How adaptation and mass transfer control the biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by activated sludge

We use a nonsteady-state model to evaluate the effects of community adaptation and sorption kinetics on the fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in batch experiments conducted with activated sludge that was continuously fed different concentrations of LAS. We observed a sharp decrease in the biodegradation rate between 30 and 60 minutes and the presence of an LAS residual at the end of the batch experiments. The modeling analysis indicates that these phenomena were caused by relatively slow inter-phase mass transport of LAS. The modeling analyses also showed that the amount of LAS-degrading biomass increased when the continuous activated sludge was fed a higher LAS concentration. Although community adaptation to LAS involved accumulation of more LAS degraders, the increase was not proportional to the feed concentration of LAS, which supports the concept that LAS degraders also utilized portions of the general biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) fed to the continuous activated sludge systems.

Transurethral needle ablation for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of the prostate for treating chronic nonbacterial prostatitis unresponsive to conservative therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients (mean age 38.5 years, range 25-52) with nonbacterial prostatitis in whom clinical management was unsuccessful in relieving the symptoms or signs of prostatitis were treated using TUNA. All patients had a high leukocyte count (> 15 per high-power field) in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) with no bacterial growth in either urine or prostatic secretion cultures. Before TUNA all patients were evaluated using a symptom score, satisfaction score (quality of life) and an examination of prostatic secretions. All patients were reassessed using the same variables 1 and 3 months after TUNA. Of the 42 patients, 10 had their semen analysed before and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean (sd) symptom and satisfaction scores improved significantly, from 11.02 (2.90) to 5.00 (2.61) and from 4.84 (0.57) to 1.26 (1.18), respectively, 3 months after TUNA (both P < 0.05). Of the 42 patients, 30 (71%) had normal EPS results within 3 months of TUNA. Also, of 37 patients with high leukocyte counts (> 100 per high-power field) before TUNA, 26 (70%) had normal EPS results within 3 months afterward, and 29 (78%) had a satisfaction score of < 3 points.

CONCLUSIONS

TUNA may be a possible treatment option for patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis that is unresponsive to conservative therapies. A long-term follow-up and randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the TUNA against intractable chronic prostatitis.

Transcolumellar approach in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for patients with small nostril

OBJECTIVE

Sublabial approach has been widely used as the standard technique for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. But it has several possible drawbacks, such as; postoperative flat nose deformity, hypesthesia of upper gum, and feeding difficulty until 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. As an alternative, an endonasal approach was adopted for patients who had large nostrils, such as white or acromegalic patients. In patients with small nostrils, especially oriental people, it requires an additional tension release incision that leaves a definitely visible scar at the base of nose.

STUDY DESIGN

We applied the transcolumellar approach, which modified the external rhinoplasty approach on the 136 cases of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery that were performed from 1994 to June 1999.

RESULTS

In all patients, we found we could reach the anterior portion of nasal septum in 7 to 8 mm in depth from the skin surface and eliminate the disadvantages of sublabial and endonasal approach. Also, this method can markedly reduce the surgical dissection time and blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that this technique was relatively simple and more than adequate in most transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, even in patients with small nostrils.

Double-barreled tack suture procedure in carotid endarterectomy

The authors have developed a double-barreled tack suture procedure for carotid endarterectomy with minimal modification of a conventional needle holder. With this method surgeons can make two stitches simultaneously by using two needles threaded with double-armed suture material, which are held tightly in a parallel fashion in the jaws of a modified needle holder. This method is very effective in preventing the buckling of the intimal wall of the arterectomized distal internal carotid artery. Also, it reduces the tack suture time markedly compared with the conventional tack suture method.

Polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in patients with cerebral infarction in Koreans

The relationship between cerebrovascular disease and an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is still being debated. The frequency of the DD genotype of the ACE gene was significantly higher in subjects with than those without cerebral infarction in Japan. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between ACE gene polymorphism and the development of cerebral infarction in a population from Korea. We examined its possible role as a risk factor in patients with cerebral infarction. The association between ACE gene polymorphism and cerebral infarction was examined in 106 patients with cerebral infarction and 498 controls without cerebral infarction. Frequencies of the genotypes and alleles of the ACE gene were investigated. The ACE genotype was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequency of D allele was 37.7% in patients and 39.1% in controls (chi2 = 0.128, p = 0.720). The frequencies of the genotypes of the ACE gene were II: 39.6%, ID: 45.3%, and DD: 15.1% in patients, and II: 37.1%, ID: 47.6%, and DD: 15.3% in controls (chi2 = 0.127, p = 0.721). There was no significant difference in the frequency of the DD genotype of the ACE gene, and we did not find any association between ACE polymorphism and cerebral infarction. These results indicate that ACE polymorphism is not a risk factor for the development of cerebral infarction in a Korean population.

Mechanism underlying histamine-induced intracellular Ca2+ movement in PC3 human prostate cancer cells

The effect of histamine on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in PC3 human prostate cancer cells and the underlying mechanism were evaluated using fura-2 as a Ca2+ dye. Histamine at concentrations between 0.1 and 50 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 1 microM. The [Ca2+]i response comprised an initial rise and a slow decay, which returned to baseline within 3 min. Extracellular Ca2+ removal inhibited 50% of the [Ca2+]i signal. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, after cells were treated with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), 10 microM histamine did not increase [Ca2+]i. After pretreatment with 10 microM histamine in a Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mM Ca2+ induced [Ca2+]i increases. Histamine (10 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was abolished by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17 beta-3- methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), and by 10 microM pyrilamine but was not altered by 50 microM cimetidine. Collectively, the present study shows that histamine induced [Ca2+]i transients in PC3 human prostate cancer cells by stimulating H1 histamine receptors leading to Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent manner, and by inducing Ca2+ entry.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid elevates osteoblastic intracellular Ca2+

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is widely used as a pharmacological tool to inhibit lipoxygenases; however, recent evidence suggests that it increases renal intracellular [Ca2+]i via novel mechanisms. Here the effect of NDGA on Ca2+ signaling in MG63 osteoblastic cells was explored using fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. NDGA (2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal comprised an initial rise and an elevated phase over a time period of 4 min. Removing extracellular Ca2+ reduced 2-50 microM NDGA-induced signals by 62+/-2%. After incubation with 50 microM NDGA in Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mM CaCl2 induced an increase in [Ca2+]i. NDGA (50 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increases were not changed by pretreatment with 10 microM of verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine and nicardipine. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (1 microM) inhibited 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases by 69+/-3%. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 had little effect on 50 microM NDGA-induced Ca2+ release. Several other lipoxygenase inhibitors had no effect on basal [Ca2+]i. At a concentration that did not increase basal [Ca2+]i, NDGA (1 microM) did not alter 10 microM ATP- or 1 microM thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Alteration of protein kinase C activity with 1 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 2 microM GF 109203X did not affect 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Together, the results show that NDGA increased [Ca2+]i in osteoblasts in a lipoxygenase-independent manner, by releasing stored Ca2+ in a fashion independent of phospholipase C activity, and by causing Ca2+ influx.

Noninvasive ventilator triggering in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A test lung comparison

To be most effective, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) ventilators should synchronize well with patients' breathing. However, the speed with which different ventilators can respond to the transitions between inspiration and expiration may vary, and abnormal respiratory mechanics and mask leaks may exacerbate this problem. This study explored synchronization using a new test lung model designed to simulate acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thirteen ventilators were tested against different combinations of tidal volume (VT), airways resistance (Raw), FRC, and mask leak. These combinations ranged from those of a severe exacerbation of COPD, to a mild condition reflecting the optimal triggering conditions a ventilator is likely to encounter. The triggering delays from the beginning and end of "inspiration" of the test lung, to the appropriate responses from the ventilators were measured. Three of the ventilators had trigger delays less than approximately 120 ms at both the beginning and end of expiration under all conditions. Trigger delays of other ventilators were mainly in the range of 120 to 300 ms, although exceptionally as long as 500 ms. Varying the conditions had a variable but generally small effect on triggering times, suggesting that there is a largely unavoidable element to the triggering delays intrinsic to the design of the ventilators.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of pleuropulmonary blastoma: a case report with unusual features

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare and aggressive intrathoracic neoplasm of childhood, typically presenting as a pulmonary and/or pleural-based mass with cystic, solid, or combined features. Histologically, the tumor is well characterized with a mixture of primitive mesenchymal and variably differentiated sarcomatous components, and the cytologic features described in the three previous reports are also compatible to the histologic ones. Now, we present another case of PPB showing unusual features. A 3-yr-old boy presented with a pleural- or chest wall-based tumor. The fine-needle aspiration cytologic smears were highly cellular with poorly differentiated cells showing variable size and shape rather than those of typical blastemal cells. The histologic findings were also distinctive, exhibiting diffuse sheets of poorly differentiated cells without typical blastemal cell component. Diagnosis was confirmed by the support of immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features. The patient underwent a typical aggressive clinical course to death within 8 mo after diagnosis.

Effect of oleamide on Ca(2+) signaling in human bladder cancer cells

The effect of oleamide, a sleep-inducing endogenous lipid in animal models, on intracellular free levels of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in non-excitable and excitable cells was examined by using fura-2 as a fluorescent dye. [Ca(2+)](i) in pheochromocytoma cells, renal tubular cells, osteoblast-like cells, and bladder cancer cells were increased on stimulation of 50 microM oleamide. The response in human bladder cancer cells (T24) was the greatest and was further explored. Oleamide (10-100 microM) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent fashion with an EC(50) of 50 microM. The [Ca(2+)](i) signal comprised an initial rise and a sustained plateau and was reduced by removing extracellular Ca(2+) by 85 +/- 5%. After pre-treatment with 10-100 microM oleamide in Ca(2+)-free medium, addition of 3 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a manner dependent on the concentration of oleamide. The [Ca(2+)](i) increase induced by 50 microM oleamide was reduced by 100 microM La(3+) by 40%, but was not altered by 10 microM nifedipine, 10 microM verapamil, and 50 microM Ni(2+). In Ca(2+)-free medium, pre-treatment with thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor, abolished 50 microM oleamide-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases; conversely, pretreatment with 50 microM oleamide reduced 1 microM thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases by 50 +/- 3%. Suppression of the activity of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 failed to alter 50 microM oleamide-induced Ca(2+) release. Linoleamide (10-100 microM), another sleep-inducing lipid with a structure similar to that of oleamide, also induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Together, it was shown that oleamide induced significant [Ca(2+)](i) increases in cells by a phospholipase C-independent release of Ca(2+) from thapsigargin-sensitive stores and by inducing Ca(2+) entry.

Bioavailability and mammary excretion of bisphenol a in Sprague-Dawley rats

This study reports the absolute oral bioavailability and mammary excretion of bisphenol A in rats. The oral bioavailability was determined after administration of relatively low iv (0.1 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg) doses of bisphenol A to rats. After iv injection, serum levels of bisphenol A declined biexponentially, with the mean initial distribution and terminal elimination half-lives being 6.1 +/- 1.3 min and 52.5 +/- 2.4 min, respectively. The systemic clearance (Cls) and the steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) averaged 107.9 +/- 28.7 m/min/kg and 5.6 +/- 2.4 L/kg, respectively. Upon oral administration, the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and the time to reach the maximum concentration (Tmax) were 14.7 +/- 10.9 ng/ml and 0.2 +/- 0.2 h, respectively. The apparent terminal elimination half-life of bisphenol A (21.3 +/- 7.4 h) after oral administration was significantly longer than that after iv injection, indicating the flip-flop of the absorption and elimination rates. The absolute oral bioavailability of bisphenol A was low (5.3 +/- 2.1%). To determine the extent of mammary excretion, bisphenol A was given by simultaneous iv bolus injection plus infusion to steady state at low, medium, and high doses. The steady-state serum levels of bisphenol A were linearly increased with higher dosing rates. The systemic clearance (mean range, 119.2-154.1 ml/min/kg) remained unaltered over the dosing rate studied. The levels of bisphenol A in milk exceeded those in serum, with the steady-state milk to serum concentration ratio being 2.4-2.7.

p53 targets chromatin structure alteration to repress alpha-fetoprotein gene expression

Many of the functions ascribed to p53 tumor suppressor protein are mediated through transcription regulation. We have shown that p53 represses hepatic-specific alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene expression by direct interaction with a composite HNF-3/p53 DNA binding element. Using solid-phase, chromatin-assembled AFP DNA templates and analysis of chromatin structure and transcription in vitro, we find that p53 binds DNA and alters chromatin structure at the AFP core promoter to regulate transcription. Chromatin assembled in the presence of hepatoma extracts is activated for AFP transcription with an open, accessible core promoter structure. Distal (-850) binding of p53 during chromatin assembly, but not post-assembly, reverses transcription activation concomitant with promoter inaccessibility to restriction enzyme digestion. Inhibition of histone deacetylase activity by trichostatin-A (TSA) addition, prior to and during chromatin assembly, activated chromatin transcription in parallel with increased core promoter accessibility. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed increased H3 and H4 acetylated histones at the core promoter in the presence of TSA, while histone acetylation remained unchanged at the site of distal p53 binding. Our data reveal that p53 targets chromatin structure alteration at the core promoter, independently of effects on histone acetylation, to establish repressed AFP gene expression.

Diagnosing Kikuchi disease on fine needle aspiration biopsy: a retrospective study of 44 cases diagnosed by cytology and 8 by histopathology

OBJECTIVE

To study the accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of Kikuchi lymphadenitis (KL).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of all cases of FNA biopsy of lymph nodes in which KL was diagnosed or suggested. False positive cases were studied. Cases of KL diagnosed by histopathology were examined for the false negative rate of FNA diagnosis.

RESULTS

Forty-four cases of KL diagnosed or suggested by FNA were found. Five of eight cases were confirmed on lymph node excision. The false positive rate was 37.5%. One case was nonspecific reactive changes. Two cases were proven to be tuberculous lymphadenitis by culture. Eight cases of KL diagnosed by lymph node excisional biopsy had prior FNA. Four were diagnosed as or suspected to be KL. The false negative rate was 50%.

CONCLUSION

The overall accuracy of FNA diagnosis of KL was 56.25%. Detailed study offalse positive cases and knowledge of other conditions suggested that overreliance on certain cytologic features and the morphologic erlap between KL and tuberculous lymphadenitis could have been the reasons for the inaccuracies.

Jeotgalibacillus alimentarius gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from jeotgal with L-lysine in the cell wall, and reclassification of Bacillus marinus Rüger 1983 . as mMrinibacillus marinus gen nov., comb. nov

A moderately halophilic, round-endospore-forming bacterium (strain YKJ-13T) was isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood, and studied by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This organism was related to the phylogenetic clade comprising members of Bacillus rRNA group 2 and formed a cluster with Bacillus marinus with a bootstrap fidelity value of 93.6%. The peptidoglycan type was A1alpha linked directly through L-Lys. Based on cell morphology, peptidoglycan type and phylogeny, strain YKJ-13T, together with B. marinus, is considered to be a member of Bacillus rRNA group 2. Strain YKJ-13T was also characterized by having MK-7 and MK-8 as the predominant menaquinones and iso-C15:0 as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content was 44 mol%. Strain YKJ-13T exhibited a 16S rDNA similarity value of 95.7% with B. marinus DSM 1297T, its closest phylogenetic relative. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain YKJ-13T and other Bacillus spp. were less than 94.2%. Therefore, on the basis of the data presented, the name Jeotgalibacillus alimentarius gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed for strain YKJ-13T (= KCCM 80002T = JCM 10872T). It is also proposed that B. marinus be reclassified in Marinibacillus gen. nov. as Marinibacillus marinus comb. nov.

Tumor apoptosis in cervical cancer: its role as a prognostic factor in 42 radiotherapy patients

To investigate tumor apoptosis as a prognostic factor for outcome following radiation therapy, comparisons were made of apoptotic index (AI) as a predictor of short- vs. long-term response and pretreatment vs. radiation-induced apoptosis. Forty-two patients with proven squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated by radiation alone. Apoptosis was measured by light microscopic observation of hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections from biopsies taken before treatment and 4 and 24 hr after 2 Gy. Patients were evaluated at the end of the external radiation for determination of short-term response and for long-term outcome as well (median follow-up of 27 months). Patients with high spontaneous AI showed poor short-term response, local control, and survival. The significance of AI as a predictor of short-term response was lost after allowing for differences in tumor size. The positive predictive value of AI for local control and survival was independent of tumor size and stage. High AI was associated with poor local control and long-term prognosis in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The in vivo radiation-induced AI after 4 or 24 hr did not predict radiation therapy outcome.

Mechanism of bifonazole-induced [Ca2+]i increases in MDCK renal tubular cells

The effect of the antifungal drug bifonazole on Ca2+ homeostasis in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated. Cell suspensions were loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2, and the fluorescence changes were measured with a spectrofluorophotometer. At concentrations between 10-80 microM bifonazole increased cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signals were partly inhibited by removing extracellular Ca2+. Bifonazole (40 microM) released Ca2+ from the store sensitive to 1 microM thapsigargin, an endopolasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Bifonazole (40 microM) per se induced capacitative Ca2+ entry while reduced 1 microM thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate may be involved in bifonazole-induced Ca2+ release because inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 partly reduced the bifonazole response. Together, bifonazole increased [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by inducing intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx.

Nanoparticle routes to mesoporous titania thin films

Controlled aging of TiO2 nanoparticles blended with diblock copolymers and processed into dip-coated thin films led to ordered mesostructures with cubic and hexagonal symmetries that can be transformed into mesoporous TiO2 by calcination.

Fendiline mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ in Chang liver cells

1. The effects of the antianginal drug fendiline (N-[3,3-diphenylpropyl]-alpha-methyl-benzylamine) on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+](i)) in Chang liver cells were evaluated using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. 2. Fendiline (1-100 micromol/L) increased [Ca2+](i) in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 of 25 micromol/L. 3. The [Ca2+](i) response was composed of an initial rise and a slow decay to a sustained phase. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ partly reduced the [Ca2+](i) signals. 4. Fendiline (10 micromol/L)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ was reduced by 65% following pretreatment with 1 micromol/L thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) to deplete Ca2+ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum. 5. After pretreatment with 10 micromol/L fendiline in Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mmol/L Ca2+ induced an increase in [Ca2+](i) of a magnitude four-fold greater than control. This increase in [Ca2+](i) was not reduced by 10 micromol/L SKF96365, econazole, nifedipine or verapamil. 6. Fendiline (10 micromol/L)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ was not altered by inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 micromol/L 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino) hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). 7. The results of the present study show that fendiline induces an increase in [Ca2+](i) in Chang liver cells by releasing stored Ca2+ in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and by causing extracellular Ca2+ influx.

Application of the stretched exponential function to fluorescence lifetime imaging

Conventional analyses of fluorescence lifetime measurements resolve the fluorescence decay profile in terms of discrete exponential components with distinct lifetimes. In complex, heterogeneous biological samples such as tissue, multi-exponential decay functions can appear to provide a better fit to fluorescence decay data than the assumption of a mono-exponential decay, but the assumption of multiple discrete components is essentially arbitrary and is often erroneous. Moreover, interactions, both between fluorophores and with their environment, can result in complex fluorescence decay profiles that represent a continuous distribution of lifetimes. Such continuous distributions have been reported for tryptophan, which is one of the main fluorophores in tissue. This situation is better represented by the stretched-exponential function (StrEF). In this work, we have applied, for the first time to our knowledge, the StrEF to time-domain whole-field fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), yielding both excellent tissue contrast and goodness of fit using data from rat tissue. We note that for many biological samples for which there is no a priori knowledge of multiple discrete exponential fluorescence decay profiles, the StrEF is likely to provide a truer representation of the underlying fluorescence dynamics. Furthermore, fitting to a StrEF significantly decreases the required processing time, compared with a multi-exponential component fit and typically provides improved contrast and signal/noise in the resulting FLIM images. In addition, the stretched-exponential decay model can provide a direct measure of the heterogeneity of the sample, and the resulting heterogeneity map can reveal subtle tissue differences that other models fail to show.

CP55,940 increases intracellular Ca2+ levels in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of CP55,940, a presumed CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells was examined by using the fluorescent dye fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. CP55,940 (2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently with an EC50 of 8 microM. The [Ca2+]i signal comprised an initial rise and a sustained phase. Extracellular Ca2+ removal decreased the maximum [Ca2+]i signals by 32+/-12%. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i signal was not altered by 5 microM of two cannabinoid receptor antagonists, AM-251 and AM-281. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-free medium was inhibited by 86+/-3% by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Conversely, pretreatment with 20 microM CP55,940 in Ca2+-free medium for 6 min abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was not inhibited when inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation was abolished by suppressing phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122. Collectively, this study shows that CP,55940 induced significant [Ca2+]i increases in canine renal tubular cells by releasing stored Ca2+ from the thapsigargin-sensitive pools in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner, and also by causing extracellular Ca2+ entry. The CP55,940's action appears to be dissociated from stimulation of cannabinoid receptors.

Molecular scanning of the human sorbin and SH3-domain-containing-1 (SORBS1) gene: positive association of the T228A polymorphism with obesity and type 2 diabetes

In the mouse, the SH3P12 or the c-Cbl-associated protein (CAP) has been shown as an important signaling molecule in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. The human homolog for the sorbin and SH3-domain-containing-1 gene, termed SORBS1, might play a role in human disorders with insulin resistance. To explore the genetic role of SORBS1 in human obesity and type 2 diabetes, we investigated the nucleotide polymorphisms in the SORBS1 gene with molecular scanning. After scanning for a total of 13,136 bp in each of 40 chromosomes, we have identified 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human SORBS1 gene. Among them, two SNPs affected amino acid coding (R74W and T228A), four occurred within exons but did not affect amino acid coding, and the remaining eight occurred within introns, which were located outside of the consensus region of the splicing mechanism. Further studies in 202 non-obese, 113 obese and 455 subjects with type 2 diabetes revealed that the A-allele of the T228A polymorphism in exon 7 exerted a protective role for both obesity [relative risk 0.466; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.265-0.821] and diabetes (relative risk 0.668; 95% CI 0.472-0.945). Neither allele of the R74W polymorphism was associated with either obesity or diabetes. In conclusion, our results suggest that the A228 allele of the T228A polymorphism of the SORBS1 gene is a protective factor for both obesity and diabetes, and also imply that the SORBS1 gene plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human disorders with insulin resistance.

Fendiline, an anti-anginal drug, increases intracellular Ca2+ in PC3 human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The effects of the anti-anginal drug fendiline on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in human PC3 prostate cancer cells were examined.

METHODS

[Ca2+]i was measured using the fluorescent dye fura-2.

RESULTS

Fendiline (0.5-100 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Ca2+ removal partly inhibited the Ca2+ signals. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 100 microM fendiline inhibited most of the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), and pretreatment with thapsigargin abolished the fendiline-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Adding 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i in cells pretreated with 0.5-200 microM fendiline in Ca2+-free medium. Pretreatment with 1 microM U73122 to block the formation of inositol-1.4.5-trisphosphate (IP3) did not alter fendiline-induced internal Ca2+ release.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-anginal drug fendiline induced internal Ca2+ release and external Ca2+ entry. Because prolonged increases in [Ca2+]i may lead to cell injury and death, the long-term effect of fendiline on the function of prostate cancer cells should be investigated.

Planomicrobium koreense gen. nov., sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from the Korean traditional fermented seafood jeotgal, and transfer of Planococcus okeanokoites (Nakagawa et al. 1996) and Planococcus mcmeekinii (Junge et al. 1998) to the genus Planomicrobium

A bacterial strain, JG07T, isolated from the Korean traditional fermented seafood jeotgal, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Cells of strain JG07T are cocci or short rods in the early growth phase but change to rods as the cultures age. The peptidoglycan type is A4alpha, based on L-Lys-D-Glu. The menaquinone profile is characterized by the predominance of MK-8 followed by MK-7 and MK-6. The cellular fatty acid profile contains major amounts of saturated, unsaturated and branched fatty acids. The cellular phospholipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and bisphosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the DNA is 47 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain JG07T forms a cluster with Planococcus okeanokoites and Planococcus mcmeekinii, and the relationship between this cluster and two other Planococcus species described previously is supported by bootstrap analysis at a confidence level of 100%. The 16S-23S internally transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence similarity and DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain JG07T and the type strains of other Planococcus species are in the range 74.6-83.2% and 10.4-20.5%, respectively. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data and the genomic distinctiveness, strain JG07T is considered to represent a new genus and a new species, for which the name Planomicrobium koreense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. It is also proposed that Planococcus okeanokoites and Planococcus mcmeekinii be transferred to the new genus Planomicrobium as Planomicrobium okeanokoites and Planomicrobium mcmeekinii, respectively.

Evaluation of the acute and subchronic toxic effects in mice, rats, and monkeys of the genetically engineered and Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase gene-incorporated Salmonella strain, TAPET-CD, being developed as an antitumor agent

TAPET-CD, a genetically engineered Salmonella strain with chromosomal-incorporated cytosine deaminase (CD) gene, has been shown to selectively accumulate tumors, suppress tumor growth, and convert 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC, an antifungal agent) to the antitumor agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in animals. The current studies investigated the safety of TAPET-CD, and TAPET-CD/5-FC combination, in animals. In C57BL/6 mice (n = 10 females/dose), the maximum nonlethal dose of TAPET-CD (intravenous [IV] bolus) was 1 x 10(6) colony-forming units (cfu)/mouse, or > 10,000 x that of wild-type Salmonella. In Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4/sex/group), after treatment with 4 weekly cycles of TAPET-CD (an IV injection/cycle at 1 x 10(5), 3 x 10(5), 1 x 10(6), 3 x 10(6), or 1 x 10(7) cfu/rat on day 1) and 5-FC (per os twice daily [PO b.i.d.], 250 mg/kg on days 2-7/cycle), clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily, body weight and clinical pathology weekly, and gross necropsy on day 29. No treatment-related toxicity, although occasional and mild clinical signs (e.g., dehydration), increased hepatic enzyme/function values and white blood cells, splenic enlargement, and bilateral red discoloration of the kidneys, were observed. In cynolmogus monkeys, Experiment 1 involved treatment with TAPET-CD (IV injection at 1 x 10(9) cfu/monkey). Clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily, body weight weekly, and gross necropsy on days 2, 7, and 31 (1/sex/time point). Experiment 2 involved treatment with TAPET-CD (IV injection at 1 x 10(9) and 1 x 10(10) cfu/monkey in Groups 1 to 3 and Groups 4 to 6, respectively) on day 1 and 5-FC (PO b.i.d. at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg in Groups 1 to 3, and 500, 1500, and 0 mg/kg in Groups 4 to 6, respectively) on days 4 to 17 (n = 1/sex/group). Clinical signs and mortality were evaluated daily; body weight and clinical pathology on days 1, 2, 4, 14, and 18; body temperature on days 1, 4, and 18; ophthalmic examinations on days 3 and 17; and gross necropsy and histopathology on day 18. Experiment 1 indicated that TAPET-CD at 1 x 10(9) or 1 x 10(10) cfu/monkey was well tolerated, with only occasional mild clinical signs (i.e., emesis, vomiting, inappetance, loose/infrequent/absence of stool), increases in hepatic enzyme/function values, and splenic enlargement. Experiment 2 indicated that TAPET-CD/5-FC combination had a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 1 x 10(10) cfu/monkey for TAPET-CD and 500 mg/kg for 5-FC in monkeys. Supra-MTDs induced renal toxicity. In conclusion, TAPET-CD had a good safety profile (reflected by the extremely large amount of TAPET-CD needed to induce mortality or toxicity) in mice, rats, and monkeys. More adverse events were observed with TAPET-CD/5-FC combination when compared to TAPET-CD and these events were similar to the reported effects of 5-FU, suggesting the involvement of 5-FU.

Effects of the antianginal drug fendiline on Ca2+ movement in hepatoma cells

This study investigated the effect of the anti-anginal drug, fendiline, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in HA/ 22 human hepatoma cells by using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ dye. Fendiline (1-100 microM) increased [Ca2+]i with an EC50 of 25 microM. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the [Ca2+]i signals by 51 +/- 5%. Fendiline (10 microM)-induced Ca2+ release was abolished by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122) did not alter 10 microM fendiline-induced Ca2+ release. Several other calmodulin antagonists, such as phenoxybenzamine (100-200 microM), trifluoperazine (5-50 microM), and fluphenazine-N-chloroethane (2-100 microM), had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Together, it was found that fendiline increased [Ca2+]i in human hepatoma cells by discharging Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and by inducing Ca2+ entry. This effect of fendiline does not appear to be via antagonism of calmodulin.

Nuclear receptors, coactivators and chromatin: new approaches, new insights

The actions of lipophilic hormones, including steroids, retinoids, thyroid hormone and vitamin D(3), are mediated through a conserved superfamily of nuclear receptor proteins that function as ligand-regulated, DNA-binding transcriptional activators in the chromatin environment of the nucleus. The ligand-dependent transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors is enhanced by various cofactors that remodel chromatin, acetylate nucleosomal histones and contact the basal transcriptional machinery. The current challenge is to understand the mechanistic details of how interactions among these factors enhance transcription of hormone-regulated genes assembled into chromatin. Current biochemical and cell-based methods are providing some important clues.

Effect of the neuroprotective agent riluzole on intracellular Ca2+ levels in IMR32 neuroblastoma cells

Riluzole is an effective neuroprotective drug. Its effect on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) has not been explored. This study examined the effect of riluzole on [Ca2+]i in IMR32 neuroblastoma cells using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. Riluzole 0.1-1 mM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ inhibited the response by 52 +/- 5%. The [Ca2+]i increase induced by 0.2 mM riluzole was unaltered by 0.1 mM La3+ or 10 microM verapamil, but was inhibited by 51 +/- 4% by 10 microM nifedipine. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) reduced the 0.2 mM riluzole-induced Ca2+ release by 44 +/- 3%; this reduction was augmented to 66 +/- 5% by additionally depleting the Ca2+ stores in the Golgi complex with 50 microM brefeldin A. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation by 2 microM U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, did not affect Ca2+ release induced by 0.2 microM riluzole. It was concluded that the neuroprotective agent riluzole increased [Ca2+]i in IMR32 neuroblastoma cells concentration-dependently by releasing Ca2+ from multiple stores in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and also by inducing nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ influx.

Effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on intracellular Ca(2+) levels in renal tubular cells

The effect of the estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated, using the fluorescent dye fura-2 as a Ca(2+) indicator. DES (10-50 microM) evoked [Ca(2+)](i) increases in a concentration-dependent manner. Extracellular Ca(2+) removal inhibited 45 +/- 5% of the Ca(2+) response. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with 50 microM DES abolished the [Ca(2+)](i) increases induced by 2 microM carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; a mitochondrial uncoupler) and 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor); and pretreatment with CCCP and thapsigargin partly inhibited DES-induced [Ca(2+)](i) signals. Adding 3 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in cells pretreated with 50 microM DES in Ca(2+)-free medium, suggesting that DES may induce capacitative Ca(2+) entry. 17beta-Estradiol (2-20 microM) increased [Ca(2+)](i), but 100 microM diethylstilbestrol dipropionate had no effect. Pretreatment with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (1 microM) to abolish inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation inhibited 30% of DES-induced Ca(2+) release. DES (20 microM) also increased [Ca(2+)](i) in human normal hepatocytes and osteosarcoma cells. Cumulatively, this study shows that DES induced rapid and sustained [Ca(2+)](i) increases by releasing intracellular Ca(2+) and triggering extracellular Ca(2+) entry in renal tubular cells.

Reperfusion pulmonary edema after pulmonary endarterectomy

Pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy is a potentially curative procedure in chronic, major vessel thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, persistent pulmonary hypertension and unrelenting reperfusion edema have serious complications, often requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. A 50-year-old man who was diagnosed with a thromboembolism in both pulmonary arteries underwent a bilateral pulmonary endarterectomy. He received O2-isoflurane-fentanyl anesthesia. When the lungs were reperfused with CPB weaning, massive hemorrhage occurred in the left lung. After the operation, the patient was taken to the intensive care unit. Mechanical ventilation was performed immediately and then both inhaled NO and i.v. furosemide therapies were administered. The patient was discharged from ICU 15 days postoperation.

Mechanisms of histamine-induced intracellular Ca 2+ release and extracellular Ca 2+ entry in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells 1 1Abbreviations: [Ca2+]i; Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration; and IP3, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

The effect of histamine on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+](i)) in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells was explored using fura-2 as a Ca2+ dye. Histamine increased ([Ca2+](i)) in a concentration-dependent fashion with an EC(50) value of 0.5 microM. Extracellular Ca2+ removal inhibited the ([Ca2+](i)) signals. Histamine failed to increase ([Ca2+](i)) in Ca2+-free medium after cells were pretreated with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Addition of Ca2+ induced concentration-dependent ([Ca2+](i)) increases after preincubation with histamine in Ca2+-free medium. Histamine-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was abolished by inhibiting phospholipase C with 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). The ([Ca2+](i)) increase induced by histamine in Ca2+ medium was abolished by cimetidine, but was not altered by pyrilamine, nifedipine, verapamil, and La(3+). Together, this study shows that histamine increased in ([Ca2+](i)) in osteosarcoma cells by stimulating H2 histamine receptors. The Ca2+ signal was caused by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-dependent manner. The Ca2+ release was accompanied by Ca(2+) influx.

The usefulness of the new "double-catheter technique" in the treatment of parent artery incorporated wide-necked aneurysm with guglielmi detachable coils. Technical notes

SUMMARY

We describe a technique used to treat a widenecked aneurysm in which the neck is incorporated with the parent artery. The patient was a 54-year-old woman who had suffered a grade III subarachnoid haemorrhage. Angiogram and three-dimensional CT showed a large, widenecked aneurysm of the basilar bifurcation area with the right posterior cerebral artery incorporated in the aneurysm sac. A microcatheter was placed in the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Another catheter was placed within the aneurysm lumen. When making a first frame with a GDC, we made sure that the frame of the coil did not overlap the PCA positioned microcatheter. Then, with the microcatheter positioned at the PCA, the angiogram was done. The flow pattern and dye-disappearance time were checked. Subsequent coils were introduced, but not beyond the frame of the first coil to maintain PCA flow. This new "double-catheter technique" represents a viable option for treating wide-necked aneurysms, especially when the parent artery is incorporated in a wide-necked aneurysm and the delineation of the parent artery is impossible.

Bacillus jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jeotgal, Korean traditional fermented seafood

Two Gram-variable, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterial strains, which are motile with peritrichous flagella, were isolated from a Korean traditional fermented seafood, jeotgal. The two isolates (strains YKJ-1OT and YKJ-11) were proven to be members of the same species on the basis of the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses and DNA relatedness. Strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 were characterized by having cell wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone, and iso-C15:0 as the major fatty acid. The G+C content of the DNA was 41 mol%. Strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 showed only a 1 bp sequence difference in the 16S rDNA sequences. The two strains formed distinct phylogenetic lineages within the radiation of the cluster comprising Bacillus species. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 and Bacillus species were less than 96.6%. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness were found to be low enough to distinguish strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 from some phylogenetically related Bacillus species. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic distinctiveness, strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 represent a new species of the genus Bacillus, for which a new name, Bacillusjeotgali sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain YKJ-10T (= KCCM 41040T = JCM 10885T).

Tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in bladder female transitional carcinoma cells

This study examined the effect of tamoxifen, an anti-breast cancer drug, on Ca2+ handling in bladder female transitional cancer cells. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels were recorded by using the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. In a dose-dependent manner, tamoxifen induced intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) increases between 5 and 20 microM with an EC50 of 10 microM. External Ca2+ removal reduced the response by 60+/-6%. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ caused a [Ca2+]i increase after pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen in Ca2+-free medium. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen abolished the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Conversely, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin prevented tamoxifen from releasing more Ca2+. Inhibition of phospholipase C-dependent inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate formation with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 10 microM tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ release. The [Ca2+]i increase induced by 5 microM tamoxifen was not altered by 10 microM La3+, nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Collectively, it was found that tamoxifen increased [Ca2+]i in bladder cancer cells by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in a manner independent of phospholipase C activity, and by inducing Ca2+ entry from external medium.

Halomonas marisflavae sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from the Yellow Sea in Korea

A halophilic Gram-negative bacterial strain, SW32T, which was isolated from a sample from the Yellow Sea of Korea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. This organism grew optimally in the presence of 0.5-12% NaCl. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SW32T appeared to be a member of the genus Halomonas. Strain SW32T formed a distinct evolutionary lineage within the phylogenetic clade comprising Halomonas species and the genera Zymobacter and Carnimonas. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain SW32T contains 19 signature characteristics of the genus Halomonas and the family Halomonadaceae. Strain SW32T possessed a single polar flagellum, ubiquinone-9 as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1, C16:0 and C16:1 omega7c and/or iso-C15:0 20H as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 59 mol%. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain SW32T and the type strains of all validly described Halomonas species were 92.0-93.8%. Strain SW32T exhibited 16S rDNA similarity values of 92.7% to Zymobacter palmae IAM 14233T and 91.6% to Carnimonas nigrificans CECT 4437T. These data indicate that strain SW32T was related enough to members of the genus Halomonas to be placed as a new species within that genus. Therefore the name Halomonas marisflavae sp. nov. is proposed for strain SW32T. The type strain of the new species is strain SW32T (= KCCM 80003T = JCM 10873T).

Differential expression of p16/p21/p27 and cyclin D1/D3, and their relationships to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumour progression in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

In order to understand the intricate relationship of cell proliferation and apoptosis in tumour development, proliferation markers (Ki-67 and c-myc), apoptosis, cell-cycle inducers cyclin D1 and D3, and cell-cycle inhibitors p16(INK4), p21(CIP1), and p27(KIP1) were evaluated in ductal breast carcinoma. The heterogeneous nature of breast tumours provides a system by which the changes in cell-cycle genes can be explored under a wide range of proliferation and apoptotic indices. To address the above issues, immunohistochemical studies were conducted in 40 pairs of tumours and adjacent normal ductal tissues. The TUNEL method was used to identify apoptotic cells. Except for p27/KIP1, the proliferation (Ki-67, c-myc) and the apoptotic indexes together with levels of p16/INK4a, p21/CIP1, cyclin D1, and cyclin D3, were clearly elevated among tumour tissues, while absent in the adjacent normal tissues. Spearman correlation analysis indicated strong associations among apoptotic index, Ki-67, c-myc, and tumour grade. In addition, p21/CIP1 and cyclin D3 were positively correlated, while p16/INK4a, p27/KIP1, and cyclin D1 were negatively correlated with tumour grade. There was clear decoupling between p21 and p27, as well as decoupling between cyclin D1 and cyclin D3, in terms of their relationship to cell proliferation and apoptosis, indicating differential roles in tumour progression.

Sporosarcina aquimarina sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from seawater in Korea, and transfer of Bacillus globisporus (Larkin and Stokes 1967), Bacillus psychrophilus (Nakamura 1984) and Bacillus pasteurii (Chester 1898) to the genus Sporosarcina as Sporosarcina globispora comb. nov., Sporosarcina psychrophila comb. nov. and Sporosarcina pasteurii comb. nov., and emended description of th

A light-orange-coloured, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium (strain SW28T), which was isolated from seawater in Korea, was taxonomically studied by a polyphasic approach. This organism formed round terminal endospores in swollen sporangia. The peptidoglycan type is A4alpha, based on L-Lys-L-Ala-D-Asp. The predominant menaquinone is MK-7 and the major fatty acid is ante-C15:0. The G+C content of the DNA is 40 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain SW28T falls within the radiation of a cluster comprising the rRNA group 2 bacilli and non-Bacillus-type organisms. Strain SW28T showed the highest degree of relatedness to the type strain of Sporosarcina ureae, sharing 96.8% 16S rDNA similarity. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SW28T and S. ureae DSM 2281T and the type strains of some Bacillus species forming a coherent phylogenetic cluster are less than 12.5%. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness data, it is proposed that strain SW28T should be placed in the genus Sporosarcina as a new species, Sporosarcina aquimarina sp. nov. The type strain is SW28T (= KCCM 41039T = JCM 10887T). From the results of the taxonomic re-evaluation, it is also proposed that Bacillus globisporus, Bacillus psychrophilus and Bacillus pasteurii be transferred to the genus Sporosarcina as Sporosarcina globispora, Sporosarcina psychrophila and Sporosarcina pasteurii, respectively.

Determination of growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A novel HPLC method with electrochemical detection is described for the determination of a growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6). HPLC conditions, such as the column, mobile phase, and oxidation potential, were optimized for sensitivity and selectivity of analysis. GHRP-6 was separated on a reversed-phase CN column with 37% acetonitrile in 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) as the mobile phase. The optimum electrochemical oxidation signal was obtained at 0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a glassy carbon working electrode due to two electroactive tryptophans and a histidine residue. Solid-phase extraction using octadecyl cartridges was optimized for sample cleanup of GHRP-6 from serum samples and the method was successfully applied over the concentration range of 5 to 100 ng/ml of analyte. reserved.

Identification of the modifying sites of mono-PEGylated salmon calcitonins by capillary electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

A capillary electrophoretic method (CE) was developed for the determination of the PEG-modification sites of three positional isomers of mono-PEG modified salmon calcitonins (mono-PEG-sCTs). Resistance to proteolytic degradation on the PEG modification sites resulted in different patterns of CE electropherograms for the tryptic digested mono-PEG-sCTs isomers, and the PEG modification sites were assigned accordingly. The PEG-modification sites were also confirmed directly by determining the molecular masses of the tryptic digested PEG-modified fragments of respective mono-PEG-sCT by the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.

Fendiline-Induced Ca2+ movement in A10 smooth muscle cells

The effect of fendiline, an anti-anginal drug, on cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in A10 smooth muscle cells was explored by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. Fendiline at concentrations between 10-50 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 20 microM. External Ca2+ removal reduced the Ca2+ signal by 75%. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i in cells pretreated with fendiline in Ca2+-free medium. The 50 microM fendiline-induced [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-containing medium was inhibited by 10 microM of La3+, nifedipine, or verapamil. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) to deplete the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store partly inhibited 50 microM fendiline-induced Ca2+ release; whereas pretreatment with 50 microM fendiline abolished 1 microM thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. Inhibition of phospholipase C activity with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 50 microM fendiline-induced Ca2+ release. Incubation with 50 microM fendiline for 10-30 min decreased cell viability by 10-20%. Together, the findings indicate that in smooth muscle cells fendiline induced [Ca2+]i increases. Fendiline acted by activating Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels, and by releasing internal Ca2+ in a phospholipase C-independent manner. Prolonged exposure of cells to fendiline induced cell death.

Differential roles of spinal cholera toxin- and pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in nociceptive responses caused by formalin, capsaicin, and substance P in mice

The aim of the present study is to characterize the roles of spinal cholera toxin (CTX)- and pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins in the regulation of various nociceptive responses. The effects of intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatments with CTX and PTX on the formalin (subcutaneous)-, capsaicin (i.t.)-, and substance P (SP; i.t.)-induced nociceptive behaviours were examined in mice. Pretreatment with CTX (i.t.; 24 h before) significantly and dose-dependently (0.05-0.5 microg) suppressed both the first and second phases of the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviour. On the other hand, pretreatment with PTX (i.t., 6 days before) at the same doses (0.05-N0.5 microg) did not affect the formalin-induced response. Capsaicin (i.t., 0.5 microg)- and SP (i.t., 0.7 microg)-induced nociceptive behaviours were attenuated by the pretreatment with CTX. In addition, SP-induced nociceptive response was also attenuated by the pretreatment with PTX. However, the capsaicin-induced nociceptive response was not influenced by PTX pretreatment. These findings suggest that, at the spinal cord level, CTX-sensitive G-proteins are involved in the formalin-, capsaicin-, and SP-induced nociceptive behavioural responses, whereas PTX-sensitive G proteins are involved in SP-induced nociceptive response.

Sepharose-unbinding ricin E as a source for ricin A chain immunotoxin

To evaluate the Sepharose-unbinding ricin E as a preference source material for ricin A chain (RTA) in immunotoxin studies, RTA of ricin E (RTA(E)) was characterized and compared with RTA of the Sepharose-binding ricin D (RTA(D)). RTA(E) and RTA(D) were separated into two subunits of A(1) and A(2) by capillary electrophoresis. The isoelectric points of A(1) and A(2) subunits were determined to be 7.6 and 7.4, respectively, for RTA(E), while they were 7.4 and 7.3, respectively, for RTA(D). The molecular masses of A(1) and A(2) isomers determined by the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry were 31059 and 32266 Da, respectively, for RTA(E), while they were 30892 and 32179 Da, respectively, for RTA(D). There were no significant differences in the cell surface affinity and cytotoxicity between RTA(E) and RTA(D). Anti-CD4-RTA(E) immunotoxin was prepared by conjugating RTA(E) with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody using a heterobifunctional crosslinker, 4-succinimidyl-oxycarbonyl-alpha-methyl-alpha-(2-pyridyldithio) toluene. Anti-CD4-RTA(E) immunotoxin showed comparable cytotoxic effects to anti-CD4-RTA(D) immunotoxin to antigen-positive CEM cells in vitro. It is concluded that RTA(E) from ricin E is one of different variants of RTA(D) and may be used as a preference source material of RTA in immunotoxin studies.

Classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a Chinese patient

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that are characterised by an accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigments in neurons and extraneuronal tissues. We report on a 4-year-old boy who presented with an acute onset of seizures followed by rapid psychomotor deterioration, ataxia, and visual failure. Photic stimulation at 1 to 3 Hz elicited discrete spike and wave discharges in the electroencephalogram, which were diminished at a higher frequency of stimulation. The electroretinogram was extinct. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed generalised cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Electron microscopic examination of lymphocytes and samples of muscle and skin revealed characteristic curvilinear inclusion bodies. To our knowledge, this is the first case of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis to be reported in a Hong Kong Chinese patient.

Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis

We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administered 1h before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administered 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5+/-7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant increasing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong antianaphylactic action.

The discovery of indoxacarb: oxadiazines as a new class of pyrazoline-type insecticides

The evolution of the insecticidal pyrazoline moiety that was originally discovered in 1972 has led to the discovery of a new crop insecticide, indoxacarb, which is the first commercialized pyrazoline-type sodium-channel blocker. Both monocyclic and fused-tricyclic pyrazolines and pyridazines, as well as structurally related semicarbazones were examined prior to the discovery of analogous tricyclic oxadiazines which had similarly high activity as well as favorable environmental dissipation rates and low toxicity to non-target organisms. The eventual leading candidate, DPX-JW062, was originally obtained as a racemic molecule, but a chiral synthesis was developed which produces material that is 50% ee in the insecticidal (+)-S-enantiomer (DPX-MP062, indoxacarb).

Characterization of histamine-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations in Chang liver cells

The effect of histamine on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in Chang liver cells were investigated by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ dye. Histamine (0.2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 0.8 microM. The [Ca2+]i response comprised an initial rise, a slow decay, and a sustained phase. Extracellular Ca2+ removal inhibited 50% of the maximum [Ca2+]i signal and abolished the sustained phase. After pretreatment with 5 microM histamine in Ca2+-free medium for 4 min, addition of 3 mM Ca2+ induced a [Ca2+]i increase with a magnitude 7-fold greater than control. In Ca2+-free medium, after treatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), 5 microM histamine failed to increase [Ca2+]i. Histamine (5 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was abolished

Fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ signals in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of fluoxetine on Ca2+ signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. Fluoxetine increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently between 5 microM and 200 microM with an EC50 value of 40 microM. The response was reduced by external Ca2+ removal by 30%40%. In Ca2+-free medium pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, abolished 100 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ to Ca2+-free medium increased [Ca2+]i when cells were pretreated with 100 microM fluoxetine. Suppression of 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation by 2 microM U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) did not affect 100 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release. Fluoxetine (5-100 microM) also increased [Ca2+]i in neutrophils, prostate cancer cells and bladder cancer cells from human and rat glioma cells.

Novel effects of 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, on Ca2+ mobilization in Madin Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid, a widely used lipoxygenase inhibitor, on Ca2+ fate in Madin Darby canine kidney cells was examined by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. At concentrations between 2-100 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently with an EC50 of 20 microM . Extracellular Ca2+ removal decreased the Ca2+ signals, indicating that 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid triggered Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx. 5,8,11 -Eicosatriynoic acid (30 microM) induced a [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-free medium after pretreatment with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (2 microM), a mitochondrial uncoupler, and thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor for 20 min. Conversely, 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid pretreatment almost abolished the Ca2+ release induced by carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and thapsigargin. These results suggest that 30 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid released Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and other stores. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i after preincubation with 2-50 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid for 10 min. in Ca2+-free medium concentration-dependently. Pretreatment with 10 microM La3+ abolished 30 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid -induced [Ca2+]i increases, but adding La3+ during the decay phase had no effect. 5,8,11-Eicosatriynoic acid-induced Ca2+ release was not altered by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), but was decreased by 60% by 40 microM aristolochic acid. Several other lipoxygenase inhibitors such as baicalein (50 microM), 5.8.11.14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA; 0.1-0.2 mM), caffeic acid (5-50 microM), esculetin (5-50 microM), alpha-pentyl-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol (REV-5901; 0.1-0.2 mM) and alpha-pentyl-4-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol (L-655238; 80-100 microM) had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Collectively, the data suggest that the lipoxygenase inhibitor 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid induced a [Ca2+]i increase in renal tubular cells concentration-dependently, by releasing intracellular Ca2+ from multiple stores in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner, and by inducing extracellular Ca2+ influx in a La3+-sensitive manner.

Cucurbit protoplast isolation for the study of plant virus replication

A cucurbit protoplast isolation protocol was established for the study of plant virus replication in vivo. This protocol is applicable to both cucumber and squash leaf tissue with significant increases in yields of viable protoplasts suitable for electroporation, compared to other published methods. A combination of Cellulase RS, Macerozyme R10 and mannitol was used as digestion enzymes and osmoticum. An average of 1.7x10(7) protoplasts per gram of fresh leaf tissue were obtained from cucumber cultivar Bet-alpha. Both cucumber cultivar Shimson and squash cultivar First Taste produced an average yield of 6.0x10(6) protoplasts per g of fresh leaf tissue. Electroporation of 10 microg of Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV-S) RNA into the protoplasts resulted in virus replication and synthesis of coat protein (CP). SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were used to detect the CP 48 h post-electroporation. This protocol is highly reproducible and will assist researchers who require cucurbit protoplasts to study virus replication.

Histamine-Induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ levels in hepatoma cells

The effect of histamine on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in HA22/VGH human hepatoma cells were evaluated using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ dye. Histamine (0.2-5 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of about 1 microM. The [Ca2+]i response comprised an initial rise, a slow decay, and a sustained phase. Extracellular Ca2+ removal inhibited 50% of the [Ca2+]i signal. In Ca2+-free medium, after cells were treated with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), 5 microM histamine failed to increase [Ca2+]i. After pretreatment with 5 microM histamine in Ca2+-free medium for 4 min, addition of 3 mM Ca2+ induced a [Ca2+]i increase of a magnitude 7-fold greater than control. Histamine (5 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was abolished by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), and by 5 microM pyrilamine but was not altered by 50 microM cimetidine. Together, this study shows that histamine induced [Ca2+]i increases in human hepatoma cells by stimulating H1, but not H2, histamine receptors. The [Ca2+]i signal was caused by Ca2+ release from thapsigargin-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent manner, accompanied by Ca2+ entry.

Removal of phenols from aqueous solution by XAD-4 resin

The experiments on the adsorption of phenols from aqueous solution by Amberlite XAD-4, a polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin without functional group, were carried out under different conditions. The phenols studied in this research include 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 2-methylphenol, and 2,4-dimethylphenol. The experimental observations indicate that adsorption behavior of various phenols by XAD-4 resin could be described by either Langmuir or Freundlich models. The removals of phenols by XAD-4 resin for solutions of different pH varied significantly and can be explained by the species distribution of phenols in aqueous solutions. Phenols were effectively removed by XAD-4 resin at acidic conditions where the presence of molecular phenol species dominates. The removal decreased sharply for alkaline solutions where the negatively-charged ionic species is the dominant phenol species. The proposed adsorption equilibrium model adequately describes the sorption behavior of phenols by XAD-4 resin. The presence of functional groups on the benzene ring of various phenols plays an important role on the extent of adsorption. The removals of phenols by adsorption were found to correlate with the octanol/water partition coefficients of various phenol compounds.