Nerve branches to the anterior tibial artery: clinical application

INTRODUCTION

Arteries receive vascular branches (VBs) from peripheral nerves. VBs are thought to be involved in arterial constriction. Although the anterior tibial artery (ATA) receives VBs, information on their branching patterns and distribution areas remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical structures of the VBs reaching the ATA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty cadaver limbs were examined to assess the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs reaching the ATA.

RESULTS

The VBs reaching the ATA ramified from the deep fibular nerve (DFN), and the ATA received two or three VBs in each limb. The following mean distances from the head of fibula to the points at which the VBs reached the ATA were measured: all the VBs, 1st VB, 2nd VB and 3rd VB. The measurements were 51.5 ± 23.2 mm, 33.3 ± 3.7 mm, 53.3 ± 18.6 mm, and 72.2 ± 24.5 mm, respectively. In all limbs, the DFN and the ATA converged after the DFN branched into the 1^st VB. The 2^nd VB in 38 of 40 limbs and the 3^rd VB in 20 of 32 limbs were distributed in the ATA proximal to the convergence point of the ATA and the DFN.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that all VBs reaching the ATA ramified from the DFN in all limbs. The ATA received two or three VBs, and all the 1^st VBs distributed to the ATA proximal to the convergence point. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Variations in the gonadal artery with a single common trunk: embryological hypotheses by observation

BACKGROUND

A gonadal artery originates as a branch of the abdominal aorta and renal artery inferior to the level of origin of the renal arteries. Variations in multiple right testicular arteries (RTAs) arising from the abdominal aorta are common. We aimed to re-evaluate the unusual courses of gonadal arteries with a single common trunk in relation to the inferior vena cava and left renal vein and explain the developmental anatomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The observational cross-sectional study was performed on 54 Japanese adult cadavers (29 men and 25 women). We examined the literature and developed embryological hypotheses on the single common trunk of the gonadal artery.

RESULTS

The gonadal artery, testicular artery, and ovarian artery arose from the abdominal aorta in 93.1%, 96.3%, and 89.6% of cases, respectively, and from the renal artery in 4.9%, 3.7%, and 6.3% of cases, respectively. We found two rare variations in the RTAs observed during the routine dissection of two male cadavers; in these two cases, a single common trunk of the RTAs originated from the abdominal aorta. A single common trunk was found in 3.7% of cadavers, 2.0% of sides, and 2.0% of arteries in the gonadal artery and in 6.9% of cadavers, 3.8% of sides, and 3.7% of arteries in the testicular artery. All cases of the single common trunk, including those in past reports, were observed only in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the variations in RTAs has important clinical consequences for invasive and non-invasive arterial procedures. In addition, this variation provides a new interpretation of the embryology of the gonadal artery. Variations similar to our findings have not been previously reported. Therefore, different variations concerning the RTA should be considered during surgical and non-surgical evaluations.

Pomalidomide-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple myeloma: cortical susceptibility-weighted imaging hypointense findings prior to clinical deterioration

Although there are several case reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple myeloma (MM), there are few reports of cases associated with pomalidomide. Here, we report the case of a 69-year-old female who had received 41 cycles of pomalidomide and dexamethasone treatment for relapsed/refractory IgG-κ MM presented with right-hand weakness; she was diagnosed as pomalidomide-associated PML. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) on admission showed high signals in the bilateral front-parietal lobe white matter, with multiple punctate lesions in the vicinity of the main lesions. These punctate pattern findings on FLAIR were similar to that of natalizumab-associated PML. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) showed hypointense rims within the cortex at unaffected sites, in the initial stages. Subsequently, the clinical manifestations deteriorated, and the FLAIR images showed new hyperintense white matter lesions at the sites where cortical SWI hypointense rims were detected on the initial MRI examination. Our patient's serial MRI findings suggest that cortical SWI hypointense rims appear prior to the visible demyelinating white matter lesions in patients with PML.

Vascular branches from cutaneous nerve of the forearm and hand: Application to better understanding raynaud's disease

Cutaneous nerves have branches called vascular branches (VBs) that reach arteries. VBs are thought to be involved in arterial constriction, and this is the rationale for periarterial sympathectomy as a treatment option for Raynaud's disease. However, the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs remain largely unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anatomical structures of the VBs of the cutaneous nerves. Forty hands and forearms were examined to assess the branching patterns and distribution areas of the VBs of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN), the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN), the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN), and the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (PCUN). VBs reaching the radial and ulnar arteries were observed in all specimens. The branching patterns were classified into six types. The mean distance between the radial styloid process and the point where the VBs reached the radial artery was 34.3 ± 4.8 mm in the SBRN and 38.5 ± 15.8 mm in the LACN. The mean distance between the ulnar styloid process and the point where the VBs reached the ulnar artery was 60.3 ± 25.9 mm in the MACN and 43.8 ± 26.0 mm in the PCUN. This study showed that the VBs of the cutaneous nerves have diverse branching patterns. The VBs of the SBRN had a more limited distribution areas than those of the other nerves. Clin. Anat. 31:734-741, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

14-3-3ζ-Mediated Stimulation of Oxidative Phosphorylation Exacerbates Oxidative Damage Under Hypothermic Oxygenated Conditions in Human Renal Tubular Cells (HK-2)

Cellular survival and death are at least partially regulated by the phosphorylation of proteins. A chaperon protein, 14-3-3ζ, regulates the activity of many proteins by covering the phosphorylation site within a 14-3-3 binding motif. Therefore, regulation of 14-3-3ζ activity may affect the fate of cells subjected to cold preservation and/or hypothermic oxygenated conditions. The present study assessed whether 14-3-3ζ protects cells from hypothermic oxygenation-induced injury and clarified its role in mitochondrial functions. Human renal tubular cell line HK-2 or 14-3-3ζ-overexpressed HK-2 (ζHK-2) cells were subjected to 72 hours of normoxic cold preservation in UW solution with or without antioxidants and hydroperoxides. Cellular death, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and MTT catabolism were evaluated. Deferoxamine treatment reduced cellular death and augmented ATP content in both cell types. These indices were higher in ζHK-2, regardless of deferoxamine treatment. Exposure to hydroperoxides did not affect cellular death in either cell type, whereas hydroperoxide supplementation significantly reduced ATP content, except for low-dose hydrogen peroxide in HK-2 cells. MTT assay at normal state showed higher values in ζHK-2 cells, whereas it was impaired by hydroperoxides in both cell types. These results suggest that accumulation of hydroperoxides as a byproduct of the augmented oxidative phosphorylation by 14-3-3ζ overexpression causes mitochondrial dysfunction. In conclusion, despite possessing many potentially protective functions, 14-3-3ζ exacerbates cellular injury under hypothermic oxygenated conditions. 14-3-3ζ accelerates mitochondrial functions together with iron-dependent oxidative damage. Although further investigations are necessary, upregulation of 14-3-3ζ could be a method to maintain mitochondrial function under hypothermic oxygenated conditions, as shown in hypothermic machine preservation of renal grafts, when appropriate antioxidant treatment is administered.

In situ synthesis of Au-shelled Ag nanoparticles on PDMS for flexible, long-life, and broad spectrum-sensitive SERS substrates

A simple, fast, one-step fabrication of silver nanoparticles with atomically thin gold coatings on polydimethylsiloxane affords oxidation-resistant and highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates.

An adaptive genetic algorithm for crystal structure prediction

We present a genetic algorithm (GA) for structural search that combines the speed of structure exploration by classical potentials with the accuracy of density functional theory (DFT) calculations in an adaptive and iterative way. This strategy increases the efficiency of the DFT-based GA by several orders of magnitude. This gain allows a considerable increase in the size and complexity of systems that can be studied by first principles. The performance of the method is illustrated by successful structure identifications of complex binary and ternary intermetallic compounds with 36 and 54 atoms per cell, respectively. The discovery of a multi-TPa Mg-silicate phase with unit cell containing up to 56 atoms is also reported. Such a phase is likely to be an essential component of terrestrial exoplanetary mantles.

Composition controlled spin polarization in Co(1-x)Fe(x)S(2) alloys

The transition metal (TM) chalcogenides of the form TMX(2) (X = S or Se) have been studied for decades due to their interesting electronic and magnetic properties such as metamagnetism and metal-insulator transitions. In particular, the Co(1-x)Fe(x)S(2) alloys were the subject of investigation in the 1970s due to general interest in itinerant ferromagnetism. In recent years (2000-present) it has been shown, both by electronic structure calculations and detailed experimental investigations, that Co(1-x)Fe(x)S(2) is a model system for the investigation of highly spin polarized ferromagnetism. The radically different electronic properties of the two endpoint compounds (CoS(2) is a narrow bandwidth ferromagnetic metal, while FeS(2) is a diamagnetic semiconductor), in a system forming a substitutional solid solution allows for composition control of the Fermi level relative to the spin split bands, and therefore composition-controlled conduction electron spin polarization. In essence, the recent work has shown that the concept of 'band engineering' can be applied to half-metallic ferromagnets and that high spin polarization can be deliberately engineered. Experiments reveal tunability in both sign and magnitude of the spin polarization at the Fermi level, with maximum values obtained to date of 85% at low temperatures. In this paper we review the properties of Co(1-x)Fe(x)S(2) alloys, with an emphasis on properties of relevance to half-metallicity. Crystal structure, electronic structure, synthesis, magnetic properties, transport properties, direct probes of the spin polarization, and measurements of the total density of states at the Fermi level are all discussed. We conclude with a discussion of the factors that influence, or even limit, the spin polarization, along with a discussion of opportunities and problems for future investigation, particularly with regard to fundamental studies of spintronic devices.

Co1-xFexS2: a tunable source of highly spin-polarized electrons

In the emerging field of spin-electronics ideal ferromagnetic electron sources would not only possess a high degree of spin polarization, but would also offer control over the magnitude of this polarization. We demonstrate here that a simple scheme can be utilized to control both the magnitude and the sign of the spin polarization of ferromagnetic CoS2, which we probe with a variety of techniques. The position of the Fermi level is fine-tuned by solid solution alloying with the isostructural diamagnetic semiconductor FeS2, leading to tunable spin polarization of up to 85%.

Enhanced hydrolytic stability of dental composites by use of fluoroalkyltrimethoxysilanes

The hydrolytic stability of a group of experimental composite materials was evaluated. Seven distinct composites were formed by the mixing of a resin monomer mixture with silica filler that had been pre-treated with one of 7 different ethanol solutions. In one case, the filler was treated with an ethanol solution that contained only 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. In 5 cases, it was treated with solution containing a mixture of 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and one of the following hydrophobic fluoroalkyltrimethoxysilanes: trifluoropropyl-, nonafluorohexyl-, tridecafluorooctyl-, heptadecafluorodecyl-, and henicosafluorododecyl-trimethoxysilane. The tensile strength, after being immersed in water for 1800 days, of 2 of the experimental composites, whose pre-treatment regimen had included a fluoroalkyltrimethoxysilane, was significantly higher than that of the composite whose pre-treatment regimen had not included a fluoroalkyltrimethoxysilane. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the tensile strength of fresh samples of these 2 composites and the tensile strength of identically produced samples that had remained under water for 1800 days or that had been subjected to 30,000 cycles of thermal stress.

Distance mapping of protein-binding sites using spin-labeled oligosaccharide ligands

The binding of a nitroxide spin-labeled analog of N-acetyllactosamine to galectin-3, a mammalian lectin of 26 kD size, is studied to map the binding sites of this small oligosaccharide on the protein surface. Perturbation of intensities of cross-peaks in the (15)N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectrum of full-length galectin-3 owing to the bound spin label is used qualitatively to identify protein residues proximate to the binding site for N-acetyllactosamine. A protocol for converting intensity measurements to a more quantitative determination of distances between discrete protein amide protons and the bound spin label is then described. This protocol is discussed as part of a drug design strategy in which subsequent perturbation of chemical shifts of distance mapped amide cross-peaks can be used effectively to screen a library of compounds for other ligands that bind to the target protein at distances suitable for chemical linkage to the primary ligand. This approach is novel in that it bypasses the need for structure determination and resonance assignment of the target protein.

Compositional analysis of copoly (DL-lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry combined with one-step thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide

Rapid and precise compositional analysis of copoly (DL-lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) was performed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) combined with one-step hydrolysis and methylation in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). Pyrolysis of PLGA with TMAH gave two characteristic products, derivatives of DL-lactic acid and glycolic acid, which directly reflect the average molar composition of PLGA. The analytical results for PLGA samples with various compositional ratios were in good agreement with those obtained by 1H-NMR spectrometry, and the precision was satisfactory.

Determination of residual solvents in bulk pharmaceuticals by thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Thermal desorption (TD) techniques followed by capillary GC/MS were applied for the analysis of residual solvents in bulk pharmaceuticals. Solvents desorbed from samples by heating were cryofocused at the head of a capillary column prior to GC/MS analysis. This method requires a very small amount of sample and no sample pretreatment. Desorption temperature was set at the point about 20 degrees C higher than the melting point of each sample individually. The relative standard deviations of this method tested by performing six consecutive analyses of 8 different samples were 1.1 to 3.1%, and analytical results of residual solvents were in agreement with those obtained by direct injection of N,N-dimethylformamide solution of the samples into the GC. This novel TD/GC/MS method was demonstrated to be very useful for the identification and quantification of residual solvents in bulk pharmaceuticals.

Tripodal peptide hydroxamates as siderophore models. Iron(III) binding with ligands containing H-(alanyl)n-beta-(N-hydroxy)alanyl strands (n = 1-3) anchored by nitrilotriacetic acid

Combining three units of one of H-(alanyl)n-beta-(HO)alanyl peptides (n = 1-3) with nitrilotriacetic acid affords tripodal peptide hydroxamate ligands (1L, 1D, 2LL, 2DL, and 3LLL, where each L or D denotes the L- or D-alanyl residue). These ligands form six-coordinate octahedral complexes (Fe-1L, Fe-1D, Fe-2LL, Fe-2DL, and Fe-3LLL) with iron(III) in aqueous near neutral pH solution, and the stability and the chirality of the complexes formed depend on the alanyl residues incorporated. Thus Fe-2LL is the most stable against attack of H+ and OH- ions and the least labile in the iron(III) removal by EDTA. The CD spectra show a predominance of the A configuration for Fe-1D, Fe-2LL, Fe-2DL, and Fe-3LLL, but the opposite delta configuration for Fe-1L. These ligands and their gallium(III) complexes are studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy in DMSO-d6 solution. CD and NMR spectral analysis, aided by molecular model examinations, indicates that critical factors in controlling the configuration and the stability of the complexes are (1) the hydroxamate-carrying alanyl residue, (2) the expanse of an interior space in the ligand, and (3) an interstrand amide NH hydrogen bond; the latter bonding is possible with ligands 2LL and 2DL. A microbial growth promotion activity test shows that ligands 1L, 2LL, and 3LLL all act as iron-transporting agents.

Synthesis and enzymatic degradation of optically active depsipeptide copolymers

This paper describes the synthesis and biodegradation of copolymers of cyclic depsipeptide with epsilon-caprolactone (CL) or lactide (LA). Optically active cyclic depsipeptides, 3,6-dimethyl-2,5-morpholinediones (DMOs), were prepared by the reaction of an amino acid (D-, L-, or DL-alanine) with a hydroxy acid derivative (DL-2-bromopropionyl bromide). These isomers are abbreviated as D-DMO, L-DMO and DL-DMO respectively, according to the names of alanine isomers. Then, we have prepared the copolymers of DMO isomers with CL using tin(II) octylate as a catalyst. The NMR spectra and thermal properties of DMO/CL copolymers revealed that these copolymers exist randomly. The enzymatic degradation of the copolymers has been examined using Rhizopus delemar lipase, cholesterol esterase (from Pseudomonas sp.), and Proteinase K (from Tritirachium album). Cholesterol esterase and Proteinase K show high degradability, while the lipase shows little degradation. Among the enzymes used, only Proteinase K could recognize the isomerism of DMO, resulting in the following order of degradability: copoly(L-DMO/CL) > copoly(DL-DMO/CL) > copoly(D-DMO/CL), i.e. this enzyme has the highest substrate specificity for naturally occurring L-alanine. Further, we have prepared the random copolymers of L-DMO with lactide (L-LA or DL-LA), and evaluated the enzymatic degradation of the copolymers by Proteinase K. The introduction of a small amount (up to c. 10 mol%) of L-DMO unit into LA homopolymers brought about greater degradability compared with LA homopolymers. In particular, L-DMO/L-LA copolymers with high degradability have been obtained without significant decrease in the mechanical and thermal properties of L-LA homopolymer.

GC rich DNA oligonucleotides with narrow minor groove width

Investigation of the width of the minor groove using 500 MHz NMR spectroscopy in three closely related 11-mer B-DNA duplexes shows that the minor groove is narrow in a GC rich oligonucleotide, and that a narrow minor groove is not something endemic to DNAs with persistent repetitions of adenine nucleotides (A-tract DNA). The width of the groove is dictated by local sequence contexts and independent of neighboring A-tract DNA.

Basic study of a new denture base resin applying hydrophobic methacrylate monomer

To improve the water sorption of poly(methyl methacrylate), new hydrophobic monomers, such as norbonyl and phenyl methacrylate, were studied to determine the resin with lower water sorption with no decrease in mechanical property. Water sorption of the copolymers of the hydrophobic monomers and MMA decreased with the increase in the concentration of the monomers. Compressive and bending strength of the copolymers were higher than that of PMMA, and the elastic modulus in bending was the same as that of PMMA. In addition, the transverse-deflection values satisfied ADA specifications. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the copolymers showed a similar tendency to that of PMMA in spite of the introduction of bulky groups, such as norbonyl and phenyl, in the polymer molecule. The polymerization shrinkage in volume was in the following order: norbonyl < phenyl < methyl methacrylate.

Presence of poorly stained myocytes in acute myocarditis predicts improvement in cardiac function

Histological findings in the acute phase of myocarditis were evaluated as a prediction of hemodynamic state in the chronic phase in 20 patients with clinical and pathological diagnoses of myocarditis who were followed up with echocardiography for at least 1 year. Endomyocardial biopsy samples were obtained from the left ventricle within 1 year of the onset of symptoms. Azan-Mallory staining was performed on the myocytes, which were categorized as either well stained or poorly stained. The point counting method was used to determine the fraction of each type. The improvement in ejection fraction within 1 year correlated significantly with the fraction of poorly stained myocytes (r = 0.46, p < 0.05). The ejection fraction at biopsy was negatively correlated with the volume fraction of well stained myocytes (r = -0.64, p < 0.01). The staining condition of myocytes may be useful in predicting the hemodynamic recovery of patients with myocarditis.

Effects of mixed silane coupling agent on porcelain tooth material and various dental alloys

Mixed salines, 3-methacryloxypropylsilytriisocyanate and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, were used as primers for adhesion of poly(methyl methacrylate) to porcelain teeth, precious alloys and nonprecious alloys. After thermocycle testing, the mean bond strength of the resin to porcelain, silver alloys and stainless steel were excellent. The fracture patterns of porcelain teeth after thermocycling followed by adherent testing were similar to those of specimens subjected to 48-hour water immersion at 37 degrees C. Two specimens failed cohesively in the porcelain and the other specimens failed in the resin. The mixed primer had no effect on cobalt-chromium alloy specimens.

Structural fluctuation of methyl N,N'-diacetyl-beta-D-chitobioside in vacuo and in aqueous solution: molecular dynamics simulations and proton NMR spectroscopy

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of methyl N,N'-diacetyl-beta-D-chitobioside (GlcNAc beta-(1-->4)GlcNAc beta-OMe) have been performed both in vacuo and in aqueous solution with the explicit inclusion of the solvent water molecules. The beta-(1-->4) glycosidic linkage fluctuates considerably, over a range of +/- 10 degrees, in each of the MD simulations in vacuo and in aqueous solution. The intra- and inter-residue hydrogen bonds in vacuo are replaced by intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the solvent water molecules in aqueous solution. Multiple conformations (gg and gt) exist for the exocyclic hydroxymethyl groups. The results of the MD simulations are compared with those of 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser effect measurements.

Familial occurrence of two patients with malignant rheumatoid arthritis

In Japan, patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with severe extra-articular manifestations due to vasculitis are diagnosed as having malignant rheumatoid arthritis. We report the occurrence of two cases of malignant rheumatoid arthritis in a Japanese family. Both patients, a father and son, expressed HLA-DR4 (Dw15), and were infected with Epstein-Barr virus. Moreover, the father developed malignant rheumatoid arthritis during reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus. An unaffected male family member with the same HLA haplotypes was not infected by the virus. The possible role of the virus infection in the pathogenesis of malignant rheumatoid arthritis in a genetically susceptible family is discussed.

A basic study of a new adhesive lining cement applied emulsion of hydrophobic polymer

To diminish the effect of water on the adhesive durability of lining cement, an experimental lining cement using a hydrophobic polymer as the cement liquid was studied. The polymers were styrene-butadien-alkyl acrylate copolymer (SBA copolymer) and carboxylated styrene-butadien-alkyl acrylate copolymer (CSBA copolymer) and were used as aqueous emulsions. The cement powder consisted of alkaline silicate and calcium disilicate. The pH values of the immersion water of the cement prepared from emulsion of SBA copolymer (SBA cement) was almost the same as that of calcium hydroxide cement. The compressive and diametral tensile strengths of SBA cement gradually increased over time in water. The bond strengths of cement prepared from the CSBA copolymer emulsion containing five percent carboxyl groups by weight were superior to those of calcium hydroxide cement.

Dynamic process between the clotting and the lytic activities on intracardiac thrombi--its relationship with systemic embolization

To clarify the relationship between clotting and lytic activities of intracardiac thrombi, and to elucidate whether this could be used to evaluate the embolic risk the ratio of indium-111 radioactivity accumulated on thrombi to that in the blood pool using dual-tracer technique %IE as a parameter of the clotting activity, and D-dimer, which is a fibrin specific degradation product, as a parameter of lytic activity were measured in 37 patients with intracardiac thrombi. Fifteen of the 37 patients had past histories of arterial embolization. The values of D-dimer correlated significantly with those of %IE (r = 0.758, p less than 0.01), e.g., the higher the values of D-dimer the higher the values of %IE. 37 patients were divided into 2 groups using the regression line for the D-dimer and %IE domains. Eleven patients above the regression line had thrombosis in excess of fibrinolysis but the remaining 26 patients under the regression line had fibrinolysis in excess of thrombosis. The incidence of past embolic episodes was 82% (9/11) in patients with thrombosis in excess of fibrinolysis but 23% (6/26) in patients with fibrinolysis in excess of thrombosis. These results demonstrated that intracardiac thrombi were under the dynamic process between the clotting and the lytic activities and moreover patients with intracardiac thrombi and thrombosis in excess of fibrinolysis had a substantial risk of arterial embolization.

[Functional pulmonary atresia: a case report]

A male neonate, two days of age, was admitted with cyanosis and tachypnea. Chest roentgenograms showed massive cardiomegaly and decreased pulmonary vasculatures. Echocardiographic and the right ventriculographic findings were interpreted as showing primary pulmonary atresia with secondary tricuspid incompetence. At a Brock operation, however, there was no resistance in passing the instrument through the pulmonary valve. The baby died twelve hours after surgery. Postmortem examination showed that the tricuspid regurgitation was a cause of the functional pulmonary atresia (FPA). It is important to distinguish FPA from pure pulmonary atresia because conservative therapy is the first choice for the FPA.

Tetraplex formation of d(GGGGGTTTTT): 1H NMR study in solution

The oligonucleotide d(G5T5) can in principle form a fully matched duplex with G.T pairing and/or a tetraplex. Non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism and NMR experiments show that the tetraplex is exclusively formed by this oligomer in solution. In the presence of its complementary strand d(A5C5) at low temperature, d(G5T5) forms the tetraplex over the normally expected Watson-Crick duplex. However, when d(G5T5) and d(A5C5) are mixed together in equimolar amounts and heated for several minutes at 85 degrees C, and then allowed to cool, the product was essentially the Watson-Crick duplex. The lack of resolution in the 500 MHz 1H NMR spectra and the presence of extensive spin diffusion do not allow us to derive a quantitative structure for the tetraplex from the NMR data. However, we find good qualitative agreement between the NOESY and MINSY data and a theoretically derived stereochemically sound structure in which the G's and T's are part of a parallel tetraplex.

Structure and regulated expression of Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor genes in winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC]

We analyzed the structure and the expression of Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor (WCI) genes in winged bean. WCI was encoded by a multigene family which comprised at least seven members. From their primary structures, four genes (WCI-2, WCI-3a, WCI-3b, and WCI-x) were expected to be functional ones and the other three (WCI-P1, WCI-P2, and WCI-P3) to be pseudogenes. The nucleotide sequences of the WCI-3a and WCI-3b genes were nearly identical, and they encoded the WCI-3 protein, the major chymotrypsin inhibitor in seeds. The WCI-2 gene also encoded the chymotrypsin inhibitor found in seeds and the WCI-x gene was expected to encode an unidentified chymotrypsin inhibitor. WCI messenger RNA and protein accumulated mainly in developing seeds and tuberous roots, small amounts of WCI mRNA being present in stems and pericarps. In seeds, transient accumulation of WCI mRNA was observed during the seed maturation period. These results suggest that the expression of WCI genes is regulated organ-specifically and developmentally in winged bean.

Effectiveness of long-term beta-blocker therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy--echocardiographical follow-up

To evaluate the effectiveness of long-term beta-blocker therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), two groups (Group I: 18 patients, Group II: 17 patients) with DCM divided by the order at the entry were followed echocardiographically for 16.9 +/- 3.0 months in Group I and 21.4 +/- 3.9 months in Group II. Metoprolol (final dose: 60 mg/day) was administered in Group I, but not in Group II (the control), although the conventional treatment for heart failure was continued. The left ventricular end-systolic dimension and ejection fraction assessed by echocardiography improved significantly after 6 months in Group I, but not in Group II, even after 48 months, although there were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups. The end-diastolic dimension decreased significantly after 12 months in Group I only. It was estimated, using the point count method on a left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimen taken at entry, that the improvement (delta EF) of the ejection fraction 12 months after metoprolol administration inversely correlated (r = -0.677, p less than 0.01) with percent fibrosis, indicating that the more myocardium remains, the more improvement is expected. These findings suggested a favorable effect of beta blockade in DCM, especially in cases with less fibrosis, showing that the endomyocardial biopsy could be of clinical use in selecting candidates for chronic beta-blocker therapy in DCM.

Detection of patients at risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during sinus rhythm by P wave-triggered signal-averaged electrocardiogram

To determine whether patients at risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation could be detected while in sinus rhythm, the signal-averaged electrocardiogram triggered by P waves was recorded in 42 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (Paf group) and in 50 control patients. The root mean square voltages (LP10, LP20, and LP30) for the last 10, 20, and 30 msec and the duration (Ad) of filtered (40-300 Hz) P wave of the spatial magnitude were measured. LP10 and LP20 were significantly lower in the Paf than in the control group (LP10, 1.92 +/- 0.58 versus 2.49 +/- 0.78 microV, p less than 0.001; LP20, 2.47 +/- 0.78 versus 3.46 +/- 1.20 microV, p less than 0.0001), although no significant difference in LP30 was found between groups. Ad was also significantly longer in the Paf than in the control group (137.0 +/- 14.3 versus 118.6 +/- 11.3 msec, p less than 0.001). These differences between the Paf and control groups remained significant even after dividing by the presence or absence of organic heart diseases. The criteria of "LP20 = 3.5 microV or less" and "Ad greater than 120 msec" as defining "atrial late potential" gave a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 76%. These findings suggest that patients at risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation could be detected while in sinus rhythm by using the P wave-triggered signal-averaged electrocardiogram.

In search of a Hoogsteen base paired DNA duplex in aqueous solution

When the oligodeoxynucleotides d(A)6 and d(T)6 are mixed together in a 1:1 ratio (in 100 mM NaCl), the NH signals in the NMR spectrum gave a typical signature of Watson-Crick paired (WC) and Hoogsteen paired (H) AT base pairs. The observation indicates two schemes: Scheme I, WC and H duplexes in slow equilibrium, i.e., WC in equilibrium with H, Scheme II, the WC helix formed is unstable and that it disproportionates into a triple helix (TR) and free d(A)6. We show that (i) addition of extra d(A)6 does not change the helix composition, (ii) addition of a minor-groove specific drug Dst2 (a distamycin analogue) results in an exclusive WC helix-drug duplex, while it does not destabilize triple helix in a 1:2 mixture. In addition we have compared the melting profile, 31P NMR spectra, 1H NMR spectra and the salt dependence of the 1:1 mixture and that of a pure triple helix. All the data from the above experiments overwhelmingly favor Scheme I. However Scheme II cannot be categorically excluded. Based on 1D/2D NMR studies, we have characterized the structural properties of the Hoogsteen double helix in terms of nucleotide conformations. In addition, we computationally demonstrate that the relative stability of the WC over the H duplexes increases with increasing chain length.

[Effect of temperature during polymerization on mechanical properties of acrylic resin]

Mechanical properties of heat curing acrylic resin obtained by polymerization for long period of heating at a temperature lower than conventional temperatures were examined. The mechanical properties of the resin were lower than those of the resin cured at 100 degrees C. The results of high performance liquid chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry suggested that the poor mechanical properties were due to significant amounts of residue monomer and benzoyl peroxide in the resin, but is not to changes molecular weight.

Effect of the methyl group on DNA bending and curvature: structure of d(GA4U4C)2 in solution

NMR studies on d(GA4T4C)2 and d(GT4A4C)2 indicated two important factors that contribute to intrinsic DNA bending in polymers containing A/T tracts [Sarma, M.H., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 3423; Gupta, G., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 7909]. They are (i) propeller-twisted A.T pairs with associated bifurcated H bonds inside the A/T tract and (ii) the base sequence that joins the two neighboring A/T tracts. As an extension of our bending project, we carried out quantitative NMR studies on the decamer d(GA4U4C)2, a structural analogue of d(GA4T4C)2, to examine the effect of the methyl group on DNA bending. On the basis of quantitative NMR analysis, we arrive at the following results. (i) The decamer d(GA4U4C)2 adopts the gross morphology of a right-handed B-DNA duplex with A and U nucleotides belonging to C2'-endo,anti domain. (ii) A.U pairs are propeller twisted and hence can result in an array of interstrand bifurcated H bonds involving N6 of A and O4 of U (one base pair apart) inside the A/U tract. (iii) The orientations of A and U with respect to the long axis of the molecule are different; as a result, at the A5-U6 sequence that joins the two A/U tracts, two neighboring frames of reference do not exactly coincide in space and a junction is created at A5-U6. (iv) Inside the A/U tract, intrastrand stacking is more compact (average separation between secessive base planes being 3.2 A) than at the A5-U6 junction, where average separation between the base planes of A5 and U6 is 3.6 A.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quantitative structure of a complex between a minor-groove-specific drug and a bent DNA decamer duplex: use of 2D NMR data and NOESY constrained energy minimization

Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) studies on d(GA4T4C)2 and d(GT4A4C)2 [Sarma, M.H., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 3423-3432; Gupta G., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 7909-7919] showed that A.T pairs are propeller twisted. As a result, A/T tracts form a straight rigid structural block with an array of bifurcated inter base pair H bonds in the major groove. It was demonstrated (previous paper) that replacement of methyl group by hydrogen (changing from T to U) in the major groove does not disrupt the array of bifurcated H bonds in the major groove. In this article, we summarize results of 2D NMR and molecular mechanic studies on the effect of a minor-groove-binding A.T-specific drug on the structure d(GA4T4C)2. A distamycin analogue (Dst2) was used for this study. It is shown that Dst2 binds to the minor groove of d(GA4T4C)2 mainly driven by van der Waals interaction between A.T pairs and the drug; as a consequence, an array of bifurcated H bonds can be formed in the minor groove between amide/amino protons of Dst2 and A.T pairs of DNA. NOESY data suggest that Dst2 predominantly binds at the central 5 A.T pairs. NOESY data also reveal that, upon drug binding, d(GA4T4C)2 does not undergo any significant change in conformation from the free state; i.e., propeller-twisted A.T pairs are still present in DNA and hence the array of bifurcated H bonds must be preserved in the major groove. NOESY data for the A5-T6 sequence also indicate that there is little change in junction stereochemistry upon drug binding.

[Effect of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane coupling agent on stainless steel and silica surface]

Mixed silanes, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, were used as a primer for adhesion of poly(methyl methacrylate) to stainless steel and glass plate. The tensile bond strength of the resin to those substrates was measured after immersion in water at 37 degrees C for 3 days. The mean bond strengths of the resin to the stainless steel and to the glass plate were 23 and 17 MPa, respectively. In addition, cohesional fracture of the resin occurred in both cases. The mixture of the silanes was highly adhesive for the stainless steel and the glass plate surface treatment.

The influence of molecular weight distribution of poly(acrylic acid) on tensile bond strength of polycarboxylate cement

The influence of the weight average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of poly(acrylic acid) on the tensile bond strength of polycarboxylate cement was studied. The bond strength of the cement significantly affected not only the mean molecular weight but also the distribution. The tensile bond strength of the cement prepared from an aqueous solution of poly(acrylic acid), which had a mean molecular weight above 100,000 and a narrow molecular weight distribution, was excellently high.

Intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect and atomic pair potential approaches to wheat germ agglutinin-sugar binding

The detailed binding mechanism of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) was investigated using intermolecular 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and atomic pair potential (APP) calculations. Negative NOE was observed on the 1H spectrum of 1-O-methyl derivative of GlcNAc in a solution containing WGA, when the aromatic region of the WGA spectrum was irradiated. Analyses of the time dependence of NOE revealed that H2 and the N-acetyl methyl protons of the sugar are in close proximity to the aromatic protons of WGA in the bound state. This was confirmed and further elucidated by the APP calculations. According to the calculation, the major binding force comes from a hydrogen-bonding between C3-OH of sugar and an acidic residue present in each of the two binding sites of WGA: Glu115 in site 1 and Asp29 in site 2. The binding is further assisted by the N-acetyl group which interacts with a few more polar amino acid residues in the binding sites. The optimized binding mode suggested by the APP calculations supports the NMR results in that H2 and a part of the N-acetyl methyl protons are within 4.5 A distance from protons of both Tyr64 and Tyr73 in site 1 and of Tyr159 in site 2.