A novel human amino acid transporter, hNAT3: cDNA cloning, chromosomal mapping, genomic structure, expression, and functional characterization

Amino acid transporters are proteins that transport amino acids across the membrane. We report here the isolation and characterization of a novel human cDNA clone encoding a protein of 547 amino acids. This protein shares approximately 50% amino acid sequence homology with the amino acid transporters mouse mNAT and its orthologs, rat SN1 and human g17, and mouse GlnT/ATA1 and ATA2. Expression of this cRNA in Xenopus oocytes revealed that the strongest transport activities were specific for l-alanine. In addition, hNAT3 is a Na(+)- and pH-dependent, low-affinity transporter and partially tolerates substitution of Na(+) by Li(+). Since this protein has sequence and functional similarities to the previously identified system N amino acid transporters, we named this protein hNAT3. The genomic DNA sequence encoding the transcript of hNAT3 spans over 14 kb with 16 exons and 15 introns. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we mapped the hNAT3 gene to human chromosome 12q12-q13. By RT-PCR of embryonic and adult human tissues, hNAT3 was detected to be predominantly expressed in the liver and to a much lesser extent in the muscle, kidney, and pancreas. The data obtained in this study are likely to offer critical clues for identification of amino acid transporter-associated diseases.

PDZ-binding kinase participates in spermatogenesis

A cDNA clone denoted SPK (spermatogenesis-related protein kinase) was isolated from human fetal brain cDNA library. The deduced protein was 99% identical to human PDZ-binding kinase (PBK), which is a mitotic kinase. Its isoform, which is about 300 bp longer at 3' end, was also isolated in this study. SPK gene was assigned to human chromosome 8p21.2 by radiation hybrid. Northern blot analysis indicated that SPK mRNA was predominantly expressed in testis. SPK mRNA was localized to the outer cell layer of seminiferous tubules by in situ hybridization, suggesting involvement of it in the process of spermatogenesis.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a human inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase encoded by the itpa gene

ITP and dITP exist in all cells. dITP is potentially mutagenic, and the levels of these nucleotides are controlled by inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (EC ). Here we report the cloning, expression, and characterization of a 21.5-kDa human inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (hITPase), an enzyme whose activity has been reported in many animal tissues and studied in populations but whose protein sequence has not been determined before. At the optimal pH of 10.0, recombinant hITPase hydrolyzed ITP, dITP, and xanthosine 5'-triphosphate to their respective monophosphates whereas activity with other nucleoside triphosphates was low. K(m) values for ITP, dITP, and xanthosine 5'-triphosphate were 0.51, 0.31, and 0.57 mm, respectively, and k(cat) values were 580, 360, and 640 s(-1), respectively. A divalent cation was absolutely required for activity. The gene encoding the hITPase cDNA sequence was localized by radiation hybrid mapping to chromosome 20p in the interval D20S113-D20S97, the same interval in which the ITPA inosine triphosphatase gene was previously localized. A BLAST search revealed the existence of many similar sequences in organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. The function of this ubiquitous protein family is proposed to be the elimination of minor potentially mutagenic or clastogenic purine nucleoside triphosphates from the cell.

[Determination of Fe, Al, Ca, Ti, P and Cu in silicon metal by XRF]

This article puts forward a sample preparation method that first dissolve the sample by acid and evaporate the solution then melt the remains by flux. This method resolves the problem that silicon metal can't easy to prepare sample by fusion, and it can determine several elements in the sample simultaneously. This method overcomes the limit of standard sample and removes the matrix effects. The range of determination is wide and the results is accurate. The condition of preparing sample was confirmed by test.

Cloning and expression pattern of the human NDRG3 gene

We report the cloning and expression pattern of a novel N-myc downstream-regulated gene 3 (NDRG3), located on human chromosome 20q11.21-11.23. The NDRG3 cDNA is 2588 base pair in length, encoding a 363 amino acid polypeptide highly related to mouse Ndr3 protein. Northern blot reveals that NDRG3 is highly expressed in testis, prostate and ovary. By in situ hybridization, the NDRG3 mRNA was localized to the outer layers of seminiferous epithelium, indicating that it may play a role in spermatogenesis.

Peri-operative treatment of most severely head-injured patients

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the peri-operative experience from 53 patients with traumatic head injuries with GCS score 3-5.

METHODS

Fifty-three most severely head-injured patients with GCS score 3-5 were admitted to our department and treated operatively from Oct. 1994 to Jun. 1998 and the data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven cases (69.8%) survived, among them 28 (52.8%) had a good recovery or moderate disability, and 9 (17%) had severe deficits. The other 16 (30.2%) died after therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of most severely head-injured patients could be improved by peri-operative treatment including premedical care, early evacuation of intracranial hematoma with large decompressive craniectomies, intracranial hypertension monitoring, moderate hypothermia therapy, effective prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm and complications.

Specialized roles of the chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR5 in the recruitment of monocytes and T(H)1-like/CD45RO(+) T cells

Chemokines and their receptors control the emigration of leukocytes during inflammation. The role of the RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted) receptors CCR1 and CCR5 in the selective recruitment of monocytes, T(H)1-like T-cell clones, and peripheral T cells enriched for CD45RO(+) "memory" cells were tested in a system in which arrest under flow conditions is triggered by RANTES immobilized to activated endothelium. With the use of selective nonpeptide receptor antagonists or blocking antibodies, it was found that the RANTES-induced arrest of these cells was mediated predominantly by CCR1. In contrast, CCR5 mainly contributed to the spreading in shear flow, and both CCR1 and CCR5 supported transendothelial chemotaxis toward RANTES. The data in this study reveal specialized roles of apparently redundant receptors in distinct steps of leukocyte trafficking and suggest that not all receptors currently used to define mononuclear cell subsets are involved in their direct recruitment from the circulation.

[Spectral interferences of rare earth elements observed with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. VI. Spectral interferences of lanthanum, terbium, holmium and erbium as matrices]

The spectral interferences of La, Tb, Ho and Er (1,000 micrograms.mL-1, separately) as matrices on the other rare earth elements (REEs, 1 or 5 micrograms.mL-1) were studied with a high resolution ICP atomic emission spectrometer with a grating of 3,600 grooves/mm. Totally 66 analytical lines of 15 REEs were selected as the prominent lines in the spectral interference studies. The overlapping profiles of analytical lines and interference line were obtained by scanning different solutions (blank, analyte, and four REE matrices, individually) within the selected wavelength windows (0.2 nm for each analytical line). Some new spectral lines of La, Tb, Ho and Er were observed. The "best" analytical lines of 14 REEs were recommended based on the Q-values and the true detection limits.

Cloning and characterization of a novel human leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 gene (LEPROTL1)

A new full-length cDNA encoding a novel protein was isolated from our human fetal brain cDNA library. The cDNA consists of 2701 bp and has a putative open reading frame encoding 131 amino acids which possesses a JAK binding site (Pro(46)-Ile-Pro(48) which is preceded by a cluster of hydrophobic residues) and is highly homologous to the leptin receptor gene-related protein (OB-RGRP). Northern blot analysis showed that this new gene is widely expressed in human tissues and radiation hybrid mapping placed the gene to human chromosome 8p21.1-8p21.2.

Interleukin-18 gene transfer increases antitumor effects of suicide gene therapy through efficient induction of antitumor immunity

To increase the antitumor effects of cytosine deaminase (AdCD) gene therapy and induce more potent antitumor immunity, Th1 cytokine interleukin-18 encoded adenovirus (AdIL18) was combined with adenovirus encoding CD (AdCD) for the therapy of established murine B16 melanoma. Combination therapy of the tumor-bearing mice with AdIL 18 and AdCD/5FC inhibited the growth of the subcutaneous B16 tumors more significantly, compared with AdIL 18 or AdCD/5FC alone. In vivo depletion analysis with anti-CD4, anti-CD8 or anti-NK 1.1 McAb illustrated that both CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells played key roles in the augmented antitumor response of the combined therapy. Peptide/MHC tetramer represents a powerful and general tool for rapid, highly sensitive, and direct analysis of antigen-specific T cells. In this study, we prepared H-2Kb/TRP-2180-188 tetramer, which was demonstrated to bind H-2Kb-restricted, B16 melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells. B16 specific H-2Kb/TRP2180-188 tetramer was used to stain the tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and the results showed that CD8+ tetramer+ T cells were about 3-5% of the splenic CD8+ T cells derived from tumor-bearing mice after combined therapy. The CTL cytotoxicity was markedly induced in mice after combined therapy, suggesting efficient induction of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells after combined gene therapy with AdCD/5FC/AdIL18. IL-18 gene transfer could significantly augment the cytotoxicity of NK cells and macrophages, and increase the production of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, as compared with treatments with AdCD/5FC, AdlacZ/5FC or PBS. These data suggested that in vivo IL-18 gene transfer could augment the antitumor effects of CD suicide gene therapy through efficient induction of antitumor immunity.

Early-onset severe rod-cone dystrophy in young children with RPE65 mutations

PURPOSE

To describe the ocular phenotype of patients with RPE65 mutations in infancy and young childhood.

METHODS

Four children from three families with severe early-onset visual impairment related to electrophysiologically detectable retinal dystrophy were screened for mutations in the RPE65 gene. Visual function from infancy to the age of 10 years was assessed with age-adapted methods. Clinical examinations and electroretinograms (ERGs) were also performed on the six parents.

RESULTS

In all three families, patients were compound heterozygous for mutations of the RPE65 gene (ins144T/IVS1+5G-->A, R91W/Y368H, 1114delA+T457N/IVS1+5G-->A). Visual acuity was measurable in all patients at the age of 6 to 10 years, despite severe visual impairment noted during infancy and congenital nystagmus in three of the four patients. Photophobia was not a feature. Funduscopic changes were discrete, the most prominent finding being increased granularity in the macula and the periphery. Peripheral vision was well preserved, measured by Goldmann perimetry. Rod ERGs were not recordable, whereas cone ERGs were detectable in early childhood. All features taken together suggest a specific form of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) distinguishable on clinical grounds. ERGs were normal in five of the six parents. One father had an ERG compatible with congenital stationary night blindness unrelated to his heterozygous state for the RPE65 mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

RPE65 mutations on both alleles may be associated with early-onset severe rod-cone dystrophy. Visual functions of the four patients were better than is usually seen in LCA, in particular in cases associated with retGC1 mutations. RPE65 mutations should be suspected in infants who appear to be blind in dim surroundings but react to objects in bright illumination and have nonrecordable rod ERGs and residual cone ERGs.

[Detection of fetal cells in maternal blood by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To isolate fetal nucleated cells from maternal blood and determine its fetal origin.

METHODS

Enrichment and isolation of nucleated cells in maternal blood from 20 samples in the first trimester of pregnancy, 20 samples in the mid-trimester of pregnancy, and 15 samples after delivery. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using Y specific probe PY3.4 to identify fetal cells.

RESULTS

Fifteen women in the first trimester and 15 women in the mid-trimester of pregnancy carried male fetuses. The rates of positive cells were 1:6528.0 and 1:2783.8 respectively, and there was a highly significant difference when these rates were compared with the positive cells rate of the 10 female fetuses in the same trimesters. No significant difference in positive cells rate was found between 1 week after delivery and the mid-trimester of pregnancy, nor was it found between 3 months after delivery and the 10 samples of female fetuses in the same time.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that fetal cells can be detected as early as from 50 days of gestation in maternal blood, in the meantime, the rate of fetal cells will increase with gestational age. One week after delivery, fetal cells still exist, and 3 months after delivery, the fetal cells will no longer be detected.

Suppression of induced atherosclerosis in h-apo AI transgenic mice by overexpression of human apo AI in the aortic wall

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inhibitory effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI (h-apo AI) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) on atherosclerosis development in transgenic mice, and cultivation of smooth muscle cells isolated from the aortic wall of transgenic mice that are able to produce human apo AI in vitro.

METHODS

Both h-apo AI transgenic mice and normal C57 mice were fed with either a regular chow or a high-fat diet containing 5% pork lard, 1.25% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate for 14 or 24 weeks respectively. Human apo AI mRNA were detected by Northern blot. Plasma apo AI levels were measured using a radio-immuno-diffusion assay, and plasma lipid levels were measured using a colorimetric assay. Image analysis was performed in order to quantify the fatty streak areas stained with oil red O. In addition, smooth muscle cells isolated from the media layer of the aortic wall of h-apo AI transgenic mice were cultured for the detection of human apo AI produced.

RESULTS

Higher levels of h-apo AI mRNA were found in liver, small intestine, kidneys and aortae in transgenic mice than in the controls all on a high-fat diet. The transgenic mice had an increased level of serum apo AI and HDL-cholesterol and the fatty streak area counted at the aortic sinus was approximately 5-fold less in the transgenic mice after feeding with a high fat ration, particularly after 24 weeks. SMC isolated from the transgenic mice aortae were cultivated and able to express h-apo AI mRNA and its related protein.

CONCLUSION

Elevation of h-apo AI and HDL in serum and aortic wall of the transgenic mice has a remarkably inhibitory effect on the development of experimental atherosclerosis.

Socioeconomic gradient in old age mortality in Wuhan, China

OBJECTIVES

The vast majority of studies on socioeconomic status (SES) and old age mortality are based on data derived from developed nations. This research examined the SES differentials in old age mortality in China, a developing nation.

METHODS

Hazard rate models in conjunction with ordinary least squares and logistic regression analyses were used to ascertain the gross, direct, indirect, and interaction effects of SES on mortality during a 3-year period in a probability sample of 2,943 persons aged 60 years or older in Wuhan, China.

RESULTS

Education, household economic well being, and urban-rural residence showed statistically significant gross effects on old age mortality. Education influenced mortality directly and indirectly. Household economic well being and urbanicity exerted indirect effects on mortality through mediating variables such as stress, social relations, and baseline health status. The mechanism through which education affected mortality differed between men and women, but SES differentials in mortality did not interact with age.

DISCUSSION

SES differentials in old age mortality may be extended to a developing nation such as China. The observed gender by SES interaction effect on old age mortality has important implications for intervention. In particular. improving education among women in underdeveloped areas must remain a high priority, for policy makers in efforts to extend the life expectancy of women.

Forward ion acceleration in thin films driven by a high-intensity laser

A collimated beam of fast protons, with energies as high as 1.5 MeV and total number of greater, similar10(9), confined in a cone angle of 40 degrees +/-10 degrees is observed when a high-intensity high-contrast subpicosecond laser pulse is focused onto a thin foil target. The protons, which appear to originate from impurities on the front side of the target, are accelerated over a region extending into the target and exit out the back side in a direction normal to the target surface. Acceleration field gradients approximately 10 GeV/cm are inferred. The maximum proton energy can be explained by the charge-separation electrostatic-field acceleration due to "vacuum heating."

Induction of potent antitumor response by vaccination with tumor lysate-pulsed macrophages engineered to secrete macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interferon-gamma

Adoptive transfer of activated macrophages, being both effector cells and antigen-presenting cells, represents a promising approach to immunotherapy of cancer. In order to get activated macrophages with increased antitumor potential, in the present study, murine peritoneal macrophages were transduced with human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and murine interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) by recombinant adenovirus infection. The results demonstrate that M-CSF and IFNgamma gene-modified macrophages exhibited higher expression of MHC-II, B7.1 and ICAM-1, increased antigen-presenting activity and cytotoxicity. It was also shown that they secreted more tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1 and nitric oxide. In vivo experiments showed that in previously initiated murine pulmonary metastatic melanoma, tumor lysate-pulsed, M-CSF and IFNgamma gene-modified macrophages elicited more potent antitumor effects than tumor lysate pulsed M-CSF or IFNgamma gene-modified macrophages. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity, IFNgamma and tumor-necrosis factor production of the splenocytes increased significantly in mice after intravenous injection of the gene-modified macrophages. M-CSF and IFNgamma gene-modified macrophages may act as activated effector and antigen-presenting cells, thus eliciting a more potent antitumor response.

[Spectral interferences of rare earth elements observed with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. V. Spectral interferences of lutetium, thulium, yttrium and ytterbium as matrices]

The spectral interferences of Lu, Tm, Y and Yb (100 microns.mL-1, separately) as matrices on the other REEs (1 or 5 microns.mL-1) were observed with a high resolution ICP-AES with a grating of 3,600 grooves.mm-1. Totally 66 analytical lines of 15 REEs were selected as the prominent lines for spectral interference studies. The "Q" values and "the true detection limit" were calculated for the selected prominent lines with the exist of the four matrix elements. The obtained information is useful in the selection of the best analytical lines for the determination of REEs in the other REEs' matrices.

Identification and characterization of an amino acid transporter expressed differentially in liver

Cellular metabolic needs are fulfilled by transport of amino acids across the plasma membrane by means of specialized transporter proteins. Although many of the classical amino acid transporters have been characterized functionally, less than half of these proteins have been cloned. In this report, we identify and characterize a cDNA encoding a plasma membrane amino acid transporter. The deduced amino acid sequence is 505 residues and is highly hydrophobic with the likely predicted structure of 9 transmembrane domains, which putatively place the amino terminus in the cytoplasm and the carboxy terminus on the cell surface. Expression of the cRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed strong transport activities specific for histidine and glutamine. This protein is a Na(+)- and pH-dependent transporter and tolerates substitution of Na(+) by Li(+). Furthermore, this transporter is not an obligatory exchanger because efflux occurs in the absence of influx. This transporter is expressed predominantly in the liver, although it is also present in the kidney, brain, and heart. In the liver, it is located in the plasma membrane of hepatocytes, and the strongest expression was detected in those adjacent to the central vein, gradually decreasing towards the portal tract. Because this protein displays functional similarities to the N-system amino acid transport, we have termed it mNAT, for murine N-system amino acid transporter. This is the first transporter gene identified within the N-system, one of the major amino acid transport systems in the body. The expression pattern displayed by mNAT suggests a potential role in hepatocyte physiology.

[Spectral interferences of rare earth elements with a high resolution sequential ICP-AES. IV. Spectral interferences of europium and gadolinium]

The spectral interferences of Eu and Gd(100 micrograms.mL-1, separately) as matrices on the other REEs(1 or 5 micrograms.mL-1) were studied with a high resolution sequential ICP-AES with a grating of 3,600 grooves/mm. Totally 66 prominent lines of 14 REEs were selected as the analytical lines for the spectral interference studies. The overlapping profiles of analytical lines and interference lines were obtained by scanning four solutions(blank, analyte, Eu matrix, and Gd matrix, individually) within the selected wavelength windows (0.2 nm for each analytical line). Some new emission lines of Eu and Gd were observed. The obtained information of spectral interferences would be very useful for the selection of the best analytical lines for the determination of REEs in the other REEs matrices.

CUL-2 is required for the G1-to-S-phase transition and mitotic chromosome condensation in Caenorhabditis elegans

The human cullin protein CUL-2 functions in a ubiquitin-ligase complex with the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor protein. Here we show that, in Caenorhabditis elegans, cul-2 is expressed in proliferating cells and is required at two distinct points in the cell cycle, the G1-to-S-phase transition and mitosis. cul-2 mutant germ cells undergo a G1-phase arrest that correlates with accumulation of CKI-1, a member of the CIP/KIP family of cyclin-dependent-kinase inhibitors. In cul-2 mutant embryos, mitotic chromosomes are unable to condense, leading to unequal DNA segregation, chromosome bridging and the formation of multiple nuclei.

[Relationship between serum fibrosis markers and fibrosis quantitative analysis of liver tissue]

OBJECTIVE

To study relation of serum fibrosis markers with quantitative analysis of liver tissue.

METHODS

We studied the area of reticular fibrin, collagen fibrin and elasticity fibrin in 77 patients with chronic liver disease using color image analysis system.

RESULTS

From S0 to S4, the area of three kinds of liver fibrosis were all escalate, especially collagen fibrosis. Prominent differences existed between S3 and S2, S2 and S1, S1 and S0. There was a good correlation between the serum fibrosis markers and area of collagen fibrosis of liver tissue, r = 0.70775(HA), 0.59402(CIV), 0.52593(LN), 0.52198 (hPCIII).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum fibrosis markers have affirmative value to help diagnose liver fibrosis.

[Optimization of productivity of Epstein-Barr virus membrane antigen in baculovirus infected insect cells]

OBJECTIVE

To probe factors influencing the expression level of in insect cells.

METHODS

Insect cells at different growth phases and in different culture media were infected with recombinant baculovirus carrying EBV-MA gene, where the membrane anchor sequence was deleted. The expression level of EBV-MA was detected by immunodots assay and scanner analysis.

RESULTS

Cells at the early exponential phase yielded more expressed recombinant EBV-MA than those at the late exponential and stationary phases. Infected cells supplemented with fresh medium at various phases of growth resulted in improved productivity of EBV-MA. Further experiments revealed that replacing fresh medium prior to infection and supplementing a mixture of glucose and glutamine after infection, the productivity could be improved dramatically. Comparing the productivity of EBV-MA expressed in sf9 cells with that in sf21 cells, no obvious difference was found.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of nutrients and accumulation of metabolites in cell culture media were the important factors influencing the productivity of EBV-MA in insect cells.

[Clinical experience with 7 years of norplant]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, safety of Norplant implants used by Chinese women.

METHOD

In a prospective, multicenter clinical trial, 10,718 women receiving Norplant implants were monitored annually through 5 years and part of women continuously used the implants up to 7 years.

RESULTS

The five-year pregnancy rate was 0.63/100 users. 7,554 women completed 5 years, 3,622 women completed 6 years and 2,433 women completed 7 years. The annual pregnancy rates were 0.40/100 users in both year 6 and year 7. The pregnancy rates increased with weight (P < 0.05) and decreased with age. The menstrual disturbances were common, also the main reason for discontinuation. Headache, dizziness and weight gain led to termination more frequently than did other adverse events apart from menstrual disturbances. The 5-year continuation rate was 72.1/100 users. Among aged > 30 and weight < 60 kg, the implants may be used for 7 years.

CONCLUSION

It's proved that the Norplant implants is a highly effective, long acting, safe, simple and reversible contraceptive method, and it is acceptable in Chinese women.

Inhibition of intimal lipid deposition in human apolipoprotein A1 transgenic mice

1. Southern blot confirmed the emergence of the human apolipoprotein A1 (h-apoA1) gene (four to 15 copies) in newborn transgenic mice. The inheritance pattern of h-apoA1 transgene in three generations of progeny was compatible with a single autosomal integration site. 2. Northern blot showed h-apoA1 mRNA expressed mainly in liver, kidney and aorta. The total plasma apoA1 (murine plus human) level was significantly increased to 58 and 118 in transgenic mice without or under zinc induction, respectively. The majority was h-apoA1. Plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity was positively correlated with h-apoA1 levels in transgenic mice (r = 0.43; P < 0.01). 3. After a high cholesterol intake for 14 weeks, the incidence of fatty streak at the aortic sinus was 40% in transgenic mice and 80% in controls. Expression of platelet-derived growth factor-B, c-myc and c-fos proteins was much weaker in smooth muscle cells at the aortic sinus in transgenic mice.

Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa locus RP28 maps between D2S1337 and D2S286 on chromosome 2p11-p15 in an Indian family

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterised by night blindness, constriction of visual field, and dystrophic changes of the retina. Previous genetic studies have shown extensive allelic and non-allelic genetic heterogeneity of RP. Here we describe an Indian family with multiple consanguineous marriages and a total of four patients with autosomal recessive (AR) RP. The homozygosity mapping strategy was successfully used and indicated close linkage between the disease locus and D2S380, D2S441, D2S291, and D2S1394 with maximum lod scores between 1.51-3.07 at theta=0.00. The analysis of multiply informative meioses maps the locus (RP28) for ARRP in this family between D1S1337 and D2S286 on 2p11-p15. The involvement of visinin (VSNL1), a promising candidate gene assigned to chromosome 2p by previous studies, has been excluded by the absence of linkage.

Effects of levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implants on bone density and bone metabolism

A prospective, randomized clinical trial observed the effects of Norplant long-term contraceptive implants and domestic implants similar to Norplant on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in female acceptors for 1 year. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of lumbar 2-4 and proximal femur of 61 normal women of child-bearing age were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before and 12 months after implants insertion in both groups. BMD and BMC of lumbar 2-4 in both groups 12 months after implant insertion significantly increased (p < 0.01); with an average increase of 2.40% and 3.34%, respectively in the Norplant implant group, and 2.75% and 4.47%, respectively in the domestic implant group. Urine hydroxyproline and creatinine ratio (Hop/Cr) in the domestic implant group significantly decreased (p < 0.01). There was no significant differences in the effects on BMD and BMC of lumbar spine and femur and on bone metabolism between the two groups of contraceptive implants (p > 0.05). Levonorgestrel releasing contraceptive subdermal implants were not deleterious to the skeleton in women of child-bearing age. There was no significant effect on achieving maximum bone mass in young women.

[Inhibitory effects of recombinant human neurotrophin-4/5 protein on neurotoxicity caused by arsenic trioxide]

OBJECTIVE

To study preliminarily the inhibitory effects of recombinant human neurotrophin (hNT)-4/5 protein on neurotoxicity caused by arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)).

METHODS

Nerve cells of the chicken embryonic forebrain and PC12 cells were co-cultured with recombinant hNT-4/5 protein and As(2)O(3) (0 - 16 micromol/L) for 24 and 48 hours, respectively, to observe the survival of nerve cells and the outgrowth of PC12 cells, with clone expression and recombination techniques.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in survival rate of nerve cells between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.01) after co-culture for 48 hours, and survival rate and number of neuron outgrowth increased with the concentration of hNT-4/5 protein.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant hNT-4/5 protein could inhibit neurotoxicity caused by As(2)O(3), which provided a basis to find an anti-toxic factor in the environment by genetic engineering.

[Clinical and experimental study on treatment of retention enema for chronic non-specific ulcerative colitis with quick-acting kuijie powder]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical effect and mechanism of retention enema with quick-acting Kuijie powder (QAKJP) in treating chronic non-specific ulcerative colitis (CUC).

METHODS

A treatment group of 156 patients treated with QAKJP and a control group of 78 patients treated with sulfasalazine orally were established randomly and their scores of main symptoms and signs were measured and compared before and after treatment. Animal experiments were conducted at the same time.

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the treatment and the control group was 98.7% and 70.5% respectively, the clinical cure rate was 78.2% and 6.4% and the recurrence rate was 5.3% and 20.0% respectively. The effect of the treatment group was markedly superior to that of the control group, P < 0.01. Experimental study showed QAKJP could rapidly alleviate the congestion and edema of intestinal mucosa, promote the healing of ulcer, inhibit spasm of colon and had significant antidiarrheal action and antagonist effect against allergic mediator histamine.

CONCLUSION

Retention enema with QAKJP has good effect on CUC, low recurrence rate and no toxic and side effect.

[Establishment of hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to HIV-gp41 and HCV-NS3]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the monoclonal antibodies of HIV and HCV for developing serological diagnostic method.

METHODS

The antigens of HIV gp41 and HCV NS3 expressed from bacteria were mixed to immunize BALB/c mice. The hybridoma cell lines were obtained by fusing SP2/0 myeloma cells with spleen cells from immunized mice.

RESULTS

Four hybridoma cell lines secreting specific antibodies against gp41 of HIV and six hybridoma cell lines secreting antibodies to NS3 of HCV were obtained. ELISA sandwich method for detection of viral antigens with McAbs was developed.

CONCLUSION

A quick and convenient method for obtaining McAbs was developed using mixture of different antigens for immunizition of mice. The monoclonal antibodies had high senusitivity and were stably secreted by hybridoma cell lines. This technique is worthy to be popularized.

[Genotyping of HCV isolates from different populations in Shanghai by using second generation line probe assay]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the distribution and frequency of various genotypes in different populations in Shanghai.

METHODS

109 HCV isolates by using RT-nested PCR including 81 from patients with hepatitis C (PHCs), 7 from blood donors (BDs) and 21 from intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) were genotyped by using recently improved second generation line probe assay (INNO-LIPA HCV II innogenetics N.V.Belgium).

RESULTS

Among 81 HCV isolates from PHCs, there were 71 (87.6%) genotype 1b, 4(4.9%)2a, 2(2.5%)3b, 1(1.2%)6a, 2(2.5%) mixed genotypes (1 for 2a or 2c + 2b + 1, 1 for 1b + 6a) and 1 (1.2%) undeterminable respectively, and among 7 from BDs, there were 5 1b and 2 genotype 2a. But among 21 from IVDAs, there were 8(38.1%) genotype 1a, 5(23.8%)1b, 2(9.5%)2a or 2c, 2(9.5%)3a, 1(4.8%) 3b and 3(14.3%) mixed genotypes (1 for 1a + 2a or 2c, 1 for 1b + 2a or 2c + 6a and 1 for 1a + 1b + 3b) respectively.

CONCLUSION

(1) 7 HCV subtypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 6a) belonging to 4 HCV genotypes (1, 2, 3, 6) were present in different populations in Shanghai. Of them, 2b, 3a, 3b and 6a were first found. (2) HCV genotype 1b was most commonly found in PHCs and BDs. 1a and 3a were only found in IVDAs. (3) The fact that more HCV subtypes were found in IVDAs in this city.

[Methodology of DNA fingerprinting and its application in identification of M. tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore methodology of DNA fingerprinting technique and its application in identification of strains of M. tuberculosis.

METHODS

This research was based on different copy numbers and location of chromosome DNA IS6110 in M. tuberculosis genome. After DNA of M. tuberculosis were cut by endonuclease PvuII, the products were transferred to nylon membrane, then detected and hybridized by enhanced chemiluminescent (ECL) labeling techniques.

RESULTS

Fifty clinical isolates from different TB patients had unidentical DNA fingerprinting patterns. DNA fingerprinting patterns showed a great difference from sputum and pus specimens of the same patient. H(37) R(v) ofloxacin resistant and sensitive strains had an identical DNA fingerprinting pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of M. tuberculosis strains is feasible by DNA fingerprinting technique.

[Expression of Epstein-Barr virus membrane antigen in CHO cell]

A recombinant plasmid, pCMV/MA, was generated by isolating the Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV) membrane antigen(MA) gene with anchor sequence removed from pSV40/MA and cloning it into pcDNA3, with MA gene and Neomycin gene under the control of CMV promoter and SV40 promoter respectively. CHO cells were transfected with pCMV/MA using liposome and then grown in DMEM medium in the presence of G418. Two clones highly expressing MA were obtained. EBV-MA was purified from the medium of CHO cells by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Western-blot showed that the molecular weight of proteins expressed were about 340 kD and 220 kD. It could specifically react with anti-MA monoclonal antibody in indirect immunofluorescent and immunodot assay. The yield of MA was estimated to be 1.9 micrograms/ml per day by SDS-PAGE scanning and Lowry methods. The optimal culture condition of the CHO cells was to use medium supplemented with 10% serum until 80% cell confluence, then with 2%-5% serum and collected medium continually. The genetic stability of the cells was confirmed by freeze--revival and culture without G418. The purified MA was used to immunize mice and the geometric mean titer of the specific antibody was 1:180, while the positive rate of antibody was 100%.

Preparation of Monodisperse, Micron-Sized Polystyrene Particles with Single-Stage Polymerization in Aqueous Media

A single-stage polymerization technique, proposed for producing micron-sized polymer particles in aqueous media by Gu and Konno, was examined. Styrene was used for the monomer, potassium persulfate for the initiator, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used for the ionic surfactants to control the aggregation of the particles during the reaction. Particle-size distributions and monomer-to-polymer conversions were measured over a range of initiator concentration (2-8 mmol/dm3 H2O), stirring speed (200-400 rpm), surfactant addition time and monomer concentration (1.1-2.2 mol/dm3 H2O). Changes in the initiator concentration and stirring speed did not bring about significant effect on the particle-size distributions. On the other hand, the addition of time affected the coefficient of variation of the particle-size distribution, but it had no significant effect on the average diameter of the particles. An increase in the monomer concentration enlarged the average size without lowering the coefficient of variation of particle-size distribution. Monodisperse polystyrene particles with an average diameter of 3.3 µm and a coefficient of variation of particle size distribution 7% could be prepared with the present technique. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

[Study of spectral interferences of REEs with the matrix of dy for a high resolution ICP-AES]

The spectral interferences of the matrix of Dy on other REEs have been studied for a high resolution ICP-AES with a grating of 3600 grooves/mm. 66 analytical lines of 14 REEs have been selected as the prominent lines in the spectral interference studies. Three kinds of databases for Dy lines have been established for the spectra search and recognition. Thus, these databases can provide information of Dy lines accurately and conveniently.

[Purification of hepatitis B virus antigen and its application in detection of human serum antibody]

A recombinant plasmid DNA pBV220/eAg provided by professor Zhou Jian was transferred into DH5 alpha celes. The effectively expressed strain was harvested after cloning. It was then incubated in 30 degrees C for 3 hrs and 42 degrees C for 6 hrs, the HBeAg protein was induced. After purification of the protein by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow chromatography, the purified protein was analyzed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Coomassic brilliant blue R250 stain and only one single protein band was seen, Its specificity was demonstrated by Western-blot and Immunodot. 49 HBeAb positive sera of hepatitis B patients could be specifically detected with the purified HBeAg by ELISA and immunostrip assay, but the latter was more sensitive and specific.

[The effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI on plasma high density lipoprotein level in transgenic mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the regulation of human apolipoprotein AI(h-apo AI) gene expression and its role in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism.

METHODS

Transgenic C57BL/6 mice established in this laboratory with human apoAI gene containing mouse metallothionein-I(MT-I) promoter were used for investigation.

RESULTS

Southern blot identified the presence of 4-15 copies of h-apo AI gene in the transgenic mice. Northern blot showed that human apo AI mRNA was expressed mainly in the liver and kidneys, and the high level of h-apo AI mRNA was obtained in liver, kidneys and small intestine after Zinc(Zn) induction. Total Plasma apoAI Level in transgenic mice was significantly increased than that in the controls, and a high h-apoAI level was detected in the transgenic mice (46% increased after Zn induction). Additionally, total and HDL cholesterol levels were noticed to be highly increased to 47% before and 103% after Zn induction in the transgenic mice comparing to that of the controls. The plasma HDL and h-apoAI levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.85, P < 0.01) in the transgenic mice.

CONCLUSION

Apo AI has a profound effect on regulating HDL levels in the transgenic mice. This animal model is considered appropriate for studying the effect of apoAI on lipid metabolism and the mechanism combating atherogenesis.

[The purification and application of Epstein-Barr virus gp125]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) virion capsid antigen (VCA) gp125 as a diagnostic antigen was expressed in infected cells by recombinant vaccinia virus. The presence of IgA antibody to VCA of EBV was tested by ELISA in sera from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and normal individuals. The ELISA consisted of three steps involving test serum, mouse monoclonal antibody to human IgA and rabbit anti-mouse IgG. The antibody titers of sera determined by this way correlated well with those by IF. The GMT by ELISA was 12 times higher than that by IF. Furthermore, efforts to develop gold-conjugated immunosorbent assay (GCISA), which is a more sensitive assay for measuring IgA antibody to VCA, has met with initial results.

Financial strain, received support, anticipated support, and depressive symptoms in the People's Republic of China

The purpose of this study is to examine the interface between financial strain, informal received economic support, informal anticipated financial support, and psychological distress in later life. Data provided by a large probability sample of older adults in the People's Republic of China reveal that the relationship between financial difficulty and psychological distress is stronger for older adults who receive more economic assistance. However, the results involving anticipated support are in the opposite direction. More specifically, the association between financial problems and psychological distress is lower for older adults who believe that others stand ready to help in the future should the need arise. A detailed theoretical rationale is developed to explain these results.

[Correction of spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with a modified chemometric method based on matrix projection]

A modified chemometric method based on matrix projection was developed to correct the spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The accuracy of the correction was significantly improved by reevaluating the residuals. The excellent analytical results for some rare earth elements proved the method fairly feasible.

Financial strain, received support, anticipated support, and depressive symptoms in the People's Republic of China

The purpose of this study is to examine the interface between financial strain, informal received economic support, informal anticipated financial support, and psychological distress in later life. Data provided by a large probability sample of older adults in the People's Republic of China reveal that the relationship between financial difficulty and psychological distress is stronger for older adults who receive more economic assistance. However, the results involving anticipated support are in the opposite direction. More specifically, the association between financial problems and psychological distress is lower for older adults who believe that others stand ready to help in the future should the need arise. A detailed theoretical rationale is developed to explain these results.

Norplant consensus statement and background review

This review has highlighted the attributes of a very important new method of contraception. The signatories to this document agree that, with the provision of appropriate information and instruction for the user, Norplant is a good contraceptive choice to be made available worldwide in family planning programs that have the resources for appropriate training and counseling. The signatories to this document are acting in their own personal capacity and not as representatives of any particular organization.

[Three-dimensional cardiac simulation model of finite element--theoretical basis of cardiac simulation of 3D model]

Cardiac simulation model is a frontier topic in the theoretical field of cardiac simulation. In this paper, dissipating energy model is presented to solve element equation and hence to reveal the rule of activities of heart.

[Purification and application of viral capsid antigen of Epstein-Barr virus]

The viral capsid antigen of Epstein-Barr virus was purified from sf9 cells infected with recombinant Baculoviruses and the purified protein was used to establish ELISA and immuno-strip method for detection of VCA/IgG and VCA/IgA antibodies in human sera. A sensitive, specific and cost-effective method has been developed for serological mass survey.

[Study on atomic emission spectrum and spectral interferences of rare earth elements with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer.--II. Spectral intererences of Samarium matrix]

The rare earth elements play a very important role in today's manufacture and life. For their complex spectra it is difficult to determine the trace elements in rare earth element matrix. This work investigated the spectral interferences of samarium matrix on other rare earth elements with a high resolution inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. A lots of spectrum information and spectral interferences were obtained, which are quite useful in the selection of analytical lines that free of spectral interferences and the elimination of the concomitant's interferences.

[Chemical constitutents of Podocarpus imbricatus BI. (II)]

From Podocarpus imbricatus five compounds were isolated and identified as 2"-O-rhamnosylvitexin (I), hinokiflavone (II), ecdysterone (III), beta-sitosteryl heptadecoate (IV) and daucosterol(V) on the basis of spectral studies (UV, IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, MS) and chemical reactions. I, II, III, IV are obtained from this plant for the first time, and IV is obtained as beta-sitosteryl odd number carboxylic ester for the first time.

Safety, efficacy, and acceptability of medical abortion in China, Cuba, and India: a comparative trial of mifepristone-misoprostol versus surgical abortion

OBJECTIVE

We investigated safety, efficacy, and acceptability of an oral regimen of medical abortion compared with surgical abortion in three developing countries.

STUDY DESIGN

Women (n = 1373) with amenorrhea < or = 56 days chose either surgical abortion (as provided routinely) or 600 mg of mifepristone followed after 48 hours by 400 micrograms of misoprostol. This is the appropriate design for studying safety, efficacy, and acceptability among women selecting medical abortion over available surgical services.

RESULTS

The medical regimen had more side effects, particularly bleeding, than did surgical abortion but very few serious side effects. Failure rates for medical abortion, although low, exceeded those for surgical abortion: 8.6% versus 0.4% (China), 16.0% versus 4.0% (Cuba), and 5.2% versus 0% (India). Nearly half of failures among medical clients were not true drug failures, however, but surgical interventions not medically necessary (acceptability failures or misdiagnoses). Women were satisfied with either method, but more preferred medical abortion.

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion can be safe, efficacious, and acceptable in developing countries.