Bioanalytical system for detection of cancer cells with photoluminescent ZnO nanorods

Using photoluminescent ZnO nanorods and carbohydrate marker SSEA-4, a novel cancer cell recognition system was developed. Immobilization of SSEA-4 antibodies (αSSEA-4) on ZnO nanorods was performed in buffer solution (pH = 7.1) over 2 h. The cancer cell line probes were fixed on the glass slide. One hundred microliters of ZnO-αSSEA-4 conjugates were deposited on the cell probe and exposed for 30 min. After washing photoluminescence spectra were recorded. Based on the developed methodology, ZnO-αSSEA-4 probes were tested on patient-derived breast and colorectal carcinoma cells. Our data clearly show that the carbohydrate SSEA-4 molecule is expressed on cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells. Moreover, SSEA-4 targeted ZnO nanorods bind to the patient-derived cancer cells with high selectivity and the photoluminescence signal increased tremendously compared to the signal from the control samples. Furthermore, the photoluminescence intensity increase correlated with the extent of malignancy in the target cell population. A novel portable bioanalytical system, based on optical ZnO nanorods and fiber optic detection system was developed. We propose that carbohydrate SSEA-4 specific ZnO nanorods could be used for the development of cancer diagnostic biosensors and for targeted therapy.

Solid freeform-fabricated scaffolds designed to carry multicellular mesenchymal stem cell spheroids for cartilage regeneration

Three-dimensional (3D) cellular spheroids have recently emerged as a new trend to replace suspended single cells in modern cell-based therapies because of their greater regeneration capacities in vitro. They may lose the 3D structure during a change of microenvironment, which poses challenges to their translation in vivo. Besides, the conventional microporous scaffolds may have difficulty in accommodating these relatively large spheroids. Here we revealed a novel design of microenvironment for delivering and sustaining the 3D spheroids. Biodegradable scaffolds with macroporosity to accommodate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids were made by solid freeform fabrication (SFF) from the solution of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide). Their internal surface was modified with chitosan following air plasma treatment in order to preserve the morphology of the spheroids. It was demonstrated that human MSC spheroids loaded in SFF scaffolds produced a significantly larger amount of cartilage-associated extracellular matrix in vitro and in NOD/SCID mice compared to single cells in the same scaffolds. Implantation of MSC spheroid-loaded scaffolds into the chondral defects of rabbit knees showed superior cartilage regeneration. This study establishes new perspectives in designing the spheroid-sustaining microenvironment within a tissue engineering scaffold for in vivo applications.

Auditory efferent dysfunction in normal-hearing chronic idiopathic tinnitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of the auditory efferent system in patients with chronic idiopathic tinnitus, but normal pure-tone audiograms.

METHODS

We studied 15 subjects with normal hearing that had experienced either unilateral or bilateral persistent tinnitus for at least 3 months. The ears of the 15 subjects were classified into tinnitus-positive-ear (TPE) and tinnitus-negative-ear (TNE) groups. The control-ear group (CE) comprised the ears of 15 subjects with normal hearing and no tinnitus. We measured different types of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), including spontaneous (SOAEs), transient evoked (TEOAEs), and distortion product (DPOAEs). We also analyzed contralateral suppression of OAEs and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). Data were compared among TPE, TNE, and CE groups.

RESULTS

The data associated with cochlear mechanics, including the prevalence of SOAEs, the number of SOAE peaks, and the overall TEOAE responses in the absence of a contralateral stimulus, were not significantly different among the TPE, TNE, and CE groups. In the TPE group, contralateral stimuli failed to significantly suppress overall TEOAEs, and contralateral suppression of DPOAEs was significantly reduced over a limited frequency range. Furthermore, the TPE group showed prolonged latencies in waves III and V of ABRs.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that abnormal contralateral suppression of OAEs and ABRs indicated a dysfunction in the ipsilateral efferent medial olivocochlear system; this might play a role in normal-hearing tinnitus.

Broadband and omnidirectional antireflection employing disordered GaN nanopillars

Disordered GaN nanopillars of three different heights: 300, 550, and 720 nm are fabricated, and demonstrate broad angular and spectral antireflective characteristics, up to an incident angle of 60? and for the wavelength range of lambda=300-1800 nm. An algorithm based on a rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method is developed to investigate the correlations between the reflective characteristics and the structural properties of the nanopillars. The broadband and omnidirectional antireflection arises mainly from the refractive-index gradient provided by nanopillars. Calculations show excellent agreement with the measured reflectivities for both s- and p- polarizations.

Raloxifene versus continuous combined estrogen/progestin therapy: densitometric and biochemical effects in healthy postmenopausal Taiwanese women

We treated 116 healthy postmenopausal women (age 47-66 years, mean 57 years) in Taiwan with either raloxifene (RLX) 60 mg (n = 92) or 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen plus 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (CCEP, n = 24) daily for 12 months in a randomized, double-masked, active-controlled fashion. The results showed that both regimens increased bone mineral density (BMD) at hip sites (means: RLX 2.5-4.9%, CCEP 4.6-7.9%, all p<0.005 compared with baseline), and the difference between the two regimens was not significant. The spinal BMD increased significantly in both groups (1.4% with RLX and 6.0% with CCEP, both p<0.01), and more with CCEP (p<0.003). Osteocalcin levels and urinary type I collagen C-telopeptide/creatinine ratios decreased significantly in both regimens, but the decreases were significantly larger with CCEP. Compared with baseline, both RLX and CCEP decreased the total cholesterol (median 4.9% and 8.6% respectively, p<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (median 11% and 19% respectively, p<0.001), and increased HDL-cholesterol (median 8.6% and 10.7% respectively, p<0.01). Both regimens increased triglyceride levels (median 3.2% and 18.9% respectively, both p<0.05), although to a lesser extent with RLX than with CCEP (p<0.05). Only 3 subjects (3.3%) reported vaginal bleeding in the RLX group, as compared with 31% (7/22) with CCEP (p<0.05). We conclude that in healthy, postmenopausal Taiwanese women, RLX 60 mg given daily has favorable results in BMD, bone turnover and serum lipids, although the dosage we used showed a potency less than that of conventional CCEP.

A novel member of the RBCC family, Trif, expressed specifically in the spermatids of mouse testis

Members of the RING finger family are implicated in a variety of functions such as signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and other developmental processes. Using degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to the RING domain, we isolated a novel RING finger gene from the mouse testis cDNA library, which was about 1.8 kb and was termed Trif (testis-specific ring finger). This deduced protein contains an N-terminal RING-finger, a B-box, and a C-terminal B-30.2-like domain, which make the Trif protein a member of the RING finger-B-box-coil-coil family. Northern blot analysis of adult multiple tissues indicated that Trif is expressed predominantly in the testis. Further analysis detected Trif transcripts in the testis from day 20 of the postnatal stage. In situ hybridization indicated that Trif is expressed in the round spermatids of the seminiferous tubules. These expression data suggest that Trif may play an important role in the regulation of spermatogenesis.

Spz1, a novel bHLH-Zip protein, is specifically expressed in testis

We isolated a novel bHLH-Zip gene designated Spz1 from a mouse testis cDNA library. Spz1 is expressed specifically in the testis and epididymis. Immunofluorescence staining detected Spz1 protein in the nuclei of LFG6 Leydig cells. The ability of Spz1 protein to bind to the bHLH consensus-binding site, the E-box, was confirmed by EMSA, and a 9-bp asymmetric target site was identified by random selection and PCR amplification. Hormonal regulation of Spz1 was investigated and downregulation of Spz1 expression by testosterone and retinoic acid was found. This nuclear transcription factor may play a crucial role in spermatogenesis by regulating cell proliferation or differentiation through binding to specific DNA sequences like other bHLH-Zip molecules.

Anticancer activity evaluation of the solanum glycoalkaloid solamargine. Triggering apoptosis in human hepatoma cells

Solamargine, an herbal and molluscicidal medicine derived from Solanum incanum, is a steroidal alkaloid glycoside. To characterize the anticancer mechanism of solamargine on human hepatoma cells (Hep3B), changes of cell morphology, DNA content, and gene expression of cells after solamargine treatment were studied. The appearance in solamargine-treated cells of chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and a sub-G(1) peak in a DNA histogram suggests that solamargine induces cell death by apoptosis. The maximum number of dead Hep3B cells was detected within 2 hr of incubation with constant concentrations of solamargine, and no further cell death was observed after an extended incubation with solamargine, indicating that the action of solamargine was irreversible. To determine the susceptibility of cell phases to solamargine-mediated apoptosis, Hep3B cells were synchronized at defined cell cycles by cyclosporin A, colchicine, and genistein, followed by solamargine treatment. The IC(50) values of solamargine for control, G(0)/G(1)-, M-, and G(2)/M-synchronized Hep3B cells were 5.0, > 10, 3.7, and 3.1 microg/mL, implying that cells in the G(2)/M phases are relatively susceptible to solamargine-mediated apoptosis. In addition, a parallel up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-I and -II on Hep3B cells was detected after solamargine treatment, and the solamargine-mediated cytotoxicity could be neutralized with either TNFR-I or -II specific antibody. Therefore, these results reveal that the actions of TNFR-I and -II on Hep3B cells may be independent, and both are involved in the mechanism of solamargine-mediated apoptosis.

Effects of alendronate on osteopenic postmenopausal Chinese women

To evaluate the effects of alendronate on postmenopausal Chinese women with osteopenia, we treated 46 subjects daily with either 10 mg alendronate (N = 24) or placebo plus 500 mg calcium supplement (N = 22), and measured their bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip, and urinary bone resorption markers before, during, and after the 1 year treatment period. The bone markers included N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd); both were corrected by the concentration of creatinine in the same sample (NTx/Cr and Dpd/Cr). Both NTx/Cr and Dpd/Cr decreased significantly by 44% and 28%, respectively (p < 0.05 for both), in 1 month in the active treatment group but did not change in the placebo group. BMD at the spine, femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle increased significantly by 6 months and showed a further increase through month 12 at the spine in the alendronate-treated group. Relative to the placebo group, BMD changes at various sites in the alendronate-treated group were higher at 12 months by 6%-11%. Thus, our data suggest that 10 mg alendronate daily resulted in significant increases in spine and hip BMD, and decreases of urinary resorption markers in the osteopenic postmenopausal Chinese women studied. The amplitude of responses was higher than in previous reports in the USA and Europe.

Interword spacing in Chinese text layout

Three experiments using Chinese text were conducted to investigate word spacing and its effect on reading performance. In Exp. 1, a sonogram detector was used to analyze interword and intercharacter (within a word) time intervals from text read aloud by professional TV broadcasters versus college graduates. The results showed interword intervals were significantly longer than intercharacter intervals, indicating that interword spacing has psychological reality in speech. Exp. 2 examined the effect on reading performance due to separating the characters that compose a word. Separating the characters of a word did not decrease reading accuracy but did result in significantly longer reading times. Exp. 3 explored the effect of word spacing in Chinese sentences on reading performance. Analysis showed that word spacing did not affect reading accuracy, but half character and whole-character spacing significantly reduced reading time. The results of the present study suggest that word spacing in Chinese text layout enhances reading performance. Word spacing may help the reader to segment more quickly a string of characters into words and reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation. Also, ambiguity of sentence structure severely degraded reading accuracy. The implications of the results for word spacing design in Chinese text are discussed.

The hepatoprotective effects of Solanum alatum Moench. on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Solanum alatum Moench. has been shown to have a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. Solanum alatum treatment (100 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT; GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; GOT) induced by acetaminophen (paracetamol) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. It also decreased the extent of visible necrosis in liver tissue. In addition, Solanum alatum treatment restored hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion induced by acetaminophen (600 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Microsomal enzyme levels such as P-450, reductase, and aniline hydroxylation enzyme were also restored to normal levels after Solanum alatum administration. The hepatoprotective mechanism may function through direct binding with acetaminophen toxic metabolites, decreasing the attraction of acetaminophen metabolites for other cellular GSH or thiol protein. Additionally, Solanum alatum treatment increased the concentration of hepatic GSH and maintained a high level activity of GSTase, which led to acceleration of the excretion of toxic acetaminophen metabolites.

Hemangiopericytoma of the pleura causing massive hemothorax

Hemangiopericytoma is an unusual soft tissue tumor. A 54-year-old man presented with sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea for 1 day. The initial chest x-ray showed a massive left pleural effusion. A contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a homogenously enhanced mass in the intrathoracic extrapulmonary space. A tube thoracostomy was performed and hemothorax was confirmed. A posterolateral thoracotomy was performed and a tumor in the parietal pleura of the left chest wall was resected. Grossly, the resected tumor arose from the parietal pleura, and the cut surface was elastic, soft, and pale yellow. There were several cystic formations and hemorrhages. Based on histologic findings, hemangiopericytoma with lower grade malignancy was diagnosed. The patient was alive and free from tumor recurrence 1 year after surgery. Intrathoracic extrapulmonary hemangiopericytoma is extremely rare, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is indicated because of the high risk of recurrence and potential malignancy.

Effects of word spacing on reading Chinese text from a video display terminal

This study investigated the effects of designing space between words in Chinese text, i.e., whether using a "word" instead of a "character" as a presentation unit, will facilitate the performance of reading from a video display terminal. Experimental results indicated that the main effect of word spacing significantly affected the reading time and the number of questions answered correctly. Subjects spent less time on the text with half-character word spacing or with whole-character word spacing than with conventional type (without word spacing). We also discovered that the number of questions answered correctly for stimuli with half-character spacing is significantly greater than that for stimuli with whole-character spacing, while both are smaller than for stimuli with conventional type. The additional variables, such as text difficulty and display control have significant effects as well. Our results suggested that the optimal word spacing in Chinese text should be greater than that in the traditional layout and less than a whole-character spacing. Apparently, in Chinese text, using a "word" as a presentation unit is more favorable than the traditional layouts that do not have any explicit word boundaries. The word spacing design may benefit in reading difficult or unfamiliar materials and further apply in emergency situations or in reading ambiguous sentences.

Improved cell adhesion by plasma-induced grafting of L-lactide onto polyurethane surface

Lactide-grafted polyurethanes were prepared by exposing the polyurethane films to argon plasma discharge, followed by grafting L-lactide onto the plasma-treated surface. The modified surfaces were characterized by measuring the static contact angle and by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The water contact angle of polyurethanes was decreased by L-lactide grafting, indicating hydrophilicity of the modified surface. Grafting also increased the O/C atomic ratio and C(C=O)/Ctotal percentage on the surfaces as detected by ESCA. The grafted surfaces showed enhanced attachment and growth in both 3T3 fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cell culture tests. Platelet adhesion to the modified surfaces was also reduced in vitro. L-Lactide monomers grafted onto polyurethane substrates could therefore be useful in facilitating endothelial cell seeding process in small vascular graft applications.

Comparative In vitro evaluation of two different preparations of small diameter polyurethane vascular grafts

Polyurethane (PU) frequently has been used to manufacture small diameter vascular grafts due to its good bicompatibility. In this study, sponge PU small diameter vascular grafts were fabricated from Pellethane 2103, as well as a self-synthesized PU, by utilization of a salt casting technique and by varying the salt/polymer ratios. Two types were made; one of them had a thin solid layer on the outer surface. The inner surface was identical and was coated with gelatin crosslinked by epoxide. Tensile properties, compliance, platelet activation, and endothelial cell attachment were evaluated in vitro. It was found that for the grafts with an outer nonporous coating, compliance could not be estimated from modulus due to anisotropy. The most compliance-matched grafts were made of self-synthesized polyurethane with a salt/polymer ratio 4 to 8 or Pellethane with a ratio 6 to 8 without the outer nonporous coating. The former had better elongation. Self-synthesized PU had lower platelet adhesion as well as more endothelial attachment than Pellethane. Porosity activated platelets strongly and reduced endothelial adhesion unless the surface was modified by the crosslinked gelatin layer. It was concluded that PU synthesized in our lab with a salt/polymer ratio of at least 4 and coated with epoxy crosslinked gelatin was a better substrate for preparation of small diameter vascular grafts.

Polyurethane blended with polylactides for improved cell adhesion and reduced platelet activation

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) or 50:50 poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was blended with a commercial polyurethane (PU), Pellethane 2103-80A, using a mutual solvent technique. After preparation by salt casting, the mechanical properties of the porous matrices were measured, and the surface element was characterized by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The attachment and growth of fibroblasts as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells on the substrates were investigated by the cell culture test. Platelet activation on different substrates was also studied. It was found that blending with these biodegradable polymers, especially PLGA. enhanced the cellular attachment and growth. This enhancement may be correlated with the higher oxygen/carbon (0/C) atomic ratio on the surface of the blends. Blending with either PLLA or PLGA was also found to decrease platelet adhesion and activation in vitro. These characteristics make PU/polylactide blends potential substrates for cardiovascular applications.

The influence of propolis ethanol extract on liver microsomal enzymes and glutathione after chronic alcohol administration

Propolis designates a series of gums, resins and balms of viscous consistency, which are gathered by honeybees from certain parts, mainly the buds and barks of plants, especially those found on coniferous trees. Bees bring propolis back to the hive, where it is modified and mixed with other substances including the bees' own wax and salivary secretions. In this study, the influences of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol induced liver microsomal enzyme changes were investigated. Three grams of alcohol was added to rats' daily diet for four weeks to induce chronic alcohol liver injuries, and two different doses of propolis ethanol extract were p.o. administrated three times per day on the 28th, 29th, and 30th day. During the period of propolis administration, the ethanol diet was continued. After sacrifice, the rat livers were excised for assay of microsomal enzymes activity, glutathione (GSH) concentration, glutathione-S-transferase (GSTase) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCSase) activity. It was found that 30 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract significantly prevented the elevations of total cytochrome P-450 enzymes, NADPH-dependent cytochrome C reductase, aniline hydroxylation, 7-ethoxyresorufin hydroxylation (7-ERH), 7-penthoxyresorufin hydroxylation (7-PRH), and lipid peroxidation induced by chronic ethanol administration. Additionally, propolis ethanol extract (100 mg/kg) also induced GSTase and gamma-GCSase activities and decreased glutathione levels in the liver.

The effectiveness of cyclic and continuous oral clodronate therapy on bone density and markers in osteopenic postmenopausal women

Bisphosphonates have been used effectively to treat established osteoporosis and prevent postmenopausal bone loss. However, the optimal manner of its administration-whether cyclic or continuous-has not been well established. This study investigated the efficacy of cyclic and continuous oral administration of clodronate in 54 newly identified osteopenic postmenopausal women in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. The participants were randomly separated into two groups. The cyclic group (n = 29) received 800 mg twice daily of oral clodronate for 2 weeks every 3 months for the first 12 months followed by placebo for the second 12 months. The continuous group (n = 25) received placebo in the first 12 months and ingested 400 mg of clodronate once daily for the second 12 months. The urinary amino-terminal (NTXtrade mark) and carboxy-terminal (CrossLapstrade mark) cross-linked fragments of type I collagen, both markers of bone resorption, showed a marked decrease (25-50%) with both regimens during the period of active treatment. In the cyclic group, the levels of these two markers increased in the second 12 months with placebo, but did not return to the baseline completely. However, bone mineral density (BMD), determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), showed no significant change of BMD at various sites after 1 year of active treatment in both groups. Thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray showed no new vertebral fracture in either group after 2 years of treatment. With the two treatment protocols in this study, oral clodronate was effective in decreasing postmenopausal bone resorption, causing no significant changes in BMD at various sites.

The effect of epitope variation on the profile of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to the HIV envelope glycoprotein

To address the relationship between viral and host factors during HIV infection, we analyzed the effect of viral mutations on T cell responses in seropositive, asymptomatic HLA-A2+ individuals using four envelope (env)-specific peptides with the HLA-A*0201 binding motif. We showed that the natural sequence variation was frequent within epitopes located in the C-terminal region of the env glycoprotein and was largely responsible for a lower env-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in the peptide-stimulated cultures. The highest CTL responses in vitro were induced with conserved epitopes D1 and 4.3 that mapped to the N-terminal region of the env glycoprotein. These peptides exhibited high binding affinity for HLA-A*0201 molecules and stimulated CD8+ T cells of relatively limited TCR Vbeta chain repertoire. Decreased CTL activities to the D1 epitope were observed in the absence of any detectable viral mutation, and were associated with lower proliferative responses and expression of the CD28 antigen. Results of this study demonstrate that the degree of sequence variation within a stimulatory epitope of the viral quasispecies, as well as proliferative potential of the effector cells, are among the factors underlying decreased CTL activity in HIV-infected patients. These experiments also provide evidence that the D1 peptide might be useful for the development of vaccines and immune-based therapy.

Air-liquid interfacial movement in models simulating airway reopening

In this model study, we simulated the initial airway reopening event in a rigid tube model. The air-liquid interface during airway reopening was assumed to be a simple axisymmetric meniscus similar to that of a two-phase flow in a rigid tube (radius R), where the applied pressures and the meniscus velocities were measured experimentally for fluids of different viscosities and surface tensions (gamma). Bulk flow contribution was deducted from the applied pressure to obtain the pressure accounting for interfacial movement (P*(int)). A semi-empirical formula for the interface was generated by dimensional analysis. The dimensionless interfacial pressure (P(int) = P*(int),R/gamma) was found to approach 2 for sufficiently small velocities, consistent with Bretherton's theoretical prediction. This formula also resembles that previously obtained in collapsible tubes simulating airways. The result suggests that the critical pressures required to reopen a collapsible airway and a non-collapsible one with the same radius are similar in magnitude (approximately 2 - 3gamma/R). However, in a collapsible airway, no significant bulk flow of lining fluids would develop while the interface proceeds, leading to a much smaller overall pressure for further reopening. Airway wall collapsibility thus could play a crucial role in maintaining proper ventilation through rapid reopening of the airway.

The effect of deletion of the V3 loop of gp120 on cytotoxic T cell responses and HIV gp120-mediated pathogenesis

New strategies for improving the efficacy of HIV vaccines are of significant importance. In this study, we analyzed the effect of deletion of the hypervariable V3 loop of gp120 on envelope (env)-specific CTL responses in PBMC of HIV-infected individuals. We showed increased CTL activities against conserved epitopes of the env glycoprotein in cultures induced with the AV3 mutant compared with those stimulated with the full-length env gene products. In contrast to the wild-type env, the AV3 mutant-expressing cells were resistant to Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, formed no syncytia, and neither underwent nor induced apoptosis in CD4+ cells. Thus, the AV3 mutant may redirect immune responses toward conserved epitopes of gp160, has longer expression time due to increased resistance to Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and does not trigger cytopathic effects associated with apoptosis and syncytium formation. This approach may apply to other Ags of HIV, where deletions of highly variable or immunosuppressive epitopes may improve the efficacy of HIV vaccines.

Mediation of the cytotoxicity of lanostanoids and steroids of Ganoderma tsugae through apoptosis and cell cycle

A new lanostanoid ester glucoside, 3 alpha-acetoxy-5 alpha-lanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid ester beta-d-glucoside (1), and a known steroid, 2 beta,3 alpha,9 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-ergosta-7,22-diene (2), were isolated from the fruit bodies of Ganoderma tsugae and their structures determined by spectroscopic methods. To study the cytotoxicity of 1 and 2, the changes of DNA content in human hepatocytes (Hep 3B) were studied. A sub-G1 cell stage was drastically increased after 24-h incubation with 1 (24 micrograms/mL). Compound 2 (100 micrograms/mL) inhibited the cell cycle progression of Hep 3B cells at the G2/M phase with an IC50 value of about 87.1 micrograms/mL. These results indicate that 1 causes cell death by apoptosis and 2 may possess the activity of cell cycle inhibition.

The hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol-induced liver injuries

Propolis designates a mixture of gums, resins and balms, of viscous consistency, which are gathered on certain parts (buds and bark, mainly) of vegetables (especially coniferous trees) by honeybees. They bring this back to the hive, where it is modified and mixed with other substances (essentially their own wax and salivary secretions). In this study, the hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol-induced liver injuries were investigated in rats. 3.125 ml of 99.5% alcohol was added to animal's daily diet for four weeks to induce chronic alcohol liver injuries. After sacrifice, serum transaminases (GOT, GPT), triacylglyceride and hepatic triacylglyceride (HTG) concentration were assayed to observe liver injuries induced by chronic alcohol abuse. In addition, the phenomenon of alcohol induced fatty liver were also observed by histopathological changes. Different doses of propolis ethanol extract were p.o. administered three times per day for three days, after four weeks' alcohol administration. It was found that 10 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract significantly decreased the elevations of serum GOT, GPT, TG and HTG. In histopathological examination, 30 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract also remarkably decreased the hepatocellular fatty degeneration, apparent as vacuolization, induced by chronic alcohol abuse.

Water Resource Protection in Taiwan: An Evaluation of the Taipei Water Management Commission

/ This study evaluates the institutional capacity and performance of the Taipei Water Management Commission. The commission, which manages the Taipei Water Special Area-one of 95 such areas in Taiwan and the only one managed by a supervisory agency-has established a record of water conservation that suggests its utility as a model for managing other protected water resources areas in Taiwan. However, its present institutional structure limits its ability deliver on its mandate. The study identifies a number of problems related to the commission's current institutional structure that need to be addressed if the commission is to serve as a viable model for managing other protected water resource areas in Taiwan.KEY WORDS: Water resources management; Commissions; Institutional capacity; Taiwan

Age differences in remote pointing performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate age differences in remote pointing movements. The subjects were recruited from three age groups (ages 18-22 yr., 40-50 yr., and 60-70 yr., with 9 men and 9 women in each group). They were required to perform cursor-positioning tasks using a remote pointing device, in which the dependent measures were the time taken to reposition the cursor and the accuracy of subjects' movement trajectories. The movement time was further separated into two components, First Submovement duration and Adjustment Submovement duration. Analysis indicated that age groups showed reduced performance on remote pointing. Moreover, remote positioning movement for the young-adult group was mostly completed in their First Submovement phase, while the elderly subjects spent most of their movement time on the Adjustment Submovement phase. These results support the proposition that different age groups exhibit different kinds of movement patterns.

Human liver CYP2B6-catalyzed hydroxylation of RP 73401

RP 73401 is a potent inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type IV. RP 73401 is metabolized by human liver microsomes almost exclusively by transhydroxylation of the cyclopentyl group to RPR 113406. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of plasma from patients given RP 73401 also revealed a molecular ion and fragmentation consistent with RPR 113406. Thus, the objective was to determine the oxidative enzyme(s) responsible for RP 73401 hydroxylation. Kinetic constants of RP 113406 formation ranged from 8 to 26 MM and 0.83 to 5.99 nmol/min/mg protein for K(m) and V(max), respectively (n = 3). Enzyme activity varied 23-fold among 15 human liver microsome samples and correlated with CYP2A6-catalyzed coumarin hydroxylase (r2 = 0.85, P < .01) and CYP2B6-catalyzed 7-ethoxytrifluoromethylcoumarin O-deethylase (r2 = 0.82, P < .01) activities. Chemical inhibition studies showed a 63% decrease in RP 73401 hydroxylation by 500 microM orphenadrine. Coumarin (10 microM), however, did not inhibit RP 73401 hydroxylation. Also, anti-CYP2B1 IgG produced 85% inhibition of RP 73401 hydroxylation, but only a negligible decline in coumarin hydroxylase activity. Of the 10 expressed P450 forms studied, only CYP2B6 catalyzed RP 73401 hydroxylation. Finally, expressed CYP2B6 showed a high affinity (K(m) = 22.5 microM) for RP 73401 hydroxylation, similar to the human liver microsome studies.

The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with severe obstructive jaundice after drainage procedure

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for patients with severe obstructive jaundice after drainage procedure.

METHODS

From September 1993 to December 1994, patients admitted with severe obstructive jaundice (serum bilirubin > 15 mg/dl) and successful drainage were enrolled into our study. They were randomly divided into two groups to receive UDCA 600 mg per day (UDCA group) or a placebo (placebo group) until operation or discharge. Bile drainage amount, clinical symptoms and signs and adverse effects of drugs were recorded daily. Biochemical tests, including albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and prothrombin time, were checked first, on the third and seventh days, and then two weeks after drainage.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (M/F = 36/ 2, mean age 66.6 +/- 6.4 years) completed the study, 18 in the UDCA group and 20 in the placebo group. There were no differences in age, sex, causes of obstructive jaundice or methods of drainage procedure between the UDCA and placebo groups. Improvement in biochemical test results were noted in both groups. However, bile drainage amount and changes in liver biochemical test, especially the decrement of serum bilirubin, were not significantly different between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

UDCA seemed not to benefit patients with severe obstructive jaundice after successful drainage.

Novel and frequent mutations of hepatitis B virus coincide with a major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted T-cell epitope of the surface antigen

We examined the full-length hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope (surface antigen or HBV small surface antigen [HBsAg]) sequences of 12 different liver samples from 10 different hepatoma-containing chronic carriers. Surprisingly, novel and frequent mutations occurred predominantly at amino acids 40 and 47 of HBsAg, in addition to within a known protective B-cell epitope (so-called group a determinant of HBsAg 124-148). Approximately 58% of chronic carriers contain mutations at the group a determinant. The mutation frequency at the hotspot codons 40 and 47 is approximately 83%, 1 order of magnitude higher than at the known polymorphic sites of subtype-specific determinants at codons 122 and 160, which is approximately 4%. This new mutational domain is found to coincide with a major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted T-cell epitope. The potential biological significance of this novel mutation in the immunopathogenesis of HBV chronic carriers is discussed.

Vitamin D stores of urban women in Taipei: effect on bone density and bone turnover, and seasonal variation

This study was performed to survey the vitamin D nutritional status of urban Chinese women, and to define its role in determining bone metabolic rate and bone mineral density (BMD). We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), the major storage form of vitamin D, and BMD, at the spine, hip, and total body skeleton, of 262 healthy Chinese women aged from 40 to 72 years, residing in Taipei city. Bone turnover markers, including serum osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase isozyme, and C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, and a urinary bone resorption marker, N-terminal crosslinked fragment of type I collagen, were also measured. We found generally adequate vitamin D nutritional stores. The mean concentration of serum 25-OHD was 30.7 (SD = 8.2) ng/mL for all 262 subjects and there were no significant age-related changes. Those who had serum sampled during the summer showed higher serum 25-OHD levels (N = 138; mean +/- SD: 32.7 +/- 7.6 ng/mL) than those who had serum sampled during winter (N = 124; mean +/- SD: 28.5 +/- 8.3 ng/mL; Student's t-test, p < 0.001), but these two groups showed similar BMD and bone marker values. Those with serum 25-OHD concentration in the lowest or highest tertile did not show different BMD or bone marker values than those in the other tertiles. Multiple regression demonstrated no correlation between 25-OHD and any bone marker or BMD at any site. Thus, in this free-living urban Chinese population, in a subtropical region, we could not demonstrate a role of vitamin D stores in determining bone turnover rate or BMD in women aged 40-70 years.

Solamargine purified from Solanum incanum Chinese herb triggers gene expression of human TNFR I which may lead to cell apoptosis

Solamargine possessed a potent cytotoxicity to human hepatocyte (Hep3B) and normal skin fibroblast. The inhibition curves of solamargine to the both cells were essentially overlapped, suggesting a parallel effect for the cell death. To define mechanism of cytotoxicity of solamargine, the changes of morphology and DNA content in cells were studied. A sub-G1 cell stage was drastically increased after 3-h incubation with solamargine. The results evidence that solamargine arises cell death by apoptosis. In addition, the gene expression of TNFR I were up-regulated within 30 min of solamargine treatment. Since TNF Receptor I has been involved in apoptosis, the overexpression of TNF receptor I may be related with the mechanism of cytotoxicity of solamargine. This communication is the first report that a component of Chinese herbs triggers gene expression of human TNFR I which may lead to cell apoptosis.

Sexual differences in bone markers and bone mineral density of normal Chinese

We measured bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar (L2-L4) vertebrae and proximal femurs of 385 healthy Chinese women aged 40-70 years and 156 healthy Chinese men aged 20-85, and four markers-bone alkaline phosphatase isozyme (BAP), procollagen-I C terminal propeptide (PICP), osteocalcin (BGP) in serum, and a bone resorption marker, urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), of these subjects. The results indicate that in postmenopausal women, levels of all the markers increased with age. In men, serum BAP, PICP, and urinary NTX decreased significantly, and serum BGP decreased with borderline significance (P = 0.08). With increasing age, bone density decreased at both sites in postmenopausal women and at the proximal femur in men. The lumbar bone density showed no significant age-related changes in men. In premenopausal women, BMD at either site showed no significant change with increasing age. Despite the different trends between men and women of age-related changes in BMD and bone markers, bone density of both proximal femur and spine in both sexes correlated inversely with levels of the bone markers in a manner independent of age or body weight. The meaning of opposite age effects on bone markers in men and women needs further investigation. In addition, higher bone marker levels, implying faster bone turnover rate, are associated with lower BMD in both sexes.

Bone mineral density and bone markers in relation to vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in Chinese men and women

Whether vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) polymorphism can be used as a predictor for bone turnover rate or bone mass remains controversial. Its role within various ethnic populations are also unsettled. We examined VDRG polymorphism using restrictive enzymes Bsm-I, Apa-I, and Taq-I in 155 men aged 22-88 and 113 premenopausal women aged 40-53. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the vertebrae (L2-4), proximal femur, and total body bone mineral content (tb-BMC) (women only), as well as urinary N-terminal crosslinked fragment of type I collagen (NTX), serum osteocalcin, bone isozyme of alkaline phosphatase, and caboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen levels were measured. Chinese men and women exhibited a low prevalence for B (absence of Bsm-I restriction site) phenotypes than white and Japanese. Within the tested samples there were 0.4% BB homozygotes, 6.7% Bb heterozygotes, and 93% bb homozygotes. The distributions of Apa-I polymorphism (9.0% AA, 42.5% Aa, and 48.5% aa) also differed from those reported for the white populations. Most of the Chinese men and women were TT homozygous (96.6%). A comparison of actual values and values adjusted for age and weight of tb-BMC and BMD at the lumbar spine, Trochanter, Ward's triangle, and femoral neck showed no significant difference among three subgroups in each of the three sets of polymorphism. Furthermore, the actual values and adjusted values (adjusted for age) of the four bone markers, respectively, showed no significant differences. We conclude that given the very low prevalence of the suspected high risk genotypes (B, A, and t), and the lack of difference among the polymorphic subgroups, VDRG polymorphism may not be an important determinant of the bone turnover rate and bone mass of Chinese men and women.

Role of viscoelasticity in the tube model of airway reopening. II. Non-Newtonian gels and airway simulation

The influence of viscoelastic gels as lining fluids on the pressure-velocity relationships in an airway tube model (Gaver et al. J. Appl. Physiol. 69: 74-85, 1990) was examined. A flow instability was observed due to the occurrence of a sol-gel transition in the viscoelastic properties under flow conditions. We further report measurements of the viscoelastic properties of airway secretions. Airway secretions are gels under small strains and have a yield stress of 4-7 dyn/cm2. Secretions from the pharyngeal airway show lower elasticity than secretions from the trachea. The airway reopening process is simulated using a Weibel lung geometry by incorporating the constitutive equations from the model gel studies and utilizing the rheological data on airway secretions. In these simulations, a "popping-open" phenomenon arises from a flow instability in airway generations 8-14 when the rheological properties of the lining fluids are assumed to be similar to those of pharyngeal secretions. On the basis of these studies, the elasticity of airway secretions plays an important role in airway reopening.

The liver biochemical tests and serological markers of hepatitis B virus in the very old-aged population in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Human liver alters with aging. Lower serum albumin with elevation in serum cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has been reported in the elders, but there was no further report on the very old people (i.e., >75 Y/O). We evaluated changes of liver biochemical tests and hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers in the very old-aged population.

METHODS

From October 1993 to June 1994, 2,549 subjects attended our hospital for physical check-up. Of them 1,742 were healthy subjects (M/F = 1,058/648) and were enrolled for analysis of the normal range of liver biochemical tests in different age groups. They were divided into four groups; young-aged group (age between 18 and 40, n = 231), middle-aged group (age between 41 and 64, n = 991), old-aged group (age between 65 and 75, n = 424), and very old-aged group (age > or = 76, n = 96). The items of liver biochemical tests included albumin, total bilirubin, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALP and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). The whole population, totally 2,549 subjects, were used for the analysis of the prevalence of HBV serological markers in different age groups.

RESULTS

Serum albumin was the only biochemical parameter that persisted to decline after the age of 75 (p <0.05). Cholesterol began to elevate in the middle-age but decreased after 75 Y/O. The old-aged and very old-aged subjects had higher levels of serum bilirubin, AST, ALP, and GGT levels than the other two groups (p <0.05), however, the changes of ALT levels among these groups were not so remarkable. The HBV carrier rates in the young-aged, middle-aged, old-aged and the very old-aged groups were 16.8%, 12.3%, 6.8% and 7.0%, respectively (p <0.001). Furthermore, the very old-aged group had a significantly higher prevalence of negativity in both HBsAg and anti-HBs (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum albumin is the only biochemical parameter that persists to decline after the age of 75. In contrast, elevation of cholesterol tends to reverse after that age. All the aging-related changes in biochemical tests are clinically nonsignificant though some of them are significant in statistical analysis. In addition, a low HBV carrier rate and a high prevalence of negativity in both HBsAg and anti-HBs are noted in the very old-aged people, possibly due to the progressive loss of HBV markers in the elders.

Analysis of a vinyl pyrrolidone/poly(propylene fumarate) resorbable bone cement

A resorbable bone cement was formulated from N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (VP), the unsaturated polyester poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), and the inorganic filler tribasic calcium phosphate (hydroxy apatite). Cure, initiated by benzoyl peroxide and accelerated by N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, resulted in the formation of VP crosslinks between polyester chains. During cure the cement hardened from a viscous moldable putty to a rigid structure with a shore D hardness of 50-60. The purpose of this study was to determine the fractions of PPF and VP incorporated into the crosslinked structure. Dissolution of the cured cement in water followed by extraction of the residue in tetrahydrofuran indicated that over 90% of the PPF was crosslinked over the range of PPF/VP ratios explored, but that the fraction of VP used in formation of crosslinks depended linearly on the PPF/VP ratio. Kinetic analysis of these data suggests that k'pp/kpf (the reactivity ratio) was approximately 2.0 where k'pp is the rate constant for the addition of VP radical to VP monomer leading to formation of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and kpf is for the addition of VP radical to PPF unsaturation.

Pharmacoeconomics of propofol versus thiopental for induction of anaesthesia in short procedures

This study compared the costs and benefits of using propofol/fentanyl versus thiopental/fentanyl for induction of anaesthesia in short procedures. A prospective, cohort trial was conducted in conjunction with a patient survey. The study population included a consecutive sample of American Society of Anaesthesiologists. Class I or II patients who underwent short operative procedures and who were given one of the studied anaesthetic regimens. Insoflurane/N2O was used for maintenance of anaesthesia in all cases. Propofol patients showed a significantly shorter time to eye opening (p = 0.0025); orientation to date of birth, place, and day of week (p = 0.0002); time to consciousness (p = 0.0019); and time in recovery room (p = 0.013); but not time to tolerating 50 mL of oral fluid (p = 0.06). Nausea and vomiting occurred in 41% of thiopental patients and 19% of propofol patients (difference 22%; 95% C.I., -1% to 44%). Based on survey results, propofol patients subjectively reported fewer side effects upon returning home and were able to resume daily activities earlier than thiopental patients. With the current staffing and patient load at our institution, an estimated 4.8 hours of nursing time per day would be made available if propofol were used in place of thiopental for induction of anaesthesia in these procedures. If propofol were used for all daycare surgery patients in our institution, the annual acquisition cost is projected to be $60,331.28 versus $8,079.68 for thiopental.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The psychophysical lifting capacities of Chinese subjects

The psychophysical lifting capacity (MAWL) of twelve subjects was determined in this study. The subjects were all young Chinese males who performed lifting tasks in three lifting ranges (floor to knuckle, floor to shoulder, and knuckle to shoulder) and four lifting frequencies (one-time maximum, 1 lift/min, 4 lifts/min, and 6 lifts/min). The oxygen uptake (1/min) and heart rate (beats/min) were recorded while subjects were lifting. Upon completion of each lifting task, the subjects were required to rate their perceived exertion levels. The statistical analyses results indicated the following. Chinese subjects have smaller body size and MAWLs compared with past studies using the US population. The MAWLs decreased with an increase in lifting frequencies. The decrements of MAWL due to lifting frequencies were in agreement with the results of past studies. However, there were larger decreases due to lifting ranges. The MAWLs of the floor to knuckle height lift were the largest, followed by the MAWLs of the floor to shoulder height lift, and the MAWLs of the knuckle to shoulder height lift. The measured physiological responses were considered similar to those obtained in past studies. Subjects' perceived stress levels increased with the lifting frequency and the upper extremities received the most stress for the total range of lifting tasks. The comparisons of the Chinese MAWLs with the NIOSH lifting guidelines for limits (AL and MPL) indicated that the vertical discounting factor in the guidelines should be modified before the NIOSH limits can be applied to non-Western populations.

Role of viscoelasticity in tube model of airway reopening. I. Nonnewtonian sols

This investigation used a previously described bench-top device (Gaver et al., J. Appl. Physiol. 69: 74-85, 1990) to examine the role of nonnewtonian and viscoelastic fluids on events at reopening of a closed flexible tube. Aqueous sodium alginate solutions with and without calcium chloride and sodium dodecyl sulfate in desired concentrations provided fluids with a wide range of surface tensions, storage and loss moduli, and nonnewtonian steady shear viscosity. Dimensionless analysis, using the shear rate-dependent viscosities, was applied to reduce reopening pressure-meniscus velocity data to a master curve. With regard to fluid properties, we found that 1) fluid elasticity strongly changes the pressure-velocity relationship, causing flow instability at higher meniscus velocities; 2) decreasing surface tension gives rise to a smaller yield pressure for reopening; and 3) whereas larger tubes are easier to open, smaller tubes produce additional shear thinning of the lining fluid. These results suggest that, for both the upper (large) and lower (small) airways, nonnewtonian and viscoelastic properties of the mucosal fluid modify the time of closure and rate of reopening.

Functional expression and site-directed mutagenesis of a synthetic gene for alpha-bungarotoxin

In order to explore the structure-function relationships of the curare mimetic alpha-neurotoxins we have constructed and cloned a synthetic gene for Bungarus multicinctus alpha-bungarotoxin which is expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin is expressed as a fusion protein with alpha-bungarotoxin linked to the COOH-terminal end of the T7 Gene 9-encoded coat protein. After treatment of the fusion protein with Factor Xa protease, a recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin is released that co-migrates with authentic alpha-bungarotoxin upon reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography. Final yields of active recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin were about 0.4 mg/liter of starting bacterial culture. The recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin contains 10 additional residues linked to the NH2-terminal Ile of the alpha-bungarotoxin sequence due apparently to the inaccessibility of the engineered cleavage site to Factor Xa. Nevertheless, the recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin is capable of binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with an apparent affinity that is only decreased approximately 1.7-fold from that of authentic alpha-bungarotoxin. Alanine substitution of a residue, Asp30, highly conserved among alpha-neurotoxins and previously suggested to play a key role in receptor recognition, resulted in a recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin whose receptor binding activity is indistinguishable from authentic alpha-bungarotoxin.

Psychophysical modelling of lifting capacity of Chinese males using strength variables

This study used the psychophysical approach to determine the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) for 12 young Chinese male subjects, and used strength variables as predictors to develop prediction models. Each subject performed 12 different lifting tasks involving three lifting heights and four lifting frequencies. The results showed that both the dynamic and static models developed in this study could predict the MAWL with a reasonable degree of accuracy. However, a comparison of the models revealed that the use of the dynamic model resulted in less PRESS (PRediction Error Sum of Squares) statistics and higher [Formula: see text] values than the static model. Isoinertial 1.83 m maximum strength (T1) and the isoinertial elbow-height strength, tested on an incremental weightlifting machine, were found to be the best screening test. This was different from a previous study that recommended T1 as the most promising single screening test for Occidentals.

Analysis of a large kindred with Blau syndrome for HLA, autoimmunity, and sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether HLA and autoimmunity contribute to the pathogenesis of Blau syndrome (familial granulomatous arthritis, uveitis, and rash) and evaluate whether this condition is related to sarcoidosis.

DESIGN

Large family survey.

SETTING

General community, Green Bay, Wis, and two tertiary care medical centers in Philadelphia, Pa.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six family members and spouses from a large kindred with Blau syndrome.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

Volunteer and convenience sample.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Ten affected and many unaffected subjects were personally examined. Medical records and previous biopsy reports and specimens, when available, were reviewed. Two affected subjects had skin biopsies performed and three affected adult subjects were tested with Kveim skin-test reagent. Serologic and genomic class I and class II HLA typing was performed on 27 affected and unaffected subjects. All 13 living affected subjects and the one obligate carrier had the following assays performed; antinuclear antibody titer, rheumatoid factor, serum angiotensin converting enzyme level, quantitative immunoglobulins of the IgG, IgM, and IgA classes, and clinical chemistry profiles. Several had complete blood cell counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rates performed. Four affected subjects, one possibly affected subject, and one obligate carrier were newly identified. Flexion contractures of the fingers and toes (camptodactyly) were found, for the first time, to be a phenotype characteristic. Earlier onset and worsening of symptoms in succeeding generations (anticipation) were observed. Sixteen HLA haplotypes were identified. No conclusive evidence for linkage between these haplotypes and phenotype expression could be demonstrated. All 13 affected subjects, however, carried the DR2 (DR beta 1*1501) and/or DR4 (DR beta 1*0401) allele. There was no evidence of hypercalcemia, hypergammaglobulinemia M, rheumatoid factor production, or abnormal blood cell counts. Two affected subjects had low-titer antinuclear antibody screening tests, five had mild to moderately elevated IgG and/or IgA levels, two had raised serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels, and three had mild elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. All three subjects tested with Kveim skin-test reagent showed no reactivity by visual inspection. Both subjects who had had skin biopsies performed had evidence of granulomatous inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

This family's illness is distinct from both classic and early-onset sarcoidosis. There is minimal evidence for autoimmunity and systemic inflammation. Camptodactyly should be added to the list of syndrome-defining characteristics. Although HLA haplotypes do not appear to segregate with affected subjects, HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR4 subtypes may play a permissive role in phenotype expression. This family represents a unique opportunity to define the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation of arthritis and uveitis in humans. Genetic linkage studies to determine the chromosomal location of the Blau syndrome gene are in progress.

Reappraisal of skeletal tuberculosis: role of radiological imaging

Skeletal tuberculosis (TB) can present with a broad spectrum of variable clinical manifestations which may cause diagnostic difficulties. To further elucidate these possible diagnostic pitfalls, 14 cases of bacteriologically or histologically proven skeletal TB, which were initially diagnosed otherwise, are reviewed. In five cases with lumbar or midthoracic spinal involvement, concomitant traumatic history and degenerative radiological changes were the main reasons for not suspecting the possibility of skeletal TB. A differential diagnosis between TB and metastatic lesions can be difficult in the very early stage when X-ray images usually have a low contrast and are not sharp. In nine cases with bone and joint involvement, a long-lasting discharging sinus led the clinician to an initial impression of septic arthritis; sometimes concomitant gouty arthritis can mask the clinical manifestations of skeletal TB. In five cases, minor erosive lesions over the peripheral margin of the involved bone were the earliest findings on the plain X-ray films and were overlooked. To facilitate the early diagnosis of skeletal TB and to avoid the possibility of complications in the management of patients, medical practitioners should be familiar with the usual forms of the condition and the wide variety of clinical manifestations.

Demonstration of passenger leukocytes in a case of Epstein-Barr virus posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis

Lymphocytic populations of the posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a completely matched renal allograft and a recipient's regional lymph node were examined, using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with probe YNH24 to the variable number tandem repeat D2S44. The donor's DNA was found in lymphocytes extracted from both the grafted kidney and the recipient's lymph node 26 days after engraftment. In both these organs, the results of in situ hybridization with a terminally biotin-labeled oligonucleotide probe to the Not I tandem repeat region of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome, as well as those of Southern blot hybridization to the EBV nuclear antigen region of the EBV genome, were positive. These findings confirmed the presence of the donor's lymphocytes ("passenger leukocytes") in the host nodal tissue in human renal transplantation and implicated EBV as playing a role in the development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. It is speculated that the EBV proliferative stimulus contributed to the recipient and the donor lymphocyte expansions. Alternatively, the proliferation of both lymphocyte populations could result from a mutual stimulation by minor histocompatibility or other antigens.