Effect of intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone on fracture healing in ovariectomized rats

The effects of intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone on fracture healing in ovariectomized rats were examined to evaluate its potential use as a therapeutic agent for osteoporotic fractures. Three months postovariectomy, bilateral tibial shaft fractures were induced and stabilized by intramedullary nailing with Kirschner wires. Saline, 17beta-estradiol (Sigma Chemical Corp, St Louis, Mo), or recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-84) (Korean Green-Cross Pharm Corp, Seoul, Korea) was given once a day for 30 consecutive days during fracture healing. Fracture healing was assessed by morphometric and mechanical analysis of fracture callus. Intermittent parathyroid hormone administration increased the morphometric and mechanical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. A bone-resorption inhibiting agent, 17beta-estradiol did not offer advantage in terms of fracture healing in ovariectomized rats. Findings suggest intermittent parathyroid hormone administration may benefit osteoporosis and fracture.

Monte Carlo simulations of the chiral recognition of fenoprofen enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin)

Differential complexation of fenoprofen enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) was investigated by Monte Carlo docking simulations. The chiral discrimination of (R)- and (S)-fenoprofen by beta-cyclodextrin was discussed in terms of the difference in the interaction energies and the patterns of molecular interactions. The interaction energies between each enantiomer of fenoprofen and beta-cyclodextrin were consistent with the reported experimental results that showed that the S isomer interacted preferentially with beta-cyclodextrin and was retained longer in a separation process than the R isomer. The thermodynamic preference of inclusion complex formation of (S)-fenoprofen could be explained by the orientation of the phenyl group attached to the chiral carbon, which provided closer contact and thus more favorable intermolecular interactions between the host and guest molecule. The results presented here would be very useful for the prediction of chiral recognition ability of beta-cyclodextrin.

Involvement of arginine and tryptophan residues in catalytic activity of glutaryl 7-aminocephalosporanic acid acylase from Pseudomonas sp. strain GK16

The glutaryl 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (GL-7-ACA) acylase from Pseudomonas sp. strain GK16 is an (alphabeta)2 heterotetramer of two non-identical subunits that are cleaved autoproteolytically from an enzymatically inactive precursor polypeptide. The newly formed N-terminal serine of the beta subunit plays an essential role as a nucleophile in enzyme activity. Chemical modification studies on the recombinant enzyme purified from Escherichia coli revealed the involvement of a single arginine and tryptophan residue, per alphabeta heterodimer of the enzyme, in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Glutaric acid, 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) (competitive inhibitors) and GL-7-ACA (substrate) could not protect the enzyme against phenylglyoxal-mediated inactivation, whereas except for glutaric acid protection was observed in case of N-bromosuccinimide-mediated inactivation of the enzyme. Kinetic parameters of partially inactivated enzyme samples suggested that while arginine is involved in catalysis, tryptophan is involved in substrate binding.

Dietary beta-carotene stimulates cell-mediated and humoral immune response in dogs

The role of beta-carotene on immune response in domestic dogs is not known. Female Beagle dogs were fed 0, 2, 20 or 50 mg beta-carotene/d; blood was sampled at wk 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 for analysis of the following: lymphoproliferation, leukocyte subpopulations and concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was assessed at wk 0, 3 and 7. beta-Carotene supplementation increased plasma beta-carotene concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with unsupplemented dogs, those fed 20 or 50 mg of beta-carotene had higher CD4+ cell numbers and CD4:CD8 ratio. However, there was no treatment difference in CD8+, CD21+ and major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II+ cells. Plasma IgG, but not IgM concentration was higher in dogs fed beta-carotene throughout the study period. The DTH response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and vaccine was heightened in beta-carotene-supplemented dogs. beta-Carotene feeding did not influence mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation or IL-2 production. Immune response was impaired in dogs classified as low beta-carotene absorbers compared with similar dogs fed the same amount of beta-carotene. Therefore, dietary beta-carotene heightened cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in dogs.

The effects of isolated lipoproteins and triglyceride, combined oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) plus triglyceride, and combined oxidized LDL plus high density lipoprotein on the contractile and relaxation response of rabbit cavernous smooth muscle

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isolated lipoproteins and triglyceride (TG), and the effects of combined oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) plus TG and the combined oxidized LDL plus high density lipoprotein (HDL) on the contractility and relaxation response of rabbit cavernous smooth muscle. Cavernous muscle strips from New Zealand White rabbits were studied in organ chambers for isometric tension measurement. The strips were exposed to HDL, LDL, oxidized LDL, TG, combined oxidized LDL plus TG and combined oxidized LDL plus HDL for 30 min. Both HDL and LDL did not affect contraction and relaxation responses of the cavernous muscles. The oxidized LDL did not affect norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractility of the strips, but significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the relaxation response to endothelium-dependent agonist, acetylcholine (Ach). Non-specific NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) completely inhibited the relaxation response to Ach, and L-arginine partially improved the diminished relaxation. TG did not significantly change the relaxation responses to Ach, but decreased the contractility of cavernous muscle to NE. Neither the combined oxidized LDL plus TG nor oxidized LDL plus HDL had significant synergistic or detoxication effects on the contractility and relaxation responses. In conclusion, oxidized LDL may have acute toxic effects on the endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated relaxation, but not on the contractility, of rabbit cavernous smooth muscle. TG may decrease contractility of the cavernous muscle. There may be neither synergistic nor detoxication effects on the contractility and relaxation response when TG or HDL is added to the oxidized LDL.

mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in acute renal allograft rejection

BACKGROUND

The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) show a form of complementary distribution in normal and grafted kidneys. The molecular mechanism by which ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are increased or induced on vascular cells during acute renal allograft rejection has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

We examined ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression in 17 renal allograft biopsies with (n=12) and without (n=5) features of acute rejection, and four control renal biopsies with no detectable abnormalities by RNA in situ hybridization. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein was also assessed by immunohistochemical staining of frozen sections.

RESULTS

In controls and nonrejecting graft biopsies, the signals of the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 transcripts in vascular cells were almost negligible. Specific signals of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNAs were detected on the endothelial cells of small muscular arteries in most cases with acute renal allograft rejection. The messages for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were also detected on arterial smooth muscle cells in all the five cases with severe type III rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the induced appearance of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the vascular cells of acutely rejecting renal transplants was related to actual cellular synthesis and that both adhesion molecules could act together in the rejection process. They also suggest that the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 genes by arterial smooth muscle cells may be an important cause of transmural arteritis in severe acute renal allograft rejection.

Molecular dynamics simulations of cyclohenicosakis-[(1-->2)-beta-D-gluco-henicosapyranosyl], a cyclic (1-->2)-beta-D-glucan (a 'cyclosophoraose') of DP 21

We report molecular dynamics simulations of cyclohenicosakis-[(1-->2)-beta-D-gluco-henicosapyranosyl], termed 'cyclosophohenicosamer', a member of a class of cyclic (1-->2)-beta-D-glucans ('cyclosophoraoses'). Our goals were to provide insights into the conformational preferences of these cyclosophoraoses. Simulated annealing and constant-temperature molecular dynamics calculations were performed on the DP 21 cyclosophohenicosamer. The radius of gyration (R(G)) of the molecule and the conformation of glycosidic dihedral angles were used to analyze the result of computational studies. Most glycosidic linkages were concentrated in the lowest-energy region of the phi-psi energy map, and the values of radius of gyration from our simulations were consistent with the reported experimental value. The simulations produced various types of compact and asymmetric conformations within reasonable ranges of the glycosidic linkage conformation and radius of gyration. The results indicate the presence of a high degree of molecular flexibility of cyclosophohenicosamer and suggest the uniqueness of inclusion complexation with other molecules through this molecular flexibility.

19F NMR investigation of F(1)-ATPase of Escherichia coli using fluorotryptophan labeling

Growth of Escherichia coli in the presence of glyphosate, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, has permitted the production of proton-dislocating ATPase that is specifically labeled with 5-fluorotryptophan. Five sets of (19)F resonances could be assigned to each tryptophan residue by lauryldimethylamine oxide and carboxypeptidase treatment. On labeling with 4-chloro-7-nitro-benzofurazan, the label attached to b155Lys, which is known to be in the catalytic site, which caused one of the residues, b108Trp, to become nonequivalent. (19)F NMR spectroscopic investigation of internally fluorotryptophan-labeled F(1)-ATPase will provide valuable information about the asymmetric nature of F(1)-ATPase and the conformational changes induced by ligand binding.

Measurement of fidelity in psychiatric rehabilitation

Until recently, most psychiatric rehabilitation models have been poorly defined and few have had systematic methods for measuring their implementation. We review the historical roots for the development of fidelity measures and describe recent applications in both research and practice.

Dietary lutein stimulates immune response in the canine

The possible immuno-modulatory action of dietary lutein in dogs is not known. Female Beagle dogs (17-18-month old; 11.4+/-0.4kg body weight) were supplemented daily with 0, 5, 10 or 20mg lutein for 12 weeks. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to saline, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and a polyvalent vaccine was assessed on Weeks 0, 6 and 12. Blood was sampled on Weeks 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 to assess (1) lymphocyte proliferative response to PHA, concanavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), (2) changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations, (3) interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and (4) IgG and IgM production. After the completion of 12-week study, we continued to collect the blood weekly up to 17 weeks to evaluate the changes in immunoglobulin production upon first and second antigenic challenges on Weeks 13 and 15. Plasma lutein+zeaxanthin was undetectable in unsupplemented dogs but concentrations increased (P<0.05) rapidly on Week 2 in lutein-supplemented dogs. Thereafter, concentrations generally continued to increase in dose-dependent manner, albeit at a much slower rate. Dogs fed lutein had heightened DTH response to PHA and vaccine by Week 6. Dietary lutein increased (P<0.05) lymphocyte proliferative response to all three mitogens and increased the percentages of cells expressing CD5, CD4, CD8 and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules. The production of IgG increased (P<0.05) in lutein-fed dogs after the second antigenic challenge. Lutein did not influence the expression of CD21 lymphocyte marker, plasma IgM or IL-2 production. Therefore, dietary lutein stimulated both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in the domestic canine.

Beta-carotene uptake and changes in ovarian steroids and uterine proteins during the estrous cycle in the canine

The uptake of beta-carotene by reproductive tissues and the effects of beta-carotene on reproductive function in the dog are unknown. We studied the uptake of beta-carotene by blood, corpus luteum, and uterine endometrium and the role of dietary beta-carotene in influencing ovarian steroid and uterine protein production during the estrous cycle in the dog. Mature female Beagle dogs (n = 56) were fed diets containing 0, 2, 20, or 50 mg of beta-carotene daily for approximately 6 wk before estrus detection. Blood was sampled at regular intervals from estrus through d 45 after ovulation (d 0 = ovulation), when laparotomy was performed. The ovaries were obtained for the isolation of corpus luteum. The uterus was flushed with phosphate-buffered saline and the endometrium obtained by scraping. Beta-carotene was not detectable in plasma, corpus luteum, or endometrium of unsupplemented dogs. However, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene in plasma, corpus luteum, and uterine endometrium increased in a dose-dependent manner. Alpha-carotene made up a high percentage of total carotenoids even though the alpha-carotene content in the dietary source was very low. Dogs fed 50 mg of beta-carotene had significantly higher concentrations of plasma progesterone between d 12 and 26 compared with unsupplemented dogs. Dietary beta-carotene did not influence plasma estradiol-17beta and total uterine proteins. Therefore, beta-carotene is absorbed into plasma, corpus luteum, and uterine endometrium of dogs. Furthermore, dietary beta-carotene increased plasma progesterone concentrations during the estrous cycle. It is possible that dietary beta-carotene may improve reproductive function in the canine.

The new genotypic human calicivirus isolated in Seoul

A new type of human calicivirus (HuCV) showing the classic cup-shaped surface morphology was identified in the stool sample from a child with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea (SK virus). Genomic RNA was extracted directly from the stool sample, and the nucleotide sequence of 3.2 kb of the 3' end of SK virus was determined from cDNA. This region spanned sequences from the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) region in the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) to the 3' poly A tail. The non-structural and capsid protein coding sequences were fused in a single ORF as observed in Manchester type (Genogroup III). However, ORF2 of Manchester virus was missing in SK virus. In RDRP region, SK virus showed amino acid and nucleotide identities of 74-75% and 68-69% respectively, with those of Manchester virus, while showed 34-46% and 55-60% identities respectively with those of other human caliciviruses. However, capsid protein of SK virus showed a partial (29-46%) amino acid identity with those of other caliciviruses including Manchester type. The closest resemblance in amino acid (97-99%) and nucleotide sequence (85-86%) identities were found in RDRP region with Vanderbijlpark and Pretoria isolates recently found in South Africa. These results suggest that SK virus together with Vanderbijlpark and Pretoria isolates belong to a new type different from Manchester virus.

Modulation of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by dietary lutein in cats

The immuno-modulatory role of dietary lutein in domestic cats is unknown. Female Tabby cats (10-month old; n=56) were supplemented daily for 12 weeks with 0, 1, 5 or 10mg lutein. Blood was collected on Weeks 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 to assess the following: (1) mitogen-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferation, (2) changes in PBMC subpopulations, (3) interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and (4) plasma immunoglobulin (Ig)G production. In addition, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to concanavalin A (Con A) or a polyvalent vaccine was performed on Weeks 0, 6 and 12. Dietary lutein increased plasma lutein concentrations in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001) and concentrations had not reached steady state after 12 weeks of feeding in cats given 5 or 10mg lutein. Concentrations of plasma retinol and alpha-tocopherol were not influenced by diet. The DTH response to vaccine but not to Con A increased (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner on Week 6. Compared to control, cats fed lutein also showed enhanced Con A- and pokeweed mitogen-stimulated PBMCs proliferation. Dietary lutein also increased the percentages of CD4+ and CD21+ lymphocytes on Week 12 but had no significant effect on pan T, CD8 and MHC class II markers. Plasma IgG was higher (p<0.05) in cats fed 10mg lutein on Weeks 8 and 12. These results support the immuno-modulatory action of lutein in domestic cats.

Mycelial protoplast isolation and regeneration of Lentinus lepideus

Generation of fungal protoplast is essential for fusion and transformation systems. Protoplast fusion offers great potential for the improvement of industrially important microorganisms. To establish conditions for the protoplast isolation and regeneration of the mycelia of Lentinus lepideus, various enzymes and osmotic stabilizers were examined. To investigate suitable medium for the culture of L. lepideus, the mycelia were grown in ten different media at 28 degrees C for 10 days. Among them potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium was found to be the best for colony growth. When Novozym 234, cellulase and beta-glucuronidase were added to the mycelia in combination or alone, Novozym 234 alone at the concentration of 10 mg/ml was the most effective for the protoplast yield. Purified spherical protoplasts of the mycelia were osmotically hypersensitive and further incubation of the mycelia with the lytic enzyme resulted in the older parts of the hyphae swollen. When we applied various osmotic stabilizers at the fixed concentration of 0.6 M on the protoplasts, the yields of protoplasts were increased until 4-hr incubation. However application of sucrose or MgSO4 led to further protection of protoplasts after that time and reached a plateau on 5- and 7-hr incubations, respectively. The suitable incubation time and optimal pH with the lytic enzyme for the maximum release of protoplasts were 6 hrs of incubation and pH 5, respectively. When we examined various osmotic stabilizers for the regeneration of the protoplast, the complete medium containing 0.6 M sucrose induced highest hyphal growth with regeneration frequency of 3.28%.

A standardized gating technique for the generation of flow cytometry data for normal canine and normal feline blood lymphocytes

Flow cytometry is becoming a commonly used technique to characterize a variety of cells. It provides a powerful application to rapidly determine the relative percentages of T-lymphocyte subsets and B-lymphocytes. The effectiveness of its application, however, is dependent on standardization, especially in a clinical setting. Application of flow cytometry to veterinary diagnostics has been limited by the unavailability of reagents and by the unstandardized characterization of normal values using antibodies not commercially available, but typically provided through the generosity of other researchers. This paper presents a standardized gating protocol, and average values and ranges observed for normal canine and feline blood lymphocytes using commercially available antibodies to cell surface markers for CD5, CD3, CD4, CD8, MHC II, and B lymphocytes. The averages for these markers on gated lymphocytes were as follows: Canine CD5 83.3%, Canine CD4 45.0%, Canine CD8 28.8%, Canine MHC II 98.0%, Canine B Cell 12.9%, Canine CD4/CD8 ratio 1.87, Feline T lymphocytes 77.3%, Feline CD4 44.5%, Feline CD8 25.7%, Feline B Cell 24.1%, Feline CD4/CD8 Ratio 1.75. Normal values were also established for a mixed breed group of dogs, and old versus young dogs. This information will provide researchers and clinicians with a standardized protocol for gating, which establishes a basis for comparison between techniques, and a measure of phenotypic percentages for flow cytometry in normal dogs and cats based on this standardization and commercially available antibodies.

Pharmacodynamic characterization of hemoglobin-induced vasoactivity in isolated rat thoracic aorta

The origin and mechanism of vasocontraction observed after vascular exposure to acellular Hbs remain controversial. To help resolve the underlying mechanism, we characterized Hb-induced vasoactivities in terms of Hb purity, heme iron oxidation state, and ligand and pharmacodynamic properties. Isolated rat thoracic aortic rings with intact endothelium were suspended in oxygenated Krebs buffer, and isometric tension responses to various test Hb preparations were measured. In norepinephrine tone-enhanced aortic rings, both crude and purified Hbs exhibited similar dose-response characteristics; stroma-free Hb and HbA0, two Hb preparations with disparate purity, were equally potent in inducing vessel ring contraction. Purified Hb preparations significantly attenuated vasodilatory potency of both acetylcholine, an endothelium-dependent NO generator, and glyceryl trinitrate, an endothelium-independent NO generator. With the exception of nitrosylated Hb, ferrous Hbs, oxy Hb, and carbon monoxy Hb elicited contraction, whereas ferric derivatives, met Hb, and cyanomet Hb did not. In addition, NEM-Hb, an Hb with blocked cysteine residues, did not notably attenuate Hb vasoactivity. These results indicate that Hb itself is directly responsible for inducing contraction in the rat thoracic aortic rings. A primary mechanism for the Hb-induced vasoactivity appears to be heme iron inactivation of endothelium-derived NO. Nonheme interaction with endothelial NO does not appear to play a prominent role in this vascular model. In conclusion, Hb elicits dose-dependent contraction in isolated rat thoracic aorta with intact endothelium. Vasoactivity of Hbs, however, could greatly vary with heme iron oxidation state, nature of heme ligand, and model vessels used in the evaluation.

General pharmacology studies on beta-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII

beta-Domain deleted recombinant factor VIII (GC-rAHF), newly developed by Korea Green Cross Co., is a novel therapeutic for hemophiliacs and is currently under clinical evaluation. The general pharmacological properties of this drug were evaluated using mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. Intravenous doses of 5 to 500 IU/kg were assayed in several tests to analyze their effects in vivo on various systems. The effect of the substance under study was also tested in vitro on isolated guinea pig ileum preparations at final concentrations of 5 to 50 IU/kg. The result of this study showed that GC-rAHF did not affect general behavior in the Irwin test. Similarly the drug was not found to affect neither normal body temperature nor the spontaneous activity in mice. In addition, it was not found to induce pharmacologically significant alterations of the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters in rats. No effects were observed either in the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep-induction time and duration, in writhing test or in the test of pentetrazole-induced convulsion. Finally, the tested drug did not modify the gastrointestinal motility, acetylcholine or histamine-induced contraction of the isolated guinea pig ileum, nor gastric secretion. The results demonstrated that GC-rAHF has no effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems in the doses of 5, 50 and 500 IU/kg in vivo and 5, 10, 50 and 100 IU/kg in vitro.

Increased expression of Galphaq protein in the heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Heart disease is one of the major cause of death in diabetic patients, but the pathogenesis of diabetic cardio-myopathy remains unclear. In this experiment, to assess the significance of G protein signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, we analyzed the expression of G proteins and the activities of second messenger dependent protein kinases: cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), DAG-mediated protein kinase C (PKC), and calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rat heart. The expression of Galphaq was increased by slightly over 10% (P<0.05) in diabetic rat heart, while Galphas, Galphai, and Gbeta remained unchanged. The PKA activity in the heart did not change significantly but increased by 27% (P<0.01) in the liver. Insulin treatment did not restore the increased activity in the liver. Total PKC activity in the heart was increased by 56% (P<0.01), and insulin treatment did not restore such increase. The CaM kinase II activity in the heart remained at the same level but was slightly increased in the liver (14% increase, P<0.05). These findings of increased expression of Galphaq in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat heart that are reflected by the increased level of PKC activity and insensitivity to insulin demonstrate that alteration of Galphaq may underlie, at least partly, the cardiac dysfunction that is associated with diabetes.

The prediction of interferon-alpha therapeutic effect by sequence variation of the HCV hypervariable region 1

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatitis, but it has been effective in only about half of the treated patients, with recurrence appearing in the other half. As a consequence of the possible complications associated with IFN-alpha and the high cost of treatment, it has become extremely important to select the proper patients for IFN-alpha treatment. In our previous study, we found that the quasispecies in the hypervariable region (HVR) 1 of HCV were various and that a new quasispecies can appear in non-responders and/or lead to deterioration in the patients' condition. The preliminary data we obtained in the process of our previous research led us to believe that the quasispecies of HVR 1 has something to do with the effect of IFN-alpha. Thus, in this investigation, we tried to determine the predictive factors of IFN-alpha therapy. Thirty patients with HCV infection were treated with IFN-alpha. Among them, 15 patients recovered after six months IFN-alpha treatment, but the remaining 15 patients showed no response after six months IFN-alpha treatment. We cloned HVR 1 DNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and examined the quasispecies of HVR 1. As the quasispecies of HVR 1 in non-responders varied more than in the complete remission group, we concluded that the sequence variation in HVR 1 of HCV can be used to predict the effect of IFN-alpha.

Spectral fitting of NMR spectra using an alternating optimization method with a priori knowledge

As alternatives to the fast Fourier transform, advanced parametric methods based on the damped sinusoidal data model have been devised to better quantify the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy time-domain data. Previously, linear prediction (LP) fitting methods using Householder triangularization and singular value decomposition (SVD) techniques have been applied to the NMR spectroscopy data analysis. In this paper, we propose an alternating optimization method to quantify the time-domain NMR spectroscopy data. The proposed algorithm uses the a priori knowledge of the possible frequency intervals of the damped sinusoids to obtain more accurate parameter estimates when the NMR spectroscopy data are obtained under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions and the peaks are close together. None of the LP and SVD type of methods can use such approximate a priori knowledge. We have shown with measured NMR spectroscopy data that the proposed algorithm can be used to obtain accurate parameter estimates of frequencies, amplitudes, and damping ratios of the damped sinusoids and therefore the ultimate fit of the spectrum by using the a priori knowledge about the possible frequency intervals of the damped sinusoids.

Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions by Cichorium intybus

We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus (CIAE) on mast cell-mediated immediate type allergic reactions. CIAE (0.1-1000 mg kg-1) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylactic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in mice. Especially, CIAE inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction 100% with the dose of 1000 mg kg-1. CIAE 1000 mg kg-1also significantly inhibited local anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. When mice were pretreated with CIAE at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mg kg-1, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. CIAE (1-1000 microg ml-1) dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. The level of cAMP in RPMC, when CIAE (1000 microg ml-1) was added, increased significantly compared with that of control cells. These results indicate that CIAE inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro.

Prospective follow-up and pulmonary functions from a placebo-controlled randomized trial of ribavirin therapy in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Ribavirin Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To determine any long-term differences in adverse effects and pulmonary function between infants with respiratory syncytial virus and lower respiratory tract infection who were treated with ribavirin and a control group.

STUDY DESIGN

Long-term follow-up included enumeration of episodes of respiratory illness, wheezing, and pneumonia and, ultimately, administration of pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Pulse oximetry was done at each visit. During the first 3 years we conducted follow-up in the fall and spring. In years 4 and 5 we conducted 1 visit per year. During years 5 through 7 we conducted PFTs, and starting with year 7 a methacholine chloride challenge was done if forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was greater than 70% of predicted value.

RESULTS

We prospectively enrolled (December 1983 to February 1985) in a randomized trial of ribavirin vs placebo children who were previously healthy, were premature, or had chronic pulmonary disease. One pulmonologist (R.F.; blinded) scored and interpreted the results of the PFTs. We studied 42 patients aged 1 to 33 months; 2 patients died (1 receiving ribavirin and 1 receiving placebo) and 5 patients receiving placebo were lost to follow-up; 35 patients (24 taking ribavirin and 11 taking placebo) attended 212 visits. Four patients were premature (3 in the ribavirin and 1 in the placebo group), and 3 of these had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (2 in the ribavirin and 1 in the placebo group). From years 1 to 3, there was more reactive airway disease, wheezing, and pneumonia in the placebo than in the ribavirin group (mean score, 22.3 for 12 placebo-treated patients vs. 15.8 for 23 ribavirin-treated patients; P = .07 by Kruskal-Wallis test); for all years, it was 22.0 for 11 placebo-treated patients vs. 16.0 for 22 ribavirin-treated patients (P = .10). After informed consent was given, 19 patients completed PFTs (13 receiving ribavirin and 6 receiving placebo); 7 of 13 ribavirin-treated patients (53%) had normal or mild PFT results vs. 0 of 6 placebo-treated patients (P = .04 by Fisher exact test). On methacholine challenge (7 ribavirin-treated patients and 5 placebo-treated patients), there was more reactivity in the placebo vs. the ribavirin group (exact P = .07). Scoring done by weighting for severity for 19 patients (13 ribavirin-treated patients and 6 placebo-treated patients) (even after correcting for asthma) showed a significant difference in favor of previously ribavirin-treated patients (exact P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

No outward effects were identified from ribavirin exposure. We observed no increase in reactive airway disease, wheezing, and pneumonia in the ribavirin compared with the placebo group. Weighted severity scores suggest long-term beneficial effect of ribavirin therapy; however, larger numbers should be evaluated.

An efficient retrovirus-mediated transduction of human blood coagulation factor VIII cDNA in regenerating rat liver

A retrovirus-mediated transduction of B-domain-deleted human blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII-B) was attempted in partially hepatectomized rats. FVIII-B cDNA was inserted into a retroviral vector (pLNSX) and infective recombinant virus particles were produced in packaging cell lines (psi2 and PA317). Transfection of mouse NIH-3T3 cells with the FVIII-B cDNA inserted recombinant viruses, followed by G418 selection, gave a viral titer of 3.5 x 10(4) CFU/ml. FVIII-B protein, as well as FVIII-B mRNA, was detected in these cells. Transfusion of FVIII-B-expressing retrovirus particles into the tail vein of rats subjected to partial hepatectomy resulted in a relatively higher level of FVIII-B expression in liver and circulating plasma as compared with the sham-operated rats. These results indicate that the augmentation of FVIII activity in the blood of an animal by retroviral gene delivery can be enhanced by partial hepatectomy, and that the retrovirus-mediated FVIII-B cDNA delivery to regenerating liver may be an alternative method for the expression of FVIII-B cDNA in vivo.

Identification of a type 6 protein ser/thr phosphatase regulated by interleukin-2 stimulation

We have identified a 36 kD phosphoprotein that forms a complex with spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins in lymphocyte extracts. This 36 kD protein is differentially phosphorylated in transformed human lymphoid cell lines and is regulated by IL-2 in peripheral blood T cells. We purified the 36 kD protein from human lymphocytes by employing a combination of immuno-affinity chromatography and preparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Internal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified protein yielded two peptides that had perfect matches with sequences in the human protein serine/threonine phosphatase 6 (PP6). Using degenerate primers corresponding to the peptides, we obtained from a human T lymphocyte cDNA library a DNA fragment whose sequence is homologous to an EST cDNA clone (R05547). The predicted amino acid sequence of this clone showed over 98% sequence identity to human PP6. The identification of an IL-2 regulated type 6 protein serine/threonine phosphatase in lymphocytes was further substantiated by immunoblotting with anti-peptide antibodies. These findings suggest that PP6 is a component of a signaling pathway regulating cell cycle progression in response to IL-2 receptor stimulation.

Anterior cervical spinal epidural abscess in an infant

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is rare in children, especially in newborns and infants, groups in which only very few cases have been reported. Because of the nonspecificity of presenting symptoms in children the diagnosis may be delayed, resulting in major permanent neurological deficits. In this paper, we report a case of cervical SEA in a 6-week-old infant who initially presented with fever and developed quadriparesis 19 days prior to admission. After emergency anterior decompression of the abscess the neurological function was improved immediately. Five months after surgery the neurological status was normal, an MR study showing disappearance of the epidural abscess and spinal cord indentation, and progressive fusion of the C3, C4 and C5 vertebral bodies. Anterior decompression without bone graft can provide an excellent prognosis in case of an anterior cervical SEA in infants.