Bright carbonate veins on asteroid (101955) Bennu: Implications for aqueous alteration history

The composition of asteroids and their connection to meteorites provide insight into geologic processes that occurred in the early Solar System. We present spectra of the Nightingale crater region on near-Earth asteroid Bennu with a distinct infrared absorption around 3.4 micrometers. Corresponding images of boulders show centimeters-thick, roughly meter-long bright veins. We interpret the veins as being composed of carbonates, similar to those found in aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. If the veins on Bennu are carbonates, fluid flow and hydrothermal deposition on Bennu's parent body would have occurred on kilometer scales for thousands to millions of years. This suggests large-scale, open-system hydrothermal alteration of carbonaceous asteroids in the early Solar System.

Escherichia coli O8:H8 Carrying a Novel Variant of the Heat-Labile Enterotoxin LT2 Gene Caused Outbreaks of Diarrhea

No outbreaks caused by Escherichia coli–producing heat-labile enterotoxin LT2 have been reported to date. Here, we revealed that the E. coli O8:H8 strains isolated from patients in 2 independent diarrhea outbreaks were negative for any known virulence determinants in routine microbiological tests, were very closely related, and carried a prophage-encoded gene for a novel LT2 variant (LT2d) and the genes for colonization factor antigen III. We also showed that LT2d has a cytotonic activity similar to LT1. These data indicate the importance of E. coli strains producing LT2d as a human pathogen.

Allergen-specific basophil reactivity exhibits daily variations in seasonal allergic rhinitis

It remains poorly understood how symptoms in allergic rhinitis are most severe during overnight or early in the morning. The circadian clock consisting of a network of several ‘clock genes’ including Clock drives daily rhythms in physiology. This study showed that allergen-induced surface CD203c expression on basophils in seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by Japanese cedar pollen exhibited a time-of-day-dependent variation associated with temporal variations in canonical circadian clock gene expression. We also found that bone-marrow-derived basophils (BM basophils) generated from wild-type mice exhibited a time-of-day-dependent variation in IgE-mediated IL-4 and histamine production, which was not observed in BM basophils generated from Clock-mutated mice. Therefore, allergen-specific basophil reactivity shows daily variations depending on the circadian clock activity in basophils, which could partly explain temporal symptomatic variations in allergic rhinitis. Additionally, circadian variations in CD203c expression should be considered for interpretation of this biomarker in clinical research.

Enzymatic Synthesis of 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl 4,6-O-3-Ketobutylideneβ-Maltopentaoside, a Substrate forα-Amylase

A transglycosylation reaction with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-maltoside as an acceptor was done with 4,6-O-3-ketobutylidene maltopentaose and Bacillus macerans cyclodextrin glucanotransferase in an aqueous solution containing 50% n-propanol, and there were two main transglycosylation products. They were identified as 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl 4,6-O-3-ketobutylidene beta-maltopentaoside and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl 4,6-O-3-ketobutylidene beta-maltohexaoside, and their yields were 30% and 21% respectively on the basis of the decrease of 4,6-O-3-ketobutylidene maltopentaose. For the production of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl 4,6-O-3-ketobutylidene beta-maltopentaoside at high substrates concentrations, the addition of n-propanol in this reaction not only increased the solubility of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-maltoside sufficiently but also suppressed side reactions.

[Long term outcome of arterial switch surgery for transposition of the great arteries: evaluation of the reconstruction of the pulmonary artery]

We assessed the effect of reconstructing the pulmonary artery during arterial switch surgery for transposition of the great arteries on late pulmonary stenosis. Sixty-five patients who underwent Lecompte procedure between September 1991 and December 2006 were divided, by the procedure used chronologically to reconstruct the pulmonary artery, into group XP (single pantaloon patch with equine pericardium, n = 11), group P (direct reconstruction, n = 47), and group AP (single pantaloon patch with fresh autopericardium, n = 7). Outcome and pulmonary stenosis on the most recent ultrasound cardiography (UCG) were compared in the 3 groups. The median follow-up was 13, 7.5, and 1.3 years, respectively. Both early and late mortalities were 1.5% (1/65). Although percutaneous trans-pulmonary angioplasty was necessary in 1, 13, and 3 patients, there was 1, 1, and 0 reoperation for pulmonary stenosis in the 3 groups, respectively. Pulmonary stenosis (pulmonary arterial maximum flow velocity > 3 m/sec on UCG) was present in 4 (40%). 14 (30%). and 3 patients (43%). Although there was no significant difference among the 3 procedures in preventing pulmonary stenosis 10 years after arterial switch surgery, direct reconstruction of the pulmonary artery may show a superior outcome, in particular, over 10 years after arterial switch surgery.

Indian rice "Kasalath" contains genes that improve traits of Japanese premium rice "Koshihikari"

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), in which chromosomal segments of the Indian landrace "Kasalath" replace the corresponding endogenous segments in the genome of the Japanese premium rice "Koshihikari", are available and together cover the entire genome. Chromosome regions affecting a trait (CRATs) can be identified by comparison of phenotypes with genotypes of CSSLs. We detected 99 CRATs for 15 agronomic or morphological traits. "Kasalath" had positively acting alleles in 53 CRATs. Its CRATs increased panicle number per plant by up to 23.3%, grain number per panicle by up to 30.8%, and total grain number by up to 15.1%, relative to "Koshihikari". CRATs were identified for grain size (grain thickness and width), with positive effects of about 5.0%. A CRAT on chromosome 8 almost doubled the weight of roots in uppermost soil layers compared to "Koshihikari". Additionally, "Kasalath" possessed CRATs for higher lodging resistance (reduction in plant height and increase in stem diameter). In some cases, multiple CRATs were detected in the same chromosome regions. Therefore, CSSLs with these chromosome segments might be useful breeding materials for the simultaneous improvement of multiple traits. Five CRATs, one for plant height on chromosome 1, one for stem diameter on chromosome 8, and three for heading date on chromosomes 6, 7, and 8 overlapped with the corresponding QTLs that already had been mapped with back-crossed inbred lines of "Nipponbare" and "Kasalath". In both "Koshihikari" CRATs and "Nipponbare" QTLs, "Kasalath" had similar effects.

Intraoperative Monitoring of Penile and Buttock Blood Flow During Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the pelvic circulation during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with a new monitoring system measuring penile and buttock blood flow.

METHODS

We measured penile brachial pressure index (PBI) during EVAR by pulse-volume-plethysmography (form PWV/ABItrade mark). We also measured bilateral gluteal tissue oxygen metabolism with near-infrared spectroscopy to provide a gluteal tissue oxygenation index (TOI). Twenty-two men who underwent aortouni-iliac stentgraft with crossover bypass for exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysm were studied. Twelve patients underwent aorto-uni-common iliac artery stentgraft (CIA) and ten underwent aorto-uni-external iliac artery stentgraft (EIA).

RESULTS

In all patients, there was an immediate reduction in PBI during the EVAR procedure. After revascularization of the ipsilateral limb of the stent graft, the recovery of PBI was significantly less in EIA group. After the completion of crossover bypass, PBI in both groups recovered to the baseline values. In both groups there was a bilateral reduction in gluteal TOI during malperfusion of the internal iliac artery. After revascularization of ipsilateral limb of the stent graft, the ipsilateral TOI recovered to the baseline level in CIA patients, but recovery was incomplete in EIA patients. In contrast, contra-lateral TOI remained low in both groups after revascularization of ipsilateral limb of the stent graft. Only after completion of crossover bypass did the contra-lateral TOI recover to baseline level in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both TOI at the buttocks and PBI are a sensitive reflection of pelvic haemodynamics. Penile blood flow and bilateral gluteal blood flow are supplied via different circulations and both should be monitored for full assessment of the pelvic circulation.

Clinico-pathological study of meningiomas with haemorrhagic onset

BACKGROUND

Haemorrhage from meningiomas is rare and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be determined. We sought to identify these mechanisms by studying clinical and histological records of 6 meningioma patients treated at our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied 6 patients with meningiomas whose acute onset was due to haemorrhage. We evaluated clinical features and imaging studies. The vascularity and proliferative nature of these tumours were examined immunohistochemically and tissue factor (TF) immunoreactivity was assessed. For comparison we evaluated 25 non-haemorrhagic meningiomas.

FINDINGS

At onset, the haemorrhages mimicked stroke in all 6 patients. On imaging studies, 3 of the haemorrhages were intra- and extratumoural, the other 3 were extratumoural only. Hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI was a characteristic of these meningiomas. Histologically, they were of 3 subtypes, meningothelial (n=3), transitional (n=2), and anaplastic (n=1). The MIB-1 labelling index of the 5 WHO Grade I meningiomas was 5.8+/-2.2. The mean number of CD31-positive blood vessels did not differ in haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic meningiomas. The TF-positivity rate of haemorrhagic meningiomas was higher than of non-haemorrhagic meningiomas.

INTERPRETATION

The proliferative nature of the meningiomas and TF expression in tumour cells may have contributed to the eventual haemorrhage of the meningiomas in our series.

Donor selection in Japan: a trial of new criteria with predonation haemoglobin testing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In Japan, eligibility for blood donation depends on blood specific gravity, which does not directly measure blood haemoglobin. Additionally, the criteria are not based on normal values. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of predonation screening by using actual haemoglobin levels, and adopted a new criterion based on the normal range for men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a portable device, we measured haemoglobin in 1032 prospective blood donors, then applied this method to all blood donations. The criterion for men was set at the 95th percentile of haemoglobin distribution, namely 13.0 g/dl and 13.5 g/dl, respectively, for 200-ml and 400-ml donations. That for women remained unchanged.

RESULTS

The percentage of men ineligible by these criteria increased from 0.6 to 1.5%, while that of women decreased from 16.5 to 14.6%. Donors with abnormal haemoglobin levels were referred to hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Predonation measurement of haemoglobin concentration, combined with the referral of those with abnormal values, provided a health benefit to that population.

Antisense expression of a rice sucrose transporter OsSUT1 in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

We analyzed the function of a rice sucrose transporter, OsSUT1, by using antisense rice. There was no difference between antisense and wild-type plants in carbohydrate content and photosynthetic ability of the flag leaves in the vegetative growth stage, suggesting that OsSUT1 may not play an important role in carbon metabolism, at least in these materials.

Phenanthropyran derivatives from Phalaenopsis equestris

Two phenanthropyran derivatives, 3-methoxy-2,7-dihydroxy-5H-phenanthro[4,5-bcd]pyran and 2,3,7-trihydroxy-5H-phenanthro[4,5-bcd]pyran were isolated from the orchid Phalaenopsis equestri. Their chemical structures were elucidated from spectroscopic (NMR, MS etc.) analyses.

Are contents of Rubisco, soluble protein and nitrogen in flag leaves of rice controlled by the same genetics?

Genetic relations among the contents of Rubisco, soluble protein and total leaf nitrogen (N) in leaves of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were studied by quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis with a population of backcross inbred lines (BILs) of japonica Nipponbarexindica Kasalath. The ratio of Rubisco to total leaf N in leaves is the main target in improving photosynthetic N-use efficiency in plants. QTLs controlling Rubisco content were not detected near QTLs for total leaf N content. These results indicate that contents of Rubisco and total leaf N are controlled by different genetics. QTLs that controlled the ratio of Rubisco to total leaf N (CORNs) were detected. These results suggest that some mechanism(s) may be involved in determining this ratio, while the contents of Rubisco and total leaf N are controlled in other ways. In elite BILs, the ratios of Rubisco to total leaf N were higher than those of both parents. These results suggest a good possibility of improving N-use efficiency by CORNs in cultivated rice. A QTL controlling Rubisco content was mapped near a QTL for soluble protein content on chromosome 8 at 5 d after heading and on chromosome 9 at 25 d. In each chromosome region, the peaks of both QTLs overlapped accurately, giving a high possibility of pleiotropic effects by the same genes. Different QTLs controlling soluble protein or Rubisco were detected from those detected at 5 d or 25 d after heading. This suggests that these traits are genetically controlled depending on the growth stages of leaves.

Immunolocalization of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1b subunit in the cochlea

Immunohistochemical localization of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1b subunit was studied in the cochlea. Intense Kv3.1b-like immunoreactivity was present in the type I, type III, type IV and suprastrial fibrocytes of the cochlear lateral wall. Immunostaining was also found in the interdental cells and the fibrocytes of the spiral limbus and in the supralimbal dark cells. K+ ions, which play a pivotal role in the mechanosensory transduction process in the inner ear, are recycled via gap junctional networks in the cochlea. These results suggest that the voltage-gated potassium channel, containing Kv3.1b, in the cochlear lateral wall fibrocytes may control the intracellular potential and play an important role in regulating the potassium ion recycling mechanism via gap junctions in the inner ear.

Ellagic acid formation from galloylglucoses by a crude enzyme of Cornus capitata adventitious roots

The aqueous extract of acetone powder, which had been prepared from Cornus capitata 'Mountain Moon' adventitious roots, cultured in MS medium with a high concentration of Cu2+(10 microM), showed strong oxidative activity toward galloylglucoses. A compound formed from galloyglucoses, such as 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose and tannic acid, by the reaction with the crude enzyme solution of the adventitious roots was isolated and characterized as ellagic acid by spectrometric analyses.

An ellagic compound and iridoids from Cornus capitata root cultures

An ellagic acid derivative, 3,3'-di-O-methylellagic acid 4-(5"-acetyl)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, and two iridoid glucosides, 6alpha-dihydrocornic acid and 6beta-dihydrocornic acid, were isolated from Cornus capitata adventitious roots cultured in Murashige-Skoog (Murashige, T., Skoog, F., 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol. Plant. 15, 473-487) liquid medium containing 10 microM CuSO(4). Three known related metabolites, i.e. stenophyllin H1, dihydrocornin and cornin were also produced in the root cultures. The chemical structures were characterized by analysis of spectroscopic data.

New anthocyanins from purple pods of pea (Pisum spp.)

Two new anthocyanins were isolated from purple pods of pea (Pisum spp.). Their structures were identified as delphinidin 3-xylosylgalactoside-5-acetylglucoside and its deacetylated derivative by the usual chemical degradation methods and by spectroscopic methods such as UV-VIS, MS and NMR. Both pigments showed moderate stability and antioxidative activity in a neutral aqueous solution.

[Differences in hemodynamic effects of amrinone, milrinone and olprinon after cardiopulmonary bypass in valvular cardiac surgery]

The differences in hemodynamic effects of amrinone, milrinone and olprinone were evaluated in 46 patients for valvular cardiac surgery after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients were randomly allocated to three groups; group A with amrinone infusion (17 patients); group M with milrinone infusion (15 patients); and group O with olprinone infusion (14 patients). Each drug was administrated as a single dose into the venous reservoir of the CPB circuit 15 min prior to the end of emergence from CPB, followed by continuous infusion. Hemodynamic parameters were measured at the time of preCPB (C0), just after the end of CPB (C1), one hour after the termination of CPB (C2) and after the chest closure (C3). Catecholamines were used in order of dopamine, norepinephrine and dobutamine. These doses were modulated to maintain the cardiac index > 3.0 l.min-1.m-2 by each anesthesiologist. Hemodynamic parameters (at C0, C1, C2 and C3) and the doses of cathecholamine (at C1, C2 and C3) were compared among the 3 drugs. The systolic blood pressure in group M was significantly higher than that of group A and group O after chest closure. In group M and A, the systolic blood pressure showed a significant increase after CPB. On the other hand, the systolic blood pressure showed no significant change in group O after CPB. Three drugs showed no significant difference in the dosages of catecholamines used.

Ser162-Dependent inactivation of overproduced sucrose-phosphate synthase protein of maize leaf in transgenic rice plants

To investigate the role of Ser162 in phosphorylation-dependent regulation of maize sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) activities in rice, transgenic rice plants expressing wild-type or mutagenized maize SPS were produced. Our results indicate that Ser162 was responsible for overproduction-induced inactivation of SPS protein and for light/ dark modulation of this protein in vivo.

Analysis of the transgenic tobacco plants expressing Panicum miliaceum aspartate aminotransferase genes

 Expression of Panicum miliaceum L. (proso millet) mitochondrial and cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (mAspAT and cAspAT, respectively) genes in transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) and their influences on protein synthesis were examined. The mAspAT- or cAspAT-transformed plants had about threefold or 3.5-fold higher AspAT activity in the leaf than non-transformed plants, respectively. Interestingly, the leaves of both transformed plants had increased levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and transformed plants with cAspAT also had increased levels of mAspAT in the leaf. These results suggest that the increased expression of Panicum cAspAT in transgenic tobacco enhances the expression of its endogenous mAspAT and PEPC, and the increased expression of Panicum mAspAT enhances the expression of its endogenous PEPC.

[Successful treatment of pleuritis carcinomatosa using combination therapy of 5'-DFUR, MPA and CPA as maintenance therapy]

A 44-year-old female patient with inoperable, local advanced left breast cancer was treated with 3 cycles of high dose CAF therapy followed by combination therapy of 5'-DFUR, MPA and CPA. The patient was discharged after receiving 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy and continued to receive daily oral doses of 5'-DFUR (800 mg), MPA (800 mg), and CPA (100 mg) for 15 months. After 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy, tumor marker (CEA, CA 15-3) levels were reduced. Six months later, after 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy, the tumor marker levels were within the normal range. No serious side effects were observed during chemotherapy. The patient enjoyed a good quality of life. We thus confirmed that this combination regimen was effective as a maintenance therapy for local advanced breast cancer.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a gene for a sucrose transporter in maize (Zea mays L.)

Here we report the cloning of a sucrose transporter cDNA from maize (Zea mays L.) and an analysis of the expression of the gene. A cDNA clone (ZmSUT1) was identified as a sucrose transporter cDNA from its sequence homology at the amino acid level to sucrose transporters that have been cloned from other higher plant species. Based on the results of genomic Southern hybridization, ZmSUT1 appears to be a single copy gene. A Northern blot analysis of seedlings and leaf blades suggests that the sucrose transporter is involved in the export of accumulated carbohydrates from source leaf blades. From the measurements of transcript levels and carbohydrate contents in mature leaf blades, we propose that the expression of the gene for the maize sucrose transporter is positively regulated by the amounts of soluble sugars such as sucrose and glucose in source leaves of maize. In addition, based on the tissue specificity of the expression of the gene in maize plants at the reproductive stage, it is possible that the sucrose transporter acts in sink tissues such as pedicles as well as in source tissues such as leaf blades.

[Mistyping of ABO grouping by polyagglutination]

Polyagglutination is a phenomenon that a sample of patient's red blood cells is agglutinated by most of normal human sera. In patients with bacterial infection or hematological diseases, red cells may become agglutinable due to an exposure of antigens (cryptoantigen) that are usually hidden as submembrane structures of normal red cells. Most of normal sera contain natural antibodies to the corresponding antigens. Polyagglutination can cause apparent discrepancies between ABO antigen and antibody tests with the patient's sample, resulting in mistyping of ABO grouping. In some cases, polyagglutination is observed only by the minor test of cross-matching without showing the discrepancies. Recently polyagglutination has been rarely seen probably because of increasing use of monoclonal antibodies and dispensing minor test for cross-matching. Because no obvious case of adverse reaction by polyagglutination through transfusion is recently reported, clinical significance of polyagglutination seems extremely low.

Cloning of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase from a marine bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis AE122, and characterization of its gene product

A DNA fragment that carries the gene coding for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) depolymerase was cloned from the chromosomal DNA of Alcaligenes faecalis AE122 isolated from seawater. The open reading frame encoding the precursor of the PHB depolymerase was 1905 base pairs (bp) long, corresponding to a protein of 635 amino acid residues (M(r) = 65,208). The promoter site, which could be recognized by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, was upstream from the gene, and the sequence adhering to the ribosome-binding sequence was found in front of the gene. The deduced amino acid sequence agreed with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified PHB depolymerase from amino acid 28 onwards. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed the domain structure of the protein; a signal peptide of 27 amino acids long was followed by a catalytic domain of about 400 amino acids, a fibronectin type III module sequence, and a putative substrate binding domain. The molecular mass (62,526) of the mature protein deduced from the nucleotide sequence was significantly lower than the value (95 kDa) estimated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, but coincided well with the value (62,426) estimated from matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectra. By comparison of the primary structure with those of other PHB depolymerases, the substrate binding domain was found to consist of two domains, PHB-specific and poly(3-hydroxyvalerate)-specific ones, connected by a linker region. The PHB depolymerase gene was expressed in Escherichia coli under the control of the tac promoter. The enzyme expressed in E. coli was purified from culture broth and showed the same catalytic properties as the enzyme from A. faecalis.

Identification of novel lymphoid tissues in murine intestinal mucosa where clusters of c-kit+ IL-7R+ Thy1+ lympho-hemopoietic progenitors develop

We have revealed that about one and a half thousand tiny clusters, filled with one thousand closely packed lymphocytes, can be found throughout the murine small and large intestinal mucosa. They are located in crypt lamina propria (cryptopatches; CP) and can be first detected at 14-17 d after birth. A large fraction of lymphocytes in CP expresses c-kit, IL-7R, Thy1 and a lymphocyte function-associated antigen, LFA-1, whereas most of them remain CD3-, TCR alpha beta-, TCR gamma delta-, sIgM-, and B220-. The population size of IL-2R alpha+, HSA+ and Pgp-1+ subsets is variable (20-50%) and the composition of CD8+, Ly-1+, and CD4+ subsets is smaller but also variable (3-20%). In the small intestine, CP do not contain cells undergoing apoptosis nor cells bearing RAG-1 molecules, but do contain dendritic stromal cells bearing CD11c/CD18 molecules. The frequency of DNA replicating cells in CP is higher than that in Peyer's patches (PP), is lower than that in the thymic cortex and is almost comparable with that in the thymic medulla. The numbers of CP remain the same in aged mice (> 114 wk) but double after estrogen treatment even though the thymi are attenuated sharply in both conditions. Thus, with respect to histogenesis, lymphocyte composition and tissue level of cellular behavior, neither PP, isolated lymphoid follicles, peripheral LNs, nor thymus are identical with CP. Finally, CP are virtually absent in lamina propria of IL-7R-deficient mice that display a profound reduction in thymic and peripheral lymphoid cellularity. By contrast, CP are present in germ-free mice and in athymic (nu/nu), SCID, TCR beta x delta-/-, RAG-2-/-, PP-deficient (aly/aly), stem cell factor (Sl/Sld) and c-kit (W/Wv) mutant mice. Taking all of these results together, CP are the first identification of gut-associated murine lymphoid tissues where the generation of IL-7-dependent lympho-hematopoietic progenitors for T and/or B cell descendants may start to take place at the age of commencement of weaning.

Large-scale perfusion culture process for suspended mammalian cells that uses a centrifuge with multiple settling zones

A high-cell-density perfusion culture process, using a novel centrifuge, was developed. The centrifuge has spiral multiple settling zones to separate cells from culture medium. Because of the multiple zones, the separation area can be efficiently increased without enlarging the diameter of the centrifuge. The centrifuge used in this study had a separation capacity of 2600 ml culture medium min -1 at 100 g of the centrifugal force. A new cell separation and withdrawal method was also developed. The cells separated in the centrifuge can be withdrawn easily from the centrifuge with no cell clogging by feeding a liquid carrier such as a perfluorocarbon into the centrifuge and pushing the cells out with the liquid carrier. By this culture process, monoclonal antibodies were produced with mouse-human hybridoma X87X at a cell density of about 8 x 10(6) cells ml -1 for 25 days. This centrifuge culture shows promise as a large-scale perfusion culture process. (Himmelfarb et al. 1969; Feder and Tolbert 1983) usually have the problem of filter clogging, and perfusion culture processes with gravitational cell settling (Tokashiki and Arai 1989) are limited in scale-up because of low separation efficiency. Recently centrifugal separation of cells from culture medium has been used for perfusion culture processes (Hamamoto et al. 1989; Tokashiki et al. 1990; Apelman 1992; Jäger 1992). This process essentially has a high separation efficiency and can avoid further operational problems, such as filter clogging, by the type of filtration. To investigate the scale-up feasibility of the centrifuge culture system, we have developed a new type of centrifuge with four layers of spiral cell-settling zones to increase the separation area, and a novel cell separation and withdrawal method using a perfluorocarbon.

Two flavone 2'-glucosides from Scutellaria baicalensis

Two new flavone glucosides, 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone 2'-O-glucoside and 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone 2'-O-glucoside were isolated from the aqueous methanol extract of the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. From the extract, seven phenolics, 5,7,2',6'-terahydroxyflavone, 5,7,2',5'-tetrahydroxy-8,6'-dimethoxyflavone, skullcapflavone II, baicalin, baicalin methyl ester, wogonin 7-glucuronide and 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyflavanone were also isolated.

[Therapeutic effect of a mineralocorticoid in patients with hyponatremia of central origin]

Patients with hyponatremia of central origin were treated with a mineralocorticoid, and the therapeutic effect assessed. The subjects of this study were 14 patients (5 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage and 7 with head injury) who developed hyponatremia as a complication during their hospital stay for treatment of their intracranial lesions between March 1993 and April 1994. Hyponatremia of central origin was defined as serum Na+ levels below 135 mEq/l for at least two consecutive days with no other discernible etiology. The mineralocorticoid used was fludrocortisone acetate, and as a rule administration was started the day after the onset of hyponatremia. The mean interval until the onset of hyponatremia was 7.5 days, and the mean minimum serum sodium level was 125.7 mEq/l. The dose of fludrocortisone was 0.3 congruent to 0.6 mg/day, the mean period of administration 5.8 days, and route was via a stomach tube in 3 cases and by mouth in 11 cases. The therapeutic effect was good (improvement within 5 days) in 11 cases and fair (improvement in 5 to 8 days) in 3 cases. None of the patients manifested side effects. All of the patients had lower urinary sodium excretion than before administration, with the mean rate of decrease of 66.9%. Mineralocorticoids, which suppress natriuresis, are safe and effective in the treatment of hyponatremia of central origin. It appears that mineralocorticoid therapy may be aggressively tried in severe cases in which NaCl loading is ineffective.

Properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) depolymerase from a marine bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis AE122

Alcaligenes faecalis AE122 that used poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) as a sole source of carbon was newly isolated from a coastal seawater sample. The strain required seawater for growth on PHB as well as in a nutrient broth, in which seawater could be replaced by an appropriate concentration of NaCl. PHB depolymerase was purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant of A. faecalis AE122 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme consisted of a monomer subunit with a molecular mass of 95.5 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was GAWQNNLAGGFNKV. The dimeric and trimeric esters of 3-hydroxybutyrate were the main hydrolysis products of the purified enzyme. The enzyme was most active at pH 9.0 and 55 degrees C and was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Several cations in seawater greatly enhanced the enzyme activity.

Angiogenic activity of the recombinant hst-1 protein

The hst-1 transforming gene encodes a protein which belongs to the FGF family of growth factors. We showed previously that a human hst-1 protein produced in silkworm cells has in vitro mitogenic activity to vascular endothelial cells. Here we report effective synthesis of an unfused human hst-1 protein in E. coli and a potent in vivo angiogenic activity of this hst-1 protein by two in vivo assays for angiogenesis, chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and rat cornea assay. The NIH3T3 transformant transfected with the hst-1 gene appeared to develop a highly-vascularized tumor on nude mice. These data showed that the hst-1 protein has an angiogenic activity in vivo as well as in vitro.

[A case of benign intracranial hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) showing diffuse white matter lesions on MRI]

We describe a 35-year-old woman with benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She had low grade fever and skin eruptions, but neurological examination revealed no abnormal findings. Antinuclear and anti ds-DNA antibodies were positive, and complements were decreased. MRI demonstrated diffuse hyperintense white matter lesions on T2-weighted imaging. Mild bilateral papilledemas developed in the fundi, when her headache was exacerbated. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was 550 mmH2O. Cerebral angiography showed no cerebral sinus thrombosis. She was diagnosed as BIH secondary to SLE. Since RI cisternography revealed remarkably delayed absorption of the CSF, it was speculated that the CSF absorption by arachnoid villi would be probably disturbed in association with some autoimmune mechanisms by SLE. The subsequent rise of intraventricular pressure may result in retrograde transependymal flow of the CSF and the diffuse hyperintense white matter lesions on MRI.

Pheochromocytoma with multiple islet cell carcinoma

We reported a rare case of a 17-year-old female with pheochromocytoma associated with multiple islet cell carcinoma. Pheochromocytoma was identified in the right adrenal gland. Multiple pancreas tumours were demonstrated unpredictably in the diagnostic imaging of the pheochromocytoma. No other endocrinological neoplasm was observed in the pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid gland. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy and total pancreatectomy. Pheochromocytoma was benign, however, pancreas tumours were non-functioning islet cell tumours and histologically malignant. This combination is assumed to represent a mixed form of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 1 and MEN 2.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data of the alpha-amylase inhibitors, Haim I and Paim I

Two proteins that act as alpha-amylase inhibitors, Haim I and Paim I, were crystallized and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies on them were carried out. We also sequenced Haim I prepared from Streptomyces griseosporeus YM-25 and confirmed that it is composed of 78 amino acid residues. Crystals of Haim I were grown from ammonium sulfate solution mixed with ethanol by the vapor diffusion technique. The crystals grew as hexagonal bipyramids and diffracted X-rays beyond 2.0 A resolution. They belong to the space group P6(1)22 (or P6(5)22) with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 36.7 A, c = 192.4 A, and contain one molecule per asymmetric unit. Paim I, a protein of 39 amino acid residues produced by Streptomyces corchorusii, was crystallized under similar conditions to Haim I. The crystals diffracted X-rays beyond 2.5 A. They belong to the space group P4(1)2(1)2 (or P4(3)2(1)2) with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 65.4 A, c = 96.1 A, and contain three molecules per asymmetric unit.

[Phenylketonuria with adult-onset neurological manifestation]

We report a male patient with phenylketonuria (PKU) who developed multisystem neurological manifestation in his fourth decade. He was born in 1957 when a neonatal mass screening had not been available. His neuropsychological development was entirely normal and he was a good athlete during his high school days. He was in good health until the age of 32, when his vision was blurred. In four months his gait progressively deteriorated to bind him to a wheel chair. On physical examination he had red hair and gray eyes. IQ was 68. Visual field showed concentric narrowing and his visual acuity was 0.2/0.3 (2.0/2.0). The limbs were spastic and weakened. He complained of pain in the extremities. He suffered from pollakisuria. Routine blood tests and CSF findings were normal. He was also found to be normal in peripheral nerve conduction studies and central conduction studies of SEP and VEP. EEG showed diffuse slowing in background activities. T2-weighted MRI of the head revealed widespread high-intensity areas in the deep white matter especially in bilateral occipital lobes. Serum aminogram disclosed the remarkably elevated phenylalanine (Phe) level to 1663 nmol/ml (normal range 50-90) and reduced tyrosine. Urinary secretion of endogenous tetrahydroxy-biopterin (BH4; coenzyme of Phe hydroxylase) remained in a normal range, and oral administration of 100 mg/kg of BH4 failed to normalize the serum Phe level. Despite a strict dietary control (oral intake of Phe less than 0.5 g/day), the serum Phe level remained high around 500 nmol/ml and his neurological deficits still deteriorated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of calcium antagonists on postischemic protein biosynthesis in gerbil brain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prolonged inhibition of protein synthesis precedes delayed neuronal death in the CA1 sector of the hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia. Organic calcium antagonists have been recommended for alleviation of ischemic neuronal damage. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether these drugs improve the recovery of protein biosynthesis after interruption of cerebral blood flow.

METHODS

Cerebral protein synthesis was measured biochemically and autoradiographically in gerbils submitted to 5 minutes of bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries followed by 2 hours or 2 days of recirculation. Flunarizine (25 mg/kg) or nimodipine (1.5 mg/kg) were applied intraperitoneally shortly after ischemia.

RESULTS

Treatment with either calcium antagonist did not markedly influence postischemic recovery of protein synthesis in the resistant regions of the brain and did not prevent the persisting inhibition in the vulnerable stratum pyramidale of the CA1 sector of the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The postischemic application of the organic calcium antagonists nimodipine and flunarizine does not promote postischemic recovery of protein synthesis. The beneficial effects of these drugs must, therefore, be based on other mechanisms.

Two cDNAs encoding novel human FGF receptor

Two types of cDNAs encoding novel human FGF receptors were isolated. These two cDNAs were found to be closely related to the oncogene bek. Products from these genes were membrane-bound when their cDNAs were transiently expressed in COS cells, whereas products from the regions coding extracellular domains were free of membrane attachment and found in the culture medium.

Determination of alpha-amylase using a new blocked substrate (3-ketobutylidene beta-2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-maltopentaoside)

A new substrate, 3-ketobutylidene beta-2-chloro-4-nitrophenylmaltopentaoside (3KB-CNPG5), was used for the determination of alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) in serum and urine. Under this alpha-amylase assay condition, 3KB-CNPG5 is resistant to glucoamylase and alpha-glucosidase, which are auxiliary enzymes, because the 4- and 6-positions of the non-reducing-end glucose residue are modified by the 3-ketobutylidene group. The assay using 3KB-CNPG5 for alpha-amylase activity is a highly sensitive method that uses 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (CNP) as an aglycone, and is a stable method for determination of alpha-amylase activity in biological fluids.

High density culture of hybridoma cells using a perfusion culture vessel with an external centrifuge

The influence of centrifugal force on the growth of cells was examined by exposing the cells of the mouse-human hybridoma X87 line to centrifugal force (100-500 G) for ten minutes twice a day and comparing the static culture with that of unexposed cells. In this experiment, both cell proliferation and specific antibody productivity were independent of the centrifugal effect, and gave the same results as in the case of no exposure to centrifugal force. High density cultivation of the mouse-human hybridoma X87 line was obtained by a perfusion system where the cells were separated from the culture medium by continuous centrifugation. In the serum-free culture, the maximum viable cell density exceeded 10(7) cells/ml, and monoclonal antibody was stably produced for 37 days. The results in this culture were equivalent to those obtained by intermittent centrifugal cell separation from the culture medium, and separation by gravitational settlement.

[A comparative study between cefodizime (CDZM) and cefotaxime (CTX) in respiratory tract infections]

The clinical efficacy and safety of Cefodizime (CDZM), a new cephem antibiotic, was objectively compared with that of Cefotaxime (CTX) in patients with respiratory infections under a well-controlled comparative study. Patients were administered CDZM or CTX by drip infusion b.i.d. for 14 days in principle at a daily dose of two grams. The parameters assessed were clinical efficacy, safety and clinical usefulness. The following results were obtained: 1. On the basis of committee judgement the clinical efficacy rate was 78.1% (125/160) for the CDZM group, 82.7% (124/150) for the CTX group, and no significant difference was observed between the two drug groups. On the other hand, on the basis of judgement by physicians in charge, the clinical efficacy rate was 83.1% (133/160) for the CDZM group, 83.9% (125/149) for the CTX group, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups. 2. The corresponding figures for patients with pneumonia and pulmonary suppuration were 82.4% (70/85) for the CDZM group, 79.7% (59/74) for the CTX group and no significant difference was observed according to the committee judgement. The judgement by physicians in charge also revealed 83.5% (71/85) for the CDZM group and 82.2% (60/73) for the CTX group. No significant difference was noted between the two groups. While, the committee judgement for the clinical efficacy in patients with chronic respiratory tract infections showed 73.3% (55/75) for the CDZM group, 85.5% (65/76) for the CTX group, and no significant difference was observed between the two drug groups. The corresponding figures were 82.7% (62/75) for the CDZM group, 85.5% (65/76) for the CTX group, and no significant difference was observed between the two drug groups on the judgement by physicians in charge. Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of both drugs on chronic respiratory tract infections was assessed according to "Criteria for Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Chemotherapeutics on Chronic Respiratory Tract Infection". It was 76.8% (53/69) for the CDZM group, 76.3% (58/76) for the CTX group, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups. 3. The bacteriological eradication rate of causative pathogens was 92.4% out of 66 patients treated with CDZM and 95.5% out of 67 patients treated with CTX in whom judgement was possible. No significant difference was observed between the two drug groups. 4. The adverse reactions occurred in 4 (2.2%) patients for the CDZM group and 8 (4.5%) patients for the CTX group respectively, with no significant inter-group difference in frequency of these reactions for all cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Secretion in yeast of human lysozymes with different specific activities created by replacing valine-110 with proline by site-directed mutagenesis

Computer graphics indicate that a steric hindrance exists between valine-110 side chain of human lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17) and an acetyl group of a modified substrate that contains N6,O-diacetylmuramic acid. To alter the substrate specificity of human lysozyme to be effective on the modified substrate, we replaced the valine-110 residue with various amino acids by site-directed mutagenesis. One of the mutant proteins (valine residue replaced with proline:P110) was secreted in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as at least four components (P110-A, P110-B, P110-C, and P110-D) with different specific activities. Two components, P110-B and P110-D, were isolated in a pure form and structurally characterized. The results suggest that this mutation lowered the lytic activity against Micrococcus lysodeikticus by changing a local conformation of the catalytic site while keeping almost the same substrate binding sites. Our results also indicate that cis/trans isomerization of prolyl peptide bonds probably occurs in vivo and that the conformational change of protein as well as point mutations in genes might influence the molecular evolution of the protein.

Combined treatment with cisplatin and radiation therapy for mouse Cl 300 neuroblastoma

The efficacy of the combined treatment of cisplatin and radiation therapy for mouse C1 300 neuroblastoma was studied. Intraperitoneal cisplatin injections and/or radiation were given from 7 to 21 days after inoculation of the tumor cells into the thigh region of A/Jax mice. The combination of 15 Gy radiation and 6 mg/kg cisplatin had an additive effect on both tumour growth delay and survival rate, while that of 30 Gy radiation and 6 mg/kg cisplatin had a synergistic effect. The efficacy of the combined therapy was dependent on the dose of radiation but not on the dose of cisplatin. The normal skin of the mouse was damaged in the similar pattern with both treatments. Thus, cisplatin has a potent radiosensitising effect in the treatment of mouse neuroblastoma.

Histidinomycin, a new antifungal antibiotic

A new antifungal antibiotic named histidinomycin was isolated from the broth filtrate of a streptomycete, tentatively designated as isolate H 878-MY 1. Histidinomycin was purified as the monohydrochloride and the molecular formula was proposed to be C22H30N8O11.HCl. The antibiotic gave histidine by acid hydrolysis. Histidinomycin showed rather narrow antimicrobial spectrum for only few genera of phytophathogenic fungi.

Retrostatin, a new specific enzyme inhibitor against avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase

A novel enzyme inhibitor against RNA-directed DNA polymerase of avian myeloblastosis virus was produced by an isolate of a new streptomycete for which the name Streptomyces retrostaticus is proposed. This enzyme inhibitor, which was named retrostatin, did not inhibit DNA-directed DNA polymerase of Escherichia coli and DNA-directed RNA polymerase of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Retrostatin was produced by the microorganism together with streptonigrin. These two substances were extracted from the culture broth with ethyl acetate at acidic pH. Retrostatin is an acidic pH indicator and the free acid was recovered as a red powder. Retrostatin had weak antibiotic activities against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts.