Synthesis of high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes by catalytic decomposition of C2H2

High-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes free of defects and amorphous carbon coating have been produced by catalytic decomposition of C2H2 over Fe-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst.

Attenuation of MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and behavioural impairment in NSE-XIAP transgenic mice

X-linked IAP protein is a potent inhibitor of cell death. Here, we describe a novel transgenic mouse in which the human XIAP gene is expressed under the control of the neuron-specific enolase promoter (NSE-xiap). We demonstrate that nigrostriatal dopamine neurons of NSE-xiap mice were resistant to the damaging effects of the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP. MPTP-induced reduction of striatal dopamine metabolism was also attenuated in NSE-xiap mice. Furthermore, NSE-xiap mice treated with MPTP did not exhibit deficits in exploratory behaviour in an open-field test. Taken together, these findings suggest that strategies to enhance neuronal expression of XIAP may provide therapeutic benefit for the treatment of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Effects of polycationic peptides on mucin release from airway goblet cells: relationship between polymer size and activity

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN

Various sizes of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and poly-L-arginine (PLA) were tested for their possible effects on airway goblet cell mucin release using primary hamster tracheal surface epithelial (HTSE) cells in an attempt to identify the smallest size of the polycationic peptide to suppress mucin release without cytotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HTSE cells were metabolically labeled using 3H-glucosamine and chased in the presence of varying concentrations of various sizes of the polycationic peptides. The amount of 3H-mucin in the spent media was measured by Sepharose CL-4B gel-filtration column chromatography. Possible cytotoxicity of the peptides was assessed by measuring the release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) during the treatment period.

RESULTS

(1) PLL (MW 78,000) inhibited whereas PLA (MW 92,000) stimulated mucin release. However, these peptides were cytotoxic at the effective concentrations; (2) Both PLL (MW 9,600) and PLA (MW 8,900) could inhibit mucin release in a dose dependent manner without cytotoxicity; (3) Both PLL and PLA were effective in suppressing mucin release in 20-mer but not in either 10-mer or 5-mer; (4) 14-mers of both PLL and PLA also inhibited mucin release without cytotoxicity; (5) PLL and poly-D-lysine (PDL) of 14-mer were equipotent in its ability to suppress mucin release.

CONCLUSION

Both PLL and PLA are cytotoxic at 'high' molecular weights, but have an ability to suppress mucin release without cytotoxicity at 'low' molecular weights. 14-mer seems to be the small, effective size, if not the smallest, for both PLL and PLA to suppress mucin release without cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect of these polycationic peptides seems to be determined by the presence and the absolute number of positive charges and also to be independent of optical isomerism.

Single nucleotide polymorphism identification in candidate gene systems of obesity

We have constructed a large panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) identified in 68 candidate genes for obesity. Our panel combines novel SNP identification methods based on EST data, with public SNP data from largescale genomic sequencing, to produce a total of 218 SNPs in the coding regions of obesity candidate genes, 178 SNPs in untranslated regions, and over 1000 intronic SNPs. These include new non-conservative amino acid changes in thyroid receptor beta, esterase D, acid phosphatase 1. Our data show evidence of negative selection among these polymorphisms implying functional impacts of the non-conservative mutations. Comparison of overlap between SNPs identified independently from EST data vs genomic sequencing indicate that together they may constitute about one half of the actual total number of amino acid polymorphisms in these genes that are common in the human population (defined here as a population allele frequency above 5%). We have analyzed our polymorphism panel to construct a database of detailed information about their location in the gene structure and effect on protein coding, available on the web at http://www.bioinformat ics.ucla.edu/snp/obesity. We believe this panel can serve as a valuable new resource for genetic and pharmacogenomic studies of the causes of obesity.

Tissue engineered tracheal prosthesis with acceleratedly cultured homologous chondrocytes as an alternative of tracheal reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Autologous tissue is an ideal substitue for an extensive tracheal reconstruction, but it is rarely feasible in clinical situations. Many tracheal prosthesis had been used for such an instances, but unfortunately it is still problematic. Dislocation, local infection, hemorrage, and luminal stenosis can cause prosthetic failure. To achieve clinically available autologous tracheal prosthesis, it is necessary that we have to get phenotypically functioning chondrocytes, rapid differentiation of harvested autologous chondrocytes, and the survival of free grafted cultured chondrocytes.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated isolation and culture method of the chondrocytes using the rabbit costal cartilage, and the cells were characterized microscopically and biochemically first. Then we have used cultured rabbit chondrocytes to investigate the role of growth factors upon the proliferation and regulation of the cultured chondrocytes. We have examined the effect of peptide growth factors on DNA and proteoglycan synthesis to the rabbit chondrocyte. The effects of IGF-I and basic FGF were investigated individually. Secondly, acceleratedly cultured chondrocytes were embeded to polymer (PLGA) scaffold in bioreactor, and implanted to defected rabbit trachea. Six weeks later, the rabbits were sacrificed and examined their histologic characteristics.

RESULTS

The harvested chondrocytes from costal arch grew well and were amplified successfully maitaining their own phenotypes. Its embedding to PLGA scaffold was accomplished successfully. The implanted tracheal prosthesis maintains its physical integrity well, but the histologic examination revealed non-viable chondrocytes. The epithelial linings were good.

CONCLUSIONS

The tissue engineered tracheal prosthesis can be a promising alternative of good functional air way tube in short term experiment, but biologically not vital yet. Further investigations are necessary to see the survival of free grafted chondrocytes and the long term results.

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of Gastrodia elata Bl. in kainic acid-treated rats

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) is a traditional Chinese herb that is commonly used in Chinese communities to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anticonvulsive and free radical activities of GE in rats. In vitro studies were conducted by using brain tissue from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats treated with 120 microg/ml of kainic acid (KA), with or without the addition of various concentrations of GE. In vivo studies were conducted in a total of 30 male SD rats divided into 5 groups of 6 rats which were treated as follows: 1) the normal group received an intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of PBS (Phosphate buffer saline, 1 ml/kg); 2) the control group received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) the GE 1.0 group received oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 4) the GE 0.5 group received oral administration of GE 0.5 g/kg 30 min prior to KA administration; 5) the PH group received oral administration of phenytoin 20 mg/kg 30 min prior to KA administration. Seizures were verified by behavioral observations, electroencephalograph (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). Lipid peroxide levels in the rat brain, luminol chemiluminescence (CL) and lucigenin-CL in the peripheral blood were measured simultaneously after behavioral observations. The results indicate that GE administration significantly reduced KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro. Oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg and phenytoin 20 mg/kg significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WDS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats. In addition, oral administration of GE 1.0 g/kg significantly delayed the onset of WDS, from 30 min in the control group to 46 min in the 0.5 g/kg group, and 63 min in the GE 1.0 g/kg group. A significantly reduced level of lipid peroxides in the rat brain was found in the GE 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, and phenytoin 20 mg/kg groups. The GE 1.0 g/kg group showed significant reduction of luminol-CL and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral blood compared to the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate that GE has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical effectiveness of GE as an anticonvulsant in humans.

Primary tubercolous osteomyelitis of the sternum

We present an 82-year-old woman with anterior sternal pain diagnosed as primary mycobacterial osteomyelitis of the sternum. She was treated with simultaneous wide resection and reconstruction of the chest wall. On admission, computed tomographic scan showed a sclerotic sternal mass with soft tissue reaction. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown in initial culture. First-line antituberculous medication and local debridement failed. The successful result was achieved by extensive sternal and chondral resection followed by simultaneous bilateral pectoralis major muscle flap positioning.

Esophagogastrostomy reconstruction after limited proximal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Recent advances in diagnostic techniques have led to the detection of an increasing number of early gastric cancers in the upper third of the stomach. The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate surgical treatment for these cancers.

METHODOLOGY

The clinicopathologic characteristics of 35 patients with early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach who underwent three different types of gastrectomies were reviewed retrospectively from hospital records between January 1992 and August 1999.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing limited proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy reconstruction had shorter operation times and less blood loss than those for patients undergoing total gastrectomy or proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition. No lymph node metastasis was identified in any of these patients. Heartburn due to reflux esophagitis was seen in a few patients of each group, but they were successfully treated by antacids. The extreme reduction in food intake volume was more frequently experienced in patients with total gastrectomy than those with both proximal gastrectomies. When mortality due to other disease was excluded, all patients survived without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

A limited proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy reconstruction decreased surgical risk and realized preservation of maximal function.

Epidemiologic and clinical survey of Behcet's disease in Korea: the first multicenter study

The prevalence of Behcet's disease is the highest in the East Asian and the Mediterranean countries. Behcet's disease is also distributed in the Asian countries, but the nationwide survey has not been performed in Korea yet. The Korean Study Group for Behcet's Disease, founded in 1999, conducted a multicenter, retrospective survey on epidemiologic and clinical features of the patients with Behcet's disease from 20 hospitals around the nation from 1997 to 1999. Of 3,497 patients, 1,527 were classified into complete or incomplete type of Behcet's disease according to the revised Shimizu's classification. The sex ratio was 1:1.75 with the female predominance. Geographical distribution showed the highest frequency in Seoul (38.5%). Clinically, 98.8% had oral ulcers, 83.2% had genital ulcers, 84.3% had skin lesions and 50.9% had ocular lesions. As for the minor clinical manifestations, articular symptoms were the most frequent. The pathergy test showed positive in 15.4% of patients and revealed a higher positive rate in males (20.2%) than in females (12.7%). In conclusion, we performed the first multicenter study on Behcet's disease in Korea and revealed the female predominance, higher frequency of ocular lesions, and lower positivity of pathergy test in the patients.

Risk of betel chewing for oesophageal cancer in Taiwan

Among 104 cases of squamous-cell oesophageal carcinoma patients and 277 controls in Taiwan, after adjusting for cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and other confounders, we found that subjects who chewed from 1 to 495 betel-year and more than 495 betel-years (about 20 betel quid per day for 20 years) had 3.6-fold (95% Cl = 1.3-10.1) and 9.2-fold risk (95% Cl = 1.8-46.7), respectively, of developing oesophageal cancer, compared to those who did not chew betel.

Allosteric interaction between the amino terminal domain and the ligand binding domain of NR2A

Fast desensitization is an important regulatory mechanism of neuronal NMDA receptor function. Only recombinant NMDA receptors composed of NR1/NR2A exhibit a fast component of desensitization similar to neuronal NMDA receptors. Here we report that the fast desensitization of NR1/NR2A receptors is caused by ambient zinc, and that a positive allosteric interaction occurs between the extracellular zinc-binding site located in the amino terminal domain and the glutamate-binding domain of NR2A. The relaxation of macroscopic currents reflects a shift to a new equilibrium due to increased zinc affinity after binding of glutamate. We also show a similar interaction between the ifenprodil binding site and the glutamate binding site of NR1/NR2B receptors. These data raise the possibility that there is an allosteric interaction between the amino terminal domain and the ligand-binding domain of other glutamate receptors. Our findings may provide insight into how zinc and other extracellular modulators regulate NMDA receptor function.

Sox8 gene expression identifies immature glial cells in developing cerebellum and cerebellar tumours

Sox8 is a member of the E subgroup of Sox genes, the other members of which are Sox9 and Sox10, both of which are implicated in specific human disorders. Recently, Sox8 homologues have been cloned in chick, mouse and human and have been shown to be strongly expressed in the embryonic and adult brain. Nevertheless, the cell types that express Sox8 have not been determined. We show here that Sox8 is expressed in immature glia in the developing cerebellum. Sox8 is also expressed in scattered cells in the cerebellar tumour, medulloblastoma. This gene therefore provides an early glial marker that may provide more detailed insight into the cellular makeup and consequent behaviour of medulloblastomas.

Amphetamine distorts stimulation-dependent dopamine overflow: effects on D2 autoreceptors, transporters, and synaptic vesicle stores

Amphetamine (AMPH) is known to raise extracellular dopamine (DA) levels by inducing stimulation-independent DA efflux via reverse transport through the DA transporter and by inhibiting DA re-uptake. In contrast, recent studies indicate that AMPH decreases stimulation-dependent vesicular DA release. One candidate mechanism for this effect is the AMPH-mediated redistribution of DA from vesicles to the cytosol. In addition, the inhibition of stimulation-dependent release may occur because of D2 autoreceptor activation by DA that is released via reverse transport. We used the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride and mice lacking the D2 receptor to address this issue. To evaluate carefully AMPH effects on release and uptake, we recorded stimulated DA overflow in striatal slices by using continuous amperometry and cyclic voltammetry. Recordings were fit by a random walk simulation of DA diffusion, including uptake with Michaelis-Menten kinetics, that provided estimates of DA concentration and uptake parameters. AMPH (10 microm) promoted the overflow of synaptically released DA by decreasing the apparent affinity for DA uptake (K(m) increase from 0.8 to 32 microm). The amount of DA released per pulse, however, was decreased by 82%. This release inhibition was prevented partly by superfusion with sulpiride (47% inhibition) and was reduced in D2 mutant mice (23% inhibition). When D2 autoreceptor activation was minimal, the combined effects of AMPH on DA release and uptake resulted in an enhanced overflow of exocytically released DA. Such enhancement of stimulation-dependent DA overflow may occur under conditions of low D2 receptor activity or expression, for example as a result of AMPH sensitization.

Osteogenic evaluation of glutaraldehyde crosslinked gelatin composite with fetal rat calvarial culture model

The cytotoxicity of the synthetic bone substitute composed of tricalcium phosphate and glutaraldehyde crosslinked gelatin (GTG) were evaluated by osteoblast cell culture. In a previous study, the GTG composites were soaked in distilled water for 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days, and then the solutions (or extracts) were cocultured with osteoblasts to evaluate the cytotoxicity of GTG composites by alive cell counting. In this study, the extracts were cocultured with the osteoblasts; thereafter, the concentration of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the medium was analyzed to strictly reflect the biological effects of GTG composites on the growth of osteoblasts. In order to investigate the osteoconductive potential of the GTG composites on new bone formation in a relative short term, a model of neonatal rat calvarial organ culture was designed prior to animal experiments. Three experimental materials of 4, 8, and 12% GTG composites were evaluated by fetal rat calvarial organ culture for their ability for bone regeneration. Deproteinized bovine and porcine cancellous bone matrixes were used as the controlled materials. All the organ culture units were maintained in cultured medium for 5 weeks. Following the culture period, the morphology of tissue was observed under an optical microscope, and the quantitative evaluation of the new generation bone was determined by using a semiautomatic histomorphometeric method. Except in the initial 4 days, the concentration of TGF-beta1 of 4% and 8% GTG composites was higher than that of the blank group for all the other experimental time periods. The PGE2 concentration for 4% and 8% GTG composites was lower than that of the blank group. It revealed that the 4% and 8% GTG composites would not lead to inflammation and would promote osteoblast growth. The morphology and activity of the osteoblasts were not transformed or changed by the 2 GTG composites. For the 12% GTG composite, the performance of the in vitro condition was inferior to the blank group and the other 2 GTG composites. Although the concentration of TGF-beta1 and PGE2 was gradually back to normal after 14 days, the morphology of the osteoblasts was abnormal with features such as contracted cytoplast structures. The osteoblast was damaged perhaps in the initial stage. We suggested that the 4% and 8% GTG composites should be soaked in distilled water at least for 4 days before medical applications. The 12% GTG composite and the composites with a concentration of glutaraldehyde solution higher than 12% were not recommended as a medical prostheses in any condition. The fetal rat calvaria culture also showed the same results with the analysis of TGF-beta1 and PGE2. From the study, we could predict the results of animal experiments in the future.

Genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 and risk of the esophageal cancer

A variety of environmental factors were identified to be associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. The variation in capacity of DNA repair might influence environmental chemical-associated carcinogenesis. We hypothesized that the polymorphic XRCC1 genes might modify cancer susceptibility of the esophagus. To investigate the effect of XRCC1 genetic polymorphisms on codons 194, 280 and 399, we evaluated data from 105 patients of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 264 healthy controls, matching with age (+/-3 years), gender and ethnicity. The distribution of the 3 genotypes were not significantly different among patients and controls. However, among alcohol drinkers, the XRCC1399 Arg/Arg genotype was more frequently found in patients with esophageal cancer. After adjustment with other environmental confounders, the OR for the genotype of XRCC1399 Arg/Arg was 2.78 (95% CI =1.15-6.67) as compared with the XRCC1(399) Arg/Gln and XRCC1(399) Gln/Gln genotypes in the alcohol drinkers. Similar trends were observed among cigarette smokers and areca chewers. However, they did not reach a statistical significance. Our findings suggest that the polymorphic XRCC1 genes might modify the risk of alcohol-associated esophageal cancers.

Genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 and risk of the esophageal cancer

A variety of environmental factors were identified to be associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. The variation in capacity of DNA repair might influence environmental chemical-associated carcinogenesis. We hypothesized that the polymorphic XRCC1 genes might modify cancer susceptibility of the esophagus. To investigate the effect of XRCC1 genetic polymorphisms on codons 194, 280 and 399, we evaluated data from 105 patients of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 264 healthy controls, matching with age (+/-3 years), gender and ethnicity. The distribution of the 3 genotypes were not significantly different among patients and controls. However, among alcohol drinkers, the XRCC1399 Arg/Arg genotype was more frequently found in patients with esophageal cancer. After adjustment with other environmental confounders, the OR for the genotype of XRCC1399 Arg/Arg was 2.78 (95% CI =1.15-6.67) as compared with the XRCC1(399) Arg/Gln and XRCC1(399) Gln/Gln genotypes in the alcohol drinkers. Similar trends were observed among cigarette smokers and areca chewers. However, they did not reach a statistical significance. Our findings suggest that the polymorphic XRCC1 genes might modify the risk of alcohol-associated esophageal cancers.

NAIP protects the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway in an intrastriatal 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the basal ganglia, associated with the inappropriate death of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Here, we show that adenovirally mediated expression of neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein (NAIP) ameliorates the loss of nigrostriatal function following intrastriatal 6-OHDA administration by attenuating the death of dopamine neurons and dopaminergic fibres in the striatum. In addition, we also addressed the role of the cysteine protease caspase-3 activity in this adult 6-OHDA model, because a role for caspases has been implicated in the loss of dopamine neurons in PD, and because NAIP is also a reputed inhibitor of caspase-3. Although caspase-3-like proteolysis was induced in the SNc dopamine neurons of juvenile rats lesioned with 6-OHDA and in adult rats following axotomy of the medial forebrain bundle, caspase-3 is not induced in the dopamine neurons of adult 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. Taken together, these results suggest that therapeutic strategies based on NAIP may have potential value for the treatment of PD.

Kainate receptors expressed by a subpopulation of developing nociceptors rapidly switch from high to low Ca2+ permeability

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons first express kainate receptor subunits, predominantly GluR5, during embryonic development. In the DRG and throughout the nervous system, substantial editing of GluR5 mRNA occurs with developmental maturation (Bernard et al., 1999). The accompanying change in Ca(2+) permeability of functional kainate receptors that is the predicted outcome of this developmental regulation of mRNA editing has not been investigated. Here we report that kainate receptors on DRG neurons from late embryonic and newborn rats are predominantly Ca(2+) permeable but then become fully Ca(2+) impermeable later in the first postnatal week. Using multiple markers for nociceptor subpopulations, we show that this switch in Ca(2+) permeability is not caused by the appearance of a new subpopulation of nociceptors with different receptor properties. Instead, the change in Ca(2+) permeability matches the time course of post-transcriptional RNA editing of GluR5 at the Q/R site within the pore of the channel, indicating that the change is probably caused by developmentally regulated RNA editing. We also report that, on the basis of the strong correlation of receptor expression with expression of the surface markers LA4, isolectin B4, and LD2, kainate receptors are present on C-fiber-type neurons projecting to lamina II of spinal cord dorsal horn. These results raise the possibility that kainate receptors in their Ca(2+)-permeable form serve a developmental role in synapse formation between this population of C-fibers and their targets in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Thereafter, the receptors may serve a new function that does not require Ca(2+) permeability.

Lipopolysaccharide inhibits induction of long-term potentiation and depression in the rat hippocampal CA1 area

We examined the effects of lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial endotoxin, on synaptic plasticity in the rat hippocampal CA1 area in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide suppressed the induction of long-term potentiation elicited by tetanic stimulation and long-term depression, elicited by low-frequency stimulation of Schaffer collateral-commissural fibres at 10 and 50 microg/ml, respectively. Lipid A (1 microg/ml), the biologically active component of lipopolysaccharide, mimicked the effects of 10 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide on long-term potentiation and depression. Nifedipine, an L-type voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel antagonist, did not influence the induction of long-term potentiation and depression, whereas a high concentration of extracellular calcium enabled long-term potentiation induction in the presence of 10 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide. The NMDA receptor antagonist D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV, 50 microM), nifedipine (10 microM) or lipopolysaccharide (10 or 50 microg/ml) partially reduced the magnitude of tetraethylammonium-induced long-term potentiation. Nifedipine combined with lipopolysaccharide completely blocked tetraethylammonium-induced long-term potentiation. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings showed that lipopolysaccharide suppressed NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Our results indicate that lipopolysaccharide acutely modifies synaptic plasticity by blocking Ca(2+) entry through NMDA receptors, suggesting a possible mechanism for the amnesic action of bacterial infection.

Hypoxia delays the intracellular Ca2+ clearance by Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in human adult cardiac myocytes

Transient myocardial ischemia during cardiac surgery causes a loss of energy sources, contractile depression, and accumulation of metabolites and H+ ion resulting in intracellular acidosis. The reperfusion following ischemic cardioplegia recovers intracellular pH, activates Na+-H+ exchange and Na+-Ca2+ exchange transports and consequently produces Ca2+ overload, which yields cell death. Among the various Ca2+ entry pathways, the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is known to play one of the major roles during the ischemia/reperfusion of cardioplegia. Consequently, information on the changes in intracellular Ca2+ activities of human cardiac myocytes via the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is imperative despite previous measurements of Ca2+ current of human single myocytes. In this study, human single myocytes were isolated from the cardiac tissues obtained during open-heart surgery and intracellular Ca2+ activity was measured with cellular imaging techniques employing fluorescent dyes. We report that the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger of adult cardiac myocytes is more susceptible to hypoxic insult than that of young patients.