Contributions of angiotensin II and tumor necrosis factor-alpha to the development of renal fibrosis

Angiotensin II upregulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the rat kidney with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). In a mouse model of UUO, we found that tubulointerstitial fibrosis is blunted when the TNF-alpha receptor, TNFR1, is functionally knocked out. In this study, we used mutant mice with UUO in which the angiotensin II receptor AT(1a) or the TNF-alpha receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2 were knocked out to elucidate interactions between the two systems. The contribution of both systems to renal fibrosis was assessed by treating TNFR1/TNFR2-double knockout (KO) mice with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril. The increased interstitial volume (Vv(int)) in the C57BI/6 wild-type mouse was decreased in the AT(1a) KO from 32.8 +/- 4.0 to 21.0 +/- 3.7% (P < 0.005) or in the TNFR1/TNFR2 KO to 22.3 +/- 2.1% (P < 0.005). The Vv(int) of the TNFR1/TNFR2 KO was further decreased to 15.2 +/- 3.7% (P < 0.01) by enalapril compared with no treatment. The induction of TNF-alpha mRNA and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA in the kidney with UUO was significantly blunted in the AT(1a) or TNFR1/TNFR2 KO mice compared with the wild-type mice. Treatment of the TNFR1/TNFR2 KO mouse with enalapril reduced both TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 mRNA and their proteins to near normal levels. Also, alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and myofibroblast proliferation were significantly inhibited in the AT(1a) or TNFR1/TNFR2 KO mice, and they were further inhibited in enalapril-treated TNFR1/TNFR2 KO mice. Incapacitating the angiotensin II or the TNF-alpha systems individually leads to partial blunting of fibrosis. Incapacitating both systems, by using a combination of genetic and pharmacological means, further inhibited interstitial fibrosis and tubule atrophy in obstructive nephropathy.

[Coordination chemistry and Raman spectra of acetylide dianion]

This paper shows the syntheses of double salts of silver acetylide with various soluble silver salts, investigations on the coordination modes of acetylide dianion and their Raman spectra, discussion of the relationship between the coordination chemistry of acetylide dianion and the bind mode of N2 molecule in the FeMoco factor of nitrogenase. The results present that the bind mode of N2 molecule inside the FeMoco factor of nitrogenase is more reasonable.

[FTIR studies of oxalate-bridged Gd(III)-Cr(III) hexanuclear bimetallic complex]

The compound [Gd2(mu-ox)[Cr(bipy)(mu-ox)(ox)]4(H2O)6].13H2O (1) has been prepared by the self-assembly reaction of [Cr(bipy)(ox)2]- building blocks with Gd(III) ions. In this paper, we report the FTIR investigation of the compound(1).

A genome scan in families from Australia and New Zealand confirms the presence of a maternal susceptibility locus for pre-eclampsia, on chromosome 2

Epidemiological studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to the etiology of the common and serious pregnancy-specific disorder pre-eclampsia (PE)/eclampsia (E). Candidate-gene studies have provided evidence (albeit controversial) of linkage to several genes, including angiotensinogen on 1q42-43 and eNOS on 7q36. A recent medium-density genome scan in Icelandic families identified significant linkage to D2S286 (at 94.05 cM) on chromosome 2p12 and suggestive linkage to D2S321 (at 157.5 cM) on chromosome 2q23. In the present article, the authors report the results of a medium-density genome scan in 34 families, representing 121 affected women, from Australia and New Zealand. Multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis, using the GENEHUNTER-PLUS program, showed suggestive evidence of linkage to chromosome 2 (LOD=2.58), at 144.7 cM, between D2S112 and D2S151, and to chromosome 11q23-24, between D11S925 and D11S4151 (LOD=2.02 at 121.3 cM). Given the limited precision of estimates of the map location of disease-predisposing loci for complex traits, the present finding on chromosome 2 is consistent with the finding from the Icelandic study, and it may represent evidence of the same locus segregating in the population from Australia and New Zealand. The authors propose that the PE/E-linked locus on chromosome 2p should be designated the "PREG1" (pre-eclampsia, eclampsia gene 1) locus.

[Molecular structures and spectroscopic properties of octa-nuclear clusters with [V2M6S6O2](M = Cu, Ag) core]

The syntheses and molecular structures of two octa-nuclear [V2M6S6O2](M = Cu, Ag) clusters derived from [VS4]3- have been reported in this paper. Their infrared, 51V NMR and electronic spectra have also been assigned and discussed. The formation mechanism of octa-nuclear [V2Cu6S6O2] cluster has been explored by means of active IR capture technique.

The mechanisms mediating the effects of poverty on children's intellectual development

Although adverse consequences of poverty for children are documented widely, little is understood about the mechanisms through which the effects of poverty disadvantage young children. In this analysis we investigate multiple mechanisms through which poverty affects a child's intellectual development. Using data from the NLSY and structural equation models, we have constructed five latent factors (cognitive stimulation, parenting style, physical environment, child's ill health at birth, and ill health in childhood) and have allowed these factors, along with child care, to mediate the effects of poverty and other exogenous variables. We produce two main findings. First, the influence of family poverty on children's intellectual development is mediated completely by the intervening mechanisms measured by our latent factors. Second, our analysis points to cognitive stimulation in the home, and (to a lesser extent) to parenting style, physical environment of the home, and poor child health at birth, as mediating factors that are affected by lack of income and that influence children's intellectual development.

[Infrared spectra and Raman spectra of monoclinic RblnS2 and CsInS2]

Monoclinic RbInS2 and CsInS2 were prepared by the traditional flux method and their IR and Raman spectra were studied. The IR and Raman absorption bands of CsInS2 shift to lower frequency compared with RbInS2. IR and Raman spectra show that monoclinic RbInS2 and CsInS2 exhibit good infrared transmission.

Stimulatory activity of anti-peptide antibodies against the second extracellular loop of human M2 muscarinic receptors

OBJECTIVE

To study the activity of anti-peptide antibodies against the second extracellular loop of human M2 muscarinic receptors on cAMP production and inward calcium currents (Ica) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. A comparison was also made with those of a muscarinic receptor agonist.

METHODS

cAMP content was determined by radioimmunoassay and the Ica in guinea pig single ventricular cells were recorded by the whole-cell patch clamp technique.

RESULTS

Both the muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol (Carb 10 mumol/L), and anti-peptide antibodies (Abs 100 nmol/L) could decrease basal cAMP levels (by 46.9% +/- 4.2% and 60.2% +/- 4.6%, respectively) and basal Ica. Both Carb (10 mumol/L) and Abs (100 nmol/L) could also inhibit the isoprenaline-induced (Iso 0.8 mumol/L) increases in cAMP production (from 108.2 +/- 7.0 to 88.4 +/- 7.2 pmol/mg.protein/min for Carb and 88.6 +/- 5.1 pmol/mg.protein/min for Abs, respectively) and the increases in Ica. The muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (Atr) was able to prevent these effects of Carb and Abs.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-peptide antibodies against an epitope located in the second extracellular loop of human M2 muscarinic receptors, similar to muscarinic receptor agonist, could decrease the basal Ica and beta-receptor agonist stimulated increase of Ica by decreasing the basal and beta-receptor agonist stimulated increase of cAMP production, and therefore could have an effect on their target receptor. These results further suggest that autoimmunity may participate in the pathogenesis of human cardiomyopathy and the second extracellular loop of human M2 muscarinic receptor could be the main immunodominant region.

[The effects of different patterns of mechanical ventilation on the respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in dogs severely injured by steam inhalation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV), high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and high-frequency bidirectional jet ventilation (HFTJV) on the respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in dogs inflicted severely by steam inhalation injury.

METHODS

Nine mongrel dogs inflicted by steam inhalation to severe inhalation injury were served as the model. Indices of respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics and blood gas analysis were monitored respectively with the above three patterns of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

(1) Total respiratory resistance (Rrs) and resistance of lungs (R(L)) were evidently higher with the ventilations than those in control (P < 0.01). And total respiratory compliance (Crs) and compliance of lungs (C(L)) were obviously lower with the ventilations than those in control (P < 0.05) but with no significant differences among the changes of Rrs, R(L), Crs and C(L). (2) Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) retention could be induced by CMV and HFJV. HFTJV was much more effective than HFJV in enhancing the expiration of CO(2) (P < 0.01). (3) There was no remarkable difference in functional residual capacity (FRC) and PaO2 between dogs with three patterns of ventilations.

CONCLUSION

All these three patterns of ventilations could overcome the respiratory resistance and help respiration, but they couldn't restore the high airway resistance and low compliance of lungs already established postburn. The efficiency of CMV was similar to that by HFJV, but that of HFTJV was much better than that of HFJV.

Osteogenic protein-1 prevents renal fibrogenesis associated with ureteral obstruction

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a model of renal injury characterized by progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal damage, while relatively sparing the glomerulus and not producing hypertension or abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a major component of several kidney diseases associated with the progression to end-stage renal failure. Here we report that when a critical renal developmental morphogen, osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1; 100 or 300 microg/kg body wt), is administered at the time of UUO and every other day thereafter, interstitial inflammation and fibrogenesis are prevented, leading to preservation of renal function during the first 5 days after obstruction. Compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with enalapril treatment, OP-1 was more effective in preventing tubulointerstitial fibrosis and in preserving renal function. The mechanism of OP-1- induced renal protection was associated with prevention of tubular atrophy, an effect not shared with enalapril, and was related to preservation of tubular epithelial integrity. OP-1 blocked the stimulation of epithelial cell apoptosis produced by UUO, which promoted maintenance of tubular epithelial integrity. OP-1 preserved renal blood flow (RBF) during UUO, but enalapril also stimulated RBF. Thus OP-1 treatment inhibited tubular epithelial disruption stimulated by the renal injury of UUO, preventing tubular atrophy and diminishing the activation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis and preserving renal function.

Maternal child-rearing behaviors and correlates in rural minority areas of Yunnan, China

An epidemiological survey of maternal child-rearing behaviors was conducted in the rural minority areas of Yunnan, China. An interview of 2019 rural mothers of Hani, Yi, Hui, Miao, and Han and 544 urban mothers with children younger than 7 years of age showed that 51.7% of these rural mothers placed their infants in swaddling clothes. In the rural sample, exclusive breastfeeding occurred at frequency rates of 76.7% and 34.2% during 3 and 6 months postpartum, respectively. Maternal training and playing behaviors were reported less frequently, whereas physical punishment for children's misbehavior was more commonly found in the child-rearing behavior of rural mothers. Maternal child-rearing behaviors differed significantly among ethnic groups as well as between urban and rural areas. Maternal child-rearing behaviors were significantly associated with maternal education level, family type, family income, maternal age at delivery, and number of children in the family. Children's gender had no significant association with maternal child-rearing behaviors.

The eNOS gene: a candidate for the preeclampsia susceptibility locus?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene as a candidate for susceptibility to preeclampsia.

METHODS

Twenty-six Australian families containing 11 eclamptics, 59 severe preeclamptics, and 27 mild preeclamptics were used to test for linkage between the eNOS gene region and preeclampsia. Two microsatellite markers (D7S483 and D7S505) in the proximity of the eNOS gene were used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were used to examine the cosegregation of alleles with the disease under a variety of inheritance models. Model-independent analysis, affected pedigree member method (AFFPED), and pairwise haplotype sharing between affected sibs were also used.

RESULTS

Two-point LOD score analysis gave no evidence of linkage between preeclampsia and two markers in close proximity to the eNOS gene (LOD scores < 1) for any of the inheritance models investigated, with no evidence of heterogeneity between pedigrees. The AFFPED and the pairwise haplotype sharing test on affected sibs also gave no evidence of linkage (p-values > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study provides no evidence for linkage between two markers in close proximity to the eNOS gene and preeclampsia in these families. These results do not support the recent suggestion that eNOS could be a familial pregnancy-induced hypertension gene (Arngrimsson R, et al., Am J Hum Genet 1997;61:354-62). Distinguishing preeclampsia from other hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is difficult. Hypertension appears to be a consequence, rather than a primary cause of preeclampsia. Given the vasodilatory role of the eNOS gene product, it is possible that the linkage recently reported for eNOS reflects its relationship with hypertension rather than preeclampsia.

Genetic susceptibility to pre-eclampsia and chromosome 7q36

Pre-eclampsia is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy. The human endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene is a candidate for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) susceptibility. A linkage study was performed on Australian PE/E families using 25 microsatellite markers from chromosome 7, one of which (eNOS-CA) resides within the eNOS gene. No significant linkage was found for the eNOS-CA marker using either parametric or non-parametric analysis. However, D7S 1805 from the eNOS gene region on 7q36, gave a suggestion of linkage using parametric analysis (maximum LOD score =2.143 at theta=0.14) and non-parametric APM analysis (T1/sqrt(p)=3.53; P=0.002). Further, an association study was performed on unrelated PE/E cases and controls from both Chinese and Australian populations to test for a relationship between the eNOS gene and PE/E. No association was found between the eNOS-CA marker and PE/E in either population. However, there was a significant difference in the allelic distribution of eNOS-CA between the two ethnic groups. The linkage results support the possibility that a susceptibility locus for pre-eclampsia resides in the 7q36 region, however, there is no definitive evidence to support the notion that the eNOS gene itself is responsible for susceptibility to pre-eclampsia.

[The changes in respiratory cycle, ventilation volume and blood analysis after bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs with steam inhalation injury]

OBJECTIVE

The changes in respiration cycle, ventilation volume and blood analysis after bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) in dogs with steam induced inhalation injury were investigated to explore ways of treating inhalation injury.

METHODS

A bronchoscope was introduced down to the openings of the tertiary-quarternary bronchioles, and controlled volume BAL with drugs was done.

RESULTS

The inspiration time (Ti) and respiration cycle (Te) at 30, 60, 90 minutes after BAL were significantly lower than those of pre-BAL(P < 0.05), and respiration rate (RR) post-BAL at the same time points was markedly higher than that of pre-BAL(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The inspiratory minute ventilation volume (Vi) and expiratory minute ventilation volume (Ve) at 30 to 60 minutes after BAL were obviously increased as compared to pre-BAL(P < 0.01-P < 0.05); Vi and Ve at 90 minutes after BAL were also higher than those of pre-BAL, but there was no significant difference between them. The PaO2 at 30 minutes after BAL declined obviously as compared to pre-BAL(P < 0.05), and then rose gradually to approach pre-BAL level compared with pre-BAL. No significant changes were found in the expiration time (Te), ration of Ti to Te (Ti/Te), inspiratory tidal volume (Vti), expiratory tidal volume (Vte), PaCO2 and pH between values before and after BAL at all time points.

CONCLUSION

Controlled volume BAL with mixed drugs could improve lung alveolar ventilation, and it might have an excitory effect on respiration with potential clinical value.

Role of TNFR1 and TNFR2 receptors in tubulointerstitial fibrosis of obstructive nephropathy

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) results in tubulointerstitial fibrosis of the obstructed kidney. In this study, we report the contribution of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) to the fibrosis that develops after ureteral obstruction. Mice in which individual TNF-alpha receptors TNFR1 or TNFR2 had been genetically knocked out were used, and results were compared with mice of C57Bl/6 background after 5 days UUO. Both kidneys were removed and examined histologically for changes in interstitial volume (Vv(int)), collagen IV deposition, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) matrix score, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, and TNF-alpha mRNA levels. We found that the Vv(int) of contralateral unobstructed kidneys averaged approximately 7% and was indistinguishable among the three genotypes of mice. Vv(int) of ureteral obstructed kidney of C57Bl/6 mice averaged 33 +/- 3.9% after 5 days of UUO. Vv(int) of obstructed kidneys of TNFR1 mice was significantly reduced to 19.4 +/- 3.1%, whereas that of TNFR2 mice was significantly decreased to 25.4% +/- 4.8%. There was a modest but significant difference between Vv(int) of TNFR1 and TNFR2 (P < 0. 047). Both collagen IV and alpha-SMA matrix scores were decreased significantly in obstructed kidney of TNFR1 mouse compared with that of C57Bl/6 and TNFR2 mice. Nuclear extracts prepared from kidney cortex were found to have a significant increase in NF-kappaB binding activity in obstructed kidney compared with contralateral kidney. Individual knockout of the TNFR1 or TNFR2 genes resulted in significantly less NF-kappaB activation compared with the wild type, with TNFR1 being less than TNFR2 knockout. There was a significant increase in TNF-alpha mRNA in the kidney with ureteral obstruction in all three genotypes. TNFR1 knockout displayed a significant reduction in amount of TNF-alpha mRNA induced compared with wild-type or TNFR2 knockout mice. Treatment of TNFR1 knockout mice with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor further decreased Vv(int) and TNF-alpha mRNA induction, suggesting an interaction of ANG II and TNF-alpha systems. These results suggest that TNF-alpha contributes, in part, to changes in interstitial volume, myofibroblast differentiation, and NF-kappaB activation in the kidney during ureteral obstruction. These changes appear to be mediated through both TNFR1 and TNFR2 gene products with effects through the TNFR1 receptor predominating. Furthermore, ANG II appears to stimulate TNF-alpha pathophysiological events leading to renal fibrosis.

Prevalence and correlates of malnutrition among children in rural minority areas of China

BACKGROUND

Child growth retardation and malnutrition remain a matter of uttermost public concern in economically disadvantaged areas of China. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition with various anthropometric indices and examine its correlates in a large sample of poor rural minority children.

METHODS

A total of 2019 children under 7 years of age belonging to the Hani, Yi, Hui, Miao ethnic minority groups and the Han major group were drawn from four poor rural minority counties in the Yunnan Province of China. Well-trained investigators completed child physical measurements and maternal interviews. Protein-energy malnutrition was defined as being underweight (weight for age), wasting (weight for height) and stunting (height for age) on the basis of reference data from the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS)/World Health Organization (WHO).

RESULTS

The respective prevalence of moderate and severe protein-energy malnutrition was 15.8 and 3.1% for underweight children, 31.8 and 19.2% for stunting and 0.9 and 0.5% for wasting. Stunting was most common in children aged 2 years. Boys were more likely to suffer from malnutrition. Logistic regression analyses showed that lower family income, lower parental height, belonging to the Miao, Yi and Hani ethnic groups compared with Han and poorer maternal child-rearing behavior significantly increased the risk for stunting of children.

CONCLUSIONS

Protein-energy malnutrition is relatively high in the rural minority children of China. Chronic socioeconomic underdevelopment and genetic effects, rather than a severe or immediate lack of food, may lead to protein-energy malnutrition.

A comparative study on the efficacy of CD8-positive cells in enhancing allogeneic bone marrow engraftment: cell sorting vs microbead selection

We have used a superparamagnetic microbead selection system to positively select a murine bone marrow CD8+ cell population. The functional ability of these cells to enhance allogeneic bone marrow engraftment was compared with that of fluorescence activated cell sorter purified CD8+ cells. The CD8+ cell population prepared by the microbead selection procedure was as effective as cell sorter purified CD8+ cells in enhancing T cell-depleted allogeneic bone marrow engraftment in lethally irradiated mice. Phenotypic characterization of these cells shows that most of these CD8+ cells express CD3 and the T cell antigen receptor complex.

[Psychological and neurobehavioral effects of aluminum on exposed workers]

OBJECTIVE

To explore neurotoxicity and the changes in psychological and neurobehavioral functions in workers exposed to aluminum.

METHODS

Psychological status and neurobehavioral functions of 103 exposed workers and 64 controls were examined with Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), and meanwhile, air concentrations of aluminum in the workplaces and urine levels of aluminum in the exposed workers were determined.

RESULTS

Urine levels of aluminum in the exposed workers were markedly higher than those in non-exposed controls, with a statistical significance. Scores for tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion in the workers exposed to aluminum for more than ten years were significantly more than those in non-exposed controls. Scores of the performance of Santa Ana, digit symbol and pursuit aiming in the former were significantly lower, and no other changes in psychological and behavioral functions was found in workers exposed for less than ten years, except for their scores of pursuit aiming.

CONCLUSION

Obvious changes in psychological status, neuromotor speed and their accuracy were observed in workers exposed to aluminum for a long term.

[Relationship between health status and work ability among elderly Al exposed workers]

In this study, health status and work ability of 80 elderly male workers exposed to aluminum (Al) were assessed by physiological and neurobehaviral tests. The results showed that workers with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases had lower work ability index(WAI). Vital capacity and musculoskeletal function index(MSFI) were correlated closely with work ability. Mental performance capacity decreased with the increasing of age, and mental performance score was associated with work ability. It is suggested that vital capacity and MSFI may serve as index reflecting physical work ability of Al-exposed workers. Simple reaction time, visual memory, manual dexterity and pursuit aiming may reflect mental work ability.

[Regulative effect of nuclear factor kappa B on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecular-1 in human mesangial cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the regulative effect of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecular-1(ICAM-1) in human mesangial cells (HMC) by interleukin I-1 beta (IL-1 beta).

METHODS

Activation of NF-kappa B was measured by electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). ICAM-1 expression was detected by Northern Blot and Cell ELISA.

RESULTS

rhIL-1 beta (10 ng/ml) could rapidly stimulate activation and translocation of NF-kappa B, and also could enhance the expression of ICAM-1 in mRNA (0.14 vs 0.35) and protein (0.92 +/- 0.10 vs 1.35 +/- 0.11, P < 0.01) level. After pretreatment with 100 mumol/L L-1-chlor-3-(4-tosylamido)-4-phenyl-2 butanon (TPCK), an inhibitor of NF-kappa B, both ICAM-1 levels of mRNA and protein stimulated by rhIL-1 beta were blocked by about 50% in these cells (0.46 +/- 0.05 vs 1.29 +/- 0.12, P < 0.01) compared with the rhIL-1 beta-stimulated group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NF-kappa B is one of the signaling factors for IL-1-stimulated ICAM-1 expression in HMC. It may modulate the immune-inflammatory process in glomerular diseases.

Endonuclease V (nfi) mutant of Escherichia coli K-12

Endonuclease V (deoxyinosine 3' endonuclease), the product of the nfi gene, has a specificity that encompasses DNAs containing dIMP, abasic sites, base mismatches, uracil, and even untreated single-stranded DNA. To determine its importance in DNA repair pathways, nfi insertion mutants and overproducers (strains bearing nfi plasmids) were constructed. The mutants displayed a twofold increase in spontaneous mutations for several markers and an increased sensitivity to killing by bleomycin and nitrofurantoin. An nfi mutation increased both cellular resistance to and mutability by nitrous acid. This agent should generate potential cleavage sites for the enzyme by deaminating dAMP and dCMP in DNA to dIMP and dUMP, respectively. Relative to that of a wild-type strain, an nfi mutant displayed a 12- to 1,000-fold increase in the frequency of nitrite-induced mutations to streptomycin resistance, which are known to occur in A x T base pairs. An nfi mutation also enhanced the lethality caused by a combined deficiency of exonuclease III and dUTPase, which has been attributed to unrepaired abasic sites. However, neither the deficiency nor the overproduction of endonuclease V affected the growth of the single-stranded DNA phages M13 or phiX174 nor of Uracil-containing bacteriophage lambda. These results suggest that endonuclease V has a significant role in the repair of deaminated deoxyadenosine (deoxyinosine) and abasic sites in DNA, but there was no evidence for its cleavage in vivo of single-stranded or uracil-containing DNA.

Research on the schizont cell culture vaccine against Theileria annulata infection in Xinjiang, China

Theileria annulata infection (TAI) is one of the most serious diseases of cattle in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of Uigur Minority Nationality. It has been recorded in 14 prefectures, except the Tulufan Prefecture, but the enzootic areas are mainly distributed around the Zhunger Basin and Talim Basin. According to the records collected in the ten years before vaccination with the schizont cell culture vaccine was carried out, the average incidence rate of TAI in enzootic areas was 7.22% and the mortality rate was 24%. The milk production of cattle suffering from TAI was sharply decreased, and there were usually abortions in pregnant cows. The incidence rate and mortality rate were greater in high grade cattle, so TAI was a constraint to improving cattle breeds. To control this disease effectively in Xinjiang, researchers at the Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science began to study the schizont cell culture vaccine in 1972. In 1977 an immortalised cell line was achieved from a primary cell culture starting with white blood cells from cattle suffering from acute TAI caused by an artificial tick bite. The cell culture medium mainly consisted of calf serum, lactalbumin-hydrolysate, Eagles' medium DMEM and three antibiotics. As a vaccine, the above cells were mixed with preserving medium containing gelatin. This paper describes the experiments on the immunological properties of the vaccine carried out in subsequent years. Up to 1996, vaccine doses for 1,186,150 cattle have been produced and sold. This vaccine has had a critical effect on the control of TAI in Xinjiang. Owing to the sharp decrease in the incidence rate and mortality rate of TAI after cattle were vaccinated, the annual economic benefit of the vaccine is at least 1,620,000 yuan.