[Pathological observation on the new classification and features of ovarian tumors].

Cases were presented to describe the clinical manifestations, histological features, and diagnostic criteria about the current classification of ovarian tumors. They included peritoneal serous borderline tumor, endocervical-like the intestinal-type mucinous borderline tumor, transitional cell carcinoma of ovarian surface epithelial-stromal tumors and juvenile granulosa cell tumor, sclerosing stromal tumor, hepatoid yolk sac tumor, and primary mucinous carcinoid tumor of non-surface epithelial ovarian tumors. Cases were also presented for discussing the significance of structures and features of some ovarian tumors which have been reevaluated and newly classified. For instance, tumor cell of granulosa cell tumor gives vimentin expression, but is unable to express cytokeratin in all the cases detected with monoclonal antibody of CK-2. Based on the clinical manifestations, exact locating site in the ovary, as well as the histology and histochemistry features, it is possible to identify the stromal luteoma, leydig cell tumor, and non-specific steroid cell tumor respectively in the family of steroid cell tumors. Additionally, the diagnostic significance of the occurrence of basal membrane-like substance and intestinal cells in some yolk sac tumors is also discussed.


[The diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma].

The diagnostic problems in uterine smooth muscle tumors and endometrial stromal tumors are reviewed and discussed with analysis of 14 selective cases collected from the affiliated hospital. Data suggested that, in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant uterine smooth muscle tumors, it is not comprehensive to use mitotic activity as the only criterion. Nuclear atypia and some other clinico-pathological features should be considered together, and, it is important to recognize the "mitotic active" leiomyoma which runs a benign course despite a high mitotic rate. In endometrial stromal sarcoma, the growth pattern and the extent of tumor spreading seem not closely correlated with the mitotic activity, nor the atypia, and, the clinical stage was considered as a significant reference in the prognosis. Thus, it is suggested that the differentiation of endometrial stromal sarcoma into low and high malignancy according to the mitotic rate alone is not the best reliable guide in evaluating the tumor behavior. It is emphasized that the extent of spreading of the tumor should be stated in the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the sex cord element in endometrial stromal sarcoma and other uterine tumors expressed a myogenous rather than an epithelial phenotype.


[Histopathologic study on lymphadenopathy in HIV infected patients].

Histopathologic study on the lymphadenopathy of 38 HIV infected patients in Zambia are reported. The histologic type of lymph node changes might be divided as follows: follicular hyperplasia, mixed follicular hyperplasia, follicular involution, and lymphocyte depletion. The author points out that although each individual histologic change in lymph node is not specific, the summation of changes in lymph node are characteristic. A diagnosis of HIV infection might be considered, and appropriate test is warranted, when histologic changes are found in enlarged lymph nodes at two or more noningunal sites for several months. Lymph node biopsy is recommended and significant in discovering HIV infected cases, making diagnosis of AIDS as well as AIDS-related complex, and evaluation of prognosis of these patients.


[Study on mast cells in experimental silicosis].

Quantitative and ultrastructural changes of mast cells (MC) were studied in rat lungs after inhalation of quartz particles. The number of degranulating MC was remarkably increased two weeks and 4 weeks after quartz inhalation (P < 0.05). The average number of the MC per unit area (mm2 of tissue section) and distribution in both experimental and control groups were similar and the mast cells were mainly distributed in the subpleural, perivascular and peribronchial connective tissues. The average number of MC per unit area significantly increased with pulmonary fibrosis three months later. Most of them infiltrated in the fibrotic alveolar septa and fibrotic areas, and the number of degranulating MC was also remarkably increased (P < 0.05). In addition, electronic microscopy showed that mast cells came into contact with fibroblast-like cells and the mast cells usually became degranulated in appearance. These results suggest that there is a close relationship between MC and silicotic fibrosis.


[A comparative study of c-sis and c-myc and cellular phenotypes in the arterial media and atherosclerotic plaques].

C-sis and c-myc oncogene probes, random primed DNA labeling with digoxigenin-dUTP and technique of dot blot hybridization by enzyme immunoassay were used to study both c-sis and c-myc gene expression in the arterial media and atherosclerotic plaques collected from human aortae. In addition, the ultrastructure of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in these specimens was also examined. The results showed that c-sis and c-myc gene expression was increased in the atherosclerotic plaques. The contractile state SMCs and synthetic state SMCs were obtained in the arterial media and the atherosclerotic plaques respectively. The results indicated that different phenotypes of SMCs might give different c-sis and c-myc gene expressions.


[Establishment of the vascular intimal model in vitro and its application in studying atherosclerosis].

An endothelial culture model in vitro mimicking the vascular intima in vivo was designed which was composed of an upper and a lower well separated by a layer of amnion membrane, and upon which endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from the human umbilical vein were cultured. The upper well, the subendothelial amnion, and the lower well were analogical to the vascular lumen, the subendothelial tissue and the extravascular space, respectively. In comparison with the ECs cultured on the plastic, dishes, ECs cultured on the amnion membrane maintained more morphologic features as in vivo and could be cultured for up to 15 days without apparent detachment. Monocytes, loaded in the upper wells, were able to adhere to the cytoplasmic membrane of ECs. Furthermore, with the presence of the chemotactic factor (fMLP) in the lower well, monocytes showed active migrating ability passing through the EC junctions. If LDL (100 micrograms/ml) was added in the media simultaneously, monocytes might be aggregated beneath the subendothelial space and some of them took an foamy appearance. In conclusion, the culture model is of value in the study of experimental inflammation and atherosclerosis.


[Study of the pisum sativum agglutinin receptors and DNA ploidy during carcinogenesis in esophageal epithelium by flow cytometry].

The relative mean contents of pisum sativum agglutinin receptors and DNA of human normal esophageal epithelium, its atypical hyperplasia as well as esophageal carcinoma were determined respectively by flow cytometry. The results revealed that the relative mean contents of pisum sativum agglutinin receptors which denote membrane composition and DNA which denote nuclear composition were increased gradually from normal, dysplastic and then malignant esophageal tissues. This suggested that during the neoplastic transformation, changes of the cell membrane component may correlate with changes of the cell nuclear component.


[Mitochondrial myopathy of progressive external ophthalmoplegia].

Ten cases of blepharoptosis and chronic progressive oculomuscular paralysis are reported among which three had limb muscular weakness. Sex: male 5, female 5. Age: 16-58 years old. Age of onset: 7-38 years old. 2-26 years. Muscle biopsy showed ragged red fibers, abnormal mitochondria and paracrystalline mitochondrial inclusions under both light and electron microscopy. All cases were diagnosed as CPED (chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia) clinically and abnormal mitochondria pathologically.


[Pulmonary blastoma: a light-microscopic, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic study of six cases in childhood].

Pulmonary blastoma is a very rare primary tumor of the lung, which mostly occur at a late age in adults. Six cases in children under four years of age are reported in this series. The light-microscopic, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic characteristics revealed that the elements of P.B. in childhood consist mainly of mesenchymal components, including undifferentiated large cells and small round cells, which tend to differentiate toward rhabdomyosarcoma. The epithelial components comprise only a small portion of the total tumor, and most appear as the well-demarcate branching tubular structures lined with columnar or cubiodal epithelium merging with the stroma. The degree of differentiation of mesenchymal elements is closely related to the prognosis.


[Detection of G-->T mutation at codon 12 of H-ras oncogenes in gastric cancers with polymerase chain reaction and oligodeoxynucleotide(PCR-ODN)].

DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded gastric cancer tissues, and the possibility of G-->T mutations present at codon 12 of H-ras oncogenes was detected in Chinese gastric cancer patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) probe hybridization. Point mutations were identified in 5 of 17 gastric cancer cases (29.4%), and in none of 7 gastric ulcer cases. These results indicate that G-->T mutations at codon 12 of H-ras oncogene may play a role in activating the oncogenes in gastric cancers.


[Clinicopathological analysis of 20 cases of giant cell granuloma of the jaw].

The pathological features of 20 cases of giant cell granuloma and 12 cases of giant cell tumor of the jaw were compared. Specimens of 8 cases of giant cell granuloma and 5 cases of giant cell tumor were stained with Wilder's reticular fiber stain and trichromic stain. The results showed that reticular fibers and collagenous fibers were more abundant and more focal in distribution in giant cell granulomas than in those of giant cell tumors. It is concluded that the two staining methods adopted are helpful in the differential diagnosis between these two kinds of diseases.


[Extra-long trapezius myocutaneous fascia flap for repairing burn scar contracture of the neck].

This flap is based on the transverse cervical artery and its descending branch and only includes a small portion of trapezius muscle tissue around the vascular pedicle. Both the length and width of the flap can exceed that of the traditional trapezius flap. So this flap is particularly suitable for repairing late-burn scar contracture of the neck. In addition, this flap has the potential to be used as a large free flap.


[Studies on the aggregation of rat Sertoli cells, germ cells and peritubular cells in vitro].

Dissociated testicular cell suspensions from 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 day postnatal rats were cultured either on solid agar as a substratum or in a flask under slow rotation. Spherical or cord-like aggregations were formed from cells under both conditions. Sections from the aggregations showed that they were comprised mainly of Sertoli cells, with peritubular cells located around the aggregations. A few germ cells were present within those aggregations from cultures of rat testicular cells younger than ten days, while no germ cell could be found within aggregations from rats older than fifteen days. Based on these observations, we conclude that testicular cells in post-natal rats still maintain a limited capacity for cell adhesion and recognition and are thus able to form cellular aggregations.


[Further studies of collagen biosynthesis by hepatocytes].

Electron microscopic observation was carried out on 32 biopsies from liver and biliary system diseases. It was found that proliferative collagen in the liver was located not only in the portal space and Disse space, but also in the hepatocytes. Most of the collagen seen in hepatocytes were in the form of collagen fibrils, oriented irregularly, intermingled with the organelles and without a delimiting membrane. Therefore, the authors suggest that these collagen fibrils were produced by the hepatocytes themselves.


[Study on the peritoneal stomata and absorptive mechanism of ascites].

The peritoneal stomata in sixteen human specimens were studied by SEM, TEM and ODO freeze fracture techniques. In order to prove that the peritoneal stomata are the passage ways by which ascites is absorbed from the peritoneal cavity, animal experiments were performed. The results showed that the peritoneal stomata, which were only found between the cuboidal cells, were formed by the cytoplasmic processes of nearby cells. There were no basement membranes in the peritoneal stomata or the cuboidal cells which formed the peritoneal stomata. Microfilaments were observed in the cuboidal cells. Cytoplasmic processes of mesothelial cells and networks of connective tissue were found in the peritoneal channels. These had networks which formed the floor of each stomata and the roof of each lacunae. We observed that numbers and diameters of the peritoneal stomata were increased in mice with ascites. Red cells and carbonic particles injected into the peritoneal cavity were absorbed by the peritoneal stomata. So the microfilaments of the cuboidal cells, the cytoplasmic processes, and the fiber networks in the peritoneal channels can adjust the absorptive properties of the peritoneal stomata. The peritoneal stomata are an important pathway for draining ascites from the peritoneal cavity.


[Molecular cytogenetic study of short arm aberrations in human D and G group chromosomes].

Many structural and functional characteristics in the cen-pter regions of human D and G group chromosomes play important roles in the etiology of genetic diseases and cancer. Six cases of Dp+/Gp+, 10 cases of D/G translocation, 1 case of extra small chromosome (mar), and 1 case of Yqs were studied with molecular and cytogenetic techniques. The results showed the Ag-NOR frequency of the Dp+/Gp+ group to be significantly higher, but their satellite association frequency lower than those of normal controls. Autoradiographic silver grains were not found along the entire p+ part of the marker chromosome by using chromosomal in situ hybridization techniques. This result is somewhat different from what we had reported previously. It is suggested that the mechanism of p+ formation may vary among different cases. Diversified nucleolar organizer transcription sites may exist in the rRNA gene cluster region of chromosomes. The results of Ag-NOR and in situ hybridization of D/G translocation cases indicate that they have lost their NOR. Study of the extra small chromosome case and the Yqs case suggested that mar and Yqs exert no effect on the phenotype.


[Effect of bradykinin, ionophore A23187 and trypsin on prostacyclin release from calf and pig aorta endothelial cells].

This paper details the methods of establishing stock culture and subculture of calf and pig aorta endothelial cells and the effects of bradykinin, ionophore A23187, trypsin and arachidonic acid (AA) on the release of prostacyclin (PGI2) from the cells. The release was measured by 6-keto PGF1 alpha radioimmunoassay. The results showed that the stimuli significantly increased the release of PGI2 in the two endothelial cell types (P < 0.01, n = 8), and the release was much stronger in pig than in calf endothelial cells under the experimental conditions. We therefore suggest that the reactivities of the two endothelial cells to the stimuli differ. The results offer useful information for further research of the mechanism of their pharmacologic actions on endothelial cells and their relationship with PGI2.


[Effects of GTW and T4 from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. on LH cells in male rat pituitary glands].

Using anti-beta-LH monoclonal antibodies, studies were undertaken to assess the effects of the glycosides (GTW) and T4 from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. on LH cells in male rat pituitary glands using immunohistochemical methods and ultrastructural observation. The results showed that there were more vacuoles in the cytoplasm of LH cells and the color density of immunohistochemical staining was much stronger in the treated groups than that in the control group. Electron microscopic results showed that the nulei of LH cells were shrunken and the Golgi complexes and the rough endoplasmic reticula were largely expanded in the treated groups. The mechanism of these changes is similar to that in "castration cells."


[Inhibitory effects of several antitumor drugs on the growth of HL-60 cells in SRC of mice].

Human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells provide a useful model system for the study of cell differentiation in vitro. Here the growth of HL-60 cells as a solid clot with fibrin in subrenal capsules (SRC) of mice was studied. The cell volume of HL-60 cells increased 5 and 15-fold between 6-9 days after transplantation into normal and CYT immunosuppressed mice, respectively. Histological study revealed typical proliferation and invasion characteristics of HL-60 cells and higher tumor cell density. RA, RII, Ara-C, Harringtonine and HMBA significantly inhibited the growth of HL-60 cells in SRC of mice. This model provides a useful system for the study of the effect of drugs on cultured tumor cells or leukemia cell lines in vivo.


[Anti-carcinogenic and anti-promoting effects of retinoid R8605].

R8605 belongs to the third generation retinoid and was found during the systematic screening of cancer chemopreventive agents in our institute. Based on the theory of multistage carcinogenesis, the anti-carcinogenic and anti-promoting effects of R8605 as well as its possible anti-promoting mechanisms were studied. Experiments proved that R8605 (50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly inhibited the growth of skin papillomas induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and croton oil in mice and exhibited a potent anti-promoting action. In addition, R8605 (50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, i.g.) strongly inhibited the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity of mouse skin epidermis by croton oil. At a dose of 100 mg/kg of R8605 (i.g.) croton oil-induced ear edema in mice was suppressed. These results suggest that the anti-promoting effect of R8605 might be associated with its anti-inflammatory action and its inhibitory effect on ODC activity.


[The pathologic myocardial change caused by intracoronary ethyl alcohol injection and its mechanism].

Intracoronary chemical injection to ablate ventricular tachycardia is a new method. Through experiments in 22 dogs, we studied the pathologic change of the myocardium and its mechanism following intracoronary injection of 96% ethyl alcohol. All dogs receiving ethyl alcohol injection displayed myocardial necrosis, and most of them presented thrombus in the coronary branch. The pathologic change in the acute period may have resulted from direct ethyl alcohol damage, and that in the late period may have resulted from both direct damage and thrombus caused by arterial damage.


[The changes in plasma renin angiotensin and arginine vasopressin in pulmonary hypertension rats].

The plasma renin activity (RA), the concentration and the ratio of angiotensin (AI) conversion into angiotensin II (AII), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) level were observed in Wistar rats with pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced by extracardiac left-to-right shunting (LRS), hypobaric hypoxia (HH) and shunting plus HH (SHH). In comparison with normal control rats, RA in LRS and SHH rats showed an increasing trend, although no statistical significance appeared (P > 0.05). No change occurred in HH rats. The concentration and ratio of AI conversion into AII were significantly increased in LRS rats (P < 0.05), but decreased in HH and SHH rats (more markedly in HH rats). AVP increased significantly in LRS rats, and also showed an increasing trend in HH and SHH, but no significance was found (P > 0.05). The action of humoral factors in PH formation was discussed.


[Generation of monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against human luteinizing hormone (hLH) in a methylcellulose semi-solid medium].

McAbs against hLH were generated by a facile hybridoma technique according to the methods of Davis and Lee, et al. After routine immunization and cell fusion, the cells were plated in a semi-solid medium containing methylcellulose and HAT. Five to seven days later, visible clones were removed for subculture in DMEM liquid medium containing 15% FCS and then screened by ELISA. As a result, 12 hybrid cell lines secreting McAbs to the LH-B subunit were obtained. These Abs have been used in clinical diagnostic and immunohistochemical work, showing good results. The advantages of the semi-solid medium in preparing McAbs are discussed.


[Splenectomy in four cases of hairy cell leukemia].

This paper reports the experimental diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia and the results of splenectomy in 4 cases. Three patients were examined using histochemical methods and anti-leukocyte differentiation monoclonal antibodies. All of them were diagnosed as hairy cell leukemia of B lymphocytes. The effects of splenectomy were found to be related to chemotherapy used before and after operation. Hairy cell leukemia complicated with megalosplenia or hypersplenism were indications for splenectomy.


[Purification of the ninth component of human complement (C9)].

A large amount of human C9 was purified from plasma by the following procedures: 1) Polyethylene glycol precipitation; 2) Depletion of plasminogen by passing over an L-lys-sepharose column; 3) DEAE-sephadex A-50 chromatography; and 4) Hydroxylapatite (HA) chromatography. The method of C9 purification was improved by altering the column-elution conditions and by the establishment of a novel method for preparing high-flow-rate HA. As a result, the rate of recovery of C9 was high (28.2%) and no impurities were detected either on gel electrophoretic or immunochemical examination. The hemolytic activity of purified C9 was retained.


[Subungual exostosis of the digits].

From 1980 to 1990, twenty-two patients with subungual exostosis were treated in PUMC Hospital and the Sixth Hospital of Beijing. The incidence of subungual exostosis accounted for 4.6% of all bone tumor. Post-adolescents and young adults were commonly affected. The female:male ratio was 1.75 to 1. The great toe was the most commonly affected site. Radiological findings were diagnostic, and local tumor excision is the treatment of choice.


Significance of western blot in diagnosis of cysticercosis cellulosae.

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and immunoblot were used for the diagnosis of patients with cysticercosis cellulosae. 26 KD protein band of the whole Cysticercus antigen showed a high specificity to the sera from patients with cysticercosis cellulosae and had no cross reaction with sera from normal controls and other parasitic diseases including hydatidosis. The positive rate of Western blot with 26 KD band was 70% and the results showed no significant difference in comparison with those of CFT and ELISA.


Beneficial effects of berberine on hemodynamics during acute ischemic left ventricular failure in dogs.

In 18 dogs ischemic left ventricular failure characterized by a 30 percent reduction in peak rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dt) and elevation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) to 15 mmHg or more was produced by ligation of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery followed by serial occlusions of the distal left circumflex coronary artery. In 10 days, administration of berberine in an intravenous bolus injection (1 mg/kg, within 3 minutes) followed by a constant infusion (0.2 mg/kg/min, 30 minutes) increased the cardiac output (CO) from 1.25 +/- 0.12 to 1.61 +/- 0.17 L/min (P < 0.05), and +dp/dt from 810 +/- 85 to 1021 +/- 130 mmHg/s (P < 0.01), and decreased LVEDP from 16.5 +/- 1.3 to 12.0 +/- 1.0 mmHg (P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure from 94 +/- 6 to 84 +/- 5 mmHg (P < 0.01), systemic vascular resistance from 7303 +/- 278 to 5442 +/- 231 dynes.x/cm5 (P < 0.01), but did not affect the heart rate. Injection of 5% glucose with the same volume did not improve CO and dp/dt (P > 0.05) but increased the LVEDP from 17.1 +/- 1.4 to 17.8 +/- 1.6 mmHg (P < 0.01) in 8 dogs. The levels of plasma concentration of berberine was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. The changes in plasma drug level were found parallel to hemodynamic effects of berberine. The results of this study showed that berberine was able to improve the impaired left ventricular function by its positive inotropic effect and mild systemic vasodilatation.


Lectin histochemistry in psoriasis, lichen planus and seborrheic keratosis.

Lectin binding patterns in psoriasis, lichen planus and seborrheic keratosis lesions were studied using 14 different biotinyl lectins and avidin-horseradish peroxidase. Compared with normal epidermis, there were significant quantitative and qualitative differences, some of which were characteristic.


Chemosensitivity of salivary gland and oral cancer cell lines.

Chemosensitivity of salivary gland and oral cancer cell lines to 14 antitumor drugs was tested using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and the relative antitumor activity (RAA) of the drugs was compared. Adriamycin (ADM), methotrexate and fluorouracil (5-FU) showed the most potent RAA against the cell lines while cantharidin did not. The rank orders of other 10 drugs against each cell line differed from each other.


Cell protection mechanism of antishock action of anisodamine.

Anisodamine was used as an antishock (chiefly septic) drug beginning in the early 1960s in China. Its underlining mechanism was believed to be due to its vasodilative action. But in normal animals it only produces slight vasodilation. Our work during the recent 15 years proved that anisodamine is not only beneficial in the treatment for septic shock, but also for hemorrhagic, traumatic, and SMAO shock, and its mechanism of action are based on its following biological actions: (1) it has membrane stabilization and cell protection action, which was probably related to its calcium antagonist action; (2) it protects ischemia intestine from releasing shock factors; and (3) its inhibition of endotoxin binding to cells and tissue at the membrane level probably makes it an special antishock drug for septic shock.


Titanium nails used in A-V fistulation for hemodialysis in 428 patients.

The 4-year experience in the clinical usage of titanium nails in making internal fistula for hemodialysis in 428 cases (17,829 dialyses) is reported. The results were satisfactory and no obvious complications were found. Being simple in practice and having a high success rate and less complications, this method has been applied at 86 hospitals in China.


Transurethral resection in children with urethral stricture and occlusion.

Technical considerations of urethral surgery in children are critical because of the small size and delicacy of their urethra. From 1984 to 1989, 10 children with serious traumatic urethral stricture (5 cases) and occlusion (5) were treated satisfactorily by an improved transurethral resection (TUR). The age of the children ranged from 4 to 14 years. The TUR technique, curative effects and prevention of urethral stricture are discussed.


Curative effects of highly active atrial natriuretic peptide on severe pregnancy-induced hypertension.

A new highly active atrial natriuretic peptide (haANP), synthesized by a solid phase technique, was given by intravenous infusion to 20 patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and the curative result of haANP was observed. Compared with basal values, supine systolic and diastolic BP was lowered significantly (P < 0.01), which may be related to the specific receptor of hANP and inhibition of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The haANP was found to possess significant effects of antispasm, detumescence and reducing proteinuria, probably by repairing mildly injured glomerulae, strong effects of diuresis and improving heart function with no side effects. Auto-antibody of hANP was found in patients with severe PIH, which affected the function of target cells of highly concentrated endogenous hANP. This auto-antibody might be one of the causes for PIH.


Isolation and sequencing of the cDNA encoding the 75-kD human sperm protein related to infertility.

Serum was obtained from an infertile woman (IS) inducing head-to-head agglutination of human sperm and was used to screen a human testis lambda gt11 cDNA library. A plaque producing the interacting antigen was located. The recombinant lambda gt11 was isolated and cut with EcoRI releasing a 0.7-kb cDNA. Using the 0.7-kb cDNA as a probe, a larger cDNA of 2.4 kb was isolated and its nucleotide sequence determined. It was composed of 2 427 nucleotides with an open reading frame of 1584 nucleotides encoding 528 amino acid residues. The specific antisperm antibody was isolated from IS by epitope selection, using positive plaques of E. coli Y1090. The epitope-selected antibodies interacted with a 75-kD human sperm protein and with a polypeptide in the form of a beta-galactosidase fusion protein in the recombinant lysate of E. coli Y1089, determined by immunoblot. The fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography on an anti-beta-galactosidase-Sepharose column. It is proposed that production of anti-75-kD antibodies may be the underlying cause of the infertility.


[Visual function damage in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in relation to hemorheology, ocular rheograph and other factors].

Researches of glaucomatous visual damage, hemorheology, ocular rheograph and other multiplex factors, with computed multifactorial stepwise regression analysis, indicate that elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is not the only factor to induce visual impairment. POAG patients are shown to have markedly reduced diastolic perfusion pressure in the ophthalmic artery, besides prolonged filling time of the retinal artery and vein, diminished erythrocyte deformability and increased platelet adhesion rate. The characteristic ocular rheographic changes in POAG patients of controlled IOP suggest that hemorheological factors play a role in the visual function damage.


[Neuroretinal rim area (NRA) in early glaucoma].

The authors photographically measured the optic disks in 6 groups, namely, normal subjects with small cups and those with large cups, suspected glaucoma with small cups and those with large cups, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and low tension glaucoma (LTG). The effect of ocular optical magnification was corrected. The mean NRAs of POAG, LTG and suspected glaucoma with large cups were found less than those of the other 3 groups. In the normal subjects, an evident positive correlation existed between the cup area and the disk area, and the NRA was weakly correlated with the disk area. The diffuse and localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects were negatively correlated with the NRA significantly.


[Measurement of regional neuroretinal rim area in early open angle glaucoma].

The mean total and regional neuroretinal rim areas (NRA) in early primary open angle glaucoma were found significantly reduced in comparison with those of normal controls, and in 10 glaucomatous eyes whose total NRAs were within the normal range, the suprotemporal regional NRA was less than the mean normal value, indicating that the measurement of regional NRA was more sensitive for the detection of early glaucoma.


[Frequency distribution of earliest glaucomatous visual field defects].

42 eyes with established early glaucoma and normal visual field were followed-up with Goldmann perimetry for 2.5 years, during which time 24 eyes manifested reproducible glaucomatous visual field defects. The initial defects were characteristically shallow and located mostly in the superior Bjerrum region adjacent to the blind spot. This finding may be useful in designing protocols for the detection of early glaucomatous field defects.


[Comparison of optic disc damages and fluorescein filling defect of the disc between low tension and primary open angle glaucoma].

The neuroretinal rim area (NRA), the cup area and the ratio of absolute fluorescein filling defect of the disc were measured in 23 cases of low tension glaucoma (LTG) and 25 cases of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with fluorescein angiography and computerized image analysis. The results showed that the inferior and temporal quarters of NRA in eyes of LTG were significantly smaller than in eyes of POAG, while the ratio of absolute fluorescein filling defect of the disc in LTG was larger than in POAG, and the cup of LTG was larger than that of POAG, indicating that there might be different mechanisms of optic disc damages in the two types of glaucoma.


[The anterior chamber depth after trabeculectomy].

The anterior chamber depth was measured with the Haag-Streit Pachymeter in 26 cases (33 eyes) of primary angle-closure glaucoma preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 30, 45 and 60. After successful trabeculectomy, the anterior chamber depth became shallower, particularly on days 2 to 4 postoperative, and then gradually deepened after day 5. By day 14 after surgery, the anterior chamber depth was recovered up to 91% of the preoperative level, and by day 30 up to 93%, to remain essentially stable thereafter.


[Intraocular pressure and optic nerve damages in monocular early glaucoma: a comparative study of primary open angle glaucoma and low tension glaucoma].

The correlation of intraocular pressure (IOP) to optic nerve damages was studied in 17 patients of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 24 patients of low tension glaucoma (LTG) both with monocular early glaucomatous damages. In the POAG group, the mean IOP was higher in the glaucomatous eye than in the other, while in the LTG group there was no significant IOP difference between the two eyes. Comparing the optic nerve damages in both groups, patients of POAG presented a concentrically enlarged cup with even disc rim and diffuse retinal nerve fiber layer defect (RNFLD), while patients of LTG exhibited a paracentrical cup with uneven disc rim and localized RNFLD. The results suggested that there could be different mechanisms of optic nerve damages in the two groups.


[Ultrastructural observations of the anterior chamber angle tissues in congenital glaucoma].

18 trabeculectomy specimens of congenital glaucoma were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy with the finding that the primary anomalies in congenital glaucoma included the developmental defect of trabecular meshwork, excessive collagen fibrils in the trabecular matrix, shifting forward of ciliary muscle fibers, and persistent mesenchymal tissue in the chamber angle. The authors also pointed out the importance of the secondary lesions of the trabecular meshwork in the pathogenesis of congenital glaucoma.


[Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber IOL implantation in the very elderly].

A study of the operations of ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation in 30 eyes of 25 patients aged 75-86 years showed that the average postoperative corrected visual acuity was 18/20, the average corrective spherical lens power was -0.70D and those of cylindrical power 1.18D(AR) and 1.33D(WR). There was no difference in operative complications between these very old and general elderly patients. However, since the health state was often compromised in the very old, to ensure uneventful operations, the ophthalmic surgeon should solicit advice from geriatricians, in addition to his own meticulous perioperative and postoperative care.


[Correlation of diabetic retinopathy with systemic factors].

Among 468 patients of diabetes mellitus, 208 cases having complete records of biochemical and ocular examinations were studied by stepwise multivariate regression, with regard to the correlation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) to systemic factors and ocular perfusion pressure. The results showed that the onset and severity of DR were positively correlated to proteinuria, duration of the disease, fasting blood sugar, and ocular perfusion pressure, negatively correlated to blood triglycerides, but not correlated to sex, the type of diabetes, and smoking or alcoholic habits.


[Pattern visual evoked potential and pattern electroretinogram in patients with retinitis pigmentosa].

The pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) was analyzed in 22 patients (42 affected eyes) with retinitis pigmentosa, and in 9 cases the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was simultaneously examined to find that (1) PVEP could be recorded in 31 (73.8%) and was normal in 17 (40.5%) of the affected eyes; (2) PVEP was related to visual acuity, being abnormal in all the eyes with visual acuity below 0.2, but normal in most eyes with visual acuity over 0.2; (3) the changes in PERG and PVEP were mostly consistent; and (4) PVEP and PERG might well be utilized for the morbid evaluation of central retina in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.


[Keratitis associated with contact lens wear].

Keratitis associated with contact lens wear in 50 eyes (37 patients) was analyzed. The results revealed that lenses of extended-wear induced more cases of keratitis than did lenses of daily-wear. The pathogenetic mechanism was discussed.


[A clinical analysis of Graves' ophthalmopathy and ophthalmic Graves' disease].

Clinical analysis of 29 cases of Graves' ophthalmopathy and 71 cases of ophthalmic Graves' disease showed that both identities had common ocular features of lid retraction, upper lid lag and exophthalmos, while Graves' ophthalmopathy tended to occur in later life, with longer morbid course, marked systemic symptoms and binocular involvement in contrast to ophthalmic Graves' disease. The clinical and differential diagnoses and treatment of the maladies were discussed.


[Quantitative anatomical study of the fetal optic chiasmal capillaries].

The spatial distribution of capillaries in the optic chiasma was studied quantitatively in 51 fetuses, 8 newborns and 4 babies to reveal that the capillary density was lower in the chiasmal median portion, which was therefore a weak point of blood supply. This finding may be a contributing factor for bitemporal hemianopsia due to neoplasms from the sella turcica.


[An experimental study of ocular contusion and its hemodynamic changes].

The hemodynamic changes in rabbit eyes following contusion were studied with rheoophthalmography (ROG), in which the wave amplitudes were markedly reduced and then recovered in 3 weeks, while in the anisodine-I treated group they recovered in 2 weeks. Contusion of 3 joules disrupted the choroidal circulation and damaged the retina. Anisodine-I improved the vasomotor functions of the choroidal vessels and was effective in treatment of ocular contusion. ROG was a sensitive objective means of estimating the severity of ocular contusion and evaluating the therapeutic effects.


[Epidemiologic survey of senile macular degeneration].

An epidemiologic survey of senile macular degeneration (SMD) was conducted among 3351 persons in Chenzhou District, Hunan. The research showed that the overall incidence of SMD was 5.88%, and that for persons over 65 years was 16.83%. Furthermore, the incidence was 7.33% among peasants, 4.94% among factory workers, 2.78% among office cadres, and 7.98% among miners. Under ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography, 89.34% of the cases were of the atrophic type, and 10.66% the exudative type. Stepwise regression analysis was done with the computer; the conclusion was that the incidence increased with age and was related to occupation. The authors dwelt upon the relationship between light damage and the incidence of SMD.


[A variable prism].

A new compact and convenient prism consisting of a planoconvex and a planoconcave cylindrical lens varies continuously in strength between 0 and 90 prism diopters. The relationship between the angle of incidence and the prism dioptric power is discussed.


[The 1987 National Epidemiological Survey of Blindness and Low Vision in China].

According to the 1987 National Epidemiological Survey of Blindness and Low Vision, the prevalence of blindness in China was 0.43%, resulting chiefly from cataract (41.06%), corneal diseases (15.38%), trachoma (10.87%), and glaucoma (8.80%); the prevalence of low vision was 0.58%, of which the main causes were cataract (49.83%), ametropia/amblyopia (14.98%), trachoma (9.55%), corneal diseases (8.48%), chorioretinal diseases (6.27%), etc. Among children under 14 years of age, the leading cause of blindness and low vision was hereditary diseases (48.46%), and among the elderly of 60 years and over, the leading cause of blindness and low vision was cataract (73.13%).


[An epidemiological survey and treatment of blindness in Kaipin County of Guangdong Province].

An epidemiological survey of blindness was carried out in Kaipin County of Guangdong Province during October 1989 to May 1990, by stratified random cluster sampling. The sample population was 11,588, and the rate of blindness was 0.216%. The prevalence of blindness in persons aged 60 years and over was 48 times those of all other age groups combined. Since cataract accounted for 64% of the total blind cases, hence it was the key objective for surgical restoration of vision. Among 109 patients who were operated on for cataract, 83 cases were re-examined a half year later, and 78 cases (94%) had vision over 0.05.


[Analysis of 10,686 cataract operations in Guangdong Province].

Among 10,686 cataract operations performed in Guangdong province from 1988 to 1989, 80.16% of the patients were over 55 years of age, the ratio of female to male was 1.37:1, and 53.76% were peasants, mostly little educated. Blindness was unilateral in 55.46%, bilateral in 38.83%, and low vision in 5.71%. The mode of operation was intracapsular in 68.83%, extracapsular in 25.77%, and couching in 0.52%. After operation, 50.20% of the patients were restored useful vision, and 45.25% saved from disablement, the total success rate being 95.45%. 2.13% were ineffective and 2.14% had complications. The curative effects were up to the standards stipulated by the National Federation of Disabled Persons.


[Feasibility of the new WHO Trachoma Grading System in China].

The New WHO Trachoma Grading System is found feasible in China by an epidemiological survey of trachoma using the two trachoma grading systems, the new WHO system and the Chinese conventional system, especially for large scale examination and treatment and for epidemiological survey. However, the New System regards the proportion of active trachoma amongst children under 10 years as the index of the scope and severity of the disease in a community, while the authors opine that the trachoma prevalence in teenagers, especially in middle school students, better reflects the situation of trachoma infection in a Chinese community.


[Application of the new trachoma grading system of WHO].

The new trachoma grading system of WHO was followed in an epidemiologic survey of a rural sample population of 2,728 in Pingyin County, Shandong Province. The prevalence of trachoma was found to be 9.60%, and in children under 10 years of age, 3.69%. Trachoma was related with age; the rates of trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI), trachomatous scarring (TS), trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and corneal opacity (CO) all increased with aging. The epidemiologic significance of the grading system was discussed.


[The relationship between reading rehabilitation and visual functions in low vision].

Reading rehabilitation was done for 51 low vision patients who underwent tests of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and the visual field. The results showed that the recognized frequency of CSF was related to the reading capability. The CSF was useful in predicting the reading prognosis, and visual field impairment significantly affected the reading ability. The relationship between the reading rehabilitation and the visual functions was discussed.


[Changes in PVEP in primary open angle glaucoma and analysis of the waveform index].

Black-white and color checkerboard pattern reversal VEP of 31 glaucomatous, 58 glaucoma suspect and 63 normal eyes showed that in the former two groups the mean latency of PVEP was lengthened significantly, and the waveform was flattened and widened. For quantification of the waveform changes, the authors proposed the waveform index, which diminished in the glaucomatous eyes. The detection rates of abnormal PVEP in the glaucoma and glaucoma suspect groups were significantly higher than in the normals. With color checkerboard stimulation of low luminance, the reduction of waveform index was even more obvious, especially with the blue/black checkerboard.


[Modern extracapsular extraction for cataract of uveitis].

Cataract of uveitis is difficult for extracapsular extraction (ECE) because of posterior synechiae. 21 cases (24 eyes) of the cataract were performed modern ECE with satisfactory results. Postoperative visual acuity was 0.1 or better in 20 eyes, and 0.5 or better in 7 eyes. The optimal time for the operation and the procedures were discussed. The authors opined that removal of the cataract could prevent recurrences in some severe refractory cases of uveitis.


[Anterior segment fluorescein angiography and IOL implantation].

Fluorescein leakage into the anterior chamber (AC) and from the iris were found early after extracapsular cataract extraction (8 eyes) and IOL implantation (29 eyes). The leakage into AC and from the iris were apparently comparable after ECCE, whereas the former was stronger after anterior or posterior chamber IOL implantation, and no leakage was discernible where the iris and the loops of AC-IOL were in contact. Fluorescein leakage into the AC and from the iris indicated overall traumatic damage to the blood-aqueous barrier.


[Treatment of dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) with superior rectus recession and posterior fixation suture].

19 cases (32 eyes) of DVD were treated with superior rectus recession and posterior fixation suture; the effective rate was 84%. The indications and the surgical procedures are described, and the postoperative complications and criteria for evaluation of therapeutic effects are discussed.


[The hemorheological features and other related factors in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)].

The second part of the investigation revealed that POAG patients manifested abnormalities in plasma viscosity, whole blood apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity, hematocrit, and mean red cell volume, with concurrent reduction in oxygen partial pressure degree of oxygen saturation, and levels of trace elements Cr, Zn, Mg, and Fe. The hemorheological factors should be taken into account in addition to intraocular pressure in the development of visual damages.


Prediction of human pharmacokinetics of panipenem, a new carbapenem antibiotic, from animal data.

The prediction of human pharmacokinetics of Panipenem (PAPM), which is a new carbapenem antibiotic, was investigated using animal data. The plasma concentration-time curve after intravenous administration of PAPM in each animal showed biexponential elimination. There were good allometric correlations between pharmacokinetic parameters (CLtotal and Vd,ss) calculated from the plasma concentration in animal species and body weight of experimental animals. Predicted human pharmacokinetic parameters calculated by these allometric equations agreed with the values observed in humans.


Interaction of aminoglycoside antibiotics and lithium at the neuromuscular junctions.

Lithium in the form of the carbonate or citrate salts has been used by Cade in 1949 for the treatment of affective disorders. Lithium is known to reduce the supply of inositol, the key substrate for the phosphoinositide cascade, by inhibiting some of the enzymes which hydrolyse the inositol phosphates. On the other hand aminoglycoside antibiotics are used extensively in the treatment of life-threatening infections despite their three important toxicities on kidney, ear and neuromuscular junctions. It has been suggested that aminoglycoside antibiotics inhibit the signal-transduction pathway by interaction with the inositol polyphospholipids, thereby inhibiting the production of second messenger molecules. In 1977 two case reports described prolonged neuromuscular blockades, one following succinylcholine and the other after pancuronium in patients receiving lithium therapy. The following investigation was undertaken to determine whether lithium interferes with aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamycin and amikacin) at the neuromuscular junctions. The neuromuscular blocking effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics were tested in the isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation of the rat. The IC50 of gentamycin and amikacin were 1.75 and 5.27 mmol.l-1 respectively. Thereafter sodium chloride of the media was partially replaced by lithium chloride and the effect of gentamycin (1.75 mmol.l-1) and amikacin (5.27 mmol.l-1) were studied in this media. Incubation of the preparation by 0.5, 1.5 and 5.0 mmol.l-1 lithium 30 min before the use of antibiotics reduced the neuromuscular blocking effect of gentamycin and amikacin significantly. It appears that the prevention of the antibiotic-induced neuromuscular blockade by lithium observed in this study may be due to the changes of release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions.


Prevention and control of surgical infections.

Surveillance and control of hospital infections are two particularly important aspects of the surgical ward, and great activity is necessary in the identification and the elimination of the risk factors whenever possible. Today the rational use of antibiotics, in both the prevention and treatment of infections, should be used to avoid or limit nosocomial infections, and it is as important as the use of disinfectants. Cefotetan has been studied in different surgical specialties in prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative infections for its particularly broad spectrum of activity, covering both aerobic and anaerobic organisms, and for the very low incidence of side-effects. In general surgery, Cefotetan has proved able to reduce not only the occurrence of surgical wound infections, but also that of postoperative infections of the genitourinary system.


Captopril and glutathione before thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study.

This study is aimed at checking whether treatment with glutathione (GL) and captopril (CA) before thrombolysis can further improve the protective effects of ACE-inhibitors in cases with anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Ninety-eight double blind randomized patients (86 men and 12 women) showing symptoms of AMI anterior and undergoing thrombolytic treatment were admitted to our study and subdivided into 4 groups. Group A (25 pts) received thrombolytic treatment only, Group B (23 pts) received 3 g GL intravenously 15 min before thrombolysis and for 2 h thereafter, Group C (26 pts) received 6.25 mg CA orally 15 min before starting thrombolytic treatment, Group D (24 pts) received 3 g GL intravenously before thrombolysis and for 2 h thereafter, and captopril as well like group C. On the third day after AMI onset groups A and B received CA also. In all groups, the doses of CA were gradually increased according to blood pressure values. The following features were considered: a) the occurrence of early (within the first 2 h after thrombolysis) ventricular hyperkinetic arrhythmias; b) CK peak; c) the normalization time of CK peak (NT); d) the occurrence of late ventricular hyperkinetic arrhythmias (VHA) in the predischarge Holter test (Lown's class 2); e) ejection fraction (EF) being measured in 60 pts undergoing haemodynamic test. The results were an follows: Group A: VHA early 13/25, CK peak 1982 +/- 282; NT 71 +/- 2 h; Late VHA 8/25; EF 53.5 +/- 2.5% (16 pts). Group B: VHA early 11/23; CK peak 1917 +/- 242 U/l; NT 69 +/- 3 h; late VHA 7/23; EF 54.5 +/- 5.4% (14 pts). Group C: VHA early 4/26; CK peak 1671 +/- 266 U/l; NT 58 +/- 3 h; late VHA 5/26; EF 55.5 +/- 3% (16 pts). Group D: VHA early 3/24; CK peak 1463 +/- 201; NT 56 +/- 4 h; late VHA 5/24; EF 57.6 +/- 4% (14 pts).


[Research on autism. Different aspects of changes observed during the development period].

Research on infantile autism in child psychiatry refers mainly to a concept of "non-change" and not so much to a concept of "change". Very few investigations included longitudinal perspectives. Even commonly used classifications (e.g., DSM III-R) did not consider developmental aspects. However, if we want to find better treatment approaches to help autistic children, we should try to elucidate basic developmental mechanisms concerning behavioral, biological, psychological and social factors taking into account both a concept of "change" and one of "non-change". Having in mind both the relationship between brain function and developmental psychopathology as well as the possible interaction of the two developmental concepts mentioned above, the article first clarifies terms related to maturation in children like "absolute change" (e.g., intraindividual growth) and "relative change" (e.g., growth relative to the age group). In addition, the existence of a so-called after-maturation of the CNS (i.e., absolute and relative "change") in psychiatric disordered children is illustrated by the author's neurophysiological research. In contrast, an example of absolute "change" and relative "non-change" of electrical brain activity is given, i.e., power spectra of a child are like fingerprints. Furthermore, two kinds of maturational problems are discussed (developmental deviation versus developmental retardation). On the basis of these informations, the author refers to the main topic, namely, the relationship between central nervous maturation and behavior in autistic children. It is suggested, that recent imaging techniques and progress in EEG analysis should lead to new efforts in order to further investigate the question of lateralization deficits and its relation to language problems in autistic children during their development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[P 300 slow potential. Clinical interest in 3 mental diseases and neurobiology: a review].

P300 is a late component of evoked potential which meet special relevance to the study of cognitive processes. P300 indexes categorization processes and the context updating of memory. Its latency reflects the stimulus evaluation time, and P300 amplitude is related to some psychological variables such as expectancy, attention and stimulus significance. In this review, clinical correlation between P300 components and mental diseases are reported, especially dementia, schizophrenia and depression. Delayed P300 latency has been found in Alzheimer disease and in other forms of dementia. Reduced P300 amplitude as well as altered topography has been reported in schizophrenia. In depression, reduced P300 amplitude has been related with longer reaction time. Unfortunately, the diagnosis utility of P300 seems limited. The authors also propose an overview of the actual knowledge on neurobiological findings in the generation of the P300 wave. Anatomical data point out the importance of the limbic system, more specifically, of the hippocampus and the locus coeruleus, in generating and modulating P300 wave. Data from the literature on the psychopharmacological modifications induced by cholinergic, catecholaminergic and other agents, are reviewed. Although the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems are of some importance, these data emphasise the importance of the cholinergic system for the generation and modulation of P300 amplitude and latency. The value and interpretation of these neurobiological and clinical findings are discussed.


[Study of Beck's hopelessness scale. Validation and factor analysis].

The validation study and factorial analysis of the Beck's hopelessness scale is presented. Two groups were compared including patients suffering from depression (n = 100) and a control group (n = 93). Age and sex were comparable in the two groups. The hopelessness scale is valid, and differentiates depressive patients from control subjects. The scale has a good reliability (test-retest, r = .81) and a good internal consistency (alpha = .97) for depressive subjects and alpha = .79 for control subjects). It also shows a good concurrent validity with other scales assessing depressive cognitions, the automatic thoughts questionnaire, the dysfunctional attitudes scale (form A) and a scale assessing the suicidal risk (ERSD). No concurrent validity is found with scales assessing the intensity of depression, the Beck depression inventory and the Hamilton scale. The factorial analysis elicits a general factor, accounting for 38.15% of the variance, and reflecting negative feelings about the future. The study of all the factorial analysis shows the stability of the factorial structure.


[Study of P 300 in schizophrenia. Some reflexions on methodological difficulties].

We underscore the methodological difficulties in studying cognitive evoked potentials in schizophrenic patients. The main difficulties of such a study include the interruption of medication, the need of cooperation and immobility of subjects during the recordings, as well as of a correct patient-control matching for motivation, intellectual quotient, social and cultural levels. To establish correlations between clinical symptomatology and P 300 amplitude and latency we used both the DSM III-R and clinical rating scales. Clinical and electrophysiological testing must be performed the same day and have an excellent interrater agreement. Otherwise correlations are not reliable. Use of small patient samples is one major drawback which prevents to draw definitive conclusions. These difficulties usually unsaid are inherent to research in biological psychiatry and may partially explain the heterogeneity of results in the literature.


[A scale to assess psychasthenia].

"Psychasthenia exists--we meet it every day". Despite this affirmation, Pierre Janet's views remain unappreciated by international psychiatry. Psychasthenia is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III-R). This pathology, described by Janet as both benign and terrible, is presently broken into many diagnostic categories with respect to the principal symptomatology of the patient. When a mood disorder is present, these patients can have diagnostic criteria for major depression or dysthymia. Patients with prevalent anxiety, phobia or obsessive-compulsive symptoms, must also be classified in having anxiety disorders. When somatic complaints are major symptoms, the patient's disease can be, on the whole, attributed to a somatoform disorder. This scale is a global evaluation of psychasthenia. It is made up of three lists of items. The first concerns asthenia or fatigue sine materia. The items in this group allow an evaluation of the physical and mental characteristics of asthenia associated with an inability of acting. Difficulties in mental concentration are measured by items in the second list. Mental processes are associated with doubts and waverings. They are interrupted by interferences caused by obsessions with recurrent and persistent ideas, impulses or images. Physical symptoms without organic pathology or a pathophysiologic mechanism constitute the neurasthenic part of psychasthenia. In the third list, somatic complaints are spelled out in a check-list of these potential symptoms. This scale can be used as a help in the diagnosis. Items 2, 3, 5, 25, 26 and 29 have a specific reference to the history of the disorder.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[The prevention of blindness--past, present and future].

Prevention of blindness is the most important aim of ophthalmology. Prevention of blindness is related to many factors. It is related to many factors, such as science and technology, economy and social behavior. There are worldwide activities by WHO, NGOs and other functions to promote the prevention of blindness in the world. More than 90% of blind population lives in developing world. Cataract is the top causes of blindness which is curable. Onchocerciasis is an endemic disease in west Africa and central America. Onchocerca Control Project (OCP) was formed in 1974 under WHO for the control of onchocerciasis by the funds of developed countries. The control of vector (simulium) as well as new drug are giving the the project the prospect of success in eradicating the disease, thus preventing the blindness by diseases. The situation on blindness by trachoma, childhood blindness, glaucoma, diabetes will be discussed. The progress of molecular genetics of eye disease may open the gate for prevention of blindness by these disease in future.


[Withdrawal syndrome from antidepressive drugs. Report of 5 cases].

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, following abrupt or gradual discontinuation of antidepressants, include general somatic distress (flu-like syndromes, gastro-intestinal disturbances, myalgias, headache, chills, weakness and rhinorrhea), anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, movement disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, delirium and manic reactions. Two cases of delirium, an hypomanic reaction and two general distress and movement disorders are reported. Cases 1 and 2 required admission to a general hospital. The etiology of the delirium was difficult to assess as long as the clinicians did not know that patients were taking antidepressants. Case 3 corresponds to the paradoxical activation following antidepressant interruption. Cases 4 and 5 constitutes light withdrawal syndromes. Most of cases are probably unrecognized. These cases reflect the importance in daily practice of the phenomena. It can be concluded from our study that: antidepressants must not be abruptly discontinued when a somatic disease appears. When a patient treated with a psychotropic drug develops delirium, the withdrawal of antidepressant must be suspected and the prescribing physician contacted to know what kind of psychoactive medication was prescribed.


[Epidemiology of glaucoma in Asia-Pacific].

Primary open angle glaucoma is the second most important cause of permanent blindness in the Asia-Pacific region. Thus it is very important to identify epidemiological and other risk factors which are associated with open angle glaucoma. The risk for glaucoma optic nerve damage increases with the age and with the level of the intraocular pressure. In this paper, I will highlight our study of several risk factors for development of the open angle glaucoma like (1) elevated intraocular pressure, (2) myopia, (3) suspicious large optic disc cup, (4) cupping with disc haemorrhages and (5) nerve fibre defect. The general and systemic conditions which are implicated as risk factors are (1) family history of glaucoma. (2) increase in age, (3) diabetes mellitus, (4) cardiovascular conditions like central retinal vein occlusion etc. (5) the endocrine disorders with increased thyroid and increased corticosteroids responsiveness in patients with glaucoma will be discussed.


[Comparative study of the efficacy and acceptability of amineptine and fluoxetine in patients with major depression].

We compare two anti-depressant drugs, amineptine and fluoxetine, in a multicentric study. Amineptine is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and fluoxetine a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Eighteen french centers participate in the study. One hundred and sixty nine outpatients were randomly assigned to either 200 mg of amineptine or 20 mg of fluoxetine during 90 days. They fulfilled the DSM III-R criteria of major depressive disorder. They were aged from 18 to 70. Minor tranquilizers were allowed during the study. The patients were evaluated at D0, D7, D21, D42 and D90. If possible, an additional evaluation was made at D4. Clinical evaluations included Clinical Global Investigation (CGI), Montgomery and Asberg Depressive Rating Scale (MADRS), HARD scale, Widlocher Retardation rating scale and Hopkins Symptom Check-list (HSCL). Somatic concerns were recorded at each visit. Among the 169 patients included in the study, only 141 ended it at D90. The two drugs had good antidepressive efficacy which was noticed as soon as D7 up to D90. If we compare the antidepressant activity, no statistical differences could be observed between the two drugs using different scales. The percentage of patients with an improvement of at least 50% of the global score at MADRS was 8.3% at D7; 41% at D21, 69.2% at D42 and 83.2% at D90 for the amineptine group. For the fluoxetine group, these percentages were, 7.7%; 37.8%; 78.9%; 82.1%. No statistical differences could be noticed between the two groups, and at any time of the study. We have tried to look for a rapid antidepressive action by a clinical evaluation at D4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[The immunologic studies on experimental heterogeneous penetrating keratoplasty].

Using the experimental model of chicken-rabbit penetrating corneal grafting, micro-whole-blood 3H-TdR incorporation and ELISA the authors dynamically observed the functional state of cellular and humoral immunities for 10 weeks after operation. The results showed, (1) In both the homogroup and the hetero-group, the transformational degree of lymphocytes in peripheral blood increased, most obviously in the 3rd or 4th week postoperatively. (2) In the hetero-group, specific anti-corneal antibody appeared obviously in the serum during 2-8 weeks postoperatively. Combined with morphologic observation, it has proved that: (1) The immune rejection is mainly cellular mediated immunoresponse, meanwhile, the humoral immunoresponse also participates in it, and the humoral immunoresponse participates in the heterokeratoplasty more obviously. (2) Applying the micro-whole-blood 3H-TdR incorporation is capable of determining the immunologic state of the body after corneal transplantation. (3) Attention should be focused on the 3-4 week period postoperatively when immunosuppressive-agent is administered.


[Secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation].

In 16 aphakic eyes (16 patients) with intact posterior capsule posterior chamber IOL implantation were performed. The average uncorrected vision prior to the operation was 0.06. Six months after the implantation the uncorrected vision of > or = 0.5 accounted for 62.5% with an average of 0.53, the corrected vision of > or = 0.5 accounted for 93.37% and that of > or = 1.0 accounted for 81.25%. The average preoperative density of corneal endothelium in the central area was 2,646/mm2, the average of density after the secondary implantation was 1,824/mm2. All but one patient achieved binocular vision postoperatively. No persistent corneal edema and uveitis were found. The results showed that secondary P. C IOL implantation in an aphakic eye with intact posterior capsule is effective and safe if the indications and techniques are well managed.


[Studies on human gamma-crystallins. I. Quantitative changes with age and cataract formation].

Water soluble protein from human lenses at various ages are separated by Sephadex gel chromatography. The results show that there are major three gamma-crystallins (gamma 1, gamma 2, gamma 3) in human lenses. In normal lenses the total contents of the three gamma-crystallins in water soluble fraction of lens proteins keep stable as age increases. However, among the three gamma-crystallins, gamma 1 increase and gamma 2 decrease markedly, and very little change with gamma 3 are found as age increases. In nuclear cataractous lenses, all three gamma-crystallins decrease as compared with the normal lenses of the same age. The variety of synthesis of each gamma-crystallin is mainly responsible for the changes of their quantities. It is postulated that the total low molecular weight crystallin contents in water soluble proteins of the human lens is related to the transparency of lens. The structural characterization of gamma 3-crystallin is responsible for the relative constant as age increases.


[Convergence insufficiency and asthenopia].

22 cases with convergence insufficiency (CI) were presented here. It is found that there was an important relationship between CI and asthenopia. The causes clinical findings, diagnostic criteria, treatment of CI and relation with asthenopia were discussed.


[Microvitreoretinal surgery for management of giant retinal tears with posterior flat folded-over].

Twelve cases (12 eyes) of giant retinal tears with posterior flat folded-over were treated using vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and air or silicone oil tamponade. The operations were successful in 4 of the 5 cases of silicone oil tamponade group and in 2 of the 7 cases of air tamponade group. All the successfully operated eyes (6 eyes) had a visual acuity of 0.05 or better. We believe that vitrectomy makes it possible for the folded-over and fixed retina to recover mobilization and return to its normal anatomic position.


[Pathogenesis of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy].

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is the main cause of loss of vision following posterior penetrating eye injury. Clinically, it can range from macular epiretinal membrane to total retinal detachment and phthisis bulbi. To gain more knowledge of its pathogenesis, the author performed morphologic studies using a primate model and also studied the distribution of fibronectin in 13 enucleated patient eyes using immunofluorescent histochemical techniques. Results indicate this disease process represents an overstimulated response to retinal injury. Posterior vitreous detachment at the level of internal limiting membrane appears to be a predisposing factor. During the active phase of the disease process, there is selective increase of fibronectin in the choroid. This increase is not merely due to the passive leakage of plasma caused by the injury, but the choroid itself produces cellular fibronectin. Fibronectin is known to enhance wound healing and may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.


[The risk factors of proliferative vitreoretinopathy after operation of retinal detachment].

160 failure cases (160 eyes) following retinal reattachment surgery were reviewed. 62 cases with proliferative vitreoretinopathy were divided into proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) group, the other cases (98 cases) without PVR changes were divided into NO PVR group. The clinical characteristics of two groups were compared in order to determine the risk factors in the development of server PVR after surgical repair of retinal detachment. The study shows that retinal detachment with uveitis and low tension, preoperative and post-operative vitreous hemorrhage, multiple operations were the highly significant risk factors. Once these factors existed simultaneously, the incidence of PVR increased. The way how to prevent and decrease the occurrence of PVR were suggested in the series.


[Vitreous surgery for retinal detachment with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy and probe of failed cause].

Eighty-one cases (81 eyes) of retinal detachment with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy were treated using vitrectomy, scleral buckling and air or silicone oil tamponade technique. After a follow-up period of 6-28 months, 54 cases obtained anatomic retinal attachment (66.7%). For the serious cases of PVR D3, we also gained a success rate of 50%. Vision improved in 50 cases, whereas 34 cases got a vision better than 0.05. For the failed cases, cause that prevent the retina from attachment was probed. We think that vitrectomy is an essential and important procedure for retinal detachment with severe PVR, membrane peeling is the key of success and prevention of reproliferation can avoid recurrent retinal detachment and further raise the success rate of treatment. A new classification is recommended in this article.


[Micro-vitreoretinal surgery for failed common retinal detachment repair].

In this paper we analyzed 49 cases (49 eyes) of micro-vitreoretinal surgery for failed common retinal detachment repair. Reattachment was achieved in 37 cases (75.51%) and final visual acuity of 10/200 or better was attained in 32 cases (65.31%). It was suggested that common operation failure in these patients was due to PVR. Cryopexy, diathermy and repeat operation can render the formation of the PVR. Micro-vitreoretinal surgery should be performed on these patients. There was a linear relationship between the effectiveness and the degree of PVR. It is best to perform the surgery 3 months after common operation. Finally, the authors discuss the reasons for failure of vitreoretinal surgery and conclude that the anterior PVR and the invalid fixing are the main reasons for failure of vitreoretinal surgery.


A relationship between the starting secondary structure of recombinant porcine growth hormone solubilised from inclusion bodies and the yield of native (monomeric) protein after in vitro refolding.

Recombinant porcine growth hormone (rPGH) was solubilised from inclusion bodies (IB's) using either 6 M guanidinium hydrochloride (GnHCl), 7.5 M urea or by a novel method using a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). Circular dichroism (CD) analysis of the secondary (2 degrees) structure of the urea- and GnHCl-solubilised rPGH showed the absence of alpha-helical content with the majority of the molecule existing in a 'random coil' structure. In contrast, the CTAC-solubilised rPGH displayed significant starting 2 degrees structure (10-15% alpha helix; 30-40% beta structure). The three rPGH preparations were refolded in vitro against weak urea. GnHCl or aqueous buffers, resulting in an average refolding efficiency of 50% native (monomeric) rPGH for CTAC solubilised IB's and only 20% for urea or GnHCl solubilised IB's. We conclude that the method of solubilisation of IB's and the resultant difference in the starting 2 degrees structure of rPGH, particularly alpha-helical content, is a major in vitro factor that apparently predetermines the aggregation/refolding behaviour rPGH irrespective of refolding environment.


Characterisation of a near infra-red absorption band of the Escherichia coli quinol oxidase, cytochrome o, which is attributable to the high-spin ferrous haem of the binuclear site.

The bacterial quinol oxidase, cytochrome o, is an enzyme which is highly analogous to the better known cytochrome c oxidase, cytochrome aa3, but with the important difference that it lacks the near infra-red absorbing pigment CuA. In this article we report an absorption band in the near IR spectrum of cytochrome o with a maximal absorption at 758 nm, and which is attributable to the ferrous high-spin haem. The 758 nm band has an extinction coefficient of 0.2-0.3 mM-1.cm-1 at 758-800 nm. This region in cytochrome aa3 is dominated by the CuA absorption. The 758 nm absorption is lost on addition of CO or cyanide to the reduced enzyme. The carbon monoxide compound of cytochrome o also has absorbance bands in the near infra-red, and these may be attributable to a low-spin ferrous haem compound.


The envelope glycoprotein of Ebola virus contains an immunosuppressive-like domain similar to oncogenic retroviruses.

Genomic RNA of a Zaire strain of Ebola virus was cloned, and cDNA inserts specific for the glycoprotein gene were isolated and sequenced. The determined sequence has only one open reading frame encoding 318 amino acids and is part of ORF-4 on the plus RNA strand. The putative transcriptional stop site (3' AAUUCUUUUU 5') and the transcriptional start site (3' AACUACUUCUAAUU..5') were identified. Computer-assisted comparison of the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal part of protein encoded by ORF-4 of Ebola virus with sequences of the proteins present in the SWISSPROT and EMBL banks revealed significant homology with the 'immunosuppressive domain' of the p15E envelope proteins of various oncogenic retroviruses. The possible role of such a homology is discussed.


Interaction between oleic acid-containing pH-sensitive and plain liposomes. Fluorescent spectroscopy studies.

The energy transfer method has been applied to study the interaction between pH-sensitive liposomes (phosphatidyl ethanolamine/oleic acid/cholesterol, 4:2:4 molar ratio) and plain liposomes (phosphatidyl choline/phosphatidyl ethanolamine/cholesterol, 4:2:3 molar ratio). It was shown that a slow fusion process occurs between two types of liposomes. Also, the transfer of oleic acid from pH-sensitive liposomes to plain liposomes takes place. This transfer results in the increased permeability of both pH-sensitive and plain liposomes, facilitating the release of liposome-entrapped fluorescent dye. The data obtained were used for a possible explanation of the mechanism of intracytoplasmic drug delivery by pH-sensitive oleic acid-containing liposomes.


Isolation of a new ligand-carrying casein fragment from bovine mammary gland microsomes.

Whilst looking for components involved in retinol metabolism in secreting mammary gland cells, a 12 kDa protein was isolated. This protein had bound a ligand with characteristics of retinol. N-Terminal sequencing and amino acid analysis showed that this protein is highly homologous with an alpha-s1-casein fragment. No ligand was found for beta-lactoglobulin, previously thought to be involved in retinol metabolism.


Phosphorylation of vascular smooth muscle caldesmon by endogenous kinase.

Caldesmon was phosphorylated up to 1.2 molPi/mol using a partially purified endogenous kinase fraction. The phosphorylation site was within the C-terminal 99 amino acids. We were also able to phosphorylate caldesmon incorporated into native and synthetic smooth muscle thin filaments. Phosphorylation did not alter caldesmon binding to actin or inhibition of actomyosin ATPase. It also did not change Ca2+ sensitivity in native thin filaments. Phosphorylated caldesmon bound to myosin less than unphosphorylated caldesmon, especially when the myosin was also not phosphorylated. This work did not support the hypothesis that caldesmon function is modulated by phosphorylation.


Relationship between membrane lipid mobility and spectrin distribution in lymphocytes.

We have previously established that T and B lymphocytes in situ are remarkably heterogeneous with respect to the cytoskeletal protein spectrin. Since in erythrocytes spectrin is known to play an important role in the regulation of membrane fluidity, lipid organization and lateral mobility of membrane proteins, we have sought to determine if the heterogeneous patterns of spectrin distribution that we have observed are related to possible differences in membrane lipid organization in these various subsets. To this end, we have utilized a fluorescent pyrene-labelled phospholipid as a probe of the lipid lateral mobility and have examined two related T cell systems maintained in vitro, DO.11.10 cells and a spontaneously arising variant, DO.11.10V. In these (and other cloned in vitro systems) we have previously observed that the cells homogeneously express one of the kinds of spectrin distribution patterns observed in situ. Thus the uniformity of staining of these systems permits us to address whether the various patterns of spectrin distribution may be predictive of differences in membrane lipid properties. Here we show that in cells in which there is little or nor spectrin at the plasma membrane (DO.11.10) that the lipids in the plasma membrane are considerably less mobile than in its related variant in which spectrin is diffusely distributed within the cell and at the plasma membrane. From this and previous results, we conclude that differences in the distribution of the cytoskeletal protein spectrin among lymphocytes may be a useful parameter in helping to predict the status of membrane lipid organization.


Observation of the FeIV=O stretching Raman band for a thiolate-ligated heme protein. Compound I of chloroperoxidase.

The FeIV=O stretching vibration has never been identified for a cysteine-coordinated heme enzyme. In this study, resonance Raman and visible absorption spectra were observed simultaneously for transient species in the catalytic reaction of chloroperoxidase with hydrogen peroxide by using our original apparatus for mixed-flow and Raman/absorption simultaneous measurements. For the first intermediate, the FeIV=O stretching Raman band was observed at 790 cm-1, which shifted to 756 cm-1 with the 18O derivative, but the v4 band was too weak to be identified. This suggested the formation of an oxoferryl porphyrin pi cation radical. The second intermediate gave an intense v4 band at 1,372 cm-1 but no oxygen isotope-sensitive Raman band, suggesting oxygen exchange with bulk water.


Phorbol ester-induced redistribution of the ASGP receptor is independent of receptor phosphorylation.

Like virtually all endocytic receptors, the human asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor is phosphorylated by protein kinase C at serine residues within the cytoplasmic domains of its two subunits H1 and H2. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters results in hyperphosphorylation and in a concomitant net redistribution of receptors to intracellular compartments (down-regulation) in HepG2 cells. To test whether there is a causal relationship between receptor hyperphosphorylation and redistribution, we examined the effect of phorbol ester treatment on the ASGP receptor composed of either wild-type subunits or of mutant subunits lacking any cytoplasmic serine residues in transfected NIH3T3 fibroblast and COS-7 cells. Although the wild-type subunits were hyperphosphorylated in fibroblast cells, the distribution of neither the wild-type nor the mutant receptors was affected. In contrast, phorbol ester treatment of transfected COS-7 cells induced down-regulation of both wild-type and mutant receptors. These findings indicate that redistribution of the receptor is independent of its cytoplasmic serines and is not caused by receptor phosphorylation.


Identification of a membrane-associated 1-0-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine hydrolyzing phospholipase A2 in guinea pig 1 epidermis. Implications in the cutaneous biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor.

A membrane-associated 1-0-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC hydrolyzing phospholipase A2 was identified in guinea pig epidermis. It is regio-specific (associated with the particulate microsomal fraction) and specific for the hydrolysis of 1-0-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. It is sensitive to low calcium concentrations suggesting that it may be activated by increasing intracellular calcium. Since ether-linked phospholipids are known to exist in the epidermis, further understanding of the properties of this 1-0-alkyl-arachidonoyl-hydrolyzing PLA2 may allow us to control the generation of 1-0-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a key substrate for the generation of the platelet-activating factor in the tissue.


Specific binding of CAP-50 to calcyclin.

CAP-50, a calcyclin-associated protein with an apparent molecular mass of 50 kDa, was purified and proved to be a novel annexin [Tokumitsu, H. et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 8919-8924]. We examined the binding of CAP-50 to other Ca(2+)-binding proteins which have two of four EF-hand structures, by a co-precipitation assay with phospholipid (phosphatidylserine). Among nine Ca(2+)-binding proteins (calcyclin, S-100 proteins, p11, calgizzarin, calvasculin, calmodulin and troponin C) examined, only calcyclin interacted with CAP-50. These results clearly show that the interaction of CAP-50 to calcyclin is specific, i.e. other Ca(2+)-binding proteins with the EF-hand structure could not substitute for calcyclin, thereby suggesting the possible role in specific regulation of the function of CAP-50 by Ca2+/calcyclin.


De-novo biosynthesis of chlorinated aromatics by the white-rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. BOS55. Formation of 3-chloro-anisaldehyde from glucose.

The white-rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. BOS55 produced de-novo several aromatic metabolites. Besides veratryl alcohol and veratraldehyde, compounds which are known to be involved in the ligninolytic system of several other white-rot fungi, other metabolites were formed. These included anisaldehyde, 3-chloro-anisaldehyde and a yet unknown compound containing two chlorine atoms. Additionally GC/MS analysis revealed the production of small amounts of anisyl alcohol and 3-chloro-anisyl alcohol. After 14 days, the extracellular fluid of Bjerkandera BOS55 contained 100 microM veratraldehyde and 50 microM 3-chloro-anisaldehyde. This is the first report of de-novo biosynthesis of simple chlorinated aromatic compounds by a white-rot fungus. Anisaldehyde and 3-chloro-anisaldehyde were also produced by Bjerkandera adusta but not by Phanerochaete chrysosporium.


Evidence of a tertiary interaction functional in group I 3'-splicing.

It has been recently shown that the schedule of 3'-splicing events for yeast mitochondrial group I introns requires that conserved helix P10 materializes only after 5'-cleavage has taken place. A scenario compatible with experimental findings has been proposed [(1992) FEBS Lett. 297, 201-204; (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 8192-8196] where the formation of P10 is postponed by competition for standard base-pairing with an extended P1 interaction engaging the same portion of the internal guide sequence (IGS) which is subsequently involved in P10. Although the formation of P10 in the fifth intron of yeast apocytochrome b gene (YCOB5) has been confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis, we cannot be confident that this interaction is merely stabilized by Watson-Crick base-pairing, involving the 3'-exon and the IGS, especially given that its formation requires closure of an intron loop of 159 unpaired bases. Thus, our aim is to establish the participation of the 5'-extremity of the intron in the formation of P10. By deoxyribose substitution at positions 1 and 2 of the 5'-extremity of the intron, we are able to confirm the existence of tertiary interactions stabilizing the 3'-splicing site. We show that selective deoxyribose substitution renders the intron inefficient for 3'-splicing when compared with wild type levels.


Parathyroid hormone-related peptide can regulate the growth of human lung cancer cells, and may form part of an autocrine TGF-alpha loop.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) were found to stimulate proliferation of human lung cancer cells (BEN-57). TGF-alpha stimulated PTHrP secretion from these cells. The polyclonal antisera raised against PTHrP significantly inhibited the growth of BEN-57 cells, and also the proliferation induced by TGF-alpha. Treatment of cells for up to 10 days with either a PTHrP receptor antagonist (PTHrP(7-34)) or PTHrP antiserum significantly inhibited the subsequent growth of these cells. We suggest that PTHrP may be a component of a complex autocrine loop involving TGF-alpha.


Interleukin-8 receptor-mediated chemotaxis of normal human epidermal cells.

Normal human keratinocytes show chemotactic behavior towards interleukin-8 (IL-8). Under physiological conditions this cytokine seems to be present in an equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric forms, as indicated by Western blotting data. Radioligand binding studies suggest that keratinocyte chemotaxis is mediated by receptors specific for IL-8 dimers. IL-8 receptor-specific mRNA can be detected in a keratinocyte cell line by polymerase chain reaction.


Upstream activation element of the PH03 gene encoding for thiamine-repressible acid phosphatase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The PH03 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes thiamine-repressible acid phosphatase and requires the positively acting regulatory protein THI2 for its expression. Deletion analysis of the 5'-flanking region of PH03 gene revealed that an activating region located at nucleotide position -234 to -215 relative to the translation initiation codon is required for the expression and sensitivity to thiamine. A chemically synthesized DNA fragment covering -234 to -215 showed a significant level of expression when inserted in front of the PH03 promoter lacking the activating region. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated the presence of proteins that bound to the above DNA fragment in the nuclear extract from cells grown in thiamine-free medium. These findings suggested that this region between -234 and -215 acts as an upstream activation element of the PH03 gene that can interact with regulatory proteins.


Solubilization steps of dark-adapted purple membrane by Triton X-100. A spectroscopic study.

Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy has been used to follow the solubilization of the dark-adapted purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium by Triton X-100. Turbidity of purple membrane fragments and absorbance of bacteriorhodopsin variations during continuous addition of detergent give solubilization profiles exhibiting several break points corresponding to different equilibrium stages of the solubilization process. The present method allows the determination of the detergent to protein+lipid ratio in mixed aggregates at the corresponding break points. It was concluded that, when performed systematically, this technique is a very convenient and powerful tool for the quantitative study of biomembrane-to-micelle transition.


Effects of apocynin, a drug isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, on arachidonic acid metabolism.

Apocynin is a constituent of root extracts of the medicinal herb Picrorhiza kurroa and has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of apocynin on the production of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory mediators by guinea pig pulmonary macrophages. Apocynin concentration-dependently inhibited the formation of thromboxane A2, whereas the release of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha was stimulated. Apocynin potently inhibited arachidonic acid-induced aggregation of bovine platelets, possibly through inhibition of thromboxane formation. The present results suggest that apocynin might, beside its therapeutic effects in inflammatory conditions when given in a root extract of P. kurroa, also be a valuable tool in the development of new anti-inflammatory or anti-thrombic drugs.


Is thioredoxin the physiological vitamin K epoxide reducing agent?

E. coli thioredoxin plus thioredoxin reductase have previously been shown to replace dithiothreitol as the electron donor for mammalian liver microsomal vitamin K epoxide reduction in vitro. Such activity is dependent on detergent disruption of the microsomal membrane integrity. A previously characterized salicylate-inhibitable pathway for electron transfer from endogenous cytosolic reducing agents to the microsomal epoxide reducing warfarin-inhibitable enzyme is not inhibited by known alternate substrates and inhibitors of the thioredoxin system nor by antibodies against thioredoxin.


Chlorpheniramine inhibits the ornithine decarboxylase induction of Ehrlich carcinoma growing in vivo.

The antihistaminic (+/-)-chlorpheniramine significantly reduced the progression of Ehrlich carcinoma when it was administered at 0.5 mg/mouse/day from the third day on, after tumour inoculation. The ODC activity of tumour cells was diminished by 70% on day 7 after tumour transplantation, when maximum ODC activity is detected in non-treated tumour growing 'in vivo'. Northern blot analyses indicated that the inhibitory effect of this 1,4-diamine takes place at a post-transcriptional level. Results obtained from serum-free cultured cells indicated that chlorpheniramine inhibits the ODC synthesis rate.


A 17.6 kbp region located upstream of the rabbit WAP gene directs high level expression of a functional human protein variant in transgenic mouse milk.

We have investigated whether DNA regions present in the rabbit whey acidic protein (WAP) promoter/5' flanking sequence could potentially confer, in vivo, high level expression of reporter genes. Transgenic mice were generated expressing a variant of human alpha 1-antitrypsin, which has inhibitory activity against plasma kallikrein under the control of a 17.6 kbp DNA fragment located upstream of the rabbit WAP gene. Up to 10 mg/ml of active and correctly processed recombinant protein were detected in mouse milk, thus suggesting that the far upstream DNA sequences from the rabbit WAP gene might be useful for engineering efficient protein production in the mammary glands of transgenic animals.


Inference systems for automated image analysis.

The radiodiagnostic process is a complicated activity involving the integration of knowledge from low-level image features into more abstract, higher-order entities. This involves spatial and density information at a lower level and area and features at a higher level. The spatial density distribution in a radiographic image is not uniquely related to the three-dimensional structure of the object. Therefore, more information other than just first-order density characteristics of radiographs must be utilized to improve automated interpretation of the image. Prior knowledge of the size, shape and location of anatomical structures and pathognomic features is very useful for improving the process of computer-aided image analysis. Inference systems as used in expert systems can be applied to facilitate the integration of information obtained from the patient and the radiograph in the diagnostic process.


An introduction to model-based imaging.

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the distinction between the recognition of form, i.e. pattern recognition, and the interpretation of visual scenes, i.e. image understanding. Pattern recognition is part of image understanding, but the latter also includes cognitive tasks such as learning and inference. The key to developing image-understanding systems is to concentrate on the representation and use of models. This paper is a brief outline of the components of a model-based image-understanding system. First, the notions of iconic, categorical and symbolic knowledge are described. Although they appear to be disparate, the common notion is that the image understanding is based on recognizing concepts and not recognizing form. Next, the notion of a concept is defined, followed by representation techniques and control strategies for using concepts. Last, an example is given of an image-understanding system that learns to recognize concepts such as radiographic projections of teeth in panoramic radiographs.


Application of computer-aided image interpretation to the diagnosis of periapical bone lesions.

An image analysis system was developed for the computer-aided diagnosis of periapical bone lesions in dental radiographs. The system was designed to (1) identify the periapical region, (2) determine the presence of a periapical lesion and (3) estimate the size of the lesion in cases when a lesion had been found. To initiate the procedure, an observer indicates an arbitrary point on the root in a digitized radiograph. From this initial point, the location of the radiographic projection of the apex of the root is automatically computed. Next, the trabecular bone pattern is detected through texture analysis. A local absence of the trabecular bone pattern in the periapical region is marked as a periapical bone lesion. When a lesion has been identified, its size is estimated based on local edge properties. Observer interaction is only allowed to adjust the result of the apex localization procedure if the apex has not correctly been localized. In an experiment with randomly selected radiographs of 111 mandibular roots, the performance of the system was tested against the consensual diagnosis of four expert observers. The sensitivity of the system to identify a lesion was 83.3%, the specificity 75.6% and the diagnostic accuracy 80.2%. The correlation between the size of the lesions as estimated by the system and by the observers was 0.67 (P < 0.01). When the procedure was repeated, the percentage of correctly reproduced lesion sizes by the system was 92.8%. The determination of the presence of a lesion was reproducible in 98.2% of all the cases.


Computer-aided quality assurance in oral health care: the image of electronic radiographs.

The concept of a decision-support oriented, interactive, multimedia technique-based dental workstation is presented from the viewpoint of improved quality assurance. Special emphasis is given to the modules for handling and interpretation of radiographs.


Digital radiology for implant treatment planning and evaluation.

Digital radiology has provided the clinician with the ability to store and manipulate radiographic information. The purpose of this paper is to present two applications of digital imaging to implantology. The first application is a personal computer-based imaging technique which can be used to plan the placement of endosseous dental implants using three-dimensional computed tomography images obtained with commercial software. The second application uses digital subtraction radiography to assess longitudinal bony change around dental implants.


Communication in digital radiology.

The long-distance transfer of dental radiographs was explored as early as the 1920s. The practicality of such image transfer has improved through advances in telecommunications and computer networks (both hardware and software) and the emerging trends towards direct and indirect digital imaging techniques for recording oral and maxillofacial radiographs. This paper reviews the current status of communication in digital dental radiology. It is illustrated by personal observations from a variety of demonstration projects.


Design and implementation of an image management and communications system (IMACS) for dentomaxillofacial radiology.

An Image Management and Communications System for digital dentomaxillofacial radiology is under development at the Department of Dental Diagnostic Science at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA. In its final stage, the system will provide a method of integrating different direct digital image acquisition modalities such as intraoral, panoramic and extraoral radiography. A review of the design criteria necessary for establishing such a system for clinical dentistry is discussed and the first phase of its implementation described.