Isolation of the human gene that complements a temperature-sensitive cell cycle mutation in BHK cells

We have cloned the human genomic DNA and the corresponding cDNA for the gene which complements the mutation of tsBN51, a temperature-sensitive (Ts) cell cycle mutant of BHK cells which is blocked in G1 at the nonpermissive temperature. After transfecting human DNA into TsBN51 cells and selecting for growth at 39.5 degrees C, Ts+ transformants were identified by their content of human AluI repetitive DNA sequences. Following two additional rounds of transfection, a genomic library was constructed from a tertiary Ts+ transformant and a recombinant phage containing the complementing gene isolated by screening for human AluI sequences. A genomic probe from this clone recognized a 2-kilobase mRNA in human and tertiary transformant cell lines, and this probe was used to isolate a biologically active cDNA from the Okayama-Berg cDNA expression library. Sequencing of this cDNA revealed a single open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 395 amino acids. The deduced BN51 gene product has a high proportion of acidic and basic amino acids which are clustered in four hydrophilic domains spaced at 60- to 80-amino-acid intervals. These domains have strong sequence homology to each other. Thus, the tsBN51 protein consists of periodic repetitive clusters of acidic and basic amino acids.

An oncogene isolated by transfection of Kaposi's sarcoma DNA encodes a growth factor that is a member of the FGF family

We recently reported the cloning of a rearranged human oncogene following transfection of DNA from Kaposi's sarcoma into NIH 3T3 cells. To identify the protein(s) encoded in two novel mRNAs of 3.5 and 1.2 kb expressed in NIH 3T3 transformants, we constructed a cDNA library. One of the cDNA clones isolated (KS3) corresponded to the 1.2 kb mRNA and transformed NIH 3T3 cell when inserted into a mammalian expression vector. The 1152 nucleotide KS3 cDNA encodes a protein of 206 amino acids with significant homology to the growth factors basic FGF and acidic FGF. Expression of the KS3 product as a bacterial fusion protein or in COS cells allowed us to determine that both proteins had significant growth-promoting activity and that the COS cell protein was glycosylated. Thus one of the mRNAs transcribed from the KS oncogene encodes a growth factor that could transform cells by an autocrine mechanism and appears to represent a new member of the FGF family.

Early-Onset Diagnosis of Lung Toxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide, Melphalan and Procarbazine Therapy

Lung function studis were performed in 33 patients with lymphomyeloproliferative diseases (25 cases of multiple myeloma and 8 cases of Hodgkin's disease) who received cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, and melphalan therapy. Lung function was investigated by spirometric tests, indicative tests of small airways disease, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DUCO). Indicative tests of small airways disease and other lung function tests such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEY,), vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity (TLC) etc. were markedly improved in 18 patients (55%), whereas 24 patients (73%) showed a decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Furthermore, most of the patients (77% – 83%) showed contemporaneous involvement of spirometric tests and DUCO. The DUCO was also found more constantly impaired than other function tests because it had decreased with and without other spirometric tests. Impaired lung function tests were found to be related to a cumulative dose of antineoplastic drugs. The absence of increased lung toxicity was found to be related to several drugs administered in combination. In view of the absence of previous bronchopathies, lung involvement signs in multiple myeloma (25, 26) or lymphoma, and concomitant bronchopneumonias, the impaired functional tests could be ascibed to drug-induced lung toxicity. In the absence of clinical symptoms, roentgenographic and pathologic features, impaired lung function tests may play a role as early-onset signs of drug-induced lung toxicity.

Molecular cloning of a gene that is necessary for G1 progression in mammalian cells

We have cloned a human cDNA that complements the mutation of ts11, a temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of the BHK hamster cell line that at the nonpermissive temperature is blocked in progression through the G1 phase of the cell growth cycle. After transfecting human chromosomal DNA into ts11 cells and selecting for cells that had acquired a non-ts phenotype, we screened a genomic library constructed in the EMBL3 lambda vector from a secondary non-ts transformant and isolated a recombinant phage containing human DNA sequences that were uniformly present in primary and secondary non-ts transformants. Genomic probes that recognized an mRNA of about 2 kilobases in human cells were used to isolate from a cDNA expression library two cDNA plasmids that could efficiently transform ts11 cells to a non-ts phenotype. Sequencing of one of these cDNAs revealed a single open reading frame, which could encode a 540 amino acid protein. The ts11 gene has at least two other homologs in human DNA and thus it appears to be part of a small gene/pseudogene family. Experiments with serum-synchronized cells indicate that the expression of the ts11 gene, which is necessary for G1 progression, is itself cell-cycle regulated, being induced in approximately mid-G1.

Rifaximin, a rifamycin derivative for use in the treatment of intestinal bacterial infections in seriously disabled patients

This study reports the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerability of rifaximin, an intestinal topical antibiotic. It was administered using a nasogastric tube in patients with severe enterocolitis and bacterial superinfections causing intestinal inflammatory diseases and portosystemic encephalopathy. The drug proved highly effective clinically and produced neither local nor systemic side-effects.

Ileocolic intussusception in large cell lymphoma of the terminal ileum. Report of a case

A case of an adult patient with ileocolic intussusception secondary to a lymphoma of the terminal ileum is reported. On the computed tomograms, a target mass, with the outer rim representing the annular tumour of the terminal ileum and the eccentric rim of low attenuation representing the mesentery, is described. Ultrasound patterns are those of parallel hypoechoic areas separated by hyperechoic stripes seen on longitudinal sections, and of a rounded mass of low echogenicity, exhibiting two hyperechoic concentric ring-like areas within it, on transverse scans. The appearances of the barium examinations are also described. The English literature is reviewed.

Hereditary colobomatous anomalies of the optic nerve head

The authors describe a family showing coloboma of the optic nerve associated with chorioretinal coloboma and coloboma of the iris. The absence of its occurrence in association with extraocular malformations points to an autosomal dominant mode of transmission, with reduced penetration. The authors describe the probable pathogenetic mechanism of the disorder and discuss the differential diagnosis both for chorioretinal coloboma (inflammatory chorioretinitis, especially by toxoplasma) and for colobomas of the optic disc (papillary pits and morning glory syndrome). The molecular basis of the malformation is however still unknown and thus a prenatal diagnosis is impossible.

Ewing's sarcoma. Pathology, tissue culture, and cytogenetics

The pathology, in vitro growth pattern and karyotype of an Ewing's sarcoma are reported. Light and electron microscopic findings of a talus biopsy showed pathologic characteristics typical of Ewing's sarcoma. In vitro tumor cells grew on a monolayer as small, plump, refractile cells. Tumor cells were also capable of proliferating in soft agar. Chromosome studies of cultured cells showed two consistent abnormalities: trisomy 8 and a translocation, t(11;22)(q24;q13), which has been reported previously in Ewing's sarcoma. Since this tumor is frequently difficult to distinguish from other small cell tumors, the use of several techniques (electron microscopy, tissue culture, chromosome studies) may aid the diagnosis.

Prenatal diagnosis of a de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement involving four chromosomes

A complex chromosome rearrangement, apparently a balanced translocation involving chromosomes 4, 6, 15 and 16, was found in cultured cells of amniotic fluid from a 32-year-old primigravida who requested amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis because of a family history of mental retardation. Chromosome analysis of peripheral blood from both parents were normal. The couple was counselled for the prenatal diagnosis of this de novo complex translocation and, subsequently, elected to terminate the pregnancy. Post-mortem examination revealed a 23-week fetus with intrauterine growth retardation. The identical chromosome rearrangement was subsequently confirmed in cultured fibroblasts from skin and cord obtained from the abortus. To our knowledge, this is the first report where routine prenatal diagnosis revealed a fetus with a balanced complex chromosomal rearrangement involving four chromosomes of de novo origin.

Retinal and optic nerve findings in Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome

Involvement of the posterior segment of the eye in Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome is more common than is generally appreciated. We examined seven patients with this syndrome. Abnormalities included diminished visual acuity, tilted optic disc, optic nerve hypoplasia, tortuous retinal vessels, macular hypoplasia and heterotopia, microphthalmia and anophthalmia. In one case, pathologic study showed agenesis of the optic nerve. It is proposed that retinal, optic nerve and craniofacial abnormalities in this condition may reflect an asynchrony in the migration of the neural crest cells in the early stages of embryonal development.

[Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in digestive processes in the Verner Morrison syndrome]

Some physiological digestive processes thought to be under the control of VIP-ergic neurones are presented. The etiological role of the Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in the Verner Morrison syndrome is discussed.

[The vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Its role in the physiology of the digestive system]

The literature on the possible implications of the Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) in the digestive processes is widely and critically reviewed. Special attention is directed to the likely function of the polypeptide as a neurotransmitter in the gastroenteropancreatic system.

[Multiple bilateral pigmented epithelium detachments or atypical vitelliform degeneration? (author's transl)]

A case of bilateral multiple pigment epithelium detachments in a 36 year old man is reported. The value of E.R.G., E.O.G. and fluorescein angiography in the differential diagnosis between multiple serous detachments of the pigment epithelium and multiple vitelliform degeneration is stressed.

Malignant cardiac myxoma with cerebral metastases

Two cases of cardiac myxoma with secondary involvement of the brain and death are reported. In one case, tumor emboli to the middle cerebral artery caused massive cerebral infarction, while in the other case true cerebral metastasis developed in the cerebrum and cerebellum, with rapid demise ensuing in both patients. It is emphasized that an emergency exists in cases ihat prompt echocardiography and computerized tomography of the brain are indicated. The second case represents the only instance of cardiac myxoma behaving as a true malignant neoplasm with actual invasion of the neural tissues recorded in the literature.

Altered urinary excretion of human kininase activity in acute myocardial infarction

This study concerns the determination of levels of human urinary kininase excretion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The results obtained by a biological method show that there is a significant reduction of the enzymatic activity in patients affected by AMI in comparison with normals (6.4 +/- 0.4 ng of destroyed bradykinin/min. versus 164.4 +/- 31.4 ng; P less than 0.001), while urinary kallikrein excretion was close to normal values.