Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography diagnosed pancreatitis associated choledochal cyst: report of one case

This report describes a 6-year-old girl with a choledochal cyst associated with recurrent pancreatitis. A cystic dilatation of the common bile duct was detected by abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). She displayed only one of the classic triads: abdominal pain plus pancreatitis. Cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was indicated in this case. MRCP can be considered as a unique non-invasive tool and the first choice in evaluation of choledochal cyst in pediatric group.

Salvianolic acid B attenuates VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in TNF-alpha-treated human aortic endothelial cells

Attachment to, and migration of leukocytes into the vessel wall is an early event in atherogenesis. Expression of cell adhesion molecules by the arterial endothelium may play a major role in atherosclerosis. It has been suggested that antioxidants inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules and may thus attenuate the processes leading to atherosclerosis. In the present study, the effects of a potent water-soluble antioxidant, salvianolic acid B (Sal B), and an aqueous ethanolic extract (SME), both derived from a Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza, on the expression of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were investigated. When pretreated with SME (50 and 100 microg/ml), the TNF-alpha-induced expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was notably attenuated (77.2 +/- 3.2% and 80.0 +/- 2.2%, respectively); and with Sal B (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 microg/ml), 84.5 +/- 1.9%, 78.8 +/- 1.2%, 58.9 +/- 0.4%, 58.7 +/- 0.9%, and 57.4 +/- 0.3%, respectively. Dose-dependent lowering of expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was also seen with SME or Sal B. In contrast, the expression of endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin) was not affected. SME (50 microg/ml) or Sal B (5 microg/ml) significantly reduced the binding of the human monocytic cell line, U937, to TNF-alpha-stimulated HAECs (45.7 +/- 2.5% and 55.8 +/- 1.2%, respectively). SME or Sal B significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in HAECs (0.36- and 0.48-fold, respectively). These results demonstrate that SME and Sal B have anti-inflammatory properties and may explain their anti-atherosclerotic properties. This new mechanism of action of Sal B and SME, in addition to their previously reported inhibition of LDL, may help explain their efficacy in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Purification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses of novel Lys-49 phospholipases A(2) from the venoms of rattlesnakes and other pit vipers

Basic phospholipase A(2) homologs with Lys49 substitution at the essential Ca(2+)-binding site are present in the venom of pit vipers under many genera. However, they have not been found in rattlesnake venoms before. We have now screened for this protein in the venom of rattlesnakes and other less studied pit vipers. By gel filtration chromatography and RP-HPLC, Lys49-phospholipase-like proteins were purified from the venoms of two rattlers, Crotalus atrox and Crotalus m. molossus, and five nonrattlers, Porthidium nummifer, Porthidium godmani, Bothriechis schlegelii, Trimeresurus puniceus, and Trimeresurus albolabris. Their N-terminal amino acid sequences were shown to be characteristic for this phospholipase subfamily. The purified basic proteins from rattlesnakes caused myonecrosis and edema in experimental animals. We have also cloned the cDNAs and solved the complete sequences of four novel Lys49-phospholipases from the venom glands of C. atrox, P. godmani, B. schlegelii, and Deinagkistrodon acutus (hundred-pace). Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of 28 Lys49-phospholipases separate the pitviper of the New World from those of the Old World, and the arboreal Asiatic species from the terrestrial Asiatic species. The implications of the phylogeny tree to the systematics of pit vipers, and structure-function relationship of the Lys49-phospholipases are discussed.

E1A inhibition of radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity through suppression of IKK activity and IkappaB degradation, independent of Akt activation

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been implicated in the protection of cells from apoptosis. We have shown previously that the adenovirus type 5 E1A sensitizes cells to radiation-induced apoptosis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activity. However, the exact mechanism of inhibition is not known. In this study, we compared the activity of inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (IkappaB) kinase (IKK) and the degradation of IkappaBalpha in E1A transfectants and parental human cancer cells after ionizing radiation treatment. We found that radiation-induced IKK activity and IkappaBalpha degradation were inhibited in the E1A transfectants. Recently, Akt has been implicated in NF-kappaB activation. To test whether Akt is regulated by E1A and is involved in radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity, we examined the phosphorylation status of Akt in the E1A transfectants and parental cells and in irradiated cells. The results indicated that radiation induced Akt phosphorylation and that E1A inhibited basal but not radiation-induced Akt phosphorylation. We additionally examined radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity in cells stably transfected with a dominant-negative, inactive Akt and in parental cancer cells treated with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. We found that dominant-negative Akt and wortmannin did not block radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity. Thus, our results suggest that inhibition of IKK activity and IkappaB degradation is the predominant mechanism for E1A-mediated inhibition of radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity and that radiation-induced Akt activation cannot be inhibited by E1A and is likely independent of radiation-induced NF-kappaB activity.

Effect of occlusal trauma on healing of periapical pathoses: report of two cases

AIM

To present two clinical cases and demonstrate that occlusal trauma may affect healing of periapical pathoses.

SUMMARY

Two teeth with periradicular disease did not respond successfully to conventional root canal treatment or endodontic surgery. Occlusal adjustment was finally performed on both cases. After occlusal adjustment, uncomplicated healing and periapical repair occurred in both cases. The findings in these two cases suggest that occlusal trauma may play a role in the healing of periapical pathoses.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Occlusal trauma is positively correlated with changes in periodontal tissues. Although experiments in animals have shown that application of forces to teeth will not induce further periodontal destruction, we believe that some failures of root canal treatment may be due to the presence of occlusal trauma modulating the responses of inflamed periapical tissues or apical pathoses with persistent infection.

Folate deficiency-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis are mediated via homocysteine-dependent overproduction of hydrogen peroxide and enhanced activation of NF-kappaB in human Hep G2 cells

Folate coenzymes are critical for de novo synthesis of purine and thymidine, and for interconversion of amino acids. Folate deficiency inhibits cellular proliferation, disturbs cell cycling, causes genetic damage and eventually results in cell death. Previously, we demonstrated that the demise of human hepatoma Hep G2 cells mediated by folate deficiency proceeded via a p53-independent apoptosis, and the perturbation of intracellular calcium homeostasis was also shown to be involved. To further delineate the mechanism associated with this observed phenomenon, Hep G2 cells were cultivated in the control or folate-deficient media (control media lacking folate, glycine, thymidine and hypoxanthine) for 4 weeks. At the end of this cultivation period, we found that TBARS (an index of lipid peroxidation) concentrations in the folate-deficient cells were drastically increased as compared to the control cells (0.04 vs 0.01 nmole/10(6) cells), indicating that a severe oxidative stress of the former cells had occurred. This phenomenon was also shown to coincide with the ability of these folate-deficient cells to elaborate increased amounts of H2O2 as compared to its folate-supplemented cells (2.87 vs 0.98 nmole/10(5) cells/h). Furthermore, the accelerated production of H2O2 by the folate-deficient cells was also closely correlated with the elevated homocysteine concentrations released in the culture medium (15.37 +/- 2.4 vs 3.58 +/- 2.4 micromole/L; P< 0.001). Finally, we demonstrated that folate deficiency was indeed capable of activating a redox-sensitive transcription factor, NF-kappaB, which is crucial in the control of a reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis. In summary, we show that folate deficiency-induced apoptosis is proceeded via the enhanced activation of NF-kappaB, which is the resulting form of the homocysteine-mediated overproduction of hydrogen peroxide.

A novel genetic island of meningitic Escherichia coli K1 containing the ibeA invasion gene (GimA): functional annotation and carbon-source-regulated invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells

The IbeA (ibe10) gene is an invasion determinant contributing to E. coli K1 invasion of the blood-brain barrier. This gene has been cloned and characterized from the chromosome of an invasive cerebrospinal fluid isolate of E. coli K1, strain RS218 (018:K1: H7). In the present study, a genetic island of meningitic E. coli containing ibeA (GimA) has been identified. A 20.3-kb genomic DNA island unique to E. coli K1 strains has been cloned and sequenced from an RS218 E. coli K1 genomic DNA library. Fourteen new genes have been identified in addition to the ibeA. The DNA sequence analysis indicated that the ibeA gene cluster was localized to the 98 min region and consisted of four operons, ptnIPKC, cglDTEC, gcxKRCI and ibeRAT. The G+C content (46.2%) of unique regions of the island is substantially different from that (50.8%) of the rest of the E. coli chromosome. By computer-assisted analysis of the sequences with DNA and protein databases (GenBank and PROSITE databases), the functions of the gene products could be anticipated, and were assigned to the functional categories of proteins relating to carbon source metabolism and substrate transportation. Glucose was shown to enhance E. coli penetration of human brain microvascular endothelial cells and exogenous cAMP was able to block the stimulating effect of glucose, suggesting that catabolic regulation may play a role in control of E. coli K1 invasion gene expression. Our data suggest that this genetic island may contribute to E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier through a carbon-source-regulated process.

Fludarabine and melphalan-based conditioning for patients with advanced hematological malignancies relapsing after a previous hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Severe regimen-related toxicity often complicates second transplant procedures performed in patients with hematological malignancies that have relapsed after an initial hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant. Therefore, we studied the safety and efficacy of a reduced-intensity fludarabine and melphalan based conditioning regimen in 11 patients who had relapsed following an autologous (n = 7) or allogeneic (n = 4) HSC transplant. All patients received allogeneic peripheral blood HSC from either an HLA-identical (n = 7) or an HLA-mismatched (n = 4) relative. Diagnoses included AML (n = 9), ALL (n = 1), or Hodgkin's disease (n = 1). Only one patient was in complete remission at the time of second transplant. The median interval between first transplant and relapse was 163 days (range 58-1885). Recipients of HLA-mismatched transplants received antithymocyte globulin in addition to fludarabine and melphalan as part of the conditioning regimen. All 11 patients received acute GVHD prophylaxis consisting of tacrolimus and methotrexate. Ten of 11 patients achieved hematopoietic engraftment with a median time to absolute neutrophil count >0.5 x 10(9)/l and to platelet count of >20 x 10(9)/l of 14 and 19 days, respectively. All engrafting patients achieved 100% donor chimerism on initial analysis, except for one with persistent leukemia at day +19. Two patients experienced grade 3 regimen-related toxicity, manifesting as acute renal failure. Acute GVHD grades 2-4 occurred in two recipients and chronic GVHD in four. The 100-day mortality from all causes was 36%. Ten of 11 patients (91%) died a median of 140 days (range 9-996) after the second transplant. The causes of death included relapse (n = 5), sepsis (n = 4), and idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (n = 1). One patient with AML survives in remission at 880 days post-transplant. We conclude that fludarabine- and melphalan-based conditioning promotes full donor chimerism, even following HLA-mismatched transplants. However, the regimen may be more beneficial when applied to patients undergoing allogeneic HSC transplantation earlier in their disease course.

Molecular epidemiology and mutations at gyrA and parC genes of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from a Taiwan medical center

Sixty-five ciprofloxacin-resistant clinical Escherichia coli isolates were collected from a Taiwan Medical Center from December 1998 to February 1999. All 65 clinical isolates were resistant (MICs > or = 4 microg/mL) to the following fluoroquinolones: ofloxacin, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and trovafloxacin. These isolates were cross-resistant to chloramphenicol (65 isolates, 100%), tetracycline (65 isolates, 100%), cefuroxime (64 isolates, 98.5%), ampicillin (57 isolates, 87.7%), gentamicin (53 isolates, 81.5%), and cephalothin (24 isolates, 36.9%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed a high diversity among the genomes of these isolates and indicated that clonal spread was not responsible for the prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance in the hospital. Sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified products of the quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA and parC showed that all isolates carrying double mutations in gyrA at codon 83 and 87 and at least one parC mutation at codon 80 and/or 84. The mutation at codon 83 of GyrA from serine to leucine (S83L) was present in all the clinical isolates. The most prevalent pattern was the S83L mutation and the mutation at codon 87 from an aspartate to an asparagine (D87N) of GyrA plus a mutation from a serine to an isoleucine (S80I) at codon 80 of ParC (63.2%). This indicated that the presence of high-level resistance to quinolones in clinical E. coli isolates were associated with mutations at hot spots, codon 83 and 87 in GyrA and followed by subsequent mutation in either codon 80 and/or 84 in ParC.

Epitope-vaccine as a new strategy against HIV-1 mutation

An effective vaccine is urgently needed to stop AIDS-epidemic. Up to now none of the candidate HIV-vaccines has been developed to prevent HIV-1 infection. A few neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 enveloping proteins proved to be highly effective to neutralize different strains in vitro. Unfortunately, these antibodies are rare in infected humans, and have never yet been raised by a vaccine. The multiple sequential and antigenic variability of HIV-1 led to unprecedented difficulties in development of effective vaccines and anti-viral drugs. More and more experimental evidences indicated that HIV-1 mutants resulted in immune evasion may be a grave challenge for conventional strategy to prepare effective vaccines. We suggested that epitope-vaccine could be a new strategy to induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies with predefined epitope-specificity against HIV-1. Several candidate epitope-vaccines including mono-epitope-vaccine, multi-epitope-vaccine, epitope-vaccines in combination, were prepared and systematically studied in animal experiments. These studies provided experimental evidences that epitope-vaccine could be a new strategy to develop effective vaccines for prevention and immunotherapy against viral infection of HIV-l or other viruses.

Characterization of interaction between C-domain on HIV-1 gp41 and the putative receptor protein p62

Based on the fact that the binding of HIV-1 gp41 to the putative cellular receptor protein p62 could be inhibited by the C-domain peptide of gp41, we wanted to confirm the interaction of the C-domain with p62 and to characterize the receptor-binding site on the C-domain. We attempted to isolate the putative receptor protein p62 from cell lysates of the human B cell line Raji by affinity chromatography using sepharose-columns which were conjugated with three different peptides of the C-domain respectively. A protein of 62 kDa was isolated by peptide (NP2)-sepharose-column, while none of the proteins was identified in eluates of the other two overlapped peptides of C-domain, indicating that HIV-1 gp41 by the region aa635-664 of C-domain binds to the putative receptor protein p62. Besides, CD spectroscopy analysis revealed that only a NP2 peptide could induce significant conformational change of P62. In addition, the interaction between P62 and three peptides of the C-domain was characterized by the surface plasma resonance (SPR) measurement. It was indicated that only the NP2 peptide significantly inhibited the interaction between rsgp41 and the putative receptor P62, confirming that the protein p62 may serve as a potential receptor for gp41 binding, and the peptide NP2 contains an integrate binding site for gp41 binding to p62.

On-line identification of trans- and cis-resveratrol by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis/fluorescence spectroscopy at 77 K

This work presents a novel method for the accurate determining trans- and cis-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis/fluorescence spectroscopy at 77 K. The proposed method permits not only the separation of resveratrol isomers, but also ensures that on-line spectra are readily distinguishable and unambiguously assigned. The experimental results also indicate that the effect of nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis buffer and low-temperature technique increase the detection limit by more than 150-fold.

Molecular cloning, developmental expression, and hormonal regulation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) beta crystallin B1, a member of the superfamily of beta crystallin proteins

The cDNA sequence of beta crystallin B1 was determined from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and compared to the corresponding genes of bovine, rat, chicken, human, and Xenopus. Multispecies comparison of superfamily diversity demonstrated beta crystallin B1 homology between zebrafish, bovine, chicken, and rat, but large distances to beta crystallin B2 and B3. Zebrafish cDNA has a size of 943 nucleotides and encodes a polypeptide of 233 amino acids. Zebrafish beta crystallin B1 shares 71.30, 75.86, and 71.00% similarities with bovine, chicken, and rat beta crystallin B1, respectively. Northern blot analysis revealed a single 0.9-kb beta crystallin B1 transcript which was expressed and progressively increased in the first 20 h of zebrafish embryogenesis. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that the beta crystallin B1 transcript was only specifically expressed in the lens region of the eye. A starvation experiment revealed no variation in mRNA levels after 14 and 21 days. An experiment in which hormone was injected showed that the beta crystallin B1 transcript first increased 24 h after the injection of insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor II, or growth hormone, then decreased 48 h after injection. The beta crystallin B1 transcript continuously increased after insulin was injected. Taken together, our results identify the early specific expression of beta crystallin B1 within the lens. Despite small differences, these results indicate that both the structure of the beta crystallin B1 protein and its involvement with regulation by growth factors appear to have been remarkably conserved.

Differential regulation of placental and germ cell alkaline phosphatases by glucocorticoid and sodium butyrate in human gastric carcinoma cell line TMK-1

The expression and regulation of alkaline phosphatase (AP) was studied in the human gastric cancer cell line TMK-1. Biochemical analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the cells express placental, germ cell, and intestinal AP isozymes constitutively. Dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, was shown to specifically induce the placental AP activity to about 10-fold and sodium butyrate (NaBu) induced germ cell AP activity to about 4-fold, respectively. In contrast, these two agents showed little effect on the level of intestinal isozymes. Dex and NaBu also differentially induced the mRNA levels of the placental and germ cell APs. Northern blot analysis of the placental AP transcript in the presence of the transcription inhibitor, 5, 6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole, revealed that the half-life of placental AP mRNA is about 27 h for both the Dex-treated and untreated cells. Nuclear run-on transcription analysis indicated an apparent increase in the rate of placental AP gene transcription in Dex-treated cells. These results indicated that the effect of Dex occurred primarily by activation of the placental AP gene transcription in the cells. In order to study the direct Dex and NaBu effect on AP gene expression, the proximal promoter regions of AP genes were fused to luciferase reporter vectors. Despite the high similarity in nucleotide sequences of these two genes, transient transfection analysis demonstrated that Dex and NaBu exerted a specific stimulation only through the respective placental and germ cell AP gene promoter. Taken together, this study indicates that the expression of PAP and GCAP isozymes have specific regulatory mechanisms that can be differentially controlled by signals including glucocorticoid and NaBu.

Altered expression of nuclear matrix proteins in etoposide induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells

The events of cell death and the expression of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) have been investigated in a promyelocytic leukemic cell line HL-60 induced with etoposide. By means of TUNEL assay, the nuclei displayed a characteristic morphology change, and the amount of apoptotic cells increased early and reached maximun about 39% after treatment with etoposide for 2 h. Nucleosomal DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment for 4 h. The morphological change of HL-60 cells, thus, occurred earlier than the appearance of DNA ladder. Total nuclear matrix proteins were analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differential expression of 59 nuclear matrix proteins was found in 4 h etoposide treated cells. Western blotting was then performed on three nuclear matrix acssociated proteins, PML, HSC70 and NuMA. The expression of the suppressor PML protein and heat shock protein HSC70 were significantly upregulated after etoposide treatment, while NuMA, a nuclear mitotic apparatus protein, was down regulated. These results demonstrate that significant biochemical alterations in nuclear matrix proteins take place during the apoptotic process.

Esophageal cancer after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices

We reported two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus following endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) for esophageal varices. Both patients were cigarette smokers and had a long history of alcohol abuse. HBsAg and Anti-HCV were negative, and Anti-HBs was positive in one of the patients. They were diagnosed as alcoholic cirrhosis with esophageal varices and received EIS treatment. Sotradecol was utilized as the sclerosant with a mean total volume of around 30 ml. Patients developed dysphagia at 5 and 48 months following EIS, respectively. Endoscopic examination showed stenosis and ulcerative mass at the lower portion of the esophagus. Biopsy revealed well- to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. We conclude that endoscopic follow-up is essential and carcinoma of the esophagus should be included in the differential diagnosis for esophageal ulceration and dysphagia following EIS, particularly in those patients with risk factors for developing esophageal carcinoma.

Further characterization of Escherichia coli brain microvascular endothelial cell invasion gene ibeA by deletion, complementation, and protein expression

The ibeA gene (ibe10) previously identified by TnphoA mutagenesis is part of a 50-kDa full-length open-reading frame (ORF) encoded by a 1.37-kb DNA fragment. An isogenic in-frame deletion mutant of ibeA (ZD1) was constructed by chromosomal gene replacement with a suicide plasmid pCVD442 carrying a 2.1-kb DNA fragment with an ibeA deletion. Similar to the previously described TnphoA insertion mutant of ibeA, the isogenic ibeA deletion mutant ZD1 was significantly less invasive in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) than the parent strain. The mutant ZD1 was fully complemented by the ibeA ORF. The ibeA gene was subcloned into pET28a(+) and was expressed as a recombinant protein with an N-terminal histidine tag. The recombinant IbeA protein had much greater activity (50 times) in blocking the invasion of BMECs by Escherichia coli K1 than did the partial protein fragment, which provides further evidence that ibeA is an important determinant for E. coli K1 invasion of BMECs.

HIV epitope-peptides in aluminum adjuvant induced high levels of epitope-specific antibodies

Some neutralizing epitopes on HIV-1 envelope proteins were shown to induce antibodies that could effectively inhibit the infection of different HIV-1 strains in vitro. But only very low levels of antibodies to these epitopes were determined in the HIV-1 infected individuals. In this study, the aluminum (alum) adjuvant to increase the immunogenicity of the neutralizing epitopes was used. Three epitope-peptides [C-(ELDKWAG)4, C-(RILAVERYLKD-G)2 and C-(GPGRAFY)2], which contain three epitopes (ELDKWA, RILAVERYLKD, GPGRAFY) from the HIV-1 Env proteins, were synthesized and conjugated to carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The epitope-vaccines C-(ELDKWAG)4-KLH and C-(RILAVERYLKD-G)2-KLH in alum induced high levels of epitope-specific antibodies recognizing the epitopes from epitope-peptides C-(ELDKWAG)4 and C-(RILAVERYLKD-G)2, as well as the gp41 C-domain peptides P2 [C-TSLIHSLIEESQNQQEKNEQELLELDKWA (aa 646-674)] and P1 [LQARILAVERYLKDQQL (aa 583-599)] and the recombinant soluble gp41 (rsgp41) bearing both epitopes (antibody titer in rabbit sera was 1:12800-25,600 dilution). Immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that the antibodies in both antisera bound to rsgp41, indicating that both antibodies recognized the natural epitopes on rsgp41 protein. The epitope-vaccines C-(GPGRAFY)2-KLH induced moderate GPGRAFY epitope-specific antibody response with a titer of 1:6,400. In contrast, as it was demonstrated in previous studies, the immunization with rgp160 induced weak antibody response to these three epitopes (titer of 1:400-1600). This suggests that epitope-peptides conjugated to KLH when infected with alum significantly increases immunogenicity of gp41 neutralizing epitopes providing a hope for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine.

Erythema induratum: a clinicopathologic and polymerase chain reaction study

BACKGROUND

In Taiwan, cutaneous lesions with granulomatous lobular panniculitis, with or without vasculitis, are usually diagnosed as erythema induratum (EI), a common form of tuberculid associated with tuberculosis. However, there has been no study to elucidate the extent of this association in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to document the spectrum of the pathologic findings in EI and its association with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

METHODS

The diagnostic/inclusion criteria for EI were recurrent tender subcutaneous nodules on the legs, histopathologic findings of granulomatous lobular or septolobular panniculitis plus necrosis or vasculitis, and positive response to antituberculosis therapy. The clinicopathologic findings in the 12 cases that fulfilled these criteria were analyzed, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify M. tuberculosis complex DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.

RESULTS

Eleven women and one man were included in the study, ranging from 18 to 70 years old (mean, 40.6 yr). The duration of the disease ranged from 10 days to 10 years (mean, 2.1 yr). Histopathology revealed granulomatous panniculitis; a diffuse lobular pattern was observed in nine cases and a focal lobular/septolobular pattern in three. Vasculitis was found in nine cases, four affecting an artery or vein, with three occurring in the patients with focal panniculitis. Ten cases showed various degrees of caseous necrosis. Eosinophils or focal eosinophilia were fairly common (10 patients). From PCR, nine patients were positive for M. tuberculosis complex DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Type III and IV hypersensitivity reactions to M. tuberculosis complex were involved in the pathogenesis of EI. Our results suggest that approximately half of the cases with pathologic findings consistent with EI or nodular vasculitis in Taiwan are associated with M. tuberculosis.

[Meiosis-like reduction in the culture system for somatic embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana]

The somatic meiosis-like reduction was observed in some cells in the embryogenic calli of Arabidopsis thaliana. One type was somatic chromosome reductional grouping, in which the chromosomes in a cell either separated into two groups, or separated into more than two groups at prophase or metaphase. The chromosomes separated directly, the morphology of the chromosomes did not show any role of the spindle fibers. Chromosome reductional grouping happened more frequently in polyploid cells. The other type was somatic meiossi which was analogous to that existed in the process of gametogenesis, and characterized by the pairing and synapsis of homologues chromosomes. In the embryogenic calli cultured on dedifferentiation medium, about 3% of the observed cells contained haploid number of chromosomes, while the tetrad cells occurred at a frequency of about 4%. The somatic meiosis-like reduction could result in the recombination of chromosomes in the cells generated by these processes. The roles of somatic meiosis-like reduction in the somatic embryogenesis and somaclonal variations were discussed.

A novel heat-labile phospholipid-binding protein, SVS VII, in mouse seminal vesicle as a sperm motility enhancer

SVS VII, one of seven major proteins in mouse seminal vesicle secretion, was purified to homogeneity. Neither glycoconjugate nor free thiol group was detected in the protein. The primary structure deduced from the corresponding cDNA was confirmed using amino acid sequence determination, which supported the finding that SVS VII consists of 76 amino acid residues with five disulfide bridges. Accordingly, it has a theoretical molecular mass of 8538, which was proven using the mass spectrum of SVS VII. The CD spectrum of SVS VII in 50 mm phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 appeared as one negative band arising from the beta form at 217 nm and several fine structures due to nonpeptide chromophores including a prominent band for the disulfide bond at 250 nm. This, together with the predicted secondary structures, indicated no helices but a mixture of beta form, beta turn, and unordered form in SVS VII. A cytochemical study illustrated the presence of the SVS VII-binding region on the entire surface of mouse sperm. The SVS VII-sperm binding was inhibited by the dispersed sperm lipids. The results of TLC overlay assay for the binding of (125)I-SVS VII to phospholipids and the interaction between SVS VII and phospholipid liposomes demonstrated a specific binding of this protein to both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine. The SVS VII-sperm binding greatly enhanced sperm motility but did not induce sperm capacitation. Heating the protein solution for 10 min at 90 degrees C unfolded the protein molecule, and the unfolded SVS VII immobilized the sperm.

Amphetamine elicited potential changes in vertebrate and invertebrate central neurons

The effects of amphetamine on potential changes in both vertebrate and invertebrate central neurons and factors affecting the potential changes were tested. The animals studied included mice, newborn rat and African snail. Seizure was elicited after lethal doses of d-amphetamine (75 mg/kg, i.p.) administration in mice. Repetitive firing of the action potentials were elicited after d-amphetamine (1-30 microM) administration in thin thalamic brain slices of newborn rat. Bursting firing of action potentials in the giant African central RP4 neuron were also elicited after d-amphetamine or l-amphetamine (0.27 mM) administration. The amphetamine elicited bursting firing of action potentials was not blocked even after high concentrations of d-tubocurarine, atropine, haloperidol, hexamethonium administration. Therefore, the amphetamine elicited potential changes may not be directly related to the activation of the receptors of the neuron. The bursting firing of action potentials elicited by amphetamine occurred 20-30 min after amphetamine administration extracellularly, even after high concentrations of d-amphetamine administration (0.27, 1 mM). However, the bursting firing of potentials occurred immediately if amphetamine was administrated intracellularly at lower concentration. Extracellular application of ruthenium red, the calcium antagonist, abolished the amphetamine elicited bursting firing of action potentials. If intracellular injection of EGTA, a calcium ion chelator, or injection with high concentrations of magnesium, the bursting firing of potentials were immediately abolished. These results suggested that the active site of amphetamine may be inside of the neuron and the calcium ion in the neuron played an important role on the bursting of potentials. In two-electrode voltage clamped RP4 neuron, amphetamine, at 0.27 mM, decreased the total inward and steady outward currents of the RP4 neuron. d-Amphetamine also decreased the calcium, Ia and the steady-state outward currents of the RP4 neuron. Besides, amphetamine elicited a negative slope resistance (NSR) if membrane potential was in the range of -50 to -10 mV. The NSR was decreased in cobalt substituted calcium free and sodium free solution. The effects of secondary messengers on the amphetamine elicited potential changes were tested. The bursting firing of action potentials elicited by amphetamine in central snail neurons decreased following extracellular application of H8 (N-(2-methyl-amino) ethyl-3-isoquinoline sulphonamide dihydrochloride), a specific protein kinase A inhibitor and anisomycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor. However, the bursting firing of action potentials were not affected after extracellular application of H7 (1,(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methylpiperasine dihydrochloride), a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or intracellular application of GDPbetaS, a G protein inhibitor. The oscillation of membrane potential of the bursting activity was blocked after intracellular injection of 3'-deoxyadenosine, an adenylyl-cyclase inhibitor. These results suggested that the bursting firing of action potentials elicited by d-amphetamine in snail neuron may be associated with the cyclic AMP second messenger system; on the other hand, it may not be associated with the G protein and protein kinase C activity. It is concluded that amphetamine elicited potential changes in both vertebrate and invertebrate central neurons. The changes are closely related to the ionic currents and second messengers of the neurons.

Differential Expression and Geographic Variation of the Venom Phospholipases A2 of Calloselasma rhodostoma and Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus

To investigate the geographic variations in venoms of two medically important pitvipers, we have purified and characterized the phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) from the pooled venoms of Calloselasma rhodostoma from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, as well as the individual venom of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus collected from both North and South Taiwan. Enzymatic and pharmacological activities of the purified PLA2s were also investigated. The complete amino acid sequences of the purified PLA2s were determined by sequencing the corresponding cDNAs from the venom gland and shown to be consistent with their molecular weight data and the N-terminal sequences. All the geographic venom samples of C. rhodostoma contain a major noncatalytic basic PLA2-homolog and two or three acidic PLA2s in different proportions. These acidic PLA2s contain Glu6-substitutions and show distinct inhibiting specificities toward the platelets from human and rabbit. We also found that the T. mucrosquamatus venoms from North Taiwan but not those from South Taiwan contain an Arg6-PLA2 designated as TmPL-III. Its amino acid sequence is reported for the first time. This enzyme is structurally almost identical to the low- or nonexpressed Arg6-PLA2 from C. rhodostoma venom gland, and thus appears to be a regressing venom component in both of the Asian pitvipers.

Development of a capillary electrophoresis-77 K luminescence detection system for online spectral identification

We have demonstrated that capillary electrophoresis (CE) can be easily interfaced with 77 K luminescence spectroscopy (LS) for separation and online spectral identification of structurally similar analytes. This novel CE-LS apparatus consists of a regular CE system, instrumentation for LS and a specially designed capillary Dewar. When the separating molecules traverse into the cryostat detection window, liquid nitrogen is added, freezing the separating analyte zones within the capillary. At low temperature, detection limits are improved via signal averaging and the inherent increase in quantum yield at 77 K. We present the first application of the CE-LS system to structural isomers (2,3- and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and stereoisomers (trans- and cis-resveratrol). With this approach, the CE-LS interfacing provides a sensitive, accurate, rapid, simple and economic methodology for analytical chemistry.