Identification of a novel promoter located within the Bam HI Q region of the Epstein-Barr virus genome for the EBNA 1 gene

EBNA 1 is the only antigen expressed in both Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Previous studies showed that the mRNA of EBNA 1 in these two tumor tissues was initiated from a promoter located in the Bam HI F fragment (Fp) on the viral genome. Two regulatory elements located in the downstream Bam HI Q region include an EBNA 1 binding site and a positive regulatory region between the Fp and the EBNA1 binding site. This data strongly suggested that a cellular factor(s) may modulate the usage of the Fp. To locate the shortest responsible viral sequence, we constructed a series of luciferase gene and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene plasmids that contained various portions of the Bam HI F/Q region. Plasmid DNA was then introduced into cells to examine the promoter activity of each construct. By this method, we identified a 186-bp fragment within the Bam HI Q region that possessed the highest activity. This promoter was designated as Qp and found to be orientation-dependent and down-regulated by EBNA 1 in both the type I BL cells and human epithelial cells. Furthermore, RNase protection assay showed that a transcription initiation site was located at nucleotide 62,416 of the EBV genome. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis further confirmed that the transcript was initiated from the Qp, and not the Fp. Therefore, our data suggested that a novel promoter, Qp, located within the Bam HI Q existed for the EBNA 1 expression in the latently infected type 1 BL cells. The biological significance of the selection of the Qp needs further investigation.

Sequence analysis of an Erwinia stewartii plasmid, pSW100

The nucleotide sequence of the smallest plasmid of Erwinia stewartii SW2 was determined. This plasmid, pSW100 (4272 bp), consists of a 702-bp region homologous to the origins of replication of plasmids p15A, ColE1, and ColA. Plasmid pSW100 also contains sequences homologous to the bom region and mobCABD genes of ColE1, except that a single-base deletion in mobA has been detected. This deletion did not affect the mobilization ability of pSW100 by an endogenous conjugative plasmid of E. stewartii SW2, pDC250. Plasmid pSW100 also has a 1596-bp open reading frame with five 132-bp perfect repeats. However, this open reading frame and the repeats are not required for plasmid replication. Furthermore, curing of pSW100 did not cause any phenotypic change, suggesting that this plasmid is not essential for the survival of the organism.

Studies on the structure and function of the carp gonadotropin alpha subunit by site-directed mutagenesis

There are two genes encoding the alpha subunit of carp gonadotropin (alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits). Our previous data have demonstrated that both alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits expressed in insect cells are able to associate with the beta subunit, but only the alpha 1/beta heterodimer displays biological activity. In the mature protein, there are only four amino-acid residues different between the alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits. In this study we used site-directed mutagenesis and expressed different mutant alpha subunits in insect cells to identify which residue might be important for biological activity of the alpha subunit. Our results suggested that the change of Arg-71 to Gln-71 affected the activity of the carp gonadotropin alpha subunit.

Functional analysis of EA-D of Epstein-Barr virus

Different mutations were generated in the diffused-form early antigen (EA-D) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for study of the effects of these mutations in DNA binding, stimulating the activity of EBV-specific DNA polymerase (EBV-DP), and binding to monoclonal antibody R3. Results revealed that the N-terminal 303 amino acids were essential for DNA binding and were sufficient for the enhancement of the activity of EBV-specific DNA polymerase. Deletion study also showed that the region recognized by the R3 monoclonal antibody was located between aa 315 and aa 377. Our results failed to demonstrate the binding between EA-D and EBV-DP, using the proteins synthesized in vitro, suggesting that direct contact between the two proteins is not required for the EBV-DP activity in vitro. We have generated fusion between EA-D and DNA-binding domain of yeast GAL4 protein; however, this fusion protein was not able to transactivate the promoter containing UAS sequence in P3HR1 cells.

Detection of antiendometrial antibodies in sera of patients with endometriosis by dual-colored, double-labeling immunohistochemical method and western blot

PROBLEM

This study was undertaken to determine whether specific binding activities against endometrial proteins in sera of patients with endometriosis are detectable and, if so, to identify endometrial antigens involved in autoimmunity in endometriosis.

METHOD

Sera from 33 patients with endometriosis and 20 cord sera (controls) were tested against endometria of patients and their protein extracts by dual-colored, double-labeling immunohistochemical method, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Antiendometrial binding activities were detected in sera of 2 (10.0%) control patients and 13 (48.2%) patients with endometriosis by the immunohistochemical method. Endogenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to endometrial proteins had molecular weights (MW) of 26, 28, 54, 85, 107 and 116 kDa. Most sera of both control and patients showed reactivity against endometrial proteins with MW of 34, 36, 56 and 77 kDa. However, there were specific IgG autoantibodies reactive against the endometrial proteins of 71, 92, and 103 kDa in sera of 55.2% (16/29) of patients but not in the control sera. Over 80% (10/12) of patients' sera with binding activities detectable by the immunohistochemical method also tested positive by Western blot analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that specific IgG antibodies reactive against endometrial antigens are detectable in sera from some patients with endometriosis.

Transposon mutagenesis and cloning of the genes encoding the enzymes of fengycin biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

A total of 20 Bacillus subtilis F29-3 mutants defective in fengycin biosynthesis was obtained by Tn917 mutagenesis. Cloning and mapping results showed that the transposon in these mutants was inserted in eleven different locations on the chromosome. We were able to use the chromosomal sequence adjacent to the transposon as a probe to screen for cosmid clones containing the fengycin biosynthesis genes. One of the clones obtained, pFC660, was 46 kb long. Eight transposon insertion sites were mapped within this plasmid. Among the eleven different mutants analyzed, four mutants had Tn917 inserted in regions which encoded peptide sequences similar to part of gramicidin S synthetase, surfactin synthetase, and tyrocidine synthetase. Our results suggest that fengycin is synthesized nonribosomally by the multienzyme thiotemplate mechanism.

Distance- and velocity-detection interferometer by using a frequency triangular-modulated laser diode

A scheme for distance and velocity signal detection is implemented. This technique is based on a laser diode with its frequency modulated by a triangular waveform and followed by time gating.

Characterization of 5'-upstream sequence of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) gene of an Epstein-Barr virus identified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues

Sequence variations of the 5'-upstream region of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) in two Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains have been reported before (Chen et al., 1992). To investigate the effect of these variations on gene expression, we constructed a series of deletion plasmids encompassing positions -950 to +20 of the LMP-1 promoter region and tested for the ability to drive chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene expression in C33A cells. Results showed that the promoter activities of constructs from NPC strain were 3-fold lower than the corresponding constructs from the B95-8 strain. In addition, the region between -54 and +20 contained the basic, constitutive promoter activity for both strains. Sequence analysis of this region indicated that an activating transcription factor (ATF) binding site, TGACGTAG, which is present in B95-8 strain was changed to TCTCGTAG in NPC strain. A chimeric plasmid study suggested that these sequence variations in the ATF binding site may contribute to the 3-fold increase of CAT activity observed for B95-8 strain. Furthermore, the activity of the promoter constructs was not activated by EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA-2) in C33A cells. However, the promoter activities were upregulated in B-lymphocyte cells such as CG3 and CA46 cells. The biological significance of this difference in promoter activity of LMP-1 gene between two strains and the involvement of the cellular factors were discussed.

Identification of an internal promoter of the latent membrane protein 1 gene of Epstein-Barr virus

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP 1) gene of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variant derived from an nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsy in Taiwan was isolated and characterized (Chen et al., 1992). Transient expression of the genomic sequence containing this gene showed two proteins with molecular masses of 62 kD and 50 kD, respectively, recognized by LMP-specific antibody S12. To determine if these two proteins were derived from independent promoters, we generated a series of mutant plasmids from plasmid pT7(E) that contained the upstream and the coding regions of the LMP 1 gene. These mutants were introduced into a human epithelial cell line, C33A, and LMP 1 proteins were examined by Western blotting analysis with the S12 antibody. Data showed that plasmid with a fragment containing approximately 3 kb of upstream sequence of LMP 1 gene produced the 62-kD protein. Removal of 2.7 kb of the upstream sequence (plasmid delta 2710, deleted to nucleotide 169,571) resulted in the production of both 62-kD and 50-kD proteins. This suggested that the upstream sequence interfered with the production of the 50-kD protein. Plasmid DNA deleted to Acc I site (nucleotide 169,223) generated only the 50-kD protein, designated as tr-LMP. Further deletion to nucleotide 169,038 resulted in the expression of another smaller LMP1 (49 kD, named as str-LMP1). The region between nucleotides 168,789 and 169,038 was tested to see if it possessed a promoter activity by using the luciferase gene as a reporter. Data showed that this region contained promoter activity with a level compatible to the previously reported ED-L1A promoter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for apical sodium proton exchange in macula densa cells

These studies were performed to determine if changes in luminal sodium chloride concentration ([NaCl]) might alter macula densa intracellular pH. Isolated thick ascending limbs with attached glomeruli were bathed in a 150 mM NaCl Ringer's solution and perfused in vitro with a 25 mM NaCl solution; N-methyl-D-glucamine cyclamate was used to substitute for NaCl. Macula densa cells were loaded with BCECF and intracellular pH was monitored using a microscope based-dual excitation photometer system. Control intracellular pH for all experiments in which tubules were initially perfused with 25 mM NaCl averaged 7.22 +/- 0.06; N = 28. Increasing luminal [NaCl] from 25 to 150 mM elevated macula densa pH by 0.15 +/- 0.03 (N = 6; P < 0.05) while increasing just luminal [Na] from 25 to 150 mM alkalinized macula densa cells by 0.17 +/- 0.05 (N = 6; P < 0.05). In addition, there was a highly significant linear relationship between luminal [Na] and intracellular pH between 25 and 150 mM NaCl. Other studies were performed to assess the effects of amiloride, an inhibitor of Na:H exchange, on macula densa intracellular pH. Addition of amiloride, to the 25 mM NaCl perfusate acidified macula densa cells by 0.09 +/- 0.03 (N = 6; P < 0.001) and significantly attenuated the increase in pH obtained when luminal [NaCl] was raised from 25 to 150 mM. Other studies evaluated the effects of inhibition of Na:2Cl:K cotransport on macula densa pH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autoimmune premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure (POF) may be caused by a variety of factors that result in the depletion of responsive ovarian follicles. There is a increasing body of evidence that suggests an autoimmune etiology in some POF patients. Data in support of an autoimmune etiology include: (1) lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration of the ovary and alteration of T cell subsets; (2) circulating autoantibodies to ovarian antigens; (3) association with other "autoimmune" disorders; (4) recovery of ovarian function after regression of autoimmune status. The mechanism for ovarian autoimmunity is unknown. Genetic or environmental factor might be involved in the stimuli inducing immune response. The possibility that major histocompatibility complex antigen and cytokines are implicated in human autoimmune POF has been proposed. The relative contribution of cell-mediated immunity and antibody-mediated immunity remains obscure in animal models and in POF patients. Currently, in vitro fertilization and/or gamete intrafallopian transfer with donated oocytes are the best therapeutic options to achieve pregnancy although ovulation induction and immunosuppressive treatment might be used in approved experimental protocols. A newly developed double bridged enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) might be useful in screening POF patients to identify those for whom temporary treatments may improve fertility.

Shear stress increases hydraulic conductivity of cultured endothelial monolayers

To examine the effect of shear stress on hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers grown on polycarbonate filters, we developed a rotating disk system, which imposed a defined shear stress while Lp was measured. A 10-cmH2O pressure differential was applied to monolayers, and baseline Lp was established between 1.65 +/- 0.85 and 4.94 +/- 1.05 x 10(-7) cm.s-1.cmH2O-1. One-hour exposure to 10 dyn/cm2 shear stress caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Lp by 2.16-fold (+/- 0.42), and Lp remained elevated when shear stress was removed. Three-hour exposure to shear stresses between 0.1 and 20.0 dyn/cm2 revealed a threshold for shear-induced increase in Lp of 0.5 dyn/cm2. At 20 dyn/cm2, Lp initially decreased by 30% (+/- 13.4%, P < 0.05) and then increased to a level 3.76-fold (+/- 0.83, P < 0.05) greater than baseline Lp at 3 h. The shear-induced increase in Lp was reversed with dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP, 1 mM) and could be significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited when monolayers were preincubated with 0.3 mM DBcAMP, a concentration that did not significantly affect baseline Lp. Furthermore, preincubation with a general phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (1 mM), completely blocked the shear-induced increase in Lp. On the basis of these results, we conclude that shear stress alters endothelial Lp through a cellular mechanism involving signal transduction, not by a purely physical mechanism.

Serum soluble HLA class I antigen levels in hemodialysis patients and following renal transplantation

We measured the serum levels of soluble HLA class I antigen (sHLA-I) to evaluate the immune status of uremia and following renal transplantation. Twenty-one hemodialysis (HD) patients had serum samples collected for sHLA-I analysis before and after HD and also during the initial posttransplant period. The serum sHLA-I levels in patients undergoing HD were higher than in the normal controls (574.8 +/- 431.1 vs. 415.6 +/- 256.1 ng/ml, p < 0.05). In the HD patients, HD duration was not correlated with serum sHLA-I levels (r = 0.01, p > 0.05), and pre- and post-HD serum sHLA-I levels were not significantly different (574.8 +/- 431.1 vs. 568.3 +/- 398.4 ng/ml, p > 0.05). After successful renal transplantation, the serum sHLA-I levels decreased significantly (574.8 +/- 431.1 vs. 226.7 +/- 202.8 ng/ml, p = 0.0001) but increased significantly during the rejection period as compared to the prerejection period (642.8 +/- 296.1 vs. 305.5 +/- 194.7 ng/ml, p = 0.0002). In conclusion, sHLA-I levels are stable in uremic status and can be used as a parameter for monitoring acute graft rejection in renal transplantation.

Prevalence and clinical course of hepatitis B and hepatitis C liver disease in ciclosporin-treated renal allograft recipients

We performed this study to evaluate prevalence and clinical course of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive renal transplant recipients. HBsAg positivity was 13.7 and anti-HCV positivity 12.8%. Before transplantation, the HBsAg positivity was observed in in 83.5% of the patients, and 16.4% of the patients acquired HBsAg after renal transplantation. In the HCV group, anti-HCV positivity was observed in 47.1% before transplantation, and 19.6% acquired anti-HCV after renal transplantation. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and in the HCV groups was not different (25.7 vs. 25.5%). Among those with chronic hepatitis in the HBV group, 4 cases progressed to fulminant hepatic failure, 1 case progressed to the end-stage liver cirrhosis, and 1 case to hepatocellular carcinoma. However, in the HCV group, no case showed progression of chronic hepatitis. The overall mortality in the HBV and HCV groups was 25.3 and 7.8%, respectively (p = 0.001). Among 20 fatal cases in the HBV group 9, cases were liver disease related, but no liver disease related death occurred in the HCV group. In conclusion, HCV as well as HBV infections are quite prevalent and important causes of posttransplant chronic hepatitis, and the clinical course of anti-HCV-positive recipients is less aggressive than that of HBsAg-positive recipients.

Construction of human embryonic cDNA libraries: HD, PKD1 and BRCA1 are transcribed widely during embryogenesis

We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to construct cDNA libraries from small amounts of tissue and to screen cDNA libraries efficiently for the presence of given sequences. To isolate genes expressed in early human development, we constructed both oligo dT-primed and random hexamer-primed cDNA libraries from ten different tissues of human embryos aged 53 to 78 days post conception. Given the small amount of RNA available, it was necessary to amplify the resultant cDNA using PCR to generate sufficient amounts of cDNA for library construction. As a result of using PCR followed by sizing to eliminate smaller synthesized fragments, the size of the synthesized product was > or = 650 base pairs and the average initial complexity of the given libraries was 10(6). We screened these cDNA libraries efficiently using PCR. Primers corresponding to a given gene were used to amplify DNA from phages encompassing a cDNA library. Successful amplification of the appropriate-sized fragment demonstrated that the DNA in question was transcribed in a given tissue. We demonstrated that HD (huntingtin, the protein transcribed from the Huntington disease locus), PKD1 (the most common gene responsible for familial polycystic kidney disease) and BRCA1 (a gene responsible for familial breast cancer) are synthesized nearly ubiquitously (including during embryogenesis). Thus, these human embryonic cDNA libraries constitute a unique resource to study early human development.

Construction of Tn917ac1, a transposon useful for mutagenesis and cloning of Bacillus subtilis genes

A Tn917 derivative was constructed for the purposes of mutagenesis and cloning of Bacillus subtilis genes. This transposon, Tn917ac1 (4.6 kb), consisted of terminal inverted repeats of Tn917, the res sequence, a ColE1 origin of replication (ori) and two drug-resistance genes. The plasmid carrying this transposon, named pD917, contained the erm-tnpR-tnpA gene cluster of Tn917 and a temperature-sensitive ori of pE194. For the purpose of mutagenesis, transposition of Tn917ac1 was induced by culturing strains harboring pD917 in a medium containing a low concentration of erythromycin. Cells with a Tn917ac1 insertion in the chromosome were selected on agar containing chloramphenicol after heat treatment to eliminate the plasmidic form of pD917. DNA fragments adjacent to Tn917ac1 could be cloned by restriction digestion of the chromosomal DNA and by transforming the self-ligated restriction fragments into Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis revealed that Tn917ac1 was integrated into the chromosome of B. subtilis by transposition in a recE strain and by transposition or integration of pD917 in a wild-type strain. Tn917ac1 has been demonstrated to be useful for mutating and cloning of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of fengycin in B. subtilis F29-3.

The present status of assisted reproductive technology in Asia-Oceania

This is a survey on the present status of assisted reproductive technology in the Asia-Oceanic region. The survey formats were sent to the 19-member societies of AOFOG. By the end of August 1991, 11 countries responded: Australia, Egypt, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of China, Singapore and Thailand. This report is a summary of data from 12 countries including Korea. It comprised of 14 headings: IVF, GIFT, AIH, AID, donor sperm in ART, donor eggs in ART, preembryos from IVF for donation, cryopreservation of eggs, cryopreservation of fertilized eggs and preembryos, research of preembryos, surrogate mothers, additional procedures, quality assurance in reproductive technology and formation of policy for emerging reproductive technology. Each heading is composed of status of regulations, cost and coverage and the results and management of program.

Bilateral fractures of Hydroflex penile prostheses: an unusual complication

We report bilaterally fractured Hydroflex implants in 2 patients. One fracture was complete and three were incomplete. All the fractures occurred at the junction of the rear reservoir and the inflation chamber.

Determination of biotin concentration by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method

A method based on competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the measurement of biotin concentrations which takes advantage of the extraordinarily high affinity between biotin and avidin. The biotin assay consisted of two steps, (i) a competition reaction between excess streptavidin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (streptavidin-HRP) and solutions of known biotin concentrations or sample solutions and (ii) the measurement of the residual activities of the free form streptavidin-HRP which were correlated with the initial biotin concentrations. The procedure was modified by including an extra step of antibody-antigen interaction to assay biotin concentration unambiguously in more complex media. The entire assay was completed within 6 with sensitivities of approximately 1 pg/ml for biotin in a simple aqueous medium and 5 pg/ml in complex media. The method offers significant advantages in time, sensitivity and simplicity for determinations of biotin concentrations in various solutions.

Transcriptional activation of flanking sequences by Tn1000 insertion

The carotenoid biosynthesis operon of Erwinia herbicola Eho13 consists of five genes, which are organized in the order crtE-crtX-crtY-crtI-crtB. These genes, with the exception of crtX, encode functions of beta-carotene biosynthesis and give an orange-coloured phenotype in Escherichia coli. Since crtX is not involved in the biosynthesis of beta-carotene, deletion of this gene does not alter the phenotype of pigmented cells. On the other hand, insertion of Tn1000 into crtX or into the upstream untranslated region of the operon resulted in a light-yellow, rather than an unpigmented phenotype, indicating that Tn1000 does not exert a strong polar effect when inserted in this operon. RNA analysis revealed that the sequence downstream from the insertion site was transcribed at a low level. Primer extension showed that the "-35"-like sequence in the terminal inverted repeats was not responsible for the transcription of the downstream sequence. Furthermore, primer extension and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies revealed that RNA transcribed from the promoters inside of Tn1000 was extended through the terminal inverted repeats into the adjacent sequences. In addition Tn1000, in either orientation, was able to generate fusion transcripts when placed upstream of a promoter-less tetracycline-resistance gene and resulted in cells resistant to the drug. These results showed that Tn1000 insertion transcriptionally activates the DNA sequences adjacent to the transposon.

Familial predisposition to precancerous gastric lesions in a high-risk area of China

Aggregation of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia was investigated among families participating in a population-based gastroscopic screening survey in an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of stomach cancer. The prevalence of gastric dysplasia was significantly increased among those with dysplasia among siblings or spouses, but not parents. The odds of dysplasia were nearly doubled if an eldest brother or a spouse was affected. Sibling and spousal associations for intestinal metaplasia were much less pronounced and not statistically significant. The specificity of the findings suggests that familial risk of advanced precancerous lesions (dysplasia) is influenced not only by genetic factors, but also by environmental factors operating in childhood and early adult life.

Correlates and predictive models for blood pressure values in residents of two communities in Taiwan

Factors predicting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were extensively studied in residents aged 18 years and above from 10 villages in two Taiwanese communities. In women, the associated factors identified included age, body mass index, waist/hip ratio (not selected as a factor for DBP), plasma uric acid, plasma chloride, urinary sodium/creatinine ratio, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, education level, ancestral origin, parental hypertension status, and marital status. In men, the factors were age, body mass index, plasma triglyceride concentration, urinary sodium/creatinine ratio, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, parental hypertension status (not selected for DBP), and marital status (not selected for DBP). The degree of BP variation which could be significantly explained by the measured factors differed between SBP and DBP, and differed between men and women: 18% in men and 39% in women for SBP variation; 15% in men and 27% in women for DBP variation. Factors other than those included in the models should be explored, particularly for men. This study identifies, for Chinese populations, predictive factors of BP well-known in Western societies (BMI, urinary sodium, plasma uric acid, alcohol consumption) and factors less emphasized in other studies (plasma triglyceride and marital status). A positive association between BP and urinary Na, a lack of association between BP and urinary K, and opposite findings in the relationship between BP and the education level for men (positive relation) and women (negative relation) are worth noting.

Chromosomal assignments of mouse genes for connexin 50 and connexin 33 by somatic cell hybridization

The 12 known connexin genes coding for the subunit proteins of the gap junction channels and related in nucleotide sequence are widely dispersed in the mouse genome. By using a series of mouse X Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids and molecular probes of murine connexin genes, we have assigned the connexin 50 gene to mouse chromosome 3. The connexin 33 gene has been mapped to the X chromosome, thus confirming the previous chromosomal assignment of this gene based on interspecific back-cross mapping.

Serum micronutrients in relation to pre-cancerous gastric lesions

Serum levels of retinol, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, selenium, ferritin, copper, and zinc were assayed for approximately 600 adults aged 35 to 64 with pre-cancerous gastric lesions in an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of stomach cancer. Previous studies have shown that the cancers generally are preceded by chronic atropic gastritis (CAG), intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia. Concentrations of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were significantly lower among individuals with IM than among those whose most severe lesion was superficial gastritis or CAG. The associations with IM for these nutrients were strong and independent. In combination, the odds of CAG progressing to IM were only 1/6 as high among those with upper tertile levels of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid as among those with lower tertile levels of both nutrients. The serum levels of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid were similar for individuals having IM with or without accompanying dysplasia. Risk of IM was also somewhat increased among those with low serum ferritin, but no significant effects were observed in multivariate analyses for the other nutrients assayed. The findings point to a major influence of specific nutrient deficits in the mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis in this high-risk area.

The complete nucleotide sequence and gene organization of carp (Cyprinus carpio) mitochondrial genome

The complete sequence of the carp mitochondrial genome of 16,575 base pairs has been determined. The carp mitochondrial genome encodes the same set of genes (13 proteins, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs) as do other vertebrate mitochondrial DNAs. Comparison of this teleostean mitochondrial genome with those of other vertebrates reveals a similar gene order and compact genomic organization. The codon usage of proteins of carp mitochondrial genome is similar to that of other vertebrates. The phylogenetic relationship for mitochondrial protein genes is more apparent than that for the mitochondrial tRNA and rRNA genes.

Cloning, genomic organization, and chromosomal localization of the Scya5 gene encoding the murine chemokine RANTES

RANTES is a member of the C-C subfamily of chemokines that functions as a proinflammatory chemoattractant for CD4+ T cells, monocytes, and eosinophils, and as an activator of basophils to release histamine. Like other members of the chemokine superfamily, RANTES has been implicated in a number of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune processes based on its function and its pattern of regulation. To begin study of the transcriptional regulation of RANTES, we have determined the genomic organization of the gene encoding the small inducible cytokine A5 (Scya5) and performed an initial analysis of its promoter elements. The Scya5 gene is located on chromosome 11. By Southern blot, it is a single-copy gene approximately 4.5 kb long composed of 3 exons. This chromosomal localization and pattern of genomic organization is conserved among the other C-C subfamily of chemokines. Primer extension analysis was used to identify the transcriptional initiation site that is located 27 bp downstream of a typical TATAA box. Sequence analysis of 1040 bp 5' to the start site of the Scya5 gene revealed a number of regulatory motifs that are also shared among the chemokine family including a PU.1 box, a NF-kappa B, and an IFN regulatory factor-1 response element. This region of genomic DNA was also cloned into a luciferase reporter vector. Transfection of this reporter construct into murine proximal tubular cells reveals that TNF-alpha can induce a transcriptional activation of the gene, as would be predicted from the rise in mRNA transcripts encoding RANTES in cells stimulated with TNF-alpha.

Cloning, genomic organization, and chromosomal localization of the Scya5 gene encoding the murine chemokine RANTES

RANTES is a member of the C-C subfamily of chemokines that functions as a proinflammatory chemoattractant for CD4+ T cells, monocytes, and eosinophils, and as an activator of basophils to release histamine. Like other members of the chemokine superfamily, RANTES has been implicated in a number of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune processes based on its function and its pattern of regulation. To begin study of the transcriptional regulation of RANTES, we have determined the genomic organization of the gene encoding the small inducible cytokine A5 (Scya5) and performed an initial analysis of its promoter elements. The Scya5 gene is located on chromosome 11. By Southern blot, it is a single-copy gene approximately 4.5 kb long composed of 3 exons. This chromosomal localization and pattern of genomic organization is conserved among the other C-C subfamily of chemokines. Primer extension analysis was used to identify the transcriptional initiation site that is located 27 bp downstream of a typical TATAA box. Sequence analysis of 1040 bp 5' to the start site of the Scya5 gene revealed a number of regulatory motifs that are also shared among the chemokine family including a PU.1 box, a NF-kappa B, and an IFN regulatory factor-1 response element. This region of genomic DNA was also cloned into a luciferase reporter vector. Transfection of this reporter construct into murine proximal tubular cells reveals that TNF-alpha can induce a transcriptional activation of the gene, as would be predicted from the rise in mRNA transcripts encoding RANTES in cells stimulated with TNF-alpha.

Analysis of the gene cluster encoding carotenoid biosynthesis in Erwinia herbicola Eho13

Erwinia herbicola is known to synthesize carotenoids and gives an orange-coloured phenotype. These carotenoids play a role in the protection of the cells from the damage caused by near-UV irradiation in nature. The genes encoding these carotenoids in E. herbicola Eho13 are clustered in a 7 kb DNA fragment. The complete sequence of this fragment has been determined. DNA sequence analysis revealed that the entire sequence contains at least five genes, which are transcribed in the same direction. These five genes are organized in the order crtE-crtX-crtY-crtI-crtB. A gene fusion study showed that two different regions in this 7 kb gene cluster contain promoter activity. Primer-extension analysis identified two transcription start sites, located 147 bp upstream from the first gene of the cluster, crtE, and within the last gene of the cluster, crtB. An RNA-PCR study suggested that the five crt genes were organized in an operon and were transcribed from the promoter upstream from crtE.

Acute focal bacterial nephritis presented as acute renal failure and hepatic dysfunction in a renal transplant recipient

We describe acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) presented as acute renal failure and hepatic dysfunction in a renal transplant recipient. He had received a renal transplantation 5 years previously and maintained good renal function without an episode of acute rejection or any urinary abnormalities. He had been an HBsAg carrier and showed mild elevation of liver enzymes after renal transplantation. For 5 days before admission, the patient suffered from fever, graft kidney swelling, tenderness and oliguria. On admission, renal biopsy was performed and solumedrol pulse therapy was started under the impression of acute rejection. The following laboratory findings revealed acute renal failure and hepatic dysfunction. From the abdomen CT and renal biopsy findings this case was confirmed as AFBN in a grafted kidney. With successive hemodialysis and antibiotic therapy clinical symptoms and renal function improved promptly. In acute hepatic dysfunction we discontinued cyclosporine (CsA) to prevent irreversible fulminant hepatic failure until the normalization of liver function. It should be considered that AFBN must be included in the differential diagnosis of acute rejection, and the early diagnosis and treatment of AFBN is important to save the grafted kidney. In addition, early withdrawal of CsA is essential to prevent irreversible hepatic failure when infection triggers hepatic dysfunction in HBsAg-positive renal transplant recipients.

Primary aldosteronism detected after renal transplantation

A 44-year old female was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of uncontrolled hypertension. She received renal transplantation 3 months ago and suffered from a tingling sensation and weakness on both hands. Laboratory findings (low serum potassium, low plasma renin activity and elevated plasma aldosterone level) was consistent with primary aldosteronism. Through the postural study for plasma aldosterone and the adrenal CT finding we diagnosed this case as adrenal adenoma, which was confirmed by surgical removal. A retrospective review of medical records showed that characteristic findings in primary aldosteronism (hypokalemia and low plasma renin activity) were masked by renal failure and became evident after successful renal transplantation. It was suggested that impaired urinary potassium excretion and excess release of renin from the ischemic kidney masked the characteristic findings of primary aldosteronism. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the change of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system after renal transplantation in a case of coexistence of primary aldosteronism and chronic renal failure.

The peptidoglycan composition of a Staphylococcus aureus mutant selected for reduced methicillin resistance

The peptidoglycan of a Tn551 mutant of Staphylococcus aureus (RUSA208) selected for reduced methicillin resistance was analyzed by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. RUSA208 is a member of a cluster of Tn551 mutants located on fragment A of SmaI digests but is distinct from the femA and femB class of mutants. The peptidoglycan of RUSA208 contained normal parental muropeptides but in diminished amounts only. The major muropeptides of RUSA208 were new components eluting with somewhat longer retention times from the column. Amino acid analysis of these new muropeptides showed identical compositions to the corresponding peaks in the parental strain, but mass spectrometry revealed increased molecular weights by the following mass units: 1 (in monomers), 1 or 2 (in dimers), and 2 or 3 (in trimers). These observations suggest that in RUSA208 the mutational block may be in the amidation of the stem peptide glutamate residues, resulting in the replacement of isoglutamine with free glutamic acid in one or more of the cell wall stem peptides.

Bone formation and remodeling around implanted materials under load-bearing conditions

Bone formation and remodeling around implanted materials are influenced by the load-bearing conditions. In this study, three types of material were implanted into dog femoral condyles and bone formation and remodeling were observed for 24 weeks thereafter. Even thickening of lamellar bone was observed around bead-coated alumina implants, whereas thick fibrous tissue surrounded by corticalized bone formed around those made of smooth alumina. With an implant made of an artificial osteo-chondral composite material, abundant bone ingrowth into the titanium fibers was observed 8 weeks after the operation and this ingrowth resulted in firm attachment of this composite material to the host bone site. The tibial joint surface against the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-hydrogel articular surface of this implant remained intact, which suggests this artificial osteochondral composite material is a very promising joint prosthetic material.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by shikonin derivatives isolated from Arnebia euchroma

Four antiplatelet components were isolated from Arnebia euchroma. They inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets caused by collagen, arachidonic acid, platelet-activating factor, ADP, or thrombin. The potency of inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation is in the following order: acetylshikonin (IC50 = 2.1 microM), teracrylshikonin (2.8 microM), beta, beta-dimethylacrylshikonin (4.2 microM), and shikonin (10.7 microM). In rat aorta, acetylshikonin and shikonin inhibited high potassium and norepinephrine-induced contractions, while beta, beta-dimethylacrylshikonin and teracrylshikonin potentiated the phasic contraction caused by norepinephrine.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis

Seventy-three patients, 28 males and 45 females, diagnosed with pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) between 1982 and 1990 were followed for an average of 42.2 months (range, 21 to 108 months). Fifty-five cases occurred in the tendon sheath and eighteen in synovial joint. Ages ranged from 5 to 77 years, with an average of 38.9 years. The clinical presentations included chronic tumescence, serosanguinous arthrocentesis and painful limitation of range of motion. Plain roentgenography usually demonstrated soft tissue swelling with varying density, bony erosion or joint space narrowing. Arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging both gave specific pictures, with good diagnostic rates. The therapeutic regimen consisted of marginal excision for tendon sheath lesions and total synovectomy for intraarticular lesions. Extensive synovectomy with prosthesis replacement yielded good functional results in elderly patients with PVNS and cartilage destruction. Recurrence rate averaged 26% and was higher among knee joint lesions (33%), possibly because of inaccessibility of the popliteal fossa and inadequate excision of the lesion. Differences in the mitotic index between recurrence and non-recurrence groups had no statistical significance. This phenomenon may well serve against "tumor origin" as the etiology of this disease.

Epidemiology of precancerous gastric lesions

Research over the past several decades has revealed that the major subtype of gastric cancer (intestinal gastric cancer) is an end result of a multistage transformation of the gastric mucosa over many years and that this process is mainly determined by environmental factors. Epidemiologic studies on precancerous gastric lesions, including a large population-based study of the natural history and aetiology of precancerous gastric lesions conducted in Shandong, China, are reviewed.

Composition of the peptidoglycan of Haemophilus influenzae

The composition of the peptidoglycan of Haemophilus influenzae was determined by analyzing glycopeptides generated by M1 muramidase hydrolysis using high pressure liquid chromatography, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and fast atom bombardment collisionally activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry, and amino acid analysis. The structures of 17 glycopeptides, representing 96% of the total peptidoglycan, were ascertained. Fifteen glycopeptides resembled species described for Escherichia coli peptidoglycan (Glauner, B., and Schwarz, U. (1983) The Target of Penicillin (Hackenbeck, R., ed), Walter de Gruyter, Berlin pp. 29-34) as compared with 9 in common with Bordetella pertussis (Tuomanen, E., Schwartz, J., Sande, S., Light, K., and Gage, D. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11093-11098). Substitutions for L-alanine in the fourth position of the stem peptide included glycine, aspartic acid, and serine. The peptidoglycan was 27% cross-linked, 2% of which formed between diaminopimelic acid residues. No species was identified containing lysyl-arginine residues characteristic of lipoprotein. The peptidoglycan of non-beta-lactamase-mediated antibiotic-resistant H. influenzae differed from that of sensitive strains by an increase in the amount of disaccharide tripeptides and a decrease in 1,6-anhydro dimers. Both changes were transformable properties that changed in a stepwise fashion in parallel with the degree of antibiotic resistance.

Metabolic alkalosis induced by plasmapheresis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who had developed metabolic alkalosis during plasmapheresis. The metabolic alkalosis could be promptly corrected by reducing the amount of citrate load. The development of metabolic alkalosis can be explained by the citrate load during plasmapheresis. Careful monitoring of acid base status is mandatory in patients with limited renal function and the reduction of citrate load may be advisable in plasmapheresis.

Altered muropeptide composition in Staphylococcus aureus strains with an inactivated femA locus

Tn551 inactivation of femA, a factor involved in methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus aureus, caused the production of peptidoglycan in which the fraction of monoglycyl- and serine-containing muropeptides was increased at the expense of pentaglycyl muropeptides. femA mutants have a specific block in the biosynthesis of pentaglycine cross bridges after the addition of the first glycine residue.

Effect of long-term administration of somatostatin analogue on renal enlargement in uninephrectomized-diabetic rats

Recent study has demonstrated that the long-acting somatostatin analogue administration effectively prevented initial renal growth in diabetic and uninephrectomized rats. In the present study we examined long-term effect of somatostatin analogue (Sandostatin) on renal enlargement in uninephrectomized-diabetic rat5. Animals were divided into 4 groups: (1) normal control rats (C) (n = 7), (2) uninephrectomized rats (NPX) (n = 7), (3) uninephrectomized-diabetic rats (NPX + DM) (n = 7) and (4) NPX + DM rats treated with Sandostatin (NPX + DM + Tx) (n = 9). All animals had free access to diet (50% protein) and water during the experimental period. To the NPX + DM + Tx rats, 2.5 micrograms of Sandostatin was given subcutaneously twice a day for 8 weeks. Periodic observations were done at 0, 4 and 8 weeks. After 8 weeks. NPX rats (0.540 +/- 0.017 (SEM)) had higher fractional kidney weights (FKW) (wet kidney wt/body wt) compared to C rats (0.410 +/- 0.014) (p < 0.0005), and both NPX + DM rats (0.983 +/- 0.098) and NPX + DM + Tx rats (1.091 +/- 0.042) had higher FKW compared to C rats (p < 0.0001) and NPX rats (p < 0.005), respectively. But no significant change of FKW was observed between NPX + DM rats and NPX + DM + Tx rats. Systolic blood pressure, BUN, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and 24 hour urine protein excretion in NPX + DM rats were not different from those in NPX + DM + Tx rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Precancerous gastric lesions in a population at high risk of stomach cancer

A population-based screening for detection of early cancers evaluated the prevalence of precancerous gastric lesions in an area in Shandong province, China, with one of the world's highest rates of stomach cancer. A total of 3433 residents aged 35 to 64 yr received gastroscopical examinations with biopsies taken from standard locations. Chronic atrophic gastritis was nearly universal; less than 2% of the population had biopsies showing entirely normal mucosa or only superficial gastritis. Intestinal metaplasia was the most advanced lesion for 33% and gastric dysplasia for 20%, although the prevalence of each increased significantly with age. Intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia were detected throughout the stomach, but the lesions were more pronounced along the lesser curvature, especially in the angulus and antrum. There was no sex difference in rates of chronic atrophic gastritis, but males had a slightly higher prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, a 1.6-fold increase in dysplasia, and a 3-fold excess of gastric cancer. The data quantify the extensiveness of gastric lesions likely to be involved in the natural history of stomach cancer in this high-risk population.

Charge-remote fragmentation in a disulfide-containing peptide, [Pen]-enkephalin, under fast atom bombardment collisionally activated dissociation conditions

Fast atom bombardment collisionally activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (FAB CAD MS/MS) of a disulfide-containing peptide, [2-D-penicillamine, 5-D-penicillamine]- enkephalin ([Pen]-enkephalin), is described. Unlike those of most other disulfide-containing peptides investigated, CAD of the native, unreduced protonated molecule of [Pen]-enkephalin yields a relatively large number of fragment ions. Most of the peaks in the CAD spectrum represent fragmentations of the peptide backbone with 'unsymmetric' cleavage of the disulfide bond with charge retention on the N-terminus; the fragment ions generally do not contain a sulfur atom or a disulfide group. The CAD spectrum of the N-terminal ethyl-triphenylphosphonium derivative, on the other hand, shows few fragment ions and is dominated by the single peak at m/z 523. This dominant ion also results from 'unsymmetric' cleavage and corresponds to the analogous protonated species (m/z 235) in the spectrum of the underivatized peptide. The chemical method of charge localization by triphenylphosphonium derivative formation at one end of the peptide is shown to be useful for investigating fragmentation mechanisms in FAB CAD MS/MS. Comparison of the CAD spectra of derivatized and underivatized [Pen]-enkephalin suggests that charge-remote fragmentation plays a significant role in the high-energy dissociation of this disulfide-bonded peptide.

Serum pepsinogens in relation to precancerous gastric lesions in a population at high risk for gastric cancer

Concentrations of serum pepsinogens (PG) I and II were determined for 3252 randomly selected adults who participated in a population-based gastroscopic screening in an area of China with one of the world's highest rates of gastric cancer. PG I and II concentrations in both sexes tended to be higher than reported in other countries, with levels generally higher among males than females. PG I tended to decrease and PG II to increase with age, but the most pronounced associations were between PG I:II ratios and gastric histology. Median PG I:II ratios monotonically declined from 9.1 to 7.2 to 5.7 to 5.4 to 3.8 among those with superficial gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and stomach cancer, respectively. The prevalence of dysplasia was nearly 3 times greater among those with PG I:II ratios less than 3 compared with those whose PG I:II ratios were greater than 10. While average levels differed significantly among the histologic groups, the PG I:II ratios were neither sensitive nor specific markers of an individual's likelihood of advanced gastric lesions in this population.

The mouse lysyl oxidase gene (Lox) resides on chromosome 18

Lysyl oxidase initiates crosslink formation of the connective tissue matrix. This enzyme can also revert the ras phenotype in mouse NIH 3T3-transformed cells. Even though lysyl oxidase may participate in many different biological processes, its chromosomal assignment in the mouse genome remains to be addressed. Southern analysis of a panel of Chinese hamster x mouse somatic cell hybrids was utilized to assign the lysyl oxidase gene (Lox) to mouse Chromosome 18.