Evaluation of the effect of aroma oil as a bath salt on cognitive function

BACKGROUND

Aromatherapy is a non-pharmacological therapy for the improvement of dementia symptoms. This study aimed to assess the effects of aroma oil as a bath salt on cognitive function, olfactory function and sleep quality.

METHODS

This was a randomised controlled trial. Overall, 49 patients were able to provide consent, and 35 were finally analysed (Alzheimer's disease: 10, mild cognitive impairment: 25). The patients were randomly assigned to use 0.1%, 0.5% or 1% aroma bath salt. During daily bathing, bath salt was added to the bath water, and the subjects remained in the bathroom for ≥10 min. The intervention period was 24 weeks, and the observation periods were 4 weeks before and after using the aroma bath salt. We performed the Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS), the Odour Stick Identification Test for Japanese (OSIT-J) and the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J) five times during the before and after observation periods and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in the TDAS, OSIT-J and PSQI-J scores before and after the intervention in all groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the TDAS, OSIT-J and PSQI-J scores between the groups before and after the intervention. In the correlation analysis of changes in the TDAS and other tests during the intervention period, significant associations between TDAS and sleep latency and sleep disturbances, which are sub-items of PSQI-J, were observed in the use of 0.1% aroma bath salt group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of aroma bath salt was not associated with improvement in cognitive function, olfactory function or sleep quality. However, sleep-related aspects were associated with changes in cognitive function before and after use of aroma bath salt, which suggested that there is a link between improvements in sleep and that in cognitive function.

Fast x-ray detector system with simultaneous measurement of timing and energy for a single photon

We developed a fast X-ray detector system for nuclear resonant scattering (NRS) experiments. Our system employs silicon avalanche photo-diode (Si-APD) as a fast X-ray sensor. The system is able to acquire both timing and energy of a single X-ray photon simultaneously in a high rate condition, 10⁶ counts per second for one Si-APD. The performance of the system was investigated in SPring-8, a synchrotron radiation facility in Japan. Good time resolution of 120 ps (FWHM) was achieved with a slight tail distribution in the time spectrum by a level of 10^-9 at 1 ns apart from the peak. Using this system, we successfully observed the NRS from the 26.27-keV level of mercury-201, which has a half-life of 630(50) ps. We also demonstrated the reduction of background events caused by radioactive decays in a radioactive sample by discriminating photon energy.

Antifreeze activity of cold acclimated Japanese radish and purification of antifreeze peptide

Japanese radish tuber and leaf produced antifreeze proteins (AFPs) having thermal hysteresis activity (TH) and ice recrystallization inhibiting activity (RI). Upon cold acclimation, the apoplastic fluid of the Japanese radish exhibited hexagonal crystal growth, indicating the presence of an antifreeze protein. The induction patterns of protein and the TH activity of apoplastic fraction from both samples were different. The TH activities of apoplastic fraction from tuber and leaves were 0.20 +/- 0.03 and 0.18 +/- 0.02 degree C, respectively. Also, the TH and RI activities of apoplastic fraction of leaves were activated by autoclave treatment at pH 10.0. An antifreeze peptide (molecular weight 1320), was purified using chromatography. Furthermore, the chitinase and beta-1, 3-glucanase activities in the apoplastic fraction of its tuber were induced by the cold acclimation. Some proteins in this apoplastic fraction were reacted with the anti-glucanase-like protein (GLP) antiserum and anti-chitinase-like protein (CLP) antiserum produced against isolated winter rye AFPs. This is the first report on the presence and characterization of AFPs from Japanese radish tuber.

Characterization of canine platelet activation induced by platelet activating factor (PAF)

Characteristics of the signal transduction in Platelet activating factor (PAF)-activated platelets and effects of anti-platelet agents on this response were investigated in vitro for potential therapeutic applications in canine endotoxemia. Blockade of the PAF receptor by a specific blocker has the strongest inhibitive effect on the PAF-induced platelet reactions. The response was also inhibited by either Ca(2+) channel blockers or prostaglandin E(1).

Alpha-fetoprotein in serum and tumor tissues in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were measured before and after surgical removal of tumor masses in four dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Localization of AFP was also examined immunohistochemically in tumor tissues. In three cases, the serum AFP concentration was 10 to 20 times higher than that of normal dogs. One to two months after surgery, the serum AFP concentration had decreased to normal range. AFP was localized in the tumor tissues in these three cases. One case, which had a low serum AFP, did not show AFP localization in tumor tissue.

Establishment and characterization of primary canine hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines producing alpha-fetoprotein

A primary cultured cell line named CHKS was established from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of a dog showing a high level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). CHKS secreted a 66 KDD AFP into the growth medium regardless of the presence or absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cloning CHKS with limiting dilution produced 4 clones, CHKS-1, -2, -3, and -4, which secreted 826, 471, 70, and less than 10 ng/ml, respectively, of AFP into the culture medium. In culture, these cell lines were similar in morphology and proliferation pattern to epithelial cells and positive to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The presence of mRNA for canine albumin was demonstrated by nested PCR. The doubling times of the clone cell lines were 21, 45, 36, and 35 h, saturation densities 34, 18, 22, and 24 x 10(4)/cm(2), and plating efficiencies 18, 45, 46, and 45%, respectively. Chromosome analysis of these cell lines showed near triploidy. These results show that CHKS and its clones have hepatic cell functions and are useful for carcinogenetic and clinical studies of canine HCC.

Calcium interacts with antifreeze proteins and chitinase from cold-acclimated winter rye

During cold acclimation, winter rye (Secale cereale) plants accumulate pathogenesis-related proteins that are also antifreeze proteins (AFPs) because they adsorb onto ice and inhibit its growth. Although they promote winter survival in planta, these dual-function AFPs proteins lose activity when stored at subzero temperatures in vitro, so we examined their stability in solutions containing CaCl2, MgCl2, or NaCl. Antifreeze activity was unaffected by salts before freezing, but decreased after freezing and thawing in CaCl2 and was recovered by adding a chelator. Ca2+ enhanced chitinase activity 3- to 5-fold in unfrozen samples, although hydrolytic activity also decreased after freezing and thawing in CaCl2. Native PAGE, circular dichroism, and Trp fluorescence experiments showed that the AFPs partially unfold after freezing and thawing, but they fold more compactly or aggregate in CaCl2. Ruthenium red, which binds to Ca(2+)-binding sites, readily stained AFPs in the absence of Ca2+, but less stain was visible after freezing and thawing AFPs in CaCl2. We conclude that the structure of AFPs changes during freezing and thawing, creating new Ca(2+)-binding sites. Once Ca2+ binds to those sites, antifreeze activity, chitinase activity and ruthenium red binding are all inhibited. Because free Ca2+ concentrations are typically low in the apoplast, antifreeze activity is probably stable to freezing and thawing in planta. Ca2+ may regulate chitinase activity if concentrations are increased locally by release from pectin or interaction with Ca(2+)-binding proteins. Furthermore, antifreeze activity can be easily maintained in vitro by including a chelator during frozen storage.

Relationship between peroxyl radical scavenging capability measured by the chemiluminescence method and an aminocarbonyl reaction product in soy sauce

Oxygen-related free radicals have been suggested as a cause of aging and various diseases, for example, various cancers and rheumatoid arthritis. Because of this a radical scavenger as an antioxidant has been sought in food materials. Soy sauce is a traditional fermented seasoning of East Asian countries and is available throughout the world. The relationship between the peroxyl radical scavenging capability using the luminol chemiluminescence method and melanoidin, the main product from aminocarbonylation, i.e., Maillard reaction, from soy sauce was examined. In this study, we report that soy sauce has a very high antioxidative capacity and from the comparisons of the IC50 values of 26 soy sauces in the case of the optical density of the soy sauce's color being standardized, it was found that not only melanoidin is an antioxidative product, but also other products have strong antioxidative properties.

Peroxyl radical scavenging capability of fish sauces measured by the chemiluminescence method

Oxygen-related free radicals have been suggested as a cause of aging and various diseases, for example, various cancers and rheumatoid arthritis. A radical scavenger as an antioxidant has been sought in foods. Fish sauces are traditional Asian fermented seasonings. Using the luminol chemiluminescence method, the peroxyl radical scavenging capability of fish sauces was examined. From the IC50 values, many fish sauces have been shown to have a strong scavenging capability as well as soy sauces. A scavenging mechanism is also proposed.

Differential regulation of human RecQ family helicases in cell transformation and cell cycle

Three human RecQ DNA helicases, WRN, BLM and RTS, are involved in the genetic disorders associated with genomic instability and a high incidence of cancer. RecQL1 and RecQL5 also belong to the human RecQ helicase family, but their correlation with genetic disorders, if any, is unknown. We report here that in human B cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human fibroblasts and umbilical endothelial cells transformed by simian virus 40, the expression of WRN, BLM, RTS and RecQL1 was sharply up-regulated. In B cells this expression was stimulated within 5-40 h by the tumor promoting agent phorbol myristic acetate (PMA). Interestingly, RecQL5beta, an alternative splicing product of RecQL5 with a nuclear localization signal, is expressed in resting B cells without significant modulation of its synthesis by EBV or PMA, suggesting it has a role in resting cells. We also roughly determined the number of copies per cell for the five RecQ helicase in B cells. In addition, levels of the different RecQ helicases are modulated in different ways during the cell cycle of actively proliferating fibroblasts and umbilical endothelial cells. Our results support the view that the levels of WRN, BLM, RTS and RecQL1 are differentially up-regulated to guarantee genomic stability in cells that are transformed or actively proliferating.

Observation of nuclear excitation by electron transition in 197Au with synchrotron X rays and an avalanche photodiode

We have succeeded in observing nuclear excitation by electron transition (NEET) in 197Au by a new method. Monochromatic x-rays of synchrotron radiation were used to ionize the K shell of gold atoms in a target foil. The internal-conversion electrons emitted from excited nuclei were detected with a silicon avalanche photodiode. At a photon energy of 80.989 keV, the NEET probability in 197Au was determined to be (5.0+/-0.6)x10(-8) from a comparison of the event number per photon between NEET and the nuclear resonance at 77.351 keV.

Human RecQ5beta, a large isomer of RecQ5 DNA helicase, localizes in the nucleoplasm and interacts with topoisomerases 3alpha and 3beta

The RecQ helicase superfamily has been implicated in DNA repair and recombination. At least five human RecQ-related genes exist: RecQ1, BLM, WRN, RecQ4 and RecQ5. Mutations in BLM, WRN and RecQ4 are associated with Bloom, Werner and Rothmund-Thomson syndromes, respectively, involving a predisposition to malignancies and a cellular phenotype that includes increased chromosome instability. RecQ5 is small, containing only a core part of the RecQ helicase, but three isomer transcripts code for small RecQ5alpha (corresponding to the original RecQ5 with 410 amino acids), new large RecQ5beta (991 amino acids) and small RecQ5gamma (435 amino acids) proteins that contain the core helicase motifs. By determining the genomic structure, we found that the three isoforms are generated by differential splicing from the RecQ5 gene that contains at least 19 exons. Northern blot analysis using a RecQ5beta-specific probe indicates that RecQ5beta mRNA is expressed strongly in the testis. Immunocytochemical staining of three N-terminally tagged RecQ5 isomers expressed in 293EBNA cells showed that RecQ5beta migrates to the nucleus and exists exclusively in the nucleoplasm, while the small RecQ5alpha and RecQ5gamma proteins stay in the cytoplasm. Immunoprecipitation and an extended cytochemical experiment suggested that the nucleoplasmic RecQ5beta, like yeast Sgs1 DNA helicase, binds to topoisomerases 3alpha and 3beta, but not to topoisomerase 1. These results predict that RecQ5beta may have an important role in DNA metabolism and may also be related to a distinct genetic disease.

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome due to RECQ4 helicase mutations: report and clinical and molecular comparisons with Bloom syndrome and Werner syndrome

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), an autosomal recessive disorder, comprises poikiloderma, growth deficiency, some aspects of premature aging, and a predisposition to malignancy, especially osteogenic sarcomas. Two kindreds with RTS were recently shown to segregate for mutations in the human RECQL4 helicase gene. We report identification of a new RTS kindred in which both brothers developed osteosarcomas. Mutation analysis of the RECQL4 gene was performed on both brothers and both parents. The brothers were shown to be compound heterozygotes for mutations in the RECQL4 gene, including a single basepair deletion in exon 9 resulting in a frameshift and early termination codon and a base substitution in the 3-prime splice site in the intron-exon boundary of exon 8, which would be predicted to cause a deletion of at least part of a consensus helicase domain. Each parent was shown to be a heterozygote carrier for one mutation. This report strengthens the association between mutations in RECQL4 helicase gene and RTS. Two other recessive disorders, Bloom syndrome and Werner syndrome, are known to be due to other human RECQ helicase gene mutations. These three disorders all manifest abnormal growth, premature aging, and predisposition to site-specific malignancies. The clinical and molecular aspects of RTS, Bloom syndrome, and Werner syndrome are compared and contrasted.

Nuclear resonance scattering of synchrotron radiation by 40K

We have observed the excitation of the 29.83 keV nuclear level of the radioactive 40K nuclide, which level is not populated by any radioactive source, by synchrotron radiation for the first time. The absolute energy of the level of 29.834+/-0.011 keV and the half-life of 4.13+/-0.12 ns were obtained from our measurements. Our success in observing the nuclear excitation of radioactive 40K in a KCl powder sample shows the possibility for study of the local vibrational states and the electronic states of potassium in various areas of research.

Enzymatic synthesis of stable, odorless, and powdered furanone glucosides by sucrose phosphorylase

Sucrose phosphorylase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides catalyzed transglucosylation from sucrose to 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone derivatives. When 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone or 5-ethyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) were used as acceptors, their transfer ratios were more than 45%. In the case of glucosylation of HDMF, the major transfer product was identified as 2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (DMF-G). In the case of glucosylation of EHMF, two major transfer products were obtained, and their structures were identified as 2-ethyl-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (2E5MF-G) and 5-ethyl-2-methyl-3(2H)-furanone 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (5E2MF-G) on the bases of spectrometric investigations. These glucosides were more stable than each aglycone. The glucosylated HDMF, DMF-G, was an odorless chemical, on the other hand, HDMF had a pineapple flavor. The glucosylated EHMF (EMF-G) were white odorless powders, though aglycone EHMF was a pale yellow syrup like a caramel with an intense sweet odor. Although DMF-G and EMF-G showed little radical-scavenging activity, hydrolyzates of these glucosides by an intestinal acetone powder from pigs had antioxidative activity as well as their aglycones. It was suggested that these glucosides improved some physical properties and may become prodrugs by glucosylation.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the gene for glucodextranase from Arthrobacter globiformis T-3044 and expression in Escherichia coli cells

The gld gene for glucodextranase from Arthrobacter globiformis T-3044 was cloned by using a combination of gene walking and probe methods and expressed on the recombinant plasmid pGD8, which was constructed with pUC118, in Escherichia coli cells. The enzyme gene consisted of a unique open reading frame of 3,153 bp. The comparison of the DNA sequence data with the N-terminal and 6 internal amino acid sequences of the purified enzyme secreted from A. globiformis T-3044 suggested the enzyme was translated from mRNA as a secretory precursor with a signal peptide of 28 amino acids residues. The deduced amino acids sequence of the mature enzyme contained 1,023 residues, resulting in a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 107,475 daltons. The deduced sequence showed about 38% identity to that of the glucoamylase from Clostridium sp. G0005. The glucodextranase activity of transformant harboring pGD8 was about 40 mU/ml at 30 degrees C for a 16-h culture. Although the GDase that was produced from the transformant was shorter than authentic GDase by 2 amino acid residues at the N-terminal end side, its enzymatic properties were almost same as the authentic one. Two kinds of genes, dex1 and dex2, for endo-dextranases from A. globiformis T-3044 were also cloned into Escherichia coli cells. The N-terminal of the purified endo-dextranase from A. globiformis T-3044 agreed with the deduced amino acid sequence, after the 33rd alanine residue, of only the dex1 gene for edo-dextranase. This result suggests that the endo-dextranase is translated from mRNA as a secretory precursor with a signal peptide of 32 amino acids residues. The deduced sequence of endo-dextranase 1 and endo-dextranase 2 showed about 93% and 65% identity with that of known endo-dextranase from Arthrobacter sp. CB-8, respectively.

Rothmund-thomson syndrome responsible gene, RECQL4: genomic structure and products

RECQL4 is the fourth gene identified as a member of the human DNA helicase RecQ gene family including the genes for Werner syndrome (WRN) and Bloom syndrome, both of which are characterized by genomic instability. Recently, RECQL4 was identified as the gene responsible for some cases of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that shows chromosomal instability, premature aging, and a high risk of mesenchymal tumors. In this study, we show the genomic organization of the RECQL4 gene, including the exon-intron boundaries, the transcription initiation sites, and the potential promoter sequences, which facilitates further mutation analysis of the RECQL4 gene and studies to elucidate the pathogenesis behind RTS. The RECQL4 gene is in a small genome of 6.5 kb and consists of 21 exons. In the 5' upstream region, one Sp1 site and several AP 2 sites exist near the capping site, suggesting that the expression of RECQL4 is regulated by a housekeeping-type promoter similar to WRN. By comparative Northern blot analysis, we show that the RECQL4 transcripts are severely down-regulated in the cells from RTS patients, similar to our previous observation for WRN transcripts in cells from Werner patients. Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that the RECQL4 protein expressed in HeLa cells is in the nucleus and appears to be localized mainly in the nucleoplasm similar to WRN helicase.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein values in dogs with various hepatic diseases

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) values were measured in hepatic diseased dogs with or without tumor and non-hepatic tumor bearing dogs by a sandwich ELISA using anti-dog AFP antiserum. Serum AFP values were less than 70 ng/ml in clinically healthy dogs. The values in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma were higher than 1,400 ng/ml in 7 of 9 dogs, wherever those in two dogs with cholangiocarcinoma were in the normal range. Serum AFP values in hepatic diseased dogs without tumor were also high, however, the values were below 500 ng/ml in 90% of the dogs. In non-hepatic tumor dogs, serum AFP values were less than 500 ng/ml in 76% of the dogs. In the surgically removal cases with hepatocellular carcinoma, serum AFP values rapidly decreased. These results suggested that the sandwich ELISA using anti-dog AFP antiserum was an available method for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs.

Mutations in RECQL4 cause a subset of cases of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS; also known as poikiloderma congenitale) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities in skin and skeleton, juvenile cataracts, premature ageing and a predisposition to neoplasia. Cytogenetic studies indicate that cells from affected patients show genomic instability often associated with chromosomal rearrangements causing an acquired somatic mosaicism. The gene(s) responsible for RTS remains unknown. The genes responsible for Werner and Bloom syndromes (WRN and BLM, respectively) have been identified as homologues of Escherichia coli RecQ, which encodes a DNA helicase that unwinds double-stranded DNA into single-stranded DNAs. Other eukaryotic homologues thus far identified are human RECQL, Saccharomyces cerevisiae SGS1 and Schizosaccharomyces pombe rqh1. We recently cloned two new human helicase genes, RECQL4 at 8q24.3 and RECQL5 at 17q25, which encode members of the RecQ helicase family. Here, we report that three RTS patients carried two types of compound heterozygous mutations in RECQL4. The fact that the mutated alleles were inherited from the parents in one affected family and were not found in ethnically matched controls suggests that mutation of RECQL4 at human chromosome 8q24.3 is responsible for at least some cases of RTS.

Role of platelet activating factor in development of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in dogs with endotoxemia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in dogs.

ANIMALS

42 dogs.

PROCEDURES

Blood samples were obtained from dogs given LPS (40 microg/kg of body weight; n = 16), PAF (1 microg/kg; 6), PAF (5 microg/kg/h for 90 minutes; 4), or physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.1 ml/kg/h for 90 minutes; 3) IV to monitor changes in blood cell counts, using automated counters and blood smears stained with Giemsa. Blood samples were also obtained from dogs given LPS (40 microg/kg) that had (n = 5) or had not (6) been treated beforehand with TCV-309, a potent PAF antagonist. Concentration of PAF in blood was determined by use of 125I-radioimmunoassay in dogs given LPS at 1 mg/kg (n = 3) and 40 microg/kg (9).

RESULTS

Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were found in all dogs except those given saline solution. The LPS-induced thrombocytopenia was significantly suppressed by prior treatment with TCV-309. The PAF concentrations increased markedly 1 hour after injection of 1 mg/kg of LPS and increased slightly but significantly 10 minutes after injection of 40 microg/kg of LPS.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PAF plays an important role in the development of LPS-induced thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in dogs. Control of PAF production, PAF-induced effects, or both may be important in the treatment of dogs with gram-negative bacterial infections and associated thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.

Cloning of two new human helicase genes of the RecQ family: biological significance of multiple species in higher eukaryotes

Two new human DNA helicase genes, RecQ4 and RecQ5, that belong to the RecQ helicase family were cloned and characterized. The addition of these genes increases the total to five helicase genes in the human RecQ family, which includes helicases involved in Bloom and Werner syndromes, the genetic diseases manifesting the distinctive but overlapping clinical phenotypes of immunodeficiency, premature aging, and an enhanced risk of cancer. The RecQ4 helicase is as large as the Bloom (BLM) and Werner (WRN) helicases, and its gene expression profile is organ-specific, resembling that of BLM helicase. In contrast, the RecQ5 helicase has a low molecular weight, similar to the human progenitor RecQ1 helicase, and is expressed in all the organs examined. All five human helicase genes are expressed in cultured K562 leukemia and fibroblast cells. Synchronized K562 cell cultures showed that the genes RecQ4 and BLM, and RecQ1 and WRN, seem to be upregulated at the G1/S and G2/M phases, respectively, of the cell cycle. The biological significance of multiple species of human RecQ helicases, which are apparently nonessential for life but may be related to distinct diseases, is discussed in light of the fact that unicellular organisms, like Escherichia coli and yeast, contain only one species of helicase of this particular family.

Homology modeling of an RNP domain from a human RNA-binding protein: Homology-constrained energy optimization provides a criterion for distinguishing potential sequence alignments

We have recently described an automated approach for homology modeling using restrained molecular dynamics and simulated annealing procedures (Li et al, Protein Sci., 6:956-970,1997). We have employed this approach for constructing a homology model of the putative RNA-binding domain of the human RNA-binding protein with multiple splice sites (RBP-MS). The regions of RBP-MS which are homologous to the template protein snRNP U1A were constrained by "homology distance constraints," while the conformation of the non-homologous regions were defined only by a potential energy function. A full energy function without explicit solvent was employed to ensure that the calculated structures have good conformational energies and are physically reasonable. The effects of mis-alignment of the unknown and the template sequences were also explored in order to determine the feasibility of this homology modeling method for distinguishing possible sequence alignments based on considerations of the resulting conformational energies of modeled structures. Differences in the alignments of the unknown and the template sequences result in significant differences in the conformational energies of the calculated homology models. These results suggest that conformational energies and residual constraint violations in these homology-constrained simulated annealing calculations can be used as criteria to distinguish between correct and incorrect sequence alignments and chain folds.

Physical map of the human chromosome 8p12-p21 encompassing tumor suppressor and Werner's syndrome gene loci

Detailed physical maps of the human genome are important resources for identification and isolation of genes responsible for diseases and for the study of their structure and function. We constructed a 2.0-Mb high-resolution physical map within the human chromosome 8p12-p21 region extending from marker D8S131 to D8S283. The map comprises a series of contigs mostly P1/PAC clones, which span the loci of potential tumor suppressor genes and the Werner's syndrome gene. Each P1/PAC DNA was defined by its size, restriction sites, terminal sequences, intermarker distances and location relative to major genes and markers. The genes on these P1/PAC DNAs were analyzed by an exon amplification method to determine their locations. The genes newly found by the exon amplification method together with other known genes, including those of glutathion reductase, a general transcription factor, protein phosphatase 2A beta subunit and Werner's syndrome, were precisely mapped within the contigs. These P1/PAC DNAs are useful reagents for the generation of new microsatellite markers to narrow the candidate region of the tumor suppressor gene(s) and/or genes responsible for other diseases, which are believed to exist in this region by linkage analysis.

Immunological determination of faecal haemoglobin concentrations in dogs

Faecal haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in apparently healthy experimental Beagle dogs and in dogs of various breeds kept in private households or at breeders were measured by reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an effort to define the physiological concentrations of faecal Hb in the dog. In 88% (53) of 60 experimental Beagle dogs (30 males and 30 females), the RPLA titres were 1:2 and 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations ranged from 40.0 to 431.5 (mean 184.1 +/- 92.6) micrograms/g faeces by ELISA. No significant difference was found in Hb levels or RPLA titres between males and females. Seven dogs (12%) had significantly greater RPLA titres and Hb concentrations by ELISA than the remaining dogs. In 84% (45) of the 53 dogs kept in private households or at breeders, the RPLA titres were < 1:1 to 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations ranged from 7.1 to 456.7 (mean 137.5 +/- 128.7) micrograms/g faeces in ELISA. Eight of these dogs (15.1% of 53 dogs) had significantly greater RPLA titres and Hb concentrations by ELISA than the remaining dogs. There were no significant differences between the Beagles and dogs kept in private households or at breeders. In conclusion, in 98 (86.7% of 113) dogs the physiological concentrations of RPLA titres were < 1:1 to 1:8 and the faecal Hb concentrations were 143.5-185.1 micrograms/g (95% confidence level). Approximately 13.3% of apparently healthy dogs had higher faecal Hb concentrations, suggesting the presence of subclinical haemorrhages. Four dogs suffering from colorectal cancer also had high faecal Hb concentrations.

Physiological levels of C-reactive protein in normal canine sera

This study was undertaken to investigate whether the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum of dogs undergoes physiological variation, using 10 normal Beagle dogs (5 males and 5 females), 1-2 years old, maintained in a healthy condition in a controlled environment. The CRP concentration in the sera collected seven times each day at intervals of approximately 3 h ranged from 0.8 to 16.4 micrograms/ml (mean 5.06 +/- 3.60) in one experiment and from 0.8 to 14.0 micrograms/ml (mean 4.50 +/- 2.80) in a second experiment. On examining the 24-h variations in the concentration of CRP in serum, neither consistent changes nor a definite pattern of circadian rhythm was detected. During 28 days observation, only very slight changes, which seemed attributable to analytical errors, were seen in any of the dogs, except one. The concentration of CRP in the serum during the 28 days ranged from 0.8 to 22.6 micrograms/ml (mean 3.65 +/- 1.40). The concentrations underwent no significant variations in individual dogs, but significant differences were found between the dogs (p < 0.01).

DNA helicase activity in Werner's syndrome gene product synthesized in a baculovirus system

The gene responsible for Werner's syndrome (WRN) contains a region homologous to the Escherichia coli RecQ type DNA helicase and was thought to code for a DNA helicase belonging to this helicase family. However, no evidence has been shown before to substantiate this prediction. Here, we show data that the product of the WRN gene is indeed a DNA helicase. The gene product, a polypeptide with a relative molecular mass of 170 kDa, expressed in the insect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) cell and purified by affinity column chromatography contained both the ATPase and DNA unwinding activities characteristic of DNA helicase. Expressions in Sf21, as well as in HeLa cells, showed that the WRN DNA helicase is exclusively transported to the nucleoplasm, which is consistent with its function in DNA metabolism. Our studies on strand displacement suggest that WRN helicase can unwind not only a duplex DNA, but also an RNA-DNA heteroduplex, while the latter reaction seems less efficient. Enzymological features learned from the purified WRN helicase are discussed with respect to the biological function, which remains to be clarified.

Mutation and haplotype analyses of the Werner's syndrome gene based on its genomic structure: genetic epidemiology in the Japanese population

The correlation between mutations in the Werner's syndrome (WRN) gene and the haplotypes of surrounding markers was studied in Japanese patients. We have elucidated the genomic structure of WRN helicase, and found five additional mutations, designated mutations 6-10. Mutations 4 and 6 were found to be the two major mutations in this population; these mutations comprised 50.8% and 17.5%, respectively, of the total in a sample of 126 apparently unrelated chromosomes. Almost all the patients homozygous for mutation 4 shared a haplotype around the WRN gene, consistent with the view that they are derived from a single ancestor. This important advantage demonstrated in the identification of the WRN gene suggests that the Japanese present a unique population for the cloning of other disease genes. The conserved haplotype was observed across 19 loci, extending a distance estimated to be more than 1.4 Mbp around the WRN gene. This haplotype is rare among random Japanese individuals. Unexpectedly, all the nine patients homozygous for mutation 6 shared a haplotype that was identical to this haplotype at 18 of these 19 markers. These results suggest that mutations 4 and 6 arose independently in almost identical rare haplotypes. The remaining mutations (1, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) occurred rarely, and were each associated with different haplotypes.

Cloning and characterization of a novel gene, WS-3, in human chromosome 8p11-p12

A novel human gene referred to as the WS-3 gene, in the short arm of human chromosome 8, was cloned by a combination of exon trapping, thermal asymmetric interlaced-PCR (TAIL-PCR) and the Marathon-Ready cDNA amplification method. The gene consists of 7 exons separated by 6 introns, and is at the telomere side of the STS marker, D8S1055. The full-length WS-3 gene contains 1052 nucleotides and codes for a protein of 190 amino acids with a calculated mol. wt. of 20,747. Southern blot experiments showed that the WS-3 gene exists as a single copy in the human genome. A protein encoded by the WS-3 gene has an R-G-D (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif in the N-terminal region, which seems to confer adhesive properties to macromolecular proteins like fibronectin. Although WS-3 is a small gene with unknown biological function, its ubiquitous expression in various tissues and organs suggests that the encoded protein is one of the essential components of all organs and tissues.

A unique human gene that spans over 230 kb in the human chromosome 8p11-12 and codes multiple family proteins sharing RNA-binding motifs

A unique gene, RBP-MS, spanning over 230 kb in the human chromosome 8p11-12 near the Werner syndrome gene locus is described. The single-copy RBP-MS gene is alternatively spliced, resulting in a family of at least 12 transcripts (average length of 1.5 kb). Nine different types of cDNAs that encode an RNa-binding motif at the N terminus and helix-rich sequences at the C terminus have been identified thus far. Among the 16 exons identified, four 5'-proximal exons contained sequences homologous to the RNA-binding domain of Drosophila couch potato gene. Northern blot analysis showed that the RBP-MS gene was expressed strongly in the heart, prostate, intestine, and ovary, and poorly in the skeletal muscle, spleen, thymus, brain, and peripheral leukocytes. The possible role of this gene in RNA metabolism is discussed.

HTLV-1 Tax protein interacts with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4A and counteracts its inhibitory activity towards CDK4

Tax, a regulatory protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), is an oncoprotein which immortalizes human T cells and induces tumors in transgenic mice. These effects may be due to its interaction with cellular proteins, consisting of several transcription factors including CREB, NF-kappa B and SRF, and the transcriptional inhibitor, I kappa B. Here, we found that Tax binds to a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p16INK4A, which has ankyrin motifs similar to I kappa B. p16INK4A binds to the cyclin-dependent kinases, CDK4 and CDK6, and inhibits their activity, resulting in suppression of G1 phase progression. The binding of Tax to p16INK4a induced a reduction in the p16INK4A-CDK4 complex, with subsequent activation of CDK4 kinase. Tax also suppressed p16INK4A-mediated inhibition of U2OS cell growth. The p16INK4A gene was frequently deleted in many T-cell lines, but not in HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Taking these findings together, the functional inactivation of p16INK4A by Tax through protein-protein interaction is suggested to contribute to cellular immortalization and transformation induced by HTLV-1 infection.

Elevated levels of soluble Fc epsilon RII/CD23 and antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

To clarify how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is responsible for Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) we measured both IgG and IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) of EBV in the sera of normal healthy subjects and patients with SjS. Anti-VCA IgG was detectable in all controls and patients however, anti-VCA IgG titers in the sera of SjS patients were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.01). No anti-VCA IgM was detected in the sera of controls whereas anti-VCA IgM was detected in the sera from 10 out of the 13 patients with SjS. This suggests that SjS might be associated with EBV. The serum levels of sCD23 (IgE-binding factor) were also measured to assess the differential state in patients with SjS. The sCD23 level of normal individuals was 211.26 +/- 12.01 micrograms/L (value is mean +/- SE), and was 443.77 +/- 71.94 micrograms/L in the 13 patients with SjS. The mean sCD23 level in the 9 patients with SjS without any complication was 360.67 +/- 35.63 micrograms/L. In the patients with SjS, sCD23 levels were significantly higher than those in the normal individuals (p < 0.01).

Inhibitory specificity against various trypsins and stability of ovomucoid from Japanese quail egg white

The inhibitory specificity and stability of ovomucoid from Japanese quail egg white (OMJPQ) were examined to understand its nutritional significance. OMJPQ showed strong inhibitory activities toward trypsins from various origins including human, and the trypsin inhibitions occurred at molar ratios of enzyme to inhibitor between 1/1 and 2/1. On the other hand, an equimolar mixture of the second and third domains of OMJPQ inhibited bovine trypsin more strongly than the corresponding native OMJPQ did. This distinction was partly explained by the presence of steric hindrance on the formation of a 2:1 trypsin-OMJPQ complex. OMJPQ retained about 100% of its original activity over a pH range from 1 to 12 after a 24-h incubation at 37 degrees C. The inhibitor was most thermostable between pH 2 and 5, where more than 70% of its original activity was maintained after a 1-h incubation at 100 degrees C and about 25% of the activity even after a 30-min incubation at 121 degrees C. OMJPQ was also considerably resistant to pepsin attack. Pepsin digestion of the protein resulted in only about 40% loss of the original trypsin-inhibitory activity even after a 24-h digestion. Furthermore, the addition of bovine serum albumin to the digestion mixture brought about rapid elevation in the trypsin-inhibitory activity during an initial 30-min digestion. SDS-PAGE and immunoblot suggested that this was due to the liberation of active inhibitory domains from the native molecule by inter-domain proteolysis.

Pig intestinal membrane-bound receptor (guanylyl cyclase) for heat-stable enterotoxin: cDNA cloning, functional expression, and characterization

A cDNA encoding the receptor protein for a heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli was cloned from intestinal epithelial cells of a 10-week-old pig. The cDNA had an open reading frame of 3,219 base pairs and coded for a protein with 1,073 amino acid residues. The mature protein consisted of 1,050 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of ca. 121 kDa and was 87% and 82% identical with the human and rat protein, respectively. The CHO cell line overexpressing the pig recombinant STa receptor specifically bound to a photoaffinity-labeled analog of STa and showed marked elevation of the cellular content of cGMP in response to STa.

Purification and some properties of sucrose phosphorylase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides

Sucrose phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.7) was purified to homogeneity from Leuconostoc mesenteroides cells with a specific activity of 173.8 units per mg protein by ammonium sulfate fractionation, anion exchange HPLC on TSKgel DEAE-5PW, and hydrophobic HPLC on TSKgel Ether-5PW. The purified enzyme was an acidic protein having an isoelectric point of pH 4.6 and s0(20),W of 4.34S. The molecular weight of this enzyme was estimated to be 56,400 by sedimentation equilibrium, 55,000 by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and HPLC gel filtration on TSKgel G3000SW, suggesting that the enzyme is a monomeric protein. With regard to molecular weight, amino acid composition, and N-terminal amino acid sequence of 30 residues, this enzyme is close to the glucosyltransferase A of Streptococcus mutans.

Cloning and expression of the creatinase gene from Flavobacterium sp. U-188 in Escherichia coli

The gene coding for creatinase (creatine amidinohydrolase, EC 3.5.3.3) was isolated from Flavobacterium sp. U-188. The primary structure of creatinase deduced from the nucleotide sequence showed a protein (molecular weight, 42, 651) composed of 378 amino acids. The creatinase gene was over-expressed in Escherichia coli under the control of the lac promoter and the amount of this enzyme was over 20% of the soluble protein in the cell.