Regulation of the strypsin-related proteinase ISP2 by progesterone in endometrial gland epithelium during implantation in mice

Hormones prepare the uterus for the arrival and subsequent invasion of the embryo during pregnancy. Extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors are involved in this integration process. Recent genetic evidence indicates that there is redundancy within the implantation proteinase cascade, indicating that additional proteinases may be involved. Recently, we described a novel implantation serine proteinase (ISP1) gene that encodes the embryo-derived enzyme strypsin, which is necessary for blastocyst hatching in vitro and the initiation of invasion. The evidence presented in the present study indicates that a second proteinase secreted from the uterus also participates in lysis of the zona pellucida. A second implantation serine proteinase gene (ISP2) was isolated, which encodes a related secreted tryptase expressed specifically within uterine endometrial glands. In pseudopregnancy, ISP2 gene expression is dependent on progesterone priming and is inhibited by the antiprogestin RU486. On the basis of similarities between ISP2 gene expression and that of a progesterone-regulated luminal proteinase associated with lysis of the zona pellucida, it is possible that the strypsin-related protein, ISP2, may encode a zona lysin proteinase.

A novel murine tryptase involved in blastocyst hatching and outgrowth

Before implantation the blastocyst is maintained within a proteinaceous coat, the zona pellucida, which prevents polyspermy and ectopic pregnancy. An extracellular trypsin-like activity, which is necessary for hatching from the zona pellucida in vitro, is localized to the abembryonic pole of the blastocyst. Upon hatching, the extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) are thought to promote blastocyst invasion. However, gene disruption experiments have demonstrated that uPA and MMP-9 are dispensable and, thus, that other key enzymes are involved in implantation. In this study, a novel implantation serine proteinase (ISP1) gene, which is distantly related to haematopoietic tryptases and represents a novel branch of the S1 proteinase family, was cloned. ISP1 is expressed throughout morulae and blastocysts during hatching and outgrowth. Abrogation of ISP1 mRNA accumulation using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides disrupts blastocyst hatching and outgrowth in vitro. The results of this study indicate that the ISP1 gene probably encodes the long sought after 'hatching enzyme' that is localized to the abembryonic pole during hatching in vitro. ISP1 is the earliest embryo-specific proteinase to be expressed in implantation and may play a critical role in connecting embryo hatching to the establishment of implantation competence at the abembryonic pole of the blastocyst.

A BAC-Based STS-Content Map Spanning a 35-Mb Region of Human Chromosome 1p35–p36

We have devised a mapping method for rapid assembly and ordering of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones on a radiation hybrid (RH) panel, using sequence-tagged sites (STSs) and PCR. The protocol consists of two rounds of two-dimensional screening from a limited number of BACs to correspond each to an STS. In the first round, STSs are assembled in the RH bins and ordered according to PCR signals derived from 384-well microtiter plates (MTPs) in which BAC clones have been arrayed. In the second round, individual BAC clones are isolated from the MTPs to build a contig. We applied this method to a 35-Mb region spanning human chromosome 1p35-p36 and assembled 1366 BACs in 11 contigs, the longest being about 20 Mb. The working draft sequences of the human genome have been integrated into the contigs to validate the accuracy.

Solid-state structure and solution behavior of eight-coordinate Sm(III) poly(pyrazolyl)borate compounds

[Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)(kappa(2)-S(2)CNR(2))] compounds (R = Et (1), Me (2); Tp(Me2) = HB(3,5-Me2pz)(3)) have been isolated from reaction of (R(2)NC(S)S)(2) with 2 equiv of [Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)]. Reductive cleavage of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide or 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide by [Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)] afforded good yields of [Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)(kappa(2)-Y)] compounds (Y = 2-SC(5)H(4)N (3), 2-SeC(5)H(4)N (4)). 4 is the first selenopyridine complex of an f-block element. Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)(2-OC(5)H(4)N) (5) has been synthesized by salt metathesis of [Sm(Tp(Me2)(2)Cl] with the sodium salt of the 2-hydroxypyridine. The solid-state structures of 1, 3, 4, and 5 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and revealed that the compounds are all eight-coordinate with dodecahedral geometry. The samarium atoms are bound in tridentate fashion to two pyrazolylborate ligands and in bidentate fashion by the third ligand. The solution behavior of the compounds was studied by (1)H NMR techniques. (1)H-(1)H exchange spectroscopy experiments give evidence for two distinct dynamic regimes occurring in solution.

Adenoma of the posterior urethra: 131 case report

AIM

A case-report on adenoma of the posterior urethra.

METHODS

In 131 cases of adenoma of the posterior urethra, aged 17-79 (mean: 36.4) years, a detailed medical history was taken and urinalysis, urethroscopy, and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) immunohistochemical staining were performed. They were then treated with transurethral resection (TUR) or transurethral electric coagulation (TUEC).

RESULTS

Hemospermia occurred in 51% of the cases, hematuria in 38%, blood overflow from the urethral orifice in 6%, and dysuria in 5%. The position of the tumor was at or around the verumontanum. The appearance of the tumor was similar to those of a papilla, a villus, a dactyl or polyp, or simply an engorgement. The tumor contained glandular alveoli and adeno-epithelial cells. PSA immunohistochemistry was positive in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the adeno-epithelial cell. One hundred and tweenty-nine cases were cured after TUR or TUEC, while 2 patients recurred and were operated again.

CONCLUSION

Adenoma of the posterior urethra is a common cause of hemospermia and hematuria in young men. Urethroscopic examination and biopsy are the principal diagnostic measures. TUR or TUEC are believed to be the treatment of choice with a short-term recurrence rate of around 1. 5%.

HPLC and GC-MS screening of Chinese proprietary medicine for undeclared therapeutic substances

Traditional Chinese medicine includes raw medicinal materials and Chinese proprietary medicine (CPM). Despite being of natural origin, toxic effects, adulteration with synthetic therapeutic substances and even deaths had been associated with CPM. There is thus a need to develop analytical technique to rapidly screen for undeclared toxic and therapeutic substances in CPM. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection method was developed and used to screen for undeclared therapeutic substances in CPM. An ultraviolet (UV) library of 266 drugs had been compiled. Solute identification was performed by comparing the analytical data (UV spectra, retention time and relative retention time) with those of the 266 standards. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used as a confirmation method. These chromatographic methods had been shown to be selective and reproducible in screening for undeclared drugs in CPM. Using the method developed, 41 CPM samples in seven categories were screened for undeclared therapeutic substances. One anti-asthmatic CPM was found to contain codeine.

Absence of p53-mediated G1 arrest with induction of MDM2 in sterigmatocystin-treated cells

P53 plays a critical role in G1 checkpoint after DNA damage. MDM2 gene is a p53 target gene and its protein forms a feedback loop with p53 and inhibits p53-mediated G1 arrest. Sterigmatocystin (ST) is a mycotoxin and carcinogen. In this study we show that exposure of cells to ST for 12 or 24 h resulted in failure of G1 arrest at both time points. Accordingly, p53 protein was not increased and p21WAF1 expression was inhibited at 12 h, and both proteins were weakly induced at 24 h after treatment with ST. Meanwhile, MDM2 protein was induced in a p53-dependent fashion by ST at both 12 and 24 h. The induction of MDM2 was coincident with the cellular responses of p53 and p21WAF1, and might contribute to the failure of G1 arrest in ST-treated cells. In addition, ST-treated cells exhibited G2M arrest, regardless of p53 status. Our results indicate that the carcinogenic effects of ST seem to be mediated by failure of p53-mediated G1 checkpoint.

[Nasopharyngeal submucous carcinoma with the first show of cervical lymphnode swell]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the nasopharyngeal submucous carcinoma with the first show of cervical lymph node swell.

METHOD

To collect the clinical data of 4 patients with such disease.

RESULT

The 4 cases of nasopharyngeal submucous carcinoma were not diagnosed until 3-6 months after cervical lymphnode metastasis. All patients received radiotherapy, three died within 1 year and another survived.

CONCLUSION

If some patients have cervical lymph node swell, pay attention to the metastasis of nasopharyngeal submucous carcinoma firstly. Even the examinations such as cytologic test, VCA-IgA, CT, MRI were negative, or even tuberculomas had been diagnosed, nasopharyngeal submucous carcinoma still can not be excluded.

Lanthanide chalcogenolate complexes: synthesis and crystal structures of the isoleptic series [Sm(TpMe,Me)2ER] (E = O, S, Se, Te; TpMe,Me = tris-3,5-dimethylpyrazolylborate)

A series of lanthanide complexes containing a chalcogenolate ligand supported by two TpMe,Me (tris-3,5-dimethylpyrazolylborate) groups has been prepared and crystallized and provides direct comparisons of bonding to hard and soft ligands at lanthanide centers. Reaction of [Sm(TpMe,Me)2Cl] with NaOR (R = Ph, Ph-Bu(t)) gives [Sm(TpMe,Me)2OR] (1a and 1b, respectively) in good yields. Reductive cleavage of dichalcogenides by samarium(II) was used to prepare the heavier congeners. Complexes of the type [Sm(TpMe,Me)2ER] for E = S, R = Ph (2a), E = S, R = Ph-4-Me (2b), E = S, R = CH2Ph (2c), E = Se, R = Ph (3a), E = Se, R = Ph-4-Bu(t) (3b), E = Se, R = CH2Ph (3c), and E = Te, R = Ph (4) have been prepared together with the corresponding complexes with TpMe,Me,4-Et as ancillary. The X-ray crystal structures of 1b, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4 have been determined. The crystal of 1b (C40H57B2N12OSm.C7H8) was monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.6845(6) A, b = 18.5573(11) A, c = 24.4075(14) A, beta = 91.616(2) degrees, Z = 4. The crystal of 2b (C37H51B2N12SSm) was monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 15.0154(9) A, b = 13.1853(8) A, c = 21.1254(13) A, beta = 108.628(2) degrees, Z = 4. The crystal of 3a (C36H49B2N12SeSm.C7H8) was triclinic, P1, a = 10.7819(6) A, b = 19.3011(10) A, c = 23.0235(12) A, alpha = 79.443(2) degrees, beta = 77.428(2) degrees, gamma = 89.827(2) degrees, Z = 4. The crystal of 3b (C40H57B2N12SeSm) was triclinic, P1, a = 10.1801(6) A, b = 10.2622(6) A, c = 23.4367(14) A, alpha = 88.313(2) degrees, beta = 86.268(2) degrees, gamma = 62.503(2) degrees, Z = 2. The crystal of 4 (C36H49B2N12TeSm.C7H8) was monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 18.7440(10) A, b = 10.3892(6) A, c = 23.8351(13) A, beta = 94.854(2) degrees, Z = 4. The compounds form an isoleptic series of seven-coordinate complexes with terminal chalcogenolate ligands. Examination of 1b and other crystallographically characterized lanthanide alkoxides suggests that there is little correlation between bond angle and bond length. The structures of 3a and 3b, however, contain molecules in which one of the pyrazolylborate ligands undergoes a major distortion arising from twisting around a B-N bond so as to give an effectively eight-coordinate complex with pi-stacking of the phenyl group with one pyrazolyl ring. These distortions shed light on the fluxionality of these systems.

LC and LC-MS-MS analyses of undeclared codeine in antiasthmatic Chinese proprietary medicine

This paper describes an accurate and sensitive reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for the detection and quantification of undeclared codeine in a Chinese Proprietary Medicine (CPM) for asthma. A rapid and specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method was applied to confirm the presence of codeine by selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Codeine was extracted from the capsules by dissolving in sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (10 mM, pH = 2.2) and ethanol, then made alkaline (pH = 9) and extracted using chloroform. The amount of codeine in AsthmaWan was found to be 61.8 microg/capsule (R.S.D. = 7.9%, n = 9). Excellent resolution was obtained despite the complexity of the product which claimed to contain at least nine herbal ingredients, none of which will give rise to codeine. As a further confirmation method, LC-MS-MS is accurate and specific. The LC method has been validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy and specificity. Greater awareness of and control over undeclared drugs in complementary medicine are necessary to ensure patients' safety.

Effect of speech processor program modifications on cochlear implant recipients' threshold and maximum acceptable loudness levels

This study's purpose was to determine whether or not modifications in speech processor electrical stimulation levels were associated with changes in five Nucleus 22 cochlear implant recipients' thresholds or maximum acceptable loudness levels (MALs). These modifications in minimum and maximum stimulation levels were made to optimize hearing in everyday life. One threshold and one MAL were obtained on each active electrode during six, weekly test sessions, three before and three after program modification. Only one participant had a significant change in threshold after program modification; this participant and four others had significant changes in MAL. Participants' threshold variability was the same, but MAL variability was higher than that observed in other studies. Because these participants had no experience making MAL judgments prior to this study, this result suggests that implant recipients should be given sufficient practice in making MAL judgments to provide a stable clinical estimate of the upper boundary of the electrical dynamic range.

Changes in sarcolemmal PLC isoenzymes in postinfarct congestive heart failure: partial correction by imidapril

We have examined the changes in quantity and activity of cardiac sarcolemmal (SL) phosphoinositide-phospholipase C (PLC)-beta(1), -gamma(1), and -delta(1) in a model of congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to large transmural myocardial infarction (MI). We also instituted a late in vivo monotherapy with imidapril, an ANG-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, to test the hypothesis that its therapeutic action is associated with the functional correction of PLC isoenzymes. SL membranes were purified from the surviving left ventricle of rats in a moderate stage of CHF at 8 wk after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. SL PLC isoenzymes were examined in terms of protein mass and hydrolytic activity. CHF resulted in a striking reduction (to 6-17% of controls) of the mass and activity of gamma(1)- and delta(1)-isoforms in combination with a significant increase of both PLC beta(1) parameters. In vivo treatment with imidapril (1 mg/kg body wt, daily, initiated 4 wk after coronary occlusion) improved the contractile function and induced a partial correction of PLCs. The mass of SL phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and the activities of the enzymes responsible for its synthesis were significantly reduced in post-MI CHF and partially corrected by imidapril. The results indicate that profound changes in the profile of heart SL PLC-beta(1), -gamma(1), and -delta(1) occur in CHF, which could alter the complex second messenger responses of these isoforms, whereas their partial correction by imidapril may be related to the mechanism of action of this ACE inhibitor.

Transplacement mutagenesis: a novel in situ mutagenesis system using phage-plasmid recombination

Site-specific mutagenesis provides the ability to alter DNA with precision so that the function of any given gene can be more fully understood. Several methods of in vitro mutagenesis are time-consuming and imprecise, requiring the subcloning and sequencing of products. Here we describe a rapid, high fidelity method of in situ mutagenesis in bacteriophage lambda using transplacement. Using this method, mutations are transferred from oligonucleotides to target phages using a plasmid interface. A small (50 bp) homology region bearing a centred point mutation is generated from oligonucleotides and subcloned into a transplacement plasmid bearing positive and negative phage selectable markers. Following a positive/negative selection cycle of integrative recombination and excision, the point mutation is transferred precisely from plasmid to phage in a subset ( approximately 25-50%) of recombinants. As the fidelity of both oligonucleotide synthesis and phage-plasmid recombination is great, this approach is extremely reliable. Using transplacement, point mutations can be accurately deposited within large phage clones and we demonstrate the utility of this technique in the construction of gene targeting vectors in bacteriophages.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of phospholipase A2 and fibrinolytic enzyme, two enzymes obtained from Chinese Agkistrodon blomhoffii Ussurensis venom

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was used to analyze two enzymes, phospholipase A2 and fibrinolytic enzyme isolated from Chinese Agkistrodon blomhoffii Ussurensis venom. Using sinapinic acid as the matrix, positive ion mass spectra of the enzymes were obtained. In addition to the dominant protein [M + H]+ ions, multimeric and multiply charged ions were also observed in the mass spectra. The higher the concentration of the enzymes, the more multiply charged polymer and multimeric ions were detected. Our results indicate that MALDI-TOFMS can provide a rapid and accurate method for molecular weight determination of snake venom enzymes. Mass accuracies of 0.1 and 0.3% were achieved by analysis of highly dialyzed phospholipase A2 and fibrinolytic enzyme, and these results are much better than those obtained using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. MALDI-TOFMS thus provides a reliable method to determine the purity and molecular weight of these enzymes, which are of potential use as therapeutants.

Enzymatic conversion of glucose to UDP-4-keto-6-deoxyglucose in Streptomyces spp

All of the 2,6-dideoxy sugars contained within the structure of chromomycin A3 are derived from D-glucose. Enzyme assays were used to confirm the presence of hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, UDPG pyrophosphorylase (UDPGP), and UDPG oxidoreductase (UDPGO), all of which are involved in the pathway of glucose activation and conversion into 2,6-dideoxyhexoses during chromomycin biosynthesis. Levels of the four enzymes in Streptomyces spp. cell extracts were correlated with the production of chromomycins. The pathway of sugar activation in Streptomyces spp. involves glucose 6-phosphorylation by hexokinase, isomerization to G-1-P catalyzed by phosphoglucomutase, synthesis of UDPG catalyzed by UDPGP, and formation of UDP-4-keto-6-deoxyglucose by UDPGO.

Follow-up of relapsed B-cell lymphoma patients treated with iodine-131-labeled anti-CD20 antibody and autologous stem-cell rescue

PURPOSE

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a promising treatment approach for B-cell lymphomas. This is our first opportunity to report long-term follow-up data and late toxicities in 29 patients treated with myeloablative doses of iodine-131-anti-CD20 antibody (anti-B1) and autologous stem-cell rescue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Trace-labeled biodistribution studies first determined the ability to deliver higher absorbed radiation doses to tumor sites than to lung, liver, or kidney at varying amounts of anti-B1 protein (0.35, 1.7, or 7 mg/kg). Twenty-nine patients received therapeutic infusions of single-agent (131)I-anti-B1, given at the protein dose found optimal in the biodistribution study, labeled with amounts of (131)I (280 to 785 mCi [10.4 to 29.0 GBq]) calculated to deliver specific absorbed radiation doses to the normal organs, followed by autologous stem-cell support.

RESULTS

Major responses occurred in 25 patients (86%), with 23 complete responses (CRs; 79%). The nonhematopoietic dose-limiting toxicity was reversible cardiopulmonary insufficiency, which occurred in two patients at RIT doses that delivered > or = 27 Gy to the lungs. With a median follow-up time of 42 months, the estimated overall and progression-free survival rates are 68% and 42%, respectively. Currently, 14 of 29 patients remain in unmaintained remissions that range from 27+ to 87+ months after RIT. Late toxicities have been uncommon except for elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels found in approximately 60% of the subjects. Two patients developed second malignancies, but none have developed myelodysplasia (MDS).

CONCLUSION

Myeloablative (131)I-anti-B1 RIT is relatively well tolerated when given with autologous stem-cell support and often results in prolonged remission durations with few late toxicities.

Role of the 3'-untranslated region of RPE65 mRNA in the translational regulation of the RPE65 gene: identification of a specific translation inhibitory element

Previously, we demonstrated that explanted bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells lose RPE65 protein, a major microsomal protein specific to RPE, while the RPE65 mRNA remains, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of RPE65 expression in vitro. Accordingly, we analyze here the effect of the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of RPE65 mRNA on translational efficiency using in vitro translation systems. We compared the levels of translation products and mRNA stability among RPE65 transcripts containing deletions of the 5'- and 3'-UTRs. First, the 5'-UTR does not affect translational efficiency. However, the 3'-UTR does influence translation efficiency. A putative translation inhibitory element (TIE) is contained within the 170-nucleotide (nt) sequence downstream of the stop codon. There is also a weak destabilizing effect that is associated with the region 3' to the putative TIE. But the effect of this is much less than that of the TIE. This TIE, however, does not inhibit translation of the heterologous chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene, suggesting that a specific interaction with the upstream RPE65 coding sequence, or its product, may be required. Thus, the posttranscriptional regulation of RPE65 mRNA expression observed in cultured RPE may be via a mechanism of translational inhibition.

Thermal analysis of bones from ovariectomized rats

Thermal analyses [thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA)], X-ray diffraction, and infrared absorption analysis of bones from ovariectomized rats were carried out. The rats were divided into five groups: sham operated (Sham); ovariectomized (OVX); OVX given traditional Chinese (Kampo) medicine, Unkei-to; OVX given 17 beta-estradiol; and OVX given the estradiol vehicle, respectively. The activation energy (delta E), a kinetic parameter from TG data of OVX rats, increased by 57% from that in Sham rats. The administration of Unkei-to and 17 beta-estradiol to OVX rats clearly restored the delta E to the levels of Sham rats, while the vehicle for 17 beta-estradiol had no effect. DTA data from thermal analyses of rats from the Sham, OVX, and OVX given various compounds were almost the same except for OVX rats given 17 beta-estradiol. The X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared absorption spectrum of bone powders from Sham rats were not different from those of OVX rats or others. These results strongly suggest that kinetic parameter, delta E calculated from TG data, may be a useful method for assessing both experimentally induced osteoporosis and drug effects on it.

Phospholipase A2-mediated activation of phospholipase D in rat heart sarcolemma

The effect of phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-dependent release of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) on phospholipase D (PLD) function was examined in purified sarcolemmal (SL) membranes isolated from rat heart. PLD hydrolytic activity was determined by measuring either [14C] phosphatidic acid formation from exogenous [14C] phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) or [3H] choline release from prelabelled SL Ptd[3H]choline. SL membranes with endogenous [3H] PtdCho that were prelabelled with [3H] myristic acid were used for testing PLD transphosphatidylation activity. Exogenous cis-unsaturated FA, arachidonate and oleate, significantly enhanced the [3H] choline formation at 50 and 100 microM, respectively; their effect was maximal at 250 microM and declined at higher concentrations. Use of melittin (which stimulates membrane-bound PLA2, thus releasing FA) or exogenous PLA2 reproduced the stimulatory effect of added arachidonate and oleate. Under melittin, PLA2-dependent FA release was strongly correlated (r = 0.99) to the PLD-dependent phosphatidic acid formation. Arachidonate- or melittin-enhanced PLD transphosphatidylation activity confirmed the augmented catalytic rate of PLD by these agents. Melittin-evoked PLD activation was completely blocked by 1 microM E-6-(bromomethylene) tetrahydro-3-(1-naphthalenyl)-2H-pyran-2-one, a selective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-independent v Ca(2-)-dependent PLA2, thus indicating that PLD stimulation under melittin occurred via PLA2. Activity measurement and Western blotting studies revealed the presence of a Ca(2+)-independent, high molecular weight (110 kDa) PLA2 in the SL membrane, and its immunoprecipitation by monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the melittin-related PLD stimulation. These results suggest that Ca(2+)-independent PLA2 and subsequent endogenous mobilization of sn-2 unsaturated FA modulate PLD activity in heart SL membranes. This event may occur in physiological conditions via hormonal stimulation of membranal PLA2 as well as in heart diseases characterized by PLA2 pathological dysfunction.

Cochlear implantation in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta and otospongiosis

PURPOSE

We describe the findings in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta (van der Hoeve syndrome) with otospongiosis who received Nucleus 22-channel (Cochlear Pty, Limited, Australia) cochlear implantation. Cochlear implantation in cases of osteogenesis imperfecta with otospongiosis appears to be extremely rare. The syndrome itself and otospongiosis are both associated with debilitating hearing impairment.

METHODS

A female patient who had a triad of brittle bones, blue sclera, and hearing impairment and underwent cochlear implantation was selected for this study.

RESULTS

During surgery, otospongiotic feature of hypervascular, reddish middle-ear mucosa was found. While performing cochleostomy, very soft and brittle cochlear bone was noted, which may be the effect of both osteogenesis imperfecta and otospongiosis.

CONCLUSION

Although cochlear implantation is not always indicated in cases such as described herein, these patients with profound deafness may benefit from it.

Optimization of speech processor fitting strategies for Chinese-speaking cochlear implantees

OBJECTIVES

To compare speech recognition performance in Chinese-speaking cochlear implant patients with a speech processor program selected by the clinical audiologist in Taiwan and with a new speech processor program based on the Washington University clinical procedure developed by Skinner et al.

STUDY DESIGN

Six adult Chinese-speaking patients implanted with the Nucleus cochlear implant system participated in this study.

METHODS

A fitting procedure developed in 1995 by Skinner et al. at Washington University School of Medicine was used to create a new speech processor program to optimize each patient's hearing in everyday life. Speech tests (vowels, consonants, tones, and words), sound-field thresholds, and a self-report questionnaire were used to evaluate each patient's performance with his or her previous speech processor program and a new one.

RESULTS

Four of the six patients had significant changes from the previous to the new speech processor program. These changes were associated with improvement in score on at least one speech test, more sensitive sound field thresholds, and reported improvement in some everyday listening situations on the questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that use of this procedure with adult cochlear implantees may improve benefit in everyday life. Analysis of the speech test stimuli and patients' responses provides a basis for modification or creation of new Mandarin Chinese speech tests for preoperative and postoperative evaluation of adult cochlear implant patients.

[Synthesis and biological activity of substance P analogs]

Substance P (SP) and its three analogs were synthesized through solid-phase procedure. The fully-protected peptide-resin was cleaved with anhydrous HF.--SH of Cys in [Cys5,9] SP(4-11) was protected with Acm, then deprotected through Iodine oxidation method, the disulfide bridge cyclization was formed subsequently. The crude product was purified on C18 RP-HPLC. The results of guinea-pig isolated ileum test (GPI) showed that the potency of the analogs was as follows: [AcGln5, Pro9] SP(5-11) > SP > SP(4-11) > [Cys5,9] SP(4-11). They induced GPI to contract very fast and showed the characteristics of tachykinin. On the writing test in mice, the results showed: [Cys5,9] SP(4-11) > SP > SP(4-11) > [AcGln5, Pro9] SP(5-11). The biological tests showed that the SP analogs have some extent of selectivity.

Modification of heart sarcolemmal phosphoinositide pathway by lysophosphatidylcholine

Although lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PtdCho) accumulates in the sarcolemmal (SL) membrane and alters its function during myocardial ischemia and diabetic cardiomyopathy, the effects of lyso-PtdCho on SL signalling processes have not yet been investigated. The present study was carried out to examine the actions of lyso-PtdCho on the rat heart SL membrane enzymes involved in the phosphoinositide pathway. Different lyso-PtdCho species (10 to 200 microM) inhibited the activities of both phosphatidylinositol kinase and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate kinase in the SL membrane in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory potency of lyso-PtdCho compounds for phosphatidylinositol kinase was lyso-PtdCho plasmalogen > 1-oleoyl-lyso-PtdCho > 1-stearoyl-lyso-PtdCho > 1-palmitoyl-lyso-PtdCho, and that for phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate kinase was lyso-PtdCho plasmalogen > 1-oleoyl-lyso-PtdCho > 1-palmitoyl-lyso-PtdCho > 1-stearoyl-lyso-PtdCho. The inhibitory effect of lyso-PtdCho on phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate kinase was greater than that on phosphatidylinositol kinase. Lyso-PtdCho structural analogues, such as phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, L-alpha-glycerophosphate, oleate and phosphorylcholine, did not affect the phosphoinositide kinases, suggesting that the intact structure of lyso-PtdCho was required for the inhibition of the kinases. The detrimental action of lyso-PtdCho on PtdIns kinase was potentiated by acidosis. Unlike Ca2+, ATP (0.1 and 4 mM) increased lyso-PtdCho-induced deactivation of the kinases. Both enzyme activities were found to be depressed in the ischemic-reperfused or diabetic hearts. None of the tested lyso-PtdCho species altered phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) hydrolysis by SL phospholipase C. These results indicate that accumulation of lyso-PtdCho in the SL membrane under pathological conditions may diminish the availability of the PtdIns(4,5)P2 substrate for the production of second messengers by receptor-linked phospholipase C.

The potential for immunoconjugates in lymphoma therapy

Contemporary combination chemotherapy offers curative treatment for 30% to 50% of patients with advanced-stage, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). However, conventional therapies cure few patients with indolent lymphomas or relapsed lymphomas of any histology. Myeloablative chemoradiotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplantation can provide pro-longed disease-free survival for a minority (20% to 50%) of patients with relapsed NHL, but new treatment approaches are clearly needed. In recent years, several groups of investigators have provided preliminary evidence suggesting that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), in unmodified form or conjugated to toxins, drugs, or radioisotopes, may offer another effective therapeutic modality for patients with relapsed lymphomas. This article reviews current immunotherapy of NHL using antibody immunoconjugates.

Preventive effects of traditional Chinese (Kampo) medicines on experimental osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in rats

Preventive effects by traditional Chinese (Kampo) medicines, Unkei-to, Hachimi-jio-gan, and Juzen-taiho-to, on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats were investigated for a period of 49 days. The bone mineral density (BMD) of tibia in ovariectomized (OVX) rats decreased by 20% from those in sham-operated (Sham) rats, with the decrease completely inhibited by the administration of any one of these Kampo medicines or 17beta-estradiol. From scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses, the surface of a trabecular bone of tibia in OVX rats had a porous or erosive appearance, whereas that of the same bone in Sham rats was composed of fine particles. The administration of three Kampo medicines and 17beta-estradiol to OVX rats preserved the fine particle surface of the trabecular bone. These results strongly suggest that any of these three gynecological Kampo medicines is as effective as 17beta-estradiol in preventing the development of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.

Heparin-binding properties of selenium-containing thioredoxin reductase from HeLa cells and human lung adenocarcinoma cells

Mammalian selenocysteine-containing thioredoxin reductase (TR) isolated from HeLa cells and from human lung adenocarcinoma cells was separated into two major enzyme species by heparin-agarose affinity chromatography. The low-affinity enzyme forms that were not retained on heparin agarose showed strong crossreactivity in immunoblot assays with anti-rat liver TR polyclonal antibodies, whereas the high-affinity enzyme forms that were retained by the heparin column were not detected. Both low and high heparin-affinity enzyme forms contained FAD, were indistinguishable on SDS/PAGE analysis, and exhibited similar catalytic activities in the NADPH-dependent DTNB [5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate)] assay. The C-terminal amino acid sequences of 75Se-labeled tryptic peptides from lung adenocarcinoma low- and high heparin-affinity enzyme forms were identical to the predicted C-terminal sequence of human placental TR. These two determined peptide sequences were -Ser-Gly-Ala-Ser-Ile-Leu-Gln-Ala-Gly-Cys-Secys-(Gly). Occurrence of the Se-carboxymethyl derivative of radioactive selenocysteine in the position corresponding to TGA in the gene confirmed that UGA is translated as selenocysteine. The presence of cysteine followed by a reactive selenocysteine residue in this C-terminal region of the protein may explain some of the unusual properties of the mammalian TRs.

Selenophosphate synthetase: enzyme labeling studies with [gamma-32P]ATP, [beta-32P]ATP, [8-14C]ATP, and [75Se]selenide

Selenophosphate synthetase catalyzes a reaction in which ATP and selenide are converted to H3SeP03, H3P04, and AMP in a 1:1:1 ratio. Selenophosphate is derived from the gamma phosphoryl group and orthophosphate from the beta phosphoryl group of ATP. In the absence of selenide, a slow reaction in which ATP is converted quantitatively to 2 H3P04 and AMP occurs. Labeling experiments carried out to detect a putative enzyme-bound pyrophosphate intermediate in the overall reaction showed that up to 0.6 equivalent of the 32P label from [gamma-32P]ATP was bound to protein under enzyme turnover conditions, but only a negligible amount of 32P from [beta-32P]ATP was present. Thus, no Enz-PP intermediate was present in a detectable amount under the experimental conditions used. Isolated enzyme samples contained 75Se from 75Se-labeled selenide and [14C]AMP from [8-14C]ATP in amounts similar to the bound 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP, suggesting that two of the final products, selenophosphate and AMP, were the radioactive compounds detected in these experiments.

Anthraquinones in Rheum palmatum and Rumex dentatus (Polygonaceae), and phorbol esters in Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) with molluscicidal activity against the schistosome vector snails Oncomelania, Biomphalaria and Bulinus

Hot water extracts of Rheum plamatum and Rheum dentatus (from China) showed molluscicidal activity against the snails Oncomelania hupensis, Biomphalaria glabrata and Bulinus globosus, which are vectors of Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Activity was correlated with antraquinones which were identified by HPLC: rhein and chrysophanol-anthron were most active (> 50% dead snails after 2 days in a 0.03% solution). Molluscicidal activity was intermediate with Rheum-emodin and physcion and was not detectable with cinnamic acid or Aloe-emodin. The snail O. hupensis tended to be more sensitive for several compounds than B. glabrata. Extracts of Jatropha curcas seeds (from Mali) showed molluscicidal activity against both B. glabrata and O. hupensis, the latter being the more sensitive snail. The activity was associated with phorbol esters extracted from Jatropha oil. Of the pure phorbol esters tested, 4 beta-phorbol-13-decanoate killed both snail species at a concentration of 0.001% (10 p.p.m). As Jatropha is locally grown in Mali for other purposes, it might potentially be exploited for schistosomiasis control.

A non-radioactive and two radioactive assays for selenophosphate synthetase activity

Selenophosphate synthetase catalyzes the formation of monoselenophosphate (SePO3(3-)) from ATP and selenide (reaction 1). [formula: see text] In one assay frequently used, [8-14C]AMP formation from [8-14C]ATP is estimated after separation of the nucleotides by thinlayer chromatography. An alternative non-radioactive assay in which the AMP product is estimated using AMP deaminase is described. The highly oxygen-labile selenophosphate product can be estimated in an assay employing [gamma-32P]ATP. The 32P-labeled selenophosphate is converted to [32P]orthophosphate by treatment with iodine and estimated after removal of residual [32P]ATP on charcoal.

Evaluation of a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich-ELISA for detection of circulating Schistosoma japonicum antigen (Sj31/32) in an endemic area of China

A sandwich-ELISA specific for 31/32 kDa schistosome proteins was used to trace infections in a Chinese population living in a low endemicity area for schistosomiasis japonica. The study population included 304 persons for whom records were available from 1992 onwards. In 1994, 2 individuals were positive in the miracidial hatching assay performed with 30 g of stools. The ELISA gave positive results for 8 individuals, including these 2 with active infections. Of the remaining 6 ELISA-positive, 5 had excreted eggs and received praziquantel in 1993 and may have harboured residual worms in 1994. It is concluded that this ELISA is able, in a low prevalence situation, to identify the few infected individuals.

Purification and cloning of a thermostable xylose (glucose) isomerase with an acidic pH optimum from Thermoanaerobacterium strain JW/SL-YS 489

An unusual xylose isomerase produced by Thermoanaerobacterium strain JW/SL-YS 489 was purified 28-fold to gel electrophoretic homogeneity, and the biochemical properties were determined. Its pH optimum distinguishes this enzyme from all other previously described xylose isomerases. The purified enzyme had maximal activity at pH 6.4 (60 degrees C) or pH 6.8 (80 degrees C) in a 30-min assay, an isoelectric point at 4.7, and an estimated native molecular mass of 200 kDa, with four identical subunits of 50 kDa. Like other xylose isomerases, this enzyme required Mn2+, Co2+, or Mg2+ for thermal stability (stable for 1 h at 82 degrees C in the absence of substrate) and isomerase activity, and it preferred xylose as a substrate. The gene encoding the xylose isomerase was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the complete nucleotide sequence was determined. Analysis of the sequence revealed an open reading frame of 1,317 bp that encoded a protein of 439 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 50 kDa. The biochemical properties of the cloned enzyme were the same as those of the native enzyme. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with sequences of other xylose isomerases in the database showed that the enzyme had 98% homology with a xylose isomerase from a closely related bacterium, Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum B6A-RI. In fact, only seven amino acid differences were detected between the two sequences, and the biochemical properties of the two enzymes, except for the pH optimum, are quite similar. Both enzymes had a temperature optimum at 80 degrees C, very similar isoelectric points (pH 4.7 for strain JW/SL-YS 489 and pH 4.8 for T. saccharolyticum B6A-RI), and slightly different thermostabilities (stable for 1 h at 80 and 85 degrees C, respectively). The obvious difference was the pH optimum (6.4 to 6.8 and 7.0 to 7.5, respectively). The fact that the pH optimum of the enzyme from strain JW/SL-YS 489 was the property that differed significantly from the T. saccharolyticum B6A-RI xylose isomerase suggested that one or more of the observed amino acid changes was responsible for this observed difference.

Alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in the mammalian cochlea

The presence of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in the mammalian cochlea has previously been suggested by physiological experiments using antagonists specific to the receptor. However, the characteristics of adrenergic receptors in the cochlea have not been described. By employing [3H]-prazosin, high affinity, specific binding sites with characteristics of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors have now been identified and characterized in the chinchilla cochlea. Analysis of the specific [3H]-prazosin binding indicates that prazosin binds to a single class of high-affinity sites with a dissociation constant, kd, of 2.9 x 10(-9) M and a maximum number of binding sites, Bmax, of 30 fmol/mg dry tissue. Furthermore, the binding characteristics suggest that these receptors may be related to the microvasculature of the cochlea. These results provide a rational basis for the observed actions of alpha-adrenergic drugs on the auditory system.

Effects of a rhubarb (Rhei rhizoma) solution and its fractions on the formation of calcium phosphate precipitates

Inhibitory effects of a rhubarb (Rhei rhizoma) solution and its fractions on the formation of calcium phosphate precipitates were studied. The rhubarb solution inhibited both the amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) formation and the rate of hydroxyapatite (HAP) transformation, and extended the induction time. When the solution was fractionated using membrane filters, a filtrate with the molecular weight between 3 and 10 kDa (with 2/3 recovery of polyphenols) was found to be responsible for both the ACP formation and the extension of the induction time. Another filtrate with the molecular weight below 3 kDa (with 1/3 recovery of polyphenols) may be responsible for the inhibition of both the ACP formation and the rate of HAP transformation, and the extension of the induction time. When the extract of rhubarb was fractionated using a Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, fraction IV greatly inhibited the formation of calcium phosphate precipitates, while fractions I, II and III slightly inhibited that reaction. Our finding suggests that fraction IV may contain useful substance(s) for the prevention of oral calcium phosphate precipitation (calculus formation). However, strong calcium chelating properties would limit the concentration that could be safely employed.

Kinetics of myocardial phospholipase D

Myocardial phospholipase D (PLD) is located in different subcellular membranes, including sarcolemma (SL) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this study, the kinetics of PLD-dependent hydrolytic and transphosphatidylation activities were examined in SL and SR fractions isolated from rat heart by measuring the formation of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylethanol, respectively. The results showed that, compared to SR PLD, SL PLD had a higher Vmax, i.e. 373 vs. 70 nmol/mg protein/h for the hydrolytic activity and 415 vs. 60 nmol/mg protein/h for the transphosphatidylation activity. In comparison with the SR enzyme, SL PLD had a lower Km value for the hydrolytic activity (0.46 vs. 0.65 mM), buy a higher Km for the transphosphatidylation activity (225 vs. 179 mM). These distinctive kinetic parameters suggest that SL PLD and SR PLD may be isoforms of the enzyme and/or have different membrane domain. Therefore, SL- and SR-localized PLD activities may be under independent control mechanism(s) and play distinct roles in normal conditions and pathological processes.

The transphosphatidylation activity of phospholipase D

Transphosphatidylation activity is a characteristic and remarkable property of phospholipase D (PLD) and has been studied in plants and mammalian tissues. This reaction is often used to confirm the properties and/or abnormalities of PLD activity. The mechanism for activating PLD transphosphatidylation seems multiple. Although significant changes of transphosphatidylation activity have been found in some pathological animal models, the biological significance of PLD transphosphatidylation remains largely unknown.

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene encoding a large S-layer-associated endoxylanase from Thermoanaerobacterium sp. strain JW/SL-YS 485 in Escherichia coli

The gene (xynA) encoding a surface-exposed, S-layer-associated endoxylanase from Thermoanaerobacterium sp. strain JW/SL-YS 485 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. A 3.8-kb fragment was amplified from chromosomal DNA by using primers directed against conserved sequences of endoxylanases isolated from other thermophilic bacteria. This PCR product was used as a probe in Southern hybridizations to identify a 4.6-kb EcoRI fragment containing the complete xynA gene. This fragment was cloned into E. coli, and recombinant clones expressed significant levels of xylanase activity. The purified recombinant protein had an estimated molecular mass (150 kDa), temperature maximum (80 degrees C), pH optimum (pH 6.3), and isoelectric point (pH 4.5) that were similar to those of the endoxylanase isolated from strain JW/SL-YS 485. The entire insert was sequenced and analysis revealed a 4,044-bp open reading frame encoding a protein containing 1,348 amino acid residues (estimated molecular mass of 148 kDa).xynA was preceded by a putative promoter at -35 (TTAAT) and -10 (TATATT) and a potential ribosome binding site (AGGGAG) and was expressed constitutively in E. coli. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 30 to 96% similarity to sequences of family F beta-glycanases. A putative 32-amino-acid signal peptide was identified, and the C-terminal end of the protein contained three repeating sequences 59, 64, and 57 amino acids) that showed 46 to 68% similarity to repeating sequences at the N-terminal end of S-layer and S-layer-associated proteins from other gram-positive bacteria. These repeats could permit an interaction of the enzyme with the S-layer and tether it to the cell surface.

Inhibitory effects of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate and Chinese traditional (kampo) medicines on calcification of the heart and tongue in DBA/2NCrj mice

The effects of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) and two Chinese traditional (Kampo) medicines, Dai-saiko-to and Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to on spontaneous soft tissue (heart and tongue) mineralization in DBA/2NCrj mice were studied. These agents were given orally for 4 weeks to DBA/2NCrj mice. After 2 weeks of administration in the heart, 0.006 and 0.03% (w/v) HEBP decreased calcium content by 90 and 30%, respectively, while 0.27 and 2.7 mg/ml Dai-saiko-to reduced calcium content by 30 and 45%, respectively. Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to (0.27 mg/ml) reduced both calcium and phosphorus content by 50 and 35%, respectively. However, their inhibitory effects on the heart were not observed after 4 weeks of administration. The compounds delayed the onset of increases of bulk calcium and phosphorus content. In the tongue, at 4 weeks, 0.006 and 0.03% (w/v) HEBP reduced calcium content by 30 and 45%, respectively, while two Kampo medicines (at both concentrations used) significantly reduced the content of calcium (by 27-79%) and phosphorus (by 24-32%). These results strongly suggest that two Kampo medicines as well as HEBP may be useful in preventing and curing soft tissue calcification.

Nucleus 22-channel cochlear mini-system implantations in Mandarin-speaking patients

This article evaluates the benefits of the Mini System of the Nucleus 22-Channel Cochlear Implant on the speech perception and auditory functions of Mandarin-speaking patients. Tests adapted specifically for the assessment of a tonal language were administered in the best-aided condition preoperatively to four Mandarin-speakers. These scores were compared postoperatively with implant alone or with lipreading scores to quantify speech perception and auditory improvements resulting from the Nucleus 22 Mini-System cochlear implant. Four postlingually deafened adults underwent cochlear implant surgery using a Nucleus 22-Channel Mini-System Device via an inverted "U" postauricular incision and the posterior tympanotomy approach, without complications. After up to 2 years of rehabilitation, all four patients exhibited continuous improvement in both speech perception and auditory abilities over time. The improvements made by our Mandarin-speaking patients are comparable to studies on Western-language-speaking patients implanted with the same device, indicating that the Nucleus 22 Mini System enables profoundly and totally deaf patients to distinguish between the four separate tones present in Mandarin Chinese.

Simultaneous in vivo comparison of two-versus three-wavelength mixed venous (Svo2) oximetry catheters

OBJECTIVE

Venous oximetry catheters provide useful realtime information about mixed venous hemoglobin saturation (Svo2). Currently available systems utilize either two or three wavelengths of light to obtain these measurements. Previous animal and clinical studies have attempted to compare the accuracy of these two devices under similar circumstances. However, the relative accuracy of the two-wavelength versus three-wavelength systems has never been assessed under identical conditions. For this purpose, we designed an animal model for simultaneous measurement of Svo2, over a wide range of physiologic and pathologic states.

METHODS

Seven anesthetized swine underwent simultaneous placement of two- and three-wavelength catheters. Paired data points consisted of values obtained from a reference oximeter and from each of the catheters. Observations were obtained every 15 min during the following manipulations: (1) eucarbic hypoxia induced by reducing FiO2 to 0.18, 0.15, and 0.12 for 15 min each; (2) stimulated surgical manipulation; and (3) hypovolemic shock produced by hemorrhage to a mean arterial pressure of 50 torr for 1 hr. Data were analyzed by calculation of mean error (bias) and precision for each system in comparison with the oximeter.

RESULTS

The overall error of the two-wavelength system was +0.15%, with a precision of +/- 2.52%. The three-wavelength system had an overall error of +3.71%, with a precision of +/- 2.30%. Overall correlation between catheter Svo2 and oximeter values was the same for both devices (r = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Both currently available in vivo spectrophotometric systems are capable of producing satisfactory results over wide ranges of Svo2. In contradistinction to older reports, we found that the two-wavelength Svo2 system produced results equivalent to those obtained from the three-wavelength device. In this regard, there is no detectable advantage in accuracy to measuring in vivo Svo2 with three rather than with two wavelengths.

Tone perception of Mandarin-speaking postlingually deaf implantees using the Nucleus 22-Channel Cochlear Mini System

Because Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, testing the patient's ability to distinguish among four tones is of paramount importance. This paper evaluates the efficacy of the Nucleus 22-Channel Mini System for Mandarin Chinese by comparing the postoperative tone perception test results with the results of the closed-set monosyllable, trochee, and spondee (MTS) test, and the open-set phonetically balanced (PB) word and sentence comprehension tests, which also incorporate tonal features, for eight Mandarin-speaking postlingually deaf patients implanted with this device. Except for one patient, the data clearly indicate that patients who had increased scores on tone perception after implantation also had improvements on other test batteries. Results also substantiate our previous observation that the Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant enables profoundly and totally deaf patients to distinguish four separate tones in Mandarin Chinese. This would seem to support our earlier speculation that the acoustic cues of fundamental frequency of the four Mandarin tones are extracted by the Multipeak coding strategy of the 22-channel device and transferred to the cochlea, where they are perceived as rate pitch.

Correlative study on the expression of p53 and DNA ploidy in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

We used the flow cytometric immunoassay to study the correlation between the rumor-suppressor gene product p53- and the DNA ploidy in 30 de novo cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). The results showed that 15 cases were positive expression for p53. As compared with p53 negative (p53) cases, the patients with positive p53 (p53+) had higher percentage of bone marrow blasts and lower peripheral leukocyte and platelet counts, which had no influence on the complete remission rate. Before treatment, DNA diploidy was seen in 18 cases including 12 p53- cases, and DNA aneuploidy in 12 cases including 9 p53+. After therapy, aneuploidy could be transformed into diploidy. Patients with P53+ or having aneuploidy in complete remission were at risk for early relapse. We believe that p53 may be involved in the process of leukemogenesis and progression of ANLL.

The occurrence of silicon-containing particles in calcified lesions of DBA/2NCrj mice

The crystalline structure in calcified deposits of DBA/2 mice was analysed, because understanding this is essential in assessing the significance of this species as an animal model for spontaneous soft-tissue mineralization. In order to remove the thin soft tissue which covers the lesion, the samples were bombarded with an argon beam. The uncoated samples were analysed with an electron-probe microanalyser. The deposits were composed of a calcium phosphate material. At a higher magnification, smaller particles surrounding these large deposits were found. There were three types of particles: rod-shaped (calcium phosphate), polygonal (silicate) and round (about 1 microns dia).

Role of the liver-enriched transcription factor HNF-1 alpha in expression of the CYP2E1 gene

The role of the trans-acting factor HNF-1 alpha in activating CYP2E1 gene expression was confirmed by transient co-transfection of an HNF-1 alpha expression plasmid and the CYP2E1 promoter fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene. Only HNF-1 alpha, and not HNF-1 beta, HNF-4, C/EBP alpha, C/EBP beta, or DBP, was able to activate the CYP2E1 promoter. The extent of activation was proportional to the number of copies of the HNF-1 binding sequence upstream of the promoter. Removal or mutation of the HNF-1 binding sequence led to inactivation of the promoter in response to HNF-1 alpha. Gel-shift Western blot analysis using a synthetic HNF-1 binding sequence derived from CYP2E1 and rat liver nuclear extract revealed that the protein-DNA complex obtained with adult rat liver nuclear extract consisted of both HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta proteins. The shifted bands produced by nuclear extracts from adult, where the endogenous CYP2E1 gene is active, and fetal rat liver, where the gene is inactive, were found to migrate differently, suggesting that the population of factors, possibly including different ratios of HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta proteins, may change during development. However, the co-transfection study did not show cooperativity between the two factors. Elements upstream of the HNF-1 binding site were found to affect the activity of the promoter negatively in the transfection assay. DNase I hypersensitive site mapping revealed a hypersensitive site in this inhibiting element in the adult rat liver sample but not in liver from newborn animals.

Studies on the agronomic characteristics, yield, and saikosaponin content of two Bupleurum species in Taiwan

Two Bupleurum species (Bupleurums spp.), i.e., B. falcatum L. cv. Tainung No. 1 and B. kaoi Liu, Chao, et Chuang, were compared for their differences in seed germination, plant characteristics and root yield, and saikosaponin content. Experimental data showed that the most suitable temperature for seed germination of the two species was 16 degrees C. Two treatments, cold stratification at 4 degrees C for 8 weeks and presoaking by running water for 2 days, resulted in higher germination rates. Tainung No. 1 possessed a higher 1,000-seed weight than B. kaoi. However, field survival rate was higher for B. kaoi than for Tainung No.1. Results from field experiments also revealed that stem diameter, leaf width and fresh weight of various plant parts except the root were superior for Tainung No. 1 to B. kaoi. On the contrary, tiller number and root diameter and weight of B. kaoi were higher than those of Tainung No. 1. Harvest data and elevation had significant effects on the agronomic performance of the two Bupleurum spp. Measurements of most traits of the 6 month-old plants were superior to those of the 3 and 10 month-old plants. Cultivation at higher elevation (850 m) favored the development of leaf weight and root length, while cultivation at lower elevation (85 m) facilitated the development of plant height, root diameter, and root weight. Analysis of saikosaponin concentration in the root tissue revealed that average contents of 3.19 and 3.80 mg/g, respectively, for plants grown at the elevations of 850 m and 85 m. Comparison between the two species showed no significant difference in saikosaponin content, ranging from 3.45 to 3.55 mg/g.

The mutual sparing effects of selenium and vitamin E in animal nutrition may be further explained by the discovery that mammalian thioredoxin reductase is a selenoenzyme

The recent discovery that mammalian thioredoxin reductase is a selenoprotein furnishes an additional explanation of the mutual sparing roles of selenium and vitamin E in cellular antioxidant systems. Thioredoxin reductases isolated from human lung adenocarcinoma cells, human Jurkat T-cells and HeLa cells contain selenocysteine which is located in a C-terminal tripeptide, -Cys-SeCys-Gly.