2002 Vol. 15, No. 2

Select articles
AIDS-related Knowledge, Condom Usage Among Medical Postgraduates
WANG LI, ZHANG KONG-LAI
2002, 15(2): 97-102.
Objective To investigate the knowledge about safety/unsafty of sexual acts relating to HIV transmission, levels of embarrassment related to condom and condom usage among medical postgraduates. Methods From August to December, 1998, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was given to 271 new medical postgraduates from two medical colleges of Beijing and Hebei Province. Results There was a hazy understanding of the protective function of condom from AIDS among medical postgraduates. Only 14.4% medical postgraduates persisted in using condom, and 27.94% had never or almost never used it. The levels of embarrassment about condom were high. The median score was 3.55+0.98. Whether to use condom was related with the attitudes to condom, but not to AIDS. Conclusion There was some misunderstanding about condom and inconsistent condom usage in medical postgraduates. So it is essential to strengthen the sexual health education among them.
Production and Characterization of Anti-estrone Monoclonal Antibody
WANG YONG-CHENG, GUO ZHEN-QUAN, LI Yuan-zong, CHANG Wen-bao
2002, 15(2): 103-112.
Objective Determination of estrone (E1) levels has a significant meaning in evaluating physiological effect and diagnosing some diseases. In order to detect free E1 in biological fluids, a monoclonal antibody specific for E1 was prepared after the complete antigen of E1 was synthesized. The purified monoclonal antibody was fully characterized for later immunoassay. Methods 3-O-carboxymethyl ether derivative of E1 was synthesized and in turn coupled to bovine serum albumin (BSA) to form complete antigen E1-BSA. A monoclonal antibody (McAb) specific for E1 was produced both in vitro and in vivo by a hybridoma anti-E1. Anti-E1 was prepared by fusion of SP2/0 murine myeloma cells with spleen cells isolated from immunized BALB/c mouse. The McAb was characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SDS-PAGE and Western-blotting. The specificity of the immunoassay was investigated by determining the cross-reactions of E1 analogs when free E1 was detected by competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA). Results Analysis revealed that anti-E1 McAb (E1-McAb) was of the IgG1 type, the molecular weight of E1-McAb was 164 000 daltons. The affinity constant of E1-McAb with coated complete antigen was 8.2′108L/mol. The linear range for free E1 determined by CI-ELISA was 10pg/mL~10ng/mL. The detection limit was 21.4 pg/mL (defined as twice the standard deviation of the blank). Conclusion The CI-ELISA developed with E1-McAb was both sensitive and specific. The prepared E1-McAb can be used in some immunoassays.
Guinea Pig Maximization Test for Trichloroethylene and Its Metabolites
TANG XIAO-JIANG, LI LAI-YU, HUANG Jian-xun, DENG YING-YU
2002, 15(2): 113-118.
Objectives To study the contact allergenic activities of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its three metabolites trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate. Methods A modified guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) was adopted. The skin sensitization (edema and erythema) was observed in trichloroethylene, trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol, chloral hydrate and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Results The allergenic rate of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 71.4%, 58.3% and 100.0% respectively, and that of trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate was 0%. The mean response score of TCE, trichloroacetic acid and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was 2.3, 1.1, 6.0 respectively. The histopathological analysis also showed an induction of allergenic transfomation in guinea pig skin by both TCE and trichloroacetic acid. Conclusion TCE appears to be a strong allergen while trichloroacetic acid a moderate one. On the other hand, both trichloroethanol and chloral hydrate are weak sensitization potentials. Immunologic reaction induced by TCE might be postulated as the pathological process of this illness. Consequently, it is suggested that in the mechanism of Occupational Dermatitis Medicamentose-Like (ODML) induced by TCE, the chemical itself might be the main cause of allergy. As one of its metabolic products, trichloroacetic acid might be a subordinate factor.
Influence of Phenobarbital and Carbon tetrachloride on the Modulation of Tissue Retention Profile of Hexachlorocyclohexane in Rats
RAVINDRA N.KHANNA, MUKUL DAS, MOHINI ANAND
2002, 15(2): 119-129.
The study was designed to investigate the role of hepatic metabolic activity on body burden of HCH residue. Male albino rats were orally administered 0, 5, and 10 mg/kg HCH for 90 days, followed by either sodium phenobarbital or carbon tetrachloride treatment for 0, 15 and 30 days after withdrawal of their respective HCH administration. The liver weight was significantly increased at 30 days after the administration of phenobarbital and carbon tetrachloride in both 5 mg and 10 mg/kg HCH withdrawal groups when compared to control. HCH residue was maximun in fat followed by adrenal>thymus>liver>kidney>spleen>testes>brain>plasma. Carbon tetrachloride caused an accumul-ation of HCH residues in the liver 15 and 30 days after administration of both doses of HCH. Phenobarbital did not show significant variation in HCH residues in hepatic tissue. Phenobarbital treatment caused significant induction of hepatic RED, APD, AHH, GST and QR activities. Significant decreases in activities were observed by carbon tetrachloride when compared to animals treated with HCH alone. The overall results clearly suggest the role of P450 protein on the body burden of HCH residues.
Microbial Aspects of Anaerobic BTEX Degradation
LIN BIN, HENK W.VAN VERSEVELD, WILFRED F.M.R(O)LING
2002, 15(2): 130-144.
Combined with conventional methods, developments in both geochemical (delineation of redox processes) and molecular microbial methods (analysis of 16S rDNA genes and functional genes) have allowed us to study in details microorganisms and genes involved in the anaerobic degradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) under specific redox conditions. This review summarizes recent research in this field. The potential for anaerobic BTEX degradation is widely spread. Specific groups of microorganisms appear to be involved in degradation under different redox conditions. Members of the Azoarcus/Thauera cluster perform BTEX degradation under denitrifying conditions, Geobacteraceae under Fe (III) reducing conditions and Desulfobacteriaceae under sulfate reducing conditions. The information so far obtained on biochemistry and molecular genetics of BTEX degradation indicates that each BTEX compound is funneled into the central benzyol-CoA pathway by a different peripheral pathway. The peripheral pathways of per BTEX compound show similarities among different physiological groups of microorganisms. We also describe how knowledge obtained on the microbial aspects of BTEX degradation can be used to enhance and monitor anaerobic BTEX degradation.
Effects of Sterigmatocystin, Deoxynivalenol and Aflatoxin G1 on Apoptosis of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in vitro
SUN Xu-Ming, ZHANG Xiang-Hong, WANG Hui-yan, CAO WEN-JUN, YAN Xia, ZUO Lian-fu, WANG JUN-LING, WANG Feng-Rong
2002, 15(2): 145-152.
Objective To explore the effects of Sterigmatocystin (ST), Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) on apoptosis of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) in vitro and thus to further elucidate the putative roles of these three mycotoxins on human immunosystem. Methods The effects of ST, DON and AFG1 on apoptosis of HPBLs were studied with cell culture, flow cytometric (FCM) DNA analysis and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Results DNA agarose gel electrophoresis results showed the characteristic "ladder" pattern of apoptosis in HPBLs treated with ST, DON and AFG1. Flow cytometric DNA analysis revealed that typical subdiploid peaks of apoptosis in DNA histogram could be seen in all groups treated with the three mycotoxins. Significant time-effect and dose-effect relationships were found between the apoptosis rates and treatment time as well as concentrations of the three mycotoxins. Conclusion ST, DON and AFG1 can induce apoptosis of HPBLs in vitro and may have some negative effects on human immunosystem.
Effects of Anti-Caries Antibodies on Lactobacillus GG in Its Fermentation and Storage Periods
WEI Hua, Pertti MARNILA, Hannu KORHONEN
2002, 15(2): 153-165.
Objective To investigate how antibodies influence the fermentation of Lactobacillus GG and how Lactobacillus GG influences the biological properties of antibodies during the fermentation and storage periods. Methods Anti-caries immune colostrum powder (IP) and control colostrum powder (CP), skimmed milk powder (SP) at concentrations of 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% (w/v) were added to MRS and 50mM Hepes buffer system was used in the milk, the growth curves of Lactobacillus GG including viable cells, lactic acid concentatrion and pH, and also the titer of specific antibodies were determined during the fermentation and storage periods. Results In MRS, SP could improve the growth of Lactobacillus GG in all periods of fermentation, especially at the concentrations of 5% and 10%. CP at the concentrations of 1% and 2.5% had a good initial velocity at the beginning and CP (1%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%) in all the groups could reach a high viable cell concentration at the end of fermentation, which suggested that there were some growth factors for Lactobacillus GG in CP overcoming the inhibition of unspecific antibodies. IP at 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% could inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus GG in all the fermentation periods, the critical concentration point was between 2.5%-5%, and there was a competition between growth factors and the inhibition of specific antibodies. In pasteurized milk, the influence of Hepes could help the fermentation start quickly and reach the log phase earlier than in the control group; however, when combined with 5% IP, the growth of Lactobacillus GG was strongly inhibited during all the fermentation periods. The fermentation of Lactobacillus GG had no significant effect on the titer change of anti-caries antibodies during the fermentation and storage periods. Conclusion SP and CP is beneficial to the growth of Lactobacillus GG in MRS, whereas there is a competition between growth factors and the inhibition of specific antibodies to the growth of Lactobacillus GG, the critical concentration of IP is 2.5%-5%. Hepes could influence the titer of antibodies through buffering Ph, thus influence the fermentation of . Lactobacillus GG. The fermentation of Lactobacillus GG with IP or CP could be used for the development of functionally fermented immune milk in the future.
Relationship Between Microcystin in Drinking Water and Colorectal Cancer
Zhou Lun, YU Hai, CHEN Kun
2002, 15(2): 166-171.
Objective To investigate the association of microcystin (MC) in drinking water with the incidence of colorectal cancer. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective cohort. Eight townships or towns were randomly selected as the study sites in Haining City of Zhejiang Province, China. 408 cases of colon and rectum carcinomas diagnosed from 1977 to 1996 in the study sites were included, and a survey on types of drinking water of these patients was conducted. Samples of different water sources (well, tap, river and pond) were collected separately and microcystin concentrations were determined by indirect competitive ELISA method. Results The incidence rate of colorectal cancer was significantly higher in population who drank river and pond water than those who drank well and tap water. Compared to well water, the relative risk (RR) for colorectal cancer was 1.88 (tap), 7.94 (river) and 7.70 (pond) respectively. The positive rate (>50 pg/mL) of microcystin in samples of well, tap, river and pond water was 0, 0, 36.23% and 17.14% respectively. The concentration of microcystin in river and pond water was significantly higher than that in well and tap water (P<0.01). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that in the study sites, the microcystin concentration of river and pond water was positively associated with the incidence of colorectal cancer (rs= 0.881, P<0.01). Conclusions The types of drinking water are positively associated with the incidence of colorectal cancer in the study sites, and this may be related to microcystin contamination of drinking water. Further biological study is needed to support the possible causative role of mycrocystin in carcinogenesis of colon and rectum.
Tuberculosis Control Priorities Defined by Using Cost-Effectiveness and Burden of Disease
XU Qun, WU Zheng-lai, JIN SHUI-GAO, ZHANG LiX-ing
2002, 15(2): 172-176.
Objective To define TB control priorities using cost-effectiveness and burden of disease. Methods An assumed cohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on age-specific incidence of 794 newly registered smear-positive cases in Beijing in 1994. Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivity with natural history and DOTS intervention were constructed based on the epidemiological parameters. Results DOTS reduced 89.19 % of YLL, 78.90% of YLD, and 99.98% of infectivity BOD. One DALY could be saved with 45.70 Yuan by DOTS with 3% discount. Sensitivity analysis showed that discount had effect on CER. Weight of age was insensitive to CER. The higher the DOTS cured rate, the more the cost-effectiveness. Conclusions DOTS is a good cost-effectiveness TB control strategy. Cost-effectiveness and burden of disease can be used to define TB control priorities.
Relationship between Acute Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning and Damages Induced by Free Radicals
ZHOU JUN-FU, XU GEN-BO, FANG WEI-JUN
2002, 15(2): 177-186.
Objective To study the relationship between abnormal reactions of free radicals in bodies of patients with acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP) and damages induced by free radicals. Methods 58 AOPP patients and 58 healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in an independent samples control design, in which spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and lipoperoxides (LPO) in plasma, and LPO in erythrocytes, vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and b-carotene (b-CAR) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes. Results Compared with the average values of every biochemical parameter in the HAV group, the average values of LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes, and NO in plasma in the AOPP group were significantly increased (P=0.000001), while the average values of VC, VE, a-CAR in plasma as well as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and AChE in erythrocytes in the AOPP group were significantly decreased (P=0.000001). The findings of Pearson product-moment correlation analysis between the value of AChE in erythrocytes and the values of above biochemical parameters for 58 AOPP patients showed that there was a significant linear negative correlation between AChE in erythrocytes and LPO, NO in plasma, and LPO in erythrocytes (P=0.000001~0.001319), while there was a significant linear positive correlation between AChE in erythrocytes and VC, VE, a-CAR in plasma as well as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px in erythrocytes (P=0.000013~0.000824). The results of discriminant analysis of above chemical parameters for 58 AOPP patients and 58 HAV suggested that the correct rates of discriminant analysis were increased to 100 % when the values of AChE and LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes, or AChE and others, were jointly used for the discriminant analysis. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that a series of free radical reactions in AOPP patients' bodies are pathologically aggravated, and the discriminant analysis used the above biochemical parameters could markedly increase its correct rates for AOPP patients.