Increase of laminin 5 synthesis in human keratinocytes by acute wound fluid, inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and lysophospholipids

BACKGROUND

Laminin 5 is known to induce the adhesion, spreading and migration of human keratinocytes. In skin wound healing, laminin 5 deposition beneath migrating keratinocytes occurs early and is followed by the formation of hemidesmosomes and then basement membrane.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors that regulate the synthesis and secretion of laminin 5 by human keratinocytes during acute wound healing.

METHODS

Laminin 5 synthesis by human keratinocytes was determined by a specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To determine the total amount of laminin 5 synthesized, laminin 5 deposited on culture dishes and inside cells was solubilized by detergent solution and determined separately from conditioned medium, and the total laminin 5 synthesis was calculated. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to measure the expression levels of laminin 5 genes, LAMA3, LAMB3 and LAMC2, which correspond to the alpha3, beta3 and gamma2 chains of laminin 5. We also examined the effects of lysophospholipids, proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which are components in acute wound fluids, on laminin 5 synthesis in keratinocytes.

RESULTS

Human acute wound fluid at days 1, 2 and 3 stimulated laminin 5 synthesis in cultured human keratinocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, although findings are restricted to one case. Human serum also increased laminin 5 production by human keratinocytes as strongly as the wound fluid did, suggesting that the major active components in acute wound fluid may be derived from those in human serum. Lysophospholipids such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) increased laminin 5 synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. Among growth factors, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, interferon-gamma and keratinocyte growth factor increased laminin 5 production in keratinocytes, while platelet-derived growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor were ineffective. Although interleukin-1alpha had no effect, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TGF-beta1 also stimulated laminin 5 synthesis, and TGF-alpha and TGF-beta1 showed a synergistic effect. Neutralizing antibodies to TGF-alpha and TGF-beta1 markedly inhibited the enhanced laminin 5 synthesis by human serum, suggesting that TGF-alpha and TGF-beta1 are important components to increase laminin 5 in human serum. In line with the increase of laminin 5 synthesis, the expression levels of all three laminin 5 genes were also augmented by TGF-alpha and TGF-beta1.

CONCLUSIONS

Laminin 5 synthesis in human keratinocytes was augmented by inflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as TGF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and TNF-alpha, and lysophospholipids such as S1P, LPA and LPCs, which are supposed to be present in acute wound fluid. The increased laminin 5 protein in the wound area presumably enhances wound repair by stimulating adhesion and migration of keratinocytes on the wound bed and by facilitating basement membrane formation at the dermal-epidermal junction.

Is the ARX index a more sensitive indicator of anesthetic depth than the bispectral index during sevoflurane/nitrous oxide anesthesia?

BACKGROUND

During general anesthesia, hypnotic components have been monitored with electroencephalogram. The bispectral index is derived from a cortical electroencephalogram, but the A-line ARX index is the electroencephalographic response to auditory stimuli. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes of the A-line ARX index and the bispectral index during sevoflurane - nitrous oxide anesthesia.

METHODS

One hundred females aged 30-60 years, and scheduled for partial mastectomy, were divided into two groups. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane 5% and nitrous oxide in oxygen for 3 min. A laryngeal mask airway was inserted, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 1-2% and nitrous oxide in oxygen. During surgery, the sevoflurane end-tidal concentration was kept at 0.5%, 1%, or 2% for 5 min before each measurement. Blood pressure, heart rate, and the A-line ARX index (n = 50), and the bispectral index (n = 50) were measured.

RESULTS

Blood pressure and heart rate increased following laryngeal mask airway insertion and blood pressure decreased at 2% sevoflurane in both groups similarly. The A-line ARX index, but not the bispectral index, increased significantly by laryngeal mask airway insertion and skin incision. The A-line ARX index decreased at 2% sevoflurane compared with 0.5%, while the bispectral index remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

During sevoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia, the A-line ARX index might be a more sensitive indicator of anesthetic depth than the bispectral index.

Association of a haplotype in the serotonin 5-HT4 receptor gene (HTR4) with Japanese schizophrenia

The serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor (5-HT(4)) is implicated in cognitive function, of which impairment is hypothesized as one of the core disturbances of schizophrenia. Linkage analysis shows that 5q33.2, in which HTR4 is located, is schizophrenia-susceptibility loci. We therefore hypothesized that variation in the 5-HT(4) receptor gene (HTR4) modifies genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. HTR4 coding regions and introns that include the branch sites of HTR4 were investigated in 96 unrelated Japanese schizophrenics using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. One silent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the coding region and six intronic SNPs were detected. 353 + 6G > A was located in the branch site that could be effect to RNA splicing. None of the four SNPs, in which rare-allele frequencies were more than 10% was associated with 189 schizophrenics, in comparison to 299 controls. However, a highly significant association between schizophrenia and haplotype A-T (OR = 0.13 [0.03-0.58]) was detected. These findings suggest that haplotype A-T itself may inhibit the occurrence of schizophrenia, or that another susceptible genetic variants may exist within linkage disequilibrium.

Evaluation of autologous cultured epithelium as replacement skin after tattoo excision: correlation between skin texture and histological features

BACKGROUND

Cultured epidermal autographs (CEAs) are currently used as a coverage treatment for burn wounds, for disfiguring burn scars involving depigmentation and in restoring the elasticity of the skin. The advantage of CEAs is that epidermal sheets prepared from small skin pieces can be enlarged sufficiently to cover large burn areas.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the correlation between recovery of skin texture, and elastic fibre formation and keratinocyte differentiation (assessed by immunohistochemistry) in CEAs used as replacement skin after tattoo excision in a Japanese patient.

METHODS

The tattooed skin was excised down to the deep dermal layer and then CEA was transplanted onto the patient. The skin textures were evaluated by taking replicas of the skin surface, and histological changes of filaggrin, transglutaminase, involucrin, fibrillin and elastin in the autograft skin were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The skin texture improved with time after grafting the CEA, and appeared similar to that of normal skin at 39 months. Among keratinocyte differentiation markers, filaggrin recovered to a normal pattern at around 6 months, and transglutaminase did so at 39 months, whereas involucrin expression remained abnormal at 39 months. Fibrillin expression appeared similar to that of normal skin by 39 months, except for sparse candelabra-like structures of short fibres. Elastin expression remained at a low level throughout.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the recovery of skin texture after application of CEAs following tattoo excision is associated with the normalization of epidermal differentiation markers, except involucrin, and with the regeneration of elastic fibres in the dermis.

Regulation of UDP glucuronosyltransferase genes

The UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) content of cells and tissues is a major determinant of our response to those chemicals that are primarily eliminated by conjugation with glucuronic acid. There are marked interindividual differences in the content of UGTs in the liver and other organs. The mechanisms that lead to these differences are unknown but are most likely the result of differential UGT gene expression. Several transcription factors involved in the regulation of UGT genes have been identified. These include factors such as Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1, CAAT-Enhancer Binding Protein, Octamer transcription Factor 1 and Pbx2, which appear to control the constitutive levels of UGTs in tissues and organs. In addition, UGT gene expression is also modulated by hormones, drugs and other foreign chemicals through the action of proteins that bind and/or sense the presence of these chemicals. These proteins include the Ah receptor, members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, such as CAR and PXR and transcription factors that respond to stress.

Nitrous oxide decreases shivering threshold in rabbits less than isoflurane

BACKGROUND

Comparable minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) fractions of volatile anaesthetics produce similar thermoregulatory impairment. Nitrous oxide, however, decreases the vasoconstriction threshold less than sevoflurane or isoflurane. We tested the hypothesis that nitrous oxide also decreases shivering threshold less than isoflurane alone or in combination.

METHODS

Twenty-four rabbits were assigned randomly to one of three 0.3 MAC anaesthetic regimens: (i) nitrous oxide 69%; (ii) nitrous oxide 35% and isoflurane 0.3%; or (iii) isoflurane 0.6%. Body temperature was lowered by perfusing 10 degrees C water through a U-shaped thermode positioned in the colon. Shivering was evaluated by inspection.

RESULTS

The rabbits anaesthetized with nitrous oxide alone shivered at 37.0 (0.5) degrees C (P<0.01 vs other groups). In those given the nitrous oxide and isoflurane combination, the shivering threshold was 36.4 (0.5) degrees C and that in the isoflurane group was 35.9 (0.4) degrees C.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that nitrous oxide reduces the shivering threshold less than isoflurane.

Importance of balance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation in basement membrane formation

The epidermal basement membrane (BM) plays important roles in adhesion between epidermis and dermis and in controlling epidermal differentiation. In a skin-equivalent (SE), components of the epidermal BM such as laminin 5 and type IV and VII collagens were detected in conditioned media and in basal keratinocytes. Despite production of these BM components, however, BM was rarely observed at the dermal-epidermal junction. One possible explanation for the absence of BM in SEs is that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade newly synthesized extracellular matrices. In fact, several MMPs, such as MMPs-1, 2, 3, and 9, were observed to be present in conditioned media and some of them were in active forms. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 was not detected, although TIMP-1 was present. BM degradation activity presumably exceeds BM formation activity in the SE, resulting in the absence of lamina densa at the dermal-epidermal junction. Synthetic MMP inhibitors CGS27023A and MMP inhibitor I, which inhibit MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9, markedly augmented deposition of laminin 5 and type IV and VII collagens at the dermal-epidermal junction, resulting in formation of continuous epidermal BM. These results suggest that the balance between synthesis and degradation of BM components is important for BM formation.

Antioxidative activity of hydroxylamines. ESR spectra of radicals derived from hydroxylamines

The antioxidative activity of hydroxylamines was evaluated for the oxidation of tetralin at 61 degrees C and linoleic acid micelles in an aqueous dispersion at 37 degrees C, induced by an azo initiator. The antioxidative efficacy of the hydroxylamines for the oxidation of tetralin was smaller than that of alpha-tocopherol. However, the hydroxylamines showed more potent antioxidative activity than that of the alpha-tocopherol against the oxidation of linoleic acid micelles. On the basis of the results of an ESR study and the oxidation product obtained, it is suggested that active position in hydroxylamines depend not only on hydroxyl hydrogen-atom, but also on the allylic hydrogen atom.

[Useful tools for prone position: ProneView and OPTI-GARD]

For prone position except for neurosurgery or cervical spinal surgery, head and neck are usually turned sideways on the pillow. This position has a risk of injuries to eyes, nose, lips, ears, or facial nerve and inducing neck pain after surgery. We introduce new tools to avoid these complications from prone position. The ProneView consists of a plastic helmet with a window for eyes, nose and mouth, a sponge to fit the face attached to the helmet, and a mirror to watch eyes, nose and lips. The OPTI-GARD is the glasses made by a sponge with a plastic windows to protect eyes. Using the ProneView and the OPTI-GARD together, patient's neck and head can be kept at neutral position with eyes, nose, lips, and ears being kept free from any pressure. In addition, we can check the position of the face easily by mirror. Therefore, the ProneView and the OPTI-GARD must be useful to decrease injuries to eyes, nose, lips, ears, and facial nerve, and neck pain in prone position.

[Endotracheal intubation with a lighted stylet in a patient with difficult airway from the first and second brancheal arch syndrome]

A 28 year-old-woman with the first and second brancheal arch syndrome was scheduled for the lift of the inferior part of the right ear. Difficult intubation was expected because of the mandibular hypoplasia. We chose a lightwand stylet for tracheal intubation. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane slowly increased to 5% in nitrous oxide 3 l.min-1 with oxygen 3 l.min-1. A spiral tube with 6.5 mm inner diameter (Safety-Flex, Mallinckrodt Medical, Ireland) was attached to the lightwand stylet (Surch-Light, Aaron, U.S.A.) and shaped to fit to pharyngo-laryngeal curve. Under spontaneous breathing, the tube was successfully inserted without laryngoscopy. No traumatic events occurred. Usually fiberoptic laryngoscopy requires more skill, more expensive equipment, and more time to prepare than the lightwand stylet technique. Moreover profuse secretions or blood in the oropharynx sometimes inhibit clear vision by fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The lightwand stylet is simple and inexpensive and it is useful for tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airway from the first and second brancheal arch syndrome.

Do the effects of a protease inhibitor, ulinastatin, on elastase release by blood transfusion depend on interleukin 6?

OBJECTIVE

Blood transfusion induces polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMNE) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). IL-6 would activate neutrophils to release PMNE. Ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, inhibits PMNE release by blood transfusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effects of ulinastatin on PMNE release by blood transfusion come through inhibition of IL-6.

DESIGN

Semirandomized, controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Surgical center in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients age 35-70 yrs undergoing gastrectomy were enrolled in this study until the four study groups had 12 patients each.

INTERVENTIONS

Half of the enrolled patients received ulinastatin at random. After surgery, patients were divided into the following four groups: group A received neither blood transfusion nor ulinastatin, group B received only blood transfusion, group C received only ulinastatin, and group D received both blood transfusion and ulinastatin. The infusion of ulinastatin 300,000 units was started at manipulation of the stomach in the group C and at the start of blood transfusion in the group D.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Segmented neutrophil count and plasma concentrations of PMNE and IL-6 were measured. In addition, PMNE and IL-6 concentrations in every unit of concentrated red blood cell transfused and these concentrations in the plasma of the recipient after every unit of transfusion were measured.

RESULTS

Blood transfusion increased plasma concentrations of PMNE and IL-6, and the PMNE release from segmented neutrophil. The increase of plasma PMNE but not IL-6 concentration after each unit of blood transfusion was inhibited by ulinastatin. However, ulinastatin did not inhibit the increase of plasma concentrations of PMNE and IL-6 by surgical stimuli of gastrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulinastatin 300,000 units might be useful to inhibit blood transfusion-induced increase of PMNE but not IL-6. The inhibition of PMNE increase by ulinastatin was independent of IL-6.

Atropine prevents midazolam-induced core hypothermia in elderly patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that core temperature is well preserved when atropine and midazolam are combined.

DESIGN

Randomized, blinded study.

SETTING

Department of Anesthesia, Yamanashi Medical University.

PATIENTS

40 elderly, ASA physical status I and II patients (aged more than 60 years).

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned (n = 10 per group) to premedication with: 1) saline control; 2) midazolam 0.05 mg/kg; 3) atropine 0.01 mg/kg; and 4) midazolam 0.05 mg/kg combined with atropine 0.01 mg/kg. All premedication was given on the ward at approximately 8:30 am, approximately 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Core temperatures were measured at the right tympanic membrane. Mean skin temperature was calculated as 0.3 x (T(chest) + T(arm)) + 0.2 x (T(thigh) + T(calf)). Fingertip perfusion was evaluated using forearm minus fingertip and calf minus toe, skin-surface temperature gradients. Temperatures were evaluated at the time of premedication and 30 minutes later, just before induction of anesthesia. Core temperature remained nearly constant in the control patients (0.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C; mean +/- SD), whereas it decreased significantly in the patients given midazolam alone (-0.3 +/- 0.1 degrees C). Atropine alone increased core temperature (0.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C), although the increase was not statistically significant. The combination of midazolam and atropine attenuated the hypothermia induced by midazolam alone (0.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C). Initial skin-temperature gradients exceeded 0 degrees C in all groups, indicating that the patients were vasoconstricted. The gradients were unchanged by premedication with saline or atropine. Midazolam significantly decreased the gradient (-1.8 +/- 1.1 degrees C), as did the combination of midazolam and atropine (-1.4 +/- 0.9 degrees C).

CONCLUSIONS

The thermoregulatory effects of benzodiazepine receptor agonist and cholinergic inhibitors oppose each other, and the combination leaves core temperature unchanged.

The effects of facial fanning on thermal comfort sensation during hyperthermia

We studied how facial fanning during hyperthermia improves the thermal comfort sensation. Experiments were carried out on ten male subjects. They were immersed in hot water at 40 degrees C for 45 min. At 20 min and 35 min, fanning (1 m x s(-1)) was applied to their faces for 5 min. Core temperature (Tc) measured as esophageal temperature (Tes) and tympanic temperature (Tty) continued to rise during the immersion, but temporarily decreased during fanning with a delay of 2 or 3 min. Skin temperatures (Ts) on the forehead and cheek continued to increase slightly during immersion, but decreased immediately after the start of fanning. During immersion before face fanning, the time trend of thermal sensation towards the warm level was similar to that of skin temperature on the face, whereas the time trend of thermal comfort ratings towards the uncomfortable level was similar to that of Tc. The scores of both thermal sensation and thermal comfort were reduced significantly immediately after the start of fanning, and their time courses were different to those of Ts and Tty. These results support previous reports that thermal sensation depends on skin temperature, and that thermal comfort depends on both the skin and core temperatures. Moreover, they indicate that both thermal sensation and comfort ratings are affected by the dynamic responses of the cutaneous thermoreceptors when fanning is applied to the face during hyperthermia.

Evolution of MADS-box gene induction by FLO/LFY genes

Some MADS-box genes function as floral homeotic genes. The Arabidopsis LFY gene is a positive regulator of floral homeotic genes, and homologs of the FLO/LFY gene family in other angiosperms and gymnosperms are likely to have a similar function. To investigate the origin of the floral homeotic gene regulatory cascade involving the FLO/LFY gene, FLO/LFY homologs were cloned from a leptosporangiate fern (Ceratopteris richardii), two eusporangiate ferns (Angiopteris lygodiifolia and Botrychium multifidum var. robustum), three fern allies (Psilotum nudum, Equisetum arvense, and Isoetes asiatica), and a moss (Physcomitrella patens). The FLO/LFY gene phylogenetic tree indicates that both duplication and loss of FLO/LFY homologs occurred during the course of vascular plant evolution. The expression patterns of the Ceratopteris LFY genes (CrLFY1 and 2) were assessed. CrLFY1 expression was prominent in tissues including shoot tips and circinate reproductive leaves, but very weak in other tissues examined. Expression of CrLFY2 was also prominent in tissues, including shoot tips and circinate reproductive leaves. These patterns of expression are dissimilar to that of any Ceratopteris MADS-box gene previously reported, suggesting that the induction of MADS-box genes by FLO/LFY is not established at the stage of ferns.

The synergistic interaction between midazolam and clonidine in spinally-mediated analgesia in two different pain models of rats

Both midazolam, a benzodiazepine gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist, and clonidine, an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, induce spinally-mediated analgesia. We investigated the analgesic interaction of spinally-administered midazolam and clonidine in their effects on acute and inflammatory nociception. Rats implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters were injected intrathecally with saline (control), midazolam (1 to 100 microg), or clonidine (0.1 to 3 microg) to test for their responses to thermal stimulation to the tail (tail-flick test) and subcutaneous formalin injection into the hind paw (formalin test). The effects of the combination of midazolam and clonidine on both stimuli were tested by isobolographic analysis by using the 50% effective doses. The general behavior and motor function were examined as side effects. When combined, the 50% effective doses of midazolam (clonidine) decreased from 1.57 microg (0.26 microg) to 0.29 g (0.05 microg) in the tail-flick test and from 1.34 microg (0.12 microg) and 1.21 microg (0.13 microg) to 0.05 microg (0.005 microg) and 0.13 microg (0.015 microg) in Phase 1 and 2 of the formalin test, respectively. Side effects did not increase by using the combination. These results suggest a favorable combination of intrathecal midazolam and clonidine in the management of acute and inflammatory pain after proper neurotoxicologic studies.

IMPLICATIONS

Spinally-administered midazolam, a benzodiazepine, and clonidine, an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, have significant synergistic effects on thermally-induced acute and formalin-induced inflammatory pain.

Establishment of gene-trap and enhancer-trap systems in the moss Physcomitrella patens

Because of its simple body plan and ease of gene knockout and allele replacement, the moss Physcomitrella patens is often used as a model system for studies in plant physiology and developmental biology. Gene-trap and enhancer-trap systems are useful techniques for cloning genes and enhancers that function in specific tissues or cells. Additionally, these systems are convenient for obtaining molecular markers specific for certain developmental processes. Elements for gene-trap and enhancer-trap systems were constructed using the uidA reporter gene with either a splice acceptor or a minimal promoter. Through a high rate of transformation conferred by a method utilizing homologous recombination, 235 gene-trap and 1073 enhancer-trap lines were obtained from 5637 and 3726 transgenic lines, respectively. The expression patterns of these trap lines in the moss gametophyte varied. The candidate gene trapped in a gene-trap line YH209, which shows rhizoid-specific expression, was obtained by 5' and 3' RACE. This gene was named PpGLU, and forms a clade with plant acidic alpha-glucosidase genes. Thus, these gene-trap and enhancer-trap systems should prove useful to identify tissue- and cell-specific genes in Physcomitrella.

Hemolysis in stored red blood cell concentrates: modulation by haptoglobin or ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor

OBJECTIVE

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase may injure various tissues. The release of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase induced by various stimuli was reported to be inhibited by a protease inhibitor, ulinastatin. In stored blood preparations, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase increases depending on the storage days as hemolysis increases. We hypothesized that polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase might be one of the factors inducing hemolysis in stored blood. Haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin to reduce hemolysis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of ulinastatin on hemolysis in blood preparations in comparison with haptoglobin.

DESIGN

In vitro study.

SETTING

Laboratory in a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Nine 2-day-old packs of red blood cell concentrates (CRC) in 400 mL each of mannitol, adenine, glucose, phosphate, and citrate (MAP) (MAP-CRC) from the Japan Red Cross Society.

INTERVENTIONS

Each MAP-CRC was divided into three different packs of equal amount and was treated with 10 mL of saline (control group), 200 units of haptoglobin, or 50,000 units of ulinastatin. They were stored at 4 degrees C.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Supernatant concentrations of total and free hemoglobin, total haptoglobin, polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase, and potassium were measured for 25 days. Free haptoglobin concentration was calculated. Total and free hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly depending on the storage days in the control group, whereas haptoglobin and ulinastatin groups showed no increase. Total and free haptoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in the haptoglobin group than in the other two groups. Free haptoglobin concentrations were 0 after 5 days of storage in the control and ulinastatin groups. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase concentrations increased with the increase in storage days without any differences among the three groups. Potassium concentration increased according to the storage and showed the highest value in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding haptoglobin or ulinastatin to MAP-CRC was useful to suppress hemolysis during storage of the preparation. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase might not be involved in the mechanisms of hemolysis in MAP-CRC stored for 25 days.

Propofol-induced bronchoconstriction: two case reports

IMPLICATIONS

Bronchoconstriction was induced by anesthetic induction with propofol in two patients with allergic diseases. One had severe bronchospasm improved by epinephrine. Propofol should be used with caution in patients with allergic disease.

Comparison of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from the genital tract and pharynx of two gonorrhea patients

Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated simultaneously from urethral and pharyngeal specimens of two gonorrhea patients. The pair of isolates from one of the two patients were identical in auxotype, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern, and antimicrobial susceptibility, which indicated that both sites in that patient were infected with the same strain of N. gonorrhoeae. However, the two isolates from the other patient had different properties, indicating that the two sites in the second patient were infected with different strains. The gonococcal infections in these patients failed to respond to initial treatment with sparfloxacin or sulbactam/ampicillin, because the causative strains of N. gonorrhoeae were resistant to the respective antibiotics. Variable patterns and routes of gonococcal infection have recently been discovered in individual patients, suggesting that specimens for bacterial isolation should be taken not just from one site but from various sites that might be infected. This method may contribute to the successful treatment and epidemiological investigation of gonococcal infections.

Stereospecific synthesis of the alpha- and beta-D-glucopyranosyl ureas

A new, one-pot, two-stage procedure for the preparation of the alpha- and beta-D-glucopyranosyl ureas has been developed. Oxidation of glucopyranosyl isocyanides provides glucopyranosyl isocyanates, which can be trapped in situ with amines to afford good yields of glucopyranosyl ureas. Application of this method establishes the successful synthesis of the hitherto unknown N,N'-di-alpha,alpha- and alpha,beta-D-glucopyranosyl ureas.

PhaR, a protein of unknown function conserved among short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoic acids producing bacteria, is a DNA-binding protein and represses Paracoccus denitrificans phaP expression in vitro

A putative regulatory protein, PhaR, which was identified in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthetic locus (phaZCPR) in Paracoccus denitrificans, was investigated. The PhaR protein purified from a recombinant Escherichia coli was estimated to be 22 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, being consistent with the mass calculated from the nucleotide sequence. The molecular mass was determined to be 93 kDa by size-exclusion chromatography, suggesting that the protein formed a tetramer. A gel mobility shift assay showed that PhaR specifically bound to the intergenic region of phaC--phaP. In a cell-free protein synthesis system using E. coli S30 extract, the expression of the phaP gene was repressed by the addition of purified PhaR. These results suggest that PhaR is a DNA-binding protein and may play a role in the regulation of phaP gene expression.

PhaR, a protein of unknown function conserved among short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoic acids producing bacteria, is a DNA-binding protein and represses Paracoccus denitrificans phaP expression in vitro

A putative regulatory protein, PhaR, which was identified in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthetic locus (phaZCPR) in Paracoccus denitrificans, was investigated. The PhaR protein purified from a recombinant Escherichia coli was estimated to be 22 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, being consistent with the mass calculated from the nucleotide sequence. The molecular mass was determined to be 93 kDa by size-exclusion chromatography, suggesting that the protein formed a tetramer. A gel mobility shift assay showed that PhaR specifically bound to the intergenic region of phaC--phaP. In a cell-free protein synthesis system using E. coli S30 extract, the expression of the phaP gene was repressed by the addition of purified PhaR. These results suggest that PhaR is a DNA-binding protein and may play a role in the regulation of phaP gene expression.