[A randomized control clinical trial of glaucoma filtering surgery with homoharringtonine]

OBJECTIVE

To study the antiproliferative effects of homoharringtonine (Hh) on glaucoma filtering surgery.

METHODS

In a randomized control clinical trial, 78 patients (88 eyes) with refractory glaucoma underwent trabeculectomy with and without Hh. In the Hh-treated eyes (n = 46), the therapeutic dose of Hh was: intraoperative application of Hh 0.4 mg and postoperative subconjunctival injections of Hh 0.62 +/- 0.20 mg (ranged 0.53 - 0.75 mg). In the control eyes (n = 42), Hh was not used. The follow-up period was 18 to 48 months, and the data were analyzed by using the life-table method of Kaplan-Meier.

RESULTS

The cumulative success probability in Hh group was 84.5% and that in control group was 50.9%, the difference being significant (P < 0.05). The cumulative percentage of functioning bleb in Hh group was 84.2% and that in control group was 52.9% (P < 0.05). The rates of corneal erosion were 23.9% and 7.1%, and the rates of conjunctival wound leak were 6.5% and 2.4% in Hh and control group respectively. There was no significant change in corneal endothelial density following the use of Hh (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that Hh is a safe and effective antiproliferative agent for the use in glaucoma filtering surgery, it not only can increase the success probability considerably, but also maintain at least the postoperative IOP at relatively low normal level for 3 years.

[Purification and properties of alkaline cellulase from alkalophilic Bacillus N6-27]

The alkaline cellulase produced by alkalophilic Bacillus sp. N6-27 was purified to electrophoresis homogeneity by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, Sepharose CL-4B hydrophobic interaction chromatography, Bio-gel P-150 chromatography. The molecular weight and pI determined by SDS-PAGE and by PAGE-IEF were 94,000 and 4.2, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzymatic catalysis were 55 degrees C and 8.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was stable under 50 degrees C and in the pH range of 6-11. The substrate was carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by Fe2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+.

[The study on the relationship between luteal phase serum sex hormone levels and pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization embryo transfer cycle]

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of maternal endocrine factors on clinical pregnancy outcome in an in Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) program.

METHODS

62 IVF-ET treatment cylces were studied. Luteal phase serum sex hormone levels [estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL)] in natural and superovulation cycles were measured by radioimmunoassay and the clinical pregnancy outcome was observed.

RESULTS

Serum luteal phase sex hormone levels were higher than in natural cycles (P < 0.05). P level and P/E2 ratio in progesterone supplementation group were higher than the group without progesterone supplementation (P < 0.05). In pregnancy group serum E2(4,885.5 +/- 1,269.0 pmol/L) was lower, PRL (66.4 +/- 26.8 micrograms/L), P/E2 (373.0 +/- 152.5) were higher than in nonpregnancy group (E2 6,091.2 +/- 1,522.1 pmol/L, PRL 49.1 +/- 24.1 micrograms/L, P/E2 227.4 +/- 116.7) (P < 0.05). When P/E2 ratio was between 300-400 and PRL level was between 60-100 micrograms/L, the clinical pregnancy rate increased markedly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Luteal phase serum sex hormone level may influence embryo implantation in IVF-ET. In order to improve the clinical pregnancy rate, it is very necessary to supplement progesterone for the IVF-ET patients according to the different sex hormone levels.

The dynamic regulation of myocardial oxidative phosphorylation: analysis of the response time of oxygen consumption

Although usually steady-state fluxes and metabolite levels are assessed for the study of metabolic regulation, much can be learned from studying the transient response during quick changes of an input to the system. To this end we study the transient response of O2 consumption in the heart during steps in heart rate. The time course is characterized by the mean response time of O2 consumption which is the first statistical moment of the impulse response function of the system (for mono-exponential responses equal to the time constant). The time course of O2 uptake during quick changes is measured with O2 electrodes in the arterial perfusate and venous effluent of the heart, but the venous signal is delayed with respect to O2 consumption in the mitochondria due to O2 diffusion and vascular transport. We correct for this transport delay by using the mass balance of O2, with all terms (e.g. O2 consumption and vascular O2 transport) taken as function of time. Integration of this mass balance over the duration of the response yields a relation between the mean transit time for O2 and changes in cardiac O2 content. Experimental data on the response times of venous [O2] during step changes in arterial [O2] or in perfusion flow are used to calculate the transport time between mitochondria and the venous O2 electrode. By subtracting the transport time from the response time measured in the venous outflow the mean response time of mitochondrial O2 consumption (tmito) to the step in heart rate is obtained. In isolated rabbit heart we found that tmito to heart rate steps is 4-12 s at 37 degrees C. This means that oxidative phosphorylation responds to changing ATP hydrolysis with some delay, so that the phosphocreatine levels in the heart must be decreased, at least in the early stages after an increase in cardiac ATP hydrolysis. Changes in ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) thus play a role in regulating the dynamic adaptation of oxidative phosphorylation, although most steady state NMR measurements in the heart had suggested that ADP and Pi do not change. Indeed, we found with 31P-NMR spectroscopy that phosphocreatine (PCr) and Pi change in the first seconds after a quick change in ATP hydrolysis, but remarkably they do this significantly faster (time constant approximately 2.5 s) than mitochondrial O2 consumption (time constant 12 s). Although it is quite likely that other factors besides ADP and Pi regulate cardiac oxidative phosphorylation, a fascinating alternative explanation is that the first changes in PCr measured with NMR spectroscopy took exclusively place in or near the myofibrils, and that a metabolic wave must then travel with some delay to the mitochondria to stimulate oxidative phosphorylation. The tmito slows with falling temperature, intracellular acidosis, and sometimes also during reperfusion following ischemia and with decreased mitochondrial aerobic capacity. In conclusion, the study of the dynamic adaptation of cardiac oxidative phosphorylation to demand using the mean response time of cardiac mitochondrial O2 consumption is a very valuable tool to investigate the regulation of cardiac mitochondrial energy metabolism in health and disease.

Preparation and blood compatibility of new silica-chitosan hybrid biomaterials

The development of new materials containing both organic and inorganic structures is of great interest with respect to achievement of obtaining the special properties, and the solgel process has provided new opportunities for making such materials. In this paper, new silica-chitosan hybrid biomaterials were produced by this technique, using biopolymer chitosan and its heparin-like derivative as the organic species to be incorporated into the silicon alkoxide (TEOS) based network. All the samples made were in form of thin, flexible films with optical clarity. Microphase separated structure was observed in the hybrid surface, with hydrophobic SiO2 and hydrophilic chitosan interleaved. These hybrid materials displayed good blood compatibility in comparison with their single component systems.

[Synthesis and antitumor activity of new heterocyclic 5-fluorouracil derivatives]

Two new compounds I and II of 5-FU derivatives have been synthesized. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by 1HNMR, MS, IR, UV and elemental analysis. The antitumor activities of compound I was tested against KB, HCT-8 and A2780. The preliminary results showed that the activity of compound I was stronger than that of HCFU and 5-FU.

Importance of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity for cell growth

The intracellular redox potential, which is determined by the level of oxidants and reductants, has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of cell growth. The principal intracellular reductant is NADPH, which is mainly produced by the pentose phosphate pathway through the actions of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, and by 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Previous research has suggested that an increase in G6PD activity is important for cell growth. In this article, we suggest that G6PD activity plays a critical role in cell growth by providing NADPH for redox regulation. The results show the following: 1) inhibition of G6PD activity abrogated growth factor stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation in all cell lines tested; 2) overexpression of G6PD stimulated cell growth, as measured by an increase in [3H]thymidine incorporations as compared with cells transfected with vector alone; 3) inhibition of G6PD caused cells to be more susceptible to the growth inhibitory effects of H2O2; 4) inhibition of G6PD led to a 30-40% decrease in the NADPH/NADP ratio; and 5) inhibition of G6PD inhibited cell anchorage and significantly decreased the growth-related stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation.

[Changes in the contents of membrane phospholipid and membrane phospholipid asymmetry in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient erythrocyte]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of G6PD deficiency on membrane phospholipid structures.

METHODS

Treatment of intact erythrocyte with phospholipase A2 was used for the membrane phospholipid asymmetry. Membrane phospholipid was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

The contents of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS) were 5.18 +/- 1.86, 1.51 +/- 0.58 and 5.70 +/- 1.91 mg/mg membrane protein, respectively, in G6PD deficient erythrocytes and were 5.59 +/- 1.16, 2.92 +/- 0.50 and 6.64 +/- 0.92 mg/mg membrane protein, respectively, in normal erythrocytes. In normal erythrocytes, 17.6% +/- 2.5% PE and 57.9% +/- 4.7% PC were present and no PS was found on the outer leaflet of the membrane. While in G6PD deficient ones, 30.2% +/- 5.7% PE, 53.8% +/- 7.4% PC and 27.2% +/- 5.8% PS were present on the outer leaflet.

CONCLUSION

Membrane phospholipid changes in G6PD deficient erythrocytes might be one of the factors causing hemolysis.

Superoxide dismutase-dependent, catalase-sensitive peroxides in human endothelial cells infected by Rickettsia rickettsii

The generation and intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species have been shown to be associated with the infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by Rickettsia rickettsii. In response to the oxidant superoxide, the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) increases following infection by this obligate intracellular bacterium. Other oxidants which are capable of oxidizing the fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) also accumulate intracellularly within infected cells. In the study reported here, we show that (i) an inhibitor of SOD, diethyldithiocarbamic acid, reduces the observed rise in SOD activity in infected cells by 40 to 60% and at the same time reduces the degree of intracellular oxidation of DCFH; (ii) catalase-sensitive peroxides can be detected in supernatants of R. rickettsii-infected cells shortly after rickettsial exposure; and (iii) fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis demonstrates significant intracellular oxidant activity in infected cells within 5 h after exposure to R. rickettsii. The results of these experiments indicate that hydrogen peroxide is a major oxidant associated with infection of HUVEC by R. rickettsii and that intracellular oxidant activity sensitive to SOD inhibition is detectable early and prior to significant rickettsial multiplication and much earlier than the ultrastructural manifestations of cell injury seen by electron microscopy.

HLA-DRB1 genes in 5 rheumatic disease multi-case families

OBJECTIVE

To detect HLA-DRB1 (DR1-10) alleles in 5 families with multi-case rheumatic diseases, and to study the possible influence of DRB1 genes in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

Sequence-Specific Primer PCR (PCR-SSP) method was used to examine HLA-DRB1 alleles. Totally 36 members of 5 families and 166 healthy people were involved in this study. The results were assessed by Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The HLA-DRB1 allele frequency in the patients and their relatives was similar. No significant difference was found. But DR4 allele frequency in the patients (90.9%) and their relatives (68%) was much higher than that in normal controls (16.8%) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In family 4, two RA patients have different DRB1 alleles, while in family 5, two patients have the same DRB1 alleles, one developed SLE and the other developed RA.

CONCLUSIONS

DR4 is closely related to rheumatoid arthritis. The nelatives of RA patients may be at greater risk to develop RA than individuals without family history. Some patients had the same DRB1 allele but developed different rheumatic diseases. This suggested that there might be some common pathways in genetic predisposing of rheumatic diseases. On the other hand, only a few patients with the same DRB1 allele developed rheumatic diseases during their life, so other factors besides DRB1 gene might also be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.

[A study on the relationship between serum anticardiolipin antibody and embryo implantation in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of serum anticardiolipin antibody in embryo implantation in an in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program.

METHODS

150 in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment cycles from Nov. 1994 to May, 1996 were studied. Serum anticardiolipin antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the clinical pregnancy outcome observed.

RESULTS

Lower pregnancy rate 9.5% was found in 21 cycles of anticardiolipin antibody seropositive women compared with 26.3% in 129 cycles of anticardiolipin antibody seronegative women (P < 0.05). Patients with biochemical pregnancy and no pregnancy had seropositive anticardiolipin antibody in 20.0% and 16.2% compared with 5.6% in the patients with clinical pregnancy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Failure of embryo implantation is associated with many factors. Our study demonstrated the serum anticardiolipin antibody in patients may play a part in embryo implantation and very early postimplantation loss.

[Complex surgical therapy for severe hepatic trauma]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the result of surgical therapy for patients with severe hepatic injury.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was made on the result of surgical treatment of 237 patients with hepatic trauma during the past 8 years. 180 patients underwent surgery. Procedures such as packing with the omentum for the laceration of hepatic parenchyma, debridement or irregular hepatectomy under the direct control of lacerated hepatic blood vessels or Pringle's maneuvre and selective ligation of hepatic artery were used for patients with severe hepatic injury (Grad III-V).

RESULTS

Among the 180 patients, 154 were cured, and 8 of 23 with posthepatic IVC injury were cured with the maximum blood transfusion of 12,000 ml. The overall morality rate was 11.8%(28 of 237 patients). Besides associated injuries inside and outside the abdomen, exsanguination with or without coagulopathy was the main cause of death.

CONCLUSION

Accurate liver packing with appropriate adjunctive procedures is effective in the treatment of retrohepatic venous injury.

Ultrastructural observation on spermatocytogenesis in Taeniid cestodes

AIM

To study the spermatocytogenesis of taeniid cestodes at the ultrastructural leaves.

METHODS

Transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The ultrastructural observation on spermatocytogenesis in Taenia solium, T. saginata and T. pisiformis were made by TEM. Two types of spermatogonia; type A and B, as well as the supporting cells surrounding the peripheral of spermatogonia are recognized. The type A spermatogonia are stem cells and the type B are mother cells which produce 16 primary spermatocytes by mitosis for 4 times with the cells unseparated. The primary spermatocytes are characterized by the ribosome masses in the cytoplasm. 32 secondary spermatocytes arranged in roselike were produced by reductive division of primary spermatocytes. The secondary spermatocytes become the spermatid quickly by short time development.

CONCLUSION

The dividing mode of spermatogonia in Taeniid cestodes is mitosis with cells unseparated.

[The role of decidua tissue lymphocytes in early pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of lymphocytes in early pregnancy decidua tissue.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques were employed to demonstrate the population, phenotype and mediator of lymphocytes in early pregnancy decidua.

RESULTS

In early pregnancy decidua, CD8+ suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes were very few. CD4+ helper lymphocytes were few and CD56+ lymphocytes (also named NK-like cell) were abundant. CD56+ lymphocytes containing perforin protein and expressing perforin mRNA were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The lymphocytes in early pregnancy decidua are specific and may play an important role in early pregnancy. They probably exert some positive influence on embryo implantation and placental development, and maintain the balance between trophoblastic cells and decidua tissue.

[The study of autoantibodies in women with habitual abortion of unknown etiology]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between habitual abortion of unknown etiology and autoantibodies.

METHODS

IgG and IgA antibodies against cardiolipin, specific antinuclear double-stranded DNA and single-stranded DNA were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antinuclear antibody, smooth muscle antibody, antimitochondrial antibody and antiheart muscle antibody were performed by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Antiextractable nuclear antigen's antibodies were determined by immunodiffusion assay.

RESULTS

Most women with habitual abortion of unknown etiology showed higher incidence of antibodies to cardiolipin, nuclear, smooth muscle compared with normal multigravida control (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that most women with habitual abortion of unknown etiology have a higher level of autoreactivity, which may affect the course of pregnancy. The incidence of antismooth muscle antibody in women with habitual abortion of unknown etiology is also increased compared with normal multigravida control.

Study on stress distribution of the condyle

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the internal state of stress distribution in healthy human condyles and to offer some references for application of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) biomechanics.

METHODS

Six male volunteers were selected to perform CT examination of the TMJ with 1.5 mm-thick sections at 1.5 mm intervals. Three dimensional image reconstruction of the joint was performed in the SUN workstation and the CT data were converted into the decimal system. The three dimensional finite element model mesh generation resulted from 1188 elements and 264 nodes in each condyle. Stress calculation was performed with SAP-V program, and the results were converted into mechanical density scalar. During the study, the internal state of stress distribution on each side condyle in every subject was analysed on the basis of loading on the anterior articular surface of the condyle.

RESULTS

Stress was concentrated in the anterior articular surface of the condyle and was highest at the loading point. The condylar cortical bone was the main load-bearing area. The level of stress distribution in the cancellous bone of the condyle was very low. Near condylar neck stress was well-distributed on the cortical. The internal state of stress was essentially symmetrical on the same cuts of both side condyles.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that three dimensional finite element analysis may indicate the internal state of stress distribution in the condyle, suggesting that a combination of the three dimensional finite element methods and the three dimensional imaging technique may be a useful means for diagnosis and treatment of TMJ diseases.

[Detection of flaviviruses by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with universal primer set]

For the purpose of early and rapid diagnosis of flavivirus infection, the universal primer set was selected on the NS1 gene. Another five different internal primers were selected on the NS1 genes of DEN1, 2, 3, 4 and JEV. With the universal primer set designed, the NS1 fragment about the size of 413 bp and with the five internal primers, the NS1 fragments about the sizes of 262 bp (DEN1), 189 bp (DEN2), 392 bp (DEN3), 97 bp (DEN4) and 323 bp (JEV) were amplified respectively. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify gene fragments of flaviviruses. cDNA of DEN1, 2, 3, 4 and JEV were successfully amplified with universal primer set and internal primers. Sera from 78 patients with dengue fever were assayed by nested PCR, DEN1 was detected from 18 of the 40 patients' sera and DEN2 was detected from 48 patients' sera. Sera from 42 patients with Japanese encephalitis were also assayed by nested PCR, JEV was detected from 35 of the 42 patients' sera. By nested PCR, we completed identification of flaviviruses within 2 days. The results showed that this method has the potential value in rapid clinical diagnosis of flavivirus infection.

[A knowledge-based method for 3D segmentation and display of human brain]

From the view of the artificial intelligence, a new method of segmentation and display of human brain medical images is descrided. On the basis of the knowledge of brain anatomy and image processing, we have built the 3D knowledge mobel using frame as the main knowledge expression method. Under the guide of the knowledge, the main structures in the brain are segmented and displayed by means of the "inelligent ray-tracing".

Study of the interaction between novel ruthenium(II)-polypyridyl complexes and calf thymus DNA

Four new complexes L2RuL'2+, where L = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), L' are Schiff bases or phenylhydrazones derived from 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (AFO), were prepared. They were characterized by elemental analyses, absorption, IR, and emission spectra. The binding of these complexes to calf thymus DNA has been investigated by absorption, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and viscosity measurement. The experimental results show that the complexes bind to calf thymus DNA by three kinds of binding modes, respectively-electrostatic mode, nonintercalative binding mode, and intercalative binding mode.

[Changes of erythrocyte membrane lipid in hereditary G6PD deficiency]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the biochemical mechanism of G6PD deficiency.

METHODS

A fluorescence polarization technique with 1,6-dipheny 1,1,3,5-heratciene (DPH) as a fluorescent probe was used to determine the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane lipid from G6PD deficient patients and normal controls. The polarization of fluorescence was measured between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

RESULTS

The fluorescence polarization parameter (rho) was high in G6PD deficient erythrocytes as compared with normal controls, indicating a decrease in erythrocyte membrane lipid fluidity. The determination of lipoperoxidation of erythrocyte membrane by fluorescence spectrometry also showed that the content of MDA was significantly higher in G6PD deficient erythrocytes than in normal controls. The percentage of unsaturated fatty acid C18:1 and C18:2 in total phosphalipids and phosphatidyl serine was decreased in G6PD deficient erythrocytes.

CONCLUSION

The decrease of erythrocyte membrane lipid fluidity is related to the lipid peroxidant, and the oxidative damage of erythrocyte membrane phosphalipids in G6PD deficient patients might be an important factor of hemolysis.

Reduction of vesicular acetylcholine transporter mRNA in the rat septum following lead exposure

We have previously observed that maternal exposure to lead (Pb) results in a reduction of levels of mRNA coding for cholineacetyltransferase (ChAT) in the septum of developing rat without affecting the dams. Here we report that Pb similarly affects the expression of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) mRNA in the rat septum. In close agreement with the time course of ChAT mRNA expression, septal VAChT mRNA levels increased from 30% at postnatal day 7 to 78% and 100% of adult levels at days 14 and 21, respectively. Maternal exposure to 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water from gestational day 16 resulted in an approximately 30% reduction of VAChT in 7 and 21-day-old rat pups without affecting VAChT mRNA levels in the dams. These results indicate a developmental stage-dependent interference by Pb with ChAT/VAChT gene expression in the rat septum.

Antioxidative activity of 4-oxy- and 4-hydroxy-nitroxides in tissues and erythrocytes from rats

AIM

To compare the activities of antioxidation of 4-oxy- and 4-hydroxy-nitroxides in tissues and RBC from rats.

METHODS

The homogenates of liver, heart, and kidneys of rats were used to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) formation using TBA colorimetric method. H2O2-caused hemolysis was measured spectrometrically. Superoxide anion from zymosan-stimulated neutrophils of rats was assayed by NBT reduction method.

RESULTS

Nitroxide free radicals OTMPO and HTMPO inhibited MDA generation caused by .OH generation system (MIC 10.5 and 21 mumol.L-1, respectively), antagonized hemolysis induced by H2O2 (MIC: 338 and 168 mumol.L-1, respectively), but did not affect O2- formation from activated neutrophils. 1-Hydroxyl compounds OTMPOH and HTMPOH possessed similarly potent antilipoperoxidative activities. But nonfree radical OTMP and HTMP had no effect on peroxidation of tissues.

CONCLUSION

Nitroxides exert their antilipoperoxidative effect by specifically scavenging .OH free radicals in biological system. Trapping of .OH free radicals by nitroxides is not by reduction of NO. group in nitroxides. Both NO. group and NOH group are essential active groups.

[New species of Natronobacterium]

An extreme haloalkalophilic bacterium HAM-2 with pleomorphic rods was isolated from Hamatai soda lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Growth occurs in 12%-30% NaCl, no growth below 12%, optimum 17.5%. pH range for good growth 7.8-10.4, optimum 9.0-9.5. The strain HAM-2 is non-motile, Gram-negative, pleomorphic, cell of which were 1.0-2.0 by 2.0-5.0 microns in size in liquid medium. The major polar lipids of the organisms are phosphatidylglycerol phosphate and phosphatidyglycerol and contains an unidentified phospholipid as a minor component PL4. G + C contant of DNA is 59.5 mol%. Based on the characteristics, the strain HAM-2 could be included in the genus Natronobacterium, but since HAM-2 differs from reported four species of this genus in cell shape, polar lipids and biochemical features. The name Natronobacterium innemongoliae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is designated HAM-2.

Reduction of choline acetyltransferase mRNA in the septum of developing rat exposed to inorganic lead

We previously reported that perinatal exposure to low levels of lead (Pb) results in a pronounced reduction of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the septohippocampal pathway of the rat. In the present study we employed a ChAT specific 43-base oligonucleotide hybridization probe to compare the developmental expression of ChAT mRNA and ChAT activity in the septum of normal and Pb-exposed rats. Rats were exposed to Pb via maternal administration of 0.2% solution of Pb acetate in drinking water from one week before birth through postnatal day 21 (PN21). In normal animals, the developmental changes in the ChAT mRNA and activity levels were temporally correlated and approached adult levels by PN21. In the Pb-exposed pups, ChAT mRNA and activity levels were reduced respectively by 69% and 50% at PN7, 47% and 33% at PN14, and 47% and 22% at PN21. In contrast, Pb exposure had no significant effect on either ChAT mRNA or ChAT activity in the dams. These results indicate that cholinotoxicity of Pb in the septohippocampal pathway of the rat involves developmental stage-dependent disruption of ChAT gene expression.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of spin labeled derivatives of podophyllotoxin

Three new nitroxyl labeled derivatives of podophyllotoxin 4-6 have been synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity in vitro. Compounds 4-6 showed significant inhibitory activity against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma KB,lung cancer A549 and stomach carcinoma SGC-7901 cells, as well as mouse leukemia L1210 and P388 cells. Compounds 4 and 5 exhibited comparable or superior activity to clinically used etoposide (VP-16,2) in their inhibition of these cell lines.

Changes in average blood pressure and incidence of high blood pressure 1983-1984 to 1987-1988 in four population cohorts in the People's Republic of China. The PRC-USA Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Epidemiology Research Group

OBJECTIVE

To assess comparative changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and incidence of high blood pressure over 4 years, and factors related to these changes, in northern and southern, urban and rural adults in the People's Republic of China.

SETTING

This is a prospective study of populations surveyed by standardized methods in 1983-1984 and 1987-1988 in north China, Beijing area steel mill workers and farmers, and south China, Guangzhou area shipyard workers and farmers.

SUBJECTS

The subjects were 8805 men and women aged 35-54 years at baseline (1983-1984), of whom 7338 were non-hypertensive (systolic blood pressure < 140, diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, not being administered antihypertensive drugs).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were 4-year changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the 4-year incidence of high blood pressure in persons not hypertensive at baseline.

RESULTS

At baseline, the average systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher for Beijing than for Guangzhou cohorts. At resurvey the average systolic blood pressure had increased for seven of eight sex-city-setting cohorts (all but Guangzhou urban men). The Beijing urban cohorts had the greatest increases (men 6.2 mmHg, women 4.9 mmHg, slopes of 1.6 and 1.2 mmHg/year). The incidence of high blood pressure was higher for Beijing than for Guangzhou cohorts in all four comparisons (men and women, urban and rural). Beijing men, urban and rural, had the highest incidence rates (about 21%). In multiple logistic analyses by sex, variables significantly related to 4-year high blood pressure incidence were city, baseline systolic blood pressure and body mass index, change in weight, and, for men, baseline alcohol use and heart rate.

CONCLUSION

Modifiable lifestyle traits, previously shown to be related to blood pressure and high blood pressure in cross-sectional studies, also relate to the incidence of hypertension.

Enhanced sympathetic neurite outgrowth on rat hippocampal tissue sections following septal lesions

Cryostat sections of the rat hippocampus were used as tissue culture substrates for embryonic chick sympathetic explants. Neurite outgrowth from these explants was found to be significantly greater on sections taken from animals with septal lesions as compared to those receiving sham operations. This finding suggests that septal denervation leads to hippocampal substrate changes that enhance sympathetic neurite outgrowth in vitro, perhaps analogous to the sympathetic sprouting response that occurs in vivo.

Developmental age-dependent upregulation of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter mRNA expression in neonatal rat septum by nerve growth factor

We examined the effect of intraventricular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) mRNA expression in the septa of neonatal rats. Rat pups were injected with 2.5 S NGF or cytochrome-c (control) on postnatal days (PN) 4 and 18, and sacrificed 3 days after injections for analysis of ChAT and VAChT mRNA levels by dot-blot hybridization of total septal RNA. In the NGF-treated pups, the ChAT and VAChT mRNA levels were elevated 3- and 2-fold, respectively, at PN7, and 1.8- and 1.3-fold at PN21. These results indicate that (1) NGF upregulates the expression of both ChAT and VAChT genes, (2) NGF has a greater effect on the expression of ChAT mRNA than VAChT mRNA, and (3) the effect of exogenous NGF on the expression of both genes diminishes with developmental age.

[The effect of cytokines on the liver necrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of cytokines on liver necrosis.

METHODS

We injected IL-1, IL-6, IFN gamma, TNF alpha with or without D-galactosamine (D-GAL) into the abdominal cavity of mice separately.

RESULTS

There was no effect on hepatocyte of normal mice after injection of IL-1, IL-6, IFN gamma alone or together. The serum total bilirubin (TBIL) and liver necrosis of mice increased more markedly by using of TNF alpha, IL-6 or IFN gamma separately with D-GAL (TBIL: 46.2 +/- 10.6 micromol/L, 44.6 +/- 12.9 micromol/L, 41.9 +/- 14.9 micromol/L), then by D-GAL alone (TBIL: 27 +/- 11 micromol/L) also the serum TBIL of mice and liver necrosis also increased after injection of IL-1, IL-6 with D-GAL and TNF alpha.

CONCLUSION

Cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, IFN gamma and TNF alpha joined the process of hepatocyte necrosis. They can enhance the degree of liver necrosis induced by D-GAL.

Cholinergic denervation-like changes in rat hippocampus following developmental lead exposure

We investigated the effects of developmental lead exposure from embryonic day 16 (E16) through postnatal day 28 (PN28), on cholinergic and catecholaminergic markers in the septohippocampal pathway in rats through fourth month of age. Lead exposure resulted in a persistent 30-40% reduction of [3H]hemicholinium-3 ([3H]HC-3) binding in the hippocampus through PN120, and 20-30% reduction of septal and hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity which persisted through PN84 but returned to control levels in both septum and hippocampus at PN112. The muscarinic ligand [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate ([3H]QNB) binding was reduced in the septum at PN28 but did not differ significantly from controls at PN56-PN112. Neither short- nor long-term effects of Pb exposure on [3H]QNB binding were seen in the hippocampus. Similar to the effects of fimbria-fornix transection, Pb exposure resulted in a long-term 50-90% increase of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) activity in the hippocampus, although neither treatment affected TH activity in the septum. The lead-induced increase in hippocampal TH was significantly attenuated by superior cervical ganglionectomy. It is concluded that the effects of perinatal lead exposure resemble in several respects those seen following surgical disruption of the septohippocampal pathway in adult animals. The denervation-like effects in the hippocampus may be an important factor in long-term learning and cognitive impairments following developmental exposure to low-levels of lead.

Simple algorithm for large-grid phase reconstruction of lateral-shearing interferometry

A simple zonal approach is proposed for estimating phase distribution on large grids. The estimation is based on phase differences that are precisely measured in two orthogonal directions by a lateral-shearing interferometer. It requires only O(N(2)) operations for reconstructing a phase distribution on an N × N grid. Computer simulation and experimental results are demonstrated to show the effectiveness of the new algorithm.

[Study on the relationship between uterine bleeding with intrauterine device and viral infection]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between uterine bleeding with intrauterine device (IUD) and virus infection.

METHODS

Virus isolation from endometrium samples both with IUD and without IUD was performed with rabbit kidney cell. The cell pathogen effect (CPE) directed the positive isolation. All isolated viruses were further identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and by neutralizing test for herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-II).

RESULTS

The endometrial samples were obtained from four groups: 113 patients with uterine bleeding with IUD; 109 healthy women, without uterine bleeding with IUD; 24 healthy women without IUD and 11 patients with uterine bleeding without IUD. The rates of virus isolation in four groups mentioned above were 59.29%, 19.27%, 16.67% and 63.64% respectively. The positive rates for HCMV and HSV-II in the four groups were 38.81%, 19.05%, 1/4, 3/7 and 23.88%, 23.87%, 1/4, 0.00% respectively. The unidentified viruses were 37.31%, 57.14%, 2/4 and 4/7 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that some endometrial samples from both the bleeding groups and the controls were infected by HCMV and HSV-II. The incidence of virus infection in women with uterine bleeding with IUD was much higher than that of the controls, but similar to that is the patients with uterine bleeding without IUD. The results suggested that IUD could activate latent viruses (HCMV, HSV-II) infection and induce bleeding in certain conditions.

[An experimental study on homoharringtonine and glaucoma surgery]

PURPOSE

To test the inhibiting effect of a Chinese herbal drug. Homoharringtonine (HH) on the wound healing process at the filtering site in an experimental model.

METHODS

Posterior sclerectomies were performed in 20 rabbits. Postoperatively one eye of each rabbit received subconjunctival injections of HH and fellow eye received saline injections in a randomized masked fashion.

RESULTS

14 days after operation, intraocular pressure decreased significantly compared with that of control (P < 0.05). The number of filtration blebs was greater than that of control (14/6). On pathological examination, the number of fibroblasts per square measure of cross section of tissue cut from filtration region that was diminished significantly compared with that of control (P < 0.01). There were no serious and permanent ocular toxic and side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that the HH can inhibit cicatrization at the glaucoma filtering site, promote the formation of filtering blebs and provide a sufficient evidence for the further clinical use of HH.

Reduced densities of sodium-dependent [3H] hemicholinium-3 binding sites in hippocampus of developmental rats following perinatal low-level lead exposure

We investigated the effect of perinatal, low-level lead exposure on [3H]hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) binding in the hippocampus of postnatal rat. Rat pups were maternally lead-exposed from gestational day 16 through postnatal day 28 (PN28). In control animals, the [3H]HC-3 binding sites increased from 7 fmol/mg protein at postnatal day 1 (PN1) to 14 and 35 fmol/mg protein at PN7 and PN14, respectively, and reached adult values of 50 fmol/mg protein, at PN21 and PN28. In lead-exposed litters, the [3H]HC-3 binding was reduced by 30-40% throughout the early postnatal development and remained 40% below control values in PN60 animals, one month after termination of lead exposure. The Pb-induced reduction in HC-3 binding was associated with a similar decrease in ChAT activity and was comparable to the effect of localized lesion of medial septum. Septal cell counts in the lead-exposed PN21 rats indicated a 22% reduction in the number of ChAT-immunoreactive cells in the medial septum/vertical diagonal band (MS/vDB) complex although cell numbers in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band (hDB) were not altered. These results suggest that perinatal, low-level lead exposure results in a reduced density of cholinergic nerve terminals in the hippocampus, either due to impaired development or degeneration of the cholinergic projection neurons in the MS/vDB complex.

Biochemical and biophysical characteristics of mitochondria in the hypertrophic hearts from hypertensive rats

A comparative study of the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of myocardial mitochondria was conducted in 16-weeks-old male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto control rats (WKY) (n = 6-12). Cardiac and ventricular weights of SHRsp were significantly higher than those of the WKY group. The average amounts of mitochondria (Mit) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) proteins isolated from the ventricle of SHRsp were 37% and 25% greater, respectively, when compared with those of WKY. Mit cytochrome c oxidase activities (mumol/min/mg) were 4.63 +/- 0.71 for SHRsp and 5.55 +/- 0.50 for WKY myocardium (mean +/- s), so that the activity of the former was significantly reduced by 17% (P < 0.01). Mit Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase activity (mumol/min/mg) of SHRsp was 24% lower than that of WKY myocardium (P < 0.01). The fluorescence polarization of myocardial Mit membrane labelled with DPH (1, 6-diphenyl-1, 3, 5-hexatriene) in hypertensive rats was not different from that in control rats. The spectra of intrinsic protein fluorescence in 300-380 nm at an excitation wavelength of 290 nm were also identical in the Mit or SR between SHRsp and WKY myocardium. An ultrastructural analysis showed that there were more new-born Mit with smaller volumes and an increased number of isolated Mit in vitro from SHRsp myocardium, while there were larger Mit volumes isolated from WKY myocardium. These results demonstrated the disorder of mitochondrial energy metabolism in hypertrophied myocardium from SHRsp, which may be involved in the abnormality of myocardial calcium metabolism.

Morphometric evaluation on myocardial protection of cold crystalloid versus warm blood cardioplegia

Twenty patients undergoing open-heart valve replacement were divided randomly into two groups in this study; intermittent perfusion of cold crystalloid (St. Thomas Hospital solution) with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (hypothermic group) and continuous administration of warm blood cardioplegia with normothermic CPB (normothermic group) respectively. Tissue samples were taken from the right atrium before weaning from CPB and from the right appendage 30 minutes after removal of the cross-clamp. The results of pathological study in these two groups were as follows: the structural alterations were most severe during the ischemic period in the hypothermic group. Damages of the myocardial mitochondria examined with transmission electron microscope were found more severe in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group, and in the reperfusion period than in the ischemic period. Loss of integrity of the mitochondrial membrane could be noted during reperfusion in the hypothermic group. The surface to volume ratios of mitochondria of each period of the two groups were calculated by computerizing the microphotographs of the myocardium. It was shown that the average of the surface to volume ratios was smallest in the reperfusion period in the normothermic group. It seemed that the volumes of the mitochondria were larger in the warm group than in the cold one. Probably the results were due to more severe damages of the mitochondrial membranes in the hypothermic group, which led to the release of the contents out of the mitochondria while in the normothermic group, the sodium-pump was disordered and it made the mitochondria swell. Pathologically, blood cardioplegic perfusion with the use of normothermic CPB is a feasible method for myocardial protection in open-heart surgery.

Morphology and morphogenesis of hepatitis E virus (strain 87A)

The morphology and morphogenesis of isolated hepatitis E virus (HEV, strain 87A) were observed by electron microscopy (EM) and immune electron microscopy (IEM). Progressively developing local vesicles, virions accumulation in crystalline arrays and viroplasmic focus were seen in cytoplasm of infected cells. Replication and assembly of the new generation viruses were closely associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), inclusion body (IB) and microfibrils. Condensation and margination of chromatin, dispersion of nucleolar material, nuclear membrane alteration and masses of threads, granular material, and fibrillar component of the nucleus were frequently found. These changes revealed that this strain virus was confirmed as a RNA virus. The shape of the virus particles appeared approximately spherical whether the specimens were from the tissue culture crude suspension or purified highly concentrated preparations. The size of the virion was about 30 nm in diameter. The viral particles appeared unsmooth and irregular in outline. The spike-like structures may be occasionally observed on the surface of some viral capsides. The diameter of the strain 87 A virus is larger than the picornavirus and smaller than the calicivirus. This strain virus is different from classical calicivirus in without the cup-shaped surface depressions. The new genus, heparnavirus genus of caliciviridae family should be proposed for HEV.

Neurite degeneration elicited by apolipoprotein E peptides

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has been localized to the neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid-containing plaques found in the cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (14, 28), suggesting that apoE may play a role in this disorder. Recently, synthetic peptides containing a sequence within apoE (amino acids 141-155) were found to be cytotoxic to T lymphocytes in culture. In the present study, tandem presentation of the apoE sequence E141-155, as well as longer monomeric peptides that include this domain, was found to cause extensive and specific degeneration of neurites from embryonic chick sympathetic ganglia in vitro. These results, together with the observation of strong beta A4/apoE binding in vitro and the disproportionate occurrence of the epsilon 4 allele in both familial and sporadic AD patients, suggest that peptide sequences associated with apoE may contribute directly to neurodegenerative processes.

A parathyroid hormone antagonist stimulates epidermal proliferation and hair growth in mice

The biologic action of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptide (PTHrP) in normal skin was investigated in cultured human keratinocytes and in SKH-1 hairless mice. The results indicate that the PTHrP agonists human PTHrP-(1-34) and PTH(1-34) are potent inhibitors of epidermal cell proliferation. [Nle8,18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(7-34)-amide, an antagonist of the PTH/PTHrP receptor, blocked the inhibitory effect of PTH-(1-34) in cultured keratinocytes. In the SKH-1 mice, PTH-(7-34) caused a 244% increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation into isolated epidermal DNA and 246% and 180% increases in the number and length of hair shafts, respectively. Thus, PTH and PTHrP may play an important role in the normal physiology of skin, and their agonists and antagonists have potentially wide therapeutic applications in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders and aging skin and could also be effective in stimulating and maintaining hair growth.

[Mapping of full-length murine renin-2 gene]

A 24kb fragment containing full-length renin-2 gene and its flanking sequence was obtained by digesting the pKG-R2D with XhoI. This fragment was cleaved with single enzyme (EcoRI, KpnI and BamHI), and combined enzymes (EcoRI/KpnI, KpnI/BamHI and BamHI/EcoRI), respectively. The digests were electrophoresed on 0.8% agarose plates and transferred onto NC membranes. Radioactive probes of 735bp and 1400bp, templates of which were from half and full-length of renin-1 cDNA, respectively were used for Southern hybridization. On the basis of electrophoresis and hybridization patterns, a restriction map was constructed in this paper.

[Laser suture lysis following trabeculectomy]

Trabeculectomies with tightly sutured scleral flap was performed on 49 eyes of 45 patients with angle closure or open angle glaucomas, the experimental group, of which 41 eyes underwent laser suture lysis subsequently. After a mean period of follow-up 14.7 months (12-36 months), the average intraocular pressure was decreased from pre-operative 5.93 kPa (44.5 mmHg) to post-operative 1.96 kPa (14.7mmHg). The experimental group of patients was compared with the control group, 41 eyes of 39 cases at the same period randomly undergoing trabeculectomy without laser suture lysis. The control rate of intraocular pressure is higher (89.8%:73.2%) and the incidence of ocular complications (such as, shallow anterior chamber, choroid detachment, hyphema, lens opacity) is significantly lower in the former group, showing that trabeculectomy with following laser suture lysis is a safe and effective anti-glaucoma surgery. The advantages, points for attention and experiences of laser suture lysis have been introduced in the paper.

Infection of human endothelial cells by Rickettsia rickettsii causes a significant reduction in the levels of key enzymes involved in protection against oxidative injury

The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased in human endothelial cells infected with the obligate intracellular bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This observation lends additional support to our hypothesis implicating oxidative damage in endothelial cell injury caused by this microorganism.