Modeling Respiratory Syncytial Virus Adult Vaccination in the United States With a Dynamic Transmission Model

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is shown to cause substantial morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality in infants and older adults. Population-level modeling of RSV allows to estimate the full burden of disease and the potential epidemiological impact of novel prophylactics.

METHODS

We modeled the RSV epidemiology in the United States across all ages using a deterministic compartmental transmission model. Population-level symptomatic RSV acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) cases were projected across different natural history scenarios with and without vaccination of adults aged ≥60 years. The impact of vaccine efficacy against ARIs, infectiousness and vaccine coverage on ARI incidence were assessed. The impact on medical attendance, hospitalization, complications, death, and other outcomes was also derived.

RESULTS

Without a vaccine, we project 17.5-22.6 million symptomatic RSV ARI cases annually in adults aged ≥18 years in the US, with 3.6-4.8 million/year occurring in adults aged ≥60 years. Modeling indicates that up to 2.0 million symptomatic RSV-ARI cases could be prevented annually in ≥60-year-olds with a hypothetical vaccine (70% vaccine efficacy against symptomatic ARI and 60% vaccine coverage) and that up to 0.69 million/year could be prevented in the nonvaccinated population, assuming 50% vaccine impact on infectiousness.

CONCLUSIONS

The model provides estimated burden of RSV in the US across all age groups, with substantial burden projected specifically in older adults. Vaccination of adults aged ≥60 years could significantly reduce the burden of disease in this population, with additional indirect effect in adults aged <60 years due to reduced transmissibility.

FRI0251 COMBINATION OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN AND SERUM MYOSITIS SPECIFIC/ASSOCIATED AUTOANTIBODIES HELPS EARLY IDENTIFY AND TREAT PATIENTS WITH IPAF AND CTD-ILD

Background:

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) could originate from idiopathic cause or secondary to connective tissue diseases (CTD). The most common causes of CTD associated ILD (CTD-ILD) include mixed connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), inflammatory myositis such as polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). Our preliminary data had demonstrated that ILD is not uncommon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) in Asia. Myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis associate autoantibodies (MAAs) have been used for the early diagnosis of PM/DM and could be noticed in patients with idiopathic ILD. Our previous data also had identified that MSA/MAA were detected quite often in patients with CTD-ILD in addition to inflammatory myositis. Nonetheless, a specific group of ILD patients like interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) are still challenging for pomologists, rheumatologist and radiologists, either in accurate diagnosis or treatment.

Objectives:

We aimed to identify the prevalence of serum MSA/MAAs and clinical diagnosis on imaging in patients with IPAF and CTD-ILD and define the correlation between MSA/MAA and clinical imaging features.

Methods:

Patients who had been suspected with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in the presence of interstitial lung diseases were included in this prospective study at a single medical center in Taiwan between February 2018 and November 2019. All enrolled patients had experienced clinical symptoms of ILD and been identified abnormalities on the chest plain films. All patients were inspected by both pulmonologists and rheumatologist. Computed tomography scans of chest had been reviewed by at least two pulmonary radiologists. Serological immunotherapy strips were performed to detect MSA/MAAs. Correlation analysis was performed among the different collected variables.

Results:

870 patients were reviewed by both pulmonologists and rheumatologists and received blood sampling including autoantibody profiling and MSA/MAA tests. The clinical diagnosis of CTD-ILD or IPAF were confirmed in 603 patients, who received 1078 chest CT scan due to clinically suspected CTD-ILD or IPAF. 33 patients received lung biopsies since other CTD-ILD or IPAF patients hesitate to receive invasive procedures. 78 patients had been admitted to intensive care units and received mechanical ventilation and were not suitable for lung biopsies. 22 of 33 patients received more than twice lung biopsies due to challenging diagnosis. 6 patients with CTD-ILD or IPAF had received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to ILD with secondary pulmonary infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The most commom detected MSA/MAA were anti-Ro-52 (27%), followed by anti-Ku (3.9%), and anti-Mi-2 (3.6%).

SS is the most common rheumatic disease in patients with CTD-ILD. MSA/MAAs were identified in patients with IPAF (36.4 %) in the absence of specific rheumatic diseases. Anti-nuclear antibody (27.4%), rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin M (21.6%) and anti-Ro (13.7%) were the most common autoantibodies identified in patients with IPAF. Anti-Ro-52 was positively corelated with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in patients with CTD-ILD or IPAF, Phi= 0.371 and 0.326, both p < 0.001, respectively.

Conclusion:

Early diagnosis of CTD-ILD and IPAF is still challenging for both pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists. Identifying how serum MSA/MAAs contribute clinical manifestations on chest CT imaging is warranted and help clinical physicians and patients recognize the necessity of lung biopsy to reduce comorbidity.

References:

[1]Jee AS, et al. J Clin Med 2017

[2]Wilfong EM, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018

[3]Sambataro G, et al. Eur Respir Rev 2018

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

1173Anti-heart and anti-intercalated disk autoantibodies: possible novel biomarkers of cardiac sarcoidosis

Background

Sarcoidosis is an immune-mediated disease; cardiac involvement, a granulomatous form of myocarditis, is under-recognised and prognostically relevant, as it can present with significant morbidity and mortality. Anti-heart autoantibodies (AHA) and anti-intercalated disk autoantibodies (AIDA) are reliable autoimmune markers in non-sarcoidosis myocarditis forms.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of serum AHA and AIDA in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study on a series of 29 patients with biopsy proven extra-cardiac sarcoidosis and with biopsy-proven or clinically suspected cardiac involvement, who were tested for AHA and AIDA. Patients were recruited in two recruiting tertiary centres, in USA and Italy. AHA and AIDA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on human myocardium and skeletal muscle. Controls included sera from patients with non-inflammatory cardiac disease (NICD) (n=160), with ischemic heart failure (IHF) (n=141) and normal blood donors (NBD) (n=270).

Results

The frequencies of AHA and of AIDA were higher in sarcoidosis (86%; 62%) than in NICD (8%; 4%), IHF (7%; 2%), NBD (9%; 0%) (p=0.0001; p=0.0001 respectively). Sensitivity and specificity were: 86% and 92% for positive AHA and 62% and 98% for positive AIDA, respectively (see figure).

Figure 1

Conclusions

The detection of serum AHA and AIDA in biopsy-proven or clinically suspected cardiac sarcoidosis supports the involvement of heart-specific autoimmunity in the majority of our cases and may provide a novel non invasive diagnostic marker.

P5563Biopsy proven myocarditis: clinical and instrumental predictors of adverse prognosis at presentation

Background

Myocarditis is an insidious and potentially fatal illness with different clinical presentations and an unpredictable course. Prompt recognition of high risk patients is of paramount importance in preventing major adverse events.

Purpose

To identify predictors of dismal prognosis in a large cohort of patients with biopsy proven myocarditis.

Methods

Univariate analysis was used to identify predictors of death and heart transplant in a prospective cohort of 366 patients with biopsy proven myocarditis (aged 38±17, male 66%) using student's test and contingency tables as appropriate.

Results

At the time of follow up 46 patients (13%) were dead or received heart transplant (DHTX), 283 (77%) were alive (A) and 37 (10%) lost at follow up. Age at presentation was 33±20 y in DHTX v.s 39±15 in A cohort (p=0.057). Clinical features predicting adverse prognosis included female gender (p=0.002), heart failure at presentation (p=0.000), NYHA class II to IV (p=0.000). Clinical and radiographic signs of both left and right heart failure suggested worse outcome (p=0.000) as well as ongoing anticoagulation therapy (p=0.009). On ECG right (R) or left (L) axis deviation was a strong predictor of events (p=0.000). From an echocardiography perspective the presence of mild to severe mitral regurgitation (p=0.03), reduced left ventricular systolic function (FE) (p=0.000), reduced right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) (p=0.035) was strongly correlated to death or heart transplant. On cardiac catheterization the variables predicting unfavourable outcome included reduced left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) (p=0.000), reduced mean aortic pressure (mAP) (p=0.002), increased mean right atrial pressure (RAP) (p=0.001), FE on angiography (p=0.000). On cardiac biopsy (Bx) negative predictors were giant cell histology type (p=0.000) and PCR positive for viral genome (p=0.02) particularly for parvovirus B19 (p=0.04), adenovirus (p=0.04), and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) (p=0.03). See Tab 1

Table 1

Conclusion

Female gender, HF like presentation, reduced LV and RV systolic function, R or L axis deviation on ECG, presence of viral PCR or giant cell histology on Bx, reduced LVSP and mAP; increased RAP may be useful parameters to identify high risk patients on presentation. This may increase clinical efforts and surveillance in this subgroup in order to reduce the incidence of major adverse events.

P4651Biopsy-proven myocarditis: independent predictors of dismal prognosis, relapse and role of immunosuppressive therapy

Background

Biopsy-proven myocarditis may be infectious or autoimmune. Risk stratification in biopsy-proven myocarditis and the role of immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune forms have not been completely defined.

Purpose

To identify clinical, instrumental and immunological predictors of death, cardiac transplantation and relapse in a prospective cohort of 314 biopsy-proven myocarditis patients, and describe the effect of immunosuppressive treatment on secondary outcome measures, e.g. left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), in a subgroup of 45 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven autoimmune myocarditis diagnosed in our Cardiology Clinic.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify predictors of death, heart transplant, and relapse in a cohort of 314 patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis (male 75%, median age 37). Actuarial survival free from death or transplant was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Actuarial survival free from death or heart transplantation was 83% at 5 years. Among the clinical, instrumental and immunological features at diagnosis, independent predictors of death or heart transplantation by multivariable analysis were a lower transthoracic echocardiographic biplane LVEF% (p=0.001) and high serum titre for anti-nucler (ANA) and anti-cardiac endothelial cell autoantibodies (AECA). The only independent predictor of relapse was previous history of myocarditis. Immunosuppressive therapy was associated with a significantly favorable effect on LVEF (LVEF pre-therapy 37% (26; 50 interquartile range) vs. LVEF post-therapy 59% (48; 65 interquartile range), respectively, p=0.000).

Conclusions

In biopsy-proven myocarditis left ventricular dysfunction at diagnosis and autoimmune pathogenesis are associated with dismal prognosis, immunosuppressive therapy with improved LVEF in autoimmune patients.

Magnetic anisotropy manipulation of the femtosecond laser-excited spin wave modes in full-Heusler Co2Fe1-x Mn x Al films

Spin-wave dynamics in full-Heusler Co₂Fe_1-x Mn _x Al films have been investigated using all-optical pump-probe magneto-optical polar Kerr spectroscopy. We find magnetic damping and anisotropy can be modulated by composition x. Damon-Eshbach (DE) spin wave occurs only in the samples which present intrinsic magnetic damping and have huge uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, implying that intrinsic magnetic damping and huge uniaxial magnetic anisotropy is the necessary conditions to excite coherent DE spin wave. Kittel spin wave appears in low uniaxial magnetic anisotropic samples and presents extrinsic magnetic damping. Therefore, laser-excited spin-wave modes can be manipulated by magnetic anisotropy, whose physical picture is discussed phenomenologically.

Autophagy inhibition increased the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin on drug-resistant esophageal cancer cells

The sensitivity of tumor cells to treatment can be affected by autophagy. The drug resistance of esophageal cancer cells against cisplatin occurs during the long period of chemotherapy drug treatment. This study was designed to observe the effect autophagy has on the occurrence of esophageal cancer cell drug resistance against cisplatin and investigate its molecular mechanism in order to provide new details and strategies for the clinical treatment of esophageal cancer, especially cisplatin treatment. The detection methods used in this study were 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazd-2-yl)-2,5-dipheny-ltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay, clone survival technique, small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, and Western blot. Autophagy is a protection mechanism of drug-resistant cells processed by cisplatin, and maintains the cell clone survival ability. Autophagy activation requires the involvement of Atg5 and Atg7.

Emerging Role for Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Male Fertility

Male fertility is modulated by environmental, endocrine, paracrine, and metabolic cues. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates many cellular events in response to those signals. Here, we discuss how the mTOR pathway integrates and mediates signals throughout the male reproductive system, acting as a central player in the control of spermatogenesis.

Effects of low amplitude pulsed radiofrequency stimulation with different waveform in rats for neuropathic pain

Pulsed-radiofrequency (PRF) electrical stimulation has been widely used for chronic pain treatment. It has been demonstrated with advantages of low temperature over traditional continuous radiofrequency (CRF) lesions with higher amplitude and mono polar electrode to treat pain in clinics (frequency 500 KHz, Pulse duration 20 msec, Amplitude 45 V, Treatment 2 min). We compare the effects of different pulse waveforms and PRF parameters (Pulse duration 25 ms, Treatment duration 5 min, low amplitude of 2.5/1.25 V) with a miniature bi-polar electrode on Dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The pain relief effect due to PRF is evaluated by using Von Frey method for the pain threshold index based on behavior response to mechanical stimulus of various strengths. Experimental results of Von Frey Score show that the sinusoidal group has higher responses than the square wave one. Both fast and secondary expressed proteins of c-fos and pp38 are measured from spinal cord tissue sectioning slides to characterize the pain associated inflammatory responses and their responses due to PRF stimulation.

Effects of maltitol and xylitol chewing-gums on parameters involved in dental caries development

AIM

The effects on plaque parameters of sugar free chewing-gums (CG) sweetened with either maltitol or xylitol were assessed to better understand the role polyols can play in dental caries prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A double-blind, parallel, randomised, controlled study was conducted in China. Subjects (N = 258, age = 13 to 15 years-old) were divided into 4 groups: 2 receiving polyols CG, containing respectively maltitol or xylitol, a group receiving gum base (placebo) and a negative control group not receiving any gum. CG were chewed for 30 days. This corresponds to a 10 g consumption of polyol per day. Plaque parameters (growth, pH, bacteria and insoluble glucans) were evaluated throughout the experimental period.

RESULTS

All parameters studied were significantly modified with gum base compared to no-gum: plaque pH increased; plaque growth, bacteria (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, A. viscosus and Lactobacillus) and insoluble glucans decreased. Maltitol and xylitol CG led similarly to a higher plaque pH (AUC, p⋜0.05) on short (at baseline after the first CG consumption) and long term (after 4 weeks of daily CG consumption), with or without saliva stimulation compared to both control and placebo groups. They led to a decrease in plaque growth (p=0.02) over the experimental period compared to controls. Moreover, they significantly reduced the concentration of 4 cariogenic bacteria species (p⋜0.05) in dental plaque compared to gum base.

CONCLUSION

Sugar free CG sweetened with either maltitol or xylitol can similarly reduce plaque acidogenicity compared to gum base through a decrease in oral bacteria presence. The use of a gum base placebo allowed to isolate effects on parameters involved in dental caries development specific to maltitol and xylitol, and to show these effects were similar.

Polarity proteins and actin regulatory proteins are unlikely partners that regulate cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis

In mammalian testis, spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous epithelium of the seminiferous tubule, which is composed of a series of cellular events. These include: (i) spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) renewal via mitosis and differentiation of SSC to spermatogenia, (ii) meiosis, (iii) spermiogenesis, and (iv) spermiation. Throughout these events, developing germ cells remain adhered to the Sertoli cell in the seminiferous epithelium amidst extensive cellular, biochemical, molecular and morphological changes to obtain structural support and nourishment. These events are coordinated via signal transduction at the cell-cell interface through cell junctions, illustrating the significance of cell junctions and adhesion in spermatogenesis. Additionally, developing germ cells migrate progressively across the seminiferous epithelium from the stem cell niche, which is located in the basal compartment near the basement membrane of the tunica propria adjacent to the interstitium. Recent studies have shown that some apparently unrelated proteins, such as polarity proteins and actin regulatory proteins, are in fact working in concert and synergistically to coordinate the continuous cyclic changes of adhesion at the Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell interface in the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, such that developing germ cells remain attached to the Sertoli cell in the epithelium while they alter in cell shape and migrate across the epithelium. In this review, we highlight the physiological significance of endocytic vesicle-mediated protein trafficking events under the influence of polarity and actin regulatory proteins in conferring cyclic events of cell adhesion and de-adhesion. Furthermore, these recent findings have unraveled some unexpected molecules to be targeted for male contraceptive development, which are also targets of toxicant-induced male reproductive dysfunction.

Coexistence of exchange bias and magnetization pinning in the MnO(x)/GaMnAs system

Coexistence of exchange bias (H(E)) and magnetization (M) shift was observed in as-grown and field-annealed MnO(x)/Ga(0.95)Mn(0.05)As bilayers. It was found that H(E) initially decreases with the annealing time t(a) and then increases when t(a) > 30 min, while the M shift remains almost unchanged with t(a). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that MnO(x) is composed of MnO and Mn(3)O(4), and the volume amount ratio of Mn(3)O(4) to MnO increases with increasing t(a). A simple model based on a uniform MnO-Mn(3)O(4) interface with constant 'pinned' uncompensated interfacial spins is proposed to account for the observed exchange-biased phenomena in the bilayers.

Spermatogonial stem cells alone are not sufficient to re-initiate spermatogenesis in the rat testis following adjudin-induced infertility

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a unique ultrastructure in the testis, which creates a specialized microenvironment in the seminiferous epithelium known as the apical (or adluminal) compartment for post-meiotic germ-cell development and for maintenance of an immunological barrier. In this study, we have demonstrated unequivocally that a functional and intact BTB is crucial for the initiation of spermatogenesis, in particular, the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). It was shown that adult rats (∼300 g body weight, b.w.) treated with adjudin at 50 (low-dose) or 250 (high-dose) mg/kg b.w. by gavage led to germ-cell depletion from the seminiferous tubules and that >98% of the tubules were devoid of germ cells by ∼2 week and rats became infertile in both groups after the sperm reserve in the epididymis was exhausted. While the population of SSC/spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules from both groups was similar to that of normal rats, only rats from the low-dose group were capable of re-initiating spermatogenesis; and by 20 weeks, greater than 75% of the tubules displayed normal spermatogenesis and the fertility of these rats rebounded. Detailed analysis by dual-labelled immunofluorescence analysis and a functional BTB integrity assay revealed that in both treatment groups, the BTB was disrupted from week 6 to week 12. However, the disrupted BTB 'resealed' in the low-dose group, but not in the high-dose group. Our findings illustrate that SSC/spermatogonia failed to differentiate into spermatocytes beyond A(aligned) spermatogonia in the high-dose group with a disrupted BTB. In short, these findings illustrate the critical significance of the BTB for re-initiation of spermatogenesis besides SSC and spermatogonia.

Fate and distribution of nitrogen in soil and plants irrigated with landfill leachate

Landfill leachate contains a high concentration of ammoniacal substances which can be a potential supply of N for plants. A bioassay was conducted using seeds of Brassica chinensis and Lolium perenne to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the leachate sample. A soil column experiment was then carried out in a greenhouse to study the effect of leachate on plant growth. Two grasses (Paspalum notatum and Vetiver zizanioides) and two trees (Hibiscus tiliaceus and Litsea glutinosa) were irrigated with leachate at the EC50 levels for 12 weeks. Their growth performance and the distribution of N were examined and compared with columns applied with chemical fertilizer. With the exception of P. notatum, plants receiving leachate and fertilizer grew better than those receiving water alone. The growth of L. glutinosa and V. zizanioides with leachate irrigation did not differ significantly from plants treated with fertilizer. Leachate irrigation significantly increased the levels of NH(x)-N in soil. Although NO(x)-N was below 1 mg NL(-1) in the leachate sample, the soil NO(x)-N content increased by 9-fold after leachate irrigation, possibly as a result of nitrification. Leachate irrigation at EC50 provided an N input of 1920 kg N ha(-1) over the experimental period, during which up to 1050 kg N ha(-1) was retained in the soil and biomass, depending on the type of vegetation. The amount of nutrient added seems to exceed beyond the assimilative capability. Practitioners should be aware of the possible consequence of N saturation when deciding the application rate if leachate irrigation is aimed for water reuse.

Tight junctions in the testis: new perspectives

In the testis, tight junctions (TJs) are found between adjacent Sertoli cells at the level of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) where they coexist with basal ectoplasmic specializations and desmosome-gap junctions. The BTB physically divides the seminiferous epithelium into two distinct compartments: a basal compartment where spermatogonia and early spermatocytes are found, and an adluminal compartment where more developed germ cells are sequestered from the systemic circulation. In order for germ cells (i.e. preleptotene spermatocytes) to enter the adluminal compartment, they must cross the BTB, a cellular event requiring the participation of several molecules and signalling pathways. Still, it is not completely understood how preleptotene spermatocytes traverse the BTB at stage VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. In this review, we discuss largely how TJ proteins are exploited by viruses and cancer cells to cross endothelial and epithelial cells. We also discuss how this information may apply to future studies investigating the movement of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB.

The effect of rigid versus flexible spinal orthosis on the gait pattern of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The conventional rigid spinal orthosis and the flexible spinal orthosis, SpineCor, have different treatment principles in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). These may influence the patients' gait pattern and clinical outcome. In this study, gait analysis on patients with AIS undergoing these two orthotic interventions were conducted. The patients' lower limb kinematic and kinetic data during level walking were collected using a motion analysis system and two force platforms in four test conditions: pre-intervention, having used the orthosis for 1 month and 1 year (in and out of the orthosis). Twenty-one subjects were randomly assigned to the rigid spinal orthosis group (10 subjects) and the SpineCor group (11 subjects). Neither group showed gait asymmetry when comparing the convex and concave sides in the four test conditions. However, significant reduction in the range of motion of the pelvis and hip joints in the coronal plane were found. Although patients with AIS undergoing these two orthotic interventions showed significant changes in walking pattern within the study period, their long-term effect on gait and function requires further investigation through long-term prospective studies.

Effect of introduced phthalate-degrading bacteria on the diversity of indigenous bacterial communities during di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) degradation in a soil microcosm

Four previously isolated di-butyl-phthalate (DBP) degraders were tested for their abilities to degrade di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). In aqueous medium supplemented with 100mg/l of DEHP, both isolate G1 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous G2 showed excellent degradative activity; in three days they were able to degrade more than 97% of the added DEHP. Rhodococcus rhodochrous G7 degraded 32.5% of the added DEHP and Corynebacterium nitrilophilus G11 showed the least amount of DEHP degradation. The addition of surfactant Brij 30 at 0.1x critical micelle concentration (2mg/l) significantly improved DEHP degradation by Rhodococcus rhodochrous G2 (more than 90% of the added DEHP was degraded within 24 hours), but slightly inhibited the degradation of DEHP by the isolate G1 and Rhodococcus rhodochrous G7. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence data, isolate G1 was identified as Gordonia polyisoprenivorans. Soil inhibited DEHP degradation by G. polyisoprenivorans G1; fourteen days after a second addition of DEHP, 11.5% of the total added DEHP (i.e., 243.4 microg/g soil) remained detectable. Changes in the bacterial community were monitored using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and respective dendrogram analysis. It is clear that DEHP and DEHP plus G. polyisoprenivorans G1 substantially affected the bacterial community structure in the soils. However, as the population of indigenous DEHP degraders increased in the DEPH-treated soil, its bacterial communities resembled those in the DEHP plus G. polyisoprenivorans G1-inoculated soil by Day 17.

Phytotoxicity data safeguard the performance of the recipient plants in leachate irrigation

Leachates from an operating and a closed landfill were examined for their phytotoxicity by seed germination/root elongation tests using seeds of Brassica chinensis and Lolium perenne. Their EC50s ranged from 3% to 46% v/v, which varied remarkably with the operating status of the landfills. Seedlings of twelve tree species were grown in pots, which were irrigated with landfill leachate at the EC50 levels, with tap water as control. No tree mortality or growth inhibition was observed after 90 days of leachate application. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurement also showed that plants receiving leachate did not suffer from a decline in photosynthetic efficiency. Litsea glutinosa and Hibiscus tiliaceus had remarkable growth, and other non-N-fixers were not inferior to the N-fixing Acacia auriculiformis. Leachate irrigation improved soil N content, though P deficiency is still a problem. The seed bioassay provided a conservative estimate of the phytotoxicity of landfill leachate. Plants irrigated can be protected from growth inhibition when the leachate irrigation plan is designed with reference to phytotoxicity data.

A comparison of the clinical effectiveness of spinal orthoses manufactured using the conventional manual method and CAD/CAM method in the management of AIS

Spinal orthoses are commonly prescribed to patients with moderate AIS for prevention of further deterioration. In a conventional manufacturing method, plaster bandages are used to get patient's body contour and plaster cast is rectified manually. With the introduction of CAD/CAM system, a series of automated processes from body scanning to digital rectification and milling of positive model can be performed in a fast and accurate fashion. This project is to study the impact of CAD/CAM method as compared with the conventional method. In assessing the 147 recruited subjects fitted with spinal orthoses (43 subjects using conventional method and 104 subjects using CAD/CAM method), significant decreases (p<0.05) were found in the Cobb angles when comparing the pre-intervention data with that of the first year of intervention. Regarding the learning curve, Orthotists are getting more competent with the CAD/CAM technique in four years time. The mean productivity of the CAD/CAM method is 2.75 times higher than that of the conventional method. The CAD/CAM method could achieve similar clinical outcomes and with its high efficiency, could be considered as substitute for conventional methods in fabricating spinal orthoses for patients with AIS.

Photorealistic virtual anatomy based on Chinese Visible Human data

Virtual reality based learning of human anatomy is feasible when a database of 3D organ models is available for the learner to explore, visualize, and dissect in virtual space interactively. In this article, we present our latest work on photorealistic virtual anatomy applications based on the Chinese Visible Human (CVH) data. We have focused on the development of state-of-the-art virtual environments that feature interactive photo-realistic visualization and dissection of virtual anatomical models constructed from ultra-high resolution CVH datasets. We also outline our latest progress in applying these highly accurate virtual and functional organ models to generate realistic look and feel to advanced surgical simulators.

The expression of rac1 pseudogene in human tissues and in human brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that Rac is a regulator of cell morphology and growth. Rac1 gene appears to have involvement in tumorigenesis and metastatic potential. In our previous study of rac1 gene in 45 human brain tumors, rac1 pseudogene was found. The rac1 pseudogene is an intronless pseudogene and has a similarity of 86% with rac1 nucleotide sequence. The rac1 pseudogene contains 579 nucleotides and only 46 amino acids can be translated. Little is known about the expression of rac1 pseudogene in human tissues or tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of rac1 gene and rac1 pseudogene in different human tissues and brain tumors was investigated by the use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blotting.

RESULTS

The rac1 gene is apparently expressed in these 8 human tissues. The rac1 pseudogene is also apparently expressed in human tissues except for brain tissue. The overexpression of rac1 gene in brain tumors was 8% (2/25) and the overexpression of rac1 pseudogene was 76.9% (20/26). Only two astrocytomas had overexpression of rac1 gene, compared with normal brain tissues. The overexpression of rac1 pseudogene was 6 of 9 in meningiomas, 7 of 9 in astrocytomas, and 7 of 8 in pituitary adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

High frequency of overexpression of rac1 pseudogene was detected in the human brain tumors when compared with that expressed in the normal brain tissues. Our study suggested that the rac1 pseudogene may play an important role of the tumorigenesis of brain.

A buccal cell model comet assay: development and evaluation for human biomonitoring and nutritional studies

The comet assay is a widely used biomonitoring tool for DNA damage. The most commonly used cells in human studies are lymphocytes. There is an urgent need to find an alternative target human cell that can be collected from normal subjects with minimal invasion. There are some reports of buccal cells, collected easily from the inside of the mouth, being used in studies of DNA damage and repair, and these were of interest. However, our preliminary studies following the published protocol showed that buccal cells sustained massive damage and disintegrated at the high pH [O. Ostling, K.J. Johanson. Microelectrophoretic study of radiation-induced DNA damages in individual mammalian cells. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 123 (1984) 291-298] used, but that at lower pH were extremely resistant to lysis, an essential step in the comet assay. Therefore, the aims of this study were to develop a protocol than enabled buccal cell lysis and DNA damage testing in the comet assay, and to use the model to evaluate the potential use of the buccal cell model in human biomonitoring and nutritional study. Specifically, we aimed to investigate intra- and inter-individual differences in buccal cell DNA damage (as strand breaks), the effect of in vitro exposure to both a standard oxidant challenge and antioxidant treatment, as well as in situ exposure to an antioxidant-rich beverage and supplementation-related effects using a carotenoid-rich food. Successful lysis was achieved using 0.25% trypsin for 30 min followed by proteinase K (1mg/ml) treatment for 60 min. When this procedure was performed on cells pre-embedded in agarose on a microscope slide, followed by electrophoresis (in 0.01 M NaOH, 1mM EDTA, pH 9.1, 18 min at 12 V), a satisfactory comet image was obtained, though inter-individual variation was quite wide. Pre-lysis exposure of cells to a standard oxidant challenge (induced by H2O2) increased DNA strand breaks in a dose related manner, and incubation of cells in Trolox (a water soluble Vitamin E analogue) conferred significant protection (P<0.05) against subsequent oxidant challenge. Exposure of buccal cell in situ (i.e. in the mouth) to antioxidant-rich green tea led to an acute decrease in basal DNA strand breaks. In a controlled human intervention trial, buccal cells from 14 subjects after 28 days' supplementation with a carotenoid-rich berry (Fructus barbarum L.) showed a small but statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in DNA strand breaks. These data indicate that this buccal cell comet assay is a feasible and potentially useful alternative tool to the usual lymphocyte model in human biomonitoring and nutritional work.

The Impact of Visual Impairment and Use of Eye Services on Health-Related Quality of Life among the Elderly in Taiwan: The Shihpai Eye Study

To evaluate the effect of impaired vision on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the authors administered the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36) to the elderly in a metropolitan Taiwanese community and assessed their visual impairment status. A structured questionnaire was used for door-to-door data collection. Interviewers also collected information on demographics, medical history, and HRQoL. Those who were interviewed were invited to the study hospital for a detailed eye examination. An eye examination, including presenting visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity, was conducted by ophthalmologists. Presenting visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity were measured in the better eye. Impaired vision was defined as presenting visual acuity in the better-seeing eye worse than 6/12 (or 20/40) and was used to evaluate the correlation to HRQoL. A total of 1361 subjects at least 65 years of age participated in both the interview and eye examination. Internal-consistency and test-retest reliability of the eight scales were high. Based on the separate multiple regression model, after controlling for all other covariates, subjects in contact with vision services offered by an ophthalmologist had more positive scores on general health perceptions (beta = 4.29; p < 0.001), vitality/energy (beta = 2.73; p < 0.001), and mental health (beta = 2.06; p = 0.01). Impaired vision was associated with significantly lower scores in physical functioning (beta = -3.62; p < 0.001) and social functioning scales (beta = -3.25; p = 0.015). The findings suggest that visual impairment is associated with lower quality of life and use of eye care services is associated with higher quality of life.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 in sera and from polymorphonuclear leucocytes in rheumatoid arthritis: in vitro characterization and correlation with disease activity

OBJECTIVES

To determine matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) secretion from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs), in response to immune complexes (IC), cytokines and their combinations, and to study correlation of serum MMP-8 with disease activity.

METHODS

PMNs from RA patients and controls were stimulated in vitro with interleukin-15 (IL-15), IL-18, adherent immune complexes, rabbit anti-human immunoglobulin G (anti-HIgG), human immunoglobulin G (HIgG), and their F (ab') 2 prongs, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or combinations of above. Supernatants from these experiments and sera from both groups were assayed for MMP-8 using ELISA and correlated with disease activity measures in patients.

RESULTS

MMP-8 secretion from stimulated PMNs was compared to unstimulated PMNs. Immune complexes elicited significant MMP-8 secretion (p = 0.006 and 0.001, control and RA respectively). Unlike HIgG and its F (ab')2 fragment, very high secretion was elicited by anti-HIgG (242.37 +/- 10.85 ng/ml) and its F (ab')2 prong (195.85 +/- 28.67 ng/ml). IL-15 did not elicit any secretion. IL-18 with PMA increased secretion significantly only from RA PMNs (p = 0.003). Serum MMP-8 correlated positively with serum CRP (p = 0.017) and not with disease activity score (p = 0.199).

CONCLUSIONS

We for the first time demonstrate that immune complexes elicit MMP-8 secretion from PMNs. Except for higher secretion from RA PMNs in response to combination of IL-18 and PMA, both control and RA PMNs respond similarly to various stimuli. Secretion by anti-HIgG occurs by a mechanism independent of Fc receptor. Correlation with CRP suggest that serum MMP-8 may be an indicator of acute inflammatory activity.

Association study of the dopamine and serotonin transporter genetic polymorphisms and methamphetamine abuse in Chinese males

The dopamine transporter (DAT) and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) play important roles in methamphetamine (METH) dependence because they are the target of METH action. For this study, the association between the DAT and 5-HTT polymorphisms and METH dependence were investigated for a Chinese-male sample population. The investigated polymorphisms included those of the DAT 3'-variable number tandem repeat, the 5-HTT gene promoter and a 5-HTT variable number tandem repeat polymorphisms. No significant difference was demonstrated for genotype or allele frequency, when comparing METH dependent and control cases for the DAT and the 5-HTT polymorphisms. The findings of this study suggest that these polymorphisms do not play major roles in METH dependence in the Chinese-male population.

Abnormal 201Tl myocardial single photon emission computed tomography in energetic male patients with myocardial bridge

Myocardial bridge is a relatively benign condition where a major coronary artery is bridged by a band of muscle and narrows during systole, particularly during rapid heart rates. Its clinical presentation and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes overlap with that of coronary artery disease. 201Tl myocardial perfusion imaging is thus frequently prescribed for further evaluation. This retrospective study was carried out to determine the 201Tl image patterns in patients with myocardial bridge. A total of 17 male patients (aged from 30 to 63 years) who had a positive exercise ECG and angiographic evidence of myocardial bridge in the mid-third of the left anterior descending coronary artery were recruited. Most of them were robust and received routine physical check-ups. They had no known heart disease or medication that affected cardiac function. The patients' clinical presentations, echocardiograph and exercise ECG findings were analysed. 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed by intravenous injection of 201Tl (111 MBq) immediately following stress (treadmill or dipyridamole induced) and 4 h after stress, using a fixed, right angle camera equipped with a low energy, general purpose collimator. The images were interpreted independently by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians. Nine of the 17 patients had anterior chest pain during exercise. All patients had an abnormal ECG during exercise, including ST-T wave depression in leads II, III and aVF, and v4-6. Except for eight patients revealing reversible perfusion defect (R), 16 of the 17 patients also exhibited a partial reversible perfusion defect (PR) or a significant reverse redistribution (RR) scan pattern in the anterior or inferior walls of the left ventricle. Myocardial bridge should be taken into consideration in energetic male patients who had abnormal exercise ECGs and the corresponding patterns of Tl SPECT abnormalities including R, PR and RR.

Association study of the 5-HT(6) receptor polymorphism (C267T) and symptomatology and antidepressant response in major depressive disorders

The serotonergic neurotransmitter system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of the 14 human serotonin (5-HT) receptors, the 5-HT(6) receptor may be a candidate for the study of MDD because of its relative abundance in certain limbic areas and its high affinity to several antidepressants. The present study tested the hypothesis that a 5-HT(6) genetic polymorphism (C267T) is associated with the clinical manifestations of, and/or antidepressant response in, MDD. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess 57 MDD patients before antidepressant treatment, with 34 patients completing the 4-week treatment and evaluation. The results of the association study provide that the 5-HT(6) C267T genetic variant does not play a major role in producing the clinical manifestations or antidepressant response for MDD patients. Further study with a functional 5-HT(6) polymorphism is needed to explore the role of 5-HT(6) in the pathogenesis of MDD.

Visual impairment in a Taiwanese population: prevalence, causes, and socioeconomic factors

PURPOSE

We sought to estimate the prevalence of visual impairment among an elderly population in urban Taiwan, determine the causes of visual impairment, and gain information about certain socioeconomic factors associated with visual impairment.

METHODS

A population-based survey of ocular diseases in residents aged 50 years or older was conducted in Peitou Precinct, Taipei, Taiwan. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity measurement, using standardized protocols. Demographic data, marital status, employment status, and educational level were gathered through an interview.

RESULTS

A total of 2034 participants completed the visual acuity measurements. The prevalence of visual impairment (defined as best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye <6/18) among this population was 2.75% (95% confidence intervals: 2.04%-3.46%). Three major causes of visual impairment were cataract (30.4%), high myopic macular degeneration (25.0%), and age-related macular degeneration (14.3%). In multivariate analysis, age was positively correlated with visual impairment (P < 0.001), and higher education level was associated with a significant decrease in the odds of being visually impaired (P < 0.001). No relation was found between visual impairment and sex, or marital and employment status. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first information about the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Taiwan, and identifies age and educational level as the most important factors related to visual impairment. Additional educational programs should be developed to improve individual awareness of age-related ocular diseases and the availability of current ophthalmic intervention.

Pulsatile ocular blood flow in asymmetric exudative age related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Decreased perfusion or increased vascular resistance of the choroidal vessels had been proposed as the vascular pathogenesis for age related macular degeneration (AMD). This study planned to answer the question whether pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) was different in patients with asymmetric exudative AMD between eyes with drusen, choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), or disciform scar.

METHODS

37 patients with asymmetric exudative AMD were enrolled in this observational case series study. POBF were measured in both eyes of each subject. Eyes with high myopia, anisometropia, recent laser treatment, and glaucoma were excluded.

RESULTS

After adjusting for ocular perfusion pressure, intraocular pressure, and pulse rate, multivariate regression analysis with generalised estimating equation showed POBF was significantly higher in eyes with CNV (1217 (SD 476) microl/min) than the contralateral eyes with drusen (1028 (385) microl/min) (p = 0.024). Eyes with disciform scar had lower POBF than the contralateral eyes with drusen (999 (262) microl/min and 1278 (341) microl/min, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between the POBF and the lesion size of the CNV.

CONCLUSION

The POBF in eyes with drusen was lower than their fellow eyes with CNV, but higher than their fellow eyes with disciform scar. This finding suggests that haemodynamic differences between fellow eyes in individuals are relevant to the development of CNV and the formation of disciform scar. Further studies on the follow up patients might shed light on the pathogenesis of exudative AMD.

Association analysis for NMDA receptor subunit 2B (GRIN2B) genetic variants and psychopathology and clozapine response in schizophrenia

It is known that a syndrome resembling schizophrenia is produced by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists. It has also been demonstrated that the level of an ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate 2B subunit (GRIN2B) of the glutamate receptor tends to increase after subchronic administration of clozapine, suggesting that GRIN2B may play an active role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and the function of clozapine medication. We studied 100 schizophrenic patients, investigating the associations for the GRIN2B genetic variants, and psychiatric symptoms and clozapine response. No significant differences were demonstrated comparing these three groups in terms of the baseline Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score (P = 0.441). The percentage of patients scoring within 20% of baseline BPRS after clozapine treatment was similar for the three genotype groups (P = 0.132). A marginally higher mean clozapine dosage was revealed, however, for patients bearing the 2664C/C genotype (P = 0.013). Although replication of this research is required to confirm the results, an association for the GRIN2B C2664T polymorphism and clozapine treatment is suggested from our findings, which may assist in the prediction of optimal dosage for schizophrenic patients.

The efficacy and safety of risperidone for the treatment of geriatric psychosis

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug which has been suggested to be beneficial for the treatment of elderly patients with psychotic symptoms. In this study, we assessed the short-term efficacy and the safety of risperidone in geropsychiatric inpatients with psychotic symptoms. The sample population included 110 elderly inpatients with psychotic disorders. Assessment for drug efficacy using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Sandoz Clinical Assessment-Geriatric scale, and Clinical Global Impression scale was conducted at baseline and also at 4 weeks subsequent to risperidone treatment commencement. Subsequent to commencing risperidone treatment, 80 patients completed a 4-week therapeutic evaluation. Seventy (87.5%) of the 80 patients experienced mild to substantial improvement using the Clinical Global Impression scale. Adverse effects were monitored in all 110 patients. The most commonly detected adverse effects were weakness of legs or walking problems (43/110; 39.1%) and dizziness (32/110; 29.1%). Peripheral edema was noted in 18 (16.4%) patients. Risperidone, in low doses, appeared to have been effective in this sample of patients older than 65 years with psychotic symptoms. The mean dose (2.1 +/- SD 1.4 mg/day) applied was lower then that suggested for young patients and was related to the each specific patient diagnosis. Peripheral edema and walking problems were commonly observed adverse effects for these elderly patients, such problems having not been seen to the same extent in previous studies of young patients.

A 22-amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the second extracellular loop of rat occludin perturbs the blood-testis barrier and disrupts spermatogenesis reversibly in vivo

When Sertoli cells were cultured in vitro on Matrigel-coated bicameral units, the assembly of the inter-Sertoli tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier correlated with an induction of occludin expression. Inclusion of a 22-amino acid peptide, NH(2)-GSQIYTICSQFYTPGGTGLYVD-COOH, corresponding to residues 209-230 in the second extracellular loop of rat occludin, at 0.2-4 microM into Sertoli cell cultures could perturb the assembly of Sertoli TJs dose-dependently and reversibly. This peptide apparently exerts its effects by interfering with the homotypic interactions of two occludin molecules between adjacent Sertoli cells at the sites of TJs, thereby disrupting TJs, which, in turn, causes a decline in transepithelial electrical resistance across the Sertoli cell epithelium. When similar experiments were performed using a 22-amino acid myotubularin peptide, NH(2)-TKVNERYELCDTYPALLAVPAN-COOH (residues 156-177), no effects on the assembly of inter-Sertoli TJs in vitro were noted. When a single dose of this synthetic occludin peptide was administered to adult rats intratesticularly at 1.5-10 mg/testis, germ cells began to deplete from the seminiferous epithelium within 8-16 days. By 27 days, virtually all tubules were devoid of germ cells. This antispermatogenic effect was reversible, because germ cells progressively repopulated the epithelium thereafter. Treated testes were indistinguishable from normal or control testes by 68 days post-occludin peptide treatment when assessed using histological analysis. In contrast, control rats receiving either no treatment, vehicle alone, or a 22-amino acid synthetic peptide of myotubularin displayed no changes in the testicular morphology at all time points. The occludin peptide-induced germ cell depletion was also accompanied by a disruption of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) when assessed by micropuncture techniques quantifying [(125)I]-BSA in rete testis fluid and seminiferous tubular fluid following i.v. administration of [(125)I]-BSA through the jugular vein. These results illustrate that the occludin peptide-induced disruption of the BTB may possibly affect the underlying adherens junctions, which causes premature release of germ cells from the epithelium and reversible infertility.

Partial amino acid sequencing of 80-kDa human sperm antigen (80-kDa HSA)

An 80-kDa human sperm antigen (80-kDa HSA) has been identified as a sperm protein responsible for inducing immunoinfertility. Immunization with the purified protein induced infertility in male and female rats. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies have demonstrated that the antigen is specific to spermatozoa. The present study describes the partial amino acid sequencing of 80-kDa HSA. The homogeneous protein was electrophoretically transferred onto a PVDF membrane and the excised band of 80-kDa HSA was used to determine the partial N-terminal amino acid sequence. The protein was then subjected to enzymatic digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C and endoproteinase Glu-C. The partial amino acid sequence of the major peptides thus obtained was determined. The digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C generated 4 major peptides, two of which showed partial sequence homology with lactoferrin. Endoproteinase Glu-C digestion produced 3 major peptides. The sequences of the 2 peptides were determined for which no matches were found in the databank. These results confirmed earlier observations that 80-kDa HSA is a sperm-specific protein that is chemically distinct from any other protein involved in normal physiological process. Earlier studies have demonstrated that it is antigenic, efficacious, conserved, and could be a promising candidate for the development of an antifertility vaccine.

The inter-Sertoli tight junction permeability barrier is regulated by the interplay of protein phosphatases and kinases: an in vitro study

The timely opening and closing of inter-Sertoli cell tight junctions in the rat testis are essential cellular events in the completion of spermatogenesis. They permit the passage of preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes to cross the blood-testis barrier from the basal compartment to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium so that these cells can continue their further development into spermatids. However, the mechanism by which these events is regulated remains a mystery in male reproductive physiology. As part of our long-term goal of understanding the biology of this event and its regulation, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) across the Sertoli cell epithelia when inter-Sertoli tight junctions were being assembled in vitro was quantified to assess the effects of different inhibitors of phosphatases and kinases on the inter-Sertoli tight junction permeability barrier. It was shown that inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPi) and inhibitors of protein Ser/Thr phosphatases (PPi) could perturb the assembly and maintenance of the inter-Sertoli tight junction permeability barrier. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of PTPi were abolished by pretreating Sertoli cells with protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PTKi), which illustrates the specificity of the PTPi treatment. A cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activator and inhibitors of calcium-diacylglycerol-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) can also perturb the inter-Sertoli tight junction permeability barrier, which suggests that opening and closing of the inter-Sertoli tight junctions during spermatogenesis is likely regulated, at least in part, by the PKA/PKC pathways. Needless to say, these results illustrate that the interplay of protein kinases and phosphatases, which regulate the intracellular phosphoprotein content of Sertoli cells possibly via PKA and PKC signal transduction pathways, plays a crucial role in modulating the assembly and maintenance of inter-Sertoli tight junctions in the testis.

Association study of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism with schizophrenia and polydipsia

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system and can modulate dopamine turnover in the midbrain. Previous studies have revealed changes in the central ACE levels for schizophrenic patients, possibly related to the polydipsia commonly demonstrated for chronic schizophrenia. An insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism of the ACE gene has been associated with ACE levels. Therefore, we elected to investigate the ACE I/D polymorphism for 124 schizophrenic patients and 117 control subjects. No significant differences for the genotype distribution or the allele frequency were revealed comparing controls and schizophrenic patients. The ACE genotypes were not associated with onset age or psychiatric symptoms for the schizophrenic cases. A modest association was revealed for this ACE polymorphism and polydipsia diagnosis for these patients. Using bearers of the D allele as baseline, the ratio for I/I homozygote was 2.31 (95% CI 0.95-5.65). This association needs further replication as it may have implications for the pathogenesis and the treatment of polydipsia for schizophrenic patients.

Association study for a functional serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and late-onset Alzheimer's disease for Chinese patients

Two recent studies have demonstrated an association for a deletion/insertion polymorphism within the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to these studies, subjects with the short variant of the 5-HTTLPR gene are at increased risk for AD; however, this finding has not been confirmed by other workers. To evaluate the role of the 5-HTTLPR gene in susceptibility for AD, we conducted an association study for this polymorphism in a Chinese population. No significant differences were determined for genotype distribution or allele frequencies, comparing AD patients and normal controls. Even dividing the population into subgroups according to the presence of the APOE epsilon4 allele, no differences for genotype or allele frequencies were determined, comparing patients and controls. These results suggest that it is unlikely that the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism plays a substantial role in conferring susceptibility to AD.

Two new male contraceptives exert their effects by depleting germ cells prematurely from the testis

The three currently available male contraceptive approaches are 1) the barrier method such as the condom, 2) hormonal methods by disrupting the pituitary-testicular axis so as to impair spermatogenesis, and 3) immunological methods by preparing vaccines against male-specific antigens. We hereby describe an alternative approach in which attachments of developing germ cells onto the seminiferous epithelium are disrupted, thereby inducing their premature release into the tubular lumen. This in turn leads to infertility. A panel of analogues based on the core structure of 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-indazole-3-carboxylic acid was synthesized. These compounds were subjected to an in vivo screening assay assessing their effects in inducing the expression of testin, a testicular marker whose expression correlates with the integrity of Sertoli-germ cell junctions. An induction of testin expression in the testis signifies a disruption of Sertoli-germ cell junctions that is followed by depletion of germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. Two compounds, namely 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (AF-2364) and 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-indazole-3-acrylic acid (AF-2785), were identified that caused detachment of germ cells, in particular round and elongated spermatids, from the epithelium inducing their premature release into the tubular lumen as confirmed by histological analysis. Adult rats receiving several oral doses of either one of these compounds became infertile within 3-7 wk after the epididymal sperm reserve was exhausted. Depending on the dosing of the administered compound, rats became infertile for 4-14 wk before their fertility gradually bounced back, illustrating the reversibility and efficacy of these new compounds. Also, these compounds did not appear to impair the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis because the serum levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone of the treated animals did not change significantly when compared to control rats. In addition, results of serum microchemistry illustrate that liver and kidney function was not affected in animals treated with both compounds.

Color Doppler imaging study of retrobulbar hemodynamics in chronic angle-closure glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) by using color Doppler imaging (CDI) and to correlate the degree of glaucomatous visual field loss with the hemodynamic parameters.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS

Twenty-six Chinese patients with CACG and 26 age-matched and gender-matched normal subjects were recruited. All CACG patients had history of chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and asymmetric visual field defects between their fellow eyes. After receiving laser peripheral iridotomy and/or filtration surgery, all of them had bilateral medication-free controlled IOP before enrolling into the study.

METHODS

Each subject underwent CDI measurement in the central retinal artery (CRA) and the nasal and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). Visual fields of the CACG patients were obtained with Humphrey 24-2 program. The visual field defects were scored with the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) system. For each CACG patient, the eye with lower AGIS score was defined as the better eye and the eye with higher score as the worse eye.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Peak-systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were determined.

RESULTS

The EDV in the CRA and the temporal PCA was decreased significantly (P = 0.041 and 0.023, respectively) in the worse eyes of CACG patients compared with those in the control eyes. The better eyes of CACG patients showed no significant change in hemodynamic parameters compared with the control eyes. While comparing the fellow eyes of CACG patients, the worse eyes had significantly lower EDV in the temporal PCA (P = 0.012) than the contralateral better eyes. In 11 CACG patients with a difference of at least 8 in AGIS visual field scores between their fellow eyes, the worse eyes had significantly lower EDV (P = 0.041) in the CRA and lower PSV (P = 0.018) and EDV (P = 0.018) in the temporal PCA compared with those in the contralateral eyes. In multivariate regression analysis, the AGIS scores were significantly correlated with the PSV in the CRA (P = 0.015) and with the EDV (P < 0.001) and RI (P = 0.027) in the temporal PCA in patients with CACG.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with well-controlled CACG may have decreased retrobulbar blood flow velocities and increased vascular resistance in the CRA and temporal PCA. The degree of retrobulbar hemodynamic impairment was well correlated with the degree of glaucomatous visual field loss.

Bilateral neurotrophic keratopathy complicating Vidian neurectomy

PURPOSE

To present a case of bilateral neurotrophic keratopathy with miosis after bilateral Vidian neurectomy for vasomotor rhinitis.

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A 68 year-old man presented with irritation and blurred vision in both eyes 2 weeks after bilateral Vidian neurectomy. Slit-lamp examination revealed a large epithelial defect, typical of neurotrophic keratopathy, in the inferior two-thirds of cornea in both eyes. Corneal sensitivity test with a Cochet-Bonnet anesthesiometer and electrical study of the blink reflex indicated bilateral trigeminal dysfunction. Both pupils were miotic, and tests with hydroxyamphetamine 1% and epinephrine 0.1% showed postganglionic sympathetic nerve damage. The corneal epithelial defects healed after 2 months of treatment with systemic prednisolone, vitamin B(12) and tarsorrhaphy.

CONCLUSION

Neurotrophic keratopathy associated with dry eye syndrome may be a serious complication of Vidian neurectomy.

Local interstitial emphysema caused by meconium aspiration: report of one case

A neonate of meconium aspiration syndrome presented with respiratory distress and bilateral pneumothorax. The image studies, including chest X-ray, chest computed tomography and operation finding all showed cystic changes in the right lung. Therefore congenital cystic lesions of lung was the first impression. However, the pathologic report disclosed meconium aspiration with interstitial emphysema.

Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in different types of posterior capsule opacification

PURPOSE

To compare the visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity in 2 types of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in pseudophakic eyes before and after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy and to evaluate vision test results after Nd:YAG capsulotomy.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

METHODS

Fourteen eyes with fibrosis-type PCO and 15 eyes with Elschnig-pearl-type PCO were enrolled prospectively. Before and 1 week after Nd:YAG capsulotomy, VA and contrast sensitivity were assessed using the illiterate E version of the Bailey-Lovie chart and the Vistech VCTS 6000 chart, respectively.

RESULTS

Before capsulotomy, the mean logMAR acuity in the group with Elschnig-pearl-type PCO was 0.47 +/- 0.32 (SD) and in the group with fibrosis-type PCO, 0.17 +/- 0.07. The difference between the 2 groups was significant (P =.002). After capsulotomy, there was no significant between-group difference (P >.05). Before capsulotomy, the contrast sensitivity was significantly worse (P <.01) at all spatial frequencies in the group with pearl-type PCO, especially at 6 cycles per degree. After capsulotomy, there was no significant between-group difference (P >.05) at any spatial frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

After cataract surgery, patients with pearl-type PCO had lower VA and contrast sensitivity than those with fibrosis-type PCO. An Nd:YAG capsulotomy improved the VA and contrast sensitivity in patients with both types of PCO.

Quantitative assessment of retinal thickness in diabetic patients with and without clinically significant macular edema using optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To assess patients with diabetic macular edema quantitatively using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

OCT was performed in 14 eyes with diabetic retinopathy and ophthalmoscopic evidence of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and in 19 diabetic eyes without CSME. Retinal thickness was computed from the tomograms at fovea and other 36 locations throughout the macula.

RESULTS

The mean +/- standard deviation foveal thickness was 255.6 +/- 138.9 microm in eyes with CSME, and 174.6 +/- 38.2 microm in eyes without CSME (p = 0.051). Within 2000 microm of the center of the macula, eyes with CSME had significantly thicker retina in the inferior quadrant than those without CSME (p < 0.01). The foveal thickness was correlated with logMAR visual acuity (gamma = 0.68, p < 0.01). OCT identified sponge-like retinal swelling and/or cystoid macular edema in 11 (58%) eyes without CSME, and in 12 (86%) eyes with CSME.

CONCLUSIONS

Criteria of CSME seem to be insufficient in really identifying macular edema. OCT may be more sensitive than a clinical examination in assessing diabetic macular edema and is a quantitative tool for documenting changes in macular thickening.

Cloning and characterization of zfBLP1, a Bcl-XL homologue from the zebrafish, Danio rerio

The importance of the Bcl-2 family proteins in normal vertebrate embryogenesis is being recognized; however, their regulatory mechanism is poorly understood. We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel zebrafish Bcl-2 family protein, zfBLP1. The zfBLP1 cDNA is 1942 nucleotides long, encoding a polypeptide of 238 amino acids. The primary sequence of zfBLP1 shares 50% identity to human Bcl-XL, and contains all four conserved BH domains of the Bcl-2 family proteins. Primary sequence analysis identified a consensus ER retention signal at the C-terminal end of zfBLP1. Northern blot analysis indicated that there were two major and two minor zfBLP1 mRNA species expressed during embryonic development. Among the two major mRNA species, the short one, approx. 3 kb in size, was expressed throughout embryonic development, while the long one, approx. 7 kb long, was not detectable until the gastrula stage. These results suggest that zfBLP1 is a novel Bcl-2 family protein under complicated regulations, and is likely to play an important role in zebrafish oogenesis and embryogenesis.