No interaction between the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and childhood adversity or recent stressful life events on symptoms of depression: results from two community surveys

In this study we investigated interactions between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and environmental risk factors (G x E) on symptoms of depression in two large Australian community samples of adolescents and young adults. We postulated that a significant interaction between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and environmental risk factors of childhood adversity or stressful life events on symptoms of depression would be observed in subjects with at least one short allele (s/l or s/s) compared with subjects with no short alleles (l/l). We did not find significant G x E interactions between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and recent stressful life events or childhood adversity on symptoms of depression in our sample populations. However, we did find adolescents aged 17-18 years homozygous for the long allele (l/l) and exposed to persistently high levels of family adversity over a 6-year period were at a greater risk of depression than subjects with the same genotype exposed to no or persistently low levels of family adversity. This interaction should be interpreted cautiously due to the small number of depressed subjects in the sample with persistently high levels of family adversity.

Roughing titanium quantum wire on patterned monohydride diamond (001) surface

The authors have performed the roughing of titanium (Ti) quantum wires forming on a hydrogen-terminated diamond (001)-2x1 surface patterned with an ordered bare strip array and demonstrated that well-ordered Ti quantum wires are achieved only if the growth conditions (temperature and flux) have optimal values via kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Considering that a scanning tunneling microscope is capable of selectively desorbing H from diamond (001)-2x1-H surface, they proposed a viable and easy approach to fabricate "ideal quantum wires" on the patterned hydrogen-terminated diamond (001) surface. The physical origin of the Ti quantum wire formation was pursued.

S1(A11)←S0(A11) transition of benzo[g,h,i]perylene in supersonic jets and rare gas matrices

The study of the S1(1A1)<--S0(1A1) transition of benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP, C22H12) in supersonic jets and solid rare gas matrices is reported. In the jet-cooled spectrum, the origin band position is located at 25,027.1+/-0.2 cm-1, the assignment being supported by the analysis of vibrational shifts and rotational band contours. Except for the origin band, which is weak, all bands are attributed to the fundamental excitation of nontotally symmetric b1 vibrational modes of S1. The intensity pattern is interpreted as a consequence of the weak oscillator strength of the electronic transition combined with intensity-borrowing through vibronic interaction between the S1(1A1) and S2(1B1) states. The spectra of the S1(1A1)<--S0(1A1) and S2(1B1)<--S0(1A1) transitions have also been measured for BghiP in solid neon and argon matrices. The comparison of the redshifts determined for either transition reveals that the polarizability of BghiP is larger in its S2 than in its S1 state. Bandwidths of 2.7 cm-1 measured in supersonic jets, which provide conditions relevant for astrophysics, are similar to those of most diffuse interstellar bands. The electronic transitions of BghiP are found to lie outside the ranges covered by present databases. From the comparison between experimental spectra and theoretical computations, it is concluded that the accuracy of empirical and ab initio approaches in predicting electronic energies is still not sufficient to identify astrophysically interesting candidates for spectroscopic laboratory studies.

Changes in pulmonary arteriole protein kinase cαexpression associated with supplementalL-arginine in broilers during cool temperature exposure

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of supplemental L-arginine on pulmonary arteriole protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) expression in broilers exposed to cool temperature, to investigate further the molecular mechanisms of supplemental L-arginine on modulating pulmonary vascular functions in hypertensive broilers. Broilers were subjected to sub-thermoneutral (cool) temperature to induce pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS), and an additional 10 g/kg L-arginine was added to the basal diet to evaluate the effects of supplemental L-arginine on PHS mortality, plasma nitric oxide (NO) production and pulmonary arterioles PKCalpha expression. Supplemental L-arginine reduced PHS mortality but did not affect right/total ventricle (RV/TV) ratios in clinically healthy birds. Birds fed additional L-arginine had increased plasma NO and decreased PKCalpha protein expression in pulmonary arterioles; NO production was negatively correlated with PKCalpha expression. These results demonstrated that supplemental L-arginine diminished PKCalpha expression in birds exposed to cool temperature. It is suggested that NO-induced loss of PKCalpha expression might be partially responsible for its effects on dilating pulmonary vasculature and inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodelling in vivo.

A comparative linkage map of oilseed rape and its use for QTL analysis of seed oil and erucic acid content

We have developed a new DH mapping population for oilseed rape, named TNDH, using genetically and phenotypically diverse parental lines. We used the population in the construction of a high stringency genetic linkage map, consisting of 277 loci, for use in quantitative genetic analysis. A proportion of the markers had been used previously in the construction of linkage maps for Brassica species, thus permitting the alignment of maps. The map includes 68 newly developed Sequence Tagged Site (STS) markers targeted to the homologues of defined genes of A. thaliana. The use of these markers permits the alignment of our linkage map with the A. thaliana genome sequence. An additional 74 loci (31 newly developed STS markers and 43 loci defined by SSR and RFLP markers that had previously been used in published linkage maps) were added to the map. These markers increased the resolution of alignment of the newly constructed linkage map with existing Brassica linkage maps and the A. thaliana genome sequence. We conducted field trials with the TNDH population at two sites, and over 2 years, and identified reproducible QTL for seed oil content and erucic acid content. The results provide new insights into the genetic control of seed oil and erucic acid content in oilseed rape, and demonstrate the utility of the linkage map and population.

Solid solubility limit in alloying nanoparticles

In order to gain a better thermodynamic understanding of the phase diagram of alloying nanoparticles, we establish a size-dependent solid solubility model of binary metallic systems to elucidate the anomalous solid solubility in nanometre-sized alloying particles. It is found that a diameter of 20 nm seems a threshold value of the size of alloying nanoparticles for the unusual solid solubility, i.e. the solubility is greatly promoted with decreasing grain size when the size of alloying nanoparticles is less than 20 nm. Taking the Pb-Sn system as an example, we show that the theoretical predictions are consistent with experimental data.

Novel IL-15 isoforms generated by alternative splicing are expressed in the intestinal epithelium

Previous studies have identified mRNA three isoforms encoding interleukin-15 (IL-15) that are produced through differential splicing and encode for the same mature IL-15 protein with two different signal peptides. Our analysis of mouse intestinal epithelial cells revealed two new IL-15 mRNA isoforms generated by different alternative splicing events. In one form (IL-15DeltaE6), exon 6 is absent, and in the second form the first 48 nt of exon 7 are absent (IL-15DeltaE7) through usage of an alternative 5' splicing site within exon 7. These mRNA isoforms encoded in-frame IL-15 protein variants lacking either 15aa (IL-15DeltaE6) or 16aa (IL-15DeltaE7) both utilizing the normal long signal peptide. Significant structural changes were predicted for these new IL-15 isoforms. RNAse protection assays revealed the highest expression of isoform mRNA in the intestinal epithelium and functional analysis of recombinant IL-15 isoform proteins suggested possible regulatory functions.

Genetically altered Salmonella typhimurium profoundly increases survival in nude mice with metastatic PC-3 prostate tumors

14653

Background: We previously published that a genetically-altered Salmonella typhimurium, expressing GFP, could completely destroy subcutaneously-implanted PC-3 tumors in nude mice when injected locally or intravenously (PNAS 102, 755–60, 2005). The bacteria are leu-arg auxotrophs which enable the bacteria to grow in PC-3 tumors but not in normal tissue. Methods: In the current study, we explore the effect of this bacteria, termed S. typhimurium A1, on metastatic PC-3 tumors orthotopically implanted in nude mice. PC-3 is a non-hormone-dependent prostate cancer. In this study, 20 mice were implanted orthotopically with PC-3 tumors expressing GFP. Approximately 2 weeks following implantation, the tumors were externally imageable. Ten of the 20 mice served as controls and followed until death without treatment. Ten mice were given the S. typhimurium A1 weekly intravenously, beginning at 2 weeks when the tumor GFP was first externally visible, and survival time was compared to the untreated mice. Ten additional non-tumor-bearing mice served as controls for the possible toxicity of S. typhimurium A1 and were also injected weekly with the bacteria intravenously. Results: Of the 10 mice with the PC-3 tumors injected weekly with S. typhimurium A1, 7 were alive and well at the time the last untreated mouse died. Currently, 4 treated mice remain alive and well 17 weeks following implantation. 3 of these 4 mice had no external fluorescence for the past 5 weeks despite discontinuing S. typhimurium A1. One mouse shows a progressive decrease in fluorescence, only a tiny spot if left. This mouse continues on S. typhimurium injection weekly. Conclusions: Injection of genetically-altered leu-arg-auxotrophic S. typhimurium into mice with metastatic PC-3 tumors has resulted in more than the tripling of lifespan of 4 of the mice. Three of the mice appear “cured” and have not external fluorescence despite discontinuing S. typhimurium treatment for the past 5 weeks. One mouse continues on weekly injections of S. typhimurium and is well with decreasing fluorescence. Since human prostate cancer eventually becomes non-androgen-dependent similar to PC-3 tumors, genetically-altered bacteria represent a novel potential treatment for this disease.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina: Effects of pH, ionic strength, humic acid and chelating resin on kinetic dissociation study

The effects of pH (pH=2-12), ionic strength (0.01-2 mol/l NaNO(3)) and humic acid on the sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina were investigated by using batch techniques. The experiments were carried out at room temperature and under ambient conditions. The results indicate that the sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is strongly influenced by humic acid. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is significantly dependent on pH values and independent of ionic strength. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina may be attributed to surface complexation. The species of Eu(III) on HA-alumina colloids is dominated by both HA and alumina, and the addition sequences of HA or Eu(III) to the ternary system do not influence the sorption of Eu(III) to HA-coated alumina. Kinetic dissociation of Eu(III) from bare and HA-coated alumina was also studied by using the chelating resin. The result was discussed by a pseudo-first-order kinetics model.

Effects of early feed restriction and cold temperature on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites morbidity in broilers under normal and cold temperature

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of early feed restriction on lipid peroxidation, pulmonary vascular remodelling and ascites incidence in broilers under normal and low ambient temperature. In experiment 1, the restricted birds were fed 8h per day either from 7 to 14 d or from 7 to 21 d, while the controlled birds were fed ad libitum. In experiment 2, the restricted birds were fed 80 or 60% of the previous 24-h feed consumption of full-fed controls for 7 d from 7 to 14 d. On d 14, half of the birds in each treatment both in experiment 1 and experiment 2 were exposed to low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Body weight and feed conversion ratio were measured weekly. The incidences of ascites and other disease were recorded to determine ascites morbidity and total mortality. Blood samples were taken on d 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 to measure the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). On d 42, samples were taken to determine the right/total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV), vessel wall area/vessel total area ratio (WA/TA) and mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA). Low-temperature treatment increased plasma MDA concentration. When broilers were exposed to a cool environment for 3 weeks, plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity were decreased compared with normal-temperature chicks. RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA on d 42 were increased in birds exposed to cold, consistent with the increased pulmonary hypertension and ascites morbidity. Early feed restriction markedly decreased plasma MDA concentration. The plasma SOD and GSH-Px activity of feed-restricted birds were markedly higher than those fed ad libitum on d 35 and d 42. All early feed restriction treatments reduced ascites morbidity and total mortality. On d 42, the RV/TV, WA/TA and mMTPA of feed-restricted broilers were lower than that of the ad libitum-fed broilers. The results suggested that early feed restriction alleviated the lipid peroxidation, promoted the activity of enzymatic antioxidant and inhibited pulmonary vascular remodelling. These changes might be associated with reduced ascites incidence.

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in invasion-metastasis through induction of cell dissociation in pancreatic cancer

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway was isolated as invasion-metastasis related factor in pancreatic cancer in our previous studies. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and tight junction (TJ) proteins are indicated to be involved in cancer invasion-metastasis. To clarify the underlying mechanism of involvement of MMP-7 in cancer invasion, western blotting, invasion assay and immunohistochemistry were performed in dissociated (PC-1.0 and AsPC-1) and non-dissociated (PC-1 and Capan-2) pancreatic cancer cells, as well as pancreatic cancer tissues. Intracellular MMP-7 protein presented as pre-proenzyme and its expression was decreased by AG1478 (EGFR inhibitor) or U0126 (MEK inhibitor) treatment in pancreatic cancer cells. Activated MMP-7 protein was only detected in the medium of PC-1.0 and AsPC-1 cells, but not detected in the medium of PC-1 and Capan-2 cells. Moreover, MMP-7 treatment significant induced the dissociation of cell colonies in PC-1 and Capan-2 cells. Synchronously, TJ structure was apparently disrupted and translocation of TJ proteins to cytoplasm or extracellular medium was induced in PC-1 and Capan-2 cells. Furthermore, MMP-7 treatment markedly increased the in vitro invasion of PC-1 and Capan-2 cells. In addition, MMP-7 expression at the invasive front was obviously stronger than that at the center of pancreatic cancer tissues. Activation of MMP-7 protein is closely involved in disruption of TJ structure and consequent induction of cell dissociation as well as invasion in pancreatic cancer. EGFR mediated MEK/ERK signaling pathway is implied to be involved in regulation of MMP-7 expression in pancreatic cancer cells.

VEGF-A angiogenesis induces a stable neovasculature in adult murine brain

Angiogenesis is a critical component of stroke, head injury, cerebral vascular malformation development, and brain tumor growth. An understanding of the mechanisms of adult cerebral angiogenesis is fundamental to therapeutic vessel modulation for these diseases. To study angiogenesis in the central nervous system, we injected an adenoviral vector engineered to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A164) into adult murine striatum. Vector-infected astrocytes expressed VEGF-A164 resulting in vascular permeability, hemorrhage, and the formation of greatly enlarged "mother" vessels. Subsequently, endothelial cells and pericytes lining mother vessels proliferated and assembled into glomeruloid bodies, complex cellular arrays interspersed by small vessel lumens. As VEGF-A164 expression declined, glomeruloid bodies involuted through apoptotic processes to engender numerous small daughter vessels. Characterized by modestly enlarged lumens with prominent pericyte coverage, daughter vessels were distributed with a density greater than normal cerebral vessels. Daughter vessels remained stable and patent to 16 months and represented the final stage of VEGF-A-induced cerebral angiogenesis. Together, these findings provide a mechanistic understanding of angiogenesis in cerebral disease processes. Furthermore, the long-term stability of daughter vessels in the absence of exogenous VEGF-A164 expression suggests that VEGF-A may enable therapeutic angiogenesis in brain.

Identification of genes related to invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by cDNA representational difference analysis

The difference in gene expression between the highly invasive and metastatic cell line PC-1.0 and the weakly invasive and metastatic cell line PC-1 both derived from a pancreatic ductal carcinoma induced by N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP) in Syrian golden hamster was examined using the Representational Difference Analysis (RDA) method. Within 8 clones (cDNA fragments) successfully isolated after subtraction hybridization of PC-1 cDNA from PC-1.0, 5 clones were shown to be specific or highly expressed in PC-1.0 as confirmed by RT-PCR. Among these 5 clones, two known genes, MAP kinase kinase 2 (MKK2) and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K230) were detected by gene sequencing. The specific expressions of MKK2 and PI4K230 in the highly invasive and metastatic cell line PC-1.0 were confirmed by RT-PCR and Northern blotting. By adding the CM of PC1.0 which included the cancer cell dissociation factor (DF), PC-1 cells began to dissociate and migrate from the colonies, and in addition the expression of MKK2 was found to be induced. On the other hand, the expression of PI4K230 was not induced in PC-1 cells by adding the CM of PC-1.0. Interestingly, in PC-1.0 the expression of PI4K230 was completely abolished and apoptosis induced by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. These results suggest that both MKK2 and PI4K230 are factors of a signal transduction pathway that might play an important role related to invasion and metastasis through the induction of cell motility and/or the inhibition of apoptosis.

[Changes of serum cardiac troponin T in patients undergoing cardiac surgery]

We detected the changes of serum cardiac troponin T(cTn T) content and serum cardiac enzyme activities in 15 patients with cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac operation. The central venous blood samples were collected to measure the serum concentration of cTn T by enzyme immunoassay methods and activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB) by biochemical methods. The content of cTn T and activities of LDH, CK, and CK-MB increased significantly after cardiac surgery. There was positive correlation between cTn T and aortic cross clamping time (r = 0.6014, P < 0.05), but there was no correlation between CK-MB and aortic cross clamping time (r = 0.4712, P > 0.05). We conclude that serum cTn T and CK-MB can monitor cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury and can evaluate myocardial protection methods during cardiac operation, but cTn T is better than CK-MB.

[Changes in lipoprotein (a) and the relation between lipoprotein (a) and endothelin in patients during upper abdominal surgery]

OBJECTIVE

We observed the changes in both serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and plasma endothelin (ET) during upper abdominal surgery under intravenous combined with inhalation anesthesia and we also analyzed their correlativity.

METHODS

Fifteen patients, scheduled for upper abdominal surgery, were anesthetized with total does of fentanal 8-12 micrograms.kg-1 and inhalation of 1-2 MAC enflurane. Serum Lp(a) and plasma ET at pre-anesthesia, pre-operation, 1 h from the start of operation and 30 min after operation were determined.

RESULTS

The average concentrations of Lp(a) and ET were increased at 1 h from the start of operation compared with pre-anesthesia, but had no statistical significance. Lp(a) and ET were significantly higher at 30 min after operation than pre-anesthesia(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lp(a) and ET have a close relation in advancing cardio-cerebral blood vessel diseases.

[A model of closed epidural balloon inflation brain injury in rats]

OBJECTIVES

To establish an animal model of closed brain epidural occupancy trauma in rats.

METHODS

Sixty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: normal control group(Group A), sham-operated group(Group B), and 5 experimental groups. The last ones included: Group C in which water was injected 0.05 ml into balloon and kept for 1 hour; Group D injected 0.05 ml and kept for 3 hours; Group E injected 0.1 ml and kept for 1 hour; Group F injected 0.1 ml and kept for 2 hours. Group B, C, D were kept maintaining and observing for two days after operation, respectively. Group E was divided into EI (maintaining for two days) and EII (for three days).

RESULTS

Of all the experimental groups, the mortality rate during acute phase was 100% in Group F, 28% in Group E, 50% in Group D, and 0% in Group C. Four rats died during the raising-up period in Group E. Both ICP and cerebral water content were increased in 46 survived rats, and nerve functions were damaged in all the experimental groups. Pathologic changes read as follows: Hemorrhage was found in damage-area; injury and dead cells were seen in compressed region. These changes became worse with time prolonged and injury degree developed.

CONCLUSIONS

The method is simple, reproducible and economical, well showing the pathological classification of epidural occupancy trauma.

[Effect of desflurane on quantitative electroencephalogram and hemodynamics]

To evaluate the feasibility of monitoring depth of desflurane anesthesia by quantitative electroencephalogram(QEEG) and hemodynamics, eight ASA I-II patients were studied. Anesthesia was induced by propofol and vecuronium, after tracheal intubation and the lungs were ventilated with desflurane in oxygen. The results showed that desflurane significantly reduced bispectral index(BI), 95% spectral edge frequency(SEF) and median frequency(MF) in a negative linear dose-related manner. When the end-tidal desflurane concentration reached 1.5 MAC, mean artery pressure(MAP) was decreased significantly, and heart rate(HR) increased by 14.5% (but there was no statistic significance), compared with pre-anesthesia. The results suggest that QEEG can be used to monitor depth of desflurane anesthesia, but MAP and HR are not the ideal monitoring indices during desflurane anesthesia.

Identification of cis-DNA regions controlling Bmp4 expression during tooth morphogenesis in vivo

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are required for tooth formation. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) is a crucial signaling molecule during this process. For better understanding of the role of the Bmp4 gene during tooth development, we studied the mechanisms that control its temporal and spatial expression during development. Using a transgenic approach, we determined that the domains which controlled Bmp4 expression in epithelium-derived ameloblasts were located in the region between 0.26 kb and 1.1 kb of the murine Bmp4 promoter. In contrast, the domains controlling Bmp4 expression in mesenchyme-derived odontoblasts and pulp cells existed in other regions of the Bmp4 gene. We have also demonstrated that the domains controlling Bmp4 expression in primordial tooth cells differ from those controlling Bmp4 expression in mature tooth tissues. The determination of unique domains by controlling the expression of the Bmp4 gene suggests that different transcriptional factors regulate the Bmp4 level at different stages during tooth morphogenesis.

A quantitative method to measure telomerase activity by bioluminescence connected with telomeric repeat amplification protocol

Telomerase is expected to be a new biomarker for cancer diagnosis. The telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) is a sensitive method to detect telomerase activity. However, TRAP and its modified protocols are not always suitable for measuring telomerase activity of a large number of clinical samples to diagnosis cancer because these methods generally require a time-consuming detection step such as gel electrophoresis. To improve the procedure for mass diagnosis, we applied bioluminescence to replace the detection step. Telomerase activity is measured by evaluating the amount of inorganic pyrophosphate generated in PCR amplification of telomerase elongation product, with use of the sensitive enzymatic luminometric inorganic pyrophosphate detection assay (ELIDA). TRAP connected with ELIDA (TRAP-ELIDA) can quantitatively detect telomerase activity within linearity from 2 to 1000 cell equivalents. The ELIDA signals accorded with results of TRAP-SYBR green staining, and the results of ELIDA were significantly correlated to those of TRAP connected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TRAP-ELISA) (r(2) = 0.992, P < 0.001). TRAP-ELIDA is a simple and sensitive method to quantify telomerase activity without time-consuming gel electrophoresis. Because TRAP-ELIDA measures telomerase activity with a luminometer, it could be applied to a large number of clinical samples at the same time.

[Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and thrombospondin-1 in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin (TSP)-1 mRNA in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis.

METHODS

Thirty-two specimens of ovarian endometrioma, 12 red peritoneal lesion, 8 uterosacral ligament nodule, and 30 matched eutopic endometrium were biopsied from 38 patients with endometriosis, another 25 specimens of endometrium were biopsied from women without endometriosis. Reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern Blot analysis were utilized to examine VEGF mRNA and TSP-1 mRNA expression and their relative levels in the above endometrium.

RESULTS

Among endometriotic lesions, red peritoneal lesion expressed higher level of VEGF and lower level of TSP-1, whereas ovarian endometrioma expressed lower level VEGF and higher level of TSP-1. Eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis had higer level of VEGF expression and lower level of TSP-1 expression than women without endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of VEGF and TSP-1 in endometriotic lesion appears to be associated with its neovalscualization extent. The imbalance in expression of VEGF and TSP-1 in endometrium might be related to the development of endometriosis and its biological behavior.

Synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, and spectroelectrochemistry of hypervalent phosphorus(V) octaethylporphyrins and theoretical analysis of the nature of the PO bond in P(OEP)(CH(2)CH(3))(O)

A variety of phosphorus(V) octaethylporphyrin derivatives of the type [P(OEP)(X)(Y)](+)Z(-) (OEP: octaethylporphyrin) (X = CH(3), CH(2)CH(3), C(6)H(5), F; Y = CH(3), CH(2)CH(3), OH, OCH(3), OCH(2)CH(3), On-Pr, Oi-Pr, Osec-Bu, NHBu, NEt(2), Cl, F, O(-); Z = ClO(4), PF(6)) were prepared. X-ray crystallographic analysis of eleven compounds reveals that the degree of ruffling of the porphyrin core becomes greater and the average P-N bond distance becomes shorter as the axial ligands become more electronegative. Therefore, the electronic effect of the axial substituents plays a major role in determining the degree of ruffling although the steric effect of the substituents plays some role. A comparison of the (1)H NMR chemical shifts for the series of [P(OEP)(CH(2)CH(3))(Y)](+)Z(-) complexes with those of the corresponding arsenic porphyrins, which possess a planar core, indicates a much smaller ring current effect of the porphyrin core in the severely ruffled phosphorus porphyrins. The electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry and ESR spectroscopy of the singly reduced compounds are also discussed. The OH protons of [P(OEP)(X)(OH)](+) are acidic enough to generate P(OEP)(X)(O) by treatment with aq dilute NaOH. X-ray analysis of P(OEP)(CH(2)CH(3))(O) reveals that the PO bond length is very short (1.475(7) A) and is comparable to that in triphenylphosphine oxide (1.483 A). The features of the quite unique hexacoordinate hypervalent compounds are investigated by density functional calculation of a model (Por)P(CH(2)CH(3))(O) and (Por)P(F)(O) (Por: unsubstituted porphyrin).

Electronic spectroscopy and excited state dynamics of the Al-H2/D2 complex

The electronic spectra of the Al-H2 and Al-D2 complexes are investigated in a collaborative experimental and theoretical study. The complexes were prepared in a pulsed supersonic beam and detected with laser fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. Transitions to bound vibrational levels in electronic states correlating with the excited-state Al(3d, 4p, 4d) + H2/D2 asymptotes were observed by monitoring emission from lower excited Al atomic levels, formed in the non-radiative decay of the excited complex. Fluorescence depletion has also been used to verify that the observed Al-H2 bands all involve the same molecular carrier. The bands have been assigned to the more strongly bound Al-oH2 and Al-pD2 nuclear spin modifications. In contrast to our previous observations for Al(5s)-H2 [X. Yang and P. J. Dagdigian, J. Chem. Phys., 1998, 109, 8920], for which only one potential energy surface (PES) emanates from the dissociation asymptote, the Lorentzian widths of the different vibrational bands in the 3d, 4p, 4d<--3p transitions vary widely, in some cases allowing resolution of the rotational structure of the bands. With the help of the calculated Al(3p)-oH2/pD2 dissociation energies, binding energies of the observed excited vibronic levels are reported. The mechanism of predissociation is investigated theoretically through ab initio calculation of C2 nu cuts of the excited PESs. It is concluded that predissociation occurs through coupling with the repulsive Al(4s)-H2 PES. With these calculations, a qualitative interpretation of the observed bands could be made.

The cross-sectional study of the health effects of occupational exposure to carbon disulfide in a Chinese viscose plant

This article presents results of carbon disulfide exposure assessment in a Chinese viscose rayon factory and represents the cross-sectional study beginning phase of the occupational epidemiological project. The authors measured external exposure levels to carbon disulfide at a Chinese viscose rayon factory and monitored results as internal exposure indexes by testing urine samples of workers exposed to carbon disulfide levels. The rate at which carbon disulfide is metabolized by exposed subjects was demonstrated by 2-thio-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) concentrations in urine of exposed subjects, which was studied to determine best time points for internal exposure sampling. Carbon disulfide concentrations in the air of the workplace were analyzed with gas chromatography with flame photometric detector (GC-FPD); presence of TTCA in urine samples of subjects was determined using a modified high-performance liquid chromatography method. Kinetics of TTCA excretion was studied by analysis at different time points during and after exposure of workers to carbon disulfide. A total of 155 personal samples were obtained. Carbon disulfide concentration at staple viscose hall was found to be 13.72 +/- 1.12 mg/m3 in terms of geometric mean and geometric standard deviation. Carbon disulfide concentration at filament spinning hall was found to be 20.05 +/- 1.33 mg/m3. TTCA values of subjects at staple spinning hall were 1.18 +/- 0.43 and 1.07 +/- 0.38 mg/g creatinine for subjects working at filament spinning hall. The best time for TTCA sampling is at the end of the exposure-working shift.

Improvement in holographic storage capacity by use of double-random phase encryption

We show that a double-random encryption technique can improve the storage capacity of an angular-multiplexed holographic memory system. In the holographic memory system, input binary images are encrypted into white-noise-like images by use of two random phase masks located at the input and the Fourier planes. These encrypted images are stored as holograms in a photorefractive medium by use of angular multiplexing. All the images are encrypted by different sets of random phase masks. Even when the angle separation between adjacent images is small enough to cause cross talk between adjacent images, original binary data can be recovered with the correct phase mask; the other reconstructed images remain white-noise-like images because incorrect masks are used. Therefore the capacity of the proposed system can be larger than that of a conventional holographic memory system without the random phase encryption technique. Numerical evaluation and experimental results are presented to confirm that the capacity of the system with random phase masks is larger than that of the conventional memory system.

[A lumped parameter model of the peripheral extra-corporeal circulation]

A three-element model of lumped parameter in peripheral extra-corporeal circulation of an animal has been proposed and set up according to the fluid network theory. GEAR method, appropriate for the computation of the rigid problems, was used to solve the ordinary differential equations, so that a good convergence of the solution to the equations has been achieved. Physiological data of a 20 kg dog, obtained from our animal experiments were used to calculate the pressure and flow rate of important organs. The results of the mathematical model and animal tests showed that the peripheral extra-corporeal circulation could supply enough blood to the important organs, e.g. heart and brain, when the natural heart beating stopped. The results from both theoretical and experiments are critical to the cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation for the animals as well as for human beings.

Three new sesquiterpene glycosides from Dendrobium nobile with immunomodulatory activity

Dendroside A (1) and dendronobilosides A and B (2 and 3), three new sesquiterpene glycosides, have been isolated from the stems of Dendrobium nobile, a plant used in Chinese traditional medicine. Their structures and stereochemistry were determined as 10beta,12,14-trihydroxyalloaromadendrane 14-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 10,12-dihydroxypicrotoxane 10,12-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 6alpha,10,12-trihydroxypicrotoxane 10-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Quantum chemistry calculations were used in support of the structural determination of 1. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to stimulate the proliferation of murine T and B lymphocytes in vitro, while compound 3 showed inhibitory activity in this same assay.

Internight reliability and benchmark values for computer analyses of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM EEG in normal young adult and elderly subjects

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reliability of computer measured non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM frequency bands in the 0.3-45 Hz range and to provide benchmark data for these measures in young normal (YN) and elderly normal (EN) subjects (Ss).

METHODS

Sleep EEG was recorded in 19 YN and 19 EN Ss on 4 non-consecutive baseline nights and simultaneously quantified as fast Fourier transform (FFT) power and 3 zero-cross period-amplitude (PA) measures: integrated amplitude, time in band and average wave amplitude.

RESULTS

The shapes of both the FFT and PA spectra differed among Ss but were highly consistent within individuals. Inter-night reliability of the separate frequency bands was correspondingly high. Despite substantial age effects, the reliability of computer-measured sleep EEG in the elderly equaled that of the YN Ss. Within both the YN and EN groups, the shapes of the NREM and REM spectral curves differed significantly. The NREM and REM also differed significantly in the two age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Computer-measured sleep EEG is highly reliable across non-consecutive nights in both young and elderly normal Ss. The trait-like stability of these measures suggests they are genetically determined. This possibility is supported by twin study data that show strong heritability for FFT-measured waking EEG. The different shapes of NREM and REM spectra add further evidence that these are fundamentally different states of brain organization. The age differences in spectral shape, along with PA data for wave incidence, demonstrate that age effects on sleep EEG are not caused by changes in skull impedance or other non-cerebral factors.

Phosphorylation of p90rsk during meiotic maturation and parthenogenetic activation of rat oocytes: correlation with MAP kinases

This paper reports on the activation of p90rsk during meiotic maturation and the inactivation of p90rsk after electrical parthenogenetic activation of rat oocytes. In addition, the correlation between p90rsk and MAP kinases after different treatments was studied. We assessed p90rsk activity by examining its electrophoretic mobility shift on SDS-PAGE and evaluated ERK1+2 activity by both mobility shift and a specific antibody against phospho-MAP kinase. The phosphorylation of p90rsk during rat oocyte maturation was a sequential process that may be divided into two stages: the first stage was partial phosphorylation, which was irrelevant with MAP kinases because p90rsk phosphorylation took place prior to activation of MAP kinases. The second stage inferred full activation occurred at the time when MAP kinases began to be activated (3 h after germinal visicle breakdown). Evidence for the involvement of MAP kinases in the p90rsk phosphorylation was further obtained by the following approaches: (1) okadaic acid (OA) accelerated the phosphorylation of both MAP kinases and p90rsk; (2) OA induced phosphorylation of both MAP kinases and p90rsk in the presence of IBMX; (3) when activation of MAP kinases was inhibited by cycloheximide, p90rsk phosphorylation was also abolished; (4) dephosphorylation of p90rsk began to take place at 3 h post-activation, temporally correlated with the completion of MAP kinase inactivation; (5) phosphorylation of both kinases was maintained in oocytes that failed to form pronuclei after stimulation; (6) OA abolished the dephosphorylation of both kinases after parthenogenetic activation. Our data suggest that MAP kinases are not required for early partial activation of p90rsk but are required for full activation of p90rsk during rat oocyte maturation, and that p90rsk dephosphorylation occurs following MAP kinase inactivation after parthenogenetic activation of rat oocytes.

Carbon disulfide exposure assessment in a Chinese viscose filament plant

Carbon disulfide is a well-known occupational hazard in the viscose industry, and studies have shown considerable health effects when workers are exposed to high concentrations of this reagent. At exposure levels below the TLV-TWA(31 mg/m3), findings remain contradictory, probably due to deficient exposure data. The present study tries to identify the occupational hazards and thoroughly assess the exposure levels in a Chinese viscose rayon plant.

METHODS

An industrial hygienic field survey and a sampling campaign were carried out, including multi-gas monitoring, on-line measurements, and stationary assessment in the spinning hall as well as personal exposure sampling for spinners (by charcoal tube absorbing and GC-FPD analysis). All data was introduced into Foxpro database, and analyzed by Epi info (6.04) and SPSS.

RESULTS

On-line measurement showed that the geometric mean (GM) of carbon disulfide exposure amounted to 12.73 mg/m3 in 'exposure' and 0.08 mg/m3 in 'non-exposure' worksites. These concentrations in the air were related to the subject's activities showing the highest levels when they had to open the shield windows of the spinning machines. Stationary exposure measurements of carbon disulfide in the spinning hall amounted to 23.29 mg/m3 GM (range 5.8-97.94 mg/m3). Personal exposure of spinners was about 17.3 mg/m3 GM. Comparing these methods, the personal exposure sampling could exactly express the exposure levels of the worker's contacting situation. The on-line measurement by multi-gas monitor might also be recommended to the factory as it has its own advantages of rapid and independent assessment, but it under-estimates the exposure level.

Secure optical memory system with polarization encryption

A novel secure holographic memory system with polarization encoding is proposed. Two-dimensional original data are encoded as a two-dimensional polarization distribution. The polarization state at each pixel is scrambled by a mask that changes the polarization state into a random state. The mask can rotate the direction of the principal axes of the elliptically polarized light and can change the phase retardation at each pixel. The light with the random polarization state is stored as a hologram that can produce the vector phase-conjugate beam. In the decryption the vector phase-conjugation readout can recover the original polarization state by use of the same mask used in the encryption. Experimental results of encryption and decryption with a bacteriorhodopsin film are presented.

[Study on FM100-HUE color vision in male workers exposed to lower concentration of carbon disulfide]

The effect of CS2 on color vision in workers exposed to CS2 was explored. The color discrimination in 191 exposed and 93 non-exposed male workers was studied by a Farnsworth Munsell 100-HUE (FM100-HUE) test. The results showed that the time weighted average (TWA) concentration of CS2, determined by Japan GC-17A gas chromatography, was (14.75 +/- 6.89) mg/m3 in a long rayon workshop and (16.30 +/- 5.42) mg/m3 in a short rayon workshop. Higher FM100-HUE color vision score was often in the exposed group (106.9) than in the controls (78.3). The discrimination to green and blue zone was also significantly impaired (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the color vision was disturbed in workers exposed to CS2. The workers should be followed by health surveillance.

A simple method for computer quantification of stage REM eye movement potentials

We describe a simple method for computer quantification of eye movement (EM) potentials during REM sleep. This method can be applied by investigators using either period-amplitude (PA) or Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectral EEG analysis without special hardware or computer programming. It provides good correlations with visual ratings of EM in baseline sleep and after administration of GABAergic hypnotics. We present baseline data for both PA and FFT measures for 16 normal subjects, studied for 5 consecutive nights. Both visually rated and computer-measured EM density (EMD) showed high night-to-night correlations across baseline and drug nights and the computer measures detected the EMD suppression that is produced by GABAergic drugs. Measurement of EM in addition to stage REM provides biologically significant information and application of this simple computer method, which does not require pattern recognition algorithms or special hardware, could provide reliable data that can be compared across laboratories.

[The effects of low birth weight, gestational age on lung function in childhood]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of low birth weight, gestational age on lung function in later childhood.

METHODS

Height, body weight and lung function were measured in a cohort of 35 children with low birth weight (aged 6 approximately 9 y) and 35 healthy controls matched for sex and age with normal birth weight. At the same time, we inquired their gestational age and passive smoking history. The correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between lung function in these children and birth weight and gestational age.

RESULTS

FVC, FEV(1), FEV(1)% pred, V(75), V(50), V(50%) Pred, (V(25%) Pred in children with low birth weight were significantly lower than those in children with normal birth weight (P < 0.05). The lung function statistically positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.245 approximately 0.365, P < 0.05), but not with gestational age (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight was positively correlated with most lung function parameters in childhood.

[A cross-sectional study on the promotion and execution of "the practiced guidelines for the management of common malignant gynecological tumors"]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the promotion and execution of "the practice guidelines for the management of common malignant gynecological tumors (draft)" (guidelines).

METHODS

Cross sectional study was applied. All obstetricians and gynecologists (Obs/Gyns) who attended the Chinese Medical Association's Senior Workshop for Department Chairmen of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty Obs/Gyns were inquired, while two hundred and eighty-one questionnaires were available. Ninety percent (253/281) of Obs/Gyns declared that they had read the guidelines, and 96.4% (271/281) of them thought it necessary to establish the guidelines. In those Obs/Gyns who read the guidelines, 87.7% (222/253) of them managed gynecological tumors according to the guidelines. In those who did not read the guidelines, most were obstetricians or worked in special hospitals, while all gynecological oncologists read the guidelines. In addition, there were still many suggestions on the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The guidelines has been playing a role in the management of common malignant gynecological tumors and need to be revised regularly.

Brownian dynamics simulations of interaction between scorpion toxin Lq2 and potassium ion channel

The association of the scorpion toxin Lq2 and a potassium ion (K(+)) channel has been studied using the Brownian dynamics (BD) simulation method. All of the 22 available structures of Lq2 in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank (PDB) determined by NMR were considered during the simulation, which indicated that the conformation of Lq2 affects the binding between the two proteins significantly. Among the 22 structures of Lq2, only 4 structures dock in the binding site of the K(+) channel with a high probability and favorable electrostatic interactions. From the 4 candidates of the Lq2-K(+) channel binding models, we identified a good three-dimensional model of Lq2-K(+) channel complex through triplet contact analysis, electrostatic interaction energy estimation by BD simulation and structural refinement by molecular mechanics. Lq2 locates around the extracellular mouth of the K(+) channel and contacts the K(+) channel using its beta-sheet rather than its alpha-helix. Lys27, a conserved amino acid in the scorpion toxins, plugs the pore of the K(+) channel and forms three hydrogen bonds with the conserved residues Tyr78(A-C) and two hydrophobic contacts with Gly79 of the K(+) channel. In addition, eight hydrogen-bonds are formed between residues Arg25, Cys28, Lys31, Arg34 and Tyr36 of Lq2 and residues Pro55, Tyr78, Gly79, Asp80, and Tyr82 of K(+) channel. Many of them are formed by side chains of residues of Lq2 and backbone atoms of the K(+) channel. Thirteen hydrophobic contacts exist between residues Met29, Asn30, Lys31 and Tyr36 of Lq2 and residues Pro55, Ala58, Gly79, Asp80 and Tyr82 of the K(+) channel. These favorable interactions stabilize the association between the two proteins. These observations are in good agreement with the experimental results and can explain the binding phenomena between scorpion toxins and K(+) channels at the level of molecular structure. The consistency between the BD simulation and the experimental data indicates that our three-dimensional model of Lq2-K(+) channel complex is reasonable and can be used in further biological studies such as rational design of blocking agents of K(+) channels and mutagenesis in both toxins and K(+) channels.

Influence of flanking sequence context on the mutagenicity of acetylaminofluorene-derived DNA adducts in mammalian cells

Site-specifically modified oligodeoxynucleotides were used to explore the influence of neighboring base sequence context on the mutagenic potential of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-AAF) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (dG-AF) in mammalian cells. Oligodeoxynucleotides ((5)(')TCCTCCTNXNCTCTC, where X is dG-AAF, dG-AF, or dG and N is C, A, G, or T) with different bases flanking the lesion were incorporated into a single-strand shuttle plasmid vector and used to establish the mutational frequency and specificity of dG-AAF and dG-AF adducts in simian kidney (COS-7) cells. Vectors containing dG-AAF promote preferential incorporation of dCMP at the site of the lesion; misincorporation of dAMP and dTMP also was observed. Mutational frequencies range from 11 to 23%. High mutational frequencies (18-23%) were observed when G or T was positioned 5' to dG-AAF and a lower frequency (11%) when C was 5' to the lesion. dCMP was predominantly incorporated opposite the dG-AF adduct when C, A, or T was 5' to the lesion; dAMP and dTMP were misincorporated at a frequency of 2-4%. With G 5' to the lesion, the overall mutational frequency for dG-AF ranged between 11 and 70%; the highest value occurred when C was the 3' flanking base, and the predominant mutation event was G --> T transversion (59%). We conclude from these experiments that dG-AAF and dG-AF promote G --> T transversions and G --> A transitions in mammalian cells. The mutational frequency and specificity of dG-AF vary significantly, depending on the nature of the bases flanking the lesion.

[Influence of moderate hypothermia on the contents of 6-KETO-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 in brain tissues after cardiac arrest and resuscitation in dogs]

To investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia of whole brain (30 degrees C to 32 degrees C) on the levels of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in brain tissues after cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Twenty-one dogs were divided into four groups: Group A, nonischemic controls (n = 4); Group B, 15 minute cardiac arrest without reperfusion (n = 4); Group C, 15 minute cardiac arrest and standard resuscitation (n = 6); Group D, 15 minute cardiac arrest and moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C-32 degrees C). The results showed that as compared with those in Group A, the 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha levels remained substantially unchanged in Group C and D (P > 0.05), and the levels of TXB2 and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1 alpha ratio increased significantly in Group C (P < 0.01), but both maintained basically stable in Group D (P > 0.05). In comparison with those in Group C, the levels of TXB2 and TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1 alpha ratio decreased dramatically (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the moderate hypothermia can depress the arachidonic acid metabolism and keep a certain balance between the activities of TXA2 and PGI2 during cerebral resuscitation.

Transcriptional analysis of Marek's disease virus glycoprotein D, I, and E genes: gD expression is undetectable in cell culture

The various alphaherpesviruses, including Marek's disease virus (MDV), have both common and unique features of gene content and expression. The entire MDV U(s) region has been sequenced in our laboratory (P. Brunovskis and L. F. Velicar, Virology 206:324-338, 1995). Genes encoding the MDV glycoprotein D (gD), glycoprotein I (gI), and glycoprotein E (gE) homologs have been found in this region, although no gG homolog was found. In this work, transcription of the tandem MDV gD, gI, and gE genes was studied and found to have both unique characteristics and also features in common with other alphaherpesviruses. MDV gD could not be immunoprecipitated from MDV GA-infected duck embryo fibroblast cells by antisera reactive to its TrpE fusion proteins, while gI and gE could be. When the gD gene was subjected to in vitro-coupled transcription-translation, the precursor polypeptide was produced and could be immunoprecipitated by anti-gD. Northern blot, reverse transcriptase PCR, and RNase protection analyses have shown that (i) no mRNA initiating directly from the gD gene could be detected; (ii) a large but low-abundance 7.5-kb transcript spanning five genes, including the one encoding gD, was seen on longer exposure; and (iii) transcription of the gI and gE genes formed an abundant bicistronic 3.5-kb mRNA, as well as an abundant 2.0-kb gE-specific mRNA. Therefore, the MDV gD gene expression is down-regulated at the transcription level in MDV-infected cell culture, which may be related to the cell-associated nature of MDV in fibroblast cells. Compared to the highly gD-dependent herpes simplex virus and the other extreme of the varicella-zoster virus which lacks the gD gene, MDV is an intermediate type of alphaherpesvirus.