Analysis of testis-specific transcripts in the chicken

Sequences of candidate chicken testis-specific genes were analysed in order to develop a resource for functional genomic studies of the testis and male germ cells. Tentative consensus sequences (TC) containing expressed sequence tags expressed in testis libraries were selected from the TIGR Gallus gallus Gene Index, resulting in 292 TC. The transcriptional expression of these genes were evaluated in several chicken tissues, including testis and ovary. One hundred ten of the 292 TC were expressed in a testis-specific manner. Annotation of the TC using the Gene Ontology database terms showed that the proportion of testis-specific TC that were classified as having catalytic activity (within the molecular function branch) was higher than the proportion of total chicken TC classified in the same way. Our results may facilitate the investigation of testis-specific genes and their functional analysis in the chicken, as well as in other avian species.

Feasibility study on the removal of nitrous compounds with a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor

The objective of this study was to develop an integrated nitrogen treatment system using autotrophic organisms. A treatment system consists of an aerobic hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor (HfMBR) and anaerobic HfMBR. In the aerobic HfMBR, a mixture gas of air and O2 was supplied through the fibers for nitrification. Denitrification occurred in the anaerobic HfMBR using H2 as the electron donor. The treatment system was continuously operated for 190 days. NH4-N removal efficiencies ranging from 95% to 97% were achieved at NH4-N concentrations of influent ranging from 50 to 100 mg N/L. When glucose was added to the influent, the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification occurred in the aerobic HfMBR, and nitrogen removal rates were changed according to the COD/NH4-N ratio of influent. In the anaerobic HfMBR, autotrophic denitrification using H2 occurred and the removal rates achieved in this study were 23-58 mg N/m2 d. In this study, the achieved removal efficiency was lower than other study findings; however, the result suggested that this hybrid HfMBR system can be used effectively for nitrogen removal in oligotrophic water.

Scaling of F-actin network rheology to probe single filament elasticity and dynamics

The linear and nonlinear viscoelastic response of networks of cross-linked and bundled cytoskeletal filaments demonstrates remarkable scaling with both frequency and applied prestress, which helps elucidate the origins of the viscoelasticity. The frequency dependence of the shear modulus reflects the underlying single-filament relaxation dynamics for 0.1-10 rad/sec. Moreover, the nonlinear strain stiffening of such networks exhibits a universal form as a function of prestress; this is quantitatively explained by the full force-extension relation of single semiflexible filaments.

A novel Bvar allele (547 G>A) demonstrates differential expression depending on the co-inherited ABO allele

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Genetic analysis of group B donors in Korea was performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exons 6 and 7 were sequenced in 12 phenotypically B3 donors 6 B3, 6 A1B3.

RESULTS

Consensus sequences all B3 and 2/6 A1B3 donors were present. Four A1B3 donors demonstrated a novel B allele, B(var), in the context of A101/ or A102/B(var) genotypes. Family studies based on an A1B3 donor with the B(var) allele and on another unrelated subject with identical genotype and phenotype revealed B(var)/O01 genotypes with full B-antigen expression.

CONCLUSIONS

B(var) allele is subject to differential expression, depending on the co-inherited ABO allele.

Relating microstructure to rheology of a bundled and cross-linked F-actin network in vitro

The organization of individual actin filaments into higher-order structures is controlled by actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Although the biological significance of the ABPs is well documented, little is known about how bundling and cross-linking quantitatively affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of actin networks. Here we quantify the effect of the ABP scruin on actin networks by using imaging techniques, cosedimentation assays, multiparticle tracking, and bulk rheology. We show how the structure of the actin network is modified as the scruin concentration is varied, and we correlate these structural changes to variations in the resultant network elasticity.

Elastic behavior of cross-linked and bundled actin networks

Networks of cross-linked and bundled actin filaments are ubiquitous in the cellular cytoskeleton, but their elasticity remains poorly understood. We show that these networks exhibit exceptional elastic behavior that reflects the mechanical properties of individual filaments. There are two distinct regimes of elasticity, one reflecting bending of single filaments and a second reflecting stretching of entropic fluctuations of filament length. The mechanical stiffness can vary by several decades with small changes in cross-link concentration, and can increase markedly upon application of external stress. We parameterize the full range of behavior in a state diagram and elucidate its origin with a robust model.

Colloid surface chemistry critically affects multiple particle tracking measurements of biomaterials

Characterization of the properties of complex biomaterials using microrheological techniques has the promise of providing fundamental insights into their biomechanical functions; however, precise interpretations of such measurements are hindered by inadequate characterization of the interactions between tracers and the networks they probe. We here show that colloid surface chemistry can profoundly affect multiple particle tracking measurements of networks of fibrin, entangled F-actin solutions, and networks of cross-linked F-actin. We present a simple protocol to render the surface of colloidal probe particles protein-resistant by grafting short amine-terminated methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) to the surface of carboxylated microspheres. We demonstrate that these poly(ethylene glycol)-coated tracers adsorb significantly less protein than particles coated with bovine serum albumin or unmodified probe particles. We establish that varying particle surface chemistry selectively tunes the sensitivity of the particles to different physical properties of their microenvironments. Specifically, particles that are weakly bound to a heterogeneous network are sensitive to changes in network stiffness, whereas protein-resistant tracers measure changes in the viscosity of the fluid and in the network microstructure. We demonstrate experimentally that two-particle microrheology analysis significantly reduces differences arising from tracer surface chemistry, indicating that modifications of network properties near the particle do not introduce large-scale heterogeneities. Our results establish that controlling colloid-protein interactions is crucial to the successful application of multiple particle tracking techniques to reconstituted protein networks, cytoplasm, and cells.

A fatal case of Vibrio vulnificus meningoencephalitis

The objective of this paper is to report a rare case of Vibrio vulnificus presenting as meningoencephalitis without a wound infection. Vibrio vulnificus is capable of causing severe and often fatal infections in susceptible individuals. It commonly causes necrotizing wound infections, primary septicemia, and gastroenteritis. A 69-year-old man had meningoencephalitis with lesion on the red nucleus, substantia nigra, basal ganglia, and dentate nucleus as the initial clinical manifestation of a V. vulnificus infection. This is the first case of V. vulnificus infection in which MRI demonstrated the involvement of deep nuclei of the brain.

Clostridium perfringens septicemia with thrombophlebitis of the portal vein

We report a case of patient with Clostridium perfringens septicemia and thrombophlebitis of the portal vein (pylephlebitis), probably secondary to an initially unrecognized gastric ulcer. The extension of the thrombosis from the superior mesenteric vein to the main portal vein on a repeat CT scan and subsequent partial resolution of the thrombus with antibiotic therapy alone, suggested that Clostridium perfringens bacteremia may have enhanced the formation of thrombus. The coexistence of Clostridium perfringens septicemia and pylephlebitis should prompt a search for intra-abdominal processes as the portal of entry of infection.

Renal perfusion abnormality. Coded harmonic angio US with contrast agent

PURPOSE

Coded harmonic angio (CHA) US is a recently developed technique that can depict the effects of contrast agents. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of this technique in depicting the enhancement patterns of various renal perfusion abnormalities compared with dynamic CT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During a 6-month period, various renal lesions including renal cell carcinoma (n=12), transitional cell carcinoma (n=5), acute pyelonephritis (n=5), and renal trauma (n=2) were evaluated with CHA US using a microbubble contrast agent. US images were obtained before contrast administration and with a bolus injection of 4 g of microbubble contrast agent (300 mg/ml) every 10 s for 1 min and every minute for 5 min. The contrast enhancement patterns of various renal masses were compared with dynamic CT.

RESULTS

Of 12 renal cell carcinomas, 9 (75%) showed heterogeneous enhancement and the remaining 3 (25%) showed homogeneous enhancement. Enhancement of more than adjacent renal parenchyma was seen 16-252 s after injection. The duration of enhancement was 13-208 s (mean, 80 s). All transitional cell carcinomas showed peripheral enhancement. Enhancement was seen 22-270 s after injection. The duration of enhancement was 191-238 s (mean, 291 s). Five patients with acute pyelonephritis and 2 with renal trauma showed focal perfusion defects not shown on the pre-contrast examinations.

CONCLUSION

CHA US with microbubble contrast agent is an effective US technique for the evaluation of both tumor vascularity and renal perfusion abnormality.

Renal perfusion abnormality. Coded harmonic angio US with contrast agent

PURPOSE

Coded harmonic angio (CHA) US is a recently developed technique that can depict the effects of contrast agents. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of this technique in depicting the enhancement patterns of various renal perfusion abnormalities compared with dynamic CT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During a 6-month period, various renal lesions including renal cell carcinoma (n=12), transitional cell carcinoma (n=5), acute pyelonephritis (n=5), and renal trauma (n=2) were evaluated with CHA US using a microbubble contrast agent. US images were obtained before contrast administration and with a bolus injection of 4 g of microbubble contrast agent (300 mg/ml) every 10 s for 1 min and every minute for 5 min. The contrast enhancement patterns of various renal masses were compared with dynamic CT.

RESULTS

Of 12 renal cell carcinomas, 9 (75%) showed heterogeneous enhancement and the remaining 3 (25%) showed homogeneous enhancement. Enhancement of more than adjacent renal parenchyma was seen 16-252 s after injection. The duration of enhancement was 13-208 s (mean, 80 s). All transitional cell carcinomas showed peripheral enhancement. Enhancement was seen 22-270 s after injection. The duration of enhancement was 191-238 s (mean, 291 s). Five patients with acute pyelonephritis and 2 with renal trauma showed focal perfusion defects not shown on the pre-contrast examinations.

CONCLUSION

CHA US with microbubble contrast agent is an effective US technique for the evaluation of both tumor vascularity and renal perfusion abnormality.

Association of the CD14 gene -159C polymorphism with progression of IgA nephropathy

The risk factors associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of glomerulonephritis, are unclear. It has been suggested that CD14 signalling in response to various microbes affects the natural history of chronic inflammatory conditions. It has been hypothesised that variants in the promoter region of the CD14 gene might alter the expression of CD14, and this in turn could influence the progressive nature of IgAN. PCR-RFLP was used to determine the polymorphism at the -159 site (T to C). The distribution of the CD14/-159 polymorphism was no different in patients with IgAN (n=216) compared to 171 healthy controls. After follow up for 86 months, it was found that an excess of the C genotype occurred in patients with progressive disease (p=0.03) and the risk of disease progression increased as the number of C alleles increased (p for trend = 0.002). The hazard ratio for progression in the patients with the CC genotype was 3.2 (p=0.025) compared with the patients possessing the TT genotype. After LPS stimulation, sCD14 was released more abundantly from the PBMCs of the TT subjects than from that of the CC subjects (p=0.006), even though mCD14 expression level was no different. In addition, the TT subjects released less IL-6 than the CC subjects after stimulation (p=0.0003). These results suggest that the CD14/-159 polymorphism is an important marker for the progression of IgAN and may modulate the level of the inflammatory responses.

Effect of cooking on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in Korean dried seafood products

Only N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was detected when N-nitrosamines (NA) were analysed in seven dried seafood products, either uncooked or cooked. The cooking methods used were a briquet fire, a gas range, an electric oven, a microwave oven, a steam cooker and an electric coil cooker. The contents of NDMA ranged from 1.0 to 46.9 microgram kg(-1) in uncooked products. When these samples were cooked, regardless of the cooking method, the content of NDMA tended to increase, ranging from 1.1 to 630.5 microgram kg(-1). In general, indirect heating such as a steam cooker and a microwave oven, as compared with direct heating such as a gas range and a briquet fire, caused less increase in NDMA during cooking.

Identification of amino acid residues lining the pore of a gap junction channel

Gap junctions represent a ubiquitous and integral part of multicellular organisms, providing the only conduit for direct exchange of nutrients, messengers and ions between neighboring cells. However, at the molecular level we have limited knowledge of their endogenous permeants and selectivity features. By probing the accessibility of systematically substituted cysteine residues to thiol blockers (a technique called SCAM), we have identified the pore-lining residues of a gap junction channel composed of Cx32. Analysis of 45 sites in perfused Xenopus oocyte pairs defined M3 as the major pore-lining helix, with M2 (open state) or M1 (closed state) also contributing to the wider cytoplasmic opening of the channel. Additional mapping of a close association between M3 and M4 allowed the helices of the low resolution map (Unger et al., 1999. Science. 283:1176-1180) to be tentatively assigned to the connexin transmembrane domains. Contrary to previous conceptions of the gap junction channel, the residues lining the pore are largely hydrophobic. This indicates that the selective permeabilities of this unique channel class may result from novel mechanisms, including complex van der Waals interactions of permeants with the pore wall, rather than mechanisms involving fixed charges or chelation chemistry as reported for other ion channels.

Interdependent effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase gene polymorphisms on the progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy

In order to investigate the interdependent action of the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and polymorphism in exon 11 (C1136-->T; Ala379Val) of the platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) gene, which encodes a functional antagonist of PAF, on the progression of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, we analysed both polymorphisms in patients with primary IgA nephropathy, who were followed-up for longer than 3 years. During the follow-up (87.3 +/- 50.0 months), the disease progressed in 38 of the 191 patients (19.9%). The D allele of the ACE gene in the absence of the T allele of the PAF-AH gene did not affect the prognosis [odds ratio (OR), 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8-16.4] and neither did the T allele in the absence of the D allele (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.4-24.2). However, the presence of both was a significant prognostic factor (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.4-31.3). After adjusting for other risk factors, the presence of both proved to be an independent risk factor (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.6-12.7). These results suggest that the interdependent effects of ACE and PAF-AH polymorphisms on the progression of IgA nephropathy might be more important than the effect of the individual polymorphisms.

A case of giant congenital nevocytic nevus with neurotization and onset of vitiligo

The authors report the case of a 21-year-old woman with a giant congenital nevocytic nevus (GCNN) who developed vitiligo at the age of 16 years on skin areas remote from the GCNN. This is the first reported case of GCNN developing neurotization combined with vitiliginous changes within the GCNN lesion. Treatment with PUVA achieved repigmentation of the vitiligo lesions, except for the hypochromic areas within the area of the nevus that were shielded from UVA radiation.

Acute abdominal pain in systemic lupus erythematosus: focus on lupus enteritis (gastrointestinal vasculitis)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the causes of acute abdominal pain in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare the clinical and laboratory data, especially antiphospholipid antibodies and the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), between lupus enteritis (gastrointestinal vasculitis) and acute abdominal pain without lupus enteritis in patients with SLE.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out for all patients admitted with SLE from 1993 to March 2001. The SLEDAI and laboratory data were collected at the time of diagnosis of SLE and at the time of acute abdominal pain. Lupus enteritis (gastrointestinal vasculitis) was diagnosed by clinical investigation and abdominal computed tomographic findings.

RESULTS

Chart review identified 175 patients (20 male, 155 female) who had been admitted with SLE. Of these patients, 38 (22%) presented with acute abdominal pain. Lupus enteritis was the most common cause of acute abdominal pain. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: lupus enteritis (n=17), group 2: acute abdominal pain without lupus enteritis (n=21), and group 3: SLE without acute abdominal pain (n=137). There was no difference in age and sex among the three groups. Antiphospholipid, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies did not differ among the three groups. There was no difference in the SLEDAI at the time of diagnosis and at the time of acute abdominal pain between groups 1 and 2. Complement, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, and anti-dsDNA measured at the time of acute abdominal pain did not differ between groups 1 and 2. A drop in the white blood cell count at the time of abdominal pain was more prominent in group 1 than group 2. In lupus enteritis, the jejunum and ileum were the sites most commonly affected. Rectal involvement was rare. Even though four patients relapsed, all the patients with lupus enteritis, including those who relapsed, responded well to corticosteroid.

CONCLUSION

Lupus enteritis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain in SLE. All patients with lupus enteritis responded well to a high dose of a corticosteroid without surgical intervention. The SLEDAI and laboratory data, except leucopenia, do not correlate with the occurrence of lupus enteritis.

Solitary fibrous tumor in the buccal space: MR findings with pathologic correlation

We report MR findings in a case of a solitary fibrous tumor involving the buccal space in a middle-aged man. On MR images, most of the mass was isointense and hyperintense to the muscle on T1- and T2-weighted images, respectively, and showed homogeneously strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. The medial peripheral portion, which was isointense on T2-weighted images and showed less enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, corresponded to the hypocellular and collagenous sclerotic area on pathologic correlation.

Synthesis and structural characterization of PHP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)], a monodentate chiral phosphine derived from intramolecular C-C coupling of tetramethylcyclopentadienyl groups: an evaluation of steric and electronic properties

The chiral monodentate phosphine PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] is readily obtained by oxidation of the lithium complex Li(2)[PhP(C(5)Me(4))(2)] with I(2), which couples the two cyclopentadienyl groups to form a five-membered heterocyclic ring. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic studies on a variety of derivatives, including Ph[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]PE (E = S, Se), Cp*MCl(4)[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph] (M = Mo, Ta), Ir[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph](2)(CO)Cl, and CpFe(CO)[PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]]Me. For comparison purposes, derivatives of the related phospholane ligand PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)] have also been investigated, including Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]PS, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Cl, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Me, Ir[PPh[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](COD)(Cl), and Pd[P[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]Ph][eta(2)-C(6)H(4)C(H)(Me)NMe(2)]Cl. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] are determined to be intermediate between those of PPh(2)Me and PPh(3). Thus, the crystallographic cone angles increase in the sequence PPh(2)Me (134.5 degrees) < PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] (140.2 degrees) < PPh(3) (148.2 degrees), while the electron donating abilities decrease in the sequence PPh(2)Me > PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] > PPh(3). Finally, PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] has a smaller cone angle and is less electron donating than the structurally similar phosphine, PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)].

Renal biopsy in elderly patients: clinicopathological correlation in 117 Korean patients

AIM

In the elderly with renal disease, the clinical presentations are frequently inconsistent with the pathologic findings. We tried to clarify the differences in pathological findings between the young and the elderly, in Korea and in Western countries, and the usefulness of a percutaneous renal biopsy in the elderly with renal disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the clinical presentations and spectrums of renal histopathology by reviewing medical records and renal biopsy reports retrospectively in 117 Korean patients aged 60 years or more with renal disease.

RESULTS

85 patients had primary renal disease. The remaining 32 patients had renal diseases associated with systemic conditions. Out of the 85 patients with primary renal disease, 61 cases presented as idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Compared with renal biopsy results of younger adult patients (age 15-59, n = 1,908), membranous nephropathy, crescentic glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, light chain disease, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were more prevalent, but IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis were less common in the elderly patients. In clinical presentation, nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive renal failure were more prevalent, but asymptomatic urinary abnormality was less common in elderly patients. The responsiveness to treatment was good in elderly patients with minimal-change lesion (complete remission in all patients) but poor in crescentic glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. From the above findings, the clinical presentation, patterns of histopathology and responsiveness to treatment of elderly Korean patients were similar to those of the younger Korean control group and the Western elderly group.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous renal biopsy is a useful diagnostic aid and can be used as a therapeutic guideline even in elderly patients with renal disease.

Activation of the IGF-II gene by HBV-X protein requires PKC and p44/p42 map kinase signalings

We have recently shown that HBx protein, one of the causative agents of hepatocellular carcinomas, regulates Sp1 mediated transcription of insulin-like growth factor II promoter 4 (Lee et al. (1998) Oncogene 16, 2367-2380). Here we show that PKC and p44/p42MAPK signalings are required for the HBx-induced Sp1-mediated IGF-II P4 transcriptional activity since (i) PKC activation by PMA or PKC expression vector increases Sp1 phosphorylation and P4 activity in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells; (ii) PKC inhibition by PKC inhibitor Gö6976 reduces Sp1 phosphorylation, P4 activity, and IGF-II mRNA in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells; and (iii) the inhibition of MEK activation by U0126 reduces Sp1 phosphorylation, P4 activity and IGF-II mRNA in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate that PKC and p44/p42 MAPK cascades are the essential signaling pathways in Sp1-mediated IGF-II gene activation by HBx.

Choroid plexus papilloma in the posterior cranial fossa: MR, CT, and angiographic findings

In this study, we reviewed the magnetic resonance (MR, n=5), computed tomography (CT, n=3), and angiography (n=3) of six patients with pathologically confirmed choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) in the posterior cranial fossa. CPPs in the posterior cranial fossa have several features, including a propensity to arise at the foramen of Luschka with extraventricular extension, occasional peritumoral signal voids/cysts or calcification, weaker enhancement on MR or CT, and less strong tumor staining by the anterior or posterior inferior cerebellar artery or angiography.

A Preliminary Report of the Virtual Craniofacial Center: Development of Internet-/Intranet-Based Care Coordination of Pediatric Craniofacial Patients

The authors present preliminary information regarding the development of an Internet-based Virtual Craniofacial Center that provides access to a patient database with visual and textual data. Patients are photographed by digital camera with standardized images. Through a Web site linked to a remote database, patient demographics, management data, reports, and acquired digital photographic images are stored and retrieved. The database can be used to sort and to present data as desired by multiple specialists. Confidentiality is maintained by unique identification numbers and password access to the server for craniofacial team members. The current system uses economical equipment (i.e., digital camera, personal computer with modem, and access to a remote Windows NT-based server), using data that can be entered in a variety of cross-platform personal computer systems and transmitted on a wide range of bandwidths-from a relatively low-bandwidth (28.8 KB per second) modem to a high-speed T-3 line connection. Long-term goals include archival data storage and analysis, as well as the development of multicenter telemedicine links for active craniofacial centers.