Bronchopulmonary sequestration associated with aspergilloma, with special reference to the finding of radionuclide venoangiography

A case of intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration associated with aspergilloma was reported. It was suggested by radionuclide venoangiography and aortic cineangiography. The diagnosis was confirmed by subsequent pathologic examination of the lobectomized lung tissue. The pulmonary perfusion scan with 99mTc-MAA showed a perfusion defect in the right lower lung field. Perfusion defect could also be traced in the same anatomical location in the pulmonary phase of radionuclide venoangiography with 99mTc-pertechnetate. However, the area of perfusion defect was visualized as hot area, when the injected radionuclide was pumped into the aorta after its first pass through the lung. The radionuclide venoangiography can efficiently detect abnormal systemic blood supply of the lung tissue. It can be an useful method for suggestive diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Homologous versus heterologous gene expression in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

DNA sequences normally flanking the highly expressed yeast 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene have been placed adjacent to heterologous mammalian genes on high copy number plasmid vectors and used for expression experiments in yeast. For many genes thus far expressed with this system, expression has been 15-50 times lower than the expression of the natural homologous PGK gene on the same plasmid. We have extensively investigated this dramatic difference and have found that in most cases it is directly proportional to the steady-state levels of mRNAs. We demonstrate this phenomenon and suggest possible causes for this effect on mRNA levels.

Kinetic mechanism and location of rate-determining steps for aspartase from Hafnia alvei

Coupled spectrophotometric assays that monitor the formation of fumarate and ammonia in the direction of aspartate deamination and aspartate in the direction of fumarate amination were used to collect initial velocity data for the aspartase reaction. Data are consistent with rapid equilibrium ordered addition of Mg2+ prior to aspartate but completely random release of Mg2+, NH4+, or fumarate. In addition to Mg2+, Mn2+ can also be used as a divalent metal with Vmax 80% and a Kaspartate 3.5-fold lower than when Mg2+ is used. Monovalent cations such as Li+, K+, Cs+, and Rb+ are competitive vs. either aspartate or NH4+ but noncompetitive vs. fumarate. A primary deuterium isotope effect of about 1 on both V and V/Kaspartate is obtained with (3R)-L-aspartate-3-d, while a primary 15N isotope effect on V/Kaspartate of 1.0239 +/- 0.0014 is obtained in the direction of aspartate deamination. A secondary isotope effect on V of 1.13 +/- 0.04 is obtained with L-aspartate-2-d. In addition, a secondary isotope effect of 0.81 +/- 0.05 on V is obtained with fumarate-d2, while a value of 1.18 +/- 0.05 on V is obtained by using (2S,3S)-L-aspartate-2,3-d2. These data are interpreted in terms of a two-step mechanism with an intermediate carbanion in which C-N bond cleavage limits the overall rate and the rate-limiting transition state is intermediate between the carbanion and fumarate.

Effect of aging on common bile duct diameter: a real-time ultrasonographic study

Using a high-resolution real-time scanner, a technique has been established in our laboratory for visualizing the entire extrahepatic bile duct with multiple longitudinal oblique approaches and, if necessary, several transverse scans through the pancreatic head. To determine the normal size of the extrahepatic bile duct and to evaluate the effect of aging on the duct diameter, 256 healthy subjects and patients without hepatobiliary disease were examined using this technique from January to August, 1982. The entire extrahepatic duct was detected in 203. The inner diameter of the widest point of the duct varied from 1 mm to 10 mm, and was found to be age-dependent (r = 0.60, P less than 0.001). It is concluded that, based on the visualization of the entire extrahepatic duct echographically, the normal inner diameter of common bile duct can be up to 10 mm, and there is a mild change of duct size with age.

Biologic properties of three newly established human esophageal carcinoma cell lines

Three epithelial cell lines, CE-48T/VGH, CE-69T/-VGH, and CE-81T/VGH, were established from human squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The cells were polygonal with a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. Many cells were multinucleate. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of tonofilaments and desmosomes. Chromosome analysis showed that these 3 cell lines were heteroploids of human origin. When transplanted into BALB/c (nu/nu) mice, CE-69T/VGH and CE-81T/VGH produced tumors, the histology of which proved to be carcinomas. All 3 cell lines secreted carcinoembryonic antigen. However, the secretion patterns were different. These 3 cell lines may provide useful models for the study of human esophageal cancer.

Hemoglobin Chongqing [alpha 2(NA2)Leu----Arg] and hemoglobin Harbin [alpha 16(A14)Lys----Met] found in China

Hemoglobin Chongqing is a new slowly-moving and unstable hemoglobin variant with a high oxygen affinity, that was discovered in five members of a Chinese family in the suburb of Chongqing. Hemoglobin Harbin is another new rapidly-moving hemoglobin variant with slightly reduced stability and slightly increased oxygen affinity, found in a Chinese woman living in Harbin. The relative amounts of these two variants in the propositi were about 9% and 18%, respectively. Sequence analyses identified a Leu----Arg substitution at position alpha 2(NA2) of Hb Chongqing, and a Lys----Met substitution at position alpha 16(A14) of Hb Harbin.

Conformational characteristics of deoxyribonucleic acid-butylamine complexes with C-type circular dichroism spectra. 1. An X-ray fiber diffraction study

A set of complexes of calf thymus DNA and n-butylamine, covalently cross-linked to the DNA bases with CH2O, has been examined by X-ray diffraction. The attachment of this amine to DNA has been previously shown to result in a profound reduction of the rotational strength of the positive band above 260 nm in the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum in 20 mM NaCl, pH 7, without changing any of the properties which are characteristic of a native base-stacked duplex [Chen, C., Kilkuskie, R., & Hanlon, S. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 4987]. In 20 mM NaCl, pH 7, substitution levels of 0-0.15 mol of amine/mol of nucleotide are sufficient to produce a family of CD spectra which range from the conservative one normally seen for protein-free DNA in this solvent to the nonconservative one ascribed to the C form of DNA [Hanlon, S., Brudno, S., Wu, T. T., & Wolf, B. (1975) Biochemistry 14, 1648-1660]. Fibers of the DNA X amine complexes at 79% relative humidity (rh) and 33% rh do indeed show C-type X-ray patterns whereas the controls exhibit A forms under the same conditions. The same preparations, however, exhibit only B patterns when the fibers are examined at 98% rh and in the wet fiber form. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that molecular interactions in the fiber have imposed conformational restraints on the DNA structure that are not present in solution, these present results suggest that the conformation of DNA giving rise to the "C" CD spectrum is a variant of the B form.

Conformational characteristics of deoxyribonucleic acid-butylamine complexes with C-type circular dichroism spectra. 2. A Raman spectroscopic study

The derivatives of calf thymus DNA in which n-butylamine is covalently attached as described in the preceding paper in this series [Chen, C. Y., Pheiffer, B. H., Zimmerman, S. B., & Hanlon, S. (1983) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)] were examined by Raman spectroscopy. As previously mentioned, these complexes exhibit profoundly decreased rotational strengths of the positive band of the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum above 260 nm, with the most heavily substituted (ca. 0.12 mol of amine/mol of nucleotide) resembling that of DNA in 11 m LiCl. Raman spectra of all complexes and their controls in the form of either fibers at 98% relative humidity or gels at 40 mg/mL in 20 mM NaCl, pH 7, show typical B-type spectra with no evidence of significant amounts of C, A, Z, or disordered forms. We have thus concluded that the assignment of the nonconservative CD spectrum of DNA typically observed in concentrated electrolyte solutions to a C form is in error. Both these Raman data and the X-ray results reported in the previous paper indicate that the structure giving rise to the C CD spectrum has B-form backbone geometry.

Expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigen in yeast

The structural gene of Hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) was introduced into a plasmid capable of autonomous replication and selection in both the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and E. coli. In this plasmid transcription of the HBsAg is initiated by the 5'-flanking sequence of the yeast 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene and terminated by the 3'-flanking region of the yeast TRP1 gene. Yeast cells containing this plasmid produce a new major species of mRNA of 1200 nucleotides in length coding for HBsAg. Viral surface antigen is made in nonglycosylated form at a level of about 1-2 percent of total yeast protein. A small fraction of this polypeptide (2-5 percent) is found in aggregated form upon yeast cell disruption by glass beads. This material is similar in size, density, and shape to the 22nm particle, isolated from the plasma of human hepatitis carriers, and induced comparable levels of HBsAg antibodies in mice when compared with the natural particle.

The primary structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase

The DNA sequence of the gene for the yeast glycolytic enzyme, 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), has been obtained by sequencing part of a 3.1 kbp HindIII fragment obtained from the yeast genome. The structural gene sequence corresponds to a reading frame of 1251 bp coding for 416 amino acids with no intervening DNA sequences. The amino acid sequence is approximately 65 percent homologous with human and horse PGK protein sequences and is in general agreement with the published protein sequence for yeast PGK. As for other highly expressed structural genes in yeast, the coding sequence is highly codon biased with 95 percent of the amino acids coded for by a select 25 codons (out of 61 possible). Besides structural DNA sequence, 291 bp of 5'-flanking sequence and 286 bp of 3'-flanking sequence were determined. Transcription starts 36 nucleotides upstream from the translational start and stops 86-93 nucleotides downstream from the translational stop. These results suggest a non-polyadenylated mRNA length of 1373 to 1380 nucleotides, which is consistent with the observed length of 1500 nucleotides for polyadenylated PGK mRNA. A sequence TATATATAAA is found at 145 nucleotides upstream from the translational start. This sequence resembles the TATAAA box that is possibly associated with RNA polymerase II binding.

Dissolution, stability, and absorption characteristics of dicumarol in polyethylene glycol 4000 solid dispersions

The dissolution characteristics of dicumarol were markedly enhanced by preparing dispersions of drug in polyethylene glycol 4000. Solid dispersions of varying weight fractions were formed by a melt method without measurable drug degradation or evaporation. There were no significant differences in dissolution rates among weight fractions, with dynamic solubilities being approximately 2.5 times greater than dicumarol's equilibrium solubility. No indications of drug polymer complexation were noted from equilibrium or in situ absorption experiments. Incorporation of solid dispersions into direct compression tablets provided dosage forms with fast-release properties relative to test tablets of physical mixtures and a commercially available product. Percentages dissolved in 30 min were 370% greater for 1:3 and 1:5 (w/w) solid dispersion tablets compared to a commercial tablet at 37 degrees with a pH 7.5 dissolution buffer. X-ray diffraction of test powder revealed that the crystalline nature of the drug had altered during fusion preparation. Dissolution traits and drug stability for solid dispersions were maintained over 1 year of storage.

Clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Sera from 70 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were studied for antinuclear antibodies and its clinical significance. Indirect immunofluorescence technique with mouse liver tissue and Crithidia luciliae flagella as substrates was used to detect antinuclear antibodies (FANA) and antibodies to double-stranded DNA (anti-ds DNA), respectively. Double immunodiffusion method identical with reference sera was used to detect antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA). The prevalence of fluorescence antinuclear antibodies, antibodies to ds DNA and antibodies to ENA were 95.7%, 52.9% and 58.6%, respectively. Patients with homogeneous pattern of FANA presented clinically with high incidence of LE cell phenomenon. Patients with anti-ds DNA antibodies presented clinically with high incidences of serositis, profuse proteinuria, low serum C3 and high clinical activity. Patients with anti-RNP antibodies presented with high incidence of Raynaud's phenomenon and low incidence of anti-ds DNA antibodies. Patients with severe renal involvement showed a good correlation with high titer of anti-ds DNA antibodies and low serum C3. Therefore, these two factors together are helpful to predict the severity of renal involvement at the time of serum sample was obtained.

Scoring technique for diagnosis of ventricular hypertrophy from three orthogonal lead electrocardiogram

A prospective study for the development of scoring techniques for the diagnosis of ventricular hypertrophy from the three orthogonal lead electrocardiogram was undertaken. A total of 51 hearts was examined at necropsy in a training group on which the scoring techniques were developed and a test group of a further 82 hearts was studied to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the method. The hearts were classified as being normal or having left ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular hypertrophy, biventricular hypertrophy, or were placed in a borderline category. These classifications were based on the measurement of the weight of the left ventricular free wall, the interventricular septum, and the right ventricular free wall. Classical electrocardiographic variables were selected and assigned a point score on the basis of their diagnostic value. The electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular hypertrophy, and biventricular hypertrophy was then made when the relevant score exceeded four points. After excluding 25 cases which showed conduction defects or were regarded as borderline at necropsy, 57 cases remained in the test group for assessing the technique. The sensitivity and specificity for left ventricular hypertrophy were 65 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively. For right ventricular hypertrophy corresponding results were 53 and 90 per cent. For biventricular hypertrophy the sensitivity was lower at 42 per cent, with a corresponding specificity of 93 per cent. These results represent a considerable improvement over older techniques, with up to a tenfold increase in sensitivity being obtained. The technique can be applied with or without computer assistance.

Simultaneous studies of serum and urinary proteins for evaluation and diagnosis of glomerular damages in proteinuric patients

Simultaneous studies of serum and urinary proteins in 294 adult proteinuric patients are presented. Our data showed that these studies can provide valuable guides for clinical diagnosis. In the group of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and hyper-alpha 2 globulinemia were most marked. Urinary protein electrophoresis (PEP) showed a well-selective pattern with albumin and beta globulin as the main constituents. In the other groups of proteinuric patients the hypoalbuminemia and hyper-alpha 2 globulinemia were milder and urinary PEP generally showed non-selective pattern. In the groups of acute glomerulonephritis and lupus nephropathy, C3 was generally decreased; polyclonal gammopathy was frequently encountered and alpha 1 acid glycoprotein was markedly increased. In the cases of chronic glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy and the levels of gamma globulin, C3 and alpha 2 acid glycoprotein were usually within normal limits. Urinary protein selectivity index in this series of adult patients was not a useful diagnostic parameter.

Postoperative maxillary cyst

The postoperative maxillary cyst develops in the maxillary sinus between the ages of 30 and 40 in persons who received sinus surgery 10 to 20 years earlier. Etiology of the cystic lesion appears to be derived from the infected sinus mucosa left after a sinus operation. Chief complaints of postoperative maxillary cysts are swelling or pain in the buccal region, discomfort of the maxilla or maxillary teeth and exophthalmos. Characteristic panoramic radiographic findings of the postoperative maxillary cyst are a monolocular cystic radiolucency with a well-defined margin and surrounding sclerotic bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Biosynthesis of unnatural papaverine derivatives in Papaver somniferum

The unnatural thebaine analog, oripavine 3-ethyl ether, was efficiently metabolized to morphine 3-ethyl ether and morphine in the opium poppy. An attempt to detect oripavine hy an isotope dilution experiment based on its presumed biosynthesis from reticuline was unsuccessful.

High-performance liquid chromatography to measure lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio

The amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in 85 pregnant women of varying gestational ages to determine fetal lung maturity. Respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 14 of the 15 infants whose L/S ratio before birth was lower than 3.0. High-performance liquid chromatography for measurement of the amniotic fluid L/S ratio provides a sensitive index of the functional development of the fetal lung and therefore of the risk of the neonate developing respiratory distress syndrome.

Separation and purification of myeloma proteins

Three myeloma proteins, IgG lambda, IgA lambda and IgM lambda, were identified by protein electrophoresis (PEP), immunoglobulin quantitation and immunoelectrophoresis (IEP). Preparative block electrophoresis was generally carried out as an initial step to separate the myeloma proteins. The myeloma proteins thus separated were then passed through either diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) ion exchange chromatography and recycled in a Sephadex G-200 column, or first through gel filtration and recycled in DEAE. An attempt to bypass the step of preparative electrophoresis in the separation of IgG myeloma protein by passing the serum directly into a DEAE column was proved to be inappropriate. The IgM myeloma protein had a marked tendency to cryoprecipitate and to form euglobulin, and this property was utilized to separate the crude myeloma protein. The purified myeloma protein fractions were concentrated and dialyzed with Ultrafiltration (Amicon) and retested for purity with PEP, double diffusion (DD) and IEP. Some special physiochemical properties which affected the purification procedures are discussed.

Characterization of virus produced by a lymphoma induced by inoculation of AKR MCF-247 virus

We report the characterization of the virus produced by a lymphoid cell line derived from a lymphoma of an AKR mouse after injection of the polytropic AKR virus MCF-247. The virus displays polytropic host range properties and is indistinguishable from MCF-247 as judged by analysis of the large RNase T1-resistant oligonucleotides of the RNA genome. Restriction enzyme analysis of cellular DNA revealed the presence of sequences homologous to MCF-247 genomic RNA. The EcoRI cleavage fragments were characteristic of MCF-247 DNA provirus cleavage products.

An immunochemical study of two Bence-Jones proteins

Two Bence-Jones proteins, one of kappa and the other of lambda type, from the urine of two myeloma patients were identified by protein electrophoresis (PEP) and immunoelectrophoresis (IEP). Urine specimens were concentrated and dialyzed with Ultrafiltration. The concentrated products were passed through a Sephadex G-100 column, and the fractions of Bence-Jones proteins were recycled in diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) ion exchange chromatography. Purified Bence-Jones proteins were mixed thoroughly with complete Freund adjuvant and inoculated into rabbits. The monospecific antisera to kappa and lambda chains were obtained by absorption with Bence-Jones proteins of the opposite types.