Activation of the alternative complement pathway by Agaricus blazei Murill

Components of Agaricus blazei Murill have been demonstrated to have a wide range of immunopotentiating activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. blazei Murill upon activation of the complement system in human serum in vitro. Additional studies were performed to determine the cytotoxic effect of complement-opsonized particles of A. blazei Murill against human tumor cells in culture. A fine particle of A. blazei Murill (ABP), prepared by mechanical disruption, was used throughout the experiments. ABP activated the human complement system via the alternative pathway in human serum. Activation of the alternative pathway was both time- and dose-dependent. When the particles from fruiting bodies of A. blazei Murill (ABP-F) were reacted with human serum, the formation of complement-opsonized ABP, iC3b-ABP-F complexes, and binding of the complexes to human peripheral blood monocytes, were demonstrated in vitro by immunofluorescence. Further, the resident human peripheral nucleated cells incubated in the presence of iC3b-ABP-F complexes inhibited the proliferation of human tumor cell line TPC-1 in vitro.

Sp1 is a key regulator of the PDGF beta-receptor transcription

The mouse PDGF beta-receptor promoter is tightly controlled by NF-Y that binds to a CCAAT box located upstream of the initiation site [1, 2]. In this report, we show that Sp1 plays an essential role in the PDGF beta-receptor transcription. Within the upstream GC rich area there are two Sp1 binding sites located in close proximity to the CCAAT box. Deletion of the GC rich region resulted in a 50% decrease of the transcriptional activity of the promoter, and a complete loss of its responsiveness to over-expression of Sp1. There was an additive effect between NF-Y and Sp I in reporter activity when they were co-transfected together with the promoter-reporter construct. Furthermore, transfection of NF-Y failed to enhance transcriptional activity when the Sp1 binding sites were deleted from the promoter, suggesting an important role for Sp1 in this NF-Y controlled transcription. We have recently reported that c-Myc represses PDGF beta-receptor transcription through its interference with the transactivation activity of NF-Y [3]. In the case of p21(wafl/cip1) transcription, c-Myc was shown to repress its transcription by sequestering Sp1 [4]. However, we could not find any effect of Sp1 in the c-Myc-mediated repression on the PFDGF beta-receptor promoter, since the deletion of SpI binding sites could not attenuate the repression by c-Myc on the promoter activity.

Dependence of pulpal blood-flow responses on baseline blood-flow in the cat

It has been shown earlier that electrical stimulation of the distal cut end of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in the cat evokes three different patterns of pulpal blood-flow (PBF) response in the ipsilateral mandibular canine tooth (a decrease, a biphasic response, or an increase). The response to a given stimulus sometimes changed to another pattern even in one and the same experimental animal during the course of the experiment. It is known that the evoked decrease is due to activation of the sympathetics and that the increase is due to antidromic activation of sensory fibres; but, it is unknown why the response varies so much. It is hypothesised that the baseline blood-flow (BBF) modulates vasomotor responses in the dental pulp. To test this hypothesis, the effects of BBF on PBF responses elicited by the IAN stimulation mentioned above were investigated. Dynamic changes in PBF in cat mandibular canine teeth were elicited by electrical stimulation of the distal cut end of the IAN, at various BBF, with blood-flow monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry. The amplitude of the PBF vasodilator response increased as BBF was adjusted downwards (by cooling the tooth). In contrast, the amplitude of the PBF vasoconstrictor response increased as the BBF rose. Vasodilator responses could be transformed into vasoconstrictor responses, and vice versa, by alterations in the BBF. No systemic blood-pressure changes were elicited throughout the experiment. These results indicate that a consideration of baseline vascular tone is important, whenever the size of PBF responses to various stimuli is discussed or calculated.

[Activities of thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in patients with colorectal cancer]

Between 1998 and 2001, 82 colorectal cancers were resected in our hospital. The activities of TS and DPD were evaluated. TS activities in tumor tissues were significantly higher than in normal tissue, but the DPD activities had no significant difference between them. TS and DPD showed a correlation between normal and tumor tissues in stage III or IV patients. The TS value of patients with recurrence tended to be higher than that of patients with no recurrence. Especially in stage I or II patients with recurrence, who were administered 5-FU before recurrence, the TS value was significantly higher than in non-treated patients. In stage III or IV patients, it was considered that DPD prevention was important for 5-FU to effectively prevent TS. The TS value might be a new prospective risk factor for recurrence. Moreover, TS and DPD would be the index of biological malignancy.

Effects of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent timolol on intra ocular pressure responses induced by stimulation of cervical sympathetic nerve in the cat

We clarified whether the intraocular pressure (IOP) response elicited by stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve (CSN) is influenced by changes in the baseline of IOP level and by beta-adrenergic blockade. The CSN was stimulated electrically for 30 seconds (10 V, 0.1-100 Hz, 2 milliseconds pulse duration) in urethane (100 mg/kg i.v.)-chloralose (50 mg/kg i.v.)-anesthetized, paralyzed cats. The IOP was monitored manometrically, and a controlled saline infusion was delivered into the anterior chamber to gradually increase IOP. CSN stimulation was delivered at the various baseline IOP levels so obtained. When required, a beta-adrenergic blocker timolol (2%) was delivered into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. The normal IOP in our cats was 25+/-3 mmHg. This value decreased transiently on CSN stimulation. The amplitude of this IOP response depended on stimulus frequency and the pre-stimulus baseline IOP level. Topical administration of timolol increased the IOP response to CSN stimulation at a given baseline level. These results suggest that beta-adrenergic blockade increases the alpha-adrenergic mediated-IOP reduction elicited by CSN stimulation at given baseline IOP level.

A formula based on body length for determining the size of an uncuffed endotracheal tube for pediatric cardiac anesthesia

Three hundred and thirty-four pediatric patients less than 4 years old who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease were retrospectively studied to devise a practical formula for predicting the appropriate size for an uncuffed endotracheal tube for pediatric cardiac anesthesia. Furthermore, this formula was compared with that for non-cardiac anesthesia obtained from 409 patients without congenital heart disease. A simple regression equation between tube size and body length resulted in the simple predictive formula: "tube size = 0.04 x body length + 1.6" for pediatric cardiac anesthesia. This formula had the same slope and an approximately 0.3 mm larger intercept on the Y-axis compared with that for pediatric non-cardiac anesthesia. Therefore, a one-size larger endotracheal tube is more suitable for use in pediatric cardiac anesthesia than in pediatric non-cardiac anesthesia for the same body length.

Efficacy of postinfection treatment with anti-Shiga toxin (Stx) 2 humanized monoclonal antibody TMA-15 in mice lethally challenged with Stx-producing Escherichia coli

Infection with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. TMA-15 is a humanized monoclonal antibody against Stx2, a major pathogenic factor. In a mouse infection model that used B2F1, a virulent STEC strain, the efficacy of TMA-15 was assessed when it was administered after bacterial and toxin exposure. In this model, a time-course analysis of the serum Stx2 level showed that the toxin was detectable from 24 h after infection. In an evaluation of the time-dependent efficacy, treatment with TMA-15 up to 24 h after infection ameliorated the lethal challenge, although treatment at 48 h showed no efficacy. To determine the effective dose, escalating doses were administered at 24 h after infection. The number of mice that survived after doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg were 0/20, 11/20, 17/20, 20/20, and 20/20, respectively. These findings suggest that TMA-15 shows potential for prevention of severe complications associated with STEC infection.

Elevated expression of vacuolar proton pump genes and cellular PH in cisplatin resistance

V-ATPases are proton-translocating enzymes, which are found not only in numerous intracellular organelles but also in the plasma membranes of many eukaryotic cells. Using differential display, we have identified one of the proton pump subunit genes, ATP6C, as a cisplatin-inducible gene. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that expression of other members of the subunit is inducible by cisplatin treatment. Proton pump gene expression is also upregulated in 3 independent cisplatin-resistant cell lines but not in vincristine- or etoposide-resistant cell lines. Cellular pH was significantly higher in cisplatin-resistant cells than in sensitive parental cells. In vitro DNA-binding activity of cisplatin was markedly increased in acidic conditions, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of cisplatin is modulated by cellular pH. Furthermore, the proton pump inhibitor bafilomycin can synergistically potentiate the cytotoxicity of cisplatin but not of etoposide or camptothecin. These results indicate that cellular pH is one of the critical parameters for effective cancer chemotherapy with cisplatin.

[A case of mediastinal esophago-bronchogenic cyst associated with high serum level of CA 19-9]

We report a case of mediastinal esophago-bronchogenic cyst in a patient with a high serum level of CA 19-9. A 49-year-old man presented with a complaint of dysphagia. Chest X-ray, CT, and MRI showed posterior mediastinal cystic shadow which was diagnosed preoperatively. The serum level of CA 19-9 was 158 U/ml. We underwent extirpation of the cyst through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and confirmed to be a bronchogenic cyst histologically. The serum level of CA 19-9 returned to normal after the operation.

Right internal jugular vein venography in infants and children

We obtained venograms of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in 105 infants and children with congenital heart disease during cardiac catheterization. No major anomalies were found in the course of the RIJV. The diameter of the RIJV tended to increase with the patient's age, weight, and height. However, some disproportionately small vessels were seen in 8% of the patients. The depth from the skin to the RIJV varied from 2.5 to 20 mm and did not significantly correlate with age, weight, or height. Confirmation of the diameter or the depth of the RIJV by venography may facilitate clinical decisions and may be useful for performing percutaneous cannulation.

IMPLICATIONS

We obtained venograms of the right internal jugular vein in children with congenital heart disease. Generally, the diameter increased with the patient's body size, but disproportionately small vessels were seen in 8% of the patients. Preoperative internal jugular venography may facilitate identifying those patients.

Facial palsy associated with mumps parotitis

Peripheral facial nerve paralysis is relatively common in the pediatric age group. However, facial palsy rarely has been documented in patients with mumps parotitis. This case report describes the findings of a 3-year-old Japanese boy who developed facial palsy immediately after mumps parotitis. This work calls attention to a possible association between mumps parotitis and facial palsy.

Spontaneous labor increases nitric oxide synthesis during the early neonatal period

BACKGROUND

This paper aimed to assess the influence of spontaneous labor upon endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) during transition to extrauterine life.

METHODS

The serum levels of NO metabolites (the sum of nitrites and nitrates (NOx)) and the plasma level of ET-1 were determined in 53 healthy full-term infants (spontaneous labor group; n=40, cesarean delivery group; n=13). In both groups, blood samples were obtained from a cord vein at birth and from a peripheral vein at 5 days of age.

RESULTS

The differences in serum NOx concentrations between the spontaneous labor group and the elective cesarean group were not significant at birth. By the age of 5 days, serum NOx concentrations had risen significantly in the spontaneous labor group to become significantly higher in the elective cesarean group.

CONCLUSION

It is speculated that spontaneous labor might enhance endogenous NO synthesis at 5 days of age.

Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression and genetic aberrations in metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) sometimes causes lymph node metastasis and results in poor prognosis. However, little is known about cytogenetic alterations underlying tumor progression or metastasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic aberrations and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in metastatic SCC of the skin.

METHODS

We undertook comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis of 4 specimens which were obtained from a case of cutaneous SCC, including the primary lesion and 3 lymph nodes of the metastatic lesion.

RESULTS

Only one amplified locus (7p12-13) was detected in any metastatic lymph node, in which the EGFR gene is located. Therefore, we applied immunohistochemistry for EGFR to 5 cases of metastatic SCC including the case analyzed using CGH and 4 other cases (5 primary and 5 metastatic lesions). EGFR was expressed in 4 of 5 cases (both primary and metastatic lesions, including the case analyzed using CGH), and the staining patterns of primary and metastatic lesions were different. The primary tumors were focally weakly positive for immunostaining (+), whereas the 4 metastases were diffusely and strongly positive (+++).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the clone with EGFR expression might selectively metastasize in some cutaneous SCCs. The existence of an EGFR-negative case reveals that EGFR expression is not always required for skin carcinogenesis, but expression of EGFR might confer metastatic potential of cutaneous SCCs.

Current efficacy of postexposure prophylaxis against measles with immunoglobulin

We assessed results after postexposure prophylaxis against measles with immunoglobulin administered intramuscularly. Children were given 0.33 mL/kg of immunoglobulin from commercially available lots containing various titers of measles antibody within 5 days after exposure. In children receiving immunoglobulin with a titer of < or =16 IU/mL, 57% had clinically evident measles. Immunoglobulin preparations with higher measles antibody titers are required.

Mechanism for the transcriptional repression by c-Myc on PDGF (β)-receptor

c-Myc plays a key role in the cell cycle dependent control of the PDGF (β)-receptor mRNA. The mouse platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (β)-receptor promoter contains a CCAAT motif, and NF-Y plays an essential role in its transcription. Coexpression of c-Myc represses PDGF (β)-receptor luciferase reporter activity, and the CCAAT motif in the promoter is indispensable for this repression. Here we show that c-Myc binds NF-Y subunits, YB and YC, by immunoprecipitation from cotransfected COS-1 cells. The in vitro-translated c-Myc also binds the glutathione S-transferase (GST)-NF-YB fusion protein and GST-NF-YC, but not GST-NF-YA. The most C-terminal region of HAP domains of NF-YB and NF-YC, and the Myc homology boxes, but not the C-terminal bHLHZip domain, are indispensable for the coimmunoprecipitation, and also for the repression of PDGF (β)-receptor. c-Myc binds NF-Y complex without affecting the efficiency of NF-Y binding to DNA. However, the expression of Myc represses the transcriptional activation of NF-YC when fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain. Furthermore, this repression was seen only when Myc homology boxes are present, and NF-YC contains the c-Myc binding region.

Interaction with p53 enhances binding of cisplatin-modified DNA by high mobility group 1 protein

A nonhistone chromosomal protein, high mobility group (HMG) 1, is ubiquitous in higher eukaryotic cells and binds preferentially to cisplatin-modified DNA. HMG1 also functions as a coactivator of p53, a tumor suppressor protein. We investigated physical interactions between HMG1 and p53 and the influence of p53 on the ability of HMG1 to recognize damaged DNA. Using immunochemical coprecipitation, we observed binding of HMG1 and p53. Interaction between HMG1 and p53 required the HMG A box of HMG1 and amino acids 363-376 of p53. Cisplatin-modified DNA binding by HMG1 was significantly enhanced by p53. An HMG1-specific antibody that recognized the A box of this protein also stimulated cisplatin-modified DNA binding. These data suggest that an interaction with either p53 or antibody may induce conformational change in the HMG1 A box that optimizes DNA binding by HMG1. Interaction of p53 with HMG1 after DNA damage may promote activation of specific HMG1 binding to damaged DNA in vivo and provide a molecular link between DNA damage and p53-mediated DNA repair.

Y box-binding protein-1 binds preferentially to single-stranded nucleic acids and exhibits 3'-->5' exonuclease activity

We have previously shown that Y box-binding protein-1 (YB-1) binds preferentially to cisplatin-modified Y box sequences. Based on structural and biochemical data, we predicted that this protein binds single-stranded nucleic acids. In the present study we confirmed the prediction and also discovered some unexpected functional features of YB-1. We found that the cold shock domain of the protein is necessary but not sufficient for double-stranded DNA binding while the C-tail domain interacts with both single-stranded DNA and RNA independently of the cold shock domain. In an in vitro translation system the C-tail domain of the protein inhibited translation but the cold shock domain did not. Both in vitro pull-down and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that YB-1 can form a homodimer. Deletion analysis mapped the C-tail domain of the protein as the region of homodimerization. We also characterized an intrinsic 3'-->5' DNA exonuclease activity of the protein. The region between residues 51 and 205 of its 324-amino acid extent is required for full exonuclease activity. Our findings suggest that YB-1 functions in regulating DNA/RNA transactions and that these actions involve different domains.

[Estimation of size of the uncuffed endotracheal tube for pediatric cardiac anesthesia--Cole's formula cannot estimate the appropriate tube size]

We evaluated the validity of Cole's formula (tube size = 0.25 x age + 4) for the estimation of uncuffed endotracheal tube size, and devised new formula with a statistical method on the basis of the ages of 217 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. The sizes of the tubes actually used for these patients were 0.5 mm or larger than those estimated by Cole's formula in 29% of patients with congenital heart disease. Only one patient with cyanotic heart disease required a tube that was more than 0.5 mm smaller than that estimated by Cole's formula. The regression formula representing the relationship between the tube size and age was "tube size = 0.316 x age + 4.135". In conclusion, tube size estimated by Cole's formula tends to be smaller than practically appropriate tube size for pediatric cardiac anesthesia, and therefore we suggest new formula to estimate the tube size.

Preferential loss of 5q14-21 in intestinal-type gastric cancer with DNA aneuploidy

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the genetic changes associated with DNA ploidy in gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to identify recurrent or specific chromosomal regions of DNA sequence copy number aberrations (DSCNAs) that might harbor genes associated with DNA aneuploidy in GC.

METHODS

We analyzed DSCNAs with comparative genomic hybridization and DNA ploidy by laser scanning cytometry in 16 primary intestinal-type GCs.

RESULTS

All GCs examined showed at least one DSCNA (loss or gain); eight were DNA diploid (DD) tumors and eight were DNA aneuploid (DA) tumors. The frequent (>30%) DSCNAs were loss of 5q14-21 and gains of 7p11-14, 8q, 20q, and Xq25-26. Recurrent amplifications (>10%) were detected at chromosomal regions 6p, 7p, and 13q. The overall number of DSCNAs was significantly greater in DA than in DD tumors (P = 0.006). Furthermore, the number of aberrations was clearly greater with 5q loss than without 5q loss (P = 0.002). Losses of 5q14-21, 9p21-pter, 16q, and 18q21-qter were preferentially detected in DA tumors.

CONCLUSION

The present observations indicate that there is a close relationship between DSCNA and DNA ploidy in intestinal-type GC and that gene(s) at 5q14-21, 9p21-pter, 16q, and/or 18q21-qter may play important roles in acquisition of DNA aneuploidy.

The maternal transcript for truncated voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the ascidian embryo: a potential suppressive role in Ca2+ channel expression

Ca2+ entry during electrical activity plays several critical roles in development. However, the mechanisms that regulate Ca2+ influx during early embryogenesis remain unknown. In ascidians, a primitive chordate, development is rapid and blastomeres of the muscle and neuronal lineages are easily identified, providing a simple model for studying the expression of voltage-dependent Ca2) channels (VDCCs) in cell differentiation. Here we isolate an ascidian cDNA, TuCa1, a homologue of the alpha(1)-subunit of L-type class Ca2+ channels. We unexpectedly found another form of Ca2+ channel cDNA (3-domain-type) potentially encoding a truncated type which lacked the first domain and a part of the second domain. An analysis of genomic sequence suggested that 3-domain-type RNA and the full-length type have alternative transcriptional start sites. The temporal pattern of the amount of 3-domain-type RNA was the reverse of that of the full-length type; the 3-domain type was provided maternally and persisted during early embryogenesis, whereas the full-length type was expressed zygotically in neuronal and muscular lineage cells. Switching of the two forms occurred at a critical stage when VDCC currents appeared in neuronal or muscular blastomeres. To examine the functional roles of the 3-domain type, it was coexpressed with the full-length type in Xenopus oocyte. The 3-domain type did not produce a functional VDCC current, whereas it had a remarkable inhibitory effect on the functional expression of the full-length form. In addition, overexpression of the 3-domain type under the control of the muscle-specific actin promoter in ascidian muscle blastomeres led to a significant decrease in endogenous VDCC currents. These findings raise the possibility that the 3-domain type has some regulatory role in tuning current amplitudes of VDCCs during early development.

Transcriptional activation of the human HMG1 gene in cisplatin-resistant human cancer cells

The nonhistone chromosomal protein, high mobility group 1 (HMG1), which is ubiquitously expressed in higher eukaryotic cells, preferentially binds to cisplatin-modified DNA. The observation that HMG1 is overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant human cancer cells suggests that cisplatin resistance may be closely associated with HMG1. To decipher the mechanism of HMG1 overexpression in cisplatin-resistant cells, we isolated two overlapping genomic DNA clones containing the entire human HMG1 gene. These clones, which span approximately 15 kb of contiguous DNA, include 5 kb of the 5' flanking region as well as the entire coding sequence. We sequenced 1500 bp upstream of the first exon. The segment proximal to the transcription initiation site did not contain a TATA box but did possess an activating transcription factor site, an activator protein-2 site, one CCAAT box, and two CCAAT-binding transcription factor/nuclear factor-1 (CTF/NF-1) sites. HMG1 promoter activity was 3-10-fold higher in cisplatin-resistant KB-CP20 cells than in parental KB cells. An in vivo footprint experiment showed several differences of dimethyl sulfate modifications between KB and KB-CP20 cells in the area around the CTF/NF-1 sites. In addition, electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays showed that binding of a nuclear factor from cisplatin-resistant cells to the CTF/NF-1 site was significantly higher than the binding of the same factor from parental cells. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analysis also showed that expression of CTF/NF-1 was 3-20-fold higher in the resistant cell line than in its parental counterpart. These findings suggest that, in cisplatin-resistant cells, the expression of HMG1 gene product is enhanced at the transcriptional level and that this probably occurs through the enhanced expression of the CCAAT binding factor, CTF/NF-1.

Differences in parasympathetic vasodilator and salivary responses in the cat submandibular gland between lingual and chorda-lingual nerve stimulation

Experimental activation of parasympathetic vasodilatation and salivation in the submandibular gland by a "pseudoreflex" method has definite advantages over other commonly used methods. However, it is unclear which stimulation sites allow for avoidance of direct activation of the parasympathetic efferents to this gland. We examined this question in heavily anesthetized (alpha-chloralose and urethane), artificially ventilated, cervically vago-sympathectomized cats, using the intersection of the chorda-lingual nerve and the submandibular gland duct ("the intersection") as our reference point. Both vasodilatation and salivation evoked by electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve were abolished by section of the chorda-lingual nerve (10 mm proximal to the intersection), provided the stimulation site was distal to the intersection by 4 mm or more. This salivation was abolished by the muscarinic receptor antagonist, scopolamine. Thus, by careful choice of stimulation site, submandibular gland responses mediated solely by reflex parasympathetic mechanisms can be evoked by lingual nerve stimulation in this preparation.

Direct interaction of p53 with the Y-box binding protein, YB-1: a mechanism for regulation of human gene expression

The Y-box binding protein, YB-1, belongs to a family of multifunctional proteins which regulate gene expression on both transcriptional and translational levels. The tumor suppressor gene p53 displays growth suppressive properties by regulating gene expression through transcriptional regulation. We now demonstrate that YB-1 directly interacts with p53 using an in vitro pull-down assay. Using immunochemical co-precipitation methods, we also found that the two proteins are bound in vivo. Deletion analysis showed that three independent domains of YB-1, one at the N-terminal and two at the C-terminal, interact with p53. Conversely, a 14 amino acid sequence at the C-terminal of p53 was required for its interaction with YB-1. Gel mobility shift assays showed that the interaction of YB-1 with p53 stimulated the sequence-specific DNA binding of p53 to its consensus sequence. By contrast, this interaction inhibited the binding of YB-1. Using a p53-responsive p21 promoter linked to a reporter gene, it can be shown that antisense expression of YB-1 inhibits the induction of this promoter by p53 in transient transfection assays. These findings delineate a straightforward mechanism for gene expression through p53-YB-1 interaction.

[A case of primary lung cancer complicated with post-operative intractable pulmonary fistula]

The case was a 76-year-old male. After thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy against primary lung cancer with poor risks such as complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pulmonary emphysema, oral steroid treatment, heavy smoker, decreased renal function, the patient was complicated with intractable pulmonary fistula and MRSA pyothorax. Intracavitary administration of albumin preparation and fibrin glue (Beriplast P) was effective against pulmonary fistula though it was not helpful in the pleurodesis which was conducted 7 times. Teicoplanin (Targosid) was effective against MRSA pyothorax and maintained the renal function.

Decrease in rice allergenic proteins of polished rice grains by incubating with a miso solution

The effect of miso on allergenic proteins in rice seeds was investigated. When polished rice grains were incubated at 37 degrees C for 30-120 min with a 10% miso solution, but not with heat-treated miso or 1% NaCl, the amount of soluble proteins extracted from the rice grains with 1 M NaCl markedly decreased. SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting and densitometric analyses of these soluble proteins and insoluble proteins indicate that 26 kDa globulin and 14-16 kDa allergens in the grains were decreased to 15-60% during incubation with the miso solution, especially soybean-koji miso, without any large change in the content of major insoluble proteins.