Idebenone relieves the damage of heat stress on the maturation and developmental competence of porcine oocytes

The reproductive function of animals is often affected by climatic conditions. High-temperature conditions can cause damage to oocyte maturation and embryonic development in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study was to prove that supplementation idebenone (IDB) to the maturation medium can improve the maturation and development of porcine oocytes after heat stress (HS). Porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in the maturation medium with different concentrations of IDB (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 μM) for 44 hr at either 38.5°C or under the HS conditions. The cumulus oophorus expansion, nuclear maturation and blastocyst rate after parthenogenetic activation (PA) were measured. We found that HS (in vitro maturation 20-24 hr, 42°C) exposure significantly reduced cumulus expansion index and maturation rate of oocytes and the blastocyst rate of PA embryos, while IDB supplementation significantly improved oocyte maturation and development to the blastocysts stage after PA. Moreover, the addition of IDB decreased the intracellular level of ROS and increased GSH content, hence enhancing the antioxidant capacity of oocytes under HS. Meanwhile, IDB treatment also obviously improved the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis of oocytes under HS conditions. Furthermore, IDB treatment increased the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 in IVM oocytes which attribute to improve the quality and outcome of IVM oocytes and the development competence of PA embryos in pigs. In summary, we demonstrated that IDB supplementation into the maturation medium exerted protective effects and improved the ability of maturation and developmental competence of porcine oocytes exposed to HS.

[Clinical effect and safety of 144-week treatment with entecavir capsules in treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of entecavir capsules in the treatment of treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: A total of 158 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were given oral entecavir capsules at a dose of 0.5 mg/time once a day for 144 weeks. Clinical outcome and safety were evaluated at baseline and at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 weeks of treatment respectively. The Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical data. Results: After 144 weeks of treatment, 90.91% of all patients achieved virologic response (< 69 IU/ml), the normalization rate of alanine aminotransferase was 88.18%, the clearance rate of HBeAg was 33.33%, and the seroconversion rate of HBeAg was 24.07%. Of all patients, 2 dropped out due to adverse events and 5 experienced serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: Entecavir capsules can inhibit viral replication and have good safety in treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive CHB patients.

[Clinical effect and safety of pegylated interferon-α-2b injection (Y shape, 40 kD) in treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of long-acting pegylated interferon-α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 μg/week) in the treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a as positive control. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial. Eligible HBeAg-positive CHB patients were screened out and randomized to Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) trial group and Peg-IFN-α-2a control group at a ratio of 2:1. The course of treatment was 48 weeks and the patients were followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Plasma samples were collected at screening, baseline, and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 weeks for centralized detection. COBAS® Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan® HBV Test was used to measure HBV DNA level by quantitative real-time PCR. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with Elecsys kit was used to measure HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe). Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary outcome measure was HBeAg seroconversion rate after the 24-week follow-up, and non-inferiority was also tested. The difference in HBeAg seroconversion rate after treatment between the trial group and the control group and two-sided confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and non-inferiority was demonstrated if the lower limit of 95% CI was > -10%. The t-test, chi-square test, or rank sum test was used according to the types and features of data. Results: A total of 855 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were enrolled and 820 of them received treatment (538 in the trial group and 282 in the control group). The data of the full analysis set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 27.32% in the trial group and 22.70% in the control group with a rate difference of 4.63% (95% CI -1.54% to 10.80%, P = 0.1493). The data of the per-protocol set showed that HBeAg seroconversion rate at week 72 was 30.75% in the trial group and 27.14% in the control group with a rate difference of 3.61% (95% CI -3.87% to 11.09%, P = 0.3436). 95% CI met the non-inferiority criteria, and the trial group was non-inferior to the control group. The two groups had similar incidence rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, and common adverse events. Conclusion: In Peg-IFN-α regimen for HBeAg-positive CHB patients, the new drug Peg-IFN-α-2b (Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

[Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon α-2b injection (Y shape, 40 kD) in treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the new investigational drug pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 µg/week) combined with ribavirin in the treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a combined with ribavirin as a positive control. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial was performed. Eligible patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were screened out and randomly divided into Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40kD) group and Peg-IFN-α-2a group at a ratio of 2:1. The patients in both groups were given oral ribavirin for 48 weeks in addition and then followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II was used to determine HCV genotype, and Cobas TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure HCV RNA level at 0, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks. Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), and a non-inferiority test was also performed. Results: A total of 561 patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were enrolled, among whom 529 received treatment; 90.9% of these patients had genotype 1 CHC. The data of the full analysis set showed that SVR rate was 69.80% (95% CI 65.00%-74.60%) in the trial group and 74.16% (95% CI 67.73%-80.59%) in the control group (P = 0.297 0). The data of the per protocol set (PPS) showed that SVR rate was 80.63% (95% CI 76.04%-85.23%) in the trial group and 81.33% (95% CI 75.10%-87.57%) in the control group (P = 0.849 8), and the 95% CI of rate difference conformed to the non-inferiority standard. The analysis of the PPS population showed that of all subjects, 47.9% achieved rapid virologic response, with a positive predictive value of 93.8%. The incidence rate of adverse events was 96.30% in the trial group and 94.94% in the control group, and the incidence rate of serious adverse events was 5.13% in the trail group and 5.06% in the control group. Conclusion: In the regimen of Peg-IFN-α combined with ribavirin for the treatment of genotype 1/6 CHC, the new investigational drug Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable clinical effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.

[Association between ribavirin plasma concentration and sustained virologic response in treatment of patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α-2b and ribavirin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the dose and plasma concentration of ribavirin (RBV) and sustained virologic response (SVR) during the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pegylated interferon-α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) and RBV.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were treated with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV as the antiviral treatment were enrolled, and according to the therapeutic effect (SVR was defined as HCV RNA maintained below the lower limit of detection at 24 weeks after drug discontinuation in patients who achieved virologic response at the end of treatment, and recurrence was defined as HCV RNA turning positive), these patients were divided into SVR group (20 patients aged 19-55 years, including 10 male patients) and recurrence group (20 patients aged 21-76 years, including 12 male patients). The HPLC-MS/MS was used to measure the RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. The t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

During the antiviral treatment, the dose of RBV showed a significant difference between the two groups (15.01 ± 1.21 mg/kg vs 10.28 ± 2.81 mg/kg,t= 6.908,P= 0.000). The area under the ROC curve reached 0.96 (95%CI0.00-1.00,P= 0.000), suggesting that the dose of RBV had a high value in predicting SVR. When the dose of RBV was higher than 13.05 mg/kg (sensitivity 100%; specificity 85%), the possibility of achieving SVR was also increased. The RBV plasma concentrations in the SVR group at weeks 4,12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 1 894.8 ± 740.7 ng/ml, 2 029.9 ± 547.7 ng/ml, 2 011.8 ± 354.2 ng/ml, and2 093.5 ± 540.3 ng/ml, respectively, and those in the recurrence group were 1 223.1 ± 722.7 ng/ml, 1 286.9±685.4 ng/ml, 1304.7 ± 692.0 ng/ml, and 1 221.3 ± 655.3 ng/ml, respectively. The RBV plasma concentration at each time point showed significant differences between the two groups (t= 2.903,P= 0.006;t= 3.787,P= 0.001;t= 4.068,P= 0.000;t= 4.593,P= 0.000). The results of ROC analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were 0.76 (95%CI0.61-0.92,P= 0.005), 0.83 (95%CI0.68-0.97,P= 0.000), 0.83 (95%CI0.69-0.98,P= 0.000), and 0.86 (95%CI0.72-1.00,P= 0.000), respectively, suggesting that the RBV plasma concentration had a high value in predicting SVR. When the cut-off values of RBV plasma concentration at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 of treatment were higher than 1262.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 90%; specificity 60%), 1432 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), 1427 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%; specificity 65%), and 1610 ng/ml (sensitivity 95%; specificity 80%), respectively, there was a greater possibility of achieving SVR.

CONCLUSION

During the antiviral treatment with PEG-IFN-α-2b and RBV, the dose and plasma concentration of RBV have a high value in predicting the recurrence of CHC and the possibility of SVR.

EsGLUT4 and CHHBP are involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis in the crustacean Eriocheir sinensis

Glucose is an essential energy source for both vertebrates and invertebrates. In mammals, glucose uptake is mediated primarily by glucose transporters (GLUTs), members of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of passive transporters. Among the GLUTs, GLUT4 is the main glucose transporter in muscles and adipocytes. In skeletal muscle cells, GLUT4 interacts with the lipid raft protein flotillin to transport glucose upon stimulation by insulin. Although several studies have examined GLUT4 function in mammals, few have been performed in crustaceans, which also use glucose as their main energy source. Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) is a multifunctional neurohormone found only in arthropods, and one of its roles is to regulate glucose homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanism that underlies CHH regulation and whether GLUT4 is involved in its regulation in crustaceans remain unclear. In the present study, we identified a full-length GLUT4 cDNA sequence (defined herein as EsGLUT4) from the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis and analyzed its tissue distribution and cellular localization. By the ForteBio Octet system, two large hydrophilic regions within EsGLUT4 were found to interact with the CHH binding protein (CHHBP), an E. sinensis flotillin-like protein. Interestingly, live-cell imaging indicated that EsGLUT4 and CHHBP responded simultaneously upon stimulation by CHH, resulting in glucose release. In contrast to insulin-dependent GLUT4, however, EsGLUT4 and CHHBP were present within cytoplasmic vesicles, both translocating to the plasma membrane upon CHH stimulation. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence for the involvement of EsGLUT4 and CHHBP in the regulation of glucose homeostasis in crustacean carbohydrate metabolism.

Summary: Here we identified that Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) could interact with CHH binding protein (CHHBP) to regulate CHH-stimulated glucose release in Eriocheir sinensis.

[Genomic analysis of Wenzhou virus in rodents from Zhejiang province]

Objective: Arenavirus is a negative single-stranded RNA virus and an important human pathogen, mainly harbored and transmitted by rodents, causing severe diseases, including hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis. Following the discovery of a novel pathogenic arenavirus (Wenzhou virus, WENV), the prevalence of WENV in local small rodents was investigated. Methods: By using RT-PCR, WENV was screened in 48 and 156 rodents sampled from Wenzhou and Longquan, respectively. Results: Consequently, WENV was detected in 5 (10.41%) rodents sampled from Wenzhou. However, no WENV was identified in all the rodents sampled from Longquan. Genetic analysis of complete genome sequences indicated that 4 of 5 virus strains were closely related to the known Wenzhou viruses with high homology. Especially, the L and S segments of Wencheng-Rn-288 strain shared homology of 87.5% and 91.6% with other viruses, respectively. They formed a distinct lineage, suggesting that this strain might be a novel variant of WENV. Conclusions: Our results indicate that WENV has a high prevalence and high genetic diversity among rodents in Wenzhou. As the respiratory disease caused by WENV has been detected in Cambodia, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance for WENV in China.

Identification and characterization of a Masculinizer (Masc) gene involved in sex differentiation in Artemia

The sex of relatively primitive animals such as invertebrates is mostly determined by environmental factors and chromosome ploidy. Heteromorphic chromosomes may also play an important role, as in the ZW system in lepidopterans. However, the mechanisms of these various sex determination systems are still largely undefined. In the present study, a Masculinizer gene (Ar-Masc) was identified in the crustacean Artemia franciscana Kellogg 1906. Sequence analysis revealed that the 1140-bp full-length open reading frame of Ar-Masc encodes a 380-aa protein containing two CCCH-type zinc finger domains having a high degree of shared identities with the MASC protein characterized in the silkworm Bombyx mori, which has been determined to participate in the production of male-specific splice variants. Furthermore, although Ar-Masc could be detected in almost all stages in both sexual and parthenogenetic Artemia, there were significant variations in expression between these two reproductive modes. Firstly, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that levels of both Ar-Masc mRNA and protein in sexual nauplii were much higher than in parthenogenetic nauplii throughout the hatching process. Secondly, both sexual and parthenogenetic Artemia had decreased levels of Ar-Masc along with the embryonic developmental stages, while the sexual ones had a relatively higher and more stable expression than those of parthenogenetic ones. Thirdly, immunofluorescence analysis determined that sexual individuals had higher levels of Ar-MASC protein than parthenogenetic individuals during embryonic development. Lastly, RNA interference with dsRNA showed that gene silencing of Ar-Masc in sexual A. franciscana caused the female-male ratio of progeny to be 2.19:1. These data suggest that Ar-Masc participates in the process of sex determination in A. franciscana, and provide insight into the evolution of sex determination in sexual organisms.

Electronic excitation induced hydrogen-bond adjustment and lattice control in organic–inorganic hybrid cubic perovskites: a fixed occupation molecular dynamics study

Fixed occupation first-principles study reveals the effect of electronic excitation on lattice of cubic perovskite MAPbI₃. With excitations, the hydrogen bonding between MA molecules and inorganic lattice is weakened and the cubic symmetry is recovered.

Prawn lipocalin: characterization of a color shift induced by gene knockdown and ligand binding assay

The lipocalin family of proteins functions in the transport of steroids, carotenoids, retinoids, and other small hydrophobic molecules. Recently, a lipocalin (MrLC) was isolated from the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and its expression varied with the molting cycle. In this study, knockdown of the MrLC gene by RNA interference (RNAi) was performed and resulted in a shift in body color from blue to orangish red over the entire carapace. By immune-gold electron microscopy, MrLC was found to co-localize with the lipid droplets in subepidermal adiose tissue that were found to be decreased dramatically in MrLC knockdown prawns, in which a reduction in relative fat content was also quantified. Furthermore, MrLC was found to specifically bind astaxanthin and molt hormone (20-hydroxyecdysone) in both in vitro ligand binding assay and in vivo native ligand detection. These results suggested that MrLC plays roles in the regulation of coloration through its association with astaxanthin and may also be involved in the regulation of molting in crustacean.

A novel terminal ampullae peptide is involved in the proteolytic activity of sperm in the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

As the distal part of the crustacean male reproductive tract, terminal ampullae play important roles in sperm development and storage of mature spermatophores. In the present study, the novel gene terminal ampullae peptide (TAP) was cloned from terminal ampullae of the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The cDNA sequence consists of 768 nucleotides, with an open-reading frame of 264 nucleotides which encodes a putative 88-amino acid precursor protein with a 17-amino acid residue signal peptide. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TAP was distributed on terminal ampullae and sperm, and its expression was related to gonad development. To elucidate the functional role of TAP in vivo, we disrupted the TAP gene by RNA interference (RNAi) and evaluated the effect on fertility and several sperm parameters. Although there was no difference in fertility between RNAi-induced prawns and controls, RNAi treatment decreased the sperm gelatinolytic activity and blocked proteolytic activity on the vitelline coat. These data provide evidence that TAP participates in regulating sperm proteolytic activity, and performs a crucial role in sperm maturation and degradation of the vitelline coat during fertilization.

Prawn lipocalin: characteristics and expressional pattern in subepidermal adipose tissue during reproductive molting cycle

In crustaceans, the fascinating processes of maturation, reproductive molting and carapace coloration are regulated by hydrophobic molecules. Interestingly, most of the molecules are ligands of lipocalin. To understand the role of lipocalin in the aforementioned processes at molecular level, we isolated a cDNA that belongs to the lipocalin family, from a central nervous system cDNA library of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. We monitored the spatial and temporal distributions of the mRNA by using Northern Blotting analysis. Our results demonstrated that this gene expresses abundantly in the subepidermal adipose tissue, while faintly in the hepatopancreas and central nervous system. However, no signal was detected in other tissues including muscle, gill and ovary. Its expression levels in subepidermal adipose tissue during various stages of maturation as well as through the whole molting cycle showed that prawn lipocalin is involved in sexual maturation, as the maximal level was observed just after molt.

Effect of thermal treatment on carbon-doped silicon oxide low dielectric constant materials

Carbon-doped silicon oxide (SiOCH) low dielectric constant (low-k) material is a good candidate for advanced interconnect technology. Good thermal stability of the dielectric is required due to the many thermal processes involved during IC fabrication. The thermal stability of tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS) based plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) carbon doped low-k material with annealing temperature from 400 to 800 degrees C in N2 was studied. The thermal stability temperature of TMCTS based carbon doped low-k material is 600 degrees C. Above 600 degrees C annealing, the thermal energy can break Si-CH3, Si-C, Si-H, and C-H bonds leading to outgasing, which results in film composition change, weight loss, and thickness shrinkage. Film composition changes, especially carbon loss and oxygen incorporation, can degrade its reliability extremely. Carbon is desorbed in the form of CH4, CO, and other hydrocarbon.

Production of teicoplanin by valine analogue-resistant mutant strains of Actinoplanes teichomyceticus

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic produced by Actinoplanes teichomyceticus. A strain improvement to increase the productivity of the major component, teicoplanin A2-2, was carried out. As the fatty moiety of teicoplanin A2-2 is derived from L-valine, L-valine analogue (valine hydroxamate)-resistant mutants were derived. One of the mutants, 98-1-227, overproduced valine and produced a higher titer of total teicoplanin with higher A2-2 content. In a pilot fermentor (7 m3), the total productivity of teicoplanin was 1,800 units/ml and the A2-2 content was 58%.

GSTP1 polymorphisms and gastric cancer in a high-risk Chinese population

OBJECTIVES

In a population-based case-control study in Yangzhong, China, we investigated the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 and susceptibility to gastric cancer and its premalignant lesion, chronic gastritis. The possible gene-gene interactions between GSTP1 polymorphisms and GSTM1, GSTT1 genes were explored.

METHODS

Epidemiologic data were collected by standard questionnaire from 133 gastric cancer cases, 166 chronic gastritis cases, and 433 cancer-free population controls. Blood samples for Helicobacter pylori and molecular marker assays were collected from 84 gastric cancer cases, 146 chronic gastritis, and 429 population controls. GSTP1 polymorphisms were determined by the PCR-RFLP method and H. pylori infection was measured by the ELISA method. Associations between certain GSTP1 genotypes and both gastric cancer and chronic gastritis were assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from logistic regression.

RESULTS

The distributions of three GSTP1 genotypes, Ile/Ile, Ile/Val, and Val/Val, were similar in gastric cancer cases, chronic gastritis, and controls. After adjusting for age, gender, education, body mass index, pack-year of smoking, alcohol drinking, H. pylori infection, salt and fruit intakes, the adjusted ORs of Val/Val were 1.3 (95% CI: 0.1-11.2) for gastric cancer and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.2-4.8) for chronic gastritis. Combining the Val alleles (Val/Val and Ile/Val) into one group, no association was observed between GSTP1 and both gastric cancer and chronic gastritis. In addition, the allelism at the GSTP1 locus did not increase gastric cancer and chronic gastritis risks associated with the GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the GSTP1 genotype seems not to be associated with the risk of gastric cancer and chronic gastritis in a high-risk Chinese population.

Nitric oxide produces different actions in different areas of the periaqueductal grey in cats

In 20 urethane-anaesthetised cats, microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) into the intermediate-lateral (IL-) or the dorsolateral (DL-) periaqueductal grey areas (PAG) of the midbrain elicited similar patterns of cardiovascular responses: increases in mean systemic arterial pressure (MSAP), heart rate (HR) and mean blood flows (F) of the common carotid and femoral arteries, accompanied with a 'hissing-howling' response. Similar increases in MSAP and Fs were induced by microinjections of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a potent nitric oxide (NO) donor, on the IL-PAG (A2.5-A0.5). In contrast, microinjections of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NO synthase inhibitor, in the same area elicited a decrease in MSAP and Fs. On the other hand, microinjections of either SNAP or L-NAME reversed the original IL-PAG responses when injected into the DL-PAG. Pretreatments with SNAP significantly inhibited NMDA-induced responses in the DL-PAG but potentiated such responses in the IL-PAG. In contrast, pretreatments with L-NAME potentiated the NMDA-induced responses in the DL-PAG but inhibited such responses in the IL-PAG. These data suggest that NO may be a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator that exerts differential function in different defense areas, namely the IL- and the DL-PAG.

A study on pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus

AIM: To study the pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and observe the genesis and pathological process of hepatitis G.

METHODS: HGV-RNA in serum was detected by RT-PCR assay. The immunohistochemical assays of liver tissue were performed with HGV monocoloned antibody (McAb) expressed from the region of HGV NS5 nucleic acid sequence. The clinical and pathological data of 52 patients with hepatitis G were discussed. In animal experiment, the Chinese Rhesus monkeys were infected with the serum of a patient with HGV infection. And the dynamic changes in serology and liver histology of animals were observed.

RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four patients with HGV-RNA positive were selected from 1552 patients with various kinds of hepatitis. Of 154 patients with HGV infection, 52 were infected with HGV only, which accounted for 33.8% (52/154) and 102 with positive HGV-RNA were super-infected with other hepatitis viruses, which accounted for 66.2% (102/154). The clinical and pathological observation showed that the acute and chronic hepatitis could be induced by HGV. The slight abnormality of transaminases ALT and AST in serum of monkeys lasted nearly 12 months and histological results showed a series of pathological changes.

CONCLUSION: HGV is a hepatotropic virus and has pathogenicty.

Protective effect of green tea on the risks of chronic gastritis and stomach cancer

Despite the declining trend, stomach cancer remains the second most common cancer worldwide. We examined the role of green tea consumption on chronic gastritis and stomach cancer risks. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Yangzhong, China, with 133 stomach cancer cases, 166 chronic gastritis cases, and 433 healthy controls. Epidemiologic data were collected by standard questionnaire and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression models in SAS. Inverse association was observed between green tea drinking and chronic gastritis and stomach cancer risks. After adjusting for age, gender, education, body mass index, pack-years of smoking and alcohol drinking, ORs of green tea drinking were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.29-0.94) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31-0.77) for stomach cancer and chronic gastritis, respectively. In addition, dose-response relationships were observed with years of green tea drinking in both diseases. The results provide further support on the protective effect of green tea against stomach cancer. This is the first time that green tea drinking was found to be protective against chronic gastritis, which may be of importance when designing intervention strategies for stomach cancer and its pre-malignant lesions in the high-risk population.

Transglutaminase-3, an esophageal cancer-related gene

Transglutaminase-3 (TGase-3) is an enzyme with the ability to catalyze the irreversible cross-linking of peptide-bound glutamine residues either with peptide-bound lysines or with primary amines. It has been implicated in the formation and assembly of the cornified cell envelope of the epidermis, hair follicle and perhaps other stratified squamous epithelia. We show here the involvement of TGase-3 in human esophageal cancer. In an initial study, mRNA differential display was performed with 3 pairs of esophageal cancer tissues and matched normal adjacent mucosa by a 10-mer arbitrary primer and mixed anchored primers (GT15N, N = A, C and G). Four differentially expressed cDNA bands were consistently observed in all 3 normal tissues but barely detected in their tumor counterparts. One of them was identified to be the 3; end of TGase-3. Northern blot and dot blot analyses of 14 samples confirmed the down-regulation of TGase-3 in malignant tissues compared with normal epithelia. RT-PCR revealed that TGase-3 expression was lost in 3 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and decreased in 35/38 tumors compared with adjacent normal mucosa. Taken together, 49/52 (94.2%) esophageal tumors presented down-regulation of the gene. Our data suggest that alteration of TGase-3 expression is a common event in the development of human esophageal cancer.

Transglutaminase-3, an esophageal cancer-related gene

Transglutaminase-3 (TGase-3) is an enzyme with the ability to catalyze the irreversible cross-linking of peptide-bound glutamine residues either with peptide-bound lysines or with primary amines. It has been implicated in the formation and assembly of the cornified cell envelope of the epidermis, hair follicle and perhaps other stratified squamous epithelia. We show here the involvement of TGase-3 in human esophageal cancer. In an initial study, mRNA differential display was performed with 3 pairs of esophageal cancer tissues and matched normal adjacent mucosa by a 10-mer arbitrary primer and mixed anchored primers (GT15N, N = A, C and G). Four differentially expressed cDNA bands were consistently observed in all 3 normal tissues but barely detected in their tumor counterparts. One of them was identified to be the 3; end of TGase-3. Northern blot and dot blot analyses of 14 samples confirmed the down-regulation of TGase-3 in malignant tissues compared with normal epithelia. RT-PCR revealed that TGase-3 expression was lost in 3 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and decreased in 35/38 tumors compared with adjacent normal mucosa. Taken together, 49/52 (94.2%) esophageal tumors presented down-regulation of the gene. Our data suggest that alteration of TGase-3 expression is a common event in the development of human esophageal cancer.

Decreased expression of SPRR3 in Chinese human oesophageal cancer

cDNA fragments that were differentially expressed between human oesophageal carcinomas and matched normal adjacent mucosa were isolated using an improved mRNA differential display technique. One of them was identified as the 3'-untranslated region of SPRR3 and was homologous to the esophagin cDNA. Northern blot, dot blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses revealed that SPRR3 expression was lost in three cell lines of oesophageal carcinoma and was dramatically decreased in 54 out of 57 primary oesophageal carcinomas compared with adjacent normal mucosa. Esophagin has been shown to be down-regulated in western oesophageal carcinomas. The data suggest that esophagin is probably the protein product of the gene SPRR3 and that altered mRNA expression of SPRR3/esophagin is a frequent event in the development of Chinese oesophageal cancer.

Novel human esophagus-specific gene c1orf10: cDNA cloning, gene structure, and frequent loss of expression in esophageal cancer

We have identified a novel human gene, designated C1orf10, using modified differential display PCR. The C1orf10 gene, which spans 5 kb in length, is composed of three exons. The deduced protein contains 495 amino acids with one transmembrane domain. The amino acid sequence of C1orf10 is characterized by the presence of a calcium-binding motif of about 90 amino acids at its N-terminal and a conserved consecutive repeat sequence of 60 amino acids that was identified previously only in bacterial ice nucleation proteins. In normal adult tissues, C1orf10 is highly expressed only in the esophagus and was undetectable in a total of 15 other tissues examined, suggesting its important role in esophageal cells. The expression of C1orf10 is either dramatically reduced or absent in esophageal cancer cell lines (3/3) as well as primary esophageal cancer tissues (35/37) compared with the corresponding normal esophageal mucosa. Using a radiation hybrid panel, C1orf10 was found to be located on chromosome 1q21. These findings suggest that expression of C1orf10 is unique to esophageal cells and that loss of its expression may play a role in the development of esophageal cancer.

GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer: a case-control study in a Chinese population

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are involved in detoxification of many potentially carcinogenic compounds. The homozygous deletions or null genotypes of GSTT1 (theta class) and GSTM1 (mu class) genes may be associated with an increased risk of cancer. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between GSTT1, GSTM1 and the risk of gastric cancer, as well as the potential interactions between these genetic markers and other risk factors of gastric cancer in the Chinese population. We conducted a case-control study with 143 cases with gastric cancer, 166 chronic gastritis (CG) cases and 433 cancer-free population controls from Yangzhong County, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire for all of the subjects, and blood samples were obtained from 91 gastric cancer cases, 146 CG cases, and 429 controls. GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes were assayed by the PCR method, and Helicobacter pylori infection was measured by the ELISA method. Using logistic regression model in SAS, we assessed the independent effects of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes on the risk of gastric cancer and their potential interactions with other factors. The prevalence of GSTM1 null genotype was 48% in gastric cancer cases, 60% in CG patients, and 51% in controls. The prevalence of GSTT1 null genotype was 54% in gastric cancer cases, 48% in CG patients, and 46% in controls. After controlling for age, gender, education, pack-years of smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index, H. pylori infection, and fruit and salt intake, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for GSTT1 and gastric cancer was 2.50 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-6.22). When gastric cancer cases were compared with CG patients, the adjusted OR for GSTT1 was 2.33 (95% CI, 0.75-7.25). However, GSTT1 null genotype was not associated with the risk of CG when using population controls. No obvious association was found between GSTM1 and the risk of both gastric cancer and CG. Our results suggest that GSTT1 null genotype may be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

Subwavelength-resolvable focused non-gaussian beam shaped with a binary diffractive optical element

The diffraction-limited spot size limits the optical disk storage capacity and microscopic resolution. We describe a technique to shape a focused Gaussian beam into a superresolving beam by using a diffractive optical element fabricated by laser-assisted chemical etching. The focused shaped beam has a smaller width and a longer depth of focus than a similarly focused Gaussian beam. Using the diffraction-limited shaped beam along with threshold writing, we achieved a written pit size of less than 0.33 microm at a 695-nm laser wavelength, compared with a 0.7-microm focused Gaussian spot size (full width at e(-2) of the peak) with the same focusing lens. The energy conversion efficiency for the beam shaping was approximately 81%.

Laser direct-write gray-level mask and one-step etching for diffractive microlens fabrication

High-efficiency diffractive optical elements can be achieved by an increase in the number of phase levels. We present a technique for laser direct-write gray-level masks on high-energy-beam-sensitive glass and one-step etching on the gray-level mask plate for the production of high-efficiency diffractive optical elements. Sixteen-phase-level diffractive microlenses and microlens arrays with a focusing efficiency of approximately 94% have been realized by use of the one-step nonphotolithographic fabrication technique.

Multilevel diffractive microlens fabrication by one-step laser-assisted chemical etching upon high-energy-beam sensitive glass

A new technique of laser-assisted single-step chemical etching for diffractive microlens fabrication upon high-energy-beam sensitive glass is reported. Laser direct writing with calibrated writing parameters results in gray-level mask patterns upon the ion-exchanged layer of the glass. The transmittance-dependent chemical etching upon the glass is then effectively utilized to yield suitable surface relief structures for multiple-phase-level diffractive optical elements. The one-step nonphotolithographic fabrication technique has been successfully applied for the realization of an eight-phase-level diffractive microlens.

Attenuation of cardiovascular reactions of vocalized and non-vocalized defence areas of periaqueductal grey following lesions in dorsomedial or ventrolateral medulla of cats

In the pretentorial periaqueductal grey (PAG), the region producing pressor responses, vocalization and other somatic and visceral signs (VPR) of the defence reaction and another region producing pressor responses (PR) were localized by electrical stimulation in adult cats, anesthetized with intraperitoneal chloralose (40 mg/kg) and urethane (400 mg/kg). The pressor responses included increases of systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate, increases of blood flow in the common carotid and femoral arteries and a decrease of blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery. The VPR was found in a relatively restricted region of the dorsolateral PAG, while PR was found scattered within the dorsal and ventral portions of the lateral PAG. The increase of SAP and the changes of blood flow in the sampled arteries were slightly greater during VPR than PR stimulation. Mild vocalization with a slight increase of SAP but marked increases of carotid and femoral blood flow (vasodilation) could be induced by microinjection of N-methyl D-aspartate (0.2 M, 200 nl) into the VPR and the blood flow increase, particularly that of the femoral artery, was greatly attenuated by atropine (1 mg/kg, i.v.). In order to ascertain the contribution of the medullary pressor areas to the VPR- and PR-induced responses, extensive lesions were made in the dorsomedial (DM) or vetrolateral medulla (VLM) by microinjections of kainic acid (KA, 0.024 M) in 27 of the 42 cats. The resting SAP and blood flow of the three arteries were reduced by lesioning of the VLM more than that of the DM. Responses of SAP and blood flow from activation of the PR and VPR, particularly the latter, were affected more after DM compared to VLM lesioning. These data suggest that, while the pretentorial PAG constitutes the 'defence area,' vocalization is confined exclusively to its dorsolateral region and that both the VLM and DM contribute to the cardiovascular components of defence reactions. The DM appears to have a greater contribution compared to the VLM.

Analysis and observation of finite beam Bragg diffraction by a thick planar phase grating

A numerical-impulse-response technique for studying the propagation and diffraction of finite-width beams in planar phase gratings is described. It can account for both symmetric and asymmetric diffractions. The grating-length-to-beam-width ratio is shown to govern the extent of beam-profile distortion and selectivity sidelobe suppression. Trade-offs between diffraction efficiency and beam profile have also been demonstrated. Theoretical results have been verified by experimental observations in a planar waveguide geometry of diffracted beams that change from a single diffraction peak to multiple peaks as the grating-length-to-beam-width ratio increases.

Rehybridization on metaphases studied previously by FISH. An approach to analyze chromosome aberrations

A new protocol for fluorescence in situ rehybridization is described. Biotin-labeled chromosome-specific DNA probes were hybridized onto metaphases which previously had been studied by FISH. This method makes it possible to reexamine the same metaphase spreads with different DNA probes. It allows for precise characterization of cytogenetic translocations and for detection of multiple aberrations presented in a karyotype. It is especially useful in cases where a limited number of cytogenetic preparations are available.

Cytogenetic characterization of a bladder carcinoma cell line by fluorescence in situ hybridization

A bladder carcinoma cell line, RT112/84, has been cytogenetically characterized by classical techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The RHG banding and FISH analysis revealed a mixture of two clones and multiple chromosome rearrangements.

Simultaneous in situ hybridization with biotin-labeled centromeric and library DNA probes: a useful method for identifying translocations

A method of in situ hybridization is described for rapid characterization of cytogenetical translocations. In the same experimental procedure, biotinylated centromeric and 'painting' DNA probes were used in combination. Signals of the double-target hybridization were visualized by only one fluorescein. This technique also permits a simultaneous detection of multiple unrelated aberrations involving several chromosomes.

Interphase cytogenetic studies of bladder cancer

Transitional cell carcinomas of human urinary bladder were studied by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). With current hybridization to isolated nuclei, 26 tumors were investigated and nonrandom +7, -9 and -10 were identified. Monosomy 11, tetraploidies and polyploidies were detected in invasive and poor-differentiated tumors. Hybridization on frozen sections offers another means of analysing surgical samples. FISH to vesical washings can be applied to monitor tumor progression. Hybridizations on paraffine sections and on tissues previously stored in liquid nitrogen allow retrospective studies of the archived materials. Our data suggest that the interphase FISH can become a powerful tool for cytogenetic studies of bladder cancer.

X;Y translocation in a girl with short stature and some features of Turner's syndrome: cytogenetic and molecular studies

A 13 year old girl referred for chromosome analysis because of disproportionate short stature (short neck, curved legs, pectus excavatum) with an initial clinical diagnosis of Turner's syndrome was found to have the karyotype 46,X, + der(X) in 100% of her blood lymphocytes. By means of conventional differential staining (QFH/AcD, FPG, and RBA banding) supplemented with distamycin A treatment, the karyotype of the proband was interpreted as 46,X,t(X;Y) (p22.3;q11). The rearranged marker X chromosome was found to be active in 91% of lymphocytes studied. PCR analysis with Y chromosome specific oligoprimers showed the presence of some Y chromosome long arm DNA in both lymphocyte and gonadal tissue biopsy cells. At laparoscopy the patient was found to have small gonads with a rudimentary uterus and fallopian tubes. Histological examination of gonadal tissue showed primary follicles with dystrophic changes of the germ cells and numerous follicular cysts (polycystic ovaries). The proband's phenotype and its correlation with the genetic imbalance of the rearranged X chromosomes, as well as with non-random t(X;Y) chromosome inactivation, are briefly discussed.

Nonrandom changes of chromosome 10 in bladder cancer. Detection by FISH to interphase nuclei

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to interphase nuclei has been a valuable method for examining the chromosome copies in tumor cells in clinical practice. Twelve cases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder were investigated with a biotin-labeled repetitive DNA probe to detect numerical aberrations of chromosome 10 in interphase nuclei. The cells containing one fluorescent signal were screened in two of seven non-invasive tumors and in four of five invasive tumors. Two patients presented two FISH spots of different sizes. More than two signals were seen in one invasive tumor. The findings suggest that partial or complete loss of a chromosome 10 is a nonrandom aberration in bladder cancer.

The increase of femoral arterial flow by stimulating the dorsal and ventral medulla in cats

1. In chloralose-urethane anaesthetized cats, the dorsal cardiovascular reactive area (DCRA) in the parvocellular reticular nucleus dorsomedial to the facial nucleus, and the ventral cardiovascular reactive area (VCRA) ventromedial to the facial nucleus, were stimulated by microinjections of sodium glutamate (100-200 nmol) or electric current. 2. Stimulation of DCRA, with a long latency of 15-20 s, elicited a marked increase of blood flow in the contralateral femoral artery with little change to moderate increase in systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP). In the relatively dorsal portion of DCRA, however, a smaller increase of blood flow in the ipsilateral femoral artery was elicited. 3. On the other hand, stimulation of VCRA with a short latency (3-5s) evoked an increase of blood flow in both femoral arteries which was more prominent on the contralateral side. The responses were accompanied with decreases in the blood flow of other vascular beds with only a slight increase or minimal change in ABP. 4. The data suggest that DCRA and VCRA are both viscerotopically organized to alter the resistance of individual vascular beds for redistribution of blood flow.

[Resistant rate to antibiotics in Tian Tan Hospital for 3 years]

The resistance to antibiotics of the 985 clinical isolates collected in Tian Tan hospital was studied. The results showed that S. aureus had a resistant rate of more than 90% to penicillin and was also highly resistant to erythromycin. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was isolated in 15.6% of all the isolates with S. aureus. The isolation rate of MRSA is lower than that in other countries or districts of West Pacific Area. K. pneumonia and other Gram negative bacilli had a resistant rate of 0.6% to amikacin and P. aeruginosa was all sensitive to Polymyxin-B.

Large fanout optical interconnects using thick holographic gratings and substrate wave propagation

Substrate wave propagation and Bragg diffraction by multiplexed holographic gratings have been used to demonstrate a new 1-to-30 fanout optical interconnect having an overall diffraction efficiency of 87.8% at 514.5 nm and an individual channel efficiency of approximately 3.0 +/- 0.8%. The device configuration utilizes the large multiplexing capability of dichromated gelatin polymer films and substrate total internal reflection to realize large channel fanouts within the plane of a soda-lime glass substrate. A simplified theoretical formulation is presented to treat the corresponding three-dimensional holographic diffraction problem in the Bragg regime for slanted phase gratings. Results are compared with experimentally measured quantities for singly exposed phase gratings in different polarization conditions and incident angle orientations. The limitations of using multiplexed holograms in multiplanar substrate interconnection applications are also discussed.

Wavelength-division multiplexing and demultiplexing on locally sensitized single-mode polymer microstructure waveguides

A four-channel wavelength-division-(de)multiplexing [WD(D)M] device, operating over optical wavelengths of 543.0 to 632.8 nm, has been successfully fabricated on newly developed locally sensitized polymer (photo-lime gelatin) microstructure waveguides (PMSW's). The WD(D)M device exhibits a cross talk of less than -40 dB between adjacent channels and a diffraction efficiency of better than 50%. The angular and spectral bandwidths for the device are ~0.2-0.4 degrees and ~4-10 nm, respectively. Such sensitivities can significantly increase the WD(D)M channel density for optical interconnect architectures. Since the PMSW device can be constructed on a variety of substrates, including insulators, semiconductors, conductors, and ceramics, the demultiplexing technique that we report is suitable for use in a variety of optical-computing, signal-processing, and communication applications.

[Mortality rate of malignant tumors in Yangzhong County]

Complete and reliable data of mortality rate of malignant tumors from 1973 to 1982 in Yangzhong County, Jiangsu Province, China are reported. The annual mortality rate was 271.38/100,000 which is the highest of all counties in China. Among the malignant tumors, the mortality rates of esophageal, stomach, liver and intestinal cancers are 100.77/100,000, 90.25/100,000, 31.25/100,000 and 11.95/100,000, respectively. Moreover, the mortality rates of lung, cervical cancers and leukemia are also rather high. The mortality rate of esophageal cancer in the female is higher than that in the male. There have been no obvious changes in the mortality rates of some chief malignant tumors in the past ten years. For the high mortality rates of various malignancies in Yangzhong county, epidemiological factors should be further investigated.

[Clinical study of subclinical hepatic cancer--analysis of 187 patients]

187 patients with subclinical hepatic cancer (SHC), collected by mass screening or follow-up of the hepatic diseases in our hospital from Dec. 1972 to Dec. 1984, are reported. The age ranged from 18 to 76 years with a median of 47. The sex ratio of male and female was 1.97:1. 143 (76.5%) patients had a positive pathology. The exploration rate was 60.4% and resection rate was 77.9%. Of them, there were 72 (81.8%) small liver cancers with lesions equal to or less than 5 cm in diameter. For patients with resection, the 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates were 77.3%, 39.3% and 34.6%, markedly higher than those treated by other means. B-ultrasonography gave a significantly higher positive rate (96.4%) in the localization of SHC, compared with nuclide imaging (17.6%). Basing on analysis of 187 patients with SHC, close follow-up of the subjects with low level persistent positive alpha-fetoprotein without active liver disease plays an important role in the early detection of SHC.

Reduction of common carotid resistance upon stimulation of an area dorsal to the facial nucleus of cats

In chloralose-urethane-anesthetized cats, electrical stimulation and glutamate injection on a small reticular area just dorsal to the facial nucleus (DFA) elicited an ipsilateral reduction in the common carotid resistance (CCR-reduction) with no or minimal change in other cardiovascular parameters. CCR-reduction was mediated via facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, involving partially muscarinic and partially non-muscarinic mechanisms.

[Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer]

From Dec. 1979 to Dec. 1984, 171 patients suspicious of primary liver cancer (PLC) were examined by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In this series, 148 patients were finally diagnosed as PLC. By FNAC, 133 of 148 patients showed positive cytology and 4 suspiciously positive cytology. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 92.6% There was no false positive. Neither spreading or bleeding were observed. The results show that FNAC examination, being simple, rapid and safe, could serve as a reliable way of diagnosing the suspected PLC.

Aerosol lead and associated elements in Beijing, China

The relative importance of local and regional sources of lead and associated elements in fine and coarse aerosol particles of an urban atmosphere was assessed by means of a two-day study, July 20 and 30, 1980 in Beijing, China. Five near-ground locations were selected for aerosol sampling by cascade impactors and elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE): the imperial palace courtyard, a park, near two streets, and a mid-street traffic island. These sites, ranked in order of increasing traffic intensity and fugitive surface dust, showed that concentrations of major dust constitutents, represented by coarse particle (>2 μm diameter) Si, Al, and Ca, increased correspondingly. Pb, as well as Zn, As, and Cu, were present mainly in fine (<2 μm) particles; their concentrations were unrelated to traffic, indicating they resulted mainly from regional combustion or other sources. However, these elements also were present in coarse particles at concentrations that varied with the major dust elements and were relatively enriched, compared to average earth crust rock material, by factors of more than 100 (Pb), 50 (Zn), and 10 (Cu). Nonurban Beijing shows much smaller coarse aerosol enrichments of Pb, Zn, and Cu, indicating urban contamination of surface dust. Published data from St. Louis, USA show both fine and coarse aerosol Pb and Zn. Compared with Beijing, fine and coarse concentrations in St. Louis are similar for Pb, but lower for Zn, Ca, and Fe. Both Pb and Zn are enriched relative to earth crust composition to a greater degree in St. Louis than Beijing in both fine and coarse particle size ranges. The results suggest that heavy metals from combustion occur in the air as fine particles and, after deposition on the surface, as reentrained coarse particles of fugitive dust. Both many contribute to human exposures of these heavy metals.