RAPD analysis of seed purity in a commercial hybrid cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cultivar

The use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for evaluating seed purity in a commercial F1-hybrid cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cultivar is demonstrated. Genomic DNA isolated from single ungerminated seed was found to be suitable for RAPD analysis. DNA from F1-hybrid and its parental lines was subjected to RAPD screening with 36 random decamer arbitrary primers. A total of 241 scorable products were observed with 54 (22%) being polymorphic. The RAPD data showed that the parental lines of this commercial cabbage cultivar were not very closely related. Two primers were chosen for purity testing of the F1-hybrid seeds. The sib (inbred seed; seed from self-pollination of parental lines) contamination results obtained by RAPD analysis were comparable to the commonly used grow-out trial and isozyme analysis, hence showing that RAPD analysis can be used for seed purity testing of commercial hybrid cabbage seeds.

RAPD analysis of seed purity in a commercial hybrid cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cultivar

The use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for evaluating seed purity in a commercial F1-hybrid cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cultivar is demonstrated. Genomic DNA isolated from single ungerminated seed was found to be suitable for RAPD analysis. DNA from F1-hybrid and its parental lines was subjected to RAPD screening with 36 random decamer arbitrary primers. A total of 241 scorable products were observed with 54 (22%) being polymorphic. The RAPD data showed that the parental lines of this commercial cabbage cultivar were not very closely related. Two primers were chosen for purity testing of the F1-hybrid seeds. The sib (inbred seed; seed from self-pollination of parental lines) contamination results obtained by RAPD analysis were comparable to the commonly used grow-out trial and isozyme analysis, hence showing that RAPD analysis can be used for seed purity testing of commercial hybrid cabbage seeds.

Key words: Brassica, cabbage, RAPD, seed purity test, F1-hybrid seed.

Isolation of bacteria other than Helicobacter pylori from stomachs of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) with gastritis

Gastric biopsy specimens obtained from 12 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) were investigated by culture for the presence of bacteria. The stomachs of two monkeys with gastritis were colonized with gram-negative, urease-positive bacteria, identified as Ochrobactrum anthropi by the Vitek and API NFT methods (BioMérieux). A third monkey with gastritis was positive for Aeromonas salmonicida and Pseudomonas vesicularis (both urease-negative). No Helicobacter pylori was isolated from squirrel monkeys. Light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic examination revealed that the O. anthropi isolates were covered by extracellular material, indicating a capsule. Characterization of the O. anthropi urease revealed Michaelis-Menten constants (Km values) of 6.2 and 4.0 mM urea for the ureases of O. anthropi isolates S664 and S1835, respectively, and 3.7 for type strain 49188. Western blot analysis using H. pylori- and H. felis-specific antibodies detected shared antigenic epitopes between the ureases of H. pylori, H. felis, and O. anthropi. The apparent molecular mass of the urease enzymes of the O. anthropi isolates was determined on 6% nondenaturing gels to be approximately 82 kDa. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, using the MicroScan method (Dade International), revealed multidrug resistance for the O. anthropi isolates with susceptibilities for the antibiotics amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, cefoperazone, tobramycin, imipenem, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

STAT1 affects lymphocyte survival and proliferation partially independent of its role downstream of IFN-gamma

Lymphocytes derived from mice deficient in STAT1 showed reduced apoptosis and enhanced proliferation in vitro. To understand the involvement of STAT1 in the observed reduction in apoptosis, we examined the levels of caspase and bcl-2 family genes that are involved in cell survival and/or apoptosis. The levels of caspase 1 and 11, two enzymes involved in both cytokine protein processing and induction of apoptosis, were reduced in STAT1-/- cells compared with wild-type. However, the levels of bcl-2 genes were comparable in both mice. STAT1-/- cells also displayed an enhanced proliferation following TCR stimulation. This hyperproliferation could not be ascribed completely to the loss of IFN-gamma-mediated antiproliferation. First, similar phenotypes were also observed in fibroblasts and pre-B cells derived from STAT1-/- mice, which do not produce IFN-gamma. Second, comparisons with cells lacking the gene for IFN-gamma or with cells treated with neutralizing Abs to IFN-gamma only partially mimicked the STAT1-/- phenotype. Interestingly, the kinetics of degradation of p27kip1, a CDK inhibitor, following TCR ligation were faster, and, concomitantly, the up-regulation of CDK2 kinase activity and protein levels were increased in stimulated T cells of STAT1-/- mice relative to those of wild-type mice. Furthermore, STAT1-/- animals were more susceptible to carcinogen-induced thymic tumors, a possible consequence of altered T cell growth and/or survival. These results demonstrate an essential role for STAT1 for lymphocyte survival and proliferation that is only partially dependent on IFN-gamma signaling.

A null mutant of the Streptomyces virginiae barA gene encoding a butyrolactone autoregulator receptor and its phenotypic and transcriptional analysis

The Streptomyces virginiae barA gene encodes a specific receptor protein for virginiae butanolide (VB), one of the gamma-butyrolactone autoregulators of Streptomyces species. By homologous recombination, a barA null strain was constructed to clarify the in vivo function of BarA protein in S. virginiae. The deltabarA mutant showed no difference in terms of growth, but lost VB production and produced virginiamycin 7 h earlier than the wild-type strain. These results indicated that, phenotypically, BarA protein acts negatively in virginiamycin biosynthesis and positively in VB biosynthesis. Furthermore, Northern (RNA) blot analysis of the DeltabarA mutant revealed that transcription of the BarA target gene (barB) was derepressed, confirming that BarA acts as a transcriptional repressor in S. virginiae.

Polysaccharide vaccines for preventing serogroup A meningococcal meningitis

BACKGROUND

Controlled trials over two decades ago showed that the polysaccharide vaccine prevented meningococcal meningitis. Subsequent observational studies suggested variations in the level and duration of protection, particularly among young children.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of polysaccharide serogroup A vaccine for preventing serogroup A meningococcal meningitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and other prospective controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One reviewer collected data and assessed the methodologic quality of the trials. Data were pooled using the Exact method to assess vaccine efficacy at one, two and three years post-vaccination.

MAIN RESULTS

The protective effect within the first year was consistent across all eight trials, including one with participants exclusively under six years of age (in Finland); overall vaccine efficacy was 95% (Exact 95% CI 87%, 99%). The Finnish trial lacked statistical power to assess the effect of a booster dose given to children less than 18 months old. In the three other trials that included children less than six years old (one in Sudan and two in Nigeria), none of the vaccinated children developed meningitis, but the statistical significance of this finding was undetermined. Protection extended into the second (in two studies) and third (in one study) years after vaccination, but these results were also not statistically significant.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

When compared with current recommendations, the methodological quality and relative incompleteness of the published reports could arguably render the trials invalid for this review. However, it was unlikely that the results of the trials in such diverse settings would have been biased towards a strong and consistent protective effect. Immunogenicity trials were not included in this review. Stage two of the review will assess the vaccine effect from observational studies.

MR findings of desmoplastic fibroma of the spine. A case report

We report on the MR imaging findings in a case of spinal desmoplastic fibroma (DF). DF of the bone is a rare, locally aggressive tumor. It is commonly located in long bones, pelvis or mandible. DF involving the spine is extremely rare and difficult to distinguish from other bony lesions such as giant cell tumor, chordoma and fibrous dysplasia of the spine. This case of DF of the spine showed MR findings similar to those of DF arising in the metaphysis of a long bone.

Optical configuration and color-representation range of a variable-pitch dot matrix holographic printer

The optical system configuration and design of a dot matrix holographic printer that can create image grating pixels of variable size, arbitrary pitch, and discretionary angle on a photoresist plate are presented. With the capability to vary spot size, grating orientation, and grating pitch on the fly, this newly developed holographic printer can apply a prespecified color at each specific viewing angle. Diffractive images with various visual effects and the wide color range that are possible by use of this system are examined in detail.

Effects of dopamine and melatonin on the regulation of the PIT-1 isotype, placental growth hormone and lactogen gene expressions in the rat placenta

Rat placenta produces several members of the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH), including placental lactogen (PL) and placental prolactin like protein (PLP), during pregnancy. It is important to study placental local regulators that control the expression of PRL-GH genes. We have previously reported that dopamine (DA) can regulate Pit-1 and PL-II gene expressions. In this study we aimed to investigate the local expression of melatonin receptor 1a (Mel1a) and the effects of DA and melatonin on the expressions of PL-Iv, PL-II, PLP-C genes and Pit-1 gene that are involved in the expression of PRL-GH genes in the rat pituitary and placenta. According to the Northern blot analysis, DA receptor 2 (D2) was expressed in the rat placenta. We also report on the local expression of Mel1a in the rat placenta for the first time. Injected DA agonist, bromocriptine (in vivo) decreased PL-Iv, PLP-C and Pit-1 mRNA levels in the rat placenta. The melatonin agonist, chloromelatonin in culture media also decreased the levels of PL-Iv, PL-II and PLP-C mRNA. However, melatonin does not affect the Pit-1 mRNA level. These data suggest that D2 and Mel1a may control the expression of PRL-GH genes in the rat placenta and its response to the extracellular changes of DA and melatonin secreted from the maternal organ. However, Pit-1 may not be involved in the Mel1a induced inhibition of PRL-GH gene expressions in the rat placenta.

Antiviral activities of various water and methanol soluble substances isolated from Ganoderma lucidum

In order to find antiviral substances from basidiomycetes, two water soluble substances, GLhw and GLlw, and eight methanol soluble substances, GLMe-1-8, were prepared from carpophores of Ganoderma lucidum. These substances were examined for their activities against five strains of pathogenic viruses such as herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), influenza A virus (Flu A) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) Indiana and New Jersey strains in vitro. Antiviral activities were evaluated by the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay and plaque reduction assay. Five substances, GLhw, GLMe-1, -2, -4 and -7 significantly inhibited the cytopathic effects of HSV and VSV. In the plaque reduction assay, GLhw inhibited plaque formation of HSV-2 with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of 590 and 580 microg/ml in Vero and HEp-2 cells, and its selectivity indices (SI) were 13.32 and 16.26. GLMe-4 did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to 1000 microg/ml, while it exhibited potent antiviral activity on the VSV New Jersey strain with an SI of more than 5.43. These results indicate the possibility of development of antiviral agents from basidiomycetous fungi.

Antiherpetic activities of various protein bound polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum

To investigate antiherpetic substances from Ganoderma lucidum, various protein bound polysaccharides, GLhw, GLhw-01, GLhw-02, GLhw-03, were isolated by activity-guided isolation from water soluble substances of the carpophores. These substances were examined for their antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) by plaque reduction assay in vitro. Among them, the acidic protein bound polysaccharide, GLhw-02 of a brownish substance, exhibited the most potent antherpetic activity with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of 300 approximately 520 microg/ml in Vero and HEp-2 cells, and its selectivity indices (SI) were more than 20. GLhw-02 was identified to consist mainly of polysaccharide (approximately 40.6%) and protein (approximately 7.80%) by anthrone test and Lowry-Folin test, and showed the usual molar ratio (C:H:O = 1:2:1) of carbohydrates by elemental analysis. These results suggest that GLhw-02 possesses the possibility of being developed from a new antiherpetic agent.

Direct ex vivo analysis of hepatitis B virus-specific CD8(+) T cells associated with the control of infection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cytotoxic T cells have been suggested to be responsible for lysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected hepatocytes and control of virus infection. The frequency, kinetics, phenotype, and capacity for clonal expansion of circulating HBV-specific CD8 cells were analyzed directly in patients with acute HBV infection to clarify their pathogenetic role.

METHODS

Three HLA-A2 peptide tetramers able to visualize HBV core, envelope, and polymerase epitope-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were synthesized and used for flow cytometric analysis of antigen-specific populations.

RESULTS

Tetramer-positive cells specific for the core 18-27 epitope were found at a higher frequency than those specific for polymerase 575-583 and envelope 335-343 epitopes in most patients with acute HBV. The number of HBV-specific CD8 cells was highest during the clinically acute stage of infection and decreased after recovery. These cells expressed an activated phenotype and had an impaired capacity to expand in vitro and to display cytolytic activity in response to peptide stimulation. Recovery of these functions was observed when the frequency of specific CD8 cells decreased, coincident with a progressive decrease in their expression of activation markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first ex vivo evidence that the highest frequency of circulating HBV-specific CD8 cells coincides with the clinically acute phase of hepatitis B. These cells exhibit an activated phenotype with limited further proliferative capacity that is restored during recovery.

An antiviral furanoquinone from Paulownia tomentosa Steud

A methanol extract of the stem bark of Paulownia tomentosa showed antiviral activity against poliovirus types 1 and 3. Sequential liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane, chloroform and water, and a silicagel column chromatography resulted in the purification of a compound. The compound was identified as methyl-5-hydroxy-dinaphthol[1,2-2',3']furan-7,12-dione-6-carbox yla te on the basis of spectroscopic data. The component caused a significant reduction of viral cytopathic effect when it was subjected to a standard antiviral assay by using HeLa cells. The EC(50) of the compound against poliovirus type 1 strain Brunhilde, and type 3 strain Leon were 0.3 microg/mL and 0.6 microg/mL, respectively.

Human herpes virus 6 fatal encephalitis in a bone marrow recipient

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) has been implicated as a human pathogen in both normal and immunocompromised hosts. It has been associated with interstitial pneumonitis and bone marrow suppression after transplantation. We report here a case of fatal encephalitis in a bone marrow transplant recipient. This case illustrates the importance of considering HHV6 as an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised hosts.

Comparison of three analytical methods for 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide in urine after non-occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Urinary pyrene metabolites, 1-OHP and 1-OHPG, have been used as biomarkers for the assessment of occupational and environmental exposure to PAHs. This study compares the sensitivity and applicability of the different analytical methods of 1-OHPG for human biomonitoring of low level exposure to PAHs. Three analytical methods were compared: (1) HPLC method from that reported by Singh et al. (Singh, R., Tucek, M., Maxa, K., Tenglerova, J., Weyand, E.H., 1995. A rapid and simple method for the analysis of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide: a potential biomarker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. Carcinogenesis 16, 2909-2915); (2) IAC-SFS method: the rapid and simple assay using IAC purification using monoclonal antibody specific for PAH-DNA adduct and PAH metabolites and SFS quantitation; and (3) IAC-HPLC method: IAC and HPLC separation and quantitation. The correlation between the IAC-SFS method, HPLC method, and the IAC-SFS method was determined in 20 first year-grade junior high school students (age 12-13) from Yochon, Korea who participated in a nationwide survey for the environmental disease surveillance projects in Korea. Chromatograms obtained by the IAC purification and HPLC quantitation method were clear with no interfering peaks adjacent to 1-OHPG, thus 1-OHPG could be easily quantitated. However, the HPLC method produced chromatogram profiles with many interfering peaks adjacent to 1-OHPG peak. The concentrations of 1-OHPG in 20 urine samples were similar when analyzed by all three analytical methods. The correlation coefficient between the IAC-HPLC and IAC-SFS methods was 0.915, and between the IAC-HPLC and HPLC methods was 0.844, and between the IAC-SFS and HPLC methods was 0.805. The analytical methods for 1-OHPG compared in this study showed a good correlation with one another. These results suggest that any of the methods can be applied to human biomonitoring of PAH exposure. However, SFS quantitation after IAC purification is rapid and simple because this method does not need HPLC separation of 1-OHPG.

Variations in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide in relation to smoking and the modification effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1

The measurement of the pyrene metabolite, 1-hydroxypyrene, in human urine has been used to assess recent exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The objective of this study was to see whether genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes could explain some of the variation in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) excretion in relation to smoking. Forty-seven male hospital workers, who were not occupationally exposed to PAH, participated in this study. The urine samples were analyzed for 1-OHPG utilizing immunoaffinity chromatography and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism was performed by PCR. The 1-OHPG concentration in the urine of the hospital workers was 0.57 +/- 0.85 micromol/mol creatinine, and ranged from 0.02 to 5.04 mciromol/mol creatinine. Cigarette smoking was significantly correlated with urinary 1-OHPG (r = 0.3976, P = 0.0056). The 1-OHPG excretion in GSTM1-deficient smokers was higher than that in GSTM1-positive smokers. On the other hand, 1-OHPG excretion was higher in GSTT1-positive smokers than in GSTT1-deficient smokers. It is important to note the variability of individual PAH metabolite excretion due to different GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes.

Size Effects of Exchange Cation on the Pore Structure and Surface Fractality of Montmorillonite

Ca-montmorillonites were exchanged with both metal cations (manganese and copper) and organic cations (tetramethylammonium (TMA) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA)) to study the cation size effects on the pore structure and surface roughness of montmorillonite based on the classical and fractal analysis of their nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The surface fractal dimension D was calculated from their nitrogen isotherms with the aid of the recently proposed Neimark equation. The decrease of BET surface area of montmorillonite induced by the larger size of exchange cation was interpreted with both the coverture of some surface roughness (surface screening effect) and the inhibition of nitrogen molecule into some pores (pore blocking effect). The pore blocking effect was examined with the changes of mean pore size. Meanwhile, the D value was used to examine whether or not the surface screening effect existed. It was concluded that the combination of classical and fractal analyses of nitrogen isotherms may facilitate our understanding of the evolution of pore and surface structures of clay exchanged with different cations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Gene expression profile of aging and its retardation by caloric restriction

The gene expression profile of the aging process was analyzed in skeletal muscle of mice. Use of high-density oligonucleotide arrays representing 6347 genes revealed that aging resulted in a differential gene expression pattern indicative of a marked stress response and lower expression of metabolic and biosynthetic genes. Most alterations were either completely or partially prevented by caloric restriction, the only intervention known to retard aging in mammals. Transcriptional patterns of calorie-restricted animals suggest that caloric restriction retards the aging process by causing a metabolic shift toward increased protein turnover and decreased macromolecular damage.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the spine. Analysis of twenty-three cases

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinical and radiologic data in four major tertiary referral centers.

OBJECTIVES

To report clinical and roentgenographic findings, to evaluate the results of various treatment methods, and to propose a protocol for management.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the spine is a rare condition, and therefore, appropriate management is still controversial.

METHODS

Clinical and roentgenographic findings of 38 vertebral lesions of 23 children, with average follow-up of 5.4 years, were investigated. This is the most extensive report apparent in the literature to date. The results of treatment were assessed clinically and radiologically. Anterior vertebral body height was measured sequentially to evaluate reconstitution of the vertebral body.

RESULTS

The last follow-up examination demonstrated no clinical evidence of disease in all patients, regardless of treatment method. Neurologic deficits developed in four patients, but they completely disappeared. Satisfactory restoration of height was demonstrated in all except five vertebrae: one that had collapsed maximally when the patient was more than 15 years of age and four that had been fused anteriorly or posteriorly. Unsatisfactory results were also seen in a patient with progressive scoliosis and in one with an irregular endplate with disc space narrowing. Both of these complications developed after curettage.

CONCLUSIONS

For treatment of single or dual spinal lesions, observation with or without bracing seems to be sufficient. In patients with multifocal lesions, chemotherapy produces good results. For treatment of neurologic deficit, low-dose radiotherapy is favored. Patients who underwent surgery--especially curettage and anterior fusion--had the worst outcome.

Immunization of rhesus monkeys with a mucosal prime, parenteral boost strategy protects against infection with Helicobacter pylori

Rhesus monkeys were immunized with recombinant Helicobacter pylori urease vaccine given solely by the parenteral route or preceded by a priming dose given by the oral route. Two groups of monkeys received parenteral urease with either a synthetic glycolipid adjuvant (Bay) or aluminum hydroxide (alum) as adjuvants. A third group of monkeys received a priming dose of oral urease given with the mucosal adjuvant LT (Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin), followed by parenterally administered booster doses of urease adsorbed to alum. Monkeys receiving placebo served as controls. The monkeys received a total of 4 doses of vaccine with the first 3 doses given every 3 weeks and the last booster dose administered 14 weeks later. The monkeys were challenged orally with H. pylori one week after the last vaccine dose and euthanized 10 weeks after challenge, at which time, their stomachs were collected for determination of bacterial colonization and histopathology. Monkeys primed with the oral vaccine and boosted with the parenteral vaccine showed a statistically significant reduction in bacterial colonization when compared to sham-immunized control animals (P = 0.05; Wilcoxon rank sums test). Monkeys receiving parenteral only regimes of urease plus Bay or alum showed no difference in bacterial colonization compared with sham-immunized controls (P = 1.00 and P = 0.33, respectively). The mucosal prime-parenteral boost regime did not cause gastropathy. There was no difference in any of the 3 treatment groups with respect to gastric epithelial changes compared to control animals. There was also no difference in the type and extent of gastric inflammatory cell infiltrates between animals vaccinated by the mucosal prime-parenteral boost strategy and sham immunized controls. However, monkeys receiving the two parenteral-only regimens had slightly elevated gastritis scores.

Cylindrical-type nanometer-resolution laser diffractive optical encoder

A new, to our knowledge, design for a cylindrical-type diffractive optical encoder is proposed. The wave-front aberrations induced by the power of the rotation disk in this encoder can be canceled out completely. Wave-front-aberration cancellation and desensitization to the grating misalignment are achieved by means of positioning the virtual point source, which was induced by the cylindrical grating with respect to two sets of modified telescopes with a magnification ratio of one: 1x telescopes. For evaluating the performance envelope of this newly designed optical system a code v-based optical-design software program was adopted to simulate the performance of the optical system. From tolerance-analysis results it was found that this newly developed cylindrical encoder system has the capability to compensate for most aberrations and, in addition, possesses a high tolerance for optical-component misalignment. For verifying the performance of the developed system the cylindrical diffractive encoder system was cross-referenced with a Hewlett-Packard Model HP-5529 laser interferometer positioning signal. The experimental results confirm the merits of this newly developed cylindrical encoder.

Four new triterpenes from the heartwood of melaleuca leucadendron

Four new triterpenes, eupha-7,24-diene-3beta,22beta-diol (1), 20-taraxastene-3alpha,28-diol (2), 3alpha,27-dihydroxy-28, 20beta-taraxastanolide (3), and 3alpha-hydroxy-13(18)-oleanene-27, 28-dioic acid (4) have been isolated from the heartwood of Melaleuca leucadendron. The structures and stereochemistry of 1-4 have been determined by spectroscopic analysis, with compounds 3 and 4 being investigated in the forms of their diacetate (3a) and dimethyl (4a) derivative, respectively.