Construction, purification, and properties of a truncated alkaline endoglucanase from Bacillus sp. KSM-635

Part of a 2.4-kb DNA fragment that encoded the amino-terminal 584 residues (65 kDa) of an alkaline endoglucanase from Bacillus sp. KSM-635 (941 amino acid residues; 105 kDa) was spontaneously deleted during subcloning of the fragment. The remaining 1.1-kb insert of the deleted plasmid encoded amino acids from Ala228 to Leu584 of the enzyme. However, Escherichia coli HB101 cells harboring this plasmid produced an active endoglucanase. After addition of a termination codon, TAA, immediately downstream of the codon for Leu584, the 1.1-kb fragment was inserted into an expression vector, pHSP64. The resultant plasmid was introduced into Bacillus subtilis ISW1214 for extracellular production of the truncated endoglucanase. The enzyme was then purified to homogeneity from a culture of the recombinant B. subtilis cells. Amino-terminal sequencing of the enzyme showed that the enzyme consisted of 7 amino acid residues encoded by the vector and 357 amino acid residues encoded by the truncated gene, with a molecular mass of 40.2 kDa. The purified enzyme was very active against carboxymethylcellulose and its pH and temperature profiles were almost identical to those of the enzyme produced by Bacillus sp. KSM-635.

[Methotrexate and salazosulfapyridine in the long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis]

Long term treatment of 190 cases of rheumatoid arthritis with either methotrexate or salazosulfapyridine was analyzed for their efficacy and adverse effects. Both treatment groups showed improvement of clinical symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and CRP after 1 month of treatment, while RAHA titers decreased significantly after several months. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP of salazo-sulfapyridine group, once improved, deteriorated again after 12 months of treatment, while methotrexate group showed sustained improvement for 48 months. Radiologic progression estimated according to JF Fries was significantly less in MTX group than in SASP group. Life table analysis showed that the overall probability of continuing methotrexate or salazosulfapyridine at 4 years was 63% and 55%, respectively. The main reason of treatment termination in methotrexate group was adverse effects, while that in salazo-sulfapyridine group was inefficacy.

[Expression of a proliferation associated-nuclear antigen defined by Ki-67 monoclonal antibody in childhood acute leukemia]

The growth fraction of childhood acute leukemia was evaluated by the immunostaining with the monoclonal antibody "Ki-67", which reacts with a nuclear antigen in proliferating cells. Ki-67 labeling rates (the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in the total cells analyzed) greatly varied from patient to patient (0.0% approximately 49.2%). The mean value of the Ki-67 labeling rates was significantly higher in ALL than in ANLL (23.6% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001). In ALL, the Ki-67 labeling rates correlated with the proportion of S-phase cells determined by DNA flow cytometry (FCM) (r = 0.82) High Ki-67 labeling rates were preferably seen in ALL with favorable prognostic factors, although the correlation was not statistically significant. These results suggest that Ki-67 labeling rates reflect the differences in proliferative activity of bone marrow blast cells in childhood acute leukemia and is useful to determine the treatment schedule of cycle specific drugs.

Clonality in hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of methylation pattern of polymorphic X-chromosome-linked phosphoglycerate kinase gene in females

Analysis of X-chromosome inactivation patterns in women has been used to assess the clonality of various tumors. In this report, we analyzed 27 liver tumors in women, including 18 samples obtained by the performance of ultrasonically guided thin-needle biopsies. By analysis of the heterogeneity of phosphoglycerate kinase gene, 11 of 27 (41%) cases were found to be heterozygous at the gene. Of these informative 11 cases with liver tumors, 7 cases were "large" tumors (> 25 mm in diameter) and 4 cases were "small" tumors (< 25 mm in diameter). All 7 large tumors showed monoclonal patterns by the phosphoglycerate kinase gene analysis. Of the 4 small tumors, 2 showed monoclonal, and 2 showed polyclonal patterns. The 2 with monoclonal patterns were pathologically diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma despite their small sizes (20 mm and 23 mm). Of the two with polyclonal patterns, the smallest one (15 mm) was diagnosed as benign adenomatous hyperplasia, and the other as hepatocellular carcinoma heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. These data suggest that analysis of the methylation pattern of the phosphoglycerate kinase gene may be helpful on rare occasions in elucidating the nature of liver tumors but must in fact be used in conjunction with histological appearances to avoid errors secondary to inflammatory infiltrates.

Purification and properties of an alkaline protease from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. KSM-K16

Alkaline protease (EC 3.4.21.14) activity, suitable for use in detergents, was detected in the alkaline culture medium of Bacillus sp. KSM-K16, which was originally isolated from soil. The enzyme, designated M protease, was purified to homogeneity from the culture broth by column chromatographies. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was Ala-Gln-Ser-Val-Pro-Trp-Gly-Ile-Ser-Arg- Val-Gln-Ala-Pro-Ala-Ala-His-Asn-Arg-Gly-Leu-Thr-Gly. The molecular mass of the protease was 28 kDa, and its isoelectric point was close to pH 10.6. Maximum activity toward casein was observed at 55 degrees C and at pH 12.3 in 50 mM phosphate/NaOH buffer. The activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and chymostatin. The enzyme was very stable in long-term incubation with liquid detergents at 40 degrees C. The enzyme cleaved the oxidized insulin B chain initially at Leu15-Tyr16 and efficiently at ten more sites. Among various oligopeptidyl p-nitro-anilides (pNA) tested, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA was efficiently hydrolyzed by M protease. M protease was precipitated in (NH4)2SO4-saturated acetate buffer (pH 5.0) as plank-like crystals.

Molecular cloning of two tandemly arranged peroxidase genes from Populus kitakamiensis and their differential regulation in the stem

A genomic library was prepared from Populus kitakamiensis and screened with the cDNA for an anionic peroxidase from P. kitakamiensis. One genomic clone was isolated that contained two tandemly oriented genes for anionic peroxidases, prxA3a and prxA4a. Both genes consisted of four exons and three introns; the introns had consensus nucleotides, namely, GT and AG, at their 5' and 3' ends, respectively. The prxA3a and prxA4a genes encoded 347 and 343 amino acid residues, respectively, including putative signal sequences at the amino-termini. Putative promoters and polyadenylation signals were found in the flanking regions of both genes. The sequence of the coding region of prxA3a was completely identical to that of the cDNA clone pA3, whereas the sequence of the coding region of prxA4a was only 73% identical to that of the cDNA clone pA3. Northern blot analysis showed that the patterns of expression of the mRNAs that corresponded to prxA3a and prxA4a differed in stems of P. kitakamiensis.

[The role of IL-10 in patients with SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome)--in relation to TNF activity]

The role of IL-10 (Interleukin 10) in the patients with SIRS was demonstrated in relation to the TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). 1. Clinical observations Thirty three materials of IL-10 and 43 materials of TNF were taken from a total of 46 patients with SIRS. And their concentration of serum were compared with those of healthy volunteers (TNF: n = 12, IL-10: n = 9). The value of IL-10 and TNF in SIRS patients was significantly higher than those of healthy volunteers (p > 0.05 in IL-10, p < 0.01 in TNF). Also, the values of both IL-10 and TNF in the patients with MOF (n = 22) were higher than those of the patients without MOF (n = 24) (p < 0.05 in IL-10, p < 0.01 in TNF). Both the serum values of IL-10 and TNF in 7 patients with SIRS, whose materials were obtained at two points of their clinical course, were decreased in accordance with the favorable prognosis. In these patients, the changes in IL-10 and TNF were observed in parallel. 2. Experimental observations Five 4 week ICR mice were used in an experimental study. The serum concentration of TNF and IL-10 increased to the maximum at 2 hours after 4 mg/kg of LPS injection. TNF level disappeared at 6 hours, but IL-10 level still remained at this point. Both the serum and BALF levels of TNF increased by LPS injection which was inhibited by the intraabdominal pretreatment of 200 micrograms of IL-10 (in serum: p < 0.1, in BALF: p < 0.05). By preincubation of mice alveolar macrophages with IL-10, TNF production from the macrophage resulting from LPS loading also was significantly inhibited (p < 0.01). 3. From the above, it may be concluded that IL-10 inhibits TNF secretion from monocyte and protects against the pathogenic activity of TNF in the SIRS patient.

Contributions and co-ordination of individual fingers in multiple finger prehension

The contributions and co-ordination of external finger grip forces were examined during a lifting task with a precision grip using multiple fingers. The subjects (n = 10) lifted a force transducer-equipped grip apparatus. Grip force from each of the five fingers was continuously measured under different object weight (200 g, 400 g and 800 g) and surface structure (plastic and sandpaper) conditions. The effect of five-, four-, and three-finger grip modes was also examined. It was found that variation of object weight or surface friction resulted in change of the total grip force magnitude; the largest change in finger force, was that for the index finger, followed by the middle, ring, and little fingers. Percentage contribution of static grip force to the total grip force for the index, middle, ring, and little fingers was 42.0%, 27.4%, 17.6% and 12.9%, respectively. These values were fairly constant for all object weight conditions, as well as for all surface friction conditions, suggesting that all individual finger force adjustments for light loads less than 800 g are controlled comprehensively simply by using a single common scaling value. A higher surface friction provided faster lifting initiation and required lesser grip force exertion, indicating advantageous effect of a non-slippery surface over a slippery surface. The results indicate that nearly 40% force reduction can be obtained when a non-slippery surface is used. Variation in grip mode changed the total grip force, i.e., the fewer the number of fingers, the greater the total grip force. The percent value of static grip force for the index, middle, and ring fingers in the four-finger grip mode was 42.7%, 32.5%, and 24.7%, respectively, and that for the index and middle fingers in the three-finger grip mode was 43.0% and 56.9%, respectively. Therefore, the grip mode was found to influence the force contributions of the middle and ring fingers, but not of the index finger.

Direct effect of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on rat crystalline lens is perturbation of lens normalcy

The direct effect of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-HETE] on rat crystalline lens was investigated in this study. 12(S)-HETE lowered the glutathione (GSH) level and GSH reductase activity in the lens, while accelerating aggregation and insolubilization of lens proteins and production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. The study also indicated that 12(S)-HETE insolubilized alpha-crystalline and induced opacification of the lens when the lens was incubated with 12(S)-HETE. From the results, we presumed that 12(S)-HETE may be oxidized or peroxidized easily and automatically in the air. The substances derived from 12(S)-HETE by oxidation or peroxidation may give the action disordering lens normalcy and induced cataract formation. Thus, the direct effect of 12(S)-HETE may of no benefit to the crystalline lens.

Double free-muscle transfer to restore prehension following complete brachial plexus avulsion

Restoration of finger flexion and extension as well as elbow flexion and extension with a double free-muscle and multiple nerve transfers following complete avulsion of the brachial plexus (nerve roots C5 to T1) is reported. The procedure combines (1) free-muscle transfer with reinnervation by the spinal accessory nerve to achieve elbow flexion and finger extension, (2) free-muscle transfer with reinnervation by the fifth and sixth intercostal nerves to restore finger flexion, (3) third and fourth intercostal motor nerve transfer to the triceps brachi to extend and stabilize the elbow, (4) nerve transfer of the supraclavicular nerve or nerve transfer of the sensory rami of the intercostal nerves to the median nerve to restore hand sensibility, and (5) glenohumeral arthrodesis. Seven of 10 patients recovered elbow function and finger flexion and extension. Five patients reported use of their hand in activities of daily living.

Purification and characterization of an alkaline amylopullulanase with both alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 hydrolytic activity from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. KSM-1378

The novel alkaline amylopullulanase produced by alkalophilic Bacillus sp. KSM-1378 was purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state from culture medium. The purified enzyme was a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of about 210 kDa and an isoelectric point of pH 4.8. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was Glu-Thr-Gly-Asp-Lys-Arg-Ile-Glu-Phe-Ser-Tyr-Glu-Arg-Pro and showed no homology to the N-terminal regions of other amylopullulanases reported to date. The enzyme was able to attack specifically the alpha-1,6 linkages in pullulan to generate maltotriose as the major end product, as well as the alpha-1,4 linkages in amylose, amylopectin and glycogen to generate various oligosaccharides. The pH and temperature optima for the pullulanase and alpha-amylase activities were pH 9.5 and 50 degrees C and pH 8.5 and 50 degrees C respectively. Both activities were strongly inhibited by well characterized inhibitors, such as diethyl pyrocarbonate and N-bromosuccinimide. The pullulanase activity was specifically inactivated by Hg2+ ions, alpha-cyclodextrin and beta-cyclodextrin while the amylase activity was strongly inhibited by EDTA and EGTA, although inhibition could be reversed by Ca2+ ions. It is suggested that the single alkaline amylopullulanase protein has two different active sites, one for the cleavage of alpha-1,4-linked substrates and one for the cleavage of alpha-1,6-linked substrates.

Planar-optical mesh-connected tree interconnects: a feasibility study

The mesh-connected tree is a two-dimensional interconnect topology that combines aspects of a conventional tree network and a two-dimensional nearest-neighbor mesh network. Because of its topological features, a mesh-connected tree has the potential to be implemented with planar optoelectronic interconnect concepts. We examine the feasibility of employing vertical-to-surface-transmissionelectro-photonic optical array switches together with planar micro-optical components for the future implementation of an optoelectronic mesh-connected tree interconnect.

[Immunohistochemical study of the endomyocardial biopsy of systemic lupus erythematosus]

The mechanisms of cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied using immunohistochemical staining of endomyocardial biopsy specimens from 14 patients with SLE and normal coronary arteriograms. All 14 specimens showed mild interstitial edema, 11 showed mild cardiac fibrosis, and another two cases showed moderate cardiac fibrosis with myocardial derangements. Four specimens showed moderate cell infiltration in the interstitium. Area of fibrosis, diameter of myocardium and area of interstitial edema were increased in the SLE patients compared to the control cases. Immunofluorescence showed IgG and fibrinogen deposition in the membrane of cardiac myocytes and in the interstitium. Immunohistochemistry found no B lymphocytes in any of the seven SLE cases. T lymphocytes were observed in all seven SLE cases, and OKT 8 lymphocytes were increased significantly in the interstitial tissue as compared with OKT 4 lymphocytes. At endomyocardial biopsy, all 14 patients were receiving corticosteroid therapy and had low activity disease. The results suggest that cardiac tissue damage was associated with immunological abnormalities and might progress silently under conditions in which the disease activity was suppressed by corticosteroid therapy.

Prospective monitoring of minimal residual disease during the course of chemotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and detection of contaminating tumor cells in peripheral blood stem cells for autotransplantation

A prospective study for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) was conducted on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Thirty-nine patients (38 B-lineage ALL, one T-ALL) with TCR delta rearrangements could be followed for 21 to 44 months (mean 30.9 months) excluding four patients who died. One hundred and ninety four bone marrow (BM) samples and 13 peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts were available for detection of MRD. Initially 34 cases were treated prospectively according to the CCLSG risk-stratified protocols for ALL (ALL874 or ALL911), and five cases according to the other protocols. Conventional chemotherapy was replaced by autologous PBSC transplantation (PBSCT) in five patients, by allogenic BM transplantation (BMT) in one patient, or suspended in another patient. Twenty-nine of 32 children in whom conventional chemotherapy could be continued without interruption remain in complete remission (CR). In 24 of the 29 patients MRD became undetectable within 12 months of their diagnosis. In five cases, BM samples obtained during maintenance therapy exhibited residual leukemia cells, and yet none of them relapsed (mean follow-up period 28.6 months). Our results thus indicate that intensive maintenance therapy for patients with PCR-positive results during consolidation therapy may prevent subsequent relapse. Nine events of relapse were diagnosed in eight patients (five BM, two isolated central nervous system (CNS), one combined BM and CNS, one isolated skin relapse). An increase or a re-emergence of MRD was detected in BM samples obtained from patients prior to BM relapse, but one patient remained in CR despite reappearance of leukemic cells following a PCR-negative status. Monitoring of MRD failed to predict isolated CNS or skin relapse. PBSCT allows high-dose cytoreduction therapy for patients with refractory neoplasia. In our study, leukemic cells were identified in eight of 13 PBSC grafts harvested from five patients. Three of four children who received PBSC grafts containing leukemic cells relapsed within 6 months after PBSCT. Monitoring of MRD as part of quality control of PBSC grafts may ultimately contribute to improvements in PBSCT procedures.

Possible mechanisms of glucocorticoid--unresponsive pyrexia. Defect in lipocortin 1?

Glucocorticoids have a strong anti-inflammatory action, and are indispensable in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. We had a patient with the Weber-Christian disease having an intractable high fever that did not respond to even a high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, but was responsive to a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. To elucidate possible mechanisms of the glucocorticoid-unresponsive fever, we have investigated the in vitro production of two eicosanoids, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and leukotriene (LT)B4, from the peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes after stimulation by ionophore A23187. The patient's leukocytes produced much larger amount of PGE2, but the same amount of LTB4, as did those of two control groups. More interestingly, the production of eicosanoids was inhibited by dexamethasone less in the patients than in the controls. Indomethacin suppressed the production of PGE2 both in the patients and in the controls. These results might be relevant in the glucocorticoid-unresponsive pyrexia.

Immunosuppressive effect of 15-deoxyspergualin applied to peripheral nerve allotransplantation in the rat

15-Deoxyspergualin (15-DSG), which has a unique immunosuppressive action, was applied to peripheral nerve allotransplantation. Its effects on graft survival were experimentally assessed using inbred rats. The sciatic nerve (20 mm) allotransplantation model was created in two different strains. An attempt was made to answer the following two questions: (1) can short-term immunosuppression alone produce sufficient immunological tolerance to maintain graft survival indefinitely? (2) can graft rejection be prevented by chronic intermittent low-dose 15-DSG administration (2.5 mg/kg/day), and to what extent does nerve regeneration occur? To evaluate the efficacy of 15-DSG, a comparison was made with autografts, allografts with no immunosuppression, and allografts immunosuppressed with cyclosporine (CsA), a strong immunosuppressant. The results indicate that short-term 15-DSG therapy is incapable of inducing immunotolerance of peripheral nerve allografts. Because nerve conduction in the rejected allografts was better preserved than in the CsA group, short-course 15-DSG therapy appeared to provide better results than CsA therapy for peripheral nerve allotransplantation.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits B16 mouse melanoma cell growth by induction of differentiation

BACKGROUND

Low serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate are associated with an increased incidence of various human malignancies. DHEA has chemopreventive and antiproliferative effects in experimental studies. Accordingly, the effects of DHEA on B16 mouse melanoma cells were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of DHEA on cell number and melanin production of the melanoma cells were measured. Specific DHEA receptor was detected by a cytosol binding assay. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity of the melanoma cells was detected by phosphorylation of PKC specific substrate.

RESULTS

DHEA dose-dependently inhibited the growth of melanoma cells and enhanced melanin production, which indicated the induction of differentiation. There was a [3H]DHEA specific binding protein in the melanoma cell cytosol. Although DHEA did not promote the translocation of PKC from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction, the total PKC activity was upregulated by treatment with DHEA.

CONCLUSIONS

DHEA inhibited the growth of B16 mouse melanoma cells by the induction of differentiation, possibly related to PKC upregulation mediated by DHEA receptor.

Ultrastructural observations on the ossification of the supraspinous ligament

STUDY DESIGN

This study analyzed the process of ossification of spinal ligaments. Supraspinous ligaments excised during surgery were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVES

The results were correlated to determine the mechanism of ossification of spinal ligaments.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum has been described in detail by Hiraoka, Yamaguchi, and others. However, the pathogenesis of ossification of the spinal ligaments remains unclear. Some studies have been performed by light and transmission electron microscopy, but no detailed investigation of the ossification of the spinal ligaments by scanning electron microscopy has been performed.

METHODS

Specimens of supraspinous ligament were taken from 41 patients during spinal surgery. Ossification was diagnosed macroscopically and radiologically for 20 patients. The specimens were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Collagen fibrils were 700-2000 A in diameter and were arranged in parallel. The ligament insertion divided into four zones and seemed to fit the description of Enthesis histologically. Close to the ossification region, there were a region in which some fibrils were thinner and branchings became slightly stronger, tending to form bridges of minute fibrils between other fibrils. Closer to the region of actual ossification, there was a region in which extra-fibrillar substances completely deposited. In the region of actual ossification, there were medullary spaces of varying sizes, and the surrounding collagen fibers were dense and arranged in a lamellar fashion. Osteocyte lacunae had formed and the cells regarded to be the osteocytes were present on the inside.

CONCLUSION

Ossification of the supraspinous ligament possibly occurs as follows. Fibroblasts or chondrocyte-like cells respond to some external stimulus, form an irregular network of fine fibrils, and produce acid mucopolysaccharide. These undergo calcification and capillary invasion. Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells invaded and are transformed into osteoblasts. Then osteogenesis ensues with progressive calcification.

[A case of rheumatoid arthritis complicated with salazosulfapyridine-induced aplastic anemia]

A 64 year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital because of general fatigue. She noticed polyarthralgia 8 months prior to the admission and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made. Administration of salazosulfapyridine (1.0 g/day) was started 6 months before the admission. Complete remission of rheumatoid arthritis was obtained in 2 months and blood cell counts showed normal values at that time. The results of laboratory tests included hemoglobin; 8.6 g/dl, white blood cell count; 1,900/mm3 with a differential of 19% neutrophils, 77% lymphocytes, and 4% monocytes; platelets were 21,000/mm3. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were performed. There were reduced numbers of myelocytes, erythroblasts, and megakaryocytes indicating aplastic anemia. Salazosulfapyridine was discontinued. Prednisolone, anabolic steroid and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) were administrated. In spite of these therapy, recovery of peripheral blood cell counts have not been observed and supporting therapy including red cell and platelets transfusion have been continued. To our knowledge, this is the first case report which describes occurrence of aplastic anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated by salazosulfapyridine.