity. The intensity of MAO was detected with MIAS-200 Image Analyser. The regulation of monoamine metabolism by MAO in the central nervous system and the increase of MAO activity in the continuous seizure group may be induced by the accumulation of NA in the locus coeruleus soma.

Evaluation of metastatic human tumor burden and response to therapy in a nude mouse xenograft model using a molecular probe for repetitive human DNA sequences

A sensitive DNA dot-blot assay for repetitive human DNA sequences was developed and applied to the quantitative determination of spontaneous metastases of a human melanoma in various tissues of nude mice. The assay was useful for defining the time course and pattern of tissue distribution of metastatic cells as well as for assessing response to therapy. The methodology is relatively simple, can be performed using nonradioactive DNA probes, and should be broadly applicable to studies of metastasis of human tumors in nude mice.

Non-contacted bases affect the affinity of synthetic P22 operators for P22 repressor

The affinity of synthetic P22 operators for P22 repressor varies with the base sequence at the operator's center. At 100 mM KCl, the affinity of these operators for P22 repressor varies over a 10-fold range. Dimethylsulfate protection experiments indicate that the central bases of the P22 operator are not contacted by the repressor. The KD for the complex of P22 repressor with an operator bearing central T-A bases (9T) increases less than 2-fold between 50 and 200 mM KCl, whereas the KD for the complex of repressor with an operator bearing central C-G bases (9C) increases 10-fold in the same salt range. The DNase I cleavage patterns of both bound and unbound P22 operators also vary with central base sequence. The DNase I pattern of the repressor-9C operator complex changes markedly with salt concentration, whereas that of the 9T operator-repressor complex does not. These changes in nuclease digestion pattern thereby mirror the salt-dependent changes in the P22 operator's affinity for repressor. P22 repressor protects the central base pair of the 9T operator from cleavage by the intercalative cleavage reagent Cu(I)-phenanthroline, while repressor does not protect the central bases of the 9C operator. Together these data indicate that central base pairs affect P22 operator strength by altering the structure of the unbound operator and the repressor-operator complex.

[Studies on sedative and anticonvulsion effects of differently processed rhizoma Typhon]

Mice were employed to study sedative and anticonvulsion effects of Rhizoma Typhon processed by different methods. The results showed that processed and raw Rhizoma Typhon had marked sedative effect and delayed convulsion time, caused by cardiazole and strychnine. Processed and raw Rhizoma Typhon had similar action. With the new processing method, similar sedative and anticonvulsion effects were obtained compared with the old processing method.

Assay of the Ca pump ATPase activity of intact red blood cells

An assay for the Ca pump ATPase of intact human red blood cells (RBCs) was developed. The assay utilized a small volume (typically 10 microliters) of packed RBCs in 1 ml of a buffer of known composition. The assay was based on the exposure of intact RBCs to the ionophore, A23187, in the presence of Ca. Such exposure caused a rapid degradation of ATP in RBCs. This degradation process is modeled in a numerical simulation in a companion paper (Vincenzi, F. F. and Hinds, T. R. (1992) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105, 63-70). The loss of ATP followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the rate constants for ATP degradation was taken as a measure of the capacity of the Ca pump ATPase. A number of variables were examined to optimize the activity of the ATPase. These variables included the concentrations of Ca and A23187. Because A23187 can promote loss of cellular Mg, it was necessary to include MgCl2 in the incubation medium to optimize ATPase activity. Likewise, it was determined that inclusion of iodoacetic acid optimized the rate of ATP loss, presumably by preventing the resynthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. Cobalt inhibited the ionophore-dependent loss of ATP by apparent competition with Ca for binding to A23187. Results of many assays demonstrated substantial differences in the rate constant for ATP loss in RBCs from different individuals. RBCs were selected according to density. Density associated loss of Ca pump ATPase activity was observed both by the intact RBC assay, and by assay of Ca pump ATPase activity in saponin lysates of RBCs. The correlation coefficient between the two assays was 0.93. It is suggested that the rate constant for ATP loss in intact RBCs exposed to A23187 and Ca can be taken as a measure of the Ca pump ATPase activity. This may be useful when isolated membrane ATPase assays fail (e.g., dog RBCs). The intact cell assay can also be carried out on very small volumes of cells and may be of particular value when RBC volumes are limited.

[Assessment of plasma catecholamine and beta-endorphin contents in patients with silent myocardial ischemia and angina pectoris]

Thirteen patients with totally silent myocardial ischemia (group 1) and 15 patients with effort angina (group 2) were studied. The coronary angiography of both groups indicated coronary artery stenosis > or = 50%. In group 1, the beta-endorphin plasma level (beta-EPL) during rest was significantly higher than those in group 2 (15.639 +/- 1.258 pg/ml and 8.920 +/- 1.478 pg/ml, respectively, P < 0.01). There were significant increases in beta-EPL in both groups after exercise as compared with that before exercise (beta-EPL is 33.801 +/- 6.243 pg ml/in group 1, P < 0.01; 18.169 +/- 3.540 pg/ml in group 2, P < 0.01). The difference between two groups after exercise was also significant (P < 0.05). The plasma level of noradrenaline (NE) during rest was 0.267 +/- 0.035 ng/ml, adrenaline (E) was 0.112 +/- 0.018 ng/ml in group 1, and NE was 0.218 +/- 0.032 ng/ml and E was 0.110 +/- 0.015 ng/ml in group 2. After exercise, NE was 1.017 +/- 0.160 ng/ml (P < 0.001), E 0.276 +/- 0.076 ng/ml (P < 0.001), E 0.260 +/- 0.043 ng/ml (P < 0.01) in group 2. There was no difference between two groups both in rest and after exercise (P > 0.05). This study indicates that the high plasma beta-endorphin level might play a major role in the occurrence of totally silent myocardial ischemia.

Modification by solvents of the action of nifedipine on calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells

The effect of nifedipine dissolved in different solvents on the two types of calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. Nifedipine dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (nifedipine/DMSO) decreased the transient calcium channel (T channel) current by 50% at a concentration of 10 microM. This inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and reversible. In contrast, T channel currents were not inhibited by nifedipine at a similar concentration dissolved in acetone or ethanol. Further experiments were carried out with dried nifedipine/DMSO. Dried nifedipine/DMSO powder re-dissolved in acetone or ethanol at a concentration of 10 microM decreased the T channel current by 32% and 37%, respectively. In addition, within the concentration range of 10 nM to 100 microM nifedipine/DMSO inhibited the long-lasting calcium channel (L channel) current more effectively than did nifedipine dissolved in acetone. The concentration of solvent (DMSO, ethanol, acetone) in the bath was fixed at 0.3% to reach different final concentrations of nifedipine. Solvents alone at a final concentration of 0.3% did not show any effect on T or L channel currents. UV absorbance measurements indicated that the combination of nifedipine, solvent and bath solution did not result in precipitation of the dihydropyridine during the experimental protocol. It is concluded that when DMSO is used as the solvent, nifedipine is not only a more effective L channel antagonist but also a T channel antagonist in neuroblastoma cells.

[Stability of shuang huanglian aerosol]

The contents of chlorogenic acid and baicalin in shuang huanglian aerosol were determined by HPLC. The process of chemical kinetics of the aerosol was studied by constant temperature acceleration tests, and the stability of the drug predicted. The results appeared close to those from the stored sample method. pH changes during degradation of the drug were also observed.

Genetic characterization of Sabin types 1 and 3 poliovaccine virus following serial passage in the human intestinal tract

Poliovirus isolates types 1 and 3 were obtained from five and seven successive passages respectively, in infants who had been fed monovalent OPV in two separate clinical trials conducted in 1960. The purpose of these trials was to answer the question how much the vaccine virus would revert to its original neurovirulent phenotype following multiplication in the intestinal tract. Human passages were performed either by contact exposure or by feeding the excreted virus while the infants were maintained in isolation. Several virus isolates were obtained at each passage level. Infants participating in both studies showed no symptoms of disease. Antigenic studies (McBride, van Wezel) and protein analysis (PAGE) of the isolates, reported earlier from this laboratory, had shown that the isolates remained vaccine-like, although isolates from the later passages revealed some differences. Monkey neurovirulence test results showed that for both types 1 and 3 viruses the loss of attenuation of the vaccine strain upon passage was gradual, although the loss was faster for type 3. Examination of the oligonucleotide maps demonstrated that the oligonucleotide configuration of the isolates remained the same as for the vaccine strain but there was an increase of individual spot differences with increasing passage. The nucleotide sequence analysis of selected regions of the virus genomes revealed that there was no change from a G to A in nucleotide 480 of type 1 isolates; however, nucleotide 476 changed from a U to an A in type 1 passages 3, 4 and 5. Conversely, for type 3 the change of nucleotide 472 from a U to a C changed at the early first passage (4 days following administration of OPV), and remained a C in the six following passages; type 3 nucleotide 2034 did not change in the first passage from a U to a C, but it became a C in all further passages tested. The nucleotide changes mentioned for both virus types remained stable in successive passages. However, there was another nucleotide change for type 3 from a U to a C at position 1973 only for passages 5 and 6 which reverted to a U for passages 7L and 7LL. Study of selected human passage virus strains could further contribute to the identification of the critical nucleotides that are responsible for the attenuation of these two polio types of vaccine viruses.

The contrast sensitivity function in low vision

The contrast sensitivity of 51 low vision patients (95 eyes) showed a substantial decrease in all spatial frequencies. The peak contrast sensitivity was shifted to 1 C/D from the normal 3-4 C/D. The high-frequency cut off is correlated to the visual acuity positively. Of the 33 patients, the preferred eye was the eye with better peak sensitivity in 28 patients (84%), while the preferred eye was the eye with better visual acuity in 22 patients (66%). It seems that the peak sensitivity is more important than visual acuity in determining eye preference. It provides a useful information for the clinician to determine which eye to train with low vision aids. Forty patients among 46 patients (87%) with RFN (Recognized Frequency Number) > or = 3 are able to read No.5 reading card, while 5 patients among 5 patients with RFN < 3 are not able to read No.5 reading card. The contributions of CSF to the low vision are evaluated.

The electrophysiology in idiopathic senile macular hole

Of 12 patients with idiopathic senile full-thickness macular hole, 3 had bilateral involvement, 9 had monocular macular hole. Flash ERG and pattern VEP were performed in the bilateral eyes of all patients. The abnormal rate of the pattern VEP was 93.3% when we used 15' checkboard stimulus, the changes of the VEP appeared as delayed latencies, reduced amplitudes or malformation of P100. The abnormal rate of the flash ERG was 53.3%, showing primary characteristics of reduced amplitudes of cone response b-wave. There was statistically significant difference between the abnormal rates of the VEP and the ERG (P < 0.05). The halo diameters of the macular hole were significantly related to the latencies of P100 (P < 0.01), but there was no correlation between the hole diameter and the latencies of P100. In 9 fellow eyes which did not form macular hole, 3 eyes had the abnormal pattern VEP, including one eye having formed macular cyst. The results show that, in idiopathic senile macular hole, the pattern VEP provides more functional information than does the ERG, and prompts the importance of close follow-up of fellow eye.

Detection of gene alteration for color vision defects by polymerase chain reaction

According to the fact that the abnormalities of visual pigment genes were always involved in the changing of the exon 5, two oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify the exon 5 of red pigment gene and green pigment gene. After electrophoresis of the PCR products digested with Rsal or Sau3A, the DNA fragments from the exon 5 of red pigment gene (RPG) and green pigment gene (GPG) were separated since there are different restriction endonuclease sites. On the other hand, we analyzed the exon 5 related fragment by Southern blot hybridization with probe out of the 3' end of the fourth intron of green pigment gene. The results of PCR are consistent with nucleic acid hybridization. PCR technique will be of value in prenatal evaluation and genetic counselling.

Bay K-8644 in different solvents acts as a transient calcium channel antagonist and a long-lasting calcium channel agonist

This report describes the effect of Bay K-8644 dissolved in various solvents on two types of calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells. Transient calcium channel (T channel) currents were not affected by Bay K-8644 dissolved in ethanol (EtOH) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, at the same concentration of 0.6 microM, Bay K-8644 dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (Bay K-8644/DMSO) decreased the T channel current by 50%. The concentration of all three solvents in the bath was fixed at 0.3% to reach different final concentrations of Bay K-8644. At this fixed solvent concentration, the inhibitory effect of Bay K-8644/DMSO on T channel currents was dose-dependent; the solvents alone did not have any effect on T channel currents; and DMSO pretreatment of cells did not render the T channel current sensitive to Bay K-8644 dissolved in EtOH or PEG. Bay K-8644/DMSO was dried using a flash evaporator and redissolved in EtOH or PEG. Dried Bay K-8644 that was redissolved in EtOH or PEG to achieve a final concentration of 0.6 microM inhibited T channel currents by 39 or 35%, respectively. Furthermore, Bay K-8644 (10 nM) increased L channel currents by 80% with DMSO, but only 30% with EtOH as the solvent. These results show that in neuroblastoma cells Bay K-8644/DMSO, within the concentration range examined, is a T channel antagonist and more effective L channel agonist than Bay K-8644 dissolved in the two other solvents.

[Biotransformation of zearalenone]

The conversion of Zearalenone by some strains of microorganisms was investigated. When the selective strains of Rhodotorula sp., Arthrobacter sp., Saccharomyces sp., and Candida sp. were incubated by shaking or standing at 28 degrees C for 72 h with an alcoholic solution of Zearalenone as the substrate at a concentration of 2-10 mg/ml ethanol (50-100 micrograms/ml medium), it was readily converted to give Zearalenols, consisting either mainly of the alpha-isomer (e.g. 96% in case of Rhodotorula sp. and 84% in case of Arthrobacter sp. as determined by HPLC) or beta-isomer (e.g. 91% and 92% in Saccharomyces sp. and Candida sp., respectively). The structure of the product was confirmed by 13C-NMR, MS and HPLC.

Recovery of zero-grade muscles in the zone of partial preservation in motor complete quadriplegia

This prospective study was designed to demonstrate root level recovery in the zone of preservation by examining muscles with an initial strength of grade 0/5 in 32 motor complete (Frankel A and B) patients who had cervical spinal cord injury at the C4 through C7 levels. The biceps (C5), extensor carpi radialis (C6), triceps (C7), and flexor digitorum profundus (C8) muscles were used as key muscles when their strength at the initial manual muscle test, which was performed between three and seven days postinjury, was grade 0/5 and the muscle innervated by the cord segment directly rostral to that innervating the key muscle (grade 0/5) was grade greater than or equal to 3/5. If the biceps muscle was used, C4 pin sensation was required to be normal. Further manual muscle tests were performed weekly for four weeks, and then at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. None, 6%, 17%, 35%, and 43% of the patients recovered to grade greater than or equal to 3/5 by 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury, respectively. It was also noted that in 86% of our patients, improving to grade greater than or equal to 1/5 by one month postinjury was a predictor of recovering to grade greater than or equal to 3/5 by 12 months postinjury (p less than .002). Similarly, in 100% of our patients, improving to grade greater than or equal to 2/5 by three months postinjury was a predictor of recovering to grade greater than or equal to 3/5 by 12 months postinjury (p less than .001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection on cytokine gene expression in activated murine peritoneal macrophages

The intrinsic resistance to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) of murine peritoneal macrophages (PM phi) obtained after in vivo infection of different stimuli has been investigated and shown to vary depending on the state of M phi activation. Activation of M phi by C. parvum (CP-M phi) or by an avirulent strain of S. typhimurium (Sal-M phi) increased the permissiveness of M phi to HSV-1 infection as evidenced by increased HSV-1 immediate early (IE) gene expression, synthesis of IE proteins, and the degree of cytopathic effect. HSV-1 infection was also found to sharply reduce the level of IL-1-beta mRNA in CP-M phi) and Sal-M phi, and the level of IL-3 mRNA in infected Sal-M phi, as measured by northern blot hybridization. Barely detectable levels of IL-beta mRNA were found in Sal-M phi after infection with HSV-1 when the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to confirm the reduction of IL-1-beta mRNA. These data suggest that HSV-1 infection can modulate gene expression of some cytokines in the activated M phi.

Developmental potential of the earliest precursor cells from the adult mouse thymus

A new, numerically minute population of cells representing the earliest T precursor cells in the adult mouse thymus has recently been isolated. This population has been shown to be similar to bone marrow hemopoietic stem cells in surface antigenic phenotype and to express moderate levels of CD4. We now show, by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and intrathymic transfer to irradiated mice, that this apparently homogeneous population differs from multipotent stem cells in expressing the surface stem cell antigen 2 (Sca-2), that it differs from most early B lineage cells in lacking B220 and class II major histocompatibility complex expression, and that it binds rhodamine 123 like an activated rather than a quiescent cell. Irradiated recipient mice differing at the Ly 5 locus were used to compare the developmental potential of these early intrathymic precursors with bone marrow stem cells. Only T lineage product cells were detected when the intrathymic precursor population was transferred back into an irradiated thymus. However, when the intrathymic precursor population was transferred intravenously, it displayed the capacity to develop into both B and T lymphoid cells in recipient bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes, but no donor-derived myeloid cells were detected. The absence of myeloid and erythroid precursor activity was confirmed by showing that the intrathymic precursor population was unable to develop into myeloid or erythroid spleen colonies on intravenous transfer or to form colonies in an agar culture. These findings indicate that this earliest intrathymic precursor population has become restricted (or strongly biased) to lymphoid lineage development, but not exclusively to T lymphocytes.

[Clinical observation and analysis in age-related macular degeneration with one eye of wet form and the other of dry form]

Twenty two cases (44 eyes) of age-related macular degeneration with one eye of wet form and the other of dry form were included in this study. The range of the lesion was determined on magnified negative film of fluorescein angiography. In the dry group 72.7% eyes had normal FAZ and in the wet group 59.1% eyes revealed the lesion involving whole FAZ. The area of the lesion was measured by polar coordinates computational method, the mean area was 5.048mm2 in the wet form and 1.034mm2 in the dry form, there was statistically significant difference between the mean areas of the two groups (P < 0.01). The mean amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave was 101.74 mu v in the wet form and 126.35 mu v in the dry form. The morphological characteristics, the abnormalities of the visual function and possible changes in the two groups of this disease were discussed.

[Anti-inflammation and toxicity of radix Aconiti coreni and rhizoma Tyhon]

Rats, mice, pigeons and rabbits were employed to study the anti-inflammatory and toxic actions of Radix Aconiti coreni and rhizoma Tyhon. The result shows that Radix Aconiti coreni and rhizoma Tyhon have similar anti-inflammatory action. rhizoma Tyhon has an obvious stimulating effect on eye conjunctiva as well as throat and stomach mucosa, while Radix Aconiti coreni does not.

Abnormalities of ERG in congenital aniridia

Congenital aniridia is generally associated with nystagmus, corneal pannus, cataract, ectopia lentis, glaucoma, macular hypoplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia and compromised visual function. Many theories have been proposed, including a failure in the development of the neural ectoderm and/or an aberrant development of mesoderm. We observed the ERG from 19 patients with congenital aniridia. Fourteen patients had abnormal ERG, including the reduced a wave trough under dark adapted red stimuli with dark adaptation; abnormal a or/and b waves in dark or/and light adapted ERG or abnormal oscillatory potentials. The ERG abnormalities reflected the disturbances either in the outer retina such as photoreceptors or in the structures of inner retina. The preserved visual function and several ocular abnormalities show that the aniridia may be a consequence of several pathogenetic mechanisms. This fact supported the opinion that congenital aniridia would be a concurrent failure of both ectoderm and mesoderm in embryonate development.

Visual rehabilitation in low vision patients with age-related macular degeneration

Using optical visual aids, visual rehabilitation was performed in 14 low vision patients (25 eyes) with age-related macular degeneration. With distance aids, visual acuity improvement appeared in 24 eyes (95%) out of the 25 eyes. Twelve eyes (48%) obtained a visual acuity equal to or better than 0.4. With near visual aids, near acuity of all eyes (100%) was improved. Thirteen eyes (52%) got the near vision equal to or better than 0.5. Ten patients could read No. 5 Chinese Reading Card. The reading success rate was 71.4%. The results suggest that application of visual aids is an effective method to improve the distant and near visual acuity of low vision patients with AMD.

Effect of intravitreal dexamethasone on ocular histopathology in a rabbit model of endophthalmitis

The histologic and clinical effect of intravitreal dexamethasone was studied in a rabbit model of experimentally induced gentamicin sensitive Staphylococcal epidermidis endophthalmitis. The study compared four treatment groups: vitrectomy alone (group I), vitrectomy plus intravitreal gentamicin (group II), vitrectomy plus intravitreal gentamicin and dexamethasone (group III), and intravitreal gentamicin and dexamethasone without vitrectomy (group IV). All eyes treated with dexamethasone, with or without vitrectomy, exhibited less clinical and histologic manifestations of inflammation. This study suggests that suppression of inflammation through the use of intravitreal dexamethasone leads to preservation of ocular architecture with potentially improved retinal function and visual benefit.

[Chemiluminescent immunoassay for insulin]

In this paper is reported solid phase chemiluminescent immunoassay for insulin with N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol (ABE1) labelled antibody and a double antibodies sandwich procedure. ABEI-CoCl2-H2O2 was used as the chemiluminescent system and the linear range of insulin was 0.3-150 microU/tube. The correlation coefficient of the log-log regression equation was 0.985 and the absolute limit of detection 0.32 microU/tube.

Margins drop in first quarter as admissions decline sharply

The recession has had a significant impact on hospital utilization, finances and staffing; all are lower than a year ago, according to the American Hospital Association. Among the worrisome benchmarks: a sharp decline in inpatient admissions in the first quarter.

Temperature-induced protein synthesis in Bacillus stearothermophilus NUB36

Cultures of Bacillus stearothermophilus subjected to a temperature shift-up or shift-down of 15 degrees C within the normal temperature range of growth (45 to 65 degrees C) enter a transient adaptation period before exponential growth at the new temperature. The de novo synthesis of some proteins coincides with the adaptation period.

[A long-term follow-up of 29 cases of benign epilepsy in childhood with central-temporal electroencephalographic foci]

29 cases of benign epilepsy in childhood with central-temporal EEG foci (BECCT) were followed up from 2 to 9 years clinically and electro encephalographically. Focal discharges in several cases were found to be changeable from one cerebral hemisphere to another. The subsidence of clinical seizures usually preceded epileptic discharges. Such focal discharges often disappeared before puberty whereas the clinical seizures would not manifest themselves even earlier. Small doses of antiepileptic drugs were effective for the majority of such patients. One patient with occasional seizures but without medication had been observed.

Cloning and characterization of a glutamine transport operon of Bacillus stearothermophilus NUB36: effect of temperature on regulation of transcription

We cloned and sequenced a fragment of the Bacillus stearothermophilus NUB36 chromosome that contains two open reading frames (ORFs) whose products were detected only in cells of cultures grown in complex medium at high temperature. The nucleotide sequence of the two ORFs exhibited significant identity to the sequence of the glnQ and glnH loci of the glutamine transport system in enteric bacteria. In addition, growth response to glutamine, sensitivity to the toxic glutamine analog gamma-L-glutamylhydrazide, and glutamine transport assays with parental strain NUB3621 and mutant strain NUB36500, in which the ORF1 coding segment in the chromosome was interrupted with the cat gene, demonstrated that glnQ and glnH encode proteins that are active in the glutamine transport system in B. stearothermophilus. The inferred promoter for the glnQH operon exhibited a low homology to the -35 and -10 regions of the consensus promoter sequences of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli genes. In addition, the inferred promoter for the glnQH operon also exhibited a low homology with the consensus promoter sequence deduced from the sequences of the promoters of nine different genes from B. stearothermophilus. Transcription of the glnQH operon was activated in a nitrogen-rich medium at high temperature and inhibited under the same conditions at low temperature. Transcription of the glnQH operon was partially activated in a nitrogen-poor medium at low temperature. The region upstream from glnQ contains sequences that have a low homology with the nitrogen regulator I-binding sequences and the nitrogen-regulated promoters of enteric bacteria. The effect of temperature on the regulation of the glnQH operon is discussed.

[The color vision in patients with optic neuritis and chronic open-angle glaucoma]

Twenty eight cases (50 eyes) of chronic open-angle glaucoma and 21 cases (27 eyes) of optic neuritis were investigated with FM 100-hue test and panel D-15 test. In patients with optic neuritis, 70.37% and 85.19% of the affected eyes appeared abnormal in Panel D-15 test and FM 100-hue test respectively. The main defects were tritan-like in both of the tests. In patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma, 20% and 32% of the affected eyes had abnormal results in Panel D-15 test and FM 100-hue test respectively. The main defects were also tritan-like color vision defect. The total error scores of FM 100-hue test in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma had no relation with the cup disc ratio and the area of peripheral visual field but had relation with the area of central visual field.

[Visual rehabilitation in low vision patients with aging macular degeneration]

Using optical visual aids, visual rehabilitation were performed in 14 cases (25 eye) of low vision patients with aging macular unity of all eyes (100%) was improved. Thirteen eyes (52%) got the near vision equal to or better than 0.5. Ten patients could read No. 5 Chinese Reading Card. The reading success rate was 71.4%. The results suggest that application of visual aids is an effective method to improve the distance and near visual acuity of low vision patients with AMD.

The frequency and significance of ECG changes after transurethral prostate resection

Although many clinicians routinely recommend a base-line preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) and obtain frequent postoperative ECGs to screen for myocardial infarction or ischemia, the diagnostic utility of screening perioperative ECGs is unknown. The present analysis evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of the perioperative ECG and examines its value as a predictor of early postoperative cardiac events and outcomes during the postoperative year. ECGs obtained preoperatively and on the first 3 postoperative days in 206 men undergoing transurethral prostate resection were analyzed using the Minnesota Code. The occurrence of cardiac events during the operative stay was assessed by measurement of the cardiospecific MB creatine kinase isoenzyme on the first 3 postoperative days and review of the entire clinical course. Twenty-one percent of patients developed postoperative ECG changes, mostly involving the T wave; none had cardiac symptoms or sustained creatine kinase MB elevation. Changes were not significantly more common in men known to have coronary disease. The single patient who had a perioperative myocardial infarction confirmed by enzymes had no codable ECG changes. The specificity of any ECG change for perioperative infarction was 78%; of ST segment changes only, 95%. Only one of the patients (2%) who had postoperative ECG changes had a cardiac event in the year after surgery. Routine perioperative ECGs is of little diagnostic/predictive utility in situations in which the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction is low.

Hospitals end 1990 with negative net patient margin in aggregate

The economic outlook for hospitals clouded over considerably in 1990, according to the latest report from the American Hospital Association. By year end, according to the AHA's National Hospital Panel Survey, hospitals ended with a negative net patient revenue margin, influenced strongly by lower admissions and higher inflation. An increase in total expenses may also be related to the expansion of outpatient services and continuing growth in health care employment.

[Bulbar conjunctival microcirculation in schizophrenics]

A comparative observation on bulbar conjunctival microcirculation (BCM) between 38 schizophrenics and 38 normal controls was carried out. The results showed 95% abnormal BCM in schizophrenics. And among them, the moderate and severe abnormal BCM was 74%. And in all of the 14 investigated items, the general abnormalities were 50%. But in normal controls, abnormal BCM was 27%, and just a few of them appeared the general abnormalities, and no one suggested moderate and severe abnormal BCM. As compared the results obtained in schizophrenics with those in normal controls, we found 12 investigated items such as irregularity in diameter, dilatation and tortuosity of tiny vena; irregularity in diameter, stiff of tiny arteria; small hemorrhagic spot, brown pigmentation, red blood cells collected in tiny vena and capillary, small vascular density, speed of blood flow and arterio-venous ratio were statistically significant.

The effect of genetic determinants of low density lipoprotein levels on lipoprotein (a)

Levels of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] correlate directly with atherosclerosis risk. The Lp(a) particle is physically and chemically similar to low density lipoprotein (LDL), the main difference being the presence of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] bonded to the apoB-100 moiety of LDL. Genetic variation of apo(a) primarily determines Lp(a) phenotype. However, other genetic factors may also have a role in determining Lp(a) levels. Large families provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the contribution of genetic factors to disease. In several large Utah kindreds with various genetic abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism we determined that: 1) Lp(a) levels are associated with defects at the apoB gene; 2) Lp(a) levels are not associated with defects at the LDL-receptor gene; 3) high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are associated with genetic variation at the apo(a) locus; and 4) the DNA sequence of the apoB-100 binding domain does not vary between siblings with high and low Lp(a) levels.

The significance of testing preoperative visual function in cataract using laser interferometric visual acuity and ERG

Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity (ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity (LIVA) and electroretinogram (ERG) were performed in 16 cases (19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA is very simple, fast, and is easily accepted by the patients with cataract. ERG is an objective method, which is slightly influenced by dense lens, but the test is more complex. Therefore, the combined use of these two methods will provide a more comprehensive and correct evaluation of preoperative visual function and a more reliable prediction for postoperative visual acuity in patients with cataract.

[Effects of microinjection of tutin into nucleus tractus solitarius region on the morphology of neural tissue of this area in rabbit]

Four hours after unilateral microinjection of tutin (10 micrograms) into the NTS region, the nervous tissue surrounding the center of microinjection showed the following morphologic changes: 1. Under the light microscopic examination (n = 5), the neuronal body showed chromatolysis and the nuclear basophilia enhanced in about 17% of the neurons, the lacunae of neuropil distended and gave a "spongy" appearance. The neurons with lesion mingled with the normal ones in the absence of distinct demarcation. 2. Under the electron microscopic examination (n = 3), the cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum distended, and the nuclear electron density increased on account of the increased nuclear chromatin in the affected cells. The organelles of dendrites decreased or disappeared; the neuroglia looked edematous. There were only a few axons which looked edematous in the neuropil. Microinjection of the same volume (1 microliter) of NS into the other side of NTS region in the same rabbit didn't show any sign of damage as those described above. Thus, our preliminary results suggest that tutin might damage the soma and dendrites of some neurons, and therefore, it might be a neuroexcitotoxin.