Cytokeratin-19 associated with apoptosis and chemosensitivity in human cervical cancer cells

Cytokeratins are one group of intermediate filament proteins responsible for the integrity of cell structure, and have been recently reported to play a role in conferring a drug resistance phenotype. MAb Cx-99 is a monoclonal antibody exhibiting the specificity toward its corresponding antigen which was recently identified as the cytokeratin-19 protein. In the present study, we found that the level of cytokeratin-19 in cervical cancer cells could be decreased by incubation of cancer cells with MAb Cx-99. The reduction of cytokeratin-19 level had a killing effect on cervical carcinoma SIHA and HeLa S3 cell lines. The DNA ladder pattern, convoluted nuclei and blebbing morphology were observed with these cells after exposure to MAb Cx-99 for 72 h, suggesting that the cytotoxic mechanism of reduced cytokeratin-19 was mediated by induction of apoptosis. Moreover, the MAb Cx-99 treatment could increase the cytotoxicities of cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and vinblastine to both cervical carcinoma cell lines. The LD80 values were at least 15-fold reduced when cancer cells were treated with cisplatin or vinblastine in the presence of MAb Cx-99. These results suggest that the functional role of cytokeratin-19 was associated with the apoptosis prevention and drug resistance of cervical cancer cells.

First Report of Pink Seed of Lentil and Chickpea Caused by Erwinia rhapontici in Canada

A new disease of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) caused by Erwinia rhapontici (Millard) Burkh. was found in seed samples from commercial fields in Saskatchewan, Canada in 2002. Infected seeds had a pink or pinkish-brown discoloration of the seed coat. Isolation from surface-sterilized pink seeds resulted in bacterial cultures that produced a water-soluble pink pigment on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Four isolates from different lentil crops, LRC 8265, LRC 8310, LRC 8309, and LRC 8313 and one isolate from a chickpea crop, LRC 8266, were tested as previously described (2). Results of the tests were identical to those for pink bean isolates of E. rhapontici (2) with the following minor exceptions: all were negative for Voges-Proskauer; LRC 8266 was positive for tagatose; LRC 8266, LRC 8309, and LRC 8313 were negative for lactose; and LRC 8266 and LRC 8309 were positive for 5-keto gluconate. For pathogenicity tests, each isolate was inoculated into 30 pods from 6 lentil plants (cv. Laird), 30 pods from 6 desi chickpea plants (cv. Myles), and 30 pods from 6 kabuli chickpea plants (cv. Sanford) by the method described for pink seed of pea (1) and bean (2). Each pod was inoculated with 0.1 ml (0.2 ml for kabuli chickpeas) of bacterial suspension, approximately 10⁸ CFU/ml, by injection through the mid-rib at the basal end. The same number of uninoculated and water-inoculated pods served as controls. Plants were kept in the greenhouse (20 ± 5°C) for 4 weeks, after which isolations of the pathogen were performed as described above. In duplicate experiments, all the isolates caused pink lesions on pods and seeds of lentil, desi chickpea, and kabuli chickpea. The frequency of infected seeds among the five isolates (four lentil and one chickpea) ranged from 50 to 100% on lentil, 73 to 100% on desi chickpea, and 43 to 100% on kabuli chickpea. E. rhapontici was reisolated from seeds with lesions but not from asymptomatic seeds. The study demonstrates that in addition to pea (1) and common bean (2), E. rhapontici is also the causal agent of pink seed of lentil and chickpea. The observation that lentil isolates can infect chickpea and vice versa suggests that host specificity may be lacking in E. rhapontici. To our knowledge, this is the first record of E. rhapontici on lentil and chickpea. References: (1) H. C. Huang et al. Can. J. Plant Pathol. 12:445, 1990. (2) H. C. Huang et al. Plant Dis. 86:921, 2002.

First Report of Bacterial Wilt of Common Bean Caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens in Western Canada

Bacterial wilt of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Hedges) Collins & Jones (4) was found in 1947 in Ontario, Canada (3), but not in western Canada. Infected seeds exhibit yellow, orange, or purple discoloration (4). Examination of 36.7 kg of cull beans of crops grown in southern Alberta in 2001 obtained from a processing plant revealed 5.9% yellow and 0.014% orange seeds, each with wrinkled seed coats. Bacteria were isolated on potato dextrose agar. Three strains were identified using conventional tests (2), carbohydrate oxidation (GP Microplates, Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA), and cellular fatty acids (CFA) (MIDI, Inc., Newark, DE). Strains were gram-positive, motile, aerobic rods with yellow (YSB-1, YSB-2) or orange (OSB-3) colonies. Growth occurred at 27 and 37°C. The strains were positive for citrate utilization, catalase, hydrolysis of hippurate, and indoxyl acetate, and negative for urease, gelatin liquification, and oxidase. CFA profiles were ≈48% 15:0 anteiso, 37% 17:0 anteiso, 8% 16:0 iso, 3% 15:0 iso, and 3% 16:0; with17:1 anteiso A sometimes present at <2%. Acid production was weak from carbohydrates, but all oxidized many carbohydrates in the microplates. These results match C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (2) in MIDI and Biolog databases. Strains were tested for pathogenicity using seed and pod inoculations. Seeds of great northern ('US1140') and navy ('AC Skipper') beans were soaked in bacterial suspension (1 to 3 × 10⁸ CFU/ml) for 1 h, sown in Cornell Peatlite Mix (1) in Root Trainers (Spencer-Lemaire Industries, Edmonton, AB, Canada), incubated at 28°C (16-h day) and 22°C (8-h night), and examined for seedling wilt after 10 days. Seeds soaked in sterile distilled water served as controls. Testing was repeated once with 3 replicates per treatment and 10 seeds per replicate. Experiments were conducted using a complete randomization design. For pod inoculation, a suspension (0.1 ml) of each strain was injected into the midrib at the basal end of each young pod of 'AC Skipper'. Pods inoculated with sterile distilled water, 0.1 ml per pod, were used as controls. After 21 days, pods were harvested and examined. Testing was repeated once with three plants per treatment and five pods per plant. Bacteria were reisolated from hypocotyls of wilted seedlings and diseased pods. Results of seed inoculations showed all strains were pathogenic to both cultivars. Wilt incidence was 38, 35, and 57% for strains YSB-1, YSB-2, and OSB-3, respectively, on 'US1140' and 44, 40, and 63% respectively, on 'AC Skipper'. Results of pod inoculations showed 63% (YSB-1) and 55% (YSB-2) of seeds had wrinkled, yellow seed coats, and 72% (OSB-3) of seeds had wrinkled, orange seed coats. Control seedlings and seeds remained healthy. C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens was reisolated from wilted seedlings and seeds showing yellow or orange discoloration, but not from the controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial wilt of bean caused by yellow and orange strains of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in western Canada. References: (1) J. W. Boodley and R. Sheldrake Jr. N.Y. State Coll. Agric. Life Sci. Inform. Bull. 43, 1977. (2) K. Komagata et al. Page 1313 in: Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, Vol. 2, Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore, MD, 1986. (3) Z. A. Patrick, Can. J. Bot. 32:705, 1954. (4) A. W. Saettler. Bacterial wilt. Page 31 in: Compendium of Bean Diseases. R. Hall, ed. American Phytopathology Society, St. Paul, MN, 1994.

First Report of Pink Seed of Common Bean Caused by Erwinia rhapontici

In 2001, a new disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) caused by Erwinia rhapontici (Millard) Burkh. was detected in seed samples from southern Alberta, Canada. Infected seeds had pink or pinkish-brown lesions on the seed coat. The disease was found in great northern (cv. US1140), pink (cv. Viva), and pinto (cv. Othello) beans at low (<0.1%) frequencies. Isolation from surface-sterilized pink seeds resulted in bacterial cultures, which produced a water-soluble pink pigment on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Seven isolates were tested for physiological characteristics using conventional tests (1) and API 50CHE test strips (bioMérieux Canada, St. Laurent, Quebec), and tested for cellular fatty acids using the MIDI system (Newark, DE). All isolates were gram-negative, motile, facultative anaerobic rods with mucoid colonies and produced a pink pigment on PDA. They were positive for citrate utilization, catalase, methyl red, and Voges-Proskauer, and negative for arginine dihydrolase, lysine and ornithine decarboxylases, urease, gelatin liquification, indole production, oxidase, and gas production. Fatty acid profiles matched with E. rhapontici (approximately 30% each 16:0 and 16:1 ω7c/15:0 iso 2OH; 12% 18:1 ω7c: 8% each 17:0 cyclo and 14:0 3OH/16:1 iso; 4 to 5% each 12:0 and 14:0). Isolates were positive for acid production from: N-acetyl glucosamine, l-arabinose, amygdalin, arbutin, cellobiose, esculin (hydrolysis), d-fructose, d-fucose, d-galactose, β-gentiobiose, d-glucose, glycerol, i-myo-inositol, lactose, maltose, d-mannitol, d-mannose, melibiose, d-raffinose, l-rhamnose, ribose, salicin, d-sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, and d-xylose. These results match published results for E. rhapontici (4). For pathogenicity tests, each isolate was inoculated in 30 pods from six bean plants (cv. US1140) as described for pink seed of peas (2). Each pod was inoculated with 0.1 ml of bacterial suspension, approximately 10⁹ CFU/ml, by injection through the mid-rib at the basal end. The same number of uninoculated and water-inoculated pods served as controls. Plants were kept in the greenhouse (20 ± 5°C) for 4 weeks, after which isolations were done as described above. In duplicate experiments, all isolates caused lesions on pods extending up to 5 cm from the inoculation point with corresponding discoloration of seeds. The frequency of infected seeds varied among isolates, ranging from 20 to 50%. E. rhapontici was reisolated from seeds with lesions, but not asymptomatic seeds. The study concludes that pink seed of common bean is due to E. rhapontici, a pathogen previously reported on peas in Alberta, Canada (2), and Montana (3). References: (1) D. J. Brenner. Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, vol.1, Williams and Wilkens, Baltimore, MD, 1984. (2) H. C. Huang et al. Can. J. Plant Pathol. 12:445, 1990. (3) B. K. Schroeder et al. Plant Dis. 86:188, 2002. (4) L. Verdonck et al. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 37:4, 1987.

Sensitivity of Ulocladium atrum, Coniothyrium minitans, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to benomyl and vinclozolin

Assays on mycelial growth and spore germination were carried out to determine the sensitivity of the biocontrol agents Ulocladium atrum and Coniothyrium minitans and the plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to benomyl and vinclozolin. Ulocladium atrum was more tolerant to these fungicides than C. minitans and S. sclerotiorum. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of U. atrum based on the mycelial growth inhibition was 1467.3 µg active ingredient (a.i.)/mL for benomyl and 12.6 µg a.i./mL for vinclozolin, and the maximum inhibition concentration was higher than 4000 µg a.i./mL for both fungicides. For C. minitans and S. sclerotiorum, however, the EC50 based on mycelial growth inhibition was lower than 1 µg a.i./mL. After incubation for 24 h at 20°C, the germination rate of U. atrum conidia was 90–99% on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with benomyl at 100–500 µg a.i./mL or vinclozolin at 10–500 µg a.i./mL. At these concentrations, germ tubes of U. atrum developed into long, branched hyphae in benomyl treatments, but they remained short and clustered in vinclozolin treatments. Pycnidiospores of C. minitans and ascospores of S. sclerotiorum germinated on PDA amended with benomyl at 100–500 µg a.i./mL, but the germ tubes did not grow further. Spore germination of C. minitans and S. sclerotiorum was less than 3.2% on PDA amended with vinclozolin at 10–500 µg a.i./mL after 24 h. This is the first report on the sensitivity of U. atrum and C. minitans to benomyl and vinclozolin. The results suggest that it is possible to control S. sclerotiorum using a combination of U. atrum and benomyl or vinclozolin.Key words: fungicides, mycelial growth, spore germination, integrated pest management.

Observation of B --> J/psi K(1)(1270)

We report the first observation of the exclusive decay process B-->J/psi K(1)(1270) using a sample of 11.2M BB macro meson pairs collected in the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider. We measure branching fractions of B[B(0)-->J/psi K(0)(1)(1270)] = (1.30+/-0.34+/-0.32) x 10(-3) and B[B(+)-->J/psi K(+)(1)(1270)] = (1.80+/-0.34+/-0.39) x 10(-3), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. These modes constitute approximately 15% of the total number of B-->J/psi X decays. No evidence is seen for B-->J/psi K(1)(1400) and we set an upper limit for this branching fraction.

Adaptive symmetric mean filter: a new noise-reduction approach based on the slope facet model

Two new noise-reduction algorithms, namely, the adaptive symmetric mean filter (ASMF) and the hybrid filter, are presented in this paper. The idea of the ASMF is to find the largest symmetric region on a slope facet by incorporation of the gradient similarity criterion and the symmetry constraint into region growing. The gradient similarity criterion allows more pixels to be included for a statistically better estimation, whereas the symmetry constraint promises an unbiased estimate if the noise is completely removed. The hybrid filter combines the advantages of the ASMF, the double-window modified-trimmed mean filter, and the adaptive mean filter to optimize noise reduction on the step and the ramp edges. The experimental results have shown the ASMF and the hybrid filter are superior to three conventional filters for the synthetic and the natural images in terms of the root-mean-squared error, the root-mean-squared difference of gradient, and the visual presentation.

GL331 induces down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression via enhanced proteolysis and repressed transcription

GL331 is a novel podophyllotoxin-derived compound. In this study, GL331 induced human lung adenocarcinoma cell line CL1-5 growth arrest before death during the initial 24-h incubation period. We found that GL331 had no inhibitory effect on the expression of cyclins E, A, B1, CDK 4, and CDK 2; instead, its cell growth-inhibitory effect was partly attributable to an early down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression and in turn the reduction of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation. GL331 enhanced the proteolysis of cyclin D1, and a proteasome inhibitor was able to block GL331-caused cyclin D1 reduction, suggesting that GL331-stimulated cyclin D1 degradation was through proteasomal processes. Additionally, GL331 reduced cellular cyclin D1 mRNA level down to 45% of control in 4 h and further to around 20% in 12 h. However, GL331 did not accelerate the disappearance of cyclin D1 mRNA under the condition of transcription blockage induced by actinomycin D. It was reported that a certain region in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of cyclin D1 mRNA mediated the mRNA degradation upon extracellular stresses. Herein, transient transfection studies demonstrated that the 3'-UTR insertion did not confer the susceptibility of luciferase reporter gene to the GL331 treatment. Together, these data suggested that GL331 did not decrease the stability of cyclin D1 mRNA. On the other hand, we found that GL331 specifically inhibited the cyclin D1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter activity. Western blot analyses showed that GL331 decreased the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), with no effect on p38 or c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase. Furthermore, GL331's inhibition of cyclin D1 promoter was attenuated by ectopic Erk-2 overexpression. These data suggested that GL331 inhibited cyclin D1 gene transcription via the Erk signaling pathway. In summary, we report that GL331 induced an early decline of cyclin D1 expression by dual mechanisms: 1) enhancement of protein turnover and 2) repression of Erk-mediated gene transcription.

Observation of Cabibbo suppressed B --> D(*)K- decays at Belle

We report observations of the Cabibbo suppressed decays B-->D((*))K- using a 10.4 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We find that the ratios of Cabibbo suppressed to Cabibbo favored branching fractions are B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-)) = 0.079+/-0.009+/-0.006, B(B(0)-->D+K-)/B(B(0)-->D+pi(-)) = 0.068+/-0.015+/-0.007, B(B--->D(*0)K-)/B(B--->D(*0)pi(-)) = 0.078+/-0.019+/-0.009, and B(B(0)-->D(*+)K-)/B(B(0)-->D(*+)pi(-)) = 0.074+/-0.015+/-0.006. These are the first observations of the B-->D+K-, D(*0)K-, and D(*+)K- decay processes.

3(2H)-Benzofuranones and chromanes from liquid cultures of the mycoparasitic fungus Coniothyrium minitans

Two 3(2H)-benzofuranones and three chromanes were isolated from the mycoparasitic fungus Coniothyrium minitans. Their structures and absolute stereochemistry were determined by spectroscopic methods.

Observation of large CP violation in the neutral B meson system

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) based on a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed as a J/psi K(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psi K(L), or J/psi K(*0) decay and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.99+/-0.14(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We conclude that we have observed CP violation in the neutral B meson system.

Capillary electrophoresis study on the micellization and critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Influence of solubilized solutes

The influence of solubilized solutes on the micellization and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were investigated by means of capillary electrophoresis (CE). Three different structural types of test solutes, including chloropyridines. chlorophenols and cephalosporins with different binding strength to SDS micelles, were selected in this study. The variations of the effective electrophoretic mobility of these solutes as a function of SDS concentration in the premicellar and micellar regions were analyzed. Interestingly, the results indicate that, in the presence of these solubilized solutes, the micellization of SDS may occur over a range of SDS concentration, with the aggregate size increasing over this range. Depending on the nature of solubilized solutes and the extent of the interactions between solubilized solutes and SDS micelles, the CMC value of SDS may vary significantly. The incorporation of solubilized solutes into SDS micelles to form mixed micelles is proposed to interpret the migration behavior of solubilized solutes in CE.

Hepatic encephalopathy in rats with thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure: role of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy, a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome secondary to acute liver failure, chronic parenchymal liver disease or portal-systemic shunting, may possibly develop through mediators of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). However, there are no published data concerning the relationships between the severity of encephalopathy and the plasma levels of endotoxin and TNF-alpha.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 300-350 g were used. Fulminant hepatic failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection ofthioacetamide (350 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days. Severity of encephalopathy was assessed by measuring motor counts using an Opto-Varimex animal activity meter. Plasma levels of endotoxin and TNF-alpha were determined by chromogenic Limulus assay and ELISA method, respectively.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that higher plasma levels of endotoxin (> 5.9 pg/ml) and TNF-alpha (> 18.8 pg/ml) were significantly associated with more blunted motor activities in rats with fulminant hepatic failure (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between plasma concentrations of endotoxin and TNF-alpha (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). Plasma levels of endotoxin were weakly correlated with the total movements in an open field (r = -0.34, p = 0.032) and the counts of ambulatory (r = -0.38, p = 0.014) and vertical movements (r = -0.40, p = 0.010). There were no correlations between the motor counts and plasma levels of TNF-alpha (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to endotoxin and TNF-alpha, other factors may participate in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy in rats with thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure.

A capillary electrophoresis study on the influence of beta-cyclodextrin on the critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate

The influence of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was investigated by capillary electrophoresis using anionic chlorophenols as probe molecules at pH 7.0. The variations of the electrophoretic mobility of probe molecules as a function of surfactant concentration in both premicellar and micellar regions in the absence and presence of beta-CD was analyzed. The results indicate that, as a consequence of a strong inclusion complexation between beta-CD and SDS, the encapsulation of beta-CD with probe molecules is greatly diminished, or even vanished, in the presence of SDS. The complexes formed between beta-CD and SDS monomers exist predominantly in the form of a 1:1 stoichiometry, while the complexes with a 2:1 stoichiometry reported previously in the literature as a minor component may exist by less than 10%. The elevation of the CMC value of SDS depends not only on the concentration of beta-CD in the buffer electrolyte but also on methanol content in the sample solution. The binding constants of probe molecules to beta-CD, to surfactant molecules, and to the complexes formed between beta-CD and SDS are reported.

Effect of alisol B acetate, a plant triterpene, on apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells and lymphocytes

Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis is a well-recognized physiological regulator of T-cell number and function. Alisol B acetate, a triterpene from Alisma Plantago-aquatica, has a glucocorticoid-like structure, and may have a similar function like glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in both vascular smooth muscle cell line (A7r5) and human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (CEM cells). For exploring its mechanism, mitochondria membrane potential and apoptosis-related gene expression were discussed. Alisol B (10(-6)-10(-4) M) inhibited serum-stimulated DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50) = 4.0 +/- 0.8 x 10(-6) M in A7r5 and 2.1 +/- 1.2 x 10(-6) M in CEM cells). The cell viability was reduced at 10(-4) M of alisol B. Similar results were seen in dexamethasone treatment (a synthetic glucocorticoid, 10(-6) M, 48 h). Apoptosis was induced after the cells were exposed to 10(-5)-10(-4) M alisol B or 10(-6) M dexamethasone for 48 h. The mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi(m)) was significantly reduced after the alisol B treatment, indicating that the mitochondria might play a role in the alisol B induced cell apoptosis. Alisol B (10(-5)-10(-4) M) increased the levels of c-myc and bax mRNA and proteins, but not on the anti-apoptotic proto-oncogene, bcl-2, in A7r5 and CEM cells. In contrast, dexamethasone (10(-6) M) treatment only caused significant increase in c-myc mRNA levels. These results suggest that the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential might be involved in the mechanisms of alisol B-induced cell apoptosis.

Isolated fetal and neonatal ascites: report of two cases

Neonatal ascites is an uncommon problem that may be caused by a number of etiologies including diseases of genitourinary system and gastrointestinal system, cardiac disease, hepatic disease, systemic infection such as TORCH or parvovirus, chylous, ovarian cause, inborn error of metabolism and idiopathic. We reported two cases of neonatal ascites, one was caused by cytomegalovirus and no obvious causes could be detected in the second one. The ascites were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound at the gestational age of 25 weeks and 37 weeks respectively and were resolved spontaneously after birth. One-year follow-up of both cases revealed normal growth and development. No recurrent ascites could be detected by abdominal sonography except for evidence of mild hepatomegaly that was noted in case 1. Thus, isolated fetal and neonatal ascites without other concomitant abnormalities were diagnosed, a separate entity from non-immune hydrops fetalis with excellent prognosis.

Measurement of B(0)(d)-B_(0)(d) mixing rate from the time evolution of dilepton events at the upsilon(4S)

We report a determination of the B(0)(d)-&B_(0)(d) mixing parameter Deltam(d) based on the time evolution of dilepton yields in Upsilon(4S) decays. The measurement is based on a 5.9 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The proper-time difference distributions for same-sign and opposite-sign dilepton events are simultaneously fitted to an expression containing Deltam(d) as a free parameter. Using both muons and electrons, we obtain Deltam(d) = 0.463+/-0.008 (stat)+/-0.016 (syst) ps(-1). This is the first determination of Deltam(d) from time evolution measurements at the Upsilon(4S). We also place limits on possible CPT violations.

Schizanrins [corrected] B, C, D, and E, four new lignans from Kadsura matsudai and their antihepatitis activities

Bioassay-directed fractionation of ethanolic extract of Kadsura matsudai Hayata has resulted in the isolation of four novel C(18) dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, schizanrin B (1), schizanrin C (2), schizanrin D (3), and schizanrin E (4). Schizanrin B (1) showed moderate to strong activity for antihepatitis in both anti-HBsAg and anti-HBeAg assays, and 3 and 4 also were active in the latter assay [corrected]. Compounds 1--4 were inactive in vitro against HIV replication in H9 lymphocytes. All new structures were elucidated using spectral analysis. Their structural elucidation by spectral and structure--activity relationships is also discussed.

Endothelin-1 induces vasoconstriction on portal-systemic collaterals of portal hypertensive rats

Portal hypertension is associated with increased hepatic and collateral resistance to an increased portal blood flow. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) can induce intrahepatic vasoconstriction and consequently increase portal pressure. It is unknown if ET-1 also modulates portal pressure by a direct vasoconstrictive effect on collaterals. This study investigated the collateral vascular responses to ET-1, the receptors in mediation, and the regulation of ET-1 action by nitric oxide and prostaglandin. The portal-systemic collaterals of partially portal vein-ligated rats were tested by in situ perfusion. The concentration-response curves of collaterals to graded concentrations of ET-1 (10(-10)-10(-7) mol/L) with or without BQ-123 (ET(A) receptor antagonist, 2 x 10(-6) mol/L), BQ-788 (ET(B) receptor antagonist, 10(-7) mol/L) or both were recorded. In addition, the collateral responses to ET-1 with preincubation of n(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (NNA; 100 mol/L), indomethacin (INDO; 10 mol/L), or in combination were performed. ET-1 increased the perfusion pressure of collaterals and its effect was significantly suppressed by BQ-123 alone and BQ-123 plus BQ-788, but not BQ-788 alone (P <.05). Incubation with NNA, INDO, or both significantly enhanced the response of collaterals to ET-1 (P < .05). These results show that ET-1 produces a direct vasoconstrictive effect on the collateral vessels of portal hypertensive rats. This effect is mediated by ET(A,) but not ET(B), receptors. Both nitric oxide and prostaglandin modulate the collateral vascular response to ET-1 and may therefore participate in the development and maintenance of portal hypertension.

Measurement of the CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) in B(0)(d) meson decays

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) (also known as sin2beta) based on a 10.5 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is reconstructed in the J/psiK(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psiK(L), or J/psipi(0) CP-eigenstate decay channel and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its charged particle decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time interval between the two B-meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.58(+0.32)(-0.34)(stat)+0.09-0.10(syst).

Optimization of separation and migration behavior of chloropyridines in micellar electrokinetic chromatography

The separation and migration behavior of pyridine and eight chloropyridines, including three monochloropyridines, four dichloropyridines, and 2,3,5-trichloropyridine were investigated by micellar electrokinetic chromatography using either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant or SDS-Brij 35 mixed micelles. Various parameters such as buffer pH, SDS concentration, Brij 35 concentration and methanol content that affect the separation were optimized. Complete separation of these chloropyridines was optimally achieved with a phosphate buffer containing SDS (30 mM) and methanol (10%, v/v) at pH 7.0. The resolution and selectivity of analytes could be considerably affected by the addition of methanol and/or Brij 35 to the background electrolyte. The migration order of these chloropyridines depends primarily on their hydrophobicity. However, electrostatic interactions may also play a significant role in the determination of the migration order of the positional isomers of chloropyridines.

The molecular chaperone DnaJ is required for the degradation of a soluble abnormal protein in Escherichia coli

In addition to promoting protein folding and translocation, molecular chaperones of Hsp70/DnaJ families are essential for the selective breakdown of many unfolded proteins. It has been proposed that chaperones function in degradation to maintain the substrates in a soluble form. In Escherichia coli, a nonsecreted alkaline phosphatase mutant that lacks its signal sequence (PhoADelta2-22) fails to fold in the cytosol and is rapidly degraded at 37 degrees C. We show that PhoADelta2-22 is degraded by two ATP-dependent proteases, La (Lon) and ClpAP, and breakdown by both is blocked in a dnaJ259-ts mutant at 37 degrees C. Both proteases could be immunoprecipitated with PhoA, but to a much lesser extent in the dnaJ mutant. Therefore, DnaJ appears to promote formation of protease-substrate complexes. DnaJ could be coimmunoprecipitated with PhoA, and the extent of this association directly correlated with its rate of degradation. Although PhoA was not degraded when DnaJ was inactivated, 50% or more of the PhoA remained soluble. PhoA breakdown and solubility did not require ClpB. PhoA degradation was reduced in a thioredoxin-reductase mutant (trxB), which allowed PhoADelta2-22 to fold into an active form in the cytosol. Introduction of the dnaJ mutation into trxB cells further stabilized PhoA, increased enzyme activity, and left PhoA completely soluble. Thus, DnaJ, although not necessary for folding (or preventing PhoA aggregation), is required for PhoA degradation and must play an active role in this process beyond maintaining the substrate in a soluble form.

Detrimental effects of nitric oxide inhibition on hepatic encephalopathy in rats with thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome seen secondary to acute liver failure, chronic parenchymal liver disease, or portal-systemic anastomosis. Vasodilatation induced by nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in the development of hepatic coma. However, there are no comprehensive data concerning the effects of NO inhibition on the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 g were used. Fulminant hepatic failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA, 350 mg kg-1 day-1) for 3 days. Rats were divided into two groups to receive either NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 20 mg kg-1 day-1 via intragastric gavage) or normal saline (N/S) from 2 days prior to TAA administration for 5 days. Severity of encephalopathy was assessed by counts of motor activity and neurobehaviour test scores. Plasma levels of endotoxin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and nitrate/nitrite were determined by the chromogenic Limulus assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric assay, respectively. Compared with N/S-treated rats, the mortality rate was significantly higher in rats receiving L-NAME (59% vs. 18%, P < 0.01). Inhibition of NO had detrimental effects on the counts of motor activities (P < 0.05) and neurobehaviour score (P < 0.01). Rats treated with L-NAME had significantly higher plasma levels of endotoxin (26.7 +/- 3.8 pg mL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (29.4 +/- 6.5 pg mL-1) compared with rats treated with N/S (13.2 +/- 2.7 pg mL-1 and 11.2 +/- 2.6 pg mL-1, respectively, P < 0.01). Plasma levels of endotoxin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but not of nitrate/nitrite, were significantly correlated with the severity of hepatic encephalopathy (P < 0.05). Chronic L-NAME administration had detrimental effects on the severity of encephalopathy in TAA-treated rats, suggesting a protective role of NO in the development of fulminant hepatic failure.

Inhibition of prostacyclin by indomethacin ameliorates the splanchnic hyposensitivity to glypressin in haemorrhage-transfused common bile duct-ligated rats

Prostacyclin (PGI2) is an important contributor to the mediation of hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors and the development of hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertensive states. Inhibition of PGI2 synthesis in haemorrhage-transfused partially portal vein-ligated rats could ameliorate the splanchnic hyposensitivity to glypressin, a long-acting vasopressin analogue. This study investigated whether the hyposensitivity to glypressin also exists in rats with common bile duct ligation (BDL) and whether the inhibition of PGI2 synthesis by indomethacin could potentiate the portal-hypotensive effect of glypressin in bleeding BDL rats. Two series of BDL rats were used. Series 1 investigated the haemodynamic effects of low dose glypressin (0.07 mg kg-1) in BDL rats with or without bleeding by catheterization. In series 2, haemodynamic parameters were measured in stable or bleeding BDL rats that were receiving intravenously high dose glypressin (0.2 mg kg-1) or indomethacin (5 mg kg-1) followed by high dose glypressin. In rats with a hypotensive haemorrhage, 4.5 mL of blood was withdrawn and 50% of the withdrawn blood was reinfused before the administration of glypressin or indomethacin. Splanchnic hyposensitivity to glypressin was demonstrated in haemorrhage-transfused BDL rats receiving high, but not low, doses of glypressin. Indomethacin infusion did not cause significant systemic and portal haemodynamic changes in bleeding BDL rats (P > 0.05). The addition of indomethacin significantly enhanced the portal-hypotensive effects of glypressin (P < 0.05) and potentiated the increases in mean arterial pressure induced by glypressin infusion (P < 0.001) in bleeding BDL rats. Splanchnic hyposensitivity to glypressin observed in haemorrhage-transfused BDL rats could be ameliorated by the addition of indomethacin, suggesting a role of endogenous PGI2 in its pathophysiology.