A Three-layered Model of Nursing Based on Hospital Observation Data

Objectives: Our aim is to investigate causes of medical incidents and construct a knowledge base for preventing malpractice based on monitored data.

Methods: To monitor nursing care, we developed an observing system of nursing activities with a ubiquitous sensor network and detecting errors in nursing care. This system is composed of a voice-recording device, mobile sensors and environmental setting type sensors. In cooperation with a hospital in western Japan, we have collected nursing activity data of nurses engaged at a combined ward, including ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and internal medicine for diabetes. After analyzing intravenous drip injection procedure (IVDI procedure) data, we introduce a three-layered model of nursing to understand nursing activities based on observed data. This model consists of three layers, 1) nursing care classification layer: Class, 2) nursing care step layer: Step, and 3) nursing care action layer: Action. This model is designed to take consistency with existing nursing care workflows.

Results: We implemented a detection system and succeeded in comprehending the work-flow of IVDI procedure at the rate of over 95%. This system also can distinguish IVDI workflows performed in parallel by at least two or several nurses. We implemented a picture showing interface of IVDI workflows which can show each patient with a specific color and distinct nurses.

Conclusions: Our system succeeded in verification of nursing care steps in IVDI procedure in ratios of more than 95%. Detection errors are due to the sensor system, so it is necessary to use or develop more precise devices.

Acceptor Specificity of Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase fromBacillus stearothermophilusand Synthesis of α-D-GlucosylO-β-D-galactosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucoside

Bacillus stearothermophilus CGTase had a wider acceptor specificity than Bacillus macerans CGTase did and produced large amounts of transfer products of various acceptors such as D-galactose, D-mannose, D-fructose, D- and L-arabinose, D- and L-fucose, L-rhamnose, D-glucosamine, and lactose, which were inefficient acceptors for B. macerans CGTase. The main component of the smallest transfer products of lactose was assumed to be alpha-D-glucosyl O-beta-D-galactosyl-(1----4)-beta-D-glucoside.

Hepatic artery reconstruction prevents ischemic graft injury, inhibits graft rejection, and mediates long-term graft acceptance in rat liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction is performed in the clinical liver transplantation.

METHODS

We assessed the importance of HA reconstruction in the success of liver transplantation. Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed without immunosspression from Lewis (RT1l) to Lewis rats (syngeneic transplantation) as well as Lewis to BN (RT1n) rats (allogeneic transplantation) with or without HA reconstruction. We examined graft function, pathology, and mRNA levels using DNA arrays in both arterialized and nonarterialized liver grafts.

RESULTS

In Lewis-to-Lewis syngeneic grafts, both the arterialized and nonarterialized grafts survived >120 days with normal graft function. lnfiltration of CD3(+) T cells and CD68(+) macrophages, marked bile duct proliferation with apoptotic epithelial cells, and expansion and increasing fibrosis of portal areas were evident in the nonarterialized grafts at day 120, although preservation of architecture was noted in the arterialized grafts. DNA array analysis of nonarterialized syngeneic grafts demonstrated the upregulation of mRNA of cell death-related proteins, cell cycle-related proteins, and inflammation-related proteins than those in arterialized grafts. Moreover, the arterialized Lewis-to-BN allogeneic grafts could survive for a long time with less severe graft dysfunction than those in non-arterialized allogeneic grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

HA reconstruction in liver transplantation inhibited hypoxic injury and subsequent inflammation and bile duct proliferation, prevented the augmentation of T-cell-and antibody-mediated rejection, and mediated long-term graft acceptance. HA reconstruction is essential factor in the success of liver transplantation.

Lymphangiogenesis associated with acute cellular rejection in rat liver transplantation

Lymphangiogenesis may be important for the cellular immune response in liver transplantation. In the present study, we examined lymphangiogenesis in liver allografts displaying acute cellular rejection (ACR), or long-term acceptance, or severe ACR plus antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). ACR and subsequent long-term graft acceptance developed in liver transplantations from DA to PVG rats without immunosuppression (mean survival time more than 90 days). Severe ACR and AMR developed in liver transplantations from DA to Lewis rats without immunosuppression (mean survival = 11 days). Normal DA donor livers before transplantation showed a small number of lymphatic vessels around portal veins. DA liver grafts in PVG showed ACR with lymphangiogenesis in portal areas and portal-portal bridging areas with cellular infiltration. Newly formed lymphatic vessels in ACR were characterized by proliferating endothelial cells with expression of the homeobox transcription factor PROX-1 and surrounded by discontinuous basement membranes. Thereafter, the infiltrates spontaneously disappeared, and the grafts survived more than 90 days. During the resolution of the cellular infiltration, expanded lymphatic vessels were packed with many lymphocytes. Thereafter, the number of lymphatic vessels decreased. In contrast, severe ACR and AMR in DA-to-Lewis transplantations showed lymphatic vessels disappeared with edema in the portal areas at day 11. In conclusion, lymphangiogenesis occurred during ACR. It may be involved in the resolution of ACR and reduction of inflammation. In severe ACR and AMR, lymphatic vessels were destroyed, which may be involved in persistent severe inflammation.

Retrospective and prospective studies of hepatitis B virus reactivation in malignant lymphoma with occult HBV carrier

BACKGROUND

In surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg)-positive carrier for anticancer treatment of malignant lymphoma, it is well recognized that reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occasionally occurs. However, there have been only a few studies of HBV reactivation in serum HBsAg-negative and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb)-positive occult HBV carriers. We looked at both retrospective and prospective studies to determine the prevalence, clinical course and risk factor of HBV reactivation during chemotherapy in lymphoma patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-eight of 127 (37.8%) lymphoma patients were HBsAg negative and HBcAb positive, and 24 of these patients were then given liver function tests and HBsAg tests monthly and serum HBV DNA every 3 months.

RESULTS

HBV reactivation was observed in two patients (4.1%) who had received intensive chemotherapy including steroid and rituximab. Immediate administration of entecavir therapy after elevation of HBV DNA level was conducted, and this resulted in reduction of it and improvement of liver function test.

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab plus steroid-containing regimens may increase the risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive lymphoma patients. More ambitious prospective studies are required to establish clinically useful or cost-effective follow-up methods for control of HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients with occult HBV infection.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibition improves anti-aging klotho protein expression and arteriosclerosis in rats with chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis

BACKGROUND

The klotho gene and its protein product are mainly expressed in the kidney. The klotho protein induces suppression of multiple aging-related phenotypes, and homozygous klotho gene mutant mice display various senescent morbidity. Chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) induces arteriosclerosis, while HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have pleiotropic vascular protective effects besides cholesterol lowering. Therefore, the present studies were performed to determine whether chronic NOS blockade would affect anti-ageing klotho protein expression. In addition, the effects of statins on klotho protein expression and arteriosclerosis in these rats were investigated.

METHODS

Forty-two rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: (1) control, (2) NOS blockade, (3) atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), (4) pitavastatin (3 mg/kg/day), (5) NOS blockade+atorvastatin, (6) NOS blockade+pitavastatin. To induce arteriosclerosis further, a cuff was placed around the left femoral artery in each rat. After 4 weeks observation, rats were killed and renal klotho expression and the level of arteriosclerosis were examined.

RESULTS

The rats of chronic NOS inhibition developed hypertension, while statin treatment did not affect blood pressure in the rats with or without NOS blockade. Despite statin treatment, plasma levels of lipids did not differ among 6 groups. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that klotho protein was localized in the renal tubules. Chronic NOS inhibition markedly reduced renal klotho protein expression, while treatment with atorvastatin or pitavastatin completely prevented the reduction of klotho expression induced by NOS inhibition. In addition, statin treatment significantly improved arteriosclerotic lesions induced by NOS inhibition and cuff placement.

CONCLUSION

Since statin treatment did not alter blood pressure or serum lipid profiles, a novel vascular protective effect of statins via enhancing anti-aging klotho protein expression is suggested.

Association of laboratory data and death within one month in cats with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively compare the data taken at the first visit of 34 cats with chronic renal failure surviving more than one month (surviving group) and 16 cats dying within one month (non-surviving group).

METHODS

Records were collected on cats with chronic renal failure presented to a private veterinary practice in Nagoya, Japan, from March 1996 to March 2005. All cats with chronic renal failure diagnosed on the basis of case histories, clinical signs (such as, lethargy, anorexia, loss of bodyweight and vomiting) and a high plasma creatinine (>180 micromol/l) were included in the study.

RESULTS

Plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were significantly different between cats of the surviving and non-surviving groups. In the surviving group, survival statuses were recorded, and laboratory data was obtained within one month before death in 13 cats. In the 13 cats, plasma creatinine, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio showed significant differences between the data taken within one month before death and that taken at first visit, and only urine protein/creatinine ratio exhibited a consistent alteration (increase) in relation to first visit data.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicated that plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were associated with death within one month and urine protein/creatinine ratio was most likely to be associated with mortality in cats with chronic renal failure.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors up-regulate anti-aging klotho mRNA via RhoA inactivation in IMCD3 cells

OBJECTIVE

Klotho is thought to play a critical role in the development of age-related disorders including arteriosclerosis. Statins may exert vascular protective effects, independent of the lowering of plasma cholesterol levels. We investigated the impact of statins on mRNA expression of the age-suppressor gene, klotho in mIMCD3 cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Klotho mRNA levels were evaluated with real-time RT-PCR. Atorvastatin and pitavastatin increased the expression of klotho mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect was abolished by the addition of mevalonate, GGPP and FPP, essential molecules for isoprenylation of the small GTPase Rho. As was the case with the statin treatment, inhibition of Rho-kinase by Y27632 up-regulated klotho mRNA. In contrast to the statin treatment, stimulation with angiotensin II down-regulated klotho mRNA expression without obvious morphological changes. Furthermore, pretreatment with atorvastatin blunted the angiotensin II-induced response and ameliorated the decrease in klotho mRNA expression towards basal levels. RhoA activity was further evaluated by detection of its translocation. Angiotensin II activated RhoA, whereas statins potently inactivated RhoA and blocked RhoA activation by angiotensin II.

CONCLUSION

Statins inactivate the RhoA pathway, resulting in over-expression of klotho mRNA, which may contribute to the novel pleiotropic effects of statins towards vascular protection.

Augmentation of Pulse Wave Velocity Precedes Vascular Structural Changes of the Aorta in Rats Treated with N.OMEGA.-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester

We examined the relationship between structural changes of the aorta and pulse wave velocity (PWV), and the effects of antihypertensive treatments on PWV in N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-treated rats. Twelve-week-old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into the following groups, all of which received drug treatment in their drinking water: an untreated control group (n = 36), an L-NAME-treated group (0.7 mg/ml) (n = 32), an L-NAME and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEI)-treated group (imidapril: 0.4 mg/ml) (n = 8), and an L-NAME and hydralazine-treated group (0.2 mg/ml) (n = 10). PWV was measured at the same blood pressure (BP) level as in the control group and the wall-to-lumen ratio of the thoracic aorta was evaluated in all groups. In the L-NAME group, PWV increased compared with the value in the control group, at the same time that BP was increasing. After the third day of treatment, PWV was higher in the L-NAME group than in the control group after adjusting BP to the control level, while the wall-to-lumen ratios were equal between the two groups. After the first week of treatment, not only the adjusted PWV, but also the wall-to-lumen ratios were greater in the L-NAME group than in the control group. With administration of antihypertensive agents, both PWV and the thickening of the aortic wall were reduced, but there was no significant difference between the ACEI and hydralazine-treated groups. In conclusion, in a rat model of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibition, the increase in PWV preceded the vascular structural changes, while antihypertensive treatment reduced both changes. There was no significant difference between treatments with ACEI and hydralazine in this model.

Effects of atorvastatin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein subfraction distribution, and remnant lipoprotein in patients with mixed hyperlipoproteinemia

Atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg/day) was administered for 3 months to 15 outpatients (average age 58 +/- 4 years) with hypercholesterolemia accompanied by hypertriglyceridemia without hypolipemic treatment. Changes in lipid profile, particularly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (malondialdehyde LDL), subfractions of LDL, and remnant lipoprotein (RLP) cholesterol, were examined before and after administration. In addition, the influence of atorvastatin on lipoprotein(a) (known to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis), asymmetric dimethylarginine (known to be an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), and homocysteine (methionine metabolite) was also investigated. Administration of atorvastatin significantly decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Conversely, a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was shown. In LDL subfractions, large, buoyant LDL fractions were not influenced by treatment with atorvastatin (before administration, 99 +/- 14 mg/dl; after administration, 91 +/- 6 mg/dl, shown as a cholesterol content in each subfraction), but a marked decrease in small, dense LDL fractions (p <0.001) (before administration, 119 +/- 17 mg/dl; after administration, 43 +/- 10 mg/dl) was shown. Moreover, oxidized LDL was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) (before administration, 169 +/- 13 U/L; after administration, 119 +/- 10 U/L) and RLP cholesterol also was significantly decreased (p <0.01) (before administration, 11.9 +/- 2.0 mg/dl; after administration, 6.0 +/- 0.9 mg/dl) with atorvastatin treatment. No significant change was observed in fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipoprotein(a), asymmetric dimethylarginine, homocysteine, and so on. These data suggest that administration of relatively low doses of atorvastatin to patients with hypercholesterolemia accompanied with hypertriglyceridemia results in a decrease not only in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but also in oxidized LDL and RLP cholesterol, with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, small, dense LDL decreased with a shift in LDL subfractions to large, buoyant fractions, and these changes are considered to be involved in the inhibition of the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.

Requirement of the glycosyl parts in platycodin D to stimulate pancreatic exocrine secretion

The whole structure of platycodin D is found to be essential to stimulate the volumetric increase in the pancreatic exocrine secretion, while the prosapogenins prepared from platycodin D increased only protein output of pancreatic juice.

Surgical trauma induces group II phospholipase A2 production by neutrophils at a local site after surgery

OBJECTIVES

Group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) regulates eicosanoids and platelet activating factor (PAF) production and plays an important role in regulating critical mediators in inflammatory diseases such as trauma, sepsis and multiple organ failure. To elucidate the local effect of surgical trauma, we investigated the production of group II PLA2 at a local site after surgery.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We utilized a radioimmunoassay to measure group II PLA2 levels in peritoneal exudates from the operative field and blood in patients who underwent gastrectomy. We also investigated the production of group II PLA2 in cells from peritoneal exudates by Northern blotting and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

Immunoreactive group II PLA2 levels were significantly increased from 3 h after surgery and peaked at 12 h peritoneal exudates. However, serum group II PLA2 levels peaked at 24-48 h and decreased gradually after surgery, findings similar to levels of postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP). There was no significant correlation between group II PLA2 levels in peritoneal exudates and those in blood. Group II PLA2 mRNA was expressed at high level in cells from peritoneal exudates, by Northern blot analysis, but not those from blood. The localization of group II PLA2 protein was intense in neutrophils, as determined by immunocytochemistry. No group II PLA2 expression was observed in corresponding peripheral blood cells.

CONCLUSIONS

After surgery, group II PLA2 is increased in peritoneal exudates prior to elevation in the blood circulation and is produced by neutrophils recruited and activated at a local site. Group II PLA2 produced in peritoneal exudates by neutrophils has an important role in the physiological and pathological states at a local site, after surgery.

Group II phospholipase A2 is increased in peritoneal and pleural effusions in patients with various types of cancer

Serum levels of group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) have been reported to be associated with stage of disease in cancer patients. These levels are also related to the malignant potential in tissues, and are an important prognostic factor. We radioimmunoassayed group II PLA2 levels in pleural and peritoneal effusions from patients with various cancers. We also investigated the production of group II PLA2 in cells in effusions from cancer patients by Northern blotting, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Immunoreactive group II PLA2 levels were significantly higher in effusions from 47 patients with various cancers, compared with those in sera and cirrhotic ascites. There was no significant correlation between group II PLA2 levels in effusions and those in sera. Group II PLA2 mRNA was expressed at a high level in cells from effusions, by Northern blot analysis, but not in those cells from blood. The localization of group II PLA2 protein and mRNA was intense in carcinoma cells and CD68-positive macrophages, determined by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in effusions, in comparison with those in sera from patients, suggesting that cancer cells and macrophages produce group II PLA2 by IL-6. These group II PLA2 levels are apparently significantly increased in effusions, and the carcinoma cells and macrophages produce group II PLA2, as noted in effusions from patients with various cancers.

Usefulness of indocyanine green injection during ultrasound-guided liver biopsy for the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma

To diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) functionally and immediately, we examined the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) injection during ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. Liver specimens were obtained after intravenous ICG injection by ultrasound-guided biopsy from 251 space-occupying lesions (SOL) in 136 patients. The tissues were immediately examined for ICG uptake using an infrared Vidicon camera and were also subjected to histopathological examinations. Of the 112 ICG-negative biopsy specimens, 105 were histologically diagnosed as HCC, 6 as dysplastic nodules (DN) and 1 as a regenerative nodule (RN). Of the 139 ICG-positive specimens, 18 were diagnosed as HCC, 1 as DN and 120 as RN. The sensitivity of the absence of ICG uptake (SEAIU), the specificity of the absence of ICG uptake (SPAIU), and the positive predictive value of the absence of ICG uptake (PPAIU) for the diagnosis of HCC were 85.3%, 94.5% and 93.8%, respectively. Of the 251 SOLs, 184 were less than 2 cm. SEAIU, SPAIU and PPAIU for the diagnosis of these small HCC were 85.3%, 94.5% and 91.4%, respectively. These results support the reliability of ICG injection during ultrasound-guided liver biopsy to diagnose even small HCC.

Immunohistochemical studies of PIVKA-II in hepatocellular carcinoma by indirect immunofluorescence

Tissue PIVKA-II was examined in 32 hepatocellular carcinomas and 2 metastatic liver tumors using indirect immunofluorescence, and the results were compared with the size, histological grading and serum PIVKA-II level. The specificity of this method was confirmed by the disappearance of reactivity in PLC/PRF/5 cells after the addition of vitamin K to the culture medium. Positive PIVKA-II staining was observed as a clustered or a single cell pattern only in the HCC nodules, but not in the surrounding cirrhotic tissue. PIVKA-II staining was observed in all HCC groups regardless of histological grade. There was no relationship between PIVKA-II staining and the size of HCC. PIVKA-II was detected immunohistochemically even in small HCC of patients whose plasma PIVKA-II levels were below the detection limit. These results suggest that PIVKA-II production is a specific phenotype of HCC regardless of its histological grading and demonstrate that this immunofluorescent PIVKA-II staining is more sensitive and useful than plasma PIVKA-II assay for the diagnosis of HCC.

Galactosylation of cyclodextrins and branched cyclodextrins by alpha-galactosidases

Transgalactosylated derivatives of cyclodextrins (CDs) and glucosyl and maltosyl CDs (G1- and G2-CDs) were synthesized by alpha-galactosidases from coffee bean and Mortierella vinacea (M. vinacea). The structures of the transfer products were analyzed by FAB-mass, 13C-NMR and methylation. Coffee bean alpha-galactosidase transferred a galactosyl residue not only to side chains of G1-CDs and G2-CDs, but also directly to CD rings. M. vinacea alpha-galactosidase transferred a galactosyl residue only to side chains of G2-CDs.

Chemical structures of hetero-oligosaccharides produced by Arthrobacter sp. K-1 beta-fructofuranosidase

The structures of hetero-oligosaccharides obtained by the action of transglycosylation of Arthrobacter sp. K-1 beta-fructofuranosidase, using sucrose as the fructosyl donor, and several mono- and di-sacchrides as the acceptors were investigated. The main transfer products to most reducing mono- and di-sacchrides were non-reducing oligosaccharides with a fructosyl residue linked to a hemiacetal hydroxyl group. In the presence of L-sorbose, the enzyme produced 2-O-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-alpha-L-sorbopyranoside as the major product. With D-galactose or L-arabinose, the enzyme produced not only non-reducing oligosaccharides, but also reducing oligosaccharides, which were identified as 3-O-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-D-galactopyranose and 4-O-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-L-arabinopyranose, respectively. When a non-reducing sugar such as methyl alpha-glucoside was used as an acceptor, the product formed had a fructosyl residue linked at the C6 hydroxyl group.

Acceptor specificities of alpha-mannosidases from jack bean and almond, and transmannosylation of branched cyclodextrins

Jack bean alpha-mannosidase had a wide acceptor specificity and could transfer mannosyl residues to various acceptors such as D-fructose, L-arabinose, maltose, lactose, and sucrose. The structures of the transferred products of branched cyclodextrins (CDs) (glucosyl-beta CD, maltosyl-alpha CD, and maltosyl-beta CD) were found to be alpha-D-mannosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-glucosyl-(1-->6)-beta CD, alpha-D-mannosyl- (1-->6)-alpha-D-glucosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucosyl-(1-->6)-alpha CD and alpha-D-mannosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-glucosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucosyl-(1--> 6)- beta CD, respectively. Almond alpha-mannosidase also produced the same transmannosylated products of branched CDs.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase activity in cerebral gliomas. A guidance for nitrosourea treatment?

The activity of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (O6-MT), which removes O6-methyl residues from O6-methylguanine-DNA leading to cell death, has been reported to correlate with sensitivity to nitrosoureas used for chemotherapy of gliomas. We determined O6-MT activity in tumors and matched brain tissue from patients with gliomas. Histological diagnoses were: six malignant astrocytomas, two glioblastomas, two oligodendrogliomas, one ependymoma, and one medulloblastoma. In all cases but one, the activity ranged widely from 39 to 258 fmol/mg protein extract. The wide range of activity of the tumor tissue may indicate varying degree of sensitivity to nitrosoureas. The activity of brain tissue, available from the peritumoral region of five cases, varied between 38 to 415 fmol/mg. Four of the five regions showed a higher value than the respective tumor, and one showed a lower value.

(14C-methyl)-L-methionine uptake in rat brain tumors before and after treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide

Autoradiographic study of (14C-methyl)-L-methionine with brain tumor bearing rats aimed at an elucidation of the mechanism of tracer accumulation in the protein synthesis of tumor. Twice as much tracer accumulated in the tumors compared as in the contralateral gray matter (nontumor region) at 90 min post intravenous injection. The protein-bound fraction of the tumors, expressed as acid-insoluble fraction (AIF), was 1.7 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- standard deviation, n = 6), significantly higher than that (0.8 +/- 0.2) of the nontumor region (p < 0.05 by the Mann-Whitney test). The tumor AIF comprised 82.3 +/- 9.2% of the total amount of the tracers accumulated in the tumors. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide reduced the tracer uptake and the AIF of the tumors to an almost same level as the nontumor region. These findings indicate that metabolic acceleration of protein synthesis may be a main reason for the high accumulation of (14C-methyl)-L-methionine in tumor.

Preparation, isolation, and characterization of novel heterogeneous branched cyclomalto-oligosaccharides having beta-D-galactosyl residue(s) on the side chain

Transgalactosylated products of branched cyclodextrins (glucosyl-alpha CD, -beta CD, -gamma CD, and maltosyl-alpha CD, -beta CD, -gamma CD) were synthesized by beta-D-galactosidases from Bacillus circulans and Penicillium multicolor using lactose as a donor substrate and branched CDs as acceptors. Eighteen beta-D-galactosylated branched CDs were isolated and purified by HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by FABMS and 13C NMR spectroscopies, and methylation analysis. The chromatographic behavior of these novel heterogeneous branched CDs on three HPLC columns of different separation modes was compared.