Sequence of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases and its identity to erythroid-potentiating activity

Collagen fibres form the stable architecture of connective tissues and their breakdown is a key irreversible step in many pathological conditions. The destruction of collagen is usually initiated by proteinases, the best known of which is the metalloproteinase collagenase (EC 3.4.24). Collagenase and related metalloproteinases are regulated at the level of their synthesis and secretion, through the action of specific stimuli such as hormones and cytokines, and also at the level of their extracellular activity through the action of a specific inhibitor, TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases), which irreversibly forms inactive complexes with metalloproteinases. Although the mechanisms governing the production of TIMP are unknown, immunologically identical forms of this glycoprotein have been detected in a wide variety of human body fluids and cell and tissue culture media. We therefore suggested that under physiological conditions this ubiquitous inhibitor predominates over active metalloproteinases and that tissue destruction may arise when any perturbation of this controlling excess arises. However, further progress towards testing this theory has been hindered by a lack of knowledge about the structure of TIMP and insufficient material for studying it in model systems. Here we describe the structure of TIMP predicted from its complementary DNA, its synthesis in Escherichia coli and transfected animal cells, and the finding that it is identical to a protein recently reported to have erythroid-potentiating activity (EPA).

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and scleroderma

A patient with scleroderma has been maintained on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for the past 18 months after having developed associated renal failure. Peritoneal clearances, pulmonary function tests, and hand studies have shown seasonal changes from summer to winter with ambient temperature variations. Rehabilitation and quality of life have been acceptable, blood pressure has been well controlled off all medications, and there has been relatively little disease progression. Attempts have been made to maintain low-dose captopril therapy to suppress plasma renin activity. This case suggests that CAPD is an acceptable and, perhaps, indicated treatment modality for renal failure associated with scleroderma.

Chromatin proteins share antigenic determinants with neurofilaments

Antigenic determinants common to distinct proteins may be unambiguously identified by the use of monoclonal antibodies. Some monoclonal antibodies to mammalian neurofilaments have recently been shown to cross-react with the neurofibrillary tangles found at high density in the brains of senile dements with Alzheimers disease (SDAT). Here, we show that these antibodies also cross-react with chromatin proteins, including the linker histones H1 and H1(0). Elevated levels of histone H1(0) have also been reported in SDAT brains.

On the occurrence of polymers of H1, H1(0) and H5 in extracts of whole tissues. Artificial production during protein preparation

Inspection of preparations of H1, H1(0) and H5 histones made by extraction of whole tissues has shown that dimers and higher polymers of all three of these proteins are present. They may be formed by the cross-linking action of poly(ADP-ribose) chains which are linked to some of the protein molecules. Putative dimers and higher polymers were noted in preparations from various tissues and species. However, evidence is presented which suggests that production of these polymers is an artifact of precipitation during the preparation of the proteins, so the significance of the polymers is questionable.

Mapping the binding of monoclonal antibodies to histone H5

The binding sites of nine monoclonal antibodies along the polypeptide chain of histone H5 were mapped. Immunoblotting experiments with peptides generated from H5 by trypsin digestion, N-bromosuccinimide cleavage, and cyanogen bromide cleavage revealed that all of the monoclonal antibodies reacted with the globular region of H5 which is encompassed by amino acid residues 22-98. Within this globular segment, the epitopes could be subdivided into three regions. Monoclonals 1G11, 2E5, and 2H5 bind to residues 28-31. The close proximity of the epitopes was verified by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by their binding pattern to a tryptic digest of H5. Monoclonals 4C6, 6E12, and 2E12 bind to a region encompassed by amino acids 28-53 while monoclonals 4H7, 1C3, and 3H9 bind to a region encompassed by residues 53-98. Precise localization of the epitopes in the primary sequence of H5 will allow detailed studies on the mode of binding of H5 to core particles in chromatin.

Frequency of calcium binding by monoclonal immunoglobulins in multiple myeloma

Total and ionized calcium and other related parameters were measured in 34 patients with multiple myeloma. Hypercalcemia was not a major feature of the group of patients studied with only three patients exhibiting marked increases in total (Ca total) and ionized (Ca++) calcium concentrations. The Ca++/Ca total ratio was also maintained within relatively narrow limits. No major differences were found in the calcium fractions of patients with different types of multiple myeloma. Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone showed no consistent relationship with either the total or ionized calcium concentration. There were no correlations between increased total protein or reduced serum albumin concentrations and changes in total and ionized calcium fractions or Ca++/Ca total ratios. These results imply that in this group of myeloma patients, there was no significant binding of calcium by the monoclonal immunoglobulins.

Inefficacy of dacarbazine, mitomycin C, and hepatic irradiation in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract

A regimen combining hepatic irradiation and intravenous dacarbazine and mitomycin C for treating colorectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases offers no advance in the management of patients with this disease.

Cerebrospinal fluid polyamines in childhood leukemia

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polyamines were measured in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in various stages of the disease ranging from complete remission to active central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Polyamines were analyzed by ion exchange chromatography with o- pthalaldehyde fluorimetric detection. Putrescine concentrations in random CSF samples obtained from leukemic patients with and without CNS involvement were not significantly different. Spermidine levels were generally higher in patients without CNS leukemia than in patients with the disease. In serial CSF specimens from an individual patient, spermidine levels correlated well with clinical status, being high in the active stages of the disease and low in remission. Thus, CSF polyamines appear to be of limited value as a screening test for early detection of CNS leukemia; however, they may offer an additional means of evaluating CNS leukemia and its response to therapy.

Health risk attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of students grades 7-12

The purpose of this study was to identify trends for youths grades seven to 12 with respect to their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors related to smoking and weight. The results of this study indicate that the majority of students believe smoking is a real health problem. However, the strength of this belief decreases with age. The majority of students agree that smoking does not help people relax, however, the strength of this belief also decreases with age. The majority of students also agree that smoking is not socially okay and again the strength of this belief decreases with age. Another interesting finding, differing from the trends previously mentioned, is that of asking permission before smoking. It was consistent that about 75% of students at all grade levels believed that they would ask permission before smoking around others. Another finding consistently supported across the grades more than 80% believed that a separate area should be provided for those who want to smoke in buildings where smoking is permitted. Youths report a significant decline in the percent of their peers that do not smoke as grade level increases. The decline is from 76% at the seventh grade to 39% at the 12th. While students at each grade level report that approximately one-third of their mothers and 43% of their fathers smoke they also indicate that 16% of their fathers and 10% of their mothers have given up the smoking habit. Youths also consistently report that their parents would be upset if they were to smoke.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A survey of H1o-and H5-like protein structure and distribution in higher and lower eukaryotes

A survey of H1o and H5-like proteins has been conducted through a range of higher and lower eukaryotic species. All mammals examined possessed H1o proteins, although in variable amounts, and the protein's structure was well conserved, though not invariant. The testis-specific histone Hlt (from rat) did not have an H1o-like structure and it appears that H1o does not occur in spermatocytes in any form. The results also show that Xenopus laevis contains H1o-like proteins, but lower, non-vertebrate eukaryotes (a crustacean, two fungi and a plant tissue) do not possess H1o or H5 proteins. The evidence suggests that H1o and H5 proteins may be considered as belonging to one family, distinct from H1 types. This H1o/H5 family may well be 'replacement histone' variants of H1. The results do not support suggestions of roles such as repression of DNA synthesis or of transcription for H1o/H5 proteins.

Some semi-empirical molecular orbital studies of the origin of conformational preferences for free S2O42- and N2O4

The results of some semi-empirical MO-CI calculations of the barriers to rotation around the S-S and N-N bonds of S2O42- and N2O4 are reported. The calculated barriers are expressed in terms of atomic, cis O-O overlap, coulombic repulsion and exchange contributions. The barrier analysis for N2O4 shows that cis O-O overlap stabilizes the planar relative to the skew conformer, whereas for free S2O42-, reduced coulombic repulsions stabilize the trans conformer relative to the eclipsed. Some CNDO/2 estimates of the rotation barrier for S2O42- are also reported.

Prostaglandins and cancer

This paper reviews the role of prostaglandins (PGs) in cancer. Specific topics of discussion include: (1) the potential use of PGs as tumor markers, (2) PG mediation of hypercalcemia of cancer, and (3) the use of PG synthesis inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Erythrocyte creatine in cord blood

Erythrocyte creatine (EC) content and reticulocyte counts were compared in normal adults, pediatric patients with hemolytic anemia, and cord blood. A good correlation between reticulocyte count and EC content was found in normal subjects and patients with hemolysis, thus confirming the usefulness of creatine as an estimate of mean red cell age in these populations. No significant correlation (p greater than 0.1) was observed between the two measurements in cord blood. While reticulocyte counts were significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in cord blood when compared to normal adults (indicating the presence of a young mean red cell age), EC concentrations in most samples were not correspondingly high. These results may indicate that creatine is not well synthesized by the neonatal red blood cell.

A trial of high-dose 5-fluorouracil with razoxane or adriamycin in the treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract

Thirty-four patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract have been treated with high-dose 5-fluorouracil modulated by concomitant allopurinol therapy, in combination with either razoxane or adriamycin. These regimens offer no advance over current treatment.

A qualitative and quantitative study of subfractions of the histone H10 in various mammalian tissues

The histone H10 was examined from seven mammalian species. All tissues were shown to contain two subfractions of H10, except for those of rabbit, in which little or no H10 was found. The subfraction composition was compared quantitatively in different mouse and hamster tissues, with the conclusion that this composition is tissue-specific. It is proposed that the wide occurrence of H10, together with the evidence of no more or less than two subfractions wherever it occurs, and the tissue-specific nature of the ratio of subfractions, signify that these two subfractions have specific individual functions.

The relationship between health risk attitudes and behaviors and parental presence

The purpose of this study was to assess whether an association exists between a student's attitudes and behaviors about selected health risks, such as weight and smoking behavior, and the presence or absence of one or both parents. Data were collected from 5,411 central Illinois school-age youth in grades 7-12. Physical measurements were taken on all students. Also, a variety of attitudinal, behavioral and behavioral intention questions relative to risk factors including smoking and weight were developed. Comparisons for these areas were made between students identified as having both parents versus those having none or one parent. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS). Both a descriptive and chi-square statistical analysis were utilized. Results indicated that students with none or one parent report significantly higher health risk behaviors than students with both parents. Students with none or one parent reported being more overweight and having a significantly higher smoking rate. The students also reported significantly greater unfavorable attitudes about smoking and weight. While these findings do not imply a cause and effect relationship, it does appear that the students missing one or both parents are at much higher risk than students with both parents. This knowledge can be useful to those involved in intervention efforts. Identifying students at risk allows educators to focus their efforts on such groups. Further implications of the specific findings of this study are discussed.

Measurement of plasma prostaglandin E2 using capillary gas chromatography negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A stable isotope dilution assay for the measurement of plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) employing capillary column gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NICIMS) is described. PGE2 was extracted from plasma using C18 and silica SEP-PAKS. Further purification and separation was accomplished by thin layer chromatography. The prostaglandin was analyzed as its pentafluorobenzyl ester-methoxime-trimethyl-silyl ether, using fragment ions at m/e 524 (protium) and m/e 528 (deuterium) for quantitation. The mean plasma concentration of PGE2 determined in 8 healthy volunteers was 2.8 +/- 2.0 pg/ml.

The relative importance of parental attitudes and behavior upon youth smoking behavior

The purpose of the study was to assess the relative importance of parental attitudes about smoking and parental smoking behavior as factors associated with youth smoking behavior. Knowledge of the relative importance of each variable could enhance antismoking educational efforts. Data were collected from 5,409 central Illinois school-age youth in grades 7-12. Data were analyzed by sex. A variety of attitudinal, behavioral and behavior intention questions relative to risk factors, including smoking, were developed. Specific questions about parental attitudes, parental behavior, and the youth's smoking behavior were included. Descriptive and chi-square statistical analyses were utilized. Results indicate that both factors are significantly associated with youth smoking behavior. However, it appears that parental attitudes may exert a more significant impact than parental behavior. Whereas parental behavior seems to be associated with a doubling of the youth smoking rate, it appears that parental attitude is associated with an approximately fourfold increase. These results need to be interpreted within the larger context that a number of variables, and not just smoking attitudes and parental behavior have been found to be associated with youth smoking behavior. However, within this overall context it appears that parental attitude toward youth smoking is a more significant factor associated with youth smoking behavior than parental behavior. As such, those involved with youth antismoking educational efforts may find it helpful to include this factor.

The effect of blister fluid from thermally injured patients on normal lymphocyte transformation

Patients, after major thermal injury, often develop multiple in vitro immunologic abnormalities. The etiology of these immune defects is unknown, although there is evidence suggesting that these defects may be the results of circulating suppressor substance(s). To evaluate the role of the local injury in the development of immune incompetence the biologic effect of blister fluid from control lymphocyte mitogenic response to PHA was studied. Blister fluid from 35 patients, mean burn size 29% (range, 1-85% TBSA) was added to a standard lymphocyte blastogenic assay, using various concentrations of PHA (from 0.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms per well). Eight of these 35 patients (23%) had blister fluid which suppressed the control lymphocyte blastogenic response greater than 50%. Two patients with suppressive blister fluids also had suppressive serum. In contrast, only two of the nine patients whose blister fluid was not suppressive had suppressive serum. This suppressive activity was not related to bacterial contamination nor to the presence of detectable levels of endotoxin.

Erythrocyte creatine levels in anemia

The automated diacetyl-l-napthol procedure was found to be a simple and relatively quick method for the determination of erythrocyte creatine (EC), exhibiting both better precision and greater sensitivity than reticulocyte counting. A reference range of 1.8 to 5.0 mg per dl (mean, 3.0 +/- 0.9 mg per dl) was established by measuring EC levels in 81 normal adults varying in ages from 20 to 47 years of age. Normal creatine values displayed a slight sex dependency, with females exhibiting somewhat higher levels than males. In evaluating the relative usefulness of EC versus reticulocyte counting in the assessment of anemia, both parameters were measured and compared in 41 patients with various hemolytic and nonhemolytic anemias. A direct relationship was noted between the two parameters (p less than 0.0001); however, the actual data correlation was only fair (r = 0.49). In a serial study of an iron-deficiency anemic patient responding to iron administration, erythrocyte creatine levels were found to rise more slowly than the reticulocyte count and to remain elevated after the reticulocyte count had returned to normal.

Antibodies against the folding domain of histone H5 cross-react with H1(0) but not with H1

Antibodies to the folding domain (residues 22-100) of histone H5 were elicited in rabbits. Analysis of the specificity of these antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay and by diazobenzyloxymethyl cellulose transfer techniques revealed that the antibody cross-reacts strongly with intact H5 and histones H1(0)a and H1(0)b purified from ox liver but not with the four core calf thymus, or with high mobility group proteins. We conclude that the globular region of H5 is serologically homologous to that of H1 degrees and suggest that possible functional similarities between the two proteins reside in this region.

Clinical studies of protein-bound calcium in various diseases

A recently developed gel-filtration technique allows protein-bound calcium fractions to be separated and quantitated; the protein is separated under physiological conditions of pH, temperature, and concentrations of Na, Mg, and Ca to assure that the calcium-proteinate equilibrium is not disturbed. We used this gel-filtration technique to study the protein-bound calcium fractions in 18 patients with hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, diabetes, osteoporosis, or liver cirrhosis. We calculated the amount of calcium bound per gram of protein for each of the three protein peaks and the intrinsic association constant (Ka) for calcium/albumin. Results with the multiple myeloma patients (three IgG, one IgA) indicated that IgG did not bind calcium appreciably, that IgA had about the same affinity as albumin for Ca, and that Ka was slightly low for one patient of the IgG type (79 L/mol) and normal for the other three myeloma patients (106, 90, and 91 L/mol). Results for patients with the other diseases were also essentially normal, except for the osteoporesis patients (two men, one woman), whose Ka values (69, 75, and 73 L/mol) were lower than normal.

Clinical studies of protein-bound calcium in various diseases

A recently developed gel-filtration technique allows protein-bound calcium fractions to be separated and quantitated; the protein is separated under physiological conditions of pH, temperature, and concentrations of Na, Mg, and Ca to assure that the calcium-proteinate equilibrium is not disturbed. We used this gel-filtration technique to study the protein-bound calcium fractions in 18 patients with hyperparathyroidism, multiple myeloma, diabetes, osteoporosis, or liver cirrhosis. We calculated the amount of calcium bound per gram of protein for each of the three protein peaks and the intrinsic association constant (Ka) for calcium/albumin. Results with the multiple myeloma patients (three IgG, one IgA) indicated that IgG did not bind calcium appreciably, that IgA had about the same affinity as albumin for Ca, and that Ka was slightly low for one patient of the IgG type (79 L/mol) and normal for the other three myeloma patients (106, 90, and 91 L/mol). Results for patients with the other diseases were also essentially normal, except for the osteoporesis patients (two men, one woman), whose Ka values (69, 75, and 73 L/mol) were lower than normal.

Conformation studies of histone H1(0) in comparison with histones H1 and H5

The class of lysine-rich histones, H1, found in most eukaryotic cells is largely replaced by another class of lysine-rich histones, H5, in avian and other erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are transcriptionally inert and this state has been attributed to the presence of H5. Although there are many sequence differences between H1 and H5 both molecules have very similar structures with three well-defined domains: a flexible basic N-terminal region, an apolar globular central region and a flexible basic C-terminal region. The lengths of the N-terminal regions are different for H1 and H5 whereas the lengths of the central and C-terminal regions are very similar. Considerable interest attaches to the findings that another type of mammalian lysine-rich histone H1(0) has an apolar region exhibiting considerable sequence homology (70%) with the central globular region of H5. The abundance of H1 in cells has been found to correlate inversely with their mitotic activities. Conformational studies using high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy have been made of H1 and its conformational behaviour has been compared with those of H1 and H5. H1 has been found to contain a central globular region of similar size to those found in H1 and H5. However, the conformation and stability of the globular domain of H1 are very similar to the globular region of H5 rather than H1. H1 appears to be a hybrid containing a major feature of the H5 histone. The globular regions of H1 and H5 are known to bind to a specific site on the nucleosome sealing off two turns of DNA. It is proposed that H1 binds to the same site.

Paget's disease of bone with particular reference to dentistry

Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans) is a relatively common disorder of uncertain aetiology. It is characterised by abnormal resorption and apposition of osseous tissue in one or more bones of the skeleton. This is a review of Paget's disease with particular reference to dentistry. The prevalence, aetiology, clinical features, radiography, histopathology, biochemistry, oral and dental manifestations, complications and treatment are discussed. One hundred and fifty-two reported cases of Paget's disease of the jaws have been analysed. The upper jaw was more frequently involved than the lower jaw in the ratio of more than 2:1. This survey shows a higher prevalence of Paget's disease in the mandible than previously recorded.

Histone H1o: its location in chromatin

Histone H1o is an H5-like protein found in mammals. Its location in chromatin from animal tissues has been studied by micrococcal nuclease digestion and by quantitation. It was found that H1o occurs in the linker region of chromatin, and replaces H1 there as it does so. As much as a third of the H1 becomes replaced, at least in some tissues. The abundance of H1o was similar in bulk chromatin and in a mononucleosome population which was putatively enriched in transcribed DNA sequences. It was concluded that H1o probably does not suppress transcription.

The binding of an avian myeloblastosis virus basic 12,000 dalton protein to nucleic acids

The binding of a basic 12,000 dalton protein (p12) from avian myeloblastosis virus to viral RNA and heterologous DNA has been investigated. The binding stoichiometries and constants were determined by an extrinsic fluorescence assay. In both cases each bound p12 molecule occupies four nucleotides and the apparent binding constant is approximately 1 x 10(6) M-1. Binding is non-cooperative and there is no apparent difference in the interaction of p12 with viral RNA or heterologous single-strand DNA. The relative binding constant at various ionic strengths was assayed by the nitrocellulose filter procedure. Analysis of the data revealed that each bound p12 molecule forms three ion pairs with the nucleic acid.

High concurrency data bus using arrays of optical emitters and detectors

A data bus is described that allows simultaneous transfers of multiple bit words among various components within a computer, thereby permitting many parallel operations. The bus is composed of sparsely filled arrays of light emitters that are imaged onto similar arrays of detectors. Direct connections between the units in the computer are made via the light paths through the imaging system. A 2-D addressing scheme on the array reduces the number of electrical connections between the arrays of the data bus and the computer components to which they are connected. The result is a data bus with dedicated optical paths to all units in the computer but without the need for a large number of electrical connections. The operation of the bus and the addressing and driving methods are described, and results of preliminary experiments are given.