Molecular cloning of a structural homolog of YY1AP, a coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1

YY1 is a multifunctional transcription factor that activates or represses gene transcription depending on interactions with other regulatory proteins that include coactivator YY1AP. Here, we describe the cloning of a novel homolog of YY1AP, referred to as YARP, from the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. The cloned cDNA encoded a 2240 amino acid protein that contained a domain which was 97% homologous to an entire YY1AP sequence of 739 amino acids. Two splice variants, YARP2 and YARP3, were also cloned. Northern blotting demonstrated the YARP mRNA (approximately 10 kb), which was increased 1.7-fold after dibutyryl cAMP-induced neural differentiation of the cells. Presence of YARP mRNA was also confirmed in human tissues such as the heart, brain and placenta. Bioinformatic analysis predicted various functional motifs in the YARP structure, including nuclear localization signals and domains associated with protein-protein interactions (PAH2), DNA-binding (SANT), and chromatin assembly (nucleoplasmin-like), outside the YY1AP-homology domain. Thus, we propose that YARP is multifunctional and plays not only a role analogous to YY1AP, but also its own specific roles in DNA-utilizing processes such as transcription.

Cloning and expression analysis of YY1AP-related protein in the rat brain

YY1AP-related protein (YARP) is a structural homolog of YY1AP, a transcriptional coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1. We cloned a rat YARP cDNA that encoded a 2256 amino acid protein with 93% homology to the human counterpart. Northern blots revealed significant expression of the YARP gene in the rat brain. In situ hybridization demonstrated its expression in neurons throughout the brain, including pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and granule cells in the dentate gyrus. YARP was coexpressed with YY1 in these same neuronal cells. However, there was no evidence of YARP expression in glia. In the developing rat brain, the level of YARP mRNA ( approximately 10 kb) peaked at embryonic day 18 and promptly declined thereafter to reach the steady-state level found in adulthood, by 14 days after birth. These results suggest that YARP functions at a late stage of neurogenesis during perinatal development of the rat brain, as well as in mature neurons.

Ephrin-As and patterned retinal activity act together in the development of topographic maps in the primary visual system

The development of topographic maps in the primary visual system is thought to rely on a combination of EphA/ephrin-A interactions and patterned neural activity. Here, we characterize the retinogeniculate and retinocollicular maps of mice mutant for ephrins-A2, -A3, and -A5 (the three ephrin-As expressed in the mouse visual system), mice mutant for the beta2 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (that lack early patterned retinal activity), and mice mutant for both ephrin-As and beta2. We also provide the first comprehensive anatomical description of the topographic connections between the retina and the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. We find that, although ephrin-A2/A3/A5 triple knock-out mice have severe mapping defects in both projections, they do not completely lack topography. Mice lacking beta2-dependent retinal activity have nearly normal topography but fail to refine axonal arbors. Mice mutant for both ephrin-As and beta2 have synergistic mapping defects that result in a near absence of map in the retinocollicular projection; however, the retinogeniculate projection is not as severely disrupted as the retinocollicular projection is in these mutants. These results show that ephrin-As and patterned retinal activity act together to establish topographic maps, and demonstrate that midbrain and forebrain connections have a differential requirement for ephrin-As and patterned retinal activity in topographic map development.

The intra-arterial injection of microglia protects hippocampal CA1 neurons against global ischemia-induced functional deficits in rats

In the present study, we have attempted to elucidate the effects of the intra-arterial injection of microglia on the global ischemia-induced functional and morphological deficits of hippocampal CA1 neurons. When PKH26-labeled immortalized microglial cells, GMIR1, were injected into the subclavian artery, these exogenous microglia were found to accumulate in the hippocampus at 24 h after ischemia. In hippocampal slices prepared from medium-injected rats subjected to ischemia 48 h earlier, synaptic dysfunctions including a significant reduction of synaptic responses and a marked reduction of long-term potentiation (LTP) of the CA3-CA1 Schaffer collateral synapses were observed. At this stage, however, neither significant neuronal degeneration nor gliosis was observed in the hippocampus. At 96 h after ischemia, there was a total loss of the synaptic activity and a marked neuronal death in the CA1 subfield. In contrast, the basal synaptic transmission and LTP of the CA3-CA1 synapses were well preserved after ischemia in the slices prepared from the microglia-injected animals. We also found the microglial-conditioned medium (MCM) to significantly increase the frequency of the spontaneous postsynaptic currents of CA1 neurons without affecting the amplitude, thus indicating that MCM increased the provability of the neurotransmitter release. The protective effect of the intra-arterial injected microglia against the ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus was substantiated by immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses. Furthermore, the arterial-injected microglia prevented the ischemia-induced decline of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in CA1 neurons. These observations strongly suggest that the arterial-injection of microglia protected CA1 neurons against the ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration. The restoration of the ischemia-induced synaptic deficits and the resultant reduction of the BDNF levels in CA1 neurons, possibly by the release of diffusible factor(s), might thus contribute to the protective effect of the arterial-injection of microglia against ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration.

Carotid-compression technique for the insertion of guiding catheters

Inserting a guiding catheter into a tortuous artery for neurointerventional procedures can be difficult. In our technique, the carotid artery is manually compressed to stabilize and/or straighten the inserted wire before advancing the guiding catheter. Although this technique is not risk-free and care must be taken to avoid vascular injury by excessive compression, it is useful for the insertion of a guiding catheter into the carotid artery.

Immunolocalization of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in the uteroplacenta of the mouse deer

The considerable phylogenetical differences between mouse deer and other ruminants have been established by means of DNA sequence analysis and anatomical observations. To clarify the physiological role of the uteroplacenta of the mouse deer, immunohistochemical observation was attempted by using GRP, which has been suggested as a novel regulatory peptide in the female reproductive tract, as an indicator to compare with other ruminants. Strong positive reactions for the GRP were detected in the uterine glands of the pregnant animals, but not in the non-pregnant ones. Although the placenta of the mouse deer is categorized as a diffuse placenta that is different from other ruminants' polycotyledonary placenta, in terms of GRP immunoreactivity, the mouse deer placenta can be classified as a synepithecholial placenta like the other ruminants'. The secretion of GRP from the uterine glands is of some importance to the fetus in the mouse deer.

A phase II trial of stereotactic radiosurgery boost following surgical resection for solitary brain metastases

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Background: At present there is no standard of care for adjuvant therapy following resection of solitary brain metastases. The objective of this study was to determine the local control, survival, patterns of relapse and the incidence of brain injury following a surgery-stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) combined therapy approach while avoiding upfront whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Methods: The eligibility criteria included radiologically proven solitary brain metastases, KPS≥70 and a neurologic function score of 0–2. Following the surgical resection, SRS was delivered to the surgical cavity 4–8 weeks later to a dose of 15–22 Gy in a single fraction using the BrainLAB linear accelerator system. Patients were followed with neurological examination and serial MRI images done every 3 months following the procedure. Results: 25 out of 50 patients needed for the study have been accrued since it opened in August 2004. Four patients have failed locally, with a median time to local failure of 9.5 months. The one year local control at the site of original disease was 35%. Two of the four patients who had local recurrence at the time of relapse also had evidence of leptomeningeal disease. Six additional patients developed new brain metastases, resulting in a 1 year brain relapse free survival of 38% following the combined approach. The median overall survival was 12 months. One patient (4%) developed radiation necrosis that required surgical intervention 6 months following the procedure. Six patients (24%) needed WBRT, two patients (8%) needed further SRS and one patient (4%) needed surgery as salvage following development of new brain lesions with this approach. Conclusions: The preliminary results of surgery-SRS approach appear inferior to surgery-WBRT data for solitary brain metastases in terms of local control and development of new brain metastases. However, relapses can be subsequently managed with WBRT without adversely affecting the overall survival and the morbidity.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Ephrin-as guide the formation of functional maps in the visual cortex

Ephrin-As and their receptors, EphAs, are expressed in the developing cortex where they may act to organize thalamic inputs. Here, we map the visual cortex (V1) in mice deficient for ephrin-A2, -A3, and -A5 functionally, using intrinsic signal optical imaging and microelectrode recording, and structurally, by anatomical tracing of thalamocortical projections. V1 is shifted medially, rotated, and compressed and its internal organization is degraded. Expressing ephrin-A5 ectopically by in utero electroporation in the lateral cortex shifts the map of V1 medially, and expression within V1 disrupts its internal organization. These findings indicate that interactions between gradients of EphA/ephrin-A in the cortex guide map formation, but that factors other than redundant ephrin-As are responsible for the remnant map. Together with earlier work on the retinogeniculate map, the current findings show that the same molecular interactions may operate at successive stages of the visual pathway to organize maps.

Immunohistochemical Study on the Distribution and Relative Frequency of Endocrine Cells in the Stomach of the Malayan Pangolin, Manis javanica

The distribution and relative frequency of six kinds of endocrine cells in the stomach of the Malayan pangolin, Manis javanica were studied immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. The stomach of the pangolin has three regions of mucous gland, one oxyntic gland and one pyloric gland. Cells immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin, BPP and glucagon were detected in all of the gastric glands, while gastrin-immunoreactive cells were found in the entire gastric gland except for the oxyntic gland. The distribution pattern of endocrine cells in the mucous gland and pyloric gland was mainly from the middle to apical portions of the glands. The endocrine cells were rare or not detected in the basal portion of all of the mucous glands and pyloric gland, but they were also found in the basal portion of the oxyntic gland. The distribution pattern of the endocrine cells in the mucous and pyloric glands suggested that this position facilitates a quick response to the luminal ingesta. The wide distribution of gastrin-immunoreactive cells in all of the mucous glands and pyloric gland was the most remarkable finding. This distribution suggests a major function of gastrin-immunoreactive cells for the digestive process in the Malayan pangolin stomach.

External validation of the biodegradability prediction model CATABOL using data sets of existing and new chemicals under the Japanese Chemical Substances Control Law

External validation of the biodegradability prediction model CATABOL was conducted using test data of 338 existing chemicals and 1123 new chemicals under the Japanese Chemical Substances Control Law. CATABOL predicts that 1089 chemicals will have a BOD < 60% while 925 (85%) actually have an observed BOD<60%. The percentage of chemicals with an observed BOD value <60% tends to increase as the predicted BOD values decrease. In contrast, 340 chemicals were predicted to have a BOD > or = 60% and 234 (69%) actually had an observed BOD > or = 60%. The prediction of poor biodegradability was more accurate than the predictions of high biodegradability. The features of chemical structures affecting CATABOL predictability were also investigated.

Ephrin-As and neural activity are required for eye-specific patterning during retinogeniculate mapping

In mammals, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projections initially intermingle and then segregate into a stereotyped pattern of eye-specific layers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). Here we found that in mice deficient for ephrin-A2, ephrin-A3 and ephrin-A5, eye-specific inputs segregated but the shape and location of eye-specific layers were profoundly disrupted. In contrast, mice that lacked correlated retinal activity did not segregate eye-specific inputs. Inhibition of correlated neural activity in ephrin mutants led to overlapping retinal projections that were located in inappropriate regions of the dLGN. Thus, ephrin-As and neural activity act together to control patterning of eye-specific retinogeniculate layers.

Immunohistochemical localization of gastrin-releasing peptide, neuronal nitric oxide synthase and neurone-specific enolase in the uterus of the North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana

The present study has demonstrated the immunohistochemical localization of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and neurone-specific enolase (NSE) in the uterus of the North American opossum. Although the presence of GRP, nNOS and NSE has been reported recently in the uterus of eutherian species this is the first description of these peptides in a metatherian species. Metatherian mammals are of interest because in these species it is the prolonged lactation phase of development that is the period of primary reproductive investment rather than intrauterine development as is true of eutherian mammals. The opossum, like other marsupial species, has a very abbreviated gestation period which in Didelphis lasts only 12.5 days. GRP was localized in the cytoplasm of cells forming the surface lining epithelium and the glandular epithelium of the opossum endometrium late in pregnancy, at 11.5 days of gestation. Likewise, immunoreactivities of nNOS and NSE were found primarily within the epithelial cells of the endometrium at 11.5 days of gestation. As these peptides and enzymes appear primarily at the time of establishment of the yolk sac placenta (between day 10 and day 12.5 gestation), the present results strongly suggest that these factors may play a fundamental role in the placentation of the opossum.

Long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase in the brain

Long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolases are a group of enzymes that cleave acyl-CoAs into fatty acids and coenzyme A (CoA-SH). Because acyl-CoAs participate in numerous reactions encompassing lipid synthesis, energy metabolism and regulation, modulating intracellular levels of acyl-CoAs would affect cellular functions. Therefore, acyl-CoA synthetases have been intensively studied. In contrast, acyl-CoA hydrolases have been less investigated, especially in the brain despite the fact that its long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolyzing activity is much higher than that in any other organ in the body. However, recent studies have dissected the multiplicity of this class of enzymes on a genomic basis, and have allowed us to discuss their function. Here, we describe a cytosolic long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase (referred to as BACH) that is constitutively expressed in the brain, comparing it with other acyl-CoA hydrolases found in peripheral organs that have a role in fatty acid oxidation.

Quantum oscillation of Hall resistance in the extreme quantum limit of an organic conductor (TMTSF)2ClO4

We report resistance and magnetic torque experiments under a high magnetic field up to 45 T in a three dimensional quantum Hall (QH) system (TMTSF)(2)ClO(4), where TMTSF = tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene. The Hall resistance shows huge oscillations accompanied with sign reversal after the final QH state, where the Landau level filling factor is unity, is removed above 26 T. The magnetic torque also oscillates with the field. The results suggest that a novel quantum state, where the character of the carriers periodically changes with the field, is stabilized in the extreme quantum limit.

Aberrant cytosolic acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase in hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

A series of enzyme alterations has been shown to be associated with several forms of epilepsy, in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), however, information is limited. It was therefore the aim of the study to determine brain enzyme protein expression using a proteomic screening approach. Hippocampi of controls and patients with drug-resistant MTLE were used for evaluation of protein expression. We applied two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) with mass spectrometrical identification and immunoblotting. 2-DE revealed a remarkably decreased spot identified as cytosolic acyl-CoA thioester hydrolase (BACH; EC 3.1.2.2) in patients with MTLE. Western blotting showed absence of bands at 37 kDa in MTLEs using an antibody against mouse BACH and at 140 kDa in MTLEs using anti-rat BACH. This study demonstrates that BACHs were deranged in hippocampus of MTLE patients. This finding may well contribute to the understanding of the still elusive pathomechanisms involved in MTLE.

A systematic review of psychoeducational intervention trials for the management of chronic stable angina

BACKGROUND

Chronic stable angina (CSA) is a cardinal symptom of coronary artery disease and has a major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are few data on the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for CSA patients that target HRQOL-related outcomes.

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for CSA management based on the best available evidence.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of psychoeducational interventions on angina symptoms, angina symptom-related distress, and physical functioning was conducted. Four primary studies (1994-97) were included that had (a) specified treatment and control conditions, (b) participants with anigna class I-III (Canadian Cardiovascular Society) and (c) psychoeducational interventions. These studies were reviewed for methodological rigour. A pooled common effect could not be determined because of heterogeneity of outcomes, measures and analyses.

RESULTS

While positive effects were reported, methodological problems with respect to sampling, randomization, controls and measurement precluded generalization.

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of psychoeducation interventions for improving angina outcomes is inconclusive. Future RCTs of psychoeducational programmes require methodologically robust methods to reduce biases and random error, and to enhance the generalizability of findings for CSA management.

Ultrastructural localization of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in the uterine gland of cow

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is thought to act mainly as a neurotransmitter and localized almost exclusively to neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Recently, the localization of GRP in mammalian uterus and placenta has been demonstrated. Moreover, the exocrine manner of GRP release was deduced in ewes from the distribution of GRP on the uterine gland cells and its secretion as well as in the circulation. However, these reports have been examined at light-microscopic level. The present study was designed to make clear the localization of GRP in the uterine gland cells of nonpregnant and pregnant cows using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method at light-microscopic level and a pre-embedding immunogold with silver enhancement method at electron-microscopic level. The light-microscopic observation showed positive staining for GRP immunoreactivity in the supranuclear region and in the secreted materials of the uterine gland cells. At the electron-microscopic level, the supranuclear secretory granules and the secreted materials on the surface of the cell were labeled with immunogold particles representing GRP immunoreactivity in the uterine gland cells of nonpregnant and pregnant cows. Western blotting analysis showed a larger molecular form of GRP in the endometrial tissues taken from nonpregnant and pregnant cows. The present results revealed the localization of GRP in the uterine gland cells at light- and electron-microscopic levels and suggested the release of GRP from the cell into the lumen of the gland by exocrine manner.

Synaptically activated Cl- accumulation responsible for depolarizing GABAergic responses in mature hippocampal neurons

It is known that GABA, a major inhibitory transmitter in the CNS, acts as an excitatory (or depolarizing) transmitter transiently after intense GABAA receptor activation in adult brains. The depolarizing effect is considered to be dependent on two GABAA receptor-permeable anions, chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). However, little is known about their spatial and temporal profiles during the GABAergic depolarization in postsynaptic neurons. In the present study, we show that the amplitude of synaptically induced depolarizing response was correlated with intracellular Cl- accumulation in the soma of mature hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, by using whole cell patch-clamp recording and Cl- imaging technique with a Cl- indicator 6-methoxy-N-ethylquinolinium iodide (MEQ). The synaptically activated Cl- accumulation was mediated dominantly through GABAA receptors. Basket cells, a subclass of fast-spiking interneurons innervating the somatic portion of the pyramidal cells, actually fired at high frequency during the Cl- accumulation accompanying the depolarizing responses. These results suggest synaptically activated GABAA-mediated Cl- accumulation may play a critical role in generation of an excitatory GABAergic response in the mature pyramidal cells receiving intense synaptic inputs. This may be the first demonstration of microscopic visualization of intracellular Cl- accumulation during synaptic activation.

Sucrose for analgesia in newborn infants undergoing painful procedures

BACKGROUND

Management of pain for neonates is less than optimal. The administration of sucrose with and without non-nutritive sucking (pacifiers) has been the most frequently studied non-pharmacological intervention for relief of procedural pain in neonates.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy, effect of dose, and safety of sucrose for relieving procedural pain as assessed by validated individual pain indicators and composite pain scores.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Standard methods as per the Neonatal Collaborative Review Group. A MEDLINE search was carried out for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 1966 - March 2004, EMBASE from 1980-2004 and search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004). Key words and (MeSH) terms included infant/newborn, pain, analgesia and sucrose. Language restrictions were not imposed. Bibliographies, personal files, the most recent relevant neonatal and pain journals and recent major pediatric pain conference proceedings were searched manually. Unpublished studies, or studies reported only as abstracts, were not included. Additional information from published studies was obtained.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs in which term and/or preterm neonates (postnatal age maximum of 28 days after reaching 40 weeks corrected gestational age) received sucrose via oral syringe, NG-tube, dropper or pacifier for procedural pain from heel lance or venepuncture. In the control group, water, pacifier or positioning/containing were used. Studies in which the painful stimulus was circumcision were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trial quality was assessed according to the methods of the Neonatal Collaborative Review Group. Quality measures included blinding of randomization, blinding of intervention, completeness of follow up and blinding of outcome measurement. Data were abstracted and independently checked for accuracy by the three investigators.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The statistical package (RevMan 4.2) of the Cochrane Collaboration was used. For meta-analysis, a weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the fixed effects model was reported for continuous outcome measures.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-four studies were identified for possible inclusion in this review. Seven studies reported only as abstracts, and sixteen additional studies were excluded, leaving 21 studies (1,616 infants) included in this review. Sucrose in a wide variety of dosages was generally found to decrease physiologic (heart rate) and behavioural (the mean percent time crying, total cry duration, duration of first cry, and facial action) pain indicators and composite pain scores in neonates undergoing heel stick or venepuncture. When pain scores (Premature Infant Pain Profiles) were pooled across 3 studies (Gibbins 2001; Johnston 1999a; Stevens 1999), they were significantly reduced in infants who were given sucrose (dose range 0.012 g to 0.12 g) compared to the control group, [WMD -1.64 (95% CI -2.47,- 0.81); p = 0.0001] at 30 seconds and [WMD -2.05, (95% CI -3.08, -1.02); p = 0.00010] at 60 seconds after heel lance. When results for change in heart rate were pooled for two studies (Haouari 1995, Isik 2000), there were no significant differences between changes in heart rate for infants given sucrose (dose range 0.5 g to 0.6 g) compared to the control group, [WMD 0.90 (95% CI -5.81, 7.61); p = 0.8] at one minute and [WMD -6.20 (95% CI -15.27, 2.88); p = 0.18] at three minutes after heel lance.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Sucrose is safe and effective for reducing procedural pain from single painful events (heel lance, venepuncture). There was inconsistency in the dose of sucrose that was effective (dose range of 0.012 g to 0.12 g), and therefore an optimal dose to be used in preterm and/or term infants could not be identified. The use of repeated administrations of sucrose in neonates needs to be investigated as does the use of sucrose in combination with other behavioural (e.g., facilitated tucking, kangaroo care) and pharmacologic (e.g., morphine, fentanyl) interventions. Use of sucrose in neonates who are of very low birth weight, unstable and/or ventilated also needs to be addressed.

Hepatic induction of mitochondrial and cytosolic acyl-coenzyme a hydrolases/thioesterases in rats under conditions of diabetes and fasting

Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolases/thioesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioesters to free fatty acids and CoA-SH. The potency of these enzymes may serve to modulate intracellular concentrations of acyl-CoAs, free fatty acids, and CoA to affect various cellular functions, including lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of diabetes and fasting on the protein levels of mitochondrial (MTE-I) and cytosolic acyl-CoA thioesterases (CTE-I), multigene family members of this class of enzymes, in adult rat liver. Rats were treated with alloxan to induce diabetes or fasted for 72 hours. Western blot analysis with the liver homogenates revealed 2.8-fold and 3.8-fold increases in MTE-I and 8.5-fold and 9.2-fold increases in CTE-I under the diabetic and fasting conditions, respectively, compared with the control in which the level of MTE-I was 4.3-fold higher than CTE-I. Serum level of free fatty acids was elevated 5-fold and 2.5-fold in diabetic and fasted rats, respectively. These results confirm the adaptive induction of MTE-I and CTE-I in response to fatty acid overload in the liver, being consistent with their auxiliary role in fatty acid degradation.