Lipid status and linear relationship between total cholesterol and triglycerides in glycogen storage disease type I

OBJECTIVE

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a glucose metabolic disorder. GSDIa patients are characterized by hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, hyperlipidemia, and hyperlactacidemia. This retrospective study aimed to review the lipid status, explore lipid treatment targets, and assess preferable lipid-lowering drugs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data on GSDIa patients' characteristics were collected. Most patients were followed-up once a year. Diet control and raw cornstarch treatment were used to maintain normal blood glucose and lipid levels. Some patients were given lipid-lowering drugs. We compared the lipid levels before and after each treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 163 GSDIa patients were enrolled in this study. After treatment with raw cornstarch, the total triglycerides (TG) level has significantly decreased by 30±50% (8.37±7.23 to 5.39±5.29 mmol/L, p<0.001). There was no change in the total cholesterol (TC) level. Fifteen patients regularly took atorvastatin, and 15 took fibrates for more than one year. The therapeutic effect of atorvastatin was better than fibrates. The TC was positively correlated with TG after treatment, resulting in the following linear equation: TG=1.63×TC-2.86. Using this equation and Chinese children's normal TC level of 5.18 mmol/L, we aimed to maintain the patients at TG < 5.58 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GSDIa have significant abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Because the complications of hyperlipidemia are caused mainly by TC, thereby, by maintaining it at a normal level, we could set a TG target by the linear equation that allowed a certain degree of hypertriglyceridemia. This study found that the therapeutic effect of atorvastatin was better than fibrates.

Molecular identification and characterisation of a novel chicken leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor A5

1. Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor A5 (LILRA5) is a key molecule that regulates the immune system. However, the LILRA5 gene has not been characterised in avian species, including chickens. The present study aimed to identify and functionally characterise LILRA5 identified from two genetically disparate chicken lines, viz., Marek's disease (MD)-resistant (R) line 6.3 and MD-susceptible (S) line 7.2. 2. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the identity and similarity homologies of amino acids of LILRA5 in chicken lines 6.3 and 7.2 ranged between 93% and 93.7%, whereas those between chicken and mammals ranged between 20.9% and 43.7% and 21.1% to 43.9%, respectively. The newly cloned LILRA5 from chicken lines 6.3 and 7.2 revealed high conservation and a close relationship with other known mammalian LILRA5 proteins. 3. The results indicated that LILRA5 from chicken lines 6.3 and 7.2 was associated with phosphorylation of Src kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (SHP2), which play a regulatory role in immune functions. Moreover, the results demonstrated that LILRA5 in these lines was associated with the activation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and β2-microglobulin and induced the expression of the transporter associated with antigen processing. In addition, LILRA5 in both chicken lines activated and induced Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and the activator of transcription (STAT), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signalling pathways; toll-like receptors; and Th1-, Th2-, and Th17- cytokines. 4. The data suggested that LILRA5 has innate immune receptors essential for macrophage immune response and provide novel insights into the regulation of immunity and immunopathology.

Antimicrobial effects of three herbs (Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica) on membrane permeability and apoptosis in Salmonella

AIMS

This study aimed synergistic effects of three herbs in Salmonella via increased membrane permeability and apoptosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using high-performance liquid chromatography, four types of phenylethyl glycosides and a lignan were detected in the herb mixture (Brassica juncea, Forsythia suspensa, and Inula britannica). During treatment with the herb mixture (1×, 2×, or 4× the MIC), viable cells decreased to 1·87 log CFU per ml (Salmonella Gallinarum) and 2·33 log CFU per ml (Salmonella Enteritidis) after 12 h of incubation according to inhibition of tricarboxylic acid cycle (P < 0·01). In addition, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake increased from 229·00 to 249·67 AU in S. Gallinarum and from 232·00 to 250·67 AU in S. Enteritidis (P < 0·05), whereas membrane potential decreased from 8855·00 to 3763·25 AU and from 8703·67 to 4300·38 AU, respectively. Apoptotic Salmonella cells were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy observations with negative staining showed protein leakage from damaged Salmonella.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed the synergistic effect of the three herbs against avian pathogenic Salmonella induced by membrane damage and apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Salmonella causes enormous economic losses in the poultry industry. These results indicated that potency of natural antimicrobial agents due to apoptosis in Salmonella.

Factors influencing patients' hypertension self-management and sustainable self-care practices: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing patients with hypertension to participating in a hypertension self-management education (HSME) programme and challenges of sustaining the learnt self-care practices.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a qualitative study with focus group discussions.

METHODS

Focus group discussions using a semistructured moderator guide were conducted among participants who had attended the HSME programme. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Three focus groups involving 19 participants were conducted. Four major themes emerged from the data collected. Most participants enjoyed the group-based HSME sessions because sharing experiences with those having similar health problems can reduce their sense of isolation. However, the participants highlighted the difficulty in sustaining self-care practices in the presence of friends and family influences.

CONCLUSION

A number of patient-, family- and community-level motivators and barriers to patients' hypertension self-management have been identified. Efforts to tailor behavioural interventions to sustain daily self-care activities during social and cultural events are imperative.

Establishment of a cell line with high transfection efficiency from zebrafish Danio rerio embryos and its susceptibility to fish viruses

A cell line ZBE3 isolated from a continuous cell culture derived from zebrafish Danio rerio blastomeres by clonal growth was characterized. ZBE3 cells had been subcultured for >120 passages since the initial primary culture of the blastomeres. The ZBE3 cells grow stably at temperature from 20 to 32° C with an optimum temperature of 28° C in ESM2 or ESM4 medium with 15% foetal bovine serum (FBS). The optimum FBS concentration for ZBE3 cell growth ranged from 15 to 20%. Cytogenetical analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number of ZBE3 cells was 50, the same as the diploid chromosome number of D. rerio. Significant cytopathic effect was observed in ZBE3 cells after infection with redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus, Singapore grouper iridovirus and grass carp reovirus, and the viral replication in the cells was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR and transmission electron microscopy, indicating the susceptibility of ZBE3 cells to the three fish viruses. After transfected with pEGFP-N3 plasmid, ZBE3 cells showed a transfection efficiency of about 40% which was indicated by the percentage of cells expressing green fluorescence protein. The stable growth, susceptibility to fish viruses as well as high transfection efficiency make ZBE3 cells be a useful tool in transgenic manipulation, fish virus-host cell interaction and immune response in fish.

Comparing the immune responses of two genetically B-complex disparate Fayoumi chicken lines to Eimeria tenella

The present study was conducted to compare the susceptibility of congenic Fayoumi lines to Eimeria tenella infection and to assess genetic differences in Eimeria egression. Chickens were orally inoculated with 5 × 10(4) sporulated E. tenella oocysts and challenged with 5 × 10(6) oocysts on the 10th day after the primary infection. The Fayoumi M5.1 line exhibited higher levels of body weight gain, less oocyst shedding and higher percentages of B and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells than the M15.2 chickens. These results demonstrate that M5.1 line is more resistant to E. tenella infection than M15.2 line. Furthermore, the percentage of sporozoite egress from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was higher in the M5.1 line. The results of this study suggest that enhanced resistance of Fayoumi M5.1 to E. tenella infection may involve heightened cell-mediated and adaptive immunity, resulting in reduced intracellular development of Eimeria parasites.

Anti-heparan sulfate antibody and functional loss of glomerular heparan sulfate proteoglycans in lupus nephritis

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the features of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) as agrins of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and circulating anti-heparan sulfate (HS) antibodies in lupus nephritis, comparing titers among the following groups: lupus nephritis (LN), non-renal lupus, non-lupus nephritis, and healthy controls. Methods The stage of nephritis was determined based on the kidney biopsy. Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for agrin were performed for histological evaluation of GBM HSPGs in normal glomeruli, non-lupus membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), and lupus MGN. The results were used for measurement of the serum anti-HS antibody titers using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the following groups: 38 healthy controls, 38 non-lupus nephritis, 37 non-renal lupus, and 38 LN. Results Glomerulus HSPGs were stained bluish-green along the GBM with Alcian blue. However, IHC staining against agrin was almost completely negative in the lupus MGN group compared with the normal and non-lupus MGN groups, which showed brown staining of GBM. A higher level of anti-HS IgG was detected in LN compared with other groups, respectively. Higher titers were associated with the presence of SLE and nephritis. A higher degree of proteinuria normalized to glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was observed in association with higher anti-HS antibody titers in LN. Conclusion This study demonstrated a functional loss of GBM HSPGs and higher levels of circulating anti-HS antibodies as a characteristic feature of lupus nephritis, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis and proteinuria.

Characterization of a novel biosurfactant produced by marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium Achromobacter sp. HZ01

AIMS

To purify and characterize the biosurfactants produced by Achromobacter sp. HZ01.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After fermentation, one biosurfactant was successfully purified from the fermentation broth of strain HZ01 by centrifugation, extraction using ethyl acetate, silica gel chromatography and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the biosurfactant and the effects of temperatures, pH and salinities on its stability were determined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, analysis of fatty acids and amino acids and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the biosurfactant. The maximum production yield of the crude biosurfactant reached to 6·84 g l(-1) after incubation for 96 h. Except the favourable adaptability to a wide range of temperatures, pH and salinities, the biosurfactant with a CMC value of 48 mg l(-1) could efficiently emulsify diverse hydrophobic compounds. The chemical formula of this biosurfactant was confirmed to be CH3 -(CH2 )17 -CHO-CH2 -CO-Gly-Gly-Leu-Met-Leu-Leu, in which the oxygen atom of group CHO linked to the last amino acid (Leu), a structure had never been reported before.

CONCLUSIONS

The purified biosurfactant is a novel cyclic lipopeptide.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

One novel lipopeptide was purified and characterized. The novel biosurfactant exhibited good potential applications, such as bioremediation.

When is facial diplegia regarded as a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

A variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with predominant manifestation of facial diplegia (FD) has been described recently. This study aimed to characterize and determine the incidence of this FD-predominant GBS variant. The clinical and serological information of 900 consecutive patients were reviewed. In total, eight patients were identified between January 2007 and December 2010 as having FD accompanied by some features of GBS. These features were subjective sensory symptoms such as distal paresthesia (7/8, 88%), albumin-cytological (A/C) dissociation (7/8, 88%), antecedent infection (6/8, 75%), and minor nerve conduction study (NCS) abnormalities (5/7, 71%). One patient presented with the typical NCS feature of demyelinating neuropathy. Only two patients exhibited areflexia (2/8, 25%). None of the patients possessed any anti-ganglioside antibodies; however, the serum of two patients was positive for anti-mycoplasma antibody (2/6, 33%). FD variant of GBS occurred in less than 1% of our dataset. FD can be a regional variant of GBS when it is accompanied by supporting features, such as subjective tingling, A/C dissociation, and minor NCS abnormalities.

Minifish shows high genetic variation in mtDNA size

The genus Paedocypris is a newly described taxon of minifish species that are characterized by extensive chromosome evolution and one of the smallest known vertebrate nuclear genomes. Paedocypris features a tiny adult size, a short generation time, low fecundity and fragmented tropical habitats, which are factors that favor rapid speciation. Most recently, we have revealed that P. progenetica (Pp), the type species of the genus Paedocypris, has an unusual mtDNA bearing - within its D-loop - a tandem array of a 34-bp repeat sequence called the minifish repeat, which shows compromised replication efficiency in vitro. Here we report that Pp exhibits high genetic variation in mtDNA size. The efficiency of D-loop amplification was found to depend upon primers. Interestingly, Pp individuals of one and the same population differed drastically in mtDNA size resulting from varying copy numbers of the minifish repeat. We conclude that minifish has a high mutation rate and perhaps represents a rapidly evolving taxon of vertebrates.

Minifish mtDNA has abundance of repeat sequences and inefficient replication in vitro

Paedocypris is a newly described minifish genus endemic to Southeast Asia. Besides a tiny adult size of ~8 mm in length, minifish feature fragmentary habitats of acidic peat blackwater swamps, an unusual reproduction mode, truncated development and one of the smallest known genomes. A complete sequence is absent for the minifish mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here we report the complete mtDNA sequence and its unusual feature in the minifish P. progenetica (Pp). We show that the Pp mtDNA is a circular molecule of 17,382 bp in length and has the same number of similarly oriented genes as in other vertebrates. Specifically, it comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 D-loop. Surprisingly, the D-loop is elusive for amplification by standard PCR conditions. The D-loop possesses a 28-bp dinucleotide TA repeat and more intriguingly, up to 25 copies of a 34-bp tandem repeat sequence. These tandem repeats predict the formation of paired regions. Hence, besides a generally conserved mtDNA with other vertebrates, the Pp mtDNA features an unusual D-loop and compromised DNA replication in vitro.

The Regulation of Chemerin and CMKLR1 Genes Expression by TNF-α, Adiponectin, and Chemerin Analog in Bovine Differentiated Adipocytes

Adipokines, adipocyte-derived protein, have important roles in various kinds of physiology including energy homeostasis. Chemerin, one of adipocyte-derived adipokines, is highly expressed in differentiated adipocytes and is known to induce macrophage chemotaxis and glucose intolerance. The objective of the present study was to investigate the changes of chemerin and the chemokine-like-receptor 1 (CMKLR1) gene expression levels during differentiation of the bovine adipocyte and in differentiated adipocytes treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adiponectin, leptin, and chemerin (peptide analog). The expression levels of the chemerin gene increased at d 6 and 12 of the differentiation period accompanied by increased cytoplasm lipid droplets. From d 6 onward, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) gene expression levels were significantly higher than that of d 0 and 3. In contrast, CMKLR1 expression levels decreased at the end of the differentiation period. In fully differentiated adipocytes (i.e. at d 12), the treatment of TNF-α and adiponectin upregulated both chemerin and CMKLR1 gene expression levels, although leptin did not show such effects. Moreover, chemerin analog treatment was shown to upregulate chemerin gene expression levels regardless of doses. These results suggest that the expression of chemerin in bovine adipocyte might be regulated by chemerin itself and other adipokines, which indicates its possible role in modulating the adipokine secretions in adipose tissues.

Effect of dietary antimicrobials on immune status in broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effects of dietary anticoccidial drugs plus antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on parameters of immunity in commercial broiler chickens. Day-old chicks were raised on used litter from a farm with endemic gangrenous dermatitis to simulate natural pathogen exposure and provided with diets containing decoquinate (DECX) or monensin (COBN) as anticoccidials plus bacitracin methylene disalicylate and roxarsone as AGPs. As a negative control, the chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet. Immune parameters examined were concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated spleen cell proliferation, intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) and spleen cell subpopulations, and cytokine/chemokine mRNA levels in IELs and spleen cells. ConA-induced proliferation was decreased at 14 d post-hatch in DECX-treated chickens, and increased at 25 and 43 d in COBN-treated animals, compared with untreated controls. In DECX-treated birds, increased percentages of MHC2(+) and CD4(+) IELS were detected at 14 d, but decreased percentages of these cells were seen at 43 d, compared with untreated controls, while increased TCR2(+) IELs were evident at the latter time. Dietary COBN was associated with decreased fractions of MHC2(+) and CD4(+) IELs and reduced percentages of MHC2(+), BU1(+), and TCR1(+) spleen cells compared with controls. The levels of transcripts for interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-17F, IL-13, CXCLi2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factorβ4 were elevated in IELs, and those for IL-13, IL-17D, CXCLi2, and IFN-γ were increased in spleen cells, of DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with untreated controls. By contrast, IL-2 and IL-12 mRNAs in IELs, and IL-4, IL-12, and IL-17F transcripts in spleen cells, were decreased in DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with controls. These results suggest that DECX or COBN, in combination with bacitracin and roxarsone, modulate the development of the chicken post-hatch immune system.

Self-seeding-based 10Gb/s over 25km optical OFDM transmissions utilizing face-to-face dual-RSOAs at gain saturation

Self-seeded passive optical networks (PONs) are currently attracting extensive research interest. In this paper, a novel self-seeded PON transmitter is, for the first time, proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which incorporates two face-to-face-positioned reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) operating at their gain saturation regions: one RSOA directly driven by an upstream electrical signal and the other RSOA biased at a fixed current. Detailed experimental explorations are undertaken of the dynamic performance characteristics of the proposed transmitter. It is shown that, in comparison with previously reported self-seeded transmitters each employing a reflective mirror and a single electrical signal-driven RSOA, the proposed transmitter has a number of salient advantages including, considerably narrowed optical signal spectra, up to 16dB reduction in RINs of intensity-modulated optical signals, and residual intensity modulation crosstalk suppression as high as 10.7dB. The aforementioned features enable experimental demonstrations of real-time self-seeded 10Gb/s optical OFDM (OOFDM) transmitters. In particular, by making use of two low-cost RSOAs having their 3-dB modulation bandwidths as small as 1.125GHz, 10Gb/s over 25km adaptive OOFDM transmissions with power penalties of 0.6dB are experimentally achieved in the simple self-seeded IMDD PON systems.

Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin and NetB toxin antibodies and their possible role in protection against necrotic enteritis and gangrenous dermatitis in broiler chickens

Necrotic enteritis (NE) and gangrenous dermatitis (GD) are important infectious diseases of poultry. Although NE and GD share a common pathogen, Clostridium perfringens, they differ in other important aspects such as clinical signs, pathologic symptoms, and age of onset. The primary virulence factors of C perfringens are its four major toxins (alpha, beta, epsilon, iota) and the newly described NE B-like (NetB) toxin. While neutralizing antibodies against some C perfingens toxins are associated with protection against infection in mammals, the serologic responses of NE- and GD-afflicted birds to these toxins have not been evaluated. Therefore, we measured serum antibody levels to C perfringens alpha-toxin and NetB toxin in commercial birds from field outbreaks of NE and GD using recombinant toxin-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Initially, we used this ELISA system to detect antibody titers against C perfringens alpha-toxin and NetB toxin that were increased in birds experimentally coinfected with Eimeria maxima and C perfringens compared with uninfected controls. Next, we applied this ELISA to field serum samples from flock-mated birds with or without clinical signs of NE or GD. The results showed that the levels of antibodies against both toxins were significantly higher in apparently healthy chickens compared to birds with clinical signs of NE or GD, suggesting that these antitoxin antibodies may play a role in protection against NE and GD.

Inactivated H9N2 avian influenza virus vaccine with gel-primed and mineral oil-boosted regimen could produce improved immune response in broiler breeders

The frequent economic losses incurred with H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAI) infection have raised serious concerns for the poultry industry. A 1-dose regimen with inactivated H9N2 LPAI vaccine could not prevent vaccinated poultry from becoming infected and from shedding wild viruses. A study was conducted to determine whether a 2-dose regimen of inactivated H9N2 LPAI vaccine could enhance the immunologic response in chickens. Such gel-primed and mineral oil-boosted regimen has produced encouraging results associated with improved immune responses to an H9N2 LPAI. This strategy could be cost effective and helpful for preventing avian influenza virus in the poultry industry.

In vitro effects of plant and mushroom extracts on immunological function of chicken lymphocytes and macrophages

1. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of organic extracts from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), and shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) on innate immunity and tumor cell viability. 2. Innate immunity was measured by lymphocyte proliferation and nitric oxide production by macrophages, and the inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth was assessed using a non-radioactive assay. For measuring the cytokine levels in the HD11 macrophages which were treated with extracts of turmeric or shiitake mushroom, the levels of mRNAs for interferon-alpha (IFN- alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) were quantified by real time RT-PCR. 3. In vitro culture of chicken spleen lymphocytes with extracts of milk thistle, turmeric, and shiitake and reishi mushrooms induced significantly higher cell proliferation compared with the untreated control cells. Stimulation of macrophages with extracts of milk thistle and shiitake and reishi mushrooms, but not turmeric, resulted in robust nitric oxide production to levels that were similar with those induced by recombinant chicken interferon-gamma. All extracts uniformly inhibited the growth of chicken tumor cells in vitro at the concentration of 6.3 through 100 microg/ml. Finally, the levels of mRNAs encoding IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFSF15 were enhanced in macrophages that were treated with extracts of turmeric or shiitake mushroom compared with the untreated control. 4. These results document the immunologically-based enhancement of innate immunity in chickens by extracts of plants and mushrooms with known medicinal properties in vitro. In vivo studies are being planned to delineate the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for their mechanism of action.

Sjögren’s syndrome myelopathy: spinal cord involvement in Sjögren’s syndrome might be a manifestation of neuromyelitis optica

Objective

To evaluate clinical characteristics, aquaporin (AQP)-4 antibody results, and probability of developing symptoms of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome myelopathy (SSM).

Methods

We identified eight patients with spinal cord involvement from 112 patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) referred to the neurology department. The clinical characteristics and AQP-4 antibody status, based on immunoprecipitation of EGFP-tagged AQP-4, of the patients with SSM were assessed.

Results

All patients with SSM had extensive spinal cord lesions, high mean annual relapse rates, and poor response to steroid treatment. Of the eight patients with SSM, seven patients satisfied the revised diagnostic criteria for NMO or showed positive results from AQP-4 antibody testing; one patient had incomplete follow-up. The clinical manifestations and AQP-4 autoantibody status of patients with SSM did not differ significantly from those of NMO patients without SS.

Conclusion

All patients with SSM had poor prognosis with high mean annual relapse rates, and most seemed to have the clinical and immunological characteristics of NMO. Early aggressive immune therapies should be considered in patients with SSM irrespective of the presence or absence of optic neuritis.

Association of resistance to avian coccidiosis with single nucleotide polymorphisms in the zyxin gene

Our previous genetic studies demonstrated that resistance to avian coccidiosis is linked with microsatellite markers LEI0071 and LEI0101 on chromosome 1. In this study, the associations between parameters of resistance to coccidiosis and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 3 candidate genes located between LEI0071 and LEI0101 [zyxin, CD4, and tumor necrosis factor receptor super family 1A (TNFRSF1A)] were determined. The SNP were genotyped in 24 F(1) generation and 290 F(2) generation animals. No SNP were identified in the TNFRSF1A gene, whereas 10 were located in the zyxin gene and 4 in the CD4 gene. At various times following experimental infection of the F(2) generation with Eimeria maxima, BW, fecal oocyst shedding, and plasma levels of carotenoid, nitrite plus nitrate (NO(2)(-) + NO(3)(-)), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were measured as parameters of resistance. Single marker and haplotype-based tests were applied to determine the associations between the 14 SNP and the parameters of coccidiosis resistance. None of the CD4 SNP were correlated with disease resistance. However, by single marker association, several of the zyxin SNP were significantly associated with carotenoid or NO(2)(-) + NO(3)(-) concentrations. These were the SNP at nucleotide 149 associated with carotenoid at d 3 postinfection (PI), nucleotide 187 with carotenoid at d 6 and 9 PI, and nucleotide 159 with carotenoid between d 3 and 9 PI. In addition, the zyxin SNP at nucleotide 191 was significantly associated with increased levels of NO(2)(-) + NO(3)(-) at d 3 PI. By haplotype association, the zyxin SNP also were found to be highly associated with NO(2)(-) + NO(3)(-) at d 3 PI and increased IFN-gamma at d 6 PI. These results suggest that zyxin is a candidate gene potentially associated with increased resistance to experimental avian coccidiosis.

The ethyl acetate extract of alfalfa sprout ameliorates disease severity of autoimmune-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice

Previous study showed that soy isoflavone supplement alleviates disease severity in autoimmune-prone mice. As the ethyl acetate extract of alfalfa sprout (AS) has selective oestrogenic and anti-inflammatory activity, this study evaluated the effects of alfalfa sprout ethyl acetate extract (ASEA) on disease severity of systemic lupus erythematosus, using autoimmune-prone female MRL- lpr/lpr mice. In Experiment 1, five groups of 12-week-old female mice were per oral treated with vehicle (control), lyophilized AS (550 mg wt/kg BW), ASEA (ASEA, 25 mg/kg BW), coumestrol (CUM, 0.075 mg/kg BW) and tamoxifen (TAM, 0.375 mg/kg BW) as the positive control. The onset of proteinuria was delayed, and the life span was significantly longer in the ASEA and TAM groups but neither in the AS nor in the CUM groups, compared to the control. To examine the changes in the immunological parameters related to disease process, three more groups of MRL- lpr/lpr female mice (control, ASEA and TAM) were fed in a similar manner for 6 weeks in the Experiment 2. Flow cytometric analysis of splenocytes showed a significantly lower percentage of activated T cells in the ASEA and TAM groups. The ex-vivo interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 production from splenocytes and tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-1β production from peritoneal exudate cells were also significantly lower in the ASEA group compared with the control. The ASEA group also had less severe glomerulonephritis. Thus, ASEA attenuated cytokine and inflammatory responses of self-reactive lymphocytes, decreased the disease severity, increased survival and life span of the autoimmune-prone MRL- lpr/lpr mice, suggesting a potential of ASEA in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Differential immune-related gene expression in two genetically disparate chicken lines during infection by Eimeria maxima

Two M5.1 and M15.2 B complex congenic lines of Fayoumi chickens were evaluated for body weight loss and faecal oocyst counts as parameters of avian coccidiosis. M5.1 chickens exhibited resistance to E. maxima compared with M15.2. To correlate the differential responses of the M5.1 and M15.2 lines to E. maxima infection with cellular immune responses, the expression levels of mRNAs encoding 14 immune-related molecules were measured by quantitative RT-PCR in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and splenocytes at 0, 3, 4, and 5 days following parasite infection. Intestinal IELs from M5.1 chickens expressed higher levels of transcripts encoding interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin-lbeta (1L1B), IL6, IL8, IL12, IL15, IL17A, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumour necrosis a factor (LITAF), and lower levels of mRNAs for IFNA, IL10, IL17D, NK-lysin (NKL), and tumour necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) at 3 days post infection, compared with the M15.2 line. In the spleen, E. maxima infection was associated with higher expression levels of IFNA, and IL15 and lower levels of IL6, IL17D, and IL12 in M5.1 compared to M15.2 birds. Using an intestinal IEL cDNA microarray, the differential dynamics of gene expression in the gut of M5.1 and M15.2 chickens following experimental coccidiosis were evident. In particular, the genes encoding lymphotactin and parathymosin were expressed at significantly higher levels in M5.1 compared with M15.2 line chickens. In conclusion, genetic determinants within the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) B complex influence resistance to E. maxima infection by controlling the local and systemic expression of immune-related cytokine and chemokine genes.

Soy isoflavones supplementation alleviates disease severity in autoimmune-prone MRL-lpr/lpr mice

Soy isoflavones supplements, which are phyto-oestrogens widely used as alternatives to alleviate menopausal syndromes or prevent chronic diseases, may exert oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavones supplement on oestrogen-related autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, using autoimmune-prone female MRL- lpr/lpr mice. Eighty mice of 8 weeks were divided into five groups: 0 (Control), 2 (Isf 2), 10 (Isf 10) and 20 (Isf 20) mg/kg BW/day Phyto SoyaTM isoflavones or 0.375 mg/kg BW/day tamoxifen (TAM) as the positive control, by tube-feeding. Some mice were killed at age 15 weeks for cellular cytokine secretion. The data suggested that the Isf 20 and TAM groups had higher weight gain and survival compared with the control group. At age 22 weeks, the Isf 20 group still had 75% survival comparable to mice treated with TAM. At age 14 weeks, the TAM group showed significantly lower serum anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA IgG and anti-cardiolipin IgG. The mice in the Isf 10 and Isf 20 groups also had lower anti-dsDNA IgG and anti-cardiolipin IgG. The interferon (IFN)-γ secretion from mitogen-stimulated T cells in the Isf 20 and TAM groups were significantly lower than those of control mice. Furthermore, the oestrogenic activity of the methanol extracts of soy isoflavones for oestrogen receptor (ER)β, but not ERα, significantly increased, suggesting that soy isoflavones have a selective modulation of ER activation. Thus, soy isoflavone supplementation did not aggravate murine lupus, but apparently ameliorated the disease.

First Report of Begonia Chlorotic Ringspot Caused by Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in Taiwan

Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) showing symptoms of systemic chlorotic ringspots were observed in the central part of Taiwan in May 2006. Infected begonia plants showed faint ringspots in leaves at the early stage of infection. Symptoms turned chlorotic and coalesced as the disease progressed. Electron microscopic examination revealed filamentous virus particles approximately 750 × 13 nm in the crude sap of infected begonia. Typical pinwheel inclusion bodies of potyvirus infection were observed in the ultrathin sections of infected begonia. A virus culture was isolated via mechanical inoculations in Chenopodium quinoa and serologically identified as Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) (1) by ELISA, western blotting, and immunoelectron microscopy. Complementary DNA fragments of viral genomic RNA were cloned, sequenced, and the full-length sequence was submitted to the EMBL database (Accession No. AM422386). The genomic RNA consists of 9,591 nucleotides excluding the poly-A tail and has an identical genome organization to that reported for members of the genus, Potyvirus. The nucleotide sequence of the full-length genome and the deduced amino acid sequence of coat protein share 98% identity to those of ZYMV-CU (Accession No. AJ307036), ZYMV-SG (Accession No. AJ316228), and ZYMV-TW-TN3 (Accession No. AF127929). The virus caused local lesions on the inoculated leaves of C. quinoa, systemic mosaic in cucumber (Cucumis sativus), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), and Cucumis metuliferus, and chlorotic ringspots in begonia. Symptoms caused by the begonia isolate in cucurbits were much milder than those caused by ZYMVs of cucurbit origin. A ringspot disease with symptoms similar to those caused by ZYMV is also produced on begonia by an Ilarvirus, Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), which was previously identified in begonia (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of ZYMV in begonia. References: (1) V. Lisa et al. Phytopathology 71:667, 1981. (2) N. Verma et al. Plant Pathol. 51:800, 2002.

Immune-related gene expression in two B-complex disparate genetically inbred Fayoumi chicken lines following Eimeria maxima infection

To investigate the influence of genetic differences in the MHC on susceptibility to avian coccidiosis, M5.1 and M15.2 B-haplotype-disparate Fayoumi chickens were orally infected with live Eimeria maxima oocysts, and BW gain, fecal oocyst production, and expression of 14 immune-related genes were determined as parameters of protective immunity. Weight loss was reduced and fecal parasite numbers were lower in birds of the M5.1 line compared with M15.2 line birds. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes from M5.1 chickens expressed greater levels of transcripts encoding interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17A, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha factor and lower levels of mRNA for IFN-alpha, IL-10, IL-17D, NK-lysin, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 compared with the M15.2 line. In the spleen, E. maxima infection was associated with greater expression levels of IFN-gamma, IL-15, and IL-8 and lower levels of IL-6, IL-17D, and IL-12 in M5.1 vs. M15.2 birds. These results suggest that genetic determinants within the chicken MHC influence resistance to E. maxima infection by controlling the local and systemic expression of immune-related cytokine and chemokine genes.

Relation between cognitive dysfunction and reduced vital capacity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Many patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with cognitive impairment have fronto-temporal dysfunction. Whereas in some patients with ALS the fronto-temporal dysfunction is undoubtedly due to the degenerative process associated with the disease, in others dysfunction cannot be accounted for by an irreversible degenerative process alone, as it also appears to involve a reversible process. We hypothesised that reduced vital capacity can be a key contributor to the fronto-temporal dysfunction observed in patients with ALS.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between fronto-temporal dysfunction and reduced vital capacity in ALS.

METHODS

16 consecutive patients who conformed to a diagnosis of definite or probable ALS (El escorial criteria) were grouped by vital capacity, and their clinical characteristics and cognitive functions, including disease duration, attention, executive function and memory, were measured.

RESULTS

Patients with a reduced vital capacity performed significantly poorer in memory retention (p = 0.028), retrieval efficacy (p = 0.003), spoken verbal fluency (p = 0.03) and spoken verbal fluency indexes (p = 0.016) than those with a normal vital capacity.

CONCLUSION

The fronto-temporal dysfunction in ALS might be attributable to potentially reversible secondary effects associated with reduced vital capacity, as well as to the primary degenerative process.

Identification of differentially expressed transcripts in bovine rumen and abomasum using a differential display method

The rumen has several important physiological functions: absorption, transport, metabolic activity, and protection. To clarify the molecular basis underlying the physiological function of the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum, we used mRNA differential display to isolate and identify differentially expressed genes in these tissues. We isolated 18 transcripts that coexpressed in the rumen, reticulum, and omasum. Five genes, ribosomal protein 19 (RPS19), basic helix-loop-helix domain containing class B2 (BHLHB2), NADH dehydrogenase flavoprotein 2 (NDUFV2), exosome component 9 (EXOSC9), and ribosomal protein 23 (RPS23), were highly expressed in the rumen of adult Holstein and Japanese Black cattle. Significant differences of expression were observed in the abomasum compared with the rumen, reticulum, and omasum. To investigate the expression pattern of these genes during the neonatal growth stage, the relative levels of gene expression were analyzed in the rumen and abomasum of 3-wk-, 13-wk-, and 18- to 20-mo-old Holstein cattle. The expression level of RPS19 did not change with age in the rumen and abomasum. The levels of BHLHB2, NDUFV2, and EXOSC9 mRNA in the abomasum decreased (P < 0.05) after weaning and declined (P < 0.05) further in adults; in contrast, expression in the rumen was not altered. Interestingly, the levels of RPS23 mRNA in the rumen increased (P < 0.05) after weaning and further increased in the adult; however, the level of expression of this gene decreased (P < 0.05) in the abomasum with weaning and age. This indicates that the 4 tissues, especially the rumen and abomasum, have different developmental pathways after birth and subsequent onset of rumination.

Influence of Pediococcus-Based Probiotic on Coccidiosis in Broiler Chickens

Coccidiosis is the major parasitic disease of poultry and is caused by the apicomplexan parasites Eimeria. Drugs and live vaccines are the 2 main control measures of the disease; however, due to increasing concerns with prophylactic drug use and the high cost of vaccines, alternative control methods are needed. Recent evidence that various dietary and live microbial supplements can influence host immunity against enteric diseases prompted us to investigate the role of a Pediococcus-based probiotic on coccidiosis in broiler chickens. In the present study, we examined BW gains, oocyst shedding, and antibody responses of broilers fed the commercial probiotic MitoGrow. Day-old chicks were fed either a regular broiler diet or 1 of 2 probiotic diets supplemented with 0.1% (MG 0.1) or 0.2% MitoGrow. Chicks were orally challenged with 5,000 or 10,000 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina or with 5,000 Eimeria tenella oocysts on d 10 or 12 of age, respectively. In E. acervulina-infected birds, the MG 0.1 group improved (P < 0.05) weight gain as compared with the other 2 groups and reduced (P < 0.05) oocyst shedding in birds infected with 5,000 E. acervulina oocysts. In E. tenella-infected birds, Eimeria-specific antibody levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the Mito-Grow-fed groups, especially in the MG 0.1 birds, compared with the regular diet group, although their oocyst shedding and weight gains were not clearly improved. These results demonstrate that this Pediococcus acidilactici-based probiotic effectively enhances the resistance of birds and partially protects against the negative growth effects associated with coccidiosis, particularly when supplemented at 0.1% MitoGrow of the diet.

Fine-Mapping of Coccidia-Resistant Quantitative Trait Loci in Chickens

Two commercial, pure broiler lines with different susceptibility to coccidiosis were used to fine-map QTL associated with the previously identified marker LEI0101, located at 259 cM on chromosome 1 and shown to be significantly associated with disease resistance. Eight additional microsatellite markers linked to LEI0101 were used for genotyping of F(1) parents and F(2) offspring (n = 314), and their associations with oocyst shedding, as a marker of disease resistance, were determined in birds experimentally infected with Eimeria maxima. Single-point analysis of 4 families showed that logarithm of odds (LOD) scores at all marker loci were > 0.5, with the exception of marker LEI0071, located at 242 cM (LOD score = 2.45). Multipoint analysis showed a maximum LOD score between LEI0071 and LEI0101 at 254 cM (LOD score = 3.74). Although the LEI0071 marker was mapped near LEI0101 by linkage analysis, the physical location of LEI0071 was not identified. Further studies to determine the physical locations of these and other markers will allow additional application association mapping techniques using single nucleotide polymorphism markers.

Clinical and electrophysiologic features of HNPP patients with 17p11.2 deletion

OBJECTIVES

Although the diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is important for correct prognostic evaluation and genetic counseling, the diagnosis is frequently missed or delayed. Our main aim on undertaking this study was to characterize the electrodiagnostic features of HNPP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical, electrophysiologic and molecular studies were performed on Korean HNPP patients with 17p11.2 deletion. The results of electrophysiologic studies were compared with those of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 A (CMT1A) patients carrying 17p11.2 duplication.

RESULTS

Eight HNPP (50 motor, 39 sensory nerves) and six CMT1A (28 motor, 16 sensory nerves) patients were included. Sensory nerve conduction was slow in 97% of HNPP nerves. Motor nerve conduction at common entrapment sites was also abnormally slow in 87.5%, whereas at non-entrapment sites conduction slowing was infrequent. Distal motor latency (DML) was prolonged in 80% of HNPP nerves, and terminal latency index (TLI) was significantly lower in HNPP than in normal controls and in CMT1A patients (P < 0.01). In contrast to CMT1A, where severity of nerve conduction slowing was not different among nerve groups, HNPP sensory nerve conduction was more slowed in the median and ulnar nerves than in the sural nerve (P < 0.01), and DML was more prolonged in the median nerve than in the other motor nerves (P < 0.01). TLIs were significantly lower in HNPP than in the normal control and CMT1A patients for the median and ulnar nerves (P < 0.01), and were also significantly reduced for the peroneal nerve (P < 0.05) compared with those of the normal controls.

CONCLUSION

HNPP is characterized electrophysiologically by a generalized neuropathy, superimposed by focal entrapment neuropathies. The slowing of sensory conduction in nearly all nerves and the distal accentuation of motor conduction abnormalities are the main features of background polyneuropathy in HNPP. The distribution and severity of the background electrophysiologic abnormalities are closely related to the topography of common entrapment or compression sites, which suggests the possible pathogenetic role of subclinical pressure injury at these sites in the development of the distinct background polyneuropathy in HNPP.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus predominantly with prolonged fever and hyponatremia

Described is a patient with hydrocephalus and a gait disorder with associated prolonged fever and hyponatremia. The authors made a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and performed a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which improved the gait disturbance, accompanied by resolution of the fever and hyponatremia.

Expression of mucosal cyto-chemokine mRNAs in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori-induced destruction of the gastroduodenal mucosal barrier is initiated with mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells. Cytokines and chemokines have been suggested to play important roles in the migration and activation of these inflammatory cells into the mucosa. The present study aimed to investigate expression rates of cyto-chemokine mRNAs using gastric mucosal biopsy specimens.

METHODS

In 98 patients infected with Helicobacter pylori, mucosal mRNA expression rates of cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10), C-C chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1 beta), monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES)) and C-X-C chemokines (IL-8 and growth regulated a (GRO-alpha)) were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

The expression rates of mRNA for IL-8, GRO-alpha, MIP-1 alpha and RANTES were significantly more increased in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients. However, the expressions of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA were statistically not different between two groups. After eradication of H. pylori, expressions of mRNA for three cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-10), four C-C chemokines (MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, MCAF and RANTES) and two C-X-C chemokines (IL-8 and GRO-alpha) were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that C-X-C chemokines and some C-C chemokines play important roles in H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer diseases.

Regulation of transcription by AMP-activated protein kinase: phosphorylation of p300 blocks its interaction with nuclear receptors

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMP-kinase) modulates many metabolic processes in response to fluctuations in cellular energy status. Although most of its known targets are metabolic enzymes, it has been proposed that AMP-kinase might also regulate gene expression. Here we demonstrate that the transcriptional coactivator p300 is a substrate of AMP-kinase. Phosphorylation of p300 at serine 89 by AMP-kinase dramatically reduced its interaction, in vitro and in vivo, with the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, thyroid receptor, retinoic acid receptor, and retinoid X receptor, but did not affect its interaction with the non-nuclear receptor transcription factors E1a, p53, or GATA4. These findings indicate that the AMP-kinase signaling pathway selectively modulates a subset of p300 activities and represent the first example of a transcriptional component regulated by AMP-kinase. Our results suggest a direct link between cellular energy metabolism and gene expression.

Differential activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma by troglitazone and rosiglitazone

The antidiabetic thiazolidinediones, which include troglitazone and rosiglitazone, are ligands for the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma and exert their antihyperglycemic effects by regulation of PPAR-gamma-responsive genes. We report here that PPAR-gamma activation by troglitazone depends on the experimental setting. Troglitazone acts as a partial agonist for PPAR-gamma in transfected muscle (C2C12) and kidney (HEK 293T) cells, producing a submaximal transcriptional response (1.8- to 2.5-fold activation) compared with rosiglitazone (7.4- to 13-fold activation). Additionally, troglitazone antagonizes rosiglitazone-stimulated PPAR-gamma transcriptional activity. Limited protease digestion of PPAR-gamma suggests conformational differences in the receptor bound to troglitazone versus rosiglitazone. Consistent with this finding, an in vitro coactivator association assay demonstrated that troglitazone-bound PPAR-gamma recruited the transcriptional coactivators p300 and steroid receptor coactivator 1 less efficiently than rosiglitazone-bound receptor. In contrast to these observations, troglitazone behaves as a full agonist of PPAR-gamma in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Two-dimensional protein gel electrophoresis demonstrated that troglitazone and rosiglitazone regulated distinct but overlapping sets of genes in several cell types. Thus, troglitazone may behave as a partial agonist under certain physiological circumstances and as a full agonist in others. These differences could be caused by variations in the amount of specific cofactors, differences in PPAR response elements, or the presence of different isoforms of PPAR-gamma.

Improved transfection efficiency of chicken gonadal primordial germ cells for the production of transgenic poultry

Electroporation is a common method of DNA transfection for many types of eukaryotic cells, but has not been attempted in avian primordial germ cells (PGCs). DNA uptake in chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) was tested using electroporation with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Gonadal tissue and chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs) were isolated from 6-day-old embryos (stage 29), transfected with pCMV beta carrying the bacterial lacZ gene, and cultured for 24 h. Gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) were purified from culture using a Ficoll gradient. The addition of DMSO significantly increased the transfection efficiency of gPGCs but had no effect on chicken embryonic fibroblasts. Electroporation of gPGCs resulted in an 80% transfection efficiency compared with about 17% observed with liposomes. Approximately 200 transfected gPGCs were injected into 2.5-day-old (stage 17) recipient embryos and the eggs were incubated for an additional 3.5 days, 7.5 days or to hatching. The exogenous gene was detectable in 100%, 67% and 41% of the 6-day-old (stage 29), 10-day-old (stage 36) recipient embryos and hatched chicks gonads, respectively. PCR analysis of DNA from the hatched chicks showed that exogenous lacZ DNA was detected only in the gonad and not the liver and heart. These results indicated that electroporation was a suitable means of transfecting avian gPCGs for the goal of producing transgenic poultry.

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated transcriptional induction of macrophage colony-stimulating factor by TGF-beta1

TGF-beta1 and macrophages are important regulators of tissue fibrosis and remodeling. Here we show that TGF-beta1 induces the expression of macrophage-CSF (M-CSF) in vascular endothelial cells via a signaling pathway(s) involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In a time-dependent manner, TGF-beta1 produced a 10- and a 6-fold increase in M-CSF mRNA and protein levels after 12 h, respectively. This increase in M-CSF expression was attenuated by a nitric oxide donor, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and by a nonspecific oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium. Furthermore, the TGF-beta1-induced M-CSF mRNA expression was inhibited by catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase, suggesting that H2O2 rather than superoxide anion (O2.-) is the primary mediator of the effects of TGF-beta1. Transient transfection studies using deletional M-CSF promoter constructs demonstrated that TGF-beta1 produced a 13-fold induction in M-CSF promoter activity that was repressed by &gt;85% with GSNO and catalase, in part through inhibitory effects on kappaB cis-acting elements. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB by TGF-beta1 was also inhibited by GSNO and catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase. In a concentration-dependent manner, treatment with exogenous H2O2 produced 14- and 4.6-fold increases in M-CSF promoter activity and mRNA expression, respectively. These results indicate that the generation of H2O2 and activation of NF-kappaB by TGF-beta1 are required for the induction of M-CSF gene transcription.

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated transcriptional induction of macrophage colony-stimulating factor by TGF-beta1

TGF-beta1 and macrophages are important regulators of tissue fibrosis and remodeling. Here we show that TGF-beta1 induces the expression of macrophage-CSF (M-CSF) in vascular endothelial cells via a signaling pathway(s) involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In a time-dependent manner, TGF-beta1 produced a 10- and a 6-fold increase in M-CSF mRNA and protein levels after 12 h, respectively. This increase in M-CSF expression was attenuated by a nitric oxide donor, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and by a nonspecific oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium. Furthermore, the TGF-beta1-induced M-CSF mRNA expression was inhibited by catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase, suggesting that H2O2 rather than superoxide anion (O2.-) is the primary mediator of the effects of TGF-beta1. Transient transfection studies using deletional M-CSF promoter constructs demonstrated that TGF-beta1 produced a 13-fold induction in M-CSF promoter activity that was repressed by >85% with GSNO and catalase, in part through inhibitory effects on kappaB cis-acting elements. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB by TGF-beta1 was also inhibited by GSNO and catalase, but not by superoxide dismutase. In a concentration-dependent manner, treatment with exogenous H2O2 produced 14- and 4.6-fold increases in M-CSF promoter activity and mRNA expression, respectively. These results indicate that the generation of H2O2 and activation of NF-kappaB by TGF-beta1 are required for the induction of M-CSF gene transcription.

Production of germline chimeric chickens by transfer of cultured primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) from stage 27 (5.5-day-old) Korean native ogol chicken embryonic germinal ridges were cultured in vitro for 5 days. As in in vivo culture, these cultured PGCs were expected to have already passed beyond the migration stage. Approximately 200 of these PGCs were transferred into 2.5-day-old white leghorn embryonic blood stream, and then the recipient embryos were incubated until hatching. The rate of hatching was 58.8% in the manipulated eggs. Six out of 60 recipients were identified as germline chimeric chickens by their feather colour. The frequency of germline transmission of donor PGCs was 1.3-3.1% regardless of sex. The stage 27 PGCs will be very useful for collecting large numbers of PGCs, handling of exogenous DNA transfection during culture, and for the production of desired transgenic chickens.

Intra-oral computed radiography--an in vitro evaluation

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare the intra-oral radiographic images produced by computed radiography (Digora, Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) with conventional E-speed periapical films, in terms of image quality, radiation dosage and diagnostic value.

METHODS

The physical measurement of image quality was conducted with a test grating. Radiation dosage was measured with an X-ray test device. Radiographic imagings were standardized using the left first permanent molar tooth of a dry human skull. The exposure timings ranged from 0.02 s to 2.32 s. Five dental surgeons rated the quality of the images produced by both systems. All raters were blind to the order of test.

RESULTS

The physical measurements of the new imaging plates revealed comparable results in terms of contrast differentiation. The resolution power, however, was slightly inferior: 5 lines/mm compared to 6 lines/mm for the E-speed films. Digital images were consistently scored as diagnostically acceptable throughout the exposure timings, while those for E-speed films range from 0.38 s to 1.8 s (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The new imaging plate gave favourable results in terms of contrast differentiation. The resolution power, however, was slightly inferior to that with the E-speed film. Digital images of diagnostic quality were obtained even at 53% reduction of radiation compared to E-speed films.

Nitric oxide attenuates vascular smooth muscle cell activation by interferon-gamma. The role of constitutive NF-kappa B activity

Atherogenesis involves cellular immune responses and altered vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) function. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) may contribute to this process by activating SMC. To determine whether the anti-atherogenic mediator, nitric oxide (.NO), can modulate cytokine-induced SMC activation, we investigated the effects of various .NO-generating compounds on the expression of intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1). Induction of ICAM-1 expression by IL-1 alpha and VCAM-1 expression by IFN-gamma was attenuated by .NO donors but not by cGMP analogues. Nuclear run-on assays and transfection studies using various VCAM-1 promoter constructs linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase reporter gene showed that .NO repressed IFN-gamma-induced VCAM-1 gene transcription, in part, through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that SMC possess basal constitutive NF-kappa B activity, which was augmented by treatment with IL-1 alpha. In contrast, IFN-gamma induced and activated interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 but had little effect on basal constitutive NF-kappa B activity. .NO donors had no inhibitory effect on IRF-1 activation but did inhibit basal and IL-1 alpha-stimulated NF-kappa B activation. These findings suggest that the induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression requires NF-kappa B activation and that .NO attenuates IFN-gamma-induced VCAM-1 expression primarily by inhibiting basal constitutive NF-kappa B activity in SMC.

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of enamel surface following five composite removal methods after bracket debonding

The search for an ideal enamel surface finishing method following bracket debonding has met with equivocal response. In this study, four other methods were assessed to determine their effectiveness against the slow speed tungsten carbide bur which is regarded as the established method of removing residual composite. Orthodontic brackets were bonded on 50 premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purpose. After debonding with a standardized technique, the teeth were randomly divided into five equal groups. Samples in each group were subjected to different finishing procedures: Group A--Ormco band removing plier. Group B--Komet slow speed tungsten carbide bur. Group C--High speed ultrafine diamond bur. Group D--Jet high speed tungsten carbide bur. Group E--High speed white stone finishing bur. For consistency, the finishing procedures were limited to 15 seconds with each particular method. The composite remnants which then remained on the enamel surface were graded by four independent raters using the Composite Remnant Index (CRI). Subsequent to this, the enamel surface was examined in a Scanning Electron Miscroscope at x203 magnification. The photomicrographs were then graded by the same four independent raters using the Surface Roughness Index (SRI). Statistical analysis with the Friedman test indicated that there was no significant difference in inter-examiner variability in both the CRI and SRI assessment, but there existed significant difference among groups (P < 0.01) for both the CRI and SRI. It was found that no single absolute method was considered to be ideal for composite removal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Management of the adult orthodontic patient with removable appliances: factors to consider

Orthodontic treatment for the adult patient is different from the child. It can be either comprehensive in scope or limited in its objectives (adjunctive orthodontic treatment). Adjunctive treatment is often within the scope of the general dental practitioner and can be of considerable importance in the management of adults with periodontal disease and restorative needs. An overview of the factors that are related to the treatment of adult patients are presented. A few suggestions on better patient management are also included.

Fanning effects in photorefractive crystals

A model to describe the fanning effect based on the beam-coupling mechanism in photorefractive crystals is presented. The intensity distribution of the fanning beam in a 45 degrees -cut BaTiO(3) crystal is measured experimentally. The results show good quantitative agreement with theory.