Oriented carbon nanostructures containing nitrogen obtained by ion beam assisted deposition

In this paper, we report the deposition of graphite multilayer containing nitrogen covering nanometric nickel particles. In-situ photoelectron emission spectroscopy (XPS) reveals the presence of nitrogen in the carbon layer covering the nickel particles. The field emission properties of the structures are reported. Atomic force microscopy displays regular domelike structures. Raman spectroscopy shows the characteristic frequencies associated with graphite and disordered structures. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms the presence of multiwall well-organized graphite layers covering the nickel particles. Disorder increases on increasing nitrogen content. The samples were prepared in-situ by depositing first a few atomic layers of nickel and subsequent islands formation by thermal annealing. Then, an argon ion beam bombards an ultrapure carbon target and simultaneously the growing film is assisted with a second low-energy nitrogen ion beam (ion beam assisted deposition).

Large deletions 5' to the ETO breakpoint are recurrent events in patients with t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia

Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements are observed in many leukemia subtypes. Recently, it has been shown that several of these translocations/inversions were associated with the loss of sequences located in the vicinity of the chromosomal breakpoints. So far, such deletions have not been described for the t(8;21) translocation. We have analyzed a series of 65 patients with t(8;21) using several probes specific for the ETO and AML1 regions. We have found six patients (9%) with deletion of the region 5' to ETO. In all six patients, the deletion encompassed at least 260 kb, and was even larger in two patients (up to 2 Mb). A similar analysis of the 21q22 region did not reveal any deletion of the 3'AML1 region. In conclusion, cytogenetically undetectable small deletions located immediately 5' to the ETO breakpoint were found to accompany the t(8;21) translocation in a significant percentage of cases. The clinical significance, if any, of these deletions remains to be determined.

[Influence of corneal refractive surgery on the lacrymal film]

Functional and clinical signs of ocular surface involvement are observed after corneal refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK) and are evocative of dry eye syndrome. The surgical process induces a total or partial section or abrasion of the corneal-sensitive nerves. This anatomical consequence of surgery is responsible for a lachrymal dysregulation with reduced tear production. Neither technique is currently able to demonstrate its superiority in preserving the lachrymal secretion. These postoperative findings should be clearly explained to patients before surgery and discomfort should be prevented with artificial tears and/or punctual plugs for 1 to 6 months after surgery.

Ionising radiation induces the expression of PARP-1 and PARP-2 genes in Arabidopsis

By screening for Arabidopsis genes activated by ionising radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage, we have isolated a cDNA hybridising with a 3.2-kb mRNA that accumulates rapidly and strongly in irradiated cell suspensions or whole plants. The cDNA codes for a 110-kDa protein that is highly homologous to the 116-kDa vertebrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1). It is recognised by a human anti-PARP-1 antibody, binds efficiently to DNA strand interruptions in vitro, and catalyses DNA damage-dependent (ADP-ribose) polymer synthesis. We have named this protein AtPARP-1. We have also extended our observations to the Arabidopsis app (AtPARP-2) gene, demonstrating for the first time that IR-induced DNA strand interruptions induce rapid and massive accumulation of AtPARP-1 and AtPARP-2 transcripts, whereas dehydration and cadmium preferentially induce the accumulation of AtPARP-2 transcripts. The IR-induced PARP gene expression seen in Arabidopsis is in striking contrast to the post-translational activation of the PARP-1 protein that is associated with genotoxic stress in animal cells. AtPARP-1 transcripts accumulate in all plant organs after exposure to ionising radiation, but this is followed by an increase in AtPARP-1 protein levels only in tissues that contain large amounts of actively dividing cells. This cell-type specific accumulation of AtPARP-1 protein in response to DNA damage is compatible with a role for the AtPARP-1 protein in the maintenance of DNA integrity during replication, similar to the role of "guardian of the genome" attributed to its animal counterpart.

Deletion of 5q31 is observed in megakaryocytic cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and a del(5q), including the 5q- syndrome

One of the most common structural rearrangements in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5, del(5q). The 5q- syndrome is a distinct entity, that presents with specific morphologic abnormalities of the megakaryocytic lineage. Thus, we evaluated the presence or absence of the del(5q) in these cells. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using unique sequence probes (one for 5q31, the other for the 5p telomeric band), and tested bone marrow specimens from 10 patients with MDS (including 6 patients with the 5q- syndrome) and a del(5q). Megakaryocytes were identified by nuclear morphology, size, and ploidy index. Our results demonstrate the presence of the del(5q) in the megakaryocytic lineage and, thus, the involvement of these cells in the disease process.

Molecular cloning and developmental expression of AtGR1, a new growth-related Arabidopsis gene strongly induced by ionizing radiation

Screening for mRNAs that accumulate after DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation, we have isolated a 2.0-kb cDNA coding for a new Arabidopsis PEST-box protein named AtGR1 (A. thaliana gamma response 1) with an expression profile similar to that observed for several plant cell cycle-related proteins. Using an anti-AtGR1 antibody, we have shown that the AtGR1 protein is expressed at basal levels in mitotically dividing cells (meristematic tissues and organ primordia) and at a strongly enhanced level in endoreduplicating cells (stipules, trichomes). Using transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express the GUS reporter gene under the control of the AtGR1 promoter, we have demonstrated that the observed AtGR1 protein distribution is due to the promoter activity. Our results suggest that basal AtGR1 levels are associated with progression through mitosis, whereas elevated intracellular levels of AtGR1 seem to induce changes between the S and M phases of the cell cycle that trigger somatic cells to enter the endoreduplication cycle. Ionizing radiation-induced rapid and dose-dependent accumulation of AtGR1 mRNA in cell cultures and plant tissues leads to tissue-specific accumulation of AtGR1 protein, best observed in ovules, which never undergo an endoreduplication cycle. It therefore appears that the radiation-induced transient AtGR1 accumulation reflects DNA damage-dependent transient cell cycle arrest before mitosis, which is necessary to accomplish DNA repair prior to chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.

Arabidopsis SGS2 and SGS3 genes are required for posttranscriptional gene silencing and natural virus resistance

Posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in plants resuits from the degradation of mRNAs and shows phenomenological similarities with quelling in fungi and RNAi in animals. Here, we report the isolation of sgs2 and sgs3 Arabidopsis mutants impaired in PTGS. We establish a mechanistic link between PTGS, quelling, and RNAi since the Arabidopsis SGS2 protein is similar to an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase like N. crassa QDE-1, controlling quelling, and C. elegans EGO-1, controlling RNAi. In contrast, SGS3 shows no significant similarity with any known or putative protein, thus defining a specific step of PTGS in plants. Both sgs2 and sgs3 mutants show enhanced susceptibility to virus, definitively proving that PTGS is an antiviral defense mechanism that can also target transgene RNA for degradation.

Amplification of the 11q23 region in acute myeloid leukemia

Cytogenetic abnormalities involving the 11q23 region are found in both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and myeloid leukemia (AML). Molecular consequences of 11q23 translocations are the formation of chimeric genes, all of them involving the MLL (mixed-lineage leukemia) gene. To evaluate the usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in detecting MLL rearrangements in AML, we analyzed 181 patients with an MLL-specific probe. Among them, we detected three patients with multiple FISH signals, reflecting genomic amplification of this chromosomal region. Extra copies of MLL have been reported previously in four patients, but did not correspond to a true gene amplification. For the first time, we describe genomic amplification of the 11q23 region (up to more than 50 copies) in AML patients. This genomic amplification could affect MLL, but other genes in the vicinity could also be the primary target. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 26:166-170, 1999.

14q32 translocations and monosomy 13 observed in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance delineate a multistep process for the oncogenesis of multiple myeloma. Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome

Clonal plasma cells in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have been shown to bear copy number chromosome changes. To extend our knowledge of MGUS to structural chromosomal abnormalities, we have performed fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments with probes directed to the 14q32 and 13q14 chromosomal regions in 100 patients with either MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). 14q32 abnormalities were observed in at least 46% of patients with MGUS/SMM, with these abnormalities being present in the majority of clonal plasma cells. Whereas t(11;14)(q13;q32) occurs in 15% of MGUS/SMM patients, an incidence similar to that of overt multiple myeloma (MM) patients, translocation t(4;14)(p16;q32) is observed in only 2% of these cases [P = 0.002 for difference with t(11;14)], as compared with 12% in MM patients (P = 0.013). Monoallelic deletions of the 13q14 region were found in 21% of patients, with two types of situations. In half of the evaluable patients, and especially in patients with SMM, the deletion is present in the majority of clonal plasma cells, as in MM, whereas in the other half of the evaluable patients (essentially in MGUS patients), it is observed in subclones only. These data enable us to elaborate a plasma cell oncogenesis model from MGUS to MM.

P53 deletion is not a frequent event in multiple myeloma

Recently a high incidence of interstitial deletion of the P53 locus has been reported in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Considering the importance of such an event, we analysed 79 patients with advanced-stage disease using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Strikingly, we found only 7/79 patients with a P53 deletion. In order to rule out any differences in probe selection, we reanalysed all the patients with the same probe as that used in a previous study, and confirmed the low incidence of P53 deletion (7/79, 9%). The only explanation is a difference in hybridization efficiency. Since hybridization is far less efficient on malignant plasma cells than on other bone marrow cells we suggest that this poor hybridization efficiency may lead to a false P53 deletion.

Yap1 and Skn7 control two specialized oxidative stress response regulons in yeast

Yap1 and Skn7 are two yeast transcriptional regulators that co-operate to activate thioredoxin (TRX2) and thioredoxin reductase (TRR1) in response to redox stress signals. Although they are both important for resistance to H2O2, only Yap1 is important for cadmium resistance, whereas Skn7 has a negative effect upon this response. The respective roles of Yap1 and Skn7 in the induction of defense genes by H2O2 were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Yap1 controls a large oxidative stress response regulon of at least 32 proteins. Fifteen of these proteins also require the presence of Skn7 for their induction by H2O2. Although about half of the Yap1 target genes do not contain a consensus Yap1 recognition motif, the control of one such gene, TSA1, involves the binding of Yap1 and Skn7 to its promoter in vitro. The co-operative control of the oxidative stress response by Yap1 and Skn7 delineates two gene subsets. Remarkably, these two gene subsets separate antioxidant scavenging enzymes from the metabolic pathways regenerating the main cellular reducing power, glutathione and NADPH. Such a specialization may explain, at least in part, the dissociated function of Yap1 and Skn7 in H2O2 and cadmium resistance.

A new antioxidant with alkyl hydroperoxide defense properties in yeast

To isolate new antioxidant genes, we have searched for activities that would rescue the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH)-hypersensitive phenotype of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain deleted for the gene encoding the oxidative stress response regulator Skn7. We report the characterization of AHP1, which encodes a 19-kDa protein similar to the AhpC/TSA protein family within a small region encompassing Cys-62 of Ahp1p and the highly conserved N-terminal catalytic AhpC/TSA cysteine. Ahp1p contains a peroxisomal sorting signal, suggesting a peroxisomal localization. AHP1 exerts strong antioxidant protective functions, as demonstrated both by gene overexpression and deletion analyses, and is inducible by peroxides in an Yap1- and Skn7-dependent manner. Similar to yeast Tsa1p, Ahp1p forms a disulfide-linked homodimer upon oxidation and in vivo requires the presence of the thioredoxin system but not of glutathione to perform its antioxidant protective function. Furthermore, in contrast to Tsa1p, which is specific for H2O2, Ahp1p is specific for organic peroxides. Therefore, with respect to substrate specificity, Ahp1p differs from Tsa1p and is similar to prokaryotic alkyl hydroperoxide reductase AhpC. These data suggest that Ahp1p is a yeast orthologue of prokaryotic AhpC and justifies its name of yeast alkyl hydroperoxide reductase.

The H2O2 stimulon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The changes in gene expression underlying the yeast adaptive stress response to H2O2 were analyzed by comparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of total cell proteins. The synthesis of at least 115 proteins is stimulated by H2O2, whereas 52 other proteins are repressed by this treatment. We have identified 71 of the stimulated and 44 of the repressed targets. The kinetics and dose-response parameters of the H2O2 genomic response were also analyzed. Identification of these proteins and their mapping into specific cellular processes give a distinct picture of the way in which yeast cells adapt to oxidative stress. As expected, H2O2-responsive targets include an important number of heat shock proteins and proteins with reactive oxygen intermediate scavenging activities. Exposure to H2O2 also results in a slowdown of protein biosynthetic processes and a stimulation of protein degradation pathways. Finally, the most remarkable result inferred from this study is the resetting of carbohydrate metabolism minutes after the exposure to H2O2. Carbohydrate fluxes are redirected to the regeneration of NADPH at the expense of glycolysis. This study represents the first genome-wide characterization of a H2O2-inducible stimulon in a eukaryote.

Methylammonium-resistant mutants of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia are affected in nitrate transport

This work reports the isolation and preliminary characterization of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia mutants resistant to methylammonium. Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plants cannot grow on low levels of nitrate in the presence of methylammonium. Methylammonium is not used as a nitrogen source, although it can be efficiently taken up by Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cells and converted into methylglutamine, an analog of glutamine. Glutamine is known to repress the expression of the enzymes that mediate the first two steps in the nitrate assimilatory pathway, nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR). Methylammonium has therefore been used, in combination with low concentrations of nitrate, as a selective agent in order to screen for mutants in which the nitrate pathway is de-repressed. Eleven semi-dominant mutants, all belonging to the same complementation group, were identified. The mutant showing the highest resistance to methylammonium was not affected either in the utilization of ammonium, accumulation of methylammonium or in glutamine synthase activity. A series of experiments showed that utilization of nitrite by the wild-type and the mutant was comparable, in the presence or the absence of methylammonium, thus suggesting that the mutation specifically affected nitrate transport or reduction. Although NR mRNA levels were less repressed by methylammonium treatment of the wild-type than the mutant, NR activities of the mutant remained comparable with or without methylammonium, leading to the hypothesis that modified expression of NR is probably not responsible for resistance to methylammonium. Methylammonium inhibited nitrate uptake in the wild-type but had only a limited effect in the mutant. The implications of these results are discussed.

Assessment of family history of alcoholism in sons of alcoholic fathers

Results of studies of sons of alcoholics (SOAs) may vary depending on the density of the family history of alcoholism of the SOA subjects selected. To assess how reliably SOA subjects report a history of alcoholism in first- and second-degree relatives, we compared family histories obtained from 20 SOAs with those provided by their fathers. In all 20 cases, SOAs and their fathers agreed that the father met criteria for alcohol dependence but for no other primary Axis I psychiatric disorder. However, agreement was not as good for whether other paternal relatives in addition to the father were affected (kappa = 0.36) or for whether the family history was unigenerational or multigenerational for alcoholism (kappa = 0.44). Whether this discrepancy was due to under-reporting by the son or over-reporting by the father is unclear. These results suggest that 18-25 year old SOAs are reliable sources regarding alcohol dependence in their fathers, but that for determination of density of the family history of alcoholism, other relatives should also be interviewed directly.

Eye movement effects of diazepam in sons of alcoholic fathers and male control subjects

Both animal and human studies suggest that the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex may be involved in the acute effects of ethanol, as well as the development of tolerance and dependence with chronic ethanol use. The current study was performed to assess sensitivity to benzodiazepines, and thus the functional sensitivity of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor system, in subjects at high risk for alcoholism. Sons of alcoholic fathers (SOAs; n = 27) were compared with male controls without a family history of alcoholism (n = 23) in response to diazepam versus placebo. SOAs and controls received four logarithmically increasing doses of intravenous diazepam or placebo in randomized order on 2 days at least 1 week apart. Effects of diazepam were assessed using two eye movement tasks, peak saccadic eye movement velocity, and average smooth pursuit eye movement gain, which provide reliable, quantitative measures of benzodiazepine effects. In addition, memory, self-rated sedation, and pleasurable drug effects were measured. In comparison with control subjects, SOAs displayed significantly less diazepam effects on peak saccade velocity, average smooth pursuit gain, memory, and self-rated sedation, but significantly greater pleasurable drug effects. Differences in response to diazepam between SOAs and male controls may reflect altered functional sensitivity of the central GABA-benzodiazepine receptor system or a more general difference between groups in the effects of CNS active or sedating drugs.

Sequence of Lhcb3*1, a gene encoding a Photosystem II chlorophyll a/b-binding protein in Pisum

We have cloned and sequenced a pea Lhcb3 gene, encoding a Photosystem II chlorophyll a/b-binding protein. Sequence analysis indicates that the gene contains two introns and predicts a polypeptide of 265 amino acids. The predicted polypeptide sequence is highly homologous to the polypeptide sequences deduced from Lhcb3 genes previously characterized in tomato and barley.

Transient plant gene expression: a simple and reproducible method based on flowing particle gun

Successful transient expression of beta-glucuronidase (Gus) and luciferase (Luc) in Nicotiana tabacum leaves was obtained after gene delivery by a simple and inexpensive particle gun. Takeuchi's biolistic process system was adapted to accelerate directly in a helium stream DNA-coated microprojectiles into intact plant leaf tissues. After bombardment of p70-omega-59Gus construction (duplication of the CaMV 35S enhancer), variability inherent to the bombardment procedure was observed in Gus activity measurements between replicate samples. We therefore included an internal standard (35S-Luc) in each bombardment, allowing an accurate, sensitive and reproducible comparison of the effective strength of different Gus-reporter constructs based on Gus/Luc ratio measurements.

Response to diazepam in sons of alcoholics

Alcohol exerts several of its actions via the chloride channel associated with the central GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. To explore a possible role for this receptor complex in risk for alcoholism, and to determine whether risk for alcoholism is associated with risk for benzodiazepine abuse, the authors administered intravenous diazepam to 18 sons of male alcoholics (SOAs) and 18 control subjects. Four logarithmically increasing doses of diazepam and matched volumes of placebo were given in randomized order on separate days about 1 week apart. SOAs were significantly more likely than controls to report euphoric responses to diazepam. At some diazepam doses, SOAs were more likely to report feeling "high" and "intoxicated." SOAs and controls did not differ in feeling "drugged." SOAs and controls may differ in expectations regarding the subjective effects of drugs and/or in the function of the central GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. These findings also add further evidence for increased pleasurable effects, and thus possibly increased risk for benzodiazepine abuse, in a subgroup of SOAs.