Subtyping of D20S85 STR alleles by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis

During a population study of STR locus D20S85, we discovered two types of sequence variations by direct sequencing of the alleles: two transitions each of G to A and A to G occur in the 5' flanking region in the individuals possessing allele 6 and some of those possessing allele 7 [1]. Using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, we were able to distinguish two subtypes of allele 7 from each other. This analysis method enables rapid screening for STR alleles of the same length with different sequences, and should find application to other complex STR loci because of the practical advantage of simplicity in comparison to sequencing.

Regression of gastric polyps in Gardner's syndrome with use of indomethacin suppositories: a case report

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis most often have multiple polyps in the large bowel and also in the gastroduodenal region. There are reports of regression or disappearance of colorectal and duodenal polyps while on sulindac therapy. We report here what seems to be the first case of regression of gastric polyps while on indomethacin suppository treatment.

Effect of a new hypoglycemic agent, A-4166 [(-)-N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine], on postprandial blood glucose excursion: comparison with voglibose and glibenclamide

(-)-N-(trans-4-Isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166) is a new nonsulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent that lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin release. In the present study, we examined the effects of A-4166, voglibose (an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor), and glibenclamide (a sulfonylurea) on the postprandial glycemic increase in rats with or without diabetes mellitus. Oral administration of A-4166 (25-100 mg/kg) dose-dependently decreased blood glucose with a rapid onset and short duration in normal rats. On the other hand, glibenclamide (1-4 mg/kg) showed a slower onset of its hypoglycemic action, and voglibose (0.2 mg/kg) had no effect. In the case of postprandial glucose excursion, the carbohydrate-induced increase in blood glucose was reduced by oral administration of either A-4166 or voglibose without causing sustained hypoglycemia in both normal and neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, the efficacy of voglibose varied with the type of carbohydrate load. Glibenclamide produced a prolonged decrease in blood glucose without any appreciable effect on the initial glucose excursion. After sucrose loading, plasma insulin levels during the initial 1 h were significantly higher in A-4166-treated rats than in control rats, while voglibose completely inhibited the insulin response to sucrose. In glibenclamide-treated rats, an augmented insulin response was not seen. In conclusion, unlike other hypoglycemic agents, A-4166 suppresses postprandial glucose excursions by stimulating the early phase of insulin secretion.

[High levels of serum ferritin in elderly patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]

We studied concentrations of serum ferritin, glycosylated ferritin, and non-glycosylated ferritin in elderly patients with diabetes. The subjects were 111 people who were at least 60 years old: 54 healthy controls, 14 diabetic patients without retinopathy, and 43 diabetic patients with retinopathy. The mean levels of ferritin, glycosylated ferritin, and non-glycosylated ferritin in serum were significantly higher in the patients with retinopathy than in healthy controls. The mean percent glycosylated ferritin did not differ between patients with retinopathy and healthy controls. The mean levels of serum ferritin, glycosylated ferritin, and non-glycosylated ferritin, and the percent glycosylated ferritin did not differ significantly between patients without retinopathy and health controls. None of these values differed between subjects with macroangiopathy and those without macroangiopathy, in both groups of patients. In patients with diabetes, none of the values measured was significantly related to fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or the duration of diabetes. These results suggest that diabetic microangiopathy is associated with abnormally high levels of ferritin in serum.

The ability of a new hypoglycaemic agent, A-4166, compared to sulphonylureas, to increase cytosolic Ca2+ in pancreatic beta-cells under metabolic inhibition

1. N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166) is a new non-sulphonylurea oral hypoglycaemic agent which stimulates insulin release by increasing cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in beta-cells. 2. We studied comparative effects of A-4166 and sulphonylureas on [Ca2+]i, measured by dual-wavelength fura-2 microfluorometry, in single rat pancreatic beta-cells under normal conditions and conditions where glucose metabolism was inhibited. 3. A glucokinase inhibitor, mannoheptulose (10 mM), a mitochondrial respiratory inhibitor, KCN (100 microM), and uncouplers, dinitrophenol (DNP, 50 microM) and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP, 0.3 microM), were used to abolish glucose-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in a reversible manner. 4. Under control conditions, A-4166 was one order more potent than tolbutamide in increasing [Ca2+]i, and maximal responses were evoked by 30 microM A-4166 and 300 microM tolbutamide. These equipotent concentrations were employed for the comparative study where glucose metabolism was inhibited. 5. In the presence of mannoheptulose, [Ca2+]i responses to tolbutamide, but not those to A-4166, were attenuated in a reversible manner. 6. KCN, DNP and FCCP inhibited [Ca2+]i responses to tolbutamide to a much greater extent than those to A-4166. Responses to tolbutamide even at 3.3 times the equipotent concentration (1000 microM) were also markedly attenuated by these inhibitors. Responses evoked by another sulphonylurea, gliclazide, were inhibited by DNP to a larger extent than A-4166-induced responses. 7. The results indicate that A-4166 acts more effectively than sulphonylureas to increase [Ca2+]i in beta-cells during metabolic inhibition.

Adhesion of insect cells expressing the feline herpesvirus type 1 hemagglutinin (gD) to feline cell lines

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) gD-expressing Sf9 cells adhered to two feline cell lines, but not to the porcine, bovine, or canine cell lines tested. In addition, this adhesion activity was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against FHV-1 gD. These results showed that the FHV-1 gD might bind to a specific-molecule(s) on the surface of feline cell lines. We discussed a possible importance of the FHV-1 gD in host cell restriction to FHV-1 infection.

Expression of a gene for uricase II (nodulin-35) in cotyledons of soybean plants

A cDNA clone (URcot-35) was isolated from a soybean cotyledonary cDNA library using a cDNA clone (URnod-35) for nodule uricase II as a probe. URcot-35 was a 1,170-bp cDNA with an open reading frame that encoded a protein of putative 309 amino acids with a molecular mass of 35,137 Da. The nucleotide sequence of URcot-35 was identical to that of URnod-35. Expression of the URcot-35 gene in cotyledons was investigated by Northern dot-blot hybridization, by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with subsequent hybridization assays with the cDNA for nodule uricase II as a probe, and by immunoblotting analysis with a monoclonal antibody that was specific to nodule uricase II. The results suggested that the transcript of URcot-35 was present in developing cotyledons and that uricase II accumulated during the pod-filling stage. This is the first report of the isolation of cDNA for uricase II from non-symbiotic tissue and the results demonstrate that uricase II in soybean cotyledons is identical to that in soybean nodules.

Enhanced expression of PP1 gamma 1, a catalytic subunit isoform of protein phosphatase type 1, in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies of women. Assessing the biological parameters of malignant tumors may facilitate predictions of clinical outcome. The expression of the three catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase (PP) type 1, PP1 alpha, PP1 gamma 1 and PP1 delta, as well as the one catalytic subunit of PP type 2, PP2AC, were examined in ten cases of mammary dysplasia, ten cases of fibroadenoma and 12 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, using immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, we measured the S-phase fraction of the cell cycle for use as a marker value of cell growth, using flow cytometric analysis. The percentage of proliferating cells that stained positive with antisera against PP1 gamma 1 was significantly higher in invasive ductal carcinoma than in mammary dysplasia and fibroadenoma. Furthermore, invasive ductal carcinoma showed a markedly high number of tumor cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle, as compared to mammary dysplasia and fibroadenoma. Our results indicate that PP1 gamma 1 may be involved in the accelerated growth of malignant cells in breast tumors.

[Localization of epileptogenic foci and visualization of propagating process in the seizure discharges using crosscorrelation analysis]

Electrocorticogram (ECoG) of intractable focal epilepsy was analyzed using AR model, wavelet analysis and crosscorrelation analysis. The sequential 3-dimensional visualization technique of phase shift maps was developed to localize the epileptic foci and to study their propagation process. The crosscorrelation of the epileptic discharges was calculated between the electrodes in every unit of time, to get the phase shift. More than two epileptogenic foci were localized and two kinds of propagating process were shown. These findings suggest that two kinds of mechanism might work in development of epileptic discharges, and our newly developed visualization technique is useful to investigate the epileptogenesis etiology.

Composite titanium dental implant fabricated by electro-discharge compaction

An electro-discharge compaction (EDC) fabrication window was established for producing commercially pure porous titanium dental implants of 4 mm diameter and 7 mm length with a solid titanium cap. The optimum input energy was in the range of 0.58-0.87 kJ g-1 for a powder column of 0.500 g. Input energy greater than 0.58 kJ g-1 resulted in an implant torque strength exceeding 30 N-cm (the retaining screw tightening torque), while input energy greater than 0.72 kJ g-1 exceeded 46.7 N-cm torque strength (at this level the retaining screw failed prior to the implant). The integrity of the internally threaded hole and hexagonal head of the cap were maintained throughout the EDC process. The EDC process did not after the strength and/or microstructure of the components, and the bead-cap interface was stronger than the bead-bead interface. EDC implants produced within the aforementioned window have sufficient compressive strengths and other physical properties to meet the requirement for titanium dental implants.

Clinical features of serologically non-B non-C chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To clarify the clinical features of serologically non-B non-C chronic liver disease (SNBNCLD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred-eleven Japanese patients hospitalized for clinical manifestations associated with non-alcoholic chronic liver disease were tested by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by reversed passive hemagglutination (RPHA) and the second generation hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb) by passive hemagglutination (PHA).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (10.4%, 15 men and 7 women) were diagnosed as having SNBNCLD, evaluated clinically and compared with other close etiologies. Their clinical manifestations and severity of liver disease were similar to those of other etiologies. The average age was higher than hepatitis B (p < 0.001), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC, p < 0.05), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH, p < 0.05) and hepatitis C. None of them had a history of blood transfusion before the onset. Concomitance of hepatoma was seen in 40.9%, being uncommon compared with hepatitis B (p < 0.01) and hepatitis C (p < 0.005). No significant difference of the survival rate was shown compared to other etiologies. HBsAb was more frequent (36.4%) than in hepatitis C (p < 0.05), and disappearance of HBsAg was seen in two hepatitis B patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that SNBNCLD is unique and important clinical entity associated with previous hepatitis B.

Apparent Dipole Moments of Aerosol OT Reversed Micelles in Cyclohexane Determined at a Frequency of 1 MHz and at a Temperature of 298.15 K

Precise determinations of dielectric constants were carried out for Aerosol OT reversed micelles in cyclohexane at a frequency of 1 MHz and at a temperature of 298.15 K for molalities of AOT from 0 to 0.04 mol kg-1. The ratio of the amount of water, r, to that of AOT was varied from 0 to 25 and the apparent dipole moments for the mixed solute (AOT + r&middot;H2O) were calculated. Discontinuous change in the limiting dipole moment with increasing r was found and was related to the characteristic of water to bind to the head group of AOT. The process of forming W/O microemulsion and the molecular interactions in the micellar core are discussed in terms of the hydration of AOT.

Preparation of a monoclonal antibody against soybean nodule uricase (nod-35), and immunoblot analysis of the expression of nod-35 in tissues of various legumes

Immunoblot analysis showed that uricases in non-ureide-transporting determinate nodules (Canavalia gladiata and Lotus japonicus) did not react with a monoclonal antibody against soybean nodule uricase, suggesting different immunological reactivities from those of uricases of ureide-transporting legumes.

Detection of viral genome in non-neural tissues of cattle experimentally infected with bovine herpesvirus 1

To obtain further information on the latent infection with bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) in the natural host, we examined the nasal secretions and various tissues of experimentally infected calves using virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immuno-PCR/antigen (Immuno-PCR/Ag) assays. In the nasal secretions, viral DNA was detected in samples with virus isolation titers of 10(4.3) TCID50 or more by PCR. On the same samples, Immuno-PCR/Ag remained positive up to day 19 p.i. the last day of test. BHV-1 DNA was detected from the following tissues in all the calves at day 22 p.i.: trigeminal ganglia, ovaries, lungs, nasal and tracheal mucosae, spleen, prescapular and precrural lymph nodes, and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), but not skeletal muscles. Virus was not recovered from any of these tissues. The present findings suggest a possible role of leukocytes in BHV-1 latent infection.

Expression and properties of feline herpesvirus type 1 gD (hemagglutinin) by a recombinant baculovirus

We constructed a recombinant baculovirus expressing feline herpesvirus type I (FHV-1) gD in insect cells (Sf9 cells). The expressed product was identified as FHV-1 gD by a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for the FHV-1 gD, and had an apparent molecular mass of approximately 49 kDa, which was less than that of the authentic FHV-1 gD. When the FHV-1 gD protein were expressed in Sf9 cells and CRFK cells in the presence of tunicamycin, the FHV-1 gD exhibited a molecular mass of 41 kDa. It was shown that the gD protein was transported to the surface of recombinant virus-infected Sf9 cells when examined by membrane-immunofluorescence analysis, and that the gD expressed on the surface of Sf9 cells adsorbed feline erythrocytes. Mice inoculated with a lysate of Sf9 cells expressing FHV-1 gD induced antibodies with virus-neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibition activities. Therefore, the expressed gD appears to be biologically authentic. These data suggested that recombinant FHV-1 gD produced in Sf9 cells may be a useful immunogen as a feline vaccine.

Hypoglycaemic and insulinotropic effects of a novel oral antidiabetic agent, (-)-N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166)

1. (-)-N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine (A-4166), a novel oral hypoglycaemic agent is a non-sulphonylurea insulin secretagogue. 2. We investigated the insulin-releasing action and hypoglycaemic effect of A-4166 compared to sulphonylureas in vitro and in vivo. 3. A-4166 stimulated insulin secretion from rat freshly isolated pancreatic islets at concentrations from 3 x 10(-6) M to 3 x 10(-4) M in the presence of 2.8 mM glucose. There was no obvious difference in glucose dependency between the insulinotropic effect of A-4166 and that of glibenclamide, and no additive or synergistic effect was observed between these two drugs. 4. A-4166 displaced [3H]-glibenclamide bound to intact HIT-T15 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ki value was 4.34 +/- 0.04 x 10(7) M, and the displacement potency of A-4166 was between that of glibenclamide and tolbutamide, being similar to that of gliclazide. 5. Inf fasted beagle dogs, A-4166 showed a dose-dependent hypoglycaemic effect after oral administration over the range 1 to 10 mg kg-1. The hypoglycaemic action of A-4166 showed an earlier onset and a shorter duration than that of sulphonylureas. 6. Simultaneous measurement of plasma insulin levels revealed that the hypoglycaemic effect of A-4166 was caused by a rapid-onset and brief burst of insulin secretion. 7. The pharmacokinetic profile of A-4166 was consistent with the changes of the blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. 8. Although the in vitro insulin-releasing effect of A-4166 was similar to that of sulphonylureas, its hypoglycaemic effect was more rapid and shorter-lasting, associated with rapid absorption and clearance. Thus, A-4166 may be useful in suppressing postprandial hyperglycaemia in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

STR typing of buccal swabs for paternity testing with reference to Japanese population data on the D20S85, D14S118, and D14S543 loci

To simplify short tandem repeat (STR) typing of genomic DNA, we used buccal cells instead of blood cells. Buccal swabs taken from paternity-test trios were washed with 1 ml of distilled water by centrifugation, and the pellets were suspended in 20 microliters of distilled water. The suspensions were frozen at -80 degrees C and then thawed. Using a 1/5 volume of each suspension, we were able to type STRs at the TH01, D20S85, D14S118, and D14S543 loci by triplex PCR amplification of the first three markers and by simplex amplification of the other. In addition, we studied the polymorphisms at the D20S85, D14S118, and D14S543 loci in a Japanese population of 320 individuals. The four loci have a combined average exclusion power of 99.37%. In 24 cases of disputed paternity, the results of STR typing of the four loci agreed with those of conventional marker typing. In addition to being simple and rapid, STR typing of buccal swabs involves no painful procedure. It is therefore preferable for paternity tests on infants and small children.

1H NMR assignments of apo calcyclin and comparative structural analysis with calbindin D9k and S100 beta

The homodimeric S100 protein calcyclin has been studied in the apo state by two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy. Using a combination of scalar correlation and NOE experiments, sequence-specific 1H NMR assignments were obtained for all but one backbone and > 90% of the side-chain resonances. To our knowledge, the 2 x 90 residue (20 kDa) calcyclin dimer is the largest protein system for which such complete assignments have been made by purely homonuclear methods. Sequential and medium-range NOEs and slowly exchanging backbone amide protons identified directly the four helices and the short antiparallel beta-type interaction between the two binding loops that comprise each subunit of the dimer. Further analysis of NOEs enabled the unambiguous assignment of 556 intrasubunit distance constraints, 24 intrasubunit hydrogen bonding constraints, and 2 x 26 intersubunit distance constraints. The conformation of the monomer subunit was refined by distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics calculations using the intrasubunit constraints only. Calculation of the dimer structure starting from this conformational ensemble has been reported elsewhere. The extent of structural homology among the apo calcyclin subunit, the monomer subunit of apo S100 beta, and monomeric apo calbindin D9k has been examined in detail by comparing 1H NMR chemical shifts and secondary structures. This analysis was extended to a comprehensive comparison of the three-dimensional structures of the calcyclin monomer subunit and calbindin D9k, which revealed greater similarity in the packing of their hydrophobic cores than was anticipated previously. Together, these results support the hypothesis that all members of the S100 family have similar core structures and similar modes of dimerization. Analysis of the amphiphilicity of Helix IV is used to explain why calbindin D9k is monomeric, but full-length S100 proteins form homodimers.

A new cleft palate repair

Cleft palate can be repaired by a palatal mucoperiosteal flap, but we have devised a new technique for cleft palate repair using a wide mucoperiosteal flap with an alveolar ridge mucosa and a cleft margin flap. This technique leaves the mucosa of the nasal cavity and vomer intact. The results include (1) good velopharyngeal competence and normal articulation, (2) few cases of fistula formation, and (3) minimal maxillary retardation.

Isolation of a cDNA encoding the X enopus homologue of mammalian Cdc25A that can induce meiotic maturation of oocytes

From a cDNA library of Xenopus laevis (Xl) oocytes, we isolated a cDNA encoding a putative protein phosphatase homologous to mammalian Cdc25A. Sequence analysis predicts that the Xl cdc25A gene product (Xl Cdc25A) consists of 521 amino acid residues and shares overall 55% identity with human Cdc25A. When its mRNA is injected into Xl oocytes, Xl Cdc25A can act as a potent M phase inducer.

Radiosensitivity of blood lymphocytes from basocellular carcinoma patients, as detected by the micronucleus assay

Cytogenetic techniques, the micronucleus (MN) assay, in particular, have been widely used in population monitoring, biological dosimetry and early detection of groups susceptible to cancer. Individuals respond differently to several environmental agents. The efficiency of the cellular repair mechanisms would be responsible, at least to some extent, for individual differences in sensitivity to neoplasia. In order to determine the sensitivity of cancer patients to ionizing radiation, blood cultures from untreated individuals with basocellular carcinoma, young healthy subjects and older healthy subjects, were irradiated in vitro with 60Co at doses ranging from 0 to 500 cGy and submitted to the cyto-B micronucleus assay; the frequency of cells and distribution of MN and dose-response relationships were analyzed. Results showed that cancer patients had a lower frequency of cells with spontaneous MN than older healthy subjects. The frequency of micronucleated cells was not different in patients and healthy subjects, but not the distribution of MN per radiation dose: for the carcinoma group, while the proportion of cells with one MN decreases drastically, the proportion of the cells with two or more MN increases with the same intensity. Our results show that the proportion of damaged cells is similar in patients with basocellular carcinoma and healthy subjects, but the magnitude of radiation-induced lesion is greater in the cancer patients.

[Mild glucose intolerance in the elderly]

Glucose tolerance has been shown to decline with age. Mechanisms of this phenomenon are not yet completely defined. The insulin response to glucose shows little change with age. The primary cause results from resistance to the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake. Many factors, including composition of diet with regard to both caloric adequacy and carbohydrate content, decreased physical activity and decreased lean body mass, probably contribute to the insulin resistance. Mild glucose intolerance in the elderly, as in young adults, increases the risk for the development of overt diabetes mellitus and is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic diseases.