[Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of esophageal carcinoma with ductal differentiation: analysis of 17 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and molecular genetic characteristics of esophageal carcinoma with ductal differentiation, and to summarize the experiences in its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A total of 17 cases of esophageal carcinoma with ductal differentiation diagnosed in Ningbo Clinical Pathological Diagnosis Center, Ningbo, China from June 2011 to December 2022 were collected. The clinical information and pathological diagnosis was reviewed. The tumor histological features and immunohistochemical results were analyzed. The next-generation sequencing was performed to detect and analyze the gene mutations in tumor samples. Results: The 17 patients included in this study were 54-77 years old, with a median age of 66 years. There were 16 males and 1 female. Among them, 9 cases were mainly carcinoma with ductal differentiation. The squamous epithelium on the tumor's surface was accompanied by high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The tumor and atypical squamous epithelium were transitional, and the focus was accompanied by various proportions of squamous cell carcinoma component (less than 10%). The other 8 cases were mostly squamous cell carcinoma, basaloid squamous cell carcinoma or sarcomatoid carcinoma with various degrees of tumor specific differentiation and focal area of carcinoma with ductal differentiation (less than 10%). The tumor cells in the area with ductal differentiation were mainly arranged in small tubes, while the tubes showed a double-layer structure, including the inner cells and outer cells of the lumen. Immunohistochemical results showed that the outer cells of the tumorous tubules expressed p63, p40, CK5/6 and CK34βE12, while the inner cells expressed CK7. Compared with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma reported in the literature, the frequency of gene mutations such as MYC (P=0.002), TP63 (P=0.002), CDKN1C (P=0.002) and NFE2L2 (P=0.045) was significantly lower in this group of cases. At the signaling pathway level, the mutation frequency of NOTCH signaling pathway (P=0.041) was significantly higher, while the mutation frequencies of NRF2 pathway (P=0.013) and PI3K pathway (P=0.009) were significantly lower than that of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Esophageal carcinoma with ductal differentiation is a type of esophageal carcinoma with unique morphology, and its molecular changes are also significantly different from those of conventional esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Analysis of strong invasive clinical features and poor prognosis in macrotrabecular-massive hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the histological classification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially macrotrabecular-massive (MTM), tumor invasiveness, and prognosis. Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 246 consecutive HCC cases who met the inclusion criteria from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into trabecular/pseudoglandular, trabecular/patchy, and MTM types according to the histological classification. The relationship between each type and related clinicopathological features was analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot tumor-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) curves. Log rank tests, COX univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between clinical features, including histological classification, DFS, and OS. Results: Trabecular/pseudoglandular, trabecular/nodular, and MTM type proportions were 44.7% (110 cases), 32.9% (81 cases), and 22.4% (55 cases), respectively. The results of the clinicopathological features showed that MTM-type HCC was significantly more invasive than the other two types, with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml, tumor diameter≥8 cm, no tumor capsule, poor differentiation, and MVI positivity proportions, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).The proportion of MTM-type HCC patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM Stage III to IV and Chinese Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) II to II was significantly higher than that of the first two types, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of MTM subtypes undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was also raised (P < 0.05). The DFS and OS were significantly lower for MTM-type HCC compared to trabecular/pseudoductal-type HCC at 1-, 3-, and 5-years, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that strongly invasive clinical pathological features such as alpha fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml, tumor diameter ≥ 8 cm, no tumor capsule, poor differentiation, positive microvascular invasion, tumor stage, and MTM staging were all risk factors affecting DFS and OS (P < 0.05). Multivariate COX analysis showed that MTM histological staging, AFP ≥ 400 ng/ml, tumor non-encapsulation, satellite nodules, CNLC stages II~III, and TNM stages III~IV were independent risk factors for DFS (P < 0.05), while AFP ≥ 400 ng/ml, tumor non-encapsulation, and CNLC stage II~III were independent risk factors for OS ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Histological classification is highly correlated with tumor invasiveness and HCC prognosis. Trabecular/pseudoglandular types have lower malignancy and a better prognosis, while MTM types exhibit strong invasive features and a poor prognosis.

Kondo screening in a Majorana metal

Kondo impurities provide a nontrivial probe to unravel the character of the excitations of a quantum spin liquid. In the S = 1/2 Kitaev model on the honeycomb lattice, Kondo impurities embedded in the spin-liquid host can be screened by itinerant Majorana fermions via gauge-flux binding. Here, we report experimental signatures of metallic-like Kondo screening at intermediate temperatures in the Kitaev honeycomb material α-RuCl3 with dilute Cr3+ (S = 3/2) impurities. The static magnetic susceptibility, the muon Knight shift, and the muon spin-relaxation rate all feature logarithmic divergences, a hallmark of a metallic Kondo effect. Concurrently, the linear coefficient of the magnetic specific heat is large in the same temperature regime, indicating the presence of a host Majorana metal. This observation opens new avenues for exploring uncharted Kondo physics in insulating quantum magnets.

[Impact of regional positive lymph node ratio of gallbladder carcinoma on prognosis]

Objective: To study the impact of regional positive lymph node ratio (LNR) on prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma. Methods: The clinicopathological and survival data of 53 patients with gallbladder carcinoma who underwent radical resection with regional lymph node metastasis in Ningbo University Affiliated Lihuili Hospital from May 2012 to December 2020 were collected, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of LNR for predicting postoperative survival status in patients with gallbladder carcinoma. According to the critical value, the patients were divided into low LNR group and high LNR group. The clinicopathological features and prognosis of the two groups were compared. Log rank test was used for univariate analysis of prognostic factors in patients with gallbladder carcinoma, and Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 417 regional lymph nodes were dissected in 53 patients, of which 144 lymph nodes were positive, with a positive rate of 34.5%. The optimal cut-off value of LNR for predicting postoperative survival status of patients with gallbladder carcinoma was 0.33. According to this cut-off value, patients were divided into low LNR group (LNR≤0.33, 28 cases) and high LNR group (LNR>0.33, 25 cases). The recurrence rates were 64.3% (18/28) and 88.0 % (22/25) in low LNR group and high LNR group, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 8 and 7 months, respectively (P=0.032). In the low LNR group, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 56.2%, 38.4%, and 32.0%, respectively, and the median overall survival (OS) was 16 months. In the high LNR group, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 37.9%, 5.4%, and 0, respectively, and the median OS was 9 months. The postoperative survival rate of patients in the low LNR group was better than that in the high LNR group (P=0.008). Univariate analysis showed that LNR was even associated with RFS and OS in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that LNR>0.33 was an independent risk factor for postoperative RFS (HR=1.977, 95% CI: 1.045-3.740), but not for OS (HR=1.561, 95% CI: 0.685-3.553). Conclusion: On the basis of clearing a sufficient number of regional lymph nodes, patients with gallbladder carcinoma with regional LNR>0.33 are more likely to relapse after operation, but the predictive value of LNR>0.33 OS is insufficient.

Using Uniaxial Stress to Probe the Relationship between Competing Superconducting States in a Cuprate with Spin-stripe Order

We report muon spin rotation and magnetic susceptibility experiments on in-plane stress effects on the static spin-stripe order and superconductivity in the cuprate system La_{2-x}Ba_{x}CuO_{4} with x=0.115. An extremely low uniaxial stress of ∼0.1  GPa induces a substantial decrease in the magnetic volume fraction and a dramatic rise in the onset of 3D superconductivity, from ∼10 to 32 K; however, the onset of at-least-2D superconductivity is much less sensitive to stress. These results show not only that large-volume-fraction spin-stripe order is anticorrelated with 3D superconducting coherence but also that these states are energetically very finely balanced. Moreover, the onset temperatures of 3D superconductivity and spin-stripe order are very similar in the large stress regime. These results strongly suggest a similar pairing mechanism for spin-stripe order and the spatially modulated 2D and uniform 3D superconducting orders, imposing an important constraint on theoretical models.

Interactions between whey protein or polymerized whey protein and soybean lecithin in model system

Soybean lecithin is often used as a surfactant in food formulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between soybean lecithin (SL, 0-3%, wt/vol) and whey protein (WP, 10%, wt/vol) or polymerized whey protein (PWP, 10%, wt/vol) induced by heating WP solutions at 85°C for 0 to 20 min at pH 7.0. The samples were evaluated for zeta potential, particle size, morphology, rheological properties, thermal properties, secondary structure, and surface hydrophobicity. Zeta potential of WP increased linearly as SL level increased from 0 to 3%, whereas that of PWP changed with plateau at SL level of 1%, which may be due to the aggregation of SL. The addition of SL increased the particle size and apparent viscosity of both WP and PWP. All the samples exhibited different morphology depending on SL level and heating time according to transmission electron microscopy images. Whey protein showed obviously decreased gelation time and increased storage modulus in the presence of SL. Differential scanning calorimetry curves confirmed the effects of SL on the thermal properties of both WP and PWP. Circular dichroism spectra indicated that SL had effects on the secondary structure of both WP and PWP. The changes in surface hydrophobicity indicated the hydrophobic interactions between WP/PWP and SL. Data indicate that the physicochemical and functional properties of WP and PWP can be altered by adding soybean lecithin.

Effects of gamma radiation on microbial, physicochemical, and structural properties of whey protein model system

Gamma radiation has been used in food processing for many years, though it has certain effects on food components. Whey protein solutions (10%/30%, wt/vol) were treated with gamma radiation at various dosages (10-25 kGy) and evaluated for microbial changes in the solutions and physicochemical and structural changes of whey proteins. Whey protein solutions after gamma radiation showed substantially lower populations of all viable microorganisms than those of controls. The 10% whey protein solution treated at radiation of 20 or 25 kGy remained sterile for up to 4 wk at room temperature. Gamma radiation increased viscosity and turbidity and decreased soluble nitrogen of whey protein solutions compared to nonradiated control samples regardless of radiation dosage. Nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE suggested that whey proteins under gamma radiation treatment formed aggregates with high molecular weights. Reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE showed that disulfide bonds played a role in gamma radiation-induced whey protein cross-linking. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy micrographs exhibited large aggregates of whey proteins after gamma radiation treatment. Results suggested that gamma radiation could be applied to whey protein solution for purposes of reducing microbial counts and cross-linking protein molecules.

[Study on the role of NALP3 inflammasome in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induced RAW264.7]

Objective: To illuminate the effect of NALP3 inflammasome on regulating the expression of cytokines of macrophages in periodontitis. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were cultured and divided into three groups. The first group stayed normal as control, the second group was stimulated by 1 mg/L Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the third group was pretreated with AC-YVAD-CMK (caspase-1 inhibitor) before stimulated with 1 mg/L Pg LPS. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with various concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 μmol/L) of AC-YVAD-CMK for 2 h, and stimulated by 1 mg/L Pg LPS for 24 h in the third group. After that, cell survival rate were detected by cell counting kit-8. Every group cells gene transcription of NALP3 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) after 6 h, protein expression of NALP3 and IL-1β were separately detected by Western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 24 h, respectively. Results: It is observed that treatment with 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 μmol/L AC-YVAD-CMK did not significantly affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells. qPCR showed that mRNA expression of IL-1β level (1.03±0.08, 5.48±0.22, 4.31±0.20) and NALP3 level (0.96±0.05, 2.62±0.44, 1.73±0.09). Western blotting showed that protein expression of NALP3 level (1.00±0.10, 2.34±0.04, 1.64±0.04), ELISA showed protein secretion of IL-1β level ([40.20±0.25], [61.50±1.81], [52.40±1.91] ng/L). After stimulated by Pg LPS, mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β (P<0.01, P<0.01) and NALP3 (P<0.01, P<0.01) significantly increased; but the expression of IL-1β (P=0.002, P=0.027) and NALP3 (P<0.01, P<0.01) were decreased when pretreated with AC-YVAD-CMK. Conclusions: NALP3 inflammasome signal pathway can be activated by Pg LPS in RAW264.7. Block of the pathway can inhibit Pg LPS-induced secretion of cytokines.

Magneto-optical investigations of molecular nanomagnet monolayers

We report field-dependent magnetization measurements on monolayers of [Dy(Pc)2] on quartz, prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The films are thoroughly characterized by means of X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy. The magnetisation of the sample is measured through the magnetic circular dichroism of a ligand-based electronic transition.

Electric-field-induced polar order and localization of the confined electrons in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

With ellipsometry, x-ray diffraction, and resistance measurements we investigated the electric-field effect on the confined electrons at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface. We obtained evidence that the localization of the electrons at negative gate voltage is induced, or at least enhanced, by a polar phase transition in SrTiO3 which strongly reduces the lattice polarizability and the subsequent screening. In particular, we show that the charge localization and the polar order of SrTiO3 both develop below ∼50  K and exhibit similar, unipolar hysteresis loops as a function of the gate voltage.

Molecular characterization of amelogenesis imperfecta in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Mutations in 6 genes have been identified as being part of the etiology of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) with various phenotypes in an isolated condition. Among them the FAM83H gene is the major contributor to the etiology of AI with unknown function.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the phenotypic and molecular characterization of Chinese AI patients and to analyze the structure and function of the FAM83H protein.

METHODS

We enrolled 6 hypocalcified AI and 3 hypoplastic AI families from the Chinese population. Mutation analysis was performed by amplifying and sequencing all exons including intron-exon borders for FAM83H and ENAM genes. Structural modeling and function analysis on the FAM83H protein were carried out by bioinformatic processing.

RESULTS

No obvious anterior open bite was observed in all the investigated individuals. Five mutations (c.906T>G, c.924dupT, c.973C>T, c.1354C>T and c.2029C>T) in the C-terminal of the FAM83H gene were revealed, respectively, in 5 out of 6 hypocalcified AI families, and a splicing mutation c.534 + 1G>A in the ENAM gene was identified in 1 out of 3 hypoplastic AI families. Structural models of the N- and C-terminal regions of FAM83H were generated by homology modeling. The predicted structure of the FAM83H N-terminal shows resemblance to that of glycosyltransferases with GT-A folds, and the predicted structure of the FAM83H C-terminal possesses similarity to type I collagen protein.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of AI with specific molecular variations in families of Chinese descent. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of the FAM83H protein.

Coexistence and competition of magnetism and superconductivity on the nanometer scale in underdoped BaFe1.89Co0.11As2

We report muon spin rotation (μSR) and infrared spectroscopy experiments on underdoped BaFe1.89Co0.11As2 which show that bulk magnetism and superconductivity (SC) coexist and compete on the nanometer length scale. Our combined data reveal a bulk magnetic order, likely due to an incommensurate spin density wave (SDW), which develops below T(mag)≈32  K and becomes reduced in magnitude (but not in volume) below Tc=21.7  K. A slowly fluctuating precursor of the SDW seems to develop already below the structural transition at T(s)≈50  K. The bulk nature of SC is established by the μSR data which show a bulk SC vortex lattice and the IR data which reveal that the majority of low-energy states is gapped and participates in the condensate at T≪T(c).

Dentin phosphoprotein frameshift mutations in hereditary dentin disorders and their variation patterns in normal human population

BACKGROUND

Dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in dentin, which is highly phosphorylated and plays key roles in dentin biomineralization. The aetiology of isolated hereditary dentin disorders in most affected families is largely unknown and the association between DPP and dentin disorders has not been well established. This study aims to determine whether there are some involvements for DPP mutations in inherited dentin disorders and to clarify the sequence variation patterns of DPP in normal population.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was analysed in eight families with hereditary dentin disorders and 110 individuals in the normal population. The full coding sequence of DPP was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screened for mutations and variations by direct sequencing and TOPO TA-cloning sequencing.

RESULTS

Five frameshift mutations in DPP coding region were identified in five of the eight families. The mutations co-segregated with the disease phenotypes in affected families and were not found in 220 control chromosomes. In the normal population, we revealed 14 in-frame indels (insertion/deletion), six non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and five synonymous SNPs in the DPP coding region. These variants display extensive linkage disequilibrium and constitute a total of 15 haplotypes with three predominant haplotypes in the investigated normal population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide the first evidence that DPP mutations can cause hereditary dentin disorders and suggest that in-frame length variations and missense SNPs in DPP have no obvious pathogenetic effects on dentin formation.

[Detection of serum hepatitis B virus large envelope protein and its relationship with viral replication.]

BACKGROUND

To explore the significance of HBV large envelope protein (LHBs) in diagnosing HBV replication in chronic hepatitis B patients.

METHODS

Serum HBV DNA was quantitively detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the LHBs and Pre-S1 were detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HBV markers were detected by time differentiate immunofluorescence assay in 340 serum samples collected from chronic hepatitis B patients.

RESULTS

Serum LHBs level was closely correlated with number of HBV DNA copies (r=0.899, P=0.0380). There was no significant difference between positive rate of LHBs and that of HBV DNA in different HBeAg pattern (P>0.05); the positive rate of LHBs was 83.15%, which was higher than that of Pre-S1 and HBeAg which were 50.54% and 54.48%, respectively. There was significant difference (P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The level of serum LHBs can be used to estimate the state of HBV replication and the sensitivity was superior to both Pre-S1 and HBeAg. So it may be used as a new serological marker to detect HBV replication.

The aggressive form of cherubism: report of two cases in unrelated families

Cherubism is a benign lesion that causes painless symmetrical enlargement of the jaws, usually with a familial tendency. We describe in two Chinese families two cases of the aggressive form of cherubism with extensive swelling on both sides of the mandible, typical microscopic findings, and apparent familial history.

The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens on amyloid beta protein-induced toxicity are mediated by abrogating the activation of caspase cascade in rat cortical neurons

Amyloid beta protein (Abeta) elicits a toxic effect on neurons in vitro and in vivo. In present study we attempt to elucidate the mechanism by which Abeta confers its neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens on Abeta-mediated toxicity were also investigated. Cortical neurons treated with 5 microm Abeta-(25-35) for 40 h decreased the cell viability by 45.5 +/- 4.6% concomitant with the appearance of apoptotic morphology. 50 microm kaempferol and apigenin decreased the Abeta-induced cell death by 81.5 +/- 9.4% and 49.2 +/- 9.9%, respectively. Abeta increased the activity of caspase 3 by 10.6-fold and to a lesser extent for caspase 2, 8, and 9. The Abeta-induced activation of caspase 3 and release of cytochrome c showed a biphasic pattern. Apigenin abrogated Abeta-induced cytochrome c release, and the activation of caspase cascade. Kaempferol showed a similar effect but to a less extent. Kaempferol was also capable of eliminating Abeta-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These two events accounted for the remarkable effect of kaempferol on neuroprotection. Quercetin and probucol did not affect the Abeta-mediated neurotoxicity. However, they potentiated the protective effect of apigenin. Therefore, these results demonstrate that Abeta elicited activation of caspase cascades and reactive oxygen species accumulation, thereby causing neuronal death. The blockade of caspase activation conferred the major neuroprotective effect of phytoestrogens. The antioxidative activity of phytoestrogens also modulated their neuroprotective effects on Abeta-mediated toxicity.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors from Saposhnikovia divaricata and Panax quinquefolium

A series of polyacetylenes, falcarinone, panaxynol, falcarindiol, panaxydol, and panaxytriol, were isolated from Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk and Panax quinquefolium L. These polyacetylenes were identified as active principles on the inhibition of nitrite production by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Treatment with 10 microM of panaxynol, falcarindiol, panaxydol and panaxytriol decreased the LPS/IFN-gamma-stimulated accumulation of nitrite by 71.92 +/- 3.07, 69.95 +/- 3.68, 45.48 +/- 6.11 and 36.85 +/- 8.80%, respectively. The IC50 value of falcarinone, panaxynol, falcarindiol, panaxydol and panaxytriol was > 20, 2.23, 1.98, 6.58 and 9.85 microM, respectively.

Nepalolide A inhibits the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by modulating the degradation of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta in C6 glioma cells and rat primary astrocytes

1 The effects of nepalolide A on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) caused by incubation with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN-gamma) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-1beta/IFN-gamma (TNF-alpha/IL-1beta/IFN-gamma, mixed cytokines) in C6 glioma cells and primary astrocytes of rat were investigated. The mechanisms by which nepalolide A confers its effect on iNOS expression were also elucidated. 2 Treatment with LPS/IFN-gamma and mixed cytokines for 24 h elicited the induction of iNOS activity as determined by nitrite accumulation in the culture medium and assay of enzyme activity. Nepalolide A at 10 microM abrogated the LPS/IFN-gamma- and mixed cytokines-mediated induction of iNOS by more than 90% in C6 glioma cells, and by 80% for mixed cytokines-induced induction of iNOS in primary astrocytes. The effect of nepalolide A (2-10 microM) was concentration-dependent. 3 The inhibition of iNOS induction by nepalolide A was attributed to decreases in the content of iNOS protein and the level of iNOS mRNA, as measured by immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. 4 Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to evaluate the effect of nepalolide A on the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Results showed that nepalolide A diminished the LPS/IFN-gamma-mediated association of NF-kappaB with consensus oligonucleotide in a concentration-dependent manner. The activation of NF-kappaB by mixed cytokines was modulated both in the extent of activation and in its time-course by nepalolide A. 5 The ability of nepalolide A to inhibit NF-kappaB activation was further confirmed by studies on the degradation of the inhibitor of NF-kappaB, IkappaB, as measured by immunoblotting. 6 The present study demonstrates that the attenuation of NF-kappaB activation by nepalolide A was mediated by blockade of the degradation of IkappaB, leading to suppression of the expression of iNOS.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and ceramides in insulin resistance

The present studies tested the hypothesis that some effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are mediated by activation of sphingomyelinases and the production of ceramides. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with short-chain ceramide analogs, (C2- and C6-ceramides: N-acetyl- and N-hexanoyl-sphingosines, respectively), and this treatment increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in the absence of insulin progressively from 2-24 h. This effect was inhibited by blocking the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and ribosomal S6 kinase which mediated an increase in GLUT1 concentrations. Long-term increases in PI 3-kinase activity associated with insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) increased the proportion of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in plasma membranes. These events explain the increases in noninsulin-dependent glucose uptake and incorporation of this glucose into the fatty acid and glycerol moieties of triacylglycerol. The mechanisms by which TNF-alpha and ceramides increase PI 3-kinase activity were investigated further by using rat2 fibroblasts. Incubation for 20 min with TNF-alpha, bacterial sphingomyelinase, or C2-ceramides increased PI 3-kinase activity by about fivefold, and this effect depended upon a stimulation of tyrosine kinase activity and an increase in Ras-GTP. This demonstrates the existence of a novel signaling pathway for TNF-alpha that could contribute to the effects of this cytokine in stimulating basal glucose uptake. By contrast, treating the 3T3-L1 adipocytes for 2-24 h with C2-ceramide diminished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by decreasing the insulin-induced translocation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 to plasma membranes. This inhibition was observed when there was no increase in basal glucose uptake, and it occurred downstream of PI 3-kinase. Our work provides further mechanisms whereby TNF-alpha and ceramides produce insulin resistance and decrease the effectiveness of insulin in stimulating glucose disposal from the blood. Conversely, TNF-alpha and ceramides increase the ability of adipocytes to take up glucose and store triacylglycerol in the absence of insulin.

Transcription of the genome of the filamentous bacteriophage cf from both plus and minus DNA strands

The filamentous bacteriophage cf infects the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri. Northern blot analysis with probes derived from various restriction fragments of cf replicative form (RF) DNA has revealed the presence of five major phage-specific transcripts in infected cells. Four of these transcripts were shown to be derived from the region of the cf genome extending from gene II to gene VIII and are consistent with the cascade model of transcription proposed for Ff coliphages. These transcripts overlap with each other and terminate upstream of an efficient Rho-independent transcription terminator. Unlike the well-characterized Ff phages, in which only the minus strand of viral DNA serves as a transcription template, both strands of the RF DNA of phage cf appeared to be transcribed. Thus one of the five major cf transcripts was shown to be derived from a region of the viral minus strand that contains an open reading frame encoding a putative polypeptide of 165 amino acids. Primer extension analysis mapped the transcriptional initiation site of this RNA to a cytosine residue at position 870. A partial transcription map of phage cf revealed two independent regions of transcriptional activity. The region with the highest activity coincides with that encoding the polypeptides required in the largest amounts during the cf infection cycle.

The effect of Lp3 enlargement on the folding and catalysis of hepatitis delta virus cis-cleaving ribozyme

Oligonucleotides were inserted into the Lp3 region of a hepatitis delta virus (HDV) cis-cleaving ribozyme and the effect of Lp3 enlargement on ribozyme folding was examined by assaying the activity of each mutant. The location of insertion and the sequence of the inserted oligonucleotide had distinct effects on ribozyme activity, and the HDV ribozyme was capable of adopting the active structure for cis-cleavage when a pentanucleotide was inserted into the 3' portion of Lp3. Furthermore, whether the insertion mutant cis-cleaved or not, the structure of Lp3 was altered by the inserted oligonucleotide. These findings disclose that the 5' rather than the 3' portion of Lp3 is critical for ribozyme folding and catalysis.

An automated fluorescent PCR method for detection of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in foods

An automated fluorescence-based PCR system (a model AG-9600 AmpliSensor analyzer) was investigated to determine whether it could detect Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The AmpliSensor PCR assay involves amplification-mediated disruption of a fluorogenic DNA signal duplex (AmpliSensor) that is homologous to conserved target sequences in a 323-bp amplified fragment of Shiga toxin genes stx1, stx2, and stxe. Using the Amplisensor assay, we detected 113 strains of STEC belonging to 50 different serotypes, while 18 strains of non-Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli and 68 strains of other bacteria were not detected. The detection limits of the assay were less than 1 to 5 CFU per PCR mixture when pure cultures of five reference strains were used and 3 CFU per 25 g of food when spiked ground beef samples that were preenriched overnight were used. The performance of the assay was also evaluated by using 53 naturally contaminated meat samples and 48 raw milk samples. Thirty-two STEC-positive samples that were confirmed to be positive by the culture assay were found to be positive when the AmpliSensor assay was used. Nine samples that were found to be positive when the PCR assay was used were culture negative. The system described here is an automated PCR-based system that can be used for detection of all serotypes of STEC in food or clinical samples.

Characterization of ADG1, an Arabidopsis locus encoding for ADPG pyrophosphorylase small subunit, demonstrates that the presence of the small subunit is required for large subunit stability

Two mutants of Arabidopsis have been isolated that affect ADPG pyrophosphorylase (ADGase) activity. Previously, it has been shown that ADG2 encodes the large subunit of ADGase. This study characterizes the adg1 mutant phenotype and ADG1 gene structure. RNA blot analyses indicate that the adg1-1 mutant accumulates transcripts encoding both the large and small subunits of ADGase, while the adg1-2 mutant accumulates only large subunit transcripts. RFLP analysis and complementation of adg1 mutants with the ADGase small subunit gene demonstrate that ADG1 encodes the small subunit. Sequence analysis indicates that adg1-1 represents a missense mutation within the gene. Western blot analysis confirms that adg1 mutants contain neither the large nor the small subunit proteins, suggesting that the presence of functional small subunits is required for large subunit stability.

Effects of cell-permeable ceramides and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with C2- and C6-ceramides (N-acetyl- and N-hexanoylsphingosines) but not dihydro-C2-ceramide increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in the absence of insulin. This effect was inhibited by PD 98059, LY 294002, and rapamycin, which block the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, and ribosomal S6 kinase, respectively. Long-term increases in PI 3-kinase activity associated with insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) increased GLUT1 and GLUT4 concentrations in plasma membranes. This together with increased GLUT1 (but not GLUT4) synthesis explains the increase in non-insulin-dependent glucose uptake. C2-ceramide inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake after 2 h by decreasing insulin-induced translocation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 to plasma membranes. This occurred when there was no increase in basal glucose uptake or decrease in activation of IRS-1 or PI 3-kinase. Incubation for 24 h with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) but not C2-ceramide decreased the concentration and insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in this experimental system. Cell-permeable ceramides mimic some effects of TNF-alpha, especially in stimulating basal glucose uptake. We identified a site for inhibiting insulin-stimulated glucose uptake that is downstream of PI 3-kinase. Our work provides further mechanisms for the effects of TNF-alpha and ceramides in increasing non-insulin-dependent glucose uptake and decreasing insulin-stimulated uptake in vivo.

A rapid, sensitive and automated method for detection of Salmonella species in foods using AG-9600 AmpliSensor Analyzer

The AG-9600 AmpliSensor Analyzer is an automated fluorescence-based system for detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The principle of the AmpliSensor PCR assay involves amplification-mediated disruption of a fluorogenic DNA signal duplex (AmpliSensor) that is homologous to a target sequence within a 284-bp amplified fragment of the Salmonella invA gene. Since the assay is homogenous, the data can be obtained by direct measurement of fluorescence of the amplification mixture. The accumulation of the amplified product, reflected by the fluorescence index, is monitored cycle by cycle by the AG-9600 Analyzer. The detection limit of the assay was less than 2 colony-forming units (cfu) per PCR reaction using a pure culture of Salmonella typhimurium. In post-spiking experiments in which Salmonella was added to the overnight pre-enriched samples (chicken carcass rinses, ground beef, ground pork and raw milk), the detection limit of the assay was 2-6 cfu per PCR reaction. In pre-spiking experiments in which Salmonella was added to the samples prior to overnight pre-enrichment, the detection limit was less than 3 cfu per 25 g or 25 ml of food. The assay was up to 2 orders of magnitude more sensitive than detection by ethidium bromide-stained agarose gel electrophoresis. To further evaluate assay performance, 54 naturally contaminated chicken carcass rinses, 65 raw milk and six ground pork samples were tested in the study. Thirty-eight Salmonella-positive samples confirmed by the Modified Semi-solid Rappaport-Vassiliadis (MSRV) culture assay were found positive using the AmpliSensor assay. Two chicken carcass rinses found positive using the assay were MSRV-negative. In addition, relative quantification using the AmpliSensor assay was linear up to 3 logs of initial target concentration in artificially contaminated food samples.

Simultaneous occurrence of papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum and the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA by polymerase chain reaction

The simultaneous occurrence of two tuberculides in one patient is rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old man presenting with both papulonecrotic tuberculide and erythema induratum. Mycobacterial DNA was identified from both skin lesions by polymerase chain reaction using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues, suggesting that tuberculides are related to tuberculosis. New skin lesions developed after the patient discontinued his medication on his own initiative, 2 months after triple antituberculous therapy had been started. It is important to continue therapy for a prolonged period.

"Cross talk" between the bioactive glycerolipids and sphingolipids in signal transduction

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine via receptor-mediated stimulation of phospholipase D produces phosphatidate that can be converted to lysophosphatidate and diacylglycerol. Diacylglycerol is an activator of protein kinase C, whereas phosphatidate and lysophosphatidate stimulate tyrosine kinases and activate the Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These three lipids can stimulate cell division. Conversely, activation of sphingomyelinase by agonists (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha) causes ceramide production that inhibits cell division and produces apoptosis. If ceramides are metabolized to sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate, then these lipids can stimulate phospholipase D and are also mitogenic. By contrast, ceramides inhibit the activation of phospholipase D by decreasing its interaction with the G-proteins, ARF and Rho, which are necessary for its activation. In whole cells, ceramides also stimulate the degradation of phosphatidate, lysophosphatidate, ceramide 1-phosphate, and sphingosine 1-phosphate through a multifunctional phosphohydrolase (the Mg(2+)-independent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase), whereas sphingosine inhibits phosphatidate phosphohydrolase. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha causes insulin resistance, which may be partly explained by ceramide production. Cell-permeable ceramides decrease insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes after 2-24 h, whereas they stimulate basal glucose uptake. These effects do not depend on decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 or the interaction of insulin receptor substrate-1 with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. They appear to rely on the differential effects of ceramides on the translocation of GLUT1-and GLUT4-containing vesicles. It is concluded that there is a significant interaction and "cross-talk" between the sphingolipid and glycerolipid pathways that modifies signal transduction to control vesicle movement, cell division, and cell death.

Recent experience of penile fracture (1989-1993)

Penile fracture is an uncommon injury in the genitourinary organ which occurs following a blunt injury on the rigid penis. Penile fracture with urethral injury is even rarer. A total of 11 new patients with penile fracture were treated at our institution from 1989 to 1993. All of these injuries occurred during sexual intercourse and received immediate surgical repair to preserve the sexual function. Only one patient with complete transection of the urethra received end-to-end anastomosis of the urethra. Unfortunately, he suffered from urethral-cutaneous fistula ten days later. Suprapubic urinary diversion was performed in 3 patients with partial urethral tearing, and they enjoyed satisfactory outcomes during the limited follow-up. Immediate surgical repair of tunica albuginea is recommended for preserving penile function. If associated with partial urethral tear, suprapubic urinary diversion is sufficient to treat urethral lesions.

Degradation of apolipoprotein B in cultured rat hepatocytes occurs in a post-endoplasmic reticulum compartment

The site of apolipoprotein B (apoB) degradation was investigated in cultured rat hepatocytes. Brefeldin A plus nocodazole completely blocked apoB degradation suggesting the involvement of a post-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment. Monensin inhibited apoB degradation by 40% implying that a post-Golgi compartment could be involved in degradation of apoB. Ammonium chloride or chloroquine inhibited partially the degradation of apoB100 and apoB48, indicating some degradation in lysosomes, or in an acidic compartment such as trans-Golgi or endosomes. The degradations of apoB100 and apoB48 were blocked completely by (2S,3S)-trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-3-methylbutane ethyl ester (EST) during a chase of 90 min demonstrating that a cysteine protease was responsible for apoB degradation. Chymostatin, leupeptin, pepstatin, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and aprotinin had no significant effect on the degradation of apoB48. However, leupeptin and pepstatin decreased the degradation of apoB100 by 20-30%. Degradation of apoB100 and apoB48 occurred in isolated Golgi fractions with little degradation in heavy or light ER. Degradation of apoB in Golgi fractions was inhibited by EST and by preincubating hepatocytes with 10 nM dexamethasone. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that apoB accumulated in the Golgi region after EST treatment. It is concluded that a major part of apoB degradation in rat hepatocytes occurs in a post-ER compartment via the action of a cysteine protease that is regulated by glucocorticoids.

An unusual testicular metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter: a case report

Testicular tumor metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ureter is very rare. Herein, we report a case who presented with a palpable mass of left testis, after he underwent radical nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the TCC of left ureter tumor for 5 months. We performed left radical orchiectomy and histology revealed a TCC identical to the original ureteral tumor. In a review of the literature, we found this case was the second case of metastatic testicular tumor from the ureteral TCC. In patients presenting the symptom of a palpable testicular mass, if they are known to have a ureteral TCC, metastatic neoplasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even if in the absence of other systemic metastasis.

Effects of dexamethasone on the synthesis, degradation, and secretion of apolipoprotein B in cultured rat hepatocytes

Oversecretion of apoB and decreased removal of apoB-containing lipoproteins by the liver results in hyperapobetalipoproteinemia, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. We investigated how dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, affects the synthesis, degradation, and secretion of apoB-100 and apoB-48. Primary rat hepatocytes were incubated with dexamethasone for 16 hours. Incorporation of [35S]methionine into apoB-48 and apoB-100 was increased by 36% and 50%, respectively, with 10 nmol/L dexamethasone, despite a 28% decrease of incorporation into total cell proteins. However, Northern blot analysis revealed that dexamethasone (1 to 1000 nmol/L) did not significantly alter the steady-state concentrations of apoB mRNA, suggesting that the net increase in apoB synthesis may involve increased translational efficiency. The intracellular retention and the rate and efficiency of apoB secretion were determined by pulse-chase experiments in which the hepatocytes were labeled with [35S]methionine for 10 minutes or 1 hour, and the disappearance of labeled apoB from the cells and its accumulation in the medium were monitored. Degradation of labeled apoB-100 after a 3-hour chase in both protocols was decreased from about 50% to 30%, whereas degradation of apoB-48 was decreased from 30% to 10% to 20% by treatment with 10 or 100 nmol/L dexamethasone. Additionally, the half-life of decay (time required for 50% of labeled cell apoB-100 to disappear from the peak of radioactivity following a 10-minute pulse) was increased by treatment with 10 nmol/L dexamethasone from 77 to 112 minutes, and the value for apoB-48 increased from 145 to 250 minutes. Treatment with 100 nmol/L dexamethasone also stimulated secretion of 35S-labeled apoB-100 and apoB-48 by twofold and 1.5-fold, respectively. The increased secretion of apoB-100 and apoB-48 after dexamethasone treatment was confirmed by immunoblot analysis for apoB mass, and the effect was relatively specific since albumin secretion was not significantly changed. We conclude that glucocorticoids promote the secretion of hepatic apoB-containing lipoproteins by increasing the net synthesis of apoB-100 and apoB-48 and by decreasing the intracellular degradation of newly synthesized apoB. An increased action of glucocorticoids coupled with a decreased ability of insulin to suppress these effects in insulin resistance can lead to hyperapobetalipoproteinemia and an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion. A new technique for treating facial scarring

BACKGROUND

Aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion, a newly developed technique, has the advantages of less bleeding, fewer complications, better compliance, and no need for local anesthesia or high surgical skill in comparison with traditional dermabrasion.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technique in the treatment of facial scarring.

METHODS

A total of 41 patients were treated by this technique during the past 2 years (July 1992 to June 1994).

RESULTS

All patients treated had good to excellent clinical improvement with 9.10 mean treatment sessions.

CONCLUSION

From our experience and results, we think aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion is a safe surgical procedure and will be a good supplement to traditional dermabrasion especially in this era of HIV infection.

[Epidermoid cyst of testis: benign testicular tumor]

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is very rare and accounts for approximately 1% of all testicular tumors. In the clinical examination, the testis has a palpable mass. Pathological findings usually reveal a squamous cell lined cyst, containing keratin, and the absence of appendages and teratoma element. If scrotum ultrasonography reveals a target sign suggestive of epidermoid cyst, the testis should be explored through an inguinal incision. Clamp the spermatic cord gently, and perform tumor enucleation. The frozen section is available at the time to check for any malignant cells. If no malignant cells exist, it is important to perform testis-preserving surgery, especially for young adults and children. We report two cases of epidermoid cyst. Serum beta-HCG and alpha-fetoprotein were within normal limits. We review our experience with scrotum ultrasonography and testis-preserving surgery in 2 men with epidermoid cyst to indicate when the clinical and intraoperative characteristics justify testis-preserving management.

Activation of human platelet phospholipases C and A2 by various oxygenated triterpenes

Eight structural analogues of oxygenated triterpenes exerted striking differences in activation of human platelets. They are four pairs of stereoisomers and two pairs of positional isomers with varying: 1) acetoxyl/hydroxyl substituents; 2) the position of the substituents at C-3 and C-15; and 3) the stereochemistry of a substituent at C-3. It required a threshold concentration for each agent to cause the concentration-dependent activation. These triterpenes were hydrophobic with < 20% difference in the partition coefficients between 1-octanol and water. They caused differential effects on: inositol triphosphate production; the increase in [Ca2+]i; diacylglycerol formation; phosphatidic acid accumulation, protein phosphorylations and arachidonate release. These agents activated both phospholipases C and A2. The trend of activating phospholipase C was triterpenes with two acetoxyl substituents > one acetoxyl/one hydroxyl substituents > two hydroxyl substituents. In activating phospholipase A2, triterpenes with two acetoxyl substituents were most effective, whereas the paired isomers with a hydroxyl group at C-15 alpha and an acetoxyl substituent at C-3 failed the activation. The results enable one to discuss the possible structure-activity relationship of various oxygenated triterpenes in the activation of both phospholipases C and A2.

Urolithiasis related to laxative abuse

Urinary calcareous disease related to laxative abuse is rare. The gastrointestinal loss of fluid and electrolytes leads to chronic depletion of the urinary volume, relative supersaturation and many other pathophysiologic derangements. These calculi are generally radiolucent with uric acid and ammonium acid urate as major components. We report on a female patient with frequent, repetitive formation of urinary calculi and rapid double J stent encrustation, which were related to the chronic abuse of bisacodyl. Although these stones can be fragmented successfully by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, it seems that the better treatment for this type of stone formation is to avoid the abuse of laxatives.

The mode of action of primary bile salts on human platelets

Cholate and its conjugated amide derivatives glycocholate and taurocholate solubilized human platelets differently as studied by the observations on: (1) the change in optical absorbance of platelet suspension, (2) marker leakiness and (3) component solubility. Cholate ruptures the membrane in an all-or-none process, while both conjugated derivatives shed off both proteins and lipids. The shed lipids formed vesicles and could be separated from the proteins. The conjugated salts gradually chop off the cell membrane into pieces causing the cells to become small spheres (1.5 microns in diameter) as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, which also revealed that morphological change of platelet in these bile salts depended on both concentration and incubation period. Platelets at the prelytic-stage concentration of these three salts deformed initially to spiculate disc and finally to a stretched-out flat form. Also, in the prelytic stage of these bile salts, platelets showed inhibited responses to thrombin which did not happen to platelets in deoxycholate (Shiao et al. (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 980, 56-68.).

Atrophie blanche. A clinicopathological study of 27 patients

Twenty seven patients (8 males and 19 females) with atrophie blanche were observed in the past 7-years. The mean age at onset was 32 years (ranging from 23 years to 57 years) and 19 years (ranging from 11 years to 36 years) for male and female patient, respectively. The mean disease duration was 2.5 years (ranging from 2 months to 16 years) prior to their consultation. Sixty-three percent of them had summer exacerbation. Four patients had essential cryoglobulinemia, one of whom also developed bilateral iliofemoral artery stenosis one year later. Twelve patients also manifested concurrent purpura pigmentosa chronica (PPC)-like lesions. The observation of the natural course and clinical morphology, being divided into white atrophy-predominant and ulcer-predominant type, led to the impression that atrophie blanche and livedo vasculitis are synonyms with the same disease spectrum. Furthermore, white atrophy is not ulcer scars but lesions de novo suggesting dermal vasculopathy. An attempt was made to explain the uniqueness of clinical morphology. First line treatment included local wound care, bed rest and low-dose aspirin plus dipyridamole. Thirteen patients responded to these treatment either at the first attack or the recurrent episodes. Heparin (5000 units subcutaneous injection once daily) was effective for control of intractable painful ulceration in active stage in 70% of the remaining patients.

The inhibition of human platelet function by ganodermic acids

Human gel-filtered platelets aggregate at greater than 20 microM-ganodermic acid S [lanosta-7,9(11),24-triene-3 beta, 15 alpha-diacetoxy-26-oic acid] [Wang, Chen, Shiao & Wang (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 986, 151-160]. This study showed that platelets at less than 20 microM-ganodermic acid S displayed both concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of function, in which the agent potency in response to inducers was ADP-fibrinogen greater than collagen greater than thrombin. The agent caused a biphasic time-dependent effect on platelet phosphoinositide metabolism. The first phase involved the decrease in the pool size of phosphoinositide by 10-20%. The second phase, in which both the resynthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and the decrease of [32P]phosphatidic acid occurred, took place after 30 min. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed a time-dependent morphological change in platelets in the presence of the agent. The cells initially became spiculate discs, then swelled to a 'potato-like' morphology at 60 min. Further studies on the time-dependent inhibition of thrombin response revealed that: (1) the percentage inhibition of cell aggregation was comparable with that occurring with an increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) or the phosphorylation of marker proteins; (2) [32P]Pi-labelled platelets showed the time-dependent inhibition of thrombin-stimulated PIP2 resynthesis as indicated by first-2-min time-course studies of phosphoinositide interconversion; (3) scanning electron microscopy revealed that the aged platelet population showed an increase in the percentage of non-responding cells on prolonged incubation. The results, taken together, enabled one to discuss a possible mechanism for the time-dependent inhibition by ganodermic acid S of platelet response to thrombin.

Safety and efficacy of 2% topical minoxidil in the management of male pattern baldness in Chinese

Topic 2% minoxidil solution has been proved to be effective for hair regrowth in 30-40% of male pattern baldness in the United States and Europe. There was no report concerning topical minoxidil in Chinese patients, therefore, we selected 40 patients to investigate the efficacy and safety from December 1988 to January 1989. Those selected patients were consistent with male pattern baldness without systemic disease, and had never used topical hair regrowth agents. Patients applied topical medication 1 ml twice daily and were examined at 1 month intervals. Thirty two patients completed 6 to 12 months (average 9.6 months) of the study, moderate hair growth was found in 22% while minimal growth in 59% of the studied patients. All patients noted their shedding decrease after the application of drugs for 1 to 3 months. Scalp dryness and mild scaling appeared in 2 patients, but were tolerable. Before and after the trial, all patients had a chest roentgenogram, EKG, complete blood counts, urinalysis and blood chemistry studies, and no apparent abnormality was found. The efficacy of 2% minoxidil solution application in our study was less than that in the United States. which might be because some patients did not follow the application order regularly and a more strict evaluation standard was adopted in our series. However, the safety of no systemic adverse effect and the potential of inhibiting progressive shedding of hair were valuable as a topical drug.

The effect of ganodermic acid S on human platelets

Incubation of gel-filtered human platelets in ganodermic acid S (lanosta-7,9(11), 24-trien-3 beta, 15 alpha-diacetoxy-26-oic acid) showed that uptake of the agent by platelets was a simple diffusion process. The agent caused platelet aggregation at concentrations above 20 microM. Above the threshold, the extent of cell aggregation was in a linear relationship to the agent concentration. Below the aggregation threshold, platelets showed neither the resynthesis of [32P] phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate ([32P]PIP2) and [32P] phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate ([32P]PIP) nor the accumulation of [32P] phosphatidic acid ([32P]PA). The results suggested that ganodermic acid S caused the activation of PIP2 hydrolysis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of platelets below the aggregation threshold appeared to be spiculate discoid shape. Above the threshold, the cells rounded up to spiculate irregular forms.

The aggregation of human platelet induced by ganodermic acid S

Incubation of gel-filtered human platelets in ganodermic acid S (lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3 beta,15 alpha-diacetoxy-26-oic acid) showed that within a min 80% of the agent was taken up by the cells. The process of uptake was a simple diffusion, and the partition coefficient was about 10(5). The agent caused platelet aggregation at a concentration above 20 microM. Above the threshold, the extent of cell aggregation was in a linear relationship to the agent concentration. Also, the % of cell aggregation was comparable to the elevation of: (1) cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i); (2) protein phosphorylation; and (3) serotonin release. Also, it was correlated with the change in the interconversion of phosphoinositides. Moreover, platelets in various concentrations of ganodermic acid S appeared to show different time-course profiles in the changes of [32P]phosphoinositides and [32P]phosphatidic acid (PA). Upon addition of the agent, platelets showed an initial increase in all of the [32P]phosphoinositides, and then the level of each kind of phosphoinositide decreased sequentially in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Below the aggregation threshold, platelets showed neither the resynthesis of [32P]PIP2 and [32P]PIP nor the accumulation of [32P]PA. However, at 25 and 50 microM, platelets showed not only the resynthesis of [32P]PIP2 and [32P]PIP but also the accumulation of [32P]PA. Interestingly, at 100 microM ganodermic acid S, platelets did not show the resynthesis of [32P]PIP2 and [32P]PIP. In this case, the level of [32P]PA accumulation and that of [32P]PI decrease were less than those found in platelets at 50 microM ganodermic acid S. The results suggested that ganodermic acid S caused the activation of PIP2 hydrolysis. Scanning electron microscopy (scanning EM) revealed that the morphology of platelets below the aggregation threshold appeared to be spiculate discoid shape. Above the threshold, the cells rounded up to spiculate irregular forms, which showed an elongation of filopodia after prolonged 30-s incubation. In addition, platelets at greater than or equal to 50 microM ganodermic acid S showed the occurrence of membrane vesiculation. Hence, the incorporation of ganodermic acid S into platelet membrane resulted in the change of membrane morphology.

Charcot-Leyden crystals in pemphigus vegetans

In the skin lesion of a patient with pemphigus vegetans, Charcot-Leyden crystals were observed in the eosinophilic abscess cavities of the epidermis. The finding is documented for the first time. In addition, some of the intraepidermal eosinophilic abscess cavities have been shown to be due to accumulation of eosinophils in dilated acrosyringia, but their formation from acantholysis and spongiosis can not be entirely excluded.