Antisense and sense expression of cDNA coding for CYP73A15, a class II cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, leads to a delayed and reduced production of lignin in tobacco

A number of plant species contain the class II of genes encoding the cytochrome P450, CYP73, the cognate protein of which cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, is the second enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway. In order to begin to determine possible functionality, tobacco has been transformed with a truncated French bean class II cinnamate hydroxylase (CYP73A15) in the sense and antisense orientations. Signals for C4H protein could be detected in vascular tissue from wild-type plants using heterologous probes. The transformed plants showed a normal phenotype, even though detectable C4H protein was much reduced in tissue prints. Young propagated transformants displayed a range of reduced C4H activities, as well as either reduced or no phloroglucinol-stainable lignin. However, all mature tobacco plants showed the accumulation of lignin, even though its deposition was apparently delayed. This was not due to induction of tyrosine ammonia-lyase activity, which was not detected, but instead it is presumed due to sufficient C4H residual activity. Analysis of the lignin content of the plants showed reductions of up to 30% with a slightly reduced syringyl to guaiacyl ratio as compared to wild type. This reduction level was favourable in comparison with some other targets in the lignification pathway that have been manipulated including that of class I cinnamate 4-hydroxylase. It is proposed that the class II cinnamate 4-hydroxylase might also function in lignification in a number of species including French bean and tobacco, based on these data.

An on-chip magnetic bead separator using spiral electromagnets with semi-encapsulated permalloy

A new planar bio-magnetic bead separator on a glass chip has been designed, fabricated and tested. The separator is composed of micromachined semi-encapsulated spiral electromagnets and fluid channels, which have been separately fabricated and then bonded. The device was tested with super-paramagnetic beads of mean diameter 1 microm which were suspended in a buffered solution. When a DC current of 300 mA was applied to the inductor, the bio-magnetic beads were successfully separated on the electromagnets, showing a functional capability as a magnetic bead separator. To evaluate separation rate and capability, the inductance measurement method has been introduced and the inductance variation according to the separation rate has been characterized. Using this separator, cells or cell fragments and magnetic beads bonded with protein or enzyme suspended in bio-buffer solutions can be successfully separated from their suspensions, envisaging a filterless bio-separator.

Apoptosis-Inducing costunolide and a novel acyclic monoterpene from the stem bark of Magnolia sieboldii

In a course of obtaining more amount of bioactive costunolide and successive phytochemical isolation from Magnolia sieboldii (Magnoliaceae), a novel acyclic monoterpene 1 named deoxygeraniol [2,6(E)-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene] was isolated along with beta-sitosterol 3-O-linoleate (2), trilinolein (3) and high amount of costunolide (4) in the pure state. The structure of compound 1 was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data. Costunolide was found to induce apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner by nucleosomal DNA ladder and flow cytometric analysis. Immunoblot analysis showed that the level of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, was decreased, whereas the cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase was activated. Furthermore, the N-acetyl-L-cysteine antioxidant effectively prevented costunolide-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that costunolide-induced cell death is mediated by reactive oxygen species

Resource utilization and clinical outcomes of coronary stenting: a comparison of intravascular ultrasound and angiographical guided stent implantation

BACKGROUND

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided stent implantation studies have demonstrated that inadequate stent implantation can occur despite achieving an optimal angiographic result. Furthermore, IVUS-guided stent implantation has been shown to improve lesional acute gain. However, it is unknown whether the use of IVUS guidance during stent implantation is associated with improved acute and long-term clinical outcomes. Moreover, the additional procedural cost and time incurred with the use of IVUS-directed stent implantation has not been evaluated. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine whether IVUS-guided stent implantation is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with angiographically guided stent implantation and to evaluate the difference in resource utilization between these respective stent deployment strategies.

METHODS

Data were collected on 278 consecutive patients in whom 455 stents were deployed in native coronary arteries. High-pressure (> or = 12 atm) balloon inflations were performed until an optimal angiographic result was obtained. In the angiographically guided group, no IVUS imaging was performed. In the IVUS-guided group, IVUS imaging and additional interventions were performed attempting to achieve full apposition, absence of edge tear, and acute gain (lesion lumen area: distal reference lumen area) > or = 0.8 in subsequent IVUS imaging. Total procedure time, fluoroscopy time, contrast media volume, number of balloons, stents, guidewires, guide catheters, and procedural cost were calculated. In hospital abrupt closure rate and 6-month major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization) rate were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 178 patients underwent IVUS-guided stent placement and 100 patients underwent angiographically guided stent implantation. There was no significant difference in procedure time (107 +/- 49 vs 100 +/- 50 minutes, P = .22), fluoroscopy time (33 +/- 24 vs 30 +/- 18 minutes, P = .36), contrast volume (411 +/- 157 vs 386 +/- 181 mL, P = .23), guide catheters (1.3 +/- 0.8 vs 1.3 +/- 0.6, P = .69), guidewires (1.6 +/- 1.2 vs 1.6 +/- 1.0, P = .99), balloons (2.4 +/- 1.0 vs 2.3 +/- 1.3, P = .58), and stents (1.7 +/- 0.9 vs 1.6 +/- 0.9, P = .42). Intraprocedural cost was significantly higher in the IVUS-guided group, $4142 +/- 1547 verus $3635 +/- 1949 (P = .03), which was primarily related to the cost of the IVUS catheter. However, the in-hospital acute vessel closure rate was significantly lower in the IVUS-guided group, 0.6% versus 4% (P = .04). There was a trend toward lower target vessel revascularization rate in the IVUS-guided group (11% vs 19%, P = .08). By multivariate analysis IVUS use was demonstrated to be an independent negative predictor of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and abrupt stent closure with a relative risk of 0.49 (95% confidence interval of 0.25 to 0.98), and P = .04.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IVUS guidance during stent implantation does not significantly increase procedure time, fluoroscopy exposure, contrast volume, or device utilization. Furthermore, despite the increase in procedural cost, IVUS-guided stent implantation is associated with a significant decrease in the in-hospital abrupt closure rate and a trend toward a lower 6-month target vessel revascularization.

Immunostimulation of rat primary astrocytes decreases intracellular ATP level

In this study we investigated the effect of immunostimulation on intracellular ATP level in rat glial cells. Rat primary astrocytes or C6 glioma cells were treated for 48 h with IFN-gamma, LPS or IFN-gamma plus LPS. These treatments increased NO production from the cells and a synergistic increase in NO production was observed with IFN-gamma plus LPS. Intracellular ATP level was decreased to about half the control level at the highest concentration of IFN-gamma (100 U/ml) plus LPS (1 microg/ml) without affecting cell viability. The level of intracellular ATP was inversely correlated with the extent of NO production from the glial cells. The increase in NO production is at least 6 h ahead of the initiation of ATP depletion, and NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (NNA) or Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibited NO production and ATP depletion. Exogenous addition of peroxynitrite generator 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and to a lesser extent NO generator S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) depleted intracellular ATP level in a dose-dependent manner. The results from the present study imply that immunostimulation of rat glial cells decreases the intracellular ATP level without affecting cell viability. Considering the role of astrocytes as an essential regulator of the extracellular environment in the brain, the immunostimulation-induced decrease in intracellular ATP level may participate in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases.

Reticulocyte subpopulations and reticulocyte maturity index (RMI) rise as body iron status falls

To investigate the influence of body iron status on reticulocyte subpopulations and reticulocyte maturity index (RMI), we measured serum iron markers, fluorescent intensity of reticulocytes, and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations in 374 females aged 14-19 years. Reticulocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and sTfR concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay. There were no significant differences in the values of reticulocyte subpopulations and RMI between ferritin alone-depleted group and healthy controls. However, middle- and high-fluorescence reticulocytes and RMI were significantly higher in both the serum iron- and serum ferritin-depleted groups than in the ferritin alone-depleted group. Middle-fluorescence reticulocytes and RMI increased gradually as the body iron store was depleted and were 3.4- and 3.6-fold higher, respectively, than normal controls, when the subjects attained a frank iron-deficiency anemia. There were no significant changes in the values of red blood cells or total reticulocyte counts during iron-depleted states. The mean value of sTfR (3.98 mg/l) in the subjects with RMI > or = 1.5% was significantly higher than that (2.26 mg/l) in the subjects with RMI < 1.5% (P < 0.01). The sTfR concentration correlated significantly with RMI (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) and middle-fluorescence reticulocytes (r = 0.59, P < 0.01). In short, body iron depletion induces elevation of immature reticulocyte fractions and RMI.

Changes in serum lipid concentrations during iron depletion and after iron supplementation

To investigate the effects of body iron depletion and iron supplementation on serum lipid concentrations, hematologic indices, iron markers, and serum lipid profiles were measured in 427 girls, age 14-19 yr. There were no significant differences in serum lipid concentrations between subjects with moderate iron deficiency anemia (blood Hb < 12.0 g/dL) and healthy controls. However, serum total cholesterol concentration (mean +/- SD, 148 +/- 16 mg/dL) in severely anemic subjects with blood Hb < 8.0 g/dL was significantly lower than in subjects with blood Hb > or = 14.0 g/dL (170 +/- 17 mg/dL) (p < 0.01). Moreover, serum triglyceride concentration in subjects with blood Hb > 14.0 g/dL was 2-fold higher than in the severely anemic subjects. Mean values of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride (149 +/- 17 mg/dL and 58 +/- 22 mg/dL) in girls with severe anemia were significantly elevated after iron supplementation (164 +/- 17 mg/dL and 98 +/- 26 mg/dL) (p < 0.01, respectively). In the severely anemic subjects, blood Hb concentration was correlated with serum total cholesterol (r = 0.49, p < 0.01) and triglyceride concentrations (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that severe iron deficiency anemia in girls is attended by decreased concentrations of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride, and that these reduced serum lipid levels return to normal following iron supplementation.

F508 amino acid deletion mutation of CFTR gene in Korean lung cancer patients

Mutations of the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in cystic fibrosis lead to dysfunction of the lung, pancreas, and sweat glands, etc. To investigate the possibility of the relationship between lung cancer and the mutations of CFTR gene, we determined amino acid sequences using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing. In this study, the deletion mutation of 508th amino acid in one of nine lung caner patients was found confirming that CFTR gene mutation exists in a Korean lung cancer patient.

Biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-defined interconnected spherical pore network

Scaffolding plays pivotal role in tissue engineering. In this work, a novel processing technique has been developed to create three-dimensional biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-controlled interconnected spherical pores. Paraffin spheres were fabricated with a dispersion method, and were bonded together through a heat treatment to form a three-dimensional assembly in a mold. Biodegradable polymers such as PLLA and PLGA were dissolved in a solvent and cast onto the paraffin sphere assembly. After dissolving the paraffin, a porous polymer scaffold was formed. The fabrication parameters were studied in relation to the pore shape, interpore connectivity, pore wall morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer scaffolds. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds decreased with increasing porosity. Longer heat treatment time of the paraffin spheres resulted in larger openings between the pores of the scaffolds. Foams of smaller pore size (100-200 microm) resulted in significantly lower compressive modulus than that of larger pore sizes (250-350 or 420-500 microm). The PLLA foams had a skeletal structure consisting of small platelets, whereas PLGA foams had homogeneous skeletal structure. The new processing technique can tailor the polymer scaffolds for a variety of potential tissue engineering applications because of the well-controlled architecture, interpore connectivity, and mechanical properties.

Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors from the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten

Three varieties of methyl citrate and 1-methyl malate were isolated from the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten Makino through in vitro bioassay-guided isolation for the inhibition on monoamine oxidase(MAO). The IC50 values for MAO-B of 1-monomethyl citrate, 1,3-dimethyl citrate, trimethyl citrate and 1-methyl malate were 0.19, 0.23, 0.61 and 0.25 mM, respectively. However, on MAO-A, their inhibitions showed only marginal activity.

Change in erythropoiesis with gestational age during pregnancy

To investigate the changes in erythropoiesis during pregnancy, 342 pregnant and postpartum women were examined for reticulocyte subpopulations, reticulocyte maturity index (RMI), and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels. The reticulocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the sTfR concentration was measured by an immunoenzymometric method. There were no significant differences in the values of reticulocyte subpopulations, RMI, and sTfR between first trimester and non-pregnant women. However, the RMI and sTfR concentration increased gradually from the second trimester of pregnancy, during which time values were twofold higher than those in the first trimester, and peaked in the third trimester. Then the RMI and sTfR values decreased abruptly 1-4 weeks postpartum and finally dropped to the levels of non-pregnant women 5 weeks after delivery. The maternal sTfR concentration correlated significantly with the corrected reticulocyte count (r = 0.52, P < 0.01), RMI (r = 0.67, P < 0.01), and high fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR) (r = 0.62, P < 0.01); however, the serum ferritin level correlated poorly with the reticulocyte subpopulations during pregnancy. In conclusion, erythropoiesis increases with gestational age during pregnancy and returns to normal 5 weeks after delivery. Measurement of sTfR in combination with RMI may improve the assessment of erythropoietic activity during pregnancy.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III in the streptozotocin-lnduced diabetic rat and their antioxidant activity in vitro

Tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III from the flowers of Pueraria thunbergiana showed potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Intraperitoneal administration of these two compounds with 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, for seven days to streptozotocin-induced rats significantly reduced the blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared with those of control group. Glycitein in which 5-OH is unlinked and tectoridin (7-O-glycoside of tectorigenin) isolated from the flowers of P. thunbergiana did not improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In addition, tectorigenin showed in vitro antioxidant effects on 1,1diphenyl-2-pirylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, xanthine-xanthine oxidase superoxide anion radical, and lipid peroxidation in rat microsomes induced by enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods. We further found that tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III protected the Vero cell line (normal monkey kidney) from injury by hydrogen peroxide. From these findings, it seems likely that the antioxidant action of tectorigenin and kaikasaponin III may alleviate the streptozotocin-induced toxicity and contribute to hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.

Serum lipid concentrations change with serum alkaline phosphatase activity during pregnancy

To investigate the relationship between serum lipids and alkaline phosphatase during normal pregnancy, we measured triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum samples from 546 apparently healthy pregnant, postpartum, and nonpregnant women. Serum HDL-cholesterol levels did not change significantly during pregnancy, but serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased gradually as pregnancy proceeded, reached maximum values in the third trimester, and returned to nonpregnant levels by 20-24 wk postpartum. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity averaged 2.1-fold higher in the late third trimester than in the first trimester; the serum triglyceride concentration averaged 2.3-fold higher in the late third trimester than in the first trimester. Compared to the peak values during pregnancy, serum alkaline phosphatase activity averaged 45% lower and serum triglyceride level averaged 47% lower at 12-16 wk postpartum. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was correlated with the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and triglyceride (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). In short, this study shows that serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels change in parallel with serum alkaline phosphatase activity during and after normal pregnancy.

Erythropoietic activity and soluble transferrin receptor level in neonates and maternal blood

Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration reflects functional iron status and erythropoietic activity. The aims of this study were to examine gender differences of erythropoiesis in newborns and to evaluate the influences of maternal anaemia or iron deficiency on foetal cord blood parameters for iron status and sTfR. In total, 527 newborns and their mothers were examined. Reticulocytes were analysed by flow cytometry and sTfR was measured by an immunoenzymometric method. There were no sex differences in haematological or iron parameters. However, the reticulocyte maturity index (RMI) of male neonates was 37.45%, significantly higher than the 26.81% in female neonates (p <0.01). The high fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR) and middle fluorescence reticulocytes (MFR) of male neonates were 4.91% and 22.36%, respectively, while those of female neonates were 3.31% and 17.83%, respectively (p < 0.01 for each gender). The sTfR concentrations of male and female neonates were 6.27 mg/l and 5.09 mg/l, respectively (p < 0.01). Values for serum iron, ferritin and reticulocyte subpopulations were significantly lower in the newborns of anaemic mothers. However, newborns of iron-deficient mothers showed no differences in iron parameters from those of non-iron-deficient mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher values of RMI and sTfR observed in male neonates indicate that erythropoietic activity is higher in this group. Iron transport to the foetus appears to be independent of maternal iron deficiency. However, iron transport and erythropoiesis in newborns seems to decline from the time that the mothers acquire frank iron deficiency anaemia.

19F NMR investigation of F(1)-ATPase of Escherichia coli using fluorotryptophan labeling

Growth of Escherichia coli in the presence of glyphosate, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, has permitted the production of proton-dislocating ATPase that is specifically labeled with 5-fluorotryptophan. Five sets of (19)F resonances could be assigned to each tryptophan residue by lauryldimethylamine oxide and carboxypeptidase treatment. On labeling with 4-chloro-7-nitro-benzofurazan, the label attached to b155Lys, which is known to be in the catalytic site, which caused one of the residues, b108Trp, to become nonequivalent. (19)F NMR spectroscopic investigation of internally fluorotryptophan-labeled F(1)-ATPase will provide valuable information about the asymmetric nature of F(1)-ATPase and the conformational changes induced by ligand binding.

Caveolin-1 regulates shear stress-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Fluid shear stress activates a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), by mechanisms dependent on cholesterol in the plasma membrane in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Caveolae are microdomains of the plasma membrane that are enriched with cholesterol, caveolin, and signaling molecules. We hypothesized that caveolin-1 regulates shear activation of ERK. Because caveolin-1 is not exposed to the outside, cells were minimally permeabilized by Triton X-100 (0.01%) to deliver a neutralizing, polyclonal caveolin-1 antibody (pCav-1) inside the cells. pCav-1 then bound to caveolin-1 and inhibited shear activation of ERK but not c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase. Epitope mapping studies showed that pCav-1 binds to caveolin-1 at two regions (residues 1-21 and 61-101). When the recombinant proteins containing the epitopes fused to glutathione-S-transferase (GST-Cav(1-21) or GST-Cav(61-101)) were preincubated with pCav-1, only GST-Cav(61-101) reversed the inhibitory effect of the antibody on shear activation of ERK. Other antibodies, including m2234, which binds to caveolin-1 residues 1-21, had no effect on shear activation of ERK. Caveolin-1 residues 61-101 contain the scaffolding and oligomerization domains, suggesting that binding of pCav-1 to these regions likely disrupts the clustering of caveolin-1 or its interaction with signaling molecules involved in the shear-sensitive ERK pathway. We suggest that caveolae-like domains play a critical role in the mechanosensing and/or mechanosignal transduction of the ERK pathway.

Role of intracoronary ultrasound after high-pressure stent implantation

BACKGROUND

Poststent high-pressure balloon inflation has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. However, it is unknown whether intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) provides additional clinical guidance after initial high-pressure balloon inflation is used during stent placement. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine if stent deployment techniques are improved with ICUS imaging despite an optimal angiographic result achieved with high-pressure balloon inflation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective data were collected on 96 consecutive patients in whom 151 stents were deployed. Stents and high-pressure balloons were angiographically sized 1:1 by visual estimation. High-pressure (> or =12 atm in all cases) balloon inflations were continued until angiographic completion (<10% residual stenosis), after which index ICUS imaging was performed. Stent apposition, symmetry, and lumen dimensions were evaluated. An optimal ICUS result was defined as full apposition of the stent, symmetry ratio > or =0.80, and acute gain > or =0.80 of the reference lumen area. If inadequate ICUS results were found, further dilations with higher pressures or larger balloons and subsequent stent reevaluation with ICUS were performed. Sixty-nine (46%) stents required additional balloon inflations. Of these stents, 35 (23%) had initial acute gains that were <80% of the reference lumen area. Forty-six (30%) stents were found to have unapposed struts and 24 (16%) had a symmetry ratio <0.80. In patients requiring additional inflations, minimum stent area increased from 7.6 +/- 2.2 mm(2) to 9.2 +/- 2.4 mm(2) (P <.0001). Similarly, complete stent apposition improved from 33% to 68% of total stents (P <.0001). After initial ICUS, higher-pressure dilations were performed in 40 patients, whereas larger balloons greater than or equal to ICUS reference vessel diameter were used in 33 patients. Follow-up was obtained in 95 (99%) patients. The overall major adverse cardiac event rate at 6 months was 9.3%, which consisted of 8 target vessel revascularizations and 1 abrupt closure requiring repeat intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when poststent high-pressure balloon inflation achieves an optimal angiographic result, ICUS assists in optimizing acute gain, symmetry, and apposition of intracoronary stents in approximately 50% of patients. Moreover, ICUS guidance is associated with low rates for target vessel revascularization and major adverse cardiac events at 6-month follow-up.

A study of dentists' knowledge and beliefs regarding temporomandibular disorders in Korea

The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and beliefs regarding TMD (temporomandibular disorders) held by practicing dentists in Seoul, the capital and largest city in Korea. Four aspects of TMD (psychophysiological, psychiatric disorders, chronic pain and pathophysiological) were examined. The results indicate that while the role of psychophysiologic factors in the etiology of TMD and the role of psychiatric disorders is relatively widely acknowledged in the practicing community, there is a high level of controversy regarding the pathophysiology of TMD and the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these chronic conditions. The findings partially duplicate a similar survey of dentists in Seattle, Washington, and one survey done in Kansas in the United States.

The new genotypic human calicivirus isolated in Seoul

A new type of human calicivirus (HuCV) showing the classic cup-shaped surface morphology was identified in the stool sample from a child with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea (SK virus). Genomic RNA was extracted directly from the stool sample, and the nucleotide sequence of 3.2 kb of the 3' end of SK virus was determined from cDNA. This region spanned sequences from the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) region in the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) to the 3' poly A tail. The non-structural and capsid protein coding sequences were fused in a single ORF as observed in Manchester type (Genogroup III). However, ORF2 of Manchester virus was missing in SK virus. In RDRP region, SK virus showed amino acid and nucleotide identities of 74-75% and 68-69% respectively, with those of Manchester virus, while showed 34-46% and 55-60% identities respectively with those of other human caliciviruses. However, capsid protein of SK virus showed a partial (29-46%) amino acid identity with those of other caliciviruses including Manchester type. The closest resemblance in amino acid (97-99%) and nucleotide sequence (85-86%) identities were found in RDRP region with Vanderbijlpark and Pretoria isolates recently found in South Africa. These results suggest that SK virus together with Vanderbijlpark and Pretoria isolates belong to a new type different from Manchester virus.

The regulatory effects of thyroid hormone on the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase

The effects of 3, 3', 5-triiodothyronine (T3) on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity were evaluated in the C100 baby hamster kidney cell line. Cells cultured in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) were supplemented with 10% thyroid hormone-depleted fetal bovine serum (THDS-MEM) and had a 70.1% lower level of HMG-CoA reductase activity than the cells grown in a medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). When T3 was added to THDS-MEM, the reduction of the reductase activity was blocked in a dose-dependent manner. In the cells grown in THDS-MEM for 48 hours, T3 (10(-6) M) treatment rapidly increased HMG-CoA reductase activity, achieving the control level six hours after treatment. Such effects of T3 were blocked by actinomycin D (5 microg/ml) or cycloheximide (10 microg/ml). The transcriptional rate of the HMG-CoA reductase gene did not change significantly regardless of the presence of T3, while T3 inhibited the 25-hydroxycholesterol-mediated decay of the reductase mRNA significantly. Our results show that T3-dependent regulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity, via the de novo synthesis of the reductase enzyme, seems to be mediated at least partially by the stabilization of HMG-CoA reductase mRNA.

Metabolism of 6"-O-xylosyltectoridin and tectoridin by human intestinal bacteria and their hypoglycemic and in vitro cytotoxic activities

6"-O-Xylosyltectoridin and tectoridin isolated from the flowers of Pueraria thunbergiana (Leguminosae), are metabolized to tectorigenin by human intestinal bacteria. Although tectoridin is metabolized to tectorigenin by most intestinal bacteria, 6"-O-xylosyltectoridin is metabolized to tectorigenin via tectoridin by only a few intestinal bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium breve K-110 and Eubacterium A-44. The metabolite, tectorigenin, had more potent hypoglycemic activity as well as in vitro cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines than 6"-O-xylosyltectoridin and tectoridin. These results suggest that 6"-O-xylosyltectoridin and tectoridin are prodrugs which can be transformed to the active agents by human intestinal bacteria.

Three-tiered integration of PACS and HIS toward next generation total hospital information system

The Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) started a project to innovate the hospital information facilities. This project includes installation of high speed hospital network, development of new HIS, OCS (order communication system), RIS and PACS. This project aims at the implementation of the first total hospital information system by seamlessly integrating these systems together. To achieve this goal, we took three-tiered systems integration approach: network level, database level, and workstation level integration. There are 3 loops of networks in SNUH: proprietary star network for host computer based HIS, Ethernet based hospital LAN for OCS and RIS, and ATM based network for PACS. They are linked together at the backbone level to allow high speed communication between these systems. We have developed special communication modules for each system that allow data interchange between different databases and computer platforms. We have also developed an integrated workstation in which both the OCS and PACS application programs run on a single computer in an integrated manner allowing the clinical users to access and display radiological images as well as textual clinical information within a single user environment. A study is in progress toward a total hospital information system in SNUH by seamlessly integrating the main hospital information resources such as HIS, OCS, and PACS. With the three-tiered systems integration approach, we could successfully integrate the systems from the network level to the user application level.