Angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, requires dynamic expansion, assembly and stabilization of vascular endothelial cells in response to proangiogenic stimuli. Antiangiogenic strategies have become an important therapeutic modality for solid tumors. While many aspects of postnatal pathological angiogenesis have been extensively studied in the context of nonhematopoietic neoplasms, the precise role of these processes in lymphoma pathogenesis is under active investigation. Lymphoma growth and progression is potentiated by at least two distinct angiogenic mechanisms: autocrine stimulation of tumor cells via expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors by lymphoma cells, as well as paracrine influences of proangiogenic tumor microenvironment on both local neovascular transformation and recruitment of circulating bone marrow-derived progenitors. Lymphoma-associated infiltrating host cells including hematopoietic monocytes, T cells and mesenchymal pericytes have increasingly been associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of lymphoma, in part providing perivascular guidance and support to neoangiogenesis. Collectively, these distinct angiogenic mechanisms appear to be important therapeutic targets in selected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) subtypes. Understanding these pathways has led to the introduction of antiangiogenic treatment strategies into the clinic where they are currently under assessment in several ongoing studies of NHL patients.

Influence of mitochondrial enzyme deficiency on adult neurogenesis in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases

Mitochondrial defects including reduction of a key mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate-dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) are characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. KGDHC consists of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase (E2k), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Dld) subunits. We investigated whether Dld or E2k deficiency influences adult brain neurogenesis using immunohistochemistry for the immature neuron markers, doublecortin (Dcx) and polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule, as well as a marker for proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Both Dld- and E2k-deficient mice showed reduced Dcx-positive neuroblasts in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus compared with wild-type mice. In the E2k knockout mice, increased immunoreactivity for the lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde occurred in the SGZ. These alterations did not occur in the subventricular zone (SVZ). PCNA staining revealed decreased proliferation in the SGZ of E2k-deficient mice. In a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, Dcx-positive cells in the SGZ were also reduced compared with wild type, but Dld deficiency did not exacerbate the reduction. In the malonate lesion model of Huntington's disease, Dld deficiency did not alter the lesion-induced increase and migration of Dcx-positive cells from the SVZ into the ipsilateral striatum. Thus, the KGDHC subunit deficiencies associated with elevated lipid peroxidation selectively reduced the number of neuroblasts and proliferating cells in the hippocampal neurogenic zone. However, these mitochondrial defects neither exacerbated certain pathological conditions, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation-induced reduction of SGZ neuroblasts, nor inhibited malonate-induced migration of SVZ neuroblasts. Our findings support the view that mitochondrial dysfunction can influence the number of neural progenitor cells in the hippocampus of adult mice.

Family screening for a Glanzmann's thrombasthenia mutation using PCR-SSCP

Genetic counselling is often requested in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, but measurements of GPIIb-IIIa density on platelets are often too inconclusive to allow a precise assessment of whether prospective parents are obligate heterozygotes for this disease by this measure alone. The recent application of PCR technology to Glanzmann's thrombasthenia has resulted in the identification of a large number of mutations, i.e. insertions/ deletions, splicing defects, in the genes for both GPIIb and GPIIIa. Among the reported abnormalities is an intronic G-->A substitution at the splice donor site of intron 15 in the GPIIb gene of a European gypsy tribe. This gives rise to an abnormal splicing, of an 8-bp deletion located at the 3' end of exon 15, a reading-frame shift and a premature stop codon in the mRNA for GPIIb. In applying PCR-SSCP to the elucidation of the genetic defects of a series of Glanzmann's patients, we have found the above-cited abnormality in three more gypsy families in France. The presence of the mutation was initially established by sequencing the amplified fragment, and its presence in family members was confirmed by both PCR-SSCP and HphI restriction analysis. Evaluation of the intronic G-->A mutation enabled genetic counselling to prospective parents within these families.

Oral combination chemotherapy for refractory/relapsed lymphoma with the PEP-C (C3) regimen (daily prednisone, etoposide, procarbazine, cyclophosphamide): Low-dose continuous metronomic multidrug therapy

8064

Background: Oral daily low dose chemotherapy (metronomic therapy) may maintain continuous sequential drug levels to impact endothelial cell viability (anti-angiogenesis) or to overcome drug resistance. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data on 97 patients with refractory/relapsed Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with the PEP-C (C3) regimen, which consists of oral prednisone (20 mg in am), cyclophosphamide (50 mg at noon), etoposide (50 mg at dinner) and procarbazine (50 mg at h.s.with an oral anti- emetic). Medications were administered daily until the white blood cell count fell to less than 3000/dl, when treatment was held until recovery from the nadir. Treatment was then reinstituted on a daily, alternate day, or fractionated weekly basis (e.g. 5 of 7 days) based on patient tolerance. Doses given per day were constant. Results: All patients had been previously treated, with 80% having received 2 or more prior therapies and 57% with 3 or more previous regimens. Overall, 69 patients (71%) achieved a response. Responses by histology were: follicular (n=26) 92%, mantle cell (n=22) 82%, marginal zone (n=14) 71%, small lymphocytic (n=12) 67%, Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=9) 44%, diffuse large B cell (n=9) 33%, and T cell (n=5) 40%. Time on therapy of responding patients ranged from 3 weeks to 48 months (median 9 months, mean 11 months). Toxicity was predominantly myelosuppression, with hospitalization for infection occurring in 10 patients. Five patients developed H. zoster. Gastrointestinal effects prompting cessation of therapy occurred in 6 subjects, and 2 patients developed hematuria. Conclusions: Low dose, continuous (metronomic) combination chemotherapy with PEP-C is an easily administered, generally well- tolerated and effective treatment for relapsed/refractory lymphoma, particularly in indolent and mantle cell histologies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

CHOP-R + bortezomib as initial therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

8031

Background: Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with anti-tumor activity in B cell malignancies. These effects, which may relate to NF-kappaB associated pathways, could sensitize tumor cells to standard chemotherapy-based regimens and enhance efficacy. We report findings of a phase I/II trial of dose-escalated bortezomib + standard CHOP-rituximab in DLBCL patients (accrual of the MCL cohort of this study remains ongoing). Methods: Patients with previously untreated DLBCL (n=40) received CHOP-21 + rituximab (375 mg/m2 each cycle) plus bortezomib at 0.7 mg/m2 (Arm 0, n=4), 1.0 mg/m2 (Arm 1, n=8) or 1.3 mg/m2 (Arm 2, n=28 including phase I and all phase II) on days 1 and 4 of each cycle Results: Median age (n=40) was 58 years (range 21–86), thirty-five subjects (88%) had stage III/IV disease at study entry, and 29 (73%) had elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Patients generally had unfavorable baseline international prognostic index (IPI) scores of 2 in 16 subjects (40%) and 3–5 in 19 subjects (48%). Median follow-up is 21 months (range 9 - 35 months). Treatment was generally well tolerated. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 22 subjects (55%), with 45% grade 1, 5% grade 2 and 5% grade 3. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity included thrombocytopenia (15%) and leukopenia (15%). Four subjects (3 over age 75 and all with high risk IPI) died prior to first response assessment. Intent to treat (ITT) overall response rate (n=40) is 90% with 68% CR/CRu. For the evaluable subset (n=36), ORR was 100% with CR/CRu 75%. Kaplan-Meier estimate (n=40) of 2-year progression-free survival is 72%. Of all 19 enrolled (ITT) patients in the high-intermediate or high-risk IPI groups, 14 (74%) were alive without progression at last assessment. Correlation of outcome with cell of origin type (activated B cell vs germinal center) is ongoing. Conclusions: Bortezomib can be administered with acceptable toxicity in conjunction with CHOP-R chemotherapy. Efficacy findings with this combination regimen in newly-diagnosed DLBCL are encouraging and warrant further study.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Decomposition of mixed malodorants in a wire-plate pulse corona reactor

Decomposition characteristics of two groups of representative mixed malodorants (1, ethanethiol + hydrogen sulfide; 2, ethanethiol + ammonia) in air were investigated employing a wire-plate pulse corona reactor. A new type of high-voltage pulse generator with a thyratron switch and a Blumlein pulse-forming network (BPFN) was used in our experiments. The experiments were conducted at a gas-flow rate of 13 m3/h. Important parameters, including peak voltage, chemical structures of malodorants, pulse frequency, and initial concentration, which influenced the removal efficiency, were investigated. The results showed that the mixed malodorants could be treated effectively by pulse corona. The removal efficiencies of 200 mg/m3 C2H5SH and 200 mg/m3 H2S for group 1 were 95.6% and 100%, respectively, which were almost equal to those of the two pollutants separately. The energy cost was about 65.1-81.4 J/L, which was 31.5-45.2% lower than for treating pollutants alone. The removal efficiencies of 105 mg/m3 C2HsSH and 40 mg/m3 NH3 for group 2 were 93.1% and almost 100%, and the energy cost was 65.1 J/L, 55.6% lower than that which was treated separately. In the case of two groups of mixed malodorants removal, NOx, 03, SO2, CO2, and CO were all observed. Moreover, some sulfur and white crystal ammonium nitrates were discovered adhering to the corona wires in the removal of groups 1 and 2, respectively. A dynamics model was developed to describe the relation of the removal efficiency with specific energy density and initial concentration. In the case of group 1 removal,the decomposition rate constants decreased as compared to the single treating. As for group 2 removal, the decomposition rate constants increased, especially for NH3. According to the results, the optimization design for the reactor and the matching of high pulse voltage source can be reckoned.

Lack of association of group specific component haplotypes with lung function in smokers

BACKGROUND

Airway inflammation may affect the decrease in lung function that occurs in response to cigarette smoke, and is an important pathological feature in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Group specific component (GC) can act as an inflammatory mediator and may therefore have important influences on the inflammatory reaction in the airway. Several reports have described associations between GC haplotypes and COPD but these remain controversial. In addition, most of these studies were based on a small number of subjects.

METHODS

We have studied the contribution of GC haplotypes to the level of lung function in a large cohort of smokers with high or low lung function (mean FEV(1) % predicted 91.8 and 62.6, respectively). The frequency of the three major GC haplotypes (1S, 1F and 2) was investigated in 537 individuals with high lung function and 533 with low lung function.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the frequency of any GC haplotype between the high and low lung function groups. There was also no significant difference between the groups in genotype frequency of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms that underlie the haplotypes.

CONCLUSION

The GC haplotype does not contribute to reduced lung function in this cohort of smokers.

The effects of skull thickness variations on human head dynamic impact responses

Variations in human skull thickness affecting human head dynamic impact responses were studied by finite element modeling techniques, experimental measurements, and histology examinations. The aims of the study were to better understand the influences of skull thickness variations on human head dynamic impact responses and the injury mechanisms of human head during direct impact. The thicknesses of the frontal bone of seven human cadaver skulls were measured using ultrasonic technology. These measurements were compared with previous experimental data. Histology of the skull was recorded and examined. The measured data were analyzed and then served as a reference to vary the skull thickness of a previously published three-dimensional finite element human head model to create four models with different skull thickness. The skull thicknesses modeled are 4.6 mm, 5.98 mm, 7.68 mm, and 9.61 mm. These models were impacted by a cylinder with a mass of 5.23 kg and an initial velocity of 6.33 m/s. Model responses were compared between models in terms of intracranial pressures, head impact accelerations, brain shear stresses, and skull von Mises stresses. It has been shown that the thickness of the skull influenced the dynamic responses of the head during direct impact. As skull thickness increased, skull deformation decreased as the skull absorbed less impact energy. However, this relationship cannot be linearly interpolated to the other parameters such as head acceleration and intracranial pressure responses. Based on model responses to half-sine wave pulses, skull and brain iso-stress curves were constructed for the thicker and thinner skulls. Thresholds for skull fracture and reversible concussion were established for the population represented by these skulls.

Association of IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist haplotypes with rate of decline in lung function in smokers

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that the cytokine network is central to the immunopathology of inflammatory airway diseases. The interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent that binds to the IL-1 receptor but does not possess agonist activity. Each of the genes of the IL-1 locus on chromosome 2q14 is polymorphic. The IL1RN gene contains an 86 bp tandem repeat and allele 2 of this polymorphism has been associated with various inflammatory diseases. The IL-1beta (IL1B) gene contains a promoter polymorphism (C-511T) that has been associated with inflammatory diseases and is in linkage disequilibrium with the IL1RN polymorphism.

METHODS

We investigated whether polymorphisms in the IL1B and IL1RN genes were associated with rate of decline of lung function. Genotypes were determined in 284 smokers with a rapid decline in lung function and 306 smokers with no decline in lung function.

RESULTS

None of the genotypes was associated with the rate of decline of lung function. However, the distribution of IL1B/IL1RN haplotypes was different between smokers with a rapid decline in lung function and those with no decline in lung function (p=0.0005).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IL1B/IL1RN haplotypes play a role in the rate of decline in lung function in smokers.

[Study on the constituents from freeze-dried power of blackberries (Rubus ursinus)]

Three Compounds were isolated from freeze-dried powder of Blackberries (Rubus ursinus L.) which showed an activity on inhibition of chemocarcinogen. The structures of them were identified as stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol],beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol-3 beta-D-glucose. All these compounds were isolated at the first time from the plant.

Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase from Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis protects bacteria against oxidative damage from reactive nitrogen intermediates

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in host defense. Macrophages expressing iNOS release the reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) nitrite and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), which are bactericidal in vitro at a pH characteristic of the phagosome of activated macrophages. We sought to characterize the active intrabacterial forms of these RNI and their molecular targets. Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA; EC ) catalyzes the reduction of methionine sulfoxide (Met-O) in proteins to methionine (Met). E. coli lacking MsrA were hypersensitive to killing not only by hydrogen peroxide, but also by nitrite and GSNO. The wild-type phenotype was restored by transformation with plasmids encoding msrA from E. coli or M. tuberculosis, but not by an enzymatically inactive mutant msrA, indicating that Met oxidation was involved in the death of these cells. It seemed paradoxical that nitrite and GSNO kill bacteria by oxidizing Met residues when these RNI cannot themselves oxidize Met. However, under anaerobic conditions, neither nitrite nor GSNO was bactericidal. Nitrite and GSNO can both give rise to NO, which may react with superoxide produced by bacteria during aerobic metabolism, forming peroxynitrite, a known oxidant of Met to Met-O. Thus, the findings are consistent with the hypotheses that nitrite and GSNO kill E. coli by intracellular conversion to peroxynitrite, that intracellular Met residues in proteins constitute a critical target for peroxynitrite, and that MsrA can be essential for the repair of peroxynitrite-mediated intracellular damage.

Hard correlation gap observed in quench-condensed ultrathin beryllium

We report on the tunneling density of states (DOS) in strongly disordered ultrathin Be films quench condensed at 20 K. Above 5 K, the DOS shows the well-known logarithmic anomaly at the Fermi level. Only in a narrow temperature range near 2 K is the DOS linearly dependent on energy, as predicted by Efros and Shklovskii. However, both the zero-bias conductance and the slope of the linear DOS are found to decrease drastically with decreasing temperature. Tunneling measurements at mK temperatures have revealed conclusively that a hard correlation gap opens up in the DOS.

Dynamics of some neural network models with delay

The dynamics of the neuronic model described by the one-dimensional delay functional differential equation are studied in this paper. We give a strict and detailed analysis of dynamical characteristic of this model by the Lyapunov functional approach and Hopf bifurcation proposition. Furthermore, numerical simulations, as well as Lyapunov exponents, are presented to support our conjectures about the appearance of complex dynamics such as chaos. We also investigate the dynamics of the neural network model described by the n-dimensional delay functional differential equation with a symmetrical weight matrix, and corresponding simulation results are included as concrete examples.

[Anti-inflammatory effect of saucernetilignan-8]

Saucernetilignan-8 (Sc-8), which was isolated from Saururus chinesis, has significant anti-inflammatory effect.

[Pharmacokinetic study on absorption of stachyose]

OBJECTIVE

To study the intestinal absorption and absorption site of stachyose, one of the oligosaccharides extracted from Rehmannia, in mice and rats.

METHODS

Plasma concentration of stachyose was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with postcolumn fluorescence derivatization after administration of stachyose to mice by oral or intravenous injection. The absorption of stachyose in different sections of digestive tract was evaluated using the intestine loop in situ technique. The kanamycin treated mice were used to study the metabolism of stachyose in intestine.

RESULTS

Absorption of stachyose in intestine after oral administration was quick but low, the bioavailability being 3.82%. The absorption rate in stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum was 6.03%, 13.80%, 8.33% and 0.53% respectively, no absorption was tested in large intestine. The residual rate of stachyose in the intestine of normal mice and kanamycin treated mice was 8.6% and 93.4% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The intestinal absorption rate of stachyose is low, the main absorption site is the upper portion of small intestine. The unabsorbed stachyose is metabolized by the intestinal microflora.

Use of a cell-based, lawn format assay to rapidly screen a 442,368 bead-based peptide library

A cell-based, lawn format assay utilizing an in situ photocleavage method has been developed that allows the rapid examination of large bead-based compound libraries as discrete molecules. The format uses frog melanophore cells in a contiguous, adherent, confluent layer in small petri dishes covered with a 0.5-1-mm layer of agarose containing 130 micron diameter TentaGel beads at a density of 2-20 beads/mm2. Employing this technique a 9-mer, 442,368-member peptide library (designed around the 13 amino acid alpha-MSH peptide sequence) made up of 12 separate pools of 36,864 peptides/pool was assayed. Initially, a fraction (approximately 10%) of each pool was scanned (approximately 3700 beads from each pool) in 60-mm petri dishes to identify the most active pools. Upon direct photocleavage of the beads with UV light (365 nm), each petri dish was photographed over a 60-min period with a CCD camera to record changes in light intensity as an index of melanosome dispersion. Active beads were those that were surrounded by a localized decrease in light transmittance indicating melanosome dispersed cells. Upon examination with a dissecting microscope, single beads centrally located to a circular array of dispersed cells were identified and removed from the agarose and sequenced by Edman degradation to determine the peptide sequence. Re-synthesized peptides were re-examined against alpha-MSH receptor to confirm and quantify the activity. Several 9-mer peptides were identified with potencies similar to the natural 13-mer peptide. This method allows for the rapid screening of large bead-based photo-cleavable peptide libraries with the advantage that each compound is screened as a discrete molecule in a well-less format.

noxR3, a novel gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, protects Salmonella typhimurium from nitrosative and oxidative stress

Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) produced by activated macrophages participate in host defense against the facultative intracellular pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella typhimurium. To survive within macrophages, such pathogens may have evolved ROI and RNI resistance mechanisms. ROI resistance pathways have been intensively studied. Much less is known about the mechanisms of resistance to RNI. To identify possible RNI resistance genes in M. tuberculosis, a mycobacterial library was expressed in S. typhimurium and subjected to selection by exposure to the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in concentrations sufficient to kill the vast majority of nontransformed salmonellae. Among the rare surviving recombinants was a clone expressing noxR3, a novel and previously anonymous M. tuberculosis gene predicted to encode a small, basic protein. Expression of noxR3 protected S. typhimurium not only from GSNO and acidified nitrite but also from H2O2. noxR3 is the third gene cloned from M. tuberculosis that has been shown to protect heterologous cells from both RNI and ROI. This suggests diversity in the repertoire of mechanisms that help pathogens resist the oxidative and nitrosative defenses of the host.

Differential regulation of human alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes

We have compared the agonist-induced down-regulation of human alpha1A-, alpha1B- and alpha1D-adrenoceptors upon stable expression in rat-1 fibroblasts. During a 24-h incubation the agonist phenylephrine downregulated alpha1A- and alpha1 -adrenoceptors in a concentration-dependent manner. While maximum downregulation was similar for both subtypes, the threshold concentration for significant reductions was markedly higher for alpha1A- than for alpha(1B-adrenoceptors (10 microM vs. 100 nM). The downregulation of both subtypes by 100 microM phenylephrine was time-dependent, and significant reductions were observed already after 2-4 h. In contrast, incubation of alpha1D-adrenoceptor-expressing cells with phenylephrine increased receptor number in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The downregulation of alpha1B-adrenoceptors by 100 microM phenylephrine for 24 h was accompanied by a matching reduction in mRNA abundance, but no such reduction was seen for alpha-adrenoceptors. These treatment conditions also caused a functional desensitization of agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate formation for alpha1A- and alpha1B- but not for alpha1D-adrenoceptors. Treatment with the phorbol ester phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate did not change receptor density or mRNA abundance and did not cause functional desensitization. We conclude that human alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes are differentially regulated by agonist treatment even if they are expressed in the same cell line.

Homozygous Cys542-->Arg substitution in GPIIIa in a Swiss patient with type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) arises from a qualitative or quantitative defect in the GPIIb-IIIa complex (integrin alphaIIbbeta3), the mediator of platelet aggregation. We describe a patient in whom clinical and laboratory findings typical of type I GT were found together with a second pathology involving neurological and other complications symptomatic of tuberous sclerosis. Analysis of platelet proteins by Western blotting revealed trace amounts of normally migrating GPIIb and equally small amounts of GPIIIa of slightly slower than normal migration. Flow cytometry confirmed a much decreased binding to platelets of monoclonal antibodies to GPIIb, GPIIIa or GPIIb-IIIa, and an antibody to the alphav subunit also showed decreased binding. Nonradioactive PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified DNA fragments showed a homozygous point mutation (T to C) at nucleotide 1722 of GPIIIa cDNA and which led to a Cys542-->Arg substitution in the GPIIIa protein. The mutation gave rise to a HinP1 I restriction site in exon 11 of the GPIIIa gene and allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis of family members confirmed that a single mutated allele was inherited from each parent. This amino acid substitution presumably changes the capacity for disulphide bond formation within the cysteine-rich core region of GPIIIa and its study will provide new information on GPIIb-IIIa and alphavbeta3 structure and biosynthesis.

Double heterozygosity of the GPIIb gene in a Swiss patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) results from a qualitative or quantitative defect of GPIIb-IIIa complexes (integrin alphaIIbbeta3). the fibrinogen receptor on platelets. This integrin plays a critical role in platelet aggregation. In this report we describe the molecular abnormalities of a patient with clinical and laboratory findings typical of type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. SDS-PAGE with Western blotting revealed an absence of GPIIb but small amounts of normally migrating GPIIIa in his platelets. A non-radioactive PCR-SSCP procedure and direct sequence analysis of PCR-amplified DNA fragments showed the patient to be a compound heterozygote for mutations in the GPIIb gene. A single point mutation (G to A) at nucleotide 1064 of the cDNA derived from the mother's allele led to a Glu324 to Lys amino acid substitution in GPIIb. It was responsible for a MscI restriction site in exon 12 of the GPIIb gene. This amino acid substitution changes the electric charge between the second and third Ca++-binding domains of GPIIb. The second mutation was inherited from his father and is in exon 18 of the GPIIb gene. It was a T --> C base transition at position 1787 of GPIIb cDNA and results in a Ile565 to Thr substitution. The two GPIIb mutations identified in this study will provide new information on GPIIb-IIIa structure and biosynthesis.

Linkage of four polymorphisms on the alphaIIb gene

The subunits of the platelet integrin alphaIIb beta3 are encoded by two genes located on chromosome 17. Two pathologies are associated with structural modifications of this complex: Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and alloimmune thrombocytopenia. The former is a hereditary bleeding disorder, the latter is due to an immune response linked to the presence of specific epitopes defined by single amino acid substitutions called human platelet alloantigen (HPA) systems. Analysing the alphaIIb gene from 112 independent chromosomes, we have defined two new silent polymorphisms in complete linkage disequilibrium. They are reciprocally linked to HPA-3 and a previously reported 9 pb deletion in intron 21. Linkage of these four DNA markers spanning a 5 kb fragment of genomic DNA provides a new tool for analysing alphaIIb gene pathology and evolution.

Reclassification of Thermomonospora and Microtetraspora

Almost complete 16S rRNA sequences from seven Thermomonospora strains, Thermomonospora curvata, Thermomonospora formosensis, Thermomonospora fusca, Thermomonospora mesophila, Thermomonospora chromogena, Thermomonospora alba and Thermomonospora mesouviformis (a synonym of Thermomonospora alba) were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis together with the sequences from all the representative members of the suborder Streptosporangineae. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic evidence, the transfer is proposed of Thermomonospora formosensis to the genus Actinomadura as Actinomadura formosensis comb. nov., Thermomonospora mesophila to the genus Microbispora as Microbispora mesophila comb. nov., and Thermomonospora fusca and Thermomonospora alba to a new genus, Thermobifida gen. nov., which belongs to the family Nocardiopsaceae, as Thermobifida fusca comb. nov. and Thermobifida alba comb. nov. Thermobifida alba is designated the type species of the genus. The transfer is also proposed of all species of the Microtetraspora pusilla group, which were transferred from Actinomadura, to a new genus, Nonomuria gen. nov., as Nonomuria africana comb. nov., Nonomuria angiospora comb. nov., Nonomuria fastidiosa comb. nov., Nonomuria ferruginea comb. nov., Nonomuria flexuosa comb. nov., Nonomuria helvata comb. nov., Nonomuria polychroma comb. nov., Nonomuria pusilla comb. nov., Nonomuria recticatena comb. nov., Nonomuria roseola comb. nov., Nonomuria roseoviolacea comb. nov., Nonomuria rubra comb. nov., Nonomuria salmonea comb. nov., Nonomuria spiralis comb. nov. and Nonomuria turkmeniaca comb. nov. Nonomuria pusilla is designated the type species of the genus.

A novel antioxidant gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Among the major antimicrobial products of macrophages are reactive intermediates of the oxidation of nitrogen (RNI) and the reduction of oxygen (ROI). Selection of recombinants in acidified nitrite led to the cloning of a novel gene, noxR1, from a pathogenic clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Expression of noxR1 conferred upon Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis enhanced ability to resist RNI and ROI, whether the bacteria were exposed to exogenous compounds in medium or to endogenous products in macrophages. These studies provide the first identification of an RNI resistance mechanism in mycobacteria, point to a new mechanism for resistance to ROI, and raise the possibility that inhibition of the noxR1 pathway might enhance the ability of macrophages to control tuberculosis.

Effect of low-frequency ultrasound on peritoneal transport in rabbits

It has recently been suggested that sonophoresis, or the application of ultrasound (US) in the kilohertz range, could enhance peritoneal mass transport. To examine this hypothesis, six nephrectomized rabbits were exposed to ultrasound while under isoflurane anesthesia. An additional five also had bilateral nephrectomies and were used as a control group. Each group underwent four exchanges of 90 minutes duration with 1.5% dextrose while anesthetized. Dialysate samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes and assayed for urea, creatinine, glucose, and protein. Blood samples were taken pre- and postexchange. In the US group, 20 kHz ultrasound was applied during exchanges 2 and 3 at 47.5 W and 95 W, respectively, using a Virsonic 475 cell disrupter acoustically coupled to the abdomen through a water column and gel-coated PVC membrane. Results were analyzed by calculating the mass transfer area coefficient (MTAC) and 90-minute D/P values for each exchange. No significant differences were observed in the absolute means of either parameter between the control and US groups. However, when exchanges 2 to 4 were normalized with respect to exchange 1, the resulting urea D/P means were less for the US exchanges compared to the control (p < 0.05). This suggests a possible decrease in transport through US application.

A proposal to revive the genus Kitasatospora (Omura, Takahashi, Iwai, and Tanaka 1982)

We determined almost complete 16S ribosomal DNA sequences for 12 actinomycete strains which were either previously classified as Kitasatospora strains or defined as Streptomyces strains but shown to contain major amounts of meso-diaminopimelic acid in their whole-cell hydrolysates. These sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analyses together with the sequences of 34 Streptomyces species. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by using both neighbor-joining and maximum-parsimony methods. The Kitasatospora species always formed a stable monophyletic clade. However, the genus Kitasatospora appeared to be either a sister taxon of the genus Streptomyces or a lineage that originated from within Streptomyces species, depending on the outgroup used. Phylogenetic trees were also constructed by using the sequences of the 16S-23S rRNA gene spacers. Streptomyces and Kitasatospora species were consistently recovered as two distinct clades independent of the outgroup used. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic evidence, we propose that the genus Kitasatospora Omura et al. 1982 should be revived.

Evaluation of bacterial survival and phagocyte function with a fluorescence-based microplate assay

To compare antibacterial function in macrophages from mice deficient in the respiratory burst oxidase or inducible nitric oxide synthase, we developed a fluorescence-based microplate assay of bacterial survival. As bacteria grow, they convert a formulation of resazurin termed AlamarBlue from its nonfluorescent oxidized state to its fluorescent reduced state. The time required to achieve a given fluorescence is inversely proportional to the number of viable bacteria present when the dye is added. This relationship allows a precise, accurate assessment of bacterial numbers with greater sensitivity and throughput and at less cost than conventional assays. The assay facilitated quantification of the killing of Escherichia coli by S-nitrosoglutathione and hydrogen peroxide and of Salmonella typhimurium by human neutrophils and mouse macrophages. Mouse macrophages lacking the 91-kDa subunit of the respiratory burst oxidase were deficient in their ability to kill S. typhimurium, while those lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase were unimpaired.

A proposal to transfer Microbispora bispora (Lechevalier 1965) to a new genus, Thermobispora gen. nov., as Thermobispora bispora comb. nov

We determined almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of two Microbispora bispora (Lechevalier 1965) strains, ATCC 19993T (T = type strain) and JCM 3082. The two sequences were 99% similar to each other but exhibited only 81 to 87.8% similarity with the 16S rRNA gene sequences of seven other Microbispora strains. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two sequences clustered not only distantly from other Microbispora strains, but also outside the cluster containing members of the family Streptosporangiaceae. On the basis of the results of our phylogenetic analysis and the results of a comprehensive review of the genus Microbispora by Miyadoh et al. (S. Miyadoh, S. Amano, H. Tohyama, and T. Shomura, J. Gen. Microbiol. 136:1905-1913, 1990) in which chemotaxonomic and DNA-DNA hybridization analyses were performed, we propose that Microbispora bispora should be transferred to a new genus, Thermobispora gen. nov., as Thermobispora bispora comb. nov.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase requires both the canonical calmodulin-binding domain and additional sequences in order to bind calmodulin and produce nitric oxide in the absence of free Ca2+

All three mammalian isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) must bind calmodulin (CaM) for enzymatic activity. Only NOS2 (the inducible isoform, iNOS) does so at the low levels of free Ca2+ in resting cells and when almost all Ca2+ is chelated in cell-free preparations. To test directly whether the predicted CaM-binding region of mouse NOS2 accounts for its Ca2+ independence, we prepared chimeric NOS's in which mouse NOS2 residues 503-532 were reciprocally exchanged with the corresponding residues 725-754 of rat NOS1 (neuronal NOS). Unlike either parent, both chimeras required an intermediate level of free Ca2+ to bind CaM and generate NO. In cell lysates, the concentration of Ca2+ necessary for half-maximal activity (EC50) was approximately 0 for NOS2, 200-300 n for NOS1, and 7-10 n for the chimeras. Results were similar when the region exchanged was enlarged by 7-8 residues toward the amino terminus. In contrast, when the carboxyl-terminal half of NOS2 (residues 454-1144) was replaced with that of NOS1 (residues 675-1429), the resulting chimera resembled NOS1 (EC50, 200-300 n free Ca2+). Truncation analysis suggested that NOS2 residues within the sequence 484-726 were required for Ca2+-independent CaM-binding. Thus, both the canonical CaM-binding domain and additional residues within the region 484-726 are necessary for NOS2's ability to bind CaM and produce NO when Ca2+ levels approach zero.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals new relationships among members of the genera Microtetraspora and Microbispora

The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 7 Microbispora strains, 14 Microtetraspora species, 9 Streptosporangium species, and 12 Actinomadura species were determined. A phylogenetic analysis showed that Microtetraspora fusca, Microtetraspora glauca, and Microtetraspora niveoalba formed a coherent cluster with the members of the genus Microbispora. This cluster is distantly related to two other clusters, one of which consists of the Microtetraspora species transferred from the former Actinomadura pusilla group and one of which consists of members of the genus Streptosporangium. Our results show that it is necessary to review the taxonomic definitions of the genera Microtetraspora and Microbispora, which have been separated by a single morphological characteristic, the number of spores on spore chains.

[Dynamic observation of alpha-granule membrane protein 140 during the treatment of thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction]

The degree of platelet activation and damage in 15 cases with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) receiving thrombolytic therapy and 15 cases with AMI receiving anticoagulant therapy were studied in vivo and in vitro by using specific monoclonal antibodies (SZ-51 & S12) against alpha-granule membrane protein 140 (GMP-140). Clinical indexes and myocardial enzyme changes in the two groups of patients were also observed. The results showed that the number of GMP-140 molecules on platelet surface and the concentration of GMP-140 in plasma were increased before treatment. The number of GMP-140 molecules on platelet surface began to decrease on the 1st day and returned to baseline on the 7th day after treatment. The concentration of GMP-140 in plasma reached a peak on the 1st day, began to fall on the 2nd day and returned to baseline on the 3rd day after treatment. There were no significant differences in the dynamic changes of number of GMP-140 molecules on platelet surface and the concentration of GMP-140 in plasma between groups of thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulant therapy. In vitro experiment showed that the thrombolytic medicine urokinase neither activated platelets nor inhibited platelet activation induced by thrombin. Significantly greater reperfusion rate and earlier appearance of CK and CK-MB peaks were found in the thrombolytic than in the anticoagulant group. LVEF determined by echocardiography, rate of return of ST segments to baseline and alleviation rate of chest pain were significantly greater and complications of AMI (ventricular fibrillation, left ventricular failure and angina) were less in the group receiving thrombolytic therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Study of interaction between vitamin D2 and excipients by use of diffuse reflectance spectra]

The interaction of Vit D2 with calcium compounds and excipients commonly used was studied by use of diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results indicated that there was some interaction between Vit D2 and calcium lactate, glucose, and a strong interaction between Vit D2 and magnesium stearate; and that the interaction between Vit D2 calcium gluconate, CaHPO4, sucrose, starch, lactose and mannitol was very weak and could even be neglected.

[Lupus nephritis treated with impact therapy of cyclophosphamide and traditional Chinese medicine]

41 active lupus nephritis patients were treated vigorously with cyclophosphamide (CTX), steroid used as routine, as well as TCM administered according to the various disease stage. 35 cases administered with same western medicine but no TCM was taken as control group.

RESULT

After a six-month treatment course, the therapeutical efficacy was significantly higher in treated group than that in control group (P < 0.05). Lupus nephritis usually manifested itself as Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency in TCM. Our study suggested that Chinese herbs might play an important role in the treatment of lupus nephritis.

[Identification of twenty-eight species mycobacteria with their cellular fatty acids by capillary gas chromatography]

Cellular fatty acid (FA) of 28 species of mycobacteria were analysed by capillary gas chromatography (GC). There were more than sixty volatile FA before C12:0 have no any difference between species both in quality and quantity. The identification scheme of Mycobacterium based on cellular FA was presented here. According to this scheme, all the tested species could be divided into 8 groups by the FA peak height order of C18:1, C18:0 and TBSA which were quite stable; after that, 17 species (60%) might be identified to species level with help of some distinctive FA such as C19:0, C21:0. Most pathogenic bacteria could be separated by the scheme (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and some complexes). This scheme was also demonstrated to be objective rationality by computer cluster analysis with cellular FA components.