Effect of 17 beta-estradiol on the DNA, RNA, protein contents and on the DNA, RNA polymerases in the Mullerian duct of the immature female newt (Pleurodeles waltlii Michah)

DNA, RNA, and protein contents, RNA polymerases (I and II), and DNA polymerase activities have been measured in Mullerian ducts from female, immature newts treated with 17β-estradiol. The hormone largely enhances RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis: maximal RNA polymerase activity (both I and II) occurs at the 4th day of treatment with a concomitant RNA content enhancement (maximal at Day 10); DNA polymerase activity is maximal at the 10th day of treatment, just preceding maximal DNA content (12th day); the β-estradiol effect upon protein synthesis occurs much later (protein content still enhances at the 20th day of treatment).     

高脂血症对大鼠主动脉壁连接蛋白mRNA表达的影响

目的通过观察高脂血症对大鼠血管壁连接蛋白(connexin,Cx)37、40、43及45 mRNA表达的影响,探讨AS的发病机制.方法雄性Wistar大鼠72只,按体重随机分为3组.分别给予基础饲料(C组)、嘧啶胆酸钠饲料(P组)及高脂饲料(HF组)喂养.于实验开始前1 d给予P组及HF组大鼠Vit D360万U/kg 1次性腹腔内注射,此后每30 d追加Vit D330万U/kg.C组大鼠给予等体积生理盐水腹腔内注射.各组大鼠于实验8周及22周分两批处死.心脏穿刺取血测定血清胆固醇(CH)及甘油三酯(TG).然后取胸主动脉行病理检查;取腹主动脉匀浆后提取总RNA,利用RT-PCR分析腹主动脉Cx mRNA的表达水平.结果在实验8周及22周时HF组大鼠血清CH[(10.50±5.21)mmol/L及(10.98±1.87)mmol/L]和TG[(7.25±1.98)mmol/L及(7.52±1.69)mmol/L]水平明显高于其余两组.HF组大鼠在实验8周时主动脉内膜面可见较多散在斑点状红色脂质浸润区,内皮细胞及平滑肌细胞增生.实验22周时可见粥样斑块形成及管壁钙化.实验8周时半定量Cx 43 mRNA水平(0.91±0.30)明显高于其余两组,实验22周时各组间Cx 43 mRNA水平无统计学差异.其余三种连接蛋白(Cx 37、Cx 40、Cx 45)mRNA水平在实验8周和22周时各组间均未见统计学差异.结论血管壁表达的四种主要Cx中,Cx 43受高脂血症影响表达量增加;Cx 37、Cx 40及Cx 45 mRNA表达量则不受上述因素的影响.     

Clinical trials update from the American Heart Association meeting: PROSPER,DIAL, home care monitoring trials,immune modulation therapy,COMPANION and anaemia in heart failure

This article continues a series of reports on research developments of particular interest to those involved in the management of patients with heart failure. Summaries of the following trials, reported at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association held in Chicago, Illinois between 17th and 20th November 2002 are included: PROSPER; DIAL; home care monitoring trials; immune modulation therapy; COMPANION; and anaemia in heart failure.     

Clinical, biochemical and histopathological development of post-transfusional non-A, non-B hepatitis from the acute picture to chronicity during 13.3 years

This case was of a 45 year old female patient with a post-transfusion non-A non-B hepatitis which was accompanied since an acute phase to hepatic cirrhosis during a period of 159.7 months or 13.3 years. Four hepatic biopsies were carried out and they divided the follow-up into 5 evolutive periods. The biopsies revealed a progressive histologic from chronic persistent hepatitis to an active chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The aminotransferases followed a floating course in the whole period, with ALT greater than AST starting from the 3rd period. The 3rd period (from 5th to 8th year) was of least activity of the aminotransferases, and the 4th and 5th periods (from 8th to 13th year) showed the highest activity of ALT. The 2nd period (from 3rd to 5th year) showed the least portion of gamma globulin and the highest of albumin in comparison with the others. There was no connection between the levels of aminotransferases and the values of gamma globulin and albumin in the follow up process. The treatment employed in the 5th evolutive period (prednisone and colchicine) did not present any biochemical improvement.     

Paleoenvironmental history of the West Baray, Angkor (Cambodia)

Angkor (Cambodia) was the seat of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th century AD. The site is noted for its monumental architecture and complex hydro-engineering systems, comprised of canals, moats, embankments, and large reservoirs, known as barays. We infer a 1,000-y, (14)C-dated paleoenvironmental record from study of an approximately 2-m sediment core taken in the largest Khmer reservoir, the West Baray. The baray was utilized and managed from the time of construction in the early 11th century, through the 13th century. During that time, the West Baray received relatively high rates of detrital input. In the 14th century, linear sedimentation rates diminished by an order of magnitude, yielding a condensed section that correlates temporally with episodes of regional monsoon failure during the late 14th and early 15th century, recorded in tree ring records from Vietnam. Our results demonstrate that changes in the water management system were associated with the decline of the Angkorian kingdom during that period. By the 17th century, the West Baray again functioned as a limnetic system. Ecologic and sedimentologic changes over the last millennium, detected in the baray deposits, are attributed to shifts in regional-scale Khmer water management, evolving land use practices in the catchment, and regional climate change.     

Changes in the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, gamma- glutamyltransferase, glucose and alpha amino nitrogen in guinea pigs with experimental ascariasis

The studies were carried out on 90 male guinea pigs of which 75 were infected per os with a dose of ca. 5000 invasive eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides suis. At the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th and 20th day of infection blood was taken from experimental and control animals. The activity of LDH and its liver fraction (spectrophotometric method), GGTP (circle test method) was determined. The level of glucose (orthotoluidin method) and alpha amino nitrogen (ninhydrin method was determined. In the course of larval ascariasis an increase in the values of the studied parameters was noted, especially at the 4th and 7th day of infection. The changes in the activity of the studied enzymes evidence disturbances of the structure and function of the liver of infected animals. The increased level of glucose and alpha amino nitrogen is probably associated with a disturbance of basic energy metabolism of the host organism.     

Health literacy, antiretroviral adherence, and HIV-RNA suppression

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy has been associated with worse adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and higher HIV-RNA levels, but these relationships have not been evaluated in longitudinal analyses. METHODS: We evaluated literacy using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) (< or = 6th grade, 7th to 8th grade, > or = 9th grade) in the HIV-Alcohol Longitudinal Cohort study of HIV-infected persons with a history of alcohol problems, conducted from 1997 to 2001. We tested HIV-RNA levels and administered a standardized questionnaire regarding demographics, substance use, receipt of ART, and adherence with ART, every 6 months for up to 7 occasions. Among the 235 subjects on ART, we investigated the relationship between literacy and 2 outcomes: 100% 3-day self-reported adherence and HIV-RNA suppression (<500 copies). RESULTS: Subjects' literacy levels were the following: 14% < or = 6th grade, 29% 7th to 8th grade, and 57% > or = 9th grade. In 66% of the observations (478/725), subjects reported 100% 3-day adherence with ART. Of the 685 HIV-RNA assays from these subjects, 62% had <500 copies. In unadjusted analyses, subjects with the lowest literacy level (< or = 6th grade) had a higher odds of adherence (odds ratio [OR] 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 4.30) and HIV-RNA suppression (OR 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.90) compared with those with > or = 9th grade literacy. This trend persisted but was no longer statistically significant in adjusted models of adherence (AOR 1.93, 95% confidence interval 0.86 to 4.31) and HIV-RNA suppression (AOR 1.70, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 3.65). CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, low literacy was not associated with a lower odds of adherence or virologic suppression in this longitudinal analysis of HIV-infected patients with a history of alcohol problems. Indeed, trends in these data suggest the possibility that low literacy may be associated with a higher odds of adherence and virologic suppression. These counterintuitive findings underscore the need to pursue a fuller understanding of the mechanisms by which literacy affects health outcomes.     

Gender and ethnic differences in smoking,drinking and illicit drug use among American 8th, 10th and 12th grade students, 1976-2000

Aims This paper examines ethnic differences in licit and illicit drug use among American 8th, 10th and 12th grade students, with a particular focus on girls. Design The study uses cross‐sectional data from large, ethnically diverse, nationally representative samples of 8th, 10th and 12th grade girls. Setting Data were collected through questionnaires administered in schools. Participants A total of 40 416 8th grade girls and 37 977 8th grade boys, 35 451 10th grade girls and 33 188 10th grade boys, and 33 588 12th grade girls and 31 014 12th grade boys took part in the study. Findings Across ethnic groups, drug use is highest among Native American girls and lowest among black and Asian American girls. Trend data suggest that there have been important changes in girls’ drug use over time and that girls’ and boys’ drug use patterns are converging. Conclusions Drug use is widespread among American adolescent girls. Future research should examine further girls’ drug use and seek to identify whether risk and protective factors identified in past research, based on predominantly white samples, are also important predictors for drug use among non‐white girls.     

Effects of ovariectomy and 17beta-estradiol treatment on the renin-angiotensin system, blood pressure, and endothelial ultrastructure

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), nitric oxide (NO), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), blood pressure (BP), ultrastructural characteristics, and endothelium-dependent relaxation of thoracic aorta were modulated by the estrogen level. Rats were divided into 3 groups: ovariectomized (OVX); not ovariectomized (sham); and ovariectomized and treated with subcutaneous 17beta-estradiol (15 microg/kg/day, OVX+E(2)) (n=15-17 per group). For 13 weeks after surgery, blood pressure, serum estrogen, NO, plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), ANP, and renin activity levels were monitored. Thirteen weeks after surgery, the vasodilator responses of the aortic rings to acetylcholine and the ultrastructural characteristics of the thoracic aorta were determined. In the 9th and 13th week, OVX rats had a significantly higher blood pressure than the other two groups (p<0.05). Ovariectomy led to a significant decrease in plasma Ang II level and a significant increase in renin activity in OVX rats compared to sham rats; this effect could be reversed by estrogen treatment. In the 5th, 9th, and 13th weeks, the serum NO level was significantly lower in the OVX group than in the sham group (p<0.05); this effect could be reversed by estrogen treatment. Plasma ANP levels in the 9th and 13th weeks were significantly lower in the OVX group (p<0.05), and plasma ANP levels could be completely restored by estrogen treatment. Ovariectomy markedly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in isolated rat thoracic aortic rings; chronic estrogen treatment significantly restored endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine. Under electron microscopy, the endothelial cells in OVX rats were swollen, even necrosed; estrogen treatment inhibited these changes. These results strongly suggest that estradiol protects rats from the development of hypertension and has a protective effect on the endothelium by increasing NO and ANP levels while decreasing renin activity. However, there was a discordance between the effects that estradiol had on angiotensin II and on blood pressure. This might be the result of negative feedback that ultimately results in the overall suppression of the RAS.     

The DuraHeart VAD, a magnetically levitated centrifugal pump: the University of Vienna bridge-to-transplant experience.

BACKGROUND: The clinical application of the DuraHeart (Terumo Heart Inc, USA) has begun in Europe as a clinical trial of a third-generation implantable centrifugal blood pump. Four successful clinical implants are presented. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four male patients had end-stage left heart failure and received a DuraHeart VAD as a left ventricular assist device for bridge-to-transplantation. The pump showed good performance with flow rates of 4.9+/-0.5 L/min after gradual weaning of extracorporeal circulation. The pump flow was then maintained at 6.1+/-0.5, 5.5+/-0.3, 5.5+/-0.1, 5.7+/-0.1, 5.5, 6.4 and 6.5 L/min at the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th and 24th postoperative week, respectively. No significant elevation of mean plasma-free hemoglobin was detected. The patients were discharged on the 18th, 42nd, 41st and 31st postoperative day, respectively, and all were successfully transplanted on the 202nd, 84th, 128th and 96th postoperative day, respectively. At the time of transplant surfaces of the removed pumps were free from thrombus formation, although intraventricular pannus growth was observed around the inflow cannulae in all patients. CONCLUSION: The DuraHeart VAD showed stable and sufficient circulatory support for the bridge-to-transplant procedure in this cohort of 4 patients.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Human infection by Phagicola sp. (Trematoda, Heterophyidae) in the municipality of Registro, S?o Paulo State, Brazil.

In 1988, nine cases of human parasitism by Phagicola sp. were diagnosed in the municipality of Registro (S?o Paulo State, Brazil) by stool examinations, in patients who ate raw mullet (Mugil sp.). Six (66%) of the nine patients suffered from flatulence and four (44%) had diarrhoeal episodes; six (66%) showed slight eosinophilia. On the same occasion, 61 dogs and 11 cats from Registro were also submitted to stool examination. Only one dog (1.6%) showed Phagicola eggs in the stool. All patients were treated with a single dose of praziquantel (50 mg kg-1 body weight) and control stool tests performed on the 15th, 30th and 60th days post-treatment showed no trematode eggs.     

Experimental aortic stenosis, its subsequent correction and the activity of oxidative enzymes in the myocardium]

The activity of the respiratory enzymes of myocardial mitochondria--succinatedehydrogenase and cytochromixidase--was studied in experimentally induced aortic stenosis and after its elimination in 98 mongrel dogs. The observation period of stenosis was 1, 15, 30 and 60 days, and after its elimination--1, 7, 15 and 30 days. The activity of the enzymes in question was found to grow after the production of aortic stenosis. The highest level of their enzymatic activity was observed on the 15th day after the induction of stenosis. By the 30th and 60th day the enzymatic activity underwent some decrease, although it persisted on a level above the initial. The activity of succinatedehydrogenase fell sharper. After the elimination of the stenosis the activity of both enzymes decreased, and by the 7th day it was below the initial level. By the 15th day after the removal of the ligature from the aorta the activity of both enzymes corresponded to the initial values and did not change further till the end of the 1st month. The dynamics of the activity of succinatedehydrogenase and cytochromixidase after an experimentally induced aortic stenosis and its subsequent elimination seems to depend on the nature of the changes in the function of the heart muscle performed under such experimental pathology, and on the degree of coronary flow enhancement.     

Comparison of the nature of insulin secretion, determined by radioimmune and biological methods, normally and in diabetes mellitus]

The character of insulin secretion curves was studied under normal conditions and in diabetic patients during glucose tolerance test. Patients with diabetes mellitus were divided into the following groups: donors, patients with reduced glucose tolerance and with manifest diabetes. Insulin was determined in paralleled by 3 methods (biological ones and radioimmune one). An increase in immunoreactive insulin was seen in the group of patients with reduced glucose tolerance during the whole course of the test with a peak at the 30th minute and a simultaneous reduction and a sharp fall at the 60th minute of free insulin level. Apparently biologically less active forms of insulin and proinsulin are secreted which possess immunological properties and react well with antibodies to insulin.     

Differentiation of the aging intestinal epithelium by morphology, histochemistry and discelectrophoresis (author's transl)]

The intestinal epithelium of the small and large intestine of fetal rats (19th, 20th and 21st day of pregnancy) newborn and juvenile rats (1st to 50th day of life) adult rats (3rd to 4th month) and senile rats (18th to 30th month) was investigated by means of morphology, enzyme histochemistry and discelectrophoresis. The results obtained permit division of the development and aging of the rat intestinal epithelium into five periods: 1. The period of prenatal development. 2. The period of postnatal development. 3. The period of adaptation. 4. The stage of adult maturity. 5. The senile atrophy of the intestinal mucosa.     

Agenda for the 26th General Assembly of the European Association for the study of diabetes to be held in Copenhagen,Bella Center 12th September, 1990 from 16.30–17.00 hours

Agenda for the 26th General Assembly of the European Association for the study of diabetes to be held in Copenhagen, Bella Center 12th September, 1990 from 16.30–17.00 hours     

Indices of lipid metabolism, thyroid gland and adrenal cortical function in prolonged stress of the central nervous system in chronic stimulation of the adrenals]

The experiments were conducted in 14 male rabbits dynamically on the 5th, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 60th and 80th day of the central nervous system tension or at rest, including the studies of lipid metabolism (total cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins content), the function of the thyroid gland (protein bound iodine content) and the function of the adrenal cortex (11-OCS content). Such lasting stimulation of the adrenal cortex was found to be accompanied by hypercholesterolemia, hyper-beta-lipoproteinemia, elevated 11-OCS level and lack of thyroid function changes. A lasting tension of the central nervous system against the background of chronic stimulation of the adrenals delays the development of hypercholesterolemia and hyper-beta-lipoproteinemia, reduces the function of the thyroid gland, and increases the function of the adrenal cortex. The observed shifts in the lipid metabolism may be of atherogenic importance. The obtained data may be useful for the study of the pathogenesis of hormonal shifts in atherosclerosis.     

Congenital rubella syndrome and physical growth: a 17-year, prospective, longitudinal follow-up in the Ryukyu Islands

The growth of 363 children who were born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) after the 1965 rubella epidemic in the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan was followed prospectively from two through 17 years of age. The growth of children with cataract was obviously retarded (in terms of both height and body weight) when compared with that of other CRS children; the growth of the latter group (height and weight) was almost the same as that of the general healthy population by school age, although all CRS children were small in the preschool years. All children with CRS had smaller head circumferences than control children, with the smallest for the cataract group. The data indicate that children supposedly exposed to maternal clinical rubella before the 60th day of gestation grew poorly at least until the age of 17 years, whereas those supposedly infected after the 60th day began to return to a normal growth pattern from early school age.     

Ancient DNA, pig domestication, and the spread of the Neolithic into Europe

The Neolithic Revolution began 11,000 years ago in the Near East and preceded a westward migration into Europe of distinctive cultural groups and their agricultural economies, including domesticated animals and plants. Despite decades of research, no consensus has emerged about the extent of admixture between the indigenous and exotic populations or the degree to which the appearance of specific components of the "Neolithic cultural package" in Europe reflects truly independent development. Here, through the use of mitochondrial DNA from 323 modern and 221 ancient pig specimens sampled across western Eurasia, we demonstrate that domestic pigs of Near Eastern ancestry were definitely introduced into Europe during the Neolithic (potentially along two separate routes), reaching the Paris Basin by at least the early 4th millennium B.C. Local European wild boar were also domesticated by this time, possibly as a direct consequence of the introduction of Near Eastern domestic pigs. Once domesticated, European pigs rapidly replaced the introduced domestic pigs of Near Eastern origin throughout Europe. Domestic pigs formed a key component of the Neolithic Revolution, and this detailed genetic record of their origins reveals a complex set of interactions and processes during the spread of early farmers into Europe.     

Unusual resistance to ionizing radiation of the viruses of kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and scrapie.

The titers of several preparations of kuru. Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, and scrapie viruses were reduced by only 1/10th or less by high doses of gamma radiation of 50 kGy and by only 1/10th-1/1000th or less for 200 kGy. This unusual radiation resistance of the two human viruses further links them with the scrapie virus and suggests that the genetic information of all three viruses is considerably smaller than that of any other known viruses of mammals.