Evaluation of a multiple peptide assay for typing of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus: relation to genomic typing by the polymerase chain reaction

A panel of 16 type-specific synthetic peptides corresponding to variable antigenic regions within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core, nonstructural 4 (NS4), and NS5 proteins was synthesised. The peptide panel was used to develop an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of antibodies directed to HCV type 1 (genotypes I/1a and II/1b), type 2 (genotypes III/2a and IV/2b), and type 3 (genotype V/3). The peptides corresponded to residues 68-81 of the HCV core (types 1, 2, and 3), residues 1692-1705 and 1710-1728 of HCV NS4 (types 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3), and residues 2303-2319 of HCV NS5 (types 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b). The 16-peptide panel was evaluated using human sera from 46 carriers of HCV, which were genotyped in parallel by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for types I, II, III, IV, and V of HCV core. Of the 46 carriers, 14 (30%) were infected by HCV genotype I, 7 (15%) by genotype II, 16 (35%) by HCV genotype IV, and 6 (13%) by HCV of genotype V. Two carriers had double infections of types I and II, and the HCV strain of one carrier could not be genotyped. Using the serotyping system, 40 (89%) out of the 45 genotyped carriers were found to contain type-specific antibodies corresponding to the genotypes identified by PCR. In 5 of the 23 carriers infected by genotypes I and/or II, antibodies specific for HCV type 1 could not be detected, whereas all 16 carriers infected by genotype IV were serologically typed as type 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The antigen/antibody specificity exchanger: a new peptide based tool for re-directing antibodies of other specificities to recognize the V3 domain of HIV-1 gp120

We recently showed that a synthetic peptide corresponding to the third complementary determining region of the heavy chain (CDRH3) of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to the V3 domain of HIV-1 gp120 neutralizes HIV-1 in vitro. From the CDRH3 sequence we have now produced bifunctional antigen/antibody specificity exchanger (A/ASE) peptides containing both the HIV-1 mAb derived CDRH3 sequence and antigenic region sequences from the hepatitis B virus core/e antigen (HBc/eAg) and the poliovirus VP1. These A/ASE peptides were able to re-direct HBc/eAg and enteroviral VP1 specific mAbs, as well as polyclonal human HIV-1 negative sera to recognize the V3 domain of HIV-1. Furthermore, two out of three A/ASE peptides were able to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro. These bifunctional A/ASE peptides have a potential to be used as tools in research, diagnostics and maybe even therapeutics.

Antigenic structure of the hepatitis C virus envelope 2 protein

The antigenic structure of the envelope 2 (e2) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was characterized by the use of 70 synthetic peptides and 131 human sera from persons with antibodies to HCV. Among 34 overlapping peptides spanning the e2 protein of HCV, two major antigenic regions were located to residues 484-499 and residues 554-569. The sequence of the two major antigenic regions of the e2 protein are partly well conserved within the described types of HCV. Both regions contain two Cys residues in close proximity, and the region at residues 554-569 contains a putative N-glycosylation site, which are factors that previously have been suggested to affect the immune recognition of the e2 protein. Using substitution peptide analogues where each position within residues 484-499 and 554-569 were sequentially substituted by Ala or Gly, the most essential residues for antibody binding were found to be the Pro-498, Ala-499, Ala-566, Pro-567, and Pro-568. All of these, except for the Pro-498 and Ala-566, are conserved among different HCV strains. Also, according to previous studies, position 496 often shows variations, which could be explained by position 496 being contained within the antigenic region at residues 484-499. Interestingly, none of the Cys residues at positions 486, 494, 564 and 569 were found to be essential for antibody binding, indicating that these are not essential in maintaining the e2 antigenicity of the peptides. In a material of 114 confirmed anti-HCV positive sera, derived from patients during the acute or the chronic phase of HCV infection, the prevalence of antibodies to the two major linear antigenic regions of the e2 protein was found to be 55% among HCV RNA-positive sera, and 53% among HCV RNA-negative sera. In conclusion, we have identified and characterized two major linear antigenic regions outside the two hypervariable regions of the e2 protein. Since these regions are accessible to the B cells of the infected host, these two regions are likely to be surface exposed either on the precursor polyprotein or the native e2 protein. Also, we could confirm that antibodies to the e2 protein co-exist with HCV viraemia.

Structural organization, sequence, and expression of the mouse HEXA gene encoding the alpha subunit of hexosaminidase A

Genomic clones of the mouse HEXA gene encoding the alpha subunit of lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase A have been isolated, analyzed, and sequenced. The HEXA gene spans approximately 26 kb and consists of 14 exons and 13 introns. The 5' flanking region of the gene has three candidate GC boxes and a number of potential promoter and regulatory elements. Promoter analysis using deletion constructs of 5' flanking sequence fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene showed that 150 bp of 5' sequence was sufficient for expression in transfected monkey kidney COS cells. Determination of the sequence of the 5' end of the Hex alpha mRNA by an "anchor-ligation PCR" procedure showed that transcription is initiated from a cluster of sites centered -42, -32, and -21 bp from the first in-frame ATG. Northern blot analysis from 11 different tissues showed over five times the steady-state level of Hex alpha mRNA in testis as compared to that found in three different brain regions; the lowest level (about 1/3 of brain) was found in liver. Comparison of the 5' flanking sequence with that of the human HEXA gene revealed 78% identity within the first 100 bp. These data suggest that the mouse HEXA gene is controlled mainly by sequences located within 150 bp of the 5' flanking region, and we speculate that it may have a role, not only in brain and other tissues, but also in reproductive function in the adult male mouse.

Cryopreservation of human bone marrow after purging T-cells or tumor cells

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a valuable measure for treatment of leukemia. In order to reduce, even to eliminate, the graft versus host disease after allogenic BMT and prevent the reinfusion of tumor cells during autologous BMT, the cryopreservation of human BM after purging T-cells with immunotoxin or purging tumor cells with monoclonal antibody 55 (McAb55) was studied. Results demonstrated that: (1) treatment with McAb55 and rabbit complement (RC) did not affect the GM-CFU of BM, but treatment with immunotoxin slightly decreased the GM-CFU of BM; (2) a freeze-thawing procedure obviously decreased the GM-CFU number of BM, the GM-CFU numbers of frozen BM samples were lower than those of the nonfrozen samples; (3) there were no differences in GM-CFU numbers between normal BM and BM treated with McAb55 and RC when the cooling rate used was the same; (4) there was a negative linear correlation between cooling rates and GM-CFU numbers of BM in the cooling rate range used and the optimal cooling rate for the cryopreservation of normal BM and BM treated with McAb55 and RC or immunotoxin was the same, namely, 0.5 degrees C/min.

A cell-binding Arg-Gly-Asp sequence is present in close proximity to the major linear antigenic region of HCV NS3

By sequence analysis of the HCV NS3 protein we identified an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, which is a known sequence for integrin-mediated cell adhesion, within a region of high hydrophilicity and surface probability. We therefore probed the complete NS3 protein for antigenic regions and cell binding activities using synthetic peptides. Antigenic regions were located to residues 1007-1022, 1047-1062, 1127-1142 and 1207-1232. The RGD-sequence reside two residues apart from the antigenic region at residues 1127-1142. Cell-adhesion experiments showed that NS3 peptides containing the RGD-sequence bound HUT-78 T-cells in a dose dependent manner. Antibodies to region 1127-1142 were found in all categories of HCV patients, arguing against the clinical significance of these antibodies. Extracellular NS3 proteins might disturb the migration of immune cells to the infected area by blocking the RGD-binding integrins, and thus, protect the infected cells.

[Adenoma of the gallbladder and its canceration: an analysis of 88 cases]

In this report, 88 cases of gallbladder adenoma collected from Chinese medical literature including the author's own 12 cases were analysed. Canceration was found in 17 (19.3%) cases. Risk factors included multiple and sessile adenoma, tubular adenoma, adenoma of more than 1 cm in diameter, and adenoma coexistent with gallstones. It is the authors' believe that any polypoid neoplasms of the gallbladder of more than 0.5 cm in diameter found by B-mode ultrasonography justify surgical exploration in order not to overlook a possible canceration.

Dopamine inhibits TRH-induced MAP kinase activation in dispersed rat anterior pituitary cells

We recently reported the existence of two separate pathways for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation in GH3 pituitary tumor cells. To test the role of MAP kinase in TRH action, we examined the effect of dopamine (DA) on TRH-induced MAP kinase in primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells. 1 microM of DA attenuated 1 microM TRH-induced MAP kinase activity and phosphorylation. 100 ng/ml of islet-activating protein (IAP) blocked these inhibitory effects of DA. These results suggest that crosstalk exists between the DA signaling pathway and the TRH-stimulated MAP kinase activating pathway in rat anterior pituitary cells.

Molecular basis for antibody cross-reactivity between the hepatitis C virus core protein and the host-derived GOR protein

The presence of antibodies reactive to a recently cloned host-derived antigen GOR is highly correlated with the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). We explored the molecular basis for this observation, and address the following question: are antibodies reactive with GOR19-27 (QKAKSNPNR) a result of a cross-reactivity triggered by the antigenic region at residues 9-17 of HCV core (RKTKRNTNR)? We compared the relative antibody avidity between antibodies reactive to both regions, and determined the residues essential for antibody binding using substitution peptide analogues. Of 96 sera assayed, 60 were found positive for anti-HCV, and of these 55 were found to react with HCV core. Twenty-nine sera were found reactive to the GOR peptide, and these were all reactive to HCV core. In most cases the relative antibody avidity of antibodies reactive to GOR was higher for the HCV core peptide. In 21 of the GOR-reactive sera we were able to determine the essential residues for antibody binding. The essential residues in > 50% of all tested sera coincided with the well conserved residues Lys10, Lys12, Asn14, and Asn16. Also, reactivity to GOR was not related to any certain serotype of antibodies to HCV. Taken together, these findings explain at the molecular level the observed cross-reactivity between these two proteins, since sequence homology per se is not evidence for cross-reactivity.

Locations of antibody binding sites within conserved regions of the hepatitis C virus core protein

The binding sites for human antibodies recognising antigenic domains within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein were analyzed using synthetic peptides. Omission peptide analogues where a pair of residues was sequentially omitted were produced corresponding to the regions 1-18, 11-28, 21-38, 51-68, and 101-118. The N-terminal part of HCV core was found to contain three distinct antibody binding sites, which includes the previously reported one at residues 9-16. The other two were located at residues 19-26 and residues 29-34. Within the region 51-68 two overlapping sites were found, the first at residues 51-60 and the second at residues 59-68. Within the region 101-118, residues 107-114 were identified as the binding site, which contains two residues differing between genotypes I/II and III/VI. Thus the HCV core protein contains at least six distinct linear antibody binding sites, located at regions highly conserved between the genotypes of HCV. The human recognition of these regions show a variation with respect to the amino- and carboxy-terminal extension of each individual binding site. These findings will have implications for the prediction of the structure of the HCV core protein, since these antibody binding sequences are likely to be more or less accessible from the exterior of either, or both, of the native HCV core and its precursor polyprotein.

Antigenic structure of the complete nonstructural (NS) 2 and 5 proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV): anti-HCV NS2 and NS5 antibody reactivities in relation to HCV serotype, presence of HCV RNA, and acute HCV infection

Antigenic regions within the nonstructural (NS) 2 and 5 proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were identified and characterized by the use of 127 overlapping synthetic peptides and a serum panel consisting of 167 human serum samples from persons with antibodies to HCV. Initially, 20 anti-HCV-positive serum samples were used to screen the peptides covering the complete NS2 and NS5 proteins. Among the 27 overlapping peptides spanning the NS2 protein of HCV, only the peptide covering residues 960 to 975 was recognized by human sera. Within the 100 peptides covering the NS5 protein, major linear antigenic regions were located at residues 2284 to 2329 within the putative NS5a and at residues 2584 to 2599 and 2944 to 2959 within the putative NS5b. Additional minor linear antigenic regions were also identified within the NS5. The sequence of the antigenic region of the NS2 protein is, unlike most parts of the NS2 protein, highly conserved among the described types of HCV, whereas the sequence of the major antigenic region of NS5 shows variability among HCV types. The recognition of a peptide corresponding to a part of the major region of NS5 was found to be dependent on HCV type. In 129 anti-HCV-positive serum samples, the prevalence of antibodies to the NS2 protein was found to be 23% among HCV RNA-positive sera and 10% among HCV RNA-negative sera. In the same samples, reactivity to the major linear antigenic regions of HCV NS5 was found in 68% of the HCV RNA-positive sera and 67% of the HCV RNA-negative sera. Of 18 serum samples from five patients with acute HCV infections, and who seroconverted with respect to anti-HCV, 4 were found to be reactive to one or more of the 100 NS5 peptides and in three serum samples the NS5 reactivities were found to shorten the time for serodiagnosis of cross-reactive with a region form residues 2584 to 2599 of NS5, which has 67% homology with a six-residue sequence of NS2. In conclusion, in this study we have identified and evaluated the potential use of synthetic peptides corresponding to linear antigenic regions of the NS2 and NS5 proteins.

In vitro effects of CINC/gro, a member of the interleukin-8 family, on interleukin-6 secretion by rat posterior pituitary cells

We investigated the effects of CINC/gro on IL-6 secretion by rat posterior pituitary cells. CINC/gro immunoreactivity was already detected in 1-h conditioned medium of normal posterior pituitary cells, and it increased significantly in a time-dependent manner during the first 24 h of culture. This immunoreactivity could be induced by TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, CINC/gro stimulated IL-6 secretion by posterior pituitary monolayer cultures in a concentration dependent manner. Thus, CINC/gro significantly (P < 0.01) increased the secretion of IL-6 within 13 h of incubation, and this effect continued throughout 24 h of incubation. The stimulatory effect of 100 ng/ml CINC/gro on IL-6 secretion was completely blocked by 24-h incubation with 100 ng/ml IAP. These data demonstrate a new biological activity for CINC/gro in the posterior pituitary system.

[An epidemiological study on etiology of mental retardation]

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to assess the prevalence and etiology of mental retardation (MR) among children under 14 years of age. The definition of MR and the criteria for diagnosis were adopted from WHO (1985). The IQ/DQ was evaluated with standardized psychological tests. The etiology of MR was specified by medical, genetic and psychosocial studies. A total of 862 retarded children were found among 85,170 surveyed. The overall adjusted prevalence rate was 1.20%. The percentage of mild, moderate, severe and profound MR was 60.6%, 22.7%, 9.6%, and 7.1%, respectively. Specific causes were found in 673 cases (79.1%). The etiology was unknown in 21.9% children. Timing of the causes showed prenatal in 34% perinatal 11.9%, postnatal 33%. Biomedical causes consisted of 89.6% and sociocultural factors, 10.4%. Among the prenatal factors, genetic diseases ranked first and manifested as chromosomal abnormalities and inborn errors of metabolism. Among the postnatal causes, sequelae of CNS infections and other forms of acquired brain insult were most important. Most children of socio-cultural MR were at school age and of the mild category. Our results show that most MR cases are preventable.

[Enhancing effects of Herpesvirus hominis on sodium glutamate neurotoxicity]

The neurotoxic effects of sodium glutamate (MSG, 2.5 g.kg-1 sc) and the enhancing effects of neurotropic Herpesvirus hominis (HVH, 0.2 ml/mouse ip) on MSG toxicity were studied through histomorphological observations, together with detection of the concentration of both mitochondrial protein bound Ca2+ and intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) by the Tb3+ fluorescent probe and Ca2+ indicator Fura-2/AM, respectively. It was found that in 10-d-old mice the neurons in arcuate hypothalamic nucleus degenerated severely after treatment with HVH+MSG, showing swollen edematous cytoplasm, dark pyknotic nuclei as well as a decrease in the amount of the neurons. The hypothalamic and spinal cord mitochondrial Tb3+ relative fluorescent intensity increased from 20 +/- 3 and 20 +/- 1 to 28 +/- 5 and 34 +/- 6, ie, the mitochondrial protein bound Ca2+ reduced significantly. MSG elevated the [Ca2+]i levels from 0.11 +/- 0.03 to 0.69 +/- 0.19 mumol.L-1 by not only stimulating the Ca2+ influx but also releasing the Ca2+ from intracellular stores. These findings suggested that MSG neurotoxicity was probably related to the overloading of neuroplasmic Ca2+, the destruction of neuronal abilities to deplete or sequester the intracellular Ca2+, as well as the irreversible neuronal injury and death.

Stent of shape-memory alloy for urethral obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia

Dilation and positioning a stent in the prostatic urethra have become important alternatives for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but both have significant drawbacks, namely the need to repeat the treatment in the former case and the conflict between the introducing means and the generation of sufficient expansile force in the latter case. A spiral of a Chinese titanium-nickel alloy with shape memory was implanted in 25 patients with BPH using a self-made coaxial sheath. With a follow-up of 3 to 20 months, the success rate is 92%. There has been no encrustation or migration of the spirals. We deem the spiral of this shape-memory alloy to be a good alternative in patients with BPH who are unfit for surgery.

[Transplacental neurotoxic effects of monosodium glutamate on structures and functions of specific brain areas of filial mice]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was shown to penetrate placental barrier and distribute almost evenly among embryonic tissues using 3H-Glu as a tracer. When a lower (1.0 mg/g) and a higher (2.5 mg/g) doses of MSG were alternatively injected to Kunming maternal mice in every other days from mating to deliveries, obvious injury occurred in the ability of memory retention and Y-maze discrimination learning of adult filial mice pregnantly treated with higher doses (2.5 mg/g) of MSG. Meanwhile, the neuronal damages were observed in not only arcuate nucleus but also ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus. Characteristic cytopathological changes induced by MSG showed swollen cytoplasm, dark pyknotic nuclei and loss of neurons. The radioligand-bindings in both hippocampus and hypothalamus altered significantly after the pregnant treatment of MSG. Possible mechanisms underlying MSG excitotoxic phenomena studied in single neuron by use of Ca2+ sensitive indicator Fura-2 with Spex AR-CM-MIC Cation Measurement System, might be due to increases of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration induced by MSG exposure, which was related to both the influx of Ca2+ and the depletion of Ca2+ from the intracellular Ca2+ stores. These experimental findings indicated that MSG performed its transplacental neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The excessive activation of Glu receptors and the overloading of intracellular Ca2+ induced by MSG ultimately leading to neuronal death may result in the reduction of the capability of learning and memory in adult filial mice pregnantly treated with MSG.

Impact of premature stop codons on mRNA levels in infantile Sandhoff disease

Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease resulting from mutations of the HEXB gene encoding the beta subunit of beta-hexosaminidase A. Fibroblast lines from four patients with the infantile form of the disease were investigated for mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing of PCR products. Two of the cell lines were homozygous for a common, 16 kb deletion of the 5' end of HEXB gene. The two other cell lines contained the 16 kb deletion along with a second mutant allele generating a stop codon: in one case a nonsense mutation, C850-->T, which generated a stop codon at codon 284; and in the other, a single base deletion, delta T1344, which generated a stop codon at codon 451. One additional cell line investigated was a compound heterozygote for two frameshift mutations, delta G774 in exon 7 and delta AG1305-1306 in exon 11 (McInnes et al. 1992, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1138: 315-317). Stop codons were generated in this cell line at codons 274 and 454, respectively. We took advantage of these genotypes to investigate the steady-state level of mRNA produced by cells containing stop codons using a competitive polymerase chain reaction technique. The mRNA levels were, as percent of normal per single gene dose: for the stop codon at codon 451, 30%; for those at codons 274 and 454, combined percentage of 1.7%; and at codon 284, 0.8%. These studies demonstrate a dramatic difference in the steady-state level of Hex beta mRNA in the cell lines with stop codons in close proximity to each other (codons 451 vs 454).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Squamous cell carcinoma arising from burn scars]

37 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in burn scars were reviewed. They were diagnosed between 1963 to 1991, accounting for 9.6% of 387 cases of skin SCC diagnosed during the same period. 24 cases were male and 13 female. Their ages varied from 15 to 73 years, with a mean age of 43 years. The interval period from initial burn to diagnosis of SCC ranged from 12 to 63 years, with a mean of 35.7 years. Macroscopically, an infiltrative ulcerative carcinoma was found in 12 cases, and an exophytic cauliflower like carcinoma was seen in 25 cases. Microscopically, the SCC was well differentiated in 26 cases, moderately differentiated in 8 cases, poorly differentiated in 3 cases. The course of growth of the malignancy, the clinicopathological features and the clinical diagnosis concerning the burn scar carcinoma were discussed in this paper.

Distribution of materno-fetus materno-suckling transfer of tritium after single injection of tritiated water in mice

The metabolism and transfer of tritium from pregnant mice to fetus after injection of tritiated water intraperitoneally was investigated in this paper. The study was composed of three experiments. 1. Pregnant mice were injected with tritium water on the first day of pregnancy, in order to obtain a transfer coefficient of tritium from pregnant mice to fetus through placenta. 2. Pregnant mice were injected with tritiated water on the first day of parturition to study the transfer of tritium via mother milk from nursing mice to the baby-animals. 3. Pregnant mice were injected with tritiated water in different periods of gestation. The results showed that tritiated water was uniformly distributed in all of the tissues measured, including placenta, fetal membrane and amniotic fluid in experiment 1. No effect of placentas on tritium transfer from pregnant mice to fetus was found. Concentration of tritium in the baby's tissues was evidently higher than that in the pregnant mice in experiments 2 and 3, and the transfer coefficient in experiments 2 and 3 was generally higher than that in experiment 1.

Excitation induced by acetylcholine after injection of Limulus ventral photoreceptor with ml muscarinic receptor mRNA

We investigated whether a human neurotransmitter receptor for acetylcholine (Ach) could couple Ach to light-sensitive pathways in Limulus photoreceptors. Two to three days after injection of human ml muscarinic mRNA into Limulus ventral photoreceptors the cells depolarized in response to Ach.

Noninvasive quantitative diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension with impedance rheopneumogram in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In order to evaluate the value of impedance rheopneumogram (IRP) in predicting pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) noninvasively and quantitatively, 150 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were examined by IRP and right heart catheterization simultaneously. It was found that some parameters derived from IRP correlated well with PAP, the strongest correlation being demonstrated by Q-B/B-Y ratio (gamma = 0.74, p < 0.001) and Hs (gamma = -0.56, P < 0.001). We made a multi-stepwise regressional analysis and obtained an equation to predict PAP from IRP parameters: PAP (kPa) = [-2.26-5.05 x 1nHs + 27.02 x (Q-B/B-Y)] x 0.133 (gamma = 0.78, P < 0.001). Other 30 COPD patients were selected to assess the effectiveness of the equation. We found that the sensitivity and specificity of the equation in identifying PAH were 83% and 93% respectively.

Design and clinical evaluation of impedance pulmonary arterial pressure measuring instrument with computer

Impedance pulmonary arterial pressure(PAP) measuring instrument with a microcomputer was designed and manufactured. It performs the functions of graphic analysis, logic judgment and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) measurement. Impedance information obtained by impedance PAP measuring instrument with a microcomputer was consistent with that by type HB-3COG apparatus. This new instrument has many advantages, such as reliability, saving of time and efforts as well as simplicity in operation.

Worldwide occurrence of Parkinson's disease: an updated review

Comparison of Parkinson's disease (PD) prevalence and incidence in various parts of the world is difficult because methods of case ascertainment, diagnostic criteria, classification, medical facilities, and age distribution of the populations vary broadly in different studies. We minimized these differences by adjusting available data to a single standard population. Using this we calculated age-adjusted rates for 27 regional populations and analyzed PD frequency from 45 communities. We conclude: (1) with the exception of China, Japan and Africa, which have the lowest prevalence ratios, the actual prevalence variation for PD is probably lower than previously reported in geographically diverse populations; (2) geographic variation is unlikely to be due exclusively to racial factors, and (3) environmental risk factors for PD might differ regionally.

[Effects of crude extract of earthworm on promoting blood circulation to removing stasis]

The crude extract of earthworm which has a thrombolytic effect could significantly decrease the plasma fibrinogen content and euglobulin lysis time (P < 0.01). An enzymatic preparation, containing many fibrinolytic enzymes, was prepared from the crude extract by ammonium sulphate precipitation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. When administered in rabbits, the enzymatic preparation had an effect in hemorheology improvement. The experiment shows the enzymatic preparation could obviously lower the aggregation of platelets, decrease the viscosity of whole blood and plasma as well as the index of erythrocyte rigidity significantly (P < 0.001). All these effects demonstrated its ability in promoting blood circulation to remove stasis.

Cryopreservation of embryonic cerebral tissue of rat

Embryonic cerebral tissues (ECT) either fresh or frozen-stored, were cultured and transplanted into the cerebella of neonatal host rats. Many variables including composition of the freezing medium, freezing and thawing rates, and storage time in liquid nitrogen were studied systematically. The results indicated that the following conditions yielded good results for tissue culture: using 1 M Me2SO as the cryoprotectant, freezing the brain tissues at a rate of 1 degrees C/min until it reached -70 degrees C, storing the frozen samples in liquid nitrogen and thawing them fast in a 37 degrees C water bath. The viability of the frozen-thawed tissues was assessed by their abilities to grow and differentiate in vitro and in vivo after intracerebral grafting. In tissue culture, growth and differentiation were similar to those of the fresh ECT. Cell morphology and staining reactions were normal in supravital methylene blue staining, cresyl violet staining, and acetylcholinesterase staining. Neurons had well-developed Nissl bodies, and cholinergic neurons also differentiated. Autoradiographic studies showed that more than 50% of the neurons had the ability to uptake gamma-aminobutyric acid with high affinity. In brain tissue transplantation, 9 of 12 transplants survived subsequent grafting after cryopreservation. Moreover, the grafts of surviving cryopreserved tissue displayed cytological and cytoarchitectural characteristics identical to those of fresh grafts. All grafts were integrated with the surrounding host neural tissue. This suggested that there may be synaptic connections between the transplants and the host brain tissues. From this and similar studies on the subject by others wer conclude that cryopreservation is a feasible method for storage of embryonic brain tissue to be used later for intracerebral grafting.

Effects of exercise on pulmonary gas exchange and oxygen transport in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

The effect of exercise on pulmonary gas exchange, arterial oxygenation, oxygen transport and delivery, and hemodynamics are studied in 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. According to the change of PaO2 or PaCO2 induced by exercise, patients were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 52) had significantly increased of PaO2 with little change in PaCO2. Mixed venous PO2, oxygen transport and coefficient of oxygen delivery decreased while the alveolar-arterial PO2 gradients and venous admixture increased significantly in Group B as compared with these parameters in Group A during exercise. Our data imply that exercise may lead to marked deterioration of pulmonary gas exchange, arterial oxygenation, oxygen transport and hemodynamic abnormalities in patients in whom PaO2 is decreased during exercise.

The antitumor effects of qigong-emitted external Qi and its influence on the immunologic functions of tumor-bearing mice

By utilizing murine tumor models bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and ascitic Sarcoma-180 (S-180), we investigated the in vivo antitumor effects of QEQ or/and the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide (CY) and their influence on the splenic natural killer (NK) activity, macrophage-mediated tumor cytolysis (MTC) activity and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production level of different groups of TBM. The results demonstrate that Qigong-emitted external Qi (QEQ) has inhibitory effects on tumor growth of tumor-bearing mice (TBM) and enhancing effects on antitumor immunologic functions of the tumor host simultaneously. Moreover, when used in combination with CY, QEQ can not only significantly increase the antitumor efficacy, but also markedly improve the compromised antitumor immunologic functions of the tumor host. Therefore, our findings suggest that in clinical practice of cancer treatment Qigong therapy in combination with conventional therapy (such as chemotherapy) is a treatment regimen worth recommending.

[The clinical investigation of the pulmonary arterial pressure in stable-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with cor pulmonale]

We measured pulmonary arterial pressure with Swan-Ganz catheters both at rest and after exercise in 21 patients with stable-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results were as follows: pulmonary arterial mean pressure cases (PAPm) increased at rest in 11 cases (PAPm greater than or equal to 2.66kPa); in 6 cases PAPm was normal at rest (PAPm less than 2.66kPa) but increased above the normal level after exercise (PAPm greater than or equal to 3.99 kPa); in 4 cases PAPm was within the normal limit both at rest and after exercise. These results suggest that (1) pulmonary arterial pressure in some patients with COPD and cor pulmonale can return to the normal level; (2) exercise load test can detect early-stage or latent pulmonary hypertension; (3) attention should be paid to the patient selection when long-term vasodilators are administered.

[A study on pulmonary hemodynamic in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Pulmonary hemodynamic changes in 63 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied with right heart catheter and impedance pulmonary rheogram (IPR) both at rest and during exercise. The two regression equations for estimating exercise PAPM with rest and exercise IPR parameters were established as follows: PAPM (kPa) = -1.40-0.88lnHs + 8.30B-F + 5.78Q-B/B-Y. PAPM (kPa) = 6.46-5.04Hs/square root of R-R + 4.35Q-B/B-Y-19.34Q-C.6 patients with normal rest PAPM were found to have PAPM increased during exercise and 4 patients with Cor Pulmonale had normal PAPM both at rest and at exercise. PCWP in all patients with and without Cor Pulmonale was normal. We also found that SV, SVI reduced significantly at exercise when compared with these at rest. With the patient's condition aggravating. SV, SVI decreased while RVSWI and dp/dt max of right ventricular systolic pressure increased.

[Investigation of the relation of impedance rheopneumogram with pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

In order to investigate the relation of impedance rheopneumogram with pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we measured impedance rheopneumogram and did right heart catheterization in 150 COPD patients simultaneously both at rest and after exercise. The results showed that impedance rheopneumogram was mainly influenced by right ventricular after-load, while the influences of right ventricular pre-load, right ventricular contraction, right ventricular stroke work index and cardiac output were rather small, suggesting that in COPD patients impedance rheopneumogram is valuable in predicting pulmonary arterial pressure noninvasively, but not so use in judging the right ventricular function.

Noninvasive diagnosis of latent pulmonary hypertension in COPD by exercise-load impedance rheopneumogram: a comparative study with right heart catheterization

Impedance rheopneumogram (IRP) and right heart Swan-Ganz catheter examinations were simultaneously carried out in 63 patients. Two equations for calculating after-exercise-pulmonary-pressure (PAPm) were obtained by stepwise regression analysis: 1) PAPm (kPa) = -1.40-0.88.InHs+8.30.(B-F)+5.78.Q-B/B-Y (r = 0.730, IRP is measured at rest); 2) PAPm(kPa) = 6.46-5.04.Hs/square root of R-R +4.35.Q-B/B-Y-19.34.(Q-C) (r = 0.648, IRP is measured after exercise). This is a new method for diagnosing latent pulmonary hypertension noninvasively.

[Pulmonary artery compliance and its relation with pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

In order to investigate pulmonary artery compliance (Cpa) and its relation with the clinical conditions and the other parameters of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we performed right heart Swan-Ganz catheterization in 146 COPD patients and measured their Cpa with Engelberg's method. The results showed that Cpa of BB type patients was lower than that of PP type ones; patients with pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale had lower Cpa than those without. These results suggest that Cpa in COPD patients decreases as their clinical condition worsens. Cpa had close relation with other pulmonary hemodynamic parameters. It had significant negative correlation with pulmonary arterial mean pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular stroke work index and significant positive correlation with cardiac index and stroke volume index. Using Engelberg's method as the standard, we also compared Reuben's, Wang's and Zhong's methods which are all simpler than Engelberg's method for measuring Cpa clinically. The results showed that Cpa measured with Wang's method was the closest to that measured with Engelberg's method.

[Changes of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension]

We measured the pulmonary arterial pressure and the level of Thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and Prostacyclin (PGI2) in 30 stable COPD patients and the level of TXA2 and PGI2 in 10 normal subjects so as to investigate the changes of TXA2 and PGI2 in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension. The results showed that the level of TXA2 increased significantly in COPD patients with dominant and latent pulmonary hypertension when compared with that in normal subjects (P less than 0.001, less than 0.01), and the level of TXA2 in COPD patients with dominant pulmonary hypertension was also higher than that in COPD patients with latent pulmonary hypertension (P less than 0.02), but there was no difference in the level of PGI2 among normal subjects and COPD patients with or without pulmonary hypertension. This indicates that TXA2 plays an important role in causing pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients.

Geographic patterns of parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam. 1956 through 1985

Average annual age-adjusted incidence rates of parkinsonism-dementia complex were obtained for the 19 election districts of Guam from 1956 through 1985. The highest rates were found in the southern and central districts, and the lowest rates were found in the northern and western districts. Geographic and temporal patterns of incidence were associated with socioeconomic status but not with geochemical factors. The risk of parkinsonism-dementia complex in susceptible sibships was much higher than that in the general population--even in districts with the highest incidence rates, but especially in districts with the lowest incidence rates. Our evidence tends to support the hypothesis that multiple factors linked to cycad use play an important role in the cause of PDC. Hypotheses related to metal exposure and simple genetic factors were unsatisfactory explanations for the epidemiologic patterns observed.

Patterns of acquiring parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam. 1944 through 1985

For 1944 through 1985, documented clinical descriptions compatible with a diagnosis of parkinsonism-dementia complex were found in 363 Chamorros (including mixed Chamorros) and three Filipino immigrants who had lived on Guam before onset. Downward trends in age-adjusted incidence rates and upward trends in age at onset were seen for Chamorros of both sexes. Since 1980, new cases have occurred only among persons over 50 years of age, whereas a younger age at onset had been noted in the past. Evidence suggests that the length of the latent period varied widely (up to decades) and increased with time, the risk of acquiring parkinsonism-dementia complex had declined since the late 1950s, and the critical age of exposure to an unknown factor in the environment on Guam appears to have been during adolescence or adulthood.

Investigation on the relation of impedance rheopneumogram with pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In order to investigate the relation of impedance rheopneumogram with pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we measured impedance rheopneumogram and performed right heart catheterization on 150 COPD patients simultaneously both at rest and during exercise test. The results showed that impedance rheopneumogram was mainly influenced by right ventricular after-load while the influences of right ventricular pre-load, right ventricular contractivity, right ventricular work index and cardiac output were rather slight. These results also suggest that in COPD patients impedance rheopneumogram is of great value when used to predict pulmonary arterial pressure but of little value when used to measure the right ventricular function.

cis-acting negative regulatory element of prolactin gene

The prolactin (PRL) gene in clonal strains of rat pituitary tumor cells in culture (GH cells) exhibit several regulatory responses, similar to the ones observed in rat pituitary gland. A comparative analysis of regulation of PRL gene expression in PRL-producing (PRL+) and PRL-nonproducing (PRL-) GH cells was conducted by monitoring the PRL promoter driven transient expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene in GH4C1 (PRL+) and GH12C1 (PRL-) cells. The PRL promoter activity was drastically inhibited only in PRL-nonproducing cells (PRL-) and not in PRL producing cells (PRL+) when a 80-base pair (bp) DNA sequence from 5'-flanking region of PRL gene (located between -330 and -250 bp) was included in the PRL-CAT fusion gene constructs. Furthermore, a DNA/protein interaction involving this 80-bp DNA sequence and a 60-kDa nuclear protein was detected only in PRL- cells but not in PRL+ GH cells. These results suggested that the strain-specific suppression of PRL gene in PRL-, GH12C1 cells was mediated via interaction of a cis-acting negative regulatory element with a negative regulatory trans-acting factor in these cells. The negative regulatory element within the AT-rich 80-bp DNA sequence was mapped immediately adjacent to the site of interaction of trans-activators of PRL gene.

[45Ca-uptake, mitochondrial protein bound Ca2+ and ultrastructural distribution of Ca2+ in some brain regions of mice during drug-induced analgesia]

After buprenorphine (Bup, 0.8 mg/kg ip) treatment 45Ca-uptake (cpm/mg fresh brain) in vivo by brain slices decreased from 589 +/- 12 and 486 +/- 12 to 522 +/- 14 and 408 +/- 10 and mitochondrial protein bound Tb3+ (Tb3+ relative fluorescent intensity) reduced from 41 +/- 5 and 32 +/- 2 to 30 +/- 3 and 22 +/- 2 in periaqueductal grey and hypothalamus, respectively. A large amount dense precipitate occurred in the myelin sheath and mitochondria in both regions. The 45Ca-uptake evoked by buprenorphine at 16 micrograms/40 microliter in vitro has the similar tendency with that in vivo. Treated by ruthenium red (20 micrograms/mouse ip or icv) before buprenorphine, the above-mentioned effects were all abolished. Similar results were obtained with morphine (Mor, 10 mg/kg ip) and verapamil (Ver, 8 micrograms/mouse icv) instead of buprenorphine and ruthenium red, respectively. These results suggest that Ca2+ transport across neuroplasmic membranes plays a mediator role in drug-induced analgesia.

[Establishment of a cell line (HCe-8693) from human undifferentiated adenocarcinoma of the cecum and its characterization]

A human cecum undifferentiated adenocarcinoma cell line (HCe-8693) was established from a metastatic lymph node of the surgical specimen from a male adult patient. The cell doubling time was 30.4 hr and the mitotic index was 28.8%. All the cells were of epithelial type, round and oval in shape. Electron microscopic examination showed large nucleus, clear-cut nucleoli, abundant microvilli and some secretory granules. Chromosomal analysis revealed a mode of 48 per cell. The frequency of colony formation in soft agar was 8%. The cells agglutinated in 1 microgram/ml PHA or ConA. CEA was positive in the cells and in the culture supernatant. When hetero-transplanted to nude mice, HCe-8693 cells grew to form tumor with the same morphology as the original one from the patient with Alcian blue positive material in the cytoplasm. Repeated detection for mycoplasma was negative.

Suppression of prolactin gene expression in GH cells correlates with site-specific DNA methylation

Prolactin- (PRL) producing and nonproducing subclones of the GH line of (rat) pituitary tumor cells have been compared to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of PRL gene expression. Particular emphasis was placed on delineating the molecular basis of the suppressed state of the PRL gene in the prolactin-nonproducing (PRL-) GH subclone (GH(1)2C1). We examined six methylatable cytosine residues (5, -CCGG- and 1, -GCGC-) within the 30-kb region of the PRL gene in these subclones. This analysis revealed that -CCGG-sequences of the transcribed region, and specifically, one in the fourth exon of the PRL gene, were heavily methylated in the PRL-, GH(1)2C1 cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of PRL gene expression in GH(1)2C1 was reversed by short-term treatment of the cells with a sublethal concentration of azacytidine (AzaC), an inhibitor of DNA methylation. The reversion of PRL gene expression by AzaC was correlated with the concurrent demethylation of the same -CCGG- sequences in the transcribed region of PRL gene. An inverse correlation between PRL gene expression and the level of methylation of the internal -C- residues in the specific -CCGG-sequence of the transcribed region of the PRL gene was demonstrated. The DNase I sensitivity of these regions of the PRL gene in PRL+, PRL-, and AzaC-treated cells was also consistent with an inverse relationship between methylation state, a higher order of structural modification, and gene expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A report on 2 cases of bagassosis and a review of relevant literature]

In this article two cases of bagassosis confirmed by lung biopsy under fiberoptic bronchoscopy are reported Death ensued in one of the two cases. For heightening the recognition of bagassosis, a discussion is made with review of relevant literatures on the clinical characteristics. X-ray manifestations, immunological examinations, pathological findings, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease.

Curative radiotherapy of early operable non-small cell lung cancer

The results of 44 patients with early operable non-small cell lung cancer treated from January 1975 through 1981 are retrospectively analysed. All were proven by pathology and/or cytology and denied surgery in our joint Chest Clinic for various reasons. 55-70 Gy/6-7 weeks was delivered by conventional fractionation through A-P portals by telecobalt and/or 25-35 MeV high energy electron beam or 8 MV X-ray. 40 Gy/4 weeks was given prophylactically to the mediastinum. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, 93, 55, and 32%, are superior to what is reported in the literature. In the present series, the favorable factors are: (1) patients without any intercurrent disease but refused operation; (2) T1 lesions; (3) complete regression of the lesion at the conclusion of radiotherapy; (4) doses ranging from 69 to 70 Gy. It is shown that early non-small cell lung cancer can be cured by radiotherapy alone giving survival rates comparable to surgery. Prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Synergistic inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus: transformation of B lymphocytes by alpha and gamma interferon and by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine

We analyzed the effects of 3'-azido-3'deoxythymidine (AZT) and alpha and gamma interferon (IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma) on transformation of human umbilical cord lymphocytes (HUCLs) by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). B lymphocytic outgrowth from HUCLs infected with EBV was monitored by focus formation; the presence of EBV genomes in transformed foci was confirmed by in situ cytohybridization and EBV nuclear antigen. The 50% inhibitory doses for preventing focus formation were 0.14 microM for AZT, 10 units (U)/mL for IFN-alpha, and 1 U/mL for IFN-gamma. To determine whether inhibition resulted from direct cytotoxic effects, we assessed the viability of nontransformed HUCLs exposed to the agents for 30 d. The nontoxic doses were 1 microM for AZT, 30 U/mL for IFN-alpha, and 3 U/mL for IFN-gamma. Combining IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma with AZT or IFN-alpha with IFN-gamma at nontoxic doses showed synergistic decreases in numbers of transformed foci. Transformation of HUCLs by EBV was sensitive to, but not abolished by, these agents at doses below those required for cell killing.

World-wide trends in multiple sclerosis mortality

Mortality attributed to multiple sclerosis (MS) was analyzed for 35 countries around the world using World Health Organization reports from 1965 to 1984. Trends were plotted for the United States and Canada, for various regions of Europe, Israel, South America, Asia, Australia and some Pacific countries. In general, MS mortality has declined steadily in North America and most of western Europe as well as in countries with a western culture but has remained stable or increased in eastern and northern Europe. Although several Mediterranean countries reported a recent increased frequency of MS, it was not (yet?) evident in mortality data. Intensive prospective surveillance of MS frequency trends in selected regions of the world will determine the validity of the trends based on mortality.