Retrotransposable elements on the W chromosome of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

The sex chromosomes of the silkworm, Bombyxmori, are designated ZW(XY) for females and ZZ(XX) for males. The W chromosome of B. mori does not recombine with the Z chromosome and autosomes and no genes for morphological characters have been mapped to the W chromosome as yet. Furthermore, femaleness is determined by the presence of a single W chromosome, regardless of the number of autosomes or Z chromosomes. To understand these interesting features of the W chromosome, it is necessary to analyze the W chromosome at the molecular biology level. Initially to isolate DNA sequences specific for the W chromosome as randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, we compared the genomic DNAs between males and females by PCR with arbitrary 10-mer primers. To the present, we have identified 12 W-specific RAPD markers, and with the exception of one RAPD marker, all of the deduced amino acid sequences of these W-specific RAPD markers show similarity to previously reported amino acid sequences of retrotransposable elements from various organisms. After constructing a genomic DNA lambda phage library of B. mori we obtained two lambda phage clones, one containing the W-Kabuki RAPD sequence and one containing the W-Samurai RAPD sequence and found that these DNA sequences comprised nested structures of many retrotransposable elements. To further analyze the W chromosome, we obtained 14 W-specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones from three BAC libraries and subjected these clones to shotgun sequencing. The resulting assembly of sequences did not produce a single contiguous sequence due to the presence of many retrotransposable elements. Therefore, we coupled PCR with shotgun sequencing. Through these analyses, we found that many long terminal repeat (LTR) and non-LTR retrotransposons, retroposons, DNA transposons and their derivatives, have accumulated on the W chromosome as strata. These results strongly indicate that retrotransposable elements are the main structural component of the W chromosome.

Relationship between radiographic abnormalities of lumbar spine and incidence of low back pain in high school rugby players: a prospective study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prevalent radiographic abnormalities of the lumbar spine and the incidence of low back pain in high school rugby players. Three hundred and twenty-seven incoming high school rugby players (15-16 years of age) were recruited between 1986 and 1994. All of them underwent athletic physical examination before participation in high school athletics. The relationship between prevalent radiographic abnormalities of the lumbar spine in the pre-participation athletic physical examination and the incidence of low back pain during a 1-year period after the start of participation in athletics was analyzed. Radiographic abnormalities assessed were spondylolysis, disc space narrowing, spinal instability, Schmorl's node, balloon disc, and spina bifida occulta. The frequency of respective radiographic abnormalities was 15.6%, 13.1%, 32.7%, 14.1%, 11.6%, and 30.6%. Two hundred and forty-three players (74.3%) had at least one of these radiographic abnormalities. The incidence of low back pain was 44.0% in players with no such radiographic abnormalities and 41.2% in those with at least one radiographic abnormality. The incidence of low back pain in players with the respective radiographic abnormalities was 72.5%, 46.5%, 46.7%, 39.1%, 34.2%, and 41.0%, and only players with spondylolysis had a significantly higher incidence of low back pain than those with no radiographic abnormalities. This study shows that a radiographic abnormality, specifically spondylolysis, is a significant radiological risk factor for low back pain in high school rugby players.

Topically administered timolol and dorzolamide reduce intraocular pressure and protect retinal ganglion cells in a rat experimental glaucoma model

AIMS

This study sought to elucidate the effects of timolol and dorzolamide on intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in an experimental model of glaucoma in rat.

METHODS

Mild elevation of IOP was induced in rats by intracameral injection of India ink and subsequent laser trabecular photocoagulation. IOP was measured before the surgical procedures and weekly thereafter. Timolol (0.5%), timolol XE (0.5%), dorzolamide (1%), and artificial tears (vehicle) were topically applied daily. Retinal sections were prepared for histology to determine RGC number.

RESULTS

Timolol, timolol XE, and dorzolamide induced a significant reduction in IOP (p<0.05) and counteracted the reduction in RGC number that occurred in vehicle treated glaucomatous eyes (p<0.05). The coefficient of correlation between RGC number and IOP was significant in the dorzolamide treated group (r = -0.908, p<0.005), but not in other groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both timolol formulation and dorzolamide reduced IOP and protected RGCs in a rat model of experimental glaucoma. It cannot be ruled out that timolol might protect RGCs by additional mechanisms other than simply lowering of IOP.

Association between neuroleptic drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms and dopamine D2-receptor polymorphisms in Japanese schizophrenic patients

The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between dopamine D2-receptor gene (DRD2) polymorphisms (Taq1A, Taq1B, -141C Ins/Del) and the risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects (EPS), assessed according to the Drug-Induced Extra-Pyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS), or the maintenance dose of antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients. The DIEPSS score was significantly higher in patients bearing the -141C Del allele than in those without it. Taq1A and Taq1B restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) did not significantly affect the DIEPSS score. On the other hand, maintenance doses of neuroleptics and antiparkinsonian drugs were significantly higher in patients with the B1 allele of Taq1B RFLP than in those without it, while the Taq1A RFLP and -141C Ins/Del polymorphisms were not significantly related to the maintenance doses. In conclusion, the risk of EPS may be increased in patients with the -141C Del allele of the DRD2 gene. In these patients, antipsychotics should be administered with caution.

Relationship between oxygen consumption and sex of bovine in vitro fertilized embryos

The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between the oxygen consumption rate and sex ratio of bovine in vitro fertilized embryos on each day of blastocyst formation. The quality of blastocysts collected on day 7, 8, and 9 after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were categorized as ranks A and B (excellent and good, respectively) based on microscopic observation of the morphology. The oxygen consumption rate and sex of individual blastocysts were evaluated using two novel techniques: scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), respectively. The oxygen consumption rates of embryos of rank A were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of rank B, irrespective of the day of blastocyst appearance after IVF. Neither did the proportion of male embryos of ranks A and B differ significantly from each other at any of the days examined, nor from the average proportion (53%). The oxygen consumption rate of embryos of rank B collected on day 8 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in female embryos than in male embryos collected on the same day. However, there were no apparent differences of oxygen consumption rates at each day of blastocyst appearance between male and female embryos of rank A. These results indicate that the oxygen consumption rate of individual embryos reflects their quality but does not correlate with the sex ratio of embryos of excellent quality.

129 RESPIRATION ACTIVITY OF BOVINE EMBRYOS CULTURED IN SERUM-FREE AND SERUM-CONTAINING MEDIA

Oxygen consumption is a ubiquitous parameter which can provide valuable information about metabolic mechanisms and embryo quality. Recently, we succeeded in non-invasively and quantitatively determining oxygen consumption of individual bovine embryos by the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The aim of this study was to assess by SECM the oxygen consumption of individual bovine embryos at different developmental stages cultured in serum-free and serum-supplemented media. Bovine oocytes were matured in IVMD101 medium [Research Institute for the Functional Peptides (IFP), Shimojo, Yamagata, Japan] and inseminated in BO-based medium. For serum-free culture, inseminated ooocytes were cultured to the blastocyst stage in IVD101 medium in an atmosphere of a low oxygen condition (5% CO2/5% O2/90% N2) at 38.5°C. For serum-supplemented culture, inseminated oocytes were cultured in HPM199 medium (IFP) supplemented with 5% calf serum (HPM199 + CS) in the presence of bovine cumulus/granulosa cells in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Oxygen consumption by individual bovine embryos was non-invasively quantified by the SECM measuring system. Some embryos were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The oxygen consumption rates are presented in the table. Oxygen consumption rates (F) of the single embryos were low from 2-cell to 8-cell stages (0.45–0.52 × 10−14 mol s−1). In serum-free culture, an increase in oxygen consumption rate was found at the morula (1.03 × 10−14 mol s−1) stage, and blastocysts showed an even higher oxygen consumption rate (1.86 × 10−14 mol s−1). On the other hand, the oxygen consumption of morulae and blastocysts produced in serum-supplemented medium was lower than that of embryos cultured in serum-free medium. Electron microscopic study demonstrated that many of the mitochondria of morulae and blastocycts cultured in HPM199 + CS medium were an immature form, indicating a correlation between respiration activity and development of mitochondria. These results suggest that the culture conditions affect the respiration activity of bovine embryos. The SECM procedures may have a wide application for judging embryo quality and culture conditions for embryos. Table 1. Oxygen consumption rates (F × 10−14 mol s−1) of the bovine embryos at various developmental stages

Neurological manifestations in Japanese Ama divers

Repetitive breath-hold (BH) diving can lead to accumulation of nitrogen (N2) in blood and tissues, which may give rise to decompression illness (DCI). An unusual condition is "Taravana", the diving syndrome reported by Cross in the 1960s. That report generated wide discussion as to whether BH diving can cause DCI. Paulev was the first person to suggest the link between DCI and BH diving. He, a submarine medical officer developed symptoms of DCI after a series of BH dives, having proceeded the dives by spending time in a hyperbaric chamber at 20 meters for 8 minutes. Recently four professional Japanese BH divers (Ama) with histories of diving accidents were reported. Magnetic resonance imaging of these divers detected cerebral infarcts localized in the watershed areas of the brain. A survey conducted on their island revealed that many Ama divers had experienced stroke-like events. A clinical feature of DCI in BH diving is that the damage is limited to the brain. Although the mechanisms of brain damage in BH diving are unclear, N2 bubbles passing through the lungs or the heart so as to become arterialized are most likely to be the etiological factor.

New strategy for acute necrotizing pancreatitis: Continuous Regional Arterial Infusion (CRAI) therapy

Acute pancreatitis is an autodigestive disease, of which protease inhibition has been the focus of experimental and clinical research. Different from Europe and the United States, protease inhibitors are often applied in the treatment of acute pancreatitis in Japan. However, in clinical settings, the effect of protease inhibitors on acute pancreatitis is still controversial. Continuous Regional Arterial Infusion (CRAI) of protease inhibitors and antibiotics therapy were developed in Japan and it has been demonstrated that CRAI therapy has beneficial effects on severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis. In the Japanese clinical guidelines for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, published in 2003, CRAI therapy is still classified as a special therapy. However, a Randomized Controlled Trial for CRAI therapy has started and CRAI therapy is expected to become a new standard therapy for severe acute pancreatitis. CRAI therapy is aimed at preventing the progression of pancreatic inflammation and pancreatic infection. CRAI therapy can decrease the mortality rate and the frequency of pancreatic infection in severe acute pancreatitis, but it should be started as soon as possible after the onset of acute pancreatitis.

Significantly higher incidence of carotid atherosclerosis found in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with early nephropathy

We have tried to evaluate the clinical incidence of carotid atherosclerosis found in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with early diabetic nephropathy. 123 diabetic patients with micro-albuminuria (group A) were investigated during 2-week hospitalization. As a control group, 50 diabetic patients without nephropathy (group B) were investigated. Carotid arteries were examined by B-mode ultrasonography (7.5 MHz), and peripheral arterial blood flow and pressure was examined at the same time with Doppler ultrasonography by a single examiner. Fasting blood samples and 24-h urine samples were taken to analyze biochemical data and urinary albumin excretion rate. In group A, 77 patients were found to have either carotid plaque lesions or increased thickness of carotid wall. And this was found significantly higher than in the control group B (18 cases, P < 0.01). To clarify the clinical risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in diabetic patients with early nephropathy, 123 group A patients were divided into two groups with (group C, n = 76) or without carotid atherosclerosis (group D, n = 47) and comparative analysis was carried out. From this study, significantly higher incidence of carotid atherosclerosis was confirmed in the diabetic patients with early nephropathy. And it was suggested that the age, lipid levels, presence of hypertension would be important clinical risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis found in diabetic patients with early nephropathy.

A polymorphism of DRD2 gene and brain atrophy in methamphetamine psychosis

Our group, Ujike et al., recently reported that the A1 allele of TaqI A polymorphism of the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) gene, associated with transient psychosis, significantly differs from that of patients with prolonged psychosis in methamphetamine psychosis. Therefore, we examined the association between the TaqI A polymorphism of the DRD2 gene and the brain MRI view for patients with methamphetamine psychosis. The subjects underwent brain MRI scans using the FLAIR method. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP methods using genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood by the phenol method. Ten subjects had the A1/A2 genotype, eleven subjects had the A2/A2 genotype, and no subject had the A1/A1 genotype. The domain size, including the thalamus and basal ganglia that were inside each side of the putamens, did not differ between the three groups (the A1/A2-group, the A2/A2-group, and the young healthy person group). In the comparison based on this domain, the temporal lobe tended to narrow in the A2/A2-group compared to the A1/A2-group (P = .06). The other domain (cerebrum, corpus callosum, etc.) showed no difference between the A1/A2-group and the A2/A2-group. It is suggested that in methamphetamine psychosis the TaqI A polymorphism not only regulates prolongation of psychosis symptoms but also influences the form of the temporal lobe.

Phosphatidylserine receptor cooperates with high-density lipoprotein receptor in recognition of apoptotic cells by thymic nurse cells

The thymus contains many apoptotic cells that arise from the process of positive and negative selection. Both thymic macrophages and thymic nurse cells/nursing thymic epithelial cells (nursing TECs), non-professional phagocytes, recognize and ingest apoptotic cells without inflammation or tissue damage. Previously we reported that human scavenger receptor class B (SR-B1) is involved in recognition of apoptotic thymocytes by nursing TECs. In this study, we examined the expression and role of a phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR). This receptor is believed to participate in the clearance of apoptotic cells. PSR was strongly expressed in nursing TECs. Transforming growth factor-beta augmented the expression of PSR leading to enhanced binding of apoptotic cells to nursing TECs. In nursing TECs, suppressed expression of human SR-B1 with anti-PSR antibody decreased binding of apoptotic thymocytes to nursing TECs. Our results suggest that both PSR and SR-B1 are expressed in nursing TECs and these receptors appear to play a major role in the clearance of apoptotic cells from the thymus.

Liquid phase fluorescence in situ RT-PCR analysis for gene expression analysis in woody stems

We explore a rapid in situ RT-PCR protocol for gene expression studies in woody stem tissues. In situ RT-PCR was performed using fluorescent dye-conjugated nucleic acid and the fluorescence signals derived from target RNAs were detected using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The signal to background ratio was greatly enhanced by performing two rounds of PCR reactions, first without the fluorescent dye and second with the dye. Using this protocol, we obtained strong gene-specific signals in secondary stem tissues. The signals were PCR-dependent, as shown by the lack of cytoplasmic signals in the tissue sections in which either DNA polymerase or primers were omitted from PCR reactions, and were RNA-dependent, as shown by great reduction of cytoplasmic signals when sections were treated with RNase before RT reactions. To verify our protocol, transcript localization of the rbcS gene was examined in secondary stems of hybrid aspen ( Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx.) and compared to the chlorophyll autofluorescence signal. The in situ RT-PCR signals form the rbcS gene and chlorophyll autofluorescence co-localized in the same cell types. The signal was also confirmed by Northern blot analysis of isolated RNA from the cambium and developing xylem, thus confirming the validity of the protocol. Some difficulties of in situ transcript localization and the interpretation of the signal distribution in the secondary tissues are discussed.

Histological evaluation of endothelial reactions after endovascular coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm. Clinical and experimental studies and review of the literature

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the endothelial cell reaction after endovascular coil embolization for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. A scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study of the platinum coil, embolized into a middle cerebral aneurysm in a 35-year-old woman and subsequently removed surgically eight months later, revealed no endothelial coverage on the coil. This finding prompted us to perform experimental studies. In the first in vitro study, endothelial cells from gerbil brain microvessels and canine carotid arteries were co-cultured with either bare-form platinum coils or type-1 collagen-coated coils for up to three weeks, and the endothelial cell population on the coils was ascertained. In the second in vivo study, platinum coils coated with type-1 collagen were delivered endovascularly into canine carotid arteries, while the contralateral side was treated with bare-form coils, and endothelialization over the coil was investigated. SEM studies revealed that no endothelial cells, either from gerbil brain microvessels or from canine carotid artery, were found on the uncoated coils, whereas gerbil endothelial cells began to proliferate on the collagen-coated coils in three days, covering extensively in one week and reaching confluence in two weeks in vitro. The in vivo canine study demonstrated that bare-form platinum coils did not show endothelial coverage until two weeks, but endothelial cells proliferated directly on the collagen-coated coils in three days, and coils were completely covered in two weeks. These results supported the SEM study of our case and several human histopathological reports in the literature in that endothelial cell coverage in the orifice of the intracranial aneurysm is exceptional after endovascular treatment. But if some extracellular matrix, like collagen in our study, is prepared, coverage could be possible, as is seen in a few human cases. Biological modification of the platinum coils, such as collagen coating, is awaited for the better long-term results of endovascular coil embolization without recanalization of the treated intracranial aneurysms.

Purification and characterization of poly(aspartic acid) hydrolase from Sphingomonas sp. KT-1

Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) hydrolase was purified from Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 (JCM10459). The purified hydrolase degraded thermally synthesized PAA to oligomers. The molecular mass of PAA hydrolase was 30 kDa and the isoelectric point was 8.9. The optimum values of pH and temperature for PAA degradation were 10.0 and 40 degrees C, respectively. The investigation of the effect of inhibitors for the PAA-degrading activities has revealed that the PAA hydrolase is a serine-type hydrolase. The structural analysis of PAA-degraded products using (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonances has indicated that the purified enzyme hydrolyzes selectively the beta-amide linkage connecting with beta-aspartic acid units in PAA.

Genomic sequence of a 320-kb segment of the Z chromosome of Bombyx mori containing a kettin ortholog

The sex chromosome constitution of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is ZW in the female and ZZ in the male. Very little molecular information is available about the Z chromosome in Lepidoptera, although the topic is interesting because of the absence of gene dosage compensation in this chromosome. We constructed a 320-kb BAC contig around the Bmkettin gene on the Z chromosome in Bombyx and determined its nucleotide sequence by the shotgun method. We found 13 novel protein-coding sequences in addition to Bmkettin. All the transposable elements detected in the region were truncated, and no LTR retrotransposons were found, in stark contrast to the situation on the W chromosome. In this 320-kb region, four genes for muscle proteins (Bmkettin, Bmtitin1, Bmtitin2, and Bmprojectin) are clustered, together with another gene (Bmmiple) on the Z chromosome in B. mori; their orthologs are also closely linked on chromosome 3 in Drosophila, suggesting a partial synteny. Real-time RT-PCR experiments demonstrated that transcripts of 13 genes of the 14 Z-linked genes found accumulated in larger amounts in males than in female moths, indicating the absence of gene dosage compensation. The implications of these findings for the evolution and function of the Z chromosome in Lepidoptera are discussed.

Solid-state microstructures, thermal properties, and crystallization of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its copolyesters

Studies of solid-state structures under different crystallization conditions, melting behavior, and crystal growth kinetics are reported for biodegradable aliphatic poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its random copolyesters of poly(butylene succinate-co-14 mol %ethylene succinate) [P(BS-co-14 mol %ES)] and poly(butylene succinate-co-15 mol %hexamethylene succinate) [P(BS-co-15 mol %HS)]. The crystal structures of two copolyesters determined by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) are the same as that of the PBS homopolymer, suggesting that the second comonomers ES or HS units are excluded from the crystalline core and are in an amorphous state. The further investigations on the crystalline and amorphous phase structures and sizes by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method have provided quantitative evidence that the existence of second comonomers increases the amorphous thickness of copolyesters but that the influences of comonomers on the lamellar crystal structure and size of copolyesters are complicated. The origin of the complexity and its influences on the equilibrium melting temperature T(m)(0) of copolyester are discussed in the present paper. Gibbs-Thomson and Hoffman-Weeks equations were applied for the determination of T(m)(0) of PBS, P(BS-co-14 mol %ES), and P(BS-co-15 mol %HS)-three samples. Two equations gave different T(m)(0) values for each sample. On the basis of the Gibbs-Thomson equation, the P(BS-co-15 mol %HS) copolyester has the same T(m)(0) value as that of the PBS homopolymer, while the P(BS-co-14 mol %ES) copolyester has a lower one. This is due to the different influences of the second comonomers on the crystalline phase structure indicated by SAXS results, and the Gibbs-Thomson equation has been suggested to be more reliable. The crystal growth kinetics of the three samples was analyzed by using the secondary nucleation theory, and the influences of various parameters on the regime transition and nucleation constant were studied. Meanwhile some interrelations between regime transition temperature and melting behavior were found for the three samples.

Analysis of adsorption function of polyhydroxybutyrate depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis T1 by using a quartz crystal microbalance

Enzymatic adsorption and degradation of three types of aliphatic polyester films and two types of polyolefin films by the extracellular PHB depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis T1 have been studied by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. Hydrolysis of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] was quantitatively followed by the QCM technique. Adsorption of the enzymes to films was also quantitatively detected by the QCM. Kinetic study on enzymatic adsorption suggests that the PHB depolymerase binds to the substrates not only by hydrophobic interaction but also by specific interaction between the ester bonds of polyesters and the binding domain of the enzyme. The results show that the QCM technique is a sensitive tool to study enzymatic degradation kinetics of biodegradable polyesters.

Crystallization, melting, and enzymatic degradation of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate-co-14 mol % ethylene succinate) copolyester

The crystal structure and growth kinetics of melt-crystallized poly(butylene succinate-co-14 mol % ethylene succinate) [P(BS-co-14 mol % ES)] copolyester have been investigated at a wide crystallization temperature range of 30 to 90 degrees C. By means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), the copolyester composed of BS and ES units has been identified to have the same crystal structure with that of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) homopolymer, suggesting that only PBS sequences crystallize while that the ES units are in an amorphous form. On the basis of secondary nucleation theory, two regimes of II and III have been observed and their transition temperature is around 80 degrees C. The spherulitic morphologies of P(BS-co-14 mol % ES) copolyester developed from banded spherulites to the normal ones without banding extinction patterns as the crystallization temperature increased. The melting behavior of P(BS-co-14 mol % ES) copolyester under different conditions has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Four melting peaks and one exothermal peak on the melting curves were observed during heating process, and their origination is discussed. The enzymatic degradation was carried out on the melt-crystallized P(BS-co-14 mol % ES) thin film by an extracellar PHB depolymerase from Pseudomonas stutzeri and the morphologies of lamellar crystals before and after degradation have been examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results have indicated that enzymatically degradable ES units exist on the surface of lamellar crystals and are hydrolyzed by the enzyme, while that the crystalline cores composed of PBS chains are not degraded.

Genetic analysis of floral anthocyanin pigmentation traits in Asiatic hybrid lily using molecular linkage maps

To understand the genetic background of two floral anthocyanin pigmentation traits, anthocyanin pigmentation in the flower tepals and spot formation, in the Asiatic hybrid lily (2n = 24), segregation of the two traits among 96 F(1) plants derived from a cross between commercial cultivars 'Montreux' and 'Connecticut King' were investigated. 'Montreux' has anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals with many spots, and 'Connecticut King' has flowers with carotenoid pigmentation without spots. The F(1) plants with or without anthocyanin pigment in the tepals segregated with a 1:1 segregation ratio, indicating that a single gene controls anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals. The number of spots per square centimeter of all tepals showed continuous distribution in the F(1) plants. To map the loci for the two anthocyanin pigmentation traits, molecular linkage maps in the Asiatic hybrid lily were constructed using a double pseudo-testcross strategy, with the same F(1) plants used for phenotypic evaluation, and 212 PCR-based DNA markers. The trait for anthocyanin pigmentation in tepals was used as a trait marker. The map of 'Montreux' comprised 95 markers in 26 linkage groups, and the map of 'Connecticut King' used 119 markers in 24 linkage groups. The total map lengths were 867.5 and 1,114.8 cM, respectively. The trait locus for anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals was between markers ASR35-180 and P506-40 in linkage group 1 of the 'Montreux' map with a map distance of 1.2 cM and 2.6 cM, respectively. A single-point analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for tepal spot number identified two putative QTLs in linkage groups 1 and 19 of the 'Connecticut King' map. One putative QTL in linkage group 19 explained 64% of the total phenotypic variation. Because both putative QTLs were mapped on the linkage map of 'Connecticut King' that has no spots, dominant alleles of them might suppress spot formation.

Eradication rates of clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori using either rabeprazole or lansoprazole plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin

BACKGROUND

The resistance of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin has become one of the primary reasons for eradication failure.

AIM

To compare the eradication rates of triple therapy using amoxicillin (A), clarithromycin (C) and rabeprazole (R) or lansoprazole (L) against clarithromycin-sensitive and clarithromycin-resistant strains.

METHODS

Two hundred and ninety-five patients were randomly divided into four groups and treated for 1 week: 147 cases were treated with RAC, i.e. 49 cases with R20C400 (10 mg R + 750 mg A + 200 mg C, twice daily), 48 cases with R40C400 (20 mg R + 750 mg A + 200 mg C, twice daily) and 50 cases with R40C800 (20 mg R + 750 mg A + 400 mg C, twice daily); 148 cases with treated with LAC (30 mg L + 750 mg A + 200 mg C, twice daily).

RESULTS

According to intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses, the eradication rates were 88% and 91% with RAC and 78% and 81% with LAC; the eradication rates with R20C400, R40C400 and R40C800 were 94%, 81% and 86%, respectively, in the intention-to-treat analysis. In addition, the eradication rates for clarithromycin-sensitive strains with RAC and LAC were 98% and 89%, respectively, and for clarithromycin-resistant strains with RAC and LAC were 8.1% and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The eradication rate was significantly higher with RAC than LAC. The eradication rate for clarithromycin-resistant strains was low in both groups, and an improved eradication rate could not be achieved by changing the dose of clarithromycin or proton pump inhibitor.

The effect of W chromosome origin on sex-chromosome pairing in ZZWW tetraploid females of the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, and the congenic wild silkworm, Bombyx mandarina

To analyze the degree of pairing of the Z and W chromosomes in ZZWW tetraploid female silkworms that have the W chromosomes of the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, and those of the wild silkworm, Bobyx mandarina, we induced two types of ZZWW tetraploid female silkworms (Cr4n, Wr4n) through cold treatment of the eggs. The Wr4n female is congenic to the Cr4n female for W chromosomes; namely, the W chromosomes of the Wr4n female are derived from those of B. mandarina. Each of the sex ratios (female/male) in filial triploids from the Cr4n females was shown to be in the range of 3.9-5.3 (4.6 as an average of six cases). On the other hand, each of the sex ratios (female/male) in filial triploids from the Wr4n females was shown to be in the range of 6.2-9.0 (6.9 as an average of nine cases). The results of a t-test indicated that the difference in sex ratios in the two groups is highly significant (at the 0.1% level). These results suggest that, in the meiosis of the ZZWW tetraploid female, the frequency of pairing of the W chromosome of B. mandarina and the Z chromosome of B. mori is lower than that of the pairing of the W and Z chromosomes of B. mori. Furthermore, the t-test results are evidence that the W chromosomes have undergone significant evolutional change.

Mandibular reconstructive surgery in a patient with median cleft of the lower lip and mandible

A patient 15 years and 11 months of age with median cleft of the lower lip and mandible underwent mandibular reconstructive surgery using autogenous iliac bone and a titanium mesh tray. Functional and morphological results are satisfactory 4 years after surgery.

Nested retrotransposons on the W chromosome of the wild silkworm Bombyx mandarina

The W chromosome of the silkworms Bombyx mori or B. mandarina is recombinationally isolated from the Z chromosome and the autosomes. We previously characterized a female-specific randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), designated W-Yamato, derived from the W chromosome of the wild silkworm Bombyx mandarina. To further analyse the W chromosome of B. mandarina, we obtained a lambda phage clone that contains the W-Yamato RAPD sequence and sequenced the 16.7 kb DNA insert. We found that this DNA comprises a nested structure of at least seven elements: six retrotransposons and one transposable element-like sequence. The transposable element-like sequence is inserted into a micropia-like retrotransposon (Karate). The Karate and the non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposon BMC1 are inserted into a 412-like retrotransposon (Judo). Furthermore, this Judo, and two non-LTR retrotransposons (Kurosawa and Kendo) are inserted into a Pao-like retrotransposon (Yamato). These results indicate that the retrotransposons inserted into the W chromosome are not efficiently removed but accumulate gradually as strata without recombination.

The relationship between apoptosis and splenocyte depletion in rats following ethanol treatment

Splenocyte depletion observed in chronic ethanol-treated rats (ETRs) was studied in relation to apoptosis. The rats were fed with ethanol in a Liber-DeCarli liquid diet (36% of total calories as ethanol) for 7 weeks. Spleens of ETRs and control rats were examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method, immunohistochemistry using anti-rat p53 and RM4 (specific for macrophages) monoclonal antibodies, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The splenic white pulp in ETRs decreased in size and showed a moth-eaten appearance because of the severe depletion of splenocytes. Most TUNEL-positive cells aggregated into clusters or nests and were not isolated in the white pulp of ETRs. The site of RM4 immunoreactivity was consistent with that of clusters of TUNEL-positive cells. The p53 immunoreactivity was observed in apoptotic splenocytes that were isolated or phagocytosed by macrophages. TEM study revealed the increase in tingible body macrophages phagocytosing apoptotic splenocytes in their cytoplasm in ETRs. Chronic ethanol intake certainly induces apoptosis in splenic white pulps, and tingible body macrophages act as both sentinels and scavengers of apoptotic splenocytes expressing p53.

Spasmolytic effects of colforsin daropate on serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction in dogs

BACKGROUND

We have previously found that agents increasing intracellular cAMP levels of smooth muscles, such as PDE3 inhibitors, aminophylline and prostaglandin E1, produce both bronchodilation and pulmonary vasodilation in serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction models. In the present study we have simultaneously evaluated the spasmolytic effects of colforsin daropate, a novel forskolin derivative, on serotonin-induced pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction.

METHODS

Ten mongrel dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital. The pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction were elicited with serotonin (10 microg/kg + 1 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and assessed as percentage changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and bronchial cross-sectional area (BCA) (basal = 100%). Initially, the relaxant effects of colforsin daropate (0-300 microg/kg) were determined. The PVR and BCA were assessed before and 30 min after serotonin infusion began and 5 min after each dose of colforsin daropate. To determine whether colforsin daropate-induced relaxation is independent of plasma catecholamine, propranolol 0.4 mg/kg was given following colforsin daropate 300 microg/kg i.v.

RESULTS

Colforsin daropate reversed both pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction dose-dependently: -logED50 (95% confidence intervals, mean ED50) for pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction 5.44 (5.08-5.80, 3.6 microg/kg) and 4.90 (4.06-5.20, 12.5 microg/kg), respectively. However, colforsin daropate (>or= 30 microg/kg) produced a more pronounced systemic than pulmonary vasodilation. Although colforsin daropate (>or= 30 microg/kg) significantly increased plasma catecholamines, propranolol did not reverse the relaxant effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Colforsin daropate may attenuate bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension. In addition, as beta-blockade did not change the attenuation, the relaxant effects may be independent of plasma catecholamines.

[Bacillary angiomatosis in an adult infected with HIV-1 at an early stage of immunodepression in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated bacillary angiomatosis has rarely been described in Africa. We report here the first case in Côte d'Ivoire. Although in industrialised countries bacillary angiomatosis has been described in patients with low CD4 count, this episode occurred in the first year following HIV-seroconversion in an adult patient with more than 500 CD4 cells per cubic millimetre. Symptoms rapidly and totally disappeared under erythromycin treatment, although with a relapse two years after the end of the first episode. In Africa where people living with HIV often present chronic cutaneous lesions, bacillary angiomatosis may be under-diagnosed. Bacillary angiomatosis must be systematically considered in face of lesions similar to Kaposi's sarcoma. Improving knowledge on symptoms of bacillary angiomatosis in Africa should lead to better treatment and a better estimation of its true frequency which may be underestimated.

Ultrastructural differences in bovine morulae classified as high and low qualities by morphological evaluation

Bovine morulae collected from superovulated cows were classified into four groups (excellent, good, fair, poor) using morphological evaluation under a phase contrast microscope. The number of blastomeres in morulae classified as excellent and good (high quality) was significantly higher than the number in fair and poor (low quality) morulae. The ultrastructure of morulae in each group was compared. In morulae classified as excellent and good, two characteristic cell types could be identified by the electron density of their cytoplasm and by their ultrastructural features. One type (presumptive trophoblast cells) was located in the peripheral layer of the embryo mass, was generally characterized by low electron density of cytoplasm, and possessed numerous cellular organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus and had numerous microvilli projecting into the perivitelline space. The other type (presumptive embryonic cells) was located in the interior of the embryo mass and distinguished by cytoplasm that stained more densely than that of the lighter-appearing cells. The darker-appearing cells generally possessed fewer organelles than the lighter cells, but many lysosome-like structures were present in the cytoplasm. All high quality morulae contained well-developed mature nucleoli. Many embryos classified as fair contained both types of cells, while cells in some fair and most poor quality morulae could not be distinguished by the electron density of their cytoplasm and ultrastructural features. The morulae classified as fair and poor showed less well-developed junctional complexes between cells, less well-developed apical microvilli on the blastomeres, and contained large numbers of lipid droplets, vesicles, immature mitochondria, and nucleoli with low transcriptional activity. This study demonstrates conspicuous differences in the ultrastructural features between the high quality and the low quality morulae, suggesting that these ultrastructural features may reflect the various physiological anomalies observed in previous studies.

[Esophagopericardial fistula occurring at the 22nd years after operation for achalasia presenting as myopericarditis]

We describe a case of pneumopericardium that resulted from esophagopericardial fistula occurring at the 22nd years after operation for achalasia in a 52-year-old male. Atypical features on initial examination suggested myopericarditis or congestive heart failure. A chest roentgenogram and computed tomography revealed development of pneumopericardium. Subsequent emergent pericardiocentesis relieved cardiac tamponade and enabled us to diagnose pyopneumopericardium and esophagopericardial fistula in postoperative period. The esophagopericardial fistula was surgically closed. However, the patient died 2 weeks postoperation of hemorrhage from duodenal ulcer. Autopsy confirmed the pre-mortem diagnosis of esophagopericardial fistula without evidence of malignancy. Early diagnosis and subsequent treatment appears to be most important. This case report reinforces the difficulty of this diagnosis and perhaps the need for clinical awareness and inclusion of this entity in a differential diagnosis.

Morphological and kinetic analyses of regime transition for poly[(S)-lactide] crystal growth

Regime transitions of poly[(S)-lactide] (PLA) crystal growth from the melt were investigated by studying the morphological changes and carrying out kinetic analysis using microscopic techniques. PLA thin films with an average layer thickness of 100 nm were isothermally crystallized at a given crystallization temperature after melting at 220 degrees C. Following isothermal crystallization at a temperature below 145 degrees C, uniform two-dimensional spherulites having stacked flat-on lamellar texture were developed throughout the PLA thin films. On the basis of electron diffraction analysis for two-dimensional spherulites of PLA, it was found that the average growth direction of an individual lamellar crystal was parallel to the crystallographic b axis. At temperatures above 150 degrees C, hexagonal lamellar crystals were formed from the melt. Electron diffractograms of these lamellae showed that the crystal had orthogonal packing of PLA molecules and a truncated-lozenge-shaped growth behavior. The growth surfaces of the hexagonal crystal were parallel to either the crystallographic (110) or the (100) plane. The PLA crystal growth rate along the b axis direction was evaluated at various crystallization temperatures of the thin films. Kinetic analysis of crystal growth in the PLA thin film demonstrated that the regime transitions of PLA crystal growth, from regime III to regime II and from regime II to regime I, occur at around 120 and 147 degrees C, respectively. The transition from regime II to regime I induced morphological changes in the crystalline aggregates whereby spherulitic aggregates transformed into hexagonal lamellar stacking. As for the transition between regimes II and III, no obvious morphological change in the spherulitic crystal aggregates was observed.

In situ observation of crystal growth for poly[(S)-lactide] by temperature-controlled atomic force microscopy

The crystallization behavior and crystalline morphologies of poly[(S)-lactide] (P[(S)-LA]) in thin films crystallized isothermally at over 160 degrees C were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The dendritic crystal and hexagonal crystal were formed in thin film with thicknesses below 30 nm or over 50 nm, respectively. The crystal structures of dendritic and hexagonal crystals were identical, suggesting that the crystalline morphology of P[(S)-LA] is strongly dependent upon the film thickness. In situ observation of the crystal growth in the P[(S)-LA] thin film at 165 degrees C from the melt was carried out by using temperature-controlled AFM equipped with a heating stage. The initial stage of crystallization and development of lamellae were successfully observed during isothermal crystallization at 165 degrees C. The first forming crystal showed the edge-on orientation, and grew to S-shaped edge-on lamellae. Dendritic flat-on crystals were developed from the S-shaped edge-on lamellae. The growth rates of flat-on and edge-on lamellae were almost identical.

Microbial degradation of poly(aspartic acid) by two isolated strains of Pedobacter sp. and Sphingomonas sp

Microbial degradation of thermally synthesized poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) was investigated. A PAA-P1 sample (Mn, 7500; Mw, 20,000; number of branched units/100 monomer units, 3.1) was completely degraded in natural river water within 15 days at 25 degrees C. A new PAA-degrading bacterium (strain KP-2: JCM10638) was isolated together with Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 (JCM10459) from river water, and identified as a member of Pedobacter. A Pedobacter isolate was capable of degrading high-molecular-weight PAA polymers of 5000 to 150,000, and a small amount of low-molecular-weight products of 250 to 5000 was accumulated as residues during the growth of the isolate on PAA. In contrast, the other isolate Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 degraded only low-molecular-weight PAA below 5000. A mixed culturing of Pedobacter sp. KP-2 with Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 resulted in a complete degradation of PAA-P1 sample, but a small amount of low molecular weight components was accumulated during the degradation of highly branched PAA-P2 and PAA-P3 samples.

Biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES). 1. Crystal growth kinetics and morphology

Crystal growth rates of melt-crystallized poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) with a number-average molecular weight Mn of 21,100 and polydispersity of 1.86, respectively, were studied in an extensive temperature range. On the basis of secondary nucleation theory, only one transition between regime III and regime II was found at around 71 degrees C, but no transition of regime II-->I was detected by kinetic analysis. The ratio of nucleation constants KgIII in regime III to KgII in regime II was influenced by the value of activation energy U*, and tended to 2 as predicted by the theory when U* was set as 3688 cal/mol. The morphological changes at spherulitic level and lamellar level in regime II and regime III were examined by using an optical microscope (OM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Although spherulitic morphologies were found in both regime II and regime III by optical microscopy, further investigations made by following the crystallization process using OM and by checking the lamellar morphology using AFM revealed morphological changes during the crystal growth process and different crystal morphologies in regime II and regime III. Meanwhile by using ultrathin film (approximately 100 nm in thickness), the morphology of lamellar crystals of lozenge-shape outline and composed of single crystals has been studied by AFM technique. The results indicate that there is indeed a transition from regime II to regime III at around 71 degrees C for the isothermal crystallization of PES with an increasing degree of undercooling.

Biosynthesis and properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyalkanoates) by recombinant strains of Pseudomonas sp. 61-3

Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 (phbC::tet) strain, which is a phbCPs-disrupted mutant, accumulated a random copolymer consisting of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and (R)-medium-chain-length 3-hydroxyalkanoate (3HA) units of 6-12 carbon atoms, but the 3HB fraction in the copolymer was less than 50 mol %, resulting in the formation of an amorphus polymer. Therefore, the genes encoding beta-ketothiolase (PhbARe) and NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-CoA reductase (PhbBRe) from Ralstonia eutropha were expressed under the control of promoters for Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 pha locus or R. eutropha phb operon together with the phaC1Ps gene (PHA synthase 1 gene) from Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 in the phbCPs-disrupted mutant. The recombinant strains synthesized P(3HB-co-3HA) copolymers with very high 3HB compositions (up to 94 mol %) from glucose. The number-average molecular weights of P(3HB-co-3HA) were in the range of 349 x 10(3) to 605 x 10(3). The structure and physical properties of P(3HB-co-3HA) copolymers were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical tensile measurement. P(94% 3HB-co-3HA) copolymer was demonstrated to have good physical properties and to be a flexible material with moderate toughness, similar to low-density polyethylene.

Biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES). 2. Crystal morphology of melt-crystallized ultrathin film and its change after enzymatic degradation

Poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) ultrathin films with an initial thickness of approximately 100 nm were prepared by the solution cast method on either cover glass or freshly cleaved mica as the substrate. The ultrathin films were then melt-crystallized at a given temperature for a certain period of time. The surface morphologies of these films on the substrates were observed by an atomic force microscope (AFM) and an optical microscope (OM) under ambient conditions. Two different crystal morphologies having fibril-like structure and flat-on lamellar crystals with a certain width were formed, and their growth mechanisms were discussed in association with previous kinetic data. It has been shown that at a higher crystallization temperature such as 85 degrees C (smaller degree of undercooling) the crystal aggregates tend to form lozenge-shaped hedrites which evolved from a single crystal. The enzymatic degradation of PES crystals on the ultrathin films was carried out by using a PHB depolymerase from Pseudomonas stutzeri at room temperature. The crystal morphologies before and after enzymatic degradation were examined by AFM. The lamellar crystals were hydrolyzed into many small fragments, and these fragments had the same thickness as that of the lamellar crystals before enzymatic degradation. The analysis of morphological results for PES lamellar crystals has revealed the existence of many defects on the surface of melt-crystallized lamellar crystals. These defects were preferentially attacked by the enzyme molecules. Hydrolysis starts from the chains folding in crystal defect area and proceeds along the lateral edges, i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the folding chain.

Evaluation of the stability of intracranial aneurysms occluded with guglielmi detachable coils

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms using the volume embolization rate (VER). One hundred and six aneurysms in 96 patients who were treated with Guglielmi detachable coils were selected for this study. Follow-up angiography was performed at six or more months after initial treatment. Every aneurysm was packed as densely as possible, however, the percentage of stability varied according to the size of the aneurysm or the size of the aneurysm neck. The percentage of stable aneurysm was 82% (56/68) in small aneurysms with small necks, 68% (13/19) in small aneurysms with wide necks and 42% (8/19) in large aneurysms. The mean VER of embolized aneurysms in each size was 30%, 22% and 17%, respectively. There was a correlation between the percentage of stable aneurysms and the mean VER. On the other hand, there seemed to be a difference of VER for the stability of embolized aneurysms between ruptured aneurysms and unruptured ones. in small aneurysms with small necks, the stability of embolized aneurysms in ruptured ones was obtained only when the VER was greater than 30%, whereas it was found in unruptured ones even though the VER was less than 20%. in conclusion, the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms was obtained in small-sized aneurysms, especially small neck aneurysms, and unruptured ones. The VER is a good, objective index to predict the long-term stability of embolized aneurysms.