Expression of herpes virus thymidine kinase in Neurospora crassa

The expression of thymidine kinase in fungi, which normally lack this enzyme, will greatly aid the study of DNA metabolism and provide useful drug-sensitive phenotypes. The herpes simplex virus type-1 thymidine kinase gene ( tk ) was expressed in Neurospora crassa. tk was expressed as a fusion to N.crassa arg-2 regulatory sequences and as a hygromycin phosphotransferase-thymidine kinase fusion gene under the control of cytomegalovirus and SV40 sequences. Only strains containing tk showed thymidine kinase enzyme activity. In strains containing the arg-2 - tk gene, both the level of enzyme activity and the level of mRNA were reduced by growth in arginine medium, consistent with control through arg-2 regulatory sequences. Expression of thymidine kinase in N.crassa facilitated radioactive labeling of replicating DNA following addition of [3H]thymidine or [14C]thymidine to the growth medium. Thymidine labeling of DNA enabled demonstration that hydroxyurea can be used to block replication and synchronize the N.crassa mitotic cycle. Strains expressing thymidine kinase were also more sensitive than strains lacking thymidine kinase to anticancer and antiviral nucleoside drugs that are activated by thymidine kinase, including 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine, 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouridine and trifluorothymidine. Finally, expression of thymidine kinase in N. crassa enabled incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into DNA at levels sufficient to separate newly replicated DNA from old DNA using equilibrium centrifugation.

[The methylation of CT gene in chronic myeloid leukemia]

To investigate the relationship between the abnormal methylation of the calcitonin (CT) gene and the karyotypic abnormality in predicting the disease progress in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), we studied the abnormal methylation of the CT gene in 47 CML patients by using a sensitive PCR method. At the same time, cytogenetic study was made in the same group of patients. The abnormal methylation of CT gene was found in only 4 of 24 patients in chronic phase, but in 6 of 9 patients in accelerated phase, and in 12 of 14 patients in blast crisis. Sequential studies in one patient also showed that the gene is normally methylated during the chronic phase but turns hypermethylated as the disease progresses. Our findings indicate that abnormal methylation of the 5' region of the CT gene is regularly a marker of disease progression in CML.

[Studies on teratogenic effects of aluminum on intra uterine fetal development in mice]

Effects of oral administration of different doses of aluminum during pregnancy on intra uterine fetal development in mice were studied with experimental teratological methods. Results showed that over-intake of aluminum could lead obvious teratogenic and toxic effects on fetal development in mice. It could cause formation of encephalocele and dysostosis, intra uterine fetal growth retardation, and increase of embryo death rate, with a obvious dose-dependent relation. It suggests that excessive ingestion of aluminum may be one of the risk factors contributing to congenital neural tube defects, intra uterine fetal growth retardation and perinatal deaths.

Enhancement of DNA synthetic activity of thymic lymphocytes by the culture supernatant of thymus epithelial cells stimulated by growth hormone

The authors examined the effect of the culture supernatant of growth hormone (GH)-stimulated thymus epithelial cells (TECs) on DNA synthetic activity of thymic lymphocytes (TLs) and then examined TL proliferation-inducing factors released from the TECs. TEC line, IT-45R1 derived from Wistar strain rat, was used. It was revealed that the supernatant from TECs treated with GH enhanced significantly DNA synthetic activity of TLs and that the activity of the least dense subset of TLs, containing undifferentiated lymphoid cells and the most immature TLs, was significantly increased by the supernatant as compared with other subsets. Anti-insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) monoclonal antibody (MAb) binding specifically to C region of IGF-I molecule was added to the culture supernatant from the GH-treated TECs, and then the supernatant was treated with ultrafiltration (MW cutting off; more than 50 kDa). When TLs were incubated with the ultrafiltered supernatant, the enhancement of TL proliferation induced by the supernatant of GH-treated TECs was significantly suppressed. However, the suppression did not descend to the level of TL-proliferative response observed in the supernatant of GH non-stimulated TECs. These results suggested that IGF-I released into the supernatant from GH-stimulated TECs enhances markedly the DNA synthetic activity of TLs and that the TL-proliferation-inducing factors (PIFs) other than IGF-I possibly exist in the supernatant of GH-stimulated TECs.

Enhancement of thymic lymphocyte proliferation by the culture supernatant of thymus epithelial cells stimulated by prolactin

Culture supernatant of thymus epithelial cells (TECs) stimulated by prolactin (PRL) enhanced markedly DNA synthetic activity of thymic lymphocytes (TLs) as compared with the hormone-non-stimulated TECs. The supernatant, which was treated with anti-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) monoclonal antibody (MAb) (binding specifically to C region of IGF-I) has still the capacity of enhancing remarkably TL-proliferation. However, further treatment by ultrafiltration of the MAb-treated supernatant, removing the immune complex (IGF-I and anti-IGF-I MAb) from the supernatant, suppressed significantly the enhanced proliferation of TLs. It is assumed that PRL, like growth hormone (GH), promotes the release of IGF-I from TECs which induces a marked TL-proliferation. Moreover, it seems that the active site for inducing the proliferation is a region different from C, possibly the A or the B regions. TLs, present at different maturation steps, were separated into three subsets by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation and then treated with the supernatant of PRL-stimulated TECs. The least dense subset containing precursor T-cells and the most immature TLs showed the highest proliferative response to the supernatant in the comparison with other subsets and whole TLs. It is possible that the target cells to one of TL-proliferation-inducing factors (PIFs), namely IGF-I, in the supernatant exist in a greater concentration in the most immature step of TL population.

The role of the pharmacy department in the prevention of adverse drug events: a survey of current practices

Adverse drug events have received a great deal of publicity during he past several years. The tracking and prevention of medication errors is an important part of ensuring quality care for patients. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Institute For Safe Medication Practices are two groups who have published recommendations on the prevention of adverse drug events in hospitals. This study provides an informative analysis of the status of implementation of these recommendations by hospital pharmacists in Louisiana.

Marked differences in proliferative response to stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I between thymoma- and normal thymus-derived epithelial cell lines

Two kinds of thymus epithelial cell lines have been utilized: the TAD3 from lymphocyte-dominant rat thymoma and the IT-45R1 derived from normal rat thymus. In the preconfluent state, the percent increase of DNA synthetic activity of TAD3 cells stimulated by GH or IGF-I was significantly higher than that of IT-45R1 cells. In the confluent state, at the contrary, no any noticeable modification of the activity by GH could be detected and that in both cell lines. However, a treatment of the confluent TAD3 cells with IGF-I caused a significant increase of their DNA synthetic activity, whereas the confluent IT-45R1 cells treated with these molecules did not. It was observed that TAD3 cells in the preconfluent state proliferate markedly after stimulation by GH or IGF-I as compared with IT-45R1 cells and that the former is able to proliferate even in the confluent state, after an exposure of IGF-I, whereas the latter did not. Thymus epithelial cells treated with GH were reported to release more IGF-I molecules what had as a consequence a marked proliferative response of thymic lymphocytes. It is therefore assumed that the very particular nature of TAD3 cells treated with IGF-I, able of proliferating by crossing over the contact inhibition, might have a close relationship in the formation of the lymphocyte-dominant thymoma.

Identification of a histidine residue essential for enzymatic activity of group B streptococcal hyaluronate lyase

Hyaluronate lyase produced by group B streptococci (GBS) degrades hyaluronan completely to unsaturated disaccharide units and also cleaves unsulfated regions of chondroitin sulfate. The enzyme is rapidly inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate and enzymatic activity is restored by treatment with hydroxylamine, suggesting that a histidine residue is present in the active site. Amino acid sequence comparisons of GBS hyaluronate lyase and four other related enzymes revealed that one of the 16 histidine residues of the enzyme (His-479) is present in a highly conserved region. Conversion of His-479 to a glycine by site-directed mutagenesis resulted in a complete loss of enzymatic activity of the modified protein. We propose that His-479 is in the active site of GBS hyaluronate lyase and participates in the initial abstraction of hydrogen ions from the glucuronic acid residues of hyaluronan.

[Correction of true ankylosis of TMJ with semi-joint replacement using non-biological materials]

The goal of treating true ankylosis of TMJ was to reconstruct the function of the joint and to prevent relapse. The authors have operated on 26 patients with true ankylosis of TMJ using semi-joint replacement of compound non-biological materials. Functionally and cosmetically good results were demonstrated after two to thirteen months' follow-up.

Implications of reengineering in health care

Currently the United States spends 12 percent of its gross national product on health care, far more than any other industrialized nation. Technology accounts for 15 percent to 50 percent of the rise in hospital costs. No country is immune from public calls for strategic developments to maintain or lower costs and guarantee high quality while maintaining access for all patients. To achieve these goals of adequate access, high quality, and greater efficiency, hospitals must discard complicated and unwieldy administrative practices that have evolved. How to best deploy technology in health service organizations requires a strategic perspective that results in operational break-throughs. Accelerated alignment of clinical and management processes, systems integration, and health care process redesign are required to achieve the goals of lower costs, higher quality, and greater access. An environmental background of reengineering is presented for health service organizations to use in their processes. Some critical relationships between reengineering and total quality management (TQM) in the health care setting are addressed. Implications of reengineering for health service organizations are offered to facilitate the implementation of the concept.

[Changes of plasma levels of monoamines in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-induced hypertension women and their significance]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of plasma levels of monoamines in pregnant women and investigate the relationship between the monoamines and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

METHODS

Using fluorescence spectrophotometry, we determined the contents of plasma monoamines in 130 normal pregnant (NP), 32 normal non-pregnant (NNP), and 58 PIH women.

RESULTS

The levels of norepinephrine (NE) in NP from the 2nd trimester to parturiency were more markedly increased than those of the 1st trimester and of NNP (P < 0.05). The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were also obviously increased at the 2nd and 3rd trimester respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with NP, the contents of DA in moderate and severe PIH were markedly and very markedly decreased respectively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), while the levels of 5-HT in PIH increased significantly (P < 0.05). NE in PIH was also tending to increase.

CONCLUSION

The changes of monoamines may be one of the causes of small artery spasm in PIH.

Characterization of PepB, a group B streptococcal oligopeptidase

Group B streptococci were recently reported to possess a cell-associated collagenase. Although the enzyme hydrolyzed the synthetic collagen-like substrate N-(3-[2-furyl]acryloyl)-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ala, we found that neither the highly purified enzyme nor crude group B streptococcal cell lysate solubilized a film of reconstituted rat tail collagen, an activity regarded as obligatory for a true collagenase. We cloned and sequenced the gene for the enzyme (pepB). The deduced amino acid sequence showed 66.4% identity to the PepF oligopeptidase from Lactococcus lactis, a member of the M3 or thimet family of zinc metallopeptidases. The group B streptococcal enzyme also showed oligopeptidase activity and degraded a variety of small bioactive peptides, including bradykinin, neurotensin, and peptide fragments of substance P and adrenocorticotropin.

[A study of treatment modalities for nonresectable primary liver cancer]

This paper reports the results of multimodality treatment in 200 patients with nonresectable primary liver carcinoma (PLC) from April 1964 to July 1993. PLC was verified histologically in all cases. They were divided into two groups according to the methods of treatment. In group 1, 115 cases received anticancer agents by hepatic artery infusion (HAI). The 1- and 2-year survival rate was 10.4% and 1.7%, respectively and only one patient survived 65 months. In group 2, 85 cases received multimodality treatments by various combinations of hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE), hepatic artery ligation (HAL), microwave coagulation (MIC) of tumor and ethanol injection into tumor (EIT). The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rate was 34.1%, 21.2%, 12.0% and 6.7%, respectively. Five patients had been alive for 41 to 63 months and second-stage hepatic resection performed in another 6 patients. The results suggest that multimodality treatment is an effective approach to improve the long-term survival of patients with nonresectable PLC.

Separation of enantiomers of drugs by capillary electrophoresis. III. Beta-cyclodextrin as chiral solvating agent

Enantiomer separation by capillary zone electrophoresis was studied for a set of 34 chiral drugs. Keeping the concentration of beta-cyclodextrin as a chiral solvating agent as constant as possible led to the separation of seven enantiomeric pairs. Carvedilol, Tetryzoline, Tropicamide and Zopiclone gave a baseline separation, Chlorphenamine, Ketamine, and Orciprenaline a partial separation. Statistical analysis revealed that the best separation factors were observed for a medium degree of interaction with the cyclodextrin. A theory explaining this effect provides a helpful guideline for further optimization.

Karyotype conversion in two patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia after busulphan-induced marrow hypoplasia

SUMMARY

We report two patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) developing hypoplasia and karyotype conversion after conventional busulphan therapy. Initially, the percentage of Ph-positive metaphases in marrow for both patients was 100%, which steadily diminished up to a complete disappearance in case 1 and decreased dramatically in case 2 following hypoplasia. Thereafter Southern blot and RT-PCR assays revealed no abnormalities. Both patients have survived 9 years and remained in good clinical and haematological remission without any treatment until recently. We believe that the high sensitivity to busulphan therapy result in hypoplasia and karyotype conversion, which contributed to prolonged survival.

Capillary electrophoresis in China

The application of capillary electrophoresis (CE) to many fields and the development of relevant CE techniques in China are presented, based mainly on the contents of the two national symposia on CE, which were held in 1993 and 1995 separately with a total of about 200 papers presented. The technique has been involved in the widespread fields of industry, agriculture, medicine, environmental sciences, etc. The method and technique development involves all aspects including columns, detectors, and whole machines.

Combined postischemic hypothermia and delayed MK-801 treatment attenuates neurobehavioral deficits associated with transient global ischemia in rats

The present study was designed to determine whether postischemic hypothermia, delayed MK-801 (dizocilpine) administration, or a combination of these treatments can provide lasting neurobehavioral protection following transient global ischemia in rats. Rats were subjected to 10 min of normothermic (37 degrees C) ischemia induced by 2-vessel occlusion and hypotension (50 mmHg) or sham procedures. Ischemia was followed by either: (a) 3 h at normothermic brain temperatures, (b) 3 h of postischemic brain hypothermia at 30 degrees C, (c) hypothermia coupled with MK-801 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) on postischemic days 3, 5 and 7, or (d) postischemic MK-801 treatment alone. Neurobehavioral evaluation 6-8 weeks following surgery showed that normothermic ischemia (NI) was associated with water maze navigational deficits, including performance on a simple place task involving finding a hidden platform maintained in one position for 6 days, and a learning set task in which the platform was moved to a different location each day (both P's < 0.02 vs. sham). NI was also associated with increased locomotion in an open field (P < 0.01 vs. sham). A combination of postischemic hypothermia and delayed MK-801 injections provided partial protection from ischemic-associated hyperactivity in the open field (P < 0.02 vs. NI), and robust protection from simple place task deficits (P < 0.02 vs. NI). Evidence for significant protective effects of MK-801 or hypothermia alone was observed in the learning set, during the final trial blocks each day. These results provide further evidence for neuroprotective effects of these treatments at chronic survival intervals, and indicate that the therapeutic window for attenuating ischemic damage is considerably longer than has heretofore been appreciated.

Determination of polyamines in serum by high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect ultraviolet detection

A method for determining polyamines in serum by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with indirect ultraviolet detection was established. The concentrations of polyamines in the sera of six healthy adults were determined and the results were in accordance with those obtained previously by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the CZE method is superior to HPLC in that it has high sensitivity, small sample consumption and easy sample pretreatment.

Effect of delayed MK-801 (dizocilpine) treatment with or without immediate postischemic hypothermia on chronic neuronal survival after global forebrain ischemia in rats

In contrast to intraischemic hypothermia, immediate postischemic hypothermia (30 degrees C) has been shown to delay but not chronically protect the CA1 hippocampus from transient global forebrain ischemia. The inability of a relatively short postischemic hypothermic period to protect chronically might involve a delayed or secondary injury mechanism. We determined whether delayed treatment with the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 (dizocilpine), alone or in combination with immediate postischemic hypothermia, would chronically protect histopathologically. Wistar rats underwent 10 min of normothermic forebrain ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion plus hypotension (50 mg Hg). Four ischemia groups were studied after normothermic (37 degrees C) ischemia: no treatment; 3 h of immediate postischemic hypothermia (30 degrees C); delayed MK-801 treatment (4 mg/kg) on postischemic days 3, 5, and 7; and postischemic hypothermia combined with multiple MK-801 treatments. Two months after the ischemic insult, rats were perfusion-fixed for quantitative histopathological assessment. Postischemic hypothermia alone or MK-801 treatment alone failed to protect the CA1 hippocampus chronically. However, immediate postischemic hypothermia combined with delayed MK-801 treatment led to significant increases in normal CA1 neuron counts per microscopic field compared with normothermic ischemia. For example, neuronal counts within the hippocampal CA1 areas were 58 +/- 39 (mean +/- SD) in normothermic ischemic rats compared with 395 +/- 198 in rats treated with postischemic hypothermia and MK-801. Chronic survival also led to pronounced striatal damage. Within the dorsolateral striatum, significant protection was documented with either postischemic hypothermia alone or delayed MK-801 treatment alone.

Use of a tantalum-178 generator and a multiwire gamma camera to study the effect of the Mueller maneuver on left ventricular performance: comparison to hemodynamics and single photon emission computed tomography perfusion patterns

During the Mueller maneuver, there is a decrease in intrathoracic pressure and an increase in transmural left ventricular pressure. The changes in loading conditions cause transient left ventricular dysfunction. This study examined the effects of the Mueller maneuver on left ventricular performance using tantalum (Ta)-178 (half-life 9.3 min) and a multiwire gamma camera. First-pass radionuclide angiograms were obtained at baseline and during Mueller maneuver in 41 patients aged 58 +/- 10 years. In 34 patients, stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium-201 or sestamibi was also performed. Hemodynamic measurements during the Mueller maneuver (n = 10) showed a decrease in systemic pressure (139 +/- 25 mm Hg vs 123 +/- 24 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and pulmonary artery pressure (24 +/- 6 mm Hg vs 14 +/- 12 mm Hg, p = 0.01) and an increase in heart rate (67 +/- 10 bpm vs 75 +/- 14 beats/min, p = 0.001). Among the 34 patients who had perfusion imaging, the left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged or increased in 17 patients (group 1) (48% +/- 19% vs 49% +/- 21%, p not significant) and decreased (> or = 5%) in 17 patients (group 2) (55% +/- 13% vs 40% +/- 16%, p = 0.001). The stress SPECT images showed no or only fixed defects in 11 (65%) patients in group 1 and 3 (18%) patients in group 2 (p = 0.02), and reversible defects in 6 (35%) patients in group 1 and 14 (82%) patients in group 2 (p = 0.04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of free radical activity during transient global ischemia and recirculation: effects of intraischemic brain temperature modulation

To obtain direct evidence of oxygen radical activity in the course of cerebral ischemia under different intraischemic temperatures, we used a method based on the chemical trapping of hydroxyl radical in the form of the stable adducts 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) following salicylate administration. Wistar rats were subjected to 20 min of global forebrain ischemia by two-vessel occlusion plus systemic hypotension (50 mm Hg). Intraischemic striatal temperature was maintained as normothermic (37 degrees C), hypothermic (30 degrees C), or hyperthermic (39 degrees C) but was held at 37 degrees C before and following ischemia. Salicylate was administered either systemically (200 mg/kg, i.p.) or by continuous infusion (5 mM) through a microdialysis probe implanted in the striatum. Striatal extracellular fluid was sampled at regular intervals before, during, and after ischemia, and levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA were assayed by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Following systemic administration of salicylate, stable baseline levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA were observed before ischemia. During 20 min of normothermic ischemia, a 50% reduction in mean levels of both DHBAs was documented, suggesting a baseline level of hydroxyl radical that was diminished during ischemia, presumably owing to oxygen restriction to tissue at that time. During recirculation, 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA levels increased by 2.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively. Levels of 2,3-DHBA remained elevated during 1 h of reperfusion, whereas the increase in 2,5-DHBA persisted for 2 h. The increases in 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA levels observed following hyperthermic ischemia were significantly higher (3.8- and fivefold, respectively). In contrast, no significant changes in DHBA levels were observed following hypothermic ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brain temperature modulations during global ischemia fail to influence extracellular lactate levels in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

While brain tissue lactate increases during cerebral ischemia and is known to be important in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury, patterns of extracellular lactate accumulation have been less well characterized, and the influence of brain temperature has not been previously investigated. Mild brain temperature modulations are known to affect the outcome of ischemia dramatically. This study examined changes of extracellular lactate during and after global cerebral ischemia, in which intraischemic brain temperature was held at either 30 degrees C, 37 degrees C, or 39 degrees C.

METHODS

Halothane-anesthetized fasted male Wistar rats underwent 20 minutes of global cerebral ischemia produced by bilateral carotid artery occlusions plus systemic hypotension (40 to 50 mm Hg). Rectal temperature was maintained at 37 degrees C throughout, and intraischemic brain temperature was held at either 30 degrees C (n = 6), 37 degrees C (n = 5), or 39 degrees C (n = 5). Before and after the ischemic insult, brain temperature was maintained at 37 degrees C in all groups. A microdialysis cannula was implanted in the right dorsolateral striatum and perfused with Ringer's solution. Dialysate samples were collected at 10-minute intervals before, during, and after ischemia and were analyzed for lactate by enzymatic-fluorometric techniques.

RESULTS

In all groups, extracellular lactate rose during ischemia and peaked at 10 to 30 minutes of recirculation. Maximal extracellular lactate elevations were sevenfold, eightfold, and eightfold above control in the 30 degrees C, 37 degrees C, 39 degrees C groups, respectively. Significant elevations with respect to control were observed in all groups at 10 to 30 minutes of recirculation. In the 30 degrees C group, these elevations above control were also significant at the 10- and 20-minute ischemic time points (P = .001). At 30 minutes of recirculation, however, lactate levels were lower in the 30 degrees C rats than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide evidence that extracellular lactate accumulation is not a crucial determinant of ischemic brain injury. Our results suggest that the increased lactate release during ischemia and the accelerated clearance of lactate during recirculation might contribute in part to the neuroprotection of intraischemic hypothermia.

Role of the transcription factor C/EBP beta in expression of a rat pregnancy-specific glycoprotein gene

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs), which are the major placental proteins, and the carcinoembryonic antigens comprise a subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of PSG expression, we characterized the promoter elements of a rodent PSG gene, rnCGM3, and showed that DNA elements at nucleotides -326 to -185 (PI) relative to the translation start site of rnCGM3 function as a promoter. The rnCGM3 PI promoter contains two placental factor binding sites, PISI and PISII. Both are transcription activation elements. In the present report, we screened a placental expression cDNA library with a rnCGM3-PISII probe (nucleotides -263 to -233) encompassing two overlapping palindromes (TGTTGCTCAACATGTTG) and demonstrated that the PISII-binding factor is C/EBP beta, a leucine zipper family of transcription factor. Gel mobility-shift and transient expression analyses showed that C/EBP beta and C/EBP isoforms, C/EBP alpha and C/EBP delta, bind to the PISII element and trans-activate rnCGM3 gene expression. Deletion of PISII from the rnCGM3 PI promoter greatly reduced the basal as well as the C/EBP-activated rnCGM3 expression. Gel supershift assays demonstrated that C/EBP beta is the placental isoform that binds to the PISII site rnCGM3. Moreover, C/EBP beta is expressed in high levels in the placenta, ovary, liver, lung, heart, and spleen, in contrast to C/EBP alpha, which is expressed primarily in the liver and only low levels in the placenta. Our results demonstrate that C/EBP beta is one of the transcription factors that positively regulate rnCGM3 expression during pregnancy.

[Disease-free survival of acute leukemia patients receiving autologous bone marrow transplant following intensive chemotherapy--a report of 11 cases]

Eleven cases of acute leukemia patients were treated with autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) following intensive chemotherapy with TACC protocol. Among them, eight were in first remission, three in second remission. The median age was 38 years (24-45 years). Bone marrow was purged in vitro before transplantation with procaine and hyperthermia in three cases with acute promyelocytic leukemia. In all patients, ABMT was successful. The results of treatment are as follows: as of May, 1994, the median remission and disease-free survival period was 31 months (6-57), seven cases have been in complete remission for 6-57 months (median 42 months) after treatment and are still alive. In four cases, ABMT was complicated by infection but it was controlled by antibiotics.

Vaccination of sheep against Schistosoma japonicum with either glutathione S-transferase, keyhole limpet haemocyanin or the freeze/thaw schistosomula/BCG vaccine

The protective potential of glutathione S-transferase (GST), keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and the freeze/thaw (F/T) schistosomula/BCG vaccine was evaluated against Schistosoma japonicum in the natural sheep host. Groups of ten sheep each were vaccinated as follows: Group I: 2 x F/T 30,000 schistosomula+BCG 3 x 10(8) organisms, with a 2 week interval between vaccinations (F/T 'Low'). Group II: 3 x F/T 20,000 schistosomula+BCG 3 x 10(8), with 4 week interval (F/T 'High'). Group III: 2 x GST 0.24 mg+FCA (Freund's complete adjuvant) with 2 week interval (GST 'Low'). Group IV: 3 x GST 0.24 mg+FCA, with 4 week interval (GST 'High'). Group V: 2 x KLH 1.0 mg in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with 2 week interval (KLH 'Low'). Group VI: 3 x KLH 1.0 mg in PBS, with 4 week interval (KLH 'High'). Group VII: control (not vaccinated). Specific antibody, detected by GST-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and KLH-ELISA on the day after the last vaccination and 1, 2 and 3 weeks post-challenge, was found in all GST- or KLH-vaccinated groups. The same was found in F/T schistosomula-vaccinated groups against crude adult worm antigen (AWA). In Western blotting all GST-vaccinated sera recognized 26 kDa and 28 kDa bands on the challenge day and at 3 and 11 weeks post-challenge. Mean faecal egg counts between Weeks 6 and 10 post-challenge were reduced in a statistically significant way at five time points in the four groups, i.e. 83.38% (P < 0.005) in Group II, 49.29% (P < 0.025) in Group III, 47.9% (P < 0.05) and 71.15% (P < 0.01) in Group IV, 52.0% (P < 0.025) and 66.38% (P < 0.025) in Group VI. On autopsy and perfusion 1 week after the last faecal count, adult worm reductions were obtained of 40.36% (P < 0.05) in Group I, 37.26% (P < 0.025) in Group II, 24.73% (not significant) in Group III, 35.93% (P < 0.025) in Group IV, 27.46% (P < 0.05) in Group V and 33.81% (P < 0.01) in Group VI. Mean tissue egg densities were also reduced significantly in Groups III, IV and VI, especially in Group IV vaccinated animals. Mean liver egg granuloma diameters of the vaccinated groups were found to be less than those of the controls but there was no statistical significance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The effect of dynorphin A on intracellular cAMP and cGMP contents in spleen cells of burn rats and its relation to immune function]

The lymphocyte response to Con A and IL-2 synthesis was clearly suppressed in rats after thermal injury. In burn rats, the cAMP content in lymphocytes was significantly increased, but cGMP level was not changed. The serum of burn rat could inhibit Con A-induced lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production. The burn rat serum could also increase intracellular cAMP concentration. Dynorphin A enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 synthesis, increased cAMP level in lymphocytes. Naloxone could inhibit the action of dynorphin A. Moreover, ynorphin A could partly reversed suppression effect of burn serum on lymphocyte proliferation and suppressed the increase of intracellular cAMP content induced by burn and rat serum. Our results suggested that dynorphin A augmented immune function of burn rats, and the action of dynorphin A was mediated by cAMP pathway.

Pulmonary vasodilation to adrenomedullin: a novel peptide in humans

The present study investigates the effects of human adrenomedullin (ADM) on the pulmonary vascular bed of isolated, blood-perfused rat lung. Because pulmonary blood flow and left atrial pressure were constant, changes in pulmonary arterial pressure directly reflect changes in pulmonary vascular resistance. Under conditions of resting (low) pulmonary vasomotor tone, intra-arterial bolus injections of ADM-(1-52) and two truncated sequences of ADM-(1-52) [ADM-(1-12) and ADM-(13-52)] did not alter pulmonary arterial pressure. When pulmonary vasomotor tone was increased by U-46619, a thromboxane A2 mimic, intra-arterial bolus injections of ADM-(1-52) and ADM-(13-52) at similar doses produced similar, dose-dependent reductions in pulmonary arterial pressure. On a molar basis, ADM-(1-52) had greater pulmonary vasodilator activity than isoproterenol. In contrast, ADM-(1-12) had no activity. When pulmonary vasomotor tone was actively increased to the same level using KCl, the pulmonary vasodilator activity of ADM-(13-52) was decreased 10-fold. The present data demonstrate that ADM-(1-52) dilates the pulmonary vascular bed and suggest that the pulmonary vasodilator activity of ADM is greater on pulmonary blood vessels preconstricted through a receptor-dependent mechanism. Because meclofenamate, nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, methysergide, BW A-1433U83, U-37883A, and calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP-(8-37)], a CGRP-receptor antagonist, did not alter the pulmonary vasodilator response to ADM-(1-52), the present data suggest that ADM dilates the pulmonary vascular bed independently of cyclooxygenase products, endothelium-derived relaxation factor, serotoninergic receptors, adenosine1 purinoreceptors, ATP-dependent potassium channels, and CGRP receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

P-glycoprotein expression in primary breast cancer

In a retrospective study, liquid nitrogen preserved specimens from 50 women with primary breast cancer, who underwent surgery at the Beijing Institute for Cancer Research between June, 1986 and September, 1988, were investigated. All patients under this study were staged in TNM II or later, involved with axillary lymph node metastasis, and treated with systemic postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The median length of follow-up was 69 months. The expression of P-glycoprotein was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody C219 specifically against P-glycoprotein and avidin-biotin peroxidase method. Positive staining for P-glycoprotein was found in 23 (46%) of the 50 patients. The P-glycoprotein expression negative group fared better than the group that was P-glycoprotein positive in overall survival curves (p = 0.0008, by the generalized Wilcoxon test). The prognostic effect of P-glycoprotein expression remained statistically significant (p = 0.0007) after adjustment by multivariate analysis (Cox's model) for other prognostic factors. It is demonstrated that P-glycoprotein expression is a significant and independent predictor of postoperative survival in breast cancer patients. The results of the present study suggest that P-glycoprotein expression might also influence the biological behavior of breast cancers.

Structural analysis of the 5' region of mouse and human Huntington disease genes reveals conservation of putative promoter region and di- and trinucleotide polymorphisms

We have previously cloned and characterized the murine homologue of the Huntington disease (HD) gene and shown that it maps to mouse chromosome 5 within a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 4p16.3. Here we present a detailed comparison of the sequence of the putative promoter and the organization of the 5' genomic region of the murine (Hdh) and human HD genes encompassing the first five exons. We show that in this region these two genes share identical exon boundaries, but have different-size introns. Two dinucleotide (CT) and one trinucleotide intronic polymorphism in Hdh and an intronic CA polymorphism in the HD gene were identified. Comparison of 940-bp sequence 5' to the putative translation start site reveals a highly conserved region (78.8% nucleotide identity) between Hdh and the HD gene from nucleotide -56 to -206 (of Hdh). Neither Hdh nor the HD gene have typical TATA or CCAAT elements, but both show one putative AP2 binding site and numerous potential Sp1 binding sites. The high sequence identity between Hdh and the HD gene for approximately 200 bp 5' to the putative translation start site indicates that these sequences may play a role in regulating expression of the Huntington disease gene.

Genomic organization of the human alpha-adducin gene and its alternately spliced isoforms

The cDNA for the human alpha-adducin gene has been cloned, and different alternately spliced forms have been identified. We report the complete genomic organization of the human alpha-adducin gene and these alternately spliced forms. The human alpha-adducin gene, spanning approximately 85 kb, consists of 16 exons ranging in size from 34 to 1892 bp. One of the spliced forms of the human alpha-adducin gene results from alternate use of the 5' splice donor site for exon 10, while another results in a truncated protein following insertion of 34 bp comprising exon 15, followed by a premature stop codon. This alternate spliced form of alpha-adducin is predicted to result in an altered carboxyl terminus that would eliminate a protein kinase and calmodulin binding site. Seven nucleotide substitutions and 4 insertion/deletions were also identified. The 5' region of the human alpha-adducin gene contains one Sp1 site, two AP2 sites, and two CAAT boxes. No TATA box was apparent, consistent with features of a housekeeping gene. We have mapped another cDNA within the first intron of the human alpha-adducin gene, suggesting overlapping genes in this 4p16.3 genomic region.

Mutations in the glucose-6-phosphatase gene are associated with glycogen storage disease types 1a and 1aSP but not 1b and 1c

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1, which is caused by the deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), is an autosomal recessive disease with heterogenous symptoms. Two models of G6Pase catalysis have been proposed to explain the observed heterogeneities. The translocase-catalytic unit model proposes that five GSD type 1 subgroups exist which correspond to defects in the G6Pase catalytic unit (1a), a stabilizing protein (1aSP), the glucose-6-P (1b), phosphate/pyrophosphate (1c), and glucose (1d) translocases. Conversely, the conformation-substrate-transport model suggests that G6Pase is a single multifunctional membrane channel protein possessing both catalytic and substrate (or product) transport activities. We have recently demonstrated that mutations in the G6Pase catalytic unit cause GSD type 1a. To elucidate whether mutations in the G6Pase gene are responsible for other GSD type 1 subgroups, we characterized the G6Pase gene of GSD type 1b, 1c, and 1aSP patients. Our results show that the G6Pase gene of GSD type 1b and 1c patients is normal, consistent with the translocase-catalytic unit model of G6Pase catalysis. However, a mutation in exon 2 that converts an Arg at codon 83 to a Cys (R83C) was identified in both G6Pase alleles of the type 1aSP patient. The R83C mutation was also demonstrated in one homozygous and five heterogenous GSD type 1a patients, indicating that type 1aSP is a misclassification of GSD type 1a. We have also analyzed the G6Pase gene of seven additional type 1a patients and uncovered two new mutations that cause GSD type 1a.

Methodological issues in patient satisfaction surveys

Examines some of the methodological problems encountered in conducting patient satisfaction surveys, including the sampling frames, quality of survey data and instruments, non-response problems, and reporting and interpretation of results. Proposes guidelines and lays out an agenda for future research.

Cloning and expression of the gene for group B streptococcal hyaluronate lyase

Group B streptococci (GBS) are a major cause of serious human perinatal infections. Most clinical isolates of GBS secrete hyaluronate lyase, and production of high levels of the enzyme has been associated with strain virulence. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers, designed on the basis of the amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides prepared from the purified enzyme, permitted the polymerase chain reaction amplification from GBS chromosomal DNA of a 363-base pair internal DNA fragment of the GBS hyaluronate lyase gene (hylB). This DNA fragment was used as a probe to screen a lambda phage library of GBS chromosomal DNA fragments. Sequence analysis of positive clones identified an open reading frame capable of coding for a 111-kDa protein. Since no single clone was found to contain the entire gene it was necessary to reconstruct the gene from two plasmids containing inserts with suitable overlapping sequences. When this reconstructed gene was transformed into Escherichia coli, high level expression of hyaluronate lyase activity was obtained.

Characterization of the group B streptococcal hyaluronate lyase

Hyaluronate lyase is one of several proteins secreted by group B streptococci which are believed to contribute to strain virulence. Characterization of the purified enzyme revealed that it degrades hyaluronan by a mechanism different from that of other previously studied hyaluronidases. Instead of randomly cleaving hyaluronan chains leading to a continuous decrease in average chain size, the group B streptococcal enzyme initially yields primarily unsaturated disaccharides. The observation that most of the free reducing ends generated during group B streptococcal hyaluronate lyase digestion are present in the unsaturated disaccharide units supports the conclusion that they are released primarily from the ends of the hyaluronan chains. Furthermore, the experimental evidence is consistent with a mode of action by which the enzyme initially makes a random cut in a hyaluronan chain and then processively moves along the chain releasing disaccharide units. Group B streptococcal hyaluronate lyase also slowly degrades chondroitin sulfate, and its desulfation greatly increases the reaction rate. A preferential cleavage of unsulfated residues is consistent with the observed extensive release of free chondroitin sulfate chains following very limited digestion of aggrecan from bovine nasal cartilage.

[The clinical observation of China-made ofloxacin eye drops in the treatment of bacterial infection of the external eye]

Ninety patients with extraocular infection were observed. After bacteriological examination on all of the patients, we found that staphylococcus epidermidis was the main pathogen and accounted for 43.3%. Next to it were staphylococcus aureus (31.1%), saprophytic staphylococcus was (5.6%), diplococcus catarrhus (3.3%) and moraxella sp. (2.2%). All the patients were treated with Ofloxacin eye drops produced in Guangzhou. The bacteriological examination showed negative in 98.9% of the patients, which proved this medicine has high antibiotic power.

Ion transport by viscous gas flow through capillaries

The effects of a number of experimental parameters on the efficiency of ion transport by viscous gas flow through narrow capillaries have been studied. Both electrospray and corona ion sources were used. The experimental data are consistent with ions loss to the walls of the capillary, which initially is caused mainly by space-charge expansion, but later is caused by diffusion. These processes can result in severe discrimination against low mass ions. The extent of ion loss may be calculated by using a simple model for radial diffusional loss in long cylinders, with an exponential decay of the ion density along the transport capillary. However, such a simple model underestimates ion loss by ignoring the effects of space-charge, turbulent flow, and rapid decay of higher radial diffusion modes (enhanced loss of ions that enter the capillary close to the wall). In contrast, Monte Carlo simulations showed that the effect of the parabolic velocity profile, under laminar flow conditions, is to increase the transmitted ion current, sometimes by several orders of magnitude, relative to the predictions of the simple diffusion model. After considering all these factors, the transmitted current from a corona was well reproduced by using mobility values for ions formed in such discharges. However, the measured transmitted current from an electrospray source was much too high. To explain this, it was necessary to assume that about 2% of the electrospray current is carried by aerosol particles with radii in the 10-25-Å range. Finally, it is argued that in glass capillaries wall charging may explain why the transmitted ion current is observed to be very similar to that in metal capillaries.

Translocation (8;21) in oligoblastic leukemia: is this a true myelodysplastic syndrome?

An 8;21 translocation with trisomy 4 is described in a 36-year-old Chinese woman who presented with an oligoblastic leukemia with myelodysplastic (MDS) features. Progression to acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) occurred 3 months after presentation. She died of septicemia without remission. Through a review of the data in 10 cases of oligoblastic leukemia with t(8;21) in the literature, we make the following comments. (i) Oligoblastic leukemia with t(8;21) represents 2-3% of cases with this karyotype. (ii) Such cases behave in a similar manner to de novo AML. (iii) The presence of features of MDS has no affect on the behaviour of the disease. (iv) Such cases should be treated without delay with intensive chemotherapy.

Localization of a neutralizing epitope on the envelope protein of dengue virus type 2

Two neutralization-resistant variants of dengue virus type 2 were selected using the neutralizing monoclonal antibody G8D11. Virus N-GV4 was derived from the New Guinea C strain and virus P-GV3 from the PUO-218 strain. Both variants had an identical change at nucleotide 919 in the E gene, causing a substitution of glutamic acid for lysine at residue 307 in the E glycoprotein. The substitution abolished the ability of antibody G8D11 to bind to the E glycoprotein in radioimmunoprecipitation experiments. The epitope was sensitive to treatment with SDS and was dependent on the formation of a disulfide bridge. This dependency was determined by mutagenesis of Cys residues 11 and 12 in the E glycoprotein.

Molecular species of hepadnavirus core and envelope polypeptides in hepatocyte plasma membrane of woodchucks with acute and chronic viral hepatitis

Hepadnaviral antigens exposed on hepatocytes serve as targets and as possible modulators of immunopathogenic reactions causing liver damage. To identify molecular species of viral proteins at the liver cell surface and the relationship between their expression and the persistence and severity of virus-induced liver injury, we examined woodchuck hepatitis virus core and envelope polypeptides in host hepatocyte plasma membranes from acute and chronic hepatitis. Western blot analysis revealed that two virus core polypeptides with a molecular mass of 22 kD and 43 kD occur in the membranes of infected animals. The molecular profiles and the membrane levels of the core antigen were not related to the duration or histological severity of liver damage. In contrast, quantities of the virus surface antigen were significantly greater in hepatocyte membranes of animals with chronic hepatitis. The envelope preS1, preS2 and S polypeptides, with or without molecular mass equivalents in the subviral surface antigen particles and virions, were detected in all infected membranes, although the preS2 polypeptides were always dominant. Our findings indicate that hepadnavirus core and envelope polypeptides are integral constituents of hepatocyte membranes in the course of hepatitis. They demonstrate that the accumulation of viral envelope proteins, predominantly the S-domain sequences, in hepatocyte membranes is a prominent characteristic of chronic hepatitis. This event might contribute to promotion of development and maintenance of hepadnavirus-related chronic liver disease.

An adrenomedullin fragment retains the systemic vasodepressor activity of rat adrenomedullin

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of human adrenomedullin, a newly discovered peptide present in normal human plasma, as well as a fragment of adrenomedullin, on systemic hemodynamics in the anesthetized rat. Intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections of rat adrenomedullin, rat adrenomedullin-(11-50), human adrenomedullin-(13-52) decreased mean systemic arterial pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Since rat adrenomedullin and human adrenomedullin did not decrease cardiac output, the decreases in systemic arterial pressure reflect dose-dependent reductions in systemic vascular resistance. The systemic vasodepressor responses to similar doses of the adrenomedullin fragments studied and to their respective parent adrenomedullin peptides were similar. The present data demonstrate that the entire adrenomedullin molecule is not required for full systemic vasodilator activity in vivo suggesting that rat adrenomedullin-(11-50) or a structurally similar peptide, if formed endogenously, could mediate the hemodynamic properties of adrenomedullin in vivo. Since rat adrenomedullin had significantly greater systemic vasodilator activity than human adrenomedullin at similar doses in the rat, the present data suggest that adrenomedullin has greater systemic vasodilator activity in its native species and that limited changes in the peptide's sequence confer markedly different vascular activity in vivo.

The murine homologues of the Huntington disease gene (Hdh) and the alpha-adducin gene (Add1) map to mouse chromosome 5 within a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 4p16.3

Huntington disease (HD) is a severe autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder associated with a novel gene (IT15). Recently, we reported the cloning of Hdh, the murine homologue of IT15. Here, using an interspecific backcross, we have mapped both Hdh and the mouse homologue of human alpha-adducin (Add1), a membrane-associated cytoskeletal protein gene. Both of these genes map in the same position on mouse chromosome 5 in a region associated with ancestral chromosomal rearrangements and show no recombination with D5H4S43, D5H4S115, and D5H4S62, the murine homologues of D4S43, D4S115, and D4S62, respectively. Further mapping studies of humans, mice, and other mammalian species should reveal the nature of the rearrangements affecting this chromosomal segment during mammalian evolution.

A worldwide study of the Huntington's disease mutation. The sensitivity and specificity of measuring CAG repeats

BACKGROUND

Huntington's disease is associated with an expanded sequence of CAG repeats in a gene on chromosome 4p16.3. However, neither the sensitivity of expanded CAG repeats in affected persons of different ethnic origins nor the specificity of such repeats for Huntington's disease as compared with other neuropsychiatric disorders has been determined.

METHODS

We studied 1007 patients with diagnosed Huntington's disease from 565 families and 43 national and ethnic groups. In addition, the length of the CAG repeat was determined in 113 control subjects with a family history of Alzheimer's disease (44 patients), schizophrenia (39), major depression (16), senile chorea (5), benign hereditary chorea (5), neuroacanthocytosis (2), and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (2). The number of CAG repeats was also assessed in 1595 control chromosomes, with the size of adjacent polymorphic CCG trinucleotide repeats taken into account.

RESULTS

Of 1007 patients with signs and symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of Huntington's disease, 995 had an expanded CAG repeat that included from 36 to 121 repeats (median, 44) (sensitivity, 98.8 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 97.7 to 99.4 percent). There were no significant differences among national and ethnic groups in the number of repeats. No CAG expansion was found in the 110 control subjects with other neuropsychiatric disorders (specificity, 100 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 95.2 to 100 percent). In 1581 of the 1595 control chromosomes (99.1 percent), the number of CAG repeats ranged from 10 to 29 (median, 18). In 12 control chromosomes (0.75 percent), intermediate-sized CAG sequences with 30 to 35 repeats were found, and 2 normal chromosomes unexpectedly had expanded CAG sequences, of 39 and 37 repeats.

CONCLUSIONS

CAG trinucleotide expansion is the molecular basis of Huntington's disease worldwide and is a highly sensitive and specific marker for inheritance of the disease mutation.