Local upregulation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channels in rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) expressed mainly by primary sensory neurons function as major nociceptive integrators. They are also present on the rat endometrium in an oestrogen-regulated manner. TRPV1 is upregulated in peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis patients, but there is no information about TRPA1 and their pathophysiological significances. In this study, patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were investigated: severe dysmenorrhoea due to rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis ( n = 15), uterine fibroid-induced moderate dysmenorrhoea ( n = 7) and tubal infertility with no pain ( n = 6). TRPA1 and TRPV1 mRNA and protein expressions were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry from the endometrium samples taken by curettage. Results were correlated with the clinical characteristics including pain intensity. TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors were expressed in the healthy human endometrium at mRNA and protein levels. Sparse, scattered cytoplasmic TRPA1 and TRPV1 immunopositivities were found in the stroma and epithelial layers. We detected upregulated mRNA levels in deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions, and TRPV1 gene expression was also elevated in autocontrol endometrium of deep infiltrating endometriosis patients. Histological scoring revealed significant TRPA1 and TRPV1 difference between deep infiltrating endometriosis stroma and epithelium, and in deep infiltrating endometriosis epithelium compared to control samples. Besides, we measured elevated stromal TRPV1 immunopositivity in deep infiltrating endometriosis. Stromal TRPA1 and TRPV1 immunoreactivities strongly correlated with dysmenorrhoea severity, as well TRPV1 expression on ectopic epithelial cells and macrophages with dyspareunia. Epithelial TRPA1 and stromal TRPV1 immunopositivity also positively correlated with dyschezia severity. We provide the first evidence for the presence of non-neuronal TRPA1 receptor in the healthy human endometrium and confirm the expression of TRPV1 channels. Their upregulations in rectosigmoid deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions and correlations with pain intensity suggest potential roles in pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease.

Observation of a new channel, the production of CH3, in the abstraction reaction of OH radicals with acetaldehyde

Using laser flash photolysis coupled to photo-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PIMS), methyl radicals (CH₃) have been detected as primary products from the reaction of OH radicals with acetaldehyde (ethanal, CH₃CHO) with a yield of ∼15% at 1-2 Torr of helium bath gas. Supporting measurements based on laser induced fluorescence studies of OH recycling in the OH/CH₃CHO/O₂ system are consistent with the PIMS study. Master equation calculations suggest that the origin of the methyl radicals is from prompt dissociation of chemically activated acetyl products and hence is consistent with previous studies which have shown that abstraction, rather than addition/elimination, is the sole route for the OH + acetaldehyde reaction. However, the observation of a significant methyl product yield suggests that energy partitioning in the reaction is different from the typical early barrier mechanism where reaction exothermicity is channeled preferentially into the newly formed bond. The master equation calculations predict atmospheric yields of methyl radicals of ∼9%. The implications of the observations in atmospheric and combustion chemistry are briefly discussed.

Development of a Joint Hydrogen and Syngas Combustion Mechanism Based on an Optimization Approach

A comprehensive and hierarchical optimization of a joint hydrogen and syngas combustion mechanism has been carried out. The Kéromnès et al. (Combust Flame, 2013, 160, 995-1011) mechanism for syngas combustion was updated with our recently optimized hydrogen combustion mechanism (Varga et al., Proc Combust Inst, 2015, 35, 589-596) and optimized using a comprehensive set of direct and indirect experimental data relevant to hydrogen and syngas combustion. The collection of experimental data consisted of ignition measurements in shock tubes and rapid compression machines, burning velocity measurements, and species profiles measured using shock tubes, flow reactors, and jet-stirred reactors. The experimental conditions covered wide ranges of temperatures (800-2500 K), pressures (0.5-50 bar), equivalence ratios (ϕ = 0.3-5.0), and C/H ratios (0-3). In total, 48 Arrhenius parameters and 5 third-body collision efficiency parameters of 18 elementary reactions were optimized using these experimental data. A large number of directly measured rate coefficient values belonging to 15 of the reaction steps were also utilized. The optimization has resulted in a H2/CO combustion mechanism, which is applicable to a wide range of conditions. Moreover, new recommended rate parameters with their covariance matrix and temperature-dependent uncertainty ranges of the optimized rate coefficients are provided. The optimized mechanism was compared to 19 recent hydrogen and syngas combustion mechanisms and is shown to provide the best reproduction of the experimental data.

Development of a Joint Hydrogen and Syngas Combustion Mechanism Based on an Optimization Approach

A comprehensive and hierarchical optimization of a joint hydrogen and syngas combustion mechanism has been carried out. The Kéromnès et al. (Combust Flame, 2013, 160, 995-1011) mechanism for syngas combustion was updated with our recently optimized hydrogen combustion mechanism (Varga et al., Proc Combust Inst, 2015, 35, 589-596) and optimized using a comprehensive set of direct and indirect experimental data relevant to hydrogen and syngas combustion. The collection of experimental data consisted of ignition measurements in shock tubes and rapid compression machines, burning velocity measurements, and species profiles measured using shock tubes, flow reactors, and jet-stirred reactors. The experimental conditions covered wide ranges of temperatures (800-2500 K), pressures (0.5-50 bar), equivalence ratios (ϕ = 0.3-5.0), and C/H ratios (0-3). In total, 48 Arrhenius parameters and 5 third-body collision efficiency parameters of 18 elementary reactions were optimized using these experimental data. A large number of directly measured rate coefficient values belonging to 15 of the reaction steps were also utilized. The optimization has resulted in a H₂/CO combustion mechanism, which is applicable to a wide range of conditions. Moreover, new recommended rate parameters with their covariance matrix and temperature-dependent uncertainty ranges of the optimized rate coefficients are provided. The optimized mechanism was compared to 19 recent hydrogen and syngas combustion mechanisms and is shown to provide the best reproduction of the experimental data.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is most commonly found in the peritoneum of the lesser pelvis and in the genital tract (in the ovaries). Its malignant transformation is quite rare, which usually appears in patients who previously underwent surgical procedures aimed at treating endometriosis. Years of hormone substitution (unopposed estrogen therapy) is also considered to have a role. According to the present authors' current knowledge, these are mostly well-differentiated tumors with low malignancy, which are primarily treated surgically.

CASE

In the present case the authors present a 73-year-old female patient who underwent a laparotomy due to abdominal pain and a mass in the lesser pelvis. The authors performed hysterectomy along with bilateral adnexectomy and omental resection. The histological examination of the specimens verified an endometrial adenocarcinoma formed on the ground of adenomyosis and the endometrial adenocarcinoma of the left ovary.

CONCLUSION

The malignant transformation of endometriosis is rare, and the mechanisms how it develops on the grounds of adenomyosis is currently unclear.

Occurrence of Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydiales species in abortions of domestic ruminants and in wild ruminants in Hungary, Central Europe

Coxiella burnetii and certain members of the Chlamydiales order are zoonotic, intracellular, Gram-negative bacteria, with abortigenic potential in ruminants. These pathogens have a broad host range and worldwide geographical distribution. The current study aimed to reveal the importance of C. burnetii and Chlamydiales spp. in abortions in domestic ruminants and their occurrence in wild ruminants with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, histology, and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). From the 111 abortion cases of domestic ruminants examined, C. burnetii was detected in 33 placenta samples (cattle, n = 22; sheep, n = 10; goat, n = 1), and members of the Chlamydiales order were detected in 32 placenta samples (cattle, n = 14; sheep, n = 16; goat, n = 2) using qPCR. Coinfection with both C. burnetii and Chlamydiales spp. were identified in 12 cases (cattle, n = 3; sheep, n = 8; goat, n = 1) out of the qPCR-positive samples. The presence of the relevant antigen was confirmed by IHC in 20 cases (C. burnetii, n = 2, in sheep; Chlamydiaceae, n = 17, in sheep [n = 15] and goat [n = 2]; and both pathogens in 1 sheep). Coxiella burnetii was identified in 2.2% (2/91) of the wild ruminants, but the samples were negative by IHC. Uncultured Chlamydiales spp. were detected in 4.4% (4/91) of the placenta samples by qPCR. In conclusion, Q fever is widespread among domestic ruminants in Hungary, and, in several cases, C. burnetii was implicated as the primary cause of abortions. Waddlia chondrophila, Parachlamydia spp., and uncultured Chlamydiales spp. were present only sporadically in samples from cattle and wild ruminants.

[Mechanical circulatory support saves lives -- three years' experience of the newly established assist device program at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary]

INTRODUCTION

Since the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first heart transplantation in Hungary in 2012 the emerging need for modern heart failure management via mechanical circulatory support has evolved. In May 2012 the opening of a new heart failure and transplant unit with 9 beds together with the procurement of necessary devices at Semmelweis University accomplished this need.

AIM

The aim of the authors was to report their initial experience obtained in this new cardiac assist device program.

METHOD

Since May, 2012, mechanical circulatory support system was applied in 89 cases in 72 patients. Indication for support were end stage heart failure refractory to medical treatment and acute left or right heart failure.

RESULTS

Treatment was initiated for acute graft failure after heart transplantation in 27 cases, for end stage heart failure in 24 cases, for acute myocardial infarction in 21 cases, for acute postcardiotomy heart failure in 14 cases, for severe respiratory insufficiency in 2 cases and for drug intoxication in one case. Among the 30 survivor of the whole program 13 patients were successfully transplanted.

CONCLUSIONS

The available devices can cover all modalities of current bridge therapy from short term support through medium support to heart transplantation or long term support and destination therapy. These conditions made possible the successful start of a new cardiac assist device program.

[2012 -- the year of success in the 20 year-old adult heart transplant program of Hungary]

The Hungarian adult heart transplant program, which started in 1992, has changed gradually in the past 20 years. After the early enthusiasm of the first cases it changed significantly and it became an organized programme. However, low donation activity and moderate referral numbers to the national transplant waiting list slowed down the process therefore, heart transplant numbers did not fulfill expectations in the early years. After a moderate increase in 2007 transplant numbers have dropped again until recently when Hungary partially joined Eurotransplant network. Excess fundamental resources allocated to cardiac transplantation by health care professionals and reorganizing transplant coordination as well as logistics forced dramatic changes in clinical management. In 2011 and 2012 major structural changes had been made at Semmelweis University. The newly established transplant intensive care unit and the initiation of mechanical circulatory support and assist device programme increased transplant numbers by 131% compared to previous years, as well as it resulted an 86.63% 30-day survival rate, hence last year was the most successful year of cardiac transplantation ever.

Subsurface synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles embedded in MgO

Metal nanoparticles exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) which is very sensitive to the size and shape of the nanoparticle and the surrounding dielectric medium. The coupling between the electromagnetic radiation and the localized surface plasmon in metallic nanoparticles results in a sizable enhancement of the incident fields, making them possible candidates for plasmonic applications. In particular, partially exposed metallic nanoparticles distributed in a dielectric matrix can provide prime locations for LSPR spectroscopy and sensing. We report the synthesis and characterization of a plasmonic substrate consisting of Ag nanoparticles partially buried in MgO. Ag nanoparticles of different shapes and size distributions were synthesized below the surface of MgO by implanting 200 keV Ag(+) ions followed by annealing at 1000 °C for 10 and 30 h. A detailed optical and structural characterization was carried out to understand the evolution of the Ag nanoparticle and size distribution inside the MgO matrix. Micro x-ray diffraction (Micro-XRD) was employed to investigate the structural properties and estimate the crystallite size. The nanoparticles evolved from a spherical to a faceted morphology with annealing time, assuming an octahedral shape truncated at the (001) planes, as visualized from aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The nanoparticles embedded in MgO were shown to be pure metallic Ag using atom probe tomography (APT). The nanoparticles were partially exposed to the surface by employing plasma etch techniques to remove the overlaying MgO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to study the surface morphology and obtain a height distribution for the partially exposed nanoparticles.

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Hungary: screening of dairy cows, sheep, commercial milk samples, and ticks

Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. There are few reliable data about C. burnetii infection available. The aim of this study was to assess the importance and potential infectious sources of Q fever in Hungary. A total of 215 milk samples (10 individual samples from each herd and 1 bulk tank milk sample from each cattle herd), and 400 serum samples (20 from each herd) were tested from 15 dairy cattle herds and 5 sheep flocks located in different parts of Hungary. The study found 19.3% (58/300) and 38.0% (57/150) seropositivity in cattle, and 0% (0/100) and 6.0% (3/50) seropositivity in sheep, by complement fixation test (CFT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. C. burnetii DNA was detected by IS1111 element-based TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 8.7% (13/150) of individual dairy cow milk samples, 4.0% (2/50) of individual sheep milk samples, and 66.7% (10/15) of dairy bulk tank milk samples. Samples taken from nine different commercially-available pasteurized cow milk products from different Hungarian producers were also tested for the presence of C. burnetii DNA, and eight of these samples were found to be positive (88.9%). The real-time PCR examination of 5402 ixodid ticks collected from different parts of the country yielded negative results. Knowledge of the true prevalence of Q fever is crucial for policymakers involved in evidence-based decision making.

Paralemniscal TIP39 is induced in rat dams and may participate in maternal functions

The paralemniscal area, situated between the pontine reticular formation and the lateral lemniscus in the pontomesencephalic tegmentum contains some tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39)-expressing neurons. In the present study, we measured a 4 times increase in the level of TIP39 mRNA in the paralemniscal area of lactating mothers as opposed to nulliparous females and mothers deprived of pups using real-time RT-PCR. In situ hybridization histochemistry and immunolabeling demonstrated that the induction of TIP39 in mothers takes place within the medial paralemniscal nucleus, a cytoarchitectonically distinct part of the paralemniscal area, and that the increase in TIP39 mRNA levels translates into elevated peptide levels in dams. The paralemniscal area has been implicated in maternal control as well as in pain perception. To establish the function of induced TIP39, we investigated the activation of TIP39 neurons in response to pup exposure as maternal, and formalin injection as noxious stimulus. Both stimuli elicited c-fos expression in the paralemniscal area. Subsequent double labeling demonstrated that 95% of neurons expressing Fos in response to pup exposure also contained TIP39 immunoreactivity and 91% of TIP39 neurons showed c-fos activation by pup exposure. In contrast, formalin-induced Fos does not co-localize with TIP39. Instead, most formalin-activated neurons are situated medial to the TIP39 cell group. Our data indicate that paralemniscal neurons may be involved in the processing of maternal and nociceptive information. However, two different groups of paralemniscal neurons participate in the two functions. In particular, TIP39 neurons may participate in the control of maternal functions.

Structural characterization of epitaxial Cr(x)Mo(1-x) alloy thin films

To develop a model system containing regularly spaced misfit dislocations for studies of the radiation resistance of nanoscale defects, epitaxial thin films of Cr, Mo, and Cr(x)Mo(1-x) alloys were deposited on MgO(001) by molecular beam epitaxy. Film compositions were chosen to vary the lattice mismatch with MgO. The film structure was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Epitaxial films with reasonably high crystalline quality and abrupt interfaces were achieved at a relatively low deposition temperature, as confirmed by STEM. However, it was found by XRD and RBS in the channeling geometry that increasing the Mo content of the CrMo alloy films degraded the crystalline quality, despite the improved lattice match with MgO. XRD rocking curve data indicated that regions of different crystalline order may be present within the films with higher Mo content. This is tentatively ascribed to spinodal decomposition into Cr-rich and Mo-rich regions, as predicted by the Cr(x)Mo(1-x) phase diagram.

Single- and repeated-dose oral toxicity studies of citicoline free-base (choline cytidine 5'-pyrophosphate) in Sprague-Dawley rats

The dietary supplement Citicoline free-base (choline cytidine 5'-pyrophosphate) was toxicologically evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats using oral gavage. In an acute 14-day study, 2000 mg/kg was well tolerated. In a 90-day study, 100, 350, and 1000 mg/kg/day doses resulted in no mortality. In males, slight significant increases in serum creatinine (350 and 1000 mg/kg/day), and decreases in urine volume (all treated groups) were observed. In females, slight significant increases in total white blood cell and absolute lymphocyte counts (1000 mg/kg/day), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (100 and 350, but not 1000 mg/kg/day) were noted. A dose-related increase in renal tubular mineralization, without degenerative or inflammatory reaction, was found in females (all treated groups) and two males (1000 mg/kg/day). Renal mineralization in rats (especially females) is influenced by calcium:phosphorus ratios in the diet. A high level of citicoline consumption resulted in increased phosphorus intake in the rats, and likely explains this result.

Coexistence of weak ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity in the high pressure LiNbO3-type phase of FeTiO3

We report the magnetic and electrical characteristics of polycrystalline FeTiO_{3} synthesized at high pressure that is isostructural with acentric LiNbO_{3} (LBO). Piezoresponse force microscopy, optical second harmonic generation, and magnetometry demonstrate ferroelectricity at and below room temperature and weak ferromagnetism below approximately 120 K. These results validate symmetry-based criteria and first-principles calculations of the coexistence of ferroelectricity and weak ferromagnetism in a series of transition metal titanates crystallizing in the LBO structure.

The medial paralemniscal nucleus and its afferent neuronal connections in rat

Previously, we described a cell group expressing tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) in the lateral pontomesencephalic tegmentum, and referred to it as the medial paralemniscal nucleus (MPL). To identify this nucleus further in rat, we have now characterized the MPL cytoarchitectonically on coronal, sagittal, and horizontal serial sections. Neurons in the MPL have a columnar arrangement distinct from adjacent areas. The MPL is bordered by the intermediate nucleus of the lateral lemniscus nucleus laterally, the oral pontine reticular formation medially, and the rubrospinal tract ventrally, whereas the A7 noradrenergic cell group is located immediately mediocaudal to the MPL. TIP39-immunoreactive neurons are distributed throughout the cytoarchitectonically defined MPL and constitute 75% of its neurons as assessed by double labeling of TIP39 with a fluorescent Nissl dye or NeuN. Furthermore, we investigated the neuronal inputs to the MPL by using the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B subunit. The MPL has afferent neuronal connections distinct from adjacent brain regions including major inputs from the auditory cortex, medial part of the medial geniculate body, superior colliculus, external and dorsal cortices of the inferior colliculus, periolivary area, lateral preoptic area, hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus, lateral and dorsal hypothalamic areas, subparafascicular and posterior intralaminar thalamic nuclei, periaqueductal gray, and cuneiform nucleus. In addition, injection of the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the auditory cortex and the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus confirmed projections from these areas to the distinct MPL. The afferent neuronal connections of the MPL suggest its involvement in auditory and reproductive functions.

Nuclear receptors, transcription factors linking lipid metabolism and immunity: the case of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Exposure to lipids has a major effect on mammalian cells. Naturally, it has a profound impact on their metabolism, but it can also significantly alter their cellular and molecular phenotypes and responses. This latter is via specific signalling pathways leading to alterations in the expression of genes and gene networks. Multicellular organisms utilize a specialized group of proteins to detect and transduce lipid signals to the level of the expression of the genome. These proteins, termed nuclear hormone receptors, are lipid-activated transcription factors regulating gene expression upon binding of small fatty ligands. In this review, we discuss the role and contribution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) to macrophage and dendritic cell biology and also to gut epithelial cell function. We discuss how using different experimental systems and approaches the pathways activating the receptor and its target genes can be identified and complex biological processes unravelled. It appears that PPAR gamma is part of the macrophage's response to pathogenic lipoproteins and it coordinately regulates lipid uptake and efflux. Intriguingly, in another cell type of the immune system, dendritic cells, the receptor has overlapping, but distinct functions. In these cells, activation of PPAR gamma leads to altered immune phenotype characterized by increased phagocytic capacity, antigen processing and lipid antigen presenting capacity. This nuclear hormone receptor links lipid metabolism and immune cell function and these links provide unique insights into the regulatory logic of normal physiological responses and certain pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmunity.

Criminal liability of physicians and other health care professionals in Hungary (review of case law between 1996-2000)

The authors examine the criminal cases involving physicians and other health care workers between January 1996 and December 2000 inclusive. in Hungary. The data are based on the registry of the Criminal Prosecutor's Office. Altogether 94 cases were initiated in this period of time, the accused of the criminal proceeding was a registered nurse in 9 cases, an ambulance paramedic in 5 cases, a pharmacist in 3, and a physician in 77 cases. In cases where registered nurses were involved, the most common act was negligent change of medication or providing inadequate custody of a patient in need, pharmacists were also accused for negligent change of medicinal products. In case of ambulance assistants the most common violation of the professional rules was diagnostic failure or not responding to the call in time. As to physicians, mostly primary care physicians were accused (29%), usually for failing to examine the patient or for diagnostic error, obstetricians-gynecologists (17 %) and traumatologists (12 %) were also frequently accused.

Drugged driving in Hungary 2000–2004

The authors analyzed the biological samples available in criminal cases that were started because of illicit and prescribed drug-impaired driving between 2000 and 2004. The result of the on-the-spot clinical test is not informative and cannot be evaluated as it is mainly affected by the simultaneous presence of alcohol. Licit or illicit drugs in the urine could be detected in 378 people out of 623 people (60.7%), whereas in 59 cases (9.5%) there was some substance present in the blood. The occurrence multiple drugs was high (36.8%). The joint use of alcohol and drugs has increased in the past few years.

Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of cryogenically-frozen, cryomilled, Pelodiscus sinensis (Japanese soft-shelled turtle—suppon) powder administered to the rat

Sprague-Dawley rats received "cryogenically-frozen suppon" (CFS), a cryomilled product derived for the Japanese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), widely consumed for its nutritious value and medicinal properties, especially for the maintenance of normal blood pressure and insulin levels, and in women for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. In this acute study, a single limit dose of 2.0 g/kg was given po. common to 10 male and 10 female rats. No adverse effects or mortality were observed during a 14-day period and at gross pathological examination. In the subchronic study, CFS was administered as oral daily doses of 100, 350, and 1000 mg/kg administered for 97 days, resulting in no mortality, no changes in body weight, food and water consumption, hematological and serum chemistry parameters, organ weights, or gross pathology or histopathology. The only treatment related finding was a characteristic excited behavior observed in several male rats from the second or third week of treatment, distributed evenly in all male treatment groups but not affecting all males. The number of excited animals did not change over time, the syndrome occurred in all test item treated male groups with similar incidence. None of the females was so affected.

Prenatal and newborn paternity testing with DNA analysis

In rape against youthful girls which yields pregnancy after the abortion DNA examinations can be performed from the aborted foetal material to provide evidence of paternity of the suspect. In our present work we demonstrate six cases: four of them are rape cases and two where the mother abandoned her newborn baby. These cases proved that DNA-STR profiles can be determined from foetus after the abortion and perpetrator of a rape can be found. Due to our result we suggest that not only placenta but also bloody vernix caseosa is useful tissue for identifying the putative mother because vernix caseosa can be the carrier of the mother's blood.

Non-random features of loop-size chromatin fragmentation

Upon isolation of DNA from normal eukaryotic cells by standard methods involving extensive proteolytic treatment, a rather homogeneous population of loop-size, double-stranded DNA fragments is regularly obtained. These DNA molecules can be efficiently end-labeled by the DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment, as well as by a 3'- to -5'-exonuclease-free Klenow enzyme, but not by terminal transferase (TdT) unless the ends have been filled up by Klenow, suggesting that dominantly 5' protruding termini are generated upon fragmentation. The filled-up termini were used for cloning the distal parts of the approximately 50 kb fragments. BLAST analysis of the sequence of several clones allowed us to determine the sequence of the non-cloned side of the breakpoints. Comparison of 25, 600 bp-long breakpoint sequences demonstrated prevalence of repetitive elements. Consensus motives characteristic of the breakpoint sequences have been identified. Several sequences exhibit peculiar computed conformational characteristics, with sharp transition or center of symmetry located exactly at the breakpoint. Our data collectively suggest that chromatin fragmentation involves nucleolytic cleavages at fragile/hypersensitive sites delimiting loop-size fragments in a non-random manner. Interestingly, the sequence characteristics of the breakpoints are reminiscent of certain breakpoint cluster regions frequently subject to gene rearrangements.

Protease-elicited TUNEL positivity of non-apoptotic fixed cells

The appearance of free DNA ends in the chromatin is usually considered an indication of advanced apoptosis. Unexpectedly, the nuclei of non-apoptotic cells derived from mouse thymuses could be specifically labeled by terminal transferase after proteinase K treatment of the fixed, cytocentrifuged samples. Artifactual mechanical or contaminating nucleolytic factors have been ruled out as players in the generation of free DNA ends. The phenomenon was detected in both formaldehyde- and ethanol-fixed specimens, in agarose-embedded fixed cells, and in chromatin spreads. By urea-agarose gel electrophoresis, the average single-strand size of the DNA molecules carrying the free ends was found between 50 and 250 kb. We suggest that ss discontinuities preexisting in the fixed normal cells are unmasked by protease treatment eliciting TUNEL (terminal transferase-mediated nick end-labeling) positivity.

[Competitive polymerase chain reaction: a new method for measuring N-myc amplification]

The highly variable biological behaviour of neuroblastoma, a neoplasm which belongs to the family of primitive neuroectodermal tumours, is determined by its molecular pathological characteristics. Among them amplification of the N-myc gene is the most important factor in both therapeutic and prognostic points of view. Value of the amplification can be determined by different methods. The latest of them is the competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), essence of which is the parallel reaction of the target N-myc gene (exon 3.) and the endogen competitor CF gene (exon 3.) in the same reaction solution. The authors applied the method on 11 neuroblastoma cases diagnosed between 1994 and january of 1999. In three cases the amplification was determined also by fluorescens in situ hybridization (FISH). Six of the 11 cases were detected to have more than 10-fold, two of the six about 100-fold N-myc amplification. Results of the PCR and FISH correlated well. The two methods applied by the authors complete each other and are appropriate for determining the gene amplification which gives valuable prognostic and therapeutic information about the examined tumour.

Single-strand breaks in agarose-embedded chromatin of nonapoptotic cells

Loop-size chromatin fragmentation frequently observed upon apoptotic cell death is thought to be initiated by ss nicks. Here we show that the agarose-embedded, deproteinized chromatin of normal, non-apoptotic murine and human cells, as well as yeast protoplasts, falls apart to 50-300 kb ss fragments upon heat denaturation, as revealed by urea-TAE field-inversion agarose gel electrophoresis resolving ss and ds fragments alike. These data were in line with S1digestion experiments. The nicks (gaps) observed are best explained either by enzymatic cleavages occurring upon cell lysis instantaneously or by preexisting discontinuities becoming manifest upon heat denaturation. These discontinuities go unnoticed in the usual nondenaturaing circumstances but seem to be inevitably present in any DNA preparation. The loop-size ds DNA fragmentation in apoptosis may be based on these pre-existing or "ready-to-go" (upon cell lysis) ss discontinuities of the normal cellular chromatin.

hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility

The human homologue of the yeast OGG1 gene, hOGG1, has been cloned, and its genetic structure has been determined. Several polymorphisms in the hOGG1 gene were detected in the Japanese populations, and among them, the Ser-Cys polymorphism at codon 326 has been shown to have a functional difference in complementation of mutant Escherichia coli that is defective in the repair of 8-hydroxyguanine. Activity in the repair of 8-hydroxyguanine is greater in hOGG1-Ser326 protein than in hOGG1(326) protein. Because many environmental carcinogens produce 8-hydroxyguanine residue and mismatching to this modified base potentially causes oncogenic mutations, the capacity to repair these lesions can be involved in cancer susceptibility in human beings. We, therefore, examined allele distributions of the Ser326Cys polymorphism in a case-control study of male lung cancer in Okinawa. The analyses based on 241 cases and 197 hospital controls disclosed the following findings. (a) Those with the Cys/Cys genotype were at an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma and nonadenocarcinoma compared to those with the Ser/Cys and those with the Ser/Ser genotypes combined. The odds ratios adjusted for age and smoking history were 3.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.33-6.83) and 2.18 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.54), respectively. (b) The odds ratios for other histological subtypes of lung cancer or those in total were not significant. Those for Cys/Cys or Ser/Cys genotype against Ser/Ser did not reach statistical significance in any cell type. (c) The distributions of this polymorphism varied for different populations (Chinese, Japanese, Micronesians, Melanesians, Hungarians, and Australian Caucasians), with much less prevalence of Cys allele in the latter three populations. Although our sample size was limited, these results indicate that the Ser326Cys variant may be related to squamous cell lung cancer susceptibility. The Cys/Cys genotype appears to be more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma, although the risk is less than that previously reported to be associated with the CYP1A1 gene. Further studies are needed to assess the importance of the interpopulation variation to cancer susceptibility.

Model field study of Sumithion 50 EC and Fusilade S on pheasants

Toxicological studies on wild animals play an important role in the ecotoxicological examination of pesticides. The applied model tests enable the assessment of toxicological consequences with particular regard to the life and nutrition of wild animals in the ploughed field among plants treated with pesticides. The application of different pesticide formulations on plough-land may pose a simultaneous chemical burden to wild birds. In this model study, manifestations of the interaction between an insecticide and a herbicide were studied in pheasants. The birds were placed on lucerne in cages (48 m2) and sprayed once. The applied doses were: Sumithion 50 EC 1 litre/ha + Fusilade S 6 litres/ha (practical doses) and Sumithion 50 EC 5 litres/ha + Fusilade S 30 litres/ha. The analytically determined pesticide concentration of the lucerne was taken as a basis in the further treatment of fodder. The fodder of pheasants contained the following chemicals: 85 mg/kg Sumithion 50 EC + 510 mg/kg Fusilade S and 425 mg/kg Sumithion 50 EC + 2250 mg/kg Fusilade S. Sporadic deaths observed among the pheasants were of traumatic origin and not due to a toxic effect. The decrease of body weight was significant only at the higher dose levels. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of the blood decreased significantly in both dose groups. On the basis of the results obtained it can be established that at the dose level used in the practice the pesticides studied do not give rise to a toxic interaction in pheasants.

The Y-STRs DYS19 and DYS390 in a south-east Hungarian (Szeged area) population

The allele frequencies of DYS19 and DYS390 located on the Y chromosomes were determined from male bloodstain samples of 308 (DYS19) and 268 (DYS390) unrelated male adults in south-east Hungary. Six alleles could be distinguished in both systems, yielding 22 DYS19/DYS390 halotypes in a subset of 239 males.

Embryonic toxicity of insecticide Sumithion 50 EC and herbicide Fusilade S in pheasants after individual or combined administration

The purpose of this work was to determine the individual and combined effects of insecticide Sumithion 50 EC (50% fenitrothion) and herbicide Fusilade S (12.5% fluazifop-P-butyl) on the development of pheasant embryos. Eggs were treated by injection of various concentrations of pesticides into the air space on day 12 of incubation. Pathological examination of embryos was carried out on day 23 of the hatching period. Mortality rate, body weight data and morphological alterations were evaluated after the macroscopic examination. The skeletal staining method was used to detect deformities. The two pesticides used in combination moderated the toxic/teratogenic effects of individual treatment.