Neuregulin-2, a new ligand of ErbB3/ErbB4-receptor tyrosine kinases

The neuregulins (NRGs) are a family of multipotent epidermal-growth-factor-like (EGF-like) factors that arise from splice variants of a single gene. They influence the growth, differentiation, survival and fate of several cell types. We have now discovered a set of new neuregulin-like growth factors, which we call neuregulin-2 (NRG-2): these are encoded by their own gene and exhibit a distinct expression pattern in adult brain and developing heart. Like NRG-1, the EGF-like domain of the new ligands binds to both the ErbB3- and ErbB4-receptor tyrosine kinases. However, NRG-2 stimulates different ErbB-receptor tyrosine-phosphorylation profiles from NRG-1. Our results indicate that NRG-1 and NRG-2 mediate distinct biological processes by acting at different sites in tissues and eliciting different biochemical responses in cells.

SecE-depleted membranes of Escherichia coli are active. SecE is not obligatorily required for the in vitro translocation of certain protein precursors

Membrane vesicles were prepared from Escherichia coli cells in which SecE was depleted to 2% of wild-type membranes. SecE depletion had pleiotropic effects; SecD, SecF, SecG, and SecY were decreased 4-6-fold, whereas SecA was increased about 16-fold over that of wild-type membranes. These membranes were substantially active in the in vitro translocation of proOmpA, which was mediated by the SecA pathway since it was inhibited by azide. Similar substantial translocation activities were observed for proLamB and proLpp in the SecE-depleted membranes. However, the translocation of proPhoA was more severely impaired. These data indicate that SecE may enhance but is not obligatorily required for the translocation of at least certain precursors, and suggest that the effects of the SecE depletion on protein translocation may be precursor-dependent.

[Total hip replacement in patients with steroid-induced femoral head necrosis]

In order to evaluate the long-term effect of total hip replacement (THR) in patients with steroid-induced femoral head necrosis, 40 cases of 50 hips received THR patients were followed up for an average of 8.5 years after operation. Evaluation was carried act according to Harris score system. In these cases, average score was seventy-five points. Revision rate among them was 2% after four years and 18% after five to eight and a half years, with as overall rate of 20%. It was found that the main reason for revision was looseness of the prosthesis. In this follow-up, it showed that besides foreigen body reaction, abnormal osseous remodelling was the main factor in long-term failure of this arthroplasty. It was also proved that it was a good selection to perform cemented total hip replacement in younger patients, which could improve living quality.

Signaling through CD38 augments B cell antigen receptor (BCR) responses and is dependent on BCR expression

mAbs directed against the ectoenzyme CD38 will induce B cell proliferation in normal resting B lymphocytes, but cannot induce proliferation in B cells that are unresponsive to B cell Ag receptor (BCR) cross-linking. Using the CD38- murine B cell line A20 we have examined the relationship between CD38- and BCR-mediated signaling after transfection of wild-type or mutant CD38 molecules. Although association between CD38 and the BCR was not detectable, co-cross-linking of CD38 and the BCR gave rise to a synergistic response, and expression of CD38 lowered the threshold for BCR-induced responses. Generation of Ig loss variant clones established that coexpression of the BCR was required for CD38-mediated signal transduction. The cytoplasmic tail of Ig alpha or Ig beta rescued CD 38 responsiveness in the CD38+Ig- cells provided that the chimeric molecules were coligated with CD38. Separate experiments indicated that the cytoplasmic tail of CD38 is not required for CD38 signaling. The anti-CD38-induced response was dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium but was not accompanied by detectable tyrosine phosphorylation of any cellular proteins. Together, these data demonstrate that the CD38 molecule can influence BCR-induced responses and that CD38 signaling is dependent on the BCR complex, perhaps to utilize a functional cytoplasmic tail(s) for intracellular signaling.

Signaling through CD38 augments B cell antigen receptor (BCR) responses and is dependent on BCR expression

mAbs directed against the ectoenzyme CD38 will induce B cell proliferation in normal resting B lymphocytes, but cannot induce proliferation in B cells that are unresponsive to B cell Ag receptor (BCR) cross-linking. Using the CD38- murine B cell line A20 we have examined the relationship between CD38- and BCR-mediated signaling after transfection of wild-type or mutant CD38 molecules. Although association between CD38 and the BCR was not detectable, co-cross-linking of CD38 and the BCR gave rise to a synergistic response, and expression of CD38 lowered the threshold for BCR-induced responses. Generation of Ig loss variant clones established that coexpression of the BCR was required for CD38-mediated signal transduction. The cytoplasmic tail of Ig alpha or Ig beta rescued CD 38 responsiveness in the CD38+Ig- cells provided that the chimeric molecules were coligated with CD38. Separate experiments indicated that the cytoplasmic tail of CD38 is not required for CD38 signaling. The anti-CD38-induced response was dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium but was not accompanied by detectable tyrosine phosphorylation of any cellular proteins. Together, these data demonstrate that the CD38 molecule can influence BCR-induced responses and that CD38 signaling is dependent on the BCR complex, perhaps to utilize a functional cytoplasmic tail(s) for intracellular signaling.

Excitation transfer spectroscopy with two metastable 138Ba+ ions in same trap

In the absence of lasers approaching trapped ion clock transitions in sharpness we propose to replace the 12.49 m laser field exciting the D3/2-D5/2 transition of the single Ba+ ion A in D3/2 with the near-field of a close by identical ion B in the excited D5/2 state. We tune the frequency of the near-field by the differential Stark shift generated when the center of mass of the tuned ions is slightly moved out of the trap center by a small bias voltage. We demonstrate that the resultant resonant energy exchange can be made considerably faster than the natural lifetime of either metastable level and show how it might be detected.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 alpha enhance glucose utilization by astrocytes: involvement of phospholipase A2

Cytokines can be produced within the nervous system by various cell types, including astrocytes, which secrete them in response to pathological processes such as viral infections. Astrocytes are known to play an important role in the homeostasis of the nervous system, in particular, by contributing to the regulation of local energy metabolism. We report that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) markedly stimulate glucose uptake and phosphorylation in primary cultures of neonatal murine astrocytes, as determined with [3H]-2-deoxyglucose ([3H]2DG). This effect is both concentration dependent, with observed EC50 values of 8 ng/ml for TNF-alpha and 30 pg/ml for IL-1 alpha, and time dependent, with a maximal response observed 24 hr after cytokine application. The effects of TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha on glucose uptake and phosphorylation appear to be mediated by the phospholipase A2 signal transduction pathway. Evidence in support of this includes (i) inhibition by mepacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, of [3H]2DG uptake evoked by TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha, and (ii) stimulation of [3H]arachidonic acid release by TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha. Protein kinase C activation does not appear to be involved as the specific protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-7549 does not abolish TNF-alpha- or IL-1 alpha-induced increase in [3H]2DG uptake and phosphorylation. The additional glucose imported by astrocytes on exposure to TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha is neither stored as glycogen nor released as glycolytically derived lactate, suggesting that it is processed through the tricarboxylic acid cycle or pentose phosphate pathway. These results demonstrate that TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha can fundamentally perturb the energy metabolism of astrocytes, possibly impairing their ability to provide adequate energy substrates for neurons.

[Amylopsin activator in the decoction of fried malt]

From the decoction of fried malt (Fructus Hordei Germinatus) a kind of amylopsin activator was extracted and distinguished as calcium nitrate (with small amount of sodium chloride). The existence of this activator may can be explain properly why the decoction is helpful to digestion.

Determination of triamcinolone acetonide in equine serum and urine by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry

Urine and serum samples collected from four standard-bred mares after 30-mg intraarticular administrations of triamcinolone acetonide were analyzed using combined high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry. Maximum triamcinolone acetonide concentrations of 32.3, 14.8, 24.3, and 29.4 ng/mL in the urine and 2.7, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.5 ng/mL in the serum samples were observed. The peak concentrations of the drug were detected approximately 22 h (urine) and 12 h (serum) after administration. The drug elimination profiles for both urine and serum are presented and discussed.

Tamoxifen with and without radiation after partial mastectomy in patients with involved nodes

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of tamoxifen on local control after partial mastectomy with and without adjuvant breast irradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective study of 97 node positive patients identified from the records of the London Regional Cancer Center included 44 patients who received tamoxifen and breast irradiation (40 or 50 Gy plus booster dose) after partial mastectomy, and 53 patients who received tamoxifen only after partial mastectomy. Base line characteristics of the two groups were similar.

RESULTS

At 39 months actuarial follow-up there was a breast tumor recurrence (BTR) in 5% vs. 21% of patients when radiation was omitted (p = 0.0388), but there was no difference in the cause-specific mortality of the two treatment groups. Cox Regression analysis (on only 10 BTR) showed age and adjuvant radiation as significant predictors of BTR. In patients not receiving radiation, no BTR was seen in 22 patients > or = 70 years of age at diagnosis vs. 8 BTR in 31 patients < 70 years (p = 0.0130). All BTR occurred while patients were receiving tamoxifen.

CONCLUSIONS

Tamoxifen alone with omission of radiation after partial mastectomy provides inferior breast tumor control in node positive patients. This is especially true for patients under 70 years of age. Patients aged 70 years or older at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer who receive tamoxifen have a low rate of breast tumor recurrence when radiation is omitted. These patients represent a group for whom radiation might not be necessary.

Different roles for KinA, KinB, and KinC in the initiation of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

Activation (phosphorylation) of the transcription factor encoded by spo0A is essential for the initiation of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. At least three histidine protein kinases are involved in the phosphorylation of Spo0A. Under some growth conditions, KinA was the primary kinase, but under other conditions, KinB had the more critical role. KinC was required for the initial activation of Spo0A, even in the presence of KinA and KinB.

[Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis in children]

Anatomical features show maxillary sinus to be most commonly involved during childhood chronic sinusitis. Fifty-one cases who failed to respond to medications and irrigation were selected to undergo the middle meatal antrostomy under endoscopy. The majority of them had maxillary sinusitis. 10 cases had middle turbinate edema and polyps. 6 had ethmoiditis. After operations, signs of headache eliminated in 20 cases, nasal obstruction in 43 cases and yellowish discharge in 37 cases. The operative results were satisfactory. It is demonstrated that endoscopic sinus surgery is an ideal therapy for the treatment of childhood chronic maxillary sinusitis at present.

Multiple protein kinase activities required for activation of sperm flagellar motility

A specific peptide inhibitor of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKI-peptide) is a very effective inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent activation of motility of Ciona spermatozoa, when PKI-peptide is present at the beginning of incubation of demembranated spermatozoa with cAMP and ATP. Under conditions where approximately 120 sec is required for full activation of motility, the window of sensitivity to the PKI-peptide lasts for only 25-30 sec. Examination of sperm pellet proteins labeled with 32P ATP during activation reveals a major 25 kDa phosphoprotein and 2 minor phosphoproteins whose phosphorylation is highly sensitive to to inhibition by the PKI-peptide and essentially complete during this early phase. These sperm proteins appear to be immediate substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and phosphorylation of one or more of these appears to be requires, but not sufficient, for activation of motility. The phosphorylation of other proteins is reduced or eliminated when PKI-peptide is present at the beginning of incubation, but is unaffected by later addition of PKI-peptide. Some of these substrates appear to be likely candidates for axonemal proteins that must be phosphorylated during the later stages of incubation in order to complete the activation process. This selection is based upon a high degree of inhibition by inclusion of PKI-peptide or other inhibitors at the start of the incubation process, on near-completion of their phosphorylation by the end of the 2 min incubation period required for the activation of motility, and evidence that these proteins are phosphorylated during in vivo activation of motility. Although these observations suggest the presence of a second kinase activity that is upregulated by the initial activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, assays using exogenous substrates have not yet been able to identify such a kinase activity.

Arachidonic acid stimulates glucose uptake in cerebral cortical astrocytes

Arachidonic acid (AA) has recently been shown to influence various cellular functions in the central nervous system. Here we report that AA increases, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, 2-deoxy-D-[1-3H]glucose ([3H]2DG) uptake in primary cultures of astrocytes prepared from the cerebral cortex of neonatal mice. This effect is mimicked by an unsaturated fatty acid such as linolenic acid, while palmitic and arachidic acids, two saturated fatty acids, are inactive. Pharmacological agents that increase the endogenous levels of AA by stimulating AA release (melittin) or by inhibiting its reacylation (thimerosal) also promote [3H]2DG uptake by astrocytes. We also report that norepinephrine (NE) stimulates the release of [3H]AA from membrane phospholipids, with an EC50 of 3 microM; this effect is accompanied, with a temporal delay of approximately 4 min, by the stimulation of [3H]2DG uptake, for which the EC50 of NE is 1 microM. Since the cerebral cortex, the brain region from which astrocytes used in this study were prepared, receives a massive noradrenergic innervation, originating from the locus coeruleus, the effects of NE reported here further stress the notion that certain neurotransmitters may play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism in the cerebral cortex and point at astrocytes as the likely targets of such metabolic effects.

Neurotransmitters regulate energy metabolism in astrocytes: implications for the metabolic trafficking between neural cells

In recent years a vast array of experimental evidence has indicated the presence of functional receptors for neurotransmitters on nonneuronal cells, in particular astrocytes. The two neurotransmitters vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and noradrenaline (NA) exert profound, receptor-mediated, metabolic actions on astrocytes. Thus both neurotransmitters stimulate glycogenolysis in primary astrocyte cultures, with EC50s of 3 and 20 nM respectively. Astrocytes display basal glucose utilization rates ranging between 3 and 9 nmol/mg prot/min, a value that is remarkably close to glucose utilization of cerebral cortical grey matter as determined by the 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique. NA markedly enhances glucose uptake and phosphorylation by astrocytes, with an EC50 of 1 microM. The metabolic substrate that is released by astrocytes is predominantly lactate and not glucose. Since lactate can support neuronal activity and synaptic function in vitro, the possibility should be considered that glucose uptake by the brain parenchyma occurs predominantly into astrocytes which subsequently release lactate for the use of neurons.

The 31S0-33P0 transition in the aluminum isotope ion 26A1+: a potentially superior passive laser frequency standard and spectrum analyzer

The aluminum 26 isotope ion is proposed here as a possible candidate for a superior atomic clock. For this even isotope, the extraordinarily long lifetime of the 33P0 state offers a potential clock transition (31S0-33P0) linewidth of 300 microHz. The mF = 0 --> 0 transition has only a quadratic Zeeman shift approximately 4 x 10(-18) at 0.1 Gauss magnetic field, compared to approximately 10(-8) for the hydrogen maser. Electronic quadrupole moments vanish for both J and J' states and with them shifts due to electric field gradients. All shifts have been estimated and are orders of magnitude less than for Hg+ and Ba+, which are being studied as atomic clock elements.

VIP receptor subtypes in mouse cerebral cortex: evidence for a differential localization in astrocytes, microvessels and synaptosomal membranes

The binding characteristics of a monoiodinated form of vasoactive intestinal peptide (M-[125I]VIP) to the membranes of astrocytes, intraparenchymal microvessels and synaptosomes were analyzed in mouse cerebral cortex. Binding to astrocytes, studied in primary cultures, indicates the presence of a single class of high affinity binding sites with a Kd of 3.3 nM and a Bmax of 565 fmol/mg protein. The structurally related peptide secretin does not compete for sites labeled by M-[125I]VIP. In cultured astrocytes, VIP has been previously shown to promote glycogenolysis. Secretin, despite its lack of interaction with sites labeled by M-[125I]VIP, stimulates glycogenolysis with an EC50 of 0.5 nM, thus demonstrating the presence in astrocytes of functional secretin receptors independent from those for VIP. Trypsinization of the primary astrocyte cultures followed by replating as secondary cultures, reveals a second class of low affinity binding sites, with a Kd of 41.3 nM and a Bmax of 881 fmol/mg protein. Secretin does not compete for this class of low affinity binding sites either. Binding of M-[125I]VIP to intraparenchymal microvessels reveals the presence of two classes of binding sites with Kd of 1.4 and 30.3 nM, and Bmax of 7.1 and 73.8 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Similar to what is observed in primary or secondary astrocyte cultures, secretin does not interact with these sites. In this cell type VIP stimulates cAMP formation with an EC50 of 18 nM, while secretin is ineffective. Finally, in agreement with previous reports in rat and guinea pig cerebral cortex, two classes of binding sites are observed in synaptosomal membranes: a high affinity class with a Kd of 4.9 nM and a Bmax of 316 fmol/mg protein, and a low affinity class with a Kd of 42.8 nM and a Bmax of 1578 fmol/mg protein. In contrast to what is observed in non-neuronal membranes, in synaptosomal membranes, secretin effectively competes for sites labeled by M-[125I]VIP with an EC50 of approximately 150 nM. These results indicate that secretin may represent a useful tool to discriminate between neuronal and non-neuronal VIP binding sites, since it competes with M-[125I]VIP exclusively for the neuronal class of binding sites.