TiCl4-n-Bu4NX (X = I, Br, and Cl) combination-induced coupling of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with aldehydes

A three-component coupling reaction between vinyl ketones, aldehydes, and halides has been developed with TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NX combined reagents. Treatment of vinyl ketones with a TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NI combination followed by an addition of a variety of aldehydes provides syn-alpha-iodomethyl-beta-hydroxy ketones with high stereoselectivity. Methyltriphenylphosphonium iodide as well as n-Bu(4)NI acts efficiently as a halide source. The combination of TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NBr provides the corresponding bromo compounds in good yields. syn-alpha-Chloromethyl-beta-hydroxy ketones are obtained with the TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NCl combination. A competitive experiment reveals that the order of relative reactivity of the combinations is TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NI > TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NBr > TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NCl.

Triethylborane-induced bromine atom-transfer radical addition in aqueous media: study of the solvent effect on radical addition reactions

A mixture of ethyl bromoacetate and 1-octene was treated with triethylborane in water at ambient temperature to provide ethyl 4-bromodecanoate in good yield. The bromine atom-transfer radical addition in benzene was not satisfactory. The addition proceeded smoothly in polar solvents such as DMF and DMSO, protic solvents such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol, and aqueous media. Ab initio calculations were conducted to reveal the origin of the solvent effect of water in the addition reaction. The polar effect of solvents, which is judged by the dielectric constant, on the transition states in the bromine atom-transfer and radical addition steps is moderately important. Calculations show that a polar solvent tends to lower the relative energies of the transition states. The coordination of a carbonyl group to a proton in a protic solvent, like a Lewis acid, would also increase the efficiency of the propagation.

Isolation and Characterization of Derivative Lines of the Onion Yellows Phytoplasma that Do Not Cause Stunting or Phloem Hyperplasia

ABSTRACT Two lines of onion yellows phytoplasma producing milder symptoms were isolated from the original line (OY-W). One has an additional characteristic, non-insect-transmissibility (OY-NIM), compared with the other (OY-M). OY-M was established after maintaining OY-W for 11 years on a plant host (Chrysanthemum coronarium) with an insect vector (Macrosteles striifrons), and OY-NIM was isolated after subsequent maintenance of OY-M in plants by periodic grafting. Polymerase chain analysis suggested that OY-NIM cannot traverse the gut or survive in the hemolymph of the leafhopper. OY-W results in witches'-broom formation and stunted growth in the host plant. In contrast, OY-M and OY-NIM do not cause stunting in the host plant, although they result in witches'-broom. Histopathological analysis of these lines revealed that the hyperplastic phloem tissue and severe phloem necrosis seen in OY-W did not exist in OY-M and OY-NIM. This was attributed to a reduction in the population of phytoplasma in tissues in both OY-M- and OY-NIM-infected plants. The results suggest that the cause of stunting and phloem hyperplasia may be genetically different from the cause of witches'-broom. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis analysis showed that OY-M had a smaller genome size ( approximately 870 kbp) than OY-W ( approximately 1,000 kbp). Thus, some of the OY-W genes responsible for pathogenicity may not be present in OY-M.

Angiotensin type II receptor expression and ureteral budding

PURPOSE

Deletion of the angiotensin type II receptor gene (Agtr2) in mice results in a spectrum of urinary tract anomalies similar to that in humans. The mechanism behind this anomalous development is poorly understood. We evaluated Agtr2 expression as it relates to normal and abnormal ureteral budding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 400 wild type mice were inspected at birth for gross evidence of a urinary tract anomaly. In addition, the urinary tracts of 30 wild type embryos were evaluated at 11.0/11.5 and 13.5 weeks of gestation. These embryos were examined for ureteral budding site via section and whole mount in situ hybridization with c-ret probe and Agtr2 expression via in situ hybridization with Agtr2 riboprobe. There were 740 newborn mice homozygous for the null mutation of Agtr2 also evaluated along with 55 angiotensin type II knockout embryos at the aforementioned gestational ages.

RESULTS

All wild type newborn animals were grossly normal. Of the angiotensin type II knockout newborns 23 (3.1%) had gross abnormalities of the urinary tract at birth. The predominant finding was a duplicated collecting system associated with a hydronephrotic upper pole moiety. These duplicated collecting systems fulfilled the Meyer-Weigert law. Interestingly, 25 (59.5%) of the knockout embryos showed abnormal ureteral budding. However, in wild type embryos Agtr2 was expressed at this "ectopic" cranial site between the wolffian duct and metanephric mesenchyme.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not the sole regulator, angiotensin type II receptor expression may have a role in the embryological development of the urinary tract by inhibiting aberrant ureteral budding. A defect in this inhibitory process appears to cause ectopic ureteral budding, and may subsequently lead to renal dysplasia and other congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

[A short history of patient package insert in the EU]

In recent years the Japanese general public has become increasingly aware of health matters, and many people wish to know more about the medicines they receive from doctors. This means that Japanese patients have not been given medicinal product information fully by medical professionals, whereas many European countries have already introduced patient package inserts (PPIs) with near full disclosure leaflets in understandable language in all packages of dispensed medications. This article describes a short history of PPIs in European countries, centering on the development of PPIs in Germany and Belgium. It is expected that these European experiences contribute to our country in terms of providing patients with pharmaceutical information.

[A review on the development of Kallikrein (Kallidinogenase)]

This article briefly summarizes the historical events particularly these in Japan, in the kallikrein-kinin research and progress of the development of kallidinogenase (INN), enzyme with circulatory action. In 1926, E. K. Frey observed a drop in blood pressure in dogs following intravenous injection of the urine of human and other mammals into dogs. Intensive research showed that the urine contained a high-molecular active substance which dilated the peripheral arterial vessels. The substance was later called kallikrein after the Greek synonym for pancreas, as it occurred there at such a high concentration (Kraut et al., 1930) that this gland was thought to be its cite of origin. In 1930, kallikrein was commercially available as Padutin from Bayer, Germany. The product was introduced into Japan a few years later under the trade name of Kallikrein and was used for the treatment of circulatory disorders even during the Second World War. Kallikrein was again imported by Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. in 1952. However, Kallikrein introduced after the War did not contain substance derived from the urine but from porcine pancreatic kallikrein as the active ingredient. It grew rapidly with its active promotion of the product in such fields as internal medicine, ophthalmology, otology etc. Domestic manufacturers increasingly entered this market and the number of the manufacturing license holders of similar products reached 26 in 1975 when kallidinogenase preparations were designated to undergo drug re-evaluation by the health authorities. Since June 1988 when the re-evaluation for kallidinogenase preparations was completed, all the relevant manufacturers have supplied new formulations containing higher quality substances and labeling their potencies expressed in International Units based on the kallidinogenase reference standards which had since been established.

Cloning and expression analysis of Phytoplasma protein translocation genes

Genes encoding SecA and SecY proteins, essential components of the Sec protein translocation system, were cloned from onion yellows phytoplasma, an unculturable plant pathogenic bacterium. The secA gene consists of 2,505 nucleotides encoding an 835 amino acid protein (95.7 kDa) and shows the highest similarity with SecA of Bacillus subtilis. Anti-SecA rabbit antibody was prepared from a purified partial SecA protein, with a histidine tag expressed in Escherichia coli. Western blot analysis confirmed that SecA protein (approximately 96 kDa) is produced in phytoplasma-infected plants. Immunohistochemical thin sections observed by optical microscopy showed that SecA is characteristically present in plant phloem tissues infected with phytoplasma. The secY gene consists of 1,239 nucleotides encoding a 413 amino acid protein (45.9 kDa) and shows the highest similarity with SecY of B. subtilis. These results suggest the presence of a functional Sec system in phytoplasmas. Because phytoplasmas are endocellular bacteria lacking cell walls, this system might secrete bacterial proteins directly into the host cytoplasm. This study is what we believe to be the first report of the sequence and expression analysis of phytoplasma genes encoding membrane proteins with a predicted function.

Radical [3+2] annulation of N-allyl-N-chlorotosylamide with alkenes via atom-transfer process

[reaction: see text]. A radical [3+2] annulation reaction with an N-centered radical has been developed. The reaction of alkenes with N-allyl-N-chlorotosylamide yields the corresponding pyrrolidine derivatives in good yields in the presence of Et3B as a radical initiator.

Remarkable rate acceleration of Pd(0)-catalyzed hydrogermylation of alkynes and dienes in water

[reaction: see text] Without the use of hydrophilic cosolvents or phase transfer catalysts, Pd(0)-catalyzed hydrogermylation of alkynes in water provides dienylgermanes efficiently with high stereo- and regioselectivity. The reaction in water proceeds much faster than the reaction under neat conditions. By using an aqueous system, hydrogermylation can be conducted at a low catalyst loading.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel dual specificity phosphatase, LMW-DSP2, that lacks the cdc25 homology domain

A novel dual specificity phosphatase (DSP) designated LMW-DSP2 was cloned with a combination of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and cDNA library screening strategies. The LMW-DSP2 open reading frame of 194 amino acids contained a single DSP catalytic domain but lacked the cdc25 homology domain, which is conserved in most known DSPs. Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that LMW-DSP2 was specifically expressed in testis. Recombinant LMW-DSP2 protein exhibited phosphatase activity toward an artificial low molecular weight substrate para-nitrophenyl phosphate, and the activity was inhibited completely by sodium orthovanadate but not sodium fluoride, pyrophosphate, and okadaic acid. The substitution of critical amino acid residues, aspartic acid and cysteine, resulted in a dramatic reduction of phosphatase activity. Transient transfection of LMW-DSP2 in COS7 cells resulted in the expression of a 21-kDa protein, and the phosphatase was shown to be distributed in both the cytosol and the nucleus. LMW-DSP2 dephosphorylated and deactivated p38, to a higher extent, and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases, in transfected COS7 cells and in vitro. Interestingly, mutation in a conserved docking motif of p38 and SAPK/JNK as well as in a cluster of aspartic acids of LMW-DSP2 did not affect the deactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases by LMW-DSP2. Furthermore, the binding between LMW-DSP2 and p38 and SAPK/JNK was also not disrupted by such mutations. Among the DSPs lacking the cdc25 homology domain, LMW-DSP2 is the first one that dephosphorylates and deactivates p38 and SAPK/JNK.

Receptor binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells, a novel regulator of apoptosis of erythroid progenitor cells

To better understand the control of apoptosis during erythropoiesis, this study investigated the role of a novel tumor-associated antigen, RCAS1 (receptor binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells), with regard to the regulation of apoptosis of erythroid progenitor cells. Erythroid colony-forming cells (ECFCs) purified from human peripheral blood were used. Binding experiments of RCAS1 showed that ECFCs abundantly expressed receptors (RCAS1R) for RCAS1 and that the degree of binding of RCAS1 to the receptors diminished rapidly during erythroid maturation in vitro. When the soluble form of RCAS1 was added to the cultures, ECFCs underwent apoptosis, including collapse of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and activation of caspases 8 and 3. The addition of an anti-Fas blocking antibody or Fas-Fc failed to reduce the apoptosis induced by RCAS1, thereby indicating that effects of RCAS1 are independent of Fas activation. When binding of RCAS1 to normal bone marrow cells was analyzed, RCAS1R was evident on cells with an immature erythroid phenotype (transferrin receptor(+)/glycophorin A(-)) but not with a mature phenotype (transferrin receptor(-)/glycophorin A(+)). Histochemical staining revealed the expression of RCAS1 in the cytoplasm of bone marrow macrophages. These findings indicate that RCAS1, which is mainly produced by macrophages in hematopoietic tissue, may have a crucial role in controlling erythropoiesis by modulating apoptosis of erythroid progenitor cells via a Fas-independent mechanism.

A plasmid of phytoplasma encodes a unique replication protein having both plasmid- and virus-like domains: clue to viral ancestry or result of virus/plasmid recombination?

The genomes of most prokaryotic and eukaryotic single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses, and some prokaryotic plasmids such as pLS1, commonly replicate via a rolling circle replication (RCR) strategy, and thus the viruses are hypothesized to have evolved from the plasmids, although evidence for this view is sparse. We have sequenced a circular plasmid of 3933 nt, pOYW, obtained from onion yellows phytoplasma (OY-W), a cell-wall-less, unculturable prokaryote that inhabits the cytoplasm of both plant and insect cells. pOYW contains five open reading frames (ORFs) on the same strand and apparently replicates by an RCR mechanism. Its rep gene (ORF5) encodes a unique protein, pOYW-Rep, with an unprecedented structure. The N-terminal region of pOYW-Rep has similarities to the RCR initiator protein (Rep) of pLS1 family plasmids but, unlike the Rep of other plasmids, its C-terminal region was unexpectedly similar to the helicase domain of the replication-associated proteins (Rap) of eukaryotic viruses, especially circoviruses (ssDNA viruses of vertebrates). The pOYW-Rep was specifically detected in OY-W-infected plant phloem cells, suggesting that it is a functional protein. We suggest that an ancestral phytoplasma plasmid pOYW may have acquired a helicase domain from host phytoplasmal DNA, entered the surrounding eukaryotic cytoplasm, and subsequently evolved into an ancestral eukaryotic ssDNA virus. Alternatively, a pOYW ancestor could have obtained the helicase domain by recombination with a virus: this would be the first example of recombination between plasmids and viruses.

Clinical, histopathological, and immunogenetic analysis of ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disorders: characterization of malt lymphoma and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia

Malignant lymphomas and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) in the ocular adnexa are sometimes difficult to differentiate morphologically and have often been categorized together as a lymphoproliferative disorder. Immunogenotypic characters of these diseases have not yet been well clarified. This study included 76 cases of ocular adnexal lymphoproliferative disorders. These consisted of 52 cases of malignant lymphoma (43 primary and 9 secondary), 22 of RLH, and 2 borderline cases. There were slightly more male than female subjects. Diagnoses were based on morphology and immunophenotypic characteristics. Clonalities were detected by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (VH) genes were sequenced in 10 cases of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. MALT lymphoma constituted 86% (37 cases) of the primary lymphomas. MALT lymphomas were more indolent, more rarely disseminated, and had a lower death rate than the other primary lymphomas. Two patients exhibited coexistence of MALT and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The average age of patients with RLH was 5.5 years younger than that of those with MALT lymphoma. One of the cases of RLH later progressed to malignant lymphoma. B-cell clonality was detected by PCR in 57%, 55%, and 0% of primary lymphomas, MALT lymphomas and RLHs, respectively. Sequencing of VH genes revealed that the VH3 family was the most commonly expressed germline VH family (70%) and that DP-63, DP-54 and DP-47 genes were frequently found in the MALT lymphomas examined. PCR analysis was useful for differentiation between MALT lymphoma and RLH. Sequence analysis of VH genes showed that an autoimmune mechanism may be involved in the lymphomagenesis of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma.

[Development of new hydrophilic catheter kit for self-catheterization: study in pediatric cases]

PURPOSE

To increase the management of self-catheterization in children of school age, a catheter kit consisting of hydrophilic catheter and a packet containing sterilized water was developed. We evaluated the lubricating characteristic and clinical efficacy of this new catheter kit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The catheter kit used in the study was a pocket-size plastic container in which a polyurethane catheter coated with hydrophilic polymer and a packet containing sterilized water were packed in combination. The lubricating characteristic of catheter was assessed by the measurement of friction value. For clinical assessment, male children aged over 6 years old who were doing self-catheterization at 17 medical institutions nationwide were selected as the subjects. The 32 children who had given informed consent (mean age: 11.6 years old) were asked to use the catheter kit continuously for 1 week. The results were investigated by a questionnaire survey in which the assessment before and after the use was expressed in scores. At the same time, urinalysis and urine culture were examined.

RESULTS

The friction value of hydrophilic catheter was equivalent to or less than that observed by applying a lubricant to the conventional catheter. The comparison of conventional catheter with the kit indicated significantly higher scores (assessment in 5 grades expressed in scores) for the portability and operability of the kit. Though there was no significant difference in the ease of insertion between the two catheters, there were several comments that the kit got stuck in the urethra when it was withdrawn. The global assessment gave a significantly higher score to the kit and 30 (94%) of the 32 children wanted to use the kit continuously. No increase in hematuria which caused a clinical problem or no new apparent urinary tract infection occurred after the use of the kit.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the conventional catheter, the hydrophilic catheter kit highly satisfied a large number of children at the time of self-catheterization. Depending on the condition of children, the kit is considered useful for continued self-catheterization for a long term.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of organoindiums with aryl halides in aqueous media

[reaction: see text] Diaryl-, divinyl-, and dialkylindium proved to be stable in aqueous media and to undergo a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with aryl halides in aqueous THF. Treatment of 3-iodophenol with diphenylindium compound, generated from indium trichloride and two equimolar amounts of a phenyl Grignard reagent, in aqueous media under palladium catalysis provided the corresponding coupling product in excellent yield. Divinyl- and diethylindium can be used for the coupling reaction in the presence of water. A wide range of functional groups, including a hydroxy group and a formyl group, are compatible with this reaction.

Selective halogen-magnesium exchange reaction via organomagnesium ate complex

Halogen-magnesium exchange of various aryl halides is achieved with a magnesium ate complex at low temperatures. Tributylmagnesate (nBu3MgLi) induces facile iodine-magnesium exchange at -78 degrees C. Dibutylisopropylmagnesate (iPr(n)Bu2MgLi) is more reactive than nBu3MgLi, and this reagent accomplishes selective bromine-magnesium exchange at -78 degrees C. This procedure is utilized for the preparation of various polyfunctionalized arylmagnesium species. The exchange of alkenyl halides using this method proceeds with retention of configuration of the double bond.

Triethylborane-induced radical reactions with gallium hydride reagent HGaCl2

[see reaction]. A gallium hydride reagent, HGaCl2, was found to act as a radical mediator, like tributyltin hydride. Treatment of alkyl halides with the gallium hydride reagent, generated from gallium trichloride and sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride, provided the corresponding reduced products in excellent yields. Radical cyclization of halo acetals was also successful with not only the stoichiometric gallium reagent but also a catalytic amount of gallium trichloride combined with stoichiometric aluminum hydride as a hydride source.

Rapid progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after drainage of large cystic lesions: report of a case

We report herein a case of cholangiocarcinoma with large cystic lesions. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated large cysts in segment IV and the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe, and a solid tumor in the anterior segment of the right lobe of the liver which was contiguous to the cyst in the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe. The large cysts were diagnostically misleading and a liver abscess was suspected. Thus, percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the cyst was performed. The fluid in the cyst was negative bacteriologically, but malignant cells were detected. A CT scan done 2 weeks after drainage of the cyst showed progression of the solid tumor with intrahepatic metastasis and replacement of the cystic lesions by the solid tumor. Following percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization, a right hepatic trisegmentectomy with caudate lobectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed cholangiocellular carcinoma. These results indicate that drainage of the cystic lesion induced the tumor progression in the liver. Therefore, the possibility of cholangiocarcinoma with a large cystic lesion should be borne in mind when considering the differential diagnosis of a cystic lesion in the liver, and appropriate surgical therapy should be carefully selected.

Histopathological evidence of poor prognosis in patients with vesicoureteral reflux

Patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) often develop reflux nephropathy with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), although the exact mechanisms leading to the development of this complication are unknown. To determine the early changes in glomeruli of VUR patients that ultimately cause poor renal outcome, we examined morphometrically renal biopsies of 16 young patients (age 10-20 years) with VUR at baseline pre-operatively. Patients were divided into two groups, those who subsequently showed good prognosis and those with poor renal prognosis at the end of a 10-year follow-up period. Patients with poor prognosis had worse proteinuria and lower creatinine at baseline than those with good prognosis. We also examined 40 age-matched control cases with previous temporal microhematuria and/or proteinuria but normal renal function and histology. Although the mean diameter of glomerular capillary did not change in VUR cases irrespective of prognosis, glomerular capillary length increased by 125% in cases with good prognosis, and 335% in cases with poor prognosis (P < 0.01). Cystically expanded capillaries, with diameter > or = 95% of that in age-matched control, were detected in five of eight patients with poor prognosis, but only in one of eight patients with good prognosis. In VUR, the number of podocytes/capillary diminished with increased length of the capillaries. Tuft adhesion to Bowman's capsule and podocyte detachment were primarily found in patients with poor prognosis. Our results suggest that lengthening of glomerular capillaries in young patients with VUR is a compensatory reaction to hyperfiltration. The appearance of cystic capillary expansion, podocyte detachment and/or tuft adhesion to Bowman's capsule in such glomeruli may be important indicators of renal prognosis in patients with VUR. These changes may lead to FSGS due to podocyte injury in patients with VUR, with subsequent deterioration of renal function.

Involvement of TRAIL/TRAIL-R interaction in IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis of Daudi B lymphoma cells

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) exerts the anti-tumour effect on various tumours at least partly through induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis is induced by members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family, including Fas (CD95) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In the present study, we examined whether the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system is involved in IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis using Daudi B lymphoma cells. IFN-alpha upregulated the expression of TRAIL within 12 h, as assessed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR, and the level increased with time until 72 h. The levels of both TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, low in Daudi cells, were enhanced by IFN-alpha. The enhanced TRAIL-R1/-R2 appeared to function as a death-inducing molecule since IFN-alpha-stimulated cells were more susceptible to TRAIL-induced cell death. The IFN-alpha-stimulated Daudi cells or their derived culture supernatants displayed cytotoxicity against TRAIL-sensitive, but not resistant lines. Moreover, the IFN-alpha-induced reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential preceding the induction of apoptosis was substantially prevented by neutralizing anti-TRAIL monoclonal antibody. Taken together, IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis appears to be mediated by the autocrine and/or paracrine loop involving TRAIL/TRAIL-R.