In vivo tyrosine phosphorylation sites of activated ephrin-B1 and ephB2 from neural tissue

EphB2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase of the Eph family and ephrin-B1 is one of its transmembrane ligands. In the embryo, EphB2 and ephrin-B1 participate in neuronal axon guidance, neural crest cell migration, the formation of blood vessels, and the development of facial structures and the inner ear. Interestingly, EphB2 and ephrin-B1 can both signal through their cytoplasmic domains and become tyrosine-phosphorylated when bound to each other. Tyrosine phosphorylation regulates EphB2 signaling and likely also ephrin-B1 signaling. Embryonic retina is a tissue that highly expresses both ephrin-B1 and EphB2. Although the expression patterns of EphB2 and ephrin-B1 in the retina are different, they partially overlap, and both proteins are substantially tyrosine-phosphorylated. To understand the role of ephrin-B1 phosphorylation, we have identified three tyrosines of ephrin-B1 as in vivo phosphorylation sites in transfected 293 cells stimulated with soluble EphB2 by using mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis. These tyrosines are also physiologically phosphorylated in the embryonic retina, although the extent of phosphorylation at each site may differ. Furthermore, many of the tyrosines of EphB2 previously identified as phosphorylation sites in 293 cells (Kalo, M. S., and Pasquale, E. B. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 14396-14408) are also phosphorylated in retinal tissue. Our data underline the complexity of ephrin-Eph bidirectional signaling by implicating many tyrosine phosphorylation sites of the ligand-receptor complex.

Assessing NSAID prescription use as a predisposing factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease in a Medicaid population

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of GERD associated with prescription NSAID consumption.

METHODS

All Georgia Medicaid patients > 25 years of age and continuously eligible for 1996, 1997, and 1998 were included in the study. Patients were excluded if they received a GERD diagnoses during 1996 and 1997. Patients were observed in 1998 and classified into GERD and control cohorts. Comorbidities, demographics, and NSAID prescription consumption were retained and modeled with logistic regression.

RESULTS

The absolute risk of developing GERD without previous NSAID consumption was 0.38. The absolute risk of developing GERD for those patients who consumed one or more NSAID prescriptions during 1996 and 1997 was 0.80. Thus, the relative risk of GERD for NSAID patients was 2.11. GERD was significantly associated with one or more NSAID prescriptions (OR = 1.82), age (OR = 1.05 for 5 year range), gender (OR = 1.31 for females), asthma (OR = 3.24), obesity (OR = 2.77), hiatal hernia (OR = 4.17), tobacco use (OR = 2.56), and alcohol (OR = 1.83). The initial NSAID prescription was responsible for the greatest marginal increase in GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that NSAIDs are associated with GERD especially for females, alcohol and tobacco users, and patients with asthma, hiatal hernia, or obesity.

Multiple signaling interactions of Abl and Arg kinases with the EphB2 receptor

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and the Abl family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases have both been implicated in tissue morphogenesis. They regulate the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in the developing nervous system and participate in signaling pathways involved in axon growth. Both Eph receptors and Abl are localized in the neuronal growth cone, suggesting that they play a role in axon pathfinding. Two-hybrid screens identified regions of Abl and Arg that bind to the EphB2 and EphA4 receptors, suggesting a novel signaling connection involving the two kinase families. The association of full-length Abl and Arg with EphB2 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and found to involve several distinct protein interactions. The SH2 domains of Abl and Arg bind to tyrosine-phosphorylated motifs in the juxtamembrane region of EphB2. A second, phosphorylation-independent interaction with EphB2 involves non-conserved sequences in the C-terminal tails of Abl and Arg. A third interaction between Abl and EphB2 is probably mediated by an intermediary protein because it requires tyrosine phosphorylation of EphB2, but not the binding sites for the Abl SH2 domain. The connection between EphB2 and Abl/Arg appears to be reciprocal. Activated EphB2 causes tyrosine phosphorylation of Abl and Arg, and vice versa. Interestingly, treatment of COS cells and B35 neuronal-like cells with ephrin-B1 to activate endogenous EphB2 decreased the kinase activity of endogenous Abl. These data are consistent with the opposite effects that Eph receptors and Abl have on neurite ougrowth and suggest that Eph receptors and Abl family kinases have shared signaling activities.

Intact soil-core microcosms compared with multi-site field releases for pre-release testing of microbes in diverse soils and climates

Intact soil-core microcosms were used to compare persistence of Pseudomonas chlororaphis 3732RN-L11 in fallow soil and on wheat roots with field releases at diverse sites. Parallel field and microcosm releases at four sites in 1996 were repeated with addition of one site in 1997. Microcosms were obtained fresh and maintained at 60% soil water holding capacity in a growth chamber at 70% relative humidity, a 12-hour photoperiod, and constant temperature. Persistence of 3732RN-L11 was measured at each site in field plots and microcosms at 7-21 day intervals, and in duplicate microcosms sampled at an independent laboratory. Linear regression slopes of field plot and microcosm persistence were compared for each site, and between identical microcosms sampled at different sites, using log10 transformed plate counts. Microcosm persistence closely matched field plots for wheat roots, but persistence in fallow soil differed significantly in several instances where persistence in field plots was lower than in microcosms. Analysis of weather variations at each site indicated that rainfall events of 30-40 mm caused decreased persistence in fallow soil. Cooler temperatures enhanced persistence in field plots at later time points. Inter-laboratory comparison of regression slopes showed good agreement for data generated at different sites, though in two instances, longer sampling periods at one site caused significant differences between the sites. Soil characteristics were compared and it was found that fertility, namely the carbon to nitrogen ratio, and the presence of expanding clays, were related to persistence. These microcosm protocols produced reliable data at low cost, and were useable for pre-release risk analyses for microorganisms.

Semaphorin-1a acts in concert with the cell adhesion molecules fasciclin II and connectin to regulate axon fasciculation in Drosophila

Semaphorins comprise a large family of phylogenetically conserved secreted and transmembrane glycoproteins, many of which have been implicated in repulsive axon guidance events. The transmembrane semaphorin Sema-1a in Drosophila is expressed on motor axons and is required for the generation of neuromuscular connectivity. Sema-1a can function as an axonal repellent and mediates motor axon defasciculation. Here, by manipulating the levels of Sema-1a and the cell adhesion molecules fasciclin II (Fas II) and connectin (Conn) on motor axons, we provide further evidence that Sema-1a mediates axonal defasciculation events by acting as an axonally localized repellent and that correct motor axon guidance results from a balance between attractive and repulsive guidance cues expressed on motor neurons.

Uroguanylin treatment suppresses polyp formation in the Apc(Min/+) mouse and induces apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells via cyclic GMP

The enteric peptides, guanylin and uroguanylin, are local regulators of intestinal secretion by activation of receptor-guanylate cyclase (R-GC) signaling molecules that produce cyclic GMP (cGMP) and stimulate the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-dependent secretion of Cl- and HCO3-. Our experiments demonstrate that mRNA transcripts for guanylin and uroguanylin are markedly reduced in colon polyps and adenocarcinomas. In contrast, a specific uroguanylin-R-GC, R-GCC, is expressed in polyps and adenocarcinomas at levels comparable with normal colon mucosa. Activation of R-GCC by uroguanylin in vitro inhibits the proliferation of T84 colon cells and elicits profound apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, T84. Therefore, down-regulation of gene expression and loss of the peptides may interfere with renewal and/or removal of the epithelial cells resulting in the formation of polyps, which can progress to malignant cancers of the colon and rectum. Oral replacement therapy with human uroguanylin was used to evaluate its effects on the formation of intestinal polyps in the Min/+ mouse model for colorectal cancer. Uroguanylin significantly reduces the number of polyps found in the intestine of Min/+ mice by approximately 50% of control. Our findings suggest that uroguanylin and guanylin regulate the turnover of epithelial cells within the intestinal mucosa via activation of a cGMP signaling mechanism that elicits apoptosis of target enterocytes. The intestinal R-GC signaling molecules for guanylin regulatory peptides are promising targets for prevention and/or therapeutic treatment of intestinal polyps and cancers by oral administration of human uroguanylin.

Direct measurement of LDL-C in children: performance of two surfactant-based methods in a general pediatric population

OBJECTIVES

Several pediatric advisory groups have recommended selective screening for dyslipidemia in children. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is measured clinically with the Friedewald calculation in fasting samples. Nonfasting measurement of LDL-C would be clinically useful in children.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In the present study, we examine the performance of two surfactant-based direct LDL-C assays in paired samples, fasting and nonfasting, from 100 children.

RESULTS

LDL-C in the fasting state was significantly lower with the Friedewald estimation: 2.43 +/- 0. 61 mmol/L, N-geneous (Genzyme Corp.) direct LDL-C: 2.30 +/- 0.59 mmol/L, and Roche (Roche Diagnostics) direct LDL-C: 2.32 +/- 0.57 mmol/L than with ultracentrifugation-dextran-sulfate-Mg(2+) precipitation (UC-DS): 2.47 +/- 0.64 mmol/L. Moreover, there was increased negative bias using nonfasting samples with N-geneous: 2. 25 +/- 0.56 mmol/L and Roche: 2.26 +/- 0.56 mmol/L compared with fasting UC-DS. Correlation with US-DS was highest for Friedewald (r = 0.974) and fasting N-geneous (r = 0.973), and lowest with nonfasting N-geneous (r = 0.849) and Roche in fasting (r = 0.891) and nonfasting samples (r = 0.747). The sensitivity at LDL-C concentration of 2.85 mmol/L for the two direct methods when either fasting or nonfasting samples were used, was lower than that obtained with Friedewald.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these direct LDL-C assays demonstrated limited utility in screening children but may be useful in the management of lipid disorders.

Agreement among four homocysteine assays and results in patients with coronary atherosclerosis and controls

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with coronary atherosclerosis in many, but not all, prospective and retrospective studies. Some on these inconsistencies may be attributed to methodological variabilities.

METHODS

In the present study, three newly commercially available assays and one in-house HPLC assay for total homocysteine (tHcy) were utilized in 99 subjects with angiographically documented atherosclerosis and in 91 community controls matched by age, gender, and smoking history. The in-house assay, a modified Fortin and Genest HPLC method, was compared with the Bio-Rad HPLC assay, the Abbott IMx((R)) fluorescence polarization immunoassay, and a Bio-Rad enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) microtiter method.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficient values between the in-house HPLC assay and the Bio-Rad HPLC, the Abbott IMx, and the Bio-Rad EIA assays were 0.95, 0.96 and 0.90, respectively. Although tHcy concentrations were higher in cases compared with controls by all four methods, the difference reached statistical significance only with the in-house HPLC procedure (median, 13.5 +/- 6.7 micromol/L in cases vs 10.9 +/- 4.8 micromol/L in controls; P <0. 01, adjusting for covariates), where it was an independent predictor of case or control status, along with hypertension, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The tHcy distributions in cases and controls demonstrated significant overlap. The number of atherosclerotic major coronary vessels was associated with significantly higher tHcy (P <0.01 for trend) in all four methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The three commercial assays for tHcy differed in analytical and clinical performance. Analytically, the Abbott IMx method showed the best comparability with the in-house assay, but clinically, the three commercial methods were similar and did not distinguish cases from controls.

Acute changes in serum lipids and lipoprotein subclasses in triathletes as assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Exercise is associated with changes in lipids that may protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study of 28 triathletes, we analyzed acute changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations after completion of the 1995 World Championship Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. With standard laboratory assays, we demonstrate significant decreases in total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, ApoB100, and Lp(a). Total HDL cholesterol increased significantly immediately after the race. With a novel proton NMR spectroscopy assay, we demonstrate that smaller diameter LDL particles, corresponding to small, dense LDL, declined by 62%. Moreover, larger HDL subclasses, whose levels are inversely associated with CHD, increased significantly by 11%. Smaller HDL subclasses, which have been directly associated with CHD in some studies, acutely decreased by 16%. Therefore, exercise not only acutely induces changes in lipoprotein concentrations among the standard species in a manner that favorably affects CHD risk, but also induces favorable changes in specific lipoprotein subclass size distribution that also may alter CHD risk independently of the total lipoprotein serum concentration.

Isolation and characterization from porcine serum of a soluble sulfotransferase responsible for 6-O-sulfation of the galactose residue in 2'-fucosyllactose: implications in the synthesis of the ligand for L-selectin

A soluble sulfotransferase from porcine serum which catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) to 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) was purified 36,333-fold using a combination of conventional and affinity chromatographic steps. The purified enzyme preparation after non-denaturing discontinuous-PAGE exhibited a molecular mass of about 80 kDa by reducing SDS-PAGE. However, when a partially purified enzyme preparation was subjected to gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300, the enzyme activity eluted in the void volume, which indicated that the native enzyme existed as an oligomer. The purified enzyme showed Km values of 9.15 microM for PAPS and 15.38 mM for 2'-FL at the optimum pH value of 7.4. The substrate specificity of the purified enzyme was evaluated with various sugars that are structurally similar to sialyl LewisX (sLeX). Results indicated that 3'-sialyllactose and lactose were efficient acceptors of sulfation, whereas 6'-sialyllactose and 6'-sialyllactosamine were poor substrates for this sulfotransferase. Further, the reaction product analysis revealed that the sulfate substitution, when using 2'-FL as the substrate, was at the C-6 position of the galactose residue. Coincidentally, a similar enzyme activity was also found in porcine lymphoid tissues such as, lymph nodes (peripheral and mesenteric) and spleen. Collectively, these findings suggest that this enzyme might be involved in the synthesis of the ligand for L-selectin.

Carboxyfullerene prevents iron-induced oxidative stress in rat brain

Carboxyfullerene, a water-soluble carboxylic acid derivative of a fullerene, was investigated as a protective agent against iron-induced oxidative stress in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of anesthetized rats. Intranigral infusion of exclusive carboxyfullerene did not increase lipid peroxidation in substantia nigra or deplete dopamine content in striatum. Infusion of ferrous citrate (iron II) induced degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. An increase in lipid peroxidation in substantia nigra as well as decreases in K+-evoked dopamine overflow and dopamine content in striatum were observed 7 days after the infusion. Co-infusion of carboxyfullerene prevented iron-induced oxidative injury. Furthermore, tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive staining showed that carboxyfullerene inhibited the iron-induced loss of the dopaminergic nerve terminals in striatum. The antioxidative action of carboxyfullerene was verified by in vitro studies. Incubation of brain homogenates increased the formation of the Schiff base fluorescent products of malonaldehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Both autooxidation (without exogenous iron) and iron-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation of brain homogenates were suppressed by carboxyfullerene in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that intranigral infusion of carboxyfullerene appears to be nontoxic to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. Furthermore, the potent antioxidative action of carboxyfullerene protects the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system from iron-induced oxidative injury.

Purification and characterization of a lymph node sulfotransferase responsible for 6-O-sulfation of the galactose residues in 2'-fucosyllactose and other sialyl LewisX-related sugars

A microsomal galactose-6-O-sulfotransferase (Gal-6-O-Stase) from porcine lymph nodes, able to transfer the sulfate group from adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) onto 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and other sialyl LewisX (sLex)-related sugars, has been purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified to about 35,000-fold by a combination of conventional and affinity chromatographic steps. The purified enzyme preparation exhibited two protein bands at around 80-90 and 170 kDa on 7.5% SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. Both of these protein bands always comigrated in the gel when peak fractions containing Gal-6-O-Stase activity from the 3',5'-ADP-agarose column were subjected to 6% SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. These protein bands also showed similar binding patterns to WGA (wheat germ agglutinin), Con A (concanvalin A), and EBA (elderberry agglutinin). Similarly, when the enzyme preparation after the hydroxylapatite step was photolabeled with 8-azido-[32P]-PAPS, both 80-90 and 170 kDa protein bands were labeled in a specific manner. These results suggest a possible association of these two protein bands with the enzyme activity. The carbohydrate substrate specificity of this enzyme suggests that it is well suited to catalyze the sulphonation at the C-6 position of the galactose residues of oligosaccharides that are structurally similar to sLex. Furthermore, a survey of several porcine organs revealed that this enzyme was selectively expressed in lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes (peripheral and mesenteric) and spleen. These findings suggest that this enzyme may be involved in the assembly of 3'-sialyl-6'-sulfo Lewisx, the major capping group of HEV-ligands for L-selectin.

Synthesis of biologically active cDNA clones of cymbidium mosaic potexvirus using a population cloning strategy

Biologically active cDNA clones of cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) were synthesized using a population cloning strategy. Three populations of overlapping RT-PCR products encompassing the entire viral RNA of CymMV were ligated into pBluescriptKS+ with T7 RNA polymerase promoter fused to the 5' extreme of the viral cDNA. Capped-RNA in vitro transcripts were infectious. This is the first report of successful synthesis of biologically active CymMV clones. Unlike the conventional methods, population cloning maximizes the probability of obtaining biologically active cDNA clones.

Identification of a domain on the beta-subunit of the rod cGMP-gated cation channel that mediates inhibition by calcium-calmodulin

The cGMP-gated cation channel mediating phototransduction in retinal rods has recently been shown to be inhibited by calcium-calmodulin, through direct binding of the latter to the beta-subunit of the heterotetrameric channel complex. Here, we report the characterization of this inhibition and the identification of a domain crucial for this modulation. Heterologous expression of the alpha- and beta-subunits of the human rod channel in HEK 293 cells produced a cGMP-gated current that was highly sensitive to calcium-calmodulin, with half-maximal inhibition at approximately 4 nM. In biochemical and electrophysiological experiments on deletion mutants of the beta-subunit, we have identified a region on its cytoplasmic N terminus that binds calmodulin and is necessary for the calmodulin-mediated inhibition of the channel. However, in gel shift assays and fluorescence emission experiments, peptides derived from this region indicated a low calmodulin affinity, with dissociation constants of approximately 3-10 microM. On the C terminus, a region was also found to bind calmodulin, but it was likewise of low affinity, and its deletion did not abolish the calmodulin-mediated inhibition. We suggest that although the identified region on the N terminus of the beta-subunit is crucial for the calmodulin effect, other regions are likely to be involved as well. In this respect, the rod channel appears to differ from the olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, which is also modulated by calcium-calmodulin.

The transmembrane Semaphorin Sema I is required in Drosophila for embryonic motor and CNS axon guidance

The semaphorins comprise a large family of conserved glycoproteins, several members of which have been shown to function in repulsive neuronal growth cone guidance. We show here that Drosophila Semaphorin I (Sema I), a transmembrane semaphorin expressed on embryonic motor and CNS axons, is required for correct guidance of motor axons and for the formation of CNS pathways. In mutant embryos lacking Sema I, motor axons stall and fail to defasciculate at specific choice points where normally they would project to their muscle targets. In addition, a specific CNS fascicle fails to form correctly in these embryos. Rescue and ectopic expression experiments show that Sema I is required in neurons to mediate axon guidance decisions. These studies further suggest that like secreted semaphorins, transmembrane semaphorins can function as repulsive guidance cues for specific axon guidance events during neurodevelopment.

Phylogenetic analysis of triple gene block viruses based on the TGB 1 homolog gene indicates a convergent evolution

The complete nucleotide sequence of the triple gene block one (TGB 1) of cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) was compared to those from other potex-, carla-, furo- and hordeiviruses. Seven conserved motifs in the TGB 1, including the ATP-GTP binding domain (P-Loop) consensus GXXGKTSTS, were found in all four virus genera. We propose that all TGBV can be classified into phylogenetic clusters based on their TGB 1 homolog genes. These clusters can be further delineated to form subgroups. The first cluster comprises the potexviruses which are further subdivided into three subgroups; BaMV, FMV, PlaMV and PapMV (subgroup Ia); CymMV, PAMV, NMV, SMYEaV and WC1MV (subgroup Ib) and PVX (subgroup Ic). The second cluster comprises carlaviruses with a dual subgrouping; CVB, LSV, PVM, PMV and ASPV (subgroup IIa) and LVX (subgroup IIb). The third cluster carries the most diverse of TGBV comprising furoviruses PCV, PMTV and BSBV (subgroup IIIa) and hordeiviruses PSLV, BSMV and LRSV (subgroup IIIb). The phylogenetic relationships of triple gene block viruses (TGBV) based on the TGB 1 homolog gene indicates a convergent evolution.

A DNA clone encoding the full-length infectious genome of odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus and mutagenesis of its coat protein gene

A full-length DNA clone encoding the genome of odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus (ORSV) was synthesized and placed adjacent to a bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter. Capped-RNA transcripts produced in vitro were highly infectious when mechanically inoculated onto seedlings of Nicotiana benthamiana and Oncidium Gower Ramsey. A representative clone, designated pOT2, caused a disease phenotype identical to that produced by parental viral RNA. ELISA, Western blot analysis, Northern blot hybridization and electron microscopy verified the infectivity of pOT2. A coat protein deficient mutant of the clone, pO delta CP1, was produced with the initiation codon of the coat protein cistron of ORSV abolished. Transcripts from pO delta CP1 were infective, able to move in N. benthamiana but produced no coat protein. This demonstrates that the coat protein was dispensable for RNA replication and for movement. This is believed to be the first report of an ORSV infectious clone driven by a T7 RNA polymerase promoter.

Evaluation and clinical application of a direct low-density lipoprotein cholesterol assay in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic adults

This study examines the performance and clinical use of a commercial immunoseparation assay for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in a sample population of normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic adult volunteers. Using paired fasting and nonfasting samples, we compared the direct LDL assay with the beta quantification method and the Friedewald calculation. Overall, the direct LDL assay correctly classified 82% and 60% of fasting and nonfasting subjects, respectively, into National Cholesterol Education Program risk groups. The Friedewald method correctly classified 84% of subjects. The fasting direct LDL assay has comparable positive and negative predictive values to the Friedewald method, except at an LDL cholesterol of 100 mg/dl. The nonfasting direct LDL assay demonstrates unacceptable positive predictive values when LDL cholesterol decreases to the 130 to 159 and > or = 160 mg/dl categories. Overall, direct LDL assay demonstrates limitations in the nonfasting state and at the LDL cholesterol level of 100 mg/dl used for patients with established coronary heart disease.

Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus RNA: complete nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) was determined to be 6227 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly (A) tail at the 3' terminus. Similar to other potexviruses, its genome organisation is comprised of five major open reading frames (ORFs 1 to 5), encoding a Mr 160 KDa putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp); a Mr 26KDa/13KDa/10KDa triple-gene-block (TGB) and a Mr 24 KDa coat protein. The CymMV encoded proteins shared a high degree of homology to their corresponding proteins of other members of the potexvirus group. The nucleotide sequence of the 5' noncoding region (NCR) of CymMV and all other potexviruses initiates with GAAAA. CymMV possesses the shortest 5' NCR among all potexviruses. Based on phylogenetic comparisons of RdRp and coat protein, CymMV shares a close relationship to PAMV, NMV, WClMV and SMYEaV. This is believed to be the first record of the complete nucleotide sequence of CymMV.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of chicken-liver glutathione S-transferase CL 3-3

Five different crystal forms of recombinant chicken-liver glutathione S-transferase CL 3-3 have been obtained by the vapor-diffusion method. The form A crystals are monoclinic C2, a = 125.56, b = 85.81, c = 52.71 A and beta = 114.64 degrees, and diffract to 4 A resolution. The form B crystals are monoclinic P2(1), a = 105.13, b = 118.54, c = 62.62 A and beta = 124.74 degrees, and diffract to 2.8 A resolution. The form C crystals are orthorhombic C222(l), a = 101.69, b = 115.46, c = 95.40 A, and diffract to 2.8 A resolution. The form D crystals are tetragonal, P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2, a = b = 115.31, c = 171.20 A and diffract to 3.5 A resolution. The form E crystals are hexagonal, P6(1) or P6(5), a = b = 104.23, c = 114.35 A, diffract to 3.5 A resolution. Forms A, C and E have one dimer of molecular weight 50 kDa, while forms B and D have two dimers per asymmetric unit, respectively.

Flumazenil as an antagonist for midazolam anesthesia in outpatient surgery

Rapid recovery is an essential component in the anesthesia of OPD surgery. In this study midazolam, the short-duration benzodiazepine, was used as an intravenous anesthetic in OPD surgery. At the end of the operation flumazenil, the specific antagonist of benzodiazepines, was given to reverse the effect of midazolam. Recovery of these patients was compared with those in the control group who received saline instead of flumazenil. In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study the antagonistic effect of flumazenil on midazolam was investigated in fifty ASA class I-II gynecologic outpatients subjected to D & C procedure under anesthesia induced with midazolam (0.3 mg/kg). They were divided into group A (flumazenil group) and group B (placebo group) with 25 patients in each. At the end of operation patients in group A were given 0.2 mg flumazenil intravenously to antagonize the residual effect of midazolam while patients in group B were given 2 ml normal saline intravenously as control. Our results showed that patients in group A exhibited a rapid and steady return of consciousness scaled by alertness, orientation of time and place and activity collaboration at 5, 30 and 60 min intervals following administration of flumazenil (p less than 0.005). There were no significant changes found in the hemodynamic or respiratory aspect between groups (p greater than 0.05). All the patients tolerated midazolam and flumazenil well. It is concluded that the use of flumazenil to antagonize the residual effect of midazolam is safe and effective as far as outpatient procedure is concerned.

Chyluria--a 10 year follow-up

One hundred and sixty-one cases of chyluria have been studied. The possible aetiological factors, the approach to investigation and the methods and results of treatment have been discussed. In this series, the diagnosis was established by the presence of chyle in the urine. Lymphography was carried out in 90 patients for the localisation of the site of lymphatic reflux while cystoscopic examination after fatty meal was useful in determining the side with the heavier leakage. One hundred and nineteen cases responded to conservative treatment and only 42 cases required operative treatment. Stripping of the renal pedicle via the retroperitoneal route gave the best results.