Effect of information provision on parental intention toward COVID-19 vaccination for children: a nationwide survey experiment

The reluctance of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 was prevalent particularly when uncertainty over vaccination outcomes prevailed. We conducted a nationwide randomized online survey experiment to assess the effect of information provision on parental intention for COVID-19 vaccination before the government started vaccination for children in South Korea. Parents of elementary school children were provided with either no information (Control), information on vaccine profile (vaccine informed group; VI), or COVID-19 (disease informed group; DI). Among 359,110 participants, parental intention for vaccination of children was significantly higher in both VI and DI groups compared with the Control group. In terms of effect size, information on COVID-19 vaccine increased likelihood to vaccinate by 1620 per 100,000 parents and reduced vaccine hesitancy by 1340 per 100,000 parents. Consistently with the positive effect on vaccination intention, both VI and DI interventions increased participants' perceptions on vaccination benefits being higher than its risks and vaccination risks being lower than health risks of COVID-19 infection, and self-reported trust in COVID-19 information. Our results lend strong support to the claim that the provision of targeted, tailored information on COVID-19 vaccine and infection increases parental intention to vaccinate children and reduces vaccine hesitancy.

Extract of Torreya nucifera Pericarps Exhibits a Parasiticidal Effect on the Nematode Parasite, Trichinella spiralis

Benzimidazole derivatives can effectively treat nematode parasitic infections; however, some derivatives demand distinct administrative strategies depending on plasma concentration and patient conditions. Numerous studies have examined the potential of natural extracts to exert parasiticidal activity with minimal side effects. Herein, we examined the potential parasiticidal effects of Torreya nucifera extract. The pericarps of T. nucifera were extracted with methanol, dried, and the pellet was dissolved in hot water (Tn-Phw). We designed four individual mouse experiments to clarify the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Tn-Phw on Trichinella spiralis infection. Also, 100 L1 larvae were isolated and treated with Tn-Phw (10 mg/mL) in vitro to confirm the killing effect. Furthermore, we microscopically examined the morphology of L1 larvae to confirm the parasite-killing effect and analyzed the morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression of three molting-related genes was confirmed to determine whether Tn-Phw induced morphological changes in L1 larvae. Following treatment with Tn-Phw, L1 larvae death was observed after 16 h. Following SEM examination, the healthy muscle larvae showed striated ridges and wrinkles; this was not observed in extract-treated muscle larvae. Expression levels of the three molting-related genes did not differ between the Tn-Phw-treated and control groups. T. spiralis-infected mice pretreated with Tn-Phw showed significantly reduced muscle larva infection when compared with control mice. In all experiments, treatment with Tn-Phw afforded preventive and therapeutic effects against T. spiralis infection and parasitism. Natural substances against nematode parasites could be developed as therapeutic agents with few side effects and enhanced parasiticidal efficacy.

Effectiveness of Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccine Booster in Korean Elderly Population, 2022

We conducted a cohort study to assess vaccine effectiveness (VE) of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine combinations on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 critical infection and death among elderly population in Korea. From January to August 2022, VE against death for 4 doses mRNA recipients was 96.1%, whereas 1-dose viral vector + 3-dose mRNA recipients had VE of 90.8%.

Effectiveness of fourth dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in elderly population during Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 circulation: nationwide cohort study in Korea (K-COVE)

We estimate the effectiveness of 4th dose booster of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in individuals aged >=60 years during Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 circulation in Korea. The effectiveness against critical infection was 67.7% (95% CI 50.7%-78.8%) at 31-60 days and 62.1% (45.5%-73.7%) at 61-90 days.

Parental concerns on COVID-19 vaccine safety and hesitancy in Korea: Implications for vaccine communication

Objectives

Vaccination is one of the most important strategies to contain the spread of COVID-19. As vaccination in children is dependent on parents, it is important to understand parents' awareness and attitudes toward vaccines in order to devise strategies to raise vaccination rates in children.

Methods

A web-based nationwide survey was conducted among Korean parents of 7-18- year-old children in August 2021 to estimate parents' intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and identify key factors affecting parental acceptance and hesitancy using regression analysis.

Results

Approximately 56.4% (575/1,019) were willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Contributing factors to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were mothers (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.25-0.52), parents with lower education (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.97), hesitancy to other childhood vaccines (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.96), and refusal to vaccinate themselves (aOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.20). Children of older age (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.13-1.28), trust to child's doctor (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.32),parents who showed positive perception about the effectiveness of the COVID-19 (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.57), and those who reported low risk of COVID-19 vaccine (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.27-2.24) were associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The most common cause of hesitancy was a concern about experiencing adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Providing parents with accurate and reliable information on vaccine effectiveness and safety is important to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in children. Differential or targeted approaches to parents according to gender, age and age of children are necessary for effective communication on the vaccination in children.

Parental Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Its Association With Information Sufficiency and Credibility in South Korea

IMPORTANCE

Vaccination against COVID-19 is an effective method for individuals to reduce negative health outcomes. However, widespread COVID-19 vaccination among children has been challenging owing to parental hesitancy.

OBJECTIVE

To examine parental decision-making in favor of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children and its association with the sufficiency and credibility of the information about the vaccine.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in South Korea from February 7 to 10, 2022, 7 weeks before initiation of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years. Parents were included if they spoke Korean and had at least 1 child in elementary school (grades 1-6). Parents and children were included in a 1:1 ratio; a total of 113 450 parents and 113 450 children were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed between March and April 2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes of interest were (1) parental acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children and (2) its association with self-reported sufficiency and credibility of information about the vaccine. A multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with parental decision-making in favor of COVID-19 vaccination; path analysis was used to examine indirect effects of information sufficiency and credibility.

RESULTS

Of the 113 450 children, 58 342 (51.4%) were boys, and the mean (SD) age was 10.1 (1.5) years. Of the 113 450 parents who responded, 7379 (6.5%) were accepting vaccination for their children; 15 731 (13.9%) reported the vaccine-related information they received was sufficient, and 23 021 (20.3%) reported the information was credible. Parents who reported that the information was sufficient were 3.08 times (95% CI, 2.85-3.33; P < .001) more likely to report being willing to vaccinate their children than those who believed the information was insufficient, and those who reported that the information was credible were 7.55 times (95% CI, 6.46-8.87; P < .001) more likely to report being willing to vaccinate their children than those who believed the information was not credible. Higher levels of information sufficiency and credibility were associated with perceptions of increased vaccine safety (sufficiency: β = 0.08; P < .001; credibility: β = 0.59; P < .001) and effectiveness (sufficiency: β = 0.05; P < .001; credibility: β = 0.60; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, a significant association was found between self-reported sufficiency and credibility of vaccine-related information and parental decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination for their children, suggesting that communications and policies that provide sound information are essential to improve vaccination rates.

Effectiveness of Second mRNA COVID-19 Booster Vaccine in Immunocompromised Persons and Long-Term Care Facility Residents

We used a nationwide population registry in South Korea to estimate the effect of a second booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on the risk for laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, critical infection, and death in immunocompromised persons and long-term care facility (LTCF) residents. During February 16-May 7, 2022, among 972,449 eligible persons, 736,439 (75.7%) received a first booster and 236,010 (24.3%) persons received a second booster. Compared with the first booster group, at 30-53 days, the second booster recipients had vaccine effectiveness (VE) against all infections of 22.28% (95% CI 19.35%-25.11%), VE against critical infection of 56.95% (95% CI 29.99%-73.53%), and VE against death of 62.96% (95% CI 34.18%-79.15%). Our findings provide real-world evidence that a second booster dose of mRNA vaccine substantially increases protection against critical infection and death in these high-risk population groups.

Phylogenetic Characteristics of Fasciola hepatica Isolated from a Korean Patient

Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection caused by liver flukes. Although several cases have been reported in Korea, phylogenetic analysis of isolates is lacking. In this study, a 66-year-old woman with right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain was diagnosed as fascioliasis involving abdominal muscle by imaging study. She received praziquantel treatment, but symptoms were not improved. Lateral movement of the abscess lesion was followed. Trematode parasite was surgically removed from the patient’s rectus abdominis muscle. The fluke was identified as Fasciola hepatica based on sequence analysis of 18S rDNA. To determine the phylogenetic position of this Fasciola strain (named Korean Fasciola 1; KF1), the cox1 gene (273 bp) was analyzed and compared with the genes of 17 F. hepatica strains isolated from cows, sheep, goats, and humans from various countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that KF1 was closely related with the isolates from China goat.

Correlations between skeletal maturity and dental calcification stages in Korean children

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between dental calcification and skeletal maturity and to identify the tooth with the highest correlation with skeletal maturity index in Korean children.

MATERIALS

For 447 children (205 boys and 242 girls) aged between 5 and 13 years, hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken to assess skeletal maturity by Fishman's skeletal maturity indicators (SMI) and Baccetti's cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) stages. Dental panoramic radiographs were taken to assess dental maturity of the permanent mandibular canine, first and second premolar, and second molar using the method devised by Dermirjian.

CONCLUSION

Dental calcification stages determined by panoramic radiographs can be clinically used as useful indices to predict skeletal maturity in Korean children.

Extracellular vesicles of Echinococcus granulosus have therapeutic effects in allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus cystic fluid can alleviate Th2 allergic airway inflammatory responses by increasing the number of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ T (regulatory T; Treg) cells. Parasite-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) are known to not only promote parasite infection by communicating between parasites but also regulate the inflammatory response by acting as an immunomodulatory agent in the host.

METHODS

To evaluate the effect of EV extracted from the cystic fluid of E. granulosus on allergic airway inflammation, gene expression was investigated after administering EV to mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) following 2 h of pretreatment with Aspergillus proteins. An allergic airway inflammation animal model was used to investigate the regulation of the inflammatory response by EV and induced with ovalbumin.

RESULTS

EV treatment significantly reduced airway resistance and the number of eosinophils and other immune cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and Th2- and Th17-related cytokine levels. EV pretreatment decreased the number of IL-4⁺ CD4⁺ T cells and increased the number of Treg cells in the lung-draining lymph nodes and spleen.

CONCLUSIONS

Echinococcus granulosus cystic fluid derived EV ameliorated Th2 allergic airway inflammatory through Treg cells, similar to whole cystic fluid treatment. Thus, EV may be important immunomodulatory molecules in cystic fluid.

Phylogenetic Positioning of a Strongyloides stercoralis Isolate Recovered from a Korean Patient and Comparison with Other Asian Isolates

Strongyloidiasis is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis and is one of the most neglected tropical diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. Although several strongyloidiasis cases have been reported in Korea, genetic analysis of Korean isolates is still incomplete. In this study, a parasite was isolated from a 61-year-old man diagnosed with strongyloidiasis during the treatment of lymphoma on his retroperitoneal lymph node. Diffuse symmetric wall thickening from the ascending to descending colon and a nematode-infected intestine was observed following microscopic examination. Genomic DNA was isolated from a patient tissue block, and S. stercoralis was identified by PCR and sequencing (18S rDNA). In order to determine phylogenetic location of a Korean isolate (named KS1), we analyzed cox1 gene (500-bp) and compared it with that from 47 previous S. stercoralis isolates (28 human isolates and 19 canid isolates) from Asian countries. Our results showed that phylogenetic tree could clearly be divided into 5 different groups according to hosts and regions. KS1 was most closely related with the Chinese isolates in terms of genetic distance.

Correction to: The embryological insight into the relationship between Forsythia and Abeliophyllum (Forsythieae, Oleaceae)

In the original publication of the article, species name.

Gametophyte and embryonic ontogeny: understanding the reproductive calendar of Cypripedium japonicum Thunb. (Cypripedoideae, Orchidaceae), a lady's slipper orchid endemic to East Asia

BACKGROUND

The genus Cypripedium L. is one of the five genera of the subfamily Cypripedioideae, members of which are commonly known as lady's slipper orchids. Cypripedium japonicum is a perennial herb native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Korea. Due to its limited distribution, the species is included in the Endangered category of the IUCN Red List.

RESULTS

We investigated gametophyte development, including complete embryogenesis, in C. japonicum. The complete reproductive cycle is presented based on our observations. Anther development begins under the soil, and meiosis of pollen mother cells begins 3 weeks before anthesis, possibly during early April. The megaspore mother cells develop just after pollination in early May and mature in mid-late June. The pattern of embryo sac formation is bisporic, and there are six nuclei: three forming the egg apparatus, two polar nuclei, and an antipodal cell in the mature embryo sac. Triple fertilization results in the endosperm nucleus, which degenerates when the proembryo reaches the eight-to-sixteen-cell stage.

CONCLUSION

Our overall comparisons of the features of gametophyte and embryo development in C. japonicum suggest that previous reports on the embryology of Cypripedium are not sufficient for characterization of the entire genus. Based on the available information, a reproductive calendar showing the key reproductive events leading to embryo formation has been prepared.

The embryological insight into the relationship between Forsythia and Abeliophyllum (Forsythieae, Oleaceae)

Forsythia saxatilis, a Korean native Forsythia, is recognized as an endangered species in the Korean Red List. We carried out a comprehensive embryological investigation, including a study of the pericarp development, of F. saxatilis and compared it with previously acquired information on the family Oleaceae and also with Abeliophyllum distichum, a close relative of Forsythia. Our results revealed that several embryological features of Forsythia are exclusively comparable with the family Oleaceae, particularly in relation to A. distichum. Despite the differences in fruit types and pericarp ontogeny, Forsythia shares some unique embryological features with Abeliophyllum, for instance the basic type of anther wall development, formation of the nucellar cap, a long micropyle, formation of the obturator and hypostase, and the crushed endotesta. Furthermore, the loculicidal capsule of Forsythia seems to be primitive within the tribe Forsythieae and samara of Abeliophyllum might be evolved from it. In conclusion, a considerable number of synapomorphies of embryological characters supports recent molecular reports and provide additional embryological evidence for the sister-group relationship of Forsythia and Abeliophyllum.

The correlation between expression of synuclein-gamma, glucose transporter-1, and survival outcomes in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between immunohistochemical expression of synuclein-gamma, glucose transporter-1, and survival outcomes in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A tissue microarray was constructed using formalinfixed, paraffin-embedded tissue that included 23 early and 18 advanced cases. The intensity and area of the immunohistochemical reactions were evaluated using the semi-quantitative scoring system.

RESULTS

Synuclein-y expression was higher in the advanced stage, although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). Glucose transporter-1 was overexpressed in the advanced stage (p = 0.01). Synuclein-gamma (score = 0 vs > 0) and glucose transporter-1 (score < or = 7 vs > 7) did not show any differences in overall survival (p = 0.54, p = 0.48) and disease-free survival (p = 0.61, p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

In this study the expression of synuclein-y and glucose transporter-1 were not considered to be a prognostic factor and were not related with survival outcomes in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.

Production of tropane alkaloids during de-differentiation of Scopolia parviflora calli

The production of tropane alkaloids during differentiation and de-differentiation of Scopolia parviflora calli was studied. Tropane alkaloid production drastically decreased during calli de-differentiation. Scopolamine (1) production decreased after 10 days of culture, whereas that of hyoscyamine (2) decreased during de-differentiation of root to calli. The production of 1 was enhanced in calli undergoing differentiation to shoot after 60 days of culture, reaching a maximum by 80 days. However, production of hyoscyamine in regenerated plants was lower. The expression level of hyoscyamine 6beta-hydroxylase (H6H), a key biosynthetic enzyme for tropane alkaloids, was significantly increased in 4-week-old calli. This study suggests that the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids is regulated inversely in de-differentiating Scopolia parviflora calli.

A rare case of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) presenting congestive heart failure in an adult

A 41-year-old woman with no modifiable coronary risk factors presented with a progressive exertional dyspnea. Chest radiography showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette with reinforced pulmonary vasculature in bilateral lower lung fields and both pleural effusion. Echocardiography revealed a dilated, globally hypokinetic left ventricle with an ejection fraction of 40%. Multislice cardiac computed tomography revealed abnormal origin of LCA from the main pulmonary artery receiving collaterals from a normally originating dilated tortuous right coronary artery. Coronary angiography revealed a single, large, and tortuous RCA arising from the right sinus of Valsalva and giving off extensive collateral vessels coursing over the right ventricular wall, the interventricular septum, and the apex to the left coronary artery that was drained into the proximal main pulmonary. The diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) was confirmed. The patient underwent successful reimplantation of LCA to aorta after closure of the ostium (in the main pulmonary artery) of the anomalously originating LCA. After surgical and medical treatment, the patient's symptoms were relieved and both pleural effusions were improved on chest radiography. After then, the patient was discharged on medication.

A rare case of anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) presenting congestive heart failure in an adult

A 41-year-old woman with no modifiable coronary risk factors presented with a progressive exertional dyspnea. Chest radiography showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette with reinforced pulmonary vasculature in bilateral lower lung fields and both pleural effusion. Echocardiography revealed a dilated, globally hypokinetic left ventricle with an ejection fraction of 40%. Multislice cardiac computed tomography revealed abnormal origin of LCA from the main pulmonary artery receiving collaterals from a normally originating dilated tortuous right coronary artery. Coronary angiography revealed a single, large, and tortuous RCA arising from the right sinus of Valsalva and giving off extensive collateral vessels coursing over the right ventricular wall, the interventricular septum, and the apex to the left coronary artery that was drained into the proximal main pulmonary. The diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) was confirmed. The patient underwent successful reimplantation of LCA to aorta after closure of the ostium (in the main pulmonary artery) of the anomalously originating LCA. After surgical and medical treatment, the patient's symptoms were relieved and both pleural effusions were improved on chest radiography. After then, the patient was discharged on medication.

Grb2 dominantly associates with dynamin II in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

The two SH3 domains and one SH2 domain containing adaptor protein Grb2 is an essential element of the Ras signaling pathway in multiple systems. The SH2 domain of Grb2 recognizes and interacts with phosphotyrosine residues on activated tyrosine kinases, whereas the SH3 domains bind to several proline-rich domain-containing proteins such as Sos1. To define the difference in Grb2-associated proteins in hepatocarcinoma cells, we performed coprecipitation analysis using recombinant GST-Grb2 fusion proteins and found that several protein components (p170, p125, p100, and p80) differently associated with GST-Grb2 proteins in human Chang liver and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Sos1 and p80 proteins dominantly bind to Grb2 fusion proteins in Chang liver, whereas p100 remarkably associate with Grb2 in HepG2 cells. Also GST-Grb2 SH2 proteins exclusively bound to the p46(Shc), p52(Shc), and p66(Shc) are important adaptors of the Ras pathway in HepG2 cells. The p100 protein has been identified as dynamin II. We observed that the N-SH3 and C-SH3 domains of Grb2 fusion proteins coprecipitated with dynamin II besides Sos1. These results suggest that dynamin II may be a functional molecule involved in Grb2-mediated signaling pathway on Ras activation for tumor progression and differentiation of hepatocarcinoma cells.

Improvement of salt tolerance in transgenic potato plants by glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase gene transfer

In the previous experiment, we isolated and characterized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) gene of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju. Expression levels of the GPD gene in the mycelia of P sajor-caju was significantly increased by exposing the mycelia to abiotic stresses, such as salt, cold, heat, and drought. We also showed that GPD confers abiotic stress resistance when introduced into yeast cells. The survival rate of the transgenic yeast cell that harbored the GPD gene was significantly higher when the yeast cells were subjected to salt, cold, heat, and drought stresses, compared with the yeast that was transformed with the pYES2 vector alone. In order to investigate the functional role of the P. sajor-caju GPD gene in higher plant cells, the complete P. sajor-caju GPD cDNA was fused into the CaMV35S promoter and then introduced into potato plants. Putative potato transformants were screened by using PCR. Twenty-one transformants were further analyzed with RT-PCR to confirm the expression of P. sajor-caju GPD. A RT-PCR Southern blot analysis revealed that 12 transgenics induced the P. sajor-caju GPD gene expression. A bioassay of these transformants revealed that the P. sajor-caju GPD gene was enough to confer salt stress resistance in the potato plant cell system. Results showed that P. sajor-caju GPD, which was continuously expressed in transgenic potato plants under normal growing conditions, resulted in improved tolerance against salt loading.

Requirement for the L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1D) subunit in postnatal pancreatic beta cell generation

Pancreatic beta cells are the source of insulin, which directly lowers blood glucose levels in the body. Our analyses of alpha(1D) gene-knockout (alpha(1D)(-/-)) mice show that the L-type calcium channel, alpha(1D), is required for proper beta cell generation in the postnatal pancreas. Knockout mice were characteristically slightly smaller than their littermates and exhibited hypoinsulinemia and glucose intolerance. However, isolated alpha(1D)(-/-) islets persisted in glucose sensing and insulin secretion, with compensatory overexpression of another L-type channel gene, alpha(1C). Histologically, newborn alpha(1D)(-/-) mice had an equivalent number of islets to wild-type mice. In contrast, adult alpha(1D)(-/-) mice showed a decrease in the number and size of islets, compared with littermate wild-type mice due to a decrease in beta cell generation. TUNEL staining showed that there was no increase in cell death in alpha(1D)(-/-) islets, and a 5-bromo-2' deoxyuridine-labeling (BrdU-labeling) assay illustrated significant reduction in the proliferation rate of beta cells in alpha(1D)(-/-) islets.

Lack of the burst firing of thalamocortical relay neurons and resistance to absence seizures in mice lacking alpha(1G) T-type Ca(2+) channels

T-type Ca(2+) currents have been proposed to be involved in the genesis of spike-and-wave discharges, a sign of absence seizures, but direct evidence in vivo to support this hypothesis has been lacking. To address this question, we generated a null mutation of the alpha(1G) subunit of T-type Ca(2+) channels. The thalamocortical relay neurons of the alpha(1G)-deficient mice lacked the burst mode firing of action potentials, whereas they showed the normal pattern of tonic mode firing. The alpha(1G)-deficient thalamus was specifically resistant to the generation of spike-and-wave discharges in response to GABA(B) receptor activation. Thus, the modulation of the intrinsic firing pattern mediated by alpha(1G) T-type Ca(2+) channels plays a critical role in the genesis of absence seizures in the thalamocortical pathway.

Negative regulation of YY1 transcription factor on the dynamin I gene promoter

Dynamin I is highly expressed in brain and plays a critical role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and synaptic vesicle recycling. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which expression of dynamin I is tissue-specifically regulated, we previously cloned and characterized the promoter of the mouse dynamin I gene and suggested that there is a negative regulatory element in this promoter region. In the present study, we showed that YY1 binds to this negative regulatory element located at -111 to -107 by using the EMSA and supershift analyses. Cotransfection experiment using an YY1 expression vector revealed that YY1 exerts a repressive role on the dynamin I gene promoter activity. These results demonstrate that transcription factor YY1 negatively regulates dynamin I expression via binding to the negative regulatory element.

The Neuron Restrictive Silencer Factor Can Act as an Activator for Dynamin I Gene Promoter Activity in Neuronal Cells

The neuron restrictive silencer element (NRSE) has been identified in several neuronal genes and confers neuron specificity by silencing transcription in nonneuronal cells. We have previously reported that Sp1 and an NF-kappaB-like element (NE-1) are required for the promoter activity of mouse dynamin I gene. In the present study, we found that the upstream regulatory region of the dynamin I promoter has an NRSE-like sequence and showed that neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) binds to this element in neuronal cells as well as in nonneuronal cells. We also showed that NRSF activates the promoter activity of dynamin I gene in neuronal cells. From the results in this study, we suggest that NRSE might be involved in the neuron restriction of dynamin I expression, and NRSF could act as an activator for promoter activity of dynamin I gene in neuronal cells.

Increased GTP-binding to dynamin II does not stimulate receptor-mediated endocytosis

Regarding the molecular mechanism of dynamin in receptor-mediated endocytosis, GTPase activity of dynamin has been thought to have a critical role in endocytic vesicle internalization. However, a recent report suggested that GTP-binding to dynamin itself activates the dynamin to recruit molecular machinery necessary for endocytosis. In this study, to investigate the role of GTP binding to dynamin II, we generated two mutant dynamin II constructs: G38V and K44E. G38V, its GTP binding site might be mainly occupied by GTP caused by reduced GTPase activity, and K44E mutant, its GTP binding site might be vacant, caused by its decreased affinity for GTP and GDP. From the analysis of the ratio of GTP vs GDP bound to dynamin, we confirmed these properties. To test the effect of these mutant dynamins on endocytosis, we performed flow cytometry and confocal immunofluorescence analysis and found that these two mutants have inhibitory effect on transferrin-induced endocytosis. Whereas fluorescent transferrin was completely internalized in wild-type (WT) dynamin II expressing cells, no intracellular accumulation of fluorescent transferrin was found in the cells overexpressing K44E and G38V mutant. Interestingly, the amount of GTP bound to K44E was increased when endocytosis was induced than that bound to WT. The present results suggested that the GTPase activity of dynamin II is required for formation of endocytic vesicle and GTP-binding to dynamin II per se is not sufficient for stimulating endocytosis.

The Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger is essential for embryonic heart development in mice

The cardiac Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) is thought to be the major calcium extrusion mechanism and to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular calcium in the heart. The Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger is particularly abundant in the heart, although it is found in a variety of other tissues. To investigate the role of NCX1, we have generated NCX1-deficient mice. Mice heterozygous for the NCX1 mutation showed no discernable phenotype, grew normally, and were fertile; however, no viable homozygote was observed among 175 offspring obtained from intercrosses of heterozygotes. All the homozygous mutant mice died in utero before E10.5. Morphological analysis indicated that homozygotes of NCX1 mutation at E9.5 died with an underdeveloped heart with a dilated pericardium. Microscopic analysis of these embryos showed myocardial cell loss due to apoptosis. The apoptosis was first observed in E8.5 mutant heart. Areas outside the heart appeared normal in the mutant embryos at E8.5. In contrast, at E9.0, various regions of mutant embryos showed extensive cell loss. These results suggest that mutant embryos die owing to cardiac abnormalities caused by apoptotic cell loss, indicating that NCX1 is essential for normal development of the heart.

Isolation and characterization of the gene encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

A 1.2-kb full-length cDNA sequence of a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) gene was isolated from the mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju. The full-length cDNA of the GPD gene consists of 1248 nucleotides, predicted to encode a 36-kDa polypeptide consisting of 335 amino acid residues. Sequence analysis revealed that the GPD gene has more than 72-78% amino acid sequence homology with those of other Basidiomycetes. Expression of the GPD gene increased when P. sajor-caju was treated with various abiotic stresses, such as salt, cold, heat, and drought. There was an eightfold induction by drought treatment. Salt and cold stress induced four- and twofold induction of GPD gene expression, respectively. There was also a fivefold induction by heat stress. The GPD gene exhibits different expression patterns under different stress conditions. It reached its maximum expression level within two hours under cold or heat treatment. The mRNA levels of this gene increased proportionally to increasing treatment time under salt or dry conditions. Because the expression of GPD was significantly increased, we tested whether GPD could confer abiotic stress resistance when it was introduced into yeast cells. For this, a transgenic yeast harboring P. sajor-caju GPD was generated under the control of a constitutively expressed GAL promoter. The results from biofunctional analyses with GPD yeast transformants showed that GPD yeast transformants had significantly higher resistance to cold, salt, heat, and drought stresses.

Characterization of the mouse dynamin I gene promoter and identification of sequences that direct expression in neuronal cells

Dynamin I is expressed at high levels in brain and its expression is regulated during the developmental stages of brain. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which the expression is tissue-specifically regulated, we cloned the 5'-flanking region of the mouse dynamin I gene and determined the nucleotide sequence of 1036 bases upstream from the translation start site. Transient transfection studies with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in neuroblastoma NS20Y and Lewis lung cells demonstrated that the 5'-flanking region has a cell-type-specific promoter activity. Deletion analyses demonstrated that the minimal promoter activity was detected in the proximal region 195 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon (-90 to +105). The minimal promoter was embedded in a GC-rich region (75% GC content), in which an Sp1-binding motif and a nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B-like element (NE-1) were found, but it lacked TATA and CAAT boxes. Mutational analysis and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay analysis revealed that Sp1 binds to the Sp1 site and that this element is critical for the promoter activity of the dynamin I gene. We found that the NE-1 sequence is required for the expression of the dynamin I gene but NEBP (NE-1-binding protein), which binds to the NE-1 sequence, is not NF-kappa B. We also found that one base in the NE-1 sequence (the underlined G residue in GGGATTCGCGGA) is critical for binding specificity to discriminate between NEBP and NF-kappa B. By UV cross-linking analysis, we found that NEBP is an approx. 104 kDa nuclear protein.

Chorionic villus sampling: clinical experience of the initial 750 cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the factors that might influence the success rate, safety and reliability of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and to evaluate the relationship between CVS and other congenital anomalies.

DESIGN

Analysis of the outcome of 750 cases of CVS (730 cases with transcervical and 20 cases with transabdominal).

SETTING

The outpatient prenatal genetic clinic of a university tertiary care center.

SUBJECT

Seven hundred and fifty pregnant women that underwent CVS for prenatal genetic diagnosis from 7 to 12 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Advanced maternal age was the most common indication for CVS (32.8%). The overall sampling success rate was 98.0% (735/750), representing 93.9% at 7 to 8 weeks, 98.1% at 9 to 10 weeks, and 98.3% at 11 to 12 weeks of gestation. The majority of cases (93.1%) required one or two aspirations. Cytogenetic analysis routinely included direct overnight and long-term culture methods which revealed 16 abnormalities (2.2%). Of 735 cases in which CVS was successful, 700 advanced to normal offspring, 17 had therapeutic termination, and 18 resulted in spontaneous abortions; there was an overall fetal loss rate of 2.4% (18/750).

CONCLUSION

CVS in early pregnancy is a relatively safe and reliable method of prenatal genetic diagnosis capable of replacing genetic amniocentesis. However, it must be done by experienced personnel. No congenital anomalies were found to be related to CVS in this series.