Late and early C4d-positive acute rejection: Different clinico-histopathological subentities in renal transplantation

This study was performed to investigate the clinical and pathologic features of C4d-positive steroid-resistant acute rejection (AR) at different phases after renal transplantation. Fifty-six kidney allograft recipients with C4d-positive AR were divided into three groups, very early rejection (VER, occurring < or =14 days following transplantation, n=28), early rejection (ER, occurring 15-180 days following transplantation, n=5), and late rejection (LR, occurring >180 days following transplantation, n=23). Clinical and pathological features were evaluated. Significantly more patients in the ER and LR groups were associated with a reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppressants. More patients in the ER and LR groups experienced a significant (>3 g/l) decrease in serum albumin (80% ER, 91.3% LR, 7.1% VER, P<0.001) and a decrease in hemoglobin (>1 g/dl) (80, 100 vs 17.9%, P<0.001). Most VER patients reported a fever and had very rapid graft dysfunction requiring dialysis. Significantly more patients (87%) had interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in the LR group compared with the other groups and 13% had transplant glomerulopathy. Most cases of VER were reversed with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil treatment, with or without immunoadsorption, with a 1-year survival rate of 96.4%, compared with only 60 and 52.2% in the ER and LR groups. In conclusion, C4d-positive steroid-resistant AR at different time points is associated with unique clinico-histopathological manifestations requiring distinct treatment strategies. Late episodes are usually associated with significantly reduced serum albumin and hemoglobin levels and a poorer outcome. A more specialized treatment protocol should be established for these patients.

In vivo pons motion within the skull

Finite element (FE) models are used to identify head injury mechanisms and design new and improved injury prevention schemes. Although brain-skull boundary conditions strongly influence the model mechanical responses, limited experimental data are available to develop an informed representation. We hypothesize that the spinal cord tension and gravity contribute to the pons displacement in vivo. Static high-resolution T1-weighted sagittal MR images of the inferior portion of the head in neutral and flexion positions were acquired in 15 human volunteers in both supine and prone postures. Boundaries of the pons and clivus were extracted with a gradient-based algorithm, and the pontes were fitted into ellipses. Assuming rigid body motion of the skull, image pairs in different postures were co-registered with an autocorrelation technique. By comparing images before and after the motion, we found that while the rotation of the pons is negligible relative to the skull, the pons displaces significantly at the foramen magnum, on the order of approximately 2 mm. When the spinal cord tension and gravity act in concert, the pons moves caudally; when opposed, superiorly, such that the influence of gravity on the pons is six times that of the spinal cord tension. Based on these findings, we recommend that the brainstem-skull interface be treated as a sliding (with or without friction) boundary condition in FE models of the human head.

Changes in steady-state concentrations of messenger ribonucleic acids in luteal tissue during prostaglandin F2α induced luteolysis in mares

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided luteal biopsy was used to evaluate the effects of prostaglandin (PG)F2alpha on steady-state concentrations of mRNA for specific genes that may be involved in regression of the corpus luteum (CL). Eight days after ovulation (Hour 0), mares (n=8/group) were randomized into three groups: control (no treatment or biopsy), saline+biopsy (saline treatment at Hour 0 and luteal biopsy at Hour 12), or PGF2alpha+biopsy (5mg PGF2alpha at Hour 0 and luteal biopsy at Hour 12). The effects of biopsy on CL were compared between the controls (no biopsy) and saline+biopsy group. At Hour 24 (12h after biopsy) there was a decrease in circulating progesterone in saline group to 56% of pre-biopsy values, indicating an effect of biopsy on luteal function. Mean plasma progesterone concentrations were lower (P<0.001) at Hour 12 in the PG group compared to the other two groups. The relative concentrations of mRNA for different genes in luteal tissue at Hour 12 was quantified by real time PCR. Compared to saline-treated mares, treatment with PGF2alpha increased mRNA for cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2, 310%, P<0.006), but decreased mRNA for LH receptor to 44% (P<0.05), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein to 22% (P<0.001), and aromatase to 43% (P<0.1) of controls. There was no difference in mRNA levels for PGF2alpha receptor between PG and saline-treated groups. Results indicated that luteal biopsy alters subsequent luteal function. However, the biopsy approach was effective for collecting CL tissue for demonstrating dynamic changes in steady-state levels of mRNAs during PGF2alpha-induced luteolysis. Increased Cox-2 mRNA concentrations suggested that exogenous PGF2alpha induced the synthesis of intraluteal PGF2alpha. Thus, the findings are consistent with the concept that an intraluteal autocrine loop augments the luteolytic effect of uterine PGF2alpha in mares.

Fates and targets of male accessory gland proteins in mated female Drosophila melanogaster

Male accessory gland proteins (Acps) in Drosophila are components of the seminal fluid and are transferred to females during copulation. In mated females, Acps enhance egg production, augment sperm storage, induce refractory mating behaviors, and affect the female's longevity. To address the functions of eight previously uncharacterized Acps and further analyze five others, we determined the tissues to which they target after transfer to females. Each Acp has multiple targets and is unique in its pattern of localization. Within the reproductive tract, Acps target to the uterus, oviduct, sperm storage organs, ovary and oocytes. Some Acps also leave the reproductive tract, to enter the hemolymph. Some Acps are detected on the surface of eggs laid by mated females but were not detectable within those eggs. Our results can help to identify the likely functions of these Acps as well as to create models for the mechanism of action of Acps.

Variation of CD4+ and CD8+ T Lymphocytes as Predictor of Outcome in Renal Allograft Recipients Who Developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the variation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in renal allograft recipients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and their relationship to patients outcome.

METHODS

Twenty one cadaveric renal allograft recipients who developed ARDS caused by CMV infection were enrolled in this study. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were examined in peripheral blood on five occasions: the admission day (day 0) to ICU as ARDS, day 5, day 10, day 15 in ICU, and discharge day. A value taken in the second month after transplantation was assumed to be the preinfection value.

RESULTS

Among 13 surviving patients, the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their ratio increased as the patients recovered. The numbers of CD4+ T cells increased significantly on day 10, day 15, and at discharge day compared with day 0 (P < .05). The number of CD8+ T cells on discharge day and the ratios after day 10 were also significantly higher than those on day 0 (P < .05). In eight nonsurviving patients, the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their ratio was similar to day 0. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells after day 5 and their ratio after day 10 were significantly lower than those of survival group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The variations of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and their ratio are useful indicators of the severity of disease and the outcome of patients with CMV infections accompanying ARDS after renal transplantation. Nevertheless, it may be helpful to evaluate the efficiency of ongoing treatment methods in these patients.

Measurement of strain in physical models of brain injury: a method based on HARP analysis of tagged magnetic resonance images (MRI)

Two-dimensional (2-D) strain fields were estimated non-invasively in two simple experimental models of closed-head brain injury. In the first experimental model, shear deformation of a gel was induced by angular acceleration of its spherical container In the second model the brain of a euthanized rat pup was deformed by indentation of its skull. Tagged magnetic resonance images (MRI) were obtained by gated image acquisition during repeated motion. Harmonic phase (HARP) images corresponding to the spectral peaks of the original tagged MRI were obtained, following procedures proposed by Osman, McVeigh and Prince. Two methods of HARP strain analysis were applied, one based on the displacement of tag line intersections, and the other based on the gradient of harmonic phase. Strain analysis procedures were also validated on simulated images of deformed grids. Results show that it is possible to visualize deformation and to quantify strain efficiently in animal models of closed head injury.

Cloning and sequence analysis of dsRNA segments 5, 6 and 7 of a novel non-group A, B, C adult rotavirus that caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis in China

A diarrhoeal outbreak among adults in China was caused by a new rotavirus, termed ADRV-N, that does not react with antisera directed against group A, B or C rotaviruses [Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi (Chin. Epidemiol.) 19 (1998) 336]. ADRV-N can be propagated in cell cultures [Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Natl. Med. J. China) 82 (2002) 14]. We present the complete sequences for ADRV-N genome segments 5 and 6, and a full ORF sequence of genome segment 7. The deduced amino acid sequences suggest that these segments encode NSP1, VP6 and NSP3, respectively. These three ADRV-N genome segments have a unique -ACCCC-3' terminal sequence. The 5'-GG- terminus of segments 5 and 6 is the same as that of other rotaviruses. The amino acid similarity between VP6 and NSP3 of ADRV-N and the cognate sequences of their closest counterpart, group B IDIR, was 37 and 35%, respectively. The ADRV-N NSP1 has a double-stranded RNA binding motif (DSRM) and a putative autoproteolytic cleavage motif upstream from the DSRM. The putative ADRV-N NSP3 has a truncated C-terminus compared to the cognate protein of group B rotaviruses. All the available data demonstrate that ADRV-N differs significantly from the known rotaviruses and strongly suggest that ADRV-N is the first recognized member of a new group of rotaviruses infecting humans.

In vivo measurements of human brain displacement

Finite element models are increasingly important in understanding head injury mechanisms and designing new injury prevention equipment. Although boundary conditions strongly influence model responses, only limited quantitative data are available. While experimental studies revealed some motion between brain and skull, little data exists regarding the base of the skull. Using magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the caudal brain regions, we measured in vivo, quasi-static angular displacement of the cerebellum (CB) and brainstem (BS) relative to skull, and axial displacement of BS at the foramen magnum in supine human subjects (N=5). Images were obtained in flexion (7 degrees - 54 degrees ) and neutral postures using SPAMM tagging technique (N=47 pairs). Rigid body skull rotation angle from neutral posture (theta, degrees) was determined by extracting the edge feature points of the skull, and rotating and displacing the coordinates in one image until they matched those in the other. Tissue rotation was obtained by comparing tag lines in image pairs before and after flexion, and the motion of BS and CB were expressed relative to skull rotation and displacement. During flexion, the CB rotated in the flexion direction, exceeding the skull rotation, but relative BS rotations were negligible. Meanwhile, the BS moved caudally toward the foramen magnum. With a flexion angle of 54 degrees , the 95% confidence interval for the relative CB rotation was 2.7 degrees - 4.3 degrees , and 0.8 - 1.6mm for the relative BS axial displacement. Albeit quasi-static, this study provides important data that can be implemented to create more life-like boundary conditions in human finite element models.

Mechanisms of signal transduction mediated by oxidized lipids: the role of the electrophile-responsive proteome

Cellular redox signalling is mediated by the post-translational modification of proteins by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species or the products derived from their reactions. In the case of oxidized lipids, several receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms are now emerging. At low concentrations, adaptation to oxidative stress in the vasculature appears to be mediated by induction of antioxidant defences, including the synthesis of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. At high concentrations apoptosis occurs through mechanisms that have yet to be defined in detail. Recent studies have revealed a mechanism through which electrophilic lipids, formed as the reaction products of oxidation, orchestrate these adaptive responses in the vasculature. Using a proteomics approach, we have identified a subset of proteins in cells that we term the electrophile-responsive proteome. Electrophilic modification of thiol groups in these proteins can initiate cell signalling events through the transcriptional activation of genes regulated by consensus sequences for the antioxidant response element found in their promoter regions. The insights gained from our understanding of the biology of these mechanisms will be discussed in the context of cardiovascular disease.

Harmonic phase MR tagging for direct quantification of lagrangian strain in rat hearts after myocardial infarction

The utility of harmonic phase (HARP) analysis was recently demonstrated in humans and large animals as a technique for rapid and automatic analysis of tagged magnetic resonance images. In the current study, the applicability and accuracy of HARP analysis for automatic strain quantification in small animals were investigated. A validation study was performed on seven postinfarct rats and seven age-matched controls. A method for direct computation of 2D Lagrangian strain fields from spatial derivatives of HARP images was also developed in this paper. The results of HARP analysis were evaluated by comparison with those of homogeneous strain analysis employing finite element method and manual tag tracking. Both methods were validated with simulated digital images. Compared to conventional homogeneous strain analysis, HARP analysis yielded similar results in the assessment of regional strain patterns in both control and infarct rats. Both methods detected a reduction in maximal stretch and shortening in infarct rats. Our results suggest that HARP analysis can also be applied to quantify alterations in regional myocardial wall motion in small animals.

Interference of magnetic and anisotropic tensor susceptibility reflections in resonant X-ray scattering of GdB4

Resonant x-ray scattering experiments at the Gd L3 edge show interference between magnetic and anisotropic tensor susceptibility (ATS) reflections in GdB4. Energy profiles obtained from the magnetic and ATS resonances exhibited approximately 10 eV separation between the maximum resonance energies. The findings show that the Gd 5d band experienced hybridization giving rise to a significant split into isotropic lower energy band and distorted upper band states that account for the magnetic and ATS scattering, respectively.

Selective denervation and resection of cervical muscles in the treatment of spasmodic torticollis: long-term follow-up results in 207 cases

OBJECT

To report the outcome of patients with selective denervation and resection of cervical muscles for spasmodic torticollis.

METHODS

We reviewed 362 cases of surgically treated spasmodic torticollis. 207 patients were followed from 2 years to 29 years.

RESULTS

Total or marked relief of symptoms with preservation of normal of nearly normal movements has been obtained in 87.9%.

CONCLUSION

This procedure may be recommended if one to two years of conservative therapy does not offer satisfactory relief of symptoms.

[Administration of leukemic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to donors: the changes in donor bone marrow cell composition and the transplantation outcome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change of bone marrow cell composition the effect of graft on hemopoietic reconstitution and the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor G-CSF administration to donors before marrow harvesting.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with myeloid leukemia underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The donors of twelve patients (study group) were given G-CSF 250 microg/d for seven days prior to harvesting. The marrow cell composition, the outcome of subsequent engraftment and the occurrence of aGVHD were compared with those in twelve patients without G-CSF (control group).

RESULTS

The bone marrow stimulated by G-CSF yielded higher number of nucleated cells, CD34+ cells, CFU-GM and CFU-MK (P < 0.01). The number of T lymphocyte subsets in the graft stimulated with G-CSF was different from that in the control group. The number of CD4+ cells was decreased and that of CD8+ increased. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was reduced markedly (P < 0.01). The change of CD34+, CD4+, CD8+ percentage and CFU-GM, CFU-MK proliferation in donor bone marrow with and without G-CSF was compared. The same characteristic change as above graft was observed. Hemopoietic reconstitution in the study group after allo-BMT was accelerated. In the study group the days of granulocyte count exceeding 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet count exceeding 20 x 10(9)/L were 16 days (range 11 - 23 days) and 17 days (range 14 - 25 days) (in the control group 20.5 day, range 14 - 29 days and 23 days, range 17 - 32 days P < 0.05). Grade II - IV aGVHD did not occur in patients of the study group but in 3 patients of the control group.

CONCLUSION

The bone marrow harvested from donor with G-CSF stimulation can accelerate hemopoietic recovery and decrease the incidence of severe aGVHD. The accelerated hematopoietic recovery is associated with increased number of CD34+, CFU-GM and CFU-MK in the graft.

[A clinical study of haploidentical transplantation using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor stimulating donor bone marrow]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of reducing the incidence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and improving the disease free survival(DFS) in haploidentical donor transplantation by granlocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration to donor before harvesting and a number of immunosuppresants added to host.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with leukemia received allo-bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from two or three HLA loci mismatched related donor (haploidentical group). The clinical outcomes of the bone marrow transplantion were compared with thase of 13 consecutive HLA identical sibling transplantion (identical group). In haploidentical donor BMT, the donors of patients were given G-CSF (Lenograstim Chugai) 250 micrograms/day for seven doses prior to marrow harvest. CSA, MTX, ATG and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were combined for GVHD prophylaxis. ATG 5 mg/kg/day was infused for 4 days before transplantation and MMF was adminisered from 7th day after.

RESULTS

All the patients were engrafted. The median number of CD34+ cells in graft was 6.1 x 10(6)/kg in haploidentical group and 2.5 x 10(6)/kg in identical group (P < 0.01). The median number of CD3+ cells was 50.5 x 10(6)/kg and 47.0 x 10(6)/kg respectively (P > 0.05). All patients had 100% donors hematopoietic cells after transplantation by cytogenetic evidence analysis. Five of the thirteen patients (38.5%) in haploidentical group and three of the thirteen patients(23.1%) in identical group experienced II-IV acute GVHD (P > 0.05). The probability of chronic GVHD was 87.5% in haploidentical group and 67.5% in identical group (P > 0.05), However none in both groups developed extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up duration was 453 days (range 180-690 days) for haploidentical group and 510 days (range 220-810 days) for identical group. In haploidentical group, five patients died from transplant related mortality (3 GVHD, 2 infection), none relapsed and eight patients(61.5%) survive in disease free situation. In identical group, two patients died from transplant related mortality (1 GVHD, 1 infection), two patients died from relapse and nine patients (69.2%) survive in disease free situation. DFS in haploidentical group and in identical group was similar(P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The transplants from haploidentical donor used in this study is 3 effective and feasible in preventing acute severe GVHD and improving DFS.

[Preliminary study of HLA haplotype matched and T-cell undepleted allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for treatment of leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (Allo-BMT) with graft from HLA haplotype matched related donor without T-cell depleted for the treatment of leukemia.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with leukemia received allo-BMT with grafts from HLA 2 or 3 antigen mismatched related donors. All patients were treated with standardized conditioning regimen consisting of high dose Ara-C, cyclophosphamide (CY) and total body irradiation (TBI). Donors were given G-CSF at 3 to 4 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for seven days prior to marrow harvest. GVHD prophylaxis programme consisted of CsA, MTX, ATG and mycophenolate mofetial.

RESULTS

All patients established successful engraftment. The median days of granulocyte > 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet > 20 x 10(9)/L were 19(range 13-23) and 21 (range 16-32) days, respectively. Acute grade II-IV GVHD occurred in 5 of 15 patients (33.3%). Two of them were grade II gut aGVHD, 2 grade III gut aGVHD, and 1 grade IV gut and liver aGVHD. Chronic GVHDs were seen in 8 of 9 evaluable patients (88.9%) and none developed extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up duration was 395 (110-690) days. Six of fifteen patients died. Five of them died from transplantation related mortality and 1 from relapse. Nine patients were alive in a disease-free situation. Six of them survived more than one year.

CONCLUSION

The major histoincompatibility barriers in the haplotype matched related donor/recipient allo-BMT might be crossed by donor stimulated with G-CSF and combined GVHD prophylaxis program.

The regulatory effect of ERK1/2 signal pathway on production of TNFalpha induced by LPS in mice Kupffer cells

OBJECTIVE

To study the rule of ERK1/2 activity and regulative effect of ERK1/2 pathway on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFalpha in mice Kupffer cells (mKC) induced by LPS, and to exploring novel methods to prevent and treat clinical patients of endotoxemia.

METHODS

Immunoprecipitate kinase assay and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the phosphorylated ERK1/2 kinase activity in mKC stimulated by LPS, and ELISA was used to study the effect of ERK1/2 signaling cascade on LPS-induced TNFalpha production in mKC.

RESULTS

In mKC, LPS treatment resulted in transient and rapid increase of kinase activity of ERK1/2 that phosphorylated their specific substrate ELK-1, with maximal value at 30 minutes and a return near to baseline within 2 hours, and LPS-induced ERK1/2 activity from LPS concentration of 10 pg/ml to the top activity at 100 ng/ml. No activity was observed in unstimulated mKC. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway using the specific ERK1/2 signal pathway inhibitor PD98059 caused a marked and concentration-dependent reduction of TNFalpha production.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that LPS can markedly activate ERK1/2 pathway in mKC. PD98059 causes a significant and concentration-dependent reduction of TNFalpha production. ERK1/2 may be a novel target to treat clinical patient of endotoxemia.

[Influence of chemotherapy on hematopoietic microenvironment and effect of autologous bone marrow stromal cell infusion on the recovery of hematopoiesis after chemotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the influence of chemotherapy on hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and hematopoietic microenvironment (HME). To observe whether intravenous infusion of autologous bone marrow stromal cells (ABMSC) expanded in vitro can improve the hematopoietic function.

METHODS

Cultures of CFU-GM, BFU-E, CFU-E and stromal progenitor cells (CFU-F) from normal control and chemotherapeutic patients were performed. The stromal function was analyzed by the assessment of the area of flask surface covered by stromal cells (ASSC) and the time when stromal cells reach confluence (TC). The recovery of hematopoietic function in short term chemotherapy group and long term chemotherapy, with or without ABMSC infusion (1.1 - 8.7) x 10(8) post chemotherapy groups was observed.

RESULTS

The yields of CFU-GM, BFU-E, CFU-E and CFU-F in long term chemotherapy group were significantly lower than that in normal group or in short term chemotherapy group. There was no significant difference among three groups in the ASSC and TC. In long term chemotherapy group, the yields of CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E and CFU-F after chemotherapy with BMSC infusion were significantly higher than that without BMSC infusion. In long term chemotherapy group, the lowest value of white blood cell (WBC) and platelet after chemotherapy with BMSC infusion was significantly higher than that without BMSC infusion. The times for WBC and platelets recovered to normal were significantly shorter in BMSC group than in without BMSC. No adverse reaction was observed with ABMSC infusion.

CONCLUSION

Long term chemotherapy results in severe impairment in HPC and mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC), but has no obvious influence on the in vitro BMSC confluent layer formation. Intravenous infusion of expanded ABMSC can accelerate the recovery of hematopoiesis after chemotherapy.

Apoptosis of renal tubular cells in congenital hydronephrosis

OBJECTIVE

To assess apoptosis in congenital hydronephrosis and discuss its clinical significance.

METHODS

Apoptosis was detected in 15 kidneys from children with congenital hydronephrosis (5 mild hydronephrosis, 5 moderate hydronephrosis and 5 severe hydronephrosis) using the electronmicroscope, in situ gap labeling of fragmented nuclear DNA and DNA fragmentation analysis.

RESULTS

Apoptosis was seen in kidneys from children with congenital hydronephrosis. Margination of nuclear chromatin was identified and rounded apoptotic bodies were seen. The mean apoptotic index was 0.0941 +/- 0.017 in severe hydronephrosis, 0.0325 +/- 0.0169 in moderate hydronephrosis, and 0.0021 +/- 0.0031 in mild hydronephrosis. There was a significant difference between severe and moderate hydronephrosis (P = 0.0005), as well as between moderate and mild hydronephrosis (P = 0.0154). Moreover, with an increasing degree of hydronephrosis, the number of apoptotic cells also increased. Five kidneys with severe hydronephrosis and one kidney with moderate hydronephrosis showed typical apoptotic bands.

CONCLUSION

Apoptosis might participate in damaging kidneys in children with congenital hydronephrosis.

Australian Lasioglossum + Homalictus form a monophyletic group: resolving the "Australian enigma"

The bee genus Lasioglossum includes > 1,000 species of bees distributed on all continents except Antarctica. Lasioglossum is a major component of the bee fauna in the Holarctic, Ethiopian, and Asian regions and is an important group for investigating the evolution of social behavior in bees. Given its cosmopolitan distribution, the historical biogeography of the genus is of considerable interest. We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among the subgenera and species within Lasioglossum s.s., using DNA sequence data from a slowly evolving nuclear gene, elongation factor-1 alpha. The entire data set includes > 1,604 aligned nucleotide sites (including three exons plus two introns) for 89 species (17 outgroups plus 72 ingroups). Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses provide strong evidence that the primarily Indoaustralian subgenera (Homalictus, Chilalictus, Parasphecodes) form a monophyletic group. Bootstrap support for the Australian clade ranged from 73% to 77%, depending on the method of analysis. Monophyly of the Australian Lasioglossum suggests that a single colonization event (by way of Southeast Asia and New Guinea) gave rise to a lineage of > 350 native Indoaustralian bees. We discuss the implications of Australian monophyly for resolving the "Australian enigma"--the similarity in social behavior among the Australian halictine bees relative to that of Holarctic groups.

Phylogenetic utility of the major opsin in bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea): a reassessment

Major opsin (LW Rh) DNA sequence has been reported to provide useful data for resolving phylogenetic relationships among tribes of corbiculate bees based on analyses of 502 bp of coding sequence. However, the corbiculate tribes are believed to be of Cretaceous age, and strong support for insect clades of this age from small data sets of nucleotide sequence data has rarely been demonstrated. To more critically assess opsin's phylogenetic utility we generated an expanded LW Rh data set by sequencing the same gene fragment from 52 additional bee species from 24 tribes and all six extant bee families. Analyses of this data set failed to provide substantial support for monophyly of corbiculate bees, for relationships among corbiculate tribes, or for most other well-established higher-level relationships among long-tongued bees. However, monophyly of nearly all genera and tribes is strongly supported, indicating that LW Rh provides useful phylogenetic signal at lower taxonomic levels. When our expanded LW Rh data set is combined with a morphological and behavioral data set for corbiculate bees, the results unambiguously support the traditional phylogeny of the corbiculate bee tribes: (Euglossini + (Bombini + (Meliponini + Apini))). This implies a single origin of advanced eusocial behavior among bees rather than dual origins, as proposed by several recent studies.

Low incidence of severe aGVHD and accelerating hemopoietic reconstitution in allo-BMT using lenograstim stimulated BM cells

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of accelerating hemopoietic reconstraction and reducing a graft versus host disease (GVHD) in Allo-BMT receiving lenograstim stimulated donor marrow and to assess the preliminary biological mechanism.

METHODS

The donors for thirty patients (study group) with leukemia were given lenograstim 3-4 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for seven days prior to marrow harvest. The results of subsequent engraftment in the recipients was compared with fifteen donors without G-CSF (control group). Five donors themselves were studied to assess the effects of lenograstion on hematopoietic progenitor cells and lymphocyte subsets in BM.

RESULTS

The stimulated bone marrow contained a higher number of nucleated cells, CFU-GM and CD34+ cells (P < 0.01). The hematopoetic reconstitution was accelerated. Until granulocyte counts exceeded 0.5 x 10(9)/L and plalete counts exceeded 20 x 10(9)/L, the days were 16.7 +/- 3.2 and 18.4 +/- 3.0 days as compared with those of the control group (22.5 +/- 5.1 and 26.3 +/- 5.9 days respectively, P < 0.01). The incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD was very low, only one case with grade II aGVHD on the skin in the study group. Four out of fifteen patients (26.7%) in the control group had grade II-IV aGVHD (P < 0.05). The number of T lymphocyte subsets in the harvested BM stimulated by G-CSF changed. In comparison with the control group, CD4+ decreased and CD8+ increased significantly (P < 0.01). The changes of progenitor cells and T lymphocyte subsets in BM from pre- to post-G-CSF stimulation indicated that the percentage of CD4+ cells reduced (P < 0.05), that of CD8+ cells, and that of CD34+ increased (P < 0.01). The incidence of chronic GVHD and relapse of leukemia were not different significantly between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Allogenic bone marrow transplant (Allo-BMT) donors given G-CSF can accelerate engraftment and minimize the incidence of severe aGVHD. There is a trend in favour of improved transplant-related complications.

Separation and determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica L. and its preparation by capillary zone electrophoresis

A capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the separation and determination of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica L. and its preparation. The factors that could affect the separation were studied, such as the types and concentrations of electrolytes, pH, ionic strength and organic modifier. The optimum running buffer was 20 mmol/L of ammonium acetate containing 0.2 mol/L of glacial acetic acid (pH 3.64). The applied voltage was 25 kV and the wavelength of the UV detector was set at 214 nm. The established method with dopamine hydrochloride as internal standard was linear in the range of 5-100 microg/mL for both strychnine and brucine. The recovery was 102.96% for strychnine and 98.56% for brucine. The extracts of Strychnos nux-vomica and its preparation could be directly injected for analysis.