Induction of G1 arrest and differentiation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell by boehmeriasin A, a novel compound from plant

Boehmeriasin A is a new phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloid recently isolated from the Boehmeria siamensis Craib (Urticaceae). In vitro biological activity assay demonstrated that this novel compound has wide-range, strong antitumor activity. This study is aimed to determine the effects of boehmeriasin A on breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231 cell line). Proliferation assay and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) showed that cell growth inhibition and G1 phase arrest of cell cycle were caused by boehmeriasin A. The concentrations resulting in total and 50% growth inhibition are 0.007 and 0.0035 microg/mL, respectively. Exposed in 0.007 microg/mL boehmeriasin A for 12 h, the G1 phase cell percent increased from 44.8% pre-drug treatment to 66.3%. Consistent with G1 arrest and cell growth inhibition, cyclin E2 and cyclin D1 messenger RNA expression in the cell was down-regulated with drug treatment. Then, few apoptotic cells were detected, and most other cells underwent differentiation, which is characterized by specific changes in cell morphology, lots of lipid droplet accumulation, and increasing expression of adipocyte differentiation-related protein. The result first demonstrates that boehmeriasin A potently inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 via the G1 phase cell cycle arrest and differentiation induction, and as such, may be considered as candidate chemotherapeutic and/or chemopreventive agent for breast cancer.

The comparison of different feed forward neural network architectures for ECG signal diagnosis

The electrocardiograms (ECGs) record the electrical activity of the heart and are used to diagnose many heart disorders. This paper proposes a two-stage feed forward neural network for ECG signal classification. The research is aimed at the design of an intelligent ECG diagnosis tool that can recognise heart abnormalities while reducing the complexity, cost, and response time of the system. A number of neural network architectures are designed and compared for their ability to classify six different heart conditions. Two network architectures based on one stage and two stage feed forward neural networks are chosen for this investigation. The training and testing ECG signals are obtained from MIT-BIH database. The network inputs are comprised of 12 ECG features and 13 compressed components of each heart beat signal. The performance of the different modules as well as the efficiency of the whole system is presented. Among different architectures, a proposed multi-stage network named NET_BST possesses the highest recognition rate of around 93%. Therefore, this network proves to be a suitable candidate in ECG signal diagnosis systems.

Dynamic changes of GAD65 autoantibody epitope specificities in individuals at risk of developing type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Progression to type 1 diabetes is associated with intramolecular epitope spreading to disease-specific antibody epitopes located in the middle region of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65).

METHODS

The relationship between intramolecular epitope spreading of autoantibodies specific to GAD65 in relation to the risk of developing type 1 diabetes was tested in 22 high-risk individuals and 38 low-risk individuals. We determined the conformational epitopes in this longitudinal study by means of competition experiments using recombinant Fab of four GAD65-specific monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

Sera from high-risk children in the preclinical stage recognise a specific combination of GAD65 antibody epitopes located in the middle and the C-terminus of GAD65. High risk of progressing to disease is associated with the emergence of antibodies specific for conformational epitopes at the N-terminus and the middle region. Binding to already established antibody epitopes located in the middle and at the N-terminus increases and shows a significant relation (p=0.005) with HLA, which confers risk of developing diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In type 1 diabetes, GAD65 antibodies are initially generated against the middle and C-terminal regions of GAD65. In genetically predisposed subjects the autoimmune response may then undergo intramolecular epitope spreading towards epitopes on the N-terminus and further epitopes located in the middle. These findings clearly demonstrate that the GAD65 autoantibody response in the preclinical stage of type 1 diabetes is dynamic and related to the HLA genotypes that confer risk of diabetes. GAD65-specific Fab should prove useful in predicting progression from islet autoimmunity to clinical onset of type 1 diabetes.

Measurement of the Parity-Violating Neutron Spin Rotation in (4) He

In the meson exchange model of weak nucleon-nucleon (NN) interactions, the exchange of virtual mesons between the nucleons is parameterized by a set of weak meson exchange amplitudes. The strengths of these amplitudes from theoretical calculations are not well known, and experimental measurements of parity-violating (PV) observables in different nuclear systems have not constrained their values. Transversely polarized cold neutrons traveling through liquid helium experience a PV spin rotation due to the weak interaction with an angle proportional to a linear combination of these weak meson exchange amplitudes. A measurement of the PV neutron spin rotation in helium (φ PV ( n ,α)) would provide information about the relative strengths of the weak meson exchange amplitudes, and with the longitudinal analyzing power measurement in the p + α system, allow the first comparison between isospin mirror systems in weak NN interaction. An earlier experiment performed at NIST obtained a result consistent with zero: φ PV ( n ,α) = (8.0 ±14(stat) ±2.2(syst)) ×10(-7) rad / m[1]. We describe a modified apparatus using a superfluid helium target to increase statistics and reduce systematic effects in an effort to reach a sensitivity goal of 10(-7) rad/m.

'Active' filters for upgrading phosphorus removal from pond systems

This paper investigates limestone and iron slag filters as an upgrade option for phosphorus removal from wastewater treatment ponds. A review of 'active' filter technology and the results from laboratory and field research using packed columns of the different media is presented. It is shown that both limestone and iron slag can remove phosphorus but highlights that different types of limestone give markedly different performance. Filter performance appears to be improved by increasing temperature and by the presence of algae, presumably because of its tendency to elevate pH. Performance is related to hydraulic retention time (HRT), but this relationship is not linear, particularly at low HRTs. Importantly for future research, the results from field-testing with pond effluent show significant differences compared to those obtained when using a synthetic feed in the laboratory. For the iron slag filter, higher performance was observed in the field (72% in field vs. 27% in laboratory, at a 12 hour-HRT), while the opposite was observed for the limestone (64% in laboratory vs. 18% in field, at a 12-hour HRT).

Multiplicity of the antibody response to GAD65 in Type I diabetes

Type I diabetes (TID) is an autoimmune disease characterized in part by the presence of autoantibodies directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), among other pancreatic islet antigens. We investigated the independent epitope specificities of these GAD65 antibodies (GAD65Ab) and their combinations in the sera of new onset TID patients and first-degree relatives positive for GAD65Ab. For our analysis, we used four GAD65-specific recombinant Fabs (rFabs) that recognize different conformational determinants of GAD65 located throughout the molecule, including the N-terminal, the middle and the C-terminal regions. We used these epitope-specific rFabs in competition assays to determine the binding specificity of the autoantibodies found in patient sera. Among the 61 sera from newly diagnosed GAD65Ab-positive TID patients GAD65 binding was competed for 23 sera by all four rFabs, 29 by at least two rFabs, and in nine sera were displaced by one or no rFab. In contrast, none of the 24 sera from GAD65Ab-positive first-degree relatives of TID patients were displaced by all four rFabs. When using all four rFabs simultaneously to compete with GAD65Ab binding, binding of sera from TID patients was reduced by an average of 70%. A significantly weaker competition was observed when evaluating sera of GAD65Ab-positive first-degree relatives (P < 0.0001).

Conformation-dependent GAD65 autoantibodies in diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Conformation-dependent autoantibodies directed against GAD65 are markers of Type 1 diabetes. In this study we aimed to determine whether the substitution of GAD65 with GAD67 amino acids would affect the binding of conformation-dependent GAD65 autoantibodies.

METHODS

We used PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis to generate a series of mutated GAD65 cDNA constructs in which specific GAD65 coding sequences for regions of the protein critical for autoantibody binding were replaced with GAD67 coding sequences.

RESULTS

The introduction of a point mutation at position 517, substituting glutamic acid with proline, markedly reduced the binding of disease-associated GAD65 antibodies. The binding of GAD65 antibodies to the E517P mutant was reduced in the sera of all newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients ( n=85) by a mean of 72% ( p<0.0001) compared with binding to wild-type GAD65. Patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults ( n=24) showed a similar reduction in binding (79% reduction, p<0.0001). First-degree relatives who subsequently progressed to Type 1 diabetes ( n=12) showed a reduction in binding of 80% compared with a reduction of only 65% among relatives who had not progressed to disease ( n=38; p=0.025). In healthy GAD65Ab-positive individuals who did not progress to diabetes during a 9-year follow-up period ( n=51), binding to GAD65-E517P was reduced by only 28% compared with binding to wild-type GAD65.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Differences in autoantibody binding to wild-type GAD65 versus GAD65-E517P may provide predictive information about Type 1 diabetes risk beyond that provided by the presence or absence of GAD65 autoantibodies. Lack of binding to mutant GAD65-E517P defines GAD65-positive individuals who are at higher risk of developing diabetes.

Determination of CD30 expression on peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome by FCM

To determine the CD30 expression on peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and its clinical implications, double immunofluorescence technique and flow cytometry were used. There was no significant difference among the severe group, mild-moderate group and normal control group in the CD4+CD30- T lymphocyte subset. While the CD4+CD30+ T cells of HFRS patients were increased and the difference between severe group and mild-moderate group or normal control group were very significant (P < 0.01) and the difference between the mild-moderate group and normal control group was also significant (P < 0.05). The CD8+CD30- T cells were increased while the CD8+CD30+ T cells decreased obviously in HFRS patients, and the differences among three groups in both subsets were very significant (P < 0.01). The results showed that the humoral immunity and cellular immunity are overactive in HFRS patients during acute phase. The loss of balance between T lymphocyte subsets may play an important role in the pathophysiology of HFRS and is closely correlated with the severity of the HFRS.

Study on IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in liver and bone marrow of mice infected with Schistosomiasis Japonica

To compare Th2 cytokines levels in livers and bone marrow of mice infected with Schistosomiasis Japonica and understand their implication, ABC immunohistochemical staining technique and multimedia pathologic pictures analysis were used to detect the IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 derived from livers and bone marrow of infected mice. Results showed that in the livers of infected mice, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 were obviously increased over time. The level of IL-4 was increased most among the 3 indicators. In bone marrow of infected mice, however, even though IL-4 was slowly increased over time, it was lower than that of livers in 10th and 12th week. The level of IL-5 was higher than that of livers during 12th weeks. Before 10th weeks IL-10 was elevated. After 12th week IL-10 was decreased and obviously lower than that of livers. It is concluded that in mice infected with Schistosomiasis Japonica, the immune response occurred mainly in the liver. Therefore, in bone marrow, IL-5 showed obvious auto-secretion. It might be related to its biological ability to induce B cell division and eosinophil differentiation.

Relationship between the clinical features and the viral antigen in the extremity blood of the patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

The direct immunogold silver staining (D-IGSS) method was used to detect the viral antigen in the extremity blood of 67 cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The positive rate of viral antigen was the highest during the fever, hypotension and oligouria phrase; and the rate dropped gradually during the polyuria and convalescent phase. It is suggested that clinical staging was positively related with the percentage of the viral antigen positive cells (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the positive rate was related to the extent of the injuries by direct viral attack and immune reaction. The D-IGSS was proved to be fast, simple, economical, with high sensitivity and specificity.

[Dynamic changes in IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in liver and bone marrow of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum]

AIM

To observe the changes in Th2 cytokines in the liver and bone marrow of mice infected with schistosomiasis japonica.

METHODS

ABC immunohistochemical staining technique and multimedia pathological picture analysis were used. Meanwhile, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 derived from livers and bone marrows of infected mice were observed at wk 8, 10 and 12 after infection.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In the livers of infected mice, the levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 increased obviously with a prolongation of the infection duration, IL-4 being the highest. However, in the bone marrow of infected mice, IL-4 level increased slowly with the duration of the infection, being lower than those in the liver at wk 10 and 12 after infection. The level of IL-5 was higher than that in the liver within 12 wk. At wk 10 after infection IL-10 tended to increase, but decreased thereafter and was obviously lower than that in the liver. In mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum, the immune response occurred mainly in the liver. IL-5 in the bone marrow showed auto-secretion.

Regeneration of plants from callus tissues of hairy roots induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes on Alhagi pseudoalhagi

The legume forage Alhagi pseudoalhagi was transformed by the Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4 using cotyledon and hypocotyl segments as infection materials. Regenerated plants were achieved from sterile calli derived from hairy roots, which occurred at or near the infection sites. The regenerated plants from hairy root were characterized by normal leaf morphology and stem growth but a shallow and more extensive root system than normal plants. Opine synthesis, PCR and Southern blot confirmed that T-DNA had been integrated into the A. pseudoalhagi genome. Acetosyringone (AS) was found to be vital for successful transformation of A. pseudoalhagi.

[A contour map segmentation for laser scanning confocal microscopic biomedical images]

We propose a contour map segmentation method for laser scanning confocal microscopic (LSCM) biomedical images. In this method, an image is first segmented into sub-regions by contour map. Then the sub-regions are merged from top to bottom or from bottom to top, according to a segmentation criterion of intensity homogeneity. The merging procedures continue until no region needs to be merged. The advantage of this method is that the objects with wide intensity ranges and different intensity homogeneity can be segmented properly. In this paper, the region segmentation by contour map is first addressed. Next a region merging according to a segmentation criterion of intensity homogeneity is presented, and then the design of a linear intensity homogeneity segmentation criterion is introduced. Two examples of image segmentation by this method are given at the end of this paper.

[Effects of ubenimex ( bestatin) on the immunity of patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma treated with chemotherapy]

BACKGROUND

To evaluated the effects of ubenimex on immunity of patients with squamous cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with inoperable squamous cell lung carcinoma were randomly divided into the experimental group ( EG, received chemotherapy combined with ubenimex 30mg p. o. daily for 6 months) or the control group ( CG, received chemotherapy alone) at 3:2 ratio. Lymph ocyte counting ( LC) , OKT₄ /T₈ ratio, activity of NK cell, IL-2 value and the level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor were determined. The regimen was CAP: cyclophosphamide and adriamycin and cisplatin.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were evaluable to be analysed and 32 in the EG and 20 in the CG respectively. The overall response rate at 6 months after treatment was 56% ( 18/ 32) in the EG and 45% ( 9/ 20) in the CG, which was no significant difference between the two groups. Three months and 6 months after treatment, OKT₄ /T₈ ratio, activity of NK cell and IL-2 value of the patients in the EG were significantly increased with the values of 1. 50±0. 29 and 1. 63±0. 39, 35. 1%±7. 3% and 35. 8%±5. 0%, 12±2 IU/ ml and 13±3 IU/ ml respectively compared with those before treatment with the values of 1. 34±0. 32, 33. 6%±5. 5%, 11±2 IU/ ml respectively ( P < 0. 05) and the SIL-2R level was significantly decreased with the values of 596±140 IU/ ml and 581±138 IU/ ml respectively compared with those before treatment 660±173 IU/ ml ( P < 0. 05) . Whereas in the CG there were no significant changes observed except for the SIL-2R level with the value of 532±78 IU/ ml at 6 months after treatment vs 645±189 IU/ ml before treatment. The IL-2 level of the patients in the EG significantly increased compared with those in the CG ( P < 0. 05) at 6 months after treatment ( 13±3 IU/ ml vs 11±3 IU/ ml) .

CONCLUSIONS

Ubenimex may increase the OKT₄ / T₈ ratio, the NK cell activity and the IL-2 value and decrease the SIL-2R level of patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma. Further studies on larger cases and long period of follow-up will be needed before definite conclusion can be drawn.

Antitumor effect of the idiotypic cascade induced by an antibody encapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres

A major difficulty encountered during development of antibody vaccines is their weak immunogenicity. In this study, a monoclonal antibody CS20.5 to human breast cancer antigen CA15.3 was coencapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with monophosphoryl lipid A. The antitumor effect of this formulation was investigated in a murine model. The induced Ab2 biologically mimics antigen as it competed with CA15.3 for the same idiotope on Ab1. Ab3 induction was also observed. After five sequential administrations of encapsulated antibody, mice showed statistically significant tumor regression. These results indicate that this formulation may serve as a potential treatment for breast cancer.

Fine-scale mapping of a locus for severe bipolar mood disorder on chromosome 18p11.3 in the Costa Rican population

We have searched for genes predisposing to bipolar disorder (BP) by studying individuals with the most extreme form of the affected phenotype, BP-I, ascertained from the genetically isolated population of the Central Valley of Costa Rica (CVCR). The results of a previous linkage analysis on two extended CVCR BP-I pedigrees, CR001 and CR004, and of linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses of a CVCR population sample of BP-I patients implicated a candidate region on 18p11.3. We further investigated this region by creating a physical map and developing 4 new microsatellite and 26 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers for typing in the pedigree and population samples. We report the results of fine-scale association analyses in the population sample, as well as evaluation of haplotypes in pedigree CR001. Our results suggest a candidate region containing six genes but also highlight the complexities of LD mapping of common disorders.

Taxol induced Bcl-2 protein phosphorylation in human hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-7703 cell line

Bcl-2 family proteins play a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis. Treatment of a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, QGY-7703, with Taxol induced apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein phosphorylation. Microscopic observation indicated that apoptotic bodies (0-15%) of Taxol-treated QGY cells appeared after 12 h of treatment, and apoptotic QGY cells gradually increased to 40% after 24 h and 70% after 48 h. A DNA fragmentation assay showed that Taxol induced genomic DNA cleavage into 200 bp DNA fragments. Bcl-2 protein was phosphorylated in Taxol-treated QGY cells within 3 h of treatment, and continued gradually up to 24 h. By 48 h, the protein was unphosphorylated. Other Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax (a heterodimerization partner of Bcl-2), Bcl-XL, Bak and Bad, were expressed, but at constant levels. The results show a close correlation between Bcl-2 phosphorylation and apoptosis in QGY cells. The inactivation of Bcl-2 protein phosphorylation could be one of the key mechanisms needed for the induction of apoptosis in Taxol-treated QGY cells.

Identification of rab7 as a melanosome-associated protein involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1

The melanosome is a unique secretory granule of the melanocyte in which melanin pigments are synthesized by tyrosinase gene family glycoproteins. Melanogenesis is a highly regulated process because of its inherent toxicity. An understanding of the various regulatory mechanisms is important in delineating the pathophysiology involved in pigmentary disorders and melanoma. We have purified and analyzed the total melanosomal proteins from B16 mouse melanoma tumors in order to identify new proteins that may be involved in the control of the melanogenesis process. Melanosomal proteins were resolved by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a predominant spot (27 kDa with isoelectric point 5.8-6.4) was excised and digested with cyanogen bromide, and the fragments were sequenced. Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were synthesized corresponding to the peptide sequences, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of total RNA from B16 cells was carried out. Sequencing of one of the polymerase-chain-reaction-mediated clones demonstrated 80%-97% sequence homology of 200 bp nucleotide with GTP-binding proteins at the 3'-untranslated region. GTP-binding assay on two-dimensional gels of melanosomal proteins showed the presence of several (five to six) small GTP-binding proteins, suggesting that small GTP-binding proteins are associated with the melanosome. Among the known GTP-binding proteins with similar molecular weight and isoelectric point ranges, rab3, rab7, and rab8 were found to be present in the melanosomal fraction by immunoblotting. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that rab7 is colocalized with the tyrosinase-related protein 1 around the perinuclear area as well as, in part, in the perikaryon, thereby suggesting that rab7 might be involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 transport was blocked by the treatment of B16 cells with antisense oligonucleotide to rab7. We suggest (i) that rab7 is a melanosome-associated molecule, (ii) that tyrosinase-related protein 1 is present in late-endosome delineated granules, and (iii) that rab7 is involved in the transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1 from the late-endosome delineated granule to the melanosome.

[Research on the immunological cause of auricular pseudocyst]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the relationship between the auricular pseudocyst and the immunological function of patients.

METHOD

The cyst fluid and blood sample had been detected for contents of IgG, IgA, IgM and complement C3 by radial immunodiffusion, immunocomplex (IC) contents by polyethylene glycol turbidimetry in 55 cases, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) by immuno-fluorescent technique in 23 cases, extractable nuclear antibody (ENA) by immunotransfer technique in 24 cases. The frozen sections of cyst wall tissue of 24 cases had been detected for immunocomplex by immunoenzyme histochemistric method. The reactions were observed separately between the auricle tissue of healthy white rat, human embryo and cyst fluid, serum of patient and normal serum.

RESULT

Contents of IgG, IgA, IgM and C3 in the cyst fluid were lower than the serum significantly (P < 0.01). No IC, ANA and ENA could been found both in serum and cyst fluid, but reactive immunocomplex was discovered on the auricle cartilagous tissue of patient, immunocomplex also be observed on human embryo aurical tissue when it reacted with cyst fluid, but complex hadn't be found when the auricle tissue of white rat and human embryo reacted with serum of patient and normal people.

CONCLUSION

The reason of auricular pseudocyst may be related with the local autoimmune status of patient.

[Clinical study on the using methods of cisplatin in lung cancer chemotherapy]

BACKGROUND

To compare the therapeutic effectiveness and toxicity between 1-day perfusion and 3-day perfusion of high-dose cisplatin combined chemotherapy for lung cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-four cases of pathologically proved lung cancer were randomized into groups A and B. Group A (32 cases) received cisplatin at d1, and group B (32 cases) received cisplatin at d1-3. Total dosages of cisplatin were same for both groups (100 mg/m²).

RESULTS

Delayed vomiting in group B (40.63%) was significantly lower than that of group A (53.13%) (P<0.05); the early nephrotoxicity rate of group B(25.00%) was lower than that of group A (46.88%), but there was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The therapeutical response was 62.50% in group A, and 68.75% in group B. No significant difference of the chemotherapeutical response was observed between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the combined chemotherapy of lung cancer, the division administration of high-dose cisplatin can not only guarantee the therapeutic response, but also abate the gastrotoxicity and the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin.

Mutual antagonism of calcium entry by capacitative and arachidonic acid-mediated calcium entry pathways

In nonexcitable cells, the predominant mechanism for regulated entry of Ca(2+) is capacitative calcium entry, whereby depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores signals the activation of plasma membrane calcium channels. A number of other regulated Ca(2+) entry pathways occur in specific cell types, however, and it is not know to what degree the different pathways interact when present in the same cell. In this study, we have examined the interaction between capacitative calcium entry and arachidonic acid-activated calcium entry, which co-exist in HEK293 cells. These two pathways exhibit mutual antagonism. That is, capacitative calcium entry is potently inhibited by arachidonic acid, and arachidonic acid-activated entry is inhibited by the pre-activation of capacitative calcium entry with thapsigargin. In the latter case, the inhibition does not seem to result from a direct action of thapsigargin, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps, depletion of Ca(2+) stores, or entry of Ca(2+) through capacitative calcium entry channels. Rather, it seems that a discrete step in the pathway signaling capacitative calcium entry interacts with and inhibits the arachidonic acid pathway. The findings reveal a novel process of mutual antagonism between two distinct calcium entry pathways. This mutual antagonism may provide an important protective mechanism for the cell, guarding against toxic Ca(2+) overload.

Rat hepatic natural killer cells (pit cells) express mRNA and protein similar to in vitro interleukin-2 activated spleen natural killer cells

Pit cells are liver-specific natural killer (NK) cells that can be divided into high- (HD) and low-density (LD) subpopulations. The characteristics of pit cells were further investigated in this report. LD and HD pit cells express the specific NK-activation markers gp42, CD25, and ANK44 antigen. LD cells and IL-2-activated NK cells have a high mRNA expression of perforin, granzymes, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. LD pit cells, unlike spleen NK cells, have a weak response to IL-2 with regard to proliferation, cytotoxicity, and production of NK-related molecules. The characteristics of HD cells are intermediate between LD and spleen NK cells. These results show that pit cells, especially LD cells, possess characteristics similar to IL-2-activated NK cells. This is the first evidence on a molecular level that pit cells could be considered in vivo activated NK cells.

[Clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck malignant melanoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck malignant melanoma.

METHODS

Sixty-eight cases of head and neck malignant melanoma were reviewed. There were 33 patients with melanoma in the nasal cavity and oral cavity, 35 patients with melanoma in the skin. The age fastigium of the patients was from 41 to 60 years. Surgical specimens in 52 cases and biopsy specimens in 16 cases were studied pathologically. S-100, HMB45 and NSE were examined immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Histopathology studies showed that the cell morphology was pleomorphic as well as polymorphic both in shape and size of the cells. Immunohistochemical studies helped diagnosis as all of the 42 melanoma specimens were posture for S-100 and 90.5% positive for HMB45. In 52 of the 68 cases, the tumor was excised surgically, with additional radiotherapy in 13 cases or chemotherapy in 21 cases. Ten cases were treated with radiotherapy alone. In 56 patients followed-up, 12 survived for 5 years, including 9 cases of skin melanoma and 3 cases of nasal and oral melanoma.

CONCLUSION

The histo-pathological features of malignant melanoma vary significantly. Immunohistochemical staining helps diagnosis and differential diagnosis. The prognosis of malignant melanoma in nasal cavity and oral cavity is poor as compared to that in the skin of head and neck region.

Healthy pregnancy program in a national managed care organization: evaluation of satisfaction and health behavior outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate satisfaction with the Healthy Pregnancy Program (HPP), which was developed to educate and coordinate the care of pregnant women in a managed care setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Telephone survey.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A random sample of program participants at 3 large health plans were contacted by telephone to evaluate their satisfaction with the program overall and with its components, including an educational booklet and telephone contact with a HPP nurse as needed. Women also were asked about changes in health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, diet, and stress) resulting directly from participation in the HPP. Of 1155 eligible women participating in HPP who delivered a baby from April 1997 through March 1998, 684 completed the survey. The response rate was 59%.

RESULTS

Overall satisfaction with the HPP was reported by 96% of the women, and 76% reported the 2 highest ratings of satisfaction (completely or very satisfied). Reports of satisfaction were more likely for women who entered the program early in pregnancy, who read the booklet, and who had more telephone contacts. In general, at least half of the women in each behavior category reported improving their behavior, especially if they were younger, identified as high risk, or having their first child. Verbatim comments supported the high satisfaction levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPP is an example of a program that was developed to improve healthcare delivery in a managed care setting and, when evaluated, was found to result in highly satisfied mothers likely to improve their health behaviors.

[A study of hepatitis B virus(HBV) anti-genome and its inhibitory effect on HBV replication]

OBJECTIVE

To study the combination of triplex forming oligodeoxynucleotides (TFO) with hepatitis B virus gene and its effect on replication of HBV.

METHODS

An oligodeoxynucleotide (TFO20) which can form triplex with SP1 sites in HBV core promoter was synthesized and was linked with biotin. Both the liposome-TFO20 and naked TFO20 were transfected to HepG2.2.15 cells, which was detected by SABC assay and showed signals that TFO20 was combined with HBV DNA. ELISA, reverse transcript (RT)-PCR and fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to investigate the change of HBV DNA, 3.5 kb/3.4 kb RNA, 2.4 kb/2.1 kb RNA, HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2.2.15 cells before and after treatment with TFO20.

RESULTS

The ratio of liposome-TFO20 and naked TFO20 transfected to HepG2.2.15 cells were 80% and 40%, respectively. TFO20 signals mainly distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm. After treatment with TFO20, the level of HBV DNA was reduced from 10(7.01) to 10(4.94), while 3.5 kb/3.4 kb RNA, 2.4 kb/2.1 kb RNA, HBsAg and HBeAg were also reduced by 70.2%, 31.6%, 37.0%, 78.2% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TFO20 can be transfected into cells by packing with liposome and can be combined with HBV DNA. TFO20 can effectively inhibit replication of HBV.

[Histopathological observation of acute facial nerve impairment in rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate histopathological changes of acute facial nerve impairment.

METHODS

Ligation of facial nerve outside stylomastoid foramen with 3-0 silk, observation of histopathological changes of facial nerve on the 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day after ligation.

RESULTS

The facial nerve showed all kinds and various degrees of histopathological changes, from swelling to degeneration, in myeline and axon respectively.

CONCLUSION

All kinds and various degrees of pathological changes have been observed in myeline and axon after the ligation of facial nerve in rabbits. This study demonstrates that such injuries to the facial nerve become increasingly serious as the ligation lasts day after day.

Measuring continuity of elders' posthospital care

Continuity of care is a critical component of quality patient care, yet the paucity of reliable and valid measures of continuity of care make it difficult to ascertain the extent to which continuity has been achieved. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of an instrument to measure continuity of care that incorporates the perspectives of elders hospitalized for a chronic illness and their family caregivers. The instrument was used, and its reliability and validity examined, in a series of studies related to elders' posthospital transition. Elders in the studies ranged in age from 55 to 94 years. The findings supported content and construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and ability to detect changes in the same subjects at different points in time for the care management and services subscales. With further refinement, the continuity of provider and conflicting information subscales might also facilitate assessment of care continuity.

Signaling pathways underlying muscarinic receptor-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells

We have investigated the signaling pathways underlying muscarinic receptor-induced calcium oscillations in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Activation of muscarinic receptors with a maximal concentration of carbachol (100 microm) induced a biphasic rise in cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) comprised of release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space. A lower concentration of carbachol (5 microm) induced repetitive [Ca2+]i spikes or oscillations, the continuation of which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The entry of Ca2+ with 100 microm carbachol and with the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, was completely blocked by 1 microm Gd3+, as well as 30-100 microm concentrations of the membrane-permeant inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibitor, 2-aminoethyoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB). Sensitivity to these inhibitors is indicative of capacitative calcium entry. Arachidonic acid, a candidate signal for Ca2+ entry associated with [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells, induced entry that was inhibited only by much higher concentrations of Gd3+ and was unaffected by 100 microm 2-APB. Like arachidonic acid-induced entry, the entry associated with [Ca2)]i oscillations was insensitive to inhibition by Gd3+ but was completely blocked by 100 microm 2-APB. These findings indicate that the signaling pathway responsible for the Ca2+) entry driving [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells is more complex than originally thought, and may involve neither capacitative calcium entry nor a role for PLA2 and arachidonic acid.

Study of multi-drug resistant mechanisms in a taxol-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma QGY-TR 50 cell line

Cancer chemotherapy with taxol often fails due to acquired resistance of cancer cells, which is frequently associated with an overexpression of P-gp and alterations of beta-tubulin. A taxol-resistant cell line, QGY-TR50, derived from a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) QGY-7703 cell line was used to investigate the mechanisms of taxol-resistance. QGY-TR50 cells showed more than 250-fold resistance to taxol and exhibited cross-resistance to other drugs including actinomycin D, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and vincristine. P-gp was highly expressed in QGY-TR50 cells. Expression levels of five human beta-tubulin isotypes (betaI-, betaII-,betaIII-, betaIva, and betaIvb-tubulin) were examined by real-time semi-quantitative PCR. Comparing with QGY-7703 cells, QGY-TR50 cells did not show any significant change in the expression levels of betaI-, betaIva, and betaIvb-tubulin. While a 1.2-fold increased in betaII-tubulin and a 0.5-fold decreased in betaIII-tubulin levels were observed. All results suggest that the P-glycoprotein could be one key factor involved in enhancing drug resistance in QGY-TR50 cells.

Hepatitis G viral RNA co-infection in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with hepatitis C

The incidence of the co-infection of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its clinical implication was investigated and the difference in the positive rate of HGV RNA and HCV RNA between plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) observed. By using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, HCV-RNA and HGV-RNA in plasma and PBMCs of 72 patients with hepatitis C was detected. It was showed that HGV RNA was positive in plasma of 11 patients, in PBMCs of 15 patients, and simultaneously in both of plasma and PBMCs of 10 patients with the co-infection rate being 22.2%. Nine patients were both HGV RNA and HCV RNA positive in plasma, 11 patients were both HGV RNA and HCV RNA positive in PBMC, and 6 patients were both HGV RNA and HCV RNA positive in both plasma and PBMC with the positive rate being 12.4%, 15.3% and 8.3% respectively. The positive rate of both HGV RNA and HCV RNA in PBMCs was higher than in plasma. It was concluded that the HGV co-infection rate in the patients with hepatitis C was 22.2%. Simultaneous examination of plasma and PBMC can improve clinically detectable rate.

Molecular epidemiologic study of Mycoplasma genitalium infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases in China

OBJECTIVE

To detect Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from several cities in China and to clarify the possible role of Mg in the pathogenesis of non-gonococcal urethritis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on 2 pairs of primers, one for Mg-Pa (adhesion protein) and the other for 16S-rRNA (Mycoplasma genera) was used to detect Mg infection. Urogenital specimens of different high risk populations and urethritis patients, were collected from the Guangdong, Kunming, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changzhou areas.

RESULTS

The positive detection rate of Mg-DNA in high risk populations of STDs was significantly higher than that of the control group (chi 2 = 7.82, P < 0.01). The positive detection rates in Guangdong STD clinics and promiscuous persons from Kunming were higher than those from the Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changzhou areas (chi 2 = 8.54, P < 0.01 and chi 2 = 5.89, P < 0.05). Mg DNA could be detected in those patients without other relevant pathogens. Some patients were simultaneously infected with Mg and other microbes, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Ureaplasma urelyticum. The positive Mg-DNA detection rate in patients with urethritis symptoms was higher than in patients without the symptoms (chi 2 = 11.68, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Mg infection exists in high risk populations of STDs in China, and the Mg infection rate is different among different high risk groups.