Photocatalytic selective oxidation of toluene under encapsulated air conditions

Benzaldehydes are indispensable building blocks in chemistry. However, the selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde remains an ongoing challenge due to the low oxidation potential of benzaldehyde compared to toluene. We report herein a mild protocol that combines hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with encapsulated air conditions and suitable catalyst loading for selective oxidation of toluene with high selectivity as well as good functional-group tolerance and a broad substrate scope for the synthesis of various high-value aromatic aldehydes. Moreover, the compatibility of this reaction with toluene derivatives of bioactive molecules further demonstrated the practicality of this approach. Mechanism studies have demonstrated that the collaboration between the oxygen quantity and the HAT catalytic system has a major impact on the high selectivity of the reaction. This study not only showcases the effectiveness of HAT strategies toward selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde, but also provides an approach to controlling the selectivity of HAT reactions.

Nitrogen-doped Carbon Dots as Efficient Photocatalysts for High Selectivity of Dehalogenative Oxyalkylation of Styrene

Carbon dots (CDs) are a type of carbon-based luminescent material with a zero-dimensional structure and a size of less than 10 nm, which are composed of sp2 /sp3 hybrid carbon nuclei and surface functional groups. Because CDs has strong photoluminescence and good light absorption in the ultraviolet and near visible regions, it is an excellent candidate for photocatalytic applications. However, the use of nonmetallic doped CDs as photosensitizers for direct photocatalytic organic reactions has been limited to several scattered reports. Herein, we present nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) that has a capability for not only produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion radical (O2 ⋅- ) and singlet oxygen (1 O2 ), but also provide an unprecedented high activity of dehalogenative oxyalkylation of styrene with a yield of 93 %. This work develops a novel opportunity to utilize cost-effective and easily accessible CDs for the advancement of photocatalysis.

Host-Guest Photosensitizer of a Cationic BODIPY Derivative and Cucurbit[7]uril for High-Efficiency Visible Light-Induced Photooxidation Reactions

In recent years, there has been a notable surge of interest in the fields of organic and pharmaceutical research about photocatalysts (PCs) and photosensitizers (PSs). In this study, a 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) molecule adorned with quaternary ammonium (TMB) functionality was meticulously designed and synthesized. This compound has remarkable characteristics such as exceptional water solubility, great optical qualities, and commendable photostability. It can form a 1:1 complex (TMB-CB[7]) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) through host-guest interactions in the aqueous solution and shows obvious fluorescence enhancement. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide anion radical (O2·-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) generation ability of TMB-CB[7] were promoted compared with that of TMB in the aqueous solution. More interestingly, the ROS generated from TMB-CB[7] can be used as PCs for aerobic cross dehydrogenation coupling reactions and photooxidation reactions in water with high yields of 89 and 95%, respectively. Therefore, the utilization of a host-guest PS presents a novel and environmentally friendly approach for conducting photocatalyzed organic processes under ambient conditions using visible light.

Construction of aggregation-induced emission photosensitizers through host-guest interactions for photooxidation reaction and light-harvesting

In the present work, we have designed and synthesized a triphenylamine modified cyanophenylenevinylene derivative (TPCI), which can self-assembly with cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) through host-guest interactions to form supramolecular complexes (TPCI-CB[6]) and supramolecular polymers (TPCI-CB[8]) in the aqueous solution. The supramolecular assemblies of TPCI-CB[6] and TPCI-CB[8] not only exhibited high singlet oxygen (1O2) production efficiency as photosensitizers, but also realized the application in the construction of artificial light-harvesting systems due to the excellent fluorescence properties in the aqueous solution. The production efficiency of 1O2 has been effectively improved after the addition of CB[6] and CB[8] for TPCI, which were applied as efficient photosensitizers in the photooxidation reactions of thioanisole and its derivatives with the highest yield of 98% in the aqueous solution. The excellent fluorescence properties of TPCI-CB[6] and TPCI-CB[8] can be used as energy donors in artificial light-harvesting systems with energy acceptors sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) and cyanine dye 5 (Cy5), in which one-step energy transfer processes of TPCI-CB[6]+SR101 and TPCI-CB[8]+Cy5, and a two-step sequential energy transfer process of TPCI-CB[6]+SR101+Cy5 were constructed to simulate the natural photosynthesis system.

Construction of an efficient artificial light-harvesting system based on hyperbranched polyethyleneimine and improvement of photocatalytic performance

An artificial light-harvesting system (ALHS) was developed in aqueous solution by employing the electrostatic co-assembly of a tetraphenylethylene derivative modified with two sulfonate groups (TPE-BSBO) and hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the energy donors, and 4,7-bis(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT) as the energy acceptors. The ALHS exhibits not only high efficiency in energy transfer and conversion but also a significant enhancement in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially superoxide anion radicals (O2˙-), facilitating its utilization in photocatalytic oxidation reactions.

Molecular subtypes based on DNA sensors predict prognosis and tumor immunophenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma

DNA sensors play crucial roles in inflammation and have been indicated to be involved in antitumor or tumorigenesis, while it is still unclear whether DNA sensors have potential roles in the prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze RNA sequencing data and clinical information. A total of 14 DNA sensors were collected and performed consensus clustering to determine their molecular mechanisms in HCC. Two distinct molecular subtypes (Clusters C1 and C2) were identified and were associated with different overall survival (OS). Immune subtype analysis revealed that C1 was mainly characterized by inflammation, while C2 was characterized by lymphocyte depletion. Immune scoring and immunomodulatory function analysis confirmed the different immune microenvironment of C1 and C2. Notably, significant differences in "Hot Tumor" Immunophenotype were observed between the two subtypes. Moreover, the prognostic model based on DNA sensors is capable of effectively predicting the OS of HCC patients. Besides, the chemotherapeutic drug analysis showed the different sensitivity of two subtypes. Taken together, our study shows that the proposed DNA sensors were a reliable signature to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response with potential application in the clinical decision and treatment of HCC.

Construction of artificial light-harvesting systems based on a variety of polyelectrolyte materials and application in photocatalysis

In the present work, we designed and synthesized a cationic cyano-substituted p-phenylenevinylene derivative (PPTA), which can form supramolecular assemblies through electrostatic interaction with a type of polyelectrolyte material anionic guar gum (GP5A). A polyelectrolyte-based artificial light-harvesting system (LHS) was constructed by selecting a fluorescent dye sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) that matched its energy level as an energy acceptor. The energy harvested by the acceptors was used in the aqueous phase cross dehydrogenation coupling (CDC) reaction with a yield of up to 87%. In addition, the general applicability of polyelectrolyte materials to build artificial LHS was demonstrated by three other polyelectrolyte materials sodium polyphenylene sulfonate (RSS), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium polyacrylate (PAAS), in which the CDC reaction was also carried out by these three LHSs and obtained high yields. This work not only provides a new method to construct LHSs by using polyelectrolyte materials, but also provides a beneficial exploration for further applying the energy harvested in LHSs to the field of photocatalysis in an aqueous solution.

[Mechanism of action of Jieduhuayu granules for remission of oxidative stress in hepatocytes]

Objective: To study and explore the effect and mechanism of action of Jieduhuayu granules on oxidative injury of human liver L02 cells. Methods: Human liver L02 oxidative injury model was established with 0.1 mmol/ L H(2)O(2) intervention for 1 h, and treated with different concentrations of Jieduhuayu (JDHY) solution. Hepatocytes were divided into five groups: normal, H(2)O(2), H(2)O(2) + JDHY (0.5 mg/ml), H(2)O(2) + JDHY (1 mg/ml), and H(2)O(2) + JDHY (1.5 mg/ml). MTT assay was used to detect hepatocytes activity. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe mitochondrial morphology in hepatocytes. Biochemical test was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione and albumin in hepatocytes. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of rabbit anti-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT and mTOR in hepatocytes. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the LSD method was used for pairwise comparison. Results: Compared with the normal group, the cell proliferation activity (P < 0.05), mitochondrial vacuolization, superoxide dismutase activity, reduced albumin and glutathione content, and PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein expression levels in the H(2)O(2) group were all significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the content of malondialdehyde and the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with H(2)O(2) group, the cell proliferation activity (P < 0.05), alterations in morphological remission of mitochondria, superoxide dismutase activity, reduced albumin and glutathione content, and PI3K, AKT and mTOR protein expression levels in the H(2)O(2) + JDHY (1 mg/ml) and H(2)O(2) + JDHY (1.5 mg/ml) group (P < 0.05) were all significantly increased (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde content and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Jieduhuayu granule can effectively improve oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury in hepatocytes, and its effect may be related to the promoting expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.

New contributions to Goodyerinae and Dendrobiinae (Orchidaceae) in the flora of China

Eight new species from China, Cheirostylis chuxiongensis, C. yei, Myrmechis lingulata, M. longii, Bulbophyllum ximaense, B. xizangense, B. retusum and B. pulcherissimum, are described and illustrated. Cheirostylis chuxiongensis differs from C. thailandica by having 5-9 irregular and papillae-like calli on each side in the sac of the lip, epichile with entire lobes, petals narrowly obliquely obovate and an apex that is not recurved. Cheirostylis yei is easily distinguished from its relatives similar by having a long stem, pubescent ovary and sepals, epichile lobes with irregular and undulate margins, a subquadrate callus without teeth in the saccate hypochile. Myrmechis lingulata differs from M. chinensis by having a simple and lanceolate to ligulate lip, glabrous bracts and ovary, oblique and narrowly ovate petals. Myrmechis longii differs from M. pumila by having white-veined leaves, oblong-lanceolate epichile lobes, and viscidium attached to the middle of the caudicle. Bulbophyllum ximaense is easily distinguished from its relatives similar by having distant pseudobulbs, shorter scape, an inflorescence with 9-16 orange-red flowers, shorter lateral sepals with a long acuminate apex, incurved and tubular apical margins, a papillate lip disk and triangular-subulate stelidia. Bulbophyllum xizangense is easily distinguished from its relatives similar by having narrow lanceolate leaves, shorter inflorescence with 1-3 greenish-yellow flowers, falcate-ovoid lateral sepals, a lip with small lateral lobes and 3 keels at the base. Bulbophyllum retusum differs from B. spathulatum by having shorter inflorescence, peduncles with 2 tubular sheaths, dorsal sepals with a retuse apex, lateral sepals with lower edges that are connate to each other and free and divergent toward the apex, obovate petals with an acute or slightly retuse apex. Bulbophyllum pulcherissimum differs from B. lopalanthum by its 5-veined dorsal sepal, ovate-lanceolate lateral sepals, obliquely ovate-oblong petal, erose-toothed margins and obovate lip with a large, oblong basal callus, and an obtuse base. In addition, three species (Bulbophyllum frostii, B. raskotii and B. nematocaulon) are reported for the first time in China.

O-145 Green Tea catechins EGCG and pro-drug of EGCG (Pro-EGCG) inhibit endometriosis through targeting molecules regulating macrophages and B cells

Study question

What are the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of green tea EGCG and Pro-EGCG in treating endometriosis?

Summary answer

EGCG and Pro-EGCG have unique molecular targets to regulate interactions of B cells, macrophages and endometriotic cells and limit the growth and development of endometriosis.

What is known already

Current treatments of endometriosis are mainly hormonal suppression and surgical ablation or removal. Our previous studies showed EGCG significantly inhibits development of experimental endometriosis in mice. Pro-EGCG is more effective than EGCG in term of anti-endometriosis, anti-angiogenesis and anti-oxidation (Wang, et. al., 2013; Xu, et al., 2011). Dysfunctional immunological activities of macrophages and B cells were found in women with endometriosis. The molecular targets, underlying mechanism and differential therapeutic efficacy of EGCG and Pro-EGCG, as well as their anti-inflammatory activities are still not known.

Study design, size, duration

Multiplexed Proteome Integral Stability Alteration (PISA) assay (Gaetani et al.,2019), followed by MS/MS was applied to identify the molecular targets of EGCG and Pro-EGCG in endometriotic cells. Pharmacological studies of EGCG and Pro-EGCG on endometriotic cell line and endometriosis models in mice were performed to characterise their anti-endometriosis and anti-inflammatory effects. Gene silencing and over-expression experiments were conducted to confirm the immunoregulatory mechanisms.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Endometriotic (Hs832(C)T) cell lines in culture and lysate were treated for chemical proteomics analysis. SiRNA and overexpression vectors were transfected to the cells in vitro and lesions in vivo. Hs832(C).T, monocytic cells (THP-1) and control B cell (Raji null) lines were used for co-culture assays to study the interaction between endometriotic and immune cells in vitro. Endometriosis mice model was established for immunostaining and microarray analysis of lesions to characterise the molecular pathways in vivo.

Main results and the role of chance

MTDH and PXK were the strongest and most differential targets of EGCG and Pro-EGCG in both cells lysate and cell culture of Hs832(C).T, respectively. Gene silencing and overexpression of the protein targets in vitro and in vivo significantly altered expressions of downstream proteins, including BLK and EGF after PXK, and MYC and AKT after MTDH, as well as endometriosis-related genes such as VEGFC and MMP9. Co-culture assays of Hs832(C).T with Raji null or THP-1 induced macrophages showed that expressions of PXK, MTDH, downstream targets, and immune-related genes were significantly increased after incubation of recombinant proteins, but were significantly decreased after EGCG and Pro-EGCG treatment. M1 and M2 macrophages, as well as B cells were significantly reduced after the treatments in vitro and in vivo. Double immunofluorescent staining of lesions showed that CD68, CD163 or CD20 co-expressed with MTDH, PXK and downstream targets, and numbers of the co-expressed cells were significantly reduced after treatments in vivo. Microarray experiment further identified the upstream and downstream genes of MTDH or PXK contributing to the growth and development of endometriosis.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Results of this pharmacological and mechanistic study require clinical samples to validate the anti-endometriosis effects of EGCG and Pro-EGCG. Effects of other potential pharmaceuticals targeting the macrophages and B cells on endometriosis are needed.

Wider implications of the findings

The findings provide pharmacological and mechanistic data for future development of EGCG and Pro-EGCG as new treatment for endometriosis. This study shows that macrophage and B cell could be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of endometriosis, which opens up new horizon for the novel immunotherapy for endometriosis.

Trial registration number

NA

[Analysis of imatinib trough concentration at steady state in adjuvant therapy of patients with high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor]

Objective: To explore the features of imatinib mesylate (IM) plasma concentration during adjuvant therapy and clinical factors associated with IM plasma concentration in patients with high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and to determine whether IM plasma concentration <1100 μg/L influences the efficacy of adjuvant therapy. Methods: A retrospective case control study method was used. Case inclusion criteria: (1) complete resection of lesion and GIST confirmed by pathology; (2) high risk classified according to modified National Institutes of Health classification system (2008); (3) administration of IM 400 mg/d for at least 1 month; (4) not taking the medication likely affecting IM pharmacokinetic, such as rifampicin, dilantin, and carbamazepine, within 1 month before blood collection. Data of GIST patients who visited GIST Disease - Oriented Outpatient, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. After taking IM for 22-26 hours, 5 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected into EDTA anticoagulant tube. IM plasma concentration was detected by using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Patients were divided into <1100 μg/L group and ≥1100 μg/L group according to plasma concentration. Linear regression was used to analyze the relevance between clinical features and IM plasma concentration. Parameters with normal distribution were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, and parameters with non-normal distribution were analyzed by Spearman correlation. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and COX regression model were used for survival analysis. Results: Among the 85 patients enrolled in the study, 49 patients (57.6%) were male and 36 (42.4%) were female, with mean age of (51.9±11.0) years. The body mass index was (22.5±2.9) kg/m(2) and body surface area was (1.6±0.2) m(2). Thirty patients received gene test, including 23 patients with c-Kit exon 11 mutation, 4 with c-Kit exon 9 mutation, 1 with c-Kit exon 11 and 17 mutation and 2 without c-Kit or PDGFRA gene mutation. The mean IM plasma concentration was (1391.4±631.3) μg/L, and there were 32 patients with plasma concentration <1100 μg/L and 53 patients with plasma concentration ≥1100 μg/L. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, body surface area, hematological examination (white blood cells, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and serum creatinine), tumor location, tumor size, mitotic counts, duration of adjuvant therapy and methods of operation (all P>0.05). Positive correlation between IM plasma concentration and serum creatinine was observed in linear regression analysis (r=0.297, P=0.007), but there were no correlations between IM plasma concentration and age (r=0.044, P=0.686), body mass index (r=0.066, P=0.547), body surface area (r=-0.010, P=0.924), white blood cells (r=-0.080, P=0.478), albumin (r=-0.065, P=0.563), alanine aminotransferase (r=0.114, P=0.308), aspartate aminotransferase (r=0.170, P=0.127) and duration of adjuvant therapy (ρ=0.060, P=0.586). There was no statistically significant difference in IM plasma concentration between patients with different genders (t=0.336, P=0.738) and patients with different surgical methods (F=0.888, P=0.451). Up to March 1, 2019. the median follow-up time was 30 (range 4-49) months. Tumor recurrence was detected in two patients with plasma concentration <1100 μg/L and two with plasma concentration ≥1100 μg/L. One recurrent patient with plasma concentration <1100 μg/L was detected to harbor c-Kit exon 11 and exon 17 mutations, and the other did not receive gene detection. Two recurrent patients with plasma concentration ≥1100 μg/L were both detected to harbor c-Kit exon 9 mutation. The 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 96.4% in the cohort, 96.2% in patients with plasma concentration <1100 μg/L, and 96.6% in patients with plasma concentration ≥1100 μg/L. No significant difference in relapse-free survival was observed between the two groups (P=0.204). Univariate Cox analysis showed that IM plasma concentration <1100 μg/L was not a risk factor for patients with high risk GIST (HR=0.238, 95% CI: 0.022-2.637, P=0.242). Conclusions: IM plasma concentration of adjuvant therapy in patients with high risk GIST varies with individual. Patients with higher level of serum creatinine are more likely to have a higher plasma concentration. A blood drug concentration standard of less than 1100 μg/L for advanced GIST patients may not influence the prognosis of patients with high risk GIST.

Investigation of miR-490-3p Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and a Meta-Analysis of 749 Cases

Background

miR-490-3p could play vital roles in multiple cancers. However, the role of miR-490-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. In this study, we sought to explore the underlying role of miR-490-3p in HCC.

Material/Methods

In this study, we explored the clinical role of miR-490-3p in HCC via quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the expression trend and diagnostic value of miR-490-3p in HCC. Furthermore, 12 miRNA prediction algorithms were applied to predict the potential target genes of miR-490-3p. The differentially expressed genes in HCC in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database were also selected. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses were utilized to investigate the possible functions and pathways of the target genes.

Results

miR-490-3p was clearly down-regulated in HCC based on RT-qPCR (P=0.002). Consistent with the results of RT-qPCR, miR-490 was more highly expressed in normal liver tissue than in HCC (P<0.001). Additionally, the meta-analysis confirmed the results from RT-qPCR and TCGA. Furthermore, based on the prediction algorithms and GEPIA, a total of 113 genes were selected. According to the bioinformatics analyses, we found that the most remarkably enriched functional terms included protein transport, poly(A) RNA binding, and intracellular organelle part. Additionally, the miR-490-3p target genes were significantly related to the pathways in cancer.

Conclusions

We found that miR-490-3p is down-regulated in HCC and is related to genes that have potential tumoral functions. However, the exact mechanism should be confirmed by functional experiments.

[Texture analysis based on contrast-enhanced MRI can predict treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate whether texture analysis based on contrast-enhanced MRI can predict pathological complete response of locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC). Methods: Forty-seven patients with breast cancer undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy from January 2015 to February 2016 were divided into pathological complete response (pCR) group or non-pathological complete response (non-pCR) group based on surgical pathology. Their parameters of texture analysis based on MRI before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and after 2 cycles of treatment were analyzed. Parameters(Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment)before and after 2 cycles of NAC between pCR and non-pCR groups were compared using Student t or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The diagnostic performance of different parameters was judged by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The post-NAC value was significantly different from that of pre-NAC (all P<0.05). Pre-treatment parameters (Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment) were 78.58×10(-5)(55.64×10(-5), 135.23×10(-5)), 10.06 ± 1.02, 7 993.91±2 428.10, (4.76±0.99) ×10(-5) and (18.10±4.13) ×10(-3) in pCR group, and 76.84×10(-5) (48.68×10(-5), 154.15×10(-5)), 10.28±1.26, 7 184.77 (4 938.03, 9 974.04), (5.21±2.01) ×10(-5) and (17.68±5.87) ×10(-3) in non-pCR group. No significant difference was found between both groups. (P>0.05 for all). At the end of the second cycle of NAC, parameters(Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment) were (542.11±361.04) ×10(-5,) 7.95±1.28, 16 765.08±97 06.56, (0.43±0.07) ×10(-5,) and (12.18±9.82) ×10(-3) in pCR group, and 133.00×10(-5) (79.80×10(-5,) 239.00×10(-5)), 9.29±1.46, 7 916.64(6 418.89, 10 934.40), (0.38±0.08) ×10(-5) and (14.80±5.06) ×10(-3) in non-pCR group. At the end of the second cycle of NAC, there was significant difference in the parameters (Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation) and Δparameters (ΔEnergy, ΔEntropy, ΔInertia, ΔInverse Difference Moment) between both groups (P<0.05 for all). The area under curve (AUC) of post-treatment ΔEntropy was 0.81, which was the largest one among parameters. Sensitivity of ΔEntropy for predicting pCR was 75.0% and specificity was 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Texture analysis based on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI can predict early treatment response in primary breast cancer.

Adjunctive aripiprazole in the treatment of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study

Hyperprolactinemia is an unwanted adverse effect associated with several antipsychotics. The addition of partial dopamine receptor agonist aripiprazole may attenuate antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia effectively. However, the ideal dosing regimen for this purpose is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the dose effects of adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole on prolactin levels and hyperprolactinemia in schizophrenia patients. Stable subjects 18-45 years old with schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia (i.e., >24 ng/ml for females and >20 ng/ml for males) were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of placebo (n=30) or oral aripiprazole 5mg/day (n=30), 10mg/day (n=29), or 20mg/day (n=30) added on to fixed dose risperidone treatment. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks; clinical symptoms and side effects were assessed at baseline and week 8 using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale, Simpson-Angus Scale and UKU Side Effects Rating Scale. Of 119 randomized patients, 107 (89.9%) completed the 8-week study. At study end, all three aripiprazole doses resulted in significantly lower prolactin levels (beginning at week 2), higher response rates (≥30% prolactin reduction) and higher prolactin normalization rates than placebo. Effects were significantly greater in the 10 and 20mg/day groups than the 5mg/day group. No significant changes were observed in any treatment groups regarding psychopathology and adverse effect ratings. Adjunctive aripiprazole treatment was effective and safe for resolving risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia, producing significant and almost maximal improvements by week 2 without significant effects on psychopathology and side effects.

Automated 3D segmentation of hippocampus based on active appearance model of brain MR images for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

AIM

To investigate the hippocampal regional deformation modes by means of a novel method of automatic segmentation for discriminating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging; and to further provide the effective evidence for the early diagnosis of AD.

METHODS

Twenty AD patients and sixty healthy volunteers were included in this retrospective study. High-resolution structural volumetric images were obtained on a 3.0 T MR imaging system. Data were processed to create three-dimensional (3D) active appearance model (AAM) of hippocampus. Automatic recognition and 3D segmentation were carried out on both sides of the hippocampus in brain MR images of individuals with this model, and the hippocampal statistical shape model was established for AD group and control group. Student's t test was used to identify whether there was difference between AD group and control group in the hippocampal regional deformation detected by automatic segmentation, and to compare whether there was difference between the automated segmentation and the manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes on left/right side of the same sex group of healthy volunteers and if there was genderwise difference. Pearson's Correlation test was employed to determine whether there was a correlation between automated segmentation and manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes.

RESULTS

No significant difference was detected between automated segmentation and manual tracing for quantifying hippocampal volumes on left/right side of the same sex group of healthy volunteers (P>0.05). Further there was no significant genderwise difference (P>0.05). A very strong positive correlation existed between both methods for quantifying hippocampal volumes (denoted R(2) near 1.0, P<0.001). Noticeable atrophy of bilateral hippocampal head was found among twenty patients with AD through statistical shape model compared with control group (P<0.05), especially on the left where inward-deformation was significantly found.

CONCLUSION

This novel method of automated segmentation of the hippocampus based on AAM has been found to be reliable and accurate in our study, which may be an alternative to manual segmentation. The featured atrophy of hippocampal head can be regarded as an important biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD.

Regional heterogeneity of length-tension relationships in rat lymph vessels

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity of the length-tension relationships in lymph vessels has never been evaluated systematically.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study we measured the length-tension relationships in lymph vessels from three different regions of the rat: thoracic duct, cervical, and femoral lymph vessels, and compared the results to our previous measurements of rat mesenteric lymph vessels. We performed isometric force measurements on activated and passive lymph vessel segments using a small-vessel wire myograph. We found that all groups of vessels had relatively broad plateaus in their active tension versus length relationships, suggesting that they are adapted to generate near-maximal tensions over a relatively wide range of preloads (at least 0.85-1.05 L(0)). Thoracic duct exhibited the flattest active tension curve, particularly for peak active tension, in which there was less than a 5% change in peak active tension from 0.75 to 1.30 of optimal length. Femoral lymph vessels were able to withstand the highest estimated pressures, followed by mesenteric and cervical vessels and then thoracic duct.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that lymph vessels effectively adapt their contractile force to the particular hydrodynamic conditions (transmural pressures and intraluminal flows) that exist in different regions of the lymphatic system.

The fluorescence recovery of polydiacetylene/fluorophore vesicles by interaction with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

Polydiacetylene (PDA) has been widely used as a biosensor candidate because it exhibits specific blue-red transition upon varied external stimulations, such as heat, pH, or mechanical pressure. We prepared mixed vesicles using the 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) and fluorescence probe BO558, and investigated the interaction of surfactant with PCDA/BO558 vesicles. Experiments exhibited that the fluorescence of BO558 was significantly quenched owing to the ene-yne conjugated backbones in the PCDA vesicles. However, the fluorescence was gradually recovered in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to the system. Meanwhile, the turbidity of the mixed solution decreased greatly with the increase of CTAB concentration. We investigated the mechanism of the fluorescence quenching and recovery in the system of PCDA/BO558 vesicles and CTAB by UV-vis spectrum, stable fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of vesicles transformed with the change of surfactant concentration.

Length-tension relationships of small arteries, veins, and lymphatics from the rat mesenteric microcirculation

The passive and active length-tension relationships of isolated rat mesenteric lymphatics (∼150 μm ID), and adjacent small arteries (∼240 μm) and veins (∼275 μm) were compared under isometric conditions using a wire myograph. About 60% of the lymphatic vessels developed spontaneous contractions in physiological saline solution at nominal preload. To maximally activate smooth muscle, 145 mM K++ 5 × 10−5M norepinephrine was used for arteries, and 145 mM K++ 1 × 10−6M substance P was used for lymphatics and veins. In response, arteries exhibited monotonic force development to a plateau level, whereas lymphatics and veins showed biphasic force development, consisting of a transient force peak followed by partial relaxation to a plateau over ∼5 min. The passive and the active length-tension curves were similar in shape among all three vessels. However, the maximal active tension of arteries (3.4 ± 0.42 mN/mm) was significantly greater than peak active tension (0.59 ± 0.04 mN/mm) or plateau tension (0.20 ± 0.04 mN/mm) in small veins and greater than peak active tension (0.34 ± 0.02 mN/mm) or plateau tension (0.21 ± 0.02 mN/mm) in lymphatics. Maximal active medial wall stress was similar between lymphatics and veins but was approximately fivefold higher in small arteries. For lymphatics, the pressure calculated from the optimal preload was significantly higher than that found previously in isobaric studies of isolated lymphatics, suggesting the capacity to operate at higher than normal pressures for increased responsiveness. Our results represent the first mechanical comparisons of arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels in the same vasculature.

Role of NO and EDHF-mediated endothelial function in the porcine pulmonary circulation: Comparison between pulmonary artery and vein

OBJECTIVE

To compare electrophysiological measurement of nitric oxide (NO) release and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated endothelial function in porcine pulmonary arteries and veins.

METHODS

Isolated pulmonary interlobular arteries (PA) and veins (PV) were obtained from a local slaughterhouse. By using a NO-specific electrode and a conventional intracellular microelectrode, the amount of NO released from endothelial cells and hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells were investigated. The bradykinin (BK)-induced relaxation in the precontraction by U(46619) was examined in the absence or presence of N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), indomethacin (INDO) plus oxyhemoglobin (HbO).

RESULTS

The basal release of NO was 7.0+/-1.2 nmol/L in PA (n=8) and 5.5+/-1.6 nmol/L in PV (n=8, p<0.01). BK-induced release of NO was 160.4+/-10.3 nmol/L in PA (n=8) and 103.0+/-14.7 nmol/L in PV (n=8, p<0.001) with longer releasing duration in PA than in PV (14.3+/-1.3 vs. 12.1+/-0.8 min, p<0.01). BK evoked an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation that were reduced by l-NNA, INDO, and HbO (hyperpolarization: 12.8+/-1.3 vs. 8.0+/-1.4 mV in PA, n=6, p<0.001 and 8.3+/-1.4 vs. 3.0+/-0.8 mV in PV, n=6, p<0.001; relaxation: 92.8+/-3.1% vs. 19.6+/-11.1% in PA n=8, p<0.001 and 70.3+/-7.9% vs. 6.0+/-6.8% in PV, n=8, p<0.001). Both hyperpolarization (8.0+/-1.4 vs. 3.0+/-0.8 mV, p<0.001) and relaxation (19.6+/-11.1% vs. 6.0+/-6.8%, p<0.01) were greater in PA than in PV.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NO and EDHF play an important role in regulation of porcine pulmonary arterial and venous tones. The more significant role of NO and EDHF is revealed in pulmonary arteries than in veins.

Release of Nitric Oxide and Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor (EDHF) in Porcine Coronary Arteries Exposed to Hyperkalemia: Effect of Nicorandil

BACKGROUND

Although the detrimental effect of hyperkalemia on coronary endothelium has been reported, there is no direct evidence regarding the effect of hyperkalemic exposure on nitric oxide (NO) release from the coronary endothelium. In addition, it is unclear whether nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, used as hyperpolarizing cardioplegia or added in hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution may protect endothelial function during cardiac surgery. The present study was designed to clarify NO release and the function of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in coronary circulation with respect to the effect of hyperkalemia and nicorandil.

METHODS

Nitric oxide was measured by using a NO-specific electrode, and EDHF-mediated relaxation was investigated in a myograph. Substance P- and calcium ionophore A23187-induced NO release was compared in porcine left circumflex coronary arteries before and after 1-hour exposure to 20 mM potassium (K+) at 37 degrees C. In coronary microarteries (diameter 200 to 450 microm), precontracted with U46619, in the presence of indomethacin (7 microM), NG-nitro-L-arginine (300 microM), and oxyhemoglobin (20 microM), EDHF-mediated relaxation was induced by bradykinin (-10 to -6.5 log M) after incubation with Krebs (control) or 20 mM K+ with or without 10 microM nicorandil at 37 degrees C for 1 hour.

RESULTS

Neither substance P (58.8 +/- 5.0 versus 66.2 +/- 7.2 nmol/L) nor A23187 (86.6 +/- 9.0 versus 82.4 +/- 9.2 nmol/L in control) induced NO release was altered by hyperkalemic exposure (p > 0.05). In contrast, EDHF-mediated relaxation was decreased from 84.2% +/- 3.8% to 42.3% +/- 6.0% (p < 0.001) that was partially restored by nicorandil (50.7% +/- 5.5%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to potassium at 20 mM does not affect NO release but impairs EDHF-mediated relaxation in coronary arteries. Supplementation of nicorandil in hyperkalemic cardioplegia may provide a protective effect on EDHF-related endothelial function.

Activation of iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+-activated K+ channels of porcine isolated left anterior descending coronary artery by diosgenin

The objective of this study was to determine the vasodilating effect of 3beta-hydroxy-5-spirostene (diosgenin), a phytoestrogen found in wild yams, using porcine resistance left anterior descending coronary artery. In 5-hydroxytryptamine (3 microM) pre-contracted preparation, diosgenin caused a concentration-dependent (0.01 to 1 microM), endothelium-independent relaxation, with a maximum relaxation of approximately 72% at 1 microM. No apparent effect was observed with 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone with concentrations < or =0.3 microM, and a relaxation of approximately 15% and approximately 23% caused by 17beta-oestradiol (1 microM) and progesterone (1 microM), respectively. Diosgenin-elicited relaxation was not altered by 7alpha,17beta-[9[(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl)sulfinyl]nonyl]estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol (ICI 182,780), mifepristone, (+)-bicuculline, cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL 12330A), glibenclamide and scavengers of reactive oxygen species. The iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK(Ca)) current of single vascular myocytes recorded, using patch-clamp techniques, was markedly enhanced by diosgenin, 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone. Application of (9S, 10R, 12R)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i][1,6]benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid methyl ester (KT 5823, 300 nM) eradicated the enhancement of BK(Ca) amplitude. Diosgenin, 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone did not affect whereas phloretin, biochanin A and zearalanone (1 microM each) significantly suppressed [Ca2+]o-induced contraction. In oestrogen competition essay using human breast cancer cell (MCF-7 cells), diosgenin (0.001 nM to 10 microM) did not interact with oestrogen receptor-alpha, and no displacement of [3H]17beta-oestradiol was observed. In oestrogen receptor alpha- and beta-fluorescence polarization competitor assay, diosgenin (100 microM) demonstrated a greater competition with the beta-isoform of oestrogen receptor. These results suggest that diosgenin caused an acute, endothelium-independent coronary artery relaxation via protein kinase G signalling cascade and an activation of BK(Ca) channel of arterial smooth muscle cells. The oestrogen receptor (alpha and beta-isoforms) and progesterone receptor are probably not involved.

Different role of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation in porcine coronary arterial and venous system

OBJECTIVE

We compared the basal and bradykinin (BK)-induced NO release and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated function between coronary arteries and cardiac veins.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Isolated coronary vessels (large arteries, cardiac veins as well as microvessels) were studied. An NO-specific electrode and a conventional intracellular glass microelectrode were used to directly measure NO released from endothelial cells and hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells in conduit coronary vessels. The basal and BK-induced release of NO was 14.2 +/- 2.0 nmol/L and 237.1 +/- 27.2 nmol/L (n = 8) in the artery, significantly greater than in veins (8.0 +/- 1.1 nmol/L and 135.6 +/- 14.5 nmol/L, n = 8, P < 0.01). The BK-induced hyperpolarization was significantly reduced by N-nitro-L-arginine, indomethacin, and hemoglobin in both arteries and veins and was greater in the arteries. The EDHF-mediated relaxation was significantly higher in the arteries than in veins, greater in microveins than in large veins, and almost abolished by charybdotoxin and apamin.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NO and EDHF are involved in the regulation of the vascular tone in the coronary arterial and venous systems but the amount of NO release and the EDHF-mediated relaxation and associated hyperpolarization are less significant in the vein than in the artery in the coronary system.

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution maximally preserves endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated function during heart preservation: comparison with University of Wisconsin solution

BACKGROUND

The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is used widely in heart preservation but has been demonstrated to be detrimental to the endothelial function. The present study compares the effect of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) and UW solutions on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated function in porcine small coronary arteries.

METHODS

An isometric force study was performed in a myograph and the membrane potential of a single smooth muscle cell was measured electrophysiologically. Small coronary arteries (diameter 457 +/- 15 microm) were incubated with UW (n = 8), HTK (n = 7) or Krebs solution (n = 15) at 4 degrees C for 4 hours. After washout, in the presence of indomethacin (Indo; 7 micromol/liter), N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA; 300 micromol/liter) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO; 20 micromol/liter), bradykinin (BK; -10 to -6.5 log M)-induced relaxation was compared in U46619 (-8 log M) pre-contraction. EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization was elicited by BK (-6.5 log M) in the presence of Indo, l-NNA and HbO.

RESULTS

BK-induced, EDHF-mediated relaxation was reduced from 93.6 +/- 2.8% to 79.7 +/- 4.6% after UW preservation (p = 0.01 by unpaired t-test and p = 0.005 by 2-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]), whereas HTK incubation did not decrease EDHF-mediated relaxation (87.0 +/- 6.5%, p = 0.3 by unpaired t-test and p = 0.6 by 2-way ANOVA, compared with control, and p = 0.001 by 2-way ANOVA, compared with UW). EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization (10.3 +/- 1.6 mV) was attenuated by UW exposure (3.4 +/- 0.6 mV, [p = 0.002] vs control), but not by HTK exposure (8.3 +/- 1.1 mV, [p = 0.3] vs control).

CONCLUSIONS

HTK is superior to UW solution in protecting EDHF-mediated endothelial function in porcine small coronary arteries. The present findings supports the use of HTK solution in heart preservation.

Alteration of cellular electrophysiologic properties in porcine pulmonary microcirculation after preservation with University of Wisconsin and Euro-Collins solutions

BACKGROUND

The effect of cold storage of porcine pulmonary microvessels in University of Wisconsin (UW) and Euro-Collins (EC) solutions on the cellular electrophysiologic properties remains unknown.

METHODS

The pulmonary microarteries (PA, 381.6 +/- 62.8 microm; n = 60) and microveins (PV, 360.8 +/- 54.5 microm; n = 60) were incubated with Krebs (control), UW, or EC solution at 4 degrees C for 4 hours in a myograph. The resting membrane potential and the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated hyperpolarization to bradykinin (0.1 micromol/L) in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine, hemoglobin, and indomethacin, in a single smooth muscle cell were directly measured.

RESULTS

The resting membrane potential (-60.8 +/- 1.3 mV in PA and -48.1 +/- 0.7 mV in PV, n = 6) was depolarized after exposure to UW solution (to -18.4 +/- 0.7 mV in PA and -13.6 +/- 0.8 mV in PV; n = 8; p < 0.001). The amplitude of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated hyperpolarization to bradykinin was also decreased (from 7.4 +/- 0.7 mV to 2.6 +/- 0.7 mV in PA and from 4.6 +/- 0.5 mV to 0.9 +/- 0.4 mV in PV; p < 0.001). In comparison, EC depolarized the membrane potential to a lesser extent (to -28.3 +/- 0.9 mV in PA and to -21.3 +/- 0.8 mV in PV; n = 8; p < 0.001) and almost abolished the hyperpolarization to bradykinin. After washout, hyperpolarization was partially restored (UW, 4.9 +/- 0.7 mV in PA and 2.0 +/- 0.3 mV in PV. p < 0.01; EC, 2.3 +/- 0.5 mV in PA and 1.0 +/- 0.3 mV in PV. p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Cold storage of porcine PA and PV with UW or EC solution impairs the electrophysiologic properties (hyperpolarization) related to endothelium-smooth muscle interaction. The alteration is more profound with EC than UW solution and in veins than in arteries. The findings urge further studies on lung preservation solutions.

Effect of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid as an additive to St. Thomas' cardioplegia and University of Wisconsin solutions on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated function in coronary microarteries: influence of temperature and time

BACKGROUND

We examined the effect of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET(11,12)) added to St. Thomas' Hospital (ST) solution or University of Wisconsin (UW) solution on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated relaxation under clinically relevant temperature and exposure time.

METHODS

Porcine coronary microarteries (200 to 450 microm) were incubated with Krebs' solution (control), ST with or without EET(11,12) (300 nmol/L) at 22 degrees C for 1 hour as well as at 4 degrees C for 1 or 4 hours, and UW with or without EET(11,12) at 4 degrees C for 4 hours. The EDHF-mediated relaxation was induced by bradykinin (-10 to approximately -6.5 log M) in the precontraction evoked by U(46619) (10 nmol/L) or U(46619) (1 nmol/L) plus endothelin-1 (6 nmol/L).

RESULTS

The EDHF-mediated relaxation was reduced after exposure to UW (79.7% +/- 4.6% versus 93.6% +/- 2.8%, p = 0.01) at 4 degrees C for 4 hours. One-hour exposure to ST under 22 degrees C or 4 degrees C decreased the relaxation (75.2% +/- 7.6% versus 96.7% +/- 1.6%, p < 0.05) or the sensitivity to bradykinin (-8.04 +/- 0.15 versus -8.50 +/- 0.20 log M, p < 0.05). The relaxation increased to 86.8% +/- 5.3% by addition of EET(11,12) to ST (1 hour at 22 degrees C, p < 0.05) but was unchanged when added to either ST or UW at 4 degrees C for 1 or 4 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

As an additive to ST solution, EET(11,12) may partially restore EDHF-mediated endothelial function under moderate hypothermia but had no significant effect under profound hypothermia when added to either ST or UW solution. Further investigation is necessary to improve the effect.

Mechanisms responsible for the in vitro relaxation of ligustrazine on porcine left anterior descending coronary artery

In this study, we have evaluated the underlying mechanisms responsible for the relaxation response of ligustrazine (2,3,5,6-tetra-methyl-pyrazine; 2,3,5,6-MP) and its structural analogues (2-methyl-pyrazine (2-MP); ethyl-pyrazine (EP); 2,3-di-methyl-pyrazine (2,3-MP); 2,5-di-methyl-pyrazine (2,5-MP); 2,6-di-methyl-pyrazine (2,6-MP) and 2,3,5-tri-methyl-pyrazine (2,3,5-MP)) in porcine left anterior descending coronary artery (tertiary branch, O.D. </=1 mm). In 5-hydroxytryptamine (3 microM) precontracted preparations, cumulative administration (0.1-300 microM) of all pyrazine analogues caused an endothelium-independent, concentration-dependent relaxation. The relative inhibitory potency, as compared at concentration with which 50% relaxation occurred, was 2,3,5,6-MP>2,3,5-MP>EP>2,5-MP>/=2,6-MP>/=2,3-MP>2-MP. Besides, salbutamol and forskolin caused an endothelium-independent relaxation. The relaxation response of ligustrazine, salbutamol and forskolin was blunted in the presence of cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl) azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL 12330A) (10 microM, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor) and N-[2-((bromocinnamyl)amino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulphonamide (H-89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, 3 microM). Patch-clamp, whole-cell electrophysiological studies using single smooth muscle cells of the left anterior descending coronary artery revealed that ligustrazine (300 microM), salbutamol (30 microM) and forskolin (1 microM) inhibited the nifedipine-sensitive L-type Ca(2+) channels, and the inhibitory effect was eradicated by MDL 12330A (10 microM) and H-89 (1 microM). However, neither the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel nor the ATP-dependent K(+) channel was modified by ligustrazine (300 microM). In conclusion, our results indicate that ligustrazine-mediated left anterior descending coronary artery relaxation is due to the activation of adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A cascade and the subsequent inhibition of nifedipine-sensitive, voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels. However, opening of K(+) channels seems to play no role in mediating the relaxation effect of ligustrazine.

Ullrich scleroatonic muscular dystrophy is caused by recessive mutations in collagen type VI

Ullrich syndrome is a recessive congenital muscular dystrophy affecting connective tissue and muscle. The molecular basis is unknown. Reverse transcription-PCR amplification performed on RNA extracted from fibroblasts or muscle of three Ullrich patients followed by heteroduplex analysis displayed heteroduplexes in one of the three genes coding for collagen type VI (COL6). In patient A, we detected a homozygous insertion of a C leading to a premature termination codon in the triple-helical domain of COL6A2 mRNA. Both healthy consanguineous parents were carriers. In patient B, we found a deletion of 28 nucleotides because of an A --> G substitution at nucleotide -2 of intron 17 causing the activation of a cryptic acceptor site inside exon 18. The second mutation was an exon skipping because of a G --> A substitution at nucleotide -1 of intron 23. Both mutations are present in an affected brother. The first mutation is also present in the healthy mother, whereas the second mutation is carried by their healthy father. In patient C, we found only one mutation so far-the same deletion of 28 nucleotides found in patient B. In this case, it was a de novo mutation, as it is absent in her parents. mRNA and protein analysis of patient B showed very low amounts of COL6A2 mRNA and of COL6. A near total absence of COL6 was demonstrated by immunofluorescence in fibroblasts and muscle. Our results demonstrate that Ullrich syndrome is caused by recessive mutations leading to a severe reduction of COL6.

[Determination of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography]

A sensitive and rapid method was developed for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity determination by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC). MECC was carried out to separate and quantify the products of the enzymatic reacting using Hip-Leu-His as the substrate in 20 mmol/L boric acid-borate buffer (pH 9.0) including 50 mmol/L SDS as the run buffer at an applied voltage of 8.1 kV. The electrophoresis was monitored at 228 nm, and completed in 6 minutes. The detection limits of ACE activity was 5 pmol/min(signal to noise ratio was 2).

A Bethlem myopathy Gly to Glu mutation in the von Willebrand factor A domain N2 of the collagen alpha3(VI) chain interferes with protein folding

A single G1679E mutation in the amino-terminal globular domain N2 of the alpha3 chain of type VI collagen was found in a large family affected with Bethlem myopathy. Recombinant production of N2 ( approximately 200 residues) in transfected mammalian cells has now been used to examine the possibility that the mutation interfered with protein folding. The wild-type form and a G1679A mutant were produced at high levels and shown to fold into a stable globular structure. Only a small amount of secretion was observed for mutants G1679E and G1679Q, which apparently were efficiently degraded within the cells. Homology modeling onto the related von Willebrand factor A1 structure indicated that substitution of G1679 by the bulky E or Q cannot be accommodated without considerable changes in the folding pattern. This suggests protein misfolding as a molecular basis for this particular mutation in Bethlem myopathy, in agreement with radioimmunoassay data showing reduced levels of domain N2 in cultured fibroblasts from two patients.

[Immunoaffinity purification of specific immunoglobulin from egg yolk]

Immunoaffinity column (Sepharose-4B) was made with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and used to isolate anti-BSA antibody from egg laid by hens which were immunized with BSA. Polyclonal antibody was eluted under different conditions (pH 5.0-2.8) because of its different affinity against antigen. SDS-PAGE and double-immunodiffusion analysis confirmed that antibody isolated from egg yolk was electrophoretically pure and specific. According to the separation aim in this paper, the final elution buffer was 0.1 mol/L glycine-HCl buffer, pH 2.8. The final antibody yield was higher than 90%. As a new development in chromatographic media, POROS has its maximum pressure limit of 21 MPa. It has been widely used because of its high performance, high flow and large capacity. The sugar residue of the antibody was then oxidized and coupled to the hydrazide activated POROS HY. Pure targeted protein (BSA) was obtained through the POROS HY column. The tendency of specific antibody production was investigated during the immunization period. The amount of specific antibody has increased obviously after boost immunization.

Complete exon-intron organization of the mouse fibulin-1 gene and its comparison with the human fibulin-1 gene

Fibulin-1 is a 90 kDa calcium-binding protein present in the extracellular matrix and in the blood. Two major variants, C and D, differ in their C-termini as well as the ability to bind the basement membrane protein nidogen. Here we characterized genomic clones encoding the mouse fibulin-1 gene, which contains 18 exons spanning at least 75 kb of DNA. The two variants are generated by alternative splicing of exons in the 3' end. By searching the database we identified most of the exons encoding the human fibulin-1 gene and showed that its exon-intron organization is similar to that of the mouse gene.

CA repeat polymorphism of the COL6A3 gene on chromosome 2q37

A CA dinucleotide repeat has been identified in an intron of the human alpha3(VI) collagen gene (COL6A3) located on chromosome 2q37. Analysis of 100 chromosomes in unrelated Caucasians has demonstrated the existence of eight alleles, and the allelic frequencies have been determined.

Missense mutation in a von Willebrand factor type A domain of the alpha 3(VI) collagen gene (COL6A3) in a family with Bethlem myopathy

The Bethlem myopathy is a rare autosomal dominant proximal myopathy characterized by early childhood onset and joint contractures. Evidence for linkage and genetic heterogeneity has been established, with the majority of families linked to 21q22.3 and one large family linked to 2q37, implicating the three type VI collagen subunit genes, COL6A1 (chromosome 21), COL6A2 (chromosome 21) and COL6A3 (chromosome 2) as candidate genes. Mutations of the invariant glycine residues in the triple-helical domain-coding region of COL6A1 and COL6A2 have been reported previously in the chromosome 21-linked families. We report here the identification of a G-->A mutation in the N-terminal globular domain-coding region of COL6A3 in a large American pedigree (19 affected, 12 unaffected), leading to the substitution of glycine by glutamic acid in the N2 motif, which is homologous to the type A domains of the von Willebrand factor. This mutation segregated to all affected family members, to no unaffected family members, and was not identified in 338 unrelated Caucasian control chromosomes. Thus mutations in either the triple-helical domain or the globular domain of type VI collagen appear to cause Bethlem myopathy.

Costs of polio immunization days in China: implications for mass immunization campaign strategies

Ten provinces of China were selected to estimate the cost per immunization of the 1994-95 national immunization days (NIDs) at five levels (e.g. province, prefecture, county, township and village). Personnel costs accounted for the largest overall share of costs (39 per cent), followed by publicity and promotion costs (27 per cent), and logistic costs (15 per cent). Without consideration of vaccine costs, the major part of NID expenses were shouldered at the township level, which paid for 47 per cent of all incremental costs, while county and village level covered 28 per cent and 18 per cent respectively. Estimation of average costs per immunization was 2.86 RMB yuan, or $0.34, including vaccine costs, buildings and equipment amortization and salaries at all levels. The factors affecting average cost of NID included the output volume, socio-economic development and geographic features. Various approaches were recommended: to intensify the productivity of time and staff, to employ alternative inexpensive manpower resources, to make the best use of publicity and social promotion, the expansion of the age groups and utilization of multi-intervention strategies. Good planning at township level was a decisive factor to ensure an effective NID conducted in an efficient manner. The average cost of China's NID was the lowest among all mass immunization campaigns ever documented. Much of the reduced average cost was attributable to economies of scale.

[Study on the immunization status of children and risk factors in floating population]

In order to reveal immunization status of children in migrating families and its related risk factors, a study was conducted in Beijing, Inner Mongolia and Fujian from August to November, 1996. Results showed that the overall coverage with BCG, OPV, DPT and MV was 34.26% (95% CI: 29.75%-38.94%). Many factors influenced the immunization status of floating children which mainly consisted of a) regular searching for new coming floating children conducted by EPI staff, b) awareness of parents on the number of the total EPI-targeted vaccines, c) home as the place that the child was born, d) the length did the child's mother stay at the place, e) how well did the parents comply to the vaccination and f) The type of hospital was chosen when seeing a doctor.

Status of the eradication of indigenous wild poliomyelitis in the People's Republic of China

A large nationwide outbreak occurred in 1989-1990 in China, in which nearly 10,000 poliomyelitis cases were reported. After two rounds of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) supplemental activity in nearly every province in the 1992-1993 winter season, no wild poliovirus was detected in 1993 in 22 provinces in the middle of China that contained 86% of the population. During the first national immunization days (NIDs) conducted in December 1993 and January 1994, 83 million children 0-47 months of age were immunized. In 1994, wild poliovirus was identified in only 6 of 2397 children with stool specimens tested. After a second NID in December 1994 and January 1995, no wild poliovirus was detected in 1995 despite a very high level of virus surveillance. In summary, double-round mass supplemental OPV immunizations in children 0-3 years old in two consecutive winters eliminated wild poliovirus from 23% of the world's population (1.2 billion people).

Effect of target age of supplemental immunization campaigns on poliomyelitis occurrence in China

The World Health Organization recommends conducting supplemental immunization activities to eradicate poliomyelitis by the year 2000. Although effective in eliminating poliomyelitis from the Americas, supplemental campaigns require substantial resources. To assess differential campaign effectiveness in eliminating this disease, poliomyelitis occurrence was compared in counties in China that targeted children <3 versus <4 years of age. Counties that targeted children <3 years of age reported poliomyelitis more frequently after the campaigns. This association was observed even after accounting for the effects of previous poliomyelitis occurrence, urban versus rural setting, and population density. While several limitations emphasize the preliminary nature of these findings, these data support targeting the widest possible age group of susceptible children to ensure maximum effectiveness in eliminating poliomyelitis. Thus, while reducing the target age of these activities may result in considerable resource savings, such campaigns may not be as effective in eliminating poliomyelitis.

Surveillance for polio eradication in the People's Republic of China

A case-based virus surveillance system for wild poliovirus in China was developed. By 1993, all 30 provincial immunization units and, by 1994, all 29 provincial laboratories were sending computerized data to the national level. In 1993, a county-level, computerized map was operationalized that permitted visual monitoring of the progress of the polio eradication program every month by county. In 1993, wild poliovirus type 1 was detected in 8 provinces. Wild poliovirus mainly caused clusters of polio cases identified by a surveillance system that detected primarily clinical polio in children <5 years old (1 stool sample was collected on approximately 50% of reported cases). By 1995, the surveillance system had reached certification-like levels (80% of acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] patients with 2 stool specimens and AFP case rate of 1/100,000 children <15 years old). No indigenous wild poliovirus was detected in 1995. This general case-based model can be applied to measles and other important diseases, and may then lead to a more rapid decrease in adverse health outcomes.

[Social burden caused by poliomyelitis]

Social burden caused by paralyzed poliomyelitis was analysed, using data from a Sampling Survey of Handicapped People in China, in 1987. The study results showed: 29.94% of 1707 handicapped polio victims aged 6 or over were not able to go to school; 44.23% of them could not take care of their daily life; 36.32% of them could not play out-door and do shopping; 2.58% of them could not normally communicate with others. 84.53% of the 1487 handicapped victims caused by polio aged 15 or over wholly or partly lost their working ability. We also compared handicapped people's employment rate and the status of marriage with non-handicapped people. Data showed that the employment rate and the number of married handicapped polio victims were remarkably lower then those non-handicapped people.

Deposition of collagen VI in the extracellular matrix during mouse embryogenesis correlates with expression of the alpha 3(VI) subunit gene

Collagen VI is a microfibrillar component of the extracellular matrix that is predicted to have an important structural role in matrix organization and a biological function in mediating cell-matrix interactions. Secreted collagen VI molecules are composed of three distinct subunits, the alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI), and alpha 3(VI) chains. To determine when, and in which tissues, collagen VI is likely to have a role in embryonic processes, we have analyzed the expression patterns of the three subunit chains during postimplantation mouse development by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence. No collagen VI protein could be detected in the mouse embryo until Day 11.5 of gestation, when low levels were localized within the mesoderm layer of the visceral yolk sac, the subepidermal matrix of branchial arches, and the vessel wall of the dorsal aorta. Levels of collagen VI mRNA and protein increased during the period from Days 12.5 to 14.5 in the visceral yolk sac, subepidermal mesenchyme, lung, gut, meninges, muscle, perichondrium, and vertebral column. The cartilage matrix of ribs and developing long bones was not stained with collagen VI antisera, but pericellular staining of chondrocytes was seen in both tissues. Low levels of collagen VI mRNA and protein were seen in the fetal liver except for the connective tissue of the liver capsule, which was highly stained. Collagen VI was first detected at significant levels in the developing heart on Day 14.5. These data demonstrate a tissue-specific onset of collagen VI synthesis and deposition in the extracellular matrix of developing mouse embryos at a much later stage of development than that reported for fibronectin or collagen I. Sensitive RT-PCR assays showed that alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) mRNAs were amplified from extracts of embryonic tissues as early as Day 7.5, while alpha 3(VI) mRNA was not detected until Day 10.5. Expression of the alpha 3(VI) gene immediately preceded the appearance of collagen VI protein in embryonic tissues. This correlation is consistent with the proposal that expression of alpha 3(VI) chains regulates the formation and secretion of collagen VI trimers and collagen VI matrix deposition during development.

[Economic burden of poliomyelitis]

Economic burden that caused by paralyzed and fatal poliomyelitis was described to provide basic data for evaluation. The study showed: the average costs for treatment, recovery and rehabilitation were 1612.6 yuan, 921.9 yuan and 1112.2 yuan per case, respectively. The total economic loss due to all new victims and handicapped cases of polio was 1.99 billion yuan in 1993 in China.

[Epidemiological analysis of poliomyelitis cases in 1994, China]

In 1994, the number of reported polio cases was 307 in China. This number was 53% lower than that in 1993, and was the lowest record ever in China. In 1994, the distribution of polio cases was highly dispersed and the number of outbreak was reduced obviously. Of 225 counties which reported polio cases in 1994, polio outbreak occured in 2 counties. Cases due to polio outbreak accounted for 4.2% of the total cases. The distribution of polio wild virus was narrow but the regional difference still existed. In the southeast, high risk region for polio consisting Guangdong, Hainan, Fujian three provinces, the number of polio cases decreased remarkably in 1994. On the contrary, in the southwest region which, consisting Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan four provinces, the number of polio cases increased obviously, accounted for approximately a half of the total number in 1994. During the coming 1 to 2 years, we should emphasis on these regions and provinces where high incidence was noticed in our polio eradication program. Those provinces should include Xinjiang, Fujian. Hubei three provinces that polio wild virus was identified in 1994, and Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan in the south west region as well. We should further increase Polio vaccination coverage of children especially floating and unplanned ones through strengthening routine immunization and carring out new national immunization day activity.

[Evaluation of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system in 1994]

Increased by 40.2% compared with 1993, 3142 acute flaccidparalysis cases were reported from AFP surveillance system in 1994. A total number of 1297 counties had AFP cases reported, accounting for 45.1% of total amount of counties. Out of 3142 AFP cases, 307 were confirmed, coming from 225 counties. For children under 15 years old, the reported AFP incidence was 1.1/10(5), non-polio AFP rate was 0.83/10(5), much higher than 0.37/10(5), in 1993. 48.5% of the total AFP cases had double stool specimen taken within 0-14 days after paralysis. 79% AFP cases had been investigated within 48 hours after being reported. Some of the major monitoring indicators of AFP surveillance system were close to the WHO criterion, but the percentage of AFP cases reported within 48 hours of careseeking and AFP cases with follow-up visit after 60-70 days of paralysis were very low. Furthermore, 77.9% of the confirmed cases were diagnosea clinically by residual paralysis, so did the 46.4% of discarded cases. It is in urgent need to increase the percentage of cases classified by laboratory test.

[Seroepidemiological surveillance and methodological study of pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus]

In this paper, we studied the diagnostic method of DPT using PA method developed by Japanese National Institute of Health (NIH) in 1993-1994, meanwhile we surveyed the antibody level of DPT. We collected 900 sera samples and 300 sera samples from Hebei province in 1993 and 1994. The result showed that PA method was simple, reliable and easy to observe, which can make up the shortages existed in PHA method. The antitoxin titers obtained by the PA method correlated well with the PHA method, while the latter was more sensitive. The antibody level of pertussis obtained through PA method did not correlate well with MA method. The result also showed that the antibody level of DPT was not high, with a 95.0% positive rate of pertussis. The rate of titers higher than 1:320 was 4.7% with GMT 1:121; the positive rate of diphtheria was 62.9% with GMT 0.0280 IU/ml, in 1993 the positive rate of tetanus was 70.5% with GMT 0.1410 IU/ml, in 1994 the positive rate was 75.7% with GMT 0.3281 IU/ml. The titers in urban areas were higher than in rural areas and a decrease was observed with the increase of age. The titers in males was similar to in females. According to this result, a routine immunization followed by booster program should be emphasized.

Developmental expression and molecular cloning of REMP, a novel retinal epithelial membrane protein

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), like other transport epithelia, has a polarized distribution of membrane and cytoskeletal proteins. The establishment of a polarized phenotype is an essential step in the differentiation of the RPE and the development and maintenance of visual function. Using a monoclonal antibody (MAb 3C4) we have identified a novel membrane protein that is uniquely expressed in chick RPE. We have referred to this protein as REMP for retinal epithelial membrane protein. In these studies we characterized the expression and distribution of this protein during embryonic development and determined its primary structure by cDNA cloning. The developmental expression of REMP was examined by immunocytochemical localization. REMP was first detected in the chick RPE at Embryonic Day 5 (E5) in both apical and basolateral membranes. By E14 the distribution of REMP was restricted to the basolateral surface of the RPE cells. Biochemical fractionation and surface labeling of RPE cells suggested that REMP was an integral protein. The gene encoding REMP was isolated from an E15 chick RPE cDNA library, cloned into lambda gt11, and screened with MAb 3C4. The cDNA was sequenced and found to contain one 1350-bp open reading frame encoding for a 450-amino-acid protein. The deduced amino-acid sequence of REMP shares 32.9% identity with MCT1, a monocarboxylate transporter (Garcia, Goldstein, Pathak, Anderson, and Brown, Cell, 76, 865-873, 1994). By Northern blot analysis, REMP mRNA was detected only in RPE cells. There was an increase in the expression REMP transcript during development but when RPE cells were grown in primary culture the expression of REMP was turned off. The unique expression of REMP in the RPE in vivo would suggest a role for this protein in development and maintenance of normal retinal function.

Expression of collagen alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI), and alpha 3(VI) chains in the pregnant mouse uterus

The alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 chains of collagen VI and mRNAs for these chains were localized in the female mouse reproductive tract by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. High levels of collagen VI protein and mRNAs were present in the endometrium and myometrium of the uterus up to Day 4.5 of pregnancy. After embryo implantation, reduction in collagen VI protein within the decidualizing endometrium correlated with significantly reduced steady-state levels of alpha 1(VI), alpha 2(VI), and alpha 3(VI) mRNAs, indicating either transcriptional down-regulation of collagen VI gene expression or decreased stability of transcripts. High levels of alpha 1(V1) and alpha 2(VI) mRNAs, but not alpha 3(VI) mRNA, in cells surrounding the uterine epithelium in the mesometrial region did not correlate with deposition of collagen VI protein in this region. These data are consistent with an important role of alpha 3(VI) in assembly of collagen VI heterotrimers. However, distinct immunostaining with antiserum to alpha 2(VI) chains in the extracellular matrix immediately beneath the uterine epithelium may indicate that alpha 2(VI) chains are deposited without the alpha 1(VI) or alpha 3(VI) collagen chains. No collagen VI protein or mRNAs were detected in any tissue layers of the embryo on Days 5.5 or 6.5 of gestation.