The reduction of NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase 24- and 75-kDa subunits in brains of patients with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease

NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), one of the most complicated multi-protein enzyme complexes, is important for energy metabolism because it is the initial enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Deficiency of complex I is frequently found in various tissues of patients with neurodegenerative disease. Here we studied the protein levels of complex I 24- and 75-kDa subunits in several brain regions from patients with Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We determined protein levels of complex I 24-, 75-kDa subunits and mitochondrial marker proteins mitochondrial matrix protein P1 (hsp60) and aconitate hydratase from seven brain regions of patients with DS, AD and controls. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Complex I 24-kDa subunit was significantly reduced in occipital cortex and thalamus in patients with DS and temporal and occipital cortices in patients with AD. Complex I 75-kDa subunit was significantly reduced in brain regions from patients with DS (temporal, occipital and caudate nucleus) and AD (parietal cortex). Reductions of two subunits of complex I may lead to the impairment of energy metabolism and result in neuronal cell death (apoptosis), a hallmark of both neurodegenerative disorders.

Open-label phase I clinical study to assess the safety of intravenous eptifibatide in patients undergoing internal carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement

OBJECTIVE

Eptifibatide, a competitive platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor inhibitor with high selectivity and a short half-life, has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of ischemic events associated with coronary interventions. However, its role in neurointerventional procedures needs to be analyzed. We report the results of an open-label Phase I study to evaluate the safety of the use of eptifibatide during carotid angioplasty and stent placement.

METHODS

Each study patient received eptifibatide administered intravenously as a 135-microg/kg single-dose bolus, then a 0.5-microg/kg/min infusion for 20 to 24 hours during carotid angioplasty and stent placement. The primary efficacy end point was the 30-day composite occurrence of death, cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack, and unplanned or urgent surgical intervention, thrombolysis, or subsequent percutaneous revascularization. The primary safety end point was bleeding. Bleeding complications were classified as major (hemoglobin decrease >5 g/dl), minor (hemoglobin decrease 3-5 g/dl), or insignificant.

RESULTS

Ten patients (mean age, 73 yr; four men) were treated by use of the study protocol. One patient developed a minor stroke postprocedurally (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 21 at 24 h that improved to 1 at 7 d). Three patients underwent scheduled coronary artery bypass graft surgery 4 to 12 days after undergoing carotid angioplasty and stent placement. At 1-month follow-up, no new ischemic events were observed. Major or minor bleeding was not observed in any patient. Insignificant bleeding was observed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of eptifibatide as an adjunct to carotid angioplasty and stent placement seems to be safe. Further studies are required to analyze the effectiveness and role of eptifibatide in neurointerventional procedures.

Identification of mutations including de novo mutations in Korean patients with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis

BACKGROUND

Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder involving the abnormal function of ion channels and it is characterized by paralysis attacks of varying severity, accompanied by a fall in blood potassium levels. Linkage analysis showed that the candidate locus responsible for hypoPP was localized to chromosome 1q31-32, and this locus encoded the muscle dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel alpha(1)-subunit (CACNA1S). So far, three different mutations in CACNA1S gene have been identified in patients with hypoPP: Arg528His, Arg1239His and Arg1239Gly in Caucasian patients. However, there are few reports about the mutations of CACNA1S gene in other races.

METHODS

In this study, four Korean families with five hypoPP patients were screened for mutations of CACNA1S gene with polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. To determine the mode of inheritance, haplotype analysis was done with three microsatellite markers (D1S1726, CACNL1A3, and D1S1723).

RESULTS

Arg528His mutation was detected in three families, and one family had no known mutations. Moreover, for the first time, we detected de novo Arg528His mutations in two out of three families with hypoPP. Haplotype analysis using three microsatellite markers (D1S1726, CACNL1A3, and D1S1723) suggested the occurrence of de novo Arg528His mutations in two of the three families with Arg528His mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Arg528His mutations of CACNA1S, including de novo Arg528His mutations, were found in Korean patients with hypoPP. These results imply that de novo mutation, in addition to non-penetrance, is one of the genetic mechanisms that can explain the previous clinical observation that hypoPP occurs sporadically without family history.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide) diblock copolymer prevents aggregation of poly(L-lactide) microspheres during ethylene oxide gas sterilization

Sterilization procedure is one of the most important obstacles in the clinical applications of biodegradable microspheres. The microspheres prepared with poly(alpha-hydroxy acid) were severely aggregated during ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization, and could not be used in clinical applications. In this study, the effects of EO gas sterilization on the poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) microspheres were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and size fractionation. The aggregation between the microspheres might be stimulated by high mobility of amorphous regions of PLLA on the microsphere surfaces since both water vapor and gas mixture can reduce glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLLA below the sterilization temperature. During EO gas sterilization, there were no changes in the molecular structure and the molecular weight of PLLA in microspheres, but there were changes in the crystallinity of PLLA in microspheres. In this study, poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymers (PLE) were blended with PLLA homopolymers in various ratios to design the microsphere suitable for EO gas sterilization. Aggregation of PLLA microspheres was markedly prevented when more than 4wt% of PLE was blended in the microspheres. This inhibition effect on aggregation may be due to the increased initial crystallinity of the microspheres, which help to maintain the microsphere morphology during EO gas sterilization.

Correlation of hematopoietic progenitor cell count determined by the SE-automated hematology analyzer with CD34(+) cell count by flow cytometry in leukapheresis products

The yield of stem cell collection after mobilization is crucial for autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Quantitative determinations of CD34(+) cells using flow cytometry or stem cell culture have been used, but these methods require much time, technical experience, and expensive reagents. The automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex SE-9000trade mark, TOA, Japan) equipped with the Immature Information (IMI) channel for immature myeloid cells can detect IMI(+) cells within 90 sec. Detection is made possible by the combination of a special reagent system and direct current/radiofrequency biosensors. We studied the relation of IMI(+) cells and variable cell counts with CD34(+) cell yield in autologous stem cell harvest. In a series of 32 patients (median age, 44 years; M:F = 11:21), 184 leukaphereses were performed after mobilization regimens with chemotherapy and G-CSF or G-CSF alone. Full blood cell counts were enumerated on peripheral blood (PB) samples taken prior to each leukapheresis. Mononuclear cell (MNC) and IMI(+) cell counts by automated hematology analyzer and flow cytometry based CD34(+) cell yield were measured on the harvested product. The relationship among PB white blood cells (WBC), PB monocytes, IMI(+) cells, MNC, and CD34(+) cell yield in a single leukapheresis was estimated by Pearson correlation analysis. PB WBC count showed no correlation with CD34(+) cell yield in a single leukapheresis (r = 0.02, P = 0.81). PB monocyte count showed a weak correlation (r = 0.21, P = 0.01) and MNC in harvest also showed a weak correlation (r = 0.36, P = 0.0001) with CD34(+) cell yield. In contrast, CD34(+) cell yield correlated well with IMI(+) cell count (r = 0.68, P = 0.0001), and data could be fitted by a linear regression equation, y = 0.330 + 0.974x. IMI(+) cell assay by the automated hematology analyzer correlated well with the CD34(+) cell yield in a mobilized autologous stem cell harvest. The IMI(+) cell count might be used as a simple and efficient indicator of blood stem cell mobilization and collection.

Design of a PC-based multimedia telemedicine system for brain function teleconsultation

During time-critical brain surgery, the detection of developing cerebral ischemia is particularly important because early therapeutic intervention may reduce the mortality of the patient. The purpose of this system is to provide an efficient means of remote teleconsultation for the early detection of ischemia, particularly when subspecialists are unavailable. The hardware and software design architecture for the multimedia brain function teleconsultation system including the dedicated brain function monitoring system is described. In order to comprehensively support remote teleconsultation, multi-media resources needed for ischemia interpretation were included: EEG signals, CSA, CD-CSA, radiological images, surgical microscope video images and video conferencing. PC-based system integration with standard interfaces and the operability over the Ethernet meet the cost-effectiveness while the modular software was customized with a diverse range of data manipulations and control functions necessary for shared workspace and standard interfaces.

Cellular and humoral adjuvant activity of lectins isolated from Korean mistletoe (Viscum album colaratum)

The adjuvant effect of lectins (KML-C) isolated from Korean mistletoe (Viscum album coloratum) on induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against keyhole limpet hemocyanine (KLH) was examined. When mice were immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) with KLH (20 micrograms/mouse) admixed with or without 50 ng/mouse of KML-C (KLH + KML-C), mice immunized with KLH + KML-C showed significantly higher antibody titers against KLH than those immunized with KLH alone, showing the highest titer 5 weeks after immunization. Furthermore, boost immunization with KLH + KML-C at 2-week interval elicited much higher activity than single immunization to enhance antibody responses against KLH. The assay for determining isotypes of antibodies revealed that KML-C augmented KLH-specific antibody titers of IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b. The culture supernatants obtained from the splenocytes of mice treated with KLH + KML-C also showed a higher level of both KLH-specific Th-1 (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) and Th-2 type cytokine (IL-4). In an in vitro analysis of T lymphocyte proliferation to KLH on week 4, the splenocytes of mice treated with KLH + KML-C showed a significantly higher proliferating activity than those treated with KLH alone. In addition, mice immunized twice with KLH + KML-C and followed by intrafootpad (i.f.) injection of KLH (50 micrograms/site) 14 weeks after the primary immunization induced a higher delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction than mice treated with KLH alone. These results suggest that KML-C is a potent immunoadjuvant to enhance cellular and humoral immune responses.

Mutation screening of the neurogenin-3 gene in autosomal dominant diabetes

We investigated whether genetic variability in neurogenin-3, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that is expressed in the developing pancreas, contributes to the etiology of maturity-onset diabetes of the young or other forms of autosomal dominant diabetes. Ninety-one probands of families with autosomal dominant diabetes were screened for neurogenin-3 mutations by dideoxy fingerprinting. Three sequence differences were identified: a polymorphism not affecting the amino acid sequence (L75L), a CA insertion/deletion in intron 1 (-44ins/del), and a C to T transition causing a serine to phenylalanine substitution (S199F). None of these sequence differences were more frequent in the family probands than in 179 nondiabetic controls. In contrast, allele 199F was weakly, but significantly, associated with common type 2 diabetes (199F frequencies = 0.436 in 132 cases with type 2 diabetes vs. 0.346 in the family probands and 0.346 in controls; P = 0.05). The relative risk of type 2 diabetes for 199F carriers was 1.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.7). We conclude that sequence differences in the neurogenin-3 gene do not play a major role in the development of autosomal dominant diabetes. Rather, they might contribute to common type 2 diabetes, although this finding must be replicated in other populations.

Spinal cord stimulation for nonspecific limb pain versus neuropathic pain and spontaneous versus evoked pain

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in patients with nonspecific limb pain versus patients with neuropathic pain syndromes and in patients with spontaneous versus evoked pain.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 122 patients accepted for treatment with SCS between January 1990 and December 1998 was conducted. All patients first underwent a trial of SCS with a monopolar epidural electrode. Seventy-four patients had a successful trial and underwent permanent implantation of the monopolar electrode used for the trial (19 patients), or a quadripolar electrode (53 patients), or a Resume quadripolar electrode via laminotomy (2 patients).

RESULTS

Of the 74 patients, 60.7% underwent implantation of a permanent device and were followed for an average of 3.9 years (range, 0.3-9 yr). Early failure (within 1 yr) occurred in 20.3% of patients, and late failure (after 1 yr) occurred in 33.8% of patients. Overall, 45.9% of patients were still receiving SCS at latest follow-up. Successful SCS (>50% reduction in pain for 1 yr) occurred in 83.3% of patients with nonspecific leg pain, 89.5% of patients with limb pain associated with root injury, and 73.9% of patients with nerve neuropathic pain. SCS was less effective for the control of allodynia or hyperpathia than for spontaneous pain associated with neuropathic pain syndromes. Third-party involvement did not influence outcome. There was a lesser incidence of surgical revisions when quadripolar leads were used than with monopolar electrodes.

CONCLUSION

SCS is as effective for treating nonspecific limb pain as it is for treating neuropathic pain, including limb pain associated with root damage.

Isolated bladder metastases from stomach cancer: CT demonstration

Isolated metastatic tumors of the urinary bladder are extremely rare. We report three cases of isolated bladder metastasis from stomach cancer, which were proved at transurethral biopsy or total cystectomy. The lesions appeared as focal or diffuse thickening of the bladder wall on computed tomography. No other metastatic lesion was detected on imaging studies, which made the diagnosis of bladder metastasis difficult. The possibility of metastatic bladder tumor should be considered when the bladder wall is thickened focally or diffusely in a patient treated with stomach cancer.

IgE-mediated occupational asthma induced by herbal medicine, Banha (Pinellia ternata)

There have been few reported cases of occupational asthma induced by Pinellia ternata (Banha), and the mechanism responsible for this type of asthma is still undetermined. We report a case of Banha-induced occupational asthma with IgE-mediated mechanism. The patient had positive skin responses to Banha extract and Banha-specific bronchial challenge elicited an early asthmatic response. The serum-specific IgE binding to Banha extract was detectable and completely inhibited with the additions of 0.1 microg/mL of Banha extract on ELISA inhibition. Seven IgE binding components to Banha extract (6.5, 22, 24, 32, 34, and 48 kDa) were detected using SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that P. ternata (Banha)-derived allergens are able to cause IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers.

Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) graft polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) on cell adhesion

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting on cell adhesion.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

The PMMA surface was oxidized with ozone, and PEG acrylate was then graft polymerized. To verify the PEG grafting on the surface, the oxygen content was measured by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The contact angle was measured using the Wilhelmy plate method. The adhesion of keratocytes on modified PMMA was investigated in vitro. Cultured rabbit keratocytes (4 x10(5) cells/mL) were layered on each PMMA disk, cultured in a carbon dioxide incubator for 24 hours, harvested by trypsinization, and counted. A commercially available intraocular lens was modified as described and then inserted in the anterior chamber of a white rabbit. The cell adherence pattern on the modified IOL was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The PEG-grafted PMMA revealed a higher oxygen content and lower dynamic receding contact angles than the untreated PMMA. The mean number of adhered cells was 72.5 +/- 22 x 10(4)/mL for untreated PMMA. After PEG grafting of 1 hour and ozone oxidation of 2 hours, the adherent cell counts significantly decreased to 6.5 +/- 1.7 x 10(4)/mL and 7.6 +/- 1.6 x 10(4)/mL, respectively (P =.002). Scanning electron microscopy showed small round cells sparsely scattered on the modified PMMA in contrast to the untreated PMMA.

CONCLUSION

Surface modification of PMMA using PEG grafting reduced cell adhesion. This may decrease the incidence of retroprosthetic membrane formation after keratoprosthesis surgery.

BMS-247550: a novel epothilone analog with a mode of action similar to paclitaxel but possessing superior antitumor efficacy

BMS-247550, a novel epothilone derivative, is being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) as an anticancer agent for the treatment of patients with malignant tumors. BMS-247550 is a semisynthetic analogue of the natural product epothilone B and has a mode of action analogous to that of paclitaxel (i.e., microtubule stabilization). In vitro, it is twice as potent as paclitaxel in inducing tubulin polymerization. Like paclitaxel, BMS-247550 is a highly potent cytotoxic agent capable of killing cancer cells at low nanomolar concentrations. Importantly, BMS-247550 retains its antineoplastic activity against human cancers that are naturally insensitive to paclitaxel or that have developed resistance to paclitaxel, both in vitro and in vivo. Tumors for which BMS-247550 demonstrated significant antitumor activity encompass both paclitaxel-sensitive and -refractory categories, i.e., (a) paclitaxel-resistant: HCT116/VM46 colorectal (multidrug resistant), Pat-21 breast and Pat-7 ovarian carcinoma (clinical isolates; mechanisms of resistance not fully known), and A2780Tax ovarian carcinoma (tubulin mutation); (b) paclitaxel-insensitive: Pat-26 human pancreatic carcinoma (clinical isolate) and M5076 murine fibrosarcoma; and (c) paclitaxel sensitive: A2780 ovarian, LS174T, and HCT116 human colon carcinoma. In addition, BMS-247550 is p.o. efficacious against preclinical human tumor xenografts grown in immunocompromised mice or rats. Schedule optimization studies indicate that BMS-247550 is efficacious when administered frequently (every 2 days x 5) or intermittently (every 4 days x 3 or every 8 days x 2). These efficacy data demonstrate that BMS-247550 has the potential to surpass Taxol in both clinical efficacy and ease of use (i.e., less frequent treatment schedule and/or oral administration).

Production of chi(c1) and chi(c2) in pp collisions at sqrt[S] = 1.8 TeV

We have measured the ratio of prompt production rates of the charmonium states chi(c1) and chi(c2) in 110 pb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV. The photon from their decay into J/psi(gamma) is reconstructed through conversion into e+e- pairs. The energy resolution this technique provides makes the resolution of the two states possible. We find the ratio of production cross sections sigma(chi(c2))/sigma(chi(c1)) = 0.96+/-0.27(stat)+/-0.11(syst) for events with pT(J/psi) > 4.0 GeV/c, /eta(J/psi)/ < 0.6, and pT(gamma) > 1.0 GeV/c.

Expression and characterization of a recombinant Fab fragment derived from an anti-human alpha-fetoprotein monoclonal antibody

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known molecular marker indicating the development of cancer as well as fetal abnormalities such as open neural tube defects. Accordingly the measurement of serum AFP is important for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other abnormalities. Monoclonal antibodies (McAb) to AFP were produced to develop an immunoassay kit, and to study the possibility of an antibody (Ab) therapy. The immunoglobulin genes were cloned from hybridoma cells, and expressed in E. coli as an Fab soluble into a culture medium. The Fab of anti-AFP McAb exhibited binding to AFP and similar affinity compared to the original IgG. This recombinant antibody can be studied further for in vivo imaging and immunotherapeutics.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase/90-KDA ribosomal S6 kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway mediates phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells

Two signaling pathways, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent pathway, have been known to mediate megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In this study, we examined whether 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), known as a substrate of ERK/MAPK and a signal-inducible IkappaBalpha kinase, would link two pathways during the differentiation. RSK1 was activated in a time- and dose-dependent manner during the PMA-induced differentiation. Overexpression of wild-type or dominant inhibitory mutant (D205N) of RSK1 enhanced or suppressed PMA-stimulated NF-kappaB activation and megakaryocytic differentiation as shown by morphology, nonspecific esterase activity, and expression of the CD41 megakaryocytic marker, respectively. In addition, overexpression of the dominant inhibitory mutant (S32A/S36A) of IkappaBalpha inhibited PMA-stimulated and RSK1-enhanced megakaryocytic differentiation, indicating that NF-kappaB mediates a signal for megakaryocytic differentiation downstream of RSK1. PMA-stimulated activation of ERK/MAPK, RSK1, and NF-kappaB and the PMA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation were prevented by pretreatment with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK). Therefore, these results demonstrate that the sequential ERK/RSK1/NF-kappaB pathway mediates PMA-stimulated megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells.

Retroviral vectors

Retroviral vectors are widely used for preclinical and clinical applications. Unlike many of the other types of vectors currently being developed for gene therapy, retroviral vectors are able to genetically modify cells stably without perturbing cell growth. Retroviral vectors based on murine retroviruses are well suited for ex vivo applications where the cells are rapidly dividing. In particular, retroviral viral vectors have been used for a variety of ex vivo gene therapy approaches for treating genetic diseases such as Gaucher and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and for acquired diseases such as cancer and arthritis. However, recent advances in the production of retroviral vectors have allowed for their use in vivo such as for the treatment of cancer and human immunodeficiency virus. The ability to target retroviral vectors to specific cell types will also increase the utility of high titer retroviral vectors for in vivo applications. Clearly retroviral vectors have been extremely useful for both preclinical and clinical gene therapy studies, and it is likely that they will continue to be utilized for ex vivo and in vivo strategies in the future.

Effect of substrate and metal layer deformation on recording characteristics of recordable discs with metallic thin film

Compact disc-recordable (CD-R) and digital versatile disc-recordable (DVD-R) discs were fabricated with a polycarbonate substrate, metallic thin film, organic buffer layer, reflective layer, and protective layer. Recording characteristics of a CD-R disc at various recording speeds, from 1x to 8x, were evaluated, and the deformation shapes of each layer after recording were investigated and compared with the DVD-R disc. The relationship between deformation and recording characteristics was studied and interpreted by numerical calculation. The modulated amplitude of recorded signals is increased as the recording speed increases, owing to the increase in decomposition of the buffer layer, which resulted from the localization of heat on the metallic thin film. On the basis of these results, a DVD-R disc with metallic thin film is expected to have better recording characteristics at a higher recording speed.

Interleukin 12 gene therapy of cancer by peritumoral injection of transduced autologous fibroblasts: outcome of a phase I study

A phase I dose-escalation clinical trial of peritumoral injections of interleukin 12 (IL-12)-transduced autologous fibroblasts was performed in patients with disseminated cancer for whom effective treatment does not exist. The goals of this study were to assess the safety and toxicities as well as the efficacy, and ancillarily the immunomodulatory effects, of peritumoral IL-12 gene transfer. Primary dermal fibroblasts cultured from the patients were transduced with retroviral vector carrying human IL-12 genes (p35 and p40) as well as the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (TFG-hIL-12-Neo). Patients received four injections at intervals of 7 days. Nine patients were enrolled in this dose-escalation study, with secreted IL-12 doses ranging from 300 ng/24 hr for the first three patients to 1000, 3000, and 5000 ng/24 hr for two patients in each subsequent dosage level. Although a definite statement cannot be made, there appears to be perturbation of systemic immunity. Also, the locoregional effects mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and CD8+ T cells were observed with tumor regression. Treatment-related adverse events were limited to mild to moderate pain at the injection site; clinically significant toxicities were not encountered. Transient but clear reductions of tumor sizes were observed at the injected sites in four of nine cases, and at noninjected distant sites in one melanoma patient. Hemorrhagic necrosis of tumors was observed in two melanoma patients. These data indicate that gene therapy by peritumoral injection of IL-12-producing autologous fibroblasts is feasible, and promising in patients with advanced cancer.

First measurement of the ratio B(t --> Wb)/B(t --> Wq) and associated limit on the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa element /V(tb)/

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions R identical withB(t-->Wb)/B(t-->Wq) from p_p collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV. The data set corresponds to 109 pb(-1) of data recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab during the 1992-95 Tevatron run. We measure R = 0.94(+0.31)(-0.24)(stat+syst) or R>0.61 (0.56) at 90% (95)% C.L., in agreement with the standard model predictions. This measurement yields a limit on the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark mixing matrix element /V(tb)/ under the assumption of three generations and unitarity.

Prmt5, which forms distinct homo-oligomers, is a member of the protein-arginine methyltransferase family

We found that JBP1, known as a human homolog (Skb1Hs) of Skb1 of fission yeast, interacts with NS3 of the hepatitis C virus in a yeast two-hybrid screen. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that Skb1Hs/JBP1 contains conserved motifs of S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent protein-arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Here, we demonstrate that Skb1Hs/JBP1, named PRMT5, is a distinct member of the PRMT family. Recombinant PRMT5 protein purified from human cells methylated myelin basic protein, histone, and the amino terminus of fibrillarin fused to glutathione S-transferase. Myelin basic protein methylated by PRMT5 contained monomethylated and dimethylated arginine residues. Recombinant glutathione S-transferase-PRMT5 protein expressed in Escherichia coli also contained the catalytic activity. Sedimentation analysis of purified PRMT5 on a sucrose density gradient indicated that PRMT5 formed distinct homo-oligomeric complexes, including a dimer and tetramer, that comigrated with the enzyme activity. The PRMT5 homo-oligomers were dissociated into a monomer in the presence of a reducing agent, whereas a monomer, dimer, and multimer were detected in the absence or at low concentrations of a reducing agent. The results indicate that both covalent linkage by a disulfide bond and noncovalent association are involved in the formation of PRMT5 homo-oligomers. Western blot analysis of sedimentation fractions suggests that endogenous PRMT5 is present as a homo-oligomer in a 293T cell extract. PRMT5 appears to have lower specific enzyme activity than PRMT1. Although PRMT1 is known to be mainly located in the nucleus, human PRMT5 is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm.

The analysis of circumsporozoite-protein gene sequences from South Korean isolates of Plasmodium vivax

The amino-acid sequences corresponding to the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium vivax fall into two main types, VK210 and VK247, each of which has a characteristic tandem repeat. When the repetitive domains of the CSP gene from six isolates of P. vivax from South Korea were sequenced they were found to show a total of 20 tandem amino-acid repeats, and repeat patterns that are regular and distinct from those of other P. vivax isolates. The amino-acid sequences of the South Korean parasites were found to be most similar to those of three isolates from China (CH-3, CH-4, and CH-5) and, particularly, to one from North Korea. A sequence (AGGNAANKKAEDAGGNA) and two repeats of the sequence GGNA found in the North Korean parasites were found in all six isolates from South Korea. The South Korean parasites investigated appear phylogenetically identical and unique to the Korean peninsula.

Combination chemotherapy of intermediate-dose cytarabine, idarubicin, plus etoposide and subsequent mobilized donor leukocyte infusion for relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

The efficacy and side effects of intermediate-dose cytarabine, idarubicin plus etoposide and subsequent donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) were investigated in patients with acute leukemia who relapsed after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Patients were given cytarabine continuous i.v. (1 g/m2 per day x 5), idarubicin i.v. (12 mg/m2 per day x 3), and etoposide i.v. infusion (150 mg/m2 per day x 3). Two days later, G-CSF mobilized donor leukocytes were infused for 2 days. No graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was given. Between August 1997 and February 2000, 13 patients enrolled (eight acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and five acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)). All patients finished chemotherapy and DLI. Eleven patients (85%) achieved complete remission (CR) at median 27 days after DLI. After median follow up of 10.9 months (2.5-33.3), five of 11 patients who achieved CR relapsed. Overall, six of 13 patients were surviving (6/8 AML and 0/5 ALL, P=0.059). Marrow recovery after chemotherapy and DLI was rapid (12 days for absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >500/microl). Side effects included fever with neutropenia (100%), pneumonia (46%), grade II-IV mucositis (69%), grade III-IV acute GVHD (45%), and extensive chronic GVHD (64%). One patient died from chronic GVHD. Chemotherapy containing intermediate-dose cytarabine and DLI produced a high CR rate in acute leukemia in relapse after allogeneic BMT. A fraction of patients are surviving long term. Side effects were substantial but manageable.

Toxicology of Kalopanax pictus extract and hematological effect of the isolated anti-rheumatoidal kalopanaxsaponin A on the Freunds complete adjuvant reagent-treated rat

We have reported that kalopanaxsaponin A (KPS-A) isolated from Kalopanax pictus have anti-rheumatoidal activity in the rat treated with Freunds complete adjuvant (FCA) reagent. In addition, it has been also reported that KPS-A is a potent antioxidant in the rheumatoidal rat. This research was undertaken to examine whether the saponins of KPS-A and -I could adjust the abnormal lipid metabolisms and hematological changes in immunological diseases. KPS-A significantly inhibited the increases in both triglycerides and total proteins in addition to the decrease in total cholesterol induced by FCA reagent treatment. KPS-A treatment decreased the number of leucocytes elevated by FCA reagent treatment. Excess dose of the methanol extract produced no severe toxicity on the body weight, wet organ weights and hepatic functions. Since LD50 value of K. pictus methanol extract was shown to be 4,033 mg/kg, it could be estimated to be a safe agent for anti-rheumatoidal herbal medicines.