Controlling the Nucleation and Growth of Salt from Bodily Fluid for Enhanced Biosensing Applications

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) represents a transformative tool in medical diagnostics, particularly for the early detection of key biomarkers such as small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Its unparalleled sensitivity and compatibility with intricate biological samples make it an ideal candidate for revolutionizing noninvasive diagnostic methods. However, a significant challenge that mars its efficacy is the throughput limitation, primarily anchored in the prerequisite of hotspot and sEV colocalization within a minuscule range. This paper delves deep into this issue, introducing a never-attempted-before approach which harnesses the principles of crystallization-nucleation and growth. By synergistically coupling lasers with plasmonic resonances, we navigate the challenges associated with the analyte droplet drying method and the notorious coffee ring effect. Our method, rooted in a profound understanding of crystallization's materials science, exhibits the potential to significantly increase the areal density of accessible plasmonic hotspots and efficiently guide exosomes to defined regions. In doing so, we not only overcome the throughput challenge but also promise a paradigm shift in the arena of minimally invasive biosensing, ushering in advanced diagnostic capabilities for life-threatening diseases.

Distribution and Functions of Monodehydroascorbate Reductases in Plants: Comprehensive Reverse Genetic Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Enzymes

Monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) is an enzyme involved in ascorbate recycling. Arabidopsis thaliana has five MDAR genes that encode two cytosolic, one cytosolic/peroxisomal, one peroxisomal membrane-attached, and one chloroplastic/mitochondrial isoform. In contrast, tomato plants possess only three enzymes, lacking the cytosol-specific enzymes. Thus, the number and distribution of MDAR isoforms differ according to plant species. Moreover, the physiological significance of MDARs remains poorly understood. In this study, we classify plant MDARs into three classes: class I, chloroplastic/mitochondrial enzymes; class II, peroxisomal membrane-attached enzymes; and class III, cytosolic/peroxisomal enzymes. The cytosol-specific isoforms form a subclass of class III and are conserved only in Brassicaceae plants. With some exceptions, all land plants and a charophyte algae, Klebsormidium flaccidum, contain all three classes. Using reverse genetic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants lacking one or more isoforms, we provide new insight into the roles of MDARs; for example, (1) the lack of two isoforms in a specific combination results in lethality, and (2) the role of MDARs in ascorbate redox regulation in leaves can be largely compensated by other systems. Based on these findings, we discuss the distribution and function of MDAR isoforms in land plants and their cooperation with other recycling systems.

Dehydroascorbate Reductases and Glutathione Set a Threshold for High-Light-Induced Ascorbate Accumulation

Plants require a high concentration of ascorbate as a redox buffer for survival under stress conditions, such as high light. Dehydroascorbate reductases (DHARs) are enzymes that catalyze the reduction of DHA to ascorbate using reduced glutathione (GSH) as an electron donor, allowing rapid ascorbate recycling. However, a recent study using an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) triple mutant lacking all three DHAR genes (herein called ∆dhar) did not find evidence for their role in ascorbate recycling under oxidative stress. To further study the function of DHARs, we generated ∆dhar Arabidopsis plants as well as a quadruple mutant line combining ∆dhar with an additional vtc2 mutation that causes ascorbate deficiency. Measurements of ascorbate in these mutants under low- or high-light conditions indicated that DHARs have a nonnegligible impact on full ascorbate accumulation under high light, but that they are dispensable when ascorbate concentrations are low to moderate. Because GSH itself can reduce DHA nonenzymatically, we used the pad2 mutant that contains ∼30% of the wild-type GSH level. The pad2 mutant accumulated ascorbate at a wild-type level under high light; however, when the pad2 mutation was combined with ∆dhar, there was near-complete inhibition of high-light-dependent ascorbate accumulation. The lack of ascorbate accumulation was consistent with a marked increase in the ascorbate degradation product threonate. These findings indicate that ascorbate recycling capacity is limited in ∆dhar pad2 plants, and that both DHAR activity and GSH content set a threshold for high-light-induced ascorbate accumulation.

Redox regulation of ascorbate and glutathione by a chloroplastic dehydroascorbate reductase is required for high-light stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

Chloroplasts are a significant site for reactive oxygen species production under illumination and, thus, possess a well-organized antioxidant system involving ascorbate. Ascorbate recycling occurs in different manners in this system, including a dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) reaction. We herein investigated the physiological significance of DHAR3 in photo-oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. GFP-fused DHAR3 protein was targeted to chloroplasts in Arabidopsis leaves. A DHAR3 knockout mutant exhibited sensitivity to high light (HL). Under HL, the ascorbate redox states were similar in mutant and wild-type plants, while total ascorbate content was significantly lower in the mutant, suggesting that DHAR3 contributes, at least to some extent, to ascorbate recycling. Activation of monodehydroascorbate reductase occurred in dhar3 mutant, which might compensate for the lack of DHAR3. Interestingly, glutathione oxidation was consistently inhibited in dhar3 mutant. These findings indicate that DHAR3 regulates both ascorbate and glutathione redox states to acclimate to HL.

Construction of chromosome markers from the Lake Victoria cichlid Paralabidochromis chilotes and their application to comparative mapping

Cichlid fishes in the African Great Lakes are known as a spectacular example of adaptive radiation in vertebrates. Four linkage maps have been constructed to identify the genes responsible for adaptation and speciation, and the genetic linkages of those genes are assumed to play an important role during adaptive evolution. However, it is difficult to analyze such linkages because the linkage groups of one species do not match well with those of the other species. Chromosome markers are a powerful tool for the direct identification of linkage homology between different species. We used information about the linkage map of the Lake Malawi cichlid (Labeotropheus fuelleborni/Metriaclima zebra) to isolate bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones from the BAC library of Paralabidochromis chilotes, Lake Victoria. We identified 18 of 22 P. chilotes chromosomes by single- and multi-color BAC fluorescence in situ hybridization using 19 BAC clones. Comparative mapping with the chromosome markers of P. chilotes in Astatotilapia burtoni (2n = 40) from Lake Tanganyika revealed the chromosome rearrangements that have occurred in this lineage. These chromosome markers will be useful for delineating the process of genome and chromosome evolution in African species.

Efficacy and safety of bipolar electrode grasping forceps for laparoscopic myomectomy in uterine cervical myoma

INTRODUCTION

Myomectomy for cervical myoma is problematic because cervical myomas are very close to neighboring structures, such as the ureters, uterine artery, bladder and rectum. There are a few reports on laparoscopic myomectomy for cervical myomas to avoid blood loss, such as occlusion of iliac arteries and clipping of the uterine artery. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bipolar electrode grasping forceps for laparoscopic myomectomy in uterine cervical myoma.

METHODS

From November 2006 to May 2009, eight women with uterine cervical myoma underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. We employed electrode grasping forceps with a combination of two tenaculums for separating and securing hemostatsis.

RESULTS

Seven of eight cases were successfully treated by laparoscopic myomectomy, but one patient, with a large 900-g myoma was converted to the laparotomy as a result of blood loss (1800 mL). Among the other seven cases, the average weight of the myoma was 132 g (range, 16-310 g) and the operating time was 176 min. (range, 125-255 min). No complications occurred. Of the four cases who wanted to become pregnant postoperatively, two became pregnant and delivered by Caesarean section.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that bipolar electrode grasping forceps using two tenaculums for traction of the myoma are useful for laparoscopic myomectomy in cervical myomas.

Hypoxia-inducible protein 2 (HIG2) as a new biomarker of ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma

16001

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) can be subclassified into five major histologic types (Serous(SC), Mucinous(MC), Endometrioid(EC), Clear cell(CC), Undifferentiated (UC)). Among them, CC generally has a poor response to combination chemotherapy and its overall prognosis is poorer, as compared with other histologic types. In previous reports, we compared gene expression profiles in CC and SC using cDNA microarrays and suggested that HIG2 gene might be a new biomarker for CC (Clin Cancer Res, 2005). In this study, we generated a polyclonal antibody for HIG2 and further validated the expression of HIG2 in EOC. In addition, HIG2 expression was evaluated in CC derived from endometrium(EMCC) and kidney(KDCC). Methods: Formalin-fixed surgical samples from 254 EOC, 17 EMCC and 29 KDCC patients were included in this study. HIG2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. HIG2 cytoplasmic staining were divided into positive or negative. Results: Histologic types and stages of EOC were as followed: (SC: 51; MC: 25; EC: 31; CC: 130; UC: 17) and (I: 96; II: 37; III: 100; IV: 21). In EOC, 175 of 254(69%) cases had HIG2 expression. The relationship between HIG2 expression and histologic types was shown in table . The positive rate of HIG2 in CC was significantly higher than other histologic types in EOC. However, there is no significant correlation between HIG2 expression and stages or grades. In addition, both CC of the ovary and endometrium showed significantly higher levels of HIG2 expression compared to those of CC of the kidney. Conclusions: HIG2 expression is a new biomarker for CC.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intraperitoneal therapy for ovarian cancer: Impact on survival and recurrence—The result of multi-institutional studies

16068

Background: For optimal debulked mullerian cancer (MC), the Intraperitoneal (IP) therapy has become the effective modality of chemotherapy to obtain better prognosis. We have reported KCOG9811study: IP CDDP + Paclitaxel (PTX) intravenous (IV) 2 cycles followed by 3 cycles of usual PTX-Carboplatin (abstr.1970, ASCO2002). And we have also reported the feasibility study and satisfactory response rate of the weekly IP-PTX with IV Carboplatin therapy (IP-PIVC, abstr. 5120, ASCO2005). Objectives: We have conducted two types of IP therapy for optimal debulked MC to improve the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Here are the prognosis and recurrent fashion after these IP therapies. Methods: Twenty patients (pts) with optimal debulked ovarian cancer were enrolled for KCOG9811, and eleven pts with optimal debulked MC newly/recurrent diagnosed disease were enrolled for IP-PIVC. The regimen of each therapy consisted of as follows: KCOG9811:50mg/ m2 of CDDP was administered via IP port at operation, after 2 weeks (wks) of operation, PTX was administered at a dose of 175mg/ m2IV for 3hrs on day 1, CDDP was administered at 75mg/ m2IP on day 2, every 3wks for 2 cycles, followed by PTX 175mg/ m2 IV and Carboplatin AUC5 IV on day1 every 3wks for 3 cycles. The IP-PIVC therapy consisted of IP-PTX, on days 1, 8, 15 at a dose of 45 mg/m2 (3pts) and 60 mg/m2(8pts). Carboplatin was administered monthly at a dose of AUC 5 on day 1 only. 2–6 cycles were performed. Results: The mean observation time was 72.6 months (m) and 32.6m for KCOG9811 and IP-PIVC, respectively. As for the median PFS was 1308+ days and 678+ days, and the median OS was 2180+ days and 978+ days, respectively. The five years survival rate showed 59.3% on KCOG9811, and the three years survival rate showed 75.8% on IP-PIVC. As for recurrent fashion, liver metastases and proximal lymphnodes metastases, and retroperitoneal metastases were detected. Few cases recurred Intraperitoneal lesion with small ascites Conclusions: There are some differences in the recurrent fashion of IP treatment from that of IV treatment. IP treatment prevented ascitic recurrence. Further improvement of chemotherapy is necessary for liver metastasis and proximal lymphnodes.

[Table: see text]

Fas gene promoter -670 polymorphism in gynecological cancer

Single-nucleotide polymorphism at -670 of Fas gene promoter (A/G) was examined in a total of 354 blood samples from normal healthy women and gynecological cancer patients. They consisted of 95 normal, 83 cervical, 108 endometrial, and 68 ovarian cancer cases. Eighty-three patients with cervical cancer had statistically higher frequency of GG genotype and G allele than 95 controls (P= 0.0353 and 0.0278, respectively). There was no significant difference in the genotype or allele prevalence between control subjects and endometrial or ovarian cancer patients. The Fas -670 GG genotype was associated with an increased risk for the development of cervical cancer (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.08-6.10) compared with the AA genotype. The G allele also increased the risk of cervical cancer (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.05-2.43) compared with the A allele. Germ-line polymorphism of Fas gene promoter -670 may be associated with the risk of cervical cancer in a Japanese population.

Somatic mutation in the EGFR gene in ovarian carcinoma detected by SSCP and direct sequencing

5063

Background: Recently, mutations of the EGFR kinase domain have been described in adenocarcinoma of lung and are particularly common in non-smoking females of Japan. These tumors are more responsive to blockade of the EGFR TK domain than non-mutant tumors. Ovarian tumors are known to express EGFR but the frequency of EGFR mutation at this site has not been explored. Methods: We have searched for mutations in the EGFR gene in ovarian carcinoma in two ways, first by single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of appropriately amplified DNA from microdissected paraffin sections and then by direct forward and reverse sequencing of the DNA for mutations in exons 18, 19 and 21. Results: There was poor correlation between the two methods. By direct sequencing and evaluation of sequence chromatograms by Mutation Surveyor, mutations were detected in 8 of 79 patients (10.1%). Three of the mutations have been previously described in NSCLC including two in-frame deletions in exon 19 (codons 746–750) and one point mutation in exon 21 (L858R). Previously undescribed point mutations resulting in amino substitutions were found in an additional 5 patients including two patients with multiple mutations. These point mutations included 3 in exon 18 (Q701R, L704S and T725A) and 5 in exon 21 (N830G, R832C, T852M, I853V and Q868D). Deletions were detected by SSCP but point mutations were not detected. Conclusions: We conclude that a low but definite frequency of mutation in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain occurs in ovarian carcinoma in the Japanese population and that these tumors may be targeted by EGFR blockers. SSCP can detect multibase deletions but is an unreliable method for detection of point mutations.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Fas gene promoter –670 polymorphism in gynecological cancer

Single-nucleotide polymorphism at −670 of Fas gene promoter (A/G) was examined in a total of 354 blood samples from normal healthy women and gynecological cancer patients. They consisted of 95 normal, 83 cervical, 108 endometrial, and 68 ovarian cancer cases. Eighty-three patients with cervical cancer had statistically higher frequency of GG genotype and G allele than 95 controls (P= 0.0353 and 0.0278, respectively). There was no significant difference in the genotype or allele prevalence between control subjects and endometrial or ovarian cancer patients. The Fas −670 GG genotype was associated with an increased risk for the development of cervical cancer (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.08–6.10) compared with the AA genotype. The G allele also increased the risk of cervical cancer (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.05–2.43) compared with the A allele. Germ-line polymorphism of Fas gene promoter −670 may be associated with the risk of cervical cancer in a Japanese population.

HER-2 codon 655 polymorphism in cervical carcinogenesis

HER-2 codon 655 polymorphism together with human papillomavirus (HPV) types were examined in a total of 279 cervical smear samples. Forty-nine patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion had higher frequency of high-risk HPV than 167 patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and 63 controls. There was no statistical difference in the frequencies of HER-2 Ile/Ile, Ile/Val, and Val/Val genotypes between squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and controls. When the Ile/Ile genotype was compared to the Ile/Val + Val/Val genotypes, there was also no statistical difference in the genotype prevalence between SILs and controls either in 91 or 188 patients with or without high-risk HPV, respectively. These results suggest that the HER-2 polymorphism at codon 655 in cervical cell samples is unlikely to be associated with HPV status and the onset of cervical cancer in a Japanese population.

Gene expression of adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases in endometriosis

Various types of cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) seem to play an important role in the invasion process of endometriosis; however, limited investigation has focused on their gene expression in human peritoneal endometriotic lesions. A total of 63 endometriotic tissues were surgically obtained from 35 women with endometriosis, which included 43 pigmented and 20 non-pigmented lesions. Gene expression levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP in these endometriotic lesions were compared with those in normal eutopic endometrium obtained from 12 women without endometriosis. MMP-2, MMP-9 and MT1-MMP mRNA expression in pigmented lesions was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium (p < 0.05), whereas E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA expression was not suppressed in endometriotic lesions. There was a close correlation between MMP-2 or MT1-MMP and E-cadherin, alpha- or beta-catenin gene expression in 63 endometriotic tissues examined (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin in glandular epithelial cells was positive not only for all of seven cases with normal eutopic endometrium but also for 9 of 11 with ovarian endometriosis. MMP expression in ectopic endometrium was much greater than that in eutopic endometrium. These results suggest that endometriotic tissues expressing MMPs might be invasive and simultaneously possess cell-to-cell adhesion property in pelvic peritoneal foci.

Phylogenetic relationships and ancient incomplete lineage sorting among cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika as revealed by analysis of the insertion of retroposons

Lake Tanganyika harbors numerous endemic species of extremely diverse cichlid fish that have been classified into 12 major taxonomic groups known as tribes. Analysis of short interspersed element (SINE) insertion data has been acknowledged to be a powerful tool for the elucidation of phylogenetic relationships, and we applied this method in an attempt to clarify such relationships among these cichlids. We studied insertion patterns of 38 SINEs in total, 24 of which supported the monophyly of three clades. The other 14 loci revealed extensive incongruence in terms of the patterns of SINE insertions. These incongruencies most likely stem from a period of adaptive radiation. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is the extensive incomplete lineage sorting of alleles for the presence or absence of a SINE during successive speciation events which took place about 5-10 MYA. The present study is the first to report the successful application of the SINE method in demonstrating the existence of such possible "ancient" incomplete lineage sorting. We discuss the possibility that it might potentially be very difficult to resolve the species phylogeny of a group that radiated explosively, even by resolving the genealogies of more than 10 nuclear loci, as a consequence of incomplete lineage sorting during speciation.

Selective measurement of digital nerve conduction velocity

We developed a new method to measure the nerve conduction velocity of a single digital nerve. In 27 volunteers (27 hands), we separately stimulated each digital nerve on the radial and ulnar sides of the middle and ring fingers. A double-peaked potential was recorded above the median nerve at the wrist joint when either the radial-side nerve or the ulnar-side nerve of the middle finger was stimulated. The first peak of this potential had disappeared after the digital nerve was blocked under the stimulating electrodes, and the peak appeared again coinciding with the decrease of anesthesia. Shifting the stimulating electrodes on the digital nerve resulted in no significant difference in the peak conduction velocity. It is possible that each peak of the potential was attributable to conduction of an action potential along one of the two digital nerves. This new method allows the assessment of a single digital nerve, and may be clinically useful for assessing the rupture of a digital nerve and the sensory nerve action potentials in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Vascular smooth muscle cell growth-promoting factor/F-spondin inhibits angiogenesis via the blockade of integrin alphavbeta3 on vascular endothelial cells

Vascular smooth muscle cell growth-promoting factor (VSGP) was originally isolated from bovine ovarian follicular fluid as a stimulator of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Homology searches indicate that bovine and human VSGPs are orthologs of rat F-spondin. Here, we examined whether recombinant human VSGP/F-spondin affected the biological activities of endothelial cells. VSGP/F-spondin did not affect the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs); however, it did inhibit VEGF- or bFGF-stimulated HUVEC migration. To clarify the mechanism of this inhibitory effect, we examined the adhesion of HUVECs to extracellular matrix proteins. VSGP/F-spondin specifically inhibited the spreading of HUVECs on vitronectin via the functional blockade of integrin alphavbeta3. As a result, VSGP/F-spondin inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) when HUVECs were plated on vitronectin. Moreover, VSGP/F-spondin inhibited the activation of Akt when HUVECs on vitronectin were stimulated with VEGF. VSGP/F-spondin inhibited tube formation by HUVECs in vitro and neovascularization in the rat cornea in vivo. These results indicate that VSGP/F-spondin inhibits angiogenesis at least in part by the blockade of endothelial integrin alphavbeta3.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C gene expression is closely related to invasion phenotype in gynecological tumor cells

OBJECTIVE

The correlation between the gene expression of various angiogenic factors and in vitro invasive activity in 16 human gynecological cancer cell lines was investigated.

METHODS

Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF-A, -B, -C, and -D), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 with beta-actin coamplified as an internal standard. Tumor cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into reconstituted basement membrane were evaluated by haptotactic migration and invasion assay.

RESULTS

Expression of VEGF-A mRNA was detected in all 16 cell lines, whereas the relative expression levels of other VEGF family members and bFGF, differed markedly among the cell lines. There was a statistical correlation between VEGF-C gene expression and the number of cells that migrated and invaded (P < 0.01). However, expression of mRNAs of other angiogenic factors did not correlate with motility and invasive activity of the cells. Moreover, there was a close correlation between VEGF-C and MMP-2 gene expression levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tumor cells that produce VEGF-C may have a higher invasive and metastatic potential because of their capacity to pass through tissue barriers.

The rebuilding of normal venous circulation for transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistulas by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. A case report

The etiology of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) remains controversial as is the issue of whether occlusion or stenosis of the transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus is a cause or a result of DAVFs. We report a case of DAVFs with transverse-sigmoid sinus occlusion and cortical venous reflux. In this case, the reconstruction of normal venous circulation by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the occluded sinus was performed and cortical venous reflux diminished. PTA may be a useful treatment for DAVFs with occluded or stenotic sinus.

Magnetic-field-induced superconductivity in a two-dimensional organic conductor

The application of a sufficiently strong magnetic field to a superconductor will, in general, destroy the superconducting state. Two mechanisms are responsible for this. The first is the Zeeman effect, which breaks apart the paired electrons if they are in a spin-singlet (but not a spin-triplet) state. The second is the so-called 'orbital' effect, whereby the vortices penetrate into the superconductors and the energy gain due to the formation of the paired electrons is lost. For the case of layered, two-dimensional superconductors, such as the high-Tc copper oxides, the orbital effect is reduced when the applied magnetic field is parallel to the conducting layers. Here we report resistance and magnetic-torque experiments on single crystals of the quasi-two-dimensional organic conductor lambda-(BETS)2FeCl4, where BETS is bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene. We find that for magnetic fields applied exactly parallel to the conducting layers of the crystals, superconductivity is induced for fields above 17 T at a temperature of 0.1 K. The resulting phase diagram indicates that the transition temperature increases with magnetic field, that is, the superconducting state is further stabilized with magnetic field.

Correlation between thymidine phosphorylase expression and invasion phenotype in cervical carcinoma cells

The correlation between thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) expression and invasion phenotype in human uterine cervical carcinoma cells was investigated using 10 cervical carcinoma cell lines. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to investigate the mRNA levels of dThdPase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 with beta-actin coamplified as an internal standard. dThdPase protein expression levels were detected by highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tumor cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into reconstituted basement membrane were evaluated by haptotactic migration and invasion assay. Although dThdPase mRNA and protein expression levels differed remarkably among the cell lines, there was a statistical correlation between them (r = 0.743, p = 0.0139). dThdPase gene and protein expression levels were well correlated with the number of cells that migrated and invaded (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a close correlation between MMP-2 gene and dThdPase gene and protein expression levels (p < 0.05). Tumor cells that produce dThdPase may have a higher invasive and metastatic potential because of their capacity to pass through tissue barriers.

[Brain abscess and ventriculitis associated with entrapment of the lateral ventricle appearing more like remarkable brain edema than ventricular dilatation--a case report]

We present a case with brain abscess associated with entrapment of the lateral ventricle appearing more like remarkable brain edema in the temporo-occipital lobe than ventricular dilatation. A 72-year-old man suffering from headache and vomiting visited our clinic. CT and MRI showed brain abscess in the right parieto-occipital lobe, associated with ventriculitis. Lumbar puncture also revealed purulent meningitis. Both symptoms and CSF findings improved after administration of antibiotics. The improved condition continued for two months after admission, but disturbed consciousness and left hemiparesis than appeared. MRI and CT showed entrapment of the lateral ventricle and brain edema of the right temporo-occipital region without ventricular dilatation. Because brain edema was thought to be caused by transudate of the CSF through the ventricular wall, lobectomy of the right temporal lobe and opening of the temporal horn were carried out. Although left hemiparesis and disturbed consciousness and brain edema disappeared after the operation, subdural effusion appeared. Using a subdural-peritoneal shunt, the subdural effusion was prevented and disappeared. In this case, we thought Hounsfield Unit (HU) of the brain edema caused by transudate of CSF through the ventricular wall (12.6) was markedly lower than that of so-called vasogenic edema (25.1) due to active inflammation. Measurement of the HU seemed to be a useful means to differentiate the types of brain edema in this situation from that of vasogenic edema caused by brain abscess, and thus a means for selection of the appropriate treatment.

The Reconstructions for Vertebral Artery Stenosis at the Origin. A Comparison between PTA and Surgical Reconstructions

To date in our hospital, surgical reconstructions and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were carried out in 168 patients with vertebral artery (VA) stenosis at the origin. In this article, we discuss the comparison between surgical reconstructions and PTA, especially regarding long term follow up, patency and complications. PTA is a less invasive treatment for VA stenosis at the origin than surgical reconstructions. However, restenosis after PTA occurred in 20% of the patients. On the other hand, restenosis after surgical reconstructions did not emerge even in long term follow up. An embolism after PTA occurred in 2.6% of the cases. However, the embolism occurred in only the first 10 patients of our series, after that there was no embolism. We concluded that PTA was the first choice for VA stenosis at the origin, if the angiogram did not reveal any PTA difficulty. If restenosis after PTA was performed, we selected surgical reconstruction for VA stenosis at the origin.

Regulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase activities by growth factors and subsequent effects on 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in tumor cells

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) are the first and rate-limiting enzymes that regulate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism, and tumoral DPD activity appears to be a promising predictor of 5-FU sensitivity. However, the regulatory mechanisms determining these enzyme activities have not been fully understood. We investigated the biological effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha on cell growth and tumoral DPD and PyNPase activities, and the subsequent effects on 5-FU sensitivity in uterine cervical carcinoma SKG-IIIb cells. The treatment of tumor cells with EGF or TGF-alpha resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in tumor cell growth and PyNPase activity, whereas tumoral DPD activity was inhibited. Their stimulatory effects on tumor cell growth correlated well with PyNPase activity, but were inversely related to DPD activity (P < 0.01). 5-FU sensitivity of tumor cells increased in the presence of EGF or TGF-alpha. These growth factors were shown to stimulate the first, rate-limiting enzyme activity in 5-FU anabolism and to inhibit that in 5-FU catabolism, leading to enhancement of the antiproliferative action of 5-FU at achievable therapeutic levels. The tumor environmental factors, EGF and TGF-alpha, may act as intrinsic regulators of DPD and PyNPase activities that affect the 5-FU sensitivity of individual tumors.

Tumor angiogenesis and thymidine phosphorylase expression in ovarian carcinomas including serous surface papillary adenocarcinoma of the peritoneum

To clarify biological and clinical significance of tumor angiogenesis in the development of ovarian carcinoma, we investigated the relationship between tumor vascularity, the expression of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase), which is an angiogenic factor identical to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), and patient outcome in ovarian carcinoma, including serous surface papillary carcinoma (SSPC). Primary tumor specimens (stages I-IV) from 54 patients were examined. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and dThdPase expression were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-CD34 and anti-dThdPase antibodies, and results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis. IMVD for the 54 tumors ranged from 22.5 to 120.7 (number/0.73686 mm2/field). Twenty-three tumors were positive, and 31 tumors were negative for dThdPase expression. IMVD positively correlated with the expression of dThdPase (p < 0.01), tumor size, and peritoneal metastases (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical correlation between IMVD, dThdPase expression, and clinical outcome. Of the 54 patients examined, 30 were diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III or IV primary ovarian carcinoma, and 9 were diagnosed with SSPC. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to clinicopathologic features, IMVD, dThdPase expression, or patient outcome. In conclusion, angiogenic activity may be necessary for the growth of metastatic implants in ovarian carcinoma and SSPC.

A novel phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, YM976 (4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,7-diethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(1H)-one), with little emetogenic activity

We synthesized a novel phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, YM976, that is structurally different from the other PDE4 inhibitors like rolipram. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of YM976 was investigated. YM976 exhibited a strong and competitive inhibition against PDE4 purified from human peripheral leukocytes with an IC(50) of 2.2 nM. IC(50) values of rolipram and RP73401 were 820 and 0.43 nM, respectively. Test compounds had no effects on the other PDE isozymes, PDE1, -2, -3, and -5. YM976 potentiated prostaglandin E(2)-induced cAMP accumulation in a human mononuclear cell line, U937, and inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Anti-inflammatory activities of PDE4 inhibitors were compared in rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy models. YM976, rolipram, and RP73401 inhibited the cell infiltration into the pleural cavity with oral ED(30) values of 9.1, 10, and 7.4 mg/kg, respectively. YM976 produced no emesis up to 10 mg/kg, whereas rolipram and RP73401 induced emesis at oral doses of 3 mg/kg. To evidence the dissociation of anti-inflammatory activity from emesis, the anti-inflammatory effect of YM976 was examined in ferrets. YM976 dose dependently reduced carrageenan-induced leukocyte infiltration at the doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, p.o. On the other hand, rolipram failed to show obvious inhibition at doses that do not induce emesis. In conclusion, YM976 is a novel and orally active PDE4 inhibitor and possesses a good separation of emetogenicity from anti-inflammatory activity.

[Transvenous embolization for cavernous dural arteriovenous shunts: about the intracranial venous approach to the cavernous sinus]

Recently, the first choice of therapy for cavernous dural arteriovenous shunts (CdAVS) is transvenous embolization. Usually the approach routes for cavernous sinus are the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) in most cases and the superior petrosal sinus (SPS) in rare case. But, it is difficult for us to treat patients in whom there are no extracranial veins through which to approach the cavernous sinus, with transvenous embolization. We presented the case in which intracranial transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus and transvenous embolization were performed and in which we achieve good results. In this article, we presented a case with Barrow's type D CdAVS and cortical venous drainage. At first, transarterial embolization was performed to decrease the amount of venous drainage for the purpose of eliminate convulsions and consciousness disturbance. However, cortical venous drainage continued. Moreover bilateral dilated SOVs normalized and bilateral IPSs were not visible, so we decided that it was impossible to carry out the transvenous embolization via extracranial veins. Transvenous embolization to the left cavernous sinus via the intracranial ophthalmic vein between the superior ophthalmic fissure and the inferior ophthalmic fissure after craniotomy was performed. Then, the transvenous embolization to the right cavernous sinus was carried out through the right superficial middle cerebral vein after craniotomy. The results were good and chemosis and bilateral abducens palsy diminished immediately. Trans-intracranial venous embolization for CdVAS is a very useful therapy when no extracranial veins exist for transvenous embolization.

Effects of EGF and TGF-alpha on invasion and proteinase expression of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma OMC-4 cells

Uterine cervical adenocarcinoma typically is an aggressive neoplasm with a propensity for early invasion and dissemination; however, the regulatory mechanism of invasive activity of cervical adenocarcinoma cells has not been fully understood. In this study, biological effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha on invasion and proteinase expression of human cervical adenocarcinoma OMC-4 cells were investigated. Tumor cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into the reconstituted basement membrane were stimulated by 0.1-10 nM EGF and TGF-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. Their effects on tumor cell migration were also confirmed by wound assay. The zymography of tumor-conditioned medium showed that the treatment of OMC-4 cells with EGF and TGF-alpha resulted in the increase of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Matrilysin (MMP-7), also secreted by OMC-4 cells, was not affected by these growth factors. These results suggest that EGF and TGF-alpha act as positive regulators on the invasion of cervical adenocarcinoma cells, which may be associated with their stimulatory effects on tumor cell motility and the induction of type IV collagenase and uPA secreted by tumor cells.

Roles of two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, in the signal transduction of VEGF effects in human vascular endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a principal regulator of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF expresses its effects by binding to two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR. However, properties of Flt-1 and KDR in the signal transduction of VEGF-mediated effects in endothelial cells (ECs) were not entirely clarified. We investigated this issue by using two newly developed blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Flt-1 and KDR. VEGF elicits DNA synthesis and cell migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The pattern of inhibition of these effects by two mAbs indicates that DNA synthesis is preferentially mediated by KDR. In contrast, the regulation of cell migration by VEGF appears to be more complicated. Flt-1 regulates cell migration through modulating actin reorganization, which is essential for cell motility. A distinct signal is generated by KDR, which influences cell migration by regulating cell adhesion via the assembly of vinculin in focal adhesion plaque and tyrosine-phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin.

Biological implications of growth factors on the mechanism of invasion in gynecological tumor cells

We investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) on migration, invasion and proteinase expression of gynecological cultured cancer cells (SKG-IIIb cervical squamous cell carcinoma, OMC-4 cervical adenocarcinoma, SNG-M endometrial adenocarcinoma and OMC-3 ovarian adenocarcinoma), and whether these growth factors affect thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor expression of tumor cells. Tumor cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into reconstituted basement membrane were stimulated by 0.1-10 nM EGF and TGF-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. The zymography of tumor-conditioned medium showed that the treatment of tumor cells with EGF and TGF-alpha resulted in the increase of type IV collagenases, stromelysin and urokinase-type plasminogen activator which was partly confirmed by immunoblot analysis. The expression of thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor which has angiogenic activity, was also upregulated by these growth factors. These results suggest that EGF and TGF-alpha act as positive regulators on the invasion process of gynecological tumor cells which may be associated with their stimulatory action on the motility of tumor cells, the expression of proteinases secreted by tumor cells and the angiogenic phenotype.

Correlation between tumor angiogenesis and expression of thymidine phosphorylase, and patient outcome in uterine cervical carcinoma

The relationship between tumor angiogenesis and the expression of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) in uterine cervical carcinoma tissues, as well as patient outcome, were investigated. Primary tumor specimens surgically obtained from 54 patients (stages Ib to IIIb) receiving neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy before surgery were examined. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and dThdPase expression were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-CD34 and anti-dThdPase antibodies and were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis. IMVD for the 54 tumors ranged from 24.8 to 118.6, with a median value of 57.7 (number/0.7386 mm2/field). For immunoreactivity of dThdPase, 16 tumors were graded as -, 20 as 1+, and 18 as 2+. IMVD was significantly associated with the expression of dThdPase (P<.01). Both IMVD and dThdPase expression were well correlated with depth of myometrial invasion, endometrial invasion, and pelvic lymphnode metastasis (P<.05). Overall survival rates for 18 patients with strong dThdPase-staining tumors, assessed as 2+, were lower than those for 36 with weak dThdPase staining tumors (P = .0108). However, there was no statistical correlation between IMVD and patient outcome. The expression of dThdPase plays a role in the promotion of angiogenesis and affects the patient's survival in uterine cervical carcinomas.

[Partial liver resection with small skin incision for multidisciplinary treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is likely to be detected as multiple intrahepatic metastases, and trans-arterial embolization (TAE) is the treatment of choice. However, other therapy is needed when TAE is not effective for a tumor. We performed partial liver resection with small skin incision in two such patients. One patient had two HCCs of segment 6 (S6) and S7, and TAE was performed twice. However, HCC of S7 was viable, and we partially resected the tumor of S7. In the other patient, HCC was multiple in segment 6 and 7. TAE was performed three times, and in segment 6 we detected a tumor which grew into the extrahepatic space and seemed uneffected by TAE. We performed a partial resection of liver segment 6. After 3 months, TAE was repeated in the latter. The operation time was about three hours, and no blood transfusion was performed. Two of the patients were discharged on the 13th postoperative day. We concluded that partial liver resection with small skin incision was useful for one case of multidisciplinary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Electromyographic evaluation after endoscopic carpal tunnel release in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

The purpose of this study was to electromyographically evaluate results in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). The subjects were 26 patients with idiopathic CTS (37 hands) who were followed for at least 6 months after ECTR. To compare results informatively, hands were classified into four groups: those with normal distal motor latency (DML) and sensory conduction velocity (SCV) were classified as group A, those with normal DML and abnormal SCV as group B, those with an abnormal DML and normal SCV as group C, and those with abnormal DML and SCV as group D. All but one of the hands were classified as group D on the basis of preoperative electromyographic evaluation, while one was classified as group C. The mean preoperative obtainable DML and SCV values were 7.2 m and 27.3 m/s, respectively. Postoperatively, 12 hands were in group A, 8 hands in group B, 2 hands in group C, and 15 hands in group D. The mean DML and SCV values at final follow-up were 4.3 ms and 40.8 m/s, respectively. Of the 25 hands with muscle atrophy before surgery, 6 hands were in group A, 5 hands were in group B, 1 hand was in group C, and 13 hands were in group D at final follow-up. Thenar muscle atrophy and denervation potentials were present before surgery in 13 of the 15 hands classified as group D at the final follow-up.

Peptide based interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitors: synthesis, structure activity relationships and crystallographic study of the ICE-inhibitor complex

Based on the X-ray structure of the complex of Ac-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-H (L-709049) and interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE), we synthesized compounds which were derived from 2-NapCO-Val-Pro-Asp-CH2OPh (1) to obtain a potent inhibitor in the cell assay. Among these compounds, (3S)-N-methanesulfonyl-3-[[1-[N-(2-naphthoyl)-L-valyl]-L-prolyl]amino]- 4-oxobutanamide (27c) showed high potency not only in the enzyme assay but also cell assay with IC50 values of 38 nM and 0.23 microM, respectively. Compound 27c, with a c log P value of 1.76, had a more hydrophilic character compared with 1. Compound 27c also dose dependently inhibited LPS-primed ATP-induced IL-1 beta release in mice. The crystal structure of the complex of compound 27c and ICE revealed that compound 27c had further interactions with ICE in the naphthoyl group at the P4 position and in the methyl group of the methanesulfonamidecarbonyl group at the P1 position, compared with L-709049. To our knowledge, compound 27c is the first example that shows a strong inhibitory activity without the carboxyl group at the P1 position.

Effects of sex steroids and growth factors on invasive activity and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine sensitivity in ovarian adenocarcinoma OMC-3 cells

Effects of sex steroids (estradiol-17 beta, E2; progesterone, Prog) and growth factors (epidermal growth factor, EGF; transforming growth factor-alpha, TGF-alpha) on invasive activity and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-dFUrd) sensitivity of ovarian adenocarcinoma OMC-3 cells were investigated. Tumor cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into reconstituted basement membrane were inhibited by 10 microM Prog, but stimulated by 0.1-10 nM EGF and TGF-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. E2 did not have any effect on tumor cell migration or invasion. The zymography of tumor conditioned medium showed that the treatment of OMC-3 cells with EGF and TGF-alpha resulted in increases of type IV collagenase, stromelysin and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). EGF and TGF-alpha up-regulated thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) expression of tumor cells and consequently enhanced the antiproliferative action of 5'-dFUrd, which is converted to 5-fluorouracil by dThdPase. E2 and Prog did not have significant effects on the expression of proteolytic enzymes and dThdPase, or on the 5'-dFUrd sensitivity of tumor cells. The inhibitory effect of Prog on tumor cell invasion may depend on its inhibitory action on the motility of tumor cells. These results suggest that EGF and TGF-alpha simultaneously up-regulate the potential of ovarian adenocarcinoma cells to invade extracellular matrices and their dThdPase expression, both of which are associated with the specific action of 5'-dFUrd selectively to kill tumor cells with high invasive and metastatic potential.

SINE cousins: the 3'-end tails of the two oldest and distantly related families of SINEs are descended from the 3' ends of LINEs with the same genealogical origin

AFC short interspersed elements (SINEs) were isolated from cichlids from Madagascar, the New World, and Africa and characterized. A new family of long interspersed elements (LINEs), designated the CiLINE2 family, was also isolated from African cichlids, and its consensus sequence was deduced. Upon aligning all of the consensus sequences, we found that the 3'-tail regions of the AFC SINEs and the CiLINE2 family were very similar, providing another example in which a reverse transcriptase responsible for retroposition of SINEs might be contributed in trans by a LINE. Sequence comparisons showed that CiLINE2 in cichlids was closely related to LINE2 in mammals. Furthermore, we found that the 3'-tail sequence shared by the AFC SINEs and CiLINE2 in cichlids was very similar to the 3'-tail sequence shared by the MIR SINEs and LINE2 in mammals, even though the remaining parts of the AFC SINEs and the MIR SINEs were totally different from each other. Thus, the present report not only describes a new pair of SINEs and LINEs with the same 3' tail in cichlids, but also provides a new example of the phenomenon whereby the 3' ends of LINEs with the same genealogical origin can be incorporated into the 3'-end tails of different families of SINEs that have been generated independently in two different lineages during evolution.

Apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis in cervical cancer after preoperative chemotherapy

The correlation between apoptosis and tumor angiogenesis in uterine cervical cancer treated by preoperative intraarterial infusion chemotherapy (IAC) was investigated. Cervical cancer samples surgically obtained from 12 patients (stages Ib-IIIb) receiving IAC and from 10 patients (stages Ib-IIb) receiving no chemotherapy and biopsy specimens from the 12 patients before IAC were examined. The apoptotic index (AI) was determined with an in situ end-labeling assay. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) expression were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-CD34 and anti-dThdPase antibodies. AIs were higher in the 8 patients with complete or partial response to IAC than they were in the 4 nonchemoresponsive patients and in the 10 patients who received no chemotherapy (P < 0.01) and were inversely related to IMVDs (r = 0.724; P < 0.01). AIs and IMVDs after IAC were higher and lower than those before IAC (P < 0.01), respectively. The expression of dThdPase, which has angiogenic activity, was markedly decreased after IAC. These results suggest that the antitumor effects of IAC are closely associated with apoptotic cell death, which may be influenced in part by the extent of tumor angiogenesis inhibition.

A novel family of short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs) from cichlids: the patterns of insertion of SINEs at orthologous loci support the proposed monophyly of four major groups of cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika

Short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs) have been shown to be excellent markers of molecular phylogeny, since the integration of a SINE at a particular position in a genome can be considered an unambiguous derived homologous character. In the present study, we isolated a new family of SINEs from cichlids in Lake Tanganyika, whose speciation and diversification have been regarded as prime examples of explosive adaptive radiation. Members of this new SINE family, which we named the AFC family, are about 320 bp in length, and each has a tRNA-related region in its 5' region, as do most of the members of SINE families reported to date. A dot blot hybridization experiment showed that this family is distributed extensively in the genomes of cichlids in Africa, with estimated copy numbers of 2 x 10(3)-2 x 10(4) per haploid genome. Our investigations of the patterns of insertion of members of this family at six orthologous loci demonstrated clearly that four previously identified tribes, namely, the Lamprologini, Ectodini, Tropheini, and Perissodini, each form a monophyletic group. These results provide a basis for the elucidation of the phylogenetic framework of the cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika.

Stimulatory effects of EGF and TGF-alpha on invasive activity and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine sensitivity in uterine cervical-carcinoma SKG-IIIb cells

We investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha on migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression of uterine cervical-carcinoma SKG-IIIb cells, and whether these growth factors affect pyrimidine-nucleoside-phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity and 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-dFUrd) sensitivity of tumor cells. Tumor-cell migration along a gradient of substratum-bound fibronectin and invasion into reconstituted basement membrane were stimulated by 0.1 to 100 ng/ml of EGF and TGF-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. The zymography of tumor-conditioned medium showed that the treatment of tumor cells with EGF and TGF-alpha resulted in an increase of the 92-kDa type-IV collagenase (MMP-9), which was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. These growth factors also up-regulated the expression of PyNPase activity of tumor cells and consequently enhanced the anti-proliferative action of 5'-dFUrd, a cytostatic that is biotransformed to 5-fluorouracil (5-FUra) by PyNPase. However, EGF and TGF-alpha did not have significant effects on the 5-FUra sensitivity of tumor cells. These results suggest that EGF and TGF-alpha, tumor environmental factors, simultaneously up-regulate the potential of uterine cervical-carcinoma cells to invade extracellular matrices and their PyNPase activity, which are subsequently associated with the specific action of 5'-dFUrd selectively killing tumor cells of gynecological origin with high invasive and metastatic potential.

Intraoperative blood salvage in abdominal uterine myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and efficacy of intraoperative blood salvage in abdominal uterine myomectomy.

METHOD

Thirty-seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of uterine myoma who underwent abdominal uterine myomectomy were treated with an intraoperative blood salvage apparatus, Cell Saver, and compared with the patients without autotransfusion.

RESULT

Thirty-five patients received autologous blood transfusion alone and only two patients required additional homologous transfusion. The hemoglobin of processed and reinfused blood was proportional to the volume of intraoperative blood loss. There were no adverse reactions related to autologous transfusion. In the patients with more than 500 ml of blood loss, the mean blood loss volume in the Cell Saver group was higher than that in the control group, and the postoperative hemoglobin level was also higher.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative blood salvage was safe and certainly promising for patients with heavy blood loss during abdominal uterine myomectomy.

Grapevine berry inner necrosis, a new trichovirus: comparative studies with several known trichoviruses

Biological, morphological and serological properties of grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (GINV), the casual virus of grapevine berry inner necrosis disease occurring in Japan, were compared with those of several known trichoviruses. Host range and particle length of GINV were quite similar to those of apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus (ACLSV). In ultrathin sections of the infected tissues, GINV particles existed in aggregated masses in the cytoplasm of vascular parenchyma and mesophyll cells. No virus specific inclusion bodies, such as pinwheels, viroplasmas or vesicles were observed. Serological relationships were not found between GINV and ACLSV, grapevine virus A or grapevine virus B. The cDNAs of the 3'-terminal region of the GINV genome were synthesized from poly (A)+RNAs extracted from infected tissues by PCR-selected cDNA subtraction and 3'-RACE PCR. The sequence of the 3'-terminal 2469 nucleotides contained three open reading frames (ORF) encoding a protein with the conserved motifs of RNA polymerase (ORF1), a 39 kDa putative movement protein (ORF2) and a 22 kDa protein (ORF3). The 22 kDa protein expressed in Escherichia coli reacted with antiserum against GINV, indicating that it is the coat protein of GINV. Polymerase and coat protein amino acid sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses with nine species of the genera Trichovirus and Capillovirus indicated that GINV is a new trichovirus relatively close to ACLSV.

Cloning of chalcone-flavanone isomerase cDNA from Pueraria lobata and its overexpression in Escherichia coli

Chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CHI) cDNA was isolated from Pueraria lobata by combination of cDNA library screening using Phaseolus vulgaris CHI cDNA as a probe and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA revealed a 675-bp open reading frame encoding a 225-amino-acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 23,803 Da. The CHI cDNA coding region was cloned into pET-3d expression vector and successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells as active CHI enzyme. The recombinant CHI was then purified to apparent homogeneity by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Replacement of Cys-119 with Ala was carried out by site-directed mutagenesis and the result that the mutant CHI showed CHI enzyme activity confirmed that Cys-119 is not involved in the CHI catalytic active site.

The 3' ends of tRNA-derived short interspersed repetitive elements are derived from the 3' ends of long interspersed repetitive elements

Short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs) are a type of retroposon, being members of a class of informational molecules that are amplified via cDNA intermediates and flow back into the host genome. In contrast to retroviruses and retrotransposons, SINEs do not encode the enzymes required for their amplification, such as reverse transcriptases, so they are presumed to borrow these enzymes from other sources. In the present study, we isolated a family of long interspersed repetitive elements (LINEs) from the turtle genome. The sequence of this family was found to be very similar to those of the avian CR1 family. To our surprise, the sequence at the 3' end of the LINE in the turtle genome was nearly identical to that of a family of tortoise SINEs. Since CR1-like LINEs are widespread in birds and in many other reptiles, including the turtle, and since the tortoise SINEs are only found in vertical-necked turtles, it seems possible that the sequence at the 3' end of the tortoise SINEs might have been generated by recombination with the CR1-like LINE in a common ancestor of vertical-necked turtles, after the divergence of side-necked turtles. We extended our observations to show that the 3'-end sequences of families of several tRNA-derived SINEs, such as the salmonid HpaI family, the tobacco TS family, and the salmon SmaI family, might have originated from the respective LINEs. Since it appears reasonable that the recognition sites of LINEs for reverse transcriptase are located within their 3'-end sequences, these results provide the basis for a general scheme for the mechanism by which SINEs might acquire retropositional activity. We propose here that tRNA-derived SINEs might have been generated by a recombination event in which a strong-stop DNA with a primer tRNA, which is an intermediate in the replication of certain retroviruses and long terminal repeat retrotransposons, was directly integrated at the 3' end of a LINE.