Persistent hypertransaminasemia as the presenting findings of muscular dystrophy in childhood

Prolonged elevation of the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is often attributed to hepatic diseases. However, these enzymes are also present in a variety of extrahepatic tissues, including skeletal muscle. Five children (all boys) were referred to the pediatric department of the National Taiwan University Hospital because of persistent elevation of serum aminotransferase activities. The ages of these children were between 4 months and 5.5 years. The neurological findings were all not remarkable. The initial ALT and AST values were 114-581 U/L and 183-700 U/L, respectively. Serum creatine kinase was checked first after 0 to 30 months follow-up and found to be markedly elevated (range, 10,557 U/L to 62,508 U/L). Muscle biopsies in the five cases all showed degenerating and regenerating myofibers with interstitial fibrosis. In Cases 3, 4 and 5, complete absence of dystrophin immunoreactivity was found. Genetic studies showed deletions in the DMD gene (exons 45-48 in case 2 and 49-50 in case 4). This experience indicates that occult muscle diseases should be taken into account in patients with unexplained long-lasting hypertransaminasemia and therefore measurement of serum creatine kinase activity and muscle biopsy should be done early for the correct diagnosis of muscular dystrophy.

Clinical benefit and response in patients with gastric cancer to weekly 24-hour infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV)

BACKGROUND

A prospective study evaluated the efficacy and correlation of different outcome measurements, including the WHO response criteria and clinical benefit (CB), to weekly high-dose 5-FU and LV for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine chemotherapy-naive patients were enrolled from Sep. 1996 to Oct. 1997. The treatment consisted of a 24-hour continuous infusion of 5-FU 2600 mg/m2 & LV 150 mg weekly for 6 weeks with a subsequent 2-week break. The responses were evaluated by CB and WHO criteria at the end of the 8th week, then at 8-week intervals.

RESULTS

There were 21 male and 18 female patients with a median age of 56 years. The median Karnofsky performance score was 70%. Thirty-six patients were evaluable for WHO criteria, and 12 (33.3%) had partial response, 12 (33.3%) had stable disease and 12 (33.3%) had progressive disease. Twenty-one of the 35 (60%) evaluable patients for CB were found to have a positive response. There was a significant correlation between WHO response and CB. The median survival was 10.5 months for CB responders, while the median survival among the CB non-responders was 5 months only.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that this regimen yielded a 60% CB, despite a 33% WHO response rate. Improvement in CB resulted in an improvement in survival as well as the correlation between CB and WHO response, and suggested the value of CB as an alternative indicator for clinical response.

The fas and fas ligand pathways in liver allograft tolerance

The Fas and Fas ligand (Fas/FasL) pathways may play a central role in cytotoxicity or immunoregulation in liver transplantation. Here, in an attempt to examine the role of Fas/FasL on drug-free tolerance, we measured mRNA levels of Fas/FasL in livers by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and also protein levels of Fas/FasL in livers by immunohistochemistry and in serum by dot blot assay. PVG recipients bearing DA livers showed serious rejection between post-operative (POD) days 7 and 14, but this rejection was naturally overcome without any immunosuppression. Fas gene and protein products were expressed on almost every cell in livers taken from naive rats, and at any time point in both syngeneic and allogeneic orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) rats. In contrast, FasL mRNA in DA livers was detectable at POD 2, peaked at POD 14, and declined at POD 63 in allogeneic OLT (DA-PVG). Although the FasL gene was detectable in isografts at POD 14, its expression was much lower than in allografts. The time course and localization of FasL expression indicated that the expression of FasL gradually switched from infiltrating cells to hepatocytes when the rejection was naturally overcome and tolerance was induced in this OLT model. Soluble Fas could constitutively be detected at any time point in the serum of the tolerogenic OLT (DA-PVG) rats and was not diminished during the rejection phase. Soluble FasL peaked at POD 14 in allogeneic OLT, while sFasL was significantly lower in the serum of normal and syngeneic OLT rats. These findings suggest that the Fas and FasL pathways, including soluble forms, may contribute to the control of the immune response in this drug-free tolerance OLT model.

Relationship of the human cumulus-free oocyte maturational profile with in vitro outcome parameters after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

PURPOSE

We investigated whether the human oocyte maturational profile at the removal of cumulus/corona cells affects the fertilization rate and subsequent embryo quality after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

METHODS

A total of 1011 oocytes from 150 cycles was included in this retrospective analysis. Cumulus-free oocytes that were in prophase or metaphase I of meiosis at the removal of cumulus/corona cells were incubated in vitro until they reached metaphase II (in vitro-matured oocytes) and were then immediately injected with a single spermatozoa. Oocytes that were in metaphase II at the removal of cumulus/corona cells (MII oocytes) received sperm injection after 3-4 hr of preinjection incubation.

RESULTS

The fertilization rate of the MII oocytes was significantly higher than that of in vitro-matured oocytes (81 vs 62%; P < 0.001). The cleavage rates were similar in the two groups (MII oocytes, 94%; in vitro-matured oocytes, 91%). However, MII oocytes had significantly higher percentages of good-quality embryos (grade 1-3 embryos, 87 vs 58%, P < 0.001) and embryos with high cumulative embryo scores (score 10-32 embryos, 62 vs 33%, P < 0.001). The mean cumulative embryo score of MII oocytes after fertilization was also higher than that of in vitro-matured oocytes (12.1 +/- 3.8 vs 8.8 +/- 3.4; P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

MII oocytes that extruded the first polar body at the removal of cumulus/corona cells had better fertilization rates and embryo morphology than in vitro-matured oocytes that extruded the first polar body following the removal of cumulus/corona cells and in vitro culture.

Cytomegalovirus-encoded beta chemokine promotes monocyte-associated viremia in the host

Chemokine homologs are encoded by many large DNA viruses, suggesting that they contribute to control of host leukocyte transmigration and trafficking during viral infection. Murine cytomegalovirus carries a CC (beta) chemokine homolog gene giving rise to two related proteins, murine cytomegalovirus chemokine 1 and 2 (MCK-1 and MCK-2). MCK-1 peptide was found to induce calcium signaling and adherence in murine peritoneal macrophages. Cells bearing human chemokine receptor CCR3 and the human macrophage THP1 cell line were responsive to MCK-1. This pattern suggested that MCK-1 might act as an agonist, promoting leukocyte trafficking during viral infection. Consistent with this prediction, MCK-1/MCK-2 mutant viruses exhibit dramatically reduced peak levels of monocyte-associated viremia in experimentally infected mice. Thus, MCK-1/MCK-2 appears to promote host leukocyte migration to initial sites of infection and may be responsible for attracting monocytes or macrophages that efficiently disseminate virus in the host.

Improving the Anesthesiology Clerkship for Medical Students

With the current emphasizing primary care specialty, the number of the applicants for anesthesiology residency has declined. In consequence, the medical students' interest in taking the elective anesthesia clerkship was decreased. Through the program redesign, we have improved our anesthesiology clerkship. In order to attract the best and brightest medical students to choose anesthesiology as a career, continuing efforts to improve both quantity and quality of medical students' education in anesthesiology are crucial.

Three-dimensional facial model reconstruction and plastic surgery simulation

Facial model reconstruction and surgical simulation are essential to plastic surgery in today's medicine. Both can help surgeons to design appropriate repair plans and procedures prior to actual surgery. In this paper, we exploit a metamorphosis technique in our new design. First, using metamorphosis and vision techniques, we can establish three-dimensional facial models from a given photo. Second, we design several morphing operators, including augmentation, cutting, and lacerating. Experiments show that the proposed algorithms can successfully create acceptable facial models and generate realistically visual effects of surgical simulation.

Tracheal neurilemmoma mimicking bronchial asthma--a dilemma of difficult diagnosis: case report

Tracheal tumors are often overlooked as a cause of pulmonary symptoms until they reach an advanced state. They are often presented with a prolonged cough and shortness of breath. Most tracheal tumors in adults are cancerous (80% to 90%). Benign tracheal tumors are rare in adult patients. A case history is presented of a 19-year-old patient with a rare tracheal neurilemmoma. He was treated as having bronchial asthma initially, but his signs and symptoms did not improve with traditional therapy. The possibility of the presence of an upper airway obstruction was not raised until the typical "inspiratory tubular sound" was heard. Flow-volume loop testing, bronchoscopy, and three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) confirmed the diagnosis of upper airway obstruction caused by a tracheal tumor. Therefore, surgical intervention rather than bronchoscopic removal was performed without difficulty. The patient was leading a stable life 8 months after a surgical resection. The presence of an upper airway obstruction can be proven by flow-volume loop testing and 3-D CT. Further pathologic confirmation can be accomplished by bronchoscopy. High suspicion of an upper airway obstruction such as a tracheal lesion should be raised when bronchial asthma patients fail to respond to conventional treatment.

Development of a device for immobilization of head and correlation of functional-anatomical brain images

BACKGROUND

The excellent resolution of brain imaging modalities has important contributions in the diagnosis of brain diseases. However, involuntary movement by the patient may cause poor image quality. In this study, we developed a device to help keep a patient's head immobilized during brain image acquisition, for comparison between each follow-up study, and for functional-anatomical image correlation.

METHODS

This device includes an acrylic material head supporter and a thermoplastic material facemask. The head supporter and the facemask can be firmly attached as a whole to support the head in a fixed position. Two capillary tubes filled with technetium-99m solution were placed perpendicularly on one side of the facemask as fiducial for imaging correlation between different studies. Ten patients, who each had two technetium-99m hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) brain single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT), were tested with this device for imaging.

RESULTS

Three-dimensional cine motion and sectional imaging were displayed and confirmed head immobilization in all of these studies. In addition, the 99mTc fiducial were useful in the comparison of head positions among the different studies. In five subjects, the device also proved to be useful in functional-anatomical correlation among SPECT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) images.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this device has been developed and found to be useful in (1) keeping patient's head immobilization, (2) keeping consistent head position for follow-up studies, and (3) SPECT, MRI and CT functional-anatomical imaging correlation.

The effect of tetrandrine and extracts of Centella asiatica on acute radiation dermatitis in rats

Radiation injury to the skin is one of the major limiting factors in radiotherapy. We designed this study using Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate the reduction in skin injury achieved using natural products from plant extracts as protection. The acute skin reaction in tetrandrine- and Madecassol-treated animals appeared earlier, but was significantly less severe, than in the control group. The peak skin reactions in the tetrandrine group were less serious than those of the control group at three different radiation doses. At a high dose irradiation, the healing effect of tetrandrine is better than Madecassol and vaseline. The histologic findings indicate that tetrandrine and Madecassol are able to reduce acute radiation reactions by their anti-inflammatory activity.

Radiofrequency ablation of a right atriofascicular Mahaim fiber and two contralateral left free-wall accessory pathways

We report a rare combination of a right atriofascicular Mahaim fiber and two left-sided atrioventricular accessory pathways in a 57-year-old female presenting with an antidromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. Radiofrequency ablation was first targeted at the left lateral accessory pathway that served as the retrograde limb of the tachycardia. After elimination of the left lateral pathway, a bystander left posterolateral pathway was detected, and it too was successfully ablated. Although no tachycardia was reinducible, the Mahaim pathway was ablated because of its short effective refractory period. A discrete Mahaim potential recorded at the right atrial free-wall successfully guided the ablation.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein is a positive regulator of keratinocyte growth factor expression by normal dermal fibroblasts

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), an important factor in the pathogenesis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is produced by many normal tissues, including the skin, where it regulates keratinocyte growth and differentiation and dermal fibroblast function. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, is a secretory product of stromal cells and functions as a mediator of epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Phenotypes of the skin in several transgenic mouse models, in which the KGF and PTHrP genes have been overexpressed or disrupted, suggest that these two factors interact in vivo to regulate homeostasis of the skin. In this study, we investigated the effects of KGF on PTHrP secretion and expression by normal human foreskin keratinocytes (NHFK) and the effects of PTHrP on KGF secretion and expression by normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) in vitro. N-terminal PTHrP(1-36) increased KGF secretion, protein expression and mRNA expression by NHDF in a dose-dependent manner, however, KGF did not regulate PTHrP expression and secretion by NHFK. By flow cytometry, PTHrP also increased the percentage of NHDF producing KGF. Our results indicate that PTHrP produced by keratinocytes is a potential paracrine regulator of KGF expression by dermal fibroblasts in vivo. This paracrine regulation may explain, in part, the epidermal atrophy seen in the PTHrP null mice and epidermal hyperplasia seen in transgenic mice overexpressing PTHrP in their basal keratinocytes. Our results also suggest that PTHrP is an important mediator for the healing of skin wounds and growth of neoplasms of squamous origin.

Outcomes after single injection caudal epidural versus continuous infusion epidural via caudal approach for postoperative analgesia in infants and children undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation

Adequate postoperative analgesia enhances deep breathing and minimizes respiratory complications after thoracotomy. This study compares postoperative outcomes after single injection caudal epidural vs continuous infusion epidural via caudal approach for postoperative analgesia in infants and children undergoing thoracotomy for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. A retrospective chart review was performed for 27 children who had undergone PDA ligation. The children were divided into three groups. We compared patient demographics, surgical duration, anaesthesia duration, length of ICU stay, incidence of emesis requiring treatment, time required to establish regular oral intake, requirement for supplemental intravenous opioids during the first postoperative day, and length of hospital stay. For paediatric patients undergoing PDA ligation, postoperative analgesia with continuous infusion epidural via caudal approach produced shorter ICU stay, less occurrence of postoperative emesis, earlier oral intake, elimination of intravenous opioid supplementation, and shorter hospital stay compared with single injection caudal epidural techniques.

Weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-flurouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced gastric cancer

The effect of biochemical modulation of weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 24 h infusion by leucovorin (LV) in the treatment of 39 consecutive patients with advanced gastric cancer without prior chemotherapy from October 1996 to August 1997 was examined. There were 21 male and 18 female patients with a median age of 56 years. The regimen consisted of 5-FU 2600 mg/m2 and LV 150 mg administered by 24 h infusion weekly for 6 weeks followed by a 2 week break. The treatment was repeated every 8 weeks until disease progression, patient refusal or unacceptable toxicity. Placement of a central vascular device and a portable external infusion pump was required in all patients and was used for outpatient treatment. The response to treatment was evaluated every 8 weeks. A total of 395 chemotherapy treatments were given with a mean of 10 (2-24). This response rate was: 33% (12 of 36) partial response (PR) rate, 33% (12 of 36) stable disease (SD) and 33% (12 of 36) progressive disease (PD). In general, the toxicity was mild but two toxic deaths occurred, one due to neutropenic sepsis and the other due to hyperammonemia. The median time to progression was 4 months. The overall median survival was 7 months. The survivals of the PR, SD and PD were 12, 8 and 5 months, respectively. This regimen showed a modest activity against gastric cancer with acceptable toxicity. Weekly 24 h infusion of high-dose 5-FU with LV in an outpatient setting for patients with gastric cancer is feasible and deserves further study as a basis for combination therapy.

Cleft of the lip and palate in twins

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies in Taiwan. Its etiology remains unknown for the majority of the patients. The study of twins is a classic method for evaluating the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in the formation of the anomaly.

METHODS

In this study, 37 pairs of twins and one set of triplets with cleft lip and palate were evaluated. Clinical data were collected for zygosity determination and analysis of etiologic factors. The concordance rate and heritability index were assessed.

RESULTS

The results showed that the concordance rate was 26% for all twins and 57% among the monozygotic pairs, which is higher than those rates for the Caucasian population. The heritability index was 53%, higher than the other reports as well. The influence of the environment could not be ruled out.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm a strong genetic role in the etiology of clefts in our patients. Environmental factors were acting as well. The findings in this study support the multifactorial threshold model in the development of cleft lip and palate.

Risk of transient hyperammonemic encephalopathy in cancer patients who received continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil with the complication of dehydration and infection

From 1986 to 1998, 29 cancer patients who had 32 episodes of transient hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were identified. None of the patients had decompensated liver disease. Onset of hyperammonemic encephalopathy varied from 0.5 to 5 days (mean: 2.6 +/- 1.3 days) after the initiation of chemotherapy. Plasma ammonium level ranged from 248 to 2387 microg% (mean: 626 +/- 431 microg%). Among the 32 episodes, 26 (81%) had various degrees of azotemia, 18 (56%) occurred during bacterial infections and 14 (44%) without infection occurred during periods of dehydration. Higher plasma ammonium levels and more rapid onset of hyperammonemia were seen in 18 patients with bacterial infections (p=0.003 and 0.0006, respectively) and in nine patients receiving high daily doses (2600 or 1800 mg/m2) of 5-FU (p=0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). In 25 out of 32 episodes (78%), plasma ammonium levels and mental status returned to normal within 2 days after adequate management. In conclusion, hyperammonemic encephalopathy can occur in patients receiving continuous infusion of 5-FU. Azotemia, body fluid insufficiency and bacterial infections were frequently found in these patients. It is therefore important to recognize this condition in patients receiving continuous infusion of 5-FU.

Vocal cord paralysis and hypoventilation in a patient with suspected Leigh disease

The authors report the case of a 16-month-old male with suspected Leigh disease, which was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical manifestations, abnormal lactate stimulation test, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and neuroradiologic findings. Progressive stridor resulting from bilateral vocal cord paralysis and hypoventilation was evident. The authors suggest that for infants or children who exhibit vocal cord paralysis, mitochondrial disorders, such as Leigh disease, should be considered.

Effects of cord blood transfer on the hematopoietic recovery following sublethal irradiation in MRL lpr/lpr mice

The potential of cord blood (CB) to serve as a rich source of stem cells and stem cell factors is receiving increasing attention. In addition, perhaps because of the early ontogeny of these cells or the lack of surface antigens, cord blood stem cells do not appear to require close identity with the recipient. In the present pilot study, we investigated the presence of a hematopoiesis enhancing effect (HEE) by assaying the ability of human cord blood cells to augment hematopoiesis across a species barrier. For these experiments, autoimmune-prone MRL-Ipr/Ipr mice were exposed to sublethal levels of irradiation and cord blood administration to study the role of factors present in human cord blood in augmenting the rate of lymphopoiesis. This strain was chosen because of the increased presence of peripheral T and B subpopulations, namely the B-1 and CD4/CD8 double negative T-cell subpopulations, which do not arise directly from bone marrow precursors, but rather accumulate with age. MRL-Ipr/Ipr mice were sublethally irradiated and reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow (BM) cells or with human cord blood cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or were left unreconstituted. At 2 weeks post-treatment, lymphoid populations in the spleen and lymph nodes were studied as a measure of hematopoiesis. Factors present in cord blood were able to augment hematopoiesis over that which occurred endogenously. At 2 weeks postirradiation, recipients of BM cells displayed the fastest rate of peripheral lymphoid recovery, nonreconstituted mice showed the slowest lymphoid recovery, and recipients of cord blood recovered their lymphoid populations at an intermediate rate. Similarly, myelopoiesis was increased in irradiated SJL/J recipients of human cord blood. Thus, human cord blood cells appear to produce/induce factors that may act as an adjunct to increase stem-cell activity.

Differences in the regulation of fibroblast contraction of floating versus stressed collagen matrices

To learn more about the regulation of contraction of collagen matrices by fibroblasts, we compared the ability of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to stimulate contraction of floating and stressed collagen matrices. In floating collagen matrices, PDGF and LPA stimulated contraction with similar kinetics, but appeared to utilize complementary signaling pathways since contraction obtained by the combination of growth factors exceeded that observed with saturating concentrations of either alone. The PDGF-simulated pathway was selectively inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor KT5926. In stressed collagen matrices, PDGF and LPA stimulated contraction with different kinetics, with LPA acting rapidly and PDGF acting only after an approximately 1-h lag period. Pertussis toxin, known to block signaling through the Gi class of heterotrimeric G-proteins, inhibited LPA-stimulated contraction of floating but not stressed matrices, suggesting that LPA-stimulated contraction depends on receptors coupled to different G-proteins in floating and stressed matrices. On the other hand, the Rho inhibitor C3 exotransferase blocked contraction of both floating and stressed collagen matrices. These results suggest the possibility that distinct signaling mechanisms regulate contraction of floating and stressed collagen matrices.

Acute retinal necrosis--early manifestation and successful treatment with steroid and acyclovir: case report

A healthy 19-year-old woman suffering from pain, redness, and blurred vision of her left eye came to our emergency unit for help. Initial examination revealed no light-perception, tenderness and marked inflammation of the left eye. There was severe inflammation both in the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity. Total retinal detachment accompanied by diffuse thickening of choroid was demonstrated using echography. Under the impression of panuveitis, oral steroids were given. The response of the left eye was dramatic but the patient complained of blurred vision of her right eye 2 days after steroid therapy. There was only mild reaction in the right eye; however, multiple granule-appearing white dots were found on the inferior two-thirds of the peripheral retina. The nummular white lesions increased in size and number and finally became confluent in the following days. The diagnosis was shifted to acute retinal necrosis and intravenous acyclovir was started while continuing systemic steroid therapy. The retinal necrosis began to consolidate four days after the administration of acyclovir and gradually regressed. We tapered the systemic steroids when the intra-venous acyclovir was shifted to oral form. The vitreous of the right eye remained clear during the follow-up period. The antiviral agent still suppressed the disease process even though steroids had been used beforehand. Furthermore, the systemic steroids seemed to ameliorate the vitritis and secondary complications in the right eye compared with the fulminant, disastrous course of the left eye.

The (-)-enantiomer of gossypol inhibits proliferation of stromal cells derived from human breast adipose tissues by enhancing transforming growth factor beta1 production

We report here that (-)-gossypol significantly inhibits the proliferation of stromal cells derived from human breast adipose tissues (human breast adipose stromal cells) in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms involved in the anti-proliferative action of (-)-gossypol on adipose stromal cells were also investigated. (-)-Gossypol stimulated transforming growth factor (TGFbeta1) secretion after 24 h, and RNase protection assay showed that TGFbeta1 mRNA levels were increased as well. We also observed that TGFbeta1 significantly inhibited the growth of human breast adipose stromal cells in a dose-dependent manner. When human breast adipose stromal cells were co-incubated with 5 microM (-)-gossypol and 50 microgram/ml of anti-TGF-beta1,-beta2,-beta3 antibody, growth inhibition caused by (-)-gossypol was completely abrogated. This study indicates that the anti-proliferative activity of (-)-gossypol on human breast adipose stromal cells may be mediated by changes in TGF 1 production.

Effects of ozone on ovalbumin sensitization in guinea pigs

The effects of ozone on allergen sensitization is still controversial. This study is aimed to clarify the effect of ozone on airway hypersensitivity to ovalbumin (OVA) in guinea pigs, by exposing them to ozone (3 ppm 2 hours daily) and OVA (1 gm/dL 10 min weekly) for two weeks. OVA specific IgG and airway hypersensitivity to methacholine were determined after the sensitization. The results demonstrated that there was a synergistic effect of ozone on OVA-induced IgG antibody production. OVA specific IgG was 0.51 +/- 0.1 U/mL and 0.46 +/- 0.1 U/mL using OVA and ozone alone respectively, which increased to 1.09 +/- 0.4 U/mL when both OVA and ozone were given simultaneously. Ozone exposure was able to cause airway hypersensitivity. The provocation dose of methacholine causing a 100% increase of airway resistance (PD 100 airway resistance) was 0.54 +/- 0.19 mg/mL and 1.17 +/- 0.30 mg/mL using OVA and ozone exposure alone, which had decreased to 0.49 +/- 0.18 mg/mL when both OVA and ozone were given simultaneously. There were macrophages around the peribronchial tissue in all guinea pigs except in the control. The macrophages in the group of OVA with ozone (24.2 +/- 7.2 cells/HPF) were significantly more than those in the OVA group (18.0 +/- 4.2 cells/HPF) and the ozone group (14.5 +/- 6.2 cells/HPF). When OVA-presensitized guinea pigs were exposed to ozone immediately or daily for two weeks, a restrictive type of lung function impairment with similar airway hypersensitivity post ozone exposure was observed. In conclusion, guinea pigs exposed to ozone in conjunction with aeroallergen may not only facilitate the damage of the airway but also enhance antibody production to the aeroallergen. The ozone-induced airway inflammation might have a contributing effect on OVA induced airway hypersensitivity in guinea pigs.

The adsorption of heavy metals by different sorbents under various incineration conditions

The emission of heavy metals can be controlled by adding solid sorbents into the combustion chamber during incineration processes. The objective of this work was to experimentally study the adsorption efficiency of different sorbents for heavy metals under various incineration conditions. Each sorbent has its optimum operating temperature. Kaolinite and aluminum oxide have the best adsorption efficiency at 800 degrees C, and bauxite is at 700 degrees C. The adsorption efficiencies of the three sorbents for the four heavy metals all follow the sequence of Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd. The presence of inorganic chloride (NaCl) and sulfate (Na2SO4) increases the adsorption efficiency of the sorbents, but organic chloride PVC decreases the adsorption efficiency.

The impact of price labeling of muscle relaxants on cost consciousness among anesthesiologists

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether placing price labels on the vial caps of muscle relaxants increases cost consciousness among anesthesiologists.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital departments of anesthesia and pharmacy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We placed price labels on the vial caps of all muscle relaxants for a study period of 1 year. At the beginning of the investigation, we informed the anesthesiologists of the study, discussed the prices for different muscle relaxants, and encouraged utilizing less expensive muscle relaxants whenever possible without compromising patient care. The price labels on the vial caps served as visual reminders of the various costs of muscle relaxants during daily practice. We compared the total amount spent on each muscle relaxant during the period from October 1993 to September 1994 with the period from October 1994 to September 1995. The total number of surgical cases from October 1993 to September 1994 and from October 1994 to September 1995 was unchanged and equaled 20,389 and 20,358 cases, respectively. Expenditures for pancuronium increased 104.1%. Total expenditure decreased by 12.5%, with a net savings of $47,111.

CONCLUSION

Expenditures for the less costly pancuronium increased while expenditures for vecuronium and atracurium decreased. Price labeling of muscle relaxants in conjunction with education reduces total pharmacy expenditure on muscle relaxants.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) induces aromatase activity in cultured MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Estrogen is the major hormonal stimulus for growth of the hormonal-dependent type of breast cancer. The rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens to estrogens in breast tumors is catalyzed by aromatase, one of a series of related P-450 enzymes involved in the production of steroid hormones. An interesting correlation has been found between KGF mRNA and aromatase mRNA expression in human breast tumors. Tumors that express aromatase mRNA exhibit strong KGF expression, while tumors that do not express aromatase are weak or negative for KGF expression. Thus, it is reasonable to theorize that a possible association between KGF and aromatase in controlling human breast tumor growth exists. The purpose of the current study was to establish whether there is any interaction between KGF, which is known to have epithelial-specific mitogenic activity on breast cancer cells in vitro, and the synthesis of estradiol within the hormone-dependent breast cancer epithelial cells. In the present study, we have demonstrated that KGF stimulates aromatase activity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in a dose-dependent manner. Our data shows that recombinant human KGF, at a dose as low as 10 ng/ml, can significantly increase aromatase activity 2-fold over controls. In agreement with this observation, we also found that aromatase mRNA levels were increased after 10 ng/ml KGF treatment in MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that the stimulatory effect of KGF on aromatase activity may be mediated by alterations in aromatase mRNA levels or in the efficiency of the translation of the message in MCF-7 cells. In addition, our results have demonstrated that modulation of aromatase activity appears to correlate with the stimulation of proliferative activity by KGF in MCF-7 cells. These results are consistent with our previous observations that estradiol-17 beta stimulates KGF expression in human breast cancer stromal cells, leading to the speculation that breast malignant transformation is associated with a positive feedback stimulation, whereby estradiol-17 beta stimulates breast cancer stromal cell production of KGF, and KGF subsequently stimulates aromatase activity in breast cancer cells, consequently raising levels of estradiol-17 beta, in turn acts on breast stromal cells to yield more KGF. Such a positive feedback loop could play an important role in the loss of growth control in human breast cancer cells.

Stromal and epithelial cells of the canine prostate express parathyroid hormone-related protein, but not the PTH/PTHrP receptor

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a principal factor in the pathogenesis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is also widely expressed in many normal tissues, including human prostatic epithelial cells. The role of PTHrP in the prostate is not known, but may include regulation of cell growth and differentiation or calcium secretion into prostatic fluid. The dog is a valuable animal model for human prostatic diseases. The objective was to investigate the expression of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP (type 1) receptor in primary cultures of canine stromal and epithelial prostatic cells.

METHODS

Expression and secretion of PTHrP and the PTH/PTHrP receptor was measured in homogeneous primary cultures of canine prostatic stromal and epithelial cells using immunohistochemistry, Northern blots, radioimmunoassay, RT-PCR, and receptor stimulation assays.

RESULTS

Epithelial and stromal cells expressed and secreted abundant PTHrP, but PTH/PTHrP receptor expression was not detected in either cell type.

CONCLUSIONS

PTHrP expression by stromal and epithelial prostatic cells and the absence of the PTH/PTHrP (type I) receptor suggest that some functions previously proposed for PTHrP in the prostate are unlikely. The separation procedure presented is a valuable tool for studying the role and regulation of PTHrP in the prostate.

Assessment of cardiac autonomic nervous activities during heliox exposure at 24 atm abs

BACKGROUND

This experiment was designed to examine the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the production of hyperbaric bradycardia.

METHODS

Four male divers were exposed to a He-O2 (heliox) environment at 24 atmosphere absolute (atm abs) for 7 d. The heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate were recorded at rest in the morning (0700 h) and at night (2230 h) on 1 d during a 5-d predive control, 2 d during a 7-d saturation dive at 24 atm abs, 2 d during decompression, and on 1 d during a 4-d postdive period. Cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activities were estimated by using a spectral analysis of the variability of R-R intervals.

RESULTS

The morning HR did not fluctuate throughout the experimental days. The night time HR decreased (p < 0.05) by 11.8% on the first day at 24 atm abs compared with that of the predive control. The bradycardia diminished gradually and returned to the predive level with continued exposure at 24 atm abs. The high-frequency power of the cardiac variability, an index of cardiac parasympathetic activity, increased (p < 0.05) only in the first night at 24 atm abs, whereas the low-frequency power and a ratio of low- to high-frequency power, an index of cardiac sympathetic activity, were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that an increased parasympathetic activity rather than a decrease in the sympathetic activity is responsible for the bradycardia on exposure to heliox dry saturation dive at 24 atm abs. The mechanism of the gradual disappearance of the bradycardia is unknown, but perhaps it may be related to the development of cardiovascular deconditioning.

The correlation of telomerase and IL-10 with leukemia transformation in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Telomerase activity is upregulated in activated and malignant lymphocytes. We studied the correlation of telomerase and IL-10 to leukemia transformation in the NZB mouse model of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Telomerase levels increased from early to late leukemic stages, likewise IL-10 gene expression levels increased with the leukemic progression. The inverse relationship of telomerase and IL-10 levels to the survival of NZB mice was also established. Our data suggested that telomerase and IL-10 were involved in transformation in the murine model of CLL and the detection of telomerase activities might be of value in the prediction of CLL progression.

Weekly 24 h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with biliary tract carcinomas

From October 1995 to June 1997, 19 chemotherapy-naive patients with pathology-proven locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract carcinomas (BTC) were enrolled. The regimen consisted of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 2600 mg/m2 and leucovorin (LV) 150 mg by weekly 24 h infusion for 6 weeks and followed by a 2 week break. The treatment was terminated if disease progressed, the patient refused or unacceptable toxicity occurred. All patients required a Port-A catheter insertion and were treated at outpatient clinics by portable infusion pumps. There were 12 males and seven females with a median age of 62 years (range 45-77). The primary tumor sites were nine intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (CC), three perihilar CC, one distal BTC and six gallbladder cancers. A total of 179 chemotherapy sessions were given with a mean of 9.5 (range 2-18). Eighteen patients were evaluable for response. The response rates were: 33% (six of 18) partial response (PR), 39% (seven of 18) stable disease (SD) and 28% (five of 18) progressive disease (PD). All of the patients were evaluable for toxicity. The most common toxicities were mild fatigue (nine of 19, 47%), loss of appetite (nine of 19, 47%), skin hyperpigmentation (five of 19, 26%) and diarrhea (two of 19, 11%). Only one patient had grade IV myelotoxicity with sepsis but without treatment-related death. The median time to progression was 4 months. The overall median survival time was 7.0 months. The median survival time of the PR was not reached, SD was 8.0 months and PD 3.5 months. In conclusion, weekly high-dose 5-FU with LV by 24 h infusion in an outpatient setting for patients with BTC is effective, only mildly toxic and deserves further study.

Partial purification and characterization of two non-FSH steroid-modulating factors in rat thymic epithelial cell-conditioned medium (TCM)

Previously, we have reported that unknown factor(s) in rat thymic epithelial cell-conditioned medium (TCM) stimulates basal and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced steroid hormone production and aromatase enzyme activity in cultured rat granulosa cells. Here we report the partial purification and characterization of two of these activities. Thymic epithelial cells were prepared from immature female rats and used for TCM production. Lyophilized aliquots of TCM were reconstituted with distilled water at 25% of the original volume, applied to a gel filtration column, and column fractions were tested for their stimulation of steroidogenesis in granulosa cells prepared from immature diethylstilbestrol-treated rats. Two distinct biologically active regions were identified that corresponded to apparent molecular weights of approximately 22,000 and less than 1,000. The < 1 kDa activity ("TCM-1") stimulated (P < 0.01) basal production of progestins [progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-4-one (20 alpha-OH-progesterone)] and estrogen, and also induced dramatic morphological changes on the rat granulosa cells. In contrast, the approximately 22 kDa activity ("TCM-22") stimulated (P < 0.01) only basal progestins, and had no effect (P < 0.05) on basal estrogen production or morphology of the cultured rat granulosa cells. In the presence of 100 ng/ml FSH, TCM-1 stimulated (P < 0.01) estradiol and progesterone production, whereas TCM-22 stimulated (P < 0.01) progesterone, but inhibited (P < 0.01) estradiol production. When both activities were assayed together, they were synergistic in stimulating (P < 0.01) basal progesterone production, but TCM-22 antagonized (P < 0.01) TCM-1-induced estradiol production. The biologic and physico-chemical characteristics of TCM-1 and TCM-22 were distinct from one another, as well as from FSH. When subjected to C8 reverse-phase HPLC. TCM-1 retained its characteristic biologic properties and was eluted (54% acetonitrile) as A214-absorbing moiety with a peak retention time of 92-93 minutes. The elution of TCM-22 was not correlated with an identifiable protein peak. These results suggest that ovarian steroid production may be modified by non-FSH factors produced by thymic epithelial cells although amino acid sequencing of TCM-1 was unsuccessful. This highlights a potential role of the thymus gland in regulating ovarian function.

Estrogen-induced keratinocyte growth factor mRNA expression in normal and cancerous human breast cells

The local recurrence rate of breast cancer has been reported to be unusually high at the surgical scar. Such breast cancer recurrence is believed to be triggered by the release of growth factors into the healing wound. Observations from an animal model have also demonstrated that KGF expression is dramatically induced by creation of full thickness wounds in mouse skin. Since KGF is an epithelial cell-specific mitogen in rat mammary epithelium, it is reasonable to speculate that KGF may be also involved in regulating human breast cancer cell growth. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of estradiol-17 on KGF gene expression in normal human breast stromal cells, as well as in human breast cancer stromal cells, and the mechanisms by which estradiol-17 regulates breast epithelial proliferation. Our results show that KGF expression was not effected by estradiol-17 treatment in normal human breast stromal cells. In contrast, KGF expression was stimulated by estradiol-17 in human breast cancer stromal cells. KGF mRNA levels have also been examined in normal human breast stromal cells and human breast cancer stromal cells. An interesting correlation was found between KGF expression and estradiol-17 regulation in these cell types. Normal human breast stromal cells which do not response to estradiol-17 have lower KGF mRNA level than the cancer cells which KGF expression is stimulated by estradiol-17. Our data also demonstrate that recombinant human KGF significantly stimulate normal human breast and human breast cancer epithelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Since we have shown that estradiol-17 induces KGF mRNA expression in human breast cancer stromal cells, KGF may be involved at least in part in the stimulatory pathway that is initiated by estradiol-17 in human breast cancer epithelial cells.

Decreased PDGF receptor kinase activity in fibroblasts contracting stressed collagen matrices

Fibroblasts cultured in mechanically stressed collagen matrices proliferate, whereas cells in floating collagen matrices become quiescent. Previous research indicated that one factor contributing to cell quiescence in floating matrices was reduced receptor autophosphorylation in response to PDGF stimulation (i.e., PDGF receptor desensitization). To learn more about the mechanism of PDGF receptor desensitization, we analyzed changes in PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and receptor kinase activity after stressed collagen matrices were switched to floating conditions, which results in rapid cell contraction and dissipation of mechanical stress. PDGF receptor desensitization occurred during contraction stimulated by serum but not in the absence of serum, and desensitization was prevented by inhibitors of contraction but not by inhibitors of the contraction-activated cyclic AMP signaling pathway. Receptor desensitization resulted from decreased receptor kinase activity rather than from elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, and only receptors unoccupied at the time of contraction were affected. After contraction, radiolabeled PDGF binding to the cells was decreased, which suggested that receptor desensitization resulted from a contraction-dependent change in receptor availability or affinity.

A study to evaluate the parent-offspring similarity in the maxillofacial profile using fingerprints in Japanese families

An attempt was made to investigate the parent-offspring similarity in the maxillofacial profile by a quantitative analysis of fingerprints. Lateral roentgenographic cephalograms and ten fingerprints were obtained from 98 Japanese patients (44 males and 54 females) and their parents. Analysis showed a significant parent-offspring correlation for both maxillofacial profile and fingerprints. The relatively low father-son correlation for both features suggests a major influence of X-linked genes. The genetic correlation between the maxillofacial profile and fingerprints was significant for parent-son but not for parent-daughter pairings. The parent-offspring correlation in the maxillofacial profile was evaluated in two groups showing differences (distant group) or similarities (near group) in the fingerprint patterns between the father and mother. In the distant group, a greater parent-offspring similarity was observed in the maxillofacial profile. The same finding was also obtained on using only digit II of the parents. Therefore, from a morphogenetical point of view, parental fingerprints appear helpful in clinical applications designed to predict maxillofacial growth in offspring.

Synthesis of 2,3,4a,11b-tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran-9-carbonitriles as ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers

A series of optically active tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for potassium channel opening activity. (4aR,11bR)-1-Benzoyl- 5,5-dimethyl-2,3,4a,11b-tetrahydro-oxazino[2,3-c]benzopyran-9-carb onitrile ((-)-11e) was identified as a bladder-selective potassium channel opener (IC50, bladder = 8.15 microM, IC50, portal vein = 34.5 microM).

Diving pattern and work schedule of construction well divers in Taiwan

Construction well divers in Taiwan reportedly suffer a high prevalence of dysbaric osteonecrosis. We studied five divers working at the same construction site. We recorded their diving methods, diving depths, bottom times, work patterns, water temperatures, and heart rates. We also monitored gas bubbles in the subclavian vein in selected dives. A crude but effective hot-water system protected divers against hypothermia and allowed them to work in 24 degrees-27 degrees C water. Divers worked approximately 6.6 h a day and progressed approximately 3.0 m a day while excavating an average of 148 buckets of sand and rock each weighing 49.5 kg. The divers sustained a heart rate increase of 49%. Sixty percent of their equivalent single dive bottom times exceeded the U.S. Navy's no-decompression limits. Two cases of venous bubbles were detected, and one of these divers showed symptoms of decompression sickness. The prolonged bottom time and lack of a decompression schedule probably contributed to a risk of decompression sickness and dysbaric osteonecrosis.

Plasma concentrations after rectal administration of acetaminophen in preterm neonates

Acetaminophen is frequently administered to infants and children for its antipyretic and analgesic properties. Oral administration is the route of choice in daily practice. In some circumstances this is impractical. Rectal administration of acetaminophen is an alternative route. This study measures plasma concentrations following rectal administration of acetaminophen 20 mg.kg-1 (10% Infants' Tylenol Drops, McNeil Consumer Product Co., diluted with an equal volume of sterile water) in five preterm neonates. Serial arterial blood samples were obtained at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters were (mean +/- SD): Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) of 8.38 +/- 3.92 micrograms.ml-1 and Tmax (time to reach maximum plasma concentration) of 78.0 +/- 40.2 min. Our results show that 20 mg.kg-1 of acetaminophen rectally results in low plasma levels in preterm neonates.

Differential effect of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on aromatase activity in cultured canine prostatic epithelial cells

We have recently cloned the mRNA encoding KGF from canine prostate and produced recombinant canine KGF (rcKGF) which specifically acts on cultured canine prostatic epithelial cells (CCPECs) which possess KGF receptors (Canatan et al., 1996; DNA Cell Biol. 15:247). In the present study, the effect of rcKGF on aromatase activity in CCPECs from young (6-month-old) and mature (3-year-old) dogs was examined. Release of 3H2O from labeled substrate was used as the indicator of aromatase activity. CCPECs were pulsed with [1-beta-3H]-androstenedione (1 microCi/ml, 6 hr). The amounts of 3H2O released into culture medium were measured (dpm) and total cellular proteins were determined. Aromatase activity was expressed as 3H2O dpm/mg cellular protein (mean +/- SEM). The basal level of aromatase activity in CCPECs from mature dogs was approximately 4 times higher (p < 0.05) than that in cells from young dogs. Aromatase activity in CCPECs from mature dogs increased in a dose-dependent manner upon treatment with rcKGF. Interestingly, rcKGF, at any of the concentrations tested, had no significant effect on aromatase activity in CCPECs from young dogs. These results are the first to indicate that aromatase activity is affected by KGF in mature CCPECs, suggesting that KGF may be involved indirectly in the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia by increasing aromatase activity and thus increasing aromatization of androgens. Aromatase induction by KGF may explain, at least in part, the increased aromatization of androgens observed in aged dogs. The exact mechanism of how KGF induces aromatase activity in CCPECs is needed to be addressed further.

Cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among older adults: United States, 1965-94

OBJECTIVE

To characterise patterns of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among older adults in the United States.

DESIGN

Data from the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) 1965-94 were analysed. The NHIS is a cross-sectional survey using a representative national sample.

SETTING

In most cases interviews were conducted in the home; telephone interviews were conducted when respondents could not be interviewed in person.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were from a representative sample of the American civilian, non-institutionalised population aged 18 and older. Sample sizes for the years analysed ranged from n = 19,738 to n = 138,988 overall, and n = 3806 to n = 12,491 for those aged 65 years and older.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Using the NHIS data from 1965-94, trends in current smoking and the prevalence of smoking cessation by demographic characteristics among older adults (65 years and older) were assessed and compared with trends among younger adults. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics of former smokers compared with current smokers among those aged 65 and older.

RESULTS

The prevalence of current smoking among 65 year olds and older declined from 1965 to 1994 (17.9% to 12.0%). Although smoking prevalence was lower among older adults than younger adults (aged 18-64), the rate of decline in smoking was slower among older adults. Among older adults, the prevalence of cessation rose with increasing educational attainment, and was consistently higher for men than for women and for whites compared with blacks. After adjustment for demographic factors among older adults who had ever smoked, increasing age and educational attainment were strongly related to the likelihood of being a former smoker. Although there were no racial differences among women, older white (OR = 2.6) and Hispanic (OR = 3.67) men were significantly more likely to be former smokers than older black men. Also, the gender difference in smoking cessation was noted only for whites.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the projected increase in the elderly population, the medical and economic consequences of smoking will become a greater burden in the next decades. Therefore, focusing attention on cessation among the elderly is an immediate and urgent priority for public health professionals and clinicians.

Effects of heat treatment and physical processing of cottonseed on nutrient digestibility and production performance by lactating cows

Four primiparous Holstein cows were used in an experiment with a 5 x 4 Youden square design. The effects of heat processing and particle size of cottonseed used in the diets of dairy cows were investigated. Dietary treatments were control (3.6% tallow, 4.5% casein), whole cottonseed, ground cottonseed, roasted whole cottonseed, and roasted ground cottonseed. Diets consisted of 55% corn silage, 1.54% urea, and cottonseed at 18.1% or dry matter. Cottonseeds were roasted at 149 degrees C and steeped for 30 min. Roasting increased the amount of ruminally undegradable protein measured in vivo, the ratio of ruminal acetate to propionate, pH, and milk protein percentage. Ruminal digestibilities of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber and biohydrogenation of fatty acids were reduced by roasting. The grinding of cottonseed increased the total tract digestibility of OM and N and tended to increase ruminally undegradable protein of cottonseed in vivo. Interactions between heat treatment and particle size of cottonseed revealed that roasted ground cottonseed resulted in the highest total tract digestibility of OM, N, and neutral detergent fiber. Utilization of cottonseed may be improved by heat or mechanical processing as was indicated by this study.

The zebrafish BMP4 gene: sequence analysis and expression pattern during embryonic development

We have isolated zebrafish BMP4 gene from a zebrafish genomic DNA library. The size of the isolated BMP4 gene was approximately 14.9 kb. The isolated gene contained two exons which formed the complete coding region together with part of the 3'-noncoding region. The deduced BMP4 protein sequence contained 400 amino acids. Sequence comparison showed that it shared 73% amino acid sequence identity with that of human and mouse BMP4. An intron with a size of 8,963 bp was present between two coding exons. Danio retroposon A (DANA)-like retroposon was located in the intron. It contained four conserved boxes and was flanked by a pair of direct repeats of 9 nucleotide sequence (GTTTTAATA). During embryonic development of the zebrafish, a 3.8-kb BMP4 mRNA was detected from gastrula stage up to a month-old hatching larvae via Northern blot analysis. In addition, the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction further demonstrated the presence of BMP4 mRNA in both the early developmental stages (i.e., cleavage and blastula) and in adult fish. Developmental expression of BMP4 protein was also analyzed. Trace amounts of an 18-kD protein were detected at pharyngula stage, while the production increased from hatching larvae to adult fish. In adult fish, the expression of BMP4 mRNA was observed in brain, heart, digestive tracts, testes, and jaw. The results suggest that the zebrafish BMP4 gene may play important roles during zebrafish development.

The signal response of IkappaB alpha is regulated by transferable N- and C-terminal domains

IkappaB alpha retains the transcription factor NF-kappaB in the cytoplasm, thus inhibiting its function. Various stimuli inactivate IkappaB alpha by triggering phosphorylation of the N-terminal residues Ser32 and Ser36. Phosphorylation of both serines is demonstrated directly by phosphopeptide mapping utilizing calpain protease, which cuts approximately 60 residues from the N terminus, and by analysis of mutants lacking one or both serine residues. Phosphorylation is followed by rapid proteolysis, and the liberated NF-kappaB translocates to the nucleus, where it activates transcription of its target genes. Transfer of the N-terminal domain of IkappaB alpha to the ankyrin domain of the related oncoprotein Bcl-3 or to the unrelated protein glutathione S-transferase confers signal-induced phosphorylation on the resulting chimeric proteins. If the C-terminal domain of IkappaB alpha is transferred as well, the resulting chimeras exhibit both signal-induced phosphorylation and rapid proteolysis. Thus, the signal response of IkappaB alpha is controlled by transferable N-terminal and C-terminal domains.

Characterization of Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3C: different biochemical properties and intracellular localization in bovine chromaffin cells

In this study we examined the biochemical properties and subcellular localization of Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3C in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The Kd for guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) of the three Rab3 proteins was 15, 2700 and 204 nM for Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3C respectively. The intrinsic GTPase activity of the three Rab3 proteins seemed similar and was increased approx. 3-fold by bovine chromaffin cell lysate. Truncation of the C-terminal 31 amino acid residues decreased the binding affinity for GTP[S] of the three Rab3 proteins. When the C-terminus of Rab3C was replaced with that of Rab3A, the binding affinity of Rab3C for GTP[S] was decreased, but the replacement did not affect the affinity of Rab3B for GTP[S]. Immunostaining experiments showed that Rab3A, Rab3B and Rab3C are localized separately within chromaffin cells. Anti-Rab3A and anti-Rab3C antibodies stained vesicle-like structures, whereas anti-Rab3B antibody distinctly stained the plasma membrane. In summary, bovine chromaffin cells express the three Rab3 proteins but the subcellular localization and biochemical properties of the three Rab3 proteins are distinct.