Possible role of IL-2 deficiency for hypogammaglobulinaemia in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients are unable to produce specific immunoglobulins after antigen contact in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate whether in some cases of CVID a decreased de novo synthesis of IL-2 might be the cause of immunodeficiency and whether this deficiency can be corrected by IL-2 supplementation in vitro. Mononuclear cells from 17 CVID patients and from 10 healthy controls were cultured with monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody OKT3, pokeweed mitogen (PWM) or tetanus toxoid (TT) to stimulate IL-2 synthesis. In parallel, in vitro IgG and IgM synthesis was stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC), PWM or TT in the presence or absence of IL-2. While lymphocytes of 11 out of 17 patients produced low to normal amounts of IL-2 upon stimulation with anti-CD3, only three patients showed low IL-2 production in response to PWM and five in response to TT. Regarding immunoglobulin synthesis in vitro, five patients completely failed to produce IgM or IgG upon stimulation with PWM, SAC or TT irrespective of the addition of IL-2. By contrast, four patients did not show any defect in vitro and synthesized normal amounts of IgM and IgG with any of the three stimuli. Finally, eight patients could be reconstituted for PWM-, SAC- and TT-induced IgM and/or IgG synthesis in vitro, by adding IL-2 to the culture system. This enhancing effect of IL-2 could be blocked by adding anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies to the cultures. Our findings indicate that a defective IL-2 synthesis after antigen stimulation may be one reason for the impaired immunoglobulin production in some cases of CVID.     

The epidemiology and surveillance of blood lead in Taiwan (R.O.C.): A report on the PRESS-BLL project

 To monitor the lead hazards in industries and to investigate the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in lead-exposed workers, a lead surveillance system (PRESS-BLLs) has been established and operated in Taiwan, Republic of China, since July 1993. A cohort of lead-exposed workers who received a periodic annual health examination at 55 accredited hospital laboratories was constructed. A total of 9807 separate BLL measurements were reported to the system in 1994. The mean BLL was 15.8 μg/dl in male workers and 11.6 μg/dl in female workers. The mean BLL of lead-exposed workers was significantly (P<0.05, z-test) higher than that of the general Taiwanese population (8.6 μg/dl for males and 6.7 μg/dl for females). In addition, the BLLs of 983 (10.0%) workers exceeded the regulatory action level (40 μg/dl for males; 30 μg/dl for females). The workplaces and homes of 57% of the workers with elevated BLLs were thoroughly investigated to determine the sources of lead contamination. These actions identified the causes of elevated BLLs and set up strategies to reduce workers’ lead exposure. The establishment of this occupational lead surveillance system represents a method for monitoring of lead hazards from occupational and environmental settings to prevent lead poisoning. The information acquired from the system can help in the setting up of a priority of prevention and the development of control measures. It is also useful for further monitoring of changes in the BLLs of the lead-exposed-worker cohort. The Health Department of Taiwan can use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of current industrial hygiene practice. Subjects with elevated BLLs have been medically treated and placed on long-term follow-up for sequelae. Received: 2 September 1996/Accepted: 29 November 1996     

Distinct Expression of Cytokines and Mitogenic Inhibitory Factors in Semen of Fertile and Infertile Men

PROBLEM: To assess the effect of seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men on leukocyte mitogenic response, and the capability of sperm cells to produce IL-1. METHODS: This study included four groups: fertile men (donors, normal), infertile men with azoospermia (azoo), oligo-terato-asthenozoospermia (OTA), and OTA with genital infection (OTA-inf). Mouse spleen cell proliferation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Concanavalin-A (Con-A) was examined in the presence of SP from the above four groups. Supernatants (sup) and lysates (lys) of sperm cells from fertile and oligoteratoasthenospermic (OTA) men were evaluated for IL-1 bioactivity by specific bioassay. RESULTS: Seminal plasma (SP) of the four groups were shown to inhibit the mitogenic response of mouse spleen cells to LPS and Con-A. SP of fertile men was significantly more inhibitory than SP from infertile men. Sperm cells from fertile and OTA infertile men constitutively produced IL-1. Sperm cells of both groups produced similar levels of IL-1 as examined in the supernatants and lysates. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal plasma of fertile men had more inhibitory mitogenic activity than that of OTA. Sperm cells constitutively produce IL-1. It is possible that the factors involved in this inhibition are not only anti-proliferative immune factors. Cytokines and inhibitory factors of mitogenesis in the seminal plasma may be involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of sperm functions and thus affect male fertility.     

The effect of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody, rapamycin and interferon-γ on airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine in mice

Background The role of IgE in airway hyperreaetivity is obscure. Objective In order to clarify the role of IgE in airway hyperreactivity, we investigated the effect of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody, rapamycin and interferon-γ on the antigen-induced IgE response, airway eosinophilia and hyperreactivity in mice. Methods Mice were immunized with an antigen (ovalbumin; OA) at intervals of 12 days. OA was inhaled 10 days after the secondary immunization. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, airway reactivity to acetylcholine was measured and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained. Results Three inhalations of antigen caused an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine with a significant elevation of serum IgE level. Anti-IL-4 at a dose of 1000 μg/animal and rapamycin at doses between 0.1 and 1 mg/kg inhibited the IgE production, but did not affect the airway eosinophilia or hyperreactivity to acetylcholine. In contrast, IFN-γ clearly inhibited the antigen-induced airway eosinophilia and hyperreactivity, but did not affect the IgE antibody production. Conclusion These results suggest that the inhibition of IgE production does not suppress the onset of airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia in mice, and that IFN-γ inhibits the antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity, probably due to the inhibition of airway eosinophilia.     

Association of a 70-kDa tyrosine phosphoprotein with the CD16:ζ:γ complex expressed in human natural killer cells

The CD16: ζ: γ receptor complex allows natural killer (NK) cells to recognize and eliminate antibody-coated target cells. Whereas the ectodomain of CD16 is the receptor for Fcγ domains of immunoglobulins, disulfide-linked homo- and heterodimers composed of ζ and γ are required for the cell surface expression, and signal transduction properties of the complex. Engagement of CD16 activates the tyrosine kinase pathway, which induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates, including the ζ subunit and the phospholipase C γ-1 and γ-2 isoforms. Here we show that CD 16 stimulation of either peripheral blood NK cells, leukemic NK cells, or Jurkat transformants expressing a CD16:ζ:γ receptor complex, results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 70 kDa ζ-associated protein (pp70). Similarly, a 70-kDa ζ-associated phosphoprotein in T cells has been shown to be a tyrosine kinase (ZAP-70). Peptide mapping analysis indicates that the 70-kDa ζ-associated phosphoproteins from T cells and NK cells are structurally indistinguishable. We conclude that the CD16:ζ:γ complex may use a ZAP-70-related non-receptor tyrosine kinase, in the CD16 signaling cascade leading to NK cell activation.     

Periodontal status of a subject sample of Yemen

Abstract From August to October 1991, the periodontal status of 1001 Yemenis representing the age groups 12-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 35-44 years was recorded and evaluated with preference to the CPITN, the calculus index and clinical attachment levels. The impact of chewing khat, the leaves of a cultivated, alkaloid shrub, and of using the traditional miswak chewing stick for oral hygiene purposes were investigated. The results show that 6.9% of the juvenile probands (15-19 years) had healthy periodontal tissue (CPITN 0). whereas bleeding on probing and calculus (CPITN 1+2) were registered in 86.2%. In the 35-44 year age group. 1.7% were periodontally healthy, whereas 84.5% displayed plaque retention or shallow pocketing (CPITN 2-3) and 12.5% deep pocketing (CPITN 4). The treatment needs in all age groups are confined primarily to calculus removal and instruction in oral hygiene. The clinical attachment level and the calculus index revealed age-related attachment loss and calculus formation, primarily among male probands. The higher khat consumption among the male population is reflected in its detrimental effect on the periodontal tissue, especially among younger probands. Oral hygiene aids have also an influence on periodontal status, with a toothbrush proving more efficient than the miswak. WHO efforts directed towards prophylactic programs need to be intensified but can be staffed by dental hygienists.     

X射线照射量(治疗水平)标准装置的研究和建立

Ｘ射线照射量（治疗水平）标准装置是由标准剂量仪，Ｘ射线照射源，测量车、定位系统及其辅助设备组成，本文作者主要介绍标准装置各个部分的构成及技术参数，该标准装置于１９９１年通过国家技术监督局认证，尔后，正式开展放射仪表的检定和校准工作。     

谷氨酸脱氢酶,胆碱氧化酶和葡萄糖-6-磷酸酶对溶酶体中~(67)Ga积累的影响(英文)

目的:比较正常肝组织与肝癌AH 109A,吉田肉瘤中谷氨酸脱氢酶,胆碱氧化酶和葡萄糖-6-磷酸酶的活力对~(67)Ga摄取与积累的影响;方法:制备~(67)Ga枸橼酸溶液给大鼠静注后处死大鼠,制备亚细胞悬液,液闪计数器测定放射活度.结果:~(67)Ga的放射活性在正常肝组织溶酶体中(55％积聚)显著高于肝癌AH109A(32％积聚)和吉田肉瘤(18％)积聚.谷氨酸脱氢酶的活力在正常肝组织,肝癌和吉田肉瘤分别是1830±s 320 U·L~(-1),23±s 6 U·L~(-1)和7±s 2 U·L~(-1);胆碱氧化酶的活力分别是46±s 10 U·L~(-1),25.0±s 0.4 U·L~(-1),2.0±0.4 U·L~(-1);葡萄糖-6-磷酸酶活力分别是2550±s 180 U·L~(-1),84±s 14 U·L~(-1),78±s13 U·L~(-1).结论:正常肝组织中溶酶体酶活力很强,对~(67)Ga的积累起较大作用.癌变组织酶活力降低而作用减弱.吉田肉瘤细胞无肝细胞特点,其溶酶体对~(67)Ga积累作用不大.     

移动式护理机器人的控制系统

介绍自行研制的移动式护理机器人控制系统的功能和结构、开发过程中所面临的主要问题以及安全保护措施。所研制的机器人的控制系统具有高水平命令编译、机器人运动规划及环境设备控制功能。用户发出的任务指令由机器人的高水平集成控制系统分解为一系列低层的机器人部件控制命令或电器设备操作指令，然后由相应的控制器予以执行。