Affinity capillary electrophoresis coupled with on-line microdialysis by attachable electrode

This paper developed a new affinity capillary electrophoresis method coupled with on-line microdialysis using attachable electrodes in order to study the interaction of biomacromolecules with their small molecule ligands in the desired physiological conditions. The sampling mechanism was discussed and the experimental conditions were optimized. The affinity constant of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was determined with homemade equipment. The method is simple and practical.

Effects of lime amendment on availability of heavy metals and maturation in sewage sludge composting

A batch composting study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of co-composting sewage sludge with lime, aiming at reducing the availability of heavy metals in the sludge compost. Sewage sludge with sawdust as bulking agent was amended with lime at 0, 0.63, 1.0, and 1.63% w/w, and composted for 100 days in laboratory batch reactors. The changes in temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and extractable heavy metal contents were measured while compost maturity was determined by C/N(organic) and cress seed germination during the composting period. Liming raised pH of compost effectively at the initial stage of composting and caused a decrease in EC through precipitation of soluble ions. Lime amendment also significantly reduced water-soluble and Diethylene triamine pentracetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metal contents. The maximum reductions were 60 and 40% for Cu, 80 and 40% for Mn, 55 and 10% for Zn, and 20 and 25% for Ni at the end of the composting period for the lime-amended sludge as compared to the control. In spite of the inhibitory effect of lime amendment on the decomposition activity of sewage sludge, all treatments reached maturation after 63 days of composting as indicated by the results of C/N(organic) ratio and cress seed germination test results. A lime amendment of < or =1.0% is recommended to co-compost with sewage sludge.

[The nail fold micro-circulation images edges detection based on wavelet transform]

In this paper, we discuss the application of wavelet transform to edges detection, classification and description. Then, according to the peculiarity of the nail fold micro-circulation images, dyadic wavelet transform is successfully applied to detect the edges and the Mallat algorithm is used in the wavelet decomposition.

Suppression of leu-500 mutation in topA+ Salmonella typhimurium strains. The promoter relay at work

Suppression of leu-500 mutation in Salmonella typhimurium topA- strains has been one of the most fascinating examples for the DNA supercoiling effect on transcription initiation control. Previous studies have indicated possible involvement of transcription-driven DNA supercoiling in the activation of the leu-500 promoter in topA- strains. Our recent studies have shown that ilvIH transcription activity located 1.9 kilobase pairs upstream is the initial supercoiling signal for leu-500 activation via a promoter relay mechanism. In the present communication, we show that the ilvIH transcription activity-initiated promoter relay can result in leu-500 activation in topA+ strains. In addition, suppression of the chromosomal leu-500 mutation correlates with the transcription activities of ilvIH and leuO rather than the TopA level in the topA+ strain. It appears that the leu-500 suppression in a topA- strain is due to the constant ilvIH transcription activity.

Phospholipase D activity is required for suppression of yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein defects

Yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) function is essential for production of Golgi-derived secretory vesicles, and this requirement is bypassed by mutations in at least seven genes. Analyses of such 'bypass Sec14p' mutants suggest that Sec14p acts to maintain an essential Golgi membrane diacylglycerol (DAG) pool that somehow acts to promote Golgi secretory function. SPO14 encodes the sole yeast phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-activated phospholipase D (PLD). PLD function, while essential for meiosis, is dispensable for vegetative growth. Herein, we report specific physiological circumstances under which an unanticipated requirement for PLD activity in yeast vegetative Golgi secretory function is revealed. This PLD involvement is essential in 'bypass Sec14p' mutants where normally Sec14p-dependent Golgi secretory reactions are occurring in a Sec14p-independent manner. PLD catalytic activity is necessary but not sufficient for 'bypass Sec14p', and yeast operating under 'bypass Sec14p' conditions are ethanol-sensitive. These data suggest that PLD supports 'bypass Sec14p' by generating a phosphatidic acid pool that is somehow utilized in supporting yeast Golgi secretory function.

The contribution of lipids and lipid metabolism to cellular functions of the Golgi complex

The history of the Golgi complex now reaches its 100 year anniversary. Over the past several decades, tremendous effort has gone into cataloguing Golgi resident proteins, measuring the lipid compositions of Golgi membranes, and in elucidating the pathways by which proteins and lipids traffic through this unique organelle. Only in the past 8 years or so has experimental scrutiny extended to the investigation of how lipids and proteins cooperate to endow the Golgi with its various capabilities regarding protein/lipid transport and sorting. In this chapter we review some of the most recent advances in deciphering the functional interfaces between lipids and proteins of the Golgi complex.

Novel developmentally regulated phosphoinositide binding proteins from soybean whose expression bypasses the requirement for an essential phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in yeast

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) have been shown to play important roles in regulating a number of signal transduction pathways that couple to vesicle trafficking reactions, phosphoinositide-driven receptor-mediated signaling cascades, and development. While yeast and metazoan PITPs have been analyzed in some detail, plant PITPs remain entirely uncharacterized. We report the identification and characterization of two soybean proteins, Ssh1p and Ssh2p, whose structural genes were recovered on the basis of their abilities to rescue the viability of PITP-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. We demonstrate that, while both Ssh1p and Ssh2p share approximately 25% primary sequence identity with yeast PITP, these proteins exhibit biochemical properties that diverge from those of the known PITPs. Ssh1p and Ssh2p represent high-affinity phosphoinositide binding proteins that are distinguished from each other both on the basis of their phospholipid binding specificities and by their substantially non-overlapping patterns of expression in the soybean plant. Finally, we show that Ssh1p is phosphorylated in response to various environmental stress conditions, including hyperosmotic stress. We suggest that Ssh1p may function as one component of a stress response pathway that serves to protect the adult plant from osmotic insult.

Intracellular calcium distribution in apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by harringtonine: intranuclear accumulation and regionalization

Harringtonine (HT), an anticancer drug with high chemotherapeutic efficiency to human chronic granulocytic/myelomonocytic leukemia, has been reported to rapidly induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells in a wide scope/range of dosage by investigators from our lab and others. In the present studies, by using video enhancement contrast (VEC) microscopy, we dynamically analyzed changes in intracellular calcium distribution in a single HL-60 cell over the period from the initiation of apoptosis to the obvious appearance of chromatin condensation. The results from this paper demonstrated the striking distinction of intracellular calcium distribution at different time points after treatment with HT. Before treatment in normal HL-60 cells the highest [Ca2+]i accumulation was observed in the peri-nuclear area and the lowest was observed in the nucleus; after treatment with 1 microg/ml HT for 30 min intracellular calcium diffused all over the cell compartments, while intranuclear calcium increased comparatively and significantly. The phenomenon of intranuclear calcium accumulation was further confirmed by using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). In addition, co-localization of the highest calcium region with condensed chromatin in apoptotic HL-60 cells was also observed by LSCM. Our results suggest that two sequential alterations of intracellular calcium distribution occurred in apoptotic HL-60 cells induced by HT, i.e. (a) accumulation of calcium in the nucleus and (b) regionalization in a specific nuclear region.

A promoter relay mechanism for sequential gene activation

The effect of DNA supercoiling on gene expression is dependent not only on specific genes but also on the sequence context of the genes. This position-dependent supercoiling effect on gene activation is best illustrated in the study of the suppression of the leu-500 mutation of the leuABCD operon in a Salmonella typhimurium topA mutant. In this communication, we report a novel promoter relay mechanism whereby several genes are sequentially expressed in a position-dependent manner: the ilvIH promoter (pilvIH) activates a cryptic leuO promoter (pleuO) located between the two divergently arrayed ilvIH and leu-500 promoters. Both the cis-acting pleuO activity and the trans-acting LeuO protein are necessary for subsequent activation of the leu-500 promoter (pleu-500). Furthermore, pleuO can be functionally replaced with the inducible tac promoter (ptac) for leu-500 activation, suggesting that transcription-driven DNA supercoiling underlies the relay mechanism. This is the first example of several related genes communicating via a promoter relay mechanism for their coordinated expression.

GFRalpha-2 and GFRalpha-3 are two new receptors for ligands of the GDNF family

The receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) consists of GFRalpha-1 and Ret. Neurturin is a GDNF-related neurotrophin whose receptor is presently unknown. Here we report that neurturin can bind to either GFRalpha-1 or GFRalpha-2, a novel receptor related to GFRalpha-1. Both GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2 mediate neurturin-induced Ret phosphorylation. GDNF can also bind to either GFRalpha-1 or GFRalpha-2, and activate Ret in the presence of either binding receptor. Although both ligands interact with both receptors, cells expressing GFRalpha-1 bind GDNF more efficiently than neurturin, while cells expressing GFRalpha-2 bind neurturin preferentially. Cross-linking and Ret activation data also suggest that while there is cross-talk, GFRalpha-1 is the primary receptor for GDNF and GFRalpha-2 exhibits a preference for neurturin. We have also cloned a cDNA that apparently codes for a third member of the GFRalpha receptor family. This putative receptor, designated GFRalpha-3, is closely related in amino acid sequence and is nearly identical in the spacing of its cysteine residues to both GFRalpha-1 and GFRalpha-2. Analysis of the tissue distribution of GFRalpha-1, GFRalpha-2, GFRalpha-3, and Ret by Northern blot reveals overlapping but distinct patterns of expression. Consistent with a role in GDNF function, the GFRalphas and Ret are expressed in many of the same tissues, suggesting that GFRalphas mediate the action of GDNF family ligands in vivo.

[Sequence of HLA-DQA1 promoter region in the Han people]

Polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 promoter region (QAP) in the Han people has been identified. The results revealed a number of differences, some of which are in the critical class II boxes, and generally conserved in HLA-DQA1 promoter region. The major differences occurred in the X box, Y box and S box. Within the X box, the Hans carry a A at position -111, instead of a G, and a G or a A can be present at position -98. Within the S box, the Hans carry a G at position -131. Within the Y box, position -71 is a A rather than a G. Some single base substitutions have been detected from IDDM patients at the 5'-flanking region of the S box and between X box and Y box. Particularly, the insertion of CCA bases has been identified at the position between -157 and -158 in a IDDM patient. These data suggest that the polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 promoter region may play a role in susceptibility to IDDM.

[Detection of flaviviruses by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with universal primer set]

For the purpose of early and rapid diagnosis of flavivirus infection, the universal primer set was selected on the NS1 gene. Another five different internal primers were selected on the NS1 genes of DEN1, 2, 3, 4 and JEV. With the universal primer set designed, the NS1 fragment about the size of 413 bp and with the five internal primers, the NS1 fragments about the sizes of 262 bp (DEN1), 189 bp (DEN2), 392 bp (DEN3), 97 bp (DEN4) and 323 bp (JEV) were amplified respectively. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify gene fragments of flaviviruses. cDNA of DEN1, 2, 3, 4 and JEV were successfully amplified with universal primer set and internal primers. Sera from 78 patients with dengue fever were assayed by nested PCR, DEN1 was detected from 18 of the 40 patients' sera and DEN2 was detected from 48 patients' sera. Sera from 42 patients with Japanese encephalitis were also assayed by nested PCR, JEV was detected from 35 of the 42 patients' sera. By nested PCR, we completed identification of flaviviruses within 2 days. The results showed that this method has the potential value in rapid clinical diagnosis of flavivirus infection.

Cyclosporine inhibited calcium-mediated apoptosis of HL-60 cells

AIM

To study the effects of cyclosporine (Cyc) on apoptosis of HL-60 cells.

METHODS

Apoptotic cells induced by harringtonine (Har), camptothecin (Cam), or calcimycin (Cal), thapsigargin (Tha) were identified with DNA electrophoresis, morphology, and flow cytometry. Relative [Ca2+]i alteration of apoptotic HL-60 cells were determined with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Cal 1 mg.L-1 or Tha 0.5 mg.L-1 induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells. This effect was inhibited by nontoxic concentration of Cyc 1 mg.L-1. Cyc did not inhibit Har- or Cam-induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells. Both Cal and Tha increased intracellular calcium, whereas Har or Cam did not.

CONCLUSION

Cyc inhibited apoptosis only induced by calcium increasement in HL-60 cells. The mechanism of apoptosis induced by Cal or Tha was different from that by Har or Cam.

Kes1p shares homology with human oxysterol binding protein and participates in a novel regulatory pathway for yeast Golgi-derived transport vesicle biogenesis

The yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) is required for biogenesis of Golgi-derived transport vesicles and cell viability, and this essential Sec14p requirement is abrogated by inactivation of the CDP-choline pathway for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. These findings indicate that Sec14p functions to alleviate a CDP-choline pathway-mediated toxicity to yeast Golgi secretory function. We now report that this toxicity is manifested through the action of yeast Kes1p, a polypeptide that shares homology with the ligand-binding domain of human oxysterol binding protein (OSBP). Identification of Kes1p as a negative effector for Golgi function provides the first direct insight into the biological role of any member of the OSBP family, and describes a novel pathway for the regulation of Golgi-derived transport vesicle biogenesis.

Alteration of the pharmacokinetics of small proteins by iodination

The pharmacokinetics of several proteins were investigated using two different assays. A 23 kDa recombinant protein fragment of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI23) was radiolabeled with 125I using Iodo-beads and administered rats. Plasma samples were collected and assayed for 125I-rBPI23 by radioactivity. In a separate experiment, rBPI23 was administered to rats and plasma samples were assayed for rBPI23 by ELISA. The clearance determined from plasma concentrations of 125I-rBPI23 measured by radioactivity was about 2.5-fold lower than that of rBPI23 determined by ELISA. In addition, the steady state volumes of distribution and mean residence times of 125I-rBPI23 measured by radioactivity were four-fold and 10-fold greater, respectively, compared to those measured by the ELISA method. By studying several proteins with a range of molecular weights, we found that the pharmacokinetics of proteins below about 60 kDa were different when assayed by radioactivity or ELISA, but those of proteins with molecular weights of at least 80 kDA revealed only minor differences. To determine which assay method yielded the correct plasma pharmacokinetic profile, rBPI23 was metabolically labeled with 35S-methionine and administered to rats, and plasma samples were assayed by radioactivity. The concentration-time profile assessed by this method was very close to that determined by ELISA. Exposing rBPI23 to chloramine-T (the oxidant used in the iodination process) and measuring its plasma concentration by ELISA revealed pharmacokinetics similar to those of the iodinated protein measured by radioactivity. In contrast, radiolabeling rBPI23 using iodinated Bolton-Hunter reagent (which avoids exposing the protein to oxidant), and measuring 125I-rBPI23 by radioactivity, yielded pharmacokinetics that were similar, although not identical, to the pharmacokinetics of rBPI23 measured by ELISA. Thus, our data suggest that directly iodinating low-molecular-weight proteins by oxidation procedures alters their clearance from the blood, preventing reliable determination of pharmacokinetic parameters.

[Location of the surface protein antigen I/II on Mutans Streptococci with immunogold electron microscope]

Mutans Streptococci possess a number of surface protein antigens. The surface protein antigen I/II with a molecular mass of 190,000 is considered to play an important role in the initial attachment to tooth surface. The antigen is highly immunogenic and has been successfully used as a vaccine against dental caries. The object of this study is to locate the surface protein antigen I/II of Mutans Streptococci with immunogold electron microscope. The results suggest that (1) antigen I/II locate on the cell wall surface of serotype c, e, f; (2) antigen I/II locate on the "fuzz coat" of the cell wall of serotype d, g; (3) some antigen I/II locate at the surface of cell wall of serotype a; (4) antigen I/II are absent on the cell wall surface of serotype b strain.

Correlation between expression of mdr-1 gene and oncogenes in human promyelocytic leukemic HL60 cell line and sublines

AIM

To study the relationship between expression of oncogenes and multiple drug resistant (MDR) phenotype.

METHODS

The drug resistant level of HL60 cell line and its sublines were determined with flow cytometry. RNA Dot blot hybridization was used to identify the expression of oncogenes and mdr-1 gene.

RESULTS

The expression of mdr-1 gene was in the opposite relation with c-myc expression, but in the positive relation with c-H-ras gene expression in the multiple drug resistant cell lines. In non-MDR cell line HL60/RA, the expression levels of mdr-1, c-myc, and c-H-ras were the same as HL60 parental cells.

CONCLUSION

Multiple drug resistance is related to not only mdr-1 expression, but also some oncogenes expression level.

[Apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by Harringtonine: membrane blebs, nucleus blebs and chromatin condensation]

Using Video Enhancement Contrast (VEC) microscopy, we recorded the morphological changes of same HL-60 cell in the processes of apoptosis induced by harringtonine. Our results show that all of apoptotic cells need several nucleus blebs before their chromatin condensation. Every nucleus bleb is induced by a relative membrane bleb. The number of membrane blebs is much higher than that of nucleus blebs, so there are only some of membrane blebs which can induce nucleus blebs. It suggested that membrane and nucleus blebs probably are related to apoptotic chromatin condensation. After HL-60 cells pretreated with cytochalasin B(CB), apoptotic chromatin condensation delayed eight hours, but no membrane bleb, nucleus bleb and apoptotic body formed eventually. So membrane and nucleus blebs during apoptosis are related to microfilament re-organization and can accelerate apoptotic chromatin condensation, but are unnecessary for apoptotic chromatin condensation. All this suggested that nuclear changes and cytoplasmic changes during HL-60 cell apoptosis are independent.

GDNF-induced activation of the ret protein tyrosine kinase is mediated by GDNFR-alpha, a novel receptor for GDNF

We report the expression cloning and characterization of GDNFR-alpha, a novel glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNFR-alpha binds GDNF specifically and mediates activation of the Ret protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK). Treatment of Neuro-2a cells expressing GDNFR-alpha with GDNF rapidly stimulates Ret autophosphorylation. Ret is also activated by treatment with a combination of GDNF and soluble GDNFR-alpha in cells lacking GDNFR-alpha, and this effect is blocked by a soluble Ret-Fc fusion protein. Ret activation by GDNF was also observed in cultured embryonic rat spinal cord motor neurons, a cell type that responds to GDNF in vivo. A model for the stepwise formation of a GDNF signal-transducing complex including GDNF, GDNFR-alpha, and the Ret PTK is proposed.

The yeast BSD2-1 mutation influences both the requirement for phosphatidylinositol transfer protein function and derepression of phospholipid biosynthetic gene expression in yeast

The BSD2-1 allele renders Saccharomyces cerevisiae independent of its normally essential requirement for phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (Sec14p) in the stimulation of Golgi secretory function and cell viability. We now report that BSD2-1 yeast mutants also exhibit yet another phenotype, an inositol auxotrophy. We demonstrate that the basis for this Ino- phenotype is the inability of BSD2-1 strains to derepress transcription of INO1, the structural gene for the enzyme that catalyzes the committed step in de novo inositol biosynthesis in yeast. This constitutive repression of INO1 expression is mediated through specific inactivation of Ino2p, a factor required for trans-activation of INO1 transcription, and we show that these transcriptional regulatory defects can be uncoupled from the "bypass Sec14p" phenotype of BSD2-1 strains. Finally, we present evidence that newly synthesized phosphatidylinositol is subject to accelerated turnover in BSD2-1 mutants and that prevention of this accelerated phosphatidyl-inositol turnover in turn negates suppression of Sec14p defects by BSD2-1. We propose that, in BSD2-1 strains, a product(s) generated by phosphatidylinositol turnover coordinately modulates the activities of both the Sec14p/Golgi pathway and the pathway through which transcription of phospholipid biosynthetic genes is derepressed.

[Changes of intracellular calcium, calmodulin in normal and tumor cells traggered by staurosporine]

Treated with low dosage staurosporine, the normal cell 2 BS were arrested in G 1 phase, but tumor cell BGC-823 were not. We measured the intracellular calcium, calmodulin, Ca(2+)-activited calmodulin (Ca(2+)-CaM) contents of single cells according to cell cycle with microphotometry. Our results showed that treatment of 5 ng/ml staurosporine for 18 h caused the changes of calcium and calmodulin. In 2 BS cells, CaM leval decreased in G 1 and S phase. In each cell cycle phase of BGC-823 cells, there was no changes in CaM level, but Ca(2+)-CaM level increased. The causes of that staurosporine blocked 2 BS cells at G 1 phase but not effected on cell cycle progression in BGC-823 cells may be the results of staurosporine decreased the contents of CaM at G 1 phase and inhibited the phosphoralation of p107 in 2 BS cells.

[Protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine enhances cytotoxicity of antitumor drugs to cancer cells]

Treated with low dosage (5 ng.ml-1) of staurosporine for 18 h, human embryo lung 2BS cells were blocked at the G1/S boundary, but human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells still kept their cell cycle. In comparison with IC50 of 2BS and BGC-823 cells treated with cell cycle phase specific antitumor drugs adriamycin, Ara-C and BLM A5 alone or combined with staurosporine 5 ng.ml-1, the IC50 values increased from 0.325 microgram.ml-1, 5 micrograms.ml-1 and 6.5 micrograms.ml-1 to 0.45 microgram.ml-1, 10 micrograms.ml-1 and 6.5 micrograms.ml-1, respectively in 2BS cells; but decreased from 0.325 microgram.ml-1, 25 micrograms.ml-1 and 1.1 micrograms.ml-1 to 0.07 microgram.ml-1, 6.25 micrograms.ml-1 and 0.4 microgram.ml-1, respectively in BGC-823 cells. These results suggest that combination of staurosporine 5 ng.ml-1 with antitumor drugs showed different effects on tumor cells and normal cells. With the GSH fluorescent probe mBCL, we found that GSH contents increased in 2BS cells treated with staurosporine 5 ng.ml-1.

Long-range interaction between two promoters: activation of the leu-500 promoter by a distant upstream promoter

The leu-500 mutation can be suppressed in S. typhimurium topA. Previous studies have demonstrated that the plasmid-borne leu-500 minimal promoter cannot be activated in topA mutants unless adjacent (< 250 bp) transcription occurs away from the leu-500 promoter (short-range promoter interaction). To search for a potential upstream promoter responsible for activation of leu-500 in the chromosomal context, we have identified the ilvlH promoter, located 1.9 kb upstream of leu-500 (long-range promoter interaction). Different from short-range promoter interaction, which is abolished by DNA sequence insertions, the long-range promoter interaction is mediated by the intervening DNA sequence. These studies suggest that the long-range interaction between a pair of divergently arrayed promoters is probably mediated by a complex process involving relay of DNA supercoiling by the DNA sequence located between the two promoters.

Effect of massotherapy on the in vivo free radical metabolism in patients with prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc and cervical spondylopathy

The endogenous free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) and blood catalase (CAT) in 2 groups of patients with prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc and cervical spondylopathy were lower than that of the healthy control group, while the -SH reflecting the metabolic disturbance of free radical was higher. After massotherapy, blood SOD and CAT were increased, while lipid peroxide (LPO), -SH in urine were decreased, demonstrating that there are distinct parallel relationships existing in the changes of these enzymes in blood and urine.

Echo-planar imaging of the central nervous system at 1.0 T

Echo-planar imaging (EPI) on the authors' 1-T prototype imager provides high-quality 100-msec images of the central nervous system. Contrast parameters can be chosen freely. Three-dimensional EPI sequences provide isotropically resolved data sets with 1-mm resolution. Brain perfusion and blood-brain barrier disruption can be assessed in time-course studies with gadopentetate dimeglumine. The current state of development of the authors' midfield research EPI system is discussed and its image quality illustrated through selected patient studies.

[Changes in plasma interleukin-1 and their possible relationship with the changes in glucocorticoid receptor in aged long-distance runner]

For the study of the changes in plasma interleukin-1 (IL-1) and their possible relationship with the changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR), plasma IL-1 and GR in peripheral blood leukocytes in aged long-distance runner were measured simultaneously. The activity of IL-1 was expressed as its ability to stimulate 3H-TdR incorporation in the thymocytes of C57 mice. GR was determined by whole cell assay with 3H-Dex. The results showed that the activity of plasma IL-1 in aged long-distance runner was 209%, 223% and 145% of the control at 14.7-18.7, 3.8-7.0 and 1.5-2.6 KD fractions. The GR in peripheral blood leukocytes in aged runner was 65% of the control. Possible relationship between the changes in IL-1 and GR in aged long-distance runner and its physiological significance are discussed.

Induction of cytochrome P450 isozymes in human amnion FL cells and its application to the biological detection of mutagens

Using AHH, EROD, ECOD and APND as marker enzymes and 3-MC, beta-NF, NE and PB as inducers, inducible cytP450 IA and IIB gene expression was demonstrated in the human amnion FL cell line; these cells possess a broad spectrum of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Maximum induction was observed following co-treatment with 3-MC and NE. Both constitutive and induced AHH were proved to have the characteristics of cytP448-dependent mixed-function oxygenases. Induced cytP450 isozyme activity remained at a high level for 24-36 h after removal of the inducer. The induced FL cells were demonstrated to activate common promutagens/procarcinogens in UDS and ADPRT-mediated decrease of NAD content assay systems. This new design can be used as a simplified mutagen screening system: no supplemental liver microsomal activation system is needed.

Cellular immunosenescence: an overview

Recent studies on space flights suggest that certain T cell immunologic activities are vulnerable to microgravitation. It would be desirable to know the extent to which these changes can be prevented or reversed. Since the changes observed are analogous to the effects of aging on immunity, a brief overview is presented of our current knowledge of age-related changes in immune cells and of the various interventional methods which have been used successfully in preventing the decline with age and in elevating the levels of immune functions of old individuals.

Radioimmunodetection of degranulated human eosinophils in mice: a potential model for imaging Hodgkin's disease and other pathologic conditions

Various human tumors such as lymphomas and carcinomas sometimes contain extensive infiltration by degranulating eosinophils. To determine if degranulated eosinophils are suitable targets for immunolocalization, we performed in vivo distribution and imaging studies in mice, using EOS (a murine monoclonal antibody directed to human eosinophil peroxidase) labeled with indium-111. Adult mice were injected intravenously with radiolabeled EOS antibody or with similarly radiolabeled normal mouse IgG before receiving an intramuscular injection into the right thigh of homogenized human eosinophils adsorbed to latex microspheres. There was striking localization in the right thigh of the radiolabeled EOS antibody detectable by gamma imaging techniques as soon as 24 hr after injection. By contrast, there was little accumulation of radiolabeled normal IgG in the right thigh. We conclude that human eosinophil peroxidase is potentially a suitable target for radioimmunodetection and therapy of neoplasms and pathologic conditions that contain degranulating eosinophils.

Detection of rare cells expressing shared lymphoma idiotypes in fetal spleens

Monoclonal antibodies have been derived against the shared and private idiotypes of immunoglobulin expressed by human B-cell lymphomas. We performed indirect immunofluorescence assays on cells from 3 fetal spleens, 3 adult spleens and 10 hyperplastic lymph nodes with a panel of 5 monoclonal antibodies directed to private lymphoma idiotypes, 2 antibodies directed to shared lymphoma idiotypes and various positive and negative control antibodies. Rare (less than 5%) cells in the fetal spleens, adult spleens and hyperplastic lymph nodes reacted with the 2 antibodies directed to shared lymphoma idiotypes. No cells in any of the specimens were reactive with the antibodies directed to private lymphoma idiotypes. We conclude that rare cells expressing shared lymphoma idiotypes are present during fetal development and in mature lymphoid tissue. This suggests that shared lymphoma idiotypes are expressed as part of a developmental process rather than in response to a specific environmental antigen.

Class of transforms invariant under shift, rotation, and scaling

We introduce a new class of nonreversible transform that is simultaneously invariant under shift, rotation, and scaling. The algorithm is based on a general transformation where the kernel itself contains the function to be transformed. Thus the invariances are achieved by a kind of self-mapping. Preprocessing of the input signal, such as determination of the centroid or coordinate transformation, is not necessary. The transform can be used for multidimensional data. Fast implementation is possible by look-up tables.

Modified rapid transform

We describe a new fast, shift-invariant transform, the modified rapid transform (MRT). The MRT combines the well-known rapid transform with preprocessing steps. Computer simulations show that for 1-D binary patterns the MRT with a sufficient number of preprocessing steps may perform shift-invariant one-to-one mapping. The modification is also efficient for 2-D patterns. The MRT can be usefully applied as a preprocessing step in automatic inspection and pattern recognition, where shift invariance, uniqueness, and low computing time is required. As an example, the use of MRT in optical character recognition is discussed.

A persistent untranslated sequence within bacteriophage T4 DNA topoisomerase gene 60

A 50-nucleotide untranslated region is shown to be present within the coding sequence of Escherichia coli bacteriophage T4 gene 60, which encodes one of the subunits for its type II DNA topoisomerase. This interruption is part of the transcribed messenger RNA and appears not to be removed before translation. Thus, the usual colinearity between messenger RNA and the encoded protein sequence apparently does not exist in this case. The interruption is bracketed by a direct repeat of five base pairs. A mechanism is proposed in which folding of the untranslated region brings together codons separated by the interruption so that the elongating ribosome may skip the 50 nucleotides during translation. The alternative possibility, that the protein is efficiently translated from a very minor and undetectable form of processed messenger RNA, seems unlikely, but has not been completely ruled out.

Langerhans cells in connective tissue diseases

We have conducted a quantitative analysis of Langerhans cells (LC) in skin biopsies of 20 patients with various connective tissue diseases. Clinically normal skin of SLE patients as well as lesional skin of DLE showed consistently normal LC densities as assessed using ATPase staining, anti-DR and anti-OKT6. Examination of LC in clinically involved skin of patients with scleroderma revealed an absolute or relative decrease in ATPase and OKT6 expression, while staining with anti-DR gave inconclusive results. Clinically normal skin of the same individuals showed basically normal LC density. These findings suggest that the perturbation of the LC population is probably an expression of a secondary local phenomenon, and does not reflect a more widespread derangement of the accessory cells in the skin.

Hemophilus influenzae pericarditis in two adults

Images

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: CT appearance

Twelve patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva were studied with computed tomography (CT). Characteristic swelling of the muscular fascial planes could be identified on CT scans prior to the development of ectopic ossification. Ossification could be seen on CT scans before it was apparent on plain radiographs. The pattern of ossification was similar to that seen at pathologic study, with multifocal sites developing adjacent to and extending around muscles. The appearance on CT scans confirms the hypothesis that the initial focus in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is in the connective tissue.

Production of fibronectin by HUH6 C15 cell line established from a human hepatoblastoma

Fibronectin was detected by indirect immunofluorescence on the cell surfaces of HUH6 C15 cells, established from a human hepatoblastoma and maintained with serum-free RPMI 1640 medium. Fibronectin synthesized by HUH6 Cl5 was purified by gelatin-Sepharose affinity chromatography and compared with human plasma fibronectin in respect to molecular weight, electrophoretic mobility and antigenicity. Fibronectin synthesized by this cell line was proved to be identical with human plasma fibronectin.

Routine chest x-ray films in a Veterans Hospital

The routine chest x-ray films of 113 patients admitted to two general medicine wards at a Veterans Administration hospital were analyzed to determine the value of this examination in screening for new chest abnormalities. The admission chest x-ray films of 52 patients (46%) revealed abnormal findings. The prevalence of abnormality was much greater than in other recently reported series. This study suggests that obtaining routine admission chest x-ray films continues to be necessary for hospitals with a high prevalence of intrathoracic disease, such as those hospitals serving veterans.

Citrate and the conversion of carbohydrate into fat. The regulation of fatty acid synthesis by rat liver extracts

1. The rate of fatty acid synthesis by particle-free extracts prepared from rat liver is increased greatly if the enzyme system is first activated with citrate. 2. The extent of the activation depends on the citrate concentration and on the time of activation in an interdependent manner. 3. Citrate activation is strongly dependent on temperature. 4. Tricarballylate can replace citrate as an activator, but its presence in the assay inhibits fatty acid synthesis. 5. Mg(2+) ions can replace citrate in the activation but not in the complete reaction system. 6. ATP prevents the activating effect of citrate and Mg(2+) ions. 7. The rate of fatty acid synthesis is increased by palmitoyl-dl-carnitine. This type of activation, additional to that caused by citrate, is rapid and does not depend on prior incubation. 8. Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis by palmitoyl-CoA can be prevented by palmitoyl-dl-carnitine or by increasing the concentration of protein.