Vaccination of sheep against Schistosoma japonicum with either glutathione S-transferase, keyhole limpet haemocyanin or the freeze/thaw schistosomula/BCG vaccine

The protective potential of glutathione S-transferase (GST), keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and the freeze/thaw (F/T) schistosomula/BCG vaccine was evaluated against Schistosoma japonicum in the natural sheep host. Groups of ten sheep each were vaccinated as follows: Group I: 2 x F/T 30,000 schistosomula+BCG 3 x 10(8) organisms, with a 2 week interval between vaccinations (F/T 'Low'). Group II: 3 x F/T 20,000 schistosomula+BCG 3 x 10(8), with 4 week interval (F/T 'High'). Group III: 2 x GST 0.24 mg+FCA (Freund's complete adjuvant) with 2 week interval (GST 'Low'). Group IV: 3 x GST 0.24 mg+FCA, with 4 week interval (GST 'High'). Group V: 2 x KLH 1.0 mg in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with 2 week interval (KLH 'Low'). Group VI: 3 x KLH 1.0 mg in PBS, with 4 week interval (KLH 'High'). Group VII: control (not vaccinated). Specific antibody, detected by GST-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and KLH-ELISA on the day after the last vaccination and 1, 2 and 3 weeks post-challenge, was found in all GST- or KLH-vaccinated groups. The same was found in F/T schistosomula-vaccinated groups against crude adult worm antigen (AWA). In Western blotting all GST-vaccinated sera recognized 26 kDa and 28 kDa bands on the challenge day and at 3 and 11 weeks post-challenge. Mean faecal egg counts between Weeks 6 and 10 post-challenge were reduced in a statistically significant way at five time points in the four groups, i.e. 83.38% (P < 0.005) in Group II, 49.29% (P < 0.025) in Group III, 47.9% (P < 0.05) and 71.15% (P < 0.01) in Group IV, 52.0% (P < 0.025) and 66.38% (P < 0.025) in Group VI. On autopsy and perfusion 1 week after the last faecal count, adult worm reductions were obtained of 40.36% (P < 0.05) in Group I, 37.26% (P < 0.025) in Group II, 24.73% (not significant) in Group III, 35.93% (P < 0.025) in Group IV, 27.46% (P < 0.05) in Group V and 33.81% (P < 0.01) in Group VI. Mean tissue egg densities were also reduced significantly in Groups III, IV and VI, especially in Group IV vaccinated animals. Mean liver egg granuloma diameters of the vaccinated groups were found to be less than those of the controls but there was no statistical significance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pharmacodynamics of plasma nitrate/nitrite as an indication of nitric oxide formation in conscious dogs

BACKGROUND

The present investigation was undertaken to better understand the production of nitric oxide (NO) in vivo as measured by alterations in plasma nitrite or nitrate in blood samples from studies in experimental animals or clinical studies in humans.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plasma samples were taken from the aorta, the coronary sinus, a peripheral vein in the leg (skeletal muscle), or the right ventricle (mixed venous) in chronically instrumented conscious dogs. Plasma nitrite was converted to NO gas in an argon environment by use of hydrochloric acid, and plasma nitrate was converted first to nitrite with nitrate reductase and then to NO gas with acid. Standard curves were constructed, and the amount of nitrite and nitrate in plasma was determined. The primary metabolite was nitrate, whereas nitrate was approximately 10% of the total and remained constant. In the resting dog, the only vascular bed with a positive arterial-venous nitrate difference, evidence for production of NO, was the heart. Nitrate infusion into quietly resting dogs resulted in increases in plasma nitrate up to 38 +/- 3.4 mmol/L, increases in systemic arterial pressure, and a marked diuresis. The plasma half-life was calculated as 3.8 hours. The volume of distribution was calculated as 0.215 L/kg, or equivalent to the extracellular volume.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies indicate that nitrate is a reliable measure of NO metabolism in vivo but that because of the long half-life, nitrate will accumulate in plasma once it is produced. Because of the large volume of distribution (21% of body weight versus the 4% of body weight usually attributed to plasma volume, the compartment in which nitrate is measured), simple measures of plasma nitrate underestimate by a factor of 4 to 6 the actual production of nitrate or NO by the body. In disease states, such as heart failure, in which renal function and extracellular volume are altered, caution should be exercised when increases in nitrate in plasma as an index of NO formation are evaluated.

Sequential expression and differential localization of I-, L-, and T-fimbrin during differentiation of the mouse intestine and yolk sac

During the differentiation of the intestine epithelium, three cytoskeletal proteins, villin, fimbrin, and myosin I, are sequentially expressed and localized to the apical membrane. Recently, we found that in the adult mouse and human, three fimbrin isoforms are expressed in a cell specific manner. I-fimbrin is expressed by intestine and kidney epithelial cells, L-fimbrin is expressed by leukocytes and many tumors, while T-fimbrin is expressed by various cells and tissues. Because non-intestinal isoforms of fimbrin could be expressed early in development, the expression of fimbrin isoforms during days 10.5 to 16.5 of intestine development was investigated. By immunofluorescence microscopy, T-fimbrin was detected in the early stages of intestinal epithelial cell differentiation until day 14.5 and was localized predominantly at the apical surface. L-fimbrin was also detected during this period but it was localized to the basal surface of the epithelium instead of the apical surface. By day 16.5 no L or T-fimbrin was detected in the epithelium. I-fimbrin was first detected at day 14.5 and a brush border-like apical localization pattern was seen by day 16.5. Unlike the intestinal cells, the visceral endoderm expressed I, L, and T-fimbrin throughout the period examined, with the level of I-fimbrin increasing as time progresses. L-fimbrin was more evident at the earlier stage than at the later stage of the development. Collectively, these results suggest that three fimbrin isoforms play different roles during epithelial cell differentiation. T- and I-fimbrin expression could be critical for the formation and extension of the microvilli whereas L-fimbrin may play a role in controlling cell adhesion.

[The effective time of HX solution for rat liver preservation]

The effects of HX solution and UW solution for rat liver preservation were studied with non-circulated isolated perfused rat liver model. Sixty-six inbred Wistar rat livers were randomly preserved for 12, 18, 24, and 30h with HX solution or UW solution. The effects were assessed by measuring hepatic tissue water content, sinusoidal lining cell mortality, Krebs-Henseleit's perfusate aspartate aminotransferase, the number of livers secreting bile during isolated perfusion, and by observing the morphological changes in liver. The experimental results suggest that the effects of HX solution for rat liver preservation be similar to those of UW solution within 24h storage.

Selective impairment of vagally mediated, nitric oxide-dependent coronary vasodilation in conscious dogs after pacing-induced heart failure

BACKGROUND

Activation in conscious dogs of the carotid chemoreflex or cardiac receptors results in coronary vasodilation that is mediated by a vagal cholinergic mechanism. Our previous study showed that the coronary vasodilation following activation of carotid chemoreflex is also mediated by nitric oxide (NO). In addition, NO production is depressed after the development of heart failure. Therefore, we hypothesized that the coronary vasodilation after activation of reflexes that elicit efferent vagal coronary vasodilation would be blunted in conscious dogs after pacing-induced heart failure due to the disappearance of NO.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mongrel dogs were chronically instrumented using sterile techniques for measurements of systemic hemodynamics and left circumflex coronary blood flow (CBF). Without the heart rate controlled, intra-atrial injection of veratrine (4 micrograms/kg) caused bradycardia (-36 +/- 3 beats per minute). With the heart rate controlled, veratrine increased CBF in a dose-dependent manner: for example, 4 micrograms/kg of veratrine increased CBF by 54 +/- 5% from 38 +/- 4.9 mL/min (P < .05). The increases in CBF induced by veratrine were markedly blunted by nitro-L-arginine (NLA). Activation of carotid chemoreflex by nicotine increased CBF by 121 +/- 9% from 32 +/- 4 mL++/min (P < .05) with the heart rate controlled and caused bradycardia (-32 +/- 5 beats per minute) without the heart rate controlled. After the development of heart failure, in response to activation of carotid chemoreflex or cardiac receptors the coronary vasodilation was almost abolished (CBF increased by only 23 +/- 8% or 11 +/- 3%, P < .05 compared with control). There still was a marked bradycardia after injections of nicotine or veratrine (-50 +/- 11 or -48 +/- 7 beats per minute).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that vagally mediated coronary vasodilation is selectively attenuated in conscious dogs after pacing-induced heart failure, whereas the vagally mediated bradycardia is preserved. Since muscarinic receptor-induced coronary vasodilation is mediated by NO, the disappearance of NO from blood vessels leads to a defect in the integrated neural regulation of coronary blood flow and myocardial function during heart failure.

[Protective effect of total flavonoids of radix Astragali on mammalian cell damage caused by hydroxyl radical]

The protective effect of total flavonoids of Radix Astragali (TFA) on V79 cell damage caused by H2O2-Fe2+ system has been studied. The results show that total flavonoids of Radix Astragali inhibit lipid peroxides and increase SOD activity. It has also been found that TFA has different protective effect against various damages of V79 cells caused by hydroxyl radical.

[Effects of Sichuan herba Epimedii on the concentration of plasma middle molecular substances and sulfhydryl group of "yang-deficiency" model animal]

The effects of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the "Yang" produced by the extracts of Chinese herbs Epimedium wushanense and E. pubescens were studied in this paper. The results showed that both two herbs could decrease the concentration of plasma middle molecular substances and increase the concentration of plasma sulfhydryl group of "Yang-deficiency" model mice, thus suggesting that the above-said tonifying and strengthening effects of Herba Epimedii may result from its effects on middle molecular substances and sulfhydryl group, so as to strengthen the body resistance and eliminate the invading pathogenic factors.

Expression of binding of plasminogen, thrombospondin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen, and adhesive properties by Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with colonic diseases

Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients with colonic disorders (n = 27) and strains isolated from the rectal mucosa of healthy subjects (n = 24) were compared with respect to expression of cell surface hydrophobicity, carriage of intestinal virulence factors, adhesion to tissue culture cells, and expression of binding of extracellular matrix proteins and plasma proteins. Strains isolated from patients with colonic disease did not express a more hydrophobic cell surface than strains from healthy subjects. Few strains from both groups carried genes encoding for recognised virulence factors of E coli. Only one strain, carrying the eae gene induced actin polymerisation in tissue culture cells. Strains from patients with colonic diseases adhered to HT29 cells, which are of intestinal origin, to a higher extent than E coli from healthy subjects. Significantly more strains from patients with colonic disorders than E coli from healthy subjects expressed binding of fibronectin, collagens, laminin, vitronectin, plasminogen, throbospondin, and fibrinogen. Expression of binding of these proteins may influence the pathogenesis of colonic disease by mediating binding to ulcerated tissue, preventing complement induced lysis of bacteria and by exerting proteolytic activity. There was no correlation between serotype, expression of cell surface hydrophobicity, and binding of extracellular matrix and plasma proteins.

[The protective effects of drugs H and X on liver cold ischemic injury]

Using isolated perfusion rat liver model (IPRL), we studied the protective effects of drugs H and X on rat's liver cold ischemic injury. After the rat's liver was preserved for 12 hours in Collins II solution with the addition of drugs H and X, the necrotic rate of sinusoidal lining cells was significantly lower than that of control group. Within certain range of the dosage of drugs H and X, the necrotic rate of sinusoidal lining cells was in the inverse ratio of the dosage in the Collins II solution. We also found that drugs H and X had obvious protective effect on liver cell redox function. But these drugs could not inhibit tissue from swelling after Collins II solution preservation. The protective mechanisms of the drugs maybe relate to the remoral of free radicals and suppression of Kupffer's cells activity.

A quality study of a computerized medical birth registry

Processed by a computerized medical birth registry system, the birth records of 20,103 deliveries, from February 1992 to February 1993, were digitized with medium registry. From January 1, to February 28, 1993, the original records (n = 2,840 cases) of all 10 collaborative hospitals were requested for assessment of the data quality. Thirty-six items were scored, data of poor quality was found in 8 items; acceptable quality in 4 items; and good quality in 28 items. The feasibility of data transfer by floppy disc and per modem was evaluated. This registry system had shortened data processing time effectively and improved mutual feedback between data center and delivery units. Errors resulting from technical faults originating in preparation of the data for computerizing at hospital level could be effectively reduced. The validity of diagnosis remained as the major source of errors.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in patients who have received radiation therapy and in patients who have not received radiation therapy

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) occurs more frequently in persons who have been exposed to low-dose therapeutic radiation. Little information is available concerning whether or not the clinical, metabolic, and pathologic manifestations, as well as outcome, differ in these patients when compared with patients with sporadic HPT.

STUDY DESIGN

Records from 438 unselected patients with primary HPT, who were treated from 1982 to 1993 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients prospectively received a standard questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively concerning clinical manifestations and a history of radiation exposure. Forty-nine patients had a history of radiation exposure (rHPT), whereas 389 did not have sporadic HPT (sHPT).

RESULTS

There was no difference in gender (36 women and 13 men versus 289 women and 100 men) or age (mean of 52 +/- 12 versus 57 +/- 16 years) in patients with rHPT or sHPT. Fatigue, neuropsychiatric disorders, memory loss, nocturia, and polyurea were more common in patients with sHPT (p < 0.05), whereas pain in joints was more common in patients with rHPT (63 versus 52 percent; p < 0.001). Serum calcium levels were similar (11.1 +/- 0.8 versus 11.2 +/- 0.8 mg per dL), but serum parathyroid hormone levels were higher in rHPT (448 +/- 14 percent of upper limit of normal versus 371 +/- 12 percent upper limit of normal). The parathyroid pathology was similar in the two groups (single adenoma 74 versus 72 percent, hyperplasia 14 versus 16 percent, and double adenoma 12 versus 12 percent in rHPT versus sHPT, respectively). Thyroid pathology was more common in the rHPT group (multinodular goiter 27 versus 7 percent and papillary thyroid carcinoma 14 versus 0.3 percent). Seven (1.8 percent) of patients not receiving radiation therapy treated by us had persistent HPT, but no patients receiving or not receiving radiation therapy had recurrent HPT during the follow-up period (six years).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have HPT after radiation treatment have more thyroid neoplasms but are otherwise quite similar to other patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Isoform-specific complementation of the yeast sac6 null mutation by human fimbrin

The actin cytoskeleton is a fundamental component of eukaryotic cells, with both structural and motile roles. Actin and many of the actin-binding proteins found in different cell types are highly conserved, showing considerable similarity in both primary structure and biochemical properties. To make detailed comparisons between homologous proteins, it is necessary to know whether the various proteins are functionally, as well as structurally, conserved. Fimbrin is an example of a cytoskeletal component that, as shown by sequence determinations and biochemical characterizations, is conserved between organisms as diverse as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans. In this study, we examined whether the human homolog can substitute for the yeast protein in vivo. We report here that two isoforms of human fimbrin, also referred to as T- and L-plastin, can both substitute in vivo for yeast fimbrin, also known as Sac6p, whereas a third isoform, I-fimbrin (or I-plastin), cannot. We demonstrate that the human T- and L-fimbrins, in addition to complementing the temperature-sensitive growth defect of the sac6 null mutant, restore both normal cytoskeletal organization and cell shape to the mutant cells. In addition, we show that human T- and L-fimbrins can complement a sporulation defect caused by the sac6 null mutation. These findings indicate that there is a high degree of functional conservation in the cytoskeleton, even between organisms as diverse as S. cerevisiae and humans.

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for type III displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

From 1985 to 1991, 623 cases of supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children were admitted to one center, of which 403 were analyzed in detail. Of these, 180 cases were classified as Gartland type III extension fractures, and 111 were treated via primary closed reduction and percutaneous smooth Kirschner wire pinning, of which 82 were followed up for an average of 3.5 years and were studied in detail clinically and radiologically. There were two cases of superficial pin tract infection and one of ulnar nerve palsy associated with the pinning. Nineteen fractures (10.5%) had an initial nerve palsy related to the injury. All recovered completely from 4 weeks to 40 weeks postinjury. Only one of nine cases (5%) with absent radial pulse required exploration. Eighty percent of all cases had excellent or good function according to the Flynn criteria of elbow assessment. The most important factor correlating with the final varus deformity was found to be the difference in Baumann's angle between the injured and the normal side after closed reduction and pin fixation. The results of cross pinning in eight cases were not found to be different from those of the lateral pinning group (74 cases). Ipsilateral fracture of the same limb occurred in 4.4% of the cases, the majority being a fracture of the distal radius. The average anesthetic time for the procedure was 54 min, and the average hospital stay was 2.9 days. Our study shows that cross or lateral percutaneous pinning was found to be effective in the treatment of Gartland type III extension fractures with a high success rate and minimal complications.

National food contamination monitoring programmes-levels of mercury, lead and cadmium in Chinese foods

Six hundred and thirty-four food samples of six kinds were collected from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jilin and Guangdong areas, China and Hg, Pb, Cd contents were determined. The results showed that their levels in the Chinese foods were low; their levels in meat, egg, milk and fish were generally below the national hygienic standard. The average daily dietary intake of Hg, Pb, Cd were 7.25 micrograms, 103.77 micrograms and 30.72 micrograms respectively and they were all less than the ADI established by WHO.

Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of oxygen consumption in conscious dogs

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of O2 consumption was studied in chronically instrumented conscious dogs. A specific NO synthesis inhibitor, nitro-L-arginine (NLA, 30 mg/kg i.v.), significantly increased mean arterial pressure from 100 +/- 4 to 134 +/- 5 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) and total peripheral resistance by 157 +/- 16% and reduced cardiac output by 47 +/- 3% and heart rate by 34 +/- 6% after 120 minutes. Changes in arterial blood gases were not observed. There were significant changes in PO2 (-14 +/- 2 mm Hg), O2 saturation (-21 +/- 2%), the percentage of hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin (-21 +/- 2%), and O2 content (-3.0 +/- 0.9 vol%) and a significant increase in percent reduced hemoglobin (21 +/- 1%) in mixed venous blood, associated with an increase in O2 extraction (5.1 +/- 0.2 vol%) (all P < .01). O2 consumption was increased from 124 +/- 6 to 155 +/- 9 mL/min (P < .05). Methoxamine, titrated to have hemodynamic effects similar to those of NLA (eg, mean arterial pressure increased from 97 +/- 4 to 131 +/- 5 mm Hg), had much smaller effects on venous blood gases, hemoglobin, and O2 extraction (2.3 +/- 0.7 vol%) and no significant effect on O2 consumption. NLA also caused an increase in O2 consumption of 37 +/- 8% (P < .01) in quietly resting conscious dogs that had undergone pretreatment with hexamethonium and atropine, but no significant change in O2 consumption in dogs anesthetized with barbiturate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Data quality of a computerized medical birth registry

Processed by a computerized medical birth registry system, the birth records of 20,103 deliveries, from February 1992 to February 1993, were digitized with medium registry. From 1 January to 28 February 1993, the original records (n = 2840 cases) of all 10 collaborative hospitals were requested for assessment of data quality. Thirty-six items were scored, data of poor quality was found in eight; acceptable quality in four; and good quality in 28. The feasibility of data transfer by floppy disc and per modem was evaluated. This registry system had effectively shortened data processing time and improved mutual feedback between the data centre and the delivery units. Errors resulting from technical faults originating in the preparation of data for computerization at hospital level could be effectively reduced. The validity of diagnosis remained as the major source of errors.

Measurement of cervical canal sagittal diameter in Chinese males with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BACKGROUND

Cervical canal encroachment can be properly assessed from lateral cervical radiographs either by defining its magnification rate or by a ratio-method. Data of the latter obtained from Chinese males with cervical myelopathy were compared with the data of general population in different age groups.

METHODS

A total of 200 Chinese males were included in this study. Half of them had undergone decompressive procedures for cervical myelopathy, while the remaining 100 cases were volunteers. Sagittal diameters of cervical canal and vertebra were measured from C3 to C6 on lateral cervical radiographs, while ratios (Torg-Pavlov's ratios) of the two reflected the extent of sagittal canal encroachment. Cut-off values and discriminant rates of these parameters in different age groups were obtained by discriminant analysis. The tube-to-film distance was set as 40 inches.

RESULTS

In myelopathic group (age < 55 y/o), Torg-Pavlov's ratios, as expressed by mean +/- standard deviation, were 0.77 +/- 0.12 for C3, 0.75 +/- 0.14 for C4, 0.80 +/- 0.14 for C5, and 0.81 +/- 0.15 for C6. In control group (age < 55 y/o) the ratios were 0.94 +/- 0.12, 0.95 +/- 0.13, 0.97 +/- 0.13, and 0.97 +/- 0.13 respectively. In myelopathic group (age > or = 55 y/o), the ratios were 0.76 +/- 0.09, 0.71 +/- 0.10, 0.73 +/- 0.11, and 0.76 +/- 0.11; while in control group (age > or = 55 y/o), the ratios were 0.93 +/- 0.10, 0.89 +/- 0.09, 0.88 +/- 0.11, and 0.91 +/- 0.12 respectively. The cutoff values and their discriminant rates are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences of canal sagittal diameter as well as Torg-Pavlov ratio between myelopathic and control group of Chinese males in individual age group were statistically significant. It is concluded that congenitally narrow cervical canal is a major predisposing factor to cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Role of EDRF/NO in parasympathetic coronary vasodilation following carotid chemoreflex activation in conscious dogs

The role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in parasympathetic coronary vasodilation following carotid chemoreflex activation induced by nicotine in conscious dogs and stimulation of the vagus nerve in anesthetized dogs was studied. Injection of nicotine (11 +/- 4 micrograms) into the carotid artery increased coronary blood flow (CBF) by 126 +/- 16% from 28 +/- 3 ml/min and reduced late diastolic coronary resistance (LDCR) by 43 +/- 4% from 3.58 +/- 0.52 mmHg.ml-1.min, accompanied by a significant increase in mean arterial pressure and a decrease in heart rate (all P < 0.01). Pacing and propranolol did not change the coronary vascular response to chemoreflex activation. There were still increases in CBF by 113 +/- 17% from 29 +/- 3 ml/min and decreases in LDCR by 41 +/- 5% from 3.13 +/- 0.52 mmHg.ml-1.min (all P < 0.01). After infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (30 mg/kg), the increase in CBF following chemoreflex activation was only 23 +/- 3% from 37 +/- 3 ml/min, and the fall in LDCR was 19 +/- 3% from 3.09 +/- 0.51 mmHg.ml-1.min. Stimulation of the vagus nerve showed a relationship between stimulation frequency and coronary vasodilation that was significantly inhibited by L-NNA. Thus EDRF plays an important role in mediating parasympathetic coronary vasodilation during chemoreflex activation and perhaps during many reflexes that cause vagal cholinergic vasodilation in the heart.

Role of EDRF in the regulation of regional blood flow and vascular resistance at rest and during exercise in conscious dogs

The contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) to the regulation of regional vascular resistance and tissue blood flow at rest and during acute moderate exercise was studied in chronically instrumented conscious dogs. Radioactive microspheres were injected before and during exercise to measure regional blood flow. An infusion of nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), an analogue of L-arginine, was used to inhibit the synthesis of EDRF and resulted in a significant increase in mean arterial pressure, associated with significantly elevated vascular resistance in heart, skeletal muscle, renal and splanchnic circulations and with decreases in tissue blood flow in those regions at rest. Acute exercise caused a typical redistribution of blood flow, in which there was vasodilation in heart and working skeletal muscles, accompanied by vasoconstriction in kidney and splanchnic circulations. L-NA resulted in significantly elevated vascular resistance during vasodilation in heart and working skeletal muscles and also significantly increased vasoconstriction in renal cortex, stomach, pancreas, liver, and colon during exercise. Blood flows during exercise were largely unaffected by L-NA treatment. Our results suggest that whereas EDRF functions to regulate basal vascular tone and vascular resistance during exercise, EDRF has a minor role in determining the pattern of the redistribution of tissue blood flow during exercise.

[Comparative study of organ storage solutions for rat liver preservation: effects of HX and Collins I solution on sinusoidal lining cells and hepatic functions]

The liver sinusoidal lining cell injury and biochemical function changes were studied with isolated perfusion after rat livers had been preserved in HX solution or in Collins II solution. Seventy inbred Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 10), group H (preserved with HX solution, n = 30), and group C (preserved with Collins II solution, n = 30). The effects of the storage solutions were assessed by measuring the sinusoidal lining cell mortality (SLCM), Krebs-Henseleit perfusate ketone body ratio (PKBR), the hepatic sugar release (SL), and the number of livers secreting bile during isolated perfusion. The results suggest that the HX solution be much superior to Collins II solution in preventing sinusoidal lining cell injury and maintaining normal hepatic functions.

Purification of collagen-binding proteins of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIB 11951

Collagen type-I-binding proteins of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIB 11951 were purified. The cell surface proteins were affinity purified on collagen Sepharose and eluted with an NaCl gradient. Two protein bands were eluted from the column (29 kDa and 31 kDa), and both bound radio-labeled collagen type I. Rabbit antisera raised against the 29 kDa and 31 kDa protein reacted with the affinity-purified proteins in a Western blot with whole-cell extract used as antigen. The N-terminal sequence of the 29-kDa and 31-kDa proteins demonstrated the closest homologies with internal sequences from an Escherichia coli trigger factor protein (TIG.ECOLI). Out of nine other lactobacilli, the antisera reacted only with the L. reuteri and not with the other species tested.

Identification of I-plastin, a human fimbrin isoform expressed in intestine and kidney

The complete cDNA sequence of human intestine-specific plastin (I-plastin) was determined from a clone derived by PCR. It consists of a 97-bp 5' untranslated region, a 1,887-bp coding region, and a 1,655-bp 3' untranslated region. The coding region predicts a 629-residue polypeptide whose sequence displays 86, 75, and 73% identities with chicken intestine fimbrin, human T-plastin, and human L-plastin, respectively. Recombinant I-plastin cross-linked actin filaments into bundles in the absence but not in the presence of calcium. The I-plastin gene was mapped by PCR to human chromosome 3; the L- and T-plastin genes were previously mapped to chromosomes 13 and X, respectively. I-plastin mRNA was detected in the small intestine, colon, and kidneys; relatively lower levels of expression were detected in the lungs and stomach. In contrast, L-plastin expression was restricted to the spleen and other lymph node-containing organs, while T-plastin was expressed in a variety of organs, including muscle, brain, uterus, and esophagus. In contrast to the situation for the intestine, high levels of L- and T-plastin mRNAs were detected in Caco-2, a human colon-derived cell line. Immunofluorescence microscopy detected I-plastin in the brush border of the small intestine and colon. These results identify I-plastin as the human homolog of chicken intestine fimbrin and as a third plastin isoform in humans.

Reconstruction of extensor mechanism after trauma and infection by transposition of the Achilles tendon: report of technique and four cases

High-energy injuries to the knee often involve extensive soft tissue loss as well as fractures. In certain situations, the patellar tendon may be lost due to initial injury or post-injury complications such as infection. Use of the gastrocnemius flap is a popular method of covering the defect as well as controlling infection and promoting healing by increasing local vascularity. We present a method of reconstructing the patellar tendon by extending the use of the gastrocnemius flaps using its Achilles tendon and calcaneal insertion. The distal insertion of the Achilles tendon is fixed to the tibial tuberosity with a cancellous screw, and the proximal end is sutured to the quadriceps muscles. The knee is immobilized for 1 week, after which the knee is mobilized in a hinged brace. Three of the four cases had good results, one a moderate result (the initial injury was extensive, with dislocation of the knee).

Effects of prolonged darkness on light responsiveness and spectral sensitivity of cone horizontal cells in carp retina in vivo

Light responses of cone- and rod-driven horizontal cells were recorded intracellularly from opened eyes of intact, immobilized carp and the effects of prolonged darkness on these cells were examined. When the retina was left in the dark, responses of cone horizontal cells to a moderate test flash presented once every 10 min gradually and steadily decreased in size (dark suppression effect). Following a repetitive presentation of the test flash, the light responsiveness of the cells was enhanced. In contrast, the rod horizontal cells did not show the dark suppression effect and the light responsiveness of these cells increased in the dark. Effects of prolonged darkness on the spectral sensitivity of L-type and R/G-type cone horizontal cells were also studied. The spectral sensitivity of L-type cells, determined just after background illumination was extinguished, agreed reasonably well with that of red-sensitive (R-) cones, but it matched better that of green-sensitive (G-) cones when determined in prolonged darkness. We further show that depolarizing responses of R/G-type cone horizontal cells to long-wavelength flashes, driven by R-cones, were abolished after prolonged darkness. Taken together, these results suggest that input from R-cones converging onto the cone horizontal cells is more significantly suppressed after prolonged dark adaptation than input from G-cones. Due to the suppression of the R-cone input, enhancement of responses of the L-type cone horizontal cells to long-wavelength stimulation in the presence of a green background light was no longer seen after prolonged darkness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrasonographic hip morphometry in infants

Ultrasonographic study of 463 normal children (926 hips) from birth to 6 months of age with equal sex distribution was performed. Hip morphometry, including Graf's alpha and beta angles. Morin's head coverage percentage, and head size were measured. Using the same technique, a group of 52 babies was measured longitudinally from birth to 6 months of age, with three measurements taken for each hip for a total of 312 measurements. Results showed that the boys had a consistently higher alpha angle, a lower beta angle, better head coverage, and larger head size through the 6 months. Differences between the right and left hips were only noted in the beta angle. The containment of the hip was found to increase rapidly in the first 4 months. Comparing data from the longitudinal versus the cross-sectional group, no statistically significant differences were detectable in all the parameters measured. Intraobserver variations were found to be best with alpha angle measurements, with a standard deviation of 3.22 degrees.

Polymorphous ventricular tachycardia after intracoronary papaverine: a report of 3 cases

Three cases with polymorphous ventricular tachycardia following a standard dose of intracoronary papaverine during 102 measurements of coronary flow reserve are reported. This study suggests that all patients should be closely monitored while receiving intracoronary papaverine and that extreme caution should be employed when the drug is administered to patients with QT interval prolongation and poor coronary flow reserve.

Atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease

A retrospective study of the incidence of atrial fibrillation in 703 consecutive patients who had undergone selective coronary arteriography and left ventricular catheterization between November 1986 and May 1992 was undertaken. The study group included 136 patients with significant coronary stenosis (> 50% diameter reduction) without previous myocardial infarction (group I), 157 with a history of myocardial infarction (group II), 326 with chest pain and normal coronary angiography (group III), 72 with valvular disease (group IV), and 12 with cardiomyopathy (group V). Clinical and electrocardiographic evidence of atrial fibrillation was documented in 75 patients (10.7%), including 2 (1.5%) in group I, 6 (3.8%) in group II, 36 (11%) in group III, 27 (37.5%) in group IV, and 4 (33.3%) in group V. The rate of occurrence of atrial fibrillation was lower in groups I and II than in groups III, IV and V. Atrial fibrillation was rarely found in coronary artery disease.

Double parathyroid adenomas. Clinical and biochemical characteristics before and after parathyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE

There is considerable debate about whether double parathyroid adenomas are a discrete entity or represent hyperplasia with parathyroid glands of varying sizes. This distinction is important because it impacts on the extent of parathyroid resection and the success of the parathyroid operation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Double parathyroid adenomas have been reported to occur in 1.7% to 9% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). It is important for surgeons to differentiate between double adenoma and hyperplasia with glands of varying sizes using gross examination during the initial procedure because microscopic findings of a small biopsy specimen at frozen-section examination may not be diagnostic.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1992, 416 unselected patients (309 women and 107 men) with primary HPT without familial HPT or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) were treated by one surgeon at the University of California at San Francisco. Double adenoma occurred in 49 patients, solitary adenoma in 309 patients, and hyperplasia in 58 patients. The authors analyzed the clinical manifestations, the preoperative and postoperative serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the success rate and outcome after parathyroidectomy and compared their results in 49 patients with double adenomas to the results for patients with solitary adenomas or hyperplasia.

RESULTS

Ten of the patients with double adenomas (20.4%) were referred for persistent HPT after removal of one abnormal parathyroid gland. The ages of the patients with double adenoma, single adenoma, and hyperplasia were 61 +/- 14, 56 +/- 15, and 58 +/- 7 years, respectively. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and bone pain were common in patients with double adenomas, whereas nephrolithiasis occurred more frequently in patients with solitary adenoma (p = 0.0001). Serum calcium and PTH levels (per cent of upper limit of normal) fell from 11.5 +/- 1.2 mg/dL and 487% to 9.5 +/- 0.8 mg/dL and 61% for patients with double adenomas; from 11.9 +/- 0.9 mg/dL and 378% to 9.3 +/- 1.4 mg/dL and 101% for patients with single adenoma; and from 10.9 +/- 0.5 mg/dL and 418% to 9.1 +/- 0.7 mg/dL and 94% for patients with hyperplasia, respectively. There was no recurrence in the patients with double adenomas with a mean follow-up time of 5.8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Double adenomas are a discrete entity and occur more often in older patients. Patients with double adenomas can be successfully treated by removal of the two abnormal glands.

Isolation of STD1, a high-copy-number suppressor of a dominant negative mutation in the yeast TATA-binding protein

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is an essential component of the transcriptional machinery of all three nuclear RNA polymerase enzymes. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of TBPs from a number of species reveals a highly conserved 180-residue C-terminal domain. In contrast, the N terminus is variable in both size and amino acid sequence. Overexpression of a TBP protein with a deletion of the nonconserved N terminus (TBP delta 57) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in a dominant negative phenotype of extremely slow growth. Associated with the slow-growth phenotype are defects in RNA polymerase II transcription in vivo. We have screened a high-copy-number yeast genomic library for suppression of the slow-growth phenotype and have isolated plasmids which encode suppressors of TBP delta 57 overexpression. Here we report the sequence and initial characterization of one suppressor, designated STD1 for suppressor of TBP deletion. The STD1 gene contains a single continuous open reading frame with the potential to encode a 50.2-kDa protein. Disruption of the STD1 gene indicates that it is not essential for vegetative growth, mating, or sporulation. High-copy-number suppression by the STD1 gene is not the result of a decrease in TBP delta 57 protein accumulation or DNA-binding activity; instead, STD1 suppression is coincident with the elimination of TBP delta 57-induced RNA polymerase II defects in both uninduced and induced transcription in vivo.

Clinical and experimental studies on shallow needling technique for treating childhood diarrhea

Treatment of diarrhea in children by shallow needling and by drugs was studied in 3 separate groups for comparison. For Group I, the lateral line II of the forehead was taken, i.e. the upper, middle and lower points of the line staring from Toulinqi (UB 15) vertically downwards to the place 1 cm below the hairline were selected. For Group II, shallow needling was done on body acupoints, the main points selected being Qihai (Ren 6), Shuifen (Ren 9), bilateral Tianshu (St 25), and bilateral Zusanli (St 36); the adjuvant acupoints were Taibai (Sp 3) and Gongsun (Sp 4). The depth of shallow needling was merely puncturing the skin. For Group III the drugs used were Liteling, Berberine, Gentamycin, Ampicillin, and SMZ Co. The results of treatment in Group I and II differed insignificantly, while both were significantly superior to drugs in Group III. Experimental studies also showed that shallow needling enhanced the humoral and cellular immunity and promoted the intestinal peristaltic function.

Identity elements of tRNA(Trp). Identification and evolutionary conservation

In this study, the varying reactivities of Bacillus subtilis tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase toward prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and halophile tRNAs were employed to define the potential identity elements on tRNA(Trp). On this basis mutagenesis was performed to obtain, through in vivo heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase, mutant B. subtilis tRNA(Trp) for comparison with the wild-type. These comparisons served to establish G73 and the anticodon as major identity elements, and A1-U72, G5-C68, and A9 as minor identity elements. While the tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase from B. subtilis and E. coli require G73 to function, replacement of G73 by A73 favors the enzyme from yeast. This change points to the variation of the identity elements for the same amino acid among different organisms. The similarity in these elements between B. subtilis and E. coli tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, however, suggests that identity elements on tRNA, like the active centers on enzymes, undergo evolutionary change at slower rates than less essential portions of the macromolecule.

Purification of hyperexpressed Bacillus subtilis tRNA(Trp) cloned in Escherichia coli

To study the effects of evolutionary sequence changes on the molecular interactions of tRNA inside the cell, the Bacillus subtilis tRNA(Trp) gene has been cloned into Escherichia coli JM109 under the control of the lac promotor. Hyperexpression of the gene in minimal medium upon induction yielded 28% of total tRNA in the form of B. subtilis tRNA(Trp). The tRNA(Trp) gene product was purified by the use of a single Vydac C4 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) matrix. This experimental system provided a valuable system for the hyperexpression and purification of a heterologous tRNA for studies in vitro. Moreover, because HPLC fractionation of the heterologous tRNA(Trp) gene product yielded multiple peaks, the system made possible an analysis of the molecular mechanisms for the transcriptional modifications of the tRNA(Trp) gene product in vivo.

Effects of copper coordinate complexes on the scavenging of reactive oxygen species

Effects of a 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper complex and dioxotetramine copper complexes with linear or cyclic structure on the scavenging of ROS have been studied by ESR. The results indicated that all three copper coordinate complexes have SOD mimetic activity. The dioxotetramine copper complex with linear or cyclic structure did not have the scavenging effect on .OH produced by H2O2-Fe++ and 1O2 produced by the H2O2-NaOCl system, but the 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper complex was found to be capable of depressing the intensity of the ESR spectrum of the adduct formed from TMP and 1O2 as well as making the spectrum of DMPO-OH adduct splittings. This fact may suggest that there are interactions between the ROS and 20-membered macrocyclic ring in the SOD mimic.

Vaccination of bovines against Schistosomiasis japonica with cryopreserved-irradiated and freeze-thaw schistosomula

Four laboratory tests and one field trial with cryopreserved irradiated (CI) schistosomula vaccine and a freeze-thaw (F/T) vaccine against bovine Schistosomiasis japonica were carried out in 1979 and 1980 with the following results: (1) Single intradermal vaccination in buffalo calves each with 10,000 20 krad CI Schistosomula plus 1 ml BCG gave 62% worm reduction (P < 0.05). Using the same protocol 55% worm reduction (P < 0.01) was obtained in cattle. (2) Buffalo calves immunized twice, at a 1.5 month interval, with 10,000 and 20,000 CI schistosomula, respectively, resulted in a worm reduction 65%. (3) In a preliminary field trial with 10,000 CI schistosomula plus 1 ml BCG resulted in a worm reduction of 53% in buffalo calves. (4) Intradermal vaccination of 30,000 F/T schistosomula with 1 ml BCG was also tried in cattle and revealed a worm reduction of 57% but increasing the number of vaccinations did not improve the protective effect. (5) Evidence regarding the effects of immunization with CI vaccine in buffaloes and F/T vaccine in cattle, on the number of eggs and miracidia and that of female worms themselves was obtained. (6) Immune responses, cellular and humoral, elicited in buffaloes vaccinated with CI schistosomula were detected by means of Lymphocyte Transformation Assay and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Binding of Escherichia coli to Penrose rubber drains--an in vitro study

Ten different isolates of Escherichia coli were used to compare bacterial attachment to Penrose rubber drains at different temperatures and to investigate a possible relation with cell surface hydrophobicity and charges, as well as the capacity of autoaggregation. Penrose rubber drain pieces of 1 cm2 were incubated with 4.8 x 10(6) E. coli cells for 1 h at 22, 37 and 42 degrees C, respectively. After rinsing with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the number of adhering bacteria on the drain pieces was calculated by measuring cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence. Bacterial cell surface properties at different temperatures were determined by two-phase partitioning and autoaggregation was determined by arbitrary scoring under the dissecting microscope. For most strains of E. coli, the number of adherence to Penrose rubber drain was higher at 22 degrees C than at 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C. Bacterial cell-surface properties and autoaggregation capacity were influenced by the growth temperature, but without correlation to bacterial ability to attach to rubber drains. Thus, the present study demonstrates that attachment of E. coli to Penrose rubber drains was significantly influenced by temperature, but bacterial cell-surface hydrophobicity and charge as well as autoaggregation capacity had no influence on bacterial attachment ability.

Limb fracture pattern in different pediatric age groups: a study of 3,350 children

The fracture patterns of 3,350 children with 3,413 limb fractures admitted to one center from 1986 to 1990 were analyzed retrospectively. The overall boy-to-girl ratio was 2.7:1, rising to 5.5:1 in the adolescent group. Distal radius fracture was the most common fracture (19.87%), followed by supracondylar fracture of the humerus (16.64%) and forearm shaft fracture (13.36%). Specific age group breakdown showed that supracondylar fracture of the humerus was the most common fracture occurring in the age groups 0 to 3 years and 4 to 7 years, accounting for 28.94 and 31.18% of all limb fractures, respectively. Fracture of the distal radius occurred in 27.06% of the 8 to 11 year age group and 23.31% of the 12 to 16 year group. Open fractures were uncommon (2.17%), and greenstick fractures were found only in 5.27% of this hospital series. The nondominant arm was found to have more fractures although the number was not statistically significant. Seasonal variation in incidence occurred, with more cases in the summer and autumn months. The open reduction rate in the treatment varied from 10.15% in the 0 to 3 year age group to 33.95% in the 12 to 16 year group. Forty-five percent of the 0 to 3 year age group were discharged from hospital within 24 h, contrasting with 30% in the other age groups. Overall incidence of fractures requiring hospital treatment was estimated to range from 35 per 10,000 in the 0 to 3 year age group to 62, 60, and 57 per 10,000 in the 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and 12 to 16 year groups, respectively.

The results of treatment in 100 patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

In an attempt to improve treatment results of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), combined induction chemotherapy and thoracic and prophylactic brain radiation therapy were administered.

METHOD

From December 1980 to December 1987, 112 patients with limited-stage SCLC were treated with combination induction chemotherapy and thoracic or prophylactic brain radiation therapy; 100 were evaluable.

RESULTS

The complete response rate was 40%, and complete and partial responses totaled 94%, with a 5-year survival rate of 23%. There was no difference in remission and survival rates between three-drug and four-drug induction chemotherapeutic regimens. Six chemotherapeutic courses produced longer survival than less therapy. Although the occurrence of brain metastases was no different with or without prophylactic brain radiation therapy, the 3-year survival after this procedure was improved.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of limited-stage SCLC with induction chemotherapy and thoracic and prophylactic brain radiation therapy produced improved remission and survival rates.

Evaluation of 90:10 poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres containing norethisterone: drug release and biodegradation

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG, 90:10) microspheres containing 20% norethisterone (NET) were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Microspheres in the size ranges of 65 to 100 microns were sterilized by irradiation and used for further study. In vitro release showed fairly constant release of NET from the above microspheres over more than 90 days. However, in vivo drug release determined by residual NET analysis after i.m. injection in rats indicated a faster release rate. About 95% of NET was released in a period of 45 days. At the dose of 80 mg of microspheres, vaginal estrus cycles were inhibited for 45 days compared to 27 days for the same dose of NET crystals in rats. Biodegradation of the microspheres was tested by direct measurement of molecular weight losses and SEM observation of morphological changes of the microspheres, which showed continuous erosion in the internal matrix of microspheres with the decrease of molecular weight of PLG until total collapse of microspheres, and biodegradation was faster in rats than in human serum at 37 degrees C in vitro. Total degradation of 90:10 PLG microspheres was less than 7 months in rats and more than 9 months in vitro.

The inhibitory effects of 21 mimics of superoxide dismutase on luminol-mediated chemiluminescence emitted from PMA-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte

Four groups comprising 21 superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics synthesized by us were comparatively studied for their inhibitory effects on luminol-mediated chemiluminescence emitted from phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL). Among these groups, 20-membered macrocyclic bicopper(II) complexes and 13-membered macrocyclic dioxotetramine copper(II) complexes exhibited relatively higher activities of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by PMA-stimulated PMNL as compared with polyamine Cu(II)-Zn(II) complexes and copper(II) complexes of bis-shiff-base. Moreover, distinctly different effects of SOD mimics in the biological system have been found even in the same group. It is suggested that the biological effects of some SOD mimics are related to their structures.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Biochemical and symptom profiles before and after surgery

Patients with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is unclear to what extent these patients benefit from surgery in terms of correction of their serum chemistry abnormalities and their symptoms. We studied 142 patients: 23 with normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (serum calcium levels below 2.62 mmol/L), 35 with intermittent hypercalcemia, and 84 with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Serum chemistry analyses and a standardized questionnaire of symptoms were completed before and after surgery. Overall, patients in the normocalcemic group reported a similar frequency of preoperative symptoms; had a similar reduction in postoperative symptoms; and had a similar normalization of serum calcium, parathormone, and phosphate levels as those in the two control groups. This study indicates that factors other than elevated serum calcium levels are in large part responsible for the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism and that these patients benefit from operation.

Gamma nails and dynamic hip screws for peritrochanteric fractures. A randomised prospective study in elderly patients

The Gamma nail was introduced for the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures with the theoretical advantage of a load-sharing femoral component which could be implanted by a closed procedure. We report a randomised prospective study of 186 fractures treated by either the Gamma nail or a dynamic hip screw. Gamma nails were implanted with significantly shorter screening times, smaller incisions, and less intraoperative bleeding. The Gamma nail group had a shorter convalescence and earlier full weight-bearing, but there was no significant difference in mortality within six months, postoperative mobility, or hip function at review. More intra-operative complications were recorded in the Gamma nail group, mainly due to the mismatching of the femoral component of the nail to the small femurs of Chinese people. Use of a smaller modified nail reduced these complications. We conclude that with careful surgical technique and the modified femoral component, the Gamma nail is an advance in the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures.