PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Z Tong

Publications and source records attributed to Z Tong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of ertiprotafib on hepatic cytochrome P450 and peroxisomal enzymes in rats and dogs, and in rat and human primary hepatocytes.

Ertiprotafib (ERTI) significantly increased liver weights in male and female rats, and moderately increased liver weights in male dogs after treatment for 28 days. The present study tested the hypotheses that the organ weight increases were associated with peroxisome proliferation in rats and induction of hepatic enzymes in rats and dogs, and would have limited impacts on humans. At a dosage of 200 mg kg-1 day-1, CYP4A was induced by tenfold in male rats and 2.4-fold in female rats. In male rats, CYP2B was induced by 1.2-fold and CYP3A was induced by 1.7-fold. Palmitoyl CoA oxidase was induced by 5.1-fold in male rats and 2.9-fold in female rats; carnitine acetyltransferase was induced by 10.4-fold in male rats and 5.2-fold in female rats. CYP3A, CYP4A and peroxisomal enzymes were not induced in dogs at 150/200 mg kg-1 day-1. ERTI at 50 microM markedly induced the mRNA level of CYP4A by up to fivefold in rat hepatocytes, but not in human primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, the liver weight increases observed in rats treated with ERTI appears to be due to rodent-specific peroxisome proliferation and the substantial induction of CYP4A1. ERTI is not a potent P450 inducer in dogs or in human hepatocytes. Therefore, ERTI is not expected to exert any significant effects on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in humans.

Animals↗

Thalidomide reduces IL-18, IL-8 and TNF-alpha release from alveolar macrophages in interstitial lung disease.

Thalidomide exhibits diverse actions of anti-inflammation, immunomodulation and anti-angiogenesis. The efficacy of thalidomide treatment in sarcoidosis with lupus pernio is thought to be due to inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The mechanisms that underlie the properties of thalidomide are still unclear in interstitial lung disease. The current authors investigated the potential inhibitory effects of thalidomide at concentrations of 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mM on the production of transforming growth factor-beta, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-12p40 and IL-18 by alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with sarcoidosis (n = 8), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP; n = 8) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n = 12). In sarcoidosis and HP patients, thalidomide induced a dose-dependent, partial suppression of lipopolysacchride (LPS)-stimulated TNF-alpha, IL-12p40 and IL-18 release. At the highest thalidomide concentration (0.1 mM), LPS-stimulated IL-8 production was also suppressed. In IPF patients, although spontaneous production of TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, IL-18 and IL-8 was lower than in sarcoidosis and HP patients, with LPS stimulation the cytokines were significantly elevated and also partially inhibited by thalidomide. In conclusion, thalidomide has the potential to improve the therapeutic regimens for sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by reducing tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-12p40, interleukin-18 and interleukin-8 production.

Aged↗

A novel locus on 19q13 associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy in a large Greek family.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features of and genetic locus associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy (MCDR5) in a large Greek family. METHODS: 26 members of a single family underwent clinical examinations and venepuncture. A genomewide linkage scan using 400 microsatellite markers distributed with an average spacing of 10 cM throughout the human genome. RESULTS: 14 members of the study family exhibited clinical features of the disease including decreased central vision and macular abnormalities in the posterior pole of the retina. Analysis of loci known to be associated with macular dystrophy did not show positive linkage. A genomewide linkage scan showed linkage to chromosome 19q, with a two-point maximum LOD score of 5.809 at theta = 0 between the disease and marker locus D19S412. On the basis of recombination events, the disease interval was localised between markers D19S420 and D19S540 on chromosome 19q, at a span of about 3.8 cM, in an area known to contain 120 known genes/transcripts. Eleven of these genes/transcripts were sequenced, and no disease-causing mutation was identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a new locus on 19q associated with autosomal-dominant macular dystrophy, designated as MCDR5. Additional study of other family members will be necessary to further narrow the interval and identify the responsible gene. The study of MCDR5 will aid in elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms for this and other macular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.

Adolescent↗

Expression of tumour necrosis factor receptors by bronchoalveolar cells in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Tumour necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) and the Fas receptor (FasR) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases. The current authors examined the expression of TNFR-1, TNFR-2 and FasR by bronchoalveolar cells in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Cell surface receptor expression on bronchoalveolar lavage cells was analysed by immunocytochemistry in 11 HP patients, 11 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and 10 controls. TNFR-1, TNFR-2 and FasR were expressed on a higher percentage of alveolar macrophages (AM) in HP compared with controls and IPF patients. TNFR-2 and FasR expression on lymphocytes was also higher in HP than in controls and in IPF. TNFR-1, TNFR-2 and FasR expression correlated positively with the percentage of lymphocytes, and negatively with the percentage of AM in HP. Expression of TNFR-1 on AM and TNFR-2 on lymphocytes correlated with the percentage of neutrophils in HP. In conclusion, this study shows evidence of altered expression of tumour necrosis factor superfamily receptors in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Aged↗

Mechanistic toxicogenomic analysis of WAY-144122 administration in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Application of global gene expression analysis in the study of mechanisms of toxicity could provide a more comprehensive interpretation of the molecular basis of drug action. WAY-144122 has pharmacological activity against several targets improving insulin responsiveness and favorably altering lipid profiles. Normal rats treated with suprapharmacological doses of WAY-144122 for 28 days exhibited drug-related effects in the liver and ovary. To determine the molecular mechanism underlying these effects, we employed global gene expression profiling to measure RNA levels in these target organs obtained from WAY-144122-treated rats administered test article for 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Genes altered in expression by WAY-144122 were functionally categorized and related to their biological activity. In the liver, WAY-144122 caused a widespread up-regulation of genes involved in lipid mobilization, peroxisomal proliferation, and fatty acid beta-oxidation. In the ovary, we observed reduced expression of genes encoding luteinizing hormone receptor, follistatin, and enzymes in the estradiol synthesis pathway. Transcriptional changes in both organs precede histopathological effects. Profiling analysis allowed us to formulate hypotheses for molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological observations. In the liver, transcriptional changes suggest that WAY-144122 induced increased metabolic activity and peroxisomal proliferation resulting in increased liver weight and hepatocellular hypertrophy. We propose decreased estradiol synthesis as the underlying mechanism for the observed follicular atrophy in the ovary. Importantly, in this study, we have identified potential molecular mechanisms of drug effect in expression profiles before observation of physiological changes.

Administration, Oral↗

[A epidemiological survey and management analysis of asthma among employees of 6 chemical plants in Beijing area].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and to evaluate the current status for management of asthma among employees in chemical plants in Beijing area. METHODS: A general survey was conducted among 12694 employees in 6 large chemical plants in Beijing area by face to face interview and physical examination. RESULTS: The prevalence of asthma was 1.13% (143/12694), 1.09% (78/7164) for male and 1.18% (65/5530) for female. The incidence of asthma was different among various chemical plants. 91.61% of the patients had received drug therapy in acute exacerbation stage, however, only 8.39% of them persevered drug therapy in remission stage. CONCLUSION: Atopy and exposure to some chemical substances are risk factors for asthma. Treatment of asthma among this population by far fails to accord with the demands of the recommeded regimen for asthma.

Adult↗

Extreme dark cytotoxicity of Nile Blue A in normal human fibroblasts.

Early reports using mouse models indicated that Nile Blue A (NBA) is taken up more efficiently by tumor cells than normal tissue and retards tumor growth. NBA also shows both dark toxicity and phototoxicity of human tumor cells in vitro. However, studies on the dark toxicity of NBA and the effects of NBA-mediated photodynamic treatment in normal human cells are lacking. In the current study we have examined the cytotoxicity of NBA in normal human fibroblasts, spontaneously immortalized Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) cells and three different human tumor cell lines. The normal human fibroblasts showed extreme sensitivity to NBA compared with LFS cells and the human tumor cell lines. Treatment with 0.1 microgram/mL of NBA for 1 h reduced the colony formation of normal human fibroblasts by greater than 95%, but had no significant effect on the colony formation of LFS cells. No significant numbers of apoptotic cells were detected in either normal human fibroblasts or LFS cells following this drug concentration. Thus, unlike photodynamic therapy with some other photosensitizers, the dark toxicity of NBA was not caused by apoptosis. Although the drug uptake was higher in normal human fibroblasts compared with LFS cells, the difference in sensitivity between normal human fibroblasts and LFS cells could not be accounted for by the difference in drug uptake alone. In addition, we could not detect any significant photocytotoxic effect of NBA in either normal human fibroblasts or LFS cells for a drug concentration of 0.05 microgram/mL at light exposures of up to 6.7 J/cm2. These data indicate an extreme sensitivity of normal human fibroblasts to NBA and an inability to produce a significant photocytotoxic effect on human cells using NBA concentrations that have relatively low toxicity for normal human fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Properties of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in pyramidal neurons from the hippocampal CA1 region of adult rats.

The properties of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels were studied in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons by using the patch-clamp technique in the excised-inside-out-patch configuration. The lowest [Ca(2+)](i) in which BK(Ca) channel activities were observed was 0.01 microM with the membrane potential of +20 mV and the [Ca(2+)](i) at which P(O) of the channel is equal to 0.5 was 2 microM. The unitary conductance of the single BK(Ca) channel was 245.4 pS with symmetrical 140 mM K(+) on both sides of the excised membrane. With a fixed [Ca(2+)](i) of 2 microM, P(O) increased e-fold with a 17.0 mV positive change in the membrane potential. Two exponentials, with time constants of 2.8 ms and 19.2 ms at the membrane potential of +120 mV with 2 microM [Ca(2+)](i), were required to describe the observed open time distribution of BK(Ca) channel, suggesting the existence of two distinct open channel states with apparently normal conductance. A BK(Ca) channel occasionally entered an apparent third open channel state with the single channel current amplitude about 45% of the normal amplitude. The properties of BK(Ca) channel, which were found in this study to be more steeply dependent on voltage and more sensitive to [Ca(2+)](i) in adult hippocampal neurons than in cultured or immature hippocampal neurons, may be responsible for the shortened duration of action potential in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of adult rat.

Age Factors↗

Intestinal bioavailability and biotransformation of 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene in an isolated perfused preparation from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

The intestinal bioavailability and biotransformation of 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, a major metabolite of benzo(a)pyrene in many animal species, was investigated in an in situ isolated intestinal preparation from the channel catfish, and in vitro with preparations of catfish intestine and blood. 3-Hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was a good substrate for adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS)-sulfotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in cytosol or microsomes prepared from intestinal mucosa. The benzo(a)pyrene-3-glucuronide and 3-sulfate conjugates were only very slowly hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase. The K(m) values for PAPS-sulfotransferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase were 0.4 and 1 microM, respectively, and V(max) were 1.61 +/- 1.08 nmol benzo(a)pyrene-3-sulfate/min/mg of cytosolic protein and 1.08 +/- 0.54 nmol benzo(a)pyrene-3-glucuronide/min/mg of microsomal protein. Hydrolytic enzyme activities were three orders of magnitude slower. In the in situ intestinal preparation, [(3)H]3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was readily metabolized to the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. After 1 h of incubation of 2 or 20 microM [(3)H]3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene in the in situ preparation, the luminal contents contained 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene-3,6-dione, benzo(a)pyrene-3-sulfate, and benzo(a)pyrene-3-glucuronide. Mucosal samples contained these components, as well as some unextractable material. The blood contained mainly benzo(a)pyrene-3-sulfate and an as yet unidentified metabolite of 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene bound to hemoglobin. Some, but not all, blood samples contained small amounts of 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene-3-glucuronide, and benzo(a)pyrene-3,6-dione. These studies demonstrate the rapid phase 2 conjugation of a phenolic benzo(a)pyrene metabolite in intestinal mucosa, and the transfer of the phase 2 sulfate and glucuronide conjugates to blood.

Animals↗

[A method of desulfurization with calcium sulfite and it's mechanism].

Directing to the scaling problem lying in wet desulfurization with lime slurry, a method of desulfurization with calcium sulfite was proposed. Reaction mechanism and the effects of different conditions on desulfurization efficiency were studied. The optimum conditions were obtained, i.e. air velocity of 2.75 m/s in empty tower, L/G = 3.0 L/m3, solid content 6.7%, air temperature 31 degrees C, concentration inlet of SO2 1500 x 10(-6) and inlet suspension pH of 8.0. Under the conditions, the desulfurization efficiency was about 87%. The presented method theoretically and practically solved the scaling problems, which is a novel indirect lime-method with Ca-contained material as desulfurization agent.

Calcium↗

Efficacy of continuous tracheal gas insufflation in spontaneously breathing canine with acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of continuous tracheal gas insufflation (CTGI) combined with biphasic intermittent positive airway pressure (BIPAP) ventilation on dogs with spontaneous breathing. METHODS: Eight canine models with oleic acid induced lung injury and spontaneous breathing were ventilated in a random order by Evita 2 (Drager Inc., Germany) in modes of BIPAP (BIPAP group) and BIPAP with CTGI flow rate of 3, 6 and 9 L/min (T3, T6 and T9 groups), respectively. The setting parameters of BIPAP were fiction of inspired oxygen 60%, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:1, respiratory rate 20 and positive end expiratory pressure 5 cm H2O. Arterial and mixed venous blood gas, lung mechanics, systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics status were monitored at the same level of PaCO2 obtained by adjusting peak inspiratory pressure of BIPAP. RESULTS: Peak inspiratory pressure in the T6 group (14 +/- 4 cm H2O) and in the T9 group (11 +/- 3 cm H2O) were significantly lower than that of BIPAP (20 +/- 5 cm H2O, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference among the T3, T6 and T9 groups or between the T3 and BIPAP groups. PaO2, mean artery blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, cardiac output, oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption all remained unchanged in four different conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Using BIPAP combined with CTGI does not cause asynchrony between ventilator and spontaneous breathing, but significantly decreases airway pressure with no influence on hemodynamics and oxygenation. Therefore, BIPAP with CTGI may be a useful support technique, especially in cases where the airway pressure should be limited.

Animals↗

Enhancement in activities of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia.

It has been reported previously that the neuronal excitability persistently suppresses and the amplitude of fast afterhyperpolarization (fAHP) increases in CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. To understand the conductance mechanisms underlying these post-ischemic electrophysiological alterations, we compared differences in activities of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels in CA1 pyramidal cells acutely dissociated from hippocampus before and after ischemia by using inside-out configuration of patch clamp techniques. (1) The unitary conductance of BK(Ca) channels in post-ischemic neurons (295 pS) was higher than that in control neurons (245 pS) in symmetrical 140/140 mM K(+) in inside-out patch; (2) the membrane depolarization for an e-fold increase in open probability (P(o)) showed no significant differences between two groups while the membrane potential required to produce one-half of the maximum P(o) was more negative after ischemia, indicating no obvious changes in channel voltage dependence; (3) the [Ca(2+)](i) required to half activate BK(Ca) channels was only 1 microM in post-ischemic whereas 2 microM in control neurons, indicating an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) sensitivity after ischemia; and (4) BK(Ca) channels had a longer open time and a shorter closed time after ischemia without significant differences in open frequency as compared to control. The present results indicate that enhanced activity of BK(Ca) channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons after ischemia may partially contribute to the post-ischemic decrease in neuronal excitability and increase in fAHP.

Animals↗

Redox modulation of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons from adult rat hippocampus.

Redox regulation of BK(Ca) channels was studied in CA1 pyramidal neurons of adult rat hippocampus by using inside-out configuration of patch clamp. Intracellular application of oxidizing agent 5, 5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) markedly increased activity of BK(Ca) channels and this stimulating action persisted even after washout. In contrast, the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) had no apparent effects on channel activity but could reverse the pre-exposure of DTNB-induced enhancement. The increase in channel activity produced by DTNB was due to shortened closed time as well as prolonged open time. The effects exerted by another redox couple glutathione disulphide and its reducing form were similar as DTNB and DTT. The present results indicate that BK(Ca) channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons can be modulated by intracellular redox potential, and that augmentation of BK(Ca) channels by oxidative stress might contribute to the postischemic electrophysiological alterations of CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of hepatic and intestinal phenol sulfotransferase with high affinity for benzo[a]pyrene phenols from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Cytosol from channel catfish liver and intestinal mucosa has high sulfotransferase activity with low concentrations of 3-, 7-, or 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene. To further investigate this conjugation pathway, sulfotransferase activity toward 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene was isolated from catfish intestinal and hepatic cytosol by chromatography on anion exchange and PAP-agarose affinity columns. SDS-PAGE of the active fractions showed that one major band with molecular size of about 41,000 Da was isolated from intestine, while two bands of about 41,000 and 31,000 Da were obtained from liver. Antibodies against human phenol-sulfating sulfotransferase cross-reacted strongly with the 41,000-Da bands from liver and intestine, but weakly with the hepatic 31,000-Da protein. N-Terminal sequence information could not be obtained from the pure proteins. Following digestion, an internal sequence of 20 amino acid residues was obtained from the hepatic 41,000-Da protein, which matched a sequence found in several mammalian sulfotransferases. No fish sulfotransferase sequences were available for comparison. The identity of the hepatic 31,000-Da protein was not established. The purified 41,000-Da proteins had very high activities with 3-, 7-, or 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, with K(m) values in the 40-100 nM range and V(max) 125-300 nmol/min/mg of protein. Substrate inhibition was observed when the concentrations of hydroxylated benzo[a]pyrenes were above 0.5 microM. As well as benzo[a]pyrene phenols, the purified 41,000-Da sulfotransferases catalyzed sulfation of 2-naphthol, 4-nitrophenol, 4-methylumbelliferone, 7-(hydroxymethyl)-12-methylbenz[a]anthracene, dehydroepiandrosterone, estrone, and 17beta-estradiol. Phenolic compounds were the preferred substrates for the purified enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of the p53 tumor suppressor in the response of human cells to photofrin-mediated photodynamic therapy.

Although there is evidence that the p53 tumor suppressor plays a role in the response of some human cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, its role in the response of human cells to photodynamic therapy (PDT) is less clear. In order to examine the role of p53 in cellular sensitivity to PDT, we have examined the clonogenic survival of normal human fibroblasts that express wild-type p53 and immortalized Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) cells that express only mutant p53, following Photofrin-mediated PDT. The LFS cells were found to be more resistant to PDT compared to normal human fibroblasts. The D37 (LFS cells)/D37 (normal human fibroblasts) was 2.8 +/- 0.3 for seven independent experiments. Although the uptake of Photofrin per cell was 1.6 +/- 0.1-fold greater in normal human fibroblast cells compared to that in LFS cells over the range of Photofrin concentrations employed, PDT treatment at equivalent cellular Photofrin levels also demonstrated an increased resistance for LFS cells compared to normal human fibroblasts. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated transfer and expression of wild-type p53 in LFS cells resulted in an increased sensitivity to PDT but no change in the uptake of Photofrin per cell. These results suggest a role for p53 in the response of human cells to PDT. Although normal human fibroblasts displayed increased levels of p53 following PDT, we did not detect apoptosis or any marked alteration in the cell cycle of GM38 cells, despite a marked loss of cell viability. In contrast, LFS cells exhibited a prolonged accumulation of cells in G2 phase and underwent apoptosis following PDT at equivalent Photofrin levels. The number of apoptotic LFS cells increased with time after PDT and correlated with the loss of cell viability. A p53-independent induction of apoptosis appears to be an important mechanism contributing to loss of clonogenic survival after PDT in LFS cells, whereas the induction of apoptosis does not appear to be an important mechanism leading to loss of cell survival in the more sensitive normal human fibroblasts following PDT at equivalent cellular Photofrin levels.

Cell Line↗

[Proportional assist ventilation: methodology therapeutics on COPD patients compared with pressure support ventilation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the method for clinical use of proportional assist ventilation (PAV) and evaluate the effect on COPD patients. The main similarities and differences of PAV and pressure support ventilation (PSV) were described. METHODS: 10 ventilated patients of COPD were studied. The elastance and resistance were determined before PAV by both inspiratory-hold technique during a brief period of volume control ventilation and "runaway technique". Either different assist levels of PAV (% assist 80%, 60%, 40%, respectively) or PSV was selected randomly. Values of hemodynamics, blood gas and pulmonary mechanics were monitored. Patients' response was described also. RESULTS: Runaway technique was convenient and reliable. Among different assist percentage no significant difference was found on hemodynamics in stabilized COPD patients. PaO2 was in a good level. Either tidal volume or respiratory rate did not change in a consistent way as the level of assist was decreased. But peak inspiratory pressure was increasing significantly r = 0.928 (P < 0.01) and patients' work of breath had the tendency to decrease (P < 0.05). A significant difference of Borg Category Scale was observed between PAV and PSV [0.50(1.50)] vs [0.75(2.00)], (P < 0.05). No significant difference of hemodynamics was found between the two modes. PaCO2 was significantly higher on PAV than on PSV, 54(24) and 48(23) mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.05). Peak inspiratory pressure on PAV (16 +/- 4) cm H2O was significantly lower than on PSV (21 +/- 3) cm H2O (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PAV is a feasible method of supporting ventilator-dependent patients that is well tolerated. It can improve breathing pattern and reduce inspiratory effort by decreasing work of breath. PAV can be implemented at much lower peak inspiratory pressure than PSV at the same condition of work of breath by patients. It can also apply proportional pressure support according to patients' ventilatory demand. System that operates according to the theory of PAV is not easy to implement. How to measure elastance and resistance is still a question during the development of PAV.

Aged↗

[Characteristics of producing-fumonisin and dimorphic fungus of fusarium moniliforme].

OBJECTIVE: To study the carcinogenesis of fusarium moniliforme and its fumonisins in animals. METHODS: The producing-fumonisin and dimorphic fungus pathogenicity of F. moniliforme from Zhejiang, China were identified and characterized. RESULTS: The F. moniliforme isolated from foodstuffs was shown to produces fumonisin B(1) > 400 microg/g in medium by IC-ELISA. Ten foodstuffs samples showed (2% - 100%) detection rate of F. moniliforme and contained fumonisin B(1) between (3.7 - 143.1) microg/g. The strains of F. moniliforme formed yeast-like colony in Sabouraud's agar plates contained 9% NaCl at 37degrees C incubator and budding multiplication mostly. In blood agar plates the strains of F. moniliforme showed grass green haemolytic reactions. CONCLUSION: It is important to carry out (or to perform) oulepidemiologicol survey of F. moniliforme as a primary pathogenic fungus, as well as the mycotoxins of F. moniliforme in vitro.

Carcinogens, Environmental↗

[Mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells by chemotherapy and recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of chemotherapy and recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, Glycosylated) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in autologous peripheral blood stem cells (APBSC) mobilization. METHODS: The mobilization regimen: CBP 350 mg/m(2) intravenously injected at day 1, Vp16 350 mg/m(2) intravenously injected from day 1 to day 3. G-CSF and GM-CSF 5 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1) each, subcutaneously injected and DXM 5 mg/d intramuscularly injected, from the day of white blood cell (WBC) recovery to (2.4 - 6.4) x 10(9)/L from nadir to the day before the end of APBSC harvesting. APBSC harvesting started when WBC > 20.0 x 10(9)/L and ended when accumulated mononuclear cells (MNC) > 5 x 10(8)/kg. CFU-GM assay and CD(34)(+) cells counting of the APBSC were performed. RESULTS: Twenty cases underwent APBSC mobilization. APBSC harvest began at day 22.15 +/- 3.66 for two successive days. Accumulated MNC was (5.93 +/- 1.62) x 10(8)/kg, CD(34)(+) cells (23.10 +/- 11.53) x 10(6)/kg and CFU-GM (3.44 +/- 2.85) x 10(5)/kg. No severe toxicity was observed. Hematopoiesis was well reconstituted in 8 patients received single and in 1 patient received double APBSC transplantations. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy combined with G-CSF + GM-CSF was a safe and highly effective method for APBSC mobilization.

Adult↗