New method of one-step rainbow holography of diffuse three-dimensional objects with no slit

A new method of one-step rainbow holography of diffuse three-dimensional objects with no slit is proposed. Diffuse three-dimensional objects are translated uniformly along the direction of the y(0) axis. A coherent plane wave illuminates the objects and its propagation direction is situated on the x(0)-z(0) plane. As a result of this process, a sinc function modulating the complex amplitude distribution of the objects is produced in the back focal plane of the lens. Therefore, rainbow holography is achieved. Theoretical analysis and some experimental results are presented.

Different potency of endothelium-derived relaxing factors against thromboxane, endothelin, and potassium chloride in intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) and prostacyclin (PGI2) released from endothelial cells are potent vasodilators; endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2 may be their physiological antagonists. Interactions between these vasodilators and vasoconstrictors were studied in isolated intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries suspended in myographs for isometric tension recording. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin and serotonin were reduced to a similar extent in arteries contracted with endothelin-1 and KCl as compared to those contracted with the thromboxane analog U 46619 (p less than 0.05; n = 5-6). In contrast, relaxations to the nitric oxide donor SIN-1 were comparable. PGI2 was most potent in arteries exposed to U 46619, while its effects were inhibited in the presence of endothelin-1 or acetylcholine and prevented by KCl (p less than 0.05-0.0001; n = 5). At high concentrations PGI2 evoked contractions in arteries contracted with endothelin-1, acetylcholine, or KCl, but not in those with U 46619, which were prevented by the thromboxane receptor antagonist SQ 30741 (p less than 0.05; n = 5), indicating that PGI2 is a partial agonist for the thromboxane receptor. Thus, in intramyocardial porcine coronary arteries, contractile agonists differently interact with the release and action of EDRFs and PGI2. Both are most effective against contractions induced by thromboxane. In contrast, endothelin-1 and particularly KCl reduce the potency of these endogenous vasodilator systems.

[Studies on the mutagenicity of vesnarinone]

The mutagenicity of domestic Vesnarinone (OPC-8212) was studied by Ames test, micronucleus test of NIH mouse bone marrow and chromosome aberration assay in CHL cells. Negative results were obtained, which suggested that OPC-8212 did not induce prokaryotic cell gene mutation or chromosome damage both in vitro and in vivo.

Genomic structure of murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and conservation of potential regulatory sequences with a human homolog, LD78

The gene for a murine macrophage inflammatory cytokine, MIP-1 alpha, belongs to a newly recognized superfamily encoding small, inducible peptides shown to be up-regulated in association with cellular activation or transformation (tentatively designated the scy, or small cytokine, gene family). Secreted scy family peptides as a group, and MIP-1 alpha in particular, have inflammatory and mitogenic activities, and the family has been divided into CXC and CC subfamilies according to the spacing of conserved cysteine residues in the primary amino acid sequences. We have isolated and characterized a genomic clone encoding the CC subfamily member MIP-1 alpha. The organization of the murine MIP-1 alpha gene into three exons interrupted by two introns is identical to that found for other members of the CC subfamily (e.g., huLD78, muJE, huJE/MCP-1, muTCA3, and hul-309), which has been taken as evidence of evolution from a common ancestral gene. With the exception of the ratPF4 gene, which shares the two-intron/three-exon pattern typical of the CC subfamily, sequenced genes encoding CXC subfamily peptides (e.g., hulL-8 and hulP-10) include an additional intervening sequence that creates a fourth exon. Genomic nucleotide sequences 5' of the MIP-1 alpha cap site are highly homologous to corresponding regions of the human gene encoding a CC peptide variously designated as LD78/GOS19/pAT464, including consensus regulatory motifs in common, reinforcing the contention that MIP-1 alpha and LD78 may be interspecies homologs.

[Distribution of vanadium in tissues of nonpregnant and pregnant Wistar rats]

This paper reports tissue distribution of vanadium in nonpregnant and pregnant Wistar rats. The experimental results showed that vanadium concentrations in nonpregnant rats were respectively from high to low: I. no treatment: ovary greater than uterus greater than kidney greater than lung greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than brain greater than liver greater than blood; II. 4h after single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg): kidney greater than ovary greater than liver greater than bone greater than uterus greater than lung greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than brain greater than blood. The results suggest that female genital organs are important organs in distribution of vanadium. The kidney is a main excretory organ. After 24h of treatment, a larger amount of vanadium in body has been excreted. Vanadium can pass through blood-brain barrier. Distribution of vanadium on gestation days 12 after 4h single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg) is: kidney greater than ovary greater than uterus greater than placenta greater than liver greater than fetus greater than bone greater than heart muscle greater than lung greater than brain greater than spleen greater than blood; on gestation days 16-18 after 4h single i.p. injection of V2O5 (5 mg/kg) is: kidney ovary greater than placenta greater than lung greater than bone greater than uterus greater than heart muscle greater than spleen greater than fetus greater than liver greater than brain greater than blood; after 24h (on gestation days 16-18) is: kidney greater than ovary greater than placenta greater than spleen greater than bone greater than lung greater than liver greater than fetus heart muscle greater than brain blood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Influences of new synthetic drug vesnarinone on circulatory and respiratory function of dogs]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of vesnarinone, newly synthesized in the School of Pharmacy, West China University of Medical Sciences in 1985, on the circulatory and respiratory functions of dogs. Eight dogs were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital. Vesnarinone (2 mg/kg), dimethyl sulphoxide (the solvent which was needed to prepare solution of OPC-8212), and 0.9% NaCl (normal control) was given separately according to the arrangement of Latin square. The ECG, blood flow, blood pressure and respiration were measured and recorded for 1-15 minutes. Vesnarinone increased the blood flow in the common carotid artery with no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or respiration. These results suggest that OPC-8212 has positive inotropic effect but no effect on the heart rate in anesthetized dogs.

[A study on developmental toxicity of vanadium pentoxide in NIH mice]

There is no general agreement yet about the teratogenic effects or developmental toxicity of vanadium in animal studies. This is a report on developmental toxicity in NIH mice following injection of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5, 5 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) at different times of gestation (on days 1-5, 6-15, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14-17 of gestation). No adverse effects of V2O5 on pre-implantation and implantation were noted, and neither were teratogenicity and premature birth. However, there was toxic effect on embryofetus. Increased frequency of resorption or fetal death on days 6-15, 7, 14-17 of gestation were observed. Delayed ossification of bones was noted on days 6-15, 8, 10, 14-17 of gestation. These results suggest that V2O5 may be a weak developmental toxicant but not a teratogen in NIH mice. In addition, this paper reports the developmental toxicity, especially teratogenicity of N, N'-methylene-bis (2-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole) which was used as the positive control in NIH mice.

Genomic structure of murine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and conservation of potential regulatory sequences with a human homolog, LD78

The gene for a murine macrophage inflammatory cytokine, MIP-1 alpha, belongs to a newly recognized superfamily encoding small, inducible peptides shown to be up-regulated in association with cellular activation or transformation (tentatively designated the scy, or small cytokine, gene family). Secreted scy family peptides as a group, and MIP-1 alpha in particular, have inflammatory and mitogenic activities, and the family has been divided into CXC and CC subfamilies according to the spacing of conserved cysteine residues in the primary amino acid sequences. We have isolated and characterized a genomic clone encoding the CC subfamily member MIP-1 alpha. The organization of the murine MIP-1 alpha gene into three exons interrupted by two introns is identical to that found for other members of the CC subfamily (e.g., huLD78, muJE, huJE/MCP-1, muTCA3, and hul-309), which has been taken as evidence of evolution from a common ancestral gene. With the exception of the ratPF4 gene, which shares the two-intron/three-exon pattern typical of the CC subfamily, sequenced genes encoding CXC subfamily peptides (e.g., hulL-8 and hulP-10) include an additional intervening sequence that creates a fourth exon. Genomic nucleotide sequences 5' of the MIP-1 alpha cap site are highly homologous to corresponding regions of the human gene encoding a CC peptide variously designated as LD78/GOS19/pAT464, including consensus regulatory motifs in common, reinforcing the contention that MIP-1 alpha and LD78 may be interspecies homologs.

Forskolin-induced immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion and pro-ANP messenger ribonucleic acid expression of hypothalamic neurons in culture: modulation by glucocorticoids

In the present studies the chronic effects of glucocorticoids and drugs activating cAMP-dependent pathways on the production and secretion of immunoreactive (ir) ANP from long term monolayer cultures of neonatal rat hypothalamic neurons were examined. Forskolin treatment increased ir-ANP release in a time-dependent and dose-related manner, with an EC50 of approximately 30 microM; at a lower dose of 10 microM, forskolin doubled ir-ANP release (P less than 0.01) compared to that in control cultures (mean +/- SEM, 9.6 +/- 0.3 pg/well; n = 4). While dexamethasone (DM) alone did not affect basal secretion of ir-ANP, 10 nM of the glucocorticoid significantly enhanced the effect of forskolin (10 microM) by raising ir-ANP release approximately 3 times that induced by forskolin alone (P less than 0.001). This potentiation of DM was both time dependent and dose responsive, with an EC50 of 1 nM; this effect was significantly suppressed by 100 nM RU38486, a glucocorticoid or type II receptor antagonist, but not by RU28318, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. In addition, forskolin (10 microM) or DM (10 nM) alone significantly increased ir-ANP production approximately 1.4 times (P less than 0.05) and 1.3 times (P less than 0.05) over that of control cultures, respectively, whereas concurrent treatment with forskolin and DM increased ir-ANP production by approximately 1.8 times (P less than 0.01). These changes were reflected by a corresponding increment in the abundance of pro-ANP mRNA in the cultures, as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. We conclude from the present findings that glucocorticoid- and cAMP-dependent pathways may modulate the function of ANP neurons in rat hypothalami by regulating the secretion and production of the neuropeptide at the genomic level.

[An experimental study on the role of fluid replacement in the prevention of organ failure after burn injury]

44 dogs with 50% third degree burn were divided into 4 groups. Those without fluid replacement died within 12 postburn hours with complication of organ dysfunction; whereas those with immediate fluid replacement according to the Parkland formulae survived without definite organ dysfunction. But low-perfusion in the first 8-12 hours and some pathologic changes in the organs were seen. The results suggested that it is necessary to infuse fluid more rapidly in the first 2-3 hours. In group 3, most of the dogs with fluid replacement 6 hours after burn survived longer than the dogs without fluid replacement, but they were all complicated by severe organ dysfunction. This evidence that delayed inadequate resuscitation may be the primary factor affecting the development of early organ failure. In group 4, the dogs were given fluid replacement 6 hours after burn. The replacement was very rapid during the 7th and 8th hour. Both mortality and incidence of organ dysfunction in this group were decreased markedly. This result demonstrated that rapid infusion to replace loss of fluid within 2 hours was effective to treat shock and prevent progressive hypoxic organ damage.

Differential activation of potato 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase genes by wounding and pathogen challenge

Potato genes encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) were expressed in response to pathogen, elicitor, and wounding. HMGR catalyzes the rate-limiting step in isoprenoid biosynthesis leading to accumulation of phytoalexins and steroid glycoalkaloids. Wounding caused increases in HMGR mRNA levels. A rapid and transient peak occurred 30 minutes after wounding, followed by a slower peak at 14 hours; both were correlated with increased enzyme activity. Induction of HMGR mRNA by the soft rot pathogen Erwinia carotovora subsp carotovora or arachidonic acid began 8 hours after challenge and continued through 22 hours. Potato HMGR is encoded by a gene family. An HMGR gene-specific probe was used to demonstrate that one isogene of the HMGR family is pathogen activated and is distinct from isogene(s) that are wound activated. This provides evidence that defense-related increases in HMGR activity are due to mRNA level increases and that HMGR isogenes are activated differentially by wounding or pathogen challenge.

Hemodynamic response to BMI model PIAB catheter

Using the BMI model PIAB catheter designed and produced by our laboratory, we carried out serial animal experiments to evaluate its hemodynamic effects in goats. The animal experiments and comparison tests indicated that BAPDP = 24, PSP = 22; BAEDP = 8, EDP = 14; BAPSP = 20, PSP = 22. The various hemodynamic parameters of our PIAB catheter are equivalent to or better than those of imported products. But the price of our PIAB catheter is much lower than that of foreign products. It has been used in some hospitals, showing satisfactory results.

Clinical and experimental observations on treatment of peptic ulcer with wei yang an (easing peptic-ulcer) capsule

The therapeutic effects of peptic ulcer treated with cimetidine and Wei Yang An were compared clinically and experimentally by the double blind method. Results showed that the effects of the two are similar, but the long-term effect of Wei Yang An was better. Wei Yang An was also good for most cimetidine resistant ulcers, with few side effect. Animal experiment showed that Wei Yang An inhibited the ulcers.

Redistribution of intraorgan blood flow in acute, hyperdynamic porcine endotoxemia

In a standardized porcine model of acute, hyperdynamic endotoxemia the distribution of intraorgan blood flow within heart, kidney and brain was analyzed. Twelve pigs received either short-term (23 min) or long-term (205 min) continuous intravenous infusion of endotoxin (Salmonella abortus equi). A high cardiac output/low peripheral resistance state was maintained throughout the 3.5 h observation period. Total organ blood flow in heart, kidney and brain remained high; however, already small amounts of endotoxin provoked a significant redistribution of intraorgan blood flow within the left ventricle and the kidney. These characteristic alterations were absent in a control group of 5 animals subjected to the same protocol, but receiving 0.9% saline instead of endotoxin. Deterioration of respiratory function developed exclusively after continuous intravenous endotoxin infusion over 205 min, indicating incipient organ failure. Using electron microscopy, endothelial cells swelling and entrapment of blood cells in capillaries of the midmyocardium as well as severe ultrastructural damage in the kidney could be demonstrated already after 90 min of endotoxemia in two additional animals. It is concluded that already in the initial phase of acute endotoxemia, in the presence of high cardiac output and high global organ blood flow microcirculatory deterioration and organ failure develops. As small amounts of endotoxin are capable of inducing these alterations, earliest possible diagnosis of endotoxemia should be achieved in critically ill patients.

Interferon gamma response region in the promoter of the human DPA gene

The interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) response region of the human class II major histocompatibility complex gene, DPA, has been localized to a 52-base-pair (bp) DNA fragment in the proximal promotor at -107 to -55 bp after transfection into HeLa cells of a series of 5', 3', and gap deletion mutants linked to a reporter gene, human growth hormone, as well as of synthetic oligonucleotides fused to the heterologous promoter thymidine kinase. The 52-mer sequence contains the X and Y box elements conserved in all class II genes; their presence is indispensable for IFN-gamma inducibility. Furthermore, an additional 5 bp immediately 5' of the X box of the DPA gene are necessary and sufficient for IFN-gamma induction. This region may contain an IFN-gamma response element. A closely related sequence has also been found in the vicinity of the critical deletion sites of three other well-studied class II gene promoters, all of which require a much longer sequence 5' of the X box. A fourth element, the W element, located about 15 bp 5' of the X box in all class II genes, is clearly of little importance in IFN-gamma inducibility of the DPA gene.

Different mobilization of calcium in endothelin-1-induced contractions in human arteries and veins: effects of calcium antagonists

We studied the role of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ in endothelin-1-induced contractions of the isolated human internal mammary artery and vein. Veins were more sensitive to the peptide than arteries (concentration shift:3.2-fold; n = 4-10, p less than 0.05). The Ca2+ antagonists darodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem (10(-7)-10(-6) M) did not prevent the response to endothelin-1 in both vessels. In contrast, darodipine (10(-8)-10(-6) M), added after the contraction had developed, partially reversed the response in the artery (26 +/- 7%) and particularly in the vein (67 +/- 5%; n = 4, p less than 0.005 compared to the artery). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the contractions to endothelin-1 (10(-8) M) in the artery (control: 89 +/- 4% of 100 mM KCl; Ca2(+)-free: 68 +/- 4% n = 4-6, p less than 0.01), but not in the vein except at low concentrations (10(-9) M) of the peptide. After removal of intracellular Ca2+ with caffeine in the artery, endothelin-1 still evoked a contraction (17 +/- 3%, n = 3; p less than 0.005 vs. control), while in the vein the response was abolished. Thus, mobilization of Ca2+ during endothelin-1-induced contractions differs in the human internal mammary artery and vein. In the artery, the contraction depends on extracellular Ca2+, intracellular caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores, and a caffeine-insensitive component, while in veins, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ is most important. Ca2+ antagonists do not prevent, but partially reverse, endothelin-1-induced contractions indicating that voltage-operated Ca2+ channels do not initiate but contribute to the maintenance of the response.

[Comparative study of Campylobacter pyloridis and Campylobacter jejuni under electron microscope]

Specimens were made by preparing the ultrathin sections after negative staining and ruthenium red staining. The specimens were observed under electron microscope. Results revealed that the shapes of Campylobacter pyloridis (Cp) and C. jejuni (Cj) were similar, but distinctive differences in their structures were observed. Cp had one to five sheathed flagella at one end with bulbous tips. Cj had only one unsheathed flagellum on each end without a bulbous tip. The cell body of Cp was longer than that of Cj. A layer of thick and dense delicate filament-like substance was attached to the surface of the cell body of Cp in the ultrathin sections with ruthenium red staining, in the case of Cj only a little of such a substance could be noted.

[A new serotype of Shigella boydii]

Two strains which belong to the same serotype of Shigella were isolated from the bloody-pus stool of two patients (in 1986) and is reported in this paper. The results were identical both showing agglutination in low titer with serotype 8 of S. dysenteriae and serotype 4 of S. boydii when the two strains were checked well with all kinds of diagnostic antisera and vice versa, ie the antisera produced by the two strains were also checked well with sera prepared with the representative strains of all Shigella spp. No cross agglutination with O6, O7, and O150 of E. coli were found. Consequently, It appears to be a new serotype of Shigella. These two strains possess the ability of causing keratitis in guinea-pigs as well as invading epithelial cells, the DNA of both strains in agarose-electrophoresis showed a large plasmid, indicating that they are virulent strains possessing invasive ability. It was concluded that these two strains belonged to Shigella boydii as they fermented mannitol and non-related antigenically with Shigella flexneri. Since serotype 1-18 of S. boydii have been reported recently, we propose that this new serotype should be serotype 19 of Shigella boydii.

[The X-ray characteristic feature of the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract]

A study on the multiple primary malignant tumor of digestive tract (MPMTDT) was made in the period of 1984-1988 in our hospital. Twenty five cases are reported in this paper. All of them were examined by X-ray, endoscopy, and proved to be MPMTDT by surgery and pathological examination. Twenty three cases were double primary tumors and 2 cases triple primary malignant tumors. The characteristic X-ray feature of the site of predilection and manifestation in primordial period of MPMTDT are described in this paper. These criteria are important for the early detection and selection of treatment of the tumors.

[Effect of a new positive inotropic agent (OPC-8212) on intracellular potential of isolated canine ventricular papillary muscle]

This study adopted intracellular microelectrode technic to observe the effect of OPC-8212 (Vesnarinone) on intracellular potential of isolated canine ventricular papillary muscle. The record and data processing were completed by computerized intellective instrument designed by ourselves. The results of intracellular record in 14 canine ventricular papillary muscle showed no significant change in the resting potential (RP), amplitude of action potential (APA) and maximum depolarize velocity of 0 phase (Vmax). But significantly increased whole duration of action potential (APT). The duration of repolarization to 1/3 (APD 1/3) and to 2/3 (APD 2/3) significantly increased too. The plateau phase raised. These results suggest that K+ permeability at resting myocardiac cell membrane may have not been effected by OPC-8212. Activation of the fast sodium channel may have not been effected too. The results of our studies also suggest that inward flow of Ca2+ increased. The delayed outward K+ (Ik) and the inward, rectifying K+ current (Ik1) possible decreased. Thus, the OPC-8212 might become a nonglucoside and noncatecholamine new positive inotropic drug.

Interaction between endothelin-1 and endothelium-derived relaxing factor in human arteries and veins

Endothelin-1 is a 21-amino acid endothelial vasoconstrictor peptide that may be the physiological antagonist of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Endothelin-1 (10(-11)-3 x 10(-7) M) evoked potent contractions of isolated internal mammary arteries, internal mammary veins, and saphenous veins, which were enhanced in internal mammary veins as compared with internal mammary arteries (concentration shift, 6.3-fold; p less than 0.05) but not in the saphenous veins. Endothelial removal augmented the response to the peptide (at 3 x 10(-7) M) in internal mammary arteries (p less than 0.05) but not in veins. In the artery, EDRF released by acetylcholine or bradykinin reversed endothelin-1-induced contractions; in saphenous veins, both agonists were much less effective compared with the artery and veins contracted with norepinephrine (p less than 0.005-0.01). This inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxations in veins occurred at half-maximal contractions but was most prominent at maximal contractions to the peptide. Nitric oxide similarly inhibited contractions to endothelin-1 and norepinephrine in internal mammary arteries, whereas in veins that were contracted with endothelin-1 but not with norepinephrine, the relaxations were blunted (p less than 0.005). The nitric oxide donor SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside induced complete relaxations of internal mammary arteries but were less effective in veins contracted with endothelin-1 (p less than 0.005). Thus, in normal human arteries, EDRF inhibits endothelin-1-induced contractions, whereas the peptide specifically attenuates the effects of EDRF and nitrovasodilators in veins. This may be important in pathological conditions associated with increased levels of endothelin-1 and in veins used as coronary bypass grafts.

[Determination of traces of gallium in air by oscillographic polarography]

Gallium and its compounds in air collected by millipore filter membrane are leached by 10% HNO3 at room temperature. After being adjusted with ammonia solution to pH8-9, the leachate is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated to dryness on a water bath. The residue is dissolved with 2 ml of 10% HNO3 and then into the solution are added 0.5 ml of 5% hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution, 0.20 ml of 5% sulfosalicyclic acid solution, 0.5 ml of NaF solution (1mg F/ml) and 1 drop of methyl red solution. Let it stand for 5 min after the color of the solution turns orange by addition of 1:1 NH4OH solution. Add 0.20ml of 0.20% cupferron solution, 0.20ml of 0.5% diphenyl-guanidine solution (prepared in 95% ethanol) and 0.5ml of acetic acid-ammonium acetate buffer (pH 7.0). Then add water to make the final volume of the test solution to be 10ml and measure the height of the second derivative polarographic wave at -1.08V (vs.SCE). The sensitivity of the method is 0.005-0.10 microgram/ml, the coefficient of variation 6.8%, recovery 97.8%. Within 0.005-0.10 microgram/ml, the wave height is linear with the concentration of gallium.

[Application of ion chromatography to identification of anaerobic bacteria]

The fatty acids of anaerobic bacteria were detected by ion chromatography (IC). The results showed that 11 kinds of standard fatty acids could be analyzed within 15 min, and just needed 1 injection sample. The fatty acids patterns of 40 strains of anaerobic bacteria detected by IC were essentially the same as that by gas chromatography (GC) reported by VPI. In comparison with GC, IC has further advantages: pretreatment is simpler, both volatile and non-volatile fatty acids can be analyzed at the same time, and formic and lactic acid can be well analyzed.

Structural features of the cytoplasmic region of CD4 required for internalization

CD4, the T cell surface antigen, is phosphorylated and internalized when T cells are activated or treated with a phorbol ester, PMA. The actual phosphorylation sites have been identified and the role of phosphorylation of each on CD4 internalization investigated. Seven different mutants, in each of which one, two or all three of the serine residues of the cytoplasmic region was modified to alanine(s) (CD4.SA mutants) and one mutant in which the whole amino acid sequence from Gln421 to the C-terminal Ile433 was changed (CD4.EP mutant) were constructed and used to determine the effect of phosphorylation on CD4 internalization. Ser408 was the most efficiently phosphorylated by PMA treatment, Ser415 next and Ser431 to a minor extent. The effect of mutation on internalization was well matched with the effect on extent of phosphorylation, i.e. Ser408 was the residue most important for internalization. However, complete inhibition of CD4 internalization was achieved only by mutating all three serine residues. Interestingly, the mutant CD4.EP in which Ser408 was present and phosphorylated was not measurably internalized, suggesting that phosphorylation of Ser408 induces CD4 internalization only when other structural features of the cytoplasmic domain remain intact. In addition, the data suggest the existence of an additional minor pathway for CD4 internalization which is phosphorylation independent.

[Study on identification for the motility and flagella antigen of four international reference strains of Escherichia coli]

Authors identified four strains of Escherichia coli from Collaborative Centre for reference and research on Escherichia coli-Klebsiella (WHO) in Denmark. Our results were different from original record and reference. It was shown that strain H311b and H5 were motile strains, and its H antigen respectively is H11 and H27. The strain W27 is nonmotile. H antigen of the strain H511 is H40, not H8. Antigen formula of four strains respectively is 26:60:11 (strain H311b), 81:97:27 (strain H5), 115:-:- (strain W27), 102:-:40 (strain H511).

[Influence of finger pressing massage on cAMP and cGMP in the cerebrospinal fluid in prolapsed intervertebral disc]

This paper used RIA method to observe 11 cases of prolapsed intervertebral disc patients, detect the change of cAMP and cGMP in the cerebrospinal fluid before and after finger pressing massage in acupuncture point Weizhong and Chengshan in order to discuss the mechanism of analgesia of finger pressing massage. The results showed that the pain was relieved after finger pressing massage. cAMP of the cerebrospinal fluid increased from 0.51 +/- 0.19 to 0.63 +/- 0.13 pm/ml, in average 32% higher than that before the therapy (P less than 0.05). Since cGMP decreased from 30.52 +/- 26.42 to 23.20 +/- 16.91 pm/ml, it showed that the mechanism of analgesia of finger pressing massage might be due to the fact that the therapy excited selectively endogenous analgesia system, caused the increase of endorphin releasing, and was accompanied by the regulation of cAMP and cGMP.

[Chemical constituents of Cordyceps mililaris (L.) Link]

Six constituents were isolated from the hypha of Jinlin Cordyceps mililaris. The structures were determined to be beta-sitosterol, ergosterol, D-mannitol, daenine adenosine and cordycepin (3'-deopadenosine). Cordycepin, ergosterol, adenine were isolated for the first time from this hypha of Jinlin C. mililaris.

A study of the monoclonal antibody OC 125 to diagnose malignant ovarian tumors

Serum CA 125 was assayed preoperatively in 40 patients with ovarian malignancies and in 44 normal individuals. The correlation between CA 125 and tumor histology, tumor burden, ascites, and the clinical stage was analyzed. CA 125 levels greater than 65 U/ml were defined as positive. The results revealed normal values in each of the 44 normal individuals. CA 125 was elevated in 35 of 40 (87.5%) patients with malignant ovarian tumors including 23 of 24 (95.8%) patients with epithelial ovarian cancers, 7 of whom had stage I disease. Serum CA 125 was also elevated in 12 of 16 (75%) patients with nonepithelial ovarian malignancies. The results suggest that the CA 125 level can be correlated with tumor histology, tumor burden, and ascites but not with clinical stage.

Steady-state arterial and hepatic venous plasma concentrations of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine in animals--drugs which are subject to both splanchnic and extra-splanchnic elimination

We have previously shown that 5-fluorouracil (FUra) in humans obeys Michaelis-Menten elimination kinetics. In this article we show that the related bromine and iodine-containing analogs in animals obey similar kinetics. Steady-state arterial (CssA) and hepatic venous plasma (CssV) concentrations of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) are reported for 7 rabbits given 5 different infusion rates of BrdUrd and 5 dogs given 4 or 5 different infusion rates of BrdUrd. Steady-state arterial and hepatic venous plasma concentrations of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdUrd) are reported for 5 rabbits and 2 dogs given 5 different infusion rates of IdUrd. Each set of data could be fitted by a nonlinear least squares method to the equation: (equation; see text) where Vm/Q is the maximum difference, (CssA) - (CssV), and Km is the Michaelis constant. The estimated parameter Vm/Q and Km are compared for the two drugs and different species and also with the same parameters derived in the same manner from previously published data on fluorouracil in 8 cancer patients. The infusion rate needed to saturate the splanchnic elimination system (Rs in mumol/kg/min) was also estimated. For BrdUrd the mean value of Rs in the rabbit, namely 1.23, and in the dog, namely 1.25 mumol/kg/min are essentially the same.

[Endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s): endogenous nitrates in the circulation?]

Endothelial cells release a potent vasodilator which activates guanylate cyclase and thereby induces relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The so-called endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is released by acetylcholine, local and circulating hormones, and substances released from aggregating platelets or formed during activation of the coagulation cascade. Nitric oxide (NO) probably accounts for the factor's activity. Thus, endothelial cells produce endogenous nitrates causing vasodilatation and inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation. Under physiological conditions, EDRF may play a role in the prevention of vasospasm and thrombosis. On the other hand, the impairment of endothelial regulatory mechanisms in atherosclerosis and hypertension may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular occlusion and thereby of myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Two distinct genetic loci regulating class II gene expression are defective in human mutant and patient cell lines

Heterokaryons were prepared and analyzed shortly after cell fusion using two mutant class-II-negative human B cell lines (RJ 2.2.5 and 6.1.6) and a cell line (TF) from a patient with a class-II-negative Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome. The resulting transient heterokaryons were analyzed by using an anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody to assess the cell surface expression of HLA-DR (the major subtype of class II antigens) by immunofluorescence microscopy and by using uniformly 32P-labeled SP6 RNA probes in Northern blots and RNase protection assays to assess mRNA synthesis. We find that class II gene expression in a B cell line from a Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome patient (TF) is rescued by a B cell line which expresses class II antigens indicating that this disease, at least in part, is caused by a defect(s) in a genetic locus encoding a factor(s) necessary for class II gene expression. Secondly, reciprocal genetic complementation was demonstrated in the heterokaryons 6.1.6 x RJ 2.2.5 and TF x RJ 2.2.5 (but not in TF x 6.1.6) by detection of cell surface DR by immunofluorescence microscopy and by a novel class II mRNA typing technique which allows characterization of distinct class II alleles. Thus, the two mutants generated in vitro have defects at two different genetic loci encoding specific regulatory factors necessary for human class II gene expression. One of these mutant cell lines, but not the other, complements the defect in the patient cell line, TF.

Evaluation of CA 125 levels in differentiating malignant from benign tumors in patients with pelvic masses

Serum CA 125 levels were assayed from 44 normal healthy women, 153 patients with benign pelvic masses, and 58 patients with malignant pelvic masses. CA 125 levels were less than 35 U/mL in 42 of the 44 normal women and were greater than 35 but less than 65 U/mL in the other two women. Among 153 patients with benign pelvic masses, CA 125 levels greater than 35, 65, or 194 U/mL were detected in 61 (39.9%), 31 (20.3%), and eight (5.2%) patients, respectively. Of 58 patients with malignant pelvic masses, CA 125 results were greater than 35, 65, or 194 U/mL in 48 (82.8%), 45 (77.6%), and 38 (65.5%), respectively. Among the latter group, the positivity rates of 30 patients with epithelial ovarian cancers were 100, 93, and 80%, respectively. This study suggests that defining positive serum CA 125 levels as those greater than 35 U/mL is of limited clinical value because there is a 39.9% false-positive rate in patients with benign disease. However, serum CA 125 values greater than 65 U/mL may be considered positive in clinically normal women. Serum CA 125 greater than 194 U/mL, representing the units at the 95th percentile for 153 patients with benign pelvic masses, is defined as a new positivity criterion, and could be used to differentiate malignant tumors from benign pelvic masses.

Expression of HLA-DR antigen in human class II mutant B-cell lines by double infection with retrovirus vectors

A new retrovirus vector containing the gene for hygromycin B resistance (hyg) as a selectable marker under the control of an internal simian virus 40 promoter was constructed. It was used, together with an analogous previously described vector, DO1, which contains the gene for G418 resistance, to introduce and express the genes for the two chains of a human class II major histocompatibility complex antigen in NIH 3T3 cells. In addition, these vectors were used to express DR antigens in two human mutant B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, one of which was deleted for both alleles of the DR alpha gene and the other of which expressed no class II antigens because of a genetic defect in a putative trans-acting regulatory factor.

Rapid test for identification of heat-labile enterotoxin-producing Escherichia coli colonies

A latex particle agglutination test is described which is suitable for the recognition of heat-labile enterotoxin-producing colonies of Escherichia coli immediately after primary culture on a variety of commonly used enteric diagnostic media. The test is simple and economical to perform, and the results are available in minutes.