Exon shuffling by recombination between self-splicing introns of bacteriophage T4

The organization of genes into exons separated by introns may permit rapid evolution of protein-coding sequences by exon shuffling. Introns could provide non-coding targets for recombination, which would then give rise to novel combinations of exons. Evidence to support this theory is indirect and consists of examples of homologous domains of protein structure encoded in different genes, with introns in conserved positions at the boundaries of these domains. Here, we report the first direct evidence for exon shuffling. Two spontaneous deletion mutations of phage T4 have been characterized by sequencing, and they are clearly the result of recombination between homologous regions of two self-splicing group I introns. As a result of the recombination, exons of different genes are transcribed together, with a hybrid intron between them. One of these introns is proficient in self-splicing.

Optoelectronic multiple-valued logic implementation

A design for optoelectronic multiple-value logic circuits that uses bistable laser diodes or light-emitting diodes is reported. In this multiple-valued logic design, an optoelectronic tristable switching circuit, or light-current mirror, in which two bistable light-emitting diodes are connected in parallel serves as the basic logic element. Five ternary logic implementations: Complement. Max(x, y), Min(x, y), Cycle, and Literals, have been demonstrated experimentally. Furthermore, any ternary logic function can be generated with the light-current mirror and the logic primitives.

Natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells induce DNA fragmentation in both human and murine target cells in vitro

DNA fragmentation induced by cytolytic lymphocytes in human erythromyeloid cell line K562 and murine T lymphoma cell line YAC-1 was investigated by means of agarose gel electrophoresis. Murine natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells induced DNA fragmentation in YAC-1 cells, with the fragments being approximately multiples of 180 bp. More significantly, murine NK cells can induce a similar pattern of DNA fragmentation in human K562 cells. Therefore, cytolytic lymphocytes can induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in human target cells.

[Central fracture-dislocation of the hip joint. Clinical analysis of 40 cases]

From 1957 to 1986, 40 cases of central fracture-dislocation of hip joint, 36 fresh and 4 old, were treated. Classification concerning the lesional patterns, indications for operative and non-operative treatment together with the factors affecting prognosis were discussed. In conclusion firstly, treatment by means of traction, simple and easy to handle, is well suited to most cases, if reduction has been satisfactory and maintained well, permitting early motion, for sufficient period of time for healing. Secondly, operation is only fit for fracture-dislocation, of which reduction has not been good enough and that it would not subject the patient to much surgical risk. Lastly, poor reduction, traction time not long enough, accetabular roof fracture or femoral head fracture and extensive damage or concomitant fracture of the same limb are the recessive factors influencing outcome.

Alloreactive cytotoxic T cells induce DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages: evidence for target cell killing by cytotoxic T cells in vivo

This report addresses the question whether cytotoxic T cells can cause target cell death in vivo by examining target cell DNA fragmentation. The results show that alloreactive cytotoxic T cells induced significant DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages in vivo and that the DNA fragment was a multiple of 180 +/- 30 bp. Furthermore, the effector cells which caused this characteristic DNA fragmentation were CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that cytotoxic T cells can cause target cell death in vivo.

Studies of safe maximal daily dietary selenium intake in a seleniferous area in China. I. Selenium intake and tissue selenium levels of the inhabitants

Studies of marginal safe Se-intake have been carried out in a seleniferous section of China since 1985. Three areas with low, medium and high Se levels were selected for this study. The respective average daily Se-intake (mean +/- SE) was 70.5 +/- 4.8 micrograms, 194.7 +/- 22.9 micrograms and 1438.2 +/- 76.3 micrograms for males, and 62.0 +/- 3.6 micrograms, 198.1 +/- 23.8 micrograms and 1238.5 +/- 64.6 micrograms for females (average body weight: male 55 Kg, female 53 Kg). When the increasing rate of Se-intake was compared with the corresponding tissue-Se levels it was found that the whole blood Se-level reflected more closely the physiological range of Se-intake, while at higher Se-intakes it became less sensitive than the levels in hair, finger-nail and toe-nail, which were comparable to the sensitivity of urine. It is suggested that hair, finger- and toe-nail may all act as excretory organs when excess amounts of Se are ingested. Hair- and blood-Cd are somewhat higher in residents of the high Se area, but whether they have influenced human Se-metabolism at the high level of Se-intake is not yet known. Significant correlations on log-log plots were obtained between levels of daily Se-intake and whole blood r = 0.878), breast milk (r = 0.899) and 24-h-urine (r = 0.859). Highly significant correlations on log-log plots between levels of tissue were also obtained: urine Se--plasma Se (r = 0.968), whole blood Se--hair Se (r = 0.952), fingernail Se--toenail Se (r = 0.919), hair Se--fingernail Se (r = 0.914), hair Se--toenail Se (r = 0.891), whole blood Se--toenail Se (r = 0.849) and whole blood Se--fingernail Se (r = 0.836). The highly significant correlations found between the Se-intake and the tissue-Se level, and also between the Se levels of various tissues, could possibly conveniently be used to convert the known tissue-Se level to the corresponding Se-intake. Taken together with the wide range of Se-intakes and corresponding tissue-Se levels this would provide the necessary conditions for studying the marginal and maximal safe Se-intakes in humans.

Activated B cells can deliver help for the in vitro generation of antiviral cytotoxic T cells

The experiments described in this paper show that activated B cells can deliver help for antiviral cytotoxic T (Tc) cell responses in vitro. This conclusion is based on four observations. (i) Influenza viruses induced secondary Tc cell responses in vitro in the absence of CD4+ T cells. This capacity correlated with the B-cell mitogenicity of these viruses. (ii) Depletion of both CD4+ T cells and B cells prevented the generation of anti-influenza Tc cell responses, whereas depletion of either CD4+ T cells or B cells alone failed to do so. In addition, supplementation of unprimed B cells restored the Tc cell responsiveness of primed splenocytes that had been depleted of both CD4+ T cells and B cells. (iii) Contact between T and B cells was not obligatory for the delivery of B-cell helper signal, and hence help was mediated by a soluble factor(s). (iv) Lipopolysaccharide-activated B cells could replace the CD4+ T-cell requirement in the induction of Tc cell responses to nonmitogenic influenza virus in vitro.

Centrifugal pump or pneumatic ventricle for short-term mechanical circulatory support?

Two comparable groups of four Holstein calves were implanted with different left ventricle assist devices: the Centrimed centrifugal pump (CP) (Sarns Inc.) or the UTAH 85 VAD pneumatic ventricle (University of Utah). Operative procedure, inflow and outflow cannulae, monitoring, heparinization, were identical in both groups. No transfusion was ever required. The study was terminated after three days and autopsy was performed on the calves. Left ventricular unloading provided by both devices was complete (LVEDP less than 1 mmHg) and identical. LV bypassed flow rate was higher in CP (0.045 L/min/kg) than in UTAH 85 VAD (0.035 L/min/kg) but with no statistical difference. Blood trauma was comparable in the two groups. Daily blood samples did not show any significant changes from baseline values in creatinine, hematocrit, fibrinogen. Platelet loss from initial level was 30%; serum lactate dehydrogenase rose 150% with no significant difference in the two groups; plasma free hemoglobin never reached significant values. At autopsy, thrombotic deposits on cannuale and renal infarction rate were similar. CP housing had to be changed every day, whereas no technical failure was ever observed with the UTAH 85 VAD. Clinical response and blood damage of the two pumps used as LVAD were the same. Considering the CP has to be replaced every 24 h, the cost of three CP's would be comparable to one Utah UVAD-85 if polyurethane tricusp semi-lunar valves are used in the latter. Until the UTAH-85 VAD becomes commercially available, simple valveless low-cost CP are very attractive for short-term mechanical support.

Steps in the development of chemical and electrical synapses by pairs of identified leech neurons in culture

Experiments have been made to follow the development of chemical and electrical transmission between pairs of leech neurons in culture. 1. The cell bodies of identified neurons were isolated from the CNS by suction after mild enzyme treatment, together with a length of the initial segment (or 'stump'). The neurons tested were Retzius cells (R), annulus erector motoneurons (AE), Anterior pagoda cells (AP) and pressure sensory cells (P). Pairs of cells were placed together in various configurations, with different sites on their surfaces making contact. 2. When pairs of Retzius cells were apposed with their stumps touching, serotonergic, chemically mediated synaptic transmission became apparent before electrical transmission. By 2.5 h impulses in either of the two Retzius cells produced hyperpolarizing inhibitory potentials in the other. These potentials were reversed by raised intracellular Cl and showed clear facilitation. The strength of chemical transmission between Retzius cells increased over the next 72 h. 3. After chemical transmission had been established, weak non-rectifying electrical transmission became apparent between Retzius cells at about 24-72 h. By 4 days coupling became stronger and tended to obscure chemically evoked synaptic potentials. 4. When pairs of Retzius cells were aligned in culture with the tip of one cell stump touching the soma of the other, chemical transmission also developed rapidly. Transmission was, however, in one direction, from stump to soma. At later stages non-rectifying electrical coupling developed as with stump-stump configuration. With the cell bodies of two Retzius cells apposed, electrical coupling developed after several days, before chemical transmission could be observed. 5. When Retzius and P cells were cultured with their stumps in contact, inhibitory chemical synaptic transmission developed within 24 h. Transmission was always in one direction, from Retzius to P cell. Electrical coupling of Retzius and P cells never occurred whatever the spatial relations of the cells to one another. 6. Annulus erector motoneurons, which contain ACh and a peptide resembling FMRFamide, first developed electrical coupling when the two stumps were in contact and then, later, bi-directional chemical transmission. Anterior Pagoda pairs placed stump-to-stump showed electrical connections. 7. Electronmicrographs revealed the presence of synaptic structures within 24 h after Retzius-Retzius, Retzius-P or AE-AE stumps were apposed. 8. The specificity of connections between cultured cells was similar to that observed in earlier experiments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Maximal respiratory pressure: normal values and changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

The measurement of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures generated at the mouth (PImax and PEmax)respectively is an accepted noninvasive clinical method for evaluating the strength of respiratory muscles, however at present the normal values have been not unified. We measured PImax and PEmax in 50 healthy subjects and 50 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results showed that our normal values of PImax and PEmax approximated to the lower end of the ranges of normal values in healthy subjects and the PImax and PEmax of patients with moderate reported in foreign countries COPD were lower than healthy subjects.

Automated two-column ion exchange system for determination of the speciation of trace metals in natural waters

A rapid method for determination of metal speciation based on an automated two-column ion exchange system is described. Two fractions of dissolved trace metal species are directly determined by on-line flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry after preconcentration by sequential columns of Chelex-100 chelating resin and AG MP-1 macroporous anion resin. A third fraction is determined by standard addition. Variables that affect the results obtained by the two-column system are studied by the use of model complexing agents. With a 10-mL sample loop, the sample throughput is 6 samples per hour and detection limits are 0.1 micrograms/L for Cu(II), 0.08 micrograms/L for Cd(II), and 0.2 micrograms/L for Zn(II). The method is used to determine the speciation of Cu(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) in natural water samples.

Identification of cytolytic lymphocytes in West Nile virus-infected murine central nervous system

Inflammatory cells were isolated from West Nile virus (WNV)-infected CBA/H (H-2k) mouse brains, and their function and cell surface markers were studied. Two populations of cytolytic lymphocytes were detected. One population, which lysed WNV-infected and uninfected L929 (H-2k), YAC-1 (H-2a), P815 (H-2d), OH (H-2KdDk) and 2R (H-2KkDb) target cells, had a phenotype of L3T4- Lyt2- Thy1 +/- asialo GM1+ and hence were natural killer (NK) cells. The other, which lysed WNV-infected cells to a greater extent than uninfected L929 cells, had a phenotype of L3T4- Lyt2+ Thy1+ asialo GM1- and were cytotoxic T cells. In addition, the presence of the latter population was demonstrated by the specific lysis of syngeneic WNV-infected astrocytes, a cell type which is resistant to NK cell lysis. The cell surface markers of isolated inflammatory cells were determined by two colour flow cytometry. This showed that 15 to 40% of the cells were Thy1+, among which about 3% were Lyt2+. No L3T4+ cells were detected.

[Effect of proglumide on choleresis in rats]

We are the first to report that proglumide (PGM) has a marked effect on promoting choleresis in rats. After iv infusion PGM 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/(kg.h), the bile quantities of 120-150 min were 0.4 +/- 0.14, 0.46 +/- 0.11, 0.75 +/- 0.25, 0.87 +/- 0.21 ml/30 min, respectively. They were significantly higher values than either basic bile flow (0.24 +/- 0.06 ml/30 min) or the solvent control of 5% NaHCO3 (0.22 +/- 0.13 ml/30 min, P less than 0.01) and obviously dose-dependent. After ig PGM 200 mg, bile flow observed at the peak of secretion between 60-90 min was 0.67 +/- 0.22 ml/30 min. Compared to that observed before PGM administration, the bile fluid collected was found to have increased 1.7-3.2 times, up to even 7 times. The choleretic effect continued 8-12 h after the infusion was terminated. The secretions of HCO3- and chlorides in the bile also increased during PGM infusion as compared with the control (P less than 0.05-0.01). On the contrary, the concentrations of cholic acids decreased remarkably (P less than 0.05-0.01). It is suggested that the mechanism of choleresis promoted by the infusion of PGM may be cholic acid-independent, but that it is related to the secretion of inorganic salts in cholangiole. Compared with three other choleretics commonly used clinically, phenylpropanol, dehydrocholic acid and sodium taurocholate, the effect of PGM is significantly superior (P less than 0.01).

Continuous-wave synchronously pumped femtosecond dye laser at 1.3 microm

We report a synchronously pumped, cw mode-locked, near-IR dye laser based on the Kodak Q-switch dye No. 5. Benzyl alcohol is used as the solvent to form a flowing dye jet. Synchronously pumped by 2-psec, 950-mW, compressed pulses of a Nd:YAG laser, the dye laser can be tuned from 1210 to 1340 nm with a maximum output of 5 mW and a pulse duration of 600 fsec.

Flavivirus infection up-regulates the expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility antigens on and enhances T cell recognition of astrocytes in vitro

West Nile virus (WNV) infection of astrocytes can up-regulate their expression of both class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens as determined by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies specific for class I and class II MHC antigens. The up-regulation of class I MHC antigen expression could be partly caused by interferon secreted after WNV infection because the synthetic interferon inducer polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) has similar effects. In contrast the up-regulation of class II MHC antigen expression was not induced by poly I:C. The increased MHC antigen expression by WNV infection had significant effects on T cell recognition. Thus, WNV and influenza virus A/WSN double-infected astrocytes but not astrocytes infected by A/WSN alone were lysed by influenza virus-immune cytotoxic T cells. Similarly, WNV-infected astrocytes were better stimulators than normal astrocytes for a class II MHC-reactive T cell line, both in terms of T cell proliferation and interleukin release.

Isolation and characterization of a 58-kDa membrane- and microfilament-associated protein from ascites tumor cell microvilli

A 58-kDa protein is found in microvilli and in actin-containing transmembrane complexes of 13762 ascites tumor cells with immobile surface receptors; it is absent from sublines with mobile receptors. 58-kDa protein has been proposed to stabilize microvilli and restrict receptor mobility by stabilizing membrane-microfilament interactions. Antibodies against 58-kDa protein were blot-purified from antisera of rabbits injected with crude transmembrane complex and were used to monitor purification of the protein. 58-kDa protein was extracted from EDTA/EGTA-stripped microvillar microfilament cores with 1 M NaCl. A single depolymerization-polymerization cycle of the microfilaments, followed by solubilization of 58-kDa protein in 1 M NaCl and chromatography on hydroxyapatite-Sephadex G-150, purified the protein to greater than 95% homogeneity. The native molecular weight and frictional coefficient indicated a monomeric, asymmetric structure. 58-kDa protein bound F-actin in pelleting assays and inhibited polymerization of pyrenyl-actin. It also bound phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylcholine vesicles in pelleting studies. Immunoblot analyses of endogenously and exogenously proteolyzed microvilli and their membranes and microfilament cores showed specific membrane and microfilament binding fragments of 28-30 kDa. The microfilament- and phospholipid-binding properties of 58-kDa protein and the localization of its proteolysis products are consistent with its proposed role in stabilizing membrane-microfilament interactions in the ascites cell microvilli.

In vitro evaluation of cisplatin interaction with doxorubicin or 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide against human gynecologic cancer cell lines

Doxorubicin, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide are the three drugs most commonly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, but no effect greater than additivity was observed for any combination of these drugs in the present study. Only a few studies have been reported concerning the degree of their additivity or their best order of sequencing. In our in vitro studies, cisplatin in combination with doxorubicin or 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4HC) was tested against seven human gynecologic tumor-cell lines in different sequences, using a double-agar layer tissue-culture system. Drug interactions with respect to inhibition of tumor clonogenicity were evaluated by isobologram and fractional survival methods. Doxorubicin and 4HC were sequenced simultaneously and at 1, 6 and 24 h after cisplatin, and cisplatin was sequenced at 1, 6 and 24 h after 4HC. The isobolograms constructed for doxorubicin or 4HC plus cisplatin revealed strict additivity between these agents against ovarian cancer clonogenicity. Both doxorubicin and 4HC showed the greatest additivity when used simultaneously and at 1 h vs 6 or 24 h after cisplatin. Although the mechanisms by which these sequencing effects occur are unknown, these studies provide new leads for the design of clinical trials with combinations of these three agents.