Living environment and schooling of children with HIV-infected parents in southwest China

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Longchuan County, China, to study the lives of children with HIV-infected parents. Registered HIV-infected drug users and their households were approached and information about the living environment of children < or =15 years of age was collected. Of the 266 households interviewed, there were 213 children < or =15 years old. Forty percent of the children had lost at least one parent. Most of the children resided in a household with low economic status and a high dependency ratio. One-half of the children experienced discordant family relations, family anxiety and shame. Compared to orphans, non-orphans and their families were less likely to receive social support from the community. Orphans and older children were less likely to attend school and more likely to be truant if enrolled in school. Findings in the current study suggest that many children whose parents are infected with HIV or have died from HIV are living in stressful environments with minimal support from the community. Efforts should be taken to provide support and supervision to these children.

Transmission disequilibrium test provides evidence of association between promoter polymorphisms in 22q11 gene DGCR14 and schizophrenia

Recent research has suggested that the DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 14 (DGCR14) exhibits activity differences of more than 1.5 fold between the haplotypes of the variants in the promoter region. DGCR14 is located at 22q11.21, an acknowledged region for susceptibility to schizophrenia. To test the hypothesis that DGCR14 may be involved in the etiology of the disease, we carried out a family-based association study between the reported functional markers and schizophrenia in 235 Chinese Han trios. We found significant evidence of preferential transmission of the promoter variants of DGCR14 across all the trios (Best p-value = 0.00038, Global p-value = 0.0008). The positive results have suggested that DGCR14 is likely to play an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population.

Failure to find association between TRAR4 and schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population

The TRAR4 gene locates in SCZD5 (MIM 603175), which a number of studies have linked with schizophrenia. One recent study suggested that three TRAR4 variants (M1: rs4305745, P=0.0014; M2: rs6903874, P=0.0026; M3: rs6937506, P=0.0052) in the 3'-UTR were associated with schizophrenia. To replicate these findings, we conducted a family-based association study within a sample of 235 Chinese Han trios. However, we didn't find significant evidence of preferential transmission of the three variants across all the trios (all P values>0.2). Thus, we conclude that TRAR4 is not a major or independent determinant in the occurrence of schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population.

Multi-zone modeling of probable SARS virus transmission by airflow between flats in Block E, Amoy Gardens

More than 300 residents of a private high-rise housing estate were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome within a short period during the 2003 epidemic in Hong Kong. The outbreak occurred after the identified index patient visited a flat on a middle floor in Block E of the Amoy Gardens estate on two nights. Approximately 45% of the subsequently infected people resided in Block E, while the other 55% of infected cases mainly resided in six other blocks close to Block E. The distribution of the infected flats in Block E conformed to a non-uniform spatial pattern. Probable environmental causes for airborne transmission associated with the air movements between flats in Block E are identified. The well-established multi-zone airflow modeling method was used to analyze the virus-laden bio-aerosol dispersion between flats through door and window leakage areas in Block E under six different scenarios. The distribution of infection risk in Block E matched with the virus concentrations in flats predicted with the use of multi-zone modeling. Our study shows the importance of ventilation design in high-rise residential apartments.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The present study on the Amoy Gardens outbreak presented a scenario in which crowded living spaces might lead to infection disasters. There is a need to improve the current sanitary drainage design and maintenance standards to avoid any leakage of foul gas into the indoor environments. Our study revealed the need for a review of indoor air quality and ventilation design in buildings including offices, homes and hotels. The study has implications to public health in, for example, the control of other airborne respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza, and in bio-terror safety in buildings.

Linkage disequilibrium maps constructed with common SNPs are useful for first-pass disease association screens

To develop an efficient strategy for mapping genetic factors associated with common diseases, we constructed linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps of human chromosomes 5, 7, 17, and X. These maps consist of common single nucleotide polymorphisms at an average intermarker distance of 100 kb. The genotype data from these markers in a panel of American samples of European descent were analyzed to produce blocks of markers in strong pair-wise LD. Power calculations were used to guide block definitions and predicted that high-level LD maps would be useful in initial genome scans for susceptibility alleles in case-control association studies of complex diseases. As anticipated, LD blocks on the X chromosome were larger and covered more of the chromosome than those found on the autosomes.

Strain selection of Metarrhizium anisopliae by image analysis of colony morphology for consistency of steroid biotransformation

Quantitative description of colony morphological images of the fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae was done by means of computer image analysis based on fractal analysis. Compared with simple fractal analysis, the differences in the morphological features of colonies were expressed more accurately by multifractal analysis. The use of multifractal analysis markedly improved the reliability of colony image analysis, which could be extended to morphological characterization for colony recognition and classification. First, the multifractal spectrum was calculated from each morphological image and 14 features were defined on the spectrum to describe the spectral line profile. Second, three features, alpha-right, alpha-width, and f-start, were selected from the 14 features in two-dimensional feature vector spaces and a feature augmented vector (alpha-right, alpha-width, and f-start, 1)(T) was generated and used for classifier design. Third, a statistical least mean square error (LMSE) algorithm was applied to design a piecewise-linear classifier, which consists of two linear classifiers, d(1)(x) and d(2)(x). Representative colony samples were used as training and test sample sets, which were previously classified into a high-activity class and another class by a training person. After passing the training phase, the piecewise-linear classifier could be used for automated classification of unknown colony samples. A correct recognition rate of 96% was achieved in this manner. Compared with conventional strain selection methods, this new method has the advantage of less subjectivity, reduced labor and time, and improved ability to deal with a large number of colonies.

Universal SNP genotyping assay with fluorescence polarization detection

The degree of fluorescence polarization (FP) of a fluorescent molecule is a reflection of its molecular weight (Mr). FP is therefore a useful detection methodfor homogeneous assays in which the starting reagents and products differ significantly in Mr. We have previously shown that FP is a good detection method for the single-base extension and the 5'-nuclease assays. In this report, we describe a universal, optimized single-base extension assay for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This assay, which we named the template-directed dye-terminator incorporation assay with fluorescence polarization detection (FP-TDI), uses four spectrally distinct dye terminators to achieve universal assay conditions. Even without optimization, approximately 70% of all SNP markers tested yielded robust assays. The addition of an E. coli ssDNA-binding protein just before the FP reading significantly increased FP values of the products and brought the success rate of FP-TDI assays up to 90%. Increasing the amount of dye terminators and reducing the number of thermal cycles in the single-base extension step of the assay increased the separation of the FP values benveen the products corresponding to different genotypes and improved the success rate of the assay to 100%. In this study the genomic DNA samples of 90 individuals were typed for a total of 38 FP-TDI assays (using both the sense and antisense TDI primers for 19 SNP markers). With the previously described modifications, the FP-TDI assay gave unambiguous genotyping data for all the samples tested in the 38 FP-TDI assays. When the genotypes determined by the FP-TDI and 5'-nuclease assays were compared, they were in 100% concordance for all experiments (a total of 3420 genotypes). The four-dye-terminator master mixture described here can be used for assaying any SNP marker and greatly simplifies the SNP genotyping assay design.

Anodic coupling reactions: probing the stereochemistry of tetrahydrofuran formation. A short, convenient synthesis of linalool oxide

[reaction: see text]. Intramolecular coupling reactions between enol ether radical cations and oxygen nucleophiles are primarily governed by stereoelectronics. By taking advantage of this observation, a tetrahydrofuran building block for use in constructing (+)-linalool oxide and rotundisine has been synthesized in four steps from a commercially available starting material. The synthesis of (+)-linalool oxide has been completed.

Genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms by the invader assay with dual-color fluorescence polarization detection

BACKGROUND

The PCR-Invader assay is a robust, homogeneous assay that has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific in genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. In this study, we introduce two changes to improve the assay: (a) we streamline the PCR-Invader method by assaying both alleles for each SNP in one reaction; and (b) we reduce the cost of the method by adopting fluorescence polarization (FP) as the detection method.

METHODS

PCR product was incubated with Invader oligonucleotide and two primary probes at 93 degrees C for 5 min. Signal probes corresponding to the cleaved flaps of the primary probes [labeled with fluorescein and 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) dye] and Cleavase VIII enzyme (a flap endonuclease) were then added to the mixture. This reaction mixture was incubated at 63 degrees C for 5 min. FP measurements were made with a fluorescence plate reader.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight individuals were genotyped across a panel of 10 SNPs, using PCR product as template, for a total of 880 genotypes. An average "no call" rate of 3.2% was observed after first round of experiments. PCR products were remade in those samples that failed to produce any genotype in the first round, and all gave clear-cut genotypes. When the genotypes determined by the PCR-Invader assay and template-directed dye-terminator incorporation assay with FP were compared, they were in 100% concordance for all SNP markers and experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

The improvements introduced in this study make PCR-Invader assay simpler and more cost-effective, and therefore more suitable for high-throughput genotyping.

[The effect of lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid in human peritoneal mesothelial cells function]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid (L-PDF) on human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) function.

METHODS

Mesothelial cells from human omentum were isolated and cultured in vitro. Proliferation of HPMC was detected by MTT assay. The quantity of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and fibronectin (FN) in culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification were used to detect the expression of IL-8 mRNA in HPMC. Total cellular protein in these supernatants was estimated by using Lowry method.

RESULTS

L-PDF inhibited proliferation of HPMC in a time-dependent manner. The levels of IL-8 and FN in the supernatants were remarkably high, and expression of IL-8 mRNA was up-regulated in HPMC exposure to L-PDF. During a subsequent recovery period of 48 hours in culture medium containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/L), enterotoxin of staphylococcus aureus (10 mg/L) or TNFalpha(10 x 10(6) U/L), the levels of FN in the supernatants increased (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-8 also increased in HPMC stimulated with TNFalpha(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

L-PDF inhibited proliferation of HPMC and increased levels of IL-8 and FN in the HPMC.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the public domain: how useful are they?

There is a concerted effort by a number of public and private groups to identify a large set of human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). As of March 2001, 2.84 million SNPs have been deposited in the public database, dbSNP, at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SNP/). The 2.84 million SNPs can be grouped into 1.65 million non-redundant SNPs. As part of the International SNP Map Working Group, we recently published a high-density SNP map of the human genome consisting of 1.42 million SNPs (ref. 3). In addition, numerous SNPs are maintained in proprietary databases. Our survey of more than 1,200 SNPs indicates that more than 80% of TSC and Washington University candidate SNPs are polymorphic and that approximately 50% of the candidate SNPs from these two sources are common SNPs (with minor allele frequency of > or =20%) in any given population.

Hepatitis B virus S gene mutants in infants infected despite immunoprophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface gene mutant infection and hepatitis B (HB) vaccination failure.

METHODS

Using sera from 106 infants who were born to HBV carrier mothers and failed in HB immunoprophylaxis, HBV S gene was amplified by PCR, transferred to nylon membranes for Southern blots, and then hybridized with oligonucleotide probes. Eleven of non-hybridizing samples were used for DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

93.4% (99/106) of the samples were HBV DNA positive, and 30.3% (30/99) failed to hybridize with at least one of the four probes. DNA sequencing confirmed that 10 of the 11 samples had an S gene mutation with amino acid (aa) change. The identified mutants included nucleotide (nt) 546T-->A (aa131N-->T), nt531T-->C (aa1261-->T), nt491A-->C (aa113T-->P), nt491T-->A (aa113S-->T), nt533C-->A (aa127P-->T), nt581T-->A (aa143S-->T), nt636A-->T (aa161Y-->F), and nt679A-->C (aa175L-->F). The sequence in one mother-infant pair was completely the same, with mutations at aa131 and aa161.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HBV surface mutants is about 30% in the children failing in HB vaccination. HBV mutants can infect infants by maternal-infant transmission.

[The complication of multiple system organs failure in pregnancy: a clinical analysis of 13 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To find out the features and causes of the complications of multiple system organs failure (MSOF) in pregnancy and increase the level of its prevention and treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on 13 cases with the complication of MSOF in pregnancy admitted between Feb 1992-Jun 1999.

RESULTS

There were two or more organs or systems function failure in the pregnancy. Four cases induced by infection, 5 cases induced by heart diseases, 3 cases induced by pregnancy induced hypertension, 1 case induced by amniotic fluid embolism. 12 of 13 were cured. 1 was died. Among them one infant was died.

CONCLUSIONS

During the treatment of pregnancy with multiple system organs failure, it is important to control the causes and inducements. It is forcible to terminate pregnancy in time and choose a best style of delivery. It is better to keep watch on saving multiple system organs function.

[Cloning and expression of caiDE genes in E. coli BL21(DE3)]

The caiDE genes for carnitine racemase and its relative factor were cloned into pUC18 from the chromosomal DNA of E. coli MC4100 by shot-gun approach and have been verified by sequence analysis. The target plasmid was named as pJX393 and subcloned to form a transcription plasmid pDSW2. After its transformation into BL21(DE3) strain and induction by IPTG, the recombinant strain containing pDSW2 expressed two apparent protein bands on SDS-PAGE, whose molecular weight were 30 kD and 24 kD individually.

[Effect of puerarin on heart function and serum oxidized-LDL in the patients with chronic cardiac failure]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of puerarin on heart function and serum oxidized-LDL(ox-LDL) in patients with chronic cardiac failure.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with chronic cardiac failure were randomly divided into two groups, regular group (R) and regular + puerarin group (P). All patients in two groups received conventional treatment with inotropic agents, diuretic, and vasodilator, etc. The patients in the P group took puerarin 400 mg.d-1 for 10 days.

RESULTS

After treatment, the clinical heart function of the patients in the two groups was improved, but there was no significant difference between them; the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of patients in the P group was higher than that in the R group(P < 0.05); and serum ox-LDL level was significantly decreased in the P group patients, but that was no change in the R group patients(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Puerarin may improve the clinical heart function, increase the left ventricular ejection, meanwhile, it may decrease the level of ox-LDL.

[Chronic pulmonary heart diseases treated by fraxiparin]

OBJECTIVE

The effects of fraxiparine with hypodermic on the treatment of patients with chronic pulmonary heart diseases(CPHD) at acute phase were studied.

METHODS

Twenty patients were hypodermically injected with 0.4 ml fraxiparine per day for 7 days as a course. Fibrin fibrinogen degradation products (FDP and D-dimer), antithrombin III (AT-III), PaO2 and PaCO2 were detected before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

In the therapy group, FDP and D-dimer decreased after the treatment, AT-III increased. All indexes didn't alter in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Fraxiparine is effective on patients with CPHD at acute phase.

[The natural history of HIV infection among IDUs in Ruili, Yunnan province, China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the natural history of HIV infections among intravenous drug users.

METHODS

Six hundred and twenty five HIV infected people in Ruili, Yunnan province were observed. Retrospective data was analysed combined with a cross - sectional survey.

RESULTS

The number of death was 190 among 625 HIV - positive people. The cumulative death rate among HIV infected persons was 76.9 per 1,000 person - year, and the AIDS related death rate was 19.8 per 1,000 person - year. The median survival period of HIV infected persons was 9 years, and the median incubation period was about 8 years.

CONCLUSION

Of HIV infected people in Ruili, the median survival and incubation period were shorter compared with those in the United States and Western Europe.

Glutamate and GABA activate different receptors and Cl(-) conductances in crab peptide-secretory neurons

Responses to rapid application of glutamic acid (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 0.01-3 mM, were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp of cultured crab (Cardisoma carnifex) X-organ neurons. Responses peaked within 200 ms. Both Glu and GABA currents had reversal potentials that followed the Nernst Cl(-) potential when [Cl(-)](i) was varied. A Boltzmann fit to the normalized, averaged dose-response curve for Glu indicated an EC(50) of 0.15 mM and a Hill coefficient of 1.05. Rapid (t(1/2) approximately 1 s) desensitization occurred during Glu but not GABA application that required >2 min for recovery. Desensitization was unaffected by concanavalin A or cyclothiazide. N-methyl-D-aspartate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, quisqualate, and kainate (to 1 mM) were ineffective, nor were Glu responses influenced by glycine (1 microM) or Mg(2+) (0-26 mM). Glu effects were imitated by ibotenic acid (0.1 mM). The following support the conclusion that Glu and GABA act on different receptors: 1) responses sum; 2) desensitization to Glu or ibotenic acid did not diminish GABA responses; 3) the Cl(-)-channel blockers picrotoxin and niflumic acid (0.5 mM) inhibited Glu responses by approximately 90 and 80% but GABA responses by approximately 50 and 20%; and 4) polyvinylpyrrolydone-25 (2 mM in normal crab saline) eliminated Glu responses but left GABA responses unaltered. Thus crab secretory neurons have separate receptors responsive to Glu and to GABA, both probably ionotropic, and mediating Cl(-) conductance increases. In its responses and pharmacology, this crustacean Glu receptor resembles Cl(-)-permeable Glu receptors previously described in invertebrates and differs from cation-permeable Glu receptors of vertebrates and invertebrates.