A 3-year experience of a simple, novel technique for accurate ostial/non-ostial coronary stenting: The buddy balloon anchor stent technique

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique for accurate ostial/non-ostial coronary stenting in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Accurate stent localization is a key factor impacting the postoperative success of patients undergoing PCI. However, the accurate localization of some lesions, especially ostial lesions, is very difficult to achieve, because they are often complicated by bobbing or to-and-fro movement of the stent during cardiac contractions.

METHODS

We report a novel technique of precise ostial/non-ostial stenting based on the buddy balloon anchor stent (BBAS) technique. Between May 2014 and July 2017, 47 patients with significant ostial/non-ostial coronary stenosis that required accurate stenting were included in this study. Of them, 23 patients were treated using the conventional method and the remaining 24 patients were treated using (BBAS) technique. Evaluation was then performed using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in the procedural, or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in the follow up.

RESULTS

Using the BBAS technique, the procedural success was achieved in all 24 (100%) cases. IVUS was performed in seven patients (29.17%) and no procedural complications occurred. All six failed cases that occurred among patients with right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery ostial stenosis treated using the conventional method, the lesions were subsequently successfully re-stented using the BBAS technique. After a follow-up of 3-36 months, CCTA was performed in 11 patients (45.83%), all the stents were in the accurate position. There were no major cardiovascular events of death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization.

CONCLUSION

BBAS is a simple, highly successful and safe technique for accurate stenting of difficult ostial/nonostial coronary stenosis lesions.

The anti-adiposity effect of bitter melon seed oil is solely attributed to its fatty acid components

Background

Obesity is the leading chronic disease affecting people of all ages. The objective of this study was to optimize composition of a bitter melon seed oil (BMSO) product to maximize its anti-adiposity effect.

Methods

Bleaching oil, saponifiables and non-saponifiables were prepared from BMSO, with α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA) content in BMSO maintained in bleaching oil and saponifiables. C57BL/6 J mice were allocated into five groups (n = 10/group) to receive diet C [30% soybean oil (SBO)], BM [25% SBO + 5% BMSO], BMS, BMNS or BMD. For the three latter diets, saponifiables (hydrolyzed fatty acids from BMSO), non-saponifiables (excluding fatty acids from BMSO) or bleaching oil (excluding pigments from BMSO), respectively, were added in amount equivalent to their content in 5% BMSO and SBO was added to bring total fat to 30%. After 14 wk., indices associated with adiposity and safety, as well as lipid metabolic signaling in white adipose tissue (WAT), were measured.

Results

The body fat percentage of mice in group BM, BMS, BMNS, and BMD were 90 ± 26, 76 ± 21, 115 ± 30 and 95 ± 17% of that in group C. Based on body fat percentage and plasma leptin concentrations, an anti-adiposity effect was evident in groups BM, BMS and BMD (greatest effect in BMS). Histologically, inguinal fat had smaller adipocytes in groups BM, BMS and BMD (P < 0.05), but not in group BMNS, relative to group C. There were no differences among groups in blood pressure or heart rate. Moreover, Sirt1 mRNA levels in inguinal fat were significantly greater in groups BM, BMS and BMD than group C.

Conclusion

We concluded that the anti-adiposity function of BMSO was solely attributed to the fatty acid fraction, with the free fatty acid form having the greatest effect.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-017-0578-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A conjugated fatty acid present at high levels in bitter melon seed favorably affects lipid metabolism in hepatocytes by increasing NAD(+)/NADH ratio and activating PPARα, AMPK and SIRT1 signaling pathway

α-Eleostearic acid (α-ESA), or the cis-9, trans-11, trans-13 isomer of conjugated linolenic acid, is a special fatty acid present at high levels in bitter melon seed oil. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of α-ESA on hepatic lipid metabolism. Using H4IIEC3 hepatoma cell line, we showed that α-ESA significantly lowered intracellular triglyceride accumulation compared to α-linolenic acid (LN), used as a fatty acid control, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effects of α-ESA on enzyme activities and mRNA profiles in H4IIEC3 cells suggested that enhanced fatty acid oxidation and lowered lipogenesis were involved in α-ESA-mediated triglyceride lowering effects. In addition, α-ESA triggered AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation without altering sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein levels. When cells were treated with vehicle control (VC), LN alone (LN; 100μmol/L) or in combination with α-ESA (LN+α-ESA; 75+25μmol/L) for 24h, acetylation of forkhead box protein O1 was decreased, while the NAD(+)/NADH ratio, mRNA levels of NAMPT and PTGR1 and enzyme activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase were increased by LN+α-ESA treatment compared to treatment with LN alone, suggesting that α-ESA activates SIRT1 by increasing NAD(+) synthesis and NAD(P)H consumption. The antisteatosis effect of α-ESA was confirmed in mice treated with a high-sucrose diet supplemented with 1% α-ESA for 5weeks. We conclude that α-ESA favorably affects hepatic lipid metabolism by increasing cellular NAD(+)/NADH ratio and activating PPARα, AMPK and SIRT1 signaling pathways.

Altered white adipose tissue protein profile in C57BL/6J mice displaying delipidative, inflammatory, and browning characteristics after bitter melon seed oil treatment

Objective

We have previously shown that bitter melon seed oil (BMSO), which is rich in cis-9, trans-11, trans-13 conjugated linolenic acid, is more potent than soybean oil in attenuating body fat deposition in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. The aim of this study was to obtain a comprehensive insight into how white adipose tissue (WAT) is affected by BMSO administration and to explore the underlying mechanisms of the anti-adiposity effect of BMSO.

Methods and Results

A proteomic approach was used to identify proteins differentially expressed in the WAT of mice fed diets with or without BMSO for 11 wks. The WAT was also analyzed histologically for morphological changes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (pH 4–7) revealed 32 spots showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in intensity in BMSO-treated mice and 30 of these were shown to code for 23 proteins (15 increased and 8 decreased expression; >2-fold change). Combined with histological evidence of macrophage infiltration and brown adipocyte recruitment, the proteomic and immunoblotting data showed that the WAT in mice subjected to long-term high dose BMSO administration was characterized by reduced caveolae formation, increased ROS insult, tissue remodeling/repair, mitochondria uncoupling, and stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton, this last change being putatively related to an increased inflammatory response.

Conclusion

The anti-adiposity effect of BMSO is associated with WAT delipidation, inflammation, and browning. Some novel proteins participating in these processes were identified. In addition, the BMSO-mediated WAT browning may account for the increased inflammation without causing adverse metabolic effects.

Litter production and litter elemental composition in two rehabilitated Kandelia obovata mangrove forests in Jiulongjiang Estuary, China

Spatial and seasonal variations in litter production and C, N, and P concentrations were compared between the 24 and 48 year old Kandelia obovata mangrove forests in the Jiulongjiang estuary, China. The 24 yr forest had significantly higher production of total, leaf and branch litter, but lower flower and fruit litter than the 48 yr forest. Total, leaf and branch litter production were significantly positively correlated to monthly temperature and rainfall. Spatial patterns of litter production among the inner, mid and outer zones in the same forest were similar to those of tree heights. C, N and P concentrations of leaf litter showed significant seasonality but varied little among these three forest zones. C/N and N/P ratios of leaf litter were significantly lower for the 24 yr forest than those for the 48 yr forest. During the entire sampling year, total litter of the 24 and 48 yr forests contained 590.31 and 437.31 g C m(-2) yr(-1), 8.46 and 5.47 g N m(-2) yr(-1), 1.92 and 1.16 g P m(-2) yr(-1), respectively.

Bitter melon seed oil-attenuated body fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice is associated with cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation and cell death in white adipose tissue

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiadiposity effect of bitter melon seed oil (BMSO), which is rich in the cis-9, trans-11, trans-13 isomer of conjugated linolenic acid. In Expt. 1, C57BL/6J mice were fed a butter-based, high-fat diet [HB; 29% butter + 1% soybean oil (SBO)] for 10 wk to induce obesity. They then continued to receive that diet or were switched to an SBO-based, high-fat diet alone (HS; 30% SBO) or containing bitter melon seed oil (BMSO) (HBM; 15% SBO + 15% BMSO) for 5 wk. The body fat percentage was significantly lower in mice fed the HBM diet (21%), but not the HS diet, compared with mice fed the HB diet. In Expt. 2, mice were fed an SBO-based, high-fat diet containing 0 (HS), 5 (LBM), 10 (MBM), or 15% (HBM) BMSO for 10 wk. In the LBM, MBM, and HBM groups, the body fat percentage was significantly lower by 32, 35, and 65%, respectively, compared with the HS control. The reduction in the HBM group was significantly greater than that in the LBM or MBM group. BMSO administration increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, cAMP-activated protein kinase (PKA), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the white adipose tissue (WAT), suggesting that PKA and leptin signaling might be involved in the BMSO-mediated reduction in lipogenesis and increase in thermogenesis and lipolysis. However, compared with the HS control, the HBM group had a significantly higher TNFα concentration in the WAT accompanied by TUNEL-positive nuclei. We conclude that BMSO is effective in attenuating body fat accumulation through mechanisms associated with PKA activation and programmed cell death in the WAT, but safety concerns need to be carefully addressed.

Glutamine preconditioning protects against local and systemic injury induced by orthopaedic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Long bone surgery represents a significant surgical insults, and may cause severe local and systemic sequalae following both planned and emergent surgery. Glutamine offers pharmacological modulation of injury through clinically acceptable preconditioning. This effect has not been previously demonstrated in an orthopaedic model.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that glutamine preconditioning protects against the local and systemic effects of long bone trauma in a rodent model.

METHODS

Thirty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into four groups: Control group which received trauma without preconditioning; Normal Saline preconditioning 1 hour before trauma; Glutamine preconditioning 1 hour before trauma; Glutamine preconditioning 24 hours prior to trauma. Trauma consisted of bilateral femoral fracture following intramedullary instrumentation. Blood samples were taken before the insult, and at an interval four hours following this. Bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, with skeletal muscle and lung harvested for evaluation.

RESULTS

Glutamine pre-treated rats had lower Creatine Kinase levels, less creatinine elevation, and a significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration into BAL fluid. Glutamine pre-treated rats showed less muscle and lung oedema. This effect was more pronounced for the group which received glutamine 24 hours before trauma.

CONCLUSION

Preconditioning with a single bolus of intravenous glutamine prior to planned orthopaedic intervention affords loco-regional and distal organ protection. We believe these finding have significant implications for elective orthopaedic surgery where significant soft tissue and long bone manipulation is anticipated.

Esophageal capsule endoscopy for evaluation of patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: findings and its image quality

Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) may offer an alternative approach to visualize esophageal lesions associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease. The objective of this study was to report the ECE findings in patients with GER symptoms and validate a new scoring system to assess ECE video quality. Five hundred two ECE were performed in patients with GER symptoms. We devised a new grading scale called ECE Utility score to assess the quality of images using five different parameters: anatomic landmarks visualized, esophageal transit time, image quality, illumination, and artifacts. The ECE cases were independently scored by two interpreters in a randomized, blinded fashion. Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed via ECE in 254 patients (50.5%). We identified 12 cases (2.4%) with suspected Barrett's esophagus and all of them had endoscopic evidence of Barrett's esophagus on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Histologic confirmation Barrett's esophagus was found in six patients and dysplasia was found in one patient. From the 502 cases, mean ± standard deviation total ECE Utility score was 8.89 ± 0.96 for interpreter 1 and 8.96 ± 0.93 for interpreter 2. The concordance rate between the two interpreters for the ECE Utility score ranged from 75.9-96.8% across the parameters and the Pearson correlation rate of the total score was 0.81. ECE is shown to be a simple noninvasive valuable technique for evaluating esophageal mucosa and producing high quality images in patients with GER symptoms. ECE can help as an alternative screening tool for diagnosing Barrett's esophagus.

Two unhealthy dietary habits featuring a high fat content and a sucrose-containing beverage intake, alone or in combination, on inducing metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats and C57BL/6J mice

To establish animal models with diet-induced metabolic disorders similar to human metabolic syndrome, 2 unhealthy dietary habits featuring a high fat content and a sucrose-containing beverage intake, alone or in combination, were tested on Wistar rats and C57BL/6J mice. The 2 dietary habits were, respectively, simulated by feeding a high-fat diet (regimen A) or additionally providing 30% sucrose (wt/vol) in the drinking water (regimen B). Using a 2 x 2 factorial design, 4 groups of animals were fed chow diet plus plain water (group C), high-fat diet (30% [wt/wt] fat) plus plain water (group A), chow diet plus sucrose in drinking water (group B), and high-fat diet plus sucrose in drinking water (group AB) for 26 weeks. In Wistar rats, regimen B caused a significant increase in visceral fat; serum levels of lipids, glucose, insulin, and uric acid; insulin resistance; and blood pressure, whereas regimen A only caused a significant increase in visceral fat and serum insulin levels (P < .05). In contrast, regimen A induced a full array of metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice; but regimen B only caused slight obesity and hyperlipidemia. In both Wistar rats and C57BL/6J mice, there were no additive effects of the 2 regimens, indicated by significant interactions between regimens A and B on the metabolic indexes measured. These results show that, in terms of inducing metabolic syndrome, Wistar rats are more responsive to sucrose water regimen, whereas C57BL/6J mice are more responsive to the high-fat diet regimen.

Summer fluxes of atmospheric greenhouse gases N2O, CH4 and CO2 from mangrove soil in South China

The atmospheric fluxes of N(2)O, CH(4) and CO(2) from the soil in four mangrove swamps in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, South China were investigated in the summer of 2008. The fluxes ranged from 0.14 to 23.83 micromol m(-2)h(-1), 11.9 to 5168.6 micromol m(-2)h(-1) and 0.69 to 20.56 mmol m(-2)h(-1) for N(2)O, CH(4) and CO(2), respectively. Futian mangrove swamp in Shenzhen had the highest greenhouse gas fluxes, followed by Mai Po mangrove in Hong Kong. Sha Kong Tsuen and Yung Shue O mangroves in Hong Kong had similar, low fluxes. The differences in both N(2)O and CH(4) fluxes among different tidal positions, the landward, seaward and bare mudflat, in each swamp were insignificant. The N(2)O and CO(2) fluxes were positively correlated with the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphate, total iron and NH(4)(+)-N contents, as well as the soil porosity. However, only soil NH(4)(+)-N concentration had significant effects on CH(4) fluxes.

The functional assessment of Alpinia pricei on metabolic syndrome induced by sucrose-containing drinking water in mice

This study was designed to test whether Alpinia pricei (AP), a member of the ginger family indigenous to Taiwan, reduced metabolic syndrome induced by sucrose-containing drinking water in C57BL/6J mice. Mice given a chow diet were divided into a control group (C) or a test group given 30% sucrose water (SW) to drink ad libitum. After 22 weeks, mice in the SW group were subdivided into SW and SW + AP groups, the latter receiving a chow diet with an ethanol extract of AP (1500 mg/kg dosage). Four weeks later, bio-indexes associated with metabolic syndrome were measured. Compared with the C group, the SW group had significantly higher body weight, visceral fat weights, serum and tissue lipid, serum insulin level and the area under the curve for blood glucose of the insulin tolerance test (p < 0.05). These indicators in the SW + AP group were lower than in the SW group except for serum lipid, although slightly higher than the C group. The SW + AP group also showed significantly lower serum levels of leptin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and a significantly higher level of adiponectin than the SW group. These results indicated that visceral adiposity and insulin resistance induced by sucrose water drinking might be alleviated by AP supplementation.

Transdermal testosterone gel increases serum testosterone levels in hypogonadal men in Taiwan with improvements in sexual function

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to (1) evaluate efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone gel (AndroGel) for hypogonadal men in Taiwan, and (2) observe improvements in sexual function through international index of erectile function (IIEF) scores. Eligible hypogonadal men were randomized to receive 50 mg/day transdermal testosterone gel (TTG) or placebo for 3 months. Primary end point was change from baseline in total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT). Secondary end points were change from baseline in serum hormone levels (such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)) and changes in IIEF scores. Safety evaluations included adverse events (AEs) and skin irritation assessment. Compared with baseline, the TTG group (n=20) had statistically significant increases in mean TT levels at month 1 (P=0.024) and month 2 (P=0.025), but no significant changes at month 3. TT levels in the placebo group (n=18) showed no statistically significant change at any visit. Changes in FT levels paralleled changes in TT levels in both groups. TTG group IIEF scores were significantly increased at month 3 (P=0.01), compared with a decline in placebo scores. No drug-related AEs occurred in the TTG group; the placebo group had 2 AEs (mild skin rash). In conclusion, TTG effectively restores serum TT and FT levels to a normal physiological range for hypogonadal men in Taiwan and improves sexual function.

Novel external sensor array for capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy (CE) requires placement of an eight-lead sensor array over the abdomen that receives image and localization data transmitted from the capsule. The current process of applying this array to the skin has several disadvantages: firstly, it is time-consuming; secondly, it can be cumbersome for the patient; and thirdly, it is often difficult to place the leads consistently. A new external sensor array system designed to improve this process was tested. It was hypothesized that the new method would be able to receive the transmitted data adequately during CE. The new method and device were tested on an in-patient who had two sets of sensor arrays, batteries, and data recorders placed on her simultaneously. One set was placed in the standard fashion, which served as the control, while the other set was placed using the novel external method. The data provided by the two recorders were compared and the patient's preferences were noted. The quality of the CE images provided by the two methods was identical, but the CE localization tracings were different, presumably due to movement of the gown and leads during the recording period. No signal interference was noted. The patient preferred the external device. A prepositioned external sensor array is capable of transmitting CE data without any loss in image quality, but the localization tracing differs due to movement of the external array. This new method will require testing with a larger sample size in an outpatient setting to allow full assessment of the clinical value of the new approach.

Leaching potential of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn) from acidic sandy soil amended with dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers

There is an increasing concern on heavy metal leaching from the soils amended with sewage sludge. A column study was conducted to examine the extent of leaching of five important heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn) from an acidic sandy soil amended with different dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers (an application rate of 1% fertilizers) developed from DPR and N-Viro (consisting of biosolids and fly ash) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100% DPR. Ten leaching events were carried out with each event done at an interval of 7 days and with total leaching volume of 1183mm, which is equivalent to the mean annual rainfall of this region during the period of 2001-2003. Leachate was collected after each leaching event and analyzed for heavy metals. The maximum leachate concentrations of Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn were all below drinking water quality guidance limits set by Florida Department of Environmental Protection and World Health Organization, suggesting that the application of DPR fertilizers may not pose a threat to water quality by leaching. Most of leachate concentrations of Cd, Ni and Pb were below their detection limits and there were no significant differences between the control and the treatments with different DPR fertilizers. By contrast, there were higher leachate concentrations of Cu and Zn (ranging from 0.7 to 37.1mug Cu/l and 5.1 to 205.6mug Zn/l for all treatments) due to their higher contents in both the soil and different DPR fertilizers compared with Cd, Ni and Pb. The leachate concentrations of Cu and Zn for each treatment decreased with increasing leaching events. The differences in leachate concentrations of Cu and Zn between the control and the treatments with different DPR fertilizers containing N-Viro were significant, especially in the first several leaching events and, moreover, they increased with increasing proportion of N-Viro in the DPR fertilizers. There were similar trends in total losses of Cu and Zn after ten leaching events. Greater differences in both leachate concentrations and total losses of Zn between the control and the treatments containing N-Viro were noted. Total losses of Zn for the treatments containing N-Viro were 3.0-5.1 times higher than those for the control compared with 1.4-2.2 times higher for total losses of Cu, suggesting that greater proportions of Zn losses came from the DPR fertilizers due to the greater mobility of Zn in the DPR fertilizers compared with Cu.

Use of dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers to reduce phosphorus leaching from sandy soil

There is increasing concern over P leaching from sandy soils applied with water-soluble P fertilizers. Laboratory column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate P leaching from a typical acidic sandy soil in Florida amended with DPR fertilizers developed from dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) and N-Viro soil. Ten leaching events were carried out at an interval of 7 days, with a total leaching volume of 1,183 mm equivalent to the mean annual rainfall of this region during the period of 2001-2003. Leachates were collected and analyzed for total P and inorganic P. Phosphorus in the leachate was dominantly reactive, accounting for 67.7-99.9% of total P leached. Phosphorus leaching loss mainly occurred in the first three leaching events, accounting for 62.0-98.8% of the total P leached over the whole period. The percentage of P leached (in the total P added) from the soil amended with water-soluble P fertilizer was higher than those receiving the DPR fertilizers. The former was up to 96.6%, whereas the latter ranged from 0.3% to 3.8%. These results indicate that the use of N-Viro-based DPR fertilizers can reduce P leaching from sandy soils.

Assessment of genetic, antigenic and pathotypic criteria for the characterization of IBDV strains

The aim of this work was the selection and comparison of representative infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strains. Nine strains of IBDV, isolated at different times and from different geographic regions of Europe and China, were characterized. Batches of all strains were prepared following standardized protocols and checked for the absence of contaminating viruses. Criteria used for their characterization were: (i) the nucleotide sequence of the VP2 variable region, (ii) binding to a panel of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and (iii) virulence in specific pathogen free chickens after infection with a standardized number of median embryo infective doses. Based on the first two criteria, two of nine strains were classified as classical virulent (cv) IBDV (F52/70, Cu-1wt), and five as very virulent (vv) IBDV (849VB, 96108, HK46, GX, Harbin). Remarkably, although a clear-cut difference was demonstrable between European cvIBDV (F52/70 and Cu-1wt) and vvIBDV (849VB and 96108) strains, there was a continuum in the pathogenicity of Chinese vvIBDVs. Our results indicate the probable existence of differences in virulence within IBDV lineages determined on the basis of antigenic typing using monoclonal antibodies and the alignment of the VP2 sequences. This indicates limitations in the analysis of IBDV pathotypes based on the VP2 variable region and emphasizes that these criteria may not be sufficient for the classification of IBDV strains.

Adsorption-desorption characteristics of lead in variable charge soils

Adsorption desorption processes of Pb at contaminated levels in two variable charge soils were investigated. The red soil (RAR) developed on the Arenaceous rock (clayey, mixed siliceous thermic typic Dystrochrept) adsorbed more Pb2+ than the red soil (REQ) derived from the Quaternary red earths (clayey, kaolinitic thermic plinthite Aquult). The maximum adsorption values (Xm) that were obtained from the simple Langmuir model were 52.6 mmol Pb2+ kg(-1) soil and 29.9 mmol Pb2+ kg(-1) soil, respectively, for the RAR and REQ. Adsorption of Pb2+ decreased soil pH by 1.10 unit for the RAR soil and 1.21 unit for the REQ soil at the highest loading. The adsorption equilibrium pH of RAR was higher than that of REQ at the same Pb2+ concentration. The distribution coefficient (Kd) of Pb in the soils decreased exponentially with increasing Pb2+ loading. Most of the adsorbed Pb2+ in the soils was not desorbed in the 0.01 mol L(-1) NaNO3 solution. After five successive extractions with NaNO3, only 0-11% of the total adsorbed Pb2+ in the RAR soil was desorbed and the corresponding value of the REQ soil was 0-19%, indicating that the RAR soil had a greater affinity for Pb2+ than the REQ soil at the same Pb2+ loading. Different mechanisms might be involved in Pb2+ adsorption/desorption at different levels of Pb2+ loading and between the two soils.

Adsorption-desorption behavior of copper at contaminated levels in red soils from China

Adsorption-desorption of copper (Cu2+) at contaminated levels in two red soils was investigated. The red soil derived from the Quaternary red earths (clayey, kaolinitic thermic plinthite Aquult) (REQ) adsorbed more Cu2+ than the red soil developed on the Arenaceous rock (clayey, mixed siliceous thermic typic Dystrochrept) (RAR). The maximum adsorption values (M(A)) that are obtained from the simple Langmuir model were 25.90 and 20.17 mmol Cu2+ kg(-1) soil, respectively, for REQ and RAR. Adsorption of Cu2+ decreased soil pH, by 0.8 unit for the REQ soil and 0.6 unit for the RAR soil at the highest loadings. The number of protons released per Cu2+ adsorbed increased sigmoidally with increasing initial Cu2+ concentration for the RAR soil, but the relationship was almost linear for the REQ soil. The RAR soil released about 2.57 moles of proton per mole of Cu2+ adsorbed at the highest Cu2+ loading and the corresponding value for the REQ soil was 1.12. The distribution coefficient (Kd) decreased exponentially with increasing Cu2+ loading. Most of the adsorbed Cu2+ in the soils was readily desorbed in the NH4Ac. After five successive extractions with 1 mol L(-1) NH4Ac (p 5.0), 61 to 95% of the total adsorbed Cu2+ in the RAR soil was desorbed and the corresponding value for the REQ soil was 85 to 92%, indicating that the RAR soil had a greater affinity for Cu2+ than the REQ soil at low levels of adsorbed Cu2+.

A protein interaction map for cell polarity development

Many genes required for cell polarity development in budding yeast have been identified and arranged into a functional hierarchy. Core elements of the hierarchy are widely conserved, underlying cell polarity development in diverse eukaryotes. To enumerate more fully the protein-protein interactions that mediate cell polarity development, and to uncover novel mechanisms that coordinate the numerous events involved, we carried out a large-scale two-hybrid experiment. 68 Gal4 DNA binding domain fusions of yeast proteins associated with the actin cytoskeleton, septins, the secretory apparatus, and Rho-type GTPases were used to screen an array of yeast transformants that express approximately 90% of the predicted Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frames as Gal4 activation domain fusions. 191 protein-protein interactions were detected, of which 128 had not been described previously. 44 interactions implicated 20 previously uncharacterized proteins in cell polarity development. Further insights into possible roles of 13 of these proteins were revealed by their multiple two-hybrid interactions and by subcellular localization. Included in the interaction network were associations of Cdc42 and Rho1 pathways with proteins involved in exocytosis, septin organization, actin assembly, microtubule organization, autophagy, cytokinesis, and cell wall synthesis. Other interactions suggested direct connections between Rho1- and Cdc42-regulated pathways; the secretory apparatus and regulators of polarity establishment; actin assembly and the morphogenesis checkpoint; and the exocytic and endocytic machinery. In total, a network of interactions that provide an integrated response of signaling proteins, the cytoskeleton, and organelles to the spatial cues that direct polarity development was revealed.

Rb-associated protein 46 (RbAp46) inhibits transcriptional transactivation mediated by BRCA1

The retinoblastoma suppressor (Rb)-associated protein 46 (RbAp46) is a member of the WD-repeat protein family and a component of the histone modifying and remodeling complexes. Previously, we demonstrated that RbAp46 is a potent growth inhibitor that can suppress the transformed phenotype of tumor cells. To explore the molecular mechanisms of RbAp46 function, we used RbAp46 as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screening and found that RbAp46 interacts specifically with the C-terminal region of BRCA1 (the BRCT domain), a domain involved in the t transactivation activity of BRCA1. Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that the interaction of RbAp46 with BRCA1 requires the first two of the four Trp-Asp (WD)-repeats of RbAp46. We also showed that expression of RbAp46 represses the transactivation activity mediated by the BRCT/Gal4 fusion protein and inhibits the transactivation of the p21 promoter mediated by the full-length BRCA1. Interestingly, the association of BRCA1 and RbAp46 is disrupted in cells treated with DNA-damaging agents. These results suggest that RbAp46 may specifically interact with BRCA1 and modulate its transactivation activity in response to DNA damage.

Risk factors for presentation with bleeding in patients with Helicobacter pylori-related peptic ulcer diseases

At present, there is no study that simultaneously addresses the apparent differences between bacterial and host factors in patients with bleeding and nonbleeding Helicobacter pylori-related ulcer diseases. Therefore, we designed this prospective study to evaluate whether there are identifiable differences between the two groups of patients whose H. pylori-related peptic ulcer diseases present with bleeding or dyspepsia. From July 1996 to November 1996, consecutive patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding or dyspepsia were enrolled if H. pylori-related ulcer diseases were confirmed. Fifteen clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and serologic factors were tested for association with ulcer bleeding by a logistic regression analysis. In the study period, bleeding occurred in 39 out of 119 patients with H. pylori-related peptic ulcer diseases. Multivariate analysis showed that ingestion of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; p = 0.0156; odds ratio = 5:4), ulcer size > or = 1 cm (p = 0.0033; odds ratio = 4:2), and low bacterial density (p = 0.0030; odds ratio = 4:1) were independent factors associated with the risk of bleeding. There were no associations between ulcer bleeding and age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, the histologic grade of gastritis, location and number of ulcers, and the cytotoxin-associated gene (CagA) status of H. pylori strain. Therefore, we concluded that H. pylori-related ulcer patients who use NSAIDs or have large ulcers are more likely to present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding; that the CagA-bearing strains are not associated with the development of bleeding complication in patients with peptic ulcer diseases; and that the exact reason concerning the association between low bacterial density and ulcer bleeding merits further investigation.

Identification of novel, evolutionarily conserved Cdc42p-interacting proteins and of redundant pathways linking Cdc24p and Cdc42p to actin polarization in yeast

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cdc24p functions at least in part as a guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor for the Rho-family GTPase Cdc42p. A genetic screen designed to identify possible additional targets of Cdc24p instead identified two previously known genes, MSB1 and CLA4, and one novel gene, designated MSB3, all of which appear to function in the Cdc24p-Cdc42p pathway. Nonetheless, genetic evidence suggests that Cdc24p may have a function that is distinct from its Cdc42p guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor activity; in particular, overexpression of CDC42 in combination with MSB1 or a truncated CLA4 in cells depleted for Cdc24p allowed polarization of the actin cytoskeleton and polarized cell growth, but not successful cell proliferation. MSB3 has a close homologue (designated MSB4) and two more distant homologues (MDR1 and YPL249C) in S. cerevisiae and also has homologues in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Drosophila (pollux), and humans (the oncogene tre17). Deletion of either MSB3 or MSB4 alone did not produce any obvious phenotype, and the msb3 msb4 double mutant was viable. However, the double mutant grew slowly and had a partial disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, but not of the septins, in a fraction of cells that were larger and rounder than normal. Like Cdc42p, both Msb3p and Msb4p localized to the presumptive bud site, the bud tip, and the mother-bud neck, and this localization was Cdc42p dependent. Taken together, the data suggest that Msb3p and Msb4p may function redundantly downstream of Cdc42p, specifically in a pathway leading to actin organization. From previous work, the BNI1, GIC1, and GIC2 gene products also appear to be involved in linking Cdc42p to the actin cytoskeleton. Synthetic lethality and multicopy suppression analyses among these genes, MSB, and MSB4, suggest that the linkage is accomplished by two parallel pathways, one involving Msb3p, Msb4p, and Bni1p, and the other involving Gic1p and Gic2p. The former pathway appears to be more important in diploids and at low temperatures, whereas the latter pathway appears to be more important in haploids and at high temperatures.

Geographic variation in viral load among hepatitis B carriers with differing risks of hepatocellular carcinoma

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies significantly among hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers from different geographic regions. We compared serological markers of HBV infection in adult male carriers from Haimen City, China and Senegal, West Africa, where the prevalence of chronic infection is similar. HCC mortality among HBV carriers is much higher in Haimen City than it is in Senegal (age-standardized rate, 878 versus 68 per l0(5) person-years). A dramatic difference was observed when HBV DNA levels in serum were assessed among carriers by Southern blot. In the Senegalese group (n = 289), 14.5% were HBV DNA positive by Southern blot in their 20s, and this percentage declined in each subsequent decade of age to 3.3, 2.9, and 0% thereafter. In the Chinese group (n = 285), a higher prevalence of HBV DNA positivity and a less consistent reduction were seen; 29.4% were positive in their 20s, and 30.2, 23.6, and 20.6%, respectively, were positive in each subsequent decade of age. Among 102 male Asian-American HBV carriers, the prevalence of HBV DNA positivity was intermediate between the Chinese and Senegalese populations (36.8, 10.7, 3.0, and 4.6% in each subsequent decade of age). Viral titers were similar among those who were HBV DNA positive in all three populations [median value, 10(7) virions/ml (range, 10(6)-10(9) virions/ml)]. The presence of HBV DNA in serum was positively associated with serum glutathione S-transferase, a marker of liver damage. These findings suggest that the more prolonged maintenance of productive virus infection in the Chinese carriers compared with the Senegalese carriers may explain their higher risk of HCC. This profound difference in the natural history of chronic infection may be due to earlier age of infection in China or to as yet unknown environmental or genetic factors.

Antimicrobial effects of metal ions (Ag+, Cu2+, Zn2+) in hydroxyapatite

The antimicrobial ceramics (AC) based on hydroxyapatite (HA) were made in a wet chemical process with additions of AgNO3, Cu(NO3)2. 3H2O and Zn(NO3)2. 6H2O. The ACs were composed of metal-ion substituted hydroxyapatite and nitrate-apatite, which was identified by X-ray diffraction. The viable count and turbidity measurement was adopted to observe the antimicrobial effects of the various ACs. The aerobic Escherichia coli was used in the study. An obvious antimicrobial effect against E. coli was observed in Ag+ AC. In contrast to Ag+ AC, it was difficult to ascertain any bactericidal effect in the case of Cu2+ and Zn2+ AC. The bactericidal effect of Ag+ was observed using a dialysis tube experiment. This suggests that Ag+ dissolved out and reacted with E. coli, thus inhibiting its growth.

Using the yeast two-hybrid system to identify human epithelial cell proteins that bind gonococcal Opa proteins: intracellular gonococci bind pyruvate kinase via their Opa proteins and require host pyruvate for growth

Neisseria gonorrhoeae opacity-associated (Opa) proteins are a family of outer membrane proteins involved in gonococcal adherence to and invasion of human cells. We wanted to identify additional roles for Opa in the infectious process and used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify human epithelial cell proteins that interact with Opa proteins. Although this system has been used successfully to identify many types of interacting proteins, it has not been used to screen a human cell cDNA library for binding partners of a prokaryotic outer membrane protein. Therefore, we were also interested in exploring the versatility of the yeast two-hybrid system in identifying bacteria-host interactions. Using OpaP from strain F62SF as bait, we screened a HeLa cell cDNA library for Opa-interacting proteins (OIPs). We identified five different OIPs, designated OIP1-OIP5, two of which are homologous to human proteins--thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein (TRIP6) and pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 (PK). In the studies presented here, we investigated the interaction between Opa proteins and PK in more depth. Opa-PK interactions were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo assays independent of the yeast two-hybrid system. Escherichia coli expressing six different Opa proteins from gonococcal strain FA1090 all bound more PK than Opa-negative E. coli in in vitro binding assays. Using anti-PK antibody and fluorescence microscopy, we showed that human epithelial cell PK co-localizes with intracellular Opa+ gonococci and E. coli expressing Opa proteins. Using a mutant of N. gonorrhoeae unable to grow on pyruvate or lactate, it appears that intracellular pyruvate is essential for gonococcal growth and survival. These results suggest a novel mechanism in bacterial pathogenesis, i.e. the requirement for direct molecular interaction with a host metabolic enzyme (PK) for the acquisition of an essential intracellular carbon source and growth substrate (pyruvate). These results demonstrate that the yeast two-hybrid system is a valuable tool for identifying biologically relevant interactions between bacteria and host proteins, providing valuable leads for further investigations into novel mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.

The Cdc42 GTPase-associated proteins Gic1 and Gic2 are required for polarized cell growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BEM2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a Rho-type GTPase-activating protein that is required for proper bud site selection at 26 degrees C and for bud emergence at elevated temperatures. We show here that the temperature-sensitive growth phenotype of bem2 mutant cells can be suppressed by increased dosage of the GIC1 gene. The Gic1 protein, together with its structural homolog Gic2, are required for cell size and shape control, bud site selection, bud emergence, actin cytoskeletal organization, mitotic spindle orientation/positioning, and mating projection formation in response to mating pheromone. Each protein contains a CRIB (Cdc42/Rac-interactive binding) motif and each interacts in the two-hybrid assay with the GTP-bound form of the Rho-type Cdc42 GTPase, a key regulator of polarized growth in yeast. The CRIB motif of Gic1 and the effector domain of Cdc42 are required for this association. Genetic experiments indicate that Gic1 and Gic2 play positive roles in the Cdc42 signal transduction pathway, probably as effectors of Cdc42. Subcellular localization studies with a functional green fluorescent protein-Gic1 fusion protein indicate that this protein is concentrated at the incipient bud site of unbudded cells, at the bud tip and mother-bud neck of budded cells, and at cortical sites on large-budded cells that may delimit future bud sites in the two progeny cells. The ability of Gic1 to associate with Cdc42 is important for its function but is apparently not essential for its subcellular localization.

Cryo-electron microscopy of low density lipoprotein and reconstituted discoidal high density lipoprotein: imaging of the apolipoprotein moiety

Cryo-electron microscopy was used to analyze the structure of low density lipoprotein from normolipidemic subjects (N-LDL), phospholipid-depleted N-LDL (PD-LDL), small dense LDL from hypertriglyceridemic subjects (SD-LDL), and reconstituted discoidal high density lipoproteins (rHDL). In different projections of N-LDL, a high density component of the particle was visible as two parallel bands or as a single ring. Projections of PD-LDL were very similar to those of N-LDL, indicating that the contribution of phospholipid headgroups to the observed high density structure is minor. In preparations of SD-LDL, projections with two high density bands or a single high density ring were rare. Instead, triangular and diamond-shaped projections were recognized. In different projections of discoidal rHDL, a high density component was visible as a single band or as a single ring. The present results indicate that cryo-electron microscopy reveals the distribution of apolipoproteins within lipoprotein particles. Thus, apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) in N-LDL appears to be organized as a double ring around the particle, while apoB in SD-LDL is indicated to have a different conformation. Cryo-electron micrographs of rHDL are consistent with the presence of apolipoprotein A-I on the periphery of the lipoprotein disc.

Intracellular location of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC6 gene product

The CDC6 gene product from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for transition from late G1 to S phase of the cell cycle. We have investigated the subcellular localization of the CDC6 protein in yeast to explore where Cdc6p exerts its gene function (s). Using affinity-purified sera we localized Cdc6p to the cytoplasm and the nuclear matrix by both subcellular fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. The nuclear localization was confirmed to be in the nuclear scaffold by the low-salt extraction method. The Cdc6p cannot be detected in the mitochondrial or plasma membrane fractions. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we found that a subpopulation of Cdc6p migrated into the nucleus after G1/S transition and diminished after M phase, suggesting its temporal role in nuclear DNA replication. The predicted Cdc6p polypeptide contains a conserved nuclear localization, 27PLKRKKL33, similar to that of the SV40 large T antigen and other nuclear proteins. To test whether this peptide segment plays a role in mediating nuclear transport, we have carried out site-directed mutagenesis to alter the conserved 29Lys to Thr and Arg. The wild-type nuclear localization signal of Cdc6p was found to mediate the LacZ reporter gene fused to CDC6 efficiently to the nucleus, but not the mutated versions of the nuclear localization motif. The results suggested that 29Lys is important in mediating nuclear localization, the 29Thr and 29Arg mutant versions of the CDC6 gene were also unable to complement the cdc6 temperature-sensitive mutant. However, when these mutants were expressed from a multicopy plasmid, the mutated genes could complement the mutation. Similar results were obtained in the cdc6-disrupted cells. Taken together, we suggest that (i) Cdc6p is predominantly located in the cytoplasm, (ii) the nuclear entry of Cdc6p is cell cycle dependent, and (iii) nuclear entry of Cdc6p is mediated by its nuclear localization signal. The presence of Cdc6p in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm suggests a model that Cdc6p exerts its gene function in DNA replication and mitotic restraint in the cell cycle.

Expression of sialyltransferase is not required for interaction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with human epithelial cells and human neutrophils

Sialyltransferase (Stase) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae organisms (gonococci [GC]) transfers sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid [NANA]) from cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NANA) mainly to the terminal galactose (Gal) residue in the Gal beta-1,4 N-acetylglucosamine (Gal-GlcNAc)-R lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure. Sialylated GC resist killing by normal human serum, sometimes show reduced invasion of epithelial cells, and have reduced adhesion to and stimulation of human neutrophils. We questioned whether Stase itself modulates the interactions of GC with human epithelial cells and neutrophils in the absence of exogenous CMP-NANA. To that end, we treated strain F62 with ethyl methanesulfonate and grew approximately 175,000 colonies on CMP-NANA plates, and screened them with monoclonal antibody 1B2-1B7 (MAb 1B2). MAb 1B2 is specific for Gal-GlcNAc and reacts only with asialylated GC. We isolated 13 MAb 1B2-reactive mutants, including five null mutants, that had Stase activities ranging from barely detectable to fivefold less than that of wild-type (WT) F62. The LOS phenotype of Stase null mutants was identical to that of WT F62, yet the mutants could not sialylate their LOS when grown with CMP-NANA. The Stase null phenotype was rescuable to Stase+ by transformation with chromosomal DNA from WT F62. Stase null mutants remained serum sensitive even when grown with CMP-NANA. One Stase null mutant, ST94A, adhered to and invaded the human cervical epithelial cell line ME-180 at levels indistinguishable from that of WT F62 in the absence of CMP-NANA. In human neutrophil studies, ST94A stimulated the oxidative burst in and adhered to human neutrophils at levels similar to those of WT F62. ST94A and WT F62 were also phagocytically killed by neutrophils at similar levels. These results indicate that expression of Stase activity is not required for interaction of GC with human cells.

Detection of microcystins, a blue-green algal hepatotoxin, in drinking water sampled in Haimen and Fusui, endemic areas of primary liver cancer in China, by highly sensitive immunoassay

An epidemiological survey for the causes of a high incidence of primary liver cancer (PLC) in Haimen city, Jian-Su province and Fusui county, Guangxi province in China, found a close correlation between the incidence of PLC and the drinking of pond and ditch water. With an aim to clarify whether microcystins (MC), a hepatotoxic peptide produced by water bloom algae, contaminate the drinking water in the endemic areas of PLC in China, a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a detection limit of 50 pg/ml, was introduced to monitor the MC. Three trials to survey the drinking water were carried out in 1993-1994. Samples, 1135 in total, were collected from different sources such as: ponds, ditches, rivers, shallow wells and deep wells in Haimen city. The first survey in September 1993 found that three out of 14 ditch water specimens were positive for MC, with a range of 90-460 pg/ml. Several toxic algae such as Oscillatoria agardhii were present in some of the ditches. In the second trial, samples were collected from five ponds/ditches, two rivers, two shallow wells and two deep wells monthly for the whole year of 1994. These data showed that MC was highest in June to September, with a range of 62-296 pg/ml. A third trial on the 989 different water samples collected from the different types of water sources in July 1994 revealed that 17% of the pond/ditch water, 32% of the river water, and 4% of the shallow-well water were positive for MC, with averages of 101, 160 and 68 pg/ml respectively. No MC was detected in deep well water. A similar survey on 26 drinking water samples in Fusui, Guangxi province, demonstrated a high contamination frequency of MC in the water of ponds/ditches and rivers but no MC in shallow and deep wells. These data support a hypothesis that the blue-green algal toxin MC in the drinking water of ponds/ditches and rivers, or both, is one of the risk factors for the high incidence of PLC in China. Based on previous findings on the epidemiology of PLC and the present results from the mass screening of MC in the drinking water, an advisory level of MC in drinking water was proposed to below 0.01 microg/l. The combined effect of a potent hepatocarcinogen AFB1 and an intermittent intake of MC in drinking water in the summer season was discussed as an etiology of PLC.

Rho1p, a yeast protein at the interface between cell polarization and morphogenesis

The enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of the major structural component of the yeast cell wall, beta(1-->3)-D-glucan synthase (also known as 1,3-beta-glucan synthase), requires a guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding protein for activity. The GTP binding protein was identified as Rho1p. The rho1 mutants were defective in GTP stimulation of glucan synthase, and the defect was corrected by addition of purified or recombinant Rho1p. A protein missing in purified preparations from a rho1 strain was identified as Rho1p. Rho1p also regulates protein kinase C, which controls a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. Experiments with a dominant positive PKC1 gene showed that the two effects of Rho1p are independent of each other. The colocalization of Rho1p with actin patches at the site of bud emergence and the role of Rho1p in cell wall synthesis emphasize the importance of Rho1p in polarized growth and morphogenesis.

The LIM domain-containing Dbm1 GTPase-activating protein is required for normal cellular morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Normal cell growth in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves the selection of genetically determined bud sites where most growth is localized. Previous studies have shown that BEM2, which encodes a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that is specific for the Rho-type GTPase Rho1p in vitro, is required for proper bud site selection and bud emergence. We show here that DBM1, which encodes another putative Rho-type GAP with two tandemly arranged cysteine-rich LIM domains, also is needed for proper bud site selection, as haploid cells lacking Dbm1p bud predominantly in a bipolar, rather than the normal axial, manner. Furthermore, yeast cells lacking both Bem2p and Dbm1p are inviable. The nonaxial budding defect of dbm1 mutants can be rescued partially by overproduction of Bem3p and is exacerbated by its absence. Since Bem3p has previously been shown to function as a GAP for Cdc42p, and also less efficiently for Rho1p, our results suggest that Dbm1p, like Bem2p and Bem3p, may function in vivo as a GAP for Cdc42p and/or Rho1p. Both LIM domains of Dbm1p are essential for its normal function. Point mutations that alter single conserved cysteine residues within either LIM domain result in mutant forms of Dbm1p that can no longer function in bud site selection but instead are capable of rescuing the inviability of bem2 mutants at 35 degrees C.

Detection and identification of microcystins in the drinking water of Haimen City, China

Cyanobacterial toxins, microcystins, have a potent tumor-promoting activity. We investigated the level of microcystins in drinking water collected from 1992 to 1994 in Haimen City, China, where people who drink pond ditch water usually incurred a high incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with those who drink well water. High-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and protein phosphatase inhibition assay (pp assay) were used to identify and quantify the microcystins. Microcystin LR and [D-Asp3]microcystin LR were detected in 2 of 50 samples at a concentration less than 100 ng/L by LC/MS in 1992. Although no microcystins were found by the chemical method in 1993, 6 of 7 samples except for 3 tap water samples showed an approximate amount of 100 ng/L by using the pp assay in 1994. The obtained results supported the epidemiological results reported by Yu.

Effects of bacterial endotoxin on human cross-linked and native hemoglobins

Previous investigations have demonstrated that hemoglobin (Hb) is a binding protein for bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and that the structure and biological activity of LPS are altered in the presence of Hb. In the present study, the influence of LPS on the structure of native human HbA0 and covalently cross-linked Hb (alpha alpha Hb) was studied by analyzing the absorption and circular dichroic spectra of Hb in the wavelength region of 200-650 nm. Incubation of oxyHb with each of several LPSs resulted in a decrease in the intensity of the major Soret band at 414 nm with a shift in the maximum peak to 410 nm, decreases in the intensities of the major visible region peaks at 541 and 577 nm, and the appearance of increased absorbance in the visible region in the range of 630 nm. The resultant spectra are characteristic of methemoglobin formation. These spectral changes were time-dependent and LPS-concentration-dependent. Production of methemoglobin was prominent with chemically modified, partially deacetylated rough LPS, and was observed to a lesser extent both with native, complete rough and with native smooth LPSs. The influence of LPS on the absorption spectrum of methemoglobin also was directly tested. The conversion of methemoglobin to hemichrome in the presence of LPS was demonstrated and was shown to be reversible. Analysis of circular dichroic spectra of Hb demonstrated LPS-induced spectral changes in the visible and Soret regions consistent with the production of a substantial quantity of metHb, but did not demonstrate any alteration in the far-UV region (210-240 nm). Moreover, Hb oxygen affinity was only slightly altered after incubation with any of several LPSs. In conclusion, analyses of absorption and circular dichroic spectra reveal the potential of LPS to produce a facilitated oxidation of both alpha alpha-cross-linked human Hb and native human HbA0, without substantial changes in the secondary structure of the globin.

A critical assessment of brain metabolites: analysis of perchloric acid extracts using proton nuclear magnetic resonance

A critical assessment of perchloric acid (PCA) brain tissue extracts for precise identification and quantitation of brain metabolites using in vitro proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was studied. One pulse with a presaturation NMR experiment was used. The chemical shifts and coupling networks of the major brain metabolites as a function of pH were characterized by using individual model compounds and a model mixture solution. We found that the conditions of the PCA solution are essential for accurate interpretation of NMR spectra of brain metabolites. The maximum spectral resolution was obtained at pH 4.92. Caution is necessary when using high resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy to identify and quantify brain metabolites.

Control of cellular morphogenesis by the Ip12/Bem2 GTPase-activating protein: possible role of protein phosphorylation

The IPL2 gene is known to be required for normal polarized cell growth in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We now show that IPL2 is identical to the previously identified BEM2 gene. bem2 mutants are defective in bud site selection at 26 degrees C and localized cell surface growth and organization of the actin cytoskeleton at 37 degrees C. BEM2 encodes a protein with a COOH-terminal domain homologous to sequences found in several GTPase-activating proteins, including human Bcr. The GTPase-activating protein-domain from the Bem2 protein (Bem2p) or human Bcr can functionally substitute for Bem2p. The Rho1 and Rho2 GTPases are the likely in vivo targets of Bem2p because bem2 mutant phenotypes can be partially suppressed by increasing the gene dosage of RHO1 or RHO2. CDC55 encodes the putative regulatory B subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, and mutations in BEM2 have previously been identified as suppressors of the cdc55-1 mutation. We show here that mutations in the previously identified GRR1 gene can suppress bem2 mutations. grr1 and cdc55 mutants are both elongated in shape and cold-sensitive for growth, and cells lacking both GRR1 and CDC55 exhibit a synthetic lethal phenotype. bem2 mutant phenotypes also can be suppressed by the SSD1-vl (also known as SRK1) mutation, which was shown previously to suppress mutations in the protein phosphatase-encoding SIT4 gene. Cells lacking both BEM2 and SIT4 exhibit a synthetic lethal phenotype even in the presence of the SSD1-v1 suppressor. These genetic interactions together suggest that protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play an important role in the BEM2-mediated process of polarized cell growth.

Conformational differences in human apolipoprotein B-100 among subspecies of low density lipoproteins (LDL). Association of altered proteolytic accessibility with decreased receptor binding of LDL subspecies from hypertriglyceridemic subjects

We asked at what point in the metabolic cascade of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) to low density lipoproteins (LDL) the accessibility of proteolytic cleavage sites in B-100 changes, and we evaluated the effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the proteolytic accessibility, secondary structure, and receptor-binding affinity of B-100 in LDL subspecies of varying density. Limited proteolysis with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and cathepsin D identified the density (about 1.033 g/ml) between two LDL subspecies, designated LDL-1 and -2, as the transition point during VLDL metabolism of both normolipidemic (N-) and hypertriglyceridemic (HTG-) subjects at which accessibility to protease attack changed in three peptide regions of B-100. Hypertriglyceridemia greatly altered proteolytic accessibility of B-100 in the denser LDL subspecies. Specifically, B-100 in HTG-LDL exposed more cleavage sites than in N-LDL, including two novel sites, approximately 120 and approximately 130 kDa from the NH2 terminus in the small and dense subspecies (designated LDL-4, -4.5 or -5, d = 1.048-1.062 g/ml). Analysis of circular dichroic spectra indicated no difference in helical content between B-100 in N- and HTG-LDL but showed a greater content of beta-structure in HTG-LDL. Binding affinity for the LDL receptor of human fibroblasts decreased markedly with increasing density among HTG-LDL subspecies (by approximately 50% for LDL-4.5 or -5). We conclude that the changes in proteolytic accessibility observed between LDL-1 and -2 and in LDL-4, -4.5, or -5 indicate significant differences in local conformation of B-100 at specific peptide regions. The association of exposure of more cleavage sites, especially novel sites in the NH2-terminal regions, with greatly decreased receptor-binding affinity in LDL-4.5 or -5 suggests that altered local conformation in B-100 apart from the putative receptor-binding domain might affect interaction with the receptor.

Characterization of type I procollagen N-proteinase from fetal bovine tendon and skin. Purification of the 500-kilodalton form of the enzyme from bovine tendon

Procollagen N-proteinase (EC 3.4.24.14) is the enzyme that specifically cleaves the NH2-terminal propeptides from type I procollagen. Two forms of N-proteinase with apparent molecular sizes of 300 and 500 kDa were found in partially purified preparations from fetal bovine tendon extracts. The 500-kDa form of enzyme was purified 16,000-fold with a recovery of 8% from the extracts of the tendons by six purification steps. The purified enzyme was a neutral, Ca(2+)-dependent proteinase (5-10 mM) that was inhibited by metal chelators. The 500-kDa enzyme contained unreduced polypeptides of 58, 125, 170, and 190 kDa which were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. Electron microscopic study indicated that the enzyme molecules were generally globular and had diameters of 33 +/- 4 nm. Other properties of the 500-kDa enzyme were: 1) the Km for type I procollagen is 35 nM at pH 7.5 and 35 degrees C, and the kcat is 290 h-1; 2) the activation energy for reaction with type I procollagen is 10,050 cal mol-1; 3) the isoelectric point is 3.8; 4) the enzyme cleaves the NH2-terminal propeptides of type II procollagen as well as type I procollagen but not of type III procollagen; and 5) the enzyme specifically cleaves a -Pro-Gln- bond in the pro-alpha 1(I) chain and an -Ala-Gln- bond in the pro-alpha 2(I) chain. The bovine N-proteinase with a mass of 300 kDa was found to be similar to the 500-kDa enzyme and appeared to be a degraded form of the 500-kDa enzyme generated during purification. The N-proteinase from fetal bovine skin extracts also contained 300-kDa and 500-kDa enzyme forms.

[Effects of ipratropium bromide as a nebulized solution on respiratory function in mechanically ventilated patients]

Ipratropium bromide is an atropine-like bronchodilator with a mechanism of action via the anticholinergic pathway, and which may decrease cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Twenty ventilated patients (14-85 years old) with acute airflow obstruction and wheezing or coughing participated in a double-blind trial of nebulized bronchodilator treatment. Maintenance theophylline with or without a steroid preparation was continued and comparison was made between ipratropium bromide and a placebo. The study was randomized and conducted on two separate days commencing at the same time each morning. It was found that both the inspiratory resistance and the respiratory symptom scores decreased after ipratropium inhalation. The arterial O2 and CO2 tension did not change. Cardiovascular side effects appeared to be minimal. Since lung compliance was not affected by aerosol administration of ipratropium, it is possible that this drug acts only on the large airways. No significant alteration in the mean airway pressure was observed. We conclude that ventilated patients with bronchospasms can benefit from nebulized ipratropium alone. Their responses, assessed in terms of inspiratory resistance and symptom relief, may be explained by the bronchodilatation and better airflow resulting from the inhaled ipratropium.

Two apolipoprotein B gene defects in a kindred with hypobetalipoproteinemia, one of which results in a truncated variant, apoB-61, in VLDL and LDL

We report the presence of two distinct defects of the gene for apolipoprotein B, one resulting in a new truncated variant, apoB-61, in a kindred with familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHB). The proband (age 33) and a sister (age 36) are both compound heterozygotes with total cholesterol levels of 39 mg/dl and 50 mg/dl, and apoB levels of 1 mg/dl and 2 mg/dl in plasma, respectively. Both appear to be asymptomatic. The apoB-61 mutation, present in a total of five individuals and inherited from the proband's father, is a 37 bp deletion in exon 26 starting with nucleotide 8525. This results in an apoB of 2784 amino acids with 12 novel carboxy-terminal residues. The apoB-61 is present to a considerable degree, relative to apoB-100, in the proband's very low (VLDL) and low density (LDL) lipoprotein fractions. Both lipoprotein fractions have abnormal particle size distribution by electron microscopy. The LDL contain cuboidal particles. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels in the family display three phenotypic patterns: normal, low, and extremely low. ApoB haplotyping indicates the presence of another defective apoB allele in a total of seven individuals. This allele leads to low levels of apoB-100. The second apoB gene-linked defect occurring together with the apoB-61 mutation explains the 3-phenotype pattern. The severe hypocholesterolemia seen in the proband and a sister result from the genetic compound state involving both alleles. This study shows that severe hypolipidemia in an individual heterozygous for a truncation in apoB is likely to involve a second genomic defect.

Differences in local conformation in human apolipoprotein B-100 of plasma low density and very low density lipoproteins as identified by cathepsin D

The conformational changes of human apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 which accompany the conversion of plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) to low density lipoproteins (LDL) were investigated by studying the accessibility of apoB-100 in LDL and VLDL to limited proteolysis with cathepsin D, an aspartyl proteinase involved in intracellular protein degradation. We characterized the proteolytic products of apoB-100 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by NH2-terminal sequence analysis to locate cleavage sites. The results identified at least 10 cleavage products generated from apoB-100 and showed differential accessibility of cleavage sites for cathepsin D in apoB-100 between LDL and VLDL. We identified a specific peptide region (residues 2660-2710), which is preferentially accessible to limited proteolysis by cathepsin D but inaccessible to limited proteolysis by 12 other enzymes tested. Within this peptide region, cathepsin D cleaved apoB-100 of LDL and VLDL preferentially at different sites, separated by 33-36 amino acids (2665-2666 or 2668-2669 (LDL) and 2701-2702 (VLDL]. In addition, we identified a cleavage site, located at residues 3272-3273, specific for cathepsin D, which is contained within the COOH-terminal enzyme-accessible peptide region (residues 3180-3280), which we have demonstrated using 12 endoproteases with various specificities. The previously identified NH2-terminal region (residues 1280-1320) appears to be resistant to limited cleavage by cathepsin D. However, a new site was revealed only approximately 66 kDA from the NH2 terminus. We conclude that differential accessibility and the shift of the novel scission site for cathepsin D by 33-36 amino acids indicate significant differences in local conformation at these sites in apoB-100 as VLDL are converted to LDL.

[Binocular vision of concomitant esotropia after surgical correction]

Binocular vision of grade I or better was restored to 51.5% of 312 cases of concomitant esotropia after surgical correction. Cases of acquired, partially accommodative, and small-angle esotropia had better chances of restoration than did cases of congenital, non-accommodative, and large-angle esotropia (P less than 0.01), as were younger patients (less than 12 years) with satisfactory surgical correction than older patients with less satisfactory surgical correction. Factors that affected restoration of binocular single vision were discussed.