Downregulation of Wnt2 and beta-catenin by siRNA suppresses malignant glioma cell growth

Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant activation of Wnt signaling is involved in tumor development and progression. Our earlier study on gene expression profile in human gliomas by microarray found that some members of Wnt family were overexpressed. To further investigate the involvement of Wnt signaling in gliomas, the expression of core components of Wnt signaling cascade in 45 astrocytic glioma specimens with different tumor grades was examined by reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Wnt2, Wnt5a, frizzled2 and beta-catenin were overexpressed in gliomas. Knockdown of Wnt2 and its key mediator beta-catenin in the canonical Wnt pathway by siRNA in human U251 glioma cells inhibited cell proliferation and invasive ability, and induced apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, treating the nude mice carrying established subcutaneous U251 gliomas with siRNA targeting Wnt2 and beta-catenin intratumorally also delayed the tumor growth. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, downregulation of Wnt2 and beta-catenin was associated with the decrease of PI3K/p-AKT expression, indicating the interplay between Wnt/beta-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling cascades. In conclusion, the canonical Wnt pathway is of critical importance in the gliomagenesis and intervention of this pathway may provide a new therapeutic approach for malignant gliomas.

Tailored regimen of interferon alpha for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: a prospective controlled study

The response to interferon-alpha treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B under the current protocol is not satisfactory. The aim of this study was to try an alternative approach to improve treatment outcome. Of 374 HBeAg-positive patients, 127 of them received 5 million units of interferon-alpha thrice weekly for 6 months and constituted the control group, while 247 in the study group received the same dosage but the duration of treatment was tailored. The study protocol provided for continuation of treatment if HBV DNA levels were continuously decreasing. The treatment ended when viral, antigenic and biochemical endpoints were reached or when HBV DNA levels were no longer decreasing. The median length of tailored treatment was 10 (range 6-24) months. The end-of-treatment response rates were 39.3% and 23.6% (P = 0.002), and after 12-month, follow-up, the sustained response rates were 40.5% and 28.3% (P = 0.013) in the study and control groups, respectively. Excluding the patients who dropped out, 228 and 115 completed a median of 40- and 44-month-long follow-up; the long-term response was thus 45.3% and 33.1% (P = 0.014) in the respective groups. Interferon-alpha treatment tailored in length demonstrated significantly increased efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Correlation of population parameters leading to power differences in association studies with population stratification

The power of statistical tests to measure effect sizes in the presence of population stratification is an important issue for the design and analysis of population-based association studies. Comparisons of statistical tests have shown that the power of different statistical approaches varies in different genetic scenarios. However, the impact of stratified population parameters on statistical power is not yet understood in a general statistical framework, particularly the impact of correlated population parameters. To investigate such impact in detail, we implemented a genetic model for population-based association studies with stratified samples and evaluated the impact on power with different genetic scenarios. The investigation shows that correlation between disease prevalence and risk allele frequency among subpopulations impacts statistical power. In a model with five subpopulations and moderate population divergence (Fst= 0.01), the correlation accounts for more than 85% of power difference. Our results also show that the estimation of genetic effect for candidate loci is biased by population divergence. Beneficial alleles could be wrongly characterized as risk alleles when prevalence differences and divergences of risk loci are large among subpopulations.

Surgical treatment for patients with different origins of Krukenberg tumors: outcomes and prognostic factors

AIMS

We sought to investigate survival impacts of metastasectomy in women with Krukenberg tumors of the ovary and survival benefits in different origins (gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, or others).

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with Krukenberg tumors of the ovary who underwent surgical treatment at a single institution between 1997 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Survival analyses and comparisons were performed using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients with Krukenberg tumors of the ovary were identified. The estimated 5-year survival was 12.1%. The median survival in patients with microscopic residual disease after metastasectomy was 29.6 months, compared to 10 months in those with visible residual disease (P<0.01). The median survival among patients with Krukenberg tumors of gastric origin, colon and rectum origin, and other origins were 13 months, 29.6 months, and 48.2 months, respectively (P=0.03). There was a significant difference in survival between patients with metastatic disease confined to the ovaries and those with extensive metastases, with an estimated median survival of 30.7 months and 10 months, respectively (P=0.02). Multivariate analysis suggested that the origin of ovarian metastatic carcinoma (P<0.01), residual disease after metastasectomy (P<0.01), and KPS (Karnofsky performance status) (P=0.03) were independent prognostic factors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Krukenberg tumors from colorectal cancer experience a better prognosis than those from gastric cancer and benefit more from metastasectomy. And metastasectomy significantly lengthens overall survival in patients with primary colorectal or breast cancer, higher KPS score, and those with optimal metastasectomy.

Poster - Thurs Eve-24: Dosimetry study on the penumbra region for the irregular MLC fields with stepping patterns

The aim of this study is to investigate the dosimetric effect in the penumbra region for the multi-leaf collimator (MLC) fields with stepping patterns. Various irregular MLC fields with different stepping patterns were designed. Radiographic films were used to measure the beam profiles (cross-plane (X1-X2 jaw) and in-plane (Y1-Y2 jaw)) for different MLC field configurations of varying lengths of protruded leaves adjacent (on one or both sides) to the beam profile axis. 6 MV photon beams produced by the Varian 21 EX linear accelerator with 120-leaf Millennium MLC were used. The results showed that the penumbra widths (10% - 90%) of the profiles (cross-plane) with 0.5 cm gap width increased with the protruded lengths of the neighbouring leaves, while the penumbra widths did not vary too much for the larger gap widths of 1 cm and 1.5 cm. The neighbouring leaf's influence on the profile was very insignificant, when the distance between the profile and neighbouring leaf edge was larger than 1 cm. Moreover, when both the upper and lower portions of leaves were moved out forming a gap for the profile, the dose at the "edge" region was decreased by about 20% and 6% when the protruded lengths of the leaves were 0.5 cm and 1 cm, respectively. It is important to understand the dosimetric effect in the penumbra region for irregular MLC fields with stepping leaf patterns, especially during the commissioning process for the conformal external beam and intensity modulated radiation therapy.

730-nm optical parametric conversion from near- to short-wave infrared band

A record 730 nm parametric conversion in silica fiber from the near-infrared to the short-wave infrared band is reported and analyzed. A parametric gain in excess of 30 dB was measured for a signal at 1300 nm (with corresponding idler at 2030 nm). This conversion was performed in a travelling single-pass one-pump parametric architecture and high efficiency is achieved by a combination of high peak power and a nonlinear fiber with a reduced fourth-order dispersion coefficient.

Impairments in deeply-saturated optical parametric amplifiers for amplitude- and phase-modulated signals

We measure impairment of on-off-keyed and differential-phase-shift-keyed signals imposed by gain saturation in a fiber parametric amplifier. Phase modulation is observed to be more robust, particularly for deep (15 dB) saturation.

Phase-sensitive amplification of chirped optical pulses in fibers

In this paper a detailed analysis is made of the phase-sensitive amplification (PSA) of optical pulses by degenerate four-wave mixing (phase-conjugation) in fibers. Formulas are derived, which show that the amplification level and phase sensitivity depend strongly on the phase of the signal pulse, but weakly on its chirp, and the difference between its carrier frequency and the average pump frequency. Solitons, which are unchirped, and dispersion-managed solitons, which are weakly chirped, are suitable for in-line and post-transmission PSA. Pseudo-linear pulses, which are strongly chirped, are unsuitable for in-line PSA, but post-transmission dispersion compensation makes them suitable for PSA prior to detection.

Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphisms and idiopathic chromosomally normal miscarriage

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS or endotoxin) exposure resulting from microbial invasion of the endometrium disturbs the Th1/Th2 balance at the feto-maternal interface and has been linked to the risk of idiopathic miscarriage in a range of human and animal studies. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates LPS signalling, and the human TLR4 gene harbours two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to reduce LPS responsiveness. We hypothesized that genetic variation altering TLR4 function may influence the risk of idiopathic pregnancy loss.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined fetal TLR4 genotypes in a case-control cohort of chromosomally normal miscarriages (n=96) and healthy term newborns (n=113). The allele frequencies of the Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile TLR4 SNPs were determined by quantitative PCR using DNA extracted from extraembryonic tissues and umbilical cord blood, respectively. TLR4 genotype frequencies were not significantly different between cases and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between fetal TLR4 polymorphisms, Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, known to blunt LPS responsiveness, and the risk of idiopathic, chromosomally normal miscarriage. Nevertheless, TLR4 or perhaps other LPS-binding chaperone molecules are biologically plausible candidate genes that may alter the risk of idiopathic miscarriage.

Epstein-Barr virus shed in saliva is high in B-cell-tropic glycoprotein gp42

Epstein-Barr virus is an orally transmitted human herpesvirus that infects epithelial cells and establishes latency in memory B lymphocytes. Movement of virus between the two cell types is facilitated by changes in amounts of an envelope glycoprotein, gp42, which are effected by interaction of gp42 with HLA class II in a B cell. Here we used the differential ability of virus to bind to CD21-positive B cells and CD21-negative epithelial cells, which is also influenced by levels of gp42, to determine that the majority of virus shed in saliva is derived from an HLA class II-negative cell.

Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer in the placentas of women with pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer (NOSTRIN) in the placenta of women with pre-eclampsia (PE) and discuss its role in the pathogenesis of PE.

METHODS

Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of NOSTRIN and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The activity of eNOS in placental tissue was assayed by spectrophotometry. Serum and placental NO(2)/NO(3), the stable metabolic end product of NO, was measured using nitrate reductase.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of NOSTRIN was significantly higher in women with PE than in the control group (P<0.01). However, no significant difference between groups was observed in the expression of placental eNOS (P>0.05). The activity of eNOS was significantly decreased in women with PE (13.727+/-3.58 U/mg) compared with the control group (21.69+/-3.84 U/mg) (P<0.01). The placental levels of NO(2)/NO(3) were significantly lower in women with PE (27.53+/-8.51 micromol/mg) than in the control group (44.38+/-9.59 micromol/mg) (P<0.01). The levels of serum NO(2)/NO(3) were significantly lower in women with PE (48.56+/-8.49 micromol/L) than in the control group (65.37+/-9.61 micromol/L) (P<0.01). A significant negative correlation existed between the expression of NOSTRIN protein and the activity of eNOS in the placental tissues of women with PE (r=-0.57, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The level of NOSTRIN expression in the placental tissues of women with PE is increased and is negatively correlated with the activity of eNOS-which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PE.

Recurrent trisomy 21: four cases in three generations

Recurrent trisomy 21: four cases in three generations. While gonadal mosaicism can lead to recurrence of trisomy 21 (T21) for a single couple, the recurrence of free T21 in multiple members of a single pedigree has rarely been reported. We present an unusual pedigree with four cases of Down syndrome (DS) with free T21 were born to four separate women related through three generations of one family. The mothers were aged 18, 21, 29, and approximately 30 years at the time of the births. Using microsatellite markers, we excluded most of chromosome 21, excepting two small regions within 21q11.1 and 21q22.3, as being shared among the mothers of the DS children. However, two members of the pedigree, including one DS mother with a normal G-banded karyotype, carried supernumerary alleles at markers 2503J9TG, D21S369, and D21S215, which span the region from 21pter to 21q11.1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using a centromeric probe hybridizing to chromosomes 13 and 21 did not reveal a novel location, ruling out a cryptic centromeric translocation between chromosome 21 and any chromosome other than chromosome 13. The level of meiotic recombination on chromosome 21 was unusually high in this family as well. We hypothesize that a cryptic rearrangement within the highly repetitive region of 21q11.1 is present in this family, disrupting pairing and leading to an increased risk of non-disjunction of chromosome 21 in this family.

Remote postconditioning. Brief renal ischemia and reperfusion applied before coronary artery reperfusion reduces myocardial infarct size via endogenous activation of adenosine receptors

OBJECTIVES

A series of brief coronary artery reperfusions and reocclusions applied during the early minutes of coronary artery reflow ("postconditioning") attenuates reperfusion injury. However, it is not known whether brief ischemia-reperfusion applied to a distant organ at the onset of myocardial reperfusion (i.e. "remote postconditioning", remote PostC) reduces infarct size in the reperfused myocardium. In an in vivo anesthetized rat model of myocardial infarction induced by coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion, this study tested the hypothesis that remote postC induced by a single 5 minute episode of renal artery (RA) occlusion and reperfusion applied immediately before the onset of coronary artery reperfusion protects the myocardium from reperfusion injury by mechanisms involving endogenous adenosine receptor activation.

METHODS

All rats were subjected to a total of 30 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion (LCAO) and 3 hours of reperfusion. The rats were randomized to one of six groups: 1) CONTROL: LCAO and reperfusion only with no other intervention; 2) Remote PostC: after 24 minutes of LCAO the RA was occluded for 5 minutes and released 1 min before coronary artery reperfusion; 3) Permanent RA occlusion: the RA was permanently occluded after 24 minutes LCAO continuing to the end of reperfusion; 4) Delayed Remote PostC: after 26 minutes LCAO the RA was occluded for 5 minutes, and its release was delayed until 1 min after coronary artery reperfusion; 5) CON + SPT: rats with LCAO and reperfusion received 10 mg/kg IV of the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist 8-sulfophenyl theophylline [SPT] administered 5 minutes before coronary artery reperfusion; and 6) Remote PostC + SPT: after 24 minutes of LCAO the RA was occluded for 5 minutes and released 1 minute before coronary artery reperfusion in the presence of 10 mg/kg SPT given 5 min before coronary artery reperfusion.

RESULTS

Myocardial infarct size (percentage necrosis/area at risk, mean +/- SEM) was reduced by 50% in Remote PostC (25 +/- 4%) compared to CONTROL (49 +/- 4%, p = 0.003), consistent with a reduction in plasma CK activity (44 +/- 5 vs. 67 +/- 6 U/ml, p = 0.023). In contrast, permanent RA occlusion before LCAO and reperfusion failed to reduce myocardial infarct size (47 +/- 5%) vs CONTROL. Delaying the release of the RA occlusion (delayed Remote PostC) abrogated the myocardial infarct reduction observed with Remote PostC (48 +/- 6%). SPT alone had no effect on infarct size (47 +/- 4% in CON + SPT vs. 49 +/- 4% in CON); however, Remote PostC+SPT abrogated the myocardial infarct size reduction in Remote PostC (50 +/- 3% in Remote PostC + SPT vs. 25 +/- 4% in Remote PostC).

CONCLUSIONS

Remote renal postconditioning applied immediately before the onset of coronary artery reperfusion provides potent myocardial infarct size reduction likely exerted during the first minutes of coronary artery reperfusion. This inter-organ remote postconditioning phenomenon is likely mediated in part by release of adenosine by the ischemic-reperfused kidney and subsequent activation of adenosine receptors.

Androgenetic/biparental mosaicism causes placental mesenchymal dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a distinct syndrome of unknown aetiology that is associated with significant fetal morbidity and mortality. Intrauterine growth restriction is common, yet, paradoxically, many of the associated fetuses/newborns have been diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS).

METHODS

We report two cases of PMD with high levels of androgenetic (complete paternal uniparental isodisomy) cells in the placenta and document, in one case, a likely androgenetic contribution to the fetus as well.

RESULTS

The same haploid paternal complement found in the androgenetic cells was present in coexisting biparental cells, suggesting origin from a single fertilisation event.

CONCLUSIONS

Preferential allocation of the normal cells into the trophoblast explains the absence of trophoblast overgrowth, a key feature of this syndrome. Interestingly, the distribution of androgenetic cells appears to differ from that reported for artificially created androgenetic mouse chimeras. Androgenetic mosaicism for the first time provides an aetiology for PMD, and may be a novel mechanism for BWS and unexplained intrauterine growth restriction.

Ultrastructural comparison of penile cavernous tissue between hypertensive and normotensive rats

Our aim was to compare the ultrastructure of penile cavernous tissue in the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and normotensive rat, and study the relation of blood pressure with erectile function. After injection of apomorphine (APO), penile erectile frequency in 16-week-old SHR (group A) and Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) (group B) was observed and noted. The ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissue was studied by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The mean blood pressures were significantly higher in group A than in group B (P=0; 171.20+/-10.94 and 117.60+/-12.38, n=5, for group A and group B, respectively). After treatment of the two groups with APO, the erectile frequency in group A was significantly less than in group B (P=0.007; 0.40+/-0.55 and 2.40+/-1.14, n=5, for group A and group B, respectively). Significant ultrastructural pathological changes were observed in the tunica albuginea and penile cavernous tissue of SHR. The elastic fibers were decreased and the collagen fibers of the sinusoid were increased in group A. The tunica albuginea thickness (mean+/-s.d.) was 100.20+/-7.22 microm and 126.00+/-7.65 microm in group A and group B, respectively. The tunica albuginea of group A was significantly thinner than that in B (P=0.001). Some endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells exhibited damaged mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulums and Schwann cells were degenerated in group A. Although the function of penile erection might be affected by a secondary effect related to endothelial dysfunction of hypertension, these ultrastructural pathological changes of the penile cavernous tissue might also be one of the important mechanisms of erectile dysfunction caused by hypertension.

Joint role of non-HDL cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin in predicting future coronary heart disease events among women with type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Non-HDL cholesterol (the sum of LDL, VLDL and IDL cholesterol) is considered to be particularly valuable in the management of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes. However, it remains uncertain whether the association between non-HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes depends on the status of hyperglycaemia. We aimed to determine whether non-HDL cholesterol predicts CHD events among diabetic women independently of currently established risk factors and the status of glycaemic control.

METHODS

We prospectively followed 921 diabetic women in the Nurses' Health Study, who were free of cardiovascular disease at the time that blood was drawn in 1989/90. During 10 years of follow-up, we identified 122 incident CHD cases.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle risk factors, the multivariate relative risks (RRs) of CHD for extreme quartiles were 1.97 (95% CI: 1.14-3.43) for non-HDL cholesterol, 1.78 (1.02-3.11) for apolipoprotein B-100, and 1.93 (1.15-3.22) for LDL cholesterol. However, the association between non-HDL cholesterol and CHD risk was only apparent among women with elevated fasting triglycerides (RR for extreme quartiles: 3.80; p=0.045). HbA(1)c was strongly associated with increased CHD risk (RR for increase by 1 unit: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.13-1.35), and both non-HDL cholesterol and HbA(1)c additively predicted CHD risk (RR for the combination of high non-HDL cholesterol and high HbA(1)c [tertiles]: 4.59).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study suggests that non-HDL cholesterol and HbA(1)c are potent predictors of CHD risk in diabetic women. Therapies to lower CHD risk in diabetic patients should emphasise both glycaemic control and lipid lowering.

A new single nucleotide polymorphism in the chicken pituitary-specific transcription factor (POU1F1) gene associated with growth rate

The pituitary-specific transcription factor (POU1F1) is a protein which binds to and transactivates promoters of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and thyroid-stimulating hormone chain (TSHB)-encoding genes. Ten chicken populations (n = 662), including six Chinese indigenous breeds, White Leghorn, paternal/maternal lines of brown egg layer and a paternal line of broiler, were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in the pituitary-specific transcription factor gene (PIT1) by means of PCR-SSCP. A nucleotide transversion from adenine (A) to thymidine (T) at position 980 of the open reading frame of the PIT1 cDNA (GenBank accession no. AF029892) was identified. This nucleotide transversion results in an alteration of codon 299 from AAC to ATC, which leads to a change from asparagine (Asn) to isoleucine (Ile) in the POU domain of POU1F1. The distribution of allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between meat-type chickens (higher frequencies of A and A/A) and layer-type chickens (P < 0.01). Another experimental population with growth records was used to evaluate the relationship between this polymorphism and growth rate. The results revealed a positive relationship between genotype A/A and body weight at 8 weeks of age, indicating that the SNP in PIT1 gene is a potential molecular marker for early growth rate in chicken.

The power of transmission disequilibrium tests for quantitative traits

We develop a score statistic to test for linkage in the presence of linkage disequilibrium for quantitative traits. We then extend this method to analyze multiple tightly linked markers. One potential limitation with the use of many genetic markers is the large number of degrees of freedom involved that may reduce the overall power to detect linkage. To overcome this limitation, we propose to group haplotypes on the basis of haplotype similarity before performing transmission disequilibrium tests. Finally, we apply these methods to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated data and compare their power.

Manufacturing challenges in the commercial production of recombinant coagulation factor VIII

Advances in gene technology have led to the development of a method to manufacture recombinant coagulation Factor VIII (rFVIII) for haemophilia A. Because rFVIII is a large and complex protein, its commercialization has required that many challenges in manufacturing, purification and processing be overcome. In order to license the first generation of rFVIII (Kogenate) in 1993, Bayer Corporation invested over 10 years in research and manufacturing development. Seven additional years were subsequently devoted to research and manufacturing improvements in order to accomplish the recent licensing of a second rFVIII product (KOGENATE Bayer or Kogenate FS). This product differs from its predecessor, in that human albumin is removed from the purification and the formulation steps. In addition, fewer chromatography steps are involved resulting in greater yields per mL of conditioned medium, and a solvent-detergent viral inactivation step replaces the heat-processing step used for the previous product. Despite these changes in the manufacturing, the protein backbone and carbohydrate structure of the final rFVIII molecule are identical. The complexity of the production processes is reflected by over 100 000 manufacturing data entries and by 600 quality control tests for each batch of rFVIII. Manufacturers are continuing to develop the next generation of rFVIII, which will be produced without the addition of any human or animal proteins or byproducts. Investments in research, development and manufacturing technology are expected to result in the development of new products with enhanced safety profiles, and in an increase in the production capacity for products that are chronically in short supply.

Cellular automaton model considering the velocity effect of a car on the successive car

In this paper we present a cellular automata model for one-lane traffic flow. The update rules of velocity of a car depend not only on the positions of this car and the car ahead of it, but also on the velocities of the two cars. Using computer simulations we obtain some basic qualitative results and the fundamental diagram of the proposed model. In comparison with those of the existing models in the literature, we find that the fundamental diagram of the proposed model is more consistent with the results measured in the real traffic, and the model is able to reproduce some relevant macroscopic states that are found in the real traffic flow but cannot be predicted by the existing models.

The mouse snail gene encodes a key regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Snail family genes encode DNA binding zinc finger proteins that act as transcriptional repressors. Mouse embryos deficient for the Snail (Sna) gene exhibit defects in the formation of the mesoderm germ layer. In Sna(-/-) mutant embryos, a mesoderm layer forms and mesodermal marker genes are induced but the mutant mesoderm is morphologically abnormal. Lacunae form within the mesoderm layer of the mutant embryos, and cells lining these lacunae retain epithelial characteristics. These cells resemble a columnar epithelium and have apical-basal polarity, with microvilli along the apical surface and intercellular electron-dense adhesive junctions that resemble adherens junctions. E-cadherin expression is retained in the mesoderm of the Sna(-/-) embryos. These defects are strikingly similar to the gastrulation defects observed in snail-deficient Drosophila embryos, suggesting that the mechanism of repression of E-cadherin transcription by Snail family proteins may have been present in the metazoan ancestor of the arthropod and mammalian lineages.

Persistency of bacterial indicators in biosolids stabilization with coal fly ash and lime

Alkaline coal fly ash and lime were tested for their effectiveness in pathogen removal from biosolids at different time intervals and temperatures. Coal fly ash at 10 and 35% w/w was mixed with dewatered biosolids and then the ash-biosolids mixture was mixed separately with 0, 1.1, 2.2, 4.4, 8.5, 11, and 18% calcium oxide (w/w on a dry weight basis) with and without heating to 55 degrees C. Total bacteria, salmonella, and total coliforms were monitored at various time intervals. Both ash-biosolids mixtures with or without lime amendment had a significantly lower total bacterial population than the biosolids control, but the residual indigenous bacterial flora in the ash and lime stabilized biosolids still maintained a population of greater than 10(4) g(-1) dry biosolids. Alkaline-stabilized biosolids with a lime amendment rate greater than 8.5% could maintain pH greater than or equal to 12 for more than 2 hours, which effectively removed total coliforms and salmonella in the mixture. Heat treatment to 55 degrees C and a storage time of 14 days provided an added advantage resulting in a further reduction in pathogens for all treatments. It is recommended that 10% ash-biosolids mixture should be amended with a minimum of 8.5% lime on a dry weight basis for at least 2 hours to achieve acceptable levels of salmonella and total coliforms to ensure no pathogenic risk following land application.

Osr2, a new mouse gene related to Drosophila odd-skipped, exhibits dynamic expression patterns during craniofacial, limb, and kidney development

We have isolated a new mouse gene, odd-skipped related 2 (Osr2), that encodes a zinc finger containing protein related to Drosophila Odd-skipped. The putative OSR2 protein shares 65% amino acid sequence identity overall and 98% sequence identity in the zinc finger region, respectively, with the previously reported Osr1 gene product. During mouse embryonic development, Osr2 expression is first detected at E9.25, specifically in the mesonephric vesicles. By E10.0, Osr2 expression is also observed in the rostro-lateral mandibular mesenchyme immediately adjacent to the maxillary processes. In the developing limb buds, Osr2 is expressed in a unique mesenchymal domain and the onset of Osr2 expression follows a distinct dorsal to ventral developmental time sequence beginning in the forelimb and then in the hindlimb. Osr2 exhibits a dynamic expression pattern during craniofacial development, in the mandibular and maxillary processes as well as the developing palate. Osr2 is also expressed at sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during tooth and kidney development.

[Effect of airborne fungi on interleukin-4 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rats]

The effect of indoor airborne fungi on interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of rats was studied by inoculating via trachea with fungi suspension. A simplified competitive RT-PCR method was used to measure the IL-4 mRNA expression in plasma. The results showed that interleukin-4 expression was much higher in the affected groups than that in the control one. It suggested that IL-4 might play an important role in the sensitization progress of fungi.

Haplotype variation and linkage disequilibrium in 313 human genes

Variation within genes has important implications for all biological traits. We identified 3899 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were present within 313 genes from 82 unrelated individuals of diverse ancestry, and we organized the SNPs into 4304 different haplotypes. Each gene had several variable SNPs and haplotypes that were present in all populations, as well as a number that were population-specific. Pairs of SNPs exhibited variability in the degree of linkage disequilibrium that was a function of their location within a gene, distance from each other, population distribution, and population frequency. Haplotypes generally had more information content (heterozygosity) than did individual SNPs. Our analysis of the pattern of variation strongly supports the recent expansion of the human population.

Can increasing the viscosity of formulations be used to reduce the human skin penetration of the sunscreen oxybenzone?

The effect of adding thickening agents on the penetration of a sunscreen benzophenone-3 through epidermal and a high-density polyethylene membrane was studied using both very thick (infinite dose) and thin (in use) applications. Contradictory results were obtained. Thickening agents retard skin penetration, in a manner consistent with a diffusional resistance in the formulation, when applied as an infinite dose. In contrast, when applied as in thin (in use) doses, thickening agents promote penetration, most likely through greater stratum corneum diffusivity arising from an enhanced hydration by the thicker formulations. The two key implications from this work are (i) a recognition of the danger in the potential extrapolation of infinite dosing to in use situations, and (ii) to recognize that thicker formulations may sometimes enhance the penetration of other topical agents when applied "in use".

Full velocity difference model for a car-following theory

In this paper, we present a full velocity difference model for a car-following theory based on the previous models in the literature. To our knowledge, the model is an improvement over the previous ones theoretically, because it considers more aspects in car-following process than others. This point is verified by numerical simulation. Then we investigate the property of the model using both analytic and numerical methods, and find that the model can describe the phase transition of traffic flow and estimate the evolution of traffic congestion.

[IFN-r/IL-4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patients with chronic severe hepatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the expressions of interferon-r (INF-r) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the patients with chronic severe hepatitis (CSH).

METHODS

PBMCs from the patients with CSH were separated routinely and stimulated by PMA/Ionomycin/Monensin. The production of IFN-r/IL-4 by CD4+ T cells in PBMC was determined by fluorescence activated call sorting (FACS) analysis and fluorescence-quantitative PCR assay for quantification of HBV DNA.

RESULTS

The percentage of IFN-gamma-producing T cells in CD4+ T cells was higher in patients with CSH (7.2%-26.3%) than in normal controls (2.2%-11.9%) (P<0.01). The percentage of Th1 cells increased significantly with the raise of hepatic inflammation activity. The percentage of IL-4-producing T cells in CD4+ T cells did not differ significantly between patients with CSH and normal controls. The quantification of HBV DNA decreased significantly with the increase of the percentage of IFN-gamma-producing T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Th1 cell is associated with hepatic inflammatory activity and IFN-gamma depresses HBV replication.