Identification and characterization of the distinct expression profiles of candidate chemosensory membrane proteins in the antennal transcriptome of Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze)

Chemosensory membrane proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and sensory neurone membrane proteins (SNMPs), are supposed to be crucial macromolecules in the insect olfactory signal transduction pathway. The alfalfa plant bug Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is highly attracted to high-nitrogen or flowering plants and destroys many important agricultural crops. We assembled the antennal transcriptome of A. lineolatus using Illumina sequencing technology and identified a total of 108 transcripts encoding chemosensory membrane proteins (88 ORs, 12 IRs, four GRs and four SNMPs), amongst which 90 candidates appeared to be full length. Subsequently, both semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR and quantitative real-time PCR experiments were performed to investigate their tissue- and sex-biased expression profiles. The results showed that nearly all of the 108 candidate chemosensory membrane protein genes were largely expressed in adult antennae, and some genes additionally displayed significant differences in the expression levels between sexes. The results of our phylogenetic analysis and the detailed tissue- and sex-biased expression characteristics given here provide an important foundation for further understanding of the complex chemoreception system of the alfalfa plant bug and other Hemiptera species, which also could help us use chemosensory membrane proteins as targets to manipulate insect olfactory behaviour and broaden the applications of available tools for insect pest control.

Effect of SIRT6 knockdown on NF-κB induction and on residual DNA damage in cultured human skin fibroblasts

SIRT6 is a member of the sirtuin family, which is involved in multiple cellular pathways related to aging, inflammation, epigenetics, and a variety of other cellular functions, including DNA repair (1). Multiple pathways involving different cellular functions are impacted by the deacetylase activity of SIRT6. Genomic integrity is maintained by the capacity of SIRT6 to modulate the accessibility of DNA repair proteins. Glucose metabolism is suppressed by SIRT6 via the deacetylation of histones located at the promoter regions of multiple glycolytic genes and the corepression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. SIRT6 is also a corepressor of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, silencing NF-κB target genes through the deacetylation of histones at their promoters’ regions. We used SIRT6 small-interfering RNA as a tool to modulate residual DNA damage and NF-κB expression in human dermal fibroblasts. We measured NF-κB levels in the presence or the absence of ultraviolet B (UVB). The impact of SIRT6 knockdown as shown by a decrease in SIRT6 messenger RNA levels resulted in residual DNA damage as evaluated by the comet assay. Our results show that NF-κB was increased significantly (up to 400%) due to SIRT6 silencing in the absence of UVB, illustrating the master regulatory function of SIRT6 in inflammation. We also found a significant increase in DNA damage without UV exposure as a result of SIRT6 silencing, indicating the importance of SIRT6 in DNA repair pathways in cultured human dermal fibroblasts.

Transition-Metal-Free Fluoroarylation of Diazoacetamides: A Complementary Approach to 3-Fluorooxindoles

An efficient transition-metal-free fluoroarylation reaction of N-aryl diazoacetamides with NFSI (N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide) is described. This reaction directly provides 3-fluorooxindole derivatives in yields of 67-93% with high selectivity via a carbene-free process under mild reaction conditions.

FRAILTY, FOOD INSECURITY, AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

BACKGROUND

Nutritional status and food insecurity are associated with frailty in the general U.S. population, yet little is known about this in the aging population of people living with HIV (PLWH).

OBJECTIVES

Given the potential importance of nutrition and the amenability to intervention, we examined the association between nutritional status, food insecurity, and frailty in PLWH.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

PARTICIPANTS

50 PLWH, age ≥45 years, recruited from a cohort study examining risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty, duration of HIV, use of antiretroviral therapy, disease history, food insecurity, physical function, and physical activity were assessed by questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records. Blood was drawn for CD4+ cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and lipid levels. Physical measurements included height, weight, and skinfold thickness.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty was 16% (n=8), 44% were pre-frail (n=22) and 40% were not frail (n=20). The number of reported difficulties with 20 activities of daily living was highest in frail (mean 10.4±3.9 SD), followed by pre-frail (6.5±4.6), and lowest in not frail participants (2.0±2.3). Seven (88%) of the frail PLWH lost weight with an average weight loss of 22.9 pounds; 6 (75%) reported unintentional weight loss, and all 6 of these met the frailty criteria for weight loss of 10 or more pounds. Nine (45%) of the not frail PLWH reported losing weight with an average weight loss of 6.2 pounds; 5 (23%) reported unintentional weight loss of <10 pounds. Frail PLWH were more likely to report being food insecure than not frail PLWH (63% vs. 10%, p=0.02), and tended to have lower energy intake than not frail PLWH.

CONCLUSION

Research is needed on targeted interventions to improve food security and activities of daily living in PLWH for both the prevention and improvement of frailty.

NBS-mediated dinitrogen extrusion of diazoacetamides under catalyst-free conditions: practical access to 3-bromooxindole derivatives

A synthetically useful reaction via NBS-mediated dinitrogen extrusion of N-aryl diazoacetamides under catalyst-free conditions is disclosed, which gives the 3-bromooxindoles in high to excellent yields with high selectivity via a non carbene process.

Pond sediment magnetite grains show a distinctive microbial community

Formation of magnetite in anaerobic sediments is thought to be enhanced by the activities of iron-reducing bacteria. Geobacter has been implicated as playing a major role, as in culture its cells are often associated with extracellular magnetite grains. We studied the bacterial community associated with magnetite grains in sediment of a freshwater pond in South Korea. Magnetite was isolated from the sediment using a magnet. The magnetite-depleted fraction of sediment was also taken for comparison. DNA was extracted from each set of samples, followed by PCR for 16S bacterial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and HiSeq sequencing. The bacterial communities of the magnetite-enriched and magnetite-depleted fractions were significantly different. The enrichment of three abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) suggests that they may either be dependent upon the magnetite grain environment or may be playing a role in magnetite formation. The most abundant OTU in magnetite-enriched fractions was Geobacter, bolstering the case that this genus is important in magnetite formation in natural systems. Other major OTUs strongly associated with the magnetite-enriched fraction, rather than the magnetite-depleted fraction, include a Sulfuricella and a novel member of the Betaproteobacteria. The existence of distinct bacterial communities associated with particular mineral grain types may also be an example of niche separation and coexistence in sediments and soils, which cannot usually be detected due to difficulties in separating and concentrating minerals.

Copy number variation detection using SNP genotyping arrays in three Chinese pig breeds

We performed genome-wide CNV detection based on SNP genotyping data of 96 Chinese-native Tibetan, Dahe and Wuzhishan pigs. These pigs are particularly interesting because of their excellent adaptation to hypoxia or small body size, which facilitates the use of them as models of different human diseases in addition to valuable agricultural animals. A total of 105 CNV regions (CNVRs) were identified, encompassing 16.71 Mb of the pig genome. Seven of 10 (70%) CNVRs selected randomly were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Comparison with previous studies revealed 25 (23.81%) novel CNVRs, indicating that CNV coverage of the pig genome is still incomplete and there exists large diversity between pig breeds. Functional analysis of genes located in these CNVRs confirmed the high representation of genes involved in sensory perception, neurological system processes and other basic metabolic processes. In addition, the majority of these CNVRs were detected to span reported pig QTL that affect various traits, which highlighted three biologically interesting genes with copy number changes (i.e., ANKRD34B, FAM110B and ABCG1). These genes may have economic importance in pig breeding and are worth being further investigated. We also obtained some CNVRs harboring genes that had human orthologs involved in human diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. The findings of this study are a significant extension of the coverage of CNVRs in the pig genome and provide valuable resources for follow-up-associated studies of CNVs in pig complex traits as well as important implications of human diseases.

Partial least squares based gene expression analysis in posttraumatic stress disorder

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an adverse psychological response to traumatic events. Microarray technology for large-scale gene expression analysis facilitates the identification of signatures that underlie the pathogenesis of PTSD. Previous studies mostly used variance/regression analysis without considering array specific factors. We aim to investigate the underlying mechanism of PTSD through partial least squares (PLS) based analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With a gene expression profile data set for 17 chronic PTSD patients and 16 controls recovered from psychological trauma from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we performed Partial Least Square (PLS) based analysis.

RESULTS

We acquired 230 down-regulated genes and 335 up-regulated genes. Significantly increased representations of dysregulated genes in immune, endocrine and nervous pathways were identified. Among the top 5 hub genes in the network, PRKCA has been reported to be related with PTSD before. Three other genes, TP53, EP300 and CALM1 might also contribute to the pathogenesis of PTSD since they are all related with other neuronal disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed light on expression signatures of PTSD with the hope to give further theoretical supports for future therapeutic study.

Sequence variations at I260 and A1731 contribute to persistent currents in Drosophila sodium channels

Tetrodotoxin-sensitive persistent sodium currents, INaP, that activate at subthreshold voltages, have been detected in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate neurons. These currents are believed to be critical for regulating neuronal excitability. However, the molecular mechanism underlying INaP is controversial. In this study, we identified an INaP with a broad range of voltage dependence, from -60mV to 20mV, in a Drosophila sodium channel variant expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Mutational analysis revealed that two variant-specific amino acid changes, I260T in the S4-S5 linker of domain I (ILS4-S5) and A1731V in the voltage sensor S4 of domain IV (IVS4), contribute to the INaP. I260T is critical for the portion of INaP at hyperpolarized potentials. The T260-mediated INaP is likely the result of window currents flowing in the voltage range where the activation and inactivation curves overlap. A1731V is responsible for impaired inactivation and contributes to the portion of INaP at depolarized potentials. Furthermore, A1731V causes enhanced activity of two site-3 toxins which induce persistent currents by inhibiting the outward movement of IVS4, suggesting that A1731V inhibits the outward movement of IVS4. These results provided molecular evidence for the involvement of distinct mechanisms in the generation of INaP: T260 contributes to INaP via enhancement of the window current, whereas V1731 impairs fast inactivation probably by inhibiting the outward movement of IVS4.

Molecular characterization of HMW-GS 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t) genes from Aegilops tauschii and their potential value for wheat quality improvement

Two x-type high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) in Aegilops tauschii, 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t) were identified by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS. Their complete coding sequences were isolated by AS-PCR. 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t) genes consist of 2535 bp and 2508 bp and encode 845 and 836 amino acid residues, respectively. The deduced molecular masses of 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t) gene products are 87655.26 Da and 86664.24 Da, respectively, well corresponding to the molecular masses measured by MALDI-TOF-MS. A total of 18 SNPs were identified between 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t). Comparing with 1Dx5 subunit, 1Dx3(t) had a six amino acid insertion at 146-151 while the 1Dx4(t) had a nine amino acid deletion when compared with 1Dx3(t) subunit. The authenticity of the cloned 1Dx3(t) and 1Dx4(t) genes were confirmed by successful expression of their ORFs in E. coli. Comparison and phylogenetic tree based on the amino acid and nucleotide sequences confirmed that 1Dx3(t) was most closely related to 1Dx5 subunit that is widely accepted as a superior subunit for bread-making property. The secondary structure prediction demonstrated that 1Dx3(t) subunit has significantly high α-helix and β-strand contents, suggesting it might have positive effects on dough quality.

Silencing Livin gene expression to inhibit proliferation and enhance chemosensitivity in tumor cells

Livin, a novel member of the human inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, plays an important role in tumor progression and occurrence by inhibiting cell apoptosis. It is selectively expressed in the most common human neoplasms and appears to be involved in tumor cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. To investigate its possibility as a therapeutic target for human malignancies, we established two genetically different stable tumor cell lines (LoVo and SPCA-1) and RNA interference (RNAi) technique was employed to downregulate Livin expression in two human tumor cell lines. The specific downregulation of Livin expression in tumor cell lines significantly inhibited in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo tumorigenicity. Furthermore, Livin knockdown led to cell arrest in the G(1)/G(0) phase of cell cycle, eventual apoptosis and chemosensitivity enhancement in tumor cells. All these results indicate that RNAi-mediated downregulation of Livin expression can lead to potent antitumor activity and chemosensitizing effects in human cancers.

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect of puerarin on rat thoracic aorta

To investigate the vasorelaxant effect of puerarin, tension was recorded from rat thoracic aortic rings. Puerarin completely relaxed the contractions induced by phenylephrine (PE) in a concentration-dependent manner in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aorta, while had no effect on those preconstricted by a high concentration of potassium chloride (60 mM). Also, puerarin had no effects on the transient contraction elicited by PE or caffeine in Ca2+- free medium. The relaxant effect of puerarin was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of endothelium-denuded aorta with potassium channel antagonists tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, but not glibenclamide. These results indicate that puerarin induces an endothelium-independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The mechanisms may involve the reduction in Ca2+ influx through the non-voltage-sensitive calcium channels and the activation of the potassium channels (voltage-activated K+ channels and large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels, but not ATP-sensitive K+ channels).

Virulence Genes in Heterodera glycines: Allele Frequencies and Ror Gene Groups Among Field Isolates and Inbred Lines

ABSTRACT Genetic variation in field populations of Heterodera glycines is a key issue for both resistance gene deployment and basic understanding of virulence-gene flow in populations. In this study, we examined phenotypically defined genes for virulence under selection from host resistance. We separated the most common H. glycines genotypes in the United States into two virulence groups, based on their reproductive abilities on the resistant soybean plant introduction (PI) 88788. These groups correspond to previously identified virulence genes in the nematode, as follows: the dominant gene in H. glycines to PI88788, and the recessive genes to PI90763 and Pickett/Peking. Virulence allele frequencies and virulence genotype frequencies of selected field isolates were investigated by testing the host range of single-female-derived lines, which were developed through single-female inoculation on the standard susceptible soybean 'Lee 68'. By comparing virulence genotype frequencies between the original field isolates and their single-female-derived lines, we were able to determine allele frequencies in the field populations. The results suggest that tremendous variation in H. glycines virulence genes exists among field populations. Potential mechanisms of selection which could cause virulence genotype frequency increases are discussed as related to population genetics equilibrium theory.

Novel sodium channel gene mutations in Blattella germanica reduce the sensitivity of expressed channels to deltamethrin

Pyrethroid insecticides alter the normal gating of voltage-gated sodium channels in the nervous system. Three sodium channel mutations (E434K, C764R, L993F) were recently identified in pyrethroid resistant German cockroach populations. In this report, we show that the L993F mutation decreased sodium channel sensitivity to the pyrethroid, deltamethrin, by five-fold in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast, neither E434K nor C764R alone decreased channel sensitivity to deltamethrin. However, E434K or C764R combined with L993F reduced deltamethrin sensitivity by 100-fold. Furthermore, concomitant presence of all three mutations (KRF) reduced channel sensitivity to deltamethrin by 500-fold. None of the mutations significantly affected channel gating. However, sodium current amplitudes from the mutant sodium channel carrying either E434K or C764R alone were much reduced compared to those of the wild-type channel or the channel carrying the double or triple mutations (KF, RF and KRF). These results indicated that evolution of sodium channel insensitivity in the German cockroach is achieved by sequential selection of a primary mutation L993F and two secondary mutations E434K and C764R, and concomitant presence of all three mutations dramatically reduced sodium channel sensitivity to deltamethrin.

An amino acid triplet in the NH2 terminus of rat ROMK1 determines interaction with SUR2B

ATP-regulated (K(ATP)) channels are formed by an inward rectifier pore-forming subunit (Kir) and a sulfonylurea (glibenclamide)-binding protein, a member of the ATP binding cassette family (sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). The latter is required to confer glibenclamide sensitivity to K(ATP) channels. In the mammalian kidney ROMK1-3 are components of K(ATP) channels that mediate K(+) secretion into urine. ROMK1 and ROMK3 splice variants share the core polypeptide of ROMK2 but also have distinct NH(2)-terminal extensions of 19 and 26 amino acids, respectively. The SUR2B is also expressed in rat kidney tubules and may combine with Kir.1 to form renal K(ATP) channels. Our previous studies showed that co-expression of ROMK2, but not ROMK1 or ROMK3, with rat SUR2B in oocytes generated glibenclamide-sensitive K(+) currents. These data suggest that the NH(2)-terminal extensions in both ROMK1 and ROMK3 block ROMK-SUR2B interaction. Seven amino acids in the NH(2)-terminal extensions of ROMK1 and ROMK3 are identical (amino acids 13-19 in ROMK1 and 20-26 in ROMK3) and may determine ROMK-SUR2B interaction. We constructed a series of hemagglutinin-tagged ROMK1 NH(2)-terminal deletion and substitution mutants and examined glibenclamide-sensitive K(+) currents in oocytes when co-expressed with SUR2B. These studies identified an amino acid triplet "IRA" within the conserved segment in the NH(2) terminus of ROMK1 and ROMK3 that blocks the ability of SUR2B to confer glibenclamide sensitivity to the expressed K(+) currents. The position of this triplet in the ROMK1 NH(2)-terminal extension is also important for the ROMK-SUR2B interactions. In vitro co-translation and immunoprecipitation studies with hemagglutinin-tagged ROMK mutants and SUR2B indicted that direct interaction between these two proteins is required for glibenclamide sensitivity of induced K(+) currents in oocytes. These results suggest that the IRA triplet in the NH(2)-terminal extensions of both ROMK1 and ROMK3 plays a key role in subunit assembly of the renal secretary K(ATP) channel.

Treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate increases NMDA receptors in hippocampus and cortex

Our aim was to investigate if the memory-enhancing effects reported for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in rodents could be mediated through modulation of NMDA receptors. Using autoradiography we studied the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, administered for 5 days (30 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day), on NMDA binding sites labelled with [3H]dizocilpine ([3H]MK801) in rat brain. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate treatment significantly increased the [3H]MK801 binding sites in hippocampal areas (field CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus lateral blade and medial blade) and in cortex layer IV as compared to the control group. These results demonstrate for the first time the ability of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to increase the number of NMDA binding sites in rat brain, an action that could be of interest for therapeutic application.

Alternative splicing of the BSC1 gene generates tissue-specific isoforms in the German cockroach

Voltage-gated sodium channels are integral transmembrane proteins responsible for the rapidly-rising phase of action potentials in most excitable cells. In mammals, the functional diversity and wide distribution of sodium channel proteins in various tissues and cell types are achieved mainly by selective expression of many distinct sodium channel genes. In the model insect, Drosophila melanogaster, however, only one confirmed sodium channel gene, para, and one putative sodium channel gene, DSC1, are known. We cloned and sequenced a DSC1 ortholog, BSC1, from the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. We found that the BSC1 transcript was present in a wide range of tissues, including nerve cord, muscle, gut, fat body and ovary, whereas the para transcript was detected only in nerve cord and muscle. Moreover, different tissues contained distinct alternatively spliced variants of BSC1, and two muscle-specific spliced variants are predicted to encode truncated proteins with only the first two of the four homologous domains. Therefore, alternative splicing and expression of distinct splicing variants in functionally different tissues may be a major mechanism by which insects increase BSC1 channel diversity in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues.

Modeling of the rough-interface effect on a converging light beam propagating in a skin tissue phantom

Light distribution in a strong turbid medium such as skin tissue depends on both the bulk optical properties and the profiles of the interfaces where mismatch in the refractive index occurs. We present recent results of a numerical investigation on the light distribution inside a human skin tissue phantom for a converging laser beam with a wavelength near 1 mum and its dependence on the roughness of the interfaces and index mismatch. The skin tissue is modeled by a two-layer structure, and within each layer the tissue is considered macroscopically homogeneous. The two interfaces that separate the epidermis from the ambient medium and the dermis are considered randomly rough. With a recently developed method of Monte Carlo simulation capable of treating inhomogeneous boundary conditions, light distributions in various cases of interface roughness and index mismatch are obtained, and their relevance to the measurements of optical parameters of the skin tissue and laser surgery under the skin surface are discussed.

Rat homolog of sulfonylurea receptor 2B determines glibenclamide sensitivity of ROMK2 in Xenopus laevis oocyte

Recent studies showed that coexpression of Kir6.1 or Kir6.2 with the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1, SUR2A, or SUR2B) reconstituted an inwardly rectifying, ATP-sensitive K(+) channel that was inhibited by glibenclamide (2, 15-17). Here we report the isolation of a rat homolog of mouse SUR2B (denoted rSUR2B) from a rat kidney cDNA library. The rSUR2B sequence contains a 4,635-bp open reading frame that encodes a 1,545-amino acid polypeptide, showing 67% shared identity with SUR1 (a pancreatic beta-cell isoform) and 98% with both SUR2A (a brain isoform) and SUR2B (a vascular smooth muscle isoform). Consistent with the predicted structures of other members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, the sequence of rSUR2B contains 17 putative membrane-spanning segments. Also, predicted Walker A and B consensus binding motifs, present in other ABC members, are conserved in the rSUR2B sequence. RT-PCR revealed that rSUR2B is widely expressed in various rat tissues including brain, colon, heart, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle, and spleen. The intrarenal distribution of the rSUR2B transcript was investigated using RT-PCR and Southern blot of microdissected tubules. The rSUR2B transcript was detected in proximal tubule, cortical thick ascending limb, distal collecting tubule, cortical collecting duct, and outer medullary collecting duct, but not medullary thick ascending limb. This distal distribution overlaps with that of ROMK. Coexpression of rSUR2B with ROMK2 cRNA (in 1:10 ratio) in Xenopus laevis oocytes resulted in whole cell Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) currents that were inhibited by glibenclamide (50% inhibition with 0.2 mM glibenclamide). In contrast, rSUR2B did not confer significant glibenclamide sensitivity to oocytes coinjected with ROMK1 or ROMK3. The interaction between ROMK2 and rSUR2B was further studied by coimmunoprecipitation of in vitro translated rSUR2B and ROMK2. In agreement with the functional data, the rSUR2B protein was coimmunoprecipitated with ROMK2 in the ROMK2-rSUR2B cotranslated samples. Our data demonstrate that ROMK2, but not ROMK1 and ROMK3, can interact with rSUR2B to confer a sulfonylurea-sensitive K(+) channel, implicating SUR proteins in forming and regulating renal ATP-sensitive K(+) channels. The ROMK isoform specificity of glibenclamide effects suggests that the NH(2) terminus of the ROMK protein mediates rSUR2B-ROMK2 interactions.

Retrograde axonal transport impairment of large- and medium-sized retinal ganglion cells in diabetic rat

PURPOSE

Several abnormalities in visual pathway functions in diabetic humans and animals have been reported. We demonstrated retrograde axonal transport impairment in retinal ganglion cells of streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in male Wistar albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Three months after the induction of diabetes, fluoro-gold was injected into the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. Percentages of fluoro-gold-labeled large-, medium- and small-sized retinal ganglion cells per total population were calculated in wholemount retinas of diabetic and control rats. The same sections were stained with cresyl violet and each retinal ganglion cell type evaluated by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Although a quantitative decrease in the population of each retinal ganglion cell type was not observed, mean percentages of fluoro-gold-labeled large- and medium-sized retinal ganglion cells per total population were significantly decreased in diabetic rats compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that diabetes affects the retrograde axonal transport in large- and medium-sized retinal ganglion cells despite the absence of morphological changes in the perikaryon and decrease in total cell population. Diabetes-induced impairment of retrograde axonal transport in large- and medium-sized retinal ganglion cells precede optic nerve involvement. However, this may merely be a consequence of metabolic changes in diabetic states.

Monte carlo simulation of converging laser beams propagating in biological materials

A new method of Monte Carlo simulation has been developed to simulate the spatial distribution of photon density of converging laser beams propagating in a turbid medium such as the phantom of biological tissue. This method can be used to obtain steady-state light distribution in the tissue phantom for a continuous-wave laser beam. We have calculated the steady-state distribution of the photon density and found important features that are uniquely related to the propagation of the converging beams in the tissue phantom.

Alterations in retrograde axonal transport in optic nerve of type I and type II diabetic rats

Clinical and electrophysiological examinations have yielded visual pathway function abnormalities in both humans and animal models with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, subclinical involvement of the optic nerve has not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we demonstrated the different impairments in retrograde axonal transport occurring in selective retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of Type I and II diabetic rats. Rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce Type I DM. The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats represented the Type II DM group. The STZ-induced (Type I) diabetic rats had low body weights and significant elevations in blood glucose levels compared with the age-matched control rats. On the contrary, the OLETF rats (Type II) had high body weights and significant elevations in blood glucose concentrations compared with the age-matched controls. Fluoro-Gold (FG) was injected into the bilateral dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. Accumulation of FG in large and medium type RGCs in STZ-induced diabetic rats was significantly decreased compared with the controls. However, the accumulation of FG in RGCs of OLETF rats did not show a significant decrease compared with the controls. Our findings suggest that, within the time frame of study, retrograde axonal transport impairment of large and medium type RGCs in the STZ-induced (Type I DM) diabetic rats was greater than in the OLETF (Type II DM) diabetic rats. Impairment of retrograde axonal transport in Type I diabetes may precede or be a consequence of metabolic dysfunctions in the large and medium-sized RGCs eventually leading to optic nerve atrophy.

Alternating triple therapy for the treatment of intermediate grade and immunoblastic lymphoma

BACKGROUND

CHOP is currently considered the gold standard of treatment for intermediate grade lymphomas. We designed a new regimen known as 'ATT' (alternating triple therapy) which uses three non-cross resistant combinations in alternating sequence for nine cycles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a phase II clinical trial with comparison to CHOP/CMED historical controls using prognostic factors. The tumor score system was used to evaluate the results of this trial. Two hundred sixty-eight eligible patients who had one or more of the following adverse features: bulky disease, elevated LDH or > 1 extranodal site were analyzed. Outcome measures consist of survival and failure free survival.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 32 months, there was no statistically significant difference in survival for those with favorable prognostic factors (tumor score < or = 2). However, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of ATT for those with unfavorable tumor scores. When we examined the failure-free survival of those with unfavorable tumor scores, we again observed a superiority for the ATT regimen over CHOP/CMED but the opposite was true for those with favorable tumor scores. We also found a statistically significant difference in favor of the ATT regimen when compared with CHOP/CMED for patients < or = 60 years old with a tumor score > or = 3, while no advantage was found for those > 60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

ATT appears more effective but only for patients < 60 years old with unfavorable tumor scores. In those older than 60 years with favorable tumor score, CHOP/CMED appears superior. ATT might be an adequate regimen for young patients with poor prognostic features while CHOP/CMED might be a better choice for those with good prognosis irrespective of age. For those > 60 years with unfavorable tumor scores neither ATT or CHOP/CMED were adequate treatment. Because of the phase II nature of this study, these conclusions should be considered as hypotheses which require prospective testing.

Comparing treatment intensities of tactile-thermal application

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of four intensities of tactile-thermal application (TTA) to changes in duration of stage transition (DST) and performance on a newly designed scale of penetration and aspiration by groups of patients made dysphagic by stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 150, 300, 450, or 600 trials of TTA during each of 2 weeks. Data on the time required to provide such treatment, the actual number of trials clinicians were able to provide, and on the influence of the four intensities are provided. No single intensity emerged as the most therapeutic. It is suggested that subsequent studies with larger groups include intensities between 300 and 550.

Retrograde double-labeling study of retinal ganglion cells from the ipsilateral vLGN and SC in the albino rat

Retinal ganglion cells with branches to the ipsilateral ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) and superior colliculus (SC) were studied by retrograde fluorescent double-labeling. Double-labeled cells were found in the ventral temporal crescent of the retina, with a few ipsilaterally projecting single-labeled cells scattered in this area. Single-labeled vLGN-projecting cells were found predominantly in the ventral-temporal crescent and to a lesser extent in the temporal and dorsotemporal octant. SC-projecting cells were present predominantly in the ventral-temporal crescent and to a lesser extent in the ventral and ventronasal octant. Our best animal model had 2200 ipsilaterally labeled cells. There were 451 (20.5%) double-labeled vLGN and SC-projecting cells, 561 (25.5%) single-labeled vLGN-projecting cells, and 1186 (53.9%) single-labeled SC-projecting cells.

[Retrocaval ureter]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter.

METHOD

20 cases of retrocaval ureter with an average age of 33.4 years were reported. The diagnosis of this disease depends on urography and retrograde ureterography. Operation was the principal treatment. Ureter orthopedics and reduction were performed in 19 cases of type 1 (low loop) except one case of type II (high loop). After removing 3 - 4 cm retrocaval ureter with pathological changes, we anastomosed the ureter without tension and regained its normal anatomic position.

RESULT

B-ultrasound and excretory urography showed no stenosis and improvement of hydronephrosis.

CONCLUSION

Ureter orthopedics and reduction are ideal for the treatment of retrocaval ureter.

Genetics of Soybean-Heterodera glycines Interactions

The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is one of the most economically important pathogens of soybean. Effective management of the nematode is often dependent on the planting of resistant soybean cultivars. During the past 40 years, more than 60 soybean genotypes and plant introductions (PI) have been reported as resistant to H. glycines. About 130 modern soybean cultivars registered in the United States are resistant to certain races of H. glycines. Several resistance genes have been identified and genetically mapped; however, resistance levels in many soybean cultivars are not durable. Some older cultivars are no longer resistant to certain H. glycines populations in many production areas, especially if a soybean monoculture has been practiced. Past soybean registration reports show that all resistant cultivars developed in public institutions from the mid-1960s to the present have been derived from five PIs. This narrow genetic background is fragile. To further complicate the issue, soybean-H. glycines genetic interactions are complex and poorly understood. Studies to identify soybean resistance genes sometimes have overlapped, and the same genes may have been reported several times and designated by different names. Nevertheless, many potential resistance genes in existing germplasm resources have not yet been characterized. Clearly, it is necessary to identify new resistance genes, develop more precise selection methods, and integrate these resistance genes into new cultivars. Rational deployment of resistant cultivars is critical to future sustained soybean production.

[Hyperosmotic glucose and antibiotics induce production of plasminogen activator inhibitor and expression of TGF beta mRNA by rat peritoneal mesothelial cells]

To investigate the mechanism of fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis, we observed the effects of the hyperosmotic glucose and antibiotics such as gentamicin and cefazolin on rat peritoneal mesothelial cells with cell culture, fibrin-plate lyzing and Northern blotting analysis method. The peritoneal mesothelial cells may express PAI-1 mRNA. The expression of PAI-1 mRNA in peritoneal mesothelial cells and activities of PAI in the supernatants were enhanced by 11.2 mmol/L glucose, gentamicin and cefazolin at 12 hr. By 24 hr, the activity of PAI-1 also increased in the supernatants with 11.2 mmol/L glucose. The expression of PAI-1 mRNA and production of PAI activities by the peritoneal mesothelial cells were increased by gentamicin, and the TGF-beta mRNA increased in the peritoneal mesothelial cells was induced by 11.2 mmol/L glucose, gentamicin and cefazolin. The results suggested that 11.2 mmol/L glucose, gentamicin and cefazolin may increase the expressions or productions of PAI and TGF-beta in peritoneal mesothelial cells. So by perosmotic glucose, cefazolin and gentamicin promote the peritoneal fibrosis in patients with CAPD.

The termination of optic nerve fibers in the albino mouse

To establish the terminal sites of the optic nerve fibers in the albino mouse, the immunohistochemical method using cholera toxin, subunit B (CTB), as well as three kinds of selective silver impregnation methods for degenerating nerve fibers were used. Termination was confirmed in the following nuclei: bilateral dorsal nuclei of the lateral geniculate body (LGB), ventral nuclei of LGB, preoptic areas, posterolateral nuclei, superior colliculi, suprachiasmatic nuclei, medial terminal nuclei of the accessory optic tract (AOT), and dorsal terminal nuclei of AOT. The percentage of the optic nerve fibers crossing at the optic chiasm was estimated at 90 to 95. Fibers from the unilateral retina were observed to terminate more in the contralateral nucleus. With regard to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, however, the terminations were observed to be distributed evenly and bilaterally.

Genetic analysis of parasitism in the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines

A genetic analysis of parasitic ability in the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines was performed. To identify and characterize genes involved in parasitism, we developed three highly inbred H. glycines lines, OP20, OP25 and OP50, for use as parents for controlled crosses. Through these crosses, we have identified genes in the inbred parents that control reproduction of the nematode on hosts that carry resistance genes. These genes, designated as ror-* for reproduction on a resistant host, segregate in a normal Mendelian fashion as independent loci. Host range tests of F1 generation progeny indicated that at least one parasitism gene in both the OP20 and OP50 lines for host PI 88788 was dominant. Parasitism genes in OP50 for hosts "Peking" and PI 90763 are recessive. Two types of single female descent populations, a single backcrossed BC1F2-derived and a double backcrossed BC2F1-derived, were established on the susceptible soybean cultivar "Lee 68." Host range tests for parasitism in these lines demonstrated the presence of two independent genes in OP50, one for host PI 88788 designated ror-1 and one for host PI 90763 designated ror-2. OP20 carries two independent genes for parasitism on PI 88788, designated as alleles kr3 and kr4.

In vivo transcription of two promoters, P(TH4) and P (TH270) involved in regulation ofStreptomyces differentiation

The promoters, P(TH4) and P(TH270) involved in the regulation ofStreptomyces coelicolor differentiation were subcloned intoStreptomyces promoter, i.e. probe plasmid pIJ4083, and the recombinant plasmids, pIJ4470 and pIJ4471, were constructed. Two promoters could drive the expression of reporter gene encoding catechol dioxygenase when pIJ4470 and pIJ4471 were introduced into some white mutants (C85, C70, C71, C17 and C119). The total RNA was isolated from these strains containing recombinant plasmid. Probes were prepared by labelling 5'-ends of P(TH4) and P(TH270) DNA fragments using radioisotope. DNA -RNA hybridization was carried out with the probes and RNAs isolated from different strains. The S1 mapping result showed that all RNAs from strains of C85/pIJ4470, C85/4471, C70/pIJ4470, C70/pIJ4471 and C17/pIJ4470 as well as C17/pIJ4471 gave rise to strong positive hybridization signal, whereas RNAs from C71/pIJ4470 and C71/pIJ4471 did not give any positive signal. RNAs from C119/pIJ4470 and C119/pIJ4471 gave weak hybridization signal. The result indicated that the transcription of both P(TH4) and P(TH270) promoters might depend onwhiG, an essential gene inStreptomyces differentiation, and partially depend on whiH, but they did not depend on other differentiation genes (whiA, whiB andurhiI).

A single amino acid change in the para sodium channel protein is associated with knockdown-resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides in German cockroach

Previous genetic and pharmacological studies suggest that knockdown-resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides likely results from a mutation(s) in the para sodium channel gene. In this study, para sodium channel genes from an insecticide-susceptible German cockroach strain, CSMA, and a kdr-type German cockroach strain, Ectiban-R, were cloned and sequenced. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of paraCSMA and paraEctiban-R revealed two nucleotide differences at nt 1491 and nt 2979, respectively. Only the difference at nt 2979 (G in paraCSMA and C in paraEctiban-R) resulted in an amino acid change (Leu993 in CSMA and Phe993 in Ectiban-R). Leu993/Phe993 is located in the highly conserved membrane-spanning segment 6 of domain II (IIS6). Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) sequence analysis using another two insecticide-susceptible and one kdr German cockroach strain, revealed that C2979 was specifically associated with kdr resistant strains, whereas only G2979 was present in all susceptible strains. These results suggest that a single amino acid change from Leu993 to Phe993 is responsible for the kdr-type resistance in German cockroach.

Fluoro-Green and Fluoro-Red: two new fluorescent retrograde tracers with a number of unique properties

As a means of improving nerve tract-tracing in the peripheral and central nervous systems we experimented with two (retrograde) fluorescent emulsions, which we have tentatively named Fluoro-Green (FGr) and Fluoro-Red (FRe), and which we believe possess the following seven advantages: (1) they show little diffusion beyond the injection site; (2) their excitation/emission characteristics allow their use in double-tracing experiments; (3) they do not 'leak' from labeled cells; (4) their fluorescence is presented as large granules in the cytoplasm and its processes; (5) the fluorescence lasts for a sufficiently long time to permit repeated observation; (6) they may be used in combination with a wide variety of other neuroanatomical tracing methods; (7) they are economical, non-toxic and easy to utilize.

Retrograde fluorescent double-labeling study of bilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells in albino rats at different stages of development

Injection of the fluorescent tracers 10% Evans blue (EB) and 4% fluoro-gold (FG) into the right and the left dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, respectively, of albino rats at different stages of development demonstrated the presence of double-labeled retinal ganglion cells that projected bilaterally into both the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (dLGN). Findings confirmed that the distribution of these double-labeled cells was gradually reduced after birth, being confined to the peripheral temporoventral quarter (temporal-ventral crescent) of the retina after postnatal day 15. We estimated the proportion of double-labeled cells to total labeled cells in the same area at different stages of development (0-90 days); values ranged from 35.3% in the neonate to 5.27% in the adult rat which suggests that the majority of double-labeled cells and/or their axons were lost early in development. That a small number of ganglion cells were observed to project bilaterally in the adult rats suggested that these cells conduct the same visual information to both hemispheres throughout the animal's life.

A case of the bilateral superficial brachial arteries which continued to the radial arteries in the forearms

During the dissection course of Kobe University School of Medicine, we found the bilateral superficial brachial arteries that continued to the radial arteries in a 90-years-old female cadaver. Each superficial brachial artery is classified Arteria brachialis superficialis lateralis inferior. This artery directly continued to the radial artery in the forearms on each side. Anomalous branching patterns of the (proper) brachial artery in this case belong to the type 7 of Adachi's classification. The incidence and embryological aspects of this anomalous arterial branching are discussed.

Demonstration of direct input from the retina to the lateral habenular nucleus in the albino rat

The projection from the retina to the habenular complex was studied using fluorescent retrograde tracers in the albino rat (Wistar, Japan Clea). Following separate unilateral injections of Fluoro-Gold (FG), Fluoro-Ruby (FR), or 4-acetamido,4- isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) into the lateral habenular nucleus (LHB), a small population of ganglion cells was labeled sporadically, predominantly those in the nasal retina contralateral to each injection site. Most of them were small cells, ranging from 9 to 16 mu m in diameter, roughly corresponding to the type III ganglion cell in the rat retina. Additionally, all of the structures previously described as regions projecting to the LHB were confirmed. Upon re-examination of previous brain sections of albino rats which had undergone monocular enucleation, degenerating retinal nerve axons and/or their terminals, stained by a modified selective silver impregnation method, were observed in the well-documented end regions of retinal afferents as well as the LHB. The degenerating retino-habenular nerve terminals were distributed sparsely and restricted mainly to the caudal part of the LHB contralateral to the side of ocular enucleation. The present experimental data provide evidence for the existence of a non-image forming retino-habenular pathway in the albino rat. We suggest that, besides serving as a point of convergence for some of the major conduction channels of the limbic and striatal systems, the LHB may play more general integrative roles, including participation in the integration of visual information.

Correlation between different types of retinal ganglion cells and their projection pattern in the albino rat

Injecting Fluoro-Gold (FG) and Evans-Blue (EB) into the right dLGN and SC in the adult albino rat, ipsilaterally projecting double-labeled retinal ganglion cells were mainly seen in the ventrotemporal crescent. They were mainly large sized cells. The ipsilaterally projecting double-labeled cells tended to have larger somata than the single- and double-labeled cells projecting to the contralateral superior colliculus and/or dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body.

A retrograde double-labeling study of uni- and bilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells that project to the superior colliculi after unilateral eye removal at birth in the albino rat

By injecting Fluoro-Gold and Evans-Blue into the right and left superior colliculi of the normal adult albino rats, bilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells were labeled in the ventrotemporal crescent accounting for 37.9% of all the labeled cells, whereas in 0- and 5-day unilaterally enucleated rats these were found in the lower half of the retina accounting for 64.8% and 80.6%, respectively. Furthermore, they tended to have larger somata (type I cells).