Imaging of single fluorescent molecules using video-rate confocal microscopy

Single fluorescent molecules in aqueous solution were imaged for the first time at video-rate using Nipkow disk-type confocal microscopy. Performance of this method was evaluated by imaging single kinesin molecules labeled with fluorescent dyes of tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) or IC5. Photodecomposition lifetimes of the fluorophores were approximately 10 s for TMR and approximately 2 s for IC5 under the incident laser power of 0.5 W/mm(2). Both the fluorescence intensity and the photobleaching rate were proportional to the laser power from 0.65 to 3 W/mm(2). 2D sliding movement of single kinesin molecules along microtubules on glass surface and 3D Brownian motion of individual kinesin molecules in viscous solution could be observed using this microscopy. These results indicated that this method could be applicable to the study of single molecular events in living cells at real time.

Human colon cancer produces a factor which induces the proliferation of venous endothelial cells

This study was performed to investigate whether colorectal cancers produce proliferative factors for venous endothelial cells, and whether the proliferative activity is related to basic FGF and VEGF and also to the clinicopathological findings. Surgically resected specimens of 17 colorectal cancer patients were fragmented and cultured, and the supernatant was collected. A human umbilical endothelial cell line (EA-hy 926 cells) was incubated with the supernatant. The proliferative activity was examined and the levels of basic FGF and VEGF were measured. The activities were found to be significantly related to VEGF, the depth of tumor invasion and the tumor stage.

Rapid functional analysis of protein-protein interactions by fluorescent C-terminal labeling and single-molecule imaging

Detection of protein-protein interactions is a fundamental step to understanding gene function. Here we report a sensitive and rapid method for assaying protein-protein interactions at the single-molecule level. Protein molecules were synthesized in a cell-free translation system in the presence of Cy5-puro, a fluorescent puromycin, using mRNA without a stop codon. The interaction of proteins thus prepared was visualized using a single-molecule imaging technique. As a demonstration of this method, a motor protein, kinesin, was labeled with Cy5-puro at an efficiency of about 90%, and the processive movement of kinesin along microtubules was observed by using total internal reflection microscopy. It took only 2 h from the synthesis of proteins to the functional analysis. This method is applicable to the functional analysis of various kinds of proteins.

Identification of rat urinary and biliary metabolites of esonarimod, a novel antirheumatic drug, using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with postcolumn addition of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, a signal-enhancing modifier

The biotransformation of esonarimod (KE-298) [(+/-)-2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid], a new antirheumatic drug, was investigated in rats. Urinary and biliary excretions within 24 h after oral administration of 5 mg/kg [(14)C]esonarimod accounted for 89 and 10% of the dose, respectively. Initial metabolite analysis by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with negative ion mode, in which a mobile phase of 20 mM ammonium acetate (pH 4.6)/methanol with gradient-elution mode was used, failed to obtain any structural information on most of the metabolites due to poor sensitivity. To overcome this problem, postcolumn addition of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, a powerful signal-enhancing modifier, to the mobile phase was used, allowing pronounced signal enhancement and structural elucidation of urinary and biliary metabolites. The results of metabolite analysis suggested that esonarimod is predominantly biotransformed to a pharmacologically active metabolite, thiol-containing deacetyl-esonarimod (M-I), and subsequently undergoes extensive metabolism, mainly S-methylation followed by the combination of S-oxidation and oxidative conversion of the aromatic methyl group. No disulfide metabolites, such as M-I-cysteine mixed disulfide and M-I-dimer, were found in the excreta. This finding is probably evidence supporting the notion that the reactivity of the thiol moiety of M-I with macromolecules in vivo is extremely lower than that of common thiol-containing drugs.

slender rice, a constitutive gibberellin response mutant, is caused by a null mutation of the SLR1 gene, an ortholog of the height-regulating gene GAI/RGA/RHT/D8

The rice slender mutant (slr1-1) is caused by a single recessive mutation and results in a constitutive gibberellin (GA) response phenotype. The mutant elongates as if saturated with GAs. In this mutant, (1) elongation was unaffected by an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, (2) GA-inducible alpha-amylase was produced by the aleurone layers without gibberellic acid application, and (3) endogenous GA content was lower than in the wild-type plant. These results indicate that the product of the SLR1 gene is an intermediate of the GA signal transduction pathway. SLR1 maps to OsGAI in rice and has significant homology with height-regulating genes, such as RHT-1Da in wheat, D8 in maize, and GAI and RGA in Arabidopsis. The GAI gene family is likely to encode transcriptional factors belonging to the GRAS gene superfamily. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the slr1-1 mutation is a single basepair deletion of the nuclear localization signal domain, resulting in a frameshift mutation that abolishes protein production. Furthermore, introduction of a 6-kb genomic DNA fragment containing the wild-type SLR1 gene into the slr1-1 mutant restored GA sensitivity to normal. These results indicate that the slr1-1 mutant is caused by a loss-of-function mutation of the SLR1 gene, which is an ortholog of GAI, RGA, RHT, and D8. We also succeeded in producing GA-insensitive dwarf rice by transforming wild-type rice with a modified SLR1 gene construct that has a 17-amino acid deletion affecting the DELLA region. Thus, we demonstrate opposite GA response phenotypes depending on the type of mutations in SLR1.

Role of DNA ligase in the illegitimate recombination that generates lambdabio-transducing phages in Escherichia coli

We studied the role of DNA ligase in illegitimate recombination in Escherichia coli. A temperature-sensitive mutation in the lig gene reduced the frequency with which lambdabio-transducing phages were generated to 10-14% of that of wild type under UV irradiation. Reintroduction of the lig gene into this mutant restored the frequency of recombinant phage generation to that of wild type. Furthermore, overexpression of DNA ligase enhanced illegitimate recombination by 10-fold with or without UV irradiation. In addition, when DNA ligase was present in only limited amounts, UV-induced or spontaneous illegitimate recombination occurred exclusively at hotspot sites that have relatively long sequences of homology (9 or 13 bp). However, when DNA ligase was overexpressed, most of the illegitimate recombination took place at non-hotspot sites having only short sequences of homology (<4 bp). Thus, the level of ligase activity affects the frequency of illegitimate recombination, the length of sequence homology at the recombination sites, and the preference for recombination at hotspots, at least after UV irradiation. These observations support our hypothesis that the illegitimate recombination that generates lambdabio-transducing phages is mediated by the DNA break-and-join mechanism.

Hepatic resections for bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer

The present study was performed to assess survival benefits in patients who underwent a hepatic resection for isolated bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer. Thirty-eight patients underwent a curative hepatic resection for isolated colorectal liver metastasis. Among them, 11 patients had bilobar liver metastases and 19 had a solitary metastasis. The remaining 8 patients had unilobar multiple lesions. We investigated survival in two groups those with bilobar and those with solitary metastatic tumors. Survival and disease-free survival were 36% and 18% at 5 years, respectively, in the patients with bilobar liver metastases, while these survivals were 43% and 34% in the patients with solitary liver metastasis. In the 38 patients, repeated hepatic resections were performed in 15 patients with recurrent liver disease. The 5-year survival and disease-free survival rates for these patients were 38% and 27%, respectively, after the second hepatic resections. Of the 11 patients with bilobar liver metastases, 5 underwent a repeated hepatic resection, and they all survived for over 42 months. Based on our observations, a hepatic resection was thus found to be effective even in selected patients with either bilobar nodules or recurrence in the remnant liver.

Polymorphism in rice amylases at an early stage of seed germination

A polymorphism in rice amylases at an early stage of seed germination is analyzed by zymogram. In non-glutinous cultivars of rice, alpha-amylase isozymes are mainly confirmed in germinating seeds. However, in glutinous cultivars, beta-amylase isozymes, which are not confirmed in nonglutinous cultivars, make up the major part of the total amylase activity and the expression of alpha-amylases are repressed.

Highly sensitive determination of TS-962 (HL-004), a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, in rat and rabbit plasma by liquid chromatography and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry combined with a column-switching technique

A quantitative bioanalytical method with excellent specificity using liquid chromatography (LC) atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS-MS) combined with a column-switching technique has been developed for the highly sensitive and reliable determination of TS-962 (HL-004), a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, in rat and rabbit plasma. The method involves protein precipitation of a 25-microl aliquot of plasma sample with eight volumes of methanol containing a deuterium-labeled internal standard, the direct injection of a methanolic supernatant into the analytical instrumentation with no sample evaporation and reconstitution steps, automated on-line clean-up on a C18 short trapping column (10 mm x 4.0 mm I.D.) followed by separation on a C18 analytical column (50 mm x 4.6 mm I.D.), and detection with APCI-MS-MS using m/z 448 ([M+H]+) as a precursor ion and m/z 178 as a product ion in a selected reaction monitoring mode. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/ml, and good linearity of the calibration graph was obtained in the range of 1 to approximately 490 ng/ml with excellent reliability. The developed method enabled pharmacokinetic profiles to be determined for rats and rabbits with sequential plasma collection from an individual animal.

Successful treatment of bleeding due to ileal varices in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

This case report concerns a 62-year-old female who was known to have cirrhosis. An endoscopic examination showed no evidence of haemorrhaging due to either oesophageal or gastric varices. Angiographic studies demonstrated extravasation from the ileal varices. There was a prominent arterio-portal shunt in the liver, and the shunt was considered to be a contributing factor to induce portal hypertension and variceal bleeding in the ileum. Therefore, transcatheter arterial embolization was performed, but was unsuccessful. As a result, the patient underwent a laparotomy, and a dilatating ileocaecal vein and a communicating ovarian vein were selectively ligated. Following the procedure, the haemorrhaging stopped and she then recovered. The patient is doing well 21 months after surgery at the time of writing.

A strategy for quantitative bioanalysis of non-polar neutral compounds by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: determination of TS-962, a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, in rabbit aorta and liver tissues

A strategy for the sensitive and reliable quantitative determination of non-polar neutral compounds in biological matrices by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry is described in the context of assay development for TS-962, a novel acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, in rabbit aorta and liver tissues. The electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum of this compound with a mobile phase of water/acetonitrile did not give abundant [M + H]+ ions, but did give alkali metal cation adducts such as [M + Na]+, [M + CH3CN + Na]+ and [M + K]+ ions. The cationized species are acknowledged as unsuitable precursor ions for selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for various reasons, such as difficulty in obtaining characteristic product ions in low-energy collision-induced dissociation, and irreproducibility of the adduct-ion intensities. To overcome this problem, a solution of 3.4 mM trifluoroacetic acid in 2-propanol was added to the mobile phase as a postcolumn additive, resulting in a decrease of the undesirable adduct formation and significant enhancement of [M + H]+ ion intensity. An attempt was then made to prevent the matrix effect by employing a column-switching system, which allowed direct injection of a large volume of 2-propanolic tissue homogenate (950 microL) followed by sufficient clean-up, separation, and ESI-SRM on-line. This enabled development of a sensitive and reliable assay method for TS-962 in rabbit aorta and liver tissues in the concentration range of 5-500 ng/g wet tissue using a 25-mg aliquot of tissue sample. Application of this method to the determination of aortic TS-962 levels at 24 h after repeated oral administration of this compound (3 mg/kg) once a day for 12 weeks to 1% cholesterol-fed rabbits is also presented. Results showed that TS-962 is well distributed to both the thoracic and abdominal aorta tissues, at levels higher than the 50% inhibitory concentration value of this compound for microsomal ACAT activity from rabbit aorta.

Molecular recognition by chiral cationic micellar and micelle-like aggregates in electrokinetic capillary chromatography

We examined the enantiomer separation with micelles and a micelle-like polymer made with trimethylammonium-terminated surfactants all of whose hydrocarbon chains contain hydrogen bonding valinediamide moieties in electrokinetic chromatography (EKC). The surfactants used were 3-(N-dodecanoyl-L-valylamino)-propyltrimethylammonium bromide (surfactant 1) and 6-(N-nonanoyl-L-valylamino)hexyl-trimethylammonium bromide (surfactant 2); the micelle-like polymer was derived from 3-(N-10-undecenoyl-L-valyl)aminopropyltrimethylammonium bromide (surfactant 3). N-Acylamino acids and their isopropyl esters were separated with enantiomers with the same configuration as the chiral surfactant and which were retained to a greater extent than the counterparts in micelles. The micellar hydrophobic environment, in which amides function as hydrogen bonding sites with solutes, and ceased micellar kinetic association-dissociation with polymerization are discussed.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma resulting in a curative resection: report of two cases

Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization and lipiodolization have been reported to be effective palliative treatments for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. We experienced 2 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma which were initially considered to be unresectable due to the extreme extension of the primary lesions. Therefore, transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with lipiodolization were selected as the treatments of choice. Thereafter, these tumors markedly decreased in size and, as a result, curative resections could subsequently be performed. The pathological examination of the resected specimens revealed necrosis and hyaline degeneration in the main tumors. Viable tumor cells, however, still remained adjacent to the main tumors. Such evidence indicated the limited efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with lipiodolization and the necessity of performing surgical treatment in combination with transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with lipiodolization. Based on these findings, transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with lipiodolization both appear to be a good mode of therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, and in selected patients, subsequent surgery can also be considered.

Multi-effective properties of homogentisic acid revealed in reactions with human hemoglobin and human erythrocytic hemoglobin

Homogentisic acid (HGA) causes oxidation of human oxyhemoglobin and reduction of methemoglobin. The rate of oxidation of oxyhemoglobin by HGA is greatly accelerated in the presence of myo-inositol hexakis-phosphate (P6-inositol) or superoxide dismutase (SOD), but is inhibited in the presence of catalase. The reduction rate of methemoglobin by HGA is accelerated in the presence of P6-inositol but is greatly inhibited in the presence of SOD. It is suggested that the semiquinone and quinone form of HGA and oxygen radicals may be involved in the mechanism of oxido-reductive reactions of human hemoglobin with HGA. In addition, a new anodic hemoglobin found by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis was produced during the reaction of oxyhemoglobin with HGA. When human erythrocytes were exposed to HGA for several hours at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4), the anodic oxyhemoglobin (HGA-modified hemoglobin) and its half met-form hemoglobin [(alpha3+beta2+)2 of HGA-modified hemoglobin] were produced in significant amounts. HGA-modified hemoglobin was stably purified and showed increased oxygen affinity, absence of titratable sulfhydryl groups, and the absorption spectrum of normal oxyhemoglobin. Our results demonstrate that HGA shows multiple effects on human hemoglobin and erythrocytic hemoglobin, which is consistent with the evidence that HGA is involved in various pathological conditions such as arthritis and carcinogenesis in humans.

Cloning and expression of a novel murine anti-human Fas antibody

Agonistic anti-human Fas antibodies that can induce apoptosis are thought to have therapeutic effects for various diseases resulting from an abnormality of the Fas/FasL system. However, some anti-Fas antibodies show toxicity, and it is difficult to investigate their therapeutic and toxicological effect using animals because of their species specificity. We previously obtained a murine anti-human Fas mAb, HFE7A. HFE7A reacted with both human and murine Fas, and mitigated lymphadenopathy without any sign of hepatotoxicity in MRLgld/gld mice. It is suggested that humanized HFE7A would be a therapeutic treatment for various diseases resulting from an abnormality of the Fas/FasL system. Here we isolated the cDNAs that code for the heavy and light chains of HFE7A and identified the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The recombinant HFE7A was indistinguishable in binding and apoptosis-inducing activity to that from a hybridoma cell line. These data provide essential information for the humanization and clinical application of the humanized HFE7A.

Radial magnetic resonance imaging and pathological findings of acetabular labrum in dysplastic hips

Radial MRI findings and pathological changes were comparatively examined in the acetabular labrum of 11 hips of 11 patients, who underwent total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis due to acetabular dysplasia. Diffuse high signal pattern on the radial MR images corresponded to histological degeneration of the labrum. High signal pattern which was equivalent to the synovial fluid, showed an intralabral tear. In the obscure areas of MR images, severe impairment of the labrum such as rupture, detachment, and displacement were found.

Glucose repression of alpha-amylase in barley embryos is independent of GAMYB transcription

The induction of alpha-amylase triggered by gibberellic acid in barley embryos is repressed by sugars. We investigated the effects of glucose on the gibberellin signal transduction pathway to localize the site of interaction of the sugar/hormone signalling pathways. Our results indicate that glucose represses gibberellin signalling late along this hormone transduction pathway, downstream of transcription of the gibberellin-modulated transcriptional activator (GAMYB) needed for alpha-amylase induction. This result suggests either that glucose repression is transduced by a pathway independent of gibberellin signalling or that repression occurs at the level of GAMYB translation.

Sugar uptake and transport in rice embryo. Expression of companion cell-specific sucrose transporter (OsSUT1) induced by sugar and light

We investigated sugar uptake and transport in rice (Oryza sativa) embryo during grain germination. Endogenous sugar levels, accumulation of starch granules, and gene expression of a rice sucrose transporter (OsSUT1) were examined using rice embryos germinated with or without exogenous sugar supply. Starch granules remarkably accumulated in the cells around vascular bundles as a consequence of the sugar taken up by the embryos, indicating that the taken-up sugars are transiently converted into starch. In situ detection for OsSUT1 mRNA indicated its localization in the phloem companion cells. Furthermore, northern-blot and in situ hybridization analyses showed that OsSUT1 expression is not detectable in embryos subjected to sugar starvation conditions, whereas its expression is enhanced by an increased endogenous sugar level. Overall results indicate that the expression of companion cell-specific sucrose transporter, OsSUT1 is regulated by the endogenous sugar status as well as light exposure.

Characterization and expression of monosaccharide transporters (osMSTs) in rice

This study deals with the cloning and characterization of monosaccharide transporter cDNAs in rice. OsMST1-3 (Oryza sativa monosaccharide transporters 1-3) have two sets of putative six transmembrane domains separated by a central long hydrophilic region. Heterologous expression of OsMST3 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that OsMST3 has transport activity for some monosaccharides in an energy-dependent H+ co-transport manner. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses showed that OsMST3 mRNA is detectable in leaf blades, leaf sheaths, calli and roots, especially the xylem as well as in sclerenchyma cells in the root. These results suggested that OsMST3 is involved in the accumulation of monosaccharides required for cell wall synthesis at the stage of cell thickening.

Acetabular labrum in hip dysplasia evaluated by radial magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To numerically express morphologic conditions and signal intensity in the acetabular labrum of the weight-bearing portion of hip joints in patients with hip dysplasia.

METHODS

Using a radial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, where the planes are set radially centered on the midpoint of acetabulum, and which depicts the entire acetabular rim and acetabular labrum, we investigated 60 hip joints of 35 patients with hip dysplasia.

RESULTS

The acetabular labrum was larger in dysplastic hips than in normal hips, and the size increased in the posterosuperior portion. All patients had portions with signal intensity changes within the labrum and had impairment on the labrum. When osteoarthrosis due to hip dysplasia was observed, signal intensity changes increased. The changes of intensity varied among the portions observed, and were stronger in the anterosuperior portions than in the superior and posterosuperior portions.

CONCLUSION

Radial MRI numerically depicts morphologic conditions of acetabular labrum; the data were usable to evaluate the size difference in acetabular labrum due to hip dysplasia and the degree of impairment.

Identification of a new HIV-2 subtype based on phylogenetic analysis of full-length genomic sequence

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus from sooty mangabey (SIV(SM) form one of the six primate lentivirus lineages. The close phylogenetic relationship and geographic coincidence indicate that HIV-2 originated from cross-species transmission of SIV(SM) to humans. HIV-2 exhibits considerable genetic diversity, with subtypes A-F identified. Previously, we reported the partial gag and env sequences of an unusual HIV-2 isolate, Abt96. Abt96 was collected in Ivory Coast from an asymptomatic blood donor. Here we describe the near full-length genomic sequence of Abt96. The genome was assembled from overlapping PCR fragments amplified from viral RNA isolated from plasma. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences derived from segments of the Abt96 genome demonstrate that the Abt96 isolate branches independently of all other characterized HIV-2 isolates. On the basis of the phylogenetic data being presented, we propose that Abt96 is a new HIV-2 subtype and designate it subtype G.

Anti-CD4 induced rat heart tolerance: no presence of primed T cells and regulatory mechanisms for cytotoxic T cells

Treatment with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (OX38) induces heart, but not skin graft tolerance in WF (RT1u) to Lewis (RT1l) rat strain combinations. We examined differences in cellular responses between heart-bearing and skin-rejected hosts that were both treated with anti-CD4 mAb. In the tolerant LEW rats bearing WF heart transplants, the secondary WF heart but not skin grafts were accepted. On the other hand, in anti-CD4 treated WF skin-rejected hosts, both secondary WF heart and skin grafts were rapidly rejected. Spleen cells from anti-CD4 treated WF skin-rejected LEW rats but not from WF heart-bearing LEW rats received the same treatment generated CTL after in vitro stimulation with paraformaldehyde (PFA) treated donor WF stimulator spleen cells. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells from WF skin-rejected LEW rats with or without anti-CD4 therapy into the tolerant LEW rats at the secondary WF heart transplantation blocked the secondary heart graft acceptance. However, transfer of spleen cells from WF heart-rejected rats without immunosuppression failed to block acceptance of the secondary heart graft. Our results indicated the lack of primed T cells and presence of regulatory mechanisms for tissue specific T cells in anti-CD4 treated heart bearing hosts.

A novel murine anti-human Fas mAb which mitigates lymphadenopathy without hepatotoxicity

Defects in Fas-mediated apoptosis are implicated in autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although induction of Fas-mediated apoptosis could have therapeutic effects on these diseases, it might cause deleterious effects in liver as Fas ligand or an agonistic anti-murine Fas antibody Jo2 causes severe hepatic injury in mice. We report here on the interesting characteristics of the newly obtained anti-Fas mAb, HFE7A, which cross-reacts with the Fas molecules of various species ranging from human to mouse and mitigates autoimmune symptoms without hepatotoxicity in mice. The administration of HFE7A to mice induced apoptosis in the thymocytes, although administration of HFE7A to mice or to marmosets did not induce any sign of hepatitis. The effect of HFE7A on liver is different from that of anti-murine Fas antibody Jo2, which causes acute and lethal hepatic injury to mice. Administration of HFE7A reduced lymphadenopathy and abnormal T cells in MRL-gld/gld mice. HFE7A induced apoptosis in synovial cells prepared from RA patients. Surprisingly, HFE7A protected mice from fulminant hepatitis induced by Jo2. Therefore, HFE7A is a potential therapeutic antibody not only for autoimmune diseases including RA but also for fulminant hepatitis.

[Risk factors and effect of reperfusion therapy on left ventricular free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction]

Reperfusion therapy is one of the most effective treatments for acute myocardial infarction, but the effect on left ventricular free wall rupture remains to be determined. This study tried to clarify the risk factors and effect of reperfusion therapy on the risk of free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction. 2,671 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to our hospital were examined. Incidence of free wall rupture showed no degenerative change(0 to 5.8%; mean 2.1%). The 1,269 consecutive patients from 1985 to 1995 were examined closely to evaluate risk factors and the effect of reperfusion therapy on the risk of free wall rupture. Fourteen patients who underwent emergent coronary artery bypass surgery were excluded. Free wall rupture was found in 25 patients (2.0%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high age(> or = 70 years) and first acute myocardial infarction were independent risk factors of free wall rupture (odds ratio 3.62, p = 0.003; odds ratio 7.69, p = 0.046, respectively). The incidence of free wall rupture in the conservative therapy group(n = 799) was 2.1%, successful reperfusion group(n = 373) was 0.5%, and unsuccessful reperfusion group(n = 83) was 7.2% with significant statistical differences(p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty group(n = 84, 3.6%) and the thrombolysis group(n = 372, 1.3%). Successful reperfusion was the only independent factor in the reperfusion therapy group that reduced the incidence of free wall rupture(odds ratio = 0.07, p = 0.001). We conclude that reperfusion of the infarct-related artery and more intensive management of unsuccessful reperfusion is important to prevent free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction.

Glucose modulates the abscisic acid-inducible Rab16A gene in cereal embryos

Glucose effects on the expression of the abscisic acid-inducible Rab16A gene were examined in rice and barley embryos. Glucose feeding to rice embryos negatively affects the endogenous abscisic acid content and represses the promoter activity of the Rab16A gene. Glucose repression of the Rab16A gene takes place both at a transcriptional and a post-transcriptional level. Modulation of the abscisic acid content in rice embryos triggered by glucose did not directly influence the expression of the rice alpha-amylase gene RAmy3D, which is known to be under glucose control. The possible interaction between the glucose and abscisic acid signaling pathway is discussed.