[A study on the relationship between in-door air pollution and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Xuanwei County]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the relationship between in-door air pollution caused by different fuels for domestic use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in local population. A total population of 10892 were sampled and analyzed. Results showed in-door air pollution caused by coal-burning was the major risk factor for COPD in Xuanwei County. The risk of residents using soft coal and anthracite to suffer from COPD was 4.36 and 1.55 times, respectively, higher than in those using fire wood.

[The cytopathologic diagnosis of cervical lesions and uterocervical carcinomas]

Fifty one cases of Papanicolaou grade, I, II, III and 49 of IV, V were studied for cytopathologic diagnosis in cervical and uterine curet smears. The cervical glandular erosion, metaplasia and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, as well as histologic types of carcinomas, which were not distinguished by diagnosis of Papanicolaou grades, were determined by cytopathologic diagnosis. Therefore, the papanicolaou method of cytologic diagnosis should be gradually replaced by cytopathologic diagnosis.

[Changes in serum IL-2 and sIL-2R levels in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma before and after treatment and their clinical significance]

Serum IL-2 and sIL-2R levels were measured with sandwith ELISA assay before and after surgery or transarterial embolization in 19 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma. The results show that pretreatment IL-2 levels of patients were significantly lower and sIL-2R expression was higher than those of normal control. IL-2 levels of patient were increased and sIL-2R expression was decreased after treatment. The results suggest that the changes of IL-2 level and sIL-2R expression may be closely related to treatment, recurrence and prognosis of patients with primary hepatic carcinoma.

Effect of the modulation transfer function of a digital image-acquisition device on phase-measuring profilometry

Systematic errors in phase-measuring profilometry that are introduced by the modulation transfer function of a digital image-acquisition device are analyzed. New phase expressions and phase-deviation formulas are given. The results for simulations and experiments demonstrate that the algorithm of phase-measuring profilometry cannot be regarded as a point-to-point operation. To obtain precise results, an optimum scheme for setting the measurement system is also proposed.

Influence of cardiac output distribution on cardiac filling pressure during rest and dynamic exercise in dogs

The distribution of cardiac output (CO) between compliant and noncompliant organs is an important determinant of the slope of the relationship predicted between CO and right atrial pressure (RAP). However, curves relating CO to RAP at rest are shifted rightward (higher CO) and upward (higher RAP) by exercise with no change in slope, despite a large rise in the fraction of CO directed to noncompliant muscle vasculature, which is predicted to decrease the slope. We sought to test whether reductions in CO imposed during rest and exercise are accompanied by changes in its distribution that would favor constant slopes. Six dogs had atrioventricular block produced surgically and had blood flow transducers implanted on the ascending aorta and the terminal aorta. Total muscle blood flow (MBF) was estimated from terminal aortic flow by assuming that all of the increase in CO in mild dynamic exercise is directed to muscle. CO was reduced by lowering ventricular pacing rate at rest and during graded treadmill exercise (2 and 4 miles/h at 0% grade). Exercise increased the fraction of CO directed to muscle (MBF/CO) (P < 0.001). The effect of changes in CO on MBF/CO depended on exercise intensity (P < 0.01). At rest, MBF/CO fell from 0.53 to 0.45 when CO was reduced; this is expected to reduce the slope of the measured relationship between CO and RAP. During exercise at 2 miles/h, MBF/CO changed little when CO was reduced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mammalian nonsense codons can be cis effectors of nuclear mRNA half-life

Frameshift and nonsense mutations within the gene for human triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) that generate a nonsense codon within the first three-fourths of the protein coding region have been found to reduce the abundance of the product mRNA that copurifies with nuclei. The cellular process and location of the nonsense codon-mediated reduction have proven difficult to elucidate for technical reasons. We show here, using electron microscopy to judge the purity of isolated nuclei, that the previously established reduction to 25% of the normal mRNA level is evident for nuclei that are free of detectable cytoplasmic contamination. Therefore, the reduction is likely to be characteristic of bona fide nuclear RNA. Fully spliced nuclear mRNA is identified by Northern (RNA) blot hybridization and a reverse transcription-PCR assay as the species that undergoes decay in experiments that used the human c-fos promoter to elicit a burst and subsequent shutoff of TPI gene transcription upon the addition of serum to serum-deprived cells. Finally, the finding that deletion of a 5' splice site of the TPI gene results predominantly but not exclusively in the removal by splicing (i.e., skipping) of the upstream exon as a part of the flanking introns has been used to demonstrate that decay is specific to those mRNA products that maintain the nonsense codon. This result, together with our previous results that implicate translation by ribosomes and charged tRNAs in the decay mechanism, indicate that nonsense codon recognition takes place after splicing and triggers decay solely in cis. The possibility that decay takes place during the process of mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is discussed.

The MTS1 gene is frequently mutated in primary human esophageal tumors

Homozygous and heterozygous deletions involving chromosome 9p21 have been reported in a variety of primary human tumors in vivo, and point mutations have been reported in melanoma cell lines in vitro within a probable tumor suppressor gene, MTS1, located at chromosome 9p21. We describe six sequence alterations occurring among twenty-four primary esophageal squamous carcinomas and nineteen primary esophageal adenocarcinomas analyzed by DNA sequencing of MTS1 exon 2. Nucleotide substitutions were observed in five squamous cell carcinomas and in one adenocarcinoma. Two occurred in the germline, while four were somatic alterations. All six nucleotide changes resulted in marked alterations in amino acid sequence. Four were nonsense mutations leading to premature termination codons; nucleotide substitutions identical to two of these stop codons were previously reported in other tumor types. Loss of heterozygosity occurred in all five informative (constitutionally heterozygous) cases in which a sequence alteration was present. Esophageal cancer is one primary human tumor in which MTS1 constitutes an apparent target of heterozygous or homozygous deletions occurring at chromosome 9p21.

Self-replicating Semliki Forest virus RNA as recombinant vaccine

Recombinant RNA based on the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon was used to express the nucleoprotein of influenza virus in mice. Two strategies were employed to deliver the RNA. In the first, recombinant RNA was packaged into infectious suicide SFV particles which were used directly for immunization. The second approach involved injection of in vitro-synthesized RNA directly into the quadriceps muscle. Both approaches resulted in the generation of humoral responses with high antibody titres. Immunization with suicide particles showed that a strong, class I-restricted cytotoxic T-cell response can be obtained using only 100 infectious units. We conclude that the self-replicative recombinant SFV RNA may be quite useful as a nucleic acid vaccine.

Frequent loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 9 in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) affecting chromosome 9p has been shown to occur frequently in head and neck cancer, glioma, mesothelioma, melanoma, lung cancer, and numerous other tumor types. Chromosome 9p is therefore presumed to contain a tumor suppressor gene or genes. Since esophageal cancer shares characteristics with some of the above tumor types, we performed a detailed examination of 60 patients with squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus for LOH at loci D9S162, IFNA, D9S171, D9S126, D9S104, D9S165, and D9S163. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions were performed with the inclusion of one radiolabeled nucleotide, and products were electrophoresed on denaturing polyacrylamide gels. Thirty-six of the 60 patients (60%) exhibited LOH at one or more loci on chromosome 9p. Eight of 17 patients (47%) with adenocarcinoma manifested LOH, while 28 of 43 (65%) with squamous cell carcinoma showed LOH. LOH was most frequent at loci D9S171 (19 of 23, or 83%) and D9S165 (24 of 32, or 75%). These data support the hypothesis that a tumor suppressor gene or genes located on this portion of chromosome 9p exert(s) an effect on esophageal cancer development.

Effects of peroneal nerve stimulation on hypothalamic stimulation-induced ventricular arrhythmias in rabbits

We tested the hypothesis that peripheral afferent nerve stimulation decreases the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias induced by central nervous system stimulation. The hypothalamus in each of 24 anesthetized rabbits (12 with anterior myocardial ischemia) was electrically stimulated for 10 s with 10-min intervals between each of six consecutive stimulation episodes. The left peroneal nerves were electrically stimulated for 15 min beginning 5 min after the second hypothalamic stimulation episode in six ischemic and six nonischemic rabbits. Cardiac rhythm was monitored with the electrocardiogram lead I and atrial and ventricular electrograms. Hypothalamic stimulation alone induced ventricular arrhythmias [mean no. of arrhythmic beats occurring during 3rd and 4th hypothalamic stimulation episodes: nonischemic animals, 20 +/- 8; ischemic animals, 62 +/- 41 (P < 0.05 by unpaired t-test)]. Peroneal nerve stimulation reduced the number of arrhythmic beats induced by hypothalamic stimulation in nonischemic animals (6 +/- 5; P < 0.05 vs. without peroneal stimulation) and prevented an increase in arrhythmic beats during ischemia (21 +/- 16). Thus peripheral nerve stimulation decreased the number of ventricular arrhythmic beats induced by repeated hypothalamic stimulation in both ischemic and normal rabbit hearts and may be important in the prevention of arrhythmias in patients.

Alpha 2-macroglobulin levels in normal human and keratoconus corneas

PURPOSE

To compare the levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin, one of the major proteinase inhibitors, in corneas with keratoconus to those in normal human corneas and corneas with other diseases.

METHODS

An immunoperoxidase technique was used to visualize the presence of alpha 2-macroglobulin in the corneas. Western blot analysis was performed, and the levels of this inhibitor in extracts of keratoconus and normal human corneas were subsequently analyzed by a dot blot assay.

RESULTS

alpha 2-Macroglobulin was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of all corneal sections. Compared with normal human control specimens, the staining intensity in the epithelium of keratoconus corneas was markedly reduced. The majority of scarred and other diseased corneas exhibited normal staining intensity for alpha 2-macroglobulin. Dot blot assays showed that the alpha 2-macroglobulin levels in the epithelial and stromal extracts of keratoconus corneas were lower than those found in normal human control counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Keratoconus corneas contained a reduced level of alpha 2-macroglobulin. This result lends further support to the hypothesis that degradation processes may be aberrant in keratoconus.

5-Hydroxytryptophan-stimulated prolactin levels in cafeteria diet fed rats: an in vivo evaluation of the central serotonergic tonus

Hyperphagia in rats fed a cafeteria diet might be related to the palatability of the diet or to diet-induced changes in central neurotransmitters regulating the feeding behavior. In this study the central serotonergic tonus in adult male Wistar rats was evaluated in vivo after 6 weeks of feeding a cafeteria diet by the prolactin response to the administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), the immediate serotonin precursor. Blood was taken just before, 30, 60 and 90 min after the ip injection of 50 mg/kg 5HTP for the determination of prolactin concentrations were comparable between cafeteria fed rats and control rats, fed normal laboratory chow (12.7 +/- 5.4 vs 7.7 +/- 4.5 ng/ml). The 5HTP-stimulated prolactin secretion in the cafeteria diet fed rats, determined by the peak value (95.8 +/- 17.2 vs 119.1 +/- 27.0 ng/ml) as well as by the integrated area under the curve (5478 +/- 774 vs 5916 +/- 2275 ng/ml. 90 min) was not significantly lower than in the control rats. In conclusion, our results did not show a significantly decreased 5HTP-induced prolactin release in cafeteria-fed rats, suggesting that a low hypothalamic serotonergic tonus is probably not involved in the overeating of this dietary-induced obesity model.

Repeated polyketide synthase modules involved in the biosynthesis of a heptaene macrolide by Streptomyces sp. FR-008

Genes for biosynthesis of a Streptomyces sp. FR-008 heptaene macrolide antibiotic with antifungal and mosquito larvicidal activity were cloned in Escherichia coli using heterologous DNA probes. The cloned genes were implicated in heptaene biosynthesis by gene replacement. The FR-008 antibiotic contains a 38-membered, polyketide-derived macrolide ring. Southern hybridization using probes encoding domains of the type I modular erythromycin polyketide synthase (PKS) showed that the Streptomyces sp. FR-008 PKS gene cluster contains repeated sequences spanning c. 105kb of contiguous DNA; assuming c. 5 kb for each PKS module, this is in striking agreement with the expectation for the 21-step condensation process required for synthesis of the FR-008 carbon chain. The methods developed for transformation and gene replacement in Streptomyces sp. FR-008 make it possible to genetically manipulate polyene macrolide production, and may later lead to the biosynthesis of novel polyene macrolides.

The role of progestationally regulated stromal cell tissue factor and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in endometrial hemostasis and menstruation

The physiologic mechanisms whereby the human endometrium maintains hemostasis during endovascular trophoblast invasion, yet permits menstrual hemorrhage, are unknown. This paradoxical relationship was investigated by evaluating endometrial expression of tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of hemostasis, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the primary inhibitor of fibrinolysis. We observed increased immunostaining for TF and PAI-1 in sections of decidualized stromal cells from luteal phase and gestational endometrium. To determine whether TF and PAI-1 expression are directly linked to decidualization, both endpoints were monitored in a well described in vitro model of decidualization. Thus, confluent stromal cell cultures were exposed to vehicle control, 10(-8) M estradiol (E2), 10(-8) to 10(-6) M medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or both E2 + MPA for 2-24 days in serum-containing or defined media. The progestin enhanced the content of stromal cell-associated immunoreactive and functionally active TF and PAI-1 released into the medium and elevated levels of stromal cell TF and PAI-1 mRNA. While E2 alone was ineffective, it greatly augmented MPA-enhanced TF and PAI-1 protein and mRNA content. Dose-dependent effects on TF and PAI-1 content were observed between 10(-8) to 10(-6) M MPA +/- E2. Similar results were observed for decidual cells derived from first trimester endometrium and cultured in type 1 collagen gels. Following optimal induction of TF and PAI-1 expression by E2 + MPA in stromal cell cultures, removal of these steroids greatly reduced levels of both TF and PAI-1 protein and mRNA within 4 days. These studies suggest a mechanism whereby endometrial hemostasis is maintained during trophoblast invasion yet reduced at the end of nonfertile cycles to permit menses.

A study of optimal configuration and control of a multi-chamber balloon for intraaortic balloon pumping

Balloon configuration and control scheme are important for the optimization of assistance of the failing heart with an intraaortic balloon pumping device. In this work, the configuration of a multi-chamber balloon and control schemes have been investigated by using a hemodynamic model and computer simulation methods. Following the simulation study, physical testing and animal experiments were performed to demonstrate the simulation results. Results show that the optimal configuration and controlled multi-chamber balloon can provide better assistance to the failing heart. Based on the simulation and experimental results, it was found that the shape of the rear chamber of a multi-chamber balloon is critical. The optimal control scheme was to inflate the rear chamber first and deflate it last.

Magnetic resonance microscopy of the rat carotid artery at 300 megahertz

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) has evolved from a technical curiosity to a tool with which researchers can study important disease models. But MRM is not simply an extension of clinical magnetic resonance imaging. In this article, the unique adaptations of MRM required in the study of carotid artery disease are outlined. The techniques of MRM are integrated into a specific model of carotid artery disease in the rat to allow in vivo studies of vascular wall thickening after removal of the vascular endothelium.

METHODS

Imaging was performed at 300 MHz in 250-gm Sprague-Dawley rats using surgically implanted radiofrequency coils to localize the region of interest and to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio over that of volume or surface coils. A three-dimensional Fourier encoding sequence was modified with flow-dephasing gradients to minimize signal and artifacts from moving blood.

RESULTS

In vivo images were acquired with spatial resolution of 25 x 25 x 400 microns and signal-to-noise ratio more than sufficient to define the morphology of the vascular wall. Significant changes in the intensity and distribution of signal were visible in the area surrounding the vessel after angioplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Signal-to-noise improvements from surgically implanted coils coupled to a three-dimensional radiofrequency-refocused sequence with flow-dephasing gradients were sufficient to define the wall of the carotid artery. The diffusion-weighted pulse sequence detects signal changes in the area surrounding the vessel after angioplasty. The MRM techniques described and the contrast observed allow us, for the first time to follow in vivo the early stage of developing atherosclerosis in the vessel wall and closely surrounding tissue.

Introns are cis effectors of the nonsense-codon-mediated reduction in nuclear mRNA abundance

The translation of human triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) mRNA normally terminates at codon 249 within exon 7, the final exon. Frameshift and nonsense mutations of the type that cause translation to terminate prematurely at or upstream of codon 189 within exon 6 reduce the level of nuclear TPI mRNA to 20 to 30% of normal by a mechanism that is not a function of the distance of the nonsense codon from either the translation initiation or termination codon. In contrast, frameshift and nonsense mutations of another type that cause translation to terminate prematurely at or downstream of codon 208, also within exon 6, have no effect on the level of nuclear TPI mRNA. In this work, quantitations of RNA that derived from TPI alleles in which nonsense codons had been generated between codons 189 and 208 revealed that the boundary between the two types of nonsense codons resides between codons 192 and 195. The analysis of TPI gene insertions and deletions indicated that the positional feature differentiating the two types of nonsense codons is the distance of the nonsense codon upstream of intron 6. For example, the movement of intron 6 to a position downstream of its normal location resulted in a concomitant downstream movement of the boundary between the two types of nonsense codons. The analysis of intron 6 mutations indicated that the intron 6 effect is stipulated by the 88 nucleotides residing between the 5' and 3' splice sites. Since the deletion of intron 6 resulted in only partial abrogation of the nonsense codon-mediated reduction in the level of TPI mRNA, other sequences within TPI pre-mRNA must function in the effect. One of these sequences may be intron 2, since the deletion of intron 2 also resulted in partial abrogation of the effect. In experiments that switched introns 2 and 6, the replacement of intron 6 with intron 2 was of no consequence to the effect of a nonsense codon within either exon 1 or exon 6. In contrast, the replacement of intron 2 with intron 6 was inconsequential to the effect of a nonsense codon in exon 6 but resulted in partial abrogation of a nonsense codon in exon 1.

Identification of linear DNA sequences that specifically bind the adeno-associated virus Rep protein

We have used baculovirus-expressed Rep68 that has been purified to homogeneity to reexamine the binding properties of the Rep protein. We find that Rep68 is capable of binding to a linear DNA sequence that is contained within a 25-bp sequence of the A stem of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) terminal repeat proximal to the B and C palindromes. This has been shown conclusively by demonstrating that Rep68 could specifically bind to a synthetic oligonucleotide containing the 25-bp region in the absence of the other sequences within the terminal repeat. Rep78 was also capable of binding the A stem recognition element, as demonstrated by the fact that a DNA affinity column containing the 25-bp sequence can be used to purify Rep78. The ability to recognize the linear DNA sequence within the A stem provides a mechanism by which the Rep protein can be oriented on the terminal repeat so that only the correct strand is cut at the terminal resolution site (trs site) during terminal resolution. In addition, computer analysis suggests that sequences similar to the A stem element are present within the three AAV promoter regions. Electrophoretic mobility shift experiments clearly demonstrate that the p5 promoter contains a Rep binding sequence. DNase protection experiments indicate that the Rep binding sequence within the p5 promoter is located between the YY1 initiator sequence and the TATA binding site. This position immediately suggests a mechanism by which the Rep protein could act as a repressor or a transactivator of p5 transcription by interacting with either YY1 or TBP. In addition, gel shift experiments suggest that the p19 promoter also contains a Rep binding site. The presence of Rep binding sites upstream of both promoters suggests that these sites may be involved in coordinate regulation of AAV transcription. In addition, we have identified a heterologous Rep binding sequence within pBR322 DNA. A comparison of the sequences within the A stem, p5, and pBR322 binding sites suggests that a repeating GAGC motif is at least part of the Rep recognition sequence. In the accompanying report (D. M. McCarty, J. H. Ryan, S. Zolutukhin, X. Zhou, and N. Muzyczka, J. Virol. 68:4998-5006, 1994), we examine the relative affinity of Rep to the A stem site and the complete terminal repeat. Finally, we also have reexamined the ability of Rep68 and Rep78 to cut at the trs site in substrates that do not contain the B and C palindromes or any apparent secondary structure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Presentation of viral antigens restricted by H-2Kb, Db or Kd in proteasome subunit LMP2- and LMP7-deficient cells

In the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC(, four genes implicated in MHC class I-mediated antigen processing have been described. Two genes (TAP1 and TAP2) code for multimembrane-spanning ATP-binding transporter proteins and two genes (LMP2 and LMP7) code for subunits of the proteasome. While TAP1 and TAP2 have been shown to transport antigenic peptides from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum, where the peptides associate with MHC class I molecules, the role of LMP2/7 in antigen presentation is less clear. Using antigen processing mutant T2 cells that lack TAP1/2 and LMP2/7 genes, it was recently shown that expression of TAP1/2 alone was sufficient for processing and presentation of the influenza matrix protein M1 as well as the minor histocompatibility antigen HA-2 by HLA-A2. To understand if presentation of a broader range of viral antigens occurs in the absence of LMP2/7, we transfected T2 cells with TAP1, TAP2 and either of the H-2Kb, Db or Kd genes and tested their ability to present vesicular stomatitis vires and influenza virus antigens to virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We found that T2 cells, expressing TAP1/2 gene products, presented all tested viral antigens restricted through either the H-2Kb, Db or Kd class I molecules. We conclude that the proteasome subunits LMP2/7 as well as other gene products in the MHC class II region, except from TAP1/2, are not generally necessary for presentation of a broader panel of viral antigens to cytotoxic T cells. However, the present results do not exclude that LMP2/7 in a more subtle way may, or in rare cases completely, affect processing of antigen for presentation by MHC class I molecules.

Chromosomal fragility associated with familial Alzheimer's disease

To test whether chromosomal instability is associated with familial Alzheimer's disease, we examined breakage on X chromosomes of fibroblasts derived from patients with familial Alzheimer's disease, using gene cotransfer methodology. The X chromosome is a convenient target for analyzing DNA breakage because of its numerous markers and ease of selection in rodent-human hybrid cells. Patients with familial Alzheimer's disease, including the large Nova Scotia Alzheimer's kindred, show a significantly lower cotransfer of the X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene with the selected HPRT gene in hybrid cells, indicating breakage between the markers. Lower cotransfer of the more distant X-linked gene, MIC-2, was statistically significant in this kindred, but not in other patients with familial Alzheimer's disease. The distance between MIC2 and HPRT is sixfold to ninefold greater than that between HPRT and G6PD, suggesting that there may be a "hot spot" for breakage in the latter interval on the X chromosome of patients with familial Alzheimer's disease. The somatic cell hybrid model provides insights into underlying mechanisms for chromosomal breakage induced by the Alzheimer defect. A hypothesis implicating a candidate gene, C1-THF synthase, in the generation of chromosome instability in the pathogenesis of familial Alzheimer's disease, is presented.

Interaction of the adeno-associated virus Rep protein with a sequence within the A palindrome of the viral terminal repeat

We have characterized a Rep binding sequence which is within the A stem region of the adeno-associated virus terminal repeat (TR) and compared its affinity with that of the complete hairpinned TR for pure Rep68. Both the A stem and the complete TR substrates produced a complex pattern of protein-DNA complexes in which at least six different bound species could be distinguished. Competition experiments suggested that the dissociation constant for the A stem sequence is approximately 125-fold higher than that for the complete TR. The competition experiments also suggested that the average number of Rep molecules per TR substrate molecule under conditions of saturating substrate is 3.7:1, while for the A stem substrate, the ratio is 10:1. In spite of the apparent difference in protein-to-DNA ratio in the complexes, no major difference was seen in the mobility or the pattern of the protein-DNA complexes with the two kinds of substrates, suggesting that the difference in protein-to-DNA ratio was due to the lower stability of the A stem complex rather than the actual number of Rep molecules per DNA molecule. At least some of the difference in stability of the two kinds of complexes was due to the fact that the dissociation rate of the A stem substrate from the protein-DNA complexes was approximately fourfold faster than that of the complete TR. The dissociation rate curves for both substrates, however, were complex, suggesting that substrate was being released from at least two different kinds of protein-DNA complexes at different rates. In addition, we have analyzed binding to several substitution mutants within the A stem of the TR. A five-base mutant near the terminal resolution site (trs site) had little effect on binding. Two other mutants produced seven- or five-base substitutions within the 25-bp sequence of the A stem that had been identified in the accompanying report (D. M. McCarty, D. J. Pereira, I. Zolotukhin, X. Zhou, J. H. Ryan, and N. Muzyczka, J. Virol. 68:4988-4997, 1994) as essential for binding. Each of these mutants eliminated some but not all of the repeating GAGC motifs in the 25-bp A stem region. Both of these mutants completely abolished binding to the A stem substrate but only partially reduced binding in the context of the complete hairpinned TR. Furthermore, neither mutant altered the pattern of Rep-DNA complexes produced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

CTLA-4 ligands are required to induce an in vivo interleukin 4 response to a gastrointestinal nematode parasite

The costimulatory signal provided to T cells through CTLA-4-ligand interactions is required for T cell activation resulting in increased interleukin 2 (IL-2) production in vitro, but its role in the production of IL-4 and other cytokines is unclear and few in vivo studies have been performed to confirm results of in vitro experiments. We have examined the in vivo effects of blocking CTLA-4 ligands on the T helper cell 2 (Th2)-associated mucosal immune response that follows oral infection of mice with the nematode parasite, Heligmosomoides polygyrus. CTLA-4Ig administration inhibited H. polygyrus-induced increases in mesenteric lymph node (MLN) B cell major histocompatibility complex class II expression and size and T cell-derived IL-4 gene expression. In addition, CTLA-4 immunoglobulin (Ig) partially blocked increased IL-3, IL-5, and IL-9 cytokine gene expression in Peyer's patch (PP) and MLN 8 d after primary inoculation of mice with the parasite. Increases in the number of IL-4- but not IL-5-secreting cells were also inhibited by CTLA-4Ig. H. polygyrus-induced elevations in serum IgE levels but not blood eosinophils, were markedly inhibited by CTLA-4Ig. These results suggest that stimulation of CD28 and/or CTLA-4 is required for T cell priming leading to IL-4 cytokine production, B cell activation, and IgE secretion during a Th2-like, mucosal immune response to a nematode parasite.

1H NMR and spin-labeled EPR studies on the interaction of calmodulin with jujuboside A

Jujuboside A (JuA), an effective component of sanzaoren, a Chinese herbal medicine, is a noncompetitive inhibitor of calmodulin (CaM). The interaction of JuA with CaM has been investigated with 1H NMR and spin-labeled EPR spectroscopies. The 1H NMR experiments showed that JuA has two kinds of binding sites on CaM: one locates in the N-terminus, the other locates in the C-terminal region of the polypeptide chain. The EPR studies on 3-maleimido-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxyl labeled CaM (spin-labeled CaM) revealed that each CaM molecule can bind at least two JuA molecules. Binding of JuA affects the environments of some lysine residues (most likely Lys-74 and Lys-94), suggesting that JuA binds to CaM through hydrophobic interaction.

Staging of prostate cancer: results of Radiology Diagnostic Oncology Group project comparison of three MR imaging techniques

PURPOSE

To assess accuracy of three different magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, including the endorectal coil, in staging prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR imaging was performed in 213 patients with prostate cancer with a conventional body coil, with fat suppression and a body coil, and with an endorectal coil. Radiologists identified tumor invasion into periprostatic tissues, neurovascular bundles, and seminal vesicles. Each technique was evaluated separately, and in a subset of 74 patients the three techniques were evaluated together. Images obtained with the two body-coil techniques were read in combination with images obtained with the endorectal coil (combination A) and alone (combination B).

RESULTS

Overall accuracy for conventional body-coil, fat-suppressed body-coil, and endorectal-coil MR was 61%, 64%, and 54%, respectively. Overall group accuracy for combinations A and B was 57% and 61%. Considerable interreader variability was found for combination A.

CONCLUSION

No technique was highly accurate for staging early prostate cancer. Individual radiologists did achieve a high degree of staging accuracy with the endorectal-coil and body-coil combination.