One Year Results of Preoperative Single Bolus ATG-Fresenius Induction Therapy in Sensitized Renal Transplant Recipients

Sensitization in kidney transplantation is associated with more acute rejections, inferior graft survival, and an increase in delayed graft function. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative single bolus antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction therapy in sensitized renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

Fifty-six cadaveric donor kidney transplant recipients were divided into two groups: Group I (nonsensitized group, n = 30) and group II (sensitized group, PRA>10%, n = 26). ATG was given as a single preoperative bolus induction therapy to group II (ATG IV; 9 mg/kg). The group I patients were treated with mycophenolate mofetil preoperatively as induction therapy. The basic immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus (FK-506) or cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. After hospital discharge, patients were followed on a routine outpatient basis for 12 months.

RESULTS

Acute rejection episodes (ARE) occurred in 20% (6/30) of group I and 15.38% (4/26) of group II patients (P = NS). Infections occurred in eight patients (26.7%) as 11 episodes (36.7%), averaging 1.4 episodes per infected patient in group 1, and 6 patients (23.1%) for a total of 10 episodes (38.5%), averaging 1.7 episodes per infected patient, in group II (P = NS). Occurrence of side effects and hospital stay were almost comparable in the two groups. No delayed graft function was observed in either group. The 12-month actuarial patient and graft survival were 100% in Group I and II.

CONCLUSION

A preoperative single bolus ATG induction therapy was an effective and safe therapeutic measure, yielding an acceptable acute rejection rate in presensitized renal transplant recipients.

Longitudinal double-spin asymmetry and cross section for inclusive jet production in polarized proton collisions at square root of s = 200 GeV

We report a measurement of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry A(LL) and the differential cross section for inclusive midrapidity jet production in polarized proton collisions at square root of s = 200 GeV. The cross section data cover transverse momenta 5 < pT < 50 GeV/c and agree with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD evaluations. The A(LL) data cover 5 < pT < 17 GeV/c and disfavor at 98% C.L. maximal positive gluon polarization in the polarized nucleon.

Direct observation of dijets in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[sNN]=200 GeV

The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider reports measurements of azimuthal correlations of high transverse momentum (pT) charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at higher pT than reported previously. As (pT) is increased, a narrow, back-to-back peak emerges above the decreasing background, providing a clear dijet signal for all collision centralities studied. Using these correlations, we perform a systematic study of dijet production and suppression in nuclear collisions, providing new constraints on the mechanisms underlying partonic energy loss in dense matter.

Identified baryon and meson distributions at large transverse momenta from Au + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV

Transverse momentum spectra of pi+/-, p, and p up to 12 GeV/c at midrapidity in centrality selected Au + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV are presented. In central Au + Au collisions, both pi +/- and p(p) show significant suppression with respect to binary scaling at pT approximately >4 GeV/c. Protons and antiprotons are less suppressed than pi+/-, in the range 1.5 approximately < pT approximately < 6 GeV/c. The pi-/pi+ and p/p ratios show at most a weak pT dependence and no significant centrality dependence. The p/pi ratios in central Au + Au collisions approach the values in p + p and d + Au collisions at pT approximately >5 GeV/c. The results at high pT indicate that the partonic sources of pi+/-, p, and p have similar energy loss when traversing the nuclear medium.

Forward neutral pion production in p + p and d + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV

Measurements of the production of forward pi0 mesons from p + p and d + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV are reported. The p + p yield generally agrees with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations. The d + Au yield per binary collision is suppressed as eta increases, decreasing to approximately 30% of the p + p yield at eta =4.00, well below shadowing expectations. Exploratory measurements of azimuthal correlations of the forward pi0 with charged hadrons at eta approximately 0 show a recoil peak in p + p that is suppressed in d + Au at low pion energy. These observations are qualitatively consistent with a saturation picture of the low-x gluon structure of heavy nuclei.

Strange baryon resonance production in sqrt s NN=200 GeV p+p and Au+Au collisions

We report the measurements of Sigma(1385) and Lambda(1520) production in p+p and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s{NN}]=200 GeV from the STAR Collaboration. The yields and the p(T) spectra are presented and discussed in terms of chemical and thermal freeze-out conditions and compared to model predictions. Thermal and microscopic models do not adequately describe the yields of all the resonances produced in central Au+Au collisions. Our results indicate that there may be a time span between chemical and thermal freeze-out during which elastic hadronic interactions occur.

Atomic Pillar-Based Nanoprecipitates Strengthen AlMgSi Alloys

Atomic-resolution electron microscopy reveals that pillarlike silicon double columns exist in the hardening nanoprecipitates of AlMgSi alloys, which vary in structure and composition. Upon annealing, the Si2 pillars provide the skeleton for the nanoparticles to evolve in composition, structure, and morphology. We show that they begin as tiny nuclei with a composition close to Mg2Si2Al7 and a minimal mismatch with the aluminum matrix. They subsequently undergo a one-dimensional growth in association with compositional change, becoming elongated particles. During the evolution toward the final Mg5Si6 particles, the compositional change is accompanied by a characteristic structural change. Our study explains the nanoscopic reasons that the alloys make excellent automotive materials.

Image deconvolution in spherical aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

The method of image deconvolution developed previously for FEG high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) without a spherical aberration (C(s)) corrector was for the first time applied to FEG HRTEM with a C(s)-corrector. The principle and the procedure of image deconvolution are briefly described. Four qualified [1 1 0] images of Si were selected from a through-focus series to perform image deconvolution. The projected potential is successfully derived from all the images, and the obtained "dumbbell" structure maps of Si [1 1 0] are in good agreement with the calculated potential map. The criterion of selecting qualified images for performing image deconvolution is indicated. The possibility of applying image deconvolution to defect study and to ab initio crystal structure determination is discussed.

Inhibition of glutamate uptake in the spinal cord induces hyperalgesia and increased responses of spinal dorsal horn neurons to peripheral afferent stimulation

Glutamate is a primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. Glutamate released from presynaptic neurons is cleared from the synaptic cleft passively by diffusion and actively by glutamate transporters. In this study, the role of glutamate transporters in sensory processing in the spinal cord has been investigated in behavioral, in vivo and in vitro experiments. Intrathecal application of a non-selective glutamate transport inhibitor, L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (10 microl of 100 microM solution) induced hypersensitivity to peripheral mechanical and thermal stimuli. Topical application of L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (100 microM) onto the dorsal surface of the L3-L6 spinal cord increased spontaneous activities, innocuous and noxious stimulus-evoked responses and after-discharges of wide dynamic range neurons in the L4-5 spinal segments. Whole cell recordings made from superficial dorsal horn neurons in an isolated whole spinal cord from newborn rats (2-3 weeks old) revealed that bath-applied L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (100 microM) produced partial membrane depolarization, increased spontaneous action potentials with decreased neuronal membrane resistance and time constant, but without significant changes of capacitance. Finally, the amplitude and duration of primary afferent evoked-excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded from neurons in the substantia gelatinosa in the spinal slices from young adult rats (6-8 weeks old) were increased in the presence of L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (100 microM). This study indicates that glutamate transporters regulate baseline excitability and responses of dorsal horn neurons to peripheral stimulation, and suggests that dysfunction of glutamate transporters may contribute to certain types of pathological pain.

Changes in the expression of Fas on T lymphocytes after allogeneic fetal thymus transplantation in systemic lupus erytematosus mice

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that can produce inflammation in many organ systems. The rate of spontaneous apoptosis in lymphocytes from human SLE patients has been reported to be increased both in vivo and in vitro. Studies of fetal thymus transplantation in an autoimmune syndrome indicate that cellular immunity can be reconstituted and regulatory T cell functions can be normalized.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess changes in Fas expression on T lymphocytes following fetal thymus transplant.

METHODS

(B/CxB6) F1 (H-2d/h) female F1 mice were assigned to groups designated transplantation, normal, and control. Mice in the transplantation and control groups received parental BALB/c lymphocytes intravenously. Thirty days after injection of the lymphocytes, each F1 mouse in the transplantation group received a fetal thymus graft under the right renal capsule. Mice in the control group did not receive thymus transplant and mice in the normal group received neither parental lymphocytes nor a fetal thymus graft. All mice received cyclosporin A at 2 mg/kg daily for the first 12 days after transplantation or starting on the corresponding day. Thirty days after thymus transplantation, F1 mice were sacrificed and expression of Fas in peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The percentage of CD4Fas+ T lymphocytes was significantly increased in the control group and the transplantation group compared with the normal group. Corresponding significant differences were observed for CD8Fas+, CD4CD25Fas', and CD45RB(low)Fas+ T lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that fetal thymus transplantation had a significant effect on the expression of Fas by T cell subtypes in SLE mice.

The Impact of Pretransplant Cytomegalovirus Infection on Acute Renal Allograft Rejection

BACKGROUND

The role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in renal allograft rejection remains controversial; moreover, there are few studies on pretransplant infections. This study sought to investigate whether pretransplant CMV infections had negative effects on acute rejection episodes (ARE) and to evaluate the effect of preemptive treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study of 416 transplant recipients from October 1, 2000 to September 1, 2003 had CMV infections diagnosed by CMV antigenemia tests. The incidences of ARE were compared between CMV-infected and noninfected groups. Risk factors for ARE were analyzed. Based on preemptive treatment, pretransplant CMV-infected recipients were divided into ganciclovir-treated and nontreated groups and the incidence of ARE was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty four recipients had CMV infections pretransplant; the infection rate was 44.2%. Fifty five recipients had ARE among the pretransplant CMV-positive group, which was significantly higher than that in the noninfected group (29.9% vs 19.5%, P = .014). But the rejection subgroups and renal function recovery had no significant differences. While the presence of pretransplant infection was an independent predictor of ARE (RR = 1.807), severity showed no significant impact on ARE. Among 184 pretransplant CMV infection recipients, the incidences of ARE were 14.3% and 18.0% in ganciclovir-treated versus nontreated patients, respectively (P = .650).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant CMV-positive recipients were at greater risk of ARE. Pretransplant CMV infection was an independent risk factor for ARE. Preemptive antiviral treatment did not show protective effects against ARE related to CMV infection-mediated immunological injuries.

Multistrange Baryon elliptic flow in Au+Au collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of elliptic flow v2(pT) of multistrange baryons Xi- +Xi+ and Omega- + Omega+ in heavy-ion collisions. In minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at square root of s(NN)=200 GeV, a significant amount of elliptic flow, comparable to other nonstrange baryons, is observed for multistrange baryons which are expected to be particularly sensitive to the dynamics of the partonic stage of heavy-ion collisions. The pT dependence of v2 of the multistrange baryons confirms the number of constituent quark scaling previously observed for lighter hadrons. These results support the idea that a substantial fraction of the observed collective motion is developed at the early partonic stage in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.

Maximum likelihood estimation of structure parameters from high resolution electron microscopy images. Part II: A practical example

This paper is the second part of a two-part paper on maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of structure parameters from electron microscopy images. In order to show the practical applicability of the theoretical methods described in the first part of this two-part paper, an experimental study of an aluminium crystal is presented. In this study, structure parameters, atom column distances in particular, are estimated from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images using the ML method. The necessary steps to be made in the application of this method will be worked out one by one, including model assessment, the computation of the ML parameter estimates, and the construction of confidence intervals for these parameter estimates.

Translocation of double-strand DNA through a silicon oxide nanopore

We report double-strand DNA translocation experiments using silicon oxide nanopores with a diameter of about 10 nm . By monitoring the conductance of a voltage-biased pore, we detect molecules with a length ranging from 6557 to 48 500 base pairs. We find that the molecules can pass the pore both in a straight linear fashion and in a folded state. Experiments on circular DNA further support this picture. We sort the molecular events according to their folding state and estimate the folding position. As a proof-of-principle experiment, we show that a nanopore can be used to distinguish the lengths of DNA fragments present in a mixture. These experiments pave the way for quantitative analytical techniques with solid-state nanopores.

Preparation and evaluation of a hyaluronate-collagen film for preventing post-surgical adhesion

Post-surgical adhesion occurs when fibrous strands of scar tissue form, leading to the abnormal joining of anatomical structures. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery are at risk of the complications associated with intraperitoneal adhesions. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic natural polymer, which is gaining popularity as a barrier agent for preventing post-surgical adhesions. As HA is water-soluble and rapidly degraded in vivo, chemical modification is required to produce a non-soluble sheet that might be used to prevent tissue adhesion. We developed a range of biocompatible cross-linked HA-collagen composites and then evaluated them in a rat model of post-surgical adhesion. The results showed that cross-linked HA-collagen was almost totally resistant to hyaluronidase digestion. HA-collagen membranes induced minimal tissue reactions and were bioresorbed within 14 days post-surgery. These results suggest that cross-linked HA-collagen membrane may be a valuable anti-adhesion material to prevent post-surgical intraperitoneal adhesion.

Ultrastructural comparison of penile cavernous tissue between hypertensive and normotensive rats

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

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan 40 mg vs. enalapril 10 mg in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension: a multicentre, double-blind study in Taiwanese patients

The purpose of this randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan 40 mg once daily vs. enalapril 10 mg once daily in 147 Taiwanese patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 90-109 mmHg). After 6 weeks' treatment, telmisartan produced a significantly greater reduction from baseline in the primary endpoint of trough seated DBP compared with enalapril 10 mg (11.7 vs. 8.7 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.02). Numerically greater reductions compared with baseline in seated systolic blood pressure (SBP), standing DBP, and standing SBP were achieved with telmisartan compared with enalapril. Also, numerically greater proportions of patients achieved blood pressure control (DBP/systolic blood pressure [SBP] <90/140 mmHg) and responded to treatment (reduction from baseline in trough seated DBP > or = 10 mmHg and/or post-treatment DBP <90 mmHg; reduction from baseline in trough seated SBP > or = 10 mmHg and/or post-treatment SBP <140 mmHg) with telmisartan 40 mg compared with enalapril 10 mg. Although both treatments were well tolerated, the incidence of cough was markedly lower with telmisartan 40 mg (8.5%) than with enalapril 10 mg (18.4%) in this population of Taiwanese hypertensive patients.

The pre-styloid compartment of the parapharyngeal space: a three-dimensional digitized model based on the Chinese Visible Human

To build a digitized visible model of the parapharyngeal space of the Chinese Visible Human and to provide a sectional anatomic basis for radiological and clinical diagnosis of the parapharyngeal space, sectional anatomy data of the parapharyngeal space were selected from the Chinese Visible Human male and female to compare with MR imaging findings in the axial planes. From these data the parapharyngeal space and surrounding structures were segmented. They were then reconstructed in three dimensions on PC. In the axial planes of the sectional anatomy and MR imaging, the shape, content and relations of the parapharyngeal space were clearly displayed and the dominant plane for showing the parapharyngeal space was elicited. The three-dimensional reconstructed images displayed perfectly the anatomic relationships of the parapharyngeal space, parotid, muscles, mandible and vessels. All reconstructed structures can be displayed singly, in groups or as a whole; any diameter or angle of the reconstructed structures can be easily measured. The Chinese Visible Human male and female data set can provide complete and accurate data. The digitized model of the parapharyngeal space and its surroundings offers unique insights into the complex anatomy of the area, providing morphologic data for imaging diagnosis and surgery of the parapharyngeal space.

Stage migration influences on stage-specific survival comparison between D1 and D3 gastric cancer surgeries

AIMS

We evaluate the influency stage migration in a randomised trial comparing D1 (N 1 lymphadenectomy) and D3 (N 1, 2 and 3 lymphadenectomy) dissections.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirteen curatively resected patients were analysed, with this TNM data.

RESULTS

After applying D3 patients' data according to simulated D1 staging, D3 resections were associated with up-staging to N2-3 levels in 8% of patients according to the N stage. The likelihood of N-status migration increased with increasing depth of invasion into the gastric wall. The increases in the calculated survival rate after stage migration on known 5-year survival rates were: 2% in stage IB, 1% in stage II, 4% in stage IIIA, and 1% in stage IIIB.

CONCLUSIONS

Stage migration secondary to meticulous lymph node dissection affects stage-specific survival rates. True therapeutic survival benefit of D3 resection can only be assessed in this context.

Bayesian models for population-based case-control studies when the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Association analysis of genetic polymorphisms has been mostly performed in a case-control setting with unrelated affected subjects compared with unrelated unaffected subjects. In this paper, we present a Bayesian method for analyzing such case-control data when the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Our Bayesian method depends on the informative prior which is the retrospective likelihood based on historical data, raised to a power a. By modeling the retrospective likelihood properly, different prior information about the studied population can be incorporated into the specification of the prior. The scalar a is a precision parameter quantifying the heterogeneity between current and historical data. A guide value for a is discussed in this paper. The informative prior and posterior distributions are proper under very general conditions. Therefore, our method can be applied in most case-control studies. Further, for assessing gene-environment interactions, our approach will naturally lead to a Bayesian model depending only on the case data, when genotype and environmental factors are independent in the population. Thus our approach can be applied to case-only studies. A real example is used to show the applications of our method.

Sensitization of dorsal root reflexes in vitro and hyperalgesia in neonatal rats produced by capsaicin

The maturation of dorsal root reflexes (DRRs) in lumbar roots was characterized in neonatal rats at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after birth using an in vitro isolated spinal cord preparation with attached dorsal roots and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Changes of DRRs in rats of increasing age were also tested by administration of capsaicin to the DRG and related to spinal mechanisms of hyperalgesia by defining the behavioral responses of neonatal rats to intradermal capsaicin. DRRs evoked by stimulating the adjacent root in 1 week old rats are characterized by highly desynchronized waveforms with power spectra concentrated at frequencies greater than 200 Hz. DRRs in 1 week old rats show very little change in amplitude or area with increasing afferent stimulation strength. In contrast DRRs in 2 and 3 weeks old rats are highly synchronized with power concentrated at frequencies less than 100 Hz and show a graded increase in amplitude and area with increasing stimulus strength. The recovery of DRR amplitude in a paired pulse stimulus protocol is faster in 1 week rats than in 2 or 3 weeks old rats. Finally, DRRs in 2 and 3 week old rats show increased amplitude and area following application of capsaicin to the DRG of the stimulating root whereas those in 1 week old rats do not. These changes parallel the behavioral responses of neonatal rats as 2 and 3 weeks old rats show secondary mechanical hyperalgesia following intradermal capsaicin, but 1 week old rats do not. Our data indicate that the spinal circuitry for DRRs in the neonatal period undergoes rapidly dynamic development in the rat. This development is sufficiently rapid that mechanisms of spinal sensitization induced by capsaicin can be studied in rats 2 weeks old and older.

Serum lysophosphatidic acid concentrations measured by dot immunogold filtration assay in patients with acute myocardial infarction

In this study the relation between lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and myocardial infarction was investigated, the typical and simplified methods for measuring serum LPA concentration by dot immunogold filtration assay (DIFA) based on a polyclonal antibody to LPA were developed, and serum LPA concentrations were measured in 31 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 12 controls (blood donors) by DIFA. Serum LPA levels were raised more than twofold 8 h after the onset of AMI. Maximal elevation (10.43 mg/L) was found at 48-72 h following onset and remained higher than the control concentration (1.66 mg/L) 7 days after AMI. The rise in serum LPA concentration in AMI patients suggests that LPA might be involved in AMI-related pathophysiology in the cardiovascular system. The simplified DIFA developed in the present study for measuring serum LPA concentration is convenient and highly sensitive.

Induction of VX2 carcinoma in rabbit liver: comparison of two inoculation methods

Direct injection of VX2 cell suspension into the liver is simple and widely used. Implantation of a fragment of VX2 tumour into the liver using a surgical technique has also been developed in the last decade. In this study, we compared these two methods in order to find a better modality for establishing VX2 liver mass. Forty rabbits, each weighing 2.8-3.2 kg, were divided into two groups, 20 rabbits in each. In Group 1, a tumour cell suspension containing 1 x 10(6) cells in a volume of 0.1 ml, was injected slowly into the liver parenchyma using a 27-gauge needle during laparotomy. In Group 2, a 1 mm(3) fragment of VX2 carcinoma was inoculated into the sub-capsule of the left anterior lobe of the liver. In Group 1, three rabbits showed no tumour growth and 10 rabbits showed evidence of leakage and tumour seeding outside of the liver. In Group 2, all but one rabbit showed tumour growth and none showed evidence of tumour seeding. The leakage rates were 50% and 0% for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Overall, the success inoculation rate was 35% for Group 1 and 95% for Group 2. In conclusion, to create the VX2 liver tumour model in rabbits, direct implantation of VX2 tumour fragment into the liver achieved better results than injecting cell suspension of VX2 tumour into the liver.

The cerebrosides

This review covers distribution, structural determination, syntheses and biological activities of the cerebrosides reported so far. Those with absolute stereochemistry assigned are marked herein with '*'. The literature from 1969 to mid-2003 is reviewed and 189 references cited.

Transcriptional regulation of human osteopontin promoter by C/EBPα and AML-1 in metastatic cancer cells

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted glycoprotein produced by osteoclasts, macrophages, T cells, hematopoietic cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It contributes to macrophage homing and cellular immunity. It also mediates neovascularization, inhibits apoptosis, and plays important roles in extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. These properties are also characteristics of metastatic cancer cells. Consequently, the OPN gene was found to be upregulated among various metastatic cancer cells. This suggests that OPN is involved in tumor metastasis. How the OPN gene is upregulated in metastatic cancer cells remains to be illustrated. Thus, we investigated the transcriptional activation of the OPN promoter in the human metastatic cancer cell line A2058. We cloned the OPN promoter, and serial deletion analysis of the OPN promoter showed that the region between -170 and -127 may act as an enhancer to control the OPN gene in metastatic tumor cells. This region was found to contain overlapped AML-1 and C/EBP binding site motifs. Gel-mobility-shift assays using the A2058 nuclear extract and AML-1a or C/EBPalpha (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha) recombinant protein indicated that these two transcription factors can bind to the overlapped AML-1 /C/EBP binding site motifs on the OPN regulatory sequence from -147 to -127. Surprisingly, the gel-shift experiments did not show supershift complex formation between AML-1 and C/EBPalpha. Functional analysis showed that the C/EBPalpha was more potent than the complex of AML-1 and its cofactor CBFbeta to upregulate the OPN promoter. In addition, AML-1 and C/EBPalpha did not exhibit transactivation additively or synergistically. Our results suggest that AML-1 and C/EBPalpha play an important role in the upregulation of the OPN gene in metastatic tumor cells.

Atomic imaging in aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

In recent years, the successful implementation of a spherical-aberration corrector in a Philips CM 200 FEG ST microscope achieved by Haider et al. has attracted a great deal of attention. However, thus far extensive applications of this novel high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) to materials research have been hampered by the problems concerning optimum imaging conditions and image interpretation. In this paper, we present our points of view concerning atomic imaging in an aberration-corrected HRTEM. Since atomic resolution images can also be obtained with other techniques such as through-focus exit-wave function reconstruction (TF-EWR), we have to emphasis that the strength of the aberration-corrected HRTEM particularly lies on its ability to resolve the atomic structure in real time. However, for this purpose it is mandatory that the image contrast be related in a one-to-one function with the projected structure of the object. We analyzed the atomic imaging conditions in much detail and we come to the following conclusion: this novel facility is no doubt a powerful and advanced HRTEM instrument in achieving atomic images with its highest resolution (information limit). We furthermore demonstrate that the combination of the new microscope and TF-EWR will yield optimal results.

Pinelloside, an antimicrobial cerebroside from Pinellia ternata

An antimicrobial cerebroside, pinelloside, was isolated from the air-dried tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Its structure was determined as 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S,3R,4E,11E)-2-(2'R-hydroxyhexadecenoylamino)-4,11-octadecadiene-1,3-diol by chemical transformation and extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT as well as 2D NMR techniques HMBC, HMQC, 1H-1H COSY and NOESY). The antimicrobial assay showed that this compound was inhibitory to the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20, 50, 30 and 10 microg/ml, respectively. The MICs of penicillin G against bacteria B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. fluorescens and H. pylori were 0.80, 0.34, 0.56, 1.34 and 0.92, and those of ketoconazole against fungi A. niger, C. albicans and T. rubrum 0.90, 0.65 and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively.

Expressions of Lewis antigens in human non-small cell pulmonary cancer and primary liver cancer with different pathological conditions

The expressions of three X series Lewis antigens, including Lewis X (Le(x)), sialyl Lewis X (SLe(x)) and sialyl dimeric Lewis X (SDLe(x)) were studied with immuno-histochemical methods in human non-small cell pulmonary cancer (NSCPC) and primary liver cancer (PLC) with different pathological conditions. The Lewis antigens are mainly expressed on the cell surfaces, medially or slightly in the cytoplasm, but not in the cell nuclei of the cancer tissues. The regions adjacent to the cancer tissues do not express any Lewis antigens. The positive rates of these antigens in NSCPC were within the range of 75% to approximately 86%. There was no apparent difference in positive rates between the cases with different differentiation and the presence or absence of metastasis in peripheral lymph nodes, nor among the three antigens, except that the positive rate of SDLe(x) was lower (about 56%) in the cases with well/medium differentiation and without metastasis. However, the expression-intensities (SI indexes) of all three antigens were significantly higher in the samples of poor differentiation and with metastasis as compared to those with well/medium differentiation and without metastasis. The two sialyl Lewis antigens increased more significantly than non-sialylated Le(x). The expressions of these antigens were also observed in the peripheral lymph nodes with metastasis, but not in those without metastasis. The positive rates of Le(x), SLe(x) and SDLe(x) in human primary liver cancer were 83.3%, 88.9% and 77.8%, respectively. In the cases with cancer cell thrombosis (CCT) in portal vein (an index of metastasis), the expressions of all these three antigens were stronger than those in the cases without CCT. SLe(x) was the most abundant and most highly increased Lewis antigen on the surface of NSCPC and PLC, especially in the cases with poor differentiation and metastasis. In the study of the enzymatic basis of the increased Lewis antigens in PLC by using Northern blot, it was found that the level of alpha1,3 FucT-III/VI mRNA in PLC tissues was much higher than that in the adjacent regions, and more significantly higher in the cancer tissues from patients with CCT in portal vein. In contrast, the expression of alpha1,3 FucT-VII was rather low in cancer tissues and not different from the adjacent regions in spite of the presence or absence of CCT. These results reveal that the SLe(x) in PLC is mainly synthesized by alpha1,3 FucT-III/VI (especially VI) and is the most important Lewis antigen involved in the metastasis of PLC.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of bioactive triterpenes in Perilla frutescens

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Lamiaceae), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of various diseases. To evaluate the quality of P. frutescens, a simple, rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the assessment of three bioactive triterpene acids: tormentic acid (TA), oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA). The HPLC system used an Spherisob octadecylsilyl silica (ODS) column with acetonitrile and aqueous H(3)PO(4) as the mobile phase and detection at 206 nm. The method was precise with relative standard deviations for these three constituents that ranged between 0.6-1.5% (intraday) and 0.7-2.6% (interday). The content of these three phytochemicals in the leaves of P. frutescens growing at eight different locations of China was determined to establish the effectiveness of the method.

Fabrication of solid-state nanopores with single-nanometre precision

Single nanometre-sized pores (nanopores) embedded in an insulating membrane are an exciting new class of nanosensors for rapid electrical detection and characterization of biomolecules. Notable examples include alpha-hemolysin protein nanopores in lipid membranes and solid-state nanopores in Si3N4. Here we report a new technique for fabricating silicon oxide nanopores with single-nanometre precision and direct visual feedback, using state-of-the-art silicon technology and transmission electron microscopy. First, a pore of 20 nm is opened in a silicon membrane by using electron-beam lithography and anisotropic etching. After thermal oxidation, the pore can be reduced to a single-nanometre when it is exposed to a high-energy electron beam. This fluidizes the silicon oxide leading to a shrinking of the small hole due to surface tension. When the electron beam is switched off, the material quenches and retains its shape. This technique dramatically increases the level of control in the fabrication of a wide range of nanodevices.

Novel (2E,4E,6Z)-7-(2-alkoxy-3,5-dialkylbenzene)-3-methylocta-2,4,6-trienoic acid retinoid X receptor modulators are active in models of type 2 diabetes

Previous data have shown that RXR-selective agonists (e.g., 3 and 4) are insulin sensitizers in rodent models of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Unfortunately, they also produce dramatic increases in triglycerides and profound suppression of the thyroid hormone axis. Here we describe the design and synthesis of new RXR modulators that retain the insulin-sensitizing activity of RXR agonists but produce substantially reduced side effects. These molecules bind selectively and with high affinity to RXR and, unlike RXR agonists, do not activate RXR homodimers. To further evaluate the antidiabetic activity of these RXR modulators, we have designed a concise and systematic structure-activity relationship around the 2E,4E,6Z-7-aryl-3-methylocta-2,4,6-trienoic acid scaffold. Selected compounds have been evaluated using insulin-resistant rodents (db/db mice) to characterize effects on glucose homeostasis. Our studies demonstrate the effectiveness of RXR modulators in lowering plasma glucose in the db/db mouse model.

Slowing of intestinal transit by fat depends on an ondansetron - sensitive, efferent serotonergic pathway

The ileal brake is a neural reflex that slows proximal small bowel transit when fat enters the distal small bowel. In rats, ondansetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3)-receptor antagonist, abolishes the ileal brake. However, the location of this serotonergic pathway is unknown. Of the known enteric sites responsive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), only the myenteric neurone is equipped with 5-HT3 receptors and is located on the efferent limb of reflex response. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that slowing of intestinal transit by fat may depend on an ondansetron-sensitive serotonergic pathway located on the efferent limb of this reflex response. In a fistulated dog model that compartmentalized the afferent from the efferent limb of the ileal brake response, ondansetron was delivered luminally into the distal (afferent) or proximal (efferent) half of the small bowel to localize the serotonergic pathway. It was found that activating the ileal brake slowed down the proximal intestinal transit to 30% of control values. The ileal brake was abolished when ondansetron was delivered into the proximal but not the distal small bowel. Our data supports the hypothesis that the 5-HT receptors participating in the ileal brake are on the efferent limb of this neural reflex, possibly on myenteric neurones.

Trans-activation of heparanase promoter by ETS transcription factors

The remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important process required for cancer cells to turn into invasive and metastatic cancer cells. To dissolve the protein components of ECM, matrix metalloproteinases are some of the essential enzymes. Another ECM remodeling enzyme is the heparanase (Hpa) that digests the heparin sulfate component of the matrix. In metastatic cancer cells the Hpa gene is upregulated. To investigate the mechanism of why Hpa was upregulated in metastatic cancer cells, the regulatory sequence of heparanase gene was isolated and its function analysed in metastatic breast cancer cells. We found there are four ETS transcription factor binding sites. Two of them flanking the transcription initiation of the Hpa gene are nonfunctional, whereas two others are highly functional and responded to exogenously added ETS transcription factors. Mutation of these two ETS binding sites abolished the transcriptional activation of Hpa promoter by ETS transcription factors. Among four transcription factors tested (ETS1, ETS2, PEA3, and ER81), ETS1 and ETS2 are more potent in transactivating the human Hpa gene. Furthermore, dominant-negative ETS transcription factors failed to transactivate Hpa promoter and could abrogate the function of wild-type transcription factor in transactivation activity of ETS transcription factors on the Hpa promoter. These results suggest that ETS transcription factors play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis by modulating the remodeling of ECM.

Application of locked intramedullary nails in the treatment of complications after distraction osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis (callotasis) has been widely used in patients with limb-length inequality or massive bone defects. This procedure, however, may be associated with a high incidence of physical and psychosocial complications. Callotasis telescoping on a locked intramedullary nail has been used to shorten the period of external fixation. Little attention has been given to the use of locked intramedullary nails in the treatment of complications after callotasis. Between 1990 and 1999, we used locked intramedullary nailing in 27 patients for the treatment of complications after distraction osteogenesis. There were 17 men and ten women with a mean age of 33.2 years (16 to 66). The nail was inserted at a mean of 3.4 weeks (0 to 15) after removal of the external fixator. Simultaneous autogenous bone grafting and soft-tissue reconstruction were also undertaken in seven and two patients, respectively. There was consolidation of the callus or docking site in all patients at a mean of 6.4 months (2 to 14) after surgery. The mean shortening of the callus was 0.7 cm (0 to 2.5). Two patients had infection at the site of a distal screw which resolved after removal of the nail. In 17 patients the nail was removed at a mean of 26 months after its insertion. Locked intramedullary nails are useful in treating complications after distraction osteogenesis in skeletally mature patients. The risk of infection should be borne in mind.

Rottlerin stimulates metallothionein gene expression but inhibits metal transport in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Metallothionein (MT) can be induced by various metals. We have shown previously that H7, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, inactivates metal-induced MT gene expression. To investigate whether a specific PKC isoform is involved in the induction process, inhibitors for various PKC isoforms were administered to cadmium-resistant Chinese hamster ovary (Cd(R)) cells. None of the inhibitors used can reduce metal-induced MT gene expression. However, a PKCdelta inhibitor, rottlerin, induced MT mRNA expression in Cd(R) cells in the presence or absence of Cd. Notably, the induction occurs through the activation of the MT transcriptional factor (MTF-1) and is not related to an increase of metal influx. Furthermore, metal accumulation is reduced in the presence of rottlerin. Pulse-labeling analysis indicated that MT protein synthesis increased in Cd(R) cells upon rottlerin treatment. These results suggest that rottlerin blocks metal transport but stimulates MT synthesis in Cd(R) cells. Since rottlerin is capable of reducing the cellular accumulation of Cd, it was expected that the cytotoxic effect of Cd would decrease in the presence of rottlerin. Treating the parental cell of Cd(R) with Cd and rottlerin together indeed showed a decline of cytotoxicity compared to cells treated with Cd alone. We further examined how MTF-1 was activated by rottlerin. Rottlerin-induced MTF-1 activity was not affected in Cd(R) cells by the addition of EDTA. It was, however, diminished by administering an intracellular Zn chelator, TPEN. The result implies a mobilization of intracellular Zn ions after rottlerin treatment in Cd(R) cells. To investigate whether the described results occur in all types of cells, another cell line (GH(3)) was used to study the effect of rottlerin on MT gene expression. The result revealed that rottlerin did not increase the amount of MT mRNA in GH(3) cells. This differential effect between cell lines may be useful for investigating the regulatory mechanism of MT gene expression.

Cytotoxic butanolides from the stem bark of Formosan Lindera communis

Two new butanolides, lincomolide A (1), lincomolide B (2), along with seven known compounds, isolinderanolide E, sepesteonol, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-beta-glucoside, tetradecane, nonanoic acid and decanol, were isolated from the chloroform-soluble portion of the stem bark of Lindera communis. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against P-388, KB16 and A549, and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against P-388 cancer cell lines. Moreover, 1 showed marginal activity against HT-29, and 2 against KB16, A549 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectral analyses.

Antifungal highly oxygenated guaianolides and other constituents from Ajania fruticulosa

Three highly oxygenated guaianolides were isolated from the aerial parts of Ajania fruticulosa along with 17 known phytochemicals including a triterpene (alpha-amyrin), two plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, daucosterol), four flavonoids (axillarin, centaureidin, santin and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxyflavone), and ten sesquiterpenes [1alpha-hydroperoxy-4beta,8alpha,10alpha,13-tetrahydroxyguaia-2-en-12,6alpha-olide, 1alpha-hydroperoxy-4alpha,10alpha-dihydroxyguaia-9alpha-angeloyloxyguaia-2,11(13)-dien-12,6alpha-olide, 3beta,4alpha-dihydroxyguaia-11(13),10(14)-dien-12,6alpha-olide, 1alpha,4alpha,10alpha-trihydroxy-9alpha-angeloyloxyguaia-2,11(13)-dien-12,6alpha-olide, 1beta,2beta-epoxy-3beta,4alpha,10alpha-trihydroxy-guaia-11(13)-en-12,6alpha-olide and 2-oxo-8alpha-hydroxyguaia-1(10),3,11(13)-trien-12,6alpha-olide, ketoplenolide B, alantolactone, 9beta-hydroxyeudesma-4,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid and 9beta-acetoxyeudesma-4,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid]. The structures of the three guaianolides were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic methods (EIMS, HREIMS, COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) as 1beta,2beta-epoxy-3beta,4alpha,8beta,10alpha-tetrahydroxyguaia-11(13)-en-12,6alpha-olide (1), 1beta,2beta-epoxy-3beta,4alpha,9alpha,10alpha-tetrahydroxyguaia-11(13)-en-12,6alpha-olide (2) and 1beta,2beta-epoxy-10alpha-hydroperoxy-3beta,4alpha,8beta-trihydroxyguaia-11(13)-en-12,6alpha-olide (3), respectively. Antifungal bioassay of all isolates showed that guaianolides 1, 2, 3, and 1beta,2beta-epoxy-3beta,4alpha,10alpha-trihydroxyguaia-11(13)-en-12,6alpha-olide were inhibitory to the growth of Candida albicans with MICs being 20, 20, 20, and 40 microg/ml, respectively.

The relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing

PURPOSE

We studied the relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enrolled in our study were 19 potent men undergoing intracavernous pharmacological testing for various reasons. Hemodynamic changes in response to the intracavernous injection of 20 microg. prostaglandin E1 were assessed by color Doppler sonography with simultaneous RigiScan (Dacomed Corp., Minneapolis, Minnesota) monitoring of penile rigidity. The relationship of penile rigidity and intracavernous vascular resistance was determined by correlating hemodynamic data with recorded penile rigidity values.

RESULTS

Maximal mean rigidity plus or minus standard deviation of the penile tip and base after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 was 76.8% +/- 8.5% and 97.3% +/- 4.7%, respectively. Penile tip and base rigidity correlated positively with the resistive index (r = 0.69 and 0.75, p <0.0001) and negatively with end diastolic velocity (r = -0.62 and -0.70, respectively, p <0.0001). The formula, rigidity = -128 + 195 x resistive index, was derived to describe the linear regression of penile base rigidity and the resistive index. The formula, rigidity = 59.8 - 3.3 x end diastolic velocity, was derived to describe the linear regression of penile base rigidity and end diastolic velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile rigidity correlated strongly with intracavernous vascular resistance in potent men during intracavernous pharmacological testing. The resistive index and end diastolic velocity of the cavernous arteries may each be used to estimate penile rigidity quantitatively.

Validation of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance axonal fiber imaging with registered manganese-enhanced optic tracts

Noninvasive mapping of white matter tracts using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTMRI) is potentially useful in revealing anatomical connectivity in the human brain. However, a gold standard for validating DTMRI in defining axonal fiber orientation is still lacking. This study presents the first validation of the principal eigenvector of the diffusion tensor in defining axonal fiber orientation by superimposing DTMRI with manganese-enhanced MRI of optic tracts. A rat model was developed in which optic tracts were enhanced by manganese ions. Manganese ion (Mn(2+)) is a potent T1-shortening agent and can be uptaken and transported actively along the axon. Based on this property, we obtained enhanced optic tracts with a T1-weighted spin-echo sequence 10 h after intravitreal injection of Mn(2+). The images were compared with DTMRI acquired with exact spatial registration. Deviation angles between tangential vectors of the enhanced tracts and the principal eigenvectors of the diffusion tensor were then computed pixel by pixel. We found that under signal-to-noise (SNR) of 30, the variance of deviation angles was (13.27 degrees). In addition, the dependence of this variance on SNR obeys stochastic behavior if SNR is greater than 10. Based on this relation, we estimated that an rms deviation of less than 10 degrees could be achieved with DTMRI when SNR is 40 or greater. In conclusion, our method bypasses technical difficulties in conventional histological approach and provides an in vivo gold standard for validating DTMRI in mapping white matter tracts.

Resection of triple synchronous tumors--gastric adenocarcinoma, gallbladder adenocarcinoma and stromal tumor of the stomach

We herein report a rare case of triple synchronous tumors: gastric adenocarcinoma, gallbladder adenocarcinoma and stromal cell tumor of stomach, which were resected in the same operation. A 72-year-old male patient suffered from poor appetite and epigastric pain that radiated to his back for one month. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a gastric ulcer measuring 1.5 cm at the prepyloric area, which was proven to be adenocarcinoma by biopsy. A second tumor was found in the gallbladder, measuring 3 cm, by ultrasonography. On computed tomography, a third tumor about 2.5 cm in size was recognized posterior to the gastric high body and anterior to the pancreas. Given the presence of three tumors, he underwent a radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy and simultaneous cholecystectomy. Pathological findings revealed gastric adenocarcinoma, gallbladder adenocarcinoma and stromal cell tumor of the stomach. The postoperative course was smooth.

Waveforms of the ductus venosus blood flow in normal human fetuses aged 8-38 weeks

BACKGROUND

We attempted to establish normal Doppler flow velocity waveform patterns in the human fetal ductus venosus (DV), and also to establish a standardized measurement technique.

METHODS

Ductus venosus blood flow was measured in a prospective study involving 545 fetuses aged between 8 and 38 weeks in utero, the mothers of whom received prenatal care in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in a 12-month period in 1998-1999. Several DV hemodynamic parameters were assessed, including peak systolic velocity (DVP), peak systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, time-averaged velocity (TAMX), maximum velocity during atrial contraction (DVM), pulsatility index (PI), Pourcelot's resistance index (RI), and fetal heartbeat (FHB).

RESULTS

Technically acceptable ductus venosus blood flow velocity waveform patterns were collected from 490 of 545 pregnant women (89.9%). The mean +/- SD value for the peak systolic DV velocity during the time period of 8 to 38 weeks in utero was 0.33 +/- 0.11 meters/sec (m/s), the TAMX being 0.24 +/- 0.09 m/s. The maximum velocity during atrial contraction was 0.15 +/- 0.09 m/s, and the peak S/D velocity ratio was 2.5 +/- 1.01. The PI, Pourcelot's RI and fetal heart beat were, 0.67(+/- 0.21), 0.64 (+/- 0.11), and 163.3 (+/- 18.82 bpm), respectively. Significant increases in DVP, TAMX, and DVM with advancing gestational age were established, and decreases in PI, RI, S/D, and FHB with advancing gestational age were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigation of DV hemodynamics throughout pregnancy may enable a greater understanding of normal placental perfusion, the fetal venous return to the heart and associated cardiac function.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of advanced gastric cancer: cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in hepatocyte growth factor mediated tumor development and progression

Surgical treatment of gastric cancer patients is dismal because advanced tumor is often noted at diagnosis. In order to obtain better adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer patients after operation, it is important to understand the mechanism of invasion and metastasis. It is well known that binding of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to its receptor (c-Met) regulates gastric cancer progression and metastasis. Recently, HGF was found to up-regulate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and increase prostaglandin (PG)synthesis in gastric mucosa cells. Over-expression of COX-2 and increased PG secretion have also been found to be involved in the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. These results together suggest that the signaling pathway of HGF and c-Met may be mediated through ERK2 activation, up-regulation of COX-2 and increased production of PGE(2)in gastric cancer cells. In view of the fact that c-Met is over-expressed in the majority of gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis, COX-2 specific inhibitors may provide beneficial effects in these patients.

Salicylates inhibit flavivirus replication independently of blocking nuclear factor kappa B activation

Flaviviruses comprise a positive-sense RNA genome that replicates exclusively in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Whether flaviviruses require an activated nuclear factor(s) to complete their life cycle and trigger apoptosis in infected cells remains elusive. Flavivirus infections quickly activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and salicylates have been shown to inhibit NF-kappaB activation. In this study, we investigated whether salicylates suppress flavivirus replication and virus-induced apoptosis in cultured cells. In a dose-dependent inhibition, we found salicylates within a range of 1 to 5 mM not only restricted flavivirus replication but also abrogated flavivirus-triggered apoptosis. However, flavivirus replication was not affected by a specific NF-kappaB peptide inhibitor, SN50, and a proteosome inhibitor, lactacystin. Flaviviruses also replicated and triggered apoptosis in cells stably expressing IkappaBalpha-DeltaN, a dominant-negative mutant that antagonizes NF-kappaB activation, as readily as in wild-type BHK-21 cells, suggesting that NF-kappaB activation is not essential for either flavivirus replication or flavivirus-induced apoptosis. Salicylates still diminished flavivirus replication and blocked apoptosis in the same IkappaBalpha-DeltaN cells. This inhibition of flaviviruses by salicylates could be partially reversed by a specific p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, SB203580. Together, these results show that the mechanism by which salicylates suppress flavivirus infection may involve p38 MAP kinase activity but is independent of blocking the NF-kappaB pathway.

[Detection of cytomegalovirus infection in recipients of renal transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in recipients of renal transplantation (RT).

METHODS

167 recipients of RT were screened for the occurrence of CMV infection by using ELISA to test anti-CMV IgG, IgM from serum samples, using immunohistochemistry method to test CMV antigen expression and nest PCR to amplify CMV DNA from blood samples.

RESULTS

Of these samples, 165 and 3 came out positive of IgG and IgM with the positive rate being 98.8% and 1.8% respectively. 79 samples resulted in antigen expression (47.3%) with the average antigen index being (3.2, 3.1)/5, 104 WBC. Besides, 85 samples were found to be positive by nest-PCR with the positive rate being 50.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the infection of RT so the detection CMV is common in recipients of RT. So detection of CMV-antibody, CMV antigen and CMV DNA after renal transplantation is very important in early diagnosis of CMV infection.

Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan

A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was described which amplified a portion of the F and HN genes of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan. The F protein plays an important role in determining the virulence of NDV strains. Sequencing of a region specifying the F protein cleavage site was therefore undertaken and this verified the correlation between deduced amino sequences and pathogenicity. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the F protein cleavage site showed that all recent Taiwanese isolates in 1999 were velogenic viruses. All the virulent viruses have the amino acid sequence 112RRQKR116 for the C-terminus of the F2 protein and phenylanine (F) at the N-terminus of the F1 protein, residue 117. A phylogenetic tree based on the nucleotide sequences of the F gene revealed that recent Taiwanese NDV isolates responsible for recent outbreaks were classified into two distant genotypes (VI and VII). Genotype VI virus is the first finding in Taiwan and has a highly genetic similarity to European isolates, suggesting that they might have originated from a common ancestor.

Insulin action and insulin secretion in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

To clarify the insulin action and insulin secretion in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects, we investigated insulin and C-peptide response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 15 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 17 healthy subjects. For insulin action, we found fasting hyperinsulinemia (8.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 6.0 +/- 0.5 microIU/ml, p = 0.014), higher insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (4.33 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.34 +/- 0.1 microIU/ml.mmol/l, p < 0.001), and lower insulin sensitivity index (ISI) (51.0 +/- 0.7 vs. 104.0 +/- 0.8, p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared to normal subjects. For insulin secretion, the increments of AUCI (area under curve of insulin) and AUCC-P (area under curve of C-peptide) (increment of AUCI: 26.1 +/- 1.4 vs. 82.8 +/- 4.5 microIU/ml.hour, p < 0.001; increment of AUCC-P: 3.9 +/- 0.2 vs. 11.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml.hour, p < 0.001), insulin secretion by HOMA model (20.7 +/- 1.2 vs. 79.1 +/- 3.8 IU/mol, p < 0.001), and ratio of 30 min increment of fasting insulin to glucose during OGTT (1.14 +/- 0.1 vs. 13.1 +/- 0.5 IU/mol, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the newly diagnosed diabetic patients than normal subjects. In addition, body mass index (BMI) in our type 2 diabetes is relatively lower (24 +/- 0.65 kg/m2) than those in western countries. These findings revealed poor insulin action and decreased insulin secretion in relatively less obese Taiwanese with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.