Proinflammatory and regulatory cytokine production associated with innate and adaptive immune responses in children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental regression

We determined innate and adaptive immune responses in children with developmental regression and autism spectrum disorders (ASD, N=71), developmentally normal siblings (N=23), and controls (N=17). With lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a stimulant for innate immunity, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 59/71 (83.1%) ASD patients produced >2 SD above the control mean (CM) values of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and/or IL-6 produced by control PBMCs. ASD PBMCs produced higher levels of proinflammatory/counter-regulatory cytokines without stimuli than controls. With stimulants of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), tetanus, IL-12p70, and IL-18, PBMCs from 47.9% to 60% of ASD patients produced >2 SD above the CM values of TNF-alpha depending on stimulants. Our results indicate excessive innate immune responses in a number of ASD children that may be most evident in TNF-alpha production.

Translation initiation factors eIF-iso4G and eIF-4B interact with the poly(A)-binding protein and increase its RNA binding activity

The 5'-cap and the poly(A) tail act synergistically to increase the translational efficiency of eukaryotic mRNAs, which suggests that these two mRNA elements communicate during translation. We report here that the cap-associated eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), i. e. the two isoforms of the cap-binding complex (eIF-4F and eIF-iso4F) and eIF-4B, bind to the poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) both in the presence and absence of poly(A) RNA. The interactions between PABP and eIF-4F, eIF-iso4F, and eIF-4B were measured in the absence of poly(A) RNA using far Western analysis and confirmed by direct fluorescence titration studies. The functional consequence of the interaction between these initiation factors and PABP was examined using RNA binding assays and RNA mobility shift analysis. eIF-4F, eIF-iso4F, and eIF-4B promoted PABP activity through a shift in its equilibrium affinity for poly(A). eIF-iso4G, the large subunit of eIF-iso4F, was the subunit responsible for the interaction between eIF-iso4F and PABP and was the subunit that promoted PABP RNA binding activity. Truncation analysis of eIF-iso4G indicated that a domain close to its N-terminal end appeared to be involved in binding PABP. These results suggest that the interaction between PABP and eIF-4B and eIF-iso4G may be involved in mediating the functional co-dependence observed between the cap and the poly(A) tail during translation.

The distribution and cellular localization of the serotonin 1C receptor mRNA in the rodent brain examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Comparison with receptor binding distribution

The regional distribution and cellular localization of mRNA coding for the serotonin 1C receptor were investigated in tissue sections of mouse and rat brain by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Several 32P-labelled riboprobes derived from mouse genomic clones were used. The serotonin 1C receptor binding sites were visualized autoradiographically and quantified using [3H]mesulergine as ligand, in the presence of spiperone to block serotonin 1C receptors. Strong hybridization signal was observed in the choroid plexus of all brain ventricles. High levels of hybridization were also seen in the anterior olfactory nucleus, pyriform cortex, amygdala, some thalamic nuclei, especially the lateral habenula, the CA3 area of the hippocampal formation, the cingulate cortex, some components of the basal ganglia and associated areas, particularly the nucleus subthalamicus and the substantia nigra. The midbrain and brainstem showed moderate levels of hybridization. The distribution of the serotonin 1C receptor mRNA corresponded well to that of the serotonin 1C receptors. The highest levels of serotonin 1C receptor binding were observed in the choroid plexus. In addition, significant levels of the serotonin 1C receptor binding were seen in the anterior olfactory nucleus, pyriform cortex, nucleus accumbens, ventral aspects of the striatum, paratenial and paracentral thalamic nuclei, amygdaloid body and substantia nigra pars reticulata. The cingulate and retrosplenial cortices as well as the caudal aspects of the hippocampus (CA3) were also labelled. Binding in brainstem and medulla was low and homogeneously distributed. No significant binding was seen in the habenular and subthalamic nuclei. Similar findings were obtained in rat brain. These results demonstrate that, in addition to their enrichment in the choroid plexus, the serotonin 1C receptor mRNA and binding sites are heterogeneously distributed in the rodent brain and thus could be involved in the regulation of many different brain functions. The combination of in situ hybridization histochemistry with receptor autoradiography opens the possibility of examining the regulation of the serotonin 1C receptor synthesis after pharmacological or physiological alterations.

Localization of BRCA1 and a splice variant identifies the nuclear localization signal

Inherited mutations in BRCA1 confer susceptibility to breast and ovarian neoplasms. However, the function of BRCA1 and the role of BRCA1 in noninherited cancer remain unknown. Characterization of alternately spliced forms of BRCA1 may identify functional regions; thus, we constructed expression vectors of BRCA1 and a splice variant lacking exon 11, designated BRCA1 delta 672-4095. Immunofluorescence studies indicate nuclear localization of BRCA1 but cytoplasmic localization of BRCA1 delta 672-4095. Two putative nuclear localization signals (designated NLS1 and NLS2) were identified in exon 11; immunofluorescence studies indicate that only NLS1 is required for nuclear localization. RNA analysis indicates the expression of multiple, tissue-specific forms of BRCA1 RNAs; protein analysis with multiple antibodies suggests that at least three BRCA1 isoforms are expressed, including those lacking exon 11. The results suggest that BRCA1 is a nuclear protein and raise the possibility that splicing is one form of regulation of BRCA1 function by alteration of the subcellular localization of expressed proteins.

Centric heterochromatin and the efficiency of achiasmate disjunction in Drosophila female meiosis

The chromosomal requirements for achiasmate (nonexchange) homolog disjunction in Drosophila female meiosis I have been identified with the use of a series of molecularly defined minichromosome deletion derivatives. Efficient disjunction requires 1000 kilobases of overlap in the centric heterochromatin and is not affected by homologous euchromatin or overall size differences. Disjunction efficiency decreases linearly as heterochromatic overlap is reduced from 1000 to 430 kilobases of overlap. Further observations, including rescue experiments with nod kinesin-like protein transgenes, demonstrate that heterochromatin does not act solely to promote chromosome movement or spindle attachment. Thus, it is proposed that centric heterochromatin contains multiple pairing elements that act additively to initiate or maintain the proper alignment of achiasmate chromosomes in meiosis I. How heterochromatin could act to promote chromosome pairing is discussed here.

HSP101 functions as a specific translational regulatory protein whose activity is regulated by nutrient status

The 5' leader (Omega) of tobacco mosaic viral RNA functions as a translational enhancer. Sequence analysis of a 102-kD protein, identified previously as a specific Omega RNA-binding protein, revealed homology to the HSP101/HSP104/ClpB family of heat shock proteins and its expression in yeast complemented a thermotolerance defect caused by a deletion of the HSP104 gene. Up to a 50-fold increase in the translation of Omega-luc, but not luc mRNA was observed in yeast expressing the tobacco HSP101 whereas Omega failed to enhance translation in the absence of HSP101. Therefore, HSP101 and Omega comprise a two-component translational regulatory mechanism that can be recapitulated in yeast. Analysis of HSP101 function in yeast translation mutants suggested that the initiation factor (eIF) 3 and specifically one (TIF4632) of the two eIF4G proteins were required for the HSP101-mediated enhancement. The RNA-binding and translational regulatory activities of HSP101 were inactive in respiring cells or in cells subject to nutrient limitation, but its thermotolerance function remained unaffected. This is the first identification of a protein required for specific translational enhancement of capped mRNAs, the first report of a translational regulatory function for any heat-shock protein, and the first functional distinction between the two eIF4G proteins present in eukaryotes.

The phosphorylation state of translation initiation factors is regulated developmentally and following heat shock in wheat

Several translation initiation factors in mammals and yeast are regulated by phosphorylation. The phosphorylation state of these factors is subject to alteration during development, environmental stress (heat shock, starvation, or heme deprivation), or viral infection. The phosphorylation state and the effect of changes in phosphorylation of the translation initiation factors of higher plants have not been previously investigated. We have determined the isoelectric states for the wheat translation initiation factors eIF-4A, eIF-4B, eIF-4F, eIF-iso4F, and eIF-2 and the poly(A)-binding protein in the seed, during germination, and following heat shock of wheat seedlings using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western analysis. We found that the developmentally induced changes in isoelectric state observed during germination or the stress-induced changes were consistent with changes in phosphorylation. Treatment of the phosphorylated forms of the factors with phosphatases confirmed that the nature of the modification was due to phosphorylation. The isoelectric states of eIF-4B, eIF-4F (eIF-4E, p26), eIF-iso4F (eIF-iso4E, p28), and eIF-2alpha (p42) were altered during germination, suggesting that phosphorylation of these factors is developmentally regulated and correlates with the resumption of protein synthesis that occurs during germination. The phosphorylation of eIF-2beta (p38) or poly(A)-binding protein did not change either during germination or following a thermal stress. Only the phosphorylation state of two factors, eIF-4A and eIF-4B, changed following a heat shock, suggesting that plants may differ significantly from animals in the way in which their translational machinery is modified in response to a thermal stress.

Induction of apoptotic cell death in peripheral blood mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells by an oral bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum

It is largely unknown why a variety of bacteria present in the oral cavity are capable of establishing themselves in the periodontal pockets of nonimmunocompromised individuals in the presence of competent immune effector cells. In this paper we present evidence for the immunosuppressive role of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gram-negative oral bacterium which plays an important role in the generation of periodontal disease. Our studies indicate that the immunosuppressive role of F. nucleatum is largely due to the ability of this organism to induce apoptotic cell death in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). F. nucleatum treatment induced apoptosis of PBMCs and PMNs as assessed by an increase in subdiploid DNA content determined by DNA fragmentation and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling assays. The ability of F. nucleatum to induce apoptosis was abolished by either heat treatment or proteinase digestion but was retained after formaldehyde treatment, suggesting that a heat-labile surface protein component is responsible for bacterium-mediated cell apoptosis. The data also indicated that F. nucleatum-induced cell apoptosis requires activation of caspases and is protected by NF-kappaB. Possible mechanisms of F. nucleatum's role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease are discussed.

The phosphorylation state of poly(A)-binding protein specifies its binding to poly(A) RNA and its interaction with eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F, eIFiso4F, and eIF4B

The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) interacts with the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G (or eIFiso4G), the large subunit of eIF4F (or eIFiso4F) to promote translation initiation. In plants, PABP also interacts with eIF4B, a factor that assists eIF4F function. PABP is a phosphoprotein, although the function of its phosphorylation has not been previously investigated. In this study, we have purified the phosphorylated and hypophosphorylated isoforms of PABP from wheat to examine whether its phosphorylation state affects its binding to poly(A) RNA and its interaction with eIF4G, eIFiso4G, or eIF4B. Phosphorylated PABP exhibited cooperative binding to poly(A) RNA even under non-stoichiometric binding conditions, whereas multiple molecules of hypophosphorylated PABP bound to poly(A) RNA only after free poly(A) RNA was no longer available. Together, phosphorylated and hypophosphorylated PABP exhibited synergistic binding. eIF4B interacted with PABP in a phosphorylation state-specific manner; native eIF4B increased the RNA binding activity specifically of phosphorylated PABP and was greater than 14-fold more effective than was recombinant eIF4B, whereas eIF4F promoted the cooperative binding of hypophosphorylated PABP. These data suggest that the phosphorylation state of PABP specifies the type of binding to poly(A) RNA and its interaction with its partner proteins.

Comparative effects of DHEA vs. testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol on proliferation and gene expression in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells

Serum levels of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) peak in men and women in the third decade of life and decrease progressively with age. Increasing numbers of middle-aged and older individuals consume over-the-counter preparations of DHEA, hoping it will retard aging by increasing muscle and bone mass and strength, decreasing fat, and improving immunologic and neurobehavioral functions. Because DHEA can serve as a precursor to more potent androgens and estrogens, like testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17beta-estradiol (E2), supplemental DHEA use may pose a cancer risk in patients with nascent or occult prostate cancer. The steroid-responsive human LNCaP prostate cancer cells, containing a functional but mutated androgen receptor (AR), were used to compare effects of DHEA with those of T, DHT, and E2 on cell proliferation and protein and/or gene expression of AR, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), IGF-I, IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), IGF-II, IGF-binding proteins-2, -3, and -5, (IGFBPs-2, -3, and -5), and estrogen receptor-beta (ERbeta). Cell proliferation assays revealed significant stimulation by all four steroids. DHEA- and E2-induced responses were similar but delayed and reduced compared with that of T and DHT. All four hormones increased gene and/or protein expression of PSA, IGF-IR, IGF-I, and IGFBP-2 and decreased that of AR, ERbeta, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3. There were no significant effects of hormone treatment on IGFBP-5 mRNA. DHEA and E2 responses were similar, and distinct from those of DHT and T, in time- and dose-dependent studies. Further studies of the mechanisms of DHEA effects on prostate cancer epithelial cells of varying AR status, as well as on prostate stromal cells, will be required to discern the implications of DHEA supplementation on prostatic health.

Forced vital capacity paired with Framingham Risk Score for prediction of all-cause mortality

Forced vital capacity (FVC) measures lung function and predicts coronary heart disease (CHD); whether it provides additive prediction over CHD risk factors has not been established. We examined whether FVC adds to the prediction of all-cause mortality provided by Framingham Risk Score (FRS) alone. We examined 5,485 (61.1 million projected) nonsmoking adults from the USA who were aged 20-79 yrs. Subjects were from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were without obstructive lung disease, had FVC measurements and had ≤ 12 yrs (mean 8.8 yrs) mortality follow-up. We performed Cox regression analysis to examine whether FVC and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) (categorised as low ≤ 85% predicted, borderline 86-94% predicted and normal ≥ 95% predicted) within FRS groups (10-yr risk of cardiovascular disease low <10%, intermediate 10-20%, high 20%) predict mortality. Receiver operator characteristic analysis examined whether FVC and FEV(1) added to the prediction provided by FRS. Low-, intermediate- and high-risk FRS groups had 79.5% (n = 4,361), 10.1% (n = 555) and 10.4% (n = 569) persons, respectively. Only the intermediate FRS group showed a graded increase in mortality (10.7, 18.2 and 42.8% per 1,000 person-yrs from highest to lowest FVC categories, respectively); those with low FVC had an almost three-fold greater risk of mortality (hazard ratio 2.64; p<0.01) than those with normal FVC. FVC provided incremental additive value for predicting mortality in addition to FRS for only this group (area under curve 0.65 versus 0.58; p<0.05). Similar results were obtained for FEV(1). Evaluation of lung function may be useful to improve risk stratification in persons with intermediate CHD risk where it adds to prediction of mortality over global risk assessment.

Plant initiation factor 3 subunit composition resembles mammalian initiation factor 3 and has a novel subunit

Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is a multisubunit complex that is required for binding of mRNA to 40 S ribosomal subunits, stabilization of ternary complex binding to 40 S subunits, and dissociation of 40 and 60 S subunits. These functions and the complex nature of eIF3 suggest multiple interactions with many components of the translational machinery. Recently, the subunits of mammalian and Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF3 were identified, and substantial differences in the subunit composition of mammalian and S. cerevisiae were observed. Mammalian eIF3 consists of 11 nonidentical subunits, whereas S. cerevisiae eIF3 consists of up to eight nonidentical subunits. Only five of the subunits of mammalian and S. cerevisiae are shared in common, and these five subunits comprise a "core" complex in S. cerevisiae. eIF3 from wheat consists of at least 10 subunits, but their relationship to either the mammalian or S. cerevisiae eIF3 subunits is unknown. Peptide sequences derived from purified wheat eIF3 subunits were used to correlate each subunit with mammalian and/or S. cerevisiae subunits. The peptide sequences were also used to identify Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs for each of the eIF3 subunits. We report seven new cDNAs for A. thaliana eIF3 subunits. A. thaliana eIF3 was purified and characterized to confirm that the subunit composition and activity of wheat and A. thaliana eIF3 were similar. We report that plant eIF3 closely resembles the subunit composition of mammalian eIF3, having 10 out of 11 subunits in common. Further, we find a novel subunit in the plant eIF3 complex not present in either mammalian or S. cerevisiae eIF3. These results suggest that plant and mammalian eIF3 evolved similarly, whereas S. cerevisiae has diverged.

Monoamine oxidase-A is a major target gene for glucocorticoids in human skeletal muscle cells

Skeletal myopathy is a common complication of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoid excess, yet its pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. There is accumulating evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are involved in this process. To explore the glucocorticoid-induced transcriptional adaptations that may affect mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, we studied gene expression profiles in dexamethasone-treated primary human skeletal myocytes using a cDNA microarray, which contains 501 mitochondria-related genes. We found that monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) was the most significantly up-regulated gene. MAO-A is the primary enzyme metabolizing catecholamines and dietary amines, and its role in skeletal muscle remains largely unexplored. Dexamethasone induced dose- and time-dependent increases of MAO-A gene and protein expression, while its effects on MAO-B were minimal. Both the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the Sp1 transcription factor were required for dexamethasone-induced MAO-A mRNA expression, as blockade of the GR with RU 486 or ablation of Sp1 binding with mithramycin abrogated MAO-A mRNA induction. The observed dexamethasone effect was biologically functional, as this steroid significantly increased MAO-mediated hydrogen peroxide production. We suggest that MAO-A-mediated oxidative stress can lead to cell damage, representing a novel pathogenetic mechanism for glucocorticoid-induced myopathy and a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Structure of the mouse 5-HT1C, 5-HT2 and stomach fundus serotonin receptor genes

By analysis of the mouse 5-HT1C receptor gene we found that its coding region contains three introns. We next isolated cDNA and genomic clones for the closely related 5-HT2 receptor using a probe derived from the 5-HT1C receptor sequence. This probe also hybridized to an additional gene, called SRL (Serotonin Receptor Like). We have evidence demonstrating that it encodes the stomach fundus 5-HT receptor. Two introns are present within the coding regions of the mouse 5-HT2 receptor gene and the SRL gene at positions which correspond to those of introns in the 5-HT1C receptor gene. This intron distribution is unique and distinguishes these receptors from other members of the family of receptors coupled to G-proteins.

Physiologic Changes in the Heart Following Cessation of Mechanical Ventilation in a Porcine Model of Donation After Circulatory Death: Implications for Cardiac Transplantation

Hearts donated following circulatory death (DCD) may represent an additional source of organs for transplantation; however, the impact of donor extubation on the DCD heart has not been well characterized. We sought to describe the physiologic changes that occur following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) in a porcine model of DCD. Physiologic changes were monitored continuously for 20 min following WLST. Ventricular pressure, volume, and function were recorded using a conductance catheter placed into the right (N = 8) and left (N = 8) ventricles, and using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, N = 3). Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction occurred following WLST, and was associated with distension of the right ventricle (RV) and reduced cardiac output. A 120-fold increase in epinephrine was subsequently observed that produced a transient hyperdynamic phase; however, progressive RV distension developed during this time. Circulatory arrest occurred 7.6±0.3 min following WLST, at which time MRI demonstrated an 18±7% increase in RV volume and a 12±9% decrease in left ventricular volume compared to baseline. We conclude that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and a profound catecholamine surge occur following WLST that result in distension of the RV. These changes have important implications on the resuscitation, preservation, and evaluation of DCD hearts prior to transplantation.

The mouse 5-HT1C receptor contains eight hydrophobic domains and is X-linked

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) exerts diverse physiological effects in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in smooth muscle by interacting with pharmacologically distinct membrane receptors. We report here the cDNA cloning of the mouse 5-HT1C receptor and its functional expression in Xenopus oocytes. This receptor possesses the unusual feature of containing eight hydrophobic domains capable of forming membrane-spanning alpha-helices, contrary to the usual '7-helix' paradigm for other membrane receptors that function through coupling to GTP-binding proteins. By hybridization analysis of Chinese hamster x mouse somatic cell hybrid lines, the gene for the receptor, designated Htr1c, has been assigned to the mouse X chromosome.

DHT and testosterone, but not DHEA or E2, differentially modulate IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 in human prostatic stromal cells

Prostate cancer is one of the four most common cancers in the United States, affecting one of six men. Increased serum levels of androgens and IGF-I are associated with an augmented risk of prostate cancer. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone (T) stimulate prostate cancer cell growth, development, and function, whereas the effects of DHT and T in prostate stromal cells, and of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in prostate cancer or stromal cells, are uncertain. We investigated the actions of DHT, T, DHEA, and estradiol (E2) on insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF-I receptor (R), IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-5 in primary cultures of human prostatic stromal cells by assessing cell proliferation, mRNA expression, and protein secretion by MTT growth assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and ELISA, respectively. DHT and T each increased IGF-I (7-fold) and decreased IGFBP-3 (2-fold) mRNA expression and protein secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased IGFBP-2 (2-fold) mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DHEA and E2 did not significantly alter these measures. Flutamide abolished the DHT-modulated increases in IGF-I and IGFBP-2, suggesting that the influences of DHT and T on these measures were androgen receptor mediated. None of the four steroids significantly affected IGF-IR, IGF-II, or IGFBP-5 mRNA levels or stromal cell proliferation. The effects of DHT on IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 were more pronounced in stromal cultures that did not express desmin. These data suggest that DHT and T promote prostate growth partly via modulation of the stromal cell IGF axis, with potential paracrine effects on prostate epithelial cells.

Correlation between 15N NMR chemical shifts in proteins and secondary structure

An empirical correlation between the peptide 15N chemical shift, delta 15Ni, and the backbone torsion angles phi i, psi i-1 is reported. By using two-dimensional shielding surfaces delta (phi i, psi i-1), it is possible in many cases to make reasonably accurate predictions of 15N chemical shifts for a given structure. On average, the rms error between experiment and prediction is about 3.5 ppm. Results for threonine, valine and isoleucine are worse (approximately 4.8 ppm), due presumably to chi 1-distribution/gamma-gauche effects. The rms errors for the other amino acids are approximately 3 ppm, for a typical maximal chemical shift range of approximately 15-20 ppm. Thus, there is a significant correlation between 15N chemical shift and secondary structure.

Multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles bio-fabricated from Canna indica L. flowers for seed germination, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

The potential of green nanomaterials for environmental and agricultural fields is emerging due to their biocompatible, eco-friendly, and cost-effective performance. We report the use of Canna indica flowers extract as new capping and stabilizing source to bio-fabricate ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs for dyes removal, seed germination. ZnO NPs was biosynthesized by ultrasound-assisted alkaline-free route to reach the critical green strategy. The physicochemical findings of ZnO revealed small crystallite size (27.82 nm), sufficient band-gap energy (3.08 eV), and diverse functional groups. Minimum‑run resolution IV approach found the most pivotal factors influencing on removal of Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250. Uptake studies pointed out that pseudo second-order, and Langmuir were the best fitted models. Dye molecules behaved monolayer adsorption on ZnO surface layers, and controlled by chemisorption. Natural solar light was used as effective source for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (94.23% of removal and 31.09 mg/g of uptake capacity). Compared with H₂O and ZnSO₄, ZnO NPs positively affected the growth of shoot and root lengths (10.2-27.8%) of bean seedlings in most cases. ZnO acts an agrochemical for boosting weight gain, and germination ratio. This study may be promising for developing the recyclable, multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles for environmental and agricultural applications.

Efficient and recyclable Cu2(BDC)2(BPY)-catalyzed oxidative amidation of terminal alkynes: role of bipyridine ligand

We have described an efficient method for oxidative cross coupling reactions between activated N–H amines and terminal alkynes using heterogeneous Cu₂(BDC)₂(BPY) as recyclable catalyst (BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate; BPY = 4,4′-bipyridine).

Early graft function after pediatric liver transplantation: comparison between in situ split liver grafts and living-related liver grafts

BACKGROUND

The systematic application of living-related and cadaveric, in situ split-liver transplantation has helped to alleviate the critical shortage of suitable-sized, pediatric donors. Undoubtedly, both techniques are beneficial and advantageous; however, the superiority of either graft source has not been demonstrated directly. Because of the potential living-donor risks, we reserve the living donor as the last graft option for pediatric recipients awaiting liver transplantation. Inasmuch as no direct comparison between these two graft types has been performed, we sought to perform a comparative analysis of the functional outcomes of left lateral segmental grafts procured from these donor sources to determine whether differences do exist.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all liver transplants performed at a single institution between February 1984 and January 1999 was undertaken. Only pediatric (<18 years) recipients of left lateral segmental grafts procured from either living-related (LRD) or cadaveric, in situ split-liver (SLD) donors were included. A detailed analysis of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables was undertaken. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparison of variables between groups was undertaken using the t test of Wilcoxon rank sum test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the preoperative variables between the 39 recipients of SLD grafts and 34 recipients of LRD grafts. The donors did differ significantly in mean age, ABO blood group matching, and preoperative liver function testing. Postoperative liver function testing revealed significant early differences in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, prothrombin time, and alkaline phosphatase, with grafts from LRD performing better than those from SLD. SLD grafts also had significantly longer ischemia times and a higher incidence of graft loss owing to primary nonfunction and technical complications (9 vs. 2, P<0.05). However, six of these graft losses in the SLD group were because of technical or immunologic causes, which, theoretically, should not differ between the two groups. Furthermore, these graft losses did not negatively impact early patient survival as most patients were successfully rescued with retransplantation (30-day actuarial survival, 97.1% SLD vs. 94.1% LRD, P=0.745). In the surviving grafts, the early differences in liver function variables normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Inherent differences in both donor sources exist and account for differences seen in preoperative and intraoperative variables. Segmental grafts from LRD clearly performed better in the first week after transplantation as demonstrated by lower liver function variables and less graft loss to primary nonfunction. However, the intermediate function (7-30 days) of both grafts did not differ, and the early graft losses did not translate into patient death. Although minimal living-donor morbidity was seen in this series, the use of this donor type still carries a finite risk. We therefore will continue to use SLD as the primary graft source for pediatric patients awaiting liver transplantation.

A five coordination Cu(ii) cluster-based MOF and its application in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals via sp3 C–H/N–H oxidative coupling

Five coordination sites of Cu(ii) cluster were found in VNU-18 that showed highly efficient catalytic property for the oxidative C–H activation via N–H bonds.

Association of CYP2C9*2 with bosentan-induced liver injury

Bosentan (Tracleer) is an endothelin receptor antagonist prescribed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Its use is limited by drug-induced liver injury (DILI). To identify genetic markers of DILI, association analyses were performed on 56 Caucasian PAH patients receiving bosentan. Twelve functional polymorphisms in five genes (ABCB11, ABCC2, CYP2C9, SLCO1B1, and SLCO1B3) implicated in bosentan pharmacokinetics were tested for associations with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and DILI. After adjusting for body mass index, CYP2C9*2 was the only polymorphism associated with ALT, AST, and DILI (β = 2.16, P = 0.024; β = 1.92, P = 0.016; odds ratio 95% CI = 2.29-∞, P = 0.003, respectively). Bosentan metabolism by CYP2C9*2 in vitro was significantly reduced compared with CYP2C9*1 and was comparable to that by CYP2C9*3. These results suggest that CYP2C9*2 is a potential genetic marker for prediction of bosentan-induced liver injury and warrants investigation for the optimization of bosentan treatment.

Laser-based mid-infrared reflectance imaging of biological tissues

Mid-infrared (MIR) (3-12 um) spectral imaging is a power analytical tool, but difficult in the back-reflectance mode for in-vivo diagnostics. Feasibility of MIR back-reflectance imaging is demonstrated using MIR semiconductor lasers. Transmittance through 500-microm thick films of water and blood showed a capability to resolve more than 6-OD signal dynamic range. Reflectance scanning imaging through a 150-microm thick film of blood showed negligible scattering effect, indicating the feasibility of optical coherent imaging. The result of coherent imaging of a plant leaf shows a MIR sub-surface image that would not be visible in white light. With two wavelengths, a similar result for a chicken skin subcutaneous tissue at different focal depths was obtained, showing blood vessels beneath a lipid layer. These results suggest that advanced multilaser wavelength systems in the fingerprint spectral region can be a useful tool for in-vivo spectral imaging in biomedical research and diagnostic applications.