Characterization of a Protease from a Psychrotroph, Pseudomonas fluorescens 114

A psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from river sediment was identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens 114. It grew at 0°C and optimally at 20°C. The bacterium produced a protease with a molecular weight of 47,000, which was stable in the pH range of 5 to 9 and worked optimally between pH 6.5 and 10. Activity was optimal at 35°C and was lost immediately at 50°C and after 5 min at 45°C. At 0, 10, and 20°C, 24, 38, and 57% of optimal activity were observed, respectively.

Cardiac pseudoaneurysm caused by mitral ring calcification

A case of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm caused by mitral ring calcification (MRC) in a 71-year-old woman is reported. MRC was initially detected by two-dimensional echocardiography. Two months later, rupture of the posterior wall and pseudoaneurysm formation were diagnosed. Mitral value replacement and reconstructive surgery of the myocardial wall were performed. The patient died 46 days after the operation. At autopsy, there was no histopathological evidence of myocardial infarction, infective endocarditis, or other conditions affecting the cardiac endomyocardium. Pseudoaneurysm apparently resulted from left atrial and ventricular tears caused by MRC.

Cloning, expression, and nucleotide sequence of the alpha-amylase gene from the haloalkaliphilic archaeon Natronococcus sp. strain Ah-36

The alpha-amylase gene of a Natronococcus sp. (1,512 bp) contained a signal peptide of 43 amino acids. Haloferax volcanii expressed the gene and cleaved the signal peptide accurately. The signal peptide shared an extremely high amino acid sequence identity with that of a protease from the halophilic archaeon 172P1.

A comparison of in vitro platinum-DNA adduct formation between carboplatin and cisplatin

DNA damage induced by carboplatin [cis-diammine-(1, 1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)platinum(II)] was studied in vitro in comparison with cisplatin [cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum(II)]. The drug-induced DNA damage monitored by conformational change of pUC18 plasmid DNA showed that carboplatin required 10 times higher drug concentration and 7.5 times longer incubation time than those of cisplatin to induce the same degree of conformational change on plasmid DNA. The carboplatin-induced DNA damage was promoted by the increase of pH of the reaction mixture for platinum-DNA adduct formation. Sequence gel analysis of carboplatin-damaged DNA indicated that carboplatin attacked preferentially the sequence of GG >> AG > GA > GNG in the order, similarly to the case of cisplatin. DNA adducts formed by carboplatin were analyzed by HPLC after a sequential digestion of carboplatin-treated DNA with deoxyribonuclease I and S1 nuclease. A single peak having the same retention time as that of bifunctional adduct of (dGMP)2Pt(NH3)2 appeared by treating DNA with carboplatin. The adduct was assigned to be d(pGpG) > Pt(NH3)2. These results suggested that carboplatin induces the same platinum-DNA adducts as those induced by cisplatin, and that the difference in efficiency or kinetics of DNA damage between carboplatin and cisplatin is due to difference of aquation rate between them.

The reduction of humeral fracture in pigeons with intramedullary poly (methyl methacrylate) and neutralization plate fixation

The reduction of experimental humeral fracture in pigeons was performed with intramedullary bone cement (poly (methyl methacrylate): PMMA) and neutralization plate fixation to investigate the effect on bone fracture healing and the recovery of flying ability. As a result, neither plate nor bone cement fixation held for more than 2 weeks, but not refracture was observed in any cases with both plate and bone cement. In the latter group, it was confirmed by flight tests that almost normal flying ability was recovered in 6 weeks. In pathological findings, blood supply to the fractured ends recovered within 2 weeks and no cortical bone necrosis was observed at the time except for a disturbance of endosteal callus formation. The process of fracture healing on the plate side took place slightly later than that on the non-plate side, and when much PMMA remained between the fractured ends of the cortical bone the bone formation became spongioid. In view of the quick recovery of flying ability, however, plate and bone cement fixation is considered appropriate to prevent the displacement of a humeral fracture in the pigeon.

Ubiquitin in cerebrospinal fluid: a rapid competitive enzyme-linked immunoflow assay

The aims of this study were to develop a rapid immunoassay to determine the levels of ubiquitin in cerebrospinal fluid and to establish the ubiquitin levels in the spinal fluid of normal aged individuals. A competitive enzyme-linked immunoflow assay was developed. In this assay, ubiquitin is bound to nitrocellulose membrane, after which the primary antibody-test sample mixture and the enzyme-labeled secondary antibody under vacuum are applied sequentially. The final reaction product is collected in a microtiter plate by suction. This competitive assay requires only approximately 4 h and is potentially useful for determining in biological fluids the levels of any antigen or its antibodies that might be present. Employing this immunoassay, cerebrospinal fluid ubiquitin levels were found to be 147.5 +/- 5.2 ng ml-1 in non-neurological aged cases.

Synthesis of 2''-amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and its analogs having potent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Based on our studies on the enzymatic modifications of arbekacin by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), replacement of the 2''-hydroxyl group by an amino group in arbekacin was designed to synthesize derivatives that would be active against MRSA. 2''-Amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and five analogs were synthesized starting from dibekacin. Among them, 2''-amino-2''-deoxyarbekacin and the 5-epiamino analog showed excellent antibacterial activities against not only MRSA but also Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas, and lower toxicities than arbekacin.

[Plasma catecholamine levels in patients during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma under sevoflurane anesthesia]

We measured plasma catecholamine levels and hemodynamics in 5 patients during surgical removal of pheochromocytoma under sevoflurane anesthesia. Plasma catecholamine levels were unchanged with sevoflurane anesthesia. Plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine levels increased 149 folds, 7.8 folds and 2.9 folds respectively as compared with preanesthetic values during surgical manipulation of the tumor, and then declined in magnitude but still remained 15 folds, 2.7 folds and 1.8 folds higher respectively as compared with the preanesthetic levels after removal of the tumor. These catecholamine levels finally reached 180%, 20% and 60% of the preanesthetic values respectively after the emergence from anesthesia in the recovery room. Mean systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressures were 127/82 mmHg before anesthetic induction and increased to 211/71 mmHg during manipulation of the tumor. Then they decreased to 75/52 mmHg immediately after removal of the tumor but recovered up to 126/71 mmHg on recovery from anesthesia. Alpha and beta adrenal blockers were administered if necessary to control hypertension and tachycardia during manipulation of the tumor. Hypotension after removal of the tumor was treated with volume replacement, vasopressor and/or catecholamines. No correlation was found between plasma catecholamine levels and arterial blood pressure in our study except during manipulation of the tumor. No arrhythmias were observed during anesthesia and surgery in our cases even though plasma catecholamines increased extremely with surgical intervention. We conclude that sevoflurane anesthesia is a better choice for surgery for pheochromocytoma.

[Changes in plasma interleukin 6 in a surgical case of left atrial myxoma]

It was recently described that the cardiac myxoma produced Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a kind of cytokines, and the constitutional signs in patients with cardiac myxoma were due to the IL-6 production. We measured the values of plasma IL-6 concentration before and after surgical therapy. It was decreased from 7.2 pg/ml to less than 4.0 pg/ml two months after surgical removal of the myxoma. It is recommended that the measurement of IL-6 is useful for screening of cardiac myxoma and postoperative follow-up.

Successful treatment of metastatic pulmonary tumors by bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy in two patients with locally well controlled uterine cancer

Pulmonary metastatic tumors in two patients with locally well controlled uterine cancer were treated with bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy. The first patient underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage IIb cervical cancer. Fifteen months after the operation, pulmonary metastasis was identified. Clinical evidence of tumor was negative after bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient continues to be healthy without recurrent signs six years after bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy. The second patient underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage II endometrial cancer. Fifteen months after the operation, pulmonary metastasis was identified. After bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, regression of the tumors was observed. This patient has also survived for two years since the lung metastases. These results indicate that bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy is a potent treatment for pulmonary metastases of uterine cancer.

Distribution of angiotensinogen in diseased human hearts

Extrahepatic synthesis and localization of angiotensinogen (ATN) have been described in animals, thus establishing the tissue renin-angiotensin (RA) system. However, there had been no reports of tissue RA systems in human organs, including the heart. In earlier, we have reported the possibility of ATN synthesis in the human heart using ribonuclease protection assay system. ATN mRNA was detected not only in the liver, but also in both the atrial and ventricular heart tissues, suggesting that ATN is synthesized in the human heart. In this report, we looked for the distribution of ATN in diseased human heart. Northern blot hybridization of cDNA with total RNA extracted from human liver, brain, kidney, atrial and ventricular tissues revealed that ATN mRNA exists in cardiac ventricule. Immunohistochemical studies using a specific antibody to ATN revealed a stronger reaction in the endocardial layer of the human left ventricle, than in the epicardial layer, and intense immunoreactivity in the conduction system and right atrium. This distribution pattern was similar to that of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), which functions a smooth muscle relaxant. Double immunostaining of ATN and hANP demonstrated that all myocytes in the right atrium had immunopositive reactions to ATN, hANP or both of ATN and hANP. Double immunoelectron staining enabled us to show more detailed localization of ATN and hANP; hANP only existed in the specific granules and ATN existed in the myofibril, but not in the granule. Furthermore, our experiments provide evidence of ATN in healthy human hearts and also reveal a widespread immunopositive reaction for ATN in the left ventricle of diseased hearts.

Activation of guinea pig platelets by a monoclonal antibody

We herein describe the characterization of a monoclonal anti-guinea pig platelet antibody, termed GT2-12, which causes aggregation, ATP and [3H]serotonin release, and platelet protein phosphorylation. GT2-12 can bind to platelets and megakaryocytes in guinea pig bone marrow cells. A protein of 34,000 daltons was detected by immunoprecipitation of platelet lysates with GT2-12. Incubation of 32P-labeled guinea pig platelets with GT2-12 resulted in rapid phosphorylation of proteins of 40,000 and 20,000 daltons. GT2-12-induced aggregation and protein phosphorylation of platelets were inhibited by diltiazem, TMB-8 and dibutyryl cAMP and partially inhibited by indomethacin. The F(ab')2 fragment of GT2-12 IgG also induced platelet aggregation, indicating that activation is not mediated by Fc receptors. This type of antibody should be useful for studying platelet function in the guinea pig model.

Alzheimer disease: correlation of cerebro-spinal fluid and brain ubiquitin levels

Neurofibrillary degeneration is one of the histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD). Previous studies have shown an association of ubiquitin with the cytoskeletal protein pathology in AD. In the present study, we report (i) the measurement of ubiquitin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from histopathologically confirmed AD and control cases, using a new rapid immunoassay, the competitive enzyme-linked immunoflow assay (CELIFA), (ii) the determination of ubiquitin levels in brain tissue taken from the same cases, using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and (iii) an evaluation of the correlation between levels of ubiquitin in CSF and in brain tissue. Ubiquitin levels in CSF of AD and neurological control groups are significantly higher than those of non-neurological aged controls. Ubiquitin levels in brain homogenates of the AD group are significantly higher than those of both non-neurological aged and neurological control groups. The source of this increase in brain ubiquitin in AD is the particulate fraction, because ubiquitin levels in the brain cytosol fraction are the same among the three groups. In AD and non-neurological aged controls, there is a significant positive correlation between ubiquitin levels in CSF and in homogenate of cerebral white matter. In contrast, the correlation in the non-AD neurological control group has a negative tendency. These studies suggest that in AD, elevated levels of ubiquitin in the CSF reflect the increased amount of the protein in the brain and, therefore, can serve as a biomarker of the neuropathology in this disease.

[Human monoclonal antibodies directed to lung cancer]

The need for efficient production of human monoclonal antibodies to tumor-associated antigens is increasing. A study of human monoclonal antibody 904F produced from the regional lymph nodes of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was described. By immunohistological study, the 904F antibody has been found to be a new human monoclonal antibody which might be a candidate for clinical application. The second part of the study reports the successful production of human monoclonal antibodies directed to lung cancer by active in vivo immunization of a PBL-SCID mouse (a severe combined immunodeficient mouse grafted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes) with squamous carcinoma cells. These human monoclonal antibodies are promising for the detection and therapy of cancer.

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in the mandibular incisor of a cow

Odontogenic neoplasm was found in the mandibular incisor area of a 3-year-old Japanese black ox. Macroscopically, the cut surface was white and firm with streaks of hard tissue. Histologically, the tumor was composed of enamel organ structures with odontogenic hard tissue in fibromatous areas. It was diagnosed as ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. The absence of the 4th permanent incisor confirmed by radiography and microscopic examination strongly suggests that this tumor has been originated from the tooth germ tissues of the permanent left 4th incisor.

Effects of epidermal growth factor on neonatal growth of rat intestines

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on neonatal intestines were examined in the rat. In 5-day-old rats, sucrase, trehalase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activities in the small intestines were significantly increased after subcutaneous injection of EGF for 3 days (1 microgram/rat/day). gamma-GTP activity was also accelerated after oral EGF administration (2 micrograms/rat/day). Small intestines of 12-day-old rats injected with EGF for 10 days (1 microgram/rat/day) were significantly heavier than those of controls. These results suggest that EGF influences neonatal growth improving enlargement and functional development of their intestines.

Bioceramic implantation in the intermandibular space in bilateral rostral mandibulectomy of the dog

Effect of bioceramic implantation on the intermandibular space along with plating in rostral mandibulectomy was investigated in the dog. In this group, bioceramic beads consisting of a complex of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate were implanted in the intermandibular space between the lingual surfaces of the fracture ends. In two other groups, the dogs received only plating on the ostectomized end, or they received only rostal mandibulectomy without plating. No difficulty in mastication was observed in the implanted group after surgery. In the dogs which received plating, however, difficulty was noted only in the 4th week when wet food was replaced by dry food, and in the control group in the 6th week after the surgery. From the radiological and microscopical findings, in dogs with only plating or without the fixation there was no bony union in the intermandibular space at 16 weeks, though the increase in fibrous tissue and bony callus in the area was much greater in the plated dogs than in the control group. In the implanted group, on the other hand, the increase in callus formation was considerable compared to the other groups. Moreover, the lingual surfaces of the fracture ends were well ossified at 12 postoperative weeks. This suggests that in canine bilateral rostral mandibulectomy the stabilization of the fracture ends with plates and bioceramic implants filling a gap in the intermandibular space may enhance the ossification between the fracture ends and prevent postoperative difficulty in mastication.

Microdynamics of the phospholipid bilayer in cardiomyopathic hamster heart cell membrane

To investigate the microdynamics and the structural architecture of the membrane phospholipid bilayer during the course of cardiomyopathy, membrane fractions were prepared from hearts of cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters (BIO 14.6) aged 4, 18 and 31 weeks and compared with age-matched control hamsters (F1b). Membrane cholesterol, phospholipids and phospholipid fatty acids were measured by thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Microdynamics of the phospholipid bilayer were determined by a nanosecond fluorometer using pulsed excitation of a fluorescent probe, diphenyl-hexatriene. At the age of 4 weeks, there was no difference in lipid compositions and microdynamics between the BIO 14.6 and F1b. At the age of 18 weeks, saturated fatty acids, 18:0 and 22:0 increased and 20:0, 20:2 and 32:4 decreased in the BIO 14.6. At the age of 31 weeks, adding to the above changes in phospholipid fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids 20:4 and 22:6 decreased, moreover membrane phospholipids, especially phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine significantly decreased. The viscosity and the wobbling angle of phospholipid molecules were decreased significantly. We have previously demonstrated that intracellular Ca2+ accumulation might be responsible for the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. Thus, we conclude that cardiomyopathic membrane may alter its structure and function with age. These alterations in cell membranes might be involved in the cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction through impaired Ca2+ handling in cardiomyopathic hamsters.

Antiplatelet therapy following cardiac valve replacement-a comparative study of aspirin and ticlopidine

The antiplatelet agents, aspirin and ticlopidine, are widely used to prevent thromboembolism following cardiac valve replacement. To compare the clinical effects of each platelet inhibitor, a daily dose of ticlopidine 300 mg was given to 50 patients who underwent aortic valve or mitral valve replacement with an average age of 56.9 years over a mean 52.6 months after surgery. 50 more patients with an average age of 50.2 years were given a daily dose of aspirin 81 mg over a mean 51.3 months after surgery. Warfarin was given to maintain thrombotest values at 10 to 25% (PT-INR at 1.6-3.0). The incidence of thromboembolism was low in both groups; 1.0/100 patient years in the ticlopidine group and 1.9 in the aspirin group. Hemorrhagic complications, hematuria and ecchymosis, showed an incidence of 2.9 in the ticlopidine group and 2.3 in the aspirin group. Slight increases in GOT and GTP were observed in 4 and 18% of cases and elevated total cholesterol and neutral fat in 2 and 18% of cases. No adverse reactions were reported. With the exception of a significant decrease in ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients who took ticlopidine, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups.

Totally synthetic analogues of siastatin B. III. Trifluoroacetamide analogues having inhibitory activity for tumor metastasis

A trifluoroacetamide analogue of siastatin B, (3S,4S,5R,6R)-6-(trifluoroacetamido)-4,5-dihydroxy-3-piperidine carboxylic acid has been chemically synthesized. This compound, as well as the previously synthesized analogue, (3R,4R,5R,6R)-6-(trifluoroacetamido)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-3-piperid inecarboxylic acid, showed marked inhibitory activity against beta-glucuronidase and significant inhibition of experimental pulmonary metastasis of the highly metastatic melanoma B16.

High-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell autografts for children with first relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a pilot study of the Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group of Japan (CCLSG)

This study was performed to determine the value of high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell autografts (PBSCT) in the treatment of children with first relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Eighteen children underwent PBSCT during the second complete remission (CR) and had a minimum 10 month follow-up. The median age of the patients was 11 yr (range, 2-17 yr). Fifteen patients received the "MCVAC" regimen, one received high-dose MCNU+busulfan therapy, one received high-dose melphalan+VP-16, and one received melphalan+carboplatin+cytosine arabinoside+MCNU. None of these regimens included total body irradiation. Eight patients developed recurrence of the disease at 1 to 19 mo (median, 3 mo) after PBSCT. Patients in whom the first relapse occurred sooner, that is, within 16 mo of initial therapy, tended to have a better survival rate than those who developed relapse after 30 mo (six of seven survived versus four of 11; not significant). Although the preliminary data provided little conclusive information, it did suggest that incorporation of PBSCT in the salvage protocol of relapsed childhood ALL can be justified.

Colony-stimulating factor-producing tumours: production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 is secondary to interleukin-1 production

We have reported that tumours producing colony-stimulating factor (CSF) also secrete interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6. In the present study, we characterised the role played by IL-1 in CSF production. IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibited the production of granulocyte (G)-CSF and IL-6 by approximately 90% in CSF-producing human lung carcinoma cell lines. Similar results were obtained with hydrocortisone, which suppresses IL-1 gene expression. In contrast, 15 non-CSF-producing human lung carcinoma cell lines did not show detectable IL-1 production, although seven of them were induced to produce G-CSF and IL-6 by exogenous IL-1 alpha. Cell lines that responded to IL-1 alpha, including the CSF-producing lines, expressed receptors for IL-1 alpha. These results indicate that CSF-producing tumours can be characterised by their constitutive IL-1 production, IL-1 receptor expression and IL-1-dependent excess production of G-CSF and IL-6. Furthermore, transcription factor(s) may be involved in the abnormal IL-1 alpha production.

[Discriminative analysis of dependent elderly between home care and institutionalized groups in Sendai]

Public health and welfare services were examined in 125 dependent elderly aged 70 to 89 years old from a randomly selected population of 1,249 from 3 different areas (central, residential and suburban) in Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai. Of the 125 dependent elderly, 91 (72.8%) were being cared for at home (the home group), and 34 (27.2%) were in hospitals or nursing homes (the resident group). Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II were conducted for a comparison between the home group and the resident group. For the resident group relationships were found to "not having any family members to live with", and to "severe disability in ADL". Of the 91 subjects in the home group, 27 (29.7%) were visited by public health nurses (the visited group), and 64 (70.3%) were not (the not-visited group). Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II were conducted for a comparison between the visited group and the not-visited group. For the visited group relation to husbands or wives being caregivers and to severe disability in ADL was found. Of the 91 in the home group, 15 (16.5%) received welfare services (the recipient group), and 76 (83.5%) did not (the non-recipient group). Again, multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II were conducted for a comparison between the recipient group and the non-recipient group. In the non-recipient group a relationship to not having caregivers or to caregivers being persons other than husbands, wives, children or grandchildren was seen.