Establishment and characterization of human fetal liver epithelial cell line transfected with SV40 T antigen

The aim of the present study was to establish a stable cell line useful for the study of growth and differentiation of human fetal liver cells. We have established an immortalized human fetal liver cell line (designated NFL/T) by transfection with simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen, without any culture crisis. The cells showed growth properties similar to normal cells, including density-dependent cell growth. Electron microscopy demonstrated liver-specific differentiated morphological properties. Moreover, positive albumin and cytokeratin 7 production was detected immunologically. Thus, the NFL/T cell line is less transformed than the other fetal liver cell lines established by this method, and might be useful to study the growth and differentiation of human fetal liver cells.

Absence of human T-lymphotropic retrovirus type-1 (HTLV-1) in different populations of Mongolia

The prevalence of human T-lymphotropic retrovirus type-1 (HTLV-1) was surveyed in Mongolia. A total of 1100 blood samples from different ethnic groups of the Mongolian population were examined for the presence of antibodies to HTLV-1 by serological tests using particle agglutination and immunofluorescence. All sera tested proved negative and Mongolian populations are therefore considered to be free from HTLV-1 infection.

Immunohistochemical detection of c-myc products in colorectal cancer and proliferative cell rate

Expression of c-myc protein was studied immunohistochemically in colorectal cancers using a monoclonal antibody, MYC-1. Immunoblotting assays with cellular lysates demonstrated a band of the gene products at the level of 60 kDa. c-myc-protein-positive tumor cells were observed in 43 (43.4%) of 99 specimens of colorectal cancers. There was no significant correlation between the incidence of MYC-1-positive tumors and clinicopathological findings. The rate of MYC-1 proteins occurring in patients with liver metastasis was significantly higher than that in patients without the metastasis. The rate of occurrence of DNA polymerase-alpha-positive cells in MYC-1 protein-positive tumors was significantly higher than in MYC-1 negative ones. The results suggested that MYC-1 immunoreactivity might possibly be a useful prognostic marker of colorectal cancers.

Structural study of aldose reductase inhibitors. Ten oxazolecarbamate derivatives

(1) Benzyl 4-isopropyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolecarbamate, C20H20N2O3, Mr = 336.39, P1, a = 19.469 (7), b = 11.270 (3), c = 8.667 (3) A, alpha = 95.48 (3), beta = 99.61 (3), gamma = 104.96 (3) degrees, V = 1792 (1) A3, Z = 4, Dm = 1.266 (2), Dx = 1.247 g cm-3, lambda (Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 6.49 cm-1, F(000) = 712, T = 288 K, R = 0.048 for 5244 reflections. (2) Benzyl 4-ethyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolecarbamate, C19H18N2O3, Mr = 322.37, P2(1)/n, a = 9.131 (7), b = 18.81 (1), c = 9.680 (8) A, beta = 101.07 (3) degrees, V = 1631 (2) A3, Z = 4, Dm = 1.310 (2), Dx = 1.313 g cm-3, lambda (Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 6.92 cm-1, F(000) = 680, T = 288 K, R = 0.063 for 2535 reflections. (3) Benzyl 4-methyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolecarbamate, C18H16N2O3, Mr = 308.34, P2(1)/n, a = 9.210 (7), b = 8.785 (6), c = 19.800 (9) A, beta = 99.60 (3) degrees, V = 1580 (2) A3, Z = 4, Dm = 1.299 (3), Dx = 1.300 g cm-3, lambda (Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 6.93 cm-1, F(000) = 648, T = 288 K, R = 0.057 for 2190 reflections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Recognition of nucleic acid base by tryptophan-containing peptides: spectroscopic study on interaction of N-acetylTrp-(Gly)m-Asp-(Gly)n-TrpNHCH3 (m = 0-2, n = 0-2) with guanine base

As part of the designs of tryptophan-containing peptides which possess specific binding ability for each nucleic acid base, a series of N-acetylTrp-(Gly)m-Asp-(Gly)n-TrpNHCH3 (m = 0-2, n = 0-2) were chemically synthesized, and their abilities to form complexes with a guanine base were examined by the fluorescence and 1H-NMR methods. Fluorescence titration suggested the most preferential stacking interaction of the Trp-Gly-Asp-Trp sequence with the base. Analysis of low-field shifts of guanine N2-amino protons showed the hydrogen bond pairing with the Asp carboxyl side chain and its favorable formation for the -Gly-Asp-Trp peptide sequence. On the other hand, the largest up-field shift of guanine H8 proton was observed for Trp-Gly-Asp-Trp peptide, although its shifting degree caused by the stacking interaction with the Trp indole ring was not so significant. Thus, both spectroscopic methods indicated the Trp-Gly-Asp-Trp sequence to be most suitable for the guanine base recognition, which is constituted with the intimate cooperation of the hydrogen bond formation between the Asp carboxyl and guanine NH2 groups and the stacking interaction of the base with two neighboring Trp indole rings. This sequence preference would also be possible in acidic circumstances where the guanine N7 atom is protonated. A tentative interaction model is proposed based on these spectroscopic results.

Video thoracoscopic excision of an intercostal neurilemoma presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor

Thoracoscopic surgery has expanded with advances in endoscopic surgical instrumentation. We report on a 21-year-old woman with a complete thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, which occurred extrapleurally in the ninth intercostal space of the lateral thoracic wall. The tumor was 70 x 40 x 25 mm in size, but a thoracotomy with a rib resection was avoided. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor, may be a safe and useful approach with an improved cosmetic result.

Aggressive pulmonary metastasectomies for synovial sarcoma

A 51-year-old woman underwent a bilateral wedge resection of lung metastases through a median sternotomy 10 months after an initial operation for synovial sarcoma of the left lower extremity. Since then, five right and two left posterolateral thoracotomies have been performed over a 6-year period. The patient is presently doing well 7 years after the initial operation of the left lower extremity without any evidence of recurrence.

Induction of twinning in crossbred heifers by ipsilateral frozen embryo transfer

Induction of twinning by means of nonsurgical ipsilateral transfer of two frozen embryos or of demi-embryos was attempted in 297 virgin crossbred dairy heifers that were kept at the following locations: in stables at our breeding station (Group 1), in a mountain field (Group 2) and at a private farm (Group 3). Of these, 187 heifers (63%) were diagnosed pregnant at 25 d after embryo transfer and 134 heifers (45%) were diagnosed pregnant at 60 d after transfer by ultrasonic echography or by palpation per rectum. At calving, 118 heifers produced 46 sets of twins and 72 single calves, for a total of 164 calves sixteen pregnant heifers aborted fetuses between 2 and 7 mo. The pregnancy rate of Group 1 (39%) was lower than that of Group 2 (48%) or Group 3 (50%). Abortion and mortality rates for Group 3 (8% and 8%, respectively) were significantly lower (P<0.05) than for Group 1 (16% and 12%) or Group 2 (13% and 18%). Twin calves had lower birth weights (P<0.05) than singles, but at 270 to 330 d of age, there was no significant difference between the weights of single and twin calves. Dystocia or difficult delivery was not observed heifers producing twins. Retention of the placenta was observed in twin calving heifers, with placenta retention levels the highest in Group 2 (33%) than followed by Group 1 (14%) and Group 3 (10%). When gestation periods were compared between single and twin calves in Groups 1 and 2, the gestation period of single calves was 5.0 to 7.0 d shorter than that of twin calves. No significant difference was observed between the gestation periods of single and twin births in Group 3.

A phase II study of gefitinib as a first-line therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancers with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations

13014

Background: Activating mutations in exon 18–21 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene have been reported to be a predictor of response to gefitinib. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gefitinib as a first-line therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) with EGFR gene mutations. Methods: The primary endpoint was response rate (RR). Eligiblity criteria were stage IIIB or IV chemotherapy naive NSCLC, ECOG PS of 0–2, adequate organ functions, measurable lesions, and written informed consent. First, we examined EGFR gene mutations in exon 18–21 by direct sequencing of PCR products of DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues. Those who had EGFR gene mutations received gefitinib 250 mg daily. This study, with a sample size of 14, had 90% power to support the hypothesis that true RR was ≥70%, and 5% significance to deny the hypothesis that true RR was ≤30%. Assuming an inevaluality rate ≤15%, we projected an accrual of 16 patients. Results: From Nov. 2004 to Jan. 2006, EGFR gene mutations were analyzed in tumor specimens from 82 patients. Twenty patients (24%) had EGFR gene mutations (16 with deletions in or near E746-A750, 4 with L858R). While there were no significant differences between mutation status and age, sex, histology, or the procedures to obtain tumor specimens, EGFR gene mutations were more frequently observed in never-smokers than in smokers (39% vs. 11%, p<0.01). Sixteen patients (median age, 68; male/female, 3/13; adenocarcinoma/SCC, 15/1; current/former/never smoker, 2/1/13) were enrolled and treated with gefitinib. To date, best response is 2 CR, 7 PR, 1 SD and 1 PD (RR, 82%). Two patients had grade 3 toxicities, including 1 skin eruption and 1 liver dysfunction. One patient had grade 1 interstitial lung disease, leading to the termination of gefitinib treatment. Conclusions: Gefitinib is very active and well tolerated as a first-line therapy for advanced NSCLCs with EGFR gene mutations.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Interaction of mutagenic tryptophan pyrolysate with DNA. CD spectral study on the binding specificity

The interactions of DNA duplexes with 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), a potent mutacarcinogen isolated from tryptophan pyrolysate, have been studied using CD spectroscopy. The results are that (a) the spectral change of B-form DNA caused by the interaction with Trp-P-1 is biphasic, i.e. the enlargement of CD bands characteristic to the B-DNA conformation in the range of r ([Trp-P-1]/ DNA]) = 0-2.5, followed by the rapid transition to the non-B conformation at r > 2.5; (b) this transition degree of B to non-B conformation of DNA is not necessarily dependent on the G-C content; and (c) the salt-induced Z-DNA is transformed to B-DNA (0 < r < 0.1) and then to non-B-DNA (r > 5), depending on the concentration of Trp-P-1 added. These data indicate that the non-covalent interaction of Trp-P-1 with DNA is mainly dependent on the B-DNA conformation.

A Japanese propositus with D-- phenotype characterized by the deletion of both the RHCE gene and D1S80 locus situated in chromosome 1p and the existence of a new CE-D-CE hybrid gene

In a family study of a Japanese propositus with the D-- phenotype, the serological data of her D-- phenotype and those of her parents were discrepant. Gene analysis of the propositus showed a gross deletion of the RHCE gene and a new rearrangement of RHCE to yield the CE-D-CE hybrid. It was demonstrated that the hybrid CE-D-CE gene consisted of exon 1 from the RHCE gene, followed by exons 3 to 7 from the RHD gene and exons 8 to 10 from the RHCE gene. However, whether or not exon 2 of the RHD or the RHCE gene was contained in the CE-D-CE gene remained unclear. Moreover, spacer analysis between both RH genes and the family study suggested that the D-- gene complex from the paternal and maternal sides consisted of only the CE-D-CE hybrid gene and a single RHD gene, respectively. For the purpose of confirming the parent-child relationship, a paternity test using DNA fingerprint and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis at the D1S80 locus were performed. DNA fingerprints with two kinds of DNA minisatellite probes (33.15 and 33.6) confirmed that the parent-child relationship in the D-- propositus was compatible. However, in the present case, at the D1S80 locus, the PCR product derived from the mother was lacking, thereby negating a parent-child relationship. It is probable that the RH genes and D1S80 locus exist in close proximity, because they are situated in chromosomes 1p 34.3-36.1 and 1p 36.1-36.3, respectively. These data suggested that at the stage of gametogenesis, both the RHCE gene and the D1S80 locus from the maternal side may have been deleted, thereby producing the D-- gene complex.

Ultrastructural analysis of the vestibular nerve in Ménière's disease

Numerical analysis of the vestibular nerve in Méniè's disease was performed. Vestibular nerve specimens were obtained from three patients with classical clinical findings of Ménière's disease during retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy. For each patient, an ultrathin section, including an entire cross-section of the nerve specimen, was examined. Fiber counts of nerve specimens with definite pathologic findings were compared with caloric testing results. A significant correlation was found between reduced vestibular response and the incidence of abnormal nerve fibers and also the density of the abnormal nerve fibers. However, the number of nerve fibers with pathologic findings was small. Results of the present study demonstrate no general degeneration of nerve fibers caused by the disease process of Ménière's disease.

The emergency medical system in Japan

In Japan, ambulance service was originated by the Osaka Branch Office of the Japan Red Cross in 1931. In 1933 the fire department organ of Yokohama started ambulance service. It was, however, without any legal requirements. Since the early 1960s, Japan has experienced a rapid development of industry and economy, so that traffic accidents have increased, necessitating a nationwide ambulance service system. In October 1961 the Director-General of the Fire Defense Agency organized the Fire Defense Council to study the problem of ambulance service. In response, the Fire Defense Act was amended in 1963, assigning ambulance service responsibilities to Fire Defense organs. During 1982 total ambulance runs numbered 2,125,447, and the total number of transported persons was 2,049,487. Response time is excellent in Japan. More than 50% of persons who called an ambulance could get help within five minutes. First-aid management was given to 56% of total transported persons. Of these, temperature regulation was most often administered, followed by oxygen inhalation, dressing, and hemostasis. Currently, 2,965 (91.1%) municipalities provide ambulance services to 98.3% of the population. The Japanese emergency medical system has serious problems, however, such as an inadequate number of general hospitals and a flood of nonemergent patients. To alleviate such problems, the Ministry of Health and Welfare developed the critical emergency transfer system in 1977.

Recognition of a nucleic acid base by tryptophan-containing peptides: spectroscopic comparison of the interaction of Trp-Gly-Gly-Glu and Trp-Gly-Gly-Gln with 7-methylguanine base

As a part of a study to elucidate the functional difference between Glu and Gln side-chains in terms of the recognition of guanine base by tryptophan-containing peptides via cooperative stacking and hydrogen-bond pairing interactions, the binding of 7-methylguanine to Trp-Gly-Gly-Glu and Trp-Gly-Gly-Gln was examined by fluorescence and 1H-NMR methods. Comparison of fluorescence experiments showed a binding preference for Trp-Gly-Gly-Glu over Trp-Gly-Gly-Gln. The analyses of the downfield and upfield shifts of the C2 amino and N7 methyl protons of 7-methylguanine base showed there was hydrogen-bond pairing of Glu and Gln side chains with the base and a stacking interaction of the Trp residue with the base, respectively. However, the hydrogen-bond pairing was more effective in the case of the Glu residue than the Gln residue, indicating the preference of the carboxyl group over the carbamoyl group to form hydrogen-bond pairing with the guanine base.

Effect of metabolic clearance rate and hepatic extraction of insulin on hepatic and peripheral contributions to hypoglycemia

Effects of alterations in metabolic clearance rates, hepatic extraction, and plasma concentrations of insulin on hepatic and peripheral contribution to hypoglycemia and glucose counterregulation were studied in conscious dogs. Since insulin and sulfated insulin had markedly different metabolic clearance rates (34 +/- 1 vs. 16 +/- 1 ml/kg per min, respectively) and fractional hepatic extraction (42 +/- 1% vs. 15 +/- 2%, respectively), biologically equivalent amounts infused intraportally produced twofold higher hepatic vein and artery sulphated insulin concentrations and concentrations that were 30% higher in the portal vein. This significantly larger arterial/portal concentration ratio (0.67 vs. 0.45, respectively) permitted assessment of differential distribution of insulin on glucose turnover using [3-3H]glucose. Insulin and sulfated insulin (1 and 2 mU/kg per min) caused similar hypoglycemia. While insulin transiently suppressed glucose production and increased glucose disappearance, sulfated insulin had significantly greater effects on glucose disappearance and clearance, without suppression of glucose production. Despite similar hypoglycemia, sulfated insulin caused greater increment in glucagon. 3 mU/kg per min insulin caused more rapid and greater hypoglycemia, greater glucose clearance, and greater glucagon increments without suppression of glucose production, which indicates that with larger doses of insulin counterregulation can absolutely mask the suppressive effect of insulin. The effects of insulin and sulfated insulin were evaluated using euglycemic clamp to eliminate interference from stimulated counterregulation. Sequential infusion of 1 and 2 mU/kg per min of both insulins suppressed endogenous glucose production to 0 at 150 min, which indicates that the apparent lack of a hepatic effect of sulfated insulin during hypoglycemia was masked by greater counterregulation. This greater counterregulation may reflect greater peripheral glucose clearance, and prevented greater hypoglycemia than after the same insulin doses. The results indicate that the different rates of removal and the total metabolic clearance rate caused different concentrations and relative distribution between the portal and arterial blood compartments, leading to the significantly different contributions by the liver and peripheral tissues to the same hypoglycemia.

Early squamous lung cancer and longer survival rates

The criteria for early squamous lung cancer remain open to discussion as patients who have been treated for early stage lung cancer, such as T1N0M0, and appear to have been cured clinically may die from recurrent or metastatic tumors. We reviewed the pathological data on 242 surgical patients with squamous lung cancer and found 31 cases (13%) of early lung cancer, included were early lung cancer of the hilar type as a lesion restricted to the bronchial wall without lymph node involvement, and early lung cancer of the peripheral type as a lesion of less than 2 cm and surrounded by visceral pleura but without lymph node involvement. Of 89 patients with hilar-type squamous lung cancer, 17 (19%) had early lung cancer, and 14 (9%) of 153 patients with peripheral-type squamous lung cancer had early lung cancer (p < 0.05). For early lung cancer of the hilar type, all but 1 (94%) were detected using sputum cytologic study and bronchoscopy. For early lung cancer of the peripheral type, all were detected on chest X-ray, but 57% were cytologically proven to be malignant. The 5-year survival rate for patients with early lung cancer, according to this new criteria is 90%; 92% for the hilar type and 88% for the peripheral type. Thus, classification of early squamous lung cancer is pertinent for determining the prognosis and selection of treatment. We emphasize that efforts be made to detect early lung cancer.

Selective cleavage and modification of the intersubunit disulfide bonds of bovine dopamine beta-monooxygenase: conversion of tetramer to active dimer

Bovine dopamine beta-monooxygenase is a tetramer consisting of two disulfide-linked dimers. To examine the role(s) of the intersubunit disulfide bonds in the protein structure and activity, the enzyme was treated with DTT at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C under nondenaturing conditions. A 15-min incubation with 0.5 mM DTT selectively cleaved half of the intersubunit disulfide bonds. The cleavage did not affect the activity or tetrameric structure of the enzyme. Upon chemical modification of the reduced cysteine residues with 0.1 M iodoacetamide (IAA) for 60 min, half of the tetramer was converted to a dimeric species. The resulting dimeric and tetrameric species exhibited similar kinetic properties, and the Vmax values were decreased by 30% compared to that of the native enzyme. Upon treatment with IAA alone, no dimer species was detected but the enzyme lost 30% of the original activity. Cys514 and Cys516 were selectively modified by the treatment with DTT and IAA. From these results, we concluded that: (i) chemical modification of the intermolecular disulfide bonds strongly destabilizes the intersubunit interaction; (ii) breakage of the intersubunit interaction does not affect the activity. The reduction mechanism of the intersubunit disulfide bonds and the roles of the intersubunit interactions are discussed.