Embolization of accessory left gastric artery to prevent acute gastric mucosal lesions in patients undergoing repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate results of selective embolization of the accessory left gastric artery prior to repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using a port-catheter system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Of 22 patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer who underwent percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system, an accessory left gastric artery was revealed by arteriography in 16 patients before and in six patients after port-catheter implantation. The right gastric artery was embolized to prevent gastric mucosal lesions in all 22 patients. In addition, the accessory left gastric artery was selectively embolized for the same purpose using from one to six microcoils, which were from 3 to 5 mm in diameter. Within 10 days after implantation, arteriography was performed while contrast material was infused via the port.

RESULTS

Selective embolization of the accessory left gastric artery was successful in all 22 patients. No complication related to embolization of this artery occurred in any patient. A gastrointestinal mucosal lesion developed in only one case during hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, but was unrelated to the accessory left gastric artery.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic embolization of the accessory left gastric artery is useful to avoid development of a gastrointestinal mucosal lesion resulting from hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using a pull-through technique for hepatic arterial occlusion at the time of port-catheter implantation

We report a successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using a pull-through technique for the treatment of a hepatic arterial occlusion caused by iatrogenic subintimal dissection during the percutaneous placement of a port-catheter system.

Measurements of neutron dose rates with a balloon in Japan

Measurements of cosmic-ray neutron dose rates with a balloon in Sanriku, Japan (geographic location: 39 degrees N, 142 degrees E; corresponding geomagnetic latitude: 30 degrees N) were conducted at an altitude from 0.2 to 25 km on 25-26 August 2004 when solar activity was at an average level. Neutron dose rates given as ambient dose equivalent rates (H(10)) were measured with high-sensitive neutron dose equivalent counters and electronic silicon personal dosimeters (EPDs). The neutron dose rates increased with increasing altitude, but they were saturated around 15-20 km and decreased with increasing altitude beyond 20 km. The neutron ambient dose equivalent rate was 1.5 microSv/h(- 1) at 20 km. Measured values were corrected for the deviation of the energy response of the dose equivalent counter from the fluence-to-ambient dose equivalent conversion coefficient, and the corrected values were very close to the calculated values with EPCARD. On the other hand, neutron measurements by the EPDs gave about 10 times overestimation because of the high sensitivity to cosmic-ray protons.

Non-cavernomatous superior mesenteric thrombosis successfully recanalized with interventional radiological procedures carried out with a combination transmesenteric and transjugular approaches

This is the study of a 52-year-old man with oesophageal, rectal and anal varices caused by portal hypertension with complete obstruction of the superior mesenteric vein. Treatment by two sessions of interventional radiological procedures was successful. The first was a catheter-directed thrombolysis using the transmesenteric approach. The second was percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation for the obstructed segment of the superior mesenteric vein and the creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. In the second session, devices were advanced over a guidewire inserted from the right jugular vein and pulled out of the ileocolic vein using the pull-through technique.

Embolisation of proximal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm developing after surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with a bifurcated graft with n-butyl cyanoacrylate

We report a 60-year-old man who after undergoing surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a bifurcated graft subsequently developed a proximal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, which was successfully treated by embolisation with n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Successful embolisation of intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt using coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate through two approach routes

Interventional radiological treatment by transcatheter embolisation has been used to treat patients with symptomatic intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IPSVS). We present a case of symptomatic IPSVS treated by both retrograde and antegrade transcatheter embolisation using coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

A simplified method for continuous hepatic arterial port-catheter system placement not requiring catheter end-hole occlusion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of hepatic port-catheter system placement without distal catheter tip occlusion or gastroduodenal artery embolization distal to the catheter tip.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A port-catheter system was percutaneously implanted in 29 patients (16 men, 13 women; mean age 65.6 years) with unresectable liver cancer. Persistent blood flow through the end hole of the catheter was verified immediately and 1-10 days after catheter placement.

RESULTS

In all cases, percutaneous port-catheter placement was successfully performed. In seven of 29 (24.1%) patients, flow through the end hole of the catheter was verified immediately after the procedure. However, no flow was seen 1-10 days after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

It is not necessary to occlude the end hole of the catheter tip and embolize the gastroduodenal artery beyond the catheter tip when placing a port-catheter system for repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Duration of pneumothorax as a complication of CT-guided lung biopsy

The purpose of this study was to determine management guidelines for biopsy-induced pneumothorax with the assistance of manual aspiration, mainly based on the duration of complicated pneumothorax. Data from 388 consecutive percutaneous needle lung biopsies were examined. Patients with pneumothorax on postbiopsy chest CT images underwent percutaneous manual aspiration with an 18-G i.v. catheter. Frequency and management of biopsy-induced pneumothorax and period to its disappearance were reviewed. Postbiopsy pneumothorax occurred in 133 of 388 (34.3%) procedures. Manual aspiration in 72 of these 133 patients was carried out immediately after biopsy. The pneumothorax had resolved completely on follow-up chest radiographs without chest tube placement in 121 of the 133 pneumothoraces (91.0%). In cases requiring chest tube, the mean period from biopsy until resolution of the pneumothorax was 6.0 +/- 5.3 days, but was only 2.4 +/- 2.9 days when chest tube placement was not needed. Specifically, time until recovery was short both in those not requiring manual aspiration (2.1 +/- 3.4 days) and in those with a pneumothorax that disappeared completely or almost completely after manual aspiration (1.9 +/- 2.0 days). The almost equally short recovery periods in patients not requiring manual aspiration and those requiring immediate manual aspiration indicates the value of rapid management.

Prophylactic implantation of inferior vena cava filter during interventional radiological treatment for deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the filtering effect of the Gunther tulip retrievable vena cava filter (GTF) during treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremity using various interventional radiological procedures. Subjects of the study were all 17 consecutive patients (8 women, 9 men; age range 18-87 years; mean age 55.9 years) with symptomatic lower limb DVT referred for interventional radiological treatment between February 2001 and September 2004. In all of these patients, the GTF was implanted during interventional radiological treatment. Trapped thrombus in the filter was evaluated with venocavography performed repeatedly during the treatment for DVT. Implantation of a total of 29 GTFs was successfully performed in the 17 patients. In 10 (58.8%), more than 2 filters were subsequently implanted to prolong implantation time. Also in 10 patients, the DVT resolved after therapy and retrieval of the final GTF was successful with one exception. Worsening of or new formation of pulmonary embolism was avoided in all patients. In 8 (47.1%) of the 17 patients, a trapped thrombus in the GTF was observed during treatment for DVT. In six patients the trapped thrombus was large, filling more than half the height of the filter. In conclusion, we found that the GTF is effective in filtering the relieved thrombus from DVT in the lower extremity and in protecting against movement of the thrombus to the pulmonary artery during therapies with interventional radiological procedures.

Low-level cadmium exposure in Toyama City and its surroundings in Toyama prefecture, Japan, with references to possible contribution of shellfish intake to increase urinary cadmium levels

OBJECTIVES

This study was initiated to examine if exposure to cadmium (Cd) was high also outside of the previously identified Itai-itai disease endemic region in the Jinzu River basin in Toyama prefecture in Japan.

METHODS

Morning spot urine samples were collected in June-August 2004 from 651 adult women (including 535 never-smokers) in various regions in Toyama prefecture, and subjected to urinalyses for cadmium (Cd), alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-MG), beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), specific gravity (SG or sg) and creatinine (CR or cr). Three months later, the second urine samples were collected from those with elevated Cd in urine (e.g., > or =4 microg/g cr), together with answers to questionnaires on shellfish consumption.

RESULTS

The geometric mean (GM) Cd, alpha1-MG, beta2-MG and NAG (after correction for CR) for the total participants were 2.0 microg/g cr, 2.4 mg/g cr, 104 microg/g cr and 2.8 units/g cr, respectively; further analysis with never-smoking cases only did not induce significant changes in these parameters. Analyses of the second urine samples from the high Cd subjects showed that there was substantial decrease (to about a half) in Cd in the 3-month period, and that the decrease was accompanied by reduction in alpha1-MG and NAG (beta2-MG did not show elevation even in the first samples). The urinalysis results in combination with the results of the questionnaire survey suggest that the high urinary Cd was temporary and might be induced by intake of shellfish that is edible whole.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall findings appear to suggest that Cd exposure in Toyama populations (outside of the Itai-itai disease endemic region) was at the levels commonly observed on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and that the Cd level in urine might be modified by the intake of some types of seafood. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the relation of urinary Cd with seafood intake.

Spontaneous regression of gastric varices after iatrogenic injury to a gastrorenal shunt

We present a patient with gastric varices complicating portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus. The patient underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. The gastric varices almost completely disappeared, without any sclerotic agent being used, after iatrogenic injury of the gastrorenal shunt at the time of the interventional procedure.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for hepatic arterial occlusion following hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

We report a case in which hepatic arterial occlusion developed during repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy through an implanted port-catheter system for advanced malignant hepatic neoplasia. After successful recanalization of the hepatic artery by using percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, another port-catheter system was placed percutaneously by interventional radiology techniques, allowing the continuation of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Movement of the side hole occurring in a port-catheter system percutaneously implanted for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

The authors report a case in which catheter-related difficulties occurred with a port-catheter system implanted to perform repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinomas. The port-catheter system had been percutaneously implanted with the catheter tip fixation method, and a side hole had been created in the indwelling catheter for placement in the common hepatic artery. Four months after port-catheter placement, however, the indwelling catheter became bent at the location of the side hole in the proper hepatic artery. Subsequently, the side hole moved into the left hepatic artery, resulting in a lack of distribution of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumours in the segments of the liver supplied by the right hepatic artery. This situation was easily corrected with a simple interventional radiological method so that hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy could be resumed with sufficient distribution over the entire liver. To our knowledge, such a problem involving a port-catheter system implanted with the catheter tip fixation method and its management thereafter has not been reported in the published literature.

Spontaneous healing of chyle leakage after lymphangiography

We report a 34-year-old man with the complication of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy that was refractory to various conservative therapies. Because surgical treatment for chylous ascites was considered, lymphangiography was performed to identify the area of leakage of chyle, after which the chylous ascites spontaneously healed.

Search for cosmic-ray antideuterons

We performed a search for cosmic-ray antideuterons using data collected during four BESS balloon flights from 1997 to 2000. No candidate was found. We derived, for the first time, an upper limit of 1.9 x 10(-4) (m2s sr GeV/nucleon)(-1) for the differential flux of cosmic-ray antideuterons, at the 95% confidence level, between 0.17 and 1.15 GeV/nucleon at the top of the atmosphere.

HLA-haploidentical nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation: induction to tolerance without passing through mixed chimaerism

There are few reports of unmanipulated HLA-haploidentical nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST) using only pharmacological acute graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. We present here a successful case of unmanipulated HLA-haploidentical NST for mediastinal large B cell lymphoma that was resistant to autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). The conditioning regimen consisted of fludarabine, busulfan and rabbit anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (ATG) in addition to rituximab. GVHD prophylaxis was performed using tacrolimus and methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg. The patient had rapid engraftment, with 100% donor chimaerism in the lineages of both T cells and granulocytes on day +12, but developed no GVHD clinically. The patient is still in complete remission past day +1020, with no sign of chronic GVHD without receiving immunosuppressive agents. HLA-haploidentical NST may be performed without utilizing mixed chimaerism.

Associations of lifestyle factors with quality of life (QOL) in Japanese children: a 3-year follow-up of the Toyama Birth Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To examine the associations between lifestyle factors and quality of life (QOL) among Japanese children.

METHODS

Participants were 7794 children (3869 boys and 3925 girls) aged 9-10. They completed a questionnaire regarding lifestyles at baseline survey and were followed up for 3 years. In the follow-up survey, QOL was evaluated using a Japanese version of the COOP charts. Children rated their QOL as one of five response categories. Subjects rated as 'very well' or 'pretty good' were considered to have good QOL, and the remainder was assumed to have poor QOL. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between lifestyles or changes in lifestyles and QOL. In the multivariate analysis model, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle factors were simultaneously entered.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, children became more sedentary. Compared to children participating in physical activity 'very often' at baseline, those who exercised 'almost never' were more likely to have poor QOL [OR (95% CI): 1.92 (1.26-2.93)]. Children who developed or maintained undesirable lifestyles had high OR for poor QOL. Compared to children taking breakfast 'often' during the follow-up period, those changing from 'often' to 'seldom' or those taking breakfast 'seldom' were more likely to have poor QOL [1.61 (1.24-2.07), 2.05 (1.03-4.09), respectively]. When compared with children maintaining their participation in physical activity 'often', those who changed from 'often' to 'seldom' and those who kept 'seldom' were more likely to have poor QOL [2.10 (1.84-2.39), 2.21 (1.88-2.59), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that unfavourable lifestyles in childhood are associated with poor QOL in early adolescence. Early intervention could be worth considering to keeping desirable lifestyles during childhood.

Pigmented Cutaneous Papillomatosis (Pigmented Epidermal Nevus) in Three Pug Dogs; Histopathology, Electron Microscopy and Analysis of Viral DNA by the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Canine pigmented epidermal nevus (CPEN) is a skin disorder of some breeds of dog characterized by multiple black plaques of the haired and non-haired skin. Three cases of pigmented cutaneous papillomatosis (previously described also as CPEN) in pug dogs were investigated histopathologically, immunohistochemically and electron microscopically. Additionally, DNA analyses with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed in two cases. Many nuclei of the stratum granulosa were diffusely immunolabelled for specific structural antigens of bovine papillomavirus (subgroup A), but nuclear inclusion bodies were not detected by retrospective examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the affected skin. Aggregates of small numbers of viral particles (ranging from 37 to 43 nm in diameter) with a hexagonal structure were sparsely scattered throughout the nuclei of some of the superficial keratinocytes. PCR amplification targeted for the L1 gene of papillomavirus cloned from a case of CPEN yielded an expected fragment of 194-bp in the two CPEN cases examined but not in a case of canine oral papilloma.

Th1-biased humoral immune responses against Wilms tumor gene WT1 product in the patients with hematopoietic malignancies

The Wilms' tumor gene WT1 is highly expressed in leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and WT1 expression levels increase along with the disease progression in chronic myeloid leukemia and MDS. We previously reported that IgM and IgG WT1 antibodies were detected with significantly higher detection rate and antibody titers in leukemias and MDS compared to those in healthy volunteers. In this study, whether IgG humoral immune responses against WT1 protein were Th1- or Th2-type were determined by measurement of four subclasses of IgG WT1 antibody, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. In leukemias and MDS, Th1-type WT1 antibodies such as IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were significantly increased in both detection rate and antibody titers compared to those in healthy volunteers, whereas Th2-type WT1 antibody such as IgG4 did not increase. These results showed that Th1-biased humoral immune responses against WT1 protein were generated in leukemias and MDS. These results should allow us to consider that Th1-biased cellular immune responses against WT1 protein, which was essentially needed for cancer immunotherapy targeting WT1, should be elicited in patients with hematopoietic malignancies.

Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt passing through the left inferior phrenic vein and draining into the left renal vein

We report a case of an intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IPSVS) passing through the left inferior phrenic vein and draining into the left renal vein and then to the inferior vena cava. We incidentally detected the IPSVS while performing a transcatheter arterial embolisation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. IPSVS with the left inferior phrenic vein as the draining vein is very rare. The complete pathway of this IPSVS could be clearly demonstrated by multidetector row CT during arterial portography.

Molecular cloning, functional expression, and mutagenesis of cDNA encoding class I chitinase from rye (Secale cereale) seeds

A cDNA encoding rye seed chitinase-a (RSC-a) was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and PCR procedures. It consists of 1,191 nucleotides and encodes an open reading frame of 321 amino acid residues. Recombinant RSC-a (rRSC-a) was produced in the oxidative cytoplasm of Escherichia coli Origami(DE3) in a soluble form by inducing bacteria at a low temperature (20 degrees C). Purified rRSC-a showed properties similar to the original enzyme from rye seeds in terms of chitinase activity toward a soluble substrate, glycolchitin, and an insoluble substrate, chitin beads, in chitin-binding ability to chitin, and in antifungal activity against Trichoderma sp. in vitro. rRSC-a mutants were subsequently produced and purified by the same procedures as those for rRSC-a. Mutation of Trp23 to Ala decreased the chitinase activity toward both substrates and impaired the chitin-binding ability. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of this mutant was weakened with increasing of the NaCl concentration in the culture medium. Complete abolishment of both activities was observed upon the mutation of Glu126 to Gln. The roles of these residues in both activities are discussed.

Case report: adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver successfully treated with repeated transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy (TACE) with degradable starch microspheres

This report describes a 58-year-old female with adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the liver presenting with right lower abdominal pain. In most ASC of the liver, surgery is the first choice of treatment. However, surgery often seems to be ineffective because of the aggressive behaviour of this disease. At surgical laparotomy in the present case, there was a large tumour occupying the entire right lobe of the liver and invading the diaphragm. Thus, partial hepatectomy was performed. For the residual tumour, we performed repeated transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy with degradable starch microspheres (DSM). After four sessions of transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy, tumour size decreased remarkably and tumour markers had also decreased. Despite the poor prognosis, the patient remains alive and well 12 months after laparotomy. It is suggested that minimally invasive transcatheter infusion chemotherapy with DSM can be an effective treatment preserving a high quality of life.

Small pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae revealed by scintigraphy during selective injection of 99Tc(m)-macroaggregated albumin

We report a case of small pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae precisely diagnosed by a combination of selective pulmonary arteriography and scintigraphy during (99)Tc(m)-macroaggregated albumin injection via the peripheral pulmonary artery.

Biochemical diversity among the 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase isozymes encoded by the Arabidopsis gene family

1-Amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS, EC 4.4.1.14) is the key enzyme in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway in plants. The completion of the Arabidopsis genome sequence revealed the presence of twelve putative ACS genes, ACS1-12, dispersed among five chromosomes. ACS1-5 have been previously characterized. However, ACS1 is enzymatically inactive whereas ACS3 is a pseudogene. Complementation analysis with the Escherichia coli aminotransferase mutant DL39 shows that ACS10 and 12 encode aminotransferases. The remaining eight genes are authentic ACS genes and together with ACS1 constitute the Arabidopsis ACS gene family. All genes, except ACS3, are transcriptionally active and differentially expressed during Arabidopsis growth and development. IAA induces all ACS genes, except ACS7 and ACS9; CHX enhances the expression of all functional ACS genes. The ACS genes were expressed in E. coli, purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography, and biochemically characterized. The quality of the recombinant proteins was verified by N-terminal amino acid sequence and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The analysis shows that all ACS isozymes function as dimers and have an optimum pH, ranging between 7.3 and 8.2. Their Km values for AdoMet range from 8.3 to 45 microm, whereas their kcat values vary from 0.19 to 4.82 s-1 per monomer. Their Ki values for AVG and sinefungin vary from 0.019 to 0.80 microm and 0.15 to 12 microm, respectively. The results indicate that the Arabidopsis ACS isozymes are biochemically distinct. It is proposed that biochemically diverse ACS isozymes function in unique cellular environments for the biosynthesis of C2H4, permitting the signaling molecule to exert its unique effects in a tissue- or cell-specific fashion.

Retrievable vena cava filter placement during treatment for deep venous thrombosis

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the safety of insertion and removal of the retrievable vena cava filter and the efficacy of this filter in preventing pulmonary embolism during treatment of stenosis or obstruction of the lower extremity due to deep venous thrombosis. We retrospectively evaluated placement of 10 filters in 6 patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis who had undergone various treatments, including those utilizing techniques of interventional radiology. Worsening of or the new formation of pulmonary embolism was prevented in all patients. All attempts at both implantation and retrieval of the filter were safely accomplished. No complication related to filter placement occurred. Filters were left in the vena cava for permanent use when deep venous thrombosis was refractory to treatment. These results demonstrate that both placement and removal of the retrievable vena cava filter can be accomplished safely and that this type of filter is useful to prevent pulmonary embolism during treatment of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. Further, the use of a retrievable vena cava filter might be preferred over that of a temporary vena cava filter, especially if further implantation of a filter becomes necessary since replacement with a permanent filter would not be required when using a retrievable vena cava filter.

Role of taurine supplementation to prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy young men

To evaluate the protective effects of taurine supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and exercise performance, eleven men aged 18-20 years were selected to participate in two identical bicycle ergometer exercises until exhaustion. Single cell gel assay (SCG assay) was used to study DNA damage in white blood cells (WBC). Pre-supplementation of taurine, a significant negative correlation was found between plasma taurine concentration before exercise and plasma thiobaribituric-acid reactive substance (TBARS) 6 hr after exercise (r = -0.642, p<0.05). WBC showed a significant increase in DNA strand breakage 6 hr and 24 hr after exercise. Seven-day taurine supplementation reduced serum TBARS before exercise ( p<0.05) and resulted in a significantly reduced DNA migration 24 hr after exercise ( p<0.01). Significant increases were also found in VO(2)max, exercise time to exhaustion and maximal workload in test with taurine supplementation ( p<0.05). After supplementation, the change in taurine concentration showed positive correlations with the changes in exercise time to exhaustion and maximal workload. The results suggest that taurine may attenuate exercise-induced DNA damage and enhance the capacity of exercise due to its cellular protective properties.

Abscess-forming inflammatory granulation tissue with Gram-positive cocci and prominent eosinophil infiltration in cats: possible infection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus

We occasionally encounter feline cervical or mesenteric lesions diagnosed histopathologically as abscess or inflammatory granulation tissue with eosinophil infiltration. Gram-positive cocci accompany the lesions. In the present study, such lesions obtained from 27 cats were examined to evaluate the histopathologic features and the nature of the causative bacteria. The average age was 7.3 +/- 3.5 years. No sex predilection was observed. Most frequent locations of the lesions included the abdominal cavity with/without mesenteric lymph nodes (11/27, 41%) and subcutaneous tissue or lymph nodes of the neck (9/27, 33%). Common clinical presentation was a localized mass. Grossly, the lesions contained abscesses in the center and were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Microscopically, the necrotic zone contained bacterial colonies. Large numbers of eosinophils and macrophages infiltrated the area surrounding the necrotic tissue. The surrounding connective fiber-rich granulation tissue demarcated the eosinophilic abscess. The bacteria were Gram-positive cocci in 23 of the 27 cats and were positive for anti-staphylococcus antiserum in 19 of the 23 cats. In 15 out of 17 lesions, the colonies expressed immunoreactivity to penicillin-binding protein 2', which is a drug-resistance gene product of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) species. These findings suggest strongly that MRS causes this type of infectious lesion.

Mutational analysis of amino acid residues involved in catalytic activity of a family 18 chitinase from tulip bulbs

We expressed chitinase-1 (TBC-1) from tulip bulbs (Tulipa bakeri) in E. coli cells and used site-directed mutagenesis to identify amino acid residues essential for catalytic activity. Mutations at Glu-125 and Trp-251 completely abolished enzyme activity, and activity decreased with mutations at Asp-123 and Trp-172 when glycolchitin was the substrate. Activity changed with the mutations of Trp-251 to one of several amino acids with side-chains of little hydrophobicity, suggesting that hydrophobic interaction of Trp-251 is important for the activity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis with hevamine as the model compound showed that the distance between Asp-123 and Glu-125 was extended by mutation of Trp-251. Kinetic studies of Trp-251-mutated chitinases confirmed these various phenomena. The results suggested that Glu-125 and Trp-251 are essential for enzyme activity and that Trp-251 had a direct role in ligand binding.

The characteristics of bone turnover in the second decade in relation to age and puberty development in healthy Japanese male and female subjects--Japanese Population-based Osteoporosis Study

BACKGROUND

There are few studies that clarify the characteristics of bone turnover in children and adolescents. Furthermore, little has been published on changes in urinary CrossLaps(TM) (CTx) in Japanese subjects.

AIM

To investigate biochemical markers of bone turnover in subjects, in relation to age and puberty development.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We measured serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (B-Alp) and CTx in 1207 Japanese subjects aged 9-18 years. As an indicator of puberty development, the age that pubic hair appeared in males and menstruation started in females was obtained from questionnaires.

RESULTS

B-Alp and CTx/Cr (creatinine) had high values before and just after the indicators and was lower thereafter, reaching a plateau in both genders. There was no significant difference in these values in males 5-6 years, or 7 years and more after the appearance of pubic hair. B-Alp and CTx/Cr values 7 years and more after menarche were significantly lower than those 5-6 years after menarche, however the differences were relatively small.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects in the second decade can be divided into three groups: 'before the appearance of pubic hair for males and menarche for females', 'up to and including 3-4 years after them' and '5-6 years and more after them'.

Evaluation of axillary status in breast cancer. CT-based determination of sentinel lymph node size

PURPOSE

To determine whether the location and size of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) on CT are predictive of the axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty patients with confirmed breast cancer underwent 5-mm CT of both breasts and axillae and the most inferior lymph node in the affected axilla was designated the SLN. Based on CT assessment of the axillary lymph node status, 22 (55%) patients then underwent dye- and gamma probe (DGP)-guided SLN biopsy followed by axillary dissection; 18 (45%) underwent dissection without prior SLN biopsy. The localization and status of the SLN determined on CT and by DGP-guided biopsy were compared. Biopsied and excised nodes were subjected to histopathologic examinations.

RESULTS

All SLN identified on CT were close to the lateral thoracic artery and their localization corresponded well with SLN identified by the DGP-guided method. The positive predictive value of CT diagnosis was 100%. Histopathologic examination of excised nodes confirmed that none of the SLN biopsies was false-negative.

CONCLUSION

Our CT criteria were highly accurate for identification and diagnostic assessment of SLN and useful for evaluating the axillary status in patients with breast cancer.

Evaluation of axillary status in breast cancer. CT-based determination of sentinel lymph node size

PURPOSE

To determine whether the location and size of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) on CT are predictive of the axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty patients with confirmed breast cancer underwent 5-mm CT of both breasts and axillae and the most inferior lymph node in the affected axilla was designated the SLN. Based on CT assessment of the axillary lymph node status, 22 (55%) patients then underwent dye- and gamma probe (DGP)-guided SLN biopsy followed by axillary dissection; 18 (45%) underwent dissection without prior SLN biopsy. The localization and status of the SLN determined on CT and by DGP-guided biopsy were compared. Biopsied and excised nodes were subjected to histopathologic examinations.

RESULTS

All SLN identified on CT were close to the lateral thoracic artery and their localization corresponded well with SLN identified by the DGP-guided method. The positive predictive value of CT diagnosis was 100%. Histopathologic examination of excised nodes confirmed that none of the SLN biopsies was false-negative.

CONCLUSION

Our CT criteria were highly accurate for identification and diagnostic assessment of SLN and useful for evaluating the axillary status in patients with breast cancer.

Brain infarction after percutaneous implantation of port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of brain infarction after percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. In 90 patients with inoperable liver cancer, a port-catheter system was implanted via the left subclavian artery. In 5 patients (5.6%) brain infarction occurred after port-catheter implantation. In one patient (1.1%) thrombi formed around the catheter, as confirmed by autopsy. The risk of brain infarction should be taken into consideration when a trans-left subclavian arterial access route is used for the percutaneous implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

Antifungal activity of rye (Secale cereale) seed chitinases: the different binding manner of class I and class II chitinases to the fungal cell walls

The antifungal activities of rye seed chitinase-a (RSC-a, class I) and -c (RSC-c, class II) were studied in detail using two different bioassays with Trichoderma sp. as well as binding and degradation experiments with the cell walls prepared from its mycelia. RSC-a inhibited more strongly the re-extension of the hyphae, containing mainly mature cells, than RSC-c did. Upon incubation of the fungus with fluorescent chitinases, FITC-labeled RSC-a was found to be located in the hyphal tips, lateral walls, and septa, while FITC-labeled RSC-c was only in the hyphal tip. RSC-a had a greater affinity for the cell walls than RSC-c. RSC-a liberated a larger amount of reducing sugar from the cell walls than RSC-c did. These results inferred that RSC-a first binds to the lateral walls and septa, consisting of the mature cell walls, and degrades mature chitin fiber, while RSC-c binds only to the hyphal tip followed by degradation of only nascent chitin. As a result, RSC-a inhibited fungal growth more effectively than RSC-c. Furthermore, it was suggested that the chitin-binding domain in RSC-a assists the antifungal action of RSC-a by binding to the fungal hypha.

Molecular cloning, functional expression, and mutagenesis of cDNA encoding rye (Secale cereale) seed chitinase-c

We cloned a complete cDNA encoding rye seed chitinase-c, designated RSC-c, by rapid amplification of cDNA end and PCR procedures. The cDNA of RSC-c consists of 1,018 nucleotides and includes an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 266 amino acid residues. A recombinant RSC-c was produced by expression in Escherichia coli Origami(DE3) and purified. rRSC-c had almost the same chitinase activity toward glycolchitin and antifungal activity against Trichoderma sp. as the authentic RSC-c did. RSC-c mutants were subsequently constructed and characterized with respect to their chitinase and antifungal activities. Mutation of Glu67 to Gln completely abolished the chitinase activity and diminished the antifungal activity. Considerable decreases in both activities were observed in the mutations of Trp72 and Ser120 to Ala, and Glu89 to Gln. The roles of these residues in the catalytic event of RSC-c are discussed.

Catheter-tip fixation of a percutaneously implanted port-catheter system to prevent dislocation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of catheter tip dislocation in patients with percutaneously implanted port-catheters for hepatic arterial chemotherapy with catheter tip fixation. Forty-seven patients (31 men and 16 women; mean age 66 years) with unresectable advanced liver cancers (primary liver cancer, n=19; metastatic liver cancer, n=28) underwent percutaneously implantable port-catheter system placement with the tip fixed at the gastroduodenal artery with coils and side hole opened at the common hepatic artery. In 39 patients, n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) mixed with Lipiodol was added for fixation. The position of the side hole after the indwelling port-catheter system was investigated, and the correction method in cases with catheter dislocation was determined. In 2 (25%) of the 8 patients without NBCA fixation, dislocation of the catheter was noted, in contrast to none (0%) of 37 patients with NBCA fixation. Two patients in whom NBCA was used could not undergo long-term intra-arterial chemotherapy because of hepatic arterial thrombotic occlusion which occurred after placement of the indwelling catheter, and were excluded from the evaluation. Fixation of the catheter tip with combined use of coils and NBCA--Lipiodol mixture to the gastroduodenal artery is important to prevent dislocation of the port-catheter system.

Localization, accumulation, and antifungal activity of chitinases in rye (Secale cereale) seed

In order to understand a physiological role of chitinases in rye, the localization and accumulation of rye seed chitinase-a and -c (RSC-a and -c) in the seeds were studied by immunochemical methods. An antiserum specific to the chitin-binding domain (CB-domain), which is an N-terminal part of RSC-a, and an antiserum specific to the catalytic region of RSC-a and RSC-c were used. An immunoblot analysis detected both RSC-a and RSC-c in the endosperm of the rye seed. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that RSC-a was localized in only the aleurone cells, whereas RSC-c existed at least in the starchy endosperm and was also likely to exist in the aleurone cells. It was found by ELISA and an immunoblot analysis that RSC-a and -c accumulated in the seed during the later stage of development. Both chitinases and the Cat-domain exhibited antifungal activity toward Trichoderma species, while the CB-domain did not. Observation of the inhibition of hyphal growth of the T. species suggests that the two chitinases acted in different ways.

Fermented soybean-derived Touchi-extract with anti-diabetic effect via alpha-glucosidase inhibitory action in a long-term administration study with KKAy mice

A water-soluble Touchi-extract (TE) exerts a potent inhibitory activity against rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase in foodstuffs, and elicited anti-glycemic effects in rats and humans with single-bolus oral administration. In the present study, genetically modified diabetic model KKAy mice were used to examine the long-term effects of TE. Eight-week-old male KKAy mice were fed with CE-2 chow containing 0.08 and 0.4% of TE for 60 days. In the latter group, fasting blood glucose levels decreased (6.68 +/- 0.41 mmol/L) significantly (p<0.05) after a 60-day ingestion period compared with controls (8.75 +/- 0.54 mmol/L). Moreover, postprandial blood glucose levels were also significantly reduced (16.79 +/- 2.28 mmol/L; p<0.01) after ingesting TE for only 30 days compared with controls (28.49 +/- 0.59 mmol/L). On oral TE treatment for 60 days, postprandial increases in the blood glucose level after oral loading of sucrose (2 g/kg) at 30 (p<0.05) and 60 (p<0.01) min were significantly depressed compared with controls. Indexes for serum lipids; viz., total cholesterol (p<0.05) and triglyceride (p<0.01) levels significantly decreased after TE ingestion. Indexes for hepatic functions, such as glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (p<0.01), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gama-glutamyl transpeptide levels, were similarly suppressed. Organ weights of the heart, kidney, jejunum, liver and spleen increased in control KKAy mice due to hyperinsulinemia. Interestingly, the respective organ weights decreased (p<0.05, 0.01) and the jejunum length was reduced (p<0.05) significantly in the TE-treated groups. All in all, TE demonstrated an anti-hyperglycemic effect and may have potential use in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus.

[Development of a guide wire with multiple markers to aid in port-catheter system placement]

We developed a guide wire with multiple markers for use during implantation of the port-catheter system for intraarterial infusion chemotherapy. With the markers on this guide wire, the distance from the common hepatic artery to the right gastroepiploic artery can be precisely measured. From this measurement, it is possible to determine the distance from the side hole to the catheter tip; unneeded catheter can be cut off with surgical scissors. In all eight cases in which this guide wire was used, we implanted the port-catheter system in the ideal position.

Long-term ingestion of a fermented soybean-derived Touchi-extract with alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity is safe and effective in humans with borderline and mild type-2 diabetes

Water-extracted Touchi, a traditional Chinese food, exerts a strong inhibitory activity against rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase in foodstuffs, and Touchi-extract (TE) has been shown to have an antihyperglycemic effect in rats and humans after a single oral administration. In the present complementary study, the effects of powdered Houji-tea with or without (placebo) TE, a formula designed to enhance good compliance, were monitored in a 3-mo double-blind randomized group comparison study with placebo controls in humans with borderline and mild type-2 diabetes (n = 36). All subjects ingested Houji-tea with or without 0.3 g of TE before each of three meals per day for 3 mo. In the TE group, initial fasting blood glucose (6.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c); 6.1 +/- 0.1%) levels gradually decreased; fasting blood glucose decreased significantly after 3 mo (6.4 +/- 0.3 mmol/L; P < 0.05) as did HbA(1c) (5.6 +/- 0.2%; P < 0.01) levels at 2 mo postingestion of TE and thereafter. In contrast, fasting blood glucose and HbA(1c) levels did not change in the placebo group. In this study, other biochemical variables were not affected in any of the subjects, and no one complained of any side effects or abdominal distension. Moreover, there was no deterioration as assessed by fasting blood glucose and HbA(1c) levels after withdrawal of TE ingestion. Thus, the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory TE demonstrated an antihyperglycemic effect and may prove useful for improving glycemic control in subjects suffering from borderline and type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Characteristic lifestyles in 6-year-old children with obese parents: Results of the toyama birth cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify characteristic lifestyles in children with obese parents.

METHODS

8,030 children (4,072 males and 3,958 females) aged 6 to 7 years were investigated. A questionnaire relating to the lifestyles of children was distributed through elementary schools for completion by parents. The heights and weights of parents were self-reported. A parent with a body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) greater than the 90th percentile for gender (26.7 kg/m(2) for fathers and 24.3 kg/m(2) for mothers) was defined as an obese parent. A chi-square test for each trend was applied to evaluate an increasing trend in the frequency or level of each lifestyle in children with obese parents.

RESULTS

Children with obese parents were significantly associated with increasing trends in the proportions categorized by irregular intake of breakfast, faster eating, longer TV watching, and shorter sleeping hours.

CONCLUSIONS

These lifestyles are considered to be possible risk factors for the development of obesity. These characteristic lifestyles observed in children with obese parents could strengthen the relationship between child and parental body compositions, in addition to the genetic predisposition to obesity in children with obese parents. These findings indicate that education with lifestyle modification for obese parents will be required to prevent further weight gain in children with obese parents.

Value of intraarterial prostaglandin E(1) injection during CT hepatic arteriography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our investigation was to determine if injection of prostaglandin E(1) during CT hepatic arteriography could help physicians to distinguish tumors from nonportal venous flow-related pseudolesions in the region of the gallbladder fossa.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In 34 patients who underwent CT during arterial portography to detect liver tumors, CT hepatic arteriography was performed before and after prostaglandin E(1) injection via the superior mesenteric artery. Between each study, an interval of 10 minutes was set. On CT hepatic arteriogram obtained 15 to 20 sec after prostaglandin E(1) injection, we distinguished changes in the size and shape of pseudolesions in the liver around the gallbladder as well as those of 42 tumorous lesions. In addition, we measured the change in CT attenuation of pseudolesions.

RESULTS

The size of the enhanced area of pseudolesions visible on CT hepatic arteriography decreased in 69% (25/36) of the pseudolesions after intraarterial prostaglandin E(1) injection, with the mean diameter diminishing from 14.1 mm to 8.8 mm. Notably, in 11 pseudolesions, the enhanced area disappeared. In 86% (31/36), the CT attenuation decreased with the mean attenuation, diminishing from 211.3 H to 163.8 H. However, the size and shape of the enhanced area of tumorous lesions did not change.

CONCLUSION

The hemodynamic features of pseudolesions on angiographically assisted helical CT scans caused by cholecystic venous inflow are easily influenced by increased portal venous flow. Consequently, pseudolesions around the gallbladder usually can be distinguished from tumorous lesions by adding prostaglandin E(1) injection via the superior mesenteric artery during CT hepatic arteriography.

Fermented soybean-derived water-soluble Touchi extract inhibits alpha-glucosidase and is antiglycemic in rats and humans after single oral treatments

A water-soluble extract of Touchi, a traditional Chinese food, was found to exert a strong inhibitory activity against rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase. We orally administered sucrose (2 g/kg) with or without Touchi extract (TE) to normal rats at 100 and 500 mg/kg. Postprandial increases in blood glucose levels at 30 and 60 min after the administration of TE were significantly depressed compared with controls. In humans, eight borderline diabetic subjects were administered 0.1-10.0 g TE before sucrose loading (75 g). TE decreased the glycemic response dose dependently after sucrose loading. Compared with the area under the curve of the postprandial rise in blood glucose with various doses, TE elicited a significant antiglycemic effect at a minimum effective dose of 0.3 g. In addition, when four diabetics were administered 0.3 g TE before eating 200 g of cooked rice, the postprandial increases in blood glucose and mean insulin levels were significantly depressed at 60 and 120 min, respectively, after ingestion compared with levels when no TE was administered. TE, which exhibits alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, demonstrated an antihyperglycemic effect and may have potential use in the management of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus.

False-positive I-131 accumulation in a liver cyst in a patient with thyroid carcinoma

Iodine-131 uptake was seen in the right upper abdominal quadrant of a patient with postoperative differentiated thyroid cancer that corresponded with a large liver cyst.

Pre-operative detection of malignant hepatic tumours: value of combined helical CT during arterial portography and biphasic CT during hepatic arteriography

AIMS

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the observer performance with combined helical CT during arterial portography (CTAP) and biphasic CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA) in the pre-operative detection of malignant hepatic tumours.

METHODS

Computed tomography images obtained in 41 patients with suspected hepatic tumours were retrospectively reviewed. In a blind fashion, three off-site, independent radiologists reviewed CTAP and early-phase CTHA combined for the first review, then late-phase CTHA was added for the second review. Statistical analysis was conducted on lesion-by-lesion and segment-by-segment bases; a total of 328 liver segments including 65 segments with 74 malignant hepatic tumours ranging in size from 5 to 100 mm (mean, 21.4 mm) were analysed.

RESULTS

Sensitivity for detection of liver segments harbouring tumours of CTAP and biphasic CTHA combined (82%) was identical to that of CTAP and early-phase CTHA combined (82%). Specificity of CTAP and biphasic CTHA combined (93%) was greater than that of CTAP and early-phase CTHA combined (90%, P < 0.005). The mean confidence level for the 74 tumours significantly increased by adding late-phase CTHA (P < 0.0005). The mean confidence level for 100-142 benign perfusion abnormalities detected with CTAP and early-phase CTHA combined significantly decreased by adding late-phase CTHA (P < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

By combining late-phase CTHA with CTAP and early-phase CTHA information, the specificity for the detection of malignant hepatic tumours rises significantly, allowing more accurate preoperative tumour detection.

Non-tumorous enhancement caused by cholecystic venous inflow shown on biphasic CT hepatic arteriography: comparison with hepatocellular carcinoma

The haemodynamics in non-tumorous abnormalities on CT arterial portography (CTAP) owing to cholecystic venous direct inflow to the liver were compared with the haemodynamics in hepatocellular carcinoma. 53 patients who simultaneously underwent CTAP and CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) to detect hepatocellular carcinoma had the late phase added to CTHA. Changes in size, shape and pattern of 47 non-tumorous enhancement abnormalities on the liver around the gall bladder or in the dorsum of segment IV between the early and late phases on biphasic CTHA as well as of 60 tumorous lesions were determined. Enhancement on biphasic CTHA was seen in all 47 lesions with a non-tumorous portal defect (early phase alone, n=8; late phase alone, n = 3; both, n = 36). In these 47 lesions, the size and the shape of enhancement changed in 63.8% and 51.1%, respectively, between the early and late phases on CTHA; the pattern of enhancement did not change in 72.3%. On the other hand, the size of enhancement on biphasic CTHA changed in only 16.7% of 60 tumours, and the shape in only 5%, although the enhancement pattern changed in a large proportion (80%). In conclusion, owing to the difference in haemodynamics, non-tumorous abnormalities caused by cholecystic venous inflow and tumours are clearly delineated on biphasic CTHA. Thus, adding the late phase to previous single phase CTHA (i.e. performing biphasic CTHA) is useful in differentiating the two entities.

[Details and indications of pallidotomy and thalamotomy for Parkinson's disease]

Pallidotomy has recently regained acceptance as an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. From our 50 cases of unilateral pallidotomy and 10 cases of staged bilateral pallidotomy, details and indications of the procedure is described. The unilateral pallidotomy is quite effective for L-dopa induced dyskinesia, which usually completely disappears soon after the operation. The effect is long-lasting. When on-off phenomenon exists, unilateral pallidotomy improves off-stage rigidity or akinesia. Symptoms during on-stage are not changed. Indications of pallidotomy is that(1) L-dopa induced dyskinesia, and(2) on-off phenomenon. Bilateral pallidotomy, even by staged one, causes severe drooling, or speech disturbance(the volume of the voice decreases and the articulation worsens), and is not recommended. Vim thalamotomy is, on the other hand, the established treatment for tremor of Parkinson's disease or of essential tremor. The effect is long-lasting. Rigidity or akinesia is not expected to be improved so much.

Increased hepatic arterial blood flow after decreased portal supply to the liver parenchyma owing to intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt: angiographic demonstration using helical CT

This study was conducted to investigate the haemodynamics of the liver parenchyma in the presence of intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt. 3 patients with intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts and 24 patients with normal intrahepatic haemodynamics underwent both CT arterial portography and CT during hepatic arteriography. Angiographic findings with helical CT were compared, and CT attenuated values were measured in both groups. The liver parenchyma on CT arterial portography had lower attenuation than on CT during hepatic arteriography in all patients with intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts. Overall average CT attenuation was 92.2 +/- 7.7 Hounsfield units (HU) on CT arterial portography and 149.9 +/- 8.5 HU after CT during hepatic arteriography, with the opposite findings in all patients without intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt: CT attenuation 142.0 +/- 25.7 HU on CT arterial portography and 100.7 +/- 16.4 HU after CT during hepatic arteriography. In conclusion, the portal venous supply to the liver parenchyma decreased due to intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts, with a compensatory increase in hepatic arterial blood supply.

Portal hypertension secondary to spontaneous arterio-portal venous fistulas: transcatheter arterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and microcoils

We report a 73-year-old man with recurrent variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension caused by multiple intrahepatic arterio-portal venous fistulas, which were successfully occluded by embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and micro-coils.

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the tulip bulb chitinase-1 cDNA

A cDNA encoding tulip bulb chitinase-1 (TBC-1) was cloned using a combination of immunoscreening from a lambda ZAP cDNA library with anti-TBC-1 antiserum and the 5' rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) method, and sequenced. The cDNA consists of 1,106 nucleotides and included an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 314 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence and the determined protein sequence indicated the presence of a signal peptide and an extra peptide composed of 26 and 13 amino acids at the N- and C-termini, respectively. The deduced sequence of TBC-1 had 10-20% and 63% sequence similarities to plant class III chitinases and gladiolus bulb class IIIb chitinase (GBC-a), respectively. The cDNA encoding mature TBC-1 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligated into the expression vector pET-22b, and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant TBC-1 (rTBC-1) expressed in E. coli was purified by gel filtration followed by ion-exchange chromatography. Specific activity of the rTBC-1 was almost same as the authentic TBC-1 toward glycolchitin. This is the first report on the cDNA cloning of a class III chitinase having C-terminal extra peptide.