[Effect of lifestyle and health behavior on neutrophil function]

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the relationships of neutrophil functions with lifestyle factors (namely, subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived status health) and health behavior in the Chinese urban elderly.

METHODS

We performed a health survey of the elderly aged 65 years or older living in Tianjin. The subjects were 42 males (69.1 ± 4.1 years old) and 41 females (69.1 ± 4.1 years old). Investigations of subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived health status were performed. The phagocytosis and superoxide productivity of neutrophils were measured by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction method. In addition, leukocyte count and serum total protein (TP) level were examined.

RESULTS

The investigations revealed the associations of health behavior (p<0.05) and self-perceived health (p<0.10) with the balance between phagocytosis and subsequent superoxide production.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that there were correlations of neutrophil functions with lifestyle factors (subjective stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, alcohol-drinking habits, and self-perceived status health) and health behavior in the Chinese urban elderly.

Deposition of Crack-Free BaTiO3 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Films Over 1 μm Thick Via Single-Step Dip-Coating

BaTiO3 and PZT films were prepared by single-step dip-coating from alkoxide-acetate solutions containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Crack-free BaTiO3 and PZT films over 1 μm in thickness were obtained via single-step deposition. Stepwise heating of the gel films was found to improve densification of BaTiO3 films, reducing the thickness and increasing the optical transmittance, which was not, however, the case with PZT films, where the stepwise heating rather induced crack formation, leading to degraded transmittance. Residual stress was evaluated on spin-coating BaTiO3 films by measuring the substrate curvature, where a significant reduction in tensile stress was found to be caused by PVP.

Splenectomy and antiviral treatment for thrombocytopenic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Thrombocytopenic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are poor candidates for antiviral treatment with interferon (IFN), but no standard treatment for thrombocytopenia has yet been established. We evaluated the safety of splenectomy and its efficacy for the initiation and continuation of antiviral therapy. From March 2003 to April 2006, 10 patients (mean age 62.5 years) with HCV-related cirrhosis, low platelet count (<==106 000/mm(3)) and splenomegaly (spleen size >==10 cm) underwent splenectomy. Platelet counts significantly increased at 4-8 weeks after splenectomy [pre: 64 200 +/- 6900/mm(3)vs post 209 000 +/- 40 600/mm(3) (P = 0.004)]. No severe operative complications were observed. All patients subsequently received antiviral therapy. Of the eight patients who were infected with HCV genotype 1 and had a high viral load (>==100 KIU/mL), four received combination therapy with pegylated IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin, and the other four received standard IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin. One patient infected with HCV genotype 2 and another with HCV genotype 1 and a low viral load (<100 KIU/mL) were treated with pegylated IFNalpha-2a. Six patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Among four patients who failed to achieve SVR, one was given retreatment with pegylated IFN plus ribavirin, and the other three received low-dose long-term IFN therapy. Although this study was small, the treatment results were similar to those for patients without thrombocytopenia and suggested that splenectomy would not reduce the antiviral efficacy of IFNalpha-based treatment.

Development of novel measurement assay for calcium in serum by the chlorophosphonazo-III vanadate method

Background

Chlorophosphonazo-III (2,7-bis[4-chloro-2-phosphonophenylazo]-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalenedisulphonic acid, disodium salt; CPZ-III) reacts with calcium and magnesium in a sample under acidic to neutral conditions. However, the specific method of measuring calcium in serum using CPZ-III has not been established because of the difficulty of avoiding the interaction between CPZ-III and albumin.

Methods

In this study, we found that the non-specific reaction between CPZ-III and albumin could be controlled and calcium in serum could be specifically detected using CPZ-III combined with vanadate. On the basis of this finding, we evaluated a novel method of serum calcium determination using CPZ-III.

Results

This CPZ-III vanadate method gave linear results from 0 to 7.0 mmol/L. The coefficient of variation was 0.63–0.76%. There was no interference except with Omniscan. There was no change in control performance during 60 d under open-air conditions. The assay results correlated well with those of the Arsenazo-III (2,7-bis(2-arsonophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalenedisulphonic acid) method (slope = 1.067; intercept = −0.120; r = 0.989; Sy/ x = 0.036 mmol/L), o-cresolphthalein complexone method (slope = 0.911; intercept = 0.186; r = 0.988; Sy/ x = 0.035 mmol/L), amylase enzymatic method (slope = 0.981; intercept = 0.072; r = 0.989; Sy/ x = 0.036 mmol/L) and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy method (slope = 0.955; intercept = −0.001; r = 0.979; Sy/ x = 0.048 mmol/L).

Conclusions

These results suggested that the present method has great clinical potential for measuring calcium.

Mutant TNF-alpha, mTNF-K90R, is a novel candidate adjuvant for a mucosal vaccine against HIV

The development of a safe and effective mucosal vaccine adjuvant is a crucial step for the development of vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV). We have previously reported that a mutant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), mTNF-K90R, possessed strong mucosal vaccine adjuvant activities in mice. Here, we evaluated the potential of mTNF-K90R as a mucosal vaccine adjuvant for the induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses against HIV. Nasal immunization of BALB/c mice with 5 microg of an HIV gp120 env protein immunogen together with mTNF-K90R induced higher serum anti-HIV gp120 protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses than gp120 alone. Furthermore, mTNF-K90R induced anti-gp120 IgA responses in nasal as well as vaginal washes from immunized mice, although these were not administration sites. Again, responses with mTNF-K90R were higher than with gp120 alone. These results indicate that mTNF-K90R may be applicable as amucosal adjuvant for HIV vaccination to induce both systemic and mucosal immune responses.

Slitrk1-deficient mice display elevated anxiety-like behavior and noradrenergic abnormalities

Mutations in SLITRK1 are found in patients with Tourette's syndrome and trichotillomania. SLITRK1 encodes a transmembrane protein containing leucine-rich repeats that is produced predominantly in the nervous system. However, the role of this protein is largely unknown, except that it can modulate neurite outgrowth in vitro. To clarify the role of Slitrk1 in vivo, we developed Slitrk1-knockout mice and analyzed their behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes. Slitrk1-deficient mice exhibited elevated anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze test as well as increased immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Neurochemical analysis revealed that Slitrk1-knockout mice had increased levels of norepinephrine and its metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol. Administration of clonidine, an alpha2-adrenergic agonist that is frequently used to treat patients with Tourette's syndrome, attenuated the anxiety-like behavior of Slitrk1-deficient mice in the elevated plus-maze test. These results lead us to conclude that noradrenergic mechanisms are involved in the behavioral abnormalities of Slitrk1-deficient mice. Elevated anxiety due to Slitrk1 dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases such as Tourette's syndrome and trichotillomania.

The adaptive responses in several mediators linked with hypertrophy and atrophy of skeletal muscle after lower limb unloading in humans

AIM

To determine the adaptive changes in several molecules regulating muscle hypertrophy and atrophy after unloading, we examined whether unilateral lower limb suspension changes the mRNA and protein levels of SRF-linked (RhoA, RhoGDI, STARS and SRF), myostatin-linked (myostatin, Smad2, Smad3 and FLRG) and Foxo-linked (P-Akt, Foxo1, Foxo3a and Atrogin-1) mediators.

METHODS

A single lower limb of each of eight healthy men was suspended for 20 days. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle pre- and post-suspension.

RESULTS

The volume of the vastus lateralis muscle was significantly decreased after unloading. The amount of RhoA, RhoGDI or SRF protein in the muscle was not significantly changed post-suspension. An RT-PCR semiquantitative analysis showed increased levels of myostatin mRNA but not Smad2, Smad3 or FLRG mRNA. Unloading did not elicit significant changes in the amount of p-Smad3 or myostatin protein in the muscle. The amount of p-Akt protein was markedly reduced in the unloaded muscle. Lower limb SUSPENSION DID NOT INFLUENCE THE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF FOXO1, FOXO3A OR ATROGIN-1.

CONCLUSION

Unloading inducing a mild degree of muscle atrophy may decrease p-Akt and increase myostatin but not SRF-linked mediators.

Ribavirin dose reduction raises relapse rate dose-dependently in genotype 1 patients with hepatitis C responding to pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin

The impact of ribavirin exposure on virologic relapse remains controversial in combination therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) genotype 1. The present study was conducted to investigate this. Nine hundred and eighty-four patients with CH-C genotype 1 were enrolled. The drug exposure of each medication was calculated by averaging the dose actually taken. For the 472 patients who were HCV RNA negative at week 24 and week 48, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of fibrosis (P = 0.002), the timing of HCV RNA negativiation (P < 0.001) and the mean doses of ribavirin (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with relapse, but those of Peg-IFN were not. Stepwise reduction of the ribavirin dose was associated with a stepwise increase in relapse rate from 11% to 60%. For patients with complete early virologic response (c-EVR) defined as HCV RNA negativity at week 12, only 4% relapse was found in patients given > or = 12 mg/kg/day of ribavirin and ribavirin exposure affected the relapse even after treatment week 12, while Peg-IFN could be reduced to 0.6 microg/kg/week after week 12 without the increase of relapse rate. Ribavirin showed dose-dependent correlation with the relapse. Maintaining as high a ribavirin dose as possible (> or = 12 mg/kg/day) during the full treatment period can lead to suppression of the relapse in HCV genotype 1 patients responding to Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin, especially in c-EVR patients.

Expression of non-muscle type myosin heavy polypeptide 9 (MYH9) in mammalian cells

Myosin is a functional protein associated with cellular movement, cell division, muscle contraction and other functions. Members of the myosin super-family are distinguished from the myosin heavy chains that play crucial roles in cellular processes. Although there are many studies of myosin heavy chains in this family, there are fewer on non-muscle myosin heavy chains than of muscle myosin heavy chains. Myosin is classified as type I (myosin I) or type II (myosin II). Myosin I, called unconventional myosin or mini-myosin, has one head, while myosin II, called conventional myosin, has two heads. We transfected myosin heavy polypeptide 9 (MYH9) into HeLa cells as a fusion protein with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and analyzed the localization and distribution of MYH9 in parallel with those of actin and tubulin. The results indicate that MYH9 colocalizes with actin stress fibers. Since it has recently been shown by genetic analysis that autosomal dominant giant platelet syndromes are MYH9-related disorders, our development of transfected EGFP-MYH9 might be useful for predicting the associations between the function of actin polymerization, the MYH9 motor domain, and these disorders.

[Experience of chest wall reconstruction with newly developed material]

After the chest wall resection, its reconstruction is often needed. A 45-year-old male lung adenocarcinoma patient with chest wall invasion underwent upper lobectomy of the right lung with partial resection of 4-6th ribs. The size of the removed chest wall was 11 x 6.5 cm. We reconstructed the chest wall with Bard Composix E/X Mesh. This prosthesis is consisted of a polypropylene mesh and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet This material is seems to be useful in the reconstruction of chest wall in both preventing pulmonary adhesion and enabling good wound healing.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma suppresses mast cell maturation involved in allergic diseases

BACKGROUND

Mast cells play a central role in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Several reports indicated role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) on mast cell function. However, there is no report about the role of PPARgamma on differentiation of mast cells from the progenitors. In this study, we investigated the role of PPARgamma in regulating bone marrow-derived mast cell maturation and the therapeutic implications for mast cell-related diseases such as atopic or contact dermatitis.

METHODS

We used in vitro cell culture system for mast cell differentiation from bone marrow-progenitors using specific ligands and lentiviral-mediated short hairpin RNA of PPARgamma, and in vivo murine dermatitis models.

RESULTS

Activation of PPARgamma inhibited the maturation of bone marrow progenitors into connective tissue-type mast cells (CTMCs) through up-regulation of GATA-4 and GATA-6 resulting in a decrease in expression of histidine decarboxylase and mast cell histamine content. In comparison, the differentiation of bone marrow progenitors into CTMCs was significantly accelerated by the knockdown of PPARgamma expression by lentiviral-mediated short hairpin RNA. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligand administration to mice inhibited the maturation of mast cells resulting in attenuation of atopic and contact dermatitis via diminishment of the number of mature mast cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that PPARgamma is one of master regulators on mast cell maturation and potentially useful for the therapy in various disorders involving mast cell activation.

Simultaneous determination of serum mannose and glucose concentrations in dog serum using high performance liquid chromatography

Serum mannose and glucose concentrations in dogs before and after eating a meal were determined simultaneously with a recently established HPLC method combined with a UV and fluorescence detection system of p-aminobenzoic acid ethyl ester (ABEE)-derivatized monosaccharides. In this newly established HPLC method, detection limits were 0.09 micromol/L for mannose and 0.04 mmol/L for glucose. Linearity of peak areas vs. amounts of mannose and glucose in the range of 0.27-320 micromol/L and 0.13-64 mmol/L were observed, respectively. The value of the glucose content measured by the HPLC method was in good agreement with that of the commonly used enzymatic method (control). Serum glucose concentrations in dogs 90 min after the meal were almost the same as those before the meal, whereas serum mannose concentrations decreased significantly after the meal. This HPLC method may be useful for determination of monosaccharides in animal blood.

FOXO transcription factor-dependent p15INK4b and p19INK4d expression

FOXO (Forkhead box O) transcription factors are involved in cell-cycle arrest or apoptosis induction by transcripting cell-cycle inhibitor p27(KIP1) or apoptosis-related genes, respectively. Akt/protein kinase B promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, in part, by phosphorylating FOXOs. Phosphorylated FOXOs could not exhibit transcriptional activity because of their nuclear export. Here we show that p15(INK4b) and p19(INK4d) transcription is associated with FOXO-mediated G1 cell-cycle arrest. Inhibition of Akt signaling by PI3K inhibitors, a PDK1 inhibitor, or dominant-negative Akt transfection increased expression of p15(INK4b) and p19(INK4d) but not p16(INK4a) and p18(INK4c). Ectopic expression of wild type or active FOXO but not inactive form also increased p15(INK4b) and p19(INK4d) levels. FOXOs bound to promoter regions and induced transcription of these genes. No increase in the G1-arrested cell population, mediated by PI3K inhibitor LY294002, was observed in INK4b-/- or INK4d-/- murine embryonic fibroblasts. In summary, FOXOs are involved in G1 arrest caused by Akt inactivation via p15(INK4b) and p19(INK4d) transcription.

Intermittent hypoxia does not increase exercise ventilation at simulated moderate altitude

Recent human studies have shown that resting hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), which is an index of ventilatory chemosensitivity to hypoxia, increased after short-term intermittent hypoxia at rest. In addition, intermittent hypoxia leads to increases in ventilation and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO (2)) during exercise at simulated high altitude, with the increase in ventilation correlated to the change in HVR. However, no study has been made to clarify the relationship between ventilatory chemosensitivity and the exercise ventilation at moderate altitude following intermittent hypoxia during a resting state. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to elucidate whether intermittent hypoxia at rest induces the increase in ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude that is accompanied by an increase in hypoxic chemosensitivity. Eighteen trained male runners were assigned to three groups, i.e., the first hypoxic group (H-1 group, n = 6), the second hypoxic group (H-2 group, n = 6), and a control group (C group, n = 6). The hypoxic tent system was utilized for intermittent hypoxia, and the oxygen levels in the tent were maintained at 15.5 +/- 0.1 % (simulated 2500 m altitude) for the H-1 group and 12.3 +/- 0.2 % (simulated 4300 m altitude) for the H-2 group. The H-1 and H-2 groups spent 1 hour per day in the hypoxic tent for 1 week. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests while breathing 15.5 +/- 0.01 % O (2) (simulated altitude of 2500 m) were performed before and after intermittent hypoxia. Resting HVR was also determined in each subject using a progressive isocapnic hypoxic method. In the H-2 group, HVR increased significantly (p < 0.05) following intermittent hypoxia, while no change in HVR was found in the H-1 or C group. Neither ventilation nor SaO (2) during maximal and submaximal exercise at a simulated altitude of 2500 m were changed in either group after 1 hour per day for 1 week of intermittent hypoxia. These results suggest that the change in resting hypoxic chemosensitivity after short-term intermittent hypoxia does not affect ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude.

47 DIFFERENTIAL DEVELOPMENTAL ABILITY OF EMBRYOS CLONED FROM TISSUE-SPECIFIC STEM CELLS

Although cloning animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer is generally an inefficient process, use of appropriate donor cell types may improve the cloning outcome significantly. Among the donor cells tested so far, mouse embryonic stem cells have given the best efficiency in terms of the development of reconstructed embryos into offspring. In this study, we examined whether 2 in vitro-produced pluripotent stem cells—neural stem cells (NSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—could be better nuclear donors than other differentiated cells. Embryos were reconstructed by transfer of nuclei from NSCs or MSCs with full potential for differentiation in vitro. Most (76%) of the 2-cell NCS embryos developed to the 4-cell stage; 43% implanted and 1.6% developed to term after transfer to pseudopregnant recipients. These rates were very similar to those of embryos cloned from fibroblast cell nuclei. Interestingly, in the patterns of zygotic gene expression, NSC embryos were more similar to in vitro-fertilized embryos than fibroblast cloned embryos. By contrast, embryos reconstructed using MSC nuclei showed lower developmental ability and no implantation was obtained after embryo transfer. Chromosomal analysis of the donor MSCs revealed very high frequencies of monosomy and trisomy, which might have caused the very poor post-implantation development of embryos following nuclear transfer. Thus, in vitro-produced pluripotent cells can serve as donors of nuclei for cloning mice, but may be prone to chromosomal aberrations leading to a high rate of cloned embryo death.

[Relationship between lifestyle and oral health in Chinese elderly]

OBJECTIVE

Oral health is very important particularly for elderly to live happily. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between lifestyle and oral health in Chinese elderly.

METHODS

The subjects were 96 men (mean +/- SD: 70.1 +/- 4.9) and 92 women (70.7 +/- 5.4). Oral health status was evaluated according to the numbers of remaining, intact, treated, and untreated teeth and score in WHO's CPI code. By carrying out a questionnaire survey, we evaluated lifestyle factors, such as stress (SCL-S), smoking habits, drinking habit, sleeping hours, sports, snack habit, and tooth brushing habit. Logistic regression analysis was used in analyzing the data.

RESULTS

By multi-logistic regression analysis, men who smoke were more likely to have a lower CPI score than those who do not {odds ratio (OR) = 4.69, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.79-27.89, p < .10}. Men who brush their teeth less than once a day are less likely to have a lower CPI score than those who brush their teeth more than twice a day (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.09-1.22, p < .10). On the other hand, women who experience much stress are more likely to have a lower CPI score than women who experience little stress (OR = 5.59, 95% CI = 1.29-24.15, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated that smoking may affect oral health conditions in men, whereas stress may affect oral health conditions in women. The reduction in stress and abstinence from smoking are important in maintaining good oral health in Chinese elderly.

Comparison between valsartan and valsartan plus cilnidipine in type II diabetics with normo- and microalbuminuria

Cilnidipine, an L-/N-type calcium channel blocker, dilates the efferent glomerular arterioles in an experimental model and shows a renoprotective effect, but its clinical benefits and safety have not yet been assessed in type II diabetics with albuminuria. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of reducing albuminuria in type II diabetic patients with a combination therapy consisting of valsartan plus cilnidipine versus monotherapy with valsartan. An open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted from April 2002 to October 2003 in 87 Japanese patients aged 31-90 years with type II diabetes showing albuminuria (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio: 10-300 mg/g). The patients were randomized to receive either valsartan (n=41) or valsartan plus cilnidipine (n=46) once daily for 1 year. The primary end point was the percent change in the albumin/creatinine ratio. The secondary end points were the progression/regression of albuminuria, blood pressure (BP), renal function, and safety. After 1 year, the albumin/creatinine ratio was found to have decreased more markedly in the valsartan plus cilnidipine group than in the valsartan group (reduction rate -44+/-11% (s.e.) versus -9+/-7% (s.e.); P=0.014 by analysis of covariance). Although a significant reduction was observed in the systolic and diastolic BP of both groups from baseline to 1 year (P<0.0001, respectively), there was no significant difference in the change in the BP between the two groups (systolic BP, P=0.066; diastolic BP, P=0.391). There were also no significant differences in the side effects between the two groups. Cilnidipine was thus found to show an additive effect with valsartan and thereby caused a reduction in albuminuria in type II diabetics.

Investigation of norovirus replication in a human cell line

Noroviruses (NoVs) belong to the genus Norovirus and are members of the family Caliciviridae. NoVs are the dominant cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis, but progress in understanding the molecular characteristics of NoV and its replication strategies have been hampered by the lack of a cell culture system or a practical animal model, except for murine NoVs. To elucidate the transcription and replication of the NoV genome, a complete genome of a human NoV genogroup II strain was cloned downstream of a T7 RNA polymerase promoter and expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T/17 cells using a T7 vaccinia virus expression system. Bands for a 7.6-kb negative-strand RNA, a 7.6-kb positive-strand genomic RNA, and a 2.6-kb positive-strand subgenomic-like RNA were found in the infected cells. However, recombinant capsid protein (rVP1) and rVP2 were not detected by Western blotting. When a construct containing VP1 and VP2 genes was co-transfected with a full-length construct, the expression of virus-like particles (VLPs) with a buoyant density of 1.271 g/cm3 was observed. We also observed round particles, 20 to 80 nm in diameter, with a buoyant density of 1.318 g/cm3. Our results indicated that NoV RNA was incorporated into the heavier particles. However, further studies are needed to investigate the antigenicity of these particles and to determine if they represent undeveloped VLPs.

Genetic diversity of noroviruses in Taiwan between November 2004 and March 2005

Noroviruses are a major health burden and are responsible for the majority of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the world. Human noroviruses can be genetically divided into two main genogroups (GI and GII) and subdivided into many genotypes. In this study, stool specimens collected from 12 outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Taiwan were screened for viral agents between the 23rd of November 2004 and 9th of March 2005. Noroviruses were detected in all outbreaks. We detected six different norovirus genotypes: GI/11, GI/14, GII/3, GII/4, GII/6, and GII/18. Noroviruses belonging to GII/4 were dominant, 50 of 60 (83%) sequences, and were detected in 10 of 12 outbreaks. Furthermore, the norovirus GII/4 strains were detected throughout Taiwan, demonstrating their widespread distribution. We also found that three outbreaks had noroviruses from multiple genotypes. Our results have shown for the first time that noroviruses are an important cause of gastroenteritis in Taiwan.

Glycolaldehyde-forming route in Bacillus subtilis in relation to vitamin B6 biosynthesis

Glycolaldehyde (GA) was shown to be a precursor of vitamin B6 (B6), and to be formed from glycolate by glycolaldehyde dehydrogenase (GADH) in Escherichia coli. In this study, we show the glycolaldehyde-forming route in B6 biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis. In the crude extract of B. subtilis, the oxidizing activity of GADH was detected. However, coexisting NADH/NADPH oxidase activity interfered with the determination of the reducing (GA-forming) activity of GADH. NADH/NADPH oxidase was purified and identified as the product of ahpF. In an ahpF disruptant, NADH/NADPH activity was almost eliminated, but the reducing activity of GADH was not detected. We also investigated another possible GA-forming enzyme, glyoxal reductase (GR). GR was partially purified and identified as the product of yvgN. yvgN disruptant did not require B6, and retained the ability to synthesize the same amount of B6 as the wild-type strain. From these results, we concluded that neither GADH nor GR is involved in B6 biosynthesis in B. subtilis.

Development of an antigen ELISA to detect sapovirus in clinical stool specimens

Human sapovirus (SaV) strains are etiological agents of mild and/or acute gastroenteritis in children and adults. In this study, we describe the development of a novel antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection system that was based on hyperimmune rabbit and guinea pig antisera raised against SaV genogroup I (GI) virus-like particles. The ELISA had 100% specificity, and sensitivities of 60% and 25% when compared to single-round PCR and nested PCR, respectively. Our results have shown the ELISA was useful in detecting SaV GI antigens in clinical stool specimens collected two days after the onset of illness.

Expression of sapovirus virus-like particles in mammalian cells

Sapovirus (SaV) is an etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis in human and swine. SaV can be divided into five genogroups, GI to GV. Virus-like particles (VLPs) morphologically similar to native SaV have been expressed for GI, GII, GIII and GV strains in insect cells, although only low expression levels were observed for GII strains. In this study, we report the successful expression of SaV GII VLPs using cultured mammalian COS-7 and 293T cells. Our results demonstrated that this mammalian expression system was able to express and form SaV VLPs.

Deletion analysis of the sapovirus VP1 gene for the assembly of virus-like particles

Human sapovirus (SaV) strains are agents of gastroenteritis. They cannot be grown in cell culture. In this study, constructs containing SaV N- and C-terminal-deleted recombinant capsid proteins (rVP1) were expressed in a baculovirus expression system to allow us to better understand the sequence requirements for the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). Only proteins derived from N-terminal-deleted rVP1 constructs that began 49 nucleotides downstream assembled into VLPs, which included both small and native-size VLPs. Our results were similar to those reported in a rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) N- and C-terminal-deleted rVP1 expression study but were distinct from those reported in a norovirus N- and C-terminal-deleted rVP1 expression study, suggesting that SaV and RHDV may have similar expression requirements.

Cleavage activity of the sapovirus 3C-like protease in Escherichia coli

We recently determined the ORF1 cleavage map of Mc10, a human sapovirus (SaV) strain, as follows: NH2-p11-p28-p35(NTPase)-p32-p14(VPg)-p70(Pro-Pol)-p60(VP1)-COOH. This cleavage was dependent on the viral encoded 3C-like protease. To identify the cleavage site of SaV ORF1, putative p70 (Pro-Pol) and p14-p70 (VPg-Pro-Pol) were expressed as N-terminal GST and C-terminal 6 x His-tag fusion proteins in Escherichia coli, and the expressed products were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Our results indicated that the efficient proteolytic cleavage occurred between p14 (VPg) and p70 (Pro-Pol), and N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that the cleavage site was between E(1055) and A(1056). In contrast, the p70 (Pro-Pol) was not further cleaved. We also found that SaV protease cleaved the Q/G site within the rhinovirus 3C protease recognition site. Site-directed mutagenesis in a conserved GDCG motif of the protease completely abolished these proteolytic activities. This is the first report to identify the cleavage site of the SaV ORF1 polyprotein.

Characterization of polyclonal antibodies raised against sapovirus genogroup five virus-like particles

Sapovirus (SaV), a member of the genus Sapovirus in the family Caliciviridae, is an agent of human and porcine gastroenteritis. SaV strains were recently divided into five genogroups (GI to GV). We characterized novel polyclonal antibodies raised against SaV GV virus-like particles (VLPs) by Western blot analysis, and both antibody and antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Our results have indicated SaV GI and GV VLPs were antigenically distinct by Western blotting and ELISAs. These reagents may be useful for genogroup specific detection of SaV.

Preoperative diagnosis of malignant transformation in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

OBJECTIVE

Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratomas (MCT) of the ovary is extremely rare. There are no established criteria of diagnosis before surgery for carcinoma arising from MCT of the ovary. Thus, we analyzed retrospectively tumor size and preoperative values of tumor markers in patients with MCT and investigated the possibility of preoperative diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of 278 patients with MCT of the ovary. Data were obtained from hospital charts and the pathology registry. Average tumor size (greatest diameter) was determined by the preoperative findings of both MRI and ultrasound examination.

RESULTS

Malignant transformation was seen in five patients (11%) among those whose tumor was > or = 10 cm in diameter, four patients (23%) among those whose pretreatment serum SCC level was > or = 2.0 ng/ml, two patients (13%) among those over 60 years of age and five patients (2%) with a tumor on one side. Mean tumor size and serum SCC level were significantly higher than those of benign MCT.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that patients over 60 years old who have unilateral MCT with SCC value of < or = 2.0 ng/ml and > or = 10 cm tumors may be a high-risk group for malignant transformation.

Cross-reactivity among sapovirus recombinant capsid proteins

Sapovirus (SaV), a member of the genus Sapovirus in the family Caliciviridae, is an agent of human and porcine gastroenteritis. SaV strains are divided into five genogroups (GI-GV) based on their capsid (VP1) sequences. Human SaV strains are noncultivable, but expression of the recombinant capsid protein (rVP1) in a baculovirus expression system results in the self-assembly of virus-like particles (VLPs) that are morphologically similar to native SaV. In this study, rVP1 constructs of SaV GI, GII, and GV strains were expressed in a baculovirus expression system. The structures of the GI, GII, and GV VLPs, with diameters of 41-48 nm, were morphologically similar to those of native SaV. However a fraction of GV VLPs were smaller, with diameters of 26-31 nm and spikes on the outline. This is the first report of GII and GV VLP formation and the first identification of small VLPs. To examine the cross-reactivities among GI, GII, and GV rVP1, hyperimmune rabbit antisera were raised against Escherichia coli-expressed GI, GII, and GV N- and C-terminal VP1. Western blotting showed the GI antisera cross-reacted with GV rVP1 but not GII rVP1; GII antisera cross-reacted weakly with GI rVP1 but did not cross-react with GV rVP1; and GV antisera reacted only with GV rVP1. Also, hyperimmune rabbit and guinea pig antisera raised against purified GI VLPs were used to examine the cross-reactivities among GI, GII, and GV VLPs by an antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA showed that the GI VLPs were antigenically distinct from GII and GV VLPs.

Changes in coagulation condition, cytokine, adhesion molecule after repair of type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Because residual dissection often exists even after the repair of a type A dissection, we evaluated coagulation conditions, cytokine levels, and adhesion molecule levels in mid-term follow up after repair of type A dissections.

METHODS

Thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), D-dimer, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, and type III procollagen peptide (PIIIP) were measured in 12 patients (mean age=63 years) following the repair of a type A aortic dissection at 6-82 months after repair (median=33 months).

RESULTS

In the chronic phase, TAT and D-dimer were significantly higher in patients following the repair of a type A dissection compared to healthy controls (TAT; 12+/-8 vs. 2.5+/-1.2 ng/ml, P = 0.0001, D-dimer; 779+/-1384 vs. 104+/-46 U/ml, P = 0.0001). Cytokine was significantly higher in the affected patients (sIL-2R; 556+/-205 vs. 398+/-132 U/ml, P = 0.003, sICAM-1; 255+/-131 vs. 211+/-48 ng/ml, P = 0.136). Collagen turnover (PIIIP) showed a significantly higher value in the affected patients (0.80+/-0.32, vs. 0.58+/-0.13 U/ml, P = 0.002). sIL-2R, sICAM-1 and PIIIP showed a negative correlation with the follow-up period (sIL-2R; r = -0.733, P = 0.0067, sICAM-1; r = -0.61, P = 0.035, PIIIP; r = -0.692, P = 0.0126). We found a positive correlation between aortic size and TAT (r = 0.644, P = 0.0238, n = 12) as well as with D-dimer (r = -0.7831, P = 0.0106, n = 12) and TAT showed significantly higher values in the residual dissection group compared to those without residual dissection (16.6+/-7.9 vs. 7.45+/-4.75 ng/ml, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Hypercoagulation conditions continued even after repair. Both TAT and D-dimer would be good indices for following up patients having repaired aortic dissections. Furthermore, cytokine, adhesion molecules, and collagen turnover would return to a stable state unless impairment and expansion of the vessel wall occurred.

Hyper-production of an isomalto-dextranase of an Arthrobacter sp. by a proteases-deficient Bacillus subtilis: sequencing, properties, and crystallization of the recombinant enzyme

Arthrobacter globiformis T6 is unique in that it produces an enzyme yielding only isomaltose from dextran. In the present study, the organism was re-identified and its classification as a new species of the genus Arthrobacter, A. dextranlyticum, was proposed. The high G+C gene (66.8 mol%) for the isomalto-dextranase was sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence, with a calculated molecular mass of 65,993 Da (603 amino acids), was confirmed by nanoscale capillary liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, which covered 71.1% of the amino acid residues of the entire sequence. The enzyme was grouped into glycoside hydrolase family 27, and the C-terminal domain has homology to carbohydrate-binding module family 6. Hyper-exoproduction of the recombinant enzyme was achieved at a level corresponding to approximately 4.6 g l(-1) of culture broth when proteases-deficient Bacillus subtilis cells were used as the host. The purified enzyme (65.5 kDa) had an optimal pH and temperature for activity of 3.5 and 60 degrees C, respectively. It was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion method at 293 K.

High gene expression of the mutant adenovirus vector, both in vitro and in vivo, with the insertion of integrin-targeting peptide into the fiber

In the present study, a first-generation adenovirus (Ad) vector was modified with the RGD peptide inserted into the fiber. The insertion of an integrin-targeting sequence into the Ad vector notably enhanced the luciferase expression in the Coxsackie virus and Adenovirus Receptor-deficient A2058 and B16BL6 melanoma cells. The results of an in vivo study with tumor-bearing mice also showed that Ad-RGD-Luc had enhanced gene expression in many organs and in the B16BL6 tumor compared to that induced by a conventional Ad vector after intravenous injection.

Detection of norovirus and sapovirus infection among children with gastroenteritis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This report describes norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SaV) infections in hospitalized children with acute sporadic gastroenteritis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Stool specimens collected between December 1999 and November 2000 were examined for NoV and SaV using reverse transcription-PCR and phylogenetic analysis. NoVs were detected in 72 of 448 rotavirus-negative specimens, counted as part of an overall annual detection rate of 5.4% (72 of 1,339 children). This included four NoV genogroup I (GI) strains and 68 NoV GII strains. Only one SaV GI strain was detected in the rotavirus-negative specimens. Over 73% of the NoV sequences belonged to GII/4 (Lordsdale cluster) and were detected in all months except March. We also detected GII/3 strains (Saitama U201 cluster), a naturally occurring recombinant NoV, between January 2000 and March 2000 but not after this period. Other NoV strains belonging to GI/4, GI/8, GII/1, and GII/7 were also detected but were infrequent. In addition, two almost identical NoV GII strains (strains 026 and 0703) collected six months apart were classified into a new genotype that includes the Mc37 strain, which was previously shown to be a recombinant NoV. During this one-year study, the NoV prevailed at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Further epidemiological studies may be necessary to determine whether the GII/4 strains continue to dominant in this region.

Tumor-suppressive activities by chemokines introduced into OV-HM cells using fiber-mutant adenovirus vectors

In this study, fiber-mutant adenovirus vectors encoding chemokines, Ad-RGD-mCCL17, Ad-RGD-mCCL21 and Ad-RGD-mCCL22 were constructed. The insertion of integrin-targeting RGD sequence into fiber knob of adenovirus vectors notably enhanced the infection efficiency into tumor cells. Among three chemokine-encoding vectors evaluated, Ad-RGD-mCCL22 showed significant tumor-suppressive activity via transduction into OV-HM cells.