Ultraviolet-initiated reactions of H(2) with germanosilicate fibers and H(2) concentration dependence of the Bragg wavelength of a fiber grating

We present a model with which to calculate the index increase induced in standard single-mode fiber by hydrogen loading. Also, we propose that the dominant products of reaction in UV-written hydrogenated standard communication fibers are GeE? and Si-OH. Based on the above models, we calculate the Bragg wavelength shifts that are due to hydrogen diffusion out of the fiber gratings. The relative effective index change that is due to hydrogen dissolved in fiber can be as much as 6 x 10(-4) if standard telecom fiber is hydrogen loaded with a concentration of ~1.44 mol.%. Theoretical results agree with experimental results.

Human T lymphocyte genetic modification with naked DNA

Endowing T lymphocytes with novel functional attributes by genetic modification is under development for a broad range of clinical cellular immunotherapy applications. To circumvent many of the limitations associated with viral vector systems, a plasmid-based electroporation system that reliably generates G418-resistant primary human T lymphocyte clones was developed. TCR alpha/beta+ CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ T lymphocyte clones can be routinely isolated from OKT3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells electroporated with linear plasmid DNA in a limiting dilution drug selection format. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies performed on T cell metaphase spreads using a probe specific for plasmid sequence demonstrated a single FISH signal doublet that varied in chromosomal location from clone to clone. Southern blot analysis using a Neo-specific probe verified chromosomal integration of plasmid vector at a single site. Band intensity quantitation of blots developed with a zeta-specific probe capable of annealing to both endogenous TCR-zeta and the introduced chimeric zeta sequence demonstrated that integrated plasmid was present at a single copy number. Expression levels of the CD20-specific chimeric immunoreceptor construct from a CMV immediate/early promoter present in the plasmid vector varied widely from clone to clone but remained stable during ex vivo expansion to cell numbers in excess of 10(10). This T lymphocyte genetic modification strategy is currently being piloted in a FDA-sanctioned adoptive therapy trial for recurrent lymphoma.

QTL mapping of resistance to Sporisorium reiliana in maize

We mapped and characterized quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to Sporisorium reiliana. A population of 220 F(3) families produced from the cross of two European elite inbreds (D32, D145) was evaluated with two replications at a French location with high natural incidence of S. reiliana and at a Chinese location employing artificial inoculation. The 220 F(3) families were genotyped with 87 RFLP and seven SSR markers. Using composite interval mapping, we identified two different sets of 3 and 8 QTL for the French and the Chinese locations explaining 13% and 44% of respectively. Individual QTL explained up to 14% of σ^(2) (p). The 11 QTL mapped to eight maize chromosomes and displayed mostly additive or partial dominant gene action. Significant digenic epistatic interactions were detected for one pair of these QTL. Only a few QTL for S. reiliana were in common with QTL for resistance to Ustilago maydis and Puccinia sorghi, identified at a German location for the same population. Consequently, in our materials resistance to these three fungal pathogens of maize seems to be inherited independently.

cDNA representational difference analysis of differentially expressed cDNA sequences in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To search differentially expressed sequences correlated with pathogenesis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including the candidates of tumor suppressor genes.

METHODS

Representational difference analysis (RDA) was performed to isolate differentially expressed sequences between cDNA from normal human primary cultures of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and cDNA from NPC cell line HNE1. The source of differentially expressed products were proved by Southern blot, Northern blot and in situ hybridization. The fragments were cloned with pGEM-T easy kit and sequenced by the chain termination reaction.

RESULTS

Four differentially expressed cDNA fragments were isolated in the fourth subtractive hybridization using cDNA from normal human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells as tester amplicon and cDNA from NPC cell line HNE1 as driver amplicon by cDNA RDA. These differential cDNA fragments revealed that they really came from the tester amplicon and were not expressed or down-regulated in the NPC HNE1 cells. Some of the genes were expressed only in human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells but deleted or down-regulated in the biopsies of NPC. Of these obtained clones, some were the sequences of the human known genes including house-keeping genes, the others represented novel gene sequences.

CONCLUSION

The differentially expressed products including the candidates of tumor-suppressor genes may be associated with the initiation of the NPC.

Transcribed dinucleotide microsatellites and their associated genes from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

The presence of trinucleotide microsatellites within genes is a well-known cause for a number of genetic diseases. However, the precise distribution of dinucleotide microsatellites within genes is less well documented. Here we report 15 unique cDNAs containing dinucleotide repeats from the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Gene identities of nine of the 15 cDNAs were determined, of which three encode structural genes, and six encode regulatory proteins. Five cDNAs harbored dinucleotide repeats in the 5' untranslated region (5'-NTR), nine in the 3'-NTR, and one in the coding region. The presence of these transcribed dinucleotide repeats and their potential expansion in size within coding regions could lead to disruption of the original protein and/or formation of new genes by frame shift. The low number of dinucleotide repeats within coding regions suggests that they were strongly selected against. All the transcribed microsatellite loci examined were polymorphic making them useful for gene mapping in catfish.

Omeprazole versus high-dose ranitidine in mild gastroesophageal reflux disease: short- and long-term treatment. The Dutch Reflux Study Group

OBJECTIVE

Patients with reflux esophagitis suffer from a chronic condition that may cause considerable discomfort because of recurrent symptoms and diminished quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate acute and long-term treatment comparing standard doses of omeprazole and high-dose ranitidine.

METHODS

Patients with endoscopically verified symptomatic esophagitis grade I or II were initially treated with omeprazole 20 mg daily or ranitidine 300 mg twice daily for 4-8 wk. Patients who were symptom free were randomized to maintenance treatment with omeprazole 10 mg daily or ranitidine 150 mg twice daily. Patients were seen every 3 months or at symptomatic relapse.

RESULTS

The percentage of asymptomatic patients after 4 and 8 wk treatment were 61% and 74%, respectively, for omeprazole and 31% and 50%, respectively, for ranitidine. Of 446 patients treated initially, 277 were asymptomatic, of whom 263 entered the maintenance study. The estimated proportion of patients in remission after 12 months of maintenance treatment with omeprazole 10 mg daily (n = 134) and ranitidine 150 mg twice daily (n = 129) were 68% and 39%, respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole 20 mg daily is superior to high-dose ranitidine in the symptomatic treatment of reflux esophagitis grade I and II. Furthermore, omeprazole at half the standard dose is more effective than ranitidine in a standard dose in keeping patients in remission for a period of 12 months.

[Simultaneous determination of eight kinds of conjunct bile acids in human bile by R-HPLC]

A method for the simultaneous determination of eight kinds of conjunct bile acids in human bile was developed by HPLC. They were separated on a YWG-C18 (3 microns) column at 30 degrees C, with methanol/water (65/35, V/V, pH3.0) as mobile phase, and detection wavelength at UV 210 nm. The linear ranges were 50-1,000 microns.ml-1, the recoveries were 91.2%-108.6%. The biles of 30 cases with cholelithiasis cholecystolithiasis and 20 cases without gallstone were detected by HPLC. The results showed that the constitution of bile acids was different between patients with cholelithiasis cholecystolithiasis and patients without gallstone.

[The spontaneous otitis media in rickety rats]

This paper is aimed to study the incidence and hearing impairment of spontaneous otitis media in rickety rats during a longterm vitamin D deficient breeding. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats ranged from 20 to 25-day-old were used, and vitamin D deficient rickets models were established. Another thirty rats were used as the normal control. It was found that both normal and rickety rats had the possibilities of suffering from otitis media (mainly exudative) during the two-month-breeding. The incidence of otitis media in normal rats was 5% (3 from 60 ears), while that in the rickety ones was 16.67% (10 from 60 ears). It is believed that a rickety sufferer may be in higher danger of having otitis media than the normal one.

[Primary study of differentially expressed cDNA sequences in cell line HNE1 of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma by cDNA representational difference analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To search differentially expressed sequences correlated with pathogenesis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including the candidates of tumor suppressor genes.

METHODS

cDNA representational difference analysis (RDA) was performed to isolate differentially expressed sequences between cDNA from normal human primary cultures of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and cDNA from NPC cell line HNE1. The sources of differentially expressed products were proved by Southern blot and Northern blot. The fragments were cloned with pGEM-T easy kit and sequenced by the chain termination reaction.

RESULTS

Four differentially expressed cDNA fragments were isolated in the fourth subtractive hybridization using cDNA from normal human primary cultures of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells as tester amplicon and cDNA from NPC cell line HNE1 as driver amplicon by cDNA RDA. These differential cDNA fragments revealed that they really came from the tester amplicon and were not expressed or down-regulated in the NPC HNE1 cells. Of these obtained clones, some are the fragments of the human known genes including house-keeping genes, the others are novel genes.

CONCLUSION

NPC involves alteration of multiple genes. Some of known genes matched with the differentially expressed sequences have an effective suppressive ability on the carcinoma.

CD20 is a molecular target for scFvFc:zeta receptor redirected T cells: implications for cellular immunotherapy of CD20+ malignancy

The CD20 molecule was evaluated as a B-cell lymphoma target epitope for T cells expressing a CD20-specific single-chain FvFc-zeta (scFvFc:zeta) chimeric receptor. A cDNA construct consisting of a murine kappa leader sequence, CD20-specific scFv, human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 hinge-C(H)2-C(H)3, the human CD4 transmembrane, and the intracellular signaling domain of the human CD3 complex's zeta chain was synthesized by polymerase chain reaction splice-overlap extension. The human CD4+ Jurkat cell line was electroporated with the CD20-specific scFvFc:zeta construct cloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNAneo. Western blot analysis of transfectant whole cell lysate with an anti-zeta antibody demonstrated the expression of both endogenous zeta and the chimeric receptor protein, with a mobility consistent with the expected molecular weight of 66 kD under reducing conditions; nonreduced lysate revealed a chimeric receptor complex of approximately 132 kD. The scFvFc:zeta receptor was present on the cell surface as detected by flow cytometry of T-cell transfectants stained with an anti-mouse Fab-specific antibody and anti-human Fc gamma-specific monoclonal antibody. Coculture of Jurkat transfectants with CD20+ lymphoma cells resulted in the accumulation of interleukin (IL)-2 in culture supernatants as detected by ELISA. IL-2 production was triggered by the specific interaction between the CD20 molecule and the scFvFc:zeta as IL-2 was not detected in cultures with mock transfected Jurkat cells or CD20- stimulator cells. Furthermore, IL-2 production was inhibited by the addition of a soluble anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to cocultured Jurkat transfectants and CD20+ stimulator cells. The capacity of CD20 to trigger the lytic machinery of scFvFc:zeta-expressing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) was assessed using the murine allo-specific CD8+ CTL clone 2c. CD20-specific redirected cytolytic activity against human lymphoma targets was observed with 2c transfectants in a 4-hour chromium release assay. These results demonstrate that CD20 can serve as a target epitope for scFvFc:zeta receptor-expressing T cells.

Sexuality and sexual adjustment of patients with chronic pain

PURPOSE

To describe sexual functioning and its relationship with psychological measures in chronic pain patients.

METHOD

It is a self report survey with a convenience sample. Seventy consenting chronic pain patients responded to a questionnaire. Mean age was 49.9 years (range 29-74); mean pain duration was 146.7 months (range 6-624). Participants endorsed a wide variety of pain conditions. INSTRUMENTS USED: (1) Derogatis Inventory of Sexual Functioning; (2) Multidimensional Pain Inventory; (3) Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale: (4) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control; (5) Hopkins Symptom Check List; (6) Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory; (7) Coping Strategies Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty-six per cent of patients were interested in sex, 50% were satisfied with current sexual partner and 20% considered current sexual life to be adequate. Over 70% fantasized at least once a month. Only 44% experienced normal arousal during intercourse; 33% practiced masturbation and 47% were involved in sexual intercourse or oral sex at least once a month. The majority were dissatisfied with orgasmic activities. No relationship was found between pain severity, duration, frequency and sexual functioning. A relationship was found between disability status, age and several psychological variables and various domains of sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS; Sexual problems are common in chronic pain patients. Patients who reported symptoms of depression and distress had more sexual problems.

A common region of allelic loss on chromosome region 3p25.3-26.3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome arm 3p has been commonly observed in carcinomas of various tissues, including those of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). To determine the frequency and extent of allelic loss in NPC, we investigated 16 loci on chromosome bands 3p21-26 in 24 tumor tissues by microsatellite analysis. LOH on 3p21-26 was found in 16 of 24 (66.7%) tumors. The highest frequency of allelic loss was found in two adjacent loci, D3S1620 (11/22, 50%) and D3S1560 (9/18, 50%). Eight cases showed LOH in one contiguous region and 5 cases in more than one region. Samples 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22 had a contiguous stretch of allelic loss between D3S1297 and D3S1597. The smallest common LOH/deletion region seems likely to lie between D3S1297 (3p26.3-26.2) and D3S1560 (3p25.3). The allelic loss map defined here will facilitate finer mapping of putative tumor suppressor gene loci and positional cloning of such genes, which may play a role in carcinogenesis of NPC.

[Allelic loss on chromosome 3p21-26 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and extent of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 3p in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Sixteen loci on chromosome bands 3p21-26 in 24 tumors was studied by using microsatellite analysis.

RESULTS

LOH on 3p21-26 was found in 16 of 24 tumors (66.7%). The highest frequency of the allelic loss was found in two adjacent loci D3S1620(50%, 11/22) and D3S1560 (50%, 9/18). Eight cases showed LOH in one contiguous region and 5 cases in more than one region. Sample 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22 had a contiguous stretch of allelic loss between D3S1297 and D3S1597.

CONCLUSION

The smallest common LOH/deletion region seems likely to lie between D3S1620(3p26.2-26.3) and D3S1560(3p25.3). The allelic loss map defined here will facilitate finer mapping of putative tumor suppressor gene loci and positional cloning of such genes, which may play a role in carcinogenesis of NPC.

[Nasal polyps of olfactory sulcus]

To explore the origin of olfactory sulcus polyp (OSP) and observe the recovery of olfaction after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, fifty-nine olfactory sulcus polyps in 31 patients were reviewed. The origin of OSP was carefully observed. In these patients 69.5% (41 sides) originated from the mucosa of posterior ethmoid sinus, including the superior meatus (23 sides) and ethmoid cells near the ostia (18 sides). OSP originated from middle turbinate (8 sides) and superior turbinate (4 sides). Six OSP originated from the mucosa of both ethmoid and sphenoid sinus. Olfactory changes were dynamically observed after endoscopic sinus surgery in 26 patients. The smell improved significantly in 26 sides (52.0%) within three months. The olfaction improved slowly in those patients with recurrent polyps and polysinusitis associated with polyps. We suggest that minimal endoscopic sinus surgery is the treatment of choice for OSP.

[Ostium of maxillary sinus in endoscopic sinus surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical significance and operative method of maxillary sinus ostium in the treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients (112 sides) undergone endoscopic sinus surgery were studied.

RESULTS

The patency rates of the maxillary ostia in patients with enlarged and unchanged maxillary ostia were 92.9% and 80.4% respectively. Fifty-one patients (64 sides) undergone Caldwell-Luc operations were retrospectively studied. The patency rate of inferior antrostomy was 40.6%. CT scans of the sinuses of 38 cases with unilateral sinisitis or nasal polyps were reviewed. The scaled values of the maxillary hiatus on CT images showed no difference between the normal group and the diseased group. Pneumatization and proliferation of middle turbinate and bent uncinate process were the most common anatomic variation in the diseased group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that management of anatomic variations surrounding the ostia is very important in the treatment of maxillary ostium.

[The influence of porcelain-fused-to-metal crown margin to the aesthetics of gingiva]

The gingival tissue of 76 anterior teeth which were hurt by margin of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns were analyzed and the reasons of the gingival hurt and the precaution methods were put forward. The unsuccessful PFM crowns were replaced with new crowns and 88.16% of them are better than before. As the result, the gingival margin health of anterior teeth is the important factor which keep the esthetics of teeth, and the right clinical process is crucial to maintain the natural aesthetics of gingival margin.

[Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery: incidence and prevention-analysis of 307 cases]

The complications of endoscopic sinus surgery performed on 307 patients with chronic inflammatory paranasal sinus diseases were analysed. The results showed that: 1. The common complications were excessive bleeding, orbit penetration, intra-orbital haemorrhage, postoperative stenosis of the maxillary ostium and middle turbinate adhesions. 2. The most common perioperative complications were those related to orbital penetration except excessive bleeding. A major complication was a case of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea with secondary purulent meningitis. 3. The annual overall incidences and the rates of common complications have been significantly decreased with year. The causes and prevention of excessive bleeding, stenosis of maxillary ostium and middle turbinate adhesions are discussed emphatically. In addition, the proposals were offered concerning the diagnostic criteria of the complications, and the statistical method of the complication incidence.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pharmacotherapy and beyond

Management of ADHD is a challenge that requires time, commitment, and great sensitivity on the part of the physician. Use of stimulant medications is often successful at improving symptoms, but it has become the knee-jerk treatment response for many. Given the wide-ranging effects of ADHD on aspects of patients' lives and the availability of various treatment alternatives, a multimodal approach is considered optimal. As more studies evaluate nonpharmacologic approaches such as behavior therapy, parent education, and neurofeedback and more physicians implement multimodal treatment, outcomes for patients with ADHD are expected to be even more positive.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In pursuit of diagnostic accuracy

Attention-deficit behaviors create a substantial burden for healthcare facilities. The incidence of ADHD is estimated at 5% to 10% of school-age children, but it is possible that many diagnoses of ADHD are flawed. At present, because the etiology of the disorder is not well understood, the diagnosis of ADHD by DSM-IV criteria hinges on the presence of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these. Children who do not have ADHD also exhibit such behaviors in certain environments, as do children with learning disorders, family relational problems, and emotional difficulties. Thus it is imperative that physicians take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis when a child presents with behavioral difficulties. Noting that a number of myths about ADHD (eg, that improved behavior after being given stimulant medication proves a diagnosis of ADHD) have recently gained currency, the authors recommend going beyond the first step of behavior checklists in diagnosing the disorder and describe situations in which further assessment is indicated.

Sexuality in head and neck cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe sexual functioning and its relationship with age, extent of disfigurement, performance status, and psychological functioning in head and neck cancer patients following radiation therapy with or without surgery.

DESIGN

Descriptive study, self-report survey, convenience sample.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care Veterans Administration Medical Center.

PATIENTS

Fifty-five of 101 consenting patients responded to the questionnaire. Mean age of the patients was 65.1 years (range 48 to 76); 54 were men. The mean duration since diagnosis was 30.6 months (range 3 to 216). All patients received radiation therapy and 26 also underwent surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Instruments included were: The Derogatis inventory of Sexual Functioning, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check List, and List Performance Status Scale.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent showed interest in sex. Fifty-eight percent were satisfied with their current sexual partner and 49% were satisfied with their current sexual functioning. Most of them were able to fantasize: however, a majority reported arousal problems, 58% did not participate in sexual intercourse, and 58% had orgasmic problems. Most patients were not depressed. As a group these patients reported significantly more somatic distress but significantly less generalized feeling of distress when compared with a group of nonpatient nurses. Patients with "powerful others" locus of control showed significantly worse sexual functioning. There was no correlation between sexual functioning and performance status or severity of disfigurement. Patients younger than 65 years of age had more advanced disease, lower performance status and significantly poorer sexual functioning; those older than 65 years were more satisfied with their sexual partner and current sexual functioning.

CONCLUSION

Despite experiencing sexual problems, sexuality continues to be a priority in the majority of patients studied.

[Endoscopic sinus surgery, clinical aspect with 69 cases]

Sixty-nine patients (121 sides) received endoscopic sinus surgery between May, 1993 and October, 1994. All of the patients exhibited following clinical signs: bilateral or unilateral nasal polyps and paranasal sinusitis. There were 43 men and 26 women, ranging in age from 14 to 68 years. Among the patients, 14 (25 sides) were treated with functional ethmoidectomy; 33 (59 sides) with total ethmoidectomy; and 21 (36 sides) with sphenoethmoidectomy. 23 patients (36 sides) were treated simultaneously with radical maxillary sinus surgery. According to the data of postoperative follow-up, nasal obstruction disappeared completely in 57 cases (57/59); headache remitted in 51 (51/56); and 35 (35/54) were free of purulent nasal discharge. No severe complications were observed. The incidence of residual and recurrent polyp were 12.39% (15/121 sides). The curative effect of endoscopic sinus surgery was analysed. The indications of operation, the preoperative CT scan of paranasal sinuses, and the endoscopic techniques were discussed.