Cephalometric norms for the upper airway in a healthy Hong Kong Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

To obtain normative data for cephalometric measurements of the upper airway in the local Chinese population.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

University department and teaching hospital out-patient clinic.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects included 74 healthy patients, 29 males (age range, 18-35 years) and 45 females (age range, 16-42 years), with normal skeletal facial profile, no history of snoring, sleep apnoea, upper airway disease, tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, obesity, or pathology in the pharynx. Twenty cephalometric airway measurements, including size of the tongue, soft palate, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and relative position of the hyoid bone and valleculae were obtained. Landmarks on cephalometric radiographs were digitised and measurements were made using a specially designed computer programme. Error analysis of measurements was performed and comparison of measurements according to sex was made.

RESULTS

Significant sex dimorphism was seen for the majority of measurements, with the exception of minimal depth of the airway, oropharyngeal depth of the airway, and the soft palate angle with the hard palate.

CONCLUSION

A minimum sagittal dimension of the upper airway was evident despite differences in measurements between sexes. Findings from this study should be a useful reference for the assessment of sleep apnoea in the local population.

RFLP mapping of a Hordeum bulbosum gene highly expressed in pistils and its relationship to homoeologous loci in other Gramineae species

A cDNA sequence (Hbc8-2) isolated from pistils of the self-incompatible species Hordeum bulbosum was analysed for expression pattern and genetic map location. Hbc8-2 was expressed just prior to anthesis in mature pistils, and expression was maintained at a high level throughout anthesis. The same expression pattern was found in self-incompatible rye ( Secale cereale), but no expression was detected in the self-compatible cereals wheat ( Triticum aestivum) or barley ( Hordeum vulgare) at comparable stages of development. However, three wheat expressed sequence tags from a pre-anthesis library had high homology to Hbc8-2. Southern blot analyses using Hbc8-2 as a probe detected hybridising bands in the genomes of various Gramineae species including rye, barley, bread wheat, wild wheat relatives ( Aegilops tauschii and Ae. speltoides), oats ( Avena fatua and A. strigosa), rice ( Oryza sativa) and maize ( Zea mays). This suggests that Hbc8-2-like sequences are present in many species but that high levels of expression may be associated with self-incompatibility. Hbc8-2 was mapped on the long arms of chromosome 2H(b) of H. bulbosum, 2R of rye, and 2B and 2D of wheat and was assigned to chromosome 2H of barley using wheat/barley addition lines. On a H. bulbosum genetic map, Xhbc8-2 was located between Xbcd266 and Xpsr87, while in rye and wheat it was located in a 13.2-cM interval between Xpsr331 and Xpsr932, consistent with previous comparative mapping studies of these species. Mapping in rye suggested that Hbc8-2 is probably proximal to the Z self-incompatibility locus which was previously shown to be tightly linked to Xbcd266.

[A study of millimeter wave's clinical and immunological effects on oral lichen planus patients]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to observe clinical effects of the millimeter wave on oral lichen planus (OLP) and its immune mechanisms.

METHODS

30 patients with OLP were randomized into the millimeter wave group and the control group. 15 patients in the millimeter wave group were treated with millimeter wave (7.1 mm, 43 GHz, 10 mW/cm2) radiation, while the other 15 patients in the control group were just given soothing treatment. Either before or after the therapy procedure, the clinical manifestations and the T-cell sub-grouping in the peripheral circulation of each patient were double-blindly evaluated.

RESULTS

The pain-soothing effect in the patients treated with millimeter wave was much more obvious than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The peripheral blood CD8+ percent of millimeter wave group decreased greatly (P < 0.05), while no obvious CD8+ change was observed in the control group (P > 0.05). The millimeter wave group's CD4+/CD8+ improvement was also much more obvious than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and its CD4+/CD8+ ratio was completely recovered to the normal level.

CONCLUSION

Millimeter wave can effectively relieve OLP patients' pain, and can regulate OLP patients' cellular immune condition. Millimeter wave might provide a new treatment method for OLP.

[Study on psychoprophylaxis and monoamines neurotransmitter of patients with burning mouth syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic ache disease, usually occurring in middle aged and old women. This study sought to understand the psychopathologic aspect and monoamines neurotransmitters in the plasma of the patients with BMS.

METHODS

Thirty cases were selected (26 females, 4 males); 30 normal control subjects were similar to the BMS cases on age and sex. All subjects were required to complete the Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ), and the Self-report Symptom Inventory, Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) questionnaire. In case a subject's L (lie) score exceeded 50, she (he) would be removed from the test. 2 ml of blood was drawn from the subject under restine conditions with a fast in the morning to examine norepinephrine and epinephrine contents by high efficient liquid chromatography. Chi-square test, analysis of variance and t'-test were performed.

RESULTS

The BMS group had higher scores of nervousness (N) and poikilergasia (P) and lower score of extro/introversion (E) as compared with the control (P < 0.05). The personality types in BMS group were focused on introversion and instability, but in the control group the types were focused on extroversion and stability (P < 0.05). The scores of 9 emotional factors of BMS group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05), which indicated that the BMS patients had suffered from serial psychic disorders. The level of plasma norepinephrine in the BMS patients was higher than that of the control (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The personality of BMS patients raised body response to harmful stimulations, and obvious psychic disorders in the patient may cause the functional disorders in central and sympathetic nervous systems, which may be associated with BMS' occurrence.

[The relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism and risk factors for cerebral infarct]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and risk factors of cerebral infarct (CI) in Chinese Han nationality.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-five cases with cerebral infarct, 101 cases of essential hypertension patients with 106 normal persons in Chinese Han serving as controls were detected using polymorase chain reaction (PCR) and genetic methods. ACE contents in serum were measured by colorimetric method. Risk factors of cerebral infarct were assessed by standard questionnaire, physical examination and blood tests.

RESULTS

ACE DD genotype appeared more common in patients of cerebral infarct when comparing with essential hypertension groups (0.43 versus 0.31, chi 2 = 4.03, P < 0.05) and normal controls (0.43 versus 0.17, chi 2 = 19.86, P < 0.01). D:I allele frequency appeared to be 0.66:0.34 in cerebral infarct patients and 0.41:0.59 in controls (chi 2 = 32.85, P < 0.01). In basal ganglia infarct and thalamus infarct groups, ACE DD genotype and allele ratio distribution were remarkably different to that in normal subjects (chi 2 = 18.30, 12.41, P < 0.01). The mean levels of serum in cerebral and hypertension were higher than in normal controls (F = 2,240.06, P < 0.01), and serum ACE activity in ACE DD genotype was significantly higher than that in ACE DI and II genotype in cerebral group (F = 8.83, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The ACE gene deletion polymorphism might serve as an independent risk factor for cerebral infarct in Chinese Han nationality while circulation ACE activity might be related to gene deletion polymorphism.

Collection of buccal cell DNA in seventh-grade children using water and a toothbrush

We developed a simple and effective method for collecting a large quantity of buccal cell DNA in school-based studies of seventh-grade and older children. Seventh-grade students at schools in Wuhan, China brushed each buccal surface with a soft toothbrush and then rinsed with 10 ml of water. We added 5 ml of 99% ethanol to preserve the sample. Among 1563 samples transported at room temperature over 1 week and then stored for 13-14 months at -70 degrees C before extraction, using a modified Gentra Puregene protocol, the median total DNA yield was 108 microg, range of 14 to 416 microg. We assayed every 20th sample (n = 77) for NAT2 by the PCR, and all samples gave a 1093-bp product. From the 1563 samples, we obtained a result for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interleukin-13 gene (at +2044) by RFLP-PCR on 98.8% and in the promoter of the myeloperoxidase gene (at -463) by real-time PCR on 99.7%. A water-rinse method, that we used among 12th-grade students in Southern California, gave a lower total DNA yield than the toothbrush rinse (median of 17 microg) and a slightly reduced ability to generate a PCR product. However, 26 of 27 water-rinse samples gave a result for two genes, albumin and CYP1A1, using real-time PCR methods. We did not quantify human, versus bacterial, DNA in our samples. However, given the amounts of total DNA required for genotyping, a sample with the median yield of 108 microg should suffice for approximately 2160 genotypes by RFLP-PCR methods or five times as many by real-time PCR. We recommend the toothbrush-rinse method, combined with a modified Gentra Puregene DNA extraction protocol, for large-scale, in-person collections of buccal cell DNA in children. The method requires only inexpensive, readily available materials and produces a large quantity of high-quality DNA for PCR analyses.

Stereospecific synthesis of trans-arachidonic acids

An effective synthesis is described for the preparation of all four mono trans isomers of arachidonic acid via deoxidation of epoxide precursors with lithium diphenylphosphide and quaternization with methyl iodide.

[Expression of cytokines in acute heart transplantation rejection]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the expression and changes of local cytokines network in rat heart transplantation so as to determine the role of cytokines in acute rejection of rat heart transplantation.

METHODS

The Wistar rats (receptor) were divided into four groups: group A(control, n = 12), group B(IL-2 Mab treated, n = 12), group C [Cyclosporine A (CsA) treated, n = 12] and group D(IL-2Mab + CsA treated, n = 12). Hearts from SD rats were transplanted into a cervical location in Wistar. The local expression of IL-1 beta, IL-2, CD25, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, TNF alpha, IFN gamma was examined at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14 days after operation by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Allografts survival time was (8.3 +/- 1.7) days in group A, (29.2 +/- 7.1) days in group B, (26.4 +/- 5.7) days in group C, (55.0 +/- 10.6) days in group D. The expression of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-10, IFN gamma was up-regulated, and the expression of IL-2, CD25, IL-5, IL-6, TNF alpha was significantly inhibited in group A. The expression of IL-1 beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFN gamma was up-regulated, and the expression of IL-2, IL-4, TNF alpha was significantly down-regulated in group B. The expression of IL-1 beta, IL-2, CD25, IL-5, TNF alpha, IFN gamma was up-regulated, and the expression of IL-4, IL-6, Il-10 was significantly down-regulated in group C. The expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 was up-regulated, and the expression of IL-1 beta, IL-2, CD25, IFN gamma, TNF alpha was significantly down-regulated in group D.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytokines play an important role in the development of acute transplantational rejection. Different cytokines play different roles in different local environments; the main principle possibly is immune deviation.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma: objective response to letrozole

BACKGROUND

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma is generally an indolent tumor rich in estrogen and progesterone receptors. Objective responses to hormonal therapy, most commonly with megestrol acetate, have been reported.

CASE

The patient is a 51-year-old woman who presented with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma confined to the uterus in 1991 and was treated with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Approximately 5 years later, the patient had recurrent pelvic disease treated with radiation therapy, followed by an attempt at resection. She was treated with megestrol acetate during the period she received radiation therapy with poor tolerance. Tamoxifen was then given with no tumor response. Megestrol acetate was restarted with progression of disease in the pelvis and abdomen. Letrozole was then given at a daily dose of 2.5 mg with partial response for a duration of 9 months.

CONCLUSION

Letrozole at a daily dose of 2.5 mg may be effective in low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma with positive estrogen receptors.

[The effect of lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid in human peritoneal mesothelial cells function]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid (L-PDF) on human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) function.

METHODS

Mesothelial cells from human omentum were isolated and cultured in vitro. Proliferation of HPMC was detected by MTT assay. The quantity of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and fibronectin (FN) in culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification were used to detect the expression of IL-8 mRNA in HPMC. Total cellular protein in these supernatants was estimated by using Lowry method.

RESULTS

L-PDF inhibited proliferation of HPMC in a time-dependent manner. The levels of IL-8 and FN in the supernatants were remarkably high, and expression of IL-8 mRNA was up-regulated in HPMC exposure to L-PDF. During a subsequent recovery period of 48 hours in culture medium containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/L), enterotoxin of staphylococcus aureus (10 mg/L) or TNFalpha(10 x 10(6) U/L), the levels of FN in the supernatants increased (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-8 also increased in HPMC stimulated with TNFalpha(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

L-PDF inhibited proliferation of HPMC and increased levels of IL-8 and FN in the HPMC.

Three-dimensional virtual-reality surgical planning and soft-tissue prediction for orthognathic surgery

Complex maxillofacial malformations continue to present challenges in analysis and correction beyond modern technology. The purpose of this paper is to present a virtual-reality workbench for surgeons to perform virtual orthognathic surgical planning and soft-tissue prediction in three dimensions. A resulting surgical planning system, i.e., three-dimensional virtual-reality surgical-planning and soft-tissue prediction for orthognathic surgery, consists of four major stages: computed tomography (CT) data post-processing and reconstruction, three-dimensional (3-D) color facial soft-tissue model generation, virtual surgical planning and simulation, soft-tissue-change preoperative prediction. The surgical planning and simulation are based on a 3-D CT reconstructed bone model, whereas the soft-tissue prediction is based on color texture-mapped and individualized facial soft-tissue model. Our approach is able to provide a quantitative osteotomy-simulated bone model and prediction of postoperative appearance with photorealistic quality. The prediction appearance can be visualized from any arbitrary viewing point using a low-cost personal-computer-based system. This cost-effective solution can be easily adopted in any hospital for daily use.

[A simplified and quantitative method for culturing and isolating Legionella from air condition cooling waters]

OBJECTIVE

To establish simplified technique to investigate the distribution of Legionella from air condition cooling waters in a district in Shanghai.

METHODS

Using simplified method to make GVPC agar plates; using candle jar to replace CO(2) incubator; initial identification was only relied on colony appearance but no growth on the blood agar plate; and a simple formula was used to quantify the Legionella in waters.

RESULTS

From July 1997 to June 1999 in Luwan District Shanghai, the simplified methods were used to culture and isolate 185 Legionella strains from 371 water samples (47 fixed spots of hotels, markets, resident buildings, hospitals, subway stations, cinemas and stadiums), with a detection rate of 49.87% with highest at the subway stations (69.36%), which were significantly higher than repeated in the literature in this country and abroad.

CONCLUSIONS

Simplified methods were established for culturing, isolating and quantifying Legionella. These methods had been used for 3 years to have got a high Legionella detection rate from the cooling waters. The high detection rate and quantity of Legionella in cooling waters of subway stations call for more attention to the fact that Legionellosis might exist in these waters.

Carboxy ester hydrolysis promoted by a zinc(II) 2-[bis(2-aminomethyl)amino]ethanol complex: a new model for indirect activation on the serine nucleophile by zinc(II) in zinc enzymes

A complexation study on the new Zn(II) complexes of asymmetric tripodal ligand 2-[bis(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethanol (L) has revealed that the alcoholic OH group of complex ZnL exhibits remarkable acidity with a very low pK(a) value of 7.7 at 25 degrees C. Both the monomeric complex [ZnH(-0.25)L(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(1.75) (I) and the dimeric alkoxide-coordinating complex [Zn(2)(H(-1)L)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (II) were synthesized, and their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The Zn(II)-bound alkoxide, as the reactive nucleophile toward the hydrolysis of esters, has shown a second-order rate constant of 0.13 +/- 0.01 M(-1) s(-1) in 10% (v/v) CH(3)CN at 25 degrees C in 4-nitrophenyl acetate (NA) hydrolysis, which is almost the same as the corresponding value for the very reactive alcohol-dependent [12]aneN(3)-Zn complex. Present work shows for the first time that Zn(II) complexes of the asymmetric tripodal polyamine bearing an ethoxyl pod can also serve as good models of Zn(II)-containing enzymes.

Human lung adenocarcinoma alpha1,3/4-L-fucosyltransferase displays two molecular forms, high substrate affinity for clustered sialyl LacNAc type 1 units as well as mucin core 2 sialyl LacNAc type 2 unit and novel alpha1,2-L-fucosylating activity

Human lung tumor alpha1,3/4-L-fucosyltransferase (FT) was purified (2000-fold, 29% recovery) from 290 g of tissue by including a chromatography step on Affinity Gel-GDP. Two molecular forms (FTA, larger size carrying 15% alpha1,4-FT activity; FTB, the major form with 85% activity) were separated by further fractionation on a Sephacryl S-100 HR column. A difference in the electrophoretic mobilities of these two activities was also found on native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Both forms were devoid of typical alpha1,2-fucosylating activity but were associated with the novel alpha1,2-fucosylating ability of converting the Lewis a determinant to Lewis b. Based on percentage activity toward 2-O-MeGalbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta-O-Bn, both forms exhibited the same extent of activity toward various acceptors, which included sulfated, sialylated, or methylated LacNAc type 1 or type 2 as well as mucin core 2 acceptors. However, FTA and FTB exhibited a difference in their ability to act on mucin core 2 3'-sialyl LacNAc (activities 24.2% and 40.8%, respectively, as compared to 2-O-MeGalbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta-O-Bn). The unsubstituted LacNAc type 1 acceptors were 15-20 times as active as the corresponding LacNAc type 2 acceptors. The 3-O-substitution on the beta1,4-linked Gal (methyl, sulfate, or sialyl) in mucin core 2 acceptors increased the efficiency of these acceptors five- to eightfold. The most efficient acceptor for FTA and FTB was 3-O-sulfoGalbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta-O-Al (K(m) 100 and 47 microM, respectively). The K(m) (mM) values for 2-O-methyl Galbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta-O-Bn and 3-O-sialyl Galbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta-O-Bn were 0.40 and 2.5 (FTA) and 0.16 and 0.67 (FTB), respectively. The 35-kDa glycoprotein ancrod (from Malayan pit viper venom) containing 36% complex N-glycans with the antennae NeuAcalpha2,3Galbeta1,3GlcNAcbeta- acted as the best macromolecular acceptor substrate (K(m): 45 microM), as examined with FTB. On desialylation the acceptor efficiency dropped to approximately 50% (K(m) for asialo ancrod: 167 microM). Sialylglycoproteins, such as carcinoembryonic antigen, fetuin, and bovine alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, were better acceptors than asialo fetuin. On the contrary, fetuin triantennary glycopeptide containing predominantly NeuAcalpha2,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta- was only 55% active as compared to the asialo glycopeptide (K(m): 1.43 and 0.63 mM, respectively). Thus, the human lung tumor alpha1,3/4-L-FT has the potential to generate clustered sialyl Lewis a and Lewis b determinants in N-glycans and sialyl Lewis x determinant in mucin core 2 structures.

[Orthogonal design-direct analysis for PCR optimization]

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) optimization is difficult but very important. It is hard to gain the optimal condition due to the confusion of too many factors influencing the experiment. We report a new method, orthogonal design-direct analysis, which has been confirmed to be scientific and easy to follow by many times of PCR.

[The research and application of ultrasonic blood densitometer]

This paper presents an ultrasonic blood densitometer for dynamic measuring blood density. Compared with traditional blood densitometer, the ultrasonic blood densitometer has the advantages of high precision, fast response and little sample etc.

[PCR in the gene diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the gene diagnosis of chavcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) by (PCR) polymerase chain reaction and to study the molecular genetic characteristics of the Chinese CMT.

METHODS

Mutation analysis of the Cx32, MPZ and PMP22 genes were performed by PCR-RFLP, PCR-SSCP, PCR-DGGE and/or direct sequencing in 32 CMT probands of the Hans in China.

RESULTS

21.9% of the CMT pedigrees had mutations in the Cx32, MPZ and PMP22 genes. Ten kinds of abnormal bands were found by PCR-SSCP, including 5 kinds of polymorphism and 5 point mutations in the exons of the gene (4 of the Cx32 and 1 of the MPZ). No point mutation of the PMP22 gene was found in these patients but two families (6.3%) were diagnosed as CMT1A by the PCR-RFLP, with the tandem repeat mutation of 1.5 Mb including the PMP22 gene.

CONCLUSION

PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP are the first two screening methods in the gene diagnosis of CMT. PCR-DGGE is not appropriate for mutation analysis of Cx32. The point mutations must be certificated by sequencing. The mutation screening in the possible X-linkage family has to start with Cx32 gene.

[Mutation characteristic of STK]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the mutation characteristic of STK(11) gene in Chinese with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(PJS) and establish the base of the gene diagnosis of PJS.

METHODS

STK(11) germline mutation was analysed by DNA sequencing in 18 unrelation patients with PJS.

RESULTS

Six novel mutations of STK (11) gene were detected in six unrelation patients. These mutations will lead to production of truncated protein.

CONCLUSION

STK (11) gene mutation accounts for one third of the Chinese with PJS. The content of mutation includes single base substitution or deletion and one or two bases insertion. The mutations were widely found in different regions of the whole coding sequence, and 2/3 of those concentr ate in exon 1. Mutation frequency is 66.7% in the family suffering PJS in two or more generations, and 16.7% in the disseminated cases.

The 2-naphthylmethyl (NAP) group in carbohydrate synthesis: first total synthesis of the GlyCAM-1 oligosaccharide structures

Total syntheses of the GlyCAM-1 (glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule-1) oligosaccharide structures: [alpha-NeuAc-(2 --> 3)-beta-Gal-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-Fuc-(1 --> 3)]-beta-(6-O-SO3Na)-GlcNAc-(1 --> 6)]-[alpha-NeuAc-(2 --> 3)-beta-Gal-(1 --> 3)]-alpha-GalNAc-OMe (1) and [alpha-NeuAc-(2 --> 3)-beta-Gal-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-Fuc-(1 --> 3)]-beta-GlcNAc-(1 --> 6)]-[alpha-NeuAc-(2 3)-beta-Gal-(1 --> 3)]-alpha-GalNAc-OMe (2) through a novel sialyl LewisX tetrasaccharide donor are described. Employing sequential glycosylation strategy, the starting trisaccharide was regio- and stereoselectively constructed through coupling of a disaccharide imidate with the monosaccharide acceptor phenyl-6-O-naphthylmethyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside with TMSOTf as a catalyst without affecting the SPh group. The novel sialyl Lewisx tetrasaccharide donor 3 was then obtained by alpha-L-fucosylation of trisaccharide acceptor with the 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-1-thio-beta-L-fucoside donor. The structure of the novel sialyl Lewisx tetrasaccharide was established by a combination of 2D DQF-COSY and 2D ROESY experiments. Target oligosaccharides 1 and 2 were eventually constructed through heptasaccharide which was obtained by regioselective assembly of advanced sialyl Lewisx tetrasaccharide donor 3 and a sialylated trisaccharide acceptor in a predictable and controlled manner. Finally, target heptasaccharides 1 and 2 were fully characterized by 2D DQF-COSY, 2D ROESY, HSQC, HMBC experiments and FAB mass spectroscopy.

Barriers to sustainable water-quality management

Due to the pressures of increasing population and developing economy all over the world, the present situation of water-quality management is far from satisfactory. To enhance sustainability of water-quality-management systems, in-depth research of the related barriers and the relevant mitigation approaches is desired. In this paper, recent developments, advancements, challenges, and barriers associated with practices of water-quality management were analyzed. A number of related methodologies, applications, and policy considerations were examined. Issues of information support, technology development, system integration, and policy implementation were discussed. Perspectives of sustainable water-quality management in the twenty-first century were investigated, demonstrating many demanding areas for enhanced research efforts, including issues of data availability and reliability, concerns in system complexity and methodology validity, limitations of computer techniques, usefulness of research outputs, difficulties in policy implementation, and necessity of training programs.

A de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement with a translocation 7;9 and 8q insertion in a male carrier with no infertility

A de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) involving chromosomes 7, 8 and 9 in a male carrier was ascertained through his healthy wife's recurrent spontaneous abortions. Six pregnancies over eight years resulted in four spontaneous abortions and two livebirths who died perinatally due to abnormal vital signs. Cytogenetic analyses utilizing high resolution chromosome banding technique showed a deletion of band in a der(7) chromosome and an extra band inserting at 8q21.2. Another extra band was also observed at the band 9p24, but it could not be karyotypically determined. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization using chromosome 7 and 8 specific microdissected library as probes confirmed the insertion of a segment from the translocated chromosome 7 into a chromosome 8, and additionally revealed a translocation between chromosomes 7 and 9. The karyotype of the CCR carrier was determined as 46,XY,t(7;9)(q22;p24),ins(8;7)(q21.2;q22q32).ish der(9)(wcp7+);ins(8;7)(wcp8+,wcp7+). Comparing with previously reported male CCR carriers with our case, we conclude that male CCR carriers may not always present with infertility or subfertility phenotypes. This may suggest that rare transmission of male carriers could result from abnormal chromosomal rearrangements during meiosis and gametogenesis in addition to frequent infertility.

AFLP fingerprinting of the human genome

Elucidation of the genetic basis of complex traits and diseases in humans includes the use of genome-wide association studies that depend on the analysis of a large number of diallelic markers. We describe the application of the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique as an efficient approach for rapidly identifying and scoring multiple variants in the human genome. Using a commercially available kit, we found that AFLP yields reproducible DNA fingerprints consisting of 42-132 fragments, 8% of which show variability between individuals. These variant markers appear to be from different chromosomes, and the majority of them is diallelic. Based on the information obtained in this study, it is possible to approximate the minimum number of selective AFLP primer combinations needed to approach a desired coverage density of all chromosomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the general applicability of AFLP in humans and providing a constructive guide for the design of genomic studies in Homo sapiens with this robust methodology.

Monitoring of biological responses of tumor cells after irradiation with 99mTc-MIBI--an in vitro study

To explore the possibility to employ 99mTc-MIBI to monitor biological response of tumor cells after irradiation and to observe the relation between the radiation doses and the uptake levels of 99mTc-MIBI in tumor cells, the cells were irradiated with a single dose of 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy respectively. The uptake of 99mTc-MIBI in each dosage group was determined before and 24, 48, 72 h after irradiation respectively. Apoptosis index (AI), plating efficiency (PE) of tumor cells was simultaneously determined. There was a positive correlation between uptake levels of 99mTc-MIBI and AI(r = -0.91, P < 0.05). A negative correlation was noted between the uptake levels and PE (r = -0.86, P < 0.05). It is suggested that 99mTc-MIBI may be used as a tracer to monitor the change of viability state of tumor cells after being irradiated with different doses.

Chemical synthesis of sulfated oligosaccharides with a beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)

The syntheses of two sulfated pentasaccharides: beta-D-Gal6SO3Na-(1-->3)-[beta-D-Gal-(1-->4)-alpha-L-Fuc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glc-NAc-(1-->6)]-alpha-D-GalNAc-->OMe (1) and beta-D-Gal6SO3Na-(1-->3)-[beta-D-Gal-(1-->4)-alpha-L-Fuc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glc-NAc6SO3Na-(1-->6)]-alpha-D-GalNAc-->OMe (2) by using Lewisx trisaccharides 12 and 16 as glycosyl donors are described. Sulfated oligosaccharides 1-2 and intermediate compounds are fully characterized by 2D 1H-1H DQF-COSY and 2D ROESY experiments.

The human lysyl-tRNA synthetase gene encodes both the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial enzymes by means of an unusual alternative splicing of the primary transcript

Two cDNAs encoding human lysyl-tRNA synthetase have been identified. One encodes the cytoplasmic form of the enzyme identified previously. The second cDNA contains the same sequence but with a 180-bp insertion at the 5'-end of the mRNA. This results in a predicted protein whose carboxyl 576 amino acids are identical to those of the cytoplasmic enzyme but with a different amino terminus of 49 amino acids that contains a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence. Expression of the two lysyl-tRNA synthetase-green fluorescent protein gene fusions in a human cell line confirmed that the cytoplasmic form was targeted to the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial form to mitochondria. The genomic lysyl-tRNA synthetase gene consisted of 15 exons. The two isoforms were created by alternative splicing of the first three exons of the gene. The cytoplasmic form was created by splicing exon 1 to exon 3. The inclusion of exon 2 between exons 1 and 3 produced an mRNA encoding the mitochondrial isoform with an additional upstream small open reading frame, consisting mainly of a portion of the 5' coding region of the cytoplasmic isoform. This is the first example of mitochondrial targeting sequence being encoded on the second exon of a gene. Ribonuclease protection analysis showed that the mRNA encoding the cytoplasmic isoform makes up approximately 70%, and the mitochondrial isoform approximately 30%, of the mature transcripts from the lysyl-tRNA synthetase gene. The mitochondrial form of the enzyme, purified after expression in Escherichia coli, aminoacylated in vitro transcripts corresponding to both the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNA(Lys), despite the difference in the discriminator base sequence in the acceptor stems of these tRNAs.

Chemical synthesis of a core 2 branched pentasaccharide containing a carboxylate group

Design and synthesis of a carboxylate-containing pentasaccahride 1 with the Galbeta(1-4) (Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta(1-6)[3-[1-carboxymethyl]-Galbeta+ ++(1-3)]GalNAcalpha-OMe sequence, which is obtained through regioselective coupling of the 6-OH of a novel acceptor 9 with Lewis(x) donor 10 catalyzed by NIS-TfOH are described.

Cerebellar long-term depression requires PKC-regulated interactions between GluR2/3 and PDZ domain-containing proteins

Cerebellar LTD requires activation of PKC and is expressed, at least in part, as postsynaptic AMPA receptor internalization. Recently, it was shown that AMPA receptor internalization requires clathrin-mediated endocytosis and depends upon the carboxy-terminal region of GluR2/3. Phosphorylation of Ser-880 in this region by PKC differentially regulates the binding of the PDZ domain-containing proteins GRIP/ABP and PICK1. Peptides, corresponding to the phosphorylated and dephosphorylated GluR2 carboxy-terminal PDZ binding motif, were perfused in cerebellar Purkinje cells grown in culture. Both the dephospho form (which blocks binding of GRIP/ABP and PICK1) and the phospho form (which selectively blocks PICK1) attenuated LTD induction by glutamate/depolarization pairing, as did antibodies directed against the PDZ domain of PICK1. These findings indicate that expression of cerebellar LTD requires PKC-regulated interactions between the carboxy-terminal of GluR2/3 and PDZ domain-containing proteins.

Presynaptic clustering of mGluR7a requires the PICK1 PDZ domain binding site

Aggregation of neurotransmitter receptors at pre- and postsynaptic structures is crucial for efficient neuronal communication. In contrast to the wealth of information about postsynaptic specializations, little is known about the molecular organization of presynaptic membrane proteins. We show here that the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR7a, which localizes specifically to presynaptic active zones, interacts in vitro and in vivo with PICK1. Coexpression in heterologous systems induces coclustering dependent upon the extreme C terminus of mGluR7a and the PDZ domain of PICK1. mGluR7a and PICK1 localize to excitatory synapses in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, whereas transfected mGluR7a clusters at presynaptic sites, mGluR7adelta3 lacking the PICK1 binding site targets to axons but does not cluster. These results suggest that PICK1 is a component of the presynaptic machinery involved in mGluR7a aggregation and in modulation of glutamate neurotransmission.

[The changes in serum antibody level after immunization with HFRS vaccine]

OBJECTIVES

To observe the changes in serum antibody level after mass immunization with vaccine against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and to evaluate its efficacy and effectiveness in the prevalent areas.

METHODS

Healthy people aged 16 to 60 years in the villages were recruited as study subjects, excluding those suffered from HFRS previously, going out for more than nine months and those with contraindications, and were randomly allocated into immunization and control groups with 10,460 and 16,159 persons, respectively. Specific IgG antibody was determined with indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and neutralizing antibody (NA) was determined with micro CPE method.

RESULTS

Two weeks after the full-course immunization, sero-conversion rate for IFA reached 100% in those sero-negative before immunization, with a 95% confidence interval of 96.3 - 100.0%, and that for NA 44.4%, with a 95% CI of 22.0% - 69.0%. Geometric mean titer (GMT) were 72.1 and 4.6 for IFA and NA, respectively. Booster immunization was provided for them one year later. Positivity of IFA and NA was 28.6%, 83.3%, 75.0%, 53.1%, 22.6% and 14.8%, 55.6%, 35.0%, 31.3%, 26.0%, before booster immunization, two weeks, one year, one and a half years, two years after booster immunization, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HFRS vaccine had good immunogenicity, but its duration of serum antibody sustenance was relatively short.

Characterization of the basis of lipoprotein [a] lysine-binding heterogeneity

Although elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein [a] (Lp[a]) are considered to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the mechanisms by which Lp[a] mediates its pathogenic effects have not been conclusively determined. The apolipoprotein [a] (apo[a]) component of Lp[a] confers unique structural properties to this lipoprotein, including the ability to bind to lysine residues in biological substrates. It has been shown, however, that only a fraction of plasma Lp[a] (Lp[a]-Lys(+)) binds to lysine-Sepharose in vitro. The nature of the non-lysine-binding Lp[a] fraction in plasma (Lp[a]-Lys(-)) is currently unknown. In the present study, the Lp[a]-Lys(+) fraction was determined in the plasma of six unrelated individuals; the Lp[a]-Lys(+) fraction in these plasma samples ranged from approximately 37 to approximately 48%. Interestingly, purification of the Lp[a] by density gradient ultracentrifugation followed by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography resulted in progressive increases in the Lp[a]-Lys(+) fraction. Addition of either purified low density lipoprotein (LDL) or fibronectin to the purified Lp[a] at a 1:1 molar ratio reduced the Lp[a]-Lys(+) fraction (maximal decrease of 34 and 20%, respectively) whereas addition of both fibronectin and LDL to the purified Lp[a] resulted in a further decrease (45% maximally) in this fraction. Similar results were obtained by using a recombinant expression system for apo[a]: addition of a 4-fold molar excess of either LDL or fibronectin to conditioned medium containing metabolically labeled recombinant apo[a] reduced the Lys(+) fraction by 49 and 23%, respectively. Taken together, our data suggest that the lysine-binding heterogeneity of plasma Lp[a] is not primarily an intrinsic property of the lipoprotein, but rather results in large part from its ability to noncovalently associate with abundant plasma components such as LDL and fibronectin. These interactions appear to mask the lysine-binding site in apo[a] kringle IV type 10, which mediates the interaction of Lp[a] with lysine-Sepharose. The contribution of these interactions to the function of Lp[a] in vivo remains to be investigated.

Phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 differentially regulates its interaction with PDZ domain-containing proteins

PSD-95, DLG, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain-mediated protein interactions have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of glutamate receptor function at excitatory synapses. Recent studies demonstrating the rapid regulation of AMPA receptor function during synaptic plasticity have suggested that AMPA receptor interaction with PDZ domain-containing proteins may be dynamically modulated. Here we show that PKC phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit differentially modulates its interaction with the PDZ domain-containing proteins GRIP1 and PICK1. The serine residue [serine-880 (Ser880)] in the GluR2 C-terminal sequence (IESVKI) critical for PDZ domain binding is a substrate of PKC and is phosphorylated in vivo. In vitro binding and coimmunoprecipitation studies show that phosphorylation of serine-880 within the GluR2 PDZ ligand significantly decreases GluR2 binding to GRIP1 but not to PICK1. Immunostaining of cultured hippocampal neurons demonstrates that the Ser880-phosphorylated GluR2 subunits are enriched and colocalized with PICK1 in the dendrites, with very little staining observed at excitatory synapses. Interestingly, PKC activation in neurons increases the Ser880 phosphorylation of GluR2 subunits and recruits PICK1 to excitatory synapses. Moreover, PKC stimulation in neurons results in rapid internalization of surface GluR2 subunits. These results suggest that GluR2 phosphorylation of serine-880 may be important in the regulation of the AMPA receptor internalization during synaptic plasticity.

Total synthesis of sialylated and sulfated oligosaccharide chains from respiratory mucins

The total syntheses of several complex oligosaccharide moieties that occur in the core structure of sulfated mucins are reported. A trisaccharide acceptor was obtained through regio- and stereoselective sialylation of methyl (6-O-pivaloyl-beta-D-galactopyanosyl)(1-->3)-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-a cetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside with a novel sialyl donor. A tetrasaccharide, pentasaccharide, and hexasaccharide were constructed in predictable and controlled manner with high regio- and stereoselectivity after the successful preparation and employment of a disaccharide donor, trisaccharide donor, disaccharide acceptor, and trisaccharide acceptor building blocks. Finally, a mild oxidative cleaving method was adopted for the selective removal of 2-naphthylmethyl (NAP) in the presence of benzyl groups.

A convergent synthesis of trisaccharides with alpha-Neu5Ac-(2 --> 3)-beta-D-gal-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc and alpha-Neu5Ac-(2 --> 3)-beta-D-gal-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalNAc sequences

The syntheses of three trisaccharides: alpha-Neu5Ac-(2 --> 3)-beta-D-Gal-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc --> OMe, alpha-Neu5Ac-(2 --> 3)-beta-D-Gal6SO3Na-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc --> OMe, and alpha-Neu5Ac-(2 --> 3)-beta-D-Gal-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalNAc --> OBn were accomplished by using either methyl (phenyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-beta-D-glycero-D-g alacto-2-nonulopyranoside)onate or methyl (phenyl N-acetyl-5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-beta-D-gl ycero-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranoside)onate as the sialyl donor. The N,N-diacetylamino sialyl donor appears to be more reactive than its parent acetamido sugar when allowed to react with an disaccharide acceptor under the same glycosylation conditions. The trisaccharides, as well as the intermediate products, were fully characterized by 2D DQF 1H-1H COSY and 2D ROESY spectroscopy.

Characterization of the interaction between the nuclease and reverse transcriptase activity of the yeast telomerase complex

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that mediates extension of the dG-rich strand of telomeres in most eukaryotes. Like telomerase derived from ciliated protozoa, yeast telomerase is found to possess a tightly associated endonuclease activity that copurifies with the polymerization activity over different affinity-chromatographic steps. As is the case for ciliate telomerase, primers containing sequences that are not complementary to the RNA template can be efficiently cleaved by the yeast enzyme. More interestingly, we found that for the yeast enzyme, cleavage site selection is not stringent, since blocking cleavage at one site by the introduction of a nonhydrolyzable linkage can lead to the utilization of other sites. In addition, the reverse transcriptase activity of yeast telomerase can extend either the 5'- or 3'-end fragment following cleavage. Two general models that are consistent with the biochemical properties of the enzyme are presented: one model postulates two distinct active sites for the nuclease and reverse transcriptase, and the other invokes a multimeric enzyme with each protomer containing a single active site capable of mediating both cleavage and extension.

[The application of fluorescence in situ hybridization performed on the decolorized G-banding chromosomes in detecting the marker chromosomes of gastric cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Using a rapid, accurate method that detects the marker chromosomes of gastric cancer and enhancing the ability of discriminating complicated chromosome rearrangements of gastric cancer.

METHODS

The improved method of fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) performed on the decolorized G-banding chromosome was used.

RESULTS

The changes of two marker chromosomes (M1, M2) of the cell line(SGC-7901) of gastric cancer and one marker chromosomes(M3) of one primary gastric cancer were respectively analyzed by this method. The M1, M2 and M3 had complicated structural chromosome aberrations: del(7)(p15)/del(7)(q22), t(1;3)(p11;q11) and del(7)(q32).

CONCLUSION

This method showed strong signals, low backgrounds and well-repetitions. It may play an important part in exploring the chromosome rearrangements in the process of pathogenesis and development of gastric cancer.

[TBX5 mutation in Chinese patients with Holt-Oram syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse TBX5 mutation in Chinese patients with Holt-Oram syndrome(HOS).

METHODS

Seven HOS families were analysed with single strand conformation polymorphism(SSCP) and sequencing.

RESULTS

Three SSCP changes were detected and identified as the TBX5 gene mutation at three new sites. One of the changes is a frameshift mutation caused by a base cytidine deletion at the cDNA sequence of 416, which altered all the codons after the point, thus it can not encode the protein of normal amino acid sequence; another is a missense mutation induced by a base substitution(C-->A) at the cDNA sequence of 145, which made the codon of that point change from CAG-->AAG, and encoded amino acid changed from glutamine(Gln) to lysine(Lys), consequently the change weakened the function of TBX5 protein; the third is also a missense mutation which resulted from a base substitution (T-->C) at the cDNA sequence of 161, this change made the codon of that point change from ATC-->ACC, it changed the encoded amino acid from isoleucine(Ile) to threonine(Thr), which reduced the function of TBX5 protein.

CONCLUSION

HOS in Chinese is caused by mutation in TBX5.

[Effect of yiqi yangyin huoxue recipe on endothelin and nitric oxide of type 2 diabetic patients with deficiency of both Qi-Yin and blood stasis syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue recipe (YQYYHX) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with deficiency of both Qi-Yin (DQY) and blood stasis Syndrome.

METHODS

Forty-one type 2 DM patients compared with those in the control group were observed.

RESULTS

After treatment, the endothelin (ET) level of the treated group reduced significantly, and the total effective rate of blood sugar lowering were as follows: Fasting blood glucose (FBG) 87.80%, 2 hours postprandial plasma blood glucose (PBG) 90.24%.

CONCLUSION

YQYYHX is effective in improving the patient's vascular endothelia cell functions by reducing the plasma ET level, clinical symptoms and blood sugar lowering.

Computer-assisted three-dimensional surgical planing and simulation. 3D soft tissue planning and prediction

The purpose of this paper is to report a new technique for three-dimensional facial soft-tissue-change prediction after simulated orthognathic surgical planning. A scheme for soft tissue deformation, "Computer-assisted three-dimensional virtual reality soft tissue planning and prediction for orthognathic surgery (CASP)", is presented. The surgical planning was based on three-dimensional reconstructed CT visualization. Soft tissue changes were predicted by two newly devised algorithms: Surface Normal-based Model Deformation Algorithm and Ray Projection-based Model Deformation Algorithm. A three-dimensional color facial texture-mapping technique was also used for generating the color photo-realistic facial model. As a final result, a predicted and simulated patient's color facial model can be visualized from arbitrary viewing points.

[Appraisal of postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of postoperative TACE for prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after radical resection.

METHODS

From Jan. 1995 through March 1998, 109 HCC patients after radical resection were followed up with serum AFP, liver US and CT, chest X-ray film, hepatic artery angiography, etc. They were divided into 2 groups. Patients in group A (n = 68) with no residual tumor were given prophylactic TACE treatment, 1-2 times at the second and fifth month after operation. Patients in group B (n = 41) with residual tumor left were treated with regular TACE, once every 2 months. The 2 groups of patients were followed up for 6-45 months after operation.

RESULTS

In group A, the real curative resection rate was 62.4%. Tumor recurrence was found in 10 of the 68 patients, with a total recurrence rate of 14.7% within 3 years after radical resection. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative recurrence rate was 7.4%, 13.2% and 14.7%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate was 100%, 93.4% and 85.7%, respectively, while that in group B was 78.1%, 57.7% and 57.7%, respectively. The differences between the 2 groups of patients were statistically significant. The predictive pathological factors hampering completeness of tumor resection were: tumor size > 5 cm, more than 2 tumor nodules, the presence of satellite nodules, tumor with partial or without encapsulation and tumor thrombus in portal vein. Hepatic artery angiography with LP-CT and maintenance of high serum AFP level were the most sensitive methods for detecting residual tumor after operation.

CONCLUSION

Post-operative TACE is very useful for prevention and treatment of HCC recurrence. It helps improve survival of surgically treated HCC patients.

Identification of functionally important domains in the N-terminal region of telomerase reverse transcriptase

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase responsible for the maintenance of one strand of telomere terminal repeats. The key protein subunit of the telomerase complex, known as TERT, possesses reverse transcriptase-like motifs that presumably mediate catalysis. These motifs are located in the C-terminal region of the polypeptide. Hidden Markov model-based sequence analysis revealed in the N-terminal region of all TERTs the presence of four conserved motifs, named GQ, CP, QFP, and T. Point mutation analysis of conserved residues confirmed the functional importance of the GQ motif. In addition, the distinct phenotypes of the GQ mutants suggest that this motif may play at least two distinct functions in telomere maintenance. Deletion analysis indicates that even the most N-terminal nonconserved region of yeast TERT (N region) is required for telomerase function. This N region exhibits a nonspecific nucleic acid binding activity that probably reflects an important physiologic function. Expression studies of various portions of the yeast TERT in Escherichia coli suggest that the N region and the GQ motif together may constitute a stable domain. We propose that all TERTs may have a bipartite organization, with an N-GQ domain connected to the other motifs through a flexible linker.

[Molecular cloning of EXT2 and EXT4 gene]

Hereditary multiple exostose(EXT) is an autosomal dominant disorder of skeletal system. Three genetic loci have been identified at 8q24.1(EXT1), 11p11(EXT2) and 19p(EXT3) respectively. In this paper, EXT2 gene was cloned with positional cloning and homologous screening. SSCP and sequencing analysis have been done in 37 EXT patients who came from 20 EXT families, 2 mutations of insertion were tested in 2 patients. This confirmed that the gene cloned in this paper was EXT2 gene which locus at 11p11. Additionally EXT4 gene was cloned with homologous screening and located at 1p36.1 with FISH in this paper.

Three novel TBX5 mutations in Chinese patients with Holt-Oram syndrome

Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is an autosomal dominant syndrome that comprises upper limb and cardiac defects. The gene responsible for HOS, TBX5, was isolated and many mutations have been identified in HOS patients. We analyzed 11 Chinese HOS patients (7 from three families and 4 sporadic cases) for TBX5 mutation by single strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCPs). Three SSCP changes were detected in two of the three familial cases and one sporadic case. Sequence analysis identified three novel, heterozygous mutations in TBX5: a frameshift mutation caused by one base deletion [C416del] in one family, a mis-sense mutation (Gln49Lys) induced by a base substitution (C145A) in another family, and the other mis-sense mutation (Ile54Thr) by T161C in one sporadic case. The patients with the frameshift mutations had severer clinical manifestations that involved aplasia/hypoplasia of the arm and thumbs, while those with the mis-sense mutations presented with milder anomalies such as absent or hypoplastic thumbs but without arm abnormalities. These observations may support a genotype-phenotype correlation in HOS patients with TBX5 mutation.

[Mutations in the connexin 26 gene in patients with nonsyndromic hearing impairment]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of deafness-causing mutations in Connexin 26(Cx26, GJB2) gene in Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing impairment(NSHI).

METHODS

Study subjects are all Chinese including 16 infants with sporadic congenital deaf-mutism, 39 patients with autosomal recessive hereditary hearing loss, 30 patients with autosomal dominant hereditary hearing loss and 100 normal adults. The subjects were screened for base variations by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the amplified products of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Those who were found have abnormal conformational band were sequenced.

RESULTS

Five kinds of polymorphism were found in 15 cases of controls and six kinds of polymorphism in 10 patients. No mutation was found in Cx26 gene in Chinese with autosomal recessive NSHI. Heterozygous deletion AT at position 299-300 of Cx26 cDNA, which results in premature chain termination, was found in a pedigree with autosomal dominant hereditary nonsyndromic hearing loss.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of deafness-causing mutations in Cx26 gene in Chinese with autosomal recessive NSHI maybe is lower than that of other ethnic groups. Heterozygous deletion AT at position 299-300 of Cx26 cDNA can lead to autosomal dominant hereditary hearing loss (DFNA3).

[Cloning and expression analysis of human dystonia/deafness peptide like gene]

OBJECTIVE

To clone a new deafness associated gene.

METHODS

Molecular database search, RACE and cDNA library screen were applied.

RESULTS

A new gene, named dystonia/deafness peptide like (DDPL) (GeneBank Accession Number: DDPL2 AF165967) and mapped to 11q22.1-22.2, was cloned. DDPL had two different mRNA splicing types and accordingly encoded 83 and 51 amino acids. DDPL transcripts were detected in a range of adult and fetal tissues. A pseudogene of DDPL, named DDPLphi which was shown lying within Xq25-q26, showed 96.9% sequence identity with DDPL1 cDNA sequence across 382 bp.

CONCLUSION

DDPL lies within the 5.2 Mb interval of 11q22.1-q22.2 between D11S939 and D11S1347, and has a high identity with the DFN-1/MTS associated gene-DDP.

Prenatal determination of a variable number of tandem repeats in intron 40 of the von Willebrand factor gene from maternal peripheral blood using the polymerase chain reaction

To determine a fetal variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) without using fetal tissues, we amplified the whole VNTR region in intron 40 of the von Willebrand factor gene from maternal peripheral blood by the polymerase chain reaction and then separated the amplified fragments by a nonhydratable polyacrylamide gel with an electrolyte gradient. After water elution from the gel, each preliminary product was amplified for the second time and then digested by Alu I restriction endonuclease. Then the VNTR was examined using a hydratable polyacrylamide gel with an electrolyte gradient. We successfully identified the fetal VNTR from 6 cases of 10 maternal peripheral blood samples and 2 cases of 6 maternal blood samples after parturition. This study might offer a theoretical basis for the noninvasive diagnosis of genetic disorders and identification of disputed paternity with common primers.

[Effect of Tripterygium polyglycoside on interleukin-6 in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the action of interleukin-6(IL-6) in pathogenesis and effect of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

METHODS

Forty-three patients of GBS were selected according to Asbury's standard and divided into two groups on layer randomize principle, they were treated with adrenal corticosteroid and Tripterygium polyglycoside (TP) respectively. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content of IL-6 were measured by double antibody sandwich ELISA method.

RESULTS

(1) The serum and CSF content of IL-6 in GBS group was higher than those in the normal control group significantly; (2) There was positive correlation between CSF IL-6 and clinical severity (P < 0.01) before treatment; (3) After treatment the clinical symptoms were improved in both groups, but the TP treated group showed better effect than the control group in improving symptoms and lowering serum IL-6 level (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CSF level of IL-6 could be taken as one of the criteria for severity evaluation of patient's condition. TP is superior in suppressing abnormal immune reaction to adrenal corticosteroid in GBS patients.