Reduced-glutathione concentrations in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris tissues exposed to benzo(a)pyrene

The concentrations of reduced-glutathione (GSH) in liver and ovary of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris are quantified. The concentrations of GSH in the ovary are much higher than that of GSH in the liver(nearly 3 times of the liver). The study also investigates the changes of GSH contents in the two organs while the fishes were exposed to benzo(a)pyrene(BaP) at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L respectively for up to a week. The concentrations of GSH in the liver of BaP-exposed fish increased significantly with dose, whereas the concentrations of GSH in the ovary decreased significantly compared to controls. The results suggested that both the liver and the ovary are the primary organ in BaP metabolism, and that the changes of GSH levels may represent an adaptive response or toxic effect to BaP exposure.

[Effect of benzo(a)pyrene on antioxidant enzyme activities in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris liver]

The effect of different BaP concentrations on the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase(CAT) in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris liver was studied under experimental condition. The results showed that the activities of antioxidant enzymes did not change too much with BaP exposure in lower concentration, whereas the SOD and GPx activities were increased significantly with BaP exposure in higher concentration. No statistical changes were observed in the effect of BaP exposure in different concentrations on CAT activities throughout the experiment.

Transgenic rice plants expressing the ferredoxin-like protein (AP1) from sweet pepper show enhanced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

We used particle bombardment to cotransform mature seed-derived rice callus (Oryza sativa L., ssp. japonica, cv. Eyi 105) with plasmids containing the linked marker genes gusA and hpt, and the ap1 gene encoding an amphipathic protein previously shown to delay the hypersensitive response induced in non-host plants by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Thirty-two independent lines of transgenic rice plants were regenerated, and 27 of these lines carried all three transgenes as shown by molecular analysis. A bacterial blight inoculation test was carried out on ten lines. In each case, plants carrying the ap1 gene showed enhanced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) race 6 at various levels. This suggests the ap1 gene could be a useful candidate for genetic engineering strategies in rice to provide bacterial blight resistance.

[Analysis of HIV-1 seropositive individual infected with different subtypes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether there existed any individuals infected with different subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and to analyze their source of infection.

METHODS

Membrane protein gene (env) of HIV-1 in uncultured single peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) from HIV-1 seropositive individuals found in Shenzhen was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The C2-V3 region and its adjacent region (360 bp) of them were sequenced and analyzed, and their divergence rate and systematic phylogenetic tree (cladogram) were calculated.

RESULTS

There existed sequences of B and C or B and E strains of HIV-1 subtype in three infected individuals in Shenzhen. Gene divergence rates between different subtypes and corresponding international subtype reference strains Bcon, Ccon and Econ were 5.07%-7.26%, 3.23% and 5.38%-5.99%, respectively, and those between different subtypes strains in the same individual were 23.52%, 20.69% and 28.44%, respectively. GPGR sequence of typical Europe and America subtype B was found in strain sz46-1 from prostitute with intravenous drug abuse, based on their tetra-peptide sequence characteristics in the crown of gp 120 V3 loop, strain sz8-2 was GPGH and other strains were GPGQ sequence characterized by Thai B (B') and E subtypes. Furthermore, phylogenetic tree analysis showed that strains sz1-2, sz8-1 and sz46-1 were clustered with international reference sequence Bcon, strain sz1-1 clustered with Econ, and strains sz1-1 and sz8-2 clustered with Ccon.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that an individual could be simultaneously infected with different HIV-1 subtypes, which could probably be caused by his or her own multiple high-risk behavior.

[Molecular epidemiology analysis of HIV-1 subtype E strains found in Shenzhen, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalent status of HIV-1 subtype E epidemic among different populations in Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

HIV-1 proviral DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 3 HIV-infected individuals found in Shenzhen was amplified by nested-PCR. The C2-V3 and its flanking region (350-450 nucleotides) of HIV- 1 env gene were sequenced directly from the PCR products and analysed.

RESULTS

These 3 cases were confirmed to be infected with HIV-1 subtype E strain (sz-E). The innergroups distance of sz-E was 2.6%. In comparison with the consensus sequence of international A-E subgroups and some of subtype B epidemic in China, the genetic distances among sz-E and each of A-D subgroups and some of subtype B were more than 24 %. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree analysis showed that sz-E clustered closely to Econ.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that the epidemic time for HIV-1 subtype E, which was mainly prevalent among IDUs population and some professional blood donors, had been about 2-3 years in Shenzhen.

Salivary and gastric epidermal growth factor in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: its protective potential

OBJECTIVE

Evidence is accumulating that epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a major molecule contributing to the maintenance of the integrity of the upper alimentary tract mucosa before and after injury by acid and pepsin. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) typically have hypersecretion of acid and pepsin; however, the concentration and rate of secretion of salivary and gastric EGF that could counteract these potentially aggressive factors are unknown. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether EGF affords mucosal protection in ZES patients.

METHODS

The concentration and output of salivary (sEGF) and gastric epidermal growth factor (gEGF) were measured in eight patients with ZES and the results compared to those in 17 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD), serving as a control group. All patients had normal esophageal and gastric mucosa as determined by endoscopy. Total saliva was collected during 1-h parafilm- and 1-h pentagastrin/parafilm-stimulated conditions, as well as basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric juice. The concentration and output of EGF were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The concentration of EGF in saliva collected from ZES patients after parafilm chewing was significantly higher compared to that in NUD patients (4.61 +/- 0.59 vs 2.75 +/- 0.50 ng/ml, p < 0.05). The concentration of EGF in saliva collected after pentagastrin stimulation in ZES patients was also significantly higher than in NUD patients (4.37 +/- 0.73 vs 2.22 +/- 0.37 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Salivary EGF output during parafilm chewing in ZES and NUD were similar (68 +/- 6.4 vs 109 +/- 25.2 ng/h). Salivary EGF output after administration of pentagastrin in ZES and NUD was also similar (66 +/- 6.1 vs 132 +/- 45.4 ng/h). Basal EGF output in the gastric juice of patients with ZES was 3-fold higher than in patients with NUD (801 +/- 73 vs 271 +/- 32 ng/h, p < 0.01). Pentagastrin-stimulated EGF output was similar in both groups (705 +/- 92 vs 675 +/- 168 ng/h).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ZES have a significantly higher EGF concentration in saliva and EGF output in basal gastric juice. This elevated content of salivary and gastric EGF in ZES patients may play a protective role in preventing the development of reflux esophagitis and gastric ulcer under the impact of gastric acid and pepsin hypersecretion.

Salivary and gastric epidermal growth factor in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: its protective potential

OBJECTIVE

Evidence is accumulating that epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a major molecule contributing to the maintenance of the integrity of the upper alimentary tract mucosa before and after injury by acid and pepsin. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) typically have hypersecretion of acid and pepsin; however, the concentration and rate of secretion of salivary and gastric EGF that could counteract these potentially aggressive factors are unknown. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether EGF affords mucosal protection in ZES patients.

METHODS

The concentration and output of salivary (sEGF) and gastric epidermal growth factor (gEGF) were measured in eight patients with ZES and the results compared to those in 17 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD), serving as a control group. All patients had normal esophageal and gastric mucosa as determined by endoscopy. Total saliva was collected during 1-h parafilm- and 1-h pentagastrin/parafilm-stimulated conditions, as well as basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric juice. The concentration and output of EGF were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The concentration of EGF in saliva collected from ZES patients after parafilm chewing was significantly higher compared to that in NUD patients (4.61 +/- 0.59 vs 2.75 +/- 0.50 ng/ml, p < 0.05). The concentration of EGF in saliva collected after pentagastrin stimulation in ZES patients was also significantly higher than in NUD patients (4.37 +/- 0.73 vs 2.22 +/- 0.37 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Salivary EGF output during parafilm chewing in ZES and NUD were similar (68 +/- 6.4 vs 109 +/- 25.2 ng/h). Salivary EGF output after administration of pentagastrin in ZES and NUD was also similar (66 +/- 6.1 vs 132 +/- 45.4 ng/h). Basal EGF output in the gastric juice of patients with ZES was 3-fold higher than in patients with NUD (801 +/- 73 vs 271 +/- 32 ng/h, p < 0.01). Pentagastrin-stimulated EGF output was similar in both groups (705 +/- 92 vs 675 +/- 168 ng/h).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ZES have a significantly higher EGF concentration in saliva and EGF output in basal gastric juice. This elevated content of salivary and gastric EGF in ZES patients may play a protective role in preventing the development of reflux esophagitis and gastric ulcer under the impact of gastric acid and pepsin hypersecretion.

[Clinical significance on protruded nucleus pulposus: a comparative study of 44 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and 73 asymptomatic control in tridimentional computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To probe the clinical significance of space occupation of lumbar protruded nucleus pulposus (PNP) in vertebral canal.

METHODS

Materials of tridimentional ultrathin scanning computed tomography (CT), plain and flexion-extension dynamic radiograph on lumbar spine in 44 patients of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and 73 asymptomatic subjects (as control, including 22 cases with PNP but without symptoms) were observed, analysed and compared in volume, surface area, relative space occupation of PNP inside spinal canal, structure deformation and mobility of lumbar spine, and their difference and relevance.

RESULTS

The rate of asymptomatic lumbar disc protrusion in the control group was up to 30.1%. The volume, surface area and relative space occupation of PNP inside spinal canal in the patients group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although the structure was more deformed and mobility of lumbar spine more limited in the patients group before and after treatment than those in the control group, as compared with those subjects with asymptomatic PNP, the difference was insignificant.

CONCLUSION

(1) Relative space occupation of PNP inside spinal canal could be usually digested by compensation system of spinal column, however, there is no final conclusion reached about the limit of compensation system; (2) Relatively bigger PNP may reduce the structure compensation capability of lumbar spine, which will result, sometimes, in a mechanical disorder of lumbar spine and nerve root irritation.

[Electrophoresis identification of four kinds of seed-fruit Chinese drugs and its adulterants]

OBJECTIVE

To identify four kinds of seed-fruit Chinese drugs and its adulterants by electrophoresis and to research the dyeing effect of Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250.

METHOD

Gel electrophoresis of soluble protein.

RESULTS

The electrophoretograms of the four kinds of Chinese drugs and its adulterants are remarkably different.

CONCLUSION

The electrophoretograms can be used to differentiate the four kinds of Chinese drugs and its adulterants. Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 can be used in the electrophoresis identification.

[Immunologic histochemical observation of anti-crypt keratin of cryptic epithelium of tonsilla in children with chronic tonsillitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate anti-crypt keratin (CK) immunologic histochemical changes in children with chronic tonsillitis.

METHOD

Removed tonsilla were fixed by 10% formaldehyde. Immunologic histochemical method was used to determine the changes of anti-broad spectrum (KD 68, 56, 56, 50) CKSP.

RESULT

In 230 cases, obvious keratosis was 90.9%, no keratosis was 9.1%, 3 cases were found with fungus filaments and bacteria in the bottom of crypts. Anti-broad spectrum and hypermolecule CK of tonsil cryptic epithelium were positive reaction, anti-broad spectrum CK of cryptic keratosis in all cases was positive reaction.

CONCLUSION

During the period of episode, cryptic epitheliums of tonsilla was destroyed repeatly, therefore, immunoglobulin production was reduce. Because the immune function of tonsilla was reduced, bacteria and virus might be invade into organism. This reduplicative malignant circles must be interrupted or blocked only by tonsillectomy.

Expression of osteopontin mRNA in normal and stone-forming rat kidney

Human urine contains several macromolecules which inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization. Osteopontin (or uropontin), a secreted phosphoglycoprotein with the amino acid sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and high affinity to hydroxyapatite, is one such inhibitor. To investigate the action of this protein on renal stone formation, the expression osteopontin gene in normal and chemically induced urolithiasis rat kidney was compared at both mRNA and protein levels. Northern blot analysis shown a significant increase of osteopontin mRNA level in stone-forming rat kidney compared with normal ones. In an in situ hybridization study, we localized the transcripts of the osteopontin gene in epithelial cells of both distal and collective tubules, and found a remarkably strong signal in stone-forming rats. The amount and distribution of the protein in kidney from immunocytochemistry staining showed the same pattern as seen in situ hybridization. These findings indicate that osteopontin may be an important macromolecule in the normal endogenous defence against the formation of urinary calculi.

[Gas chromatographic determination of camphora, mentholum, isoborneol and borneol in Guanxingao]

Guanxingao is a kind of traditional Chinese rubber electuary medicine which is able to either cure or guard against coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. The contents of camphora, mentholum, isoborneol and borneol in Guanxingao are determined by gas chromatography. The purpose of the study is to detect and control the loss of the four volatile components through production and standing and to guarantee the curative effect. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a GC-4004 gas chromatograph(FID). The column was a 3 mm i.d. x 2 m stainless steel tube packed with 7% PEG-1500 on 100-110 mesh 102 non-silanized white support. The column and the FID temperatures were 115 degrees C and 180 degrees C respectively. H2 was the carrier gas, 30 mL/min. Internal standard method was used for the quantitative estimation with naphthalene as the internal standard. The linear ranges were at least within 50-450 mg/L (r = 0.9999, n = 4). The correction factors against naphthalene were 1.262-1.286 and the RSDs were 0.32%-1.5%(n = 12). The recoveries were 98.44%-101.9%. In comparison with the theoretical contents, the average loss percentages are 71.72% (camphora), 65.60% (mentholum) and 66.31% (isoborneol + borneol). The samples were pretreated by means of isothermal (35 degrees C) water-bath extraction with acetone for 6 times with four hours each.

[Diagnostic significance of topical image of infrared thermograph on the patient with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation--a comparative study on 45 patients and 65 normal control]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse and explore the diagnostic significance of infrared thermography on the patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

METHODS

Forty-five hospitalized cases under conservative treatment (mainly manipulation) and 65 controls were sequentially selected. Both groups were examined with infrared thermograph on lower back and lower extremities as well as physical examination before and after treatment. The study statistically analysed the temperature difference between the involved and healthy parts at different areas; and also compared the change of the temperature difference after the treatment to the decreasing scores of physical examination afterward.

RESULTS

The statistic result showed that the temperature difference between two sides on patients group was significantly higher than those of control group. The further analysis shows that the temperature difference at posterior femur area in the patient's group correlated significantly to the severity of clinical signs caused by nerve root irritation.

CONCLUSIONS

The thermograph could only be considered as a reference in the diagnosis of lumbar disc protrusion. It is helpful to discover the severity of radical signs according to the posterior femoral region of hypo- (or hyper) thermogram.

Drug dependence during pregnancy. Effect of an on-site support group

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical and economic efficacy of an on-site support group for drug-abusing pregnant women enrolled in an urban, hospital-based obstetric clinic.

STUDY DESIGN

Maternal and neonatal outcomes and medical cost data were compared for drug-abusing pregnant women who attended (n = 54) and did not attend (n = 67) a weekly substance abuse support group in the obstetric clinic.

RESULTS

Clinical and economic outcomes were more favorable for support group attenders than nonattenders. Specifically, infants of support group attenders had higher birth weights and better 1-minute Apgar scores. In addition, average short-term medical care costs were nearly $1,000 (maternal) and > $1,500 (infant/neonatal) lower for support group attenders as compared to nonattenders.

CONCLUSION

Support group attendance was associated with short-term clinical and economic benefits that are likely to translate into longer-term cost savings. The findings suggest that a weekly substance abuse support group can provide low-cost, well-accepted and effective therapeutic services for this high-risk population of women.

Anterior cranial base morphology in mice with midfacial retrusion

The role of the anterior cranial base in the morphogenesis of class III malocclusions remains uncertain. This study was conducted to determine whether morphologic deficiencies occur in the anterior cranial base in the Brachyrrhine (Br) mouse mutant showing severe midfacial retrusion, which is characteristic of a class III malocclusion. Crania from three groups of C3H/Hej, 3H1 Br/+, and 3H1+/+ mice, each consisting of 15 animals, were collected at 1, 3, and 5 days of age (total = 135). The anterior cranial base from each specimen was subjected to computerized reconstruction and ten landmarks were digitized from each model. The landmark configurations were compared using Procrustes analysis. Significant differences between models were determined at each age. In order to localize differences between forms, average landmark configurations derived from Procrustes analysis were subjected to finite-element analysis. Size-change values for the 3H1 Br/+ animals showed magnitudes that increased in an anteroposterior direction when compared to the 3H1 +/+ and C3H/Hej animals at all ages. The largest values were located posteriorly along the ossifying front of the presphenoid. In five of six comparisons, the size-change values separated into two distinct clusters. The posterior region of the anterior cranial base was divisible into two subclusters, one located superiorly and the other inferiorly. These data suggest that midfacial retrusion in the Br mouse may be caused, in part, by growth deficiencies in the posterior region of the anterior cranial base, particularly the presphenoidal and sphenoethmoidal regions.

[Established oneself the detection of serum prostate specific antigen and application in clinical practice]

Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA)-the biotinavidin enzyme immunoassay (BA-ELISA) was established and used in clinical practice. We assayed serum PSA in normal control and prostatic patients. If 10ng/ml was taken as the cutoff value, the positive rate of prostatic cancer was 62.96%. The results of determination showed: PSA serum levels of patients with complicated BPH (acute prostatitis and chronic prostatitis) were conspicuously higher than the noncomplicated BPH. In the BPH group, we simultaneously detected serum levels of PSA by BA-ELISA and Tandem-E PSA Immuno Enzy Metric Assay. The results suggested BA-ELISA technique is more sensitive and more economical than Tandem-E PSA Immuno Enzy Metric Assay for clinical use.

[Pathological basis for elevation of serum prostate specific antigen]

67 patients with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) over 4ng/ml were investigated pathologically. All the patients had prostatic lesions: prostate cancer (24) and benign prostatic lesions (43). The serum PSA was conspicuously higher in the carcinoma group than in the benign group (P < 0.01). When 10ng/ml was used as the low limit to detect prostate cancer, the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 74.4% respectively. We suggest that the range of serum PSA from 4.0 to 10.0ng/ml should be considered dangerous in detecting prostate cancer. The epithelium-blood barrier lesion and epithelial hyperplasia of the prostate might be the pathological basis for the elevation of serum PSA.

Substance abuse in pregnancy

Substance abuse in pregnancy is a major area of interest for clinicians, researchers, and public health officials. Cigarettes have long been associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Smoking increases the relative risk of placenta previa to 2.6 and of sudden infant death syndrome to 2.2 in white infants. The risk-to-benefit ratio of nicotine replacement therapy is discussed. Alcohol use by pregnant women decreased from 32% to 20% between 1985 and 1988. The long-term sequelae of fetal alcohol syndrome in adolescents and adults are presented. Marijuana is probably the most common illicit drug used in pregnancy. Long-term follow-up showed no difference in outcome until 48 months. However, at 48 months, memory and verbal measures were affected by heavy prenatal marijuana use. Self-report of illicit drug use is inaccurate. Routine urine screening for cocaine can show marked variations by locality. Analysis of meconium, urine, and infant and maternal hair along with self-report provides the most accurate information on prenatal cocaine use. The increase in cost of caring for cocaine-exposed infants was estimated. Newborns reveal decreased habituation and increased neonatal stress measures. Long-term sequelae of prenatal cocaine use indicated that smaller head circumference persist and that head size is associated with Bayley mental developmental indexes. However, the Bayley scale measured no difference among the cocaine-exposed, alcohol-exposed, or control groups.

Organoamido- and Aryloxo-Lanthanoids. V. Preparations of Low-Coordinate Lanthanoid(II) Phenolates, Ln (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2( thf )n (Ln = Yb or Eu; X = H, Me or BuT; N = 2 or 3) and the X-Ray Crystal Structure of Five-Coordinate [Yb (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2( thf )3].thf

Lanthanoid (II) complexes of bulky aryl oxides, Ln (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2 ( Ln = Yb or Eu ; X = H, Me or But) have been prepared by one or more of the following methods: ( i ) reaction of Ln (C6F5)2 with the appropriate phenol, (ii) reaction of the lanthanoid metal, Hg(C6F5)2 and the phenol, and (iii) reaction of the lanthanoid metal with the corresponding thallium(I) phenolate, in tetrahydrofuran ( thf ), and they have been isolated as Ln (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2(thf)3 complexes. Crystallization of Yb (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2( thf )3 (X = H or Me) from toluene yields Yb (OC6H2But2-2,6-X-4)2( thf )2. The X-ray crystal structure of [ Yb (OC6H2But3-2,4,6)2( thf )3]. thf [monoclinic, a 10.20(1), b 32.97(2), c 16.018(4) Ǻ, β 93.52(8)°, V 5375 Ǻ3, Z 4, 2734 'observed' data refined to R 0.070] shows distorted square pyramidal five coordination for ytterbium with an apical thf oxygen [ Yb -O 2.44(1)Ǻ], and transoid phenolate oxygens [ Yb -O 2.21(1), 2.22(1)Ǻ, O- Yb -O 149.0(6)°] and trans thf oxygens [ Yb -O 2.47(2), 2.48(1)Ǻ, O-Yb -O 177.3(5)°] in the square plane. Four methyl groups ( Yb…C 3.89-4.15 Ǻ) across the square plane away from the apical oxygen may block coordination of an additional ligand. X-Ray structures of Yb (OC6H2But2-2,6-Me-4)2(thf)n showing four coordination (n = 2) and five coordination (n = 3), given in a preliminary communication,1 are further discussed.

Measurements of magnetic fields by a ring laser

The principle of measuring magnetic fields with a ring laser system is discussed. The main source of error, the Zeeman effect, is studied, and a corresponding technique to reduce it is described. An experimental setup is developed with a Faraday cell of a large product of the Verdet constant and the length. The experimental device obtains a sensitivity of 0.5 nT and a stability of 2 nT.

The interrelationship between salivary epidermal growth factor and the functional integrity of the esophageal mucosal barrier in the rat

The role of salivary epidermal growth factor (sEGF) in the maintenance of the esophageal mucosal mucus coat and its permselective properties was investigated for this study. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley male rats underwent sialoadenectomy (SAD), while 18 others with sham operation served as a control. Nine SAD rats in each group received EGF in a dose of 15 micrograms/kg/d for five consecutive days prior to sacrifice. Esophageal mucosa dissected from the muscle layer was placed in the central port of a specially designed permeability chamber filled on both sides with equimolar solutions of NaCl or HCl (0.155 M). The rate of hydrogen ion diffusion from the mucosal to the serosal side was estimated by continuous recording of pH in the NaCl compartment. In addition, the mucosal mucus coat was evaluated by Alcian blue uptake methodology. SAD led to a 108% increase in the rate of permeability of the esophageal mucosa to hydrogen ion. Simultaneously, an 83% decrease in the mucus content on the surface of the esophageal mucosa was observed. A five-day supplementation of EGF substantially improved the permeability of esophageal mucosa (67%) and the mucous layer of esophagus (41%). sEGF seems to play an important physiological role in the maintenance of the functional integrity of the esophageal mucosa.

Pregnancy and addiction: outcomes and interventions

Cocaine use by pregnant women has increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in well-documented consequences for mothers and offspring. However, even a once weekly peer-oriented intervention can have a positive impact on pregnancy outcome for drug-using women.

Gastroduodenal mucus gel thickness in patients with Helicobacter pylori: a method for assessment of biopsy specimens

The gastroduodenal mucus layer is considered the primary mucosal protective barrier, especially important in the maintenance of a mucosal pH gradient. Thus, the measurement of the mucus layer thickness in various disease states could advance our understanding of gastroduodenal pathophysiology. We present a novel method for measuring the mucus layer in endoscopic biopsy material and compare layer thickness in Helicobacter pylori (HP)-negative and HP-positive specimens. Endoscopic biopsies were obtained from 17 patients with gastroduodenal mucosa harboring HP and from 15 patients without current HP colonization. The thickness of the mucus layer was measured in fresh specimens by the phase-contrast dark-field microscopy technique. In patients with confirmed HP infection, the thickness of the mucus layer (mean +/- SD) was 0.093 +/- 0.033 mm in duodenal, 0.085 +/- 0.027 mm in antral, and 0.105 +/- 0.033 mm in corporal mucosa. In patients without concomitant HP colonization, the thickness of the mucus gel was 0.162 +/- 0.045 mm, 0.175 +/- 0.067 mm, and 0.161 +/- 0.064 mm in duodenum, antrum, and corpus, respectively. The differences between the means were statistically significant (p less than 0.001 for the duodenal, p less than 0.001 for antral, and p less than 0.01 for corporal mucosa). This study suggests that colonization of the gastroduodenal mucosa by HP impairs the mucus layer covering the surface epithelium. This mucus layer impairment may lead to mucosal injury with subsequent development of inflammation and, possibly, peptic ulcer disease.

Gestational age-specific birthweights of twins versus singletons

In order to more adequately characterize patterns of intrauterine growth retardation in twins, the mean birthweights of all nonanomalous white or black twins born between 24 and 41 weeks of gestation and surviving until discharge over an 11-year period (547 infants) and all similar singletons (19,072 infants) were compared by completed weeks of gestation. Between 24 and 35 weeks of gestation, the mean birthweights for the 547 twins and the 19,072 singletons were comparable and did not consistently differ statistically. From 36 to 41 weeks gestation, however, the difference became large, consistent, and statistically significant for each week at P less than 0.0001. This difference was present among all subgroups of twins, ie, in all males, females, blacks, and whites; it was still evident when the sample was further stratified by both race and sex (black males, white males, black females, white females). These data suggest a pattern of growth retardation in twins compared to singletons which is large, consistent, and statistically significant beginning at 36 weeks gestation. Clinically, these data also suggest the need for ultrasonic examination early in gestation (24-32 weeks) to document normal growth and to provide baseline data, and show the importance of such monitoring later in gestation, specifically after 36 weeks.