Changes of splenocyte IFN-gamma mRNA synthesis in rats infected with Paragonimus westermani

Changes in the expression level of splenocyte IFN-gamma mRNA of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats infected with Paragonimus westermani were analyzed by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by southern blot. The template RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rats infected with 20 metacercariae of P. westermani. The products of competitive RT-PCR were subjected to southern blot and enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL), and analyzed with a densitometer. In comparison with that of uninfected control rat splenocytes (value of 1), the levels of mRNA expression of IFN-gamma had changed to 0.747 at 1 week post infection (PI), 0.00175 at 2 week PI, 0.0217 at 3 week PI, 0.194 at 4 week PI and then to 0.537 at 5 week PI. The level at 7 week PI had returned to 1.25, comparable with that of uninfected rats. These results show that, when infected with P. westermani, the levels of IFN-gamma mRNA of SD rat splenocytes were remarkably reduced by more than 500 times at 2 week PI and restored to normal level at 7 week PI.

M-DNA: A complex between divalent metal ions and DNA which behaves as a molecular wire

M-DNA is a complex of DNA with divalent metal ions (Zn(2+), Co(2+), or Ni(2+)) which forms at pH conditions above 8. Upon addition of these metal ions to B-DNA at pH 8.5, the pH decreases such that one proton is released per base-pair per metal ion. Together with previous NMR data, this result demonstrated that the imino proton in each base-pair of the duplex was substituted by a metal ion and that M-DNA might possess unusual conductive properties. Duplexes of 20 base-pairs were constructed with fluorescein (donor) at one end and rhodamine (acceptor) at the other. Upon formation of M-DNA (with Zn(2+)) the fluorescence of the donor was 95 % quenched. Fluorescence lifetime measurements showed the presence of a very fast component in the decay kinetics with tau</=10 ps. The fast component was absent in B-DNA and in M-DNA lacking an acceptor chromophore; a result which is only consistent with electron transfer. Efficient signal transduction was also observed between the two fluorophores separated by 54 base-pairs (over 150 A) in an M-DNA duplex. The addition of a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein prevented the flow of electrons and this was reversed by protease digestion. Therefore, M-DNA behaves as a molecular wire and could be manipulated to prepare self-assembling electronic circuits.

Videostrobokymography: a new method for the quantitative analysis of vocal fold vibration

OBJECTIVES

To develop a new analysis method for the quantitative assessment of vibration of the vocal folds, using conventional videostroboscopic image data.

METHODS

We used prerecorded videostroboscopic images to evaluate quantitatively the vibration of the vocal folds. Successive images were converted as digital images by means of an image-grabbing board, processed for analysis, and reconstructed as kymograms by rearranging the same lines of all processed images along the time axis.

RESULTS

We developed a new technique for evaluating the vibration of the vocal folds. The vibrations of multiple vocal fold regions were easily and objectively evaluated by this technique. The objective parameters, such as open quotient and asymmetry index, could be obtained easily using this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Videostrobokymography demonstrated objectively the vibrations of several vocal fold regions at the same time. This technique has the potential to be a new tool to analyze and monitor the pathological changes and treatment results of vocal fold movement in a more refined quantitative fashion, using videostroboscopic images.

Auxin and brassinosteroid differentially regulate the expression of three members of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene family in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) markedly increased ethylene production by inducing the expression of three 1aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase cDNAs (pVR-ACS1, pVR-ACS6 and pVR-ACS7) in mung bean hypocotyls. Results from nuclear run-on transcription assay and RNA gel blot studies revealed that all three genes were transcriptionally active displaying unique patterns of induction by IAA and various hormones in etiolated hypocotyls. Particularly, 24-epibrassinolide (BR), an active brassinosteroid, specifically enhanced the expression of VR-ACS7 by a distinct temporal induction mechanism compared to that of IAA. In addition, BR synergistically increased the IAA-induced VR-ACS6 and VR-ACS7 transcript levels, while it effectively abolished both the IAA- and kinetin-induced accumulation of VR-ACS1 mRNA. In light-grown plants, VR-ACS1 was induced by IAA in roots, and VR-ACS6 in epicotyls. IAA- and BR-treatments were not able to increase the VR-ACS7 transcript in the light-grown tissues. These results indicate that the expression of ACC synthase multigene family is regulated by complex hormonal and developmental networks in a gene- and tissue-specific manner in mung bean plants. The VR-ACS7 gene was isolated, and chimeric fusion between the 2.4 kb 5'-upstream region and the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene was constructed and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum. Analysis of transgenic tobacco plants revealed the VR-ACS7 promoter-driven GUS activity at a highly localized region of the hypocotyl-root junction of control seedlings, while a marked induction of GUS activity was detected only in the hypocotyl region of the IAA-treated transgenic seedlings where rapid cell elongation occurs. Although there was a modest synergistic effect of BR on the IAA-induced GUS activity, BR alone failed to increase the GUS activity, suggesting that induction of VR-ACS7 occurs via separate signaling pathways in response to IAA and BR. A scheme of the multiple regulatory pathways for the expression of ACC synthase multigene family by auxin and BR is presented.

Development of a non-transformed human liver cell line with differentiated-hepatocyte and urea-synthetic functions: applicable for bioartificial liver

There is a need to develop human hepatocyte cell lines which retain both replicating capacity and highly differentiated functions to facilitate the development of an efficient bioartificial liver. The present study was undertaken to differentiate, using sodium butyrate, the actively replicating immortalized human liver cell line. The effects of butyrate on cell growth and cell cycle were analyzed, and the albumin synthesis, cytochrome P450 and ammonia-detoxifying activity of the butyrate-treated cells were measured. Butyrate treatment resulted in G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and polygonal changes in the cell morphology. Neither the control nor the butyrate-treated cells showed transformed characteristics. Butyrate treatment increased the amount of albumin secretion, cytochrome P450 activity, and the urea production rate of the cells. The present study provides non-transformed human hepatocytes, which can replicate unlimitedly and then restore differentiated hepatocyte-specific functions by butyrate, and therefore, have applications for the development of an efficient bioartificial liver.

Mini-detachable snare ligation for the treatment of esophageal varices

BACKGROUND

We manufactured and studied the usefulness of a newly designed mini-detachable snare in the treatment of esophageal varices. The use of a multiple rubber band ligator, although generally effective and well tolerated, has certain limitations, including high cost, reduced visual field, and inadvertent band release.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial of the use of mini-detachable snare ligation vs. multiple band ligation in patients with recent or active esophageal variceal bleeding. The outcomes assessed were immediate hemostasis and rates of recurrent bleeding, eradication, and recurrence.

RESULTS

From March 1997 to October 1998, 103 patients were entered into this trial; 46 underwent mini-detachable snare ligations and 57 multiple band ligations. Among patients with active bleeding, hemostasis was achieved in 6 of 7 (86%) in the mini-detachable snare ligation group and 11 of 13 (85%) in multiple band ligation group. Recurrent bleeding after initial treatment occurred in 2 of 46 (5.5%) in the mini-detachable snare ligation group and 3 of 57 (5.3%) in the multiple band ligation group. Esophageal varices were eradicated or reduced to grade I in 4.8 +/- 2.1 and 4.5 +/- 1.9 sessions in the mini-detachable snare ligation group and multiple band ligation group, respectively. The recurrence rate was 5 of 46 (11%) and 6 of 57 (11%) in the mini-detachable snare ligation group and multiple band ligation group during a follow-up period of 6 and 16 months, respectively. No serious complication occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

The mini-detachable snare is a new device that provides safe and effective treatment for esophageal varices that is comparable to multiple band ligation.

Targeting a SWI/SNF-related chromatin remodeling complex to the beta-globin promoter in erythroid cells

Chromatin remodeling complexes such as the SWI/SNF complex make DNA accessible to transcription factors by disrupting nucleosomes. However, it is not known how such complexes are targeted to the promoter. For example, a SWI/SNF1-like chromatin remodeling complex erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) coactivator-remodeling complex 1 (E-RC1) disrupts the nucleosomes over the human beta-globin promoter in an EKLF-dependent manner. However, it is not known whether E-RC1 is targeted specifically to the beta-globin promoter or whether E-RC1 is randomly targeted, but its activity is evident only at the beta-globin promoter. Because E-RC1 cannot remodel chromatin over the beta-globin promoter without EKLF in vitro, it has been proposed that SWI/SNF1-like complexes such as E-RC1 are targeted specifically to the promoter by selectively interacting with promoter-associated transcription factors such as EKLF. In this report, we test this hypothesis in the cellular context by using the ProteIN POsition Identification with Nuclease Tail (PIN*POINT) assay. We find that the Brahma-related gene (BRG) 1 and BRG1-associated factor (BAF) 170 subunits of E-RC1 are both recruited near the transcription initiation site of the beta-globin promoter. On transiently transfected templates, both the locus control region and the EKLF-binding site are important for their recruitment to the beta-globin promoter in mouse erythroleukemia cells. When the beta-globin promoter was linked to the cytomegalovirus enhancer, the E-RC1 complex was not recruited, suggesting that recruitment of the E-RC1 complex is not a general property of enhancers.

Bacterial production of D-erythroascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid through functional expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae D-arabinono-1,4-lactone oxidase in Escherichia coli

D-Arabinono-1,4-lactone oxidase, which catalyzes the terminal step in the biosynthesis of D-erythroascorbic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli inherently lacking the enzyme. The recombinant E. coli strain expressing the enzyme could overproduce D-erythroascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid when supplied with D-arabinono-1,4-lactone and L-galactono-1,4-lactone, respectively.

Stability, blood partition and plasma protein binding of ipriflavone, an isoflavone derivative

It is generally recognized that the partition between plasma and blood cells, the immediate centrifugation of blood samples after collection for the measurement of 'true' in vivo concentrations and free drug concentrations in plasma are important determinants of the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of drugs. Therefore, the stability, blood partition between plasma and blood cells, and factors influencing the binding of ipriflavone to 4% human serum albumin (HSA) using an equilibrium dialysis technique were evaluated. Ipriflavone was unstable in rat liver homogenate and various pH solutions ranging from 1 to 13, except pH 8, rat blood and plasma and human plasma when incubated in a water-bath shaker for 24 h kept at 37 degrees C and at a rate of 50 oscillations/min. The recoveries of spiked amounts of ipriflavone at 24 h pH solutions ranging from 1 to 12 were 67.0, 78.1, 87.9, 89.6, 84.2, 87.4, 85.5, 99.3, 88.0, 76. 6, 79.4 and 81.5%, respectively. Ipriflavone was very unstable in pH 13 solution; only 0.814% of ipriflavone was recovered after 30 min incubation. Ipriflavone was stable for up to 3 h incubation in human gastric juices. Ipriflavone reached equilibrium fast (within 30 s of being mixed manually) between plasma and blood cells and the equilibrium plasma/blood cells partition ratios were independent of the initial rabbit blood concentrations of ipriflavone: 0.2, 2, and 10 microg/mL; the values were in the range of 0.900-2.45. The binding of ipriflavone to 4% HSA was 96.6+/-0.407% at ipriflavone concentrations ranging from 2 to 100 microg/mL, but it was dependent on HSA concentrations (0.5-6%), incubation temperature (4, 22 and 37 degrees C), 'the buffer' pHs (5.8, 6.4, 7.0, 7.4 and 8.0), and addition of salicylic acid (150-300 microg/mL) and sulphisoxazole (100-300 microg/mL). However, the binding was independent of buffers containing various concentrations of chloride ion (0-0.546%), glucose (0 and 5%), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (0-0.32%) and heparin (0-40 U/mL), and addition of its metabolites (M1 and M5, 5 microg/mL).

Phase II trial of a novel platinum analog, SKI 2053R, in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer

A phase II trial of a novel platinum analog, SKI 2053R, was performed in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage disease (ED) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). SKI 2053R was administered at the dose of 400 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks as a 1-h infusion. After the first cycle, the dose was escalated to 440 mg/m2 based on toxicity. Thirty-eight patients (31 male) were enrolled between June 1995 and August 1997. The median age was 61 years (range, 36-70 years). Six of 37 evaluable patients achieved a partial response (16.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-28.0%). The durations of response were 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 3.4, and 4.6 months. The estimated median survival time was 7.4 months (95% CI, 5.1-9.7 months). Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were not observed. Grade 1 to 2 leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were seen in 5 of 68 cycles, 16 of 68, and 2 of 68, respectively. Nonhematologic toxicities included grade 1 to 2 nausea or vomiting (30 of 68 cycles), nephrotoxicity (27 of 68), and hepatotoxicity (13 of 68). SKI 2053R showed a modest antitumor activity with limited toxicities in patients with ED SCLC. Further clinical trials are warranted in SCLC with a higher dose of SKI 2053R.

Loss of Fhit is frequent in stage I non-small cell lung cancer and in the lungs of chronic smokers

Abnormalities of FHIT, a candidate tumor suppressor gene at 3p14.2, have been found frequently in multiple tumor types including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To investigate whether FHIT inactivation plays a role in early lung tumorigenesis, Fhit levels were determined by immunohistochemistry in tumors from 87 patients with stage I NSCLC and in 372 bronchial biopsy specimens from 86 chronic smokers without evidence of malignancy. We found that 49% of NSCLC specimens demonstrated significantly decreased staining or lack of staining for Fhit. However, Fhit expression status was not significantly associated with disease-free survival or overall survival. Analysis of a subset of 76 specimens on which microsatellite analysis at the FHIT locus was performed did not show a strong association between loss of heterozygosity at FHIT and Fhit expression, suggesting the presence of complex mechanisms of Fhit inactivation. Of 372 bronchial biopsies from chronic smokers, 86 biopsies (23%) exhibited decreased Fhit expression or lack of Fhit expression. In 37 of 86 (43%) subjects, decreased Fhit expression or lack of expression was observed in at least one biopsy site. Loss of Fhit expression was significantly higher in bronchial metaplastic lesions (23 of 49 lesions, 47%) than in histologically normal bronchial epithelium (63 of 323 specimens, 20%; P < 0.001). Smokers with a metaplasia index of > 15% had a higher frequency of loss of Fhit expression than those with a metaplasia index of < or = 15% (P = 0.015). Interestingly, current smokers had a higher rate of loss of Fhit expression than former smokers (P = 0.02). Our data indicate that Fhit expression is significantly reduced in a substantial number of early-stage NSCLC and preneoplastic lesions in chronic smokers. The association between cigarette smoking and Fhit expression suggests a role for FHIT in the initiation of smoking-related lung tumorigenesis.

Tailoring of surfaces with ultrathin polymer films for survival and growth of neurons in culture

We have studied the adhesion, growth, and survival of dissociated cells of rat cerebellum onto glass surfaces derivatized with covalently bound ultrathin polymer layers. The surface coatings were prepared by growing polymer chains directly at the surfaces of solid substrates by using self-assembled monolayers of radical chain initiators. Methacrylate and acrylamide polymers with different polarities were covalently attached to the surfaces and the adhesion behaviour of the neuronal cells to these surfaces was studied. Best adhesion and neurite outgrowth properties were found using a positively charged polymer (poly(methacryloyl oxypropyl (trimethyl ammonium) bromide)). This 'grafting from' method for the generation of surface modifications can be used for tailoring the composition of the surface of the substrates. Our experiments demonstrate the potential of these layers for the design of polymeric surface coatings for long term stability of neuronal culture.

Identification of Chironomus kiiensis allergens, a dominant species of non-biting midges in Korea

Non-biting midges are known to contain potent inhalant allergens. IgE antibody responses to the crude extract of Chironomus kiiensis adults, a dominant chironomid species in Korea, were examined. With the IgE-ELISA or passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions, increased levels of chironomid-specific IgE were detected in the skin test positive human sera, or immunized BALB/c mouse sera with the crude extract adsorbed to alum. IgE-immunoblot analysis showed major IgE-reacting protein band patterns, which reacted with more than 50% of the skin test positive human sera, at 110, 80, 73, 46, 40, 37, 34, and 31 kDa. The reactive band patterns were largely similar between skin test positive humans and immune BALB/c mice. However, the bands of 55, 31, 27, 26, 24, and 23 kDa were found only in sensitized humans, but not in immunized mice.

Randomized comparison of two different schedules of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

We performed a randomized trial to determine whether there are differential effects of G-CSF when it is either started on the day (day 0 group) or on the 6th day of marrow infusion (day 5 group) in the allogeneic BMT setting. G-CSF 450 microg was given intravenously daily until the peripheral blood ANC was over 3000/microl. Between May 1995 and April 1998, 60 patients were enrolled (30 in each group). Median number of days of G-CSF administration was significantly longer for the day 0 group (18.5 vs 14.0 days, P < 0. 001). Median days to an ANC over 500/microl were the same in both groups (16 days). Median days to an unsupported platelet count of 20 000/microl did not show significant differences (29.5 vs 28 days, P = 0.202). The frequency of hepatic VOD was higher for the day 0 group (66.7 vs 40.0%, P = 0.038). Mean plasma antithrombin III level was significantly lower in the day 0 group on post-transplant day 7 (83.6 vs 93.9%, P = 0.009). Patients in the day 0 group showed significantly worse 100-day survival (25/30 vs 30/30 surviving respectively, P = 0.019). In conclusion, early initiation of G-CSF after allogeneic BMT did not facilitate marrow engraftment. In addition, early administration of G-CSF was associated with a higher frequency of VOD and a significant fall in plasma antithrombin III level.

Prognostic factors of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

Diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN) is the most severe form in lupus nephritis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 90 DPLN patients who were confirmed by kidney biopsy and treated at least for 12 months to compare the effectiveness of treatment modalities and to investigate the prognostic factors of DPLN. The patients were categorized to intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse (CY) group and oral corticosteroid (with/without cytotoxic drug, PO) group.

RESULTS

When the CY group (69 patients) and PO group (21 patients) were compared, there were no differences between two groups in sex, age, histologic chronicity index (CI, 4.55 vs 3.76; CY vs PO, respectively), mortality rate (4.3% vs 0%), remission rate of nephritis (at 3-year 59. 1 % vs 75.5%), renal survival rate (at 5-year 88.0% vs 91.7%) and complications of treatment, but significant differences in the frequency of nephrotic syndrome (66.7% vs 33.3%) and initial azotemia (30.4% vs 0%). histologic activity index (7.14 vs 4.33) and relapse rate (2.9% vs 42.9%). When the remission group (49 patients) and non-remission group (41 patients) were compared, CI, initial renal insufficiency, male sex and the duration of nephritis were the prognostic factors for remission in univariate analysis, and male sex (OR 10.99) and CI (OR 9.89) in multivariate analysis. When the remission group (35 patients) and non-remission (34 patients) group were compared in the CY group, CI was the prognostic factor in univariate analysis, and CI (OR 8.63) and male sex (OR 5.54) in multivariate analysis. The initial renal insufficiency (OR 12.74) and male sex (OR 7.99) were the prognostic factors for renal survival. The renal survival rate was 100% in remission-induced patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that CI, male sex, initial renal insufficiency were the prognostic factors of DPLN, and treatment with oral corticosteroid could induce remission in patients who had mild histologic and clinical features. Therefore it would be necessary to evaluate the prognostic factors before the selection of treatment modality.

In vivo transcription factor recruitment during thyroid hormone receptor-mediated activation

Thyroid hormone receptor (TR) can act as both a transcriptional activator and a silencer. Optimal activation by TR requires synergism with activator(s) bound to the promoter (promoter proximal activator). It is thought that liganded TR either helps to recruit preinitiation complexes (PIC) to the promoter or activates the PIC already recruited. However, the studies analyzing the TR action on the PIC formation were done in vitro and, therefore, it is not clear how relevant they are to the in vivo TR action. For example, in vivo, the TR can act from distances equal to or greater than a kilobase from the promoter, but such distant effect is not reproducible in vitro. In this study, we used the PIN*POINT (ProteIN POsition Identification with Nuclease Tail) assay to define the molecular mechanism of TR action on transcription from the thymidine kinase promoter in the cellular context. We demonstrate that the recruitment of promoter-proximal activator Sp1, and the components of the basal transcription factors such as TBP, TFIIB, and Cdk7, is enhanced with thyroid hormone activation. Our results suggest that DNA forms a loop with TR-mediated activation to accommodate interactions between the liganded TR complex and the complex formed on the promoter. We also show that Sp1 bound to the promoter is essential for the DNA looping and recruitment of basal transcription factors such as TFIIB and Cdk7 but not for recruitment of TBP. On the basis of these findings, we present a model that illustrates the molecular mechanism of TR-mediated activation in vivo.

The beta-globin promoter is important for recruitment of erythroid Krüppel-like factor to the locus control region in erythroid cells

Erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF), which binds to the CACCC box in the beta-globin promoter, is required for the expression of the beta-globin gene in adult erythroid cells. It was recently demonstrated that EKLF is also required for the activity of the beta-globin locus control region (LCR) 5'HS3. Some evidence suggests that the LCR and the beta-globin promoter interact in adult erythroid cells, and the network of protein-protein interactions that exists between these two elements may regulate how EKLF is recruited to the LCR. In this report, we use the PIN*POINT assay to study the role of the promoter on the recruitment of EKLF to 5'HS2 and 5'HS3 of the LCR. We find that recruitment of EKLF to 5'HS2 requires the TATA box, but recruitment to 5'HS3 depends on the CACCC and TATA boxes of the beta-globin promoter. Furthermore, recruitment of EKLF to 5'HS3 only occurred in beta-globin-expressing murine erythroid leukemia cells, whereas recruitment of EKLF to 5'HS2 occurred in both gamma-globin-expressing K562 cells and murine erythroid leukemia cells. Unlike EKLF, Sp1, which also binds to CACCC boxes, is not recruited to 5'HS3. We have also examined how one 5'HS affects the recruitment of EKLF to another 5'HS. We have found that the recruitment of EKLF to 5'HS3 depends on the presence of 5'HS2 in cis, but the recruitment to 5'HS2 does not depend on 5'HS3. Based on these results, we present a model that illustrates how EKLF may be recruited to the beta-globin locus.

Nuclear retinoid acid receptor beta in bronchial epithelium of smokers before and during chemoprevention

BACKGROUND

Retinoids can reverse neoplastic lesions and prevent second primary tumors in the aerodigestive tract. These effects are thought to be mediated by nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), each receptor group including three subtypes (alpha, beta, and gamma). Previously, we found that RARbeta expression was suppressed in lung cancer. In this study, we investigated whether expression of RARbeta is modulated by chemopreventive intervention.

METHODS

Using in situ hybridization, we analyzed RARbeta messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in bronchial biopsy specimens from heavy smokers, at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) or placebo. Since we had previously detected RARbeta expression in 90% of bronchial specimens from nonsmokers, we considered loss of RARbeta mRNA expression in at least one of six biopsy specimens at baseline in this study to be aberrant.

RESULTS

RARbeta mRNA expression was aberrant in 30 (85.7%) of 35 subjects in the 13-cis-RA group and in 24 (72.7%) of 33 subjects in the placebo group. After 6 months of 13-cis-RA treatment, the number of subjects who were RARbeta positive in all six biopsy specimens increased from five of 35 to 13 of 35 (2.6-fold), so that the percentage of individuals with aberrant RARbeta expression decreased to 62.9% (22 of 35), which represents a statistically significant difference from baseline expression (two-sided P =.01). In the placebo group, no statistically significant difference in RARbeta expression was observed between baseline and 6 months. RARbeta expression was not related to current smoking status or reversal of squamous metaplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that RARbeta is an independent marker of response to 13-cis-RA and may serve as an intermediate biomarker in chemoprevention trials of upper aerodigestive tract cancers.

Unilateral renal cystic disease in adults

Unilateral renal cystic disease (URCD) is morphologically indistinguishable from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) except for its unilaterality. Unlike ADPKD, URCD patients show neither a genetic background nor progressive deterioration in renal function; thus, the differential diagnosis of URCD from ADPKD is important. Only a few cases of URCD have been reported. This study reports two cases of URCD in adults together with a literature review. We identified these two cases using abdominal computerized tomography and family screening with renal ultrasonography.

Cisplatin, etoposide, and paclitaxel in the treatment of patients with extensive small-cell lung carcinoma

PURPOSE

The combination of cisplatin, etoposide, and paclitaxel was studied in patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer in a phase I component followed by a phase II trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), characterize toxicity, and estimate response and median survival rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-one patients were treated between October 1993 and April 1997. Doses for the initial cohort were cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on day 1, etoposide 80 mg/m(2)/d on days 1 to 3, and paclitaxel 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 over 3 hours. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks for up to six cycles. The MTD was reached in the first six patients. In these six patients and in the next 35 patients, who were entered onto the phase II trial, response and survival were estimated.

RESULTS

At the initial dose level, one of six patients developed febrile neutropenia, and five of six achieved targeted neutropenia (nadir absolute granulocyte count, 100 to 1,000/microL) without any other dose-limiting toxicity, defining this level as the MTD. Grade 4 neutropenia was observed in 88 (47%) of 188 total courses administered at or less than the MTD. Neutropenia was associated with fever in only 17 (9%) of 188 courses, but two patients experienced neutropenic sepsis that was fatal. Nonhematologic toxicity greater than grade 2 was observed in 10 (5%) of 188 total courses, with fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and nausea/vomiting most common. The overall objective response rate was 90% of 38 assessable patients: six complete responses (16%) and 28 partial responses(74%). Median progression-free and overall survival durations were 31 and 47 weeks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combination of cisplatin, etoposide, and paclitaxel produced response and survival rates similar to those of other combinations and was well tolerated.

Role of the inflamed synovial volume of the wrist in defining remission of rheumatoid arthritis with gadolinium-enhanced 3D-SPGR MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of inflamed synovial volume (ISV) in defining a state of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with contrast-enhanced, fat-suppression, three-dimensional (3D) gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state with radiofrequency spoiling (SPGR) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sixteen patients with RA (5 remission and 11 non-remission patients) were enrolled in this study. Contrast-enhanced, fat-suppression, 3D-SPGR MR imaging was performed before (n = 12) and after (n = 16) a mean 17 months of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). ISV was calculated by using a segmentation method. Statistical analysis of changes in ISVs and residual ISVs between the remission and the non-remission groups was performed. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was tested. Residual ISVs and relative changes in ISVs were 3.23 +/- 1.84 cm(3) and 51.4% (range 47.6-55.2%) in the remission group and 6.26 +/- 2. 03 cm(3)and 31.4% (range -73.5-53.5%) in the non-remission group. Both values were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05 and 0.05, respectively). Volume measurement showed high reproducibility: Intra- and inter-observer mean percentage errors were 5.04, 7.06, and 5.09%, respectively. Residual ISVs and relative changes in ISVs measured by MR imaging may provide objective and quantitative parameters in defining a state of remission in RA after therapy; however, the clinical utility of these measurements remains to be verified. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:202-208.

Myelodysplastic syndrome that progressed to acute myelomonocytic leukemia with eosinophilia showing peculiar chromosomal abnormality: a case report

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a closely related group of acquired bone marrow disorders characterized by ineffective and dysplastic hematopoiesis. These clonal disorders frequently progress to acute leukemia. Acute myelomonocytic leukemia with eosinophilia is characterized by an increase in abnormal eosinophils in the bone marrow, relatively good clinical course and inv (16) chromosomal abnormality. We experienced one case of refractory anemia with excess blasts which progressed to refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation and finally to acute myelomonocytic leukemia with eosinophilia showing peculiar chromosomal abnormalities of der (1;7).

Diversity of core promoter mutations in immune clearance phase of chronic HBV infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Transcription of HBV (hepatitis B virus) pre-core and pre-genomic mRNAs is controlled by core promoter. Therefore, mutations in the core promoter region might change the activity of liver diseases through an altered transcriptional level of the mRNA. The present study was carried out to determine the diversity of HBV core promoter sequences in chronic HBV carriers.

METHODS

DNA sequences in the core promoter region were determined after cloning the PCR product. Two groups of chronic HBV carriers with HBeAg, including five cases of asymptomatic carriers (ASCs, 21 clones) and eight with chronic hepatitis (CH, 50 clones) were studied.

RESULTS

Mutations in the core promoter were found in three out of the ASCs (11 clones), and in all eight cases in the CH group (48 clones). While mutations at nucleotide 1762 (A-->T) and 1764(G-->A) were not found in ASC, mutations at the same positions were found in all the cases of CH group (40 clones) (P=0.003). Diverse patterns of mutations in the core promoter were observed in each patient in the CH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to determine whether the diversity of HBV core promoter mutations has clinical significance such as the seroconversion of HBeAg to anti-HBe.

Isolation and characterization of a mutant defective in the production of methanol dehydrogenase from a new restricted facultative methanol-oxidizing bacterium

A new restricted facultative methanol-oxidizing bacterium Methylobacillus sp. strain SK1 (DSM 8269) was subjected to insertion mutagenesis studies with the transposon Tn5 to generate mutants deficient in the production of methanol dehydrogenase (MDH). The transposon was conjugally transferred into the methylotroph by using the triparental mating procedure. The mutants induced by Tn5 were selected directly from a plate containing succinate by using the allyl alcohol selection procedure. The transposition of Tn5 to the bacterium showed a moderate transposition frequency (10(-5) - 10(-6)). Southern hybridization analysis confirmed that the transposon Tn5 was inserted into the chromosomal DNA of the mutants. In addition, the mutants had no RNA transcripts produced from the mdh gene, as judged by Northern blot analysis. The mutants could neither grow on methanol nor produce MDH protein, as determined by Western blot analysis with anti-MDH antibody. These results suggest that Tn5 mutagenesis maybe a useful tool for the molecular analysis of a facultative methanol-oxidizing bacterium.

Chromosome abnormalities in a referred population for suspected chromosomal aberrations: a report of 4117 cases

A cytogenetic study was performed on 4,117 Korean patients referred for suspected chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome aberrations were identified in 17.5% of the referred cases. The most common autosomal abnormality was Down syndrome and Turner syndrome in abnormalities of sex chromosome. The proportions of different karyotypes in Down syndrome (trisomy 21 92.5%, translocation 5.1%, mosaic 2.4%) were similar to those reported in other countries. However, it was different in Turner syndrome (45, X 28.1%, mosaic 50.8%, 46, X, del (Xq) 4.4%, 46, X, i (Xq) 16.7%), in which proportions of mosaics and isochromosome, 46, X, i(Xq), were higher than those reported in other countries. In structural chromosome aberrations of autosome, translocation was the most common (43.6%), and duplication (21.3%), deletion (14.4%), marker chromosome (7.9%) and ring chromosome (4.0%) followed in order of frequency. Rates of several normal variant karyotypes were also described. Inversion of chromosome 9 was observed in 1.7% of total referred cases.